RKP 421-430
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421
Abyss Deepest Layer.
Within the dragon race's territory, yet untouched by anyone, lay a massive lair.
Dragon Lord Hazard.
It was her lair, where she slumbered in hibernation.
Near that place, a gate opened, and the Queen of Succubi appeared.
[My. You've spread the barrier wide.]
Rosaria clicked her tongue and thrust one of her tentacles forward.
Pazzzzzz.
Pshhhhhhhh.
[….]
It was a part of the body of a Great Duke made of powerful magic.
That body could not pass through a certain area and simply melted away.
This was because Hazard's magic was mixed into the barrier.
Magic that even a Great Duke's body could not easily penetrate.
The spirit of the seven dragon clans that made up the dragon race was strongly imbued within.
The moment the barrier was forcibly breached, its spirit would annihilate the intruder's body.
This was no exception even for Great Duke-level demons.
It wouldn't go as far as annihilation, but a certain amount of damage would have to be endured.
Naturally, the dragon race, noticing the immense magic and rushing over, or Hazard, awakening, would surround them.
The barrier that Hazard had erected had that much power.
That was why the other Great Dukes did not touch her while she was in hibernation.
If Rosaria hadn't been in such a desperate situation, she wouldn't have bothered coming here.
[If you're going to sleep so much, you should at least wake up on your own.]
With those words, Rosaria flicked one of her tentacles.
The Great Demon Mastema was wrapped around its end.
[My Queen.]
Mastema had been mind-controlled for quite some time.
His emaciated appearance was striking, yet he wore a happy expression.
If the being he served wasn't Rosaria, who possessed the power of mind control, one wouldn't suspect him even if he were willingly serving.
[Cute one. Why don't you show off your special talent.]
Rosaria's tentacle stroked Mastema's head.
The Great Demon shuddered at the benevolent touch.
[I shall obey the Queen's command….]
Magic surged from Mastema's body.
He was using his ability, the Gate, to undo Hazard's barrier.
[Oh… An ability is an ability, indeed.]
Rosaria couldn't hide her admiration as Mastema's magic blended naturally, unlike her own tentacles.
Swish swish swish.
It was visible to the eye that the center of the barrier, which had been made of overwhelming spirit, was gradually blurring.
It wasn't about dismantling the entire barrier, but about creating a gap to make a gate through which they could pass.
The fact that even the Great Demon's ability could only do that much reminded her once again of Hazard's greatness, but that was enough for Rosaria.
After all, what she wanted wasn't a battle, but a conversation.
Tzzz tzzz tzzz.
A small gate was created in the crack of the barrier.
[My Queen… It's a humble gate, but please enter….]
Just as Mastema was smirking, hoping for praise.
Kugugugung.
[….]
[…!!]
Suddenly, the spirit that made up the barrier intensified.
Among them, the Gold Dragon.
The spirit of gravity, also known as the characteristic of the golden clan, covered Rosaria and Mastema.
[Oh, it seems she's woken up.]
Unlike Rosaria, who nonchalantly spoke and prepared, Mastema's condition was not good.
His body was weakened due to prolonged mind control.
Even if that weren't the case, Hazard's power was not something that a mediocre Great Demon could handle from the start.
[Keuhk….]
Swish!!
White Dragon.
One of Mastema's arms was cleanly cut off by the spirit symbolizing the white clan.
Following that, parts of his legs, wings, horns, and tail exploded in succession.
Perhaps because the shock was so great.
Mastema was belatedly able to break free from Rosaria's mind control.
Rosaria, recognizing that her ability had been undone, burst into laughter.
[The darling has come to his senses.]
[Rosaria!! You….]
Mastema was about to explode in anger, realizing what had happened to him.
Kugugugu.
But first, it was a priority to shake off the spirit that was immediately pressing down on his body.
He unleashed the power of his incomplete horns and tail, and the mana stone.
Kwaaaaaaa!!
The Great Demon's magic resisted all kinds of spirits.
[Oh~ Even a rotten Great Demon is still a Great Demon.]
Rosaria reacted as if she was proud of Mastema.
[I'll kill you!!]
[Shouldn't you solve this situation first before saying such things?]
With those words, Rosaria nonchalantly headed towards the gate created by Mastema.
[I shall remember your efforts in sacrificing yourself for me.]
Ahahahaha.
With laughter, Rosaria's figure disappeared into the gate.
[This….]
The enraged Mastema poured out the magic remaining in his body, but the seven spirits only intensified further.
In the oppressive spirit, Mastema belatedly recalled his traitorous actions.
[Ah… Belze…bub… nim….]
The mana stone, horns, and tail.
The Great Demon Mastema met his death as the three vital points exploded simultaneously.
It was a lonely end, not comforted by anyone.
[The dragon race's tastes are truly unknowable.]
Rosaria said as she crossed the gate and entered Hazard's lair.
It wasn't a soliloquy.
Before her eyes was a woman with hair of various colors.
The owner of the lair and the one who stood at the pinnacle of the arrogant dragon race.
It was Dragon Lord Hazard.
[Not only did you disturb this dragon's sleep, but you even entered the lair. Have you finally become suicidal?]
Hazard's red eyes, saying so, were filled with anger.
Even though she hadn't returned to her true form, the energy she emitted was unusual.
Rosaria reinforced her body with purple magic.
Black and purple.
As the magic of the two Great Dukes met, cracks formed in the space.
[Your hospitality is terrible.]
[Guest?]
[Aren't we connected by the same contractor? Among them, I was the first to make a contract… So, how about calling me "sister" in the contractor's language?]
Rosaria asked with a benevolent smile.
[You've finally gone mad.]
Kugugugung.
An even more intensified spirit pressed down on Rosaria's body.
Rosaria's face grimaced.
As expected, Hazard's power exceeded her own.
[I came to have a conversation. Why don't you withdraw your power?]
[Do you think there will be anyone who disturbs this dragon's sleep and survives? There are no exceptions, even for Great Dukes.]
[You're truly an arrogant one. Haven't you realized that much has changed?]
[Where would your limbs be torn off and nonsense….]
Ignoring Hazard's threat, Rosaria poured out what she had to say.
She informed her that Taehyun had made contracts with Igmun and Jormungandr while she was in hibernation, and that the Fairy King Elven had been resurrected.
[…!!]
Hazard's red eyes, which had been full of anger, wavered.
It wasn't because Taehyun had made contracts with other Great Dukes.
Since he had also made a contract with her, she thought that by the time she woke up from hibernation, he might have persuaded a few more Great Dukes and the territory war might have ended.
What surprised her was the name Elven.
The forgotten Fairy King.
The erased memories returned, and confusion arose.
[By now, your memories would have returned as well. When the Divine Beast is completely resurrected, the grade of the lower world will rise. If so, you can redraw the future you want. Right now, all that's left is Belzebub, Orgal, and Lucifer.]
[….]
[It's time to accept a new king.]
The Queen of Succubi was persuading the Dragon Lord.
She needed her strength for their contractor to lead the territory war to victory.
Hazard, who had been listening quietly, opened her mouth.
[Rosaria. You're still wagging your disgusting tongue.]
Her voice was full of arrogance.
Hwaaaaaa.
Hazard, enveloped in black magic, returned to her true form.
Rosaria clicked her tongue at the even stronger spirit.
[I can't help but fight, but I can't destroy your lair.]
Rosaria unleashed the magic she had been storing with all her might.
Kwaaaaaaa.
Overflowing tentacles and purple magic wrapped around Hazard's massive body.
[I invite you. To my world.]
Even as Hazard unleashed her opposing magic, she deliberately did not refuse the invitation.
[Do you think it will be any different there?]
Deep within the deepest part.
The battle between the two Great Dukes was quietly beginning there.
New Delhi, India.
One of the many SSS-grade dungeons formed after the summit.
Players and porters who had entered to conquer it were sprawled out.
Each one had their heart extracted and was dead.
Among them was India's national-level player.
Azaruddin Ismail was also there.
And.
The one who created the current situation.
The head of the Chinese Player Association and the one who had reached the level of a Supreme Being.
Ryusbo was chewing on Azaruddin Ismail's corpse.
Crunch. Crunch.
The corpse torn apart by sharp claws was briefly digested.
Kwaaaaaa.
A message appeared before his eyes that his body stats had increased.
Ryusbo shook his head.
He had devoured a national-level player, yet this insatiable hunger.
"It's not enough."
His cannibalistic act stopped only after he had eaten all the dozens of players who were tumbling around in the dungeon.
Thud thud thud.
The dungeon was shaking.
This was because Ryusbo had devoured not only the players who had entered to conquer the dungeon but also all the monsters that formed the dungeon.
His appearance was reflected in the blood scattered on the dungeon floor.
Two horns, a pair of huge wings, ominous mana stones, and a tail.
His current appearance resembled the so-called Great Demons he had summoned.
An existence that all national-level players had to rush to deal with.
The worst monster that only Kim Taehyun could properly deal with.
It was a power that even made him feel like he had the whole world.
Even so.
[This is not enough to eat Kim Taehyun.]
Diablo's words echoed in his head.
Eat more.
[More fear is needed.]
So hunt more players.
Start a war.
Then there would be no need to fear Kim Taehyun or anyone else.
The being who had reached the pinnacle of the Great Demons whispered sweet words.
"Hegemony."
Ryusbo savored the honorable word.
The great achievement that the great powers of the past had achieved.
The emperor who had risen to the pinnacle had also created the path only after shedding countless blood.
The history of the great powers that integrated many ethnic minorities gave him justification.
Kwaaaaaaa.
Ryusbo raised an even darker magic power.
The red magic power of Diablo and the purple magic power of another Demon King flickered.
"It's not just Kim Taehyun."
Even if the missing Cody Cruise returned, he would not be able to stop his hegemony.
The moment he fully awakened the power of the Demon King, even if all the players and demons in the world rushed at him, they would not be able to do anything.
[That's right.]
Diablo agreed, praising his thoughts.
[This demon is with you. What is there to fear?]
Ryusbo said that he was not afraid.
[But it's still not enough.]
"Don't worry. There are nine remaining national-level players. If I eat them as a matter of urgency, I will be able to lay the foundation for the recovery of my power."
Hehehehehe.
[Killkillkillkill.]
The laughter of the two demons echoed in the dungeon and in his head.
"Now, it's time to go hunt the next prey."
At Ryusbo's gesture, a medium-sized gate opened.
The coordinates were a dungeon in Taiwan that had been identified in advance.
It was a place where Taiwan's national-level players would have led the conquest party by now.
After Ryusbo crossed the gate, the dungeon broke.
Immediately after, the world expressed its condolences for the sacrifice of India's national-level player Azaruddin Ismail and those who participated in the conquest.
Without daring to imagine that a demon had been released into the world.
422
A large-scale conflict was unfolding.
The scope was so vast that the world was groaning, and it was perhaps natural to point to China, which had long advocated the unification of great powers, as the cause.
It was no exaggeration.
In fact, the nations belonging to the China Federation showed signs of being abruptly seized by the military.
Many nations recalled the unification wars of the past and criticized China.
They advised against using the China Federation, which should be working for human security, for personal gain.
Nevertheless, Li Kewang, who had newly ascended to the position of chairman, ignored the opinions of world organizations and spared no military support to the nations belonging to the China Federation.
The 'World Player Association,' newly seized by the United States, 'P50,' led by New Korea, and the 'European Union,' which prioritized the interests of European nations.
The three organizations with the strongest power in the world put pressure on the China Federation, but.
China's potential was not to be underestimated.
Numerous high-level players mass-produced through its own license issuance system.
State-led projects implemented on the basis of vast territory and population.
Gate breaks and unexplained epidemics occurring all over the world.
The world was groaning.
China did not miss this opportunity, achieving economic growth and further increasing its size.
At the center of this was Liu Shibao, the chairman of the Chinese Player Association, who advocated hegemony.
China's best SSS-class player.
He declared that he would lead the hegemony of the great power and called himself the Overlord.
Rumors circulated that he was manipulating the chairman or seeking human flesh, but the association dismissed it as a ploy by small nations to undermine the prestige of the great power.
In the meantime, the number of deaths of national-level players increased, and before they knew it, only eight national-level players remained out of the original ten.
Taking advantage of the chaotic situation, the Mins raised their heads.
Monsters, diseases, Mins, war.
Unlike humanity, which groaned under numerous blood-calling disasters.
The Earth was gradually adapting to the new environment.
It is impossible to leave the expanding dungeons unattended.
Associations that were not part of the existing four major organizations quickly determined their course.
The breaks that had been quiet for three years were occurring so violently that the attack was limited by the power of mediocre associations.
Sao Paulo, Brazil.
"Everyone, don't neglect the surrounding area!!"
Brazil's national-level player, Lucas Dos Santos.
At his command, the players, made up of Brazil's elite, put their spirits into it and strengthened their perimeter security.
The news of the annihilation of attack forces that had been occurring one after another around the world recently made his already sharp nerves even more ferocious.
"Thank you for your help."
Lucas, who was leading the attack force, expressed his gratitude to the saintess who was quietly following beside him.
She, who did not belong to any world organization, volunteered to join this attack force.
"Don't mention it. We must avoid losing national-level players as much as possible."
The saintess mentioned the national-level players of other countries who had lost their lives.
Azaruddin Ismail of India and Su Jinchang of Taiwan.
National-level players not only symbolize the military power of a country, but also are important forces for humanity as a whole in the long run.
It was a statement that seemed unremarkable on the surface.
Nevertheless.
"Have you finally decided to join hands with New Korea?"
"……."
The saintess closed her mouth at Lucas's nonchalant question.
Currently, the Brazilian Player Association belongs to P50.
Japan lost a lot of power due to past breaks and has maintained a good relationship by going back and forth between the World Player Association, P50, and the China Federation under the pretext of neutrality for recovery.
Simple people thought that Japan was reflecting on the past and maintaining neutrality, but.
Those who know it know that it is due to economic benefits, not just pure intentions.
The arrogant people who called themselves great powers until New Korea rose to prominence could not suddenly turn over a new leaf.
The actions of the saintess representing such a country have been unusual recently.
She is sparing no effort in supporting the countries belonging to P50.
Since Kim Taehyun went missing and a competitive structure with New Korea was gradually emerging, the saintess's sudden change of attitude seemed as if she was drawing a line to join P50.
Some people denigrated the saintess, saying that she had become New Korea's dog.
Lucas's thoughts were no different.
"I am just dedicated to the peace of humanity."
The saintess glossed over it with obvious words.
'She's become a completely different person from the one in New Delhi. What is she afraid of?'
It was difficult to think that Yoo Ah-young, who was recovering from her injury at the meeting, was putting pressure on her.
'I should talk to President Go Tae-wook separately.'
The core of P50 is New Korea.
Go Tae-wook might know something.
Before long, the monsters that were caught in the perimeter were hunted down one by one.
The attack on the dungeon went as planned.
It is an SSS-class dungeon, not an SSS+-class.
'There are two national-level players here.'
In terms of simple power, they were by no means inferior.
They cut down S-class and SS-class monsters and reached the end of the dungeon where the boss would be.
It was a space where an SSS-class monster should be waiting due to the dungeon structure.
Surely that should be the case.
"What...!!"
"……!!"
Lucas, as well as the saintess, couldn't help but be embarrassed.
Liu Shibao.
He had a being that must have been the owner of the dungeon under his feet.
It wasn't just that he had it under his feet.
The huge body of the monster, which was obviously qualified to be judged as SSS-class at a glance, was torn apart.
Their eyes stopped at the monster's body, where the magic stone should have been, but was now empty.
"It took you long enough."
Liu Shibao chuckled and opened his mouth.
"How did you come to be here...?"
Lucas opened his mouth as a representative.
He was asking, but all kinds of information was being combined in his head.
His instinct was warning him.
The man in front of him.
Be careful of Liu Shibao.
That he was the one who murdered the national-level players.
"...Saintess. Please support me...."
"...I understand."
The two national-level players, who had grasped the situation without any special words, released their magic power with all their might.
"A pathetic resistance."
Liu Shibao clicked his tongue and released his magic power.
Red and purple magic power was eating into the dungeon.
An ordinary human being is playing the role of 'core' that only the owner of the dungeon can do.
No, can those who exert such power be called human beings anymore?
"You monster...!!"
SSS-class skill 'Carnival Festival'.
SSS-class skill 'Super High-Speed Regeneration'.
In addition, the skills used by the elite players of the association targeted Liu Shibao.
But.
It did not take long for them to realize why the national-level players of India and Taiwan had to die.
"Cough...."
Lucas coughed up a handful of blood.
This is because of the thorn-like nails that pierced his chest.
His body was paralyzed because he was directly hit by an attack symbolizing the Great Demon, and black blood was flowing from his mouth.
He was lying on the floor of the dungeon, waiting for death.
The saintess, who had been supporting him with super-high-speed regeneration until just a moment ago, was in a similar state.
Not only were her arms torn off, but her legs were crushed.
She hadn't lost her life yet, but she, or she, would soon face death.
Just like the other players whose hearts had been eaten.
"You... you made a deal with the devil...."
He barely finished speaking.
Liu Shibao, who had been taking the hearts of others as an appetizer, raised his head and looked at him.
The word devil was clearly a criticism, but.
He didn't seem ashamed at all.
That's because the one he contracted with was not an ordinary demon, but a demon king, and it was not an ordinary deal, but a fusion.
"Don't worry. Your magic power will become fertilizer for the great power."
Liu Shibao chuckled and grabbed Lucas's hair.
Ominous magic power gathered on his fingernails.
He was thinking of pulling out his heart in one fell swoop.
"Are you afraid of death?"
"You too... will eventually be hunted down...."
Lucas cursed Liu Shibao's future.
Since he has become a monster, he will be killed by a player.
"Who can handle this demon. Even you, who are called national-level players, are in this state."
Keulkeulkeulkeul.
Liu Shibao took it nonchalantly and ridiculed Lucas's end.
Following the unsettling deaths of the national-level players of India and Taiwan, even if the national-level players of Brazil and Japan experience the same thing, people will not notice.
No, even if they do notice, will there be anyone who can do anything as he says?
'Even New Korea's Yoo Ah-young... against a guy like that...'
I can't win.
He has already become an existence that can no longer be determined by human standards.
It was when Lucas was thinking that.
"Consider it an honor to become a part of the fear."
Liu Shibao's fingernails dug into Lucas's chest.
Chee-ik. Chee-ik.
The skin seemed to melt just by touching his fingernails.
He would have his heart ripped out without even having the strength to resist.
It was when Lucas was acknowledging his humiliating defeat and bracing himself for death.
Kwaaaaaaaa.
'……?'
A spatial crack occurred behind Liu Shibao.
A gate was created with the crack as the starting point.
An existence that opens gates and moves in a dungeon.
'Is the world about to perish?'
Even Liu Shibao could not handle one, but if there were two such people, the end of the world would not be an exaggeration.
But it wasn't.
"……?"
Liu Shibao turned his head while still holding Lucas's neck.
A man was walking out of the gate.
Even in his fading consciousness due to excessive bleeding, Lucas recognized the man.
"Ah... ah...."
He let out a groan-like sound without realizing it.
The man who walked out of the gate was the one who awakened his once arrogant self.
He is the player who made Brazil a member of P50, and New Korea's top power, who was known to have been missing for three years.
"...Kim...Taehyun...."
Lucas struggled to put the man's name into his mouth.
Liu Shibao looked at him with a ferocious expression.
And.
"Got you, you rat."
Flicking his finger.
Taehyun said so.
"You…."
Liu Shibao gritted his teeth and glared at Taehyun.
Just that seemed to surround the dungeon with great killing intent.
"Great demon. It must be a mid-level one. It's an amazing growth. To think that this is possible just by eating people."
Taehyun, who was not wearing any magic power on his body, said as if evaluating.
"But the fun ends here."
"Bullshit!!"
Liu Shibao, who shouted, unleashed his magic power.
His body transformed into a huge body reaching 3 meters.
Three horns, huge wings, and a beast-like tail waved threateningly.
Taehyun made eye contact with Liu Shibao, who was much bigger than him.
"Don't look down."
Tting.
[The skill Knight King's Dignity(???) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Kugugugung.
A huge gravity pressed down on Liu Shibao's huge body.
Keulkeulkeul.
Liu Shibao resisted the aura that was binding his body nonchalantly.
"Still this kind of…."
Tting.
[The skill Monarch's Dignity(???) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Kuoong!!
"……!!"
Liu Shibao's knees, who had turned into a great demon, were bent.
Unlike Liu Shibao, who had an expression of disbelief at what had happened to him.
Taehyun, who had matched his eye level exactly, seemed satisfied.
Jjak.
Taehyun's hand slapped Liu Shibao's cheek.
"Don't look down."
"You…!!"
Jjak.
"Don't shout."
"……!!"
Jjak.
Jjak.
Jjak.
Taehyun's hand moved indifferently, but without stopping.
The super-high-speed regeneration was being manifested from Liu Shibao's body due to how great the tension was on the hand that was not loaded with magic power.
'What... this is ridiculous….'
Lucas looked at the scene as if he couldn't believe it.
And.
The saintess, who had come to her senses at some point, was trembling as if her trauma had come to mind.
Chapter 423
Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.
Taehyun's hand relentlessly struck Ryusbo's face.
Each blow sent blood and flesh flying, followed by rapid regeneration.
Driven by rage, Ryusbo attempted to rise, but...
Kugugugugu.
Each time, Taehyun's aura intensified.
A scream escaped through Ryusbo's clenched teeth.
"Why... Why... How could someone like you..."
...obstruct the path of Daeguk?
His face, humiliated, twisted with fury.
Three years ago and now.
The name Kim Taehyun was a curse to "Daeguk" and its association president.
Now, that very man was standing in his way, hindering his path to leading Daeguk anew.
And against him, the strongest warrior in Daeguk's history.
"This can't be... happening."
Ryusbo spat out the words.
He had changed after accepting Diablo's horns.
He had transcended the mortal human body.
He had greedily devoured national-level powerhouses, players, and those with magic, creating a vessel, fusing the artificial magic stone and tail into his body.
Thus, the three horns were created.
Thus, he attained the power of an absolute being.
But why?
'Are you still looking down on this devil...!!'
Kneeling, Ryusbo looked up at Taehyun.
Unlike himself, Taehyun didn't seem to be using his full power yet.
His eyes, now crimson and azure, held arrogance.
Grind.
His teeth grated.
Super-speed regeneration was active, preventing the aura from delivering life-threatening damage, but he knew Kim Taehyun wasn't using his full power either.
"You..."
Ryusbo's body trembled violently.
Meanwhile.
"Fascinating."
Taehyun examined Ryusbo's eyes as if observing a zoo animal.
"How are you still maintaining your personality?"
"What...?"
"Even Kassim Zort spoke in the language of monsters in his demonic state."
Disdain flickered in Taehyun's eyes.
"Why is someone like you still speaking human words?"
Not a state achieved through his own power, but a body obtained by devouring humans.
With such power, how could he still pretend to be human?
Taehyun mocked Ryusbo's audacity.
"……!!"
He was about to shout in outrage when...
"I'll give you a chance."
Ting.
[Skill 'Dominator of Desire' (???) has been activated. Target acquired.]
Kwaaaaa.
A deep azure mana erupted from Taehyun's body.
The force enveloped Ryusbo, threatening to consume him.
"Accept the offer. Then, you might save your life."
Lucas, watching with a fading consciousness, trembled.
It was out of elation.
Toying with a being that even national-level powerhouses struggled against, with such ease.
Tears welled up at the thought of being saved by Kim Taehyun once again.
The Saintess seemed to tremble for different reasons.
In that short time, Ryusbo rejected Taehyun's offer, and the one-sided beating continued.
Smack. Smack.
Thud. Crack.
Each strike triggered Ryusbo's super-speed regeneration.
He was forced to answer.
Acknowledge everything, compensate, and restore things to their original state, and he would be spared, 'right now.'
"Kahaak...!!"
Ryusbo roared in resistance.
He wouldn't yield to such pathetic threats, as if he were some great being himself, crying out for justice.
He was relying on his regenerative abilities.
How pathetic that looked.
Kwaang!!
Taehyun unintentionally put force into his fist.
"Guh... Ur..."
Ryusbo's undefended skull caved in.
An impact that should have been instantly fatal, yet he regenerated, making him look less and less like a humanoid monster.
Taehyun didn't stop his fists.
"How pathetic."
Kwaang!!
"Just because you coveted the power of demons."
Kwaang!!
"And abandoned even humanity."
Kwaang!!
"Don't pretend to be righteous."
Kwaang!!
Kwaang!! Kwaang!! Kwaang!!!
Not even a skill.
Each casually swung fist felt like an attack delivered with the full force of a top-tier demon beast.
"Huff... Stop... Huff..."
Taehyun was the one throwing the punches, but Ryusbo, having exhausted considerable energy on super-speed regeneration, finally showed fear in his eyes.
He realized that his regeneration was weakening.
An unexpected weakness in his supposedly perfect body.
"He... Help..."
The moment he tried to beg for his life, feeling the shock of his incomplete immortality.
[I can't watch this anymore.]
Suddenly, demonic language poured from his mouth.
Only then did Taehyun's lips curl up.
"Good."
Kwaddeudeudeuk.
Ryusbo's body was completely regenerated.
Unlike a moment ago, when his mana and mental strength were depleted and he couldn't properly recover.
Kudeudeudeu.
A new horn sprouted on his forehead.
As he unlocked the fourth horn, his body twisted grotesquely.
His long arms reached the ground, and his back was bent.
Deudeudeu.
He ignored Taehyun's aura and stood up.
Even though his back wasn't fully straightened, he was a massive figure, well over 3 meters tall.
[Kneel before the fear.]
His words.
A power beyond comparison swept through the dungeon.
"Cough..."
"Hack..."
Lucas and the Saintess passed out.
"So weak."
How can someone with such a body be considered national-level?
With the level of monsters rising, shouldn't the standards for national-level be raised too?
Taehyun muttered to himself, looking at the monster before him.
It wasn't just a simple scolding.
The Great Demon was just the beginning.
From now on, monsters would keep pouring in endlessly.
From the moment the power of the Great Duke contractors reached the realm of the highest-tier, and the moment Taehyun accepted the Divine Tree, Earth had finished preparing to accept new species.
The laws of the Abyss created by the Lower Realm King were weakening.
The fact that the being that the Lower Realm King had obliterated was now existing through a human vessel before Taehyun's eyes was one proof of that.
"The demon race is up to something, aren't they?"
Eliminating the Divine Tree, devouring the Fairy King, strengthening their forces in the hidden area, and even the resurrection of Diablo.
Among the Great Dukes, each hiding their own schemes, they were by far the most active.
[There's no reason not to welcome the Lord of Terror.]
Diablo said, with a power surging within him unlike anything before.
In Alchemist, he had to use his power with only his existence because he had no body to accept the horns, but now he could use a considerable amount of power through Ryusbo's body.
Of course, it was nothing compared to Taehyun, who had already reached the level of a Great Duke.
But Diablo was certain.
He knew that Kim Taehyun had no intention of using his full power here.
[You avoid the destruction of this planet, and you fear that this devil's authority will be harmful.]
"……."
[If not, then tell me.]
"……."
Taehyun couldn't refute it.
As he said, unlike the Abyss, Earth didn't yet have an environment capable of withstanding battles at the Great Duke level.
'At best, the middle layers of the Abyss.'
He could easily foresee something bad happening if those who belonged in the deepest layers continued to use their power in such a place.
'I have to adapt them slowly.'
To do that, the birth of someone with a power like his, at the Great Duke level, needed to be postponed a little longer.
Whether they were originally humans from Earth.
Or originally demons from the Abyss.
'Either way, it's harmful.'
Diablo, fused with Ryusbo, clearly read Taehyun's thoughts.
He originally planned to recover his power on Earth, contact the Great Demons, and dominate this place before moving on.
But after confirming Taehyun's power in Alchemist, he changed his mind.
[Open the gate to the Abyss. You must know how this devil can cross over.]
"The Lord of Terror. Unlike your name, you're good at scheming."
Without denying Diablo's words, Taehyun took out several scrolls.
Jjiijik.
Top-grade Mana Recovery Scroll.
Top-grade Body Recovery Scroll.
Top-grade Fatigue Recovery Scroll.
The massive mana contained in the scrolls enveloped Lucas and the Saintess.
Taehyun watched the scene silently.
'Yoshikawa Tsurara. Nakata Shinji died and she seems to have changed.'
She might not have known, but the Saintess was bait prepared after Ryusbo realized she was aiming for national-level status.
[If you were just a little later, it would have been a more useful body.]
"Be satisfied with dominating that foolish body."
[Open the gate to Belzebub's territory. Where the demon race is.]
"Well, I don't know who's in charge here."
Even as he said that, Taehyun obediently concentrated his mana.
A crack in space unfolded on one side.
It was a gate that the monster who was originally the boss of the dungeon would be guarding.
Ting.
[Skill 'Apostle of the Gate' (???) has been activated. Searching for location.]
Taehyun's mana was sucked into the crack in space.
[Location identified.]
Kwaaaaa.
A large gate was created to allow the two beings to pass through.
[This mana... It's definitely the demon race's territory.]
Diablo said with satisfaction.
He had expected Taehyun to open the gate to a different place and was prepared to refuse several times.
Taehyun provoked Diablo, calling him a coward.
[…We'll see if that arrogance is still the same when you get over there.]
Diablo crossed the gate created by Taehyun.
As expected, Diablo's body passed through without difficulty due to the power of the SSS-rank dungeon and Taehyun's added mana.
"Yoshikawa Tsurara."
Taehyun called out to her, even though she was still pretending to be unconscious.
"P, Player Kim Taehyun..."
"Remember. There's no third time."
The Saintess lowered her head at the cold glare.
It felt like a lifetime.
Like the meaning of living as Shinhan Kuk's dog.
"If you don't like it, then die."
"N, No!"
Leaving the startled woman behind, Taehyun crossed the gate.
A giant thorn symbolizing the Great Demon aimed for Gilper's neck.
Gilper swung his own thorns to block it.
Kilkilkilk.
Mephisto, the owner of the thorn, let out a vile laugh.
[You're sullying the name of an ancient Great Demon.]
He seemed to have recovered his grace, but was that all he could do?
He provoked him, saying that he was ashamed that he was once called his brother.
[Your tongue is still long as ever.]
Unlike his indifferent words, the situation was not good.
Because Rozaria had left with Mastema, the balance was tilted to one side.
If they hadn't been in the position of blocking them, and if Typhon hadn't recovered even a little bit more of his power, they would have been annihilated a long time ago.
Then, in the distance, a gate opened.
There were not many who knew the coordinates of the hidden area, and among them, there were few who could open the gate.
And.
Surprisingly, the person who appeared from the gate was someone that both Gilper and Mephisto knew.
[Diablo!!]
[……!!]
Diablo's appearance seemed to be something that even Mephisto had not expected.
But only for a moment.
[Worship the Lord of Terror!!]
Mephisto shouted loudly.
As if the greeting was satisfactory, Diablo emanated his authority.
Kilkilkilk.
Mephisto laughed for a long time at the appearance of an unexpected ally.
He could see the end of this tedious battle.
[Gilper. Not only will you not become a Great Duke, but you will probably become a sacrifice for the demon race here.]
He said that the horns, tail, and magic stone would be taken out and offered for Diablo's recovery.
At that time.
Another man appeared from the gate that had not yet closed.
[……!!]
[……!!]
The two Great Demons were surprised again for a moment.
[I'll give back the words you said a moment ago, Mephisto.]
[…….]
[Not only will you not become a Great Duke, but you will be a sacrifice for this devil's resurrection here.]
Gilper smiled and raised his thorns.
424
"Fortunately, I'm not too late."
After passing through the gate, Taehyun quickly assessed the situation.
Traces of numerous magical powers and authorities lingered in the area.
Among them, the remnants of the elemental powers used by Typhon, Erebus, and Aether, as well as the poisonous power of Beelzebub, were particularly strong.
Puhuhu.
Not far from Taehyun.
Diablo, who had passed through the gate first, burst into laughter.
A massive figure that no longer resembled a human.
The Great Duke, who had been annihilated by the Lower World King in the past, had returned to the Abyss.
Rosaria would have found it hard to believe if she were here.
"You wanted to come so badly, have you gone crazy?"
[Kim Taehyun. I don't understand you.]
"......?"
[This place is the former territory of the Demon God. Now, it must be Beelzebub's territory.]
"......"
[I won't ask how you know the coordinates of this place. But leading the Demon God here is a big mistake.]
As Diablo said that, red and purple magic surged from his body.
Ggeuggeuggeuggeug.
His body became a core, absorbing the poisonous magic scattered throughout the area.
Not only Taehyun.
All the monsters fighting watched the scene in silence.
Because they knew.
Another Demon King who once ruled the demon race.
Great Duke Diablo was regaining his former glory.
His power was not inferior to Mephisto, who led the demon race.
It was perfect timing.
Rosaria, who had been confusing the upper and highest-ranking monsters, was gone, and Mastema, who was mind-controlled by her and obstructing their advance, was also absent.
[Worship the Lord of Terror!!]
The atmosphere, which had been subdued by Mephisto's cry, instantly became frenzied with madness.
The eerie sounds of demons echoed throughout the area.
As if satisfied with the sight of being welcomed, Diablo burst into wild laughter.
How absurd that sight was.
"This is a mess."
Taehyun took in the rare sight and quickly assessed the situation.
At that moment, the two Great Demons who had been fighting in the distance.
Mephisto and Gilfer flapped their wings and flew over.
Mephisto stood beside Diablo, and Gilfer stood next to Taehyun.
[Returning is as sudden as disappearing.]
Gilfer said that abruptly.
She was the last person Taehyun had spoken to before he merged with the Divine Beast.
"Did I cause you any concern?"
If so, he would apologize.
Taehyun asked, not hiding his playful voice.
[Of course not. I don't know why you appeared with Diablo, but you must have a reason for bringing him here.]
Gilfer knew that Taehyun always had a plan when he took risks.
"Yeah. It'll be a good gift."
Taehyun said that and grinned.
[...I hope it's a move that can turn the tide of the war.]
The ancient Great Demon and the former Great Duke.
The numerous upper and highest-ranking monsters of the demon race who had invaded the territory.
Despite that, she spoke calmly, watching Taehyun, who was still relaxed.
Unlike her.
[Contractor!!]
쿵. 쿵. 쿵. 쿵.
With a resounding cry, Typhon dashed out from the distance.
A 10-meter giant covered in lightning.
Every time he passed, the electrified demon monsters screamed.
"Typhon."
Taehyun looked at the Giant King, who had instantly arrived beside him, with affection.
He could see that Typhon's rank had recovered considerably even in that short moment.
[Puhahaha. You've become unbelievably strong!!]
Only Great Duke contractors can draw on the power of the contracted being.
Originally, there was no reason for the contractor to be stronger than the Great Duke, so there was no opportunity.
Unlike Gilfer.
Typhon immediately realized that Taehyun had reached the Great Duke level.
[Still, to bring that grumpy guy along. If Rosaria were here, she would have nagged.]
Typhon said, looking at Diablo.
Although a significant portion of his memory had been erased by the Lower World King's use of the power of reincarnation.
He, too, belatedly recalled the infamy of Diablo, who had been annihilated in ancient times.
"It's a gift."
[Hmm?]
"You'll see when the time comes."
Taehyun said that and grinned once more.
Typhon was about to make a face as if saying what nonsense he was talking about.
Typhon began to draw on his power.
He felt that Mephisto and Diablo's magic were resonating.
It wasn't just Taehyun's party who were happy to see each other after a long time.
[Mephisto. Brother of the Demon God.]
[Lord of Terror.]
Mephisto bowed his head and showed respect to Diablo.
Among the demons, only the Demon King could receive his respect.
Currently, only Beelzebub is called the Demon King.
Originally, the title of Demon King referred to Diablo and Beelzebub, who had risen to the rank of Great Duke.
Moreover, Mephisto was the first to contact Ryuusbo to revive Diablo.
It was natural to respect Diablo.
[You've become stronger since I last saw you.]
[It's an honor.]
[The Demon God's power is not yet complete.]
[If you wait, I will clean up the area.]
[There's no need for that.]
[......?]
Red and purple magic spewed from Diablo's body.
Red was the power of terror that symbolized him, and purple was the diluted power of Beelzebub that had been passed down.
[Indeed.]
Mephisto admired.
Diablo, who had been revived with incomplete power.
He was beginning to exude a huge presence with a body that was only at the level of a mid-level Great Demon.
The Great Demons that existed in ancient times.
As the first being to become Demon King among them, he was overwhelming Mephisto even with incomplete power.
[I offer my power to the first Demon King.]
The powers of 'Poison' and 'Soul' residing in Mephisto's body reached Diablo.
Diablo's presence recovered rapidly just from that.
[Truly a tempting power.]
Diablo did not refuse the power and absorbed it without a break.
The monsters in the area trembled at the power that was slowly recovering.
The power of terror was added to the power of the soul, creating a heinous aura.
[Contractor. It's dangerous if we leave him like that.]
[I agree.]
Typhon and Gilfer, who had been watching from either side of Taehyun, gave a realistic assessment.
At this rate, Diablo would regain his full power.
Mephisto, who was connected to Diablo, would eventually break through the wall.
Taehyun knew that as well.
Even so.
"Not yet."
He could see clearly with the 'Watcher's Eye'.
His power was becoming greater than expected, and the speed was also faster than expected.
Deudeudeudeud.
The 15th district shook with the massive magic power.
It wouldn't be long before Diablo opened his fifth horn.
[Oh dear.... Contractor, I hope you have some kind of plan.]
[Mephisto and Diablo. Their powers are well-suited.... Without adequate countermeasures, we'll be annihilated.]
Nothing is as easily succumbed to terror as a corrupted soul.
Gilfer said, recalling her memories of ancient times.
Even so, Taehyun said nothing.
Typhon and Gilfer seemed to think that Taehyun was making some special plan from his appearance.
"I don't."
[What...?]
[......?]
"I don't."
[......]
[......]
Taehyun grinned at Typhon and Gilfer, who were at a loss for words.
[Oh dear.... You must be crazy...]
Typhon tried to shout belatedly, but his words stopped at Diablo's voice.
[Typhon. It's been a while.]
[......]
[You've become weaker too.]
Keulkeulkeul.
Diablo laughed, confirming that Typhon's rank had been damaged.
Typhon's face contorted at the sight.
[You dying...]
Before Typhon could finish his words, Diablo's gaze turned to Taehyun.
[You've been waiting long enough.]
"For someone who's been waiting, your recovery is too fast."
Taehyun said, scanning the bodies of Mephisto and Diablo, who were emitting a power similar to Igmun's.
[Didn't I tell you? You will worship terror.]
The magic stone and tail artificially created by Ryuusbo had completely fused with the horns.
Mephisto, who was standing next to him, was the same.
He had also grown in the short time he had shared power with Diablo.
[Two Great Duke-level beings.]
[It's a desperate situation.]
Gilfer and Typhon said with grim expressions.
On the other hand.
"It'll be good to test my strength."
Taehyun merely mumbled as if it were nothing.
Kilkilkil.
Mephisto burst into laughter.
He didn't know that Taehyun had gained the power of a Great Duke.
He thought that the words to test him were the arrogance unique to the highest-ranking species.
[Mephisto. You shouldn't underestimate that human.]
[......?]
As Taehyun looked at Mephisto, who was expressing doubt, he unleashed his power.
[......!!]
[Oh.]
Mephisto was surprised, and Diablo admired.
Typhon and Gilfer had similar reactions.
"It's not just you who couldn't use your original power."
[How did a human obtain such power?]
Mephisto growled.
He couldn't believe the growth Taehyun had achieved in that short time.
Naturally, he couldn't help but think about the influence of the Divine Beast.
On the other hand.
[How did you come to be able to wield 'that guy's' power?]
Diablo was feeling an unwanted presence in Taehyun's magic power.
He had been annihilated by the Lower World King and had never experienced a species war.
Therefore, unlike Mephisto, he still had doubts about the existence of the key.
Of course, Taehyun had no intention of answering.
"It's cleaning time."
Tting.
[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated.]
Hwaaaaaak.
Darkness descended on the 15th district.
Tting.
[Skill Great Demon's Heart(???) has been activated.]
[Skill True Blood(???) has been activated.]
Kiii-.
Kiiiing-.
Two magic stones rotated, and.
[Skill Chains of Entrapment(???) has been enhanced.]
[Skill Demon's Saliva(???) has been activated.]
Chwareureuk. Chwareureuk.
Chiik. Chiik.
Poisonous magic flowed through the chains.
[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been activated.]
Purple magic mixed into the chains.
The minds of those who touched the chains began to collapse.
In addition to these, all kinds of skills melted into 'Apocalypse', and the monsters except for Diablo and Mephisto were quickly subdued.
Gilfer and Typhon watched quietly at this absurd combination of skills.
Mephisto and Diablo also seemed to be quite shocked.
Mephisto used his power to forcibly raise the collapsing demons, and Diablo once again dominated their minds with terror.
The power to control lower-ranking species is a power that only those who have fully awakened as Great Dukes can possess.
Taehyun silently added a new skill.
Tting.
[Skill Frenzy of the Deep Sea(???) has been activated.]
[A great power awakens.]
Pajjeujeujeujeu.
Strength, stamina, speed, and magic power.
Along with the message that the four stats had increased sharply, the power of the skill was maximized.
Tting.
[Skill Dragon's Wrath(???) has been activated.]
Keureureureu!!
[......!!]
[......!!]
[......!!]
[......!!]
The four monsters who were the only ones maintaining their sanity there could not hide their surprise at the power that transcended the authorities.
How much time had passed?
Hwaaaaaak.
'Apocalypse' was deactivated.
The only ones standing were the four monsters besides Taehyun, and the situation was worthy of the word annihilation.
[Hehehe. He's the contractor of this body.]
Typhon said to Gilfer as if boasting.
Gilfer, as if she couldn't lose.
[...We're brothers.]
She said casually.
425
[Something is wrong.]
Diablo said.
Kim Tae-hyun.
When they first met, he thought he was Rosaria's contractor.
He was definitely human.
But then he used power comparable to a Grand Duke, and not only was he using the authority of others, but he was even using the power of 'that guy' who had annihilated him.
[What are you?]
Only then did Diablo's unstable mind feel a chill.
Perhaps this place, Section 15, which used to be his territory.
He realized that it could be the place where he would be resurrected and annihilated for the second time.
That was because his authority was incomplete.
It also meant that he was not completely immune to fear.
"You're late to notice."
Tae-hyun told Typhon and Gilfer that he would face Diablo.
He needed time to adapt to his newly acquired power.
There was no faster way to get used to it than to clash head-on.
It meant that they should only hold Mephisto until he dealt with Diablo.
[My main body has become a laughingstock. To think I'd be deployed to deal with a mere Archdemon.]
[He's no longer an Archdemon. It would be more accurate to call him a Grand Duke.]
Gritting.
Gilfer, who had never shown his emotions, gritted his teeth.
He couldn't help but resent Mephisto for gaining the power of a Grand Duke before him.
Typhon was no different.
[So isn't it a laughingstock? To think that the contractor would gain the power of a Grand Duke before my main body regained its power. And he's even saying that he'll face two Grand Dukes alone.]
[…….]
Gilfer agreed in silence.
He had thought he would get stronger, but he had become too strong too quickly.
The current Tae-hyun was becoming something unexpected.
[He's saying he'll face two Grand Dukes….]
Something flashed through Gilfer's mind.
Fairy King Elven.
In her prime, she had the power to face two Grand Dukes at the same time.
[Could it be that he has gained the power of the Fairy King?]
He only muttered to himself, but Typhon, Diablo, and Mephisto all heard him clearly.
The power of the Fairy King, that was.
Something Typhon needed to regain his power.
Something Diablo had to join forces with Beelzebub to deal with.
Something Mephisto had to stop before it could sprout.
The four demons' eyes turned to Tae-hyun at the same time.
Was it true?
Had he come to wield the power of the Fairy King?
"Well, what do you think?"
Tae-hyun showed a meaningful smile and unleashed his magic power.
Dark red magic power bloomed.
Ting.
[Unique skill Predation(???) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Crack.
A huge maw rose up between Diablo and Mephisto.
Mephisto and Diablo scattered in opposite directions.
Tae-hyun stood in front of Diablo.
[You…!!]
Diablo fired his fighting spirit.
He recalled the aura of the one who had annihilated him from the maw of Predation.
"Key."
[What….]
"The key that the one who defeated you chose for the Race War. The others call me that."
[……!!]
Diablo's eyes widened.
Ting.
[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated. Target is specified.]
[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Hwaaa.
Once again, darkness descended.
This time, it was only targeting Diablo.
[Puh… Puhahaha….]
Suddenly, Diablo burst into laughter.
As if he didn't care about the chains that wrapped around him, as if he didn't care about the aura that bound him.
He shook his body for a long time.
[A key.]
He mulled over the meaning of Tae-hyun's words.
[The key that 'that guy' chose to end the Race War.]
He had arbitrarily thought of him as 'that guy's' descendant.
Because a long time had passed since he was annihilated, and the power was too weak to say that he had inherited 'that guy's' power.
[The maw that 'that guy' wielded was not this level.]
That's why he was confident.
That when they met again, when he had gained the same power as now, the result would be completely different.
But the human in front of him was looking at him as if he felt sorry for him.
"You're pathetic, Diablo."
[……!!]
Diablo's face twisted at the words that seemed to pity him.
He unleashed his magic power with all his might.
The authority of fear was emitted from the five horns, the magic stone that resonated with Mephisto was becoming stronger every moment, and the snake-like tail was already like a living creature.
But even so, his authority of 'fear' was not working.
He should have regained a considerable amount of power by now.
He should have already gained the power of a Grand Duke, surpassing the highest species.
"It's truly laughable."
[…….]
At the mockery, Diablo met Tae-hyun's eyes.
Red eyes symbolizing the demons of the Lower Realm and blue eyes symbolizing the angels of the Upper Realm.
For some reason, the guy who had one of each was pitying him.
How dare he.
[A lowly insect.]
Diablo snarled.
A human.
A mere creature of Earth dared to look down on the Grand Duke of the Lower Realm.
He roared, firing streaks of fighting spirit.
Tae-hyun still didn't seem to care.
He had to ask.
[Just because you resisted my authority….]
Did you think you had won?
Tae-hyun shook his head.
No.
Just.
"The weakest of the Grand Dukes. It's funny that you're being defeated by the authority of Rosaria, whom you guys considered insignificant."
Crack.
[……!!]
The sound of something cracking could be heard from somewhere.
Not from the outside, but from within Diablo.
"Did you think you had regained the power of a Grand Duke?"
Gritting.
The sound of cracking became louder.
"Did you think I had gained the power of the Fairy King?"
Crackling.
The huge crack was now clearly discernible.
The world reflected in his red eyes.
The space he believed to be reality.
Crackling. Crackling. Crackling.
It began to collapse.
Personal space.
[When…!!]
Where the darkness had collapsed, radiance flickered.
"How about facing reality, Diablo."
Tae-hyun awakened him to the cold reality.
[Ah….]
Diablo unknowingly let out a groan.
Only then did he realize.
That he had already fallen under Tae-hyun's mental domination.
That he was still just a remnant mediated by a human body.
That he had not regained the status of a Grand Duke.
[…Since when?]
Where was reality, and where was fiction?
[Since when have I been mentally dominated?]
Diablo asked.
The madness and arrogance from before were gone, and he was even calm.
"From the beginning."
[You continue to mock me….]
"I haven't fully gained the power of the Divine Beast yet."
[…….]
"And I'm not perfectly wielding the power of the King either."
[…….]
"In that situation, I wasn't confident in facing two Grand Dukes alone."
[…I see.]
Diablo chuckled.
Unlike the previous laughter, there was no fighting spirit or will to resist.
He knew.
That he had been hypnotized without even realizing it.
That his boasted authority was not working either.
The difference in power was clear.
[Tell me just one thing.]
Tae-hyun nodded as if to tell him to continue.
[What are you?]
What was he that he could use the power of the Underworld King?
What was he that he could use the authorities of the Grand Dukes so freely?
He asked with pure curiosity.
"A key. That's true."
At Tae-hyun's words, Diablo nodded.
[It's a shame. If I had been a little more careful, the Demon Race would have been completely resurrected.]
"Life is usually just a hair's breadth away."
As Tae-hyun said that, dark red magic power surged from his body.
He walked towards Diablo.
Until then, Diablo had not shown any movement.
Crack.
Maws sprouted from all over Tae-hyun's body.
The lingering thoughts of the doppelganger that Elven had defeated before.
Diablo chuckled at the sight of him becoming one with Predation, just like that guy had done.
The Race War that he had not been able to participate in.
Perhaps this time, the Underworld would end in victory.
[I am the Lord of Fear. A Grand Duke and a Demon King.]
"Yeah."
Thud.
Tae-hyun's hand touched Diablo's massive body.
"Mephisto will be dealt with soon too."
[…….]
"No one will remember your resurrection, but."
Crack. Crack. Crack.
The maw of Predation surrounded Diablo's body.
"I will remember you."
Quake!!
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
The sound of the former Grand Duke, who had not yet been resurrected, being chewed and swallowed echoed.
Thud.
Double Inner World.
As he exited the Personal Space, Ryusbo, who had been drained of Diablo's power, collapsed.
He looked down at his naked, pathetic body for a moment.
Ting.
[A fragment of a great being has been consumed.]
[Skill 'Demonization' has been changed to 'Great Demonization'.]
[Proficiency of skill 'Heart of the Great Demon' has increased.]
In addition, a message appeared stating that physical abilities had increased.
Tae-hyun, who had released Apocalypse, looked at Typhon and Gilfer, who were fighting Mephisto.
He was a guy who had reached the power of a Grand Duke through Diablo, but it seemed that Diablo had been consumed and he had returned to his original rank.
In other words, an incomplete Grand Duke-class.
Even with that, he was not being pushed back against Typhon and Gilfer.
'Shall I watch for a bit?'
Tae-hyun sat on the corpse of an unknown Demon Race member.
They were the guys he had destroyed with Apocalypse a little while ago.
[Brother. You've grown unbelievably.]
Erebus, who had shrunk in size, said as he approached.
He had reduced his body size to avoid being swept away by the battle of the great beings.
"The battles ahead will be even more difficult."
This is far from enough.
Tae-hyun said calmly.
[…….]
"There's a face I don't see."
At Tae-hyun's question, he was told that Rosaria had gone to meet Hazard, and that Elven was hiding near the Divine Beast.
He could tell that a considerable amount of time had passed in the Inner World, though not as much as on Earth.
"Hazard. Was that guy still sleeping?"
[The time that Dragons spend in hibernation cannot be measured by human standards. As the Lord, Hazard may have been unwilling to acknowledge that he had become your contractor.]
It was a nuance that he had gone into hibernation until the Territory War was over as an act of rebellion against contracting with Tae-hyun.
'Well, if Rosaria went, she'll figure something out.'
The Grand Dukes were underestimating her power, but Tae-hyun was sure.
That the demon who had once followed the Underworld King would rise to the top of the Grand Dukes.
Because she was the only demon who sincerely followed and shared power with two people who could be said to be of different species: the Underworld King and Kim Tae-hyun.
"Right now, Mephisto first."
Tae-hyun got up from his seat, checking the battle that was nearing its end.
Kugung!!
Swish!!
The Giant King's massive body was thrown back, and Gilfer, whose wings had been cut off, was falling.
Mephisto was drawing up his authority and absorbing the souls of the demons who had fallen in the area.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Tae-hyun grabbed something that was coming out of the body of the demon he had been sitting on a little while ago.
Ting.
[Skill Energy Drain(???) has been activated.]
He tried to absorb it as it was, but.
Swish.
The soul slipped through Tae-hyun's hand and headed towards Mephisto.
"Is authority still authority?"
Ting.
[Skill Great Demonization(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Heart of the Great Demon(???) has been activated.]
Three horns, a magic stone, and a tail were created.
Kiiii.
He raised his fingernails.
And.
Stab!!
A huge thorn pierced through Mephisto's back, which had been tearing Typhon and Gilfer to shreds.
[…You!! You were quietly waiting….]
Crackle… Swish!!
Tae-hyun moved his hand and cut off Mephisto's back skin.
"It's a player change. Great Demon."
426
Crackle!!
The severed back skin began to regenerate rapidly at an ultra-high speed.
There was a sense of déjà vu in the regenerating magic power.
The speed was undoubtedly that of ultra-high-speed regeneration.
But it was strange.
It was a feeling he hadn't experienced when facing Typhon and Gilfer.
"Change of players. Great Demon."
Even as Gilfer and Typhon retreated, Mephisto couldn't grasp the reason.
Taehyun chuckled as he watched.
It was the same laughter that Diablo and Mephisto had shown just moments ago.
How dare such a lowly human mimic him, who had ascended to the rank of Great Duke, and Diablo, who had regained the dignity of a Great Duke...
[...Diablo...?]
Suddenly struck by the thought, Mephisto quickly scanned his surroundings.
The resurrected Diablo.
The Lord of Terror was nowhere to be seen.
Not only had he disappeared from sight, but his presence had been completely erased from the area.
There was no way the Great Duke could hide his powerful presence.
What was erased wasn't just Diablo's existence.
[......]
Flicker. Flicker.
As if blinking.
Even at this very moment, the memories of Diablo were fading.
As if he were under the mental domination of a nightmare race.
[That bastard... could it be?]
The moment Mephisto entertained that assumption.
Crack. Crackle.
He heard something breaking inside his head.
Like being swept away by a wave, the cracks spread uncontrollably.
[What is this...]
Mephisto struggled to emit energy and stop the cracks spreading from within.
If this continued, the eroded mind would lead to the collapse of the body.
"You're late in realizing it."
Taehyun clicked his tongue, telling him it was already too late.
It would only delay the inevitable.
The mental cracks would eventually cause permanent damage to his prized magic stone.
Despite the blatant mockery, Mephisto focused on controlling his magic power.
As a result, he managed to prevent the cracks, which had been spreading endlessly, from reaching the magic stone.
"Oh."
Red eyes and blue eyes.
Taehyun, who had been watching the whole process with the 'Observer's Eyes', quietly admired it.
Since he had been on the verge of reaching the rank of Great Duke from the start, it seemed that the hypnosis hadn't completely taken hold.
He muttered to himself.
[......]
Only then could Mephisto fully grasp the situation.
Diablo, too, had been hypnotized and defeated by Kim Taehyun.
Diablo's regaining his status was just a simple hypnosis.
Oso-so.
Goosebumps rose on the body of Mephisto, who had hunted countless souls.
Wasn't this just like facing the Queen of Nightmares?
No, Taehyun was even more adept at using mental control abilities than Rosaria, who couldn't properly use her powers for various reasons.
"Now you have a face I like."
So saying, Taehyun stood before Mephisto.
[Keuh... Keuk... ]
Kilkilkikil.
Mephisto burst into maniacal laughter.
It wasn't out of self-abandonment.
It was just that he, an ancient Great Demon, and Diablo, who had been a Great Duke,
[Are being defeated by a human who mimics Great Demons.]
It was astonishing.
Mephisto repeated it over and over.
"What difference does it make to be surprised now?"
He scratched at Mephisto's nerves, saying that Diablo, who had gone ahead, was waiting, so he should hurry and follow.
Mephisto, who had stopped his maniacal laughter, met Taehyun's red eyes.
[Kim Taehyun. Key to the Lower Realm and contractor of Great Duke Rosaria. I, this demon, will make you a proposal.]
Mephisto deliberately emphasized that Taehyun was the 'key' and 'contractor'.
He was trying to deny that Taehyun had reached the rank of Great Duke.
The intention was so obvious that a laugh leaked out.
'A pathetic psychological warfare.'
Nevertheless, he allowed it with a chin gesture, telling him to wag his three-inch tongue.
The proposal that followed from Mephisto was not surprising.
[How about the two of us having a showdown?]
He said that so many people had already been lost in the battles so far.
He spouted obvious words as if it were nothing, saying that there was no need to damage the power of the Lower Realm.
How ridiculous was that attitude, justifying himself only after losing so many subordinates and Diablo.
Taehyun couldn't stand it any longer and burst out laughing.
Mephisto frowned.
He instinctively sensed that his proposal would be rejected.
"It's ridiculous. To utter a proposal that you yourself rejected just a moment ago as if it were nothing."
[If you're going to reject it...]
"Call."
[......?]
"I'll accept the proposal. But I need to add some conditions."
[...Speak.]
"The winner takes all. Ownership of the body and ownership of the memories."
[......!!]
Mephisto's eyes widened at the unexpected proposal, but only for a moment.
Kilkilkikil.
He burst into a sinister laugh.
[You bastard. You intend to restore Gilfer.]
"It's none of your concern, is it?"
Mephisto regained his initial composure.
He thought that he had taken his bait to restore the status of Gilfer.
[Yes. It's not my concern.]
Tting.
[Skill Dominator of Desire(???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
Dark blue magic power rose from Taehyun's body.
Mephisto also raised his magic power.
'Soul' and 'Desire'.
Since their purposes were clear, the contract was concluded smoothly.
A double contract was created with two powers in preparation for any possible situation.
[Kim Taehyun. Don't take Mephisto lightly. He's the kind of guy who hides a trump card.]
Gilfer warned that the power he possessed was not all that he had.
[I'm not doubting the contractor, but keep in mind that I will intervene if things get unfavorable.]
Typhon, who felt humiliated by the fact that he couldn't handle it on his own, also said that.
"Don't worry."
Taehyun once again released the magic power he had been gathering.
[...Same level.]
[...Equivalent.]
Gilfer and Typhon nodded their heads and muttered.
Compared to what Mephisto was emitting, it was neither superior nor inferior in any way.
That also meant that Taehyun was controlling his power.
[...Monster.]
[...He's a monster.]
Taehyun ignored their words and felt the magic power becoming more familiar.
He had synchronized with the divine beast and achieved the status of a Great Duke, but he had never had a proper battle.
'Diablo wasn't even worth being an opponent.'
Before crossing the gate from Earth.
In preparation for the worst, he had taken measures in advance with the power of mental control against the incomplete Diablo.
It was no different with Mephisto just now.
Originally, it would have been impossible to hypnotize him without him noticing.
However, the chance for Taehyun's magic power to infiltrate arose because it synchronized with Diablo's magic power.
And now.
He had broken free from Taehyun's hypnosis on his own.
A Great Duke-class demon.
He was a good opponent to test his power in preparation for the upcoming battles with the Great Dukes.
Tting.
[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
Hwaaaaaa.
Just like with Diablo.
Darkness that had targeted the subject descended on the area.
[Indeed. A truly unpleasant darkness.]
Mephisto said as he felt all kinds of skills pressing down on his body.
Contrary to his words, he seemed to be able to withstand it.
Chwaruk. Chwaruruk.
Seogeok!!
Mephisto lightly swung his hand to cut off the chains trying to wrap around his body, and released the power of poison to melt the chains throughout the area.
Taehyun looked at the scene with delight.
Unlike Diablo, he was satisfied with his resistance.
[The tricks you have are not all of this. Do your best.]
It was a posture of conceding the first move, as if the strong were considerate of the weak.
He was confident.
It was a contract concluded with two powers in the form of a contract.
No one could interfere, and if anyone tried to interfere and prevent the execution of the contract, they would suffer severe damage.
The source of that confidence was power.
His own power, 'Soul'.
Belzebub's power, 'Poison'.
And Diablo's power, 'Terror', which he had briefly shared.
Others thought that Diablo had regressed again because he had disappeared, but Mephisto knew.
Just by temporarily holding the three powers in his body, he had already become a different being from before.
He had reached a level where he could become a Great Duke at any time if he wanted to.
[Mammon and Asura. They will regret it if they know.]
Kilkilkik.
Mephisto ridiculed his brothers who had not been able to reach the complete Great Duke level for a long time.
Taehyun tilted his head as he looked at Mephisto.
"You're really a strange guy."
[Keulkeulkeul. I look the same to you, don't I?]
"No, really."
Taehyun cut off Mephisto's words.
He told him one fact that he didn't know.
The Lower Realm King used the power of reincarnation, and there was a problem with your memories.
"The power you know as Great Duke-class. That's just what was suppressed by the restrictions of the Abyss."
[......?]
"Well, even Rosaria and Gilfer can't say it out loud, so there's no way you would be able to remember it."
[What nonsense are you talking about?]
"Not a weakened Great Duke, but the power that a Great Duke before the restrictions can use."
[......]
"You're mistaken about how much power that is."
Kwaaaaaa.
Taehyun strengthened his magic power.
[What is this...!!]
"Mephisto. I hope you can endure a little longer."
Taehyun said with a meaningful smile.
There were many techniques to experiment with.
He would have to concentrate on his boasting ultra-high-speed regeneration ability.
Tting.
[Skill Great Demon's Heart(???) has been strengthened. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill True Blood(???) has been strengthened. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Great Demon Transformation(???) has been strengthened. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Dragon's Wrath(???) has been strengthened. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Deep Sea Rampage(???) has been strengthened. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]
Kugugugugu.
Kwaaaaaaa.
Tsuzuuuuzzz.
Geugeugeugeuk.
Hwaaaaaa.
The powers of poison and terror that he had not fully obtained.
The overflowing magic power, imbued with all kinds of Great Duke's powers that surpassed them, surrounded Mephisto like a tidal wave.
[This, this is...]
"Let's test your body strength first."
Taehyun stabbed Mephisto's chest with his elongated fingernails.
Puwook.
As softly as cutting tofu, the thorns pierced through.
Taehyun looked down at Mephisto.
The huge horns, wings, tail, and magic stone that symbolized the Great Demon.
The former grandeur could not be found in the torn and broken appearance.
[Ka... ha...]
Mephisto let out a groan that sounded like a scream.
He belatedly chuckled at his own state, no longer able to regenerate.
"You held out pretty well."
Kook Kook.
Taehyun stabbed Mephisto's torso with his thorn-like fingernails.
A hole was pierced in the ancient Great Demon's strong body.
[I admit it. You... are not my opponent. But it will be insufficient against the Upper Realm... Let's join hands with the demon race. I will promote you as the new Demon King. I will take care of Mammon and Asura...]
He said on his own that he would further strengthen Gilfer's power with his own power, that he would be more helpful than the half-baked Great Demon Gilfer.
He was rambling on his own.
"Mephisto. You're disappointing me until the end. Accept the contract."
[...Demon King... I'll help you get the power of Belzebub...]
He was saying that he would betray his own master with his three-inch tongue.
"I don't need that guy anymore."
[For the sake of the race war, the power of one Great Duke is also...]
"Important. But it seems better to get rid of a guy who's only thinking about stabbing me in the back."
[......]
"And."
Taehyun continued.
"As for the new Demon King, I've already decided on someone."
[Gilfer alone does not have the dignity of a Demon King...]
"That's none of your business. Hurry up and fulfill the contract and get the hell out of here."
After a moment of silence.
[My power... no one... can take it away.]
Mephisto said as if spitting out the words.
Magic power could be seen gathering in the cracked magic stone.
[No one...!! I will not allow anyone to take my power...]
"Shut up."
Tting.
[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been strengthened. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]
"Give it to me."
427화
Ting.
[The enhancement of the skill Ataraxia(???) has reached its limit.]
[Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[The target's mind is collapsing.]
Ignoring the rising messages, Taehyun drew up his mana.
Hwaaaa.
Purple mana ravaged Mephisto's mind.
Since all Taehyun needed was the guy's body and the mana within it.
He didn't care about the destruction of his mind.
The time it took to read his memories was only about a minute.
It was enough time to grasp that the demon race was in a tight spot and that Beelzebub's condition was not normal.
[Cough….]
In addition to Taehyun scanning his mind, Mephisto's body began to degenerate due to the risk of not fulfilling the contract.
The very existence he had achieved with difficulty was suffering permanent damage.
It was troubling.
"Gilfer!!"
Taehyun, who had deactivated 'Apocalypse,' shouted for Gilfer.
Understanding the meaning, Gilfer flapped his wings and approached.
Ting.
[The skill Chains of Restraint(???) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Charrreuk. Charrreureuk.
Two chains wrapped around Mephisto and Gilfer.
[Wait, this far….]
Gilfer couldn't hide his bewilderment at the chains forcefully binding him.
He was reminded of Taehyun's rough handling when he had transferred the power of the Great Demon before.
"This isn't the time to bicker."
Mephisto's existence was diminishing moment by moment, so there was no time to proceed slowly like before.
Ting.
[The enhancement of the skill Energy Drain(???) has reached its limit.]
[The enhancement of the skill Great Demon's Heart(???) has reached its limit.]
[The enhancement of the skill True Blood(???) has reached its limit.]
Kiiiiiii-.
Kaaaaaaa-.
The two magic stones screamed as they sucked in Mephisto's power.
The absorbed mana was transferred to Gilfer through Taehyun's magic stone.
But the speed was too slow.
At this rate, it seemed that the mana lost would be greater than the mana Gilfer gained.
'Mephisto, that guy, really played his cards right.'
Taehyun clicked his tongue and unleashed purple mana.
Tsuzzzzzzzz.
Tentacles began to form one by one behind Taehyun, and their number quickly reached ten.
Each tentacle overflowed with the mana it had absorbed from Mephisto.
[Wa, wait….]
"It'll sting."
Pupu-puk.
[Cough….]
Gilfer, pierced by ten tentacles, coughed up blood for a moment.
Mephisto's mana was flowing in through the penetrating tentacles.
It was far greater than when he possessed authority in ancient times.
Even with Gilfer having regained his ancient body, there was no way he could accept such power without any pain.
Limbs, horns, and wings shattered and regenerated repeatedly, reconstructing into an even stronger body.
The more he endured, the more immense mana filled him moment by moment.
Typhon watched the scene with envy.
"Not yet!!"
Taehyun, who had been concentrating on mana control, suddenly plunged a demon's claw into Mephisto's chest.
And.
Kwaduk!!!
A magic stone was pulled out from Taehyun's hand.
The light, still containing considerable power, was so dazzling that an instinctual desire to devour it using Predation surged.
'This isn't mine.'
Even if Taehyun used Predation, the benefit of strengthening Gilfer would be greater than the gain he would get.
It would be problematic to miss out on something big by trying to take something small.
Shaking his head, he shoved the magic stone straight into Gilfer.
Kiiiiiiiii-.
Kiiiiiiing-.
The two magic stones resonated and made a deafening noise.
The existing magic stone and the new magic stone began to collide.
If the new magic stone was not completely controlled.
'He'll be consumed by Mephisto's thoughts.'
[Gerk….]
Gilfer, who was barely controlling the mana transmitted through the chains and tentacles, showed signs of backlash.
"Not yet, it's not nearly enough."
Taehyun drew his Dragon Slayer Sword and cut off Mephisto's horns and tail.
He absorbed all the mana felt there and created a new magic stone.
It wasn't difficult, as he had already tested it on Yoo Ah-young.
And if she could endure it.
'There's no way Gilfer can't.'
Kuddeudeuk.
It was when the compressed and compressed magic stone finally formed a small shape.
Pook.
Taehyun implanted it newly next to where Mephisto's magic stone had been embedded.
Gilfer, bent over at the waist, continued to spill blood.
The sight was so gruesome.
[Oh dear….]
[Good heavens….]
[What on earth did he do wrong….]
Typhon and the giants watching shook their heads.
[Brother. At this rate, you might just catch a Great Demon….]
Erebus, who had worked with her a few times, tried to stop Taehyun.
"Don't interfere. Just watch quietly."
Taehyun said, focusing on injecting even a little more of Mephisto's mana.
And just in time.
A change began to occur in Gilfer's body.
The change in Gilfer's body was clear.
'Evolution.'
But reaching that stage seemed distant.
Powerless, and with a body that had always had limitations, mana steeped in authority was being forcibly injected, consuming his body.
This was the limit.
Gilfer thought so.
"You can do it."
Taehyun's voice was heard from somewhere.
Concentrate and focus on controlling each mana.
If Mephisto could do it, so could he.
If he gave up here, there would be no reason to have abandoned the authority of desire.
Why did his heart beat so fast, even though the words were obvious?
Gilfer once again grabbed the immense mana he was about to release.
He felt it.
Mephisto's authority 'Soul.'
Gorper's authority 'Desire.'
Beelzebub's authority 'Poison.'
Diablo's authority 'Fear.'
Rosaria's authority 'Mind Control.'
And.
The power of the king that devours all these authorities.
No, Kim Taehyun's authority 'Predation.'
Kwaduk!!
A sound of something breaking was heard from within Gilfer.
It was an awakening and a prelude to evolution.
Mephisto, who had briefly held three authorities in his body and gained the enlightenment of evolution.
It was not difficult to recall the authority he had forgotten due to the mana forcibly injected by Taehyun.
Her body was covered in mana of all colors.
The mana, which had been overturned, intertwined, and restrained each other, was repeatedly mixed and scattered.
If Taehyun had not drawn her into his mental world, if he had not drawn her into his personal space, she would have eventually failed to overcome the mana backlash and would have perished.
The three magic stones, which had been constantly colliding, began to calm down little by little.
At some point, it could be seen that the mana flowing in her body was unified.
He opened his eyes.
Taehyun, with a tired face, was smiling.
[Finally.]
Gilfer raised azure mana.
He was born with the authority of desire along with Gorper, but he had to lose it.
And now.
He could recognize that a new authority to replace desire had been created.
The name of the authority is.
[Evolution.]
It was a power befitting one who had degenerated but regained his original strength and finally achieved the rank of Archduke.
"The birth of a new Demon King?"
Unlike Mephisto, no shaking was felt in Gilfer's mana.
In that short time, he had completely melted the mana embedded in his body into his own.
Just as the King of the Lower Realm had made Rosaria an Archduke.
Taehyun had also led Gilfer down a new path.
At that moment.
[Kim Taehyun. My brother in Bonma.]
Gilfer, who had completely calmed down his power, looked at Taehyun with eyes that had become darker.
[I sincerely thank you.]
Having said that, Gilfer unleashed his mana.
Ting.
[Proficiency in the skill 'Great Demon Transformation(???)' has increased.]
[Proficiency in the skill 'Great Demon's Heart(???)' has increased.]
While he was satisfied with the continuously rising messages.
Gilfer raised his menacing claws.
"……?"
[If I have received help, I must repay it.]
Before Taehyun could say anything.
Pook.
Gilfer's thorn pierced Taehyun's chest.
And.
Ting.
['Immense Power' swears allegiance.]
[A summoning covenant has been made with 'Great Demon Gilfer'.]
[Summon Skill Gilfer(???) has been registered.]
[Skill 'Omen of Evolution(???)' has been registered.]
While Taehyun was thinking of new possibilities with the continuously rising messages.
"Now, can you take it out?"
Taehyun said, pointing to Gilfer's thorn that was still stuck in him.
[Oh my, I thought my intention wasn't conveyed enough yet.]
What does it feel like to be stabbed directly?
Gilfer asked, filled with personal feelings.
Taehyun pretended not to know what he was talking about and looked away.
At that moment.
"Ugh… eu…."
Ryusbo, who had regained consciousness, groaned.
"At least the vessel seems to be intact."
The sight of him having lost Diablo's power was truly pathetic.
[Bonma will take care of it.]
Saying that it was the body containing Diablo's fragments.
He said that if he didn't take care of it properly, he didn't know what problems might arise.
Those words made Taehyun think of an idea.
"The fact that it can cause problems means that this guy is still useful, right?"
[…….]
[…….]
Looking at Ryusbo, who was groaning, unaware of how his fate would change in the future.
Heh heh.
Taehyun smiled.
[News from Mephisto is late.]
Mammon blatantly revealed his discomfort.
Whether he had won or lost the battle.
There should have been some contact from Mephisto by now.
[Let's wait a little longer.]
Mammon tried to calm his emotions at his subordinate's words.
However, the reports that came in afterwards were all things he didn't like.
The annihilation of the Great Demons who had crossed over to Earth, starting with Jordiak, had been confirmed.
The mana connected to Diablo's horns had completely disappeared.
[Asura, who was fighting against Lucifer's forces, was defeated due to Igmun's intervention.]
[…….]
[Hazar has awakened from his hibernation.]
[It seems that Rosaria has contacted Hazar. Traces of battle have been found in the area.]
[…….]
How could the situation be flowing so badly?
At this point, he had no choice but to rethink the curse of the Divine Beast.
[Has Hazar finally awakened too?]
It was the moment Mammon muttered those words.
[Mammon-nim. A human named Ryusbo has come to see you. He says he is a messenger from Mephisto-nim.]
Mammon frowned at the unexpected messenger.
Something didn't feel right.
[Bring him in.]
A little later, Mammon frowned again when he faced Ryusbo.
It was surprising that Ryusbo, who should have been on Earth, was here, but his appearance was terrible.
[Why are you here?]
Ryusbo's eyes were strange.
It was as if he was being mind-controlled by Rosaria.
But just a moment ago, Rosaria was said to be with Hazar.
"Mammon."
[…….]
The voice that came out of Ryusbo's mouth organized his complicated thoughts.
[Kim Taehyun.]
He mentioned the name of the man who was controlling Ryusbo's body, as if spitting it out.
"Mephisto has been annihilated."
[……!!]
"I also have Diablo's horns."
[……!!]
Mammon involuntarily growled, reminiscent of the appearance Rosaria had shown before.
"You can even make that kind of expression?"
[…Tell me what you want.]
"It's simple."
Taehyun stated his conditions, and Mammon was furious.
Episode 428
"I heard Rozaria was also rejected."
Taehyun said, opening his eyes.
The purple mana that had been connected to Rhysbo a moment ago was severed.
Mamon, enraged by the proposal, had torn Rhysbo's body apart.
"A fittingly pathetic end."
Considering how he had disregarded the lives of so many for his own selfish gain, the price seemed almost too light.
Taehyun had no intention of negotiating with Mamon.
He simply thought he needed a disposable pawn to confirm things he had gleaned from Mephisto's memories.
"Now, then."
Taehyun looked up at the Divine Tree before him.
"Three years, huh."
It had grown even more enormous than when he last saw it.
'So this is connected to the Upper World.'
What Taehyun had accepted was not merely the Divine Tree's mana.
He had grasped the meaning of its existence and fully understood what the Underworld King intended to do through the Divine Tree.
'It's time to end the territory wars.'
He had already formed contracts with a considerable number of Archdukes, who were recognized as kings within their respective races.
Taehyun himself had reached the level of an Archduke, something he had once thought unattainable.
Now, to play the main game of the race war, he needed to finish the tutorial of the territory wars.
At that moment, a woman appeared from behind the Divine Tree.
"Glad to see you're alive."
A bitter smile formed on his face at her still ten-year-old appearance.
"Elven."
He beckoned her closer.
She approached Taehyun hesitantly, looking wary.
Her face was filled with anxiety.
He knew now that she, like Typhon, did not have her memories and power intact.
Because Taehyun had synchronized with the Divine Tree, they were now inextricably linked.
Rozaria. Typhon. Hazard. Igmund. Jormungandr. Elven.
And even Gilfer.
Each one of them capable of shaking the Abyss, and all sharing the commonality of Kim Taehyun.
Among the countless ancient species that had existed in the Abyss, only a few had managed to maintain the status of Archduke.
'King. You've burdened me with something troublesome.'
He knew that the reason he had been regressed was because of the race war hanging in the balance between the Abyss and Earth, and that he had to completely subjugate the Archdukes through the territory wars.
'All that's left are Orgal, Beelzebub, and Lucifer.'
Except for Lucifer, the others were clearly hostile towards Taehyun.
'It would be best to persuade them if possible.'
He had spoken confidently to Mephisto, but each one of them was a valuable asset.
If that didn't work, he would have to create a stage and use methods to force them into submission.
To do that, he needed to reinforce the power of his current forces.
Thump.
Taehyun placed his hand on Elven's head.
The innocent look she had a moment ago was gone, replaced by a strange expression.
"This is the reward for buying me time."
Remembering how she had helped him escape during the synchronization with the Divine Tree, Taehyun channeled mana into her body.
Kwahhhhhh.
What he infused into her was the colorless mana that symbolized the Divine Tree and the Fairy Race.
Elven seemed to accept it without difficulty, as if it were her original power.
Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoooooosh.
It was when she had absorbed about two-thirds of Taehyun's mana.
Ding.
[The magical power of the Summon Skill Elven(???) has changed.]
[The proficiency of the Summon Skill increases.]
Along with the not-so-surprising message, a cluster of light burst from her body.
The small girl's body began to grow as if she had taken some kind of growth elixir.
Before long, she had transformed to the point where she could easily pass for a late teenager.
A familiar voice echoed in his head.
[Didn't I tell you? To perfectly regain the power of the Great Fairy, you had to fully accept the power of the Divine Tree. Thanks to you, the power of the Great Fairy is also incomplete.]
"I didn't think you couldn't even speak directly."
[What does it matter? At least this way, I won't be a burden to you.]
"That's a relief."
Meanwhile, there were those watching Taehyun and Elven's conversation.
Typhon and Gilfer.
[Ooh. Elven. Is this how a father feels seeing his daughter grow up?]
Elven smiled brightly at Typhon's loving words.
[Typhon. You're still the same idiot.]
"……."
He was taken aback for a moment at her muttering harsh words while smiling brightly.
[The Divine Tree is growing.]
Gilfer pointed to the Divine Tree.
As he said, the Divine Tree was growing rapidly, visibly so.
Next to it, the 'Spring of Healing,' which had been no more than a small puddle, was also steadily increasing in size.
[Ooh!]
Typhon thumped and plunged his body into the spring.
His very presence began to recover rapidly.
Just then, someone broke through the barrier of the hidden area.
"Rozaria."
[Contractor!! You're finally awake!!]
Rozaria, with her benevolent eyes, abruptly approached and stroked Taehyun's hair.
Drip. Drip.
He could see while her tentacles were groping his head.
"You…."
That she didn't even have twenty of the tentacles she used to boast about left.
[Oh dear, I've shown you an unsightly sight.]
Rozaria said, laughing heartily.
Contrary to her laughter, Taehyun's expression hardened.
"Hazard's doing, isn't it."
[Don't show so much animosity. I was prepared for this much.]
Thanks to this, she was able to sufficiently convey their intentions to Hazard.
She said that she would be coming here soon, making the territory war that much easier.
Taehyun sighed.
"So when is she coming?"
"Now."
Snap.
As Rozaria snapped her fingers, a new gate opened behind her.
Kwahhhhhh.
A number of dragons emerged from the massive gate.
At the forefront was a woman with multicolored hair.
"Hazard."
"Kim Taehyun."
Even though they were bound by a summoning oath.
The gazes they exchanged were not friendly.
For dragons, hibernation is similar to training.
They are blessed from birth with their very existence.
They recover from physical and mental fatigue in one go simply by sleeping.
The problem was that the time spent in hibernation was not short, but that was not a problem for the creatures who lived an infinite life.
They also achieved tremendous growth through hibernation, so Hazard's mood could not have been good when she was disturbed from her long slumber.
She waged a long battle, traversing through several mental worlds.
Rozaria in the mental world never loses if her energy is intact.
She spent close to a thousand years in dozens of mental worlds.
And finally, she succeeded in appeasing Hazard's anger.
Of course, she had to lose a significant number of tentacles in the process, but she was able to promise to participate in protecting District 15 until Taehyun awakened, through the oath with the Archduke.
The problem was when she summoned her subordinates.
[You've subjugated all of the True Dragon's subordinates?]
Anger and absurdity were felt in Hazard's voice.
Taehyun when he fought Bordeaux was clearly not that threatening of an existence.
Therefore, she thought that even if a conflict occurred, it would be only to the extent of fighting for territory over the position of the Blue Dragon Clan.
But in just that short time.
She had learned that all the leaders and elders of the seven clans had been defeated by Taehyun and had formed contracts with the authority of the Great Demon.
The contract she had made at the risk of her life was so powerful that if Hazard forcibly intervened, all the elders and leaders would be degraded.
"We had some time to get to know each other."
Taehyun said nonchalantly.
[You're showing a brazen attitude.]
Kugugugung.
Hazard's voice was filled with fighting spirit.
Dragon Fear.
The faces of everyone in the area frowned at just that.
Especially the dragon elders and leaders were a sight to behold.
Those who were in the form of youths, middle-aged, and old men were kneeling, grabbing their necks.
Rozaria clicked her tongue as if she felt sorry for them.
If left alone, it was a situation where it wouldn't be strange if some of the elders died as they were.
Ding.
[Skill Knight King's Aura(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Monarch's Aura(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Dragon's Wrath(???) has been activated.]
Kugugugu.
Krrr.
Taehyun used three skills to counter Hazard's aura.
Just that alone reduced the pressure weighing down on the area by about half.
"They're my batteries."
[…….]
"Which means they are the spoils of war that I, your contractor, have fought and won."
[Kim Taehyun. I am the True Dragon's contractor. What Rozaria and I promised was to protect this place until you awakened. Now that you have awakened, it seems there is no need to fulfill the promise.]
Hazard poured out what she wanted to say and strengthened her aura.
"Yeah. Looks like it."
Taehyun looked at Rozaria.
She shrugged her shoulders.
Her initial purpose might have really been to borrow Hazard's help.
But she had changed her mind now.
"Then, how about a light bet in celebration of waking up from hibernation?"
The one who wins takes everything.
He proposed a winner-takes-all bet, including the contracts with the elders and leaders.
[Your subordinates' lifelines are not enough. You will have to bet your life as well.]
"I thought you would come out like that. Then, I'll raise the stakes on this side and propose an 'Oath of Subjugation'."
[……!!]
"Well, if you're scared, you can just quietly leave."
At Taehyun's appearance, not backing down even against an Archduke.
[I'm proud to see you've grown up so well.]
[What a mess.]
[I'm not even surprised.]
[That crazy contractor.]
Rozaria, Typhon, Gilfer, and Elven settled down as if they had a fun spectacle to watch.
To the place where they could best watch Taehyun and Hazard's battle.
Ding.
[Skill Ruler of Desire(???) has been activated. Target is specified.]
[Skill Ruler of Desire(???) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
Dark blue mana surrounded Hazard's body.
[You've gotten stronger in the meantime. I'd say you've reached Archduke level.]
Hazard was convinced of her contractor's growth just by touching the mana.
The same was true for Taehyun.
"Hibernation really makes dragons grow, huh. I guess it was true."
Even though he had reached the level of an Archduke, he felt a different kind of pressure than when he had met her before.
Taehyun's mind raced.
'If I can freely control Hazard, I can definitely finish the territory wars.'
She was not a fragment of an Archduke like Diablo. Nor an incomplete Archduke like Mephisto.
Nor was she an Archduke who, like Taehyun's party, carried their own individual problems.
A complete Archduke.
An existence called the strongest among the existing Archdukes except for Lucifer.
'Hazard. You'll be a good opponent.'
He didn't think he would lose.
This was where the Divine Tree was located.
It could be said to be Taehyun's territory.
'Come to think of it, I wonder how Asisat Ebi is doing.'
She was the one who had her contractor position taken away by Taehyun and was dragged somewhere.
It seemed that he would have to find out after this match was over.
Ding.
[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Hwaaaaaa.
Darkness descended, targeting Hazard and the dragons.
[The mana mixed with grapples has become fierce.]
"Grapples are what you make of them. Isn't it time you showed some courtesy to your contractor?"
[Just because you have obtained the power of an Archduke with the help of the Divine Tree, do you think that power is infinite? Or are you being reckless because you believe in the power of the King?]
"Elders, and leaders."
[…….]
"Everyone said that in the beginning. And."
Ding.
[Skill Chains of Binding(???) has been enhanced.]
[Skill Energy Drain(???) has been enhanced.]
[Skill Energy Compose(???) has been enhanced.]
Kwahhhhh. Kwahhh. Kwahhhhhh.
Seven Orbs of Wishes were quickly created.
Hazard had brought these people, who could be said to be the top forces of the dragon race, as an example.
But that was a mistake.
"Now they've all become my batteries."
The seven huge Orbs of Wishes, created in an instant, surrounded Taehyun.
Ding.
[Skill Primal Element(???) has been activated.]
[A great power awakens.]
Messages saying that his stats had increased constantly appeared before his eyes.
The corners of Taehyun's lips twisted up as he drew his Dragonslaying Sword.
If he had drawn his sword, he had to cut off at least the wings.
"I'll have to get a good price for Rozaria's tentacles."
429
The apex of countless species in the Lower Realm.
Among those who call themselves kings of species, only a select few reach this level.
Archduke.
For a mere human, an Archduke contractor, to engage in an equal battle against Hazard, considered the strongest among the Archdukes.
Logically, it's an impossible situation, yet this surreal spectacle was unfolding before their eyes.
[Truly a rare sight.]
Rosaria assessed, watching the clash of magical power before her.
Among those present, she had undoubtedly experienced Hazard's power the most.
Even if it was in the mental world.
The battle between the two Archdukes had lasted nearly a thousand years, with countless exchanges of deadly techniques, each presuming the other's death.
Though she had lost most of her tentacles, which were almost part of her body, due to the excessive battles, convincing her to come here was a worthwhile trade.
Hailing from the Lower Realm, the strongest among the Archdukes as a single entity.
To push such a being to the brink.
[It truly brings tears to my eyes.]
She spoke with the heart of a mother watching her grown child.
[Anyone would think they were your offspring.]
Typhon grumbled, still concerned about her contractor despite her injuries, at Rosaria's behavior.
[Weren't you thinking similarly?]
[Indeed. I am curious about what happened to the contractor.]
Typhon affirmed, recalling the demise of Diablo and Mephisto.
The others were no different.
It wasn't just the sensed presence.
The subtle smile glimpsed between battles.
It was the composure born from the arrogance often displayed by those who had reached the level of Archduke.
[It seems the growth rate of our brother far exceeds our expectations.]
Gilfer remarked.
She was the last among them to make the oath of summons and was controlling the symptoms of backlash with the three magic stones she possessed.
Therefore, she wasn't particularly surprised by the fact that Taehyun's level was not inferior to Hazard's.
[Making such a fuss over this much power. Honestly, you incomplete beings...]
If she had fully assimilated with the Divine Beast, if she had completely mastered that immense power.
Even Hazard would have been helpless.
Only Elven was voicing dissatisfaction with Taehyun's divinity.
[It is the price of a regrettable choice.]
If the other Archdukes could have heard her words, they would have been dumbfounded, but it was a high-level contest.
However, to Elven, who had received the blessing of the Divine Beast and was the master of the authority 'Great Magic Resistance,' Taehyun's control of magic was clumsy.
At that moment, Rosaria and Elven's eyes met.
Unlike the clumsy Typhon or the taciturn Gilfer, the perceptive Rosaria knew that Elven had regained her sanity and understood her personality well.
A faint smile.
A smirk.
The corners of Rosaria and Elven's lips curled up, having read each other's thoughts.
Elven was the first to speak.
[Queen of Succubi. Your time is running out as well.]
[......]
Silence hung in the air for a moment at the unexpected words, more than the voice of Elven that echoed in her mind.
[So, you've regained your senses. Fairy King.]
Rosaria replied with a gentle smile, ignoring the question.
However, Elven had a persistent side.
[Is it because of the battle with Hazard in the mental world? No... your presence wouldn't be diminished that much by that.]
Elven began to make various conjectures on her own.
They were so close to the truth that even Rosaria couldn't help but acknowledge it.
[I thought I was hiding it well.]
Ahahahaha.
She gave her characteristic laugh.
[Kim Taehyun. Even that wildly raging fellow doesn't know about this.]
[Of course not. This is my will. I have no intention of burdening my contractor.]
[Is that so.]
Elven responded calmly.
[Then I ask you a favor.]
[......?]
[If I disappear, please assist the contractor by his side.]
[......]
[He has achieved the level of Archduke sooner than expected, but the true trials lie ahead.]
A rather troublesome being was slumbering in Taehyun's mental world.
Constantly vying for possession of the body, never allowing a moment of relaxation.
As his presence grew stronger, the power of that being would also have increased, she said.
[You're trying to pass off a troublesome burden. I didn't think you were one to shirk your duties?]
Rosaria simply smiled in response to Elven's words.
That was the end of the conversation.
The aura that had been acting on the area had become even more powerful.
It was due to Hazard manifesting in her true form and strengthening her dominance over the area.
[For now, let's just watch. The sight of our contractor approaching the throne.]
Her expression as she said that was so benevolent.
[......]
Elven had no choice but to swallow her usual sarcastic words.
[Impressive.]
The massive Hazard spoke to the Great Demon flapping its wings before her.
[The power of a king. There seems to be no end to it.]
Each word she uttered radiated her presence throughout the area, as if possessing a vast will.
The messages that appeared before her were proof.
[The skill Source Element of the Root (???) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[The skill True Blood (???) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Deadly Aura: Absorbed the power of thunder. Strength temporarily increases.]
[Fervent Aura: Absorbed the power of ignition. Strength temporarily increases.]
[Sharp Aura: Absorbed the power of weathering. Stamina temporarily increases.]
[Poisonous Aura: Absorbed the power of oxidation. Stamina temporarily increases.]
[Ominous Aura: Absorbed the power of hallucination. Magic Power temporarily increases.]
[Heavy Aura: Absorbed the power of gravity. Speed temporarily increases.]
[Icy Aura: Absorbed the power of freezing. Speed temporarily increases.]
"Hazard. You seem impatient."
Taehyun saw through Hazard's intentions in constantly strengthening her aura.
'Curious, aren't you?'
How much of the Seven Clans' aura Taehyun could withstand.
The limit of his physical stats, which he was constantly raising using the Wish-Fulfilling Orb.
Having constantly tested Taehyun's power under the guise of a test in their first encounter.
It wasn't difficult to read her thoughts.
However.
'You underestimated me.'
The corners of his lips naturally curled up.
His physical stats, appropriately utilizing the powers of the Archdukes, were only continuing to rise.
Not showing any sign of reaching their limit.
Each time, Hazard had to endure Taehyun's increasingly powerful skills.
There couldn't have been a more vicious cycle than this.
[I acknowledge it. You are no longer an existence that the Dragon Lord can take lightly. Your martial prowess has already surpassed Rosaria, and you possess a presence befitting an Archduke.]
It was hard to believe that such words came from Hazard, who was stingy with praise.
[Even so.]
Hazard's crimson eyes sharpened.
[It seems insufficient to break the Dragon Lord's will.]
Although he had reached the level of Archduke, his power wasn't overwhelming enough to surpass her.
He couldn't hunt an Archduke with a half-hearted imitation of a technique.
[Did you make a contract of desire merely for the purpose of testing my strength?]
Hazard asked arrogantly.
"Of course not."
Taehyun denied.
She would fall here, and from this day forward, she would submit to him.
Hazard burst into laughter at Taehyun's words.
At the same time.
[I will collect the value of Rosaria's tentacles. Prove it.]
The atmosphere in the area changed.
A black magic power, which she had shown once before, surged from her body.
Even closer to the abyss than what the Black Clan used.
'The power of the Demon Dragon King.'
Taehyun raised his aura to counter the immense power that was about to come.
Kugugugugu.
Tring.
[The skill Fragment of the Demon Dragon (???) has been detected.]
[The skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been overwhelmed. The skill is released.]
Hazard's pressure continued.
The Great Demon's body was being crushed, unable to withstand Hazard's power.
'It's on a different level from Mephisto.'
Unlike that guy, who had reached the level of Archduke but was still bound by the laws of the Abyss.
Hazard had temporarily broken free from those limitations.
Surely, the other Archdukes also had such tricks up their sleeves.
[How long are you going to refuse to use the power of the Lower Realm King? At this rate, you will become the Dragon Lord's dog.]
Even if he became a dog, he should at least put up a decent struggle.
She provoked him, her crimson eyes shimmering with magic power.
Pusuk.
One of the Great Demon's wings, unable to withstand the power of the Demon Dragon King, was instantly annihilated.
Destruction and regeneration were repeated with his maximized physical stats.
[Come on, hurry.]
Hazard urged Taehyun to unleash the power of Gluttony.
'If I unleash my original power, I can even crush the bodies of Archdukes, huh.'
Indeed, Rosaria had taken damage, and this was enough.
Taehyun nodded, showing his satisfaction.
The preliminary tests were sufficient.
From now on.
"This is all-out."
Kwaaaaaa.
All the skills that had been maintained based on his vast magic power.
He enhanced all of them, those that symbolized the power of the Archduke.
He had enough additional magic power.
The seven leaders and dozens of elders were already constantly supplying it by shaving off their Dragon Hearts.
He strengthened his body with the toughness of the Demon Beast Tribe, fiercely rotated the magic power absorbed by the two magic stones, and once again enhanced his overall physical stats using the authority of Rampage.
Ddddddddd.
His body, having reached its limit, trembled.
Tring.
[Unique skill Gluttony (???) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Jjeoeeeeok.
A massive maw was created behind Taehyun.
Its size was comparable to Hazard's true form.
[Excellent.]
Hazard calmly assessed the technique Taehyun had created.
Eight Wish-Fulfilling Orbs had already been created around her.
Wish-Fulfilling Orbs containing the Seven Clans' aura, of a size not inferior to what Taehyun had extracted through the leaders and elders, and a Wish-Fulfilling Orb containing the fragments of her own magic power.
The first to collide were the seven Wish-Fulfilling Orbs.
The Dragon Clan's technique was nullified with a massive explosion.
Next, the Wish-Fulfilling Orb containing Hazard's presence collided with the maw of Gluttony.
Pajijijijik.
Kwaduk. Kwaduk. Kwaduduk.
Sparks flew, and the hidden space around them rippled.
It wouldn't be strange if the space were to collapse at any moment.
[Amazing!! To endure the Dragon Lord's technique!!]
Hazard shouted, genuinely impressed.
Even so, little by little.
Hazard's Wish-Fulfilling Orb was pushing back the maw of Gluttony.
Additionally, a breath began to gather in her mouth.
With the intention of annihilating the maw of Gluttony and causing Taehyun to fall.
[It was a magnificent resistance.]
Kwaaaaaa.
A massive magic power spread around the maw.
At the same time.
Tring.
[The skill Fairy's Blessing (???) has been activated.]
The power of the Divine Beast that Taehyun had never used before.
A colorless magic power surged.
[A great power awakens.]
[Strength is converted into Magic Power.]
[Speed is converted into Magic Power.]
Ddddddddd.
The Demon Beast Tribe's body began to tremble at the sudden increase in magic power.
"Struggle with all your might. I don't want to kill you."
[Unique skill Gluttony (???) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Unique skill Gluttony (???) specifies the target.]
Jjeoeeeeeeok!!!
The maw of Gluttony instantly grew in size.
It possessed a presence that could swallow not only Hazard's true form but the entire area.
With a gesture, the maw of Gluttony, which had merged with the area, lunged towards its target.
[What...!!]
It was as if Hazard's true form was being sucked into the maw.
Amidst everyone's shock at that absurd presence.
[That's right. That's it.]
Only Elven was smiling.
Episode 430
Once a hidden domain where Belzebub secretly built his power, it is now a territory of the fairy race centered around the divine tree.
In District 15, Taehyun and his group were having a meeting.
"Now we have a decent lineup."
So said Taehyun, scanning the people he had summoned.
The Queen of Succubi, Rosaria.
The Giant King, Typhon.
The ancient archdemon, Gilfer.
The Fairy King, Elven.
And.
"Dragon Lord Hazard."
[Speak, contractor.]
Unlike before, Hazard replied with politeness.
The final strike was achieved by adding the divine tree's magic to the predation.
In the end, she couldn't withstand it, admitted defeat, and was faithfully fulfilling the contract.
If the contract was not fulfilled, degradation would follow, so it was inevitable for Hazard.
Taehyun couldn't help but smile at the sight.
[Kekeke. More loyal than she looks.]
At Typhon's words, Hazard glared at him.
Kugugugung.
A huge aura began to press down on Typhon.
[This dragon's favor is only for the contractor. It is not allowed for you.]
It was not a light shock for Typhon, who was reducing his body size.
[Kkeueung. More troublesome than she looks.]
Typhon pouted and backed down.
He grumbled about whether he could still say that even after fully recovering his original status.
Ignoring Typhon, Taehyun continued.
"In any case, with Hazard joining us, we can take on any force."
Although Gilfer and Elven had not yet established anything that could be called a force.
The forces led by Rosaria, Typhon, and Hazard were sufficient to wage a territory war.
Previously, even if the succubi and giants moved together, it was difficult to restrain the power of a single Archduke, but with Hazard's joining, it would be different.
The dragon race still wielded the same power as in the past due to the existence of a powerful Archduke named Hazard.
There was no need to take risks even if a full-scale war broke out.
[Yormungandr and Igmun. Those guys are still untrustworthy.]
Rosaria said.
[I agree.]
Gilfer concurred.
"It's hard to trust them unless we put a vow of obedience on them."
A definite leash was needed.
Taehyun said with certainty.
[The most dangerous is Lucifer.]
Hazard said that.
Taehyun looked at her with a surprised expression.
He didn't expect her to actively express her opinions in this meeting.
[This dragon is also responsible for her race. I am not foolish enough to ruin the greater good with personal feelings.]
"Good to hear. Why do you consider Lucifer the most dangerous?"
[Because his force is the most robust among the Archdukes.]
Hazard's explanation continued.
Lucifer had never aimed for the position of the Lower Realm King.
He was just pretending to wage a territory war and had never paid a proper price.
"That means."
[He has been focusing on recovering his power for a long time. Once his power is fully restored, he will try to conquer the Lower Realm.]
He had heard from Rosaria that if Lucifer recovered his power as a Celestial from the Upper Realm, he would be superior to Hazard.
Hearing Hazard's words, it was not a lie.
[I hate to admit it, but he must have been one of the top figures among the absolute beings of the Upper Realm. If he recovers his degraded existence, it would be difficult for this dragon to handle.]
Gilfer told about the situation of the territory war.
"Lucifer, Igmun, and Belzebub in a three-way battle. What about Orgal and Yormungandr?"
[Orgal is recovering his power. I heard that Belzebub and Orgal's contractors are in Lucifer's hands.]
"Cody Cruise."
Taehyun recalled the strongest player, who, like him, was declared missing.
[It seems that Lucifer has used his brain. If he had a good match with Lucifer, he would have been at least the top subordinate of another Archduke. It would be worth using him.]
"What about Yormungandr?"
[That guy is probably watching from somewhere again. He has always been a sly fellow.]
The group, excluding Typhon and Elven, gave their opinions.
All eyes were on Taehyun.
Waiting for the final decision.
Taehyun didn't need to think for long either.
"The next target is Orgal. He'll do."
Belzebub was mentally unstable but had a huge force centered on formidable archdemons.
He would not easily collapse under the restraint of Igmun and Lucifer.
Orgal, on the other hand, was different.
He had lost considerable power due to a series of incidents, and his contractor was captured, so he couldn't move carelessly.
However, if he reorganized his forces someday, he didn't know what variables he would return as, unlike Yormungandr, who had signed a contract.
'I also owe him a debt.'
Ricky Hallis.
He recalled her, who had left behind the skills 'Energy Compose' and 'Energy Drain.'
Even if that wasn't the case, it was necessary to make a proper contract with him and fully obtain the authority of enhancement.
Taehyun's 'Beast Transformation' was still an incomplete state, just like 'Archdemon Transformation.'
[Hehehehe.]
Suddenly, Typhon let out a sinister laugh.
Receiving everyone's attention, he opened his mouth.
[The time has finally come. I, myself, will take on Orgal.]
"......"
[......]
[......]
[......]
[That crazy bastard still doesn't know his place.]
Elven said with a kind face, only audible to Taehyun.
Nevertheless, Typhon confidently said that he could face Orgal alone.
[Don't worry. With the healing spring, it won't take long to regain my power, so it won't interfere with the plan.]
He said that, looking at Taehyun.
Seeking permission from the decision-maker of the plan.
"...Okay. That's not a bad idea either."
Taehyun nodded with a strange expression.
[Indeed!! I knew the contractor would say that!!]
He burst into hearty laughter, saying that Taehyun was the only one who understood his heart.
Although it was clear that the current Typhon was at a disadvantage against Orgal.
'Orgal must face Typhon.'
Even though he had fallen into Yormungandr's trap, it was Orgal who defeated Typhon.
Defeat for an Archduke doesn't just mean a simple record.
It leads to a decline in existence, as well as degradation.
Even if Typhon regained his previous strength and magic through the healing spring, he would not be able to do his part in future battles if he did not recover his status as an Archduke.
[Even if we concede that you can face Orgal. Will Orgal even face you?]
[......]
Rosaria sighed at the sight of Typhon, who had lost his words.
[Co, Contractor...?]
Typhon looked at Taehyun as if asking for help.
"We need to create a stage. A stage where Orgal can't refuse to fight Typhon."
The look in Taehyun's eyes as he said that was so evil.
The group who watched said that they could see the madness of Belzebub or Yormungandr.
[Well. In this lady's eyes, it's just.]
Rosaria, who made eye contact with Taehyun, smiled.
[Lower Realm King. I see his appearance.]
The innermost depths, Orgal's main castle.
[The power of the divine tree is getting stronger and stronger.]
At Orgal's words, many subordinates bowed their heads.
As he said, the energy emanating from the divine tree could now be felt throughout the innermost depths, beyond the hidden realm.
[I heard that my contractor is in Lucifer's hands?]
[...That's right.]
[A truly terrible thing. I told you to catch Kim Taehyun, so how is he on that side?]
Orgal clicked his tongue.
Now that the territory war was heating up.
The reason why he, more warlike than anyone else, was not moving was not just to bide his time.
Contractors were like double-edged swords to the Archdukes.
Even though the contractors were created to break through the magic spread by the Lower Realm King.
Now, they were rather becoming shackles, restricting Orgal's actions.
If Orgal made a full-scale move, Lucifer would surely harm the contractor at that moment.
And he would be thinking of taking advantage of the weakened gap.
[Fuhuhuhu. Lucifer, that guy, has really used his brain.]
Orgal praised Lucifer's strategy.
Because that was the plan he was trying to carry out as well.
The difference was that Lucifer's contractor was stronger than Orgal's contractor.
[I should have taken care of those guys back then.]
Orgal recalled the two humans who had invaded his castle in the past.
Kim Taehyun and Cody Cruise.
He couldn't believe that those bug-like guys would become such important presences in the territory war.
[If I had Kim Taehyun, everything would be easily solved.]
Tsk tsk tsk.
Orgal was clicking his tongue as he thought that.
[Your Majesty. The Queen of Succubi has sent an envoy. But that envoy has mind-controlled a warrior of the tribe... ]
[Bring him.]
A short time later, a proud warrior of the beast race stood before Orgal with dazed eyes.
Originally, he should have immediately knelt and bowed his head.
But the high-ranking monster, who was being mind-controlled by Rosaria, was just focusing his unfocused red eyes on Orgal.
[Rosaria. She seems to be getting more and more cowardly.]
Orgal said with a sneer.
But the voice that came from the mouth of the beast race was different from what he expected.
"How have you been, Beast King."
[...Kim Taehyun!!]
He burst into laughter at the unexpected meeting for a moment.
[You've become much more arrogant while I haven't seen you. State your purpose.]
"I was wondering if we should finish the bet we couldn't finish before."
[I heard you awakened the divine tree, so you must have gained some new power.]
Taehyun just smiled without answering.
Just.
"Just as you aim for my body. I must also take your authority."
He just declared, not hiding his arrogance.
Mastema, who possessed the authority of the gate.
By his disappearance, the barrier of the hidden realm was lifted before long.
District 15, where the divine tree had grown, was no different.
Now, it was called the 'Fairy King's Realm' among the monsters.
A huge gate was created there.
Orgal and a number of top-ranking species appeared from within the gate.
This was because the movement of the Archdukes through the gate had become much freer as the divine tree grew.
[Fuhuhuhu. The divine tree has really bloomed.]
Orgal and his subordinates looked up at the huge divine tree for a while.
Taehyun and his group welcomed them.
"Let's not waste time."
Tting.
[The skill Dominator of Desire(???) has been activated. Specifying the target.]
It was an already agreed upon condition.
No subordinates or Archdukes would intervene.
Taehyun and Orgal.
A battle between two beings who had risen to the rank of Archduke.
The magic of desire was firmly established, putting their statuses on the line.
[Let's begin.]
So said Orgal, awakening the authority of enhancement.
An aura of destruction flowed from his 3-meter-tall body.
Tting.
[The skill Beast Transformation(???) has been activated. Whole body transformation.]
[The skill Beast Transformation(???) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Kwaddeudeudeudeu.
Brown magic rose from Taehyun's body.
Orgal's lips curled up at the skill that imitated his authority.
[I'll yield the first move.]
"Refusal is not polite."
So said Taehyun, immediately taking a stance.
'I'm going all out from the start.'
The essence of ancient Korean martial arts.
Jjeoeong!!
[......]
Orgal's face twitched, having allowed the first move.
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