RKP 621-630

      ----------------------------

Part 2, Episode 37

[Yes... I will retreat and report.]

Mull bowed, her body contorted in pain.

A Great Duke's Familiar symbolizes their pride.

Having been granted three tentacles by the Queen, she returned in a tattered state.

She deserved to be reprimanded.

She recalled the fate of the Beast King's Familiar, who was punished by the demon race, a tale circulating among the Familiars.

'Even if I am stripped of all my powers and made an example of... my loyalty will not waver.'

Mull squeezed her eyes shut.

The succubus race was already considered the weakest and most disregarded among the Great Dukes.

From the Queen's perspective, it was right to use her as an example to enforce discipline.

Or so she thought.

She was mistaken.

[Mull, my child. Raise your head.]

Rosaria's languid voice held no anger.

Rather,

[Since he saved my child, I owe that human, Kim Taehyun, a debt.]

She not only forgave her Familiar for failing her mission but also showed a greater curiosity about Kim Taehyun than before.

This made Mull feel even more apologetic.

She lowered her body further, which was unstable from not being fully regenerated.

[I'm sorry. If you give me another chance, as soon as my body recovers...]

[Enough.]

[Yes...?]

[The one who destroyed my tentacles. You called him a doppelganger.]

[Yes... Kim Taehyun called him that.]

Mull recalled the man who had breached her personal space.

He was a rough human, which didn't suit the sword he carried.

If Kim Taehyun hadn't intervened, she would have been torn apart by that vicious maw.

[Not only does he reek of Igmun's scent... but a maw that devours everything.]

Rosaria's crimson eyes curved.

It was the expression she wore when she discovered a new toy.

[I will have to take action myself.]

[For the Queen to take action herself... I apologize for saying so, but it is dangerous.]

Mull bowed again.

There were limits to the range in which a Great Duke could fully exert their existence.

If they strayed outside their domain, their power would weaken, and they would risk being hunted by other Great Dukes.

If that happened, the succubus race would be absorbed by the vampire race or relegated to a slave race.

[Hahaha. You worry too much. Just because I am called the weakest does not mean you need to worry as well.]

[N, no, that's not it. I'm just...]

[Enough. I am merely concealing my identity and going out for a stroll. Anyone who targets me will have to be prepared to be torn into thousands of pieces.]

A faint magical power emanated from Rosaria's body.

And,

Swish.

A tentacle that had approached unnoticed coiled around Mull's body.

Swish, swish-.

[……!!]

Mull moaned at the magical power filling her body.

Not only were the wounds that had not properly regenerated from Kim Taehyun and the doppelganger completely healed.

Swish. Swish.

Five new tentacles bloomed behind her.

[Five. Your life was on the brink, and now you've grown.]

[Queen...!!]

Mull prostrated herself, overwhelmed by the overflowing power.

[The others will have already caught the scent. We are weak in power, so we must keep busy.]

[I understand.]

Mull, understanding Rosaria's intent, quickly left the Succubus Castle.

It was to locate and report Kim Taehyun and the doppelganger's positions.

[Hmph. They are such troublesome children.]

Rosaria chuckled softly from the throne where she was left alone.

If it were other Great Dukes, they would have used a top-tier species who failed their mission as an example to strengthen their authority.

But for the succubus race, even one top-tier species was a valuable resource.

Even if Mull failed several missions, Rosaria would not have blamed her.

The benevolence of giving her new opportunities again and again to raise her status.

It was a survival method that only Rosaria could choose.

[Kim Taehyun, you say. Not a bad name.]

A human who tells a Great Duke to wait because they will come to them on their own.

She was tempted to rush out of the castle right away and head to the fourth floor where he was.

Then.

[Queen, a demon has come.]

The report from the succubi entered her mind.

[A demon?]

[Yes. It seems to be of the Great Demon class.]

Beelzebub and Diablo.

The demon race led by the two Demon Kings was not on friendly terms with the succubus race.

As the most numerous race, the number of Great Demon-class demons, the top-tier species, was dozens of times greater than that of the succubus race.

[It seems to be alone.]

[What shall we do?]

[He says he has something to tell you, Queen.]

[Preparations for hunting are complete.]

Several succubi reported simultaneously.

Dealing with one Great Demon was not a difficult task.

Even if several came, this was the Succubus Castle.

It was where Rosaria could exert her full power.

[It would be a laughingstock if we mistreated a guest who came on their own two feet. Bring him in.]

[Understood.]

Soon after, a female-form demon who had subdued her aura stood face to face with Rosaria.

The Queen's narrowly curved crimson eyes gleamed.

[So, this is not just an ordinary Great Demon but a brother of a Demon King.]

Rosaria burst into laughter.

Brothers of Demon Kings.

They were beings who had been pushed out of the competition to become a king, also called Ancient Great Demons.

One who was born with the potential to be a Demon King.

Yet he was subduing his existence to the point where he looked like an ordinary Great Demon.

[It's my first time seeing you, Queen of the Succubi. My name is Gilperda.]

Gilperda calmly introduced herself and nodded.

She was being courteous in her own way.

For an Ancient Great Demon to show her courtesy?

[This is something I've lived long enough to see. What is your business?]

Rosaria chuckled and nodded.

A hidden agenda for coming alone to what was practically enemy territory.

It would be a lie to say she wasn't interested.

[I came to check something.]

A brief silence followed Gilperda's words.

[You're not here to start a war, are you?]

[War? You speak absurdly. No matter how warlike the demon race is, they're not foolish enough to enter a Great Duke's castle to fight.]

[Ahahahahaha.]

Rosaria burst into laughter.

At the same time, a purple magical power erupted from her body.

The rapidly spreading magical power seized control of the space.

[Demon... yes, Gilperda. You are looking down on me quite a bit, aren't you?]

[…….]

Gilperda raised a cerulean magical power to counter the oppressive energy.

She knew that if she didn't prepare in advance, her mind would be dominated after her defenses were breached.

'A Great Duke is indeed a Great Duke.'

Gilperda quietly acknowledged Rosaria's power.

The Succubus Castle was no less than the Demon Castle.

The entire castle was like Rosaria's personal space.

Even if there were two Ancient Great Demons, it would be difficult to escape.

'I have to be on my guard.'

[I repeat, I didn't come here to fight the Queen.]

Gilperda's words became more polite.

It was an attitude that a typical demon race could not show.

[It seems I am having many unusual experiences today.]

Following a human who said he would come directly to a Great Duke, now an Ancient Great Demon has come to a Great Duke directly.

What's more, she doesn't even do the commendable deed of considering my feelings first.

[It's as if they think I won't kill them.]

[…….]

Whoosh.

Rosaria's magical power subsided.

She sat on the throne and tilted her head.

[Alright. I'll hear what you have to say.]

At Rosaria's permission, Gilperda opened her mouth.

[Succubus Queen. Have you perhaps heard the name Kim Taehyun?]

[Hmm~ I wonder.]

[You're not very good at lying. A report came in recently that the succubus race contacted two humans. It's impossible that you, who can share minds, haven't been informed yet.]

[You're testing my reaction. What business is it of yours?]

Rosaria's face was smiling as she asked back.

Gilperda's crimson eyes quietly scanned the Queen.

[Kim Taehyun. I wanted to see the Queen's reaction upon hearing that name.]

[……?]

[You weren't one to have a different face and heart even before. The appearance you showed now is a sufficient answer.]

Gilperda shook her head to herself.

[You're only saying things I can't understand. Perhaps you came here to provoke me.]

[Of course not. My business is done. If you have any other questions, I'll answer them as long as they don't cross the line.]

Rosaria's crimson eyes shook, and her face was filled with bewilderment.

But curiosity was stronger than those emotions.

'Should I check?'

Great Demons can use the demon race's powers in addition to their innate abilities.

If it were an Ancient Great Demon, those abilities would not be much behind those of a Demon King.

[What power do you possess?]

At the question, Gilperda opened her mouth with a blank expression.

[I used to have several powers in the past. But the only one I currently possess is 'Non-Desire'.]

[Non-Desire? Now that you mention it, I think there was a demon with the power of 'Desire'.]

[Gorfer. That one can be called my brother.]

[Indeed... it seems you're not lying.]

They don't call each other brothers just because they are equal.

What Gilperda said meant that Gorfer was a more special being who shared his power with her.

[But this is unexpected. Mammon, Mephisto, Asura, Gorfer. I can think of a few other names, but I've never heard of yours.]

[…….]

Gilperda's eyes narrowed.

It was a moment before she opened her mouth.

[Rosaria. You really don't remember anything.]

[What are you talking about?]

[No, it's too much for me to say that myself. Can I go back now?]

What came back was not Rosaria's answer.

Whoosh.

It was a massive personal space.

[…….]

[I have a lot of greed.]

[I think I've been polite enough.]

[Gilperda. What will my position be if a Great Demon of a hostile race comes to my castle and leaves unharmed?]

[…….]

[If I receive a guest, how I send them out is up to the owner.]

Ahahahahaha.

Rosaria laughed and drew her tentacles.

Squeak.

Gilperda, who had been quietly watching, smiled.

[Well, it wouldn't be bad.]

[Oh? You're going to try me?]

Rosaria smiled with a look of endearment.

[Even though I've fallen, I was once the strongest Great Duke in the Three Thousand Worlds.]

[Huh?]

[When I became the Underworld King, I wanted to compete with you someday. Now the situation is quite ridiculous for both of us.]

[Ahahaha. I don't know what you're talking about.]

Ten tentacles sprouted from Rosaria's body.

Each tentacle carried a tremendous fighting spirit.

[If you can break through my space, I'll let you live.]

Gilperda laughed back at Rosaria's generosity.

Fighting spirit rose in her crimson eyes.

[Well, I guess I can't go back in one piece.]

Crack. Crack.

A cerulean magical power concentrated on the two horns that had sprouted.

A long tail protruded, and a pair of wings fluttered in the air.

Chiiiiik.

A poisonous magical power erupted from the claws she raised.

[Poison. Beelzebub's power.]

[Understand, Rosaria. I have to survive, even if it means using this power now.]

Inside the Queen's personal space.

The Succubus Queen's tentacles, swung with a smile.

And the poisonous thorns that were thrust out with a hardened face.

Collided.

Part 2 Episode 38

Somewhere on the 4th Floor.

Taehyun and Nakata Shinji trudged through the endless desert.

A month had passed since they encountered the Grand Succubus Fairy Mule, Rozaria's subordinate.

However, the two of them were still unable to escape the 4th floor.

"Shinji, what do you like so much about the Saintess?"

Taehyun asked, chewing on dried seafood he took out of his backpack.

"I told you not to ask questions like that."

"Don't be like that between us."

At the Sword Demon's sharp reaction, Taehyun smiled with a friendly expression.

"Her heart."

"Are you crazy?"

"……."

"Ah, sorry. It just came out."

"……."

Taehyun offered the Sword Demon some dried seafood as a sign of reconciliation, seeing the icy gaze directed at him.

Even if they were national-level powerhouses with trained minds and bodies, they were still human after all.

Both Taehyun and Nakata Shinji.

Appropriate conversation was necessary to avoid going insane from such hardship.

The Sword Demon was also aware of this, so he responded appropriately.

Of course, their conversations weren't just simple gossip.

Kiiiii-.

Kiiiii-.

The Mana Stones maintained by Taehyun and the Sword Demon made faint noises.

They were constantly activating the Mana Stones to prepare for sudden hallucinations after encountering the Incubus.

It was another form of training the two were doing to strengthen their mortal bodies.

"Try to lower the sound a bit more. The louder it is, the more mana it consumes."

"It's not as... easy as you say."

Taehyun continued his explanation, unperturbed by the Sword Demon's reply.

"'Soul Taker' isn't much different from Ricky Hallis's 'Energy Drain.' It's just specialized for combat and only activates when you cut your opponent. Depending on your mindset, you can achieve a similar effect without the skill."

Taehyun said, raising his index finger.

Tsuzzzzzz-.

Dark red mana bloomed and seemed to take the form of a circle, then became a triangle, a square, and finally a cross.

The process was as smooth as flowing water, and the Mana Stone's sound was practically silent.

Gulp.

The Sword Demon quietly swallowed hard as he watched.

Taehyun's mana control was at a level that he couldn't even begin to grasp.

In his mind, Taehyun was already above America's Ricky Hallis and Cody Cruz.

"What... what are you, really?"

He was just a B-rank Awakened when they first met.

Now, he was using monsters from the mental world to trample the Saintess and had grown into an S-rank, teaching him.

'My mana capacity should be superior...'

His understanding and application of mana were on a different level.

In the few days he had spent with him, he had keenly felt how much of a frog in a well he had been.

Taehyun was equally surprised.

In Taehyun's world, this guy had died early, so there hadn't been much opportunity to talk.

'Is this guy a genius?'

Nakata Shinji was showing a learning ability beyond expectations.

Even with the Mana Stone created by the Doppelganger, his potential was not inferior to Cody Cruz.

If he hadn't been involved with the Saintess, he might have become a Great Duke Contractor and surpassed Cody Cruz.

'I need to make good use of the Saintess's share.'

Super regeneration would be essential in future battles.

'By using Mana Stones, I can exhibit some regeneration ability as well. Getting to the SSS-rank level as soon as possible should be the priority.'

SSS-rank was the final realm a player could reach.

It meant becoming an equal to the highest-ranking monsters and gaining super regeneration abilities.

After that, it became meaningless to divide ranks and was marked with a '?'.

Mana Stones could be used to reach the SS-rank level, so the problem was how to naturally raise his Awakening rank while avoiding the eyes of the "Tower's Tribune."

Therefore, Taehyun was focusing on growing the Sword Demon and using him, in addition to his own growth.

"I told you, it's because of 'Pandora's Box.'"

"Not that story again."

Perhaps because he had already heard the answer several times.

The Sword Demon quickly shook his head.

"Don't be too disappointed."

Taehyun chuckled as he looked at the unresponsive Shinji.

He was a regressor.

It was natural that he had information that non-regressors didn't have.

He wanted to use that information to quickly recover his power, but the 'laws of the world' would be at play.

Moreover, the 'laws of the Tower' in this world were acting more strongly than Taehyun had thought.

If he made a mistake, he might be discovered by the Constellations like on the first floor.

'Quietly build up strength.'

He needed to regain at least the existence level of a Lower World King to be able to fight against the Constellation's avatars.

'That being said, it's damn wide.'

Taehyun grew tired of the continued hardship without a single monster appearing.

Their goal was the Tower. To constantly climb the Tower.

Originally, he had planned to quickly break through the 4th floor, increase his power, and make contact with the Great Dukes.

Rozaria, the weakest of the Great Dukes.

Gilfer, who was hiding his power.

He judged that they would be willing to sit at the negotiation table with Taehyun.

But.

"At this rate, the food will run out first."

The Sword Demon, who had been walking silently beside him, spoke.

"I know."

Each floor was too enormous.

Taehyun hadn't walked through every part of the deep layers when he was a Lower World King, but it felt about twice as large as he had thought.

'Have the deep layers and the deepest layers merged?'

Among monsters, the higher and highest ranks were those with room for growth at any time.

Most of them instinctively settled in areas bordering each other to avoid the restrictions of the Lower World and build up their power.

But for some time now, no monsters had appeared.

'It's unlikely that my reputation spread just from chasing away one highest-rank monster.'

Suddenly.

Taehyun stopped walking.

"Shinji. Something's wrong."

"……?"

Taehyun stared at the tree in front of him.

It was a tree they had passed about a week ago.

How many trees with the same appearance could there be in the Lower World?

'If coincidence repeats, it's no longer a coincidence.'

Taehyun sat down in a cross-legged position.

Kiiiii-.

The Mana Stone rotated, scattering mana around.

It had begun to detect.

It was a method he had been refraining from because it could attract numerous monsters.

The Sword Demon drew his Byakuya sword, guarding the defenseless Taehyun.

And less than five minutes after starting the detection.

[Stop.]

A shadow fell over Taehyun and the Sword Demon.

Flap.

A demon race creature, twice the size of a human, landed.

"Demon...!!"

The Sword Demon's face hardened at the sight of the unfamiliar demon race monster.

Ghastly energy instinctively exploded.

[You noticed earlier than I thought.]

"What is it? A higher-rank?"

[You... understand our language?]

"Don't make such a surprised expression. Did you do this?"

[What are you talking about?]

The nameless demon tilted its head.

If it was acting, it was good enough to deserve applause.

"This barrier here. Did you put it up?"

[You're talking nonsense. Didn't you come here on your own two feet?]

"……."

[…….]

For a moment, Taehyun's eyes, looking up, met the demon's gaze, looking down.

"What, was this a hidden space?"

Taehyun smiled brightly and got up.

The demon race was among the most numerous of the monster races.

Therefore, they possessed many hidden areas, and it seemed Taehyun and Shinji had entered one of them.

"That's a relief. I thought I had been unknowingly trapped. What's your name? You don't seem to be a subordinate of a Demon King. Maybe a subordinate of a Great Demon?"

[…….]

The demon silently stared at Taehyun.

It was showing an unexpected reaction.

[I was curious when a human entered, but this is too much.]

The demon raised its claws.

Poisonous energy bloomed on its body, which they called thorns.

"Shinji. Take care of that one."

"Understood."

Taehyun quietly stepped back.

It was an opponent he could handle without deploying a Personal Space.

More than that, Taehyun prepared to search for other demons in the vicinity.

The demon's face twitched.

"Don't make such an absurd expression. He's quite strong."

Taehyun grinned and deployed a barrier around them.

Creating this level of soundproof barrier with SS-rank mana required only 1/10th the effort of a Personal Space.

The Sword Demon, who had already fully opened his Mana Stone, was closing the distance.

Chiijijik.

Purple mana flowed through the demon's thorns.

It was a faint but clear power of Beelzebub, poison.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

The metallic sound of Byakuya and the thorns colliding echoed throughout the area.

Shinji seemed to be holding his own against the demon race that had only opened its wings.

'I wonder if Gilfer is doing well.'

He naturally thought of another Great Duke who called himself his brother.

'He certainly seemed like a strong candidate for the next Lower World King at the end.'

The powers of the Demon Kings Beelzebub and Diablo. In addition to the powers of Mammon, Asura, and Mephisto, who had the potential to become Demon Kings.

The final Demon King who integrated the species by opening up the powers of desire and non-desire, as well as the power of evolution, which were his own powers.

They were Great Dukes with various powers, but he was a comrade who was more suitable for the position of Lower World King than anyone else.

'I'm looking forward to it.'

If she became his ally, he could recover his power faster than ever before.

It was when Taehyun was thinking that.

Clang!!

Shinji's Byakuya, with his crimson eyes open, cut through the demon's thorns and left a sword mark on its body.

He took a step forward without a break.

Thud.

Byakuya pierced the demon's Mana Stone.

[……!!]

Black blood flowed from the demon's mouth.

It was the moment Shinji was about to tear its body apart.

Thud.

"Cough...!!"

Shinji coughed up blood as the demon's tail pierced his chest.

[Human...]

"Stronger than you thought, right?"

Crack!!

Taehyun's Dragonslayer Sword cut off both of the demon's wings.

The demon wailed, but the noise didn't leak out thanks to the barrier.

Taehyun began to explain to Shinji, who had been pierced by the tail, as if scolding him.

"These guys are different from ordinary monsters. Besides the Mana Stone, life force is imbued in their horns, tails, and wings."

"Tell me... sooner... cough..."

Unlike Shinji, who spoke as if chewing and spitting out his words, the demon's face was filled with horror.

The human was seeing through the characteristics of its race.

"Shinji. Remember what I said earlier? Suck it in."

At Taehyun's command, Shinji clenched his teeth tightly.

His beloved sword, Byakuya, was already stuck in the Mana Stone, and the demon's tail was stuck in his body.

Kiiiii-.

Shinji's Mana Stone activated.

Tsuzzzzzz-.

It slowly began to absorb the demon's mana.

[……!!]

As the demon tried to raise another hand at the unexpected action.

Thud.

Taehyun stopped its attack with the Dragonslayer Sword.

"Hey, stay still. He's concentrating."

[This is...]

Whack.

The Dragonslayer Sword was stabbed into the demon's neck.

Tsuzzzzzz-.

It was to help Shinji's absorption by using Energy Drain.

It was an act of goodwill.

Ding.

[Your Awakening Rank has changed.]

[The 'Tower's Administrator' is pleased.]

"Huh?"

Tolkien's appearance, which had been quiet for a while, made Taehyun say that.

His Awakening Rank had grown from S to SS, but no warning had appeared.

Rather, it said that he was pleased.

Taehyun checked the demon, who was screaming, Shinji, who was struggling to suck through the straw, and himself, who was holding the Dragonslayer Sword and connected to them.

"This is it."

A smile spread across Taehyun's face.

Part 2, Episode 39

Tzzzzz-

Taehyun intensified Energy Drain.

It wasn't to help Shinji absorb, but for him to absorb.

[Ha...hk...]

The demon began to breathe roughly.

The poison that surrounded the thorns disappeared without a trace, and the light of life was fading from its red eyes.

In proportion to that, Taehyun was filled with a sense of fulfillment.

At the same time.

Ting.

[The 'Administrator of the Tower' shakes his head.]

[The 'Administrator of the Tower' looks around.]

[Skill 'Pandora's Box (SS)' is enhanced.]

[Magic consumption is accelerated.]

'So it is.'

Taehyun stopped Energy Drain.

As 'Pandora's Box' was enhanced, more magic was being drained than what was being filled by Energy Drain.

Magic that hasn't been digested yet is wandering inside his body.

"Kim Taehyun..."

Shinji stared as if asking what was going on.

The demon's tail, which had pierced his chest, was withered like a dead tree due to excessive 'Energy Drain.'

"Endure the pain for a little bit."

Taehyun raised his hand.

And.

"What...?"

Before Shinji could react,

Thwack.

Taehyun plunged his hand into Shinji's body, replacing the demon's tail.

"Cough..."

Shinji spat out a mouthful of blood.

Tzzzzz-

Taehyun spewed out the magic he had absorbed from the demon.

'Inefficient.'

He's not even absorbing 10% of the magic he absorbed.

Slap.

Taehyun slapped Shinji's cheek with his other hand.

His red eyes, which had been shedding blood, met Taehyun's.

"Focus on the magic stone. Absorb as much as you can."

"......!!"

Shinji's eyes wavered for a moment.

Kiiiiii-

The magic stone emitted a roar.

The efficiency of absorbing magic is further increased.

[The 'Administrator of the Tower' nods.]

[Skill 'Pandora's Box (SS)' is stabilized.]

[Magic consumption is stabilized.]

"As expected..."

Taehyun nodded to himself.

The Tower's rules, which had not been understood, were beginning to fit together like puzzle pieces.

'Two laws are at work.'

The 'Law of the World' that Taehyun experienced in the past, and the 'Law of the Tower' that operates in the current world.

He knows the Law of the World well from experience.

The choice of words changes depending on the level of existence, and higher beings have the curse of oblivion due to several reincarnations.

'The Law of the Tower must be an enhanced version of the Law of the World.'

The singularity obtained by regression.

The difference in information and the monopoly of rapid growth due to it.

He recalled the words 'stability' and 'order' of the Tower that Tolkien had mentioned several times.

The warning came when Taehyun tried to grow rapidly in the same way as before.

The previous Personal Space was like that, and so is the current Energy Drain.

The difference is.

'There was no warning for growing others.'

If you're looking for a gap, it's this point.

The stability of the Tower.

That is the order maintained by the law.

The order of the Tower.

That is the law maintained by stability.

'You've twisted it in a difficult way.'

Taehyun grinned.

Simply put, by-products obtained by helping others grow do not violate the Law of the Tower.

Tolkien tried to let him know that fact through messages in his own way.

'Thank you, Tolkien.'

Taehyun expressed his gratitude to his friend who must be watching him somewhere.

This regression, which was twisted from the beginning.

It seems that he has finally found a clue to pick up speed.

Kiiiiii-

The roar created by the magic stone of the Sword Demon was dying down.

"Haaa..."

The Sword Demon exhaled lightly.

Thick magic can be felt in his breath.

His red eyes, which have opened, are shining fiercely.

It is a familiar sight to Taehyun.

"You've grown, haven't you?"

"...Yeah."

The Sword Demon nodded without denying it.

Even he was unfamiliar with his sudden growth.

Once after meeting Taehyun and creating a magic stone, and once again after facing higher species.

He has crossed two walls in less than two months.

"Shinji. This is a hidden space for the demon race."

How do you know that?

He didn't bother to ask such unnecessary questions.

"I don't know how I got in here either."

It's not a lie.

He didn't know all of the vast underworld, the territory of the archdukes.

Even more so if that area is the deep layer, not the deepest layer.

Therefore.

"This is an opportunity that won't come again."

"......?"

Taehyun raised the corners of his mouth as he looked at the Sword Demon's puzzled face.

Unless he tries an abnormal method like Jörmungandr, there is an upper limit to the existence of those who can stay in the deep layers.

Except for Igmun.

In his memory, Beelzebub did not have the ability to break such laws.

"At best, there will be one or two mediocre high-ranking species guarding it."

"......"

"Let's sweep this place."

"......"

The Sword Demon sighed.

Because he found a familiar emotion in Taehyun's eyes.

Madness.

That is the wrong emotion that he has seen countless times through the Saintess.

'Did he get greedy for the clue to growth?'

If that's true, it's dangerous.

"Kim Taehyun. No matter how you look at it, staying in enemy territory with just the two of us is..."

Thud.

Taehyun put his hands on his shoulders and stopped him.

"Shinji. The Saintess likes strong men."

"......"

"I."

Taehyun stared at the Sword Demon's slightly shaking red eyes.

"I will make you a strong man."

The hidden space located on the 4th floor.

This place, where various experiments are conducted, is overseen by the ancient archdemon Gorfeur.

The demon race, which has more individuals and is considered to have stronger power than any monster in the underworld.

In such a secretive area of the demon race, two humans were rampaging.

[Kha...ack...]

[Kehk...]

[Le...ave...]

Taehyun ignored the struggles of the three demons and strengthened the magic stone.

Kiiiiii-

SSS rank. Magic that is no less than that of a high-ranking species overflows.

There is no way that three high-ranking species monsters can handle that power.

"Don't resist. I don't intend to kill you."

Taehyun said calmly and strengthened Energy Drain.

Through several experiments, Taehyun learned that directly killing monsters also violates the Law of the Tower.

Therefore, he was controlling Energy Drain to the extent that the monsters would not die as much as possible.

And.

In the middle of the three demons.

Shinji, pierced by thorns, tails, and horns, groaned and rotated the magic stone.

All the magic absorbed from the demons is directed at him.

"Endure it, Shinji!"

Taehyun shouted and strengthened the absorption of magic.

"Khuhak..."

Gulp. Gulp.

The Sword Demon spat out blood several times.

His blood had turned black as if he had been poisoned.

"Stop...it's... the limit..."

The Sword Demon said as if spitting out the words.

"Hang in there. Do you think it's common to find a tonic like this!"

Taehyun cut off his intention in one stroke.

Magic containing poison as a tonic?

"I said... stop..."

Thud.

Black blood was seeping from the nose, eyes, and ears of the Sword Demon, who knelt down with his sword in hand.

It meant that his body could not withstand the aura of the demons.

"Tsk. So weak."

Taehyun released the chains that were binding the three demons.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The three demons collapsed powerlessly like withered dead trees.

They looked pathetic compared to when they first appeared in front of Taehyun.

[The 'Administrator of the Tower' averts his eyes from the terrible sight.]

[The 'Administrator of the Tower' feels a sense of guilt for an unknown reason.]

[The 'Administrator of the Tower' feels a sense of inexplicable solidarity.]

Ignoring Tolkien's unimportant messages, Taehyun checked the status window.

The grade is still stuck at SS.

But he realizes it.

The enormous pressure that had been weighing down his body has eased a little.

'It's slow.'

Even when using Devour, growth occurred within the upper limit that Taehyun's body could accept.

And now, that target is not his body but the Sword Demon's body.

Taehyun looked down at the Sword Demon, who was collapsed and panting.

He did all the fighting.

He stole the magic of the demons as they appeared and shoved it into him.

He's doing a hunt like an emperor, yet he's collapsed and gasping for breath.

"Lazy bastard."

He gave him all the magic of ten high-ranking species, but he only absorbed 10% of it properly.

As Shinji said, if he pushed himself like this, there was a high risk that even the magic stone he had created would break.

'I found a way to get stronger... well, there are such variables...'

Taehyun clicked his tongue and shook his head.

Even though he knew that the Sword Demon was able to perform this much,

He couldn't help but feel disappointed.

At that time.

[What an unbelievable sight.]

Flutter.

A new monster landed in front of them with a light breeze.

A pressure different from the demons so far is felt.

"A top-ranking species."

Taehyun stood in front of the Sword Demon and drew his Dragonslayer Sword.

It was an opponent that was difficult for him to handle with his still lacking experience.

[Human. Do you know where this is?]

"Do I need to know?"

Taehyun asked back as he infused magic into the Dragonslayer Sword.

[......]

The demon's lips twisted.

His red eyes scanned Taehyun and the Sword Demon's bodies.

[I serve desire.]

"Desire...?"

[Yes. This place is the domain of Archdemon Gorfeur.]

"......!!"

Taehyun recalled his past relationship.

The ancient Archdemon Gorfeur.

Gilfer's brother and the demon in charge of desire.

He was the guy who inflicted a defeat on Taehyun once.

"Then, you must be a retainer."

[You're a spy sent by Igmun.]

The words were uttered at the same time.

'Oh, is that how it works?'

Taehyun and the Sword Demon had been fighting while imitating Igmun's ability to absorb.

Like with the Sphinx and Mule before.

It was natural for them to see Taehyun and Shinji as Igmun's contractors.

'I'll take advantage of the current situation.'

Taehyun shrugged his shoulders.

"Then?"

[It's war.]

Arrogance and hostility.

Emotions mixed with anger and annoyance were spewed out.

The corners of Taehyun's mouth began to twist more and more.

[Do you think the Vampire Lord would fear war with such insignificant demon races? ]

He mixed in the language of the vampire race and the arrogance unique to the top-ranking species.

[Just because you're maintaining the power of an Archduke. Do you think that just because you're an Archduke, you're at the same level?]

[The Lord will one day devour even the Demon King.]

The demon, Bahram, burst out laughing.

[You've obtained a pretty crazy contractor. Looking at what you're doing, I can guess the state of that guy.]

Deep cyan magic rose from Bahram's body.

It was strengthening his existence by using the power he received from Gorfeur.

[This rampage now. If I capture Igmun's contractor as the price, that wouldn't be bad.]

Taehyun was convinced that the demon in front of him clearly thought of them as Igmun's contractors.

The guy in front of him is a top-ranking species who has inherited a pretty strong power.

Even Taehyun would be in danger of losing if he didn't do his best.

'Sorry, Igmun. Instead, I'll take care of the aftermath thoroughly and go.'

Clang!!

While parrying the thorns that were flying in.

Taehyun rushed into the demon's arms.

Gorfeur had an absurd look on his face at the sight before him.

The hidden space.

One of the ten secret spaces he was governing had been almost annihilated.

No, it was embarrassing to even call it annihilation.

Demons who had been deprived of their vitality like mummies were scattered on the floor.

Only the administrator, Bahram, and a few high-ranking species were dead.

He looked down at Bahram's corpse, whose limbs had been torn apart.

As if it was a chaotic battle, the thorns, tails, wings, and horns were all deformedly cut.

And.

Gorfeur checked the language of the vampire race scrawled on the floor.

He captured the characters with angry eyes.

Decoding was not difficult.

After all, the language of the monsters has the same root.

[Igmun. Is this bastard really crazy?]

Wrath soared from Gorfeur's body.

The decoded language of the vampire race was as follows.

[The Vampire Lord informs the demons.

The judgment of blood will soon come.]

Part 2, Episode 40

"Let's rest here for a bit."

With those words, Taehyun slumped down on the ground.

He took out some of the remaining dried food from his backpack and chewed on it.

Perhaps because it was made with medicinal herbs, his energy and satiety were quickly restored.

'Now, my days of living like a human are over.'

The food he had prepared, including the dried food, was running low.

Even if the two of them conserved it, it would only last for two months.

Since he had formed a magic stone, he wouldn't starve to death, but he would have to give up living like a human.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Anyway, once we reach SSS-rank, we won't really miss human food."

"What I'm asking is..."

Guigeom trailed off, looking in the direction they had fled.

The Demon race. A race they had never even heard of until recently.

They had stirred up their territory.

They had managed to escape at the right moment, but if they were being pursued, the two of them couldn't guarantee their survival.

No.

In the vast fourth floor, they were the only force around.

'Death is certain, isn't it.'

So he didn't understand.

Taehyun's leisurely attitude as he took out the dried food from his backpack and chewed on it.

"Ah, you mean that way."

Taehyun, understanding Guigeom's thoughts, chuckled and handed over a new piece of dried food.

"You don't have to worry about that. After all, there aren't many guys on the fourth floor who can push us around."

It wasn't an empty boast.

The laws of the Tower were being applied more rigidly than he thought.

Jörmungandr had managed to wedge himself in relatively well, but he had been hit by the Fire of the Demon King.

Even if it was restricted, it was the power of a Constellation.

He didn't think that a guy who was still stuck in Great Duke-class could recover so easily.

'That guy won't be able to move for a while.'

If it wasn't a Great Duke, then perhaps an Ancient Great Demon or a top-tier subordinate would be a threat, but even they probably couldn't use their full power on the fourth floor.

In other words.

"As long as we stick together, our lives won't be in any real danger. Well, unless one of us goes berserk, that is."

Of course, that 'berserk' he was referring to was Guigeom.

"I'll try my best."

"Trying isn't enough. Think of the magic stone not as something separate from your body, but as another heart."

"Sounds like you're telling me to become a monster."

"That's right. In future battles, you won't be able to survive without the regenerative abilities of a top-tier species."

The future battles he was referring to were those after the fourth floor.

He had the Territory Wars and Race Wars in mind.

"It's okay. You have the potential to survive on the fifth floor."

"Are you talking about the Great Duke called Igmun?"

Taehyun looked amused at Guigeom's question.

"You understood the language of the monsters?"

"A little... I could hear it."

Since he had formed a magic stone, it wasn't strange that he was starting to understand the language of monsters.

Guigeom had noticed the name Igmun being repeated in Taehyun's conversations with the monsters.

'It wouldn't be bad to let him know about it now.'

If you don't have a clear goal, your direction will become muddled.

Guigeom was losing his sense of purpose and identity due to his constant growth.

"On the fifth floor of the Tower, there are beings called Great Dukes. They are monsters who have risen to the top of their species and rule over them."

"An entity beyond a top-tier species... If we combine our strength..."

"Don't even think about it. At our current level, we wouldn't even be able to escape from those guys. Top-tier species are just useful expendables to them."

"......!!"

"The higher we climb the Tower, the closer we get to sticking our heads in their mouths."

'So, we're stirring up their territory and provoking them?'

Guigeom became increasingly shaken as the story progressed.

"Don't be intimidated. Fortunately, those guys aren't on good terms with each other either. They're probably desperate to devour each other."

The Great Dukes that Taehyun remembered would definitely do that.

"We need to exploit that point."

"What does that have to do with the guy named Igmun..."

"Sinji. The source of your magic power resembles that guy."

"......"

"It's not just you. If you trace the source of the Awakened's powers, they converge on the authorities of the Great Dukes. Whether it's S-rank or SS-rank. Human skills are insignificant compared to those authorities."

Guigeom's face hardened with shock.

If Taehyun's words were made known to the world, it would be considered a great discovery for humanity.

"Vampire Lord Igmun. He is the leader of the vampire race and possesses the authority of Absorption. Your skills, Soul Taker and Energy Drain, are degraded versions of that authority."

"So... the reason you mentioned Igmun's name..."

"That's right. We need bait to draw the attention of the Great Dukes while we climb the Tower."

"......"

Bait.

Guigeom looked dumbfounded at Taehyun's words.

What on earth is going on in this guy's head?

That thought flashed through his mind.

"I've been thinking, and it seems one Demon isn't enough."

"What... are you saying?"

Guigeom asked in a trembling voice.

Not only could he not predict what Taehyun was going to say, but he was also feeling fear.

"We'll postpone going up to the fifth floor for a while. We're going to achieve two goals on the fourth floor."

"......"

"First, we'll absorb as much magic power as possible from the monsters on the fourth floor."

"......"

"And then, we'll leave traces of Igmun in the territories of the Great Dukes."

If they did that, the Great Dukes would assume that Igmun had started a Territory War and would move their heavy asses.

When the Great Dukes moved, cracks would appear in their impregnable defenses.

"Is... that Great Duke Igmun... going to be okay?"

"Are you worried about him just because you have a degraded version of his authority?"

He didn't deny it.

"Don't worry. Even if that guy dies, it won't affect you. And..."

Taehyun curled up the corners of his lips as he thought of the arrogant Vampire Lord.

"That tenacious guy isn't going to die easily."

Guigeom was silent for a moment at the assessment, which sounded as if he had met him directly.

"I understand."

He had come along, intending to find out everything Taehyun was hiding anyway.

'If I turn back now, it would be meaningless.'

"Good. Think about what kind of look the Saintess will give you when we return. I'm sure the way she looks at you will be different from before, right?"

"Stop with the pointless jokes."

The rest was brief.

If they delayed any longer, there was a high risk of being caught by the Demon race.

Taehyun took out a map from his backpack.

It was a map of the fourth floor that Yua-yeong had given him on the way back, which the Nightwalker had analyzed and reconstructed.

Unfortunately, it only depicted the general terrain and distances of the fourth floor, and didn't show the locations of gates or the species of monsters that inhabited it.

Taehyun headed in the opposite direction from the Demon race's territory.

"I hope we run into the Beast race this time. That guy doesn't get along with Igmun either."

"......"

He was talking as if it were someone else's problem.

He didn't bother asking how he knew such things.

He knew that Taehyun would just say it was because of "Pandora's Box".

"Let's go. Even if it's not the Beast race, it won't be difficult to get involved with Igmun with you around."

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ sighs.]

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ scratches his empty head.]

The message was unintentionally lamenting the fate of Igmun, who would end up turning all the Great Dukes into enemies, but Taehyun took it differently.

'He's even losing his hair. What on earth is he going through...'

Taehyun shook his head, thinking of his brother's face, which had been covered in hair and a beard.

"Don't worry. I'll climb as quickly as possible, even with the help of that Igmun."

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ is silent.]

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ is overcome with a strange emotion.]

With a resolution directed at no one in particular.

Taehyun quickly moved his feet.

Thud.

The giant Beast race knelt down.

It was because the muscles in both legs had been severed.

[To be defeated by Igmun's dog...]

The top-tier species of the Beast race, Graham, gritted his teeth.

The white mane of the wolf was dyed red with blood, which the Dragonslaying Sword and the White Night had wiped away.

Puk.

Once again, the Dragonslaying Sword was plunged into his chest.

"Don't resist. I don't intend to kill you."

[Is this Igmun's doing...]

"Yeah. He said he's going to twist Orgal's neck."

Taehyun replied casually and sent magic power to Shinji.

He had already taken a considerable amount of magic power.

The guy didn't have enough magic power left to even perform super-speed regeneration.

On one side, Shinji, who was sitting in a lotus position, was accepting those powers through the magic stone.

"This is the limit..."

"Okay."

Swish.

The Dragonslaying Sword beheaded Graham.

Thud.

Graham's massive body fell forward.

He had been a top-tier species, even though his magic power had been taken away.

In time, he would naturally recover.

"Shall we move on now?"

Taehyun began to slash at the ground where Graham had fallen.

[The Vampire Lord informs the Beast race.

The Judgment of Blood will soon come.]

It was the same phrase he had left in Gorper's territory.

"The Beast race's magic power is quite substantial, isn't it?"

Unlike the Demonic race, which had evil energy, the Beast race was based on tough bodies.

It would be easier to absorb.

Perhaps that was why the magic power emanating from Guigeom had become even more concentrated than before.

'If Shinji uses the magic stone, he's at the SSS-rank level. I'm still far from it.'

SSS-rank without using the magic stone.

He would have to reach that level before he could create a new magic stone.

At that moment.

"Kim... Taehyun..."

Shinji, who was sitting in a lotus position, let out a groan that sounded like a scream.

Unstable magic power was starting to swirl around him.

"What... Could it be a berserk?"

He had absorbed a considerable amount of magic power, so it wouldn't be strange if he went berserk at any moment.

The problem was that they had to leave this place quickly.

Swish.

Shinji's red eyes, which had opened, were unfocused.

There was no doubt about it, he was going berserk.

Taehyun put the Dragonslaying Sword into his waist and rotated the magic stone.

Kiiiiii-.

He quietly went behind Shinji, who was getting up.

And.

First Form of Ancient Korean Martial Arts, Taebaek.

He struck Shinji in the back of the neck.

With the sound of bones breaking, Shinji's hands touched the ground.

'He's enduring this?'

It seemed that his physical abilities had also increased considerably by absorbing the magic power of the Beast race.

Udeudeudeuk.

The regenerative power that immediately reattached the bones broken by Taebaek was a bonus.

The magic power that was being emitted uncontrollably was getting stronger and stronger.

At this rate, it was only a matter of time before a huge explosion occurred.

Since his consciousness was gone, he had to control the movements of his body as quickly as possible.

And there was nothing better than destroying it to control it.

"This is going to hurt a little, Shinji."

Sixth Form of Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Sinhwagyeong.

Kwaang.

Shinji's body, which had been hit in the chin, floated briefly in the air.

Sixth Form of Ancient Korean Martial Arts. Sipjin.

Kwajik.

Shinji's body was slammed into the ground by the stomping kick.

And before he could even get up.

Kwajik.

Taehyun's foot trampled on his head.

"If you can't handle it, you'd better pass out."

Along with the friendly advice.

An indiscriminate assault began.

[Still a cheerful brother, aren't you.]

Gilper laughed as he watched Taehyun's figure reflected in his red eyes.

Instead of directly increasing his own power, he was seeking to restore his power through another human.

He seemed to have understood the laws of the Tower faster than he thought.

Gilper turned his gaze.

Far away.

Another force of the Beast race that had been nearby was approaching.

The number was close to a hundred.

[Shall I give them a little help.]

Swish.

Gilper revealed the presence he had been hiding and spread his wings, which had not fully recovered.

Part 2 Episode 41

"..."

Consciousness returned.

Simultaneously.

Pain surged in.

Every joint in his body ached as if shattered.

"Ugh..."

Guigyeom groaned and opened his eyes.

A red sky, devoid of any stars, came into view.

"You're awake."

Taehyun, who was munching on dried snacks beside him, spoke.

"Where is..."

"About a day's distance from the Demon Beast Clan's territory. Carrying you slowed me down."

That meant he had been unconscious for a day.

Trying to recall what had happened to him brought a splitting headache.

"Don't bother. Your injuries haven't fully healed yet. You caused quite a bit of damage while berserk. I've also drained some of your mana to prevent another outburst during travel."

"..."

The sound of swallowing saliva was unusually loud.

He spoke casually, but it meant he had beaten him to the brink of death.

"I showed a pathetic side."

"Pathetic as it may be, it's better to be alive."

Taehyun said, getting up.

Thud.

He placed his hand on Guigyeom's head.

Swish, swish, swish.

Dark red mana bloomed briefly, and controlled mana flowed in.

And.

Guigyeom's body began to recover rapidly.

It wasn't quite ultra-fast regeneration, but it was on par with the regeneration abilities of other high-ranking species.

"You seem to have become a complete high-ranking species now."

"..."

Guigyeom's eyes flickered momentarily at Taehyun's words.

"It's something I was prepared for."

"Yeah. You need that kind of resolve to handle the Saintess."

"Don't mock me."

"No, I'm serious."

Taehyun chuckled, dusting off his hands.

The only thing that can conquer madness is a stronger force.

'Someday, this guy will realize it too.'

"Let's get moving. If we delay, we'll be tracked."

"What happened?"

"Nothing much. There was a clash between monsters nearby."

"......?"

"It seems like some of the highest-ranking species were involved. It's hard to be sure from a distance, but... something seems to be changing among the 4th-floor monsters."

"Is it just my imagination, or does that change seem related to us?"

Taehyun grinned at Guigyeom's words.

"It's probably not."

Guigyeom sighed deeply.

'Where does he get this confidence...?'

He had given up trying to understand Kim Taehyun a long time ago.

Trying to understand would only shake the foundations of his common sense.

Still, he couldn't help but waver whenever something like this happened.

"The Demon and Beast Clans will show movement. They'll probably invade the Igeomun's territory. If we poke around a few more places, we can figure out where the Igeomun's territory is."

"We'll have to move carefully to avoid being noticed..."

Taehyun chuckled again at Guigyeom's shrunken appearance.

'If only I could mimic Rosaria's authority...'

Unfortunately, Taehyun's mental control skills weren't high enough to use on high-ranking monsters.

"I've already scouted out the locations of the battles. I was thinking of moving this way."

Taehyun pointed to a spot on the map, opposite the direction they had been traveling.

"The Sea Current Clan will have established their forces in the Demon Sea.... The next ones we're likely to encounter are the Succubus and Vampire Clans."

There might be other species that Taehyun wasn't aware of, but that wasn't a major concern.

'If I had known, I should have asked the Succubus for directions.'

Taehyun shook his head.

There was no point in dwelling on things that couldn't be helped now.

He and Rosaria were destined to meet again anyway.

"Kim Taehyun."

Guigyeom called out to Taehyun, who was packing up.

"What happens when you become a highest-ranking species?"

".......?"

"Is it even possible for a human body to handle that much mana stone?"

He asked calmly, but there was anxiety in his voice.

"Did you get scared after going berserk once?"

"At the end of your plan... am I still alive?"

"Anyone would think I was trying to eat you."

"I'd like an answer."

Guigyeom's eyes showed a resolute will.

Could he trust Taehyun?

Would he be able to convey to others what he had learned while working with Taehyun?

Would he be able to meet the Saintess again?

His face was a complex mix of all those concerns.

'Right. You were that kind of guy.'

Even when he was active as a national-level powerhouse, he prioritized the interests of his country above all else.

The reason Taehyun had a hold on him was also because of the Saintess.

His biggest goal was to survive and return to his country.

'Well, I'm grateful that you're still following me.'

If Taehyun didn't grow, there would be no future for the Three Thousand Worlds anyway.

He just regretted not being able to tell him that.

"The moment you obtain the power of a highest-ranking species, it'll be hard to call you human anymore."

"The probability of going berserk..."

"Will be much higher than it is now."

"..."

"But, well, don't worry. I know a guy who didn't break down even after gaining power beyond that of a highest-ranking species."

Guigyeom's eyes lit up at Taehyun's words.

"Cody Cruise."

The national-level powerhouse representing the United States and the number one ranked player in the world.

A man who assimilated the power of Archduke Lucifer more perfectly than anyone else.

"So that guy is also..."

"I don't know. I don't know what it'll be like here."

Guigyeom urged him to answer Taehyun's ambiguous words, but.

"There is such a thing. But Shinji. I'll promise you one thing."

"Wait, Kim Taehyun..."

"I'll make sure you confess to the Saintess."

"I think... you just said something dangerous..."

Guigyeom's face hardened at the unexpected death flag.

"A guy who's about to master ultra-fast regeneration is getting scared."

Taehyun patted Guigyeom's shoulder.

"Don't worry. I won't let that nasty character sleeping inside you die easily."

The Doppelganger could use Guigyeom's body by entering the subspace.

That's because he had implanted his will in the mana stone.

'He won't die easily with that guy guarding him.'

"Now, let's move. If we delay any longer, we'll definitely be caught."

Taehyun moved as if to avoid any further questions.

'Beyond the highest-ranking species, huh.'

Keying-.

Keying, keying-.

Taehyun felt the two mana stones located on either side of his heart.

Keying, keying, keying-.

The second mana stone, which he had created while Nakata Shinji was unconscious, resonated softly.

'Eight more to go.'

The ten mana stones that had fully contained the Archduke's power during his time as the Underworld King.

He had only just created two of them.

Would the Archdukes discover him first?

Or would he covet the power of the Archdukes first?

'It's a race against time.'

He chuckled softly.

Was it because he had walked this path once before?

Taehyun didn't feel like he would lose that fight.

'The Zodiac guy. Why did he have to bother me like this?'

How nice would it have been if he had returned him to his Underworld King days from the beginning.

He couldn't help but feel frustrated thinking that even the 'Dragon' and 'Demon Lord', who possessed greater power than himself, wouldn't have had such a confusing experience, but it was only for a moment.

"Hoo..."

Taehyun quickly calmed his anger and composed himself.

He knew that a cool head was necessary in the current situation.

The Tower.

Another divine tree he had planted in the Middle World.

'Tolkin. What in the world happened?'

Taehyun wandered through the 4th floor of the Tower, with Nakata Shinji quietly following behind.

[There was an attack.]

Gorper, sitting on the throne, frowned at Gilper's words.

[Igeomun. That trash did it.]

[Igeomun?]

[That madman... choosing this place means he's looking down on Bonma the most.]

[......]

[Have you told the other brothers?]

Gilper asked calmly.

By brothers, he meant the Great Demons.

[Are you out of your mind? They'll only laugh if they find out.]

[......]

[Something's strange. That guy definitely knows we're after his contractor. There's no way our conversations could be leaked.]

There were five ancient Great Demons present at the meeting.

Mammon, Mephisto, Asura, Gorper, Gilper.

Their personalities were all different, but they shared the same Demon Clan roots.

They might engage in life-or-death battles among themselves, but there was no way they would ally with the lowly Vampire Clan.

[Bonma also thinks so. My brothers wouldn't have allied with Igeomun.]

[That's right. Aligning with that weakling would be a disgrace to our species. More importantly... what brings you here?]

Only then did Gorper properly examine Gilper's appearance.

His exhausted expression made it clear that he had been in a battle.

[I was tracking a human suspected of being Igeomun's contractor when I encountered the Beast Clan.]

[Ha. Don't tell me you were injured fighting those guys.]

[It was an army. It wasn't easy trying to deal with them without desire.]

Gorper clicked his tongue at his candid answer.

[Losing your authority was a foolish choice. Pathetic...]

[It wasn't lost, it was discarded. Thanks to that, I obtained 'Apathy', didn't I?]

[Don't compare 'Desire' to such a useless power.]

'Apathy' was a new power that Gilper had obtained, but it was of no help in terms of combat strength.

A Great Demon who valued combat strength.

Especially Gorper, who shared the same power, naturally looked down on it.

[Gilper. Bonma's brother. You can never become king with that kind of mindset.]

Gorper emphasized that he had not yet given up his position as the Demon King.

Mammon, Mephisto, Asura.

Beings who had failed to become Demon King.

What set him apart from them was that he was constantly pursuing the position of Demon King.

Even after suffering terrible defeats at the hands of Beelzebub and Diablo.

[That's probably because you can't control your desire. Gorper. You were born on the same day as Bonma.]

[What are you talking about all of a sudden?]

Gorper showed his discomfort.

[Bonma admitted that 'Desire' alone wouldn't allow him to reach Beelzebub and Diablo. And that's how he became who he is now.]

[Are you trying to justify your cowardly actions?]

Anger laced his voice.

To him, who had not yet given up on the throne, Gilper's words sounded like the excuses of a loser.

[There was simply a difference in priorities. Bonma prioritized survival above all else.]

[Fool. That's why you're in this state.]

Gilper shook his head calmly despite the harsh words.

[Bonma doesn't regret it. I believe I was able to become a Demon King because I gave up desire and embraced apathy.]

[What...?]

[Gorper. In the past, Bonma became a Demon King.]

[......]

[He also rose to the position of Underworld King, representing all the Archdukes. Surpassing those who were on a different level compared to the current Archdukes.]

[Gilper. Are you... crazy?]

Unlike Gorper's insults, Gilper's crimson eyes were darker and clearer than ever.

[But unlike the past, there isn't enough time in many ways to live smoothly. That's why Bonma is no longer maintaining Apathy.]

Tuk, tuk.

Gilper pointed to his mouth.

Come to think of it, Gilper had been releasing the spell that had sealed his mouth since some time ago.

[What are you plotting...? Cough...]

Gorper looked at the thorn that had suddenly pierced his chest in pain.

Its end was connected to Gilper's fingernail.

[Gilper... you bastard...]

[In order for our powers to be perfect, 'Desire' and 'Apathy' must become one.]

Chiiick.

Purple mana rose from Gilper's body.

Poison.

Beelzebub's power, which he had not used until now.

[I'm sorry. Brother.]

Ferocity erupted from Gilper's body.

[According to fate. Bonma will take your power.]

Part 2, Episode 42

The Sea Current Tribe. The Succubus Tribe. The Demon Tribe. The Beastkin Tribe.

The next to be encountered, as Taehyun expected, were the Vampires.

"It's been a while," Taehyun muttered, looking at the massive temple erected before him.

The Temple of Blood.

A structure symbolizing Igmun's domain.

"You speak as if you've been here before."

"Pandora's Box," Taehyun casually deflected.

"Right... I didn't expect anything else. Any precautions?"

Now accustomed to such responses, Guigyeom indifferently inquired.

Their actions would be the same as elsewhere.

To drain as much mana as possible through Energy Drain and grow.

However, the opponent was the Vampire Tribe, optimized for absorption more than anyone else.

He wondered if the hunting method should be different from before.

"Same as always. Neutralize them as much as possible, then fill them with mana stones."

"......"

"I recommend sucking up all the mana they have to regenerate. They're more tenacious than you think."

Taehyun clicked his tongue as he spoke.

He was reminded of Igmun's tenacious vitality.

"Understood."

Taehyun and Guigyeom, standing tall before the temple, unleashed their mana.

It was to prepare fully before entering the opponent's territory.

Taehyun's crimson mana and Shinji's mana, now tinged with blood, surged around them.

The temple had an open fortress-like structure.

With its size, it wouldn't be unusual for about a hundred vampires to gather.

"I'll take on the High-rank. If it's too much, feel free to retreat."

"You speak insincerely. Let's go in."

Before Guigyeom could take a step.

"We won't need to go in."

Taehyun smiled at the fighting spirit rising from the temple.

And then.

Clang!!

The swung Dragonslayer Sword deflected a Blood Spear.

Vampires began to emerge one by one from the temple entrance.

About twenty Upper-rank. And one High-rank.

'The rest are small fries.'

About thirty who were significantly lower in rank than the Upper-rank.

It was a force not bad for the two of them to stir up.

[So, you're the one. The one who's been impersonating the Lord's contractor.]

A High-rank with a menacing aura stepped forward, baring his fangs.

"How's Igmun doing?"

[......]

It was a casual question from Taehyun, but to the servants, it was the greatest insult.

[How dare you...]

"Alright. Let's begin."

Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Fifth Form. Penetrating Step.

Bang.

Taehyun's figure, stepping firmly, charged towards the High-rank.

Contrary to expectations, a chaotic battle unfolded.

Guigyeom was struggling to face an Upper-rank vampire with similar properties to his own, and Taehyun had to help him from time to time.

Absorption and absorption.

Regeneration and destruction were repeated.

During the battle that lasted over 20 minutes, Taehyun learned that the High-rank's name was Tuhel and that this temple was the tenth of Igmun's hundred or so temples.

"Igmun, that guy. His power is stronger than I thought?"

Considering that each temple has at least one High-rank stationed, it's by no means a low-ranking Great Duke.

"Isn't it?"

Tzzzzzzz-.

Taehyun twisted the Dragonslayer Sword he had embedded in Tuhel, asking.

The mana that leaked out through the Dragonslayer Sword flowed to Guigyeom.

Except for the twenty Upper-rank and the High-rank Tuhel, all were dead by Shinji's sword.

As Shinji's energy grew stronger, so did Taehyun's.

Unlike the elation the two felt, the faces of the subdued Upper-rank and Tuhel were withering.

[The Lord's wrath...]

"Shinji. Try to absorb more diligently. This guy's still lively."

"I'm trying."

The aura of Guigyeom, who was sitting cross-legged and concentrating, became even stronger.

Accordingly, the groans leaking from Tuhel's mouth deepened.

'That kid. He's getting more used to it.'

It wasn't a proper ability, and his application was lacking, but he had a presence that could accept Igmun's power at any time.

At this rate, it was only a matter of time before he could face a High-rank alone.

At that moment.

[Kim... Tae... Hyun...]

It was a voice like a curse.

A murderous intent flared up in Tuhel's fading red eyes.

"You still had this much power left? Shinji, try harder..."

Before Taehyun could finish his sentence.

[Found... you...]

"......!!"

Taehyun, sensing something was wrong, pulled back, and...

Splat.

Tuhel's body exploded, scattering blood in all directions.

"What the..."

Guigyeom, who had released his cross-legged position, stood up.

If Taehyun hadn't severed the connection with Tuhel just now, he would have been caught in the backlash.

The Upper-rank who touched Tuhel's blood began to scream.

They were already struggling to stand, having lost most of their mana.

Their bodies began to swell.

At the same time.

Popopopopopop.

Splat.

The Upper-rank's bodies exploded, splattering blood.

'Blood explosion?'

Igmun's technique of exploding the opponent from within using their blood.

Taehyun spread his mana.

To detect Igmun amidst the blood-red mist that obscured his vision.

What the detection caught was not Igmun.

Nor was it a single entity.

Whoosh.

The wind blew, clearing the blood mist.

Martial artists in familiar attire were walking from the temple.

Masked men.

Among them, a man who seemed to be the leader pointed his sword at Taehyun.

"In the name of the Blood Demon Sect."

Shhhhhhhh-.

Holy power emanated from his sword.

And.

"Kill the devourer of the three thousand worlds."

Twenty masked men rushed at Taehyun.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

The sound of swords clashing echoed.

It was the sound created by Taehyun's Dragonslayer Sword and Guigyeom's Baekya colliding with the martial artists' blades.

Guigyeom was fighting only five opponents.

Yet, he was struggling.

Wham.

Taehyun kicked away a guy who was aiming for his back and swung the Dragonslayer Sword widely.

Slash.

The neck of one of the masked men rolled on the floor, thanks to the Dragonslayer Sword, which had its length extended using mana.

"This is too sudden."

Taehyun said, creating distance.

Shinji retreated at the right time, his back touching Taehyun's.

Nineteen masked men surrounded them, pointing their swords.

"Kim Taehyun... These guys, their movements are strange."

"I know."

The martial prowess of each individual was nothing compared to Tuhel, whom they had faced earlier.

At best, Upper-rank.

But their movements were so mysterious that they couldn't end the fight quickly.

"It seems they know you. What excuse are you going to make this time?"

Shinji swallowed hard, his back against Taehyun's, and asked.

He realized that they were facing a crisis for the first time since entering the fourth floor.

"I don't know either."

Taehyun said, watching the Blood Demon Sect members slowly closing the distance.

'To think Igmun would be related to the Blood Demon Sect.'

What if Igmun is the Blood Demon, and an avatar of a constellation?

His head was becoming complicated.

"Hey, leader. Why is Igmun suddenly cosplaying as a martial artist?"

To Taehyun's question.

"There's no need to be swayed by his silver tongue. There's no need to capture him alive. Kill the devourer."

The leader replied in a cold voice.

The masked men's distance was now so close that they could extend their arms and touch swords.

Gulp.

The sound of Guigyeom swallowing dry saliva was unusually loud.

It seemed impossible to hope for the same luck as on the first floor.

"This is too much. We were even called comrades."

"Charge!!"

The moment the blades touched again.

Kiiii-.

Kiiiiii-.

Two mana stones unleashed the mana they had been condensing.

Whoosh.

In the blink of an eye, a huge amount of mana engulfed the area.

The leader of the masked men looked around, confused by the suddenly changed environment.

It was clear that they had been in a siege formation, but Taehyun and Shinji were now far away.

"I see. So this is Personal Space."

The leader calmly assessed the situation.

"He must have recovered the succubus's power in a short time."

He looked at his subordinates and nodded.

"Deploy the Blood Domain."

Crimson mana began to rise from the bodies of the nineteen masked men, including the leader.

Tzzzzzzzz-.

Blood Domain.

The domain symbolizing Igmun was rapidly unfolding.

"Igmun, you bastard. You've lost your original ambition."

To think that a guy who once aimed to be the king of the lower realm would join hands with a constellation from another universe.

Taehyun cursed, looking at the completely unfolded domain.

He was convinced that the mana he had managed to gather would be taken away the moment he entered the Blood Domain.

"It's laughable for you to say that."

A sword was swung from behind Taehyun.

At the same time.

Crack.

A mouth suddenly appeared in the air.

Crunch.

It bit into the Blood Domain.

It was the moment he thought a crack had formed in the Blood Domain, even if only for a moment.

Stab.

"Cough..."

In the blink of an eye, Baekya, which had been fired, pierced the body of one of the masked men.

Crunch. Crunch.

A mouth derived from Baekya swallowed the masked man whole.

He had taken care of one person in the blink of an eye.

"Dopel, it's dangerous to eat so recklessly. It'll be troublesome if you get a penalty later."

"If you're going to fight with such petty methods, you shouldn't have come here."

He grinned.

As if he didn't care about Taehyun's circumstances, Doppelganger ran straight into the Blood Domain.

Baekya, which had flown to his hand, was creating a new mouth.

As Doppelganger's activity of invading the enemy lines on his own, a new masked man was swallowed.

The masked men who had given up on the Blood Domain scattered and dispersed.

"The Devourer's Doppelganger, is it?"

"It's not pleasant to hear that from bugs."

Doppelganger said, swinging Baekya.

Crack.

The mouth that popped out of the split air tried to swallow the leader.

Bang!!

The leader's sword deflected the devouring.

"Hoo."

Doppelganger admired, stroking his chin.

The power that could be used had also widened considerably as Guigyeom's rank increased.

But he hadn't thought that the devouring would be parried in this way.

Doppelganger swung Baekya once more.

Bang!!

The leader's sword once again deflected the devouring.

This time, he even showed the feat of splitting the parried devouring in half.

"You underestimate me too much. Don't think of me as the same level as that idiot Dokgo Young."

As the leader spoke, a blood sword was created in his hand.

Wham.

Huge pillars soared around the blood sword embedded in the ground.

'Blood Cross.'

That was also one of Igmun's techniques.

Taehyun, who had opened his red eyes, watched the battle between Doppelganger and the leader.

'The base of power is holy power and mana, huh.'

He used holy power from time to time, but that was only when moving or unleashing an attack.

From some point on, he was only using Igmun's mana.

That power was more massive than he thought, enough to deflect Doppelganger's devouring.

"I thought you had to be a Great Duke... You've brought some interesting guys for a change."

Doppelganger burst into laughter.

"Dopel. Don't let your guard down."

Taehyun raised the Dragonslayer Sword and stood beside him.

The mana being condensed in the leader's sword was gradually intensifying.

As expected.

Clang.

The moment the leader's blood sword was aimed at Taehyun.

Tzzz- Tzzzzzz- Tzzzzzz-.

Numerous blood swords began to fall from the red sky.

It was as if he was watching Igmun's ultimate move.

'This might as well be Igmun.'

That's when Taehyun was having such an absurd thought.

"Get out of the way, Kim Taehyun."

Doppelganger took a step.

He stepped in front of Taehyun.

Part 2 Episode 43

The Sword Demon, Nakata Shinji. The doppelganger controlling his body wielded the White Night.

Crack.

The crimson sky tore open, and a maw protruded.

The magic stone created within the Sword Demon's body emitted a scream-like roar, and the White Night, imbued with immense magic, vibrated.

"Kim Taehyun. If you rely on tricks, you'll never reach the end."

"......"

With those words, the doppelganger stepped forward.

The leader of the masked men looked up at the Glutton with cold eyes.

"Glutton. Wasn't it sealed?"

Kim Taehyun, the Glutton of the Three Thousand Worlds.

The doppelganger, the source of Gluttony existing in the mental world.

According to the Shin-gyo's information, its unique power, 'Gluttony,' should no longer be usable.

"Insects. No one can seal me."

"How arrogant. A being that even the divine power couldn't take."

"I'm hearing all sorts of things from a mere trifle."

The doppelganger twisted its lips and stirred the White Night.

Krrrr-.

The maw in the crimson sky wept.

The leader pointed his blood sword at the doppelganger.

The fall accelerated.

Crack.

The opened maw began to devour the blood swords.

The doppelganger, revealing its full power, and the leader of the masked men continued an equal magic fight.

Sss-.

Taehyun, with his red eyes open, watched the clash of the two forces.

As the number of blood swords decreased, the maw was shaking.

The doppelganger swallowing blood was visible.

'It's overdoing it.'

If it were in the mental world, it wouldn't matter.

'Using Gluttony with Shinji's body has its limits.'

The existence of Gluttony being used now is clearly that of a supreme being.

If it overdoes it any more, the Sword Demon's body is likely to be destroyed.

Taehyun's eyes scanned the leader and the masked men behind him.

'Those guys... They're mixing divine power into their magic.'

It's not visible in the red eyes, but this strange energy flow clearly had remnants of divine power used by the constellations.

The doppelganger was being pushed back just by using a weak amount of divine power.

Eighteen masked men behind the leader.

They were chanting some unknown spell.

'I have to stop them.'

The Dragonslayer Sword, wrapped in crimson magic, was about to reach the masked men.

Clang.

"......!!"

The Dragonslayer Sword was repelled by a suddenly generated blood-colored barrier.

Tzzz-.

Taehyun groaned as he saw the blood-colored barrier that had formed.

"Blood Field."

Igmun's absolute territory.

Just stepping into it felt like all the life force was draining from his body.

Taehyun belatedly tried to back away, but.

"It's impossible. Glutton."

One of the masked men chanting the spell sneered.

A faint divine power was also leaking from his body.

'Igmun, that bastard. Did he really join hands with a constellation?'

Otherwise, it wouldn't be possible to explain how martial artists were using Igmun's techniques so skillfully.

"Look over there."

The masked man nodded his head.

The doppelganger panting for breath was visible.

On the other hand, the leader of the masked men effortlessly created a blood spear and threw it.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

The doppelganger hurriedly swung the White Night to fend off the blood spear.

He didn't want to give it time to use Gluttony.

"Doppelganger. You're not as impressive as I heard."

Laughter was heard from here and there at the masked man's words.

It was clear mockery.

"These bastards...."

Taehyun swung the Dragonslayer Sword once again, but.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

The sword, unable to penetrate the Blood Field, was easily repelled as if it was futile.

Rather, a considerable amount of magic was draining each time it touched.

"Didn't I tell you it was impossible? The Shin-gyo's orders are absolute. None of you will survive here today."

Taehyun turned his back on the masked men's sneers and headed towards the doppelganger.

Clang.

He deflected a spear flying from a blind spot.

Even though he was covering the Dragonslayer Sword with magic, his arm was going numb.

Igmun's power is absorption.

The opponent is using not only the power of the archdemon, but also divine power.

'If I get hit even once, I'll be severely injured.'

They were not at a level that they could handle since they had not yet fully regained their power.

"Doppel, let's retreat."

Divine power is dangerous.

He emphasized that if they lost power here, it would not be easy to recover their existence.

"......"

Clang. Clang.

The doppelganger answered with silence, deflecting a spear and a sword.

His body was already soaked with sweat.

He looked like he could collapse at any moment.

"That damn divine power.... How long are you going to keep struggling?"

"Now is not the time to be prideful..."

Clang!

The doppelganger's body, which had deflected the spear, was pushed back one step.

This was because its stamina was gradually reaching its limit.

"Idiot. If you don't try when you have even a little strength left...."

"Shut up, Kim Taehyun."

Clang!!

The doppelganger's body, which had deflected the sword, was pushed back two steps.

"What's a Glutton and what's a constellation?"

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Hooo.

The doppelganger, which had deflected three swords in a row, took a deep breath.

"I will not run away."

Kiiii-.

The doppelganger's magic stone emitted a roar.

"I!!"

Clang!!

The doppelganger, putting strength in its lower body, rushed forward.

"Gluttony!!"

Bang!!!

The sword swung by the doppelganger was blocked by the leader's blood sword.

Clang.

Starting with a clash of strength, the offensive and defensive battle began again.

The doppelganger's body gained small scars one by one.

'At this rate, I'll die.'

It was replenishing its already exhausted stamina with magic.

Even that was being taken away little by little as the number of scars increased.

"That stupid bastard."

Taehyun gritted his teeth.

Why wouldn't he want to fight?

But if he lost here, he would lose too much.

The life that exists in the Three Thousand Worlds.

The constellations that had been carrying out the constellation war together.

The countless lives that exist in their universe.

All of that was in Taehyun's hands.

He couldn't take risks recklessly like before.

In that brief moment when Taehyun was silently suppressing his anger.

One of the doppelganger's fingers was cut off.

It did not regenerate.

That meant it was in a desperate situation.

"Igmun, that guy. He survived the tribal war and grew up so much that it's infuriating."

The doppelganger swung its sword while letting out a madness-like laugh.

The leader effortlessly deflected the sword.

"It's said that its specialty is hunting two beings in the mental world."

"Don't worry. I'm enough to take care of you alone."

Unlike his words, one of the doppelganger's arms was cut off.

The doppelganger's body, which had lost its balance, staggered.

"What a pleasing spirit. I am Dokgojin. Remember the name of the one who will take your head."

"A trifle... Only good with words...!!"

The doppelganger rotated and swung its sword.

Clang.

The doppelganger, who rolled disgracefully on the floor, rolled to Taehyun.

"You were still here."

"......"

Ptoo.

The doppelganger spat and got up.

How much blood had it lost while crossing swords? Its cheeks were sunken in.

"Get out of here quickly, as you are hindering the battle."

The guy who said that plunged the White Night into the floor.

Tzzzz-.

The floor cracked and a maw appeared, sticking to its body.

"This attack is the last one."

The doppelganger opened its mouth, fixing its gaze on Dokgojin.

"You...."

"Stupid bastard. Even if you've fallen, don't show weakness, you who reached the top."

"......"

"Get out of here. If you get out now, you won't be violating the law of the tower."

With those words.

Bang.

The doppelganger bounced out once again.

To it, a sword was just a medium for using power.

Not having an arm didn't matter.

"It's like a moth flying into a flame."

The corners of the doppelganger's mouth, which was crossing swords with Dokgojin, twisted.

"Bite it."

Crunch.

The maw that popped out of the White Night bit into Dokgojin's sword.

Crunch.

The maw that popped out of its body devoured Dokgojin's arm.

Crunch!!

In an instant, the sword and arm were torn off.

Crunch. Crunch.

"Is that all you've got!!"

Hoo!!

The doppelganger swung its sword, aiming for Dokgojin's neck.

Crack.

Crunch!!

The maw that popped out of the sword tip narrowly missed its neck.

"You tried to kill me with just this!!"

It was an outcry filled with spirit and madness.

"......!!"

Dokgojin's body stiffened.

The masked men hiding in the Blood Field spoke with urgency.

Crack.

Gluttony.

The moment the doppelganger, which had become one maw, was about to swallow Dokgojin.

Stop.

The doppelganger's movement stopped.

"......"

Silence fell.

Slash.

Dokgojin cut off one of the doppelganger's arms.

The White Night it was holding rolled on the floor.

"Indeed... I wasn't told to be careful for no reason."

Dokgojin, with a distorted face, stroked his neck.

If the doppelganger's movements hadn't stopped, his neck would have been torn off.

But.

"It's my victory."

It was the moment Dokgojin was about to take the doppelganger's head.

Clang.

Taehyun's Dragonslayer Sword fended off the blood sword.

"Glutton. You haven't run away yet."

Dokgojin sneered.

"Whether it's this guy or that guy... You all look down on me."

Taehyun looked at the doppelganger, who had fainted while standing.

It had the appearance of the Sword Demon, but its pride was still there.

"Tsk. It's useless to have only a strong pride."

"Don't worry, Glutton. This will be the end of your journey."

The power carried on Dokgojin's blood sword was getting stronger and stronger.

Even though he had lost an arm, that power had not decreased at all compared to the beginning.

"Igmun."

"......"

Dokgojin's body flinched at Taehyun's words.

Taehyun glared at his red eyes.

"You. You analyzed Gluttony."

"......"

"I respect your choice."

Taehyun smiled crookedly as he looked at Dokgojin, who was pushing back his sword.

The doppelganger's main body was already in Taehyun's mental world anyway.

The Sword Demon was severely injured, but it was not dead.

"Yeah. I'll admit it. I even thought about running away for a moment because of that damn risk."

Everyone would be the same if they had to bear a great responsibility like him.

Taehyun spat out a self-deprecating sigh.

If the doppelganger hadn't said that.

If that proud guy hadn't shown himself sacrificing himself.

Taehyun would never have made the same choice as he did now.

"Kim Taehyun. You can't use Gluttony."

Dokgojin's lips twisted.

"It's useless even if you use Gluttony now."

The divine power that Dokgojin had been hiding rose up.

Laughter comes out.

"Come to think of it, you haven't seen it before, have you?"

Kiiii-.

Kiiii-.

The two magic stones rotate as if they are in sync.

Taehyun's two eyes, redder than ever, shone with brilliance.

Dokgojin's body felt a chill.

It was because he was reminded of the doppelganger wrapped in Gluttony a moment ago.

'Gluttony? No... It's different. This is....'

"Dream Eating."

Crack.

Maws that sprang from the shadows surrounded Dokgojin and Taehyun.

Slash.

Dokgojin's sword cut off the maw.

The maws of the shadow were scattered in pieces by the repeatedly swung sword.

Clang.

The Dragonslayer Sword, which aimed at Dokgojin's neck, was blocked by the sword once again.

"You thought you blocked it?"

"......!!"

His red eyes are shaking.

Kim Taehyun.

From the Glutton who has fallen, the figure of the Succubus Queen can be seen.

Suddenly.

Drip. Drip.

Hundreds of tentacles poured out from the torn space.

"Divine power is a power suitable for a constellation."

Therefore.

Thud.

The tentacles pierced Dokgojin's body.

Crunch.

The maws that bloomed from the tentacles bit into Dokgojin's body.

"Kuheok...."

Thud!!

Taehyun's Dragonslayer Sword was embedded in Dokgojin's chest.

"Let's see what kind of bastard's divine power this is."

Part 2, Episode 44

Tssszszsz-.

Dokgojin's crimson magic.

Within its source, there's a presence of divine power.

"Let go..."

Dokgojin tried to pull away from Taehyun, but

"Where do you think you're going."

Grasp.

Taehyun grabbed Dokgojin's shoulder with his other hand.

Crunch.

Mongshik, freed from his hand, bit down on Dokgojin's shoulder.

Those within the Blood Field began to shout.

At most, they're high-tier beings.

'Their power is not a threat.'

What is threatening is that their divine and magical energies are connected to Dokgojin.

Even that doesn't seem to be a big deal in the current situation with Mongshik activated.

'I won't leave any loose ends.'

Thud. Thud.

Over a hundred tentacles clung to the Blood Field.

Tear. Tear.

Mouths opened on the tentacles and bit into it.

At the same time, the divine power heading towards Dokgojin was absorbed by Taehyun.

"You bastard..."

Dokgojin gritted his teeth.

Mongshik (Dream Eater).

A power he was hearing about for the first time.

No, even if such a power existed, it shouldn't have been usable.

The predator of the Three Thousand Worlds had to avoid the gazes of the constellations.

Dokgojin glanced at the fallen Nakata Shinji.

The source of predation. The human possessed by the doppelganger.

Subduing him, who used predation, was as expected.

But after he fell, the actions of the 'Predator' changed.

Because a comrade had fallen?

No, the 'Predator' that Dokgojin had identified, 'Kim Taehyun,' wasn't such an existence.

A pragmatic type who would take what he wanted even at the expense of others.

In the situation just now, it would have been right to abandon the doppelganger and flee.

If not, then.

'There's a reason he can't abandon the doppelganger.'

Just as Dokgojin was thinking that.

Crunch.

Mongshik's mouth tore off Dokgojin's entire shoulder.

"As expected. You don't have super-fast regeneration abilities, do you?"

Smirk.

Taehyun grinned, revealing his teeth.

"Who's going to die here today?"

"Keuh..."

Dokgojin's groans deepened.

Not from physical pain.

It was because Mongshik's magic was penetrating, trying to read his mind.

The divine power he was receiving from the Shinkyo followers was also cut off.

At this rate, his mind could be dominated, and Shinkyo's information would be exposed.

At that moment, the Blood Field, unable to withstand Mongshik's power, was dispelled.

Tear. Tear.

The masked figures began to disappear into the mouths of the tentacles.

Curses and screams filled the air.

"You... you'll regret this. The power that a degraded being like you is wielding..."

"Shut up and hand it over."

Crunch.

Taehyun twisted the Dragonslaying Sword that he had shoved in.

"Keok..."

Dokgojin, vomiting blood, trembled.

"Where are you looking, Dokgojin."

Crack.

The Dragonslaying Sword moved towards his heart.

"Keuh... uh..."

Dokgojin began to pour out blood as if he couldn't bear it any longer.

Taehyun had no intention of letting Dokgojin die like this.

"Look into my eyes."

His red eyes flashed.

Ting.

[Skill 'Incomplete Hypnosis (SSS)' has been activated.]

[Target identified.]

Taehyun captured Dokgojin's dying eyes within his red eyes.

It was time to identify the owner of the divine power.

Hwaaaaa.

A bright light flickered around Taehyun's body as he sat cross-legged.

Maintaining the light was only for a moment.

The instant his body twitched.

Sssszszsz.

The light scattered and disappeared as if it had never been there.

Taehyun opened his eyes and sighed.

"It's not easy."

There was a deep weariness in his voice.

Divine power (星力).

The power wielded by the constellations outside.

Some are born with it, but many, like Taehyun, develop it later.

It had already been quite some time since he had been in this place called the Merged Universe.

In the terms of Earth, his original universe, it must have been over 500 years.

Taehyun, called 'Predator' by the 'Yoma King's' comrades, had yet to properly wield that power.

"You said I'd learn it quickly."

Taehyun resented the Yoma King, who had left him alone and disappeared.

While it was a long time in the lives of mortals, Taehyun had become indifferent to time since coming outside.

A state of perfect clarity (明鏡止水).

His state of mind from when he reigned as the Underworld King was still of considerable help.

"Is the King not coming today either?"

50 years had passed since his last duel with the Yoma King.

Sharing the same microcosm, and the original owner of the power of Predation.

Perhaps that was why?

Each time he dueled with him, Taehyun gained deep insights.

The problem was that the Yoma King was so busy that he didn't spend much time in the Merged Universe.

"Come to think of it, the 'Dragon' hasn't even shown his face once."

Epithet 'The Dragon with Five Hearts.'

A past creation of No Name under the name Baal, and the first being to reign as the Upper Realm King.

He, who was called by several names, was now known as 'Dragon' outside and was creating quite a famous story.

'That bastard. Don't tell me he's sulking because he lost the bet.'

Taehyun made a plausible inference.

The bet was the race war against Asmodeus for the position of Integrated King.

Taehyun was able to win through the arrangement left by the Yoma King, and eventually followed them outside.

'No. Even so, there's no way that guy, who knows what's right, would be so petty.'

He knew now.

The reason 'Yoma King' and 'Dragon' walked the path of godslayers was to prevent the destruction of the Three Thousand Worlds.

No Name was a constellation with the rare power of creation and had poured most of his power into the Three Thousand Worlds.

Baal and Valac.

The two of them were, in their very existence, beings who were no different from half-constellations.

And now.

Upper Realm King and Lower Realm King.

Dragon and Yoma.

They, who had reforged their power in their own ways, had become constellations and were outside.

Taehyun was the one who had taken over that baton.

"I wish you'd stick with the stronger side."

He grumbled without realizing it at the divine power that wasn't easily gathering.

As he had returned due to the Yoma King's arrangement, he naturally moved along the same lines as him.

The constellation wars waged by the great constellations.

The place where Yoma was situated was an independent force that didn't belong to any of the great constellation's forces.

'You said that just facing them could lead to annihilation.'

Taehyun recalled the characteristics of the great constellations that the Yoma King had explained.

The reason why Taehyun wasn't leaving the Merged Universe was also because of that.

In a state where he hadn't even learned divine power, he wouldn't be able to avoid being taken prisoner even if he only met a mid-level constellation, let alone a great constellation.

No, he didn't have that much value to them.

'The chances of being annihilated are much higher.'

There weren't many constellations who opposed the will of the great constellations.

The reason why the constellations based in the Merged Universe were moving busily was because of that.

They fought battles, and sometimes entered the microcosms of other constellations to discover new talents.

Taehyun was also destined to carry out such missions once he became skilled enough to be called a constellation.

"I wish you would explain it properly when we meet next time."

Although he had lived here for a long time, what he had heard about the constellation wars was only superficial.

He would have to fully master divine power to at least the level of a low-level constellation in order to hear the whole story.

At that time.

[I don't recognize that face?]

"......?"

Taehyun looked up at the sudden voice.

A bird was flying there.

Its distinctive features were its curved horns, green eyes, and size, which wasn't much different from Taehyun's human form.

'When...?'

Even if he was concentrating on wielding divine power, his senses hadn't dulled.

Rather, he should have been sensitive to signs, but it had come and was floating above his head without him noticing.

"A constellation."

Taehyun drew upon his divine demonic power.

He took a minimal defensive stance so that he could use Devour and Dream Eater at any time.

The bird tilted its head at the suddenly surging energy.

[That power... Could it be a newcomer from the same world as Yoma?]

Flutter.

The bird landed in front of Taehyun.

Its gleaming green eyes scanned Taehyun's body.

[You were practicing wielding divine power?]

"......"

What is it?

Its voice is overly cheerful.

It felt different from the constellations he had met so far (which were only around ten at most).

[Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. My epithet is 'Labyrinth dwelling in consciousness'. The guys here call me 'Labyrinth'.]

Labyrinth.

A name he had heard in the conversation between the Zodiac and the Yoma King.

There was no mouth on the body that Labyrinth was taking, but her voice was heard in his head.

'I heard she was on a mission... Has she returned now?'

Taehyun, with his red eyes open, looked at Labyrinth with suspicion.

Red eyes and green eyes.

The eyes of two transcendent beings scanned each other.

[What. Don't tell me you're suspecting me? You know that just anyone can't come in here, right?]

"That's true for now."

Taehyun replied, not letting his guard down.

Since he spoke informally even to the Zodiac, he didn't use honorifics separately.

[Wow. Your cautiousness is just like Yoma. No, is that a characteristic of your universe?]

"......"

[You were practicing wielding divine power, right?]

"Yes."

[Want me to help?]

"Why would you."

[Well, because we're going to be comrades?]

If we're going to be comrades, why are you being so proactive from the start?

That's what he thought, but he didn't bother saying it out loud.

It was because he hadn't finished figuring out the constellations yet.

[If we have even one more helping hand, the slim chances of winning the war will increase even a little bit, right?]

"......"

[Don't worry. Even though I look like this, I'm really good at figuring out opponents.]

Labyrinth said, pointing to her green eyes with her wing.

[Hmm. You still don't seem to believe me. Let's see.]

Labyrinth raised one of her arms.

"......!!"

At the same time, divine demonic power bloomed from Taehyun's body and seeped into her feathers.

Labyrinth's voice rang in his head.

[From the microcosm Three Thousand Worlds. The powers you wield are magic and divine power, and... divine demonic power? The powers that can be called authorities are Devour and Dream Eater... ]

"What, how did you..."

[I told you. I'm good at figuring out opponents. Do you think I'm called Labyrinth dwelling in consciousness for nothing?]

Labyrinth's voice was bright, as if she liked Taehyun's embarrassment.

[The titles you can call titles are Underworld King and Integrated King. And the owner of the divine beast? Your nemesis is... Asmodeus.]

Amazing.

In less than a minute, she had figured out most of his information.

[How is it. Can you believe what I'm saying now?]

Labyrinth asked in a triumphant tone.

He couldn't deny it.

The bird in front of him, which looked like a chimera, was quite an outstanding constellation.

Maybe she could be helpful to him.

"Okay. I'll listen to what you have to say. How are you going to help me?"

[What else? By using my authority.]

Enter the consciousness of others and create a labyrinth.

She said that she would meet Taehyun there and increase his understanding of divine power.

[You're already using three types of power. If I help you a little, it won't be too difficult for you to learn divine power.]

The Yoma King had said the same thing.

Just by briefly looking at his microcosm, his ability to wield divine power would increase dramatically.

It was a sweet word, but.

"I refuse."

[Huh? Why?]

Labyrinth tilted her head as if she was surprised.

"That's not the way I do things."

[Don't tell me you want effort and struggle. You're really like Yoma.]

It suddenly occurred to him that the Yoma King was called a freak among the constellations.

No, the important thing wasn't that.

"I'll just take your offer."

[Hmph... You're an interesting guy.]

Taehyun sat cross-legged, as if telling her to go quickly.

He was going to focus on divine power again.

[Then, shall I help you in your own way?]

"What?"

[Struggle. If it's the training method you used with Yoma, I think I can help you.]

"Are you serious?"

[Yes. I'm not as specialized in combat as Yoma, but well, I don't think you'll get hurt.]

It was a humiliating thing to say.

Even so.

'This is unexpected good fortune.'

Taehyun smiled as he got up from his seat.

If it was Labyrinth, who wielded divine power, he wouldn't die even if he used his full power.

[Attack when you're ready.]

"Okay."

At the same time as the answer.

Tear.

Tear.

Devour and Dream Eater.

Taehyun took out two powers.

Labyrinth looked at the two mouths with interest.

And.

[For reference, I'm classified as a mid-level constellation. In terms of divine power alone, I can be said to be one level higher than Yoma.]

Enjoying Taehyun's flustered expression.

[Don't die easily?]

Labyrinth's body, flying like an arrow, rammed into Taehyun.

Part 2, Episode 45

The Labyrinth enjoyed battling in various forms.

Sometimes as beasts, demons, gods, monsters, or machines.

And occasionally, it showed the eccentricity of transforming into Earth humans.

As the battles under the guise of training continued, the understanding of divine power slowly increased.

In proportion to that, the Labyrinth also grew its understanding of magical power, divine power, and divine-magical power.

100 years by Earth standards.

That's how long it took Taehyun, who was waiting for the missing Youma King, to merge with the Labyrinth and grasp the basic usage of divine power.

A long time passed since then.

In the era when the 'Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds' was making a name for himself as a low-level constellation.

Taehyun was captured by the followers of a Great Constellation and heard the news that the 'Labyrinth dwelling in consciousness' had been annihilated.

Igmun looked around.

Pure white light was scattering like broken shards of glass.

This was where the Celestial Realm's master should be, but no one existed in the area.

[Impressive. To think such a device was hidden in the Sixth Celestial Realm...]

Just as he couldn't help but be impressed by the secret hidden in the Sixth Celestial Realm,

"Impressive indeed."

Igmun flinched at the sudden voice.

The language of the Intermediary Realm.

Moreover, it was the same human language that Kim Taehyun used.

"This is the Three Thousand Worlds. The time is right before he came out. And... you are Vampire Lord Igmun of the Vampire race. I was often defeated by your powers."

A gentle voice heard in his head.

He was sure he was hearing it for the first time.

Why was it...

Why did he feel so familiar?

[You... are you the master of the Sixth Celestial Realm?]

Igmun quietly gathered his fighting spirit.

To deal with the master of the Sixth Celestial Realm and return.

That was the mission assigned to him in the Race Wars.

"I am not. In the first place, this seems to be a passage made by 'Dragon' to approach secretly. Hmm... I wonder if it's because I helped the Dragon's regression that I ended up here."

These were words Igmun couldn't understand.

"Ah, I'm late to introduce myself. I am the 'Labyrinth dwelling in consciousness.' Well, I don't think you would understand at your current level."

[Stop talking nonsense. Show yourself.]

Tzzzz-.

Blood Field.

Igmun deployed an area of blood made of divine-magical power.

The battle preparation was perfect.

The search to find the figure of the one echoing in his head began.

"Devourer. Ah, here, he's still called Kim Taehyun, I suppose. Anyway, you can't do anything to me with the power of his vassal."

[I am not a vassal.]

"Then are you the one who will become the Underworld King?"

[......]

Igmun flinched at the Labyrinth's words.

It was as if it was reading his thoughts.

"That's impossible."

[What...?]

"The Three Thousand Worlds are teeming with strong beings like the Fairy King Elven, the Demon King Gilfer, the Fallen Angel Lucifer, and the Sea Monster King Jormungandr. Dragon Lord Hazard. She has inherited a faint trace of the 'Dragon's' blood, hasn't she? And... the Giant King Typhon and the Succubus Queen Rozaria. They will escape the realm of the Archduke at the end of the Race Wars. Hmm... the more I know, the more interesting this universe is."

[What nonsense are you spouting...!!]

Igmun growled.

Thousands of blood swords soared around him, but the target was still not detected.

Something was wrong.

His senses had risen incomparably since he had mastered divine-magical power.

But in this sudden situation, it was of no help at all.

The voice continued.

"Igmun. At best, you're about the level of a Beast King. You're far from being the Underworld King."

[That bastard...!!]

Igmun spread out his arms and absorbed the energy of the area.

He thought that if he forcibly stole the existence of the Celestial Realm, this damned voice echoing in his head would disappear.

No, he was now judging that he had fallen into the trap of the master of the Sixth Celestial Realm.

The fact that the vampires who had left with him for the Sixth Celestial Realm were nowhere to be seen was proof of that.

"The potential for authority is sufficient, but your vessel is overflowing. Even I, with just remnants, can't handle it."

[Master of the Sixth Celestial Realm. You will see.]

"No, seriously. I'm not the Celestial Realm's master. Are you an idiot, Igmun?"

The energy of divine-magical power spread from the blood swords scattered throughout the Celestial Realm.

"It seems that the reason I can be here is because the Dragon and the Youma have repeated regression. It's also because I've become assimilated with the Devourer's power. The Zodiac is also quite flawed. What if the timeline gets twisted like this..."

Igmun didn't ask what he meant anymore.

He simply strengthened his powers and began to scrape the Sixth Celestial Realm into his body.

Even as he did so, the woman's words continued to echo in his head.

"Igmun. Since this is also fate, I'll leave my power to you. Looking at it, there seems to be enough space to create a labyrinth."

[Do you still have the strength to talk nonsense?]

The Labyrinth didn't care about the one-sided insults.

"Someday, if our great work doesn't go well, the Devourer might regress."

Her voice sounded a bit lonely at that part.

"You'll know what I'm talking about when the time comes. Vampire Lord engulfed in inferiority. Help the Devourer when that time comes."

At that moment.

[......!!]

Igmun realized that some unknown power had been absorbed into his body.

The space was collapsing due to the existence that the blood swords had sucked in.

[......]

Thankfully, the voice in his head had completely disappeared.

Either way, it was safe to say that the Sixth Celestial Realm had been conquered.

[Damn Celestial Realm.]

Tzzzz-.

With the blood sword that had become stronger by sucking in the energy of the Sixth Celestial Realm, he tore through space.

Igmun escaped from the Celestial Realm.

When Taehyun's mind faced reality again.

Dokgojin's sword was aiming for him in front of his eyes.

Crack.

He drew the Dragonslaying Sword and moved his body back.

If he hadn't dodged, he would have suffered a fatal wound.

"Labyrinth dwelling in consciousness."

Taehyun mentioned the constellation name that he had confirmed.

They were very brief moments of memory.

He hadn't been able to read everything because of the incomplete dream perception.

He looked at Dokgojin in front of him, who couldn't control the rampaging divine power.

The divine power, which would have been the Labyrinth's, that he couldn't control was overflowing from his body.

He shook his unorganized head.

Now was the time to deal with what was in front of him.

"Divine power is not something that can be handled by a mortal body."

He didn't know what kind of sorcery they were using to handle divine power.

But there must be a reason why they had spread out divine power.

"Igmun."

"Your name is Dokgo..."

"You're just a puppet of Igmun anyway."

Clang.

The Dragonslaying Sword and Dokgojin's sword collided.

Although he couldn't control his rampage due to the death of dream perception and the masked men, the sword was still heavy.

Ting.

['The Tower Manager' rubs his bleary eyes and is startled.]

['The Tower Manager' tries to figure out what happened in a short period of time.]

Listening to Tolkien's message, Taehyun reawakened the scattered dream perception.

'I have to finish this quickly.'

Kiiii-.

Kiii-.

He wouldn't faint in the middle like a doppelganger because he had formed two magic stones, but he had to avoid danger as much as possible.

Chinese Ancient Martial Art 6th Form. Divine Realm.

Whack!!

Taehyun repeatedly stabbed the Dragonslaying Sword near Dokgojin's heart.

New Korean Ancient Martial Art 7th Form. Plains.

Kwaaaa.

The principle of the palm, which is the principle of energy, and the principle of the palm, which is the principle of the Eight Trigrams.

The two techniques overlapped and Dokgojin's body began to flow in reverse.

The divine power was being disrupted.

"The power of the Labyrinth is not something you can handle."

The Agari began to eat away at Dokgojin's body.

The divine power began to be absorbed by the Dragonslaying Sword.

['The Tower Manager' is shocked.]

['The Tower Manager' frantically searches for his staff.]

Taehyun calmly watched Dokgojin's end without caring.

"Igmun. I don't know where you are."

Kwaaaa.

The dream perception Agari, which was born from the sword, completely surrounded the battered Dokgojin.

And.

Crunch.

With a single movement of his mouth, he devoured Dokgojin.

"I'll see you soon."

Confirming Dokgojin, who had disappeared without a trace, he picked up the Dragonslaying Sword that had fallen on the floor.

Woooung-.

The Dragonslaying Sword vibrated.

It was digesting the absorbed divine power.

It was insignificant compared to what the constellations used, but it was a burdensome amount to contain in Taehyun's body right now.

He recalled that Dokgo Young also used subtle divine power in the past.

Come to think of it, the weapons used by the Blood Demon Cult seemed to be made with the use of divine power in mind.

'I'll have to use the Dragonslaying Sword as a medium for the time being.'

He fastened the Dragonslaying Sword, which had accepted the Labyrinth's divine power, to his waist.

The real problem was from now on.

['The Tower Manager' cries out that something terrible has happened.]

['The Tower Manager' waves the staff he struggled to find.]

Ting.

[Skill 'Pandora's Box (SSS)' is enhanced.]

[Magic consumption is accelerated.]

'Even so, what can I do?'

Taehyun sighed as he watched the collapsing Personal Space.

Not only had he used the sealed dream perception, but he had also devoured those with divine power.

The 'Tower Tribune' might find him this time for sure.

It was only natural that Tolkien was reacting like this.

Taehyun approached the fallen Guigeom.

"I'm sorry."

It was an apology to no one in particular.

[Skill 'Pandora's Box (SSS)' is enhanced.]

[The enhancement of Skill 'Pandora's Box (SSS)' reaches its limit.]

A burden began to pour into Taehyun's body.

"Hey, this is..."

['The Tower Manager' argues that he can't help it either.]

['The Tower Manager' shouts that everyone has a plausible reason until they get hit.]

'Hey. Get hit. Even so, this case...'

['The Tower Manager' is startled by a sudden call.]

['The Tower Manager' screams and pretends to be asleep.]

Pretending to be asleep.

'Tolkien you...'

No more thoughts came to mind.

Just.

Thud.

Taehyun's body, which had lost consciousness, fell on top of Guigeom.

The Tenth Blood Temple.

Two women who had hidden their bodies with magic in Igmun's territory appeared.

They were wearing cloaks, but it seemed difficult to hide the aura of a Supreme Being.

[It was truly a perfect Personal Space.]

One of the women said, looking at the scattered Personal Space.

[No one but me would have noticed.]

[That's right.]

Mull bowed her head at Rozaria's words.

As she said, the battle that had taken place in the Blood Temple was something that even she, as a Supreme Being, could not sense.

If it hadn't been for Rozaria's power, she wouldn't have been able to watch the battle taking place inside.

[What on earth are they doing?]

Mull asked, looking at the two humans who had fallen in front of the temple.

Kim Taehyun and Nakata Shinji.

One had saved her before, and the other had tried to betray her.

Rozaria quietly looked down at them, who had fainted.

[I thought they might be Igmun's contractors, but after seeing the battle just now, I don't think they are. Why are they causing such a commotion in Igmun's territory?]

Besides, what was that mysterious power just now?

[What should we do?]

Mull asked cautiously.

The Queen's worries didn't last long.

[Take them both to the castle. I will interrogate them myself.]

[I will follow the Queen's will.]

Mull, who had opened her tentacles, began to open the gate connected to the Dream Demon Castle.

In that short period of time, Rozaria was being swept up in a strange sensation.

'What are you? Why are you using my power like that?'

The power of 'Mind Control' and the power of 'Absorption'.

On top of that, a power like an authority that even she, an Archduke, could not know.

[......]

Leaving behind an unknown feeling.

Rozaria crossed the gate created by Mull.

Part 2, Episode 46

Taehyun opened his eyes with a headache.

His first thought was.

'It seems I've been losing consciousness more often lately.'

It was a lament about himself.

Losing consciousness during battle meant he was either lacking in strength or was mediocre.

It was one thing outside.

The Three Thousand Worlds were Taehyun's hometown, a place once called his own microcosm.

Repeatedly losing consciousness in this place was not something Taehyun, who had ascended to become a Constellation, welcomed.

'So, where am I again…'

Clang.

"……."

His arms and legs were bound in chains.

'Chains of binding…?'

And not the toys that players imitated, but items with craftsmanship that rivaled those of the Celestial Realm.

Taehyun saw Guigyum, who was in a similar state beside him.

The wounds he had sustained fighting the Sinister Doctrine had mostly healed, but he was still unconscious.

'This is bad.'

Tolkin had suddenly strengthened "Pandora's Box."

Thanks to that, he had lost consciousness in an unknown place and had been completely restrained.

'Surely it's not Jörmungandr or Igmun's territory.'

The Demon and Beast Races had also invaded the territory, but he was confident he could resolve things with them through dialogue.

But what about the insidious Jörmungandr or the hostile Igmun?

No matter what Taehyun said, he would be met with either experimentation or torture.

"……."

Thinking that, he realized the urgency of the situation.

"Tolkin. Emergency situation."

He called out, even mentioning Tolkin's name, but there was no response.

"Tower Administrator. Dwarf Brothers. Can you hear me?"

Normally, they would be startled and react in some way.

Clang. Clang.

All he could hear was the sound of the chains as Taehyun twisted his body.

Just as he was thinking that he had been dragged to a seriously strange place,

Swish.

With a sound like something sliding, a familiar face appeared in his sight.

"You…."

[Fancy seeing you again?]

Mull, the highest of the Incubus race.

The vassal of Rosaria, who had approached right in front of him, greeted him.

"Haa…. A silver lining in misfortune."

Taehyun breathed a sigh of relief.

If it was the Incubus territory, the risk of suffering severe harm would be greatly reduced.

They were the type who enjoyed mental attacks rather than physical harm.

The danger of the situation had decreased significantly.

[I heard you were coming to find her yourself, but you're in quite the state? Struggling to escape and everything.]

Mull sneered.

"That's too much. I thought you owed me a debt. Is this how you treat a benefactor?"

[Such a flamboyant tongue. I could believe the Queen's authority resides in that tongue.]

"Where is this place?"

[I think you're asking the wrong question. I'll tell you it's the 4th floor for now.]

'The Incubus territory on the 4th floor.'

Relieved, Taehyun finally took a closer look at Mull.

"You. You've grown?"

[Kim Taehyun. Thanks to you. I received some of the Queen's grace.]

Swish. Swish.

She drew out five tails.

It was a pressure to subdue him if he did anything foolish.

To Taehyun, who had just been going all the way with Dokgojin, it was a laughable display of power.

"That's good. But again, is this how you treat a benefactor?"

Taehyun demanded that she release him from his restraints, but.

The answer came from an unexpected place.

[Just as I heard, you're quite the audacious human.]

A voice filled with benevolence made his body stiffen.

Mull also stiffened her playful Incubus face and lowered her head.

Swish. Swish.

Taehyun met the eyes of the being who had appeared before him.

His heart was racing.

"Rosaria."

[Yes. That is this one's name.]

The Succubus Queen, who he faced, shone her red eyes.

The last of the Race Wars.

The face of her fading self flashed through his mind like a panorama.

"Finally."

The moment he had longed for, to meet her again after his regression, came to mind.

"We meet again."

Taehyun's lips curled up.

[Hmm~ You speak as if you know me.]

Rosaria said, not avoiding Taehyun's gaze.

It was an action she took when testing the reactions of others.

"Don't you already know?"

Rosaria's lips twitched.

Such audacity not to avoid the gaze of an Archduke.

[Kim Taehyun, was it? You stimulate this one's curiosity.]

[Your Majesty. If you command, I will interrogate him directly.]

[Enough. Even in this state, is he not a guest?]

Rosaria's red eyes narrowed.

[It seemed you had something to say to this one. But now you are focused on assessing my skills…. Are you hiding something?]

'This is strange.'

Mental domination could exert its greatest power when the opponent was unconscious.

If it were the Rosaria that Taehyun knew, she would have scoured his memories without a trace.

But to show such a lukewarm reaction meant.

'Did she fail to read my memories? Or… is she pretending not to have read them?'

Either way, she was demanding an answer from Taehyun.

As if she would listen and judge for herself.

His body was not free.

It was best to go along with her words for now.

"First. Let me make it clear that I am not a contractor of Igmun."

[Nor are you this one's contractor. Yet you used 'Absorption' and 'Mental Domination' plausibly.]

'She watched the battle.'

For her, breaking through his personal space would be more than easy.

[What is it, that power?]

Swish.

One of Rosaria's tentacles caressed Taehyun's face.

"You couldn't read my memories?"

[This one wishes to hear it from your lips.]

Rosaria emphasized with a benevolent smile.

The truth was different.

As Taehyun said, she tried to read his memories but was blocked by something.

She couldn't gain much from Nakata Shinji, who could read memories.

Rather, she only learned that he also had strong doubts about Kim Taehyun's existence.

"……."

Taehyun quickly assessed the situation.

'Rosaria is not an enemy.'

Like the Doppelganger, she was an ally who could be called his greatest asset.

That seemed to be no different now, even with the twisted timeline.

"Then it would be faster for you to enter my mental world."

[For a human to invite this one into their mental world. I cannot fathom your intentions.]

"And I doubt you would prefer a dirty method like torture."

Rosaria burst into laughter at Taehyun's words.

"Succubus Queen. Let me ask you one question."

[Kim Taehyun. You are only permitted to answer the Queen's questions….]

Mull, who had raised her voice, closed her mouth at Rosaria's gesture.

[Ask away.]

"Since when have the Archdukes been confined to the Tower?"

[Confined to the Tower, you say…. An interesting question.]

Taehyun, observing her reaction, continued.

"What is your relationship with the Tower Administrator? What is your relationship with Igmun?"

[A series of incomprehensible questions. Do you truly seek answers from this one? Or are you merely testing my reaction?]

She saw through the reason for his sudden actions.

Truly, she had remarkable insight.

'I see….'

The more Taehyun spoke, the less Rosaria reacted.

It seemed she did not perceive anything strange in the current Tower system.

'The law of existence is at play.'

In other words, the current Rosaria did not have enough existence to handle what Taehyun knew.

"I'm sorry, Rosaria. It seems I cannot say it with my own mouth."

[Such behavior now? Disappointing.]

"This side is also not free from the 'Tower's gaze'."

But.

"You have a way, don't you?"

Swish.

Taehyun's eyes turned red.

The chains were absorbing his magic, but he forcibly manifested it.

He felt like a backflow would occur just from that, but he didn't care.

He saw the familiar magic that remained in her body.

Deep azure.

[That is Gorfe…. No, Gilfer's magic.]

Rosaria's lips curled up at Taehyun's words.

[Mull. Guard the surroundings.]

[But Your Majesty….]

[Do not make me say it twice.]

[Understood….]

Mull spread purple magic throughout the area using her five tentacles.

[If this one enters your mind, will it not break?]

"Don't worry."

Taehyun's mental world was not that weak.

Furthermore, unlike in the past, his Awakening Grade was now SS.

Even if Rosaria penetrated his mental world, he didn't have to worry about it collapsing.

[Why are you smiling?]

"I was just reminded of old memories."

[Hmph~.]

Rosaria, who had made a nasal sound for a moment, suddenly.

Thwack.

Plunged a tentacle into Taehyun's abdomen.

A huge force.

Purple magic began to course through his body.

[If it is a disappointing story, I will rule you in my own way.]

"Cough… Yes…. It won't be disappointing."

At the same time.

Ding.

[Skill 'Mental Domination(???)' has been activated.]

Taehyun, recalling the familiar skill.

Closed his eyes once more.

A red sky and a desert.

In a place symbolizing the mental world, Rosaria and Taehyun stood facing each other.

The chains of binding no longer existed.

[What a desolate place.]

"Yes. For some reason, it feels like I can tell you the truth here."

It was the moment Taehyun said that.

Crack.

A huge magic power spread from under his feet.

It was the premonition that appeared when the Doppelganger used Devour.

[Kim Taehyun.]

The Doppelganger revealed itself not far away.

"Doppel. I'm glad you seem safe."

He was about to say that he had worked hard dealing with the members of the Blood Fiend Divine Church.

But.

Crunch!!

The gaping maw closed shut.

If it weren't for Rosaria's tentacle, he would have been devoured.

[Hmph. What is this situation? Why is a being that should be in another's body here.]

She knew of the Doppelganger's presence in Nakata Shinji's body.

But now, not only had it appeared in his mental world, but it had suddenly attacked?

If she hadn't neutralized it, Kim Taehyun would have undoubtedly been harmed.

"Doppel. I resolved things with Dokgojin, so calm down. Right now, we need to prioritize telling Rosaria…."

[Bullshit.]

Crack.

Another maw erupted next to Taehyun and Rosaria.

Thwack.

Rosaria's tentacle destroyed the maw ahead of time.

[You are not to interfere. Uninvited guest.]

[Displeasing. Even Igmun's tongue is not as rough as yours.]

Rosaria's lips twisted.

It was a look she showed to the Archdukes who ignored her.

[A weakling. Not even knowing your place….]

Tap.

As the Doppelganger flicked its fingers, maws erupted from all sides.

It was on a level that could not be compared to when using Guigyum's body.

It was an effect of the Doppelganger's seal loosening as Taehyun regained his power.

Rosaria drew out more tentacles to face them.

"No, wait. We are not enemies…."

[Shut up.]

[Stay out of this.]

Crunch.

The maw of Devour and the tentacle collided.

[In future battles, if you are so half-hearted, this body will become a bug like that again.]

The Doppelganger shouted as if spitting out the words.

"I understand, so calm down. Rosaria is not an enemy."

[Pathetic. Who decided that?]

Tap.

As it flicked its fingers again, the maws targeted Rosaria and Taehyun once more.

It was a power that would be difficult to deal with unless he summoned a Nightmare.

'Does it really want me to summon a Nightmare?'

If that happened, one of the three would be hurt.

With the balance broken, a proper conversation could not take place.

[Look!! Even after being hurt like that, you're still scheming!!]

Crack.

It was the moment when the maw surrounding Taehyun was about to sink its teeth into him.

Thwack.

A cluster of tentacles pierced Devour.

[Insect. Did you not hear me when I said not to interfere?]

[Unpleasant. Even Igmun's tongue is not as rough as yours.]

[Weakling. Not even knowing your place….]

[Who are you talking to?]

The magic power of the two beings collided before Taehyun could intervene.

Michael and Gabriel.

Their former comrades who fought and were destroyed against two powerful enemies.

"……."

Taehyun silently watched as the gigantic beings clashed their magic, having fallen from grace.

"Zodiac, this is all because of you."

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