RKP 531-540

     ----------------------------

531


Skills 'Ataraxia' and 'Memorize'.


Borrowing Taehyun's skills, old memories flooded in relentlessly.


Within the rapidly flowing memories.


'Something is wrong.'


He realized that the flow of time was more twisted than he thought.


The Race War.


The battle before his eyes was clearly similar to the one in his memories.


The radiant celestials of the Upper Realm were invading the Lower Realm like a tidal wave.


At the opposing end were the Archdukes and the Absolute Beings.


A hundred Absolute Beings and only nine Archdukes.


If the nine Archdukes weren't those who had made contracts with Taehyun, he would have thought it was just another memory.


A legion of crimson magic clung to the Valkyries, meeting a tragic end.


The demon race, filling the sky, surged with deep blue and purple magic.


Igmune and Gilfel.


Their forces united to hold back the celestials.


At the center of it all were the two Archdukes, holding their own against numerous Absolute Beings.


Not only them.


Orgal and Typhon united to seize the land, while Jormungandr and Rosaria united to control the Sea of Magic.


Hajard's Dragon race and Lucifer's followers.


The mismatched strongest races were scattered, hunting down the few Absolute Beings.


The Fairy King, synchronized with the Divine Tree, supported with infinite magic.


The divine power of the prey touching the Blood Field and Blood Sword withered.


The ranks of the celestials entering Purgatory deteriorated.


The Giant King, boasting of his tough body, threw the captured Absolute Beings, and the Beast King leaped up, tearing them apart with their radiance.


Those touched by the raging Sea of Magic were consumed by madness and self-destructed, and enormous vigor and breath were unleashed indiscriminately.


The gray magic that controlled the red sky rejected the regeneration of those not allowed.


A mind-controlled celestial targeted an Absolute Being from behind, and the branches of the Divine Tree lashed out like whips.


Each Archduke was holding down at least five or more Absolute Beings.


It was a big difference from Taehyun's last memory.


'Did they recover their powers?'


Just as he thought that.


[The contractor must find that appearance unfamiliar.]


'……!!'


Turning around at the sudden voice.


Personal Space.


There was Rosaria, in the form of Yoo Ah-young.


[Don't worry. Hajard is buying time outside.]


Even so, she said that there wasn't much time, and Odin's main body could come over.


[A thousand years. That's the flow of time the contractor just saw.]


'…….'


[There's no need to be so surprised. I only showed you the important things roughly. The invasion started not long after the contractor went to the Interworld.]


She continued to explain the memories Taehyun had seen.


[At first, it was a minor invasion.]


The Archdukes were in a weakened state, so the subordinates of each domain faced them.


[It was a kind of exploratory battle. And they quickly realized. That there was a problem with the Archdukes who weren't coming to the fore.]


The Absolute Beings who seized the opportunity told the lords of the Celestial Realm about the anomalies in the Lower Realm, and a meeting was convened for a full-scale Race War.


The invasion of the Lower Realm that started from the Upper Realm.


Originally, Taehyun, the winner of the domain war, had the right to command.


The Archdukes prepared for the Race War that would start without a contractor.


[Igmune. That guy and Orgal made the biggest fuss. But after hearing the reason for planting the Divine Tree in the Interworld, they obediently shut up.]


The Interworld is a place that can be a variable in the Race War.


It turned out to be impossible to create Archduke-level beings right away, but considering that time flows differently between the Lower Realm and the Interworld, it was only a matter of time.


'It would have been even better if they had found a fragment of No Name.'


To do that, the process that had to be done first was the integration of the Interworld and surveillance from someone trustworthy.


That was the ultimate reason for planting the Divine Tree and connecting the Interworld with the Lower Realm.


Rosaria continued.


[Interestingly, the Race War didn't start right away. Those stubborn guys only move when all ten Celestial Realm lords agree.]


They recognized that there was a problem in the Lower Realm.


If the ten Celestial Realm lords allowed it, the Race War could start at any time.


But it didn't start.


It wasn't difficult to guess the reason.


[Yes. One of the Celestial Realm lords ended up not allowing the Race War.]


She asserted that it was definitely true because she had learned the information by mind-controlling a captured Absolute Being.


[Surprisingly, the Celestial Realm lord who kept objecting was….]


'Michael.'


[…Indeed, there was a reason the contractor could feel his divine power.]


'I met him briefly while crossing over to the Interworld.'


He told her about the limitations engraved in his status window.


[That's an intriguing incident, but let me talk first.]


The memories that were being played were rewound, showing the weakened Archdukes.


[Whatever their intention, the Lower Realm bought time.]


Surprisingly.


[The Archdukes decided to work together as much as possible until the contractor returned.]


'…….'


Considering the arrogant nature of the Archdukes, it was hard to imagine.


[It was a boring game of buying time. The Elven, who was synchronized with the Divine Tree, recovered first, then Lucifer and Gilfel were recovered, and those two used their powers to pull the Archdukes out of their weakened state.]


The Fairy King using the power of 'Great Magic'.


The Fallen Angel using the power of 'Regeneration'.


The Demon King using the power of 'Evolution'.


Their combination was something they had anticipated.


[It took 900 years for all the Archdukes to escape their weakened state.]


Taehyun couldn't help but sigh at the long time.


[Elven said that as soon as the contractor crossed over to the Interworld, 'His' spell weakened. As if he had been waiting for it.]


As a result, time was reversed.


[It may have been a fleeting moment for the contractor, but it was a time of endurance for us.]


'Then, what about the current Race War?'


[Fortunately, Michael's sudden actions bought enough time. As expected of the 1st Celestial Realm lord. The 9 Celestial Realms couldn't deploy their full forces because they were busy persuading him.]


[Hmm…. You have a face that suggests you have some idea.]


'No, I'll judge after listening to the end.'


The 1st Celestial Realm did not participate in the Race War until the end.


900 years.


The 9 Celestial Realms, tired of persuasion, broke the rules and moved.


Around that time, the spells of the Lower Realm weakened, and the nine Archdukes began to regain their past memories.


The Absolute Beings of the Celestial Realm who belatedly participated were unable to easily capture the Lower Realm, contrary to expectations.


A tense standoff.


A tedious war of attrition.


There was a time when a Celestial Realm lord who had rashly visited the Lower Realm was almost annihilated, and there were times when some of the Archdukes were on the verge of annihilation.


What was certain was that during the 100 years in which they could not achieve a clear victory, the Archdukes had begun to achieve new accomplishments beyond simply recovering from their weakened state.


[And recently. Elven sensed the contractor's presence.]


A giant tentacle wrapped around his contractor.


[She said that your magic could be felt in the Divine Tree that appeared in the Interworld.]


It was only a brief homecoming for Taehyun, but 1,000 years had passed in the Lower Realm.


[You suffered in a weakened state.]


A loving hand stroked his head.


She could tell because she had scanned his memories while showing them to him.


What emotions he was feeling, why he hesitated to make a choice.


[Your thoughts are right.]


'…….'


[Seeing how time is being mixed up like this, this is the last time you can stay in the Interworld.]


Even if they win the Race War.


If he comes back again, a considerable amount of time will have passed.


Maybe 10 years will have passed, or maybe 100 years will have passed.


'Maybe 1,000 years will have passed.'


Unlike himself, who has surpassed the realm of mortals, the lives of others are not long.


'Is this how it felt?'


The loneliness that the Lower Realm King must have felt was realized.


He had given up completely synchronizing with the Divine Tree in the hope that the flow of time would not be twisted.


In the end, this is what happened.


[Now you have to choose. Yoo Ah-young. I can feel how much the owner of this body cherishes you. If the contractor wants….]


'No. The answer was already decided.'


Koo-oong.


The Personal Space shook.


[Oh. It seems like the other guys are starting to come over. Hajard can't handle it alone.]


'Send me back outside.'


[There won't be much time outside.]


She said that she would buy time for him and Hajard to return as safely as possible.


'No.'


Taehyun shook his head.


If they were going to meet the enemy again anyway.


It's not right to show them running away.


Just like the Archdukes of the Lower Realm did.


'We're the ones who are going to hunt.'


Asisat Ebi.


She was the contractor of the Dragon Lord, but she was relegated to a spare when Hajard made a contract with Taehyun.


The woman, who had been pouring out seven auras, suddenly frowned.


"...9th Celestial Realm, huh."


She was only buying time against the guys from the 7th Celestial Realm, but now the celestials from the 9th Celestial Realm were coming over.


They're just ordinary guys now, but soon the Absolute Beings will come over.


She looked around.


Taehyun and Yoo Ah-young were standing still.


Odin was constantly throwing the Holy Spear, but the seven auras were protecting them from the attacks.


It was a possible defense because they were not both in normal condition.


At that time.


The eyes of those who had been waiting were opened.


"You're later than I thought."


"Ah, you held on well too."


Hajard and Rosaria.


The two women, who had been working together for a long time, nodded.


"Taehyun... what is going on..."


The player with the highest rank except for Yoo Ah-young.


Ji Jin-hee, who approached, asked with difficulty.


"I'm sorry, Association President."


There's no time.


He said that it would be hard to give proper greetings.


Tting.


[Skill Evolution's Omen (S) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]


Gilfel's power 'Evolution'.


Deep blue magic wrapped around Taehyun's body.


[Awakening rank changes to SS.]


[Skill rank changes to SS.]


[Skill Evolution's Omen (SS) has been strengthened.]


[Awakening rank changes to SSS.]


[Skill rank changes to SSS.]


The existence that had been weakened surged rapidly.


Taehyun reached out to Tolkien, who had lost consciousness.


The power of regeneration resided in the dwarf's body.


[A vast existence is being suppressed.]


[The countdown is accelerated.]


Considering the current speed.


'About 5 minutes... well, I've planted the seeds.'


Succubus Queen's magic to Yoo Ah-young. Beast King's magic to Ji Jin-hee.


Giant King's magic to Kwon Kang-hyeok. Jormungandr's magic to Im Ah-young.


Igmune's magic to Park Sung-jin, Elven's magic to Kwak Si-yang, were engraved.


Kwajik.


Numerous tentacles blocked the giant Holy Spear that had pierced the aura.


"...Contractor."


"Hold on."


Taehyun had synchronized with the Divine Tree, which had grown to the size of a building.


Tting.


[A vast power awakens.]


[Awakening rank changes to ???]


[Skill rank changes to ???]


[Cough...]


The dwarf's face frowned at the sudden pain.


[Bro...ther...?]


"I'm counting on you, Tolkien."


[......?]


"The brothers have to finish it."


Ignoring his face as if asking what he was saying, he released his magic.


The countdown that had been 5 minutes was now 1 minute.


Tting.


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


[Targeting the subject.]


The blood-red magic touched the Korean players.


The encroaching fear quickly dissipated.


40 seconds.


Taehyun stood beside Yoo Ah-young and Asisat Ebi.


"Odin isn't the main body anyway. There's no need to overdo it."


"I came to say hello first."


Taehyun pointed his index finger at Odin.


30 seconds.


"I have to give a definite answer."


Tting.


[Unique skill Devour (???) has been activated.]


[Targeting multiple subjects.]


Jeo-eo-eok. Jeo-eo-eo-eok. Jeo-eok.


Above Odin and the Valkyries, hideous maws appeared.


Multiple maws formed one giant maw.


20 seconds.


"I'll come find you in the Upper Realm, so wait for me."


Kwaduk!!


The celestials that filled the sky were torn away.


How overwhelming was that power.


Odin, who was being swallowed radiance and all, uttered meaningless curses.


"With this power, indeed..."


"The other guys' expressions will be worth seeing."


Hajard and Rosaria opened the gate.


Not an ordinary gate leading to the Abyss.


The destination is the deepest part.


Where the Race War is raging.


10 seconds.


"Kim Taehyun..."


"What is going on..."


Yoo Ah-young and Asisat Ebi, who regained consciousness, didn't know what was going on.


5 seconds.


"Let's see each other again someday if we have the chance."


Scanning the players who were looking at him with shocked expressions.


1 second.


Taehyun crossed the gate without any regrets.


532


The seeds have been sown.


Ji Jin-hee will be the shield that protects New Korea, and Yoo Ah-young will be the strongest sword.


If it's Seo Sang-ik, he could work with Tolkien to shape the Divine Tree into the form of a tower.


In addition to that.


'If other players can wield the Archduke's magic, we won't be pushed back even if we face the strongest forces of another dimension.'


The Divine Tree's magic will rapidly raise their levels, so they'll achieve sufficient growth while the demons who became the medium of the gate buy time.


Initially, the goal was to create an Archduke-level existence in a short period.


But this is a decent outcome.


'Archduke…'


Tae-hyun thought of his contractors waiting for him in the Abyss.


'The good times are over.'


Rosaria said that it was unlikely, but not impossible.


'It'll be hard to see them again.'


This will probably be his last visit to the Middle Realm.


Even if he returns after winning the race war, not many will remember him.


He thought of the man who envisioned the current situation.


The Underworld King.


How did that man endure?


The more he gains great power, the more he feels the solitude that man felt.


The emotions he felt living through countless ages seemed to envelop his entire body.


Sinking and submerging, everything is crushed.


It feels like being sucked into a vortex of immense magic.


When he opens his eyes again, the red sky will greet him.


'Wait.'


He will finish the race war that you couldn't finish, and confidently visit you.


Then, he will receive compensation for making him suffer so much.


Just as he thought that.


[You're having cute thoughts about your benefactor. You don't really think that, do you?]


'……!!'


The familiar voice awakened his sinking spirit.


Before his opened eyes was a man with red hair and red eyes.


[You're faster than I thought. Kim Tae-hyun.]


'You…!!'


Clearly, the rampant magic in the area had stopped just a moment ago.


No, it wasn't the flow of magic that stopped.


'Time has stopped.'


Just like before the regression.


[Were you satisfied with the 'gift' I gave you?]


He knew that the gift was the authority of 'Devouring.'


A smirk.


The corner of his mouth was raised just like a doppelganger.


Ha.


A hollow laugh came out.


Haha.


The laughter continued unintentionally.


"You call that a…."


As if spewing out the accumulated emotions.


"It's just a series of hardships!!"


Before he knew it, it became a whining cry.


The Underworld King's red eyes curved like a crescent moon.


He was smiling.


[Even if everyone regressed, it doesn't mean they would make the same choice. Tae-hyun, there's also the option of not accepting my arrangement.]


[Isn't there?]


The corner of the man's mouth was now drawing a perfect arc as he asked back.


"Haa."


He sighed because it wasn't wrong.


He chose the Territory War and the Race War by his own will.


How childish he looked, complaining to the Underworld King.


"I'm the type to do my best if I'm going to do it anyway."


He said something he didn't mean.


[Commendable. It proves that my eyes weren't wrong. How did it feel to become the player you dreamed of?]


It was the first real conversation they had since the regression.


He had so much to say just a moment ago.


"What wind blew you to finally show up now? It looks like you've been watching me suffer."


What came out after the short conversation was still a surly tone.


Perhaps it was because the only being with whom he could share the loneliness that had been building up was now in front of him.


[Watching is too much of an expression. I simply read Rosaria's memories.]


Reading the memories of the Archduke.


Even the current Tae-hyun can do that.


[I felt like I should offer my congratulations.]


"Are you talking about winning the Territory War? If so, you're way too late."


The Underworld King shook his head.


[Rosaria didn't tell you, I see.]


"She seems to follow you more than me."


[That's also a fortunate thing. Well, I expected her to guide you well.]


"So. You came all the way here just to say obvious greetings?"


The battle with Noname at the end of the Territory War.


The memories he had learned through the fragment of the Almighty God were slowly returning.


The weakening of the constraints in front of the caster also had an effect.


As if reading Tae-hyun's thoughts, the man shook his head.


[The weakening of the spell is not because of me.]


"……?"


[Can't you feel it yet? That the power that was weakened has completely recovered?]


Tae-hyun felt his own power.


"……!!"


It was true.


Immense power.


The existence power that he reached at the end of the Territory War has been restored.


What's amazing is that the increase is continuing, so much so that the existence power at that time is laughable.


"Could it be that the congratulations are…."


[Yes. I'm congratulating you on achieving the rank of 'Underworld King'.]


"……."


[You don't look happy. Or rather, didn't you have a lot of questions you wanted to ask?]


There isn't much time.


He added with a smile.


"…Why me?"


He asked the question he had been holding in his heart.


Perhaps because it was the question he expected?


The king opened his mouth as if it were nothing.


[I've fought countless battles and seen countless people.]


There were Archdukes, Absolutes, and humans with the potential to become them.


Tae-hyun knew that his words included the Middle Realm of other dimensions.


[In the process, I obtained countless powers.]


"……."


The countless authorities collected by the king.


Among them.


['Devouring' is just one of them, not all. I just thought that power suited you.]


If Tae-hyun wasn't a non-awakened person, and if it was judged that another power would suit him.


He would have given him another authority.


[But it seems that the compatibility with Devouring was better than expected.]


"I can't even laugh anymore."


He was saying that 'Devouring', which had developed him so far, was only a part of the power he possessed.


He was saying that his regression was one of the many choices he had made.


It would be a lie if he said he wasn't surprised.


Also.


"With that much power, you still couldn't end the Race War?"


He realized the weight of the battle that would come to him anew.


[No, the Race War is not the 'end'.]


The king smiled as Tae-hyun looked like he didn't understand.


[It's not unreasonable. The Territory War and the Race War. There was a time when I thought that was all there was to it.]


He couldn't understand.


He questioned.


[You know how the Lower Realm and the Upper Realm were created, right?]


The Almighty God's creation of the world.


The betrayal of the Upper Realm.


The Almighty God's fragments scattered into the Middle Realm.


The birth of Baal and Balak.


The human who inherited Balak's power.


Tae-hyun took out the truth in the memory he had glimpsed.


[You can't say it's all lies… but there are definitely distorted parts.]


"What?"


[Don't completely believe the memory of that Almighty God.]


Even more than Tae-hyun thought.


[Those 'guys' are dangerous beings.]


Also.


[The Race War is not 'unable' to end.]


It's 'not' ended.


[To be precise, from a certain point on, I might have wanted it to never end.]


For a long time.


The Underworld King's true intentions, which no one had ever heard, were conveyed.


The truth is not always sweet.


Tae-hyun had a blank face at the series of unbelievable words.


There is an absolute difference in power between the Lower Realm and the Upper Realm.


After several Race Wars, the Underworld King thought.


Something is strange.


If the Almighty God really wanted to punish the Upper Realm.


'Would there have been a need to give me this much power?'


Around the time he had such a pure question, Baal approached.


The one called the Upper Realm King, who exists at the end of the Race War.


He told him that he was being deceived and told him the secret of the Almighty God.


The secret was so absurd.


[I had to carry out several more Race Wars to grasp the truth.]


"……."


It was when Tae-hyun was at a loss for words at the series of shocks.


[Oh dear. It looks like time is up. And it looks like you've regained quite a bit of your memory.]


"…Yeah."


The memories that had been forgotten due to the spell were revived.


[The arrogance of those called gods is not something that 'mere creatures' can dare to imagine.]


Why the Underworld King didn't win the Race War.


He joined hands with the Upper Realm King to walk the path of a Godslayer.


The information he had glimpsed in the memories of Noname and Lucifer was combined.


Like pieces of a puzzle put together, the blurry memories clearly came to mind.


[There will be an opportunity to talk again at the end of the Race War. Of course, that's assuming you end it quickly… but it doesn't seem impossible for you.]


The stopped time began to flow again.


[The time limit for the quest 'Countdown' has been reached.]


[From now on, you are the Underworld King.]


Tting.


[The quest 'Countdown' has been completed.]


[Rewards will be given.]


[Awakening grade will be changed.]


[A huge spell is lifted.]


[The status window system will be changed.]


['The Demon King Who Defies Fate' is satisfied.]


Noname's voice, which was ringing in his head, changed to that of the 'man who was the Underworld King'.


Tae-hyun closed his eyes.


The red sky came into view.


A place of exploration called the Abyss, which is now called the Lower Realm, his hometown.


The sky of such a place was collapsing and radiance was pouring down.


[Contractor!!]


It was Elven's voice.


The fairy, who had become a mature woman, surrounded by the branches of the Divine Tree, landed beside him.


[Did you leave the dwarf behind?]


"Yeah. Somehow."


[This deity was going to give him a proper education, but it's a shame.]


A hint of regret flashed across the face that said that, but it was only for a moment.


[Well, there's no place for that guy in the upcoming battles. Maybe it's a good thing.]


"What's the situation?"


[Look over there.]


A huge castle was floating where the branches were pointing.


Sky Castle.


Lucifer's fortress.


All kinds of radiance were swirling around it.


[The Celestials from the 2nd and 3rd Heavenly Realms.]


"Where's Lucifer?"


[Engaging with a large number of Absolutes. This deity is supporting with magic. Even that arrogant guy seems to be having a hard time.]


The Sky Castle was repeating half-destruction and regeneration.


But the speed of restoration was slowly failing to keep up with the speed of destruction.


[Similar situations are happening all over the Lower Realm. The contractor came back at just the right time. It seems like you've regained your weakened power… or rather, is it more than that…?]


"It seems like it's the same for you."


He felt it.


The existence power of the Archdukes, which had become even stronger than when facing Noname.


The fact that the numerous Absolutes dispatched to hold them back were struggling.


[That's kind of you to say, but I need to help Lucifer first.]


Tae-hyun shook his head.


"No. Let's say hello first."


[What…?]


Without answering, he grabbed Elven's branch.


With just that, he became one with the Divine Tree.


He activated the Archdukes' skills one by one.


Kugugugugu.


Just by opening the magic power, the space vibrated.


He felt the existence power of the resonated Archdukes becoming stronger.


Through Elven's magic power, the Archdukes' vision was synchronized.


He saw the Absolutes of the nine Heavenly Realms they were facing.


Tting.


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


Jjeoeok. Jjeoeok. Jjeoeoeok.


The mouths of Devouring appeared around the Archdukes.


Unlike the panicking Absolutes.


The Archdukes burst into laughter.


[Target has been identified.]


Kwaddeudeuk.


The mouths swallowed dozens of Absolutes.


Tting.


[A huge spell completely disappears.]


[The existence power of the Lower Realm increases.]


How happy he was with that message.


"The Race War starts now."


Tae-hyun smiled.


533 Translation:


Episode 533: [An Amazing Power]


Elven said so, recognizing Taehyun's power.


At that moment, the Archdukes gathered one by one through the Divine Tree.


[Brother!!]


[You have achieved true awakening.]


[Underworld King. I feel an aura similar to that guy.]


[No, he's still far from that one.]


[You've become reliable.]


With Rozaria's words as the last.


Kugung.


Lucifer grabbed the neck of an Absolute Being and landed.


[An Absolute Being of the 10 Heavens. I saw him on the way.]


[Lucifer… you traitor….]


Kwajik.


Lucifer's foot kicked the Absolute Being's head.


The Absolute Being, unable to regenerate, scattered radiance and rolled across the floor.


[How dare you….]


The Absolute Being, surrounded by Archdukes, unleashed divine power.


Was it because the Underworld King's spell had disappeared?


That power was by far the strongest among the Absolute Beings they had encountered so far.


"An interesting friend?"


Ttak.


With just a flick of Taehyun's fingers.


Sssssss.


The Absolute Being's soaring divine power was suppressed.


[…Huh?]


"Anything else to show?"


Representing the Archdukes.


The King of the Underworld asked kindly.


Absolute Being Sesephuu of the 10 Heavens.


His body was trembling.


Not because of fear.


Just because his stamina was depleted after a fierce battle.


The strong mind of the Absolute Being.


He was confident that he would not cower even though surrounded by the rulers of the Underworld.


He calmly assessed the situation.


'The Archdukes' magic has become stronger.'


There had been countless invasions from the Upper World to the Underworld.


Although the owners of the Heavens could not directly interfere, there were Absolute Beings and the Celestial Race who strongly inherited their authority.


He had heard that new Archdukes had been born and that Archdukes who had been sealed away had recovered their power.


Indeed, it was beyond expectations.


The rise in the existence of the subordinates that came with it was enough to distract the Absolute Being's gaze, so the racial war was not going as the Upper World intended.


Nevertheless, he was confident.


Although they were holding out with numerical superiority, it was a stage that could be turned over enough if the owners of the Heavens intervened.


The first thing to break through was the Underworld King's spell acting on the Celestial Race.


Once that was resolved, the 'owners' would rush in and devastate the Underworld.


Even the great Archdukes would live a life of slavery.


He was convinced of that and continued to fight every moment.


The tide of the battle changed when a huge maw was created around them.


The Archdukes' magic surged, and the vicious maw devoured the Celestial Race in the area.


Many Absolute Beings tried to block it but were eaten, and some chose a cowardly escape to save their lives.


Sesephuu was one of those who chose to evade and confront.


The order given by Osiris, the owner of the 10 Heavens.


He wanted the 'Eye of the Sun' that Lucifer had taken, but it was impossible to seize it in the current situation.


So.


He would sacrifice his life to carve an irreparable wound on Lucifer.


If he left that much damage on the former owner of the 1st Heaven, it would be a worthwhile demise.


He believed that his owner would gladly grant him an eternal title.


But there was one misconception.


Lucifer's amplified power was beyond his expectations.


He was cut and torn.


His regeneration was restricted, and he fell in a battered state.


And now.


The cause of the Archdukes' amplified existence was before his eyes.


To suppress an Absolute Being's divine power with just a flick of a finger?


His martial power was among the lower ranks of the Absolute Beings, and it was impossible to draw complete divine power in the Underworld.


'It's impossible.'


To use absolute power in his domain.


'Unless he's the owner of the Heavens….'


At that moment, something like a strong shock swept through his mind.


'Could it be…!! This guy is the Underworld….'


[You have an unbelievable look on your face.]


Succubus Queen.


The Queen of Nightmares spoke for Sesephuu's feelings.


[Hey, this body's brother is asking. Don't you have anything else to show?]


The Giant King, in high spirits, shoved his face in, and the Absolute Being's body shrank involuntarily.


[Such a moron is an Absolute Being.]


Elven criticized him, unable to hide his embarrassed expression.


[It would be better for Bongui to devour him.]


The moment Igmun, licking his lips, tried to draw up magic power.


Lucifer opened his grey magic power and drew attention.


[Sesephuu. He's a kid who's loyal to Osiris. A kid who hasn't been an Absolute Being for long.]


[Are you even going to skim through the memory of a kid Absolute Being? You've become uncharacteristically timid.]


[I agree. I thought that was an action that only suited that lewd woman.]


Orgal and Igmun mocked Rozaria.


[Stop the unnecessary provocation.]


Unlike his nickname of Devil King, Gilfer, who always maintained neutrality, mediated.


He knew that if he didn't stop them now, Typhon would intervene and it would become a mess.


He didn't want to show such an unsightly figure in front of his brother who had returned after a long time.


[Bongnyong thinks the same way. Rather than that, the information that can be obtained through the kid Absolute Being is limited, but does this guy have any special abilities?]


Hazad, opening his dragon eyes and scanning Sesephuu, asked.


[Dragon Lord. Your eyes have not yet reached the Upper World.]


[…….]


Hazad was silent at Lucifer's answer for a moment.


The one who reacted was Jormungandr.


[Indeed… is that what it means?]


Blue eyes and red eyes.


Before he knew it, his heterochromatic eyes were flashing.


"What is it?"


[Sesephuu. This guy has a special ability. He can force answers to questions.]


[…….]


[……?]


Orgal and Typhon were silent, and.


[Indeed.]


[…Is that so.]


Hazad and Gilfer seemed to have noticed something, and.


[Interesting.]


[How coincidental.]


A bitter smile hung on the lips of Igmun and Rozaria.


[Lucifer. Are you going to force authority with the power of the contractor?]


[Exactly, that's right.]


No matter how much Rozaria was, it was not easy to mentally control the Absolute Beings.


They all obeyed the owner of the Heavens and had strong mental strength.


That's why most of the Absolute Beings who had invaded the Underworld so far were killed without being captured.


[But now the situation has changed.]


Taehyun, who possessed the authority of all the Archdukes, had returned.


The King of the Underworld, who could break through the ability of the Absolute Being, had returned.


Even if the captured Absolute Being's ability was to force answers to questions.


"This is completely awesome?"


Taehyun smiled and looked at Lucifer, and.


[Let's call it a return gift.]


The Fallen Angel grinned and received that gaze.


[You were called Sesephuu.]


Elven put his hand on the shoulder of the kneeling Absolute Being.


And.


[It seems like you're screwed.]


He told him the future that was coming.


Absolute Being Sesephuu, who was called Sphinx in the 10 Heavens.


[Ah….]


He let out a groan mixed with despair.


He finally realized.


That the trembling that hadn't stopped since a while ago was because of fear.


Also.


That there would be no honorable demise that he had expected.


Dark crimson.


A huge magic power that he had never seen before wrapped around Sesephuu, and.


"I'll ask."


Taehyun forced the first 'answer'.


[If we were to attack the 10 Heavens. That would be the first place to go.]


[I agree.]


[I never thought it would be this messed up.]


The information obtained through Sesephuu was beyond expectations.


The civil war between Osiris and Obelisk intensified, and many Absolute Beings of the 10 Heavens were sacrificed.


Osiris was sticking with Odin, the owner of the 7th Heaven, and Obelisk was sticking with the owner of the 9th Heaven.


"Will we hit Osiris? Or will we hit Obelisk? It's one of two choices."


[What are you going to do with this guy? If it's okay, he'd be a good meal for Bongui.]


Igmun licked his lips, looking at the Absolute Being whose mind was completely broken.


Keok… Kak… Kahak….


The Absolute Being, who had been dignified until just a while ago, was showing an untidy appearance.


"Wait."


[If Bongui becomes stronger, it will be helpful to you too.]


Taehyun sighed, looking at Igmun, who kept being greedy.


"Igmun, Igmun. If you're so impatient, you'll be busy following the other Archdukes."


'…This son of a bitch.'


Igmun suppressed his magic power and endured the insult.


If it had been before, he would have opened the field and watched.


But Taehyun, who had returned from the Intermediate World, had become a different being than when he fought the Territory War.


No longer could he be called an ordinary Archduke, but the King of the Underworld leading the Nine Archdukes.


Limited to the Underworld, he had become an omnipotent being who could face all the Archdukes.


"You have to keep the morality."


Saying that, Taehyun nodded to Elven.


He had already finished talking to her in advance with telepathy.


[Are you really going to do it now? No matter how much, how long has it been since you returned from the Intermediate World….]


"So the guy must be off guard too. Opportunity doesn't come twice."


[…I understand.]


Puuk.


Elven's branch pierced Sesephuu's body.


Jjuuuk. Jjuuk.


The branch of the Divine Tree, which had been sucking up the remaining divine power, suddenly created a huge gate.


An Absolute Being who could be said to be Osiris's close associate.


The coordinates to his residence had already been entered.


[When should we set the return point?]


"5 minutes. That'll be enough of a greeting."


Taehyun crossed the gate, and.


[That crazy bastard.]


Only then did Igmun take out the words he had kept inside.


[We will select new Absolute Beings.]


[I understand, my lord.]


One of the Absolute Beings retreated at Osiris's command.


[The resistance is stronger than I thought.]


He also supported the racial war representing the 10 Heavens, and he dispatched the Absolute Beings more enthusiastically than anyone else.


Since the war began, the 10 Heavens had lost the most Absolute Beings.


Even so.


[Not bad.]


Osiris did not hesitate to add more Absolute Beings.


Stagnant water is bound to rot.


In order to completely take over the 10 Heavens, it was necessary to clean up the existing Absolute Beings.


Endless struggle.


It was necessary to learn that much from the monsters.


Those who did not share the same line as him were driven to the Underworld, and as a result, the group following Obelisk had weakened.


The vacant Absolute Being positions were filled by selecting those who were favorable to him.


Selecting talent by looking at the 'usability of authority' rather than 'military power'.


That was the reason why Osiris received more support than Obelisk.


Even so, the reason why he had not yet completely taken over the 10 Heavens was that he possessed an existence similar to himself.


Just as he had joined hands with the owner of the 7th Heaven, Obelisk had also joined hands with the owner of the 9th Heaven.


Osiris's anger flared up every time he saw the giant god still acting out of ignorance.


The anger was directed at his dead child who had inherited his bloodline.


[Horus. You fool.]


Was it because he had inherited his bloodline?


He was a guy who was born with both useful authority and military power.


He valued that rarity and handed over the 'Eye of the Sun' that he had snatched from 'Ra'.


If he had digested it properly, he would have grown into an Absolute Being comparable to Obelisk.


Not only was that power taken away in the Upper World, but he even went down to the Underworld and suffered a miserable death.


Now, there was no one who didn't know that that power had flowed into Lucifer.


'Ra', 'Obelisk'.


[Damn guys are annoying.]


It was when Osiris was grumbling and preparing for a meeting with other Heavens.


Kwazzzzzzz.


A gate made of divine power was created in his residence.


[Is it Sesephuu?]


Osiris had a pleased expression on his face at the divine power of the Absolute Being he had selected.


He had thought that he had died because he hadn't returned, but from the expectation that if he opened the gate and came to visit directly like this, he might have completed the order.


Because the Archduke would not be able to cross over here where the magic of the Upper World was being applied.


However.


[…….]


The heterochromatic eyes that confirmed the existence that had crossed the gate sank.


The outside had the appearance of Sesephuu.


[What kind of trick is this.]


"I thought I had deceived you perfectly. Even half of you do the name value of being an owner."


Sssssss.


Sesephuu's appearance blurred and a human appeared.


"Unlike the other guys, I think you'll be able to communicate well."


[Unless you're crazy… did you come here alone?]


Kugugugu.


Osiris's divine power covered the area.


It's strong.


But.


Tting.


[The magic of the Upper World King is working.]


[The power of the Underworld King resists.]


[Partially successful in resisting.]


[It is possible to use the unique skill 'Devour'.]


[The use of general skills is limited.]


'As expected.'


Taehyun smiled at the rising message.


"Anyway."


Tting.


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


"I'm going to be quite rude at first sight."


Two blue eyes and heterochromatic eyes collided.


534


Red hair with heterochromatic eyes of blue and yellow.


Dark crimson hair with heterochromatic eyes of red and blue.


Having different colored eyes is not a common phenomenon for either demons or celestials.


A mutation beyond just an abnormal constitution.


Being different from others inevitably creates many enemies.


[The Lower World Key is even using divine power. The archdukes must have been quite horrified to see those eyes.]


"Ah, there's already someone on our side who made the first move. Jormungandr, I don't know if you're familiar with him."


The Rampaging Archduke. The Sea Demon King, Jormungandr.


Osiris's lips curled up at that name.


[I know him well. Perhaps even better than you do.]


"That's a dangerous statement."


The enemy says they know his partner.


Normally, he would have dismissed it as a lie.


'Is it just a bluff?'


Taehyun shrugged it off.


All the archdukes hide their own secrets.


Among them, Jormungandr was a particularly secretive bastard, no, partner.


It wouldn't be strange if he had a connection that the Upper World and he didn't know about.


[Have you completed your search?]


It was Osiris who said that.


"Of course."


Taehyun replied with a smile.


[The gate hasn't closed yet. 'Perhaps' the Fairy King is waiting for your signal.]


He said "perhaps," but his curved heterochromatic eyes were smiling.


He was certain.


"Correct."


He didn't deny it.


It was a fact that didn't even need to be concealed.


[How arrogant. You've obtained the power of an archduke, and just because you've caught a few Absolutes, you think the Upper World is easy?]


As the humanoid body stirred, a massive divine power was unleashed.


The divine power shook the area before seeping into his two heterochromatic eyes.


'A signal.'


The celestials will flock to this release of divine power.


Among them, there will be quite a few Absolutes.


[Now you have a look of realization on your face.]


"Is this all you can do in a human form?"


[......]


"I'll give you a chance, Osiris. Reveal your true form."


And so.


"Resist properly."


A moment of silence lingered.


From far away, a considerable number of divine powers were detected approaching.


'About 30 seconds have passed.'


A quick response.


Also.


'It's worth a try.'


Currently, the 10th Heavenly Realm is weakened compared to other realms due to the internal war between Osiris and Obelisk.


It was the optimal environment to test the power that had grown through adversity.


Osiris seemed to have read his thoughts.


[How absurd. You're trying to imitate a god with your paltry power...]


"Don't make hasty judgments."


Tring.


[Skill Absolute Being - Horus(???) has been activated.]


A chilling energy seeped into his blue eyes.


Along with radiance.


Swish.


The body transformed into that of an Absolute Being.


Osiris's heterochromatic eyes, which had always seen Taehyun as inferior, wavered.


Before his eyes was the bloodline he had created.


There was a child who should have been helpful to him.


[To dare... to imitate a god...]


Inya.


The moment he was about to finish that sentence, the radiance disappeared.


Thwack.


Osiris looked at the sword that had pierced his body and protruded out.


The sword made of dragon scales had forced its way through his abdomen.


At the end of the sword.


Taehyun, who looked like his own child, was smiling.


"Didn't I tell you not to make hasty judgments?"


It's not just imitation.


Using the 'Moon's Eye' that only his child can use.


He had perfectly used that power to teleport.


Swish.


Osiris's form, pierced by the Dragonslaying Sword, blurred.


[Foolish.]


"......!!"


Sensing the presence behind him, Taehyun unleashed divine power.


He instinctively swung the Dragonslaying Sword.


Clang!!


Clang!!


The chilling divine power and the Dragonslaying Sword were weakly deflected.


He couldn't help but admire Osiris's form, which had manifested into his true form in a brief moment.


Before his eyes was a giant dragon.


The Sky God.


An existence that once penetrated the 10th Heavenly Realm and spread infamy to the 9th Heavenly Realm.


It had an appearance that combined Western and Eastern dragons, as if combining Jormungandr and Hazzard who had manifested in their true forms.


What was astonishing was the presence it exuded.


A presence that was incomparable to the Absolutes invading the Lower World pressured his entire body.


[My thoughts have changed. You are no longer an uninvited guest.]


"......"


[I will bestow upon you the position of Absolute Being of the 10th Heavenly Realm.]


"......?"


[I will give you the task of replacing Horus.]


"But I'm the Lower World Key?"


Osiris burst into laughter.


[Rule the Lower World as you do now. If you wish, I will also give you the 10th Heavenly Realm. I was already annoyed by the 9th Heavenly Realm.]


He didn't like the master of the 9th Heavenly Realm who had joined hands with Obelisk.


He said that if he came under him, he would allow him to rule both a part of the 10th Heavenly Realm and the Lower World.


How absurd was the ambition he suddenly revealed.


Taehyun even laughed so hard that his body shook.


"This is a completely dysfunctional Heavenly Realm."


[Do you think it's impossible?]


"It's not that. It's not possible that someone like you would lie. Yes, if we combine our strength, it's not an absurd thing to take down that Obelisk and devour the 9th Heavenly Realm."


[You're not slow to understand. I see why Jormungandr chose you.]


"But there's one thing wrong."


[I allow you to speak frankly.]


"I don't go under anyone weaker than me."


[......]


"You are clearly weaker than me. Osiris."


[......]


There was a moment of silence.


And then.


Puhahahahahaha.


A roar-like狂笑 echoed throughout the area.


Just listening to the laughter felt like he had allowed a massive attack.


1 minute.


Taehyun waited until Osiris stopped laughing and scanned the creature's true form.


'No matter how I look at it, it resembles Jormungandr.'


[It's been a long time since I've laughed like this. For that alone, you deserve praise.]


That's not what he said to be praised.


[Prove your strength to the master of the Heavenly Realm? You're the only one who can say that.]


Heterochromatic eyes.


Among them, the yellow eye sparkled.


Kugugugu.


Osiris's divine power seethed.


'This is...'


Osiris's divine power, which had been constantly increasing, stopped only after increasing about threefold.


[The Authority of Rampage. The power that symbolizes the Sea Demon King.]


As his blue eyes flashed, radiance enveloped the giant body.


The divine power that had been rampaging and seething was stabilized.


He had increased his presence and made it his own.


'Jormungandr, that bastard...'


Why is the Authority of an Archduke being used by the master of the Heavenly Realm?


He didn't bother asking.


After all, there was only one purpose for coming here.


[You still have that look of dissatisfaction. Don't you think it's rude? The Absolutes gathered outside will tear you to pieces with just one order from me.]


"I gave you plenty of opportunities."


[Likewise.]


Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish.


The Absolutes, responding to Osiris's command, revealed themselves.


Each of them had a presence that was no less than Horus, and there were twenty of them.


[I know that you've hunted a few Absolutes in the Lower World. The advantage of the domain cannot be ignored.]


However.


Osiris's heterochromatic eyes sparkled simultaneously.


The ceiling of the pierced domain.


In the blue sky, divine power began to swirl.


The raging sky subsided, subsided.


Swish.


Eventually, it overlapped with the ground Taehyun was standing on.


[The Sky. This is the domain ruled by its master.]


The presence of the area skyrocketed.


[Since you rejected the opportunity. I will rule strictly. First, I must block the escape route.]


At Osiris's gesture, several Absolutes reached out to the gate.


They were trying to damage the gate so that the prey could not escape.


'I can't use Apocalypse.'


Tring.


[Skill The Deceiver(???) has been activated.]


[Specifying the target.]


[Implementing the image.]


[Skill Proficiency is increasing.]


[The skill is completely activated.]


Hwaaaaa.


After consuming a massive amount of divine power, radiance created multiple figures.


7th Heavenly Realm Absolute Being Loki, 7th Heavenly Realm Absolute Being Heimdall, 7th Heavenly Realm Absolute Being Roan.


10th Heavenly Realm Absolute Being Horus, 10th Heavenly Realm Absolute Being Anubis, 10th Heavenly Realm Absolute Being Set.


The Absolutes who were eaten in the process of the domain war.


In addition, four nameless Absolutes who were devoured by Taehyun additionally appeared.


Ten Absolutes had manifested.


Their presence was less than when they were alive, but it was enough to buy time by temporarily attracting the attention of the Absolutes.


"Prevent the gate from being damaged."


He gave the order.


The battle began as the ten Absolutes manifested their Authorities.


Osiris's heterochromatic eyes, which had been watching, were filled with greed.


[You're using an presumptuous power. But that's why it's an even more coveted power.]


"Yes. I agree."


He used Elven's magic to check the time.


About 1 minute left.


'Perfect.'


A good time to pour everything out and be discharged.


He was satisfied with himself.


"Horus lost one eye in our first meeting."


Tring.


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


Crack.


Behind Taehyun, a ferocious maw appeared.


What about you?


Rotating the magic stone, he spewed out the Authority of the Lower World King.


An existence that can rule the sky and use the power of Rampage stably.


Taehyun was pushing Osiris back.


Crunch. Crunch!!


One of the maws bit off a huge scale of the Heavenly Realm's master.


'It's working.'


His Devour was working against the Heavenly Realm master, who had unleashed his full power.


Crunch. Crunch.


Each time he bit off a scale, Osiris's scream-like groan was heard.


It's not that he's weak.


It was the influence of Taehyun becoming stronger.


He crossed the gate alone because he didn't know what influence the magic of the Upper World would have.


He judged that Elven could extract him sufficiently if it was just him, and that thought was not wrong.


Against this much force, Taehyun had become an existence that could buy 5 minutes alone.


'About 10 seconds left.'


Now it's about time for Elven to forcibly summon Taehyun.


He looked around.


The Absolutes created by skills and the Absolutes of the 10th Heavenly Realm were facing each other.


Their force was clearly inferior, but they were able to buy time so that they could not easily destroy the gate.


10.


Taehyun devoured one of Osiris's wings.


He regenerated it in an instant.


9.


A roaring breath struck the place where Taehyun was.


He evaded it using the Moon's Eye.


8.


Tap.


As he flicked his finger, another Devour bit off his tail.


7.


Bang.


A lump of divine power that flew from somewhere blew away his arm.


This time, Taehyun regenerated at ultra-high speed.


6.


[Is that all you have!!]


A lightning strike made of divine power struck down.


A knife-like wind swirled.


Hail like bullets fell.


5.


Devour repeatedly opened its mouth, disappeared, and regenerated.


4.


Swish.


Using the Moon's Eye, he moved his body behind him.


As if waiting, a huge presence crushed his entire body.


3.


He distracted his gaze by using the Authority residing in the Dragonslaying Sword.


His body was bounced out by the collision of enormous forces.


[Did you only come this far!!]


Swish.


Osiris's tail bound such Taehyun.


2.


Crunch. Crunch.


His face contorted in the sensation that the bones in his entire body were being crushed.


Swish.


Taehyun pulled his body out once again with the Moon's Eye.


1.


[Contractor!!!]


He heard Elven's voice in his head.


It meant to come near the gate.


'Is this the extent of the power that the masters of the Heavenly Realm exert in the domain?'


Truly amazing.


Thinking so, he spewed out all his magic power.


Crack.


The maws that were rampant in the area formed one huge shape.


Eat it.


"Devour."


It was when the Absolutes and Osiris were distracted by the unprecedentedly huge maw.


Swoosh.


He threw his body into the gate.


The branches of the divine tree bound his body.


Hold him!!


He heard Osiris's voice shouting so.


'Don't worry, Osiris.'


Taehyun smiled crookedly with his battered appearance.


"I'll see you again soon."


The moment he felt the lethargy of Devour disappearing.


The blue and red sky reversed.


535


Upon opening my eyes, I saw the crimson sky symbolizing the lower realm and the Archdukes who were waiting for me.


Swish.


Rosaria's tendrils wrapped around my body, rapidly replenishing my depleted mana.


[Did you greet them well?]


"They were quite welcoming, you know?"


[You're a contractor who doesn't back down from a single word.]


Seemingly pleased, Rosaria's tendrils caressed Taehyun's body.


Typhon looked on with envy, while Igmun frowned.


Thud thud thud.


As Elven completely closed the gate, Sesefuu's physical body vanished as it was.


5 minutes.


The body of an Absolute Being had been annihilated by simply opening the gate for that short amount of time.


Igmun smacked his lips as he watched the scene.


[That was not an easy thing to do at all.]


Elven breathed out.


Taehyun's presence had already far surpassed that of an Archduke.


Making such an entity travel between the Upper and Lower Realms was no easy task, even for her who had merged with a divine beast.


It felt as if she were supporting the mana of the other eight Archdukes, fatigue washing over her.


[If the 10th Heavenly Realm is like this, the Main Yōkai must be prepared if you intend to go to the 9th Heavenly Realm.]


The race war Taehyun envisioned did not only mean defending in the Lower Realm.


Her role would become even more important in the future.


"Don't worry. I don't intend to push myself yet."


[The Main Yōkai isn't foolish enough to believe that at face value.]


"……."


An Archduke who naturally doubts her contractor's words.


Taehyun playfully grumbled.


[Don't be too disappointed. She was the one who waited the most during the period your contractor was gone.]


Rosaria stroked Elven and Taehyun with her tendrils to comfort them.


[Hmph. Unnecessary meddling, Rosaria. This one was merely bored of not being able to torment the foolish dwarf.]


Elven retorted, but no one paid attention.


[You seem brighter than expected, considering you've been to the Upper Realm, brother.]


Kilper, who approached, used the authority of 'Evolution'.


The authority was incomparably more mature than when he had first awakened as a Demon King.


The exhausted mental strength was rapidly recovering.


"I gained something."


He told her about the battle in the Upper Realm.


[To have only these kinds of wounds after engaging Osiris... Interesting.]


That was what Hazzard said.


[Indeed. It would be a waste of the title of King of the Lower Realm if you couldn't do at least that much.]


Lucifer also let out a satisfied smile.


The other Archdukes also had similar reactions.


He had faced the owner of the Heavenly Realm and the Absolute Beings alone in a place where the magic of the Upper Realm King was in effect.


Although it wasn't a long time, it was a good indicator to gauge the growth of their contractor.


As Taehyun grew, the presence of the Archdukes who had contracted with him also increased.


The Archdukes, who had already regained their forgotten prime, were holding back from wanting to experiment on the Celestial Race right away.


[Hurry up and recover him.]


Orgal urged Rosaria and Kilper.


The other Archdukes also watched Taehyun's recovery with similar feelings.


They knew that if their contractor rolled around on a thorny path, meaningful results would follow.


"That's enough. This much is sufficient."


Taehyun clenched and opened his fist.


It was a simple action, but it was enough to confirm that his body had sufficiently recovered.


"Igmun."


[……?]


"I need to borrow some authority."


[...That sounds more like an order than a request?]


"Watch your behavior."


[…….]


Damn bastard.


Igmun muttered those words, but Taehyun didn't care and activated the skill.


Tring.


[Skill Apocalypse(???) has been activated. Identifying the target.]


Whoosh.


Darkness fell over the area.


[What is this...?]


[What's wrong?]


[Brother likes the dark too much.]


[…….]


[……?]


[Hehehe...]


[Creepy guy.]


[Indeed… It reminds me of unpleasant memories.]


The darkness that had fallen was concentrated not on all the Archdukes, but on Jörmungandr alone.


[What does this mean again?]


The Sea of Demon King, who maintained a humanoid form, savored the immense power and asked.


Even though the Archduke's vessel was being crushed by Taehyun's increased magic power, his face was one of satisfaction.


"There's something I'm curious about."


[Even if we have a contract relationship. I won't tolerate this attitude towards this one?]


Jörmungandr, who had been crossing his arms, flicked his index finger.


Blue mana swirled.


It meant that if he threatened any more, he would summon the Sea of Demons.


"Igmun."


[Haa….]


Tzzzz.


Only then did Igmun understand the meaning, and his blood-colored mana wrapped around the area.


Blood Field was formed along with Apocalypse.


A field created using the authority of Absorption.


If he summoned the Sea of Demons in the current situation, a significant amount of energy would be sucked in.


[…….]


[Something happened.]


The other Archdukes also seemed to feel something unusual and were preparing to release their magic power.


[This is a setback… Are we going to have a territory war again now?]


Kilkilkilkili.


Jörmungandr let out his unique, low laugh.


"It would be best to answer well."


Taehyun gradually strengthened the magic power of Apocalypse.


The power of the Blood Field also increased accordingly, and Rosaria was also ready to deploy Personal Space at any time.


[Jörmungandr. Have you been doing something strange again?]


The one who asked was Orgal.


[Snake-like fellow. What kind of accident did you cause this time?]


The one who asked was Hazzard.


[Rosaria is always right.]


[You shut up.]


Typhon said nonsense, and Rosaria snapped at him.


And.


[If you have betrayed us. I'll kill you.]


Kilper raised her poisonous fingernails.


Only Elven and Lucifer watched as if the situation was going interestingly.


Suddenly, Jörmungandr burst into laughter.


[Eight Archdukes… Indeed, it's a situation where even this one would have difficulty surviving. Very well, what are you curious about, young King of the Lower Realm.]


Taehyun let out a breath that didn't suit him.


"Geez, I'm not feeling comfortable either."


[Kekeke. Don't bother with unnecessary acting.]


"Did you collude with Osiris?"


It was a nonchalant question, but the impact was significant.


Magic power exploded from the Archdukes who had been watching.


[If it's the snake bastard, that's just like him.]


[Not surprising.]


Hazzard's aura raged, and Kilper's poison overflowed as if it would melt the opponent at any moment.


[Let's kill him.]


[I wondered why he's been quiet lately.]


The Archdukes didn't hide their murderous intent.


With just one word, an alliance of the past thousand years was broken.


That also meant that the distrust towards Jörmungandr was that great, and the trust in Taehyun was that great.


"Wait. He hasn't answered yet."


[Hahaha. It seems my answer isn't important. Are you going to have a hearing in the way humans do?]


"Don't misunderstand."


Tring.


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


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


He simultaneously opened the eyes of scarlet and azure.


The sight wasn't much different from Jörmungandr's odd eyes.


"It would be a shame if a force like yours were damaged, but."


Tring.


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


[The skill's enhancement has reached its limit.]


Kugugugung.


The bodies of the Archdukes twitched at the sudden increase in magic power.


It was because the magic power at the level of fighting against No Name had been enhanced without any warning.


[…Good.]


Only Igmun's face, who was using the authority of Absorption, was bright.


"Answer well."


[…….]


Taehyun urged for an answer.


The darkness that had descended.


Little by little. Little by little.


It was pressing on the Archduke's body.


Whether to summon the Sea of Demons or transform into his true form.


It was when he was driven to the moment of choice.


[Brother.]


Jörmungandr's gaze turned to Typhon and Kilper.


[You guys freely use such expressions towards Kim Taehyun. But do you really think it's a relationship that fits that meaning?]


[…….]


[…What nonsense are you spouting?]


Unlike Kilper, who remained silent, Typhon growled.


Taehyun raised his hand to stop any rash actions.


"Are you saying you're brothers with Osiris? I certainly suspected that odd eye, but that alone doesn't seem like enough of an excuse for betrayal."


[Hehehe. Did you say betrayal?]


The Sea of Demon King's odd eyes emitted a vivid light.


Magic power and divine power.


The divine-demonic power created by mixing the two forces.


Mastered divine-demonic power wrapped around the Sea of Demon King's body.


With that alone, he greatly relieved Taehyun's pressure.


[Osiris. This one and that guy's relationship has continued for longer than you guys think.]


[Puhuhuhu. You cheeky loach. You're confessing with your own mouth.]


The Sea of Demon King, looking pitifully at Typhon, who was bursting into laughter, continued.


[We are replicated beings.]


Jörmungandr calmly brought up the events of a distant time.


A time when the current Archdukes were not Archdukes.


Before the Upper and Lower Realms were divided and the Archduke system was established.


The current Upper Realm King and former Dragon King.


Baal was interested in the birth of a new species.


He saw through that divine power and magic power were not different, and he was confident that the power of the Celestial Race and the demons could be fused into one.


He was confident that he could artificially create a being with the power of divine-demonic power.


Thus, he contacted 'Ra', the master of the 10th Heavenly Realm.


The two absolute beings agreed and began experimenting to create an artificial being.


A long time passed.


Two beings with the power of the Sun God and the Dragon King mixed together were created.


Test subjects with odd eyes.


Osiris was born with immense divine power, and Jörmungandr was born with immense magic power.


They had the potential to grow into new owners of the Heavenly Realm and Archdukes in the future.


Divine power and magic power. Magic power and divine power.


The ratio of innate power was 9 to 1, but the potential of opposing powers would also change depending on how they were honed.


'Ra' took in Osiris, and 'Baal' threw Jörmungandr into the Sea of Demons.


Again, a considerable amount of time passed.


Baal became the Upper Realm King, and a new king was born in the Lower Realm.


Several race wars broke out.


It was inevitable that Osiris of the Sky and Jörmungandr of the Sea of Demons, two beings who made a name for themselves as Absolute Beings and top-tier species, would clash.


They tore and ripped each other's scales with sharp fangs.


Divine power and magic power collided, causing a shock akin to death.


Each time, the two beings felt a strange sense of kinship.


One day, after finishing one of the race wars and spending a period of recovery.


Jörmungandr, who had become an Archduke, finally succeeded in connecting with the 10th Heavenly Realm.


He contacted Osiris.


Conversations took place.


Discussions about divine-demonic power took place.


Soon, they learned about each other's identities.


Divine-demonic power was a power that was extremely rare even in the Upper and Lower Realms.


They exchanged information using the gate.


[Well, that's what happened. I only contacted him, and I didn't do anything that would harm the Lower Realm.]


Jörmungandr, who had finished the story, spoke nonchalantly.


[Traitor bastard!!]


Kugugugung.


Hazzard's aura pressed down on Jörmungandr.


It was because she was sensitive to anything related to Baal.


"Calm down, Hazzard."


Taehyun soothed and coaxed the excited Dragon Lord.


Hazzard barely calmed down after he used the authority of Aura, as words alone didn't work.


[Well, that's all. As I said, I didn't do anything that would harm the Lower Realm. Nevertheless, if you want to fight, this one will have no choice but to do his best.]


The divine-demonic power wrapping around his body gradually became stronger.


The Archdukes wouldn't just stand by and watch.


Since it was a 9-on-1 battle, the result would be certain.


'Still.'


He couldn't damage his forces during the race war.


When Taehyun released Apocalypse, the Archdukes' gazes focused.


"Whatever. I'm going to hunt Osiris. Cooperating with that will be the only way to prove your innocence."


Heh.


The corners of Jörmungandr's mouth went up.


He was sneering.


[You're underestimating that guy. It's not easy to lure out the owner of the Heavenly Realm.]


"So, we need good bait, right?"


[…….]


"You'll have to be the bait. Partner."


At Taehyun's smile.


536


Osiris was not in a good mood.


Taehyun's intrusion had left the Absolutes in a terrible state.


[He's gotten used to the power faster than I thought...]


This was information he hadn't received from Jormungandr.


His brother, who was born with both divine and demonic power.


There was no way he would betray him now.


So, Kim Taehyun must have awakened the power of the Underworld King sooner than expected.


[To think we can't even catch a mere brat... we still have a long way to go.]


He would take the Upper Realm, and Jormungandr would take the Lower Realm.


The Upper Realm King and the Lower Realm King.


Just thinking about it was a sweet plan.


What set him apart from the other Absolutes was that he never settled for the present.


[Jormungandr is having trouble controlling Kim Taehyun.]


He was communicating with him through a gate made of divine and demonic power.


The race war was in full swing.


Unlike before, regular contact was not being made.


At that moment.


Wooong. Woooong.


A signal came from the communication gate.


Osiris's lips curled up.


He had weakened Kim Taehyun's power a little while ago, so he thought they could easily catch him if they worked together.


[Brother. You should have contacted me in advance if something like this was going to happen. Your business is about Kim Taehyun, right?]


[...This is not good.]


Jormungandr sighed from beyond the gate.


[Don't worry. The race war won't end just because we deal with that guy. As soon as the other Archdukes are sorted out, we'll persuade the Celestial Lords...]


[Brother. My contractor is more insane than I thought... I'm sorry.]


Jormungandr interrupted Osiris.


[......?]


[Kim Taehyun devoured some of your power.]


[...Yes. I was also hit by the Underworld King's authority during the battle. Before I recover from the damage...]


[The Vampire Lord drained blood from me.]


Jormungandr interrupted Osiris again.


[......]


Only then did Osiris realize that something was wrong and fell silent.


[The Fallen Angel can handle both divine and demonic power, and the Fairy King can use the Divine Tree to pinpoint coordinates if the conditions are met.]


[What nonsense are you talking about...]


Jormungandr continued despite Osiris's angry voice.


[The Succubus Queen's Personal Space has no limits. Even you wouldn't be able to escape it easily.]


[Jormungandr, you... don't tell me...]


[Dragon Lord. Beast King. Demon King. Giant King. Even you can't break through their encirclement.]


[......!!]


[Kim Taehyun will summon you using me as a medium.]


[Jormungandr!! What kind of dogshit is that...!!]


That was the moment he shouted.


Wooong. Wooong. Woooong.


The communication gate began to go berserk.


Familiar divine and demonic power forcibly expanded the gate, and branches of the Divine Tree that sprang from it bound a humanoid body.


Osiris resisted.


But in an instant, the blue sky and the red sky were reversed.


[This is...]


Osiris was speechless at the sight before him.


The Archdukes.


The beings called the rulers of the Lower Realm.


They surrounded Osiris.


And.


"I told you we'd meet again, right?"


The man who started it all stepped forward.


"Welcome to your death."


Taehyun welcomed the Celestial Lord's visit to the Lower Realm.


The race war between the demons of the Lower Realm and the celestials of the Upper Realm.


There was an insurmountable difference in status between the two opposing beings.


In the Lower Realm, the Archdukes struggled to face multiple Absolutes even in their own territory, and the Celestial Lords smiled as if they were looking at mere insects.


Even that was only possible because the Underworld King's magic minimized the Celestial Lords' intervention.


If ten Celestial Lords had invaded at the same time, the Archdukes would have been defeated long ago.


The Lower Realm would have been reduced to a plaything of the Upper Realm long ago.


But.


That didn't happen.


They couldn't let it happen.


In the countless battles that followed.


The Underworld King wondered one thing.


If his power was equal to that of the Celestial Lords.


'Why doesn't the Upper Realm King destroy me?'


At the end of that question.


There was a future he had to walk.


Osiris, one of the 10 Celestial Lords.


A being born from the collaboration of the Sun God 'Ra' and the Upper Realm King 'Baal' revealed a fierce killing intent.


"How does it feel to be surrounded by the Archdukes?"


The Underworld King.


The contractor of all Archdukes and the owner of the domain asked mockingly.


Osiris's answer came not in words but in action.


Hwaaa.


Blue divine power containing radiance swirled.


The enormous divine power formed the shape of a field.


Heavenly Sky.


He was trying to maximize his power by summoning his domain.


[You are reckless. To try to invade my domain.]


The owner of the Personal Space burst into laughter.


Purple demonic power swirled.


Tentacles that sprang up from all over blocked the descent of the Heavenly Sky.


Kugugugu.


The shockwave created by the collision of divine and demonic power covered the area, and the Archdukes watched as if it were fun.


A power struggle between a Celestial Lord and an Archduke was a good spectacle.


[Oh, a little more... a little more... that's right, you're doing well. Indeed, you are my woman.]


Typhon clapped and shouted.


[There's no need to overdo it alone.]


Hajad's aura helped block the fall of the Heavenly Sky.


[I will also help.]


Gilfer's Purgatory wrapped around Osiris.


[Don't waste time.]


As soon as Igmun's blood sword pierced, the summoning of the Heavenly Sky was completely canceled.


Osiris's face twisted in anger.


He realized that he had fallen into a trap properly.


[...Jormungandr!!]


He shouted again.


[I'm sorry, brother.]


Jormungandr sighed and shook his head.


He knew that even if he helped, the situation would not change.


Just.


[Cooperate willingly.]


He told Osiris to face reality.


[Puhahahaha.]


[To think we would hunt a Celestial Lord in the domain of a dream demon!!]


Typhon and Orgal approached the isolated Celestial Lord.


Gilfer, who had strengthened Purgatory, aimed her poisonous claws.


Taehyun, who stood beside her, raised a crimson demonic power.


"Aren't you supposed to be a Celestial Lord?"


Whether he would cooperate willingly or be forced to submit.


"I'll give you a choice."


[You will regret this.]


Osiris's heterochromatic eyes flashed for a moment.


He manifested into his true form.


Taehyun's lips curled up.


'Is this all there is?'


He was far less powerful than the beings he had faced in the 10 Celestial Realms.


"Degradation would have been less humiliating."


Tting.


[Unique Skill Devour(???) has been activated. Identifying the form.]


Mouths appeared all over the Personal Space.


Chew. Crunch. Chew.


Devour, recognizing Osiris's presence, clashed its teeth as if it were happy.


[So, it ends like this.]


Jormungandr shook his head as he watched his brother lose a wing to Devour.


[Cut the obvious act.]


Lucifer mocked the Demon King.


[Oh, have I become so devoid of emotion after falling? It's a similar feeling to when you were defeated by Michael...]


[Tsk tsk. Instead of flapping your mouth, open up your magic power. It will take a lot of energy to become one with someone like that.]


[The former 1st Celestial Lord is worrying about me. I'm sorry to hear that.]


Lucifer ignored Jormungandr's words and watched the battle.


The Heavenly God who was being battered by the authority of the six Archdukes was there.


And.


Taehyun was plucking out the blue eyes of such an Osiris.


When he opened his eyes, Elven was there.


The true form of the Fairy King, who had been assimilated with the Divine Tree outside the Personal Space.


[It took longer than I thought.]


"Ah. The resistance was stronger than I thought."


Taehyun said, showing the two eyes in his hand.


Heterochromatic eyes of blue and yellow.


An aggregate of divine power possessing Osiris's presence.


[You gouged them out properly.]


"It wasn't as difficult as I thought, since the Archdukes helped."


Jormungandr would be taking over his body by now.


Taehyun told him calmly.


It was hard to believe that he had just faced a Celestial Lord.


[Your growth rate is terrifying.]


Elven, who had received the two heterochromatic eyes with the branches of the Divine Tree, said.


[I was worried that my contractor's spirit would not keep up with that growth, but now I see that something changed in the Middle Realm.]


"Sufficient rest is always helpful."


[Hmph~ I'll keep that in mind.]


Elven's red eyes rose like a crescent moon as she put the heterochromatic eyes into the Divine Tree.


[Ra' and 'Baal's power, indeed... it will take quite a while to analyze this power.]


Eyes are just one type of form.


The essence contained within them can never be defined by simple words.


[If I'm lucky, I may be able to gain a great enlightenment.]


That meant she could possibly wield divine power.


'To think that a being with the authority of great demonic power would also wield divine power.'


It was a reassuring reinforcement of power just thinking about it.


"How long will it take?"


[A month in your time. It should be enough. Is that alright?]


"That's slower than I thought."


At those words, Elven burst into laughter.


[Have you forgotten? My power has already reached its peak.]


"......?"


He knew that fact.


There must be another reason for bringing up that word on purpose.


[Osiris was a Celestial Lord, wasn't he? A month means analyzing all the coordinates of the 10 Celestial Realms.]


"......"


Certainly.


That was an amazing thing to say.


Unlike opening an incomplete gate using Sesepuu, it meant that he could invade the 10 Celestial Realms at any time.


Osiris's true form.


It was possible because he was using the two eyes that contained the greatest power.


[Now you understand my words. If the interpretation of power is completely finished, I can try using divine power on the other Archdukes as well.]


It was a welcome word.


A fragment of the monotheistic god.


The divine and demonic power that he had not been able to use since the battle with that guy.


If the Archdukes could wield that power to a level of perfection, the odds of winning the race war would increase even further.


'The Upper Realm King's magic is absolute.'


The Archdukes still cannot exert their full power in the Upper Realm.


Perhaps the variable in the race war will be divine and demonic power.


[To think that the day would come when a Celestial Lord would be torn apart in the Lower Realm. Life is really all about living a long time.]


"Isn't it important how you live it?"


[You speak like an old man. What was the Celestial Lord like?]


"Nothing special."


He was strong, but that was all.


He said calmly.


[Underworld King. Truly a statement befitting that name.]


An existence that transcends the Archdukes.


The king representing the Lower Realm must not be blocked by a mere Celestial Lord.


[But Contractor. Have you ever thought about this?]


Taehyun wondered if the Underworld King had obtained his current power because he had completely abandoned his authority.


If he had given up the power of the name, what kind of being would the Underworld King have become?


Would he have been degraded?


Or would he have become a new being?


He asked such questions.


[If the Underworld King chose you as his successor, wouldn't the Upper Realm King also be able to choose a successor?]


Taehyun nodded at the reasonable words, saying that a new king might have been born in the Upper Realm as well.


"......"


He recalled the message from the moment he crossed over from the Middle Realm to the Lower Realm.


'Demon King.'


That was the name the Underworld King had acquired when he was human.


"He didn't die."


He had simply taken a step into the next level.


Elven tilted her head, but did not voice her thoughts.


'Not yet. It's too early of a stage yet.'


He would simply process the legacy that the man who had become a star had entrusted to him.


Taehyun looked at the Divine Tree, which was incomparably larger than the Middle Realm.


537


While Elven analyzed Osiris's Eye, Taehyun stayed at Rozaria's castle.


Meanwhile, Osiris's body, completely defeated in the Personal Space, was taken by Jormungandr.


Igmund coveted it, but it was agreed upon from the start.


[If he fully recovers his power, Jormungandr's strength will be comparable to Lucifer's. Perhaps even surpass it.]


She said, approaching before I knew it.


"I suppose so."


The fusion of the Lord of the Celestial Realm and a Grand Duke.


If it couldn't achieve at least that much, it would be disappointing.


[The ranks of the Grand Dukes will be rearranged.]


In that ranking, Rozaria would be recorded as the lowest.


Taehyun didn't like that.


She was his most reliable shield and sword.


Unlike Elven, her growth hadn't been explosive.


'Is it due to the limitations of her species?'


He knew Rozaria's past.


She had become a Grand Duke after meeting the Underworld King and said she was satisfied, but Taehyun wasn't satisfied with just that.


"Igmund is constantly getting stronger. So are Typhon, Orgal, and Gilfel, who newly became a Grand Duke."


[What is it that you wish to say?]


"Rozaria. Your growth rate is, compared to the other Grand Dukes…"


[Lacking. Is that what you wish to say?]


"……."


[You think that this one will reach her limit in the upcoming war.]


That wasn't wrong.


The weakest of the Grand Dukes.


That was the current state of Rozaria's growth.


[This one is aware.]


"I don't want you to die."


[The former one also said those words. Seeing that, those from the same hometown are the same.]


"……."


[You seem to have a concern.]


She couldn't deceive his eyes.


She met his gaze with compassionate eyes.


"I was thinking about the former Underworld King."


[The memories that the contractor glimpsed were only fragments. He was more compassionate than this one deserves.]


That was the longing of a Grand Duke who had watched over two Underworld Kings.


[There is no need to be bound by constraints.]


It was advice.


[Come to think of it.]


"……?"


[Now that this one is by your side, I can say it.]


Taehyun had said that since he became the Underworld King, the magic of the Underworld no longer applied.


Also.


[This one did not give a gift, did I?]


When she acquired the rank of Grand Duke, she had engraved the skill 'Eye of the Dream Demon King'.


Her lips moved slightly.


[That one had received the power of reincarnation from a god.]


Grand Duke. Succubus Queen.


[But at the end of the race war, she saw a new future.]


Rozaria, the Queen of Dream Demons.


[The one true god that the Celestial Lords worshiped is a false being.]


She uttered the truth that she alone remembered.


['Outside' are countless stars spread out.]


Constellation.


She said that was the identity of the one true god.


Constellation, or Holy See.


There is power in the name.


Rozaria constantly said.


"You… you knew too?"


[The laws of existence sometimes have ambiguous meanings.]


The compassionate Queen of Dream Demons was smiling at Taehyun.


It wasn't that she didn't want to tell him.


Most of the former Underworld King's magic had already been lifted, so there was no need to hide it anymore.


Even so, the reason she hid it from the Grand Dukes was because she didn't know how the Upper World King's magic would apply.


'No, wait….'


Taehyun's mind was racing.


He recalled the message he received when he arrived in the Upper World.


Only the magic of the Underworld was lifted by becoming the Underworld King.


That also applied to Taehyun's surroundings.


Only to a few beings with enormous power, such as the Grand Dukes.


Constellation.


'The Upper World King can't be left out of the story of the one true god.'


If so, what Rozaria, who knows the truth, is receiving is not just the Underworld King's magic, but.


"…the Upper World King's magic."


He spoke the result of his reasoning.


[You are a truly clever contractor.]


Rozaria's tentacles stroked his head as if to say there was nothing more to add.


[Most of this one's memories have returned, but I cannot say everything.]


It was quite a disappointing answer, but.


[But it is not as if there is no method.]


It was an unexpected response.


"……?"


[Contractor. Remember this one's gift.]


'Rozaria's gift.'


He quickly scanned his mind.


He sequentially recalled the days he had walked with her and grown.


He revisited the memories where he had achieved meaningful growth.


And.


"Eye of the Dream Demon King."


The skill that she had engraved on Taehyun, who had opened his blue eyes after visiting the Upper World.


He remembered the red eyes she had given him, saying she didn't know which king would suit him.


Was Taehyun's answer satisfactory?


The tentacles that had been stroking his head, the purple magic, enveloped Taehyun.


Tting.


[The skill Eye of the Dream Demon King (???) has been activated.]


Red eyes, darker than any Grand Duke's, were opened.


'I see.'


He felt like he knew what she wanted to say.


Taehyun is the new Underworld King.


If he so chose, he could minimize the Upper World King's magic as well.


Even more so in the Underworld, in his own 'territory', there would be no room for that magic to interfere.


Taehyun unleashed his magic power.


Purple and crimson magic mixed, shaking her castle.


[Hmm… such nostalgic power….]


She savored the aftertaste and unleashed her magic power as well.


'Now I can do it.'


He thought of the environment where her power of 'mind control', the Succubus Queen, was used to its fullest.


[It will not be easy the first time.]


Heeding her advice, he opened all the magic stones.


Tting.


[The skill Heart of the Great Devil (???) has been activated.]


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


[The skill Heart of the Beastman (???) has been activated.]


[The skill Heart of the Fallen Angel (???) has been activated.]


[The skill Heart of the Fairy King (???) has been activated.]


Five magic stones, possessing the power of the five Grand Dukes, rotated, concentrating enormous magic power.


The shaking of the castle intensified.


Screams of succubi were heard in the distance, but no one could approach.


They knew that just touching the magic power spewed out by the Grand Duke and the Underworld King would entangle and annihilate them.


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


Darkness descended.


[The skill Apostle of the Gate (???) has been activated.]


The space within the descended darkness was distorted.


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


Fragments of memories were scattered.


And.


[The skill Ataraxia (???) has been activated. The target is specified.]


Hwaaaa.


The moment the magic power of the Grand Dukes tangled in Taehyun's body was covered in purple.


Tting.


[The skill 'Memorize (???)' has been changed to the one-time skill 'Queen's Memory (EX)'.]


[The skill 'Ataraxia (???)' has been changed to 'Personal Space (???)'.]


The true power of 'mind control', which was unlocked only after the use of purple magic reached its limit, was newly engraved.


Rozaria's red eyes curved, noticing Taehyun's change.


Tting.


[The skill Personal Space (???) has been activated. The target is specified.]


The world turned upside down.


There, Taehyun and Rozaria.


Only the two of them existed.


And.


Tting.


[The one-time skill 'Queen's Memory (EX)' has been activated. The target is specified.]


"Look into my eyes, Rozaria."


[Willingly.]


The defenseless her did not reject Taehyun's skill.


[Searching for traces of vast memories.]


The purple magic flowing from Taehyun was assimilated with her.


[Vast memories have been searched. Traces of the ancient are 재생됩니다.]


The vision reversed.


Since when was it?


That she became an existence called Grand Duke.


Since when was it?


That she learned the truth of the world.


After finishing the territory war, and losing several race wars.


The king called her separately and told her the truth of the world.


"The one true god who created the Upper and Lower Worlds."


There was an existence that contained more of his fragments than anyone else.


The king's explanation began from the ancient times before she was born, before the Grand Duke system was even created.


"In the first place. There was no such thing as a king in the Upper and Lower Worlds."


He said casually.


He told her about the origins of beings called Baal and Balac.


Baal became the Upper World King, and Balac's power circled around and now resided within her.


It was difficult to bear.


It was something that could shake even the identity of a Grand Duke.


Even so.


She didn't say that she couldn't bear it.


She was pleased with her own existence.


Because she was the only Grand Duke to whom the king could open his heart.


Because she was the only one who could ease the burden the king carried.


Countless time passed.


She was defeated in several consecutive race wars.


Some Grand Dukes fell, and new Grand Dukes were born.


The Underworld King.


Was becoming increasingly exhausted in proportion to his growing power.


Each time, she became his faithful ear.


She created a personal space and became a refuge to hide his wavering appearance.


One day, one day.


The king, who had been in contact with the Upper World King and spent a long time, pondered.


"Baal told me. The god who watches over all of this. He is not unique."


The one they believed to be the only god was not unique.


All the wars they were waging were nothing more than his games.


He agonized.


The reason he could survive even after losing several race wars, the reason he could become stronger and become equal to Baal, was thanks to the power of 'reincarnation' given by the god.


"He suggested that I become a god slayer."


The Underworld King reasoned about the ulterior motives of the unwelcome proposal.


[What are you thinking of doing?]


"A little more. I must watch."


Whether it was the one true god who was a member of the constellation.


Or the Upper World King who wanted to become a god slayer.


He couldn't easily make either choice.


After that, the war was repeated several times.


The territory war was necessary to prevent those affecting the earth.


The race war was necessary to prevent the interference of the one true god.


The Underworld King placed a curse that restricted the power of the Grand Dukes and the celestial beings to increase the existence of the Underworld, which had no divine beast.


He had private meetings with some celestial lords.


He had life-and-death battles with some celestial lords.


The Upper World King's demands became increasingly blatant.


The power of reincarnation granted by the one true god was consumed, and the memories of the Grand Dukes were worn away.


One day, one day.


The Underworld King made a decision.


"I have found an interesting human."


[Human…?]


It was not the first time that the king had met humans in the Underworld.


Even so, the king's eyes were shining that day.


"Yes. He is from the same hometown as me."


The entrance to the Underworld is connected to several intermediate worlds.


Earth is evaluated as the weakest of them, but it was a place that had been connected by the Underworld King's consideration.


Mortal and Underworld King.


There was no longer any point of contact between them.


She deliberately did not say those words.


"Rozaria. We must take a gamble."


The human from the same hometown that he had discovered.


He would give him the power of 'devouring'.


He would use the power of the last reincarnation.


"I need your help."


[Order me.]


"He will surely be confused."


The king said that he was a 'proxy'.


Also, a 'observer'.


"I intend to place a contingency device in the mental world. It will be possible to reach the rank of Grand Duke somehow. The ones who will question it will be Lucifer and…. Yes, Jormungandr."


The Underworld King and the Upper World King colluding to continue the endless race war.


Lucifer was a former celestial lord who glimpsed the secret of the one true god.


Jormungandr was an existence who glimpsed the truth of the Upper World due to Baal's intervention.


He said that those guys would be the biggest variables in the 'territory war'.


"Maybe they will become fragments that the one true god has spread. But if you help, it won't be difficult to end the territory war and become the next Underworld King."


The problem is after that.


The Underworld King grabbed Rozaria's shoulders.


Enormous magic power flowed in.


[My king….]


Rozaria trembled at the overwhelmingly ecstatic power.


"There will come a moment when this power is needed."


Enormous magic power flowed in endlessly.


[…I will simply follow.]


"I believe."


That moment was the last conversation.


The king used the power of 'reincarnation' on the 'human', and he chose the path of the god slayer.


And.


The human he chose, Kim Taehyun.


Ascended to the position of Underworld King.


538


Whirring.


[The skill 'Queen's Memory' has ended.]


Taehyun opened his eyes.


Rosaria was there, her presence more pronounced than ever before.


Unlike the other Archdukes who were influenced by the contractor's power, the power given by the Underworld King awakened as she assimilated.


[This is the memory that the King entrusted to me.]


I see.


The Underworld King, as expected.


"He left to hunt down that being called God."


[The current contractor does not match the power that person used to wield in the past… but it will be enough to end the race war. The Middle World will also grow slowly, so it wouldn't be bad to wait for their growth if you wish.]


Spare Archduke contractors, also players who will grow due to the blossoming of the Divine Tree and the Tower that Tolkien will complete.


The beings she mentioned were the seeds Taehyun had sown on Earth.


'Her personality is still the same.'


The benevolent Rosaria.


Even Lucifer, who had regained the power of the First Heaven's master, and Jörmungandr, who had merged with Osiris.


They couldn't compare to the power she now wielded.


For an ordinary succubus to surpass an Archduke and even the master of the Heavenly Realm.


'Being an aide to the Underworld King wasn't for nothing.'


At least, she wouldn't be the first to be sacrificed in future battles.


'Igmund. That guy needs to watch his mouth.'


The conceited Vampire Lord had also long since surpassed his limits, but in terms of pure force, he was in the lower middle ranks among the Archdukes.


If Rosaria were to make up her mind, it wouldn't be strange for his head to fly off at any moment.


He deliberately avoided mentioning their long-standing relationship.


What he needed to focus on now was the fact that she, with her awakened immense power, was even concerned about those in the Middle World who had not yet blossomed.


It was clear that her remarks were directed at Taehyun.


Which is why all the more.


"No. I'll end the race war on my own."


He made his refusal clear.


[Why?]


The perspective that the Underworld King had.


The reason he tried to hunt God even by choosing Taehyun as his successor.


"You don't have anything about that, do you?"


From some point on, the King had come to regard the masters of the Heavenly Realm as insignificant.


If he hadn't cast the curse, the Archdukes and vassals of the Underworld would have been no less than the absolute beings and the Celestial Race of the Upper World.


Even so, the reason he didn't finish it was out of concern for what would happen after the race war.


"Similarly, the reason the Upper World King didn't crush the Underworld King at once was because he needed his power."


The Upper World King and the Underworld King.


The reason why those at opposite ends of the race war joined forces.


The reason they waged the race war.


The reason they had to become godslayers to annihilate the unique god called the constellation outside.


The answer would be there.


"I want to know what happens after that, Rosaria."


A moment of silence followed.


[To think you're from the same hometown. You are truly alike. It seems you have already discerned who the current Upper World King is.]


"Yes."


The succubus queen's lips curved into a smile.


"Asmodeus."


As Taehyun mentioned the being who had become his nemesis, her smile deepened.


All the pieces floating in his head had been put together.


The Underworld King's key, Kim Taehyun. Its manager, Archduchess Rosaria.


The Upper World King's key, Asmodeus. Its manager, First Heaven Master Michael.


And one of the two.


[It is a fate that ends only in death.]


Taehyun shared many stories with Rosaria, and he faced the truth that she had been carrying alone.


Constellation.


The owner of the constellations and a true god sitting in a sacred place watching.


The true identity of No Name, who the Absolute Beings and Archdukes know as the unique god.


'Hunting such a being, huh?'


The No Name they hunted at the end of the territory war was just one fragment.


Even with just that, it took ten Underworld Archdukes sticking together to suppress it.


Was that all?


'The Underworld King and the Upper World King are also beings who grew based on the power of fragments.'


Such a being possessing not fragmented power but complete power?


'…….'


He felt his mind reeling.


[In order to face a constellation, you must reach the same level. The source of that person's power is a huge fragment of the unique god. He made some kind of deal with Baal.]


Thus, the Underworld King obtained the power of an incomplete constellation and headed 'Outside'.


To completely hunt the unique god who was watching from there.


That was the truth of the Underworld King, who had become a godslayer.


[There is no way I could know about the Upper World's affairs. But I can speculate why the Upper World King made Asmodeus the key.]


"……?"


[Contractor. The former Upper World King is never one to act out of goodwill.]


Goodwill.


Naturally, that word did not suit the Dragon Demon King.


His intention to become a godslayer may also have been to sit in that position himself.


'No, perhaps he has already become a perfect constellation and become the new unique god.'


He didn't know how to become a constellation.


He could only guess that the kings of the Upper and Lower Worlds were the minimum requirements.


"Baal. Does that guy want Asmodeus to become his proxy?"


The reason the unique god gave the Underworld King the power of reincarnation, even to the point of keeping the Upper World King in check.


That would be because he wanted him to be a proxy and guardian to protect the world he created.


Baal wouldn't be any different.


[That is my thought.]


Something was strange.


"If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to use the guys from the Upper World as keys from the start? If it had been the masters of the Heavenly Realm, this game would have been over long ago."


Before Taehyun possessed the power he had now, the Underworld would have been annihilated, making the victory of the territory war meaningless.


If the key had been a master of the Heavenly Realm, they would have tried to break the Underworld King's curse even if they had to overdo it.


'The reason they didn't….'


[Since that person didn't tell me, I can only guess… There must have been a contract.]


'They placed restrictions.'


[Perhaps it was a bet.]


'As if it were a game to watch the growth.'


Rosaria shrugged her tentacles, saying how could she know the thoughts of transcendents.


"Still, it has to be Asmodeus."


[Regarding that part, two guesses are possible.]


"……?"


[Baal. That person was a demon who became the Upper World King. So he wanted to find someone with similar roots to himself.]


For someone of that stature to have roots.


It was a truly unsuitable word, but on the other hand, it was more convincing than anything else.


'He's the guy who created the Archduke system in the Underworld to oppose the Upper World.'


Rosaria's tentacle took the shape of the number 2.


[The second is the point that it is that person's will.]


"What does this mean again?"


[As the contractor knows, the path that person has walked has never been smooth.]


He knew.


The era he lived in was much earlier than the era Taehyun lived in.


A society where 'demons' who devour 'humans' and 'hunters' who hunt them coexist.


It was nothing more than a transitional period that became the basis of the player system.


In the memories he glimpsed, there was a time when he was called the 'Demon King' rather than an Archduke or the Underworld King.


He was an existence that could be called the strongest on Earth, but he was weaker than the Archdukes, so he had to gradually grow stronger.


He had to adapt to Baal's power more slowly.


The title of Underworld King was a realm that became possible only after such a long wait.


[Yes. That person became stronger each time he overcame adversity. It's a characteristic of humans, they say.]


That meant.


"You want me to grow by personally dealing with Asmodeus, who killed me?"


[It's just my thought, guessing based on remembering that person whom I watched from the side.]


It was an overly confident tone for a guess.


Taehyun recalled his first meeting with the King.


"Good. If this is also fate, then so be it. I will use the king's authority on you."


"Don't think that such a miracle will happen again. But well, if you survive until we meet again, it might be helpful. You fledgling player."


"……."


Looking back, the King was smiling even in front of him, who was facing death.


It could be because he had escaped from stale karma, or it could be because he had glimpsed new possibilities in Taehyun.


Either way, he was pleased.


The trials of the Underworld King had always been like that.


'Asmodeus. I was planning to deal with that guy someday anyway.'


It was when he was thinking such things.


[…Rosa…ria…!!]


Along with a familiar voice, the space vibrated.


"……."


[…Typhon, is it.]


To think that the presence would affect even the personal space.


He once again realized how strong the Archdukes had become.


[What a noisy fellow. He's like a foolish giant who can't grasp the situation even when the other Archdukes are trying to survive.]


Before he knew it, the benevolence had disappeared and coldness had taken its place.


"Well… he's a good guy."


Taehyun subtly defended Typhon.


It was because he remembered the promise he had made before.


[…….]


Rosaria's indifferent red eyes scanned Taehyun.


[You are saying foolish things, unlike you.]


'Well, Rosaria loves the Underworld King, so… this might be a more difficult promise than I thought….'


Typhon and the Underworld King.


Comparing their personalities and the paths they have walked.


'The answer is already out there… Even so, a promise is a promise.'


The moment Typhon realizes that he cannot be with Rosaria, he may turn Taehyun into an enemy.


Since he revived a guy who had no intention of being revived in the first place, it's not just a funny matter.


It was when Taehyun was weighing such burdens all by himself.


[Hmm…. You're not using me for the sake of the promise between you and Typhon, are you?]


"……."


Silence became the answer.


[You simpletons, whether you're a contractor or a giant king.]


Silence again.


[Don't worry. Typhon is an important force. I'm not so thoughtless as to make him an enemy for nothing.]


"……."


Typhon.


I'm sorry.


"…Please."


It was a sense of helplessness he had never felt even when carrying out the territory war.


[Let's go out now.]


Rosaria burst into laughter and canceled the skill.


She also looked relieved, as if she had been relieved just by sharing the memories she had been carrying.


And.


Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.


Swinging her tentacles towards the courting Typhon.


"……."


Taehyun could only watch silently.


Fairy forest.


There, the wounded Giant King was in the healing spring.


Elven told him not to use the healing spring for unnecessary things, but it was possible because Taehyun had made a special request.


"Are you okay?"


Taehyun asked cautiously.


Even though he hid his awakened power, the tentacles he wielded were so fierce that they left scars on the Giant King's tough body.


Typhon seemed to be suppressing his recovery, calling the unsightly marks of battering a token of his heart.


"I am not at ease. Please accept the recovery now."


[Brother. This one will not give up.]


A life that has been revived.


[I will pour everything into winning Rosaria's heart.]


Rather, he said that he was heartbroken that Rosaria's attack could only inflict this much damage on his upgraded tough body.


His personality, which only knew how to go straight without flexibility, was still the same as it was a thousand years ago.


'Ah…. Typhon, you….'


He knew that no matter what he said now, he wouldn't hear it.


It would be better to tell him what he wanted to hear.


"Indeed… my brother. Someday, Rosaria will understand your heart."


[Puhuhuhuhu.]


"Maybe… maybe. Maybe she's pushing you away because of the pressure of the race war right now. So don't lose confidence until the end."


He smiled, acting with a nonchalant face.


[Huhahahahaha. Indeed, brother is a consistent man. Since the new Underworld King says so, this one can't be spoiled forever.]


Cheeeeeee.


The healing spring, which had been constantly rejected, seeped into the Giant King's tough body.


The recovery was beginning.


[Bullshit. You're spouting utter bullshit.]


Elven's telepathy, which had been watching from afar, echoed in his head.


539: "Your language is as rough as ever."


He ignored her words and focused on analyzing the coordinates.


[Brother, I felt your true power in the Middle Realm, by the way?]


"Ah, that?"


He told him about the magic stones he had implanted in the South Korean players.


Originally, Taehyun was the only one worthy of being called an Archduke Contractor, but the moment he became the King of the Lower World, even that lost its significance.


So, if the current spares grow, they will naturally have a high chance of becoming contractors.


[A human boasting a strong body, huh? If they've inherited even a little of your power, they'll be the strongest among humans.]


Hahahaha.


'Even if they fully adapt to the Archdukes' magic stones, Yooyoung will still be the strongest.'


He didn't bother denying it.


[More importantly, Contractor, didn't you say you'd tell me what you talked about in the Personal Space?]


"......"


It was just bait thrown to get Typhon out of being beaten up.


'No, perhaps it's things I need to know before the full-scale race war begins.'


There's no need to talk about the memories of the King of the Lower World, but I need to mention some of the truth.


"Ah, it was about the race war. Who knows who might be listening."


He omitted the ancient memories of the King of the Lower World and told him about the nemesis Asmodeus.


[Hoo. A demon who became the King of the Upper World from the same key as you, brother. Baal, he's a really unique one. Does that mean we have to kill him to completely end the race war?]


"Well, the details are different, but that's roughly the story."


[I will do my best for my brother's victory.]


"How reassuring."


He didn't tell him the real reason why one of them had to die.


He didn't want to easily reveal the burden that Rosaria had been carrying until now.


In fact, the situation wasn't as simple as Typhon understood.


'Michael. I can't fully understand his intentions.'


He once said he would help Taehyun win the race war.


'Just a simple feint?'


He is the agent of the King of the Upper World.


Like Rosaria, he must help the key lead the race war to victory.


'Or is it betrayal?'


It was a question that couldn't be resolved right now.


Rosaria also said that she would have to watch it a little longer.


While Taehyun and Typhon were sharing a deep friendship.


[Contractor!!]


Elven's urgent voice echoed in his head.


Hwaaa.


As if blinded by the light, a giant sun appeared in the area.


Not magic power, but divine power.


A presence beyond absolute beings.


'This power…'


Typhon was the first to react.


Five elements.


The Giant King's five-colored magic touched the sun.


Originally, it was magic power that wouldn't even need to consider compatibility.


Hwareureuk.


As if sucked into a giant gravitational force, Typhon's magic disappeared completely.


It melted the moment it touched the sun.


'Dangerous.'


The moment Taehyun's magic spread throughout the area.


The size of the giant sun shrank and took the shape of a man.


[Finally, we meet. The key to the King of the Lower World.]


A man with blazing radiance.


The former master of the Ten Heavens, called the Sun God.


'Ra' sparkled with blue eyes.


Sun God Ra.


The being who was ousted from the master's seat by the alliance of the top-level absolute beings of the Ten Heavens, Osiris and Obelisk.


Also, the mastermind who collaborated with the King of the Upper World, Baal, to create Osiris and Jormungandr.


The moment he revealed himself, the Fairy Forest blazed as if scorched.


Typhon, as an Archduke born with the power of the elements, can also wield 'fire.'


Taehyun, as a contractor who wields the power of the elements, can also cover himself with 'fire.'


If he intended to, it wouldn't be difficult to turn the area into a 'sea of fire.'


But something was strange.


Was it because of the difference in properties between divine power and magic power?


'No.'


It's not a difference that can be explained that simply.


'It's impossible to deal with using only Typhon's power.'


Taehyun recalled the power of the elements he had raised to its peak.


It's simply lava that melts everything, in other words, a power used for destruction.


But the radiance burning before his eyes is different.


A feeling like meeting NoName or the King of the Lower World, capable of creating new life.


The expression 'nobility' would be fitting.


He hadn't felt this way even against Odin and Osiris, the current masters of the heavens, and he thought it was a meaningless difference after becoming the King of the Lower World.


The dethroned master of the Upper World made all of that a mistake.


'Elven. It seems like I need an explanation of the situation.'


Taehyun asked telepathically.


The response was immediate.


[…I'm ashamed to say that even I haven't grasped it. He just suddenly appeared.]


'Suddenly, huh?'


It wasn't a word that suited the Fairy King who had regained her full power.


She continued.


She was analyzing the coordinates of the Ten Heavens using Osiris's divine power.


It was only connected to the Ten Heavens for a brief moment.


[It wasn't a weak barrier that a celestial being of the level of an absolute being would dare to cross.]


'…'


That's probably true.


'He lost an eye and was ousted from the master's seat. He can't be compared to Osiris, can he?'


"Any companions?"


[None. That much is certain.]


Unlike the heat that burned the surroundings, his head cooled down.


Whatever means he used to appear, it's a fact that he broke through Elven's barrier that no one had ever breached.


The area where the Sacred Tree is located is the top priority for safety in the future plans.


He had to find out how he managed to reach this place.


'Don't kill him. Capture him.'


He quickly gave the order telepathically.


[Shouldn't we tell that dumb Giant King too?]


'There's no need. It seems like we'll need at least one of them to go all out to subdue him.'


With those words, he opened his red and blue eyes.


Red and blue heterochromia.


Evidence that he can wield divine and demonic power.


The eyes that symbolized that he had become the existence that uncovers the secrets of the Lower and Upper Worlds flashed.


He prepared to use the Personal Space at any time in coordination with Elven and Typhon.


[Hoo….]


The aura of 'Ra,' who was emitting great heat, wavered.


It wasn't the intense energy emitted from the two heterochromatic eyes that shook him.


[So, it passed through you too.]


It was because of the familiar traces felt in Taehyun's blue eye.


Osiris, who was born with his divine power.


Horus, from his lineage, who was born with the rare power of the 'Moon Eye.'


Also, the remnants of the 'Sun Eye' that even such an absolute being possessed for a while.


All of those things were being felt in the key to the King of the Lower World, not even the King of the Upper World, so it's no wonder he was curious.


Hwareureuk.


He focused his power on his blue eye, and the sun that was burning red took on a blue flame.


Blue Fire (靑火).


The power that Taehyun and Lucifer wielded at the end of the Territory War.


'…Is this guy really missing an eye?'


The 'Sun Eye' is not an ordinary part of the body.


It only takes the form of an eye, but it's a symbol containing the source of his power.


He should have been downgraded to at least an absolute being for having something like that taken away.


But.


'What the hell is this pressure?'


There are about two possible hypotheses.


'He was born with immense power, and he's only at this level after being downgraded.'


Or.


'The King of the Lower World's magic doesn't work on this guy.'


Maybe both apply.


No, that would make it much easier to understand the current situation.


'What are you up to?'


While Taehyun was guessing the intentions of the former master of the heavens, 'Ra' was busy admiring the existence that had newly become the King of the Lower World.


[The red eye, which seems to belong to the Succubus Queen, contains rare powers. Does that mean we can assume you have gained the obedience of all the Archdukes? Hmmm…. To think that a species called humans could achieve this much.]


The vessel that he and Baal had tried to create in the past.


An existence that wields the divine and demonic power of the master and Archduke levels.


The vessel that can contain both the magic power of the King of the Lower World and the divine power of the King of the Upper World was right before his eyes.


But the shell happened to be the Middle Realm, which they had written off as a discarded possibility.


Among them, an existence from a place called 'Earth,' which is one of the weakest.


If he wasn't from the same hometown as the previous King of the Lower World.


If he didn't know about the existences of Baal and Balak, he would have written it off as another coincidence.


[Where, shall we see what form it's been put to sleep in?]


'Ra's blue eyes narrowed.


With just that, he peered into the other side of Taehyun's heterochromatic eyes, into his inner world.


[…Indeed.]


The corners of 'Ra's lips rose.


He realized the existence of the doppelganger in Taehyun's body.


[The potential of the power of 'devouring.' We shouldn't have ignored it.]


It's a power that has produced as many as two Kings of the Lower World.


Of course, the previous King of the Lower World used it raw.


What was dwelling in Taehyun's body was more refined, but it didn't matter much.


While 'Ra's blue eyes were moving back and forth, Taehyun, Typhon, and Elven were not idle either.


Elven's magic, synchronized with the Sacred Tree, created a giant barrier throughout the area.


[You may have succeeded in entering with a surprise attack, but I will block you from escaping with my honor on the line.]


Hundreds of Sacred Tree branches assisting the barrier reinforced her words.


[Hahahaha. It's been a long time since I've encountered this level of divine power.]


Cold air flowed from Typhon's body as he burst into laughter.


He transformed his water attribute into the ice attribute, which is suitable for extinguishing flames by controlling the water element.


The magic that had prevented the escape of countless absolute beings had melted without a trace the moment it touched the sun, but if infinite magic assists.


[There is no 'temperature' that I cannot extinguish.]


Typhon asserted and strengthened his power.


Chiiiik. Chiii.


Chiiiiiiii.


The time that the relentlessly melting cold air was enduring was gradually increasing.


It was withstanding the temperature of the sun.


Only then did 'Ra's eyes turn to Typhon.


[To talk about temperature in front of the sun. I wondered what kind of guy you were, but you're the Giant King.]


Hahahaha.


Typhon froze the area without realizing that his power had been seen through.


Unlike his simple mind, his power itself was so powerful that it wouldn't be lacking even if he received the blessing of a monotheistic god.


'Ra' smiled at the cold that was imprisoning his sun.


[You shouldn't be showing such lukewarm responses.]


Hwareureureu.


The temperature of the 'sun' rose.


[…….]


[……!!]


Typhon's strengthened cold and Elven's magic flew away like ashes.


Hoo.


As 'Ra' exhaled, a hot wind swept past the two Archdukes.


[To extinguish the sun, what an arrogant thought, but.]


A calm voice continued.


[Since you're practically the ruler of the Lower World, I should understand that level of arrogance.]


[…….]


[…….]


After a moment of silence, the magic of the two Archdukes exploded.


[To think I'd receive such treatment in my own domain.]


Elven's magic drawn from the Sacred Tree was strengthened.


[Except for Rosaria and my brother, no one can look down on me.]


The five elements began to combine and compress.


The Sun God's gaze shifted from the two Archdukes to Taehyun.


[New King of the Lower World. Do you think the same?]


"……."


[To think you played around with Osiris. Fortunately, you're not a guy who moves according to emotions.]


"Let me ask you just one thing."


Taehyun raised a question that he hadn't been able to understand all along.


"Why did a guy like you get defeated by 'Osiris, of all people'?"


[…….]


The sun stirred.


It was laughing.


It was when the magic of the Archdukes who were watching had reached its peak.


[Is there a parent who fears their child's antics?]


[Huh….]


Typhon scoffed as if he couldn't believe it.


[He's more dangerous than I thought.]


Elven also realized that the situation was more serious than she had thought.


[Does that answer your question?]


At Ra's question, Taehyun raised the corners of his lips as if he was delighted.


"There's nothing the sun can burn in this place."


[How like the King of the Lower World.]


While leaking the Sun God's presence, Taehyun drew out eerie divine power.


540: 'Moon's Eye'


As an eerie divine power enveloped 'Ra,' Elven and Typhon retreated their magical power.


This was to minimize damage to the domain from the storm that would arise from the collision of divine powers.


Each time the two divine powers touched, there was a ripple in space.


After a tense struggle, 'Ra' was the first to speak.


[I regret to say, I didn't come here to fight.]


Surprisingly, he withdrew his divine power.


"What does this mean?"


Just as Taehyun was struggling to understand the sudden action,


[How dare you spout such nonsense.]


Elven, who had been watching, launched a mass of magical power at the defenseless sun god, just before impact.


Swish.


The eerie divine power enveloped the magic bullet.


Whoosh.


In the blink of an eye, it was sent flying somewhere within the domain.


Boom.


Only belatedly was the vibration of the explosion felt far in the distance.


'Wait, Elven.'


Taehyun stopped her from launching another attack.


[Contractor. Surely a shrewd human like you doesn't believe such drivel?]


There seemed to be something dismissive mixed in his words, but Taehyun didn't care.


"You're supposed to be the lord of the celestial realm, you need to treat guests properly. You can't be so inhospitable."


Elven's crimson eyes curved like a crescent moon.


[Contractor, what are you thinking?]


Her voice flowed into his mind.


'Just what I said. Withdraw all magical power except for the barrier.'


[Have you forgotten that there is a sacred tree here?]


'We already allowed him to intrude, didn't we? If we start a fight here, it'll be troublesome for everyone. His attack range includes the sacred tree, too.'


[So that's why we should suppress him even more...]


"Elven."


Taehyun called her name softly.


[......]


A conflict flickered in her provocatively curved crimson eyes.


"Trust me."


Trust the power he had as the Underworld King.


Taehyun emphasized once again.


[Hmph.]


Swish.


The colorless magic power completely faded away.


[If he tries anything funny, I will go berserk and kill him.]


He nodded and looked at Typhon.


[This one has no intention of going against my brother's wishes.]


Typhon also completely concentrated his magical power on the barrier.


The Fairy King and the Giant King.


Instead of obeying, the two great beings were showing loyalty to the Underworld King.


[I am witnessing an unexpectedly rare sight.]


'Ra' continued to show curiosity.


"Don't worry. If it's useless talk, I'll deal with him directly. You know what happened to Osiris, don't you?"


As Taehyun said that, the magic power of Devour surged behind him.


[I came all the way here to celebrate the birth of the new Underworld King. Also, it was requested by the former Underworld King. To gauge that possibility.]


"A request? Possibility?"


[In your language, it could be called an arrangement.]


He couldn't understand everything the guy was saying.


But one thing was certain.


'The Underworld King. He even had influence in the upper realm.'


Taehyun wasn't foolish enough to kick away a stroke of good luck.


"A noble person has come. So, what can you do for us?"


[I will help you end the interspecies war this time.]


"......"


[I am saying that a god will personally guide you in the celestial realm.]


'Ra,' the former lord of the celestial realm who willingly fell from grace.


The being as radiant as the sun smiled and said.


The former lord of the 10 celestial realms says he will guide the interspecies war.


'Ra's bombshell declaration silenced the area.


"Hmm."


Taehyun unconsciously stroked his chin.


The first thing that came to mind was the feasibility of the situation.


As the former lord of the celestial realm, he would be very familiar with the geography of the upper realm.


In fact, the former Underworld King once used Lucifer to launch a solo invasion of the upper realm.


'But if he's really an arrangement by the Underworld King...'


[You must be wondering why I'm trying to help now. You're suspecting a betrayal disguised as cooperation. Am I wrong?]


"No, you're right."


He didn't deny it.


"May I ask why?"


Ra's clear eyes turned to Elven and Typhon.


'Is it okay to talk in front of these guys?'


That was the nuance.


He could ask them to leave.


Or he could use 'Personal Space' to talk in a space just for the two of them.


Just as Taehyun was about to settle on the latter,


[This is my domain.]


Elven, who had been quietly watching, raised her voice.


She was expressing her intention to listen no matter what, not knowing what he might do.


[It doesn't matter to this one.]


If it was a situation that this one was interested in, it would be a different story.


Typhon also firmly expressed his desire to listen together.


"So they say."


[Hmm.]


'Ra,' who had taken on a human form, now had a troubled expression.


He probably didn't think that Taehyun would share information with the other archdukes, reacting as if it were unexpected.


[I see how you waged the domain war.]


Not dominating the archdukes, but communicating with them.


[An interesting method. It would be hard to think of that method if you weren't a being of the intermediate realm.]


"The answer?"


[It's not a short story.]


"There is plenty of time."


The interspecies war had already begun, and there was no set 'time limit.'


Elven needed more time to find the coordinates of the 10 celestial realms, and Jormungandr was trying to merge with Osiris's body.


In addition, the other archdukes were also accelerating their preparations.


Unlike the previous Underworld King, he did not have the power of reincarnation.


'I must be careful.'


Taehyun was waiting for the right opportunity.


By now, each celestial realm would be establishing new strategies, and there would also be civil wars breaking out in the 10 celestial realms.


From the Underworld's point of view, it was a good opportunity to regroup.


'Unlike the domain war, the interspecies war must be approached more carefully.'


That was the original thought.


[New Underworld King, you don't have as much time as you think.]


As if he knew the Underworld's thoughts, 'Ra' smirked.


Whoosh.


With a wave of his hand, a table and chairs made of divine power were created.


[Let's sit down and talk for now. Fairy King, won't you offer us a cup of healing spring water?]


[You wretch. Even Lucifer couldn't hope for this one's hospitality.]


Despite his words, the sacred tree's branch approached.


Healing spring water was poured into a round cup carved from the branch.


[Drink to your heart's content. However, even if the Demon King's poison harms your body, I cannot take responsibility.]


He said, raising his crescent-shaped crimson eyes as much as possible.


Slurp.


Ra casually accepted the cup and drained it.


[A delicacy.]


[......]


[If it weren't for the fact that you're a Celestial, you'd be a likeable one!!]


Hahahahaha.


Typhon, who had shrunk his massive form, laughed and plopped down across from him.


[Can we start talking now? Or are you going to summon all the other archdukes before we start?]


"That's enough."


Taehyun leaned back in the chair made of eerie divine power.


Moon's Eye.


He was using Horus's power to mimic Ra's actions.


Despite the action, which could be considered provocative,


[Not an archduke, but an absolute being.]


Ra, who had smiled with satisfaction, began his story.


[Before the promise with the Underworld King, I must first talk about the Upper Realm King. It might be a bit boring.]


Despite his words, a complex emotion was mixed on Ra's face.


[Our first meeting was at a time when the ten celestial realms did not interact.]


The existences of the Upper Realm King and Underworld King had not yet been born.


[It was not long after the archduke system was created.]


A not-so-short story began.


In each of the ten celestial realms, celestials and absolutes, which could be called different species, gathered to form a single world.


It was difficult to cross over to another celestial realm unless you were a chosen absolute or the lord of the celestial realm.


This was because each celestial realm was like a different dimension, a different universe.


The only entertainment for the lords of the celestial realms was to access the Akashic Records to glimpse the records of other dimensions, or to send their avatars or proxies to the intermediate realm.


'Ra' was no different.


As the lord of the 10 celestial realms since birth, every day was a continuation of boredom for him.


Apart from the upper realm, there were the lower and intermediate realms, and while it was impossible to manifest in his true form, it was not impossible to cross over.


In fact, some of the other celestial realm lords and absolutes were spending their time with such entertainment.


However, that was hardly enough to fill the void of such a vast being.


'What if I wage war on other celestial realms?'


'Or should I wipe out the lower realm?'


'It would be fun to experiment with manifesting my true form in the intermediate realm.'


Around the time he was thinking about such things,


An alien being entered the 10 celestial realms.


It was a secretive visit that even his children, called absolutes, did not notice.


The surprising thing was that the guy wasn't a celestial, but a demon from the lower realm.


He had the appearance of what they called a Dragonkin, a combination of the two species called dragons and humans.


[A toy of the god called the sun. Despite the name, your eyes are weary.]


[......]


Ra blinked indifferently.


Whoosh.


Blue flames ignited and enveloped the intruder's body.


His power was 'Annihilation.'


Any being touched by the divine power would have its very existence burned away and annihilated, not just its body or spirit.


'Sun' and 'Blue Flame' were merely appearances that manifested such power.


No matter what purpose the guy had come for, or how he had reached this place,


The moment the flames died down, he would no longer exist.


It was clear that it would be so.


[Annihilation. One of the few powers that represent the ugly nature of the monotheistic god.]


[......!!]


The being engulfed in blue flames opened his mouth calmly.


Not only that.


The blue flames that had covered his body gathered in the Dragonkin's hand.


To handle his power so easily.


It was a skill that even the arrogant Odin would not take lightly.


His curiosity was piqued.


[You. What are you?]


[A fragment of a god like you. But a being who has been given more power than anyone in all three realms.]


At the unexpected answer, the flames of the sun intensified.


'Ra,' who had taken the form of a giant sun, transformed into a human form.


[Sun God. You're quite talkative.]


The man who took the form of a Dragonkin.


Baal smiled pleasantly.


The monotheistic god who created the upper, lower, and intermediate realms.


His existence was known to all the celestial realm lords through the Akashic Records.


However, just because they knew about him didn't mean they could all meet him.


The 1st celestial realm, which was said to have been created closest to the monotheistic god.


The number assigned to the celestial realm did not prove its strength, but the 1st celestial realm was something special.


In that sense, only chosen beings like Lucifer and Michael could face the monotheistic god.


That was just a guess.


[Are you jealous of Lucifer?]


[Jealousy? That's an inappropriate expression.]


How many meetings had taken place?


Before they knew it, Baal and Ra had become friends who exchanged simple jokes.


He was quite compatible with the guy.


[Lucifer will be moving soon.]


[...You were in contact with him too?]


Since he could freely enter and exit the 10 celestial realms as he pleased, he thought that other celestial realms would not be difficult either.


But the 1st celestial realm.


That was a range that even 'Ra' had not expected.


[The other celestial realm lords are the same. There weren't only guys like you who were talkative, but either way, I had enough time to convey this one's intentions.]


[Intentions?]


[What's with you? You didn't think that our meetings so far were just a way to 'kill time,' did you?]


[......]


Ra recalled the stories he had shared with Baal.


Their origins.


The identity of the monotheistic god.


Also.


[Constellations. Beings from 'outside' like the monotheistic god.]


Baal mentioned truths not recorded in the Akashic Records.

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