RKP 541-550

     ----------------------------

541 […….]

We certainly talked about that too.

But.

[Why is that important?]

Was it because it wasn't the reaction I expected?

Baal clicked his tongue.

[Ra. You're the only one I can reason with, so I can only imagine what the others are like.]

[We have time... explain it so I can understand.]

[It's obvious Lucifer will lose.]

[……?!!]

Lucifer is going to lose.

To whom, the arrogant lord of the 1st Celestial Realm?

[He has begun to question the existence of the One God.]

Ah.

Is that it?

The Sun God shook his head.

[…Blasphemous.]

[No, don't you think that's the normal reaction? You, who are called gods, and the being you call the One God. Why did he create this place, why did he allow access to the Void Records? What is the purpose of the Celestial Realm?]

We've all talked about this before.

[...What did the other lords of the Celestial Realm say?]

Baal's lips curled up.

[Some were furious and called it blasphemous, while others were quite interested. But Lucifer was the only one who had a proper reaction. Well, it seems like Michael heard about it, so it'll end in failure anyway.]

Even if three lords of the Celestial Realm ganged up, Lucifer could easily subdue them.

However, it would be different if the target was the same archangel.

[I expected that it wouldn't be resolved quickly from the start.]

Perhaps.

[His defeat might create unexpected changes.]

Silly talk.

I thought it was nonsense.

Baal left.

Not long after, a rebellion broke out in the 1st Celestial Realm.

Forces loyal to Lucifer attempted to seize the Divine Tree, and the Absolutes led by Michael defended it as if they had been waiting for it.

Even in the unprecedented rebellion, the One God did not appear.

Only the news that Michael had become the new lord of the 1st Celestial Realm was unilaterally announced.

The lord of the Celestial Realm can be changed.

That fact gave many implications.

The lord had changed in some Celestial Realms, but the 10th Celestial Realm was an exception.

The Absolutes' level wasn't behind other Celestial Realms, but an Absolute who could surpass Ra hadn't been born in a long time.

For Ra, a tedious time was repeated.

Baal, who had been hiding for a while, appeared not long after he created an Absolute called Obelisk.

[The creation of Absolutes. You're doing something interesting.]

[Didn't you turn the lord of the Celestial Realm into a Grand Duke of the Lower Realm? How is that idiot, Lucifer, doing?]

It was a greeting with a subtle sarcasm.

[Don't misunderstand. And his name is no longer Lucifer.]

[I don't care about names.]

[Don't be so sure. The power of names has infinite possibilities.]

He was still arrogant as ever.

[Get to the point.]

[Would you like to create a new possibility?]

In Baal's red eyes, the boring figure of the lord of the Celestial Realm was reflected.

[Lucifer. Oh, did you say Lucifer now? I'll refuse if you're going to incite apostasy like that idiot.]

[It's not like that. I'm saying, let's create someone who can handle both divine power and demonic power, not some clumsy Absolute who only accepts your divine power.]

[…….]

Baal accurately saw through Ra's personality.

It didn't take long for persuasion to work.

A thousand years. Five thousand years. Ten thousand years.

How many tens of thousands of years had passed?

Osiris and Jormungandr were born.

[What can we do with these guys?]

[Didn't I say? It's just a possibility.]

Unlike himself, who was disappointed that he couldn't create an Absolute at the level of the lord of the Celestial Realm, Baal seemed to have achieved something meaningful.

[Baal. What's the next plan?]

The man in front of him doesn't waste time.

As expected.

[I must become the King of the Upper Realm.]

[…….]

He's saying something ridiculous again.

Even so, he didn't deny it.

Just.

[The lords of the Celestial Realm won't stand still.]

He worried about the safety of his long-time partner.

Baal just smiled, and not long after, the King of the Upper Realm, representing the ten Celestial Realms, was born.

In the first place, there is no 'king' in the Upper Realm.

This is because the Celestials, who are members of the Upper Realm, as well as the Absolutes, become beings called gods in the Middle Realm.

There is power in names.

Those who were created by the fragments of the One God, or influenced by them, called themselves 'gods'.

At least ten lords of the Celestial Realm-level, living in different timelines in independent dimensions.

Even when he expressed his intention to become the King of the Upper Realm, it sounded like a pipe dream.

[Is this something to be amazed at?]

'Ra' chuckled as he looked at the lords or representatives sitting at the ten tables.

[Ra~ Great Sun God. What is so funny?]

Odin, the lord of the 7th Celestial Realm.

The best magician in the Upper Realm, who had created the current seat, asked playfully.

It's not ridicule, it's just that his personality itself is peculiar.

However, like his power of 'Loss', the power of 'Runes' that he handles is by no means ridiculous.

'A space that forcibly compresses existence. Interesting.'

Instead of answering, Ra read the flow of divine power that made up the space.

'Were 50 runes used?'

Each and every one of them is emitting a divine power that can be called an Absolute.

In other words, 50 Absolutes are being consumed for the meeting of the ten lords of the Celestial Realm.

'He has many talents. More than I thought.'

No matter how many runes he used.

Creating a personal space that brings together ten lords of the Celestial Realm is something that deserves respect.

No matter how much they weaken their existence into the form of the Middle Realm, the lords of the Celestial Realm can't help but emit an existence that can fill an entire universe by themselves.

The one who opened his mouth was Brahma, the lord of the 5th Celestial Realm, who was drinking from his bottle alone.

[Are you asking because you don't know, brat?]

Odin burst into a cheerful laugh at his glare.

[Brahma~ Don't look at me with such scary eyes. It makes me want to gouge them out?]

[The brat is making a pretty good threat?]

[There are three other lords of the 5th Celestial Realm besides you, so you don't have to worry, right?]

Daring to ignore the words of the lord of the Celestial Realm and say only what he wanted to say.

This is also something that can only be done by an equal lord of the Celestial Realm.

[You. Shall I kill you?]

The moment Brahma said that, Odin's body was torn to pieces.

Some of the lords of the Celestial Realm who were watching the scene burst into laughter.

[What a mess. Stop the nonsense.]

[Don't order me, Ra.]

[It's not an order. There's a reason why we're gathered here. Even if you get a little excited, the space will shake, so I have to say something.]

It was a space that was being maintained precariously, even though it was amazing.

The signs of collapse were visible just from Brahma revealing a fraction of his power.

[That's right~ As expected of the Sun God. Do you see something different in those eyes?]

Odin's fragmented body connected into one and spoke.

That's also the power of runes.

[Everyone gathered here has the status of lord of the Celestial Realm, or a corresponding proxy. Odin, did you create this troublesome place to support a new King of the Upper Realm?]

When Ra asked calmly, the area became noisy.

[Ra. Come to think of it, you didn't fight him separately, right?]

[Could it be that the great Sun God is cowering?]

[I heard that the guys from the 1st Celestial Realm didn't put up much resistance either?]

[Michael. What on earth is that guy thinking.]

[…….]

The difference in strength between the lords of the Celestial Realm is unclear, but the 1st Celestial Realm is a symbolic place.

Therefore, there were some cases where the lords of the Celestial Realm moderately lost to Baal, thinking that they were passing the buck to Michael.

[It would have been quite an interesting picture if Lucifer had been here.]

[Anyway, if even Michael is convinced, then we don't need to talk about it anymore, right?]

Some of the lords of the Celestial Realm looked at Odin.

They were telling him to say the reason why he had summoned them.

[That's right. That's why I set up this meeting. Things won't change much from now on.]

With a disgusting smile, the lord of the 7th Celestial Realm continued.

[He has stated that he will only take the nominal name of 'King' and will not be involved in the operation of the Upper Realm.]

Odin called Baal 'that guy'.

It means that he won't serve him as a perfect superior.

[King of the Upper Realm. Well, isn't it a position that we can pull down at any time if we join forces?]

Brahma said boastfully, and some of the lords of the Celestial Realm agreed.

'It's hard to even imagine these guys joining forces.'

That was Ra's thought.

Ra, who recalled the past, suddenly burst into laughter.

[What's so funny?]

Elven asked with a sharp glare.

His intention to respond at any time if he did something stupid was clear.

[My apologies. It's because you guys are showing a different attitude than those moronic lords.]

Ra added an explanation of how Baal took control of the Upper Realm.

[Baal did not suppress all the Celestial Realms with force.]

He only showed his strength in the 2nd to 9th Celestial Realms.

Immediately after, they competed in their own ways, big or small, and Baal was able to gain the recognition of the lords of the Celestial Realm.

[Why you?]

[I already knew that the power he possessed was beyond that of the lords of the Celestial Realm. I'm not the type to waste my strength on useless things.]

"What about Michael? What did you say to him?"

Taehyun asked what he had been wondering all along.

[Who would know that.]

"……."

He was at a loss for words at Ra's nonchalant attitude.

[Are you kidding me?]

[Hahahaha. Calm down, Fairy King.]

At Typhon's words, Elven gritted his teeth but calmed down.

[Hmm.]

Ra watched the scene as if it were interesting.

It's definitely a scene that can't happen between the lords of the Celestial Realm.

Simple friendship?

Camaraderie?

No, maybe it's just a personality issue.

But even aside from that assumption, it was an action that couldn't be shown without considerable trust.

"Typhon is right. It's not too late to listen to the end and then make a decision."

Taehyun nodded as if telling him to continue the explanation.

[I don't know what they said to each other. What's certain is that there were no traces of battle in the 1st Celestial Realm.]

Thus, the King of the Upper Realm was born.

[The only notable thing is that the Demonic Dragon that Baal brought seized the 9th Celestial Realm.]

The species that had dominated the 9th Celestial Realm for a long time became extinct as easily as it was meaningless.

[Perhaps the others also moderately lost for that reason. If they hadn't accepted, something like the territorial war in the Lower Realm would have happened.]

In any case, Baal met with the lords of the Celestial Realm alone and was recognized as the King of the Upper Realm.

A long time passed, and many Grand Dukes and Kings were born in the Lower Realm.

An immense amount of time revolved.

Baal's first order, which he had not shown any intention of giving all along, was the race war.

It wasn't mandatory, so a few Absolutes participated in the race war on behalf of the lords of the Celestial Realm.

A few Absolutes.

The power of the Lower Realm was so insignificant that it couldn't even get its act together with just that.

If it hadn't been for the Grand Dukes, the first race war would have ended as easily as it was meaningless.

One thing they missed was that the existence of the Lower Realm rapidly increased after the battle.

At the center of that.

Was the King of the Lower Realm.

542

There are countless demons in the Lower World who call themselves kings.

Only those who have many of those kings beneath their feet are called Grand Dukes.

And the one who has subjugated all those Grand Dukes is called the King of the Lower World.

The power of the unripened Grand Dukes is insignificant.

But the evaluation of the King of the Lower World was different.

The First Race War.

Some of the Celestial Realm masters, upon hearing the lackluster results, showed further interest.

They recognized that the power he used was that of a Unique God.

One by one.

The rulers of the Celestial Realm participated in the next Race War.

If the King of the Lower World was truly one of the two great fragments created by the Unique God, surpassing even themselves.

They were certain that by taking that power, they would possess an existence equal to Baal.

The initial King of the Lower World was unremarkable, but he fended off the claws of numerous Absolutes and Celestial Realm masters.

[I remember what Baal said back then.]

Raga said, looking at Elven.

[He said that if the Fairy King had been alive, or if the Divine Beast had been present, one of the Celestial Realm masters would have died in the Second Race War.]

[…….]

In fact, the King of the Lower World, who grew through the Race Wars, drove the 4th Celestial Realm master, 'Gandharva', to the brink of annihilation.

Raga was certain that it would have happened if the 5th Celestial Realm master hadn't intervened.

"The relationships between the Celestial Realm masters don't seem very close."

[That's not wrong. But the 4th and 5th Celestial Realms have a rather unique structure.]

[……?]

[It seems the Unique God put a lot of effort into creating the 5th Celestial Realm. Just creating four Absolutes filled its capacity.]

[Huh.]

Elven let out a hollow laugh.

[Although Brahma is outwardly the master, Vishnu, Shiva, and Kali. Each of them has established a system that is no different from being a co-master. The 4th Celestial Realm is a place they created using their respective powers.]

[They created a Celestial Realm….]

[Hahaha. What an absurd power.]

"Are there any other places like that?"

[A similar example would be the relationship between the 2nd and 3rd Celestial Realms.]

The Celestials of the 3rd Celestial Realm were said to be created by the mating of Celestials from the 2nd Celestial Realm and creatures from the Interdimensional Realm.

"This is a story I've heard before…."

Taehyun recalled the Race War he had once glimpsed.

[Yes. The 2nd Celestial Realm masters are gods led by Zeus. The 3rd Celestial Realm is ruled by those called Demigods.]

"Wow."

Taehyun shook his head at their formidable power.

[The 2nd and 3rd Celestial Realm masters. If they had participated, hunting down the King of the Lower World at the time wouldn't have been impossible. They didn't because they weren't interested.]

They showed more interest in the Interdimensional Realm, where they were worshiped as gods.

As with the 3rd Celestial Realm, there were species born from the combination of Celestial Realm masters and the Interdimensional Realm, so Baal didn't object either.

"That's strange. How did those guys become serious about the Race War?"

[The King of the Lower World devoured Vishnu, one of the co-masters of the 5th Celestial Realm.]

"……."

It was around that time that his existence rapidly increased.

[The other 5th Celestial Realm masters belatedly attacked, but the Grand Dukes risked their lives to protect him.]

The existing Grand Dukes were not comparable to the Celestial Realm masters, but it was said that they could gain even greater power by making a contract, as the King of the Lower World grew stronger.

[Hahahaha. Interesting, interesting. Rosaria would love to hear this.]

[Fool. Don't muddy the waters and focus.]

Raga, who had been looking on with a pleased expression, continued.

[As the Race Wars repeated, the tilted balance was corrected. The more wars the King of the Lower World fought, the greater his existence became.]

Having lost many Grand Dukes, and having grown through several Race Wars, the King of the Lower World used magic.

He erected a minimal barrier to prevent the beings of the Celestial Realm from using their original powers in the Lower World.

[The seven Celestial Realms, excluding the 1st, 9th, and 10th Celestial Realms, attacked in earnest.]

It was a total war.

[The Lower World was able to endure thanks to that magic. It was also around that time that the power of Reincarnation began to be used.]

During the long period of the Race Wars, many Absolutes, top-tier species, and Grand Dukes died.

Then one day.

[The King of the Lower World visited the 10th Celestial Realm.]

Just like Baal had.

It was a sudden and secretive visit.

At that time, the King of the Lower World clearly possessed the power to confront multiple Celestial Realm masters.

It meant that even if 'Ra' revealed his full power, he would have to be prepared for annihilation.

But even with such an opponent.

[He didn't particularly show any desire for battle. Rather, he asked for a cup of tea.]

Although they had never met before as he had not directly participated in the Race Wars, they were not exactly on terms where they could sit down and chat.

[Aren't we enemies?]

When asked that, the answer that came back was, "Who are our real enemies?"

At that point, he realized that the King of the Lower World and the King of the Upper World had made contact.

Since they were the kings of each layer, if they were determined, it wouldn't have been difficult to avoid the gazes of the Celestial Realm masters and Grand Dukes.

[Sit down.]

As Baal had done in the past, the King of the Lower World visited Ra several times.

They always had conversations on trivial topics.

It was the King of the Lower World who first broke that unwritten rule.

"You're definitely someone who can talk sense."

[Did Baal say that?]

"Who else would it be?"

Slurp. Slurp.

The sound of two absolute beings drinking tea flowed quietly.

"You look like you expected that."

[I've often wondered why you didn't end the Race War sooner. I was thinking about that.]

"There are so many like you in the ten Celestial Realms. There's no need to take the risk."

[Don't tell such obvious lies. You've achieved an awakening similar to that of the early Baal. I heard you were called the Fiend King in your home planet?]

Ra spoke longer than ever before.

Now that the story was out, it was to move it forward definitively.

"Fiend King... a nostalgic name."

[I'll ask again. If you have that much existence, it means you've fully awakened Balak's power. Why don't you end the Race War?]

"I told you. I met Baal. If it were you, you'd know that the power of Reincarnation isn't my power, right?"

[…Did you meet the Unique God?]

Someone other than Michael making contact with the Unique God.

Even Ra only speculated it.

"Oh dear. Did that power even affect the memories of the Celestial Realm masters?"

[…….]

Unlike the Grand Dukes of the Lower World, the masters of the Celestial Realm are beings made from fragments of the Unique God.

Therefore, they did not suffer as much damage to their memories as the Grand Dukes when the power of Reincarnation was used.

At least, that's what they had been assuming.

"It's a scary power after all. I see why he said that such attempts wouldn't be infinite."

[Speak so I can understand. There should be a reward for serving you tea.]

Unlike his words, his intention to not let him go unless he spoke properly was clear.

Slurp.

The King of the Lower World emptied a cup of tea before opening his mouth.

"Ra. What do you think of the Unique God?"

[God of gods. The one who created everything at the beginning.]

"That's not it, is it?"

[…….]

"Do you think the reason I visited this place so many times was simply because I needed someone to talk to?"

He had heard that Ra was the only one in the 1st Celestial Realm who could communicate with Michael.

And he said so.

[What do you want?]

"I need you to be my safeguard."

Clatter.

An empty teacup was placed on the table.

[You've waited a long time. Wasn't the search period too long?]

"It was definitely worth it. It's better to say it now than never."

[What's a safeguard again?]

"I'm looking for a successor."

[You want me to help that guy?]

"Correct."

[Huh... Are you crazy?]

A Celestial Realm master becomes the safeguard of the King of the Lower World.

It's an absurd request.

But the King of the Lower World seemed to have already made up his mind.

The crimson eyes looking at him curved like a crescent moon.

[…Are you serious?]

"I'm always serious when I talk to you."

[…….]

He hadn't even agreed to this ridiculous proposal, but the King of the Lower World began to babble about his plans.

These were things that could only be done when he was with someone he could open his heart to, with a different density than when he was drinking tea and making trivial jokes.

He realized that he was listening intently.

A long time ago.

His regret that his boredom had prevented him from accepting Baal's proposal must have also played a part.

[There seem to be many holes in the plan.]

"Originally, the looser the plan, the higher the chance of it being realized."

The King of the Lower World replied with a sly tone.

He had forgotten.

How this man had grown.

How he had eaten up one by one stronger opponents than himself with this personality.

"I've planted seeds in the Interdimensional Realm."

He said that he had planted some of the useful abilities he had 'devoured' in beings that showed some potential.

'Was he influencing not only the Lower World but also the Interdimensional Realm?'

Compared to the Upper and Lower Worlds, their potential for development was relatively insignificant.

The King of the Lower World also knew that he was from the Interdimensional Realm, but this was only possible because of the variable called Balak.

It would be difficult to expect a similar 'great event'.

It meant that they wouldn't be a significant force to influence the Race War.

To Ra, the 'seeds' that the King of the Lower World had planted were.

Nothing more than the Celestials enjoying themselves in the Interdimensional Realm.

That was all.

"Well, that's not so bad."

[…….]

'Is he satisfied that the Interdimensional Realm hasn't become a plaything of the Upper World?'

It was an action with more losses than gains.

It would be more realistic to train the top species of the Lower World to increase the number of Grand Dukes.

"I'm not that naive."

[Even if we put aside the possibility of the plan. This information could be shared with others. Wouldn't that disrupt the plan?]

He mentioned the possibility of him interfering.

"I told you. I'm not that naive. Possibility is not recognized until it succeeds."

[…….]

"You don't have to answer now."

With those words, the King of the Lower World suddenly left, and when he visited again, the conversation continued with trivial topics.

The only thing that had changed was his gaze.

He observed the actions of the King of the Lower World more closely.

He moved so secretly that the other Celestial Realm masters couldn't notice.

His eyes were special, and only a few knew the King of the Lower World's tendencies.

As a result, his thoughts were correct.

The beings of the Interdimensional Realm who inherited the King of the Lower World's abilities.

They became beings who were moderately famous in their planets, but they didn't reach the ranks of the Grand Dukes.

It could be because the nature of the abilities themselves was low-grade, but it also seemed difficult for beings of the Interdimensional Realm to accept anything more than that.

To inherit the King of the Lower World's legacy, at least his main skill, 'Devouring', would be necessary.

Otherwise, there would be no point in designating him as a safeguard.

An immeasurable amount of time passed.

Several Race Wars passed.

Then one day.

The King of the Lower World visited with a triumphant face.

"This will be my last visit."

The King of the Lower World suddenly said after emptying his tea.

[Does that mean?]

"I've found a successor."

[…….]

"Aren't you showing too much surprise?"

[I didn't detect it.]

"That's probably because I played around with the power of God."

He said he had wagered all of the Unique God's powers he had been granted.

[You… are you out of your mind?]

"Ra. Even you Celestial Realm masters, who were made from fragments of the Unique God, are gradually wearing down. You can't rely on this power forever."

[You foolish… that's a stupid choice. There's no way a human from the Interdimensional Realm can accept your power….]

Ra stopped talking.

[Could it be….]

The corners of the man's mouth rose as he admired the trembling blue eyes of the Sun God.

"That's right. I gave him 'Devouring'."

543화

Devour.

The most fundamental and dangerous power possessed by the Underworld King.

Therefore, it's a power that shouldn't be carelessly given or received.

Because it's the power that made the current Underworld King exist, and it's a symbolic authority.

The Underworld King can't use Devour?

The moment that information spreads, the Celestial Realm lords would prepare for annihilation and wage an all-out war.

[You're insane. You must be crazy.]

Ra sincerely emphasized his feelings by saying it twice.

The Underworld King shrugged, unconcerned.

"It has to be this much to make a risky gamble. More than anything, the compatibility wasn't bad."

[Crazy bastard…]

If that's true, the chosen one would have the potential to become the Underworld King.

[Even if we excuse the Archduke, he'd be as good as dead if the Celestials noticed him.]

"I'll have to prepare for that."

[…….]

"Today is the last day I'll be drinking the Sun God's tea."

What are you planning to do?

He didn't bother to say those words.

Baal's movements were equally unsettling.

They must have conspired.

The hostile forces of the race war.

That the leaders of those factions are actually working together to oppose the Creator.

That truth is truly absurd.

"Our promise is still valid, right?"

If someone appeared who could wield his power, he would cause a race war.

He recalled when he 'requested' and 'notified' that he would need an Upper Realm guide then.

[Promise? You decide things as you please. Above all, ask your succubus minion for something like that.]

"I've already asked her to do something else. More than anything, to guide the Upper Realm, you need to be a Celestial Realm lord, don't you?"

A Celestial Realm lord as a guide.

This was definitely the first crazy bastard since Baal.

"I'm not urging you to betray them. Oh, now that I think about it, there's something I haven't told you."

What is it now?

Ra stared with annoyed eyes.

"You're very interested in divine trees, right?"

Did you hear that from Baal?

[…I've been researching divine trees extensively. That much bait isn't enough to…]

"Not the Upper Realm's divine tree. I'm talking about the Underworld's divine tree."

[……!!]

"If that guy does well, he'll bloom a divine tree not only in the Underworld but also in the Middle Realm. The Upper Realm, Lower Realm, and Middle Realm will all have divine trees. Doesn't that sound interesting?"

Flutter.

Unlike Ra, whose blue eyes trembled, the Underworld King was smiling.

'Baal, that bastard…'

Among the Three Thousand Worlds, Baal and Balac possess the most fragments of the Creator God.

If the two demons were created to destroy the Creator's enemies, then the divine trees were created to maintain the Creator's world.

They were guardians that bloomed in the center of each Celestial Realm, infusing them with immense divine power.

Baal, who had worked with him long ago, was the only one who knew that he was interested in researching that power.

"A divine tree that is complete after merging with the Underworld. A divine tree connected to the Middle Realm that will sprout new possibilities."

The Underworld King paused, watching Ra's reaction.

Gulp.

Ra involuntarily swallowed hard.

What kind of research would be possible with three divine trees?

Whoosh.

Unable to contain his excitement, he transformed into a giant sun.

[T, this…!!]

The Underworld King's body, defenseless against the sudden 'solar transformation,' was completely obliterated.

The next day, the Underworld King brought his main body and visited in person.

[Ahem, my apologies. Your bait was too sweet, and I got carried away.]

Ra readily admitted the truth.

"Let's just say it was an interesting experience. More importantly, have you thought about it? I think this is enough to fill the 'loss' in your heart."

[…….]

Ra spoke the answer he had carefully considered.

[I'll keep an eye on it. I'll move according to the situation, but I promise I won't be hostile, at least.]

"That's enough."

A spell to attest to their promise was their final farewell.

The Underworld King and Upper Realm King, who reigned as the strongest in the Three Thousand Worlds.

Like when they appeared.

Suddenly, without a trace.

The Celestial Realm lords were indifferent.

The Underworld archdukes also didn't seem to care much.

Once a spark has been ignited, it doesn't go out easily.

There were several more race wars after that.

The race wars that started with the spell still in place were small-scale, and the Celestial Realm lords confirmed that the Underworld King was no longer involved in the race wars.

A meeting that took place in Odin's space sometime in the past.

An opinion was voiced to completely crush the Underworld in the next race war.

Bullshit.

Ra yawned and declared his non-participation in the race war.

One day, news spread that a 'human' was leading the territory war in the Underworld.

Ra's empty eyes, which had been conducting meaningless research, lit up.

The flow of time is different in the Underworld and the Upper Realm.

He looked around.

Osiris and Obelisk, who had become great absolute beings by leading individual forces and fighting in numerous race wars.

The two of them were constantly eyeing his position.

He gave it to them.

He even gave one eye to Osiris.

So that other Celestial Realm lords wouldn't dare to target him, so that they wouldn't notice his intentions.

He subtly empowered the two absolute beings.

He used the power of loss to hide his immense presence, which was called the Sun God.

And now.

The possibility that the Underworld King had been waiting for a long time.

[Kim Tae-hyun. I've come to meet you.]

He said that he had come to put an end to his long journey of waiting.

A Celestial Realm lord.

Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands.

Perhaps an existence that has existed for tens of millions of years is saying that they will betray their own kind.

The reason isn't loyalty or a promise to the Underworld King, but curiosity about divine trees.

According to common sense, it should be seen as an obvious lie.

But.

'He's an interesting guy.'

Tae-hyun stared at the blue eyes of 'Ra,' who was smiling in front of him.

'He abandoned his position as lord for the sake of curiosity.'

He didn't show his memories like Rosaria did.

'It would be difficult to analyze the actions of these guys with rational thinking.'

[Judging by that look in your eyes, I've managed to persuade you.]

"Your eyes are as unique as mine."

Tae-hyun revealed his clear heterochromatic eyes, which couldn't be compared to Osiris or Jormungandr.

He had achieved the level of the Underworld King and possessed an insight that surpassed anyone else.

Unlike the magical power emitted from the magic stone, most of the divine power was stored in his blue eyes.

Tae-hyun's current divine power is beyond that of an ordinary absolute being, almost on par with a half-Celestial Realm lord.

He could use the power of mind control on Ra.

He could tell him to prove the truth right now for definite proof.

Even so.

He deliberately didn't bother.

A former Celestial Realm lord not only came to the Underworld on his own but also made it clear that he had no intention to fight.

He calmly revealed his past actions.

He appreciated that attitude.

Rather, the one who sent distrustful gazes was the lord of the territory.

[Contractor. Are you believing that he's betraying the Upper Realm just because of a divine tree?]

She also understands the boredom that Celestial Realm lords have.

Considering the ripple effect of the race war, she said that you should never judge the situation with simple intuition.

[Are you, who are as cunning as you are, listening to such obvious nonsense?]

It wasn't even telepathy anymore.

"Say that to Jormungandr. Or Igmund."

Elven disregarded her and continued.

[Do you really not know that the things of the Upper Realm all have a snake-like nature? Did you suddenly decide to live kindly without me knowing?]

She emphasized that just because you've become stronger in force, you don't need to weaken your heart.

You should treat the things of the Upper Realm all like you treat Jormungandr.

"Of course. I don't completely believe him."

He cut off her words and looked at the two archdukes.

[If it were the brother I know, he would prefer a more radical method….]

Typhon muttered those words.

"……."

Joining hands with a Celestial Realm lord.

Even those who were friendly to Tae-hyun were having a hard time understanding.

'I need to make this clear.'

If he's not careful, a split will occur before the race war even begins.

[You, Sun God. If you don't reveal your intentions, I'll have to hear them by force.]

[Hahaha. My thoughts aren't different.]

[Fairy King and Giant King. The beings made by the One God are showing a pitiful appearance. Have you ever thought about it? Why your numbers are so small. But how are you able to reign as rulers in the Underworld?]

Ra changed the direction of the story.

Elven was silent at the tempting topic, and Typhon didn't seem to know what was going on.

"I'm curious."

Hoping for an answer that the two archdukes would be satisfied with, he gave them a look to keep talking.

[Fairies and giants. You were originally races that should have existed in the Upper Realm.]

[Haven't you ever thought it strange? You don't have a large number of individuals like the demon king and beast king's forces, and you haven't grown and become archdukes like the vampire lord and succubus queen.]

[…….]

[…….]

[You weren't created with a purpose like the Sea Demon King, and you don't even have a faint lineage of the Upper Realm King's blood like the Dragon Lord.]

Then there's only one archduke left.

[Lucifer. You were originally beings that belonged with the same Celestial Realm lord as him. Aren't you curious? Why you opened your eyes in the Underworld. That's….]

[That's…?]

[……?]

Gulp.

Clatter.

The sound of Elven and Typhon swallowing hard could be heard clearly.

Ra raised the corners of his mouth with a meaningful face.

[That's what you'll find out if you access the Void Records.]

[What the hell.]

[Puhuhuhuhu.]

"Sun God. Your cut-off skills are more amazing than I thought."

Tae-hyun also couldn't hide his disappointment because he had been expecting an answer.

[All that's left after revealing all your cards is emptiness. From now on, I'll exchange information equally. That's only fair.]

[Ha. Do you think I haven't accessed the Void Records?]

[What you touched was only half of it. In the first place, the divine trees of the Upper and Lower Realms were one. It's no coincidence that you're the only one in the Underworld who can harmonize with the divine tree.]

[Me? Does that mean I can also harmonize with the divine tree?]

[…You'll be able to communicate with the divine tree if you're given enough time.]

The fact that those words were oddly close to a hypothesis.

Hahahaha.

Typhon laughed again.

No matter how long it takes, he was happy to have more things to appeal to Rosaria.

[You idiot Giant King. Don't show a stupid appearance in front of the enemy.]

Elven warned, but Typhon had already increased his favorability towards Ra.

Ra also seemed absurd that Typhon was showing his favor so easily.

He gave more detailed information to appease Elven.

[Individually, the divine trees of the Upper Realm, Lower Realm, and Middle Realm are all different. But from a broad perspective, the Underworld's divine tree is the root. Not refined energy like divine power, but raw power. Specialized in magic.]

Hearing that, it became understandable that it was possible to move from the Underworld's divine tree to the 1st to 10th Celestial Realms.

Unlike the Upper Realm's divine tree, which acts as a branch extending from the body, the Underworld's divine tree is unified as one.

Although Elven's capabilities as the manager of the divine tree were destroyed before they could mature, the potential was greater than that of the Celestial Realm lords.

[Even the nine Celestial Realm lords can only access the branches. But it's a different story for the 1st Celestial Realm lord.]

"Are you talking about Michael?"

[Yes. He's treated differently from the other Celestial Realm lords, who are only allowed superficial access. In the past, there were three beings who weren't from the 1st Celestial Realm but approached the body.]

"It must be the Upper Realm King and the Underworld King."

[That's right. Then who's the other one?]

Ra looked at Tae-hyun and the two archdukes as if it were an interesting quiz.

[Sun God, you XX like XX bastard. How far do I have to accommodate your XX like XXX? You're not the Sun God, you must be the XX God. Don't XX around and just XX it. You rotten bastard.]

At the Fairy King's outburst.

[…It's me.]

The Sun God replied in a trembling voice.

544 [Hmph. Are you the one?]

At Elven's growl, Ra affirmed with an awkward smile.

[The Upper Realm King and the Lower Realm King. The influence of the Divine Tree is undeniable in their overcoming the limitations of creatures.]

Baal realized this by ruling both the Lower and Upper Realms, and the Lower Realm King was influenced by contact with the Upper Realm King.

"In that case, shouldn't you have reached the same level as them long ago?"

[Not everyone needs to pursue strength. Martial prowess is enough with just what you're born with.]

Should this be considered arrogance or humility?

Either way, it's not normal.

[The goal is to research the complete Divine Tree. Volunteering to be a guide is for that reason.]

"After winning the Race Wars, you want to use the Divine Trees of the Upper Realm, Lower Realm, and Middle Realm?"

[There should be at least that much gain, shouldn't there?]

Taehyun looked at Elven.

Contrary to the harsh words, she was positively considering Ra's words.

[Not a bad condition. Of course, that's assuming everything this guy says is true.]

[God's sincerity has been communicated. Trusting each other. That first step is important.]

"Okay. Let's talk about that again later. I want to know what you mean by time is short?"

There's no specific time limit set for the Race Wars.

Ra nodded.

[The Race Wars themselves don't have a set time limit. That is, if you're not planning to win, but just maintain. Are you aware that Asmodeus has become the new Upper Realm King?]

"I know."

[He reached the Archduke with the body of a Great Demon and has now taken the power of many Celestial Lords.]

Taehyun also made the Archduke's power his own during the Territory Wars.

If he's an Upper Realm King, that much is natural.

But that's not enough justification to rush the Race Wars.

Ra continued.

[The current Upper Realm King's body is reinforced based on the Dragon Lord and Demon King's bodies.]

Born as a Great Demon, he grew to be on par with the Demon King in the Lower Realm, and awakened the power as a Dragon through Baal's power.

[And recently, he seems to have tested his strength through the Lord of the 5th Celestial Realm as well. Asmodeus will demand obedience from the Celestial Lords. Those with strong pride will naturally resist.]

That's already been proven through Baal.

Even back then, he said that everyone except the Lords of the 1st and 10th Celestial Realms fought their own battles.

In that process, the Lord of the 9th Celestial Realm was even replaced.

[It will take considerable time for the Upper Realm King to fully adapt to his power. The opportunity is when he defeats the Celestial Lords.]

If he had his guidance, the Archduke and his forces would hold the Celestial Lords, and Taehyun would be able to enter the 1st Celestial Realm.

[Odin must be captured. Fairy King, you know what that means, right?]

Elven nodded.

[It's a perfectly feasible plan. No, rather, this is the only way to end the Race Wars in the shortest amount of time.]

'The former Lords of the 10th and 1st Celestial Realms are helping the Race Wars.'

Suddenly, Ra plucked out one of his blue eyes.

"……."

Whoosh.

The power he once possessed.

The blue eye containing the power of the sun was handed over.

[Can you trust me with this much?]

He received the 'Eye of the Sun.'

The memories of a long time ago that the guy mentioned earlier were conveyed in the form of divine power.

Swish.

Flames flickered in the opened blue eye.

The Solar God's power, 'Annihilation.'

A huge power was engraved.

His sincerity was fully conveyed.

"Elven. Summon the Archdukes."

Ra burst into laughter as if satisfied.

Leaning on the Divine Tree, Taehyun closed his eyes.

With just that, the vast Lower Realm came into view.

In his past life, his goal was to become a named player exploring the depths, but seeing the endlessly unfolding Lower Realm filled him with emotion.

Ding.

[Assimilation with the Divine Tree has reached its limit.]

Magic power like a vast sea filled Taehyun's body.

"Status window."

After a long time, he checked the creation made by the Lower Realm King and the former Meister.

Name, age, and even stats.

Everything in the status window that was clearly displayed except for the grade was shown as '???'.

Taehyun controlled the magic power of the nine Archdukes dwelling within him.

The Succubus Queen with the power of 'Mind Control'. Rosaria's purple magic power surged.

The Vampire Lord with the power of 'Absorption'. Igmun's blood-red magic power flared up.

The Beast King with the power of 'Enhancement'. Orgal's brown magic power exploded.

The Giant King with the power of 'Elements'. Typhon's multicolored magic power was released.

The Demon King with the power of 'Evolution'. Gilfer's deep blue magic power melted.

The Fairy King with the power of 'Anti-Magic'. Elven's colorless magic power permeated the earth.

The Sea of Magic King with the power of 'Rampage'. Jormungandr's blue magic power poured out.

The Dragon Lord with the power of 'Haki'. Hazard's black magic power erupted in seven colors.

The Fallen Angel with the power of 'Regeneration'. Lucifer's gray magic power descended on the area.

And.

The power of Gluttony. The Lower Realm King's dark red magic power.

Crack.

Crunch. Crunch.

Crunch.

It chewed and swallowed the nine magic powers that symbolized the Archdukes.

Taehyun's magic power spread throughout the Lower Realm, assimilated with the Divine Tree.

Ding.

[The spell of the 'Demon King Who Defies Fate' disappears.]

[The status window system disappears.]

The spell of the former Lower Realm King.

The last safety device that protected the Lower Realm disappeared.

He opened his eyes.

Far away.

The nine Archdukes who answered his call were watching the current process.

The final Race War.

He realized that the end was approaching.

Creating nine hearts with the powers of the Archdukes and destroying the status window.

Taehyun thought that only a short time had passed, but two days had passed.

The spell of the former Lower Realm King that had lasted for an immeasurable amount of time.

It was a task of completely breaking down that huge power.

He wasn't aware of it because his concentration was at its peak, but the Archdukes summoned through Elven were watching the process from afar.

[He even created Lucifer's magic stone.]

Hazard said while watching.

In her dragon eyes, the magic stone engraved with the powers of the nine Archdukes was gathering powerful energy.

Among them, the Dragon Heart that was no less than what she possessed caught her eye.

'The more I watch, the more unbelievable it becomes.'

Hazard clicked her tongue, thinking that the other Archdukes would feel the same way.

It's not just a copied magic stone.

The current Kim Taehyun is no different from the nine Archdukes themselves.

In addition to that, the original tenth heart.

An irresistible presence was emanating from the center of the nine hearts.

[He's become a monster.]

[I agree. To break down the spell engraved on the Lower Realm alone.]

Lucifer and Orgal said that.

[Is he already indifferent to Archdukes or Celestial Lords?]

[Damn it, Lower Realm King….]

Jormungandr sparkled his completed heterochromia, and Igmun cursed, despite his presence growing stronger due to the contract effect.

[Hahaha. Indeed, he is my brother.]

[He is also my brother of the original devil.]

Typhon and Gilfer were pleased with Taehyun's awakened form.

[With this much, he might be able to handle that Upper Realm King.]

[The only thing left is whether our Archdukes can handle the Celestial Lords. That's where it will be decided.]

Elven and Rosaria said that and moved to where Taehyun was.

It was because they recognized that the magic power that exploded throughout the Lower Realm had completely eliminated the spell.

Taehyun, who opened his eyes, slowly looked at the faces of the Archdukes.

The first to open his mouth was Lucifer.

[Have you completely awakened the power of the Lower Realm King?]

"For now."

[For now?]

"I'll have to adapt in actual combat."

Smirk.

Some of the Archdukes flinched at the sight of their contractor raising the corners of his mouth.

They recalled the battle they had during the Territory Wars.

[Scary guy.]

It was Jormungandr who said those words out loud.

A deeper presence was felt from him, who had completely merged with Osiris' body.

"You look good."

[Hehe. It will be more than you think.]

Jormungandr gave a bitter smile.

It's not just the presence that has increased.

The Sea of Magic King and the Sky God.

He said that he had become an existence worthy of that name.

"Spar?"

[I refuse that. My new body hasn't ripened yet.]

"Chicken."

[…….]

Jormungandr shrugged in response to the obvious provocation.

"Elven. Where's Ra?"

At Taehyun's question, the Archdukes except for Typhon and Rosaria showed incomprehensible reactions.

Ra?

Are you talking about the Sun God?

Why is that guy's name suddenly coming up?

Taehyun had a dumbfounded expression at the reactions.

"What, you haven't told them yet?"

[Tsk tsk. Do you still say that after seeing my reaction earlier? No one can persuade them except the contractor.]

Click.

When Elven flicked her finger, the branches of the Divine Tree created a gate.

'Ra', who had been hiding his presence there, revealed himself.

Elven, Typhon, Rosaria.

Those other than the three Archdukes released their enormous magic power.

They recognized that the opponent was the former Lord of the Celestial Realm and acted instinctively.

[Hmm… this is a bit embarrassing.]

Ra looked at Taehyun.

Since he had handed over the remaining Eye of the Sun, the hostility of the six Archdukes was a considerable pressure for him as well.

"This guy is not an enemy. Everyone, calm down."

Even at Taehyun's words, the hostility towards Ra did not weaken at all.

"Elven."

[Hmph. I understand.]

Elven used her magic power to protect 'Ra'.

Taehyun stood next to Ra.

"I'll say it again, this guy is not an enemy."

Thinking that persuasion would not be easy.

Taehyun released the magic power he had been gathering.

"If you don't calm down in 5 seconds."

[What if we don't?]

Igmun growled.

"There's no choice. I'll have to force you to kneel with strength and then persuade you."

[It sounds like you're going to tame the Archdukes before the Race Wars?]

Orgal received Igmun's words.

"Anyway, you're still running wild whenever you get a chance, whether it's a thousand years ago or now? But you're still a king in name. Show some respect."

[…….]

"5."

Taehyun counted down without delay.

Haa.

Gilfer sighed, and Lucifer stroked his chin and withdrew his magic power.

"4."

Tsk.

Hazard clicked her tongue and controlled her Haki.

Jormungandr shrugged and took a step back.

"3."

Only Orgal and Igmun remained.

[Beast King. You're not thinking of cowardly tailing, are you?]

[Puhuhu. I am not afraid of defeat, Vampire.]

"2."

[You fools. You don't deserve the name Archduke.]

[I agree. To think that you would submit to a guy from the Middle Realm twice. Don't you have any pride?]

[It's not about pride, it's about being aware of being an Archduke. I'm glad that at least one guy has some fighting spirit left.]

Igmun gave a bitter smile.

[Puhuhuhu.]

Orgal replied with an ominous smile.

It was the moment when Taehyun was about to concentrate his Haki on the two Archdukes.

[However.]

Suddenly, Orgal stopped smiling.

"1."

[There seems to be no need to waste strength before starting the Race Wars.]

The Beast King's fierce hostility was withdrawn.

It was an instant event.

What the hell is this bastard?

The Vampire Lord, who was radiating killing intent, hostility, and magic power all alone, muttered those words.

"Disappointing. Igmun."

Taehyun sighed and shook his head.

[Wait….]

Igmun tried to protest as if he was wronged.

"I have to set an example."

Kugugugung.

A huge Haki pressed down on the Archduke's body.

The power was so strong.

Thump.

Igmun knelt down without being able to resist.

Belatedly, a Blood Field unfolded.

Kugugugugu.

Gegegegegegeuk.

The blood-red magic power resisted with all its might, but the power of the Lower Realm King was something that one Archduke could not handle.

Thud.

Eventually, Igmun's head, unable to withstand it, hit the floor.

[…….]

[Hmm….]

[…Ahem.]

[Puhuhuhu.]

[Hahaha.]

[…Moron.]

[Ahahahaha.]

[Idiot.]

Igmun, whose head was buried in the ground at the Archdukes' ridicule, trembled.

Trauma.

A different kind of shame from when he dealt with Lilith in the past wrapped around his body.

[…Kim Taehyun.]

Someday.

Definitely.

I will kill you.

Igmun said as if spitting it out.

[…What is God… looking at right now….]

'Ra' watched the scene with a pitiful expression.

Episode 545

I had no intention of glossing over the subjugation of Igmun.

While defensive tactics sufficed for the racial war in the Lower Realm, the racial war in the Upper Realm was akin to an invasion.

Distrust in the guide would inevitably lead to unpredictable rifts in the future.

Rosaria used her authority to directly show Ra's memories to the Archdukes.

[I guarantee it. These memories are all true.]

No one was foolish enough to argue with her certainty.

The former Celestial Owner had even given up the source of her power.

They had even peered into her memories.

It would be stranger to doubt.

Rather, an atmosphere was forming where everyone agreed that now was the perfect time to end the racial war.

Of course, there were Archdukes who didn't fit into that atmosphere.

"Igmun. Cheer up."

[Don't talk to me... I'll kill you.]

"Yes, yes. I'll take care of you separately later, so take your time to recover."

With those cryptic words, Tae-hyun explained the plan.

It was a simple plan, nothing grand.

One Celestial Owner per Archduke.

While there would be differences in compatibility and details, each Archduke and their power would ultimately be responsible for one Celestial Realm.

"Departure is in one month."

Until then, they would each hone their forces.

With Elven's help, the Archdukes moved to their respective territories.

"Ra. What about you?"

[Am I not sufficient as a guide?]

"Are you just going to watch from the rear?"

[Well, it's not that I can't participate, but I wouldn't be much help right now.]

Lucifer had taken one Eye of the Sun, and Tae-hyun had taken the other.

Ra now only possessed the experience and knowledge of a Sun God, lacking the military power to be called a Celestial Owner.

"I thought you'd say that."

Tae-hyun nodded to Elven, and she handed over two eyes through the branches of the Divine Tree.

[Oh... what are these?]

"Eyes of the Sun and Moon. I restored the divine power I swallowed with Elven's magic."

Ra looked over the two eyes with curiosity.

"They were created by analyzing the eyes of Jormungandr and Osiris, so if you adapt, they won't be inferior to the originals."

Tsszzz.

Ssszz.

The two eyes melted into her, and a portion of her existence was restored.

Sun and Moon in the azure eyes that had only existed in appearance.

The two powers began to fuse.

It would be lacking compared to her original state, but for now...

[Indeed... if I adapt, they will be better than the originals. An unexpected gift.]

"I look forward to working with you, guide."

[I look forward to it too, Lower Realm King.]

Across a long time.

Ra and the new Lower Realm King joined hands.

A month passed, and the Archdukes gathered in the Fairy Forest once more.

Except for Lucifer and Elven, it was the Archdukes' first time going to the Upper Realm.

The transfer would be done through Elven, who had become one with the Divine Tree.

"Let me say it again. Our base camp is the 10th Celestial Realm. And we'll quickly advance to the 7th Celestial Realm. Anyone who dies by then will be a laughingstock for life."

Until Odin was captured, no one was allowed to lose.

He said no one was allowed to die.

[Easy for you to say.]

It was Orgal who said that.

Unlike his words, his expression wasn't bad.

The other Archdukes were the same.

It was a plan where it wouldn't be strange if anyone died at any time.

No.

There would definitely be casualties at the end of the racial war.

Even so.

No one showed any signs of worry.

They were merely trying to suppress their excitement about invading the Upper Realm.

[You, especially, be careful.]

Igmun mocked Rosaria.

He still thought she was the weakest of the Archdukes.

Since some time ago, Igmun had been replacing his dissatisfaction with Tae-hyun by insulting Rosaria.

[To be called an Archduke with strength that can't even face one Celestial Owner. Isn't it laughable?]

[Hmph~ Sounds like a dog barking somewhere.]

Rosaria lightly countered.

"Do all your fighting in the Upper Realm."

Tae-hyun nodded to Elven.

Unlike usual, the Divine Tree's trunk split open, creating a huge gate.

[The coordinates are all marked. The transmission will be reliable, but magic support will still be difficult.]

"That's enough. Come slowly."

As always.

Tae-hyun crossed the gate first.

10th Celestial Realm.

Obelisk, the new Celestial Owner, replayed the information that Odin's messenger had just delivered.

[An event that can be called a great upheaval.]

It was more shocking than the news that the Lower Realm King had recently invaded the 10th Celestial Realm alone or that Osiris had been summoned and killed in the Lower Realm.

[A new Upper Realm King... not bad.]

He, otherwise known as the Stone Giant God, let out a pleased laugh.

A new Upper Realm King was born at the same time he became the new Celestial Owner.

Asmodeus.

He was said to be from the Lower Realm.

With the 1st and 9th Celestial Realms backing him, he gained the recognition of the Owners of the 2nd to 8th Celestial Realms and ascended to the Upper Realm King.

Some were defeated in battle, and some were defeated with strategy.

The important thing was that the 10th Celestial Realm was excluded from the Upper Realm King's visit.

He had simply notified them through Odin's messenger.

Odin, appearing in runes, said that the Upper Realm King would soon be summoning them and that he wanted to end the racial war.

Coincidentally, recently.

Obelisk had discovered traces of the Sun God descending to the Lower Realm.

[Ra. How far do you intend to fall.]

The former Celestial Owner that he and Osiris had worked together to bring down.

He coveted his corpse.

The Eye of the Sun had been taken by Osiris, but if he only had that powerful body, he would possess enough power to be on par with another Celestial Owner.

When that happened.

[The 10th Celestial Realm will regain its former glory.]

He thought of the forces of the 9th Celestial Realm stationed in the 10th Celestial Realm.

This was proof that the situation in the 10th Celestial Realm was unusual, but from Obelisk's point of view, the current situation, in which the Owner of the 9th Celestial Realm personally provided troops and maintained cooperation, was not bad either.

The current Owner of the 9th Celestial Realm was the one who had murdered the previous Owner and seized the position.

He was the Demonic Dragon, considered the strongest except for Baal.

Even among such Demonic Dragons, those who were renowned were stationed in the 10th Celestial Realm.

No matter how the Lower Realm King managed to invade, he would not be able to escape as easily as before.

Then.

Kugugugung.

The 10th Celestial Realm trembled.

No, what trembled was the Divine Tree connected to the 10th Celestial Realm.

[What's going on….]

Before he could shout and assess the situation.

Thud. Thud.

Something soft touched Obelisk's sturdy body.

[…….]

There was something humanoid in front of him.

And the moment he realized that what touched his body was a human finger.

Hwaak.

A massive divine power erupted from Obelisk's body.

Obelisk.

His alias was the Stone Giant God.

The one who became the Owner of the 10th Celestial Realm after the Sun God Ra and the Sky God Osiris.

As a Named Absolute Being, he had participated in the racial war many times, and the reputation he had built was sufficient to become the new Owner.

Was that all?

Obelisk had the strong backing of the 9th Celestial Realm.

The situation was different from Osiris, who received support through a tacit agreement with the Owner of the 7th Celestial Realm.

The Owner of the 9th Celestial Realm had sent Demonic Dragons, who were considered Obelisk's equal and boasted absolute power under his command.

That was why Obelisk was able to quickly restore his position as Celestial Owner.

Tae-hyun had come in such a situation.

He couldn't help but laugh as he looked at the new Lower Realm King.

"Are you glad to see me?"

Korean.

He had already completed a rough assessment of Kim Tae-hyun.

Earth in the Intermediate Realm.

A native of a trivial country among them.

[So, you were chosen by the previous Lower Realm King because you were from the same homeland. You even survived Odin.]

It was no secret among the Celestial Owners that the Owner of the 7th Celestial Realm was trying to influence Earth.

"Are you in a situation where you can worry about others?"

Tae-hyun, having completely crossed the gate, revealed his aura.

It was different from when he faced Horus or Osiris before.

'The Upper Realm King's spell isn't working.'

There was only one possible explanation.

Just like Tae-hyun had done.

'That Asmodeus. Did he disable the Upper Realm King's spell?'

That was probably what he had done in order to fully awaken the Upper Realm King's power, but it was also an opportunity that the Lower Realm, which had constantly been invaded by the Upper Realm, would never have again.

Perhaps it was a trap aimed at their invasion.

Even so.

'I won't refuse.'

Tae-hyun had no intention of retreating any further.

He realized after fully awakening his power.

His growth was over.

He had surpassed the divine might that the Doppelganger had shown in the Mental World.

Even if he gained new power, there would only be practical differences, and his power would not change significantly.

Asmodeus was different.

Unlike himself, who had been prepared by the Lower Realm King, he didn't know what preparations Baal had left for that guy.

Considering that the Divine Tree was still alive in the Upper Realm, Asmodeus would hold more potential as the racial war dragged on.

"You. You think I've fallen into a trap?"

Tae-hyun read the emotions of a hunter aiming for prey from Obelisk.

It wasn't unreasonable to think so from a position where he didn't know the circumstances.

[Honestly. It's even embarrassing.]

Obelisk took a step forward.

That alone changed his eye level with Tae-hyun.

The more he released divine power, the closer he returned to his true form.

[This much should be good for starters.]

Obelisk, who had become three times Tae-hyun's size, raised his right hand.

The huge divine power, condensed and condensed, wriggled as if it were muscle.

His fist was swung at a speed that didn't match his size.

Kwaduk.

The jaws that appeared behind Tae-hyun bit the giant's arm.

He looked down at the arm that had been torn off.

[Indeed... the power of the Lower Realm King I've only heard about.]

'This….'

An attack using his innate strong body.

Arrogance that looked down on the opponent because he was confident in his own existence.

'It felt familiar somehow.'

"You're a combination of Typhon and Orgal?"

Tae-hyun grinned and awakened his crimson magic power.

Obelisk also manifested his true form without delay.

Its size was not inferior to Typhon's.

[This time, you won't be able to escape.]

The ground shook.

Divine power was replenished along the splitting ground.

"Unlike Osiris, you expand your territory through the ground."

[…….]

"Once the ground is completely formed, not even an Absolute Being can escape without analyzing it. Ra said it was quite troublesome because of that."

[Ra…. Did that traitor contact you?]

Obelisk growled.

That alone shook the gate that Tae-hyun had crossed.

[Once the territory is activated.]

No one can escape without the permission of God.

Swish.

It even felt like a huge meteor was falling.

He parried the Stone Giant God's fist with Predation and protected the gate with the remaining magic power.

Wooong- Wooong- Woooong-.

The gate shook unsteadily.

Obelisk's torn body was restored.

[If I hunt you, the fallen status of the 10th Celestial Realm will be rebuilt. It's an ideal situation.]

Clang. Clang. Clang.

The Stone Giant God's body and Predation's jaws were repeatedly destroyed and regenerated.

An equal fight.

About 10 seconds had passed since the confrontation.

Crack!!

[……!!]

Predation snarled more viciously than ever before.

Obelisk wrapped his fist in twice as much divine power as before.

"It's enough now."

Taak!!

Tae-hyun snapped his fingers.

Bang!!

The Stone Giant God's fist collapsed as it was.

[What….]

"It means that stalling for time is enough."

At the same time.

Wooong- Woooong-.

The Archduke who crossed the gate appeared.

546

Igmun looked around.

His blood-red eyes shifted from Taehyun to Seok Geosin.

[Elven, that bitch said the gate was unstable. Was a barrier in effect?]

Igmun offered a brief comment on the domain.

[Hagye Wang. Instead of fleeing, you called for support?]

Obelisk reacted with amusement.

He thought Taehyun would have the authority to mobilize the Archdukes.

He was surprised that the first Archduke he called was not the Succubus Queen but the Vampire Lord.

Obelisk's blue eyes scanned Igmun.

'It wouldn't be bad to bring in a few more.'

By now, the Demon Dragons who felt the clash of power would have started moving as well; it wouldn't be bad to bring in a few more Archdukes to annihilate them.

One thing that bothered him was the magic power Hagye Wang had shown a moment ago.

'He hasn't shown his full power yet.'

He's not at full power either, but depending on the extent, the possibility of cleanup becoming ambiguous cannot be ignored.

[Igmun. I heard you're not on good terms with Hagye Wang?]

[Yesterday's enemy can be today's ally. Remember that, you blockhead.]

Instead of an answer, Obelisk's fist swung.

Bang.

Its size is like Typhon, but its movement is like Orgah.

It was a speed that he couldn't get used to even after fighting it several times in the past tribal wars.

[Still... I can handle it quite well now.]

Geugeugeugeuk.

Igmun, wielding the Blood Sword, began a power struggle where he met Obelisk's fist.

Hagye Wang's sorcery and Sanggye Wang's sorcery had both disappeared.

The Archdukes no longer needed to cower before the Absolute, and there was no reason to avoid the master of the Celestial Realm.

Kagagagagak.

The Blood Sword cut about half of Seok Geosin's arm.

"Oh, Igmun."

Taehyun, who was watching, applauded with admiration.

Has a being from Hagye ever been this active in Sanggye?

Igmun would be the first.

[Don't you dare criticize this noble being!!]

Igmun shouted and opened the Blood Field.

Obelisk's domain and Igmun's domain collided, causing the space to ripple.

It couldn't be called a complete field, but it was enough to delay the intervention of the Absolute in the area.

'Then, I'll leave that stone to Igmun.'

Taehyun focused on supplying magic power to the gate.

To ease Elven's burden even a little.

Five seconds later.

From far away, the Absolutes broke through Igmun's Blood Field and revealed themselves.

[Hagye Wang...!!]

[This time, the Archduke is with him!!]

[...Block the gate first.]

They exchanged such conversations among themselves.

"Too late."

Taehyun grinned as he confirmed the new magic power descending upon the area.

[...Is this the Celestial Realm?]

Gilfel, who had unfolded an incomplete Purgatory, quickly grasped the situation.

[It certainly feels heavier on the body than Hagye.]

Cheeeeeik-.

Poisonous thorns scratched Obelisk's body, which was engaged in battle.

It melted the Seok Geosin's solid flesh with poison and stabbed the thorns into it.

Two domains that do not collide.

The magic power of the two Archdukes is canceling out the divine power.

[Such petty tricks....]

Before Obelisk could finish speaking.

Woong- Woong- Wowoong-.

Orgah appeared from the gate.

'What is this nonsense....'

It was a moment of panic at the Archdukes crossing over earlier than expected.

Orgah glanced around once and opened his brown magic power.

[This body's hardness is compressed muscle. But big guys are the most fun to hunt.]

As if he didn't care about the Absolutes who were breaking through Igmun's 'Blood Field' and Gilfel's 'Purgatory'.

Kwaang!!!

Orgah's fist, which had penetrated, struck the huge body.

It was the biggest attack that Obelisk, who was busy blocking the Blood Sword and thorns, had allowed.

Koong.

[Keup....]

Obelisk knelt on one knee due to the unexpected power.

"Sorry."

Taehyun, who was guarding the gate, looked at the scene with pleasure.

"Our friends are a bit dirty."

They're pulling dirty tricks unlike the Archdukes.

Obelisk's shout echoed throughout the area.

[Fair and square.]

[Does that put food on the table?]

[Puhuhuhuhu.]

The three Archdukes, who had experienced many changes while working with Taehyun.

They continued their one-sided attack.

While watching the Archdukes pressuring Obelisk, I checked the status of the gate.

It is unstable.

'For now, it's three.'

It's Elven's first time transferring multiple Archdukes to the Celestial Realm.

The durability of the gate, which had been transferring huge presences in succession, was running out.

For example, it's like an early experimental model right now.

'Even if I stabilize it, it's limited to about one person for now.'

With Ra's help, the analysis of the 10 Celestial Realms is complete.

For now, just one Archduke is enough for the current Obelisk.

Even so, the reason I'm still keeping it alive is for the sake of being bait.

Coincidentally, the Absolutes of the 10 Celestial Realms who had broken through 'Blood Field' and 'Purgatory' were approaching.

"It's not your turn yet."

Ttak.

As I snapped my fingers, darkness descended.

The Absolutes who were trying to help Obelisk cut through the chains that were sticking to them with a dumbfounded expression.

When a huge force was raging in the 10 Celestial Realms.

An alien presence was detected.

"Bingo."

Kwaaaaa.

A huge breath tore through the Apocalypse.

[Stop.]

9th Celestial Realm Absolute, Demon Dragon Bart.

The Dragon Language he used swept through the area.

Not only the Absolutes resisting the Apocalypse, but also the Archdukes and Obelisk stopped fighting.

[Is that a Dragon Language?]

[Demon Dragon... Bart.]

[It's been a while since I've seen your face.]

Orgah was a face he was seeing for the first time, and Gilfel and Igmun were familiar with him.

Demon Dragon.

The ancestor of the Seven Dragon Tribes, a true Dragon in the truest sense.

Koong.

Bart landed next to the battered Obelisk.

[What a disgrace. Seok Geosin.]

[......]

Obelisk gritted his teeth at the 9th Celestial Realm Absolute's reproach.

He knows that whatever he says will sound like an excuse.

Above all, he is now not an ordinary Absolute, but the master of the Celestial Realm.

He didn't like being treated like this.

Whoong.

Blood-red magic power scratched past Bart's body.

It was sword energy derived from the Blood Sword that Igmun had wielded.

[Igmun. You've been promoted more than I thought. Is it thanks to the new Hagye Wang?]

Bart smiled even at the attack of the Archduke who had made a scratch on his body.

[Those annoyingly hard scales are still the same.]

[You were the servant of the Succubus Queen who couldn't even make eye contact in the past. Now that you've become an Archduke, have you forgotten your place?]

It was a word aimed at Igmun, but in reality it was a warning to all three Archdukes.

"Hey~ Don't make our Igmun feel inferior."

Taehyun intervened.

Only then did the Demon Dragon's gaze move.

[I suspected as much, but you're a 'human' like the previous one.]

A mineral-like gaze scanned Taehyun.

A dragon with blue eyes.

'He's on a different level from the Dragon Tribe I've fought so far.'

I feel a rank equal to Hazard.

At that moment.

Koong. Koong. Koong.

Three more Demon Dragons landed behind Bart.

[Three Archdukes attacking one master of the Celestial Realm. Were you trying to gain numerical superiority?]

With mockery, the four Demon Dragons emitted ferocity.

Magical Energy.

The ferocity that only Hazard should have been able to use pressured Taehyun and the three Archdukes.

The three Archdukes resisted by emitting their respective magic powers, and Taehyun drew the Dragon Slayer Sword.

"I want to forge one sword with that much ferocity."

Pazjik. Pazjik.

Scattering lightning.

"I'll take care of two Demon Dragons."

Taehyun joined the battle.

The previous Sanggye Wang.

Originally, he was the only one who was the Demon Dragon, but Baal succeeded in increasing the number of individuals by some means.

As a result, the Demon Dragon Race had a stronger presence than any other race in Hagye.

The Demon Dragons did not put their energy into expanding their territory.

They simply quietly raised their presence in Baal's territory.

Because they know that the purpose of their existence is not just to rule Hagye.

Some Demon Dragons raised successors.

The successor's successor continued to follow the family line, and the blood of the Demon Dragon thinned.

The Demon Dragons that Baal created were now divided into seven species.

They didn't even know who their ancestors were, but they instinctively maintained their reverence for the Demon Dragon.

A long time passed.

[Bart. The Demon Dragon King wants to become the Sanggye Wang.]

The existence that the Demon Dragon King created first.

There was a summons from 'Ragna', the leader of the Demon Dragons.

[Where is the annihilation site?]

[9th Celestial Realm. We will make that the Demon Dragon's territory.]

The advance to the Celestial Realm.

It was something they had been waiting for for a long time.

[I accept the order.]

One or two forces similar to Bart's entered the 9th Celestial Realm.

When all of the thirty Demon Dragons and the leader Ragna had gathered.

The master and Absolutes of the Celestial Realm screamed and wailed.

Before long, Ragna was enthroned as the new Demon Dragon King and the master of the 9th Celestial Realm.

It was a major event that occurred just before Baal became the Sanggye Wang when the Demon Dragon took root in the Celestial Realm.

The moment Bart recalled the old memories was fleeting.

During that short time, he analyzed the lightning that had scratched his scales dozens of times.

[…Is that the authority of the Giant King?]

"Correct."

Lightning and wind.

Taehyun answered by blowing away one Demon Dragon with two elements.

[There shouldn't be any more Meisters left in Hagye.]

It is impossible for even a decent Meister to put the Archduke's authority into a weapon.

Above all, the combination of authority and materials must be a good fit.

In that respect.

[I feel unpleasant.]

Bart stared at Taehyun's Dragon Slayer Sword, which was scattering lightning.

He felt his origins there.

Taehyun was also surprised.

'This guy is barely affected by the lightning.'

Several attacks have hit, but there is no meaningful damage.

The Demon Dragon's scales themselves are hard, but they were neutralizing the lightning that flowed through the scales.

As if he had some sort of attribute resistance.

'Ra' doesn't know much about the Demon Dragon, so it was Taehyun's first time encountering the information.

[That sword. It was made by hunting the leader of the Blue Tribe. The contemporary Lord must have thankfully allowed it.]

Taehyun suppressed his overwhelmed heart by recalling his friendship with the leaders.

"Bordeaux. He was a good guy."

[......]

Bart opened his mouth without answering.

Pazjik. Pazjik.

Lightning different from the previous one gathered in the huge mouth.

Before I knew it, thunderclouds had settled in the area.

'Ferocity.'

Even though I didn't directly touch the attack, I feel a tingling sensation all over my body.

If I feel this way, the other Archdukes must be feeling even more pressure.

As expected.

Kwaang!!

Igmun was seen being thrown away in the distance.

One Demon Dragon that had been pushed back by Taehyun's attack rushed at the guy who was fighting another Demon Dragon.

It seemed that he had judged that suppressing the Archdukes was more profitable than suppressing Taehyun.

Kim Taehyun.

That son of a bitch.

That bastard I want to tear apart to kill has finally.

Igmun's curses, shouting at the top of his lungs, echoed.

"Like an ungrateful vampire. When will you come to your senses?"

Taehyun sighed as he watched Igmun fighting two Demon Dragons.

[Why aren't you revealing your full power? Is it to protect the gate behind you?]

Still with his mouth open.

Bart's voice echoed throughout the area.

That's not wrong.

It's true that I'm paying attention to the gate to ease Elven's burden.

But above all.

"It's not worth it."

Taehyun drew out the lightning energy contained in the Dragon Slayer Sword.

[......?]

"This level is perfect for a guy like Igmun."

[......]

The Vampire Lord's curses were heard in the ears of the silent Bart.

547

To compare the demon dragon who conquered the lower realm to a mere incubus.

[...]

The proud Bart was speechless.

Arrogant.

Arrogance as an individual often stems from great power.

What about the king of the lower realm before him?

Let's see.

[I will confirm it.]

Breath accumulated in the giant maw spread out wide.

A different dimension from the breath used by the dragons of the lower realm, to the extent that it could puncture the weak 10 Heavens if its power didn't diminish.

That breath.

Crack.

Was blocked by a wall that suddenly sprang up.

Taehyun created an ice wall by mixing water and earth attributes with just a stomp of his foot.

"Hey, are you some ancestor of Bordeaux?"

Taehyun asked, checking the ice wall that had melted by about 90%.

Bart silently spewed breath.

A total of three breaths were fired, two at Taehyun's ice wall, and the other unfortunately hit Igmun, who was fighting the two demon dragons.

[…Kim Tae-hyeooooon…!!!]

Just allowing one attack.

Igmun, who began ultra-fast regeneration with crimson magic power, spewed profanity.

Igmun, who landed next to Taehyun, glared as if he would swing his blood sword at any moment.

"Don't make a fuss. Opportunities to check your durability against a demon dragon are rare."

Contrary to his words.

Crack.

Shatter.

He used Predation to protect Igmun from Bart's fourth breath.

[He has achieved a higher level of class than expected.]

[No wonder the 10 Heavens can't stop him.]

[The Archdukes are also not what they used to be.]

Taehyun looked at the demon dragons gathered around Bart.

'If two demon dragons stick together, can even an Archduke who controls his power be dealt with?'

It would be troublesome if an Archduke who has to deal with a Heavenly Realm ruler is pushed back by just a transcendent.

Even with differences in compatibility, the demon dragons' level was higher than expected.

[Don't look at me like that. I was just matching the beats appropriately.]

"Yeah. Thanks for the hard work collecting information while getting hit."

[You son of a…]

While ignoring Igmun's curse, three energies concentrated.

There were demon dragons listening to the conversation at the epicenter.

[You're saying it like you went easy on us.]

Clang.

Igmun deflected the lightning that struck down on Taehyun.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

"It's also a talent to say something obvious as if it's not."

He unleashed crimson magic power.

That was the signal.

Boom!!

The demon dragon that Gilfer was fighting fell next to Bart.

[...]

[...]

[...]

Whoosh- Whoosh-.

With a roar, the gate spewed out the last Archduke.

Dragonkin.

The Dragon Lord with seven different hair colors.

Hajard's red eyes scanned the four demon dragons.

"Hajard. They're your opponents."

Checking her lips curving up, he reassigned opponents.

[Indeed. Thanks to you, I get to see my ancestors.]

With the release of magic power.

The Lords of the seven tribes manifested in their true forms.

Dragon Fear.

An authority only demon dragons can use.

The energy used by the dragons of the lower realm can be said to be a lower version of that Fear.

[Is that the brat from the castle?]

Bart immediately identified Hajard.

The mutant they had abandoned in the castle before advancing to the upper realm.

That kid had become a demon dragon equal to them and was emitting Fear.

[I greet the ancestors of the Azure Clan.]

Rumble.

Contrary to the respectful words, Hajard's energy became even denser.

An energy that suppressed not only the four demon dragons but the entire area.

Although an enemy, it was a greeting as a species with the same origin.

[A useful dragon has emerged in the later generations.]

[He possesses the characteristics of all seven species.]

[Bart. What are you thinking of doing?]

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Bart checked Orgal, who was fighting Obelisk far away in a battle of fate.

Igmun, Gilfer, Hajard, Kim Taehyun.

He scanned the Archdukes, who were acting leisurely in front of the four demon dragons.

[Archdukes are unnecessary. The King of the Lower Realm will be captured alive.]

[I'll have to make an effort.]

[Those guys are doing ultra-fast regeneration here too.]

[The Demon King's opponent is me.]

[The gate cannot be used for the time being.]

Gilfer said, catching his breath.

"This amount of personnel is enough for now."

[What are those guys doing?]

Hajard asked, watching Orgal and Obelisk mindlessly hitting each other.

It seemed truly savage, as if they were determining who had the strongest durability in the Three Thousand Worlds, exchanging blows one by one.

"Leave them alone. After all, we have Igmun."

[Don't treat this one like that…]

Taehyun ignored Igmun's dissatisfaction and told him the general situation.

"Ah, by the way, Hajard. Information gathering isn't over yet."

[I agree. I hope for a little more engagement for the next Heavenly Realm entry.]

Gilfer said, dripping poison from his thorns.

[If you all say so. This dragon should enjoy a little play as well.]

Grrrrrrrrr.

Seven wish-granting jewels were created around Hajard.

The energy acting on the area was strengthened just by that.

While they were all ignoring each other, the battle resumed.

[These bastards…]

Igmun, who was ignored by Taehyun, Gilfer, and Hajard, belatedly joined the battle.

First, the Dragon Lord and the demon dragon's tail collided.

[Ancestors of the Azure Clan. You're weaker than I thought.]

[Do you think so?]

Bart chuckled at the arrogance of his descendant.

At the same time, he wanted to commend his descendant, who had achieved a class similar to his own.

[I'll show you.]

Thunderclouds gathered.

Bart's body was engulfed in lightning.

Second Phase.

The true power the demon dragon showed when hunting the 9 Heavens.

Around Bart, a huge storm of lightning and Fear swirled.

Hajard quietly watched the scene.

Then.

Swish.

Thwack.

A huge spear pierced through the lightning and Fear and struck Bart's neck.

A blood spear containing the authority of 'Enhancement' and the authority of 'Regeneration'.

The crimson magic power coiling around the spear absorbed Bart's magic power.

[……!!]

Bart wasn't the only one surprised.

Gilfer and Taehyun, who were fighting separately, looked at Igmun, who was bursting into laughter.

Whether it was intentional or not, the blood spear did not disappear and was simultaneously absorbing Bart's magic power and divine power.

[A useless act…]

Hajard frowned.

"A guy without commercial ethics."

Taehyun shook his head.

He suffered an attack from an Archduke who revealed his true power.

The injury Bart sustained could be said to be serious.

Before the other three demon dragons could even react, Hajard rushed at Bart and twisted his neck.

He penetrated the seven wish-granting jewels, turning the inside of the strong body into a mess.

Thump.

The origin of the Azure Clan and the famous transcendent of the 9 Heavens met a futile end.

Crack.

Her forefoot trampled on the demon dragon's neck, which had been showing a fierce momentum until just now.

[Damn vampire bastard.]

Having lost interest in the battle due to the intervention, she flew to the demon dragon Igmun was fighting.

Bang.

The demon dragon of similar size was knocked away by a normal headbutt.

Hajard bit the neck of the nameless demon dragon.

The hard scales were torn like paper to her teeth.

Thwack.

At the same time, Gilfer's thorns pierced the demon dragon's heart, and Taehyun's dragonslaying sword split the demon dragon's scales.

Four corpses of demon dragons who had lost their driving force lay scattered on the ground.

[…What….]

Obelisk, who was fighting Orgal, had an unbelievable expression.

Each one was at a level equal to his own, or perhaps even higher, but the demon dragons were easily defeated.

[The existence that bought the dragons' awe has settled in the Upper Realm.]

Orgal clicked his tongue and calmed the giant god's embarrassment.

"Orgal~ Igmun overturned the board. Clean up now."

[Hoohoohooo. Vampire guy, you've been piling up a lot.]

Bang.

Obelisk's arm collapsed from the colliding fists.

Cheeeeee-.

Serrated.

Gilfer's thorns and Igmun's blood sword severed the giant god's legs.

Rumble.

Hajard's energy crushed the head of the giant god who had lost his lower body.

Thump.

The giant god slammed his head.

Is that all a guy who was aiming for the Heavenly Realm ruler could do?

"To think that I've been keeping a guy like you alive. Raga was a saint."

Taehyun belittled Obelisk's power.

[This….]

Bang.

The giant god's head, which was about to say something, was slammed again.

Because Hajard's energy had been strengthened.

[Is the 10 Heavens cleaned up with this?]

"Gilfer. Such remarks are dangerous."

[…This one was reckless.]

It was at that moment.

Magic power soared from the giant bodies of the four demon dragons who were like corpses.

They arbitrarily began to transform into Phase 2.

Taehyun and the Archdukes quietly watched the series of processes.

[I can't believe it.]

The one who said that was something that had taken over Bart's body.

"Ruler of the 9 Heavens. You're acting like a coward, even though you're the new Demon Dragon King."

Taehyun recognized the existence beyond Bart's blue eyes, manipulating the demon dragon's corpses.

[Key of the King of the Lower Realm.]

Rumble.

Unprecedentedly huge Fear pressed down on the party.

The ruler of the 9 Heavens was showing his power by borrowing the bodies of the four demon dragons.

"It's not a key anymore. It's the King of the Lower Realm."

[...]

"I've fully grasped your side's power."

Saying that, he pointed to Igmun, who had a dissatisfied expression.

"Look, this is the strongest Archduke forged for this species war. No matter what you do, you can't avoid that guy's blood sword. This King of the Lower Realm guarantees it."

[...]

No, what nonsense is that crazy guy spouting again.

It was when Igmun couldn't speak because of the contractor's actions of using his name so casually.

[…There will be a price to pay.]

With thunderclouds, the giant bodies of the four demon dragons merged into one.

Divine magic power swirled from the four mouths.

"Ruler of the 9 Heavens. I'm not your opponent."

Igmun is a feint.

Kwaaa.

Rear of the demon dragon.

In an instant, the seven breaths gathered in Hajard's mouth, which had transformed into Phase 2.

[Wait for me, Demon Dragon King.]

The four breaths and the seven breaths collided.

[This dragon will come to find you.]

Excluding the four breaths that were canceled out.

The three breaths completely swallowed the demon dragon's body.

A giant blood sword in the shape of a cross split the demon dragon's scales.

Thorns that were not inferior to the blood sword pierced the demon dragon's eyes.

[Those who don't know pride…]

Swish.

Thwack.

The dragonslaying sword dug into the demon dragon's neck.

"Does pride feed you?"

Taehyun whispered sweet mockery.

Above the 10 Heavens.

In the sky once called Osiris' domain, an existence maintaining a human form revealed itself.

It was 'Ra', who had formed a new 'Eye of the Sun'.

[It's spectacular.]

He muttered, watching the battle between the Archdukes and the demon dragons unfolding below.

It was not an exaggeration to say that the Archdukes and the King of the Lower Realm were easily suppressing the demon dragons, even though they had not revealed their true powers.

It was not because the demon dragons were weak.

Long ago, they were the ones who came up from the lower realm and usurped the 9 Heavens with a small number of individuals.

They were made directly by the one who was the Upper Realm King, so it would be strange if they were weak.

The four demon dragons were killed for a moment.

Ragna, the ruler of the 9 Heavens, had his aura rising from the corpses.

[As expected, he had cast a spell.]

Ra's blue eyes sparkled.

Mixing the four corpses together, a chimera with a size about three times the original opened its maw.

Four breaths were being prepared from the four mouths subordinate to one torso.

The giant body of Hajard, who had moved behind in the blink of an eye, was transformed.

The tail and wings grew longer, and three more horns sprouted.

A form the dragons called Phase 2.

Seven breaths were condensed in his mouth.

The relative size was small, but the condensed energy was divine magic power equal to that of the demon dragon.

Four of the seven breaths were canceled out, and the remaining three breaths covered the demon dragon's body.

Igmun and Gilfer lightly added spoons.

Cracks appeared in the magic stone forming the spell on Kim Taehyun's sword.

The demon dragon's scales were torn to shreds by Hajard's breath.

A smile spread across the lips of 'Ra', who was watching.

He thought that each one had a power sufficient to face a Heavenly Realm ruler.

Kwaang.

His gaze turned towards the epicenter of the explosion.

There, compared to the battles of the demon dragons, was a relatively simple fight.

Obelisk, called the Stone Giant God, and the Demon Beast King of the Lower Realm were exchanging blows.

Bang.

If Obelisk landed a blow.

Bang.

Orgal returns a blow.

Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.

[Savage…]

'Ra' sighed at the raw battle, as if they were competing to see whose durability was superior.

548

He was completely caught up in Orgal's rhythm.

Although Obelisk enjoyed combat using his innate strength, he wasn't just any celestial absolute.

If he claimed to be the ruler of the Celestial Realm, he should have fought accordingly.

Instead of reigning supreme with only his power, he should have nurtured the weaker ones and used them as shields.

In that regard, Osiris was more suited to be the Celestial Realm's ruler.

[Foolish.]

The Celestial God he painstakingly created was now one with Jormungandr and no longer existed.

And now.

Kwaang!!

Kwarururu.

Another creation was falling before the Demon Beast King.

Even the Stone God was a being painstakingly created over a long time.

[A futile end.]

To witness the end of his creation, Ra descended.

Fuhuhuhuhu.

[Was my body more robust?]

Orgal said, looking down at his battered body.

Before him, Obelisk, whose lower body had collapsed, was emitting fighting spirit.

But unlike the fierce aura, his body could no longer be restored.

His divine power had reached its limit.

Kwang!!

The Demon Beast King's fist caved in the giant god's face.

Kwajik. Kwajik. Kwajik.

Unable to regenerate, the giant god completely lost its form after just three punches.

[Regeneration and enhancement. The combination of powers seems quite decent.]

Tuk.

Ra, who had landed next to Orgal, commented.

[Did you notice?]

[That power can't be hidden.]

Sssss.

A moment as grey mana soared from Orgal's body.

The wounds Obelisk had inflicted completely healed.

Although there was some mana consumption, he was in such perfect condition that it was hard to believe he had just fought a fierce battle.

[Fuhuhu. It has to be this strong to hunt the Celestial Realm's ruler, doesn't it?]

Orgal's raised fist shimmered faintly.

God-Demon Power.

A new power learned by each Archduke in preparation for this Upper Realm invasion.

"Orgal, don't overdo it with your mediocre proficiency."

Taehyun, who had approached unnoticed, said.

Orgal's use of God-Demon Power was still unstable.

It was powerful enough against Obelisk, a half-baked Celestial Realm ruler, but whether it would work against a complete Celestial Realm ruler was unknown.

[Don't worry. At least I'll adapt faster than that Igmun guy.]

Orgal brought up the Vampire Lord, who still couldn't properly utilize God-Demon Power.

[Shut up. This noble doesn't need to rely on other powers like you.]

Igmun, who had also returned to a clean appearance using the power of regeneration, growled.

Tsk tsk.

Taehyun clicked his tongue, watching the Archdukes growl at each other at every opportunity.

But since there weren't many days left to see that sight, he didn't stop them.

He simply watched 'Ra' looking at the collapsed Obelisk.

[Why are you looking with such eyes?]

"I was wondering how it feels to have your creation destroyed before your eyes. I thought I'd worry about you as a friend."

'Ra' shook his head.

[Nonsense.]

Everyone was greedy for the Celestial Realm's ruler position.

But in reality, they didn't become beings worthy of it.

Osiris and Obelisk.

[Failures.]

Half-baked Celestial Realm rulers who couldn't unite until the end to become a complete ruler.

He coldly assessed his children who hadn't fully grown.

[Will you be alright?]

'Ra' looked at Hazard far away, in front of the corpse of the disappearing Dragon.

He fought the dragons with his power restricted.

That was to gather information for the battle in the 9th Celestial Realm.

Because only Hazard would be sent to the 9th Celestial Realm.

"Ah, that guy will be fine."

Taehyun said he was okay.

He told him there was no need to worry.

At that moment.

[Ra!!]

[Solar God!!]

One by one, the Absolutes of the 10th Celestial Realm, who couldn't cross the barrier secretly erected by Ra, gathered.

[Why did you betray us!!]

One of the Absolutes shouted.

One person's cry soon became a group, forming a huge will.

Osiris and Obelisk, who had dragged him down from the Celestial Realm ruler position.

Had he joined hands with the Lower Realm to punish them?

The Absolutes, who didn't know the truth, turned the arrows of blame towards 'Ra'.

'Ra', who had been quietly listening to their shouts, suddenly raised his presence.

A huge sun rose in the sky.

Hwareureureureu.

Just the rising of the huge sun melted Obelisk's body.

[Ah….]

The watching Absolutes stared blankly at the scene.

They realized the difference between the former Celestial Realm ruler and the current Celestial Realm rulers.

The rising sun stopped when it reached Osiris' domain, the sky.

Brilliant light descended on the 10th Celestial Realm, which had been devastated by the Archdukes' battles.

The traces of the magical power emitted by the dragons and the God-Demon Power disappeared.

Gods are not immune to the exhaustion of war.

The Absolutes of the 10th Celestial Realm, who had suffered more damage than anyone else in the long tribal wars, knelt down one by one.

[Ah…. Ra….]

[True ruler….]

There was no one who had shown fighting spirit and murderous intent just a moment ago.

One who could dominate everyone just by existing, without having to open his mouth.

'Yeah. That's the real Celestial Realm ruler.'

Taehyun and the Archdukes quietly admired the power of the complete Celestial Realm ruler.

Also.

[There are at least nine more like that ahead.]

[This is just the beginning.]

The arrogant Archdukes of the Lower Realm.

They realized the level of the enemies they had to face.

Not everyone welcomed Ra's return.

But in a situation already exhausted by internal strife, they couldn't dare to reject the absolute existence of the Solar God.

In front of the Divine Tree located in the 10th Celestial Realm.

There, Taehyun and the Archdukes were watching 'Ra' control the Divine Tree.

Kwaaaaa.

Unlike when they came to the 10th Celestial Realm, the branches of the Divine Tree formed a huge gate.

The 10th Celestial Realm and the Fairy Forest were connected.

The Archdukes who had remained in the Lower Realm crossed over all at once.

[A development that brings us one step closer to God's wish.]

'Ra' said, seemingly pleased.

The reason he helped in the tribal wars was to connect the Divine Trees of the 10 Celestial Realms, the Divine Tree of the Lower Realm, and the Divine Tree of the Middle Realm to study diversity.

Just the fact that the rulers of the Lower Realm were in his domain made him realize how much change there had been.

He wasn't the only one who felt new emotions.

[You did well.]

Rosaria, who had belatedly completely crossed the gate, said, seemingly pleased.

"Elven?"

[He said he would control the Divine Tree in the Lower Realm. Ra, can I ask you for the coordinates to the 9th Celestial Realm? I'm running out of energy, so you'll have to shoulder more of the burden. He told me to be sure to tell you.]

[I will. If we are connected to the Divine Tree of the Lower Realm now, it's not impossible to forcibly open the gate.]

He said he would support her well so that the Fairy King's energy wouldn't weaken.

"Hazard."

Taehyun called the name of the Archduke who had already finished preparing.

"Do you really want to do it alone?"

[No matter how many times you ask, this Dragon's thoughts will not change.]

It was a truly firm answer.

"So he says."

When Taehyun said that, Ra nodded.

Hwareureuk.

A gate made of the sun opened there.

A familiar energy from beyond the gate.

Magical power flowed out.

[It's the coordinates where the ruler of the 9th Celestial Realm is. I've been observing it for a long time, so it should be accurate. However, to return, you must directly contact the Divine Tree so that we can open the gate from here.]

It meant that he couldn't return unless he defeated the ruler of the 9th Celestial Realm.

[Victory or death. An interesting choice.]

[Hazard. As soon as you cross over, we will send the Dragon race of the Lower Realm. You only need to buy a moment of time until all the Dragon race arrive.]

Rosaria conveyed Elven's message.

[The Fairy King can't fail. I'll trust you.]

"Don't die."

[If you win the tribal war. We will meet again.]

Why was it funny, even though it was a truly arrogant statement that didn't assume his defeat?

Hazard crossed the gate.

There would be a slight time difference, but if it was Elven, he would safely send the seven Dragon races to the 9th Celestial Realm.

Hwareureu- Hwareureureu-.

A moment as the gate completely disappeared, a new gate was created.

It was a gate to the 8th Celestial Realm.

[Next is this one's turn.]

Orgal stepped forward.

"Is your recovery over?"

Fuhuhuhu.

The Demon Beast King burst into a raw laugh.

[Are you worrying in a way that doesn't suit you?]

"If you lose, it'll be a nuisance to the plan."

[Your sly tongue is still the same. There's no need to doubt, this one is in perfect condition.]

Kwaaaaa.

Brown magical power overflowed from Orgal's body.

The powers of the other Archdukes that Taehyun had imprinted on the magical power were weakly mixed in.

The ruler of the 8th Celestial Realm was Behemoth.

Ra said that it was where an Absolute of the Phantasmal Beast species, like 'Kirin', resided.

That was why Orgal was in charge of the 8th Celestial Realm.

He wanted to test himself through the Phantasmal Beast species, which was considered a higher version of the Demon Beast race.

[The ruler of the 8th Celestial Realm must be quite embarrassed.]

With the current Orgal, it was hard to imagine him losing easily.

'Ra' gave an objective assessment.

"If you're scared, you die."

[You're cursing.]

"It's the rule of the Lower Realm that the weaker ones die."

[Hehehe. I regret not killing you at our first meeting.]

Orgal recalled his bad relationship with Taehyun.

[Well, I'm grateful now.]

If not, he wouldn't have been able to cross the wall.

It was a relationship that started with a bad connection, but Orgal acknowledged Taehyun.

[Don't disappoint this one, King of the Lower Realm.]

"You too, don't pay too much attention to compressed muscles or something."

Fuhuhuhu.

What would a weakling know?

Orgal left those words and crossed the gate.

[Will it be alright?]

Ra asked, closing the gate leading to the 8th Celestial Realm.

"What again?"

[The rulers of the 9th and 8th Celestial Realms are no less than this body. Even though Hazard and Orgal have crossed the wall, defending is easier than attacking.]

The Dragon and Demon Beast races.

Their level might reach the Celestial Realm ruler, but he said that complete suppression would be difficult.

[There is still enough power to open the gate. It's not a bad choice to thoroughly suppress the 9th and 8th Celestial Realms and go slowly.]

He had been saying that since he established the plan before.

Even so.

Taehyun shook his head.

The reason he refused was different.

"They won't want it. You know too. Archdukes and Celestial Realm rulers are stupid enough to prioritize pride over life."

[I know. I just said it one more time because they're guys who are too good to waste away like this.]

'Ra' regretted it.

He was quite interested in the fact that Hazard and Orgal had grown from ordinary monsters to complete Celestial Realm ruler class.

It was different from Osiris or Obelisk, who were half-baked Celestial Realm rulers.

It was also different from Jormungandr, who only became a complete being after devouring Osiris' corpse.

The achievements they built themselves.

Currently, the Archdukes of the Lower Realm each had a background worth studying.

Research took a considerable amount of time.

He wanted to observe them more closely while proceeding with the tribal war.

At that time, Elven appeared as a new gate opened.

It was imitating the communication method used by Jormungandr.

[Contractor. I've sent all the Dragon and Demon Beast races.]

"Thanks for your hard work."

[I injected magical power to the limit as a gift for going to die, so my body is aching. More than that.]

Elven's gaze turned to the Solar God.

[Ra. You X-like bastard. Looking at your face without a drop of sweat, it's clear that this noble shouldered even more of the burden.]

Wince.

Was it Taehyun's imagination that Ra's body shook?

[…It's a foolish question, Fairy King. I'm tired too….]

[XX. You XX-like guy. You're looking at this noble as XX. I'll ask you one more time. If you lie this time, I'll turn your XX into XX. Was there even a bit of trickery in the gate usage just now?]

Depending on the answer, he would deprive him of access to the Divine Tree of the Lower Realm.

He laid down an ultimatum.

[…….]

"……."

There was a moment of silence.

And.

[I'm sorry… Fairy King.]

Ra slightly lowered his eyes.

[You X!!]

Elven's curses continued.

Sorry, Ra.

Tuk tuk.

Taehyun quietly patted the Solar God's shoulder.

549

"Okay, calm down. Let's focus on the next Celestial Realm. I'll keep a good eye on things. Right?"

Taehyun winked at the Sun God.

He couldn't keep getting cursed out like this.

That was the message he was sending.

[...]

He prided himself on having a wealth of experience, having lived as the master of the Celestial Realm.

But such one-sided abuse?

'If I'm assimilated with the Ten Celestial Sacred Beasts, I'm not inferior to the Fairy King.'

Should he show the dignity of the Sun God?

Should he impress upon that cursing elf the true power of the Celestial Realm's master?

He was pondering such things when.

Tap, tap.

Taehyun tapped Ra's shoulder once more.

Ra.

Don't do that.

You endure it.

His lips seemed to be saying that.

[...]

The deliberation didn't last long.

[Alright. I was wrong. I shall ask for forgiveness.]

[There won't be a next time. Be good.]

[...I understand.]

Elven's cursing ceased with the repeated apologies.

The Celestial Realm master wore a complicated expression, and the Archduke looked pleased.

Both were indispensable resources for carrying out the race war.

Taehyun, relieved that the relationship had been barely salvaged, changed the subject.

"Next is the Seventh Celestial Realm. What's the analysis of the barrier?"

[Connecting to the Ten Celestial Sacred Beasts, the amount of incoming information is certainly different.]

Elven had achieved the greatest growth since Ra joined.

By connecting the sacred beasts of the Ten Celestial Realms and the Lower Realm, he could wield both mana and divine power simultaneously.

Thanks to that, the success rate of activating the Celestial Realm's coordinates and gates had increased dramatically.

That was why they could open gates to the Ninth and Eighth Celestial Realms and move numerous monsters at the same time.

The Seventh Celestial Realm had layers of barriers that even 'Ra' couldn't penetrate.

It was designed to be difficult to move without using Odin's runes.

But that, too, was no longer an impossible task for the current Elven.

[The barrier analysis is complete. Movement is possible at any time.]

The coordinates were limited, but he was confident that the barrier had been completely deciphered.

[However, the number of Archdukes that can move together is limited to three. If I had a little more time, I could probably add one or two more...]

"No, I'll go right now."

The shorter the time, the higher the odds of victory.

Taehyun said he wouldn't delay.

[You are a truly hasty contractor.]

"There's no need to modify our plans because of Odin or anything."

[Your arrogance is greater than Lucifer's.]

Ra added slyly.

'So far, everything is going according to plan.'

Conquering the Seventh Celestial Realm was the most important part of this plan.

From the Fifth Celestial Realm onwards, it wouldn't be easy to open gates even with the power of Elven and Ra.

Therefore.

To capture the master of the Seventh Celestial Realm, who knew the coordinates of all Celestial Realms and could move freely.

That was the next goal.

The selected personnel for that were also determined.

[It's my turn to step up.]

[There's no room for you to interfere.]

[Hahaha. Aren't you the weakest of us all?]

Jormungandr, Igmun, Typhon.

The Archdukes selected by Taehyun to conquer the Seventh Celestial Realm stirred.

The remaining ones were Rosaria, Lucifer, and Gilfel.

They would remain in the Tenth Celestial Realm to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.

Trickle. Trickle.

Rosaria's tentacles wrapped around Taehyun.

A telepathic message was heard.

[Be careful, Contractor. Two snake-like fellows and one idiot. To think you're going to capture the Upper Realm's greatest trickster with such people, I can't help but worry.]

'Don't worry. I'll be sure to bring Typhon back alive.'

Rosaria's tentacles tightened around his body at Taehyun's joke.

[Succubus Queen. Are you planning to kill the Lower Realm King? Step aside, the Seventh Celestial Realm gate will be opened with the Fairy King.]

Fwoosh.

As 'Ra's' blue eyes sparkled, a gate twice as large as before opened.

Elven's colorless mana, connected to the sacred beast, was sucked into it.

It was specifying the coordinates for the Seventh Celestial Realm.

[Our approach has been detected. As soon as we cross over, a response will begin.]

"That's enough. Come over as soon as you're ready."

Taehyun said nonchalantly as he crossed the gate.

[I can no longer be fooled by the Lower Realm King's audacity.]

[Hahaha. That's what you call confidence, Sea Demon King. Has your brain degenerated like Igmun's?]

[Shut up, Typhon. Who do you think you're comparing?]

The three Archdukes growled at each other as they crossed the gate.

The place they left behind.

[It's a group that brings a smile every time I see them.]

[There's no need to sugarcoat it like that. It's an embarrassing sight to show the Celestial Realm Master. More importantly, what's the probability of capturing Odin alive?]

[Unless it's annihilation, less than 20% if the goal is capture.]

It was a bleak number, even with the Lower Realm King and three Archdukes sent together.

It wasn't that their power was lacking, but that Odin's skill was just too exquisite.

[My contractor is skilled at turning situations around.]

[The Succubus Queen is right. Ra, you should have a feeling by now, right? Kim Taehyun's cunning always creates variables.]

Lucifer, who had been silently watching, chuckled and acknowledged the possibility.

[What a truly affectionate relationship.]

But.

Would Odin fall so easily?

Ra quietly watched the closing gate.

It was just crossing a single gate.

What they saw was a blue sky adorned with countless spears of light.

[Annihilate them.]

At the Valkyrie Commander's command, numerous spears fell.

[Quite the warm welcome.]

Tzzzzz.

A Blood Field was created around the group.

Tzzz. Tzzzzzz. Tzzzzzzzz.

Hundreds of spears were absorbed without breaking through Igmun's field.

[Barely tickles.]

Taehyun glanced at Igmun, who wore a bitter smile.

He had used 'Rage of Blood' as soon as he fearfully crossed the gate.

To think he's acting so smug after merely blocking an attack from the Absolutes.

'Igmun. You still have a long way to go.'

It was at that moment.

[...Igmun!!!]

Crack.

A weapon that came flying from somewhere created a crack in the Blood Field.

The heavy impact surprised Igmun, who pulled out his blood sword with a rather astonished face.

Thud.

An Absolute clad in radiant armor landed in front of the group.

[Thor.]

Igmun's lips moved slightly.

He had recognized that the one that cracked his field was the divine Mjolnir.

[The Valkyries' enemy has come to us of his own accord. Have you finally resigned yourself to death?]

'That guy is Thor.'

One of the top forces in the Seventh Celestial Realm.

Also known as the God of Thunder, he excelled in close combat and fighting large numbers of enemies.

A notable point was that he didn't get along with Igmun.

As for compatibility, his was bad with Jormungandr's Sea of Demise.

That was why Taehyun had brought the two Archdukes himself.

Crackle.

A distinct crack formed in the Blood Field.

Additional lightning seeped into the crack, breaking the field.

[Where do you think you're going!!]

Tzzzzzzzz.

As Igmun pulled up his mana, the strengthened field quickly recovered.

[No one can be certain of my death.]

Bang.

Crackle.

Clang.

Crackle.

Crack.

Tzzzzz.

Clang.

Tzzzzzz.

Destruction and regeneration were repeated several times.

The shockwaves of the back-and-forth were so great that the Absolutes scattered throughout the Seventh Celestial Realm gathered one by one.

Before they knew it, hundreds of Valkyries and Absolutes surrounded the group.

'As expected, Odin is not here.'

It was a basic strategy for the Celestial Realm master not to easily reveal himself in his own territory.

He would watch the situation and move in for the kill when he judged that the group was exhausted enough.

'That's the method Taehyun had been using all along.'

"This should be enough. Jormungandr, how much time can you buy?"

[The number of Absolutes is more than I thought. 20 minutes. If I focus on defense while protecting you, about 10 minutes is the limit.]

"Good. Let's move according to plan."

[I've been waiting.]

Clang!!

Igmun, who had released the Blood Field, struck Thor's Mjolnir.

In his place, Jormungandr's Sea of Demise was summoned.

[The insolent ones are looking down on us.]

Jormungandr's odd eye flashed briefly.

The power of 'Rage' was applied to the Valkyries that adorned the sky.

His divine power had greatly increased after fusing with Osiris.

The Valkyries, except for the commander, were swept up in madness.

A giant fist was swung at Jormungandr, who was randomly unleashing his power.

Frost Giant.

He was an Absolute leading another force in the Seventh Celestial Realm.

Of course, his attack didn't reach Jormungandr.

[Hahahahaha.]

Typhon, who had transformed into a giant, spewed out streams of his power, blocking it.

While the three Archdukes drew aggro, Taehyun focused on detection.

Even if it was obscured by the sacred beast, the presence was so enormous.

It wasn't difficult to pinpoint the location.

Thump. Thump.

The Demon King's wings sprouted.

He kicked off the ground and lifted himself up.

With each flap of his wings, he knew he was getting closer to his target.

Occasionally, there were those who tried to chase him.

[How dare you take your eyes off me when I, myself, am in front of you.]

Sky.

Jormungandr's new territory restricted movement.

The sound of the exploding blood sword falling and the giant king's laughter gradually faded away.

And.

Bang!!

"……!!"

Taehyun instantly broke through the ceiling of a grand palace and landed.

Before his eyes was the one-eyed master of the Celestial Realm.

[Kim Taehyun.]

Odin twisted his lips.

"I told you we'd meet again, didn't I?"

Rip. Rip.

The Jaws of Gluttony covered the area.

Gluttony was the best means of attack and defense.

The Jaws of Gluttony had never missed anything since Taehyun became the Lower Realm King.

Crack!!

The ferocious jaws missed their prey for the first time.

Odin, engulfed in light, had evaded Gluttony.

No, rather than evaded.

'Disappeared?'

Taehyun wielded the Dragon Slayer Sword at the incomprehensible evasion.

Clang!!

The Spear of Longinus protected its master.

'Indeed. It's different from the replica.'

Pazzz. Pazzz.

It not only blocked the attack, but also controlled the lightning of the Dragon Slayer Sword clad in mana.

Clang. Clang. Clack.

After three exchanges, suddenly.

Screech-.

Whoosh.

The Dragon Slayer Sword engulfed in light disappeared.

[Sealing complete.]

Odin smirked and flicked his fingers.

'What, this bastard?'

[Next is the Lower Realm King's power.]

Evading the Jaws of Gluttony, Odin made an unknown hand gesture.

Just that alone slowed Gluttony's movements and made his body heavy.

A message didn't pop up, but it was a familiar energy.

'Is he imitating the Upper Realm Kings' magic too….'

Up, down, left, right.

Radiant chains appeared everywhere, without exception.

Odin proudly elaborated.

[The Chains of God. I had a hard time implementing them by grinding runes.]

The Jaws of Gluttony that touched the chains melted powerlessly.

Swish.

Clench. Clench.

The space itself took the form of chains.

He realized that the space itself was already the stage that guy had prepared.

'Evasion is impossible.'

Taehyun was caught in less than a few seconds.

[Even the previous Lower Realm King didn't rampage this much. You became careless after gaining excessive power.]

Swish.

The Chains of Light wrapped around his entire body without a gap.

[Just in case, I'll take those eyes.]

At the moment when sharply honed fingernails were about to pluck out Taehyun's red eyes.

Swish.

[……!!]

The Chains of God.

The divine artifact also known as the Chains of Binding wrapped around Odin.

"You were overconfident."

Taehyun's eyes, which had been red a moment ago, had turned blue.

[When….]

When Odin blinked again.

"Welcome."

Taehyun's eyes had changed to red and blue.

Odd eyes.

"Isn't this your first time being caught in an illusion?"

Taehyun welcomed the Celestial Realm master who had visited Personal Space.

Okay, here's the translation:

Episode 550

The Ten Celestial Realms each possess unique characteristics.

Some were places where dragon swarms congregated, others were jointly ruled by the Celestial Realm's masters, and still others were governed by the Celestial Realm master's bloodline.

Odin's Seven Celestial Realms, in that respect, possessed all the unique traits of the 10th, 9th, and 8th Celestial Realms.

Like 'Ra,' the master of the 10th Celestial Realm, a bloodline born with great power symbolized martial prowess; like 'Ragna,' the master of the 9th Celestial Realm, who seized territory from the perspective of an invader; and like 'Behemoth,' the master of the 8th Celestial Realm, whose innate power was shrouded in mystery.

The authority of runes.

Though the innate nature is singular, runes create diverse powers depending on how they are combined.

Odin was the best mage in the Upper Realm.

Before that, he was called the worst trickster in the Upper Realm, and that was why.

He shared the vision of all Absolutes through some kind of contractual method.

Thanks to this, he could know anything that happened within the Seven Celestial Realms.

Conversely, this also meant that his condition could be shared with the Absolutes.

[Lord Vidar. The war situation is not good.]

Hoder, an Absolute of the Seven Celestial Realms.

He frankly expressed his feelings.

[Lord Hoder. I am watching as well.]

A humanoid man wrapped in a robe.

The Absolute called Vidar answered while watching the battle unfolding below the cliff.

The Grand Dukes of the Lower Realm, Typhon, Yggmund, and Jörmungandr.

They revealed their true forms and were fiercely exchanging blows with the Absolutes and Valkyries of the Seven Celestial Realms.

Merely three Grand Dukes were turning one Celestial Realm into a wasteland.

[It seems the Grand Dukes made a contract with the King of the Lower Realm, is that true?]

Vidar didn't deny Hoder's words.

Because otherwise, the current situation couldn't be understood.

It wasn't that he hadn't faced the Grand Dukes before.

The battles mainly took place in the Lower Realm, and even in situations where the Absolutes couldn't display their full power due to the spells of the previous King of the Lower Realm, their superiority remained unchanged.

It had been reported that the Grand Dukes had made remarkable strides in the last thousand years, and that a new King of the Lower Realm had been born through the recently returned Absolutes.

[We should have dealt with them in the Intermediary Realm back then.]

Hoder said, unable to swallow his bitterness.

When the sacred tree bloomed in the Intermediary Realm.

The Absolutes of the Seven Celestial Realms moved faster than anyone else.

They manifested in the Intermediary Realm using the runes Odin had created.

In the process, they had to degrade over 90% of their power, but it was still a sufficiently promising plan.

That was because their prey had also degraded.

Even Odin took some losses and stepped forward, but the plan didn't succeed.

[The Succubus Queen and the Dragon Lord. To think they would have made preparations... ]

Regret was etched in Hoder's voice.

[It is our negligence that we usually neglected the place called 'Earth'.]

[If we had at least used the humans of Midgard to connect the dimensional gate first….]

Hoder mentioned the Intermediary Realm connected to the Seven Celestial Realms.

He also knew.

That the words he was uttering were all just hypotheticals.

That dwelling on past hypotheticals was no longer meaningful.

Midgard was the most influenced by the Seven Celestial Realms among countless Intermediary Realms.

The humans there had a culture of worshipping the Celestials and Absolutes of the Seven Celestial Realms as gods, and occasionally, among those who received divine grace, a Celestial Demigod of the 3rd Celestial Realm was born.

Similar beings were sometimes born.

A chosen Intermediary Realm.

It was the reason why the gods of the Seven Celestial Realms paid attention to Midgard, even neglecting other places.

[What can we do? Earth is the birthplace of the previous King of the Lower Realm. Access is only allowed from the Lower Realm.]

Kim Taehyun, who survived in the Intermediary Realm, had fully awakened as the King of the Lower Realm, and the power of the Grand Dukes contracted with him had also increased dramatically.

To the point of ascending to the Upper Realm and engaging in battle, equipped with unprecedented recklessness.

[Further hypotheticals are meaningless. Now that it has come to this, somehow catching those guys is the way to minimize the damage.]

Many Valkyries were losing their lives to Yggmund's blood sword.

Thor and two Absolutes were belatedly taking Yggmund's arms, but they were recovering in the blink of an eye with gray magic power.

The power of 'regeneration' that Lucifer, the former master of the 1st Celestial Realm, had obtained from the Lower Realm.

Yggmund was using that power as if it were his own.

[Those proud Grand Dukes have shared their powers. With the King of the Lower Realm's power added, there is no benefit to the Celestial Realm if this attrition warfare continues.]

[Then…]

[We must draw upon Lord Odin's power.]

[…Is that alright?]

Odin was currently fighting the King of the Lower Realm.

It was only a little while ago that they had received a report that the Absolutes in the vicinity couldn't even enter the barrier that had formed around him.

That meant that the battle was that fierce.

[Currently, Lord Odin is facing the King of the Lower Realm in a personal space.]

[Oh… I see….]

Hoder's blue eyes twinkled.

Odin's personal space had enough presence to withstand the presence of multiple Celestial Realm masters.

On the other hand, the opponent would have to taste a sharp decrease in presence in that absolute domain.

If they had entered there, even the King of the Lower Realm would have a hard time getting out unscathed.

By now, they would be fighting using their mental strength, so borrowing a few of Odin's powers wouldn't be a big burden, according to Vidar's judgment.

[…I will inform the others. That Lord Vidar will participate in the battle using Lord Odin's power…]

Vidar shook his head.

[No. To minimize the damage, the most effective way is to break the Grand Dukes' spirit.]

[What do you mean…?]

[Order the Absolutes to pull the troops back.]

[……?]

[It will be over when they see the King of the Lower Realm defeated. It's not too late to drive the Grand Dukes away then.]

Hoder's face, with his doubts resolved, brightened.

[Indeed… I understand!!]

Order followed order, and the fierce exchange stopped in an instant.

[Odin. Lord of the gods. Your servant humbly reveals his form.]

Vidar clasped his hands and chanted a spell.

Inside the castle where the master of the Celestial Realm resided was revealed in the blue sky of vast Asgard.

[Ho. He has entered personal space, has he?]

[Hmph. It might be a mental world.]

[Hehehehe.]

The three Grand Dukes watched the scene reflected in the blue sky.

It was a composure hard to imagine from their appearance of fighting in the enemy camp until just a moment ago.

[He intends to avoid unnecessary attrition. It's not a bad situation for us either.]

In the first place, their role was to concentrate the main forces of the Seven Celestial Realms to create a one-on-one situation between Taehyun and Odin.

Now that it had gone according to plan, there was no need to waste energy.

Thump.

Typhon lay on the floor, staring at his brother and the Celestial Realm master, who weren't moving in the blue sky.

Thud.

Yggmund also sat down, tilting his head towards the sky.

Swish.

Jörmungandr, transformed into a humanoid form, sat on a broken rock.

[This must be Vidar's idea.]

[Vidar?]

[A guy like Odin's alter ego. You could say he's the de facto second-in-command of the Seven Celestial Realms.]

[Hmph. You've been hiding such information well all this time.]

[Kekeke. Information loses its power the moment it is shared, wouldn't you agree?]

Tsk tsk.

Yggmund clicked his tongue and stared at his contractor who wasn't moving.

They had fought countless race wars, but not much was known about the master of the Seven Celestial Realms.

Yggmund also had no experience fighting the master of the Celestial Realm directly.

[So, what do you think?]

[The odds of winning? As far as I can tell, Odin's personal space is top-notch even in the Upper Realm.]

Yggmund's lips curled up.

[Are you saying there's a high probability that that arrogant contractor will be defeated?]

[We'll have to wait and see.]

It was a reaction hard to believe from their contractor.

[You're looking down on my brother. You know better than anyone about the 'existence' at the end of personal space, don't you?]

Yggmund's face, which had looked happy for a moment, twisted.

Doppelganger.

The being that personified the most savage power among the powers the previous King of the Lower Realm wielded.

It was because the face of the guy residing in Kim Taehyun's mental world came to mind.

[Tsk. You've spoiled the mood.]

[Don't be so discouraged, Yggmund. Think about the expressions those morons will make later.]

Yggmund's gaze turned to Thor, whom he had been fighting.

He recalled the Absolute Loki he had coveted when fighting Lucifer.

How much stronger could he become if he took the divine power of the guy who inherited the power of the Celestial Realm master?

Just a moment's carelessness.

That would be enough to plunge a blood sword into a vital spot.

The sound of the Celestials who had retreated far away buzzing was heard.

[Oh. It seems things are about to be settled.]

Different times flow inside and outside the personal space.

It wouldn't be strange if the battle between the Celestial Realm master and the King of the Lower Realm had already ended.

But.

[Hmm…?]

[That's….]

Unlike Taehyun, who was still motionless.

Screech-.

The Spear of Longinus was being created in Odin's hand, which was shaking slightly.

The Grand Dukes' faces hardened, while the Absolutes' cheers resounded.

'They say he's the best magician in the Upper Realm. He lives up to his name.'

Taehyun thought as he watched Odin dodging the maw of Gluttony here and there.

It was good that he had drawn him into personal space, but the guy's response wasn't bad either.

He had chosen to compete with Taehyun's domain with his own personal space.

That way, each time it was destroyed, they were unleashing new personal spaces and engaging in attrition warfare.

The time spent inside here was about several years.

'Has about 1 minute passed outside?'

Of course, if time continued to flow like this, it would be Taehyun who would be at a disadvantage.

Whoosh.

Odin, who had dodged Gluttony, took out a new personal space.

Just by doing that, the two domains collided and a collapse occurred.

[King of the Lower Realm. You're not using your full power.]

"I'd be in trouble if you were damaged."

[…….]

It took a moment to understand the meaning because he said it so naturally.

[Are you planning to capture a god alive?]

"Don't put it like that. Let's work together on something. I'll make sure to give you a generous reward."

Kik. Kikik.

[Kikikikik.]

Odin burst into laughter.

"Kikikikik."

Taehyun laughed back at him.

[To think I'd hear those words from the King of the Lower Realm… If the purpose was to make me laugh, you've succeeded.]

Taehyun tilted his head.

That's not it.

"I'm serious?"

[The position of Celestial Realm master comes with a considerable sense of responsibility.]

Even if I usually show a frivolous appearance, that doesn't reduce the weight of it.

[Quite a few Absolutes have shed blood. There's no way I can change my mind now as if nothing happened.]

"I thought so, too?"

[What would a brat who's just become king know~.]

At the same time as that word, radiance flashed.

The maw of Gluttony that was rising from under Odin's feet scattered like smoke.

'Annoying guy.'

It's natural for the Celestial Realm master to have strong power.

But.

What's most troublesome is that I can't analyze all of his powers.

Even if I adjusted the power, Gluttony couldn't reach him.

With the exception of the initial illusion, he doesn't allow a single attack.

'That said, if I deliberately use my power, there's a high risk of my mind being corrupted.'

Power control against the Celestial Realm master.

I couldn't help but laugh at my situation.

[If blood has been shed, you have to get something in return~.]

Odin drawled as he gathered radiance.

"If we've caused damage, you should also get fair compensation."

[What trickery is this again~?]

"Trickery? You're saying disappointing things. I just thought it would be right to receive 'blood' from the 'owner of blood'."

[……?]

"I'll hand over the Vampire Lord."

[…….]

"That guy killed the most Valkyries."

[What are you trying to do….]

"I'll create a place where you can face Yggmund one-on-one."

Odin had a dumbfounded expression.

"If you want, I'll call him 'directly' into your personal space."

Taehyun made an offer that could not be refused.

| Prev | Indx | Next |