RKP 461-470

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461

Even with his horns and tail already severed by Gilfer, he was directly hit by the magic stone.

It was a pain that even a Grand Duke couldn't easily brush off.

Cough... Kah... Cough....

Mamon groaned, a sound akin to a scream, as his magical power was rapidly drained away.

With each exhale, he tasted the agonizing decrease in his power.

[St...op...]

Mamon uttered with difficulty.

It wasn't a command.

He, who was once counted among the great ancient devils, and who ultimately became the Demon King, the pinnacle of his race, was now begging for his life.

"You're impatient. You just had to accept something like divine power, making things complicated."

Rather, Taehyun chided Mamon.

[This o-one admits his mistake...]

"Don't say useless things and just relax. The more you resist, the more painful it will be for you, you know?"

[A pledge of obedience...]

"You're not listening, are you?"

Tring.

[Skill Energy Drain(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill True Blood(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill Heart of the Great Demon(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill Heart of the Demon Beast(???) has been enhanced.]

Taehyun enhanced the skill that boasted the best efficiency in absorption.

'Mindscape' and 'Personal Space.'

There was no need to use skills in this virtual space.

It was just to focus more on simultaneously draining Mamon's magical and divine power.

Tzzzzzzzz.

As the absorption of magical power progressed, Mamon's screams intensified.

Gilfer, who was watching, even shook her head.

Kiiii-.

Kiiiiii-.

Kigigigik-.

The three spinning magic stones filled themselves with the power that was once Mamon's, each emitting its own noise.

[Kah...!!]

Mamon's body began to run amok due to the irresistible, one-sided absorption.

"This guy, until the end..."

Taehyun's expression hardened at the resistance, which was different from before.

It was because the energy driving the resistance was not simply magical power.

'Divine power.'

A lump of rock beside Mamon's magic stone.

Divine power, incomparable to that of the Valkyrie, was emanating from it.

Comparing the scale.

'Horus.'

It was comparable to that guy's.

'Absolute-level divine power, huh.'

There was no need to use 'Ataraxia.'

Taehyun, who had experience through the Valkyrie, quickly assessed the situation.

Odin's Rune.

And Jormungandr.

'It's dangerous to inject divine power into Gilfer.'

Even Taehyun took quite a bit of time to control the clash between divine and magical power.

He didn't know what Mamon had done, but if this power was transferred without any preparation, it was highly likely to damage her class.

There was only one way.

'I'll absorb the divine power.'

Unlike before, three magic stones were enough, and Taehyun could also handle divine power.

Even if it caused a rampage, Rosaria would control the space, so it wouldn't be a problem.

He didn't hesitate for long.

Tring.

[Skill Omen of Evolution(???) has been enhanced.]

['Great Power' awakens.]

Taehyun enhanced his presence.

'Omen of Evolution' was Gilfer's authority.

Its effect only occurred with magical power.

It was to suppress the divine power Mamon possessed by strengthening magical power.

'Control it with overwhelming power.'

The three magic stones spun fiercely.

The dark red magical power residing in the heart strengthened the three magic stones once again.

Tzzzzzzzz.

In order to fully deliver all the Demon King's magical power contained in the three magic stones, he opened Rosaria's tentacles.

"Get ready."

Counting from Grand Duke level, it was the third time, following Mephisto and Beelzebub.

Gilfer nodded, familiar with the situation.

Kwaddeudeud.

The sixth horn, which she hadn't even used when fighting Mamon.

She fully opened the authority of evolution, spread her huge wings and tail, and rotated the magic stones.

It was to receive Taehyun's huge magical power, purified from Mamon, without leaking a bit.

And.

Pook!! Pook!! Kudeuk!!

Taehyun unhesitatingly stabbed his tentacles and thorns into her.

It took quite some time to transfer the karma of one who was once a Demon King to the Demon King.

Tring.

[Great power has been absorbed.]

[Divine power increases.]

[Magical power increases.]

Numerous other messages appeared.

The biggest change he felt was that the total amount of divine power had increased.

At this rate, the day might come when divine power surpasses magical power, he thought.

Thinking that, he looked at Gilfer.

She looked as if she had undergone even more changes than Taehyun.

"The seventh horn, huh."

[Purgatory. The crystallization of karma that Mamon accumulated over a long period.]

An ancient great devil born of desire.

She who had abandoned her authority now wielded more authorities than anyone else in the history of the demon race.

Yet Gilfer's expression looked bitter.

It was because the presence of her brothers, who were either Grand Dukes or expected to grow to the Grand Duke level, resided in each authority.

Unlike Taehyun, who inherited the authority as a skill.

She had inherited all the ways they had lived, causing various emotions to mix together.

Perhaps that was why.

"You look lonely. Want to come with me?"

Unlike his original plan, Taehyun asked her that.

Gilfer shook her head.

[Brother. This one is not as weak as you think.]

Her appearance, showing off her seven horns as she spoke, was so reliable.

"You've become quite the Grand Duke, Gilfer."

Taehyun said with a smile.

[As planned, this one will gather the remaining demon race. I don't know how many surviving Great Demons there are, but the more the better.]

Following Beelzebub, Mamon and Asura, who had led the demon race, had both perished.

If they didn't deal with it properly, the demon race was likely to be eaten by other races or become extinct.

Gilfer was declaring her intention to rule the clan as the sole Demon King.

She also needed time to melt down the authority of Purgatory, in which Mamon's will remained strong.

"That's a good excuse."

Igmun was subjugated, and Mamon was annihilated.

The vampire race, like the demon beast race and the dragon race, would follow the will of their king, and the demon race would follow the rule of Gilfer, who had become the sole king.

[Everything is proceeding according to brother's plan. Is the next one Jormungandr?]

Taehyun nodded.

[That guy won't be easy.]

Jormungandr's reputation was terrible even among the Grand Dukes.

He conspired with Orgal to overthrow Typhon, and he maintained ties with the Upper Realm, so he could overturn the Lower Realm at any time.

He was different from the other Grand Dukes, whom Taehyun could place under his control through their respective interests or the logic of power.

'It's possible that our current contractual relationship was what he was aiming for.'

[Personal Space. How about drawing him into that place and getting help from Elven and Rosaria?]

If he did that, Taehyun would not be at a disadvantage even under the condition of the Demon Sea, Gilfer said.

"Yeah. I have to prepare well."

He felt the divine power, which had grown even larger with what he had absorbed from Mamon.

The two unmixed powers were boiling as if they would collide at any moment.

'Did Asmodeus control something like this?'

He recalled another key that had shown monstrous divine power in the past, when Taehyun had not yet obtained the power of a complete Grand Duke.

No matter how strong he had become.

'I'm stronger now.'

There was no reason to fear a lizard that hadn't ascended.

"Should I take the Demon Sea hostage?"

At her contractor's muttering.

[...]

The Demon King quietly remained silent.

Deep inside the Demon Sea in the deepest part of the Abyss.

Horus and Anubis were meeting through a gate.

[Horus headed to Lucifer?]

[Yes. He should have made contact by now.]

[This is... I can't understand. For a guy like Horus to make such a choice...]

Jormungandr reacted in disbelief at Anubis's information.

Lucifer did not like the absolute being of the Upper Realm.

The fact that Anubis, who had contacted him under Osiris's orders, almost died was proof of that.

If Jormungandr hadn't taken precautions in advance, Anubis would have been sealed somewhere in Lucifer's castle by now.

[That guy Horus is no more than a fledgling among the absolute beings. But the clear eyes he inherited from his noble lineage are special.]

Lucifer, who did not welcome the absolute being, would not miss the prey that came to him of his own volition, Anubis said with certainty.

[Hooh. Did he do it on purpose? Horus, that fledgling. Didn't you say he was your friend?]

[There is no such thing as a favor without a price. Just like our relationship.]

Anubis's clear eyes, revealed behind the mask, narrowed.

The absolute being of the Upper Realm and the Grand Duke of the Lower Realm joined hands.

He was very satisfied with himself for having achieved that situation.

[Indeed. I like the sound of that.]

[There will be injuries, but someone like Horus should be able to escape somehow.]

[Intervene then and steal his eyes?]

[That's right.]

Kikkikik.

Jormungandr chuckled lowly.

[The price?]

[The Moon's Eye. Give me one of his eyes. I'll give up the other one.]

[That's an expensive price for information.]

[...]

[But fine. It's not a bad deal for this one anyway, so I'll move.]

Grand Duke and absolute being.

They exchanged a sour gaze.

[There are bad rumors in the Lower Realm?]

Anubis mentioned Taehyun's actions.

He knew that a mere human was attracting the rulers of the Lower Realm, the Grand Dukes.

[He's been quiet recently, but he seems to have become even more arrogant recently.]

[Of course. Because he took Ra's Eye from Horus.]

[...What?]

[Oh, I forgot to tell you the culprit of this incident.]

Taehyun had reached the Upper Realm and taken one of the eyes that Horus possessed, Ra's 'Eye of the Sun.'

That was how he was able to lure Horus to the Lower Realm.

Now was the time to take advantage of him, as he had both of the Moon's Eyes, which he needed for the Eye of the Sun.

[...]

Jormungandr, who had heard the story, was silent.

[What's wrong?]

You stupid absolute being. Why are you telling me this now?

Jormungandr barely suppressed the urge to say that.

Hoo.

He took a breath and opened his mouth.

Ra, who was the master of the Celestial Realm.

Even if it was just one, if he could digest all the divine power contained in it.

[He'll be able to grow into an absolute being in one go.]

[There's no way a Lower Realm monster can fully digest that power. You should know that best, right?]

[Kim Taehyun is different from me. The power of the Lower Realm King has many variables.]

[...I have to hurry.]

Anubis's voice, who had finally realized the seriousness of the situation, lowered.

On the other hand, Jormungandr's voice had become lighter.

Kim Taehyun.

How far would the guy he had kept alive grow?

He was getting excited by the renewed expectations.

[The ripest fruit should be eaten last.]

[You know that it could disappear, right?]

Anubis mentioned the key to the Upper Realm King.

Asmodeus.

Kikkikkikkik.

[Two keys. Variables created by arrogant kings. Isn't this also interesting?]

[...]

Jormungandr burst out laughing again, looking at the silent Anubis.

Anubis's figure disappeared from the gate.

[A fledgling absolute being had Ra's Eye...]

Jormungandr chuckled to himself.

[I am the observer.]

The one who watches the changes in the Lower and Upper Realms.

Therefore.

The one who will ultimately devour the changer.

The reason why he didn't touch Rosaria, even though he knew that she was a being planted by the Lower Realm King, was for that reason.

The same was true of why he had kept Taehyun alive even though he knew that he had made a contract with Rosaria.

But not anymore.

Kim Taehyun and Rosaria had already become strong enough to shake the Lower Realm.

[Now... how should I catch that Horus guy?]

Just as he was thinking about how to finish the plan before Taehyun came.

[Lord Jormungandr.]

One of his top subordinates approached.

[Hooh?]

Jormungandr exclaimed in admiration, flashing his odd eyes.

[The report... why... what's wrong?]

The top subordinate tilted his head and asked, as the gaze of his master was different from usual.

[How can I not be interested?]

[...?]

[You're already dead.]

[What...]

Tsk tsk.

Jormungandr clicked his tongue.

[Show yourself now.]

At the same time as those words.

Jeoeeok.

The subordinate's body turned into a maw of predation.

462

The maw, taking the form of predation, wriggled and changed shape.

Crack.

It didn't take long for the gaping maw of predation to spit out its master.

Yormungandr, who was watching, burst into laughter.

[Kim Tae-hyun. My proud contractor has come to find me.]

"Did you think I wouldn't be able to find you in the Demon Sea?"

Tae-hyun replied nonchalantly, facing Yormungandr.

Unlike the territories of the other Archdukes on land.

Lucifer and Yormungandr, who formed territories in the sky and the Demon Sea, were difficult to even find.

If it were the previous Tae-hyun, he would never have thought of approaching in this way.

Yormungandr chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

[Of course not. I was just curious. How you would find me in the vast Demon Sea.]

Yormungandr's odd eyes scanned the maw of predation, which had not yet completely disappeared.

[To be able to utilize the power of the Underworld King to this extent. You've been to the Upper Realm after assimilating with the Divine Beast, it seems.]

It's better than expected.

One of Yormungandr's odd eyes.

His blue eyes flashed.

He could see the enormous divine power residing in Tae-hyun's body.

['Eye of the Sun'. It seems you've succeeded in controlling Ra's power.]

"You even know that I've been to the Upper Realm?"

Tae-hyun asked back, drawing his Dragon Slayer Sword.

[You're planning to have all the Archdukes under your feet before you strike Lucifer. A great decision.]

"I didn't expect to receive this kind of support. It'll be faster to talk since you understand my heart."

Crackle. Crackle.

An unprecedentedly huge lightning erupted from the Dragon Slayer Sword.

The sword, which was only at the level of the Dragon Clan's leader.

It now possessed an edge that could even cut through the Archduke's tough body.

[Oh.]

Yormungandr, who knew that fact, looked at the reborn Dragon Slayer Sword with interest.

Whoa!

Tae-hyun raised his deep blue magic power.

"They say you're the most cunning of the Archdukes."

[What an exaggeration.]

"Let's go easy without wasting each other's strength."

It's a kind of contract renewal.

He was conveying his intention to solidify the relationship before the battle with Lucifer.

It meant that he would wrap layers upon layers of the Spell of Desire.

Kilkilkikil.

Yormungandr chuckled.

Every time he heard news about Tae-hyun.

Every time he faced that arrogant attitude, excitement welled up.

[You subjugated Hazard, Orgal, and Igmun. And recently, you even got rid of Mamon.]

"It's hard to believe that you're stuck in the water."

His information is fast.

That's how Tae-hyun evaluated Yormungandr.

[You've even revived the Fairy King, the Giant King, and the Dwarven Meister. At this point, you're the closest to winning the territory war.]

Yormungandr said nonchalantly, as if it were unrelated to him.

Also.

[Why don't you let me know the fun?]

As he did with the other Archdukes.

He told him to show him his grown-up self.

Divine Beast and divine power.

It meant to show him the power he had newly obtained.

"Hazard, Orgal, Igmun. They all said that in the beginning."

Tae-hyun clicked his tongue and calmed down his deep blue magic power.

"It's a regrettable choice."

Ting.

[The skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated.]

Whoa!

Darkness fell.

[The skill True Blood(???) has been activated.]

[The skill Demon King's Heart(???) has been activated.]

[The skill Beast Clan's Heart(???) has been activated.]

Kieee-.

The three magic stones rotated and strengthened their existence.

The Dragon Slayer Sword he was holding spewed out an even more ominous magic power.

"Yormungandr. Are you any different?"

Ting.

[The skill Dream Demon King's Eye(???) has been activated.]

Swish.

Purple magic power surged in his red eyes.

As Yormungandr had done.

Tae-hyun's red eyes scanned the guy's body.

[That eye. It's Rosaria's.]

The apex of the Dream Demon Clan.

An eye with special potential throughout the Lower and Upper Realms.

[So, how much of my magic power do you see here?]

"300,000."

Tae-hyun said calmly.

It could be said to be the average magic power figure of an Archduke who can still exert his full power in his territory.

The problem was that he hadn't used his Authority yet.

As expected.

Tzzzzzzzz.

Yormungandr's body was enveloped in blue magic power.

Red and blue.

Odd eyes that symbolized him.

His red and blue eyes became even darker.

The only thing that changed in appearance was that.

"Indeed. You're the strongest of the Sea Current Clan."

The guy's magic power figure, reflected in the 'Dream Demon King's Eye', was rapidly increasing.

[How about now?]

He asked that, wearing his Authority.

500,000.

[Hmm. 500,000, is it?]

At Tae-hyun's words, he muttered something incomprehensible, as if he were calculating something.

It wasn't the kind of behavior you'd show in front of an enemy.

'No, with 500,000, it's probably enough to do that.'

But.

"I'm predicting everything."

Ting.

[The skill Deep Sea Rampage(???) has been activated.]

[A great power awakens.]

Tzzzzzzzz.

Messages appeared in front of him that all kinds of stats were increasing.

The Dragon Slayer Sword, as if welcoming the rushing magic power, spat out lightning.

"It'll be fun to break you."

Ting.

[The skill Dragon's Wrath(???) has been activated. Specifying target.]

Kugugung!!

A huge force pressed down on Yormungandr.

There was nowhere to escape because it was deployed over a wide area.

Swish!!

In that gap, the Dragon Slayer Sword, which had rushed in, cut off one of Yormungandr's arms.

Krrr.

The deployed Demon Sea stuck to it and achieved ultra-high-speed regeneration.

It was a process that had been repeated several times.

Nevertheless, there was not the slightest change in Yormungandr's magic power figure.

'The Demon Sea is the same as his magic power.'

Just by staying still, his magic power was being filled as if imitating Igmun's Authority.

[Personal Space. Why aren't you using it on me?]

As if he knew all about Tae-hyun's moves.

Yormungandr asked that.

He had already figured out how Tae-hyun had brought the Archdukes to their knees through the gate.

[Surely the reason you're using that eye isn't just to gauge my magic power. Come on, use it quickly.]

He said that further exploration was meaningless.

Mental World, Doppelganger, King's Authority, etc.

He told him to do everything he could.

Tae-hyun stopped his attack, interrupted by the obvious provocation.

"I'm dumbfounded. A guy who hasn't even revealed his true form."

[Arrogance. It is only allowed to the Archdukes.]

Tae-hyun shook his head.

"That's why you're getting hit."

[......?]

"If it's Personal Space, you've already been in it, right?"

[......!!]

It was the moment Yormungandr recognized reality.

Swish.

The Demon Sea, which had been filling the floor, turned into sand.

Yormungandr tilted his head.

[I wasn't letting my guard down. When?]

Tae-hyun replaced the answer by shrugging his shoulders.

'It's not deviating from my expectations at all.'

The Archdukes are mistaken.

Rosaria's Authority, Mind Control.

In order to precede it, the opponent must be unguarded and mentally weak, or physically weakened.

'It's not wrong. If there's anything I overlooked.'

It was that Rosaria's magic power, which had been assimilated with the Divine Beast with the help of Elven, had grown beyond comparison to before.

"Not letting your guard down isn't always a winning condition."

[Indeed. It's as if I'm facing the ancient Lilith.]

Yormungandr manifested into his true form.

A huge snake with blue and red scales mixed together.

It was as large as Hazard's huge body, except that it didn't have wings.

Was that all?

Krrr.

Just by him manifesting, the raging Demon Sea began to erode the Personal Space.

Crack. Crack.

Crack!!!

[Where I am is the Demon Sea.]

Tae-hyun confirmed the magic power that Yormungandr's huge body was revealing.

700,000.

'This is a bit tough.'

He expected that it wouldn't be easy due to the nature of his Authority.

'There are a few more Personal Spaces prepared.'

Ting.

[The unique skill Predation(???) has been activated.]

Gulp.

The maw of predation spread out from under his feet.

The Demon Sea absorbed through the maw was converted into huge magic power.

[That's right, that's it.]

Yormungandr said with a pleased voice at the power Tae-hyun was showing.

Tae-hyun silently opened the remaining skills.

Ting.

[The skill Demon King's Saliva(???) has been activated.]

[The skill Primal Element(???) has been activated.]

Poison resided in the Demon Sea, and lightning flowed.

Ice and fire teased the Demon Sea as if singing, the ground was turned upside down, and the wind blew to push the Demon Sea away.

The magic power absorbed by the maw of predation formed a huge wish-fulfilling jewel.

[Excellent.]

"Wait and see. You'll regret it."

Kilkilkilkikil.

Yormungandr burst into laughter, wondering what was so good.

The Authority of Rampage, carried in his voice, arbitrarily strengthened Tae-hyun's magic power.

It was a situation he had already experienced once.

Tae-hyun controlled the Authorities he had opened.

800,000.

Before he knew it, the magic power he was spewing out was heading for an unbelievable figure.

At this rate, every Personal Space he created would be eroded.

'I'll end it in one go.'

Tae-hyun walked up to Yormungandr and looked up at his huge body.

Yormungandr's red and blue eyes looked down at Tae-hyun.

As if aiming for each other's gaps.

That state continued for quite a while.

And suddenly.

[It is your victory.]

Yormungandr admitted defeat.

"What trick are you playing?"

The existence called Archduke is all guys who call themselves the kings of their species.

They are far from the word defeat.

Such a guy admits defeat before he even properly competes?

It was no wonder Tae-hyun was suspicious.

[It's not good for each other to overdo it here. Didn't you say that?]

"You told me to take out everything you have? It can't be that you came to your senses after actually seeing it."

[Fuhuhu. Don't bluff. Even if it's a Personal Space, this is my territory.]

He said that if he overdid it here and got injured, the other Archdukes would betray him.

He said that a contract in a state of collapse is meaningless.

"So, let's take each other's benefits at this point?"

[That's right.]

"......"

It's not wrong.

He would have accepted his proposal if it were normal.

But.

"I came here today with the intention of trampling you."

Tae-hyun swung the Dragon Slayer Sword he was holding and cut his scales.

[......]

Krrr.

The Demon Sea seethed and recovered Yormungandr's body.

Even at this moment, Predation was sucking up the Demon Sea, but there was no end in sight.

[It's useless. In my territory, the Demon Sea is close to infinite, and as long as there is the Demon Sea, I will not disappear.]

Yormungandr asserted that even Lucifer couldn't do anything to him here.

[Isn't what you want my cooperation for the territory war?]

Yormungandr said that he could at least make a contract that he would cooperate in the territory war and the race war, and that he would not betray him.

'It's different from Mamon.'

Yormungandr is the king of the Sea Current Clan.

There were many things he had to do for Tae-hyun in the future.

"I'm uncomfortable entrusting my back to a guy like you."

[Klukluklu. Reputation is not something you can trust.]

"Show me your sincerity."

He said he would judge based on the value of the information he spat out.

Tae-hyun gestured.

[Before that, let me ask you one thing. How much of my magic power do you see in that eye?]

800,000.

Tae-hyun told him as if it were nothing.

[Is that all?]

"You're too self-conscious."

Yormungandr's huge body shook at the mockery.

[Lucifer's magic power is 1 million. It must be around that much.]

463

Million.

Just hearing his power as a number made my mind feel dizzy.

'I was wondering what he was thinking... he was calculating Lucifer's magic power.'

Only then did I understand his behavior of not focusing on the battle.

Not just magic power.

Everything he knew about me.

He must have been timing when to negotiate with Taehyun using those as bait.

Unworthy of a Great Duke, he was using cheap tricks.

Yormungandr seemed to read Taehyun's thoughts as well.

[If Hazrad reveals his true power, it would be similar to mine. Didn't you expect that much?]

Hazrad had the advantage of the domain in the battle with Taehyun, of course.

'He didn't use the power of the Dragon Lord to the limit either.'

He lost appropriately for an appropriate reason, at an appropriate level.

It wasn't strange to evaluate him like that.

'No.'

Taehyun shook his head.

The part that should be doubted was wrong.

'From the start, it's unexpected that Yormungandr's magic power reaches 800,000.'

Even if it was his domain.

Even if he used the special environment of the Magic Sea.

The gap in magic power with Belzebub, Orgal, Igmun, Rosaria, and Typhon was too large.

Gilfer who will awaken his complete power, the current Elven who has merged with the Divine Beast, and Hazrad who uses the power of the Dragon Lord.

Even if they drew out all their potential, could they reach the level of power Yormungandr is showing now?

Difficult.

'Did I think too easily?'

Multiple Mental Image Worlds. Support from Elven and Rosaria who merged with the Divine Beast. The body of the key that can remove the Underworld King's spell.

Even these were enough to fight Yormungandr.

[You can't ignore the information about Lucifer, can you?]

"……."

I didn't deny it.

I couldn't see his expression because he appeared in his true form, but there was laughter in his voice.

He was convinced that Taehyun had taken the bait.

"Stop with the pathetic wordplay."

Crack.

Taehyun slashed Yormungandr's massive body once again.

Yormungandr showed no particular reaction to the one-sided attack.

Just.

Krrrr.

He was just regenerating the scales that the Dragon Slayer Sword cut off at super speed.

In doing so, he emphasized that unlike other Great Dukes, there was no limit to drawing in magic power, and that further battles were meaningless.

'What a smug bastard.'

He was arrogant, yet possessed meticulousness to match.

Taehyun, who had mocked countless Great Dukes so far, knew that this type was difficult to deal with.

"Even if that's true. It's not particularly helpful."

Magic power of 1 million.

Even if that's true.

If I defeat Yormungandr here, it will become a measure of Lucifer's power.

So.

"I'm not tempted."

Just as Taehyun was about to swing the Dragon Slayer Sword again.

[Oh, you misunderstood me.]

"……?"

[The number 1 million refers to Lucifer's 'magic power'.]

Yormungandr emphasized the word 'magic power'.

"……!!"

In that moment, Taehyun's red eyes wavered.

It was because he remembered Lucifer's background as the former master of the Heavenly Realm.

Yormungandr's huge odd eyes curved like a crescent moon.

He thought that I finally understood what he meant.

[Yes. He still has the power of divinity, doesn't he?]

"……."

Silence was the answer.

Swish.

Yormungandr transformed back into human form.

As Taehyun expected, there was a bitter smile on his face.

[Magic power and divine power. The moment he reveals his true power, none of the Great Dukes can stop him.]

He knew the solution.

The King of the Magic Sea flicked his snake-like tongue.

Taehyun's mind raced.

'I have to make a deal with this bastard.'

Even if I was prepared for disgrace and made him submit.

There was a high probability that I wouldn't get the information.

If that happened, I would win the battle but lose the war.

'This cunning bastard won't easily spit out information….'

Just as I thought.

[It seems the initiative has changed. Now, you will have to show sincerity to me.]

Yormungandr, who had proven his worth, immediately tried to seize the initiative in the deal.

However.

Tring.

[Skill Dragon's Wrath(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill Great Demonic Transformation(???) has been activated. Specifying the mimicry area.]

Taehyun, who had enhanced his skills, swung the Dragon Slayer Sword without a word.

Slash.

With a huge force, Yormungandr's arm was cut off.

Krrrr.

The severed arm was about to regenerate at super speed along with bubbles.

Tring.

[Skill Origin of Elements(???) has been enhanced.]

Taehyun stopped the regeneration with Typhon's authority.

[What are you doing….]

The guy who suddenly became a one-armed man gritted his teeth.

"Just."

Because I didn't like it.

Taehyun, who muttered softly, released his magic power with all his might.

[You crazy bastard.]

Yormungandr tried to return to his true form.

"Where do you think you're going."

Tring.

[Skill Blessing of the Fairy(???) has been activated.]

[Skill Omen of Evolution(???) has been activated.]

[A huge power awakens.]

[A huge power overlaps.]

He amplified his magic power with Elven's authority and used Gilfer's authority to stop his polymorph.

There is a limit to the existence and magic power that can be used in human form.

[……!!]

Yormungandr's face hardened at the unexpected situation.

His appearance was so pleasing.

He smiled, mimicking the smile the guy had shown a little while ago.

Tring.

[Unique Skill Devour(???) has been enhanced.]

Crack.

A huge maw soared up from under Taehyun's feet.

[You crazy bastard…. Are you really going to try to fight me!!]

"Yeah."

Eat him up.

With an indifferent command.

Crunch!!

The maw of Devour bit into Yormungandr's limbs.

Flash.

At the same time as releasing 'Apocalypse', Personal Space disappeared.

Yormungandr, who was in a state of disrepair, revealed his appearance.

[To fuse the ability of mind control into the domain skill... that was an interesting idea.]

He praised Taehyun's technique, which had pushed himself to the limit.

Unlike his relaxed tone.

The places of his body that he failed to properly regenerate revealed gruesome wounds.

Taehyun's appearance was also difficult to call normal.

It was because he revealed his full power with the intention of annihilating him.

Because Yormungandr reappeared in his true form, five more Personal Spaces prepared by Rosaria were destroyed, but.

It was a worthwhile battle just for confirming Yormungandr's power.

Melted by the power of 'Poison', broken by the power of 'Reinforcement', degenerated by the power of 'Evolution', crushed by the power of 'Ferocity', burst by the power of 'Elements', withered by the power of 'Absorption', and.

'Even if torn apart by Devour, his existence remains intact.'

He was definitely exhausted, but.

His display of existence was still surprising to Taehyun.

'It's dangerous any further.'

Taehyun was also at his limit.

If it went any further, they would have to fight each other, prepared for disgrace, as warned from the beginning.

It was time to bite the bait appropriately.

Taehyun walked towards the throne that belonged to Yormungandr.

Yormungandr seemed to be unconcerned, shaking off the power attached to his body.

Thud.

It was made for the king of the countless species that inhabit the Magic Sea.

Sitting on the throne in front of the King of the Magic Sea made me feel naturally arrogant.

"Shall we start our respective businesses now?"

[Ha... hahaha... are you testing my patience?]

Krrrr. Krrk.

Yormungandr, who had completely shaken off the aftereffects of Personal Space, shot out murderous intent.

The Magic Sea filled the area.

"What a bluff."

Tring.

[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated.]

Flash.

Darkness fell over the rising Magic Sea.

There were still more than ten Personal Spaces that Rosaria had prepared.

Magic power can be obtained from the nearby Magic Sea.

That would be enough to make Yormungandr sick of it.

Saying that we would have to have a battle to deepen our friendship a little more.

"King of the Magic Sea. Are you prepared to be disgraced?"

Taehyun unfolded Personal Space once again.

[You crazy bastard….]

Yormungandr's curse and Taehyun's laughter mixed for a while.

Another Personal Space was annihilated.

The deepest part of the Abyss. Sky Castle.

Swish.

Horus in human form appeared there.

He used 'Moon's Eye' to move to the coordinates Anubis had told him.

Swish. Swish.

In an instant, those who exuded gray magic power surrounded him.

They were Lucifer's kin and the Heavenly Race of the First Heavenly Realm who were disgraced with him.

[Amazing. You have completely imitated the Sky Castle of the First Heavenly Realm.]

Horus said his impressions as he looked around their faces covered with masks.

[But you disgraced ones cannot be called the race of the Upper Realm.]

Tsk.

Horus clicked his tongue and revealed his arrogance.

Disgraced.

One of the many kin recognized Horus.

[The Absolute of the 10th Heavenly Realm, Horus.]

[Oh, you know me?]

[What brings you here?]

[I have come to deliver the words of the new master of the 10th Heavenly Realm. Guide me to Lucifer.]

Horus subtly emitted his divine power.

Another 'Moon's Eye' that had been drawn out to accept the Eye of the Sun.

It had found its original place and was shining brightly.

The divine power emanating from the two naturally born eyes was not something the disgraced Heavenly Race could handle.

[Should I tear a few of you apart so you know your place?]

The kin revealed murderous intent at Horus's warning.

At that time.

[Stop. The Lord will make the decision.]

An existence called the Highest Kin stopped the group.

He met Horus's blue eyes.

[Go in. But you must be careful of your actions in front of Lucifer.]

[You're speaking out of turn. Disgraced.]

He sneered and crossed the gate connected to the inner castle.

[There's a line of unwelcome guests coming.]

Lucifer said, resting his chin on his hand.

[I have come on behalf of Anubis. The master of the 10th Heavenly Realm wishes to form a close relationship with the former master of the First Heavenly Realm.]

[…….]

After being silent for a moment at Horus's confident attitude.

Lucifer, who had finished thinking, opened his mouth.

[I see. You've been abandoned?]

[What?]

Before he could say what nonsense.

Hehehehehe.

Lucifer burst into laughter, shaking his body.

[He... dares to mock the Absolute of the Upper Realm?]

A disgraced one dares.

Just as Horus was about to say those words.

[Oh, oh. I've made a mistake in front of a guest. Tell me your business.]

Horus managed to calm the rising spirit and told his purpose.

It was about the purpose of the 10th Heavenly Realm that Anubis had entrusted to him and his personal business.

Lucifer, who had been indifferent to the alliance with the 10th Heavenly Realm, showed interest when the name Kim Taehyun came up.

[You want to catch Kim Taehyun? Why?]

[I don't have an obligation to tell you that.]

[Well, that's true.]

Lucifer burst into laughter again for an unknown reason.

The moment Horus, who couldn't stand it, was about to unleash his divine power.

Swish.

As Lucifer flicked his finger, a figure appeared next to Horus.

It was Cody Cruise, who had been suppressing his presence all along.

[What are you trying to do?]

Horus, who had already pierced through with the Moon's Eye.

The magic power and divine power residing in the human body.

Originally, he would have been surprised at how such a hybrid was created, but.

He had already experienced the more extreme hybrid, Kim Taehyun, so he was indifferent.

464

[Truly a motley collection of beings.]

That was Horus's reaction after a moment of silence.

Lucifer clicked his tongue at the lukewarm response.

[Does it look that way in the eyes of a fledgling Absolute?]

[Watch your mouth, Lucifer. Just because you're in the Lower Realm doesn't mean you're beyond the reach of divine power.]

Saying that, Horus once again displayed his divine power.

A promising Absolute of the Upper Realm and a fallen being cast down to the Lower Realm.

Each was trying to emphasize their own position.

[A god, you say….]

Smirk.

The corners of Lucifer's lips turned up.

Just as the Archdukes of the Lower Realm called themselves kings of their kind, the Absolutes of the Upper Realm tended to call themselves gods.

Lucifer, having once been a member of the Upper Realm, understood that arrogant sentiment better than anyone.

Because of that arrogance, Horus overlooked a few things.

The Absolute position he was so proud of was merely a path Lucifer had already walked.

[This isn't the Upper Realm, is it.]

Whoosh.

Ash-gray magic radiating from Lucifer's body surrounded Horus.

Not the master of the First Heaven of the Upper Realm, but an Archduke of the Lower Realm.

[Fallen Angel Lucifer. That's what the denizens of the Lower Realm call me.]

The rapidly spreading magic quickly engulfed the entire Sky Castle.

Cutting off the uninvited guest's escape route.

[What are you doing?]

Horus growled.

He was here as an emissary of Osiris, master of the Tenth Heaven.

If things went this way, he threatened to break all the agreements he had made with Anubis.

A faint smile appeared on Lucifer's lips.

Amusement. Mockery. Scorn. Pity.

It was a smile with many meanings.

[Anubis. It seems that fellow didn't tell you.]

[……?]

[I let him go when he was running away like a bug, and now he brings me new prey.]

[What…?]

[Still don't understand?]

It seems arrogance isn't always proportional to intelligence.

Lucifer didn't hide his mockery.

Shut up.

Just as Horus was about to shout that, unable to bear it any longer.

[Fledgling Absolute. You are nothing more than prey thrown to this Lucifer.]

Swish.

One of Lucifer's crimson eyes turned azure.

That alone.

Thud.

Horus's body stiffened.

It was different from the magic surrounding the Sky Castle.

[This is….]

Divine power.

[How can you….]

His arrogant voice trembled.

This wasn't the level of a decrepit, fallen being.

It was like his father.

[A Heaven-Master level….]

[An existence that would barely hold a seat among the Absolutes if he were in the First Heaven.]

And that guy had obtained excessive power with the help of his kin.

Lucifer disparaged Horus's existence.

['Ra.' I would have considered it if he had asked for help instead.]

But he scoffed that he would never join hands with the likes of Osiris.

[You….]

Horus, trembling under Lucifer's divine power, unleashed his own divine power.

A chilling aura surged from his two azure eyes.

From his azure eyes to all parts of his body.

The chilling divine power drove out the turbid divine power.

Lucifer noticed a glittering radiance from Horus's body.

[So, you had something to rely on after all.]

Odin's rune, which Anubis had used.

It was the same power.

Even though his own body was bound by the Lower Realm King's spell.

Odin's rune was temporarily breaking free from that spell.

[Still an interesting toy.]

He praised the ability of Odin, his former comrade.

Whoosh.

Suddenly, Lucifer withdrew his divine power.

Swish.

His azure eye returned to crimson.

Magic and divine power.

Just by revealing a part of his power, Horus's body was trembling.

[What are you doing?]

Horus asked, not lowering his guard.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Lucifer clicked his tongue and looked at Cody Cruise.

Despite him unleashing his magic and divine power, he remained steadfast.

He was truly pleased with that sight.

[He's my contractor. Try to defeat him.]

The silence was only momentary.

Rumble.

The immense divine power surrounding Horus revealed a fierce aura.

[To dare mock an Absolute, even in your fallen state!!]

Crack. Crack.

Lucifer's magic, in contact with Horus's divine power, began to freeze.

[Oh ho.]

Lucifer strengthened his magic as if to say, 'Do more.'

[You fallen one!!!]

Horus shouted and unleashed the divine power he had been suppressing without holding back.

It wasn't power he was supposed to use here.

But unable to overcome his innate hot-tempered nature, he fully unleashed his power.

With Odin's rune, power no different from that in the Upper Realm was unleashed.

Crack. Crack.

The Chill of the Moon's Eye, enough to control the heat of the Sun's Eye, enveloped the Sky Castle.

He had instantly broken through his escape route.

[That's a luscious power for a fledgling Absolute.]

[Negotiations are off.]

He spewed all sorts of curses, saying he would kill him next time they met.

[Osiris's kin. You would have become a greater existence if you hadn't been defeated by Kim Tae-hyun.]

[……!!]

At the mention of Kim Tae-hyun, Horus stopped cursing.

As if Horus's reaction was unimportant, Lucifer continued.

By simply consuming his contractor, he would recover some of the power he had lost to Kim Tae-hyun.

He wouldn't interfere.

If he defeated his contractor, he would grant him any wish he wanted.

[Would you like to try?]

[…….]

The time that Odin's rune could avoid the Lower Realm King's spell was limited.

Now that he knew Anubis had betrayed him, the best course of action would be to leave this place.

Gulp.

Horus looked at Cody Cruise.

Even in this moment when his and Lucifer's powers were clashing, the hybrid was steadfastly holding his ground.

He could feel it.

The existence of Lucifer dwelling within him was not light.

Perhaps just by coveting his existence.

[I can achieve the purpose for which I came here.]

Lucifer said as if affirming it.

Horus's 고민 didn't last long.

[Swear, in the name of the First Heaven, in the name of the existence of the Celestial Race, in the name of one who was once a master.]

He demanded that he not interfere in the battle between him and Cody Cruise, nor intervene in the situation thereafter.

[I promise.]

As if he had no intention of doing so in the first place.

Lucifer casually promised.

Only then did the corners of Horus's lips twitch.

[Lucifer. You must also have conditions. Tell me.]

[Conditions….]

There was nothing special.

The law of the jungle.

He told him the principle of the Lower Realm, where the winner takes all.

[That's a condition I truly like.]

[Oh my, our Absolute is not contemplating defeat. If you can't win….]

The Moon's Eye.

You'll have to leave that coveted item behind.

Horus didn't hear Lucifer's words.

The existence of Lucifer that he would take.

And the Sun's Eye that he would reclaim from Kim Tae-hyun.

The realm he would reach when he obtained that power was shimmering before his eyes.

Lucifer nodded.

At the same time, Cody Cruise's sword, clad in authority.

Clang.

Slashed Horus's back.

[I never thought I would witness such a sight….]

In Rosaria's personal space.

There, Tolkien muttered in disbelief.

Succubus Queen Rosaria.

Vampire Lord Igmun.

Beast King Orgal.

Giant King Typhon.

Sea Serpent King Jormungandr.

Demon King Gilfer.

Dragon Lord Hazar.

Fairy King Elven.

Many of the Archdukes who ruled the Lower Realm were sitting around a round table made of the branches of a Divine Tree, growling at each other.

If this wasn't a personal space created by Rosaria.

And if they didn't have to suppress their existence.

They would have been fighting long ago.

Just as much as Tolkien was amazed to see the gathered Archdukes.

Some of the Archdukes were also amazed to see Tolkien.

Among them, Orgal showed the most interest.

[Dwarf. Stay in my castle.]

He said he would provide as many materials and manpower as he wanted.

So he ordered him to make armor and weapons suitable for him.

[Don't you dare order a Meister.]

[Puhuhu. The dwarf has quite the backbone. But my patience is not deep.]

Don't refuse.

Saying that, he raised brown magic.

Wince.

Tolkien's expression hardened at the Archduke's immense magic.

Thud.

A thick hand slammed down on the table.

It was Typhon, who had polymorphed into a human form like the other Archdukes.

[Don't be rude to my bosom friend.]

[A dwarf and a giant as friends.]

Puhuhuhuhu.

Orgal laughed and scanned the Archdukes sitting around the round table.

His gaze lingered on Rosaria and Igmun for a moment.

[I'd rather believe a succubus and incubus are rolling around together.]

It was a remark made without much thought.

[You son of a bitch.]

[Since you have a gaping hole of a mouth.]

Igmun and Typhon flared up.

Igmun was startled by his past, and Typhon thought his Rosaria had been insulted.

Rosaria, the person in question, seemed to be clicking her tongue and ignoring them.

[How long do I have to watch this pathetic sight? Is the contractor not here yet?]

[Almost done. The backflowing magic is intricately intertwined with divine power.]

Elven and Rosaria exchanged telepathic messages.

Tae-hyun was currently assimilating with the Divine Tree to calm the backflow of magic.

[That contractor of mine doesn't listen to my advice not to overdo it at all. Still, well, I don't dislike that annoying guy's haggard appearance.]

Ahahahaha.

Rosaria laughed, looking at Jormungandr.

As a result of fighting Tae-hyun to the limit, he still hadn't completely healed from the backflow.

Nevertheless, the fact that he had shown his face meant that Tae-hyun had ultimately made a favorable contract.

Meanwhile.

[This goblin will tear that mouth apart.]

[Try it if you can.]

[Don't set your sights on Rosaria, you youngsters.]

The magic of the three Archdukes, who were raising their voices, mixed together, creating a spatial rift.

[You idiots.]

Are you going to break the space before the contractor arrives?

Rosaria shouted, but the three already excited Archdukes didn't hear her.

[Pathetic things.]

[…….]

[…Tsk.]

Hazar, Gilfer, and Jormungandr each showed their own reactions.

Nevertheless, they didn't seem to have any intention of stopping them.

They were just quietly enveloping their bodies with their own magic.

Then.

Rumble.

Tae-hyun appeared through the gate.

“It's like kids fighting.”

Ding.

[The skill Dragon's Wrath(???) has been activated.]

Boom.

A tremendous aura pressed down on the personal space.

It was to confirm that he was in good health.

“Focus. You don't intend to show such a disgraceful appearance in front of Lucifer, do you?”

It was an obvious provocation.

But it was a sufficient bait to change the atmosphere.

[Do all the Archdukes need to take down Lucifer?]

It was Orgal who asked that.

[Isn't ganging up on someone your specialty?]

Didn't you overthrow Typhon that way and take the seat of Archduke?

Igmun mocked Orgal.

[Shut up.]

Tae-hyun had to strengthen his aura because Orgal and Igmun were once again revealing their fighting spirit.

“Let's not waste time. Was the battle last time not enough communication?”

[…….]

[…….]

“Lucifer is the strongest among the Archdukes here.”

Tae-hyun scanned the Archdukes with the 'Nightmare King's Eyes'.

Rosaria was 120,000. Elven was 150,000. Gilfer was 70,000. Typhon was 80,000. Hazar was 200,000. Igmun was 30,000. Jormungandr was 5,000. Orgal was 20,000. Tolkien was 3,000.

There was a big difference because everyone was limiting their magic in the personal space.

Especially in the case of Jormungandr, he was a mess due to the aftereffects of the recent battle with Tae-hyun.

'These guys are all on one team.'

He had tied together the guys who were all after Tae-hyun's life with a single contract and came to this place.

'Failure is not allowed.'

So.

“Subdue Lucifer with a single attack.”

Okay, here is the translation:

465

The law of the jungle exists in the Lower Realm.

Countless demons exist there.

Those at this Round Table are all apex beings who have unified one or more species.

In the case of Elven and Tolkien, they are still single entities, but mating is not the only method of reproduction.

Depending on future direction, it wouldn't be strange for them to rule countless tribes at any time.

Therefore.

"Subdue Lucifer with a single attack."

It was no wonder that those representing the power of the Lower Realm were silent at the weight of Taehyun's words.

[A single attack.]

The first to speak was Hazard, who had been taking a bystander's stance.

[Kim Taehyun. Contractor of the Main Dragon. You're underestimating Lucifer.]

Kugugugu.

Black magic rose from her body for a moment.

The magic became authority and offset Taehyun's aura.

She had acquired the right to speak on her own.

[You have come to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Archdukes with a deficient human body.]

Kugung!!

A further strengthened aura pressed down on the area.

The Archdukes, who were doubly burdened by the aura, spat out curses.

[He also inherited the power of the Lower Realm King and showed incredible growth.]

Tell me more.

Taehyun nodded calmly.

[But your time in the Lower Realm has only been a fleeting moment.]

"A fleeting moment. That's not wrong."

Even adding his life before regression.

The time Taehyun spent in the Abyss does not even reach 20 years.

To the Archdukes, who enjoy life as if it were eternal, it is only a fleeting moment.

They live in different times.

'The last few years must have felt like a storm.'

[Lucifer has lived longer than anyone here.]

He was one of the rulers of the Upper Realm before the Lower Realm King appeared, and even after being cast out from their group, he easily obtained the position of Archduke, the apex of the Lower Realm.

Hazard paused and looked at the surrounding Archdukes.

The sight of these bickering beings sitting at the Round Table was just like the heads of her own tribe.

And so, she spoke.

[If we limit it to those from the Lower Realm, the Main Dragon would be the strongest.]

They haven't really fought yet, so we don't know.

Orgal, Typhon, and Igmun expressed dissatisfaction.

Hazard continued, unconcerned.

[If Lucifer has recovered the power of the Upper Realm, even if all the Archdukes rushed at him, there would be no hope.]

Silence fell.

Those who had been cursing and complaining until just now, those who never lost their arrogance,

This time, no one could easily open their mouths.

They knew.

Hazard, whose strength all the Archdukes acknowledged.

She was not one to lightly speak of defeat.

"You're more faint-hearted than I thought. Your aura will be crying."

[I just wanted to let you know how reckless it is to say that you will subdue him with 'a single attack'. The Main Dragon will keep its contract with you until the Territory War. The Main Dragon is also looking forward to the subsequent Tribal War, but there is no need to increase unnecessary sacrifices by underestimating Lucifer.]

Taehyun readily agreed with Hazard's words.

'To fight the Tribal War, the sacrifice of many species is required.'

So there was no need to hunt down those who wouldn't even make a dent if devoured.

Even though he had range skills, the reason he fought against a small number of beings was that reason was dominant.

Lower, intermediate, and upper demons that players could handle based on player standards.

The highest-level demons that a small number of players could handle.

Higher and highest-level species that were evaluated as being beyond that realm.

The only ones who would be of any help in future battles were the highest-level species.

[The Main Dragon defeated you because it saw potential. The others would not be much different.]

Hazard said, looking around at the Archdukes.

What makes the 'Contract of Desire' have a stronger restraining force is the degree of risk.

The problem is that the existence of an Archduke is not so light that it can be permanently restrained.

'If I force it, there is a high possibility that the existence will be damaged.'

Hazard, Orgal, Igmun, and Jormungandr, who had fought, all knew that fact.

The fight was just a process for a more certain contract.

"Our alliance is until the Territory War."

After that.

Depending on the whereabouts of the Lower Realm King, they would decide on the best once again.

When they confirmed the contract conditions again, Hazard, Orgal, Igmun, and Jormungandr looked satisfied.

On the other hand, Rosaria, Typhon, Elven, Gilfer, and Tolkien had lukewarm reactions.

Unlike the other Archdukes, they were not with Taehyun through the Contract of Desire.

[I'll ask again. Is there any change in what the contractor said earlier?]

"No."

[I see. I understand.]

With those words, Hazard asked nothing more.

She also withdrew the aura that had been pressing down.

Everyone's eyes were focused on Taehyun again.

It meant that he should tell them the plan now.

"To subdue Lucifer in one go, he can't be in a normal state."

Taehyun and Jormungandr's eyes met for a moment.

"I'm going to use the Celestial Race of the Upper Realm."

Yi Yi Zhi Yi (以夷制夷). [Using barbarians to control barbarians - Chinese proverb]

Obvious yet fatal.

He spoke a proverb from the East.

[Celestial Race?]

Igmun reacted.

"Yes. We have to bring in an Absolute Being at least."

The Archdukes argued against Taehyun's words.

Especially Orgal and Igmun's reactions were intense.

[It is a shameful thing to bring the Celestial Race into the affairs of the Lower Realm.]

It was Orgal who said that.

[Hmph. For the first time, I agree with you.]

[I don't need your opinion.]

[I warned you not to speak carelessly.]

Once again, the two Archdukes growled at each other.

"You guys better just shut up."

Despite the blatant insult, Orgal and Igmun only gnashed their teeth.

They did not act on it.

This was because of the contract condition that they would cooperate until they won the Territory War.

"Everyone here was stronger than me at first, but not now."

Taehyun made eye contact with each of the Archdukes he had fought fiercely with.

Among the grumbling Archdukes, it was Jormungandr who answered.

[There is a stupid Absolute Being in the Lower Realm. Ah, now there are two.]

[Jormungandr, what are you plotting?]

Igmun, recalling the time of Valkyrie, tried to spit out a curse but swallowed it, noticing Taehyun's gaze.

[I have no obligation to tell you.]

Kilkilkik.

Igmun's snow-white face turned red at Jormungandr's mockery.

"Jormungandr. Stop provoking him unnecessarily."

[Oh my, I was rude.]

Snake-like bastard.

Igmun spat out a curse at Jormungandr's attitude, shrugging his shoulders and closing his mouth, then looked at Taehyun again.

'Dealing with these guys is also something I can't do.'

Taehyun, who sighed, decided to finish the meeting.

"As Jormungandr said, the stage is being prepared."

Until then, he ordered them to reorganize their forces.

When the time came, he would send a signal and order them to fulfill the contract.

The deepest part of the Abyss, Sky Castle.

The Sky Castle, which had been half-destroyed by Lucifer's gray magic, was quickly returning to its original appearance.

Restoring a castle like the Sky Castle originally required the input of many people.

Nevertheless, Lucifer was using his power to quickly get the job done.

[The new power suits you well.]

The target of the question was Cody Cruz.

The two 'Eyes of the Moon' that Horus had.

He had taken one of them.

Eyes are just symbolic shapes.

Knowing this, Lucifer had melted the Azure Light dwelling in the Eyes of the Moon into Cody Cruz's body.

[He has become an existence closer to the Celestial Race.]

He smiled as he checked the divine power dwelling in his contractor's body.

It was because he remembered Horus running away in a hurry after losing one eye.

How funny it was to see him running away shouting for revenge.

He wanted to chase after him and take out the other eye.

How sad it was that he had to endure in order to keep a promise.

But as he looked at Cody Cruz, who was beginning to form a huge echelon, even that regret seemed to disappear.

[The incomplete body will be reconstructed once again. Until then, focus on recovery.]

At Lucifer's command.

"......"

Cody Cruz replaced his answer with silence.

Somewhere in the deepest part.

Swish.

Suddenly, a giant appeared in a place where there was nothing.

The deepest part that Horus had identified in advance.

He moved to the coordinates of a place that could be called a safe zone there.

Throb.

He groaned at the pain felt as he swept his left face with his hand.

It was the spot where Cody Cruz had plucked out his eye.

Damn it. Damn it. Those bastards to be torn to death.

Curses came out naturally.

There were two reasons for his defeat.

The first was that Cody Cruz's power was fused with Lucifer.

The second was that the Odin rune Anubis had given him was incomplete.

The battle, which seemed like it could be overwhelmed and ended quickly, was delayed by the constantly regenerating power, and when the power of the rune disappeared, the Lower Realm King's spell bound his body.

When the spell was applied, he became the highest-level species of the Lower Realm.

Nothing more and nothing less.

In order for beings from different classes to cross the boundaries between the Upper and Lower Realms, they had to accept that level of penalty.

In Horus's case, he had made a mistake he should not have made because he overestimated his power.

Even that would have been beheaded by now if it hadn't been for the spatial movement ability of the Eye of the Moon.

[Lucifer.... Anubis.... Those damn traitorous bastards.... I'll kill you....]

Kim Taehyun and Cody Cruz.

Anubis and Lucifer.

It was when Horus was pouring curses on all of them.

[Oh my. You're in a terrible state.]

The Absolute Being, still hiding his face behind a mask, appeared.

[Anubis!!!]

[You managed to escape well with your incomplete divine power.]

Anubis, who was using the complete Odin rune, quickly grasped Horus's condition.

[Don't tell me you had one of your eyes taken? This is unexpected. With your abilities, I thought you would be able to pull out your body easily.]

Anubis muttered as if he couldn't believe it.

It was as expected that he would greet Horus, who had fled in pursuit.

But he never thought that he would lose one of his eyes to Lucifer.

[You stupid birdbrain.]

Anubis expressed his anger at the thought that his spoils had been reduced.

[Dare to... touch the blood of the Celestial Realm's master and expect to be safe...]

[Tsk tsk. Horus, the blood of God. That's why you're a child.]

If it weren't for Osiris, he would have been trampled and annihilated by other Absolute Beings long ago.

Anubis asserted in a cold tone.

[Just... because of the eyes....]

[I can't say that's not the case either. I'm just sorry that you can't watch this grand plan.]

Anubis, intoxicated with victory, explained his circumstances in detail.

Originally, Jormungandr would have greeted Horus here.

He had been given the direct decision to kill his friend in exchange for cleaning up the mess.

[What does it matter? The Eye of the Moon. If that power is given to me, I will be able to use it twice as well as you. It will also help Osiris become the complete master of the Celestial Realm.]

[Humble blood... too greedy...]

Gritting his teeth, Horus emitted murderous intent.

[Don't resist. It will only prolong the pain.]

Kwaaaaa.

Tszzzz.

Deepest part.

In Jormungandr's territory, two Absolute Beings released their divine power.

466

The battle between Horus, who had suffered a downgrade, and Anubis, who had achieved the status of an absolute being with the power of 'Rune', was no contest.

Crack!!

In an instant, Anubis tore off Horus's limbs and plucked out his remaining azure eyes.

Kahak. Cough.

Horus's dry screams echoed.

Thwack!!

Anubis plunged the radiant spear he was holding into Horus's chest.

Kiiiiii-.

The divine power dwelling in the spear was absorbed into Horus's body.

Horus couldn't regenerate properly due to the Underworld King's magic.

The divine power was replenishing him so that he wouldn't disappear.

However, the amount of divine power he injected was so minuscule that it only served to maintain his life, not enough to regenerate.

[Kill... me...]

[Didn't I tell you? There's someone who desires your body.]

[Traitor... you...]

[Ah... what a gruesome sight.]

Anubis trembled as he looked at the two empty sockets where Horus's azure eyes had been.

Then, he looked at the 'Moon's Eye', the azure eye in his hand.

[I haven't even properly absorbed it yet.]

The immense presence felt in the eerie divine power felt as if it would swallow him whole at any moment.

[Now I understand why Lord Osiris cherished you so much.]

If only he were a little smarter.

If only he had focused on digesting what Osiris had given him, rather than obsessing over the lowly slaves of the Underworld.

[He would have grown enough to keep the Obelisk in check... What a pity.]

He said that if he hadn't made the ridiculous mistake of losing the 'Sun's Eye' to Kim Taehyun, he wouldn't have gone this far.

[Pathetic... excuses... cough... shut... cough...!!]

Horus screamed as Anubis gripped the spear again.

[Don't misunderstand. That doesn't mean I'm going to spare your life.]

Thwack. Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.

Horus lost consciousness as the radiant spear was stabbed into him repeatedly.

Anubis put the 'Moon's Eye' in his pocket and looked around.

The deepest part.

One of the few land areas in the domain of the Sea Serpent King Jormungandr.

Soon, he would come in person to collect Horus's body.

[Don't worry, my friend. All the absolute beings of the Ten Heavens will be targeting Kim Taehyun. Your grudge will surely be avenged.]

With those words.

Swish.

Anubis quickly disappeared.

The Elven Realm.

After the meeting of the Archdukes that took place in Personal Space.

Taehyun was merging with the Divine Tree to recover his body.

This was because he had experienced significant reversal symptoms while facing Jormungandr, who had merged with the Sea of Demise.

Ding.

[The 'Immense Power' has stabilized.]

[The 'Immense Power' has stabilized.]

He opened his eyes at the two messages he heard in his head.

He saw Elven entwined in the branches of the Divine Tree.

[You attended the meeting in that state.]

There was criticism in her voice, but he knew it was actually concern.

"Those guys might jump the gun if I wasted any time."

Unlike the Archdukes, Taehyun's time was not unlimited.

He had to finish the domain war before any variables arose.

[If you do that, your body won't be able to withstand it. You may be able to handle magic power, but divine power is not something you can easily control with your current body.]

"I can't deny that."

The insignificant divine power had grown considerably as it absorbed Horus's and Mammon's.

[Those who wielded that power were ordinary absolute beings and Archdukes, but its origins are from 'Ra', the master of the Ten Heavens, and 'Odin', the master of the Seven Heavens.]

She warned him not to handle it carelessly in the Lower World.

If he made a mistake, it could damage Taehyun's status as an Archduke.

She warned about the immense divine power dwelling in his body.

"I know."

Right now, the immense magic power was suppressing the divine power, but.

If he pushed himself like before, the magic power and divine power would soon mix and cause reversal symptoms.

'It feels like I'm living with a time bomb in my chest.'

It was annoying to have to fight while worrying about the reversal, unlike before.

[Didn't I tell you? Don't think of the masters of the heavens as being on par with the Archdukes.]

Taehyun nodded.

The Archdukes were called the strongest forces in the Lower World, but their numbers were limited.

Rosaria, Igmun, Typhon, Gilfer, Hazard, Orgal, Elven, Jormungandr.

Even including Lucifer and Taehyun.

'Only ten.'

On the other hand, the number of absolute beings in each heaven, who were evaluated as being on par with the Archdukes, was.

[At least a hundred. The masters of the heavens are the top ten among those beings.]

"That's a bleak gap."

Not only that.

The masters of the heavens could use the Divine Tree.

What if the race war had taken place in the Upper World?

What if the Divine Tree was still in the Lower World, and they could use it?

The already extreme gap would widen uncontrollably.

[I understand why you're rushing to finish the domain war, but now is the time to wait for the Divine Tree to increase the presence of the Lower World.]

They needed to increase the number of Archdukes who could stand against the absolute beings.

To that end, Taehyun, who had merged with the Divine Tree, needed to stabilize further.

"You're wrong, Elven."

Taehyun shook his head.

Merging with the Divine Tree to strengthen the presence of the Lower World.

And preparing for the race war with the power that the King of the Lower World had not possessed.

At first, he thought that was the reason he was chosen as the key.

'But that's not enough.'

That alone didn't explain the existence of Asmodeus.

And the Upper World wouldn't just sit still while the presence of the Lower World was being strengthened.

"We can't turn the tables if we move slowly."

[Then are you saying you're going to start a race war with incomplete forces?]

"If necessary, I'll have to."

[......]

"So, we need to subdue Lucifer as soon as possible."

The former master of the First Heaven.

Sometime during the race war.

The one who had tied down many masters of the heavens alone so that the King of the Lower World could fight the King of the Upper World one-on-one.

"That guy might have a new trick up his sleeve, right?"

[That's a very optimistic thought.]

"Before that, I need to absorb divine power to the level of a master of the heavens."

The Divine Tree absorbs and emits both magic power and divine power without discrimination.

Right now, it was like a time bomb.

"If I can handle divine power, it's not impossible to draw the power of the Divine Tree only to the Lower World."

Of course, he didn't know how many absolute beings Taehyun would have to devour to do that.

[The Contractor is the only one who thinks about devouring absolute beings in the Lower World.]

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Suddenly, Elven frowned.

[Oh, Jormungandr wants to talk.]

Taehyun nodded, and a gate was created inside the Divine Tree.

Beyond it, a sparkling odd-eye appeared.

[Kim Taehyun. The stage is set.]

"How is he?"

[He lost his azure eyes and is barely alive.]

"I'll go right away."

There was no further conversation.

Kwaaaa.

The gate where the odd-eye had disappeared absorbed the magic power of the Divine Tree and became even larger.

"I'll be back."

Taehyun crossed the gate.

Tzzt.

Beyond the gate, there was a humanoid Jormungandr.

"You've recovered quite a bit?"

[Do you underestimate my recovery power?]

"Where is he?"

At Taehyun's question, Jormungandr pointed forward with his chin.

There was a part of the huge body that was barely alive.

"He looks incredibly pathetic."

Taehyun muttered, looking at Horus, who couldn't even do super-speed regeneration.

He couldn't believe that the guy who hadn't been easily pushed back even against himself and his doppelganger in the Upper World was in this state.

'If magic is applied, even absolute beings can't do anything about it.'

Taehyun wouldn't have been surprised if he had ended up like this if it hadn't been for his doppelganger.

The memory of that time came back to him, and he felt a chill.

[I'm sure Anubis is planning to take care of him right away?]

"Yes."

The Moon's Eye.

He had told him that Lucifer and Anubis each possessed the two eyes that symbolized Horus's power.

[There's no need to go around. I'll prepare for Anubis as well.]

With those words, Jormungandr disappeared into the gate.

Taehyun walked through the deepest part.

And so.

"Horus."

He called out to the battered guy.

Although there was no divine power left to regenerate, he knew that his consciousness had returned.

As expected.

[You...]

Horus's mouth, which was still in decent shape, opened.

"You've been through a lot."

[Kim Taehyun... in the end... was this your trap...]

Horus made a sound like air escaping.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure that Anubis and Lucifer, who put you in this state, pay the price."

[......]

All the cause was to Taehyun who took away the eye of the sun.

He didn't even talk because the appearance of naturally turning the cause was shameless.

[You... bastard... I'll tear you apart...]

That was the end.

Ding.

[Skill Unique Skill Predation(???) has been activated.]

Crackle.

The maw of predation revealed its teeth under his feet.

As if it recognized the target it had tasted in the Upper World.

Grrrr.

The maw trembled more than ever before.

"Chew it thoroughly."

At the master's command.

Kwaaa!!

The maw of predation swallowed Horus's body.

Ding.

[You have devoured a 'Great Being'.]

[A 'Great Presence' dwells within.]

[Divine power increases.]

To the rising message.

"There's no better stamina food."

Taehyun mourned the death of the absolute being.

The deepest part of the lower world.

Somewhere in Jormungandr's domain.

There, Anubis was sitting cross-legged, controlling his divine power.

The moon eye stolen from Horus.

It was to absorb that power.

The safest way was to absorb it in the upper world.

Horus is a relative of Osiris.

If the fact that he took Horus's power was known, it was obvious that he would incur the wrath of the masters of the heavens.

So he joined hands with Jormungandr.

He promised to set up the situation where Horus was killed by Lucifer.

[Jormungandr. I hope he does well.]

Anubis recalled Horus's body, which he had not finished.

It was already not strange that he had been demoted, but he was an absolute being born with a great bloodline.

Even if the source of power was the moon eye, the body contained divine power that could not be ignored.

If there was Odin's rune, it was not unreasonable to covet the presence dwelling in that body.

[If I do that, I'll be caught.]

Anubis giggled.

He thought he was different from Horus, who ruined the cause due to small greed.

If he digested all of this power, he would be able to take another step forward as an absolute being.

If you take all of the 'Moon Eye'.

One of the top absolute beings of the 10 heavens.

[It's not unreasonable to push out the Obelisk.]

If he did, it would not be impossible to aim for the next master of the heavens.

Anubis was drawing a happy future for a long time.

Quaaaa.

A huge gate was created next to him.

[You're late.]

Anubis said without any warning.

This is Jormungandr's domain.

Whether it was Jormungandr himself coming out of the gate, or one of his minions.

As long as they had a contract, they could not attack him.

But.

"You haven't absorbed it yet?"

[......!!]

Anubis was shocked by the unexpected voice and backed away from his seat.

A humanoid man walked out of the gate.

No, it's not humanoid.

"Anubis. An absolute being who betrayed his own kind."

At the human's words, Anubis immediately identified the identity of the opponent.

[You... no way...]

Why is that.

Drip.

A stream of tears was flowing from the opponent's red eyes.

And.

"I've come to avenge Horus."

[......?]

As if Anubis's intentions were not important.

Taehyun unleashed his magic power.

467

[That Anubis is quite something.]

Jormungandr muttered, watching the battle of beings contained within his odd eyes.

Anubis, an absolute being of the 10 Heavens.

He had long since figured out that the guy was somewhere in the middle ranks of the dozen or so absolute beings of the 10 Heavens.

The three factions that make up the 10 Heavens.

The sun god Ra.

The sky god Osiris.

The stone giant god Obelisk.

Among them, Anubis supported the power of Osiris, and he knew that he was currently active between the 7th Heaven and the Lower World under the orders of the master of the 10 Heavens.

[How cunning.]

Crackle. Sizzle.

He saw Anubis's mask fly off from the lightning that the Dragonslaying Sword was emitting.

Jormungandr chuckled as he watched.

The guy, who had been pretending to be a saint, betrayed his own kind for his ambition, and was now being humiliated by a being from the Lower World that he had looked down on.

No, since Kim Taehyun's roots were in the human race, the shame would be incomparable to being defeated by a Great Duke.

Even so.

[He's holding out better than I thought.]

Already one Great Duke.

Kim Taehyun, who could face two or more Great Dukes if the conditions were met.

He was confident that he was the one who most accurately understood his power.

Because he had achieved a draw against a Great Duke assimilated with the Demonic Sea.

An absolute being who was not even the master of the Heavens would not be able to handle it.

Anubis quickly regenerated from the wounds inflicted by Taehyun, thrusting and throwing his Light Spear, putting up a plausible fight.

[Is the Eye of the Moon being digested? How coincidental.]

Even though he was using power comparable to the Upper World by using runes, if it was the difference in power that he understood, the outcome was already decided.

Crack.

The Dragonslaying Sword, which had shattered the Light Spear, deeply slashed Anubis's chest.

Boom.

The magic of lightning flowed in, and the absolute being's body exploded.

Thud.

Anubis knelt on one knee.

Taehyun watched him without attacking again.

Leisure.

Or arrogance.

He was behaving like the Great Dukes of the Lower World or the absolute beings of the Upper World.

Chuckle chuckle chuckle.

Seeing this, Jormungandr burst out laughing again.

He had told others, including himself, not to let their guard down.

Yet he was doing it so casually.

He knew of a being who had shown a similar appearance long ago.

The Lower World King.

A human who had subjugated all the Great Dukes and reached the pinnacle of the Lower World.

He had 'colluded' with the Upper World King and trapped them in an endless cycle of reincarnation.

The God Slayer.

Taehyun's current appearance was similar to the one he had shown in the beginning.

Since he was the successor to the king's abilities.

In the end, he would not be able to avoid the future of losing the nature of his race.

[Hmm.]

Anubis, who had finished regenerating, rushed in again, but was gradually being pushed back.

On the other hand, Taehyun was not using his full power.

He had a habit of testing his strength against strong opponents.

[Draw out Kim Taehyun's power a little more.]

He coveted the 'Eye of the Moon', but was this all he could do?

Attack and defense.

He clicked his tongue at the absolute being who was not gaining an advantage in either.

Jormungandr also coveted the Eye of the Moon.

If he could, he would have taken it himself.

[It stings.]

He was sorry that he had to give up the Eye of the Moon right now.

The blue eye, which possessed special power, greatly increased divine power and existence just by possessing it.

Numerous Lower World demons.

Among them, only Jormungandr and Lucifer had obtained the blue eye.

Even if limited to those born as demons, Jormungandr was the only one.

Jormungandr was currently maintaining a balance between magic and divine power, and Lucifer was the same.

If he greedily increased his divine power any further.

[I'd have to deal with all of that damn God Slayer's spells.]

Jormungandr grumbled, thinking about his situation.

Humans were different.

Those of the same race as the Lower World King were the only beings in the Upper and Lower Worlds who could accept both red and blue eyes.

Of course, this was under the assumption that a vessel capable of accepting that power was prepared.

It was information that he had learned through experiments on humans, demons, and celestials for a long time.

The best way was to create a contractor who shared his existence.

But sharing existence was a double-edged sword for a Great Duke.

What if he shared his existence with a weak being like a human and was captured by another Great Duke?

Then it would become a dagger that pierced his weakness without any resistance.

Jormungandr was careful in selecting a contractor.

He wanted a body that was not only compatible with his magic.

He also wanted a body capable of experimenting with divine power.

Jang Linpeng, who inherited the authority of 'Absorption'.

Min Jihong, who inherited the authority of 'Enhancement'.

Cody Cruz, who inherited the authority of 'Regeneration'.

Kasim Zolt, who inherited the authority of 'Poison'.

Asisat Ebi, who inherited the authority of 'Haki'.

Kim Taehyun, who inherited the authority of 'Mind Control'.

The optimal bodies for using the authority of each Great Duke.

Verified test subjects.

Among them, Cody Cruz was the most attractive prey.

The fact that he could be assimilated with Lucifer's magic, who was of celestial origin, meant that he could also handle divine power.

Around that time, Kim Taehyun's movements caught his eye.

He was interested in how he, who possessed Rozaria's authority, which was considered the weakest among the Great Dukes, had survived the Great Duke contract and even the Great Dukes themselves several times.

It was not easy to take away a contractor that another Great Duke had preempted.

Therefore, he made the effort to go to Earth and face Taehyun.

And he realized.

The source of the power he possessed.

It was not Rozaria's 'Mind Control', but.

[The Lower World King's authority.]

'Devouring'.

That he was based on that heinous power.

He no longer cared about the other contractors.

He canceled all the plans he had been preparing to capture Cody Cruz.

He focused all his efforts on making Taehyun his contractor.

And so he had come to this.

Kick kick kick.

Jormungandr, who had been reminiscing about the past, burst out laughing.

As a result, Taehyun had become his contractor.

To be exact, he had become the contractor of all the other Great Dukes as well.

And now he was hunting an absolute being in his territory like this.

That alone was encouraging enough.

[Eye of the Moon. You should be able to digest even that power.]

If that happened, his blue eye would also be enhanced as a right of the contractor.

Without having to take the Eye of the Moon directly, he could stably enhance his divine power.

That was the reason why he was hunting two absolute beings in his territory, risking danger.

At that moment.

[Hooh.]

Anubis, who had begun to be pushed back, detonated his divine power.

It was about twice the size he had expected.

[Anubis, has he become able to draw out Horus's power?]

Jormungandr saw the blue eye raising a chilly divine power in his eyes.

Originally, it would have taken quite some time to digest that power.

But he had been forcibly awakened in a situation where he was being relentlessly pushed.

It was an incomplete awakening, but the existence contained in the 'Eye of the Moon' was not light.

The Eye of the Moon quickly began to melt into the existence of the absolute being Anubis.

Anubis's body, which had been busy breaking and regenerating against the Dragonslaying Sword, gradually began to push Taehyun back.

Slash.

Taehyun's Dragonslaying Sword, which had raised its momentum, cut off Anubis's arm along with the Light Spear.

[Oh dear, oh dear. Poor Anubis. He's being treated like a toy.]

Taehyun was only revealing his power little by little to match Anubis's growth.

He clicked his tongue because he didn't like the leeway of his contractor.

Suddenly, a strange smile spread across Jormungandr's face.

He checked his condition.

His body had not fully recovered from the previous battle.

Originally, it would have been difficult to use even 30% of his authority.

But.

[This is my territory.]

It was not a problem to draw in magic power through the Demonic Sea.

Kikikikiki.

[It's not because I have other intentions.]

Jormungandr muttered, blinking his red eyes.

Just that.

Kwaaaaaaa!!

Blue magic power erupted from Anubis's body, who was facing Taehyun.

He blinked his blue eyes.

The magic power that had been erupting from the absolute being's body was converted into divine power.

Controlling not only magic power but also the explosion of divine power.

It was one of the many talents that Jormungandr possessed.

Suddenly, he exceeded his limits.

Anubis, who seemed embarrassed, immediately began to push Taehyun back.

Clang!!!

Seeing the Dragonslaying Sword flying away, unable to overcome the momentum.

He smirked.

Jormungandr further enhanced his divine power.

'That Jormungandr, doing unnecessary things.'

Clang!!!

Taehyun thought as he avoided the Light Spear that was stabbing his face.

'The absolute being's divine power, which had been gradually raised by absorbing the 'Eye of the Moon', was exploding.'

'To be able to make even an absolute being's divine power explode... I guess his control over authority doesn't reach him.'

Even though he was defenseless due to the battle.

To forcibly make an absolute being of the Upper World explode.

It was a skill that Taehyun had not yet reached.

He looked at Anubis, who was materializing dozens of Light Spears in the distance.

'This is enough.'

Following Horus, Anubis.

He had roughly grasped the amount of power that the guys called absolute beings of the Upper World possessed.

Now was the moment to bring the designed stage to the surface.

Tring.

[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated.]

Hwaaaak.

Darkness fell over the area.

[Don't look down on me!!]

Hwaaaaa.

The spears that Anubis materialized emitted light.

A huge light resisted the darkness of the Apocalypse and began to clear the darkness.

Sss sss sss.

Anubis, who was surrounded by light, disappeared for a moment.

Crack!!

The Light Spear that was gripped in his hand pierced Taehyun's back.

Crack!! Crack!! Crack!!

As if delivering divine punishment.

Anubis shoved in three more spears.

[You!! Did you look down on an absolute being!!]

He shouted that he was different from Horus and that he would not let him live if they met again.

He knew.

That Taehyun would not die from this level of attack.

That he had to escape before the exploded power disappeared.

He poured divine power into the five spears he had shoved in.

To interfere with regeneration and tracking.

To cause a reversal by colliding magic power and divine power.

Tremble tremble tremble tremble.

Taehyun's body shook like an aspen tree due to the reversal of the huge power.

[Jormungandr. I won't let you off the hook next time either.]

Anubis stepped back.

He took out Odin's rune from his chest.

By injecting divine power into it, he would be able to move to the divine tree connected to the 10 Heavens.

At that time.

Grasp.

[……!!]

Anubis was surprised by the identity of the person grabbing his hand.

In the distance.

Taehyun was seen wriggling on the floor, pierced by the Light Spear.

[Then this is….]

"Did you enjoy the dream?"

At Taehyun's words.

Crack. Crack crack.

A crack appeared in the darkness, and the absolute being's vision reversed.

[I see.]

Poohk.

Anubis checked the Dragonslaying Sword piercing his abdomen.

A bitter smile appeared behind his completely broken mask.

[I have been defeated.]

"Yes."

Crack crack crack crack.

Taehyun, emitting purple magic power along with the release of 'Apocalypse', was seen.

Tring.

[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been activated. Target is specified.]

"It was a plausible resistance."

[As expected of my contractor.]

"It was a useless act."

Taehyun shook his head as he watched Jormungandr approaching.

He was rebuking him for making Anubis explode with his authority.

[Oh, I was trying to help you?]

"Stop talking like a snake."

Saying that, Taehyun threw the rune that Anubis was holding.

"The stage has been set."

[With this, the absolute beings will target Lucifer.]

Looking at Anubis, who was motionless due to 'Ataraxia'.

He smirked.

Taehyun and Jormungandr gave off a bitter smile.

468화

Jormungandr put Odin's rune into his bosom.

He stared at Anubis, who was motionless.

He must be having endless nightmares by now, caught in the power of mind control.

[Unexpected. I thought you'd devour him right away.]

He was serious.

If it were the usual Taehyun, he would have devoured him in an instant to take his essence and divine power.

[Are you going to be picky now?]

"That's a clumsy probe."

Taehyun, checking the remaining mana, replied nonchalantly.

It hadn't been long since he devoured Horus' body.

Though that body had fallen far from what was fitting for an absolute being.

'If I devour Anubis, the divine power is likely to run wild.'

Jormungandr, who had possessed the Azure Eyes for a long time, couldn't possibly not know that.

Provoke him to devour Anubis and then induce a backlash.

It was too obvious a plan for the Taehyun he knew.

He voiced such an obvious question.

[Of course not.]

Jormungandr feigned innocence.

"Annoying bastard. Don't change the subject."

He warned that he still had plenty of power left.

He could see through his petty tricks.

[Such rude behavior towards me. Our contract was supposed to be more courteous, wasn't it?]

"It's hard to respect you when your tricks are so obvious."

Taehyun mentioned the power he had used on Anubis earlier.

Anubis thought he was using his full power, but he was mistaken.

From the moment he entered Jormungandr's territory.

He had never once used the power of an upper realm absolute being.

It was a stage created from the beginning by Rosaria, who had visited this place beforehand.

If he had really used the power of an absolute being, it would have been difficult to deal with him without going all out.

'Rosaria, that girl. She's grown fast since hanging out with Elven.'

If the conditions were met, she was showing efficiency enough to trap even an Archduke unnoticed.

Not only was she being influenced by Taehyun's growth.

Elven must have given her some hints related to the use of mana.

[Hehe. If you're talking about my power, I apologize. But seeing a former guest being mocked like that, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.]

"You've been spouting more nonsense."

Contrary to his words, Taehyun had no intention of antagonizing Jormungandr.

The battle that took place in his territory before.

Jormungandr, resonating with the near-infinite mana sea.

And Taehyun, who had prepared all sorts of personal spaces.

The battle between the two giants was ultimately a draw.

Even though Taehyun, after synchronizing with the Divine Tree.

Had not experienced the limits of mana in the lower realm, Jormungandr's power, which seemed to synchronize with the mana sea, was nothing short of great magic power.

'If I had used divine power, we would have fought until we were on the verge of degradation.'

If that had happened, one or both of them.

Would likely have been degraded.

Both Taehyun and Jormungandr knew that fact.

That's why they didn't unleash divine power, which could cause any danger in the lower realm.

They had equal power.

But that wasn't the only reason they were satisfied with a draw.

'His plan for Lucifer is correct.'

He didn't know the principle, but the gate ability Jormungandr wielded was at the level of a divine power.

Not only did he have a wide range of vision.

'He can even move Archduke-level creatures as well as the celestial beings of the upper realm.'

This was proven by how he had played with the Valkyries before.

Having watched the lower realm for a long time, his information power was also not light.

As a result, Taehyun's thoughts were correct.

Jormungandr also had no intention of provoking Taehyun.

[Our contract had a clause that we would not do anything that would harm each other. You're not going to deny the contents of that agreement now, are you?]

"What do you want to say?"

[Even at this moment, the Eye of the Moon is being digested in Anubis' body.]

Jormungandr said, scanning Anubis' motionless body.

The wounds inflicted by the Dragonslaying Sword had already been completely healed.

Nevertheless, the way he was helplessly captured.

Spoke volumes about how overwhelming the difference in skill was in this match.

From Anubis' perspective, wandering through multiple mental worlds right now must feel like hell.

[It's the perfect time for you, who swallowed Horus' body.]

"How does devouring him now relate to striking Lucifer?"

[You're speaking in riddles. In the end, you will be the one to face Lucifer. Surely you know what that means?]

"……."

When Taehyun didn't easily agree, Jormungandr added an explanation.

[Lucifer will eventually come to the stage we have created. But that's also what he intended. He's an arrogant and stimulating being.]

The upper realm and the lower realm.

The master of the Celestial Realm and the Archduke of the Lower Realm.

Lucifer was the only being who had reached the apex in two hierarchies, transcending species.

His existence was akin to the Lower Realm King.

'It wouldn't be strange to call it 독선 (獨善 – self-righteousness/dogmatism).'

[The mana that the Archdukes will consume. The divine power that the absolute beings will consume. No one knows what he will look like after that.]

Taehyun's head spun quickly.

With the resurrection of Elven, the Divine Tree was blooming.

Already, the existence of the lower realm creatures and Archduke-level beings whose growth had stagnated was being strengthened.

It was a change he could feel every time he synchronized with the Divine Tree.

It wouldn't be any different for Lucifer, who resided in the Sky Castle.

"So you need at least absolute being-level divine power to compete with him?"

[Now you're talking.]

"You're not being honest."

[…….]

"You want to stably grow divine power through me, right?"

[I won't deny it.]

"I need to be able to trust those who stab me in the back."

[That's a shame. I certainly thought about growth through the contract, but….]

"But you make a valid point."

Said Jormungandr, who possessed a half-finished Azure Eye.

'Above all, his eyes also don't seem like ordinary Azure Eyes.'

It wouldn't hurt to listen.

[…I'm so touched that you trust me. The existence of Anubis, who is digesting the Eye of the Moon, will instantly increase the contractor's divine power.]

In short, the timing was good.

"What if a backlash occurs?"

[Then I will help.]

Taehyun stared intently at Jormungandr's odd-eye.

[Hehehe. Don't look at me like that. The day will come when I will take you. But that's not today. Until then, I will do my best to grow the contractor.]

"Shameless bastard."

That was the end of the conversation.

'He can't betray me until the territory war is over anyway.'

The contract Taehyun made with Jormungandr was not simple enough to end with degradation.

He didn't hesitate any longer.

Grasp.

He put his hand on Anubis' body.

Ding.

[Skill Energy Drain(???) has been activated. Target specified.]

Tzzzzz.

Unrealized.

Ripe absolute being's divine power flowed into his hand.

[Skill True Blood(???) has been activated.]

[Skill Heart of the Demon Beast(???) has been activated.]

[Skill Heart of the Great Demon(???) has been activated.]

Three magic stones rotated, receiving the surging divine power.

After a while.

Ding.

[Absorbed a great power.]

[A great power dwells.]

[A great power awakens.]

With the familiar messages, divine power seethed.

The divine power of Horus and Odin that resided in his body.

Seemed to welcome the newly absorbed Anubis' power.

[Weakening the existence with the power of Yggmun? An interesting judgment.]

Jormungandr admired Taehyun's absorption power.

Taehyun silently maintained the skill.

Anubis' body was rapidly shrinking.

And the moment his body completely collapsed.

Ding.

[Unique skill Devour(???) has been activated. Target specified.]

Jjeoeok.

A huge maw soared from under Anubis' feet.

"Eat."

Kwajik!!!

Kwaddeuk. Kwaddeudeuk.

A gruesome sound echoed throughout the area.

How much had he chewed the absolute being's body without resistance?

Kwaaaaa.

The dark red mana and the radiant divine power that bloomed from within his body began to struggle.

'I have to endure it somehow.'

If he succeeded in devouring it here, it wouldn't be unreasonable to have absolute being-level divine power at once.

The abilities Horus had shown in the upper realm.

If he could control the power of the 'Eye of the Sun' and the 'Eye of the Moon', it would be the icing on the cake.

Ding.

[Skill Eye of the Absolute(???) has been activated.]

[Skill Eye of the Dream Demon King(???) has been activated.]

[A great power awakens.]

[A great power collides.]

Geureureureu.

It felt like his insides were boiling.

A groan escaped Taehyun's mouth.

"...The method?"

[Not yet.]

"...You crazy bastard."

[Wait a little longer. The divine power hasn't completely overwhelmed the mana yet, has it?]

The balance of the two powers was important.

He was told to wait and wait until he could capture that moment.

Ssssh.

Ssssh.

Taehyun's two eyes repeatedly changed to red and blue.

And when the red eye that Rosaria had engraved was completely pushed back by the blue eye.

[Now.]

Blue mana swirled from Jormungandr's body.

Ding.

[Skill Rampage of the Deep Sea(???) has been activated.]

[Skill Rampage of the Deep Sea(???) has been enhanced.]

[A great power awakens.]

Resonating with Jormungandr's power, the skill was forcibly activated.

Strength, stamina, speed, mana.

Messages constantly popped up that his physical stats, excluding divine power, were skyrocketing.

[Don't worry. I haven't made the divine power rampage.]

He said with a smug look, as if telling him to be grateful for his careful consideration.

Ssssh.

Once again, the colors of his two eyes began to change.

The overwhelming mana began to suppress the divine power.

'It's huge.'

He felt a huge mana and divine power whose depth could not be fathomed.

If he reached out his hand, he felt like he could control all that power.

[I will teach you how to handle the Azure Eyes. If you get used to this power, you will reach the realm of a demigod beyond an Archduke. It will be useful in the future battle with Lucifer.]

"Why are you teaching me that?"

[Didn't I tell you? The divine power you have digested is something I will take someday.]

"Absurd bastard."

But.

"I like that confidence, though."

Kilkilkikil.

[You still have room to bluff, I see.]

"If I'm going to do it, I have to do it right. Please control it well."

[……?]

Ding.

[Skill Fairy's Blessing(???) has been activated.]

[Skill Omen of Evolution(???) has been activated.]

Hwaaaaa.

Kwaaaaa.

Equal to 'Rampage of the Deep Sea'.

No, 'Great Magic Power' and 'Evolution', which could be said to be powers beyond that in increasing mana and existence.

Taehyun's existence skyrocketed with the two skills.

[This crazy bastard is doing it again….]

Ignoring Jormungandr's flustered words.

Ding.

[Skill Fairy's Blessing(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill Omen of Evolution(???) has been enhanced.]

Taehyun enhanced the two powers.

[You still can't handle that power completely.]

At Lucifer's feet, who said that, was Cody Cruz, whose limbs had been severed.

The existence of Horus dwelling in the Eye of the Moon had rampaged and directly suppressed him.

Kwaddeudeuk. Kwaddeudeudeuk.

Gray mana rapidly regenerated Cody Cruz's body.

[Countless temperings are needed to make a famous sword.]

He uttered the words of Hephaestus, a famous blacksmith in the upper realm.

Once the process of reconstructing his body and mind was over, his contractor would become an existence comparable to an Archduke.

[Lower Realm King. Creating the key will be a mistake.]

Kim Taehyun.

The Lower Realm King thought he would become the master of the Divine Tree and become the next Lower Realm King, but.

[How long must I wait for this tedious cycle?]

Until when.

[How long must I endure this ridiculous defeat?]

He had waited long enough.

He had believed in that foolish plan long enough, he said.

He would no longer watch.

He would not follow.

So.

[I will be the next Lower Realm King.]

469

A top-tier demon from the Lower World.

For such a being to declare its intention to become a Grand Duke.

The Grand Duke, called the apex of the Lower World.

For him to proclaim that he will become the sole sovereign, the King of the Lower World.

He is not unaware of the vast gap between those two things.

If this statement were to reach the ears of other Grand Dukes.

If such a sign were detected, he would likely face concentrated attacks.

But because the one who said it was Lucifer.

It didn't sound absurd.

"......"

Cody Cruise stared at Lucifer without a word.

He looked at the former master of the 10 Heavenly Realms and the current Grand Duke of the Lower World.

'What am I?'

If it's memories, if it's personality, I've returned to the past.

Yet, the reason I don't open my mouth is because I'm not yet certain.

'What am I.'

Am I human, or am I demon?

Am I the American player, Cody Cruise?

A fallen god.

An arrogant Grand Duke.

A toy created to covet the Lower and Upper Worlds, and Earth, which could be called my home planet.

Cody Cruise's sunken eyes trembled.

Lucifer's red eyes met Cody Cruise's, which flickered between blue and red.

[How truly coincidental. The body that could not overcome the wall until now is finally surpassing its limits.]

In the end, what needed to be broken was not the body but the mind.

He showed a benevolent smile at the growth of his contractor.

[Cody Cruise. God's contractor. You will become a unique being, neither human, nor demon, nor celestial.]

He would become the beginning of a new humanity, the only one of its kind in the world.

[New humanity….]

Cody Cruise uttered the word in the language of demons.

His mouth, which had never opened no matter what, opened easily, as if it had been waiting to utter this word.

[Have you finally understood?]

Lucifer burst into laughter, looking pleased.

Uncontrolled demonic and divine power surged from Cody Cruise's assimilated body.

King of the Lower World.

One who has surpassed the limitations of the insignificant species called human.

One who has been chosen by God and walks the path of the King of the Lower World.

And so.

[God Slayer.]

A tragic being who became a slayer of gods.

Lucifer knew.

The King of the Lower World wanted the key he had chosen to surpass him through the arrangements he had made.

And to create a different outcome from his own.

But.

[That fellow is wrong.]

The Upper World cannot be subjugated with such old-fashioned methods.

His home planet also cannot be protected, and the Lower World will once again lose in the tribal war.

So he would usurp the throne and create a new game.

Swish swish swish.

His eyes turned completely blue.

He peered through the conflicting forces flowing in his contractor's body.

[When we first met, he was just the pinnacle of the human species. A fool who didn't know his own insignificance.]

After that, he injected demonic power equivalent to a Grand Duke and divine power equivalent to an Absolute Being.

Thus, an unprecedented species was born.

A slayer who can hunt Grand Dukes and even Absolute Beings.

But what he needs to hunt right now are not them.

[Kim Taehyun.]

The key chosen by the King of the Lower World.

Before hunting that fellow, he needed to check how well the new power had settled.

[Let 'those fellows' in.]

Lucifer's words were conveyed to the subordinates waiting in Sky Castle.

A moment later.

Kwaaaaa.

Four humans appeared through the gate connecting Sky Castle and Heaven's Castle.

[Great Grand Duke….]

[Obedience to the Lord….]

[Master of the Sky….]

[…….]

Lucifer's blue eyes scanned the test subjects he had newly taken in.

Kasim Zolt, Lee Jungjae, Ryusvo, Min Jihong.

All were test subjects closely related to the Grand Duke's power.

Lee Jungjae and Kasim Zolt, who originally shared one body, were separated back into two bodies by Lucifer's power.

Ryusvo was captured during the attack on the Demon race.

Mamon, who became a Grand Duke, could not abandon his attachment to Earth and kept him alive.

And.

[You still don't show respect.]

Lucifer said, looking at Min Jihong, who did not hide hostility in his red eyes.

Min Jihong, who had trembled once, bowed his head deeply.

[I dedicate my life to the Lord of the Lower World.]

Lucifer scoffed at the loyalty shown in his trembling voice.

Because he knew that the animosity Min Jihong showed was directed at his contractor.

[How troublesome.]

He had captured those called Grand Duke contractors and modified them to his liking.

Kasim Zolt, who had reached the realm of the Great Demon by researching Belzebub's power.

Lee Jungjae, who was being consumed by Kasim Zolt and could be called a spare contractor.

Min Jihong, who had deeply accepted the power of Orgal and reached the realm of the highest species.

Ryusvo, revived by the ancient Great Demon Mephisto and Asura, and Mamon, who awakened as the Demon King.

From Lucifer's perspective, they were things that would fall away with a single gesture.

But their origins were all interesting toys.

Igmun's contractor, Jang Linpeng, was killed by Kim Taehyun.

Hajad's contractor, Asisat Avi, was hidden in a lair and could not be captured.

Kim Taehyun.

He had collected all the contractors except for the fellow who was the key to the King of the Lower World and Rosaria's contractor.

It was possible to drive out the demonic power dwelling in their bodies and make them his own contractors, but Lucifer deliberately did not do such a foolish thing.

Because they were not complete sacrifices like Cody Cruise, but simple toys.

To use an analogy to human games, they were chess pieces for entertainment.

Those chess pieces were revealing hostility towards his contractor.

Puhuhuhu.

At Lucifer's laughter, the four contractors except Cody Cruise withdrew their fighting spirit.

[Plunder and struggle. And betrayal. Humans enjoy such things.]

Lucifer said, as if he was criticizing those who were once human but were no longer human.

[Order what the Lord desires.]

[I will follow with my life.]

[I will offer the world, the Earth.]

[…….]

It was not easy to suppress his scoff at the obvious obedience.

[What God wants is not that.]

What you guys should serve is not me.

Lucifer looked at Cody Cruise.

[…….]

[…….]

[…….]

[…….]

He was ordering those who were all demons to become the limbs of the one called the pinnacle of players.

That was why Min Jihong, who had the deepest faith among the four demons, was revealing his killing intent.

[I will give you a chance.]

Reveal your strength.

Prove your worth.

Then he would make the last one remaining the new contractor.

Chiiiik.

Chiiiik.

Chiiiik.

Kwaddeudeuk.

The four demons unleashed their demonic power, which had been enhanced by Lucifer's experiment.

Although their power was no less than that of the Great Demon.

Tting.

[Skill Falling Angel(???) has been activated.]

[Skill Holy Sword - Balmung(???) has been activated. Specifying shape.]

Tsuzzz.

Cody Cruise, covered in ash-colored demonic power, quietly raised his sword.

Maintaining only body strengthening and weapon materialization against the four Grand Duke contractors who had reached the realm of the Great Demon.

[Indeed. Such arrogance befitting God's contractor.]

Lucifer was pleased.

The outcome was as expected.

There was no need to use the power of regeneration.

Min Jihong was the last.

Seogeok.

The body of the highest-ranking demon beast was split in one sword strike.

It was something that happened as if the power of enhancement was meaningless.

Kung.

[…….]

Cody Cruise scanned the four demons who could not regenerate.

Putting aside Lee Jungjae and Ryusvo.

Kasim Zolt and Min Jihong were existences that Cody Cruise, who was a player, had failed to capture in the end.

They had gained power that was incomparable to the past due to Lucifer's prank, but he subjugated them with an overwhelming gap, without it even being called a battle.

He turned a pair of red eyes towards Lucifer.

It was different from when he had assimilated with his demonic power and divine power and overwhelmed Mamon and Horus.

He, who could not face two Great Demons at the same time alone.

Now those great existences felt like mere bugs.

[You have grown.]

Lucifer congratulated Cody Cruise on his victory.

[What will you do?]

His gaze turned to the four demons who were lying on the floor with their limbs severed.

Whether to dispose of them as they were, or to use them as chess pieces.

He was handing over that choice to Cody Cruise.

[Demonic power and divine power. Grand Duke and Absolute Being. Now that you have experienced all of them, you must know.]

Now, answer me.

Lucifer urged.

[…….]

The thought was not long.

A considerable period of silence.

The things he had thought about while watching and moving at the forefront of the domain war.

[Humans are weak.]

So.

[I will exterminate them.]

After the extinction, a new humanity like himself would reign in the Lower World.

A new humanity that has escaped Earth would dominate the Lower World and subjugate the Upper World.

Not weak humans who rely on players.

A new species would obtain everything.

So.

[You will become my swords to be wielded, and you will wash away your past mistakes.]

Kwaaaaa.

Cody Cruise's ash-colored demonic power wrapped around the four demons.

The power of regeneration was activated and restored them in an instant.

[Go to Earth.]

And he ordered them to destroy everything.

[That's right.]

Lucifer watched his corrupted contractor with satisfaction.

10 Heavenly Realms.

[Horus has been annihilated?]

Osiris roared.

It was not just because he was his own kin.

Unlike the other fellows, that guy was born with a special property called 'Eye of the Moon'.

Eye of the Moon.

If you only take that, it's just a common trick of an Absolute Being.

The former master of the 10 Heavenly Realms, Ra.

The important thing was that he could control that fellow's power.

He had even handed over the 'Eye of the Sun', which he had struggled to obtain while suppressing the complaints of the other Absolute Beings.

[Annihilated in the Lower World…? Anubis, who followed him?]

[…Yes.]

Another Absolute Being of the 10 Heavenly Realms and Osiris' kin.

Set bowed his head.

[That bastard Lucifer finally….]

Osiris mentioned Lucifer and unleashed a huge divine power.

The last traces of the two Absolute Beings were discovered in Lucifer's territory.

Set's report would not be wrong.

[The 'Eyes'?]

At his lord's question, Set bowed his head even deeper.

Because he knew that he was referring to both the 'Eye of the Moon' possessed by Horus.

And the 'Eye of the Sun' that he was digesting.

Silence became the answer.

[You… stupid bastards…!!]

[…….]

Set quietly received Osiris' anger with his body.

Because he knew that the current reaction was not just because he had lost two Absolute Beings.

The 10 Heavenly Realms are divided and ruled by Osiris and Obelisk, with a ratio of about 7 to 3 respectively.

The external master of the Heavenly Realm is Osiris, but he is not seen as the complete master.

Horus was an Absolute Being with enough potential to check Obelisk in the future.

That possibility had disappeared due to Lucifer's scheme.

[He must have taken the Absolute Being for his own ascension.]

That fellow had colluded with the King of the Lower World and turned his sword against the Upper World.

Osiris said as if he knew the thoughts of the Degraded One.

If that fellow regained his power and aimed at the Upper World again, the cause would be with him.

He could already see how the other Heavenly Realm masters would react.

That it was because he had been lenient because he had a mysterious eye.

[Stupid bastard.]

Osiris cursed his annihilated kin once again.

[We must at least find the eyes again.]

[Orders.]

[To face Lucifer, the Absolute Beings of the 10 Heavenly Realms alone are not enough.]

[…Then?]

[Contact Odin.]

This is not a tribal war.

Only to retrieve the eyes stolen by Lucifer and restore his honor.

[It's revenge.]

470

[The great power has been stabilized.]

[The proficiency of the skill Eye of the Absolute (???) has increased.]

How much time had passed before that message appeared?

'A month.'

The Absolute Anubis who had assimilated the 'Eye of the Moon'.

That was the time it took to completely devour and absorb his existence.

More time had passed than expected, but there was no time to regret it.

Taehyun looked at Jormungandr, who was sweating profusely in front of him.

Red eyes and blue eyes.

Not only was he using the authority of Rampage, but he was also drawing in the surrounding Mana Sea to replenish his depleted magic.

At the same time, he was also giving instructions to his familiars, preparing the stage.

It was only natural that he would be exhausted after repeating such actions without rest for a month.

[Be grateful to me. Even an Elven would not be able to stabilize that level of divine power.]

The Fairy King, who had been chosen by the Sacred Tree in the past and used the authority of great magic resistance.

Even an existence like her would not be able to handle divine power.

Therefore, he should repay the favor for helping with the stabilization, which took a considerable amount of time.

"Yeah. Thanks."

[...]

Jormungandr's lips twitched at Taehyun's ready expression of gratitude.

[You've become even more annoying since you gained divine power.]

"I'm disappointed that you don't appreciate my sincerity."

Taehyun replied with a straight face and used a skill.

Ting.

[The skill Eye of the Nightmare King (???) has been activated.]

Swish.

His eyes turned red, and the numbers floating next to Jormungandr's body were visible.

'40,000.'

That was the amount of mana that Jormungandr was currently emitting.

The injuries he had sustained in the battle with Taehyun had almost healed.

However, he was controlling his mana for a more complete recovery.

Considering that it had soared to 800,000 by merging with the Mana Sea, it was truly an amazing feat of mana control.

Ting.

[The skill Eye of the Absolute (???) has been activated.]

Swish.

The now ample divine power drained away, and the two red eyes instantly turned blue.

"Oh."

[...]

Jormungandr expressed doubt at the sudden exclamation.

Then, the heterochromatic eyes twitched.

[Could it be... you can see it?]

"Yeah."

Smirk.

The corners of Taehyun's lips turned up.

"I can see it very well."

A different number than when he was using the 'Eye of the Nightmare King' was visible.

150,000.

He could see the divine power that Jormungandr had been drawing up to control Taehyun's divine power until just now.

It was an ability that he didn't have before.

Was that all?

Taehyun opened his status window.

Strength: 901 Stamina: 902 Speed: 900 Magic: 1,000 Divine Power: 450 Charisma: 1,050

All stats 900.

The absolute value was enough to send shivers down his spine.

[What insane absorption.]

Jormungandr also couldn't help but admire Taehyun's growth.

As Elven checked Taehyun's condition by merging with the Sacred Tree.

Jormungandr checked Taehyun's condition by merging with the Mana Sea.

And he realized.

His contractor, Kim Taehyun.

That this annoying guy was chosen as the key to the Lower World was no accident.

"The stage?"

At that question, the corners of Jormungandr's lips twisted strangely.

He was reminded of how he had to constantly instruct his familiars to prepare for this while controlling Taehyun's rampage.

[You're really making me work hard. I'll definitely get paid for this.]

"You'll have to get stronger than you are now to do that."

Taehyun chuckled in reply.

Mana from Elven, divine power from Jormungandr.

He felt that he was approaching an even more transcendent existence by merging with the two Archdukes.

'I should ask Tolkien to fix the status window a little more.'

Divine power stat of 450.

It wasn't much, but he was finally sure.

That the divine power stat created for him was no coincidence.

The only skill that uses divine power is 'Eye of the Absolute'.

'You never know what might happen in the future.'

Odin's rune, which he had taken from Anubis.

He had set a trap using that as bait.

He had even grasped that one of the Absolute Beings of the Ten Heavens had confirmed the existence of this trap.

[The preparation is perfect. Soon, a few Absolute Beings will be caught. More than that, a guest has arrived in my territory.]

"A guest?"

No sooner had Jormungandr finished speaking than.

KWAH!

A small gate opened behind Taehyun.

It was Elven who came out.

[Contractor.]

Her voice echoed in his head.

"Long time no see."

Even with the same greeting as usual, Elven's expression was hardened.

"Is something wrong?"

[Lucifer is approaching the Sacred Tree.]

'……!!'

The Sacred Tree is currently rooted in what can be called the territory of the Fairy Race.

Therefore, in order to connect from the Lower World, one had to visit Elven's territory.

'How could that guy…'

Lucifer had never appeared in Elven's territory.

The same was true for his contractor, Cody Cruz.

[The location is the Lower World, but the route is not the Lower World.]

The Upper World.

He said that he was approaching using a route connected to the 1st Heaven.

"I didn't expect him to move in this way."

He was the guy who hadn't shown any movement regarding the Sacred Tree until now.

Judging by her expression, Elven seemed to be experiencing this for the first time as well.

Taehyun informed Jormungandr of that fact.

[He was once the owner of the 1st Heaven. It is not strange that he knows the coordinates to approach the Sacred Tree. He must have moved because his power has recovered. What will you do?]

Jormungandr asked as if he were watching an interesting play.

"I'll have to bring the plan forward."

Taehyun told Elven what he had been thinking.

Jormungandr, who was watching the scene, had a pleased expression.

[Finally. The 'end' of the domain war is beginning.]

The deepest part of the Sky City.

Lucifer was releasing his magic there.

Swish.

At the same time as his red eyes turned blue.

WHOOSH.

Ash-colored magic turned into a radiant light.

The divine power allowed to the Celestial Race of the Upper World.

He was releasing that power in the Lower World.

Originally, that alone would have caused the Lower World King's spell to exert pressure like a collapse.

[...]

However, Lucifer confirmed once again that even such a spell had little effect on him now.

There were still restrictions, but they were negligible compared to a month ago.

[Indeed. It's weakened.]

Smirk.

The corners of his lips rose without him realizing it.

At this rate, it wouldn't be difficult to approach the Sacred Tree.

Crack.

The released divine power gathered in the sword he was holding.

[Truly sweet power.]

It had been weakened to a ridiculously low level compared to when he was the owner of the 1st Heaven in the past.

But how much time had it taken to recover this much power?

He still remembered it vividly.

The moment when Belzebub and Diablo destroyed the Sacred Tree, saying they would take care of Elven alone, during the period when he had collapsed from the Upper World and was recovering his power in the Sky City.

[Foolish things.]

As a result, it was a bad move for all the members of the Lower World.

The Fairy Race was extinct.

The Demon Race came to dominate the Fairy Race's territory, but lost a significant amount of power.

If a new Lower World King had not been born after Baal, it would not have been strange for them to have been eaten by the Upper World long ago.

[Belzebub, but now I will forgive you.]

Hehehe.

Lucifer laughed softly.

After several reincarnations, Kim Taehyun, the key chosen by the Lower World King, had awakened the Sacred Tree.

Belzebub revived the Elven he had swallowed.

How many Absolute Beings had he cut down through several racial wars?

Thus, even though he had already recovered a considerable amount of divine power, he had to hide it.

Only the Lower World King.

[I could only exert my full power when that guy allowed it.]

An Archduke who obeys a human's command.

The owner of the Celestial World who obeys the command of the Lower World King.

He accepted that absurd situation in order to survive.

If it was for revenge, it was important to survive and recover his power.

And now.

Lucifer was convinced.

The Sacred Tree had fully bloomed in accordance with Kim Taehyun's growth.

If he merged with that Sacred Tree.

[The domain war will end.]

SWISH.

Lucifer stuck his beloved sword 'Pride' into the floor of the Sky City.

KWAH.

'Pride' created a gate of radiance.

The divine power that came out of the gate instantly wrapped around the entire Sky City.

[Michael. So you left the coordinates as they were.]

The one who had caused his collapse.

A laugh escaped him that his celestial brother had not taken any action.

This meant that he didn't care about Lucifer.

If the target wasn't Michael, he would have called it arrogance.

But Michael wasn't someone who could be defined by such a word.

He was the one who best fit the definition of justice.

Because he was the delegate of God who defeated arrogance.

Throb.

Lucifer frowned at the pain in his wings.

He had already completely regenerated them, but the very existence he had been wounded by was not easily recovered.

To feel the trivial feeling that humans call trauma.

It was truly a ridiculous thing.

[Tsk, tsk.]

He clicked his tongue and focused on his divine power.

In his fully opened blue eyes, he could see ten gates of various shapes.

They were doors leading to each Celestial World.

Lucifer turned his head and looked back.

There was only one huge crack there.

[Elven.]

The place that led to the revived Fairy King.

It was also the place he was aiming for right now.

Belzebub had simply coveted her existence and the power of great magic resistance.

Her true value lay in the fact that she could connect to the Sacred Tree and go to the Upper World.

It was the moment when Lucifer was about to cross the gate to Elven.

Whir.

Suddenly, a huge divine power moved from the two gates connected to the Upper World.

[Ho.]

Lucifer examined the faces of those who had revealed themselves by crossing the gate.

They were enveloped in radiance, but they were people he knew.

Set, the Absolute Being of the 10th Heaven.

Loki, the Absolute Being of the 7th Heaven.

Descendants of Osiris and Odin, they were nothing more than youngsters when Lucifer was the owner of the 1st Heaven.

Now, they seemed to have become Absolute Beings greater than Horus and Anubis.

[Lucifer. It's been a while since I've met the former owner of the 1st Heaven like this.]

The first to speak was Set.

[That little brat has grown a lot.]

[I am not someone you can look down on now.]

Lucifer's gaze turned to Loki.

[I didn't expect Odin to stick with Osiris?]

[You should be careful when speaking. Haven't you learned from being defeated by Michael?]

Pfft.

Lucifer laughed once again.

That those who wouldn't have even made eye contact with him in the past were showing such an attitude.

It made him realize anew what his status was in each Celestial World.

[This is not a coordinate that someone who has collapsed can use.]

[Even Michael is standing still, are you brats blocking me?]

[It just so happened that the timing was right.]

[Timing?]

[Horus and Anubis. Did you think there would be no reaction even after destroying two Absolute Beings of the 10th Heaven?]

Set growled.

[The 'Eye of the Moon' and the 'Eye of the Sun'. If you hand over the items of the 10th Heaven, we will let you pass quietly.]

Loki said as if he were ordering.

[Oh my, it seems there is some misunderstanding.]

[Don't play tricks. We have already discovered traces of Absolute Beings in your territory.]

The rune attached to Loki's staff emitted radiance.

Lucifer grasped the situation at once.

[That Jormungandr guy. He's done something unnecessary.]

[You've become petty. Still, to think that someone who was once the owner of the Celestial World is making excuses.]

[It's a disgrace not only to the 1st Heaven, but to the Upper World.]

[You're spouting whatever you want.]

There was no further conversation.

Lucifer drew his beloved sword 'Pride', which he had been using as a medium to approach the Sacred Tree.

WHOOSH.

With that alone, the connection with the Sacred Tree was severed and the interior of the Sky City appeared.

There were two Absolute Beings who had crossed over with him before his eyes.

[Welcome to the Archduke's castle.]

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