RKP 451-460
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Episode 451
Desert under a red sky.
The place where the doppelganger usually resides, conserving power.
From a throne in that place, Taehyun was watching the situation outside.
Having relinquished control of the body himself, he had arranged for the doppelganger to also be able to see the outside situation.
However, despite their consideration for each other, the situation was not good.
'Even that guy can't handle it?'
Even without Devouring.
If that guy used it, it was a technique that could even bind Great Dukes in the Lower Realm.
If used deliberately, it would be more than enough to obliterate the Great Duke's castle entirely, but it wasn't having any significant impact on Horus.
The magic of the Upper Realm was even restricting the doppelganger's magical power.
'Just what kind of magic is it... that even he...?'
The doppelganger was clearly the one leading the attacks, but he was also the one whose body was being destroyed and having to regenerate.
It was clearly visible to Taehyun's eyes how quickly his magical power was decreasing with each instance.
He had overcome many crises through him until now.
Difficult to handle, yes.
'But that power is beyond even the Great Dukes.'
That was why the situation was difficult to accept.
Whoosh!!
Taehyun turned his head at the sudden burst of radiance.
A giant sun was burning away half of the reconstructed body.
The doppelganger was also quickly using Super-Speed Regeneration to evade the next attack.
'As expected, he's still a step ahead in handling magical power.'
Taehyun readily acknowledged the difference in power between himself and the doppelganger.
Even without opening the Azure Eye.
He was blocking the absolute being of the Upper Realm with only the Crimson Eye and magical power.
But.
"Is that also reaching its limit soon?"
Taehyun rose from the throne the doppelganger had created.
Anticipating that if they couldn't settle the fight outside, they would move the stage.
'The Mental World isn't affected by Upper Realm magic.'
This was a fact he learned after relinquishing control of the body.
Thanks to that, he could regenerate his body without any restrictions, but...
"......"
Taehyun clutched at one eye, at the pain that wouldn't disappear.
It was the place where Horus had taken his Azure Eye.
The physical recovery was complete, but the Presence that had once been there still showed no signs of recovery.
'An absolute being who devours Presence, huh.'
On the surface, it seemed like a similar ability to the vanished Mephisto.
'No, his real ability isn't that.'
The overwhelming Azure Eye that nullifies Taehyun's and the doppelganger's techniques.
Among them, the eye that emitted heat like the sun was particularly bothersome.
He recalled Tolkien calling it the 'Eye of Ra'.
It wasn't originally his power.
'The other eye controls heat? It's arrogant to swagger around with something he stole...'
Arrogant.
Just as he was about to say that.
"......"
He swallowed his words, seeing how that appearance overlapped with his own in a way.
He looked around the Mental World.
A giant castle and tower had sprung up in the Mental World, where there had been no particular buildings until now.
He could see the Mana Sea flowing far away, at the end of the desert.
'These weren't here before I synchronized with the Divine Beast.'
Taehyun could feel the magical power of the Great Dukes he had contracted with from each building and terrain feature.
'Is this his own method for using the Great Dukes' Authorities?'
Surely Taehyun's Presence had grown stronger, affecting the doppelganger's world.
Unlike Taehyun.
He was the guy who would even use the Great Dukes' Authorities as his own if he put his mind to it.
Rosaria's Authority, 'Mind Control'.
Typhon's Authority, 'Elements'.
Igmun's Authority, 'Absorption'.
Jormungandr's Authority, 'Rampage'.
Hazarad's Authority, 'Aura'.
Elven's Authority, 'Anti-Magic'.
Gilfer's Authority, 'Evolution'.
Orgal's Authority, 'Enhancement'.
He imagined the moment when the renowned Authorities of the Lower Realm were used by him.
Just the thought sent shivers down his spine.
The Mental World is different from the outside.
If Taehyun and the doppelganger combined their power here?
'There's a chance of winning.'
No.
"We can win."
Just then, the doppelganger was raising crimson magical power.
"Bring him here quickly."
Unlike the throbbing pain in his eye.
The Crimson Eye was quietly settled.
[Welcome to my world.]
Horus looked around calmly at the doppelganger's welcoming.
The source of the power he used, which he hadn't been able to confirm outside.
Magical power with all sorts of properties was situated in the form of castles and towers.
[Indeed.]
He could see why he would be confident, why he would be proud of the world he had created within himself.
Horus praised the unknown world he had never seen before.
[However, you're arrogant for an invitation. To dare look down upon a god.]
No matter how much he flies and crawls, he's still a Great Duke of the Lower Realm.
He doesn't measure up to the absolute being of the Upper Realm.
Yet he moves as if he were a king or something.
Horus wasn't concerned about the changed environment and flashed his Azure Eye.
Divine Power that was twice as potent as what he had used in the temple gathered in an instant.
Having entered the Mental World, there was no need to protect the temple, and he could use the Eye of the Moon completely.
A chilling Divine Power spread out into every corner of the Mental World, whose size could not be known.
It was in order to search for the location of Taehyun, who possessed the other Azure Eye.
[Too greedy.]
Snap.
The doppelganger snapped his fingers.
Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.
A giant blood sword fell from the red sky.
The blood sword, which fell in a circle and was embedded in the ground, absorbed the Divine Power that was spreading out.
Horus was well aware that this was interfering with the search.
[Crude.]
Whoosh!!
The Divine Power that had spread around Horus melted the blood sword.
He would burn down all of those annoying castles and find his prey.
That thought seemed to be clearly visible in his eyes.
It was around the time the Divine Power passed the blood sword and reached near the castle.
Snap.
The doppelganger snapped his fingers once again.
Crackkk!!
[......!!]
Suddenly, a mouth that sprang up from the ground swallowed the Divine Power.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
Gulp.
The mouth, which completely digested Horus' Divine Power, disappeared as it was.
[......]
[You have a 'bird brain' so you can't understand, is that the expression on your face?]
The doppelganger kindly explained.
No one who had entered this place had ever left normally.
In this place, where the magic of neither the Lower Realm nor the Upper Realm could trespass, the outcome would be determined solely by Presence.
[Didn't I tell you?]
That he would chew him up and eat him over and over again.
The doppelganger cackled and released his magical power.
Kwahhhhh.
Darkness fell over the entire area.
Apocalypse.
Kim Taehyun, his Original, had unleashed the field he had created by fusing numerous skills.
Horus quickly flapped his wings of light.
Scrch.
The darkness split.
At the same time, the torn-away darkness stuck back together.
It was as if the field possessed life.
[You must have thought of yourself as a great being.]
A giant sun blazed in the darkness.
The illuminated darkness repeatedly melted into the sun and filled it.
And when the darkness was finally completely dispelled.
There was the doppelganger in the form of the Demon King right in front of him.
Clack.
Nails like thorns were blocked, unable to pierce Horus' tough body.
Sizzle.
[......!!]
The poisonous magical power, added to the thorns, melted the tough body.
He used the Authority of Evolution.
Horus' body, which boasted its bulk, slowly shrank.
Whoosh!!
Horus shook off the Authority of 'Poison' and 'Evolution' by spewing flames.
[You meddling fool!!]
Crack!!
He charged straight at the doppelganger and grabbed his head.
Squeeze.
The doppelganger grabbed Horus' arm, which was trying to pull off his head.
Crchchch.
His appearance changed to that of the Beast Demon King.
Brown magical power, the Authority of Enhancement, settled on the doppelganger's body.
Drrrrr.
After a brief power struggle, what was pulled off was the Absolute Being's arm.
[You!!!]
Horus hurriedly used the 'Eye of the Moon'.
Jjeojjjung!!!
The moment the doppelganger's body seemed to have frozen in an instant.
Jjeojjeojeok!!!
What emerged from the ice was the Giant King.
Thump.
A giant hand, surpassing Horus' massive body, came crashing down.
[Elements. That's not your exclusive property.]
Pachichichichik!!!
The lightning that the Giant King emitted seared Horus' body.
Blue liquid spurted out from various parts of the boasting tough body.
Hwaaaak!!
Horus shook off the lightning by releasing Divine Power.
Kwang!!
The ground that had surged up with the Giant King's Authority blocked the surroundings.
It was the moment when a blade-like wind was about to tear apart the trapped Absolute Being's body.
Swishswishswishswish.
Horus' massive body appeared in the red sky above.
He had used the 'Eye of the Moon' to switch the shadow and the main body.
The Giant King, who had trapped the innocent shadow, roared.
A lightning breath was fired from his mouth.
The massive Authority relentlessly pressed on.
[How can mere monsters!!]
Horus protected his body with his two Azure Eyes.
He flapped his wings of light to create distance.
The moment he thought he had instantly escaped from the doppelganger's sight.
Kugugugung!!!
[......!!]
A massive Aura pressed down on Horus.
He shook off seven Auras and moved at high speed, but there was no place under the red sky that the doppelganger's magical power did not reach.
Every single Authority was absurd.
Kiiiieeeeee-
The 'Eye of the Moon' shone, and Divine Power covered Horus.
Swishswishswishswish.
Swish.
Swishh.
He switched the main body and the shadow several times.
[I admit it, you are already no different from an Absolute Being.]
Horus burned his Presence to strengthen his Divine Power.
He had grasped the situation.
That he could not be superior in this place.
That he would end up being devoured, unable to take the three eyes.
But there was a way.
Just.
[I just have to break it and get out.]
The 'Eye of the Moon' and the 'Eye of the Sun'.
Horus' Presence soared like an explosion as he completely opened the two Azure Eyes.
It was with the thought of destroying the Mental World by colliding the Authorities of the two opposing eyes.
[Where do you think you're going?]
Crack!!
A giant mouth appeared right in front of Horus' nose.
The doppelganger's eyes twitched.
The mouth of Devouring was burning because of the unexpected Divine Power.
At this rate, Horus, who had destroyed the Mental World, would get out.
[That can't happen.]
He had consumed more mental power than he had thought.
He wouldn't have enough Presence left to stop the quest's time limit like before.
He would return to the Lower Realm before he could even try anything, before he could even recover the Presence he had lost.
If that happened, the gap between the Original and himself could not be prevented.
He had to settle the fight here somehow.
It was the moment when the doppelganger was trying to forcibly swallow Horus.
He felt a familiar magical power settling in the Mental World.
[......]
The doppelganger paused for only a moment, but Horus did not miss that moment.
[It's too late. You monster!!]
Whoosh.
The mouth of Devouring melted in the Divine Power that Horus was spewing out.
To the place filled with the Divine Power of the sun.
Swishswishswishswish.
The Divine Power of the Moon settled.
A huge explosion occurred due to the uncontrolled collision of the opposing Divine Power.
Jjeojjeojeok!!!
At the end of the chain explosions, one world finally disappeared.
Horus opened his eyes.
The two Azure Eyes, which were still emitting heat and cold, shook violently.
[Why... surely...]
Surely he had destroyed the Mental World.
How was he still in the Mental World?
The doppelganger grinned as if Horus' expression was amusing.
[Multiple Mental Worlds. This one was created by the Original.]
[......]
The only fortunate thing for Horus was that the doppelganger's other half had been blown away by the explosion a moment ago.
The plan had changed.
It was the moment when Horus flew towards the doppelganger to pluck out the Crimson Eye.
Thwack!!
A giant blood sword pierced the defenseless Horus.
Tsuzzz.
Horus identified the identity of the one who was sucking his Divine Power.
[You...!!]
The human who had lost one eye to him.
Taehyun was spewing out blood-red magical power.
"Welcome to my world, Horus."
Thwack.
Following that, the Dragon Slayer Sword was lodged in Horus' chest.
Sizzle.
Even for a moment, poisonous magical power infiltrated.
Thwack!!
[Gack....]
Horus checked the giant thorn that had pierced through his stomach.
The thorn was connected to the doppelganger, who had already completely regenerated.
His other thorn was heading towards Horus' Azure Eye.
The hand of the doppelganger, who had transformed into a Demon King.
And the hand of Taehyun, who had transformed into a Vampire Lord.
[It's mine.]
"Give it back."
Gripped Horus' Azure Eye.
Episode 452
Vampire Lord and Demon King.
The claws of those who have reached the pinnacle of these two races are as sharp as those of Horus.
In the mental world, Tae-hyun and his doppelganger mimicked the presence of these Archdukes.
Therefore.
Crack.
Crackle.
[……!!]
The moment the two Archdukes' claws touched his Clear Eyes, Horus intuitively knew.
If he were to lose his Clear Eyes here.
It wouldn't simply end with physical impact.
It would clearly damage his very existence, leading to a degradation in power.
That's why.
He collided the divine power of the 'Moon's Eye' and the 'Sun's Eye' within himself, creating a massive explosion.
He instinctively sensed that this was the only way.
Perhaps if his judgment or action had been a tenth of a second slower, his two Clear Eyes would have been plucked out.
And so.
[I would have been remembered as a god degraded by insects.]
Horus confirmed the two beings that had been flung away by the collision of divine power.
It was a technique that shook his insides, used with great strain.
Even if this was the mental world, even if those guys were constructs, they should have received a shock close to annihilation.
A ragged breath escaped his lips.
Also.
[Ha….]
He couldn't help but laugh at this absurd situation.
He, the absolute being of the Ten Celestial Realms, was struggling against mere beings from the Lower Realm.
If other absolute beings saw this situation, they wouldn't be able to resist mockery.
Even he couldn't understand the current situation.
Flare.
Swish.
Horus showed a satisfied reaction to his Clear Eyes, which were emitting immense divine power.
Then, he arrogantly glared at Tae-hyun and his doppelganger, who had been flung to the left and right.
[You dared to covet the eyes of a god.]
These insignificant things shouldn't dare to desire such a thing.
These insignificant things couldn't possibly harm a god, no matter how they conspired.
He reprimanded them, revealing his anger without concealing it.
Tae-hyun and his doppelganger staggered and rose to their feet.
[Tsk, tsk, tsk.]
The doppelganger quietly clicked his tongue.
"A guy who tried to run away is just putting on a show."
Tae-hyun taunted him, bringing up his attempt to escape from the mental world.
To become arrogant so quickly after overcoming a crisis.
He concluded that there wasn't much difference between the absolute beings of the Upper Realm and the Archdukes of the Lower Realm.
Above all.
"Even if you bark in that state, it's not even funny."
Snap.
He snapped his fingers.
Crack. Crackling.
Cracks appeared in the mental world where divine power was floating.
[……!!]
Horus's eyes widened at the sudden cracks.
Even though his two Clear Eyes were unleashing their power, he hadn't sensed anything.
While Horus was panicking, the cracks in the mental world only grew larger.
The doppelganger chuckled as he watched the scene.
[Judging by his appearance, it seems he still hasn't grasped his situation.]
His mockery was blatant, as if blood was surging through Horus.
Even so, he couldn't help but ask.
[What… trickery… did you use….]
[Ask that guy.]
It wasn't him who used the power of the Incubus, but the guy over there.
The doppelganger gestured toward Tae-hyun with his chin.
[Incubus…?]
A feeling as if something was flashing through his mind belatedly.
"Looks like you're starting to get it."
Tae-hyun said, raising his purple magic power.
The cracks in the mental world accelerated.
"I told you. It's a 'multiple' mental world."
Crackcrackcrack… CRASH!!!
The world they were in collapsed.
And what appeared were Tae-hyun, whose one arm was torn off, just like the doppelganger, who had more than half of his body destroyed.
They had been concealing their injuries with illusions that affected the mental world.
[So that's….]
Horus was about to burst out laughing, thinking that his technique had landed properly.
That's when he sensed something strange.
Instinctively, he reached out to touch one of his eyes.
[……!!]
It was empty.
The place where the 'Sun's Eye' should have been.
"Looking for this?"
Tae-hyun opened his hand, which held the only thing remaining.
Flare.
The blue eye that should have been in his body, emitting immense divine power, was there.
The 'Sun's Eye' that seemed to burn everything around it just by emitting its energy.
It was enveloped in dark crimson magic power.
"I'm glad I was able to extract at least one."
As Tae-hyun said, the purple magic power dissipated from his body.
What newly emerged was dark crimson magic power.
The power of 'Devouring.'
Crack.
A hideous maw surrounded the Clear Eye, which was emitting immense divine power.
[Wh, what are you doing…!! Stop….]
Stop it right now.
If he just returned that eye, he would spare Tae-hyun's life, he said.
He shouted that he would release not only Tae-hyun but all the slaves he had captured.
Smirk.
The corners of Tae-hyun's lips curled up.
"Fuck off."
Crunch!!! CRACK!!!
The maw of Devouring chewed and swallowed the Clear Eye.
[Ah… Ah ah… A…!!!]
The moment Horus screamed and tried to rush forward.
Crash.
He belatedly realized that another maw had taken hold of his feet.
[……!!]
The dark crimson magic power was connected to the doppelganger, whose body was almost lost.
[You. Get lost now.]
It was an arrogant dismissal.
Crunch!!
At the same time as the maw swallowed him.
Immense magic power banished the absolute being from his world.
Thud.
The doppelganger collapsed.
The sensation of sand felt on the floor.
A blood-red sky as deep as blood.
He was certain that the world he saw was his own, not something Tae-hyun had overlaid.
Tae-hyun staggered over and stood beside him.
[Wow. The day has come when you are looking down at me.]
It was the usual taunt.
Even so.
"Thanks."
Tae-hyun simply expressed his gratitude calmly.
When Horus collided his divine power to cause an explosion.
It was the doppelganger who protected Tae-hyun, even using the magic power that should have been used to defend his own body.
As a result, the doppelganger took a big hit and missed the opportunity to extract one of the Clear Eyes, but Tae-hyun was able to extract Horus's eye by only losing one arm.
[…Such ridiculous behaviour.]
The doppelganger said that injuries like this would be healed soon anyway, and that the stronger Tae-hyun became, the closer his own power would get to 'perfection', so he didn't help him on purpose.
'He's like a child.'
His attitude was like a child who was being praised and was embarrassed, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Yeah, let's go with that. Anyway, thanks to you, we got through the crisis."
As Tae-hyun said that, he released Devouring, which had completely digested the Clear Eye.
He couldn't check his status window, but he was certain.
The Clear Eye he had lost on the outside.
The fact that the entity that should have been lost with it had been filled by the Devouring.
[Don't talk nonsense, just look for 'that guy'.]
'That guy' meant the Lower Realm King.
He was going to focus on recovering for the time being, so don't bring any unwelcome guests.
Also, he had repaid all his previous debts, so he would take ownership of the body whenever he had the chance.
"I'll keep that in mind."
As Tae-hyun said that, he created the maw of Devouring under his feet.
Crunch.
Devouring, which had swallowed its master, disappeared as it was.
[Tsk.]
The doppelganger, who had confirmed that Tae-hyun had completely escaped, finally released all the magic power of Horus that he had been holding back.
He had taken this measure in case he escaped earlier than Tae-hyun and attacked immediately.
[Such a handful.]
The doppelganger's body was gradually scattered.
The body was collapsing as a result of fully receiving Horus's attack.
He said it lightly to Tae-hyun, but the shock created by the 'Moon's Eye' and the 'Sun's Eye' was not easy to withstand.
It was an even bigger wound than when Tae-hyun had brought in the Archdukes before.
It would take a considerable amount of time just to recover.
But.
Just like Tae-hyun a little while ago.
Smirk.
The corners of the doppelganger's lips went up.
Because he knew.
['Ra's Eye'.]
How much his power would be unlocked when Tae-hyun had completely digested that eye he had taken.
[Do your best, Original.]
If you don't, there's no fun in eating you.
The doppelganger's smile stopped only after his body had completely disappeared.
When Tae-hyun opened his eyes, he saw the half-destroyed temple in his sight.
There was no need to search for Horus's location.
[Kahaaak…!! Kahaaaak…!!]
It was because the guy who had lost his Clear Eyes was screaming so loud that the temple was shaking.
As a reward for Devouring the guy's Clear Eyes, a message appeared saying that his divine power and stats had increased.
But that wasn't the important thing.
He checked the quest's time limit.
'...20 seconds!!'
Horus's willpower had weakened, and he couldn't stop the quest's time limit.
Tae-hyun hurriedly looked for Tolkien.
Far away.
He saw a dwarf who had lost both arms and was unconscious.
Tae-hyun hurriedly took off his suit jacket and carried Tolkien on his back.
10 seconds.
He watched Horus's response and waited calmly for the quest's time limit to expire.
5 seconds. 4 seconds. 3 seconds. 2 seconds. 1 second.
Ding.
[The time limit for the quest 'Traces of the Lower Realm' has expired.]
['The memories of the forgotten race' are revived.]
['The restoration of the forgotten race' is achieved.]
[Gate transfer begins.]
Kwoaaaa.
A huge gate made of magic power appeared in front of him.
A number of huge magic powers could be felt from beyond.
'It's connected to the Elven side!!'
It was the moment Tae-hyun was about to put his body in.
Swish.
A bluish barrier appeared right in front of the gate.
Horus had used the 'Moon's Eye' to block the transfer.
[You… Give it back….]
Thump. Thump. Thump.
The temple shook every time Horus took a step.
It was evidence that he couldn't control his power.
Ding.
[The skill Watcher's Eye (SSS) has been activated.]
Swishswishswish.
Tae-hyun's two eyes turned into Clear Eyes.
It was encouraging that the rank had risen to SSS.
'The aftereffects are considerable.'
The shock from the mental world was still there, so it seemed like he wouldn't be able to use 'Devouring'.
Similarly, he knew that the gate wouldn't last long either.
He didn't have much time to think.
'He shrugged it off.'
Ding.
[The skill Great Demonic Transformation (SSS) has been activated. Total body mimicry.]
Crackcrackcrack.
Tae-hyun's body transformed into a giant that was no less powerful than Horus's.
And.
Kwoong.
He turned around to face him.
[Give it back…. That eye….]
Horus gritted his teeth, clutching his lightless Clear Eye.
"If you took it."
Kwoong.
Tae-hyun took a huge step forward and took a stance.
"You should have considered the possibility of losing it too."
Ding.
[The skill Great Devil Transformation (SSS) has been activated. Specify the mimicked parts.]
Crack. Crack.
Avoiding Tolkien, who was tied on his back, a pair of huge wings grew out.
The huge wings moved the giant body right in front of Horus's nose.
[……!!]
As if he hadn't expected Tae-hyun to come on his own.
Horus belatedly tried to react, but it was already too late.
Extreme Art of Ancient Korean Martial Arts.
Boom!!!
Horus's giant body was flung away by the compressed attack and crashed into the temple wall.
At the same time, the barrier that had been blocking the gate disappeared.
"Take care, birdbrain."
As Tae-hyun said that, he threw his body into the gate.
Horus belatedly screamed.
But Tae-hyun and Tolkien had already disappeared.
Right in front of the Divine Tree.
There, Elven and Rozaria were restless.
Elven, who had been to the Upper Realm, assumed the danger of Tae-hyun facing the absolute being of the Upper Realm with incomplete power, and Rozaria thought that she had put her contractor in trouble by dealing with Typhon.
Gilfel's expression, who was watching them, was also stiff, and Typhon was avoiding their nagging and was watching them from afar.
[It's almost time.]
Gilfel, who had been silently counting down the time that Elven had said, said that.
At that time.
Flare.
A huge gate opened in front of the Divine Tree.
Gilfel, Elven, and Rozaria paid attention to the gate.
And after a while.
Kwoong.
Tae-hyun, who was in a mess, crossed the gate and collapsed.
[Contractor!!]
Rozaria and Elven, who shouted, checked Tae-hyun's condition.
And.
[This guy is….]
Gilfel recognized the dwarf that was being carried on Tae-hyun's back.
Episode 453
I regained consciousness.
And I realized.
That I was currently recovering.
I tried to open my eyes, but they were heavy and wouldn't open.
'I made it over.'
After the quest's time limit ended, I carried Tolkien on my back and crossed the gate.
I remembered that much clearly.
But I seemed to have lost consciousness from the shock that immediately followed.
'The Lower World King's curse has become stronger.'
It was a transition from the Upper World to the Lower World.
Since Tae-hyun was in a state akin to being depowered immediately after arriving in the Upper World, there was no way there would be no risk when returning to the Lower World.
I guess I'd have to open the status window to see the changes.
But in the current situation, where I couldn't even open my eyes or speak, it seemed difficult to figure out.
[You seem frustrated.]
Then, upon hearing a familiar voice in my head, I recalled the owner's name.
'Elven.'
I was so exhausted that I couldn't even control my mana, but just knowing she was nearby made me feel at ease.
'Did I really make it back?'
[Yes. You are currently in the Healing Spring, so there's no need to push yourself too hard.]
Healing Spring.
A versatile healing center that provides mental and physical treatment, as well as restoring a certain amount of existence.
One downside is that the amount is still limited, so it's only used for large-scale recoveries.
It seemed I was put in there immediately after returning.
[Was your trip to the Upper World interesting?]
'It was hell.'
I honestly revealed my true feelings.
She could read my thoughts near the Divine Tree anyway.
There was no point in pretending.
[Don't worry. I have no intention of reading your memories at will. In the first place, my authority is not mind control.]
'That's very kind of you.'
I expressed sincere gratitude for her consideration in not reading my thoughts without permission.
[You brought back an interesting dwarf from the Upper World.]
And not just any dwarf, but a Meister.
Elven gave a mysterious smile.
'Dwarf. Is Tolkien safe?'
I belatedly recalled the Lower World King's curse that would have been applied to him.
Even Tae-hyun had lost consciousness from the pressure.
If it was a guy who lost both arms to Horus, it would have been hard for him to withstand the shock.
[Don't worry. He was already in such a depowered state that it was hard to call him a Meister. There's no way the Lower World's curse would have been properly applied.]
That's a relief.
I was belatedly relieved by her words.
It seemed like there was a hint of sarcasm mixed in, but now was not the time to worry about that.
[Let's talk about the details when you get out. Recovery is the priority now.]
It won't take long to recover.
She told me not to think about anything and to focus on accepting the Healing Spring.
Elven's voice disappeared without giving me a chance to answer.
'She's always doing things her way.'
It was about a month after returning to the Lower World that I fully recovered and opened my eyes again.
The first to notice Tae-hyun's awakening was Rosaria.
[I'm sorry.]
She suddenly apologized.
She thought that she was the cause of this incident.
"It's not Rosaria's fault to apologize."
The problem was Typhon's fault, who became more persistent after regaining his past power.
Tae-hyun defended her.
[Ugh.]
She touched her head with her tendrils, as if she had a headache just thinking about it.
Then, she told me what had happened while Tae-hyun was focused on recovering.
Tae-hyun couldn't hide his surprise when she said that a month had passed in Earth time.
"Has it been that long?"
[Your existence was entangled. I heard that you clashed with an Absolute Being through the dwarf… What on earth did you eat in the Upper World to end up like that?]
'Existence…!!'
At her words, Tae-hyun suddenly thought of the Azure Eye he had devoured in his mental world.
'Horus's Azure Eye.'
At the time, the situation was urgent and there was no time to check, but I definitely felt a foreign force wriggling inside me.
Tae-hyun opened the status window.
Quite a few significant changes caught his eye.
Strength: 700 Stamina: 700 Speed: 705 Mana: 900 Divinity: 150 Charm: 750
All stats 700.
Even though I had just rolled around in the Upper World without being able to use my powers properly, my stats had increased considerably.
Was that all?
Tae-hyun looked at a prominent skill.
'Eye of an Absolute Being.'
Eye of an Absolute Being (???) - Opens the eye of an imperfect Absolute Being. Requires Divinity: 100
The skill that used to say 'Opens the eye of a Celestial Being' had changed to 'Opens the eye of an imperfect Absolute Being.'
'Is it because I don't have enough Divinity yet that I can't fully control it?'
[I'm curious about what you gained in the Upper World.]
Rosaria said, seemingly having roughly grasped Tae-hyun's situation.
"I agree."
Tae-hyun used the skill without hesitation.
Ding.
[Skill Eye of an Absolute Being (???) has been activated.]
[Skill proficiency is insufficient.]
[An incomplete skill has been activated.]
Whoosh.
For a moment, a significant amount of foreign energy was released, and one of Tae-hyun's eyes brightened.
On the surface, it didn't look any different from when he first opened the Azure Eye, 'Watcher's Eye.'
But Rosaria's expression was not good.
"You've seen the Azure Eye before, right?"
She had checked it when he first used 'Watcher's Eye.'
Tae-hyun reacted as if he didn't know why she was so surprised.
The answer came from an unexpected place.
[It's because the Azure Eye you opened is not an ordinary eyeball.]
Tae-hyun turned his head towards the voice he heard in his head.
Elven, who had wrapped a branch of the Divine Tree around her waist, was there.
She seemed to usually stay attached to the body of the Divine Tree.
[I heard from the slow-witted dwarf. An Absolute Being of the Ten Thousand Worlds. You met Horus?]
He nodded in response to the question, as if she had already grasped the general situation.
[It's a miracle you came back alive.]
'Is it that much?'
Unlike when she told me to focus on recovery.
She was cold now.
Elven and Rosaria had only heard limited information from Tolkien.
Like ancient memories.
Most of what he experienced in the Upper World was restricted from being freely spoken about in the Lower World.
If they forcibly peeked at that level of memory, the other person's existence could suffer permanent shock.
On the other hand, Rosaria and Elven judged that Tae-hyun, as the key to the Lower World King, would be able to speak about it on his own.
Elven and Rosaria.
Both of them could easily peek at defenseless memories if they wanted to.
He was pleased that they trusted him and waited.
'I don't need to deceive these guys.'
Tae-hyun told them that he had opened the complete Azure Eye in the Upper World, and that he could handle Divinity.
And that he had joined forces with his Doppelganger to devour one of Horus's eyes.
[Not content with bringing back a Meister of the Dwarf race on his first trip to the Upper World, he even plucked out the eyeball of an Absolute Being... Beyond my expectations.]
Elven reacted as if she was dumbfounded.
[It's still incomplete, but it's definitely Ra's Eye.]
Rosaria reacted as if she was worried.
It wasn't hard to understand Elven's reaction, but Rosaria's reaction was surprising.
Elven answered his question about that.
[The eyeball you plucked out belongs to the owner of the Ten Thousand Worlds. Well, it seems the owner of the Ten Thousand Worlds has changed now... In any case, there's no way the existence contained in such a guy's eye would be light. I was wondering why it was taking so long in the Healing Spring, but it seems you were digesting that power.]
He didn't deny it, as he had just checked his status window.
He said that the increase in physical stats was greater than before, and that he could now have a decent battle with a Great Duke without skills.
[For now, it's best not to use that power if possible.]
"Why?"
[Ra was a guy that even the Great Dukes couldn't easily deal with. You can see it just by looking at how the contractor's existence is shaking just by using that eye now.]
Elven agreed, and Rosaria continued.
[Don't worry. Jormungandr also wields an Azure Eye, doesn't he? A contractor won't be eaten by just one eye.]
She said that Lucifer was the only one in the Lower World who had a complete Azure Eye, as he was once a member of the Upper World, and that Jormungandr's Odd Eye was also related to something from the Upper World.
'Lucifer is one thing, but Jormungandr...'
He wondered how a being born as a demon had come to possess an Azure Eye.
But it seemed Rosaria wouldn't answer him.
[Tsk. A blue eye... I don't like it now or before.]
Rosaria said, examining the Azure Eye several times.
"It's just an eyeball."
[The one who walks the path of the Lower World King has an eye from the Upper World.]
She grumbled for a moment, saying it didn't suit him.
She exchanged telepathic conversation with Elven.
"What is it, leaving me out."
Tae-hyun said, wondering what secret they were talking about in front of him, and told them not to hide it.
Elven looked at Tae-hyun and Rosaria with a strange expression.
[Are you sure we should do this?]
Elven asked.
[If you help with the Divine Tree's mana, it will be much easier.]
Rosaria said with a benevolent smile.
"What is it? What is it?"
[Aren't I your first contractor? I'm just trying to give you a gift.]
"A gift?"
Without answering, Rosaria raised purple mana.
Colorless mana rose from Elven's body as she sighed.
"……?"
Tae-hyun wondered at the sudden situation.
Suddenly, a branch of the Divine Tree wrapped around his body.
"Huh?"
Tssszszszsz.
The mana that had been filled through the Divine Tree was draining away.
It wasn't just mana that was being drained away.
The Divinity that had been recording a value of 150 was also instantly sucked away.
He hadn't even finished admiring the Divine Tree's enormous capacity.
Rosaria's tendrils turned into the shape of thorns.
"Rosaria. Are you kidding me, right?"
Since she had already done it with a Greater Demon's body many times, Tae-hyun flinched without realizing it.
[Is there a better way to pump in mana than this?]
"So why all of a sudden..."
Before he could even utter his question.
Stab!!
Sharp tendrils pierced his chest.
"……!!"
Tae-hyun had received her tendrils countless times.
Most of them were related to recovery.
But this was different.
Cough.
Tae-hyun coughed up blood from the purple mana that was tearing through his body.
It was as if it was forcibly causing backflow, and it was colliding with the other Great Dukes' mana that was dwelling inside him.
Even though he prided himself on having a tolerance for most pain, it wasn't something easy to endure.
Each time, the branch of the Divine Tree that Elven was controlling tightened around his body.
That's when it happened.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
[Contractor!! I heard you woke up... Huh!!]
Typhon, who had run over after hearing that Tae-hyun had woken up, witnessed the current situation.
"Ty...phon..."
Come quickly and undo this.
Tae-hyun said with difficulty, making eye contact with him.
Surely his intention was properly conveyed.
[Hmm... Hmm hmm... I'll come back next time.]
Typhon, clearing his throat, turned his huge body around.
He was reminded of the time he was targeted intensively by Elven, Rosaria, and Gilfer.
'You traitor.'
Tae-hyun glared at the departing Typhon with hateful eyes.
If he got out of here, he would definitely hold him accountable for this incident.
[Ahahaha. It's fun just thinking about it.]
Rosaria, having read Tae-hyun's thoughts, burst into laughter.
"So... what is this... situation... about..."
Stab stab stab stab stab.
With five additional tendrils piercing him.
Cough.
Tae-hyun coughed up blood once more.
Elven also shook her head again.
The change happened suddenly.
Unlike when it was colliding with other mana.
The moment colorless mana seemed to mix with purple mana.
Ding.
[Skill Nightmare King's Eye (???) has been registered.]
'What?'
An unexpected message popped up.
Episode 454
Skill: "Nightmare King's Eyes."
Stunned for a moment by the unexpected message.
Swoosh.
"Cough…"
He coughed up blood again as the tentacles were pulled out all at once.
[You endured it well.]
Rosaria nodded, and Elven released the divine tree branches that had been binding Taehyun's body.
"I don't know who the contractor is for whom."
Their teamwork is excellent, she added.
Taehyun glared at Elven and Rosaria.
Although the piercing of his body was instantly regenerated at super speed, the pain was still vivid.
"An explanation seems necessary."
Taehyun asserted his obvious right.
[Hehe. Even your angry expression is charming.]
She didn't seem to have any intention of resolving his curiosity.
Elven chimed in to support Rosaria.
[Don't worry. I wouldn't do anything that would harm you.]
As if their contractor's opinions didn't matter.
Taehyun sighed as he watched them converse in telepathy again.
'When did these two get so close?'
Taehyun opened his status window.
Since they didn't seem like they were going to explain anything, he decided to check the newly registered skill.
Nightmare King's Eyes (???)- Maximizes the power of mental domination. Yokai Power: 100
"Nightmare King, huh…"
Taehyun grimaced at the unexpected name of the skill.
The one who rules the Nightmare race is the Queen, Rosaria.
He had never heard of the Nightmare race having a King before.
As if reading Taehyun's thoughts.
[The name isn't that important. Why don't you try using it?]
Rosaria urged.
Having been forcibly injected with purple magic, his eyes had naturally opened into crimson eyes.
He was confident that he could see through the status of most demons with his eyes as the highest-ranking species.
He wondered what use it would be.
'Rosaria hasn't given me anything harmful yet.'
So there was no need to hesitate.
'Just do as I'm told.'
Ding.
[Skill: Nightmare King's Eyes (???) has been activated.]
[Skill proficiency is insufficient.]
[An incomplete skill has been activated.]
[Charm has increased by 200.]
"......!!"
At the same time as confirming the message that his Charm had increased by 200, a considerable amount of magic drained away.
Kiiii-.
Shortly after hearing a familiar sound from his crimson eyes.
Taehyun began to see new things in his eyes.
Numbers appeared next to Rosaria in his field of vision.
"What is this…?"
[I have imprinted my magic on your crimson eyes.]
She said that she had fixed what she saw in his eyes in the form of a skill.
He was amazed at her ability to forcibly create skills.
"You can see this in my eyes?"
Taehyun asked, watching the values slowly changing.
[Yes. All Nightmares have special eyes, although there are differences. How do you think I've managed to survive until now?]
She said that she had a special ability to discern the magic level of her opponents.
[From what I can see, your skill seems to calculate and display it in a more numerical form. It will be helpful when using my powers in the future.]
"......"
Taehyun was speechless for a moment.
It wasn't just helpful.
'Jackpot.'
His crimson eyes trembled slightly.
As she said, Taehyun was now able to assess the magic power of his opponents in more detail.
27,000.
'That's Rosaria's current magic stat.'
Compared to Taehyun's magic stat of 900, it was an absurd amount.
He naturally turned his gaze to Elven.
'......!!'
His crimson eyes trembled violently as he checked the value.
100,500.
Elven shrugged at the expected reaction.
[Don't blindly trust those eyes too much. Values can change at any time.]
"What?"
Rosaria's explanation followed.
[You know this too, don't you? Magic power is just one of many indicators of combat prowess. The volatility depending on the situation, terrain, and condition cannot be ignored.]
At Rosaria's gaze, Elven released the divine tree branches wrapped around her waist.
The value floating above Elven's head began to change.
19,000.
"......"
[We are rapidly recovering through the growth of the divine tree and the contractor. But unfortunately, this is the amount of power this one possesses.]
Without the power of the divine tree, her magic stat is lower than even Rosaria, who is called the weakest of the Dukes.
That's what Elven was saying.
'Indeed.'
Taehyun and Rosaria's crimson eyes met.
Her words assembled and were understood one by one.
Strength, Stamina, Speed, etc.
'There are various stats that indicate combat power.'
The limit of what he can see with these eyes is the opponent's magic stat, and even that changes for various reasons.
'Even so. These eyes are special.'
The magic stat was an indicator of the opponent's magic defense.
Since many of Taehyun's skills are based on magic stats, it seemed like it could be an important point in future battles.
He couldn't help but ask.
"Why are you suddenly giving me these eyes?"
It was too special of a power to simply say that she gave it to him because she didn't like his blue eyes.
In particular, the word "Nightmare King" was suspicious.
[There's no need to look at me with such suspicious eyes. It was a power I was going to give you someday when your vessel was suitable.]
Isn't Beelzebub's power changed in a similar form? she asked.
As if she could see through Taehyun's status window.
"......"
She wasn't wrong.
Beelzebub's power, 'Poison.'
Even after he disappeared, that power was still registered as the skill 'Demon King's Saliva.'
He prides himself on his understanding of magic being at its peak, but he can't even imitate its special properties.
Therefore, the only way to use the power of poison was to borrow the skill and Gilfel's magic power.
"...I'll use them well."
He thanked her smoothly, thinking that it was Rosaria's usual act of kindness.
[They suit you well.]
She replied, glossing over Taehyun's thanks.
Elven, who had been watching with a strange expression, opened her mouth.
[The dwarf has something prepared.]
"Tolkin…?"
What could a dwarf who had lost both arms do?
That's what Taehyun was thinking.
[It's true that the tendons in his whole body are unstable, and he's lost both arms.]
[But he's still a Meister. The Dwarf King came from the Meisters. So he is currently the only survivor and King of the race in the Lower World.]
What a miserable fate.
Taehyun mourned the fate of the Dwarf race.
[There's no need to feel sorry for them. They ended up like that because of their stubbornness.]
"Stubbornness…?"
This time, Rosaria didn't hesitate to explain.
Numerous race wars.
There were a few times when the Lower World was advantageous.
At that time, if the Dwarves had fully trusted and followed the King of the Lower World, they wouldn't have ended up in such a miserable state.
[Honestly, I'm curious as to how you managed to persuade that proud person.]
Even the King of the Lower World was only able to get their help by offering to support them with magic when they made weapons.
[I'm curious too. How could that inflexible guy show such loyalty? He wouldn't have made a promise that he values more than his life.]
Stubbornness, greed for weapons, inflexibility.
And.
"A promise…"
Taehyun recalled his first meeting with Tolkin in the Upper World.
He was being transported to an auction house after being captured by Gula.
At that time, Tolkin advised Taehyun to give up resisting.
And he himself seemed to have lost his will to escape.
If Taehyun hadn't intervened, he would have been handed over to Horus and suffered a terrible fate.
The Tolkin that Taehyun saw at that moment was no longer a proud Meister.
"I didn't do anything. He decided to serve me as his master himself."
[That dwarf wouldn't do that.]
[What a humble contractor.]
Elven was eaten by Beelzebub in ancient times.
And Rosaria only carries out racial wars in the Lower World.
She has never fought in the Upper World.
The other Dukes were the same.
Because of this, the things Tolkin went through were unimaginable to them.
He was treated as a pet by an absolute being in the Upper World.
And he was caught by the Celestial Race, who were not even absolute beings, as an escaped slave, and was just waiting for the day he would die.
'Tolkin didn't tell them, huh.'
Hehe.
Taehyun couldn't help but smile at the thought that came to his mind.
[I get a creepy feeling.]
Elven said, misunderstanding the meaning of the smile.
[Indeed, you are my contractor.]
Rosaria just looked at him with a benevolent smile.
[I will teach you how to use the eyes.]
Rosaria raised her purple magic and told him to strengthen the Nightmare King's Eyes.
Elven wrapped the branches of the divine tree around her waist, saying that she would monitor Tolkin and Typhon.
[Those damn things are surprisingly well suited to each other.]
A combination of a giant and a dwarf.
It was truly unsightly.
She grumbled for a long time before disappearing from sight.
Taehyun had already mastered how to use multiple mental worlds.
It didn't take long to learn how to use the eyes.
[Contractor.]
"Hmm?"
[You are doing well.]
A sticky tentacle stroked Taehyun's head.
She was the same as when they first met as S-rank players.
"Thanks to you."
Taehyun smiled and expressed his gratitude.
It wasn't difficult to find Tolkin.
He had the lowest presence of any being in the Divine Tree's domain, but he was also shouting loudly enough to shake the area.
[You damn fairy!!]
[What do you think you're looking at, you great Meister!!]
[Don't you dare order me around, you fairy!!]
When Taehyun and Rosaria approached, the shouting stopped.
"What's going on?"
Tolkin was startled for a moment when he recognized the owner of the voice.
[Oh… you're awake!!]
He was as happy about Taehyun's recovery as if it were his own.
"Your arm. It's recovered?"
[Hahaha. Gilfel, was it? The new Demon King helped me. Thanks to him, I regained a good portion of my lost tendons.]
"I didn't recognize you in the Upper World. I heard that you're practically the King of the Dwarf race in the Lower World?"
[Finally!! Someone recognizes my true worth!!]
Tolkin laughed, happy.
His simple appearance reminded Taehyun of Typhon, and Taehyun's smile deepened.
"Then you must remember the contract we made?"
Tolkin's face stiffened.
He remembered saying that he would serve Taehyun as his master if he helped him escape from the auction house.
He looked around at the Dukes around him.
Fairy King Elven.
Nightmare Queen Rosaria.
Demon King Gilfel.
Giant King Typhon.
What kind of ridicule would they give him if they knew what happened to him in the Upper World?
He knew that the fairy in front of him would bring it up until he died.
[Ah… ah….]
Tolkin groaned without realizing it.
"Dwarves value their pride and promises more than their lives."
[Ah, no, that's….]
Tolkin stammered when he heard the nail in the coffin.
"Brother."
Taehyun said, holding out his hand.
[......!!]
Tolkin's eyes widened.
"Welcome to the group."
Large crimson eyes darted back and forth.
[Oh… oh oh….]
Tears welled up in Tolkin's crimson eyes.
Tears streamed down his bushy beard.
Shortly after.
Tolkin laughed heartily and clasped Taehyun's hand.
[Euhahahahaha. I'll help my brother by the honor of Meister!!]
[Puhuhuhu. What a generous personality. I don't dislike this dwarf.]
Hahahahahahaha.
Euhahahahahaha.
Elven shook her head as she watched Typhon and Tolkin laugh.
[Their presence and intelligence are inversely proportional.]
[…That thing is a Duke.]
[…I can't disagree.]
Rosaria and Gilfel agreed.
"It's a good thing that Typhon has a friend."
Thinking about how to use his new colleague.
Taehyun said with a friendly face.
"I heard you're preparing something?"
Tolkien, who had been laughing for a while at Taehyun's words, cleared his throat.
With a solemn expression, he reached out into the air.
Whoosh.
A strange sound was heard, and then a familiar sword flew from afar and was caught in Tolkien's hand.
A blue blade and the red eye of a dragonkin embedded in the hilt.
It was Dragonslayer.
'He must have kept it when I lost consciousness.'
Taehyun accepted the sword from Tolkien.
However.
"Something's... a little different?"
The overall shape remained unchanged.
But the energy emanating from Bordeaux's red eye had increased significantly.
Even just holding the sword made Taehyun feel like the mana within his body was stirring.
[Ahem. I took the liberty of tinkering with it while you were recovering, brother, to check if your tendons and essence had returned. Try channeling some mana into it.]
'He modified it?'
It was a weapon given the legendary rank from the moment it was manufactured in Alchemist.
It had become even more durable by synchronizing with the sacred beast, and it possessed self-regenerating abilities, granting it permanent durability.
'And now a Meister has added his touch?'
Taehyun willingly channeled his crimson mana.
Normally, that alone would trigger 'The Source Element' and increase his physical stats.
Ding.
[‘Great Power’ - The will of ‘Succubus Queen’ reacts.]
[‘Great Power’ - The will of ‘Giant King’ reacts.]
[‘Great Power’ - The will of ‘Demon King’ reacts.]
[‘Great Power’ - The will of ‘Fairy King’ reacts.]
Kwaaaaa.
Along with a message that had never appeared before, the power in his entire body surged.
It felt as if he were connected to a sacred beast, as if he had entered the mental world.
'Great Power.'
The message announcing the change in his status did not stop there.
[Strength increases by 50.]
[Stamina increases by 50.]
[Speed increases by 50.]
[Magic Power increases by 50.]
'Crazy.'
Taehyun's normal stats already exceeded 700.
If he enhanced his physical stats with 'Apocalypse' or 'Authority of the Archduke,' he could even aim for all stats over 900.
'And now an additional 50 increase? Just by channeling mana into Dragonslayer...?'
It was an unbelievable increase, even when witnessed with his own eyes.
"What on earth..."
[A sword made from dragon bones was highly valued even in ancient times. Especially from a chief! It's not just the quality of the material. When I heard that you were a contractor for all the archdukes here, my spirit of challenge and experimentation as a Meister...]
Tolkien, pleased with Taehyun's reaction, began to ramble on.
He kept talking non-stop, but the conclusion always came back to how great he was.
Finally.
[...I witnessed you fighting the absolute Horus in the upper realm. I have no doubt that the outcome would have been different if you had better equipment back then.]
To be precise, he hadn't witnessed it but had been hiding and watching.
'But his final attitude was commendable.'
If Tolkien hadn't shown courage back then.
And if he hadn't distracted Horus even for a moment, Taehyun knew he would have been in real danger.
He didn't feel repulsed by Tolkien's constant self-praise.
He was even delighted.
"I received a great gift from the start."
He said calmly, thanking Tolkien for the effort he put in even at risk.
[What's with the gratitude between brothers? If you ever meet that damn bird Horus again... make sure to cut his head off with this.]
"As you wish, brother."
Thump.
Taehyun and Tolkien bumped fists.
They looked like old comrades in arms.
[Such a cunning tongue. Is that fool being played by it naive or just stupid?]
Elven's words, which were hard to tell if they were praise or insult, echoed in his head, but he ignored them.
[Hehehe. Tolkien, my little brother. I would also like to request an artifact for myself.]
As soon as Taehyun miniaturized Dragonslayer and put it away, Typhon quickly jumped in.
He was also impressed by the immense power contained within the artifact.
[Don't worry. I've already envisioned an artifact suitable for a giant like you. With your strength, you could even cut through space itself. And if you use your Authority, you could even stand against multiple absolute beings in the upper realm... Hmm...?]
Tolkien, who was excitedly talking, stopped when he felt something poking him.
It was the branch of the sacred tree touching his body.
The branch was connected to Elven.
[What are you doing, fairy?]
He was different from when he was dealing with Typhon.
Tolkien, who had transformed, asked with a snarl.
Elven's lips twitched for a moment.
The answer came from Rosaria.
[She is asking you to make one for her as well. A form that can be transformed using the branch of the sacred tree would be nice...]
Before Rosaria could finish her words.
[What do you take the Meister for, you pesky fairy!!]
Tolkien shouted, glaring at Elven.
He roared, saying that a lazy race that only sings in the forest was treating the great dwarven Meister like a slave.
The incomprehensible curses were a bonus.
Elven's white face turned red for a moment.
The branches of the sacred tree began to bind Tolkien's small body.
Crack.
[Ugh...!!]
Tolkien let out a painful breath as the force constricted his body.
[Hmm... If you utter another nonsense, I will crush your small body and feed it to the sacred tree as nutrients... If you want to stay in the fairy realm, follow the words of this body. Or get lost... she says...]
Rosaria relayed Elven's words, seemingly embarrassed.
[Do you think I will succumb to a f-fairy... Ugh... Ah...]
The constricting force intensified in response to Tolkien's resistance.
Even as he tried to break free with his bulging muscles, the sacred tree was absorbing his mana, rendering him powerless.
'I'm going to catch a dwarf.'
The last Meister of the clan, whom he had just revived, was about to disappear.
Although his strength seemed impressive, Tolkien was far from being a fighter.
Just as Taehyun was about to intervene and appease Elven.
[Stop it...!!]
Crack. Crack.
Suddenly, Typhon intervened and tore off the branch of the sacred tree.
As he had already fully recovered his ancient power, the branch was torn off before the sacred tree could absorb his mana.
[What are you doing to my little brother, Elven?]
Typhon snarled, revealing his fighting spirit.
[Tsk tsk. You stay out of this.]
Rosaria clicked her tongue and warned him.
She spoke coldly, as if she would swing her tentacles at any moment.
[Cough... cough... You... damn fairy...]
Tolkien gasped and glared at Elven.
Where did such strength hide in that small frame?
The bulging veins were ominous.
'If I leave this alone, something's going to happen.'
Rosaria and Elven.
Typhon and Tolkien.
Gilfer, who was watching with a neutral attitude.
If beings with similar inclinations were determined to use their power, the damage would not be insignificant.
He realized why the archdukes hadn't been able to unite their forces until now.
Unbefitting of their great power.
'Childish.'
To be precise, it was because they had reached an area that could not be called ordinary demons that they could show such reactions.
In any case.
'A whip rather than a carrot would be the answer.'
Taehyun drew Dragonslayer and channeled his crimson mana.
Kwaaaaa.
The group's attention was focused on the power that stood out even in the fierce fighting spirit.
"Enough."
Since they were on the same boat, he would not allow combat.
If combat was necessary, it had to be done fairly under his supervision.
If not, he made it clear that they would have to pay the 'price'.
[......]
[......]
[......]
[......]
[......]
The group, who knew the meaning of his words, lowered their fighting spirit one by one.
"Tolkien. You also need to show respect to Elven. After all, this is her territory."
[Hmm... I understand. If you say so, brother...]
Tolkien nodded, though reluctantly.
Although Typhon was reliable, all the archdukes here were following Taehyun.
Therefore, he knew that he also had to follow Taehyun.
[If that beard ball crosses the line one more time!! I will grind him with mana and use him as fertilizer for the sacred tree!!]
Elven's shout echoed in his head.
Taehyun nodded, understanding her meaning.
The atmosphere instantly stiffened.
The one who spoke first, as if realizing his mistake, was Tolkien.
He was trying to change the subject.
[Is there... any problem with your status window, brother?]
"What...?"
Taehyun asked back, taken aback by the unexpected question.
He never imagined that the term 'status window' would come out of the mouth of someone who wasn't a player.
[A Meister's intuition is special.]
"Just get to the point."
After clearing his throat, he said that he had heard Taehyun mentioning a status window when he was in the upper realm.
Furthermore.
[I heard that the ancient Meister, the king of the clan, discussed the status window system with the Nether King...]
"……!!"
The unexpected connection between the dwarven kings and the Nether King, and the status window, left Taehyun speechless.
Seeing that, Tolkien became even more excited and opened his mouth.
[I think something unusual is happening in your body right now, brother.]
"……?"
[Immense divine power. And an even greater magical power that surpasses it. It may not have any impact now, but if left unchecked, a collision will inevitably occur, causing chaos in the status window. If my guess is correct, it is made up purely of magical power.]
"……."
Tolkien's lengthy explanation, wanting to show off his knowledge, continued.
To put it simply.
"You're saying I need to sort things out. How long will it take?"
[Dealing with the status window is different from handling a tangible artifact. It seems that having the physical strength to continue a long-term operation should be the first priority.]
He said that he would need enough time to make a body suitable for a Meister.
The period was about a month from Taehyun's point of view.
[In the meantime, you should refine the tangled magical power. It would be a problem if you went berserk during the work.]
"Okay. I'll recover here and wait."
Just when Taehyun was thinking that he would be stuck here for a month.
[That's good. There was something we were discussing among ourselves.]
Elven said in his head.
"What else?"
Taehyun felt the gazes of Rosaria, Typhon, Gilfer, and Elven focused on him.
The answer came from Rosaria.
[We will declare the contractor as a new archduke.]
In a series of unexpected words.
"Suddenly?"
His head was dizzy.
"Archduke?"
[Hehehe. With your skills, it's not strange to lead a faction.]
[You could say that you have risen to the pinnacle of the species.]
Typhon and Gilfer said so.
"There's no need to do that. I'm comfortable as I am now."
Taehyun said that he hated troublesome things and that he was comfortable being alone.
If he formed a faction, it would be convenient for the players, but the number of people who could become a force in the deepest part of the world could be counted on one hand even in Earth.
Rosaria shook her head.
[Having a name creates power. Don't worry. We'll do the preparations.]
'Having a name' creates 'power'.
Now that Taehyun knew what those words meant, he couldn't simply push them away.
"Let's think about it a little more."
The next one to speak was Gilfer.
[We will declare the ascension of this body and Elven to Archdukes, and the complete revival of Typhon. The memories must have returned to the others by now, so it wouldn't be bad to let them know about the existence of the fool... no, the Meister.]
"I think you're hiding something."
Rosaria and Gilfer were usually those who valued balance.
But he felt that they were rushing too much.
The one who answered his question was Elven.
[There was a big change while the contractor was recovering.]
"……?"
[Lucifer. That guy has moved.]
456
Lucifer.
The only Grand Duke that Taehyun had yet to face.
"The former master of the 1000 Heavens."
Taehyun recalled the memory he saw when he was ascending to the Upper World and mentioned Lucifer's past.
[……!!]
[…….]
[…….]
[……?]
He also carefully observed the different reactions of his companions.
'This confirms it.'
Typhon, who seemed the most surprised, had incomplete memories of the race war.
'Rozaria and Gilfer remember most of it.'
In Gilfer's case, he likely avoided the Lower World King's spell by abandoning his authority, while Rozaria likely avoided the spell using means related to the Lower World King.
Tolkien, who had experienced the complete disappearance of his race from the Lower World until recently, looked bewildered, not understanding what was being said.
And.
[You must have learned it through the Divine Tree.]
Elven said in his mind.
"Yeah. So, you knew too."
Elven, who woke up last among the group, seemed to have quickly regained his memories through assimilation with the Divine Tree.
[Just because you remember doesn't mean you can always say it out loud.]
Taehyun nodded silently.
'Words have power.'
He repeated the words that Rozaria, Gilfer, and even Elven emphasized.
"So, what kind of trouble is Lucifer causing?"
[He seems to have contacted the Absolute Being of the Upper World.]
"Suddenly?"
It was sudden, but not particularly surprising.
[I guess it's not that sudden. He has always been dissatisfied with the position of Grand Duke.]
He couldn't shake off the habit of being the master of the Heavenly World, and thus, his arrogance was the highest among the Grand Dukes.
[I have confirmed that he contacted the Absolute Beings of the 10th and 7th Heavenly Worlds. He is currently attacking the territories of Jörmungandr, Orgal, Hazard, and the Demon race through his contractor.]
"...Cody Cruise."
The fact that he was alive was definitely welcome, but the fact that he was being manipulated by the Grand Duke was bitter.
[You're being sentimental. I don't know what he was like in the past, but now he's a clear enemy. He has already captured quite a few Great Demons.]
He said, glancing at Gilfer.
She had become the new Demon King, but had not yet formed a force.
Currently, Beelzebub's forces were inherited by Mammon and Asura as they were.
Originally, Gilfer was planning to immediately deal with Mammon and Asura and take control of the Demon race once Taehyun returned, but.
With Lucifer moving, which could act as a major variable, she couldn't act easily.
"The Demon race is one thing, but Orgal? No matter how strong Cody is, he can't handle a Grand Duke."
[Orgal and Beelzebub's contractor is in Lucifer's hands. They made a new contract, so the risk is gone, but Lucifer must have used some trick.]
[The powers of the Celestial race are often bizarre.]
Tolkien added.
Taehyun summarized the events that had occurred while he was recovering.
Lucifer seemed to have made some kind of deal with the Absolute Beings of the Upper World, and the forces led by Cody Cruise were currently pressuring the Beast race, Dragon race, and Sea race.
The Demon race and the Sea race had formed an alliance to resist, but a precarious balance was being maintained by Ygmun, who was on the front lines.
"This is a complete mess. I should start finishing the territory war soon."
Taehyun expressed his feelings.
He had already made a formal contract with the Grand Dukes except for Lucifer.
There was nothing to hesitate about.
"So, that's why you came up with this plan."
By revealing their power, they were trying to break the tense balance.
If it was the current Lucifer, he would definitely show some movement.
[Yes. It's to bring in Jörmungandr and Ygmun. It's also to hunt down the remaining forces of the Demon race and Lucifer.]
[Lucifer's power is stronger than expected. At this rate, he will come here.]
Since Kassim Zolt was also captured.
It was only a matter of time before the coordinates of this place were identified.
[What will you do?]
Everyone's eyes turned to Taehyun.
"Everyone, return to your respective territories. We'll move in a month. The target is…."
Without hesitation.
Taehyun mentioned the name of the prey.
The Upper World.
Somewhere in the 10th Heavenly World.
There, Horus groaned.
The blue eye he lost to Taehyun.
It was due to the aftereffects of losing Ra's Eye, which contained the power of the sun.
The Absolute Being Anubis, who was watching him, clicked his tongue.
He was unfamiliar with Horus's appearance, who was always confident.
However, he also knew that it was something that would happen sooner or later.
[Didn't I tell you? Don't be reckless just because you took Ra's Eye.]
[Get out if you're going to say that… I don't have enough existence power to listen to such words right now.]
Anubis shook his head at Horus's growling appearance, but opened his mouth.
[Kim Taehyun. That guy is the key to the Lower World King.]
[……!!]
Horus's remaining blue eye shook at the unexpected information.
[I guess you didn't know. Well, I also learned it while going to and from the Lower World.]
[Then… that guy….]
Horus mentioned the doppelganger he saw in the mental world.
[Yes. He must be related to the power of the Lower World King. Anyway, you've become a ridiculous sight. Losing Ra's Eye to a mere key.]
[Shut up….]
[It's best not to talk to me like that. Among the Absolute Beings of the 10th Heavenly World, no one cares about you as much as I do.]
It wasn't wrong, so Horus could only grit his teeth.
[What I need is not nagging, but a way. A way to get Ra's Eye back from that guy.]
[Are you even going to go down to the Lower World?]
[There's no reason not to.]
Anyone who is an Absolute Being is allowed access to the Divine Tree.
But.
[If you go down in your current state, you're at high risk of being hunted by the monsters you despise so much.]
Just as the Lower World King's spell works in the Lower World.
No matter how Absolute Being is, they cannot guarantee their safety.
Is that all?
[You're on the verge of a drop in existence. I guarantee it. If you go to the Lower World in your current state, you'll lose what's left, let alone get your eyes back. It's quite fierce over there these days.]
[You're arrogant. What you can do, can't I do?]
[…….]
Anubis sighed at Horus's endless arrogance.
He had also become an Absolute Being not long ago, but Horus was someone who became an Absolute Being even later than him.
[Ra's Eye received from Osiris as spoils of the civil war.]
With that alone, Horus's existence power was among the top in the 10th Heavenly World, but.
[You lack experience.]
Anubis said, not hiding his true feelings.
[Did you say shut up….]
[I'll help you.]
[…….]
[After all, you're Osiris's successor.]
Hehe.
The corners of Horus's mouth went up.
[Now you're talking, my friend.]
Anubis shook his head again at Horus's appearance, who only listened to what he wanted to hear.
[But the plan needs some revision. It's true that we'll go down using the Divine Tree, but Odin's rune is needed to avoid the Lower World King's spell.]
[…How do you get such a thing….]
[Don't worry. I have it.]
Anubis said that and took out a rune from his chest and threw it.
Horus easily caught it and examined the mysterious object.
[It's a rune that Osiris received from Odin. It was left for the next mission. But that's not enough.]
He said that the rune could only avoid the drop in existence for a limited time.
[Meet Lucifer before the rune's time runs out.]
[Lucifer? Are you talking about the betrayed of the 1st Heavenly World?]
[Don't look at him like that. Even if he betrayed, he was the former master of the 1st Heavenly World. He's still hiding a force that can't be ignored.]
[…….]
[Trust me, Horus.]
[I trust you. There's no time.]
The Eye of the Sun and the Eye of the Moon, which had properties opposite to each other.
Even he, who had that power, could barely control it.
A contractor of the Lower World King couldn't completely digest that power.
[If I don't find it soon, this will reach the ears of other Absolute Beings.]
If that happened, Osiris's honor would be tarnished.
[Don't worry too much. Unlike Lucifer, he was born a lowly being. I'm not sure about the guy in the mental world, but the power of the key is not enough.]
He asserted that no one could covet the power of the Upper World.
A month passed quickly.
Taehyun, wrapped around the branches of the Divine Tree, sat cross-legged and controlled the power within his body.
[Following the Grand Duke's eyes, these are the Absolute Being's eyes. What kind of hybrid is this? Well, access to the Records of Emptiness will be easier.]
"The Upper World has too many variables."
Accessing the Records of Emptiness was after the territory war.
So, he would completely deal with the Lower World first.
At that time.
Crack.
The space inside the Divine Tree was torn, and Tolkien entered.
[Brother, you are ready.]
"That is?"
Taehyun asked, looking at the hammer Tolkien was holding.
[It's a tool I've put my heart and soul into making for today. It's not as good as what Hephaestus in the Upper World has, but it will be over time….]
"Stop."
Taehyun raised his hand and stopped Tolkien, who was starting to chatter.
"Too much time has already passed. Let's start right away."
[Um. If you want, I'll work quickly.]
Tolkien stood in front of Taehyun, who was sitting cross-legged.
Because of his small stature, the eye level was similar, but there was a considerable pressure from the bulging muscles and the hammer.
Whoong. Whoong. Whooong.
Tolkien began to vigorously spin the hammer as if loosening his body.
gulp.
Taehyun swallowed his saliva at the creeping anxiety.
Suddenly, a question came to mind.
"Wait. Come to think of it, why do I need a hammer to touch the status window?"
[Ah, don't be nervous. It's just a formal tool.]
"……!!"
Taehyun hurriedly released his cross-legged position and shouted to release the branches of the Divine Tree, but.
[It might be a little dizzy?]
Bang!!
Tolkien said that and hit Taehyun with the hammer.
[You crazy dwarf bastard…!!]
With Elven's profanity as the last,
Consciousness went dark.
The deepest part. The Temple of Blood.
[Congratulations on fully regaining your strength, my king.]
[Finally….]
Ygmun was pleased with the crimson magic power that wrapped around his body.
He stepped forward in the front line of the territory war and absorbed many demons.
He hunted five lower-level Great Demons, two mid-level Great Demons, and two more upper-level Great Demons.
And.
[Asura. That guy was the best.]
The ancient Great Demon Asura.
He was the one who led the Demon race along with Mammon after Beelzebub disappeared.
Although more than half of the Vampire race's power was sacrificed to Mammon to lure him out.
[It's nothing compared to this power.]
Ygmun savored his deepened magic power.
He tasted the fall and regained his power.
That experience brought Ygmun unprecedented growth.
[What are you going to do now….]
At Verona's words, Ygmun smiled bitterly.
Because he thought of Taehyun, the person who had made him fall and his new contractor.
[I have to eat.]
[The Grand Dukes are guarding him. If you order, we will lure him out.]
Loyal Verona said that she would gather all of the top-ranked subordinates who had been scattered.
At that time.
[My king. It's a messenger from Rozaria.]
Another top-ranked subordinate, Turan, brought a vampire monster.
It was Rozaria's specialty to control the minds of other races and convey their intentions.
She opened her mouth through the body of the vampire monster.
[Ygmun. You're making a fuss.]
[Seeing you move after being quiet, Kim Taehyun must have told you to do it.]
[How about being a little more polite to your master?]
As they didn't usually get along well.
Ygmun and Rozaria did not hesitate to mock each other.
Okay, here's the translation of Chapter 457:
457
Rozaria, who reached the pinnacle of succubi, and Igmun, who reached the pinnacle of incubi.
The level of mockery between the two Archdukes, who once served the same lord, intensified.
Rozaria crossed the line first.
[Fawn over me as you did before Lilith.]
[Insignificant thing... you're acting up because you believe in the Underworld King.]
If it hadn't been for the Underworld King, a lowly incubus like her wouldn't have dared to covet the Archduke's seat.
That was Igmun's assessment of Rozaria.
[But aren't you facing me as equals now? Is that because my growth has been exceptional, or because your growth has stagnated?]
Ahahahaha.
Rozaria burst into laughter.
To possess the existence of an Archduke, one's personal power must grow along with the vessel that forms their status.
In Rozaria's case, Lilith's disappearance naturally allowed her to take the Queen's seat among the succubi.
But in Igmun's case, he was at the pinnacle of a race that had once been broken.
He needed to abandon the name Incubus and be reborn.
That's how the current race of vampires, also called vampires, was born.
Rozaria knew this fact better than anyone, so she provoked him by mentioning it, irritating him.
[How dare you... speak such nonsense to the King...]
Verona was about to intervene when it happened.
Hwaaaaaaak.
The purple magic emanating from the vampire monster's body intensified even more.
The purple magic that spread throughout the area revealed the dignity of a Queen.
[This is not a place for you to interfere.]
[……!!]
Verona's body stiffened at the force Rozaria emitted.
She was only mentally dominating a monster far below her.
Unlike Rozaria, who couldn't take advantage of the territory, she would possess much stronger magic in the Temple of Blood.
Her lord, Igmun, had gained even greater power by crossing the wall.
[Why...]
Why couldn't she resist at all in front of Rozaria's puppet?
[Hoh. There was a reason for flapping your gums.]
Unlike Verona, who couldn't accept reality, Igmun recognized Rozaria's growth.
Smiling.
Rozaria gave a benevolent smile, borrowing the body of a monster.
[You should know since you've made a contract, right? If you sincerely accept your contractor, your existence will also become enormous. There's no good in acting like that.]
So, she was telling him not to even think about interfering with her contractor.
If he lost the bet and made a contract, he should act accordingly.
[Keuk... Keuk keuk... Heuhahaha...]
Igmun burst into laughter.
[My King...]
[Heumm...?]
His mad laughter continued for a long time.
Igmun's red eyes, looking at Rozaria beyond the vampire monster who was once his subordinate, were fierce.
[Following the Underworld King... are you now trying to mix even your key and body?]
Crimson magic rose from Igmun's body.
An unprecedentedly powerful and gloomy force was felt in his presence.
[How long did you think I would be satisfied with the seat of Archduke?]
Tsuzzz.
A blood sword was created in Igmun's hand.
And.
Poouk.
He plunged it into his subordinate's chest.
Tsuzzz... Tsuzzzzzz....
The crimson magic and purple magic dwelling within the vampire monster were absorbed together.
Igmun savored Rozaria's grown magic.
[This is a summon for the contractors. Come to the territory of the Fairy race quickly.]
Rozaria spoke forcibly through the vampire's body, which was so dry that it was difficult to open its mouth.
[It smells foul.]
Poouk.
Igmun plunged his fingernails into his subordinate's body, following the blood sword.
He wanted to feel even a little more of Rozaria's magic dwelling within the magic stone.
[…Your guts have shrunk compared to your disgusting taste…. Are you afraid of your contractor even after recovering your lost existence?]
Ahaha… haha.
The puppet's life force was already exhausted, so she couldn't laugh as she pleased.
Even so, it was such an obvious provocation.
Igmun bared his fangs.
It was because he was confident.
Currently, among the Archdukes excluding Lucifer.
[I am the strongest.]
Kwakk!!
Igmun bit his fangs into the withered neck of his subordinate.
He intended to absorb the presence dwelling there before Rozaria could forcibly sever the mental domination through the blood sword, fingernails, and fangs he had plunged into his subordinate.
[You're just as clueless. Have you become arrogant after devouring a few Greater Demons?]
Rozaria opened her mouth with difficulty.
[Cut the crap. I will call Kim Taehyun myself at the appropriate time, so take good care of your neck until then.]
Jjuuk. Jjuuk.
Tsuzzzzzzz.
A considerable amount of magic was absorbed into Igmun's body.
There was Taehyun's magic, the contractor's, dwelling there, following Rozaria's.
[Indeed, it's a delicacy. That guy seems to have grown even more.]
Haltak.
Igmun licked his lips, thinking of Taehyun, who was increasingly resembling the Underworld King.
If he could extract that power to his heart's content, he thought, it wouldn't be impossible for him to become the key to the Underworld King.
That was a thought that Igmun, who possessed the authority of 'Absorption,' could have.
Rozaria wasn't unaware of such thoughts.
She pulled out the fingernails and fangs that Igmun had plunged into her.
Thud.
The monster, whose entire body had already been drained of strength, collapsed powerlessly.
[I have left your life for now.]
Igmun gave a bitter smile.
Even though it was just a puppet that was mentally dominated.
He found it amusing that the one occupying the seat of the Archduke was collapsed in front of him.
[The contractor… who tries to… rehabilitate someone like this… is pitiful….]
She continued, her voice breaking, that his current appearance, not fulfilling his promise, reminded her of a child who isn't loved.
[You will… regret….]
Don't do it.
Before she could finish that sentence.
Kwajik.
Igmun stomped on his subordinate's head.
Rozaria's faint trace that remained completely disappeared.
[Tsk tsk. When the time comes, I will prove that I am the strongest, so sharpen your neck and wait.]
Igmun said that and was about to order Verona to dispose of the corpse.
Suddenly.
Kwaaaaaaa.
Purple magic rose from Verona's body.
[……!!]
He paused at the unexpected situation, but only for a moment.
[To think you were his right hand. What a truly useful body.]
Rozaria's voice flowed from Verona's mouth.
[You played a trick!!]
Igmun roared, shouting.
He was sure that she had taken over the puppet by mentally dominating Verona during that brief moment when she revealed her power.
The moment Igmun drew his blood sword to extract all the purple magic dwelling within Verona.
Jureureuk. Jureureuk.
Another force symbolizing Rozaria, a giant tentacle, sprouted from Verona's body.
It was a phenomenon possible because she had accepted a considerable amount of Rozaria's magic, befitting a body that was among the highest of the highest species.
Poouk.
Igmun's blood sword pierced Verona's body without delay.
Tsuzzzzzz.
Crimson magic scattered, quickly absorbing the purple magic.
[How dare you lay your hands on what is mine.]
Igmun growled, sucking in Rozaria's magic.
Kkwaak.
Rozaria did not give in and wrapped her tentacles around Igmun's body.
[Isn't she a subordinate you cherish? If you push yourself too hard trying to catch me, your mind will be destroyed.]
[You underestimate my authority.]
Tsuzzzzzzz.
Kudeudeuk.
Igmun's fingernails dug into the flesh, seizing Verona's magic stone.
He intended to extract the magic dwelling in the magic stone and fill it with his own.
If he did well, Verona could become an even greater existence.
Rozaria, reading his thoughts, chuckled.
[It's just as my contractor said.]
[What nonsense are you spouting?]
The moment he said that, the purple magic intensified even further.
Igmun's crimson magic also became even greater, and the moment the two pairs of red eyes met.
Hwaaaaaak.
Igmun's vision reversed.
Blinking.
It was just one blink of an eye.
The place was still the Temple of Blood.
But there was no Verona around, and no magic of Rozaria could be felt.
[Ha.]
Igmun scoffed at the fact that he had fallen victim to Rozaria's authority.
To think she could use this much authority with a mere puppet.
[A Personal Space, huh.]
He realized anew how much she had grown.
Unlike the mental world, it was an artificially created space.
Rozaria's Personal Space was among the most difficult of the Archdukes' authorities to break through.
[Did you think you could trap me with something like this?]
Igmun unleashed his magic power.
He intended to absorb the entire space as it was and escape.
Then.
Jjeoeeoeeok.
The space split open, and a crimson black maw appeared.
[You!!]
Igmun did not know whose power that maw of consumption was, so he threw his blood sword without delay.
Poouk.
Tsuzzzzzz.
The blood sword, pierced in the center of the maw, began to suck in the crimson black magic.
Surely it should disappear with just that.
Tsuzzzz.
Rather, it was Igmun who was losing magic power.
Kwaduk. Kwadeudeuk. Kwadeudeudeuk.
The maw chewed on the blood sword pierced in its body.
And.
Kudeudeudeudeuk.
The maw took the shape of a gate.
“They say there are dogs who bark even after seeing their owner.”
[……!!]
Familiar voice and great presence was heard from beyond the gate.
[You….]
Igmun revealed his fierce hostility without hiding it.
Soon.
“It's been a while, Igmun.”
Through the fully opened gate.
Taehyun appeared.
[You intended this from the beginning.]
Igmun said lowly.
He recognized at a glance that his contractor's presence had become much stronger.
"Don't worry. I don't intend to bring anyone else here. Even that Doppelganger guy can't interfere as much as here. Uh… maybe…?"
[…….]
It sounded as if he was saying not to be afraid because he came alone.
[You're still overly confident.]
Taehyun shrugged at Igmun's red eyes glaring at him.
He said they should get straight to the point without wasting each other's strength.
“I’m going to strike Lucifer.”
[You want me to lend you my power?]
"It's closer to solidifying the contract."
Taehyun asked if he would help.
Tsuzzzzzzz.
The magic surrounding Igmun's body formed armor.
Soon, a huge sword was held in his hand.
Tsuzzzzzeut.
As the Blood Field unfolded, all sorts of weapons were materialized in various places.
“It’s not surprising since it’s the answer I expected.”
Taehyun, saying so, put the maw of consumption away.
[What are you doing?]
"I happened to get a new power."
[You're going to test me….]
Kkadeuk.
Igmun ground his teeth at the absurd situation.
“You should always do your best on tests.”
Taehyun, saying so, confirmed the numerical value that floated next to Igmun.
'250,000….'
Even though it was a Personal Space.
It was a higher number than he thought, perhaps because it was located close to the Temple of Blood.
Seuseuseuseu.
Taehyun created a blood sword instead of drawing the Dragonslaying Sword.
He created a magic stone through ‘True Blood’ and used ‘Blood Frenzy.’
[Ha….]
Igmun was momentarily dumbfounded at the sight of him imitating his authority.
Tsuzzzzzzzz!!
The crimson magic emanating from his body intensified even more.
Igmun also used 'Blood Frenzy'.
Taehyun took in the changed magic power value.
'310,000.'
Nearly 60,000 magic power increased at once.
Even though it was a similar number to the Elven connected to the Divine Beast.
“How cute.”
Taehyun did not hide his delighted expression.
Chapter 458
Clang. Clang. Claang. Claaang.
The sound of two blood swords clashing echoed throughout the personal space.
Tring.
[Skill Eye of the Nightmare King (???) has been enhanced.]
[Skill True Blood (???) has been enhanced.]
[Skill Blood Rampage (???) has been enhanced.]
[Skill Energy Drain (???) has been enhanced.]
Tzzzzzzzz!!
The crimson demonic energy emanating from Taehyun's body grew even larger.
Even so.
Kkaaang!!
Sss ssss ssss.
In the tenth exchange, Igmun's blood sword finally completely absorbed Taehyun's blood sword.
Tring.
[Skill Great Demon Transformation (???) has been activated. Specifying the area to transform.]
Crack!!
Taehyun caught another blood sword swung at his neck with his hand.
Ggrrr.
Tzzzzzz.
His body, enhanced with the power of the demon race, wasn't cut, but demonic energy was being sucked away just by contact.
[Don't try petty tricks in front of me. Didn't I tell you that?]
Thump.
Igmun grabbed Taehyun's shoulder with his other hand.
A huge amount of demonic energy was being drained, causing dizziness.
It was the moment Taehyun staggered back, trying to escape.
[The Downfall. That should never have happened.]
Crack!!
The fingernails on his hand dug into Taehyun's shoulder.
Mocking the enhanced body, it was weakening him by absorbing demonic energy.
Tzzzzzz!!
Compared to Igmun, who was showing off an increasingly immense presence, Taehyun's demonic energy was rapidly decreasing.
[It was a clear mistake to bring about my Downfall.]
Kwaadeuk!!
Igmun chuckled and tore off one of Taehyun's arms.
[Thanks to you, I've grown this much.]
To be reduced to a limp state after having most of his demonic energy stolen.
[Why doesn't he know that even Orgal has no way against my authority?]
Igmun absorbed all of Orgal's demonic energy residing in the torn-off arm.
Sss sss.
Taehyun's arm crumbled and scattered like ashes.
[A truly remarkable presence. It's hard to believe it was achieved in such a short time. But.]
He said Taehyun was arrogant for achieving a dirty victory against him.
He said that if he had revealed his full power from the beginning, it would have been a more interesting match.
[I no longer look down on you.]
Sss ssss ssss.
Tzzzzzzzz.
Kiiiiii.
Blood Transformation.
Igmun's technique, which didn't hide his presence, was used.
The blood field began to absorb the personal space.
Not letting his guard down until he had cornered his prey, he didn't know what tricks Taehyun might pull.
As if satisfied with his attitude.
Smirk.
Igmun raised the corner of his mouth.
Kwaadeudeuk.
[If you cherish a delicacy, it can become poison.]
Igmun tore off Taehyun's other arm.
Crack. Crack. Kwaadeudeuk.
He focused on regeneration, but the speed was embarrassingly slow compared to before.
Taehyun's red eyes flashed.
"You haven't changed, have you?"
Whether it was when he first saw him.
Whether it was when he saw him in the mental world.
Whether it was when he saw him in the realm of the Divine Beast.
Also.
"Even now. In the end, your arrogance of looking down on your opponent is at the core."
[Yes. You always bluffed like that.]
"How many times have I been fooled by that bluff?"
[Stop with the pathetic provocation. Aren't you still my contractor? I don't intend to kill you.]
"Stop pretending to be kind. One Jormungandr is enough to spout disgusting nonsense."
With that, Taehyun clenched and unclenched his two fully regenerated fists.
He had only lost two arms, but.
"Did you even absorb my presence?"
He showed a genuinely surprised reaction to the aftereffects of being 'devoured'.
[The Downfall is not something that an immature being can dare to handle.]
Igmun chuckled and spread his hand.
In that hand, Taehyun's other arm was scattering like ashes.
[If you overcome the Downfall, there's no greater growth than that.]
"Indeed."
Taehyun nodded involuntarily.
Igmun's demonic energy, visible through the 'Eye of the Nightmare King', was already over 400,000.
'Enough power to face Elven and Rosaria together.'
As they said, demonic energy wasn't everything, but.
It wasn't strange that Igmun was confident.
[You're thinking something else. Even if you die here, it's not a complete death, is it?]
"But it would be enough to break the contract we made."
[You're a clever one. Now I see you were reading my thoughts.]
Skill 'Dominator of Desire'.
Contracts born of desire depend on the conditions and the opponent.
And.
'It has varying degrees of compulsion depending on the risk.'
In that respect, the greater the gap between Igmun's presence and Taehyun's, the more difficult it would be to maintain the previous contract.
"Of course, you're planning to steal my presence and make me a puppet contractor, right?"
As if he could see through Igmun's thoughts.
Taehyun said without hesitation.
[It's a shame the more I see you. If you had caught my eye instead of Rosaria, you would have had the lower realm at your feet long ago.]
"Did you trade your previous contractor for taffy?"
Taehyun mentioned Jang Lin-feng, whom he had dealt with in Hong Kong.
Igmun shook his head.
[I don't remember insects one by one.]
It was as if he had already forgotten about such a person.
[The power of the key can be taken slowly.]
Kiiiing.
A different kind of demonic energy than before was concentrated in Igmun's hand.
The concentration became condensation, taking the form of a spear.
[Now is the time to taste the deliciously ripe fruit.]
Poook.
The blood spear pierced the vampire race's magic stone made with 'True Blood'.
Poook.
The blood sword pierced the heart that had been clad in demonic energy.
Tzzzzzz.
Kiiiiii-.
Gush.
Blood poured from his nose and mouth due to the backflow.
Staggering from dizziness, Taehyun didn't take his eyes off Igmun.
[A good look. I should have done this sooner.]
Igmun chuckled and savored the incoming demonic energy from Taehyun.
Eventually.
Thud.
Taehyun knelt down.
Having all the demonic energy and presence that maintained his form in the personal space stolen, it was even hard to stand.
Was that all?
Pusssss.
Taehyun's body began to scatter.
At this rate, it seemed he wouldn't be able to avoid the Downfall.
[Wait outside. I will come and find you myself when the time comes.]
He said that at that time, he would also take Rosaria's head.
Pusssssssss.
After barely moving his lips to say something, Taehyun's body completely disintegrated.
Igmun burst into laughter and fully unleashed his demonic energy.
Tzzzzzzzz!!!
The blood field, expanding its territory, began to absorb the personal space.
Crack. Crack crack crack.
As the purple demonic energy was absorbed, cracks spread throughout the space.
[Rosaria. I'll give you the Downfall too.]
The current space was artificially created by Rosaria.
In the end, the source would be connected to the owner of the space.
If the space was absorbed whole, the shock would not be light.
Puhhehehe.
It was the price for trusting his contractor and dragging in his fully prepared self.
It was when Igmun finally absorbed all the demonic energy in the area.
Crack... Crack crack crack... Kkkeeeong!!!
With a loud noise, the space shattered.
And thus, the Temple of Blood should have reappeared.
[…….]
Igmun was speechless at the huge forest that appeared before his eyes.
"I hope you like it. It's a space that reflects Elven's taste."
Igmun turned his head at the voice coming from behind.
There was Taehyun, looking perfectly fine.
[You….]
A situation that should not have happened had happened.
His expression twisted without him realizing it.
It wasn't just his body and demonic energy that were fine.
Igmun focused his demonic energy on his red eyes.
It was no illusion that Taehyun's presence had become even greater than before.
A huge demonic energy that hadn't been visible a moment ago.
And divine power, which only the absolute beings of the upper realm would possess, was flowing mixed with demonic energy.
[What have you done….]
"It seems that it's possible to resonate with the Divine Beast here, albeit imperfectly."
With that, Taehyun raised his index finger.
Hwaruruk.
It was as if flames were rising.
The first to rise was Rosaria's purple demonic energy.
"Multiple Mental Worlds. One of Rosaria's techniques that she came to understand while accepting the Divine Beast's demonic energy."
[You….]
Next, it changed to the colorless color symbolizing Elven, the brown color of Orgal, the five colors of Typhon, the black color of Hazard, the deep blue color of Gilfer, and finally, the blood-red color of Igmun.
"I think this will be good for now."
Hoo-ook.
The color of the demonic energy burning on his index finger changed from blood-red to blue.
The power of Jormungandr.
It was the color symbolizing the authority of 'Rampage'.
Tring.
[Skill Abyssal Rampage (???) has been activated.]
['Great power' awakens.]
Along with the message that his physical stats had increased, Taehyun's presence was maximized.
Taehyun took out the Dragonslayer Sword from his chest.
Pajijik. Pajijijik.
His presence increased once again with lightning.
"Arrogance is the exclusive possession of the stronger."
Igmun unleashed his demonic energy with all his might, not wanting to be outdone.
Taehyun could see that his demonic energy was reaching 500,000.
It was more than amazing, it was awe-inspiring.
Even so.
"I'll give you the first move."
[……!!]
Smirk.
The raised corner of his mouth.
Was no different from Igmun's a moment ago.
The realm of the Fairy Race.
Rosaria and Elven, who had entered the interior of the Divine Beast, were watching Taehyun's battle.
[To think he would absorb my space whole. So it was true that he had recovered his power.]
Rosaria said, watching the battle unfolding before her eyes.
[Weren't you once serving the same lord?]
Elven also watched the battle without taking her eyes off it and asked.
[Hmph~ Just thinking about it brings back painful memories.]
Rosaria shook her head.
It was an implication not to ask any further.
[What a strange relationship.]
Elven and Rosaria.
They, who possessed the authority of 'Great Demonic Energy' and 'Mind Control', were watching Taehyun and Igmun's battle and chatting.
Elven was providing abundant demonic energy using the Divine Beast, and Rosaria was maintaining multiple personal spaces so that Taehyun could receive the Divine Beast's help.
A world where he could draw on infinite demonic energy and the power of the two Archdukes.
And Taehyun, who had already defeated all the Archdukes except Lucifer, it was no exaggeration to say.
Igmun, who should have been rolling on the ground by now, was still putting up a good fight against Taehyun.
[That guy has too much of an experimental spirit.]
Elven pointed out Taehyun's actions of using various skills and watching Igmun's demonic energy change.
[That's the charm of the contractor.]
He used 'Abyssal Rampage', starting with 'Apocalypse', 'Primal Element', 'True Blood', 'Great Demon's Heart', and 'Beast Race's Heart'.
Taehyun only felt his demonic energy and didn't know it as a numerical value, but.
All stats 1000.
[It must be somewhere around there.]
Rosaria said so.
[How much would Igmun's demonic energy look like in that guy's eyes?]
[If we convert it to the numbers they use in the contractor's world…. 500,000. It would be about that much.]
[Wouldn't it be dangerous?]
[Elven. The contractor hasn't used your authority yet, has he?]
Not only that.
[He hasn't used that hideous maw yet, has he?]
He was still fighting on par with the fully powered Vampire Lord, even with some cards still up his sleeve.
[Igmun, that guy….]
He's screwed.
Elven said so sincerely.
459화
[It's over.]
Elven was the one who said that.
In the video before them, Igmun, battered and bruised, was making an unknown contract with Taehyun.
Although they couldn't know the details of the contract.
Igmun had been overwhelmingly defeated.
That alone was enough.
It was enough to confirm that their contractor's power had already surpassed the level of a Grand Duke.
Although Elven and Rosaria had provided support.
Igmun also had the advantage of his domain.
Furthermore, he had even absorbed Rosaria's first personal space, so it couldn't be said that Taehyun had a clear advantage.
[Ahahaha. It's been a while since I've seen Igmun sprawled out like that.]
Rosaria couldn't hold back her laughter.
It was the same as with Hazar or Orgal.
She was truly delighted to see Igmun become docile only after being battered and bruised.
At that moment, Taehyun's gaze in the video met theirs.
It's over. Open it.
His lips seemed to say that.
[Elven. Assist.]
At Rosaria's words, Elven nodded.
Hwaaaaaaa.
The sacred tree's mana permeated the hundreds of tentacles that had already been opened.
[Ugh….]
She groaned at the immense power, but only for a moment.
Having converted the injected mana into her own, she raised her mana to the maximum.
Space movement through multiple personal spaces.
The mana planted in the monsters scattered throughout the lower realm reacted.
With hundreds of them.
It wasn't difficult to reach the place beyond where Taehyun was.
[Can you do it?]
[Of course.]
Rosaria's purple mana scattered throughout the sacred tree.
Her role was to make Taehyun recognize the coordinates of this place more clearly.
It had been proven that with the sacred tree, Elven, and her own authority, it was possible to move to most areas of the lower realm.
Although Typhon and the other Grand Dukes had left for their own domains.
Rosaria was the only one who had left her castle empty and remained here.
A moment later.
Kwaaaaaaa.
A small gate was created inside the sacred tree.
"Thanks."
Taehyun, who walked out calmly, expressed his gratitude.
[You've worked hard.]
Rosaria raised a tentacle and stroked her contractor's head.
Taehyun, who was disgusted, subtly moved away and changed the subject.
"Igmun, that guy. I didn't expect him to try to absorb even the Lower Realm King's spell."
[Bullshit. I don't think you're the one to talk, considering you stomped him until he was on the verge of death.]
[If the contractor hadn't crushed him in time, he would have surely tasted degradation again. That stupid vampire.]
They, who had watched Taehyun's battle from beginning to end, offered their own opinions.
Taehyun calmly accepted them and handed Rosaria one of the arms he was holding.
It was Igmun's left arm, which he had kept in shape by using even 'Omen of Evolution'.
He had done it because she had told him to bring one of Igmun's arms if he had the chance.
"It's not just a simple trophy, is it? What are you going to use this for?"
[I have my uses for it. Please respect my privacy.]
She wrapped her tentacles around the arm, sent it to another dimension, and avoided answering.
"That damn privacy."
Unlike his words, Taehyun immediately lost interest.
He knew she wouldn't tell him.
Above all, there were still a few more guys he had to deal with.
"What about Gilfer?"
Taehyun asked about her situation, as she had moved earlier than him.
[She just made contact with Mammon.]
At Elven's words, a new video appeared.
Demon King Gilfer.
She was emitting a deep blue mana.
Mammon, who was confronting her, was also showing an unusual presence.
Although he was below Igmun, whom Taehyun had faced a little while ago.
His appearance with five horns opened was definitely worthy of being called a Demon King.
'I'd say he's on par with Beelzebub.'
[I heard he hooked up with Jörmungandr, so he must have played some tricks.]
Rosaria said, reading Taehyun's thoughts.
"Where is she?"
[The fifteenth personal space.]
"Prepare it for me."
So that he could move and join the battle at any time.
Thinking that Gilfer might be struggling, he trailed off his words.
[One was taken care of, and now there's another one. They're really persistent, now and then.]
Agreeing with Elven's words.
They focused on the battle that had just begun.
[Amazing.]
Gilfer uttered a pure impression.
She had vaguely recognized it when Mephisto had reached the realm of the Demon King, albeit incompletely.
That the ancient brothers could also become complete Grand Dukes if they only met the trigger.
But this wasn't the way.
She could strongly feel the divine power of the Celestial race, which was incompatible with demons, from the current Mammon.
Valkyrie.
The power of the owner of the Seventh Heaven, who had massacred countless demons in the Race War, was scattering from Mammon.
[I didn't expect you to join hands with the Celestial race.]
Mammon was closer to a Grand Duke than anyone else among the ancient great demons.
A Grand Duke can't simply be strong.
The caliber, which can be called a vessel, and the presence that makes up the inside are inevitable.
It's a realm that can't be reached by relying on someone else.
Mammon, who knew that better than anyone under Beelzebub.
Borrowed the power of someone who can be called one of the apexes of the Celestial race?
Gilfer couldn't easily accept it.
[Didn't the brothers join hands with Kim Taehyun and eliminate Beelzebub? If I hadn't acted, the Demon race would have been destroyed as it was.]
Diablo and Beelzebub.
The Demon race, which had once boasted its prosperity among the species of the Lower Realm, was no more.
If she hadn't changed, they would have ended up being played by Lucifer and become his toys.
[You've become talkative.]
It wasn't mockery.
The Mammon that Gilfer knew was more rational and logical than any of the ancient great demons, and.
[He was someone who knew the weight of the words he spoke well.]
He had degenerated by being tainted by miscellaneous things.
[I'm the one who's surprised.]
Mammon scanned Gilfer, who had opened five horns like himself.
A notable great demon among the Demon race, born with the authority of desire.
When she abandoned her authority and chose degradation, he couldn't help but be disappointed.
[I didn't know the reason.]
Repeated reincarnation.
Eroding presence.
Incomplete memories.
A yearning for growth.
There were many reasons.
He just couldn't dare to do it.
Because he was born as a great being, he couldn't easily abandon that position.
So he dreamed of stable growth by serving two Grand Dukes.
He thought that was a reasonable way, and the other brothers did the same.
When Asura, who had the authority of 'struggle' among the ancient great demons, finally knelt.
He was convinced that his judgment was correct.
[You were an irregularity in the eyes of the brothers. But now you have obtained a new authority and achieved the caliber of a Grand Duke, and you have defeated all the brothers and become the new Demon King.]
Mammon pursed his lips.
[I'm the same.]
The process was different, but the result was the same.
Mammon said that he was also an irregularity, no different from Gilfer.
He showed off a purple mana mixed with radiance.
'Poison', 'Soul', 'Fear', 'Struggle' gained under the authority of 'Gluttony'.
Odin's rune, which Jörmungandr had passed on, only served to condense these five authorities into one.
[I'll make a suggestion, Gilfer. Ancient brother.]
He suggested that the two combine their strengths to revive the glory of the Demon race.
He proposed to take the Lower Realm as a transcendent being that surpassed the previous Demon Kings.
[Wrong.]
Gilfer, who rejected him outright, emitted a deep blue mana.
[That's too bad.]
Chiiiik.
Poisonous mana spread around the five horns.
[Let me introduce you.]
Above the personal space.
A poisonous radiance descended.
[The true authority of the Demon King. 'Purgatory'.]
[Purgatory.]
Gilfer said, savoring as if tasting the mana that enveloped the area.
It wasn't just about collecting a number of authorities, but fusing them into one.
It was at a level that was worthy of calling oneself a Demon King.
[I'd like to congratulate you on your achievement, but.]
An existence like Mammon would be of great help in raising the Demon race in the future.
He would be of considerable help to her contractor, Kim Taehyun.
[I will eliminate you here.]
Mammon is different from other Grand Dukes.
There is a concern that he will stab you in the back.
She had no intention of changing her plan just because he had great power.
[That's a pity.]
The energy of 'Purgatory' intensified.
The authority of 'Poison' hindered the vision.
The authority of 'Fear' shook the mind, and the authority of 'Soul' commanded surrender.
The authority of 'Struggle' shackled the body.
And so.
'Gluttony'.
Mammon, soaked in greed, opened his poisonous maw.
In response, Gilfer unleashed the authority of 'Evolution'.
The purgatory that had been shackling the surroundings devoured the mana voraciously.
[Not yet.]
Kwaduk.
Gilfer opened her sixth horn.
The authorities that had been shackling the body began to weaken.
She had used the authority of evolution to degenerate the power of purgatory.
[The sixth horn.]
Mammon's eerie voice echoed from somewhere in purgatory.
[You've done that much.]
He said it was a realm that he hadn't even reached.
So.
[Be eaten willingly for me.]
Jjeoeok.
A maw like Taehyun's predation was created behind Gilfer.
Kwaduk!!
[……!!]
The maw, which had not degenerated even after touching Gilfer's mana, finally succeeded in biting off her wings.
[In purgatory, I'm almost invincible. Kim Taehyun. It's not even a big deal to imitate the power of that guy's key.]
Jjeoeok. Jjeoeok. Jjeoeoeok.
As if Taehyun was doing it.
A poisonous radiance surrounded Gilfer.
It seemed that it wasn't a lie that it was still maintaining its shape even after touching the deep blue mana.
[Imitation….]
Gilfer raised the danger level for Mammon.
She acknowledged the realm of the Demon King that he had reached in his own way.
In time, he would also open his sixth horn.
[There doesn't need to be two Demon Kings.]
Gilfer, who said that, took out a new power.
Not something that was imitated with the authority of gluttony.
Her contractor's transcendent authority.
'Predation'.
Demon King Gilfer.
She flared up a crimson mana.
[In the end, I'll be the one to devour you.]
She asserted.
Episode 460
Mammon burst into laughter at Gilfer's demise.
Personal Space.
If he hadn't forced himself to be drawn here.
If he had preserved his magic power instead of being surrounded by numerous demons and archdemons.
[Even so, the result wouldn't have changed.]
Mammon's red eyes blazed with a fighting spirit as he said that.
Kim Tae-hyun would be beyond this space.
Rosaria and Elven would be by his side.
The weakest Archduke and the fallen Fairy King. And a human who killed even an Archduke without knowing his place.
Just imagining subjugating them and seizing their existence made the Gluttony authority seem to activate.
But.
[It's not time yet.]
Even Mammon couldn't take Gilfer's magic stone without any conditions.
The five severed horns.
Gluttony. Poison. Fear. Soul. Struggle.
Each of these held the authority that made him an Archduke.
The reason the 'Purgatory' created by the fusion of the five authorities was released was also for that reason.
And.
[Evolution, huh.]
Mammon chuckled, thinking of Gilfer's magic stone he had taken.
He couldn't use her authority right away, but when the sixth horn was opened, that power would surely evolve.
Purgatory made up of six authorities.
Just thinking about it made the authority within his body seem to seethe.
It was just a shame that it would take quite a long time to recover.
[No, no.]
Many Archdukes tried to take Kim Tae-hyun right away and were counterattacked.
Most of them went under Kim Tae-hyun, and Belzebub and Diablo, and some archdemons, were annihilated.
So.
[Kim Tae-hyun. You are the last.]
Tae-hyun, and Rosaria and Elven who always lingered around him.
Excluding them, it wasn't difficult to choose the next target.
[Igmune.]
The despicable Archduke who brought the demons to the current situation.
He heard that the guy who even devoured Asura had regained the power of the Archduke, but it was nothing compared to his current self.
[As soon as this Mammon recovers, the vampires will lose their king.]
Mammon asserted with the arrogance unique to the Archduke.
Crack. Crackle.
The Personal Space began to break.
The cracks that had occurred due to the battle with Gilfer were finally starting to collapse.
[Too bad.]
If he had Igmune's authority of absorption, he might have considered taking this space.
That thought made him even more greedy for Igmune's authority.
Crakle… Crakle!!!
The moment the space completely collapsed.
Originally, the demon realm should have appeared.
[…What have you done.]
Mammon muttered, looking at the suddenly appearing desert.
He instinctively realized that the current world was also a Personal Space.
[I did well to listen to Rosaria.]
[…….]
Mammon turned his head at the voice heard from behind.
There was Gilfer with an intact body.
Just like Igmune who faced Tae-hyun.
Mammon's reaction was no different.
[This Mammon… controlled by mind control…?]
Gilfer affirmed with silence.
[…….]
He had already reached the level of a Demon King.
To be controlled by mind control in a Personal Space.
To be defeated by a technique of Rosaria, the weakest of the Archdukes?
[Absurd.]
Mammon evaluated the current situation like that.
The great power he had felt after taking Gilfer's magic stone had already disappeared.
Fortunately, his severed horns were still intact.
[There's nothing strange.]
Mammon turned his head at the suddenly heard words.
There was a being who shouldn't be there.
Belzebub.
[Two new Demon Kings.]
The one who said that was Diablo, who appeared next to Belzebub.
[Gilfer. You're using dirty tricks.]
Not only did he succumb to a human, but he was also trying to harm him with the help of a succubus.
Could he still be called a Demon King?
Mammon, his red eyes flashing, rarely mocked.
But unlike his words, his reason remained calm.
He could see the purple magic power composing Belzebub and Diablo's bodies.
What was contained in his red eyes was illusion.
What Mammon couldn't understand was why Rosaria's authority was affecting him.
He had raised his senses to the maximum as soon as he entered the Personal Space.
There was no time to cast mind control.
[Mammon. Your power is certainly great.]
The one who said that was Gilfer.
Her breath, opening the five horns, was not disturbed at all.
If it weren't for the reduced magic power, the sixth horn he had seen in the previous battle would have been considered fake.
[Are you mocking me.]
[It's the truth. If this Mammon hadn't listened to Rosaria's advice, you would have surely achieved what you saw in the illusion.]
He would have taken his magic stone and become the sole Demon King.
He would have aimed his poisonous thorns at other Archdukes, announcing the start of a new realm war.
[Is it different now? What can you do with these illusions.]
He was sure that it wouldn't even buy time.
In the end, he would hand over all the achievements he had made to him.
[This Mammon has taken too long. No, it's more accurate to say that the contractor was faster.]
[…….]
Silenced by the inexplicable words for a moment.
Creak.
Suddenly, Belzebub's thorns, which he thought were illusions, pierced Mammon's body.
Creak.
Diablo's thorns, which couldn't pierce, scratched Mammon's body.
[Tsk tsk. Useless deeds.]
Rip.
Crack!! Crack!!
The Gluttony's maw, made of poisonous radiance, devoured Belzebub and Diablo's phantoms.
Crack. Crack. Crackle.
As it mimicked Tae-hyun's predation, it couldn't chew up space.
But eating up this much of a shape was nothing.
In short, his original authority 'Gluttony' had grown, achieving the level of an Archduke.
[I would have said that you can't do anything to this Mammon with this much.]
Mammon's thorns were aimed at Gilfer.
Unlike his thought that he would aim for that brief gap.
Gilfer was just watching quietly.
[What are you plotting.]
Kiiiiii.
The divine power in his body reacted.
Odin's rune.
The divine power of the owner of the 7,000th world, which helped Mammon grow into an Archduke, seemed to tell him to devour the Demon King in front of him.
Giiiiii.
Mammon's thorns spread out.
He was thinking of completely cutting off his horns, tail, limbs, and torso.
[Mammon. You still don't know.]
[Stop, that's enough.]
He said that further conversation was meaningless.
[Even this Mammon can see it. Rosaria's power seems to have become stronger.]
Rosaria.
The moment Mammon sensed something unusual in her name being mentioned again.
Grumble.
The rune located next to the magic stone.
It reacted to Belzebub and Diablo's phantoms, which had been gluttonized a while ago.
As if resisting, the divine power, which had been quiet all along, seethed.
Achieving the level of an Archduke.
Achieving the existence of an Archduke.
Why did the divine power, which had no problem suppressing until now, suddenly.
He didn't have much time to think.
[……!!]
Mammon recognized the situation happening inside his body.
It was about the same size as Odin's, but the divine power of a clearly different nature was permeating the rune.
[What….]
Why.
Why.
There was no need to say such words.
Because the person who created the current situation appeared in front of him.
[You….]
This was a Personal Space created in the demon realm.
Even Gilfer had sacrificed his body to lure him into a trap.
"Igmune also had that expression."
Tae-hyun, with his hands in his pockets, was saying, as if asking why he was so surprised.
Tae-hyun raised his purple magic power without explanation.
The power seemed no different from what Rosaria was handling.
[I see…. You have come to handle divine power.]
"You've been racking your brains quite a bit. It's too late."
The moment Tae-hyun, who had calmed the purple magic power, was about to create the maw of gluttony.
[Contractor. This Mammon's brother.]
Gilfer blocked Tae-hyun's path.
"……?"
[It's this Mammon's bad relationship. I will handle it myself.]
The red eyes met only for a moment, but Tae-hyun obediently stepped back.
'It must be different from when I faced Belzebub from the challenger's position.'
She was also aware of it.
That the current battle was the moment to decide the true Demon King, the moment of generational change.
Tae-hyun used 'The Eyes of the Nightmare King' to compare the power.
Mammon's magic power was 200,000.
Gilfer's magic power was 100,000.
Even though they had opened the same five horns, such a gap meant that there was a significant loss in the process of being drawn into the Personal Space.
Gilfer could not handle the authority of mind control like Tae-hyun, nor could she draw and use the magic power of the sacred beast like Elven.
If he hadn't intervened now, Gilfer would have opened the sixth horn and engaged in a fierce battle.
'A stiff fellow. Well, that's why he was able to abandon his authority.'
[Thank you.]
"I won't wait long."
Tae-hyun, who said that, moved away from the two Demon Kings and sat cross-legged.
Kwaaaa.
He operated the magic power to confirm the contractual relationship connected to Gilfer.
'The element of the root', 'The rampage of the deep sea', 'The omen of evolution'.
Just using these skills rapidly increased Gilfer's magic power.
[…….]
[……!!]
Gilfer turned around at Tae-hyun's actions, and Mammon growled at the unexpected interference.
"If you have any complaints, ask Igmune who ate Asura."
He was only recovering the existence that had been taken by Igmune.
He said that he would not pay attention to the battle, so feel free to hit and fight.
[That crazy human… Gilfer. Don't tell me you're thinking of dirtying the sacred battle of the Demon King like this.]
Mammon hoped for Gilfer's personality.
Ding.
[Skill Blessing of the Fairy(???) has been activated.]
Kwagwagwagwa.
Gilfer's magic power soared along with Elven's authority that Tae-hyun used.
[…Let's start, Mammon.]
He told him not to worry because he wouldn't open the sixth horn.
Mammon, who still showed a magic power value of 200,000, and Gilfer, who had well exceeded 300,000.
There was no way she couldn't feel the difference.
'Gilfer, that fellow. Your speaking skills have improved a lot.'
Rejoicing at the change in her contractor.
Tae-hyun concentrated on magic power control.
The match didn't take long.
There was a difference of 100,000 magic power.
It was also because Gilfer was not behind Mammon in terms of combat experience and skill.
So it was a natural course for Mammon to kneel before her.
All of Mammon's horns, which had been broken after the last struggle called Purgatory, had been broken.
Tae-hyun looked at the scene with satisfaction.
Mammon, who was spitting out curses, proposed an alliance to Tae-hyun.
[This Mammon is also not insufficient to be called a Demon King.]
His existence was no less than Gilfer's.
He said that he would make an oath of obedience if he wanted.
"You're wrong, Mammon."
If Gilfer had shown her divine power, the match would have been decided even without him.
He only intervened because there was not enough time now.
"More than anything, having a guy like you by my side in future wars is too unsettling."
Igmune, Hazard, and Orgal were irreplaceable forces.
But Gilfer alone was enough to control the demons.
Ding.
[Skill Archdemonization(???) has been activated. Specify the imitation area.]
Tae-hyun's body transformed into Belzebub's.
Sizzle. Sizzle.
The thorns, which were dripping with poisonous magic power.
Slash!!
Easily pierced Mammon's magic stone.
[Cough… Cough…!!]
Looking down at Mammon, who was moaning.
"Be satisfied with being a stepping stone for the future."
Tae-hyun sentenced him to death.
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