RKP 431-440
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Episode 431
The origin of Taehyun's technique was ancient martial arts.
However, its power was not that of ordinary martial artists or players, and its form was far from human.
Human-created techniques combined with the body of a demon reached a new realm.
Since further forms were meaningless, the ancient martial arts used in the demonized state were integrated into a form called 'Ultimate Art.'
Battles with those of similar caliber were always life-threatening, so it was transformed to decide the outcome with a single attack.
He practiced while training Yoo Ah-young in Shin-Hanguk, and now its appearance wasn't too bad.
[...]
Orgal's expression changed after receiving the blow.
There was virtually no external impact due to his innate toughness and the protection of the authority of reinforcement.
However, as if Taehyun had deliberately caused a reversal, the magical power under his control was raging from within.
[You...]
Orgal growled.
It was different from when he looked down on him as a mere lump of flesh.
Taehyun was the first to notice the change.
'No matter how great the technique, it won't work against an overwhelming body.'
In that regard, Shin-Hanguk's martial arts, specifically Ji Jin-hee's signature 7th Form of the Plains, were a good match for the demonkin's physique.
It had grown to the point where it could inflict meaningful damage on Orgal.
[Meddling with my body... You've developed some cute tricks.]
Orgal said calmly, reinforcing his magical power.
It was clearly visible in the 'Watcher's Eye.'
The raging magical power was suppressed by the strengthened muscles and blood vessels, becoming calm again.
It was a truly violent method of magical power control.
That was possible because his authority had reached a state where it surpassed the limitations of being confined to the body.
[Not a bad first strike.]
Crack!!
Orgal lightly swung his bicep, which was twice as swollen as before.
Whoosh!!
The sound of air tearing was heard in his ears.
Taehyun, who was focusing with the 'Watcher's Eye,' evaded it by taking a step back.
But the attack that he had clearly avoided...
Bang!!
"...!!"
Inflicted an impact on Taehyun's body.
His body, thrown back, rolled across the floor several times before he could stand up.
He enveloped his 'Demonized' body with magical power.
Despite that, he was followed by a pain that felt like his bones were breaking.
Not only that.
He had briefly lost consciousness.
'Dangerous.'
Different from Igmun, Jormungandr, Beelzebub, and Hazard.
Simple yet destructive power.
The weight of it made the hair on his whole body stand on end.
He wouldn't be able to avoid defeat if he faced it with a half-hearted attitude.
Just as Taehyun felt a sense of crisis, Orgal seemed to feel a definite sense of victory.
[Thank you. Thanks to you awakening the Sacred Tree, the power I can unleash has increased.]
The Sacred Tree, by its mere existence, had the effect of raising the realm's level in the Lower World.
The raised level gave ordinary demons room to grow, and for beings at the pinnacle like Orgal, it allowed them to use some of the power that the Lower World King's spell was suppressing.
The 'true power' that the Lower World King had sealed away, fearing the aggressiveness of the Great Dukes.
Crackle.
A terrifying killing intent was felt from Orgal's compressed muscles.
"Crazy. Killing intent from muscles."
Even Taehyun, who was well-versed in physical training, was amazed.
[Do not resist. I am doing my best not to harm you.]
It wasn't just the upper body that was compressed.
Crackle.
The lower body muscles, which had been quickly multi-compressed, created a huge explosive force.
Bang!!
Again, he simply swung it.
"Cough...!!"
He couldn't help but groan at the pain of his arm being torn off.
No, in fact, his two arms, which had been broken from blocking the attack once, were dangling.
Crackle.
His broken arms were immediately regenerated at super speed, but that didn't mean he could revert his recognition of its power.
'As expected. It's impossible to fight him with the same authority.'
No matter how much Taehyun had completed the level of the Great Duke, it was impossible to face the original owner of the authority.
It was a fact he had already experienced directly through Igmun, Beelzebub, and Hazard.
To subdue him, he had to bring out 'Devour.'
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Orgal swung his fist without rest.
Super-speed regeneration continued.
He had never been pushed back this much by any of the Great Dukes so far, but Orgal in close combat was displaying overwhelming martial prowess.
Bang!!!
Taehyun, who had been thrown far away, immediately regained his posture.
Unless he deliberately allowed himself to be hit.
It was impossible to shake him up inside like before.
'Then...'
Fifth Form of Chinese Ancient Martial Arts: Penetrating Force.
Snap.
The demonkin's body, stepping on the real footwork, shot forward quickly.
The fist, extended with the principle of force...
Bang!!!
Was lightly caught by Orgal's hand with a loud noise.
'Hard.'
[Lightweight.]
Thud!!
Taehyun was thrown back with the shock of his face being caved in.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Orgal closed the distance with a speed that didn't match his massive body.
Once again.
A brutal attack followed on top of his guard.
Bang bang bang bang.
Crackle. Crackle. Crackle.
Taehyun, who had been blocking for a while like that...
Grip.
Caught Orgal's fist with his tattered hands.
His arms were trembling just from holding it.
[A meager force.]
Crack!! Crack!!
Crrrack!!!
Orgal broke Taehyun's arm and tore it off.
'What kind of crazy bastard is this.'
Thinking that, he used his skill.
Orgal was raising his clasped fists like a sledgehammer, as if to finish it this time.
Ding.
[The skill Apostle of the Gate (???) has been activated. The location has been identified.]
Rumble.
A gate was created right next to Orgal, who had crushed Taehyun.
[......?]
The guy stops attacking for a moment at the sudden situation.
From the gate, a huge fist, surpassing the Demon King's body, was swung.
Bang!!!
Orgal's massive body was thrown back by the impact.
Spit.
Spitting out blood mixed with saliva,
"Player change."
He said calmly to the owner of the massive body.
[Puhahahahaha. I can finally beat that bastard now!!]
Typhon, who had completely crossed the gate, burst into laughter.
A stage created by Taehyun.
The king of the giants, who ascended there, roared.
Orgal, who had been thrown back, got up.
Then, without hiding his unpleasant expression, he shouted.
[You!! Kim Taehyun!! Are you going to break the contract!!]
Earlier, Orgal specified in the Contract of Desire that Taehyun could not use summoning skills to prevent him from doing so.
As soon as he used a summoning skill, Taehyun would be defeated.
But Typhon intervened?
It was not unreasonable for Orgal to shout, thinking that Taehyun had broken the contract.
But the expressions of Taehyun and Typhon, the parties involved, were relaxed.
[Puhhehehehehe. Orgal, you stupid bastard. When did my contractor break the contract?]
He even mocked him.
He was just coming out through the open gate, so this wasn't a summoning skill.
He was spouting out things he had already heard from Taehyun as if it came from his own head.
[......!!]
Orgal looked around.
The deep blue magical power showed no reaction, and Taehyun, who had finished super-speed regeneration and retreated behind Typhon, was even smiling.
[A pathetic trap...]
He gritted his teeth, acknowledging that what he said was correct.
[Do you think you can face me with a guy like this?]
"You never know."
The way he had his arms crossed really seemed like he was entrusting his opponent to Typhon.
Grind.
Orgal gritted his teeth.
It's just buying time.
Just.
[The guy who survived because of my mercy has come back to die again.]
[Hahahaha.]
Fizz. Fizz.
Sparks flew from Typhon's body at the obvious provocation.
He was gradually operating the authority of the elements.
[Your body seems to have recovered, but it's not enough with that.]
Rumble.
Orgal also drew out a huge amount of magical power.
He couldn't face him with his reduced existence.
[How dare you, a remnant of the ancient times who lost to me, wallow in past glory.]
Orgal reinforced his whole body.
A terrifying killing intent rose.
[Come.]
Orgal's fist, wrapped in the authority of reinforcement, and Typhon's fist, wrapped in the authority of the elements, collided.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.
It was a battle of strength against strength, a battle of toughness against toughness.
Originally, the body of the giants was evaluated to be stronger than that of the demonkin, but Orgal's body, which used the authority of 'reinforcement', was strong enough that the difference was insignificant.
Typhon, on the other hand, used his innate toughness and wrapped himself in the authority of 'elements', exerting a power like a living disaster.
A Great Duke-level battle where they constantly destroyed and regenerated each other's bodies.
Taehyun, who was far away, was watching the bloody battle.
'You're quite something, Typhon.'
The close combat where Taehyun was pushed back a moment ago.
Typhon was fighting in that place without a care.
That was originally the fighting style of the giants.
He wanted to confirm.
That his body had returned to its past toughness through the Spring of Healing.
That he could withstand any attack sufficiently.
But the situation was not so optimistic.
'As expected, I can't ignore the difference in level.'
Typhon was slowly being pushed back.
The toughness from the strong body might be similar.
Even though he used the authority, Typhon's attack was not reaching the level that was fatal to Orgal.
In this case, the outcome is decided in an instant.
Crash!!!
Typhon's fist that collided was fractured as it was.
[Didn't you see death?]
Bang!!!
Orgal's fist broke one of Typhon's knees.
Whoosh!!!
Flames erupted from Typhon's body, who was kneeling on one knee.
It was the moment when Orgal hesitated at the huge magical power.
Fizz!!!
Infinite lightning struck his body.
Clang!!!
A huge spike rising from the ground attacked Orgal's legs.
Zzzzzz!!!
Orgal's two legs were frozen.
Tzzzzz.
Before he knew it, Typhon's hands were filled with energy that seemed to tear apart space.
Then he followed Taehyun's posture.
[Is this how you do it?]
First Form of Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts: Taebaek.
Snap!!
Orgal's arm was torn off by Typhon's hand blade that came down firmly.
Before Orgal's body could regenerate at super-speed, flames flared up, lightning scattered, and freezing covered his entire body.
Orgal, whose regeneration speed was delayed, blocked Typhon's attack with one hand.
[Don't worry, Orgal. After I trample you, I'll make Jormungandr the same.]
So, if you're thinking of resisting, try a little harder.
Typhon provoked him.
[Good.]
Rumble.
Orgal enhanced his authority with a terrifying killing intent.
The ground shook every time he took a step.
His size was clearly less than half of Typhon's, but he had a presence like a mountain moving.
'Orgal is thinking of using his real power soon.'
He had already figured out that he wasn't going all out.
The power he had saved up to defeat Taehyun and prepare for the case where the Great Dukes might attack.
He was trying to use the power that could even ignore the constraints of the Abyss.
[Don't die.]
It would be troublesome if the Lower World King's magic bound him.
Orgal was worried about Typhon's death.
[Hehehe. The little one has grown a lot.]
Typhon raised his own authority to meet that power.
'This looks dangerous.'
Taehyun drew the Dragonslaying Sword from his waist and poured magical power into it.
Ding.
[The skill Elemental Origin (???) has been activated. Targeting the target.]
[The skill Energy Drain (???) has been activated. Targeting the target.]
[The skill Deep Sea Rampage (???) has been activated. Targeting the target.]
[Skills are synchronized. Huge magical power is shared.]
At the same time that huge magical power bloomed from Typhon's body.
Bang!!!
The fists of the two Great Dukes collided.
432
The Divine Beast's immense magic power.
It was a force that could only be contained with a completely Archduke-level vessel.
With the ability to use Elven's authority, 'Great Magic Resistance,' Taehyun was able to understand magic utilization more deeply.
Of course, Elven, the owner of the authority, grumbled every moment, saying it was clumsy and insufficient.
In any case, the result was right before his eyes.
Instead of suppressing Orgal with his own body, he allowed Typhon to face Orgal by transferring his magic power and skill effects.
Orgal, battered from the previous strike, cursed it as cowardly.
Skill 'Rampage of the Deep Sea'.
Typhon's power, with his existence maximized by Jormungandr's authority, was already worthy of being called an ancient giant king.
Was that all?
'Existence has been sufficiently recovered.'
He engaged in a battle with Orgal without being pushed back.
During that time, his weakened existence naturally recovered.
No, he was showing a more grown appearance than before, accepting Taehyun's skills.
[Hahahahaha.]
Puhuhuhuhu.
Mwahahahaha.
Kekekekeke.
Typhon burst into an unidentifiable laughter.
Along with his laughter, the authority of the elements emanated.
Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Thunder.
The five elements scattered around the giant king's body.
Unlike before, Orgal, directly hit by the authority, groaned.
It was different from before when Typhon was minimizing the power of authority due to weakened existence.
The fully recovered elemental authority was not something that even Orgal could easily handle.
Orgal wasn't the only one surprised.
Tting.
[The proficiency of the summon skill Typhon (???) has increased. The yokai power changes.]
[The proficiency of the skill Origin of Elements (???) has increased. The yokai power changes.]
[A great power resonates.]
Taehyun's physical stats, resonating with Typhon who was growing every moment, began to increase exponentially.
Drdrdrdrdr.
His body began to tremble with the immense power.
He focused his mind to control the rising stats in an unexpected situation.
Even during that time, Orgal and Typhon were bickering.
[Puhhahaha. If you're so frustrated, why don't you bring your contractor!!]
Typhon, empowered by inheriting Taehyun's power, even had the余裕to taunt his opponent.
[You….]
Orgal gnashed his teeth.
But that was all, there was no other way.
Because it wasn't wrong.
The contract of desire still recognized this battle as a battle between Kim Taehyun and himself.
Kim Taehyun was using his skills to involve Typhon in the battle, and now he was just strengthening the giant king with another skill.
Typhon had completely recovered his existence that had collapsed when he was defeated.
When Orgal was a rookie.
It was no different from the situation when he joined hands with Jormungandr and knocked down Typhon.
[My contractor has a saying he always says.]
An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth.
What is received is returned double.
[Ha….]
An Archduke influenced by a human.
From Orgal's point of view, it was absurd.
He saw Kim Taehyun's existence skyrocketing on one side.
As Typhon regained his original strength, it was affecting the contractor who had made the summon pact.
If he could control all that power, and if they rushed in together in collaboration with Typhon, the situation would escalate to the worst.
Besides.
[You haven't even used the power of the King yet.]
Kudeuk. Kudeuk. Kudeudeuk.
Orgal's body was strengthened once again.
The law of the Abyss created by the Underworld King.
There would be some aftereffects, but he was forcibly stripping off that damn spell.
[That rotten bastard. His struggles have no end.]
Typhon, noticing Orgal's intentions, also raised his authority in response.
He was satisfied that the ancient power followed his will.
Orgal had achieved a new form of mimicry.
Another power that Orgal, who had risen to the Archduke, had accepted to face the Underworld King, which Typhon had never seen before in the past.
Rampage.
[I told you that wouldn't be enough.]
[Um…?!!]
Typhon questioned Orgal's existence, which surpassed his expectations, for a moment.
Kwaang!!!
Orgal's fist struck Typhon.
With just that.
[……!!]
Typhon's giant body was thrown away.
Kung. Kung. Kung.
Orgal looked down at Taehyun, who was sitting cross-legged and defenseless, with his eyes closed.
[It took a long time. If I had known it would be like this, I would have used this power sooner.]
They were separated now, but Orgal and Jormungandr had cooperated for each other's development in the past.
Just as Igmun mimicked Jormungandr's authority and made it his own technique, Orgal was the same.
The difference from Igmun was.
[The authority of strengthening and rampage goes quite well together.]
Kwakwakwakwa.
Immense magic power expanded from Orgal's raised hand.
The aftereffects of forcibly cutting off the constraints of the Abyss would not be light.
[It's a bargain I won't regret if I catch you.]
Orgal said so and lowered his hand.
It contained the power to crush even Typhon's strong body, who had regained the ancient power.
He could burst Taehyun's body at once, who was mimicking the authority of strengthening and had reached the Archduke level with a human body.
The screams of Taehyun's party watching were heard vividly in Orgal's ears.
Hehe.
[It's already too late.]
Orgal said so and crushed Taehyun's skull.
Kwajik.
The red blood typical of humans splattered.
It didn't stop.
Kwajik. Kwajik. Kwajik.
He turned Taehyun's body into mush at an unbelievable speed.
He saw three magic stones in front of him.
Two were the magic stones of the Vampire race and the Demon race, and the other was the magic stone that the original human heart had transformed into.
Peoseok. Peoseoseok.
The magic stones of the Vampire race and the Demon race crumbled powerlessly.
Since they were originally made with skills, they could not maintain their form when Taehyun died.
Only the magic stone that was originally Taehyun's heart remained in place, maintaining its form.
Taehyun already possessed the existence of the Archduke level.
So if he gave the magic stone a new body, he would be able to resurrect.
[Puhhehehehe.]
Orgal held Taehyun's heart, which was stained with crimson magic power.
Kwaaaaaaa.
He felt immense power just by holding it.
Underworld King.
It was the power of the one who reigned over the Abyss.
[I finally got my hands on it.]
Orgal burst into maniacal laughter, indulging in that immense power.
He would return to the castle as it was and make Kim Taehyun his servant.
He would make him a contractor only for himself and use him to end the territory war.
That was the moment.
"There's nothing as unfortunate as dreaming an unachievable dream."
[……!!]
Orgal's head turned to the source of the sound.
He saw Taehyun, who should have been dead, there.
He looked at his hand.
The heart that should have been held was gone without a trace.
[…What trickery did you use.]
Orgal asked, trying to calm his anger.
"Trickery? I'm disappointed, Orgal."
[What….]
"Even Igmun, who is objectively evaluated as being weaker than you."
[…….]
"Wouldn't have been caught so easily."
[……!!]
Only then did Orgal understand the series of situations that had happened to him.
Rosaria's authority Mind Control.
He had entered the mental world without even realizing it.
Orgal shook his head.
It wasn't a technique that could be easily done just because he fought with Typhon and rampaged his existence.
Even Rosaria, the owner of the authority, wouldn't be able to do it easily.
But Kim Taehyun, who was just mimicking the authority, had done it?
[You…. What are you….]
Only then did Orgal's red eyes see Taehyun's eyes.
He just thought that he had achieved the level of the Archduke with the power of the Divine Beast.
He just thought that he had the confidence to fight with the Archduke with the power of the Key.
He just thought that he was acting out, believing in the power of the Doppelganger that was in his heart.
No.
It was a misjudgment.
The red eyes symbolizing the demons of the underworld and the blue eyes symbolizing the celestial race of the upper world.
Two incompatible powers were vividly felt from Taehyun.
[You…. Could it be that you have reached the upper world….]
It was clear that only the Fairy King could do it.
Why you.
Taehyun shook his head.
"It's none of your business."
So prepare for the final struggle.
Taehyun announced the end of the battle.
[Puh…. Hehehehe….]
Orgal's giant body shook.
Who would dare to commit such rudeness in a battle with the Archduke?
Who would dare to show 여유in front of the King of the Demonic Beasts?
[Who dares!!!]
Orgal's red eyes were stained with anger.
The muscles, strengthened to the limit, repeatedly tore and regenerated.
And finally, it was completed.
The best strength that could block everything and tear everything apart.
Jjeoeoeoeok.
By now, the jaws of gluttony were baring their teeth from Taehyun's body.
[Come.]
The jaws of gluttony covered Orgal's giant body.
Kwak!!!
Orgal's brutal hands grabbed the teeth of the jaws.
And.
Jjwaaak!!!
He tore it apart as it was.
Jjeoeoeoeok.
The jaws that appeared from under his feet swallowed Orgal's body.
Puhwaak!!!
The jaws, unable to withstand the magic power emitted from Orgal's body, burst.
The giant body took one step at a time towards Taehyun.
Each time, the jaws of gluttony aimed from all directions.
Kung.
Jjwaaak!!
Kung.
Kwajik!!
Kung.
Kwaduk!!
And finally.
Orgal reached Taehyun's front.
[You thought you could beat me here.]
It was a foolish thought.
What he could strengthen wasn't just his body.
Kwaddeudeud.
Brown magic power rose even more fiercely from Orgal's body.
He was strengthening his existence to suppress the risk of rampage as much as possible.
"It's definitely amazing."
He didn't know that he would use the authority of strengthening in that way.
Taehyun did not hide his admiration.
"But you know. I think you misunderstood your opponent."
[What nonsense are you spouting this time.]
It was the moment he was about to start working to destroy the mental world, saying so.
Hahahahaha.
An unpleasant laughter was heard from somewhere.
[Orgal!! Where are you going leaving the body!!]
Typhon, who had followed him to the mental world, exuded his existence.
Kung Kung Kung Kung.
Typhon, who rushed in, quickly arrived at the place where Orgal was.
Kwajik!! Kwajik!!
Orgal grabbed the fist that Typhon was wielding.
Just by touching it, the authority of the elements clawed at Orgal's body, which had been strengthened.
[You… this leech-like bastard…!!]
He was going to tear it to pieces this time and throw it into the Sea of Demons.
Kwaduk!! Kwaduk!! Kwadeudeuk!!
Orgal broke Typhon's fingers one by one.
He was about to crush his skull so that he could never regenerate again.
Kwaak!!!
Typhon's giant body hugged Orgal as it was.
[……!!]
Typhon's strong body shook at the fist that Orgal was wielding.
Bones flew out, and organs burst.
Even so.
[Hahahahaha.]
Typhon didn't care and didn't release the sealed movement.
[Contractor!!]
Taehyun responded to Typhon's cry.
He took out the true power of gluttony, different from what he had used so far.
Jjeoeoeoeok!!!
The entire mental world was assimilated with the jaws of gluttony.
The jaws of gluttony, the world, narrowed down towards the two giants.
[Get out of the way!!!]
He shouted that if he was swallowed here, there would be a problem with his level, and that he would not be able to escape from Kim Taehyun's subordination.
[Keuheuheuh. I'm already like a brother to the contractor.]
Typhon didn't care about it.
[You crazy bastard!!! An Archduke!!!]
Orgal shouted and emitted authority.
Typhon's strong body burst at the struggle that even cut down his existence.
The jaws of gluttony had already completely surrounded the two Archdukes.
[Keuheuh…. You'll see what it's like to be screwed too. No, it's already like being screwed.]
Typhon's laughter and Orgal's roar were mixed for a moment.
Kwaduk!!!
The giant jaws swallowed the two Archdukes.
Chapter 433
Thud.
Thud.
Almost simultaneously, Orgall and Typhon emerged from the mental world and knelt on one knee.
[Heh heh heh...]
Typhon chuckled, panting and struggling.
He believed everything was going according to plan.
A Great Old One showing signs of fatigue was only possible in a battle against another of equal stature.
He finally realized that his power, once worthy of being called the Giant King, had fully returned.
And that wasn't all.
Kim Tae-hyun.
He had already begun to surpass the ancient power through the contractor who had obtained the Great Old One's power alone.
While he was only slightly better than Rosaria for now, once the constraints of the Lower World King were completely removed, even the absolute beings of the Upper World wouldn't be able to easily handle him.
Most importantly.
Even at this moment, with the two Great Old Ones exhausted, Tae-hyun was taking his time, drinking a potion.
That sight pleased Typhon so much that he couldn't help but laugh.
"Orgall."
Tae-hyun called out to Orgall, who was catching his breath.
[That bastard...]
Orgall glared at Tae-hyun, still trying to regain his composure.
He needed time to recover from the predation he had suffered in the mental world.
Kwaaaaaaa.
Brown magic power erupted, threatening Tae-hyun.
Typhon countered by emitting iridescent magic power.
Clearly, at the start of the battle, there had been a distinct difference in their power levels.
But now, neither held the upper hand, and they were canceling each other out.
Typhon's restoration of his ancient presence had an impact, but...
Orgall's presence had weakened significantly compared to before.
[......]
Orgall intuitively knew that with his current power, he couldn't defeat Typhon, who had a similar power level, let alone Tae-hyun.
[To think... To think you would trap me like this.]
Orgall growled, brown magic power swirling around him.
His still-fierce fighting spirit was enough to freeze even the highest-ranking species with its aura alone, but Tae-hyun casually brushed it off.
"Accept your defeat."
Come under his command according to the contract of desire.
If he didn't, the dignity of a Great Old One would be damaged.
He made a threat, though it didn't sound quite like one.
[Puh huh... Heh heh heh...]
Orgall burst into laughter.
It wasn't wrong.
The predation he had suffered in the mental world had shaved off a significant amount of his presence.
The presence of a Great Old One was that of an absolute being who should never be defeated.
Therefore, the only two actions Orgall could take to restore his presence were:
Defeat Kim Tae-hyun here and turn the blow he had just suffered into a glorious wound gained in a fierce battle, or make a pact of summoning with Tae-hyun and completely restore his wounded dignity.
The latter wasn't a bad proposal, but his pride as one who had reached the pinnacle of his species wouldn't allow it.
Orgall straightened the knee he had been bent on.
He had already decided what to choose.
[Only I can declare the end of this battle.]
"......"
No one could end his battle.
Orgall bared his teeth and replied in an arrogant voice.
"You're going to rush in even though you can't change the outcome."
Was he going to fall from grace like this?
Tae-hyun asked.
[Don't you dare, you piece of meat, presume my defeat!]
Kwaaaaaaa!!
A massive amount of magic power erupted from Orgall's body once again.
He was trying to shed the laws of the Abyss with his diminished presence.
'Seriously, all the Great Old Ones are...'
Stubborn, Tae-hyun criticized their will to fight.
Typhon was no different.
[Contractor. It seems impossible to persuade that bastard.]
Typhon, who had also strengthened his iridescent magic power, clicked his tongue at the still-chilling fighting spirit.
Ignoring Typhon's offer to handle it himself, Tae-hyun stepped forward.
[Contractor?]
"Our plan ends here."
[If you're thinking of persuading him, give up. Those Great Old Ones are all...]
"Arrogant. You were like that too at first."
Tae-hyun recalled his first encounter with Typhon.
The Giant King who had been sealed beneath Orgall's castle.
At that time, he had no desire for revenge, nor any will to be resurrected.
If he hadn't used Rosaria as bait, he would still be asleep there.
[...What does that beast-like bastard know about love? Wait a minute...!! Contractor, you're not thinking of promising Rosaria's love to Orgall, are you...]
"...What nonsense are you spouting, Typhon..."
Tae-hyun sighed and pointed to where the others were watching.
He told him not to get involved and damage his restored dignity, but to stay back and watch, as he would finish it from now on.
[Heh heh heh... If I use Gilfer's authority anyway...]
"Typhon. Don't say anything more."
[...Understood. But if it seems dangerous, I will also join the battle. I am now one with the Contractor.]
"...Don't say such gruesome things."
After saying that, Tae-hyun unleashed his magic power.
He felt that if he listened any longer, the nonsense would continue.
[So it's you this time.]
"It was me from the beginning. I'll make one last offer. Admit your defeat and make a pact of summoning."
[Still spouting such nonsense. Your mouth is still alive!!]
The area trembled in response to Orgall's emotions.
He had completely shed the restrictions of the Abyss for a moment.
The problem was that Orgall's presence was also diminishing as a result.
'If this battle drags on.'
Orgall would deviate from the Great Old One class and regress.
'How foolish.'
But perhaps that was why he was able to reach the position of a Great Old One.
Even Tae-hyun couldn't help but acknowledge him this time.
"Alright. Show me everything you've got."
Ding.
[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been activated.]
He mixed purple magic power with the descending darkness.
That alone blurred the boundary between reality and the mental world.
[Puh huh huh... So you draw me into the mental world like this... I suppose it's understandable that I was caught.]
Even other Great Old Ones would find it difficult to overcome, let alone him.
Orgall rarely praised.
It was as if he was saying that it no longer worked on him.
Orgall swung his fist into the air.
Kooong.
Crack. Crack, crack.
It cracked as if the space had been materialized.
The power to break space and interfere with other dimensions.
The original power that Orgall could exert if it weren't for the Lower World King's sorcery.
"Is that the pinnacle of reinforcement?"
Tae-hyun commented.
Quajik.
Orgall stomped his foot without answering.
That alone made Tae-hyun's body bounce off the ground.
Orgall was already closing the distance in front of him.
So fast that even he, who was maximizing his body with 'Beast Transformation' and 'Watcher's Eye', had difficulty keeping up.
'Fast.'
Kwaang!!
Orgall's fist slammed onto Tae-hyun's arm, which was guarding.
His arms exploded, and super-speed regeneration activated, but Orgall had already turned around.
"......!!"
Kwaang!!
Kwaang!!
Kwaang!!
With movements as fast as lightning, he blew up Tae-hyun's body.
Ding.
[Skill Greater Demon Transformation(???) has been activated. Specifying imitation area.]
The thrown-off Tae-hyun flapped his Greater Demon wings in mid-air as he regenerated.
To escape the outrageous attack range.
But.
Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.
Orgall stepped on the air and bounced up, reaching his face in the blink of an eye.
He punched Tae-hyun without a word.
Kwang!!!
The hardened body, which mixed the flesh of a beast race and a Greater Demon, exploded easily and futilely.
If the Chains of Binding hadn't supported him from behind, he would have been thrown out of the Apocalypse.
Ding.
[Skill Dragon's Wrath(???) has been activated.]
Krrrreureureu!!
A massive fighting spirit was fired from all over the Apocalypse.
[......!!]
Orgall's body froze for a moment at the skill reminiscent of Hazard's power.
But that was all.
Kwang!!
He deflected the fighting spirit by detonating his own body.
Clang!!
The Greater Demon's thorns were blocked by the enhanced body.
Ding.
[Skill Demon's Saliva(???) has been activated.]
Chiijijijijik.
The poisonous thorns hardly pierced Orgall's hardened body.
But it didn't prevent the poison from penetrating.
Quajik!!
He grabbed the thorns that pierced his muscle and pulled them out as they were.
He intended to narrow the distance and crush Tae-hyun's body.
Ding.
[Skill Beast Transformation(???) has been strengthened.]
[Skill Greater Demon Transformation(???) has been strengthened.]
[Skill Chains of Binding(???) has been strengthened.]
[Skill Energy Drain(???) has been strengthened.]
[Skill Greater Demon's Heart(???) has been strengthened.]
[Skill True Blood(???) has been strengthened.]
Not caring about the rapidly depleting magic power, Tae-hyun strengthened all his skills.
Nevertheless, it was impossible to overcome Orgall's brute strength.
He was slowly being dragged towards Orgall.
'What a monster.'
He was making him push himself too hard.
Tae-hyun strengthened another skill.
[Skill Origin of Elements(???) has been strengthened.]
[Skill Rampage of the Deep Sea(???) has been strengthened.]
Deudeudeudeudeu.
Only after gaining enormous power was the balance of power matched.
Purple magic power gathered in Tae-hyun's crimson eyes.
He intended to strengthen Ataraxia, which was embedded in the Apocalypse, and draw Orgall into the complete mental world.
If he did that, even if he devoured him, he would be able to suppress him by weakening his presence, rather than completely consuming him.
Kwang!!
Orgall, who noticed Tae-hyun's thoughts, threw his body and rammed into Tae-hyun.
"Hmph...!!"
With a sensation of his whole body breaking, Ataraxia was canceled.
[You!! You're still thinking too much!!]
Orgall scolded him for using the power of the king without needlessly using his head.
"If I did that, I'd only end up annihilating you without gaining anything."
[Puh huh huh. To be worried about by a piece of meat. My state is not good.]
"I still have one bait left to persuade you."
[Puh huh huh huh. You're clinging to vain hope.]
After saying that, Orgall emitted his magic power once again.
The Apocalypse, which was created with magic power that had accepted the power of the divine beast, was cracking.
No matter how great a Great Old One was, he couldn't overwhelm and overcome the skills that Tae-hyun was using now.
In other words.
"You've finally chosen degradation."
Unlike Hazard, Orgall was pushing his power to the limit, prepared for regression.
[If I capture you anyway, wouldn't that be my victory?]
"You're a truly foolish bastard."
Ding.
[Unique Skill Predation(???) has been activated. Specifying form.]
Jjeo-eo-eok.
As he had dealt with Doppelganger's thoughts before.
Tae-hyun's body was synchronized with Predation.
To block Orgall's attack and use Ataraxia on him again.
[You are the foolish one. I am the Beast King Orgall. An existence destined to reach the pinnacle of the Great Old Ones.]
The Beast King, who had used all his power, rushed in.
And.
Kwaang!!!
A massive fist struck Tae-hyun's body.
Orgall stared at his hand, which had reached the pinnacle of reinforcement.
[......]
A body that could not be cut by anything and could not be blocked by anything.
Kwaduk. Kwadeudk.
The jaws of Predation were tearing apart his body, which had even shed the laws of the Abyss.
And.
His prey, who could no longer be called human or demon, was shining with crimson and azure eyes.
The crimson eyes reminded him of Rosaria, and the glittering azure eyes reminded him of the celestials who looked down on everything, making him feel unpleasant.
But above all else.
The fact that he was forced to be defeated by Tae-hyun's technique that had blocked his attack was too humiliating.
"Look into my eyes."
[Damn it.]
Orgall spat out a curse as his vision was stained crimson.
434
Fwoosh.
Purple magic filled my vision.
And.
Ting.
[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been deactivated.]
The notification signaled that I had escaped the mental world.
Thump!!
Unlike when he was devoured in the previous mental world, Orgal knelt on both knees.
Multiple mental worlds.
The authority he suffered countless times there had triggered a backlash of magic, and his existence was severely diminished due to the side effects of ignoring the laws of the Abyss.
[Puhuhu….]
Orgal chuckled at his own pathetic state.
Not only that.
A Great Duke kneeling before a human?
If another Great Duke were in this situation, they wouldn't have been able to hold back their laughter.
[But I cannot deny it.]
Orgal murmured in a voice that sounded like scraping metal.
Taehyun's 'Ataraxia,' empowered by the divine beast.
The fact that he maintained his sanity and physical form even after being caught in that immense magic was because he possessed the essence of an absolute being.
The fact that he had been defeated did not change.
He had stripped away the laws of the Abyss.
Nevertheless, Kim Taehyun was able to subdue him simply because he was stronger.
Nothing more, nothing less.
[It is my defeat.]
Orgal calmly acknowledged his defeat.
Taehyun nodded, catching his breath.
"Hoo…. Wouldn't it have been better if you had done this sooner?"
Each time Orgal destroyed a mental world, it consumed a significant amount of mental energy.
He had no idea how much time he had spent there.
If it weren't for the mental strength he had achieved by synchronizing with the divine beast.
'If the fifth world had collapsed, I would have been the one kneeling.'
It was when he was struggling to endure the lingering headache.
Fwoooooo.
"……."
[…….]
The deep cyan magic that had been dwelling in Taehyun and Orgal's bodies flared strongly.
By acknowledging his defeat, Orgal's contract of desire was about to proceed.
Ting.
[A summoning pact has been made with 'Beast King Orgal'.]
[The demonic power of the summoning skill Orgal(???) has changed.]
[The skill 'Beast Transformation(???)' has changed to the skill 'Great Beast Transformation(???)'.]
The brown magic dwelling in Taehyun's body deepened.
[Puhuhu…. How unfortunate…. You've barely made a contract, but… I've already degraded.]
As he said that, Orgal's existence was weakening moment by moment.
The laws of the Abyss.
He was now paying the price for forcibly removing the Lower Realm King's spell.
Even though the gamble he had taken, risking degradation, had failed, there was no regret on Orgal's face.
[If I degrade to a high-ranking species, there will be renewed infighting among the beastmen.]
He hadn't managed to seize control of the entire beastmen force, but he told Taehyun to be satisfied with having subjugated him.
Orgal gave Taehyun a compliment that wasn't really a compliment.
"Isn't it just a matter of restoring your existence?"
[Creature…. Do you know what that means when you say it?]
Orgal frowned at Taehyun's nonchalant attitude.
Restoring the existence of a Great Duke was no easy task.
At the very least, he would have to eliminate Typhon, who had engaged in a battle equal to his to restore his existence, or subjugate Taehyun, the person who had degraded him.
He said that he could not recover without that level of achievement.
"It's not like those are the only options. I will make you a Great Duke again."
No, he would make him an existence that transcended even the rank of Great Duke.
Taehyun made a new proposal.
Puhuhuhuhu.
How long had it been since he had been degraded from the position of Great Duke, which he had held for so long?
The person who had degraded him was now saying that he would restore him, and even help him surpass his previous power.
Under normal circumstances, it would be a suggestion he would dismiss as nonsense, but now he knew.
That Kim Taehyun was not lying.
That he had no justification to reject this incredible offer.
[What is the price?]
He expected a humiliating proposal.
But.
"To end the Domain War and carry out the Race War with me. To not betray me. That's enough."
[…….]
"Do you think I'm asking for too much?"
[On the contrary, Kim Taehyun. You are entitled to ask me for more than that.]
For a brief moment, Orgal's crimson eyes, which had degraded to a high-ranking species, pierced through Taehyun.
"It's hard to ask for too much, since the Great Dukes are all so selfish."
As Taehyun said that, he once again flared up with deep cyan magic.
Just like the first time before the battle started.
It didn't take long to make the contract.
[I accept.]
Grasp.
Orgal grabbed Taehyun's outstretched hand.
He raised his body, which was so damaged that it could no longer be considered normal.
"Good choice."
Taehyun opened his status window and checked the skill he had been saving.
Premonition of Evolution(???) - Restores lost existence. Demonic Power: 500
Ting.
[Skill Premonition of Evolution(???) has been activated. Identifying the target.]
Kwaaaa.
Different from the power of 'Desire' he had obtained from Gorper.
The deep cyan magic symbolizing the power of 'Evolution' that Gilper had newly acquired flared up.
"Welcome to the team."
Gilper's power ravaged Orgal's degraded body.
He was once an ancient great demon, but he had abandoned his power to protect his memories from the laws of the Abyss.
Afterwards, he had independently achieved the rank of Great Duke and gained new power.
The power of the Great Demon, who had overcome degradation and achieved a new evolution, quickly restored Orgal's body.
[……!!]
The power to restore existence.
Orgal, too, seemed to have never expected it, his eyes widening at his rising existence.
It took a considerable amount of time to restore the existence that had fallen to the edge of the high-ranking species to the beginning of the Great Duke level.
Just when the gathered magic of the Apocalypse was showing its limits.
The deep cyan magic that had been ravaging Orgal's body had done its job and completely disappeared.
Ting.
['Great Power' swears allegiance.]
[The proficiency of the skill 'Great Beast Transformation(???)' has increased.]
[The proficiency of the summoning skill 'Orgal(???)' has increased.]
[The skill 'Heart of the Beastmen(???)' has been registered.]
'Hoo.'
Taehyun expressed his satisfaction at the unexpected notification.
Subduing was harder than capturing.
He was exhausted from rolling around with Orgal, but it was a satisfactory result.
He deactivated the Apocalypse, which he had barely been maintaining.
And.
Ting.
[The progress rate of the quest 'Domain War' has increased.]
[Progress rate: 70%]
NoName's voice informed him that the end of the Domain War was near.
The beastmen had formed an alliance with Kim Taehyun.
It didn't take long for that rumor to spread throughout the Lower Realm.
[An absurd piece of news. Surely Orgal hasn't been defeated by Kim Taehyun.]
The ancient great demon, Mammon.
He was the one who said that, leading the demon race's Domain War in place of Beelzebub.
He also knew Orgal's personality well.
He was not an existence who feared defeat, but one who would choose battle even if it meant degradation.
If he had made a contract with such a being, it was one of two things.
Either he had defeated him repeatedly and forced him into a contract, or Kim Taehyun had made a contract in exchange for giving everything.
Those who knew the majesty of the Beast King would have unhesitatingly thought of the latter.
Mammon could not deny that his heart was leaning towards the former.
[Rozaria, Igmun, Jormungandr, Hazard, Orgal.]
He quietly recited the names of the Great Dukes attached to Kim Taehyun.
That alone could be said to be the majority of the Lower Realm's forces.
[Typhon, Gilper, Elven.]
Even the existences that had been degraded had been restored and made into companions.
All the while preventing the revival of Diablo, which the ancient great demons had prepared.
[The worst.]
Outside the domain, the forces of Igmun and Lucifer were rampaging, and the demon race, which boasted a huge force, was at a disadvantage due to Mephisto's demise.
[Lucifer. Should I meet that guy?]
It was when Mammon's expression was distorted by the unpleasant plan.
The gate, which had been inactive for a long time, was humming.
Knowing that the gate was connected to Jormungandr.
Knowing that Jormungandr's tongue was like a snake.
[…….]
Mammon stared at the gate in silence.
His thoughts did not last long.
Mammon poured his magic into the gate, activating it.
Blue and red heterochromatic eyes appeared beyond the gate.
[Long time no see, Mammon.]
Jormungandr greeted him with a giggle.
[Sea Demon King. What business does the guy who hid his face after being defeated by Kim Taehyun have?]
Mammon mocked Jormungandr's actions.
It was a criticism of the fact that he had not yet taken any stance despite having made a contract with Kim Taehyun.
[Do not dare provoke me. Even if you are an ancient being, there is ultimately an insurmountable gap between us, wouldn't you say?]
He told him to be respectful.
Jormungandr said things that didn't suit him as if it were nothing.
[If you're going to say useless things, you'd better get out of here. As you know, I'm busy.]
[There's no need to rush. I contacted you to make a suggestion that would be helpful to you.]
[Speak.]
[How about you become the new Demon King?]
[…….]
Silence reigned for a moment.
[You're talking nonsense.]
Mammon replied in an angry voice.
He had accepted that he had contacted him to shake the demon race.
[Kikikik. You misunderstood my words. In your clan, you are called the Demon King at the same time as you achieve the rank of Great Duke, aren't you?]
[If you keep talking nonsense….]
Ignoring Mammon's words, Jormungandr continued to say what he had to say.
[You and Asura. You are the closest to the rank of Great Duke not only in the demon race, but in the entire Lower Realm. If you two cannot achieve the rank of Great Duke, wouldn't you know that there is no possibility for the demon race?]
[It's easy for you to say. Why don't you take care of your followers?]
Jormungandr giggled at Mammon's sarcasm.
[My followers are all weaklings. If the sea current race had the same characteristics as you, the Domain War would have been over long ago.]
These words of Jormungandr were a mockery of the fact that the demon race had not yet swallowed the Lower Realm despite possessing numerous powers.
[I will help you achieve the rank of Great Duke.]
Mammon chuckled at the absurd suggestion.
[How can I trust you and take such a gamble?]
[The Absolute of the Upper Realm. Odin.]
[……!!]
[With that guy's power, it wouldn't be difficult to break down the wall that you haven't been able to overcome on your own.]
[Don't tell me….]
[Yes. That's right. I'll lend you Odin's rune.]
Sparkling his heterochromatic eyes, Jormungandr spewed out a plan like a snake.
[My patience is not long.]
With those words, the heterochromatic eyes beyond the gate disappeared.
Mammon was lost in thought.
Odin's rune.
If it was that mysterious power, the words that he and Asura could reach the complete Great Duke were not far-fetched.
However, the fact that the person who said that was Jormungandr bothered him.
[I need to meet Asura.]
Mammon, muttering to himself, headed to the place where Beelzebub was staying.
Before leaving, he wanted to check on the condition of his lord once again.
The place where Beelzebub stayed was the deepest part of the castle.
When he arrived there, he saw the bones of the highest-ranking species of demons that had not yet melted at the entrance.
Even the newly placed demon race demons seemed to have perished because they could not withstand the poison.
[My lord. I'm coming in.]
Without waiting for an answer, he opened the huge door at the entrance.
Puhwaak.
The poison that had been blocked by the door covered Mammon.
The poison contained a power that other great demons besides him would not be able to handle.
Mammon's crimson eyes, which had been scanning the interior, narrowed slightly.
It was to find the invisible Beelzebub.
But that was only for a moment.
[……!!]
His face hardened when he did not see Beelzebub, who should have been there.
[Why….]
His voice trembled without him realizing it.
It was not only because of his lord, who had simply disappeared without a trace.
It was clear that what he felt in the gaps of the poisonous magic was.
[Kim Taehyun…!!]
It was the magic of a human who he wanted to chew up and kill.
Episode 435
Demon King Beelzebub.
A being who reached the apex of his species with the power of poison, and the only surviving Archduke among the demon race.
He certainly possessed better eyes than anyone else…
He certainly could see further than anyone else…
But all that was reflected in his fly-like red eyes were blurry shapes.
[What… are you?]
Beelzebub growled, looking at the 'beings' before him.
Though blurry and uncertain, they resembled the shapes he would call human.
[Don't you even ask who this Beelzebub is?!]
He roared at their unresponsive attitude, despite clearly moving.
Just because his sight wasn't perfect didn't mean his hearing was also impaired.
An unexpected voice reached his ears, which had reached the pinnacle of perception.
[To not recognize this Elven... Quite a pathetic state for someone who overreached so much, surviving Demon King.]
Beelzebub instantly recognized the speaker's identity.
The very person who had made him suffer the pain of his body being torn apart.
Just because his mind wasn't whole didn't mean he couldn't recognize her voice.
[…Fairy King!!]
The moment he recognized Elven, his blurry vision became sharper.
Beelzebub erupted in wild laughter at the sight of her being nothing more than a ten-year-old girl.
He sensed that her presence was nowhere near her prime.
His laughter continued for a long time before finally stopping.
[Then what about you?!]
Who was the one beside Elven?
Why was he still daring to conceal his presence?
Beelzebub shouted the question.
"Have you forgotten so soon?"
[……!!]
The reply was, like Elven's, a voice he could never forget.
The one who forcibly imprinted a language not of the Lower Realm onto him.
[You… Lower Realm King….]
Beelzebub spoke the owner of the voice.
"I thought I gifted you an unforgettable memory, but I'm starting to feel disappointed."
[You damned bastard….]
Beelzebub spat out curses.
It was the same as with Elven.
The moment he recognized him, the Lower Realm King's blurry image became clear.
And…
[Kihikihikihiki.]
Beelzebub burst into laughter.
The Lower Realm King, too, had lost a significant amount of power compared to their last encounter.
[…….]
"……."
Elven and the Lower Realm King fell silent at his unexpected reaction.
[Why are you laughing with this Elven right in front of you?]
Elven revealed her true nature, unlike usual.
That sight was all the more amusing.
[Kakakakakaka.]
Beelzebub's laughter became even more frivolous.
The Fairy King who was satisfied with her own domain despite being able to face multiple Archdukes.
The Lower Realm King who subjugated multiple Archdukes and waged a long racial war with the Upper Realm.
To see the remnants of incompatible eras before him…
To see the losers of war appear together…
[Seeing you two appear together like this… means that this Beelzebub’s condition isn’t normal.]
Beelzebub immediately realized that this was his subconscious.
He realized that Elven, who had almost been completely digested, had finally separated from him, causing him great damage.
[That Kim Tae-Hyun, I’ll tear him to pieces and it still won’t be enough.]
He spat out the name with a murderous expression towards the Lower Realm King, acknowledging the clever trick.
The Lower Realm King was the one who made the one who created his current state as the key, and Elven was the one who willingly chose Kim Tae-Hyun instead of him.
[What the hell are you two lovebirds here to spout this time?]
Even though he knew this wasn't reality, Beelzebub's attitude toward the two was as if they were real.
Elven and the Lower Realm King were beings that he had felt were his arch-enemies over the long years.
The only difference was that he had won against Elven, but lost to the Lower Realm King.
In the Lower Realm, the meaning of an Archduke was an absolute being who could not be defeated.
That was no different in this subconscious world.
Beelzebub held his head high.
[Killing you here will at least bring some sanity back to this Beelzebub’s mind.]
Perhaps this wasn't the first time.
So, he declared that he would kill them as many times as it took.
He wasn't wrong, as Elven had been in a similar situation several times due to the aftereffects of the separation.
[The one who teamed up with Diablo, gathered the Great Demons, and even laid his hands on the Sacred Tree because that wasn’t enough to deal with this Elven… What filthy worm with only a mouth to spew.]
Beelzebub did not get angry at Elven's taunts.
He regained some reason by looking at the weakened two.
[History belongs to the victors. Victory is something only the survivors can enjoy.]
He said that was the true law of the Lower Realm, where the law of the jungle prevailed.
He turned his head towards the Lower Realm King.
[The same goes for you. Even though you won against this Beelzebub, you ultimately failed in the racial war time and time again. So you have no right to look at this Beelzebub with such arrogant eyes.]
Fwoooosh.
A massive amount of poison erupted from Beelzebub's body.
It was an instinctive action, as if denying the arch-enemies who had driven him into a corner.
Elven resisted with colorless mana, and the Lower Realm King bared his ferocious fangs with his unique crimson mana.
However…
[Did you think this Beelzebub would forever remain at his past level?]
Tzzzzzzz.
Kieeeee.
Kudddd.
His tail, magic stone, and horns resonated, forming an even greater magic power.
He had managed to control the power that had been going berserk every time he lost his reason.
[Demon King… you've grown….]
Elven said with a desperate expression as she looked at her body poisoned by the venom.
The Lower Realm King was the same.
He regenerated his ever melting jaws of predation, and he could not hide his hardened expression.
How much he wanted to see these faces.
How much he craved this moment.
[Insignificant things… pay the price for mocking this Beelzebub!!]
Cheeeeeeeee!!
A massive amount of poison covered the Fairy King and the Lower Realm King.
Kihikihikihiki.
Kikkikkikkikki.
While Beelzebub erupted in wild laughter, the two beings completely melted away.
[Finally…!!]
The fact that he had finally shaken off the mental demons that had burdened him for so long made him happy.
At the same time, the world he thought was his subconscious began to distort.
The distorting world felt like a giant gate, as if it was sucking him in.
Thinking that it was congratulating him on his great victory, Beelzebub did not reject the enormous power.
How much time had passed?
Beelzebub opened his eyes.
However…
[…….]
An unexpected sight unfolded before him.
Demon King Beelzebub.
He looked at the Archdukes surrounding him.
Queen of Succubus, Rosaria.
Dragon Lord, Hazard.
Giant King, Typhon.
Beast King, Orgal.
And not only that.
Even Fairy King Elven and the Great Demon Gilfer, who was once his subordinate.
Things that should not have been there gathered in one place, deploying their magic power as if surrounding him.
And right in front of him…
Impossible to forget.
Tae-Hyun, with a tired expression, drew his sword.
[…What is this? Why are you all here?]
Tae-Hyun did not answer the Demon King's question, but pointed with his sword to the huge tree behind him.
"Welcome. You're familiar with the Sacred Tree, right?"
Unlike his tired expression…
He smirked.
His expression of pulling up the corners of his mouth was truly detestable.
[You!!!]
The patience of Beelzebub, who thought he had reached the pinnacle, exploded.
Tae-Hyun saw the agitated Beelzebub and withdrew his smirk.
Contrary to his actions…
His physical condition was far from normal.
That was because he had just attempted to summon Beelzebub, which required 4,000 units of Spiritual Demon Power.
Even though he had the physical and mental strength of an Archduke, he felt as if he would faint as soon as he relaxed.
His body felt like it would collapse and his mind would become entangled and shattered at any moment.
'I'm not doing that twice.'
The beginning of this reckless act was just a hypothesis.
A very light thought that came to mind when he looked at the status window after subjugating Orgal.
What if he brought Beelzebub into this place where many Archdukes gathered?
If he did, just as he had recovered Typhon's status by fighting Orgal, could he make Gilfer a complete Demon King by fighting Beelzebub?
There were Archdukes to support the massive magic power, and Elven, who had an incomplete but great magic power as her power, was by his side.
If that was still not enough, he could draw on the power of the Sacred Tree.
One point of anxiety was whether Tae-Hyun's body could withstand the 4,000 units of magic power, but that was something he would not know unless he tried.
It was a sufficiently possible plan.
Once the idea was fixed, the execution was swift.
He gathered the Archdukes who were bickering among themselves and conveyed his thoughts.
[Beelzebub. I heard that fly bastard is not in his right mind.]
Orgal, who was the last to join the group, said that.
Having tasted the power of evolution, he was completely subordinate to the contract Tae-Hyun had made.
[So that's the opportunity.]
Hazard, who was in a similar state, said calmly.
[Hehehe. I owe that fly a lot. Contractor, I'll handle it myself again this time.]
Typhon, who had fully recovered his status, said confidently.
Until recently, he had been overwhelmed by the ancient Great Demons, but now he was not worried about facing Beelzebub.
Nevertheless…
Tae-Hyun shook his head.
"Gilfer will be the one to face him."
[Hoo.]
[Hmm.]
[Indeed.]
[Too bad.]
[Ahahaha.]
[…….]
Now that it had been decided, there was no need to delay any longer.
He activated the three magic stones, used all kinds of skills to raise his physical abilities, and maximized his magic power with the blessing of the fairy race.
Orgal's power strengthened his body, and Rosaria's power strengthened his mental power.
Hazard's power strengthened his existence, and Typhon's power helped him understand the essence of magic power.
And…
Elven, connected to the Sacred Tree, supplemented the lacking magic power with her power.
Thus, the Demon King was forcibly summoned.
Beelzebub immediately grasped the situation.
[So many insects have joined hands to face this Beelzebub.]
Tae-Hyun stepped forward without answering.
[You look very tired.]
"It seems like you are too."
Tae-Hyun drank a potion and checked Beelzebub's condition.
As he had heard, it was not normal to see symptoms of reverse flow.
[I heard you use Golfer's power. Now, why don't you make a suggestion.]
Tae-Hyun shook his head at Beelzebub's words.
He was not the opponent.
Also…
"I will not make a contract with you."
Tae-Hyun stated firmly.
[Why? Is it perhaps to restore the Fairy King's existence?]
He was certain that it could never happen with the current status of Elven, unless she defeated him single-handedly.
Tae-Hyun shook his head once more.
Elven had also fallen in status, but her situation was different from Typhon.
The source of her existence was different from other Archdukes.
Even if she did not face Beelzebub, she would naturally recover the status she had lost by following Tae-Hyun, who was in sync with the Sacred Tree, and contain the massive existence.
So…
"The one you have to face is not another species."
[……?]
It was when Beelzebub was still making an incomprehensible expression.
Suddenly…
Thwack!!
A huge thorn pierced Beelzebub's chest and came out.
At the end of the thorn was Gilfer, who spread her huge wings.
[Your opponent is me. Brother.]
Gilfer of No Desire.
She revealed the power of her newly acquired power, 'Evolution'.
436
The Great Demon Gilfer.
Born on the same day as the Great Demon Gorfer, with the power of 'Desire'.
An ancient being who repeatedly went through race wars and regressions to defy his fate.
One of the two archdemons who rose to the rank of Grand Duke was annihilated, and countless archdemons disappeared without even leaving their names, but what Gilfer truly feared was not annihilation.
The Wall.
He truly feared not reaching the realm that only Beelzebub and Diablo had reached, and not surpassing his limits like the other archdemons.
He desired to overcome the Wall.
But the limits were clear.
No matter how many times he reincarnated, his memories only returned at the tail end of the Territory War, and it seemed impossible to overcome the Wall in that state.
Only Mammon, Asura, and Mephisto, considered the strongest among the archdemons, barely managed to get a foothold by pledging allegiance to the Demon King.
Even then, it was incomplete, and the path for them to become Demon Kings themselves seemed distant.
He made a decision.
The power of Desire, symbolizing a vast presence.
He gave up his greatest strength to await the new opportunity that would come.
And he met.
The key chosen by the Underworld King after countless reincarnations.
The opportunity called Kim Taehyun.
He tested that power.
Pure brute force was on par with himself, who had lost his power.
Even so.
"The Territory War is just bait. What we need to prepare for is the Race War."
Even the Grand Dukes were bickering to become the victors of the Territory War, but how could a human they looked down upon possess such boldness?
He was overjoyed by that sight.
That sight ignited the desire he had lost.
He vowed to stay as close as possible to the path Taehyun was taking.
Even if there was annihilation at the end of that path, he was willing to accept his fate.
And so, he finally achieved the rank of Grand Duke he had longed for.
The moment he became accustomed to this power, he would become the new Demon King at any time.
For now, protecting Kim Taehyun was all that mattered; he thought it didn't matter if he slowly acquired the presence befitting the rank.
But Kim Taehyun thought differently.
"They say the guy who rises to the position of Grand Duke is called the Demon King, right? But you know, there can't be two kings."
[...]
"Gilfer. You need to become the Demon King."
Capture Beelzebub and take away all the accomplishments he has built up.
Not just being satisfied with being equal to Diablo and Beelzebub, but becoming the first Demon King to surpass them.
His heart raced at that unreasonable demand.
Was it because of the Summoning Oath?
It felt like the power of Desire he had lost was revived.
[I shall.]
She promised, staking the rank of Grand Duke she had achieved over a long period of time.
And so, now.
Even with the first Demon King before him, there was no wavering in his attack.
[Beelzebub. I will do my best to annihilate you.]
Gilfer said, taking out the venomous magic that still remained in his body.
Chiiik. Chiiik.
The ground melted from the purple magic falling from his claws.
This was because Gilfer's magic, which inherited that power due to Beelzebub's unstable mind, was also amplified.
Beelzebub, also aware of this fact, shuddered.
The body that had been attacked had already regenerated at super speed, leaving no trace of injury.
Kik.... Kikkik....
[Ancient brother.... It seems you have finally achieved a similar rank to the other brothers.]
The ancient archdemons Mammon, Asura, and Mephisto.
Beelzebub mentioned those who had set foot in the incomplete realm of the Grand Duke.
[To think you would target me with that. Your greed is excessive.]
He released his surging magic.
Rosaria. Typhon. Hazard. Orgal. Elven.
The scattered Grand Dukes blocked the poison with their respective magic.
They were blocking the possibility of the divine beast being damaged from the start.
Beelzebub was also aware of that fact.
He only poured out streams of magic with mad laughter.
Tting.
[Skill Demon's Saliva (???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
Chiiiiik.
"It's really unpleasant magic."
Taehyun muttered, looking at the purple magic surging from his body.
It was clearly a fatal power to the others, but it was unlikely to work on Beelzebub, the owner of the power.
He had already tested it through Igmun, Hazard, and Orgal, so there was no need to check it again.
Gilfer seemed to think similarly, only using the purple magic remaining in his body to simply defend.
'Poison and Evolution. Beelzebub has the advantage in objective power.'
Gilfer had no choice but to have a monotonous combat method due to his lack of experience.
So.
'Support appropriately like Typhon and watch.'
The moment Gilfer steals Beelzebub's presence, so that he can handle Beelzebub at any time.
Just then, the two powers collided.
Gilfer's thorns melted upon touching the power of Poison.
And Beelzebub's thorns, upon touching the power of Evolution.
Were regressing.
Persuk.
[...]
Beelzebub frowned as he looked at his regressed thorns.
It wasn't just that they had regressed.
The thorns, unable to contain the enormous power, were melting on their own.
What if that power acted on his body instead of his claws?
Beelzebub felt a chill for the first time in a long time.
It was a feeling he had never felt against Mammon, Asura, or Mephisto.
Among the demon race, only the Demon Kings, like himself.
Only Diablo was the only one who had made him feel this way.
[...I see.]
Countless insect-like red eyes scanned Gilfer's body.
He noticed the deep blue magic that was not inferior to his purple magic.
[Wasn't he an incomplete Grand Duke?]
He didn't feel the incompleteness peculiar to the archdemons who had inherited his power from the deep blue magic.
He didn't feel the instability that Gorfer had shown.
Kikkikkik.
Beelzebub shuddered once again.
It seemed that Elven had been separated and his hazy mind had returned to normal.
[A new Demon King has been born.]
He trembled at the achievements of his brother, achieved while he was declining.
[It seems you've finally come to your senses.]
Gilfer, who had completely opened his five horns, said with a calm gaze.
How enticing that enormous power was.
Chewlip.
Beelzebub's red eyes, licking his lips, gleamed.
It was as if he was looking at high-quality prey.
Just as Gilfer was seeking to stabilize his power by hunting Beelzebub, Beelzebub also discovered the possibility of controlling and amplifying his unstable power after losing Elven.
[What more needs to be said?]
[...]
[The weak are devoured, and the strong are devoured by the stronger.]
Kiiiiiiii.
Beelzebub opened all of his horns.
The poison that had been engulfing the area became even more intense.
[I must take you, Gilfer.]
Without hiding the drool flowing down.
The Demon King's enormous wings spread out.
Five horns and a tail that seemed to condense dozens of thorns, magic stones that amplified magic without rest.
Beelzebub's power, having released his full power, was overwhelming the deep blue magic.
Chiiik. Chiiik.
Taehyun frowned at the poison that seemed to devour his body.
The more the battle dragged on, the more intense the poison emitted from Beelzebub's body became.
Clearly, his objective power was below Hazard's, but the magic he was emitting now.
'On par. No, even more.'
It was because he was stripping away the Underworld King's spell, just as Orgal had done.
However, Orgal did it of his own will.
Beelzebub was excited about the prey in front of him and instinctively stripped away that power.
Although he would fall in rank as a penalty, he seemed to instinctively know that he could gain even greater power if he took Gilfer.
'This is going to be a little dangerous.'
It wasn't that Gilfer was weak.
It was just that, unlike Beelzebub, he couldn't use the method of damaging his rank to strip away the Underworld King's spell.
"I need to balance it out."
Taehyun released his magic.
Tting.
[Skill Apocalypse (???) has been activated. The target is not specified.]
Hwaaaak.
Darkness descended on the area dominated by Beelzebub's poison.
[Are you finally interfering!!]
As if he had been anticipating Taehyun's intervention, Beelzebub further strengthened his power, which had been focused on Gilfer.
"It's hard to breathe."
Taehyun retorted nonchalantly and activated other skills.
Tting.
[Skill Primal Element (???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
[Skill Ruler of Desire (???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
[Skill Omen of Evolution (???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
[Skill Rampage of the Deep Sea (???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
[Skills are synchronized. Enormous magic is shared.]
The power of 'Element' raised her physical stats, the power of 'Desire' and 'Evolution' strengthened her magic and presence, and the power of 'Rampage' amplified all of these once again.
'I need to slow down the tempo.'
Tting.
[Skill Apocalypse (???) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Dragon's Wrath (???) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
[Skill Energy Drain (???) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Shackles of Binding (???) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Ataraxia (???) has been enhanced. Specifies the form. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Hazard's enormous aura pressed down on the rapidly moving body, and chains that sprang up from all over the Apocalypse began to suck up magic.
A giant tentacle, materialized with purple magic, constricted Beelzebub's body.
[...You!!!]
Beelzebub roared at Taehyun, who was interfering with his battle.
Puhwak!!!
He shook off the oppressive aura and melted the clinging chains and tentacles.
In that gap, Gilfer stabbed his thorns into Beelzebub's magic stone.
Persuk!!!
Half of Beelzebub's body, directly hit by the power, regressed as it was.
In return, one of his arms and wings completely melted, but Gilfer seemed satisfied.
[Insects...!!!]
Kwaddeudeudeuk.
Suddenly, Beelzebub pulled out one of his horns.
Kwak!!!
He shoved that enormous horn into his regressing body.
Chiiiiiii.
Ominous magic soared from the body where regression had stopped.
The Apocalypse, which had been forming a tense situation, was quickly being eroded.
It was even before Gilfer, who was next to him, could react.
Puwook!!!
Beelzebub's two rapidly moving thorns pierced Gilfer's neck and chest.
And.
Kwaduk!!!
He opened his maw and swallowed Gilfer's head.
Kwaduk. Kwaduk. Kwaddeudeuk.
He mercilessly chewed on Gilfer's head, which had been separated from his body.
[Next is your turn….]
It was the moment he was about to pronounce death.
Taehyun, who should have been shocked, was smiling.
At the same time as he felt something was wrong.
Jjeok. Jjeojeok.
Cracks appeared in the space that the poison had been eroding.
Beelzebub's face hardened as he understood the meaning.
"Diablo also died like this."
[You… surely… mind….]
Even before he could finish his sentence.
Hwaaaak.
The view reversed.
He blinked his dozens of red eyes.
The surroundings had changed to a terrain like a desert.
"Mental world. It's not such a one-dimensional space."
[What nonse…]
Puwook.
Beelzebub turned his head towards the thorn that had pierced his chest.
There was Gilfer, who had completely recovered from his earlier injuries.
In a fleeting moment.
Sseuseuseuseu.
Gilfer's face changed to Taehyun's.
"Welcome to the multiple mental world, Demon King."
In Taehyun's red eyes as he said that.
Purple magic surged.
437
Stab. Stab. Stab.
Countless stabs.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
Countless bites.
Thus, countless deaths were gifted to the opponent.
Even so.
Crack. Cracking. Crack.
Once a world shattered, everything reset.
While Kim Tae-hyun and Gilfer's bodies remained unscathed, his own body was gradually reaching its limit.
"Nineteen."
[...]
Beelzebub turned his head at the voice that came without fail.
There stood Tae-hyun, revealing five horns.
Next to him was Gilfer, whom he had melted away moments before.
"That's the number of mental worlds you've broken."
He hadn't expected that he would break so many worlds.
If he had completely digested the Fairy King, he would have become a being transcending the Archduke.
Tae-hyun gave a compliment that wasn't a compliment.
[You…!!]
Beelzebub instinctively scattered poisonous fog.
He intended to run wild and blow away both the mental world and the caster.
If he did that, the burden on his body would be considerable, but…
[I just need to devour you a few more times and devour all those outside.]
He should have done this from the start.
Instead of leaving it to the underlings from the beginning, he should have stepped forward and eliminated the leader.
[I thank you for providing the stage.]
Beelzebub, belatedly finishing his rationalization, stirred his massive body.
And.
Crack!! Snap!!
Breaking nineteen mental worlds, the remaining two horns.
He snapped them off and impaled them into his body.
His body was enveloped in purple mana, and the poisonous fog scattered throughout the mental world intensified.
The darkness symbolizing the apocalypse was swallowed by the poison.
Crackle.
Crackle.
Each second, his body transformed.
And finally.
The transformation stopped in the form of a monster that had abandoned its human form.
[Kim Tae-hyun. That is dangerous.]
Gilfer, noticing Beelzebub's intention, was wary of his next attack.
"Yeah. That form is probably his full power."
His arms, which stretched to the floor, exceeded half of his body, and his three pairs of wings were large enough to envelop his entire body.
The ten red eyes embedded in his body flickered with a glossy sheen, and a liquid of unknown origin dripped from his two-split tail.
Was that all?
Six newly sprouted horns.
A familiar aura was felt from them.
The Demon King Diablo's authority, 'Fear'.
The Great Demon Mammon's authority, 'Gluttony'.
The Great Demon Asura's authority, 'Struggle'.
The Great Demon Mephisto's authority, 'Soul'.
The Great Demon Gorpher's authority, 'Desire'.
Among them, the most powerful force was the authority that allowed Beelzebub to rise to the pinnacle of all demon races, 'Poison'.
"I'm almost grateful to Hazar and Orgall at this point."
None of them were easy to deal with.
Each of them emitted an aura that was no less than that of their original owners.
Even Gilfer seemed to be seeing the current form for the first time, unable to hide her bewilderment.
[He wasn't just waiting for Elven to be digested, was he?]
"Gilfer. I think we need to change our plan. That's not something that can be dealt with by receiving support."
He was newly realizing the extent to which the Lower World King's magic was limiting the power of the Archdukes.
Unlike Orgall, who had relatively recently become an Archduke, Beelzebub had been concealing a dagger worthy of his arrogance.
If he had completely digested Elven and could use the authority of 'Great Magic'?
If he could handle even more authorities with his reconstructed body?
If he succeeded in capturing Tae-hyun and could use the power of 'Devour'?
And thus.
If he completely revived Archduke Diablo and directed his forces in the hidden area towards the Lower World King?
'Every single one is terrible.'
Just thinking about it made him feel dizzy.
Even Tae-hyun, who had repeatedly thwarted Beelzebub's plans, couldn't see a way out.
Gilfer seemed to feel the same way.
The nineteen mental worlds that had been destroyed earlier.
In those worlds, Gilfer had opened all three of the powers possessed by the highest-ranking demons.
[And only then could I have a battle worthy of the name.]
She swallowed a sigh.
A battle worthy of the name did not necessarily mean victory.
No matter how much she had achieved the rank of Archduke, no matter how much she was exerting power beyond her limits with Tae-hyun's skills.
It was impossible to face Beelzebub alone, who had completely shed the laws of the Abyss.
'If this wasn't a mental world.'
She would have been eaten long ago and become fertilizer for his growth.
She knew that fact all too well.
[I will bet everything on this attack.]
She would face the Demon King, who had surpassed the existence of the previous mental world, herself.
"Don't overdo it. There are more mental worlds ahead…."
There is leeway.
As he was about to say that, Gilfer shook her head.
[My contractor and brother. Your silver tongue, which you are usually so deft with, seems clumsy now. Are you and I not bound by a covenant?]
"……."
Not as special as Tae-hyun's eyes, but her red eyes also possessed the insight to see through the essence.
Her eyes were not so clouded that she couldn't feel the mana decreasing each time a mental world broke, or the mental strength being consumed.
So, she told him not to overdo it.
"Oops, did I get caught?"
Tae-hyun shrugged his shoulders with a nonchalant reply.
It wasn't wrong.
Because Beelzebub's resistance was more fierce than he had expected, the mental worlds he could maintain in the future were limited to about three times.
Of course, if the situation became the worst, Tae-hyun also intended to directly join the battle without just standing by.
'It's a shame that I can't take away Beelzebub's existence here, but just standing up to him like that is already worthy of being called a complete Archduke.'
As the mental world broke, Beelzebub's existence diminished.
On the other hand.
Gilfer's existence became stronger.
Now she had become an existence worthy of the vessel called Archduke.
[Complete Archduke. To think I would achieve this power in a mental world.]
Gilfer also readily acknowledged her changed self from before the battle.
Also.
[There's nothing to worry about.]
She said that she would capture Beelzebub this time for sure.
Thus, she said that she would seize the results of Tae-hyun's hard work so far.
"If it's dangerous. I'll intervene."
Giving her the same words that Typhon had said to him before, Tae-hyun stepped back.
Against Beelzebub, who had begun to control the six authorities under the purple mana.
Gilfer unleashed a deep blue mana.
The current Beelzebub had surpassed even the moment he had captured Elven.
If she captured him here.
'Gilfer will become the strongest Demon King of all time.'
Tae-hyun scanned the area with 'The Watcher's Eye' strengthened.
To think that the mental world he had created was being invaded by Beelzebub's mana.
If he failed to control it and it connected to his original mental world, he would awaken the dormant doppelganger.
'It would be hard for us to be safe then.'
Since becoming one with the Divine Beast, he had not shown himself in his mental world.
Not only that.
He had even placed shackles so that Tae-hyun could not peek.
'It's right to avoid risks as much as possible.'
Even if he didn't know, there was a high possibility that he had also made great progress.
To do so, it was right to make a decision in this place, the twentieth mental world, as Gilfer said.
Watching Beelzebub and Gilfer clash, he created a small mana sphere in the air.
Kwaaa.
The small mana sphere absorbed the poisonous energy of the area and gradually increased in size.
It was in preparation for the situation where Gilfer might be defeated.
He wouldn't be able to purify all the poisonous energy in the area, but even Beelzebub's current form couldn't be infinite.
It was worth trying.
In the short time that Tae-hyun was preparing a new card, the battle had already progressed considerably.
Gilfer's body melted and regenerated at the same time, and Beelzebub's body degenerated and recovered at the same time.
The authority of 'Desire' strengthened the obsession with the opponent, the authority of 'Struggle' raised the momentum, and the authority of 'Fear' shackled the movements of the new Demon King.
And.
Crunch.
As Beelzebub's maw chewed on Gilfer's flesh, the authority of 'Gluttony' was activated, revealing an even more ferocious momentum.
The places that touched Beelzebub melted quickly.
All the powers connected by the authority of 'Soul' were strengthened as if they were skills, and the situation was gradually tilting.
Tilting, tilting, and tilting again.
Finally.
Cheeeeeek!!!
A huge amount of poisonous energy melted Gilfer's arms and tail.
It was a critical hit that could determine the outcome.
Before she could push out the invading poisonous energy and perform ultra-high-speed regeneration.
Crack!!!
Beelzebub's tail bound Gilfer's body.
Crush. Crush. Crush.
The tail crushed Gilfer's flesh.
Tear.
Beelzebub opened his maw, which was larger than ever before.
The sight didn't look different from the devouring maw that Tae-hyun used.
It was the moment when the hideous maw was about to close.
[Do you think you can swallow this one!!]
Gilfer's horns, tail, and magic stone resonated as she shouted.
Only when she was about to disappear.
She had succeeded in defying the magic of the Lower World King, which she had not been aware of all along.
Tsuzzzzzzz.
The Demon King's tail, which was touching Gilfer's body, degenerated into that of a highest-ranking species, and then into that of a higher-ranking species.
On the other hand.
Crush. Crunch.
New horns sprouted on Gilfer's head, who had gained a great enlightenment.
As Beelzebub had done, the six horns showed off their respective mana.
The authority she was born with as a Great Demon, 'Desire'.
The authority of the ancient Great Demon Mephisto, 'Soul'.
The authority of the annihilated Demon King Diablo, 'Fear'.
Tae-hyun's authority that surpassed the highest-ranking demons in itself, 'Devour'.
The authority of the Demon King who had transcended even death, 'Poison'.
And.
Her new authority, 'Evolution'.
True to its power, she was rapidly growing in the battle that went beyond death.
Beelzebub's red eyes gleamed with greed.
[Mine…. It's… mine….]
He revealed his desire for Gilfer's flesh and authority, who had awakened a new power.
Thus.
Puff puff puff.
Beelzebub's poisonous thorns pierced Gilfer's body.
Kwa kwa kwa crack.
Gilfer also did not give in and drove in all of her thorns.
They intertwined each other's tails to prevent them from falling off.
The six authorities that the two Demon Kings had digested were mixed up to devour each other's bodies.
In a flash.
Tae-hyun and Gilfer's eyes met.
She seemed to be smiling.
Her two eyes, which had become redder than ever, surpassing their limits.
[Now.]
It seemed to be saying that.
"You're surprising me, Gilfer."
He hadn't expected that she would catch up to Beelzebub, who had removed the magic of the Lower World King, to this extent.
He paid tribute to the power and courage of the authority, who was prepared for annihilation.
"Don't worry. I won't do anything to damage the rank you have achieved."
Tae-hyun snapped his fingers.
The mana sphere that had grown by absorbing the poisonous energy around it transformed into the shape of a thorn.
And.
Poof!!!
It pierced through the bodies of the two Demon Kings who were clinging to each other.
[Kihik…. This too…. Is mine….]
It was the moment when Beelzebub was about to eat the poisonous thorn that had pierced him and turn it into his mana.
"Don't be greedy, 'former' Demon King."
At Tae-hyun's will, a huge awl wriggled and bared its fangs.
The expanding maw stopped only after pushing the two Demon Kings completely into its mouth.
"That is also 'mine'."
The poisonous maw tightened so that the prey could not escape.
No matter what authority he used, he would not be able to escape.
"Eat it, Devour."
At Tae-hyun's command.
Crunch!!!
The maw of Devour chewed and swallowed the two Demon Kings.
438
콰득. 콰득. 콰드득.
The maw of gluttony tirelessly gnawed and chewed.
Two fully powered Demon Kings, who had unleashed their six horns.
Even Gluttony seemed to struggle this time, unable to digest them at once, taking quite some time.
'Even if it wasn't original demonic power… For Gluttony to take this long to digest…'
A chill ran down his spine, raising goosebumps.
It was the first time since assimilating with the Divine Beast and gaining immense power.
The Dukes, the masters of the Lower World.
Now that he could truly sense their power, he knew he would have been captured and become their plaything long ago if not for the Lower World King's sorcery.
'I must be careful.'
Even excluding Igmun, who had fallen in rank and lost considerable power.
Yormungandr and Lucifer would surely know how to avoid this power.
Especially.
'Yormungandr. That bastard is shady.'
The most cunning among the Dukes.
There was no telling what schemes he might be hiding.
'Before meeting Lucifer, it would be wise to solidify my relationship with Igmun and Yormungandr.'
Vampire Lord Igmun.
Nethersea King Yormungandr.
All Dukes who had sworn an oath of summons after the bet before, yet still not entirely allies.
Especially in Igmun's case, their relationship had soured after he coveted Elven.
He was now rampaging to recover his former rank, but he needed to be suppressed more firmly.
Even so, Taehyun was currently the closest to winning the Domain War.
Not only in individual combat strength but also in terms of power, the difference wasn't significant.
'Wait for me, King.'
Once the 'Domain War' ends, the 'Race War' will begin.
The King would surely reveal himself before then.
He had many questions to ask him.
Just as he was thinking that.
Thud thud thud.
The collapse of the twentieth mental world accelerated.
'With the divine might that guy showed at the end, I should be able to fight even after devouring him here.'
He needed to get out as soon as possible and devour him again before he went berserk again.
Then.
Crack.
A huge maw opened in the sky of the collapsing world.
A guy he had been wondering about showed himself.
[To even capture Demon Kings. You're amazing.]
Grin.
The Doppelganger bared his teeth and spoke.
His condescending attitude was infuriating.
"What brings you here?"
Taehyun's tone naturally turned curt.
[Am I an unwelcome guest?]
The Doppelganger asked, not bothering to hide his mockery.
Without answering.
Taehyun naturally raised his power.
If he was thinking of babbling, he should be prepared for a fight.
It was a clear warning.
[You don't even have the power to maintain a collapsing mental world. And yet, you're uselessly proud.]
The Doppelganger mocked Taehyun.
His gleaming red eyes seemed to know Taehyun's condition roughly.
That appearance was also displeasing.
Snap.
Crack!!
He snapped his fingers and created a maw of Gluttony beneath his feet.
[Whoa~ Threatening each other, are we?]
"It's not a threat."
Crunch!!
The maw of Gluttony devoured the guy's body as it was.
It was instantaneous.
The Doppelganger's body transformed into the form of Gluttony to respond.
Crunch!!
Crack!! Crunch!!
After the two maws bit and tore at each other for a while, Taehyun's Gluttony disappeared.
[You've achieved a pretty decent rank.]
The Doppelganger said, savoring the Gluttony he had devoured.
"Yeah. Now, if I put my mind to it."
Snap.
Taehyun snapped his fingers again.
Crack!! Crack!!
Maws of Gluttony, equivalent to the one that had just been devoured, appeared everywhere, baring their teeth.
"It's enough to bury you here."
[Your confidence is as strong as ever.]
The guy who had merged with the maw of Gluttony said that.
"We'll see."
Just as Taehyun was about to order the maws of Gluttony to attack.
[I didn't come here to fight.]
The guy said as he released his fusion with Gluttony.
[I thought I should say it before this place collapses.]
"Say what?"
What trick was he up to this time?
Taehyun sneered.
[The connection with that guy has been severed.]
"That guy…?"
At the seemingly clueless reaction.
[The Lower World King. I'm saying I can't feel his energy anymore.]
"……!!"
Because it was such an unexpected answer.
Taehyun couldn't hide his surprised reaction.
[Now it seems we can have a conversation.]
As if satisfied with that reaction, the Doppelganger smiled.
And.
He told the news of the Lower World King, which no one had ever told him before.
[Contractor.]
Taehyun opened his eyes at the sound of someone calling him.
The flow of time in the mental world was different from the flow of time in reality.
So even though Taehyun had belatedly emerged from the mental world, not much time had passed.
"I'm late."
Recalling the conversation with the Doppelganger a moment ago, he assessed the situation around him.
Rosaria, Typhon, Hazard, Orgal, and Elven were still maintaining the barrier.
Gilfer, with a visibly exhausted expression, was confronting Beelzebub.
The five horns symbolizing the Demon King were nowhere to be seen, and two horns were struggling to emit their presence.
Not only was he affected by Gluttony in the mental world, but his rank was also falling as a consequence of removing the Lower World King's sorcery.
Compared to the six authorities he had displayed in the mental world, he had a miserable presence.
"Beelzebub."
Taehyun called out to the Demon King, who had fallen to the highest-ranking species in that short time.
[Heh… Hehehe….]
Beelzebub let out a vile laugh.
He had dragged a being who wasn't even whole into the mental world and lowered his rank, so it was a natural reaction.
Even if he scanned his memories, he wouldn't be able to gain much because he wasn't in his right mind.
In that case, he had to secure more realistic gains.
"Let's begin, Gilfer."
Understanding the meaning, Gilfer nodded and unleashed her incomplete true azure power.
Tring.
[Skill Great Demonification(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Great Demon's Heart(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Demon's Saliva(???) has been activated.]
The three skills acquired from the demon race created another Great Demon.
[Now you truly feel like one of the ancient brothers.]
"Saying that doesn't make the pain go away."
[I didn't expect it to.]
Having said that, Taehyun used the next skill.
[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Chains of Binding(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Energy Drain(???) has been activated.]
Swish. Swish.
As the chains wrapped around Beelzebub and Gilfer, the demonic power of the two Demon Kings, which had begun to fall in rank, flowed in.
'It's different from back then with Mephisto.'
Back then, he simply transplanted the source of Mephisto's power into Gilfer and had her absorb it, but Beelzebub was a Duke who had risen to the realm of transcendence.
If he used the same method on the current Gilfer, her body would explode.
Especially that poisonous authority could not be fused with simple transplantation.
He looked at Gilfer, who was now enduring the pain as if it were natural.
In her eyes, there was not even a hint of doubt towards Taehyun.
Absolute trust.
It was the same for Taehyun.
'If it's Gilfer.'
With her power, she would even digest Beelzebub's authority.
The six horns and authorities she had shown in the mental world.
Considering the usefulness of Beelzebub's authority, it was a power he didn't want to lose as it was.
So even if Beelzebub were to disappear here.
'Make Gilfer inherit Beelzebub's power.'
Tring.
[Skill True Blood(???) has been activated.]
[Skill Beastkin's Heart(???) has been activated.]
Kiiii-.
Kigigigig-.
He absorbed the demonic power of Beelzebub and Gilfer respectively with the vampiric and beastkin's magic stones.
[Cough….]
[Gasp….]
The presence of the two Demon Kings was rapidly consumed.
Taehyun didn't care and strengthened the skills.
He strengthened and strengthened them until the presence they possessed fell below that of a high-ranking species.
And so, when Taehyun's body was filled with the demonic power that the two Demon Kings had built up.
He gathered the demonic power absorbed by the two magic stones into the demon's magic stone.
The demonic power that had not been digested yet couldn't mix and tried to escape out of the magic stone.
Tring.
[Skill Omen of Evolution(???) has been activated. Specifying the target.]
Taehyun used Gilfer's authority on his own body.
And.
Thwack.
He plunged his hand into the spot where Gilfer's magic stone had been.
Poison. Desire. Gluttony. Fear. Soul. Evolution.
The Great Demons who were among the best in the demon race.
The six authorities that symbolized them were infused into her body.
Tring.
[Summon skill 'Great Demon Gilfer(???)' has been changed to 'Demon King Gilfer(???)'.]
[Summon skill 'Demon King Beelzebub(???)' has been deleted.]
[Skill 'Demon's Saliva(???)' has been changed to 'Demon King's Saliva'.]
Taehyun was pleased with the rising messages.
And.
[Demon King Gilfer.]
Towards her, who had become the one and only Duke of the demon race.
He gave a benevolent smile.
The deepest part of the Abyss. The Sky Citadel.
The innermost part of that place.
The owner of the castle looked down at the Lower World.
All his red eyes could see were the demons in the midst of the Domain War.
Swish. Swish.
As his red eyes turned blue, he could see the movements of the celestial beings moving in various parts of the Lower World.
[Still moving like rats.]
Having said that, Lucifer turned his head.
Before he knew it, his eyes had returned to red.
His gaze turned towards the Great Demon, who had been waiting for his answer for a long time.
[So, you want to join hands?]
The ancient Great Demon Mammon, known as the second-in-command of the demon race.
With Beelzebub and Mephisto gone, he was the one leading the demon race's Domain War along with Asura.
[That's right.]
[I don't see any respect from someone who has come to ask for a favor.]
[…This Mammon came here not as a Great Demon but as a Demon King. You are the one who should show respect.]
Lucifer scoffed at Mammon's words.
[…….]
The laughter that started with a scoff stopped only after continuing for a long time.
[Did you say King?]
Lucifer asked, not hiding his derision.
[That's what I….]
[Those are truly absurd words.]
[…….]
[Kim Taehyun. You lost your master because you couldn't handle that human, and the first thing you do is come here asking for a truce.]
[Don't be arrogant, Lucifer. There are plenty of other ways even if it's not you.]
Mammon threatened, trying not to lose the pace of the negotiation.
[That's right. Perhaps Yormungandr, that rat, has contacted you?]
Lucifer burst out laughing again at Mammon's silence.
[Fine. It's not a big deal to get rid of you here. But let's hear what you've prepared first.]
Offer me a tempting proposal, Lucifer said, sitting on his throne and propping his chin.
[I know you're very interested in Earth.]
[Hoh. And?]
[I'll hand it over to you.]
Mammon whispered in a sweet voice.
He said that there was a way to rule that place, avoiding the Lower World King's sorcery, and in return, he wanted an immediate truce and alliance.
Lucifer shook his head as if there was nothing to think about.
[That's not a tempting proposal. Surely you don't think that I can't do what even you can do?]
[…….]
[That place is already as good as mine.]
[…I've made a wasted trip.]
Just as Mammon was about to leave.
[Stop. Ancient demon.]
[…If you plan to stop me, you must also be prepared.]
As if to say that he wouldn't have come to the enemy camp without any preparation, Mammon revealed the energy of the demon race's number one.
[Such pathetic boasting. It's not even funny.]
At Lucifer's gesture, Cody Cruz, who had been standing still all along, stood in front of Mammon.
[There is no disgusting demon race in the future I have designed. But who knows? Maybe my thoughts will change if the demon race proves its worth.]
439
Mammon growled at Lucifer's arrogance.
Cody Cruz, the man before his eyes.
He knew that he had hunted quite a few archdemons.
[This bastard... is he mocking me?]
He was telling him, who had risen to the new throne of the demon race, to fight his contractor and prove his worth?
[Is there something wrong with that?]
Lucifer asked with a bitter smile.
As if he didn't need to be aware of Mammon's feelings.
[If you can't prove your worth, you'll only be eliminated.]
He spoke coldly, as if he had the right to decide the fate of other species.
Crunch.
Mammon's face twisted like that of an evil spirit.
Lucifer, the fallen angel.
He knew very well that the guy from the upper world was especially arrogant among the archdukes.
He had shown such signs several times in the past at gatherings of the archdukes.
Belzebub had also refused to cooperate with Lucifer several times, saying he was just a lousy celestial being that he couldn't associate with.
Nevertheless, he had expectations because he thought the situation had changed.
He wondered if the guy had become a little aware of the crisis due to Kim Tae-hyun's actions.
Even though Jormungandr had suggested a way for him and Asura to reach the complete archduke, he had sought Lucifer first for that reason.
Although he was excessively arrogant, he thought he was much more trustworthy than that despicable guy.
He was wrong.
[If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have had any reason to come to you.]
Mammon turned his body, saying he had wasted his time.
He had no interest in the battle with Cody Cruz.
[Are you trying to join hands with Jormungandr now?]
[...That's none of your business.]
[Yeah. The affairs of trash are none of my business. But.]
Lucifer revealed ominous gray magic.
[I allowed you to step into this place, but I don't want to allow you to leave.]
[...Are you trying to fight me?]
Mammon also revealed the ominous fighting spirit he had been suppressing.
Even if he hadn't reached the complete archduke, he was still the best warrior of the demon race.
He wasn't reckless enough to come to enemy territory without any preparation.
Even knowing that, Lucifer didn't seem to care.
He muttered to himself that it was most important to check the usefulness of his contractor right now.
[What are you doing? Why don't you get rid of that trash quickly?]
As if receiving a royal command.
Tsuzzz.
Cody Cruz raised a sword formed of gray magic.
Hwaaa.
He revealed gray wings that he had been hiding.
Intense magic flowed from his body to the point where he could no longer be called human.
[I heard you hunted archdemons, so it seems it wasn't just a false rumor.]
Mammon belatedly showed interest.
But before that, he needed to get a definite answer.
[If this one reveals his power, this place won't be safe either. Promise me.]
He told him not to interfere no matter how the battle went.
If he did, he would sincerely face the human before him.
[That's a very welcome word.]
He would do so.
Lucifer chuckled and agreed.
Only then did Mammon reveal his ominous magic.
His inherent power, 'Gluttony'.
And the power 'Poison', which didn't disappear even after Beelzebub was destroyed.
In addition, the power 'Fear', which he made his own by implanting Diablo's horns.
Purple and red magic emitted in strands and bound Cody Cruz.
Kwajik!!
In an instant, the body that had been aiming a sword at him turned into a lump of blood.
Power Concentration.
A high-level technique that condenses and emits powers with great existence.
It was a power that only beings with multiple powers could use.
[You broke the toy you cherished. What are you going to do about this?]
Mammon clicked his tongue and provoked Lucifer.
But Lucifer's reaction was different from what he expected.
[Don't jump to conclusions.]
A sneer hovered around his mouth, who he thought would at least frown.
At the same time.
Tsuzzzzz.
Cody Cruz's completely exploded body began to 'regenerate'.
[That's an interesting trick.]
Mammon strengthened Diablo's power.
'Fear'.
It wouldn't be as much as he could handle in his prime, but he thought it would be enough to restrain the archduke's toy.
But.
Even though he was taking the power head-on.
The human before him didn't seem to feel any fear about his body exploding a moment ago.
[......]
Mammon strengthened his red eyes at the different reaction than he expected.
It was different from before.
Thanks to the power of regeneration, the gray magic flowing throughout his body was more clearly visible.
He could confirm.
The guy before him was no longer an ordinary human.
But he wasn't a high-ranking demon either.
Half-human, half-celestial.
Or.
[Half-celestial, half-demon.]
The human body of Cody Cruz had escaped from that of a demon and was similar to that of a degraded celestial being, similar to Lucifer.
Fusion with a celestial being that no one had ever succeeded in the lower world.
Lucifer had succeeded in that experiment, which was only considered impossible, by using the body of his contractor.
[This bastard... has a nasty hobby.]
[I'm glad you recognize it.]
Lucifer burst out laughing, as if he was so happy about something.
How chilling was the hidden intention in that laughter.
[Power concentration. What's next?]
Even though he had the power of fear in his hands.
Gulp.
Mammon swallowed dry saliva without realizing it.
Pazzzik!!
A huge gate opened in the middle of the celestial city.
High-ranking and top-ranking demons poured out from there.
Lucifer, who knew it was Mammon's doing, frowned.
[I wondered what you were counting on. It was just a trick like this. The demon race has become so insignificant. In ancient times, they at least pretended to be spirited.]
Mammon didn't take the bait even at the blatant mockery.
Just.
[Shut up.]
He just controlled his magic along with the curse.
If he didn't, there was a high possibility that he would fail to withdraw his body due to the injuries he had suffered from Cody Cruz.
The sound of the demons pouring into the celestial city clashing with Lucifer's subordinates was heard.
Lucifer's subordinates are not many, but they are all made up of degraded celestial beings in the past.
Their power is among the top of the highest ranks.
There was no way the demons crossing through the gate could be a match for them.
[Mammon. You have always planned with retreat in mind. That's also why that stupid Beelzebub could rule the demon race, but in the end, that's why you couldn't end the territory war even with the largest force.]
Lucifer spoke as if giving a great lesson.
Ignoring the mockery, Mammon fully opened his magic power.
Beyond the gate far away.
He could vividly feel the body of the contractor he had marked.
[Lucifer. You will regret today's events someday.]
He said that he would hold him responsible for not joining hands with the demon race and for treating him like this.
With those words, Mammon's body was engulfed in magic and disappeared.
He must have moved through the gate far away.
[Even though you're trying to run away, your mouth is still alive.]
He said it was ridiculous that someone calling himself king was preserving his life with the sacrifice of his subordinates.
[It seems your sword was too light. Isn't that right?]
"......"
Cody Cruz was silent at Lucifer's question.
[I regenerated your severed tongue, so why don't you answer?]
Even at Lucifer's command, Cody Cruz only lowered his head with empty eyes.
[Tsk tsk. It doesn't seem like my plan to create a celestial being will be easily achieved.]
He muttered to himself that the game of keys between the lower world king and the upper world king was not as easy as he thought.
It was when he was muttering to himself.
Suddenly, a murderous aura flashed in Lucifer's eyes.
[How long are you going to keep peeping?]
Silence lingered for a moment.
Sss.
A man wearing a demon mask appeared in the place where Mammon had disappeared.
[Since when did you notice...?]
[Is that important? Anubis, the absolute of the Ten Celestial Realms.]
Lucifer revealed the man's identity in a cold voice.
[You've even figured that out... Could it be that you've regained the rank of a celestial being?]
Anubis did not deny his identity.
He was just confirming his own thoughts about the unexpected situation.
It was a reasonable suspicion.
When Lucifer reigned as the absolute of the upper world, he had not yet reached the position of absolute.
Anubis's rise to the absolute occurred only recently, a considerable amount of time after the last race war.
So Lucifer knowing this means.
[That means you were aware of the news of the upper world even in the lower world.]
[Don't you have something you want to say?]
He pointed to Cody Cruz and asked back at Lucifer's attitude of not answering his question.
It was because he had watched how he treated Mammon.
[Do you want me to do that?]
[...No, I don't need to create friction with you unnecessarily. Master of the Ten Celestial Realms. I'll just deliver that person's message and leave.]
Lucifer nodded as if telling him to speak.
The absolute of the celestial world, who is evaluated to be equal to the archduke of the lower world.
Among them, the one who stands out and dominates the celestial world to which he belongs.
[Lord Osiris wants you to become the king of the lower world.]
[Impossible.]
[...If you regain your original power, no one will be able to stop you? If it's about regaining your power, Lord Osiris...]
[That's wrong. You guys have other intentions, don't you?]
[......?]
[I thought it was unusual from the time Asmodeus and Kim Tae-hyun, those guys called keys, appeared.]
[......]
Anubis closed his mouth as if telling him to continue speaking.
[Isn't there a problem with the king of the upper world and the king of the lower world?]
[......!!]
[Osiris, that bastard. Not content with eating the Ten Celestial Realms, he's even aiming for the position of the king of the upper world... He's still running wild without knowing his place.]
[Indeed... As expected, the archangel most beloved by God...]
[Shut up.]
Lucifer sealed the absolute's mouth by raising gray magic.
[......]
[All you can say here is the answer to the question. Now, tell me the truth.]
Contrary to his sunken red eyes.
Lucifer's blue eyes shone brightly.
[The king of the upper world and the king of the lower world. What are those damn guys doing right now?]
[To catch the demon king in that way. You have extraordinary execution.]
Elven praised him, rarely, as if he was satisfied with Beelzebub's demise.
"I didn't expect Gilfel's power to have such potential."
[Yes. He has achieved a rank and existence that is not lacking for a new demon king.]
Elven glanced at Gilfel, who was training with Rozaria to completely control Beelzebub's power.
This is because there is no better place than the Simsang world to perfectly handle the six powers.
"It's too early to relax. Iggmun, Jormungandr, Lucifer. There's no telling how these guys will remove the lower world king's curse."
[Don't worry too much. Thanks to your growth, the power of Bon-yo has returned a little more, hasn't it?]
"That's empowering."
[More than that, the current contractor can try 'that'.]
"That...?"
Even the Elven of the past only came to recognize it after transcending the power of the archduke and borrowing the power of the sacred beast.
[The Void Records.]
"The Void Records?"
Elven nodded.
She briefly explained the Void Records.
It is said to be an absurd record that records everything that happens in the upper and lower worlds, and that you can know the answer to anything if you ask.
440
Void Records.
A place where all information from the Upper and Lower Realms is recorded.
Also, if you ask...
"You can get all the answers...?"
As Taehyun muttered, Elven nodded.
[Using the Void Records, you can know not only the past actions of the King of the Lower Realm...]
You can even know where he is now.
[Based on that, you might be able to infer the King of the Lower Realm's thoughts.]
"..."
[Whether it's the Upper Realm or the Lower Realm, it's ultimately just a part of the world created by God.]
The fact that he could find the King of the Lower Realm, that he could find out his plans before even meeting him, was unexpected.
But the timing was so perfect.
He was just realizing the need for it, recalling the Doppelganger's words in the Mental World.
"Elven."
[Hmm?]
Elven's expression in response was a little awkward.
Her crescent-shaped red eyes seemed to tremble.
"You're not, are you?"
Taehyun quietly asked again.
[Hmm? What are you talking about?]
"Say you're not."
[Ahem. I don't know what you mean, but if you want, I'll say I'm not.]
"...You are."
[......]
"Even if it's not the Mental World, you can still peek into my thoughts?"
He knew that her silence meant affirmation.
[This is all because you became the contractor of the Sacred Tree.]
Elven excused herself, saying that she didn't want to read his mind, but it was just a kind of bond between those who had accepted the Sacred Tree's magic.
"I can't read memories. Why can you?"
[Don't worry. Even I won't be able to read your memories if I distance myself from the Sacred Tree. I only found out about the story you had with that Doppelganger just now.]
Besides, she said that it wasn't easy to read his memories because Taehyun hadn't fully accepted the Sacred Tree's power.
"You call that a reason..."
Taehyun swallowed his words.
There was no point in arguing with her here.
He decided to ask more about this Void Records for now.
"It's been a while since you reached the level of Archduke. If there was such a thing, you should have told me sooner."
He asked bluntly if she was hiding information from him now, imitating Rosaria's behavior.
[Didn't I tell you? It seems that you have finally met the minimum qualifications to access the Void Records.]
The power to face a complete Archduke all alone.
In other words, he had to be able to break the King of the Lower Realm's magic at the very least.
Only then could he attempt to access the Void Records.
"If it's to access the Void Records, I should be able to use the Sacred Tree's magic, right?"
Elven shook her head at Taehyun's question, but added.
It wasn't a matter of magic, but a matter of rank.
"...Rank? Don't tell me even the rank of Archduke is not enough."
Elven's explanation followed.
[The root of the Sacred Tree is in this Lower Realm. But beyond that giant trunk is connected to the Upper Realm. It's a structure that draws the rank of the Upper Realm to raise the rank of the Lower Realm.]
Taehyun had expected this.
It was already a message that appeared when the Sacred Tree bloomed.
"But?"
He asked what that had to do with his rank.
[You're usually so quick-witted that I can't even predict it, but you look innocent at times like this.]
Elven grinned, saying she didn't hate that side of him.
"Get to the point."
[The Void Records can be accessed through the ten celestial realms connected to the Sacred Tree. But for some reason, the celestials of the Upper Realm cannot access the Void Records. It's probably for a similar reason that they can't eliminate a Sacred Tree that has bloomed once.]
"Certainly..."
No matter how great Belzebub was as an Archduke.
Among the absolute beings of the Upper Realm in his memory, there were quite a few who were even greater than him.
Yet, it had always been strange that they were just leaving the Sacred Tree, which was drawing the rank of the Upper Realm, alone.
"You don't even know the reason? You're talking like you've used the Void Records before."
[I can't know everything. Accessing the Void Records was only possible for a brief moment with the power I had back then.]
"Then, what did you find out in that brief time?"
[Hmph. I don't want to tell you.]
Elven's fair face blushed as she said that.
"......"
[Ahem.]
Elven cleared her throat and changed the subject back to the King of the Lower Realm's magic.
'The laws of the Abyss are still in effect.'
There was a limit to what she could say.
[Didn't the new Demon King say it? Words have power.]
She imitated Gilfel's behavior from before.
Ignoring her, he looked up at the giant Sacred Tree in front of him.
'So, to summarize.'
Some of the Sacred Tree's giant branches pierce the red sky and reach the celestial realms of the Upper Realm.
The Void Records can be accessed from ten celestial realms, and in Elven's case, accessing from three places was the limit even in her prime.
Each of the so-called absolute beings in each celestial realm has power comparable to an Archduke, so to access the Void Records, one must have the power to face many of them.
Only those who are allowed by the Sacred Tree can access the Void Records, and if rejected, there is a risk of being thrown out to an unknown place.
Some kind of magic is also at play in the Upper Realm, so the use of magic is not smooth.
'The risks are greater than I thought.'
No matter how strong Taehyun is now, it's only limited to the Lower Realm.
The unknown Upper Realm.
If he were to meet the absolute beings of the Upper Realm in an environment where he couldn't properly use magic, the moment he was surrounded by them.
"Death is certain."
[Don't despair too much. From that Doppelganger's point of view, it might be immediate, but for you and others, it's as if contact was cut off from the beginning.]
So don't rush to decide.
He should think carefully, she said.
'She's not wrong.'
Just before Taehyun escaped from the Mental World.
The guy told him about why he could feel such a strong connection with the King of the Lower Realm.
'An existence created to protect me...'
He was born the moment he used the power of Reincarnation and chose Taehyun as the key.
The power of the King of the Lower Realm.
He called it the will of 'Devour'.
Ironically, the essence of Devour is to eat something up.
He also said that he would never give in until he devoured the host, Taehyun, and the original owner of the power, the King of the Lower Realm.
In other words, the reason he spoke to Taehyun was because he was anxious about losing contact with the King of the Lower Realm, who was his ultimate goal.
'It's a truly bizarre relationship.'
It's ironic that he's cooperating with Taehyun, who is like an intermediate goal, in order to help his ultimate target.
If he had known this fact sooner, he could have tamed the Doppelganger more easily.
Taehyun complained.
[Let's focus on the current situation for now. Using the Sacred Tree to access the Void Records is not something to be taken lightly either. But if it's you, you'll gain that much enlightenment.]
"The stronger I get, the faster you'll regain the power you lost."
Elven affirmed, saying it was obvious.
"So, how do I access the Void Records?"
[Unleash the power of the King of the Lower Realm.]
Taehyun unleashed the power of Devour.
Swish swish swish.
Thwack thwack thwack.
The Sacred Tree's branches, spreading out like vines, wrapped around Taehyun's body as if they had found a delicious fertilizer.
They had already been assimilated once.
Knowing that the Sacred Tree's movements were not hostile.
He didn't bother to reject that power.
[Watch closely. The real owner of the Sacred Tree is now the contractor, not me.]
Elven whispered something unintelligible, inserting her achromatic magic into the Sacred Tree.
The Sacred Tree's branches twitched as if responding to it.
"What are you talking about that makes you so breath...!!"
The moment Taehyun tried to control his magic due to the Sacred Tree's sudden, strong binding of his body.
[There's no need to be so alarmed. The Sacred Tree is just gauging your magic.]
"Gauging...?"
[Accessing the Void Records is like risking your life from the Lower Realm's perspective.]
So, it was determining whether the new owner was a valid existence, she said.
Even though he had heard it before, it was so new.
'It's like it has a will... No, if it can move this much, it's already as good as having a will.'
As Taehyun was thinking this, a message he had never seen before appeared in front of him.
Ting.
['Immense Power' measures magic power.]
['Immense Will' measures mental power.]
['Immense Being' measures reconstructed body.]
Several more messages appeared and disappeared repeatedly.
And.
[Maintain the power of the King of the Lower Realm as is, and unleash the power of two Archdukes.]
'Two...'
Taehyun controlled the two most familiar authorities.
Rosaria's purple magic and Typhon's five-colored magic.
The Sacred Tree sucked up all of that magic.
[Measurement complete.]
[Assimilation complete.]
Whoosh!!!
Taehyun blinked his eyes for a moment at the sudden radiance, and saw ten giant branches stretched out in front of him.
At the end of those branches were ten gates.
'This is... the door to access the Void Records?'
[Just because you can see them doesn't mean you can pass through them all.]
Elven, who had already assimilated with the Sacred Tree along with Taehyun, said from the side.
With the magic Taehyun has now, he can only pass through about two entrances at most.
If he went through the wrong gate, he could get into serious trouble, she said.
'You should have told me that sooner.'
Elven shrugged her shoulders, saying what did it matter.
[You're not going to access it right away, are you? There are quite a few risks involved, so think about it slowly.]
"Yeah, I need to think about this method a little more."
Elven was satisfied with the fact that he wasn't rushing in like a moth to a flame.
[Okay, then let's release the assimilation again...
And go outside.]
That's what she was about to say.
Thwack!!!
Suddenly, purple magic began to boil in Taehyun's body.
Following that, Typhon's five-colored magic began to boil.
[To get out, you have to reduce your magic to the minimum, not strengthen it.]
Despite Elven's words, the amount of magic emanating from Taehyun's body gradually increased.
[...Contractor?]
Elven tilted her head at Taehyun's sudden actions.
"It seems like Rosaria and Typhon are fighting outside."
As much as he had assimilated with the Sacred Tree and his magic had been strengthened, the solidarity of the contracted magic had also become stronger.
Elven waved her hand, and an image appeared in the air.
She was trying to check the situation outside the Sacred Tree.
As Taehyun expected, Rosaria, who had opened her tentacles, was striking Typhon's body.
Typhon, who was covered in his authority all over his body, was enduring with a smile.
"......"
[......]
Rosaria was gradually increasing her power in response to Typhon's actions, and Typhon was also strengthening his authority to defend.
The more they did so, the more their magic dwelling in Taehyun's body also boiled together.
[Calm your magic.]
It's not dangerous enough right now, but it's getting too high.
In a space like this, the Sacred Tree could misunderstand with just that much magic, she said.
"I know."
Taehyun said that and forcibly suppressed the magic of the two Archdukes.
'That Typhon... He's become even more clingy since he regained his power.'
He couldn't say anything recklessly because he had made a promise with him.
It would be troublesome if this kind of situation continued.
Just as he was about to succeed in suppressing Typhon's magic, which was starting to run wild, thinking that he would give him a stern word when he got out.
Thwack!!!
"......!!"
[......!!]
Taehyun and Elven's gazes turned back to the video at the sudden rise of deep cyan magic.
There was Gilfel, who had jumped in to stop Typhon and Rosaria, strengthening his authority.
[Contractor...!! Calm your power quickly...]
Before Elven, who shouted, could finish her sentence.
Ting.
[Access to the Void Records has been blocked.]
[The flow of magic is mixed up.]
[Coordinates have been identified. Movement begins.]
Swish swish swish.
Taehyun's body disintegrated and was sucked into one of the gates.
[Oh... my god...]
Elven, who was flustered, belatedly spat out a curse.
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