RKP 611-620

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Part 2, Episode 27


"He's awake!"


"He's awake!"


"He's awake!"


The three guild leaders shouted almost simultaneously.


Taehyun looked around.


He saw a tent big enough to accommodate about five people.


"It's the guild leaders' exclusive tent. That's my bed over there."


At Kwon Kanghyuk's words, Taehyun looked at his own body.


Indeed, it was quite spacious for a makeshift bed, as if tailored to the guild leader's size.


In the meantime, he realized that his body had fully recovered.


"Wasn't the Saintess unconscious?"


Before Taehyun fainted...


The Saintess had fainted first.


That was because she used 'Holy Revelation' instead of 'Hyper Regeneration.'


"We have A-rank healers on our side too, you know. It might not be a complete regeneration like the Saintess, but well, you didn't have your arm cut off."


"Hahaha!"


Kwon Kanghyuk smiled kindly.


He was in a good mood after overwhelmingly winning the friendly match.


"The morale of the guild members is incredible. Everyone's asking if you're a new S-rank player."


"I'm a B-rank. And not even officially licensed."


"But you've won against a national-level powerhouse twice in bets."


Kwak Siyang added while drinking tea.


"And he possesses an enlightenment beyond S-rank."


Yoo Ah-young added.


"We were having a meeting amongst ourselves, waiting for you to wake up."


"Aren't the core guild leaders of Shin-Hanguk giving their hearts too easily?"


"We have an eye for people too."


Kwak Siyang shrugged.


That meant the verification of Taehyun was complete.


Now and then, mages are weak to 'knowledge'.


He seemed to have decided to treat Taehyun as one of his own, just by understanding the meaning of 'Pandora's Box.'


"Well… that doesn't matter. How did the friendly match go?"


Taehyun changed the subject because he felt burdened by Kwak Siyang's gaze.


Guigeom's intrusion was a sudden action, but within the expected range.


'Rather, if that guy hadn't intervened, both the Saintess and I would have suffered a major impact.'


Considering Kwon Kanghyuk's disguised fist, there was a high probability that it wouldn't have ended with a minor injury like now.


Perhaps they would have had to stop the tower climb and wait for an S-rank healer from the Association.


'I should thank Guigeom.'


"What's the Saintess doing?"


"She fainted and woke up, but she's not in good condition."


"……?"


"It seems like she's losing her mind."


"Ah…"


"Do you know anything about it?"


"She must have been under a lot of stress."


"Hmm…"


Yoo Ah-young looked unconvinced.


She didn't even heal Taehyun's injuries and just fainted by herself, waking up and staying in the barracks.


'Did she meet Doppel?'


He knew that the source of 'Holy Revelation' was related to 'Mind Control.'


If Taehyun, who was exhausted and had 'Predation' sealed, had been vulnerable, he might have allowed her skill to penetrate his mental world.


'If that's the case, it's no wonder her mind is collapsing.'


Even the Saintess' madness would be nothing more than a primitive emotion in front of Doppelganger.


'But the fact that he didn't kill her completely means he found her useful.'


By now, Doppelganger would have realized it too.


That the existence of Constellations couldn't be dealt with by his power alone.


The reason for showing a cooperative attitude was likely for that reason.


"So, what are you thinking of demanding from the Saintess?"


"Let's think about that later."


"If possible, the construction of our Nightwalker Tokyo branch…"


"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. Isn't that too Nightwalker-esque of you? Taehyun, wouldn't it be better to prioritize Magicians' and the Japanese Association's secret agreement…"


"Hahahaha. Expand your guilds on your own, you morons."


"Shouldn't a beast-like human be the last one to say that?"


"Ahem. I'm also prioritizing the greater good rather than the guild's interests…"


The three guild leaders bickered among themselves.


If Seo Sangik, Ji Jinhee, and Go Taewook were here, it would be no different from Taehyun's world.


'Did it come to this in the end after all?'


Taehyun let out a hollow laugh without realizing it.


Even though the timeline was tangled and the first meeting was twisted.


Before he knew it, they were gathered again, forming a party.


"I have an idea of how to use the Saintess card."


"You said you'd think about it later…"


"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young already owes me one, doesn't she?"


"……."


"Guild Leader Kwak Siyang too."


"T-that's right…. Haha…."


"Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk owes me quite a few."


"What? Why me?"


Kwon Kanghyuk asked with a truly clueless face.


Taehyun nodded, thinking that he might actually be genuine.


It was enough to let the two guild leaders bicker with the beast.


"How much supply is left?"


"About three days' worth."


"That should be enough time to mend the broken relationship."


"……?"


"I'll have to meet Guigeom for a moment."


"It's dangerous. They know you're not just a regular porter now."


Yoo Ah-young said firmly.


"I agree. We'll go talk to them instead."


"Ah… you frustrating people. Brat… no, brother, is just attending, what's with the fuss. Isn't that right?"


"Heh heh."


Kwon Kanghyuk grinned, revealing his teeth.


'Brother.'


It was a word he hadn't heard in a long time.


In the past, there were two representative figures who called Taehyun brother.


Kwon Kanghyuk and Tolkien.


'I need to meet Tolkien soon too.'


Taehyun's purpose in regressing was to find the possibility of surpassing the higher Constellations.


He couldn't stay at the mortal level forever.


"I'll leave the negotiations with Guigeom to the guild leaders. I want to rest a bit."


"Okay, okay. Since we're on the topic, we'll go now, so lie down a little more."


"Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk. You don't need to come."


"Why?"


"If you're there, even things that should go well will go wrong."


Kwak Siyang said, and Yoo Ah-young agreed.


"What the hell…?"


Taehyun left the barracks, leaving behind the three guild leaders who had started bickering again.


"It's impossible to climb the tower for the time being. Tsurara's health isn't good."


Nakata Shinji cut her off without giving her a chance to return.


"Did a backlash… occur?"


Despite Yoo Ah-young's question.


"I can't tell you the details."


He said it in a way that implied that she didn't need to know, just accept it.


"That's troubling."


"Where is Kim Taehyun?"


"We can't tell you the details either."


"Heh heh."


Yoo Ah-young gave back what she had received.


"Ahem. Taehyun is also suffering from aftereffects and is resting."


"To rush the tower climb despite the poor condition of the porter you brought… There seems to be another reason?"


"Shin-Hanguk doesn't think of missions as a joke like someone else."


Yoo Ah-young criticized the Saintess's actions.


"That's not wrong either."


"So. Is Japan's great national-level powerhouse going to abandon the agreement between the Associations?"


Yoo Ah-young asked again as if to confirm.


"There's no way."


"……?"


"I will accompany you on the Japanese side."


"……."


"……."


Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Siyang exchanged bewildered glances at the unexpected proposal.


"Don't think strangely. After all, if Tsurara had come along, only useless incidents would have happened, just like now."


"Are the Japanese players coming too?"


It was Kwak Siyang who asked.


"They have to protect Tsurara. Hwangeom is injured, so I'm planning to let him rest for the time being."


"You're going to carry out the joint mission alone?"


"My name value is worth that much, isn't it? Or not?"


He was saying that he alone was a better force than all the Japanese players staying in the barracks.


'What great confidence.'


Unlike the Saintess, Guigeom specializes in combat.


He knew that he alone could do the work of Yoo Ah-young, Kwak Siyang, and Kwon Kanghyuk.


As the number of people decreased, it became possible to speed up the climb.


"I have a mission too, you know. I'll somehow be with you until the 4th floor."


"But…"


"Call. Not bad."


"G-Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. Don't be so hasty…"


Unlike Kwak Siyang's words.


"When the supply arrives, let's rest for two days and depart."


Yoo Ah-young reached out her hand for the start of a new relationship.


"Let's do that."


Guigeom accepted and shook her hand.


The two guild leaders left, and only one person remained inside the barracks.


Nakata Shinji quietly took out sake and poured it into a glass.


It was a ritual he performed alone every time he climbed the tower.


The cold alcohol made him feel refreshed.


'Yoo Ah-young. She's not ordinary after all.'


Nakata Shinji recalled Yoo Ah-young, who wasn't intimidated by his momentum earlier.


The reason why Shin-Hanguk was able to occupy its current position among the powerful nations.


He knew that Nightwalker's influence was significant.


'She's too good to kill, but… I'll have to cut her down if necessary.'


Her relationship with Chairman Ji Jinhee was deeper than he thought.


'Contrary to her appearance, her patriotism is also outstanding.'


Recently, she was trying to exert influence even in Tokyo.


If he continued to let her run wild, there was a high risk that she would plant spies even in the Association.


No, it would definitely happen.


'Shin-Hanguk… is becoming increasingly annoying.'


Ji Jinhee, Yoo Ah-young, and even Kim Taehyun.


He emptied half of the sake in a short time.


Just as he was thinking about how to deal with Kim Taehyun, who had begun to bother him.


"Knock, knock."


"……."


"Is Shinji-ssi there?"


"……."


Murderous intent began to rise from Nakata Shinji's body.


"Come in."


The entrance of the barracks fluttered once.


And.


Swish, swish, swish-.


Kim Taehyun, who had released his stealth, revealed himself.


"You had a stealth skill too."


"Somehow. You even prepared to welcome guests?"


Thud.


Taehyun sat opposite Guigeom as if he were visiting a friend's house.


He gestured towards Guigeom's glass.


Guigeom ignored him and poured the sake into his mouth.


"A player from another country is trespassing. It's not a situation to be taken lightly."


"I heard that the Saintess's condition is not good."


"……!!"


"Surely you don't want others to know the reason, do you?"


Smile.


Taehyun gave a friendly smile.


"……."


Shinji wiped his glass.


Drizzle, drizzle.


He filled a glass full of sake and handed it to Taehyun.


Taehyun emptied the glass at once.


"Maybe it's because I'm drinking alcohol in enemy territory, but it tastes better."


"Speak."


"Don't look at me with such eyes. I came here because I need the Saintess's Hyper Regeneration skill. Exploring the 3rd and 4th floors without her skill would be dangerous, wouldn't it?"


"That's not what I'm curious about."


Murderous intent flickered in Guigeom's eyes.


"How you can be so fine even after being attacked by Holy Revelation."


"……."


"Why the Saintess, who used the skill, ended up in that state. I'm curious about that part, right?"


"There's no need to beat around the bush."


"There's a demon living inside me."


Guigeom's face twitched.


He was dismissing it as nonsense.


Taehyun continued, not caring.


"It's simple. The Saintess who entered my mental world was attacked by that guy. And sadly, she succumbed."


"……."


There was no response, but Taehyun didn't miss the fact that Guigeom's eyes were shaking.


'If it's about the Saintess, his judgment is still clouded.'


Taehyun poured himself a glass and emptied it.


"So killing me won't solve anything. Shinji-ssi."


"Did you know?"


"That you like the Saintess? Or that the Saintess likes you?"


"……!!"


The shaking in Guigeom's eyes was now clearly visible.


The murderous intent emanating from his body was also getting stronger.


It was time to drive in the wedge.


"Guigeom. Would you like to meet the demon once?"


He threw out the bait.


"What's his name?"


The prey bit the bait.


"Doppelganger."


There was no need to hide the existence of that guy.


"……."


There was no need to hear the answer either.


Part 2, Episode 28


"Tsurara. It's me."


Nakata Shinji waited for a response in front of the Saintess's tent.


After a moment, the Saintess, looking haggard, opened the door.


"Shinji...?"


"I'm coming in."


Without waiting for an answer, he entered and closed the tent door.


"Why at this hour..."


It was an unlike Nakata Shinji to visit at this time, as she knew him.


"Don't be surprised. I'm here by your side."


"What..."


In front of her, bewildered.


Swish-


Taehyun, having released his stealth, appeared.


"Ah...!!"


The Saintess screamed and backed away.


It was clear at a glance that she was afraid of Taehyun.


Nakata Shinji watched the scene with a stern expression.


"She's definitely not in her right mind."


"Watch your mouth. I could slice your throat right now."


Nakata Shinji calmed her down as he spoke.


"I'll keep that in mind... but it's true that the Saintess isn't in her right mind."


"Don't test my patience."


Whoosh.


An ominous aura surged from Nakata Shinji's body.


'Chilling.'


He imbued his killing intent with his magic power.


He had power that was worthy of the name 'national-level power.'


"S-Shinji... w-why is this person..."


Hic.


The madness was nowhere to be seen, and she couldn't even make eye contact out of embarrassment.


'Her condition is worse than I thought.'


In the past, Taehyun had directly subjugated the Saintess.


A battle of strength against strength.


In the end, he could only win by using the 'Devour' card, but he couldn't instill the kind of fear she was showing now.


'That Doppel bastard. He's imprinted her properly.'


Imprinting a level of fear that would break her mind and then subjugating her.


Taehyun knew that this was Doppelganger's preferred method.


"Well then, let's begin."


"W-what..."


"Guigeom said he would get rid of the demons dwelling inside me."


He had already made the Awakener's Oath at his tent.


"S-Shinji... no..."


"Don't worry. Nothing that harms you will happen."


"No... no... even you can't handle that guy..."


Thud.


The Saintess fainted from Nakata Shinji's strike to the neck.


He took out a scroll from his pocket.


"This is a scroll that stores Tsurara's skill."


"There's such a thing?"


To scroll an S-rank mind control skill.


If this fact became known, it would cause an uproar in the world.


"I'll start."


Tear-.


Tearing the scroll, white magic power wrapped around the three of them.


Ding.


[Specified for the skill 'Holy Revelation' (S).]


[An enigmatic force intervenes.]


[The enigmatic force does not resist.]


[The skill 'Holy Revelation' (S) penetrates.]


Without 'Devour,' mental skills easily broke through.


Taehyun accepted the magic power without resisting.


Whoosh.


When he opened his eyes.


Crack.


A giant maw was visible.


The Saintess screamed.


Guigeom wielded his sword.


Taehyun remained still, arms crossed.


Slash.


The maw of 'Devour' was cut off by the sword wielded by Nakata Shinji.


[What are you trying to do?]


Beyond the severed maw of 'Devour,' the Doppelganger sitting on the throne asked.


"I brought a guest."


The Doppelganger's gaze turned to Guigeom and the Saintess trembling behind him.


"Yoshikawa Tsurara. Commonly known as the Saintess. I want you to restore her to her original state."


The Saintess was essential for climbing the tower.


He made it clear that it was difficult for her to be in her current, not-sane state.


[I refuse.]


The Doppelganger's lips twisted.


[She is prey that I have devoured.]


Clang!!


"......!!"


In the blink of an eye, Baiya, swung, was blocked by the Doppelganger's fingertip.


Crack.


The Doppelganger's fingertip, as if it were a blade, struggled against Baiya.


[What is this guy.]


"I felt awkward asking empty-handed."


Guigeom gritted his teeth at the natural conversation between Taehyun and the Doppelganger.


"I knew it. You were in cahoots."


"Do I look like I'm in cahoots with that foul-tempered guy?"


Taehyun's tone naturally changed to an informal one.


He no longer needed to be conscious of others' opinions here.


"Don't talk nonsense. I'll take care of you soon too."


"Guigeom. The Awakener's Oath is still valid."


Taehyun pointed at the Doppelganger and mimed slitting his throat.


[......]


"......"


"If you want the Saintess back to normal, catch that guy. I didn't lie or anything."


If it were a lie, the Awakener's Oath would have become a constraint and sanctioned Taehyun.


"I was going to try to talk things out nicely, but as you can see, he's a rough guy. I'll negotiate the conditions for saving the Saintess, so show off your skills for a bit."


Taehyun looked at the Doppelganger.


"Wouldn't you rather have someone with strong combat power anyway?"


[Don't try to fool me. Do you think I wouldn't know your intentions?]


He mentioned the names of Lucifer and Rosaria.


[The authority of the Archdukes. That skill of that trash is connected to them. Compared to that.]


The Doppelganger looked at Guigeom, who was glaring at him.


[This guy is just one at best. Even if he's strong, he's just among insects.]


Guigeom's fighting spirit intensified at the statement that he was being called an insect.


The ominous aura that symbolized him flickered like a heat haze.


[Don't show your teeth carelessly.]


Crack.


"......!!"


Before he could even react, the maw beneath his feet swallowed Guigeom.


'Not an attack skill... a barrier?'


"Your strength has returned quite a bit?"


[It's thanks to you making magic stones here.]


'He's recovered this much power with just a B-rank. As expected, the growth rate of power is incomparable in a mortal's body.'


Taehyun also had Dream Sense, but fighting now would only lead to a battle of attrition.


[So. You didn't think I'd welcome you just because you brought a toy, did you.]


The Doppelganger's finger flicked.


It meant that he would devour Taehyun if he didn't like what was happening.


"Even if you take over this body now, would you be able to use it properly?"


Currently, Taehyun's body was only at the level of a B-rank Awakener without the use of ancient martial arts and magic stones.


"The showdown is after you've subjugated all the Archdukes."


At that time, he would be able to have a one-on-one battle with the Doppelganger.


"And Guigeom."


Taehyun opened his mouth, looking at Guigeom, who was still trapped in the barrier of 'Devour'.


"I don't think you don't know the usefulness of that guy."


The current Taehyun could mimic all the skills of the Three Thousand Worlds.


The Doppelganger who read Taehyun's memories could do the same.


In other words.


"That guy's existence is connected to Igmun."


Guigeom's S-rank skill 'Soul Taker'.


It was to use the magic power of the beheaded monster to strengthen his body's abilities.


Lucifer and Rosaria.


The Saintess who was connected to the two Archdukes.


Vampire Lord Igmun.


Guigeom, who was connected to one Archduke who could directly help the current guy, even though there was only one.


It was obvious which one would be more helpful.


The proof was that he didn't kill Guigeom in an instant but trapped him in a barrier.


"Don't pretend you don't. I know your personality quite well."


[Annoying...]


"Doppel, it's the same for you."


[Don't call me that like we're close.]


Taehyun shrugged his shoulders.


"Anyway, what we need here is clear."


Taehyun would use the Saintess to climb the tower and increase his power.


The Doppelganger would use Guigeom to increase his power.


It was possible because they were confident that they could surpass each other's power.


"So don't bother acting."


At Taehyun's words, the Doppelganger let out a laugh.


[I accept.]


When the Doppelganger flicked his finger, chains wrapped around the trembling Saintess's body.


At that moment.


Clang!!


Guigeom, having cut through the barrier of 'Devour', appeared with a fierce killing intent.


He was unleashing an unprecedented amount of power by absorbing the power of 'Devour'.


[This is more than I expected.]


The Doppelganger flicked his finger as if he was satisfied.


Constantly created maws attacked, and Guigeom constantly cut them down.


Each time, Guigeom's presence became stronger.


And finally.


Thwack.


Guigeom's sword pierced the Doppelganger's neck.


[......]


The Doppelganger's mouth was smiling.


Crack.


A rising maw swallowed Guigeom.


"......!!"


Guigeom screamed in pain but didn't let go of the sword in his hand.


[It's still too much for you.]


Crack!!


Another maw bit off his arm.


The guy pulled out the sword stuck in his neck and swung it.


Slash.


Guigeom's head was cut off so easily that it was pointless.


[That insect was fun to torment. It's a shame.]


"I guess we can say the negotiation was successful?"


[Do as you please.]


With those words, the Doppelganger disappeared.


"How shy."


Taehyun drew his Dragon Slayer Sword.


The Saintess, having all her magic power stolen by the chains, was unable to recover.


"Shinji..."


How affectionate she looked as she searched for Guigeom.


Slash.


Taehyun swung his Dragon Slayer Sword without hesitation.


The arrival of the supply team led by Park Seongjin and the supply team led by Kimura Masahiko was as scheduled.


And as originally promised, the joint mission between New Korea and Japan began.


Originally, Guigeom alone was supposed to join with New Korea, but he changed his mind late.


It was the first time in the tower climbing history of New Korea and Japan that five hundred people, including the supply teams, and seven S-rank players, were moving.


"I've heard a lot from the Association President."


Taehyun nodded as he looked at the man approaching him.


"Nice to meet you, Player Park Seongjin."


"I heard you wouldn't act your age, and it was true."


Park Seongjin nodded back as he saw Taehyun calmly accepting his greeting.


'He said he has the talent to become the next national-level power.'


Ji Jinhee had praised him so much that his mouth was dry.


At first, he thought it was Ji Jinhee's typical excessive praise due to his thirst for talent.


But it wasn't.


Kim Taehyun, whom he faced, had eyes that were hard to believe he had grown to B-rank just recently.


'To think I'd want to draw my sword against a B-rank Awakener.'


If he could, he wanted to test whether Ji Jinhee's words were true and whether his senses were correct.


Unfortunately, there were too many eyes watching.


He looked at the two national-level powers on the Japanese side.


Guigeom and the Saintess.


There was no reason to show them all of New Korea's power.


'A mission with a national-level power. I need to keep my wits about me if I don't want to get backstabbed.'


Leaving aside the Saintess, who was a healer, Guigeom could exert as much power as all the Japanese players combined if he wanted to.


If they had a falling out, he would have to risk his life to stop them.


It was a matter of course for Park Seongjin, who had just climbed to the 3rd floor, but it didn't take long for him to change his mind.


A month had passed in a flash.


It was because there were quite a few monsters that stuck to them even though they used their own shortcuts.


And.


"That's the entrance to the 4th floor."


Yoo Ah-young said, pointing to a huge statue.


It had the head of a humanoid monster and the body of a beast-type monster.


"Sphinx. The gatekeeper from the 3rd to the 4th floor."


'Sphinx? I think there was a guy like that among the Absolutes...'


It was a monster that he had never seen in the Lower World, at least.


Despite having a monster in front of them, the players didn't prepare for battle.


Yoo Ah-young whispered in Taehyun's ear as if to tell him the reason.


"That guy isn't hostile to humans."


'A monster isn't hostile to humans?'


Such a question was only for a moment.


Soon, the statue began to move.


It stretched its body as if it were yawning.


[This is the first time so many people have come to be selected.]


Taehyun was surprised by the sudden human language.


The Sphinx's red eyes scanned the five hundred people.


And.


When he made eye contact with Taehyun.


The Sphinx's face contorted.


[You cannot pass.]


Part 2, Episode 29


'A demonic beast? No... looking at its appearance, it resembles those from the Ten Heavenly Realms.'


While Taehyun was thinking that as he observed the Sphinx, it said,


[You cannot pass.]


The Sphinx, its red eyes fixed on Taehyun, contorted its face.


The murmurs grew louder at the sudden change in attitude.


Cannot pass?


Who?


That was the general reaction.


The Sphinx drove the point home.


[Player Kim Taehyun of Shin Han-gook. You cannot pass.]


Only then did the players' gazes fixate on Taehyun, who was observing the Sphinx.


'Even a statue can contort its face.'


Taehyun thought, calmly staring into its red eyes.


The reaction erupted from the side.


"What kind of rule is that?"


"This is perplexing."


"Sphinx, we haven't even had the selection yet."


"Indeed... this is unprecedented."


Kwon Kanghyuk, Kwak Siyang, Yoo Ah-young, and Park Sungjin.


The four players from Shin Han-gook showed such reactions.


[There is no need for selection.]


"Damn it. There are so many people here, how can you just vaguely confirm things like that? Do it properly!"


Kwon Kanghyuk growled as if he would use a skill at any moment.


He was angry on behalf of Taehyun, whom he acknowledged, feeling he was being insulted.


'This is troublesome.'


Park Sungjin observed Taehyun and the three guild leaders' expressions at the unexpected situation.


All of them wore faces of disbelief.


The official mission of the S-rank players gathered here was to ascend the tower, but their unofficial mission was to unlock Taehyun's sealed skills.


Therefore, such sudden variables were unwelcome.


"What is going on?"


Taehyun asked, calming Kwon Kanghyuk.


Kwak Siyang answered.


"As you can see, there is a gate leading to the 4th floor behind the Sphinx. Usually, it only requires a simple selection to let people through..."


"Selection?"


"It involves answering the questions it poses."


To summarize Kwak Siyang's words, the statue before them was an unclassified demonic beast, the Sphinx.


It was first discovered by the American players who first cleared the 3rd floor, and it seemed that it would allow passage to the next floor after a simple selection involving answering questions.


'This is quite something...'


Several questions arose.


They were leaving a demonic beast that could use human language, or rather, had the intelligence to translate the demonic language it used into human language, unattended?


"Unclassified means its rank hasn't been measured yet, right?"


"Yes, that's right. The Sphinx is estimated to be at least SS-rank."


Yoo Ah-young added an explanation.


SS-rank demonic beast. It was at a level that could only be faced with the sacrifice of national-level power.


It was a battle with more losses than gains.


It was understandable that countries with strong pride like America and China, as well as other major powers with numerous national-level forces, would obediently follow the demonic beast's rules.


'This is on the level of a Great Duke's retinue.'


The many retinues he had encountered during the territorial wars and the race wars.


The difference between the top-tier species and ordinary demonic beasts lay not only in their strength but also in their intelligence.


Kentazenus, the retinue of Orgal, who had devastated Japan, was one such example.


Venom, the retinue of Belzebub, who had ravaged China, was another.


And, in Taehyun's eyes, the Sphinx before him was hiding strength that was no less than theirs.


'Why did they hide the existence of such a creature?'


If the Sphinx had been a demonic beast hostile to humans, the current large-scale party would have suffered a near-total annihilation.


Yoo Ah-young opened her mouth with an awkward smile.


"Sorry. Actually, there was something we wanted to confirm."


"Confirm...?"


"I'm sorry. Let me explain."


Kwak Siyang started explaining in place of Yoo Ah-young.


They had coordinated in advance to identify the point at which Taehyun's skill 'Pandora's Box' would be activated after the maze on the 2nd floor.


He said so.


It was understandable but a dangerous action.


"I would appreciate it if you could inform me in advance in the future."


"Ahem. My apologies."


"..."


Kwon Kanghyuk apologized, and Park Sungjin watched him with strange eyes.


"So. Why are you suddenly refusing the selection for my brother?"


Kwon Kanghyuk growled again, glaring at the Sphinx.


[Shin Han-gook's player Kwon Kanghyuk. It is none of your concern.]


"What, this bastard?"


"Guild leader Kwon Kanghyuk. Don't get caught up like a child."


"Yes. If the Sphinx has other intentions, we would have to endure unnecessary sacrifices."


"Let's send the Japanese players up first, at least. We can't keep them here because of us."


The three guild leaders and Park Sungjin put their heads together to resolve the current situation.


And.


"Oh my, what are you saying? If we go up, we should go together."


With a sweet smile, the Saintess approached.


"I know it's rude, but I couldn't help but hear everything. My hearing is just so good, you see."


Her face seemed to ask, "Isn't that right?"


"..."


"What is that crazy bitch up to again..."


Kwon Kanghyuk muttered.


He disliked her capricious behavior during joint missions.


"Shhh. Please be quiet."


Kwak Siyang warned Kwon Kanghyuk.


"I want a strong friendship with Shin Han-gook. And I want Player Kim Taehyun to stand shoulder to shoulder with us."


"What does that mean?"


"Oh my, wasn't the Association trying to make Player Kim Taehyun, no, the porter, a national-level asset?"


The murmurs grew louder at the Saintess's words.


In contrast, the atmosphere of the four S-rank players became quiet.


"That's presumptuous."


Taehyun said, smiling back at the Saintess who was smiling at him.


"Don't worry, Kim Taehyun-gun. I won't do anything to harm you."


'Would it have been better to just make her submit?'


The fear that the Doppelganger had instilled had largely disappeared.


It was because of the promise Taehyun had gained from winning the friendly match.


He had commanded the Doppelganger to forget the memories of him with the Awakener's Covenant.


On the other hand, the Sword Demon had made a new covenant with the Saintess to guide Taehyun to the 5th floor together.


And whenever the Saintess crossed the line like this.


"Tsurara. This is Shin Han-gook's business. It's none of your concern."


The Sword Demon stopped her.


"Oh my, isn't Shin Han-gook our blood alliance? If a national-level asset emerges, it's good for Japan too."


"Tsurara."


The Sword Demon put strength into his voice.


It was a warning not to say anything more.


"Hmph. I understand."


The Saintess stuck out her tongue and closed her mouth, but it was already too late to stop the gazes focused on Taehyun.


The Sword Demon shook his head and dismissed the Japanese players.


It was a signal that they would wait for Shin Han-gook's decision.


"What should we do?"


Kwak Siyang asked Park Sungjin.


"Let's camp here for today. A week or so should be fine."


"Damn it, I agree."


"The conversation will be long."


And so, in front of the 4th floor, an unexpected camping trip began.


Yoo Ah-young approached the demonic beast lying down.


"Sphinx."


[What is it?]


"How about we resolve this through conversation?"


[......]


The Sphinx's red eyes scanned Yoo Ah-young.


And then.


Thud-thud-thud-


Its stone tail swung, kicking up dust.


"Cough. Cough."


Yoo Ah-young coughed, confirming the situation before her.


Taehyun, whose stealth had been dispelled, was coughing as well.


[Is this what you call a conversation?]


"Tch..."


"I guess it doesn't work."


Taehyun's stealth was not activated by a skill but was merely imitation.


Even at its best, it was only at the A-rank level.


Thinking that it would work against an SS-rank demonic beast was overly reliant on luck.


[Your petty tricks will not work. Go back.]


The Sphinx only warned them and did not take any other action.


Taehyun stood before him, meeting his red eyes.


"Sphinx. I must pass through here."


[You are not qualified to take the selection.]


"The selection involves asking questions, right?"


[You are not qualified.]


Without a justifiable reason, it just said he was not qualified.


From Taehyun's perspective, it was an absurd situation.


"How about we hunt it instead?"


The one who said that was the Saintess.


Besides her, the Sword Demon, Kwon Kanghyuk, Park Sungjin, and Kwak Siyang approached Yoo Ah-young.


That was because hiding with stealth to deceive the Sphinx was the strategy they had come up with.


[......]


Even after hearing that they would hunt him, the Sphinx remained indifferent.


"Tsurara. You should say things like that where they can't hear you."


"Haha. For the first time, I agree with that crazy swordsman."


"Watch your mouth, beast."


Nakada Shinji threatened Kwon Kanghyuk while also gauging Taehyun's reaction.


"The Saintess has a point."


Park Sungjin, who had been quietly observing all along, opened his mouth.


"We can't be stuck here forever."


The reason why the players from Shin Han-gook and Japan had reached this place without much difficulty was that America and China had not interfered.


If their joint mission became known as time passed, it was obvious that flies would be drawn to them.


Reaching the 4th floor and exploring it as soon as possible, and if possible, obtaining information about the 5th floor.


That was the official goal that the two associations had colluded on.


'Official and unofficial. There's nothing better than catching both rabbits at once, but...'


At that moment.


The Sphinx rose to its feet and began to emit blue magic.


[I will fight you if you wish. But don't expect any mercy.]


Hoo.


Its presence instantly rose to a level that could overwhelm the group.


'This guy...'


Taehyun's lips twitched.


And just as he was about to warn his party members not to move.


Tring.


[The 'Administrator of the Tower' demands a fair selection from the highest-ranking species, the Sphinx.]


[The 'Administrator of the Tower' emphasizes the quest 'Pandora's Key'.]


[The 'Administrator of the Tower' shouts that the order of the tower must be fair.]


Messages appeared before Taehyun's eyes.


The content was that the Administrator of the Tower was putting pressure on the Sphinx.


The other players were still pulling up their magic power, looking tense.


They didn't seem to know what was happening.


'A message sent only to me and the Sphinx?'


Taehyun thought, looking at the Sphinx twitching.


The Sphinx suddenly lowered its magic power.


And.


[Very well... Kim Taehyun, I will give you a selection test.]


It was a sudden decision.


[You all step back for now.]


Clang.


As the Sphinx lifted a foot and slammed it down, an opaque barrier confined the group.


It was subdued in an instant.


'As expected. We were no match.'


The Sphinx opened its mouth as if it was displeased.


[They cannot hear our conversation.]


"How can I believe that?"


[Whether you believe it or not is irrelevant. A human that even the Administrator of the Tower intervenes for... what kind of fellow are you?]


"What are you doing here, you who are worthy of being a Great Duke's retinue?"


The Sphinx's body flinched at Taehyun's words.


It was as if it was asking, "How do you know about the Great Dukes?"


"Never mind. I don't care why you refused the selection. Just give me your damn test."


The Sphinx acknowledged that it had been drawn into the pace of the human before him.


The Administrator of the Tower was watching.


There was not much he could say.


[Very well. Then I will ask a question.]


Taehyun nodded.


[Guess the name of the master I serve.]


The Sphinx's red eyes watched Taehyun's mouth.


As if emphasizing that useless retorts or petty tricks would not work.


'The level of the question...'


It was a question he had had since he first saw the creature.


And it was a conclusion he had already reached.


"You are..."


Taehyun put the answer into words.


Part 2, Episode 30


"Jormungandr."


A grand duke who rules the Demon Sea in the vast Lower World.


A cunning fellow who calls himself the 'Honored One.'


A hybrid created by 'Ra,' the master of the Ten Heavenly Realms.


Taehyun mentioned the name of the grand duke with a complicated family history.


[...]


The Sphinx's red eyes narrowed.


It was the moment the creature was about to speak.


"To be precise, it's a hybrid created by Jormungandr and Osiris. But operating in the Lower World means it's under Jormungandr's control, right?"


The narrowed red eyes trembled slightly.


'This guy isn't good at keeping a poker face.'


The appearance of an absolute being from the Ten Heavenly Realms, the lingering traces of divine power, and even the blue magic power symbolizing the King of the Demon Sea.


From Taehyun's perspective, it would be strange not to notice.


[You….]


"So."


Taehyun stared at the Sphinx's red eyes, which had begun to waver openly.


"Does this mean I pass?"


[...]


Ding.


['The Tower Administrator' demands a fair selection from the high-ranking Sphinx!]


['The Tower Administrator' emphasizes the quest 'Pandora's Key'!]


['The Tower Administrator' shouts that the Tower's order must be fair!]


Just in time, Tolkien emphasized the messages.


He was putting pressure on the Sphinx to prevent it from doing anything rash.


'Nice, Tolkien. Timely intervention.'


The Tower Administrator.


A being that didn't exist in Taehyun's world in the past, but in this world, even the highest-ranking monsters were wary of it.


Meister Tolkien and Tolkien as the Administrator.


It was hard to deny that having either of them on his side was a great help.


'I can go through Mugoo Alchemist... or maybe the Tower Administrator would be more helpful.'


Taehyun wasn't the type to just hold onto the cards he had.


['The Tower Administrator' senses ominous thoughts.]


['The Tower Administrator' expresses discomfort.]


'It's your fault for reading my mind. Anyway, thanks to you, it's going smoothly.'


If the Sphinx hadn't willingly tried to conduct the selection test, he would have ended up using the Doppelganger method.


Taehyun ignored Tolkien's additional messages and waited for an answer.


[Passed.]


The Sphinx reluctantly nodded.


Rumble, rumble.


As the giant body stood up, the gate it had been hiding was revealed.


'Stairs leading to the 4th floor. Is it the inner depths already?'


Based on the information he had gathered so far, the 1st floor was a safe zone connected to the Middle World, the 2nd floor was the entrance, the 3rd floor was the mid-level, and the 4th floor was likely to be from the mid-level to the inner depths.


[Pass. Player Kim Taehyun from Shinhan. ]


The Sphinx readily cleared the way.


"No, I'm going with my companions."


[They have not yet taken the selection test.]


"Then, I'll wait."


[...]


The Sphinx's face hardened.


The creature was so huge that even small changes were noticeable.


'Or maybe it's feeling guilty about something. Should I probe a little?'


The vassals of the grand dukes had great loyalty, but their tendencies also resembled their dukes.


Jormungandr was a cunning fellow who liked to create gates in various parts of the Lower World and observe.


"Sphinx, how is Jormungandr doing?"


[Do not speak the name of my master so carelessly.]


The Sphinx growled as if it were a dog protecting its owner.


Taehyun continued, unconcerned.


"If he's free, should I contact him? It's like fate that we met like this. I should see his face when he has time."


He spoke of the Grand Duke of the Lower World as if he were a friend.


A fighting spirit emanated from the Sphinx's body.


[If you utter another word….]


"Are you going to attack?"


[……!!]


Thump.


The air in the area grew heavy.


The fighting spirit was mixed with murderous intent.


And, as a bonus, blue magic power swirled from the giant body.


It was a hybrid on the border between SS and SSS rank.


'It's not that impressive for a vassal.'


SS or SSS.


It didn't change the fact that it was a towering presence for the current Taehyun.


"So, you're finally showing your true colors. I wondered what kind of selection test a monster would give."


Screech-


The magic stone rotated.


A message popped up that his awakening grade had changed to A, and the pressure eased a little.


[You have some petty skills. But that's not enough to….]


"Who said anything about fighting?"


[Don't you dare run your mouth. Anyone who dares to mention my master's name will be executed on the spot.]


['The Tower Administrator' warns the high-ranking Sphinx about penalties.]


[Shut up, Administrator. This is none of your business, you stupid traitor.]


['The Tower Administrator' warns that it is very angry.]


['The Tower Administrator' warns that it will not let it go if it ever meets it.]


['The Tower Administrator' supports 'Kim Taehyun'.]


The one who should be mediating the battle between himself and the Sphinx was actually fueling it.


'Tolkien. Don't be flustered. We'll lose if we fight now.'


['The Tower Administrator' is having difficulty containing its surging anger.]


Taehyun ignored Tolkien's messages and focused on the Sphinx.


"It seems like you have restrictions too, so don't push yourself. Jormungandr must be looking for a contractor, right?"


Screech-


As if to emphasize those words, he strengthened the magic stone.


"So, don't let a vassal make rash decisions and contact him... Oh, you haven't already contacted him, have you?"


A sneaky snake.


That was the Grand Dukes' evaluation of Jormungandr.


'Come to think of it. It acted like it was going to attack, but it's managing the situation by just applying pressure. Is it stalling for time?'


Why?


[...]


The Sphinx belatedly tried to maintain composure, but the suspicions that had begun to bloom were fitting together like a puzzle.


['The Tower Administrator' cheers on 'Kim Taehyun's' reasoning.]


"It was strange. The fact that someone like you was staying here doing nothing."


['The Tower Administrator' clenches both fists tightly.]


"The reason you rejected the selection was because you needed a justification to hold me back, wasn't it?"


['The Tower Administrator' starts clapping.]


"The selection test is actually a justification for finding Jormungandr's contractor, isn't it?"


['The Tower Administrator' shouts with joy.]


'I would have been in trouble if Tolkien hadn't intervened.'


['The Tower Administrator' denies knowing anything about it and makes excuses.]


['The Tower Administrator' claims that all it wants is the Tower's order and stability.]


['The Tower Administrator' warns that 'Sphinx' has crossed the line.]


['The Tower Administrator' gives 'Sphinx' the middle finger.]


The continuous messages indicated that Taehyun's thoughts were correct.


"You heard it too, right?"


[...]


"Don't block the gate and step aside, you idiot."


The Sphinx's giant body trembled at the harsh words.


Nevertheless, it was only emitting fighting spirit and couldn't attack.


"Administrator. Shouldn't you impose some sanctions on this guy? You know, like the penalty you mentioned before."


Originally, the one at the top should take responsibility.


Taehyun was arguing that Jormungandr should be penalized when a chilling voice flowed from the Sphinx's mouth.


[Enough.]


Ssssss-


One of the red eyes changed to a blue eye.


Odd-eyed.


A special eye symbolizing the King of the Demon Sea.


[Amazing. To think that a mere human knows the Honored One.]


Why?


Why did the cunningness in the chilling voice feel so welcome?


"Nice to meet you, Jormungandr."


Taehyun greeted his former comrade.


[Player Kim Taehyun from Shinhan.]


"Mr. Jormungandr, King of the Demon Sea."


[...]


There was a moment of silence at the smooth address.


[Strange. You should not have met the Honored One before… yet you are a fellow who speaks the names of the Honored One and Osiris.]


The second regression.


Jormungandr would not be able to grasp it.


"You still haven't found a human worthy of being a contractor, have you?"


Now he could be sure.


The reason why the high-ranking Sphinx was acting as a gatekeeper to the 4th floor.


"Is there anything to go back to? Make me your contractor."


[Impudent. You are the first human to volunteer to be a contractor.]


There was laughter in the indifferent words.


[Good. I will make you my contractor. Cross the gate to the 4th floor.]


Taehyun sighed.


'This guy is someone you can't let your guard down around until the very end.'


"If I cross that door, you're planning to capture me and study me, right?"


[Why do you think so?]


"Someone told me. You have to understand the King of the Demon Sea's words in reverse. It's going to take time to get to the 3rd floor, right?"


[...]


"If you try to pull any more tricks, the negotiation is off. Then another Grand Duke will get a contractor."


[You overestimate yourself.]


"A body that can contain divine power. Even Lucifer would be tempted by this, right?"


Before meeting Taehyun, Lucifer and Jormungandr were the only Grand Dukes who could handle divine power.


Being able to become Jormungandr's contractor also meant being able to become Lucifer's contractor.


[A human who threatens a Grand Duke. I've lived long enough to see this.]


"If you want to finish the Territory War, you have to have this much spirit. Ah, speaking of spirit, it reminds me of Hazarad. Are you still on bad terms with that guy?"


[……!!]


Jormungandr's eyes narrowed at the continuous bombshell statements.


'The Territory War hasn't ended yet, it seems.'


Even so, it was strange.


'If the Tower is up to 100 floors, then the Lower World doesn't even have a 10% stake...’


It didn't make sense for the remaining 90 floors to all be composed of the Upper World.


The structure that Taehyun had discussed with Tolkien in the past was different.


'There's something else in the Tower besides the Lower and Upper Worlds.'


He wouldn't be able to solve that question unless he met Tolkien or a Grand Duke.


'It would be difficult if there was a Grand Duke who became an avatar of a constellation...’


What were the chances that Jormungandr was an avatar?


He was thinking that when...


[You got me there.]


"You don't actually think that, do you?"


Taehyun saw through Jormungandr's psychology.


Right now, he was probably smiling with joy.


His curiosity about the existence called Kim Taehyun had reached its peak, and he probably thought he had completely taken control of him.


Not bad.


But.


"If you want me, you have to show some sincerity. How about implanting an authority?"


Rage.


That power would be a great help to the current Taehyun.


Killkillkillkillkillkillkillkill-


Jormungandr burst into laughter again.


[That's too much of a reward right now. Just….]


"It's not just. You've basically won the lottery right now, you know?"


[Kim Taehyun. With a body capable of creating magic stones, you won't die easily. It'll be quite interesting to study.]


"Don't do anything you'll regret."


[The negotiation is off.]


Rip.


The Sphinx's mouth tore open, and a snake's tongue popped out.


Shhh. Shhh.


He could feel the greed lingering in the licking tongue and the odd eyes.


[Sphinx. That's enough. Bring that guy to me.]


Swish-


The chilling energy disappeared immediately after.


Taehyun clicked his tongue as he watched the Sphinx move its giant body.


'Jormungandr. You sly bastard.'


Unlike how he was ignoring Taehyun, he left his power behind in case the Sphinx was defeated.


['The Tower Administrator' protests, asking where the Tower's rules have gone.]


Judging by Tolkien's reaction, it wasn't a normal situation.


Well then.


"Administrator. This side also gets a penalty."


Part 2, Episode 31


[The 'Tower Administrator' sets up an 'Absolute Defense Zone'.]


[The 'Tower Administrator' grimaces at the weakened authority.]


Tolkien's actions divided the area into several barriers.


The thickest one was far away, where the players from New Korea and Japan were.


The next thickest one contained the S-rank players of the two countries.


The barrier in front of Taehyun was thin.


Cracking and shaking under the energy emitted by the Sphinx.


If the current pressure continued, it was only a matter of time before the area was destroyed.


'As expected. No casualties should occur while outside the rules of the Tower.'


Otherwise, there's no reason for Tolkien to go to such lengths to protect the players.


"Administrator. This is a penalty too."


Taehyun demanded again that the Sphinx's actions be stopped.


[The 'Tower Administrator' shows signs of panic.]


Taehyun knows the principles of the Three Thousand Worlds better than anyone.


The 3rd floor of the Tower corresponds to the middle layer of the lower realm.


For a creature empowered by the Great Duke to run rampant like this violates the laws.


'The Tower Administrator must be someone who manages the laws of the world.'


It was the same in Taehyun's world in the past, and it wouldn't be much different now.


"Such behavior while the Administrator is watching. Even Yormungandr, who disregards the Tower's order, isn't in his right mind."


[The 'Tower Administrator' is silent.]


"Well, it's a penalty. Impose a penalty to restrain him."


[The 'Tower Administrator' says that would be difficult.]


"What...?"


[The 'Tower Administrator' says that it doesn't have much authority.]


"......?"


[The 'Tower Administrator' says that it used too much power recently, so its authority is lacking.]


"......"


[The 'Tower Administrator' complains about why it unnecessarily summoned the 'Marine King' and created this situation.]


[The 'Tower Administrator' worries that it will inevitably die.]


"Hey... Tol..."


[The 'Tower Administrator' warns to watch your mouth!]


Taehyun was momentarily speechless at the unexpected reaction.


"Even so... is the Administrator going to let someone who disrupts the Tower's fairness and order go like this?"


Wouldn't that be against business ethics?


If that's the case, why does the Tower Administrator exist?


Taehyun glared while looking at the barrier that was about half cracked.


[The 'Tower Administrator' says that its position is also difficult.]


[The 'Tower Administrator' curses the 'Marine King'.]


[The 'Tower Administrator' uses vulgar language.]


Tolkien's anger toward Yormungandr is conveyed even here.


Apart from that, Taehyun's confusion grew uncontrollably.


'At this rate, I'm really going to die in vain.'


The aura emitted by the Sphinx is getting stronger and stronger.


Provoking Yormungandr was something he did because there was a bulwark called Tolkien.


It would be problematic if he couldn't help at all like now.


'Should I leave it to Doppel?'


He had already established a joint front with that guy.


If he could only drag him into the mental world, he could somehow hunt even the top species.


The problem is how to drag him in.


"Then fairly release my seal. Just for a moment."


[The 'Tower Administrator' says that would also be difficult.]


"Hey."


[The 'Tower Administrator' emphasizes that the quest 'Pandora's Key' is in progress.]


[The 'Tower Administrator' advises to think again.]


"Hey. You said everyone will die if this goes on."


[The 'Tower Administrator' misses the 'Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds'.]


[The 'Tower Administrator' is worried about the 'Cataclysm of the Three Thousand Worlds'.]


"......"


He calmed down the emotions that were shaking in confusion.


There's something there.


'Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds' and 'Cataclysm of the Three Thousand Worlds'.


'Tolkien wouldn't send these messages for no reason.'


He clearly wants to let Taehyun know something.


'Predation' and 'Nightmare'.


The power symbolizing the Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds.


And when Doppelganger forcibly used the power, he even went to the trouble of sealing Taehyun's skills.


The quest 'Pandora's Key' and the skill 'Pandora's Box' were created immediately after that.


'Tolkien doesn't want me to use the power of the predator.'


Even though he has an enemy he can't face in front of him, he doesn't tell him to run away.


Cataclysm. The way Taehyun, who has lost all his power, can deal with the Great Duke's subordinate is...


Suddenly, the martial artists he met on the 1st floor flashed through his mind.


"Avatar."


[The 'Tower Administrator' starts looking at the wrong place.]


"Constellation Avatar."


[The 'Tower Administrator' thinks the weather is very nice today.]


Taehyun's eyes narrowed.


'Is he recommending a constellation avatar?'


But Taehyun doesn't know how avatars are created.


As far as he knows, to create an avatar, you had to be a constellation with special abilities, or at least a mid-level constellation.


It was something far removed from Taehyun, who was a low-level combat constellation.


[The 'Tower Administrator' shouts that it has a responsibility to protect the order of the Tower!]


[The 'Tower Administrator' temporarily proposes a deal to 'Kim Taehyun', who has independently realized the principles of the world.]


[The 'Tower Administrator' waves a newly created magic wand.]


Ding.


[The quest 'Constellation Avatar' has been generated.]


The status window opened arbitrarily, and the explanation of the quest began.


[Quest 'Constellation Avatar' - The 'Tower Administrator' is very angry at those who disturb the order of the Tower. But the Administrator lacks the power to sanction the evil forces. The Administrator, who couldn't sleep at night worrying about the tower climbers, came up with a clever plan. That is to select warriors with devout hearts from among the tower climbers and empower them. Reward: A surge of affection for the Tower Administrator and an increased awareness of order.]


"......"


Taehyun was speechless at the quest content that seemed rushed.


Immediately after, a new message popped up.


Ding.


[Select the constellation to use the power of the avatar.]


[The time limit is measured after activating Avatar Mode.]


[Caution. You cannot become an avatar of a constellation with insufficient stellar power (星力).]


'Bingo.'


Unexpected support.


It was like a tutorial in a game.


[Imagine the image of the constellation.]


Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds.


He imagined his appearance when he was a constellation.


[Impossible. The low-level constellation 'Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds' lacks stellar power.]


[One chance remains. The quest will fail if all chances are exhausted.]


'I don't have many chances.'


Taehyun thought of his origin.


The starting point of all these regressions.


[Constellation selection complete.]


[Checking the suitability of the mid-level constellation 'Demon King Defying Destiny' for the avatar.]


[Avatar suitability check complete. 1% of the power can be used.]


[Accept the mid-level constellation 'Demon King Defying Destiny' into the body of 'Kim Taehyun'.]


[Measured time limit: 30 seconds... 29 seconds....]


[The 'Tower Administrator' wishes you good luck.]


Ending with the last message.


Whoosh-


Flames soared from his body.


An uncontrollable blaze of mana.


The power of the Demon King who had been with him for a long time outside.


Huff.


He exhaled.


Before he knew it.


90% of the barrier that Tolkien had set up was broken.


"......"


He checked the time limit.


27 seconds... 26 seconds....


It was more than enough time to deal with a rampaging monster that didn't know its place.


Crackle-


At the same time as the barrier completely shattered.


Taehyun pointed his index finger at the Sphinx.


Whoosh. Whoosh-


Five pillars made of crimson fire confined the target.


The Sphinx roared at the sudden heat.


Crack. Crackle-


The Sphinx began to roar as cracks appeared on the statue.


Insufficient.


Controlling the flames is not easy.


Whoosh, whoosh. A whip made of crimson fire was created.


Thwack.


Each time he swung it.


Crack.


A pile of stones flew.


The Sphinx's body was breaking.


The monster showed a sight of regenerating in an instant with the mana it had sucked up through the earth.


'Now that I see it, it wasn't Osiris but a hybrid of Obelisk.'


To join hands with Obelisk after Osiris.


'You in this world are quite cunning too.'


Whoosh-


A spear made of azure fire appeared in his other hand.


Taehyun threw the spear towards the Sphinx's odd eyes.


Crack.


The monster, with one eye shattered, screamed.


Absolute Defense Zone.


The barrier of Tolkien, spread throughout the area, shook restlessly.


When there were 15 seconds left.


Taehyun was able to completely subdue the Sphinx.


Thud.


The Sphinx lost its balance due to its broken legs and slammed its head into the ground.


Ding.


[The 'Tower Administrator' cannot help but admire the warrior's force.]


[The 'Tower Administrator' advises to end the quest in a hurry.]


"No, this is not enough. If there's something you receive, there should be something to give."


[The 'Tower Administrator' feels uneasy.]


Taehyun thought of another power that the Demon King used.


The red and azure flames subsided, and green flames blazed.


The space rippled along the heat haze.


[The 'Tower Administrator' says that power should not be used on the 3rd floor.]


"Don't worry. It's just for a moment."


Whoosh-


The green flames that clung to the Sphinx created a gate.


Beyond that.


[……!!]


The figure of Yormungandr in panic was visible.


There's no time.


White flowers bloomed on another hand.


Whoosh.


The white flowers took the form of a spear.


[What….]


Before Yormungandr, who didn't understand the current situation, could finish his words.


Taehyun threw the white flower spear.


[He's an interesting fellow.]


Yormungandr smiled as he recalled the face he had confirmed a moment ago.


The human Kim Taehyun of the middle world.


The best experimental subject excavated by the Sphinx.


As soon as he arrives, new experiments on divine magic will begin.


[I need to contact Obelisk as well.]


The Sphinx is a collaboration between him and the Stone God.


He created a body that could withstand the authority of the rampage with the divine power of Obelisk.


At the same time, it weakened the existence and allowed it to stay on the 3rd floor.


Now that it had been rampaged a moment ago, it was a foregone conclusion that it would be sanctioned by the administrator and annihilated after this incident.


[It doesn't matter. All I need is the experimental subject, so I don't care about such consumables.]


Already his top-level subordinates, and the lower-level subordinates they command, are heading to the 3rd floor.


They should be able to bring Kim Taehyun, who has been captured by the Sphinx, without any problem.


That's what he was thinking.


Suddenly.


Whoosh-


The gate connected to the Sphinx blazed.


Green flames.


It's a flame that's not in my memory.


The question was resolved not long after.


Whoosh-


A new landscape was shown through the burning gate.


[……!!]


The 3rd floor of the Tower.


The place where he had descended a moment ago through the Sphinx was connected.


Beyond that was Kim Taehyun with a white flame spear.


How?


Even before he could think so.


Whoosh-


A spear flying at an unbelievable speed.


Crack.


Pierced Yormungandr's shoulder.


He groaned in unimaginable pain.


Quarrel-


The Marine King flowed out of his body belatedly.


[You…!!]


Yormungandr glared at the vanishing space while scattering his aura.


"You'll see soon."


Ending with those words, the connection of the space was closed.


And.


Whoosh-


[……!!]


The great king of the Sea Current Tribe.


Yormungandr had to scream at the white flowers that were swallowing his body.


Part 2, Episode 32


[Measured time limit: 2 seconds… 1 second….]


Ding.


[The avatarization of the Intermediate Constellation 'Demon King Who Defies Fate' is canceled.]


With the message, the flames subsided.


Thud.


Taehyun knelt and supported himself on the ground with both hands.


He didn’t have the strength to stand because of the immense exhaustion.


“Huuu….”


He took a deep breath.


It was not a bad risk to pay for using such great power.


‘This is avatarization….’


He began to understand how to use the power he only vaguely knew.


Drawing on the power of the Constellation.


‘Even though I only drew 1% of the power... To be able to manifest power beyond the Great Grade… I’ve gained an unexpected harvest.’


Starlight (星力) is originally a power that does not exist in this world.


Yormungandr must be having a hard time with the treatment by now.


‘My options have increased.’


The question was why he couldn’t bring the power of the ‘Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds.’


‘Is it because it’s a low-grade Constellation? Or because it’s the same person? If so, is it because I shared a small universe that I can use the power of the Demon King… No, never mind.’


These were questions that couldn't be solved right now.


There were things that needed to be dealt with first.


“If you had something like this, you should have told me sooner.”


Taehyun mumbled as if he wanted someone to hear.


[The 'Administrator of the Tower' emphasizes the order and balance of the tower.]


[The 'Administrator of the Tower' sighs while looking at the broken magic wand.]


[The 'Administrator of the Tower' is startled by the sudden visit of '???'.]


“……”


With the three consecutive messages, Torkin's presence disappeared.


He has the title of Administrator of the Tower, but he is always aware of someone's gaze.


‘Is he being watched?’


If so, by whom?


He tilted his head, pondering the question that became more profound as he climbed the tower.


“Kim Taehyun…?”


“What on earth is this….”


“What the hell is this….”


Taehyun turned around at the new presence he felt behind him.


Absolute protection zone used by the Administrator's authority.


The S-class players, who were released as the great power was canceled, were looking at him with astonished faces.


“Don’t tell me you caught the Sphinx….”


Yoo Ah-young trailed off, looking at the rubble behind Taehyun.


“Taehyun. Did you catch the Sphinx?”


Kwak Si-yang, who quickly calmed down, supplemented the unfinished words in place of Yoo Ah-young.


“Yes. Somehow.”


“……”


“This, this… brother….”


Clasp.


Kwon Kang-hyuk strode over and hugged Taehyun.


“Brother. What on earth have you been doing until now…!!”


“Get off. Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk.”


‘He took down the Sphinx by himself…?’


Park Seong-jin stared at Taehyun, who was trying to pry Kwon Kang-hyuk off of him, with a shocked expression.


Yoo Ah-young burst into laughter belatedly.


“……”


“……”


The Saintess and the Swordsman also looked at the New Korea players surrounding Taehyun with equally shocked faces.


Taehyun, who finally managed to pry off Kwon Kang-hyuk, took in the reactions of the other five players.


And then.


“Let’s go. To the 4th floor.”


The gate that appeared after the Sphinx disappeared.


He stared at the entrance to the depths.


He wanted to go straight to the 4th floor, but.


He couldn't take action because of the various conflicting interests.


Especially with a large-scale party made up of a coalition of two countries, New Korea and Japan.


Five S-class players from New Korea, including Taehyun.


And four S-class players from Japan, including two national-level players.


They were having a meeting inside a single barracks.


‘Annoying.’


Taehyun quietly watched the meeting of the eight players.


“I hope you can tell us clearly whether you want to part ways here or stay together.”


Yoo Ah-young asked directly.


The original purpose of their alliance was to reach the 4th floor.


The Swordsman showed a proactive attitude and decided to explore the 4th floor together, but it was a unilateral decision.


New Korea wanted a clear attitude from Japan and a promise made with a covenant.


“Oh my. Now that we've come this far, let's go up to the 5th floor together. Players should get to know each other by betting and mingling together, shouldn't they?”


The Saintess smiled sweetly, playing the role of an innocent girl.


‘That crazy bitch is doing it again.’


Yoo Ah-young ignored her and looked at the Swordsman.


She knew that he was the de facto decision maker.


“Currently, the United States and China. Europe and Africa are waging an invisible war.”


“I would appreciate it if you could just get to the point.”


Park Seong-jin interrupted and pressured him.


“Don't rush me. You know that now is the right time to go up to the 5th floor.”


“Does that mean?”


“Japan wants to work with New Korea. I think it's a good offer for you too.”


The Swordsman emphasized that there were two national-level players in Japan.


“In that case, we need to discuss the rights and conditions for the profits generated during the exploration process again.”


Kwak Si-yang mentioned the need to renew the Awakened’s Covenant.


‘As expected, they are going around too much unnecessarily.’


Taehyun, who had been quietly watching the meeting, sighed again.


For Taehyun, even the time spent arguing at the table was a waste.


Survival is what you need to worry about in the depths.


There was a need to quickly settle the situation.


“Swordsman. There's something you wanted to talk to me about separately, right?”


Everyone's eyes turned to Taehyun.


“……”


“Are you going to follow me? Or are you going to split up here?”


“Tae, Taehyun… This isn't something that can be done so simply….”


“I'll give you 10 seconds.”


Kwak Si-yang tried to appease Taehyun at the unilateral statement.


It was the moment when the two Japanese players were about to shout with red faces.


“There is a position on our side too. Kim Taehyun.”


“Swo, Swordsman… There’s no need to listen to such a youngster…!!”


“In that case, should the profit distribution ratio generated during the exploration process also change? I propose 9 to 1.”


“What…?”


“Of course, New Korea is 9.”


Bang!!


“That’s an absurd suggestion!”


“That young man is crossing the line!”


Ishii Satoshi and Kimura Masahiko shouted, slamming the table.


It was a natural reaction.


The conditions Taehyun presented now were that unreasonable.


“I know that you hunted the Sphinx. But….”


“I'm talking to the Swordsman.”


Taehyun said quietly.


It was a warning to the small fries to get out of the way.


This time, Kimura Masahiko opened his mouth.


“Player Park Seong-jin. Is this the etiquette for an allied country? Later, Chairman Ji Jin-hee will….”


“10 seconds have passed. Please give me your answer now.”


Taehyun cut off his answer as well and looked at the Swordsman.


It was a sign that he would not allow any more wasting of time.


The Swordsman looked at the Saintess with an innocent face.


The answer was already decided.


“…I accept.”


“Swordsman!!”


“What kind of…!!”


“Enough. I'll explain later, so I hope you'll save my face for now.”


The two players were silent at the Swordsman’s words mixed with magic power.


The Saintess just smiled as if it had nothing to do with her.


“Now a healthy meeting will proceed. Now that we've come together like this, I hope we'll be a little more prepared.”


“What do you mean?”


“……?”


Dissatisfied expression.


Anticipating expression.


Expressionless expression.


Gazes mixed with various emotions were fixed on Taehyun.


The 4th floor is the depths.


A monster like the Sphinx a little while ago could appear at any time.


It would be difficult to pick up speed with just one or two national-level players.


Lack of top-level players.


That was the biggest reason why countries other than the United States had not been able to properly explore the 4th floor until now.


‘There’s a high possibility that Yormungandr has checked the coordinates here. We also need to prepare.’


“I have a good idea to break through the 4th floor in the shortest time.”


With a good-natured smile, Taehyun told them about the plan.


There is a saying that if there is a problem, don't try to solve it in a hurry, but go back.


It was a week later that the allied party went up to the 4th floor.


When hundreds of players crossed the gate to the 4th floor, and not even a day had passed.


Quarreureureu-.


Suddenly, the mana sea swirled around from all directions.


Five Hae Ryu tribe members in human form came out of the mana sea.


‘Is it a higher species?’


The mana felt is much lower than the Sphinx.


That meant that the level of monsters that could cross over here was limited to the higher species.


‘In other words, the level is not that high, but….’


That was only from Taehyun's point of view.


A typical higher species also has the strength of an SS-class player.


The players began to buzz at the appearance of the five higher species.


The feeling of fear was spreading.


[It's you.]


One of the monsters stepped forward and fixed its red eyes on Taehyun.


“……”


Taehyun nodded to Kwak Si-yang and the Saintess without answering.


Kwak Si-yang nodded and created a mana sphere in the center of them and the monsters.


5 seconds.


The mana of the players was added to the magic power condensed by adding the skills of several players.


10 seconds.


It was the magic power collected by hundreds of players.


“It’s ready!”


Kwak Si-yang shouted.


Pure white magic power bloomed from the Saintess’ body.


At the same time, Taehyun and the Swordsman quickly jumped towards the mana sphere.


The Saintess’s skill was projected onto the mana sphere.


Ding.


[Skill ‘Personal Space (S)’ has been activated.]


A huge crowd of light spread out.


What they saw when they opened their eyes again was Taehyun and the Swordsman, who had entered a pure white space.


And five higher species.


[It's the authority of a nightmare.]


“Stop with the self-introduction.”


Taehyun said, looking at the higher species who were acting leisurely.


[I can't understand.]


[Isn't it an insignificant human?]


[The human next to you seems more useful.]


[We’ll take both of you.]


The higher species who talked among themselves transformed into their true forms.


The mana sea began to fill the personal space.


At that time.


"What. What's the situation now? Why didn't you call me into the spiritual world?"


The Swordsman opened his mouth.


“You need to get some fresh air sometimes too.”


“You’re doing cute things.”


The Swordsman clicked his tongue and swung Baekya.


The maw of predation popped out from the cut air.


Quaderk!!


In the blink of an eye, the head of one of the higher species was torn off.


[……!!]


"How is it?"


“Certainly. It's not a bad body.”


“Then, don’t die.”


Taehyun rolled his body, feeling the presence of the rapidly approaching higher species.


“Don't order me.”


The Doppelganger, who had taken control of the Swordsman’s body, swung his sword four times to bring out four maws.


It seemed impossible to do that without such awareness as he was using the Swordsman’s body.


‘It’s enough.’


Although he still couldn't use Predation, he confirmed one way to bring out the Doppelganger using Predation to the outside.


Taehyun was learning how to survive in the new situation one by one.


The authority used by the four higher species and the Predation of the Doppelganger who occupied the Swordsman's body were fiercely opposed.


Taehyun approached the higher species that had fallen in one blow.


It was squirming even though its head was blown off.


Ssssss-


When his two eyes turned red eyes, the guy's mana became visible.


It wasn't at a level that Taehyun could handle now.


But in this kind of defenseless state.


Puk.


Taehyun stabbed the Dragonslayer Sword into the place where the higher species' magic stone was located.


Kiiiiiiii-


The magic stone rotates.


"It's not like there's no way."


Skill ‘Energy Drain’.


He recalled the degraded authority of Igmun.


Tsuzzzuzzz-


The mana of the higher species began to be sucked in through the Dragonslayer Sword.


His physical stats begin to fill up quickly.


‘Good. At this rate, growth is only a matter of time.’


Taehyun looked at the Swordsman, no, the Doppelganger, who was laughing wildly against the four higher species.


“Fighting.”


Part 2, Episode 33


"Hmm~"


The Saintess, Yoshikawa Tsurara, emitted a pure white magic power and made a humming sound.


It was a habit she had when she was contemplating something.


"Is something the matter?"


"...?"


Two men who had been watching over her from both sides.


The Phantom Sword, Ishii Satoshi, and the Silent Sword, Kimura Masahiko, looked at her.


"I feel strange."


"What...?"


"We have two national-level powerhouses here, right?"


The Saintess looked at the man who, like herself, was maintaining a personal space, Guo Xiyang.


"Kim Taehyun is one thing, since he possesses the skills of a national-level powerhouse. But New Korea is taking us too lightly."


In fact, Yoo Ah-young's attitude towards her had changed blatantly.


When they met on the second floor, she had consistently used honorifics, but now she was acting no differently than Kwon Kanghyuk.


"I agree. If only the Demon Sword hadn't been played by Kim Taehyun..."


"Phantom Sword, that's not what I mean."


"Yes...?"


"I'm saying, why am I, a national-level powerhouse, not at the center of the stage?"


"Ah... I, I see."


"I have a slightly different opinion, though..."


"Oh my, please, speak, Silent Sword."


Silent Sword.


Kimura Masahiko, famous for his S-rank skill 'Sense Domination', carefully opened his mouth.


"We have already signed a covenant with New Korea. Since we have agreed to cooperate, the promise must be fulfilled. I believe the Demon Sword must have something in mind..."


"How naive."


"......"


"I know Shinji better than anyone."


The Saintess turned her gaze towards the direction where Nakata Shinji and Kim Taehyun had disappeared.


Guo Xiyang's magical sphere was floating in the air.


Personal Space.


They would be fighting five monsters in that artificial space.


"He doesn't do anything that goes against the interests of the country. Yes, the friendly match. After the friendly match on the third floor, Shinji has been led around by Kim Taehyun."


"That's true, but... at that time, the Saintess also..."


"Shut your mouth, Silent Sword."


Ishii Satoshi bared his teeth, emitting hostility.


It was a warning not to say unnecessary things.


It was partly due to his loyalty to the Saintess, but it was also something that the Demon Sword had firmly instructed him to do.


Prevent the Saintess from taking an interest in Kim Taehyun.


Obey Kim Taehyun's words as much as possible, as long as it doesn't harm the national interest.


It was a special request he had made to them separately some time ago.


Come to think of it, it was strange.


'Why is he being so protective of Kim Taehyun?'


The strongest treasured sword wielded for the sake of Japan.


It was a significant departure from the words and actions of the Demon Sword they had seen so far.


Phantom Sword and Silent Sword.


The two men quietly closed their mouths.


Their wavering eyes reflected their feelings.


"Hmph~ Now you understand my feelings, I see."


"What... what should we do?"


It was the Silent Sword who asked.


"Please buy me some time."


"Time...?"


"Yes. Since the skill has been activated, we've kept our promise with them, right?"


The Saintess's magic power is essential for activating the skill 'Personal Space', but maintaining it only requires Guo Xiyang and others' abilities.


Her remaining here was only for the sake of being prepared for any unexpected event.


"Then, what will the Saintess do...?"


"I'm going to see what Shinji and Kim Taehyun are doing."


A smile.


The two men's faces turned red at the Saintess's smile.


"Understood."


"I'll assist you."


There was no preparation to be made.


The Saintess sat down and focused her magic power on her eyes.


The magic power usage method she learned from Kim Taehyun to complete 'Personal Space'.


With that method, entering the Personal Space wouldn't be a problem even from a distance.


Swish swish swish-.


Her eyes turned crimson.


'Shinji. Why did you change?'


From what she had gathered, the Demon Sword's attitude had changed since the friendly match.


The problem was that some of her memories from that time were missing.


'It's definitely related to Kim Taehyun.'


The mysterious power Kim Taehyun possessed. An unbelievable potential.


If it was Shinji, he would definitely know something about it.


Something that could charm that taciturn man...


Ding.


[The skill Holy Revelation (S) has been activated.]


[Searching for the target.]


She recalled Kim Taehyun's face.


The detestable face that had stolen the Demon Sword from her.


It wouldn't be bad to subdue him in the Personal Space on this occasion.


[The target has been identified.]


[Intervening with the skill 'Personal Space (S)'.]


Whoosh.


With a burst of light, her vision reversed.


And.


At what was unfolding before her eyes, she gasped.


Demon Sword Nakata Shinji.


The skill 'Soul Taker' that increased physical stats as he cut down monsters.


Swordsmanship honed to the limit and a quick draw that could slice the neck of an S-rank monster in the blink of an eye.


The prevailing assessment was that he could raise his own rank to SS if he so desired.


The top-grade katana Byakuya and the ominous magic power were symbols of Nakata Shinji.


Crack!!


A maw derived from Byakuya bit into a monster.


Not only biting, but also chewing up the flesh, and each time it chewed, Nakata Shinji's ominous energy grew stronger.


It was a power that was hard to believe as a simple technique.


'Shinji had a skill like that...?'


If so, he wouldn't have kept it from her.


It was when the Saintess was thinking that.


Squishhhhhhh.


A strange sound coming from far away from the Demon Sword.


"......!!"


The Saintess's eyes trembled at what was happening there.


Kim Taehyun was shoving his sword into a monster's body and sucking up its magic power.


Just like the American national-level powerhouse, Ricky Halis.


It was an ability that reminded her of his skill 'Energy Drain'.


'How did Kim Taehyun get that...?'


The bodies of the two monsters lying nearby were shriveled up like mummies.


If Kim Taehyun had made that enormous power his own?


"......"


Her thoughts didn't last long.


'I must stop him from growing any further.'


He had even succeeded in using the subspace skill 'Personal Space'.


If this continued, it wouldn't just be national-level powerhouses that would be a problem, but the ranking of world players.


The hierarchy between nations would be re-established.


'Shinji knew this. Even so, why didn't he say anything to me...'


It was when she was trying to infer the cause of the Demon Sword's behavior, which she couldn't understand.


Crackcrack!!


A hideous sound jolted her out of her thoughts.


Two maws were tearing two monsters apart.


At the same time.


"What. It's you again."


"......!!"


The Saintess was startled and turned around.


The Demon Sword, now with crimson eyes, was looking down at her.


"Shinji... Kim Taehyun is dangerous. That guy..."


The Saintess stopped speaking.


It was because the look in the Demon Sword's eyes was different from what she knew.


"Did you manipulate my memories?"


The corners of the Demon Sword's lips turned up.


It was a look he had never shown her before.


"Shinji... cough..."


The Saintess's feet were lifted off the ground as the Demon Sword grabbed her by the neck.


"It's just as well. Bug. Heal me."


"Let... go..."


The Saintess struggled.


"You don't understand."


Snap.


It was the moment the doppelganger was about to begin the process of subduing her mind.


Two monsters that had been caught by the maw of predation.


The tail of one of the high-ranking species, who she thought was dead, stabbed the doppelganger.


"......!!"


The doppelganger hurriedly used the Saintess as a shield to cover its body.


Stab!!


"Cough..."


"Kuh..."


Ugh.


The Saintess and the doppelganger both spat out blood.


It was because the tail that had pierced the Saintess's body was embedded in its abdomen.


"C... cough..."


The Saintess coughed up blood and emitted a pure white magic power.


But she had already been pierced through the body.


The moment she lost consciousness, death was a foregone conclusion.


Crack!!


A figure that fell from the air cut off the tail of the high-ranking species.


It was Taehyun.


"What are you doing?"


Taehyun sighed as he looked at the doppelganger, who was skewered with the Saintess.


"Don't look at me like that... I'll kill you..."


"All talk. Saintess. Why are you here again?"


"Kim... Taehyun... What... did you do... to Shinji..."


The Saintess glared at Taehyun, spitting out blood.


"You're all something else."


Taehyun stabbed the Saintess's chest with the Dragonslaying Sword.


"C... cough..."


Whirr-.


The Saintess's pure white magic power flowed in.


Taehyun's other hand was placed on the doppelganger's head.


The Saintess's magic power, connected through the Dragonslaying Sword and their bodies, flowed into the doppelganger.


It was super-speed regeneration being distributed.


Thud.


The Saintess, whose magic power had run out, fell to her knees.


Taehyun bent down on one knee and matched her eye level.


"Yoshikawa Tsurara. It's going to be difficult if you keep acting like this."


"You... identity..."


Taehyun grabbed the Saintess's neck.


He met the eyes of her pupils, which were shaking with exhaustion.


"Forget what you saw here. That's an order."


After a moment of faint magic power flowing out from his crimson eyes, the Saintess lowered her head.


"To imitate even the authority of the Incubus. You've recovered quite a bit of power?"


"It's still not enough to face the Archdukes. And the Saintess is still a useful asset."


He emphasized that it would be a problem if he damaged their minds like last time.


He emphasized that the human minds were not as strong as the doppelganger thought.


"Don't be hypocritical."


"If you keep doing that, I won't call you next time?"


"Tsk."


At Taehyun's threat, the doppelganger took a step back.


"Go take care of that guy."


Taehyun gestured to the owner of the tail that had attacked the Saintess and the doppelganger.


The high-ranking species had recovered more than 70% of its body in a short time.


"It's not an ordinary high-ranking species. It seems it had the potential of a top-ranking species."


As he said that, the guy was opening the Odd Eye, the authority of Jormungandr.


The Maelstrom, which had only been a puddle, began to boil.


It was trying to unfold its domain.


"Top-ranking species are still tough."


Even if he could imitate the skill, there was a difference in output.


To make matters worse, the Personal Space was shaking.


It seemed to be due to the absence of the Saintess, who was supposed to be maintaining the space from the outside.


The Maelstrom was raging.


"Doppel, don't you have any hidden tricks up your sleeve?"


"Tsk tsk. A guy who even became the Integrated King has no pride..."


Clang.


The doppelganger stabbed Byakuya into the ground.


Magic power spread out under the two's feet.


Rumble.


The split magic power tore open and the maw that popped out began to suck up the Maelstrom.


Tremble tremble tremble-


The space vibrated.


'He's already handling the Demon Sword's body to this extent.'


In the blink of an eye, the Maelstrom, which had formed a domain, sank to the level of a puddle.


[......!!]


The monster with the Odd Eye roared.


It was a spirit that would paralyze the bodies of Taehyun and the doppelganger, who possessed the bodies of mortals.


Clang.


The doppelganger pulled out Byakuya without concern.


His face was covered in sweat as he poured out his magic power once.


"Look closely with those stupid eyes."


The doppelganger drew Byakuya in the air.


Magic power leaked out from the split void.


He had made the Maelstrom he had sucked up his own in a short time.


"This is."


The magic power that made up the Maelstrom began to take the form of a maw.


The maw was.


"The pinnacle."


Crack!!


It swallowed the top-ranking species monster.


Crack. Crackcrack.


Unlike the other guys, the maw swallowed the monster without a trace.


"Keep in mind. If you don't do it right, it's your turn next time."


With those words, the Demon Sword's body collapsed.


The body was exhausted due to the overuse of power.


"Yeah."


After looking at the Demon Sword and the Saintess who had fallen at his feet for a moment.


"It won't take long."


Taehyun, who was carrying the two, looked up at the crumbling space.


Part 2, Episode 34


I opened my eyes.


Red sky, symbolizing the Lower World.


Below it, hundreds of players were sprawled out.


'But the distance is...'


Far.


Because the Personal Space was released in an unstable state, the initial designated location was distorted.


"I'm exhausted."


Thud.


Taehyun lowered the Saintess and Guigom, whom he was carrying on his back, to the ground.


Guigom was exhausted because the Doppelganger strained himself using his power, and the Saintess was also temporarily unconscious after receiving an impact that would have killed a normal S-rank.


He wasn't worried.


Both of them were monsters who could get up without a problem after taking a sufficient rest.


Taehyun also collapsed next to the two powerhouses of nations.


In reality, the Doppelganger did most of the fighting, but he simulated Energy Drain and acted as if he was sucking the life out of the five Superior Species.


It was natural to be exhausted, as he had accepted a considerable amount of magical power with his unstable body.


Taehyun reviewed the battle from a moment ago.


'Personal Space. It's still a useful skill.'


Subspace Personal Space. One of the skills that Taehyun frequently used back when he was a mortal.


Although it's different from entering the opponent's mental world or one's own, it was still a useful skill in that he could exert his full power without being affected by the surrounding terrain.


One problem was that the space was unstable because it wasn't activated with his inherent skill.


'For now, the problem is the duration.'


It took hundreds of elites from Shinhan and Japan using up their magical power to last for about 10 minutes.


'There seems to be a limit to trapping even the Highest Species...'


It couldn't be a skill to use for long.


He needed to grow quickly and be able to use it alone.


'Awakening Rank is...'


Just as Taehyun was about to check his status window.


Ding.


[Awakening Rank changes.]


[Awakening Rank changes.]


B to A. A to S.


He was pleased with his body's stats stabilizing as two ranks rose.


[Warning. An existence that deviates from the 'Law of the Tower' has been detected.]


'......?'


His face hardened at the message that followed.


He didn't know exactly what the Law of the Tower meant, but he didn't have many good memories of things that included the word 'law'.


'But... a warning?'


[Warning. The 'Tribune of the Tower' is taking an interest.]


[Warning. The 'Tribune of the Tower' is summoning the 'Administrator of the Tower'.]


[Warning. The 'Administrator of the Tower' is startled.]


Taehyun's heart began to race at the continuous messages.


He wasn't sure who the Tribune of the Tower was, but the word 'warning' kept popping up as he took an interest in Taehyun.


Also, he was summoning Tolkien, the Administrator of the Tower.


It was as if he was sharing messages that only Tolkien should see with Taehyun.


Something was definitely going wrong.


The Three Thousand Worlds system.


The Constellation system of the Constellations.


Taehyun recalled the two systems he had experienced.


'This is... Tolkien's warning that I shouldn't be caught by this Tribune guy.'


This was a thought that Taehyun, who had reached the summit and knew the truth of the status window system, could have.


In a short time, the content of the messages appearing in front of him became diverse.


[Warning. The 'Administrator of the Tower' mentions a large-scale quest.]


[Warning. The 'Administrator of the Tower' requests some time.]


[Warning. The 'Tribune of the Tower' expresses displeasure.]


[Warning. The 'Administrator of the Tower' conveys his intention to rush over immediately.]


[Warning. The 'Administrator of the Tower' replies that the Tribune's mood is more important than the 'Quest'.]


[Warning. The 'Tribune of the Tower' orders to find the existence that deviates from the law.]


[Warning. The 'Administrator of the Tower' nods.]


Taehyun was holding his breath and staring at the messages appearing in front of him.


[Warning. The 'Administrator of the Tower' drops his magic wand.]


Tolkien did something.


Ding.


[The skill 'Pandora's Box (S)' is unlocked.]


[The skill 'Pandora's Box (S)' has been activated.]


[Specifying the target.]


Hwaaaah.


A faint light flickered from Taehyun's body.


That was it.


[Safe. The 'Tribune of the Tower' expresses disappointment.]


[Safe. The 'Administrator of the Tower' prostrates himself.]


Tolkien prostrated himself and bowed his head.


That was the last message.


The warning sounds that had been ringing non-stop quieted down.


'What kind of situation are you in, Tolkien? Why Pandora's Box all of a sudden...'


Immediately after the skill was activated, the message changed from warning to safe.


Taehyun intuitively sensed that Tolkien had saved him from a crisis.


He opened the status window.


The rank grew to S-rank.


'Gluttony' and 'Dream Eater' were still sealed, and 'Pandora's Box' was unlocked without any explanation.


Even now, it was still in use, and magical power was being drained.


Even with S-rank magical power, he had to drink potions from time to time due to the consumption rate.


'This might be a more complicated situation than I thought.'


He thought he could simply return to the past and regain his power, but as time passed, unexpected obstacles appeared.


Tolkien seemed anxious to prevent Taehyun from running aground.


'Is the problem the rapidly grown Awakening Rank...? Or...'


"Kim Taehyun...!!"


He was awakened from his thoughts by a voice in the distance.


Yoo Ah-young was running over.


Behind her were Kwon Kang-hyuk, Park Sung-jin, Kwak Si-yang, Hwangeom, and Milgeom.


They were the top forces, excluding Guigom and the Saintess, so they had preserved their power in preparation for any possible attacks.


"Taehyun-gun!!"


"Are you okay?!!"


"What about the monsters...!!"


"Ssibal. Is anything wrong with our brother?"


Four players asked about his well-being in a flurry.


"Guigom...!!"


"Saintess!! Wake up...!!"


Milgeom and Hwangeom checked the status of the two national powerhouses.


Only then did the players of Shinhan look at the two national powerhouses.


Unlike Taehyun, their bodies were a mess.


"Kim Taehyun! What happened?"


"Explain!"


Hwangeom and Milgeom growled and released their fighting spirit.


They thought that Taehyun had done something to them in the space.


"You ssibal bastards... Don't you lower your eyes?"


Kwon Kang-hyuk and Yoo Ah-young raised their fighting spirit in response and stood next to Taehyun.


A tense atmosphere flowed, and a physical conflict could break out at any moment.


"Everyone calm down. Have you forgotten the covenant?"


Park Sung-jin said, calming the two guild leaders.


"That's right. It's a great achievement just to have dealt with the monsters. This is not the time for us to fight each other."


Kwak Si-yang appeased and calmed Hwangeom and Milgeom.


Taehyun nodded as if agreeing with the gazes directed at him.


"They are just exhausted. The injuries have been healed by the Saintess's skill, so they will wake up after some time. And."


Kiiiiii-


Taehyun rotated the magic stone he had formed in his heart.


The S-rank magical power that had grown and been collected was amplified by the magic stone and spread throughout his body.


The six S-rank players flinched at the unexpected energy.


Taehyun met the eyes of the hardened Hwangeom and Milgeom.


"It would be better for you two to watch your words."


"......!!"


"......!!"


It was a quiet but clear warning.


That he would have no reason to endure if they acted rudely any further.


Unlike Hwangeom, whose face turned red, Milgeom quietly opened his mouth.


"...I will be careful."


"Good."


Taehyun gave a bright smile.


"Take the two players back."


The two national powerhouses quickly moved away.


After a short silence, Kwak Si-yang was the one to speak.


As someone who was more sensitive to magical power than anyone else, he was the first to notice Taehyun's change.


"Taehyun-gun... you don't mean..."


"Yes. I have grown to S-rank."


As if there was no need to hide it.


Taehyun showed all his magical power.


Hwaaaah.


A stable magical power that was not inferior to the four players rose like a mirage.


"Heo..."


"This, ssibal...!!"


"Amazing..."


"What on earth happened inside?"


Yoo Ah-young asked.


The faces of the others were no different.


"It seems it will take a long time to explain..."


"There's plenty of time!"


"There's plenty of food too!"


"The Saintess and Guigom also need to recover, so we'll have to stay here for a while!"


"Good. Then let's go into the camp and talk."


In addition to the recovery of Guigom and the Saintess, many players were exhausted.


They would have to stay here for a while while recovering.


Taehyun returned to the Shinhan camp with the four players.


"Everyone!! My brother has finally become an S-rank!!"


A shout erupted from the Onsaemi-ro side, who were exhausted, at Kwon Kang-hyuk's shout.


When Park Sung-jin next to him nodded, the shouts of the association players were added.


It was a cheer he hadn't felt in a long time.


'S-rank...'


Because he didn't have Gluttony, it was slower than he thought. Considering he didn't have Gluttony, he arrived sooner than he thought.


Taehyun clenched and unclenched his fist.


Although it would still be difficult to use complex skills, he would be able to imitate simple skills.


'Just wait a little longer, Tolkien.'


Taehyun recalled his friend who was struggling to protect his existence.


'I'll come to get you soon.'


It was over a week before Guigom and the Saintess finished recovering.


Around that time.


A report was delivered to them that a war had broken out outside the tower.


The Dream Demon Castle.


The Succubus Queen's tentacles wrapped around the body of a monster.


One of her Highest Servants gave a report in front of her.


[Some time ago, there was a large-scale barrier reaction on the 4th floor. It seems that the humans and the Yormungandr's Servants clashed.]


[Yormungandr? Can those guys move that far?]


[Yes. There were five who were judged to be Superior Species... The reaction disappeared immediately after.]


[Hmph~ So they were annihilated.]


The Queen, sitting on the throne, rubbed her chin at the following report.


[That's strange. The level of humans can't have risen to that extent.]


[I suspect that they might be contractors of other Archdukes.]


[Yes. That's a valid point.]


Their individual martial power was insignificant, but the story would be different if they had accepted the magical power of the Archduke.


The problem was whose contractor the human was.


The Highest Servant carefully opened his mouth.


[If they are hostile to Yormungandr... and can create a barrier to that extent, wouldn't it be Igmun?]


Vampire Lord Igmun. The king of the Incubuses, who is at odds with her.


It has been quite some time since that guy showed himself recently.


[If that's true, it's an interesting situation.]


Succubuses and Incubuses do not have different origins.


In other words, if it is Igmun's contractor, it means that he can also become her contractor.


[Bring him to me alive.]


[Understood.]


With that answer, the Servant disappeared.


It was because he had reported using a hallucination that continued mental domination.


[A contractor... I should start preparing soon too.]


Srrrr.


One tentacle moved under Rozaria's feet.


The tentacle wrapped around the body of a monster that was bound under her feet like a snake.


[Isn't that right?]


Rozaria met the eyes of the monster that had been raised by the tentacle.


Even to the Archduke's question.


[Geueo... eo....]


The bound Superior Species Vampire monster only let out a dry scream.


Part 2, Episode 35


A week passed before the Saintess and Sword Demon fully recovered.


During that time, the players from New Korea and Japan also took a break.


The fourth floor was practically uncharted territory for them, and exploring it without their two strongest members would be suicidal.


They were also using the time to help the exhausted players recover enough to create Personal Spaces, so no one complained.


And then.


On the day the week ended.


A new party sent by the two associations arrived.


S-Rank player Jang Jin-soo from New Korea. S-Rank player Isaka Ryohei from Japan. A small party consisting of ten members in total.


"War has broken out."


Isaka Ryohei spoke of the situation unfolding outside the tower.


"Russia and China have joined forces and are waging an all-out war against the United States. It's a complete mess."


"Surely they haven't deployed players?"


Kwak Si-yang asked with a worried tone.


The World Treaty prohibits the deployment of players in war.


Violating the treaty would turn the offending country into an enemy of the entire world.


"Fortunately, it's still at the level of trade sanctions through neighboring countries."


It was Jang Jin-soo who answered Kwak Si-yang's question.


While reporting on the state of the world, he frequently glanced at Tae-hyun, who was participating in the meeting.


'Is this the child the association president mentioned as having the potential to be a national asset?'


The mana he sensed was extraordinary.


'He's grown.'


Yoo Ah-young, Kwak Si-yang, Kwon Kang-hyuk, Park Seong-jin.


The fact that the most prominent players in New Korea were having him, not even twenty years old, attend the meeting proved it.


Tae-hyun smiled back at Jang Jin-soo, who was observing him.


'Long time no see.'


Jang Jin-soo.


The man who betrayed New Korea in the past during a friendly match and was bought out by the Chinese Player Association.


'And Isaka Ryohei as well.'


The one who colluded with the Maim and led the terror attack on the auction house.


'What a novel combination.'


Unexpected faces brought back memories of the past.


The terror attack on the Westpoint Auction House. The betrayal at the Asian Friendly Match.


All events that took place when Tae-hyun was a mortal, aiming to become the best player.


Memories of a time that had now become distant.


"In any case, the alliance with New Korea has been terminated. The presidents have nullified the agreement, and Jang Jin-soo and I have been dispatched to verify that fact."


The order was to halt the tower ascent due to the precarious situation and return to the first floor.


"Aww~ My vacation is over already. What a shame."


"Indeed. If only Tsrara hadn't fainted so readily, we might have reached the fifth floor by now."


Yoo Ah-young attacked the Saintess, who was still treating the mission like a game.


Showing only the bare minimum of courtesy. None of the cautiousness from when they first met remained.


They had recognized their incompatible natures.


"Oh my, Guild Master Yoo Ah-young. I did my best. Weren't you the one who wasn't much help on the fourth floor?"


"Is that what you think?"


"Yes~ That's what I think."


Heh.


Snort.


From the two women's bodies emanated a strange force, neither mana, nor fighting spirit, nor murderous intent.


"Guild Master Yoo Ah-young. Calm down."


"Tsrara. Stop it."


Park Seong-jin and Nakata Shinji quietly calmed the two women down.


"So, we have to go down too?"


"Ahem. Yes, Guild Master Kwon Kang-hyuk. The association president is concerned that three of the Four Great Guild leaders are absent in the current situation."


"Damn it. We might reach the fifth floor if we go a little further."


New Korea's top force and Japan's top force.


An opportunity for them to form an alliance and climb the tower without anyone's interference doesn't come easily.


No, maybe it will never come again.


Knowing this, they couldn't easily accept the association's order to return.


"But not returning in the current situation is also dangerous."


"It will take quite some time to return even now. There's no time to delay."


Park Seong-jin agreed with Kwak Si-yang's words.


"Damn it... the fifth floor is just around the corner."


Kwon Kang-hyuk grumbled and frowned.


He was a guild leader before he was a player.


He wasn't foolish enough to ignore the influence Onsaemi-ro had in New Korea.


"I will stay."


Before the New Korean side could say anything to Tae-hyun's sudden statement.


"I'll stay too."


The Japanese side also voiced their embarrassment at the Sword Demon's agreement.


"Aww~ If Shinji is staying, then I will too..."


"Shut up."


The Saintess and Yoo Ah-young began bickering, and this time, a clash of mana erupted.


"..."


"..."


Amidst the chaos, Tae-hyun met the indifferent gaze of the Sword Demon.


"Kim Tae-hyun!! Contact me as soon as you get back!!"


"Brother!! Don't die!!"


Tae-hyun chuckled at the shouts of Yoo Ah-young and Kwon Kang-hyuk, who were calling out from afar.


He had spent a day explaining to them why he had to stay.


It was the same for the Sword Demon.


"Why did you stay?"


Tae-hyun asked Nakata Shinji, who was standing next to him, watching the returning expedition.


There was no more honorifics.


"You say that as if you didn't expect it."


"There's a big difference between expecting something and it actually happening."


The Sword Demon scanned Tae-hyun with his usual indifferent eyes.


"I need to know your true nature."


"You're more shy than I thought."


Tae-hyun said, activating the magic stone.


Kiiiii-.


The magic stone, having absorbed the mana of an S-Rank, released the mana of an SS-Rank.


If other monsters saw it, they wouldn't find it strange to consider it a higher-ranked monster.


Tae-hyun's mana enveloped the Sword Demon's body.


Then.


Kiiiii-.


A familiar sound was heard from the Sword Demon's body.


Similarly, mana at the SS-Rank level was being emitted from his body.


It was a magic stone that was not inferior to Tae-hyun's.


"Lies don't work. Since when?"


He was somewhat rebellious, but that didn't matter.


"...Right after I woke up."


"You were afraid it wouldn't work?"


"......"


"Didn't you stay behind on purpose because you were afraid you'd harm the Saintess?"


The Sword Demon was originally in a position to follow Tae-hyun in order to save the Saintess.


But even when the order to return came, he stayed on the fourth floor with Tae-hyun.


It was because he had sensed the change that had occurred within himself.


'A magic stone of a different level than the guild leaders'.


The Doppelganger had used the Sword Demon's body only once.


Even though it was a magic stone created in that short time, it was showing this much power.


"Personal Space. I have no memory of what happened there. I want to know what happened."


He was asking, but he was confident.


'Nakata Shinji. If he hadn't died early, he would have grown as much as Cody Cruz.'


In his world, it was Zhang Linfeng of China who became the contractor of Igmun.


But in reality, Nakata Shinji's body was more suitable for Igmun's power.


"Okay. I'll help you control the magic stone."


Tae-hyun held out his hand to the Sword Demon.


The Sword Demon stared silently at Tae-hyun's outstretched hand.


"I don't need it. I can adapt on my own. What I'm curious about is what happened in the Personal Space..."


"And one more thing. I'll teach you how to win the Saintess's heart."


"......!!"


The Sword Demon's eyes wavered.


Tae-hyun drove the wedge in.


"That would be the least you can do for changing your life. You know why the Saintess is interested in me, right?"


"......"


Grab.


The Sword Demon grabbed Tae-hyun's hand with an indifferent expression.


"Good choice. Trust me."


"Don't talk nonsense."


Unlike his unchanging expression, the hand he shook was getting clammy.


Tae-hyun nodded with a harmless smile.


'I've got him hooked.'


Forming a magic stone allows one to evolve into a body optimized for the environment of the Lower World.


For example, it becomes possible to explore the fourth floor while minimizing food intake.


Tae-hyun and the Sword Demon slowly traversed the fourth floor, not hiding the aura of higher-ranked species.


Dealing with the higher-ranked species that occasionally appeared was no easy task.


Fortunately, thanks to becoming SS-Rank, they could use Personal Space whenever they wanted.


Tae-hyun and the Sword Demon were taking turns standing guard, gradually approaching the gate leading to the fifth floor.


'Has it already been a month?'


Tae-hyun thought, looking at the Sword Demon, who had fallen fast asleep.


He looked at his backpack.


There was still plenty of food.


At the current pace, it would take about three more months.


At that rate, it seemed they could reach the boundary of the deepest part.


'War...'


He wasn't surprised by the fact that China and Russia had started a war.


Because in his past world, those countries were also constantly showing their ambitions.


He wasn't too worried about the situation in New Korea either.


The magic stones he had planted in the three guild leaders.


If they adapted to that power, it would only be a matter of time before they grew into SS-Ranks.


'The problem is me.'


Tae-hyun sighed, looking at the red sky with no stars.


If he couldn't regain his power, the universe called the Three Thousand Worlds would simply disappear.


The Upper World. The Lower World. Countless Intermediate Worlds. All those possibilities would disappear.


'I have to regain my power soon...'


He needed to accept stronger power....


'What if I accept stronger power?'


What if he received the power of the Succubus Queen somewhere on the fifth floor?


"......"


Suddenly, Tae-hyun stirred up his mana.


Swish swish swish-.


His eyes turned crimson, and he could see the scattered purple mana in front of him.


'Personal Space. When?'


Tae-hyun recalled the voice that had interfered with his thoughts a moment ago.


Not only had it dragged him into a Personal Space without him noticing while he was maintaining the mana of a higher-ranked species, but it was also attempting to create an illusion.


'It's a top-ranked Moma.'


Tae-hyun rotated the magic stone, raising his mana to the maximum.


Swish swish swish.


A Succubus with a face he had never seen before appeared before him.


"Grand Succubus Fairy."


[Interesting? The Queen will be pleased.]


The Moma's eyes turned to the collapsed Sword Demon.


[I sense a similar aura to vampires from that guy.... Are you guys contractors of Igmun?]


"Did Rosaria send you?"


[How dare you utter the Queen's name so carelessly. You have no manners.]


Unlike the Moma's frowning face, Tae-hyun's lips curled up.


"Understand. I'm quite close with Rosaria, you see."


[I told you to watch your mouth.]


Boom.


The purple mana in the Moma's body intensified.


The illusion of the Personal Space made the vision blurry.


As expected of a top-ranked species, it was using more stable space control than Tae-hyun was using.


Tae-hyun prided himself on knowing the Moma's fighting style better than anyone else.


"Do you want to conquer me?"


[Don't worry. You won't go insane from peeking into my mental world. I need to fix your manners before taking you to the Queen.]


"How long are you going to sleep?"


At Tae-hyun's words, the Sword Demon quietly rose.


His eyes were already dyed crimson.


[You don't have to wake up yet....]


It was instantaneous.


The Moma's wings were torn off by the White Night wielded by the Sword Demon.


The Moma's mana, which had been approaching the mental world, wavered.


Tae-hyun took advantage of the gap to draw his Dragon Slayer Sword and release mana.


"Insect."


Kiiiii-.


The Doppelganger activated the magic stone and began creating his own Personal Space.


A desert formed beneath their feet.


[What....]


"Don't worry, Moma."


Tae-hyun gave a bitter smile to the bewildered top-ranked species.


He reinforced his body and concentrated mana on the Dragon Slayer Sword.


"I'll let you live."


Part 2, Episode 36


If the succubus's weakness is a weaker body compared to monsters of the same level, its strength is its mind control ability, which can render the mind helpless.


'But you picked the wrong opponent.'


Taehyun swung the Dragonslaying Sword towards the succubus, who was regenerating at high speed.


Slice.


The succubus's hand was cut off as soon as it regenerated.


First Form of Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Explosive Force.


Whack.


Taehyun's fist, wrapped in mana, struck the succubus's abdomen.


[Cough….]


The succubus was sent flying, rising into the air.


"What's your name? If you're a subordinate of Rosaria, you should have a name, right?"


Taehyun asked the succubus, who was flapping her wings in the air to recover.


Being a subordinate of a Great Duke holds great authority among monsters of the same kind.


So, even if he didn't recognize her face, she should at least have a name.


[…….]


Succubus. Grand Succubus Fairy Müll.


She silently looked down at the two humans.


'Unbelievable presence.'


She had discovered the two humans she had reported to Rosaria a week ago.


She had kept her distance and observed them thoroughly.


As expected of a species with weak reproduction, they took turns resting, and their combat method also utilized personal space.


Despite being human, they possessed a presence surpassing even higher species, specifically those of the succubus and vampire races.


They were perfect as the test subjects her queen was looking for.


There was no need to hesitate.


She approached them while they were resting and pulled them into her personal space.


Her plan was to take control of their minds and bring them back to Succubus Castle.


Just when she thought everything was perfect, the man with the short sword broke free from her mind control.


Immediately afterward, the man with the white sword rose to his feet.


And so, she faced the current situation.


One higher species and one highest species.


Müll instinctively knew that the two humans with magic stones in front of her were capable of hunting her.


She couldn't win.


'I have to escape.'


Müll moved her pair of wings.


The personal space that the man with the white sword controlled was limited to the ground.


The sky above was still her domain.


That's what she thought, but.


Crack.


Suddenly, a maw emerged from the red sky.


[……!!]


Müll frantically twisted her body, but couldn't avoid having one of her wings eaten.


The man with the short sword was waiting for her as she fell.


"My name is Kim Taehyun."


Simultaneously with his self-introduction.


Thwack thwack thwack.


The Dragonslaying Sword shredded Müll's body.


Thud.


In a brief moment, Müll's tendons were severed, and she was about to attempt regeneration.


Crunch.


A maw appeared from the ground and tore off one of Müll's arms.


Müll rolled to the side with a painful groan.


The soil of the desertified ground stuck to her.


'If I get caught by that maw, my regeneration speed will slow down.'


She couldn't feel the severed wing and arm.


It wasn't like poison.


Rather, the poison was embedded in the short sword.


The maw and teeth.


Some kind of alien force was eating away at her presence.


'If I get hit again, it's dangerous.'


She hurriedly got up and looked at the human who identified himself as Kim Taehyun.


The man with the awakened crimson eyes of a higher species was smiling.


He was being careless.


'If I'm going to strike, it's that guy.'


Whoosh whoosh whoosh-.


Purple mana rose from Müll's body.


She was using a fraction of the power she had received from the Great Duke.


Swish. Swish. Swish.


Three tentacles unfurled from her back.


The unfurled tentacles crawled on the ground.


"Oh ho."


Taehyun moved his body, intrigued.


Sixth Form of Ancient Korean Martial Arts, Decimation.


Crack.


A boosted, spinning kick was blocked by the tentacles.


"That's Rosaria's power."


Taehyun said, moving his tingling foot away.


The queen's tentacles.


They were a gift from the previous Demon Sea King to the previous Succubus Queen.


That power had reached Rosaria and was being used to compensate for her lack of martial strength.


In her subspace, the tentacles multiplied, enhancing her mana.


And she bestowed such tentacles upon a select few excellent highest species to bolster her forces.


'Three, huh? She's quite trusted.'


Like a sphinx with awakened odd eyes, her presence had changed.


She had surpassed Taehyun's level.


"Dople, you'll have to take care of that."


"Kim Taehyun. When are you going to stop showing such pathetic behavior?"


Contrary to his words, Baekya slashed the air.


Crack. Crack. Crack.


Responding to the tentacles, three maws bared their teeth.


Three tentacles.


Three maws.


The force surpassing the highest species collided, and the space began to shake.


The Doppelganger burst into laughter.


He was delighted by the resistance that exceeded his expectations.


Taehyun closed the distance in that gap.


And.


Seventh Form of Ancient Korean Martial Arts, Plains.


The firmly gripped Dragonslaying Sword and the straightened palm touched the succubus's abdomen.


Whooooosh.


The Dragonslaying Sword, reinterpreted with the principle of Canon, and the Palm, based on the principle of the Eight Trigrams.


The two techniques overlapped, causing the mana emitted by the succubus to flow in reverse.


[……!!]


Before the succubus could even react.


Crack crack crack!!


The maw of predation bit off the three tentacles.


First Form of Ancient Korean Martial Arts, Taebaek.


Crack!!


The Dragonslaying Sword deeply pierced the succubus's shoulder.


Squeak squeak squeak.


Taehyun put strength into the hand holding the sword.


The mana-infused Dragonslaying Sword exuded killing intent.


"Kneel. Or you'll be cut off."


Taehyun said, his crimson eyes shining.


Shame flashed across the succubus's face, who had failed to escape.


[Just me….]


Crack.


Taehyun's kick bent the succubus's legs.


The approaching Doppelganger licked his lips, looking down at the succubus.


"The best delicacy I've tasted so far."


The three tentacles he had eaten earlier.


Though only a part, they contained the Great Duke's mana.


It was only natural that they couldn't be compared to the ones he had tasted so far.


"Kim Taehyun. Hurry up and stick the straw in. I'll eat the rest of the body."


"Straw…? You've become quite frivolous, Dople."


"Shut up. I'm just going to devour it."


The Doppelganger showed signs of summoning the maw of predation again.


Taehyun stood in front of him.


"No, I'm not going to eat this one."


"What…?"


"I'm going to let this one live."


"What nonsense are you spouting?"


The Doppelganger growled.


It was the most delicious monster by far.


It was only natural that he couldn't understand why they would let such a monster live.


"You have to be picky about what you eat."


"Don't order me around. Devouring even one more highest species will be more helpful in dealing with the Great Duke."


[……!!]


Dealing with the Great Duke.


Müll's shoulders twitched at those words.


"You stay still."


Taehyun put strength into the Dragonslaying Sword, easily suppressing her.


"It's true that we need to grow stronger, but not with the succubus race."


"You idiot. Have you forgotten that the Lower World is a place of survival of the fittest?"


The Doppelganger now had the memories of the Demon King and the Predator.


It was safe to say that he understood the Lower World better than anyone here.


Even so.


"You know how I made a contract with Rosaria, right?"


During his time as an S-Rank player, Taehyun had accidentally visited Rosaria's castle.


At the time, Rosaria was ridiculed as the weakest Great Duke, but she certainly had enough power to kill Taehyun.


She didn't kill him and made a contract instead.


She saw the potential that Taehyun possessed.


"You know what rank she achieved at the end of the Race War, right?"


Dream Eating.


The strongest technique that rivaled Predation.


Taehyun wanted her to grow into the strongest Great Duke in this world as well.


"It's not like you can use it right now. Don't act like you know everything."


The Doppelganger sneered, knowing that Dream Eating, like Predation, was sealed.


"I have you, Dople."


"……."


"If my memory serves me right, Rosaria is fiercely loyal to her race. There's no need to antagonize her from the start. And Rosaria isn't the Great Duke you need, is she?"


The Doppelganger clicked his tongue at Taehyun's words.


"You always have a sharp tongue. Don't regret it when that tongue doesn't work anymore."


With those words, the Doppelganger sheathed his sword.


It was his way of saying that he would follow Taehyun's words.


"Did you hear that? Go back, succubus."


[…….]


"Tell Rosaria that I'll come to her, so there's no need to send any more succubi. If you understand, release the domain and disappear. I don't know how much longer that guy's personality will tolerate it."


Taehyun shrugged his shoulders at the Doppelganger's glare.


[…Müll.]


"What?"


[My name, bestowed by the Queen.]


With those words.


Whoosh whoosh whoosh-


The personal space was released.


At the same time, the desertification of the ground that the Doppelganger had been controlling began to be undone.


"You fool. It's not good to cling to the past in a twisted timeline. Don't regret it later."


'Dople, I'm the one who reformed someone like you.'


"Don't look at me with those eyes."


"Okay, okay. I get it, so get some rest now. Gui-geom is going to collapse again."


"Tch."


The crimson eyes of the guy who clicked his tongue were released.


The blank eyes were regaining life.


'It's certain that he's under the influence of the Great Duke. Dople and I should be able to handle even the highest subordinates.'


The more they defeat, the more their power will increase.


The problem was the message from the one called 'The Tribune of the Tower.'


Taehyun checked his status window.


The skill 'Pandora's Box' that had been unlocked after becoming an S-Rank was still active, and it likely related to Tolkien.


At that moment.


"Ugh…"


Gui-geom, who had been standing blankly, groaned.


His eyes regained their vitality.


"What happened…"


"There was a battle."


"What…?"


"But it's over."


"What…"


"It's your turn to keep watch."


"……."


Ignoring Gui-geom, who wanted an explanation, he went near the bonfire and lay down.


After Jormungandr, Rosaria.


Wondering which guy's subordinate would appear next.


Taehyun closed his eyes.


Somewhere on the 5th floor of the Tower.


In a massive temple, beings with indistinguishable forms were conversing.


[The Demon Kings have decided to hunt the Fairy King.]


[Diablo must have made a difficult decision.]


[That arrogant Fairy King will be brought to his knees.]


[The Fairy King is strong. Be careful and watch your words.]


The one who spoke with emphasis in the last voice was Mammon.


Beside him was the ancient Great Demon.


Asura chuckled and agreed.


[There are many cowards.]


[Oh ho. Gorphael. Are you saying you're different?]


[Don't compare this demon with you.]


[Come to think of it, the succubus and vampire races have been quiet lately.]


[You still care about insignificant forces.]


[Reports have come in that Jormungandr and Rosaria are looking for test subjects.]


Amid the disjointed conversation of the demons.


[A new contractor candidate?]


Mephisto showed interest.


And.


He asked for the opinion of another brother who had been quietly silent.


[Gilphael. What do you think?]


[I am… interested.]


[What's wrong. Why are you so quiet today?]


[…….]


[This demon will look into the human matter.]


Asura said with a cackle.


It was a unilateral notice worthy of an ancient Great Demon.


[I will join.]


Gilphael, who had been silent, agreed.


[Good. Then we should summon the other Great Demons as well. The meeting is adjourned.]


Starting with Mammon waving his hand, the forms of the Great Demons disappeared one by one.


The only Great Demon remaining.


[Kim Taehyun….]


With Gilphael's crimson eyes faintly shaking for the last time.


Swish.


Complete silence fell upon the temple.

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