RKP 691-700
----------------------------
Part 2 Episode 107
Like exhaling a breath he had been holding.
The Doppelganger released a long, drawn-out breath.
Time that had stopped began to flow again.
He looked around.
[...]
No one was there.
Not Gilfer, who had fallen to a low-ranking demon.
Not the bug-like Archdukes.
Not the annoying Kim Taehyun.
Not the divine power that threatened to engulf his mental world.
All of it was gone.
As if it had never happened in the first place.
[...]
The red sky, devoid of clouds, was utterly calm.
The wind blowing from the desert was still.
The uneasy peace made the earlier chaos seem like an illusion.
Others would have thought it was a dream.
They would have nodded, convinced they were mistaken.
[That can't be.]
Hwaaa.
The magic power emanating from the Doppelganger's body spread outwards.
The dark crimson magic power had recovered to the level of a Lower Realm King.
The space touched by the immense power rippled.
It took less than five seconds to seize control of the space.
Pajik.
Sparks flew.
Only one life form was detected.
Another version of himself, more familiar than anyone else.
[Kim Taehyun.]
The Doppelganger softly spoke his name.
"You awake?"
[...]
The Doppelganger silently surveyed the dominated mental world.
A desert under a red sky.
Nothing had changed.
He met Taehyun's gaze.
He asked if he was awake.
That meant.
[So time really did stop.]
He murmured lowly.
The power of time.
A power he had experienced when he was in the body of the Youma.
The difference was that this time, the range of that power was significantly deeper and wider.
Perhaps the others hadn't even grasped what had happened.
[Where are those wastes of space?]
"Yeah. I sent them all outside."
[Tsk.]
The Doppelganger clicked his tongue.
It was a first.
He, who reigned in the mental world, the power of the predator, felt so powerless.
It wasn't equal, nor even close.
Against divine power, the power he possessed.
'Was not worthy of the word overwhelming.'
Unlike his self-proclaimed title of overlord, he felt insignificant.
The one who created that situation, and the one who dealt with it, was ultimately Kim Taehyun before his eyes.
Before feeling humiliated.
Curiosity surged.
[What did you do?]
"Curious?"
[This bastard...]
"Then just look."
Taehyun took a step forward.
[...]
Something was off.
Kim Taehyun had never allowed him to get this close.
He was always the one keeping his distance, mindful of potential betrayal.
But now, he was closing the gap himself.
What was this?
Why was he showing such confidence?
In the face of this incomprehensible situation.
He instinctively took a step back.
"Not bad for instinct."
Thud.
Taehyun, who had approached, grabbed the Doppelganger's shoulder.
Before he knew it, his eyes were filled with purple magic power.
And.
He confirmed the immense power residing within it.
Divine power that was incomparable to mere remnants.
[Could it be...]
"Look into my eyes."
Before he could react.
Purple magic power.
The immense power containing divine power was imprinted.
Memories surfaced through the imprinted magic power.
"Tower Lord, but you know."
[Hmm?]
"I have two bodies, you see."
It was a conversation between Kim Taehyun and the Old Man.
[Are you referring to the Doppelganger in the mental world? You intend to use him to take both options, I presume.]
"Yeah. If I do that, I won't have to give up either, right?"
Kim Taehyun called the Old Man Tower Lord.
Tower Lord (塔主).
The timeline to which Kim Taehyun had regressed.
The one who oversaw the trials prepared for him to become a High-Ranking Constellation.
"With the power of Creation (創造), creating the Doppelganger's body would be a piece of cake, right?"
[That would be the case with a normal body. But your case is different.]
He could glimpse the memories that had permeated Kim Taehyun through the Tower Lord.
Great Constellation Ancestral Bird.
Great Constellation Genesis.
The birth of a new Greater Universe... and the Three Thousand Worlds created by the High-Ranking Constellation No Name.
"You understand Doppl's personality well. He'll definitely eat anything and everything to make it his own."
Youma, who trusted Kim Taehyun.
And Kim Taehyun, who intended to go outside to save Youma.
And.
Despite the Tower Lord's warning.
Kim Taehyun was saying he would hand his body over to him.
"There's no one more suitable than him."
[...]
The potential of the Tower. The expandability of the Tower.
The growth potential of the Tower.
Kim Taehyun and the Tower Lord had countless conversations.
The conversations they had in the stopped time.
Were all secrets of this world, no different from mysteries.
"He'll try to climb to the 100th floor no matter what. He's wanted to get back at me and Youma for a while now."
[Doppelganger. Due to his potential, Kim Taehyun may cease to exist.]
"Now I have to trust him."
Beyond a single microcosm.
An oath of the Constellation, aiming for the Star Cluster Battle.
The Doppelganger's heart, having witnessed the stopped timeline.
Began to throb.
[...]
His heart raced.
His eyes trembled.
The price for accepting the immense truth.
His red eyes and head, the medium for reading the memories, felt like they would explode.
Drip.
Liquid flowed from the Doppelganger's eyes.
Out of sadness?
No.
The emotion he felt was rage.
[How dare you...]
His body trembled.
The powerlessness he felt a moment ago when he couldn't respond to the remnants of divine power.
More than that.
His emotion-ridden body couldn't be controlled.
"That's what happened."
Taehyun continued, wearing his signature sly smile.
"It's not a bad deal for you either."
[This bastard...]
Uncontrolled magic power surged from his body.
The dominated mental world trembled.
Taehyun didn't lose his smile, even as he watched this.
Because he had fully recovered his lost divine power through the contract with the Tower Lord.
The Doppelganger was not unaware of this fact either.
[You're going to go outside and save Youma. And you want me to climb the Tower instead and gain power?]
"Yeah."
[Bullshit!!]
Crack.
A maw appeared beneath Taehyun's feet.
Predation (捕食).
The Doppelganger's origin.
The skill that symbolized Player Kim Taehyun.
Also.
The unique power of the Low-Ranking Constellation 'Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds.'
A faint divine power emanated from Taehyun's body.
That alone. Swish.
The maw of Predation sucked in the two feet Taehyun was standing on.
"That stuff doesn't work anymore."
[Who said you could order me around?]
The Doppelganger unleashed his fighting spirit without care.
Kugung.
The fighting spirit became Presence.
Kugugung.
It surged as if it would crush Taehyun's body at any moment.
The owner of the Presence, Hazard.
Even if the Draconified him revealed his full power, it wouldn't be more savage than this.
Hwaaaa.
A handful of divine power surrounded Taehyun's body.
That alone was enough to escape the immense Presence.
"You wanted my body, right?"
That once he surpassed his rank in the Three Thousand Worlds and came outside, he could perfectly take over that body.
That he, a Low-Ranking Constellation, wouldn't be able to handle him at that time.
[Shut up.]
Kwa-rooong.
Suddenly, thunder struck.
Lightning that split the red sky struck Taehyun.
Before he knew it, the Doppelganger was holding thunder in his hand.
[Ridiculous.]
Tsuzzzzzzz.
Blood-red, brown, blue, and iridescent magic power emanated from his body.
The powers of 'Absorption' and 'Enhancement'. 'Rampage' and 'Great Elements'.
In addition, the powers of the Archdukes rose in turn.
'Poison'. 'Fear'. 'Struggle'. 'Evolution'. 'Great Magic Resistance'. 'Mind Control', 'Regeneration'.
Even surrounded by magic power befitting one who would claim to be the ruler of the Lower Realm.
It was not enough.
The Doppelganger reached for divine power.
The power of Lucifer, the archangel, 'Radiance'.
The power of Michael, the archangel, 'Judgment'.
Holding thunder in one hand.
Holding the Decameron in the other.
The Doppelganger, wielding two divine artifacts, was already no different from a Unified King in appearance alone.
"As expected. I knew you'd reach that point faster than me."
Taehyun praised the Doppelganger's full power with a pleased voice.
Because the form he was showing now was the same as when he had become the strongest in the Three Thousand Worlds in the past.
Refined by the power of the Youma King, and having experienced countless battles together.
The Doppelganger had become an independent entity in his own right.
If Taehyun hadn't recovered his divine power, he would never have been able to win.
[Taking over the body is the will of this body.]
It was a process he had to achieve with his own power.
[Don't you dare talk about conceding, you.]
Thud.
The Doppelganger approached Taehyun.
"I knew you'd say that."
Taehyun didn't back down and took a step forward to meet him.
The power he used was the divine power surrounding his body.
A meager appearance compared to the Doppelganger, who had fully unleashed his power and wielded two divine artifacts.
But.
Swish.
When Taehyun compressed a handful of divine power into his raised index finger.
And when the compressed divine power formed a single energy ball.
[...!!]
The Doppelganger felt a pressure as if he were facing a giant sun.
A single universe.
He felt as if the world itself was compressed before his eyes.
The two divine artifacts and the energy ball faced each other with a small distance between them.
"It's a stage prepared for our final battle. The others will be waiting outside."
[Don't get cocky.]
The Doppelganger swung the Decameron in the air.
Pajik.
In the red sky torn by the sword wind, a new space opened.
A new energy, neither magic nor divine power, flowed into the mental world.
The Spirit Realm.
The other dimension that Taehyun had visited to make a contract with the three Spirit Kings was forcibly opened.
[Wow.]
Taehyun was purely impressed.
Even if the Doppelganger had recovered to the level of a Unified King, to reverse-track the coordinates of another dimension without being combined with a Divine Beast?
It was not an easy task for Taehyun, or even for Elven.
The more it was like that.
The more he couldn't stop laughing, thinking that his choice was not wrong.
"You're better than I expected."
Because Taehyun, who knew the Doppelganger better than anyone.
Had asked the Tower Lord to create the current mental world.
That was why he could use the full power of a Constellation.
In the 0th floor, the Tower Lord was preparing the incantation.
Soon after.
He would be forcibly expelled to the outside.
Until then, he wanted to give the Doppelganger everything he had.
Because reading it in memories.
And directly experiencing the power of the 'Predator' would be a different matter.
"The law of the jungle. That was our rule."
Swishhhhhh.
The energy ball grew larger and larger.
In response, all kinds of domains unfolded around the Doppelganger.
The Lower Realm and the Upper Realm.
The Spirit Realm of the Middle Realm.
The energies of the three realms bared their teeth as if resisting the divine power.
A maw was overlaid on top of the Decameron and the Thunder.
How many domains and powers were overlapped?
He felt a intensity more powerful than any technique of the Doppelganger that Taehyun had ever seen.
"You're good at learning, so I like you."
[I told you to shut up.]
The energy ball, which had already grown huge, took the form of a maw.
The most basic form of Predation.
The basic form of the power that Taehyun had used when he first learned divine power.
Even with just that level.
Kwaddeudeudeudeu.
He was able to seize the leadership of the area dominated by the Doppelganger.
Taehyun looked at his friend, who had entered his range.
He had a complicated face, mixed with humiliation and anger, and various other emotions.
"Devour it, Predation."
Jjeoooooooeok.
The merciless maw of divine power was opened.
[...Damn it.]
Along with curses.
The Doppelganger was swallowed by the maw.
His body was heavy.
It was because of the exhaustion that came from using a huge amount of power.
The shock of being swallowed by the maw belatedly came.
His consciousness faded.
'Damn you, Kim Taehyun.'
In his fading consciousness.
[Don't lose to anyone.]
My friend.
[Doppl.]
Kim Taehyun's voice echoed.
Part 2, Episode 108
He seemed to have lost consciousness after being subjected to a predation created by divine power.
"Damn it..."
He cursed, recalling the memory from just moments before.
The full power he could use within the mental world.
Just as Kim Tae-hyun had met the Tower Lord and recovered his divine power,
he too was able to display his full power thanks to his restored strength.
And yet, he had lost.
An overwhelming, complete defeat, with no room for excuses.
'Where is this, again...?'
The vision returning with his consciousness was unsteady.
As his focus gradually returned, the sight that unfolded before him was absurd.
Both his arms and legs were bound by chains.
Chains of restraint.
Something the Upper World bastards used.
He knew now.
The Upper and Lower Worlds.
Everything they used was merely a borrowed system from 'outside'.
The problem was...
Swish.
Tzzzz.
Magic power and divine power were being drained through the chains.
He was in a foul mood after repeated defeats.
"Release me."
The voice he uttered was curt.
[You're awake?]
Rustle.
A radiance descended from above his head.
The radiance took the form of a person.
Kim Tae-hyun.
No, the Transcendent form that the 'Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds' had achieved outside.
The situation from just moments before overlapped.
"Tch."
He asked if he was awake again.
If someone else were watching, they would have thought it was a friendly inquiry about a friend's well-being.
'Kindness from this guy?'
There was no way.
"Chains. Release them."
Clatter. Clatter.
Each time he tried to move, the chains of restraint restricted his actions.
It was not unlike how he had executed others in the mental world.
"You talked as if you were about to leave any second. You're annoying me until the very end."
A growling sound, as if involuntary, escaped his lips.
Kim Tae-hyun shook his head at the sight.
Space rippled.
Sparks flew around the radiance surrounding him, and magic power and divine power collided.
It was as if space itself was rejecting him.
[Just wait a little longer. The finishing touches are underway.]
The finishing touches likely referred to extracting magic power and divine power from his body.
His power, which had been like a vast sea, was now less than 20% of what it once was.
"Kim Tae-hyun... What are you up to again...?"
[Kim Tae-hyun is you now.]
"What?"
[Names have power. That name will allow you to exist in this world.]
"..."
He looked down at his body.
A sense of déjà vu washed over him.
Come to think of it, even the language he was using was that of an Earthling....
[I wish I had time to explain it to the other guys, but I'm really at my limit now.]
As he said that, the sparks emanating from Kim Tae-hyun's body intensified.
He was minimizing the leakage of holy power by surrounding it with divine power.
He was forcibly deceiving the laws of the world.
Why?
The answer to that question came easily.
Into the body from which all magic power and divine power had been extracted...
Swish, swish, swish-
Tzzzzz-
New power was surging in.
"......!!"
His body trembled involuntarily at the alien energy.
The mid-grade Constellation, 'The Demon King Who Defies Destiny'.
The low-grade Constellation, 'The Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds'.
The starlight born from the two Constellations in the Three Thousand Worlds.
The power of the Constellations who had shared the singularity that was him,
who had called him friend, was being distinguished and imprinted on his body.
[It's all done now.]
The Devourer grinned and dusted off his hands.
[The starlight of the Demon and myself is just a handful. And even that amount is limited.]
Only a handful.
But he said it would definitely save his life at least once in future battles.
"Useless..."
[Don't be so grumpy. We're about to part ways. Don't you have anything you want to say?]
"Wait for me. The day this body goes out there will be the day I devour you."
It was a threat, but it didn't work on Kim Tae-hyun.
He just smiled and said he would wait.
Damn it.
Treating him like a child.
Unable to contain the rising frustration, tears...
[Oh. Are you crying?]
Kim Tae-hyun burst into laughter.
Once again, space vibrated.
[It's nice to have a body, isn't it? You can cry like that, and everything.]
"Shut up. It's not like that."
Surprisingly, Kim Tae-hyun really did shut up.
Rustle.
With a wave of his hand, the chains that had been binding him disappeared.
[The covenant was made along with the holy power.]
He hadn't even agreed to it.
A covenant?
Even to his reaction of disbelief, Kim Tae-hyun continued to speak without concern.
[For the time being, you'll have to live as Kim Tae-hyun. But someday, the day will come when you'll get your own name. What name you get will depend on your future choices. I entrust the Three Thousand Worlds to you.]
No. Wait a minute...
As if his answer didn't matter,
Kim Tae-hyun looked up at the sky, finishing his words.
[It's ready now, Tower Lord.]
Hwaaaa.
The crimson sky opened, and new holy power enveloped Kim Tae-hyun's body.
His body, engulfed in holy power, gradually disappeared.
[Let's see then.]
The Devourer, having finished his second regression,
[Go wild.]
Vanished from the Three Thousand Worlds forever.
Kim Tae-hyun as he remembered.
That was his last memory of him.
What he saw when he regained consciousness again was a huge tree.
The Sacred Tree.
The newly renovated domain of the Fairy King around the Sacred Tree.
It was a sight he had seen countless times through Kim Tae-hyun's eyes and memories.
And.
In front of his eyes.
[Have you awakened?]
Rosaria. The benevolent Succubus Queen was waiting.
"......"
He looked around.
He could see that he had been lying in the Fairy King's domain.
[You pushed yourself too hard this time too.]
The Succubus Queen looked at him with concern.
He instinctively turned his head away.
He felt that if he met her crimson eyes, it would be revealed that he was not Kim Tae-hyun.
[...Contractor?]
'Damn it. Of all the people to meet, it had to be this one...'
Rosaria was the first Archduke with whom Kim Tae-hyun had contracted.
A comrade who knew Tae-hyun better than anyone else and shared many memories.
If she found out that he had taken over Kim Tae-hyun's body, what would she do?
A battle was inevitable.
"......"
He turned his body and checked his condition.
'A wreck.'
His existence was less than half of what he had used in the mental world.
It was the effect of returning to his original body after leaving the mental world.
How did he resist her with this body?
No, more than that, how should he get out of here?
The Fairy King's domain was no different from Kim Tae-hyun's base.
The bastards who were gathering were also Archdukes who were cooperating with the plan.
They were on bad terms with him, to say the least.
'If it's known that this body isn't Kim Tae-hyun...'
Rosaria in front of him, as well as the owner of the domain, the Fairy King, would not stand still.
'They won't readily believe that Kim Tae-hyun is gone.... I'll have to hide it for a while.'
Rosaria would try to thoroughly scan his memories with mental domination.
Elven would torture him by breaking down magic power into particle units and making him confess the truth.
Because they were half-crazed, bewitched by Kim Tae-hyun.
'Damn it. This is a fucked up situation.'
Kim Tae-hyun's habit of speech popped out without him realizing it.
[Contractor. Are you alright?]
He was awakened from his thoughts by the voice he heard.
Right now, the first thing was to get away from Rosaria's gaze.
"I'm... fine."
As smoothly as possible.
He softened his voice, recalling the usual Kim Tae-hyun.
[......]
Silence fell over the area.
Gulp.
He swallowed a dry gulp without realizing it.
5 seconds. 10 seconds. 15 seconds.
As the silence grew longer, cold sweat ran down his back.
This damn body was unnecessarily rich in receiving emotions.
Apart from the magic stones formed in his body, his heart was pounding.
It was a tension he had never felt even when facing numerous enemies in the mental world.
About 30 seconds passed like that.
Rosaria opened her mouth first.
[When this Queen came to her senses, she had also come out of the mental world. Igmun has escaped, and the four Demon Kings have returned to the Demon Realm. Gilfer is recovering through Elven.]
She calmly told him what had happened while he was unconscious.
"...Yeah. I want to rest a bit."
[I will call Elven.]
No. That crazy bitch is out of the...
Pulling himself together from his wavering emotions, he barely managed to continue speaking.
"No.... I want to be alone."
[...I understand. This Queen also intends to visit the Dream Demon Castle for a while, so call me anytime if you have anything to do.]
Before he could react, she opened a gate and disappeared.
She had teleported to the Dream Demon Castle in one go.
Her presence disappeared and another minute passed.
Only then was he able to turn his body.
"I've gotten past the crisis for now."
He hadn't even made eye contact, and they had only talked for a short time.
She probably hadn't noticed that he wasn't Kim Tae-hyun.
He sat down on the spot as he was and looked up at the sky.
He could see the crimson sky.
It was clearly the same crimson sky as in the mental world, but...
Was it because he was no longer trapped?
The meaning coming toward him was quite different.
"Freedom..."
He still couldn't believe the freedom he had been given so suddenly.
Kim Tae-hyun. The original's body.
Even though he had obtained the level of a Lower World King, it was still a flawed body.
How should he use this body?
He didn't think long.
He had watched enough of what Kim Tae-hyun was doing in these situations.
"Status window."
Name: Kim Tae-hyun
Age: ???
Rank: ???
Title: ???
[Unique Skill]
Predation 捕食(???) - Unavailable
Dream Eating 夢食(???) - Partially Allowed
King's Imprint (???) - Partially Allowed
Pandora's Box (???) - Cannot be Released
[General Skill]
Queen's Domain (???)
Queen's Order (???)
Space Leap (???)
Fairy King's Protection (???)
[Summon Skill]
Spirit King Igrid (???)
Spirit King Genki (???)
Spirit King Varanos (???)
Looking at the status window that had appeared, he let out a hollow laugh.
It was because there were so many items that appeared as '???'.
One of the reasons was that Kim Tae-hyun, who was preoccupied with climbing the tower, hadn't upgraded the status window, but another reason was that he didn't need to have numerical information like before to check his body condition.
"Only general skills are available right now."
He knew it, but it was a body with many restrictions in many ways.
Most of the restrictions would be lifted if he entered the mental world, but unlike Kim Tae-hyun, he could not receive the help of the Doppelganger.
He would have to avoid attracting others as much as possible.
'Holy power cannot be used.... For some reason, divine power has also been sealed. This is troublesome.'
The biggest blow was that he couldn't use Predation.
He was Predation itself. To have Predation sealed.
"I'm seeing all sorts of things as I get older."
He mumbled that for a moment.
Ding.
[Unique skill Predation (???) has been activated.]
[Unique skill Pandora's Box (???) has been activated.]
[Activation of unique skill Predation (???) has been cancelled.]
As expected, 'Pandora's Box' was forcibly activated and the skill was cancelled.
Just as he was clicking his tongue and shaking his head.
Ding.
A message appeared in front of his eyes.
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' warns you not to handle the brother's body recklessly.]
The Administrator of the Tower was the dwarf. Tolkien.
"What? Do you know who I am?"
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' says that he can see and hear everything that happens in the Tower.]
"Hoo."
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' vehemently supports the 'New Brother' continuing the will of the departed brother.]
New Brother.
The corners of his mouth rose at the unexpected title.
'Yeah.... Tolkien may seem incompetent, but he is still a executive of the Tower, no matter what.'
He was an ally who could help him move forward.
Then it was necessary to establish the hierarchy firmly.
"What's the reward?"
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' tilts his head, saying that he doesn't know what you're talking about.]
"You don't mean I have to climb the tower without pay, do you? Who knows what kind of bastards will pop out in the future."
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' is flustered.]
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' raises his voice, asking if you have forgotten the covenant with the brother.]
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' feels deeply disappointed in the 'New Brother's attitude.]
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' is...]
Numerous messages obscured his vision.
The more that happened, the more his raised corners of his mouth did not come down.
"Hey, Administrator of the Tower."
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' feels unpleasant with your insolent intentions.]
At this moment.
He didn't need to play the part of Kim Tae-hyun.
"If you keep being noisy."
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' raises his head, telling you to keep talking.]
"I'll eat you."
All he needed was a threat.
Part 2, Episode 109
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' twitches.]
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' is outraged, telling you not to make such frightening sounds with their brother's body.]
"This is my body now. I am Kim Taehyun."
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' misses their true brother.]
"Dwarf. You better play along."
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' vows to do their best for their brother's goals.]
"Right. Now that I'm the master, you better come running when I call, for your own good…"
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' misses their brother who went outside.]
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' says they have urgent business and moves away.]
[The 'Administrator of the Tower' advises not to call them unless it's an emergency.]
With those words, the message floating before his eyes disappeared.
"Tch. I'm telling you, I'm Kim Taehyun."
Taehyun clicked his tongue and shook his head.
The owner of the body is Kim Taehyun.
The owner of the mental world is the Doppelganger.
The days of such a simple dichotomy were over.
"……."
He quietly stroked his chin.
It was the body he had so desperately wanted to obtain, but now that he had it, he felt only emptiness.
It probably had to do with the fact that it wasn't stolen, but forcibly given.
"For the time being, it's better to act like Kim Taehyun."
Just looking at the dwarf's reaction, it was clear that he wasn't friendly towards him.
If the other Archdukes learned the truth, their reactions would be obvious.
Thud.
He created a chair with magic and leaned back.
It was bland compared to the throne he used in the mental world, but this kind of usage would help the body adapt.
Sitting in the chair, with his chin resting on his hand, he thought about the tasks given to him.
"The Tower."
He had to climb the Tower.
He had to climb to the 100th floor and seize all the possibilities given to him.
"Just being a Mid-Grade Constellation is enough to switch the ownership of the body."
The corner of his lips twisted into a bitter smile.
"It's always better to set the goal high."
A phrase Kim Taehyun often used.
High-Grade Constellation.
He had to at least achieve that level to make the hardship worthwhile.
Steal all the possibilities of the Three Thousand Worlds and achieve the rank of a High-Grade Constellation.
Go outside and devour Kim Taehyun, who is in the Lower-Grade Constellation state, and Yoma, who is a Mid-Grade Constellation.
If he coveted their ranks, which were connected to the Authority of Gluttony, he might even try to devour the dragon, a High-Grade Constellation, when the opportunity arose.
"If I go all the way, the ending will be me winning."
Taehyun smiled in satisfaction.
Before, he was trapped in the mental world and didn't have many opportunities, but now it was different.
If there was someone annoying, he could eliminate them directly, or he could step back and watch the situation.
"What's left are the Demon Race, the Vampire Race, and Asmodeus."
Gilfer, who was briefly the strongest Demon King, had become a Lower-Grade Demon, and the four Demon Kings were no match for him.
The Vampire Race had been abandoned by their leader, Igmun, and had already been absorbed into Rosaria's territory.
Asmodeus had hidden himself, making it impossible to track him down immediately.
In reality, he had practically won the territory war.
"I need to select those who will be helpful in climbing the Tower."
Taehyun rose from the chair and went outside.
The Fairy Forest.
A space as vast as his own mental world.
As a space where the Divine Tree supplied infinite magic power, his stamina and magic power were being restored just by walking around.
After walking a short distance, he saw Typhon taking a hot spring bath in the Fairy Spring.
"The Giant King. He wouldn't be a bad first conversational partner."
Taehyun walked towards him without hesitation.
Kugugu. Kugugugu.
Taehyun looked up at the Giant King, who was shaking his massive body.
"……."
He was just snoring, but magic power was being scattered around.
Sparks flew in the air as if electricity was flowing, and the Fairy Spring he was immersed in was experiencing a tidal surge as if a tsunami had occurred.
The area around the Fairy Spring was overturned as if an earthquake had occurred, forming mountain ranges, and lava was bubbling from several pits as if volcanoes were about to erupt.
Whoooosh. Whoosh.
A strong wind was blowing through the Giant King's open mouth.
"He awakened the Authority of the Great Elements… Could it be that it manifests even while he's sleeping?"
Taehyun let out a hollow laugh at the complex disaster unfolding before his eyes.
"Typhon."
He quietly spoke the Giant King's name.
The five disasters stopped simultaneously.
Shhh.
The Giant King's closed eyes opened.
He looked as natural as if he hadn't been sleeping at all.
[Brother. Are you awake?]
"Yes. I just came to my senses a little while ago."
[Puhuhuhu. Then and now, once you faint, there's no telling when you'll wake up.]
"I think the same could be said of you. Are you recovering from your injuries?"
He had fought against two Demon Kings, Mamon and Mephisto, so he couldn't have been without injuries.
He asked with that thought in mind, but.
[If a scratch is an injury, then I suppose you could say that.]
Typhon showed a purple-tinged little finger.
"You concentrated the poison in one place."
He treated the poison of the Demon Kings remaining in his body as if it were mere mud.
It seemed that the gap between Typhon and the Demon Kings was greater than he had expected.
"He says he has gone against countless timelines. He lives up to his name."
[Hmph. Not comparable to you, Brother, who repeats regression as you please.]
Taehyun and Typhon exchanged meaningful glances and let out strange smiles.
[Brother. You seem to have changed your personality after waking up?]
"Isn't the same true of you?"
[…….]
"Not showing change even after being toyed with by the play of timelines. That would be even stranger."
If there was a difference in his personality, it was the price he paid for repeating and reversing regression and timelines.
Taehyun glossed over it casually.
[That's not wrong. Even I, this original self, didn't think the day would come when I would play family games with the Archdukes.]
He thought it would be better to just skip that.
He deliberately didn't speak the thoughts that came to mind.
'Typhon should be kept as an allied force.'
An Archduke who achieved the rank of Upper Realm King in a certain timeline.
One of the great sculptures that the One God painstakingly created.
He and Kim Taehyun were on casually friendly terms, calling each other brother.
He could be described with various modifiers, but what he liked was its simplicity.
'If he's an eccentric who accepts even death for the sake of entertainment, there's a high possibility that he won't betray me even if he finds out my true identity later.'
The problem was the Succubus Queen Rosaria.
She was the original's first contract partner.
"It seems like there's a strange atmosphere flowing between Rosaria and you."
[Puhuhu. Do you think I'm being a busybody?]
"You're making me feel hurt. I was in a position to support the union of the two species even in the past."
[Hahahahaha.]
Typhon made a pleasant laugh.
'He's a lively guy.'
He wasn't a bad conversational partner.
[Before and now, I've received an excessive debt. If it weren't for you, Brother, this timeline wouldn't exist.]
"Really?"
[Hmm?]
"Do you really think it's thanks to me?"
[Of course. If not you, Brother, who else could have gathered the Archdukes of the Lower World in one place? Twice, even.]
Typhon continued, as if recalling a pleasant memory.
[He even overcame the gap with the Upper Realm and won the Race Wars. I still can't forget the thrill of that time.]
Zeus, the owner of the Second Upper Realm.
The battle against Gabriel, who became the owner of the First Upper Realm.
Typhon, recalling the numerous battles he had with Taehyun besides these, shook his body.
Even if he lived countless years in the future, he would never forget those battles.
[Unlike the timeline when I was the Upper Realm King, there's a fun in achieving things one by one.]
'Fun…'
A pleasant smile appeared on Taehyun's face as he listened quietly.
"In that case, can you do me a favor?"
[A favor?]
"It's not something to be done right away."
[Puhuhuhu. As you'd expect, you're plotting something again.]
He said he would grant anything as long as it didn't harm his relationship with Rosaria.
The Archduke with the strongest force had shown a friendly attitude.
How pleased he was with that sight.
"Just once."
Taehyun raised his index finger and made eye contact with Typhon.
"I want you to risk your life for me."
[…….]
"……."
After exchanging meaningful glances for a moment.
[That's not a difficult thing.]
"Hoh."
[I swear on my rank.]
Just once.
No matter the situation, he would risk his life for his brother.
Taehyun, having obtained the promise from the Giant King, nodded with a satisfied expression.
"Thank you."
He passed the Fairy Spring and walked aimlessly.
How long had he walked?
He felt a clash of magic power in the distance.
"Orgah and Jormungandr, is it?"
The Beast King and the Sea Serpent King.
They were the ones who had joined hands to defeat Typhon in the past.
They were once allies, but now they were radiating magic power as if to kill each other.
Unlike the clash of magic power, when he got closer, it was a one-sided assault.
Kwaang. Kwang. Kwaaang.
Orgah's fist, compressing his muscles, struck Jormungandr, who was bound in chains.
He was minimizing the impact using magic power, but.
Kwaang!!!
[Keuh….]
The owner of the Odd Eyes could only react painfully to the impact he couldn't offset in time.
Clatter.
Orgah grabbed the chains and lifted the bowed head of the Sea Serpent King.
[Hey, you runt! Didn't I tell you to lower your eyes when looking at your older brothers!]
Thwack.
Orgah's thick palm slapped Jormungandr's cheek.
[Keuh… Crazy bastard… You can't do a thing against Hazard….]
[I will be sorting out the hierarchy with him soon.]
Kwaajik!
Orgah's fist struck Jormungandr's abdomen.
[Keuluk….]
Jormungandr vomited blood.
It was quickly recovered with ultra-high-speed regeneration, but he couldn't control the pain.
Kwaajik. Kwadeuk. Kwaang.
[If I'm released… I'll kill you….]
Jormungandr swallowed the pain and spat out words like a curse.
[You little!]
Bang! Bang! Kwaang!
Orgah continued to kick in indignation.
Just as Jormungandr's tattered body was hanging from the chains.
[Ah… Master. You've awakened!]
Orgah, who discovered Taehyun, bent his thick waist and lowered his head.
"Master…"
Taehyun's lips twitched at the unfamiliar title.
"Not bad."
[Hahaha. Master, you're finally accepting my heart!]
Taehyun nodded as he looked at the groveling Orgah.
"What were you doing?"
[I was reforming the runt's mind. He still can't accept his situation and continues to commit disrespectful acts.]
"……"
Taehyun looked at the chains binding Jormungandr's body.
Orgah hurriedly began to explain.
[Ah, the big sister made this herself. She told me to focus on educating the runt since it would prevent him from using his Authority.]
'Elven. That crazy bitch is spreading her bad habits.'
He couldn't say those thoughts out loud.
Kim Taehyun was, on the surface, in a position where he didn't stop Elven's family games.
Taehyun, who had been analyzing the current situation for a moment, opened his mouth.
"Orgah. Your Authority was 'Enhancement,' right."
[That's right. It's a shabby skill compared to Master's Authority.]
Orgah depreciated his Authority and rubbed his hands together.
"And Jormungandr's Authority was 'Rampage'?"
Taehyun asked as he looked at the Sea Serpent King, who was glaring at him.
As if all of this was because of him.
Anger was seething in his Odd Eyes.
[You!]
[Keuk….]
Blood spurted from Jormungandr's mouth at Orgah's punch.
[Eyes! I told you to be careful!]
[×××… ××… ××××….]
A mixture of expletives flowed from Jormungandr's mouth.
[This guy is still….]
"Stop."
[Master…?]
"Put your fist down."
[…Understood.]
Taehyun made eye contact with Jormungandr, who was still glaring.
"Jormungandr. You seem to have a lot of complaints."
[…….]
"There are many things to do in the future. This kind of thing is troublesome."
[Don't… talk nonsense….]
[This guy….]
"Orgah. I told you not to interrupt."
Orgah lowered the hand he had slyly raised at Taehyun's gaze.
"I will give you a chance to sort out the hierarchy."
[……!!]
The light shone for the first time in Jormungandr's eyes, which had only held anger.
"If that happens, Orgah won't have to put unnecessary effort into correction, and you won't have to keep getting hit."
[What are you plotting….]
"Or are you going to keep getting hit by our runt? While being forced to play a role you can't accept?"
[…….]
Jormungandr was silent.
"Orgah, what do you think?"
[That's a good idea! Master!]
"He says so. How about it?"
[…….]
The silence didn't last long.
[I accept.]
"Good."
Hwaaa.
Taehyun created a Personal Space.
The ground was a desert, and the sky was dyed red.
It was a space modeled after his mental world.
Thud.
He sat on his familiar throne and flicked his hand.
"Now, kill each other. The last one standing is the winner."
[……!!]
[……!!]
Brown and blue.
The Authorities of Enhancement and Rampage collided, and the space rippled.
Blood and flesh splattered.
"Yes. This is it."
Taehyun, with a satisfied face, was watching the bloody battle of the two Archdukes.
The battle between Orgal and Jormungandr was not easily decided.
Simply comparing their power levels in the grand scheme of things:
'Jormungandr's power is a cut above.'
However, due to the sustained beating, Jormungandr's physical condition was far from normal.
The fact that he could even put up a fight against a fully prepared Orgal was remarkable.
As the chains were released and Jormungandr revealed his true form, his odd eye gleamed.
The surrounding mana sea surged, beginning to crush Orgal's body.
[Tickles, kid!]
Orgal, regenerating at super speed, slammed his fist into Jormungandr's jaw.
[……!!]
Jormungandr's tail constricted the falling Orgal.
[Kuh… you….]
Orgal compressed his muscles to withstand the pressure.
Kwa-dud-dud.
With the authority of Enhancement, the strength of his body became even more precise.
Rather, it looked as if Jormungandr's tailbone was being crushed.
[Kahaaaak…!!]
Jormungandr released his tail and opened his jaws to bite Orgal.
Blue mana condensed in his jaws.
Breath.
An energy no less powerful than Hazard's gathered.
Orgal, who was blocking the jaws with both hands, also opened his mouth.
Kwaaaa.
Mana began to condense in his open mouth.
It was obvious that if they clashed head-on like this, both Archdukes would suffer damage.
'Orgal is one thing. Jormungandr is making a regrettable choice.'
Then.
"Hoo."
Taehyun stared at the enormous gate that had appeared above Jormungandr.
A position that Orgal couldn't see from his perspective.
Srrr.
Jormungandr's massive body disappeared as if being sucked in.
And.
[……!!]
Kwaaaa.
Breath poured down on the flustered Orgal.
The Demon Beast King, reacting too late, let out a groan like a scream.
This attack must have been a significant blow, as super-speed regeneration didn't seem to be working.
"It ended more easily than I thought. 'Enhancement' has clear limitations if you can't overwhelm with magic power."
That's what Taehyun was thinking when.
[You… kid… are you done….]
Brown magic power rose from Orgal's body.
"What do we have here?"
The power was stronger than before.
He couldn't help but let out a laugh.
"You're growing."
Unlike the other Archdukes, Orgal didn't have the advantage of his previous life's growth or memories.
Moreover, before he could even regain his dignity as an Archduke, he had been disciplined by Elven, Typhon, and Rosaria, and was forced to take on the role of the youngest.
It was only natural that the growth of his power had stalled in the process.
But now.
With the single-minded determination to pass on the role of the youngest, he had entered the path of growth himself while fighting Jormungandr.
Cheeeeeek.
Empowered by Orgal's enhanced magic power, the torn and burned muscles were recovering.
Just a moment ago, he was the weakest of the Archdukes.
[You underestimated me! The Demon Beast King!!]
Orgal roared, entering the next stage of his authority.
The space shook with the beast's howl.
Jormungandr didn't care and created two more gates.
Blue mana flowed in from the three gates.
"Oh. This one also had hidden cards?"
[Beast. You will pay the price for mocking me.]
Jormungandr said, his odd eye shining.
[You snake bastard, who are you looking down on?]
Orgal retorted.
The Archduke who had begun to grow, and the Archduke who had revealed his hidden cards.
The magic power of the two Archdukes, both claiming to be the true rulers, began to clash again.
At the scene of the battle.
"The fight of these amateurs is worth watching... but it will take quite some time."
Hwaaa.
Colorless and purple magic power rose from Taehyun's body.
Multiple Personal Spaces.
Two more domains were added, centered on the current space.
A density that ensured the domain wouldn't break even if the two Archdukes revealed more hidden cards.
"The one still standing when I come back is the winner."
Leaving those brief words, Taehyun left the space.
The next place he visited was Lucifer.
Finding him wasn't difficult.
Lucifer's Sky Castle was in the Fairy Forest.
Unlike the Sky Castles that floated around the Lower Realm, he was alone in the Fairy Forest with only his Sky Castle.
Briefly unleashing the wings of the Demon Clan, Taehyun landed on the Sky Castle.
[This is unusual. That you would seek this place.]
Lucifer, sitting on the throne, asked as he watched Taehyun shed his disguise.
"I should be saying that. I didn't expect you to be quietly holed up in a place like this."
[…….]
Lucifer's eyes narrowed at the somewhat disrespectful language.
[Your personality seems to have changed.]
"Typhon said the same thing. It would be strange if it didn't change after walking through timelines as often as eating rice."
Lucifer nodded at the mention of Typhon.
That brute-like Giant King was showing a rational side.
As a result, he had even developed a strange relationship with the Succubus Queen.
It wouldn't be a problem if Taehyun's attitude, having regressed and facing the memories of various timelines, was somewhat crooked.
[So. What's the reason for coming here?]
"Just thought I'd say hello."
[Was that also the case with Orgal and Jormungandr?]
"Were you watching?"
Taehyun grinned.
It seemed he knew that he had confined Orgal and Jormungandr in a Personal Space.
And what was happening inside it.
"If we're going to play family, we need a proper hierarchy."
[Play….]
The corners of Lucifer's lips twitched, not unaware of the meaning.
[I was just going along with it, thinking this kind of bonding before the upcoming war wasn't a bad thing.]
"Similar thoughts."
[Typhon. Orgal and Jormungandr. And you've chosen me as the next in line. Is there a reason?]
"You have more delicate aspects than I thought."
If this was the extent for Lucifer, who wasn't moving from the Sky Castle.
'Elven, the owner of the forest, wouldn't be unaware either.'
The domains of the Archdukes in the forest.
Unless they used a space isolated from the outside, they could sense even a whisper.
"I just wanted to see you and talk to you directly, there's no grand reason."
[…….]
Taehyun's two eyes met the red eyes of the former Archangel, which contained emptiness.
Lucifer, the Lower Realm Archduke with the authority of 'Regeneration.'
Lucifer, the Celestial Realm ruler with the authority of 'Radiance.'
Born as the ruler of the 1st Celestial Realm, but fallen and newly enthroned as an Archduke in the Lower Realm.
He was quite a handful in Kim Taehyun's first regression.
[It's out of the blue. So, what do you think after seeing me in person?]
"Strong."
Taehyun voiced his instinctive impression.
Lucifer had recovered the power of both Archduke and Celestial Realm ruler.
At this point, he was on par with Typhon in handling Divine Magic Power, and he could even become the Upper Realm King if he wanted to.
[I don't think I should be hearing that from someone who has already recovered their power.]
"Lucifer. I heard that Kim Taehyun took on the role of the 1st Celestial Realm ruler when he went outside."
Kim Taehyun's 1st regression.
Lucifer was one of the Archdukes who survived while preserving his power.
He didn't disappear like Rosaria or Typhon, nor did he become untraceable like Igmun, Orgal, or Hazard.
Just as Elven became the Upper Realm King and Gilfel became the Lower Realm King.
He had the power to aim for the Integrated King at any time if he wanted to.
Nevertheless, he was satisfied with his deprived position as the 1st Celestial Realm ruler and helped Elven rebuild the Upper Realm.
Pulling down Michael, pulling down Asmodeus, who was the Upper Realm King, and advancing to the outside of the Three Thousand Worlds with Kim Taehyun.
"I remember you harboring such ambitions."
[…….]
Lucifer's red eyes quietly scanned Taehyun.
It was only after a moment that his mouth opened.
[You speak as if you're treating yourself as someone else.]
Taehyun shrugged and said nonchalantly.
The original Kim Taehyun who left to the outside.
The doppelganger Kim Taehyun who decided to seize the possibilities of the Three Thousand Worlds.
They shared the same name, body, and memories.
But there was a considerable gap to be considered the same being.
'I am a predator.'
If he fully accepted the name Kim Taehyun.
'The predator of the Three Thousand Worlds' and he would devour all the possibilities prepared by 'The Fiend King who defies fate'.
'After daring to covet the two Constellations who used this body.'
There was no reason to reveal such thoughts, so he made up an excuse.
[Same here.]
"……?"
Lucifer showed an unexpected reaction.
[The former Upper and Lower Realm Kings.]
Lucifer carefully uttered the existence of the Constellations as if confirming the law.
Hwaaa.
The purple magic power emitted by Taehyun formed a Personal Space.
"In this place, there's no need to pay attention to the law."
Having obtained the power of the Integrated King and meeting the Tower Master, he was able to withstand minor laws.
'If there's a dangerous situation, that dwarf bastard will take some action.'
He gestured for the Fallen Angel in front of him to speak.
[Dragon. Fiend. Predator.]
Lucifer uttered the names of the Constellations.
He then continued, satisfied that he was not restricted.
[I was planning to seize the next level like them. To do that, I thought it was necessary to stabilize the Three Thousand Worlds, my home planet.]
In other words.
[I just thought there was no need to place any more meaning on things like Lower Realm King, Upper Realm King, or Integrated King.]
"Because you can take those positions at any time if necessary?"
[I won't deny it.]
"Arrogant."
[Do you think it's impossible?]
"No. I think you could have somehow made it possible. That's why I'm saying this."
[…….]
"As far as I know, there are two ways to go outside."
The first is to kill Noname, the creator of the world, and steal his power.
The second is to have an existence that the Three Thousand Worlds cannot handle and be banished outside.
The former is the method used by the Dragon and the Fiend, and the latter is the method used by the Predator.
"You were aiming for the latter, right?"
[…….]
Lucifer showed a reaction that was neither denial nor affirmation.
At the time, his power was about two levels below that of the Integrated King Kim Taehyun.
In the stabilized Three Thousand Worlds.
If he took the power of the beings who reigned as the Lower and Upper Realm Kings, thereby trying to possess a power that the Three Thousand Worlds could not contain, he was not unaware.
[Arrogant?]
"Yes."
[It's you who's arrogant….]
"Would the three Constellations have left you alone after you messed up your home planet and came outside?"
[…….]
"The power wielded by the Constellations outside. Star Power is a power that defies reason."
The Fiend and the Predator cherish their home planets.
'If it's those guys this body knows… they would try to return the Three Thousand Worlds to its original state, even if they had to regress Lucifer.'
What about the Dragon?
"That guy would only think of keeping you as a subordinate or taking away your power. Haven't you experienced it once?"
[…….]
Lucifer recalled the events just before he was banished from the Upper Realm in the past.
He had also heard from Typhon.
What kind of things the Dragon had done to collect possibilities.
"You wouldn't have been able to stay outside for long without proper preparation."
[So?]
Anger welled up in Lucifer's voice.
[Are you saying that even in this regression, I should quietly become a stepping stone?]
Lucifer's empty red eyes turned blue.
What could be felt from his eyes was Divine Power.
A power that couldn't be compared to the magic power emitted by Orgal or the half-baked Divine Power emitted by Jormungandr.
It was a welcome reaction for Taehyun.
"No. This time, I'll help you."
[You're up to something.]
He responded to the Fallen Angel's gaze, which was quietly looking at him, with a smile.
"Anyway, the timeline is twisted and the existence of the Three Thousand Worlds has increased. Even the previous Integrated King can't be banished outside."
The current timeline, where numerous possibilities are concentrated due to the medium of the Tower.
It's a world that has been made strong enough to withstand even the Star Power of many Constellations, even if it's just remnants.
Currently, they reside on the 5th floor.
It's unlikely that Lucifer alone will be able to conquer the remaining 95 floors of the Tower.
"But things will be different with me."
Taehyun reached out his hand.
"I promise. I will lead you outside."
And.
"Why don't we hunt the Constellations together?"
He made a proposal that couldn't be refused.
Part 2, Episode 111
Thud.
Taehyun, having jumped from the Sky Castle, landed on the ground.
Swish.
The Demon King form, which he had tried out as a test, was undone, and he returned to his original appearance.
The deep blue mana reverted to a crimson color.
"Orgal and Jormungandr are still fighting..."
Even if their dignity as Archdukes was somewhat damaged, it seemed they wouldn't stop until a winner was decided.
Orgal, who had entered a stage of growth, was one thing, but Jormungandr, in his abnormal state, would be in for a tough fight.
"Well, that's what battles are all about."
As long as they didn't die, he could ask Lucifer to heal them.
"If they die, then there's nothing that can be done."
Taehyun said nonchalantly as he strolled through the forest.
In the mental world, he could manipulate the terrain as he wished, but with the limitations of time and space, it was quite a hassle.
"Adapting to a real body is also a task."
Kim Taehyun had left to fulfill the role of a predator, and within hours of his activities, he had met half of his allied forces.
Based on their respective desires, he had also secured promises from them.
'So far, so good.'
A smile formed on Taehyun's lips.
All that remained were Hazzard, Elven, Rosaria, and Gilfer.
'Elven and Rosaria are last.'
Typhon and Lucifer didn't seem to mind his changed attitude, but they were the Archdukes closest to Kim Taehyun.
There was a possibility that his identity might be exposed.
'Even if I'm exposed, I need to bring in at least one more ally before that happens.'
Even if he couldn't use Predation, his individual strength had already recovered to the peak level of his first regression.
Even if Elven and Rosaria teamed up and attacked, he could somehow subdue them.
"Hmm... no. Their authorities will be very useful in the future."
Elven's anti-magic power and assimilation with divine beasts.
Rosaria's mind control and teleportation.
For him, who had lost the mental world and Predation, their authorities had endless potential.
He had to maintain a good relationship with them as much as possible and use them to climb the tower.
"Then the next one would be Hazzard."
Whoosh.
Crimson mana spread out from under his feet.
A lair was detected not far away.
The aura of a demonic dragon was felt within.
He recalled how Kim Taehyun had captured her heart.
'The Dragon Lord wanted independence from the Demonic Dragon King.'
All he had to do was touch her desire a little, just like he did with Lucifer.
He thought it wouldn't be difficult to make her his ally.
But then.
[The answer is no.]
Looking at Hazzard, who was sipping tea in front of him.
"......"
Taehyun was at a loss for words.
"Did I hear wrong?"
[It seems you heard correctly.]
"......"
He looked at her with an incomprehensible expression.
[If you want, I can say it again. This dragon refuses your offer.]
Hazzard replied firmly and drank the newly poured tea.
"I don't understand."
Taehyun stared at her quietly and continued,
"Climbing the tower with me. Was that such a difficult offer to accept?"
Hazzard quietly sipped her tea without replying.
Having finally emptied one cup, she waved her hand.
The space rippled, and several teacups were summoned in addition.
'Magic, huh.'
Another specialty of the dragon race, who possessed blessed bodies.
Compared to authority, its power was insignificant, but it was undeniable that it was a useful skill in many ways.
'What's important now is not magic.'
Typhon, who was willing to help Taehyun with all her might.
Orgal and Jormungandr, who were busy fighting to establish their hierarchy.
Lucifer, who wanted to become a constellation himself, breaking away from the status of a creation.
In addition to Gilfer, Elven, and Rosaria, whom he had not yet had a proper conversation with.
All of the Archdukes of the lower realm, except for Igmun, had a contract with Taehyun.
And were gathered in the fairy forest to help the tower.
"The offer to climb the tower together should be quite ordinary, right?"
[......]
"It's just to reconfirm each other's goals and strengthen the contract."
Hazzard only tilted her teacup and did not answer any further.
It was an unfamiliar situation, but now was the time to play the role of Kim Taehyun.
Taehyun picked up a teacup that she had not touched.
Slightly.
Hazzard, who gave it a brief glance, summoned five more teacups.
"......"
[......]
In silence, the two transcendents sipped their teacups.
It was when the round table was filled with empty teacups.
[I didn't know you liked tea.]
Hazzard asked quietly.
"I never said I liked it."
[For someone who doesn't, you emptied ten cups?]
Hazzard pointed to the empty cup in front of Taehyun.
"I don't intend to return until I get an answer to my question. I'm participating in a hobby that doesn't suit me."
[......?]
"I'm a little curious."
[Your personality has changed.]
"Typhon and Lucifer said the same thing. Of course, there was no need to beat around the bush with those guys."
[Is that so.]
Hazzard waved her hand.
Swish.
The teacups that had been placed between them disappeared.
[Now we can start a conversation.]
"......?"
Taehyun gave her a look as if to ask what she meant.
"Weren't we already having a conversation?"
[That was more like coercion than conversation.]
"......"
For someone with the authority of intimidation to talk about coercion.
Taehyun couldn't hide his dumbfounded reaction.
[This dragon doesn't know much about divine power. I only vaguely understand the weight you had to bear as a constellation.]
"I thought my explanation was sufficient."
Using Rosaria's authority, he had informed her about the 2nd regression and the constellation war.
That was why she had made a contract with Taehyun and promised to stay in the fairy forest.
[You were exposed to the power of the three constellations, and your personality has changed a lot.]
"......"
Taehyun closed his mouth at Hazzard's words.
Because her words contained a lot.
[The Kim Taehyun that this dragon knew was not someone who recklessly touched other people's desires.]
Even if he touched their desires, he would go through a reasonable process to win their hearts.
Hazzard said, looking into Taehyun's eyes.
"The middle realm. Did you learn the mindset of those humans?"
[There's no reason not to.]
Taehyun sighed at Hazzard's reaction.
"Are you saying that an existence like an Archduke is being influenced by such a thing?"
[Aren't you also from the middle realm? I thought it rubbed off on you.]
Hazzard's voice was soft but firm.
[None of the Archdukes gathered here are ordinary. And their purposes are all different.]
"So you're saying we should make a new contract to suit their purposes, right?"
Taehyun's voice was tinged with annoyance.
Her words had been going around in circles since earlier.
The law of the jungle.
He, who had always lived by the logic of power, did not welcome this kind of question and answer.
He was always the one asking, and the answer was always predetermined.
[You offered to help me climb the tower and achieve the rank of constellation. You said that I wouldn't be treated as expendable by my ancestors.]
"I didn't lie."
[It's not a lie. I won't deny that it's true.]
"But why!"
Why won't she accept the offer and keep telling such absurd stories?
Taehyun glared at Hazzard's red eyes.
Her red eyes were neither playful like Typhon's nor empty like Lucifer's.
She was just observing her opponent.
No emotion could be felt.
'That guy who risked his life to save Kim Taehyun... did he regain his memories and have a problem with his personality?'
When he thought that far.
"......"
He felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
Immediately after Kim Taehyun became a predator and went outside.
The first one he encountered was Rosaria.
Even if Orgal and Jormungandr weren't in a situation to do so.
Typhon and Lucifer all said that his personality seemed to have changed.
Hazzard even went so far as to reject his offer.
'Am I missing something?'
He recalled the steps Kim Taehyun had taken in his mind.
There were things that he thought he was acting out of place.
There were also things that he dismissed as recklessness that he trusted and used.
But there was not a single thing that he did not do his best in.
'That guy didn't try to solve it alone.'
He took humans called players as his companions.
In the lower realm, he formed relationships with the Archdukes.
In the upper realm, he used the Absolutes.
In the Great War to determine the Lower Realm King and the Integrated King, he went in and out of the mental world like his own home.
He thought he had chosen them according to their usefulness.
He was going to imitate Kim Taehyun's actions appropriately and use the possibilities he had achieved as a means.
'Was it so obvious?'
Typhon and Lucifer.
And Hazzard.
He was able to understand the meaning of their gazes at him more deeply.
"Ha."
A hollow laugh came out.
By contemplating for a moment, he was able to recall numerous possibilities.
Hazzard quietly watched Taehyun's appearance.
"Thank you. I feel much clearer thanks to you."
[You've changed again in a short time. I can't say it's just because of the influence of being in contact with divine power.]
"No. It's because of the influence of being in contact with divine power."
The owner of the body had changed.
There was no way he could say that there was no influence.
"I apologize for my rudeness. And I express my gratitude for your realization."
[Oh? What is it?]
"If it weren't for you, I would have been chasing after the ghosts of the past forever."
[Ghosts... are you talking about before you came into contact with divine power?]
"You've changed in a short time too. Is that because you came into contact with divine power?"
He answered a question with a question.
A smile appeared on Hazzard's face.
It was the first expression of emotion she had shown since entering the lair.
[It seems like we have a lot to talk about.]
"Yes."
[Tea is essential for conversation.]
Hazzard waved her hand with a pleasant look.
Swish.
A tea table was set up in front of them.
[There are various gourmet foods in the middle realm. Even if the story gets long, it won't be boring.]
"Don't be surprised when you hear it."
Crunch.
Taehyun, who bit into one of the refreshments, lifted the teacup with familiar movements.
He excluded Tolkien, who had become the Tower Lord and the Tower's Administrator, and shared many stories.
The fact that Kim Taehyun, the owner of the body, had gone outside, and the fact that the mission of the Tower had been passed on to him, who existed in the mental world.
He guessed that Rosaria and Elven wouldn't like the current situation.
He confessed the truth to Hazzard as if he were making a confession.
"That's what happened."
Click.
Hazzard, who had put down her teacup, nodded quietly.
[In other words, the existence called a doppelganger came to use the contractor's name.]
"Now that you've heard the truth, do you want to cancel the contract?"
Taehyun asked with a relieved face.
Not acting as Kim Taehyun, who had gone outside, but showing himself as he was.
It was an action he had tried as an experiment for that purpose.
Judging from the fact that the subtly uncomfortable feeling had disappeared, the effect was not bad.
[I never thought I would be sitting face to face with that reckless person from the contractor's mental world.]
"Reckless is too much."
[In human terms, it's a long life.]
"So. Can I get an answer now?"
The initial offer.
"I want to make a new contract with all the Archdukes for the sake of the Tower."
Not with Kim Taehyun, who had gone outside.
A contract with himself, who was called a doppelganger. A pact of mutual trust, even in case of emergency.
[Since you told me a secret first, you have to pay a corresponding price, right?]
"Hmm...?"
Hazzard mentioned her identity as a Demonic Dragon.
The probability that she would have lost to the Lord of the Celestial Realm in the Race War of the 1st regression.
And the possibility that she became a puppet of the Demonic Dragon King.
He had only guessed, but he had never shared this story.
[After all, it is a world created by countless tangled timelines.]
"You came back unnecessarily."
[The understanding of each other has become clear.]
Hazzard held out her hand.
[I will climb the tower with you. I will help your tower in the name of the Lord.]
Taehyun grabbed the outstretched hand.
"You won't regret it."
[Please take care of me. New brother.]
"......"
Muttering the unfamiliar word "brother."
"I welcome you to the contract with this body."
It was Taehyun, who did not hide his bitter smile.
Part 2 Episode 112
Leaving Hazard's lair, the bright sunlight dazzles my eyes.
"The weather's nice."
I thought the secret would be kept for quite a while, but sharing it actually makes me feel good.
'If it's Hazard, he'll keep the secret... That leaves three, no, two people.'
Rozaria, Elven.
Archdukes who have a deeper relationship with Kim Tae-hyun than anyone else.
How to get them to help me.
How long should I hide the fact that the original is gone and that I now possess Kim Tae-hyun's body?
I was thinking about that when it happened.
Kwaaaang... Kwaang... Kwaaaang....
A sound dragged into my ears.
"......"
I belatedly realized that my magic was colliding with something.
"Hoh."
Purple magic bloomed in Tae-hyun's eyes.
At the same time, I saw the battle of the two archdukes trapped in my personal space.
In the midst of a raging sea of magic.
Jormungandr, who had drawn out divine power, was running wild.
Orgal seemed to be unilaterally pushed back by the impact of the divine power and magic.
[Kahat... The youngest one has quite a lot pent up...!!]
Orgal didn't stop attacking even as he spat blood.
He repeats destruction and regeneration, constantly throwing punches.
If the flow continues like this, Jormungandr will win soon.
Ranking is essential before climbing the tower.
'The current timeline is said to be a place that maximizes potential.'
So, there's no need to stop the battle until Orgal completely kneels.
"Tsk, tsk. He's destined to never escape being the youngest."
As I was watching Orgal's desperate fight as he started to fall behind.
[Kim Tae-hyun.]
"......?"
I turned my head at the call and saw Gilfer.
Since his presence is weaker compared to the archdukes, I didn't even notice him approaching.
"You've saved me the trouble of finding you. I heard you were being treated by Elven?"
[The state of the original body is not a problem that can be solved by receiving treatment.]
'He knows it well.'
From the level of an ancient great demon to a demon king.
He restored his power to the level of a lower realm king by embedding a portion of divine power into his body.
But in the end, he was degraded once again.
"......"
I stared at Gilfer as he is now.
A low-ranking demon. Nothing more, nothing less.
"You've become pathetic."
[It's hard to deny. I heard you've been going around meeting the archdukes.]
"Were you watching?"
Since he said he was being treated by Elven, it wouldn't be strange if she shared her vision.
"Did you bring a message from Elven?"
[If she had something to say, she would have come herself. She is an omnipotent being here.]
"Well, that's not wrong."
The current Elven is different from when Kim Tae-hyun regressed the first time.
She didn't recover her power to the level of an upper realm king, but she wasn't killed like in the past.
An intact divine tree and bonsai scattered in the lower realm.
The spirit king of the spirit realm that is not cut off.
She can't use the divine tree of the upper realm, but even in her current form, she is a being worthy of discussing the strongest in the lower realm.
'Of course, that's only if this body isn't here.'
I belatedly evaluated the combat power of the archdukes.
'The strongest is Typhon, who has the power and memories of the upper realm king.'
Lucifer, who handles divine magic, has comparable power.
Hazard, who uses demonic energy, is a little lacking compared to Lucifer.
Orgal and Jormungandr are competing fiercely.
Gilfer, who was the strongest demon king, has become too weak to even compare.
Rozaria, who grew up alongside the youma and the predator, will rise to the ranks of the strongest as soon as her dream eating is restored.
'The vampire lord who ran away and the four demon kings who fled to the demon realm. That's about it if you think about archduke-level power.'
Then, a message popped up with a sound.
Tring.
['Tower Manager' hints that you shouldn't forget about him either.]
'Ah, right.'
His power doesn't reach the archdukes, but his abilities are treated as archduke-level, Meister.
'Come to think of it, is this guy's race still enslaved in this timeline? Useful as consumables in the war with the upper realm...'
['Tower Manager' is silent.]
['Tower Manager' becomes depressed.]
['Tower Manager' quietly hides his presence.]
'You useless guy.'
It seems like he can read my thoughts to some extent, and he runs away like a ghost when he realizes I'm trying to probe him.
[What are you thinking so deeply about with the original body in front of you?]
"It's nothing. More than that, I think I asked what you came for?"
[I want to hear your future plans.]
"Future? Isn't it obvious?"
Tae-hyun gestured with his chin towards the giant divine tree that can be seen anywhere in the fairy forest.
"The tower."
[I see.]
"Don't beat around the bush, and say what you want to say."
[While I was unconscious...]
"Are you trying to say that this body's personality has changed?"
[......]
"I've already heard enough from the other guys, so there's no need to remind me."
[I see.]
After a moment of meeting Tae-hyun's indifferent gaze.
Gilfer opened his mouth.
[The original body will also join your tower.]
"I refuse."
[Is it because I was degraded?]
"You're a burden in future battles. It would be too much for you to even play the role of a porter."
[It will take time, but recovering my existence...]
"Isn't that just limited to the lower realm?"
The 100-story tower where the possibilities of the three thousand worlds are gathered.
The deepest part of the lower realm, where Kim Tae-hyun achieved the greatest growth in his past regressions.
The place where the archdukes' territorial wars took place is assigned to the 5th floor.
It's not known how many floors the upper realm extends to, and perhaps another space will pop out from the 6th floor instead of the upper realm.
"If I take you to a place like that, you'll just be a hindrance."
Even so.
"If you made such a foolish claim, there must be something that would attract this body's attention, right?"
[Divine power.]
"......"
Tae-hyun's face frowned at the sudden mention.
Divine power is a force that even I, who used predation in the mental world, ran away from.
[Even if it's just a handful. The vessel that contains that power will have a different possibility than before.]
"Did Igmun say that?"
[That's right.]
"Where is that bug?"
Tae-hyun asked, not hiding his hostility.
The vampire lord is handling a part of the divine power in the labyrinth.
What's suspected is the avatar state.
If I take his power before leaving for the upper realm conquest, it will be helpful in the tower.
No, maybe the place where he's hiding is another floor of the tower.
[Why should the original body tell you?]
"What...?"
[There's no reason to tell you.]
Gilfer's voice was dry.
Tae-hyun let out a hollow laugh.
"This is another unexpected reaction."
[Make a pledge with the original body. If you do, I'll tell you where Igmun is.]
"What makes this body believe you?"
[The same goes for the original body.]
Gilfer crossed his arms.
[After talking, I'm sure I know. You are not the original body's brother...]
Hwaaaak.
Suddenly, a personal space unfolded around Tae-hyun.
Tripled, a space with a higher density than the one unfolded for Orgal and Jormungandr.
[I see.]
"......"
[You are not the original body's brother... Kim Tae-hyun.]
"Hmm. This body has been in contact with the power of the constellation in the previous battle and has changed somewhat in personality."
[Is that what you said to Elven and Rozaria as well?]
"......"
[The other archdukes might not care. No, the same goes for the other guys. They knew, but they indulged in your foolish act.]
Typhon will not refuse the request of an existence with the body of Kim Tae-hyun for the sake of gratitude.
Lucifer wouldn't care if it was Kim Tae-hyun or a doppelganger as long as he achieved his goal.
Hazard said that he wouldn't be afraid of adventure if he could escape the fate related to his ancestors.
[Orgal and Jormungandr. Those poor things can be sufficiently suppressed by your power. They admire that power more than the truth of the brother, so they won't suspect it much.]
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
Tae-hyun, who had been listening quietly, clapped his hands.
"Amazing. So amazing that I want to kill you right here and now."
[......]
"So. You're demanding the tower in exchange for not telling Rozaria and Elven about this fact?"
[I'll even tell you how to reach Igmun's abode.]
"You're clumsy. This body isn't as soft as the original."
[......?]
"You're a low-ranking demon who hasn't even become a demon king. If I want to, it's easy to hypnotize you and use you."
I formed a relationship with Hazard because of his special combat power.
Gilfer is no longer useful except for information.
"In this timeline, your potential has fulfilled its role in creating a new demon king."
Eudeudeuk.
Tae-hyun tilted his neck.
"I'm only keeping you alive because of this body's whim. I don't know how that whim will change."
Even with the intimidation, Gilfer was just staring.
"If you've become a vessel of divine power and experienced change, I'll devour you."
[Even if you antagonize Rozaria and Elven?]
"How to handle those guys is a problem to consider later."
[Certainly... you are different from the original body's brother. What happened to him?]
"Questions are not allowed."
Ssssseuseuseu.
Purple magic bloomed from Tae-hyun's body.
"Gilfer. You are to be disposed of."
Kiiiing.
The magic stone formed in the body rotates.
'It's enough to find out the connection between Igmun and divine power through mind control.'
Kwaduk.
Gilfer's neck was grabbed by the hand that reached out, shortening the distance.
A body so weak that it would break with just a little failure in controlling power.
"Look into my eyes."
Kwaaaa.
The moment the flashing red eyes were about to take over Gilfer's body.
Kuoong.
Suddenly, the space vibrated.
Kuuuung.
Riding the vibrating space.
Jjeojeojeok.
Cracks appeared in the personal space.
[××.]
What was heard was an uncomfortable curse.
[Damn sturdy domain. Not enough with two of this sturdy thing, you put up three. ××.]
Jjeojeok.
"......"
Tae-hyun looked at the one who appeared from the cracked space.
Elven.
The fairy queen, who was wrapped in colorless magic, was opening the space with her two hands.
[Stop there, fake.]
"Was it a trap."
[A trap is ××. You're a kind of seed that speaks × like ×.]
Familiar yet uncomfortable curses.
The corners of Tae-hyun's lips twisted.
"You've always had a foul mouth, then and now."
[Shut up. You ××× like ××.]
Eudeudeuk. Eudeudeuk.
Elven loosened her body, turning her neck.
[Where did you sell the original body's contractor?]
Eudeudeudeuk. Eudeudeudeuk.
She rotated her arms, gradually activating the hardened body.
[Is a ××× like you occupying that body?]
What was emitted along with the magic was clear fighting spirit.
Tae-hyun looked at Gilfer with a smile.
"To drag Elven in. You're making it troublesome."
[The original body did not recognize you as a brother, no matter what others might have thought.]
"Did you think Elven would be able to subdue me?"
Kiiiiiiing.
The second magic stone rotated, and colorless magic bloomed.
The power that contains her authority by making a contract with Elven.
It's a familiar power that makes it possible to harmonize with the divine tree if one wants.
Elven, who was watching, frowned.
[×! Who gave you permission to use this body's power.]
"Fairy queen. It's impossible to handle this body at your current level."
This is Tae-hyun's personal space.
All power except predation can be used.
"At best, a low-ranking demon and one archduke."
From Gilfer to Elven.
Tae-hyun's gaze moved.
"You guys can't even scratch me."
Heeshik.
The corners of his raised lips didn't know how to come down.
How should I trample on her to reform that foul-tempered fairy?
That's what I was thinking when it happened.
Poouk.
"......!!"
Tae-hyun's face hardened at the tentacle that pierced his stomach.
[If one is not enough, how about two.]
Tae-hyun's gaze turned to Gilfer.
There was no degraded demon king there.
"...Rozaria."
The succubus queen, who had unleashed her tentacles, was shining her red eyes.
Part 2 Episode 113
"Mind control."
Crack.
Taehyun tore off the tentacle that had pierced his stomach.
Super-fast regeneration activated, and flesh filled in the wound.
"I don't remember being subjected to a hallucination."
He tilted his head, meeting Rosaria's crimson eyes.
Crimson. The power of the Succubus Queen.
A power that could keep mediocre beings at her feet for life, just by looking at them.
It seemed like there would be no match for her at first glance, but her limitations were also clear.
"That power doesn't work on those of higher caliber than you."
It should be that way.
Gilfer transformed into Rosaria.
"Hmm...."
He pondered for only a moment, stroking his chin.
Smirk.
The corners of his lips slowly rose.
"There was no illusion from the start."
Simply.
"You just used space leap."
Rosaria's space leap technique in the current timeline.
He thought it would be just an extended version of the technique to handle personal space, but now he saw that its power had reached the realm of authority.
'Original... No, is this the influence of Typhon?'
Either way, it was interesting.
The Succubus Queen, the weakest of the Archdukes, now possessed two authorities.
'This timeline is said to be concentrated with possibilities.'
He hadn't even started climbing the tower in earnest, but an Archduke using two authorities had already been born, following Lucifer.
He was pleased.
On the one hand, he was cautious.
Subjugating a Succubus Queen who was on the rise meant that it could damage his caliber.
'It's different from Gilfer, who has already run his course.'
How could he subjugate her without damaging his caliber?
About three seconds after being attacked, he fell into thought.
Rosaria still didn't keep her distance.
Rather.
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
She showed the audacity to insert a number of tentacles additionally.
"Succubus. Weren't you worried about Kim Taehyun's body?"
Taehyun asked, looking at the five tentacles that had additionally pierced his body.
Suck. Suck.
Mana and stamina flowed out through the tentacles.
A shallow trick that only worked on mediocre guys.
In terms of power, it was below Orgal.
'There's something else going on.'
It wouldn't be bad to go along with it for now.
"If the body dies, that guy won't be able to come back."
[It is more important to drive out the unjust one.]
"I am Kim Taehyun."
After answering quietly, he quickly transformed.
There was no need to use skills.
He was the observer who had watched countless authorities, and the origin of one who had reached the pinnacle of mana.
Even if he had escaped from the mental world and his devouring was sealed.
"You're no match for me."
Rustle.
The long, extended thorns cut off the tentacles.
Sizzle. Sizzle.
The tentacles that remained in the purple mana melted away.
"The Evil King's authority is the antithesis of things like you."
Now it was a distant past.
A way for the weak human predator to adapt in order to use the power of those stronger than him.
Keying.
Kim Taehyun devoured two Evil Kings.
Mana stones containing the mana of Beelzebub and Diablo rotated.
Sizzle. Quaaah.
Thorns of poison mist and thorns of brutality.
Two authorities residing on the index fingers of both hands emitted an eerie aura.
[...]
Rosaria, having confirmed the authority, no longer forced the attack.
She simply gathered her tentacles and spread purple mana around her.
'Is she trying to take over the space?'
He recalled the combination of the two authorities that Rosaria possessed.
'It's not that burdensome.'
If he kept it in mind, the ultimate skill was Dream Eating.
'I have to avoid that.'
He wanted to downplay it as a technique that only imitated him, but at least its essence was similar to devouring.
Yoma and Predator.
By the side of the two Archdukes who became constellations, the greatest possibility that the monster called Rosaria had blossomed.
Whoosh.
She used a pair of newly sprouted wings to distance herself.
He took in the situation with his eyes.
[...]
Rosaria was rippling her tentacles with sunken eyes.
Gates were formed in various places where purple mana had spread.
'Subspace gates with tentacles hidden? Or is it just for evasion?'
Keeping both in mind, he checked the Fairy King.
[××….]
Now cursing in the language of the fairy race, she was creating a hexahedral barrier in the area.
"Divine Beast Synchronization?"
The concentration of mana felt from the barrier was considerable.
It wasn't to the point that he couldn't break through it if he overdid it, but it seemed possible only after defeating the two Archdukes.
"You're manipulating the space this body created as if it were your own."
Elven and Rosaria.
Infinite mana and the ability to control space.
Those who experienced an upgrade under the influence of the Predator.
"It's become troublesome."
Taehyun muttered quietly and additionally awakened the mana stone in his body.
Keying- Keying-
What was filled with purple was Rosaria's.
What emitted achromatic color was Elven's.
The black color with demonic energy was Hazar's.
What took on a deep brown color to match the awakening of its owner was Orgal's.
"Shall we start with four for now?"
Typhon, Lucifer, Jormungandr. Evil kings including Asura.
It wouldn't be bad to awaken their mana stones all at once.
But now was the first battle he encountered after obtaining a body.
'Let's check the output of the body.'
When he spread his middle finger, the powers of the four mana stones mixed together.
It was the moment when he was about to gather that power and fly it at Elven.
Tring.
['The Administrator of the Tower' expresses concern about your violent behavior.]
['The Administrator of the Tower' mumbles that if you were brothers, you would have taken a more serious attitude.]
"Shut up."
['The Administrator of the Tower' shakes his head at the actions of 'The Brutal Brother'.]
['The Administrator of the Tower' mentions that his brother's body cannot use its unique authority.]
'Dwarf bastard.'
He only tells me useless things.
Taehyun muttered quietly.
['The Administrator of the Tower' mumbles that he will support 'The Brutal Brother'.]
"I don't need your support."
['The Administrator of the Tower' emphasizes that he is shaking his head and sighing.]
"I told you I'd eat you."
['The Administrator of the Tower' is silent.]
The inside of his head became quiet.
It seemed like he was going to watch the battle quietly.
Just in time, Elven, who had completed the barrier, approached Taehyun.
[××thing. What are you mumbling about by yourself?]
"Arrogant one. Don't call this body like that."
Even with Taehyun's correction, Elven didn't care.
[Why is a ××like you occupying the body?]
"It was originally mine."
Tuk tuk.
Taehyun touched the body that had been regenerated at super-speed and continued to speak.
The source of power that Yoma, the King of the Lower World, had planted.
The human body called Kim Taehyun was just a host with flesh and blood.
"So it's not wrong to say that this body is the real owner."
[××. You plausibly spout the same ××× nonsense.]
"Nonsense is something only the strong can do. Stupid bitch."
Heezuk.
Taehyun sneered.
When he was trapped in the mental world, all he did was watch.
All he did was help deal with the riffraff he had brought in for a purpose.
Inside Yoma.
In the Predator's mind.
He watched and repeated fighting endlessly for a long time.
It was boring.
He was bored and angry.
Kim Taehyun was fun to torment.
The guys Kim Taehyun brought were fun to torment.
He thought that taking something and eating it was the only joy.
But.
It wasn't after he came out with Kim Taehyun's body.
"There's no need to wait for the weak to come looking."
The colorless mana that bloomed spread throughout the area.
Sparks flew when it touched the barrier formed by Elven.
"There's no need to stand by and watch the arrogance of the ignorant."
Purple mana was added on top of the colorless mana.
Rosaria's mana that had been spreading tried to cling to Taehyun's mana to stop it.
[××. The escape route has been blocked, so it would be good for the ××× to tell the truth.]
"Thank you. I was wondering how far I could fight with this body."
The reason he didn't press the Archdukes with force wasn't because he lacked power.
Just.
"I was just trying to use even your trivial possibilities."
Kugugugung.
A huge gravity acted on the area.
Kwaddeuk. Kwaddeudeuk.
The body that activated Orgal's authority was strengthened.
He clenched and unclenched his strengthened fist.
In the state of transformation into a demon, he added the authority of strengthening.
Purple, red, and brown were mixed together, and the color of mana became turbid.
"That guy liked to fight in the human way."
From martial arts called ancient martial arts to weapons called national treasures.
He didn't care about means and methods to overcome the limits of the human body.
"I'm different."
He was the one who was called the Predator and ate everything.
The absolute being who belittled the Archdukes' authority as mere tricks.
Kwareureureu.
Blue mana soared.
It was because he used Jormungandr's authority.
"You'll have to do your best to struggle."
Otherwise.
"You'll become a consumable for this body's tower."
Enjoying Elven's curses and Rosaria's shouting reactions.
Hwaaaaa.
Taehyun activated Lucifer's authority.
Inside the divine beast.
Gilfer, who had begun to recover, watched the unfolding battle.
Two Archdukes were doing their best to subdue their contractor.
Elven, who had already synchronized with the divine beast, was constantly pouring out mana, and sometimes directly approached and tore off limbs.
Rosaria was controlling attacks and movements through mind control and space leap, and assisting Elven.
She was receiving infinite mana support through the divine beast, and also enjoying the spatial advantage of personal space.
Even so.
[Can't they win?]
Doppelganger.
The source of power that existed in the mental world of the contractor Kim Taehyun.
Even though he wasn't using 'devouring', he wasn't pushed back by Elven and Rosaria's fierce attacks.
Rather, he was freely using the mana stones he had formed in his body.
Two evil kings and Asura.
In addition, the authorities of the Archdukes who had reached the pinnacle of their species were reproduced through the contractor's body.
[I didn't know the difference would be this big.]
If she had the power of the Lower World King. If she had even the power of the Evil King left....
Frustrated, Gilfer sighed.
It was already in the past.
She thought she would be indifferent because she had let go of her authority herself.
But when she actually faced reality, it wasn't easy to endure the powerlessness.
[Support is needed.]
But who could help Rosaria and Elven?
Rosaria, who sensed something strange from the awakened Taehyun, met Elven and talked.
The time to prepare for battle was not long.
The problem was that in that short time, the doppelganger had met as many as five Archdukes.
According to Elven, the Archdukes had made a solemn oath with the doppelganger.
She didn't know the exact conditions, but it must be true since she had sensed the change in mana.
If she called for support, there would be an Evil King in the Demon World.
[...]
There was no guarantee that they would not be hostile to her now.
All she wanted was for her brother to regain his strength for a new war.
How did it come to this?
'The doppelganger said that his brother had gone somewhere.'
"In this timeline, your possibility has fulfilled its role by giving birth to a new Evil King."
"Gilfer. You are disposable."
She recalled the arrogant smile of the one who declared her end with her brother's face.
What if the doppelganger defeats Elven and Rosaria?
Was that the result the contractor wanted?
[No.]
She shook her head.
She exhaled the breath she had been holding in.
[There's no other way after all.]
She had to subdue that arrogant being and correct the situation.
What she needed to do that was divine power.
She needed to call upon the power of the constellation once again.
Part 2, Episode 114
Hazard's lair, located in the Fairy Forest.
Hazard, left alone, lifted a teacup.
Sizzle.
The teacup, reacting to her mana, warmed up.
She took a sip, recalling the meeting from moments ago.
Kim Tae-hyun's doppelganger.
The one who had become her new contractor, and the stories he had shared.
[...]
She had sensed something was different about him the moment she saw him.
That his personality had changed through contact with the constellations' divine power.
Even if he had denied it to the end, she wouldn't have been able to do anything.
She was already in a contract with Kim Tae-hyun.
But he wanted a new contract.
[Not a contract, but a solemn vow, perhaps.]
He proposed a deeper, more intimate vow, not just cooperation in climbing the Tower.
She was curious.
The one who had been a spectator for so long, hidden within the contractor.
What he desired.
Where he aimed to go.
Curiosity must have flickered in her usually indifferent dragon eyes.
That's why she hesitated instead of accepting the proposal immediately.
[...]
Clink.
Hazard placed the empty cup on the table.
She summoned a new teacup with a wave of her hand.
The Middle Realm, one of the axes forming the Three Thousand Worlds.
The taste she had learned from the dragon 'Hazard' who existed somewhere there.
The one who shared her name and was called the Dragon Lord, but lived a different life.
[Once the Tower climb starts, it won't be possible to peek into the Middle Realm.]
From the 6th floor onwards, maintaining the subspace gate with the Archduke's mana might be impossible.
That's why she was drinking her tea so combatively.
She emptied two more cups.
[A contract is a contract. A vow is a vow.]
If the original Kim Tae-hyun was a contractor, the doppelganger was closer to a vow-maker.
The limitation of Kim Tae-hyun's essence being a human from the Middle Realm.
The difference between the doppelganger's essence being rooted in the one who ruled the Three Thousand Worlds.
That subtle limitation and difference distinguished a contract from a vow, creating a new possibility.
Though he himself didn't seem to realize it.
Slurp.
Savoring her fourth cup, she contemplated the future.
He had promised that five Archdukes, including herself, would join him.
Not all of them would pry into his identity as she had.
[Their contracts must have been renewed as vows as well.]
Now, few would deny that he was Kim Tae-hyun.
Aside from the enraged Gilfel, there were Elven and Rosaria.
The four demon kings who had fled to the Demon Realm, and Igmun and Asmodeus, who had hidden themselves.
Within the Fairy Forest, only Rosaria and Elven remained.
The two Archdukes.
Rumble.
Suddenly, the space vibrated.
The teacup on the table rattled.
[...]
Her eyes darkened.
She had reinforced the barrier to prevent it from being affected by most mana collisions.
For this level of ripple to be felt, it meant that beings at least on the level of Archdukes, or even higher than Orgal and Jörmungandr, whom Kim Tae-hyun had imprisoned, were clashing.
[Have Rosaria and Elven made their move?]
A faster response than she had anticipated.
Even so.
[Their chances of winning are slim.]
Hazard stated the outcome definitively.
Swish.
With a wave of her hand, the teacups on the table vanished into subspace.
She stood up and walked outside.
Fields thick with vegetation stretched endlessly.
She slowly started to walk.
After taking only a few steps.
Tingle.
[...]
The dragon heart within her reacted.
[Vow-maker. Have you already drawn out the power of the True Dragon?]
A faint smile formed on Hazard's lips.
He must be fighting in a personal space.
Boom. Boom.
The aftermath of the battle was clearly audible in her ears.
She could see the Sky Castle floating in her dragon eyes.
[By the time the True Dragon arrives, the battle will be decided.]
One step. One step.
She slowly moved towards her destination.
Fairy Spring.
Typhon looked up at the looming shadow.
The Sky Castle, symbolizing Lucifer's domain.
And the owner of the castle, having left his abode, floated above him.
[Well, well. What brings a Fallen Angel here?]
[You seem rather idle, Typhon.]
Lucifer, folding his pair of wings as he descended, said quietly.
Thud.
Ripples spread out from his feet.
[What are you doing here?]
[Taking a hot spring bath.]
[...]
[It's a custom from somewhere in the Middle Realm. After a battle, they always soak in warm water to relieve fatigue.]
[I know. I'm closer to the Middle Realm than you are.]
Lucifer's crimson eyes calmly scanned Typhon's massive form.
[Your wounds have all healed.]
[Wounds from gnats? Hardly. I was just indulging them a bit.]
Hoo-hoo-hoo.
Typhon laughed boisterously, shaking his body.
The water splashed, creating a tidal wave.
Whoosh.
The tidal wave, touching Lucifer's ashen mana, quietly subsided.
[Ashen… that mana always pisses me off. So, have you fully recovered from the wounds inflicted by your brother?]
[Brother, you say.]
Lucifer stared into Typhon's crimson eyes, continuing.
[Which brother are you referring to?]
[Oho. You knew?]
[Your pranks always go too far.]
[I do enjoy my amusements. But your tone is irritating.]
Rumble.
As the ashen and iridescent mana clashed, the surrounding space shook.
Sizzle.
The spring water, which had been like a sea, evaporated due to the collision of mana.
[Hmm….]
Typhon frowned at the unexpected situation.
He had only meant to play a prank on the aloof Fallen Angel, but because the other party reacted so vehemently, he was no longer able to enjoy his only hobby.
[Elven will restore the spring water. If she can maintain her current status, that is.]
[Hoo-hoo-hoo. So you're finally getting to the point.]
Lucifer and Typhon's crimson eyes met.
[You made a 'vow' with him, didn't you?]
[I have no idea what you're talking about.]
[This isn't a situation where you can afford to joke around.]
Lucifer's gaze turned eastward.
Thick vegetation. Fields. Wastelands.
With only slight differences, the spaces seemed much the same on the surface.
But his stature was not so low as to be unable to perceive the spaces lurking beneath the surface.
He could see the rippling spaces.
Within them, the mana of Archdukes was clashing.
[Elven and Rosaria. They are fighting the vow-maker.]
[So what if they're fighting in the Lower Realm? You're more cowardly than I thought?]
[Didn't I say this isn't a situation where you can afford to be relaxed?]
Rumble.
Lucifer's voice grew heavier.
[Haa… I wondered what you came here to say.]
Typhon yawned and stretched.
Clouds gathered above his head.
Crackle. Pop.
Sparks flew and lightning flowed where the clouds met.
Roar.
[...]
Lucifer stared at the divine artifact in Typhon's hand.
Thunder.
Originally, it should have belonged to the owner of the 2,000th world.
Typhon was blessed by the One God.
It was not surprising that he wielded a divine artifact.
It was just strange that someone who had not even had contact with the Upper Realm in this timeline possessed it.
Crackle. Pop.
[...]
Lucifer stared at the Thunder pointed at him.
[This timeline is said to be a place where possibilities are concentrated.]
A place where the 'Fiend' and 'Predator' had gathered the best of countless timelines in order to raise their ranks.
[In other words.]
Typhon paused, his lips twitching.
[It also means that nothing that happens would be strange.]
[You're going to fight me? Instead of doing that, you should persuade Elven and Rosaria…]
[Elven and Rosaria are Archdukes closest to my brother.]
Rumble.
Typhon's eyes narrowed as he channeled divine power into Thunder.
[It's only natural that a clash would occur.]
[I came here expecting you to stop them… I made a wasted trip.]
[Hoo-hoo-hoo… A trip? You flew here. You should get your facts straight.]
Whoosh.
Just as radiance began to gather in Lucifer's hand.
A longsword made of radiance was held in his grasp.
Decameron.
The artifact symbolizing the Archangel Lucifer.
The mana of the Fallen Angel and the divine power of the Archangel.
Two incompatible forces were harmoniously balanced.
[I don't like you.]
[I feel the same way about you.]
Typhon countered with a smile.
Contractor Kim Tae-hyun.
The vow-maker doppelganger who replaced him.
Lucifer said he was making a mistake, but that was wrong.
[What's going to happen will happen anyway.]
Typhon, rising to his feet, swung his long arm.
Bang!
Decameron and Thunder collided, causing an explosion.
[In that case, why not enjoy it!]
Hoo-ha-ha-ha.
Five elements swirled around Typhon.
The combined force harmonized to manifest the power of the Great Elements.
Swish.
Lucifer's crimson eyes turned blue.
[I've spilled the blood of giants countless times, but I never thought I would acquire that of the Giant King.]
[I have even broken your neck and killed you before.]
A vast fragment of the Three Thousand Worlds created by the One God.
The two fragments with the most brilliant potential began to intermingle.
"Succubus. Is that all you've got?"
Crack.
Tae-hyun stomped on Rosaria's head.
Sizzle.
Purple mana touched the tentacles.
The tentacles that failed to regenerate died off.
Thud.
A long, sharp thorn pierced Rosaria's chest.
Sizzle.
[Cough….]
She coughed up blood as poison entered her through the thorny vine.
Thud.
Another thorn pierced her shoulder.
Bang.
The fear injected through the thorny vine of violence paralyzed her body.
Pleased with the sight of the succubus trembling, Tae-hyun enhanced his mana.
[Ka…ah….]
"You were a loyal dog of the Fiend."
The contingency prepared by the Fiend, who had been the King of the Lower Realm.
"You were also a helpful assistant who contributed to Kim Tae-hyun becoming a Predator."
[Release… the contractor….]
The Archduke who first contracted with the lowly human, Kim Tae-hyun.
She had grown constantly during the territorial and race wars, eventually leading Kim Tae-hyun to become the Integrated King.
"Now it's my turn."
Fshhhh.
The purple mana flowing from Tae-hyun's body merged with Rosaria's.
The gates she had created began to disappear one by one.
[Kaha… Kahaak….]
Rosaria screamed and resisted, but.
The ashen mana did not allow her to resist.
"Mind control isn't just your specialty."
Crack.
Tae-hyun enjoyed her scream as he put force into his foot.
"Spatial manipulation isn't your unique power."
The power of enhancement was activated.
Crack.
Rosaria's crushed body burrowed into the ground.
[××!]
The Fairy King's curse was heard from afar.
Tae-hyun's gaze turned to the Fairy King trapped in the cube-shaped barrier.
Multiple personal spaces.
A barrier created by compressing dozens of spaces.
Furthermore, the space itself was strengthened with Orgal's power and made to rampage with Jörmungandr's power.
Even for Elven, who had synchronized with the divine beast.
[It will take quite an effort to destroy it.]
Tae-hyun mocked her resistance and snapped his fingers.
His gaze turned downward.
"Make a vow with this body."
Crack.
Tae-hyun proposed, putting strength into his foot.
"Just like you did with the Fiend and the Predator."
Crack.
"Devote yourself to me. Incubus."
[Rosaria!!]
Ignoring Elven's cry, Tae-hyun grabbed the succubus's hair.
"Look into my eyes."
Fshhhh.
The purple mana began to combine.
"……."
Tae-hyun looked up, feeling a sense of déjà vu.
Inside the multiple personal space.
In a place where there should be nothing.
[That's far enough.]
There was a being emitting the power he hated so much.
[Imposter.]
"……."
The Avatar of the Constellation appeared.
Tae-hyun's face distorted at the sight of Gilfel surrounded by divine power.
Part 2, Episode 115
[Brother.]
The doppelganger occupying Kim Tae-hyun's body.
He watched Elven and Rosaria fight him.
The Fairy King with great magical power and the Succubus Queen with two authorities.
The two archdukes, who had grown through countless battles with Kim Tae-hyun, seemed to be unilaterally pushed back.
[Indeed, it's the body of the Integrated King.]
Although he cannot use his unique authority of predation, he has already regained power comparable to his prime.
Above all, the doppelganger's use of that power was amazing.
He doesn't overwhelm with overwhelming magic power like in the mental world, nor does he neutralize the opponent's resistance with the authority of predation.
As if it had been his all along.
Using the magic stones formed in his body, he freely uses the archdukes' authorities.
Elven and Rosaria are not people who will be subjugated by violence, but the problem is that the magic stone formed by Tae-hyun also contains that of the Succubus Queen.
The doppelganger possessing Kim Tae-hyun's body.
With that, he would be able to partially dominate the minds of the archdukes with purple magic power.
[…….]
A conversation with Igmun flashed through his mind.
[Holy power. Compared to that immense power, the power we insignificant beings wield is like a single drop of water before a volcano.]
[[Difficult words to understand.]
[[Avatar.]
[[…….]
[[Only those with the rank of archduke in the lower realm can become avatars and use holy power. Well, you'll have to be prepared for annihilation in exchange for using a fleeting power... but there is a way.]
[[…….]
Igmun, who was looking at Gilfel lost in thought, continued.
[[There's nothing to fear. If you're the king who once ruled the lower realm, you'll be able to hold out a little longer.]
[[The original demon won't無理 to use that power. Recovering the power of the lower realm king will be enough.]
[[You haven't properly understood the words of the original demon.]
[[…….]
[[The rank of lower realm king that you wish to recover is only a step beyond the beginning.]
[[Don't beat around the bush.]
[[Gilfel.]
[[If you're suggesting we join hands….]
[[Take the hand of the original demon.]
If you do that.
[I'll tell you how you can become an avatar too.]
[You are a fake.]
Gilfel muttered, her red eyes flashing.
It was a quiet word, but the power it contained was not light.
Kugugung.
The personal space trembled.
The wave that flowed through the shaken personal space reached Tae-hyun.
"Did you grow horns because I said I wouldn't take you to the tower?"
Tae-hyun sneered, looking at her floating above his head.
Gilfel silently stretched out her hand.
Saaaaaaa.
Deep blue holy power spread throughout the space.
The colorless and odorless personal space, which was like a roughly drawn picture. A gloomy space was overlaid on it.
'Hah, so you were hiding such power.'
Tae-hyun let out a hollow laugh as he watched the holy power reconstruct the space.
The newly unfolded space has the appearance of the demon world.
Countless hells. And the castles of the great demons who rule those hells were realized.
Only Rosaria, who possesses authority, and Elven, who is united with the divine beast, can realize such a territory in another's space.
'There was no such thing among the authorities this guy had.'
Information about Gilfel was concentrated in Tae-hyun's mind.
Perhaps because of the rules, there is no memory of information about the constellations he knew from the outside.
But.
'If it's holy power, I've experienced it enough to be sick of it.'
Kim Tae-hyun's mental world, where the power of three constellations had converged at once.
Because he was the master of that place.
"The Labyrinth residing in consciousness."
Tae-hyun spoke the name of the constellation.
"That guy's power."
[…….]
Gilfel, who had completely deployed the domain, stretched out her hand without a word.
Saaa.
Long thorns grew from the index and middle fingers of her right hand.
'Poisonous Mist and Ferocity.'
An attack that concentrates the authorities of the two demon kings into one thorn.
Saaaaaaaa.
In an instant, Tae-hyun, disguised as a demon king, stretched out his hand.
Two thorns grew from his index and middle fingers.
And.
The moment the two pairs of thorns touched.
Tae-hyun's thorns began to shatter.
"Tch."
Tae-hyun cut off his thorns and retreated.
He had only avoided one attack, but Rosaria and Elven, who seemed to have been captured, were released.
[Gilfel, what's going on!]
Elven, who was released as the space was reconstructed, asked.
[The power of the constellations. It's an avatar state.]
[Is now the time to ask such a thing…!!]
Belatedly, Elven erected a barrier between Tae-hyun and them.
It was to prevent the conversation from leaking out.
[Don't you know the price of using that power!!]
[Of course.]
Hee-hee.
Gilfel smiled, raising the corners of her mouth in a way that was unlike her usual self.
[You….]
[How could you do such a reckless thing… is there no way to undo it now?]
Gilfel shook her head at Rosaria's question.
[It's just a matter of scraping together and maintaining the remnants of the holy power that were engraved on the body. If it's all used up, the original demon will surely perish.]
[…….]
[…….]
Leaving behind the silence of the two archdukes, she looked at Tae-hyun.
[What the original demon risked her life to protect is not fake.]
The life she had fortunately salvaged from the clash of holy power.
If Tae-hyun's body was taken by someone called a doppelganger.
[The original demon has no choice but to regain that power once again.]
In fact, the tower is just bait.
From the beginning, she intended to take Tae-hyun back from the doppelganger.
Kwagwagwag.
Five thorns were embedded in the achromatic barrier.
At the end of it was Tae-hyun, operating the magic power of the demon king.
"If you had this much leeway, I could have taken you to the tower."
[××. Shut your mouth.]
"Fairy. Don't forget your situation a moment ago."
Tae-hyun sneered, scratching Elven's nerves.
But unlike appearances, he was not in a good mood.
'That original guy… what kind of relationship is it?'
He asked Kim Tae-hyun to take over his body.
He's the one who took over the mission of the tower.
Just the fact that Kim Tae-hyun isn't occupying the body makes them so hostile.
He could have told the truth like he did with Hazar.
He could have used the authority of mind control to show them the truth.
They wouldn't believe it easily, but it's worth a try.
Even so.
"Ptooey."
He spat out the saliva that had pooled in his mouth and glared at the three archdukes.
"I don't like it."
His essence, born from a yoma, is predation that devours everything.
In the past, he was the predator sealed inside Kim Tae-hyun.
Now, he became Kim Tae-hyun instead of the guy who became a predator.
How ridiculous is that causal relationship.
How ridiculous is it that he's burning the life he painstakingly built up to bring himself down.
"Kikikik…."
Tae-hyun shook his body without realizing it.
Star power. The power used by the constellations located outside.
An irresistible energy that surpasses any power in the three thousand worlds.
But that only applies when the opponent is using it completely.
He looked at the avatar of the constellation watching him with sunken eyes.
Skin surface.
There are fine cracks that are difficult to notice unless you observe them closely.
"There's no way there wouldn't be a risk to using such power."
Summoning the demon world to his personal space is a great feat, but that's all.
Her use of holy power, who has never directly faced a constellation, was not much different from using magic power.
Rosaria and Elven's power does not reach his own, who only uses magic power.
'If I use divine power, I can also buy time until I perish.'
If he imitates the owners of the heavenly realm to deal with it, the old-fashioned demon woman will meet a dog's death.
That's what he thought.
Tting.
Until a message popped up in front of his eyes.
[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ intervenes.]
[Unique skill ‘Pandora's Box(???)’ has been activated.]
[The use of Divine Power is restricted.]
"……."
Tae-hyun frowned at the sudden message.
One magic stone formed by Kim Tae-hyun.
The massive divine power that had been filled there until just a moment ago.
Like a lie, it disappeared the moment the message appeared.
"Ha."
A hollow laugh escaped.
This damn dwarf.
"So you've finally decided that you want to die."
[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ appeals to injustice.]
[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ claims innocence.]
[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ cheers for the struggles of ‘New Brother’.]
[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ disappears.]
"Yeah. You wait. I'll find you for sure and make you pay."
Tae-hyun muttered as if chewing and spitting out.
[×× thing. Your expression has gotten worse.]
[Something must have gone wrong.]
Elven and Rosaria, who had reorganized their forces in a short time, made their judgment.
Dozens of magic spheres were already surrounding Tae-hyun.
"Isn't the problem on your side, you bitches?"
Tae-hyun flicked his chin, pointing at Gilfel.
"You don't have much life left. You said it was an avatar state… it's just a matter of temporarily restoring your rank and twisting the domain."
[He's still talking nonsense. Hand over the contractor's body.]
Kwaaaaaaa.
Rosaria opened the gate and took out a bundle of tentacles.
'I need to destroy that gate first.'
The tentacles are being stored in the subspace gate, where they are being healed and proliferated.
In a situation like this, it may be necessary to exclude quantitative attacks.
'I'll cut it off with the space.'
The thorns that grew on his four fingernails were gathered together.
Poison. Fear. Struggle. Selflessness.
The four authorities were gathered together and combined into one mass of magic power.
It was the moment when the extended thorn was about to cut off the gate.
[Where do you think you're going?]
The space rippled.
And.
Kwaaaa.
"……!!"
A gate was created in front of Tae-hyun's eyes.
No tentacles come out, and no magic power is felt except for the gate that is maintaining its shape.
A simple eye trick….
'...It's not!'
By the time his body reacted, the thorn had already half revealed its appearance.
The thorn of poisonous mist.
Tae-hyun twisted his body and let the purple-stained thorn flow away.
And yet.
Pooook.
"……!!"
A new thorn, which had passed through the gate created from behind, pierced his chest.
"This…."
He gritted his teeth and checked the thorn protruding out.
The thorn of ferocity.
Holy power flowed in through the red-stained thorn.
"Keuk…."
A dry groan escaped his lips.
'This body is groaning…?'
His face contorted at the unfamiliar act.
Sssuk.
Tae-hyun, who moved his body and got out of the thorn, gasped for breath.
The damage is different from being hit by Rosaria's tentacles.
For example, the recovery function that those with a body higher than an archduke would acquire.
'Is it interfering with ultra-fast regeneration?'
Kiiiiiiiiing.
One of the magic stones formed in his body rotated, and gray magic power soared.
Lucifer's authority 'Regeneration'.
Gray magic power seeped into his punctured shoulder.
Ssssss.
New flesh sprouted and filled the hole created by the thorn.
'It's not enough.'
The holy power injected into his body was interfering with regeneration.
Kiiiiiiii.
The magic stone containing Jörmungandr's authority rotated.
Blue magic power was mixed with gray magic power, and the amount of magic power was doubled.
Using the authority of 'Rage' to double the power of the authority.
It was a method that the original had already used.
'Not enough.'
Kaaaaaaa.
Another magic stone rotated and brown magic power soared.
In order to offset the shock that the body must bear, the mortal body is strengthened to the limit.
He raised his completely healed arm and clenched and unclenched his fist.
"Neat."
[That ×× guy.]
[I hate to admit it, but… it's a magic power application ability that exceeds the contractor.]
Gilfel, who had been watching quietly, opened her mouth.
[Elven, Rosaria.]
She smoothed out her breathing, which had begun to quicken.
Unidentifiable messages were rushing through her head, but she didn't care.
[Open the way for the original demon.]
She confirmed the cracks that had spread to her red eyes and continued.
[I will deal with the fake with the next attack.]
Part 2 Episode 116
Dealing with the Fake.
The two Archdukes, understanding the meaning, fell silent.
[×….]
An expletive escaped Elven's lips.
The obvious crack was now visible even in her eyes.
She realized that Gilfer's disappearance was imminent.
[No need to look at me like that.]
I've reached the pinnacle of the race, and the pinnacle of the Lower World.
[It was an interesting experience to be responsible for the two axes of you and the Three Thousand Worlds. Now, I just have to choose my final journey.]
[…….]
Seeing her colleague calmly assessing her own end, Elven bit her lip.
[Rosaria.]
Gilfer's gaze turned to the succubus, who was no different from Elven.
[In your previous life, you reached the pinnacle of the Archdukes.]
[…….]
[Dream Eating. With that power, it will be possible in this life as well.]
Smirk.
The corners of Gilfer's lips curled up.
The cracks that formed along with the upturned lips were distinct.
[Don't die this time.]
With those words, Gilfer's presence began to rise.
She began to burn the last of her power as an avatar.
'To risk my life and only achieve this much.'
If she had made the same choice in the state of the Lower World King, she could have pushed the fake in front of her more decisively.
She took in Taehyun, who was raising his presence to meet her.
He was maximizing the effects of the Archdukes' engraved authorities by colliding them.
Succubus Queen. Fallen Angel. Dragon Lord. Giant King. Beast King. Sea of Demons King. Fairy King. And numerous Demon Kings.
Each of them had reached the pinnacle of their race.
All of that was colliding in one body.
'Annoying.'
The others seemed to be thinking similarly.
[××!!]
Swish. Swish.
A pair of daggers appeared in Elven's hands.
Made by cutting branches of the Divine Tree, they were divine artifacts that enhanced sharpness by compressing high concentrations of magical power.
[El (L).]
The fairy, holding a pair of divine artifacts, began to sing.
[La la la la- ××- La la la la- ×- ××××- La la×- ×la la-]
Her body moved in time with the melody.
Tearing apart the magical barrier that blocked her path, cutting away the suppressing aura.
She showed movement that quickly closed the distance with Taehyun.
"This crazy bitch."
As Taehyun reached out, six barriers unfolded around him.
Clench.
When he clenched his fist, the barriers formed hexagonal cubes and tightened.
Crack crack crack.
The cube that touched the divine artifact shook.
But that was it.
Crack crack crack crack.
The cube was not cut away and withstood her attacks.
"You mediocre bastard!"
Taehyun smiled and collided two authorities within the cube.
'Aura' and 'Enhancement'.
The pressure acting inside the cube dulled her movements, and the cube was strengthened to withstand her attacks.
With one hand, he reduced the cube, and with the other, he wielded thorns.
Thwack.
The tentacle that was rushing in was cut off along with the gate.
In a fleeting moment.
Stab.
Another thorn pierced Rosaria's chest as she approached.
[Cough….]
Rosaria screamed and reached out to Taehyun.
"Where do you think you're going."
Slice.
Another thorn cut off her hand.
Sizzle.
The power of poison was injected into the affected area.
Regeneration would not be easy for a while.
Whoa. Whoa.
Three gates opened and tentacles poured out.
Simple stalling.
Or.
"Is it a switch?"
Taehyun cut off the gates one by one and looked at Elven, who was popping out in front of him.
The cube contained tentacles.
'A trick using space teleportation.'
Taehyun spread his hand.
He released aura, pushing her away.
[××!!]
Thwack. Crack.
Elven cut through the aura with just two attacks and took a step forward.
Each time she swung her sword, one authority was cut away.
"Tch."
Taehyun clicked his tongue and gave a variation to his imitation.
The body was that of the Beast King.
And one hand was made into a sword by shrinking the thorns of the Demon King.
And.
Thwack!!
He received the approaching Elven's sword with his body and pierced her abdomen.
[×××…!!]
Unlike the curse she spat out, blood flowed from the corners of her mouth.
On the other hand, gray magic overflowed from Taehyun's body, quickly healing the impact.
"Lucifer's authority has good efficiency."
Regeneration.
As long as you have the mental strength to endure the pain, it is not lacking to be called all-in-one offense and defense.
Even against Elven's attack, which was pouring out great magic power through the divine artifact.
Swish swish swish.
Taehyun showed that he was enduring by strengthening the gray magic.
Crack crack crack.
When he twisted the thorn, Elven's hand holding the sword trembled.
"I pay my respects to the arrogance of engaging in close combat with this body."
Crack crack crack.
[××… ×….]
Elven tried to increase her regenerative power with the power of great magic, but.
"Where do you think you're going."
The gray magic forced her regenerative power not to activate.
"I won't kill you."
Taehyun injected the powers of poison and fear with a thorn.
"But you won't be able to avoid submission."
Elven's body, into which numerous powers were injected, shook.
Blood flowed from her eyes and nose.
Tear.
Taehyun grabbed her head and tore off her wings.
"Bow your head, fairy."
Bang.
Taehyun, stomping on the head of the disarmed Fairy King, picked up the pair of divine artifacts.
"This looks useful."
It was a weapon that was completed to the extent that it could divide the authority of the Archduke.
In the expression of the Three Thousand Worlds, it was a Divine Artifact.
He enjoyed manipulating magic and fighting, but since he had obtained a body, using weapons wouldn't be bad.
Vroom.
"……."
He forcibly injected the authority of the Great Elements into the divine artifact that was rejecting its new owner.
Fshhhhh.
The resistance of the divine artifact, wrapped in bright yellow lightning, weakened.
"Two left."
Slice.
He cut off the tentacles aiming at him and turned halfway.
And.
He threw the divine artifact into the two gates that were being created behind him.
One gate disappeared as it was.
What appeared from the other gate was Rosaria, who had allowed a lightning-flowing sword to her shoulder.
Taehyun pointed the divine artifact with his index finger.
Whoosh!
The divine artifact, which had accepted the authority of the Great Elements, spewed out flames.
The flame-engulfed Rosaria was about to hide in the gate as it was.
Bang.
Taehyun moved one step faster and slammed her head into the floor.
"You should have accepted the domination sooner."
He confirmed the two Archdukes whose heads were slammed into the ground, and let out a breath.
The surroundings were already covered in fog.
"To spread your territory by using these two bitches as bait."
Fighting the Archdukes took only about 10 seconds.
During that time, the Demon World had been newly transformed.
"To be only this much even after using Holy Power... you're pathetic."
He couldn't even overwhelm himself, who couldn't use Gluttony even though he risked his life.
It was not difficult to grasp that the power she was using was at a half-baked level that was not even half of what it could be.
"Are you hiding and looking for the last chance?"
Taehyun spun around, looking for traces of the dying demon.
Even if it was a remnant, it was Holy Power.
In a state where only magic could be used, it was not properly detected.
'It's not good to allow the guy's attack again.'
Her condition didn't look good even before she hid, so if she had deployed this much territory, she would soon show herself.
'Waiting for an opportunity to bite for sure...'
It was when Taehyun was thinking that.
Hoo.
A figure approached through the fog.
"Gilfer."
How ridiculous the Demon King's appearance, cracked into pieces like broken glass, was.
Taehyun grinned and greeted her as she approached.
"It's a very linear last attack."
Kiiiiii- kiiii- Kaaaaaaa-.
He rotated all the magic stones of the Archdukes.
His chest, which had allowed the guy's attack, throbbed.
An attack that was not completely healed even with the authority of Regeneration.
'I don't like it.'
Whether he put up a barrier or dodged.
No more attacks should be allowed.
He didn't show it and focused on her movements.
The corners of Gilfer's lips twitched.
[You're nervous.]
"You don't have much time to talk, do you? If you're going to make a last struggle, I'll watch."
[A last struggle…. I think that applies to you.]
"……."
Simple bluff or provocation.
'Either way, the guy doesn't have much time...'
...left.
While he was thinking that, his vision reversed.
"……!!"
[Did you finally realize it.]
Up, down, left, right. His vision was turned upside down.
Gilfer's voice flowed into his ear.
[You were not careless.]
'When….'
A question popped into Taehyun's head.
His current state was being subjected to a hallucination that affected his five senses.
'I have prepared enough with the authority of the Archdukes.'
He didn't leave his defense sloppy enough to be affected by hallucinations.
[While imitating the authority of numerous Demon Kings, there was only one that you didn't use.]
Fingernails cracked as if they would crumble if touched.
Gilfer pointed at herself with it.
[Evolution. It's the authority that the Original Demon blossomed into after becoming a Demon King.]
"Even without that kind of thing..."
[That means there is a limit to your ability to control authority. You seem to be freely using the authority of all the Archdukes, but you don't know everything about the Three Thousand Worlds.]
"……."
When Yoma was the Lower World King.
When the Predator was becoming the Lower World King.
He watched and devoured numerous authorities.
[Even among the nameless demons, there are those who use mind control. It's a power so weak that you don't even feel the need to be wary of it, but.]
Hwaaa.
Gilfer's fingernails were dyed with deep blue magic power.
[When combined with Holy Power, it becomes a power so great that it can destroy your existence.]
Slowly.
So slowly that he could understand the approaching scene in his head.
The ten fingernails that Gilfer unfolded approached Taehyun.
'Re...spond...to….'
He had to respond, but his body didn't move as he wanted.
In the slowing flow of thoughts.
Gilfer was the only one who maintained the same speed.
[You were able to connect the authority of Elven and Rosaria through the divine artifact you held.]
'Damn it.'
[While you were wary of Holy Power. The Original Demon was able to draw out the authority of all the demons existing in the Demon World.]
'That crazy bastard. If you had that kind of power, you should have been useful to this body sooner….'
It was clearly a word that was lingering in his head.
But it wasn't being uttered out of his mouth.
A moment that could have been considered stopped.
Gilfer's red eyes curved like a crescent moon.
[You are defeated because you are not real.]
Above the curved red eyes.
Pieces of cracks were engraved.
Gilfer's fingernails, which seemed like they would approach forever, finally touched his body.
Crack crack crack.
"……!!"
Ten fingernails that had become thorns pierced Taehyun's body.
All the magic stones formed in his body were pierced.
[It's time to get your brothers back. Fake.]
'Cough…ah….'
Taehyun trembled, letting out a scream that couldn't come out.
Ding.
[‘Labyrinth Dwelling in Consciousness’ is contacting ‘Yoma King Who Defies Fate.’]
[‘Labyrinth Dwelling in Consciousness’ is contacting ‘Dragon with Five Hearts.’]
[‘Labyrinth Dwelling in Consciousness’ is contacting ‘Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds.’]
At the end of the message ringing in his head.
[‘Administrator of the Tower’ shouts that there is no such law.]
[‘Tribune of the Tower’ warns with a cold gaze.]
[‘Tribune of the Tower’ preaches the laws of the Tower.]
Ding.
[‘Administrator of the Tower’ waves a newly created magic wand.]
[Unique skill ‘Pandora's Box (???)’ has been activated.]
[Unique skill ‘King's Engraving (???)’ has been activated.]
The dwarf's desperate voice echoed.
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