RKP 391-400
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Episode 391
Lilith.
She was one of the first Great Dukes that Igmun served before he became a Great Duke himself.
The true queen of nightmares who had both succubi and incubi under her command.
A being who made a part of the Demon Sea her territory and earned the name Succubus Queen.
That was the kind of being Taehyun was referring to.
"You're finally starting to look a bit like the ancient days. Lilith's plaything."
Igmun's body trembled.
Not because he was deceived and used to obtain Elven, nor because a mere human dared to challenge his superior position as a Great Duke.
He simply didn't want to recall the memories of Lilith.
His crimson eyes gleamed with anger, not desire.
[Kim Taehyun.]
"Looks like it was a bad memory."
[You were always like that from the first time we met.]
Igmun mentioned his first encounter with Taehyun.
His contractor, Jang Lin-peng.
His death was the medium through which a doppelganger was summoned to Hong Kong.
Back then, Kim Taehyun was like an insect, and he would have vanished if not for Rosaria's interference.
Afterward, he was able to use some of his power through the authority of the King, and each time, Igmun tasted the restoration of existence that he couldn't feel from his contractor.
Because the stronger the contractor becomes, the more the Great Duke's weakened existence can be restored to some extent.
Even without becoming a formal contractor, Kim Taehyun had shown enough results to recover from the risk created by Jang Lin-peng's death.
That's why he coveted him.
If he could make Kim Taehyun, the key of the King, his contractor.
If he could monopolize him.
With the King's authority and his own power, he could lead the territory war to victory in one fell swoop.
If he could obtain the King's dispensation that only the victor could have, then he could finally become the new King of the Lower World.
But that never happened.
The cunning Kim Taehyun, pretending it was by chance, gradually increased his skills to become a high-ranking species, then a top-ranking species, and finally acquired the 'status' to contract with multiple Great Dukes.
He became an existence who could face the Great Duke's doppelgangers alone, and now he was his new contractor right before his eyes.
He had made a summon oath with him.
But he had no intention of maintaining the current situation forever.
If he had the chance, he would overturn all the contracts he had made and monopolize him.
That opportunity had come.
Moreover, the current Kim Taehyun.
Held Elven, the Fairy King who had the status above Lilith, an existence of ancient times forgotten in memory.
"Greed leads to trouble."
Taehyun said, having read Igmun's thoughts.
[Didn't you say it yourself a moment ago? To make the hierarchical relationship clear.]
Tzzzzz.
A blood sword was created in Igmun's hand.
Perhaps because he had completely absorbed the Great Demon Alzma and found a significant portion of the doppelganger's original power.
The energy contained in the blood sword was extraordinary.
[Igmun, you bastard….]
Purple magic rippled from Rosaria's body as she watched.
She realized that Igmun had absorbed the Great Demon and regained considerable power as well.
Just say the word.
She shouted that she would help right away, but Taehyun shook his head.
'It's going to be close.'
Taehyun checked his status window.
Although most of his power had been restored a moment ago with Rosaria's authority, it was only a temporary recovery.
'If the battle gets longer, it's me who will be at a disadvantage.'
Igmun's confidence in drawing his sword must have been because he noticed Taehyun's condition.
[How dare you try to deceive this self. I will take the price with you and the Fairy King in your hands.]
"Greed is too much. But if you want, how about making a proper bet?"
[You're scheming again.]
He had been tricked that way several times.
Igmun clicked his tongue.
Ding.
[Skill 'Dominator of Desire (SSS)' has been activated. Specifying the target.]
"I promise. If you defeat me, I will hand over Elven. If you want, I'll even cancel the summon oath. But if you lose, you have to follow my orders. Forever."
Igmun burst out laughing.
What kind of absurd confidence was this?
[Could it be that you think you can easily deal with this self's doppelganger because of the previous battle?]
"Stop talking so much. I can't imagine a Great Duke being scared."
Igmun's lips curled up bitterly.
He didn't think for long.
The current offer was attractive enough to make up for all the previous mistakes.
[I accept.]
He did not reject the deep blue magic.
[Contractor!!]
[Hey, are you crazy?]
[…….]
Rosaria, Typhon, and Gilfer, who were watching, showed their respective reactions.
But the deep blue magic had already covered Taehyun and Igmun.
"The contract has been made."
Tzzzzzzzzzz.
A blood field formed around Igmun.
[Let me tell you one thing.]
"……?"
[This self's power is absorption. Just because it's a doppelganger doesn't mean the power's force is diminished at all.]
"I know it well."
Great Demons basically inherited Beelzebub's power in addition to their own.
Igmun's doppelganger, who had absorbed two powers, would be on a different level than before.
As expected.
Ddddddddd.
Igmun's blonde hair began to flutter.
His magic began to increase rapidly.
[It's not just a simple recovery. That guy was enough of a meal to raise this self's status.]
Tzzzzzz.
Kiiiiii-.
Crimson magic raged from Igmun's body.
Taehyun saw three magic stones in his eyes.
He used 'Blood Frenzy' and 'Blood Flower' with the body of the doppelganger.
Even though it was just a doppelganger.
The energy he emitted was no different from the wounded main body he faced in the Blood Temple before.
Taehyun had restored Gilfer's status by having him absorb two Great Demons with his immature skills.
It was not unreasonable for Igmun, the original owner of the power, to produce this level of efficiency.
'So this is what you were believing in.'
The previous Igmun had won against Taehyun with this power.
In his current state, he would have thought that he could easily suppress Taehyun, who had temporarily recovered his body.
It became understandable why he willingly accepted the spell.
But Taehyun also had something to rely on.
Ding.
[Skill 'Chains of Entrapment (SSS)' has been activated. Specifying the target.]
Charrrr.
The chains that came out of his body wrapped around Elven's body.
The chains bound Elven to Taehyun's back.
[Skill 'Chains of Entrapment (SSS)' has been strengthened. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Kwaak.
Taehyun bound and tied Elven tightly as if his bones would break.
[It hurts.]
A familiar voice was heard in his head.
It was Elven's voice that he had heard in the mental world.
'Don't act. You were fine even after being soaked in Beelzebub's poison.'
[Your attitude towards the main body is rude. It might be better to go to that vampire over there.]
'Do you think Igmun is any different from Beelzebub? Why don't we cooperate with each other in a good mood?'
[Ahahahahaha. Do you think the main body will be as friendly as that Rosaria? I will not help this time.]
There was playfulness mixed in that voice.
It seemed that she was upset because he had threatened her in the mental world.
It wasn't an unexpected reaction.
Taehyun smiled as he watched Igmun approaching with the blood sword.
Igmun or Elven.
They were underestimating him too much.
It was because they were born as beings incomparably stronger than humans and the things they had enjoyed in their lives had instilled high self-esteem and arrogance.
'Don't be mistaken, Elven.'
[Hmm?]
'I'm the one holding the hilt.'
Ahahahahahahaha.
Elven laughed in a way that was incomparable to Rosaria.
At the same time.
Kkaang!!
The blood sword wielded by Igmun and the Dragon Slayer Sword collided.
'The Heart of the Great Demon' and 'True Blood' had already been used.
Then he used 'Beast Transformation'.
Kkaang!!
He used 'Elemental Origin'.
Kkaang!!
He used 'Rampage of the Deep Sea'.
Kkaaaang!!
He used 'Dragon's Wrath'.
Geugeugeugeugeuk.
The two swords collided to eat each other away.
[To grow to the point of wielding a sword against this self!! You should be honored!!]
Kkaang!!
Taehyun's huge body was pushed back as Igmun swung his sword with strength.
To what extent had he achieved the restoration of status with just one Great Demon?
Even though it was just a doppelganger.
His power seemed greater than the main body he had faced before.
Was that all?
Unlike Taehyun, who could not fully use 'True Blood' during high-speed combat.
Igmun was taking away some of Taehyun's magic every time he crossed swords.
[That's the difference between the owner of the power and the guy who borrows it.]
Elven's voice echoed in his head.
The offer she had made in the mental world was still valid.
If he handed over his body, she would help him completely absorb Igmun's doppelganger.
She repeated her shameless words.
[Or are you going to throw the main body back to that guy again?]
Ahahahahahahaha.
Taehyun clicked his tongue at her insane voice echoing in his head.
It was as if the combination of the Holy Woman and Yoo A-young when they were crazy would be the current 모습 of Elven.
Her laughter only briefly disrupted the battle.
Poo-ook.
Taking advantage of the gap, Igmun's blood sword was finally embedded in Taehyun's shoulder.
'Stone Skin', which he had used in advance, was ridiculous as the blood sword that cleanly pierced through absorbed magic.
The magic that had been full in the two magic stones was rapidly depleted.
The powerful energy that the skills were emitting was also rapidly weakening.
[From today onwards. You are this self's toy.]
Tzzzzzzzz!!
The blood sword embedded in his shoulder was strengthened with Igmun's power.
Walgak.
Blood gushed from Taehyun's mouth.
Igmun licked the blood that splattered on his face and tore the corners of his mouth into a grin.
He looked as if he was already the victor.
Taehyun sneered.
"If you wanted to take it, you should have brought your main body."
[You're still talking such non….]
Igmun didn't even finish his words.
Deopseok.
Taehyun grabbed Igmun's shoulder.
Ding.
[Skill 'Demonization (SSS)' has been activated. Specifying the imitation area.]
Kudeudeudeuk.
The fingernails that had turned into those of the Great Demon bit into Igmun's shoulder.
Nevertheless, it was so hard.
There was no sign that his fingernails would penetrate.
[Skill 'Demonization (SSS)' has been strengthened. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill 'Demon Saliva (SSS)' has been activated. A great force awakens.]
[Skill 'Watcher's Eye (SSS)' has been strengthened. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill 'True Blood (SSS)' has been strengthened. A great force awakens.]
Chiiiiik.
Igmun's skin that touched the poisonous magic changed color.
The strengthened Great Demon's fingernails succeeded in penetrating the gap, and only then finally.
Tzzzzzzzz.
The power of absorption began an equal power struggle.
[It's impossible.]
Pupupupuk.
The blood swords that Igmun had created were embedded in Taehyun's two legs and abdomen.
"Keuheok…."
Blood gushed out involuntarily.
Even so, until the end.
He concentrated so that the skills were not released.
Rather, he used 'Watcher's Eye' and focused all his attention on Igmun.
[Is it just a mutual destruction?]
Elven mocked Taehyun's choice.
That it was a wrong choice to counter the power of absorption with the power of absorption.
That it was a pathetic choice if it was because of pride.
Her words echoed endlessly in his head.
She wasn't wrong.
Taehyun really wanted to know if his power would work on Igmun.
As a result.
'Even if it's a doppelganger. The proficiency of the power is so different.'
He could clearly realize the difference in proficiency with Igmun.
So from now on.
'I'm going all out.'
Ding.
[Skill 'Energy Drain (SSS)' has been strengthened. Changing the target.]
Crimson magic bloomed from the Chains of Entrapment that were swirling around Elven.
[Wait, if you force the main body's power….]
'Too late.'
He didn't care and didn't stop the skill.
Tzzzzzzzz.
It was when the massive magic absorbed from her body was completely mixed with the magic in his body.
Ding.
[A great force has been absorbed. The status of existence increases.]
[A great force is reacting. Unique skill 'Devour (SSS)' is materialized.]
An unexpected message popped up.
Chapter 392
"Foraging... is being materialized?"
I've crossed the line between life and death countless times with Foraging.
But even amidst all that, I've never seen a message like this before.
Before Taehyun could even react,
Crackkkkk.
Even without using a skill, a massive maw appeared before his eyes.
It happened regardless of Taehyun's will.
Tssssssss.
The crimson magic flowing from the maw's teeth began to devour Taehyun's magic.
'What is this...'
Igmundo seemed equally puzzled by this sudden situation.
The guy who looked like he was about to subdue Taehyun distanced himself.
Kwararararar.
As the closed maw opened, a man who looked exactly like Taehyun appeared.
A doppelganger.
"......"
[......]
Taehyun and Igmundo were speechless at this unexpected situation.
Others were also questioning the current situation.
[This isn't even a mental world... how could...]
[Why is that bastard suddenly?!!]
Rosaria and Typhon reacted as if they couldn't understand.
Until now, doppelgangers only appeared in mental worlds, and as they were now, they didn't have enough energy to face a doppelganger.
Everyone's gaze turned to the doppelganger.
The doppelganger was slowly examining his body.
Starting with his hands, he looked at his arms and legs, and touched his face.
His red eyes were hazy.
His red eyes alternately looked at Taehyun and Igmundo, who were closest.
Then he caressed his body once more.
Taehyun was the first to speak.
"A sudden visit, I see."
His voice was devoid of panic, replaced only by displeasure.
He recalled the fierce battles he had fought every time the doppelganger emerged.
The difference was that now, instead of being possessed, they were facing each other in their own bodies.
"I thought you would be quiet until our previous bet was implemented."
He recalled using the power of desire in the mental world.
As a reward for the bet, Taehyun would receive the doppelganger's pure help once, whenever needed.
He didn't know when that day would come, but the doppelganger was no longer trying to possess his body.
Perhaps he was waiting for Taehyun's control over his body to weaken.
What was certain was,
"That time is not now."
Hwaaaah.
As if to prove it, Taehyun unleashed crimson magic.
Because he was in the middle of a battle with Igmundo,
The achievements and power he had built up since the Gopher War were revealed in full force.
Even the onlookers, as well as the Igmundo he was fighting, were impressed.
Who would think that he was born human?
As the archdukes acknowledged,
The current Taehyun had reached the level of aiming for the next archduke position.
[......]
Despite pouring out his fighting spirit, the doppelganger was still just staring.
'Something's wrong.'
Normally, the doppelganger would be telling him to understand his place.
The doppelganger should be showing off even more power just by revealing his power, but he was continuing to remain silent.
The doppelganger's red eyes, which were scanning Taehyun, stopped at his blue eyes.
Parararar.
Up, down, left, and right.
The hazy red eyes shook violently.
It was a sight he had never seen before.
Normally, the doppelganger should have burst out laughing with glee, radiating that monstrous magic in streams.
He should have brought out Foraging long ago, provoking the archdukes, and asserting his ownership of the body.
But the doppelganger's personality, which he had encountered outside for the first time, was very different from the doppelganger he knew in the mental world.
Then, a groan entered his mind.
[Kkeungh... you finally did it.]
Elven's voice was subdued, as if she was shocked by the forced consumption of magic.
Suddenly, she grasped the situation and started screaming.
[You bastard...!! You can't just use Bon-yo's magic like that!!]
She was screaming that she was shocked by the sudden absorption of magic, and she was almost trapped in an endless hibernation.
Her voice was hoarse.
He couldn't see her face because she was hanging on his back, but
She must have been glaring at him with those crescent moon eyes.
Taehyun ignored her words.
'More than that, I need an explanation for the current situation.'
Just like in the mental world,
He had only tried to draw magic and use it, so why was the skill being used arbitrarily?
And why was his unique skill, "Foraging," being activated like this now?
Taehyun asked the obvious question as a matter of course.
Elven's answer to that was absurd.
[That bastard is not the one you call the doppelganger.]
'......?'
No matter how you looked at it, he had the same face as the doppelganger, but he was saying that it wasn't the guy Taehyun knew?
[You fool. That bastard is his "thought," created by Bon-yo's magic.]
'What?'
Before he knew it, he had a blank expression.
[First, think about preserving your body. If you leave that bastard alone...]
Before Elven could finish her sentence,
Crackkkkk.
Suddenly, Foraging's maw was created at Taehyun's feet.
"......!!"
Taehyun instinctively dodged.
Originally, he would have created Foraging's maw to counter it, but
For some reason, he felt like he had to avoid it.
Kwaduk!!
Foraging's maw swallowed the empty air.
Kwaduk. Eudeuk. Eudeudeuk.
Even though it couldn't swallow Taehyun's body,
As if chewing on the remnants of magic left there, the maw chewed on the empty air for a long time.
"......"
[......]
Taehyun and Igmundo, as well as everyone else, silently watched the scene.
The doppelganger's gaze turned to Taehyun again.
The doppelganger's hand slowly rose and pointed at Taehyun.
Jjeooooo.
It was the moment when Foraging's maw was about to unfold once again.
Pooook!!
Suddenly, a blood sword flew and pierced the doppelganger's body.
It was thrown by Igmundo.
[Don't interfere.]
Igmundo said as if he was dealing with an interferer.
Whenever he fought, things would always go wrong because of interference from others.
[This time, that won't happen.]
As if making a vow to himself,
Pupu pupuk.
Igmundo stabbed five more blood swords.
Tssssssss.
Crimson magic began to absorb the doppelganger's magic through the blood swords.
[I told you, this is not your place to interfere.]
With a bitter smile, the crimson magic was strengthened.
Jjieeeeik.
The doppelganger's body withered from excessive absorption.
The doppelganger quietly stared at his withering body.
The blood swords seemed poised to devour not only magic, but also life force.
If this continued, he would meet the same end as the great demon Altzma.
His powerful magic would once again become Igmundo's.
Although it was a clone,
Igmundo's power was enough to do so, and his body was enough to contain that great power.
'I have to stop it.'
The moment Taehyun tried to move,
[Stay still.]
'If he gets stronger there, I won't be able to do anything.'
Taehyun admitted his disadvantage.
If he wasn't going to lend him his power, he told her to just watch quietly.
[Even so, wouldn't it be better than being eaten by the doppelganger's thought?]
'...What?'
It was the moment Taehyun expressed his question.
The moment came suddenly.
Crackkkkk.
It seemed like the doppelganger's body was splitting apart, and Foraging's maw was created there.
And.
Kwaduk. Kwaduk. Kwadudeudeuk.
He began to chew on the blood swords embedded in his body.
Even the magic contained in the blood swords.
The doppelganger's body was instantly restored to its original state.
[......!!]
"......!!"
The doppelganger's gaze turned to Taehyun again.
Dodge!!
The words echoed in his head, and at the same time, he rolled his body.
Kwaduk!!
He didn't know when it was created.
The hideous maw was baring its sharp teeth in the place where Taehyun had been.
'What is this...'
Taehyun, who had rolled on the floor, got up.
Cold sweat flowed from his entire body.
It was because he realized the unexpected power.
The doppelganger's eyes turned to Elven on Taehyun's back.
He knew that it was her help that allowed him to avoid Foraging's maw.
[Contractor!!]
Rosaria shouted.
Tendrils writhed as if she would join at any moment.
"Don't come!!"
Taehyun shouted.
He didn't know why, but
The doppelganger's attention was focused solely on him.
Igmundo was one thing, but
There was no need to increase the risk unnecessarily.
[You've been up to some interesting tricks again.]
Igmundo said as if he was annoyed.
He was thinking of the current situation as a way for Taehyun to defeat him.
"Because of the situation."
[A bastard who can't even perfectly control his own power... is causing this to happen because he believes in the king's power.]
Igmundo sneered.
"Wasn't the cause of the incident you?"
If he had just done his job and quietly left, this wouldn't have happened.
Taehyun retorted.
Igmundo did not lose his composure despite the taunts.
[Heh... If you're an existence that even you can't control, then this demon doesn't need to get involved.]
Igmundo slyly stepped back and created a blood field.
Neither he, Taehyun, nor the doppelganger could leave, and no one could enter.
It was like a barrier.
A murder by proxy.
He was thinking of timing it so that Taehyun would exhaust his power in the battle with the doppelganger.
'Anyway, you're cunning.'
If he were in a similar situation, he would have done the same.
He didn't bother to criticize Igmundo.
He tried to use "Foraging."
Ting.
[Unique skill Foraging (SSS) has been activated.]
[Unique skill Foraging (SSS) has been canceled.]
[Unique skill Foraging (SSS) cannot be used.]
'I lost a card.'
Perhaps the reason why Foraging wasn't being activated was a sequela of forcibly using Elven's magic.
He recalled the countless battles in the mental world.
With any power Taehyun had, he couldn't completely nullify the Foraging that the doppelganger used.
Other powers were just aids.
To counter it, Foraging was inevitable.
Or use a user of another power that could rival Foraging.
'I have to drag him in.'
Taehyun glanced at Igmundo, who was standing with his arms crossed at the end of the blood field.
Having confirmed that the doppelganger was only targeting Taehyun, he was openly taking a spectator's stance.
The others outside the field were the same.
Anxious gazes were focused on Taehyun and the doppelganger.
Among them, he could see that Rosaria was gathering her power so that she could intervene at any time.
[It's truly unfortunate. If you had listened to Bon-yo's words, this wouldn't have happened...]
"Shut up."
Pooook.
Taehyun stabbed the Dragon Slayer Sword into the ground.
[What are you doing?]
The voice that echoed in his head was Elven's.
[What trick are you up to this time?]
The one who spoke while chuckling was Igmundo's.
"You're still not going to help, are you?"
Taehyun asked as if to no one.
Elven's answer echoed in his head.
[Of course not. How long do you think such threats will work?]
"Even if you lose your strength, your pride is no different from the past, is it."
Taehyun ignored Elven's words echoing in his head and walked towards the doppelganger.
In a defenseless state where the maw of Foraging could swallow him at any time.
He glanced at Igmundo.
His expression was stiff.
Taehyun stopped when he was less than twenty steps away from the doppelganger, who was looking at him.
He raised his sense of touch to the maximum.
His heart was pounding.
The corners of the doppelganger's lips seemed to rise slightly.
At the same time.
Crackkkkk!!
Something sinister was caught in his sharpened sense of touch.
Taehyun closed his eyes.
The sound of shouting was heard at the same time.
[Are you crazy!!]
[You madman!!]
He closed his eyes for just a moment, and opened them.
There was Igmundo, cutting off Foraging's maw with a blood sword, and
[You have accepted a great power.]
He saw a message window floating up due to the influence of accepting colorless magic.
"You should have done this sooner."
To the sound of Igmundo and Elven shouting,
Heejik.
Taehyun's raised lips didn't know how to come down.
Episode 393
"How nice it would have been if you'd done this from the start."
Taehyun said, not addressing anyone in particular.
He said it with a bright smile, but...
It was closer to a sneer directed at those who had tried to use him.
[Unless you've made up your mind to die!!]
Without even looking back, Igmun shouted as he blocked the Doppelganger.
If the contractor dies, he would have to bear the risk once again.
This time, he might fall as low as Rozaria, who is considered the weakest among the Great Dukes.
He had intended to easily obtain both Elven and Kim Taehyun once the Doppelganger had weakened after a clash.
[Is your life so insignificant?]
Igmun spat out the words as if chewing them.
The hand gripping the Blood Sword trembled with surging anger.
Even if it was to lure him in, he never expected someone to let go of their sword in front of a being that devours even his Blood Sword.
Igmun unleashed his boiling rage on the Doppelganger.
Squeak!!
Tsszzzz!!
The magic of Devouring cut by the Blood Sword was absorbed into Igmun.
Devouring and absorption.
It was a battle of magic to devour each other.
Meanwhile, Elven was showing a similar reaction to Igmun.
[I barely escaped from Beelzebub, and now I'm stuck living with a crazy contractor.]
She said it was an act beyond daring, something only a madman could do.
Her grumbling echoed in Taehyun's head.
'I didn't think she'd consider me a contractor.'
[Don't put this One to the test. This is a promise that can be terminated at any time.]
'How cold.'
Elven felt a strange emotion at Taehyun's slick response.
She thought her emotions had been dulled by being steeped in poison for so long.
But it had only been a short time since she met Taehyun, and she could vividly feel the changes in her emotions.
[The key... it certainly possesses an unusual presence.]
'What?'
Taehyun paused briefly to ask back at the unknown murmur.
[That's none of your concern. This is a 'promise that can be terminated'. Just remember that.]
Taehyun nodded at Elven's warning.
Elven let out a small breath.
Now that she was in physical contact, she could read Taehyun's thoughts with a little concentration.
This reckless contractor wasn't doubting her words.
Although they didn't directly make a summoning pact, it was a promise made with her magic.
Taehyun didn't know, but it was a promise with risks no less than a summoning pact.
Having spent a long time being consumed by Beelzebub, her presence had also been significantly diminished.
The once brilliant Mana Stone seemed to be damaged and unable to exert its full power.
She would have to create a new Mana Stone.
So, if she lost another contractor before even a complete Mana Stone was formed...
This time, she would likely disappear without any chance of recovery.
She was in a more serious situation than Igmun, who was angry about being degraded.
Thinking that, she suddenly became angry and shouted at the top of her lungs.
'A fairy king throwing a tantrum.'
Taehyun thought, quickly retreating.
Elven and Igmun were still yelling inside and out, but he ignored them.
'That was definitely dangerous.'
Taehyun recalled the situation a moment ago.
He wasn't planning on throwing his life away so easily.
Even though he had let go of the Dragon Slayer Sword.
Even though he had closed his eyes.
He had focused all his senses on his ki.
He was confident that he could avoid the Doppelganger's Devouring at least once.
Of course, to them, even that would have seemed like a reckless act.
He picked up the Dragon Slayer Sword that he had stuck in the ground again.
Just circulating magic activated 'The Root Element', and lightning raged.
In front of him, Igmun was fiercely swinging the Blood Sword, and behind him, Elven was emitting colorless magic, providing magic power.
It felt like he had both a shield that could block everything and a spear that could pierce everything at the same time.
"Now I need to hear the story. What is that thing?"
At Taehyun's question, Elven clicked her tongue.
She didn't like the commanding tone, but...
She couldn't help but answer.
[Didn't I tell you? It's a thought-form created by this One's magic power.]
"Simply. And in detail."
Taehyun said, watching Igmun fiercely tear apart the jaws of Devouring that were surrounding him.
It was so he could escape at any time if Igmun was breached.
Elven's explanation continued.
[This One's magic power contains life. If someone who cannot handle that power uses it, side effects are inevitable, wouldn't you agree?]
"That's what materializes the thought-form?"
[You understand well. This One's magic power judged that the Doppelganger is the most evil thought-form and weakness inherent in you.]
Taehyun nodded.
Elven was saying that the being in front of him was a side effect created by her power.
That if someone unqualified handled her power, the inherent thought-form would be realized and try to kill him.
'That's not wrong.'
It was natural that the Doppelganger was realized.
The strongest skill among Taehyun's weapons was, of course, Devouring.
That guy was Taehyun's strongest guardian and enemy at the same time.
[The thought-form realized by this One's magic power has no reason. It simply does its best to eliminate what it considers an enemy.]
'An enemy...'
Only then did he understand why Beelzebub had been unable to digest Elven for so long.
If Taehyun had been hasty, like he was a moment ago, and Elven's magic had touched the thought-form inherent in Beelzebub...
Even if he didn't know, a disaster like the apocalypse would have occurred throughout the Abyss.
'I've ended up with an absurd being.'
If it was this guy's power, then it wouldn't be impossible to restore Typhon to full strength, Taehyun thought.
Crack!!
Suddenly, a jaw of Devouring that sprang up tore off Igmun's arm, which was holding the Blood Sword.
[Damn you!!]
Igmun thrust a Blood Spear into the Doppelganger's body with a roar.
Tsszzzz!!
The magic power that made up the Doppelganger was sucked in through the Blood Spear.
Crack!!
Even that was devoured without a trace by the jaws that sprang out from the Doppelganger's body.
[It seems that only the main body of the Great Duke would be able to handle the thought-form inherent in you.]
At Elven's words, Taehyun looked around.
Typhon, Rozaria, Gilfer, and others were watching the battle from outside the Blood Field that Igmun had deployed.
Those who were once Great Dukes, those who were protecting the position of Great Duke, and those who were trying to become Great Dukes.
All of them were beings whose power was beyond common sense, but if the opponent was a Doppelganger, they couldn't avoid annihilation.
'I won't let them get involved in this battle.'
[Why?]
Elven asked at Taehyun's determination.
'I can't afford to lose any forces.'
[Are you saying that because they're your comrades?]
Elven's laughter echoed in his head.
[You say they're comrades, but they're actually burdens.]
"You don't have to say it like that."
[You always think of them as something you have to protect. You think you're the only one who can do it.]
"......"
[Your arrogance is already enough to be a Great Duke.]
"You're giving me excessive praise."
[Don't get me wrong. This One's magic power isn't so easy to deal with. It's only a matter of time before your arrogance becomes your death.]
Elven spewed out venomous words, saying that he was acting like a Great Duke already.
Then.
Crack. Crack. Crack.
Magic that stretched out like shadows from the Doppelganger's body surrounded the area.
It was heading toward the Blood Field that Igmun had deployed.
Igmun, who couldn't regenerate his arm, retreated in the gap.
Crunch. Crunch.
Crackle. Crackle.
It took Devouring no more than 5 seconds to devour the entire Blood Field.
Even Igmun in his current state...
"It can't be helped by a being with no reason."
He felt a chill as he realized how far out of reach the Doppelganger's realm was.
[Contractor!!]
The moment the Blood Field broke.
Rozaria's voice shouting was clearly heard.
But that was only for a moment.
Crack. Crack.
The jaws of Devouring replaced that spot, blocking external access.
The Doppelganger had also defined Igmun and Elven as enemies.
Looking at Igmun, his face was more distorted than ever before.
"Don't come in!!"
Taehyun shouted.
He had faced Beelzebub and the ancient Great Devils.
If he overdid it here, Rozaria's status could be affected.
He couldn't afford to lose Rozaria in a situation where he was trying to revive Typhon.
Taehyun's gaze turned to Igmun.
"But you're different."
He had made a summoning pact, but even if his status was damaged by the destruction of the clone, it wasn't important to Taehyun.
Rather, he might be able to use him more thoroughly under the pretext of restoring his status.
[Don't dare look at this Noble One with such eyes.]
Igmun growled, realizing what Taehyun was thinking.
That time wasn't long.
Because the Doppelganger recognized Igmun as the first obstacle to eliminate.
Crunch!!
The jaws of Devouring mercilessly devoured the Blood Spear that Igmun had launched.
[How detestable!!]
Tsszzzz!!
Crimson magic power rose from Igmun's body.
The magic power covered the arm that hadn't been regenerated.
The crimson magic power took the shape of an arm.
Although it couldn't do super-fast regeneration, it was made to perform the role of the arm using magic power.
[This Noble One will not back down.]
Saying that, Igmun took a step toward the Doppelganger.
He seemed to be very upset that he had avoided being touched by the jaws of Devouring.
The Doppelganger also took big steps toward Igmun.
Thud. Thud.
A huge Blood Sword was created in Igmun's hand.
It was one of Igmun's special moves called the Sealed Sword.
Although it wasn't the main body, its power couldn't be compared.
[It will be enough to trample you.]
At the same time as he spat out the words.
Igmun threw the Blood Sword.
Crack.
The jaws of Devouring blocked the way.
Thud!!
The Blood Sword pierced through the jaws and through the middle of the Doppelganger's body.
Tsszzzzzz.
The magic power spewed out from the Blood Sword wrapped around the Doppelganger's body in streams.
The jaws of Devouring moved to chew on the Blood Sword embedded in its body.
But each time, the Blood Sword resisted, sucking in magic power more fiercely.
Rustle.
The Doppelganger's body dried up.
It seemed that Igmun's power would break Devouring.
Taehyun clenched his fist without realizing it.
But that was a vain hope.
[Inadequate.]
The moment he heard Elven's words in his head.
Crack.
The area surrounded by Devouring.
Huge jaws hidden under his feet revealed themselves.
[……!!]
Crunch!!
The jaws bit off Igmun's feet.
Tsszzzz!!
Igmun unleashed the power of Absorption from his entire body.
Crack!! Crack!! Crack!!
The jaws endlessly bit Igmun's body.
A pathetic body that couldn't do super-fast regeneration and had even been deprived of magic power.
The power of Absorption had completely disappeared from the clone's body.
Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.
The Doppelganger quietly moved its steps.
It looked down at Igmun, whose limbs had been torn off under its feet.
[Damn… This Noble One…]
Don't look at me with those eyes.
Igmun spoke with difficulty.
But the moment the corners of the guy’s mouth twisted up.
Crack!!
Crunch!!
The jaws continued the meal they had stopped.
The guy who had finished his meal raised his head.
The guy's eyes, looking around, fixed on Taehyun.
Even though it had devoured the Great Duke's clone.
The glistening red eyes still seemed hungry.
Episode 394
A massive surge of thunder and lightning raged.
Typhon had used his authority.
Rosaria broke through the spot where the maw of Devouring had disappeared.
[You must retreat!!]
Typhon and Gilfer followed Rosaria closely behind.
[No matter where you go, that thing will follow you to the end.]
Taehyun conveyed Elven's words echoing in his mind.
[Truly a bizarre authority!!]
Rosaria reacted as if such an absurd situation was unheard of.
[It must be dealt with here. The psychic entity born from the King's authority will only grow stronger, eventually devouring even the Archduke.]
"I agree."
The magic of Devouring had intensified after consuming Igmun.
Even though it was a hidden domain secretly created by Beelzebub...
What if demonkin monsters encountered it and were devoured?
Perhaps, if it was unlucky enough to devour even the Archduke's main body, the domain war and everything else could go awry.
Crack.
Suddenly, a maw unfolded beneath their feet, scattering the group.
Rosaria opened a subspace gate and pulled out hidden tentacles, while Typhon and Gilfer assisted her.
"Since that thing is made from your magic, there must be a way to destroy it, right?"
If she proposed another deal, he was seriously considering throwing her.
Now that he knew she could read minds, Taehyun had no intention of backing down either.
[You created this situation by trying to use magic carelessly, yet you're having such impertinent thoughts. If you ask if there's a way, of course there is. But that's only possible when this one's Mana Stone is intact.]
'Mana Stone!!'
Taehyun belatedly opened his status window.
A quest with no rank or explanation was still registered.
He recalled the moment the quest was registered.
It was a quest registered without asking for success rewards, explanations, or consent, but one thing was certain.
'The quest is not about saving the Fairy King, but about creating her Mana Stone to complete it.'
The quest's progress rate, stuck at 50 percent, proved that fact.
Elven burst into laughter when the quest was mentioned.
[I don't know what the Giant King's was like, but this one's Mana Stone is not something you can dare to imitate.]
Since her authority itself was Great Mana.
The Mana Stone that contained such magic wouldn't be ordinary either.
Taehyun asked how much time was needed to create the Mana Stone.
[In your time, ten minutes. That should be enough to create a Mana Stone that's usable in a pinch.]
The word "usable" bothered him.
Taehyun deliberately didn't ask further.
"Ten minutes against a monster like that..."
He assessed his forces, watching Typhon, Rosaria, and Gilfer holding back the Doppelganger.
[Also, you need enough magic to create the Mana Stone. At least several times the amount you possess.]
Elven spoke as if the constant supply of magic was the biggest problem.
"You don't have to worry about that."
Taehyun could answer casually.
Far off in the distance.
He could see the seven exhausted Elders.
"I have seven batteries."
He grinned.
He couldn't help but feel proud of the recharging batteries that automatically recharged when depleted.
[Dragonkin. They are truly useful creatures, now and as always.]
Her voice was so light when she heard Taehyun's explanation.
Although he couldn't see her face, he could easily guess that she was smiling.
Tring.
[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated.]
Hwaaaah.
Darkness descended upon the area.
Confirming the rising message, he spammed skills.
[Skill Chains of Binding (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Lord's Aura (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Dragon's Fury (SSS) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Crack.
A maw that had grown from the Doppelganger's body bared its teeth.
It devoured anything with form and chewed through magic itself.
The difference from Igmun was that the process was slow, as if it savored Taehyun's magic.
In that gap, Rosaria, Typhon, and Gilfer backed away.
[Did you speak with her?]
Rosaria, who knew he was talking with Elven, asked.
Taehyun conveyed what he had heard to the group.
They were surprised to hear that the Doppelganger before them was different from the one in the mental world.
Everyone's expression darkened when they learned they needed to buy ten minutes to completely deal with it.
[Ten minutes against that thing... You're asking for a heavy favor.]
[We'll have to risk our lives.]
Although it was a clone.
It had consumed Igmun's sealed sword, which had risen in rank after absorbing the Great Demon, and eventually annihilated Igmun, the wielder.
Rosaria and Gilfer both seemed to feel a considerable burden.
Then.
[This one will step forward!!]
Only Typhon, unafraid, boldly shouted with a laugh, declaring he would step forward.
Even though he was the weakest of the three.
His foolish appearance reminded him of Kwon Ganghyuk back on Earth, making him laugh.
Typhon, misunderstanding the meaning, flared up.
[Although it is an incomplete body, it is not so bad that the Contractor should laugh.]
Taehyun didn't bother to correct the misunderstanding.
From now on, it would be a battle they couldn't win unless they helped each other.
The seven Elders in the distance approached.
They had recovered to some extent in the rear after losing a significant amount of magic to Igmun.
The magic recovery power of the pureblood dragonkin's Dragon Heart was truly astonishing.
Just as Taehyun was unable to hide his satisfaction.
Satiel asked as the representative.
[Lord... what should we...]
Satiel's red eyes were shaking violently as she asked.
Beelzebub, the Ancient Great Demon, Igmun.
And now, even the Doppelganger.
Each of them was an opponent that could easily annihilate them if they offended them.
Only the heads of each clan would be able to handle them.
Taehyun nodded as if he understood.
"Don't worry. I have something else for you to do."
The faces of the seven Elders brightened at Taehyun's words.
Their magic was barely enough to manifest their true forms.
In their current state, it would be better to supply magic to Taehyun.
Unless they were the owner of the authority like Igmun, absorbing magic wouldn't affect their life force.
It was a naive thought.
Taehyun placed Elven, whom he had been binding on his back, on the ground.
"Lend this one some magic. As long as you don't resist, she'll take care of it."
Not everyone knew her identity.
The Elders didn't understand the meaning.
Elven, a girl of about ten years old freed from the 'Chains of Binding,' took a step forward.
Her red eyes, curved like a crescent moon, briefly scanned the seven Elders.
Hwaaaah.
Colorless magic bloomed from her body.
[......!!]
[......!!]
[......!!]
Ignoring the astonishment of those around her, the colorless magic enveloped the seven Elders.
Amazingly.
Tsss.
Elven began to extract magic, mimicking Igmun's authority.
Her skill was so proficient that it wouldn't be strange if it was at Igmun's level.
Taehyun was impressed for a moment.
Kudddd.
Magic condensed in the air, creating a single sphere.
'Energy Drain' and 'Energy Compose.'
She had materialized a small Mana Stone based on the principles of the two skills.
The materialization was just the beginning.
The small Mana Stone required so much magic.
As the magic was filled, the screams of the seven Elders intensified, and Elven's appearance began to change.
Her child-like body grew into that of a woman, and her pointed ears caught the eye.
[You do your work.]
She glanced at the Doppelganger, which had consumed all of Taehyun's magic and was starting to approach, saying that it was ten minutes from now.
"Ten minutes without Devouring."
Taehyun muttered, looking at the Doppelganger's red eyes fixed on him.
Facing it directly, he realized how well it had digested Igmun's magic.
The psychic entity imitating the Doppelganger, or Elven, who hadn't even properly configured the Mana Stone yet.
They were all better at handling 'Devouring' and 'Absorption,' which could be said to be his secret techniques.
'So, this is how the other guys felt.'
Comprehending the feelings his enemies had, he was thinking about which skill to use to hold it back.
[Contractor.]
Typhon, who had become battered in a short time, called out to Taehyun.
His voice was quite serious, unlike before.
[If we deal with this thing, will this one's Mana Stone be restored?]
"Probably."
[Then, we must endure somehow.]
"It won't be easy. As you can see, it's a monstrous thing."
[Hehehe.]
He didn't know what was so good about it.
Typhon smiled and once again surrounded his body with authority.
'Essence of the Source' reacted to that momentum, and his stats increased.
[If this one fully regains his power, it will be beyond comparison to now.]
"I'm looking forward to it."
[Rosaria's attitude toward this one will also change.]
"......"
Hahahaha.
Typhon laughed like a madman and rushed out.
Each time his massive body shook, various elements were emitted as if to tear the space apart.
It was a scene that could only be seen in mythology, but the opponent was not good.
Typhon's adamant body could not withstand the maw of Devouring and was torn apart like paper.
"I thought as much."
Taehyun clicked his tongue and poured magic into the Dragon Slayer Sword.
Ten minutes was a peculiar time.
They had the power to take on any opponent.
However, the flesh of the Giant King, which boasted adamant, was being torn apart.
The venomous thorns of Gilfer and the tentacles of Rosaria, which possessed mental domination properties, were being devoured without rest.
[This one's authority is not working either.]
Rosaria, who had approached the thing by sacrificing her tentacles, came over and said that.
She seemed quite shocked that her authority was so ineffective.
Kkaang!!
Taehyun slashed at one of the maws of Devouring with the Dragon Slayer Sword.
The enhanced strength from 'Beastification' combined with thunder and lightning, causing the maw to vanish completely.
'Rampage of the Deep Sea,' 'Dragon's Fury,' 'Beastification,' 'Demon's Saliva,' 'Essence of the Source,' 'True Blood.'
He maintained the authority of the six Archdukes and ceaselessly used ancient martial arts.
Even so.
The monster was only tearing apart the group without the slightest hesitation.
Rosaria had lost most of her tentacles due to the ineffective authority.
Typhon had lost both arms, his adamant body rendered meaningless.
Gilfer had lost his wings, despite using Beelzebub's magic.
No one was unscathed.
If there was anyone with intact limbs, it was only Taehyun.
The Doppelganger released magic to devour those it had weakened.
Kkaaaaaa.
Dark crimson magic pushed maws under the feet of everyone except Taehyun.
At this rate, they would inevitably be devoured.
"How coincidental."
Taehyun said, enhancing the two Mana Stones.
Kiiiiiii-.
Kiiiing-.
Reacting to the wailing demonic heart, all skills were enhanced.
The maw that was about to devour those it had weakened flinched.
It stopped its actions.
The Doppelganger's hazy red eyes turned to Taehyun.
"The owner of that power is me."
He murmured as if declaring it.
"A fake trying to devour someone. Who are you trying to swallow?"
Hwaaaah.
Although it was not 'Devouring.'
All the skills Taehyun had achieved were concentrated and exploded as if to swallow the entire area.
[......]
A light seemed to flash through the hazy red eyes of the Doppelganger.
Changing its target, it walked towards Taehyun.
Taehyun also walked towards it.
"As if I, the real one, would lose to a fake like you."
Pajijijik.
As he muttered as if vowing, the Dragon Slayer Sword cried out in response.
By now, the three maws that had been present to devour the group had become five.
As Igmun had, if one was caught by even one of them, it would be difficult to survive.
He could not rely on ultra-high-speed regeneration.
Therefore.
'I'll cut them all at once.'
He swung the Dragon Slayer Sword.
Kadeudeuk!!
The Dragon Slayer Sword, filled with power, screamed against the maws of Devouring without hesitation.
Kagagagak!!
It tore apart three maws of Devouring.
At the moment of tearing apart four maws.
Kkaang!!!
"......!!"
The blade of the Dragon Slayer Sword shattered completely.
Even though it was a sword with self-regeneration, it could not withstand the continuous battles.
Before he could even escape with 'Apostle of Darkness.'
A maw of Devouring was about to swallow Taehyun.
[Get out of the way!!]
Elven's voice echoed in his mind.
He instinctively lowered his head.
Peokk!!
The last maw of Devouring, kicked by something, scattered as easily as if it was nothing.
There was a woman he had never seen before standing in front of Taehyun.
Was she about 1 meter 80 tall?
Her faded white hair fluttered, and her sharply pointed ears were noticeable.
"Elven...?"
The answer came from within his mind.
[I told you to buy time, but you almost threw away your life. This one's authority can only be used once. Open your eyes wide and watch carefully.]
Elven stepped into a true state.
And the Fairy's Song began.
395
Not a ten-year-old girl, but a woman in her twenties stepped into enlightenment.
Her body, only 1 meter 80 tall, disappeared.
Even though I was clearly watching with the 'Observer's Eye,' I couldn't keep up with her movements.
It wasn't just because her movements were fast.
Ting.
[Skill Observer's Eye (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
I enhanced the skill to sharpen my eyesight.
As powerful magic settled in my red eyes, I could barely follow Elven's movements.
'It's not just because of speed.'
The space around Elven was distorting.
To be precise, the achromatic magic flowing from her body was 'distorting' the space.
By stirring the distorted space, she was disrupting the signs of her body.
Like Taehyun's skill 'Stealth.'
It felt like seeing the end of the realm that skill could reach.
At that moment.
Ah-ah-ah--.
An unintelligible sound entered Taehyun's mind.
It wasn't just a simple shout or cheer.
It felt like a melody, like a song sung by a woman, more mature than that of a ten-year-old girl.
'A song?'
As Taehyun, unable to resolve his doubts, was chasing her movements,
Crack!!
Elven's beautifully extended leg, covered in achromatic magic, struck the Doppelganger's face.
Although a rougher strike than the ancient martial arts Taehyun used, its power was no less.
The Doppelganger's face caved in and regenerated at super speed.
But Elven had already disappeared with the distortion of space.
[…….]
The Doppelganger's red eyes, which had been hazy even when facing Iggmune, flashed with murderous intent.
Crack.
Following his gaze, mouths were created everywhere.
In proportion, the tempo of the song echoing in my head quickened.
And.
Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump.
As if a huge gravity was pressing down, the mouths of predation that had bared their teeth were crushed and began to disappear one by one.
'What the heck is this…'
Taehyun looked around at the unbelievable sight.
Rosaria and Typhon also seemed to feel similarly, gathering their magic and focusing on recovery.
Only Gilferman was stiff, as if unpleasant memories had surfaced.
'Just what trick is she using?'
Every time Elven's figure disappeared, the Doppelganger's body was breaking and regenerating.
And for some reason.
The Doppelganger's regeneration speed was gradually slowing down.
And Elven's humming in my head became even faster.
Crack!!
The magic that mimicked predation opened its mouth at an incredible speed, but each time, Elven dodged it.
She appeared in front of Taehyun.
Swoosh.
Unlike when she disappeared, it was a soft movement, like a breeze settling down.
Elven met Taehyun's eyes with a noble expression.
Just looking into her eyes made it feel like the area had become silent.
[Did you capture the movements of the Bonyeo in those eyes?]
"Was your authority a song?"
As if the crisis from a moment ago was unimportant, Taehyun asked back nonchalantly.
[Tsk, tsk. It seems you still haven't understood the Bonyeo's authority. Well, what would you know about the songs of fairies?]
"……."
[There isn't much time allowed, so open your eyes wide and watch.]
Whoosh.
Elven swung her arm into the air.
Suddenly, magic like sword energy rose.
Swish.
It cut off one of the mouths of predation that had been baring its teeth.
The Doppelganger's face scrunched up at the mysterious technique.
Ah-ah-ah-.
Her song was heard in my head again.
As if dancing to her own singing, Elven's body moved.
Each time, magic, from I don't know where, tore apart the mouths of predation and slashed the Doppelganger's body.
Thud. Thud.
The song stopped only after the Doppelganger's two arms were cut off.
The super-speed regeneration that had been gradually slowing down was no longer regeneration at all.
The Doppelganger's gaze went from his severed arms to Elven.
The majesty he had when he first predated Iggmune was nowhere to be found, and there was only a prey cornered there.
'……!!'
Only then could I see it in my eyes.
The magic around him, the magic flowing in his body, was twisted like tangled threads.
Magic that couldn't circulate was tangled and eating away at his body like dead blood.
'When the heck…?'
Elven's laughter echoed in my head.
[From the moment you formed a magic stone, however faintly, all the magic in the area was Bonyeo's.]
It was a seemingly arrogant declaration, but Taehyun could tell that her words were not false.
Ah-ah- ah-ah-.
Elven's song continued.
The magic of the area began to move, regardless of who it belonged to.
Tzzzzzz.
Like Iggmune's authority, the magic of the area settled on her, becoming a new power.
Even the Doppelganger's magic was no exception.
'No matter who the opponent is.'
To bring the magic of the area under control.
It was truly an art befitting the authority of great magic.
[It's about time.]
"……?"
[How far did you think you could last with such an incomplete magic stone? The seed has been sown, so the next attack will be the last. It seems he feels it too.]
The Doppelganger was walking, emitting a huge aura.
Crack.
Mouths of predation were created around his body.
The size of that magic was unusual at a glance.
[You asked for a way to break through.]
"……."
[It's simple. When a cornered thought reveals its ugliest form, just repay him in the same way.]
Crack.
Achromatic mouths were created around Elven's body.
It was only imitating predation, but its magic was by no means inferior to the Doppelganger's.
The owner of the skill couldn't use it, but.
Not the Doppelganger, but that thought, and Elven, who was imitating him, were using predation.
"Ha."
Taehyun let out a dumbfounded laugh.
Still, he did not release the magic imbued in the 'Observer's Eye.'
Rather, he paid attention to the changes revealed by the two predations.
Just as he copied predation and used it in his own way, Taehyun was thinking of copying and using it at any time.
The Doppelganger frowned at Elven's actions that imitated him, as if he was displeased.
It was the biggest change of heart that the guy, who had always been expressionless, had shown.
From twenty steps to ten steps.
From ten steps to five steps.
Eventually, the two predations that were closing the distance collided.
Even though the magic was twisted by Elven's trick.
The Doppelganger's resistance was not light.
[Truly, a great thought.]
Elven, who said that, hummed the melody once again.
[……!!]
The Doppelganger's face, which was forcibly using predation, became increasingly ferocious.
Crack. Crack.
Elven's predation was eating away at the Doppelganger's predation.
[Return to where you should be.]
She said, looking down at the Doppelganger, who was kneeling on one knee.
It's over.
At the moment I thought so, the Doppelganger's body gradually turned crimson.
With a shriek, the mouth of predation swallowed his body.
He maintained predation even while pouring in the minimum magic that had maintained his body.
The result of that effort was not light.
[Oh dear.]
Crack. Crack.
The achromatic mouth began to be pushed back by the crimson mouth that had regained its ferocity.
Elven hummed the lyrics, but it was not enough to stop the predation that had already eaten the master of magic and become stronger.
[Really. Of all the guys Bonyeo has faced so far, he's one of the most heinous.]
She said, clicking her tongue, that she would have to push herself.
She didn't know if the magic stone would hold out.
No, even if it did, the risk would not be light.
[What shall we do? This is all Bonyeo's choice, who promised you and came back into the world.]
Kwaaaa.
Achromatic magic spread out from Elven's body.
Rip.
The small magic stone hidden in her skin revealed itself.
It was just amazing that she could produce this much output with such a small magic stone.
Tick. Tick.
It started with a crack in the magic stone.
Crack. Crack.
The more she added power, the more the cracks spread uncontrollably.
The achromatic predation began to overwhelm the crimson predation.
The predation, which was unified with the Doppelganger, let out an unintelligible shriek.
The sight was like looking at a living creature.
Creature.
Suddenly, Kim Jungho's words came to mind.
'Did you say that the status window seemed to be alive?'
[Now is not the time to be thinking about other things.]
Taehyun woke up from his reverie at Elven's echoing words.
[Listen carefully. It takes an eternity to recover a broken magic stone, and it is not easy even for Bonyeo.]
Words like advice continued.
[It will take quite a while to restore the Giant King. Protect Bonyeo well until then.]
With those words,
Kwaddeudeuk!!
The achromatic mouth completely swallowed the Doppelganger.
Crack!!
The magic stone created by Elven also broke at the same time.
The achromatic magic, which had lost its vessel, scattered around.
In front of Taehyun.
The mature woman from a moment ago was nowhere to be found, and a ten-year-old girl was unconscious.
Ting.
[Unique Skill Predation (SSS) can now be used.]
[Quest 'The Fairy King's Magic Stone' has been completed.]
[The reward for the quest has been confirmed.]
[The 'Seed of the Divine Beast' is blooming. Searching for magic.]
Crimson magic rose from Taehyun's body, and achromatic magic rose from Elven's unconscious body.
For a moment, the two magics mixed in the air and took root.
Ddddddd.
The area began to shake.
[What is it this time!!]
Typhon shouted wildly, but it didn't take long for the question to be resolved.
From the place where Taehyun and Elven's magic mixed and permeated.
Kuddeudeuk.
A huge tree soared up.
[Is it a divine beast….]
[It is a divine beast.]
[Divine beast!!]
Gilfer, Rosaria, and Typhon showed their respective reactions.
Taehyun was no different.
"Divine beast?"
[Yes. In the past, when the fairy race was dominant, it symbolized their territory.]
It was said that the place where the seed of the divine beast was imbued was characterized by the creation of a barrier and the purification of the surroundings.
[A spring of healing will be created where the divine beast grows!!]
Typhon shouted.
It seemed that those words were not false.
That's because the poison of the surroundings was clearly being purified before my eyes.
[Why in a place like this….]
The fifteenth of the twenty hidden areas.
Rosaria shook her head, saying that a tree symbolizing the revival of the fairy race had grown in such a place.
That's because Beelzebub would not leave the divine beast that appeared in his territory alone.
[This body will protect it. I will protect it even if I bring the entire clan.]
[Say something that makes sense. It would be fortunate if you don't die in that state.]
At that time, Gilferman intervened.
[I still left Mastema alive. Combat is not the only thing that matters.]
At Gilferman's words, Rosaria's red eyes flashed.
[Oh ho. That guy was still alive.]
The authority of the great demon Mastema is Gate.
Except for the great demons, no one could set foot here, so everyone realized the versatility of his ability.
[If we control Mastema, it is not unreasonable to make this an access prohibited area.]
"Then it's decided. I'll ask you."
Gilferman, who nodded, spread his fully regenerated two wings.
Watching her leave, Taehyun picked up the fallen Elven.
[I thought there would be no more surprises, but to think that you would revive even the Fairy King.]
[Hehe. This body's complete revival is not far off.]
Rosaria seemed excited that the huge force called the Fairy King had been added, and Typhon seemed excited at the thought that he could completely restore his magic stone.
"……."
He was bothered by the words Elven had said before she collapsed, mentioning risks.
'These are still uncertain things.'
Taehyun did not mention uncertain things.
A moment later.
Gilferman brought the dying great demon, and Rosaria used that Mastema to manipulate the gates of the area.
Episode 396
Rosaria's True Nature
Taehyun was checking his status window in the spacious area assigned to him within the main base.
It was natural that rapid growth followed every battle.
He checked frequently for that reason, but he couldn't deny that he had been examining his stats even more lately.
This also meant that battles were being fought constantly.
And these weren't ordinary battles; they were on a scale that required Taehyun, who aspired to the level of a Great Duke, to risk his life.
"At this rate, my life won't last," Taehyun muttered, looking at the ‘Fairy King's Magic Stone’ quest that had disappeared from his status window.
It was nothing special, as usual.
The progression rates of the domain war and the race war had increased, stats had risen, and a new summoning skill had been registered.
Elven (SSS) - Summons the Fairy King Elven. Requires: 10,000 Yoma Power
The only problem was that the magic power required for the summoning was excessively high.
"Is the contract not yet complete?"
Or perhaps Elven's condition was not normal.
"Well, I'll know when she wakes up."
Besides Elven, there were noticeable changes in the Yoma Power required to summon some other Great Dukes.
This was the case for Igmun, Orgal, Beelzebub, and Typhon.
Igmun (SSS) - Summons the Vampire Lord Igmun. Requires: 250 Yoma Power
Orgal (SSS) - Summons the Beast King Orgal. Requires: 4,800 Yoma Power
Beelzebub (SSS) - Summons the Demon King Beelzebub. Requires: 4,000 Yoma Power
Typhon (SSS) - Summons the Giant King Typhon. Requires: 200 Yoma Power
"That Igmun guy. He's dropped a lot."
Typhon’s Yoma Power had decreased drastically as Taehyun grew due to his incomplete body.
But that wasn't the case for Igmun.
He needed a considerable amount of magic power even after making the oath of summoning, but now it had changed to 250 Yoma Power, like Rosaria.
'It can't be just because I've grown.'
Because the changes in Beelzebub's and Orgal's Yoma Power were also unusual.
Beelzebub's Yoma Power had dropped from 7,000 to 4,000, and Orgal's had also dropped from 7,800 to 4,800.
It was too coincidental to say that the changes were simply due to Taehyun's growth.
Beelzebub's changes could be attributed to the aftereffects of separating Elven, but it was surprising that Orgal's Yoma Power had changed.
This was because Hazad and Jormungandr, who were not involved in the recent battle, had no changes in their Yoma Power.
'Has something happened to their contractors?'
Kasim Zolt and Min Ji-hong.
He hadn't confirmed the fates of the guys he dealt with along with Cody Cruz, but.
"It's certain they're not dead."
They had walked the path of the demon, and they had reached the realm of the highest species based on the power of the Great Duke contractor.
With their tenacious lifeforce, they would somehow survive unless they were completely devoured.
'I'll definitely devour them next time I see them.'
To do that, it was necessary to properly understand the skills that could be used.
The most eye-catching thing in the changed status window was the new skill, 'Fairy's Blessing.'
Fairy's Blessing (SSS) - Converts Strength and Speed stats into Magic Power. Requires: 300 Yoma Power
Currently, Taehyun's physical stats were 560 for Strength, 567 for Stamina, 528 for Speed, and 725 for Magic Power.
If he used various buff skills, his magic power would easily exceed 800.
But here, the Strength and Speed stats were converted into Magic Power stats?
"That's asking me to die."
Sufficient hardware was essential to contain great power.
The 567 Stamina stat was definitely great, but.
Even if he used 'Demon Transformation,' it wasn't enough to contain more than 1,000 magic power.
If he used it recklessly, he would self-destruct.
The skill was too dangerous, so it seemed he could only use it after sufficient preparation in the right situation.
As Taehyun was scanning the stats one more time,
He heard a thumping sound from afar.
Bang.
[Contractor!!]
Typhon, who had shrunk his body to about 2 meters, came in.
His face was full of anxiety.
"What's the matter this time?"
Taehyun asked indifferently, as he was no longer surprised by any event that might occur.
'Don't tell me one of the Great Dukes has invaded?'
Such an unsettling feeling was creeping in.
Fortunately, that wasn't the reason.
[Elven has awakened!!]
"......?"
Typhon should have been the happiest if Elven had awakened, but his reaction was strange.
[Hmph... You'll see when you go.]
With those words, Typhon thumped his way back to where Rosaria was.
'You've become quite the scaredy-cat, Typhon.'
Taehyun followed him, not denying the feelings that arose.
The place Typhon led him to was a large hall in the main base, which served as a conference room as the group grew.
Elven was nestled in Rosaria's arms, who was sitting on the throne.
With her alabaster skin, snow-white hair, and crimson eyes curved like a crescent moon, she was so adorable.
It was like looking at a close mother and young daughter.
[You've come.]
Rosaria glanced at Taehyun and spoke in a loving voice.
"What kind of spectacle is this?"
Taehyun asked, looking at Elven, who was nestled in her arms and glancing around.
[Using such power, how could there be no shock?]
"......"
Taehyun looked back and forth between Rosaria, Elven, and Typhon.
"Don't tell me..."
[It seems to be as you suspect. There seems to be a problem with the memories of the Fairy King.]
"......"
Taehyun stared intently at Elven.
Her innocent expression was different from when she faced Beelzebub or the Doppelganger.
"Huh..."
There was a risk, and it turned out like this.
He wondered if she was acting.
Ding.
[The skill Watcher's Eyes (SSS) has been activated.]
Taehyun, who had opened his heterochromatic eyes, stared intently at Elven.
To catch her without missing anything if she was lying.
[It won't change anything even if you do that. I have already confirmed it as well.]
Despite Rosaria's words, Taehyun did not take his eyes off Elven.
Instead, he strengthened the skill to enhance his eyesight.
As if afraid of Taehyun's heterochromatic eyes, Elven nestled into Rosaria's arms like a young girl of her age.
[Stop using your power. You're scaring the child.]
"A child, you say. That's a scary thing to say."
Taehyun asked if she had forgotten the power she possessed, the madness contained in those crescent moon-like crimson eyes.
[Although I am the weakest of the Great Dukes, I am not so foolish.]
Rosaria grumbled as if asking if he had forgotten her authority.
"......"
There was no need to upset her, so Taehyun deactivated the skill.
She was right.
With 'Watcher's Eyes,' he had only confirmed that Elven's internal magic power was unstable.
Just as Taehyun was looking at Elven with distrustful eyes,
Suddenly, Elven broke free from Rosaria's arms and headed towards Taehyun.
[......?]
"......?"
Rosaria and Taehyun questioned the sudden situation for a moment.
Elven reached out with her small hands and grabbed Taehyun's hand.
Flitch.
His body trembled involuntarily, as the memory of the battle was still vivid.
She moved her lips as if she didn't care.
Her voice still didn't come out.
But he could hear her voice clearly in his head.
[Daddy.]
"......!!"
Taehyun was startled and pulled his hand away.
He looked at Rosaria.
She seemed to know what Elven had said.
[Contractor, what's wrong? What did she say?]
Typhon butted in and asked.
"It... it seems to mean... take care of me...?"
Taehyun said, avoiding their curious eyes.
[What nonsense are you talking about?]
Typhon grumbled, telling him to stop with the pointless jokes, but Taehyun didn't answer.
As if he didn't want to cause any unnecessary misunderstandings.
It seemed certain that Elven had lost her memories.
Not only Rosaria, but even Gilpère, who arrived late, was convinced.
[To think that the Fairy King would become such a child.]
The distant ancient times.
Gilpère, who remembered when she used her original power, shook his head.
[What should we do with my magic stone?]
Typhon groaned, making a sighing sound.
As the battle continued, he realized how lacking his weakened power was.
It would be one thing if he had no power from the start.
In the past, Typhon had wielded a power no less impressive than any of the Great Dukes, so he understood his feelings very well.
The original plan was to revive Elven and restore Typhon's power. As such, a meeting was held to discuss future plans.
Rosaria said she would take care of her like a daughter and wait until her memories returned.
Typhon said he would act as her father, but was struck by Rosaria's tentacles.
Gilpère said that the management of the divine tree in the hidden realm couldn't be neglected.
The seven elders simply lowered their eyes and listened silently.
How pathetic they looked.
As if afraid of being caught in unnecessary squabbles, they seemed to be wagging their tails like dogs.
Taehyun, who had been listening quietly, opened his mouth.
"It seems that Gilpère is the only one who has made a reasonable suggestion."
Taehyun continued, looking at Typhon, who was pathetically trying to touch Elven despite Rosaria's restraint.
"I don't know how long it will take for Elven to regain her memories. Until then, we should protect the divine tree."
[I agree. I have blocked immediate access with Mastema's authority, but it won't last long.]
Gilpère said that the ancient great demons were all monsters, and that they should be treated like Great Dukes.
"It wouldn't be bad to use District 15 as a new base."
Even though it was a hidden realm, its location was geographically within Beelzebub's territory.
The group frowned at the idea of establishing a base in such a place.
"I know an ancient great demon who knows more about Beelzebub's territory than anyone else, and who is aiming to be the next Great Duke."
Taehyun's gaze turned to Gilpère.
[The security will become strict.]
"Similarly, Beelzebub and Igmun's conditions won't be good either."
[You still underestimate the Demon King.]
Taehyun shook his head, saying that wasn't the answer he wanted.
[Then what exactly do you want to do?]
"Gilpère. You must become the Demon King."
In the Sky Castle that was connected to the red sky, the symbolic of Lucifer’s authority, screams echoed.
Min Ji-hong and Lee Jung-jae, bound by chains, screamed.
Cody Cruz's holy sword, wrapped in ashen magic power, tore apart their bodies, inflicting pain to the point of death, and then restored their bodies with the power of regeneration.
In that endless torture, the rampaging Min Ji-hong lunged at Cody Cruz.
Swish.
Cody Cruz easily cut off his limbs and repeatedly healed them.
[You seem to have become familiar with the authority now.]
Lucifer praised his contractor.
"......"
Lucifer's indifferent gaze lingered on Cody Cruz for a moment.
He looked at Lee Jung-jae, who had succumbed to torture.
[He's an interesting fellow.]
Lucifer smiled pleasantly and looked at Lee Jung-jae's crimson eyes filled with fear.
More precisely, he was looking at another personality dwelling in that body, Kasim Zolt.
[Come out.]
Lee Jung-jae flinched as he was briefly dominated by the irresistible command.
[Oh, splendid Great Duke Lucifer. I pledge my obedience to you.]
Soon, Kasim Zolt, who dominated the body, took a posture of submission, hitting his head on the floor.
His actions of uttering the language of demons were like watching a vassal of the Great Duke, not a human.
[Beelzebub's contractor. It may be too early to show such a demeanor.]
Lucifer scoffed, saying that even obedience required his permission.
[Continue.]
Lucifer ordered.
Stab.
Cody Cruz repeated what he was doing.
Kasim Zolt screamed, making a sound that was neither a groan nor a crazy laugh.
[I have information that the Great Duke will find appealing!!]
Despite the cry.
Stab.
Cody Cruz repeatedly stabbed the sword and regenerated the flesh.
Kasim Zolt also did not stop talking.
[Hidden realm!! Beelzebub is planning something!!]
Stab.
[Stop.]
At Lucifer's command, Cody Cruz stood still.
[Depending on your answer, sufficient compensation will be given. If you are not satisfied, you will never find the peace of death.]
[Is there any doubt!!]
Thump, thump, thump.
Kasim Zolt hit his head on the floor.
This happened shortly after the resurrected Fairy King lost her memories.
Episode 397
The deepest part of the Abyss.
The essence of Igmun.
Rustle. Rustle.
The sound of dragging chains filled the castle for a moment.
Dozens of monsters were dragged into the grand hall and sprawled out.
They were all monsters classified as high-ranking and highest-ranking, and among them were a few of the Grand Duke's subordinates.
They all had large and small wounds, but they were all alive.
They were simply suppressed in a state of exhaustion from the absorption power.
Still, in case they resisted, the vampire monsters held the chains tightly.
Tzzzzzz.
Igmun's power was manifested through the chains they held.
Most of the monsters were so exhausted that they hit their heads on the ground, but a few lively monsters began to resist, spewing out curses.
The resistance was so fierce.
If left unchecked, the vampire monsters, who had not yet reached the high-ranking stage, would surely lose them.
As several bewildered vampire monsters floundered, a woman stepped forward.
She was Verona, one of Igmun's subordinates and one of the top-ranked species among vampires.
[Pathetic things are struggling.]
Tzzzzzzzz.
Crimson magic emanated from her body.
The movements of the monsters touched by the magic noticeably slowed down.
As befitting a top-ranked species, she drained their energy at once just by emitting magic.
The monsters holding the chains bowed their heads at the sufficient power, but the one who used the power frowned as if she was not satisfied with the power.
Her strength had weakened more than she had expected.
In her current state, it would be difficult to guarantee her life against the top-ranked subordinates of other Grand Dukes.
But what matters now is not that.
[Lord, I have prepared the meal.]
She knelt down and bowed her head.
Then she waited for her master to come.
Before long, the sound of heavy footsteps was heard from the opposite passage.
The steps were so heavy.
The momentum in those steps was so light.
With each step, Verona had to feel a heart-wrenching feeling.
Finally, Igmun appeared completely through the passage.
The usual handsome appearance was nowhere to be found, and the gaunt owner of the vampires was there.
[Is this all of them?]
Igmun asked in a weak voice.
[I'm sorry. Because the high-ranking species are wary of the territory war...]
She was about to make an excuse.
[Hehehe. Igmun, you're in bad shape for a Grand Duke.]
The highest-ranked species of the beast race, who was bound by chains and dragged in, said that.
[Hehehe. Judging by your appearance, you are about to fall from grace.]
The highest-ranked species of the demon race laughed like that.
In addition to these, the monsters who still had energy left mocked and ridiculed Igmun's appearance.
Verona regretted not stepping on the limit to keep them in a slightly fresher state, and belatedly tried to strengthen the power of absorption.
[With the likes of us, your degraded status will be restored... Cough...]
Thud.
The beast race monster, who spoke first, groaned without finishing his words.
Before she knew it, a small blood sword was embedded in his chest.
Tzzzzzzzz.
With the blood sword, which was only the size of a dagger, the muscular beast race monster quickly lost vitality.
The speed at which it sucked up magic was also so fast.
Squeak. Squeak.
[Ka... Kah...!!]
The beast race monster tried to resist by using the power of enhancement, but it was not enough.
Rather, the pain was prolonged due to the ambiguously raised power.
[How dare you mention the dignity of this body, you wretch.]
Unlike his haggard appearance.
Igmun's red eyes were gleaming.
He walked towards the beast race monster who had ridiculed him.
Amidst the screams of the beast race monster, no one dared to open their mouths.
Even the scream did not last long.
In a short time, the top-ranked monster, which had all its magic sucked out, became like a mummy.
Squeeze.
Igmun grabbed the blood sword embedded in the beast race.
Tzzzzzzzz.
The magic absorbed by the blood sword flowed into Igmun's body.
Just a little bit.
Igmun's skin regained vitality.
Not enough yet.
He had to crave more magic.
Crimson magic bloomed fiercely.
That was the beginning.
Poppopopopopop.
Dozens of blood swords created in the air were embedded in the monsters bound by chains.
The blood swords sucked up all their magic, and it did not take long for Igmun to take all their magic.
As if to say that this kind of meal had been made countless times before.
Igmun's room was already full of the corpses of sprawled monsters.
Igmun, standing alone, closed his eyes and savored the magic of the absorbed monsters.
[Not bad.]
[I will quickly prepare the next meal.]
Verona said, calming her stuffy heart, that the other subordinates were running around in all directions, and that monsters that would help with energy would soon be prepared again.
Igmun silently created a blood sword.
Tzzzzzz.
His red eyes narrowed as he looked at the blood sword in his hand.
Tzzzzzz.
He continued to pour magic into it.
And.
Pazit!!
The blood sword, which could not last long, lost its shape and scattered as it was.
[Tsk.]
Igmun clicked his tongue and realized his weakened power.
The repeated disappearance of the clones eventually affected the main body.
There was no problem in maintaining the position of the Grand Duke yet.
It was certain that he had fallen to the level of Rozaria, the weakest among the Grand Dukes.
The only Grand Duke he did not recognize.
The fact that he was on par with her was unbearably unpleasant.
[That… I can't wait to tear him to pieces….]
He was referring to his new contractor, Kim Tae-hyun.
In the end, he was played by that guy again and lost his clone.
From Tae-hyun's point of view, it was because Igmun was greedy, but that was not important to Igmun.
He was just focusing on recovering his status as soon as possible.
The territory war broke out, and monsters were fighting each other everywhere in the Abyss.
In the midst of this, if his power as a Grand Duke weakened, there was a high possibility that not only the top-ranked species, which could be said to be the greatest force, but also the vampires, who were seen as a joke, would be under concentrated surveillance.
[I will go out and catch them myself. Please preserve your body, Lord.]
Verona said that, but Igmun shook his head.
[With these small fries, I can't guarantee the recovery of my status.]
[...Then?]
At Verona's question, Igmun recalled the sweetest guy among the monsters he had recently absorbed.
The Great Devil, Alzma.
They were not inherited from the Grand Duke, but were born with their own powers.
Just by completely absorbing Alzma, the clone surpassed the limits of the status.
It would be no different for the main body.
[I have to take the Great Devil.]
[......!!]
Verona expressed her displeasure at the unexpected words.
Even she, who was in the top five among Igmun's subordinates, could not guarantee a match against the Great Devil in her current state.
It was ridiculous that she had to worry about her life against the young devils who were not even ancient Great Devils.
[Don't worry. By now, Beelzebub is also not in his right mind. Would the demon race under him be any different?]
Igmun recalled Beelzebub's disgusting appearance as he spat out Elven.
He never imagined that he would have taken the Fairy King and hidden it so perfectly.
The current him must have spat out Elven, who had been melted down for a long time and was no different from his own body, and his mind and body had become unstable.
Now was the time to lure and capture the Great Devil.
[I will go out myself.]
Since it was during the territory war, the justification was sufficient.
[I will follow.]
Verona bowed her head behind her master, who was excited at the thought of prey.
As Igmun expected, the demon race was also in a bad situation.
Numerous monsters died in the main castle almost every day.
Due to the influence of Elven's separation, his mind was not intact, and his powers were running wild on their own.
If it had not been for the ancient Great Devil Mammon, the main castle would have melted down a long time ago.
[Hehehe. You're having a hard time.]
Mephisto, who visited the main castle, said as if it were someone else's business.
[The lord's recovery is slower than expected.]
Asura said that.
Unlike Mammon, who stayed in the main castle to protect Beelzebub, Mephisto and Asura were dealing with those who were targeting the demon race from outside.
It was because Orgal, Jormungandr, and Igmun, who noticed that Beelzebub had a problem with this battle, started to run wild.
Among them, the attack of the vampire race was particularly sharp.
[I heard that Igmun has directly joined the war. But I hear that he is not the same as before.]
[Hehehe. He must not have forgotten the taste of Alzma's blood.]
Mephisto belittled the power of the vampire race.
In his opinion, Igmun's close aides were not comparable to the ancient Great Devils.
[That's not the only reason. It would be more convincing to say that he is running wild to recover his status.]
Asura also had a similar assessment to Mephisto, saying that the vampire race was nothing special except for Igmun.
Mammon, who was listening quietly, opened his mouth.
[There is a report that the territories of Mastema, Gilfer, and Gorfer have been completely cut off.]
[Tsk tsk. It must be Rozaria's trick.]
Mastema would not have done such a thing in his right mind, so he said that Rozaria's power must have been at work.
Mephisto said with certainty.
At that time.
[You wouldn't have planted the sacred tree, would you?]
[......]
[......]
At Asura's words, Mammon and Mephisto closed their mouths.
The sacred tree was the symbol of the fairy race, which many Great Devils sacrificed to eliminate when Beelzebub struck the Fairy King in the ancient era.
If there is a sacred tree, the power of the fairy race becomes stronger.
Even if Elven is alive, the extinct fairy race cannot prosper, but it was true that it was unsettling because Elven had the power of great magic.
[No matter how much of a Fairy King he is, he cannot grow a sacred tree that did not exist.]
Mammon said, not hiding his displeasure.
[I agree. Anyway, we can't leave the hidden territory like that.]
[Then I will take care of Igmun. You should protect the lord.]
Hehehe.
Mephisto and Asura said with a laugh.
[I don't like it, but I can't help it.]
While Mephisto led his forces to stop Igmun and Asura dealt with the hidden territory, Mammon would have to protect the unstable Beelzebub.
[If we had the ancient brothers, we wouldn't be in such a ridiculous situation.]
Mammon said with regret.
[I agree.]
[We wouldn't have had to watch Lucifer's arrogance.]
The three surviving ancient Great Devils were lamenting their situation.
The top-ranked demon flew to their side.
[Mammon, we are under attack.]
[Hehehe. Is it Igmun again?]
Mephisto asked, not caring much.
[That's... Lucifer.]
[......]
[......]
[......]
The three Great Devils were speechless at the unexpected name for a moment.
[Damn celestial race.]
[Shouldn't we accelerate the resurrection of Diablo?]
At the reaction of the two Great Devils, Mammon's red eyes flashed.
[That means he also sensed the resurrection of Elven. Don't worry. The resurrection here is also proceeding as planned.]
398
Meanwhile, Taehyun had returned to District 15, where the battle had taken place.
He used Mastema's power to connect District 15 with the territories ruled by Gorrfer and Gilfer.
For the time being, even high-ranking demons who knew the coordinates would not be able to enter recklessly.
The only gate was connected to Rosaria's main territory.
"Has it grown in the meantime?"
Taehyun muttered, looking up at the huge sacred tree.
Then, he brought the Elven he was holding to the sacred tree.
There was no response.
[Hand it over already. This lady will look around with Elven.]
[This one will join you too!!]
Typhon hurriedly followed Rosaria.
"A demon's territory becoming an elf's territory. How strange."
[Is that all a high-ranking demon can do, protect the sacred tree?]
Gilfer said, sounding dumbfounded.
Was it because they were alone for the first time in a while?
Taehyun asked her about other races that existed in ancient times.
She still remembered a lot, avoiding the laws of the Abyss.
[Kim Taehyun. My brother. Words have power.]
"So you won't tell me?"
[Since Rosaria isn't here, there's no reason not to.]
"You are truly a righteous brother."
Soon, Gilfer mentioned various races.
Among them, what caught Taehyun's attention was the dwarf race.
"Where are they now?"
To his casual question.
[The Upper Realm, Olympus. They were taken by a guy named Hephaestus.]
He heard an unexpected answer.
The Upper Realm and Olympus.
He was surprised by the unexpected answer, not just because it was a story from mythology.
"Olympus, then..."
[They rule the Four Heavens. They're full of monsters on the level of ancient high-ranking demons.]
"......"
[Hephaestus is no different. He's obsessed with weapons, but his status is comparable to an ancient high-ranking demon.]
In addition, the names of the absolute beings who ruled the Four Heavens came out of Gilfer's mouth.
Zeus, the ruler of the Four Heavens.
Poseidon, Hades, Athena, Hera, and so on.
Some of them had a presence that could be called Archdukes.
She herself had tasted the scent of death several times.
Gilfer's words made his mind dizzy.
Taehyun knew that the Upper Realm was divided into ten heavens.
But if the power that ruled only one heaven was that great.
'It's impossible to win the race war.'
The power gap was so great that the plans he had prepared so far felt futile.
The territory war where the ranks of the Archdukes of the Lower Realm were determined.
He thought of it as a stepping stone for the next race war.
The strongest among the Archdukes would challenge the Lower Realm King and lead the next race war.
But according to Gilfer, even if all the power of the Lower Realm was scraped together, it would only be enough to oppose a few heavens.
A power difference that made the term race war impossible.
Gilfer seemed to have read his thoughts.
[It's natural to be so surprised. They're enemies that the current Lower Realm can't even imagine.]
Taehyun didn't deny it.
[The Abyss that this one first saw as a high-ranking demon was different from the present.]
Various races were scattered throughout the Abyss, forming groups, thriving in their own way, and many authorities existed.
It was a time hard to imagine in the current Abyss, where the principle of the survival of the fittest prevailed.
"But why?"
Why did it become a place like it is now?
Taehyun couldn't help but ask.
[Baal. Everything changed when he appeared in the Lower Realm.]
The Dragon King Baal.
Once an Archduke who reigned as the Lord of the Dragon Race, but now an Upper Realm King.
[You know quite a bit about the Upper Realm Kings.]
Kindly.
She gave him additional explanation.
He was the one who created the current Archduke system, and.
[He killed ----.]
Suddenly, Gilfer's words could not be heard.
[-----.]
"What is this... why can't I hear...?"
Unlike Taehyun, Gilfer had an indifferent expression.
[Didn't I tell you? The laws of the Abyss don't just restrict memories and actions.]
Words have power.
This is all that can be said right now.
Even this is an incredibly expanded range compared to before.
She nodded to herself, muttering.
She seemed to understand the principles of the spell that the Lower Realm King had created to some extent.
[One thing is certain. Since the current Lower Realm King appeared, the Upper Realm has become wary of the Lower Realm. Perhaps they've confirmed that they're no longer perfect absolute beings in the midst of frequent race wars.]
This was information that could not be obtained from Rosaria, or from other Archdukes whose memories were not intact.
'This is an unexpected gain.'
He wanted to ask her everything she knew, but.
"What you can tell me right now is up to this point."
[Rosaria isn't wrong either. It's meaningless if you can't find the answer yourself.]
It was still ambiguous, but he didn't ask any further.
He simply turned the topic to the original purpose of visiting this place, to prepare for the high-ranking demons' attacks.
Gilfer left, saying that nothing is perfect.
Taehyun was left alone in front of the giant sacred tree.
"King. What on earth are you plotting?"
From his regression to the current sacred tree.
He couldn't shake the thought that everything was designed by the King.
He wanted to ask.
What does this sacred tree, the revival of the Elf King, mean in your plan?
Why did you put such a troublesome spell on it?
"You can at least tell me that much."
Even though he knew he wouldn't get an answer.
That's all he could say to himself.
"......"
Taehyun was staring at the sacred tree when suddenly.
Ting.
[Skill Memorize (SSS) has been activated.]
"......!!"
With the rising message, his vision went dark.
When he opened his eyes again.
It was definitely in front of the sacred tree, but it was different from the form Taehyun knew.
It was incomparably huge, and trees no less than it were filled around the sacred tree, forming a huge forest.
Elves with long ears resembling Elven were laughing.
It was a peaceful daily life that could only be drawn in a dream.
And suddenly.
Darkness struck from the red sky.
Beelzebub and Diablo.
The two Archdukes' armies began to trample the Elven race.
The resistance of the Elven race was fierce, but the attacks of Diablo and the high-ranking demons who followed him were not light either.
Elven, the Elf King.
It was not only Beelzebub who faced her, who was assimilated with the sacred tree.
Dozens of high-ranking demons following him surrounded the sacred tree.
Among them, there were faces that Taehyun knew.
Gorrfer and Gilfer.
And the high-ranking demons he had seen before, Mammon, Mephisto, Asura.
Ancient high-ranking demons who were no less than them aimed for Elven along with Beelzebub, but.
Elven didn't budge at all.
Rather, the colorless magic was overwhelming the demons who used numerical superiority.
If the ancient high-ranking demons hadn't turned the Elf King's attention by sacrificing themselves, and if the rampaging Beelzebub hadn't contaminated the sacred tree with his authority.
He would not have doubted Elven's victory if he had not succeeded in poisoning the sacred tree in the end.
Elven's authority was rapidly weakened in the contaminated sacred tree.
Even so, she was still as strong as Beelzebub.
The second rampage that Taehyun knew.
And the third rampage that he had not yet experienced.
Magic stone, horn, tail.
Elven collapsed only after rampaging all three powers and losing her mind.
And without anyone stopping her.
Beelzebub's magic, who had lost his mind, covered Elven.
Some high-ranking demons cheered, and some were worried that their ally Diablo would notice.
Gilfer's red eyes, watching the scene, were deeply sunken.
The vision reversed.
The Lower Realm King was in front of him.
He frowned as he looked at the remains of the sacred tree that had been contaminated and melted down by Beelzebub's power.
"Am I too late."
It was not an empty word.
If the sacred tree had been there, if Elven had been there, he could have raised the Lower Realm's status.
He muttered to himself and suddenly raised crimson magic.
Crack.
The jaws of the gluttony ate the remaining remnants of the sacred tree in one bite.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
The King reached out his hand to the jaws of the gluttony, which were voraciously chewing on the remains.
Spit.
The jaws of the gluttony, disturbed by the meal, spat out something unpleasant.
What he spat out was a fragment of a colorless magic stone.
A handful of magic that Elven, who had been assimilated with the sacred tree, possessed.
Although the amount of magic remaining was insignificant.
It was enough to feel the power she had.
The King poured his magic into the fragment of the magic stone.
Tsszzz.
Colorless magic and crimson magic mixed together, and the fragment of the magic stone transformed into a green seed.
The King was lost in thought as he looked at the seed in his hand.
After a while.
The King's gaze turned to Taehyun.
"It is a seed that you must sprout."
If he could have spoken, he would have shouted.
If he could be seen.
But it was impossible for Taehyun, who had no body, to do anything, and the King could only smile bitterly, knowing that.
He swept through the completely contaminated territory of the Elven race and opened his mouth again.
"It will be far in the future. I can't even guess how many race wars will have to be fought. Still."
-----.
Noise arose in the King's voice as he said something.
"If you see this memory, protect the sacred tree at all costs. If you do so."
-----.
"Completely revive the Elf King."
Taehyun could be sure.
This was a message from the King to himself.
The vision reversed again.
The ancient high-ranking demons surrounded the Lower Realm King.
Mammon, Asura, Mephisto, Gorrfer, and Gilfer.
"I've come to ask for the price of destroying the sacred tree."
Ridicule and insults poured out.
Huge authority pressed down on the King.
Even so.
The jaws of the gluttony easily blocked everything.
"Diablo didn't know his place until he disappeared."
Irresistible magic soared from the King's body in streaks.
"How about you, little devils."
With overwhelming power, he subdued the ancient high-ranking demons and reached Beelzebub.
It was a more poisonous magic than that of a high-ranking demon, but even that could not penetrate the jaws of the gluttony.
"You have to pay the price for destroying the Elf King."
Crack.
The jaws of the gluttony tore off Beelzebub's wings and ate them.
Beelzebub swore and unleashed the power of his tail.
No one could look down on him.
Beelzebub's magic, who shouted that he was the true King, showed signs of rampage.
At that moment, a different light flashed in the King's red eyes.
"You, by any chance, did you swallow the Elf King?"
[-----!!]
"This is a mess."
The King, who let out a hollow laugh, raised new magic.
He was thinking of sweeping away the Demon Race and seating a new guy as King.
But his actions, faithful to his desires, saved his life.
The King praised Beelzebub's actions.
Beelzebub's magic stone rampaged and transformed into the form it was in when fighting Elven.
"Don't worry. Just because I'm going to spare your life doesn't mean I'm going to treat you lightly."
The jaws of the gluttony devoured Beelzebub's tail in one go.
"Next is the horn?"
How arrogant he was to ask that.
How similar he was to himself.
How much time had passed.
Rosaria was around the King.
She, who had gathered her tentacles, was quietly guarding the King's side.
"The Archdukes' warlike nature will eventually cut into their own flesh."
[What should this one do?]
"I must seal the Archdukes' power before the race war breaks out. That's the only way to preserve the Lower Realm's status, which has lost the Elven Race and the sacred tree."
[Who would refuse the King's command. This one will simply obey.]
Rosaria bowed her head respectfully.
"Your faith in me is too strong, Rosaria."
That was the last thing he saw as Rosaria's face turned red.
Hwaaa.
As if darkness had fallen, a handful of light particles brightened the vision.
And what came to mind when he opened his eyes again.
Ting.
[You have been chosen by the sacred tree.]
It was an unexpected message.
Okay, here is the translation of the text you provided:
Episode 399
The message that popped up made Taehyun tilt his head in confusion.
The choice of the Divine Beast.
This was clearly the right of the Elven King Elven to receive.
"Why... to me..."
It was when Taehyun was thinking this.
Ting.
[The progress rate of the quest ‘Race War’ has increased.]
[Progress Rate - 10%]
[The quest ‘Divine Beast’s Magic Power’ has been created.]
The progress rate of the Race War, which was only 5%, doubled to 10% at once.
And that wasn't all.
The newly emerged quest was concise, but it told him to accept the Divine Beast's magic power.
It was strange.
All of this was supposed to be obtained by the Elven King Elven.
Was something wrong?
That thought came instinctively.
At that moment.
'......!!'
Ancient memories and the memories of the moment the Divine Beast was first created flashed through Taehyun's mind.
In the memory, the 'King' collected the remains of the Divine Beast through Devour, and after a long time, the seed of the Divine Beast was passed on to Taehyun.
Under the pretext of a quest reward.
Afterwards, Taehyun's magic power and Elven's magic power were mixed and bloomed into the current Divine Beast.
In other words, the powerful magic power emanating from the giant tree included not only the Elven King's colorless magic power but also the Underworld King's crimson magic power.
'Could it be... has the owner of the Divine Beast changed?'
The Divine Beast, which originally belonged to the fairy, was recognizing someone other than the Elven King as its owner?
If a sane Elven heard this, he would have scoffed in disbelief.
But looking at the situation, it was a perfectly reasonable suspicion.
If so.
'For what purpose?'
As he was running endless assumptions through his head.
Kugugugugu.
Suddenly, colorless magic power rose from the Divine Beast.
A giant vine aimed for Taehyun's body.
As befitting colorless magic power, there was no proper sign, but it wasn't difficult to avoid.
If.
If the vine had ended with just one.
Kujik. Kujik.
Kwajik!!
From the giant Divine Beast, hundreds, thousands of vines aimed for his limbs as if they had life.
'Crazy.'
Taehyun hurriedly raised his magic power.
Kwaaaaa.
As he had done to countless monsters, he thought that the barrier of magic power would block all of them.
It was a delusion.
Jjuuk. Jjuuk. Jjuuuk.
The magic power of the barrier that touched the vines was sucked in in the blink of an eye.
It was like seeing Igmun's authority, Absorption.
As the magic power of the barrier disappeared, he retreated, but a few vines that had already turned around were touching his legs.
At the same time.
Ting.
[You have come into contact with a great will. Magic power consumption is accelerating.]
[You have come into contact with a great will. Stamina consumption is accelerating.]
His full stamina and magic power were rapidly draining.
The speed of absorption was not inferior to the authority used by Igmun's doppelganger before.
'What is this...'
Kwaaaaa!!
Taehyun released his magic power with all his might.
He was certain that, whatever the purpose, the Divine Beast's vines would not let go after moderately exploring the magic power.
If all his magic power were drained like this, he would become fertilizer for that giant tree.
Ting.
[Unique skill Devour (SSS) has been activated.]
Jjeoeok.
Kwaduk!!
A maw that popped out from under his feet bit off the vines that touched his body.
In that gap, he backed away.
He heard the sound of thumping from afar.
It was Typhon running with his huge body.
Then, Rozaria's voice was heard.
[Contractor!!]
Vines no less than Taehyun were popping out from under her feet, who was holding Elven in her arms, aiming for an opportunity.
Rozaria's tentacles were swung, but the vines were greedily absorbing magic power even as they were being cut off.
Kureureung!!
Hwareureureuk!!
Typhon, standing next to Rozaria, helped remove the vines using his authority.
Only for a moment.
Vines double the number of those that disappeared surrounded the two Archdukes.
[Fall back!!]
It was Gilfer who said that, approaching quickly with her wings open.
Chiiiiik!!
Poisonous magic power was scattered throughout the area.
The vines surrounding Rozaria and Typhon melted away for a moment, unable to withstand the poison.
Soon, the trembling vines swarmed towards Gilfer.
They felt the traces of Beelzebub, who had suppressed the Divine Beast, in the Great Devil's magic power.
[......!!]
Kujik!!!
Jjwaak. Jjwaak. Jjwaaaak.
Kudeudeuk!!
Gilfer, who hurriedly released her power, blocked the attack of the vines, but in that short time, she was robbed of a considerable amount of magic power and fell in a tattered state.
Rozaria's tentacles quickly snatched her, cutting down the vines aiming for her.
Taehyun, who was dodging the vines, took in the sight.
'If this continues, everyone will be in danger.'
He had to choose.
Whether to devour the Divine Beast to quell the current chaos, or to resist a little more and look for the reason for the sudden rampage.
Puuk!!
There was Typhon, skewered like a skewer on a stiff branch, the source of the clearly audible sound.
Gilfer quickly cut off the branch, but the pierced part was not regenerating.
There was no more hesitation.
The moment Taehyun, who recognized the Divine Beast as an enemy, tried to expand the range of Devour.
Hwaaaaa.
A ten-year-old girl that Rozaria was holding.
Colorless magic power bloomed from Elven's body.
It was clearly insignificant compared to the magic power emitted by others.
But the vines, which had been sucking up the magic power of the Archdukes without any care, suddenly stopped their attack.
Everyone's eyes turned to Elven.
Her crimson eyes were wide open, facing the Divine Beast.
An empty voice echoed in her head.
[They are not the ones.]
'Elven! Are you conscious?!!'
Even though he asked,
The voice that came back was still mechanical.
[It's not easy to overcome the Divine Beast's choice.]
'What are you talking about!!'
Even though he was shouting and asking, the incomprehensible words continued.
[Once the Divine Beast has chosen, there is no choice. If you don't accept it, all beings with magic power will only become prey.]
He could see Rozaria, who looked like she would be covered in vines at any moment, and Typhon and Gilfer, who were glaring at the branches.
Elven's magic power was protecting them now.
But the moment that unstable magic power went out, they would allow the absorption of magic power and be done for.
[Accept the Divine Beast.]
Taehyun instinctively avoided the body.
Kuduek!!
A vine sprang up in that spot.
He didn't think for long.
Ting.
[Unique skill Devour (SSS) has been activated.]
[Unique skill Devour (SSS) has been strengthened. Magic power consumption is accelerating.]
Jjeoeoooooeok.
The maw of Devour, created by squeezing out all the magic power, revealed its teeth.
A giant swamp was created under Taehyun's feet for a moment.
In an instant, the area came under the influence of Devour.
[What are you….]
"I don't like being dragged along."
Taehyun's crimson eyes, who said that, were facing the trunk of the Divine Beast.
[Target has been specified.]
"Eat it."
[Wait….]
Kwaduk!!!
Before Elven could finish speaking, the maw began to tear apart the Divine Beast.
Following the thousands of vines, the hard branches resisted the maw of Devour, but Taehyun was just as desperate.
'Great Devil's Heart' and 'True Blood'.
'Energy Drain' and 'Apocalypse'.
At the end of increasing and decreasing magic power repeatedly.
Finally, he broke through the obstacles and the teeth of the maw touched the Divine Beast.
Ting.
[You have come into contact with a great will.]
[Skill Memorize (SSS) has been activated.]
[Ancient memories are being replayed.]
[The connection between the Upper Realm and the Lower Realm is beginning.]
Countless messages popped up.
Before he could even check all of that.
Pung!!
His crimson eyes burst out.
Only for a moment of terrible pain.
His vision darkened.
[You sleep more than you look.]
He opened his eyes at the voice he heard.
Whether the burst eyes had regenerated, the first thing he saw was a bright cluster of light.
"Who..."
[You also have less cognitive ability than you look.]
The moment he heard those words.
Hwaaak.
The cluster of light that had been growing in size formed a human shape.
Behind it, things like wings were hanging down.
"......!!"
His eyes widened and he woke up completely.
That's because the cluster of light in front of him was an existence he couldn't forget even if he tried.
The existence that the American Player Association secretly served, calling it God.
Taehyun put the name of the existence called God into his mouth.
"No Name!!"
[Fortunately, your memory is not incomplete.]
It was just a cluster of light.
It only formed a human shape.
It was a pleasant voice that could be guessed that he was smiling.
'What the hell...'
He remembered the moment he disappeared.
He said so himself, and in reality, he didn't show himself anymore.
The only trace was the status window message with the exact same voice as his.
But why now.
"Did you appear like this."
Taehyun's voice asking that was crooked.
The irresponsibility of only saying what he wanted to say unilaterally and disappearing.
The emotions that had accumulated so far were revealed.
['If you complete your destiny, you will meet again.' I clearly said that, didn't I?]
"Have I completed my destiny?"
[Not yet. But I can't deny that you're moving in the right direction.]
"You're a God who speaks lightly."
The cluster of light scattered at Taehyun's sarcasm.
He must be laughing at the unexpected treatment.
[I even feel wronged. I thought I did my best for you.]
"Considering that, why can't you think that it was too. an insincere memory?"
Taehyun mentioned one by one the memories that No Name had shown him before.
A Race War of some kind, where beings resembling angels waged war with the Lower Realm.
Looking back now, that figure was only a small part of the Upper Realm's power.
[That was the limit at that time. Memory is also important for the recipient's ability.]
Instead of denying it, No Name blamed Taehyun's capacity.
"I'm sorry about that. I didn't have the capacity to properly digest even the information you spoon-fed me. Ah, since you were watching from the status window system, there's no need to explain it to you."
Silence filled the air at the continued sarcasm.
No Name was the first to bow his head.
[Don't be too like that. It's thanks to you that you've been diligently working hard that we can meet like this.]
He said that he had made some arrangements, and Taehyun had achieved one of them.
"Receiving the Divine Beast's choice?"
[Divine Beast. To be exact, it was a card that that guy prepared.]
He didn't know that the 'that guy' that God was talking about referred to the King.
He had only watched as the weak possibility he had planned was realized.
God made excuses that didn't suit his existence.
Of course, it didn't work for Taehyun at all.
"You're amazing. Why don't you start by revealing that arrangement?"
[…It seems I've earned a lot of hatred.]
"Arrangement."
[…Memory.]
"……?"
No Name's explanation continued.
Now that Taehyun had transcended the human body, he would be able to face the truths he couldn't handle before.
"Even if memory is important... I don't think that's all there is to it?"
When Taehyun asked, No Name continued to speak.
The reason why the Underworld King created the current situation was to raise the Divine Beast and raise the level of the Lower Realm.
[You wouldn't be childish enough to ask me to explain the reason, would you?]
Why the Underworld King, who was of human origin, was so obsessed with the Race War.
Taehyun already knew without hearing a separate explanation.
The Archdukes of the Lower Realm wanted to expand their territory to Earth, and the Upper Realm wanted to rule the Lower Realm.
All that was left was the Interdimensional Realm.
The planet of humans, who do not belong to either the Upper Realm or the Lower Realm and are considered the weakest.
No matter how the Race War ends.
He could fully expect that the future would not be bright.
But.
[The Interdimensional Realm is not only your hometown, Earth.]
400
The Upper World where the Celestial race resides.
The Lower World where demons reside.
The Intermediary World where those who are neither Celestial nor demon reside.
To those who are unaware of the existence of the Upper World, also known as the Celestial World.
Tae-hyun's perspective, knowing that the Abyss is merely the Lower World, was bound to be different.
Of course, that didn't mean the Abyss was small compared to Earth.
Even Tae-hyun had yet to fathom its end, and it was a place where even the Archdukes who had lived for a long time couldn't know the extent of.
It was only natural for humans with far weaker powers to view the Abyss as if it were the universe.
The Beginning Zone. The Mid-Level Zone. The Deep Zone.
And the Deepest Zone, where full-blown infighting began.
How much time would have to pass before they could discover that there flowed a Sea of Demise of unfathomable depth, a desert with no end, and subdimensional gates leading to labyrinths were installed everywhere?
The thirty-five years of life he had lived before regressing.
Tae-hyun, having seen the development process at that time, could tell.
If it weren't for his intervention, it would have taken at least 100 more years.
Even that would have been possible only after the blood of countless players had been scattered.
At first, there was some sense of duty.
To punish the Minders, to save the players who were pointlessly perishing in the Abyss.
Shouldn't he share information more actively?
He changed his mind after meeting the beings called Archdukes.
If the Territory Wars and the Race Wars weren't resolved, eventually.
'Earth will face a catastrophic moment.'
He couldn't stay tied to Earth.
He had to end the Territory Wars and meet the King to ask.
What lies beyond the Race Wars.
If balancing the power with the Upper World using the power of the Lower World was all that was truly needed.
While growing up little by little like that.
Tae-hyun's body became that of a demon, and his thoughts gradually expanded.
Earth, where humans live.
Could that place be an Intermediary World that belongs neither to the Lower World nor the Upper World?
A civilization more developed than the demons of the Lower World.
A power insignificantly weak compared to the Celestials of the Upper World.
Such futile thoughts often came to mind.
Was that why?
'The Intermediary World isn't just Earth.'
The reason Tae-hyun's constantly sarcastic mouth closed was because it was such an unexpected remark.
What eventually came out of his unmoving mouth was a somewhat foolish reaction.
"What...?"
Even he thought it was a dumb question.
Fortunately.
Noname was far from being mischievous.
It was close to impossible for him to show up here in the first place.
Because he didn't have enough time to waste on trivial jokes.
[Although Earth is directly connected to the Lower World, there are other dimensions connected to the Upper World.]
"......!!"
Other dimensions exist.
Even if someone else had brushed it off, hearing it from the mouth of the being called God made him feel like he had been hit hard in the head.
He wanted to ask for details, but.
Noname said that talking about other dimensions was breaking the rules.
If he was curious, he should find out for himself like 'that guy'.
[If this continues, the Upper and Lower Worlds will be connected again according to that guy's will. Of course, the choice is up to you.]
"......"
He was confused.
It was hard to understand.
The memory Noname had shown him in the past in America was just about one of the ten Celestial Worlds.
Even the Valkyries he had seen before had a status that couldn't be compared to ordinary demons.
If such beings were to come and go from the Lower World, the demons would be wiped out.
"Why?"
Why would the Lower World King, who wants victory in the Race Wars, take such a risk?
The conversation between the Upper World King and the Lower World King.
The ancient memories that the Sacred Tree had shown him.
In addition to that, several assumptions were pieced together.
The rise of status.
"Is that the only winning strategy in the Race Wars?"
He blurted out those words without realizing it.
[Contrary to appearances, you were a bit slow to notice.]
Status has far greater potential than Tae-hyun thinks.
The reason why Tae-hyun, a human, could aspire to the power of an Archduke was because of the rise in status.
Noname told him as if he were chatting.
It's not like Tae-hyun didn't know.
If all the demons of the Lower World were to achieve a rise in status due to the influence of the Sacred Tree, and if many Archduke-level demons were born among them.
'The immediate difference in power could be somehow made up for.'
But how much time would it take to do that?
How many battles would have to be fought to gain experience?
No, in the first place, is it even possible to win the Race Wars with just demons?
The Race Wars in his memory were structured in a way that the Lower World could never win.
There were the highest-level forces called Archdukes, but there were also beings called the rulers of each Celestial World in the Upper World.
Just that alone meant there were already ten Archdukes.
[The absolutes that exist in each Celestial World are no less powerful than the Archdukes of the Lower World.]
Noname drove a wedge into Tae-hyun's doubts.
'......'
Dozens of Archdukes.
No, maybe the number is in the hundreds.
It was a force that was dizzying just to think about.
At that moment, something flashed through his mind.
"If the Sacred Tree raises the status of the Lower World, what about Earth...?"
What about the status of Earth, which is connected to the Abyss, however imperfectly?
Noname didn't answer that question.
That attitude became an opportunity to confirm his assumptions.
'The status of the Lower World and the status of Earth are connected.'
It became even harder to understand the Lower World King's actions.
There was no need to use Tae-hyun as a key, he could just bloom the Sacred Tree himself.
He could end the Territory Wars himself and use the Sacred Tree to raise the status of the Lower World and Earth to prepare for the Race Wars.
But why doesn't he move?
Why does he choose a key and then not even show his face?
"What is the Lower World King doing?"
Again, Noname didn't answer.
He just said that there wasn't much time and to ask more productive questions.
'At this rate, it can't even be called a contingency plan.'
Since this was their second meeting.
Just as Noname had figured out Tae-hyun, Tae-hyun had also figured out him to some extent.
"What do you want me to do? Oh, don't misunderstand. I'm asking what the Lower World King wants."
[Sometimes there are areas that even omnipotence can't reach. That's the same for the guy who chose you. Reincarnation consumes a lot of existence.]
"......"
[My time here is running out. It's time to choose. Will you accept the Sacred Tree, or will you reject the Sacred Tree's choice and go outside as you are?]
As if he really didn't have much time, Noname continued to say what he had to say without giving him a chance to think.
[It will take quite a while. Based on your standards, it could be hundreds of years, thousands of years, or even tens of thousands of years.]
"Wait, there was no talk of that..."
[How much time you can shorten it depends on you. One hopeful thing is that time flows differently here than outside.]
"That's a really hopeful thing to say."
Before he knew it, Tae-hyun's attitude had become sarcastic again.
Of course, Noname was no longer paying attention to that attitude.
It was really time to choose.
Tae-hyun's 고민 didn't last long.
The Sacred Tree that had already bloomed according to the Lower World King's plan.
If he could accept that power and gain even greater power, if he could use that power to raise the status of the Lower World and Earth together.
"There's no reason to refuse."
Now that it's come to this, he would play along properly.
Tae-hyun expressed his firm intention.
[Let's begin.]
With those words.
A huge amount of mana rushed into his head.
There was no pain.
It was just that the body thrown into the huge mana was being erased, pickled, and regenerated repeatedly.
Only then did he understand what it meant to be chosen by the Sacred Tree, what it meant for the Sacred Tree to raise the status of the Lower World.
Tae-hyun focused his mind.
He was planning to accept the power of the Sacred Tree and get out as quickly as possible.
He had no intention of feeling this strange feeling for long.
Krrrrrrr.
Memories were erased and rewritten.
[That guy is mischievous too.]
It seemed like he heard those words.
Before long, even that couldn't be heard anymore.
One of the top 10 guilds representing Shinhan Korea.
Among them, the status of Night Walker was particularly high.
Along with Onsaemi, Magicians, and Alchemists, they were called the four major guilds and had developed Shinhan Korea into the powerful nation it is today.
Unlike other guilds that used force or products as a measure of strength, Night Walker's strength came from information.
But above all, what elevated the guild's status was the guild leader, Yoo Ah-young, who was also one of the best active players.
Starting with an S-rank license, she acquired an SS-rank license, and recently, she acquired an SSS-rank license, of which only ten have been issued in the world.
She is one of the ten national-level powers whose influence is being felt around the world.
It had already been 3 years since Kim Tae-hyun, who was the number 1 player in the world rankings, had gone missing.
It was an achievement made in those 3 years.
Night Walker Special Training Room.
Yoo Ah-young swung her sword alone there.
It was a rare-grade sword, but she didn't infuse it with any mana.
Nevertheless, it was filled with a sharpness that seemed like it could tear anything apart.
Around her, the corpses of S-rank demons that had met their demise were piled up.
Although it was a hologram made of mana, its appearance was no different from that of a real demon.
The voice of the training staff could be heard through her earring.
[Guild Leader. Shall we start now?]
"Yes. Annihilation Mode. SSS grade, please."
[...Understood.]
With the staff's reluctant answer, new mana began to gather in front of her.
The gathered mana created five SS-rank demons.
Annihilation Mode was a difficulty level created on the premise of a Breakout, so it was natural for multiple SS-rank demons to appear in an SSS-grade Breakout.
"Hoo."
She took a breath and gripped her sword again.
Tzzzzzz.
Green mana resided in the rare-grade sword.
It was an S-rank skill until 4 years ago, an SS-rank skill until 3 years ago.
Now it was an SSS-rank skill, 'Amazoness's Ferocity'.
Her figure quickly rushed forward.
Sshhk. Sshhk. Tchuk.
An attack swung before the demons could even react.
One sword, the mana that made up the demons' bodies disappeared with each sword.
This was because the system judged that the power contained in her sword had surpassed the demons' resistance.
After dealing with about ten more SS-rank demons like that.
Krrrrr.
The system's mana created a blue giant.
A dragon, known to be among the most ferocious and strongest of all demons.
"A Blue Dragon."
Seo Sang-ik's words from some time ago came to mind.
The only legendary-grade weapon in Shinhan Korea, the Dragon Slayer Sword.
Apparently, that was also made from the corpse of a Blue Dragon.
Pajijijik.
Sparks flew from the body of the fully formed dragon.
Her body was paralyzed as if she had been electrocuted.
The dragons' unique power, Ferocity.
Kwajik!!
The sword she was holding couldn't withstand the Ferocity and shattered.
A rare-grade sword couldn't even withstand the energy of an SSS-rank demon.
'That guy has been catching these since 3 years ago....'
Tting.
[Skill Amazoness's Ferocity (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
Tzzzzzzzz!!
Green mana covered her entire body.
"If I catch you, can I say that I've reached that guy?"
Thinking of a man who had disappeared without a trace 3 years ago.
She took the dragon's Ferocity into her body.
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