RKP 491-500

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491

The energy flowing through Igmun's blood sword was extraordinary.

'Did he grow this much in such a short time?'

Among the Great Dukes, Igmun had achieved the most growth while dealing with Lucifer.

'Although he possesses an ability of 'absorption', similar to 'devouring'.'

Even setting that aside, Igmun's fearlessly confronting Lucifer and Noname greatly contributed to his growth.

'Easier said than done.'

That was only possible because he had an absolute determination to take his opponent's power even if he died.

'Was overcoming the Cataclysm not just a coincidence?'

He directly caused the Cataclysm and is now directly involved in its growth.

'It's an ironic relationship.'

Thinking that, Taehyun restrained the guy from glaring at the four Absolutes, including Loki.

"Igmun, I'll only allow one."

The Vampire Lord gritted his teeth at Taehyun's words.

[That... I should have the right to claim more?]

He bought time against Noname in place of Elven.

If other Great Dukes had been in that position, their very existence would have been severely damaged.

He didn't like calling himself bait, but he was the only one among the Great Dukes who could play that role.

Therefore.

The right to two out of the four Absolutes.

That was a claim befitting his worth.

'He's not wrong.'

If the situation were reversed, Taehyun would have claimed it as his rightful due.

He might have even had the audacity to demand three out of the four.

But.

The Absolutes before him were too.

'Too precious to give two to Igmun.'

Loki, Heimdall, and Roan, the Absolutes of the 7th Heaven.

Set, the Absolute of the 10th Heaven.

He had already taken most of their divine power and coveted their existence.

To be honest, what was in front of him was no longer an Absolute, but an empty vessel.

They were just lumps of flesh that 'used to be' Absolutes.

Even if Igmun took their lives using his power, he wouldn't see much of an effect.

But devouring was different.

'The question is whether his exhausted body can handle all of this.'

As soon as that thought occurred to him, a new proposal came to mind.

"Igmun, now that I think about it, it's a waste to give you even one."

[...]

"I'll have to eat all four Absolutes myself."

He had said he would give a reward for the bait before entering this place.

Igmun's red eyes twitched at the sudden change of attitude.

His noble pride as a Great Duke was about to explode into anger.

[I should have a go at you here...]

"Instead, I'll give you power commensurate with that."

[What nonsense are you talking about?]

It's not the first time I've been fooled by your sweet talk.

Igmun was about to unleash his crimson magic.

"Absorption. No matter how great that power is, you'll lose something in the process of taking these dying guys. Unlike Jormungandr, you can't fully accept divine power, can you?"

[What are you trying to say...]

"It's simple."

Instead of taking the bodies imbued with divine power himself.

He said he would give all the magic obtained in the process to Igmun.

"I'll take the divine power. You take all the magic. Not a bad deal."

[...]

Igmun couldn't answer easily.

Kim Taehyun.

The power of the Underworld King that his contractor possessed.

He knew the potential of that power well.

He knew that the Underworld King had even devoured the master of Heaven using that power.

That ordinary human.

The reason he's now shoulder to shoulder with the Great Dukes is all because of that.

[You're only going to take the divine power, is that what you're saying?]

"Yes. Even if it's divine power, it's bound to be accompanied by an increase in magic power. With our current abilities, it's not impossible to share that much power."

[Indeed.]

With the control abilities of the two Great Dukes who had reached the pinnacle of devouring and absorbing, the Absolutes would have to become like bone broth.

[Hmph... Heh heh... Good. I allow it.]

Igmun answered cheerfully, as if he had made the suggestion himself.

Taehyun smiled.

If he devoured the Absolutes at the same time, he could aim for a considerable increase in divine power.

'Maybe a new skill will be registered.'

He had confirmed this through Horus and Anubis.

The problem was that Taehyun's condition wasn't perfect.

Also, there was a possibility of getting a stomach ache if he devoured all four Absolutes at once.

The reason he brought Igmun here in the first place was for that reason.

He intended to use one of the Absolutes as bait to disperse the risk.

'This guy is so simple-minded.'

He sneered at Orgal, calling him a fool who only knew how to fight, and at Typhon, calling him a brainless idiot.

Igmun also showed a similarly simple-minded appearance when it came to his own growth.

Although he didn't seem to know it himself.

"Then, let's begin."

Tring.

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

[Unique skill Devouring(???) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

A crimson swamp was created beneath the feet of the four Absolutes under the fallen darkness.

Right next to him, Igmun used Blood Flower.

Just like the Great Dukes outside.

Taehyun and Igmun's powers resonated.

Kiiiiii-.

Kwaaaa-.

[K, Kim Taehyun... Let's make a deal... a deal...!!]

Loki, who had been watching with a stiff expression, cried out urgently.

He realized what kind of fate awaited them after hearing Taehyun and Igmun's conversation.

'I have to live.'

Unlike himself, the other three Absolutes couldn't even move their mouths properly.

But their thoughts would be similar.

Set was seen nodding his head with a body that couldn't even move properly.

'No longer... Lucifer is the problem.'

A fragment of the One God had awakened in the Underworld.

Set would also realize that he had to inform Osiris of that fact.

At that moment.

[Silence.]

Pupu pu puk.

Igmun's blood sword pierced the four Absolutes.

Chwaareureuk. Chwaareureureuk.

Chains of binding wrapped around their bodies.

[...]

Igmun looked at Taehyun at the chains that wrapped around his own body after the Absolutes.

"Don't worry. I've done enough experiments on Gilfel."

[Hmph. I don't need to be connected like this. My ability...]

"Oh, do you prefer this over the chains?"

Taehyun disregarded him and unleashed his purple magic power.

Jureureuk. Jureureuk.

Kwaak!!

Tentacles that looked exactly like Rozaria's wrapped around Igmun's body.

[You!! Get this dirty...]

Teop.

Taehyun gagged Igmun with a tentacle.

"This is the most efficient."

With those words, Taehyun turned his gaze to the Absolutes.

[The guy outside is a being that the Underworld can't...]

...handle.

It was Loki who was still shouting even in the midst of all this.

"Don't worry. I'm going to take care of that guy no matter what."

Teop.

Another tentacle gagged Loki.

"Thank you for going through the trouble of coming all the way to the Underworld."

I'll eat you without hurting you too much.

Taehyun whispered in Loki's ear.

Those were his last words.

Jjeo-eok.

Kwaduk!!

The maw of Devouring swallowed the four Absolutes.

Tring.

[Devouring a huge being.]

[Devouring a huge will.]

[Divine power increases.]

[A huge magic power permeates.]

Taehyun did not push away the crimson magic power that swirled around his body.

Kiiiiiiiii-.

Kiiiing-.

Kiiiiiiiii-.

Kaaaaaa-.

The magic crystals of the two Great Dukes rotated as if resonating.

They were rapidly digesting the existence of the four Absolutes taken by Devouring using their respective abilities.

Igmun, whose mouth was blocked by a tentacle, groaned at the overwhelming power.

'Do your best.'

The rougher Igmun's groans became, the faster the divine power was digested.

And.

When Taehyun was enjoying satisfaction and fullness from the bodies of the Absolutes, which were digested faster than expected.

Tring.

[Unique skill Devouring(???) adapts to new power.]

[The Great Duke's body is restructured.]

[The Absolute's body is restructured.]

[A new skill is registered.]

'Huh?'

An unexpected message popped up.

[Unlike what you said, the limits are obvious.]

Noname said, looking at the Great Dukes who had fallen before him.

Except for Lucifer, he had dismissed them as mere amusing toys.

Except for Elven, who would become a new vessel, he had thought of them as cute pets.

Noname checked the state of his increasingly fractured body.

[You can be proud.]

Orgal, Jormungandr, Hazard, Typhon, and Gilfel, who had been trampled beyond recovery.

Their resistance was impressive enough.

His gaze turned to the battered Fallen Angel.

[Lucifer. Child of God. Why don't you just end your rebellion.]

[Shut... up...]

[What an absurd pride.]

Kwajik.

Noname stabbed the Holy Spear into Lucifer's chest.

덜덜덜덜.

Lucifer, whose one knee was bent, struggled to pull out the Holy Spear embedded in his body.

[I'll postpone the disposal for a while.]

Noname turned his gaze to the remaining two Great Dukes.

Elven, who had been supporting with the power of Anti-Magic.

Rozaria, who had moved Kim Taehyun and Igmun to a personal space.

The two Great Dukes were raising their magic power with stiff expressions.

[It's a pointless resistance. Why don't you take out those guys instead? Or will you obediently hand over the fairy's body?]

[You X-faced bastard is talking X.]

[...Such unutterable blasphemy.]

The moment Noname answered that.

Tsuzu-tsuzu-.

Suddenly, Igmun, who was awash in crimson magic power, appeared in front of Rozaria.

His very existence had been amplified in that short time.

Without needing to understand the situation, Igmun rushed in, wielding his blood sword.

For a moment, they exchanged plausible attacks.

Kwajik.

Igmun's arm, engulfed in radiance, twisted grotesquely and exploded.

Also, as he had done to Lucifer.

Kwajik!!

The Holy Spear pierced Igmun's abdomen.

Tsuzu.... Tsuzu-tsuzu....

Igmun used his power while holding the spear that pierced his body.

[What a great determination. Where did Kim Taehyun go, and only you came out?]

The moment Noname, who said that, tried to pluck the Vampire Lord's head.

[Didn't I... cough... say... I'm... bait...]

[...]

The moment he felt something was wrong.

Seuseuseuseu.

Igmun's figure disappeared, and Taehyun revealed himself in his place.

[Rozaria!!]

At Taehyun's cry, Rozaria unleashed all the magic she had been saving.

Colorless magic power supported that power.

[It's only for a moment!!]

Hearing her shouting voice.

Tring.

[Skill Eye of the Nightmare King(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

[Skill Memorize(???) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

Radiance flashed in Taehyun's red eyes.

In the beginning, there was a huge light.

The huge light realized that the mere fact that it existed depleted the surrounding existence.

So he created a planet.

Then he created life on the planet.

Those with innate enormous power called themselves the Celestial Race and formed the Upper Realm, and those with slightly less power were called Fiends and formed the Lower Realm.

Those who were neither here nor there.

Beings like insects were abandoned and left in the Middle Realm.

492

The Upper and Lower Realms.

An ambiguous boundary that belongs to neither, the Intermediate Realm.

The creation of such a classification was not due to someone's will, but a phenomenon akin to providence or law.

Perhaps because the sight of beings finding their own place was like watching a child grow,

the "Light" that created planets and various species rejoiced.

Most of his attention was focused on the Upper Realm, a complete life form.

However, he did not eliminate the Lower Realm, a discarded possibility, or the Intermediate Realm, which could be called a failure.

Rather, it would be more accurate to say that he forgot.

"Light" was not idle enough to pay attention to something already created.

Light wanted all these things he had created to work organically and smoothly.

Thus, he connected the Upper, Lower, and Intermediate Realms and created paths for them to influence each other at any time.

And, naturally, the power was held by the Upper Realm, which was created closer to completion.

They called themselves "Gods" and enthroned "Light" as the "One God."

From the initial Light to the Creator.

The Light, who became the One God from the Creator, was pleased.

Because they sincerely tried to resemble him.

With the heart of a parent watching their child grow.

Light granted the Gods of the Upper Realm the authority to rule the Lower and Intermediate Realms.

For his own original role.

Because he had to leave his place for another "Outside."

The Gods of the Upper Realm more actively ruled the Intermediate and Lower Realms to fill the void of the One God.

It was not easy.

Although weaker than the beings of the Upper Realm,

the number of species and individuals in the Lower and Intermediate Realms was too large to easily control.

In particular, the resistance of the Lower Realm was fierce.

Insignificant creatures.

Unlike the species that made up the Intermediate Realm, which revered the beings of the Upper Realm as Gods,

the demons of the Lower Realm denied God due to their innate ferocity and aggression.

Although a discarded possibility, their power was incomparable to that of the Intermediate Realm.

If countless demons gathered, it was not impossible to overthrow a God of the Upper Realm.

Occasionally, several leaders of species were born in the Lower Realm through a process called territorial warfare.

They shouted for tribal warfare and provoked the Gods of the Upper Realm.

Even though they were no match in terms of power, the level of provocation increased, and the Gods of the Upper Realm had to deal with them periodically.

Subjugation.

Or cleaning.

After each cleaning, one or more Gods disappeared, and the Lower Realm had to take a breath and regroup for countless hours.

That situation was repeated countless times.

Unlike the demons of the Lower Realm, which endlessly multiplied,

the number of Gods in the Upper Realm gradually decreased.

They had the power to encompass both the Lower and Intermediate Realms, but

they were not granted the freedom of reproduction or the right to destroy the Lower and Intermediate Realms.

The spell created by the One God.

If they had been given the right to destroy, not just the right to rule, they would have completely erased the existence of this vermin-like species.

They would have eliminated the other realms except for the Upper Realm.

At least, they could have tamed the demons of the Lower Realm into well-behaved pets like the insignificant creatures of the Intermediate Realm.

As their dissatisfaction grew, they began to doubt the intentions of the One God who created the Lower Realm.

Doubt became the seed of distrust, and long-term absence led them to deny the One God.

They waited for the moment.

And then, someday.

The moment the One God reappeared in the Upper Realm after countless hours.

They drew the swords they had been sharpening.

The One God was embarrassed.

In a place he visited for rest,

the creations he had painstakingly made.

The children who looked up to him and served him.

Emitted all kinds of light and confined him.

The "Radiance" that mimicked "Light" contained the enmity that had been honed and melted over a long period of time.

Just by briefly coming into contact with Radiance, he could know their past years.

He could understand the reason why the current situation had come about.

Understanding and embarrassment.

What came after consideration was anger.

He was resentful.

How dare they doubt the will of the Creator and rebel.

How dare they.

How dare they.

[How dare they.]

He tried to remove them immediately.

However, his existence was weakened by long work, and the power of the Gods of the Upper Realm had become stronger.

The One God willingly accepted the choice of imprisonment.

An emotion that only mortals would feel.

He calmed his anger and cooled his head.

Just as the Gods of the Upper Realm had waited for him for a long time.

He watched them for a long time.

If they could lead the Lower and Intermediate Realms better than he could.

If they lived as beings worthy of the name of God.

He would not question their crime of imprisoning the One God.

Once again, countless hours passed.

And the One God realized.

That his expectations were in vain.

No, he had to confirm that the world he had created was fundamentally incomplete.

The One God looked at the chains of Radiance that confined his body.

His power had already returned a long time ago.

But he realized that the Gods of the Upper Realm had also gained great power.

If he tried to break the chains by force, a significant amount of his existence would be consumed.

He shouldn't do that.

What he had to do was not simply waste his energy on such things.

The One God came up with a plan.

A part of his "Light."

He divided that part into several pieces again.

The pieces, which were only a few at first, were divided into countless pieces again.

He planted one of the largest pieces where he was imprisoned.

Fed by the giant light, the piece took its place in the form of a Divine Tree.

It was a shield to protect the imprisoned God and a giant tree to announce his existence.

The Divine Tree extended its roots to the Lower Realm under the guidance of other pieces.

He forcibly connected the Upper and Lower Realms using the Divine Tree.

It was to allow the vast energy that made up the Upper Realm to flow into the Lower Realm as well.

The loosely connected passages widened, and the Upper and Lower Realms became a community of destiny.

He liked the trick he had created.

But that wasn't enough.

He scattered numerous pieces derived from one light into the Lower Realm.

Countless demons affected by the pieces were born with great potential.

When they awakened their full power, each one would be comparable to the Gods of the Upper Realm.

He scattered a few more pieces into the Intermediate Realm.

He wanted to create beings similar to those of the Lower Realm.

But it was a world with an innately weaker existence than the Lower Realm.

The Intermediate Realm was likely to overload and explode with just two or three pieces.

No, before that, there was a possibility that the pieces would be recovered and misused by the Gods of the Upper Realm.

The One God came up with another trick.

He divided the Intermediate Realm into several dimensions to make it difficult for the Gods of the Upper Realm to interfere.

He planted one piece in each dimension.

It would take time.

But if the power of the pieces bloomed, the Intermediate Realm would have potential no less than that of the Lower and Upper Realms.

Even though a Divine Tree was born in their Upper Realm,

the arrogant Gods of the Upper Realm were still intoxicated with a sense of victory.

They thought of it as just a trick or a tantrum from the imprisoned One God.

The One God quietly watched the seeds he had sown sprout.

All kinds of civilizations were born and developed in each dimension of the Intermediate Realm.

In the Lower Realm, affected by the power of the pieces, demons with high existence were born.

He was pleased with all those processes.

But.

There are always variables in every plan.

The One God's plan was the same.

Many of the pieces he had scattered.

A considerable number of them clumped together and merged to create a light that was difficult to call a piece.

The One God was embarrassed.

The embarrassment at that time was, if you had to find a comparison, the moment when the Gods of the Upper Realm rebelled against him.

It could be said to be more than that.

The potential contained in the mass of pieces was not on the level of the Gods of the Upper Realm who mimicked him.

If handled incorrectly, it was highly likely to achieve an existence that could create a new realm on its own, or to interfere with other dimensions on its own.

He became impatient.

Lest he fail again.

The One God interfered with the mass of pieces that was beginning to take shape.

Using the power of the Divine Tree, just before the variable took on a complete existence.

He barely split the great power into two.

That day.

Two demons with an existence that transcended God were born in the Lower Realm.

Baal and Valac.

The One God gave them such names.

Crackle. Crackle.

Pazzzz.

Noise occurred.

Pain washed over him.

His brain, his cells, felt like they were burning.

If he lost his concentration like this, the skill would be canceled and the memory playback would end.

The pain of his existence being eaten away would also end.

Nevertheless, Taehyun could not give up.

'I have to know.'

The beginning of this absurd thing.

A chance that will not come again.

'I can't miss it.'

Ting.

[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill Memorize(???) has been enhanced.]

[The enhancement of the skill has reached its limit.]

[Resisting the collapse of the body.]

[Resisting the collapse of the mind.]

[Countdown has started.]

Hwaaa.

The swarm of light intensified, and the memory was replayed again.

He split the giant swarm of light.

The two forces were divided unevenly.

Another variable occurred in the process.

Baal took shape with complete will and power.

However, Valac was severely damaged and fell into a deep sleep.

The One God moved Valac to the deepest part of the Lower Realm.

Baal alone was enough to carry out the plan.

The One God contacted Baal and whispered sweet words to him.

He gave him knowledge, told him part of the truth of the world, and explained the Gods of the Upper Realm he would have to face in the future.

Baal seemed to understand the reason for his existence.

He used the Divine Tree to cultivate a force called the Dragon Army and began bombarding the negligent Gods.

The Upper Realm was devastated in an instant.

The One God was released from imprisonment and recovered all the existence that had resided in the Gods of the Upper Realm.

And.

After returning Baal to the Lower Realm, he newly formed the Celestial Realm.

Unlike before, it didn't have to be perfect.

Therefore, he mixed the disadvantages of the Intermediate Realm and the imperfections of the Lower Realm.

He divided it into ten Celestial Realms so that they could not unite and turn their swords against him.

However.

Only the guys in the place called the 1st Celestial Realm were made after the former Gods.

Among them, the arrogance of the guy called Lucifer was similar to those who had already disappeared.

He was pleased.

Not knowing what kind of end his predecessor had faced.

The appearance of the creation that thought and acted as if it was the best.

That's why he chose the arrogant Lucifer as the owner of the first Celestial Realm, not the perfect Michael.

After the Celestial Realm was reorganized, he looked at the Lower Realm.

He took away some of the power he had given to Baal.

He didn't like giving up his power willingly, but he couldn't help it.

The One God who had recovered his power was not an existence that Baal, who was made up of just pieces, could refuse.

The imperfect Gods divided into 10 Celestial Realms, checking other Celestial Realms and worshiping him.

The potential of the Lower and Intermediate Realms that could become a restraint on the Upper Realm at any time.

Everything seemed to be back in place.

The One God scattered the pieces and returned to his original role.

And some time later.

He heard the news that Baal of the Lower Realm had created the Archdemon System.

Episode 493

The Archduke System.

The Uniques God instantly understood the foundation of that system.

Ten celestial realms structured to prevent anyone from turning a blade against him.

Baal was trying to recreate that system in the lower realm, modeled after the upper realm.

For what purpose?

He tried to predict his creation's intention.

It wasn't difficult.

Although Baal was a being composed of more fragments of light than anyone else, in the end, he was also made of his own light.

It was boredom.

Having immense power but being used up and abandoned in the lower realm.

The Unique God pondered.

After dealing with all the gods of the upper realm, he had sufficiently weakened Baal's power.

He had also reclaimed the essence they possessed, making himself the sole and unique being once more.

Originally, Baal, having served his purpose, should have been eliminated or appointed as a proxy.

But Baal and Balak.

These two beings strangely deviated from the laws he had created.

Their very origin was a variable.

The Unique God's magic was not properly applied.

Clearly, he was the one who created this world, yet he couldn't simply take their lives as he did with others.

The Unique God fell into deep thought.

About the disposal of this being born from the combination of light, possessing a much greater existence than he had initially anticipated.

The solution was simple.

The newly created celestial beings of the upper realm.

He could empower the new gods to restrain Baal.

Although they were more incomplete than the previous gods, using the Divine Tree planted in the upper realm, creating a gap between the upper and lower realms was easy.

From then on, everything went according to plan.

The masters of each newly formed celestial realm absolutely obeyed the Unique God and accepted the power of the Divine Tree according to his words.

Archdukes, who were rare occurrences even after long periods in the lower realm.

Countless beings of equivalent power were cultivated.

Unlike the previous gods, they were given limited reproductive abilities.

All celestial realms belonging to the upper realm achieved growth unmatched by the lower realm.

The beginning was the Akashic Records.

The 'records of all things' naturally created along with the world.

The Akashic Records were a device that recorded all major and minor events happening in the upper, lower, and intermediate realms, and even he could not alter or stop the records.

Because the world was created to be recorded, not that there was a world and then the recording began.

In accepting the power of the Divine Tree, it was inevitable that they would learn of the existence of the Akashic Records.

The masters of the ten celestial realms realized that they were beings created after the extinction of the original gods.

The masters of the other nine celestial realms accepted this fact without much resistance.

But the absolute beings of the 1st celestial realm, created by imitating the previous gods.

Among them, Lucifer, the master of the 1st celestial realm who had not had his arrogance removed.

That child did not accept it.

That he was the god's second creation.

The fact that the Unique God could eliminate them, who called themselves gods, if he so desired.

The existence of a god superior to himself.

He could not accept it.

He confirmed that impiety was sprouting in the hearts of Lucifer and his followers.

The god was truly saddened.

On the one hand, he was regretful.

If they were satisfied with what was given to them, if they simply regarded the Unique God as their parent and obeyed.

They would be beings who could have everything in the upper realm.

Beings who could grow into variables comparable to that mutant Baal.

Just before Lucifer drew his sword first.

The loyal Michael moved first.

Michael ended Lucifer's affairs by stripping him of his divine power and banishing him.

The Unique God did not press Michael.

He could not deny that Lucifer was his sore spot, even though he had harbored rebellious thoughts.

Lucifer's vacancy was naturally filled by Michael.

He didn't feel much emotion even when he heard that the banished one was called Lucifer in the lower realm.

Nor when he heard that he had joined hands with Baal and was called an Archduke.

The banished former master of the 1st celestial realm and Baal, who was sealed after his usefulness was exhausted.

He didn't like either of them.

He didn't think either of them posed a threat.

So he turned off all attention.

What he needed to worry about was not the power struggles of his creations.

Because strife and competition were essential elements for the existential power of the universe to rise.

In the meantime, Baal, who had seized control of the Archduke system, made the Lower Realm King...

Static-

Noise occurred.

Fizz-

Sparks flew from the memory replay.

And.

[...Contractor!!!]

To the shout of the familiar voice.

"...!!"

Taehyun opened his eyes.

"...Haa... Haa..."

Taehyun exhaled ragged breaths.

Clearly, Lucifer and Gilfel's authorities were at play.

Drip.

Blood flowing from his eyes, nose, and mouth showed no signs of stopping.

He focused his blurred vision.

The one who woke him at the end of the memory replay was definitely.

"Rozaria..."

It was her voice.

He wiped the blood pooled in his eyes.

And confirmed with a clearer vision.

That where he had awakened was not outside.

But in the Inner World.

That there was a radiance more immense than ever before.

And that the battered Archdukes were protecting him.

"Damn it."

Taehyun spat out an curse.

[You... If you had been a little later, you wouldn't have been able to return...]

Orgal, flexing his angry muscles, said so.

[Fuhuhuhu... Brother, it would be troublesome if you forgot your promise to this one and died first.]

Typhon, bearing five disasters, said so.

[You didn't come back without any gains, did you?]

Hajad, transformed into a dragon, said so.

[This is the final battlefield. If we consume any more power, everyone will be banished.]

Jormungandr, blocking the radiance with a swirling sea of mana, said so.

[...I have been waiting. The only brother of this demon.]

Gilfel, wielding seven overflowing authorities, said so.

[That bastard...!! How long are you going to keep rolling the Archdukes!!]

Igmun, who had surpassed his limits several times in this battle, said so.

[Those guys were acting like they were about to die a moment ago. Don't worry about them.]

Elven, flaunting his usual eloquence, said so.

[Gather yourself.]

The benevolent Rozaria said so.

Finally.

[You have an expression as if you have faced the truth.]

Unlike his tired appearance.

Lucifer, who turned up the corners of his lips, asked so.

His appearance of pushing back the radiance while raising Qinghua was truly a sight to behold.

"Yeah."

Taehyun quietly answered and checked the power within his body.

He understood the situation.

'Half of the Inner World has been eroded.'

Probably, it was the influence of the fact that immediately after using 'Ataraxia' on No Name, that guy also took his own counterattack.

The fact that the Archdukes were blocking the radiance's erosion in his Inner World must be a collaboration between Rozaria and Elven.

The time created by the nine Archdukes risking their lives.

"It wasn't in vain."

Because at least he could know the essence of the war he was waging.

At least he could get a clue as to why he was chosen as the key.

[You dare to be so confident, having peeked at memories that were not allowed.]

No Name's voice echoed.

Clearly, this should be Taehyun's Inner World.

But he didn't like the attitude as if he were the master.

Ten Archdukes.

The place is the Inner World.

If it was before, he would have been confident no matter who the opponent was.

But now the situation was not good.

In a series of battles.

Everyone was exhausted as a price for using their authorities to the limit.

'The rebound is coming soon.'

The time the Archdukes are enduring by sharing each other's powers was also gradually reaching its limit.

It would be fortunate if the body of Cody Cruise, which contained the fragments, was also cracking.

'If I push the body a little more... I can do it.'

It was when Taehyun thought so.

[I can do it. That's the look on your face.]

Hwaaaak.

The radiance that had been struggling with the Archdukes was once again gathered into Cody Cruise's body.

[I admit it.]

The lower realm has evolved more interestingly than the god thought.

After the brief comment.

Cody Cruise's red eyes met Taehyun again.

[Since you have arbitrarily peeked into the god's memories, you will not be able to avoid divine punishment. Will you take responsibility for that? Or.]

Hwaaaaa... Hwaaaa!!!

Crack... Crackcrackcrack...

The cracks accelerated and the radiance spread throughout the Inner World.

The Archdukes resisted by emitting magic.

[Playing around is over.]

Kneel.

At the absolute command, the Archdukes' massive bodies were crushed.

It was the moment when their arrogant and proud heads were about to touch the floor.

Tring.

['Great Power' - 'Fairy King's' will responds.]

['Great Power' - 'Fallen Angel's' will responds.]

['Great Power' - 'Giant King's' will responds.]

['Great Power' - 'Beast King's' will responds.]

['Great Power' - 'Vampire Lord's' will responds.]

['Great Power' - 'Dragon Lord's' will responds.]

['Great Power' - 'Demon King's' will responds.]

['Great Power' - 'Succubus Queen's' will responds.]

['Great Power' - 'Sea of Magic King's' will responds.]

The Archdukes' authorities were assimilated into the Dragonslaying Sword, which had less than a third of its blade remaining.

They resonated their existential power to prevent the Archdukes' heads from touching the floor.

"They are my contractors."

My world.

Therefore.

"Don't be so presumptuous."

All kinds of magic mixed into the Dragonslaying Sword pushed back the radiance.

[...]

Crack.

The cracks that appeared on Cody Cruise's body became even deeper.

"A fragment of the Unique God."

Taehyun put another name of No Name into his mouth.

"I heard you were a god, but there's nothing special about you."

[...]

"Isn't what you're doing just like a child?"

He hasn't seen all the memories yet.

Nevertheless, he could know.

That the guy in front of him was one of the many fragments that the Unique God scattered in the intermediate realm.

"Expecting the world to be favorable only to oneself, isn't that an action that only a child would show?"

Taehyun realized.

That he, too, was an Archduke and an Absolute Being that he had created.

Not different from the demons of the lower realm and the celestial beings of the upper realm.

'No, wouldn't it be right to say that they were made to imitate God?'

[It would have been better to continue acting favorably. The territory war. The situation after that will not be easy.]

"The Lower Realm King. What happened to that guy?"

At that word, the radiance stirred.

The current lower realm cannot handle the words he utters.

He said to regret himself for not reaching the same level as them.

"Violence. That's the immutable law."

Taehyun checked the remaining magic power.

With his current self, there is no chance of winning.

'It's a relief that I didn't use it on Lucifer.'

"Since this is the Inner World, it saved me the trouble of summoning."

It was the moment when Taehyun said that there was a guy here who was acting like the owner.

Kwaaa.

With a huge gate, another Taehyun appeared.

[Original... Doing all sorts of things. Where the hell do you get a guy like that.]

"The explanation is later. The situation is what it is."

[...]

"I hope you're not scared, by any chance."

The Doppelganger, who looked around at Taehyun's words, clicked his tongue.

A guy who can make nine Archdukes kneel with a single word.

Even though that guy is his opponent.

[Even as a joke, you're going too far.]

Isn't it good prey?

The Doppelganger chuckled and took out his hideous magic.

That power was not inferior to Lucifer's at his best.

Jjeooo-eok.

The gluttonous maw revealed its teeth.

No Name's red eyes sparkled in the maw, which had a different density from Taehyun's.

The form is different, but the essence does not change.

Comparable to the early Baal.

Another variable that was sealed in an incomplete state.

[Balak...]

No Name quietly recited, but.

No one heard those words.

494화

Doppelganger.

A being with power stronger than Taehyun, constantly seeking ownership of his body.

Once his greatest enemy, a fact that remains unchanged.

'A being I must eliminate someday.'

But when their interests align.

'There's no better ally.'

Even when he was nothing more than a bug in the eyes of the Archdukes.

Even in moments when he was no more than a trivial monster in the eyes of an Absolute Being.

He was Taehyun's greatest hidden card.

And now.

He calls the fragment of God a good prey.

'It's not a bluff.'

The devouring entity at his feet was baring its fangs more fiercely than ever.

'Even after growing this much... do I still have to risk my life?'

As Taehyun grows, the Doppelganger will recover even greater power.

Until now, he has managed to maintain the upper hand with tricks and what could be called skills.

But consider the final battle that will come someday.

Defeat. Mutual destruction. Death. Annihilation. Assimilation, etc.

Unpleasant thoughts inevitably arise.

Reading his thoughts, the Doppelganger smirked.

[Are you afraid of being devoured by this body?]

"Don't be overconfident. Even as a joke, excessive confidence is a flaw."

[That brazen tongue is still alive. Good. I was worried you had forgotten your promise with this body.]

The promise.

The reason the connection with the Lower Realm King was severed.

The authority of Devouring.

Confirming the fate of its original owner.

These were things he thought he would hear from Lucifer after finishing the Territory War.

The Doppelganger was well aware of this fact.

Yet, he asks to confirm Taehyun's condition.

Lest his fighting spirit be broken by a mere fragment before him.

Whether he can lead the future with sufficient initiative.

If he disappoints him with an unsatisfactory answer.

Even now.

He will covet the ownership of his body.

Watching him, Taehyun clicked his tongue softly.

'He's really made up his mind.'

He's lived arrogantly in the mindscape for a long time.

With his own face.

He couldn't possibly fail to read the thoughts of a being making expressions he himself isn't familiar with.

Just as he is aware of Taehyun's unease.

Taehyun, too, is piercing through his essence.

"The promise. I remember it very well. Don't worry, I've gained quite an interesting memory."

[Oh? What kind?]

"There must be something in return for what you get."

Taehyun glanced at Noname, who was observing them with interest.

[I know the general situation. Your battles are always desperate and harrowing.]

Overwhelming with power is the basis of battle, he dismissed the nonsense and asked about the odds of winning.

[Your mental strength is so exhausted. If you hand over that body, the chances will increase.]

The Doppelganger replied with a sly expression.

'He's telling an obvious lie.'

Without thinking, an immediate answer came out.

"Refused."

[How decisive.]

Chuckling, the Doppelganger snapped his fingers.

Snap.

Crack!!!

The jaws of Devouring scattered beneath the Archdukes' feet.

And.

Crunch!!!

The constricting radiance was bitten off, and the Archdukes regained their mobility.

Ding.

[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated. Specifying the range.]

Swoosh. Swoosh. Swoosh.

Miniaturized darkness descended upon the Archdukes.

To protect them from the radiance while they regain their minimal strength.

No, it would be more accurate to say that it buys them a little more time.

The state of Apocalypse isn't intact enough to completely block Noname's radiance.

[You're having foolish thoughts.]

Those are not beings to be protected, but swords to be wielded.

Having such soft thoughts is why you're being overwhelmed by a fragment.

[I'll help you as a service this time. I don't like guys who act up without the owner's permission.]

So said the Doppelganger, looking at Noname.

Unlike his sarcastic words, he was fully aware of the danger of that being.

Because he had been watching him all along in the mindscape.

If Lucifer hadn't restricted his power.

[Even this body might have had to be on guard.]

His red eyes, darker than ever, beyond the radiance.

He stared at the crack that was revealed without any attempt to hide it.

It was a phenomenon that appeared because the fragment's body couldn't withstand the use of excessive power.

[How intriguing. Is that how you're sealed?]

Watching Noname spout incomprehensible words.

Ptooey.

The Doppelganger spat.

[You don't know the importance of the body. Don't scan with those eyes just because you're a fragment.]

He didn't like it.

Unlike himself, who could only exist as the body of Kim Taehyun.

He knew that the being before him could switch bodies at any time, as long as it was a suitable vessel.

'And the maintenance of that power would also be free.'

Freedom that was not granted to him.

Disgust welled up.

Anger flared.

Without even realizing it.

Clench.

He got excited.

Kwaaaaaaa.

Grumble.

The jaws of Devouring made ominous sounds, befitting the exploded magic power.

It was a magic power darker than any monster in the Lower Realm.

A smile appeared on Noname's lips as he faced that power.

The previously advantageous situation was immediately reversed by the appearance of that being.

Nevertheless, he couldn't help but be pleased.

Since his source was the same as himself anyway.

[You can't afford to relax. You can't control the crack, can you?]

[Oh dear, a creator being looked down upon by his creation. You're in a sorry state.]

It was the moment when the radiance was about to possess Elven's body.

Snap.

Crack!!

As the Doppelganger snapped his fingers, the jaws of Devouring blocked the radiance's path.

[Didn't I tell you?]

Not to act up, you fragment.

[......]

Watching the silent Noname, the Doppelganger raised his head.

[Original. Watch carefully.]

How to defeat a God.

Like a hunter eyeing his prey.

The Doppelganger's lips curled up bitterly.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

Crackle.

Thud.

Each time the jaws of Devouring were created, the radiance was torn away.

Taehyun watched all those battles with his own eyes.

Each time the radiance was torn away, the cracks in the body became noticeably larger.

'Cody Cruz.'

Taehyun tried to ascertain the possibility of his comrade's survival.

He shook his head involuntarily.

Having been corrupted to this extent, regeneration would be impossible if the body were destroyed.

'From the beginning, even Lucifer made him a contractor for a purpose...'

He could feel the Archdukes' presence gathering in the Dragonslaying Sword.

'This isn't good.'

They had surpassed their limits several times in this battle.

Considering the power that had always shown monstrous recovery, the speed was pathetic.

'The rebound is coming.'

The use of great power comes with great risks.

If they push themselves any further, there is a significant possibility that they will all fall into despair.

'If that happens, even if the Territory War ends in victory, they won't be able to carry out the Race War.'

A hollow victory.

He would rather take a loss that would bring practical benefits than take something like that.

'Is this the end for the Archdukes?'

Taehyun thought so as he watched the battle between the two monsters.

The jaws of Devouring were devouring the five Sacred Spears.

When one Devouring exploded, twice as many jaws appeared everywhere, driving away the radiance.

Crunch!!!

It was right after one of the jaws bit off one of Noname's legs.

Woosh!!!

Noname's body was covered in blue flames.

Azure Flame.

The divine power used by Lucifer, who possessed the Eye of the Sun.

He was imitating that power.

The jaws of Devouring that had clung to him melted away without a trace.

[What do you want me to do about it?]

Snap.

The Doppelganger snapped his fingers again.

Dozens of Devourings surrounded the Azure Flame.

And the moment they all bit into him at once.

Swish.

The positions of the Doppelganger and Noname were switched.

[......!!]

"......!!"

The Eye of the Moon.

He had imitated the power of Horus that Taehyun possessed, even deceiving Devouring.

Crunch!!

It was only a moment that the Doppelganger was engulfed in Devouring.

But it was enough time for Noname to reach Elven.

Breaking through Apocalypse, cutting off the resisting branches of the Divine Tree, the radiance reached Elven.

No, it was the moment it was about to reach.

Clang!!!

The Dragonslaying Sword that had pierced through, struck down the radiance.

Fizz.

Spreading lightning, he swung the sword down.

Woosh.

Swish.

Flames and cold air swirled around Taehyun's body.

The Eye of the Sun and the Eye of the Moon.

It was a presence that was too strong to be simply called an imitation.

[Aren't you in tatters as well? How ironic. The last technique used by consuming the body is directed at a friend.]

That was the end of his words.

Crack.

The cracks on the Dragonslaying Sword were vividly felt.

'No.'

The cracks were continuing not only on the Dragonslaying Sword, but also on Cody Cruz's body.

Crackle... Crumble....

Cracks that spread throughout the body.

Crash!!!

It shattered into pieces with a loud noise.

Swoosh.

Radiance scattered.

And.

[Indeed, a body worthy of the name Archduke.]

"......!!"

It was instinct.

Swinging the Dragonslaying Sword at the voice he heard from behind.

Thwack.

One sharp branch pierced through his chest.

Crack.

The sound of the pierced magic stone breaking was vividly heard.

[A Fairy King who wields the Divine Tree. Indeed, a vessel without equal.]

Unlike Taehyun's distorted expression.

Noname, who had taken Elven's body, said with a kind smile.

Ding.

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

[Skill usage is not smooth.]

[Skill is weakened.]

Crunch.

The Devouring that appeared from beneath bit off the branches of the Divine Tree.

Gagagagak.

The magic power that was spewed out from the Dragonslaying Sword shook off the two types of power that covered his body.

He had only moved his body.

'Strong.'

At least twice as strong.

Compared to when he had awakened in Cody Cruz's body, that level of eeriness was felt.

This must be due to the Archduke's vessel and Elven's characteristics of being connected to the Divine Tree and using infinite magic power.

'I can't win like this.'

[You couldn't wait that short time and switched over.]

The Doppelganger approached.

Snap.

As he snapped his fingers, the jaws of Devouring swirled around Elven's body.

They blocked the upper, lower, left, and right sides, and obscured the field of vision to prevent location shifts.

'Wait...'

Wait.

It was the moment he was about to shout that.

Bang!!!

The jaws of Devouring were torn apart.

The Doppelganger's red eyes twitched.

[As expected. A body with good compatibility.]

Elven, who had become Noname's new host, said as if pleased.

[How unpleasant. In this body's world. You're the first bug to act so cocky.]

It was the moment the Doppelganger was about to snap his fingers again.

[Hmm. Is this how you do it?]

Snap.

Swoosh.

One of the eight Apocalypses that Taehyun was maintaining was released.

Rosaria's figure was revealed.

[Contractor!! Danger....]

Before her cry could even finish.

Snap.

Noname snapped his fingers again.

Colorless magic power mixed with radiance swirled around Rosaria.

'Crazy.'

[Original. It's already too late.]

The Doppelganger said, blocking Taehyun, who was about to use Devouring.

"What nonsense...."

Was he about to say.

At that moment.

Following the radiance and the colorless.

Fzz.

Purple magic power rose from Elven's body.

[......]

"......!!"

Unlike the indifferent Doppelganger and Taehyun with a hardened expression.

The expression of Noname, who had taken Elven's body, was only kind.

[First.]

Should I start by using the Succubus Queen?

Slyly.

The corners of Elven's lips, who had opened his blue eyes, rose.

495

[Relying on vulgar talent.]

Doppelganger frowned as he watched Elven turn into Blue Eyes.

It wasn't just the Blue Eyes that changed.

She, who originally had the power of great magic, couldn't handle divine power.

Now, she was emitting colorless and purple magic along with radiance, which could be said to be the basic form of divine power.

He didn't like that fact.

Even the power used in the limited body of Cody Cruise was enough to overwhelm the Archdukes.

Just by mixing the magic of two Archdukes, she was emitting an existence that couldn't be compared to him?

Unlike his expression of it as 'vulgar talent,' the situation was changing once again.

Taehyun was also surprised.

Overflowing purple magic.

That was the power that symbolized her authority.

'She's resonating with Rosaria.'

Resonance (共鳴) was the right of the contractor, himself.

That guy was perfectly imitating it just by seeing it a few times and touching it with radiance.

Was that all?

He's controlling the Archdukes.

The thought made his spine feel cold.

[Those who rely on sorcery never have anything proper.]

Like the weak demon Gorpherra did before.

Doppelganger mocked.

Unlike his words, it felt like he was provoking him, which was unlike him.

[Shall we watch?]

[Original!!]

The moment NoName's radiance enveloped the remaining Apocalypses coincided with Doppelganger's shout.

A huge mouth of predation was swallowing NoName.

He chose to attack rather than protect the Archdukes.

He already knew the guy's tendencies.

Tring.

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

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

[Skill Great Demon's Heart(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill Beast Race's Heart(???) has been enhanced.]

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

Kiii-.

Kiiing-.

He rotated the two magic stones that were still running.

He frantically absorbed the radiance that was aiming for the eight Apocalypses.

[Absorbing a huge amount of power.]

[Divinity increases by 1.]

[Magic power increases by 1.]

[Skill Great Demon's Heart(???) goes berserk.]

[Skill Beast Race's Heart(???) goes berserk.]

His whole body trembled.

Unfortunately, the broken magic stone was 'True Blood.'

The efficiency wasn't very good.

'It's impossible to absorb everything.'

Taehyun admitted his limits.

He had to be satisfied with just preventing that radiance from tearing apart the Apocalypses and reaching the Archdukes.

Tring.

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

[Unique Skill Predation(???) has been enhanced….]

"Kah…"

Taehyun, who was in the middle of enhancing his skills, vomited blood.

Although his appearance was fine thanks to 'Super High-Speed Regeneration,' his mental strength was consumed close to the limit.

In that brief moment when Predation weakened.

Radiance tore apart Taehyun's magic and finally reached the Archdukes.

'No….'

Just like Rosaria and Elven had.

The Archdukes who had been storing power inside the Apocalypse were revealed.

[Doing all sorts of things.]

[…….]

[Some stray bastard from somewhere….]

[Don't ignore the Archduke.]

[Puhuhuhuhu.]

[Ro, Rosaria…!!]

[Get a grip. You insects…!!]

The seven Archdukes opened their magic and resisted without showing any signs of panic.

However.

The current NoName had reached another level compared to before.

'Evacuate….'

That guy had dominated Elven and Rosaria in an instant.

Don't resist, just avoid it.

Preserve your strength.

He wanted to shout that.

If his throat wasn't blocked with blood, he would have shouted it for sure.

Bang!!!

Something was seen being thrown out with a loud noise.

It was Doppelganger.

Taehyun's gaze turned to NoName.

A new magic was blooming from his body.

Brown magic symbolizing Orgal's power.

Crimson magic symbolizing Igmun's power.

Five-colored magic symbolizing Typhon's power.

Deep blue magic symbolizing Gilfer's power.

Even purple and achromatic colors.

Looking at the magic of the six Archdukes protecting the radiance, a hollow laugh naturally came out.

Just watching it was enough to lose the will to fight.

Unfortunately.

It was evidence that the power of the fragment that Lucifer was trying to suppress with his authority was being released little by little.

The Lower Realm King and Upper Realm King in his memory.

He even had the illusion that those guys were in front of him.

His mind was dizzy from the backflow.

At that moment.

Puk.

A dark red thorn pierced Taehyun's abdomen.

"Hah…"

Thud.

His knees buckled against his will.

Splash.

Drip.

The dark red blood that had turned his insides into a mess poured out.

[What a frail body. Where did the confidence you showed to this body go?]

He lifted his head at the voice he heard.

Doppelganger, who had approached, had a look of pity on his face.

The thorn that pierced Taehyun.

It was connected to Doppelganger.

And.

Tzzzzzzzz.

A huge magic flowed in through the thorn.

Unlike when using skills or potions.

Just having the magic flow through his body cleared his mind and made his body feel lighter.

He was forcibly injecting his existence by imitating Igmun's authority.

"You…."

[If you're going to say something pointless, shut up. This body has no such thing as 'limits'.]

"……."

Taehyun bit his lip at the rapidly subsiding backflow.

He thought he had gotten stronger.

'I didn't expect to struggle this much in a situation that wasn't even a race war….'

At that moment, a bundle of branches of the sacred tree surrounded Taehyun and Doppelganger.

[Won't you stop resisting?]

Unlike the soft voice, the ominous magic power and divine power didn't seem to have any intention of doing so.

Tak.

The moment NoName flicked his fingers, Rosaria's tentacles further strengthened the encirclement.

He was emphasizing that the resistance was futile, as he had to face not only himself but also the Archdukes from now on.

Jjeoeoeoeok.

Doppelganger replaced his answer with Predation that appeared from under his feet.

Kwaduk!!!

Branches and tentacles blocked Predation, and the more they did, the more gluttonously the mouth wagged its teeth.

[If you fall down one more time, I'll tear those guys apart and devour them all.]

Elven and Rosaria, who could already be considered enemies.

He was also watching the remaining Archdukes resisting the radiance and said.

The Archdukes of the Lower Realm.

Unlike how he treated them insignificantly, their powers were quite troublesome.

Normally, he would have eaten the guys who were likely to become enemies first.

Now, he knew that they were important forces for Taehyun, so he didn't touch them recklessly.

But that was the last time.

If NoName got any stronger than this, he would cause a situation that even he couldn't handle.

If Taehyun showed even the slightest bit of anxiety.

If he showed any signs of insecurity, he was going to tear Rosaria apart without any regrets.

But.

"Don't worry."

Taehyun, who had barely calmed down the backflow, got up.

He pulled out Doppelganger's fingernails that had extended his body's limits a little further.

Showing weakness was the last time.

At least.

"I won't fall down before this battle is over."

He asserted that he would face the Archdukes.

He didn't show the slightest hesitation.

[…….]

Arrogance despite not having recovered even half of his strength.

Damn Original guy.

Unlike the words that came out of his mouth, he was truly delighted.

[Don't disappoint this body.]

That was the end of his words.

An unprecedented magic swept through Doppelganger's body, who showed his unique sneer.

He saw the Fairy King wrapped in huge branches and looking down at him.

No, he saw NoName.

Ever since he took possession of Elven's body.

That guy had always seen him as an interesting creature.

The emotions that the guys who visited the mental world naturally showed.

Fear and dread were excluded.

A prey acting like a hunter.

A prey acting like a prey.

He also didn't like the indifferent Blue Eyes as if the positions had been reversed.

[I admit it, you damn fragment.]

You are.

You're by far the best of the guys who have visited this place.

That proud Doppelganger admitted his opponent.

At the same time, cracks appeared throughout the mental world.

Just like Lucifer had stored extra power in the Sky Castle and the Celestial Castle.

He was even drawing in the power that made up the mental world.

Tak.

Doppelganger flicked his fingers once more.

Jjeoeoeoeok.

Above the hundreds of tentacles blocking Predation.

A larger mouth was shaped.

Kwaduk!!! Kwaduk!!!

He tore off all of Rosaria's tentacles without hesitation.

[Drag him away.]

Kwang!!!

Taehyun's huge body, disguised as a Beast Race.

Ancient martial arts struck Rosaria's body.

The Succubus Queen's body bounced off weakly and rolled towards where the Archdukes were.

[Hmph. If you're trying to cut off the connection, that's the wrong choice, right?]

That's what NoName said the moment he tried to control the bodies of the other Archdukes.

Kwok!!!

[……?]

Suddenly, a mouth that appeared from within the crack bit NoName's foot.

It was something that happened without any warning.

[Focus on this body, you.]

Eudeudeuk. Eudeuk.

[…….]

NoName watched the Predation that was biting and swallowing his foot.

[I'll play with you until the end. Don't even think about running away.]

Tak.

Jjeojeok. Jjeok. Jjeojeojeok.

Countless miniaturized mouths appeared from all over the cracks.

Arrogant and bizarre power.

[You're indeed a guy who can be called a variable.]

Balak.

He murmured that and.

A huge power collided once again.

Radiance and Predation.

The collision of immeasurable power accelerated the cracks in the mental world.

Using the Sacred Tree connected to Elven's body, hundreds of Holy Spears were fired, and Doppelganger's Predation was chewing and swallowing all of them.

So far, no one has allowed a meaningful attack, but instinctively, he felt that there wasn't much time left.

'I have to somehow deal with NoName here.'

To do that, he had to make these guys come to their senses first.

"This is going to be tough."

Taehyun twisted the corners of his lips as he looked at the Archdukes surrounding him.

Rosaria was still being controlled by NoName.

And.

The six Archdukes dominated by her amplified magic revealed their fighting spirit.

Typhon didn't seem to have any intention of resisting from the start.

Orgal resisted by pulling out his arm, but failed.

Igmun tried to absorb her magic, but was attacked in reverse.

Gilfer, Hazard, and Jormungandr were still resisting, but seemed to be losing control little by little.

Lucifer was the only one who had completely succeeded in resisting.

The seven Archdukes, who had been reliable allies until just now, had become enemies.

Even Lucifer, the strongest Archduke, seemed to be struggling just to resist the magic emitted through Rosaria.

"I wasn't just playing around either."

Taehyun shook his throbbing head and checked the remaining magic power.

Using the Archduke's authority in his current state was no different from self-destruction.

'Then….'

He checked the abundant divine power he had left.

Coincidentally, a new skill registered after devouring the four Absolutes caught his eye.

'There's no need to hesitate.'

None.

Tring.

[Skill One Who Deceives(???) has been activated.]

[Specifying the target.]

[Implementing the image.]

[Skill proficiency is insufficient.]

[The skill is activated incompletely.]

Hwaaaaa.

What radiance created after consuming a huge amount of divine power.

7th Thousand World Absolute Loki.

7th Thousand World Absolute Heimdall.

7th Thousand World Absolute Roan.

10th Thousand World Absolute Horus.

10th Thousand World Absolute Anubis.

10th Thousand World Absolute Set.

It was the six Absolutes who were devoured by Taehyun.

496

The Doppelganger and Noname, who were in the middle of a fierce battle, stopped moving.

It was because they felt a huge divine power reaction.

It was nothing compared to the amount they could use in battle.

The problem was that the six Absolutes were materialized by divine power, and the user of the skill was Taehyun.

Kim Taehyun.

He had watched the game being turned upside down by the last move he had left behind many times.

[Amazing. He still had that much power left.]

Noname admired sincerely.

It is not easy to maintain the shape of someone you have eaten.

What more can be said if it is an Absolute?

The King of the Lower World has stepped into a realm that humans should not reach.

He is approaching a level similar to that guy.

Noname muttered quietly.

That was something Doppelganger was also feeling.

[That guy tends to eat a lot of things.]

The problem is that many of them flow into here.

[What about you? Do you think you can dare to eat a god?]

A gentle smile was drawn on Noname's lips as he asked.

It was a different personality from when he woke up in Cody Cruz's body.

[Does that personality change every time you change bodies?]

He asked with a hint of mockery.

[All of them are pieces that make up a god. It seems you don't like the fact that you can move your body around at will?]

Jealousy is a pure emotion.

[There is nothing to be ashamed of in front of God.]

[Ha... hahaha... hahahaha...!!]

Doppelganger burst into absurd laughter.

How dare a mere piece look down on him.

Many demons who have visited this place have taken such an attitude.

But they soon accepted defeat due to the difference in power or struggled desperately.

Swish.

He put his hand on his chest.

He felt it.

The nine Demon Stones generated each time Taehyun made a contract with the Archdukes.

A heart that he himself could not use properly and was almost sealed.

[Shall I borrow it for a while?]

Doppelganger rotated the Demon Stones embedded in his chest.

Kiyi-.

Mind Control.

Streams of purple magic were emitted.

That alone slowed down the cracks in the mental world.

Kiyi-.

Enhancement.

Brown magic wrapped around his body.

The delicacy of the muscles felt more natural.

Tsujujujuju-.

Absorption.

Crimson magic sucked up the magic of the area.

A huge amount of magic was filling up just by standing still.

Pajujujuju-.

Elements.

The five disasters alternated with each rotation of the Demon Stones.

If he wanted to.

He could cause a disaster that could restructure the terrain with a single gesture.

Krrr.

Haki.

Dragon Heart. The blessed magic crystal roared.

The presence that radiated around him pressured Noname.

[Hoo.]

The corner of Noname's lips curved into a smile.

He nodded as if telling him to continue.

Carelessness and余裕. (Yoyu, meaning composure)

It was only a paper-thin difference, but it didn't matter.

To him, who created everything that makes up this world.

The most important emotions were anticipation and excitement.

Of course, it was an attitude that was possible because he had no intention of losing.

It seemed that Doppelganger was the same.

Even though Noname was openly watching, he did not stop activating the Demon Stones within his body.

Kwagwagwagwa-.

Rage.

When the blue magic was released, a sea of magic flowed into the desolate mental world.

Just by rotating the Demon Stones, he summoned the Sea of Magic that only Jormungandr could control.

As befitting the name Rage, Doppelganger's presence began to increase rapidly.

Even though his enhanced body was trembling as if it was at its limit, he continued to use his powers without stopping.

Hwaaaaa-.

Regeneration.

Gray magic permeated the body that had reached its limit.

The shaking of the body that seemed to be breaking into pieces quickly subsided.

Ss Ss Ss-.

Evolution.

The power that heralds the birth of a new Demon King.

Dark blue magic calmed the presence that seemed to be about to go berserk.

There was only one power left from the Archdukes.

Kaaaaaa-.

Great Magic.

The Demon Stone made of achromatic magic rotated with a roar.

The noise was so huge.

It was enough to offset the sounds created by the Sea of Magic and the five disasters.

The powers of the nine Archdukes were in perfect balance.

Complete power concentration.

A realm that only the King of the Lower World had reached, and an area that Taehyun would have to reach in the future.

Doppelganger was the first to show that power, albeit imperfectly.

[Why were you just watching?]

Doppelganger asked, looking at Noname, who was still showing composure.

Composure and carelessness were only a paper-thin difference, but he knew that his actions were a clear mistake.

[I tried to show generosity, but you still don't like my attitude.]

Click.

When Noname snapped his fingers, the branches of the Divine Tree narrowed the encirclement.

It was as if he had not been playing around during that short time.

The divine power contained in the branches of the Divine Tree was incomparable to what Elven used.

[How ridiculous.]

Click.

When Doppelganger snapped his fingers again.

Hwareureuk. Hwareureuk.

Pajijik. Pajijik.

Jjeojeojeojeok.

Ss Ss Ss Ss.

Seogeok.

The powers of the elements were activated, and the approaching branches were instantly annihilated.

[The power is great, but how long are you going to keep blocking it?]

It was the moment Noname took out hundreds of branches of the Divine Tree.

Click.

Doppelganger snapped his fingers once again.

The branches that seemed about to pounce.

Suddenly.

Stopped moving.

[.......]

[Have you forgotten? The control over the Divine Tree is also in my hands.]

Jjeoeoeoeoeok.

A huge maw was created behind the Divine Tree.

Unlike what he used a moment ago, it was a predation that had been enhanced and amplified by the nine powers.

[Did you call it the creator's mercy?]

Heuk.

The corner of Doppelganger's lips went up.

Would he still say that while being eaten?

With those words.

Kwadedeudeu!!!

The huge Divine Tree was covered in the maw.

[Balak. He's a very violent guy.]

Acknowledging that it was not only his own potential that brought Kim Taehyun to this place.

Noname revealed his full power.

Deceiver (???) - Can materialize the beings devoured by predation. Divine Power: 100

'Deceiver' was registered after devouring four Absolutes.

It was a skill that consumed a considerable amount of divine power.

But it didn't use magic, and Taehyun didn't have to take on the risk himself.

He couldn't help but feel a headache.

Six Absolutes were created.

On the other hand, there were seven Archdukes, excluding Lucifer and Elven.

'I'll have to deal with one of them.'

He wiped the flowing blood and checked his condition.

The suppressed backflow was wriggling again just by activating one skill.

He checked the presence of Doppelganger, who had entered a decisive battle in the distance.

The main bodies of the Archdukes were here.

Rather, their presence was flowing out from Doppelganger.

Power concentration.

The next realm Taehyun needs to reach.

'I still have a long way to go.'

He didn't feel disappointed.

After all, Taehyun himself planted the seed, and eventually, he will be able to handle that power completely.

It felt as if the way he was using the Archdukes' magic as if to show off was to show him the direction to move forward.

The end of the domain war.

He had no intention of leaving everything to them and watching.

Taehyun wiped his nosebleed and looked up at Rozaria in front of him.

Elven connected to Noname.

She had already regenerated all the tentacles she had lost through her.

Not only her.

Gilfel, who Horus is dealing with.

Igmune, who is confronting Anubis.

Orgal, who Seth is holding back.

Jormungandr, who Loki is suppressing.

Hazard, who Heimdall is blocking.

Typhon, who Roen is enduring.

The bodies and the magic they were emitting were no different from before.

They were being controlled by Noname to use power beyond their limits.

The beginning was Rozaria, who was accepting more magic than anyone else.

The power of mind control that even controls Archdukes stronger than herself.

If he didn't stop her, the Archdukes would have a hard time avoiding degradation.

Taehyun checked the divine power flowing out for the regeneration of the six Absolutes and raised his head.

Unlike his usual gentle gaze, his eyes were expressionless.

"Rozaria."

Taehyun softly called her name.

"They say there's power in words, but what's with this state?"

He released 'Great Demonic Transformation,' which was protecting her body, and 'Apocalypse,' which was protecting the Archdukes.

He had a headache because of the divine power consumption to maintain the shapes of the Absolutes and the overheated battle of Doppelganger.

Even so.

Tring.

[Skill Eye of the Incubus King(???) has been enhanced.]

He enhanced his red eyes and walked towards her.

Jureureuk. Jureureuk.

Rozaria's red eyes, which recognized Taehyun as an enemy, twitched.

It was no longer a sword.

He poured purple magic into the handle of the broken and chipped Dragon Slayer Sword.

Whoong.

He swung the Dragon Slayer Sword in the air.

Just by doing that, the approaching tentacles flinched.

Stopped attacking.

It was because he shook the mind control of the tentacles by swinging the purple magic.

He didn't want to shock her body here.

It was the last consideration Taehyun was giving.

Whoong. Whoong. Whoong.

He endlessly slashed through the air.

The tentacles twitched each time he swung the sword, and Taehyun was able to reach Rozaria's face.

The being called the Queen of the Incubus.

Taehyun, who has the Eye of the Incubus King.

It was the moment the two pairs of red eyes met.

Tring.

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

[Skill Ataraxia(???) has been enhanced.]

[It resonates with the Skill Enhanced Eye of the Incubus King(???).]

[Skill Queen's World(???) is temporarily registered.]

Hwaaaaaak.

Two purple magic collided and swallowed the area.

Tring.

[Skill Queen's World(???) has been activated.]

"Snap out of it, Rozaria."

The end of the domain war is at hand.

With those words.

Pook.

He stabbed the Dragon Slayer Sword into her Magic Stone.

Tring.

[Skill Deceiver(???) has been released.]

Seureureuk. Seureureuk.

The six Absolutes made of radiance disappeared.

Koong. Koong.

The Archdukes, freed from Rozaria's mind control, began to fall one by one.

The power used to the limit.

It was because of the aftereffects of being forcibly deprived of the body's ownership.

If they were to disappear in their current state, their existence would be permanently damaged.

Taehyun 역summoned the wounded Archdukes, with Rozaria as the last.

Only Lucifer and Elven remained.

[You overdid it.]

"Can you say that too?"

Taehyun grinned as he looked at Lucifer, who was clearly exhausted.

[I will support you.]

"Don't push yourself."

Unlike his words, he didn't reject the offer.

He was also a wreck.

Just a moment ago, they were aiming for each other's lives.

He scoffed at the current situation where they were joining forces to seize the last opportunity.

He turned his gaze to the battle between Doppelganger and Noname.

The battle had reached the point where it wouldn't be strange if one of them disappeared, and it was quickly coming to an end.

The Divine Tree, torn apart by predation, was not able to supply a huge amount of power.

Elven's body also did not feel as magnificent as before.

Doppelganger was also smiling, but he didn't know that he had reached his limit.

The fact that he couldn't pull out the spear of radiance stuck in his shoulder was proof of that.

[This is my last magic power.]

It was the moment Lucifer's index finger touched Taehyun.

Tring.

[Skill Archangel's Heart(???) has been registered.]

[Skill Archangel's Heart(???) has been activated.]

Kiyi-.

Next to the Magic Stone that had stopped moving due to exhaustion.

A new heart began to function.

Taehyun reached out to Elven.

Tring.

[Summon Skill Elven(???) has been activated.]

Twitch.

Elven's body, which was fighting with Doppelganger, stopped for a moment.

Her blue eyes met Taehyun's.

Her slightly raised lips.

[It's futile.]

It seemed to be saying that.

Taehyun ignored it and activated the skill once again.

Tring.

[Summon Skill Elven(???) has been enhanced.]

"Come here."

Elven.

497

All contracts are binding.

For top-tier monsters and above, it was due to special powers, while for players, it was due to skills.

The duke's power, which could also be called a skill, 'Contract of Desire.'

Using blue magic, Taehyun was attempting to reverse summon Elven.

He was forcibly pulling out the consciousness that had been taken over by Noname.

Kiiiiiii-.

The heart of a fallen angel.

The rotation of the magic stone, pumping gray magic, was vividly felt.

'The moment the magic stone stops rotating…'

Is my defeat.

Knowing that, I couldn't stop enhancing the skill despite the pain that tore at my lungs.

Ding.

[Skill Fallen Angel's Heart(???) has been enhanced.]

[Skill enhancement has reached its limit.]

Bang.

With the shock felt in my head, half of my vision darkened.

Not from being attacked.

As a price for forcibly drawing out power, one of my eyes had burst.

The world seen through the remaining eye looked red.

Radiance.

Even the light surrounding Elven's body.

[Countdown has started. 10 seconds… 9 seconds….]

Only 10 seconds until overload.

If this time passed, I would no longer be able to use magic normally.

I was once again aware of how battered my body was.

One second felt like a year.

[8 seconds… 7 seconds….]

Time was running out.

Fortunately, the summoning skill's effect was not without effect.

At Taehyun's gesture, the particles of radiance surrounding Elven were shaking.

[6 seconds… 5 seconds….]

The doppelganger, having pulled out the Holy Spear embedded in its body, shouted.

[What is a god!!]

Kwaaajik.

Around the body of the doppelganger, the powers of the nine great dukes exploded.

Having even devoured the divine beast.

Having even absorbed the magic that makes up the mental world.

Even though there was a considerable distance, the impact was not light.

Gush.

Taehyun spat out another bucket of blood.

In the distance, the swarm of light was seen putting up a fierce fight against the doppelganger's devouring.

[4 seconds… 3 seconds….]

I reached out my hand.

"Come… here… Elven…."

I tried reverse summoning once again.

But it was only enough to ripple the swarm of light.

[2 seconds… 1 second….]

Ding.

[Skill Fallen Angel's Heart(???) has been deactivated.]

[Skill usage is impossible.]

[Divine power is permanently reduced.]

[Magic power is permanently reduced.]

[Physical abilities are permanently reduced.]

Messages signaling ominousness constantly stirred in my head.

Especially since the voice was Noname's.

It was as if he was mocking Taehyun, telling him to accept defeat.

[It's the limit. Kim Taehyun.]

Lucifer, who had approached, whispered lowly.

He told me to leave the rest to that guy and prepare for the next time.

He said that if I pushed myself any further, it would be hard to avoid degradation.

Taehyun shook his head with a body that wouldn't move.

'If I give up, it's over.'

If I can't defeat that guy here.

'I can't move forward.'

Thud.

Taehyun's hand touched Lucifer.

"...Not yet."

[…….]

Lucifer looked down at Taehyun.

In terms of condition, he was worse off than even himself.

[Are you out of your mind?]

"……."

Taehyun looked at Lucifer with his one remaining red eye.

[…….]

The eyes of the Incubus King.

He already knew that those great eyes of his no longer worked.

The meaning was clearly conveyed.

The magic power recovered for a moment.

He was saying to hand over that handful of magic power.

I was going to refuse.

But.

Hwaaaaa-.

Gray magic began to leak from Lucifer's body.

The dragonslaying sword held by Taehyun.

The existence of the two great dukes began to resonate through the thing that could no longer be called a sword.

Kiiiiiii-.

The stopped magic stone slowly began to rotate again.

No, that's not all.

Ding.

[Enhancement of Skill Fallen Angel's Heart(???) has reached its limit.]

[Enhancement of Summoning Skill Elven(???) has reached its limit.]

Noname's playful voice echoed in my ears.

Pop.

Due to the excessive use of skills, the remaining red eye burst.

My whole body was covered in blood.

It was a sight that even I had never seen from Ighmun, the Lord of Blood.

[This… crazy bastard….]

Lucifer quietly watched his contractor, who looked like a blood demon.

He thought that no one could follow him in his animosity towards God.

He thought that he was the only one who could deal with the fragments of God.

[…I can't beat him.]

It was a face ready for degradation.

In the end, Lucifer acknowledged that Taehyun's determination was superior to his own.

Kigigigigi-.

The rotation of the magic stone was gradually decreasing.

If it stopped like this, it was the same as confirming his defeat.

However, all the meaningful magic power had already been given to Taehyun.

The magic power that he could give.

There was no longer any power to create change.

No, no.

[…….]

My head spun quickly.

Even though I couldn't regenerate my red eyes, even though degradation had begun.

Looking at Taehyun, who was not stopping the use of skills, one possibility came to mind.

I thought about what Kim Taehyun needed now.

The thought was not long.

[Hey, make sure you take care of the rest.]

With those words, Lucifer moved his dried-up body.

He brandished arrogance towards the existence that surpassed the hidden card's hidden card.

Hwoong.

A sword wind blew.

Paang.

The sword wind, which was not imbued with even a bit of magic power, was blocked by the remaining branches of the divine tree.

And.

Poook.

The thickest branch wrapped around Elven's body pierced through her.

[Did you think you could do something now?]

Noname said mockingly.

Drip.

From the mouth of the noble fallen angel, blood of an unknowable color flowed down.

The corners of Lucifer's mouth lifted bitterly.

He lifted Arrogance, which he was holding in reverse.

And.

Poook.

He plunged it into where his magic stone was.

Gush.

Blood was spat out.

[……?]

Self-harm that could not be understood.

Noname's expression, wondering what he was doing, was truly pleasing.

It didn't matter, did it?

The gaze of the guy who looked down on him.

After all, you.

[Here… I'll definitely… die….]

Lucifer said that while spitting blood.

Kkwaak.

He firmly grabbed the branch of the divine tree that had pierced his body.

Elven was chosen by the divine tree before she was the Fairy King.

The surrounding branches were no different from a part of her body.

He pulled out Arrogance, which was full of the blood of a fallen angel.

Then, instead of the boasted power of regeneration being activated, warm blood gushed out from the open wound.

Unlike the other great dukes who had been reverse summoned and left the mental world, degradation would follow.

Even so.

'I'll trust you once.'

He decided to bet on his new contractor.

Kwack!!

Arrogance, filled with the blood of a fallen angel, was embedded in the branch of the divine tree.

[……!!]

Noname's eyes wavered.

It was because he instinctively knew what Lucifer was aiming for.

Kwaaaa.

The Holy Spear Longinus was created.

[Already….]

It was too late.

Hehe.

The corners of the fallen angel's mouth formed an arc.

At the same time.

Kwaajik!!

Lucifer's body, his head blown off, collapsed.

Ding.

[Contact with a massive amount of magic power.]

[Recognizing a massive amount of magic power.]

'This is….'

Taehyun regained consciousness at the message he heard in the blurring consciousness.

It had only been about 5 seconds since he lost consciousness, but his whole body felt heavy.

His two eyes were regenerated.

He saw Lucifer, who couldn't muster even a handful of magic power in front of him.

He realized that a new magic stone had been created next to the magic stone that was stopping its rotation.

It wasn't a delusion.

[Skill Fallen Angel's Heart(???) resonates.]

[A massive amount of magic power awakens.]

[Skill Fairy King's Heart(???) has been registered.]

[Skill Fairy King's Heart(???) has been activated.]

Kwaaaaaaa-.

The newly supplied achromatic magic power covered the gray magic power.

[The source of massive magic power has been created.]

[Temporarily restores all magic stones.]

Kiiiiiii-.

Tsuzuuu-.

Hwaaaaa-.

Kiiiing-.

The magic stone of the demon race.

The magic stone of the vampire race.

The magic stone of the beast race.

The magic stone of the fallen angel.

In addition to that, the magic stone of the Fairy King.

The five magic stones operated organically, spewing out a roar.

The path of the magic power flowing was vividly conveyed.

The time I could maintain it was, at most, about 3 seconds.

I gritted my teeth.

I focused my mind.

[Skill Eyes of the Incubus King(???) has been activated.]

[Skill Eyes of the Absolute(???) has been activated.]

I opened one red eye and one blue eye.

And.

[Summoning Skill Elven(???) has been activated.]

[Summoning Skill Elven(???) has been enhanced.]

'Come, Elven.'

"Disappear, Noname."

[Oh, dear.]

Noname looked dumbfounded.

It was an output that he would have easily brushed off if he had the divine tree.

But the divine tree had been eaten by the doppelganger, and Kim Taehyun had grown continuously and finally possessed the existence power to use the absolute command.

The radiance that had been surrounding his whole body scattered.

The power of the fragment was leaving the body that he thought he had already completely occupied.

It was something that shouldn't have happened.

Something that shouldn't have happened was happening.

But he was immature.

Thud.

With just one time.

Having used the absolute command, his existence power ran out and he collapsed.

The scattered radiance began to gather in one place again.

Kwaajik!!

[…….]

Noname looked at the enemy in front of him.

The radiance that had not yet been recovered was being swallowed by the gluttony of devouring.

Hehehe.

The doppelganger let out a vile laugh.

[To think I would receive help from that guy… Didn't I tell you? Don't mess around with fragments.]

[Your lousy way of speaking is still the same.]

[Don't act like a goody-two-shoes. This body was also a pretty prideful battle.]

It was not enough to crack the mental world, so he even drew in the powers of the great dukes.

Even with that, he could not completely subdue him and entered a war of attrition.

If Lucifer had not forced himself to awaken Taehyun's magic stone, it was unknown what the result would have been.

Defeat.

A word that he had never thought of lingered in his mind.

[Just thinking about it is unpleasant.]

Snap.

The doppelganger snapped his fingers and a long blood spear flew and pierced Noname.

Elven's limbs were torn off by the devouring mouth.

The outcome had already been decided at the point when Taehyun succeeded in the absolute command.

[Original guy. You still have the knack for reversing the situation.]

[Do you think it's your victory?]

[Tsk, tsk. Are you going to put on a pretense even when you're facing death?]

The doppelganger mocked the scattering Noname.

[Spew out disgusting sounds to the original.]

Jjeooo-.

The devouring mouth that had sprung up from under Elven's feet surrounded her.

[…Stupid guy.]

This is not the end, but the beginning.

With those words.

Kwaajik!!!

Noname's traces completely disappeared from the mental world.

Am I defeated?

That was just a momentary thought.

[Defeat. Are you going to mock God?]

'……!!'

[If you're conscious, open your eyes. There's not much time.]

Taehyun's eyes opened at Noname's voice.

Radiance.

There was a huge swarm of light that had not yet formed a shape.

[What are you so surprised about?]

'…….'

[Surely you still don't believe in your victory, do you?]

Taehyun looked at the radiance once again.

Now that he looked at it, the swarm of light that he thought was tightly packed was gradually scattering.

[Honestly, I can't deny that I was surprised. I thought it was a complete victory.]

Territory war.

[Congratulations on putting on that first button.]

Episode 498

The First Step.

How many people could express the Domain War like that?

To discover the deepest layer, to reach the Great Dukes, to win them over, to defeat Noname.

Countless humans and monsters were ground down at every moment.

The steps they had taken were made with such sacrifices, and Taehyun was well aware of that.

Normally, he would have been furious.

Who do you think you are?

Just a fragment.

[Are you belittling all those sacrifices?]

'……!!'

[Is that what you want to say?]

Noname's voice, having read Taehyun's thoughts, seemed to be laughing.

At this very moment.

Noname's attitude was different from when he possessed Elven's body.

'...Can't I even control my thoughts now?'

First, I need to figure out where this place is.

Taehyun shook off the lingering thoughts in his head.

[Don't worry. It's a body that's already disappearing.]

'You think I'll believe that at face value?'

If so, Noname's intelligence could only be considered regressed.

He wouldn't be so naive even if he were facing a ten-year-old child.

[Hmm. The distrust of gods is even greater than that child, Lucifer.]

'I'm also annoyed by hearing you constantly.'

A mindscape? A personal space?

Taehyun pondered, trying to grasp the space he was in.

[Well, you were always like that. Don't worry, this is just the dregs of a mindscape.]

'...Dregs?'

He couldn't help but question the unexpected words.

Noname, as if satisfied that Taehyun was finally ready to talk, continued his explanation with a pleased voice.

[Doppelganger. Didn't that guy you call that destroy the mindscape?]

'…….'

Usually.

The collapse of a mindscape means annihilation.

[But that guy will probably restore his world soon. He did overthrow a god, after all.]

'…….'

[Can't you believe it even now? You guys have won. Well, there will be a penalty called degradation as a price.]

It wasn't welcome news.

They had barely gotten the Lower World King to abandon his magic.

Even after that, they were still at a disadvantage to fight the Race War.

The degradation of all the Great Dukes, not just one, was a painful loss.

[Kim Taehyun. Degradation will follow you as well.]

'It's not even funny anymore.'

Taehyun's mind quickly flashed through the plans after the Domain War, then disappeared.

It was so he wouldn't invite Noname's ridicule any further.

[Don't worry so much. The Great Dukes of the Lower World are more robustly forged raw stones than the god knew. If there's enough impetus, they'll quickly regain their original power.]

'Easier said than done.'

Igmun.

He knew how many Greater Demons that guy had to hunt to regain a rank befitting a Great Duke.

Back then, during the Domain War, hunting the Lower World's monsters wasn't so heartbreaking, but...

Now that he had contracted with all the Great Dukes, even one top-tier species felt like a waste.

Moreover, the Great Dukes had grown incomparably since the Lucifer and Noname battles.

It was impossible to elevate all nine Great Dukes with just the Lower World's monsters.

However, starting the Race War with incomplete forces was also a rash decision.

[Hmm. For someone who glimpsed the god's memories, you're a timid fellow.]

'I'd appreciate it if you didn't beat around the bush, since it's annoying.'

The unexpected variable of Noname had disrupted his plans.

Without realizing it, he became cynical.

[Even if it's just a fragment, didn't you break this body? Especially that guy called Doppelganger, he even committed the sacrilege of eating a god.]

Ate Noname.

Taehyun's eyes wavered at those words.

He didn't know because he had lost consciousness immediately after casting the Reverse Summoning, but...

Doppelganger.

If that guy had succeeded in devouring Noname...

'...Could it be.'

[Yes, your brain seems to be working now. It'll be degraded for a while, but as a price for eating a fragment of a god, it'll achieve even greater growth. If that power affects the contracted Great Dukes, it might be enough to elevate them.]

'...Giving poison and then medicine. So, you're trying to restore the broken relationship now?'

[That's not it. Didn't I say, there's not much time?]

'…….'

Watching the fluctuating radiance, Taehyun racked his brain.

The fragments of gods he had met so far.

They were all incomplete, but they had ultimately had a considerable impact.

The fragment before him would be the same.

[You're finally getting the hint. There's nothing to lose, so listen, and then you can judge.]

After pausing for a moment, Noname's voice continued.

[The Lower World King. The man who chose you as the key is dead.]

'……!!'

In his mind.

Unbelievable words flowed in the form of language.

With a series of overwhelming information.

Tight.

Taehyun closed his eyes.

[This is the truth.]

When Noname's words stopped.

Huff.

Taehyun breathed out.

It was overwhelming information.

It was content he didn't want to accept.

Nevertheless, he already knew that he couldn't avoid that responsibility.

[Do you want to run away?]

'…….'

Taehyun couldn't answer immediately.

He simply.

'Does Lucifer know?'

That was all he asked.

[Lucifer. Do you think it's just that child?]

Noname answered playfully.

Rosaria, whom the Lower World King chose as his representative.

Jormungandr, who succeeded in transplanting the Upper World's power into his body.

At least three of the Great Dukes knew the truth he had just heard.

Perhaps Gilfer, who defied the power of Reincarnation, might also know, he said.

Words have power.

Names have power.

'I didn't know all of that was related to the god's magic.'

In addition, the reason why they didn't tell Taehyun all the information either.

Everything was understood thanks to the information Noname shared.

[Don't worry. This world allows the right to speak according to the existence's worth.]

Among the information heard here, only a limited amount can be remembered outside, he said.

'When you were planning to kill me, and now you're saying this, there must be a reason?'

[I just wanted to let you know. I didn't want an existence that craved the god's fragment to collapse without proper information.]

'You're assuming I'll collapse.'

[It depends on what you do. It's time.]

Hwaaaaa-.

The intensity of the scattering radiance gradually faded.

Borrowing the power of another fragment.

I look forward to meeting you again.

Oh, you who walks the path of God Slayer (神殺者).

Ting.

[Quest 'Domain War' has been completed.]

[Quest rewards will be given.]

[Strength is...]

[Stamina is...]

[Speed is...]

[Magic is...]

[Divine Power is...]

[Skill...]

All kinds of messages popped up, but he quietly closed his eyes.

Not anymore.

He didn't want to think about anything.

The completed Domain War had changed many things.

Noname.

Because the Great Dukes who faced the fragment of the only god had all degraded.

Taehyun was no exception.

His physical abilities had dropped to an incomparable level, and...

Because the power contained in the fragment was so enormous, it was taking longer than expected to digest.

The magic left by the remnants was still there, and much of the information he had heard from Noname was vague.

[You know how to make such an expression too.]

A familiar voice was heard in Taehyun's head as he quietly looked at the status window.

"Elven."

Swish.

She revealed herself from within the Divine Tree.

Unlike the Great Dukes who were resting in their respective castles, she was using the Divine Tree to recover faster than anyone else.

The healing spring water was also currently being used only for her.

Glancing.

She looked at Cody Cruz's gravestone and asked.

[Was this human such a great being to you?]

He shook his head to draw a clear line.

"I was thinking about future plans."

[How long has it been since you finished the Domain War, and already the Race War. The word combat fanatic suits you.]

Taehyun shrugged, ignoring Elven's words.

A combat fanatic.

It wasn't a fitting title for him, a pacifist.

'Maybe the greedy Igmun or Orgal.'

[How long will it take to digest the god's fragment?]

"At least half a year."

[...Until then, there will be no Great Dukes in the Lower World. We must also keep an eye on the movements of the Upper World.]

"I guess so."

That was the reason Taehyun was staying in the Fairy Race's domain.

Just being next to Elven, who had merged with the Divine Tree, dramatically increased the digestion rate.

Even if he merged directly, there wouldn't be much difference, so he prioritized her recovery.

[You won't find an answer by worrying alone. If you talk while looking at the faces of the other guys, you might come up with better ideas?]

"You're giving unusual advice. Tolkien is repairing the Dragon Slayer Sword. After that, I need to get the status window checked, so there's no time to fool around."

[Waiting for that fool might take years.]

"……."

[Spatial movement isn't a concern. Bonyo's magic has returned quite a bit. If it's now, there will be no hindrance to recovery even if the contractor doesn't stay here.

[I won't stop you if you want to wait for Tolkien, that fool. But it doesn't seem bad to take a 'short' break.]

"……."

Taehyun was lost in thought for a moment.

Repairing the Dragon Slayer Sword and checking the status window were essential.

But as she said, it was a task with an unknown end.

'And talking to the guy who's sensitive during work is also difficult.'

His thoughts weren't long.

Vaguely sitting around waiting was a waste of time.

"Okay. I'll go for a while."

[Hehe. Good thinking. Where will you go first?]

Elven asked with an excited face, as if she were the manager of an amusement park ride.

"Rosaria."

Among the Great Dukes, she had the weakest body, so he couldn't help but worry about the aftermath of being attacked by Noname.

[She'll be happy.]

Elven waved her hand.

Kwaaaa-.

A huge gate was created next to the Divine Tree.

"If Tolkien comes, tell him to wait for a while. It won't take long."

[Don't worry. Bonyo has the kindness to serve even him a cup of tea.]

Taehyun waved at her, who answered obediently, and crossed the gate.

About 5 minutes passed like that.

In the distance, a dwarf was seen walking with a bundle of packages on his back.

[It's late because your legs are short.]

Thud.

Tolkien, who had placed a huge bundle in front of Elven, looked around.

He was looking for Taehyun.

[Hey, don't talk nonsense, call the brothers over.]

Tolkien, who had regained confidence as a Meister while living in the Lower World, said with a puffed-up attitude.

It was the result of Taehyun praising him as the treasure of the Lower World.

[Dwarf with a lot of beard and stupidity.]

[Hey, the brothers should have warned you not to call this body that, right?]

[Hehehe. Is the contractor your parent?]

[You… Fairy, dare to look down on Meister….]

Bulging.

Tolkien's muscles swelled.

However, even if it was degraded, the opponent was a Great Duke.

To Elven's eyes, such an attitude from Tolkien was only laughable.

[You wouldn't know. How long Bonyo has been waiting for this day.]

After the Lucifer and Noname battles.

Elven was in a state of extreme powerlessness.

She was hiding in case Taehyun noticed her unstable state.

[The contractor is no longer here.]

Kwaaaa-.

Colorless magic overflowed from Elven's body.

There was fighting spirit mixed in with the magic.

[Huh…?]

Only then did Tolkien notice something was wrong.

Not only was Typhon, another brother who had returned to his domain, not here, but also...

Taehyun, who should have been mediating the situation in his place, was not visible.

[He, brother…!! Brother Taehyun!!]

Tolkien shouted Taehyun's name.

The thunderous voice echoed, but Taehyun showed no sign of appearing.

[Foolish thing. Even the contractor allowed it.]

[Wh, what…?!]

What nonsense.

What did he allow.

Ignoring Tolkien's words, who was shouting like that.

[First, shall we tear off that dirty beard?]

The branches of the Divine Tree bound Tolkien.

499

When Taehyun crossed the gate, he was still inside the Dream Demon's castle.

'That elven rascal. Why didn't she send me straight to Rozaria?'

She knows most of the coordinates of the lower realm by assimilating with the divine beast.

Even if she was exhausted, I didn't think she would have made a mistake.

So, it must be one of two things.

She either wanted Taehyun to take a bit longer stroll.

'Or there was something more important than moving me that needed her attention.'

There's only Taehyun and Tolkien in the elven realm.

What could be so important?

He was thinking about that when.

[Kyaruru. It's a human.]

[Kyarurururu. It's Kim Taehyun.]

[He must be here to see the Queen~ Kyarururu~.]

[Kyaruru. Kyarurururu. Is he a Duke now too?]

[Can we call a human who has contracted with all the Dukes a Duke~ Kyaruru.]

The familiar laughter made him smile.

Then and now.

"You guys haven't changed."

Where's Rozaria?

At Taehyun's question, one of the highest-ranking species stepped forward.

She seemed to be the most veteran succubus surrounded by others.

[Nice to meet you, Kim Taehyun.]

"And you are?"

[I am a humble species selected as a new vassal of the Queen. I will guide you to Rozaria.]

He followed her, who volunteered to be his guide, to Rozaria's residence.

It was quite a distance to the inside of the castle, and succubi and grand succubi appeared everywhere, whispering to each other.

'Did they get new recruits in the meantime?'

The existence of the Duke also affects the surroundings.

Therefore, Rozaria, with her weak power, was growing lower-level succubi by her side and spreading them throughout her territory to strengthen her power.

It could not be denied that it was an efficient strategy because they were able to reproduce with only dreams without any special mating.

'Of course, that's only possible if she's in normal condition.'

Rozaria in her current degraded state would not have much influence on them.

[If you are uncomfortable, I will have them all removed.]

The guide asked with a nervous voice.

Taehyun had been moving directly to Rozaria's residence since some time ago.

Therefore, the individuals who have not grown up for a while have only heard of him through rumors without having the opportunity to talk to him unlike before.

Rumors tend to be exaggerated.

Even considering that, everything was legendary.

He invaded the castle alone and contracted with the succubus queen.

He won the battle by defeating Erebus, who led the giants at the time.

He resurrected the Giant King and the Elf King and forced them to make a contract.

A human who has contracted with all the other Dukes.

The strongest contractor who revived the Dream Demon tribe, which was the weakest of the Duke's forces, along with the declining Giant tribe.

In particular, the subjugation of Succubus Fairy Myuron, who can be said to be the Queen's confidant, was a famous story among the highest species.

She was one of the strongest Dream Demons at the time, and she has now grown into a Grand Succubus Fairy and leads a large number of Succubus Fairies.

Expectation and admiration.

Such emotions were in her red eyes.

"It's okay. It's not like staring at me will wear me down."

Taehyun said indifferently and hurried on his way.

'Is that person the Queen's contractor?' or 'Is that person the last Duke to end the territorial war?'

All of them were followed by red eyes filled with admiration and expectation.

'Yeah, look at me all you want.'

Tsuzzz.

Very little.

He released purple magic around him.

[Kyaruru!!! It's purple!!]

[No way!! Kyarururu.]

[Kyarurururu. Equal to the Queen?!!]

The Dream Demons made a fuss here and there, sensing Taehyun's existence.

Even if she was degraded, it was an existence that the highest species could not approach.

The guide right in front of him was visibly trembling.

Those who experienced Taehyun's magic here today will achieve faster growth.

Strengthening Rozaria's power is the same as strengthening his own power.

Even though Taehyun was degraded to SSS rank, he streamed his magic.

'Eat a lot and grow up fast.'

Kyaruru.

Brother, I'm dying.

Kyarurururu.

Dense groans erupted from everywhere.

"A lot more individuals have increased since I last saw you?"

Taehyun asked, ignoring the Dream Demons' advances.

The guide, who had reached the rank of the highest species, turned her head, exhaling rough breaths.

It was because she was struggling to suppress the Dream Demon tribe's nature that was about to awaken due to the rough existence.

[They are the ones who were recently brought in... Heuk... from the outskirts of the castle... I have grown up... Haa... a while ago and was assigned to guide the castle...]

Lest she presumptuously pounce on him.

He nodded, looking at the guide who couldn't dare to make eye contact.

'Growth, huh?'

The highest-ranking guide.

He scanned the appearance of the Grand Succubus Knight.

It would be around SSS rank with the monster grades set by the players.

Slightly less than Myuron, who used to be a Succubus Fairy.

Even so, she grew up recently.

To use the highest species, which were few in number, as guides for the castle.

'Rozaria, she's increased her power a lot without me knowing.'

"How many of the highest species are guarding the castle?"

The guide was silent for a moment at the sudden question.

She was estimating.

Whether or not to tell the man in front of her information that was confidential.

The thought was not long.

Either way, he is the contractor of the lord and the strongest Duke who ended the territorial war.

She can't handle it if she lies and gets caught.

[...Including me, thirty of the highest species are stationed.]

"Thirty..."

Even considering that Rozaria, who had degraded to the level of the highest species, was barely able to protect herself.

It was too many numbers.

It became clear that Rozaria's condition was more serious than he thought.

'Is it possible to gather this many highest species when there were only a few?'

Just confirming that was enough to be worth the effort.

[This way.]

An hour had passed when the guide passed through several illusion barriers and reached her destination.

The guide bowed in front of the huge gate.

[Queen. The only contractor and benefactor of the Dream Demon tribe has visited.]

He was scratching his head, surprised that he was being called by such an embarrassing title.

Drrrrrr.

The huge gate opened little by little.

[Please go in.]

"Okay, thanks for the guide."

[I, it's an honor...!!]

He watched the guide disappear in a hurry, blushing, and then entered the gate.

A space that could easily accommodate hundreds of people.

Around the throne, which symbolized the Queen's authority, the heads of Igmun, Orgal, and Typhon were displayed.

"Rozaria. These illusions don't work on me anymore."

Ting.

[Skill Eye of the Dream Demon King (SSS) has been activated.]

His red eyes deepened, and he could see the flow of purple magic spread throughout the space.

It was the moment he recognized and understood the flow.

Crack.

The illusion shattered along with the cracks.

What was revealed was Rozaria sitting on the throne with a tired expression.

[Oh dear, it seems my illusion can't even buy time.]

"......"

Unlike her who faced him with a smile, Taehyun's expression hardened.

Because the existence felt from Rozaria was terrible.

'It's gotten worse than the last time I saw her.'

It seemed that she didn't even have the strength to recover her existence on her own.

Even Taehyun, who was degraded to SSS rank, felt that way.

The weakness felt by the person concerned would be more than that.

[There's no need to make such an expression. Isn't it something that will be resolved when the contractor regains his power?]

"Tsk."

His face frowned without him knowing at her nonchalant attitude.

It was because he forcibly degraded her in the final battle in the mental world.

She could have gotten angry a little.

Rozaria was still welcoming him with a benevolent face.

[It seems that the contractor has not yet regained his power either. What brings you to my castle?]

"Elven told me to get some fresh air."

[Hmm. Then only Tolkien and Elven are in the elven realm.]

"Don't worry. I told Elven enough. She's not stupid enough to touch the important power of the lower realm."

Rozaria burst into laughter at Taehyun's words.

[The contractor is charming because he sometimes has a dazed side.]

"......?"

[Well, it's not important. So, did you enjoy the newly renovated castle of mine?]

"I saw a lot of new guys. And it seems like you've brought in quite a few of the highest species too."

[Muria. You heard it from that child.]

The name of the highest species who was in charge of guiding was Muria.

She confirmed it.

[Compared to the past, I now have many of the highest species. Isn't it all thanks to having a good contractor?]

The weakest among the Dukes.

She, who had such a label, is now forming a power that is no less than other Dukes.

Of course, it is meaningless until she, the Queen, regains her power.

[Have you still not regained your memories?]

Taehyun shook his head.

He had heard a lot of information from Noname in a place called the remnants of the mental world, but he could not remember a significant portion of it now.

It is because he was degraded and the spell was in effect.

Even so.

'The Lower Realm King is dead.'

He remembered that much for sure.

'It's better not to tell her this.'

If Rozaria, who follows the Lower Realm King more than anyone else, were to know that fact.

'I don't know what kind of action she will take.'

She is the most affectionate of the Dukes, but it is best to avoid variables if possible.

"I'm going to look for the Lower Realm King as soon as my power is restored. I can't recklessly mess with the Upper Realm, so I should talk to Lucifer."

[Lucifer... It won't be easy. The spell is still in effect, isn't it?]

"Yeah."

He knows that he will not be able to hear a detailed explanation even if he goes to Lucifer.

This is because the restrictions have become more severe as the Dukes have degraded.

"I'm going to meet the Dukes one by one for now. Igmun, Orgal, Jormungandr. I can't trust these guys at all."

He sent them back to recover in their respective territories, but who knows what they might be up to again.

They had a light conversation.

Just that alone made several hours fly by.

[Don't overdo it.]

"That's what I should be saying."

[...It seems my worries are unnecessary. Where are you thinking of going next?]

Taehyun mentioned the vampire realm.

[Hmm. Igmun. I don't like him very much. He's a guy who will betray the contractor at any time if he gets the chance.]

"He wouldn't dare to come at me unless he's crazy, right?"

[Even so, never let your guard down.]

A gate opened at her gesture.

[I heard he's expanding his castle. He should just stay locked up and recover his strength.]

I can't understand that idiot's thoughts.

Rozaria shaking her head was like Elven criticizing Tolkien.

[Be careful on your way.]

With those words.

Taehyun crossed the gate with coordinates engraved in Igmun's realm.

The deepest part. Vampire Realm.

[Lord. A report that Kim Taehyun has appeared near the management area.]

[He took a heavy step after a long time.]

Igmun muttered as if he was annoyed.

[Shall I guide him here?]

[Leave him alone. He knows the coordinates of this place. There must be a reason why he's coming here on his own.]

[Understood. I will order the underlings.]

Ssss.

The vassal disappeared as if he melted away.

[I hope he doesn't play any tricks.]

His new contractor Kim Taehyun.

Every time he met that guy, he was never in good condition.

The Vampire Lord, who had degraded to the highest species, sighed.

500

Kim Tae-hyun appeared in the vampire territory.

In the past, he would have summoned the top-ranking subordinates and ordered them to bring him before his eyes immediately.

If not, he would have moved his own body and tried to instill fear like despair.

But why?

Hoo.

Before he knew it, a sigh escaped.

As soon as he heard the report, he thought.

To avoid getting involved with his damn contractor as much as possible.

At least until he regained his diminished power, he should grant the guy's wishes.

After all, he's a guy who can find him if he sets his mind to it.

There's no need to greet him in person.

[Moderately….]

Guide him so he doesn't feel too bad.

He was about to order that when.

[…….]

Igmun's red eyes twitched.

A question arose.

Since when did the Grand Duke personally greet the contractor?

Since when did the Grand Duke start fearing meetings with the contractor?

Since when did he start having such vile thoughts?

[Ha… Igmun…. After being degraded twice, are you finally going insane?]

The vampire lord reacted absurdly to his own way of thinking.

Born as an inferior Incubus, he became a top-tier species and became a Grand Duke, creating a huge force called the Vampire Clan.

There was no time when he didn't fight.

But what is he showing now?

A human who is definitely an inferior species compared to himself.

He's afraid of contacting that guy.

He's trying to avoid him before even fighting.

His pride is still there, but his mental strength is not as good as when he experienced the first degradation.

Crunch.

His expression twisted, grinding his teeth.

Tzzzz-.

Fierce crimson magic overflowed over his sharp fangs.

[L, Lord Igmun…?]

The top-ranking subordinate, who was waiting for orders and knew nothing about the deep relationship between Tae-hyun and Igmun, trembled.

Even degraded, the Grand Duke was the Grand Duke.

The difference in presence with an ordinary top-ranking subordinate was clear.

[Kim Tae-hyun.]

Igmun's voice was filled with anger.

[Where did you say that guy appeared?]

Igmun asked, and the subordinate answered.

Tae-hyun, who had crossed the gate, looked around.

The gate created by Rosaria also couldn't reach Igmun directly.

No, it only reached the edge of Igmun's territory.

Knowing that the reason was Rosaria's weakened state.

Tae-hyun silently moved in one direction.

Igmun was also degraded, but they had a pact.

He could roughly grasp his location.

In the past, it was life-threatening just to set foot in the Grand Duke's territory.

Now, there was no restriction even though he was openly strolling around.

It was probably because the surrounding monsters scattered due to the presence that had become more difficult to control due to being degraded.

He was alone in a place that couldn't even be called civilization, so he became bored.

'It'll take months to walk.'

He embarked on this path for a change of pace, but he had no intention of wasting time for no reason.

Ting.

[Skill Great Demon Transformation (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the mimetic part.]

A pair of wings made of deep blue magic sprouted.

Normally, it was a skill used for high-speed movement during combat, but now it was just to quickly approach Igmun.

'Is the Demon Clan's skill starting to resemble Gilfer's?'

It seemed that all the things he had previously devoured and registered as skills were following the color of the new Demon King.

It was after an hour that he could visually confirm Igmun's castle.

The still huge castle was revealing the dignity of the Grand Duke.

Whether he had expanded his territory without knowing it, the presence of quite a few vampires was felt inside the castle.

Compared to when he invaded Igmun's castle in the past, it was like prosperity.

At that time, there was a presence approaching Tae-hyun from behind.

'Top-ranking subordinate?'

A vampire forming a pair of crimson wings was following behind.

'Is he Igmun's subordinate?'

Tae-hyun's giant body stopped in the air.

The vampire monster following behind bowed his head.

[I am Samakgwi, a subordinate of Lord Igmun. Are you Kim Tae-hyun…?]

'What a unique name.'

Thinking that, he nodded.

He could see the guy who identified himself as Samakgwi stiffening with tension.

[If you've come to find Lord Igmun, I will guide you personally.]

"Ah, it's okay. I can tell where he is anyway."

He didn't know the structure, but it would be fun to look around.

The Grand Dukes' castles each had their own unique characteristics, reflecting their tastes.

It was the moment Tae-hyun, who had said that, was about to move again.

Swish-.

Samakgwi blocked Tae-hyun's path.

"……?"

[I apologize, but… I cannot allow it.]

"……."

[Lord Igmun has 'ordered' that no one be allowed to enter the castle without my guidance.]

A moment of silence passed.

It was Tae-hyun who broke the silence.

"Ah… I was rude in a place that clearly has an owner. There's a saying that when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

While wondering about the incomprehensible proverb, Samakgwi showed a gentle smile.

[Indeed, you are worthy of being the 'contractor' of my 'lord.' Thank you for understanding.]

The words 'lord' and 'contractor' were strangely emphasized.

Tae-hyun sighed.

Quite some time had passed since he had been bickering with monsters in the Lower Realm.

It hadn't been long since the Territory War ended.

There wasn't a monster above the high-ranking level who didn't know that Tae-hyun was the Tenth Grand Duke.

If there was another Grand Duke here instead of Tae-hyun, this young top-ranking subordinate would have paid the price for his arrogance.

Whether his actions were voluntary or involuntary.

He was in a position to unite all the Grand Dukes for the upcoming Race War.

Normally, he would have thought of it as a minor rebellion and passed it off nonchalantly.

But why?

The thought that there was no one better than Igmun as a scapegoat to establish the discipline of the Grand Dukes.

Ting.

[Skill True Blood (SSS) has been activated.]

Kiii-.

The mana stone in his body rotated, and crimson mana bloomed.

[…Mr. Kim Tae-hyun?]

Samakgwi's expression hardened as Tae-hyun, who was supposed to obediently follow his guidance, released mana.

Tae-hyun's eyes, which had turned red, had changed.

"I'll give you 10 seconds, Samakgwi. Tell Igmun to come out."

[W, what are you… h, how dare you….]

"10."

Tae-hyun counted the numbers with an indifferent expression.

"9."

[P, please wait a moment!! What on earth… If there was something you didn't like, tell me….]

Sometimes, explaining a sudden outburst is too much of a hassle.

"8."

For Tae-hyun, that day was today.

"7."

The crimson mana grew stronger with each count.

Samakgwi's face twisted at Tae-hyun's action of silently raising his mana.

He had heard enough about Kim Tae-hyun's personality from his lord.

In human terms, he was a crazy psychopath.

He had also been delegated full authority by Igmun in preparation for this situation.

Perhaps his lord.

Even if the plan went wrong, he would try to blame everything on the subordinate.

He knew it.

That he was a mouse caught in a battle of giants.

He didn't hesitate for long about the choice.

Resisting would only provoke Kim Tae-hyun's anger.

“…2 …1.”

In that short moment, Tae-hyun's countdown ended, and Samakgwi closed his eyes.

Instead of resisting in vain, he calmly accepted his fate for the sake of his lord's plan.

"Wrong choice."

Tzzzzzzz-.

The crimson mana concentrated in Tae-hyun's hand created a blood sword.

[Please take my life to atone for my rudeness….]

"No."

[……?]

"This is joint responsibility."

Tae-hyun swung the blood sword towards Igmun's castle.

Kwa-jik!!

The crimson sword energy collided with the barrier around the castle and disappeared.

"Sturdy?"

Tae-hyun, who had murmured, swung the sword again.

Kwa-jik!!

The barrier surrounding the castle shook.

[W, wait a moment….]

He swung the sword again.

This time it was effective.

Crack!!

A visible crack formed in the barrier.

He swung the blood sword indifferently ten times.

Swoosh!!

The sword energy that broke the barrier finally cut off a part of the castle.

It was when he swung it three more times and the castle began to tilt.

[You!!!]

A huge shout was heard from inside the castle.

Igmun.

The vampire lord, who had been watching for a chance inside the castle, finally exploded.

Tzzzzzzz-.

A murderous aura mixed with fighting spirit was released explosively.

From the railing of the severed castle.

The enraged Grand Duke revealed himself.

"The hospitality is not good, Igmun."

[This bastard… until the end….]

"Should we warm up a bit and talk?"

Ting.

[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated.]

Hwaaa.

Under the red sky.

Darkness fell over Igmun's castle.

Igmun's top-ranking subordinates, including Samakgwi, resisted Tae-hyun's mana.

Ting.

[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been enhanced.]

[Resonates with Skill Ataraxia (SSS).]

It was just that the nightmare-like moment was prolonged.

The Tenth Grand Duke and contractor of all Grand Dukes, Kim Tae-hyun.

It didn't take long for the news of his battle with Igmun to spread in the Lower Realm.

Somewhere in the deepest part of the Lower Realm.

The Sky Castle located in the sky above it.

[Am I the last one?]

Tae-hyun nodded in response to Lucifer's question.

[The rumors are rife in the Lower Realm. If the hospitality is not satisfactory, you smash the castle to pieces, is that right?]

"Rumors tend to be exaggerated."

Lucifer burst into a chuckle at Tae-hyun's brazen words.

He had met Typhon, Gilfer, Orgal, Jormungandr, and Hazard, starting with Igmun.

Among them, Igmun, Orgal, and Jormungandr had to fight Tae-hyun, whether they wanted to or not.

"Originally, I just wanted to have a conversation."

It wasn't wrong.

Whether they fought or not, they had conversations.

The battered Orgal and Igmun shouted that they would one day become the king of the Lower Realm and tear Tae-hyun apart.

Typhon declared that he would leave Rosaria and descendants.

Gilfer said that he would help Tae-hyun for the revival of the Demon Clan.

Hazard solidified his support for Tae-hyun for the survival of the species and to surpass Baal.

Jormungandr promised to cooperate until the Race War was over.

'Elven's goal was to live comfortably with the Divine Beast, and Tolkien's goal was to get revenge on the Upper Realm… especially a guy named Hephaestus.'

The ambitions of the Grand Dukes were nothing special.

And now it was Lucifer's turn, the last Grand Duke.

[Yes. Are you not going to cross swords with me?]

Lucifer asked, not hiding his usual arrogance.

"My weapon hasn't been repaired yet. And I have a lot of things to ask you in my right mind."

[Indeed. Even degraded, your serpentine tongue is still the same.]

"Yours is no match for it."

Kilkilkik.

Kikkikkik.

Tae-hyun and Lucifer looked at each other and let out vile laughter.

They spent a considerable amount of time talking.

Tae-hyun was the one who mainly asked, and Lucifer was the one who answered.

He said that once you conquer the Upper Realm, the magic of the Upper Realm King will no longer work.

Regarding the Lower Realm King, he said that he couldn't even grasp it himself.

"What about Asmodeus?"

[That guy is like a toy that the Upper Realm King made following you.]

"A toy?"

[Lower Realm King. Just as that guy saw potential in humans, the Upper Realm King must have found useful potential from his own roots.]

The compatibility between the Dragon Clan and the Demon Clan is good.

Since they mixed the Dragon Clan and the Demon Clan, a mutant called the Demon Dragon was born.

[Well, I don't know what trick that guy used to hide his existence. But the possibility that he will be a variable in the Race War cannot be ignored.]

'Demon Dragon Asmodeus…'

It was when Tae-hyun was imagining an unwelcome future.

[Come to think of it, talking about toys reminds me of something.]

"……?"

[I sent my toy to Earth.]

"A toy you made?"

[Yes.]

Lucifer's lips curled up.

By now.

[Earth might have been destroyed.]

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