RKP 581-590
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581
Cheeeeee.
Poison seeps in.
Beelzebub, who reigned as the Demon King for the longest time.
It's not comparable to his authority, 'Poison.'
But it was enough poison for Tae-hyun as he is now.
The first place to be pierced was the abdomen.
Thwack.
The second place to be pierced was the left shoulder.
Thwack.
The third place to be pierced was the right thigh.
That was it.
[That's it.]
Asmodeus's attack stopped at preventing the prey's attack, defense, and escape.
Gush.
Tae-hyun vomited blood.
A sight that was once familiar while active as a player.
A sight that has become unfamiliar now that he has awakened as the Underworld King.
The final battle.
'I thought it might go quite dirty.'
Gush.
He vomited blood again from the spreading poison.
He can also use the power of 'Poison.'
The fact that he can't even block this much poison means that he has reached his limit.
'I didn't intend to lose.'
He felt defeat was approaching.
'I was going to win.'
He realized that victory was too far to reach.
What was the problem?
The stage was perfect.
The Archdukes held each of the heavens.
Rosaria held the Archangels.
He dragged the Upper World King into the Queen's world.
Then.
Where did the plan go wrong?
The problem was not hard to find.
The essence of their being.
Their origins were different.
The starting points were too different.
He was born as a Great Demon.
Demon King. Demon Dragon. Archangel. Upper World King.
Isn't the growth path too different?
On the other hand, he has a human body.
The only arrangement was the double-edged sword of 'Devour' and 'Doppelganger.'
Even the hidden card he was going to use became impossible to know if he was alive or dead due to Michael.
He didn't want to admit it, but as Asmodeus said, there was a 90% chance that he had a mutual destruction with Michael.
'This is really too much.'
Hehehe.
A bitter smile came out with bitter thoughts.
'Yo, Demon King. Wasn't the arrangement too poor?'
The sacred beast of the Underworld is humble compared to the sacred beast of the Heavens.
Rosaria alone, who has awakened, is not enough to stand against the Archangels.
He spat out phlegm mixed with blood and stared at the approaching Great Demon.
Nemesis.
His innate power as a Great Demon is 'Betrayal.'
He challenged his own limits and eventually became a Demon King.
Even if he hadn't regressed, he would have become a Demon King somehow in the original timeline.
Perhaps the Demon race, following Beelzebub.
Mephisto, Mammon, and Asura would have produced new Demon Kings, revived Diablo.
With the addition of Asmodeus, they might have formed an unprecedented force.
They might have become the masters of the Underworld, and the Demon King itself might have become the name that refers to the Underworld King.
'That's terrible in its own way.'
Venom of the Gray Disease.
A guy who wasn't even at the level of a Great Demon left that much of a scar on Earth.
Six Demon Kings who cannot be controlled.
If their subordinates came to Earth, the extinction of mankind would be a matter of time.
Timeline.
The timeline changed as Tae-hyun met the Underworld King and regressed.
Beelzebub met a miserable end, and Diablo was revived but suppressed.
Mephistopheles and Asura did not reach the complete Demon King, and Mammon was suppressed by the new Demon King.
The Gray Disease was eradicated before it could even rage.
He thinks.
He assumes.
He speculates.
The key to the Underworld King.
The key to the Upper World King.
They changed their positions.
In the changed timeline, Asmodeus would have quietly grown his power.
No, he raised it.
Just as Tae-hyun continued to grow by using Devour, he achieved rapid growth by digesting the Upper World King's arrangement.
When he became an immature Demon King, he may have met the Archdukes to test his strength.
No, he did.
Jormungandr, who had known his existence since the beginning.
Lucifer, who had fallen but still did not break his arrogance.
They may have been watching the subtle flow of divine and demonic power in their respective domains.
No, they were watching.
There was no need to deliberately associate with them.
If he made a mistake, it would be a variable in the Upper World King's plan.
He avoids those related to the Upper World as much as possible.
Sometimes Jormungandr succeeded in tracking him down by using the refuge.
He had no other intentions for himself.
He just wants to support someone who has the potential to become a new Archduke.
He wagged the serpent's tongue.
The Archduke who is unrivaled in treachery in the Underworld.
The Great Demon was not clumsy enough to be played by his cunning tongue.
He ignored it.
The Archduke he chose instead of the trap that was clearly visible was the Succubus Queen.
The weakest Archduke in name and reality.
Surprisingly.
The Succubus Queen was not weak.
But she wasn't strong either.
Rosaria at that time could not have used her original power.
It is certain that she was in a weakened state.
He just couldn't fight the battle he wanted with the annoying abilities of mind control and personal space.
The immature Demon King realized then.
That the current Archduke system is not simple.
That there is compatibility in the Archdukes' powers.
'Betrayal' is a power close to the mental system.
The innate poison is only good for dealing with tentacles.
The gap will narrow as time goes by, but as a Demon King, he cannot become the strongest of the Archdukes.
The Upper World King. Baal. Metatron.
They planted the power of the Dragon Demon in him.
Phase 2.
Asmodeus succeeded in evolving into an incomplete Demon Dragon.
If it wasn't for Gilfer, he might have awakened the power of evolution.
Around that time, the Celestial Race approached as if they had been watching.
Michael.
The brother of the arrogant Lucifer and the current owner of the 1st Heaven.
He, who called himself the key keeper, told him about the arrangement that Baal had hidden.
They were all things he wanted.
He followed his words and went to Hazard.
The Archdukes' territories are surrounded by several layers of unknown magic and barriers.
There was mental distortion due to being played with.
He reunited with Kim Tae-hyun, who was carrying out the territory war.
If his memory was intact, he might have used something at that time.
Hazard wasn't that soft either.
At the end of the pressure, the unstable evolution reached a new phase.
A combination of the Demon Race and the Dragon Race, the Demon Dragon.
The perfect form that a Great Demon can reach as a monster.
The power is 'Destruction.'
Immediately after escaping Hazard's encirclement, Michael was pleased, saying that he had taken a step closer to winning the tribal war.
He took everything he could get from the Underworld.
The key is relatively free from the magic of the Underworld.
Killing a few Archdukes is easy, but he deliberately didn't do that.
If he did, Kim Tae-hyun's chances of becoming the Underworld King would decrease, and he would lose the opportunity to awaken again when he becomes the Upper World King in the future.
Kim Tae-hyun, who became the Underworld King, is the best prey.
Looking forward to the prey's growth, he immediately headed to the Upper World.
There, he used the magic prepared by Michael to be chosen by the sacred beast.
Divine power.
With that alien power, he was born as the Archangel Raziel.
The Archangels reacted as if they didn't like something, but there was no direct resistance either.
The power he awakened as an Archangel is 'Secret.'
Betrayal.
Destruction.
Secret.
Magic power as a Demon King.
Magical power as a Demon Dragon.
Divine power as an Archangel.
He became one with the sacred beast of the 1st Heaven.
It took a considerable amount of time to stabilize the three conflicting forces.
When he came to his senses.
When he understood the principle of divine and demonic power.
He realized that the territory war of the Underworld was over.
Next will be the tribal war.
Michael willingly gave up his body.
Taking away the essence of their being is swallowing the world they possess.
He understood Michael's ambition.
He understood Gabriel's desire.
The desires, wishes, and aspirations of other Archangels.
He understood the various values that conflicted with each other.
To the monster named Baal.
To the brother named Lucifer.
To the deceiver named Metatron.
To the challenger named Yo Ma Wang.
Those who had tasted repeated humiliation had become different beings than when they were created.
Corruption.
Or
Apostasy.
How delightful that appearance was.
Asmodeus abandoned his name and willingly took on the name of the Archangel.
He took on the weight of the 1st Heaven's owner and the Upper World King in place of Michael.
Just as Michael in the mental world was aiming for his body, he allowed the Archangels to aim for his body at any time.
And now.
Asmodeus and Tae-hyun made eye contact.
In a moment.
The timelines that had examined various possibilities overlapped.
Seven Archangels except for Lucifer.
Funnily enough.
[It seems that all of them have disappeared.]
They don't die easily.
Even if they die, they leave behind the power to revive.
It's unlikely, but.
If.
[Even if they were to disappear, I didn't expect the target to be the Succubus.]
Now that he has lost the power of the Upper World King, he cannot peek at the outside situation as before.
So.
[How is it, Kim Tae-hyun.]
His red eyes gleamed.
He had no choice but to ask.
[Did the Succubus Queen have a mutual destruction?]
Did she trap them in the mental world?
Did she have something else prepared?
There was no answer to the question.
Gush.
The prey just vomited blood without saying a word.
[It's a pathetic sight.]
They peeled off the karma they had built up one by one.
They went down the steps of growth they had taken one by one.
[Degrading is not a good feeling. I have to infer what you're thinking just from your expression.]
He walked.
He walked without any hindrance.
Asmodeus stood in front of Tae-hyun.
[The battle in the Heavens is still in progress.]
If it is the power of the owners of the Heavens that he has grasped, they will not lose easily.
The Fairy King and the Giant King are variables, but they will not be able to overcome the wall of Zeus in the end.
Even if they did, they would not be able to cross the strengthened barrier of the 1st Heaven.
In other words.
[Now, whoever goes outside will hold the sacred beast of the 1st Heaven.]
Even though it has been degraded, its origin does not go anywhere.
He will devour Kim Tae-hyun here.
His power is considerably lacking than expected.
[The rest can be done somehow by using the sacred beasts of Heaven and the Underworld.]
If it is not enough, he will take the surviving owners of Heaven and the Archdukes.
The important thing is.
Thump thump.
The Great Demon's thorns touched his head.
[Lift your head.]
Swish.
Another thorn forcibly lifted Tae-hyun's chin.
The red eyes of the Underworld King, who was struggling to maintain even one, and the red eyes of the Upper World King, who had lost his divine power and magical power and had become a monster of the Underworld, met.
[It's time to end it.]
Kim Tae-hyun.
He will devour you and combine the two keys into one.
Even though he didn't say it, his will was clearly conveyed.
Blood flowed from the skin touched by the thorns.
Swish swish swish.
The one red eye that he was barely maintaining went out.
Just before regressing.
The moment when Asmodeus killed him overlapped.
He met the Underworld King at that time.
[Yes. That's the expression.]
Clatter.
Asmodeus's thorns opened, taking on a look sufficient to devour a person.
Devour.
He intends to swallow it as it is.
He intends to chew it, swallow it, and digest it.
Tae-hyun did not reject the agari that was swallowing him, the sensation of teeth digging into his skin.
Just.
"...Didn't."
With difficulty.
"...Wasn't wrong."
The things that he had walked and done.
"I wasn't wrong."
He accepted.
It was the best and the best strategy.
If he still lost.
He will accept it.
[That's right.]
Crunch.
Asmodeus sank his teeth deep with a happy expression.
"But."
If there is still a possibility left.
Contractor.
Somewhere, he heard a familiar voice.
"It seems."
It seems too early to admit defeat yet.
He closed his eyes at the familiar energy that wrapped around his body.
When he opened his eyes again.
Tae-hyun was not swallowed by Agari.
[Contractor.]
An Archduke waving one tentacle was guarding Tae-hyun.
Far away.
The distorted figure of the Great Demon who missed the prey he had caught was visible.
"You're late."
[I was late.]
Rosaria.
The benevolent Succubus Queen.
Welcoming his battered partner.
Tae-hyun raised his battered body.
582
Once the Upper Realm King, and still a being with the potential to rise to that position again.
Asmodeus stared at the suddenly appearing Succubus Queen.
Where did the countless tentacles hidden in the subspace go? Only a single tentacle remained, undulating.
[...]
Even if his senses had degraded to the level of a Great Demon, there was no way he wouldn't have noticed the intervention of a battered Succubus.
Asmodeus's gaze turned to Taehyun.
As battered as the Succubus Queen.
[...]
The Great Demon's crimson eyes narrowed.
It's gone.
The wounds his thorns had pierced.
Had they regenerated?
It's gone.
The traces of the poison he had inflicted.
When?
He shouldn't have had the energy to use the power of regeneration, right?
A power that was unusable after already falling in rank.
There shouldn't be….
In a fleeting moment.
[...]
Asmodeus experienced a sense of déjà vu three times.
It was so natural.
So natural that he wouldn't have noticed unless he suspected it like he did now.
A natural sense of déjà vu.
He looked down at his body.
Queen's World.
The purple magic that maintained the tilting world was touching him.
He looked again at the battered Kim Taehyun.
His crimson eyes had returned before he knew it.
No.
Perhaps his crimson eyes had never faded in the first place.
[...]
Ha.
A hollow laugh escaped him.
…I see.
Is this what it's like to be tricked even when you know?
Perhaps he had never admitted defeat from the beginning.
He was just.
[Using the mental world as a medium.]
The mental world that vanished with the Doppelganger.
This place, the virtual mental world, that was collapsing with him.
[You threw a bait.]
The hollow laugh turned into a deep smile.
Rustle.
The purple magic that had been touching his body faded.
This confirmed it.
[The power of mind control. Since when have you been using it?]
He was so thoroughly caught that he even felt the illusion of sharing emotions.
[Since when?]
He muttered quietly.
He asked himself.
He replayed it.
Kim Taehyun's mental world.
The events immediately after he believed the deaths of the Doppelganger and Michael were confirmed.
The primal battle he had with him.
The sense of the timeline that had begun to twist.
He looked back.
Michael's disappearance had taken the power of the archangel from him.
On the other hand, it had not dealt a significant blow to Kim Taehyun.
The devouring maw that had been anticipating the opportunity ran wild.
What he used as a Demon Dragon was mana.
Even the space here that restricted divine magic and mana….
"I will not allow it."
Absolute command.
With that one word, Kim Taehyun shackled the power of the Demon Dragon.
Regardless of whether he thought it was presumptuous, he was a man called the Lower Realm King.
Before long, the Demon Dragon had regressed into a Demon King.
A vast amount of mana scattered.
Only then did the difference between Kim Taehyun and himself become clear.
Upper Realm King and Lower Realm King.
The highest achievement as a king did not reach his own.
Just like the previous ones in the beginning, there was a huge difference in their rank as kings.
If Michael had not disappeared, he would not have been able to induce a demotion no matter what he did.
The difference was that point.
He.
Even if the Doppelganger in the mental world died.
Even if the source of his power disappeared.
His power did not fluctuate.
He did not fall in rank.
Unlike himself, who lost power every time the arrangements left by his predecessors were broken through.
The total amount of power was weak.
But it was stable.
The Upper Realm King and the masters of the Celestial Realm.
The Lower Realm King and the archdukes.
The process was the same in that they were suppressed by power, but different in that they were subjugated.
His relationship with them was also subtly different.
Unlike the archangels, who could be called the strongest forces, who were after his life.
Kim Taehyun had at least three.
There were those who would risk their lives to protect him.
This was not a simple guess.
All of this was the 'influence' that arose in the fleeting moment when Kim Taehyun used mind control.
By retracing and understanding each other's paths.
Yes.
Perhaps it was around that time that he succeeded in using the power of mind control.
The moment the Demon Dragon regressed into a Demon King.
The moment he lost half of the power of Devouring and the balance of the Queen's World as a price.
The moment he regained the right to use magic, taking advantage of the weakened shackles of the world, and began to push Kim Taehyun.
Kim Taehyun must have already been envisioning the present moment.
[You rat.]
Asmodeus muttered, continuing his review.
The afterglow of mind control completely disappeared, and his head was clearing.
The Lower Realm King who had fallen to the level of an archduke and the Upper Realm King who had regressed to a Demon King.
Close combat began.
Thorns and blood swords clashed countless times.
Flesh was cut and restored repeatedly.
At the end of it all, what remained were a Lower Realm King who had regressed to the level of a mortal and an Upper Realm King who had regressed to the level of a Great Demon.
Omniscience. Able to know everything.
Omnipotence. Having infinite power in his hands.
That was the future that would be realized if those two kings faced each other in a life-or-death battle.
Yes.
That was the future.
A 'future' that had not yet arrived.
Swish.
Asmodeus's crimson eyes regained their light.
The hazy, purple afterglow, as if covered in fog, had completely cleared.
Far away.
Kim Taehyun's original state, which seemed to have completely recovered, was revealed.
He saw the prey recovering its body using its one remaining tentacle.
He saw the 'secret' that the Succubus Queen was trying to hide, that her demise was near.
Unlike himself, who had deceived the incomplete Demon King into thinking he was at the level of a Great Demon.
Kim Taehyun was still facing the unchanging reality that he could not use Devouring and had become a mortal.
[I see.]
Nothing changes.
The incomplete Demon King spread a pair of wings.
The number of prey had only increased from one to two.
Two thorns were thrust out.
Clang. Clang.
The sound of metal rang out.
It was the result of Rosaria using her one remaining tentacle to deflect the two thorns.
The number, which had been close to infinite, had decreased, but perhaps because of that, her skill stood out even more.
"Rosaria, I think we're screwed?"
Taehyun recognized that the illusion that had been on Asmodeus had been completely broken.
A temporal illusion that had modified mind control.
A technique that created the illusion of sharing each other's senses and emotions, making them imagine the future.
It seemed that Rosaria's appearance had given him some kind of realization.
Even if she hadn't appeared.
'It was about to reach its limit anyway.'
[Contractor. Are you even now starting to feel fear?]
Clang.
She cheerfully retorted, deflecting the thorn once again.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
He could see the sweat dripping from her even without focusing.
She was no longer in a state to be called an archduke.
It was not only himself who had reached his limit.
While Asmodeus was completely shaking off the illusion, Rosaria was recovering Taehyun and sharing her memories.
He knew.
That the battle with the archangels had been as fierce as the battle he had experienced.
He knew.
That Typhon had taken Gabriel down with him in a mutual destruction.
He knew.
That Elven had been assimilated with numerous divine beasts, including the 1st Celestial Realm.
Now, if he could just deal with Asmodeus here, it would be over.
Clang.
Of course, if he couldn't finish him off here and let him out.
If he was defeated and allowed himself to be devoured.
If he allowed him to recover to the level of a Demon Dragon.
'Even Elven won't be able to withstand it.'
As a tired Fairy King, he would inevitably have the divine beasts of the 1st Celestial Realm taken from him.
If he regained his power as an archangel and rose to the Upper Realm King again, no one would be able to stop him.
All the hardships he had endured so far would collapse like a sandcastle.
So.
"Thank you. For coming."
Instead of saying sorry, he thanked her.
[I'm grateful. That you trust this one.]
She smiled even as she showed a weak side.
If the power of the Lower Realm King, who had used all his means, did not reach the power of the Upper Realm King.
The last plan she proposed was.
[That this one, who had dealt with the archangels, would re-enter the Queen's World.]
Archangel Gabriel.
There were times when all plans were about to fall apart in front of the last archangel.
[This is the power that Typhon protected with his sacrifice.]
Rosaria swung her one remaining tentacle.
Tzzzz. Tzzzzzz.
As if electricity was flowing into a discharged device.
Quarre. Quarrre.
The stopped Queen's World was activated.
Clang.
Her tentacle deflected three thorns.
[Do you remember? I said that if you arrived here, this one would be battered.]
"Yes. To be exact."
She had said that she was in the process of disappearing.
[It was not a short life.]
Also.
[It was a life without regrets.]
Kwaaa. Kwaa.
The fully activated world spewed out the powers of the archdukes.
The powers of the archdukes.
Pressed down on the incomplete Demon King.
Thwack.
Rosaria's tentacle pierced Taehyun.
Tzzzzzz. Tzzzz.
The rank that Rosaria had achieved flowed into Taehyun's body.
[This one will remember you.]
Without needing any words.
He simply nodded.
[Win. Contractor.]
And so.
[Become a true king.]
For a very brief moment when power entered.
He felt dizzy.
The divine power and mana that she had preserved, that Typhon had postponed the extinction of, and that Elven had filled.
A vast amount of power spread throughout his body.
When he opened his eyes again.
Neither the benevolent Succubus Queen.
Nor the tentacle she had embedded was present anymore.
"Okay."
Taehyun saw the Demon King, who had withstood the barrage of powers, and this time had finally regressed to a Great Demon.
"I have to win."
Tzzz.
Dragonslaying Sword.
He gripped the sword that was broken and no longer existed.
[Do not rush to your death.]
The Great Demon, who had begun to regenerate, burst into wild laughter.
He knew it.
That their ranks had become equal.
Clang.
The Dragonslaying Sword and the thorn clashed.
[So, it's just you left.]
Just before regression.
A voice like scraping metal seemed to resound in his head.
Clang.
The players from some time ago.
The crimson eyes of the Great Demon, who had annihilated a large-scale party, were shining brightly.
Clang.
He plunged the broken Dragonslaying Sword into the Great Demon's chest.
Thwack.
A broken thorn pierced Taehyun's chest.
Betrayal. Destruction. Secret.
What he had wanted to achieve, what he had achieved, and what he could have achieved.
All possibilities penetrated.
Soaked in.
Corroded.
Even though he was withstanding the vast power, laughter leaked out.
He could laugh.
Now he could say it.
"You're wrong, Asmodeus."
Twitch.
Taehyun's body swayed.
Grasp.
Grabbing the Great Demon's horn, which was a head taller than himself.
Thwack.
He butted heads.
A pair of unwavering crimson eyes met.
[Don't bluff.]
Thwack.
Power surged in.
"Don't resist."
Dream Eater.
Purple magic.
The technique of the Succubus Queen, who no longer existed, swallowed the collapsing world.
[...]!!
Thwack.
Taehyun's other hand grabbed Asmodeus's horn, which was trying to break free.
"You've suffered too."
Devouring.
Crimson magic.
The power of the Lower Realm King, which he could no longer use, flowed through both hands.
The magic transmitted through the horns permeated the Great Demon's body.
[...]
"...."
Taehyun released his grip on both horns and stepped back.
Even as he did so, Asmodeus showed no movement.
Just.
[I see.]
He realized the movement of the maw that was occurring within his own body.
That was gnawing at his body from the inside.
"Yes."
['God' has lost?]
He shook his head.
"You are not a god."
Just.
"SSS-rank monster. Asmodeus. Just a Great Demon who would have become a Demon King in the original timeline."
The Taehyun of the past corrected him.
[...]
The silence was not long.
['This one' has lost.]
"It was tough."
[Kim Taehyun.]
Crack.
The maw of Dream Eater, which had opened from above, bared its teeth.
[You.]
Crack.
The maw of Devouring, which had opened from below, bared its teeth.
[Are king.]
Crunch.
Crunch.
The two maws had once been the Upper Realm King.
Swallowed it whole.
Chewed it.
The place where the maws had disappeared was empty.
"It's over."
Thump.
He sat down in his place.
He quietly looked up at the collapsing world.
It was as if he could hear the Queen's laughter in his ears.
Sitting down heavily.
I gazed at the collapsing world.
The Queen's world.
The ultimate domain built by Taehyun and Rosaria.
The Archdukes' territories and the strongest field that materialized the Sacred Beasts.
Beyond the crumbling world, I looked at another world.
The Mental World.
The space where the Doppelganger resided, a space whose limits were unknown.
Sss sss.
The crimson eyes completely faded.
The power Rosaria had given me was depleted simply by using 'Dream Consumption' and 'Devouring'.
For Taehyun, who had fallen to the level of an ordinary player, the collapsing two worlds seemed to blind him just by looking at them.
If I didn't escape from here quickly, spatial disintegration would occur.
If I entered there with my current body, only death awaited.
Taehyun spread out his hand.
There were no signs yet.
I had barely won the Race Wars.
'Did I want too drastic a change?'
I turned my gaze back to the crumbling world.
The two beings who had been with me.
Rosaria and the Doppelganger.
I wanted to capture the end of their symbolic domains in my eyes.
It was too much to even sit, so I lay down on the floor.
"It's hard."
The strength to escape on my own.
There was none left.
So.
"Someone, please save me."
Chuckling.
Taehyun closed his eyes.
There was a time when I was called a loser for not awakening.
There was a time when I wanted to awaken as an S-rank, or even an A-rank, and become a player, when I yearned for it.
The wish that was never fulfilled even when it was late bound Taehyun like a child.
Perhaps that's why I set foot in the Abyss as a porter.
As a result.
Thirty-five-year-old Taehyun succeeded in awakening.
He met a man called the King of the Lower Realm and received a growth-type skill called Devouring.
He regressed and grew quickly.
S-rank. SS-rank. SSS-rank.
He became a colleague with those whom he couldn't even dare to exchange words with in the past.
He became a player representing New Korea.
He helped prevent the disasters that had taken countless lives.
He stood shoulder to shoulder with the player called the strongest.
World Ranking No. 1.
He reached the pinnacle as a player.
He fulfilled the dream he had once desired.
With power comes responsibility.
He realized there was a price for his regression.
He recognized the existence of God, known as No Name.
He realized that the unknown world called the Abyss was just one world created by the one God.
He recognized that the civilization built by mankind on Earth was just one of the many dimensions existing in the Middle Realm.
Realizing, recognizing.
He became aware.
If he had deliberately wielded his power, Taehyun could have reigned as the king of the Middle Realm.
It would not have been impossible to make New Korea the strongest nation.
If he had postponed the affairs of the Lower Realm and prioritized the affairs of the Middle Realm.
If he had not accepted the fate of becoming the King of the Lower Realm.
He would have enjoyed the sweetness of regression and lived a comfortable life.
But Taehyun. He. I.
Did not do that.
I didn't want to.
I wanted to see a bigger world.
The role of player Kim Taehyun was already sufficient.
From the moment he became World Ranking No. 1, the purpose of the regression was achieved.
So.
I thought it was time to take responsibility for the regression.
And.
Now.
Ting.
[The quest Race Wars(???) has ended.]
[Rewards are given.]
If the status window system remained, I would have heard those words in my ear.
[Ting. The Race Wars have ended. I'll give you a reward, so get up.]
'……?'
[Ting. You have won the Race Wars. So quickly open your eyes.]
'…….'
Is it a dream?
A voice that is too vivid to be called a dream. Vivid senses. Vivid….
Slowly.
Taehyun opened his eyes.
[Damn it. You're finally waking up.]
Right in front of me.
Was the owner of the voice.
Divine power and magic power. Divine magic power.
It was a space where various energies flowed without distinction.
All of those things were flowing into me.
[Yes. Did you have a good dream?]
The tired-looking Elven in front of me was smiling.
"Where is this…."
[Where else would it be?]
Click.
As she flicked her finger, branches and leaves fluttered from all over the colorless space.
Taehyun belatedly realized that he was synchronized with the Sacred Beast, and that Elven, who had completely synchronized, was healing him.
She watched Taehyun's flustered appearance and waited.
"Am I… alive?"
[Did I send Rosaria there without thinking? It was quite close, but I quickly took you out while you were passed out.]
She rambled on about facts that weren't even curious, saying that the appearance of lying down and being pathetic in the collapsing world was plausible.
[I grasped the general situation while healing you. You ate the key to the Upper Realm King.]
Those words.
Taehyun's eyes, wanting an answer, met Elven's.
She nodded.
[Yes. The Race Wars have ended.]
It's our victory.
"Ah…."
[You've worked hard. Contractor.]
The branch of the Sacred Beast stroked my head.
"……."
It's over.
Really.
"Ah ah…."
A groan leaked out without me realizing it.
Elven, who would normally have cursed, saying that a man was shedding tears.
Pat. Pat.
Stroke. Stroke.
Stroked my back with a branch of the Sacred Beast.
A crown made of leaves was placed on my head.
Really.
[You've worked hard.]
At her words.
Sob.
The groan I was holding back became a sob.
The sob became a form that was neither crying nor laughing, wetting the Sacred Beast and disappearing.
How much time had passed?
[Yes. Have you cried enough?]
At Elven's question, Taehyun tilted his head as if asking what she meant.
[…Contractor. No, Taehyun. I'm saying this now, but your personality is really terrible.]
"Hey. That's too harsh."
[Let's stop the healing here.]
"Our Fairy King's words are always right."
[……?]
Stupid human.
Stupid king.
Stupid Kim Taehyun.
"If someone who controls seven Sacred Beasts gives an opinion, who would find fault with it."
[…….]
A definite change of attitude.
Elven lost her words while watching her self-deprecating contractor.
Unlike his shameless attitude, Taehyun accurately recognized the current situation.
The match between the King of the Lower Realm and the King of the Upper Realm ended with his victory.
The 1st Heavenly Realm, which symbolizes the Upper Realm, also won thanks to the performance of Rosaria and Typhon.
In fact, the Race Wars can be regarded as a victory for the Lower Realm, but it is also true that it is not completely over yet.
The finish remains.
"We have obtained seven Sacred Beasts."
Elven is currently synchronized with the Sacred Beasts of the 1st Heavenly Realm, 2nd Heavenly Realm, 3rd Heavenly Realm, 4th Heavenly Realm, 7th Heavenly Realm, 10th Heavenly Realm, and the Lower Realm.
The Intermediate Realm, which has not yet fully bloomed, is not yet usable.
"What about the rest?"
5th Heavenly Realm, 6th Heavenly Realm, 8th Heavenly Realm, 9th Heavenly Realm.
Lucifer, Ra, Odin.
Igmum.
Orgal.
Hajad.
The Heavenly Realms to which the three former Heavenly Realm Lords and three Archdukes were dispatched.
They said that they could no longer observe those places.
[They are Heavenly Realm Lords in name and reality. The moment the King of the Upper Realm disappeared, something must have changed in those guys as well.]
I didn't think that the Race Wars would end immediately just by defeating the King of the Upper Realm.
'But a barrier that Elven can't break through.'
A whistle came out at the unexpected power.
With this, it's ambiguous to say that the Race Wars are completely over.
[Don't worry. It just means that it takes a little time. There is no barrier that I can't break through now.]
The Fairy King, who has already become an existence that cannot be explained by the title of Archduke, asserted.
It wouldn't be a lie.
But.
"It's also true that it becomes more advantageous for the owner of the domain as time passes, right?"
I know.
Rosaria and Typhon disappeared right away.
The Doppelganger also disappeared.
Gilfer and Jormungandr were seriously injured and are also being treated.
I have no intention of treating the other Archdukes especially.
[Don't worry. It's better to have even one more Archduke alive for a clean finish to the Race Wars. More than that….]
"Is the problem me?"
Taehyun asked indifferently.
[…You know?]
"I can tell just by looking at your serious expression even after synchronizing with seven Sacred Beasts. It's also a conclusion I expected to some extent."
[Hmm….]
Elven tapped her face with a branch.
[Anyway, you have the best eye for detail…. Now that you are the Integrated King, it's no exaggeration to say that you are the strongest in the Three Thousand Worlds.]
"Enough with the cheesy talk. So, is it a presence problem?"
It's different from before I fainted.
From the moment I opened my eyes.
My senses are excessively sensitive.
Under Elven's guidance, the Sacred Beast's huge energy is flowing in, restoring the damaged rank.
Clearly, its essence is made up of three energies, and Taehyun can control it enough.
But the amount of energy that can be accepted has become absurdly large.
'It's like several Sacred Beasts have formed a magic stone… It's a different magnitude of power from what the King of the Upper Realm at his best showed.'
The moment Taehyun restores his damaged rank, the Three Thousand Worlds will no longer be able to contain the existence of Kim Taehyun.
It's similar to how an Archduke cannot appear in his true form in the Middle Realm, a Heavenly Realm Lord cannot appear in his true form in the Lower Realm, and one Heavenly Realm cannot handle the power of multiple Heavenly Realm Lords.
If the vessel of the Integrated King is completed despite suppression, the Upper Realm, Lower Realm, and Middle Realm will be disrupted just by his existence.
Collapse.
A predestined destruction.
'As expected. Was this what you were planning from the beginning?'
From the beginning, the previous kings wanted to create an Integrated King with the power of the King of the Upper Realm and the King of the Lower Realm combined.
It was also a situation that existed in some assumptions that would occur after the Race Wars ended.
"How much time is left?"
[Three days.]
"Really. I don't even have time to rest."
[I'm sorry.]
"You know you don't need to apologize."
I'm surprised at how calm I am.
'It must be Asmodeus' fault.'
I don't know how great the power of the previous King of the Upper Realm and King of the Lower Realm was.
There has never been an existence with their power combined.
Even Baal did not covet that power, keeping the initial King of the Lower Realm alive.
'Even if it's not Devouring, there are countless ways to steal power.'
Igmum's authority 'Absorption' is an example.
Baal, who is someone of that level, wouldn't know.
The fact that he didn't do that must be because he determined that it was better to be separated than to be combined into one.
'The Sacred Beasts of the Upper Realm and Lower Realm do not regard me as their master.'
They don't reject me, but they don't fully accept me either.
It was a definitely different attitude than before.
'They are instinctively pushing me away.'
If they accept the existence of Kim Taehyun.
If they allow him to exist in the Three Thousand Worlds, they know that it will collapse, so they are instinctively pushing him away.
"Is this the last arrangement?"
I murmured quietly.
The one God that the previous King of the Upper Realm and King of the Lower Realm combined their power to kill.
Why that guy, called the Constellation, is still exerting power here.
Why the next generation wanted the King of the Upper Realm and the King of the Lower Realm to be integrated.
The reason must be 'outside'.
"Elven."
[Speak.]
"Even if I'm not here. There won't be a problem with finishing the Race Wars, right?"
[…….]
"Answer me."
Her two eyes, which had turned blue, shone brightly.
[I bet my honor. There won't be a problem.]
The more Sacred Beasts she handles, the closer she will get to the realm that Gabriel reached.
No matter how much the Heavenly Realm Lords fly and stretch, they cannot block her offensive forever.
The Race Wars will eventually end in a victory for the Lower Realm.
"Thanks to you, I can leave with a light heart."
Outside.
A place where it is presumed that there are many existences equal to the one God who created the Three Thousand Worlds.
The place where the previous King of the Upper Realm and King of the Lower Realm became God Slayers and headed.
Constellation (星座).
Constellation (聖座).
The owner of the constellation.
A God in the true sense of the word.
It's the endpoint I've been thinking about for a long time.
There's no need to worry now.
So.
'Next stage.'
I put the unknown world, where a new war might begin, into my mouth.
"I will go outside."
The one who became the King of the Three Thousand Worlds.
Declared conquest.
584
Outside.
The place the former kings headed to.
Constellations on par with the omnipotent One God.
The place where an unfathomable number of omnipotent beings reside.
That place would be able to handle his current self.
"What's the preparation time?"
[It's more of an expulsion than a transfer... It won't even take two days.]
"Okay. No need to drag it out. It'll take quite some time to finish the war alone."
Taehyun's nonchalant tone contrasted with Elven's bitter expression.
[Once you decide, you never look back. Aren't you afraid?]
They knew better than anyone the power of the One God.
Perhaps even Taehyun, who became the Integrated King, would be just an ordinary person, prey, on the outside.
'That would be interesting in its own way.'
"I don't have a choice anyway. Well, not that a guy who died once should say this."
He brought up the Fairy King's past, when he once faced death due to the demon kings' schemes.
Looking back now, it was a humiliating defeat.
[Taehyun. Weren't you just saying to take care of the Interworld? If you leave, the Original Fairy will be the strongest.]
"...Just kidding. I keep forgetting in front of the power broker of the Three Thousand Worlds. Is Tolkien doing well?"
He threw the dwarf in the Interworld as bait to distract Elven, who had become increasingly tired and sharp.
[Hmph. I see right through your slyness. Will you say goodbye to the others?]
She was referring to Jormungandr and Gilfel.
"No. It's a bit silly to say goodbye in front of injured guys."
[Even if it's the snake bastard, Gilfel will definitely be sad.]
Another Archduke who was proud to be Taehyun's brother.
The face of the demon king, once called selfless, flickered in his mind.
The Fairy King worrying about the apex of the demon race that killed him.
'The future of the Three Thousand Worlds will be interesting to watch.'
Now that the angels of the First Celestial World had completely disappeared, the fairy race would reign as the rulers of the Upper World, and the demon race would reign as the rulers of the Lower World.
'Elven won't let Jormungandr form a force properly... If the other Archdukes don't return, it's better for Gilfel to take over the Lower World.'
Apart from his rough words, his skills were certain.
Also, he had a deep connection with Taehyun, so there would be no harm to the Interworld.
[What about the Interworld? Aren't you curious? It's impossible to go over, but observation isn't impossible.]
She snapped her fingers.
Through the gate, a familiar scenery was visible.
New Korea.
The place where 'human' Kim Taehyun was born and raised.
Lim Ah-young, Ji Jin-hee, Yoo Ah-young, Kwon Kang-hyuk, Park Sung-jin, Hwang Jae-young, his aunt and uncle, Jung Tae-woo, Kim Jong-ho, etc.
Above the gates that were increasing one by one, the faces of those related to Taehyun came to mind.
[As you expected, the flow of time is different. It's possible to see this quickly.]
Snap.
Elven snapped her fingers, and the gates merged into one.
The speed of the screen reflected by the gate increased.
They were building a tower around the not-fully-blossomed Divine Tree.
New Korea, connected to other dimensions of the Interworld.
New Korea, which had become a hub of civilization exchange, was developing rapidly.
Buildings were built, dimensional gates were added, and systems were changed.
The flow of time speeds up.
10 years. 20 years. 30 years.
About 40 years passed.
The world was unified around New Korea.
A new republic was launched, transcending nations and races.
A new representative was elected.
Perhaps Taehyun's hometown, which he would never be able to return to.
He watched the rapidly changing movements of that place.
'Enough.'
He waved his hand.
With just that, the gate that Elven had created disappeared.
They're doing well.
They're living well.
Now that he had confirmed that.
"That's enough."
[Your recovery of composure is fast. I should hurry too.]
Whoosh.
Twelve dimensional gates, different from the vision gate earlier, were created around them.
'Did she shape the Divine Tree into the form of a gate?'
Indeed, she was one step ahead of him in handling the Divine Tree.
Taehyun quietly watched the process of Elven's multiple assimilation with the Divine Tree.
The gate comparable to all the others combined was the gate of the First Celestial World.
The ones connected in a strange form were those of the Second and Third Celestial Worlds.
The one with various patterns engraved on it was that of the Fourth Celestial World.
The one connected to the Fourth Celestial World but deactivated was that of the Fifth Celestial World.
The one flickering as if blinking was that of the Sixth Celestial World.
The one decorated with various runes was that of the Seventh Celestial World.
The one boasting a thick thickness was that of the Eighth Celestial World.
The one with the unique demonic energy of the Dragon Lords was that of the Ninth Celestial World.
The one burning with cerulean flames was that of the Tenth Celestial World.
The one with lush branches and fruits was that of the Lower World.
The one that was incomparably shabby compared to the others, so small that it seemed difficult for even one foot to enter, would be that of the Interworld.
Among them, seven of the gates, excluding five including the one of the Lower World, were assimilated with the Fairy King.
"Wow. Seeing it in person is no joke."
In the Three Thousand Worlds without Taehyun, she would be the undisputed strongest.
Upper World King Elven.
Lower World King Gilfel.
The Three Thousand Worlds would flow like that while Taehyun was gone.
[Don't worry. I won't covet the throne until the contractor returns.]
She concentrated the energy of the activated gates into the gate of the First Celestial World.
The Record of Emptiness.
The moment she tried to summon the storage of everything in the Three Thousand Worlds.
The gate of the Sixth Celestial World, which had been flickering, was stained with blood.
[…….]
"……."
No way.
Before those words could even leave her mouth.
The gate of the Sixth Celestial World was completely activated.
"Uh-oh…."
Really?
Elven whistled as she looked at the vampire with cyan eyes that came out of the activated Sixth Celestial World gate.
The owner of the cyan eyes scanned Elven and the surroundings for a moment.
[Kim Taehyun….]
The Vampire Lord, who had been pouring out thick fighting spirit, raised the corners of his mouth.
[So, the Original Body is the first?]
The bewilderment was only momentary.
"Wow~ Igmun's here."
[Indeed. You can't ignore compatibility.]
Taehyun and Elven welcomed the arrogant Archduke, who had now become the owner of the Sixth Celestial World and returned.
There was a brief greeting.
And.
[How dare you…!! How dare you the Original Body….]
[Now, now, don't move. The spell will shake.]
Elven ignored Igmun, who was shouting, and strengthened the Divine Tree that was binding him.
The existence that had conquered the Sixth Celestial World and reached the rank of Celestial World owner, the Vampire Lord, exploded with demonic energy.
Of course.
Tzzzz. Tzzzzzz.
The enormous power was released and immediately drained away, used to operate the energy of the now eight activated gates.
[Indeed. A wonderful body. Thanks to you, the time to handle the spell has been shortened.]
Elven let out a pleasant laugh, not caring about Igmun's reaction.
[You X-like XX. The Original Body will tear your skin apart. A blood curse on your heart….]
[Now, now. Does our vampire see this Original Fairy as so laughable?]
There was a brief time of beating… no, education.
[Kim Taehyun!! Are you running away!!]
Igmun, with his swollen face, shouted at Taehyun.
"...Igmun. Listen to Elven. Our Fairy King is the boss now."
Taehyun said that, genuinely worried about the Vampire Lord's well-being.
[D, don't run away!! Didn't the Original Body decide to settle the score when it returned!!]
The Original Body who awakened as the true owner of blood.
Was he afraid of the Original Body's forces left behind in the Sixth Celestial World?
He shouted not to cowardly put the Fairy King forward.
He struggled to properly determine the superiority.
[You cute little thing. Didn't I tell you not to move?]
Poke. Poke.
The branches of the Divine Tree pierced Igmun's body.
[Kuaaa…!!]
Tears flowed from the cyan eyes of the owner of the Sixth Celestial World.
It was unfair.
It was humiliating.
He risked his life to conquer the Celestial World, but as soon as he returned, he was captured and his powers were being extracted.
Elven seemed to be enjoying the fact that the more Igmun got excited, the more the power of his authority increased.
'This. I'm starting to get worried.'
Was this the anxiety of entrusting fish to a cat?
[Don't pity him. It's all done now.]
The power broker, who had stolen the authority of the Sixth Celestial World's Divine Tree from Igmun, took a deep breath.
In a short time, the existence from which all energy had been extracted staggered and was released.
[You… you bastards….]
"Sorry about that. The situation was a bit urgent."
Taehyun patted Igmun's shoulder, who had collapsed.
Just how much had he been overworked? The skin that had been gleaming just a moment ago was cracked as if there had been a drought.
"Let's see each other again when we have the chance. Listen to Elven."
[You… bastard… don't… run away… from the Original Body….]
[What a violent child.]
Thanks to obtaining the Sixth Celestial World's Divine Tree, she was able to break through the barriers of the other Celestial Worlds.
She asked Igmun if there was anywhere he wanted to go.
[Kill… Elven… the Original Body will tear your wings….]
Snap.
Elven clicked her tongue and snapped her fingers.
The Eighth Celestial World gate, which had been tightly closed, was activated.
Thump.
The branch of the Divine Tree pushed the shriveled Vampire Lord into the gate.
Kwaaaa.
The gate that had swallowed Igmun quieted down.
"Uh… didn't you say even one Archduke was precious?"
[Don't worry. I filled him up with plenty of magic and divine power just now.]
"……."
[Even if he's hot-tempered and stupid, he's the first one to conquer the Celestial World and return. If Orgal is alive, it will be a stimulus, and if he's defeated, the Celestial World owner must have suffered a considerable amount of damage. He'll be able to manage somehow now.]
An opportunity to subdue two Celestial World owners.
Where else would you find such consideration?
Elven spouted words that couldn't be understood.
[Therefore. Let's focus on what we have to do.]
Sssss.
Ssss.
The eight gates she controlled turned into the form of the Divine Tree.
Each of the branches stuck to Taehyun's body.
They searched for coordinates through the traces of the Upper World King and Lower World King and the fragments of the One God that resided in his body.
[Identified.]
Unknown coordinates were engraved around them.
[You know the method, right?]
"Yeah."
Snap.
Snap.
Without either one taking precedence, they snapped their fingers.
The jaws of Gluttony appeared beneath Taehyun's feet.
Elven's power surrounded them.
[The contractor will surely take care of it himself.]
Even if the guys on the outside aren't easy to deal with.
[Don't forget that you are the king of this place, the Three Thousand Worlds.]
"This won't be the last time."
The flow of time isn't a problem for transcendents.
So.
"See you again."
[I'll be waiting.]
The jaws of Gluttony swallowed Taehyun.
There is a postscript just before completely leaving the outside.
His eyes won't open.
Even so, he could tell.
A mass of light right in front of him.
That No Name was there.
[Amazing.]
Unlike before, a calm voice.
A normal personality.
As if reading Taehyun's thoughts, the guy's voice flowed into his head.
[In the Three Thousand Worlds, the formation of personality was also unstable as much as it was weakened.]
What a convenient excuse.
[Are you still alive? Is that what you want to ask? If I were to answer, it would be 'no'. I have clearly disappeared.]
The current situation was a temporary phenomenon caused by the resonance between the fragment and the energy of the outside.
It was said to be like a mirage created by the gathering of lingering thoughts.
He knows how much potential there is in one fragment.
There's no need to ask about the principle on purpose.
[Ahead is a new world, different from what you've experienced so far.]
There are two choices for you.
[The first choice is the authority of reincarnation.]
The power used by the former Lower World King.
[With that power, you can return to the Interworld.]
If Taehyun wanted, without any time gap.
He can meet his connections on Earth just by limiting his power a little.
He said he could spend the life he dreamed of.
It was sweet.
Words that seemed to stabilize his mind and body circled his ears and head.
Even so.
There must be a reason why the previous generation didn't make such a choice.
He thought.
No Name laughed.
[That's right.]
There is an instability that falls into an eternally repeating regression.
Anyway.
He's a guy you can't let your guard down against until the end.
He thought.
[The second choice is to awaken as a constellation. The vessel is already complete.]
The reason why Taehyun can't stay in the Three Thousand Worlds.
The reason why he came out to the outside.
The reason why he chose a challenge instead of complacency.
It wasn't a problem to think about from the beginning.
[I bless you. The third constellation created by God. Acquiring a name is….]
His voice faded.
He opened his eyes.
Tring.
[You are involved in a ? grade 'Constellation War'.]
['The Butcher Guarding the Temple' senses the existence of '???'.]
['The Flower Blooming in the Ruins' senses the existence of '???'.]
['The Tail Made of Death' senses the existence of '???'.]
Familiar messages came to mind.
Far away.
A group of enormous existences was visible.
Those with different appearances.
They recognized Taehyun's existence, which had suddenly appeared.
'Those guys are constellations….'
A man with red hair hanging down caught Taehyun's eye as he scanned the surroundings.
['The Fiend King Defying Fate' senses the existence of '???'.]
"My life is already wrong. I have no regrets."
"Hmm… It seems like what you say and what you think are different. I mourn for your past of living diligently."
"What do you know…."
A conversation from some time ago.
"Okay. If this is also a connection, then so be it. I will use the king's authority on you."
The jaws surrounding the man's body growled.
"Don't think that such a miracle will happen again. But well, if you survive until we meet again, it might be helpful. Rookie player."
What we talked about some time ago.
The man's red eyes shook.
['The Fiend King Defying Fate' recognizes the existence of 'Kim Taehyun'.]
The fire that bloomed from the jaws blazed fiercely.
The corners of Taehyun's mouth went up.
Finally.
"You've reached it, King."
The Fiend King with a satisfied face.
Smiled.
-[Return with the King's Power] End.
Thank you to all the readers who have loved this work so far.
585
A great universe formed by the merging of countless small universes.
The owner of the countless constellations that illuminate every corner of the great universe.
The Great Constellation 'Phoenix Overseeing the Void Records' was reviewing two records.
Intermediate Constellation 'The Demon King Who Defies Fate' and Lower Constellation 'The Devourer of Three Thousand Worlds'.
Records from the time when the two constellations, born from one universe, were mortals.
[Interesting.]
The Demon King and the Devourer are from the same universe, but there is a considerable time difference between their lives.
Nevertheless, they shared the same world, achieved the transfer of power, and finally succeeded in emerging outside the world.
From ignorant, primitive creatures to awakening as constellations that the universe's existence could not handle.
Truly an interesting journey.
Interesting.
Awakening such an expression in a Great Constellation is remarkable enough, but if it had stopped there, it wouldn't have warranted a look at the Void Records.
But.
[In this iteration, other 'guys' would have shown similar reactions.]
The mere utterance of his voice caused his body, imbued with the power of existence, to stir.
The stirring of his body causes the surrounding area to vibrate.
The vibration becomes a wave, resonating with the countless small universes subjected to him, and the countless worlds created within those universes.
That alone would have annihilated the universes of the lower-level constellations under his subjugation.
[My Lord….]
[Stabilize….]
Several constellations raised their voices in panic.
Dozens, hundreds, thousands of constellations reveal their existence and implore him.
The Phoenix didn't care.
Even at this moment, countless constellations are born and fade away.
The weak perish, and the strong survive to become even more brilliant constellations.
He is among the highest of such constellations.
An existence at the very top, possessing at least one 'universe' and commanding countless constellations.
Therefore.
[Speak.]
The Phoenix asked the constellation bound before him.
The Lower Constellation, Devourer of Three Thousand Worlds.
A mere fledgling with only one small universe.
[Superior Constellation 'Dragon with Five Hearts'. Intermediate Constellation 'The Demon King Who Defies Fate'. And you. Lower Constellation 'Devourer of Three Thousand Worlds'.]
There was no emotion in his voice.
[Do you not know your roles in the Constellation War?]
He is merely asking.
Those who should be desperate to join a faction and preserve their lives.
Why are they rampaging in the Great Constellations' game?
[Why are you running wild in the Constellation War?]
With a meager power that he could negate with a mere thought, why do they bare their teeth?
Even now, bound and unable to transform into a transcendent being, why do they glare at him like that?
The Phoenix asked a pure question.
The bound Devourer bowed his head in silence.
The constellations watching clicked their tongues at his insolent behavior.
[…….]
Three Thousand Worlds (三千世界).
Among the countless universes, it is in the lower ranks. He has no interest in reading the records of a Lower Constellation born there.
If he hadn't eaten several constellations under his command and recently shown the bizarre behavior of annihilating an Intermediate Constellation, he wouldn't have met him like this.
Now, having confirmed the connection between the Devourer and the Demon King through the Void Records, it is different.
[Release the bindings.]
At the Phoenix's command, the authorities binding the Devourer's body were released one by one.
As expected.
The moment the Devourer rose to his feet, he transformed into a transcendent being, revealing his fighting spirit.
Crack. Crack.
A Starlight (星力), like a beast's maw, began to slowly expand its domain.
Devouring (捕食).
The power that gave birth to him as a constellation.
The result of the seed sown by the Demon King, who had ventured outside first.
The surprising thing is that this power also works on constellations.
And now.
He is pointing that maw at him, a Great Constellation.
Ha. Haha. Hahaha.
The universe vibrated and the constellations trembled each time he laughed.
[Devourer. You are more absurd than I expected.]
Swish.
At his words, the maw of Devouring disappeared without a trace.
The Devourer flinched, distancing himself and surveying his surroundings.
[Be careful with your actions. The others are not as lenient as I am.]
At the same time, the Devourer's eyes wavered, and his body trembled.
This was because the constellations under the Phoenix's command began to exert pressure.
Hundreds of constellations are watching from all over the great universe.
Among them were Intermediate Constellations and Lower Constellations that surpassed the Devourer's power.
Crack.
Cracks began to form in the Devourer's transcendent body.
It is a one-sided pressure exerted on a constellation that cannot even properly defend itself.
If it continues, the Devourer will lose his status as a constellation and disappear outside this place.
[That would be troublesome.]
The Devourer must not disappear here yet.
[Everyone, stop.]
At that one word, the constellations' momentum subsided in an instant.
Thud.
The Devourer, who had been battered just by receiving the power of constellations of higher rank than himself, knelt down.
[I will ask you. This is my last mercy, so you had better answer carefully.]
The Phoenix asked in a softer voice than before.
It wouldn't be wrong.
He prides himself on being the most merciful among the few Great Constellations.
[Where is the Demon King?]
At those words, the constellations watching stirred.
Demon King (妖魔).
His alias is 'The Demon King Who Defies Fate'. He was once under the Phoenix's command when he was a Lower Constellation, but now he has betrayed him and become an Intermediate Constellation.
When the Phoenix mentioned the Demon King's name, the Devourer raised his fighting spirit without answering.
[If you act recklessly, you will soon disappear.]
The Devourer's fighting spirit was sucked into every corner of the great universe.
Compared to Upper Constellations, it is weak, but considering the time he has been a constellation, it was definitely a remarkable rank.
The Phoenix's lips curled up once again. He knew what the Devourer's actions meant a moment ago.
[I will put a leash on you. Carry the name of a Great Constellation and run wild. If it's you, you will be able to rise to Upper Constellation without much difficulty.]
If not.
[What awaits you is immediate annihilation.]
It was not a proposal, but a notification that could not be refused.
Whoooooooosh.
The wind blew around the Devourer.
It meant that depending on his answer, they would tear his transcendent body to shreds.
At that time.
[That would be troublesome.]
An alien voice rang out from among the constellations.
Soon.
Whoosh.
A part of the great universe's space burst into flames.
A man walked out of the gap created by the flames.
[Oh, the one who left his parents' side has returned.]
The Phoenix's voice was filled with joy.
Intermediate Constellation, The Demon King Who Defies Fate.
Once entrusted to him, now an irregular who has become a nuisance to the constellations.
Whoosh. Whoosh. Whooooosh.
A transcendent body filled with red and blue flames.
An existence different in rank from the one the Devourer had revealed a moment ago confronted the powers that were pressing down on him.
[Demon King. You have achieved quite a usable rank.]
Despite being an Intermediate Constellation, his existence is comparable to that of his own bodyguards, which are of no less value.
[It must be because of this one who was born.]
The Phoenix said, looking at the Devourer he was binding.
They share the same origin universe, and even had a great influence on the birth of the constellation.
He will find out later what intentions the control universe had in measuring the Demon King's rank as intermediate.
For now.
[Bring the Demon King to me alive.]
At the Phoenix's command, the constellations who were waiting began to manifest one by one.
The number of constellations quickly exceeded ten, then twenty.
In a fleeting moment, the Demon King occupied the Devourer's side.
[Are you alright?]
The Demon King asked casually, raising flames.
Whoooooosh.
Grey flames engulfed the Devourer.
The cracked transcendent body was regenerated by that alone.
He had restored the damaged rank by using his authority.
The Great Duke Lucifer of the Three Thousand Worlds.
It is a power that utilizes the authority that guy had.
The Devourer, who had risen to his feet, breathed out.
[Sorry. But I wasn't careless.]
It was a monotonous voice without highs and lows. The Demon King was no different.
[I know. Maintaining sanity in front of a Great Constellation is not something that can be done with ordinary willpower. The signal was appropriate.]
The fact that the Devourer had forced himself to emit fighting spirit a moment ago.
It was insignificant as an attack, but thanks to that struggle, the Demon King was able to recognize the Devourer's situation.
The Demon King calmly raised his existence.
[Recovery?]
[If you just open the way… escape is possible.]
[Good. The Zodiac is waiting.]
The Demon King's flames turned green. He is trying to use space travel.
Even if it is not the main body, to invade the Great Constellation's territory and use space travel?
[You've become bolder while I wasn't looking.]
The Phoenix smiled and watched the Demon King's actions quietly.
The Demon King's flames flickered unstably at that alone.
The Demon King's gaze met the Phoenix's.
[You saw the future?]
[What do you think?]
[…….]
The Demon King spread out his hand without answering.
The flames that burned white spat out a mask.
A shape with two curved horns and two abnormally elongated fangs.
Swish.
The Demon King's Starlight was amplified as soon as he wore the mask.
Whoosh. Whoosh. Whooooosh.
Red, white, black, blue, green.
And.
Dozens of types of flames, mixed and mixed, swirled into a single pillar.
It is not a power that an Intermediate Constellation can exert.
No, this is beyond the power of a normal Upper Constellation….
When the constellations were just sparkling in a situation they couldn't understand.
From the shadow of the pillar of flames burning in the form of a pillar.
Crack.
The Devourer's maw revealed its teeth.
This also has a different Starlight than when it was easily restrained by the constellations a moment ago.
[……!!]
Whooooooosh.
Crack.
The more the burning pillar brightened the surroundings, the faster the area of the maw revealed from the gap in the pillar also widened.
Who can show such atrocities in the Great Constellation's territory?
If someone who didn't know saw it, they would mistake it for a war that the Great Constellations had started, breaking the rules.
The Phoenix smiled happily as he watched the joint skill (合技) allowed only to a few constellations.
It was instantaneous.
When the Devourer and the Demon King took their bodies out of the great universe.
[You're still an interesting guy.]
Unlike his words, the Phoenix clicked his tongue at the traces that looked like he had torn apart his own universe.
Not even an Upper Constellation.
Not only did he use a joint skill, but he even left traces in the Great Constellation's universe?
Isn't it pleasing and resentful at the same time?
Chuck Chuck Chuck.
A laugh like an old man spread throughout the great universe.
[I will chase them.]
The Upper Constellation Helmut, who was prostrate next to the Phoenix, opened his mouth quietly.
[If you clash with all your strength, what will the other guys say?]
[But… the Zodiac this time too….]
[There's nothing to worry about. This time, a different future will unfold than before.]
The Phoenix spread out his hand, which was curved like a beak.
A world made of flames unfolded in the air.
The flame that was connected to that place was dying out.
[This is….]
[Three Thousand Worlds. The universe where the Demon King and the Devourer were born.]
[When…!!]
The constellation's power is based on its origin universe.
But if you tear down your origin universe like this….
[The Demon King's universe is broken. It seems the Devourer's universe is still left.]
The origin universe is closely related to the constellation's Starlight.
He won't disappear right away, but the Demon King's power will quickly decrease.
[At this rate, they won't be able to avoid annihilation….]
Even with Helmut's prediction, the Phoenix only smiled.
It is because he is looking forward to the next action the Demon King and his group will show.
[Now. What choice will you make?]
Unlike the joyful voice.
The two eyes scanning the Void Records were facing the future.
586 [Part 2, Episode 2]
Fusion Universe.
A beast-like Constellation, sitting at a round table made of obsidian, frowned.
[He's late.]
No sooner had he spoken than a green flame blazed in the air.
Whoosh.
What appeared from the space were two men in human form.
The Predator and the King of Fiends.
His comrades, operating from this Fusion Universe.
In the Controlled Universe, they were ranked as lower and middle grade, but they were gaining fame in the constellation wars by annihilating constellations above their level.
And now they were here looking like defeated soldiers.
[You look a mess.]
The beast-like Constellation.
A being called the Zodiac among the constellations sighed.
The remnants of enormous starlight(star power) remained on the Predator and the King of Fiends' bodies.
That alone was enough to give him a rough idea of what had happened.
[If I had been any later, you would have been annihilated.]
Thud.
The King of Fiends slumped down on a crudely carved obsidian chair.
He had overexerted himself to escape the Greater Universe.
As a result, flickering smoke was rising from his body. It would be impossible for him to use his full power for the time being.
[I agree. I really thought I was going to die this time.]
The Predator leaned back against the opposite chair, almost lying down.
[Just be grateful that you were dragged into the Greater Universe and came back alive.]
The Predator shrugged at the Zodiac's rebuke. The King of Fiends, who had been closing his eyes and catching his breath, raised his head.
[Zodiac. What's the plan?]
[It's another failure.]
A bitter smile spread across the King of Fiends' face at the expected answer.
[The Dragon betrayed us. It seems he's joined forces with the Aberration.]
[That son of a bitch. He finally did it.]
The Predator casually spat out an expletive used in his universe.
[We're the only survivors. All signals from the others have been cut off.]
[I see.]
Though he didn't show it, they all felt the same way.
It was another failure they were facing. Even if it was a 'regression' that had been unlikely from the start.
The experience of defeat was hard to accept. Especially when the end result was the annihilation of other comrades due to the betrayal of one.
[So. Time to make a choice, I guess?]
The Zodiac loomed over the King of Fiends and asked.
Whether to give in to the Great Constellations and save their lives. Or to seize another opportunity and try again.
The King of Fiends shook his head.
[Isn't the answer obvious? I'm sorry, but I'll ask you one more time.]
The King of Fiends spoke politely.
[I thought so.]
The Zodiac grabbed the hammer he had discarded and began to draw up his existence.
The existence of the Fusion Universe began to gather.
The Zodiac. His full constellation name was "The Zodiac Who Walks the Timeline."
He could send one, or multiple constellations with universes, into the past or the future.
His martial prowess was not great, but that was why he was classified as a high-grade constellation.
Thud thud thud.
Nine stones rose from the ground around the Zodiac, piercing the floor.
Past. Present. Future. Seal. Connection.
In addition to the stones added to contact the constellation to be moved, they were emitting a huge amount of star power.
[Get ready, King of Fiends.]
The King of Fiends shook his head at the Zodiac's words, as if it were obvious.
[It's not me this time.]
[What?]
The King of Fiends looked at the Predator.
The Predator tilted his head as he received the gazes of the Zodiac and the King of Fiends.
[You want me to go? It'd be better for you to go, since you've been there before.]
[I failed once, didn't I? But you've successfully regressed once before.]
[This is on a different scale than that time.]
The Predator looked troubled.
Constellation wars were on a different level than territorial or racial wars, and even the King of Fiends, who was stronger than him, had failed to fully accomplish it.
If he succeeded, he could revive his annihilated comrades, but if he failed, even those who survived could not guarantee their lives.
[That's why I'm counting on you.]
[......?]
[Because you didn't give in even in front of the Great Constellations.]
A strange smile appeared on the King of Fiends' face as he said that.
[No time. Decide quickly.]
The Zodiac grumbled from the center of the stones, which had already begun to activate.
He knew better than anyone the meaning of "no time" through the last regression.
Therefore.
[Okay. I'll go.]
The Predator, having made his decision, got up from his seat and walked to the center of the stones.
The starlight emanating from the nine stones was connected in a line, and finally connected to the Predator's body.
Swish swish swish.
The Predator's body transformed into a transcendent form with an agari shape.
Stone.
It may look ordinary, but it has enough durability to transform a constellation's universe.
Bang!!
The Zodiac, wielding the hammer, struck the first of the stones.
Kiiiiiiii.
The vibration that started from the first stone spread to the second, and then to the third, in a chain reaction.
[Since this is your first time experiencing it directly, I'll explain it simply.]
That he's going back to the past, and that his power will be sealed at first.
[I'll send you back to the moment when you were at the end of your mortality, just like the King of Fiends. Uh-huh, focus. Be careful, if you take your eyes off the past during the regression process, the timeline will change. Anyway, since your memories remain, as your level increases, you'll also have a way to connect with us.]
In addition to this, there was nagging disguised as explanations. He was saying it in a long-winded way, but.
[In the end, it's just time travel, right? Don't treat me like an idiot.]
[I knew it from the moment you charged at the Great Constellations... please don't act recklessly in the world you return to.]
The Zodiac clicked his tongue at the nodding answer and continued.
[Okay. Then... Predator. What's your real name?]
Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds.
He asked for the name he was called in his home universe, not his name as a constellation.
Because there's nothing as sure as a name to turn back and fix time.
[Kim Tae-hyun.]
Bang!!
The Zodiac struck the second stone with the hammer he was holding.
[Okay. Kim Tae-hyun. Don't keep us waiting too long.]
Bang. Kwang. Kwang. Kwaang.
The hammer was swung at regular intervals, without any change in pitch.
Whoa!
The enormous star power emitted by the nine stones spread throughout the Fusion Universe.
Before he knew it, a gate had been created in the center of the stones.
[I won't wish you good luck.]
Being seen off by the pale-faced King of Fiends.
[I'll be back soon. Don't die.]
Tae-hyun crossed the gate.
[Kim Tae-hyun, huh? A bland name. More importantly, are you okay?]
The Zodiac said, focusing on the stone that had begun to glow.
[That guy might be able to get a different result than me. Don't worry too much.]
[That's not what I'm asking.]
[......?]
[Isn't your world collapsing?]
[...You knew?]
[King of Fiends. If I looked at your face right now, that wouldn't be such a stupid thing to say. The Predator probably knew too?]
[......]
[Did you get attacked by the Archaeopteryx?]
[Yeah....]
The King of Fiends nodded without denying it.
Even if he regressed in his current state, the world that had begun to collapse once would not recover.
That's why he gave up his regression to the Predator, who was lower in rank than him.
[If the Predator fails, there's no next time for us, huh. Can you hold out until then?]
The Zodiac said calmly, pouring star power into the stones.
The Zodiac's constellation rank was high, but his combat power was low.
Therefore, in order to fully exert his authority, those who would protect him were essential.
When he regressed the King of Fiends last time, the Predator and others did so.
Now that the Dragon had betrayed him and all the other constellations had been annihilated, the King of Fiends alone had to play that role.
[Don't worry. It's not like I'm going to fall apart right away.]
The Fusion Universe was a world created by constellations who shared the same ideals as the Zodiac, gathering their powers.
Due to its characteristics, there was nothing that could be called a living creature, but it had a degree of secrecy that even the Great Constellations could not easily explore.
For defense within the Fusion Universe, the current King of Fiends would be sufficient.
[If you say so, I'll concentrate without worry.]
The light emanating from the Zodiac's hammer and the roar of striking the stone grew stronger.
They were slowly starting up for a complete regression.
One week.
In the concept of the Three Thousand Worlds, if he concentrated for that amount of time, the Predator would succeed in achieving a complete regression.
If it was the King of Fiends, he could hold out for that long....
Crackle.
[......!!]
Crack crack crack.
[......]
It was simultaneous that they realized something was wrong with the space in the Fusion Universe.
It was also instantaneous.
It was instantaneous that five fingernails tore apart the first barrier of the Fusion Universe.
[I heard you met the Archaeopteryx. So you were gathered here.]
Beyond the torn barrier was a constellation with reptilian eyes.
[Dragon.]
Crack. Crack crack crack.
The more the fingernails dug in, the faster the barrier disappeared.
[King of Fiends!!]
Whoosh!!
There was only a moment's difference between the Zodiac shouting and the Dragon's fingernails bursting into flames.
[What's a traitor like you doing here?]
The King of Fiends, creating red and blue flames, appeared in front of the Dragon.
[Indeed, I met the Archaeopteryx, so you're not normal.]
The Dragon in reptilian form scanned the King of Fiends with glistening eyes.
A Dragon with five hearts.
He was a high-grade constellation, but before that, he was from the Three Thousand Worlds like the King of Fiends and the Predator.
Therefore, he could tell.
That the King of Fiends' universe was collapsing.
A Dragon with five hearts.
The King of Fiends who defies fate.
The Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds.
If they were not constellations who shared the same universe, the King of Fiends would have long since fallen to a low-grade constellation or embarked on the path of annihilation.
In other words.
[It's ironic that my existence as an enemy is saving your life.]
The Dragon's laughter flowed into the Fusion Universe.
The Zodiac's body, which had been hitting the stones, flinched.
Whoosh. Whoosh.
White and green flames rose around him, blocking out the sound.
It was a preparation to allow the Zodiac to concentrate before the battle.
[The regressor this time is the Predator?]
The Dragon's gaze turned to the Zodiac, who was hidden by the flames.
He had also experienced regression once and became a high-grade constellation.
[Predator. If that guy doesn't make a stupid choice, he'll come back as a high-grade constellation, not a mid-grade constellation.]
At the Dragon's mockery, the King of Fiends created a pillar of fire without answering.
Red, white, black, blue, green.
Five flames formed a pillar and created dozens of flames.
It was a technique that had already been proven on numerous high-grade constellations, not simply ending with one flame, but chaining together, devouring and fusing to draw out a higher power.
Sure enough.
The regenerated Dragon's fingernails disappeared without a trace due to the unexpected power.
[I can't believe your universe is collapsing.]
The barrier that made up the Fusion Universe was fifty.
The reason the Dragon was able to find them was because he was one of the constellations who had created the barrier.
Whoosh. Whoosh.
New pillars of fire soared around the Dragon.
[You don't understand what I'm saying.]
Crack!!
Five more fingernails were embedded in the barrier.
[King of Fiends. You can't beat me.]
Even when he was the Underworld King. Even now that he's a constellation.
The Dragon's teeth, each with a different origin, began to erode the barrier.
In an instant, two barriers were annihilated.
'This is....'
Dangerous.
The King of Fiends split the pillar into five.
Five fingernails.
Five pillars.
The moment the two powers derived from the Three Thousand Worlds collided.
The resonated universe spread throughout the Fusion Universe.
The Zodiac, who was wielding his power, was no exception.
[O- oh....]
The worlds of the Dragon and the King of Fiends flowed through the gaps in the white and green flames.
Before the Zodiac could do anything, a considerable amount of star power was sucked into the gate.
[N-no....]
The Zodiac tried to block it by swinging the hammer, but a considerable level of star power had already passed through the gate.
[This is crazy....]
Cooong.
The Zodiac, dropping the hammer, stared at the stones that were losing their light with a dumbfounded expression.
[......]
How did things get so twisted?
In the center of the universe, where the roars were rampant due to the battle between the two constellations.
[F*ck....]
The Zodiac recalled the curse that the Predator used to use.
[We're f*cked.]
587 [Part 2, Episode 3]
Dizzy and weak.
It felt different from when I was bound by the Archaeopteryx and couldn't use my powers.
'Is the regression not complete yet?'
As soon as I thought that.
"Hey, this bastard's sleeping?"
"Hehe... Seems like he's trying to escape reality? Then we have to wake him up ourselves."
A young man. No, human voices were heard.
I shot up.
Taehyun got up and looked at his body.
He was wearing a familiar school uniform over his thin body.
"Whoa... You scared me!!"
"Haha. Seems like the loser instinct is kicking in?"
Taehyun looked up.
"Ah...."
Jo Taeshik and Gu Beommo.
Their uniforms from Geon-guk High School, now faded in my memory, were uttering profanities.
They were about to kick Taehyun, who was lying on his desk, but were surprised by his sudden reaction.
"What are you looking at, you loser?"
"We told you to come up to the roof, but you're sleeping? You're getting soft."
I couldn't help but smile as I listened to the curses.
"It can't be a dream."
This must be the result of the Zodiac, a high-ranking constellation with the power of time, using all their power.
The only strange thing is the timing of the regression.
The purpose of the regression is to elevate existence through re-awakening and to gain the enlightenment to create a transcendent being that can overwhelm the constellation war.
'I was told I'd be sent back to the end of my mortal days.'
Taehyun tilted his head, confused by the unknown facts.
I don't have power yet.
To be precise, I have power, but it's in the early stages before it's developed.
It will take quite some time to raise my awakening rank using Devour.
More than anything.
'A guy like the Zodiac wouldn't make a mistake...'
That's what Taehyun was thinking when.
"Hey, you still haven't come to your senses?"
Jo Taeshik approached with a bitter smile and raised his hand.
He was going to slap me on the cheek as he once did.
Taehyun took two steps back and dodged it.
Now is the time to execute the best way to check the situation.
"Status window open."
?[Name: Kim Taehyun]
?[Age: 19 years old]
?[Rank: E]
?[Skill: Devour - 0%]
The long-ago past when I was killed by Asmodeus.
The status window from when I regressed with the help of the Demon King appeared before my eyes.
The skill that was the beginning of all possibilities.
It was a status window I hadn't experienced in a long time.
'Regression is certain.'
I looked at the two guys who were still not understanding the situation in front of me.
"The youngsters are the same too."
"What, you bastard?"
"Ha. Look at this guy?"
I ignored the two kids shouting as if it were absurd.
Instead, I tried to use the only skill I had.
Ding.
[Unique skill Devour (E) has been activated.]
[Unique skill Devour (E) cannot be used.]
[An error has been detected in the status window system.]
[The title of 'Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds' is revoked.]
[Unique skill Devour (E) is sealed.]
This didn't happen in the first timeline.
'This is troublesome.'
I need time to think.
Taehyun looked at the two friends who were cursing in front of him.
In a situation where I've returned to being a mortal, it's not easy to concentrate with these chaotic guys around.
The Three Thousand Worlds is a universe consisting of three main dimensions.
Also.
'The time difference between the micro-universe and the outside is immeasurable and varied.'
Jo Taeshik and Gu Beommo. And the kids who had gathered were starting to make a commotion.
It would be easy to ignore them and move on without wasting time.
But everything felt fresh to Taehyun, who had lived as a transcendent being for a long time outside.
'A human body... Shall I test it out?'
Should I avoid the situation to have time to think?
Or should I greet my friends and check the condition of my body?
Either way, it was an appealing choice.
The 고민 didn't last long.
"First, Gu Beommo. You come here."
Crack.
While cracking his wrist.
Taehyun smiled gently.
And.
About 30 seconds after the one-sided beating began?
"Ugh... Ugh... Stop..."
Gu Beommo, his mouth full of blood, began to sob.
"Definitely... It doesn't feel good because I haven't trained."
Even as he muttered to himself, Taehyun didn't stop.
"Huk... Save... Me...."
"S, stop it, you bastard! You're going to kill him!!"
Jo Taeshik, who had already been beaten and was lying on the ground, shouted.
Taehyun slammed Gu Beommo's head into the ground and stood up.
Looking at Gu Beommo, who wasn't even moaning, as if he had fainted, Jo Taeshik began to slowly back away.
"D, don't come...!!"
Even this is the same.
'And here.'
"Kim Taehyun, stop it!"
A woman walked out from among the students who had been watching.
"Are you going to kill someone? Stop it, Kim Taehyun."
Im A-yeong.
My colleague whose fate changed with the first regression.
I didn't hear how her life went after she became a constellation.
Because after going out and getting involved in the constellation war, the connection with the Three Thousand Worlds was cut off.
The timeline had also changed, so I thought I wouldn't see her again, but seeing her face like this made me want to express my happiness.
Of course, that was just Im A-yeong, who had built various relationships in the first timeline.
The current Im A-yeong was a woman who fit the word hypocrite.
Crack.
Following Gu Beommo, Jo Taeshik was also easily dealt with.
And.
Slap.
"......!!"
Im A-yeong's head turned from Taehyun's slap.
In reality, there would be no particular impact.
The current Taehyun is an untrained E-rank awakened, and Im A-yeong is an awakened with an S-rank body.
It was just.
She was just taken aback by the actions of Taehyun, who was called a loser at this time.
"You...!! What are you doing?!!"
Im A-yeong brought her hand to her cheek and shouted.
Her voice and body were trembling.
"Hmm."
Taehyun didn't answer and just watched her quietly.
She was just shouting and not attacking.
In other words, Im A-yeong's personality is still the same.
"But why this time..."
"Kim Taehyun...!! I'm asking what are you..."
"Ah, nice to see you. Im A-yeong."
"Apologize properly..."
Just then, the bell rang to signal the next class.
'It's still strange.'
Is it because I'm not a transcendent being but a mortal body?
Taehyun had returned to his original cheerful personality, not the blunt and rough constellation 'Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds'.
"Let's meet again if we have the chance. Don't think too badly of me."
I don't know if that chance will come again.
Taehyun left the classroom, leaving the stunned Im A-yeong behind.
Now as before.
No one blocked Taehyun's way, they just murmured.
I left the classroom and headed to the rooftop. Generally, class had started, so it was the least crowded place.
And.
Taehyun, who came up to the rooftop, realized that something was seriously wrong.
"Huh...."
Taehyun, who let out a hollow laugh, shook his head.
I thought it was just a problem with the timing of the regression.
"It's magnificent."
In the distance. I saw a huge tower that was vividly visible even at an immeasurable distance.
A tower that was hidden by clouds and whose end could not be known.
It was clear that it was the building that Taehyun had asked Tolkien for in order to connect the middle and lower realms.
The problem is that Tolkien should be held as a slave in the upper realm at this point in time.
More than anything.
"Devour is sealed..."
It's not just that it's impossible to use.
The sealing of Devour and the deprivation of qualification as a constellation.
That means that at least the world is aware that Taehyun has regressed.
It was different from the first timeline, when the level of the universe had dropped and I couldn't even utter the word constellation.
'Is the timeline really twisted...?'
It's not a mistake that a constellation of the Zodiac's level would make.
What I can guess is that something happened while that guy was using his power.
If the Zodiac, who is being guarded by the Demon King, was affected...
'There's a high possibility that at least a high-ranking constellation was involved.'
Perhaps the dragon who betrayed me was involved.
"I have to hurry."
Taehyun checked the magic power in his body.
I can't use Devour, but fortunately, I can feel magic power.
Unless someone is determined to take my life, I can get myself out of trouble by putting magic power on my body.
Next, I need to check information about the twisted timeline.
The first things that come to mind are the Nightwalker Guild and the Player Association.
'There's no way they'll let me use the information from Nightwalker or the Association without anything...'
All sorts of serendipitous opportunities that I monopolized in the first timeline.
It will take a long time to rebuild trust from the beginning.
'Should I apologize to Im A-yeong and ask her? No, I don't think so.'
If it's the Im A-yeong that Taehyun knows, she might force an apology even by using her skills this time.
Dealing with Im A-yeong, who is determined to attack, is burdensome in the current state.
'If I use ancient martial arts, I might be able to subdue her...'
Still, to trample on a former comrade out of the blue just to get information.
Isn't that something a psychopath would do?
Where can I get information about the current world? I was in the midst of worrying about unresolved problems.
Bang!!
The rooftop door opened roughly and a man appeared.
"Wow~ Kim Taehyun, the pride of our Geon-guk High, is here."
Taehyun's face lit up as he confirmed the man's grim face.
An information provider came on their own.
"Hyeok-su!!"
I was so happy that without even realizing it.
New Korean Ancient Martial Arts Form 1, Taebaek.
Taehyun to the massive man.
To Bae Hyeok-su.
Crack.
He threw the first punch.
Bae Hyeok-su, the leader of the disciplinary squad.
190cm tall and weighing over 100kg.
He awakened the C-rank skill Stone Skin and is managing the Geon-guk High bullies under Lee Jeong-jae.
He's just a simple delinquent kid now, but after graduating, he becomes a player and joins a malicious guild.
Of course, that was when Taehyun was living as an unawakened person.
After the first regression, I remember he was the subject of an experiment with the Devour skill on the rooftop and spent quite a long time in the hospital.
'I don't need to know the situation after that.'
If I had to say the difference between then and now, Taehyun learned ancient martial arts instead of being unable to use Devour, and Bae Hyeok-su is still just a thug who only has Stone Skin and bluffing.
Of course, there is a small density of life that Taehyun became an S-rank player, became the King of the Lower Realm, became the Unified King, and reached the level of a constellation during the two regressions.
But that wouldn't matter to Bae Hyeok-su.
"Hyeok-su!!"
Crack.
"So!!"
Crackle.
"Happy to see you!!"
Bang!!
New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, White Wolf.
The techniques that Taehyun mastered in the first regression hit one after another.
Even if it's an untrained body, it's an attack that focuses on vital points.
"Cough... Cough... Keueok...."
Saliva was dripping from Bae Hyeok-su's mouth, who was lying on the ground with his head buried.
It happened without even having a chance to use his boasting C-rank skill.
'Well, even if he had used it, it would have been difficult to avoid this fate.'
The ancient martial arts used with determination are not at a level that can be blocked with just a C-rank skill.
"You... Kill... In..."
Bae Hyeok-su revealed his murderous intent while drooling.
So.
I trampled on him a few more times.
He showed resistance using Stone Skin, but that was it.
"Relax. You'll hurt yourself."
Crack!!
When I stepped on the vital points intensively, the skill was naturally released.
His attitude changed after I trampled on him for another 5 minutes like that.
"...Man..."
"What?"
"Plea...se... St...op...."
My friend, who had become a wreck in a short time, was begging for mercy at my feet.
The way he was trembling with a reverse phenomenon was like seeing a wet puppy.
Middle Realm. Lower Realm. Upper Realm. Great Universe.
Even though I've been through thick and thin, Taehyun is not such a heartless person.
"This guy. It hurts my heart."
Taehyun bent his knees and grabbed the head of his friend who was begging for mercy.
And.
"From now on, if the answer I want doesn't come out of your mouth, I'm going to tear off your limbs one by one."
I whispered sweetly.
588 [Part 2, Episode 4]
Choi Nayoung, the school nurse at GeonGuk High School.
At twenty-six years old, she was an A-ranked Awakened with healing skills.
In modern society, simply being born with recovery-related skills guarantees a privileged life.
So why was she spending her time at school for a meager salary?
Many were curious, but few knew the real reason.
'It's been a while.'
Entering the annex, Taehyun headed straight for the nurse's office where Choi Nayoung was.
Looking like her younger brother, Taehyun would often come to the nurse's office after getting into fights, and she would genuinely care for him.
Because of this, Taehyun remembered being saddened by her death during the Gate Break that occurred a few days later.
Of course, that was also in his first life.
After his first regression, Taehyun had prevented the Gate Break, and he heard that she overcame her trauma related to her brother and worked at the Player Association.
And now.
Creak.
Taehyun opened the nurse's office door without knocking and stepped inside.
"Taehyun? What's going on at this hour...?"
"Haa... he's heavy."
Thud.
"Wh-What is this...?"
Choi Nayoung stammered as she watched Taehyun carry Bae Hyuksoo and lay him on a cot.
"I found him rolling around on the roof by himself."
"......"
Choi Nayoung wasn't naive enough to believe that at face value.
However.
"Taehyun, are you okay...?"
Instead of asking questions to figure out the situation, she was worried about him.
"I said he was rolling around by himself. Why would I be hurt?"
Before becoming a school nurse, she had worked briefly in the military.
These were bruises.
Traces of a beating administered while ignoring the victim's resistance.
Bae Hyuksoo, notorious in the school, was the victim?
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't imagine Taehyun, who hadn't even Awakened a skill, beating someone up.
'Could he have pushed him down the stairs? No, even then, these injuries are...'
After a moment, she shook her head.
Even if something had happened, it was clear whose side she should be on.
Choi Nayoung focused on Bae Hyuksoo's seemingly critical condition rather than the essence of the incident.
Meanwhile.
'This is more serious than I thought.'
Sitting on another cot, Taehyun's expression darkened.
He had asked Bae Hyuksoo about the Tower.
However, he hadn't heard all the answers because Bae Hyuksoo had fainted.
There were still a few questions remaining.
Taehyun looked at Choi Nayoung, who had just finished contacting the university hospital.
"Teacher, about the Tower..."
"The Tower?"
"Yes. The one you can see outside. I hit my head a little while ago, so my memory is a bit fuzzy."
Hearing that he was hurt, Choi Nayoung quickly rushed over to check on Taehyun.
Of course, there were no injuries.
"Ah, there are no external wounds, just a slight memory issue."
"Is... that so?"
"Yes."
Smile.
Taehyun gave a friendly smile.
'Was he always this cheerful?'
She thought for a moment.
"Why the Tower?"
"Hyuksoo said that you have to go through the Tower to enter the Abyss. Is that true?"
Choi Nayoung's face darkened rapidly.
"Taehyun, are you... really okay? If you have short-term memory loss..."
For the next few minutes, Taehyun tried to calm Choi Nayoung down, unintentionally receiving a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
"Teacher... can you at least tell me when the Tower was built?"
"Hmm... I think I saw in a book that it's been around since before Christ..."
'Before Christ?!!'
At that point, it could be considered to have existed alongside human history. Something was very, very wrong.
"Was it built by a dwarf named Tolkien, by any chance?"
"Tolkien...? Who's that?"
Judging by her reaction, she seemed to have never heard the name before.
'She definitely doesn't know about Tolkien. As I thought... the timeline is twisted.'
Even with the presence of a Grand Duke in the past, it was impossible to freely enter this Middle-earth.
Several hypotheses came to mind, but it was too early to conclude anything.
"I heard that even non-Awakened can Awaken if they enter the Tower. Is that true?"
"There's a rumor like that... You're not thinking of going in there, are you?"
"Of course not."
Contrary to his answer.
'I need to go into the Tower to figure out the situation.'
An ambulance from the university hospital came and took Bae Hyuksoo away, and it was more than two hours later when Taehyun left the nurse's office.
Messy objects and posters of players plastered on the walls.
"I never thought this day would come again."
Taehyun threw himself onto the bed that filled the small room.
It was the room he stayed in when he lived with his aunt and uncle.
Dust that had been settling rose into the air because it hadn't been properly cleaned.
In his first life, it was a tearful place symbolizing poverty.
In his second life, it was a symbolic place of escaping poverty.
In his third life, it was simply a place that evoked memories.
He thought he would never come back as a constellation.
"I really regressed again."
Most of the Lower Constellations were forced out because their home universe couldn't handle their existence.
Perhaps that's why.
Not many constellations counted time.
Taehyun also forgot about time while fighting in the constellation wars under the alias "Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds."
He could only guess that tens of thousands of years had passed on Earth.
'But.'
He never thought the day would come when he would lie on a bed with a mortal body again.
Was it because he had a mortal body instead of a transcendent being as a constellation?
Or was it because he had fallen to his weakest moment?
A complex feeling that was difficult to define stirred within him.
Taehyun didn't dislike that unknown feeling.
'I must not forget the purpose of coming here.'
Lying on the bed, he organized the information he had heard from Bae Hyuksoo and Choi Nayoung.
'Entering the Tower without any preparation is suicide.'
Lower Realm.
To get to the place people know as the Abyss, you have to go through the Tower.
Unlike the previous iterations where it was possible to move through Gates, it was a simple yet tricky method.
'The good thing is that the Tower doesn't only exist in New Korea.'
It exists all over the world and has the same appearance everywhere.
Currently, the Player Associations of each country manage the Tower, and the minimum entry ticket seems to be the Player License.
Compared to before when Gate Breaks occurred frequently, the stability has increased.
To obtain more detailed information, it was necessary to contact executives of the Association or Guilds.
"An executive who can provide meaningful information..."
The first to come to mind were Yoo Ah-young, the guild master of Night Walker, and Ji Jinhui, the president of the Player Association.
People Taehyun trusted and relied on in the past and now.
If he contacted them, he could quickly acquire information about the Tower.
If the Tower was connected to the Abyss as rumored and non-Awakened could Awaken just by entering, then.
"The key to unlocking the Seal of Predation might be there."
As he was thinking that.
He heard someone entering the house.
'Is it Jaeyoung?'
Hwang Jaeyoung, the only son of his aunt and uncle.
He was about to associate with the thugs of the Backcross circle but was caught by Taehyun, reformed, and lived a new life.
When Taehyun became the Underworld King, he even showed a commendable appearance of growing into an A-ranked player.
The meeting with Jaeyoung was as expected.
"Hey. Mind your own business and go your way?"
"Ah. Can't you hear me telling you to get lost?"
"Who is it?"
"Ah, you don't have to worry about it, hyungs. Just a cousin who leeches off our family."
"Ah~ That loser who hasn't Awakened?"
"Hey. Jaeyoung's cousin hyung. What did you just say?"
"Hey, Kim Taehyun! Are you crazy?"
"So it's okay to beat this bastard up, right?"
He had a faster re-education session than before.
He loosened his body up against the thugs and had Jaeyoung get him a few bottles of lower-grade potions made by the Alchemist.
It had all happened in just one day.
"Jaeyoung, listen to your aunt."
"O-Okay..."
"Why are you using honorifics so awkwardly?"
"U-Uh..."
"You can definitely do better, so don't go astray. And tell your uncle I won't be back for a while."
"Where... are you going...?"
"Entering the Tower."
"Uh...?"
He left the house, leaving behind the dumbfounded Jaeyoung.
Taehyun looked up at the Tower standing in front of the plaza.
'It's huge.'
The Tower that can be seen from anywhere in New Korea and has the same appearance everywhere.
It had a similar function to what Taehyun had asked Tolkien for before he started the inter-species war with the Upper Realm in the past.
The difference was that the timing was jumbled up and that it had appeared simultaneously all over the world.
He had gathered information in his own way for a day after regressing, but there was a limit to how much he could find.
'Is the entrance over there?'
According to Jaeyoung, the appearance was the same everywhere, but the only location in New Korea where you could enter the Tower was near Seoul City Hall Plaza.
Without delay, he approached the two men guarding the entrance.
'The Tower is managed by the Player Association.'
In other words, the men in front of him should be players affiliated with the Association.
"What is your business?"
The man holding a long spear, seemingly a guard weapon, asked.
"I wish to enter the Tower."
Taehyun answered, meeting his gaze.
The two men's faces were filled with scrutiny.
"Please take off your hat and present your license."
Mana surged from the guards' spears.
Their aura, which had seemed to be D-ranked, rose to about B-ranked.
'Is it a magic tool?'
Taehyun let out a hollow laugh as he checked the Alchemist mark engraved on the spear shaft.
It was far more developed than the Alchemist he remembered.
But that wasn't the important thing.
"Without a license, entry is not permitted."
It was an interdimensional passage managed by the prestigious Association.
It would have been disappointing if it had been easily passable.
Crack. Crack.
Taehyun stretched his body without answering.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
The guard's voice turned cold.
"Sorry. I don't have a license, but I need to get in."
Taehyun's answer also became short.
"Don't joke around, you still look like a kid..."
"Is Chairman Ji Jinhui doing well?"
"What...?"
The moment the man tried to react.
The 1st Form of the Ancient Korean Martial Arts. Taebaek.
Crack.
The hand blade swung from below to above struck the man's spear shaft and blew it away.
The moment the surprised man tried to use a skill.
Thud.
Taehyun's fist reached the man's abdomen first.
Thump.
One player fell in one blow.
"This crazy... Are you a fiend...?"
Before the other man could shout anything.
The 1st Form of the Ancient Chinese Martial Arts. Palm Energy.
Swish.
Taehyun's fist, stepping on the footwork, reached the man's sternum.
And.
Bang.
The second man fell straight down.
He looked at the magic tool the man had dropped. There was a lingering mana in the handle with the guild mark.
'I wonder if the guild leader is doing well.'
Seo Sangik, the guild leader of the Alchemist.
He recalled the man who had formed a connection with him in the past and helped him a lot in his activities as a player.
Taehyun grabbed the spear of the second fallen man.
He wasn't the type to rely on magic tools, but he judged that it was better to have them than not to have them when he had to fight with limited power like now.
He looked down at the two fallen players.
Now that he saw it, the Alchemist's insignia was also engraved on their gloves and shoes.
'The world has gotten so much better.'
It was a scene that someone else would mistake for a robbery against Association players.
'I feel like I've become a fiend.'
How had he, who was called the guardian of humanity and hunted fiends, become like this?
"What can I do?"
This life wasn't just about the fate of New Korea, but the fate of the Three Thousand Worlds.
Even if he had to use somewhat strong methods, he had to move quickly.
Taehyun, sighing, brought the spear to the door that was guarding it.
BEEP- Screech-.
Along with an unfamiliar mechanical sound, the door installed in the Tower opened.
Beyond the door, he saw the spatial distortion being suppressed by mechanical devices.
'Gate.'
This distortion was probably the true entrance to the Tower.
There was no need to hesitate.
"Let's go."
The second day of Taehyun's 2nd regression.
Taehyun stepped into the entrance leading to another world.
Part 2, Episode 5
Ding.
[‘A Great Being’ recognizes ‘Kim Taehyun.’]
[Attempting to connect with ‘A Great Being.’]
[Connection with ‘A Great Being’ has failed.]
[You receive the grace of ‘A Great Being.’]
[Your Awakening Grade has changed.]
[Your physical stats have increased.]
[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ recommends a system update.]
Numerous messages resound in my head.
Originally, the voice that resonated for Awakened Ones was that of No Name, but this was a mechanical sound I was hearing for the first time.
Taehyun belatedly opened his eyes.
And.
“This is….”
He admired quietly at the scene unfolding before him.
It was a plaza.
Identical to the one where the tower had been erected a moment ago.
The difference was that unlike the outside, where there was nothing around, guild buildings and shops lined the area.
Virtual reality. Or the metaverse.
It felt like it needed to be supported by a scientific explanation.
Of course, that possibility was slim.
“Did they pioneer it?”
In the past, the Lower World, known to people as the Abyss, was also initially pioneered, with several guilds exerting influence.
The main purpose was to shorten supply times, but it was corrupted into a battleground for expanding power.
‘Even if the plaza is made up of a similar backdrop….’
Buildings and people are present to a level similar to that of a city.
‘The magic density is at the level of the Lower World's entrance….’
Despite the perplexing sight, it seemed like he had come to the right place.
The countless messages from moments ago came to mind.
Taehyun instinctively opened his status window.
[Name: Kim Taehyun]
[Age: 19]
[Grade: D]
[Skill: Predation (捕食) - 0%]
Unlike in previous regressions, an un-upgraded status window appeared.
And.
“Hmm….”
Taehyun checked the Awakening Grade that had changed upon entering the tower.
“I guess it won’t be easy.”
He hadn't placed too much hope in Bae Hyuksoo's words, that even non-Awakened could become Awakened just by entering the tower.
In the first place, Taehyun wasn't a non-Awakened but merely sealed, and that might also be a risk of the Zodiac's power, which deviated from some kind of law.
“Still, only Grade D, huh.”
He couldn't help but feel disappointed.
‘Should I take a look around for now?’
He naturally walked towards the paved plaza street.
The street was instantly filled with thousands of people, none of whom were dressed in ordinary clothes.
Some wore medieval armor, others wore robes like mages, and still others were equipped with what looked like cutting-edge scientific equipment.
‘Are all of these people players?’
Taehyun looked down at himself.
He was wearing jeans and a hoodie, along with medieval shoes and gloves, and holding a spear.
It was because he had stolen the magic tools from the players at the entrance and put them on haphazardly.
Even though it was somewhat messy, there were so many unique outfits that he didn't look out of place.
Had it been about an hour of wandering aimlessly?
He was able to discover one unique thing.
Clothing, equipment, buildings, etc. He found the mark of the Guild Alchemist everywhere on the street.
‘The guild leader here has achieved his dream.’
It seemed that Seo Sangik in the current universe had a better business acumen than Seo Sangik in the universe where Taehyun lived.
In addition to this.
Night Walker, Onsaemi, Magicians.
It was when he was passing by the headquarters of familiar guilds located in the plaza.
“……”
Taehyun stopped in front of one building.
Colorful Korean characters flashed across the large sign erected at the entrance of the guild.
[New Korea's Top 5 Guilds. Hanbit is recruiting new players.]
Hanbit Guild.
The organization Taehyun had belonged to before his first regression.
At that time, Taehyun was an unawakened porter, and the guild members who had been with him met their end, killed by the SSS-grade monster Asmodeus.
“Already one of the top 5 guilds….”
The first regression started by the whims of the Demon King.
Taehyun, who was thriving as a player, had quietly sponsored the Hanbit Guild.
The first reason was to come into contact with Asmodeus, who had caused the regression, and the second reason was to create a different future.
As a result.
The Hanbit Guild quickly developed into a large guild, but they failed to use them to contact Asmodeus.
It was the influence of the future being changed by Taehyun's regression.
‘That's as far as I was involved with the Hanbit Guild in the first regression.’
After that, he became involved in territorial wars and race wars, and lived on a different timeline from the people of the middle world.
Since returning to the body of a mortal, not a transcendent, his emotional fluctuations had become severe.
For a moment, Taehyun, lost in memories of the past, had a smile on his face.
“Well, it’s good to see.”
After smiling once, he moved on.
The more time Taehyun spent walking after entering the tower, the more he was able to confirm one clear fact.
‘This place is more developed than the universe I lived in.’
The level of magic tools was incomparably high, and the management of the dimensional gate, managed in the form of a tower, was not bad either.
He recalled the players he had met at the entrance.
‘Has the level of players deteriorated as much as the magic tools have developed?’
Taehyun's level, who used ancient martial arts, was at best at the level of a B-grade player.
If he used his meager magic power to strengthen his body, he could momentarily compete with an A-grade player.
He had confirmed through Jaeyoung that the pinnacle of players in the current universe was S-grade.
‘There may be some skill difference….’
There wouldn't be many enemies in New Korea who could overwhelm and endanger Taehyun, who had his powers sealed.
‘If entering the tower doesn't unseal the seal… should I meet Riki?’
Riki Hallis, an S-grade player from the United States.
Canceler, Energy Compose, Energy Drain.
She, who possessed three S-grade skills, might be able to completely unseal the seal.
Taehyun, who had been briefly considering the possibility, shook his head.
‘She wouldn’t meet me easily.’
Riki Hallis in his memory was a suspicious and proud woman.
If he approached without a license, he might be treated as a demon hiding his identity.
‘She’s a dangerous woman if she’s determined.’
He quickly erased Riki Hallis from his head.
The option of Yoo Ahyoung was also erased for similar reasons.
It would be better to meet them after regaining at least S-grade power, even if they did meet.
‘S-grade without Predation… it's daunting.’
How to restore existing relationships. How to regain power without them.
It was while he was thinking about this.
“……”
His senses were supposed to be dulled as much as his lowered physical abilities, but strangely, he felt a strong gaze looking at him.
‘Is it a hyena?’
There are always those who prey on those who look naive.
Looking at his current pathetic outfit, it would be strange if they left him alone.
‘It’s better this way.’
He recalled his heated conversation with Hyuksoo.
If there was something to be gained from a mere high school student, then there would be even more to talk about with those who had entered the tower.
Taehyun entered an alley without showing any reaction.
All sorts of graffiti were drawn on the rough walls.
It was a different atmosphere from the orderly buildings and shops in the plaza.
Chaos and bleakness. It seemed to show that it was not being properly managed unlike the plaza street.
The maze-like alley continued.
After passing the homeless people scattered around, he walked for about 10 minutes, and a huge wall blocked his path.
A dead end with few people.
It was a good place to talk with your body.
He turned around.
For some reason, not a single one of the dozen or so homeless people he had passed by was visible.
Taehyun was the only person in the alley.
“Come out now?”
Taehyun's voice flowed through the narrow alley.
Leaning against the wall, he felt the energy of the area.
Something alien was scanning his body.
Yet there was nothing caught by his senses.
‘Is the skill level higher than I thought?’
The skill grade is B or higher. The Awakening grade is likely to be B or lower. Overall, C~A grade.
It was a subtle difference that others would have thought was a mistake.
But.
His instincts, which had fought in numerous wars, were telling him.
That he was not wrong.
“I’m warning you.”
Taehyun channeled magic power into the spear he was holding.
Tzzz.
In reality, it was only about D-grade magic power, but the magic tool that had shone once amplified it to B-grade magic power.
“If you don’t come out, you’ll get hurt?”
It couldn't even be called a javelin throw.
Towards the narrow alley wide enough for two adult men to walk side by side.
He threw the magic tool, which was filled with magic power, with all his might.
Swaaack.
Originally, the spear that flew in a straight line should have been embedded in the wall of the opposite alley.
But.
Clang!!
The sound of blades colliding. At the same time, the spear that bounced off tumbled to the ground.
Roll, roll, roll.
Taehyun picked up the spear that had rolled in front of him again. The spearhead was damaged.
“Look at this.”
Regardless of the amount of magic power flowing, it was a magic tool that amplified the power to the B-grade level.
The fact that he had deflected such a magic tool meant that the opponent's overall capabilities were at least B-grade.
Taehyun looked around.
Behind him was a huge wall.
In front of him was a passage wide enough for two adults to walk side by side.
“One greeting seems to be enough.”
Taehyun stared silently at the passage.
And.
Shhh. Shhhhhh. Shhh.
Five men appeared.
Black robes and black masks.
It was as if they were openly saying, 'I'm a suspicious person.'
“How did you know?”
The man leading the masked men asked. Judging by his clumsy pronunciation, he didn't seem to be from New Korea.
“……”
Whirr. Whirr.
The man showed off his skill in rotating a dagger in his hand.
Apart from the strange energy swirling around him, a trace of magic power remained.
It seemed he was the one who had deflected the spear Taehyun had thrown earlier.
‘Only that man’s energy is subtly different.’
Taehyun intuitively knew that he was the leader of the masked men.
“It doesn’t seem to be the Night Walker’s uniform. A Chinese player? Or a demon from another country?”
At that moment, a man standing behind the leader spoke in a familiar language.
[It's definitely Kim Taehyun. His magic power level isn't high either.]
It wasn't New Korean or Chinese, but the language of demons.
‘A humanoid demon…?’
In that instant.
A strange energy rose from the eyes of the other masked men.
‘A search skill?’
This wasn't good.
The current Taehyun lacked resistance to the opponent's skills, and he also lacked skills to counterattack.
‘I’ll just beat them up.’
Tzzz.
He infused magic power once again.
He checked the magic power he felt inside his body.
It was a body with many shortcomings.
If he used the distance of the spear, he could reduce the numerical gap.
The masked men surrounded Taehyun.
They had given up the advantage of distance and created an environment conducive to using weapons.
‘The leader is at least B-grade or higher. I have to keep my distance as much as possible.’
Taehyun kept his eyes on the dagger the leader was holding.
The blade was dyed purple. The possibility of poison being applied increased the danger.
Hehe.
The corner of the man's mouth curved upward.
[In the name of the Blood Demon God Sect.]
A chilling voice, even feeling vile.
‘The Blood Demon God Sect?’
If it was the Blood Demon God Sect, wasn't that from Murim, another dimension of the middle world?
Why were such people using the language of demons?
It was while he was thinking that.
[Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds.]
“……!!”
In a monotone voice, the man spoke Taehyun's Constellation name.
‘Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds’ was Taehyun’s moniker used outside.
It was a name that the beings of the middle world shouldn't know.
It was confusing.
‘This isn’t just a matter of the timeline being twisted….’
It wasn't just a simple hyena.
It seemed that the situation was more serious than he had thought.
It was when Taehyun was cursing the Zodiac.
[Hunt down Kim Taehyun.]
At the man's command.
Shhhhh.
Four masked men disappeared.
Part 2, Episode 6
An unexpected first regression.
Being chosen by the king was accidental, but
striving to prevent the Intermediary Realm from becoming a battleground between the Upper and Lower Realms was Taehyun's own will.
He didn't run away.
He inherited the Lower Realm King's position and fought in territorial and tribal wars.
He wasn't satisfied.
He left room for growth so that the Intermediary Realm, including Earth, wouldn't be manipulated by higher dimensions.
Then came the tribal wars between the Upper and Lower Realms.
At the end, he defeated his nemesis, Asmodeus.
It was the moment the first unified king was born in the Three Thousand Worlds, but Taehyun soon had to flee to the 'Outside'.
And.
When he met the Demon King, became aware as a constellation, and the name Kim Taehyun was lost.
The newly acquired name was 'Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds'.
Intermediary Realm. Lower Realm. Upper Realm.
Acknowledged as reaching the pinnacle in his home universe across all levels.
Clang. Clangclang. Clangclang.
Taehyun swung his spear widely, knocking away swords coming from all directions.
He could feel his untrained limbs gradually stiffening with tension.
It was because he heard an unexpected name from the mouths of those he had merely thought of as hyenas.
'Dangerous.'
He widened his stance, shifting his center of gravity to be ready to respond at any moment.
[You've really weakened.]
The leader assessed Taehyun in a somber voice.
His mouth was hidden by a mask, but it was no doubt he was smiling.
[Where did the spirit that defied the laws of the universe go, Devourer?]
Devourer.
That was the name by which the constellations recognized Taehyun in the 'Outside'.
No one in this world should know that name.
'Could it be.'
He finally seemed to recognize the source of déjà vu from the leader.
Besides this, a different energy was felt from the masked figures than mana.
Mixed in with the martial artists' internal energy was a small amount of stellar energy.
They weren't using something like a search skill, but scanning him with eyes imbued with stellar energy.
Then.
Ting.
[The regressed constellation 'Kim Taehyun' becomes aware of the sensation of stellar energy.]
[The Tower Administrator is satisfied.]
'What is this…'
Taken aback by the nonsensical message that didn't fit the situation, he hardly had time to react.
Clangclangclang.
Taehyun instinctively swung his spear, and once again the sound of metal rang out.
Swish. Swishswish.
The four masked figures, having deactivated their stealth, no longer concealed their killing intent.
"Are you all Avatars?"
Avatar.
One of the ways constellations from the 'Outside' could interfere with creatures in the 'Inside'.
It was a method that could not be used without the authority over space-time, such as the Zodiac.
'Even among the higher-level constellations, there are very few who can use Avatars.'
Someone was trying that rare method in Taehyun's universe.
[You're finally catching on.]
The man, the leader of the masked figures, exuded a heavy presence just by looking.
A body that effortlessly deflects B-rank level attacks. The feeling of pressure. Evaluating everything together.
'He's about an A-rank player level.'
The other guys also radiated an energy that seemed to be around B-rank.
There was no way a constellation's Avatar would remain at such a low level.
Thoughts quickly organized.
"The Blood Demon of the Divine Teachings. That guy's the Avatar."
Taehyun confirmed, infusing mana into both legs.
The leader chuckled softly.
"You can tell the level of the leader by looking at the subordinates. The Blood Demon is only about that level."
At the obvious provocation, the bodies of the masked figures twitched.
[He's not someone you can speak of carelessly.]
[A mere morsel of the Divine Teachings dares to….]
This confirmed it.
More than one constellation was interfering in Taehyun's universe.
'I'm curious about what the Blood Demon looks like.'
Crack. Crack.
Taehyun loosened his joints and stretched.
"Life was never easy."
He understood it as a similar principle to how dukes create contractors, and heavenly realm masters create possessed beings.
The suspicious one was the Archaeopteryx.
It wouldn't be surprising for the great constellation Archaeopteryx to have a few such subordinates.
He was merely displeased that such a thing happened during his regression.
"The Blood Demon also made a mistake."
If he knew about the regression, he should have confronted him with all his might before he regained his strength.
The Three Thousand Worlds were the Devourer's home universe.
Especially since this place was where players of the New Korean associated with Taehyun were settled.
Swish.
Once at the leader.
Twice at the subordinates.
Taehyun, having finished his warm-up, took his stance.
'That guy has to be kept alive.'
Taehyun focused mana into both eyes. It would be a temporary measure to compensate for his lack of sensory perception.
[You're using cheap tricks.]
The owner of the somber voice instantly grasped Taehyun's state.
He belatedly realized that perhaps even being discovered while following them was intentional.
Thump. Thump.
He could hear the beating of his heart.
How long had it been?
Since he felt tension against a mortal.
He didn't know the identity of the enemy, but the enemy seemed to know everything with their eyes.
'If the Blood Demon is an Avatar… there's a high possibility he's at least SS-rank.'
The Three Thousand Worlds were composed of the Upper Realm where the Celestial Race lived, the Lower Realm where the Demonic Creatures lived, and the Intermediary Realm where humans and other races lived.
Taehyun was the third being to reach the pinnacle in each layer and go outside.
The Blood Demon Cult was a group belonging to the Murim in the Intermediary Realm.
A pseudo-religious group that revered the transcendent martial artist called the Blood Demon.
Had the constellation only approached that one?
The powers of the Murim he had vaguely heard in the past flashed through his mind.
The Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions. Not a small number of noble families.
'Just how far has it gone wrong?'
When the 'Dragon' and the 'Demon King' regressed in the past, there was no such talk.
Although they didn't achieve their goals, they faced the past they had missed and achieved tremendous growth.
"Did the Archaeopteryx send you?"
He asked casually, but
[The Divine Teachings' commands are absolute.]
One of the masked figures merely narrowed the distance.
'The worst.'
He couldn't use any skills right now, but hostile constellations were creating Avatars and interfering in Taehyun's universe.
At this point, he was even curious about the well-being of the Demon King and the Zodiac.
In the meantime, a few more exchanges took place.
Thwack!!
Taehyun's magical tool pierced one of the guy's bodies.
Glug.
He didn't let go of the spear he was holding even as he coughed up blood.
"Tsk."
Taehyun released the magical tool and hastily bent his body.
Three daggers brushed past over his head and behind his back.
'If only I had enough mana.'
Regardless of the sealing of Gluttony, most skills could be imitated if you knew the principles.
The problem was that he was in an untrained D-rank Awakened's body, and the amount of mana he possessed was terrible.
With his current body, he could barely envelop mana around his body, let alone imitate skills.
[Surrender. If you do, I'll just sever your tendons….]
"Everyone says that at first."
Tssszzzzz.
Crimson mana bloomed.
Like Bae Hyuksoo's skill, Stone Skin, he condensed mana to form something like armor.
'I mustn't drag this out.'
He would weaken quickly as the battle dragged on.
Taehyun twisted his lips and beckoned with his hand.
"Surrender my ass. You'll want to surrender after getting hit a few times."
[You're all talk, Devourer.]
"My name isn't Devourer."
New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, Form 1, Taebaek.
Taehyun's hand, rotating his body clockwise,
thwack.
touched the back of the neck of the masked figure who was aiming for his rear.
Crack!!
Taehyun stomped on the face of the fallen masked figure and snatched the dagger.
"It's Kim Taehyun."
The dagger stained purple.
As the leader had done.
Whirl. Whirl.
He spun the sinister killing weapon in his hand.
"Long time no see."
Before Dragonslaying Sword.
What Taehyun used as a player was a dagger called a Talisman.
Tssszzzzz.
Taehyun's dagger, infused with mana, was aimed at the leader.
"Punk. What's your name?"
[It's Dokgo Young.]
Simultaneously with the somber man's introduction.
Clang. The two daggers collided.
The first floor of the Tower.
The building, built as magnificently as the 5 Great Guilds of New Korea, was used as the headquarters of the Player Association.
"An intruder…."
Ji Jinhee, the president of the New Korean Player Association and an S-rank player, stroked his white beard.
Attached to the paper that Ko Taewook handed him was a blurry photo of a masked figure.
Dokgo Young, the assassin of the Blood Demon Cult.
He was a skilled man evaluated as A-rank based on Earth's standards.
Ji Jinhee's face hardened as he examined the recorded misdeeds.
"An additional four assassins moving with Dokgo Young. And… there's another intruder?"
"Yes. The intruder who entered towards City Hall Plaza doesn't seem to be a Murim individual."
"Then?"
"He took a guard spear linked to the Alchemist."
The guard spear was a magical tool that amplified power to B-rank level with only a small amount of mana.
It was one of the pieces of equipment the Association was receiving support for through an agreement with the Alchemist.
"As a result of requesting the Night Walker to provide physical DNA, it was determined to be a student named Kim Taehyun from Geonuk High School."
"Huh… A high school student?"
Ji Jinhee let out a hollow laugh.
Could it be that the intruder who defeated the Association's guards and entered the Tower without permission was a high school student?
'Kim Taehyun.'
It was the first time he'd heard that name.
Even if he was only an S-rank, no, even an A-rank Awakened, there was no way he wouldn't know.
'Is he B-rank?'
Ko Taewook, noticing the doubt, continued his report.
"Until recently, he was a non-Awakened. His potential rank was unknown."
"Hoo… A non-Awakened…."
Non-Awakened with an unknown potential rank.
If that was the case, it was easy to understand.
It was because high-rank Awakened were sometimes born among them.
Even so, entering the Tower in this way wasn't good.
Justification and procedure. These two things were more important than anything in the professional world.
"It seems the young fellow has been caught up in youthful exuberance."
Testing the power he belatedly obtained against the Association's players.
Surprisingly, there were quite a few such individuals.
A significant number of those individuals end up walking the path of demons.
"If he's still young, there's room for rehabilitation, right?"
"Yes. He's probably still on the first floor, so his location will be identified soon."
Those who were on guard at the time were individuals with D-rank licenses.
If he defeated them alone while armed with magical tools, it should be seen that he awakened at least an A-rank skill.
If he could be rehabilitated, he could become a great asset to the Association's forces.
"Just that much with only awakening… This is exciting."
If he was led well, he could become a pillar supporting New Korea.
"Alright. What about the Murim intruders?"
"We're currently identifying them. They probably haven't escaped the Association's surveillance network yet."
"Speak of the devil. I heard that the leader, the Blood Demon, is on par with our national-level power."
Such a person's subordinate had entered the territory of New Korea without even going through the formal procedures.
If they didn't hurry, a tragedy might occur on the first floor of the Tower.
At that time, a report came through Ko Taewook's earpiece.
"Understood. Send players above B-rank to the scene."
"What's going on?"
"Association President. The location of the Murim individuals has been identified."
"Well, that worked out. Where is it?"
"That's…."
"……?"
"The alley in the first floor plaza. They're said to be with the student who entered the Tower without permission."
It wasn't far from here.
If Ji Jinhee ran at full power, it wouldn't even take 10 minutes.
Before Ko Taewook could say anything.
"I'll go first."
Ji Jinhee, enveloping himself in mana, jumped over the window of the Association President's office.
Ji Jinhee's figure was seen rapidly moving away from the window.
[Headquarters Director, what should we do?]
They requested Ko Taewook's additional instructions through the earpiece.
"Issue an emergency alert. And request cooperation from Night Walker and Onsaemiro in case."
[Understood.]
Ko Taewook, left alone in the Association President's office, sighed.
Not only had they allowed intruders to enter the Tower from both inside and outside at the same time, but they had contacted each other.
'Coincidence…right.'
Thinking that, he moved his steps to the Association's command and control room.
Since Ji Jinhee had moved, there wouldn't be any major problems.
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