RKP 401-410

     ----------------------------

401화


Nightwalker Headquarters Facility Management Room.


A place that manages various energies such as electricity and magic power that operate not only in the training room but also throughout the guild building.


As Yoo Ah-young's reputation grew, so did Nightwalker's size, and nearly 100 people inside the facility management room were bustling about, checking the levels of all kinds of energy.


And among the many training rooms, there was a special training room made just for Yoo Ah-young.


The man managing that room was constantly exclaiming and checking the levels.


Next to him, another man with his hands behind his back was focused on the battle on the screen.


It was Nightwalker's vice guild leader, Jung Han-soo.


"Vice Guild Leader, our guild leader is really strong, isn't she?"


Everyone knew she was the best player in New Korea, but not everyone had seen her skills with their own eyes.


The man, who was appointed as the special training room manager, was constantly exclaiming at Yoo Ah-young's divine power, which he was seeing for the first time.


Even with Jung Han-soo standing there, other employees were already glancing at the screen to see Yoo Ah-young's training.


As if he were the one receiving attention, the man's shoulders were puffed up with pride.


Then, he once again praised Yoo Ah-young's skills and magic power levels to Jung Han-soo.


Jung Han-soo nodded lightly without answering.


It was an unspoken affirmation that he knew without being told.


He just.


"She's not even losing against a real dragon."


He muttered with a hollow laugh.


Ignoring the man who kept talking to him, Jung Han-soo recalled his conversation with Yoo Ah-young earlier.


He had only asked for a signature on a document.


She had said she needed to relieve some stress after a long time and had rushed out of the guild leader's office to come here.


She had just warmed up with an S-rank and immediately raised it to SSS-rank.


'She's starting to resemble Kim Tae-hyun more and more.'


He thought of Tae-hyun, who had disappeared with a legend-grade item three years ago.


It was an incident that shook the entire nation of New Korea, and Nightwalker searched every corner of the world.


If they could have crossed over to the Abyss, they would have pushed themselves to search the deepest depths.


That was when it started.


Ah-young began to focus on training as if she were being chased by something.


She started to get stronger at an alarming rate.


'But she's overdoing it too much this time.'


Even if it's just a hologram.


An SSS-rank difficulty setting could lead to the death of an S-rank player.


Besides, not all SSS-ranks are the same.


The Dragon race is one of the most troublesome species to deal with, along with the Demon race, among the known monsters.


To think she would try to take on a hologram of such a monster alone?


It's not that he doesn't trust her, who is one of the world's leading national-level players, but Jung Han-soo was worried about the slightest possibility of injury.


But he was now realizing with his own eyes that all those worries were unnecessary.


He focused on Yoo Ah-young's movements on the screen.


Pazuzu-zuk.


Pung. Pung.


Even though the Blue Dragon's aura of lightning was pressing down on her entire body.


Yoo Ah-young was enduring the aura and using it against the dragon.


Surprisingly, the dragon's tough scales were breaking apart.


Then, Yoo Ah-young's eyes met Jung Han-soo's, who was beyond the screen.


Her voice echoed through the speakers installed on the screen.


[Vice Guild Leader. I know you're watching, so allow the limit release.]


"……."


"...Vice Guild Leader. It might even shoot a breath attack at this rate."


The guild member in charge of the facility asked with a pleading expression.


No matter how realistic it is, the monster on the screen is ultimately a hologram made of magic power.


It's only natural that a significant amount of magic power is used to realize a realistic appearance.


Especially if the breath attack is implemented on a scale similar to the real thing, even the special training room would inevitably be damaged.


'The repair costs alone will be billions.'


Jung Han-soo sighed.


It was a significant amount, but.


It was a small price to pay for Yoo Ah-young to relieve the stress she usually had to deal with for various reasons.


Of course, from his perspective as the one who also handles Nightwalker's financial affairs, it would be better if that amount could be used elsewhere.


Jung Han-soo nodded once again.


It didn't matter if the special training room was completely destroyed, he allowed the use of magic power up to the limit currently used in the training room.


Gulp.


The employee adjusted the levels with a determined expression.


Woong. Woong. WOOOONG.


Immediately after, the dragon's aura changed.


It absorbed most of the magic power that Nightwalker could use in the training room and gained a presence similar to that of a real creature.


Drdrdrdr.


The overwhelming aura even gave the illusion that the building was shaking.


He checked the screen.


As if she had finally met a worthy opponent.


Yoo Ah-young was smiling.


Then, something huge struck her.


So fast that even a high-speed camera couldn't capture it properly.


It was only after another camera captured Yoo Ah-young, who had been thrown against the wall of the training room, that he realized that what had struck her was the dragon's front paw.


"She was being careless!"


Jung Han-soo shouted without realizing it and examined Yoo Ah-young's body on the screen.


Fortunately, she had been strengthening her body with magic power, so there were no major injuries visible.


However, the magic power surrounding her body was shaking unstably.


Even to him, who had retired to a managerial position, it was a crisis situation.


But Yoo Ah-young was still smiling.


More brightly than ever.


As if only this level could entertain her.


Drdrdrdr.


The surrounding buildings began to vibrate again.


It wasn't because of the aura emitted by the implemented dragon, nor was it because of the breath attack gathering in its vicious maw.


'Could it be…'


Before he knew it, purple magic power was rising from Yoo Ah-young's body.


Her eyes had turned red, and a madness was dwelling on her upturned lips.


It was as if time had stopped for a moment.


The facility management room was enveloped in silence, and the eyes of all the gathered guild members were directed at the screen.


The first to come to his senses was Jung Han-soo, who had witnessed this power before.


"What are you doing?! Check the barrier levels!"


"Yes, sir!"


"The barrier status is good!"


"There are no abnormalities in the magic power barrier!"


"There are no abnormalities in the building's own magic power dispersion system!"


"The hologram's magic power level has stopped at 300,000."


Even if it were directly hit by a breath attack, there would be no problems with the headquarters building.


The experts in the industry shouted as if they were making a solemn oath.


But their answers were rendered meaningless.


Tsuzu-zuzu-zut.


Two purple tentacles sprouted from behind Yoo Ah-young's back.


Zururuk. Zuruk.


The tentacles wriggled and crawled on the floor.


The breath attack was fired at the same time.


Kwaaaaa!


Pazuzu-zuk!!


The magic power of the emitted lightning was so dazzling.


Those who were watching the screen had to turn their heads.


Only Jung Han-soo focused his magic power on his eyes and watched what was happening.


In a fleeting moment.


One of the tentacles created by Yoo Ah-young spread out wide like a huge shield.


In the gap, another tentacle pierced through the dragon's scales and pierced its neck.


Kak... Kak....


The dragon's appearance, which was coughing with its neck pierced, gradually scattered.


She had annihilated an SSS-rank monster with a single blow.


Confirming that she was not shocked at all as she calmed the purple magic power.


"You've really become a monster."


Jung Han-soo muttered quietly.


"Did you relieve your stress well?"


"Hmph~ To think that even the alchemist's boastful technology has its limits with dragons. I'd rather have a gate open up again."


"Don't say such scary things. Anyone who hears you will think you're crazy."


"Oh my, I feel strange~?"


"It's just your imagination. More importantly, you've had your fun, so now you have to work."


Jung Han-soo quickly changed the subject at the guild leader's glaring eyes.


Yoo Ah-young frowned at the word work.


It felt like the stress she had relieved by unleashing her power after a long time was coming back.


Jung Han-soo sighed.


"Haa…. Guild Leader. I know you've been itching to move lately, but everyone else is doing their jobs too. The way you've been acting lately is no different from Kwon Kang-hyuk, the guild leader of Onsaemiro. I heard that he's more focused on personal training than guild operations…."


Yoo Ah-young quickly cut him off, fearing that his nagging would continue.


"I get it, I'll take a shower and go, so put the documents on my desk."


She headed to the shower room, leaving behind Jung Han-soo's distrustful gaze.


Ah-young scanned her body reflected in the mirror.


Her body, which was clean without a single scar, was eye-catching, which didn't suit the image of an active player at the top.


That was because she had gained a super-speed regeneration ability from some point on, gaining the best healing ability.


Was that all?


Even though she was in her mid-30s, her appearance was getting younger and younger, to the point where she could be mistaken for someone in their early 20s.


It was the effect of undergoing a metamorphosis-like change as her awakening rank grew to SSS.


"Kim Tae-hyun."


She quietly recited the name that was being forgotten in people's memories.


He was a guy who was used to being number one in the world ranking and working alone.


He hunted Minds alone, and roamed the deepest parts of the Abyss alone.


There was nothing wrong with it since the association president, Ji Jin-hee, had allowed it at the time.


But three years ago.


Tae-hyun disappeared, leaving behind traces in Brazil's uncompleted SSS-rank dungeon as his last.


It wasn't long after that.


The gate to the Abyss closed, and Gate Breaks stopped occurring.


The number of S-rank and SS-rank awakeners noticeably increased.


The players' power became stronger, but ironically, the entrance to the Abyss that they had to explore was blocked.


The players wanted to test their strength, and their arrows were directed at the already formed dungeons and Minds.


For three years, there was a massive dungeon raid and hunting boom.


Thanks to this, all but three dungeons were cleared, and the Minds were wiped out.


It seemed like peace was coming.


If the countries that had reorganized their military strength in the meantime hadn't revealed new ambitions, it certainly would have been.


Fortunately.


At that time, when the tide of a new era was washing in, the New Korean Player Association was making sufficient preparations.


Under the leadership of Ji Jin-hee, the P20, a coalition of associations from small countries, was formed.


In just three years, the P20 grew in size to become the 'P50,' with fifty countries participating.


Along with the 'World Player Association' centered on the United States, the 'Sino Federation' created mainly by China and Africa, and the 'European Union' consisting of 30 European countries, it checked each other as the world's four major organizations.


New Korea, which had been keeping an eye on Japan and China only four years ago, was now competing as the central country of the world's four major organizations.


Of course, as much as that, the work of Nightwalker, one of the pillars of New Korea, increased.


"Vice Guild Leader…. It feels like you haven't been working enough lately."


Ah-young clicked her tongue as she looked at the piles of documents on her desk after taking a shower.


She was even considering giving up her position as the guild leader of Nightwalker because of the increasing workload recently.


There were many reasons why she was still maintaining her position, but one of the biggest reasons was that there was no organization as active as Nightwalker in finding the whereabouts of the missing man.


Of course, if the gate to the Abyss ever opened, she was thinking of handing over the guild leader position to Jung Han-soo and leaving without regret.


Until then, she was planning to stay here and do her part somehow.


"This older sister is so worried… surely he's not really dead, is he?"


Ah-young ignored the documents that Jung Han-soo had pushed aside and took out the liquor she had stashed away in advance and sipped it.


The media was in a mood to confirm that Tae-hyun had died in the deepest depths along with Cody Cruz, who had disappeared around the same time.


Only Ji Jin-hee and a few players who had worked with Tae-hyun were denying the fact.


"There's no way that monster-like guy could have been killed by monsters."


Unlike her incomplete self, wasn't he a human who completely controlled the power of the Archduke?


Had she taken three sips?


Suddenly, the door to the guild leader's office burst open.


"Guild Leader, a big problem has happened. A large Gate Break in China…."


"……."


"What are you doing?"


At Jung Han-soo's cold gaze.


Yoo Ah-young quietly hid the liquor bottle behind her.


Chapter 402


"What are you doing right now?"


Jeong Han-soo asked with a cold glare.


Though just management, he was also a player who had received an S-rank license.


It was one thing for Ah-young to hurriedly hide the liquor upon the sudden visit, but it was impossible not to smell the strong scent permeating the room.


"Y-you saw everything, why ask?!"


Ah-young stammered out an absurd excuse, claiming she had only drunk a few glasses to relax her tense muscles after the earlier battle.


"Our guild prohibits drinking during working hours, though. And weren't you drinking straight from the bottle, not a glass?"


Jeong Han-soo retorted with an indifferent expression.


It was her who had recognized Jeong Han-soo's abilities early on and recruited him when Nightwalker was first established.


Knowing she couldn't win against him with words, Ah-young tried to silence him by flaunting her position, asking if he was now monitoring her private life.


Jeong Han-soo, as if unwilling to hear any excuses, picked at his ear and opened his mouth.


"Shall we continue listening to your clumsy excuses, or should I tell you about the newly received intelligence?"


"Intelligence?"


"It seems the Chinese side conducted a large-scale Gate experiment."


"Gate!!"


Ah-young reacted with unprecedented fervor.


Unlike three years ago, the passage to the Abyss was now blocked.


Opening a Gate required enormous magical power, and neighboring countries were closely watching to see what impact the experiment might have on the future political landscape.


"But this is…"


Although tempting information, it wasn't exactly intelligence worthy of the name.


Numerous countries had been vying to conduct Gate experiments, but none had succeeded in the past three years.


'Could it be… that the experiment succeeded?'


She looked at Jeong Han-soo.


"I'll tell you everything without holding back, on the condition that you resolve all the payment documents within this week."


"Jeong Han-soo, Vice Guild Master. I'm the Guild Master, you know? If I wanted to, I could find out what the intelligence is…"


"If you don't accept the condition, I'll resign within the next month. I have a lot of money saved up, so I can enjoy work-life balance from now on…"


"Deal. Payment documents, and a week's vacation."


Jeong Han-soo chuckled at Yoo Ah-young's desperate attitude.


"I don't even wish for a vacation. Is the guild going to collapse?"


After a brief jest, Jeong Han-soo told her about the intelligence he had acquired.


It was news Ah-young had been waiting for.


But the fact that the target country was China meant it could lead to a major crisis.


In any case, the conclusion was one.


"It seems China has succeeded in opening a Gate connected to the Abyss."


Korean Player Association. The Association President's office.


A weary Ji Jin-hee was receiving a report from Lee Jae-joon, the newly appointed Chief of Staff.


"It has finally happened."


Lee Jae-joon nodded at Ji Jin-hee's words.


In the past, before Tae-hyun became a player.


He was the person in charge of the Gate Break incident that occurred nearby. After surviving the crisis, he had risen rapidly and was now supporting Ji Jin-hee, succeeding Ko Tae-wook, the first President of P20 at its establishment, and was being recognized for his abilities.


"There is no doubt, as the information was sent directly by Vice Guild Master Jeong Han-soo. It is certain that the Chinese side has succeeded in a Gate experiment."


"A Gate…"


Ji Jin-hee sank into thought with a characteristic sigh.


Now that Gate skills and devices related to the Abyss had become useless.


The fact that a Gate connecting to the Abyss had been created again held more meaning than it appeared.


In other words, through Gate connection technology, China could seize world hegemony.


"At this rate, how is this different from four years ago?"


Ji Jin-hee recalled the time when Korea was shrinking under the gaze of the world's powers.


Considering Korea's current status, it seemed like a long time ago.


But it was astonishing to recall that shameful period was only four years in the past.


And now.


That history was about to repeat itself.


Lee Jae-joon continued his report.


By now, the news would have reached not only the associations of the world's leading countries, but also the heads of the Four Great Organizations.


The head of the Chinese Federation would be hosting a Four Great Organizations meeting in the near future.


None of this could be easily dismissed.


Then.


A knock came, and a staff member of the secretariat announced the visit of someone unexpected.


"Nightwalker Guild Master Yoo Ah-young has come to see you."


"Tell her to come in."


Yoo Ah-young, who was guided into the Association President's office, exchanged brief greetings with Ji Jin-hee.


"I was just receiving a report about it."


"The incident has occurred, and the faster we react, the better."


So saying, she placed a round marble on the table in the Association President's office.


It was a unique-grade communication crystal, of which only five existed in Korea.


"Oh, she's already made contact."


"As befits an information guild. The faster the news, the better."


She said as if it were a habit and injected magic power into the crystal.


Tsu-tsu-tsu.


The crystal, which had absorbed magic power, projected multiple holograms in the air.


Whether they had been contacted in advance and were waiting.


The figures of the core players supporting Korea alongside Ji Jin-hee appeared there.


P50 Secretary-General Ko Tae-wook, Onsaemiro Guild Master Kwon Kang-hyuk, Magicians Guild Master Kwak Si-yang, Alchemist Guild Master Seo Sang-ik, and Jung Tae-woo, the rapidly growing Hanbit Guild Master.


[It's been a while since we've all faced each other like this.]


Ko Tae-wook was the first to speak.


"You look well, Secretary-General Ko."


Kulkulkul.


Ji Jin-hee, who deduced that he was overwhelmed with work just by looking at his face, made a jest.


[The days when I worked under the Association President feel like heaven.]


"Tsk, tsk. A young person shouldn't say such things. I only hope you become even busier in the future."


[You say such terrible things so casually.]


Formal greetings were exchanged in addition to this.


[Hey, you didn't call busy people just to make jokes, right? Is it true that a Gate has opened in China?]


Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had a thick beard, asked grumbling.


"It's true."


It was Chief of Staff Lee Jae-joon who said that, and Ah-young nodded to support the fact.


Since the Nightwalker Guild Master had certified it, the fact-checking was practically over.


[I already thought the Chinese Federation's attitude was suspicious.]


Ko Tae-wook shared information collected through P50.


"That they succeeded in the secretly conducted demonization experiment, right?"


Silence fell at Yoo Ah-young's words.


[Surely you haven't forgotten about the Gray Plague incident in the meantime?]


It was Jung Tae-woo, the head of the Hanbit Guild, who asked that question.


Those who didn't know the details of the incident well might have said that.


[Our greenhorn Guild Master doesn't know much.]


[Sometimes, common sense doesn't work with certain countries.]


[These days, teenagers even say that the Gray Plague started in America.]


Others corrected that thought.


Since it was a country that called itself a great power, it was difficult to approach it with common sense.


[I don't regret making the vaccine… but we needed to put more definite pressure on them.]


[I miss Tae-hyun more every time.]


It was Ko Tae-wook who said that.


If Tae-hyun had been the administrator, he would have responded without considering diplomatic and economic repercussions.


Although the damage in other areas would have to be somewhat tolerated due to that effect, at least they wouldn't be sitting here frustrated.


And China wouldn't have been allowed to quietly restore its power over the past three years.


"It's all my fault for being inadequate. For pushing that child to the brink too…"


"As a result, the United States also failed to keep China in check… so it's not the Association President's fault either."


She comforted Ji Jin-hee, who was blaming himself, mentioning the strongest player in America who had disappeared around the same time.


[Damn it. So are you just going to keep lamenting? I'd rather train more during that time.]


[Guild Master Kwon Kang-hyuk, please watch your language…]


"In any case, it's certain that China has succeeded in activating the Gate. Then we should try to get our foot in the door somehow."


Yoo Ah-young brought up the original matter, focusing everyone's attention.


The Korean Player Association planned to deliver a business proposal to the Chinese Player Association.


Since they also owed them for the Gray Plague incident, they wouldn't be able to easily refuse.


[I hate these kinds of stories. I'll tell my Vice Guild Master, so you guys take care of it.]


With those words, Kwon Kang-hyuk's face disappeared.


It was an action that made one think of his Vice Guild Master Kim Hye-yeon's hardships.


Even though he said that, everyone knew he wouldn't spare support once the plan was executed.


No one, including Ah-young, blamed Kwon Kang-hyuk.


[Is there anything I can help with? Of course, since it's an official position, I'm asking in an 'official' capacity.]


Ko Tae-wook emphasized his position and asked what his role was.


Ah-young also knew what that meant.


"By now, the World Player Association and the European Union must be trying to make contact as well. I hope Secretary-General Ko can enlarge the playing field."


[I'll arrange a summit.]


Ah-young smiled in response.


'We can finally find a clue.'


Knowing that Tae-hyun's disappearance was connected to the Abyss.


The eyes of the group were shining.


Not long after, a summit involving 4 international organizations and 20 countries was decided.


The location of the summit was set in New Delhi, India, which was in a border dispute with China. For Korea, which had India as a member of P50, it was not a bad situation.


Shanghai, China.


Shanghai Research Institute.


Liu Si-bo, the President of the Chinese Player Association, welcomed Vincent Chang, the President of the World Player Association, to his visit.


"You've made a difficult journey."


Liu Si-bo said, strutting.


Because he knew well the reason why the other party had sought him out.


As expected.


"I came to warn you."


Vincent Chang laid down threats, mentioning all sorts of sanctions.


The reasons and justifications were varied, but the ultimate goal was one.


"You've made a difficult journey when even a mobile Gate isn't working, so how about seeing the research achievements of a great power before you go?"


Before an acceptance could be made clear, the director of the research institute came running out and began the tour.


It was when Vincent Chang had been walking for a while, glancing around.


Suddenly.


A huge magic circle appeared before him.


"This is…?"


"Why are you pretending when you knew everything? You came all the way here, even with the summit date set, because you wanted something else, right?"


Before he knew it, Liu Si-bo's tone had turned to casual disrespect.


"So, it's really…"


"That's right. Our great power has reconnected the Gate to the Abyss. And that's not all, we can also summon creatures through the Gate."


There was pride of unfathomable depth in Liu Si-bo's voice as he said that.


"The United States couldn't even do it… I can't just believe those words…"


"Great powers aren't all the same."


Liu Si-bo ordered the director of the research institute with a nod.


The director nodded and instructed something.


A moment later.


*Jiiiii-. *


The space right next to the magic circle opened, and a huge lab appeared.


Inside the lab, there was a huge horn filled with magical power.


"Isn't that a… creature's horn…?"


Since Gate Breaks no longer occurred, its value had soared into the stratosphere, but experimenting with the corpse of a creature was not something special.


As if knowing what Vincent Chang was thinking, Liu Si-bo smirked.


"That's right. But just as 'great powers' aren't all the same, neither are 'creatures,' wouldn't you say?"


"What are you trying to say!! Are you saying you're going to cause another incident like the Gray Plague?!!"


Vincent Chang shouted in anger.


Due to the Gray Plague, which began with China's demonization experiments, he had also had to face numerous criticisms as the President of the World Player Association.


The 'World Player Association' and the 'European Union' and 'P50' were watching.


Even if he had the Chinese Federation as his backer, he wouldn't tolerate the same behavior as before.


Vincent Chang poured out emotions mixed with anger and concern.


But.


Kikikik.


Liu Si-bo burst into laughter, bending over at the waist.


"It's not just something like Venom."


"……?"


"Diablo. The name of our great power's new guardian deity."


"What…?!!"


World powers were nothing before the power of the Archduke.


Even the power of the three organizations excluding the Chinese Federation would be useless.


Liu Si-bo spewed out an impassioned speech.


Vincent Chang even stepped back at that crazed look.


"World Player Association President Vincent Chang. I'll give you one last chance to join our great power. Choose. My patience isn't deep."


403


Chinese Player Association.


Association President Liu Sibo, who had returned from Shanghai, was hosting Chairman Zheng Qing.


"Vincent Chang has decided to side with the Great Country."


Liu Sibo was sharing the outcome of his recent meeting.


"Vincent Chang. Wasn't he the one who turned his back on the Great Country, despite inheriting its bloodline?"


He sneered at Vincent Chang.


He believed that if the president of the World Player Association had sided with the Great Country earlier, they would have surely crushed the United States by now.


Of course, he had to acknowledge Kevin Lee, the president of the American Player Association, as being exceptionally capable, but Zheng Qing wanted to rationalize it that way.


"Everything is going according to your plan, Chairman."


Liu Sibo cautiously tried to lift Zheng Qing's spirits.


"Enough with the flattery. I should just be satisfied that he has awakened the ignorant people, even if it's only now. Continue your report."


"We have received confirmation that three organizations, excluding the previously mentioned China Federation, will be attending. Even though holding it in Taipei fell through, the trend towards becoming a single Great Country will be inevitable."


At Liu Sibo's words, Zheng Qing smirked.


A single Great Country.


If he could accomplish that monumental mission, his name, Zheng Qing, would be deeply etched in history.


Just like how the ancient Qin dynasty carved the name of Qin Shi Huang into history with the blood of countless soldiers.


Although the players would be the ones shedding blood, the name Zheng Qing would be revered alongside Qin Shi Huang.


He couldn't help but laugh at the thought.


Sensing that Zheng Qing was in a good mood, Liu Sibo began to lay out the detailed plans.


He said that starting with this meeting, the border disputes with India would become meaningless.


They would regret choosing P50 over the China Federation, and as a consequence, the name India would disappear from the world map.


"I am also concerned. It's not that I doubt the proud soldiers of the Great Country, but there are those so-called National Power-Level players."


Azharuddin Ismail.


Zheng Qing mentioned the name of India's proud National Power-Level player.


The title of National Power-Level was created for those who were a cut above even the S-Rank players of the past, but now it refers to the ten strongest players who have been issued SSS-Rank licenses.


Shinhan's Yoo Ah-young.


Japan's Yoshikawa Tsurara.


America's Sara Collins, Montel Jackson, and Gregor Gillespie.


Brazil's Lucas dos Santos.


Germany's Thomas Neuer.


Russia's Sergei Semak.


India's Azharuddin Ismail.


Taiwan's Su Jinchang.


With nuclear weapons and war prohibited by international treaties.


It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that these ten symbolize the military power of their respective nations.


"It's offensive. To dare to discuss the best without including the warriors of our Great Country."


Zheng Qing spat out the words as if he didn't like it.


Three years ago.


China was entangled with a player from Shinhan named Kim Tae-hyun, which revealed numerous corruptions and significantly damaged their credibility in the international community.


They lost many talented individuals to the schemes of nations that opposed the Great Country, including friendly matches.


Furthermore, their relationship with the World Player Association, which was heavily influenced by the United States, soured, leading them to reject the SS-Rank licenses issued by the World Player Association and issue their own licenses for the past three years.


"Have faith in the talent of the Great Country."


Liu Sibo proudly emphasized the power of the association.


As a result of abolishing the licenses issued by the World Player Association and issuing their own licenses.


Currently, there are 1,000 S-Rank players, 500 SS-Rank players, and 50 SSS-Rank players.


But the world's view is that China is running a license racket.


Zheng Qing expressed his displeasure at that fact.


"There is no need to worry. Thirty of the Great Country's National Power-Level players will be deployed for this meeting. They are the strongest warriors of the Great Country, so do not doubt them."


Liu Sibo bowed his head excessively, extolling the strength of his subordinates.


Only then did a smile return to Zheng Qing's face.


Thirty National Power-Level players.


Regardless of how the licenses were issued, the fact remains that they are also Awakening Grade SSS and have passed rigorous tests.


The corners of his lips twitched as he recalled that his country had fifty National Power-Level players, while the rest of the world only had ten.


"Of course, I believe. If a single Great Country is completed, you will engrave your name in history alongside me."


Zheng Qing patted Liu Sibo on the shoulder.


"I will risk my life to make the plan succeed."


Liu Sibo prostrated himself.


This meeting, where the world's top organization and the ten National Power-Levels are all gathered.


After the meeting, China will once again take its first step towards becoming a great power.


A bitter smile flickered across the faces of the two ambitious men, Liu Sibo and Zheng Qing.


"The atmosphere is more ominous than I thought."


Park Sung-jin said, scanning the grim mood of the citizens as he traveled by car after arriving at New Delhi Airport.


"I heard that quite a few players died recently in the border dispute with China."


"To deploy players in a border dispute... They're no different from soldiers at this rate."


Park Sung-jin clicked his tongue at the changing use of players, with the Abyss blocked off and its meaning slowly changing.


They were being deployed unofficially now due to the watchful eyes of international organizations, but eventually, they might create units composed entirely of players.


Of course, they had to prevent that from happening before it came to that.


"Since Chinese officials are coming, they're on edge."


Park Sung-jin said that they needed to be even more thorough in their protection.


Ji Jin-hee was attending this meeting as the president of the Shinhan Player Association, with Yoo Ah-young and Park Sung-jin as his bodyguards.


The maximum allowed number of guards was thirty, and in addition to the two, some of Shinhan's most prominent players were deployed.


Ji Jin-hee burst into hearty laughter.


"What's there to fear when Shinhan's proud players are my bodyguards?"


"Still, there's always a 'what if' scenario."


Ah-young, who was sitting to Ji Jin-hee's left, said indifferently.


Contrary to her words, she wasn't very worried either.


As an SSS-Rank player herself, along with SS-Rank player Park Sung-jin, and with Ji Jin-hee himself already an SS-Rank player, the word "bodyguard" felt almost meaningless.


"Speaking of which, can you tell me about Team Leader Im Ah-young's progress?"


When Ji Jin-hee mentioned Im Ah-young, who had grown into another SS-Rank player from Shinhan, Yoo Ah-young frowned.


She knew that Ji Jin-hee was mentioning her on purpose to tease her.


"Hahaha. It's scary when you make that face with your pretty face."


"Our association president is getting more mischievous as he gets older."


It was Park Sung-jin who responded to Yoo Ah-young's words.


"Team Leader Im Ah-young is performing her duties admirably. If she continues to improve at this rate, she'll surpass me without much difficulty."


"Oh. For our Deputy Park to make such an assessment, I'll live to see the day."


"I was just stating the facts."


Im Ah-young had been dispatched overseas to conquer the three remaining uncaptured dungeons designated as SSS+ Rank.


Park Sung-jin, who had met her on business recently, immediately recognized her growth.


He said that Im Ah-young's skill proficiency was deepening day by day, and that perhaps Shinhan might see its third SSS-Rank player after Yoo Ah-young.


Park Sung-jin praised her in a taciturn voice.


Yoo Ah-young didn't particularly like that.


Even though she knew that Park Sung-jin's eyes didn't lie, and that Im Ah-young's talent and effort were no less than her own.


It was unavoidable that she would become sensitive when it came to news about her half-sister.


Even though she knew that the child was innocent.


"If you keep joking around, I'm just going to go on vacation and come back."


"Hahaha. I went too far with my jokes. Calm down."


Yoo Ah-young sighed quietly as she looked at Ji Jin-hee, who had grown noticeably older since Tae-hyun disappeared.


Ji Jin-hee's jokes didn't stop.


It's just that the target changed from Yoo Ah-young to Park Sung-jin, and from Park Sung-jin to Go Tae-wook.


"You've gotten more wrinkles in a short time."


Go Tae-wook, who arrived at the meeting place as the head of the four major organizations, P50, made a joke.


"Haha. I have no one to play with since you're not around."


"I can see the suffering of Director Lee Jae-joon."


The small talk was brief.


Go Tae-wook and his bodyguards entered the meeting hall with greetings.


With so many reporters' cameras rolling, it wouldn't be good for the head of P50 to associate with someone from the same country.


While the association presidents of the participating countries and the heads of the four major organizations were having a silent battle of wills.


Liu Sibo, the president of the Chinese Player Association, and the head of the China Federation, who could be said to be the protagonists of this meeting, entered side by side.


Those who watched frowned at the blatant display.


"Many have gathered for the Great Country's feast, wouldn't you agree?"


"I agree."


The association presidents of each country and the heads of the four major organizations took their seats, and two guards stood behind them.


After several taunts and shouting matches, the meeting began.


"Huge magical power reactions have been detected in Beijing and Shanghai."


"According to assessments by your own experts, China has succeeded in connecting to a gate to the Abyss, is that true?"


"That's right. Your so-called experts should have already confirmed that. I thought this was a place for negotiations, not fact-checking, was I wrong?"


"......"


Everyone was at a loss for words.


It was Kevin Lee, the president of the American Player Association, who opened his mouth.


"What are your demands?"


"As you know, the Great Country is the only one that has succeeded in connecting to the Abyss. If you want technical cooperation, accept the Great Country's conditions."


Kevin Lee frowned at the one-sided remarks.


Liu Sibo raised a finger, as if his demands were not over yet.


"Ah, and one more thing. We want to place the World Player Association, the European Union, and P50 as subordinate organizations of the China Federation."


"Are you out of your mind?!"


"Are you crazy!"


Shouts erupted from all over at Liu Sibo's unreasonable demands.


This was because the words blatantly revealed the intention to place all the world's organizations under their feet, using the gate as a condition.


Liu Sibo clicked his tongue at the sight.


"What is there to discuss with ruffians who do not acknowledge that the Great Country is the center of the world? I have clearly stated my intentions, and it would be wise to be careful in your words and actions if you have any sense."


The display was so arrogant.


Everyone except those backed by the China Federation had dumbfounded expressions.


"So you're going to force a trade war."


Kevin Lee repeatedly warned that there would be sanctions against China's attitude.


At that moment.


"I think it is necessary to listen to President Liu Sibo's demands as well."


Vincent Chang, who had been quietly watching the situation, opened his mouth.


The atmosphere sank.


This was because Vincent Chang, who was outwardly no less than a spokesperson for the American Player Association, was openly siding with China.


"You're showing your dirty side to the end. That's why the World Player Association has lost its power."


The head of the European Union shouted.


"The meeting has been broken off from the start."


Go Tae-wook, representing P50, also stated that he did not agree with Liu Sibo's intentions.


As if he had anticipated the reaction.


Liu Sibo burst into a frivolous laugh.


"Bring the items."


With everyone's attention focused, three players who had come as guards carried three specially made cubes.


"What is that?"


An association president somewhere asked.


"I'm sure you all know that it's impossible to move through the gates, and yet you've come all this way. Therefore, the Great Country will offer a gift out of consideration."


At Liu Sibo's gesture, a guard opened one of the cubes.


Inside was a huge horn.


"The Archduke who rules the Abyss. A part of Diablo's body, who is called the King of Demons. A gift from God to the Great Country, and a punishment to you."


The area instantly became chaotic.


Liu Sibo, who was enjoying the spectacle, slammed the table and stood up from his seat.


"On behalf of the Great Country, I declare!! China will once again become the center of the world, so if you want to preserve your lives, you must be careful in your choices!!"


The sight was no different from that of a fanatic.


"Is he really crazy?"


Yoo Ah-young muttered with a hollow laugh.


Okay, here is the translation of chapter 404:


Chapter 404


Fortunately, Yoo Ah-young's words didn't reach Liu Sibo.


The conference hall erupted in chaos at the mention of Diablo's corpse.


It wasn't an entirely unexpected situation.


The very mention of a Great Duke was the first in three years.


Even with the gates closed, a part of the Great Duke's body?


Most people didn't believe it and shouted in disbelief, but some were visibly panicked.


Among them was Kevin Lee, Chairman of the American Association.


Whether it was three years ago or now, America was still the strongest in the world in terms of player power.


Although Cody Cruise, an outstanding player, had disappeared, America still possessed the most information about the deepest level.


"What are the measurement results…?"


Kevin Lee whispered to Michael Gore, who was accompanying him as a bodyguard.


"It feels like a different kind of mana than existing monsters…. It's unclear how they obtained it… but it wouldn't be strange if it were a part of the Great Duke."


"……."


At that moment.


"Don't incite with lies!!"


The head of the European Union stood up and shouted.


"Lies? Are you insulting me, who represents a great power here?"


"It's not like you've only said lies and tried to pass them off as truth once or twice!!"


"This is too much!!"


"Are you now trying to deceive the entire world?!"


Hearing the reaction from the conference hall, Liu Sibo burst into laughter.


"Deception…. It seems the credibility of our great power is not very high."


Chairman Liu Sibo, who was chuckling to himself, suddenly pointed at Kevin Lee.


"Chairman Kevin Lee!! The great you, tell me!! Do you also think I'm lying?!"


"……."


Kevin Lee couldn't answer easily.


If he told the truth, it would support China's position. If he lied, it would clearly damage America's credibility.


That was the point Chairman Liu Sibo was aiming for.


"Oh, dear, oh, dear. I thought you would tell the truth. Was I mistaken?"


Chairman Liu Sibo lumped him and America together and criticized them.


In the meantime, another chairman asked.


"Wh, what's in the other boxes?"


"So, you are curious after all?"


"……."


"If you're curious, I should tell you."


Liu Sibo gestured, and the other two bodyguards opened the remaining two cubes.


Inside were magic stones that couldn't be called normal size and what seemed to be the tail of something unknown.


"Great Duke Diablo is of the demon race. The scientists of our great nation have discovered that to unleash his true power, he needs horns, magic stones, and a tail."


Liu Sibo spoke pompously, as if sharing important information.


In reality, no one else seemed to know this fact.


Everyone simply listened silently.


"With just these three items, we can open a gate."


"I, Liu Sibo, propose to the pillars of the world gathered here. If you wish, I will open a gate to the Abyss right here, right now."


"……!!"


The murmuring grew louder.


"However, I cannot be held responsible for the side effects."


"You're going to experiment with the gate in another country?!"


The chairman of the Indian Player Association, who could be said to have provided this conference hall, shouted.


Beside him, Azaruddin Ismail, India's national-level player, glared at Liu Sibo.


He knew that Liu Sibo was using the gate as bait to manipulate them.


Japan crouched down, looking for an opportunity, while Taiwan, unable to watch the arrogance any longer, shouted in protest.


Numerous other chairmen continued to criticize him, but Liu Sibo didn't flinch in the slightest.


Rather, he was further fueled by the anticipated reaction.


Already, half of the Four Great Organizations were aligned with China.


Their cries were nothing more than empty echoes to him.


"You're talking nonsense!! If you're so afraid of a mere Break, then why not become a part of our great nation and enjoy the glory?!"


It was a blatant provocation against India, with whom they were currently in territorial disputes.


"Do we have to keep listening to this crazy talk?!"


The chairman of the Indian Player Association gritted his teeth and looked around.


The chairmen of America, Shin-Korea, and several other powerful countries were lost in thought with complicated expressions.


They wanted to confirm whether Liu Sibo's words were true.


Whether the use of those ominous objects could truly open a gate leading to the Abyss.


Having experienced the disappearance of their top players in the deepest level, they wanted to shout at him to do it immediately, but…


Since it wasn't their own country, they couldn't easily express their position.


"Even if a gate opens, aren't all of your top national-level players gathered here? Furthermore, thirty of our great nation's national-level players are on standby. No matter how many monsters crawl out, they won't stand a chance. Are you still afraid?"


At that moment.


"Chairman Liu Sibo. Don't cross the line."


Go Tae-wook quietly spoke up.


Unlike Ji Jin-hee, who only represented Shin-Korea's interests, Go Tae-wook was the leader of P50, a multinational association.


He wasn't a man who acted solely for personal emotions or the interests of his country of origin.


Several chairmen agreed with Go Tae-wook's clear rejection of China's demands.


Once they removed their emotions, they realized that China's unreasonable demands were a trap.


Only then did the momentum of India's chairman and Azaruddin Ismail subside slightly.


Kevin Lee, who had been deep in thought, opened his mouth.


"Chairman Liu Sibo. If the conditions are reasonable, I am willing to negotiate with you. But if you insist on unreasonable demands, America will no longer stand idly by."


The three national-level players standing behind Kevin Lee – Sara Collins, Montel Jackson, and Gregor Gillespie – stepped forward.


Their power, which had grown and surpassed the limits of humanity, focused on Liu Sibo.


In response, the bodyguards behind Liu Sibo and the head of the Chinese Federation released their mana.


A dozen players had to step in to offset that oppressive mana.


The atmosphere turned hostile again.


"This is making me feel like a villain."


The moment Liu Sibo said that and nodded with a bitter smile.


Kiiing-.


Suddenly, mana surged from the three cubes.


"Stop it!!"


"What are you doing?!"


"Are you finally going to start a war?!"


Each of the participating national-level players raised their mana, and the conference hall turned into a touch-and-go situation.


"Ah, I forgot to mention this. Our great nation makes the decisions. Your opinions are not important."


Liu Sibo nodded.


"Stop!!"


Azaruddin Ismail shouted and unleashed materialized mana, but his momentum was blocked by the mana of a dozen players.


In that gap, the mana of those holding the cubes resonated, creating a spatial rift.


Crack. Crack, crack.


The mana sucked into the rift formed the shape of a gate.


It was instantaneous.


Kwaaaaaa.


The creation of a large gate in the conference hall.


And Azaruddin Ismail, who fired a divine arrow, cutting down one of the Chinese players.


One became two, and two became three, blocking Azaruddin, but they fell as quickly as they appeared.


Only when four of them clung to him was Azaruddin's advance stopped.


Ji Jin-hee sat quietly, watching the current situation with a complicated expression.


"In the end, they went through with it."


Yoo Ah-young, who hadn't said a word since entering the conference hall, opened her mouth.


"I thought they'd be careful acting in India. I guess we were too conventional in our assessment of them."


Remembering that it had only been a short time ago that he had said they shouldn't analyze them conventionally, Park Seong-jin drew out the Spiral Seven Spears that he had miniaturized.


Liu Sibo and the head of the Chinese Federation, along with Vincent Chang and those who sympathized with the Chinese side and their bodyguards, retreated behind the gate.


They knew there was no way to stop a gate that had already been activated.


Meanwhile, the gate's vibrations grew stronger and stronger.


Oong. Oong. Oooooong.


As if welcoming the long-awaited air.


From the gate that emitted an eerie sound.


Swooosh.


A huge thorn popped out.


The thorn targeted Azaruddin Ismail, who was currently fighting the Chinese players.


It was because he was emitting murderous intent and streams of mana.


Kkaang!!


Azaruddin Ismail used the dagger in his hand to knock away the thorn.


It wasn't just the strength of mana from an SSS Awakening rank, but the agile movements of someone trained in the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu.


"How dare a mere monster!!"


The conference hall trembled at the mana unleashed by the national-level player with all his might.


His skill was Verum Kai.


Whether the opponent was human or monster.


It was the ability to identify the opponent's vital points using enhanced eyesight.


But why?


'Why….'


Beyond the gate.


His eyes trembled as he looked at the owner of the ominous thorn.


He couldn't even grasp the flow of mana, let alone the vital points.


Distance wasn't the problem.


It meant that the monster possessed far superior power than him.


"This can't be…"


He trembled involuntarily at the sense of powerlessness.


It was an emotion he had never felt since becoming a national-level player.


He gripped the dagger tightly as a sense of powerlessness overwhelmed him.


At that moment.


A grotesque hand connected to the thorn emerged from the gate.


What came out was something with purple skin and a poisonous mana flowing from it.


Azaruddin Ismail's body froze just by facing that mana.


"Azaruddin!!"


The chairman who was watching from afar shouted.


"Ah…."


Azaruddin Ismail belatedly groaned.


In the battles of higher beings, the outcome was decided in the blink of an eye.


He had made a huge mistake.


That mistake would be directly linked to death.


No, if he avoided the vital points, he might be able to survive with his other skills.


But could he really avoid a fatal wound even if he was pierced by that ominous thorn?


That thought flashed through his mind.


Kkaang!!


The monster's thorn, which had been thrust right in front of him, was deflected by something.


It was only afterwards that he realized that something was a sword wielded by another national-level player just like him, Shin-Korea's Yoo Ah-young.


"You're more pathetic than you look, aren't you?"


Azaruddin grimaced at the words of the woman called the strongest among the ten national-level players.


For a moment.


He was ashamed of the fact that he had almost given up on life in the face of a mere monster's spirit.


"Well, there's nothing to be ashamed of. The other guys are the same."


Only then did Azaruddin look around.


And he realized.


"……!!"


That the thorns that had crossed the gate in that short time were not just one.


The eight national-level players besides himself and Yoo Ah-young were each marking one thorn.


"Then, what about you…?"


Yoo Ah-young shrugged.


Behind her, Chairman Ji Jin-hee was examining a severed monster thorn.


Surely, she had cut it down in one stroke.


"You better not be swayed by such trivial thorns. The ones coming out next won't be this weak."


Yoo Ah-young said, staring at the gate.


Thump. Thump. Thump.


A huge being emerged from the gate with a tremor.


A red-eyed monster with three horns and a pair of wings.


Yoo Ah-young recalled the highest-ranking monster she had encountered in the deepest level.


In the past.


An existence that had brought all of Shin-Korea's best forces, including herself, to the brink of death.


"Greater Demon."


She spoke the rank of the monster that had fully revealed itself.


Ji Jin-hee and Park Seong-jin also had stiff expressions, as if recalling similar memories.


As if enjoying the frozen atmosphere of the conference hall, Liu Sibo shouted to introduce the Great Duke.


Ah-young shook her head.


That wasn't a Great Duke.


Nevertheless, she deliberately didn't correct the misunderstanding.


"I wonder."


How different it was from that Tae-hyun back then.


She trailed off.


Recalling that day three years ago when he had defeated Gorper, she unleashed her mana with all her might.


[The skill Amazoness's Ferocity (SSS) has been activated. Targeting the object.]


Tsszzzzzzz.


The nine national-level players flinched at the green mana that dominated the conference hall.


Episode 405


Liu Sibo, Chairman of the Chinese Player Association.


Despite sitting in a position that could be called the heart of power, he couldn't simply be happy.


While the position had passed to him after the previous chairmen, Zheng Zhi, Liu Yiming, and Xu Zaiyin...


China had collapsed to the point where it could no longer be called a great power.


The growth of the players that his country boasted about had stagnated, while players from other countries were rapidly growing.


He had been chosen by Chairman Zheng Qing and risen to the top, but at this rate, even though he had reached the highest position, he would be watching the fall of a great power from the closest point.


He didn't even need to think about where the cause lay.


Kim Taehyun of New Korea.


The crack that that bastard had created had become an uncontrollable black hole, swallowing the great power.


He had done everything he could.


He secretly ordered demonization experiments to strengthen the players' power, and he used his connection with Harsultan to receive the cooperation of the demons for dirty work.


He supported both the light and the dark sides to strengthen the power.


Nevertheless, it was not enough to close the gap with New Korea, which had already begun to rise, and the United States, which had begun to widen the gap.


Even with the most formidable demon Kasim Zorte and the worst demon Min Ji Hong, it seemed difficult to turn the tide as long as Kim Taehyun and Cody Cruz, the giant trees, stood firm.


It was then.


That the devil approached him, whispering sweetly.


He had restless dreams.


That was why.


He had come to the Guangzhou Research Institute, where the former Chairman Zheng Zhi had died and where the Gray Disease had broken out.


Chinese players had cleaned it up neatly, and even after the World Player Association's investigation team had gone through, not a single monster's corpse remained.


Only the collapsed and abandoned buildings showed that there had been traces of a breakdown here.


Chairman Zheng Zhi.


Because of what you did, the great power's ambitions are about to collapse.


We shouldn't have touched New Korea; it would have been better to make an agreement with them and bring down the United States.


He poured out his complaints, which he couldn't confide in anyone.


If it had been him, he wouldn't have worsened the great power to its current state.


He went beyond the dangerous area, towards the place where Venom had once appeared.


It was purely a feeling that he used his S-rank skill 'Soul Contract' in that empty place.


Soul Contract was a skill that didn't work on humans and required a clear target.


Nothing would be affected by a skill with an unclear target or intention.


It should be.


Chiiiiiii.


"...!!"


Liu Sibo, who used the skill, looked back in surprise.


Purple mana was blooming there.


The size was only about the size of a fingernail.


But at a glance, it was clearly that of a monster.


Although he had become distant from the field after rising to the position of chairman, Liu Sibo was also one of the top players in China.


He distanced himself and unleashed his mana.


He was confident that he could suppress any monster that might appear.


It was when he was focused on the purple mana that wasn't growing any larger.


Incomprehensible language flooded his mind, causing a headache.


Liu Sibo grabbed his head and knelt down.


He rolled on the floor.


Yet the headache didn't go away.


Rather, the meaning of the language he couldn't understand was...


The meaning of the words and sentences created by that fishy and sweet voice was slowly becoming clear.


[Finally, a useful guy has been caught.]


"Show... yourself!!"


Liu Sibo shouted, glaring at the mana in the air.


Unlike his words, his body was trembling.


Against a monster that hadn't even revealed its form.


No, could he even call something that hadn't revealed its form a monster?


"I... I'm the man who will be the master of the great power..."


You can't...


You can't subjugate the chairman of the great power with just this much mana.


At first, it was simply to shake off the pain.


Then, at some point, he found himself pouring out the words he had kept in his heart.


The ambition he had never revealed to anyone.


Just as he had endured and endured to become the chairman of the great power's player association, he would one day succeed Zheng Qing as chairman.


Ambition and yearning.


A huge desire.


[Kikikikiki. He's a likeable guy.]


The monster's maniacal laughter echoed in Liu Sibo's mind, as if it had read his thoughts.


The laughter was so chilling.


It was enough to lose his will to fight and have all the strength in his body drained, not to mention the headache.


[A lump of desire. Gopher would have been happy. But this Mephisto doesn't dislike bugs like you either.]


Mephisto.


The moment Liu Sibo recognized that word, his body seemed to stiffen.


Once again, the monster's laughter ravaged his mind.


"Monster... what do you want from me?"


[What I want? A bug asking such a presumptuous question.]


Liu Sibo's body was twisting in pain.


He had never heard of a monster that could inflict pain on an S-rank player with just the voice echoing in his head.


If the target wasn't himself, Liu Sibo wouldn't have believed it either.


"Cough... Kehak..."


All the blood was flowing out through the holes in his body.


At this rate, it wouldn't be strange if he died from excessive bleeding.


[Kikikiki, don't worry. I won't kill you.]


The moment he heard those words.


Pook.


Something long popped out of the fingernail-sized mana in the air and pierced Liu Sibo's body.


Chiiiiiiiik.


He looked at his body, feeling as if something hot was being injected into it.


Should he call it an awl or a thorn?


One thing was certain: the being that was playing with him was a monster of at least SSS-rank, incomparable to Venom.


Tremble tremble tremble.


Liu Sibo's body trembled at the sorcery that seemed to melt his body and mind.


The words that he wouldn't kill him sounded like a nasty joke.


Wasn't this worse than dying?


He was thinking that.


[Compared to the desire you possess, your body is still at the level of a bug. But it doesn't matter. It wouldn't be strange to say that the source of your power is that of the original demon.]


Tting.


[Skill Soul Contract (S) has been activated.]


[Skill Soul Contract (S) has been enhanced.]


Chiiiiiii.


The poison wandered through his body for a moment.


The mana that had been stirring in his body mixed with the blood he had poured out to form a shape.


What was made was a very small horn.


Mephisto said it belonged to Diablo, who was called the Demon King.


"W-why... to... me..."


Liu Sibo sobbed, without any of his previous dignity, and asked.


What he heard was Mephisto's command.


To create the same magic stone and tail as that.


To complete the preparations to summon Diablo.


If he did, he would get what he wanted.


It was a unilateral command.


But Liu Sibo didn't even dare to think of refusing.


Diablo's horn.


He thought that with just this, it would be enough to revive the great power that had begun to decline.


He returned to Beijing and poured a considerable amount of time and money into it.


The small horn was processed by the great power's scientific power to increase its size, and a magic stone and tail were made to match it.


As the power of the horn grew stronger.


The thoughts floating in his head were also growing stronger.


Mephisto's voice became Mammon's, Asura's, and sometimes appeared at the same time.


During the experiment, mana exploded and killed many researchers, but in proportion to that, the great power's experiment was slowly moving towards success.


It was around that time that Kim Taehyun of New Korea and Cody Cruz of the United States, the two great trees, disappeared.


"As expected, she's the woman called the top powerhouse of New Korea, following Kim Taehyun."


Liu Sibo muttered, watching Yoo Ah-young, who was emitting strands of green mana.


The SSS-rank license issued, excluding China, which had lost credibility in the international community.


The title of national-level power.


Outwardly, she was known to be at a similar level as Sara Collins of the United States and the Holy Woman Yoshikawa Tsurara of Japan.


But the leaders of each organization and association knew.


That she was at the pinnacle of the ten national-level powerhouses.


Only because of her position as the guild leader of the Information Guild, she rarely came to the forefront.


And now.


She had unleashed the mana she had been hiding towards the monsters that came through the gate.


The escorts gathered at the meeting were all players worthy of being called the top powerhouses of their respective countries.


But the presence that Yoo Ah-young personally emitted was by far the strongest among them.


Even the monster that Liu Sibo called Diablo had stopped all attacks and was focusing on her.


Watching that, Liu Sibo clicked his tongue.


"The player of a small country is acting up without knowing her place."


Liu Sibo scanned Yoo Ah-young's body with lustful eyes.


A thin leather suit, clearly a unique-grade item.


The curvaceous body revealed beneath it stimulated his masculinity.


If New Korea had joined the Sino-Federation, if she had obediently followed instructions, she would have been a talented person who could have commanded the world with the power of a great power behind her.


It was a pity to see such a precious life lost here.


He called his subordinate behind him and whispered softly.


"If Yoo Ah-young is fatally injured, secure her. I will persuade her to naturalize myself."


"Understood."


Listening to the escorts' answers, his eyes gleamed ominously.


Although his growth had stopped, he was also an S-rank player.


That was why he could tell.


Yoo Ah-young's momentum alone was not enough to face Diablo.


'I don't know how long she can last against the Demon King.'


He only hoped that her charming body would be subdued without being damaged.


"The rest can all die, right?"


Liu Sibo, who smiled wickedly, affirmed the demise of those gathered at the meeting.


He picked up Diablo's horn, which was in the cube.


The horn, which had been modified and improved to be larger and more powerful than the original, spewed out immense mana.


"Diablo!! Follow my orders!!"


He shouted, holding the horn high.


Hwaaaak.


Mana that was no less than what Yoo Ah-young was emitting spread through the meeting.


It was good to see the national-level powerhouses flinching at the unexpected mana.


It was then.


Flap.


The monster, which was certainly Diablo, landed in front of him with a single flap of its wings.


The great power's players who had come as Liu Sibo's escorts stood in front of him.


Liu Sibo waved his hand, ordering them to step aside.


He had been told by Mammon before that as long as he had the horn, Diablo would never harm him.


"Diablo. Follow my orders."


Hwaaaaaak.


Liu Sibo raised his chin once again, emitting immense mana.


Everyone at the meeting focused their attention on the unbelievable situation.


Very slowly.


The monster's mouth opened.


[The original demon is not Diablo.]


'......?'


[Zor'diak. A great demon who wields the authority of the swamp and a loyal servant of the Demon King Beelzebub.]


Liu Sibo couldn't hide his embarrassment at the unexpected words.


If there was anyone else who understood the monster's language besides himself, his face would have turned red.


Hee hee.


Zor'diak's lips turned up.


[Well done, insignificant being chosen by the ancient great demon. Do your work. My brothers are waiting beyond that.]


Liu Sibo's body trembled when he belatedly understood the meaning.


'It wasn't the Demon King, but the Great Demon!!'


It was strange that the name of the Demon King was Beelzebub's, not Diablo's.


But that didn't matter.


It just meant that the monster in front of him was a great demon located right below the Demon King, and that beings of the same level as him, who he called brothers, were still waiting for his call.


'I can have the world at my feet.'


Liu Sibo's body trembled in excitement, convinced of that.


Something wrapped around his hand.


It was only seconds later that he realized that what had swept over his hand was Yoo Ah-young's whip.


And.


The Demon King's horn, which should have been in his hand.


"How did you get your hands on something like this?"


Was held in Yoo Ah-young's hand.


406


Ayoung's lips moved as she examined the horn in my hand.


"It's such a coincidence. Why are the ones who always cause trouble always the same? And what about the ones who clean up the mess?"


Her gaze, which had been fixed on Ryu Seubo's face, turned to the Saintess far away.


Her gaze was so cold.


It was enough to make the Saintess, representing the nation, forget her dignity and flinch.


"Anyway, I'll take the gift."


She said, holding up the horn as if nothing was wrong.


If unaware people saw it, they would have mistaken Ryu Seubo for actually giving the horn as a gift, such was her nonchalant attitude.


"It's mine!"


Ryu Seubo shouted.


But only for a moment.


"Yours?"


Ryu Seubo quickly corrected himself at Ayoung's mocking.


The item she was holding now belonged to the nation, not an individual.


"How dare you! Stealing the treasures of a great power!"


No matter how strong a national-level power, or the head of one of the world's leading guilds, might be.


He could not single-handedly bear the weight of a great nation.


That was why he said it.


But he was mistaken.


"I hear a dog barking somewhere?"


Yoo Ayoung muttered, tilting her head.


As if she really didn't understand what it meant.


Even adding a coy expression to her acting.


That appearance stimulated Ryu Seubo's emotions.


"What are you doing! Take it back immediately!"


At Ryu Seubo's cry, five players who had been quietly emitting aura behind him moved.


Enhanced with magic derived from the process of experimenting with Diablo's horns, the national-level power that the great nation boasted.


The shattering of that adamant body was instantaneous.


"I didn't say you could move, though?"


Yoo Ayoung provoked with a sly grin.


The reaction came from an unexpected place.


[Amazing. There was one who transcended the status of a mere insect.]


Zodiac licked the magic power of Ayoung that had spread through the conference hall as if savoring it.


"Zodiac! To summon the rest of your brothers, we must retrieve that horn!"


At Ryu Seubo's words, the atmosphere in the conference hall turned cold.


Many Awakened have skills related to summoning demons, but most of them end up in research positions or following the path of a demon due to public perception.


But for the head of a country's association to be seen colluding with demons.


It was hard to consider him a player with a normal way of thinking anymore.


No, from the moment he committed such an incident, the course he was taking was enough to define him as an enemy.


The moment this grand plan, which he thought would not fail, failed.


'The great nation will have to prepare for war.'


Of course, with the research and development of opening gates already completed, there was no need to fear war anew.


Only the timing of pulling the trigger would be brought forward.


Just.


Mephisto, Mammon, Asura.


Communicating with great beings, he was just flustered that he realized he had not yet escaped the shackles of mortality.


"Why are they so consistent?"


Go Tae-wook clicked his tongue and criticized Ryu Seubo's actions.


"Association President Jungz was more versatile in both literary and martial arts,"


It was Ji Jin-hee who said that.


"They are not even meticulous. It's pathetic that we have to keep an association led by such a person in check."


Park Seong-jin calmly assessed the current situation.


Starting with him, the heads of each country's associations and institutions added a word each.


None of them were positive.


"Ugh... how dare you to me... Zodiac!"


Ryu Seubo started to scream at the top of his lungs.


To deal with them all.


To turn them all into fertilizer for his brothers to come over.


To resist the nine national-level powers narrowing in like a siege, the escorts from the Jungwha Federation and the association deployed their magic power to their full extent.


"Presidents of each country's associations and heads of international organizations, please step back!"


Someone shouted that.


Even though it was a situation like a terrorist attack, the Indian players stationed outside were not entering.


They must have judged that fighting had already begun outside.


Above all.


"Wouldn't this place, where all the national-level powers are gathered, be the safest?"


Park Seong-jin nodded at Ji Jin-hee's words.


Nasonchilji was drawn but had not been swung even once yet.


His mission was to escort Ji Jin-hee.


Therefore, whatever China, Ryu Seubo did.


He would prioritize Ji Jin-hee's safety above all else.


"Letting loose is enough for her alone,"


Ji Jin-hee nodded at Park Seong-jin's words.


Even in the midst of this, where some of the world's leading players had released their respective magic powers, two presences were particularly noticeable.


Yoo Ayoung, who was raising green magic power, and the great demon Zodiac, who was raising purple magic power.


It was when the distance between them narrowed to about 20 steps.


Suddenly.


Swoosh.


Zodiac's nails grew long.


It happened in an instant, as if they had always been that size.


And.


Clang.


Ayoung nonchalantly swung her sword and knocked away the nail.


Even though he hadn't increased the size to increase the speed.


An unbelievable level of reflexes.


[This is amazing. Why are you using a weapon made of Dragon scales?]


Zodiac scanned the sword and suit Ayoung was holding with his gleaming red eyes.


Clearly, the White Dragon of the White Clan.


And they seemed to be of Elder level.


How did the uncivilized humans of this place get their hands on such a thing?


Zodiac asked the reason in the language of demons.


In the conference hall, only Yoo Ayoung, who had accepted Rosaria's power, and Ryu Seubo, who had communicated with the great demon to a slight degree, could understand the words.


Even so.


Unlike Ryu Seubo, Ayoung did not take the attitude of understanding the language of demons.


[You pretend not to understand my words. Is it because of the people around you?]


Zodiac said that and glanced at the players in the conference hall.


Although the manifestation of power was not complete because they had just crossed the gate.


If he was determined, it wouldn't take long to annihilate them.


There were only two humans in this place worth saving.


One was a foolish human who faithfully followed the instructions of the ancient great demon, and the other was Yoo Ayoung in front of him.


[Heh heh. Are you perhaps a contractor of Hazard? I heard that his new contractor is Kim Tae-hyun.]


"......"


At the word Kim Tae-hyun, Ayoung's eyes, which had been maintaining composure, trembled slightly.


[Moreover, that is not your thing.]


Once again, Zodiac's nails grew longer.


This time, the size was comparable to thorns, and the speed was twice as fast as before.


Even so.


Scribble!!


[......!!]


Yoo Ayoung easily cut off Zodiac's thorns.


Even without it, the White Dragon's material had a high cutting force, and it was surrounded by green magic power.


Ayoung, who had cut off the thorns and maintained a cold distance, suddenly threw the Diablo's horn she was holding to Ji Jin-hee.


"Association President!! Don't forget my stuff!!"


"I'll do my best!!"


"......"


Park Seong-jin quietly shook his head, saying that Ayoung, who was shouting confidently, and Ji Jin-hee, who was accepting those words, were the same.


Ryu Seubo, who had been watching the scene with trembling, shouted.


"Zodiac!!"


[There is no need to be impatient. There will be no one who can survive here.]


A deep green magic power spread around him.


The thing that was mixed with purple magic power suddenly.


Cheeeeeeek.


It took over the bottom of the conference hall.


He used the authority of the swamp.


In an instant, five Chinese players and six Indian players were swallowed by the swamp.


It was an indiscriminate attack that did not distinguish between allies and enemies.


Zodiac did not stop his authority even at Ryu Seubo's shouts.


The other nine national-level powers scattered in all directions and released their magic power.


It was to prevent the authority of the swamp from spreading even a little.


Even so, it only slowed down the speed, and it was not a perfect solution.


Only Yoo Ayoung was facing Zodiac while preserving her power intact.


[I can't understand. You're acting like you've seen the Great Demon yourself.]


It's okay to say it because there's no one listening.


This is a space specially prepared for you.


Zodiac wagged his cunning tongue.


Only then did Ayoung look around.


Following the deep green swamp, even purple poison gas.


No one would hear what she said here.


"I met a guy named Gorper once."


[......!!]


"Don't worry. I didn't take care of that guy."


In just a few seconds, dozens of emotional changes flashed across Zodiac's face.


[Kuk... Is that so... You, you were a bug related to Kim Tae-hyun.]


"It seems like you're the same. Is Tae-hyun doing well over there?"


It was a word given to probe slightly.


Thinking that it would be enough profit to confirm that Tae-hyun was alive.


But Zodiac looked at her with lustful eyes, going beyond that.


[I've changed my mind. I have to take you. I'll make you a contractor of the main demon.]


"......?"


[The main demon is a demon with the power of the swamp, and the Great Demon Zodiac who was newly chosen by Beelzebub. In that name...]


"What, 'newly' means you're a rookie?"


[......]


"You. What is your rank among the Great Demons?"


[...20th place.]


At that word.


"Ah ha ha ha."


Ayoung burst into laughter.


[......]


"Ah ha ha... Ah... Sorry... It's unofficial, but I'm ranked 1st. I can't lose to someone weaker than that guy."


Ayoung calmed down her laughter late, but Zodiac's face was already distorted.


Then other players ran.


"Player Yoo Ayoung!!"


"You've held on well by yourself."


"It's a terrible poison gas."


"The estimated grade is SSS."


"If we can't stop it here, it will be SSS+."


"A disaster."


SSS+ was a word meaning the boss level of the three uncaptured dungeons that even the existing national-level powers had not captured.


Nine national-level powers surrounded Zodiac, giving their respective evaluations.


"After all, they're just demons."


Ting.


[The form of the skill Amazoness's Spirit (SSS) is changing. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


Tsuzuuuuuut.


Kududuk. Kududuk.


Ayoung's body bulked up even more massively.


It completely controlled the form that was once called Rampage.


"It's been a while since I hunted demons~."


Yoo Ayoung quickly ran out as if she saw a delicious prey.


In line with that movement, the nine national-level powers activated their respective skills.


It was the moment when the national-level powers, called the best players in the world, and the Great Demon, later called the disaster of mankind, crossed swords for the first time.


The battle was not bad.


An existence that is considered to have reached the pinnacle among existing players.


It was the first time that they all matched their moves, but they were already experts in battle.


They were pushing Zodiac without stopping.


The balance was tilting towards the players.


Already, the strikes that were far above the level that Zodiac showed at first were going back and forth.


Zodiac was steadily regenerating his injured body at super high speed.


It was clear that the magic power that could be used was gradually increasing due to the opened gate.


"We have to close the gate!!"


It was Taiwan's national-level power, Su Jin-chang, who shouted that.


He judged that if the war of attrition continued, the tide would collapse rapidly.


"Do you think we didn't know that?"


Montel Jackson clicked his tongue and knocked away the flying thorns.


"It's been a while since I agreed with the American guy."


Sergei Semak giggled and affirmed.


It was because they knew the meaning of the gate at this point in time.


At that time.


Lukas Dos Santos' arm and Azaruddin Ismail's foot melted due to the demon's poisonous magic power.


407


The painful groan was brief.


Soon, the saintess's skill rapidly regenerated her melted body.


However, regaining sensation in her body immediately after regeneration was impossible.


Lucas Dos Santos and Azarudin Ismail retreated.


Sarah Collins and Gregor Gillespie filled their places.


"Switch!!"


"Charge!!"


'Skill Terraforming,' which had grown from SS to SSS rank.


Similarly, 'Heart of the Wolf,' which had grown from S to SS, then to SSS rank.


America's two most renowned players relentlessly pressed the Great Demon like flashes of light.


Crack. Crackle.


Sarah Collins's sword turned the once magnificent wings into rags, and Gregor Gillespie, transformed into a giant 3-meter wolf, tore apart the Great Demon's chest with his claws.


Whenever it tried to take flight, Sarah Collins's sword slashed at its wings, and the werewolf's claws countered the Great Demon's thorn-like claws.


But only for a moment.


The Great Demon's flesh quickly restored its lost body parts.


Against super-speed regeneration, even national-level attacks were just a war of attrition.


It was enough to buy time, but the cost was heavy.


Sarah Collins's unique-grade sword and Gregor Gillespie's claws, which possessed comparable strength, were melting.


"Switch!!"


Montel Jackson, who had been watching for an opportunity, shouted.


He focused his fully enhanced skill, 'Genocide Bullet,' on the Great Demon.


Click. Click. Click.


His magic, matured to SSS rank, created four barriers around Zordiak.


Sizzle.


Despite melting upon contact with the venomous magic, it was thick enough to buy at least 10 seconds.


And suddenly.


Bang!! Boom!!


A massive amount of magic caused a chain reaction of explosions.


It bought 10 seconds of time and created 10 seconds of explosions.


The number of explosions in that brief moment reached ten.


Behind the smoke, half of Zordiak's face was gone.


Similarly, about half of its torso was also missing.


The mana stone, with about a third of it gone along with grotesque organs, was visible.


Yet.


There was no change in the force it emitted.


Crumble. Crack. Crrrrumble.


The half-destroyed body began to regenerate quickly.


"Crazy!! It's regenerating even with damage to the mana stone?!"


Montel Jackson shouted in astonishment.


Ah-yeong rushed towards the largely regenerated Zordiak.


"Horns and tail first!! Targeting the mana stone comes after!!"


Her sword, with unprecedentedly increased strength, touched Zordiak's left arm.


The muscles were incredibly tough.


Crunch!!


Her sword only slightly penetrated.


It seemed impossible to cut it off completely.


"You rotten radish!!"


Tsszzzzzz!!


Magic surged from Ah-yeong's sword-wielding arm.


Crrrrumble.


Using the tremendous force of her grotesquely swollen right arm, she swung her sword down.


Crack!!


Thud.


Zordiak's forcibly severed left arm fell to the ground.


Ah-yeong retreated as the saintess's magic enveloped her body.


The poison that had infiltrated due to contact with Zordiak quickly subsided.


This was possible because she had also grown to SSS rank, increasing the available range and amount of super-speed regeneration and magic.


"I'll create an opening!!"


Germany's Thomas Neuer shouted, strengthening his magic.


Like the others, his skill 'World War' had grown to SSS rank.


It was a skill that could materialize war or peace fields using barriers.


The skill, which had just been a 'war field' that maximized the abilities of allies, changed to a 'peace field' that restricted the enemy's magic.


This was to prepare a big technique since three vital spots had to be blown away simultaneously.


Kicking off from the constantly engulfing swamp, the national-level powers all tightened their grip on their weapons.


Soo Jin-chang and Azarudin Ismail aimed for the tail, Yoo Ah-yeong and Sarah Collins for the horns, and Gregor Gillespie and Lucas Dos Santos for the mana stone.


In an instant, the Great Demon's solid muscles became chunks of meat scattered everywhere.


The scattered flesh melted upon touching the swampy ground.


"Get out of the way, kids!!"


Sergei Semak, who had been concentrating his magic and waiting for an opportunity, dashed out.


He was holding a hand grenade overflowing with ominous magic.


It was a specially made small weapon capable of holding SSS-rank magic.


His skill was 'Tsar Bomba.'


It was a one-hit-kill technique that imbued an object with magic and detonated it, which he had used effectively against boss-level monsters since his S-rank days.


He was confident that the skill, grown to SSS rank, could annihilate any demon if it hit properly.


Normally, he wouldn't use it recklessly due to the aftermath, but the people here were equally capable players.


Since there was the best healer and barrier mage, he didn't worry about exploding it as much as he wanted.


He threw the spherical weapon at point-blank range.


The saintess's magic enveloped the bodies of the nine national-level powers, Montel Jackson erected a massive barrier with his skill, and each of them enhanced their bodies by surrounding themselves with magic in preparation for the impending explosion.


Thomas Neuer, considering the safety of the leaders in the conference room, reverted the magic that maintained the skill into a barrier form.


BOOM!!!


An unprecedented explosion occurred.


Unlike Montel Jackson's, the explosion was only once.


But it was enough to engulf the entire area.


What appeared next was Zordiak, with its tail, horns, and wings all gone.


[...]


Zordiak scanned its own body.


It was battered and bruised.


If it hadn't fully utilized the Great Demon's original power through the gate, even the mana stone would have been completely destroyed.


[Strange.]


In a very short time, the humans' skills had rapidly increased.


No matter how differently time flowed in the Abyss and on Earth.


Even if the flow had been disrupted recently.


It was an unusual rate of growth.


Zordiak, saying so, scanned those who had brought it to its current state.


They all looked fine on the outside.


But they couldn't hide the exhausted look on their faces, having poured out a significant amount of magic.


"It's still alive!!"


"Damn Russian bastard!! You should have finished it off properly!!"


"Shut up!! You should have weakened it more!!"


Gregor Gillespie and Sergei Semak bickered.


"Prepare for the next attack instead of arguing!!"


"Everyone, stay sharp!!"


The other players controlled their magic once again for an additional attack.


Thankfully, the Great Demon's regenerative ability had significantly decreased.


[Is it Kim Tae-hyun's influence?]


Amidst the commotion, Zordiak muttered as if it had reached its own conclusion.


Ah-yeong, who understood the meaning, flinched but didn't show it this time as she swung her sword.


Clang!!


Zordiak lightly wielded a thorn, sending her body flying away differently than before.


"……!!"


Ah-yeong's eyes narrowed at the strength, which was different from what she had experienced so far.


She realized that Zordiak was beginning to reveal its true power.


[Didn't I tell you? The power of the Demon Lord is the swamp.]


At that moment, the entire swamp seemed to boil as if it had become a volcano.


"Crazy!!"


"Don't breathe!!"


"How can we not breathe?!"


"We have to retreat!!"


"Where do you expect us to retreat to from here?!"


The national-level powers, staggering as if intoxicated by the intensifying poison, gathered around the saintess.


The saintess's magic tirelessly detoxified them, and they each unleashed their magic to create barriers.


All of that was merely buying time.


"Even for national-level powers, is this the limit?"


Yoo Ah-yeong said, swinging her sword greatly.


Whoosh.


The poisonous fog dispersed with the wind.


Her poisoned face was revealed.


Those behind her shouted something.


But that was only for a moment.


Gradually, the volume of their voices decreased one by one.


They eventually lost consciousness due to Zordiak's rapidly strengthening magic.


Ah-yeong checked behind her.


Only the saintess remained, and even her magic was shaking unstably.


"Risk your life to protect those guys."


"Y-Yes, I understand…!!"


The saintess nodded and obediently answered Ah-yeong's command.


Although she didn't show it, she had an indelible trauma from what Ah-yeong had done to her in the past.


Ah-yeong took a deep breath.


The magic within her body writhed here and there to push out the poison that had infiltrated her lungs.


It was indeed fair to say she was on the edge of life and death.


How long had it been since she had felt like this?


Three years.


She had accumulated great power, but she had never properly tested it.


"You'll be a good opponent."


She unleashed her power.


Tsszzzzzz.


Three purple magic tentacles created behind her back writhed.


Zordiak reacted to the unexpected sight.


[That power!! It's of the Incubus race!!]


If it was the ability to wield tentacles, it was that of the Incubus Queen, Succubus Queen Rozaria.


Kikikik.


Zordiak let out a sneer.


He said that she happened to receive the power of the Incubus race, which was the weakest among demons.


If she had become its contractor, she would have gained even greater power.


He couldn't help but laugh.


As if to prove those words.


Zordiak, dodging the three tentacles, plunged its claws into Yoo Ah-yeong.


With its other hand, it grabbed the sword in her hand.


Crack. Crrrack. Grrrind.


The rare-grade sword made from the Dragon Elder's material couldn't withstand the grip and shattered into pieces.


Since the swordsman had lost her weapon, it was fair to say that her power had halved.


[Don't worry. It just so happens that the Demon Lord was also planning to make a contractor.]


It wouldn't kill her.


Zordiak winked with its lewd red eyes.


Sizzle. Crackle.


The poison that had infiltrated her body interfered with her super-speed regeneration.


Gush.


Blood was spat out of Ah-yeong's mouth.


Zordiak wiped her mouth with its other hand.


[That strength. It's beautiful enough.]


Zordiak's claws passed her lips and reached her chin.


The Great Demon's mouth was getting closer and closer.


Thwack!!


An unpleasant sound and discomfort scratched Zordiak's nerves.


[...]


It looked at the tentacle embedded in its chest.


Not just one, but three tentacles twisted together to form a spiral as if they were one.


[Kik… Kikik….]


Zordiak shuddered at the unexpected struggle.


Unlike the earlier body that wasn't at full power, the current body was no different from when it was in the lower realm.


But it was perplexed by the fact that it had allowed a human to strike a blow.


Even if that human was using the power of an Archduke.


Sizzle.


The poison that bloomed from Zordiak's body quickly melted the tentacles.


[It seems I need to train her to be dominated by the Demon Lord.]


The swamp on the ground was pulling at her feet.


The suit made from the Dragon Elder's scales repeatedly melted and regenerated.


It would be difficult to control the power any further in this state.


There would be a limit to just controlling the power.


Ah-yeong muttered to herself.


[You will become the Demon Lord's slave. In return, you will live a life like a king in the world.]


"Please…."


Ah-yeong trembled and lifted her head.


Uncontrollable madness overflowed in the fully opened red eyes.


"Stop with the bullshit."


Tsszzzzzz.


Purple magic scattered around her.


The magic of a giant being created ten tentacles.


Swish. Swish.


The overflowing tentacles slapped against the swampy conference room floor.


"You. Are you ready to die?"


Looking at the madness in her eyes.


The saintess quietly trembled.


408


Abyss Deepest Floor.


Beelzebub's main territory.


Mammon was commanding the territorial war there.


[It has been confirmed that Great Demon Mastema has betrayed us.]


[Holy water has been found growing in District 15. Mephisto is currently leading a legion to attack.]


[Rozaria, Typhon, Gilfer, and... Elven have been identified in District 15.]


[Traitor Gilfer's power... is comparable to that of the ancient Great Demons.]


Unpleasant reports continued to come in.


However, the most disturbing thing was the new growth of the holy water, a symbol of the fairy race.


The memory of dealing with that giant tree was still vivid.


Who on earth revived that giant tree?


[Could it be that Elven has regained his original power?]


Mammon's muttering voice trembled.


How many demons were destroyed to deal with the Fairy King?


Fairy King's authority, great magic resistance.


Two archdukes intervened to deal with those who inherited that annoying power, and dozens of ancient great demons, including himself, were deployed.


Beelzebub went on a rampage, and it was only after destroying the sacred tree that the Fairy King was subdued.


How long has it been since that Fairy King was separated from Beelzebub, and the sacred tree has already blossomed?


[This is a setback.]


Mephisto and Asura, who have heard this fact by now, must be feeling similarly.


No, that's not what's important now.


Now that the sacred tree has been created again, it had to be cut down at all costs.


Fortunately, the sacred tree grew in District 15, which can still be considered within the territory of the demon race.


Rozaria is manipulating Mastema to hold out for now, but it's only a matter of time before they find a solution.


As soon as Beelzebub's recovery is complete, the situation will be reversed.


Until then, it was important to hold on as they were now.


The problem was elsewhere.


[With this, all the archdukes except the dragon race have raised their armies.]


Vampire Lord Igmun.


Fallen Angel Lucifer.


Two archdukes directly joined the territorial war, and all the archdukes except Hazard appeared on the front lines.


Igmun was stirring up the battlefield to recover his power, and Lucifer was attacking hidden areas with his contractor.


Their momentum was unusual, so the great demons, led by Asura, were leading their respective armies to confront them.


Especially for Igmun, if a mediocre great demon was deployed, it would only help him recover his strength.


A report came in that Asura was dealing with him directly.


Mammon recalled the human who created the current situation.


[Kim Tae-hyun. He's amazing.]


He first recognized the guy when he invaded the Archduke's castle.


When he heard the report that he had escaped with his life, he thought he was just a lucky guy.


A lucky guy with good brains.


But not now.


He destroyed the ancient great demon Gorfer, seduced Gilfer, and even separated the Fairy King who was about to be swallowed by the Archduke.


The sacred tree blossomed, leading to the current situation.


Considering the ripple effect he creates.


He should be treated as a complete archduke, not just an archduke contractor or a next-generation archduke.


For some reason, he has been quiet recently.


[This is unpleasant.]


Depending on Mammon's mood, the surrounding atmosphere began to fluctuate.


The face of the highest-ranking species reporting to him, already on the verge of becoming an archduke, hardened.


[…Lord Mammon.]


[Continue the report.]


[Jin Chenco has been eliminated.]


[…….]


Jin Chenco was one of the great demons dispatched to confront Lucifer's army in place of Asura and Mephisto.


Although some great demons have joined recently, Jin Chenco, unlike them, was a mid-tier great demon.


[Was it Lucifer's doing?]


[…No. It was Lucifer's contractor.]


[…….]


Mammon's face frowned at the unexpected words.


Kim Tae-hyun was quiet, and Lucifer's contractor was hunting great demons?


Something that would have been unimaginable before was happening casually.


[Is this also the influence of the sacred tree?]


It was as if they were cursed by the sacred tree.


Mammon asked about Kim Tae-hyun's whereabouts.


The report came back that he was nowhere to be seen.


[This is strange.]


The Kim Tae-hyun that Mammon knows is not the kind of person who would stand by and watch this situation.


Rather, he should be aiming for a big hit in any way possible, especially when Igmun and Lucifer are drawing attention like now.


The fact that he has been quiet since the last battle was suspicious.


Then another highest-ranking species approached and reported.


[Lord Mammon. Lord Zordiac has just succeeded in summoning.]


[Hooh. That's good news to hear.]


While blocking the offensives of the two archdukes and attacking District 15, they separately set aside a few great demons called Choi Ha-ra.


This is because they are preparing for Diablo's resurrection by using the foolish humans on Earth.


The foolish human who thought he was chosen was being faithfully played his role by being deceived by Mephisto's sweet talk, and the results are now appearing.


[It's impossible here. But it's a different story over there.]


Although for now, only those who are merely at the tail end of the great demons will be summoned.


If the number of great demons crossing over increases one by one, and if Earth becomes a new territory for the demon race, then Diablo's resurrection is not just a dream.


[Zordiac. That guy alone will be enough.]


He will be able to contaminate the Earth and expand the closed gate.


If Diablo is resurrected and fully regains his power.


[The demon race will regain its ancient glory.]


That's not all.


The surviving ancient great demons.


Mammon, Mephisto, Asura.


All of them will newly ascend to the seat of archduke.


A demon race that has produced five archdukes.


Whether the opponent is Lucifer, Hazard, or Elven.


[True Purgatory is near.]


He laughed, seeing the image of Zordiac slaughtering humans and showing off his dignity.


Mammon quietly accepted the next report.


[Keek… Keekeek… Cough….]


Zordiac showed a reaction that was neither a moan, a scream, nor a laugh.


This was because he received a considerable shock to his existence due to the magic power of Rozaria manifested in Ah-young's body.


Was that all?


Due to the impact in the mental world, all of his magic stone, horns, and tail had disappeared.


Phew.


Ah-young's tentacles pierced Zordiac's chest.


"Kim Tae-hyun. Where are you?"


She asked, unable to control her madness.


[Keek… Keek….]


"If you tell me, I'll let you go nicely~ Of course, I'll let you go even if you don't tell me~."


Heesik.


Ah-young put on a kind appearance, raising the corners of her mouth.


[This… This body, to be defeated by a mere human….]


Pupu pupu puk.


Ten tentacles surging from behind Ah-young indiscriminately crushed Zordiac's body.


Psssss.


There was no more regeneration.


The body of the great demon, without a center to emit magic power, scattered into smoke.


The swamp and miasma that had been engulfing the area faded.


Even though the subject who created it was dead, the impact remained due to the enormous amount.


Ah-young sat down on the spot.


The surging purple magic power subsided.


Her whole body felt empty because she had exhausted all her magic power, and her head throbbed because she had used unfamiliar power.


Had it been five minutes?


Ji Jin-hee and Park Seong-jin approached, breaking through the fading miasma.


"Guild leader Yoo Ah-young. You're in quite a state."


Park Seong-jin said, scanning her tattered form.


She didn't complain, although she looked quite different from him, who was clean because he hadn't participated in the battle.


It was her personal decision to participate in the battle.


If anything, the stress had been more than relieved by running wild just now.


She would have to recuperate in the intensive care unit for about a week as a price, though.


"Chairman Ryu Sbo, the people from the Sino Federation, and the World Player Association have all fled. The Indian side is chasing them now, but it would be impossible to capture them now."


Ji Jin-hee said, holding up the horn he was holding in his hand.


"But we had some gains, didn't we?"


She chuckled at his nonchalant attitude, which was different from before.


Her face contorted as the bones in her whole body creaked.


Still, she couldn't help but say it.


The gains from this chaos were not just that.


"Hmm?"


"I found a clue about Tae-hyun."


Ji Jin-hee and Park Seong-jin's surprised faces were quite a sight to see.


Ah-young chuckled for a long time while lying down.


China Player Association Headquarters.


"Ch, Chairman, are you okay?"


The secretary-general asked Ryu Sbo, who had returned in a hurry.


"I'm fi, fine!! I want to be alone for a while, so get out!!"


Ryu Sbo answered as if shouting, wiping the sweat flowing down.


"Chairman... Please contact Chairman as soon as you return..."


"Tell him no, not to come back!"


"But..."


"Is the Chairman's order more important than the superior's order!!"


Ryu Sbo shouted, glaring, and only then did the secretary-general hurriedly retreat.


"This... Damn it!!"


He shouted and slammed the desk.


The high-end desk, unable to withstand the power of an S-class player, shattered to pieces.


Even with such great power.


Why was he so helpless in India a little while ago?


Ryu Sbo recalled countless deaths.


He lost twenty-five out of the thirty troops who went as escorts.


The loss of SS-class players and S-class players who were on standby to seize the conference hall in the midst of the confusion was also significant.


If it hadn't been for the gate that had been connected to China in advance, he would have been captured.


Above all.


"They... Took care of the Great Demon...?"


Ryu Sbo stepped back after recognizing that the situation was turning out to be unusual.


Although he didn't watch the battle inside because of the miasma created by the Great Demon and the barrier created by Thomas Neuer.


He wasn't stupid enough not to feel the momentum that the national power-class players were emitting against the Great Demon.


And seeing that there was no contact from the spy he had planted, he must have succeeded in dealing with Zordiac.


"Now... Now we have no choice but to start a real war."


If the failure as it is now is conveyed to the Chairman, a storm of purges will blow.


He would be cut off and killed like a rat or a bird.


'Anyway, all we have to do is summon the remaining Great Demons.'


Although he lost Diablo's horn.


He has the artificially made magic stone and tail.


And the skill he received the revelation.


Ryu Sbo hurriedly headed to the gate built in the basement of the association.


He used the skill there.


He forcibly activated the gate using the tail and magic stone in the two cubes.


Before long.


"Oh, my God."


Ryu Sbo shed tears at the existence that appeared before his eyes.


South Korea.


Alchemist Guild Headquarters.


Seo Sang-ik, who was looking at Diablo's horn, opened his mouth.


"It's an interesting thing."


He said that it contained the most terrible energy of the magical creatures he had ever touched.


He said that he felt more magical power than the dragon's red eyes that Tae-hyun had brought three years ago.


"Ryu Sbo used this to create a gate."


Ji Jin-hee explained the events at the conference hall once again.


He thought that Seo Sang-ik would be able to understand the principle well enough just with that.


"Now that the core object has come in, it won't be impossible for us either."


"I trust you."


Ji Jin-hee patted Seo Sang-ik's shoulder.


At that time.


Kukung.


Ji Jin-hee's body flinched at the huge earthquake.


Diablo's horn, which appeared on the screen, was emitting vicious magic power.


In the sudden situation, Seo Sang-ik ordered the researchers to find out what was happening.


It wasn't even five minutes before Lee Jae-joon's contact came through the earring he was wearing.


[Chairman, we have a big problem.]


"Tell me."


[A large gate break reaction has been observed in Beijing. The measured grade exceeds SSS+. The size is similar to what happened in India, but the number is at least two or more...]


Lee Jae-joon's report kept coming in.


"Hmm...."


Ji Jin-hee recalled Ryu Sbo's desires at the conference hall.


He didn't know that he had caused an even bigger accident, not forgiveness, to make up for his mistakes.


"He's truly a man who will ruin the country."


409


Asura's illusion appeared before Mammon.


He had just defeated Igmun and was contacting headquarters to report.


[What is the Lord's condition?]


[The same. It will take quite some time.]


Asura clicked his tongue at Mammon's reply.


[We should have completely annihilated Elven back then instead of just consuming him. If we had, these insignificant insects wouldn't be running rampant now.]


If they had, he wouldn't have struggled so much against Igmun.


Asura frowned as he checked his arms, which still hadn't fully regenerated.


Although he was defeated, Igmun's main body possessed considerable power.


Compared to Igmun, who took both of his arms, he hadn't inflicted any significant damage, making the word "defeat" seem meaningless.


[It's in the past.]


Mammon said calmly.


Asura's words were half right and half wrong.


If Belzebub had annihilated Elven as he said, they could have certainly eliminated the threat.


[But our growth would have stagnated.]


The battle with Elven.


And the five ancient archdemons who had survived for so long.


Among them, Gorfer had gone insane due to his unattainable desire for the Underworld King, and Gilfer had been stripped of his authority.


Only three were still holding onto their power.


However, if Belzebub had completely absorbed Elven, he would have become a complete Archduke-level being due to the contract of servitude.


If that happened, the demon race would have four Archdukes, so there would be no need to worry about territory wars anymore.


If they nurtured those three well, they could even aim for the Underworld King's throne.


[Everything is not going according to plan. How long will you remain so optimistic?!]


Asura retorted.


Belzebub had spat out Elven, whom he had spent a long time carefully digesting, and other races were taking advantage of the opportunity to attack.


Asura was pressing Mammon when Mephisto's illusion appeared.


Asura was no less battered, and he was frowning.


The resistance in District 15 was stronger than expected, and with Rozaria's authority added to Mastema's barrier, the numerical superiority became meaningless.


The location of the Divine Tree had been identified, but Typhon was once again blocking the way, making it difficult to break through.


[A series of bad news keeps coming.]


Mammon calmly assessed the current situation.


Unlike Asura and Mephisto, who were directly on the battlefield, Mammon was consolidating information on behalf of Belzebub.


[Lucifer's forces are attacking Orgahl's territory. I heard Lucifer has captured Orgahl's contractor.]


[That Archduke is... doing something pathetic.]


[Heh heh heh. He didn't seem interested in territory wars until now, but was he waiting for an opportunity like this?]


Mammon continued as he watched Asura and Mephisto take it lightly.


[It's not just Orgahl's contractor who was captured.]


[......]


[Don't tell me...]


[Yes. It seems the Lord's contractor has also fallen into Lucifer's hands.]


[That insect-like bastard!!]


Asura unleashed his suppressed rage.


He guessed why the coordinates of the hidden territory, which no one had been able to access until now, had been revealed.


The guy might have only revealed one hidden territory, but once an Archduke-level being obtained one coordinate, it wouldn't be difficult to find additional territory coordinates.


[I never liked that shameless face of his from the beginning.]


Asura cursed, mentioning Kasim Zolt's behavior.


[Didn't you say you liked that he was more like a demon than anyone else, despite being a mere mortal?]


[Shut up.]


Curses and taunts flew between Mephisto and Asura.


[Calm down. It's rare to find a human who can accept that much of the Lord's power. Well, even if it's harmful right now, we've also gained a lot, haven't we?]


Mammon mentioned the human from Earth that Mephisto had enticed.


Thanks to Belzebub making Kasim Zolt his contractor, the number of high-ranking species that could cross the gate increased, and even the ancient archdemons were able to contact humans from Earth, however weakly.


[Ryusbo, was it? That dim-witted insect from Earth.]


[Yes. He was ready to sell us his soul at the slightest nudge.]


[The revival of Diablo depends on such a guy. I don't know if I can trust this.]


[Don't worry. Zordiac crossed the gate a while ago.]


They didn't know how much longer they would have to wait due to the distorted time difference between Earth and the Underworld.


But it wouldn't be long, Mammon reassured the two archdemons.


[Hoo. Then it really won't be long.]


[The Lord of Terror is returning.]


The three archdemons recalled Diablo's authority.


Terror.


Just his presence would bring disaster to the insects of Earth.


As time passed, he would regain his original power, and if Earth could withstand his presence.


It wouldn't be impossible to cross the gate back to the Underworld.


The demon race would not only gain a new dimension, but would also become stronger with the addition of Diablo, who would return in the future.


Who could stop the two demon kings who had even overthrown Elven?


[Heh heh heh. Lucifer's rampage is only temporary.]


[The Dragon Lord could become a variable.]


Hazzard had ceased activity and entered hibernation after contacting Kim Taehyun.


It was unknown whether the Dragon Elder and the leader going under Kim Taehyun was Hazzard's will.


But if she woke up and fully joined, the demon race's situation would obviously become difficult.


[With the exception of Hazzard, who is in hibernation, everyone is participating in the territory war. We need to hurry.]


[Don't worry. I'm taking care of it personally. Except that the connection to the gate isn't smooth due to the influence of the Divine Tree.]


Mammon pressured Mephisto, who was in charge of handling District 15.


[Heh heh heh. Don't worry, I'll take care of the Divine Tree.]


With those words, the two archdemons disappeared.


They couldn't leave their positions for long since they were on the front lines.


[They're really reliable brothers.]


The archdemons who had survived from ancient times with him.


Now they were beings who had even earned the title of ancient archdemons.


They had already temporarily obtained Archduke-level power, so they wouldn't be easily destroyed.


[......]


He hadn't told Asura and Mephisto, but he was concerned about the fact that he had lost contact with Zordiac.


Not long after that.


[Lord Mammon. Rozaria's envoy requests an audience. But...]


The subordinate's expression was unusual.


[Speak.]


[She sent a high-ranking member of her race as the envoy.]


[Tsk tsk. Another trick. Let them in.]


As the subordinate said, it was an unknown high-ranking member of the race that entered.


His red eyes were dim, as if he was being mind-controlled.


[Seeing that you're in command, I can tell what Belzebub's condition is.]


Rozaria's voice was heard through the demon's mouth.


[Cut the dirty tricks. You must have a purpose. Spit it out.]


[Hmph~ I thought you'd be a little more polite.]


Clack.


Mammon's fingernail cut off one of the high-ranking demon's arms.


The poison that had seeped in prevented regeneration.


The dim red eyes shook.


It was a message that if he continued to say unnecessary things, he would get rid of the envoy without listening, even if that envoy was from his own race.


Rozaria clicked her tongue and continued.


[Instead of sending an immature guy like Mephisto, why don't you move that heavy ass of yours too?]


It sounded like a blatant provocation.


Kek. Kek kek.


Mammon laughed as he read the meaning hidden behind it.


[Earth. You're worried about the gate that leads there.]


[Oh my, I don't know what you're talking about?]


Rozaria played dumb, but Mammon's laughter didn't stop.


Pshoo.


The aura that spewed from Mammon's body began to melt the envoy's body.


[Foolish.]


With those words as the last, Rozaria's voice disappeared.


Looking at the demon race's body that had completely melted, Mammon revealed a sinister expression.


[You'll be the foolish one.]


Once one of Belzebub's hidden territories, but now a place where the Divine Tree had grown and become the Fairy race's base.


One force was gathered there.


[The negotiations have broken down.]


Rozaria's face was full of fatigue as she said that.


It was because of the continuous battles and her worries about her contractor, who had been swallowed by the Divine Tree.


Elven, in the form of a child, was nestled in her arms.


[Is there any change in the Divine Tree's condition?]


Rozaria asked Gilfer about Taehyun's condition.


[The same. The Divine Tree's magic fluctuates occasionally, but I wouldn't call it a special event.]


[It's truly bizarre.]


Rozaria looked at the Divine Tree, which had become even larger.


Clearly, it was the contractor who used Gluttony to swallow the Divine Tree.


But Taehyun's body had disappeared, and the assimilated magic could no longer be felt.


Moreover, the Divine Tree's power was gradually increasing, and the area had become like the Fairy race's territory.


The demon race had noticed it because the Divine Tree's magic had become stronger.


Soon, the other Archdukes would also notice the existence of the Divine Tree.


[I heard Igmun is rampaging outside.]


Gilfer asked.


[Yes. It's like he's hunting archdemons.]


[The archdemons have become a joke.]


That the archdemons, who were the predators of the Underworld, had become prey.


Gilfer muttered as if it were absurd.


[That's a bigger problem. I don't know how they connected the gate.]


Not long after Taehyun was eaten by the Divine Tree, all the gates connected to Earth were blocked.


Previously, those who were not subject to the laws of the Abyss could pass through.


But for some reason, they had been completely blocked.


And recently.


Rozaria, who had confirmed that the demon race had connected one of the gates, had contacted them to turn their attention away, but had just failed.


It was fortunate that there was a spare that she had created on Earth.


She was also able to confirm that the flow of time had become twisted through her.


[It seems Typhon hasn't recovered yet.]


[Yes. The recovery that had stopped when the Divine Tree grew has started, but it doesn't seem to be a perfect cure.]


Rozaria said, looking at Typhon, who was in the healing spring created next to the Divine Tree in the distance.


Suddenly.


[Why are you so obsessed with Earth?]


Gilfer asked.


Unlike the Archdukes who were interested in Earth to expand their territory and overcome the laws of the Abyss.


Rozaria, who had been watching from the side, tended to be strangely obsessed with the situation there.


Although Taehyun, who was from there, didn't seem to know it.


[At the very least. If that time comes, the contractor should have a place to return to.]


[......]


Rozaria smiled wryly, seeing Gilfer, who didn't understand.


[I know a man who risked his life for everyone in the past, but ultimately failed. I just hope he doesn't have the same experience. Don't worry about it.]


[......]


[By the way, I wonder when the contractor will finish synchronizing with the Divine Tree.]


At this rate, it was only a matter of time before District 15 was captured.


Rozaria muttered that she would have to meet Hazzard to fill the lack of forces.


[I heard there's nothing more dangerous than waking her from hibernation?]


[What's it going to be but a lizard throwing a fit?]


Gilfer inwardly admired her attitude, who spoke so casually.


Unaware of what was to come.


410


How much time had passed?


'I have no idea.'


Taehyun had that thought in his head.


He felt like his body had changed just by thinking.


It was just a feeling for now.


But in time, he would know.


That all of this was not just a simple feeling, but a real change.


Countless memories were erased and re-etched, and a huge amount of magic flowed in and out of his body.


Now, even his sense of touch was faint.


He didn't know for sure, but a considerable amount of time must have passed.


He just vaguely thought so.


'This is driving me crazy.'


[It would be a problem if you went crazy with just that.]


Taehyun opened his eyes at the unexpected voice.


'You...!!'


A space where there was nothing.


Elven was there in a space where nothing could be seen.


[Yes. How was the magic of the Sacred Tree?]


Elven asked playfully.


'Is that even a question... .'


[Hmph~ You are showing a brazen face even after stealing what belongs to me.]


'What?'


[Because you were chosen by the Sacred Tree, I have become a fairy king in name only.]


The fate of the fairy race is tied to the Sacred Tree.


So.


[Now, you have to grow so that I can regain my original power.]


'......'


He casually spewed out burdensome words.


Taehyun made an excuse, not an excuse, that it wasn't his fault.


'How long do I have to stay like this?'


[Isn't it obvious that you have to stay until you accept the magic of the Sacred Tree?]


Elven's red eyes were curved like a crescent moon as he said that.


'You're trying to trick me.'


[Hmm?]


'I'm already aware that time has been distorted.'


That was a guess.


Taehyun's own guess, based on what No Name had said.


[Oh.]


Elven reacted as if he didn't know he knew that much.


Fortunately, he didn't seem to be aware of the existence of No Name that Taehyun had recalled.


To be able to read minds but not perceive a god.


It was truly an ironic situation.


'If you think of me as a true contractor, why can't you think that it's better not to deceive each other?'


If you're going to lie, you should be prepared to pay the price.


Taehyun warned in a low voice.


[......]


'How much time has passed outside?'


[Not much time has passed.]


This time, Elven's red eyes curved like a crescent moon.


Rozaria seemed to be better at acting.


'I'm not asking based on your standards. It couldn't have been just a day or a week.'


Of course, Taehyun felt like it was only that much time.


If that were the case, No Name wouldn't have mentioned a long time.


Elven frowned as if he didn't like being read so easily.


[If you're talking about the time in the Lower World, would you say it's been about a month?]


That was within expectations.


When he asked about Earth's time next.


[It's been 3 years.]


'......!!'


He couldn't help but be shocked.


As if it was obvious what Taehyun was thinking.


Elven waved his hand once.


Colorless magic created an illusion.


The first thing that came to mind was the battle of the demons in the Lower World.


High-ranking and highest-ranking demons were pouring out of the gate.


It seemed that there were some restrictions on the gate, and some of the highest-ranking demons were not able to get out completely.


At the head of the demons that came out was a familiar face.


Like Gilfer, the ancient archdemon Mephisto.


He, who had reached the beginning of the Archduke class, was leading his forces to attack District 15.


In the face of such a demon army, Rozaria, Gilfer, and Typhon were using their authority.


Here and there, the seven Dragon Elders that Taehyun was dragging around, the giants led by Erebus, and some of the high-ranking and highest-ranking succubi could be seen.


It was a fierce battle to protect the Sacred Tree that had bloomed in District 15, and Taehyun, who had assimilated with the Sacred Tree.


[If you don't wake up soon, they will be in danger. Right now, it's just that arrogant archdemon, but if Beelzebub comes, they will be pushed back in an instant.]


That was true.


It wasn't a bad force.


But if Beelzebub, who didn't focus on digesting Elven and exploded all three vital points, would surely.


He would be able to deal with the succubus queen who had left her domain, the archdemon who couldn't use his authority, and the disgraced giant king without any difficulty.


The moment Beelzebub, who possessed a considerable force even among the Archdukes, put all his effort into this place, they would no longer be able to hold out.


'I have to get out of here right now.'


[There's no need to overdo it. After all, there's a limit to how much power your body can accept. It's better to keep as much power as you can. You know that, don't you? That your mind and body have changed considerably.]


He knew it.


Taehyun, who was only a potential Archduke, had gained the power to match an Archduke by assimilating with the Sacred Tree's magic.


If he could achieve complete assimilation with the Sacred Tree in this state, if he could spend enough time here, surely.


'It wouldn't be impossible to surpass the Archduke.'


[Yes. You will also reach the realm that I once reached.]


It was said that Elven in his prime had the power to hold his own against two Archdukes.


That power was possible because he was a fairy king chosen by the Sacred Tree.


She told him the secret history of her power without hiding anything.


[It's amazing, isn't it? That the Sacred Tree chose you this time, not me. I thought there was a reason why the succubus queen was attracted to you, but the king of the Lower World is more amazing than I thought.]


Elven's expression looked relieved as he said that.


She had lost the enormous magic that could be used through the Sacred Tree, but she no longer had to bear the responsibility that came with it.


[Don't look at me like that. Even without the power of the Sacred Tree, I am strong enough not to fall behind an Archduke. And the power of great magic is not going anywhere.]


She said that not just anyone could become the king of a species.


She cackled to herself.


[Anyway, it's better to absorb the power of the Sacred Tree when you can. You won't have the chance to do so at any time.]


'This is enough.'


[You didn't understand what I said properly. You may be called an Archduke right now, but you're not strong enough to completely avoid the restrictions you call the 'Law of the Abyss'.]


The king of the Lower World would have wanted Taehyun to fully accept the power of the Sacred Tree.


She emphasized that with this much, it would be impossible to face multiple Archdukes in a race war or even a territory war.


[Why are you in such a hurry?]


'It's the power I want to gain to protect.'


[......]


'What's the point if too much time passes and everything disappears?'


The situation in District 15 was concerning, but he was worried that 3 years had passed on Earth.


[That's not a bad attitude. But the guys in the Upper World won't take that into account.]


'I'll keep that in mind. So.'


How can I take this enormous magic out of the Sacred Tree?


Taehyun asked that question.


She sighed for a moment at his firm attitude.


Elven raised both hands as if to surrender and told him willingly.


[It would have been impossible if it were someone else. But it's not difficult for you, who are my contractor. Summon me here.]


'......?'


[I was once chosen by the Sacred Tree.]


She said that she could take on Taehyun's role for a short time.


If they left this place while the Sacred Tree was hesitating, it would be done.


'Easier said than done.'


He recalled the status window he had checked last.


The demonic power required to summon Elven was 10,000.


Considering that the demonic power required to summon Rozaria and Igmun was 250, it was an absurd number.


As if it was obvious what he was thinking, Elven flicked his finger.


[Have you forgotten where this is?]


She stretched out her arms.


A huge amount of magic swirled around her like a vortex.


[This is neither 'outside' nor the 'inner world'.]


What's important is not magic, but 'will' and 'presence'.


[Don't be bound by something called skills.]


She emphasized that he should entrust his body to the flow of magic.


'Will and presence.'


[The greater the will, the greater the presence it can contain.]


It was nonsense, but one thing was clear.


'I have to condense a huge amount of magic.'


He immediately took action.


There was so much magic around him.


He was able to easily create a magic orb.


Crack. Crack. Crackle.


As if the huge magic orb was being compressed little by little, it transformed into a colorless dragon heart.


Then, imitating the skill 'Demon King's Heart', he created a magic stone for the demon race.


Imitating the skill 'True Blood', he created a magic stone for the vampire race.


He closed his eyes to concentrate even more.


Kiiiing-.


Kiiii-.


Kiiiiii-.


The three magic stones of the species rotated fiercely.


An enormous amount of magic was condensed, incomparably greater than when he used it as a skill.


He accelerated even more without stopping.


'10,000 magic power.'


He concentrated all his senses to condense that huge magic power into one place.


How much more time had passed like that?


The alien energy he had felt since the moment he thought he would accept the power of the Sacred Tree.


He had the illusion that the distortion of time had stopped.


[It's not an illusion. You've done a great job.]


When he opened his eyes.


There was Elven, transformed into the figure of a mature woman.


[I'll buy you time. Get out in the meantime.]


Taehyun asked her how to do it.


[You already know the way, don't you?]


'What?'


[All you have to do is follow the magic that feels familiar to you.]


'What do you mean by magic that feels familiar... .'


Before he could even say that.


Kwaaaaaa.


Several gates were created around Taehyun.


The few gates that there were quickly increased to dozens, hundreds.


'I see.'


He felt like he knew what she meant by following the familiar magic when he faced the gates.


[You have to be careful in your choice. If you cross the wrong gate, you're likely to become a dimensional vagrant.]


Thinking that he should have said that earlier.


Taehyun chose one of the hundreds of gates.


His consciousness was cut off with the shock of his body being ejected.


"Why all of a sudden!!"


Im Ah-young spat out profanity at the sudden situation.


It was definitely an unfamiliar sight compared to her usual noble appearance.


Nevertheless, those who were forming the party with her couldn't even show a surprised reaction.


They were swept away without a trace by the encroaching mana sea.


If Ah-young, who had released her magic in advance, hadn't used her skills with all her might, the entire attack party that had entered the middle layer of the dungeon would have been annihilated.


Crack. Crackle.


Cracks were forming in the 'Ice Age' she had created.


Tring.


[Skill Ice Age (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]


[Skill Ice Heart (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]


She tried to enhance the two skills, but it didn't seem like she could hold out for long.


"Everyone get out!!"


At her cry, the surviving players and porters hurriedly ran back in the direction they had come.


With their lives on the line.


The image of them calling themselves named players and showing off their licenses was nowhere to be seen.


Drip.


Blood was dripping from her nose.


It was a symptom accompanied by mana backlash.


There was no time to drink a potion.


If she let her guard down even a little, the ice would shatter and the mana sea would devour everyone without exception.


'Damn it.'


She spat out profanity once again.


If.


What if ten national-level powerhouses, who had never formed an attack party for political reasons, were here?


'No.'


She shook her head.


The man who had gone missing three years ago.


As a student.


As a player.


Kim Taehyun, her classmate and the best powerhouse in New Korea.


If he was here, he wouldn't have had any trouble attacking this dungeon.


She thought she had finally reached the end of the SS rank, and she thought she was about to reach the SSS rank.


In the end, she was about to die without catching up to him.


Crack. Crackle.


A liquid that was neither blue nor red flowed out from between the broken ice.


It was the mana sea that was only found deep in the Abyss.


Once a crack appeared, the ice wall she had created began to melt quickly.


And suddenly.


Crunch.


A giant tentacle popped out and wrapped around her body.


"Kugh... ."


A groan escaped her lips at the squeezing that seemed to be crushing the bones in her entire body.


Eventually, the owner of the tentacle revealed himself from behind the completely melted ice wall.


A monster with power that could not be compared to the SS-rank monster Kraken, which was once thought to be impossible for humans to attack.


"High... Kraken... ."


Ah-young named the dungeon's owner.

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