《The Successor of the Underworld is a Cheat Player》 Chapter 1 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 1 The Heir of the Dark Land is a Cheat yer The first game in human history! The greatest game in human history! Finally, with advanced technological prowess, the virtual reality game, Sanctuary, was born, a magnificent game with numerous des. The primary goal of the game was to leave a significant mark on the continent of Sanctuary, searching for one¡¯s destiny randomly assigned in life. If that were all, it would have just been a well-made initial virtual reality game, but Sanctuary was different. ¨C Given three lifetimes! In Sanctuary, three lifetimes are given. yers pass on the marks made in each lifetime to the next, growing under their influence. So-called¡­. ¨C Rebirth System. Given benefits through rebirths. Sanctuary captured the attention and love of many yers. Of course, the game wasn¡¯t without its issues. ¨C Damn it! Does this difficulty make any sense! ¨C How¡­. The biggest problem in Sanctuary. ¨C Sanctuary has been out for 10 years, and no one has cleared it, does that make sense! Due to its extreme difficulty, no one managed to clear the game. Even bing a hero and defeating the Demon King. Even bing a saint and saving the world from evil. Even bing the Emperor of the Empire, the game¡¯s ending credits did not appear. The gamepany said. ¨C The ending credits definitely exist. There is an ending in Sanctuary. And finally, on the 13th anniversary of Sanctuary¡¯s opening. ¨C What¡¯s this! Did you see that? ¨C Sanctuary! A piece of news that concentrated hundreds of millions of gamers worldwide. ¨C The first Sanctuary clear has been achieved! A massive event to the point of being breaking news. However, following reports from game YouTubers that came after, many gamers could only feel disappointment. ¨C The clear of the first Sanctuary was not achieved through normal gamey. In other words. ¨C A cheat yer cleared the game. It was news that only brought cold stares and immense disappointment. ¨C The cheat yer will pay the corresponding price. Furthermore, the developers of Sanctuary issued a stern warning to the cheat yer. * ¡°This is too much!¡± A scream echoed through the alley. ¡°It¡¯s too harsh to call it retribution!¡± In a rage-like scream, the residents of the alley quietly closed their windows. There was no one here to help. ¡°Just¡­!¡± Thud! At that moment, a flying kick struck the man¡¯s face who was shouting. ¡°Oof¡­ Ouch!¡± The man groaned in pain. ¡°Just?¡± The man standing in front of him stared coldly at the man on the ground. ¡°You said ¡®just¡¯? Now?¡± ¡°Y-Yes¡­! Just!¡± ¡°Is this madness?¡± The man did not stop kicking the fallen man. ¡°Hmm.¡± As the kicking that hadsted for a few minutes finally ceased. ¡°Here you go, Captain.¡± Another man approached and handed a handkerchief to the man who had been kicking. Another man dragged over a piece of furniture and ced it in front of the man. Thud. The man sat down there. In the dark night, under the radiant moonlight, the man¡¯s face was revealed. Faded white hair, sky-blue eyes. His enigmatic and beautiful appearance seemed to captivate anyone¡¯s gaze. ¡°Say it again. ¡®Just¡¯?¡± ¡°Ugh¡­.¡± Despite the man¡¯s words, the fallen man could only groan without giving any response. ¡°I told you not to act out in my territory.¡± ¡°T-That¡­.¡± ¡°Keep talking.¡± With a flick of his fingers, the subordinates lifted the fallen man up. ¡°I-I asked for Rose!¡± Rose, the top-ss woman famous in the underworld. ¡°But what came out was not Rose, it was an olddy flower!¡± ¡°Pfft.¡± The subordinates couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, turning their heads slightly. ¡°You find this funny?¡± However, at the voice of the man who followed, the subordinates quickly bowed their heads. ¡°Sorry, Captain.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll settle thister.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± A deathly paleplexion. ¡°Whether it¡¯s a halmikkot or a nabali, if you¡¯ve been summoned, you pay up. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± ¡°What the hell are you talking about!¡± Bam! The man who was sitting barely kicked the struggling man on the ground with his foot. ¡°You¡¯re cursing at your benefactor?¡± ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± ¡°If you¡¯ve used the service, you pay. Is that simple principle so hard to grasp? You lot, barely able to afford a few coins, trying to summon roses without money, how despicable.¡± ¡°I-I apologize¡­¡± ¡°This is thest warning.¡± The man rose to his feet. ¡°If you cause trouble like this again, I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯t use roses or halmikkot again.¡± Snow-white hair and eyes the color of the sky. Despite an appearance that could be trusted even if he imed nobility, the man exuded roughness. His fierce countenance only added to the ruggedness he projected. The man. He was none other than¡­ ¡°Inspect him. Captain.¡± ¡°Search him thoroughly and collect the remaining money.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± It was Sein, the crazy dog of Chichiron. * * * It was the path back after finishing the day¡¯s work splendidly. ¡°Bor is crazier than I am.¡± The man who mentioned Bor, the owner of the half-moon inn in Chichiron. Sein. ¡°If you summon roses and present halmikkot, even I lose my mind.¡± No, maybe the madness never ends. Bor was half-dead, and the inn was going to be set aze. But what could he do? ¡°This is my life.¡± The Dark Alley. Born and raised there. A life where even leaving this narrow alley was not permitted. To eat and live, one had to do whatever it took, and to survive, one¡¯s life as a saint meant even licking the backside of a goblet. So distant and vague. Over the years, he had climbed up and imed his territory. ¡°Should I call it a sess?¡± Sigh. Sein chuckled, twisting the corner of his mouth. Truly a bizarre life. Who could he me? It was his fault for being born like this, and his fault for living this way. Even though he regretted it, he had to ept the harsh reality, which had been around for a long time. ¡°It was a life that seemed like it would never get familiar.¡± Sein, with a rough, wolf-like impression. But his current appearance was somewhat mncholic, resembling a regretful sinner. ¡°Anyway¡­.¡± The alleyways of Chichiron. Though quiet during the day, it was the noisy ce at night. However, it was alreadyte at night. ¡°It¡¯s too quiet here.¡± Sein, who had stopped, looked around. Since when, not even a mouse¡¯s shadow was visible, let alone a person. It was an odd situation to anyone, but Sein remained calm andposed. ¡°Ugh.¡± A crying from somewhere. ¡°Who¡¯s crying on such a fine day?¡± As Sein spoke, shadows began to creep into the alley. ¡°It¡¯s me¡­. You bastard!¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one from earlier, right?¡± The guy who had made a fuss about not getting a rose but a wild rose. The guy who had been beaten up and robbed of everything valuable appeared in the alley, holding a nket. The problem was. ¡°Hah.¡± He wasn¡¯t alone. ¡°You, were you the one with the limp?¡± ¡°Kiki.¡± Laughter apanied Inyoung¡¯s appearance, but there were several of them. After carefully examining, the shadows were already full. Limp, the nickname of Thomas, who was sharing this narrow Chichiron with him. ¡°Seems like even though Borg is a jerk, he wouldn¡¯t do something like this.¡± ¡°You just realized that now?¡± ¡°Borg, he may have owed you, but he really backstabbed you this time.¡± The shadow finally revealed its figure. It was a blond man standing on one foot. ¡°Long time no see, you crazy bastard.¡± ¡°You have a good name like Sein, why resort to calling me a crazy bastard? Lame.¡± ¡°¡­Tsk.¡± Sein found himselfpletely surrounded in no time. As if there weren¡¯t enough conflicts with Sein upying the territory, ame one indeed. ¡°Wanna start a war?¡± ¡°What war.¡± Snick. Theme one smirked ominously under the moonlight. ¡°It¡¯s a hunt.¡± Sein looked for an escape route but found none. ¡®Seems like you¡¯ve been preparing for a while.¡¯ It had been over a year since seizing the territory, so it might have been natural. Sein was about to retrieve something from his bosom. ¡°It¡¯s useless. Your subordinates have already fled.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah! They said there¡¯s hidden money, so they¡¯re probably off enjoying it.¡± The one who was just beaten and crying a while ago now raised his voice, iming to be on Sein¡¯s side. ¡°Ha. Money, money, but it came with side effects.¡± He tried to pull out a horn, but Sein retrieved something else. Shing. A sharply shining dagger. Quite a high-quality item to acquire in the back alleys of this trashy territory. ¡°You¡¯ve been causing too much trouble. You crazy bastard.¡± There was no choice. ¡®Six in the front, seven in the back¡­ About five on each side? The preparations seem to be in order.¡¯ Despite being cautious, the numbing effect of time seemed inevitable. ¡°Today, I¡¯ll kill you here, and the back alleys of Chichiron will be under my control.¡± Theme one¡¯s right hand slowly rose. And at that moment it came down. ¡°Kill him-!¡± Theme one¡¯s subordinates rushed in. ng! ng! Sparks flew. Even though outnumbered, Sein was the boss who controlled a section of Chichiron¡¯s back alleys. Years of fighting experience since childhood. ¡°Hiyah!¡± A sharp sword strike that didn¡¯t seem like it came from someone from the back alleys. And movements quicker than anyone else. ¡°That bastard fights so well!¡± It felt like a trap from which there was no escaping. ¡°Argh!¡± Sein had already taken down more than seven enemies. ¡°What are you doing? Come in.¡± Sein, wiping his hands stained with the blood of the gang members, looked formidable. ¡°¡­.¡± Truly a madman in every sense of the word. ¡°What are you all doing! Kill! I said kill!¡± Despite the thug¡¯smand, his subordinates couldn¡¯t bring themselves to move easily. ¡°Useless bunch¡­!¡± Seething with frustration at his subordinates who couldn¡¯t even hunt down a single madman despite countless preparations, the thug finally made a move. No. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll have to intervene.¡± More urately, the shadow beside him. ¡°You understand that my sword is expensive, right?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± A man wielding a sophisticated sword that didn¡¯t quite fit the alley. It seemed the thug had indeed made thorough preparations for hunting down the madman. From Noble mtl dot Perhaps due to long-standing rivalry in the not-sorge alley. ¡°Did you even hire mercenaries?¡± Thug Thomas seemed fully prepared to hunt down the madman Sein. ¡°The kid managed to im half the alley with his fighting skills alone, so should I have not anticipated this?¡± Thomas chuckled. Chapter 2 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 2 In contrast, Sein¡¯s face darkened slightly. ¡®He¡¯s a professional.¡¯ Not just any wandering mercenary. His gait. His stance. The sword he wielded. ¡®Didn¡¯t notice.¡¯ Above all, the fact that he hadn¡¯t even noticed such an individual existed until Thomas called him out was what troubled him the most. ¡°Oh?¡± The mercenary marveled at Sein. ¡°You read him?¡± The mercenary had also picked up on Sein¡¯s hinting at his skill. ¡°Your agility and dagger skills are impressive, and your eyes are sharp. A waste to rot away in an alley.¡± ¡°Did youe here just topliment me?¡± Even at the thug¡¯s tone, the mercenary looked at Sein and spoke up. ¡°Are youing with me?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What?¡± Thomas and Sain were equally bewildered. ¡°What the hell are you saying right now!¡± In response to Thomas¡¯s curse, Thwack! The mercenary used his hand to silence Thomas. Crack! In an instant, Thomas¡¯s sturdy jawbone shattered. ¡°Ugh, ughh¡­. ughhh!¡± Thomas started screaming in agony, writhing in pain. ¡°Wow! After being a cripple, now a mute. What should I call you next?¡± ¡°He even has a backbone.¡± The mercenary seemed satisfied with Sain¡¯s reaction. But the mercenary knew. No matter how shady the alley thugs were, they had their own sense of loyalty. ¡°Boss!¡± ¡°Kill him!¡± The de that was heading towards Sain suddenly turned towards the mercenary. The remaining subordinates of Thomas. Swoosh! Before they could even close in on the mercenary, they were shattered into pieces and scattered. In the moonlit alley, blood turned into rain and fell. ¡°You bastard.¡± That¡¯s all Sain could say. ¡°Called a tiger to catch a dog.¡± Sain¡¯s cold gaze. ¡®He¡¯s knight-level.¡¯ The author was not just any mercenary rolling around anywhere. At least knight-level. Considering the move just now, he was skilled enough to be at the level of amander in a knight order. ¡°Did you see that again? It¡¯s beyond expectations.¡± Thud. The mercenary, advancing through pools of overflowing blood. ¡°So, are youing?¡± It was not a suggestion but a threat. If he didn¡¯tply, he would end up like Thomas, or like those subordinates. ¡°I would love to, but circumstances¡­¡± ¡°Are you refusing?¡± The mercenary cocked his head in bewilderment. ¡°Surprising. I thought I knew better than anyone how precious my life is.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of that life.¡± That moment. ¡°¡­!¡± The mercenary, sensing something, reached out his hand. Boom! The explosion that erupted in front of the mercenary¡¯s nose caught everyone off guard. Whoosh! The smoke that followed quickly filled the alley. ¡°The dragon¡¯s breath¡­?¡± In the smoke, the mercenary muttered in confusion. The destructive power, and the smoke. It was a bomb known as the lost secret of the empire, the dragon¡¯s breath. ¡°This¡­.¡± With a glint in his eye. ¡°I now have more reason to capture it.¡± The mercenary began to move. * * * ¡°Heuk! Heuk!¡± Sein was running and running. Now in a back alley of Chichiron that could be called his home. ¡°Heuk!¡± He knew better than anyone where to run, how to escape. But even for Sein, the situation was daunting. ¡°Darn it. Crazy bastard.¡± The mercenary who had been called in to hunt him. But the reality was not a hunter, but a tiger. ¡°Why the heck did that guye to this alley?¡± Chichiron was a small territory on the border. Even at the level of a back alley, it was the same. ¡°Damn it!¡± Even the guards¡¯ level was the same. No. ¡°He¡¯s even a match for the lord¡¯s knights.¡± So it was inevitable to feel helpless. There was no one to stop him no matter where he ran. ¡°There¡¯s not much time left.¡± Frustrated and resentful. This dog-like life. I was certain the sun would rise if I waited a little longer. ¡°Over there.¡± Instead of the sun, I was drawn into the dark, grim abyss. Along with a voice echoing from a distance. Thud! Thud! Thud! The buildings in the alley Saint was running through began to copse. ¡°Insane!¡± That¡¯s a monster. Trapped with no escape from the rubble of the copsed buildings. All I could do was stop. ¡°You run like a scared mouse. I thought I got rid of you by now, but you look quite good squirming.¡± ¡°Hah¡­ hah¡­.¡± A mercenary stood before him. ¡°Where did you catch the dragon¡¯s breath?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to answer?¡± I can be sure. ¡®There¡¯s nowhere to run.¡¯ Swish. I gripped the dagger. ¡°Oh¡­ seems like you know what the dragon¡¯s breath is. Your curiosity is piqued.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll follow.¡± Saint spoke. ¡°Please spare me.¡± ¡°You said you wouldn¡¯t go earlier?¡± ¡°Not right now. I have to stay in Chichiron for a while. But I¡¯ll follow if it¡¯s okay.¡± Saint¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t seem to be lying. However. ¡°That¡¯s not possible.¡± Damn it. The reason Saint rejected the mercenary¡¯s offer from the start was this. At least a knight, or even amander, posing as a mercenary hade all the way to the back alleys of Chichiron. That meant. ¡®A fugitive.¡¯ He was running away from someone. So, no matter how much he wanted, he calcted that he would leave this ce immediately. ¡°One month, no, a week will do.¡± He tried to bargain somehow. ¡°There are too many conditions. Since I can¡¯t cut my tongue, I guess I¡¯ll have to start with arms and legs.¡± The mercenary had approached the lord¡¯s face in no time. The mercenary¡¯s hand heading towards the sword. ¡°I must know your secret.¡± The moment it touched the sword, the lord was about to end up like Thomas¡¯s minions who were cut into pieces. Luckily, he was still breathing, at least. Finally, the moment the mercenary¡¯s hand reached the sword. Crash! What burst out was not the sound of the lord¡¯s body being cut into pieces, but mes. ¡°Oh¡­ what?¡± The mercenary¡¯s face showed confusion. This was the only chance the lord had been waiting for. ¡°Yes. Oh, you bastard!¡± The lord, who had let go of the mercenary¡¯s sword, stabbed a dagger towards the mercenary¡¯s throat. * * * ¡°Really¡­.¡± It was a genuine voice. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it.¡± The mercenary, with a face that just couldn¡¯tprehend, was looking down. ¡°Cough. Cough¡­. Ugh¡­.¡± In front of him, the fallen lord was coughing up rough breaths. ¡°In movements unseen in the back alleys, the dragon¡¯s breath¡­.¡± The oue was already decided. ¡°Up to even using magic.¡± The mercenary was sincerely impressed. ¡°What exactly are you?¡± In this rural domain, there were things unseen in the back alleys. No matter how much darkness prevailed in the world, this ce was a remote rural area untouched even by deep darkness. ¡°Answer me.¡± ¡°Aaargh!¡± The mercenary said, stepping on the lord¡¯s ankle. ¡°Who are you?¡± Initially curiosity, now suspicion beyond that. And what was freezing was greed. ¡°I¡¯ll spare your life. You seem to have some utility.¡± ¡°Damn it, do you want to know?¡± In agony, the lord said with a twisted smile. ¡°Shall I tell you?¡± ¡°Arrogant brat.¡± Thud! Finally, a roar erupted even from Sein¡¯s ankle. ¡°¡­Kugh. I¡¯m a cripple now too.¡± Even so, Sein, who smiled, could be said to be madness itself. ¡°I could do without an arm or a leg. Can¡¯t be seen dragging around a rough fellow trying to escape.¡± Swish. Under the brilliant moonlight, the mercenary¡¯s sword gleamed. Towards the sky-blue eyes filled with awe. Swoosh. It was the moment when the mercenary¡¯s sword was about to fall slowly. Kaboom! Another burst of mes. Sein wondered if he still had a move left, but the mercenary had a different expression. Astonishment, and fear. ¡°Witch¡­! Why you!¡± Awe. ng-ng-ng! The mercenary¡¯s sword still deflecting something with sparks flying. Sein could clearly see what the sword was blocking. Something pure white. It was. ¡°I came for a reason, didn¡¯t expect to see a wanted criminal.¡± The upper undead, a leg of the Grand Spider. Kaboom! The mercenary who deflected the leg of the Grand Spider stepped back heavily, touching the ground. The deathly aura of the Grand Spider infected the mercenary¡¯s chest, making it seem as if he had died silently. ¡°A¡­ reason?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Right in front of Sein¡¯s nose, there was a shadow looming. It was a woman with jet-ck hair that seemed as dark as a raven¡¯s wing, with beautifully crafted curves as if sculpted by someone. ¡°This brat here is my reason.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Beauty. A back view that seemed to embody that beauty. Yet within that beauty, an ominous deathly aura like no other. ¡°You wanted to know what this brat is, right?¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°Witch. Spare me. I¡¯ll leave quietly.¡± ¡°It¡¯s toote.¡± Boom! The legs of the Spider. Naturally, one was not the entirety. Altogether eight. From the back of the ck Lady emerged what seemed like an unbeatable mercenary, leaving behind eight holes. ¡°No way¡­!¡± The mercenary spoke with trembling eyes. ¡°De¡­.¡± Facing death, the mercenary tried to utter his final words as if a dying wish. Chapter 3 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 3 Crack! The Spider¡¯s leg that pierced through his body not only stopped there but tore him to pieces. A scene reminiscent of an alley. The woman who embodied it slowly turned her head and said, ¡°You¡¯re Chichiron¡¯s mad dog. Are you Saint?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Saint, looking up at her. Faced with a death so overwhelming that it couldn¡¯t bepared to the mercenary. ¡°Speak. Who are you.¡± Saint was smiling. ¡°No, not knowing is natural, isn¡¯t it?¡± Under the brilliant moonlight. ¡°You might not know, but you have shed great blood. Saint.¡± Two men and women were staring into each other¡¯s eyes from different positions. ¡°Saint Demorus. That¡¯s your identity.¡± The sudden appearance of the ck Lady. Having torn apart a knight-level mercenary, she addressed Saint. ¡°Saint Demorus.¡± Her name, and a title not her own. ¡°De¡­morus?¡± But the surprise at that title that she couldn¡¯t ignore was brief. ¡°That¡¯s your identity.¡± At that moment. Rumble! It felt like lightning striking in her mind. ¡°Indeed, I had no idea at all¡­.¡± The woman who was about to say something to such a Saint. However, she soon had to close her mouth. A grin that rose to a grotesque level. Sky-blue eyes with white hair. Somewhere, in that face that even exudes mystery, ¡°¡­finally.¡± It was madness. ¡°Finally!¡± The saint shouted. Understood. That secret that had to be hidden for so long. Understood. That it was his own secret that should never be told. But it was the time he had barely endured this tiresome life, waiting. ¡°I¡¯ve waited.¡± The saint rose to his feet. Late at night, what filled the alley was the brilliant moonlight. But that was the light of the world. The world seen through the saint¡¯s eyes. ¡ª¡ª¡ª- [Warning: You cannot leave this area until the tutorial isplete.] [Warning: You cannot leave this area until the tutorial isplete.] ¡ª¡ª¡ª- All crimson red light and yellow stripes. The saint said, ¡°This insane world is finallying to an end!¡± He had persevered in a world painted entirely in red. But even that was only until now. ¡°¡­.¡± The slender-eyed woman would not know what she had aplished. In the once crimson world of the saint, it slowly began to regain its original color. ¡°Whoever you are, I am insanely grateful.¡± The saint murmured in a quiet voice. ¡°I will make sure to repay this debt.¡± ¡°¡­Surely not.¡± That was thest voice of the woman that the saint heard. As the saint blinked for a moment, what he faced was, ¡°Finally¡­ here.¡± An entirely dim world. No, he realized that it was floating in a space simr to the universe, glittering with starlight in the distance. Yet, the saint remained unfazed. As mentioned, this moment was the one the saint had been desperately waiting for. [Your life has been confirmed.] This space was not an unknown territory, but rather a ce like reality¡­ [Your¡­ 4th life has been confirmed.] For yers, it was like a home. ¡°Finally¡­ I¡¯ve arrived¡­ the Lamp.¡± The Lamp, that was the name this space was called. * * * Three lives, a world where one was free to do anything. Yet a world with no end. Humans all had an instinct to conquer the summit, no matter who they were. This ce. ¨C Sanctuary. Sanctuary was no different. Millions of gamers wanted to conquer Sanctuary, and the challenges of over trillions of people took ce. But not a single soul saw the end of this world. However, after many years, a yer finally saw the end. It was a glorious moment. A historic moment. If there were no ugly truths. ¨C I did it. I did it! The first clear of Sanctuary. The yer who achieved that was¡­ -Hahaha! I did it! Finally made it through no matter what way!!! An abnormal, cheat yer. It was a coincidence. He poured his whole life into it, but when he couldn¡¯t see the end of Sanctuary, he fell into despair. The gift given to the Sein who had lost even the will to live. [Would you like to y the cheat version?] It was so absurdly sweet. Sanctuary, never breached even once. It was clearly a fraud to everyone, but at the edge of despair, he made a choice. -Anyway, what does it matter. It changed his life. [ID: BIRDMAN] ID Birdman. Real name. -This is insane. It was real, right? Kim Sein. He seeded in obtaining the cheat version of Sanctuary and finally reached the end of Sanctuary. However, at the end, there was no glory that Kim Sein had envisioned. -What is this? Even though it had been enjoyed for over a decade without ever getting bored, the price paid for using unauthorized methods was so hollow. There was no joy, no sadness. In Sein¡¯s world. -What is this¡­? It copsed that day. The downfall of the empire, the ending of the game that Sein had brought about with his own hands, was bitterly empty. And suddenly approached. [Game Over: Lifeform Terminated.] [Abnormal ess Detected.] [Initiating Security Measures.] A world tainted with sickly colors. -Connection terminated! He tried to flee in confusion, but it was toote. [Emergency Protocol Activated.] The connection did not terminate, and inexplicably, Sein found himself trapped in the game. Three lives given. And the end. But for Sein, who had an abnormal conclusion, a price was given. [Starting the 4th Life.] A fourth life that should never exist in the game. * * * ¡°Ha¡­ I didn¡¯t expect that.¡± Sein, who floated alone in the dark cosmos, murmured to himself. Every moment had been a series of tension, but here and now, there was no need to be tense. An absolute safe zone, the Jumadeng was a kind of mental world. ¡°I only knew that life was given, not that I had to live that life.¡± Life given at the beginning of the game. And the past life. All starting points were around eighteen. Because it was a game, that was the case. What had been taken for granted turned into a cruel hell when it became reality. Trapped as a cheater, the yer Kim Sein had to live on as the back-alley Sein. [Tutorial] The prison trapped under that name. The legacy system that the game boasted of didn¡¯t even function, and as it was a game, the existing safety measures hadpletely disappeared. Days that had to be endured to survive. Nevertheless, there was a reason why Sein could endure. ¡°If it hadn¡¯t been for nearly a decade of y, I would have died long ago.¡± Throughout the years of ying Pre-Chit, before Cheat y. Sein had truly lived countless lives. Sometimes a farmer, sometimes a miner, sometimes a cksmith. Sometimes even a hero. In the life he had experienced, he had many mentors and learned from their teachings. Back then. ¡°I just thought it was a y of settings.¡± Magic this, meditation that, footwork this. Even though he did not attribute much meaning to things activated under the name of skills, when Pre-Chit became reality, those became experiences akin to treasures. Memories he had summoned to survive were not skills, yet they triggered. Skills he habitually used had be ingrained in his body as habits. ¡°Thanks to those, I could survive.¡± Sein rose to his feet. The current space was the Jumadang. And what it meant was that the tutorial had finally ended. The starting point for all yers. [Your 4th life has been confirmed.] He had confirmed a 4th life that should never have existed. [You are¡­] Now, it¡¯s the starting point. [The sessor of the Dark Tower.] Along with it, the twinkling starlight in the distance swiftly approached. Kurrrung! A deafening noise as if the sky was copsing. Kwaaaang! Something fell from there and appeared before Sein. This. The moment he had been waiting for so long. ¡°The Stone of Past Lives. It¡¯s been so long.¡± Three colorless red stones. Each containing the lives he had passed through. Thest y, the three lives that Sein could clear Pre-Chit with. And that was truly. ¡®My cheat.¡¯ The cheat key given to Sein. The lives given in Pre-Chit were all random. As if the system had gamified our lives, gamers were both ecstatic and regretful. What they desired was only one thing. Reality like wind. -If¡­. Anyone can have their desired wish. -If only I could choose my life. The ability to choose what I would be born as and what life I would live. That was the true cheat that a saint possessed. And the three past lives. Lives that a saint had dreamt and dreamt of for over a decade, ying. Woong! The ce a saint chose was the final third stone. The moment a saint¡¯s hand touched the red glowing stone. Aaah-! The red stone that had lost its light began to pulsate like a heart. Soon after, what appeared was. [Would you like to activate your past lives?] A single question directed at the saint. The long-awaited moment, and the predetermined answer. From Noble mtl dot ¡°Yes.¡± The saint finally chose the strongest life that had seen its ending. [Activating the past life of the Imperial Crown Prince.] Choosing to start as the Imperial Crown Prince of the empire. * * * ¡°¡­As expected.¡± A faint voice could be heard. ¡°¡­That¡¯s right.¡± The saint was slowly awakening, regaining a vague sense. ¡°I was in this bordend.¡± Apanied by a clear voice. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± The saint opened their eyes widely. Kwaahk! Chapter 4 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 4 Something was tightly gripping their arms and legs. A strength that seemed futile to struggle against. The saint could recognize what it was. ¡®The legs of a Bone Spider.¡¯ The legs of the superior undead, the Bone Spider. And its owner. ¡°You¡¯ve awakened.¡± The ck woman who saved him. In a world where he finally found his light, the woman who now faced him was radiating a beauty even greater than before. Within the brilliant moonlight. Swoosh. Sein was suspended in mid-air, bound by her. ¡°¡­Isn¡¯t your taste a bit too radical?¡± Those were Sein¡¯s first words upon awakening. ¡°Is this a joke?¡± The woman spoke to Sein as if in disbelief. ¡°You don¡¯t n on killing me, do you?¡± ¡°Why would you think that way?¡± Though time had passed in solitude, Sein remembered the previous events. The woman had clearly stated, ¡°I am your business, as you have given me your essence.¡± Sein Demorus. ¡°Demorus.¡± That was the title he had been given, the starting point of his fourth life. ¡°You are here to take me as the sessor to Demorus.¡± It was a world shattered by Sein. A name that even the creatures of the Dark Sanctuary could not ignore. ¡°Surely you don¡¯t intend to kill the sessor candidate of Demorus?¡± Demorus. They were one of the three dark sanctuaries that divided the world. ¡°¡­.¡± The woman fell silent. ¡°Your mind is quite sharp.¡± Finally, praise came from the woman¡¯s lips. Swish! Like the legs of a spider retracting like a whip. Having found his freedom, Sein fell from mid-air but managed to regain his bnce. ¡°It was just a verification process. Your blood¡­¡± Vroom! A ne emerged from the woman¡¯s chest. ¡°Is this Demorus¡¯s blood?¡± ¡°Was it necessary to keep it tied?¡± ¡°I like to be certain.¡± Although the woman said so. ¡®It¡¯s suspicious.¡¯ Sein did not withdraw his gaze of suspicion towards her. Only not so foolish as to give it away. ¡°Aren¡¯t you surprised? That you are a Demoros?¡± ¡°I already knew it was something special.¡± Sain checked while turning his body around. ¡®My past life has been activated.¡¯ Finally, as the tutorial ended, he was given the special reward of his past life. Originally, even that would have been random, but Sain could choose. ¡®The cheat is also activated.¡¯ That was Sain¡¯s cheat. Because it was a ¡®choice.¡¯ The Imperial Crown Prince, his greatest reward was¡­. ¡°You knew it was something special?¡± ¡°I saw it. You¡¯re using Ora.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°How many at this age use Ora?¡± The woman seemed to quietly nod her head. ¡°And you, an Ora who awoke alone in a back alley without a proper master. Do you know what that means?¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s called genius.¡± Sain was confident even as he spat out the unfamiliar words. ¡°How did you awaken?¡± ¡°How would you exin breathing? It just happened naturally. And isn¡¯t that evidence of genius?¡± He had thought countless times while waiting for this day. Dozens, hundreds of reasons to exin. But the conclusion he reached was one. ¡°I woke up an Ora in some remote back alley. It must be proof of how extraordinary my blood is. I even thought it might be the bloodline of a fallen ancient empire.¡± Forcing it. It was more effective than he thought. That moment. A twitch. At the mention of the ancient empire, there was a subtle change in the woman¡¯s expression. It was a subtle change that would have gone unnoticed if he hadn¡¯t activated his past life. ¡°That makes sense. Then what about the Dragon¡¯s Breath?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the same with that too.¡± That¡¯s what she was looking at. Yet the woman remained passive, meaning she was observing. ¡®To test me.¡¯ But Sain continued without showing his hand. ¡°Given by a traveler.¡± ¡°A traveler?¡± ¡°Of course they¡¯d be fugitives. They must already know that I¡¯ve made quite a name for myself in the alleys.¡± Naturalness. That is more important than anything. As an alien presence in this world, one is already aware of what unfolds due to that experience. ¨C The absolute rule for enjoying Sanctuary. Such words were posted on informational sites. ¨C Rule 1: Do not reveal your alienation. There are penalties for that in Sanctuary. However, that doesn¡¯t mean one should hide themselves. ¨C Rule 2: Naturally reveal your uniqueness. As uniqueness, not alienation. If the residents of Sanctuary, the NPCs, can ept this uniqueness, the penalties in Sanctuary will be greatly eased. ¡°It¡¯s not without consequences, but I can understand.¡± The woman slowly approached Sein. Swoosh. Outstretched hand. ¡°I¡¯mte in introducing myself.¡± The woman said to Sein. ¡°My name is Arin.¡± ¡°¡­¡­..¡± ¡°I¡¯m also known as the Witch of the Legion.¡± That was Sein¡¯s first encounter with Arin. ¡°I¡¯m Sein Demorus. Nice to meet you, Arin.¡± * * * Thud! One of the subordinates who had knelt at Sein¡¯s feet copsed. ¡°Le, Leader!¡± ¡°Please spare us!¡± The ones kneeling were not just one. At least six. And they were the very ones. ¡°Even the raised mutt recognizes my master.¡± They were traitors. ¡°Feed them, shelter them, and they wag their tails happily.¡± Sein sat askew, looking at them. ¡°But what are you all about?¡± ¡°Leader!¡± ¡°Feeding, sheltering, clothing, protecting from other town mutts trying to bite. Yet you bite the hand that feeds?¡± ¡°Captain! That¡¯s not¡­!¡± The assault of the clumsy Thomas. It was clearly a strange sight at first nce. Especially considering the situation of being under attack. It was definitely a nned event, and if there were no traitors within, it would have been impossible. ¡°Derren.¡± At Sein¡¯s call, a furry ape approached and bowed its head. ¡°What do we do if those guys are not the traitors?¡± Derren was a special guy. ¡°Are you lying? Or are they lying?¡± Since Sein opened his eyes in this unfamiliar body, Derren was like a guardian who raised and nurtured him. Although Sein was the captain now, the only thing he could trust in this back alley was Derren. ¡°No evidence?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve seen those guys meet with Thomas several times. And they were paid quite a sum.¡± ¡°That, that¡¯s!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll stake my life on it.¡± With Derren¡¯s firm voice, the verdict was final. ¡°No, not the captain!¡± ¡°Captain, please!¡± Swish. But Sein had already drawn his dagger. ¡°What is betrayal in this sordid alley?¡± Sein stood up. ¡°Death. Captain.¡± Shwok! Sein¡¯s dagger pierced one man¡¯s throat, signaling the start. ¡°Aaargh!¡± The men, desperate to survive, tried to resist somehow. Shwok! Shwok! Shwok! Sein¡¯s subordinates, who were already waiting, mercilessly eliminated all the traitors. The back alley fell silent in no time. Swoosh. Derren, having dealt with thest man, wiped the blood off his dagger and said, ¡°But, Captain, what about her?¡± In a corner of the alley, in this ce so inhospitable to anyone not of the same ilk, there was a strange woman. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like the captain has brought a woman in before.¡± A beauty rarely seen in these parts. But more than that, she exuded a strong scent of danger that made everyone cautious. ¡°She goes by Arin.¡± ¡°Arin¡­?¡± It was a name she heard for the first time. ¡°They say she¡¯s called the Witch of the Legion.¡± It might be a notorious name that echoes across the continent. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean.¡± It was a name that hadn¡¯t spread to this rural area. Swoosh. As Sen sat up, he said, ¡°The Lame is dead. Take care of the kids and secure the Lame¡¯s territory.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°And Arin.¡± Sen turned around and said, ¡°She¡¯s a woman from Demorus.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± At that moment, the back alley froze. Even in this rural area where not even the infamous name of the Witch of the Legion was heard. ¡°¡­Demorus, you say?¡± The name of Demorus was powerful even in such a remote vige. * * * ¡°The three did not lie.¡± At Arin¡¯s abrupt words, Sen, who was drinking beer, stopped. This was an inn managed by Sen, a graveyard for mercenaries. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Of the six you executed, three were not traitors.¡± ¡°Ah, that.¡± Sen seemed to understand only then, smiling slightly. ¡°They were problematic even though not this time. It¡¯s better to make sure when there¡¯s a reason.¡± ¡°Problematic?¡± Clunk. Sen roughly set down his beer. ¡°You¡¯re quite interested in other people¡¯s territories, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t I introduced myself yet?¡± Still, Arin didn¡¯t bat an eye. She was a woman who could easily tear through mercenaries of knight-level. It would be easier for her to handle a fledgling than swallowing cold soup. ¡°I am your guardian.¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°¡­Guardian?¡± ¡°It means I watch over you and assess if you¡¯re fit to be a sessor.¡± ¡°¡­Aren¡¯t guardians supposed to be people who help you?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s call it even.¡± In the expressionless gaze of Arin, Sein eventually turned his body around. ¡°One guy touched a woman with a husband. And another one¡­ did something to a child.¡± ¡°Deserved to die.¡± ¡°Well, something like that. I could have written a novel about it, but when it came to dealing with cripples and territory disputes, I was short of a hand.¡± ¡°Is that why you spared them?¡± A slightly contemptuous gaze. But. ¡°For that reason?¡± Sein¡¯s face twisted instead. ¡°Is there a reason more important than surviving in this damn hellhole? To stay alive, I had to take them with me no matter what. The esteemed Demorus¡¯s guardian might not understand.¡± An alley like hell. There was nothing as difficult as surviving there. ¡°Well¡­.¡± Sein muttered quietly. ¡°The guy who touched a woman with a husband never dared to mess around with a woman again, and the one who did something to a child¡­¡± Thud! ¡°I made sure he paid back in kind as much as he hurt the child. In my territory, you can¡¯t just get pped for stealing.¡± Chapter 5 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 5 ¡°That was you. Lucky.¡± ¡°No way. I may look like this, but I¡¯m a strict person.¡± The trivial conversation ended there. ¡°What happens from now on?¡± Sein asked Arin. A new identity emerged, a guardian named overseer. Things would be different from now on. ¡°Going to Demorus.¡± A natural course of action. ¡°While heading to Demorus, I will watch over you.¡± She was his guardian. ¡°Regarding your suitability as Demorus¡¯s sessor.¡± At that moment, Sein realized. ¡®This is the main quest.¡¯ His fourth life given to him. As the sessor of the Dark Alley, the main quest given to him. ¡°If you are not suitable?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll be discarded.¡± ¡°That¡¯s harsh.¡± But it didn¡¯t matter. Sein¡¯s goal he had held onto until now. ¡®Survive.¡¯ Surviving in this hellish world. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve endured rolling in the filthy back alleys. Getting my hands dirty with all that filth. But if that was all, I would have given up. Escaping the grim reality was also an option. The reason I persevered. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s head to Demorus.¡± It was a task akin to the mission Sein had. The world he once loved so dearly, now his only way to atone for destroying it. Also, the only hope Kim Sein, who had nothing but a past in security, held. ¡®This time, I will clear Security.¡¯ No one could curse at the cheat version. Right now, this ce might be a game for someone else, but for Sein, it was reality. ¡°From now on, let Wuis handle the management of Chichiron.¡± Sein Family¡¯s Number Three. ¡°Captain, but¡­¡± ¡°Whether it fails or is snatched by others, it doesn¡¯t matter. Do as you please.¡± Sein was preparing to leave. ¡°Ease up a bit, you¡¯re more than capable of handling this.¡± The reason Wuis, Number Three, took charge of the organization was simple. Number Two, Deren, decided to leave with Sein. ¡°Captain, please return whenever you wish.¡± The subordinates bidding farewell to Sein spoke earnestly. ¡°What if. Isn¡¯t it better if he doesn¡¯te back?¡± ¡°What are you saying, Captain?¡± Wuis, now representing the group, spoke to Sein. ¡°In the Chichiron alley, you were a ray of light in the darkness.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Still, because of you, the line-crossers were somewhat restrained, weren¡¯t they? The residents of the alley were thankful for being able to live in peace.¡± It was a past time. The environment given to Sein was the worst, in itself. Chichiron was more equal than anything else. The issue was that the standard for equality was based on power. Children, elders, all had to kneel and cry before strength in Chichiron¡¯s back alleys. ¡°We¡¯ll wait, abiding by the rules you set, Captain. Please return whenever you wish. Captain.¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough. It¡¯s getting awkward.¡± As Sein waved his hand, Wuis finally closed his mouth. ¡°Is that all you¡¯re taking?¡± Arin¡¯s question. Now, it was time to leave, but all Sein had packed was a small bundle. Even if Deren, the furry monkey, carried most of the luggage, it was still a meager load. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± Yet, Sein seemed to have no regrets. ¡°This is Sein¡¯s hometown, yet not a home.¡± The essentials to bring were a few weapons and emergency tools. ¡°Deren, did you pack everything well?¡± ¡°Of course. Captain.¡± Only a handful of coins scraped together from the back alleys. ¡°Weiss. Make sure the kids don¡¯t go hungry. Deal with the thieves appropriately.¡± ¡°I will keep that in mind, Captain.¡± Locked away for over a decade, all there was to take was just that. A world coated in blood and filth. To Sein, it was a world painted in crimson. ¡°Captain!¡± Windows in the back alleys opened, people shouted. ¡°Thank you for everything!¡± Sein, over eighteen. Though young, his presence brought peace to the back alleys of Chichiron. ¡°Pah! Don¡¯te back again! Crazy bastard!¡± Of course, that wasn¡¯t the only thing. ¡°Weiss¡­¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± ¡°Take care of that punkter.¡± ¡°I will, sir.¡± And so, Sein left Chichiron, a ce that was almost like a second hometown. Light footsteps that seemed endlessly light. ¡®Finally.¡¯ Chichiron, trapped by the constraints of the tutorial, could not leave. There was nothing appealing, and each passing day felt like sinking deeper into a swamp. So. ¡°Haha!¡± Finally free, there was nothing to do but be satisfied with the present. But even that joy was short-lived. ¡°Definitely¡­¡± A quiet soliloquy. The rest was left unsaid. ¡®Changed.¡¯ He was a saint who loved nature more than anyone else. The azure sky and beautifulnd. In this world, there was nothing that wasn¡¯t beautiful. ¡°It¡¯s getting dark.¡± The world he knew was no longer there. Even though the sun was still up, the world seemed dark and ashen, as if covered in mist. ¡°Chichiron may be rural, but it¡¯s a sacrednd.¡± He said, exining like a child. ¡°You were protected by a barrier, so is this your first time venturing outside?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the first time.¡± The ashen world. This is the current world. ¡®Dark Sanctuary.¡¯ Unlike the past when it was called the Sanctuary, this world had lost its light. The once vast continent had shrunk by almost half, and even now, the human realm was diminishing. ¡°It¡¯s because of the fall of the old empire.¡± The fall of the old empire. ¡°The sacred light that protected the continent has disappeared, and darkness has spread.¡± The great empire, Archipald, which safeguarded the Sanctuary in the past, had fallen. No one else. ¡°It¡¯s also because of the Emperor of Destruction.¡± Because of their emperor. ¡°¡­¡­¡± It was a story they had heard. Even though it might be considered a rural tale, it was not a story one wouldn¡¯t hear. The great empire, Archipald, which illuminated the Sanctuary, had lost its pir of light and perished at the hands of thest emperor, also known as the Emperor of Destruction. That¡¯s it. ¡°Now it¡¯s a story that¡¯s over a hundred years old.¡± A story from a hundred years ago. ¡®I opened my eyes as a saint in the back alley¡­.¡¯ Yes. ¡®A hundred years after I destroyed the empire.¡¯ If it were the original Sanctuary, there wouldn¡¯t have been such a time difference from my past life, but now it was a twisted world. ¡°Saint Demorus.¡± He called Saint Areen. ¡°I only set the destination for you.¡± The destination is clear. Demorus. ¡°The path and method to reach the destination are entirely up to you to decide and pursue.¡± Arin is the guardian of such a saint. ¡°I will watch over it and determine if you are worthy.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°Even if your life is in danger, I will intervene ording to my judgment, and it would be wise to think that you won¡¯t actually receive it.¡± The day Arin faced him. ¡°You, on that day, exhausted all my help.¡± As a mercenary of knightmander rank, the assistance he received from him was the only help Arin could receive. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± ¡°You are quite confident. The present world is so dangerous that it cannot bepared to trivial matters.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Sein repeated the same words. ¡°If you can¡¯t even endure that much, nothing will change.¡± Sein¡¯s clear goal. It is to survive. And to see the end. How this world will end is unknown. But Sein was convinced because he had seen the end of the world once. ¡®There is an end.¡¯ And reaching that end was the only path he should take. ¡®For that, I must make the most of what I have been given.¡¯ Thest life. A life as the sessor of the Dark Lord. A life dotted with failures. The only sess became a w due to misconduct. It was an opportunity to erase all of that and start anew. ¡°So¡­.¡± Arin, in a strange voice, said. ¡°Is this really your first destination?¡± A dying forest. ¡°Yes.¡± Monsters lived within it. * * * ¡°Kik¡­ Kik.¡± Softly spreading cries. ¡°Kik.¡± It was like they weremunicating with each other through those cries. Those lurking behind dead trees as cover. Those holding rusty swords, flipping mud. ¡°Peekaboo.¡± It was a goblin, one of the lowest monsters in Sanctuary. The goblin, startled by the sudden sound, tried to thrust its rusty spear, but it was toote. Swish! The sharp dagger had already pierced through the goblin¡¯s neck. ¡°Squeak!¡± Another goblin, sensing the ambush, shouted as a warning, but it was also toote. Swish! In no time, Sein had plunged the dagger into its chest. Around Sein, the ce was filled with goblin corpses. ¡°Not as challenging as I thought.¡± As darkness crept into the continent and human territories shrank, the influence of monsters grew significant. In the past, there were very few monster entities in Sanctuary, but after the darkness arrived, their numbers surged, and their levels increased. ¡°No, it¡¯s definitely different.¡± Sein had only encountered monsters through the corpses brought in by mercenaries. Experiencing newly transformed monsters was a first for him. From Noble mtl dot ¡°Squeak!¡± A goblin, using arade¡¯s corpse as a shield, rushed towards Sein from behind. ¡°Bing more ruthless and stronger, aren¡¯t they.¡± Sein instinctively turned around and thrust the dagger into its neck. Goblin group behavior was something seen only in special events, especially usingrades¡¯ corpses as cover. Thud, thud. Coating a rusty spear with poison was unheard of in the past. ¡°Seems like things are roughly in order.¡± A game turned into reality. It possessed a realism iparable to the past. Swish! ¡°One left.¡± Sein was astonishingly ustomed to it, having shed countless blood, even if they were monsters, not humans. Squelch! Rolling in the crimson, inside the dagger, inside the blood. ¡°It¡¯s in bad shape.¡± He could get used to all of this. At the sound of Arin¡¯s voice, Sein turned his head. ¡°If it¡¯s a de, it¡¯s still usable.¡± It was a dagger he had personally crafted, gathering the finest materials avable in the alley. ¡°Not a de, though¡­.¡± Arin was staring straight at Sein. However, Arin didn¡¯t respond. ¡°How long do you n to hunt monsters?¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing better than experiencing realbat, right?¡± Sain said. ¡°Humans have their limits, and you can¡¯t just kill them however you want.¡± Chapter 6 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 6 ¡°¡­¡­¡± That was the reason Arin didn¡¯t respond. Thud. But there was another true reason. Fwoosh! Sain, once again, started hunting relentlessly in the forest, as if he was going to exterminate all the goblins. Even though they might be low-level monsters, they could be tough for beginners, but Sain was already living his fourth life. And he was able to use Aura even before awakening to life. Fwhoosh! Goblins and the like. Even if they got stronger, they were still at that level. ¡°It¡¯s working.¡± Sain confirmed. His third awakened life. -The Imperial Prince. A special life bonus possessed by the Imperial Prince. A life bonus was a very special ability given along with life itself, which served as the foundation of life, like roots supporting life. For the rightful heir of the great ancient empire, Archipald. Thump! The dragon¡¯s blood flowed. As he awakened his magic, his pupils dted like a lizard¡¯s. Within that¡­ Pah-ah-ah! Sain gained explosive power, ughtering goblins. ¡°A hundred.¡± Finally, when he ughtered a hundred goblins, Sain¡¯s world began to change. A dark and mysterious universe. ¡°Jumadeng.¡± It was the second time he had found the Jumadeng. Featuring the extreme difficulty of Sangchuri Among the various factors that make Sangchuri¡¯s difficulty challenging, one of the most malicious is the leveling system. Levels that intuitively allow yers to feel stronger. -Level 30. The maximum level in Sanctuary is 30. Among the billions of yers, less than 1% have reached the maximum level in at least one lifetime. It was known that reaching the maximum level in the following two lifetimes was a feat achieved by only a handful. And among those, reaching the maximum level in all three lifetimes. ¡°Non-existent.¡± This was due to the system of Sanctuary, where the amount of experience points required increased exponentially with each reincarnation. Thest lifetime, which inevitably had the lowest level. Yet, the reason it could be the most powerful was. ¡°The Inheritance.¡± Precisely, the Inheritance System. With each of the three level-ups, the Inheritance bestowed the abilities from the previous life. ¡®Of course, it¡¯s random.¡¯ But Sein was different. ¡°The cheats I possess can be chosen.¡± The life given, the number of times one could ess the Inheritance. ¡®Even the special rewards I will acquire.¡¯ The ability to choose everything. essing the Inheritance again was also a process of confirming that. Woong! The currently active Stone of the Last Life was that of the Third Life, the Imperial Crown Prince. In the life of the royal family with the blood of the dragons, Sein had gained the power of the dragons, albeit weak. ¡°What¡­.¡± Sein stood before the Stones of the Last Life. ¡°It may be limited what I can choose now.¡± The already active life of the Imperial Crown Prince. If he didn¡¯t raise it to a certain level, it would be impossible to activate another past life. For the time being, he needed to focus on the Third Life, that of the Imperial Crown Prince. Swoosh. In Sein¡¯s hand was the Stone of the Third Life. Woong! Woong! Woooong! The Stone containing his life resonated loudly, as if recognizing its rightful owner. Normally, it should be given randomly, not chosen. ¡°I choose the special rewards of thest life.¡± Sein had the cheat of choice. Images that came to his mind, almost like illusions. But at this moment, what he needed to inherit was clear. ¡°Inheritance¡­.¡± Roar! The Third Stone emitted a brilliant light. ¡°Dragon Heart.¡± If one were to obtain the blood of a dragon, it was necessary to have a vessel to contain it. * * * Even after awakening from the trance, Sain continued to hunt relentlessly. But there was always a limit. ¡°Captain¡­.¡± The first to show signs of weariness was Derren. Derren was the one Sain had painstakingly raised in Chichiron. Though he couldn¡¯t wield magic, he was unmatched in martial and sword skills, a formidable force in the back alleys. Derren¡¯s role was merely to take down goblins missed by Sain or finish off the ones left alive, yet he quickly reached his limits. ¡°To groan like that¡­¡± But Derren wasn¡¯t the only one at his limit. The mark. A strange sensation, like bugs crawling up your arm. Long, ck scars had grown on the arm he had tried to soothe. ¡°You said it was your first time venturing outside the territory.¡± Arin, who had only observed the hunting, stood up against the tree and spoke. ¡°Darkness.¡± ¡°Darkness?¡± ¡°The continent is steeped in darkness, and if not protected by the barrier, it will be consumed by darkness.¡± Though a known fact. ¡°This is darkness.¡± A first-hand experience. ¡°If this state persists, contamination will elerate.¡± ¡°It will eventually turn you into a monster.¡± Stories mercenaries had heard. Nodding. Arin nodded as if Sain¡¯s words held the answer. ¡°Facing darkness, the contamination elerates. It¡¯s only surprising that you¡¯re only contaminated to this extent after hunting so many monsters.¡± It was not curiosity but suspicion. ¡°What about you?¡± Sain turned the conversation. ¡°Despite everything, you don¡¯t seem contaminated.¡± Arin wore a ck dress unsuitable for such dangerous ces. With bare arms and legs peeking through the torn skirt. Yet, no ck scars like his were visible on her body. ¡°I have a resistance against the darkness.¡± That was a story unheard of in the rural outskirts. ¡°Resistance?¡± ¡°The blessed ones are not consumed by darkness. Well, to some extent at least.¡± The words wereplex, but the essence was simple. ¡°Escaping from contamination, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The sun was setting imperceptibly. The already dark forest was being engulfed in even deeper darkness. ¡°There are several ways to escape contamination, but the most effective one is to hide within the boundary of a sanctuary.¡± Sain waited. ¡°Or else¡­¡± Arin must have a method in mind. Thunk. Arin plunged the staff she had somehow produced into the ground. Woooo! A flow of magic was felt spreading out. ¡°There¡¯s a way to use a makeshift barrier. You¡¯ll have to pay for itter.¡± ¡°As your sponsor, you¡¯re going too far.¡± ¡°Just consider this a small favor, Sain Demorus.¡± Sain nodded without furtherint and approval. ¡°Derun, we¡¯ll camp here tonight.¡± ¡°Understood, Captain.¡± As if anticipating such a situation, Derun took out camping gear from the luggage. Derun and Sain were skillfully preparing for camping. ¡°¡­Isn¡¯t it your first time outside the barrier?¡± Arin¡¯s voice resonated with disbelief. ¡°I didn¡¯t n on being stuck in the countryside forever. I told you, didn¡¯t I?¡± The topic had already shifted sufficiently. What mattered now was another wedge. ¡°A prodigy, you say?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°A prodigy rotting away in such a rural ce is a huge waste for the continent.¡± ¡°Disgusting, indeed.¡± But Arin moved her hand as if to say enough. ¡°Done.¡± Tent and campfire. A quite usible camping site was set up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you don¡¯t have one. It wasn¡¯t in the ns.¡± There was only one tent. Deren had already anticipated the situation, as if he hadid out his sleeping bag on the ground. Arin, on the other hand, had no tent. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Arin waved her hand as if it was of no concern. Thud! The ground shook. Revealed within was a tent made of white bones. ¡°¡­.¡± Bigger than Sein¡¯s, and it looked morefortable. ¡°Would you consider swapping¡­.¡± ¡°No.¡± I see! *** Thud! Swish! Sein¡¯s dagger had long lost its edge. If he used magic, even with a dull de, he could replicate the cutting power of a sharp sword, but Sein chose not to. It was still unfamiliar handling magic. ¡°What a waste.¡± He decided it was better to use that power to move his body. Thud! Swish! That was the source of this eerie sound. Snatching a goblin¡¯s wooden spear a few times, Sein was now tearing apart the goblins. ¡°There¡¯s no need to follow any longer.¡± Arin spoke to Deren, who, covered in blood, was still trying to stand up. ¡°¡­Groan.¡± Deren hesitated as if angry. His body had reached its limit. ¡°Thanks to the temporary barrier, the spread of contamination has been dyed, quite literally dyed.¡± ck scars adorned Deren¡¯s arms and legs, wounds from facing goblins. ¡°You¡¯ll die if you overdo it.¡± ¡°But the leader¡­.¡± ¡°You want to go after that?¡± Thud! Up ahead. ¡°Squeak!¡± ¡°¡­Squeak!¡± The cries of terror andughter of the terrified goblins echoed together. Hunt. ¡°That¡¯s a dedication bordering on madness.¡± From Noble mtl dot Sein kept relentlessly hunting with only minimal breaks. ¡°I know it¡¯s a strange question to ask, but have you ever harbored any grudge against monsters?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Did you have a bad encounter with goblins?¡± ¡°To my knowledge, no such thing has happened.¡± Then where does that madnesse from? It was impossible without a clear purpose and determination. Even with those, it was still not possible. That was truly madness. ¡°He¡¯s definitely broken.¡± Arin thought as she observed Sein. ¡°And, it¡¯s escting.¡± Arin¡¯s task was to watch over Sein. ¡°Now, we have to see how to handle this.¡± Deren hadn¡¯t awakened his magic, and Sein was truly going berserk. But Arin sensed it. Gooo. At the heart of the forest. Movement of foreign magic. It had been quietly stirring for a while now, heading towards this ce. ¡°Sein Demorus. Your help has run out.¡± So now. Kwaaang! When one had to break free on their own. Amidst thick dust. Grrrr¡­!! Crash! Giant trees were copsing with a roar. ¡°¡­.Captain!¡± ¡°As. If you go there this time, you¡¯ll really die.¡± Kwaaang! Far away, along with another thunderous noise, a small shadow was seen shooting towards them. Thud! After breaking a few trees, the one who finally stopped was Sein. Chapter 7 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 7 Thud! Thud! Thud! Heavy footsteps. Thud! Thud! Even a skilled lumberjack would have to spend hours chopping before the trees copsed like dominoes. ¡°Kieee!¡± The roar echoed through the forest. A special breed, ustomed to darkness after long exposure. ¡°Dark Goblin, perhaps.¡± Monsters strengthened by being engulfed in darkness. They exceeded the power of their ancestors multiple times. Whoosh! Moreover, they possessed their own unique abilities. The Dark Goblin appeared. ¡°No, it¡¯s a Dark Hob Goblin.¡± With its massive frame, the Dark Hob Goblin approached, wielding a ming greatsword towards Sein. ¡°Grk.¡± At that moment, Sein, who had fallen, rose to his feet. His body a mess from the brutal battle. Yet, Arin could see it. Snick. A smile yed on his lips. ¡°Finally, the boss monster has appeared.¡± Sein had clearly been waiting for this moment. ¡°Kieee¡­.¡± His head slowly raised. ¡°Kieee-!¡± The Dark Hob Goblin raised its ming sword, letting out a roar. ¡°Finally, we meet, boss monster.¡± Sein stood up, pulling himself off the tree he was impaled on. A formidable foe at first nce. Snick. Yet Sein was smiling. ¡°Too big to be just a goblin,pletely shrouded in darkness.¡± Furthermore, the mes attached to the sword the Hob Goblin held. No matter how special a species that uses abilities, it couldn¡¯t possibly wield such a threatening power. That. ¡°Is the current monster.¡± A tainted, darkness-drenched special breed. Thud! Sein pulled out his dagger as he faced the approaching Dark Hob Goblin. A dagger worn from countless battles, stained with goblin blood. ¡°Enough.¡± However, it was enough. Thump! Thump! The Dark Hop Goblin, elerating even more. Sein, undeterred, began to walk towards him. Thump! Thump! Thump! ng! ng! Both increasing their speed towards each other. Kwaaang! Finally, they collided at the midpoint. The zing greatsword shed with Sein¡¯s dagger. Aaargh! Though there was a palpable heat, ¡°Fire Resistance.¡± To Sein, it felt just like a gentle breeze. The power possessed by the dragon, referred to as the strongest life form. A new heart established through inheritance. Thump! The ability of the Dragon Heart. Despite Sein¡¯s dagger feeling like it could break at any moment, Trembling! It was still holding up against the impact of the enormous greatsword. Ooong! A blue light. Emanated. Kwaaang! But ultimately, Sein fell back, unable to ovee the strength. The Dark Hop Goblin swung the greatsword to pursue Sein, but it was toote. ¡°Keye?¡± Sein had disappeared without a trace. ¡°Keyee!¡± The enraged Dark Hop Goblin swung the greatsword aimlessly. ¡°Has intelligence diminished further?¡± The voice came from right behind the Dark Hop Goblin. Realizing the situation, the fellow tried to turn around hastily, but it was toote once again. Whoosh! A dagger, filled with malice, plunged into the Dark Hop Goblin¡¯s back. Just like that¡­ Thud! Sein, infused with more magic by the dagger, was falling under the force of gravity. ¡°Keyeeeeee-!¡± Screaming in agony from the stabbing pain on his back, the Dark Hop Goblin thrashed about. Sain slowly widened the distance and killed the Dark Hop Goblin. ¡°Until regeneration.¡± It seemed to possess even the regeneration ability that Hop Goblins originally didn¡¯t have, as the torn wounds slowly healed. ¡°This much is not enough.¡± Despite sighing with disappointment, a smile still lingered on Sain¡¯s lips. How long had he waited for this moment? Monster hunting? Of course, that was part of it. But what Sain truly waited for was¡­ Thump! Thump! A tremendous power felt from his heart. ¡°Dragon Heart, activating output.¡± A sensation of bing something beyond human. Even when Sanctuary was just a game, he became addicted to that immense thrill. And now that it had be reality¡­ ¡°Ah¡­.¡± An indescribable sense of fulfillment dominated his entire being. ¡°Ahahaha!¡± Sensory perceptions faded. The system¡¯s restraints disappeared. Even when trapped in this hellish prison, Sain had awaited this day. ¡°This is definitely Sanctuary. Someday, when I awaken the power within me¡­¡± What kind of sensation would he feel then? Sizzle. Sain¡¯s pupils changed like those of a reptile. At this very moment¡­ Whoosh. Sain felt as if he had be a god. The hard ground caved in under his footprints. Using it as a stepping stone, Sain channeled an even greater magical power into the soles of his feet. Kwaaaang! Soon, Sain was soaring towards the Dark Hop Goblin as if he were a bullet. * * * The Dark Hop Goblin, a monster among monsters, fell. Its demise was truly pitiful. Shredded and torn to pieces, it seemed more like an experiment victim than prey. ¡°It looks like it¡¯s been experimented on.¡± The mad sorcerer had tried everything for his experiments. Arin looked at the man who caused this scene. His eyes closed momentarily as if mourning his prey. When it rose. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The man held a more refined magic within. ¡®Has he gotten stronger in this short time?¡¯ A growth that was beyond belief. And Arin¡¯s thoughts were indeed true. Snick. The man was smiling. ¡®Leveling up in Sanctuary may be brutal, but defeating boss monsters gives quite a substantial experience.¡¯ So she waited. ughtering goblins, striving to call the leader who had them under hismand. What the man did was a kind of farming. And now he had harvested the seeds he had sown. ¡®My overall stats have increased quite a bit.¡¯ Furthermore, in Sanctuary, one couldn¡¯t acquire stats through leveling up; instead, stat increases were achieved through hunting. Especially, the improvement in stats from boss monsters was quite significant. ¡®I might not be able to do it twice, though.¡¯ Through goblins, through Dark Hop Goblins, the stats that could be obtained would end here. There would be nothing more to learn from an opponent who had be as familiar as it gets. But what the man gained wasn¡¯t just that. Just now, by defeating a Dark Hop Goblin, he had once again leveled up. -Jumadung. The new ability obtained there was. ¡°Hmm?¡± Dragon Fear. It allowed him to exude a primal terror that only the mightiest beings could possess. Arin furrowed her brows, looking at the man. ¡°Just now¡­.¡± Arin was about to say something. ¡°Oh, so this is what it means to live, huh.¡± The one who made the move was the man. ¡°I heard about it from the mercenaries, but is it only after drenching yourself in blood to this extent that you can use it?¡± Scratching his head, the man pped his hands. ¡°Well, Arin. Is this right?¡± Having questioned Arin, he fell silent. ¡°It¡¯s a bit different.¡± ¡°So, did you figure it out on your own without learning? The path of a genius is indeed long and difficult.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Sein was smiling brightly at Arin, as if proving his innocence. ¡°Is this all you don¡¯t know?¡± Within, like he was examining a Dark Hop Goblin, he was scrutinizing Arin. ¡°Well, the ancient empire has perished, cutting off all bloodlines.¡± He could be certain. Because he was the one who severed that bloodline. Already a hundred years had passed since then. Through documents and stories, the uniqueness of the royal bloodline might have been passed down, but it was different from experiencing it firsthand. Dragons that perished even when the ancient empire existed, and now, even the royal bloodline had vanished. ¡°No one knows the power of the dragon.¡± Even if someone knew, when that timees, he would be prepared as well. Yet still. ¡°I must watch over.¡± Sein didn¡¯t let his guard down. Just as Arin watched over him, he would watch over Arin as well. * * * Finally, Sein dered the end of the hunt. ¡°¡­Captain, well done.¡± A hunt so intense that even Derun, who rarely showed emotions, seemed tired. After the contamination from the darkness reached his chest, Sein¡¯s hunt was considered over. From Noble mtl dot ¡°I¡¯ve obtained everything there is to obtain.¡± Stats that could be gained from Goblins. Stats that could be gained from boss monsters. Two Moonlight Stones. Leveling up while hunting Goblins was an impossible situation. Moreover, he confirmed the limits of his current body in the fierce battles. ¡°The potential of the Dragon Heart is limitless. But for now, I must save it.¡± He checked his trump card. Above all, this was what mattered the most. ¡°Kuk.¡± Contamination of darkness. In a world different from the one he once knew, he had to make sure of this. As the contamination worsened, he needed to understand the side effects it brought. ¡°Still, the Dragon Heart suppresses the contamination of darkness. Depending on the amount of magic power one possesses, the degree of contamination varies.¡± This was what Sein needed to obtain. And now that he had obtained everything. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He could finally leave with peace of mind. ¡°If only I could control the contamination of darkness, I could act freely.¡± Sein, who seemed rxed, casually tied his hair back, but his eyes were deep in thought. ¡°If there¡¯s one thing bothering me.¡± Swoosh. Aerin standing behind him. Only her. That moment. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± At Aerin¡¯s cautious call, Sein slowly lowered his tied hand. ¡°Why?¡± But as cheerful as his expression and tone, he spoke to Aerin. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Watching Aerin struggle to speak, Sein¡¯s mind was racing. ¡°¡­It¡¯s just that.¡± ¡°What is it? Spit it out.¡± He still didn¡¯t know much about Aerin. A powerful woman known as the Witch of the Legion. Her ability to tear apart elite mercenaries of knightmander level was far beyond what Sein could handle at the moment. But above all, what bothered him was her subtle gaze. Chapter 8 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 8 ¡°For now, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡± If an opportunity arises¡­. ¡°¡­It¡¯s just that¡­.¡± ¡°What is it! Speak up!¡± ¡°I have a favor to ask.¡± ¡°A favor?¡± Sein cocked his head at the sudden request. ¡°¡­It¡¯s just that.¡± ¡°Oh,e on.¡± ¡°Dark¡­ Hop Goblin¡­.¡± ¡°What! Damn it! What!¡± It was the first time. ¡°Can I¡­ retrieve the corpse of Dark Hop Goblin!¡± Seeing Aerin, who usually appeared ruthless, making such a face. With closed eyes and a contorted body, she resembled a girl in love. ¡°¡­¡­?¡± Even Sein was left speechless by the confusion. ¡°Dark Hop Goblin is a rare species even among special breeds, isn¡¯t it too wasteful to just leave the corpse like that¡­?¡± Barely audible, a small voice reached his ears. ¡°Ha, now what am I supposed to say.¡± Sein turned his body as if in disbelief and said, ¡°Take it. But don¡¯t forget. That¡¯s a debt.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind!¡± What on earth is he thinking? Before nightfall, Sein and hispanions were able to reach a nearby territory. They passed through several rural territories. These rural areas were no different from Chichiron, and they only stopped briefly to replenish their supplies. The ancient empire had fallen, leaving a shaky continent. Interactions between territories, to put it nicely, were not lively; each territory barely sustained itself, struggling to survive. The soaring prices even depleted the coins Sein had brought. Such situations were even more severe on the outskirts. -If you wish, you could pay in coins for the Dark Hop Goblin¡¯s corpse. Arin suggested, but Sein responded, ¡°Why bother?¡± No matter how rural, how small the territory, there were always corrupt parts. Sein had survived in such corrupt waters, like a cockroach. ¡°Nice to meet you. They call me the lunatic of Chichiron. Hand over all your travel expenses, or else I¡¯ll let you pass through this harsh world in peace!¡± ¡°What the hell are you saying!¡± ¡°Just hand it over and scram.¡± The dwindling travel expenses suddenly grew hefty again. Even if it was well hidden coins. ¡°Captain, I found it.¡± ¡°No! That¡¯s for our son¡¯s medical expenses!¡± ¡°You want me to believe you have a son just because you say so?¡± Sein and Deren had truly been stripped bare. It was truly an unstoppable rapid advance! ¡°That kind of recklessness won¡¯t work anymore.¡± Arin, who had only watched until then, warned Sein. ¡°Well, the whole vige was quite bothersome anyway.¡± More like a small town than a vige. As expected, the level of trash in the back alleys was quite high. Well, whatever¡­ ¡°Thanks to that, the coins are hefty, so it doesn¡¯t matter, right?¡± Just back alley trash. They looted more coins from one vige than they had gathered in Chichiron all their lives. ¡°It seems I have a knack for robbery.¡± ¡°You just realized that now?¡± ¡°I guess there are geniuses even in robbery.¡± ¡°Tsk.¡± However, Sein knew. ¡®Indeed, from now on, it¡¯s for real.¡¯ As Arin had said. The massive walls that were drawing closer. To Sein, or rather Sein Demorus, it was a grand wall of a size he had never seen before. It was iparable to viges, not even to small towns. ¡°Viscount Borpeo.¡± The true appearance of a city. The barrier covering the territory was so strong that it was visible to the eye. ¡°I rmend not causing a ruckus from here on.¡± Another warning. ¡°Borpeo is definitely a ce with an owner.¡± ¡°I get it, I know.¡± Sein leading the way ahead. ¡°You¡¯re not yet a Demorus.¡± At Arin¡¯s words, Sein paused for a moment. ¡°The heir candidates are merely candidates for Demorus. Remember that you cannot wield the power of the Demorus name.¡± ¡°Yes. Yes. I know, right?¡± Rumors reaching even the remote Chichiron. Having confirmed this upon arrival here and heard the truth through Arin. ¡°Our great seed-sowing ancestors have sown the seeds too widely, making someone like me still meaningless.¡± Did they say there were over a hundred children of Demorus? ¡°Impressive. Truly impressive.¡± With such trivial chatter, Sein and hispanions found themselves standing in front of the castle gate before they knew it. Seeing a gate of this scale was a first in this lifetime for Sein, but¡­ Familiar. It was a sight all too familiar to Sein. Guards suddenly blocking their path. ¡°Who goes there.¡± ¡°Just someone looking to pass through the gate.¡± The guards frowned at Sein¡¯s words. ¡°Do you have a permit?¡± Was this indeed a city? It was different from the easy-going viges they had passed through. Pling! Sein flicked a gold coin. ¡°A permit.¡± Just like in the small towns, trying to use a gold coin as a permit. Plunk. The gold coin that Sein had flicked fell to the ground carelessly. ¡°Filthy scoundrel.¡± ¡°Oh. Expensive ones, huh?¡± ¡°You.¡± Tch. The guards raised their spears, pointing them towards Sein. ¡°Get lost. Before we kill you.¡± The growling guards didn¡¯t seem inclined to easily let him pass. They weren¡¯t extraordinary guards with a strong sense of justice. Even as they aimed their spears at Sein, the guards¡¯ eyes briefly nced at the fallen gold coin on the ground. Literally, meaning expensive ones. ¡°Should I add two more gold coins?¡± The gazes of those who hadn¡¯t even flinched at Sein¡¯s words turned towards Arin. ¡°Huh.¡± Now they understood the purpose of these guys. Arin was a rare beauty. It was impossible for such a beauty to notice something like a gold coin. ¡°She¡¯s quite something.¡± ¡°That¡¯s my line. What confidence to stand in front of Borfeo¡¯s guards?¡± Definitely cocky fellows. ¡°If you touch that woman, you¡¯re dead. Not by me, but by her.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°If money doesn¡¯t work, then there¡¯s no other way.¡± Money was too precious. ng! A longsword brought from a vige they had passed through was suddenly drawn, pushing away the guards¡¯ spears. ¡°I am Sein, the crazy dog of Chichiron¡­.¡± Grin. ¡°I am Sein Demolus. Open the door. You bastards.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± * * * ¡°You¡¯ll regret this.¡± Arin said. You haven¡¯t even been granted permission to use the name Demolus yet, the price for using an unauthorized name will be significant.¡± ¡°That¡¯s too much.¡± Sein replied nonchntly as if it were no big deal. ¡°I¡¯ve only done a little favor, but I can freely use the name, right?¡± ¡°Do as you wish.¡± At Arin¡¯s words, Sein nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll do as I please.¡± There was a clear route to call proper. Hidden within himself, quietly building strength and slowly gaining recognition. However. ¡°It¡¯s toote.¡± Sein was smiling, but his eyes were as cold as ice. ¡°If my life is to be that of a sessor in the dark valley.¡± When life was determined, Sein made up his mind. ¡°Reveal myself and be acknowledged.¡± It was not a futile attempt. It might seem reckless, but it was never an act of recklessness. Thump. There was a way to handle that much, a n in ce. Or rather, this was necessary for the existence of Sein Demorus to survive. ¡°Arin.¡± ¡°¡­Speak.¡± ¡°Threats don¡¯te when I want them to.¡± Hardship and adversity are not things you can ovee on your own. ¡°Ites at the most dog-like moment.¡± To be able to ovee by preparing in advance. To be stronger. To survive. Thud. You have to keep going through and dealing with appropriate hardships. ¡°Luck and hardship hitting at once can be overwhelming.¡± It was a familiar sight. The quietened street. Not a soul¡¯s shadow in sight. ¡°The weing ceremony is grand.¡± ¡°Are you crazy, Chichiron?¡± A group of people blocked Sein¡¯s path. * * * ¡°Are you crazy, Chichiron?¡± ¡°Do you know me?¡± He asked so, but the general situation was understood. The incident at the castle gate must have already spread throughout the city. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the whole continent is rotting.¡± With the emergence of the Empire, the underworld became mainstream. From Noble mtl dot Their power was so formidable that the world outside was engulfed in darkness, and within, it was tainted with shadow. But even so, it was too much. Before Lord Yeongju could learn of the recent events at the castle gate, word had already spread to the back alleys. ¡°We opened the Borfeo Gate with a single name; if you don¡¯t know it, you don¡¯t deserve to survive in the back alleys.¡± ¡°Then I suppose you¡¯ve heard.¡± It was the calm voice of Sein. ¡°My name too.¡± ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± Demorus. At the mention of that name, those who stood in Sein¡¯s way trembled in surprise. A castle that instilled fear even in the outskirts. In such a grand city. ¡°¡­.¡± It was only natural that it held greater power. ¡°Are you truly Demorus?¡± ¡°Would someone be crazy enough to impersonate Demorus?¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± The power that names and surnames held in the underworld was tremendous. Greater than the order of the Empire even. ¡°But for now, he¡¯s just a candidate. We haven¡¯t heard news of Demorus¡¯ sessor being chosen.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Is it arrogance or bravery?¡± Swoosh. The group blocking Sein began to inch forward. Thud. Derren gripped the hilt of his longsword, while Arin, seemingly uninterested, crossed her arms. Sein said, ¡°You talk a lot.¡± He simply stood there, staring at the ruffians with an outward gaze. ¡°So, shall we have a go at it?¡± There were twenty in attendance. But they were nothing like the third-rate thugs they faced in Chichiron. Their well-organized demeanor and movements proved they were survivors of realbat. ¡°Are they mercenaries?¡± Not the kind of monster they faced before, but regr mercenaries. ¡°Well, that¡¯s not bad. If it¡¯s back alley talk, it¡¯s the quickest way.¡± The subordinates who had stopped abruptly. The only one stepping forward was a single outsider. The outsider who had suddenlye right up to their noses. If they shed their weapons, they were within reach. ng! But what the outer eye pulled out wasn¡¯t a sword, but a hand. ¡°They call me Cyclops. I oversee a section of Borfeo¡¯s back alleys, though it¡¯s not much.¡± A handshake. Chapter 9 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 9 ¡°Wee to Borfeo. You mad dog.¡± With a smile full of kindness, the outer eye extended a handshake towards Sein. ng! ¡°Oh, I was about to cut your wrist, but you¡¯re quite nimble.¡± Sparks flew upon impact. The sh of Sein¡¯s dagger meeting the outer eye¡¯s sword was dazzling. ¡°Where did you pick up that dirty trotter?¡± ¡°¡­Someone who can¡¯t ept kindness as kindness.¡± The outer eye and Sein had unknowingly created a distance between them. ¡°In back-alley fights, there¡¯s something crucial.¡± The outer eye spoke. ¡°Legitimacy.¡± Just as important in the back alleys as it was for nobles. ¡°I extended kindness to you, yet you repaid me with a de. That¡¯s my legitimacy. What¡¯s yours?¡± A fight unfolding ording to rules. Sein twisted his lips, smiling. ¡°I don¡¯t have such a thing.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°Oh, maybe I do.¡± A fierce gaze. ¡°You stood in my way.¡± ng! Another burst of mes erupted. ¡°Truly, a mad dog.¡± ¡°So, youck legitimacy?¡± Beyond the sh of their swords, they bothughed. ¡°No. It¡¯s sufficient.¡± The first battle in Borfeo. Though it was a city square, there were no guards intervening. Because it was a battle unfolding in the darkness shrouding the city. Andter on. ¡°I apologize.¡± The outer eye knelt, facing Sein. Sein sat crookedly at the table, resting his chin on his hand. ¡°Recite the alphabet!¡± Starting with the outer eye, the cycle of Cyclops. ¡°Recite the alphabet!¡± The repentance of those with missing teeth echoed. This is the headquarters of Cyclops. Sain. ¨C ¡°Mon, it¡¯s a monster!¡± Because they took over their territory. It was a simple matter. Half-killing the visible Cyclops, dragging their ankle while half-killing their subordinates. ¡°Why are you blocking the way of people walking quietly?¡± Numerous rules and regtions in the back alley. But there was always one standing above them. ¡°Recite the alphabet¡­.¡± It was power. ¡°Do you have anyints?¡± ¡°No! Not at all!¡± Cyclops immediately responded to Sain¡¯s question. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Eyes sinking low. ¡°If you wanted to use Demorus, you would have to pay the price.¡± Hmm. It was a different reaction than before. ¡°Why did you think I wouldn¡¯t know?¡± A Cyclops who came out to meet as soon as he heard the news. Although he seemed to be extending a hand as a favor, there was clearly a cunning calction behind it. ¡°Do you also have raggedy people in the alleys of Borgheo?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°The territory has shrunk, and the members have probably defected.¡± ¡°Yes¡­.¡± It was a predictable story. Chichiron¡¯s lunatic, Sain Demorus. Being the first to mention that name indicated an urgent situation that required action from them. If the Cyclops gang had power, they would have quietly watched and waited. ¡°You probably thought that if a few subordinates came to campaign with little resistance, if I scratched a bit, you would move as you wished.¡± ¡°No, no!¡± Thud! Sain raised his foot and struck Cyclops on the head. ¡°Not what? It¡¯s not not. If I had provoked you, I would have half-killed you and tried to use you somehow.¡± ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡± In the end, Cyclops had to admit it. ¡°But why are you all so intimidated?¡± Sein, with his chin up, said again. ¡°It was quite something.¡± The Cyclops before him. He possessed skills that didn¡¯t quite fit the back alleys. Considering he was a city dweller from Borpeo, it was somewhat understandable. ¡°Three times.¡± Although he hadn¡¯t demonstrated his true skills, the Cyclops had managed to block his sword strikes three times. There must be a reason why a guy like him had a presence in such a small ce. Especially. ¡°His eye hasn¡¯t been lost for long.¡± The Cyclops seemed unfamiliar with his own square. If losing an eye had been a while back, he should have been ustomed to it by now. ¡°The organization crumbling, losing an eye, all recent.¡± So, there must be a reason for that. ¡°T-That is¡­¡± The Cyclops said. ¡°Because of Ogre.¡± Borpeo, despite being on the outskirts, was still a city, making the owner of the back alleys a known figure. The four divided districts were under the absolute control of the ruler, Warbear. Behind him was a formidable figure, almost reaching the level of one of the three dark forces, rarely seen in the outskirts. It had been a month since his sudden appearance of Ogre, who had appeared out of nowhere. ¡°Cyclops lost?¡± A new rumor was spreading through the alleys. ¡°That idiot, no matter how much he¡¯s beaten, he¡¯s not one to be underestimated.¡± ¡°He may have been beaten, but still.¡± The owners of the other three districts, excluding Cyclops, had gathered to discuss. ¡°He was bound to be eliminated soon anyway. We had already agreed to divide his territory fairly among the three of us.¡± ¡°He was the one who challenged Ogre.¡± Ogre. At the mention of that name, the owners of the three districts fell silent. They knew better than anyone else the ferocity and cruelty of the being that had suddenly broken through the gate. The Cyclops with the external eye. The Wolf with the missing arm. The Frog with the missing leg. And finally, the neer named Fox. Just the thought of him sends shivers down their spines, the rulers of the three territories trembled. ¡°Still, that Cyclops guy, his other abilities werecking. But in terms of sheer power, he was the best among us.¡± The lone wolf spoke. ¡°They say he knelt after just three sword strikes.¡± ¡°¡­Impressive.¡± A being who achieved such feats. ¡°They called him Chi Chiron¡¯s mad dog.¡± ¡°Chi Chiron from the bordends? He¡¯s just a country bumpkin.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± The name of Chi Chiron¡¯s mad dog was spreading throughout Borfeo. ¡°¡­If he¡¯s a mad dog.¡± Prog seemed to know something as he spoke. ¡°Why? Do you know the name?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± But Prog fell silent soon after. ¡°Moreover, the issue lies in his real name.¡± Fox continued the conversation. ¡°They say his real name is Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°¡­Demorus.¡± That name held great power. Throughout the continent, there was no one who could ignore the name Demorus. Especially in the back alleys, that name held even more absolute power. ¡°Also¡­.¡± The rulers of the three territories. Those named after animals spoke in unison. ¡°Is it Demorus?¡± * * * ¡°Wow.¡± At the heart of the rumors. ¡°He¡¯s insane.¡± Sein was truly in awe. Shuffle, shuffle. The scattered records of Cyclops in front of him. Every corner meticulously searched by Deren revealed things that amazed Sein. ¡°He¡¯s iparable to Chi Chiron and the rest, right?¡± Cyclops¡¯ gains were beyond imagination. ¡®Compared to the past, it might not be worth much.¡¯ Once, Sein was also a prince of the empire. As someone who had witnessed a mountain of gold coins, it was surprising for Sein to be amazed by this amount, but that didn¡¯t mean he was still the prince of the empire. ¡°Hehe¡­.¡± Cyclops, wiping his hands in front. ¡°If this guy, who knows nothing but to exert strength, is at this level, how about the rest? What¡¯s their deal?¡± Back alley of the city. It was a safe with a level of wealth that could not be ignored. ¡°I heard that the next guy, Wolf, is twice my size.¡± ¡°Twice?¡± ¡°The most skilled Fox¡­ ¡° Snicker. ¡°I heard it¡¯s over ten times.¡± Chime! A sh of light sparkled in Sane¡¯s mind. Originally, Sane was nning to take a brief rest in Borfeo and then head straight to Demorus. Since it was his first proper city, Sane thought he could prepare for the journey to Demorus, where his mentor would apany him. But he changed his mind. ¡®After all, the road to Demorus is not just a road.¡¯ The journey with a mentor by his side. There was clearly a reason for deliberately using the teleportation array to travel a distance that could be reached in an instant by magical means, instead of traveling bynd. ¡®My tracks will evaluate me.¡¯ Each of his footsteps was a direct evaluation of himself. And if the depth or number of those footsteps is insufficient, bing a sessor would be difficult. In other words. ¡®Game over.¡¯ From Noble mtl dot It meant failure of the main quest. Of course, there would be routes to follow, but Sane didn¡¯t feel the need to seek a difficult path. ¡®There are alchemists and cksmiths in Borfeo.¡¯ So. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ve made up my mind.¡± Sane said as he rose to his feet. ¡°Borfeo is where I¡¯m heading.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± Cyclops widened his remaining eye. ¡°Are you, are you serious?¡± Cyclops had clearly talked about Borfeo. And about who the Ogre was. So he thought Sane, the crazy one known as Chichiron, would run away. ¡°I am serious. Kid.¡± Sane said he would face it instead. ¡°Why, isn¡¯t that what you wanted too?¡± Cyclops, who hade looking for Sane. ¡°Revenge, isn¡¯t that what you want?¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Cyclops, who was managing the territory peacefully. He couldn¡¯t be called a good guy even if you tried to put it nicely. However. ¡°So, that¡¯s why you came looking for me? To use my name for something.¡± ording to the information Darren had found, he was quite a decent boss. ng. A sharp sound echoed from Cyclops¡¯s lips. ¡°¡­I want to.¡± Cyclops said. Ogre made my eyes like this. But more than that. ¡°I can still hear the screams of my subordinates.¡± Ogre, who mercilessly ughtered his subordinates in front of himself, who had fallen helplessly. ¡°I want to. Revenge! Just tell me what to do!¡± Swish. What appeared before Cyclops¡¯s eyes was Sein¡¯s palm. Simr to the palm Cyclops had reached out to use Sein. But. ¡°Grab it.¡± The weight was different. That of the powerless and that of the powerful. ¡°¡­Thank you. Captain.¡± The difference was clear. * * * The dock along the Beakul River. Once the protagonist who turned Borfeo into a trading city, now it was a contaminated and abandoned ce. ¡°Long time no see, Frog.¡± This was the headquarters of Frog, who divided the back alleys of Borfeo into quarters. Chapter 10 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 10 ¡°The epitome of defeat, Cyclops, isn¡¯t it?¡± Small stature, repulsive appearance. With bulging eyes, he was Frog, also known as the Ouw. ¡°They said you were torn apart by some lunatic, but you look intact.¡± Chin. Frog said, propping his legs on the table. Given his already short legs, it looked quiteical. ¡°¡­And that ridiculous lump of a nose is still there, Frog.¡± ¡°What?¡± At Cyclops¡¯s words, the atmosphere turned hostile. Here were Cyclops and his two subordinates. And Prog and his fervent followers were also present. ¡°There¡¯s no point in digging into me. I¡¯ve already grasped my point clearly.¡± ¡°Oh. After being roughed up by the ogre, you still couldn¡¯t pull yourself together. Seems like the crazy dog¡¯s bite was fierce.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± As Cyclops acknowledged it as a matter of course, a glint appeared in Prog¡¯s eyes. Cyclops was a man of strong pride. As the leader of a renowned mercenary group, he had quite a bit of pride. For such a man to admit it so casually. ¡°So, why did you want to meet? I met you out of respect before, but I won¡¯t see you again. You¡¯re nothing now.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Cyclops. Chin. He ced a lump of gold coins on the table. It seemed like it could easily amount to a thousand gold. ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal. You grotesque frog.¡± Prog licked his lips as he looked at the gold coins on the table. As greedy for money as a fox, Prog was a frog with just as much greed. ¡°A deal?¡± The one who seemed ready to kill moments ago now spoke with curiosity. ¡°Yes. A deal.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the deal?¡± Saying so, Prog toyed with his dagger. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Cyclops couldn¡¯t easily continue speaking. ¡°¡­Let¡¯s hunt down the crazy dog together.¡± That was Cyclops¡¯s offer. Snickering, Prog smiled. ¡°After acting all noble for so long, is betrayal all you can think of?¡± ¡°Betrayal, you say. Watch your words, frog.¡± Cyclops mmed the table as if feeling unjust. Bam! ¡°Even if the ogre is a monster beyond the norms, that crazy dog is not!¡± It was a voice filled with anger. ¡°Are you telling me to submit to someone who steals by force?¡± ¡°So, you¡¯ll pay a thousand gold for catching a mad dog?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a deposit. Catching a mad dog will bring more than that.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Prog wore an even more despicable smile. ¡°Did you have quite a sum of hidden money? I didn¡¯t know you were so capable.¡± ¡°So, are you going to do it? Or not.¡± Swish. Without a reply, Prog continued to sharpen his dagger. ¡°I decline.¡± That was the final decision. ¡°¡­Why? I thought someone crazy for money like you would surely ept.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors about the mad dog too.¡± ¡°What?¡± What¡¯s this about now? ¡°There¡¯s a subordinate from Chichiron. He said something about it.¡± Tap. ¡°He mentioned that the mad dogs from Chichiron are extremely vicious, never know when to let go.¡± It was quite an impressive story. A subordinate who imed he would do anything, even run away from a mad dog. ¡°But in the end, it¡¯s still a ¡®dog.¡¯¡± Swish. Prog rose to his feet. ¡°I thought he was just a guard dog, no need to worry. It was surprising to see him leave the house.¡± ¡°You¡¯re giving up three thousand gold just for that petty reason? You?¡± ¡°What are you talking about, Cyclops?¡± Shuffle. Suddenly, a dagger was inches away from Cyclops¡¯ eyes. Snick. Prog¡¯s torn lips seemed to hook onto his ears. ¡°There¡¯s already a thousand gold on this table, right? The remaining two thousand gold, I¡¯ll find out where it is from you through torture. You probably haven¡¯t handed everything over to the mad dog yet.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s best not to run or cause trouble. My men are already surrounding the area.¡± The sharpening of the dagger was a signal. Don¡¯t give him a chance to escape. ¡®Thank goodness.¡¯ Since the appearance of the Ogre, Prog had kept his subordinates on standby out of fear. An inescapable swamp. Cyclops had fallen into a trap. ¡°So¡­?¡± But something was off. ¡°Smile?¡± Cyclops was smiling as if it were his own. ¡°If you heard rumors about me, that¡¯s good.¡± A voice came from behind at that moment. Swish! Without hesitation, Prog rotated his body and brandished his dagger. Shiver! Prog¡¯s dagger, obstructed by something, was trembling. ¡°A finger¡­?¡± A finger. Someone¡¯s outstretched index finger was blocking his razor-sharp dagger. ¡°You crazy bastard!¡± ¡°Since that crazy bastard escaped outside, it might be fun to let him bite once.¡± Crash! Due to Sein¡¯s kick, Prog¡¯s small new shoe went flying helplessly. ¡°You hardly ever step out of the house, so I tried something annoying.¡± * * * ¡°Boss!¡± As Prog was being attacked, his waiting subordinates began to rush in. ¡°How¡­?¡± Meanwhile, Prog was more astonished than in pain. He hadn¡¯t let his guard down while setting the meeting ce. Even this pier was being protected by dozens of subordinates. But. ¡®How did hee up from behind¡­?¡¯ Without a sound, the crazy bastard, Sein, had appeared behind him. ¡®If he had tried to kill me, he would have been dead for sure.¡¯ Being Prog, who had crossed the boundaries of life and death regardless of what others said. Oh dear. He couldn¡¯t even fathom what Sein had done. Of course. There was no way even the boss of the back alleys of Borfeo would know. The lives Sein had traversed. Among the lives he had ¡°yed.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong, why are you all hesitating like that?¡± It would never be known that he was also an assassin who grasped the continent. ¡°¡­Crazy.¡± ¡°Monster, it¡¯s a monster.¡± Almost half of the subordinates who were already inside the dock had died. It was when Prog flew and crashed into the wall, trying to assess the situation. ¡°No reinforcements areing from outside.¡± Perhaps everyone was dead. Could it be possible? Such doubts only lingered for a moment. Crash! Even Cyclops, who seemed to be just watching, swung his sword towards Prog¡¯s subordinates. ¡°Hahaha! You sons of bitches! This is our new leader, the crazy bastard of Cyclops!¡± Seeing Sein¡¯s majesty, Cyclops became even more spirited. Prog bit his lip. But he had no intention of dying like this. ¡°Your teeth may be sharp, you crazy bastard¡­.¡± With one leg and a crutch as support, Prog, who had transformed into a standing position. ¡°I, Borpeo¡¯s¡­!¡± Click! A change urred in the leg that was thought to be just a crutch. ¡°Poisonous toad!¡± Pfooom-! In an instant, smoke filled the room. Poisonous toad. A name that called Prog, who dominated Borpeo¡¯s back alleys with drugs and smuggled drugs through the river. ¡°Ke, cough! B-Boss!¡± ¡°Keeeeh!¡± Prog¡¯s subordinates groaned in pain as they fell. ¡°You damn dogs¡­!¡± Cyclops, who had been overwhelmed by Sein¡¯s performance, also copsed. ¡°Kekeke. It¡¯s Ormi¡¯s poison. You bastards.¡± Not leading straight to death, but a poison that brought excruciating pain leading to death. Prog. ¡°Damn, I saved it to use against the ogres.¡± Having survived this long in this manner. ¡°Since it¡¯se to this, you guys will have to be my outlet.¡± He doesn¡¯t kill through poison. He keeps them alive in agony. Rip. And with his own hands, tearing them apart until they beg for forgiveness. That was Prog¡¯s way. ¡°Especially you, you crazy bastard¡­.¡± Advancing through the smoke, Prog shed his dagger. But soon, he came to a halt, unable to do anything but gaze up with a vacant expression. ¡°Is this all you¡¯ve hidden?¡± From Noble mtl dot Eyes flickered in the smoke. Clearly sky-colored. ¡°And let¡¯s get to the point.¡± ¡°H-how?¡± If his eyes felt too crimson, was it an illusion? ¡°The fool is not me, it¡¯s you. Oh, and that outsider over there too.¡± ¡°How on earth-!¡± Prog thrust his dagger towards the eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± There was no way he could know. ¡°Whether I¡¯m able-bodied or disabled, I never discriminate.¡± Thud! The dragon, known as the strongest lifeform. What doesn¡¯t affect them is poison. * * * ¡°Derren.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± ¡°How¡¯s the sector handover going?¡± It had been three days since Prog¡¯s death. Sein, who seemed like a wild beast ready to sweep through Borfeo, paused for a moment. ¡°We¡¯ve taken over Prog¡¯s sector too.¡± ¡°And the subordinates?¡± As Sein continued his questioning. ¡°Aaah!¡± ¡°Help, help!¡± Apanied by screams echoing from the dock outside. Ssh! The sound of ripples spreading in the Bysical River continued to be heard. ¡°I¡¯ve sorted it out now.¡± ¡°Good job.¡± Prog was a drug dealer. Spreading drugs throughout Borfeo. Naturally, most of his subordinates were addicted to Prog¡¯s drugs. ¡°Eyes.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ Y-yes, Captain!¡± Cyclops shouted in a sharp manner. He had never attempted such a sharp angle since his days as a novice mercenary. ¡°Keep it in mind.¡± The grumpy old man sat askew. ¡°I don¡¯t care about anything else, but drugs and prostitution are strictly off-limits.¡± In the ominous atmosphere, Cyclops sealed his lips. ¡°Understood?¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± ¡°Good.¡± Three days. Time passed since Frog¡¯s death. Sein remained still, but Cyclops and Deren were stirring up the back alleys, taking over Frog¡¯s territory. ¡®Not moving.¡¯ For instance, it was like poking. How would Borpeo¡¯s back alleys react? ¡®Ogre.¡¯ To investigate how the monster, now the new boss of the back alleys, would react. Yet, despite three days passing, they did not move. Chapter 11 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 11 ¡°They don¡¯t seem to have any intention of moving for a while. Or¡­¡± Is there a reason they can¡¯t move? Whatever it may be. Snick. They confirmed what they wanted to confirm. ¡°Deren.¡± Sein had also been trying to confirm for three days. ¡°You¡¯ve located the Ogre, right?¡± The Ogre¡¯s position. Finding where the guy was hiding after tidying up the back alleys. ¡°I found him.¡± ¡°As expected. Good job, Deren.¡± In the early stages of this dog-eat-dog life, the ability that allowed one to survive. Swish. Sein rose from where Frog had been seated. Step. His footsteps. Naturally, Deren moved with Sein as if they were one, followed by Cyclops with a keen eye. ¡°So, where is that guy?¡± ¡°He¡¯s in the iron mine area.¡± It¡¯s an iron mine. ¡°There¡¯s nothing that doesn¡¯t exist in Borfeo. It¡¯s a city to my liking.¡± And this city. Squeak. Will soon be his. The Saint who emerged from the pier. He continued to walk. Blip. With a small step, he climbed onto the shelf where the past goods had been ced. ¡°Nice to meet you. Are there any new faces here?¡± The Saint Demoros¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°Those who easily open their mouths as if they had been warned were nowhere to be seen.¡± Or maybe they were silent because they had just witnessed the subordinates of the Prog being dealt with. ¡°How does it feel to have a city you were living in peacefully taken by someone else?¡± The Saint asked. ¡°How does it feel to have a city ruled by you taken away?¡± Grin. ¡°How does it feel when a guy you thought of as a brother dies right in front of you?¡± The Saint sighed. ¡°Disgusting!¡± Someone shouted. ¡°Shut up, you idiot.¡± The Saint said sharply. The guys quickly shut their mouths. ¡°If you were upset and in pain, you should have taken action earlier. If it was agonizing, you should have gone crazy.¡± The smirk on the Saint¡¯s face was mocking. ¡°What have those who did nothing got to say?¡± Blip. The Saint descended below the shelf. He turned his back. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what happens. Just follow me¡­¡± Grin. ¡°I¡¯ll give you what you want.¡± Cyclopsfa fifty. Progfa twenty. Wearing clothes as they pleased, holding weapons as they pleased. ¡°Let¡¯s go, you idiots.¡± They began to follow the Saint. ¡°I¡¯m not a patient person like you guys.¡± On the walls of Borfeo, where the guards kept a vignt watch. ¡°¡­.¡± A woman with ck hair was sitting there. Her name was Arin. A witch. Once feared and reigning with terror as the witch of the legion. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± Someone greeted her, the one who single-handedly destroyed the kingdom, the new empire, and even the three dark families all looked up to her. ¡°Who?¡± Arin responded without even looking at the person offering the greeting. A giant warrior d in ck armor. Slowly, the warrior took off the helmet and spoke in a neutral voice. ¡°I met you once at a past gathering. I am Babvik.¡± Long flowing red hair. The exposed face was as neutral as her voice, with strong features standing out. ¡°Oh, I remember.¡± Only then did Arin turn her head to look at Babvik. ¡°Your physique was fascinating, caught my interest.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Given Arin¡¯s necromancer status, there was clearly room for misunderstanding, but Babvik seemed unfazed. Babvik spoke. ¡°I never expected to meet a witch in these parts.¡± Babvik was usually a man of few words, but not when facing a witch. ¡°I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve been keeping a low profile for a while.¡± ¡°There were things to do.¡± ¡°If there were things to do¡­.¡± Rumors were circting. ¡°Are you looking for a candidate?¡± A candidate. There were rumors spreading throughout Borfeo about someone stirring up trouble in the alleys, using the name of Sein Demorus, the madman of Chichiron. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the candidate sought by the witch¡­.¡± Arin, just her presence alone had the power to shake the continent. Now, she had not only taken part in selecting a candidate but had be a patron as well. ¡°It¡¯s intriguing.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll see soon enough, won¡¯t you?¡± Arin said. ¡°Stop standing there ande sit next to me.¡± ¡°¡­Thank you.¡± Barvik, as if deeply moved, sat beside Arin with tears in his eyes. On the castle wall where the view of Borfeo was clearly visible. In the city where deep darkness had descended. Crackle! Torches flickered, illuminating the movement. ¡°Barvik.¡± Arin called Barvik. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You are prepared enough, right?¡± ¡°¡­You are kinder than I heard.¡± Barvik said slowly, nodding his head. Without even looking at Barvik, Arin continued speaking. ¡°Your fate will be determined by the oue.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°If an unworthy person proims the name of Demorus.¡± Barvik remained silent. ¡°It depends on whether you are worthy.¡± Arin said. ¡°You will know soon enough.¡± The flickering torches were not just lit in one ce. In various other ces. Soon, a small war would begin in the back alleys of Borfeo. And depending on the oue, the fate of Borfeo and Barvik would be decided. ¡°Because it¡¯s a fight between candidates.¡± A being known as Ougera. His true identity was another Demorus. ¡°I will keep it in mind.¡± Another name for Arin, the witch of the legion, was the witch of destiny. Among the three absolute witches existing on the continent, she was one of them. Barvik could only hold his breath, facing the impending fate. * * * Step by step. A saint walking out. Step by step. Followed by dozens of subordinates. Crackle! Their shadows loomedrge on the building in the flickering torchlight. Thud! The residents of Borfeo who were still awake shut their windows tightly and went to bed. ¡°Heh, hee-hic!¡± The drunkard wandering the streets stumbled and hastily fled, causing amotion. Glistening eyeballs. Swish. Weapons gleaming in their hands. Chaos was spreading in the alleys of Borfeo. ¡°Oo, oo-oo.¡± As everyone tensed up, Sein nonchntly hummed a tune. A song heard through rumors. A song popr in his hometown, nonexistent in Sanctuary. ¡°Chichiron was too small to be fun.¡± Chichiron, a backwater of backwaters. A small rural vige with barely a hundred residents if you counted everyone in the alley. But now. ¡°Now I¡¯m starting to enjoy this a bit.¡± Those following Sein numbered close to a hundred. So, it was only natural to feel joy. Like a scene from a movie seen in his very young days. Thump. He was experiencing the same scene and feelings from back then. Even though it was no longer just a game to enjoy. Thud. It was inevitable to feel a sense of joy. From Noble mtl dot Sein finally came to a halt. Boom! Torches were also shining from the opposite side. It was quite a wide street for a market during the day. Keeping the street between them. ¡°Are you the madman from Chichiron?¡± Wolf, the owner of a section of Borfeo¡¯s alley, stood with his men, leading them. ¡°And are you another nuisance from Borfeo?¡± ¡°¡­What¡­?¡± ¡°Just so you know, I don¡¯t tolerate discrimination against the disabled!¡± Sein¡¯s voice echoed fiercely in the dark alley. ¡°Hah.¡± Wolf let out a hollowugh. ¡°As crazy as they say you are.¡± ¡°Correct yourself. I¡¯m not a scoundrel, but a dog.¡± Srrrung. Sein spoke like that and drew his sword carelessly. The wolf¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡®Sloppy.¡¯ He was once a squire. Once a ve, he caught the eye of a knight and was chosen as a squire, receiving training from the knight. Because of that, it was clear that Sein¡¯s stance was quite sloppy now. Srrrung. In contrast, the wolf holding the sword had a rather impressive stance. ¡°A cripple.¡± Sein¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°I¡¯ve heard your story. You, a former ve, pitied by a knight who took you in, assassinated him and stole the sword, didn¡¯t you?¡± Upon hearing Wolf¡¯s sudden past, his face wrinkled. ¡°You became a cripple because you resorted to thievery.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Despite shouting, Wolf didn¡¯t stop assessing Sein. ¡®Can¡¯t underestimate him.¡¯ Demos, thoughcking, had harmed even Cyclops and Progrock. There must be a move hidden in the sloppy stance. ¡°It seems Ogre won¡¯t show up, so is there a need to stand there?¡± Sein said. ¡°How about joining us now? As I said, I don¡¯t discriminate against disabilities.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Well, doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯re considering that.¡± Concentrating on Sein¡¯s hand and sword, Wolf seemed ready to not miss a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t really need a thief around.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± At that moment, instinctively, Wolf leaned his head back. Something shing through the air. Swish! A dagger was swiftly flying towards his exposed neck. Whoosh! A chilling sound echoed from the subordinate standing behind him. ¡°Thud!¡± Echoing screams. In a split second, had he not dodged, the attack might have pierced his forehead, resulting in death. ¡°What a cowardly move¡­!¡± Mid-conversation, Wolf, trembling at Sein¡¯s attack, raised his head. ¡°Cowardice? What¡¯s cowardly about it? It¡¯s just an alley.¡± But despite that, Wolf had no choice but to stiffen his neck. There was clearly Saint, who had been far away just a moment ago. ¡°I told you.¡± He was suddenly in front of him, wielding his sword. ¡°I don¡¯t tolerate discrimination.¡± Wolf moved his sword with all his strength, awakening his magic. Chapter 12 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 12 Swish! Thud, thud. But all Wolf could see were Saint¡¯s feet. Suddenly, Wolf¡¯s head, now detached, rolled on the ground like trash. Everything happened in the blink of an eye. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Saint swung his sword once again, swiftly oveing Wolf¡¯s subordinate who stood there dazed. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Snick. A gust of blood wind began to blow in the alley of Borfeo. * * * A small war unfolding in the alley of Borfeo. ¡°Kill him!¡± ¡°Aaargh!¡± The sounds of youthful screams and cries filled thete-night alley of Borfeo. Among the four masters of the alley, Cyclops was considered the strongest in terms of power. But when it came to evaluating the skills of his subordinates, Wolf was hailed as the best. Coming from a lineage of knights, Wolf had learned proper swordsmanship, thanks to the skilled individuals who had joined him. Swish! Swish! However, it was Wolf¡¯s subordinates who were being ughtered now. ¡°This city has nothing special.¡± Saint stood at the forefront. Around him, Wolf¡¯s subordinates, trembling with fear, were stepping back. Over a hundred of Wolf¡¯s subordinates. Among them, one-third fell under Saint¡¯s hands. Thoughcking inparison to Wolf, their posture and swordsmanship were far from shabby. Swish! Saint¡¯s de was so sharp and powerful that it couldn¡¯t bepared to the likes of Wolf. Recognized in the alleys of Borfeo, but ultimately just street thugs. ¡°Deran. Keep an eye out.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± ¡°Did you call me, Captain!¡± The Saint, with thousands of masters who shook the continent, could not be his match. ¡°That should be enough. Spare those who can be spared and clean up.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And make sure to catch that Fox.¡± The momentum had already shifted, the scales tippedpletely. ¡°You can handle it, right?¡± Cyclops was intimidated by the Saint¡¯s chilling words, but Daelen was different. ¡°Go and return.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t disappoint.¡± Alone, the Saint moved through the battlefield. His path obstructed by the Wolf¡¯s henchmen, but¡­ Shwaaah! They soon scattered like spilled blood on the ground. Thud. The Saint advanced, stepping on puddles of blood. The destination was a shallow iron mine far away. Unlike when facing the Wolf, the Saint¡¯s momentum was even more honed. Thump! Thump! The Dragon Heart, taking ce of his own heart, enhanced the Saint¡¯s senses. ¡°He¡¯s an Ogre.¡± The owner of the back alley of Borfeo, taken over before his arrival. Ogre. Heard to possess great power, wielding a swordrger than an adult man with ease. But such things were of no concern. The reason that caught the Saint¡¯s attention was one. ¡°He calls himself Demorus.¡± That was all there was to it. -It¡¯s better to keep that in mind. Arin had warned. -Mying to you means the sessor war of Demorus has begun. The sessor war. A war to select the sessor to take Demorus¡¯s ce. -The path to Demorus will be your test. This is a test. No. A ¡°main quest.¡± The main quest of the sessor life in the dark realm, which will be hisst life. -Demorus¡¯s skilled ones have the right to find Demorus¡¯s bloodline and qualify as guardians. Therefore. -On the way to Demorus, you may encounter it. Arin clearly warned. -Another Demorus. You will meet a being simr to yourself. ¡°Ha.¡± Sain chuckled. ¡°Simr to me.¡± Arin¡¯s meaning of saying so would be simple. Sharing the same lineage. Those who inherit the power of Demorus. Sneer. But Sain smiled. ¡°If that¡¯s all.¡± Thud. ¡°Daring topare with what you dare to im.¡± He and they would never be simr beings. ng. He tightened his grip on the sword. Yet he did not ignore Arin¡¯s warning. This ce is simr to the world he knew yet different. Not sure what differences exist, he couldn¡¯t be sure those differences weren¡¯t dangerous. ¡°Even if you say that, nothing will change.¡± Suddenly, Sain¡¯s eyes were calm. ¡°I.¡± A halted step. ¡°Will survive.¡± He will survive. Survive and eventually move towards his goal. Once a world he loved so much. Now a world turned into a prison. ¡°If the ce I live is hell.¡± A world he must pay for falling away. If that ce is hell. ¡°I¡¯ll turn it into heaven.¡± Where Sain stopped was the rugged mountains of Borfeo. Once known as the Borfeo Iron Mine that produced enough iron to sustain a kingdom. But after the ancient empire fell and not long after, it became infested with monsters, making iron production impossible. ¡°Hey!¡± Here stands Sain Demorus, the sessor of the Dark Abyss. ¡°Wee, guest.¡± This was the starting point of his session war. ng! The iron mine began to tremble. ng! ng! Loud noises echoed from inside, indicating something was happening. ¡°Fortunately, I didn¡¯t keep you waiting long enough for you to break down the door ande in.¡± The echoing voice of Sein. Thud! Once again, along with the resounding noise, someone revealed themselves in the iron mine. It was a giant to the point where calling it a giant wouldn¡¯t be an overstatement. Height surpassing meters, hair cropped short. ¡°A thief, huh.¡± A voice that seemed to tear apart. It¡¯s that guy. ¡°I thought Cyclops only took your eyeballs, did he take your eyes too?¡± They moved towards each other. ¡°Do I look like a thief to you?¡± ¡°No.¡± Sein looking up, Ogre looking down. ¡°You seem like a stray dog without an owner.¡± Finally, the two faced each other. Thud! With a loud noise, the Ogre¡¯s fist came down where Sein was standing. Fwoosh. In the dispersing smoke, a slight tremor was visible. ¡°Are you really an Ogre?¡± Sein¡¯s sword blocked the Ogre¡¯s fist. * * * The man known as Ogre. One day, a man who called himself Ogre came to Borfeo and took over an alleyway alone. For daring to challenge him, he took someone¡¯s eyeball, someone¡¯s arm, someone¡¯s leg, and ear. Thud! He truly possessed the strength and physique deserving of being called an Ogre. ¡°Ha.¡± Sein chuckled. Fwoosh. Opening the distance, Sein stood with a raised sword. However, the sword was trembling. The shock from the recent sh. Crash-! And in an instant, Sein¡¯s sword shattered into pieces. ¡°What kind of strength is this?¡± He didn¡¯t put up a fight. From Noble mtl dot It was a greeting. Yet, it was a body that had tirelessly trained, possessing the physical abilities of the past that had been inherited as the tutorial ended. Wavering. It was difficult to withstand the power of the ogre. ¡°Did you endure that?¡± The ogre¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°Did I just endure it?¡± Sein replied. Thud, thud. At that moment, the sound of water droplets falling to the ground caught the ogre¡¯s attention. Blood droplets were forming and trickling down from the fist that had just struck Sein. ¡°So, it¡¯s you.¡± The ogre spoke as if he had realized something. ¡°The crazy one with rumors circting in Borpeo.¡± Sein drew out another sword. It was a long sword that had only been briefly examined as there wasn¡¯t enough time to properly craft it. ¡°Is that all you heard?¡± ¡°¡­Demolus, is it true?¡± ¡°I find it hard to believe it myself.¡± Sein adjusted his stance again. ¡°Are you¡­.¡± Before Sein could finish his sentence. Thwack! As if Sein¡¯s new form had beenunched, it appeared before the ogre¡¯s eyes. ¡°The fact that our blood is mixed.¡± Thud! A strike from above. It was different from before. Unlike the greeting earlier, a distinct aura of magical light was enhancing the durability and cutting power of the long sword. Nevertheless¡­ Rustle! The ogre blocked Sein¡¯s sword. Boom! Light emanated from the ogre¡¯s fist. Sein tried to twist his body quickly, but it was toote. The immense power emanating from the Ogre¡¯s fist. Kwaaang-! Sent Sein flying. Impaled in the abandoned building, a testament to its existence as a mine. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it myself.¡± Ogre took heavy steps towards Sein and said, his voice resonating. ¡°That someone like you shares the same blood as me.¡± Ogre was like a mountain. Two legs standing firm. Fists like rocks. ¡°I¡¯m curious to ask.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Though Sein felt the impact just now, Ogre¡¯s attention shifted to the sounding from the crumbling building. ¡°Is your mother an Ogre?¡± A shiver ran down Ogre¡¯s spine in an instant. Fwack! Realizing something was amiss, Ogre swung his fist, but it was toote. A towering figure, a swung fist. Beneath, Sein was smiling, eyes shing. ¡°Indeed. Your mother is an Ogre, without a doubt.¡± Pwoosh! Sein¡¯s de finally pierced Ogre¡¯s seemingly imprable flesh. * * * ¡°Power surpasses that of a Dark Hop Goblin.¡± Ogre. ¡°And he can wield magic with certainty.¡± Among those encountered so far, there were those who could wield magic. Derren, Cyclops, and Wolf could extract magic to some extent. Chapter 13 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 13 But Ogre. ¡°¡­dare.¡± Certainly a being who could wield magic. No, more than that. A wielder who could materialize and utilize magic. ¡°To insult my mother.¡± A provocateur. ¡°What insult? It¡¯s the truth, isn¡¯t it.¡± Sein, distanced from Ogre. ¡°The Seed Sprout having a size like yours is unheard of. We don¡¯t ignore gics, so your mother must be an ogre.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± ¡°If you didn¡¯t know, now you do. Your mother is¡­¡± Crack! There was a sensation as if the air was being torn apart. ¡°Ogre!¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± This time, it was the ogre who moved. His authority aimed for Sein¡¯s heart. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± It was a misconception to think that the speed would be slow due to the inhuman strength. He was a being capable of overwhelming agility with his massive physique and fully packed muscles. Sein instinctively knew. He couldn¡¯t stop it. In that case. ¡°Evade.¡± At that moment, Sein reversed his sword grip and twisted the de. ng! The ogre¡¯s fist shed with the de. Sparks began to fly between the two. Already wearing each other down, even the ogre¡¯s fist, which was merely human flesh, had gained enough intensity to ignite sparks. But the fact that sparks were flying meant. Swish! The sound of Sein deflecting the ogre¡¯s attack as he desired. Like dancing, Sein turned his body and moved his empty hand. Dagger. Shwoosh! It pierced through the ogre¡¯s neck. ¡°Feels like throwing a party.¡± They distanced themselves once more. ¡°Gr¡­ Grrrr!¡± A roar full of anger echoed through the dark night of Borfeo. The ogre turned his body. His momentum was noticeably stronger than before. ¡°Insulting my mother is a sin. It won¡¯t end so easily.¡± ¡°If calling an ogre an ogre bes a sin, then I humbly ept it.¡± ¡°¡­Your tongue is slick.¡± The ogre, who seemed unable to control his excitement just a moment ago, started to change his gaze. ¡°Bobah.¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Bova Demorus. That is my name.¡± Kooooo! A dazzling magic surged out from his entire body. ¡°What is your name, you crazy bastard.¡± In response, Sein fixed his yful face. ¡°Sein.¡± ¡°I will kill you. Sein.¡± Kwaaang! An explosive surge of dazzling magic. Taking shape, it enveloped Bova¡¯s body. Sein deliberately teased Bova, provoking his anger. Their first encounter with a Demorus. To understand what they were, what they possessed. Pash! And now, the secret was being revealed. ¡®Irond.¡¯ A rather rare type of skill. Absorbing the magic of steel, imbuing magical properties with the nature of steel. And wrapping it around like armor. Kwaaang! Enhancing defense, attack, and physical abilities to the extreme, the reinforcement skill was none other than its true identity. Bova¡¯s fist embedded in the spot where Sein stood. As if about to copse, the impact shattered into fragments and exploded. Sein was no longer there. ¡®That was close.¡¯ If he had tried to block or dodge, it would have been him who broke. ¡°What were you doing in the iron mine, extracting the magic of iron.¡± The reason why Bova, also known as Ogre, was stuck in the iron mine was now clear. ¡°But I¡¯ll show you, if this is all.¡± Sein¡¯s gaze changed. Sein¡¯s sword, spinning in the air, began to emit an even deeper blue light. A sharp aura. ¡°No need to y around anymore.¡± Sein¡¯s sword swung towards Bova¡¯s neck without hesitation. An inescapable stance and speed. However. ng! A resounding metallic sound. ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here. Sein Demorus.¡± Boba, who blocked the sword with Ora in his mouth, grabbed Sein¡¯s leg. ¡°Ah, damn.¡± Kwahng! Sein¡¯s body turned into a club and mmed into the ground. ¡°Ugh.¡± Sein groaned. ¡°I almost¡­ bit the dust.¡± The moment his body hit the ground, if he hadn¡¯t twisted his body. If he hadn¡¯t reinforced his body with Ora. ¡°Tch.¡± It would have been a devastating blow. ¡°¡­¡­¡± As if not even considering that Sein would survive, Ogre narrowed his eyes. ¡°Impressive.¡± Ogre sincerely acknowledged Sein. ¡°What was that?¡± Sein asked Ogre, who seemed surprised. ¡°It was an unexpected power.¡± Sein, who was well aware of armor, knew the extent to which Ogre and Boba had reached due to the magic blowing in and the quality of Ora. Hence he thought it was a sure move. That extreme move. Near Boba¡¯s neck. The red crystal that had blocked Sein¡¯s sword disappeared and reappeared. ¡°¡­¡­? You don¡¯t know about the blessing?¡± ¡°Blessing?¡± Bobaughed incredulously. ¡°You must be a candidate. If your guardian didn¡¯t tell you about it.¡± Kwaang! Boba¡¯s fists collided. Then, the red crystal, which Sein had seen before, began to protrude slightly from Boba¡¯s fists. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t realized the blessing from the start, you wouldn¡¯t have be a candidate. So, who is your guardian to make you go through this?¡± ¡°Arlin. Know her?¡± Boba¡¯s eyes widened at Sein¡¯s words. ¡°The Witch of Destiny?¡± ¡°The Witch of Destiny?¡± ¡°She chose you?¡± Thed, who had calmed down after his mother¡¯s story, began to get excited again. ¡°Did you receive her choice?¡± ¡°Indeed, seems like he¡¯s famous.¡± ¡°No way.¡± Kuoooh! ¡°If that¡¯s true then¡­.¡± Bova¡¯s energy surged even more. ¡°I thought I¡¯d seen it all, but now it seems real.¡± The surging power of Bova suddenly felt like it had reached its limit. ¡°I will defeat you.¡± Pah-ang! Bova shot out like a rebound. And thus, his fierce onught began. Thud! Kwang! Thud! Even describing Bova¡¯s punching movements as impressive would be an understatement. It was simply raw, street-fighting moves. Kwang! But when it was Bova disying those moves, the story was different. The ground cracked, the air tore apart. Kaaang! Even the steel sword wielded by Sein was no match for Bova, who was practically a wild beast. Suk! Even if Sein¡¯s de pierced through Bova¡¯s flesh, it was far from enough to stop his movements or deal a fatal blow. In contrast. Jweo-eong-! With Bova¡¯s speed increasing gradually, if Sein tried only to defend against his attacks. Thud! From Noble mtl dot Sein was sent flying, rolling on the ground. A stark difference in power. Even at this moment, Bova¡¯s armor seemed to be getting stronger. Amidst the explosion, Bova¡¯s fist struck once more. Thud! Shockwaves poured out, and in that moment when the explosion subsided. Pinggrur. Sein, spinning in mid-air, could be seen facing Bova. Sein¡¯s eyes spinning like a spinning top. Swish. It was slender like that of a lizard. ¡°¡­!¡± Sensing something had changed, Bova¡¯s fist flew towards Sein. Kwaang! Another explosion. But the difference this time was that Sein didn¡¯t bounce back like before. Still suspended in mid-air without touching the ground, Sein adjusted his posture and gripped the sword with both hands. ng! It was the moment when Boba¡¯s seemingly unbreakable armor finally cracked. Two Demolers locked eyes. That moment. Thud! Boba felt like his heart sank. As if he had be the prey in front of the predator. ¡°What¡­ is this¡­?¡± His body still trembling, the flow of magic beginning to falter. It was the inevitable limit of a species. Sizzle. The primal fear that a being like a dragon instills. ¡°Dragon Fear.¡± It was the power of the special inheritance Sein had just received. In an instant, the disrupted flow of magic affected Boba¡¯s whole body. Cracks appeared in his sturdy armor-like te. ng! Sein¡¯s sword began to pierce through Boba¡¯s fist. Boom! Boba tried to strike with his other fist, but it was futile. Sein¡¯s sword was already prating both fists. ¡°Aaargh!¡± Boba screamed in pain. When the instinctual fear subsided within his agony. Crack! The te hardened again, pushing Sein¡¯s sword away. ¡°Die! Sein Demoler!¡± If this was all the means Sein had, it was over. Boba thought so as he tried to unleash all his magic. ¡°How¡­?¡± It was the only thing Boba could utter. Sein¡¯s arms,bined with the sword. ¡°This is how you wear armor, you fool.¡± As if it were his own, he exerted strength while d in the armor. In the following moment, Sein spun once more. Thunk! Fist and torso. Fwoosh! It was the moment when Sein, who had cut through all that, finally set foot on the ground. Sein¡¯s journey through thousands of lives while ying Sanctuary. Despite that, a Build meticulously honed to witness an ending unseen before. That was it. ¡°Tough as nails. Ogre brat.¡± The current Sein was known as Sein Demoros. While it was challenging to utilize the experiences from his past lives when Sanctuary was just a game, the world had not changed. This was a world where what was once called skills, if one could wield magic, could be used as techniques. The reason Sein had been confined to Chichiron, a rural backwater, was due to the Tutorial, a restriction. Thump! It was due to the iparablycking magic power. Despite trying the magic maniption techniques taught by his masters from past lives and attempting to utilize the fragments of flowing magic stones, his magic did not increase. It was likely one of the restrictions named Tutorial. But the current Sein¡­ Thump! Could be said to have all those constraints lifted under the name of Dragon Heart. Chapter 14 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 14 So, it was only natural. Shaaa! Sein, sttering blood on his sword, stood before Boba, whose bodyy dismembered, eyes wide in disbelief. ¡°Still¡­.¡± Approaching Boba. ¡°Are we brothers?¡± Feeling oddly moved, Sein gently closed Boba¡¯s eyes, who seemed to find sce in his presence. The dignity he disyed exceeded expectations. Those he had encountered and experienced on the streets of Chichiron and Borfeo. Although disappointed by the shabbiness of the alleyways, Boba was real. Especially. ¡°The crimson crystal.¡± Blocking the sword aimed at his neck and the crimson crystal that appeared on his fist. It was evident that his physical abilities were more than doubled just by its presence. ¡°Crimson Irond.¡± By that skill, it was clear that it was the pinnacle of irond transformation, also known as Crimson Irond. It was unbelievable. Calling out the abilities of the ferrous armored in the stage of irond armor. -Have you not heard about the blessing? And now, it is time for you to hear the story. ¡°¡­Thank you.¡± A voice was heard behind Sain. A neutral voice. ¡°Was thatd impressive?¡± ¡°Perhaps¡­.¡± Sain turned around. Looking at the orcish woman, he said, ¡°Is thisd¡¯s mother an ogre?¡± ¡°¡­Did he call me an ogre?¡± An innocent voice. ¡°But she is not his mother.¡± He knew. Except for a few who bore the bloodline of Demorus, most mothers were eliminated, he heard. Moreover, the aura emanating from the orcish woman before him now. Gulp. It was the aura of a formidable opponent that Sain, in his current state, could never reach. ¡°I merely watched and guided.¡± A mentor. She must be Bobbic¡¯s mentor. ¡°She goes by Babbic.¡± Sain also knew. That her armor was not ordinary. The red crystal revealed on the armor. ¡®Irond of the enemy.¡¯ The pinnacle of irond armor, the influence of the ferrous armored. She must have been the one who introduced Babbic to irond armor. ¡°Regrettably.¡± Sain spoke as if it were someone else¡¯s business. ¡°It¡¯s inevitable. It¡¯s the fate of the blood of Demorus.¡± Conversations were exchanged. Nevertheless, Sain did not rx. ¡®How many times can I stop her?¡¯ Repeatedly pondering and questioning, he observed Bobbic. But the inevitable conclusion that followed. Sigh. To run away. Or rather, it meant facing a force even unable to flee. ¡°Want to try a sip?¡± ¡°¡­Seems like a filthy piece of work.¡± ¡°What can you do. Grew up motherless, with a father who¡¯s nothing but a seed scatterer.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t even find an ounce of respect for Demorus.¡± Yet, Sein could act this way because there was no enmity towards Barbic. ¡°Drink up.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a call to drink Demorus¡¯s blood. Fool.¡± A voice came btedly. ¡°Enjoy the show?¡± Knowing that Ari was nearby. ¡°Drink the remnants of blessings. Sein Demorus. That qualifies you as the victor.¡± Ari spoke to Ari in a voice different from usual. The talk of drinking. Sein now looked down at the lifeless body of Barbic. ¡°Blessings flow in Demorus¡¯s blood.¡± Awakening his magic, Sein drained Barbic¡¯s body. ¡°Gather those remnants of blessings to receive the perfected curse of darkness.¡± It was only then that it appeared. ¡°The path to bing the hero leading Demorus.¡± Something foreign existing in Barbic¡¯s heart was slowly seeping out. It was a small ck pebble. ¡°¡­¡± As a cksmith, an alchemist, a merchant, a mage. ¡°¡­That¡¯s a blessing?¡± Sein, who had touched every material existing in the world of Sorcery through countless lifetimes. Even for such a Sein, that which was called a blessing was a material entirely new to him. Not something from the past, but something fresh. ¡°Drink it.¡± That it was Demorus¡¯s blood. ¡°¡­¡± Sein slowly approached it. The ck fragment he held in his hand seemed to be trying to burrow into Sein¡¯s body as if alive. ¡°Do I really have to take this?¡± ¡°Do I really have to take this?¡± A material never seen before. And to top it off, something prating into a human¡¯s flesh. ¡°Gosh, this is incredibly ominous.¡± It was only natural to worry about receiving such an extraordinarily ominous object into one¡¯s body. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Just keeping it safe¡­.¡± ¡°Drink it.¡± Arin was resolute. ¡°It¡¯s the proof that you are a sessor of Demoras. The fact that Boba Demoras could only tell a few that he was Demoras, that was the evidence.¡± The truth about Ogre was revealed to Cyclops. -Ogre said he was Demoras. And then, Sain. -Sain is Demoras. Entering the gate, he confidently stated his name. Saaaah. The chilly air enveloped the surroundings. ¡°If you don¡¯t drink it.¡± The energy emanating from Arin. ¡°I will have no choice but to dispose of you.¡± ¡°Damn.¡± Even Bobavic alone was an absolute powerhouse that his current self couldn¡¯t handle. Moreover, Arin. ¡®Even Bobavic would be just a spoonful.¡¯ Even such a Bobavic was a force that could easily be dealt with. To provoke meant being able to handle whates. ¡°Haha. Just kidding, just kidding.¡± Sain, who said so, quietly gazed at the ck fragment. ¡®I won¡¯t die.¡¯ As the designated sessor of the dark valley, what was naturally given to him would be his special advantage on the path to being the sessor. He just had to be cautious. But when necessary. Swoosh! The need to challenge was a truth learned through experiencing many lives. The moment he absorbed the dragon¡¯s power coiled around the ck fragment, the ck fragment was absorbed through Sain¡¯s palm. Thump! As the ck fragment melted into it, the dragon heart began to beat violently. ¡°Argh, augh!¡± The excruciating pain he had never felt before. ¡°Aaargh!¡± The agony felt as the dragon¡¯s powerbined with the ck fragment and surged was unbearable. ¡°¡­As expected.¡± Arin¡¯s voice sounded as if she had foreseen this situation. ¡°Son of a biiitch!¡± Sain, screaming in agony, fell to his knees. Struggling with all their might to resist, the pain they were feeling now was definitely beyond what a human could endure. Their vision gradually bing blurred. ¡°Babvik. It is time to determine your fate.¡± In the midst of it, facing Arin and Babvik, a voice was heard. ¡°Glory be. Witch.¡± Kwwoooosh! A surge of magic, as if shaking the entire Borfeo, erupted from Babvik¡¯s body. The armor she was wearing clinked once against the te armor. nk. Wrapping around the red te armor once more, every ability of Babvik was strengthened several times over. From Noble mtl dot The skilled individuals of Demorus could choose a sessor when they wished. However, the skilled ones never chose sessors lightly. ¡°Babvik. Your flesh will be used where my desires dictate.¡± ¡°And also¡­.¡± Guardian and candidate. As their destinies were decided together. Despite choosing the blood of Demorus, to those who failed to protect the blood of Demorus. ¡°Glory be.¡± Deeming life unworthy. Kwaaang! Babvik unleashed explosive power, wielding a greatsword made of te armor. Creating not just a body but a weapon signifies the pinnacle of te armor. However. Shuuurrr! Suddenly, white bones entwined around Arin¡¯s hands and arms emerged. And within that, a ck longsword revealed itself. sh-! It cut through everything. ¡°Glory¡­.¡± Babvik¡¯s voice reverberated. ¡°¡­.be.¡± Her greatsword, te armor, entire body. Shooosh! Turned into ck dust, scattering. That was the witch known as the Legion, determining destinies. ¡°You did well. Babvik.¡± It was Arin¡¯s strength. * * * ¡°Argh! What the hell! Damn it!¡± Sein screamed and screamed again. ¡°What is this! Aaargh!¡± The agony that was felt from the heart spread throughout the body. Losing consciousness and regaining it multiple times. Instead of subsiding, the agony continued to intensify. The pain felt like insects gnawing at the whole body, not just the skin but also the internal organs and blood vessels. ¡°This is mdaptation.¡± In the midst of unbearable pain, in a blurred vision, Arin¡¯s face appeared. Her face seemed calm as if she didn¡¯t care about Sein¡¯s pain at all. No. ¡°Your Dragon Heart is rejecting the fragments of blessing.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± As if she had been waiting for this situation. ¡°Ke. I knew this would happen.¡± Sein smiled. He knew Arin was hiding something. She appeared at such a perfect timing. That. ¡°Did you watch over me?¡± He felt like she had been watching over him for a long time. It was the same when he met her. She seemed to be constantly hiding something. To uncover it, he had been subtly provoking her. ¡°You crazy¡­ woman¡­.¡± A dangerous existence. In Sein¡¯s mind, Arin was already such a being. ¡°You knew, right? Yet you epted the blessing.¡± ¡°Guh¡­. Cough.¡± But Sein epted the blessing. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you run away?¡± ¡°¡­Did you think I wouldn¡¯t know? That you had attached a minion to me, subject to¡­¡± ¡°You knew that too.¡± Sein gritted his teeth and red at Arin. ¡°Enough! You damn bastard!¡± Sein shouted. ¡°¡­There must be a way¡­ Guh! There must be a way, right?¡± But if he wanted to break free from Arin¡¯s grasp, he could have done so. Even though there might be a move unknown to Arin, who had passed through hundreds, thousands of lives without winning a fight. Yet Sein remained. ¡°Stop and fix it quickly!¡± Because she knew she wouldn¡¯t harm herself. Her curiosity about herself, knowing she would never drive herself to death. ¡°Arin-!¡± Sein shouted. ¡°Arin Seymour-!¡± Chapter 15 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 15 ¡°¡­¡­!¡± At the mention of Arin¡¯s full name, Arin¡¯s eyes shot open. ¡°T-that too, you knew?¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t¡­ It¡¯s me you¡¯ve been looking for! Now that it¡¯s confirmed, take action quickly!¡± At that moment, Arin¡¯s palm touched Sein¡¯s chest. Thump! Thump! Thump! His heart, pounding like a runaway lotive, seemed like it would never stop. Thump¡­. Thump¡­. Thump¡­. Gradually, it began to calm down. The aura of death emanating from Arin¡¯s grip was what had stopped Sein¡¯s heart. ¡°Haa¡­. Haa¡­.¡± Finally, the frenzy subsided. ¡°You¡­.¡± Arin, Arin Seymour. ¡°You truly are the one I was seeking.¡± The one she was looking for. ¡°You are the Harbinger of Doom.¡± The being that brought about the downfall of the old empire. The being that destroyed the once warm and kind Chuwary. The Last Emperor. ¡°Harbinger of Doom, Sein Archipald.¡± ¡°Tch! Yes¡­. That¡¯s me. Senior.¡± Sein, rising to his feet, spat out blood as he spoke. Necromancer. Not amon being in Chuwary. The same was true for the Arachnid. And it was evident in how they handled the Arachnid. ¡®Seymour.¡¯ One surname. But there was no certainty. In this world, so many years removed, limited information could be gleaned when stuck on the fringes. So I watched. Is she truly the being she believes she is? If the being she believes she is is correct. ¡®Why?¡¯ Why did shee looking for herself? And I was convinced. She is not an enemy. At least, she is a being with a clear purpose, seeking that from herself. ¨C You probably have a lot of stories you want to tell. Let¡¯s meet again here in a week. Arin said that. ¡°Damn it.¡± The current state of that saint, to put it nicely, was not normal. The sh between the Dragon Heart and the Blessing. His heart had stopped to stop the side effects. ¡°Geez. This is insane.¡± Right now, that saint was in a state no different from being undead. Something he had never done despite living through countless lives. It must be possible now that reality, not a game, had be real. ¡°¡­Captain!¡± Deran, who spotted the saint from afar, shouted and ran over. Deran looked like a mess as if there had been a fierce battle. ¡°What happened to you?¡± ¡°Captain, it¡¯s not looking good.¡± Indeed, as Deran said, the sight of that saint was truly dreadful. The sword he had carried was all broken, his clothes torn, and his face covered in blood. ¡°Is this your blood, Captain?¡± Although Deran was usually not talkative, he asked the question to the saint. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Captain!¡± Cyclops, and his subordinates who had fought fiercely. ¡°It¡¯s the blood of an ogre.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Everyone froze at the saint¡¯s words. Despite the fierce battle they had been through, looking at them, it seemed like they had emerged victorious. And on top of that, the words the saint had just said. ¡°That means¡­.¡± ¡°The ogre split its torso in half and dug out its heart.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°Words are just that. It¡¯s true when split in half.¡± In other words, it meant victory for Sein as well. ¡°Gah!¡± Cyclops tightly closed his remaining eye. Droplets flowing from there. ¡°Thank you! Captain! Thank you!¡± The opponent who tore through my subordinates, even gouging out their eyeballs. Despite that, the opponent who had no strength left to resist, died. ¡°You bastards! We won!¡± Cyclops couldn¡¯t contain his excitement and shouted. ¡°We won-!¡± ¡°Woooaah!¡± The alley slowly brightening. The battle must have been long; dawn had already passed. ¡°The Fox woman?¡± ¡°She¡¯s tied up.¡± ¡°Good job.¡± Fox, who was the owner of another alley, was also captured. ¡°Many casualties?¡± ¡°They all fought hard.¡± Sein said. You¡¯re spineless, unable to do anything because you¡¯re powerless. That¡¯s why those spineless ones proved through battle that they were not spineless. ¡°Take care of the dead, and look after the living. We¡¯re a family now.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Derren, trustworthy as ever, said he would take care of it. ¡°And¡­.¡± Sein was about to say something more. His world was spinning, feeling his strength leaving his body. ¡°Damn it¡­. Take care of me too¡­.¡± With those words, Sein lost consciousness. It was once again a moment when the owner of the Borfeo alley changed. Sein regained consciousness three dayster. ¡°Gasp! S¡­hit. Thought I was dead.¡± A fleeting glimpse of the back of his hand. Seeing a ghost, as they say. If he had leveled up, it would have been different, but not leveling up and seeing a ghost was truly terrifying. Cyclops was there to greet the awakened Sein. ¡°Captain! Are you awake?¡± Middle-aged. Despite losing one eyeball to an ogre, the one left shone brightly with a patch over it. ¡°Where am I?¡± ¡°This is my hideout.¡± It seemed like a decent ce to protect the fallen Saint without being vulnerable. ¡°But isn¡¯t it unexpected?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°If I had sneaked away while you slept, you would¡¯ve be the owner of Borfeo¡¯s back alley.¡± The Saint said, pretending to slit my throat. ¡°Gasp! How could you say such a thing!¡± Cyclops eximed. ¡°Oh Hans! He¡¯s a grateful man.¡± ¡°Hans?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know? That¡¯s my name.¡± A voice that seemed somewhat unhinged. ¡°Well¡­.¡± Snick. Some praise was due. ¡°Well done.¡± Of course, Cyclops, or rather Hans, would not have aimed for him when he was vulnerable. If there was even a hint of doubt, Deren wouldn¡¯t have let that happen. ¡°What a shame. If you had tried to sneak away from me¡­.¡± The smile on the Saint¡¯s lips deepened. ¡°Phew! You could have seen your body explode.¡± ¡°R-really?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re curious, give it a try.¡± The Saint got up. ¡°¡­¡­Geez.¡± His physical condition could indeed be described as dire. The reason was simple. ¡°I pushed too hard during the battle with the ogre.¡± The power of the Dragon Heart is vast and violent. His current body was far from sufficient to handle that violent force. From Noble mtl dot ¡°I should have reached at least level 10 to handle it properly.¡± Or neutralize the side effects through other means. Without such a device, he had pushed the power of the Dragon Heart to the maximum, even using the armor. Before realizing the name Demorus, he had already experimented. Implementing skills learned throughout his life through magic. Despite being called a pathetic core conduit, he had thought he could mimic some skills. ¡°Seven days, huh. I was knocked out.¡± Whether due to not learning the skill or the fact that it absorbed immense magic, it burdened his body, leaving him bedridden for a week. It was only because of the Dragon Heart that he attempted it again; it was not something to be taken lightly. ¡®And¡­.¡¯ One more thing. ¡°How many days has it been since I woke up?¡± ¡°Three days, Captain!¡± If it was three days. ¡°Only one day left.¡± His heart was currently stopped. The emergency treatment done by Arin to stop the bacsh of the damned blessing and the dragon heart was the reason his heart had stopped. With his heart stopped, it was strange that his body was functioning properly. Even being able to breathe and speak like this was possible because Arin was an exceptional necromancer. ¡°Still, one more day should be enough.¡± Sein left Hans¡¯s hideout. * * * ¡°P-Please spare me!¡± A short bob covering one ear. In her mid-twenties, the exceptionally striking girl was the one known as the Fox. ¡°She¡¯s the one they call the Fox.¡± Fox was one of the owners who divided up the back alleys of Borfeo. ¡°The ogre only cut off one of her ears.¡± Sein was genuinely surprised. While she couldn¡¯tpare to Arin, Fox was the owner of remarkable beauty. ¡°Indeed, city girls are different.¡± ¡°T-Thank you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not apliment.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry.¡± Terrified, Fox was shaking on the ground, bowing her head. The reason was simple. ¡®Because I dumped the ogre¡¯s body in the back alley.¡¯ It was indeed Deren. When Sein copsed, Deren tidied up the ogre¡¯s body and left it in the back alley for a day. It was a clear warning for everyone in the back alleys to see what happened to Sein¡¯s enemies. Furthermore. ¡°Deren, did you tamper with her? She looks too unharmed.¡± ¡°I was worried her value might drop. I took care of it.¡± ¡°Your skills have improved.¡± ¡°Hehehe!¡± While Sein was asleep, Deren had given Fox a mental education. ¡°Well done.¡± It might not have been apparent from the outside, but the time Fox had experienced in the past three days must have been absolutely dreadful. Even if he was the master of a skilled back alley. ¡°You say you¡¯ve amassed a lot of money?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve handed it all over to Mr. Deren!¡± ¡°Do you have a knack for making money roll?¡± ¡°I¡¯m confident in my abilities!¡± He looked as stiff as a newly enlisted soldier. ¡°Just tell me what to do!¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± When Sein seemed to be contemting, Fox, perhaps feeling rushed, raised his head. ¡°I, I have many skills!¡± Sein, who could handle wolves, frogs, and ogres, was confident. The name ¡°Mad Dog¡± was spreading like terror in the back alleys of Borfeo. ¡°Night work as well¡­¡± Saying so, Fox reached out to his clothes. ¡°Save your night prowess forter; what matters is that you can make money.¡± ¡°I guarantee it.¡± Cyclops and Hans vouched for Fox. ¡°She may be a fox-like woman, but her abilities are solid. She hasn¡¯t crossed the line of leadership, that¡¯s for sure.¡± The stories they had heard about Fox were quite impressive. Cyclops, who had lost his base and subordinates, barely clung to the back alleys, all thanks to Fox. ¡°Alright. You¡¯re part of our family too.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Sein, having decided on how to treat Fox, got up once more. There was still a long way to go. Outside the building, there were merchants dressed in quite luxurious clothing waiting for Sein. ¡°We greet the hero of Borfeo.¡± The merchants weed Sein with a polite attitude, as if weing a legendary hero. It made sense as the back alleys were closely rted to the merchants. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s enough with the greetings.¡± Sein waved a hand as if annoyed. ¡°It¡¯s understood that there were significant losses due to the war in the back alleys.¡± The merchants perked up at Sein¡¯s words. Chapter 16 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 16 Upon hearing the rumors, they had thought of Sein as a tyrant not unlike an ogre, but he seemed surprisingly flexible. ¡°You only get used to being hit by a mace by getting hit. So, from now on, you should only suffer that much damage.¡± ¡°¡­ Pardon?¡± ¡°Make sure you pay your dues properly.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The merchants realized their mistake only then. ¡°And here¡¯s my right-hand man, Deren. He will tell you about certain goods, so if you find them, bring them to me first. I¡¯ll cover the costs.¡± The presence in front of them was more terrifying than the tyrant Ougre. ¡°The mad dog of Chichiron.¡± It was a realization that a mad dog had be the master of the city. ¡°Understood.¡± At that moment, a young merchant stepped forward and spoke. ¡°If you wish, could you let us know first? We will do our best to procure the items desired by the hero of Borfeo.¡± Sain looked at the young merchant. ¡°What¡¯s your name and affiliation?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Aya. I manage the upper floors of a small shop.¡± ¡°You¡¯re hired.¡± Sain approached Aya and said, ¡°You¡¯ll receive special treatment.¡± * * * ¡°Aya, was it?¡± He was quite something. These back alley merchants were nothing but thugs or worthless scum. Trash that sucked people¡¯s blood as much as the garbage in the back alleys. Selling low-quality goods by force or setting traps. ¡°I don¡¯t know how they survive.¡± Borfeo became his territory. He had no need for such useless trash in his territory. But Aya was different. ¡°Understood.¡± He understood the meaning behind his words. To show his abilities. To see if he could bring the desired items. To understand his value. The only one who could be called a true merchant was Aya. ¡°This way.¡± Sain was walking down the street with Hans and a few of his subordinates. ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°S-sorry!¡± The residents who came across Sain were surprised and ran away, or bowed their heads in apology. ¡°Too much. We haven¡¯t done anything.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of Ougre.¡± Though Ougre gave off a vibe of not being a bad guy. ¡°He ordered the residents to be sacrificed.¡± He had ordered the kidnapping of the residents of the back alleys. Child, old man, man, woman, no exceptions. ¡°There must be a reason.¡± That is the reason. ¡°He even knows how to strengthen iron armor.¡± Iron armor, and crimson iron armor. To enhance that ability. Irondding imbues iron with magical properties, making it possess the qualities of iron. However, to reach the level of crimson iron armor, something essential was needed. ¡°Blood.¡± The crimson glow is not the color of any gemstone. It is the deep crimson of human blood. This method was discovered by a user, overturning themon sense of the Schutieri, who originally thought that hunting monsters naturally led to crimson iron armor, like a revolution. The condition for crimson iron armor was blood. The Schutieri, with infinite freedom, was truly another world where anything was possible. ¡°Babvik. That woman was the same, Lana.¡± ¡°B¡­ Babvik, you say?¡± At that moment, Hans trembled and said, ¡°Correct?¡± ¡°The Warrior of ughter, Babvik¡­ that¡¯s what you¡¯re talking about, right?¡± The Warrior of ughter. ¡°Indeed, that side seems to be the same.¡± Whether Hans didn¡¯t hear Sein¡¯s muttering or not, he shivered for a long time, talking about various things. How terrifying Babvik was, how many she had killed, and so on. ¡°Quiet.¡± But with Sein¡¯s one word, Hans soon closed his mouth. The back alleys of Borfeo were wide, like a city. Was it said to be a world simr in size to Earth? There was a memory of once wanting to travel Schutieri slowly but not being able to. ¡°Here we are.¡± In the midst of being lost in thought, Sein¡¯s group arrived at their destination. A shabby, dpidated building. It wouldn¡¯t be surprising if it copsed at any moment, more like a ce where ghosts lived than people. ¡°The House of Ghosts, isn¡¯t it?¡± It was believable that ghosts lived here. ¡°This is the ce.¡± However, this was the destination. ¡°Where Borfeo¡¯s finest cksmith resides.¡± ¡°This is where Borfeo¡¯s finest cksmith resides.¡± Hans said enthusiastically, as if revealing a great secret. The price for that was paid immediately. Thwack! Hans received a blow to the back of his head. ¡°Captain, my, myst remaining eye will be gouged out! Why are you doing this!¡± He did as Sein wanted, so what was the problem exactly? ¡°Did you perhaps forget the Continentalnguage?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°When did I ask to be taken to the best cksmith in Borfeo?¡± ¡°Clearly¡­¡± Hans tried to exin, but seeing Sein¡¯s distorted face, he fell silent. ¡°I said to take me to the best cksmith, didn¡¯t I.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that what I said?¡± ¡°Hah.¡± Who could he me? He only asked Hans, who couldn¡¯t even guide properly, about his own mistake. ¡°Well, whatever it is.¡± If there¡¯s a top cksmith, there will surely be excellent tools and ores. The issue is. ¡°But is this really the ce?¡± The building in front of them seemed on the verge of copsing any moment. ¡°Are there hidden facilities inside, or maybe a disguise to hide a great cksmith?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡± That was when it happened. Squeak. The sound of a door opening quietly. Crash! Sein swiftly deflected something flying towards them. It was clearly a bolt shot from a crossbow. ¡°Get lost!¡± Something glinted through the open window. ¡®A repeating crossbow.¡¯ The head of the crossbow, capable of shooting multiple bolts, was protruding through the window. ¡°Risky.¡± It wasn¡¯t aiming for a vital spot, but it was definitely an arrow aimed at the body. ¡°You old fool! Are you insane!¡± Terrified, Hans shouted. ¡°I must have told you not toe back! The only thing I have for the likes of you is this arrow!¡± Twang! Another arrow shot past Sein¡¯s head, grazing Hans as it headed towards him. Startled, Hans twisted his body to dodge it, but a slight graze on his arm was inevitable. ¡°The old man with a bad temper.¡± The gentleman spoke as if it were absurd. ¡°I must have told you to leave! The warning¡­!¡± At that moment. In a sh! Something emitted light from the gentleman¡¯s hand. Boom! Simultaneously, a deafening explosion. Firing the dagger containing the aura, he shattered the artisan¡¯s crossbow. From Noble mtl dot ¡°What the¡­!¡± Even as the artisan was momentarily taken aback, the gentleman, seemingly unconcerned, walked out and stood in front of the cksmith¡¯s shop. Crash! With a kick, the cksmith¡¯s shop door shattered and fell. Casually entering the cksmith¡¯s shop, the gentleman. Swoosh. He looked around, turning his head. Due to the dim light not prating well, the eerie light shimmered all around in the dark cksmith¡¯s shop. ¡°They say the owner of the alley has changed! What a lunatic he was!¡± In a corner of the cksmith¡¯s shop, the crouching artisan shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t move. Take one step and¡­¡± Thud. The weapons filled the cksmith¡¯s shop. Traps intertwined with spears, swords, arrows, and the like. ¡°Quite convincing.¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard?¡± ¡°Old man.¡± The artisan, who was shouting at the sound of the gentleman¡¯s hoarse voice, fell silent. It was the chill that could hardly be withstood by an old body. ¡®What the hell¡­¡¯ He had faced the vigor of many madmen while handling weapons. But what he felt from the gentleman now was a different kind of fear, almost like a different species altogether. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I didn¡¯t ask you to make weapons for me.¡± The gentleman quietly stepped away. ¡°Oh, no!¡± It was the moment the artisan shouted. Boom! Boom! The traps set by the artisan spewed fire in an instant. * ¡°What¡­.¡± The master couldn¡¯t close his mouth as if he had seen a ghost. ¡°Indeed, the talk of Borfeo¡¯s finest cksmith seems not to be a lie.¡± The gentleman casually looked around the forge. He effortlessly avoided the trap set by the master. His movements, bordering on miraculous, were so remarkable and mysterious that they were unheard of in Borfeo. ¡°There¡¯s even a bit of moonstone.¡± But the reason the master was truly astonished was not that he had evaded the trap. It was actually meant to scare off intruders rather than kill them. What truly surprised the master was. ¡°Old man. You don¡¯t happen to have hidden something like mithril, do you?¡± The fact that the gentleman had dismantled the trap. With a movement bordering on miraculous, he casually touched the intricate machinery he had created. Literally casually. And then, all the devices came to a halt. ¡°How, how did you¡­.¡± The master asked as if he had seen a ghost. ¡°What? The trap?¡± The gentleman, examining a piece of ore, turned to look at the master. ¡°It¡¯s simple. I just slightly shook the central part of the device. Still, it seems like something painstakingly made, so I felt bad about destroying itpletely.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Easier said than done. What the gentleman said meant that he had understood the internal circuitry of the machine he had designed and built just by seeing it once in this dark space. Furthermore, he skillfully shook the central part, which was securely protected, to bring it to a perfect stop. ¡°You¡¯re really¡­.¡± The master, Aaron, smiled as if disappointed. He had seen many people in the alleys of Borfeo, but someone like the gentleman was a first. ¡°But, it¡¯s still useless!¡± Aaron, regaining hisposure, said. ¡°I don¡¯t have any weapons to offer in these alleys!¡± That was the oath of Aaron, the cksmith of Borfeo. ¡®Never again.¡¯ It was his own vow not to hand over the weapons he had made in the alleys. That¡¯s why Aaron, once known as the best cksmith in Borfeo, was now living in this shabby workshop instead of being a master cksmith. However. ¡°Was this made by Inspiration?¡± The gentleman didn¡¯t listen. The dagger in the gentleman¡¯s hand. ¡°D-Did you not hear me?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve made it quite well. The seams are excellent, and the forging is well done.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°But it¡¯s a failure.¡± ¡°H-how could that be!¡± Aaron was once again astonished. Among the ruffians in the alley and the quite sessful merchants, there was a dagger that praised fairly well. ¡°I understand what you were trying to do, but your approach was wrong.¡± Aaron felt as if possessed by a ghost. ¡°And inspiration.¡± Suddenly, the cksmith picked up a hammer. As he put coal into the furnace, he said, ¡°Who told you to make weapons?¡± ¡°W-well?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s borrow the forge.¡± Crackle! mes began to rise in the forge that had been dormant. ¡°Because you seem to be a decent cksmith, I¡¯ll let it slide.¡± Boom! Sparks started to fly. * * Chapter 17 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 17 * ¡°Ah¡­.¡± Aaron watched everything unfold. ¡°Ah¡­!¡± And all he could utter was one thing. ¡°Ah¡­!!¡± It was nothing but admiration. A young man who looked barely twenty. He had a noble appearance, but his sharpness was raw, straight from the alley. However. Boom! At this moment, Aaron couldn¡¯t see that the cksmith was a young man with a noble appearance. Nor could he see that he was a crazy dog of Chichiron. Nor could he see that he was the new master of Borfeo Alley. ¡°Aaah!¡± Just a cksmith. But a tremendously great and moving image of a cksmith. Sweating, he swung the hammer down. His series of actions were akin to a form of art. To those unfamiliar, it might all look the same, but to one who had dedicated their life to the mes. Kaaang! Sein¡¯s exceptional abilities were evident. ¡°The management is well done here.¡± Aaron, forgetting his initial intent to drive Sein away, simply watched him. ¡°Inspiration. Get that for me, please.¡± And then, as he came to his senses. ¡°Here you go.¡± He realized he was assisting Sein as if he had be his assistant. He had been a master craftsman for over fifty years. Many praised his skills, while others envied his talent, causing blood to be spilled countless times. But bing someone¡¯s assistant was something he had never even dreamed of. ¡°Help me with this.¡± ¡°Well, how should I put it?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t do that either?¡± At this moment, Aaron was not ashamed of anything. No. ¡°It¡¯s as though I was born to witness this moment.¡± An act of art. And what would be born. ¡°You can look forward to it. I think the best thing I¡¯ve made in this lifetime wille out this time.¡± It would be another piece of art. Aaron, who initially aimed a crossbow. Sein, who initially broke into the door. The two of them. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a masterpiece.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Unknowingly, they had taken on the roles of a careless grandson and a pitiful grandfather. ¡°It might be tough to finish today; let¡¯s eat. Are you hungry?¡± Suddenly realizing. Gulp. Aaron realized he hadn¡¯t eaten a single meal. ¡°I¡¯ll bring something right away.¡± Aaron soon returned to the messy workshop with a meager meal. ¡°Why does the food look like this?¡± It had been a long time since Aaron had worked as a master craftsman. The money he had earned in the past was long gone, and he now survived on odd jobs that came in asionally. ¡°Let the kids know to eat well.¡± Although he vowed not to make weapons to be used in the alleys. Aaron could tell. ¡°You are truly something.¡± Sein was special. You can tell a person¡¯s life by watching them wield a hammer. The passing of decades, something beyond oneself to dare not speak of. ¡°What is it. You crazy bastard.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± ¡°I can somewhat understand why they don¡¯t provide weapons in the back alleys.¡± Sein said while slurping soup. ¡°Well, it¡¯s up to your inspired mind to figure it out. But keep it in mind.¡± A facepletely unreadable in emotion. ¡°A weapon is just a weapon.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°How that weapon is used is the problem of those who wield it.¡± Though Aaron was hungry, he remained silent. ¡°If you were worried about losing control over it, you shouldn¡¯t have taken on this job. If the inspiration is truly a master craftsman¡­.¡± ng! The empty soup bowl suddenly ttered. Sein set it down and said. ¡°Look crazy, in my eyes, a true craftsman is no different from a lunatic.¡± Since then, for two days straight, the forge in Aaron¡¯s workshop never went cold. Even after Sein left. Whoosh! Aaron¡¯s furnace spewed out bright mes. Crash! It was the horn of Borfeo¡¯s top cksmith. ¡°But I suppose this is the best I could do.¡± Borfeo, a city where Aaron set foot for the first time in this life. Here, there were items and materials that couldn¡¯t even bepared to Chichiron. ¡®But at least I¡¯m not destitute.¡¯ Of course, it wasn¡¯t up to Sein¡¯s standards, but having spent tearful times, he was grateful for this alone. Sein¡¯s gear had changed. Unlike the haphazard pieces he had picked up before, there was a certain uniformity to it now, and the quality seemed unmatchedpared to before. With limited time, this was all he could manage. If only he had more time and proper materials, he wouldn¡¯t have settled for this. ¡°At least¡­.¡± Sein tightened the sword at his waist. -It¡¯s mithril, even if just a bit. The cksmith of Borfeo, Aaron, was quite a decent one. He held a small amount of mithril, not easily found unless in thetter part of the journey. It was mithril that was as valuable as Aaron¡¯s life. -Hand it over. ¨C Even without saying, you¡¯re considering it. I wonder what will be born from that. Well, it¡¯s surely less precious than a real life. The longsword born like that. ¨C Indeed¡­! Aaron couldn¡¯t help but be amazed as he looked at the longsword crafted by Sein. ¨C Give it a name! Aaron urged, unable to hide his excitement, to quickly name the weapon. ¨C Why? But Sein rejected Aaron¡¯s suggestion with a single stroke. ¨C I¡¯m not a mediocre cksmith who would give a name to such a shoddy item. ¨C Is that so¡­ The longsword born like that. ¡°I don¡¯t know how long it willst.¡± There was a greater harvest than the longsword. cksmith, Aaron. He was a skilled cksmith than expected, aging and declining, yet still possessing potential. ¡°For a while, Borpeo is the base.¡± Aaron thought that if he continued to grow, he could produce disposable weapons good enough for Borpeo. ¡°Hey, Aaron.¡± Two somewhat useful people in Borpeo. It could be considered an unexpected harvest from Borpeo. ¡°Assuming they survive, of course.¡± Darkness had settled in Borpeo. Today was the promised day. ¨C See you here in a week. It was the day Aaron had promised Arin. All preparations were made. No regrets, having done everything possible. ¡°Now¡­¡± His steps forward gradually slowed. From Noble mtl dot ¡°It all depends on my abilities.¡± The iron mine where Ougor and Boba Demorus were defeated. Arin was sitting there under the bright moonlight pouring down. ¡°You didn¡¯t run away.¡± Arin said. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you run away?¡± Sein chuckled at Arin like that. * Under the blue moonlight, a woman with ck hair. It was such a beautiful sight that one could call it a painting. ¡°The more you look, the more fascinating it bes.¡± It was a game that millions enjoyed. With boundless freedom and being a single-yer game, customization was limitless. Many skilled individuals bestowed their talents, even darker and more mysterious, upon their character in the game and boasted about it. ¨C Waji-Rin. Sein also marveled at it. ¡°Those who y this game must be girlfriend-less.¡± The impact of the global low birthrate attributed to the game was so significant that there were even those who proposedws to ban it. The reason for such nonsensical talk was simple. ¡°If I post this, the views will skyrocket.¡± Arin and moonlight. The scene was so beautiful that it was unlike anything seen in countless posts from the past. But the issue was that she was such a person. Thud. The fact that she might be facing a formidable foe who could end her life at any moment. Arin stood up. me. It was the moment she flicked her finger. Swoosh! Something slipped out of Sein¡¯s shadow and vanished into Arin¡¯s embrace. ¡°Dark Assassin.¡± A type of high-ranking undead. ¡°Even with that on me, do you think I can¡¯t escape?¡± It was what Arin had attached to Sein. ¡°Don¡¯t you think I did it to protect you?¡± ¡°Do you see me as an innocent country boy?¡± Sein chuckled. ¡°Enough of the nonsense, let¡¯s get to the point.¡± The fragment of blessing obtained by defeating Bova Demorus. As a result, Sein suffered severe pain and a significant side effect. And the only one who could resolve it was. ¡°How should I deal with this remnant of the blessing?¡± For now, it was only Arin. ¡°You didn¡¯t think of figuring it out on your own?¡± ¡°I tried different things, but it seemed like a waste of time.¡± There was no need to stimte a stopped heart. ¡°Well done. If not for that, you might not be standing in front of me right now.¡± ¡°I said. Start with the main point.¡± ¡°The main point was wed from the start.¡± Atmosphere. Sigh-! The atmosphere that stifled the air changed. Even if it was just for a moment, the beautifully pouring moonlight and Arin¡¯s appearance. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± It felt like a huge envoy harboring a fierce spirit. ¡°My main point is one. You are the Harbinger of Doom.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Harbinger of Doom. A being that brought about the downfall of the ancient empire and posed a great threat to the continent of Scutari. ¡°And you are a Seymour.¡± Sein spoke as if he would not yield. ¡°Seymour.¡± That was Arin¡¯s lineage. ¡°One of the hidden three shadows of the royal family, the only lineage in the ancient empire permitted to practice sorcery.¡± Though the ancient empire had fallen, a secret that had not been revealed was now flowing from Sein¡¯s lips. ¡°To those who do not know, they might just say all necromancers are the same.¡± Sein casually mentioned the colossal secret. ¡°The way the Seymours handle the undead is unique.¡± Using the leg of a Bone Spider, Arin did not control the Bone Spider directly but made its leg sprout from behind her back to manipte it. ¡°Thebination of a sorcerer and the undead is a special ability of the Seymour blood.¡± ¡°¡­I am well aware.¡± That¡¯s how Sein could deduce Arin¡¯s true identity. ¡°Even in the royal family, those who know this fact are few. Should I borate more?¡± Sein suggested. ¡°Yes.¡± She tried to conceal it. It would be better not to talk about being the viin who sought to destroy the world. But if necessary. ¡°I am the Harbinger, Sein Archpald.¡± She had already resolved not to shy away from revealing that. ¡°¡­That story was true.¡± Arin¡¯s eyes shook as if remembering something. ¡°A story about a past life.¡± Just as Sein knew Arin¡¯s secret, Arin also knew Sein¡¯s secret. At Arin¡¯s words, Sain frowned as if displeased. ¡°If they were shadows of the pce, it was a story that could be inferred. Do you want to prove yourself?¡± Sain approached Arin. ¡°I must have told you to stop the nonsense.¡± Step by step. Sain¡¯s footsteps were resolute. He had already entered Arin¡¯s territory. If she wished, she could easily cut Sain¡¯s throat at any moment. Step. Chapter 18 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 18 Yet Sain did not stop approaching. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the point.¡± Suddenly, right in front of her. Arin was undoubtedly the strong one. ¡°Why did you seek me out? For revenge?¡± Sain looked down at Arin as if he were the stronger one. ¡°No, if that were the case, you wouldn¡¯t have spared me.¡± Three shadows once called the protectors of the old empire. Among them, Seymour might have harbored thoughts of revenge against Sain, who brought down the empire. ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s possible. Anyway.¡± Sain said. ¡°Don¡¯t you have something you want from me?¡± Arin sought something from the harbinger of doom, that was Sain¡¯s conclusion. ¡°Tell me what you want. I will decide whether to listen or not.¡± ¡°¡­Hah.¡± In the end, Arin let out a sigh. ¡°I heard the stories, but it¡¯s really you. Sain Archipald.¡± ¡°I am Sain Demorus now.¡± ¡°Right. You have something you want.¡± Even the title had changed imperceptibly. ¡°My father instructed me to find the harbinger and make them pay for the empire¡¯s sins, but I have a different opinion.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk about things you don¡¯t know.¡± It has been a hundred years. And only the head of the family is granted the right to support the royal family. ¡°All I know is Jiran, that person.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°That person is my father.¡± Jiran Seymour. A man who had also been his mentor. -Your Highness, I hope for the day when my de will always be there to support you. It seems like a story that has been told before. ¡°My age¡­?¡± ¡°Even for the Hwang family, it seems there were talks of being toocking in manners.¡± Boom! Magical power began pouring out from Arin. ¡°Hey! Why are you like this! Just because of age!¡± Kwaaaah! With a stronger surge, Sein took a step back unconsciously. He might have prepared for this moment just in case, but he never imagined it would be solely because of his age. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the point as we agreed.¡± Boom! Sein¡¯s body was thrown back by the bursting energy. ¡°I will confirm that you are the harbinger of destruction.¡± ¡°¡­This should be enough!¡± ¡°And if you are the harbinger of destruction¡­.¡± Arin, floating in the air. It seemed like every moonlight existed to illuminate her body. When she gestured with her hand. Wooong! The entrance of the iron mine began to resonate and emit light. ¡®That¡¯s¡­¡¯ A magic Sein was familiar with. A kind of space magic, the highest level magic that connected spaces. ¡°I need to confirm if you have the power to fulfill my purpose.¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯re testing me?¡± Sein, who seemed about to be pushed back, was now resisting Arin¡¯s energy. ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡± Arin said. ¡°The harbinger of destruction does not tolerate being tested.¡± ¡°¡­You seem to have heard quite a bit about me from Jiran.¡± Roar! The entrance of the iron mine, bathed in moonlight, opened its mouth wide and began to suck Sein in. ¡°The price is¡­.¡± Sein, being swept in. He smiled and said, ¡°It should be sufficient.¡± ¡°Promise.¡± When Sein opened his eyes, he was met with darkness. Through the spatial portal created by Arin, the ce they arrived at was¡­ ¡°What¡­?¡± It was a ce where only a dense darkness and a damp aura could be felt. As Sein focused their magical energy, the thick darkness began to reveal itself clearly. ¡°Ruins?¡± It resembled ruins. Traces of a civilization etched everywhere. Upon closer inspection, the quite familiar style was that of the Empire. ¡°I hope it¡¯s not Seymour¡¯s doing.¡± This space was clearly one Arin had prepared for a long time. Especially the spatial portal she used was not only difficult to use easily but also required numerous materials and preparations. This ce probably was¡­ ¡®Seymour¡¯s Secret Chamber.¡¯ A secret that the Seymour family had kept for a long time. Sein continued to observe the space without tension. ¡®The density of magical energy is high.¡¯ In the current world, the density of magical energy was very low. However, in this ce, the density of magical energy was felt to be higher than the current Chutwerry, or even higher than that. ¡°Magic circles? Or¡­¡± What could be increasing the density of magical energy? -I should check if I have the ability to match my opponent. -The price will be sufficient. What exactly had Arin prepared? One thing was certain. Sneer. It wouldn¡¯t be easy. The density of magical energy, the dampness of the air, could be seen. ¡®A high-level dungeon.¡¯ This space had a dangerparable to at least a high-level dungeon. If it was a high-level dungeon, it was a dungeon with a challenging level that required at least level 20 to attempt. For Sein, who hadn¡¯t even reached level 10 yet, it was a level that shouldn¡¯t even be dreamt of. But they were confident. ¡°I won¡¯t be thrown into a situation where they say they¡¯ll check my abilities and then push me to my death.¡± As long as Arin had something she wanted, she wouldn¡¯t let Sein die. No, at least¡­ ¡®Until the check isplete, they won¡¯t just leave me to die.¡¯ As long as the purpose is known, there is nothing to fear. ¡°Perdition¡­¡± If they are pursuing a name fitting for being cursed, then their wish must also be grand. Sein, who had been moving forward unconsciously, suddenly stopped. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± The dense air, the magical scent of the dungeon. Hundreds, thousands of times, the space that had been explored countless times was none other than the dungeon. Different, yet fundamentally simr. Sigh. Sein began stretching, pressing on his legs. Although his heart wasn¡¯t keeping up with the smooth usage of magic, what Sein had regained wasn¡¯t just magic. The memories and experiences of past lives gained through the reincarnationmp. And because it was a game. Grin. Stats were the key. The more special abilities inherited, the more one¡¯s previous stats carried over. Hence, the reason why the increase in stats through leveling up for a reincarnator was minimal. ¡°The beginning of the dungeon is.¡± From Noble mtl dot Sein drew his dagger and scratched the dungeon wall. A chunk of rock the size of a fist was torn off. The moment he threw it. Boom! A barrage of spears filled the space. ¡°Indeed, a trap.¡± Sein was most confident in this area. * * * Sein, or rather the original Kim Sein, was a sort of recluse loner living shut away in his house, isted from society. Only one thing he did. -Reincarnation. In fact, reincarnation could be considered Sein¡¯s entire life. Amidst the vast life of Sein, countless lives of reincarnation were lined up. The reason Sein could sustain life was solely due to reincarnation. Papapapat! Arrows shot out. Each carrying potent magic, some even containing deadly venom. The traps triggering in session seemed to be viciously intent on draining the intruder¡¯s spirit and snuffing out their life. Tatatat! Sein. Tatat! Was dismantling all those traps. elerating speed, leaping high and spinning in the air. Thud. Before he knew it, Sein was casually walking through the traps. Swoosh! An arrow flew by, barely grazing Sein¡¯s cheek. Dripping blood. ¡°You have to avoid poison, but sometimes you just have to take a hit.¡± Unavoidable traps were navigated with minimal damage. ¨C Guide to Sanctuary Traps. A video that had been uploaded to YouTube quickly spread, reaching millions of views. ¨C Crazy, is this for real? ¨C Wow, he¡¯s insane. That was the starting point. ¨C Birdman! Birdman! Nickname: Birdman. The video that would make Sein¡¯s name echo throughout the world. Due to his deep love for Sanctuary, Sein dissected every element of the game. To him, traps were nothing more than simple math problems he had long mastered. ¡°Absolutely.¡± He could also be certain because of the traps. ¡°Remnants of the ancient empire.¡± The conditions for trap activation. The elements making up the traps. Even the methods to bypass them. These were the traps encountered when progressing through empire-rted stories or quests. At times. Whoosh! Moving torches to utilize shadows to pierce through blocked walls. Tock, tick. Sometimes, gathering small stone pieces to create intricate patterns and unlock hidden doors. Creak. It was a feeling he hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time. Different from the days when he pondered life trapped in a back alley. ¡°This is it.¡± Sein was feeling a rush of happiness like never before. The reason he couldn¡¯t help but love Sanctuary. One of the reasons being the traps that made up this ce. Of course, he couldn¡¯t perfectly bypass every trap. ¡°Almost bit the dust there.¡± Traps that couldn¡¯t be breached with his current stats and skills. Enduring the damage, he pushed forward with minimal losses. Passing through traps filled with thousands of arrows, spears, swords, and axes. Thud, thud. Thud. Sein was covered in blood, gasping for breath as he had no choice but to push on. And he had something prepared for moments like this. Embrace! The clean pop of a ss bottle being uncorked. Plop. Without a moment of hesitation, Sein swallowed what was inside, and his wounds began to heal at a rapid pace. Hundreds, thousands of lives left behind. There were not only cksmiths there. ¡°Borfeo is good. I can get special potion ingredients.¡± Once known as the Tears of Heaven, Sein¡¯s special potion was proving its effectiveness. In no time, the perfected Sein could easily navigate through all traps. ¡°Tsk. If only I could use magic.¡± If only the Dragon Heart was intact, he wouldn¡¯t waste his precious potion or suffer unnecessary injuries. The most challenging imperial trap was merely basic arithmetic for Sein. ¡°¡­.¡± But he didn¡¯t think this was the end. The atmosphere shifted once again. ¡°You¡¯ve prepared a lot.¡± It seemed there were more than just empire traps here. * * * A dense magic that clung like a leech. To be precise, it wasn¡¯t magic. ¡®Magia.¡¯ Corrupted, possessing qualities different from magic. Destructive and ferocious, this magic was referred to as Magia. While many beings in the Sanctuary used Magia, there were some who could truly be called the masters of Magia. ¡°Magia in the Empire¡¯s ruins.¡± Now he understood. ¡°You seem to have really studied a lot.¡± Chapter 19 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 19 Aerin, who was searching for the Annihtion Stone. Annihtion Stone, Sein Archipald. The ce to verify him. Thud. Thud. The moist walls, akin to a monster¡¯s womb, made one wonder what secrets this ce held. And Sain knew the identity of this. ¡®Demonification.¡¯ The power that manifests the world where the owner of magic lives. So. Kwwooo-! What should appear is simple. The owners of magic, they don¡¯t use traps like the cunning empire. They only. ¡°Wow, insane. Where did you get this from?¡± They were individuals who boasted only their own bodies and strength. The term that refers to them. Thud! Thud! Thud! They were demons. In the setting, although the demon world existed in the story, it was a ce that did not exist. asionally, there were beings called demons that appeared, but they were actually like the charred remains of the demons¡¯ lineage. Only one. There was a being known as a true demon. ¡°Krrrr¡­.¡± ¡°Hellhound.¡± A being referred to as thest demon. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± Sain Demon. Sain chuckled as if disappointed while looking at therge hellhound that appeared before him. It was once a summon that he used tomand. ¡°Just in case I ask.¡± ¡°Krrk.¡± ¡°Do you remember me¡­?¡± Now, it was just a monster scattering ruthless magic one after another. ¡°Krrraaah!¡± The charging hellhound. Sain leaped to dodge its attack. Whoosh! On the path the hellhound had taken, blue mes sprouted and emitted heat. ¡°Hah. That¡¯s not possible.¡± There was hardly a pinch of magic left in his body now. Even his remaining magical power seemed to be sealed, so it was unrealistic for the hellhound to recognize him. But even so, it was not something he could forgive. ¡°Hellhound. Listen well.¡± With a firm stance, Sain held a mithril sword he had crafted in his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t particrly like Bosintang¡­.¡± A hellhound baring its teeth behind. ¡°I heard that a dog unrecognizable by its owner should be beaten.¡± ¡°Growl!¡± The charging hellhound, this time, did not evade but extended its sword. Shwick! As the hellhound gnawed at the sword wedged in its mouth, it writhed in agony. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say you shouldn¡¯t bite without permission, did I not?¡± Rippling energy. Though extracting magic due to a stopped heart was burdensome, it was no time to differentiate between cold rice and hot rice. Rising aura. Thunk! Piercing through the hellhound¡¯s jaws, Sein, once again holding the sword, stepped back. ¡°Lucky.¡± Only the demons can call the hellhound. How it ended up here was a mystery, but it was not normal. A body weakened over time fromck of magical infusion. Originally, it was a creature close to a raid boss that one should hunt after surpassing level 20. ¡°What are you doing, Okkyun.¡± It meant ¡°not now.¡± ¡°If you¡¯ve seen the owner, you should show your belly.¡± ¡°Grrrr!¡± It was a different kind of movement from when he thwarted the Empire¡¯s trap. Sein¡¯s magic capacity was limited. ¡°Grrrr!¡± Hence, with minimal movement, one had to achieve maximum efficiency. The hellhound rushed forward quickly. Sein dodged the hellhound as if in a bullfight. Shwick! He thrust the sword into the creature¡¯s massive body. ¡°It¡¯s like the armor I used to wear, isn¡¯t it?¡± The sight of the hellhound with seven daggers stuck in it resembled a figure d in thorny armor. ¡°Krrrrrr!¡± Of course, the hellhound howled in pain and rage. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to weaken this much.¡± To the beings of the Abyss, magic was akin to life itself. If thed who had fed on magic under hismand was like a lively young man in his twenties, then thed who had been deprived of magic for a long time was like¡­ ¡°Aron, the inspiration, would move better than you.¡± He was akin to an old man ying Russian roulette with life and death. If you say that the guy wasn¡¯t threatening. Crack! That wasn¡¯t the case. Another wound appeared on Sein¡¯s body. The armor painstakingly crafted at Aaron¡¯s forge was already in tatters. Hellhound¡¯s ws were something that could only be withstood by pure mithril. Also. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, is this it?¡± The attack of the hellhound exuded a power even stronger than the venom seen in the Empire¡¯s traps. Qualification to prove the existence of the underworld. ¡®Magi.¡¯ The wounds on Sein¡¯s flesh were turning ck and spreading, akin to the aura of death that necromancers manipte, denying existence itself and consuming utility. No matter how dying the hellhound was, the reason it could im at least hundreds, even thousands of casualties if let loose outside was precisely this. ¡°Grrrr¡­.¡± Of course, that might be someone else¡¯s story. Sigh. The magi that had been gnawing at Sein¡¯s body was disappearing as if rewinding. At first, it might have been inevitable, but now it was different. ¡°It¡¯s what I gave you, so if you fall for that, you¡¯re a fool.¡± The magi that constituted the hellhound belonged to Sein. Even though life had changed and the body had lost its qualifications, power like magi remembered the soul. ¡®The setting in Sanctuary was the same.¡¯ Magi that could inherit and use special abilities from past lives. Originally, one should acquire them within the Sanctuary. ¡°Thank you for the gift, Okgyeon.¡± It was possible to obtain it in this way as well. This was a method that existed in past Sanctuaries as well. An awakening event where one realizes the abilities of past lives without the need for the Sanctuary through specific stimuli and quests. Arin. ¡°Should I say thank you?¡± She had undoubtedly prepared such an awakening event for herself. Sizzle! The hellhound¡¯s body began to burn. A familiar attack. Just before death, it was nothing less than a finishing move that incinerated all magi and life. From Noble mtl dot Yet, Sein¡¯s face showed no tension. ¡°It was nice to see you after a long time.¡± ¡°Roarrrr-!¡± The charging hellhound. Sein lowered his body and adjusted his posture. He had seen the pattern hundreds, thousands of times. ¡°Let¡¯s see it again.¡± With precise timing and understanding of weaknesses, there was no way he couldn¡¯t face his opponent. Thud! As Hellhound passed by Sein, it scattered magic dust. Sein, now covered in magic dust, absorbed the infiltrated magic and pushed it into his sword. ng! Mithril, also known as pure steel, couldn¡¯t withstand the intense magic and began to crack. But it wasn¡¯t going to break just yet. Seven daggers that had been prepared in advance. They were part of the summoning seal that sent Hellhound back. And the final one. ¡°Hellhound.¡± A small star on its head. Whoosh! Sein¡¯s greatsword twisted and pierced through Hellhound¡¯s head. Thud! Hellhound fell. In its final moments, its gaze seemed to say: ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re a wee sight too.¡± Weing the return of its master. After finishing the battle with Hellhound, Sein had to take a long rest unlike when he broke through the Empire¡¯s trap. Due to more injuries than he had anticipated. Injuries from magic were not easily healed even with special potions, and if left untreated, the magic would corrode the body and lead to necrosis. That¡¯s why. ¡°It was called a fake life.¡± The life of the Last Demon. In the world of Sanctuary, there were hundreds, thousands of different lives, and the Last Demon was a special one among them. yers had their own way of grading such lives in Sanctuary. From Grade -1 to 10. The lower the number, the more remarkable and exceptional the life. Imperial Prince. Last Demon. All of that. Grade -2. Lives experienced only by those with the best luck among all yers in Sanctuary. Among the hundreds of millions of yers, only a few could possess a second-grade life. The life that Sein, who obtained the cheat version, had chosen was the second-grade life of the imperial prince and thest of the demons. ¡°What in the world¡­?¡± Sein, who had some control over magic, opened his eyes and spoke. Having experienced it firsthand, he understood it better. Just how demanding and remarkable the life of a demon was. ¡°What¡¯s a first-grade life, really?¡± Even though he yed the cheat version, he couldn¡¯t choose the first grade. The reason why such a grade existed, unseen by any yer even once, was simple. ¨C There is a life that you yers have yet to y. The deration of the developers. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t really believe it though.¡± Sein didn¡¯t believe that fact. After all, he couldn¡¯t even choose it in the cheat version. Swoosh. Sein got up. The change brought about by absorbing the Hellhound¡¯s magic was immediate. Thump¡­ Thump. His stopped heart. Thump¡­ Thump. It started beating at a very slow pace. Thus, Sein, without experiencing the initiation, gained the privilege of opening a demon¡¯s heart, a special ability of thest of the demons. ¡°The problem has be more urgent.¡± A beating heart was not a good sign. Zap. As his heart started beating, he felt a slowly increasing pain. As time passed, the pain would worsen, and Sein would have to endure the pain he had felt then once again. If more time passed, it would eventually lead to death. ¡°The potions are all used up.¡± The potions he had prepared were already gone. The materials and time avable in Borpheo had their limits. ¡°Hopeless, a mess.¡± His armor was practically useless, and all his daggers were used up. Only the mithril longsword remained, but it seemed it wouldn¡¯tst long. Nevertheless, it didn¡¯t matter. Thud. Sein walked out. ¡°Arlen. If this is what you prepared.¡± One can imagine what would be left in the end. Three lives that the Destroyer had experienced. The origin of that life. The fact that Sein had to prove another second-rate life. * * * Sein¡¯s expectations were not wrong. The ce he finally arrived at was neither the ruins of the empire nor a distorted space. Wow! This ce where a brilliant light descended. The warmth felt as soon as he stepped foot made the magic trapped in his heart surge. ¡°Wow.¡± Sein couldn¡¯t help but be sincerely impressed. ¡°Arlin Seymour.¡± The person who brought him here. ¡°You seem quite remarkable, Arlin.¡± Research on the Doombringer. Preparations for the proof. It wasn¡¯t going to be easy, not by any means. But this was truly awe-inspiring. ¡°The Judgement Seat of Arcer.¡± The current world, the fallen empire, and the crumbling sanctuary. Another thing had perished. ¨C The temple. Chapter 20 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 20 The temple and worshippers serving the sole god, Angel. They too perished along with the downfall of the empire. In the alleys of Chichiron, faith was nowhere to be found. Everyone believed in what they wanted to believe. There were asional voices calling out the name of Angel. ¨C Unfortunate. People treated Angel like a demon and trampled the worshippers. It was only natural. ¨C It was Angel who brought the empire to ruin! The Doombringer and Angel. The apostles of the gods chosen by Angel were the Doombringers. ¡°Bringing the Judgement Seat of Arcer, considered a relic, no matter how ruined.¡± The Judgement Seat. There was no way around it but to pass by the Judgement Seat if you wanted to proceed further. And Sein knew the Judgement Seat of Arcer better than anyone else. ¡®The final judgment.¡¯ To be a Pope or an apostle of Angel, the final gateway one must pass through. A tform that washes away all sins of the body, judging if one is worthy of bing an apostle of Angel. And if one is acknowledged by the tribunal. ¡°You can receive the proof of sanctity and the stigmata.¡± Although the temple was destroyed, rumors of its remnants lingered. Just where did they bring the tribunal of Acker from? Thud. Sain took a step forward. ¡°It got a bit twisted.¡± His self-made build to clear the scenario. Since it was his nonexistent fourth life, there were inevitably some twists. ¡°Well, it should be fine.¡± Nevertheless, Sain fearlessly ascended the tribunal. Whoosh! As Sain¡¯s foot touched it, the tribunal began to resonate with light. Truly, emitting an immense light like a relic, it started to exude a powerful sacred aura. ¡°Oh, this feeling.¡± When it was a game, it was merely warm. Like sunlight shining through a window on a weekend after a tiring week. But now, perceived as reality, the feeling of sanctity was more than just warm. ¡°No wonder zealots go mad.¡± A sense of fullness filling his entire being. It seemed like someone had said something like that. That no human creation could provide such pleasure. Thunk. Sain quietly kneeled on one knee. Soon, he ced his longsword upright on the ground and closed his eyes. ¡°Great and Almighty Angel.¡± The moment the activation condition of the tribunal was met. Kwaaaaah! A fierce light burst forth from the tribunal. ¡°Please judge me.¡± A prayer that felt devout as if all the disys Sain had shown until now were false. However. Grin. Sain smiled with a smirk on his lips. In an instant, Sain opened his eyes. ¡°Choose me once again as a saint, Angel.¡± For it was Sain¡¯s first life. To the point of being excruciatingly realistic. Yet, with the lingering element of gamification. Is it a game? Despite harboring doubts, Sein¡¯s conclusion was that this ce was another reality. If not epted as such, it could only be dismissed as the delusion of a madman. Then a question arose. ¡°If the current world is reality, then where is God?¡± The being referred to as God. What about Angel? There were times when prayers were offered. ¡°Once you were a saint.¡± Though Sein thought those prayers would reach Angel, no answer came. ¡°Is it truly absent?¡± Chichiron could not sense even a fragment of divinity anywhere. But at this moment, Sein was certain. ¡°God exists in this world.¡± Angel. ¡°Once more¡­.¡± Sein rose to his feet. He smiled, his lips curling upwards. As if asking where his devout demeanor had gone, he remained the same Sein as always. ¡°Choose me as your saint, Angel.¡± Kwaaaa-! The light from the judgment seat began to radiate even more intensely. ¡°I apologize for shaping the continent with this arrogance. It was me.¡± The pouring light. Thump! Thump! The heart that had stopped began to beat violently. Remnants of the Dragon Heart¡¯s magic and blessings, the pride of Arin, and the magic absorbed from the Hellhound. Thump! All of these seemed to vie for dominance within the heart, tearing it apart. Nevertheless, Sein continued to smile. ¡°So, grant me another chance.¡± The light from the judgment seat. That warm light halted the agony. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know if you are a true god or not, but don¡¯t you have a wish too?¡± The goal he had set. ¡°That this world should not be in this arrogance.¡± Because he was a god. If it were a god. Any fancy words, tone wouldn¡¯t matter, I thought. What¡¯s necessary is sincerity. ¡°For what I desire and wish for, the power of a saint is needed.¡± Only that power can embrace all the raging powers. ¡°I¡¯ll return it. The sanctuary.¡± A sincere word. Kwaaang-! Falling light. The world of Saint turned entirely white in a sh. ¡°Ah¡­ Hell?¡± In that moment, Saint witnessed something unbelievable. A white cluster of light, something shining even more within it. Indescribable in humannguage, but it¡¯s clearly¡­ ¡°Angel!¡± An existence worthy of being called a god. Warm and cozy, yet providing a satisfaction that can¡¯t be fulfilled by anything else. However. ¡°¡­.!¡± From Noble mtl dot The white world began to be dyed ck. [You¡­.] A voice. ¡°¡­In the world!¡± [To you¡­] This was clearly a voice simr to a system¡¯s voice. But the sense and emotions felt werepletely different. ¡°You say what?¡± Saint shouted with eyes wide open. ¡°Don¡¯t you want this! Angel!¡± A world facing destruction because of oneself. A beautiful scenery painted over in gray. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to undo this!¡± [You are not qualified.] Once again, the voice echoed. [You are already¡­.] The numerous lights began pouring into Saint¡¯s eyes, nose, and mouth. Aaargh! ¡°Gahh!¡± As Saint opened their eyes, the sight was a world once white, nowpletely painted ck. The ce where Sein first existed. Upon the judgment seat of Aker. ¡°Huh¡­. Huh¡­.¡± Sein expelled a rough breath. It was the ce where he had just been standing. Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! His heart was pounding like crazy. The sacred power that intruded into his body without permission was stimting Sein¡¯s heart, awakening it. And that meant. ¡°Aaargh!¡± It was a story of that immense agony once again assaulting him. * * * Why? How? There was no room for such questions. Just by not stabbing his own heart right now, all of Sein¡¯s mental strength was being drained. In reality. ng! The energy raging inside him right now fragmented into the mithril greatsword in his hand. If it weren¡¯t for that. ¡°Ugh¡­. Ugh!¡± Sein didn¡¯t know if he had actually pierced his own heart. But perhaps having experienced it once before. The extreme. Sein was crawling. Forcing his unmoving body to move. Gritting his teeth. Ignoring even the pain of nails getting chipped and torn, he knelt on the ground. ¡°Again¡­. Ugh!¡± Sein knelt, and knelt again. ¡°Again, I have to stop¡­!¡± Stopping his heart. That was the only thing he could do now. Only that filled his mind. Cold sweat formed puddles, and he lost consciousness several times. How much time had passed? One second felt like an eternity. Extreme! That extreme! Nevertheless, Sain did not stop moving forward. To rid himself of pain. To survive. ¡°Angel¡­ you bastard¡­!¡± His end was not supposed to be like this, not at all. ¡°I swear, I will definitely kill you¡­!¡± Sain gritted his teeth. Several more times of confusion. In a hazy vision, Sain somehow regained his senses. The pain remained. ¡°¡­.!¡± Everything around him began to feel vivid. He thought this was all that Ari had prepared. The Empire, the Demons, and finally, the Saints. The test to prove himself would be all of this. Roaaar-! But it wasn¡¯t. It was beyond words, a giant and menacing iris. He thought nothing could surprise him more than aiming for Angel¡¯s neck. ¡°Fu¡­ck¡­ What¡­ is this again¡­.¡± At this moment, what Sain saw was a massive destruction, in itself. A sensation as if his soul was melting. Beyond human instinct, a being that instilled primal fear. [Is this a dying vulture.] The voice echoed in his head. Though the voice was different, for some reason, it sounded like a system voice. [To think what I promised you was just a vulture like this.] ¡°Who are you¡­?¡± [I am.] Creeak! The giant eyeball repeated opening and closing like a gate. [I was once called the Dragon of Destruction.] For a moment, Sain almost forgot the pain in his heart. ¡°Dr¡­agon?¡± A mythical being from the legends of the Empire. The only creature that stood against Angel. The origin of all dragons. A being that was also the origin of the Empire. ¡°Marung¡­ Archipald¡­ you say?¡± Marung Archipald. [But you have the qualifications.] He felt the eyeball slowly approaching. Sein opened his eyes wide and stared straight at it. It felt like if he diverted his gaze, he would be swallowed by those eyeballs. [Do not contract with you.] ¡°Who are you to decide¡­!¡± For some reason, Sein felt the eyeball smiling at his words. [Do you want to continue enduring that dreadful pain?] A mocking tone. And for some reason, Sein felt a smile forming on his lips. Chapter 21 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 21 ¡°Damn it¡­.¡± An endlessly irrational contract. However. ¡°¡­if that¡¯s the case, you should have said so earlier¡­.¡± It was himself who wanted to pierce his heart. ¡°I¡­ contract.¡± [You despicable creature.] His consciousness began to blur. [Very well. I, the Archfiend Achipald, contract with the reincarnated Kim Sein.] ¡°What¡­!¡± But Sein couldn¡¯t continue. * * * -It¡¯s disgusting to be in the same ss as someone like you. ¡°Eating together at lunch¡­? Have you lost your mind?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Damn it. If only he could curse like that. Memories he wanted to forget. Things buried in a corner of his mind were resurfacing. -Do¡­. Pain in his heart as painful as the memories. ¡°Sh¡­it¡­.¡± Sein, with blood vessels bulging on his forehead, uttered his first words as he opened his eyes. ¡°Now you seem to being to your senses atst.¡± A sly voice echoed in his ears. Sein turned his head slowly. His second utterance was, ¡°You crazy bastard.¡± It was also a ce of curses. There, Arin, a beautiful woman with ck hair, was seated. She sat in a chair, reading a book. This was the Cyclops¡¯ hideout. ¡°What on earth have you done?¡± Thud. Upon Sein¡¯s words, Arin closed the book and gazed at Sein. ¡°Exactly what have you done there?¡± Her mind, which had faded into terrible agony, now sharpened. But one thing was clear. ¨C Do not contract. Former life, Kim Sein. The Dragon of Destruction, Archfold. Even the Primordial Dragon, said to exist only within the settings of Creation, was present there. ¡°Why is there a dragon?¡± ¡°Indeed, you¡¯ve finally encountered it.¡± It was the first time. Arin¡¯s pupils shook. ¡°It¡¯s true that you made a contract with a piece of the dragon.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s something even I cannot guarantee. I wasn¡¯t even allowed to set foot there.¡± Sein rose slowly from the bed and sat up. ¡°That ce holds the Empire¡¯s greatest secret, a prohibition so grave that unless it poses a threat to the Empire¡¯s downfall, one cannot even approach it.¡± As expected. ¡°My father couldn¡¯t go there, but he informed me about it. However, all I found there was endless terror and despair.¡± Arin spoke. ¡°But you seem to have met it.¡± The Dragon of Destruction, Archfold. ¡°Truly, you are the harbinger of destruction.¡± Arin examined Sein¡¯s body, who had already lost consciousness. Sein¡¯s body was covered in mechanisms even Arin couldn¡¯t easily discern, but she understood. She found a way to bypass Sein¡¯s locks, stopping his heart. ¡°The Destroyer is described as the most formidable being in the Empire¡¯s history.¡± Arin spoke as if telling an old tale. ¡°Dealing with the magic and divine power of dragons.¡± The secret that had not been revealed until now. ¡°He even handled magi.¡± The Destroyer, wielding a power that could not be matched. He was undoubtedly a being worthy of being called invincible. No one stood in his way, not even the noble bloodlines of the royal family kneeled before the Destroyer. There was a force that renderedpetition meaningless. ¡°Even now that you know, will you treat me as your master?¡± The shadow serving the royal family, Seymour. ¡°The empire has fallen. Seymour¡¯s oath has been annulled. By your very hands.¡± ¡°It stings.¡± ¡°So, I propose.¡± Arlene, her obsidian-like pupils fixed on Seymour. ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal. The price has surely been paid.¡± The price¡­ ¡°To the point of overflowing.¡± One is spineless if not satisfied. A man drenched in blood. His white hair, symbolizing purity, seemed dyed with red flowers. His dazzling sky-blue eyes, likekes plucked from the heavens, flickered with madness. Shuaaa-! As the sword swept, a crescent-shaped ck light poured forth, cleaving a dozen orcs in an instant. ¡°This is the taste.¡± Seymour. Arlene¡¯s test, a week had passed since she made a pact with the dragon. ¡°You¡¯ll need time. For your body to adapt.¡± She proceeded with the deal with Arlene. To fulfill her wish, she promised not to spare any support for Seymour. It could be said that their rtionship was not merely that of a mentor and a candidate, but rather one of equals, closer than that. -Elixir. Indeed, she did not lie. ¡°Re, rewards!¡± Already content with the rewards she had given. ¡°Aren¡¯t orcs a warrior tribe?¡± ¡°Rewards!¡± ¡°What are you trying to escape from?¡± Swish! Arlene even gifted an elixir that was difficult to make, despite having the recipe. Seymour, a mix of various energies, unable to harmonize. To solidify his vessel further, to stabilize it quickly. The elixir that could revive the dead, used merely for the stabilization of power. ¡°Is that all of you?¡± ¡°¡­Rewards.¡± From Noble mtl dot The oue was clear. ¡°Not entertaining. I¡¯ll send them away. Me.¡± ¡°Rewards?¡± The orcs, known as the Warrior Tribe. Those scoundrels who once raided viges near Borfeo were now wide-eyed in surprise. Faces contorted with fear soon turned to hope. Swoosh! Followed by a sense of betrayal. ¡°It¡¯s a lie.¡± Sein once again overcame the orcs. ¡°You¡¯ve never spared anyone, have you?¡± shing and stabbing, cutting through. Gooo-! The power surging within his body was beyond control. Through Arin¡¯s trial, he had gained something significant. First, the magic of the Dragon Heart surged. From the bacsh of the Blessing Fragments, the corroding magic, all the way to the prating holiness. Like muscles regenerating from wounds, the Dragon Heart fought against them as if it were their essence, swelling its own size. ¡°The cleanup is done.¡± The remaining energies followed suit. Restraining each other, bloating their sizes in defiance, they repeated the shes. This was the result Sein had originally desired. ¡®The ultimate build.¡¯ Containing the energies of extremes within one body and surging them. Without using separate techniques, the energies fought among themselves, devouring and growing stronger, increasing their sizes. Though this process brought great physical pain, in the past, it didn¡¯t matter as it was just a game. And now. ¡°Tsk. Something¡¯s missing.¡± Marung. Sein, being his own body, could sense it. The nature of the Dragon Heart, which could be considered his core, had changed. Where Sein¡¯s build once delicately bnced three energies, his body now had lost that equilibrium. Kwoong! Kwoong! The heart of the dragon, or rather Marung,pletely enveloped everything. And it seemed to speak. -Obey. However, the magic and holiness, being entities of their own, were striving to grow evenrger and stronger to resist such an overlord. Therefore, there was no pain. Marung¡¯s heart, overwhelming everything, protected Sein. ¡°That¡¯s enough¡­¡± Before him stood a troll, stained ck. It had wreaked havoc after ravaging the forests near Borfeo. ¡°There¡¯s a certain pleasure in this.¡± ¡°Kuoooo!¡± It seemed like Oh Meter would be overrun as the Dark Troll roared and charged towards Sein. Swish! * * * The massive Dark Trolly there, now a lifeless body. And Sein, sitting atop it, finally wore a satisfied expression. ¡°At least Level 10.¡± This frenzy of hunting was not just to unleash overflowing power, but also to understand oneself. Mana, magic power, and divine power not only served as fuel for special abilities but also directly influenced the body. In other words, they affected the stats. Jumping off the troll¡¯s corpse, Sein stretched his body. The physical stats were around Level 10 of his final build. Regained rewards. ¡°That alone wouldn¡¯t cut it.¡± Indeed, the most significant impact came from that. ¡°Must be due to the contract with the Dragon.¡± The contract with the Dragon, Archipald. It had a tremendous impact. The most crucial point was that he was still only Level 4. ¡°Leveling up seems tougher now.¡± Thanks to the peculiar experience point system of Sanctuary, leveling up had be more challenging, but he was content. ¡°Because¡­¡± Grin. Korean gamers would acknowledge. ¡°Reaching the highest point is the best.¡± At the limit that one would eventually reach, they would possess strength iparable to others. ¡°Is all the chaos over?¡± Arin gracefully walked through the messy field of corpses. She had been watching Sein¡¯s hunt all along. ¡°Mostly. But still a long way to go.¡± ¡°Dismembering the Dark Troll?¡± Arin asked, looking at the Dark Troll¡¯s corpse behind Sein. Grin. Sein smiled at the sight. ¡°Why? Disappointed?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Arin, hastily trying to make sense of Sein¡¯s words. Sein seemed to be grinding his teeth at that sight. ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t know you were a necromancer, you would have been beheaded straight away.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± A deal. No, Arin and Sein made a contract. For Arin¡¯s purpose, to achieve Sein¡¯s goal. Once known as the Harbinger of Destruction, now a thing of the past. -Let¡¯s start on equal footing. Not the Harbinger, but Sein Demorus. Not in the shadow of the royal family, but as Arin. ¡°Curious?¡± Arin narrowed her eyes at Sein¡¯s words. Nevertheless, Sein did not stop speaking. ¡°I told you. You¡¯re far from being enough.¡± Only then did Arin seem to understand Sein¡¯s words. Roar! A surge of death rushing in. Suddenly, spider legs sprouted behind Arin. ¡°Well, it must have been necessary. To show you the extent you need to be aware of to prevent impulsive actions.¡± Arin¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Whatever you were in the past, you have made a contract with the Dragon now.¡± Kwaaa-! As Arin released some of her power, the wind howled. ¡°This world is not to be underestimated.¡± At that moment. Swish! Sein¡¯s figure vanished. ¡°Indeed, will it be so?¡± Behind Arin, Sein, wavering like a shadow, was thrusting a sword without hesitation. ¡°A deal is a deal.¡± The deal made with Arin. ¡°Debts must be repaid.¡± A debt forced into the Dragon¡¯s nest against her will. Chapter 22 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 22 Not long ago, the odds were against her. But now, it¡¯s different. ¡°As you wish.¡± Crackle! Sparks flying. The moving spider legs deflected Sein¡¯s sword filled with energy. Another bridge shot through the gap. Not reinforced by the power of healing, but by the power of death. Yet, Sein did not try to avoid it. Because now he possessed the power opposite to that of a necromancer. ¡°Turn Undead.¡± Once amon power in the past, now a rare one that was hard toe by. * * * ¡°Ah! Insane. Doesn¡¯t know when to stop.¡± Sein groaned. ¡°Are you okay, Captain?¡± Deran asked Sein. ¡°Do I look okay to you?¡± The first duel with Arin was both threatening and safe to call it a duel. An overwhelming gap in skill. Arin, seemingly merciless, aimed for fatal strikes while sparing Sein¡¯s vital points. -He¡¯s taken an elixir, so even if his arm gets cut off, he should be fine for a while. Saying such grim words. Arin was serious. But Sein was also serious. ¡°Kick.¡± Sein chuckled, thinking back to that moment. ¡°Unable to use the bone spider like my limbs for a while. Must be painful.¡± Arin¡¯s traces of research and study on the Destroyer were abundant over the years. But it was only about the Destroyer. Sein did not know every detail of the hundreds, thousands of lives he had passed through. Among them. ¡®He didn¡¯t even realize it himself, that there was such a weakness in the bone spider.¡¯ The knowledge Sein had about strategy surpassed even Seymour. He would never win or surpass it. What Sein possessed was not only what he had passed through but also the collective intelligence of millions of yers. ¡°You seem fine, Captain.¡± Deran said. ¡°You look fine too.¡± Deran. ¡°Thanks, Captain.¡± He seeded in creating an aura that could be deemed Sein¡¯s true limbs. Easier said than done. -Insane. Damn it! Cyclops screamed in horror at the sight. ¨C What in the world is in Chichiron? Can I be like Deren if I go there too? ¨C No way. And Deren is younger than you. ¨C If you puff up, you¡¯re the elder. Cyclops, who led the mercenary unit and admired knights. Not even in the upper zone but just in Zone 10, at the back alley of the remote Chichiron, the appearance of two Aura users seemed to shock him. ¡°Deren.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± Deren lowered his head at the voice, different from the yful one. ¡°Since I can now puff up to Aura, I could leave Borfeo to you for the time being.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°This will be my first stronghold.¡± The seeds have been sown. ¡°Fully assist Aeria. The same goes for Aaron¡¯s inspiration. You know my style.¡± Deren, who had been by Saint Demorus¡¯s side since the beginning of his life. That¡¯s why he could be trusted. ¡°I will ensure there are no concerns.¡± ¡°Of course. If not you, who else can I trust?¡± It was sincere. Even Arin doesn¡¯t trust him, but he can trust Deren. ¡°Well then¡­.¡± As Saint left Cyclops¡¯s hideout, Deren bowed even deeper. ¡°Go and return safely, Captain.¡± In the corridor Saint walked out from. ¡°Go and return safely, Captain!¡± Cyclops said. Upon reaching the stairs atst. ¡°Go and return safely, Captain.¡± The surviving Fox said. As he descended the stairs and went out. ¡°Go and return safely-!¡± Every individual in the alleys of Borfeo bid farewell to Saint. Today, Saint leaves Borfeo. The guards protecting Borfeo were dozing off as usual. Though Borfeo was called a city, there were few who roamed the dark continent at will, and even if there were, they were just familiar merchants. ¡°Haahh.¡± Their negligence was somewhat understandable. ¡°Hmmm.¡± The guard who was dozing off almost copsed, woke up abruptly. ¡°Sigh. It¡¯s damn boring.¡± Just another mundane day. Recently, there have been rumors of chaos in the alleys, but that¡¯s the usual in the dark streets. The guards didn¡¯t bother to interfere. If only there was one regret. ¡°I would have received gold coins then.¡± A guest who had been away for a long time in the city. It was Sein. When he handed over the permit and gold coins for the first time, I hesitated a bit, thinking of devouring him as a stranger who hade after a long time. ¡°Asera. You are a Demoros, right?¡± By invoking Demoros¡¯ name, the gates were forcibly opened. Among the guards of Borfeo, none had the audacity to take a bribe in the name of Demoros. ¡°I don¡¯t know that either. There was a rumor about a Demoros among the ogres before. Are there really two great Demoros in Borfeo?¡± ¡°Go whisper that in the alleys.¡± ¡°Sigh.¡± They were guards maintaining the city¡¯s security, but they couldn¡¯t be reckless in the alleys. The lord is far away, but the alleys are close. From Noble mtl dot ¡°Grab anyone. I¡¯ll strip them down to their underwear. I will.¡± ¡°That sounds good.¡± The guards chuckled as they exchanged their usual meaningless banter. ¡°Hm?¡± Suddenly, they noticed something and raised their heads. In no time. Snick. A broad smile spread across their lips. ¡°It¡¯s a guest.¡± Far away, figures d in ck were approaching Borfeo¡¯s gate. ¡°This month seems lucky.¡± Foreigners visiting Borfeo in a month were rare, and there was no guarantee they woulde during the guards¡¯ shifts. Foreignersing to Borfeo were truly a golden opportunity. New traders or fugitives seeking refuge. ¡°Let¡¯s prepare for the guest.¡± In any case, they would be able to secure their share for the month. ¡°Halt!¡± The guards pointed their spears, halting the ck-d individuals. ¡°What¡¯s happening in Borfeo? Do you have a permit?¡± The seasoned guards, as if familiar, confronted the ck-d individuals. In Sein¡¯s case, he missed the timing to act due to the exquisite Arin being too captivating. But this time, he vowed not to make the same mistake. ¡°Borfeo is chaotic. Foreigners without permits cannot enter.¡± Furthermore, unlike in the past, there were now over ten guards standing. An overwhelming atmosphere that could subdue anyone. ¡°If you don¡¯t have a permit, we could¡­ amodate you.¡± The guards couldn¡¯t hide their smiles, imagining their bulging wallets. ¡°Step aside.¡± The voice of the Ebon. ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°I said move. Vultures.¡± The guards couldn¡¯t finish their words. A thin, drawn line. Blood seeping from there. Whoosh! In an instant, the guards surrounding the Ebon were shattered and scattered. Yet, what was astonishing was not a single drop of blood stained their Ebon. ¡°Ha, hack.¡± One guard survived, scanning his surroundings. Only one. Breathing was his sole upation. Swish. The Ebon slowly removing his robe. Only then did the guards realize. A half-ck wing. ¡°D-Demorus¡­¡± It was Demorus¡¯s emblem. A ck de cutting through the air. That was¡­ ¡°Judicator¡­!¡± It meant the Judicator of Demorus. It was real. Unlike others who had only called out the name. ¡°If you recognize, open up.¡± The gates of Borfeo began to open. * * * ¡°We might die from the disgusting aura of magic.¡± The Ebon entering Borfeo. One of Demorus¡¯s Judicators spoke as if displeased. ¡°But, I¡¯m on a mission. Don¡¯tin.¡± Beside him, a woman¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°Soviang. Keep your mouth shut. You¡¯re just as unpleasant.¡± Soviang was the one who carved the gatekeepers of Borfeo. ¡°Both of you, be quiet.¡± Despite DanDe and Soviang grumbling at the words of the ck One at the front, they kept their mouths shut. ¡°We¡¯ve confirmed that there¡¯s someone in Borfeo iming to be Demolus.¡± DanDe, who had momentarily left his seat, said. Blood, of unknown origin, dripped from his hand. ¡°There are two iming to be Demolus.¡± Borfeo. This was Demolus¡¯s territory. Before the Ogres, the owner of Demolus¡¯s back alley had volunteered for tribute and sought protection from Demolus. Due to its remoteness, tribute was epted, but protection was not provided. ¡°One is dead.¡± The death of the Ogre was confirmed. ¡°Only one remains.¡± The judge of Demolus. They were the ones who wielded the de of condemnation against those who vited thews and rules of Demolus. ¡°Soviang.¡± ¡°Speak.¡± ¡°The trail¡­¡± As the leader of the judges who were about to speak, Gowler raised his hand. ¡°Captain?¡± In the moment Soviang called out to Gowler. Crash! Somewhere, the sound of steel breaking echoed. Following btedly, there was Gowler holding a sword and another figure kneeling, holding onto his arm. ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°What is this?¡± DanDe and Soviang could only be astonished. Looking at the situation, Gowler swung the sword. However, what was surprising was¡­ ¡°He¡¯s not dead?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on there?¡± The fact that the opponent didn¡¯t die from Gowler¡¯s sword strike. Of course, if Gowler had intended to kill, there would be no one in Borfeo who could survive, but at least it meant passing Gowler¡¯s test. In other words, at least an Aura user. Despite the low density of magic and being in the heavily polluted Eighth District, it was possible due to being a city. However, Gowler¡¯s sword was not something that could be blocked just because someone was an Aura user. ¡°What are you?¡± Golther asked. ¡°¡­I am the representative of Mr. Borfeo¡¯s alley in the back.¡± A man who spoke slowly. ¡°Oh.¡± Golther sighed once again, clicking his tongue. Surviving his sword, oveing his energy, he spoke. Not begging for mercy, but rather giving a quiteposed self-introduction. ¡°If you are a saint.¡± ¡°That¡¯s him. Saint Demorus, the mad dog of Chichiron.¡± Dande, who approached closely, said. ¡°Where is the saint?¡± ¡°He left Borfeo a few days ago.¡± ¡°Oh! That guy, leaving with my subordinates to save his own skin.¡± At Dande¡¯s mocking tone, the man, Deren, frowned. ¡°He is not that kind of person.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Kwong! Dande¡¯s energy surged. ¡°Are you insane?¡± Chapter 23 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 23 In an instant, Dande¡¯s energy, beyond Golther, enveloped Deren with intent. Deren, sweating coldly, yet remained standing. ¡°¡­.¡± Dande, momentarily subdued. ¡°It¡¯s the witch¡¯s prophecy.¡± Following Deren¡¯s words, the atmosphere froze momentarily. Despite having significant authority in Demorus, the name ¡°witch¡± held great weight. ¡°Arlin¡­ are you referring to the prophecy?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Speak, Dande.¡± Golther said. ¡°If your words are false, Borfeo will vanish today.¡± A city with a pretender iming the name of Demorus. And if they were also impersonating a witch¡¯s name. Kwong! This city deserved to be erased, for harboring such sinners. ¡°Chapler is dead.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± ¡°Moreover, Saint Demorus won a legitimate candidate duel against Bova Demorus¡­.¡± Deren, enduring pain and energy, spat out his words. ¡°Saint Demorus iming the name of Demorus is guaranteed by the witch.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Silence. ¡°Evidence?¡± Only then did Deren take something out from his embrace and handed it over. A paper with small bones drawn on it. The moment it touched Gouler¡¯s hand. Boom! Gouler¡¯s hand turned ck, emitting an aura of death. ¡°Truly, the power of that being.¡± There was no choice but to acknowledge. ¡°Is that all the witch¡¯s message entails?¡± Gouler asked. As the witch was involved, Borfeo¡¯s matter had to be passed over. ¡°Saint¡­ has a message to deliver.¡± ¡°What?¡± However, Sobian was surprised, his eyes widening. Even though it could be passed with Arin¡¯s guarantee, the position of the judge was not low enough for a mere candidate to deliver a message. ¡°Borfeo, do not touch Deren.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°If you dare, I¡¯ll tear you apart and feed you to the goblins.¡± Deren¡¯s voice spat out resolutely. Unlike conveying Arin¡¯s words, it was a voice filled with firm belief, conviction, and self-assurance. ¡°Madness.¡± Sobian raised his sword, eximing. ¡°What in the world are these lunatics saying?¡± ¡°Sobian. Enough.¡± Mediating Gouler. ¡°The candidate guaranteed by the witch. It must mean they have some worth.¡± The witch who had not chosen a candidate for a long time. There had been times when the current lord had pleaded to be the witch¡¯s candidate, but Arin did not choose the lord. Such was the witch. However, they were the judges of Demorus. ¡°If, Saint Demorus cannot be the sessor.¡± Gouler warned in a calm voice. ¡°Do not let today be one you regret to death.¡± A power not only in words but in truth. Deren trembled for the first time. ¡°Then there will be nothing to regret.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve managed to acquire quite a good subordinate.¡± The turned Gouler. ¡°Are you going to go like this?¡± Dan-de and Sobian followed, speaking. ¡°It is a confirmed fact that Sein Demorus has the bloodline of Demorus.¡± Since Demorus was watching where the seed was sown. The reason the judges had all gathered was because Demorus, who had not yet borne fruit, had dared to im that name. But even that had the witch¡¯s guarantee. ¡°However.¡± Gouler, cold and indifferent, had a slight smirk on his lips. ¡°It would be a shame to go back like this.¡± A step forward was taken. Especially if the candidate was even throwing warnings at the judges. ¡°I must meet him.¡± On the way back, facing Sein would be quite an enjoyable experience. After the downfall of the Empire, the continent was corroded by darkness. The Dark Zone, where humans could not set foot, constantly tried to invade the human realm, and the New Empire, along with the Three Kingdoms and the Three Dark Lords, unfolded barriers to stop the erosion of darkness. There were boundaries within the barrier, and as one went further beyond, the power of the barrier weakened, dividing it into zones. ¨C Zone 7. Sein was currently in Zone 7. Crossing another boundary, it was noticeable that the erosion of darkness had slowed down. But the biggest change was. ¡°Haha!¡± The density of magic. The density of magic, which had been miserablepared to the past. That¡¯s why even though Sein sessfully imitated mana maniption, it took over a decade to manifest an aura. Zone 10, where the barrier¡¯s power was the lowest and the density of magic was also low. Because he was a Chichiron by birth. However, the magic density in Zone 7 waspletely different. ¡°This is insane!¡± Escaping from the building forest filled with pollution and smog, it felt like entering a lush nature deep in the mountains. No, even more than such ambiguous expressions. Crack! The sensation felt in his body was beyond imagination. Advancing like an arrow, Sein decisively surpassed the Lizardman. The sensation in his hands was different. The feeling of stepping on the ground was different. From Noble mtl dot If Sein Demorus¡¯ life had been in Zone 7 instead of Zone 10, Chichiron. ¡°Five years, no, three years would have been enough.¡± The difference was so severe that it felt unjust. Moreover, by moving to Zone 7, Sein gained advantages. ¡°Keyee!¡± The Lizardman screamed as he thrust his spear. With strength and agility greater than an orc, and a power that doubled near the water, the Lizardman was treated as quite a formidable monster. ¡°Oh, Angel, must I once again stain my hands with the blood of my kin?¡± Sein muttered such words. Swish! From bottom to top, the sword was raised. The spearing towards Sein, the arm holding the spear. Up to the legs and torso treading the water¡¯s edge. Whoosh! The Lizardman cleanly split and fell to both sides. ¡°Though you are human, with the heart of a dragon, lizards are truly your kin.¡± To Arin¡¯s words, Sein proudly puffed his chest and replied. ¡°¡­If a wyrm hears this, it will be terrified.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I hope for.¡± Sein ced his hand on his chest. ¡°A contract was made, so one should know what to expect.¡± The contract he made with the wyrm granted Sein tremendous power, but there was one bothersome aspect. ¡°It¡¯s a contract, right?¡± One thing that irked him was the contract he made with the wyrm. ¡°What does that little reptile want?¡± Surely, it desired something from him. Having granted him this much power and unlimited potential, the wyrm would have its own price to ask. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know either.¡± Arin said, then and now. ¡°The talk I shared with the wyrm leads to meeting the human who will make a contract with it.¡± Arin, too, made a contract with the wyrm. That was the price the wyrm wanted. Arin obtained power beyond limits and a life close to immortality through that. ¡°¡­Surely, it must desire something immense.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Sein replied. ¡°What the great wyrm desires might not be much to me.¡± However. -Reincarnated, Kim Sein. The fact that the wyrm knew his true identity. That did bother him. It was then. Ripple. A faint ripple of Arin¡¯s shadow. It wouldn¡¯t have been noticed without heightened senses. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve arrived.¡± Sein spoke to Arin, who nodded. ¡°Deren made contact with Demorus.¡± The proof Arin had given Deren had burned away, sending a signal. ¡°Deren should be fine.¡± ¡°The judges may hold high positions, but they shouldn¡¯t be able to touch me.¡± ¡°Right. You¡¯re exceptional.¡± ¡°Childish.¡± Though he said that, Sein was certain. Deren would be fine. ¡°By the way, wouldn¡¯t it have been better to move with the judges anyway?¡± Sein had already proven it to himself. Heading to Demorus, with Arin¡¯s testimony and guarantee, they could have safely reached Demorus with the judges. But the hasty Sein. ¡°Preparations ended sooner than expected.¡± While trying to gather the necessary strength to advance towards Dark Lord from Vorteo, it was easily solved thanks to Arin. And another thing. ¡°There are many inconveniences in moving together, right?¡± There was a ce to be heard. * * * The hundreds, thousands of lives Sein had experienced were not melted into the present world. Those lives of Sein had be separate from the current world, past worlds. But the third life was different. The fourth life, connected to the sessor of the Dark Tower. ¡°I¡¯m still here in this world.¡± From the Empire¡¯s prince to thest of the Maak, and even the Saint of the Rising Angel. ¡°So, did the Empire¡¯s treasures all disappear that day?¡± Sein had many conversations with Arin while traveling. Before, they were subjects to be wary of. ¡°Now the positions have changed to colleagues who need to be cautious.¡± Moreover, Arin was unique. ¡°Tell me straight. I was the Harbinger of Doom.¡± Knowing his identity, even from his past life. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°But did all those treasures really disappear?¡± Arin said. ¡°The day the Cataclysm brought down the glory of the Empire, the magnificent imperial relic, Zigvalt, vanished with it.¡± ¡°But still¡­¡± He muttered. ¡°It¡¯s true. The remaining treasures were scattered across the continents, with the most seen in the Three Dark Territories.¡± ¡°Damn thieves.¡± The treasures that upheld the Empire, the great nation of Sanguinary, were shamelessly looted. ¡°It was a vault of the Empire that should never have been breached.¡± Arin seemed to gaze at Sein. In the end, it was the Cataclysm¡¯s fault. The Empire¡¯s vault, Vigor, was a grand safe boasting centuries of security, but the Empire, unable to guard its doors in the face of the threat of continent-wide destruction. ¡°And what about the Demonic Foot?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t heard any news since it crumbled during the Empire¡¯s fall.¡± ¡°The shrines? The Holy See? The Holy Kingdom?¡± ¡°You should know well.¡± The conversation between Arin and Sein. ¡°Shi*tt!¡± Sein groaned. Trapped in Chichiron, he made promises over and over again. If he ever escaped this ce, he vowed to find them all. Like a great pirate who left everything behind, Sein also left his treasures in various ces. He nned to retrieve them in his next life. But they were gone. Of course. ¡°It¡¯s my fault. Shi*tt. Who else can I me.¡± It was his own mistake. ¡°Who would have known there would be a fourth.¡± When he became the third Cataclysm, he thought it was the end, destroying the world for the ending. So not preparing what was left behind, not having a way to find them, was only natural. ¡°My Needhog¡­.¡± The Empire¡¯s famous sword. ¡°My Seraphim¡­.¡± The armor that protected him. ¡°My Holy Swords¡­.¡± Not a single one remained, unable to be retrieved. ¡°I know some traces.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± ¡°But for now, they won¡¯t be found.¡± ¡°Damn.¡± It was a disaster. * * * Of course, it wasn¡¯t a total disaster. Chapter 24 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 24 The mythical-grade items, known as the best of the best even in Sanctuary, were irretrievable. The wealth that could have bought an entire continent was also nowhere to be found. His subordinates, the NPCs he had raised with care, all perished. Sein¡¯s fourth life. A world a hundred yearster. But. ¡°Perhaps I should count myself lucky.¡± He confirmed that a glimmer of hope still remained. ¡®Even if I can¡¯t consume mythical items¡­¡¯ Traces left behind from Sein¡¯s previous life still lingered. He had devised methods and means to retrieve the mythical-grade items that were deemed essential. However. ¡°I never imagined it would turn out like this.¡± The limits of the inventory, or perhaps useless items. There were itemsbeled as trash. Items that NPCs would find troublesome if obtained, or items that had been discarded to facilitate smooth quest progression. And various other items that had been ¡®abandoned¡¯ for different reasons. Sanctuary boasted boundless freedom and was considered the pinnacle of technological advancement in gaming. Even if lives were repeated, items did not disappear. ¡°Hm.¡± He made a n. No, it was more like modifying a n he had long since formted. ¡°Boltima is in Zone 2, so I can¡¯t go there yet.¡± The constraints ced on Sein as a candidate. ¡°Kirhe is in another Dark Guild zone.¡± After the empire¡¯s downfall, the map and territorial rights of the continent had shifted. ¡°Damn, Balve bing a Dark Zone is legendary.¡± The ce where he had left behind mythical-grade items. It was a choice made due to the limit on the number of items he could carry, but now it had be a Dark Zone where even humans couldn¡¯t set foot. ¡°What happens in a Dark Zone?¡± He had heard rough stories. ¡°You die.¡± Arin stated firmly. ¡°¡­You die.¡± There were various ways to die. There seemed to be a way to resolve it, but not immediately. Nevertheless. Snick. Sein smiled. ¡°There¡¯s still a ce called Antara.¡± Antara. ¡°It¡¯s in the 7th sector, not part of any other dark territory.¡± The territory that was once known as the sacrednd of the Empire was Antara. The contract with the dragon. Other special rewards realized without the need for the Horse Lamp, thanks to Arin. That helped fill many gaps. However, there was a crucial issue. The eight swords Sein had taken with him when he left Borfeo. But now, there were only two swords left in Sein¡¯s possession. ¡°I can¡¯t continue living like this.¡± The uniqueness of the dragon¡¯s magic. There was no other sword that could contain the power he possessed. Using a sword like a consumable also had its limits. If. ¡°If the sword breaks at a critical moment, it¡¯s over.¡± It should be fine for now, but not everything would go as nned. That was why he had set off to Borfeo without the Judges. ¡°Let¡¯s head to Antara.¡± The destination was set. Before reaching Demorus, they needed to be as prepared as possible. For that. ¡°There was that.¡± It could be said that a sword to contain his power was essential. Antara, once known as the sacrednd. Antara, the thirdrgest temple on the continent, was a ce of pilgrimage for many believers and a sanctuary of rest. A ce Sein had his own memories of. But that was no longer the case. ¡°I can¡¯t even recognize it anymore.¡± The Antara in Sein¡¯s memories and the current Antara werepletely different. The Antara once known as the sacrednd. ¡°Now it¡¯s just a ve market recognized even in the 7th sector.¡± Arin observed Antara and spoke. ¡°Have you ever been to Antara?¡± Sein asked. ¡°Once.¡± Her age was different from what it appeared. She was someone who lived through the same generation as Jiran¡¯s daughter, who was once her mentor. ¡°Don¡¯t recall the past no matter what you imagine.¡± Arin, saying so, gazed at the heart of Antara. A ruinrger than the city walls. It was the resting ce of Antara, a temple that once held a high reputation on the continent. ¡°I have no intention of doing so.¡± Sein replied, tilting his ear. ¡°As long as I find what I seek.¡± ¡°I hope you stick to that.¡± ¡°How do you see me?¡± Sein chuckled and replied. ¡°Antara weed me without causing a fuss, didn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°It must be thanks to me, not you.¡± Arin retorted bluntly. There was no friction with the guards as there was in Borpeo. From Noble mtl dot Unlike the outskirts considered as the 8th zone, from the 7th zone, there was a decent infrastructure in ce. The quality of the barrier was high, ensuring a certain level of safety. ¨C Hiiiek! ¨C We greet the legion of Demorus. Having recognized the witch Arin in the city of Demorus, Antara. The guards, astonished by the witch¡¯s visit, were thrown into chaos. ¡°I just want to pass quietly.¡± At Arin¡¯s words, the guards who were causing amotion calmed down momentarily. Naturally, Arin¡¯s visit was not disclosed to Antara. ¡°I might have to deal with some hassle because of that.¡± Arin said irritably. Although the guards did not report Arin¡¯s visit. ¨C Can we inform the Lord¡­? It was their duty to report to the Lord. The responsibility of dealing with any problems that might arise fell on the guards, should an issue ur that Arin feared. ¡°I¡¯ll speak to him directly.¡± ¡°Th-thank you.¡± And so it was. ¡°Since there are clearly established territories from the 7th zone, there is also a duty to manage. I¡¯ll make sure to visit before any troublesome matters arise.¡± Arin momentarily vacated her seat. ¡°Do as you please, but don¡¯t cause unnecessary trouble by getting involved in strange things.¡± ¡°¡­What do you really think of me?¡± At Sein¡¯s teasing remark, Arin lowered her head. ¡°Anyway.¡± Arin warned once again. ¡°It would be better not to cause trouble this time.¡± Although Borfeo was influenced by Demorus, it couldn¡¯t be consideredplete domination. To establish a firm grip on the dark alley¡¯s territory, certain conditions were necessary. ¡°Don¡¯t worry?¡± A confident voice. ¡°I came here to find something. I n to pass by quietly.¡± ¡°Please.¡± Silently. Arin immersed in the shadows. ¡°¡­It would be nice if you agree.¡± Her figure soon disappearedpletely, yet the people on the street seemed unaware. Arin left. Now it was Sein¡¯s free time. ¡°Well, then¡­.¡± Snick. ¡°Shall we visit the Information Guild first.¡± * * * Chichiron was a rural vige. If Borfeo felt like a provincial town, Antara now felt more like a small provincial city. Bustling. A city of muchrger scale. Many more people. And¡­. ¡°So, how pleased would you be if I threw a few coins your way.¡± A man waving a dagger mockingly. ¡°You! Do you know who we are!¡± Seinughed as if amused by the other¡¯s words. Sein crouched down. A series of figures lying in front of him, bleeding. They resembled the typical lowlifes one might see in an alley, but what set them apart were the small butterfly tattoos on their wrists. ¡°How low can you go?¡± Sein pointed at their wrists with the dagger as if in disbelief. ¡°Ain¡¯t you from the Otolmeo gang?¡± ¡°If you knew that!¡± ¡°I told you.¡± Now, irritation began to set in. ¡°Where is your guild?¡± Otomeo. It was one of the information guilds on the continent that had been flying its name since the past. Of course, that was in the past glory, now it was said to have shrunk and was only slightly active within Zone 7. ¡°Why are you asking out of the blue where the guild is and what kind of answer are you expecting!¡± Otomeo¡¯s informant replied as if feeling unjust. ¡°If you¡¯re an informant, that¡¯s the least you can do.¡± ¡°¡­Jeez.¡± The informant shut his mouth. It was a mistake to judge the opponent so easily. ¡°Since irritation is starting to build up, could you please tell us quickly?¡± At Sein¡¯s continued words, the contemtive informants exchanged nces. ¡°Alright. Our guild is¡­ ¡° Thud. Before finishing the sentence, Sein¡¯s dagger pierced the informant¡¯s wrist. ¡°Aaargh!¡± The informant screamed in agony. ¡°Where did a supposed informant like you sell out the guild so easily?¡± ¡°¡­What can we do¡­!¡± ¡°More importantly, you were trying to lure us away somewhere else, weren¡¯t you.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± At Sein¡¯s words, the informants widened their eyes. ¡°You didn¡¯t know that gesture.¡± A small gesture made while exchanging nces. It was a signal that only those from Otomeo¡¯s information guild or other information guilds would recognize. An action taken when trying to lure the opponent to gain a favorable position. Sein understood all of that. ¡°Let¡¯s make it easy. We¡¯re not here to cause trouble but to get information.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Once again, the informants¡¯ eyes grew wide. ¡°¡­Is that true?¡± ¡°Because it is.¡± ¡°Then why are you doing this!¡± The guy shouted. ¡°Hey! Can¡¯t you see it!¡± One informant pointed with his finger somewhere. ¡°If it¡¯s just a bluff, it won¡¯t end with your wrist.¡± ¡°Take a look!¡± Sein, who had given a small warning, turned around. The ce pointed by the informant¡¯s finger¡­ [Otomeo Information Store] The names Otomeo and Information Store were written inly. ¡°¡­.?¡± Sein was puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you get it by looking! It¡¯s our guild¡¯s store! If you want information, you should go there!¡± ¡°Then why are you guys acting like this?¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Sein looked at the informants. ¡°You didn¡¯t say where the guild was, so it ended up like this, right¡­?¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t we referring to our headquarters¡­?¡± ¡°Ha.¡± Sein rubbed his forehead. Changes brought by time. And misunderstandings. And finally, his own mistake. It was all a result of that. ¡°I apologize.¡± ¡°What is this¡­?¡± But the informants remained silent. Thinking it best not to provoke that crazy guy any further. * * * ¡°Time has changed a lot.¡± Sein muttered. ¡°The information guild boldly disying the name of the Information Store like this.¡± ¡°¡­Is this your first visit, sir?¡± Chapter 25 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 25 As if hearing Sein¡¯s muttering, the middle-aged man cautiously asked. Otomeo Antara, the head of the Information Store and the master, was his true identity. Antara cautiously observed Sein. -He came to buy information. A young man who visited the Information Store with a nonchnt attitude. Although he had a captivating appearance that would evoke admiration, it was not enough to captivate Antara. His gaze. After spending over a decade as the head of the Information Store, Antara could tell. ¡®He¡¯s insane.¡¯ He was a madman one shouldn¡¯t mess with. And just now, he heard the news that a lower-ranking guild informant had been attacked. A face seen for the first time in Antara. Eyes. And. ¡°I want to know everything about Antara¡¯s tranquility.¡± Even the content of the information they sought. There was nothing easy to think about. ¡°But is it okay to do business like this?¡± ¡°¡­Excuse me?¡± ¡°Only a few dare to defy the Information Guild. Who would be willing to trade their secrets so easily?¡± In reality, that¡¯s why the Information Guild hides in obscurity. ¡°Oh, we are under the protection of Demorus.¡± Brietz spoke confidently. ¡°ording to the Pact of the Three Dark Families, the Information Guild under the protection of the Dark Families is untouchable by anyone.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Brietz maintained a polite attitude as he spoke. ¡°But can you really do business like this?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re trying to say.¡± Still, Brietz felt annoyed. Knowing the danger the other party was in, he even mentioned Demorus¡¯s name as a warning. Yet, the young man in front of him seemed to dismiss Demorus as if it were nothing. ¡°Isn¡¯t yourck of information too apparent?¡± He was even ignoring Otolmeo, which was as good as his own home. Tsk. It was inevitable that a cross would be drawn on the throat. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know what you mean, but no more¡­.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s settle for that.¡± Sein interrupted Brietz and spoke. Antara¡¯s tranquility was a massive structure right in front of them. Sein wanted to know how Antara¡¯s tranquility was treated, what the security was like, things like that. Then it would be enough. ¡®Saving money is good, right.¡¯ So Sein spoke up. ¡°It seems someone entered Antara today.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Brietz, seasoned in information dealings, waited for the anger to subside in silence. ¡°A beautiful woman with ck hair, have you heard anything?¡± ¡°¡­This is a joke¡­.¡± ¡°Even after hearing that, you don¡¯t know? Otolmeo must have really gone downhill.¡± Brietz felt an urge to split Sein¡¯s head with a dagger. And at the same time, he brought his hand under the desk. A button that could be activated in case of emergency. The moment he pressed that button¡­ ¡°If you press that, you¡¯ll die.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°One must listen to the end of what others say. It¡¯s about information.¡± The look in his eyes. It changed. ¡°A witch has entered Antara.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± If he had just been crazy, it was a bit deeper and darker. ¡°She¡¯ll be at Yeongjoo Castle now. How about this? Is this enough for you?¡± The gaze of a true madman. It was the gaze of those who had rolled through the information world for many years. ¡°¡­That¡¯s quite the news. Thank you.¡± Brietz said. ¡°It seems difficult to pay the price for Antara¡¯s rest alone. Do you want more information?¡± ¡°Good to hear.¡± Only then did Sein smile. ¡°Seems like you know the value of information too.¡± Sein appeared from the information world. Snick. A satisfying smile hung on his lips. -All information regarding Antara¡¯s rest. The deal was sessfully sealed. -And information that is expected to be needed. Even unexpected bonuses. ¡°I thought it was all over.¡± Otolmeo, deeply connected to himself. Sein felt disappointed in the changed appearance of those he once knew well. ¡°But there was one decent guy, right?¡± Brietz, the head of Antara. He perfectly handed over what Sein wanted. If only that had been the case, he would have just patted him on the back and said well done, but Brietz fulfilled Sein¡¯s expectations. From Noble mtl dot -An identity pass that allows you to meet the head of any Otolmeo branch. The ability to assess and invest in counterparts. Information was like a business for entrepreneurs. If Brietz had satisfied Sein to that extent. -Is that all? From then on, it was Sein¡¯s turn. Though he tried to dispel his disappointment, that was all. ¨C Yes? What¡­? ¨C We¡¯ll be seeing each other often from now on, so let¡¯s be a bit more considerate. He even emptied out Otomeo¡¯s safe. Fortunately, Britz didn¡¯t stop Sein. ¡®He probably noticed.¡¯ Sein¡¯s unyielding attitude towards Demorus and information about witches. Even his own identity. ¡°I used to just think of it as highly advanced artificial intelligence in the past.¡± Sein, humming a tune, clutched his thick pockets to his chest and said, ¡°I wonder what will happen now.¡± Curiosity about the changed world. It was a thought that always crossed his mind, but focusing on survival, he momentarily brought out the thoughts he had carefully stored away in a corner of his mind. But that was it. ¡°By the way¡­¡± Sein had to focus on his current goal. ¡°The ve market.¡± Thergest ve market in Zone 7. In the once pristine Sanctuary, it seemed one might need to step into a cesspool that had never existed before. * * * ¡°Goblins for sale!¡± ¡°Freshly caught orcs for sale!¡± An uneasy peace in Antara. What had taken the ce of the grand arena of the past was none other than the ve market. Instead of the clean and beautiful streets. ¡°Keeyaaah!¡± ¡°Cheers!¡± It was a street filled with the wails of monsters, the stench of their decaying bodily fluids. ¡°That bastard!¡± Moreover, the most significant change from the past was the rity and tranquility of the human mind. Crash! Tainted with malice. ¡°Disgusting.¡± Sein¡¯s briefmentary on Antara¡¯s ve street was just that. The novelty of the ve market was intriguing, yet repulsive. ¡°Are you alright?¡± A young man with short hair beside Sein asked. ¡°Why the formalnguage?¡± A young man who was vigorously pounding on the back alley of Antara, demanding to know the whereabouts of Ottolemo. ¨C The ve market must be aplex ce, so you need a guide. The guide provided by Blietz was none other than this guy, Palu. ¡°The guy who used informalnguage even when getting beaten now uses formalnguage, isn¡¯t that strange?¡± To Sein¡¯s words, Palu responded with a friendly smile. ¡°Maybe he was just crazy back then.¡± ¡°And now?¡± ¡°He¡¯s an exceptional guest.¡± Probably warned by Blietz. Still, he was quite something. The fact that he could change in an instant, like putting on a mask. No. ¡®Is this for real?¡¯ The quick calction between what makes money and what doesn¡¯t. ¡®I thought Blietz was the only human left in Ottolemo.¡¯ This guy Palu was quite likable. Whether it was not revealing the base or still using informalnguage even in a life-threatening situation. Even changing his attitude when he thought it would make money. Some might curse him, but in the world of information, this was not a bad talent. ¡°But what¡¯s good about it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s what the ve market says.¡± Palu walked up to Sein and spoke. ¡°First-timers tend to be terrified of this ce.¡± Streets tainted with stench, malice, and viscous evil. ¡°Especially those who still remember the past Antara¡­.¡± Antara¡¯s rest. Though the current timescked faith in Angel, there were those who remembered the beauty of that time. From mother to child. From grandparents to grandchildren. Those who imagined Antara while listening to the stories passed down. ¡°Uweeek!¡± ¡°It¡¯s like that over there.¡± Because they couldn¡¯t hold back their nausea in the putrid disgust. ¡°Did you have some sort of fantasy about Antara?¡± ¡°You heard all the way there?¡± ¡°I am a fairly trustworthy member.¡± Sein seemed to have heard about the inquiry regarding Antara¡¯s rest. ¡°Well.¡± It¡¯s a fantasy. ¡°The reality has been so bitter already.¡± And that reality was one¡¯s own creation. ¡°By the way, what¡¯s the use of goblins?¡± I thought it was a ve market, but they sell all sorts of things there. ¡°They probably can¡¯t even be used asbor.¡± Born as monsters. Their utility was very low. They had enmity towards humans, andmunication wasn¡¯t their strong suit. ¡°Orcs might understand, though.¡± Perhaps orcs were somewhat better off. ¡°Well, there are plenty of humans with all sorts of hobbies in the world.¡± ¡°This time, I feel like I might vomit a bit.¡± As they conversed, the surrounding streets grew even darker. Further into the depths. They had already ventured deep into the darkest part of the damp ve district, so it was only natural to be on edge, but Sein remained asposed as ever. Just as they were about to reach their destination, Palu greeted, ¡°Sein. It¡¯s been a while.¡± Palu was the first to greet. Sitting in front of him was an old man who looked like he could drop dead tomorrow without anyone finding it strange. ¡°Palu.¡± The old man looked as shriveled as a withered mountain pine that wouldn¡¯t be out of ce in a coffin. ¡°Did you bring a guest?¡± ¡°No need to be too cautious. They are Master Jiboo¡¯s guests.¡± The white eyes, bleached as white as snow, nced over Sein. ¡°¡­Me.¡± The old man seemed about to say something. His eyes trembled, his body shook. ¡°You may enter.¡± Sein passed by Palu and said. Chin. Sein¡¯s hand touching the old man¡¯s shoulder. As if to deny that the old man had been shaking just a moment ago, he froze in ce. ¡°P-please¡­e in.¡± Permission was finally granted. ¡°What¡¯s going on.¡± Palu followed. The first polite speech from Galli, who had been using informalnguage even with the eldest in the ve district, caught Palu off guard. ¡°Have you finally lost your mind.¡± The entrance leading underground fell silent after Palu¡¯s voice. Alone, the old man, Galli Yeongam, gazed at the darkening sky and said, ¡°Angel.¡± * * * The world was a mix of countless contradictions. The more it was dyed with light, the darker and moreplex the shadows covering the world became. Yet, as the world grew darker, something sharper emerged. ¡°Ha.¡± It was a simple fact. A territory dominated by darkness. In the Dark Sanctuary,ws were scarce. A justification to bind each other. And even surpass¡­ ¡°This is truly absurd.¡± Chapter 26 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 26 Profit. Ahhh! A sacred light shone in the underground ve district. -¡°The sanctuary of Antara is closed.¡± Brietz said, ¡°I may introduce those who can help, although I am unsure of what you seek.¡± We can guide you on how to get closer to what Saint seeks. Thus arrived at the ve market. Thus arrived at the darkest ce. ¡°This is Tarion, thergest overseer in the Antara ve market.¡± Tarion. ¡°Not many call me that¡­¡± Grinning, Palu raised the corner of his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s known as the Dark Temple.¡± Dark Temple. Ahhh! The divine light healed humans and fulfilled its role. The healed humans wore metal chains around their necks and arms. ¡°Is this for real?¡± ¡°What are you saying?¡± Sein spoke, sounding astonished. ¡°Angel¡¯s followers are ve traders.¡± Humans emitting divine power. Those who were once called priests in the past were managing and healing ves. ¡°Such words¡­.¡± At Sein¡¯s words, Palu was startled, on the verge of saying something, when a voice came from behind. ¡°Instead of calling me a merchant, would you prefer the term overseer?¡± Sein, as if already aware, turned around slowly. There stood a neat middle-aged man with a gentle smile. ¡°¡­.! Lord Barus!¡± Palu eximed in surprise. Thed, who didn¡¯t even drop informal speech when facing a p, immediately spoke upon seeing him. ¡°He is Barus, leading the upper echelons of Tarian.¡± This man is none other than the head of the upper echelons in Tarian. ¡°So, you are the one who first came to Antara. I heard the story from Britz. He sent the guest away.¡± Barus. Sein locked eyes with Barus. Eyes that didn¡¯t evade each other. Barus, the owner of thousands of ves, had a surprisingly warm demeanor not fitting of a master of the upper echelons. ¡°Hah.¡± Once again, Sein clicked his tongue. ¡°This is insane.¡± More shocking than the repulsive ve market was this sight. The priests of Angel buying and selling ves. And the head of the upper echelons managing and controlling those merchants¡­. ¡®Like a bishop.¡¯ The fact that they are priests of bishop rank. In the end, just part of the game¡¯s religion. It might be best not to give it much significance, but Sein, who had been obsessed with the scenery, also harbored unusual emotions. Hence, even if things changed, it was quite shocking to see the priests of Angel, who preached love and eptance towards humans, involved in the ve trade. Above all. ¡®Is Angel lending them power?¡¯ The fact that the god, Angel, was granting them divine power. ¡°Since Britz sent you, I expected someone extraordinary.¡± Barus seemed to notice Sein¡¯s scrutinizing gaze. ¡°Would you like toe in and have a chat?¡± Barus suggested slowly to Sein. ¡°No.¡± But Sein refused. No matter how astonishing the scene reflected in his eyes was, it didn¡¯t matter. Sein¡¯s goal was solely one from the beginning to the end. ¡°If you are of bishop rank, it¡¯s all good.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°I want to rest.¡± It was rest. ¡°Does it suit your taste?¡± With a gentle smile, Barus spoke to Sain. Sain had initially declined Barus¡¯s proposal to speak indoors. Gulp. But now Sain was being served tea in Tarian¡¯s office. ¡°Since you seem to dislike beating around the bush, I¡¯ll be straightforward.¡± Bishop level, rest. Barus¡¯s expression changed upon hearing those two words, knowing it would be difficult to get what he wanted, so he asked to talk about it again. ¡°Seems like dealing with a bishop is no walk in the park.¡± In the Society of Sanctuary where Level 30 was the max, the level of a bishop¡¯s clergy was over 20. Though Sain had quickly regained strength with Arin¡¯s help, facing a bishop head-on now was out of the question. Especially considering this was the bishop¡¯s stronghold. ¡°While it¡¯s true that I possess the sanctity of a bishop, I am not one.¡± From Noble mtl dot It was necessary to listen to the story. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sain stared straight into Barus¡¯s eyes, waiting for him to continue. ¡°Also¡­.¡± Maintaining his warm smile, Barus addressed Sain. ¡°Rest, you say. Are you asking me to bring you death?¡± Rest. The word Sain had uttered. ¡°Weren¡¯t we supposed to get to the point? If you¡¯re nning a test, it¡¯s annoying.¡± ¡°Really, do you know about rest?¡± Silence was an affirmation. Barus, understanding from Sain¡¯s silence, eventually wiped the smile off his face. ¡°Rest, huh. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve seen someone who truly understands Antara¡¯s rest.¡± Antara¡¯s rest. ¡°But even then, there¡¯s no way I can help.¡± ¡°Ha.¡± When Sain¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°As I mentioned, I am not a bishop.¡± A clergy with the sanctity of a bishop, but not a bishop. Contradiction. A clergy preaching warmth and love enves. Another contradiction. But. ¡°I didn¡¯te all the way here because of you.¡± There was no reason to dwell onplex contradictions. ¡°Dealing with you and the priests here must be quite bothersome¡­¡± Tap. Sein raised both legs onto the table and spoke. ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t handle when dealing with them.¡± Unless he was alone. ¡°There¡¯s a witch here.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± For the first time, cracks appeared on Varus¡¯s face at the mention of the witch. Confusion, surprise. And anger. Goooo-! The overwhelming divine power seemed to engulf Sein¡¯s madness in the room. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± A voice echoed. Snap! The storm of divine power vanished in an instant. A more immense and warm aura seemed to embrace everything. The door opened. Standing there was the aged gatekeeper of Tyran. ¡°His words are true.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°The witch has arrived in Antara. The witch of the Legion.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± It was Gali Inspiration. Dull white eyes, hunched back. But the tangible aura emanating from the old man¡¯s body seemed unbeatable even if all of Tyran were to attack. Abundance tends to overflow. Yet, Gali Inspiration, all these years, as the gatekeeper of Tyran, didn¡¯t even cast a shadow in the light of divine power. He was the vessel capable of containing the overflowing divine power. ¡°It is you.¡± Not a created divine power, but the owner of bestowed divine power. ¡°The Archbishop of Antara.¡± Seated Sein gazed directly at Gali Inspiration. This too might be a specter of the past. * * * The underground passage. As is often the case with those who harbor many secrets, there existed secret passages in Tarian. Sein, along with Galli Inspiration and Barus, strolled through the ce. ¡°It¡¯s truly astonishing.¡± It was Sein who spoke. ¡°Who would have thought they¡¯d be cultivating divine power in such a manner.¡± The priests who concealed their traces. They openly existed here in Tarian. Beings who were secrets yet not secrets. ¡®They must have had the protection of Demorus.¡¯ Though they were said to have been erased from the world, they were beings that existed. By the logic of the Dark Abyss. Divine power was a formidable force. To the extent that it could even resurrect the dead when taken to extremes. At present, with the priests concealing their traces, there was the power of alchemists and sorcerers, but divine power would have been a force not easily relinquished. ¡®To continue the lineage and keep under surveince.¡¯ It would have been a treaty secretly forged by the Dark Abyss. What was remarkable was. ¡®The method of raising priests.¡¯ Since the temples have vanished and they no longer receive divine power from Anghel, they were forcibly sowing and nurturing the seeds of divine power. ¡°Healing the most afflicted.¡± As Anghel taught. ¡°Caring for the lowest of the low.¡± Even if the oue was dire. Barus could consider that oue. Unrecognized as a bishop, but a monster akin to a bishop in terms of divine power. How many thousands of ves did he heal to cultivate divine power? And this method, in the past¡­ ¡°The Saint has spoken.¡± Galli Inspiration opened his mouth. ¡°Even without Anghel¡¯s protection, divine power thrives on pain.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Walking in the teachings of the divine without relying on God¡¯s grace is also a manifestation of the divine.¡± Galli Inspiration had stopped and was now looking at Sein. ¡°Thanks to His teachings, we have not lost faith.¡± A gaze filled with unwavering faith and goodness. Even Barus found it somewhat perplexing. ¡°What do you seek to find in tranquility?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Sein¡¯s madness subsided. ¡°Do you seek what you¡¯re looking for in tranquility?¡± ¡°It will happen.¡± Sein walked away. At some point, Barus and Gallio stopped in their tracks. ¡°What I seek in rest is¡­.¡± Sein¡¯s voice echoed like a reverberation. ¡°It¡¯s the minimal power to correct what¡¯s wrong.¡± Swiftly. In a moment, Sein vanished into the darkness. Only Barus and Gallio remained. No. ¡°Lord Gallio.¡± The Archbishop, Gallio. He had safeguarded the faith of Angel for over a hundred and twenty years, the very warrior who had little time left. ¡°What exactly is rest?¡± Barus, self-proimed as his disciple, inquired. ¡°And who is the author?¡± He asked again. Just three times. The number of times Tarrian was established and Gallio made a move. And today, the third had be the fourth. ¡°I saw him a long time ago.¡± Behind murky pale eyes, a glimmer shone. ¡°The Last Saint.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± The Last Saint. And the name they called him. ¡°Fallen Saint, the Word of Perdition?¡± It couldn¡¯t be. ¡°How could a dead man appear here?¡± Barus couldn¡¯t ignore Gallio. * * * ¡®Gallio.¡¯ He had seen him once. A novice priest at the Antara Cathedral. -Yes, I greet the glorious sun of the Empire! A priest who wore the title of novice quite fittingly. Bowing towards himself, yet unwavering in his faith towards the divine. A priest whose sparkle was too strong to dismiss as mere artificial intelligence. Chapter 27 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 27 ¡°It¡¯s surprising. I didn¡¯t expect you to still be alive.¡± Despite the aged and worn-out body, despite the eyes that had lost their light, he could tell. The light beyond. And the warm aura of sanctity. ¡°I wonder if it¡¯s for the better.¡± Walking through the darkness, Sein muttered to himself. It was as if he was making noise to avoid losing his way. ¡°I was contemting how to enter the Sanctuary.¡± The Sanctuary of Antara. A secret ce essible only to the worthy. And. Crackle! A tomb. Somewhere, a blue me began to illuminate the passage. ¡°It used to be filled with sanctity.¡± The Sanctuary was a kind of test. To be recognized by the sleeping bishops in the Sanctuary to be the Archbishop of Antara. Crackle! In the end, meeting an angel was the test to qualify as an Archbishop. Though the Sanctuary of Antara was closed, the temple, now devoid of light, still guarded the path leading here. That was when. Swish. Sein¡¯s sword was drawn, emitting light. A ce meant for peace and tranquility. Grrrr! A mournful, eerie sound echoed from somewhere. ¡°The end of days. The end.¡± Sein spoke, his tongue sharp. ¡°Lost priests without gods.¡± What he had seen upon entering Antara. ¡°Inflicting wounds and healing wounds.¡± Snick. Yet Sein¡¯s lips curved into a smile. This is the mostfortable. ¡°Undead in the holiest of sanctuaries.¡± Grrrr! Revealed were bodies so twisted and mangled that they were barely recognizable. They had formed a cluster of restless spirits. Once, they must have been priests more sacred than anyone. But now. ¡°I¡¯ll take the lead again.¡± The monster to hunt. Pash. As the Dragon Heart activated, the saint vanished, concealing their appearance. sh! Where he appeared was atop a pile of corpses. The de of magic, shimmering in blue, rose. ng! It sliced through the mass of spirits, reducing them to ashes. * * * The ve district. Swoosh. Those who were once others had discreetly gathered in one spot, moving their bodies furtively. ¡°The stench here is unbearable.¡± ¡°I feel like throwing up.¡± They couldn¡¯t hide their difort upon first setting foot in the ve district. If it weren¡¯t for the inside-out robes, their contorted faces might have caught everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°But today marks the end.¡± One to two. Two to three. And suddenly, three had turned into twelve. ¡°We will purify this ursed city.¡± Eyes flickered within the robes. ¡°Is Archbishop Gallio really here?¡± ¡°Do not call such a fiend an archbishop.¡± ¡°¡­I apologize.¡± They walked straight, as if the ve district was nothing new to them. The street grew even narrower. ¡°Our goal is three.¡± The one at the front spoke. To eliminate the fiend Gallio. ¡°¡­and to reim.¡± From Noble mtl dot The voices gradually quieted down. Swoosh. They were drawing their swords, one by one. ¡°For the final time.¡± The robe slowly slipped off. There was a distinct scar on their foreheads. ¡°The capture of the maiden.¡± Long ago, the notorious knight order. It was the appearance of the Order of the Iron Cross. One couldn¡¯t help but feel exhrated. If the Saint had gone a little crazier, he would have burst intoughter. Ssaaa-! The undead splitting under the holy, bright light incinerating them, the light flickering in the passage. Although he thought he had suppressed it a lot. Flicker! In the flickering light, the Saint¡¯s pupils and teeth were shining brightly. One couldn¡¯t help but feel exhrated. One couldn¡¯t help but feel joy. ¡°Kkeu! This taste!¡± The feeling of slicing through the undead with a holy aura, soaking them. It was a moment akin to seeing a well-organized storage box. Above all. ¡°Experience party.¡± The special experience points given by undead monsters. Precisely because they were once priests who had turned undead. ¡°There are event monsters everywhere.¡± It could be said to be the best hunting ground that provided explosive experience points. In the past, Rest was an event that was unbearably boring, but now. ¡°If you don¡¯t go crazy after seeing this, you don¡¯t deserve to y.¡± It was an experience event that no gamer from South Korea, no, from around the world, could resist. Chwaaak! Another lich split and died. Undead exuding even more intense morale because they were in the form of priests. Saaah-! One couldn¡¯t see it with their eyes, but they could feel it. Experience points pouring in. And one more thing. Saint had a special reward that others couldn¡¯t obtain. Ripple. The aura that was shimmering with holy light was now dyed in ck light. The activated heart of the demon. Chwaaah-! It was what gave birth to the dark and dense magical aura. The morale and magic held by the undead were distinctly different. But the special power inherited by Sein was that of the ultimate demon. -Albaera. The demon who was called both the strongest demon and the final demon, Albaera, whose heart was transnted into Sein. Shooaah-! A body optimized for recycling, capable of converting the morale of the undead into magic. Keyeh-! Killing, killing, and killing again. Even though they were already dead, they didn¡¯t hesitate to mutte their corpses. It was a frenzy. The days when Sein lived as a powerless saint. The fact that the world he loved so much had turned into hell. The fact that he had to consider himself garbage to survive in a hellish prison. And. ¡°Die.¡± The fact that the perpetrator of all this was himself. Drove Sein into madness. ¡°Dead?¡± Smirking. Seinughed. ¡°Then die again.¡± Muttering to himself, Sein swung his sword again and again. Injecting vitality into his body with the Dragon Heart. The divine power and magic that could change his temperament as desired. If necessary. Saaa-! The fact that Sein could heal even the wounds inflicted by the undead was driving him into a frenzy. The seemingly endless frenzy of Sein suddenly subsided. A passage leading to rest. Finally. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± Because they had reached the dark underground where the white light shone down. This was the sanctuary that Antara possessed. The tomb of the acknowledged priests and the sanctuary of the archbishops. Also known as Angel¡¯s Embrace. And here. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± There it was, the thing Sein had been carrying. ¡°Bastion.¡± The white light coalesced into a human form. * * * Gallio was quietly kneeling in prayer. There was no sign of worry on his face, whether he was anticipating the future ahead. Barus, who had chosen the path of a priest, but with a shallow faith in the Angels, simply closed his eyes and followed Gallio. As they were like that. In an instant! They both opened their eyes almost simultaneously. Crack! Their heads turned. A white divine power began to emanate from their bodies. ¡°Archbishop!¡± ¡°Barus.¡± They called out to each other. They sensed something in each other¡¯s profound divine power. A divine power simr yet different from their own. And where it was felt was right in Tarian. ¡°It¡¯s them.¡± Gallio said. He had been preparing for this day for a long time. Those who had followed the Angels with faith, but now that the gods had hidden their traces and faith had disappeared, the believers interpreted and proceeded ording to their own wills. ¡°Barus!¡± As Gallio shouted, Barus nodded his head. Their hands sped. Swish-! A bright light emanated from Barus and engulfed Gallio and Barus. When the light cluster disappeared. Whoosh! What they faced was Tarian aze. Their ce, built over decades, was burning. ¡°Screaaaam!¡± Amidst the people¡¯s screams. The ves handled in Tarian were burning and dying. The priests were screaming in despair. At that moment. Crash! A sh of light flickered before Barus¡¯s eyes. A sword embracing a white aura. Revealing white fangs together. ¡°The Iron Cross!¡± The cross drawn on their foreheads revealed their true identities. Inquisitors of heresy, executioners of the temple. ¡°Barus.¡± Galio spoke towards Barus. Just moments ago, it was Galio who had conjured up a defensive barrier to fend off the holy storm that swept away the Iron Cross knights. ¡°I will take charge of this ce.¡± Though aged and weathered, he was a witness to the passage of time. With an abundance of divine power, Barus was iparable,cking even inparison to Galio. Especially. ¡°The Iron Cross are those who are well-versed in facing off against the clergy more than anyone else.¡± Their opponent was the inquisitors of heresy. To Barus, who had never faced them before, it was clearly a daunting task. ¡°You know what needs to be done, don¡¯t you?¡± Barus nodded in response to Galio¡¯s heavy voice. ¡°¡­We must find it. We must protect it at all costs.¡± Galio had waited a long time. For today, when the Saint would arrive. Furthermore, Galio had waited a long time. ¡°If those two are present, the temple can rise once more.¡± Another awaited presence. At that moment. ng! ng! des of white light flew from all directions, illuminating the scene. ¡°Finally revealing yourselves, heretics.¡± Chapter 28 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 28 Advancing in a semicircle, they spoke towards Galio at the forefront. ¡°¡­Badoman.¡± Badoman. The leader of thest remaining Iron Cross, that was his true identity. Even if he stood alone, the situation was dire. Swiftly. Other Iron Cross knights stood alongside. ¡°You¡¯ve hidden well in this vile cesspool.¡± Badoman raised a white aura, speaking. ¡°What brings you to this vile cesspool?¡± ¡°We have something to find.¡± As Galio moved his hand. ng! Once again, a soaring sword strike. It was only Bardomann who didn¡¯t give enough time to fully unleash his divine power. ¡°Is there something you need to find?¡± ¡°Did you think I wouldn¡¯t know?¡± Bardomann, with a chuckle in his voice, said. ¡°That there is a Holy Sword and a Holy Maiden here.¡± At that moment. ¡°Go-! Barus!¡± A sacred magic circle appeared under Gallio¡¯s feet and emitted light. Unlike Barus, who had never faced an inquisitor before, Gallio was someone who had survived facing many heretic inquisitors over the years. Kwang! ? ? ? The Holy Sword, Bastion. One of the seven Holy Swords existing in Sanctuary, a piece of equipment that could make one recognized as a Apostle of the Angel just by holding it. The Holy Sword from the legendary tales that many covet. However. ¡°Ha, I knew I¡¯d have to find this trash again.¡± To yers who strategize and share tactics, the Holy Sword Bastion was nothing special. With the most ambiguous stats and position among the Holy Swords. Just dismissed as an early-game morale item, Sein had briefly used and then discarded Bastion in the past. Right. -What¡¯s with all the talk when I¡¯m a saint? On the chest of the man who used to be a high priest in Antara. Posthumous. With his ears pointed, what Sein was looking at was the figure of a white human. And embedded in his chest was Bastion. ¡°This is valuable.¡± While Bastion itself may be precious, the being it was embedded in. Swish. High Priest Veragius had be an extremely unique being. Though killed for doubting Sein, who imed to be a saint, his faith was acknowledged, and he wasid to rest in peace. Was it a form of redemption? ¡°I¡¯ve only seen a Sacred Lich twice in Sanctuary.¡± That¡¯s a Sacred Lich. A unique monster not easily seen even in Sanctuary. A being with divine power and at the same time, a formidable being with the aura of darkness. The Sacred Lich is impervious to the weakness of the undead, divine power, and has a greater effect on beings with magical energy¡­ [Sein Archfeld, is that you?] ¡°¡­!¡± Sein¡¯s eyes shot open at the sound of the voice. ¡°¡­This is beyond imagination.¡± As befitting a unique monster, the divine lich possessed intelligence. However, the premise was that it existed with a confused mind, having lost all memories from its past life. Yet. ¡°Veregius. Do you remember?¡± [Indeed. Sein Archipald. The magnificent prince.] Sein¡¯s eyes narrowed. Being insulted didn¡¯t matter. But having intellect and memories was the issue. ¡®Already a formidable opponent.¡¯ If it were to charge in roaring for revenge, it would be even more challenging. Swish. Sein drew his sword with the thought of finishing it off. ¡°You were truly a being destined to bring destruction to the continent.¡± From Noble mtl dot Concealing his nerves at the voice, he pushed the aura into the sword. Though a formidable opponent in both divinity and magic. Kuuuu. If it was a dragon¡¯s power focused solely on destruction, he could break through. ¡°Yet, you were also a saint.¡± A shiver. ¡°No, now you have be a saint.¡± The white figure descended from the air andnded on the ground. Crackling, the ground split and vanished. ¡°You, who seek to save the world you destroyed.¡± Silently, without sound or vibration, Veregius stood before Sein. Though it seemed the sword would split him when swung. ¡°Reim what is yours and pave the way to Angel¡¯s Road.¡± Looking at Veregius, who had opened his heart wide, Sein released his hand from the sword. ¡°You too.¡± He tightly gripped Bastion¡¯s handle. ¡°Now, you truly act as a guardian.¡± Different from the past when he was just an NPC programmed. Kurrrrung! The peace of Antara that persisted even after the empire¡¯s fall. But at this moment, that peace was crumbling. With Veregius, who maintained the peace in ce of the vanished god, now scattered. Pasts. Amidst crumbling, thick smoke rises. Thud. Sain revealed his figure. Sain, covered in a thickyer of dust. ¡°Kellock. If you¡¯re going, go clean. What¡¯s this.¡± At least say a word. But a smile spread on Sain¡¯s lips. A meeting with Beragius, which was once a fateful encounter. And held in another hand. Hmm. Holy sword Bastion. However, Sain¡¯s smile was soon to fade. ¡°As expected.¡± He already knew. ¡°Is it moving.¡± Having the sanctity of a saint, Sain was more sensitive to Angel¡¯s aura than anyone else. Therefore, it was no wonder that Sain, who had aged and lost his old appearance, recognized Galio. ¡°Cross.¡± That the Cross was entering this city. If Ottomeo hadn¡¯t helped, he would have tried to make contact with them. But the reason the Cross contacted Ottomeo first was that they were picky beings. ¡°It was an enemy.¡± He thought Tarrian might align with them. But the movement of sanctity. Thud. A sound shaking the ground. And Sain¡¯s collision with Galio sensed by his senses. Tarrian and the Cross were clearly not aligned, they were enemies. ¡°It seems like themander is fighting with Archbishop Galio.¡± Thud, thud. Sain spoke with a cracking sound in his throat. ¡°And that guy Barus¡­ wasn¡¯t fighting with Galio.¡± He wasn¡¯t fighting alongside Galio. He was running madly towards somewhere. The flow of sanctity was vividly painting the city¡¯sndscape in Sain¡¯s mind. ¡®Where is he going?¡¯ Is he abandoning Galio and fleeing? Even if he wasn¡¯t a proper priest, he didn¡¯t seem like someone who would abandon Galio, like his father. If that¡¯s the case. ¡°There is something more important than Galio.¡± Something that must be protected, forsaking the true Archbishop who is now scarce on the continent. Hmm. Bastion, held in Saint¡¯s hands, began to resonate, amplifying Saint¡¯s sanctity. Although sanctity had grown slowerpared to magic and mana. Hwaak! With the power of Bastion, Saint¡¯s sanctity was now infusing him with more vigor than any other energy. And. ¡°Found it.¡± Finally, with Bastion¡¯s help, Saint had discovered what Barus was heading towards. ¡°Hah. These lunatics.¡± He chuckled dryly. ¡°I thought they only aimed to raise priests and increase sanctity.¡± The ve overlords, Tarians. Those who healed the suffering ves, possessing higher quality ves than any other overlords. Healing their wounds, tirelessly using sanctity, believing the purpose was to revive the Church of Angels in this decaying world. ¡°There was something bigger.¡± Jebuk. The reason Galio was Tarian¡¯s gatekeeper. Galio¡¯s sanctity, which seemedcking in some way. The moment all those secrets were unraveled. ¡°If you were a ve trader, you¡¯d encounter the most runaways.¡± And so they. ¡°Have you found the maiden?¡± They had found thest maiden left in this world. The destination was set. Galio, his inspiration, would not easily die. So, what they were trying to conceal. Found. It would be better to search for the maiden. Saint¡¯s figure disappeared in an instant. * * * ¡°Ugh! Gasp!¡± Barus was panting heavily as he ran. Kwahng! A massive explosion urred behind him. ¡°Gah!¡± Barus bit his lip. Tarian was burning and being destroyed by the Iron Cross Knights. But there was no way. ¡°Pant! Pant!¡± Because there was something more important than Tarian right now. -Do you have a name? Barus, who used to be a ve. Gallio, who had taken him under his wing. -From today, your name is Barus. It means the Blessed Son. Because the only treasure he had dedicated his life to finding was there. Also. -If the Pope does not acknowledge you, I cannot ept you. Even though he was an unrecognized priest. -But I acknowledge you. You deserve to be a priest of Angel. Gallio acknowledged him. He spoke, and spoke again. -The Altar of Angel will rise again. The resurrection of the altar. What is needed for that is a being that will symbolize it. A being that will unite the many priests who have been divided due to the absence of God. ¡°Ugh!¡± A saint. At that moment, Barus stopped in his tracks. Boom! An explosion from behind burst right in front of Barus. It would have been a dangerous blow if he hadn¡¯t quickly conjured a sacred shield. ¡°Where are you going, master of ves?¡± Amidst the hazy dust, a knight with a crimson aura revealed himself. ¡°It¡¯s unbelievable. A ve like you possesses this much sacred power.¡± Only one. But Barus swallowed hard as he looked at him. ¡®Strong.¡¯ Because he had sacred power, he could recognize it. The sacred power possessed by the knight was inferior to his own, but it was so sharp that it was iparable. ¡°It was true that the heretic Gallio was consorting with demons.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Barus shouted, reaching out his hand. Even though the arrow of sanctity was aimed at the knight with the crimson aura. ng! The knight effortlessly moved his sword to deflect it. That was the weakness of Tarian. The absence of the Holy Knight, and the Archbishop Gallio, seemed ignorant when it came to battles using divine power. All they possessed was healing and miracles. ¡°How insignificant. Is this all you can do with that much divine power?¡± They had nothing special when it came tobat. ¡°By the way¡­.¡± Shake. ¡°So, your appearance here means the answer is clear.¡± A knightughed while shaking his body. In an instant. Whoosh! A dreadful sound of a cut echoed from Barus¡¯s chest. Chapter 29 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 29 Splurt! A fountain of blood gushed out. Barus, who moved btedly, enveloped his body in divine power and healed the wound. It was a surprisingly fast recovery. Thud! The knight seemed not to wait for Barus to recover before attacking. ¡°Tsk.¡± The knight, having knocked down Barus, pointed his sword at his throat and clicked his tongue. ng! The sword aimed at the throat. But it didn¡¯t pierce. The knight couldn¡¯t prate Barus¡¯s massive wall of divine power. He wouldn¡¯t be able to in the future either. Breaking through the bishop-level divine power was a thing of the past, and if it was Gallio¡¯s subordinate like Barus, they would have exceptional abilities in defense and recovery. But that was it. Swoosh. The knight retreated. ¡°We can deal with the hereticster.¡± It could wait if they didn¡¯t engage. The knight would be faster than Barus, and while Barus could protect himself, he wouldn¡¯t be able to stop the knight. Barus was here. Snick. ¡°So, the Saintess is here.¡± It was expected that the Saintess would be here too. ¡°No!¡± Barus urgently shouted as he got up. Poof. The knight¡¯s figure disappeared like dust. But that was just for a moment. Kwahng! Apanied by a deafening explosion. ¡°Guh!¡± The knight suddenly appeared in Barus¡¯s close vicinity, groaning in pain. ¡°What¡­?¡± What had happened? ¡°Who are you?¡± The knight asked through gritted teeth. Only then could Barus see. Where the knight was facing. Where Barus had aimed to reach. ¡°Me?¡± A swordsman holding a sleeping girl in one arm stood there. White hair. Eyes filled with an indelible madness. Revealed fangs. ¡°Saint Demorus.¡± It was Saint. * * * The ce where energy was felt was the depths of Tarian. In a ce where a vault should have been, there was a small, neatly decorated room. Although there were multiple locks, it was made of sanctity, adorned with intricate holy symbols. ¨C Easy. It was an easy device for Saint. The power of the saint and the existence of the holy sword were no different from a master key for things made of sanctity. And there, Saint found her. The girl. ¡°And here, there¡¯s a cross too.¡± Shiver. His wrist trembled. What Saint held now was not Bastion but a steel sword. Though the blow struck when the enemy was unaware had dealt quite a significant blow. Thud. From Noble mtl dot The destruction power was enough to damage not only his weapon but also his body. ¡°Who are you?¡± The knight asked him. ¡°Me?¡± Saint replied. ¡°Saint Demorus.¡± ¡°¡­Demorus!¡± The first name doesn¡¯t matter. Thest name. And. ng! The knight¡¯s sword strike flew in an instant. ¡°Even if you¡¯ve fallen, is this the mark of a true knight?¡± The moment they heard the name Demorus, the knights charged without hesitation. As they rampage through Demorus¡¯s domain, if they were to encounter Demorus. ng! Conversation would be out of the question. Moreover, the knights would know. ¡°Die-! Demorus!¡± The sword strike that the knight had unleashed, it was not enough to face the name Demorus. Crash. The distorted face of Saint. That¡¯s how it is. The knight. ng! Thought they had the upper hand against Saint. The crimson sword strikes pouring down. Those recognized as holy knights would have their aura change ording to the blessings and sanctity they possessed. The opponent in front meant a true holy knight. But that was it. ¡°Where.¡± The other hand of the moving Saint. It was there. ¡°A holy knight with color dares to challenge.¡± Kwahng! Explosion. Holy knights with color. They were just bestowed with blessings. The Pdins, considered dangerous among holy knights, said to be true holy knights. ¡°Come at me with holy me.¡± Holy me. Because they wield white swords. Whoosh! Bastion. Engulfed in mes. It was the blue light of Aura and the deep purple hue that swallowed Sein¡¯s magic. Before long. ¡°¡­!¡± A white sword was drawn. Upon seeing it, the Pdin¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. Without even considering the sword strikeing towards him. As expected. ¡°Saint¡­ me Sword!¡± The sword that emerged from Sein¡¯s sword was none other than the symbol of the Pdin, the me Sword. Swish! Swish! A gruesome sound apanied by a fountain of blood bursting out. The knight struck by the me Sword staggered back with eyes filled with despair. More shocking than the pain from the wound. ¡°H-How¡­?¡± The sight of the knight, who wielded the symbol of fidelity and the Pdin, the me Sword, was more shocking than the pain itself. In the past, Pdins were very few in number. In a world without angels and temples. ¡°Why are you surprised?¡± Snick. The me Sword was truly the exclusive possession of the chosen ones. Sein approached the knight with a smiling face. The knight still unable to regain hisposure. Bam! Once again, from bottom to top, the Bastion swung down, slicing through the knight¡¯s chest. Thud. The knight slumped down. Sein slowly looked down at the fallen knight. As if a god judging a human. Puff. Sein judged the knight. The end. ¡®Luckily.¡¯ Although not showing it, Sein broke out in a cold sweat. Even though he could wield the me Sword, facing a Pdin was quite a challenging opponent for Sein. Moreover. Trembling. His arm holding the Bastion trembled. ¡°This rascal is still like this.¡± One of the reasons Bastion abandoned. Even to someonecking qualification, the Holy Sword that enables the use of the Sacred me de is none other than Bastion. ¡°Are you a Holy Sword? No, a Dark Sword.¡± Because it took away vitality as a price. Furthermore, if vitality is drained faster, permanent damage could ur. Sein quickly inserted Bastion into the sheath on his back and let go. Not only the knight was surprised. ¡°T-Thank you.¡± Barus approached with a nk face. If it weren¡¯t for Galio¡¯s restraint, he too would have been taken aback by the Sacred me de. ¡°You, really¡­.¡± Sein looking at Barus like that. ¡°Now is not the time for this.¡± What mattered wasn¡¯t who he was. ¡°You were hiding this?¡± A girl held in one hand. ¡°¡­!¡± She was crucial at this moment. ¡®Saint.¡¯ Beings symbolizing the temple with the saints. Chosen by the gods, they stood in a position equivalent to the highest leader of the temple, the Pope. However. ¡®With the absence of the gods, how did a sainte to be?¡¯ Originally impossible. There was a suspicion. Hence, Sein was looking at Barus with such a cold gaze. ¡°Well, you might not be the only one at fault.¡± A half-baked bishop. If such a thing were possible, the real Archbishop would have the answer. ¡°It must be Galio.¡± It must have been Galio¡¯s doing. That moment. ¡°¡­!¡± Barus, who couldn¡¯t lift his head, suddenly jerked it up. Due to the confusion caused by the Cross and the Saint, Barus was missing what was happening. ¡°Your Eminence, you are in danger!¡± Galio. ¡°He is right now¡­!¡± A face stained with guilt and confusion. Sein looked at Barus with such expression. ¡°The Commander of the Iron Cross¡­!¡± Barus was so flustered that he couldn¡¯t even speak properly. ¡°No need to worry.¡± Sein said. But Barus couldn¡¯t shake off his frustrated and desperate look. ¡°The Archbishop may possess great holiness, but hisbat abilities do not match those of the Holy Knights!¡± Barus, speaking from personal experience. No matter how many heretic inquisitors Galio may have faced, he was unlikely to have encountered someone at the level of the Iron Cross Commander. Even if he didn¡¯t die, dangerous situations could arise at any moment. However. ¡°I told you not to worry.¡± Sein¡¯s cold voice and expression. And his lips. Curled up. Slowly forming a smile. ¡°I mentioned this before.¡± ¡°¡­.?¡± ¡°Another person has entered Antara.¡± ¡°¡­Ah!¡± Barus quickly turned his head as if sensing something. Right where Galio and the Iron Cross faced each other. The headquarters of Tarian. Sein had said. ¡°Would it be even more dangerous now?¡± A witch had entered Antara. ¡°Joke, joke. Don¡¯t worry. That visionary won¡¯t die.¡± The headquarters of Tarian. There. Shwooo-! A pir of darkness rose. * * * Iron Cross Knight Commander Badoman. The one leading thest Iron Cross of this era, expected to ignite the Holy me within ten years. Chapter 30 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 30 He swung his sword, emitting a burning green aura. Pang! The sword flew, apanied by a rising shockwave. Kwaaang! Soon, the sound of an explosion reverberated. It had ignited the darkness not just once, but more than a dozen times. ¡°The heretics¡¯ faith is unbearably sturdy.¡± It couldn¡¯t pierce through Galio¡¯s sacred shield. But that was all. Crackle! The once seemingly unbreakable shield of Galio began to show signs of cracking. The reason why Galio¡¯s shield, which seemed like it could withstand for days, was cracking, was simple. Crunch-! A faithful Iron Cross. Galio was channeling his strength to prevent the Inquisitors from hunting down Tarian¡¯s ves and false priests. ¡°How long do you think you can hold on, heretic?¡± Bardoman spoke. ¡°At this moment¡­.¡± The power emanating from faith. That power. ¡°Darian must have arrived there.¡± Emanating from belief and heart. As the second-inmand of the Iron Cross, Dariancked many thingspared to Bardoman the leader, but he was an Inquisitor capable of easily hunting down false priests. ¡°To the false saint you so desperately protect!¡± At that moment. Vroom. A gap appeared in Galio¡¯s steadfast sacred shield. The concern for the saint. The delusion that she would be in danger. The gap created by that. Crunch-! Bardoman didn¡¯t miss it. Once again, the sacred shield shattered under the strike of the sword. Into the gap that had finally appeared, Bardoman had already slipped his body. ¡°The sin of abandoning Angel, you will not even repay it with your life.¡± It was the moment when Bardoman¡¯s sword, tightly gripped, horizontally shed. An unwavering blow of faith that the aging archbishop could never stop. But at that moment. Kwahng! A pir of dark light that surged forth pushed Bardoman far away. ¡°What in the world.¡± It was a voiceing from the darkness. ¡°Could this be.¡± A chilling and terrifying voice from the darkness. ¡°In the domain of Demorus, the beetles are rampaging.¡± That was. ¡°A witch!¡± The one who single-handedly destroyed six temples. The one whoid to rest the three great pdins in the tombs. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡± She was the witch of the legion. * * * The witch. With Arin¡¯s appearance, the battlefield was instantly engulfed in silence. The pir of darkness that had surged with her arrival vanished. Her dark aura that had been suffocating disappeared as well. From Noble mtl dot Standing there was simply a woman with stunning ck hair. However. ¡°We had turned a blind eye to your hiding beneath Antara.¡± At her words, the irond knights attacking Tarian. Boom! Exploded where they stood. Arin¡¯s eyes narrowed. They were eyes of undeniable rage. ¡°The beetles have infiltrated.¡± Beetles. Words aimed at the ironds. Distant. Though Bardon felt a pang of disgrace, he only clenched his teeth, nothing more. In Bardon¡¯s mind at this moment, the warning bell continued to ring incessantly. ¡®Move, and you die.¡¯ Arin Seymour. She was one of the three witches of the continent, the legion¡¯s witch. Even the pdins hesitated to face her alone, feeling they were not yet worthy adversaries. ¡°I was nning to clear out all the pests this time.¡± Arin found herself standing before the kneeling Gallio. ¡°It was your doing.¡± Gallio? No. Arin¡¯s gaze went beyond Gallio. She was seeing something. ¡°I told you to stay quiet.¡± Ha. A small sigh. Arlen slowly turned her body. At that moment. Kwaaaa-! A pouring divine power poured down on Arlen. It was green. But each part of it clearly had a shining white light. Chiiing! A pdin-level divine power touched Arlen¡¯s skin and hair, causing them to melt. A divine power of the level of a pdin. But it was all Bardoman¡¯s doing. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Bardoman vanished without a trace. Realizing he had no chance of winning with Arlen¡¯s appearance, he yed his trump card and fled. But that was it. Kwaang! A deafening noise erupted in the distance. ¡°Kerrrk-!¡± The leader of the Iron Cross, Bardoman. A massive ck sword was thrust behind him. Swish, swish. As if conducting an orchestra, Arlen¡¯s hand, moving the ck sword of annihtion, plunged it even deeper into Bardoman. Thud! When the ck sword waspletely embedded. Pashoo! Arlen¡¯s sword turned into dust and disappeared. All that remained there was Bardoman, the leader of the Iron Cross, with a gaping hole in his back, facing death with a deste expression. A cockroach. A mere existence that could be swatted away with a flick of the hand. What Arlen first uttered upon her appearance was not madness, but a fact. ¡°Now that things are settled.¡± Tarian¡¯s attack hade to an end. What remained was Tarian¡¯s fate. ¡°Archbishop Gallio.¡± Arlen spoke to Gallio with a slightly warm voice. ¡°I must have told you. Stay here quietly.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Gallio fell silent at Arlen¡¯s voice. Though one couldn¡¯t say how things were in the past, now Arlen was a being with status and power that Gallio dared not look in the eye. She was able to survive and prolong lives, all thanks to her mercy. ¡°By the terms of the contract, she should have been disposed of¡­.¡± Arin slowly turned her head. ¡°I¡¯ll let it pass this time.¡± There stood a young man with white hair, waving his hand happily. With a rather charming face and expression. ¡°Sigh.¡± ¡°Is it all over?¡± Sane, and the girl in his arms. Followed by Varus. ¡°¡­.¡± Varus, astonished by the unfolding scene, couldn¡¯t close his mouth. He had heard countless tales of the witch¡¯s infamy, but witnessing her power in action was a first. It was truly overwhelming violence. ¡°Was it you who did this?¡± ¡°I told you. I came to fetch. The massacre wasn¡¯t my doing, though.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Arin remained silent. ¡°By the way, want to see this?¡± Sane, holding the girl in his arms with both hands. He said, ¡°This is a saint.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± Saint or holy one. They hold a position akin to that of a pope merely by their existence, sometimes even wielding authority above that line. In other words, ¡®Absolute within the clergy.¡¯ The current clergy waspletely in ruins. The believers, numbering in the tens of thousands, had lost faith, and the priests and holy knights, numbering in the thousands, were scattered, with their fates unknown. Fugitives. Even those who knew their fate were mostly individuals who had chosen different paths in faith over the years. Like Galio and the massacre. Amidst this chaos, a saint emerged. ¡°¡­.¡± Silence fell over Tarrian. With Arin¡¯s arrival, themotion in Tarrian came to an end. The lords and guilds btedly arrived with their troops, but upon seeing Arin¡¯s face, they fell silent. An issue arising in the territory of Demoras. If one were to point fingers in the name of Demoras, it wouldn¡¯t be a peaceful situation. However, Arin put an end to themotion. -Let¡¯s just overlook today¡¯s events. Because Sein is involved. And there was a fact that could be inferred from that. To the extent that Arin could handle such matters, it meant that Arin¡¯s position in Demoras was high enough. Tarian had found peace one way or another. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Nevertheless, the upper chamber was filled with a heavy silence and stillness. Finally, it was Sein who broke the silence. ¡°It¡¯s no secret that the gods are absent.¡± It had been a long time since the connection with Angel was severed. ¡°And amidst that, a saint appeared?¡± The appearance of the saint. ¡°It¡¯s understandable why the iron cross is in such a frenzy.¡± The believers would think. Angel finally revealed herself. Or. ¡°Perhaps they¡¯ll consider her a false saint born of sin.¡± A fabricated fake. The iron cross probably leaned towards thetter. No. ¡°It might not matter.¡± As long as there is a being known as a saint, there will be a force to somehow move the crumbling congregation. ¡®I suppose it¡¯s closer to thetter.¡¯ Sein had already reached a conclusion. The power felt from the existence of the saint, it was certainly alien for one to call her a true saint or holy figure. Completely different from what they possessed. She was probably a saint created over the years using ves, just as they raised the priests, Barus. ¡°The important thing is¡­.¡± Finally, Galio spoke up. ¡°I suppose a vessel carrying Angel¡¯s will has been born.¡± ¡°In the end, you were just a human like the rest of us.¡± ¡°In times of chaos, lost sheep need a shepherd to guide them. Otherwise, more blood would have been shed.¡± Barus remained silent as Galio spoke with a harsh tone. ¡°But it seems to have been in vain.¡± Eyes of pure white. They were fixed straight on Sein. ¡°Such a shepherd has appeared here.¡± ¡°Your expectations are too high.¡± Sein exhaled a long breath. ¡°So.¡± Tap. A man touching something with his finger. There was a girl there, looking up at the man with wide eyes. Her name was Cecile. Thisd was none other than a saint. ¡°What do you think of this?¡± ¡°What can we do? We must follow your will.¡± The man almost spat out a curse in frustration. ¡°I¡¯ll consider the old man who¡¯s dying. But if we take him along, it will only lead to trouble.¡± If the Iron Cross caught wind of the saint¡¯s presence, the rest would likely follow suit. By the remnants of the Tarrian, or rather the Antara sect, the fighting would not cease. ¡°It would be a waste to kill him.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Barus was surprised by the man¡¯s words. But the man¡¯s words did not end there. ¡°Let¡¯s take him.¡± That was the man¡¯s decision. Grin. The man smirked. Chapter 31 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 31 ¡°It¡¯s better to keep troublesome elements close if they are the source of trouble.¡± Trouble would soon be the driving force of experience and growth. Moreover. ¡°The sect, I will handle it.¡± An opportunity to resurrect the broken sect. All of that. ¡°Please proceed as you wish.¡± For the man¡¯s purpose. Barus seemed reluctant as Sein took Cecile away, but he could not defy Gallio¡¯s will. Above all. ¨C The witch had already set her sights on the saint. Gallio¡¯s logic was wless. ¨C If even the Iron Cross cannot confront it, we cannot protect the saint. To create, yet not protect. From the start. ¡®He must have nned to negotiate with Demorus or other factions using the saint.¡¯ Gallio must have been nning to leverage the power of other factions. It was just for the Saint to be the Heir. -A price must be paid. Created for a purpose, Sessil was everything to Galileo. Saint also said that Sessil was taken for a purpose, but it would be the maximum protection Sessil could receive. In that case, a deal. In that case, a price must be paid. -I will offer Tarian. The top ve of Antara. -No. But the Saint refused. -Hand over all of Antara. Antara. He wants that. -Antara is not ours. -Then make it so. Saint said, looking at Barus. Barus, with many shorings, would not be alone. -Let me show you a way. How to survive, how to wield holiness. The greatest battle saint in the history of Chutuary. -Work with Othomeo to offer Antara. Then Sessil will be safe. With that, the negotiation was over. They did not listen to the opinions of the parties involved, but there was no need to hear such things. Saint stayed in Antara for a while, teaching Barus. It was also for the Saint. Hoo! Holy Sword Bastion. To fully draw out that power. ¡°Groan.¡± Moaned the Saint. Unfolding the Holy me de, a symbol of the Pdin¡¯s status, was all it took. Just 3 seconds. That was how long the Saint could maintain the Holy me de. It is said that with the power of the Holy Sword, one can convert mana into holiness, but the power the Saint possessed was still at a feeble level. Moreover. Crackle! From Noble mtl dot Sparks burst out from Bastion, coiling up the Saint¡¯s arm. ¡°You little¡­!¡± The reason was simple. ¡°Don¡¯t you listen to your master¡¯s words?!¡± Holy Sword. He was a saint with the qualifications of a holy man, yet his heart also belonged to the demon king. Unknowingly, magic flowing out, conflicting with Bastion. Thud! Eventually, blood burst from the saint¡¯s arm. ¡°Hah. Hah.¡± This was the saint¡¯s task. In the past, the Sacred Territory was just a game. Even though there were various energies, one could simply turn them on and off to use the necessary power. But now, he had to control it down to the smallest detail with his own mind and body. During the time trapped in the tutorial, he thought he had be ustomed to magic and believed he could handle it. Zzang! However, it was still difficult to utilize it perfectly. But he was certain. ¡°If you can control Bastion perfectly.¡± ¡°If I can win.¡± Then the saint would not only be the owner of the Holy Sword. ¡°Where should we try it?¡± He would transform into a more powerful, almost perfect being. ¡°Well, if it doesn¡¯t work, we¡¯ll just discard it and find something else.¡± With a smile, the saint once again grasped Bastion. * * * It had been about a dozen days since entering Antara. During that time, the saint taught Barus, conquered Bastion, and had interactions with Sesil. Of course, the same went for Otomeo¡¯s Britz. Otomeo agreed to cooperate with the saint¡¯s proposal with a pleased expression. The Information Guild was already failing. With not even a single branch remaining, including the Antara branch. But Antara¡¯srgest ve trader, Tarian, promised to cooperate. However, the most important thing was. ¨C Sain. Sain. ¨C Sain Demorus. I bet on you. Britz brought the meaning of Otomeo¡¯s guild leader¡¯s intention. Otomeo had decided to bet everything on the saint. It was the result of obtaining information that the vicemander of the Iron Cross had been defeated, and there seemed to be Galio¡¯s involvement. Moreover. ¡®Witch.¡¯ The presence of Arin. Otomeo had decided to entrust his fate to Sein for the sole reason of Arin being his guardian. And finally, the time hade to leave Antara. ¡°I¡¯ve told you what I can.¡± Sein was currently with Sessil and Gallio. ¡°Barus might be a pdin, but he won¡¯t suffer like before.¡± ¡°Thank you for your consideration.¡± Gallio, the old man, smiled warmly. ¡°Is yourmunication with the Holy Sword going well?¡± Some believed Bastion to be a cursed sword. As it destroys the owner¡¯s body, it is deemed unworthy of the title ¡°Holy Sword.¡± But Gallio was different. ¡°I heard Bastion is one of the most demanding Holy Swords.¡± A being familiar with Bastion. ¡°You didn¡¯t just embrace Angel¡¯s will.¡± It was widely known that Sein Archipald wielded magic. ¡°Not yet. But I¡¯ll win.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll assist you.¡± Gallio said. ¡°It¡¯s also the price for taking care of the saint.¡± ¡°I would have agreed to take Antara as payment.¡± Gallio simply smiled at Sein¡¯s words. Swoosh. Gallio rose to his feet. Wobbling. He seemed about to copse. Had Sessil not rushed over to support him, Gallio would surely have hit the ground, breaking his nose. ¡°It¡¯s everything I have.¡± Gallio approached, supported by Sessil, and reached out his hand. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Sein, with an awkward expression, hesitated. Swoosh. He, too, reached out and grabbed Gallio¡¯s hand. He knew what he was about to do. Normally impossible, but with Angel absent. As a saint, Sein had the qualification. Roar! A storm of divine power surged. It enveloped Sain, Sessil, and Gallio simultaneously. ¡°O Prophet of Prophecy.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°Please, restore the light.¡± At Gallio¡¯s words, Sain closed his eyes. This was forbidden magic. A heretical magic that transcends one¡¯s divinity through the mediation of flesh and spirit. ¡°You were a heretic, weren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°And now, at this moment, what use does that serve?¡± Gallio chuckled warmly. Psh! Slowly, his flesh began to disintegrate into dust. It was the final moments of the Archbishop who had safeguarded Antara for nearly a hundred years. Thud. ¡°I have won, you brat.¡± Bastion began to hear the words. ¡°As you said¡­.¡± A man with a long scar on his face. His name is Furgan. ¡°Othomeo, I will cooperate with Tarian.¡± Furgan, the boss of the Furgan Family, a sub-organization under Demorus that controls Antara, bore the scars on his face as a mark of pride when he gained recognition from Demorus, and another scar had been added. On the opposite side of the scarred face was a faint yet distinct bruise. ¡°You¡¯ve got a good grip.¡± It was the glorious scar that Sain had created. Sain, who had tamed Bastion, had done it right away. Preparations wereplete. ¡°I told you not to open your eyes like that.¡± Ah, there was one more thing. The opponent was not Furgan, but the girl next to Sain. The radiant blonde-haired girl, Sessil. ¡°Ha. I know everything, not a clueless fool.¡± The girl, who had been keeping her eyes half-closed, slowly bowed her head. Annoyed, Sain tilted his ear. Sessil, the saint of this era. ¡°I will protect you instead of summoning prey. That¡¯s the agreement,¡± Sain said. However. ¡°Don¡¯t drag in unnecessary things. It¡¯s irritating.¡± The issue was Cecil¡¯s appearance. She was around fifteen years old. Yet, despite her age, Cecil¡¯s appearance was dazzling. Just like the historical holy women and saints, Cecil also possessed a radiant beauty. ¡°What power does sanctity hold?¡± If that were the case, then priests and nuns should have all been remarkably beautiful. Yet, looking at Galio, that didn¡¯t seem to be the case. In the end, the saint who found the answer looked up at the sky and said, ¡°A damn brat.¡± Angel. Reflecting that brat¡¯s wicked taste. Of course, Cecil was not a saint chosen by an angel, but the thought lingered. ¡°Always keep your eyes down, mouth shut. Understand?¡± Nod. ¡°Only speak when I tell you to.¡± ¡°I¡­ understand.¡± Cecil finally replied. Only then did the saint show a satisfied smile. With this, everything in Antara was done. Given some time, Antara would be the saint¡¯s domain. ¡°Information, armed forces, leadership.¡± A fairly convincing domain that embodied the Trinity. One day, Antara would grow into a solid foundation for the saint alongside Borfeo. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Arian, leaning against the wall, greeted the saint who emerged from Purgen¡¯s office. ¡°Hey.¡± Grinning, the saint lightly tapped Bastion on Arian¡¯s hip. ¡°You listened well.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± Arian pushed off the wall. As she turned around and lifted her foot, she added, ¡°You¡¯ll need to listen even better.¡± Borfeo, Antara. And now. ¡°Things will be different from now on.¡± Finally, it was time to head towards Demorus. Level has not yet reached 10. As it took quite some time in Antara, there was a need to hurry, and the path ahead was filled with ces where encountering monsters was difficult. However, Sein¡¯s face was brimming with confidence. *Smirk.* Part of the power regained thanks to Arin, who became a backer and supporter. Furthermore, a contract with the dragon, which did not exist in the past. Theck of weapons was resolved with the Bastion. *Vroom, vroom.* The imbnce in divine power, which was heightened to the extent of engulfing magic and sorcery, thanks to Galio¡¯s sublime sacrifice, had increased. Sein¡¯s level had not yet reached 10. ¡®At this rate, it should be around 15.¡¯ Judging by the stats and magic power, it would be at that level. In a game where level 30 is the max, 15. Still, having only reached the middle point of the tutorial, overflowing with confidence was inevitable. Of course. Chapter 32 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 32 ¡°Don¡¯t make a face like you already own the world, Sein.¡± ¡°I know that too.¡± Understood it wasn¡¯t everything. Even though the max level was 30, knowing that it was never the end. And having conversations with Arin, knowing the current level of the world. ¡°Still, it won¡¯t work on me anyway.¡± Despite that, he could be confident. He would be the strongest, and no one could stop him. ¡°It will be like that in the future.¡± Arin said. ¡°But for now¡­.¡± Finally. ¡°It¡¯s better to hold back your body.¡± They arrived. Zone 5. They arrived at the midpoint of the continent divided into ten parts. ¡°As I mentioned before, it¡¯s farewell here for a while.¡± Arin said. -Once arrived, you should stay away from me for a while. Arin, a reliable supporter and backer. -There, you have to prove yourself without the help of a backer or other supporters. The role of a backer was primarily two things in the beginning. One, selecting the candidate they would back. Two. ¡°In Pain, you will have to handle it alone.¡± The gathering ce of the candidates. Guiding the candidates to the middle organization. Pain. It was the city of Zone 5 that they had just arrived at, the middle organization of Demolus where Sein would stay. Under Demolus, there was a ce known as the Three Major Organizations. ¨C Dante of Vilmao. ¨C And¡­ Here. ¡°Rasiel of Pain.¡± It had been that way until now. Knowing that what he was familiar with was different in many ways, and that new things were unfolding. But from now on, it would be even more so. From the start, in his own world, there was no dark underworld or Three Major Organizations like Demolus. ¡°I can handle it, right?¡± ¡°You crazy bastard. What nonsense are you bbering about?¡± Sein said with a smile. ¡°Have you forgotten who I am?¡± The Harbinger of Destruction, Sein Archipald. The man who brought about the downfall of the immortal empire Archipald, and brought destruction to the world. ¡°Yeah. There¡¯s no one else who fits in here better than you.¡± In front of Sein were massive gates like nothing he had seen before. It was as if they were not gates protecting the city of Pain, but rather guarding the world beyond Zone 5. From Noble mtl dot Sein, with his silver hair, headed towards that ce. ¡°Follow me.¡± The golden-haired Cecille walked alongside. Finally, Sein stood in front of the gates. Countless gazes were fixed on him. There were few who trembled. Those who had made it from the Infernal Realm to the gates of this ce. Especially at a time like this. ¡°Open the gates.¡± There was no room for trembling. It was different from before. From now on. ¡°Please reveal your identity.¡± Click. Sein with a smiling face. ¡°Sein Demolus.¡± It was permissible to speak the name of Demolus. He is the candidate for Demorus, the one who will be the sessor. So, don¡¯t annoy him and open the door. The Path of the Candidate. To the one who arrived at the midpoint, the right to speak Demorus¡¯s name was granted. Creak! The massive castle gate began to open with a sinister creaking sound. ¡°Wee to Pain. Young Demorus.¡± Numerous guards bowed towards Sein and spoke. * * * Rashiel. They were known as the three major organizations under Demorus, a massive organization that could fit within ten fingers when considering the entire continent. They were also one of the final gates that candidates had to pass through. If one crossed Rashiel and arrived at Demorus, they would no longer be a candidate but a sessor who had topete with other sessors. ¡°A new guy has arrived.¡± ¡°Is this thest one?¡± Many people had gathered in Rashiel¡¯s garden. Different appearances and atmospheres. If there was one thing simr, it was their age group. All in their twenties, men and women. ¡°Do you have any guesses?¡± They were none other than. ¡°Boba Demorus.¡± Among Demorus¡¯s candidates, they belonged to Rashiel. ¡°Boba? What kind of name is that?¡± ¡°Even though the name may be, he¡¯s not someone to overlook. I¡¯ve heard.¡± A scruffy young man spoke. ¡°Barvik offered to be his sponsor.¡± ¡°The Crimson Warrior?¡± The name Barvik stirred up the crowd. Barvik was one of the recognized warriors even in Demorus. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, it seems to be him.¡± The one with Barvik as his sponsor. Opinions leaned towards the possibility of Boba bing the final candidate. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± A red-headed woman. ¡°An unexpected character might show up.¡± He scanned the crowd with a cold voice. ¡°Roberta was right.¡± The scruffy young man chimed in. ¡°We¡¯ve seen each other for the first time here many times. There have been times when we only recently discovered that we share Demorus¡¯s blood.¡± The young man¡¯s name is Sis. He was the first of Rasel¡¯s candidates toe in, also known as the eldest. ¡°There¡¯s a possibility that an unexpected existence might appear.¡± Potential. ¡°But there probably aren¡¯t many who qualify as guardians.¡± Already, including Vilmao¡¯s Dante, the rest of the organization¡¯s candidate slots were filled. Even rumors about them reached Rasel. Thinking about guardians from other organizations, no suitable candidates came to mind. ¡°There is one.¡± If any, a few. Among them, there is only one name that stands out. ¡°Arin.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Silence settled on that one name. ¡°¡­The Witch of the Legion?¡± The witch¡¯s name was a weighty one even in Demorus, not easily spoken. ¡°Nonsense.¡± Roberta said. ¡°The witch is famous for not having a guardian. If she did, it would have been done long ago.¡± She seemed to have lost interest in this joke now. ¡°And if the witch were to have a guardian¡­.¡± The witch famous for not having a guardian, Arin. If she had a guardian. ¡°He would be the most concerning one.¡± That was the end of it. Roberta seemed to rise now as if there was no reason to wait any longer. ¡°Did you say Bobara?¡± She seemed convinced that he was probably Rasel¡¯s final candidate. Not just Roberta, but everyone in the room. And then. Thud, thud. All eyes turned at the sound of footsteps. ¡°¡­.¡± Silence. ¡°¡­!¡± Surprise. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Difort. Eyes filled with a mix of all those emotions. It would happen. Step, step. Most of them didn¡¯t notice it while they were sharing stories. That another person had entered this garden and was walking towards them. The first to notice was Sis. And Roberta. But now everyone knows. Boom! A man taking steps. The energy emanating from him. ¡°¡­Ugh!¡± Suppressing the urge to panic. ¡°So, are you all Demorus¡¯s leftovers?¡± Sein, entering the garden with Sessil. Sein standing in Rashiel¡¯s garden exuded arrogance itself. Confidently standing while weing dozens of candidates. It was a sight unlike any other candidate had shown so far. ¡°¡­!¡± Candidates taken aback by Sein¡¯s demeanor. ¡°¡­.¡± But they regained theirposure, slowly gathering their strength. Gooosh. shing energies collided with Sein¡¯s, struggling against each other. Candidates were surprised again. ¡®Can he hold on?¡¯ The energy opposing Sein now was from several candidates. Yet, Sein, rather than being overwhelmed by the candidates¡¯ energy, firmly held his ground. ¡®What amount of magic power¡­.¡¯ Overwhelming magical power. But what surprised Sis and Roberta was another aspect. ¡®His magic control is beyond imagination.¡¯ Most candidates had recently awakened to magic andcked control, despite their magical power growing rapidly due to Demorus blood and support from Demorus, Rashiel, and their sponsors. It required direct experience and familiarity to master it. Otherwise. ¡°¡­Is he a genius?¡± A genius in magic control beyondparison. The gazes on Sein changed multiple times in a single moment. Another point to note was the girl standing next to Sein. The blonde girl, despite her pretty appearance, seemed tock anything special; however, Sein was in a fiercepetition with the candidates while protecting such a girl. ¡°Well, I guess this much of a greeting should do?¡± In an instant. Swish! The energy Sein had been emitting vanished. ¡°¡­Huh?¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± Just like in a hand wrestling match, he nullified the opponent¡¯s strength in an instant. Those who had been exerting force to push the opponent back. ¡°Cough!¡± Some couldn¡¯t control their misced magic energy and ended up vomiting blood when they lost their focus or when the reversed flow of magic overwhelmed them. ¡°Tsk.¡± Sein¡¯s voice echoed through the garden. ¡°I thought you were the worst of the worst among the trash. Cancelled. Cancelled.¡± Sein with a yful glint in his eyes. But those who met his gaze. ¡°They¡¯re just a bunch of trash.¡± For a moment, a shiver ran down their spines. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sein stepped into the garden, only about three minutes left. Sein said, ¡°We may share the same roots, but isn¡¯t it a shame to greet each other like this?¡± He was overwhelming all the candidates. Shing. A sword that was automatically pulled out of Sein¡¯s waist. It was not Bastion, but Sein, with a hastily chosen ordinary longsword. ¡°Show us what a Demorus-style greeting is like.¡± Arrogant. Such a person was provoking them. They had already been overwhelmed once, pushed back by him. ¡°We¡¯ll show you what a crazy bastard looks like.¡± This was Demorus¡¯s Rasiel. They were candidates following in Demorus¡¯s footsteps. ¡°Do you see me?¡± One of the candidates, a young man with short hair, Kindra, took out two daggers and twirled them around. ¡°See you? Where have I heard that name before?¡± Even facing Kindra, Sein muttered to himself. ¡°Ah. His mother is an ogre.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Though he didn¡¯t admit it, it¡¯s clear that his mother is definitely an ogre.¡± Sein confidently stated. Chapter 33 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 33 ¡°Remember this, everyone. The seed we share surely belongs to a great person who doesn¡¯t discriminate by age or race.¡± Thinking back to the monsters being sold at Antara¡¯s ve market, Sein shuddered. ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°Anyway.¡± Though Kindra was about to say something to Sein, he didn¡¯t give her a chance and continued, ¡°Are you the boss?¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Kindra¡¯s voice chilled at Sein¡¯s words. ¡°Unless you¡¯re the boss, does it make sense for you to confuse me with a kid who has an ogre for a mother?¡± ¡°Kindra, he¡¯s right.¡± Another candidate approached and spoke. He was quite handsome. ¡°Sys.¡± He was Sys. ¡°The boy Boberan appointed as his guardian mentioned that Boberan values physical abilities, which doesn¡¯t seem apparent in this boy.¡± The skill in handling magic. Something that Boberan couldn¡¯t teach. To handle Boberan¡¯s iron, one actually needed to have a lower adaptation to magic. ¡°Your eyes seem sharp.¡± Sein shrugged as if it was obvious. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Sein Demolus from Chichiron.¡± Sein answered Sys¡¯s question. ¡°Alright. Wee, Sein.¡± That was Sys¡¯s chosen course of action. ¡°I need to keep an eye on him. It wouldn¡¯t be wise to provoke him unnecessarily.¡± Sein acted recklessly. It was a will to observe him slowly by his side rather than provoking him. But Sys was unaware. ¡°Well, I also wee you.¡± Approaching Kindra ignoring Sys, ¡°We haven¡¯t finished our conversation with this kid, have we?¡± Kindra hesitated, looking sharply at Sein. ¡°You¡¯re the boss, right?¡± ¡°What are you saying, you lunatic.¡± ¡°I mistook you for that big guy, so you must be the chief.¡± ¡°Well, what do you mean¡­?¡± That was the moment. Thunk. A sudden turn of events. The moment Sein¡¯s right hand moved, leaving a trace. From Noble mtl dot ¡°¡­?¡± While some candidates were unaware of what had just transpired. ¡°¡­.¡± Seis and some other candidates were staring with even colder eyes. In the following moment. ¡°Aaargh!¡± Kindra¡¯s desperate scream echoed. ¡°My eyes! My eyes!¡± Kindra fell, clutching her eyes. ¡°This little bastard!¡± Kindra, backed by Jace known as the Inder. Among Rashiel¡¯s candidates, he was only a mid-level skilled individual, but he prided himself on his speed. Yet, Kindra fell victim without even putting up a fight. Most candidates only realized what had happened upon hearing Kindra¡¯s scream. ¡°You, you¡¯ve got quite the eye.¡± Only a few, including Sirr. ¡°You saw that?¡± They could see Sein¡¯s movements. The yful demeanor vanished, reced by a chilling and ruthless gaze. Through that gap, a hand moved. Though trying to remainposed. Flinch. Even Seis couldn¡¯t help but shudder at Sein¡¯s demeanor. ¡°Aaargh!¡± ¡°Well, it seems the greetings havee to an end.¡± Sein spoke, whether Kindra screamed or not. ¡°Anyone else with something to say?¡± ¡°Who dares-! Die!¡± As Kindra, blinded, lunged towards Sein¡¯s voice with a dagger. ng! From somewhere, a flying sword intercepted Kindra¡¯s dagger. * * * ¡°Too bad.¡± Sain said. ¡°I was just trying to kill you.¡± In reality, Sain¡¯s longsword was at Kindra¡¯s throat. It was not Sain who saved Kindra from the flying de. And the one who threw the de. ¡°You¡¯re too polite.¡± A middle-aged man with a stylish mustache. ¡°Guild Master!¡± Some of the candidates fawned over the middle-aged man. ¡°Wee.¡± Sys bowed his head as if unsurprised. The middle-aged man with the mustache. He was none other than. ¡°So, you¡¯re the guy called Sain.¡± Alman DeMorus, the Guild Master of Lasciel, known as the third organization of Demorus. ¡°He is Alman DeMorus, responsible for Lasciel.¡± Alman DeMorus. He was of the Demorus lineage. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Sain and Alman facing each other. Sain had been holding the sword to Kindra¡¯s throat all this time. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to put the sword away now?¡± At Alman¡¯s words, Sain slowly withdrew the sword. ¡°You¡¯re a monster.¡± Others may not know, but Sain who had faced him could tell. If things were to escte further, Alman would seek retribution. This was Lasciel. And Alman¡¯s territory. Although he was still just a candidate, and despite being reminded of Demorus¡¯s name, Alman said. -Alman DeMorus. Calling himself Demorus. ¡°Thanks for recognizing me. You may not be harmless either¡­.¡± Grin. Alman¡¯s smiling face. ¡°You¡¯re quite something.¡± Beyond his smile, Sain could sense something sinister lurking. ¡®They call them monsters.¡¯ Arian had warned. From now on, he would meet Demorus. No, those who can consider it real will definitely be monsters that cannot be ignored. No matter how much they call themselves the bringers of destruction, in the current era, their name may not carry weight, and their power must be proven. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s tidy up.¡± A single word from Alman. Even Kindra, who was going crazy, stood up, enduring the pain in her eyes. Candidates moving to secure their positions. It didn¡¯t take them long to assume a convincing appearance. Snick. Alman¡¯s satisfied smile. ¡°Today, with Sir Demorus as thest, Rashiel¡¯s garden is now full.¡± Candidatepetition. Thepetition extended even to reaching the three major organizations. Although no one knew how many seeds the noble Demorus had sown, rumors said it was close to two hundred. ¡°The rest of the organizations have long filled their gardens.¡± Each guild has thirty spots. And those who haven¡¯t arrived yet eitherck sponsors or have sponsors who are insufficient. They are. ¡°Now, we can truly begin the candidatepetition properly¡­.¡± They will be eliminated. ¡°I dere.¡± Boom! That¡¯s why Sir also gathered information through Autom¨¦o and could arrive at the right time. ¡°Let¡¯s wrap up the atmosphere. Seeing everyone so lively makes one look forward to the future of Demorus.¡± As he caught the eyes of the other candidates, the sound he heard was that. But Sir also had to admit. ¡°¡­¡­¡± This is the world known as the Abyss. The world he has to step into. From now on. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day for now. Everyone, take a break.¡± This marks the beginning of the true Dark Sanctuary. ¡°Now, we can truly begin the candidatepetition properly¡­.¡± A murmuring voice. ¡°I dere.¡± Sir followed Alman¡¯s words that day. ¡°Quite the amusing gentlemen.¡± It had been a week since he entered Rashiel. ¡°Starting what, when there¡¯s nothing to start.¡± Contrary to the grandiose words spoken that day, nothing had happened since then. It¡¯s just about how to make use of the given break. The candidates were utilizing the given break in their own ways. Some head towards the city. ¨C Amazing. Those who enjoy the culture in the well-maintained and managed 5th zone unlike the lower zones. Thump! Thump! Those who train while waiting for the uing time. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Those who aimlessly kill time holed up in their rooms. Among them, Sein was one of those who had nothing to do and was holed up in his room. ¡°What¡¯s there to see.¡± Although the 5th zone, which other candidates admire, had nothing special to offer Sein. Compared to the glorious Chantry of the past, Pain with Rashiel could be considered a local baron at best. Of course, he briefly toured the city the next day, but that was it. From the following day onwards, he was just stuck in his room¡­ In a slump. Just like a beggar. ¡°Is it tasty?¡± Seil, who was nibbling on a snack in a corner of the room, only responded with a shrug. Nod. ¡°You¡¯re a saint. You couldn¡¯t even eat?¡± He asked, but he already knew. ¡°Gallio, that¡­ Inspiration won¡¯t even follow the doctrine so why was he so strict.¡± Because she was a saint, she must have received thorough care. She might have been pleased with stimting food like grasshoppers, iming it was blessed food. In a slump. Of course, Sein was no different. ¡°Ugh.¡± The worst food you could find in Chichiron. He managed to find some decent things in Borpeona Antara since then, but they weren¡¯t particrly tasty. It was inevitable due to the absence of contaminated ingredients or spices in the lower zones. Considering the circumstances here are better. ¡°I want to eat chicken.¡± The pain in his tongue lessened, but his years of living as a Korean weren¡¯t going anywhere, so dreaming about chicken was inevitable. Swish. Seil looked at Sein at the mention of chicken. ¡°Why do you want to eat it too?¡± Nod. ¡°You can find spices and ingredients if you go higher up, so I¡¯ll make it for youter.¡± He¡¯ll go up. Sein, confident in heading towards the Demorus estate. Nod, nod. Cecil, too, simply nodded, believing without doubt. But if one were to ask if Sein had truly just indulged in food and lounged around all this time. me-. That wasn¡¯t the case. Ohhh. Sein, who had disyed overwhelming magic and control in Rasiel¡¯s garden. The current Sein. ¡°Now, I¡¯m starting to get the hang of it.¡± It could be said that he had acquired a different, deeper level of skill than back then. Dragon Heart, Demon King¡¯s Heart, Saint¡¯s Ring. Even boosting the magic that wascking in Galio¡¯s sanctity. ¡°Now, barely one, huh.¡± Finally seeded in mimicking a passive skill. ¨C Magic control. When starting to use magic in life, afterpleting the tutorial and learning basic skills. However, in this world, passive skills were. Smirk. Truly a morale booster. When the world was no longer a game, everything had be a reality where one had to move with a single will. But passive skills were different. ¡°Whew. Ha.¡± Skills that naturally activated like breathing, providing assistance. Each one¡¯s utility may not be that high. Growl. But when they were honed, became numerous, they would reveal their true value. Chapter 34 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 34 Sein had originally tried to create passive skills, but had given up upon realizing the absurd amount of magic power required. When the conditions were met, he hadpleted one in Rasiel, prepared from Antara. ¡°The tutorial is over.¡± From now on, it¡¯s the real deal. ¡°Didn¡¯t they say Almani?¡± Almani Demorus. ¡°He was a monster.¡± Perhaps simr to Arin. He found more than he thought, but it¡¯s still not enough. He should be. No, more than in the past. ¡°The strongest.¡± Because he has to be the strongest. ¡°Are you going to get some snacks?¡± As Cecil got up to leave the room, Sein spoke. ¡°Get mine too on your way back.¡± A nod. Just as Cecil was about to open the door, tilting his head. ¡°No, there¡¯s no need for that.¡± Creak. Sein¡¯s door naturally opened. A visitor. ¡°It¡¯s time to gather the candidates. Sein Demorus.¡± A member of Rasiel¡¯s organization spoke through the open door. * * * Like the day Sein set foot in Rasiel, candidates were gathered in Rasiel¡¯s garden. However, the same freedom and arrogance from that day were nowhere to be found. ¨C Summoning. This moment everyone had been waiting for. ¡°So, this is the beginning, right?¡± It was the start of the candidates¡¯petition. ¡°Finally.¡± ¡°I heard thepetition has already begun in other organizations.¡± ¡°Are we thest ones?¡± From Noble mtl dot They had heard rumors that the other three major organizations had already started their candidatepetitions. It was unsettling. Though for now, it was just the candidatepetition within Rasiel. ¡°In the end, we¡¯ll have topete with the candidates from the other organizations as well.¡± Demorus. They were alreadyte to stand at the pinnacle of that name, so it was inevitable to be concerned. ¡°They say we have to carry out a mission.¡± ¡°What kind of mission?¡± The candidates were discussing. But even then, their eyes were focused in one direction. *Sigh.* Sein standing alone without forming any group. Time had passed, yet the first encounter with Sein remained deep in their minds. ¡°Should we form a team?¡± ¡°Perhaps all the candidates shouldpete.¡± ¡°Either way is fine.¡± In that manner, trying to be conscious yet unconscious. Pshh. A hollowugh escaped Sain. ¡°Well, they¡¯re just kids.¡± About twenty or so candidates. Most of them had only recently realized what Demorus was. But among them, there were some noticeable ones. ¡°Sis.¡± Sis. ¡°Did you say Roberto?¡± Calm, yet exuding a refined energy, they seemed different from the other candidates. ¡°Those guys.¡± I already knew. ¡°The main house guys.¡± While Demorus¡¯s owner scattered seeds across the continent, they also nted them in my backyard. Sess stories who had been recognized as Demorus¡¯s children from a young age, receiving education and support. ¡°There¡¯s one from the main house, Sis.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Sain turned his head at the sudden voice. Standing there was a rather handsome young man. ¡°Roberta is from Zone 6. It¡¯s rare for a main house toe to Rasciel in the first ce.¡± ¡°What are you?¡± ¡°Me?¡± With a sheepish expression, and even a thick face. The guy introduced himself like this. ¡°Tain. Ie from the lowest level like you. Not Zone 10, but Zone 9.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡± ¡°Just.¡± Tain said with a smile. ¡°I think sticking with you increases my chances.¡± ¡°Chances?¡± In response to Sain¡¯s words, Tain replied. ¡°Yeah. Survival chances.¡± ¡°This guy¡¯s a pain in the neck.¡± Sain smiled, seemingly pleased. And then. ¡°Thanks for gathering, everyone.¡± Almani had arrived. * * * ¡°Starting today, the candidatepetition begins.¡± Alman stood on the tform. And the candidates who listened to his voice. Alman scanned each of them and said, ¡°You will receive a mission and must resolve it.¡± Even if it¡¯s not a game, it seems the foundation of the world is inevitable. ¡°Feels like a game.¡± Not bad. It was a method familiar above all to the Saints. ¡°Bypleting the mission, you must prove that you are the talent needed by Demorus.¡± Alman continued speaking. ¡°And based on that evaluation¡­¡± Alman seemed amiable. ¡°Your fate will be decided.¡± But he was also Demorus. The leader of the three major organizations in Demorus, the darkest of the dark. Just like themselves. ¡®The survivor of the candidatepetition.¡¯ That would be the proof of the name Demorus. ¡°Any questions?¡± Someone raised their hand at Alman¡¯s question. ¡°Who decides the best among us?¡± ¡°I do.¡± A bold statement. Yet, no one questioned it. Seemingly satisfied, Alman added a remark. ¡°But someone mighte forward to prove my judgment wrong. For instance, if external evaluations are overwhelmingly different.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± ¡°What about the difficulty of the mission?¡± Alman smiled in his peculiar way. ¡°I decide that too.¡± ¡°¡­¡± In contrast to earlier, the candidates¡¯ expressions darkened. They sensed the hidden meaning behind Alman¡¯s words. ¡°So, if the guild leader wishes, we could all perish.¡± By deploying for missions of absurd difficulty that could lead toplete annihtion. By sending only the necessary individuals on suicide missions. Alman. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t do that now, would you?¡± Asserting his absolute control over everyone¡¯s life and death. ¡°Idiots.¡± Sein said, cupping his ear. ¡°If you were going to kill us from the start, why bother with all this trouble?¡± It was a voice that seemed to be telling all the candidates to listen. ¡°Just by moving a finger, half of you would be gone.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°So.¡± There was no desire to endure any more pointless questions and answers. Inadequacy. ¡®I need to level up.¡¯ The inadequacies Sein was feeling. ¡®I need to create passive skills, gather the rest¡­, find equipment materials.¡¯ For that purpose, his days in Lasel were nothing short of a bliss. ¡°What¡¯s the mission?¡± To the point. Only now did the silencee. Just being tense, everyone was actually waiting for it. ¡°You¡¯re an impatient one.¡± He smirked. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll give you your first mission.¡± Beginning. ¡°All of you will participate in this mission.¡± ¡°All of us?¡± ¡°What kind of mission is it¡­.¡± The momentary rxation was short-lived. At the mention of everyone participating in the mission, a sense of foreboding seemed to arise from before. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve chosen a mission difficulty level that you can handle.¡± Thud! Energy surged from Alman¡¯s body as he flicked his finger downwards. ¡°You will exterminate the Dark Orc Stronghold.¡± He smirked. And Sein smiled too. Extermination of Dark Orcs. That was the true nature of the first mission assigned to the candidates of Demorus. It was known that Orcs were hunted by low-level yers in the Sanctuary. Sein had also leveled up by exterminating an Orc stronghold on his way here. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t think of Dark Orcs as the same as regr Orcs.¡± He said there was a significant difference between those Dark Orcs and the regr ones. ¡°It¡¯s safe to say that those swallowed by darkness have changed their kind.¡± One talkative candidate. By the sound of it, he seemed to havee from an area where monster hunting was lively. He made a living by hunting monsters until he found out he had Demonus blood. That¡¯s why he was quite sturdy and had sharp eyes that left an impression. But what caught Sein¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t that kind of candidate. ¡°It¡¯s that ce.¡± An area known for having many monsters. I should remember that. ¡°Especially because Dark Orcs are terrifying for forming groups despite belonging to the darkness faction.¡± The candidate was showing off his knowledge to the gathered candidates. ¡°With a tough faction like the dark ones gathering, the difficulty level of subjugation will skyrocket.¡± Other candidates were listening attentively to his words. A candidate with little experience in monster hunting. A candidate not ustomed to fighting from the start. Or like Sein. ¡°Forget about groups and nonsense like that, are they strong?¡± Even candidates who were interested in monsters themselves. ¡°Are Dark Orcs strong? Pista.¡± The candidate exining about monsters seemed to be named Pista. ¡°As you know, the darkness faction achieves overwhelming physical abilities. On top of that, they have mastered the uniquebat skills of orcs.¡± Pista said. ¡°Most of all, what makes the dark faction the most terrifying is¡­ the ability to use blessings.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Sein also showed interest. Blessings were something even Sein himself was not familiar with. A piece of it was passed down from Boba to Sein, sleeping inside him. ¡°There are various types of blessings, but Dark Orcs are said to be able to use¡­ ¡®Aura.¡¯¡± ¡°Aura?¡± The candidates buzzed with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s rumored that only high-level warriors can use it. I¡¯ve only heard about it myself. The darkness faction is not something ordinary monster hunters can face.¡± ¡°What, was this guy babbling about something he didn¡¯t even see?¡± ¡°But still, we heard the story.¡± A restless atmosphere. Sein¡¯smentary, observing everything, was. ¡°Ugh, idiots.¡± That was it. ¡°Demorus¡¯s future looks dark, indeed, dark.¡± They weren¡¯t twelve-year-old kids, but adults in their early twenties gathering to have such a conversation. Seeing the candidates turn their gazes away while expressing difort at Sein¡¯s muttered words. ¡°Tsk.¡± Sein clicked his tongue at their behavior. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡± Someone approached and started talking. Looking at the face, it was someone familiar. ¡®Was it Sis?¡¯ A guy from the main family. ¡°There are many who lived ordinary lives before awakening their powers.¡± Sis naturally took a seat next to Sein and spoke. ¡°They weren¡¯t all born with a silver spoon like you.¡± ¡°What makes you talk as if you know everything?¡± ¡°I did some investigation.¡± Sein nced at Sis. ¡°The crazy one from Chichiron, the new master of Borfeo, the hidden talent of Antara.¡± ¡°You confidently mention the investigation.¡± ¡°Do you forget where you are?¡± Sis said. Chapter 35 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 35 ¡°Demoras.¡± It almost slipped Sein¡¯s mind due to those gloomy-looking guys, but this was Demoras. One of the ces known as the Three Dark Territories. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be ufortable with a little investigation, right? You can do as much as you want.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not particrly interested.¡± ¡°I thought as much.¡± Sis shrugged. ¡°Anyway, what¡¯s the n?¡± What¡¯s with the talk. ¡°We¡¯ll be arriving soon.¡± The candidates crossed the area using a portal, boarded arge carriage, and were on the move. Destination. Towards Vice of Zone 7. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll know once we arrive.¡± Leaving a doubtful remark, Sis stood up. * * * The fact that almost got forgotten due to the immature appearance of the candidates. ¡°Weing the candidates of Demoras.¡± The name Demoras. It was confirmed upon arriving at Vice of Zone 7. The situation was different from before. ¡°I am Ode Vice, the lord of Vice of this ce.¡± A man who looked to be in his forties approached, bowing and offering greetings. The name Demoras that wasn¡¯t allowed until reaching Rasiel. Even if mentioned, it was a name that hadn¡¯t easily gained recognition, but now things were different. ¡°Campeda of Rasiel.¡± Despite being a guide for the candidates, a lower-ranking member of Rasiel spoke informally to the lord. ¡°Lord Campe. They are here.¡± Rather than showing anger, Lord Youngju bowed respectfully towards Campe. This is the true position that Demorus currently holds. ¡°The candidates of Demorus have arrived!¡± Od¨¦ shouted. From Noble mtl dot Attention! Vice¡¯s guards raised their spears, standing at attention. As if it were a procession of high nobility. ¡°Cough, cough.¡± The candidates couldn¡¯t help but smile, seeming quite pleased. ¡°Lodgings have been prepared for the candidates.¡± Od¨¦ mentioned, still maintaining his respectful demeanor. ¡°No,¡± Campe firmly stated. ¡°The candidates will go to the family house.¡± ¡°Ah, understood.¡± An acquiescence that seemed natural. The formalities upon arriving at Vice were not yet over. First was Lord Youngju. Then. ¡°Nice to meet the candidates.¡± The alley behind Vice, carrying Demorus on his back. That ce was said to have been controlled for over a decade by a tough guy named Rnd, who was the leader, with quite a thick skull. ¡°You are wee to use everything here as you please.¡± Someone who knew his position well. ¡°If there¡¯s anything special you need, please feel free to let us know.¡± A man who knew his worth. Especially. ¡°Cough¡­.¡± In response to the candidates seeming to expect something, Rnd smiled. ¡°A party has been arranged.¡± p! The door opened with apuse. ¡°Wee. Candidates!¡± ¡°To think esteemed individuals like yourselves woulde to such a humble ce.¡± Women filled with displeasure. ¡°We will take care of the candidates!¡± Young men, muscr and dressed or not, it was hard to tell. While most of the candidates blushed at the sudden situation, they couldn¡¯t hide their smiles. That¡¯s all for now. Swish. And fitting for this mischief. ¡°Do you not enjoy the party?¡± Rnd asked quietly, looking towards the gentleman slipping away. Sein slowly smiled at him. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to lose, then get lost.¡± It was the kindest thing Rnd could do for him. * * * It wasn¡¯t just Sein. Sis, Roberta. Candidates over a dozen were sneaking out of the hedonistic party hall. Sein stood atop the wall, watching over everything. ¡°The rest will soon be eliminated.¡± The fellows in the party hall. Their futures were predictable. And. ¡°So that¡¯s it.¡± Sis and others were seen interacting with the other candidates. ¨C By the way, what should we do? That must have been Sis¡¯s question. ¡°Are we forming teams?¡± This was apetition. Each had to prove their worth by setting up their own piece. While it would be nice to stand alone, Dark Oak¡¯s candidates were formidable opponents, so it seemed like they were considering forming teams to tackle the challenge. Sis hesitated. He might be searching for himself, but it was unlikely at his level. ¡°We¡¯ve confirmed Dark Oak¡¯s position.¡± Hmm. The magic pulsating in his hand sent a signal. Having pinpointed the whereabouts of Dark Oak through the magical waves. ¡°Hunting like this is the most convenient.¡± Though he had intended to move earlier. ¡°Hmm.¡± Sein still lingered in the vice. ¡°I¡¯m curious.¡± The other candidates. Their abilities. No, rather. ¡°Being able to utilize the blessing properly.¡± The blessing of darkness they possessed. The power to prove allegiance to Demorus. Sein also possessed it, but it was still a mere trifle. I have never failed to attempt utilizing the blessing, but for some reason, I couldn¡¯t get a response and was unable to use it. ¡°What.¡± Monsters. Other organizations. Different Lords. Darklings. A massive barrier erected to prevent all of that. ¡°Shall we take a look?¡± Ta¡¯at. Sein leaped under that barrier without hesitation. * * * ¡°Shall we move like this then?¡± In no time, Sis was ying the role of the leader of the candidates. Partly due to thepetition but also naturally drawn to the leadership shown so far. ¡°I¡¯ve confirmed the location of the Dark Orc stronghold.¡± Also thanks to Sis¡¯s abilities. Being from the original family, receiving more support, and having his own power, Sis¡¯s intelligence was on a different levelpared to other candidates. ¡°We¡¯re not taking the party members with us, are we?¡± Someone asked. Sis seemed friendly. Although he appeared to be taking care of the candidates. ¡°We don¡¯t need to bring those who are willing to be eliminated.¡± His firm and cold voice silenced the other candidates. ¡°They¡¯re the ones who loosen up even in the first mission. Do you think they are the talent needed for Demoras?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Well, anyway, what about Kindra¡­¡± The one who lost his eyes to Sein. Fortunately, he regained his sight through potions and healers in Rasial. ¡°Are you nning to move separately?¡± Though he had skills worth noting, he was absent in leading the party despite seeing it. ¡°I saw them moving with the others earlier.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be helped.¡± Sis cleanly gave up on Kindra. Yet, he couldn¡¯t easily leave his spot and wandered around as if searching for something. And then. ¡°I have a question that I¡¯m curious about.¡± At the sound of the voice, Sis¡¯s lips curled up. ¡°Why on earth do you hunt monsters in the Dark Domain?¡± It was Sein¡¯s voice. There was still much about the world that he didn¡¯t know. Now, this ce was no longer the familiar scenery he once knew. The information avable in the narrow Chichiron was limited, and his time spent in other cities was minimal. ¨C ns for the future. He was too preupied to engage in more substantial conversations with Arin. Therefore, ¡°It took quite some time for the New Empire to establish itself after the fall of the Empire.¡± Such time might have been necessary. On a dark night, moving outside the city, Sis spoke in a quiet voice. ¡°The biggest problem is creatures like the Shadows, even seasoned mercenaries and knights of the lower regions shy away from facing them.¡± They were revealing themselves amidst the chaos of the dark night. And the lords of the dark night. ¡®Saw an opportunity.¡¯ Issues erupting all over the world. They would take charge of that, and in return, the Empire would acknowledge them and promise privileges. It was the moment when those who had been hiding in the shadows emerged into the light. ¨C Dark Pact. That was precisely the Dark Pact. And a part of that pact was hunting the Shadows. ¡°Well, it¡¯s just business as usual.¡± The starting point of the dark night was ultimately the alley. And what the alley thugs did was surely not just receiving protection money. In the end, hunting monsters was also part of the deal. The only difference was that the scale had increased. ¡°Is that all you¡¯re curious about?¡± Sis said. ¡°Ask again when you¡¯re curious.¡± Sein¡¯s gaze was like looking at a universal cat robot. ¡®He seems like a decent guy for now.¡¯ That was Sein¡¯s assessment of Sis. ¡°Oh, one more thing.¡± He became curious about something. ¡°You can ask me anything.¡± At this moment, it was still pitch ck. There was a faint light created by magicalnterns and gray mist, but it was a time when one would never venture out for hunting. Though it seemed to be driven by a sense ofpetition, the fact that it was so natural was perplexing. ¡°Why hunt at night?¡± That reason. ¡°¡­?¡± All the candidates turned to Sein. ¡°¡­?¡± Simrly, the man tilted his head in confusion. Was what seemed obvious to him not so for them? Even considering events in Chichiron or elsewhere, his ownmon sense prevailed. ¡°¡­You haven¡¯t awakened the blessing yet, have you?¡± ¡°I thought it was due to the immense magical power being a blessing.¡± Sein frowned at the voices of the candidates. Soon after, silence descended. ¡°Whether you¡¯re hiding something or not¡­ Is it something even they haven¡¯t disclosed to you?¡± Sys spoke towards Sein. ¡°The blessing we possess.¡± A spark. mes rose from Sys¡¯s hand. It emitted an even brighter light before vanishing with a crackling sound. A moment of intense heat. ¡®Hell re?¡¯ It was a rare awakening skill that could only be obtained at the end of a magical life. ¡°Enhanced in darkness.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So that¡¯s why the Darklings are tasked with hunting in the shadows. We move during this night.¡± There was a reason for that. ¡°Interesting.¡± ¡°¡­.You truly remain an enigma even when you seem to know.¡± All curiosity was satisfied. ¡®I definitely need to delve further into the blessings.¡¯ Especially since it was a characteristic exclusive to the direct descendants of the Darklings. ¡®I¡¯m curious about my own blessing too.¡¯ But that¡¯s a tale for another time. After the exchange with Sys, after continuous movement. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± They had reached the Dark Orc Stronghold. * * * Huff, huff. The exhales resembled the steam of a train. Their size was nearly double that of a regr orc. Normally, they would be treated as boss monsters. Huff, huff. They moved together as a group. Dark Orc Stronghold. Chapter 36 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 36 Foreboding. Sein tilted his head, gazing at the ce. ¡°Would they like these too?¡± Thinking of someone who couldn¡¯t pull themselves together in the darkness. Kwaaang-! The battle had begun. It started with Sis¡¯s Hell re. Though its power was inferior to the original, it possessed the power to blow away the city as a waking skill. Hwarrererrruk! The mes of heat began to engulf the Dark Orc Barracks. ¡°Now¡¯s the time!¡± Sis¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°Waaaah!¡± The candidates rushed towards the Dark Orc Barracks as if they had be heroes in a fairy tale. A clumsy sight. ¡°Kraaaah!¡± The enraged Dark Orcs started to move at the sudden attack. Boooom! Their massive ives swung towards the candidates without hesitation. The candidates, who were confident in Sis¡¯s initiative, were taken aback by the Dark Orc¡¯s attack. ¡°Ugh!¡± They froze in ce. ¡°¡­.¡± Sis spoke. Most of the candidates were ordinary people who didn¡¯t even know they were Demolers until recently. From Noble mtl dot It might not have been a world where fighting was necessary, but most had grown up experiencing battles. ¡°Crazy¡­.¡± Encountering a Dark Orc for the first time truly made them feel like ordinary people. ¡°Jaan! Pull yourself together, Jaan!¡± Jaan, who had taken a hit from the Dark Orc¡¯s ive,y half-crumpled on the ground. But that was the candidates¡¯ situation. Boooom! The Dark Orcs, convinced they had the upper hand, continued their assault on the candidates. Kraaang! The sound of metal friction reverberated. Armor, long hair fluttering. A greatsword that suited her appearance perfectly. Kraaang! Roberta, amidst chaos, remained calm as she deflected the Dark Orc¡¯s ive with her sword. ¡°Kraaaah!¡± The Dark Orc roared in anger. Swish. They had made it through to the very end. ¡°¡­!¡± Candidates who had once wavered. ¡°Are you all just going to sit there and wait to die?¡± Roberto¡¯s skill, Roberto¡¯s voice snapped them back to reality. ¡°Ugh, aghh!¡± Close to being overwhelmed by fear, but they fought through. Boom! An even more explosive Hell re erupted once again. ¡°Now¡¯s the time!¡± Sys¡¯s shout as she unleashed it spurred the candidates¡¯ courage. Their skills werecking, but they had learnedbat techniques growing up. In the short time they had arrived in Lashiel, they had learned those things. ng! The candidates were engaged in battle with Dark Orcs. ¡°This is quite impressive.¡± That was Sein¡¯s assessment. The candidates had asserted that facing Dark Orcs required formidable skills. ¡°So, this is what a blessing is all about¡­¡± The candidates were facing off against Dark Orcs. ¡°It was more impressive than I thought.¡± An overall improvement in abilities. Even enabling the use of the fiery awakening skill. In the midst of an unbelievable fight, they were somehow holding their ground. It was a perilousbat akin to acrobatics, yet the candidates were growing within it. And Sein, who was merely observing. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s time for me to start moving too.¡± He finally began to move. * * * A fierce battle was raging with the Dark Orcs. But that was not where Sein was headed. Toward the entrance of the Dark Orc stronghold, in the forest. Flicker! With the fortress aze with Hell re behind him, Sein stood there. There was a reason he had deliberately not joined the hunt. ¡°¡­There was something more nourishing than that.¡± ¡°Did youe here on purpose?¡± In the dark forest, a shadow slithered out. No, not just one. Swoosh, swoosh. Multiple shadows. ¡°Why is everyone gathered here? The Dark Orc is over there.¡± At the nonchnt remark of Sein, the face of the figure in the darkness twisted. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± The figure in the darkness. Swish. Two short swords drawn. The figure¡¯s identity was Kendra. The one who had lost both eyes to Sein. ¡°I heard they fixed your eyes. Is it true?¡± Grin. But Sein, too, smiled back at him. ¡°Looks like they did a good job fixing them.¡± Crazy guy. Because that was who he was. ¡°Are they gathering to strike the final blow on the Dark Orc?¡± Sein asked. ¡°Or are they hiding some good prey?¡± Sein chuckled, but his eyes were as sharp as ever. The energy felt as they approached the Dark Orc Bastion from Vase. Sein knew from the start that Kendra was following them. ¡°Yeah.¡± Kendra said, baring his fangs. ¡°Who the hell knows.¡± ¡°Wow, how did you figure that out? Are you also from the homnd?¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Anyway, it worked out well.¡± Sein said, scratching his ear. ¡°There must be satisfaction in giving up the Dark Orc hunt.¡± For the sake of abandoning the experience points from the Dark Orc. It was the same reason he followed Sis. ¡®Blessing.¡¯ Because he wanted to see the nature and limits of that unknown power. He had confirmed the effects of facing monsters through Sis and the candidates. Now it was time to confirm something even more important. ¡°The rest are in a simr position as Sim Bongsa, right?¡± What happens when you face that properly. ¡°¡­¡­?¡± Perhaps he wouldn¡¯t understand the term Sim Bongsa. ¡°Then let¡¯s leave it at that.¡± Sein¡¯s gaze changed. As expected, Kendra was the quickest to react. Being fast meant not only physical speed but also quick judgment inbat. ¡°Kill them!¡± Hurriedly pounding the ground, Kindra ran. But it was already toote. ¡°You know.¡± The shadow of Sein was behind Kindra. Because she was behind the backs of the other candidates. Thud. Not even a scream was heard, apanied by the sound of bones snapping. Thwack. The candidate who entrusted her head to Sein fell to the ground, motionless. ¡°It¡¯s just how it is. Since I look the most threatening, it¡¯s better to eliminate me now.¡± As time passed, it would be even more difficult. Or not. ¡°If rushing in before your spirit breaks is your n, it¡¯s a wise decision.¡± Now, filled with anger, was the only opportune moment to strike. Those who thought so must have seen an opportunity to aim at themselves alongside Kindra. But they had to know. ¡°The price of judgment.¡± Thwack! The sound of flesh being pierced. ¡°¡­!¡± The candidates gasped in surprise. It was because they saw an aura emanating from Sein¡¯s fingertips. The use of aura, a skill only the experienced could wield. For the novice candidates, it was a skill they couldn¡¯t even hope to mimic. ¡°It may cost you your life.¡± Sein¡¯s ughter had begun. He believed it was entirely possible. Yet, they were candidates. If they were from the main family, they must have known. So, even if they had not heard of the Demolus family until recently, it was thought they were just ordinary individuals, or at worst, someone whose name had never been heard. But that was ignorance. Thud. Not knowing they could only be trapped in the countryside for so long. Not knowing until most candidates reached the halfway point and then moved. Hence, not even hearing their names. Thwack! The cost of not knowing. Yet still believed it was possible. ¨C You have talent. The anticipation he had before awakening Demorus¡¯s blood. -Don¡¯t you want to be outstanding? The anticipation he had after awakening that blood. That was truly being acknowledged as a human of real value. For such a self. ¡°¡­Why.¡± Anyone would be able to keep up in terms of speed. ¡°Why-uh¡­.¡± Kindra thought so. -If you¡¯ve been wronged, I¡¯ll repay it. -Grace may not be repaid, but grudges are repaid tenfold. A philosophy engraved from growing up in the back alleys. He tried to embody that. He tried to take a life because he lost his sight. ¡°Why can¡¯t you see.¡± But it was really as he said. ¡°Why¡­.¡± He was a lord. Even though he regained his lost sight with Rasiel¡¯s help, he was still a lord. ¡°Screaaam!¡± Screams echoing. Those who had gathered to target Sain. ¡°G-gulp, help, help¡­.¡± Half of them were already dead, writhing on the ground. -Speed begins with what you see. The ocr strength he boasted of more than anyone. Thinking he could be faster than anyone. But truly, he was a lord. Pwoosh! Since he couldn¡¯t see a single move of Sain. What he saw was just an afterimage. If all he could see were blurry shadows, wasn¡¯t he really not a lord, as he said? At some point. ¡°¡­¡­¡± The loud screams no longer echoed. Not even the sounds of peers struggling for their lives could be heard. Tap, tap. All that could be heard was the noise of the Dark Orc Bulwark crumbling. Whoosh! That was all. ¡°My words were right, weren¡¯t they.¡± Voice. Thump! Kinra turned her head at the voiceing from behind. Only then could she see him for the first time. Swoosh. The man wiping the blood off her face. ¡°You¡¯re the Lord?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Having extraordinary eyesight doesn¡¯t help much. In the end, you can¡¯t see anything.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± He took a step back. ¡°The confined vision that has burst narrow due to self-imprisonment is evidence that you¡¯re the Lord.¡± ¡°Oh, stop it.¡± Kinra, who survived and was recognized for her exceptional eyesight, had to admit. ¡°Why?¡± But now he realized that being able to see could also be a curse. ¡°Do you miss being blind?¡± The man¡¯s face that came into view. Snow-white hair, fiery eyes, bared fangs. Thud thud thud. It was something muchrger than any fear Kinra had ever felt. ¡°I¡¯m conflicted.¡± The man said. ¡°Since you¡¯repletely broken, should I spare you.¡± Kinra would never defy herself now. Thed had a good chance of speed. Considering his potential as his sessor or guardian in the future, it wouldn¡¯t be bad to harvest him. ¡°Pl¡­ please¡­¡± Chapter 37 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 37 ¡°It¡¯s not possible.¡± Whoosh! The man didn¡¯t do that. ¡°You¡¯re too broken to be of any use.¡± The man¡¯s hand pierced Kinra¡¯s chest. It was the end. Thud. Kinra, like the other candidates who aimed at the man, fell limp. ¡°I roughly understand how it feels.¡± The man, who had flung Kinra¡¯s body like a rag, spoke in a quiet voice. Gradually. Oomph! Dark pieces began to rise from the bodies of the deceased candidates. Fragments of blessings. As the man reached out his hand, they were sucked into the drain as if being sucked in, concealing their traces. ¡°I roughly understand why you still can¡¯t use them.¡± The harvest was quite plentiful. * * From Noble mtl dot * They were intimidated by the name Dark Orc, yet emboldened by the name Demorus. Daughter of a noble, son of a cksmith, offspring of a viger, they were intoxicated by the newfound power. And this was the result. ¡°Ah¡­. Aaargh!¡± The Dark Orc enve rushed in without proper preparation. Though their numbers were fewerpared to regr orcs, the name Dark Orc carried something surpassing it all. They were candidates who initially thought they had the upper hand. ¡°We need to flee¡­.¡± As the battle continued, some timeter. ¡°We have to run¡­! Help!¡± True terror gripped their throats. It was understandable, for there were even those who had never killed anything. In a world saturated with blood and flesh, they were inexperienced novices who didn¡¯t even know what it meant to kill and be killed. ¡°Save me¡­. Save me¡­.¡± Thus, only able to stiffen when faced with monsters that only thought of ughter, chewing on the flesh ofrades. Swoosh! At that moment, Roberta struck down another Dark Orc. Kwaaang! Sis¡¯s Hellre shattered several Dark Orcs into pieces. ¡°Snap out of it!¡± Sis¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°If you stay put, you¡¯ll die anyway!¡± Sis, d in bloody armor. As if not satisfied with just Hellre, she raised a long sword and deflected the Dark Orc¡¯s ive, shouting and shouting again. ¡°Do something!¡± Strike and strike, kill and kill. That was the only way to survive. ¡°Kill them, you idiots!¡± Sis raged, shouting. It was a situation where total annihtion was imminent if they continued like this. A choice had to be made. To face death with determination and resist to the end, or to flee. Choosing the former would likely cost the lives of most candidates. Considering thetter. Distant. It would be followed by a sense of bitter defeat and scorn. Arrogantly behaving, they suffered immense losses from the first mission. If that happens, the fellows who didn¡¯t show up at this ce would gain the upper hand. ¡°Sis.¡± Roberta spoke again as she slew another Dark Orc. ¡°It¡¯s time to make a decision.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sis gnashed his teeth. ¡°Ha¡­.¡± In the end, he thought it was better to aim for the next opportunity than to lose everything. ¡°It¡¯s a mess here too.¡± His head naturally turned at the familiar voice. And the one who did such things on the battlefield. ¡°Krooo!¡± He didn¡¯t realize he had to strike hard. A ive flying towards Sis¡¯s face. Sis hurriedly moved his sword to deflect it, but it was toote. The Dark Orc, darker and stronger than expected, swiftly swung Sis¡¯s sword. Thud! Their des shed, and Sis was knocked back, losing strength. When the rusty de came close to his nose. ¡°Well, it¡¯s lucky there¡¯s still much left.¡± The voice heard earlier resonated near his nose again. He should have heard the sound of his face being distorted. ng! The sound came not from himself, but from the opponent. A hand glowing blue was smashing the Dark Orc¡¯s skull. ¡°Sein¡­ Demorus.¡± ¡°Why am I so d to see you?¡± The smiling madman¡¯s face. He revealed himself on the battlefield. * * * ¡°Fall back.¡± Although a soft voice, it was heard clearly. ¡°You, you, you. Stick together.¡± It was a rash behavior to think of him as amander, yet. ¡°You idiot. Put more strength into your index finger.¡± The immediate change triggered by that rash remark was evident. The candidates, who had just beengging, finally began to move forward. Just like at the beginning. ¡°Move. You idiots.¡± A change began to ur under Sain¡¯smand. ¡°We can do it.¡± It was themon thought in the candidates¡¯ minds. ¡°We can survive.¡± Hope. They were individuals who already had the ability to face Dark Orcs. Regardless of their origins and growth, the power gained by awakening their blood was a blessing. Thud! It was truly a cheat-level ability. They just got nervous and couldn¡¯t demonstrate their true strength. Swoosh! They possessed enough skill. Sain only needed to draw it out with a few words. So, there was something else that gave the candidates the greatest hope. ¡°I wish they¡¯d give us more experience points.¡± Sain. ¡°Let¡¯s go check out the Kuma Altar after a long time.¡± The one standing at the front, wielding a sword. With what seemed like a casual swing, several Dark Orcs were cut down at once. It might not have been grand or excessive, but the power was so formidable that it could not bepared to a blessing. Thud! Standing at the front, facing the greatest danger. Swoosh! Sain was there, leading the charge. ¡°Die, you bastards!¡± The candidates could advance, feeling a sensation close to madness. They were not afraid even when ve rushed in. Bang! There was another candidate to block it. ¡°Raise your swords.¡± Moreover, Sain¡¯s voice, piercing their ears at the right moment, was like the voice of an absolute god. Bang! By following just thatmand, they could block the enemy¡¯s attacks. ¡°Swing.¡± The enemies fell, cut into pieces. ¡°¡­.¡± And there was someone watching everything from the rear. ¡°Sis¡­ ¡± Sis gazed at Sain with aplex expression. ¡°¡­ Sain is different.¡± It was already known that Sain, not even twenty yet, had taken control of Chichiron¡¯s back alleys. No matter how remote the vige was, it would be nearly impossible. And the behavior seen upon finally leaving Chichiron. And. ¡°¡­.¡± Guardian. ¡®Witch.¡¯ He definitely heard it, but it was hard to believe. That the witch had moved and made a choice herself. However, looking at the scene in front of him now, there was no choice but to ept it. ¡®There was a reason for the choice.¡¯ That¡¯s a monster. ¡°It¡¯s like that witch.¡± Or maybe even more than that. The thick darkness, the gray light filling the sky, was bing more intense. The darkness didn¡¯t retreat, but beyond it, the sun was rising. It meant that the dawn was breaking. And. ¡°Ah, refreshing.¡± It was over. Dark Oak ck. Over two hundred Dark Oak beings had emerged, and they were now being sorted by the candidates, no, by the Saints. The many Dark Oaks were now writhing on the ground, turned into corpses. A few of them could destroy a small vige if they gathered, and if there were more than ten, they could turn a lower city into chaos, those were the Dark Oaks. ¡°Kroo¡­.¡± Now, what remained were a few wounded Dark Oaks resembling fallen soldiers. ¡°Kroooo!¡± Thergest and fiercest of them all, the Dark Oak Warrior Chief, still burning with fiery eyes, one. They were wounded and exhausted, but such morale was not exclusive to Dark Oaks. ¡°Hoong¡­. Hoong¡­.¡± Candidates who seemed possessed, fighting through the night. ¡°Kkuuuh.¡± They survived, resembling Dark Oaks in their resilience. Yet, in the eyes of the candidates, mes were burning. The sense of aplishment from achieving victory. It was a strange desire felt since the first ughter. Among them, only one stood in a particrly good state. ¡°Well, this is the end.¡± Saint. He smirked and ordered the candidates. ¡°Take care of the dying fish on your own.¡± Saint was also intoxicated by the hunt. Yet, amidst it all, there was a main dish he had spared. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that one.¡± The massive figure, the Dark Oak Warrior Chief. Alone, disying abat power reminiscent of dozens of Dark Orcsbined. Kwung! A fellow truly embodying the characteristics of a Darkling. As the fellow once again drove the ive into the ground. Kukukukung! The ground trembled, and cracks began to form on the surface. It was the fellow¡¯s ¡®blessing¡¯ that had, until now, repeatedly put candidates in difficult situations. Rocks and gravel. Countless shards of the ground began to expand as if swelling in an instant. Kwaaang! Explosions erupting among the candidates. The candidates had to dodge it on their own. ¡°Kkuueuk!¡± Once again, the candidates, already wounded, groaned. But as mentioned. ¡°Once you use this, you can¡¯t use it properly for five minutes, right?¡± Sein spoke,pletely blocking the Warlord¡¯s blessing. Chaeng! The longsword he made had already lost all its teeth due to the shoddy materials used, and it had been rusted for quite some time. So. Sreung. Sein slowly drew Bastion. Hwaak! The energy emanating from the Holy Sword made the candidates widen their eyes. For some reason, they felt energy surging throughout their bodies, yet at the same time, they felt like their movements were slowing down. The only one free from all of that was Sein. Jebuk. Sein began to walk slowly. The long-awaited and revered moment. ¡°Thest words to leave behind.¡± It was time to put the Main Decree in his mouth. ¡°Kuoogessji?¡± ¡°Kuoogoo!¡± The Dark Orc Warlord pulled out the ive stuck in the ground and swung it towards Sein. Although the ive flying horizontally towards him emitted a powerful wind that seemed to lift Sein, when it shed with the Bastion and Sein head-on. Thunk! Forcibly deflecting the ive, Bastion and Sein stood firm like steadfast stakes. The sh of intense power and the resilience of the stalwart. The result was. Jjeojjeojeok-! The gold started to appear on the ve of the Dark Orc Commander. And finally, when the corner of Sein¡¯s mouth lifted ever so slightly. Crack! The ve of the Dark Orc Commander shattered miserably, turning into scattered fragments. In the midst of it all, the Commander swung his fist. However. A faint sound of cutting. A minuscule crack forming. Chapter 38 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 38 Boom! The Dark Orc Commander met the same fate as his ve. It was the moment when Sein¡¯s first mission in Rasiel finally came to an end. And Sein could see it. Woosh! The fragments of blessing rising in the ce where the Commander had been. As if it were natural, the fragments of blessing were drawn towards Sein, who reached out his hand. At that moment. ¡°Long time no see.¡± Sein found himself in apletely different space. It has been a while. ¡°Jumadeng.¡± * * From Noble mtl dot * He had gained quite a lot. Experience points obtained through hunting Dark Orcs. Blessings earned by hunting the boss monster of the Dark Zone. ¡°I¡¯ll need to gather a lot more.¡± Sein felt like he was different from the other candidates. It seemed that blessings could slowly awaken with just a fragment and strengthen by gathering different blessings. ¡°I think one needs to bepleted.¡± It seemed like he had to gather numerous fragments to properly use the blessing, perhaps due to the many powers he possessed or his unique existence. That was about the extent of his knowledge on blessings. Also, for the first time since acquiring Bastion, Sein unleashed his power without setting limits. In return, he not only familiarized himself with some forgotten skills but also became quite adept at using them. ¡°Jumadeng.¡± And Jumadeng. The newly opened special mission there. He inherited some of his past stats and was further awakened to a special power that could not be imitated by the use of magic. ¡®As expected, it¡¯s the main quest.¡¯ Rasiel, the quest of Demorus, was a main quest that prated his entire life. Therefore, he felt that what he gained during that process had to be exceptional. ¡°Um, excuse me.¡± ¡°Hm? What is it?¡± Approaching was a candidate. A boy who seemed to have neither wealth nor status. ¡°Thank you.¡± He handed over a potion, expressing his gratitude. It wasn¡¯t just him. Swish. The looks and expressions directed toward Sein. It wasn¡¯t the hostility Rasiel had seen in his garden, but gratitude. And¡­ ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, I wouldn¡¯t have survived. I sincerely thank you.¡± Feelings of admiration and reverence. ¡°The genre is strange.¡± Sein chuckled, addressing the boys. ¡°Wasn¡¯t this genre supposed to be noir?¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Why are you babbling like you¡¯re in some academy film?¡± Though they seemed clueless about English, the candidates were cautious in response, considering Sein¡¯s words. Sein, without further concern, walked away. Finally, it started to appear. The city they had left, Vise. They arrived at the city¡¯s entrance. ¡°¡­What are you guys?¡± The guards frowned at the candidates who looked like beggars. At first nce, they seemed like ves fleeing from an attacked vige. ¡°Was there something nearby?¡± Perplexed, the guards blocked the candidates. Some of the guards seemed observant. Startled, the candidates¡¯ gazes. It was fortunate that they refrained from speaking in those eerie eyes that had recently ended a massacre. ¡°¡­Step aside.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Noticingte, some guards, now pensive, stopped the others. ¡°You are the candidates!¡± It was the return of Demorus¡¯s candidates. The cheap melody echoed. Gulp, gulp. They might be high-end, but the taste left much to be desired. ¡°Kya! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Yet, the smiles were abundant on the candidates¡¯ faces. It was after a brutal, relentless battle had concluded. ¡°Ha, clearing out Dark Orc Stronghold in just one day. Truly, candidates of Demorus.¡± A party hosted by the Rnd Family, the Lord of Vice. The night before, a party had taken ce, but everything was different now. It was a celebration not for those departing for battle, but for those returning victorious. ¡°Bring more drinks!¡± ¡°Bring the finest!¡± It was a lively party filled with even greater joy and cheers. Candidates who hadn¡¯t participated on the first day were now passing around sses with enthusiasm. Wrapped in bandages, sipping on a ss of alcohol, a potion, they couldn¡¯t hide their joy. ¡°This taste.¡± A greater happiness earned at the cost of postponing the happiness of a day. But where there are winners, there are also losers. ¡°¡­.¡± Those who had fallen asleep at the first day¡¯s party now looked at the returning candidates who had cleared the stronghold, contemting their emotions. Their achievements shone brightly, while what they had achieved seemed different. Even the rewards they were receiving now would be different, and what they would face upon returning to Rasiel would also be different. Sensing that, their dark expressions prevented them from even touching their sses, unlike the night before. ¡°By the way, where are the Kindra fellows?¡± Some btedly noticed the absence of Kindra and a few other candidates. ¡°Probably lost, not knowing the stronghold¡¯s location. Idiots.¡± ¡°They¡¯ll be shocked when they return.¡± Most were celebrating victories against otherpetitors. Swish. A few, including the group with Sys, subtly turned their heads. Their gazended on Sain. Perhaps. ¡°The Kindra fellows might note back.¡± They might have met their end. ¡°Huh? Why?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t know. Maybe killed by the Dark Orcs.¡± ¡°Idiots. Should¡¯ve known to stay in line.¡± ¡°¡­It might not be the wrong thing to say.¡± Among all those reactions, Sain was alone, swaying his ss of liquor. ¡°Disgustingly tasteless.¡± It might be better than Chichiron¡¯s cheap liquor, but that¡¯s about it. For Sain, who used to indulge in food and drink worth thousands of gold in the past, the party chief¡¯s food was nothing special. ¡°I heard Sain Demorus is a great hero.¡± Even Vice¡¯s beauties didn¡¯t catch his eye. It was a ce he wouldn¡¯t have normally bothered attending. ¡°It¡¯s good to enjoy things a little.¡± One of the candidates, who had fought alongside Dark Orcs, approached Sain in a slightly tipsy state. It seemed like he spoke with some courage. ¡°Do you think so?¡± Sain¡¯s response was a cold sneer. ¡°¡­Sorry.¡± ¡°No, I mean it.¡± The candidate, who seemed intimidated after witnessing Sain¡¯sbat skills, stepped back. But Sain, with an even broader smile, spoke up. A ce he didn¡¯t need to be at. There was a reason he chose to be here. Swooosh. He nced around at the candidates. ¡°I¡¯ve figured out about three of them.¡± Sain¡¯s voice, mysterious and unreadable. ¡®I thought the genre was wrong.¡¯ He was bewildered by the warmth of the candidatespeting for the boss position in the Dark City. But now, being at this party, he felt like he understood. ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s a noir.¡± The food and drink prepared for the party. ¡°¡­Huh?¡± ¡°Gack!¡± Was the genre horror? It was poisoned. ¡°Gack.¡± With a gasp that choked the breath out of them. Thud. The candidates started copsing one by one. Even those candidates who btedly realized the situation tried to muster their magic, but it was futile. Neutralizing poison with magic was quite an advanced skill, even for novices who couldn¡¯t properly use their own powers. Shiver. It must have been too much to handle. Eyes widening, candidates copsing. ¡°¡­.¡± The music in the hall instantly ceased, leaving only a dense silence to settle. ¡°Resisting is futile.¡± A voice echoed. Sigh. A purple haze enveloped the party hall. These cunning individuals not only poisoned the food, but also sprinkled poison around the venue. ¡°There¡¯s nowhere to escape.¡± Those who resisted still eyed the owner of the voice. ¡°You¡­.¡± The oue was obvious. The host of the party. No, the hosts. ¡°You need not worry. We have no intention of taking lives.¡± Rnd, the head of the Rnd Family. And Ode, the Lord of Vice. ¡°We simply¡­ are considering making a promise to each of you.¡± I pondered if the genre was wrong looking at the warm appearance of the candidates. But could that be possible? To be in a noir set against a backdrop of the underworld. ¡°In the future, one of you could be the owner of Demorus. Even if not, you might secure a significant position in Demorus.¡± Those who were entranced sincest night¡¯s party. Those who were injured and exhausted from the Dark Orc raid. They had no chance against the prepared poison. ¡°Or else¡­.¡± Ode, with a sinister smile, pulled someone along. ¡°What if we all support the candidate, Cephea?¡± Cephea, one of the candidates for Demorus, an unmatched fellow. The one who hadn¡¯t participated in the Dark Orc raid was already nodding dazedly at Ode¡¯s touch since yesterday, as if addicted. This was their purpose. ¡°To promise future gains to Demorus¡¯s blood, or to support the candidate they put forward.¡± When the candidates were at their most vulnerable, extending a helping hand, those stillcking would find it too much to bear. ¡°¡­Daring.¡± Someone spoke up. ¡°Do you think you can get away with this¡­ after doing something like this¡­!¡± One of the candidates. ¡°Demiurus¡­!¡± ¡°You still don¡¯t know anything.¡± Ode pped his hands and spoke. ¡°Everyone.¡± Ode¡¯s gaze scanned the room. ¡°This is also a candidate test.¡± Ode, convinced that all the candidates had already been poisoned, had a different tone and voice. ¡°No one takes responsibility for idents during the candidate test. Do you think you¡¯ve truly gained recognition from Demiurus?¡± With those words, Ode swung his fist. Thwack! His erected puppet, Cephea, staggered weakly from Ode¡¯s blow. ¡°These fools who aim for Demiurus¡¯ inheritance fall into such traps. Demiurus won¡¯t even bother.¡± It was also a test. Realization dawned on the faces of the candidates. They had power they couldn¡¯t use, and the names that once instilled confidence in them were now worthless. Having walked the path of candidates, albeit with the help of sponsors, those who arrived by luck faced tests from which survival was impossible. ¡°So, you idiots. I will make you valuable humans, mark my words.¡± Ode smiled with a confident look of victory. * * * All the candidates writhed on the floor in agonizing pain from the poison. Not fatal enough for immediate death, but the agony of magic dispersing and muscles stiffening was sheer terror. ¡°Confirm and proceed with the contract.¡± Ode didn¡¯t suspect that all the candidates had been poisoned, but Rnd wasn¡¯t like that. He knew more about Demiurus than Ode did. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± In case of unexpected events, he carefully examined each candidate. Candidates locking eyes with him. Snick. One of them smirked. Sein Demiurus. Not like others, he had consumed alcohol and food. The spreading poison didn¡¯t stop entering his nose and mouth. But Sein already knew all of this. ¡®Because it¡¯s worth it.¡¯ He had trained to build immunity to poison since Chichiron. He had prepared for the difference between games and reality in case of unforeseen events. Chapter 39 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 39 That¡¯s why he could taste the bitterness in the food and know it was poison, and most importantly, his current body was immune to the poison. ¡°Amen.¡± Angel¡¯s protection. The magic of the dragon. The power of the demon king. His body, imbued with all of that, was not at a level where he could withstand poison. Especially, they had no idea that poison wouldn¡¯t affect someone with a holy sword. Sain scanned the candidates. ¡°Cease, Roberta¡­.¡± From Noble mtl dot And. ¡°Vc.¡± They were among the candidates who were not affected by the poison. Although they seemed to be affected by the poison, one could tell from the vigorous flow of magic and the clear pupils, though faintly glowing, that they were unaffected. Just as Sain looked at them, they too looked at Sain. Exchanging signals. ¡°You.¡± Suddenly, Rnd¡¯s subordinate who had approached gave Sain a strange look. It was because he couldn¡¯t shake off the strange feeling no matter how hard he tried. ¡°Are you a bit clueless?¡± And that was the worst move. Thud! ¡°¡­!¡± Rnd¡¯s subordinate would soon realize his mistake by dying. Sain lifted the crouching figure. ¡°¡­!¡± At that sight, Rnd¡¯s subordinates, Rnd, and Ode all looked at Sain in great surprise. ¡°How¡­ Angel¡¯s poison¡­!¡± ¡°I somehow mentioned that it was poisonous.¡± There was only one reason why Sain yed along with this farce. ¡°The contract is almost over, isn¡¯t it?¡± There was no need to unnecessarily interfere with what they were about to do. Ode and Rnd, who forcibly signed magical contracts with the poisoned candidates. Snap! At that moment, Sain¡¯s new form disappeared. ¡°It¡¯s inevitable that a few pieces will begin.¡± The magical contracts of the candidates, which had been divided and heard in Ode and Rnd¡¯s hands, were now in Sain¡¯s hands. ¡°If you disobey orders, you will lose both magic and life.¡± The contents specified in the contract. Flutter. Sain shook it and smiled. ¡°How long did you think this wouldst? Even if it¡¯s a magical contract, unfair uses like this won¡¯t hold for long.¡± ¡°You!¡± ¡°Or else¡­.¡± Everyone aimed at Sain and tried to rush in, but they couldn¡¯t. Wooong. The momentum emanating from Sain¡¯s body. It suppressed them, overwhelming even the inws. Golden eyes with a glint. ¨C Dragon Piercer. Enhanced abilities obtained through a special reward. ¡°I wonder if there¡¯s someone who can strengthen this insane contract.¡± That moment arrived. ¡°Kill him!¡± When Rnd barely escaped from Dragon Piercer and shouted, magic surged, and his subordinates regained their freedom. Escaping from Dragon Piercer, though not perfect, was a difficult task. ¡°A blessing, perhaps.¡± It was revealed that Rnd also possessed fragments of blessings. Rnd¡¯s subordinates charging towards Sain. And then. Swish! For a moment, the sound of the air splitting reverberated. Gradually, what unfolded was. Pooooosh! A fountain of blood that would cover everything. * * * Those awaiting the signal. ¡°Screaaaam!¡± Sis, Roberta, and a candidate named Vc also stormed into the chaotic scene. ¡°How dare you.¡± Sis, from the main family, couldn¡¯t contain his anger. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Roberta, maintaining her cool demeanor, began to overpower Rnd¡¯s subordinates. That Vc guy. ¡°Fierce.¡± He was tearing through Rnd¡¯s subordinates. He hadn¡¯t shown his prowess even in battles with Dark Orcs, so was it a newfound growth or something he had been hiding? Kwaaang! Disying exceptionalbat skills, he was subduing Rnd¡¯s subordinates. ¡°Who are you.¡± Sain looked back and forth between Ode and Rnd as he spoke. ¡°Among the two of you, who¡¯s the one that will strengthen this contract?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°I will spare only one.¡± As Sein¡¯s words came to an end chillingly. ¡°I volunteer!¡± Rnd shouted. ¡°You, you little¡­!¡± Od¨¦, feeling betrayed, shouted towards Rnd but it was toote. Thud! In the blink of an eye, a red line appeared on Od¨¦¡¯s neck. Thud. The head falling off happened just as quickly. ¡°T-Thank you.¡± Rnd still had a reason to reign over the back alleys as Vice¡¯s long-time ruler. His skills and wit were quite something. Especially his ability to outsmart Od¨¦. ¡°Speak.¡± Sein¡¯s voice. ¡°S-spare me!¡± ¡°Brother!¡± ¡°Commander-! Please spare us!¡± As the ughter of candidates, including Sis, was taking ce, Sein speaks. If they all die, you¡¯re next in line. Before that happens, you must spill what is desired. ¡°Where are they?¡± Sein asked. ¡°In Contra!¡± Contra, a small town in Zone 6. Vice was in Zone 7, so no matter how much control he had over the back alleys, crossing zones wouldn¡¯t be easy. ¡°Looks like you have someone behind you.¡± Means someone is aiding Rnd. His pupils dted at the thought. ¡°Who is it?¡± Crack! Sein grabbed Rnd¡¯s jaw. ¡°A¡­ A¡­¡± In agony, Rnd opened his mouth. ¡°A¡­Cain¡­¡± Cain. That¡¯s the name that was heard. ¡°M¡­ster¡­.¡± And in the following moment. Boom! Rnd¡¯s head burst like a watermelon. ¡°Ah, damn.¡± It wasn¡¯t Seyn¡¯s doing. ¡°I only heard one name.¡± The price paid for revealing forbidden information about Rnd. Seyn tried to crush the golden seal with the Dragon Piercer, but all he could do was hear one name. In the meantime, the chaotic banquet hall faced turmoil. As Rnd and Ode perished, the subordinates kneeled, and Sis took care of the fallen candidates. ¡°Still¡­.¡± Seyn smiled in satisfaction. ¡°Unexpected turn of events.¡± Another group rushed into the chaotic party hall. As the candidates barely regained theirposure and prepared for battle, Seyn raised his hand. ¡°We¡¯ve seen enough of this.¡± Candidates stepped back at the mention of not being enemies. ¡°¡­.¡± Several candidates and the intruders who rushed in stared at each other. ¡°Betrayal of the Rnd Family confirmed.¡± The intruder was Campe. A guide from Rasyel. ¡°Punish them all.¡± The intruders were Rasyel¡¯sbatants. ¡°We surrender!¡± ¡°Please¡­!¡± The subordinates of the Rnd Family, kneeling and begging for their lives. Swoosh! They were instantly killed by Campe and Rasyel¡¯sbatants. The party was not over yet. ¡°There seem to be quite a few who appear to be soldiers from Vice Lord Ode.¡± Soldiers of Vice Lord Ode from Byce. And their fate as well. ¡°Kill them.¡± Not much different from the Rnd Family. Campe swept in like a wave, swiftly cleaning up the hall. ¡°This is ridiculous.¡± But all they did was execute those who had lost even the will to fight, so such words were inevitable. ¡°Is everyone okay?¡± Campe asked the candidates. ¡°¡­.¡± Naturally, there was no gaze towards Campe that could be deemed friendly. Yet, as if expecting even that, Campe raised the corners of his mouth. ¡°The lead actor was¡­ Sein Demorus.¡± Campe¡¯s voice quietly echoed. ¡°Well done.¡± The candidates had not yet surpassed Campe in Rasiel, so it was possible to approach Sein. Campe seemed to want to put his hand on Sein¡¯s shoulder, as if that wascking as well. nk. Suddenly, Campe¡¯s hand was caught in Sein¡¯s grip. Their eyes met. Rasiel¡¯s fighters behind Campe. Swoosh. The candidates stood behind Sein. Although they were in a position topete, everyone present there had, in fact, been saved by Sein. Even if not for that. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it but still want to y a round.¡± Despite watching all this unfold thanks to Back¡¯s words, there was also resentment towards Campe, who had btedly rectified the situation. Sein and Campe. Everything was about to begin with their voices. ¡°Asura. You all will die.¡± The tension in Sein¡¯s voice slightly eased. ¡°And we¡¯ve already seen too much blood today.¡± Sein wiped something off his face, which was Rnd. ¡°Wise.¡± Campe praised Sein¡¯s demeanor, but. Swoosh. Sein turned quietly, his gaze sending Campe away. ¡°What are you talking about.¡± And in his voice. ¡°You all will die.¡± Unconsciously, I flinched. ¡®¡­What.¡¯ Rasiel¡¯s fighters. Among them, Campe, leading the forces of powerlessness, was one of the recognized talents in Rasiel. And he¡­ ¡®Scared of a mere candidate?¡¯ Not even a sessor, just a candidate. Even so, to step back at this moment when the candidatepetition had just begun for Sein was a retreat. It was as they said. -Keep an eye on him. Themand issued by Alman, Rasiel¡¯s master. -Sein Demorus. He is the key figure. -Not Sysna Roberta, you say? Themand that was iprehensible now makes sense. Even Alman¡¯s smile shown at that time. ¡°If you understood, then leave.¡± In the end, Campepletely withdrew at Sein¡¯s voice. ¡°Act so arrogantly, and you¡¯ll soon get a bloody nose.¡± Protecting hisst bit of pride no matter what. * * * Rasiel seemed to have known Rnd and Ode¡¯s n even before the candidates arrived. If not, things would have unfolded before a day passed. ¡°I will greet the candidates.¡± Not only did Rnd¡¯s sessor and his faction fail to settle in the back alleys of Bice. ¡°What happened to Lord Bice?¡± Chapter 40 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 40 ¡°I heard he has a cousin.¡± It was inconceivable that another lord could inherit the territory without any issues. ¡°Though Bice was Rasiel¡¯s domain, there were problems like a noticeable decrease in tribute recently.¡± From Noble mtl dot Sys spoke quietly to Sein. ¡°Not from Rasiel¡¯sbatants, but from when we were dispatched¡­.¡± ¡°It seems it was nned from the start.¡± Sein chuckled at Sys¡¯s words. At a time when Otomeo was not fulfilling her role properly, Sys was quite a reliable source of information. ¡°Or maybe.¡± It could have been part of the Dark Orc¡¯s n. But that was too far-fetched to mention. While Bice was in chaos, the candidates set out on the path back to Rasiel. The candidates who were excited about their first mission. Only barely half of them returned alive. Most of them, especially those exhausted from battles and poisoning, were copsing in the carriage. Impressive was the fact that despite that, they would snap to attention at the slightest change around them and immediately assume a battle stance. They were rookies. They had transformed into quite convincingbatants in just one mission. It might have been because of the blood of Demorus. Or perhaps due to the harsh mission. ¡°Rx, everyone. It¡¯s all good.¡± They didn¡¯t know, maybe it was because of Sein. The candidates, feeling reassured by Sein¡¯s words, fell into a deep slumber without any further guard. Those same individuals returned to Rasciel three dayster. ¡°Wee back. Candidates.¡± Alman was there to greet the candidates. ¡°What¡¯s this gentleman doing here with no tasks as the master of Rasciel?¡± Even the crackling in Sein¡¯s calm voice was brief. Swish. Alman scanned the candidates. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about what happened in Vices. Suffered at the hands of those uncouth rogues.¡± Nearly half of the candidates died. And Alman knew all of that beforehand. ¡°Still, thanks to you, things in Vices were neatly dealt with.¡± Now, not only Sein but everyone would know. ¡°Good job.¡± There¡¯s no warm and fuzzy academy water here. ¡°In a while, the next mission wille down, so rest until then.¡± It¡¯s a ruthless and cold noir world. Swish. Having finished speaking, Alman turned away. Crack. Candidates starting to clench their fists. They must have felt a lot. Learned a lot too. And all of those¡­ Grin. Sein, it will be beneficial for him. ¡°What were you expecting?¡± Candidates looked at Sein upon hearing his voice. ¡°Our esteemed father, a sowing machine nting over hundreds of seeds, did you think you¡¯d get special treatment?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Do you have any sympathy for those who are doomed?¡± Sanctuary was an extremely realistic game. Numerous lives. Even rtionships with numerous NPCs were crucial within that. ¡°Laughable. Those who have passed away are nothing but rotten seeds. All Demorus desires are temptingly ripe fruits.¡± That experience still proves helpful. Sachuri was truly everything to him. ¡°Are you upset?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s simple.¡± Sain said with a smile. ¡°Just be stronger.¡± The greatest power in this world. It was quite literally the power itself. ¡°Everyone,e here for a moment.¡± Leaving only those words behind, Sain got up first. * * * Sain gained quite a lot from Byss. He could grasp what a blessing was, how to handle the blessing nted within himself. He honed a few more skills hunting Dark Orcs, awakened a special ability from his ring, and even obtained fragments of blessings. Rasiel should know everything about Byss, so he must be aware of Sain¡¯s achievements leading the candidates at the forefront and saving them. Now, Sain would likely be the most anticipated figure among Rasiel¡¯s candidates. But that wasn¡¯t all. ¡°Alright, is everyone here?¡± In the dark night. Most of the candidates were gathered in the training ground rarely used in Rasiel. ¡°Some may not be visible, but it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± At Sain¡¯s words, the candidates gathered. Thud. Sain sat on a pedestal, observing the candidates. Faces showingplex emotions. They must have been shaken once again by Alman¡¯s words today. But, words aside. ¡°Does anyone know why I called you here?¡± Such things were of no importance. He had already given them the necessary carrots during the day. So now. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°When you were addicted, remember we made a contract forcibly?¡± Even if he were to whip them without hesitation, they were innocent. ¡°¡­¡­? Weren¡¯t those contracts all annulled?¡± ¡°Why suddenly bring up that contract?¡± A Forced Contract. It was a well-known fact in the world how harsh and disastrous the consequences of a magical contract could be. Therefore, when they were forced into the contract, it felt like the world was crumbling. But when the old man snatched the contract away, they felt as if they were saved. Like protruding nails, they understood and protected their fellow candidates more than anyone else. However. ¡°Surely not.¡± ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡± They were unaware. Unaware of what kind of person the old man was. What determination he had. What he intended to do. ¡°The contract!¡± ¡°Why do you mention the contract?¡± ¡°Has anyone seen it torn?¡± A voice. ¡°¡­!¡± And the room froze instantly. All they could do was look at the old man. Grinning. He was smiling. His distinctive devilish smile was hanging on the corners of his mouth. ¡°No?¡± ¡°Sein Demorus¡­.¡± ¡°¡­Really.¡± Flutter. Something fluttered in the old man¡¯s hand. ¡°That¡¯s correct, kids.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The magical contract was in the old man¡¯s hand. Bound by dependency andmands, even their lives at stake. ¡°Don¡¯t make those faces. Whether you die this way or that, death is the same, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°We believed¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll make good use of you. I¡¯ll try to keep you alive as much as I can.¡± The old man¡¯s smile widened. And slowly, his voice echoed. ¡°Kneel. You brats.¡± Thud! Sein, who had made his move. Casually, he walked back and forth as if on a leisurely outing. ¡°One.¡± In front of such a saint, numerous candidates stood with faces stiffened in reverence. ¡°I.¡± ¡°I-!¡± Candidates echoing Saint¡¯s words verbatim. Simultaneously, they bent their arms and lowered their bodies. ¡°Two, Saint¡¯s loyal dog.¡± ¡°Saint¡¯s loyal dog-!¡± Standing tall, they shouted again. Saint repeated it several times. ¡°Cough¡­. cough¡­.¡± Exhausted candidates. Blessed with resilient bodies, they should not tire at this level, yet beads of sweat formed on their foreheads for some unknown reason. ¡°Well, this should be sufficient.¡± Candidates, with a tinge of disappointment at Saint¡¯s words. ¡°Let¡¯s move on to the next.¡± However, as Saint continued, their faces once again turned pale. ¡°You, what¡¯s your name.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°You might not know. Are you offended?¡± ¡°Rabin¡­.¡± ¡°Alright. Rabin.¡± Saint lifted Rabin up and pointed to another candidate. ¡°Deal with that one.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Kamura.¡± ¡°Kamura, you¡¯re just here to get beaten.¡± ¡°Why¡­.¡± Saint frowned. ¡°What about Two?¡± ¡°Saint¡¯s loyal dog¡­.¡± They ultimately stood in ce, unable to defy Saint¡¯s words. ¡°Begin.¡± Rabin¡¯s fist flying. ¡°Oh. You won¡¯t kill anyone with that weak hit.¡± ¡°Do I have to kill?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a saying. But aim to kill, do it right.¡± With the following words, the force behind Rabin¡¯s fist changed. And. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Even Kamura, who usually took things in stride. But as time passed and Kamura¡¯s wounds grew deeper. ¡°You¡­ bastard¡­.¡± There were times when Lavine attempted to block his fists. ¡®This is how it¡¯s going.¡¯ At present, Sein wasn¡¯t tormenting the candidates without reason. A magical contract. It was undoubtedly a forbidden item that existed even in the conjurer era, but its effects and power might have changed over time. Restraining magic,manding unwanted actions, threatening lives. ¡®Understanding the item¡¯s performance is essential.¡¯ Sein was conducting experiments to precisely control the newly acquired ten or so ves. ¡®I still need to learn a bit more and¡­.¡¯ It¡¯s still insufficient. ¡®Zone 6, Contrara, was it called.¡¯ There were other things to confirm as well. ¡°Today¡¯s training ends here.¡± At Sein¡¯s words, the candidates quickly stood up. ¡°Rest up, ande running when I call. Understood?¡± ¡°Uh, yes!¡± The candidates who answered like that quickly moved in case Sein¡¯s mind changed. An empty training ground in no time. Where Sein had turned around, candidates who weren¡¯t there before were standing. ¡°Why, do you want to join in too?¡± Feigning addiction, Sys, Roberta, and Vc, who had avoided the magical contract. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± They remained silent at Sein¡¯s question. ¡°Boring.¡± Sein shrugged at them and walked away. As Sein passed by them. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± Finally, Sys spoke up. ¡°The candidatepetition isn¡¯t over yet.¡± At the voice, Sein slowly turned his head. A faint smile on his lips. ¡°It¡¯s over. You fools. Want to think otherwise desperately.¡± Kwoong. Sein¡¯s suppressed energy burst out for a moment, dominating the atmosphere. It was iparable to what he experienced in Rasial¡¯s garden. It was an intense and solid energy that couldn¡¯t bepared to the battle in the Dark Orc Stronghold. ¡°¡­!¡± The Sys party froze in astonishment at that power. ¡°Shall we end it here?¡± Life crawled under Sein¡¯s gaze. However. From Noble mtl dot Pshh. Sein smiled and erased it all. Chapter 41 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 41 It must be harder to erase than to create. ¡°Pesky brats. Why don¡¯t you show some determination until the end?¡± With those words, Sein headed back to the lodging. * * * Sys might not want to admit it, but what Sein said was true. Their first mission in Vais. With that, thepetition for Rasiel¡¯s candidate tilted drastically. Nearly half of them met their demise. Among them were those who harbored animosity towards Sein. The survivors were swayed by Sein and knelt before him. ming it on the magic contract, but ultimately, it was because they saw the gap with Sein. ¡°What you will learn today is to concentrate magic to strengthen your body.¡± After the first mission, trainingmenced in Rasiel. Starting with the basics of controlling magic, as if only the survivors were the real deal. ¡°Choose the weapon you desire.¡± Even weapon skills. It could be said that the genuine candidate training in Rasiel had begun. It might seem meaningless to have training after sacrificing numerous casualties for the mission. ¡°They¡¯re working hard.¡± It was precisely because they faced the reality of being special yet inadequate. The fact that life could slip away at any moment. What they needed was¡­ Boom! They realized it was just strength. ¡°Yes, they¡¯re putting in the effort.¡± Not only the instructors but Sein himself was watching over them. Participation in training was voluntary. ¡®What, are they only teaching this stuff?¡¯ Just in case, Sein participated for a day or two, but from his perspective, it fell far short of the standards. He was the one who had mentored those referred to as the best in Sorcery. ¡°Because the rules of the game have been going on until now.¡± All his teachings still functioned properly even now, far superior to Rasiel¡¯s training. That was how it was. Even the most basic magic operation could yield results if from Rasiel. ¡°Sein Demorus. How remarkable must you be to not participate in training?¡± ¡°Wanna see?¡± Sein¡¯s. Koong! At least three times. The serious level differences were in the range of five to ten times. ¡°¡­ You don¡¯t have to attend the training.¡± So, all of this might be meaningless. Or at least what had developed over time. ¡°You don¡¯t learn about blessings?¡± ¡°The power of blessings lies only in Demorus¡¯s blood. Rasiel does not teach about blessings.¡± He asionally tried to understand the basics rted to blessings. ¡°Well, then, everyone should learn diligently.¡± Each of them might be a valuable ve of their own. Grin. Well, if they prove more useful, they might be willing to share what they have. * * * ¡°Stop eating snacks.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Sesil, setting down the cookie she was eating at Sein¡¯s words. But with an unjust and poignant expression. ¡°Sigh. Keep eating.¡± In the end, Sein gave his permission. As if saying, ¡°When did this happen?¡± Sesil, with a pouty look, picked up the snack to eat. ¡°Calling her a saint.¡± She was more of a fraud than a saint. Time in Rasiel kept passing. Rest and training time given after the first mission. And just recently. Knock. Another set of missions had finally begun to be assigned to the candidates. ¡°Come in.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m back. Sein.¡± The group of candidates were standing nervously in front of Sein¡¯s door. Seisil gestured quietly towards them and then sat behind Sein. ¡°I reported to Alman and came straight here.¡± These were the candidates who had recently received their second mission. Starting from the second mission, teams were assigned at Alman¡¯s discretion, not with all the candidates. ¡°No one died¡­ ¡° ¡°What¡¯s with the bandage?¡± ¡°¡­Listen, take off the bandage.¡± ¡°The wound won¡¯t close properly, what should we do?¡± They were reporting to Sein after Alman. ¡°It seems that guy wascking in training.¡± A candidate with bandages on his arms pondered Sein¡¯s words. Since the beginning of the recent missions. ¡°Go run five hundredps around the training ground.¡± ¡°P-Please! I just got back¡­¡± ¡°Should I send you back out?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go ande back!¡± Some training was happening alongside the missions. ¡°No special information, and it seems Borfeo doesn¡¯t have any major issues.¡± And they were given a few tasks before leaving for their missions. ¡°A letter from Antara.¡± Finally. ¡°You said you sent us from the mission site. If it wasn¡¯t for Sein Demorus, things could have gone wrong.¡± Even mentioning honor. ¡°When reporting to Alman, I made sure to mention your name.¡± ¡°Well done. You have two days of rest.¡± ¡°T-Thank you!¡± ¡°Ah, darn. I should have reported.¡± Indeed. *Click.* The factory was running smoothly on its own. Sein was simply passing time with Seisil, not doing anything. But the candidates who received their missions were enhancing Sein¡¯s honor and reputation, contributing to their own achievements. The candidates who had left after receiving different missions in Lasiel would likely be the same. ¡°I thought I was done for.¡± As time passed, Sein¡¯s position and public standing would only be more solidified. ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± *Knock knock.* The echoing sound of knocking. After that, some candidates who returned from their missions were reporting to Alman and were on their way back to report to Sein. Sein, who was the Prince and Emperor of the once mighty Empire Archipald. Exhausting. Handling such matters was nothing more than a snack. Nonchntly. Seisil looked at Sein as if he was a curious sight. ¡°You seem like you¡¯re going to get annoyed soon too.¡± A letter from Antara. It indicated that a faction within the organization had noticed Seisil¡¯s presence and was beginning to move. Despite Antara¡¯s efforts to block information and Seisil being in Lasiel, there might not be immediate trouble, but it was a warning to be cautious. ¡°Don¡¯t just snack on cookies, do your job well too.¡± Nod, nod. Having roughly finished his tasks, Sein was about to copse back onto the bed. Knock, knock. ¡°Oh, bothersome. Who is it now?¡± But this time, the door opened without permission. ¡°It¡¯s Alman¡¯s summons. Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard of your impressive performance.¡± Alman smiled warmly as he spoke to Sein. ¡°The candidates report to me and then rush straight to you?¡± This is Lasiel. Naturally, Alman¡¯s eyes and ears were everywhere. Candidates may be cautious in their own ways, but they couldn¡¯t avoid Alman¡¯s gaze, and Sein wasn¡¯t particrly cautious about it either. ¡°I made a magic contract.¡± In an instant, a spark lit up in Alman¡¯s eyes. ¡°Do you know it¡¯s a vition of the rules?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose, just stumbled upon a written magic contract. Are there separate rules for loot?¡± Sein muttered, whether informally or to himself. Chuckle. Finally, Alman smiled warmly and wiped away the spark. ¡°Fair point. Loot must be respected. Seems I forgot that Seisil, that child, is also your loot.¡± It was a threat. Sein may be looking after Seisil under Lasiel¡¯s protection, but that could change at any moment. ¡°I don¡¯t have much affection for loot.¡± Sein¡¯s words dismissed any threats. With that, the tiresome exchange came to an end. Or rather, the final one. ¡°If you wait a bit, it seems the candidates wille to me first.¡± Sein drove in another wedge. The members of Rasiel¡¯s organization standing beside him twitched ufortably, but not a single one of them dared to speak up. ¡°More impressive than I thought.¡± What Sein found impressive was exactly that. Rasiel¡¯s members didn¡¯t hesitate because they were afraid of Sein, but because they were afraid of Alman. ¡°So, why summon us?¡± ¡°A mission request.¡± Sein¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Impressive indeed. Mission requests are not typically given to rookie candidates. Receiving a mission request this quickly is¡­¡± Alman raised a finger, counting. ¡°Thirty-second, I believe.¡± ¡°Nothing out of the ordinary.¡± ¡°No, it is.¡± And then, it happened. Knock, knock. Someone knocked on Alman¡¯s door and entered. With a sturdy build, not as massive as Boba Demorus, but agile and well-built, it was Vk Demorus. ¡°You called for me.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°A mission request.¡± Sein frowned slightly. Satisfied with his prank, Alman smiled. ¡°A joint mission for the two of you.¡± ¡°We willply.¡± Vk said, unable to avoid Rasiel¡¯s mission. Swiftly, it was clear that Sein was on their minds. The candidatepetition was already leaning in favor of Vk and Sis, Roberta not yet ready to give up on bing a candidate for Rasiel. ¡°Summoned together for a mission.¡± Sein muttered to himself. ¡°The mission is assassination.¡± Nothing unusual. In the underworld, everything that paid was fair game. There are specialized areas as a third-generation organization, but ultimately, it was the dark organizations of the underworld that received all the guild¡¯s requests. ¡°The location is Tanba in the 7th district.¡± However, Alman¡¯s voice followed. ¡°¡­!¡± Balrak¡¯s eyes widened. ¡®Tanba¡­¡¯ Sein alternated his gaze between Balrak and Alman for a moment. ¡°The assassination target is known as Gropha.¡± Thud. Blood dripped from Balrak¡¯s clenched fist. ¡®There seems to be something.¡¯ He had simply thought it was just a mission assignment, but there seemed to be something more. The underworld was a world that did not exist in the past. Sein, slowly getting ustomed to the new world. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± All of this was an experience, a process of adapting to the new world. ¡°You are the second.¡± Alman¡¯s voice, full of unknown. ¡°You wille to know what makes you different.¡± With those words, the scroll of the summoner fell. * * * This mission was for Sein and Balrak. A mission consisting of the two of them. ¡°I will be waiting here, so just return afterpleting the mission.¡± The organization member Rasiel, serving as a guide, was waiting at the portal. Sein and Balrak were left alone. ¡®You are the second.¡¯ The meaning of Alman¡¯s words would be understoodter. -There are many reasons for the assignment, but among them, the biggest reason is¡­ While setting himself against her, Cys easily shared information. -Because I consider you a strong candidate. From Noble mtl dot Cys was not foolishly kindhearted. -Over thirty people have received assignments since the first mission in Demorus. However, it was decided that you were already a candidate from that point, and you are the second to receive the assignment. The meaning of the second as Alman said. And the first was the current head. Then what could all those assignments mean? Sein seemed to know without Cys saying it. ¡®The connections formed while living until the candidates realize they are Demorus.¡¯ Chapter 42 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 42 Whether it¡¯s fate or misfortune. The designation received because of that. -Vak¡¯s origin is District 7, Tanbada. The reason Sis provided information was because of that. -It seemed like not only good connections were built there. This designation probably stemmed from Vak¡¯s misfortune. Hence the silent negotiation to seek Vak¡¯s cooperation against Sein. Since Sein was likely holding the key anyway. ¡°Hey, kid. What¡¯s with that expression after setting foot on your homnd?¡± As if confirming that his and Sis¡¯s judgment was correct, Vak¡¯s expression was grim as he departed for Lasciel for his mission. ¡°If you¡¯re going to harm yourself, do it decisively. Is leaving marks on your palm the best option?¡± Blood flowing from his hand. Vak stared at Sein with narrowed eyes. ¡°Well, up for a round?¡± Just as he seemed about to raise his hand in anticipation. Thud, thud. Both Sein and Vak turned their heads simultaneously at the approaching footsteps. It must have been the moment when Vak¡¯s expression contorted the most. ¡°Are you from Demorus?¡± A man with a monocle and a friendly smile. And behind him, two figures who seemed like knights. ¡°Since you¡¯re the client, this must be Sein.¡± ¡°The employer?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just a representative.¡± ¡°Is it appropriate to reveal your identity for an assassination request?¡± The monocle smiled at Sein¡¯s words. Not only will you not fail, but to form a prosperous future alliance with the flourishing Demorus, one must be willing to take on this level of risk, isn¡¯t that so?¡± Thud, thud. ¡°We will escort you. Both of you.¡± The monocle-wearing individual. ¡°Lord Sur is awaiting you.¡± His name was Parcha. He was the steward serving Lord Sur of Tanba. Where they had been, Vak¡¯s blood dripped from his hand, pooling steadily. * * * Reluctantly. ¡°Parties are a hassle.¡± Sein muttered, twiddling his ear. ¡°Did you know?¡± Parsha spoke towards the man. ¡°The request includes Demorus attending your party as well.¡± ¡°Oh, damn.¡± Sein muttered curses. Though Sein was included in the mission, he was the one who could escape if he wanted to. Snickering. Sein soon nodded with a wicked smile. ¡°Enjoy it. Well, since his taste in alcohol and food is quite refined, make sure to bring them well.¡± ¡°There will be no tarnishing of Sir Sur¡¯s honor.¡± Parsha disappeared for a moment. Sein looked into the distance. Where Sein was standing was at the center of the party, a ce where he was being glorified as the protagonist. The room was filled with people who gazed at Sein with admiration and respect, ready to approach him at any moment when given permission. However. ¡°Why is that guy¡­¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear? He was Demorus.¡± ¡°Good heavens.¡± In a corner of the party. Rather than being invited to the party, Bk was positioned in a ce where theckeys could barely find rest. ¡°Who is that scoundrel?¡± Unpleasant nces directed at Bk. The intention behind this seating arrangement was obvious. To humiliate Bk. ¡®As if it¡¯s a fated encounter.¡¯ It seemed like a significant fated encounter. ¡°He¡¯s good at causing trouble.¡± Spending a lot of money, engaging in such activities. Rustle, rustle. And now, what would unfold next seemed clear to Sein. ¡°The liquor is good.¡± ¡°Do you like it?¡± Someone appeared with Parsha. Appearing alongside Parsha as if in a friendlypetition, the neer was a middle-aged man with an even better impression than Parsha. ¡°Who might you be?¡± ¡°I am Sur, the Lord of Tanba, here to witness Demorus¡¯ strong blood.¡± He was none other than the Lord of Tanba. The master of Parsha and thend where Bk was born. ¡°Living quitevishly for the 7th sector.¡± ¡°All thanks to Demorus.¡± Seeing Sein¡¯s unwavering demeanor, he seemed like a person who had been through a lot. ¡°As long as you are here, feel free to make yourselffortable. Anything you desire, just let Parsha know, and it shall be provided.¡± ¡°Even something like a Dragon Heart?¡± ¡°¡­You have a sense of humor.¡± Sur was a seasoned lord. ¡°Unfortunately, obtaining a Dragon Heart is not only difficult within our territory, but even if we were to sell off all of the 7 districts. With the deep ties to Demorus, perhaps if one ascends to a higher position, it might be possible.¡± ¡°Quite the challenge.¡± ¡°Then, may we have a brief conversation before enjoying the party?¡± At that moment. Whoosh. A surge of magic emanated from Sur¡¯s body, enveloping the surroundings. If there had been any intention of threat towards him, Sur¡¯s neck would have been severed. ¡°It was because I am a sorcerer.¡± What Sur had cast was merely a barrier to prevent eavesdropping. A world divided into ck and white. Survivors of the magic that ck could never possess, paying the price with their lives. One of them was Sur, the lord of Tanba. ¡°So, what is it that you wish to ask for?¡± ¡°From you, Sein.¡± Sur gazed at Sein as he spoke. ¡°If there was someone obstructing a mission, what would you do?¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°If that someone happened to be from Demorus, what would you do?¡± I like this nobleman for getting straight to the point. The party was truly centered around Sein. ¡°They used to call you the Mad Dog of Chichiron! It suits you perfectly!¡± ¡°Does that mean I¡¯m a crazy bastard?¡± Unaware of what they were bbering about, those around Sein were busy praising him. ¡°Do you know about Vorpeo?¡± Sein also took care of matters in between. ¡°It¡¯s a city that¡¯s said to develop greatly if you invest big.¡± ¡°¡­Is this information from Demorus, by any chance?¡± ¡°My name?¡± ¡°Indeed, from Demorus!¡± Childish banter it may seem, but it was going to be quite a sessful business venture. The individuals Sur had gathered for the party were all there to impress Sein. ¡°They say the ve trade in Antara is thriving.¡± ¡°Antara has always been a renowned ve market.¡± ¡°And this time around¡­.¡± ¡°Demonus-!¡± They were truly mad authors. Nobles from the surrounding territories, famous merchants from the city, and even those who had set foot in the half-dark alleys. ¡°What is your preference, my lord? If you wish¡­¡± Even people from the dark alleys. ¡°Oh, such a generous friend! As for my preference¡­¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s a bit¡­¡± Of course, there was hardly anything to satisfy the lord, but the party continuedte into the night, and the lord, who had drunk all the constantly offered drinks without rest, had a bright red face. ¡°My lord!¡± ¡°My lord!¡± People cheering the drunken lord¡¯s dance with a sword. ¡°Drink up! Die!¡± ¡°Demonus! Demonus!¡± It didn¡¯t take long for Sur¡¯s upscale party venue to turn into an alley trash dump. Finally, the party ended. The moment the lord stopped drinking, the party came to an end. ¡°Well then, I shall see you tomorrow. Rest well.¡± The lord returned to the inn Parsha had guided him to. The lord, who had seemed on the verge of copsing just a moment ago, was now calm. Back to himself. Creating droplets on his fingers, he returned to his usual self. ¡°This is truly damn hard. It¡¯s tough to do business and not perish.¡± The bright red face seemed false. Even the twisted tongue from intoxication seemed false. Everything was an illusion. If one knew how to use magic well, if one¡¯s magic had reached a certain level. No. ¡°Could I even get drunk in the first ce?¡± The lord with a Dragon Heart was immune to intoxication. His body could not be invaded by any poison, including alcohol. Thud. Sitting on the meticulously prepared sofa, the lord propped up his feet. ¡°By the way¡­¡± There were countless stories at the party, but the most memorable was the conversation with Sur. Sur, who approached first to chat, soon left the party, giving the lord and others a chance. And what he asked then. -What if what hinders the mission is Demonus? It stuck in memory. Sein responded to the question like this: ¨C As a member of the Tambado Demolus Zone, you must be familiar with Demolus¡¯s principles, right? Demolus¡¯s principles. ¨C The missiones first. So, even if Demolus stands in the way, whoever takes on the mission must carry it out, that¡¯s what it means. And the reason that moment remains memorable is. ¨C Excellent. It was because it was the only moment when Sur¡¯s mask was removed. A smile distorted by madness. ¨C I will look forward to it. He understood. ¡°Now, let¡¯s see how you handle this.¡± * * * The next day, Parcha came back with a load of information about the mission. This time, the mission was assassination. The target of the assassination was Gropha in Tambado. Considering that the Lord himself requested the assassination, it seemed like a reasonably significant figure. ¡°The director of an orphanage.¡± Just an ordinary orphanage director. Even the other information was useless. Most of it was not only unhelpful but also unnecessary. Just one line. Swiftly. ¡°This is it.¡± That was the only valuable piece of information about Gropha. ¡°When are you nning to carry out the mission?¡± Parcha asked. ¡°Are you rushing things?¡± ¡°Not like that, but Sur said that a party would be held until he proceeds with the mission¡­¡± ¡°Rushing in such a way, that¡¯s interesting.¡± Sein got up. ¡°I¡¯m going now.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get ready.¡± ¡°What do you need to prepare?¡± Sein walked out of the room. ¡°By the way, where is that guy?¡± ¡°Which guy?¡± ¡°You know.¡± Parsha showed a moment of difort. ¡°Lord Bk Demorus left the partyst night, and his whereabouts are mysterious.¡± Mysterious? ¡°I know Demorus focuses a lot on his missions, but Lord and Bk are too different.¡± Nonsense. These guys must know best where Bk is. ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Lord leaving the castle. Parsha and Sur¡¯s knights offered to track the Lord, but he declined. ¡°It¡¯s an assassination, what¡¯s there to track?¡± Isn¡¯t it ridiculous? From Noble mtl dot If that¡¯s the case, they should do it themselves. So. Firmly. There must be a reason for everything. A back alley in Tanba, a shabby, dpidated building. The sign was so worn out that it was hard to make out the words ¡°Tanba Orphanage.¡± ¡°It stinks.¡± Lord frowned, muttering. ¡°So you left that nice castle to hang out here?¡± Lord spoke, looking at a side of the orphanage. ¡°Because you missed this smell so much?¡± Someone from there revealed themselves at Lord¡¯s words. A quiterge shadow. Chapter 43 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 43 ¡°¡­.¡± Bk Demorus. Information brought by Parsha about Grofa. It was all worthless gossip. But among them, there was a paragraph mixing the purpose of this mission, the representation of this world, opportunities, grudges, and many other things. ¨C Bk Demorus grew up in Grofa Orphanage. That¡¯s where Bk is from. ¡°It¡¯s like a joke, right?¡± Lord said. ¡°He tried to fix his lineage as a Demorus, but ended up with such a mission.¡± Sur couldn¡¯t touch Grofa because of Bk. Initially, it was just an orphanage in a slum that no one cared about, but Sur found out there were magic stones buried here. It should have been a simple matter. ¡°We could have just paid to relocate the orphanage.¡± But this noble Lord decided it was too wasteful to push the orphanage away. That was the beginning. ¡°It must have been a funny sight. A kid not even twenty yet knocking down several knights.¡± Despite that, if he had to push them away, he would have. But Gropha and Vc somehow managed to hold off the lord¡¯s soldiers. ¡°The lord, being a man of honor, probably couldn¡¯t make a big move.¡± That¡¯s how it all began. The ill-fated rtionship between Vc, Gropha, and the lord Sur. Like blocking a monster wave, Vc defeated Sur¡¯s soldiers. But then Sur, in the end, tried to push the orphanage away while abandoning his honor, only to face a problem. ¡°Turns out that dog of a kid is a Demorus?¡± Demorus. That name cast a shadow. The situation took a turn. As Vc defended the orphanage, Sur, needing to avoid friction with Demorus, backed down from exerting force on the orphanage. Vc might have finally felt relieved, but the world was merciless. ¡°That¡¯s nobles for you. They are the ones who can start a war over a single shred of honor or pride.¡± Even willing to forgo years of revenue from the magical stone mine just to make a point. Vc probably didn¡¯t know. ¡°Nobles are those kinds of people¡­.¡± Sein looked at Vc. His usual yful face unchanged. ¡°Those spineless bastards are what Demorus is all about.¡± ¡°What are you trying to say, Sein Demorus?¡± ¡°Wherever you stand. As long as you are there, Demorus, who can make the likes of Sur freeze in their tracks, can¡¯t be stopped.¡± But. ¡°Here. Stand by my side, and you can be Demorus, able to crush the likes of Sur.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± A moment of silence. ¡°But.¡± Vc¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°We might have to give up the orphanage.¡± Suddenly, shadows appearing around the orphanage increased. * * * ¡°Step inside.¡± Vc said, unable to hide his bewilderment. It must be frustrating. It would be better if they could find refuge elsewhere, but due to Sur¡¯s surveince, the orphanage where Vc was present was the safest. If something happened in Tanba, the responsibility would lie with Sur, but if trouble arose on the escape route, it would be dealt with as a monster attack. ¡°Can that really happen?¡± ¡°Hyung. Who is it?¡± The orphanage director Gropha. And the orphans. ¡°That¡¯s right. If you stand by my side, we¡¯ll have to erase the orphanage. The elders there will end up covered in blood, and the kids¡­¡± Sain said. ¡°I¡¯ll buy it at a high price from Antara. Don¡¯t worry, I know someone there.¡± ¡°Sain!¡± Balrak shouted. ¡°Wow, what¡¯s got you so worked up.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind.¡± Balrak possessed a monstrous power that could tear even humans apart with his hands. And the weapon that such a creature chose was. Kwung. A massive greatsword. ¡°I will stand here. If I can¡¯t protect what is precious to me, I won¡¯t uphold the name of Demorus.¡± ¡°Are you serious?¡± Sain said, seemingly astonished. ¡°I am.¡± ¡°You fool.¡± To forsake a bright future for a fleeting moment of weak affection. Although it might not be just brightness, Sain knew that Balrak¡¯s strength and potential meant he was not someone who would easily die and disappear. ¡°Do you know what will happen to you from now on?¡± It wasn¡¯t just Balrak who took a stance. Swoosh. Sain drew his longsword. ¡°You have to face me.¡± ¡°¡­I know you are strong.¡± Balrak¡¯s aura was growing stronger. ¡°But I won¡¯t go down easily.¡± ¡°A fight where you gain nothing. A fight where you¡¯re bound to lose.¡± In an instant. ¡°That¡¯s what idiots do.¡± Sain¡¯s figure vanished, appearing in front of Balrak. The immense greatsword, undoubtedly destructive. Thud. Facing such a swift opponent was unreasonable. Balrak¡¯s sword, blocked by one of Sain¡¯s hands, seemed rooted to the ground, unmoving. ¡°Romantic, isn¡¯t it. But listen.¡± Sain¡¯s eyes lowered. Balrak¡­ ¡°Sip!¡± With a shout, he raised his sword. The great sword that finally began to move. ¡°A fool without strength seeking romance is just a fool.¡± Swoosh. However, the de of Sein, perched on the great sword, was piercing Balrak¡¯s shoulder. Swoosh. Sein¡¯s de thrust into Balrak¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Brother!¡± ¡°Oppa!¡± The children from the orphanage cried out. ¡°¡­Balrak!¡± The old man, Gropha, also looked at Balrak and Sein with surprised eyes. Seeing Balrak, who had always been reliable, being overpowered like this must have been quite a shock for many. ¡°A fool without strength seeking romance is just a fool.¡± Sein¡¯s echoing voice. Balrak. Gulped. With the de stuck in his shoulder, he stared wide-eyed. Balrak¡¯s eyes on Sein. However. ¡°Hmm.¡± Balrak didn¡¯t make any move. ¡°Because you¡¯re weak¡­.¡± Balrak¡¯s strained voice flowed out. ¡°Because you¡¯re weak!¡± A voice so bitter it could melt the tip of the tongue was swallowed. ¡°But you¡¯re different.¡± Balrak¡¯s eyes towards Sein were burning. ¡°What are you looking at.¡± Sein replied. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you from before. People like you are the strongest.¡± He thought. ¡®Not a fox, but a bear with a sharp mind.¡¯ Since the moment he received Gropha¡¯s assassination request. From the moment he became the one with the highest reputation to receive that request, he sensed his fate. ¡°You can do it, can¡¯t you.¡± He must have pondered and pondered. A way to ovee this situation. And there it was, found. ¡°Sein Demorus!¡± Vk shouted Sein¡¯s name for the first time. ¡°Help me!¡± ¡°You asked for it.¡± Swish! Sein¡¯s sword, which had dug into Vk¡¯s shoulder, moved sideways and slipped out. A fountain of spewing blood. ¡°Am I your mother? Why the hell are you messing with me?¡± Sein¡¯s sword moved again. This time, aiming not at Vk¡¯s shoulder, but at his neck. Precisely targeting the jugr. Thunk. Vk caught it. Thud, thud. Blood dripped from his fingertips. ¡°You asked if I would abandon the name Demorus. I will.¡± A deration of withdrawal from the candidatepetition. ¡°You think I can¡¯t beat you?¡± ¡°No.¡± From Vk¡¯s body. Kwoooosh! A crimson lightning bolt seemed to shoot out. So far, he had never truly witnessed Vk¡¯s blessing. He had only seen it to the extent of being considered a form of physical enhancement. ¡°Submit to me.¡± Red-stained pupils. Hair shooting up. Vk¡¯s appearance. ¡°I¡¯ll give myself to you, so save me. Sein Demorus.¡± It was like a demon. ¡®Bing a demon.¡¯ It was an extremely rare skill even in Sanctuary, due to the setting that the demons were supposed to have been eradicated in the past Divine-Demonic War, and demons were a different existence from those kind of demons. ¡°What will you believe in?¡± While radiating a gaze of greed, Sein whispered to Vk. ¡°If I be your master and kill Gropha, and burn down the orphanage?¡± The beings willing to be Sein¡¯s long-term pawns were overflowing. What was needed was a product worth investing in. ¡°I¡¯ll have to ept it. It must have been a wrong choice on my part.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll start with what¡¯s in front of me, right? Since there¡¯s no other way to n for the future anyway¡­¡± The elderly man muttered as if flicking a juju board. And then. ¡°There¡¯s still one left.¡± The moment the old man¡¯s gaze changed. Kwaaang! A thunderous noise erupted from Bk¡¯s crimson-stained body. ¡°I need to confirm if you¡¯re worth anything.¡± Behind Bk. A sword tip that pierced the ear. Through that sword tip, Sein¡¯s voice flowed in. ¡°You¡¯ll have to show me everything.¡± Bk, who looked like a demon. But Bk thought to himself. ¡°Bring it on.¡± Sein was the true devil. * * * Enhanced physical abilities as if transformed into a creature of darkness. Explosive magic power and. Fwoosh! The red traces left behind where the greatsword passed. ¡°You¡¯re still at a beginner level.¡± Sein calmly dodged Bk¡¯s attacks and observed. That red magic was the me of sin. A special power different from magic. Wooong! Demonization transformed the caster¡¯s physical abilities into that of a demon, granting ess to the demon¡¯s special power of sin. From Noble mtl dot And sin. Sizzle. Was specialized in debuffs. At a beginner level, direct contact was needed to apply the debuff. But as the level increased, and demonization progressed further. ¡°Even without touching.¡± Close range. Could weaken the opponent inbat, and if taken further. ¡°A zone.¡± Could apply a special debuff to everything within its area. It was quite a useful ability, but a demanding one. Fwoosh. Sein¡¯s wounds were gradually increasing over time. ¡°Definitely¡­.¡± Sein¡¯s scale was tipping. ¡°I must obtain it.¡± The ore named Vc seemed to shine quite brightly. If only. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡± To the point of deciding to break it if unable to possess. Chapter 44 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 44 ¡°Kwaaaaah!¡± Vc, sumbing to madness, drew upon the power of demonization. But it only led to a slight increase in physical abilities. No more dramatic changes were evident. ¡°If that¡¯s all you¡¯ve got, let me help.¡± Sein distanced himself from Vc. ¡°Show me what true power you possess.¡± At that moment. ¡°¡­.!¡± Vc twitched and came to a halt. ¡°Feeling it now?¡± Sein said with a smirk, and in his grasp. ¡°Huuuurgh-!¡± A child from the orphanage was held captive. ¡°Se¡­Sein¡­. What are you doing¡­.¡± Vc offered himself to Sein. This was a test to protect the orphanage. Yet what Sein was doing now was destroying the orphanage. ¡°If you can¡¯t prove your worth, I have no reason to protect the orphanage.¡± ¡°Se¡­Sein¡­. Se¡­Sein¡­!¡± With a hostage in hand, Vc couldn¡¯t move easily. Yet his eyes glowed even brighter with a deep crimson hue. Crackle! The red lightning bursting from his body was bing even more intense. Finally. ¡°So, we need to make a good show, right? Since it¡¯s the two of us next.¡± Crack. It was the moment Sein snapped the little one¡¯s neck. Vc¡¯s lightning, which had been a mere spark until now. Kwaaaaah-! It began to skyrocket explosively. At that moment, it seemed like time had slowed down. But within that moment. Boom-! Balrak¡¯s greatsword seemed to maintain its timing, or rather, elerate even more as it swung towards Sein. This was it. Kwaaaah! Unleashing the potential to move beyond the novice stage. Balrak possessed it, and he demonstrated it. ¡°The subject to be a master.¡± Two swords shed. Sein¡¯s longsword. ng! A crack began to form. ¡°Kraaaaa! You¡¯re deeead!¡± Balrak¡¯s beastly scream, his lightning, his eyes growing even darker. Crash! Sein¡¯s sword bursting out. ¡°Yeah, this should do.¡± The greatswording down as if to crush Sein¡¯s skull. Seeing that, Sein smiled. And in his right hand. ¡°Passed.¡± Bastion¡¯s voice echoed. Growl! * * * Step, step. The path leading to Tanba¡¯s castle. Step, step. The heavy footsteps echoed. Alone in this city tainted by darkness at this hour, one couldn¡¯t just leave him. Step, step. Quietly observing, avoiding contact, no one dared to approach him. Understandably so, as the man was covered in blood. Squelch. He was dragging two bodies like sacks in his hands. And finally, the man reached the entrance of the castle. Gulp. Even the guards swallowed their saliva in the tense atmosphere. ¡°Who, who are you?¡± Imagining the dreadful consequences of notpleting my task, I barely managed to speak. ¡°Open the door.¡± The voice that reached me was sharp. ¡°Who¡­.¡± ¡°You came to see your lord. Open the door.¡± Moonlight streaming down. Amidst the gray clouds, a figure with white hair emerged. ¡°De, Demorus!¡± It was Sein. ¡°Open the door-!¡± The guards shouted, beginning to open the sturdy castle gate. As if it were only natural. Creak. Sein entered the castle with two bodies in tow. The soldiers who noticed themotion rushed out to surround Sein, but no one dared to approach easily. ¡°Stand aside-!¡± Parsha, who appeared at that moment, shouted at the soldiers. ¡°The honorable guest has brought a gift, why do you interfere?¡± Truly a steward of the lord who had ruled for many years. He understood the situation by looking at Sein¡¯s determined expression and what he held in his hands. ¡°Is it already over?¡± ¡°How would I know?¡± ¡°The lord¡­.¡± Parsha was about to say that the lord had retired for the night. But given the circumstances and the person he was facing. ¡°He is waiting. Let us go together.¡± The soldiers¡¯motion would have reached the lord and Sur. If they were astute lords, they would have sensed that something was amiss. Sein, carrying the two bodies, entered under the escort of Parsha and the lord¡¯s soldiers. ¡°You all, step back.¡± At Parsha¡¯smand, the soldiers and knights made way. ¡°You seem to be seriously injured. You should receive treatment first¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not my blood.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Parsha nodded in understanding. ¡°Then¡­?¡± There was too much blood for two people, so I inquired. ¡°Some bloodthirsty creatures were howling around, so I had to tear them apart.¡± ¡°Oh! Is that so?¡± Sura and Parcha were both irked by the mere existence of the Gropha Orphanage, so if Sein was willing to take care of dirty work as well, they were grateful for it. ¡°As expected of a demon.¡± But even so, it sent shivers down Parcha¡¯s spine. Even a child, easily erasing anything that interfered with their mission. If this person became an enemy. If they were to receive a contract for their assassination one day. Thud. Parcha felt as though the end of a terrifying imagination was creeping closer. Amidst these thoughts, they finally arrived. ¡°What brings you on such an ambitious night?¡± At Sura¡¯s mansion. Sura, awake as always, weed Sein and Parcha. Not a hint of surprise crossed his face as he nced at Sein and the items in Sein¡¯s hands. Toss. Sein threw what was in his hands in front of Sura. ¡°Indeed, it smells of Gropha.¡± The target of the assassination. And then. Grin. A smile that seemed to tear at the edges of Sura¡¯s lips. ¡°Isn¡¯t this Bk Demorus, by any chance?¡± Sura, who had hidden his emotions skillfully. Crack! His lips stretched wide. ¡°C-Cough.¡± Sura let out a stifled chuckle. ¡°Isn¡¯t this Bk Demorus, by any chance?¡± While still keeping an eye on Sein¡¯s reaction, he did not forget his respect. But it was not the same with his actions. Toss, toss. Approaching Bk¡¯s corpse as if poking at trash, he nudged it with his foot. ¡°What has be of you?¡± He wasn¡¯t looking for a report on the mission. ¡°How¡­?¡± That cruel smile spoke volumes about his feelings. ¡°Have you killed him?¡± It wasn¡¯t a report on the mission he wanted, but to hear their screams. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? Stabbed to death, shed to death, beaten to death with fists.¡± As Sein continued speaking, Suer¡¯s lips stretched even further. It seemed like they might tearpletely and never return. ¡°Where are the other things?¡± ¡°Other things?¡± ¡°The little devils.¡± Suer asked the orphans. ¡°They say they¡¯ve been taken care of, bothering no more.¡± Parsha replied. ¡°Hahaha!¡± And finally, Suer couldn¡¯t hold back hisughter. ¡°Excellent! Excellent!¡± Suer shouted as if seeing off the mansion. ¡°It was wise to entrust the task to Demorus. No, it could be attributed to your skill, Sein.¡± Suer said, folding his robe. ¡°Tanba¡¯s Suer, I will support Sein. I believe you will be the sanctity of Demorus, Sein.¡± Suer¡¯s favorability rating towards Max was evident. It was harder to earn favor with Suer than he thought. ¡°What a lunatic.¡± Being able to maximize favor by killing a few was a testament to how twisted Suer was. ¡°Parsha! What are you doing!¡± Suer shouted at Parsha. ¡°We should bring the payment and gifts to Sein!¡± ¡°Oh¡­!¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t the payment supposed to go to Demorus?¡± ¡°Would that alone be enough to show Sein my heart?¡± Suer said. ¡°Since you¡¯ve put in a little more effort to open my heart, I must reciprocate ordingly.¡± Directly paying the sponsorship fee excluding the payment. Parsha rushed out as if his feet were on fire at Suer¡¯s words. ¡°Sigh.¡± Sein let out a small sigh. ¡°I feel sorry for this.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°If you treat me so well, I can¡¯t help but be swayed.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± Suer. He was quite a shrewd lord. Sensing something amiss, he looked at Sein. Oh no. He released his magic. And only then could he know. ¡°What the hell!¡± It was clear that Balrak¡¯s breathing had not stopped yet. Kwahng! The sound of explosion reverberated. For a moment, as Balrak sprang forward to grab Su¡¯s face, Su countered by casting a protective spell to block Balrak¡¯s hand. ¡°You¡¯ve bitten off more than you can chew, both soldiers and knights.¡± It¡¯s still too much to handle just one territory. From Noble mtl dot Rampaging in the midst of enemy lines has its limits, and interference from others would only be a hindrance. ¡°So, who¡¯s left alone?¡± Su personally sent out Parcha as the only ally to help. Hwaaak. A surge of magic was felt. Until those who understood the situation arrived. ¡°It¡¯ll take about 3 minutes, Balrak.¡± He had about 3 minutes. ¡°Do you think you can make it?¡± ¡°I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me.¡± Balrak, burning with anger. Kwajijik! A crimson lightning bolt shot out from his entire body. It was much thickerpared to when facing Sein. ¡°Su, I¡¯m sorry it had toe to this.¡± Sein said to Su, who was blocking Balrak¡¯s anger, with a hint of regret. ¡°You¡¯ve been so good to me, and I feel a bit ufortable. But what can I do?¡± Ssik. The smile that Su had shown. As vivid as it was, a smile appeared on Sein¡¯s lips. ¡°That mutt is more valuable than the entire Tanba.¡± ¡°You son of a b-!¡± Su shouted, his magic surging. ¡°Can you handle it? The treaty¡­!¡± Chapter 45 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 45 ¡°Hey, Balrak. That guy is insulting our father.¡± Ssik. ¡°Ask him.¡± Kwajijik! Cracks began to appear in Su¡¯s shield magic. *** *** ¡°It¡¯s worse than I thought.¡± ck and white treaty. Now that ck has engulfed the world, one reason why white could survive was because they possessed what ck did not. -Magic. The magic that serves as the foundation of this world. Those tainted by darkness, flowing with the blood of the dark realm, were unable to use magic. It was said to be a privilege only for those with the empire¡¯s lineage and those in the domain of white. Thinking back, it was true. Except for Arin¡¯s dark magic, I had never truly witnessed magic before. Surr, the magician. So I had expectations. ¡°About Level 3.¡± His power and skill were far from praiseworthy. Sigh, sigh. Balrak, exhaling rough breaths. Surry beneath his feet. ¡°You guys¡­.¡± Surr¡¯s breath was still hanging on. ¡°Can¡­ I handle¡­ this.¡± Was it to survive? Or was it simply a desire to unleash a curse? ¡°Hey, are you being merciful? Or is it that your leash is long?¡± At Saine¡¯s words. Crack! Balrak exerted force with his foot, shattering Surr¡¯s skull. To Balrak, who had mastered intermediate demonization, a Level 3 magician was nothing but a snack. ¡°¡­Ending with this level of pain is disappointing.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that.¡± Saine waved his hand. ¡°You probably don¡¯t understand the abilities you possess. From now on, Surr will live on as one with you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± ¡°You might have to endure pain for a long time, so don¡¯t worry.¡± And then. Crash! All three agreed-upon minutes had passed. The doors of the mansion opened, and soldiers and knights rushed in. ¡°My Lord!¡± Parsha screamed in panic. ¡°Saine. What Surr said is true. This is¡­.¡± What they had caused. ¡°It¡¯s not something we can easily move past.¡± I leaned on Sain, and that¡¯s why we got into this mess, but Bk knew it too. What they had done was never something easily bearable. Hence, the gambling. Just blind faith. And¡­ ¡°I know too. Kid.¡± A glimmer of hope. ¡°But listen.¡± Sain approached Bk and lifted the headless body of a fallen Sur. ¡°I¡¯m a far greater person than you think.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Watch closely from now on.¡± Sain said. The romanticism of the weak was nothing but folly, not romanticism. However. ¡°I¡¯ll show you what it means to have power.¡± Sain was confident in showing romance as romance. * * * Sain and Bk, suddenly surrounded. Fortunately, the corpse of Gropa was just a straw dummy created by Sain with the power of demons and saints. ¡°What are you doing!¡± Parsha trembled with anger and betrayal. ¡°How dare you treat the lord like this!¡± But Sain, who received that, was¡­ Stubborn. He just shrugged indifferently as if it was bothersome. ¡°You!¡± ¡°If anyone moves, they die.¡± At that moment, everyone¡¯s movements ceased. The rest sent by Rasiel through Sain. It was a rest that wasn¡¯t really rest, but a way for Sain to harness his energy, amplify it, and hone the new skills he had acquired. A shudder. Right now, in this moment, the terror caused by Sain in this space. ¨C Dragon Fear. The Dragon Fear enveloped and bound them. ¡°Why the hell are you all acting like this.¡± ¡°¡­Wh¡­ What¡­?¡± ¡°Took on a mission andpleted it.¡± Sein spoke confidently. Though Gropha was not dead, he looked like a corpse lying there. ¡°You saw it too, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Parsha couldn¡¯t easily respond to Sein¡¯s words. Even at this moment, behind Vk, Gropha¡¯s body seemed to exist prominently. ¡°The rest wasn¡¯t part of the mission details, I simply carried out the mission as instructed.¡± ¡°But-!¡± He killed Sur. ¡°Oh, this?¡± Sein shook Sur¡¯s body like a doll. ¡°Ipleted the mission¡­.¡± Grrrrr. Sein¡¯s voice rumbled low like an animal¡¯s cry. ¡°What can I do when Demorus¡¯s money was at stake.¡± ¡°What!¡± Nonsense! Parsha wanted to shout. ¡°Don¡¯t deny it. I want him dead.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± But in Sein¡¯s lively voice, Parsha could only remain silent. ¡°Parsha. What do you have in your hands?¡± The jewels and coins meant for Sein. ¡°Sur, this madman tried to steal Demorus¡¯s fee and split it with me, the evidence is right there.¡± ¡°W-what!¡± In that moment. Swoosh! One of Parsha¡¯s arms was severed. Sein¡¯s sword, which moved without warning, had cut off Parsha¡¯s arm with a swift strike. ¡°I¡¯ll say it again, you bastards.¡± Soldiers and knights. He addressed everyone gathered here. ¡°This is Demorus¡¯s rightful exercise of power. If anyone dares to interfere¡­.¡± Swish. As Sein took a stance, his aura burst out explosively. The absolute authority that even the knights of Tanba couldn¡¯t resist. ¡°You all will perish.¡± With that, Sein nced at Vk. His eyes, expression, and posture seemed to convey this message. -The name Demorus is spelled like this. Even if bestowed with power, he was different from those who didn¡¯t know how to use it. Sain was someone who knew exactly what he possessed and how to wield that power. Demorus was his name. A name that held absolute sway in this world. ?Bang!? Knights and soldiers dropped their weapons. ¡°Right.¡± Sain finally corrected his stance. ¡°¡­this easily.¡± Even Vc seemed surprised. Thinking that he might have to face the entire territory, or perhaps even more, made himself seem pitiful. ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°You thought things would unravel so easily?¡± But Sain continued to observe. The true thing to fear wasn¡¯t Tanba or the like. ¡°What¡¯s this about, Sain Demorus.¡± A figure cloaked in ck was walking through the ranks of soldiers parting like a crimson sea. One of Rasier¡¯s militarymanders, Campe. Sain, Vc, and Rasier¡¯s guide who came with them. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Beside him stood another of Rasier¡¯s militarymanders, Campe, whom he had seen before. ¡°Now you show your face.¡± Sain had already noticed Campe¡¯s presence. The observer who had been discreetly following them. Because it was Campe. ¡°I knew you¡¯d pull something like this, Sain Demorus.¡± Campe and Sain. The surroundings were eerily quiet as if no one else existed except them. Daring. ¡°You not only failed your mission, but also killed the client?¡± No one dared to intervene in their grim atmosphere. It felt as if a storm of des was raging. One wrong move could result in being torn apart, a vivid image of death looming. ¡°You¡¯ve tarnished the reputation of Demorus.¡± Swish. A dagger in Campe¡¯s hand. ¡°Seems being a Rasier militarymander isn¡¯t just for show.¡± A well-organized energy pressed against the skin like a de. ¡°Level must be at least 20.¡± It was still quite difficult to gauge Campe¡¯s true ability with a seemingly significant difference. Swoosh. Vc tried to approach Sein, the scent of an impending battle lingering in the air. ¡°Asera. Stand down.¡± Sein halted Vc. ¡°I¡¯ve said it. The whining of the weak is mere noise.¡± Although Vc had achieved intermediate demonization, he was not a match for Campe. ¡°And power¡­¡± Sein¡¯s voice sounded like a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s not just about powerlessness.¡± Sein looked straight at Campe. ¡°Any excuses? Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°There are.¡± Kwaaaah! Sein pushed aside Campe¡¯s energy as he spoke. Campe, momentarily startled, twitched. ¡°Smearing dung on Demorus¡¯s name, that¡¯s what you¡¯re doing.¡± ¡°What nonsense¡­¡± ¡°The mission was sessful.¡± Having been in charge of surveince, Campe would know. Gropah is alive, and the body before their eyes is just a doll. But. ¡°You¡¯re the one denying Demorus¡¯s ims.¡± If you don¡¯t acknowledge that, then so be it. ¡°¡­.¡± From Noble mtl dot Campe seemed to finally realize the truth now. ¡°Wasn¡¯t Tanba¡¯s lord trying to embezzle Demorus¡¯s tribute? There should be clear evidence, right?¡± It was an addedyer, but originally, it went against Demorus¡¯s rules. Tribute is tribute. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°Yeah. You bastard. I am Sein Demorus.¡± Sein walked away without hesitation. Not even drawing his sword. ¡°In the name of Demorus, the event was carried out¡­.¡± Face to face. Sein and Campe locked eyes. If they reached out, they could snap each other¡¯s necks. But Sein would not do so. ¡°Who do you think you are, huh? You¡¯re out of your mind.¡± Kampe would not yield. ¡°Does the powerlessmander of Lasciel raise a g in the name of Demorus?¡± He is not Demorus. Although the candidate¡¯s position is low, this ce is for external events. It was a mission carried out in the name of Demorus. ¡°Do you think you can handle it?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°You bastard. Do you think you can handle it?¡± Sein grabbed Kampe¡¯s hand holding the dagger and brought it closer to himself. If you can stab, then stab is the intention. A distant look. Kampe, clenching his teeth. Only then did a smile appear on Sein¡¯s lips. ¡°Sein Demorus was right. It seems there was a mistake.¡± So. Fwoosh! Chapter 46 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 46 Blood burst around Kampe. The Parsha, who was about to protest. The knights guarding him. The soldiers lined up behind. Thud, thwock. Thwock¡­. Pieces of flesh were scattered. ¡°Dealing with Demorus¡¯s mistake, truly a son of a bitch.¡± Sein¡¯s satisfied smile. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°No, Kampe. Don¡¯t speak. Let me say something.¡± Sein approached Kampe and whispered. ¡°You are now one step closer to being the guild master of Lasciel.¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t bow your head, you¡¯ll have to swim from the bottom. Remember that.¡± Sein stepped back. Kampe couldn¡¯t even utter a word until then. ¡°See that?¡± Sein spoke towards Bk. ¡°This is what romance is.¡± * * * ¡°The lord of Tanba wille soon.¡± That day¡¯s incident ended like that. An attempt to defy Demorus. With it, the deaths of hundreds of soldiers and dozens of knights. The deaths of the lord and his steward were covered up. ¡°The orphanage in Grofa is relocating. Any objections?¡± Grofa, with a troubled expression, shook his head at Sein¡¯s words. ¡°If only they had supported the relocation from the start.¡± Once known as a hero, Grofa was now a feeble old man in Sein¡¯s eyes. Grofa, too. Sein continued, ¡°I will relocate, provided with relocation expenses and safety.¡± Simply following the orders of the absolute authority. The story was simple. ¡°That alone won¡¯t be the end.¡± Sein was wrapping things up. ¡°Vk, you are now the owner of thisnd.¡± Beneath the orphanage, a magical stone miney dormant. ¡°¡­.?¡± ¡°All the paperwork is done. You and Grofa are joint owners.¡± ¡°Is that so¡­?¡± When did that happen? ¡°Since the magical stone mine is under Demorus¡¯s name, the new lord wouldn¡¯t dare touch it. Especially with Grofa, the co-owner, keeping an eye on things.¡± Even the aftermath. ¡°Thirty percent of the profits from the magical stone mine will go to Demorus.¡± It was inevitable. ¡°With that, we can receive protection, so it¡¯s actually a good thing.¡± Grofa seemed to have caught on to Sein¡¯s n. ¡°With a lord bold enough to aim for the mine tribute to Demorus, there¡¯s no way he¡¯d rise to the Seventh District.¡± ¡°Exactly. Vk, this kid who grew up with you, why does he know nothing?¡± Sein, appearing frustrated, spoke as Vk lowered his head. ¡°And then¡­¡± It was at that moment. ¡°Long time no see.¡± A young man with a sharp look. His tanned skin seemed to bear witness to the time that had passed. ¡°Long time indeed. Your name was, uh¡­ what was it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Aya. Sein Demorus, sir.¡± A merchant who arrived from Borpeo. Leading a small group called the ss Summit, it was Aya. ¨C From now on, you¡¯re special. After Sein acquired Borfeo, the fate of Aeya and Garas¡¯s upper realm changed. Truly, bing the top of Borfeo and expanding that rule. Moreover, being able to transcend territories and domains as a merchant, he had promptly responded to Sein¡¯s call. ¡°Greetings. These are the chief mana stone miners of Tanba.¡± ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you. Please feel free to speak as you would with Sein¡¯s introduction.¡± Varak was surprised. He knew of Sein¡¯s skill and power, but to hear he was from Zone 10. If he became a candidate and came straight here, what kind ofmotion must have urred for such people to flock behind Sein. ¡°Here, we¡¯ll split three shares with Garas¡¯s upper realm, and the remaining three wille up from Antara.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°You sort out the remaining 10%. Whether you invest it or nurture it in an orphanage.¡± ¡°It might be good to put it in an orphanage.¡± p. Sein pped his hands. ¡°Then, it¡¯s all settled. Aeya, the contract.¡± ¡°Here it is.¡± ¡°I¡¯m pleased with the work. How¡¯s Deren?¡± ¡°He¡¯s doing well, Sein.¡± ¡°Good.¡± The mission in Tanba. ¡°Let¡¯s head back. Come on, doggy.¡± A new puppy, together with Varak, set off on the journey back. * * * ¡°¡­So, Varak¡¯s mana stone mine will contribute three shares to Demoras.¡± Varak¡¯s heavy voice echoed. ¡°Three shares.¡± This was Rasel¡¯s guild house. It was the room where Master Alman was present. In front of Alman, Sein and Varak were reporting. ¡°That¡¯s too little.¡± ¡°Is he insane? Trying to take more when there¡¯s nothing left.¡± A muttered soliloquy that sounded like informal speech. ¡°Demoras¡¯ protection, above all else¡­.¡± However, Alman, unaffected by Sein¡¯s words, continued speaking. ¡°To overlook themotion in Tanba, three shares are too few.¡± ¡°Oh,e on.¡± Sein spoke towards the wall without looking at Alman. ¡°Tamba was a young lord who, at first nce, seemed like a stubbornd who wouldn¡¯t listen, and upon checking the documents, he was a guy who was stingy even with the protection fee.¡± The voice of Sein poured out without hesitation. ¡°By seating a new lord at Demorus¡¯s whim, Demorus¡¯s dominance will be firmly established. Three to one, not a bad deal.¡± This was the basis of negotiation. Knowing exactly what to gain and what to give up. ¡°Three to one.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Sein responded without hesitation. -Well, doing it like this won¡¯t make it right, just give up from your end, Eya. Sein, who had already foreseen this situation, had adjusted the contract. ¡°Make sure to do it. Demorus Mine.¡± ¡°Will do so.¡± In an instant, it all unfolded. Bk was honestly taken aback. Sein, though, faced the situation in front of him like a neighborhood uncle. Gooo! In the eyes of Bk and other candidates, Alman was truly an imposing figure. An entity that one couldn¡¯t touch or defy. That¡¯s why, even though things had gone well in Tamba, there was concern about how Alman would react. ¡°The profit is substantial. The payment is nned to be received properly by the next lord of Tamba.¡± ¡°Just give me my share urately. Oh, thisd too.¡± ¡°Will do so.¡± There was chaos, but it turned into an advantage. And that was. ¡®Sein Demorus knows exactly Alman¡¯s intentions.¡¯ It must have been because Alman had perfectly executed one of the ns he had envisioned when receiving this assignment. The best course of action where both parties could gain the maximum benefit. That was it. ¡®A powerful one.¡¯ Exactly what Sein referred to as a truly powerful individual. What such a person could aplish was precisely this. ¡°Excellent.¡± Even when causing trouble, Sein received praise. ¡°However.¡± That was the moment. Thud, tter. The sound of something falling and rolling on the floor was heard. Sein and Bk, with Campe standing behind them. It was his throat. ¡°Being too forward may not be as favorable as you think.¡± It was a warning. Daring to mention the Guild Master of Lasciel. And a warning from Alman, who already knew everything. ¡°Keep that in mind.¡± At Sein¡¯s response, a smile spread across Alman¡¯s face. ¡°Still, given the significant benefits to Lasciel and Demorus, a reward must be given, right?¡± -But considering the substantial benefits brought, a reward must be given, right? Alman was certainly not a bad boss. Clear in rewards and punishments. -You have a 15-day vacation. Vacation. That was the reward Sein managed to secure. ¡°Ah!¡± It was said that very few candidates managed to get a vacation around the time of the candidates¡¯petition, especially in the early stages. ¡°What a damn fine morning.¡± They who were delighted to have acquired the name Demorus realized the harsh reality that they could flee at any moment. Moreover, there were rational reasons to be involved in some incidents, to be sacrificed, or to fall into the hands of enemies. Sein received such a vacation. Abruptly. ¡°Do you eat cookies from the morning breeze.¡± Seisil approached Sein by the window, chewing on a cookie. ¡°Give me some too.¡± Sein snatched a cookie from Seisil and stood by the window for a while. ¡°Even though I got the vacation¡­.¡± There was nothing particrly special. He wasn¡¯t already dedicating himself to training like a madman, and the odd jobs given to candidates were being volunteered for by others, covering Sein¡¯s share. With missions and terms, he could even refuse if it wasn¡¯t a designated task. ¡°What are you doing.¡± He didn¡¯t know how to spend the vacation. ¡°But now that I¡¯ve got it, I should use it.¡± Sein was Korean. If given, he had to make use of it somehow. ¡°Hmm.¡± Tap, tap. Tap. Sein stood by the window, tapping it. ¡°What?¡± Seisil grabbed Sein¡¯s cor. ¡°The cookie.¡± ¡°Want to go get some snacks?¡± A nod. ¡°We¡¯ll go with Varakter.¡± Varak, after the incident at Tanba, pledged loyalty to Sein. Varak¡¯s loyalty was different from the other candidates who used magic contracts. Rather, Varak was the most trustworthy being, excluding Deren, so Sein asionally entrusted him with tasks like Cessel¡¯s safety. ¡°Oh, what should I do now?¡± Should he search for the lost items? From Noble mtl dot If Rasel could help, he might be able to visit a few ces to trace the items. Or perhaps trace of useful human presence, or skill books¡­. ¡°Ugh, Asra.¡± But Sein sighed, shaking his head. Though Rasel seemed peaceful and serene, right now all eyes would be on him. Especially. ¡°That nobleman won¡¯t just give a vacation, no way.¡± Almani¡¯s vacation reward wouldn¡¯t be pure. Where he was heading. What he was doing. He would observe, evaluate, and uncover all his actions. ¡°Seichung.¡± ¡°¡­.?¡± Sechil looked up at Sein at his words. ¡°Want to go on a trip?¡± At that, Sechil, who had been absentmindedly eating snacks, brightened up. ¡°Yeah!¡± Plop! Sein fed honeyed nuts to Sechil, who was like that. ¡°Why are you using informalnguage?¡± ¡°Aw.¡± ¡°Get your things ready.¡± Even if he felt offended by the kid¡¯s informal speech, it was only for a moment. ¡°It¡¯s a trip.¡± He had decided how to use the vacation. * * * ¡°Long time no see.¡± With no mission at hand, there was no guide from Rasel. Traveling alone. Yet, thanks to the top with Rasel¡¯s emblem drawn on it, Sein could reach his destination without any issues. ¡°So, here¡¯s the thing.¡± The ones engaged in conversation. They soon spotted Sein. Chapter 47 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 47 ¡°Please reveal your identity.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Sein marveled at their appearance. Intentionally concealing Rasiel¡¯s emblem. ¡°Something different?¡± The moment Sein¡¯s hand, covering the emblem, came down. ¡°Hehe!¡± The guards pondered and quickly corrected their posture. ¡°We, we are in the presence of Ras¡¯s organization member.¡± In this rural area, not just Demorus, but Ras as well, is treated like a Grim Reaper. ¡°E, excuse me¡­¡± ¡°Huh¡­? Could it be¡­?¡± Among them, someone seemed to recognize Sein, but Sein hastened a step further. ¡°Sein Demorus. Open the door.¡± ¡°Sein¡­¡± ¡°Demorus?¡± The faces, already contemting, turned pale. ¡°¡­Open it.¡± One senior guard spoke in a mosquito-like voice. ¡°Open it, you brats!¡± Crreeak! The city gate began to open. ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s how it should be.¡± Satisfied, Sein, along with Sessil, started heading towards the open gate. Finally, Sein and Sessil entered, and the gate closed. ¡°If he¡¯s Sein Demorus¡­?¡± The junior guard, with a doubtful expression, asked the senior guard. ¡°Fool. He¡¯s ¡®Sein Demorus.¡¯¡± This is Borfeo. ¡°The master of the back alleys!¡± ¡°Gasp!¡± Only then did the junior guard seem to realize he was standing on the brink of life and death. The incident that urred a few days before he became a guard. The tales of Sein¡¯s feats on the night of death and the subsequent events were truly legendary. Regardless of how the guards felt, Sein stepped into the gate. He advanced with unwavering steps. The street was now empty, as if by magic. It¡¯s the same as before. ¡°Nostalgic.¡± But what will unfold from now on will be different from before. Memories, memories. Quite believable equipment for a rural town like Sector 8. Eyes that seem to have gained some experience in their own way. Evenpared to the candidates who have nothing but the strength given by their bloodline, they look much better. ¡°Have youe-!¡± Shouting towards Sein, dominating the street. Those who immediately lower their stance and bow their heads. A familiar face stood in front of them. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been a while.¡± This is Borfeo. Thend that became Sein¡¯s territory. ¡°Derun.¡± It was where Derun, his most trusted subordinate, was. *** ¡°Those judgment bastards said that kind of thing?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have to teach them a lesson soon.¡± Sein, listening to the events that have unfolded. Now, there was no need to use Cyclops¡¯ house as before. The Derun Family. The emerging power thatpletely dominated the backstreets of Borfeo, expanding its influence even now. Feared even in the nearby territories. ¡°Oh, have you arrived?¡± Familiar faces burst in and bowed their heads. ¡°Oh, the outsider!¡± Cyclops. The first connection made in Borfeo, now absorbed into the Derun Family as themander of the forces. And. Shaking as if about to wet herself at any moment. ¡°The vixen hase too.¡± Called the overlords of the backstreets of Borfeo, but Sein only took in Cyclops and Fox. ¡°Oh, nice to see you after a long time.¡± Just barely standing before their true master was all they could do. And that wasn¡¯t all. ¡°Nice to see you again.¡± This person, smiling much more rxedpared to the others. Aya. He was the top topju of the Tanba from a while ago. With the Deren Family backing him, he expanded his business and became the number one merchant in Borfeo. His courage, which was certainly notckingpared to the other naive fellows, appealed to Sein. And another thing. ¡°Master, nice to see you.¡± ¡°¡­.?¡± At thest voice, Sein made a puzzled face. Standing there was a sturdy middle-aged man. He seemed familiar, but Sein didn¡¯t know who he was. But a master? ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Here.¡± Thud! The middle-aged man, who had a hammer tied to his waist, lowered it to the ground. ¡°Aaron-!¡± ¡°A¡­Aron?¡± It was a name Sein had heard before. If it¡¯s Aaron¡­. ¡°That old man?¡± That old man is the middle-aged man in front of him now? And on top of that, what¡¯s with the master? ¡°What¡¯s going on.¡± Aaron scratched his head as if embarrassed by Sein¡¯s words. ¡°Well, you see¡­.¡± It was said that Aaron¡¯s age wasn¡¯t that old to begin with. But he had long lost his will to live, living like a recluse, which made him look much older than his age. Meeting Sein, he regained his will to live and things changed. ¡°Does that make sense?¡± ¡°Of course, the Tanba gave me a lot of help.¡± Deren said. ¡°As Borfeo¡¯s only cksmith, and with his exceptional skills, I invested in everything good for his health.¡± So that¡¯s how it happened. ¡°Hah.¡± Sein almost forgot about Aaron¡¯s dramatic transformation. That this was a world of dreams and fantasies. ¡°C-cough.¡± Sein calmed his slowly astonished heart. His gaze slowly began to change. The atmosphere, which had lightened somewhat because of Aaron¡¯s work. Ooooooh. Sank heavily. ¡°When¡­.¡± It had been a long time since they faced Sein. They had thought that they, too, had not wasted their time, but Sein waspletely different. If it had been just vaguely visible before, now it was like a new white fog. High up in the sky, like something living in a ce he could never reach. ¡°Derren.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± ¡°Is there someone who needs to die?¡± With Sein¡¯s words, the atmosphere, already heavy, plummeted to the ground. ¡°Fox, is that girl not cking off and doing well?¡± The woman spared because of her skill. ¡°Her skills are not as bad as you might think.¡± Phew, with a long sigh, the sound of Fox sitting down was heard. It would have been good if it ended there. ¡°The other families have issues with the top ss receiving our family¡¯s protection and growing rapidly, not just this one.¡± Derren was entrusted with Borfeo, but he was not a dictator. Moreover, there were others here with power simr to Derren¡¯s. So, it was a problem that naturally arose. ¡°It¡¯s a matter of life and death. It could happen.¡± Sein rose to his feet. His vacation. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you handle it?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Derren briefly closed his mouth, ming himself for his mistake. But it was also impolite to keep Sein waiting. ¡°They have attached themselves to the Lord of Borfeo.¡± The Lord of Borfeo. The one who could wield power simr to Derren¡¯s in Borfeo. ¡°Any other issues?¡± ¡°¡­There are some differences of opinion with the Lord.¡± The task was set. ¡°Considering myself as a rogue of the underworld.¡± His vacation, its starting point. ¡°Shall we hold a festival of blood?¡± The inside of the quiet hall. Silence. The sound of chewing cookies in the hallway echoed alone. ¡°This tiresome city.¡± A woman with a face full of discontent walked down the corridor. Despite her worn-out appearance, the woman exuded a radiant beauty. ¡°How long must we remain stuck in this remote corner?¡± Viscountess Borfeo. That was the city¡¯s name. However, after the fall of the old empire, their once respected status became nothing but an empty title, devoid of any real significance. ¡°What¡¯s the difference between ves and us?¡± A life where one is used where needed and easily reced. Even such a life was exhausting. ¡°Damn bastards!¡± She was tired of listening to those who came to her every day toin. ¡°Wine! Bring me wine!¡± At the woman¡¯smand, a maid hurried over and handed her a goblet of wine. Glug, glug. The woman gulped down the wine in a manner devoid of any formality. Finally, she could enter her destination, her room. ¡°Someday, this wretched city.¡± She paused in her soliloquy. Flutter. The curtains, bought with gold from the upper districts, fluttered weakly. One of her treasures that even the knights couldn¡¯t touch without her permission. The gray moonlight streaming through the open window. ¡°What do you want?¡± A voice that shouldn¡¯t havee from there was heard. ¡°Sit.¡± She contemted. From Noble mtl dot Should she shout in anger? Should she call for the knights? ¡°I knew it woulde to this.¡± But she nonchntly reclined on the sofa as if it didn¡¯t matter. ¡°I knew it would be like this since those whining merchants.¡± If she were to trace back where it all went wrong, it would probably be from the moment she tore her mother¡¯s womb and came into this world. From the moment she was born as Remy Borfeo, the heir of Viscount Borfeo. ¡°Oh. I¡¯ve heard the stories, but it¡¯s more exhrating than I thought.¡± ¡°That side must be Sein.¡± In the dark shadow, a man slowly revealed himself. Addressing Sein, Lemi spoke. ¡°Demorus? No. Those folks wouldn¡¯t bother about this countryside. Did youe just for your territory?¡± ¡°Those folks¡­¡± It was the first time someone referred to Demorus like that here. ¡°Is there something to fear?¡± There was still some wine left. Lemi drank it without hesitation. ¡°Ever since the witch came, I sensed something was amiss.¡± The visit of Arin¡¯s Borfeo. And the order of the alley, everything in Borfeo had changed. ¡°Being the direct governor of Demorus. Can one survive without going mad?¡± The ce where Demorus¡¯s blood directly imed the territory. That ce was Borfeo. ¡°Then be careful.¡± Sein sat across from Lemi. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t entertained the garbage talk, I wouldn¡¯t have bothereding, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Grinning, Lemi seemed amused. ¡°But what can we do? The iron mine has long ceased production, and since the arrival of Sein Demorus, the great ruler of the back alleys, the finances are in a sorry state.¡± The wine was now in Sein¡¯s hand. He poured it into Lemi¡¯s ss. ¡°Thanks. Anyway, I have to survive too. If there were any mistakes, it was a miscalction. I thought it would take a while for you to lose in the candidatepetition or evene to Borfeo. Ugh. It tastes awful.¡± Pushing the wine ss as if asking for another, Lemi spoke. ¡°I was nning to gather money and rise to the upper district before you arrived, or tidy up the lordship. It¡¯s my mistake, whatever.¡± Another ss. That was the end of it. Thud. The wine ss put down had red wine remaining like blood, rippling. ¡°What a waste.¡± Sein spoke as Lemi looked up at him. Chapter 48 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 48 ¡°It¡¯s truly a waste.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll give you a chance.¡± Sein said. ¡°Recently, I¡¯ve taken down a few lordships, causing headaches. Even though it¡¯s the countryside, adding one more might raise suspicions about me too.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Lemi closed his mouth that was about to utter something rough. Now is the moment of truth. ¡°Do you want to go up?¡± A crossroads of what will be of her life. ¡°Or do you want to just end this mundane life here?¡± A crossroads of whether her long-awaited hopes wille true. Remi. Smirk. Her mouth widened as if it would tear apart. ¡°What should I call you?¡± ¡°Sein.¡± Flutter. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± Sein, who had suddenly disappeared, his voice echoing in the room. ng. She barely heard the wine ss slip from her hand and shatter. ¡°Ha¡­ Ha¡­.¡± She pretended not to be affected, but it was hard to hold back. ¡°I thought you were dead.¡± Yet Remi, with a deep smile on her lips, looked unfazed. A mistake? No. This was the culmination of all calctions. She would not be trampled like a worm here. ¡®Sein Demorus.¡¯ That was the lifeline she had thought up. The bribe she took from the merchants was not for some petty curtain, but for Sein Demorus¡¯s deeds and information. And as a result, she had a hold on them. In front of Remi, a small piece of paper was left. * * * The day after Sein visited Lord Borfeo and Countess Remi. Roar. The streets of Borfeo were bustling after a long time. sh, sh. The guards who had to protect Borfeo¡¯s gates and. ng-! The knights guarding the lord¡¯s castle were all moving through the streets. It was not a parade, but the sight of soldiers advancing towards a true battlefield. And at the forefront. ¡°¡­!¡± There was Countess Remi, the lord of Borfeo. After inheriting the title andnd, she secluded herself in the lord¡¯s castle, rarely stepping outside. ¡°Mdy, it¡¯s the lord!¡± Though the nobility had fallen from grace, they were still nobles in the eyes of the unremarkablemoners, a religion to be revered. Remi passed by the soldiers with a sense of purpose. ¡°What on earth is happening?¡± ¡°Where to¡­.¡± And suddenly, Remi realized the direction she was heading towards. ¡°¡­!¡± The onlookers were in disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s the Derren Family!¡± The reason being that they were heading towards the house of the Derren Family. Come to think of it, there were rumors circting yesterday that the true owner of the Derren Family, Sir Sein, had visited the estate. There were even witnesses who saw Derren himself, the master craftsman, personally going out to greet him. ¡°Is this madness?¡± The unfolding events were starting to paint a rough picture. The Derren Family was already embroiled in conflict with the nobility, especially with the Borfeo lord. If Lady Remi Borfeo, the noble, lost her mind and harmed Sir Sein? Borfeo was on the brink of bing a battlefield once again. Charge! Charge! The soldiers advanced without hesitation. Hying! Finally, Remi and her soldiers reached the Derren Family¡¯s house. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Derren, apanied by a few subordinates, came out to meet Remi in front of the house. Without a lineage to boast or the backing of their names, the nobles were to be respected. ¡°Last night, news came that a sinner had entered Borfeo¡¯s estate.¡± ¡°A sinner?¡± ¡°It is said that the individual murdered Sur, the lord of Tanba.¡± ¡°Surely¡­.¡± Derren spoke with fiery eyes. ¡°Are you referring to Sir Sein?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Remi smiled. ¡°Sir Sein Demorus-!¡± Her voice trailed off. Citizens who directly heard the lord¡¯s voice and saw her in person momentarily thought of Remi as a hero. ¡°By the terms of the pact! I shall arrest you who dare vite it! Surrender peacefully and face the consequences!¡± Before long. Silently. Members of the Derren Family starteding out of the house. No, the same was happening at the back. Cyclops. Fox. They, armed with equipment that looked better than soldiers, were surrounding Lemi and the soldiers. The soldiers were already scared, and even the knights were tense, swallowing their saliva. And then. ¡°What¡¯s all thismotion?¡± A white-haired enemy. A young man who seemed like a sample of a beautiful vagabond appeared from the house. ¡°Are you Lord Demolus?¡± ¡°¡­? I don¡¯t know?¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Lemi shouted, cutting off the man¡¯s words. ¡°You must have heard from inside. We received intelligence that you, as Lord Tambar¡¯s lord, have assassinated Count Sur.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Based on the ck and White Treaty, you havemitted a grave crime that should not have been done.¡± Lemi gestured towards the knights. They hesitated for a moment. ¡°I will lock you up myself for further investigation! What are you doing! Arrest that man immediately-!¡± A hair-trigger situation. The moment the knights moved, the Derren Family would act. And war would break out. Knowing this, the knights did not move easily. ¡°You all!¡± They may serve the lords, but they fear them. They know how things unfold in the Underworld. Knowing the consequences of opposing them, they have turned a blind eye until now. ¡°Are you defying my orders?¡± ¡°You have quite the subordinates.¡± Lemi growled in anger. But then, as Sein took a step forward and said, Silently. At his gesture, as his hand rose, all the members of the organization let go of their weapons and stepped back. It was a stark contrast to Lemi, who possessed the usible name and domain of Viscount Borfeo. Sein¡¯s demeanor seemed like he would calmly ept even death if he wished for it. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± At that sight, the knights grew even more fearful, and Lemi swallowed his breath, closing his mouth. ¡°You cowards. When my mastermands, you must at least pretend. Whatever the oue.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°By the ck and White Treaty, they¡¯re going to investigate me?¡± Sain stood in front of Remi and spoke. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°You have confidence to handle the aftermath?¡± ¡°¡­We¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°Impressive.¡± Sain. Chuckling. He reached out both hands. The knights who had been nervous snapped to attention. ¡°What are you doing? Arrest him.¡± Sain extended his arms willingly. ¡°What can a powerless fool do, even with the ck and White Treaty on his side.¡± Snickering. ¡°What are you waiting for? I said arrest him.¡± ¡°Carefully, we will escort him.¡± Approaching knights slowly handcuffed Sain, keeping an eye on him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everyone.¡± Sain spoke towards Deren. ¡°I¡¯ll be back from my vacation.¡± ¡°Is this really okay?¡± Despite the bold facade, the voice trembled as if the loud promation of the ck and White Treaty was false. ¡°When have I ever boldly proimed the ck and White Treaty?¡± Sain spoke as if in disbelief. ¡°The ck and White Treaty is not something I, or anyone, can casually mention!¡± Remi shouted from a section of the crumbling wall. But soon realizing the mistake, he lowered his voice. ¡°If we mess up, it¡¯s better to face death than the consequences¡­¡± ¡°What made you believe and act upon this?¡± ¡°What do you mean! Of course, you¡­¡± Phew. Remi sighed, regainingposure. Seeing Sain with a spread smile, Remi realized he had fallen for his jest. Remi, seemingly valiant and daring, was still bound by the name Demorus and the ck and White Treaty. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve heard that there are factions in the Central Realm that oppose the Dark Guild.¡± The Empire, its core. ¡°Lately, they¡¯ve been making a show of arresting the fools of the Dark Guild using the ck and White Treaty, so this matter might reach their ears.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°As you wish, it shall be.¡± Further up. Towards the center. ¡°Things that ur in the meantime may be inevitable.¡± ¡°I shall endure that much.¡± Remy was undeniably a courageous woman. ¡°Good to know you understand.¡± Sein¡¯s arrest was in ordance with the contract between Sein and Remy. ¡°If someonees looking, resist as much as you can before surrendering.¡± Sein did not hold back his advice. From Noble mtl dot ¡°With my personal vendettas and with Borfeo now at the heart of the storm, no one will act recklessly.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Sein¡¯s calction. Remy¡¯s calction was the same. ¡°And if someone truly unreasonable appears, then we shall retreat.¡± ¡°I was thinking the same way.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Those who know how to secure their own interests are favored. They were individuals who, beyond fulfilling their sworn oaths, would show even greater loyalty if benefits were provided. ¡°Where are you headed?¡± Remy asked Sein. ¡°Why are you curious about that?¡± A rtionship based on a contract. Nothing more, nothing less. ¡°When an unbearable person shows up, you will precisely state where I will be, won¡¯t you?¡± That was in ordance with the contract use guaranteeing Remy¡¯s safety. ¡°I n to enjoy a vacation without a care in the world.¡± Sein kindly responded to Remy¡¯s question. ¡°A vacation? Just for that reason¡­¡± ¡°Zone 6.¡± Sein said. ¡°Heading to Contralo.¡± That was precisely Sein¡¯s vacation spot. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I intend to return before any major trouble arises.¡± ¡°I hope so. Each day feels like it¡¯s draining my blood.¡± ¡°Just in case. I told Aea to bring good wine, think of it as blood instead.¡± Smirk. ¡°That suits me well.¡± It was truly the end now. A secret passage known only to the lords of Borfeo for generations. If people were to escape to this ce, they would think that the prisoners were all locked up in the underground dungeon of Saint Borph¨¦o without a chance to move a muscle. Raciel. Even the eyes of Alman¡¯s overseers and other eyes. It didn¡¯t matter how long it would take. By then, everything would already be over. ¡°Well, stay alive until you return.¡± Saint, escaping through the secret passage. Left alone, Remi finally breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°What in the world¡­?¡± Saint Demorus. He felt like all the information he had gathered through his emergency fund investigation was manipted false information. At that young age, no matter how much of Demorus¡¯s blood he had in him, his achievements and actions were unbelievable. And his abilities and boldness too. But there was a reason why Remi was sweating cold. ¡°Could someone of that age possess such political power?¡± Born in a rural territory, someone who used to be a gang leader in the alleyways. Chapter 49 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 49 It seemed like such a person was looking at the entire continent. When he mentioned the affairs of the central region, he had expected it, but his heart still raced. But fortunately. ¡°I must survive.¡± Because he had grasped that lifeline. * * * Zone 6, Contra. Originally, it would have been and where one could not set foot without the authentication of Raciel or Demorus. Beyond Zone 7, only those whose identities were confirmed could enter. So it was ironic. ¡°Thanks to you, I arrivedfortably.¡± Barus, a follower of Angel and of bishop rank, who brought Saint to Contra. Barus, who became Saint¡¯s confidant in Antara. He led the Tarrian, the top ve caste in Antara, and had recently been expanding his business. That was why movement between zones was allowed. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Saint escaped from Borph¨¦o to Antara, and with Barus¡¯s help, arrived in Contra. ¡°Are you going to move right away?¡± Barus asked. Previously, he hadn¡¯t been so friendly towards Saint, but now he seemed different. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time.¡± ¡°I n to stay in Contra for a while. If you need anything, please feel free to ask.¡± Perhaps because of the way Cecile treated him well, Or maybe due to Galio¡¯sst words, ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± Upon entering Contra, Sein immediately distanced himself from Tarian¡¯s upper echelon. He flipped his hood and walked the streets quietly. It was different from when Sein Demorus confidently proimed his name. ¡°Was it said that dark magic prevails here?¡± Zone 6 Contra was a city where dark magic thrived. ¡°And there¡­.¡± He pulled his hood deeply. Within it, Sein¡¯s teeth gleamed white. ¡°Another territory of the dark guild.¡± Contra was not Demorus¡¯ territory. Alongside Demorus, it was one of the three dark guilds dominating the continent. Demorus and¡­. ¡°Amortal.¡± One must not utter Demorus¡¯ name here. For Amortal¡¯s name held the highest authority. And causing a scene here was also forbidden. As Demorus¡¯ protection could not be guaranteed. That was why. ¡°I also¡­.¡± Sein muttered quietly to himself. It was a habit engraved in him since childhood as he embarked on hisst 4th life. ¡°A man who is cautious when he needs to be cautious.¡± A dark alley. Sein emitted waves of magic more discreetly and insidiously than ever before. ¡°Nevertheless, you hid quite well.¡± It seemed like it would take longer than expected. * * * It began at a small dark magic shop. In the past, dark magic was a taboo on the continent, where anyone caught practicing it was executed. But as the world changed, darkness emerged. A darkness that could never be practiced openly. Hence, they chose dark magic. Dark magic, once confined to underground dungeons, now surfaced. ¡°Wee. Kelkel.¡± The current world was an ideal ce to practice dark magic. ¡°Do you have something you¡¯re looking for?¡± ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°Although our scale may be small, we have everything. Goblin hearts, troll blood¡­.¡± An old man who started exining things on his own. ¡°We even handle human bones or living humans if you have the money.¡± In this world, where everything could be bought if you had the money, it was a city that couldn¡¯t be separated from the contrast of treating ves. ¡°Demon.¡± ¡°¡­.? What did you just say¡­.¡± ¡°I want to acquire a product of demons.¡± The old man¡¯s face twisted. ¡°Are you one of the great names?¡± ¡°A great name?¡± ¡°Or are you the child of darkness who has absorbed magic to the bone marrow?¡± ¡°What nonsense are you talking about.¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± Suddenly, the old man shouted. ¡°A nobody like you, without any lineage, searching for a demon¡¯s product!¡± A demon¡¯s product, a rare material highly valued even in dark magic, was something that had been called for ages. Given the setting of the story, where demons were extinct, it was only natural. However, even so, there were demon products that continued to manifest somewhere endlessly. ¡°Old man.¡± ¡°Old man¡­?¡± The old man¡¯s face twisted. Boom! Explosively spreading ck magic. ¡°You must truly be insane! Do you know who I am? How dare you disrespect me in contrast!¡± The old man¡¯s aura began to waver. But. Whoosh! The energy emitted by the old man dispersed in an instant. ¡°¡­.!¡± The old man, taken aback, was about to step back. Crash! Suddenly, a hand reached out and struck the old man¡¯s face. ¡°I came to buy something, do I need to know all this?¡± ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°Your magic is reeking with malice, it seems like magic has even reached your heart. Your way of umting magic is wed.¡± ¡°¡­Y-you¡­¡± Slowly, the hand that was gripping the old man¡¯s face let go. Sein. Thud. ¡°W-Who are you!¡± The old man found himself sitting in front of his nose, trembling. Thud! A heavy object fell in front of the old man¡¯s nose, making the floor ring. A bright white ore shining with a silver color. ¡°¡­Gasp!¡± A lump of mithril. With this size, one could buy a territory in the lower district. It was the reward for the job from Barus. ¡°I need a demon¡¯s product. That¡¯s all.¡± Gulp. The old man¡¯s eyes soon filled with greed. ¡°If that¡¯s not enough¡­¡± Thud. This time, Sein threw a sk the size of a finger. A sk filled with blood-like red liquid, or rather blood sloshing inside the sk. ¡°You can choose this.¡± ¡°This is¡­?¡± ¡°The blood of the Grand Bishop.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The old man¡¯s breathpletely stopped. ¡°What do you think? Is it enough?¡± ¡°N-No, it¡¯s not!¡± The old man threw himself around the sk like a starving beggar, trying to protect it at all costs. With the copse of the Temple of Angel, the blood of the Grand Bishop was perhaps as hard to obtain as a demon¡¯s product. ¡°I-If it¡¯s not impolite, would you¡­¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± After a moment of contemtion, Sein spoke. ¡°What was it? The Child of Darkness?¡± As Sein spat out those words, his expression twisted. No matter how you thought about it, it was a creepy and chilling name. The only constion was. ¡°Think of it as a grand name or something.¡± ¡°Sigh.¡± ¡°Know that you can get it ande back tomorrow.¡± ¡°Y-Yes, of course.¡± Sein slowly left the shop. ¡°Hoo¡­. Hoo¡­. Hoo¡­.¡± It was quite a while before the old man started to breathe again. Kkei-ik. The sound of the shop door opening echoed eerily. ¡°Oh, have youe.¡± A sign clearly indicated the shop was closed. Yet, entering indicated an established agreement. ¡°I¡¯vee to pick up the goods.¡± Yesterday¡¯s man. Sein had arrived. ¡°The goods should be ready, right?¡± The blood of the Archbishop, given as a deposit. Naturally, the old man confirmed its authenticity. It was indeed the pure blood of the Archbishop, with unquestionable sanctity. The one who casually threw it as a deposit. ¡°¡­Of course.¡± Unable to hide his tension, the old man produced a small amulet. Geometric patterns etched on it exuded an eerie aura. A seal contrary to white magic. A sophisticated seal suitable for sealing something quite valuable. Kkirk. As the lock was released, the amulet began to open slowly. A dark and pungent smoke started to spread with a strong odor. ¡°Part of the demons¡¯ produce.¡± For the first time, the tense old man spoke with confidence. ¡°¡­.¡± It was when the approaching Sein was about to inspect them. ¡°Danger¡­!¡± From Noble mtl dot The demons¡¯ produce were cursed objects in themselves. If touched by an ordinary person, they could lose their soul and go mad. One could even melt away and die. Even those who wielded magic in their bodies were not exempt. Without proper devices and procedures¡­ ¡°It¡¯s demon blood and parts of the body.¡± Yet Sein casually touched them. ¡°¡­.!¡± It felt as if the old man had brought something that could even be fake. ¡°But the blood is old, and the body parts are useless tissues.¡± However, the truth was proven by the old man. ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± The old man barely concealed his surprise as he spoke. ¡°As you know, items from the demons are extremely rare toe by. This is all that can be found¡­.¡± The old man cautiously voiced out. ¡°If you wish, I will make a deal.¡± To make a profit, one must go to great lengths, but the opponent was an opponent. Knowing that excessive greed brings trouble, the old man, who barely contained his overflowing desire, was cautious. ¡°Where did you get this?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­.¡± ¡°Here. This is as fresh as it gets. It was clearly harvested not long ago.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The old man¡¯s eyes widened once again. ¡°If you want, there is more of the Archbishop¡¯s blood. I can also give you a few more pieces of mithril.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Pass the news to those who obtained this. I must meet them in person.¡± Just as the old man was about to turn around. Roar! A purple pir began to rise beneath his feet. ¡°No need for that.¡± A voice that wasn¡¯t the old man¡¯s. ¡°Since I am here in person.¡± Sein turned around to look at the old man. At the corner of his mouth. Grin. A bright smile spread across his face. All the appearances the old man had shown so far were lies. Though what truly astonished him. ¡°Hehehe. A treasure goblin walks right into my hands. Surely luck is on my side in my final years.¡± Sein wasn¡¯t intimidated. ¡°Binding magic circle.¡± It was a magic circle that had been meticulously crafted over a long period, activated with the finest materials. A magic circle that not only strengthened by sapping the magic power of the bound individual but also bore a curse that drained vitality. ¡°The Archbishop¡¯s blood, you say? Don¡¯t forget! I¡¯m the one who brought the treasure goblin here!¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Do you know who I am to do such a thing?¡± Sein spoke in a low voice. ¡°I bear the great name¡­.¡± ¡°Do not dare speak falsely of them!¡± The robed figures who had revealed themselves shouted. ¡°We cannot be ignorant of the great name! Your sin is impersonating the great name!¡± The great name. Chapter 50 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 50 As far as I knew, it referred to the four most famous ck magicians on the continent. One of them had long hidden his traces and refrained from external activities. ¡°Oh, damn. We¡¯re screwed.¡± Sein muttered with a smirk on his face. ¡°Finally revealing your true colors.¡± Kwooong! The magic circle¡¯s restraint pressed down on Sein even more. ¡°You¡­¡± Suddenly, a figure in a robe approached Sein¡¯s face. ¡°You must confess everything. Especially about how you possess the magic of purity.¡± Thud! Once again, the strengthened magic circle finally crushed Sein¡¯s entire body to the ground. That¡¯s why he couldn¡¯t have seen it. Snick. The smile that crept onto Sein¡¯s lips. * * * Sein waspletely restrained. His mouth, eyes, nose, and ears. His whole body was bound by chains of magic, and even cursed cloth was not enough. To anyone who saw, Sein appeared more like a monster than a human. ¡°It will take three days for the curse to seep into your bones.¡± A faint voice was seeping in like a dream. ¡°Until then, keep a close watch without distraction. He¡¯s someone we know nothing about. Remember that.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± The presence was fading. ¡°This guy possesses the magic of purity?¡± The lone remaining figure muttered towards the restrained Sein. ¡°Nonsense. Those above must have gone senile. Ugh, things just keep getting worse.¡± Even in dreams, it would be unknowable. That Sein was sensing a presence, hearing a voice right now. It was something entirely impossible to think of, considering the restraint Sein was under. The fact that it was possible. Swoosh. Originally, a sound that wouldn¡¯t affect Sein. Sein possessed the heart of a demon, and the demon was the king of all curses. Furthermore, Sein bore the ring of a saint, a collection of blessings. To bind such a saint with a curse. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t it be more divine?¡± A voice was heard. ¡°¡­?¡± The man tilted his head. That can¡¯t be true. ¡°Have you overdone the potion?¡± No voice except his own can be heard in this ce. Yet, for some unknown reason, the man felt restrained by the saint¡­ ¡­! There was nothing. The heavens of the curse were torn, and the chains of the curse were unshackled. ¡°Emergency¡­¡± The man shouted as he tried to activate the magic circle. Before his eyes, a face was pushed in upside down. With feet on the ceiling, the saint bound by his arms. And then. Whoosh! The very chains binding his arms were spontaneously released. Crack! The man¡¯s neck was twisted at an angle it should never be. ¡°For now, it¡¯s a sess.¡± All of this was part of the saint¡¯s n. * * * ¨C Sector 6¡­ Contra¡­ ¨C Arcane¡­ ¨C Demon¡­ Information obtained by the saint. It was acquired from Tanba, who was trying to make a magical contract. ¡®Demon.¡¯ That name couldn¡¯t be easily brushed off. Find the byproduct, find the one who brought it, and enter there. What he was after wasn¡¯t where the demon was. Step by step. Because the goal was to steal. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I felt such dark magic.¡± Every hair on the saint¡¯s body seemed to stand on end. It wasn¡¯t due to the eerie grimness felt underground, but the pleasant exhration. The upper body was exposed due to being restrained. A peculiar pattern was drawn on his chest. Furthermore, Seyin¡¯s fingertips were dyed ck, and the patterns extending from the dyed fingertips continued all the way to his wrists. What was currently possessing Seyin was not a dragon¡¯s heart. ¡°Haah.¡± A demon¡¯s heart. That¡¯s why this dark and sinister magic¡­ Saaa-! It was being sucked into Seyin and giving him strength. ¡°Hweeii.¡± Seyin whistled as if in a good mood. ¡°¡­.?¡± A robed figure guarding the corridor noticed Seyin and looked puzzled. No one unauthorized could pass through here. Especially¡­ ¡°¡­.!¡± It was even more unbelievable that a white-haired man wandered around half-naked. It wasn¡¯t an illusion. Hwaaah! He immediately began channeling magic to activate the rm spell. ¡°What¡¯s the rush?¡± But the magic didn¡¯t respond. And only then did the man realize. Everything around him was ck. ¡°Are you talking to me?¡± Right in front of him. ¡°¡­.¡± Even though the white-haired man stood there, he couldn¡¯t do anything. It was the look of an absolute predator. A sense of despair simr to when a human faces a giant of several meters barehanded. ¡°Do you know where the demons are?¡± ¡°I¡­ do¡­ not¡­ know.¡± Struggling to speak. ¡°Is that so?¡± And that was it. Pweoak! The man¡¯s final utterance. The man¡¯s head burst like a watermelon. Sizzle. Seyin smiled satisfied. Sector 6, Contra. This was another realm of the Immortal Dark Guild. Hence, one couldn¡¯t recklessly leap around. ¡°It should be fine here.¡± A ce where demons were imprisoned, and above all, security was tight. That¡¯s why, in a way, this ce was¡­ ¡°Now, who might know about the demons?¡± Even if Seyn were to rampage as much as she pleased, it would be a prison. * * * All those here were practitioners of ck magic. ck magic, with a system different from white magic. There were some individuals of quite a high caliber as well, but¡­ ¡°Don¡¯t know?¡± ¡°I¡­don¡¯t¡­hmm¡­!¡± Boom! Seyn¡¯s opponent couldn¡¯t stand a chance. The heart of an awakened demon king. ¡°The domain of curses.¡± Within Seyn¡¯s radius, the absolute ability to neutralize those with weak magical powers was being demonstrated. This, too, was one of the special rewards Seyn had gained from leveling up at Jumadeng. ¡°And you?¡± ¡°¡­Save me¡­!¡± Boom! The absolute power of ck magic. It consumed immense magical energy, a burden even for Seyn now, but here, it was manageable. ¡°Ugh! Ha!¡± The dark magic filling the underground was supplying Seyn with endless magical power. ¡°Okay, okay.¡± In the past, it was just a game. Debuffs could only manifest by forcibly blocking senses or altering figures. For example, something like a frenzy would make characters move involuntarily, causing devastation around. However¡­ ¡°This feeling.¡± This ce was no longer a game. Even when feeling magic, it wasn¡¯t like this. The exhration, overflowing with a sense of bing divine, was iparable to any other freshness. ¡°Esca¡­pe.¡± It felt like something had abruptly snapped. A sensation of losing something that defined humans as humans. An old memory. [Being consumed by magic.] I knew there were such side effects, but¡­ ¡°Keehah!¡± I never imagined it would be like this. From Noble mtl dot The whole world was red. Shyaaa! That¡¯s why the blood sttering on my face was the same color as the world. The slightest hint of difort I felt, even the slight restraint I had imposed on myself, seemed to have shattered. Tatatatat! Drawing the sword was futile. Shyaaa-! I won¡¯t feel the sensation of splitting flesh with my hands. ¡°Are you a demon?¡± ¡°What nonsense are you spouting!¡± I didn¡¯t even bother with the care I took in wielding the sword. ¡°Kuaaah!¡± ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± Disappointing. ¡°Whether demon or not. What does it matter.¡± If I can¡¯t enjoy this pleasure anymore. Sanctuary was a game enjoyed by millions. There were those who delved deep into the game, researching everything. ¨C I¡¯ve been thinking for a while now, what does being a demon mean¡­ A race intertwined with ughter and madness. Why does a race keep repeating acts that are iprehensible from a rational standpoint? ¨C Isn¡¯t it like a virus? Their existence is solely about destruction. Those who debated the setting of Sanctuary. ¨C Or perhaps they could be the vine. ¨C Sanctuary was created by humans to survive among those who destroy the world! In a game created by humans, those who ponder and research such matters were oddly amusing. ¡°It suddenly urred to me.¡± Also, understanding that it¡¯s not important at this moment. Just. Swoosh. If demons live in a world like this every day, it¡¯s only natural for them to be like this. It must be the only way for them to feel alive. ¡°Hee, heehee!¡± I kill, I keep killing. This world is like a game. Everything except oneself is an enemy to be brought down. Shyaaa! One life is the score. Serk! Another life determines one¡¯s own worth. ¡°Damn it.¡± The raging Saint abruptly stopped. ¡°This is dangerous.¡± When was that moment? Naturally, the Saint¡¯s ring that had been suppressed emerged, driving out the devilishness that had consumed him. Sensations and emotions that had been suppressed in a corner of his brain began to boil up. ¡°Ptuh!¡± Blood mixed with saliva he spat out. It seemed like even bits of his bitten tongue were mixed in. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t seem like they¡¯re all dead.¡± Sein looked around. Some of those he had toyed with seemed to still be alive and groaning. ¡°Live¡­ please¡­¡± A glimmer of hope was visible in their eyes. Sein, who had lost his sanity, seemed to think that now that he had regained his senses, the ughter would stop. But. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Chapter 51 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 51 That was a mistake. ¡°Where are the demons? Give me proper information¡­.¡± Fwoosh! The longsword he drew out plunged into the other arm of the man whose arm had already been severed. ¡°I¡¯ll send you off without pain.¡± Since this ce was already a hell. * * * The ce Sein was trapped in was truly no different from a maze. ¡°Could it be the ck Sorcerers?¡± ck Sorcerers had been beings who had lived in hiding since ancient times. That¡¯s why they created dungeons, bing those who fiercely protected their own bodies. This ce was no exception. ¡®A dungeon.¡¯ For Sein, it was nothing short of entering a dungeon for the first time in his final round. If the system had been intact, we could have known some information. ¡°Alright. This is their of the ck Mage.¡± At this moment, Sein could onlye up with names. ¨C We don¡¯t know! Those who were tortured to spill information. ¨C We are¡­! Although they couldn¡¯t obtain urate information, Den seeded in finding the entrance to the area where only those at the bottom could not enter. A magic circle looming before them. Sein carefully examined it and without hesitation, reached out his hand. Whooosh! The magic circle emitted light. In the following moment, ¡°It was a gate.¡± Sein found himself in a space different from before. It was a dark and gloomy cave. Twist. It was a space that held such dense magic that it made even the dormant heart of the demon king raise its head. ¡°That¡¯s the answer.¡± This is it. The ce where what he was looking for is. Saaa. The bristling fur and goosebumps that appeared confirmed his conviction. That there were demons here. Thump! Thump! His suppressed heart beat violently. But Sein couldn¡¯t move forward. Shoo, shoo, shoo, shoo! If Sein had taken even one more step, numerous holes would have appeared in those protruding ck thorns. ¡°You have a keen sense.¡± A voice. ¡°No. If I only had a keen sense, I wouldn¡¯t have been able toe this far.¡± The disappearing ck thorns. That was it. Shaaaah! They reappeared in front of Sein, surrounding him. ¡°Who are you? This is not a ce where unauthorized individuals can enter.¡± Thorns that seemed to imply they wouldn¡¯t stay still if he moved even a bit. ¡°It would be better to go back if you¡¯ve taken the wrong path.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± And finally, Sein spoke. ¡°Do you have any intention of sending me back?¡± At that moment, slowly, a deeper darkness began to emerge from within the darkness. ¡°Of course,¡± the voice said. ¡°Guiding a lost young spirit is also our duty¡­¡± Snick. In the darkness, only yellowed teeth were revealed. ¡°It¡¯s the mission bestowed upon the Child of Darkness.¡± The Child of Darkness. Words spoken by the sorcerer who had sold himself to dark magic. Information he vaguely remembered. And now, it had be a certainty. ¡°Returning to where I belong, that would be my home, right?¡± ¡°Anywhere but your home, isn¡¯t it? Anywhere will be your home.¡± Master level. Kwaaang! A massive explosion urred where Sein had been standing. ¡°Even death may be a home for spirits. Find a new home within my embrace, child.¡± A bitter explosion. The moment shadows reached out. ¡°I understand that being the Child of Darkness means being a master-level dark sorcerer.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Something that should not have happened unfolded. Sein, who should have cried out in agony, turned into a puppet. ¡°Your magic may be powerful, but your skills arecking.¡± Standing unscathed, holding the Dark Nails firmly. Chaecheng! The moment Sein shattered one, all the Dark Nails crumbled away like dominoes. ¡°Have you been weakened by peace?¡± ¡°You!¡± Once again, dozens of Dark Nails appeared and flew towards Sein. Kwaang! The Dark Nails bounced off his hands. ¡°¡­!¡± Just touching them caused the skin to decay and drained life force. It was nearly impossible to fend off the Dark Nails with just bare hands. Kakakang! Sein, as if hearing a divine call, pushed away the Dark Nails and advanced towards the shadow. ¡°Unless¡­¡± Suddenly, Sein found himself standing right in front of the shadow. ¡°Are you a puppet created?¡± Phew! A hand piercing straight through the heart. Swoosh! And slowly, the shadow began to crumble. * * * It was the 6th Zone. Though designated as the Mid Zone, it wasn¡¯t a ce where those who tasted the sweetness of the Upper Zone could easilye down to. As the numbers decrease, even the air one breathes and the density of magic felt are different. So, it might be true that the owner of this doll is a child of darkness. But this was just a puppet y of an owner who didn¡¯t want to be stuck in the Mid Zone, despite possessing vast magic. ng. The limits were just too clear. ¡°Finally, we meet.¡± Sain stood still, gazing ahead. It was a being over 2 meters tall with horns protruding crimson. ¡°A demon.¡± A blurry light seeped into the creature¡¯s pupils at Sain¡¯s voice. Compared to Sain, who had been captured here, the creature¡¯s appearance was undeniably dreadful. Not just bound by iron chains and restraints all over its body. Thud, thump. Stakes, difficult to discern the temperament of, were literally driven into its body. Yet, it didn¡¯t give off as much of a repulsive feeling as it might have, despite the sense of sanctity it conveyed. ¡°Are you an Arcane?¡± Sain asked, but no answer came. ¡°The magical contract is actually a curse, not magic.¡± Words muttered to oneself, or to the other, who could tell. ¡°The contracts made by the candidates barelyst a few years, so they must have known how to reinforce it, right?¡± The reinforcement of the curse. That is. ¡°Because it requires the blood of demons.¡± So, when asked, it was the correct answer. In Zone 6, Contre, there is a demon named Arcane in the city of ck Magicians. ¡°Answer.¡± ¡°¡­Kill¡­ me¡­¡± ¡°Other than that.¡± Sain said. ¡°Are you an Arcane?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± ¡°No matter how much you ask, it won¡¯t be of any use.¡± Sein tilted his ear. ¡°If you were going to show up, you should have done so all at once. Why make it so bothersome?¡± After hearing the voice, he turned around. ¡°If I was rude, I apologize. I thought the rm went off and came straight here.¡± It wasn¡¯t just a shadow. A young man with a clear figure. Blond hair, deep ash-colored eyes. ¡°Anyway, that guy has lost everything, including his memory. It¡¯s amazing just to see him open his mouth like that.¡± The vibe he gave off. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Are you the owner of the doll?¡± Master level. This person was undoubtedly the dark child who controlled the dolls. ¡°Not only did he turn the mine into a mess on his own, but he also came in here and broke my doll.¡± With that, the man acknowledged his identity. And the dark child he faced was certainly iparable to a doll. ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯d do something crazy like this for a few coins, and you don¡¯t seem to care about upsetting the shrine folks either.¡± They were assessing each other. ¡°More importantly, how can you freely breathe in this ce?¡± Whoosh! At that moment, sunlight poured in from somewhere. The reflection of the cave in that light was truly hellish. A thick, suffocating magic filled the entire space, making it impossible for any human to even breathe here. From Noble mtl dot ¡°Are you from a different family?¡± The young man asked Sein. The blond youth was rxed. ¡°Are you from a different family?¡± Considering the implications of that statement, it was natural to think about the identity that could be inferred. Where this ce was. And especially if the opponent was a master-level practitioner. ¡°It¡¯s unlikely.¡± The young man muttered to himself, perhaps having experienced a simr past as Sein. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be unaware of a peer from another family with this level of skill.¡± ¡°True.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s strange.¡± Even to Sein¡¯s words, the young man continued his soliloquy. ¡°I must find out.¡± Moment. Boom! Where Sein was, a Dark Nail was driven in and exploded. It was the real deal, different from what the doll had used. In front of Sein. Ung! The Dark Nail was already prepared. Crash! The Dark Nail struck by Sein¡¯s swinging hand began to tremble. ¡°¡­!¡± Dted pupils. Boom! In the next moment, the Dark Nail exploded, transforming into dozens of pieces that pierced Sein¡¯s body. ¡°Gah!¡± It pierced through the reinforced flesh, the skin. Aaah! The darkened body, even holding the heart of a demon king, was still being prated by a curse. ¡°Fascinating. I didn¡¯t even know there was a being with pure magic like you.¡± While Sein moved fiercely, the blond youth only muttered words, waving his hand. Zwaeeek! ¡°You seem to have a resistance to curses that even demons might envy. If you be a bit more enlightened, you might be the foundation of a new dawn that has never been seen before¡­¡± Sein leaped, rolled his body, fighting fiercely. There was no time to draw his sword. Dozens, hundreds. Dark Nails flying freely. Boom! Shards bursting before being properly blocked. The curse contained in those shards. ¡°Ugh!¡± Continually slowing Sein¡¯s movements by prating him. ¡°Damn, I thought you had regressed.¡± Nowhere could one find anything about those who had stopped growing due to being immersed in peace. But. ¡°There¡¯s no way.¡± It was true that dark sorcerers had emerged onto the surface, but that was all. The world they lived in was nowhere near peaceful. Especially within the three dark families who were in conflict. ¡°What are you?¡± Dark magic had further evolved into a more aggressive form. Thud! Seine felt it with every fiber of his being at that moment. ¡°You, what the hell.¡± At that moment. ¡°Curious?¡± Dark Nail halted. It was because Seine was standing right in front of the bound Mazoku. If Seine dodged, the merchandise would suffer. A merchandise worth more than the entirety of Contra. Chapter 52 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 52 ¡°You¡¯ve got wit and skill.¡± The blond young man deliberately used Dark Nail to lure Seine elsewhere. But Seine managed to avoid it and ultimately seeded in arriving. ¡°Can you be satisfied with just this much?¡± Seine spoke. ¡°It seems you still want to see more.¡± The pattern engraved on his chest. Few in this world would recognize it. If they did. ¡°I¡¯ll show you.¡± It wouldn¡¯t matter even then. Kwaaaaah! The blond young man¡¯s eyes widened at the torrent of Seine¡¯s magic pouring out. The quality and quantity of the magic. ¡°This is insane.¡± It was undoubtedly a rare, highly pure magic that was hard toe by. Shrrrrrr! Dozens, hundreds. No, thousands of Dark Nails embroidered the interior. But. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s not me, it¡¯s this guy.¡± Kaaah! That dense magic was suddenly sucked in. Behind Seine. To the bound Mazoku. ¡°¡­!¡± The young man moved his hand tounch Dark Nail, but it was toote. ¡°Kraaaaaa!¡± The bound beast was freed. * * ¡°As expected.¡± Sein absorbed the magi. The nature of magi possessed by demons varies greatly from one individual to another. While it is in the nature of demons to kill and consume each other to nourish their magi, absorbing magi in this manner was a different story altogether. Kwaaang! The demon thrashed about, swinging its fist. The air tore apart, and the ground shattered with that blow. Kwakwakwa! The pouring dark nails were of no use against this onught. The demon¡¯s fist caused the dark nails to burst, and the curse embedded in the dark nails¡­ ¡°So, you extracted that from this guy? Is there any point to that?¡± What originated from this demon. The curse did not harm its master. ¡°¡­.¡± Sein let out a sigh. ¡®He¡¯s not at the Master level yet.¡¯ To be a Master, one must be at least level 25. Real monsters close to the maximum level. The blond kid was no match for Alman, the Master of Rashiell, but he was skilled enough to catch up to Alman soon. It was unreasonable to face such a guy at his current level. ¡®If I unleash everything¡­¡¯ But Sein confirmed that he was now at a level where he could gauge it. Whatever the case, that wasn¡¯t the important thing. Kwaaang! The rampaging demon. He was indeed the Arcane that Sein had been looking for. But what he was truly looking for was¡­ ¡°Yes, keep on rampaging like that.¡± Not Arcane, but the demon itself. ¡°Right, right.¡± The demons in Sanctuary were wiped out. asionally, the remnants of demons, which could still be found, were nothing more than the unspoiled corpses of demons unearthed by someone. Otherwise, they were just a species of demons. The true demons present in Sanctuary were only¡­ ¡®Only one, when rted to a yer.¡¯ The final demons. When their lives began. ¡°The dormant demons awaken.¡± And Sein had already harvested them once. However, when the lives of the demons came to an end, things were settled. Sein acted out of necessity. ¡°Just like father, like son. They say the more seeds you sow, the better, right?¡± By scattering the seeds of the demons into the world, they ensured their reappearance. Always thinking they would be useful, or that their materials would be needed. And among those pressuring the young blond man in front of them was Arcane. Although Sein did not remember, he originated from Sein. ¡°Exactly! Well done, my son!¡± An existence akin to his own child. ¡°A daughter? The appearance is so ambiguous.¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± The blond youth began to retreat. The demons who had epted the yoke of the master mage were running wild, staking everything on life. Moreover, the curse that had restrained Arcane for so long was now, at this moment, exploding into a source of his strength. Creatures so robust that they were iparable to humans, the demons. And if various buffs were applied. Snick. Those were the monsters that could trample even the masters of the masters. ¡°Looks good! I¡¯ve learned all I wanted to, and I¡¯ve got what I needed.¡± Sein turned his back. ¡°Rampage to your heart¡¯s content until you perish. My son. That¡¯s the first and final word from this father!¡± ¡°How dare you-!¡± In that moment, flying Dark Nails. Even as he faced Arcane without room for leisure, Sein felt the determination not to lose sight of him. However. Kaboom! Sein was different from before. He perfectly deflected the Dark Nail that he hadn¡¯t been able to before. The scattered fragments. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m leaving because I¡¯m short on time. Not running away.¡± Because he had withdrawn the power he had left behind. Guggeuk! Like inscribing a tattoo, the pattern on Sein¡¯s chest was enhanced. Overflowing with magic. At this moment, Sein was undergoing an evolution greater than leveling up several stages. ¡°So don¡¯t hesitate, face my child, whether to kill or be killed.¡± The blond youth gazed at Sein. Before him loomed a giant fist and face. What had been severed, torn apart, and trampled upon so far was now bearing its teeth at him. Gate is a kind of ck magic. Even if one couldn¡¯t find the entrance, creating an exit wasn¡¯t difficult. Kwahng! Kwahng! Explosions echoing from one side of the city. ¡°There it is.¡± It was probably the very ce where Sein had been just moments ago. Magic hidden beneath the broken ground was boiling and rising. In the past, a ground where magic surged would turn into and of death, making it uninhabitable for humans. ¡°I know my stuff.¡± Sein wasn¡¯t interested. If it belonged to another n¡¯s territory, it was even more irrelevant. But things wouldn¡¯t go as nned. ck magic users who knew how to control magic would consider that magic like a gold mine. ¡°It¡¯s going to be chaos for a while, and in the end¡­¡± Sein leaped into action. Everything in Contra was done. Leaving only one thing. me. The rampage of demons intensified, turning one side of the city into a sea of mes. Creak. A door opened with an unpleasant sound. ¡°What¡¯s all thismotion! Surely, it¡¯s not rted to that guy?¡± An old man muttered to himself while gathering his belongings in the shop. ¡°Darn it! It¡¯s got nothing to do with me! Nothing!¡± The old man seemed ready to grab his belongings and leave the city at any moment. ¡°Why do ck magic users mumble to themselves like me?¡± The old man stopped in his tracks at the voice that reached him. ¡°Unpleasant talk, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Hiiiiiiik!¡± It was him. ¡°You, how are you?¡± ¡°That? The demons hidden underground are rampaging, that¡¯s all. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡± ¡°D-Demons?¡± It seemed like he knew nothing beyond that. Perhaps those who had followed the High Priest to save the blood of the n, leaving behind the pure magic intentionally, were the ones who had acted. ¡°My son. Or daughter?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± It seemed he didn¡¯t know beyond that. But it didn¡¯t matter. ¡°I have to pay the price.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not me! I didn¡¯t do it on purpose!¡± ¡°Believe me.¡± Arge shadow fell over the old man¡¯s face. Thud! A shadow flickering in the zing mes outside. Sein looked down at the old man. From Noble mtl dot ¡°Even if it was a setup by me, it could still feel unpleasant.¡± ¡°Pl¡­ Please! Please!¡± ¡°So, understand.¡± Thud! One of Sein¡¯s daggers pierced the old man¡¯s heart. ¡°This is the end.¡± With this, Sein¡¯s business in Contra was over. No, there was one more thing. ¡°You¡¯ve made quite a show of it.¡± There was another customer in the shop. To be precise, Sein¡¯s guest. ¡°Long time no see. Partner.¡± Arin Seymour. The witch revealed herself in Contra. Contra, the territory of another family. Even for Sein, stepping into enemy territory like this was a risk he wouldn¡¯t normally take. ¡°You¡¯ve made quite a show of it.¡± She was Sein¡¯s insurance. ¡°Long time no see. Partner.¡± Arin Seymour. Having heard that she was in a nearby city. Before departing from Borfeo, Sein contacted Arin. ¡°Come before Contra explodes.¡± ¡°Why do you like it so clean?¡± Arin tilted her head at Sein¡¯s words. ¡°Because it¡¯s actually exploding.¡± Boiling magic and mes. Contra had quickly turned into a vision of hell. ¡°Is it all over now?¡± Arin¡¯smentary as she looked at the corpse with a pierced heart. ¡°Everything ends here.¡± ¡°If something troublesomees up, we should leave before that.¡± Arin took the lead and started moving forward. Fortunately, the magic was boiling up due to the rampage of the demons. Thanks to that, even with Arin¡¯s minor magic, the humans of Contra would never dare to imagine that a witch was present here. ¡°Aren¡¯t we taking the ve trader with us?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to take care of that.¡± Arin didn¡¯t respond to Sein¡¯s words. ¡°So, that¡¯s part of the n too.¡± Barus. Leaving him behind in the chaos, the owner of Tarian and Sein¡¯s coborator, was also part of Sein¡¯s n. ¡°He¡¯s a merchant, isn¡¯t he? There will be plenty to pick up in the chaos of war.¡± ¡°Many will die, so there will be a need for ves.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be beneficial if our people infiltrated the Immortal¡¯s territory?¡± Pause. Arin paused for a moment and looked at Sein. ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Why are you so surprised?¡± There¡¯s a reason even for minor actions. Pursuing multiple profits for a single purpose. ¡°I feel it again. That you are the harbinger of destruction.¡± But because all that remains on that path is destruction. ¡°Is there still something left?¡± ¡°Well.¡± Sein¡¯s face showed uncertainty. ¡°There was.¡± Arin slowly looked back at Sein. ¡°Did you think you could survive this chaos in Contra?¡± Near the outskirts of Contra. There was a blond young man. Along with dozens of individuals wearing robes. However, they were different from the powerless individuals seen underground. Growl! The quality of the magic they emanated was different. Moreover, unlike the robes without patterns, their robes had distinct symbols. ¡°¡­The Thorns Legion.¡± There was no doubt if it was Arin¡¯s words. Chapter 53 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 53 ¡°The direct armed forces of the Immortal.¡± A legion of ck magicians known to all be masters, right below the Immortal himself. And leading them was none other than. ¡°The Thorn King, Pellegrin Immortal.¡± Pelero. ¡°Do you know me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the first time seeing you in person.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Blonde, Pelero looked different from when seen underground. Losingposure to anger, he couldn¡¯t grasp the situation due to being consumed by emotions. ¡°Are you really okay?¡± ¡°If you trust those demons, you¡¯re mistaken. They¡¯ve turned to dust and vanished.¡± ¡°I thought you could hold on a bit longer, but my son, you¡¯re so impatient. What a disobedient child.¡± At the yful words of the old man, a mark appeared on Pelero¡¯s forehead. Pelero raised his hand, ready to extend his dark nails. ¡°But are you truly okay?¡± The voice of the old man. Suddenly. A hand grabbed Pelero. Time seemed to freeze abruptly. ¡°¡­Lord Pelero.¡± Someone who seemed like a subordinate spoke cautiously. ¡°I am a witch.¡± ¡°¡­A witch?¡± ¡°The witch of the Legion. Arin Seymour.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± At that sight, Sein smirked softly. ¡°You manage your anger well.¡± * * * ¡°¡­.¡± The tension that felt like it could explode at any moment dissipated like a lie. ¡°Are you really the witch of the Legion?¡± Pelero Immortal. He spoke cautiously to Arin. ¡°¡­.¡± Arin, who seemed to be contemting for a moment, looked at Sein. This was the territory of Contra. They were¡­ ¡°Yes.¡± She was a Demorus. Arin, who knew well what was toe, hesitated but confirmed it as she met Sein¡¯s gaze. This, too, was part of Sein¡¯s n. ¡°Then why are you here?¡± Pelero spoke, grinding his teeth. The witch was an entity not to be taken lightly. A witch of the legion, on par with the great names. ¡°Is Demorus nning to abandon the treaty and start a war with Contra?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°If not!¡± Pelero shouted. ¡°Step aside.¡± The boiling anger turned into a calm rage. The crucial thing was that the anger itself did not disappear. ¡°I don¡¯t know who the witch is defending, but he¡¯s the one who turned Contra into a mess. If he is handed over, Immortal will not protest against Demorus.¡± Pelero seemed to have political power indeed. ¡°But if you don¡¯t step aside.¡± Growl. Thorns seemed to sprout under Pelero¡¯s feet. Dark nails, no, even darker and harder dark roses. It was darkness in the shape of a rose. ¡°I think this is Demorus¡¯s will.¡± ¡°Hey. That won¡¯t do.¡± Finally, Sein stepped forward to Arin. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who made the mistake in the first ce?¡± ¡°What¡­.¡± ¡°You know that research on demons is forbidden, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± It was true. The reason Immortal hid the demons was not only because of their high value but also because the existence of demons was not tolerated even in the current world. Destruction, ughter, a race of madness. They were too dangerous, causing only destruction if unleashed upon the world. ¡°It is clearly stated in the Tri-Guild Treaty. It may be overlooked, but the problem is¡­.¡± Snicker. ¡°It only bes a problem when you make it a problem.¡± If a weak person said it, it would be an empty cry. Although Sein currently had no power to confront them all. ¡°I just came because of the rumors. Rumors that Immortal is selling forbidden demons.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Pelero¡¯s face contorted. But. ¡°So?¡± Pelero did not back down either. ¡°Did you really think we could resolve the current situation with just that much?¡± Smirk. A smile crept up on Pelleo¡¯s lips. ¡°I don¡¯t think Immortal is foolish enough to believe that Demorus would start a war just over the demon issue.¡± Judging by the reaction, it was clear. ¡°Are there demons in Demorus too?¡± A question directed at Arin. Silence was the answer. ¡°Well, I guess that settles it then.¡± ¡°So¡­ how about this?¡± Sein took another step forward and spoke. ¡°A magic contract surfaced in the candidatepetition for Rasier.¡± ¡°But?¡± ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous, isn¡¯t it? Trying to bind candidates with a magic contract. But you know¡­ what if there¡¯s a way to reinforce the contract?¡± Finally, Pelleo¡¯s expression hardened. They were dark sorcerers. Those who studied demons. They couldn¡¯t be unaware of such things. The method to strengthen a magic contract, it had to involve demons. ¡°And if the one behind this mentioned Contra?¡± Forcing candidates into a magic contract. It was something that could happen in candidatepetitions. However. ¡°How about it? Ready for war?¡± The story would be different if other ns were involved. ¡°You there. What¡¯s your name? If the witch favors you, then you must have Demorus blood. What makes you, with pure magic, control demons?¡± ¡°Well¡­.¡± Sein continued walking. Right in front of the Thorn Legion. Beside Pelleo. ¡°You better figure it out.¡± If you can fight, then fight. But in the end, Pelleo bowed his head. It was Immortal¡¯s defeat. * * * Sein, having left Contra with Arin, headed straight to Borfeo. Fortunately, there was still some vacation time left. ¡°My heart was beating so fast, I thought I was going to die.¡± Meeting Remy again, who seemed sincere, trembling at his fingertips, he said, ¡°Just yesterday, a protest document came from Lasciel.¡± How often would a lord of the lower realms receive a document stamped with the seal of Lasciel? Originally, it was practically a death sentence, so it was natural for Remy to be frightened. ¡°You¡¯ve returned safely.¡± ¡°From the looks of it¡­,¡± as Saint said, he headed straight for Borfeo. Thanks to Arin¡¯s help, it didn¡¯t even take a day. ¡°No need for disguises.¡± The traces of the battle in the depths of Contra were still evident. Torn clothes soaked in blood, disheveled hair. It was a convincing sight, even if one had been tortured in prison. ¡°Now what?¡± Remy asked. ¡°What can we do? Just release us without charges.¡± Saint spoke with his ears flicked. He picked up Remy¡¯s ss, perhaps just finished, and swallowed it. ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± Remy would be of interest. For resisting Demorus. Demorus would also not dare to step forward. In the end, Remy had surrendered. He would obtain everything he desired, so there was no need to worry¡­ Bang! At that moment, the door suddenly opened. ¡°What are you doing?¡± From Noble mtl dot Remy, who had just been trembling, spoke with a firm voice that was hard to believe. It was indeed a great rudeness for his knight to open the lord¡¯s door without proper reason. ¡°Sir, I apologize.¡± The knight bowed his head. ¡°But¡­!¡± ¡°But what? Hurry up and speak.¡± Remy, sensing something amiss, scrutinized the knight. ¡°This is¡­¡± Saint, too, rose as if sensing something. ¡°Someone has arrived from Lasciel!¡± Just yesterday, a protest document had arrived from Lasciel. And soon, they intended to release Saint without charges in response. ¡°From Lasciel? Who on earth?¡± ¡°I never even thought about it.¡± Sein¡¯s voice. Boom! Outside, it felt like a storm was raging. A tremendous force. ¡°I am Vc Demorus!¡± Vc. I never thought that guy could move this fast. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He¡¯s not an enemy. Seems like he came to help, to exin the situation¡­¡± As Sein was saying that, his eyes narrowed. There was a subtle energy of Vc that went unnoticed. To not have noticed his own increased strength. ¡°Remi, it¡¯s best to hide.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Otherwise, we might end up dead right here.¡± Sein¡¯s hand moved towards Bastion¡¯s handle. Most of those I had seen so far were novices, with a few exceptions. The only ones worth acknowledging were individuals like Arin or Alman, like Galio. They were definitely adept at concealing their own energy and capable of putting something small into something immense. ¡°Sein Demorus is innocent-!¡± The difference was stark. It means they are meticulous and sharp. Even if they have a famous sword, it¡¯s meaningless if they can¡¯t wield it properly. ¡°If there¡¯s guilt, it¡¯s with me!¡± By the lore of the setting, those with magic couldn¡¯t even properly utilize a third of their magic. ¡°My name is-!¡± It was known that those at the level of a master only used about one-fifth. ¡°Vc Demorus-!¡± So, if one could fully utilize the magic they possessed. Even being just half of a master could surpass a master. ¡°Lord Borfeo takes the rightful sinner and releases Sein Demorus!¡± Boom! Vc said, driving the massive sword into the ground. Vc, who had experienced all sorts of absurdities. Especially harboring intense resentment towards the lord. ¡°I kindly ask you not to make me see blood.¡± Roar! Stringing together his memories, he gazed at the present situation, unleashing his anger. ¡°Overreacting.¡± A voice reached him at that moment. ¡°Sain!¡± Bk wore a bright smile, as if asking when he had gotten angry. ¡®How delightful.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t anticipated this. Bk¡¯s loyalty wasn¡¯t doubted to be false, but he hadn¡¯t expected it to be this swift and decisive. ¡°As expected, my little pup.¡± And wagging his tail like a dog meeting its owner. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°This is Zone 8. How long do you think things stay calm here?¡± ¡°But your hideout¡­¡± Come to think of it, didn¡¯t Remi say something simr? Even if one endured severe torture in an underground prison, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising. ¡°Well, there must be a reason for it. Anyway, don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Only now did Bk retrieve the greatsword he had buried in the ground. ¡°Rasiel won¡¯t overlook this incident either. The ordeal you faced¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s the problem.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± Bk looked puzzled at Sain¡¯s words. ¡°Seriously, what have you brought here?¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Chapter 54 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 54 Bk seemed clueless. Not stupid, but not particrly bright either. When Tamba dragged him into the ranks, he probably used more than half of his brain capacity. One shouldn¡¯t expect much from such a Bk. ¡°Who are they?¡± Turning towards the onlookers behind him, Bk inquired. ¡°Oh, they are guides provided by Rasiel.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Taking them along might aid in your rescue.¡± They were making a big fuss about it. ¡°Just as I heard.¡± ¡°You noticed we were acting?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Finally, three figures emerged among the onlookers. ¡°Delighted to meet you, Sain Demorus.¡± The middle-aged man among them addressed Sain. Only then did Bk seem to catch on. They were not just ordinary guides of Lashielle. ¡°In the end, it all goes back to Borfeo.¡± ¡°It¡¯s so annoying, I could die.¡± A young man and a woman stood behind the middle-aged man, exchanging words like gossipers. ¡°We are¡­¡± The middle-aged man who seemed to be their leader said, ¡°We are directly under Demorus, the Judges. I am Gouler, in charge of the Third Tribunal.¡± ¡°Sovian.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Judges. In some ways, they boasted a formidable power that surpassed the authority of the three major organizations like Lashielle. It was the first appearance of these individuals who could be considered the armed forces directly under Demorus. The power they exuded wasparable to Campe, who was themander of Lashielle¡¯s armed forces, and seemed to be not even half of what they had faced with Fephero. However. ¡°¡­¡± Sein was more cautious than when they first met. ¡°It was surprising enough that you saw through us.¡± Gouler said in amazement, ¡°You are certainly looking beyond the darkness.¡± Beyond the darkness. ¡°Indeed, you seem to be the candidate chosen by the witch.¡± Sein heard their words with one ear, letting them flow out the other. ¡®Why have theye?¡¯ He had no hesitation in understanding their intentions, purposes, and strengths. Even if the Judges had exceptional intelligence, there was no way they could have heard about the events in Contra in less than 24 hours. Even if they did, they would definitely not know if they were involved. Because Immortal Guard would spare no effort to conceal the incident. ¡®Murder of a lord?¡¯ Or maybe. ¡®A real rescue?¡¯ He needed to find out. Swish. Whether they were enemies or not. ¡°There is no need to be too tense. iming to be Demorus in Borfeo is no longer a crime,¡± Gouler said confidently. ¡°At this moment, I have confirmed your qualification.¡± To the extent where one can im the name of Demorus with their skills. Gauler acknowledged. ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°But you have wasted too much time just to see one person.¡± Gauler slowly stepped back. ¡°We must pay the price for burdening our judges so much.¡± ¡°Well, if that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s fine.¡± Sein felt it as he looked at the judges. ¡®For now.¡¯ It¡¯s not time yet to confront them sincerely. But that doesn¡¯t mean being afraid either. ¡°Deren.¡± At Sein¡¯s call, another figure emerged among the onlookers. Amidst the chaos, Deren had already taken care of his subordinates and concealed his presence. ¡°Are those guys?¡± Sein left Borfeo and the judges came looking. And caused trouble. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It¡¯s good. Step back.¡± At Sein¡¯s words, Deren nodded and stepped back. ¡°If you have a price to pay.¡± ¡°¡­Are you asking for payment from the judges?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you human?¡± Sein and Gauler. The aura emanating from them made the onlookers step back. Bk sent a look of help, but Sein shook his head. ¡®Not yet.¡¯ You are not ready to handle what¡¯sing. ¡°Sovian. Dande.¡± Gauler also called his two subordinates. ¡°Sein Demorus seems to not fully understand what the judges are.¡± The judges were not people who had risen from below. Chosen by Demorus and grown in Demorus. If necessary. ¡°Can Sein Demorus be taught what the judges are?¡± Even if they were guild masters of subordinate guilds. Even if they were the blood of Demorus, it was their duty to handle it. For instance, the judges were those with the authority to settle matters. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°The longed-for sea!¡± It was the moment when Sein, Sobian, and Dande faced each other. ¡°Just one move, that¡¯s all it takes.¡± Said Gouler. ng! The three simultaneously drew their weapons. Dande wielded a sharp de. Sobian brandished a pair of swords of suitable length. Sein remarked, ¡°An excellent sword.¡± To Bastion. No signal was needed. For masters of their caliber, the slight tremble of muscles, the quiet movement of magic itself served as a signal. ¡°¡­¡­?¡± As onlookers wore puzzled expressions. Whooosh! A sudden storm raged. ¡°Ah, what¡¯s happening!¡± Not only were the onlookers pushed back by the raging storm, but even the knights in full te armor staggered. And the sight revealed was Thud, thud. Sein, covered in wounds. Seemingly torn clothes, with wounds oozing blood from within. ¡°What¡¯s this, Captain? Nothing special?¡± ¡°Just this much¡­.¡± As Sobian and Dande passed by Sein. They turned back slowly, looking at Gouler with disappointed faces. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± And astonishment dawned on their faces. ¡°Ca¡­ptain?¡± It was Sein and Dande who had drawn their weapons, not Sobian. But in the distance, Gouler stood holding his sword. A second sword that not just anyone would draw. Shiver. Gouler¡¯s famous sword, Gera, was trembling. Even more astonishing was ¡°Ca¡­ptain?¡± Blood was flowing from the side of Gouler¡¯s de, as it grazed past. ¡°Sorry, but that¡¯s how the responsibility falls on the captain.¡± Sein¡¯s voice, with a smile. It was from the beginning. Se Ain didn¡¯t look at Dandena or Sobiang, only one. ¡°You!¡± ¡°This punk!¡± He only had eyes for Gor. When Dandena and Sobiang, enraged by being ignored, rushed at Se Ain. ¡°Stop.¡± Boom! With Gor¡¯s magic, his voice overwhelmed everything. Gor, who initially seemed light. ¡°I¡¯ve seen your skills.¡± Gor, now respectful. ¡°Let¡¯s consider this settling our debts.¡± Nodding. From Noble mtl dot Gor bowed his head. Seeing this, Sobiang and Dandena had no choice. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± Simply following Gor¡¯s absolutemand. And a whileter, when they hadpletely disappeared. ¡°¡­Damn.¡± Se Ain uttered curses like screams before copsing. *** Se Ain, who had not rested once since leaving Chichiron. What may seem like a respite to some was for Se Ain a time of experimentation and training. ¡°Feeling refreshed.¡± So, the day he first copsed was, for Se Ain, true rxation. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Bk asked. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Refreshed.¡± It was sincere. His body too. ¡®His mind as well.¡¯ Many things felt refreshed. ¡°I never dreamed the judges would back off like that.¡± Bk said, genuinely amazed. The judges have a fearsome reputation. The judges of each n, except for the patriarchs, are known to be feared by all. The recognition of such a judge. And respect. Just that alone would elevate Sein¡¯s reputation to an unprecedented level. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± But Sein was more focused on the judge itself than such things. ¡®Certainly¡­¡¯ The judge he faced for the first time. ¡®Alien.¡¯ They were different from any beings Sein had known so far. And they were indeed. ¡®They must be the ones who are the core of this world.¡¯ The true power held by the Dark Tower. ¡°Whatever it is, I enjoyed the vacation properly.¡± Sein, Sessil, and Vc had arrived in Rasiel before they knew it. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± They re-entered Rasiel¡¯s garden. ¡°Why is the atmosphere like this?¡± Sein realized that a strange silence and tension pervaded all of Rasiel. Scratch, scratch. Sein scratched his head. ¡°Was I that important?¡± The only major event was being detained under Borgheo, so could that be the reason? ¡°Both Vc and Rasiel seemed touched.¡± But that¡¯s just the story. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Sein felt that the tension in Rasiel was not caused by him. There was something else. ¡°What happened?¡± Since Vc was thest to leave Rasiel, Sein asked him. ¡°Nothing much happened until I left.¡± Vc seemed unaware of the details. ¡°Surely¡­.¡± The incident in Contra? That¡¯s quite a serious matter; if it bes an issue, it could escte. ¡®Immortals aren¡¯t that careless.¡¯ What on earth happened? ¡°Well, pondering alone won¡¯t bring answers.¡± Now that they were back in Rasiel, there was work to be done. ¡°That human will tell us.¡± Reporting to Alman, the master of Rasiel. The path leading to Alman. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Rasiel¡¯s tense members were on guard. If they were on good terms, they might ask something, but Sein was a stone sticking out even in Rasiel. Asking might just create unnecessary friction. ¡°It seems like something¡¯s up.¡± The strange tension was affecting Sein and Vak. And finally, they reached their destination. ¡°Is the master inside?¡± Sein asked the member guarding the master¡¯s room. ¡°I¡¯ve returned from vacation to report.¡± Even as Sein spoke with a casual air, the member didn¡¯t show any particr expression. Normally, expressing difort might seem typical, but it was evident they were preupied or focused on something else. ¡°A guest has arrived.¡± And they could sense the truth behind that tension. Chapter 55 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 55 ¡°Come backter.¡± ¡°A guest? Who is it?¡± The Rasiel member raised the question about the guest. Few were worthy of such attention. ¡°The headquarters?¡± Was the guest from Demoras? Or perhaps¡­ It was time for Sein to carefully consider the guest¡¯s identity. Creak. The door to the master¡¯s room began to open slowly. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Sein¡¯s eyes sank. Gulp. Beside him, Vak swallowed nervously. Alman, with an appearance more of a schr or politician than a warrior, was theplete opposite. A warrior, a fighter, through and through. The appearance itself evoked that. The numerous scars on his face made one wonder what kind of life he had lived. ¡°So, you must be Sein.¡± The man directed his question at Sein. ¡°That¡¯s right. And you are?¡± ¡°Quite the arrogant one.¡± Indeed, his demeanor reflected that. Unlike Alman, who calcted various strategies to gauge his opponent, this man expressed his displeasure directly. ¡°Is Alman putting his trust in a guy like this?¡± The man who casually called Alman, also Rasiel¡¯s master. ¡°He must be capable. Stop meddling in others¡¯ affairs and step aside, will you?¡± ¡°You.¡± It was the moment when the man twisted his face, trying to assert his dominance. ¡°Stop your useless antics and make way. Rohan.¡± Rohan. ¡°¡­!¡± Vc seemed to recognize that name. No, Sain felt the same way. ¡®This man.¡¯ Information about Demorus. Sain, who had gathered information about the current world in his head. The name Rohan. ¡®Rohan Demorus.¡¯ Guilds under Demorus, known as the Three Great Organizations. Apart from Rasiel, another of the Three Great Organizations¡­ ¡°Oh my. A giant, indeed.¡± It was Dante, the guild leader. ¡°Sain Demorus, you should watch your arrogance. Unlike me, Rohan isn¡¯t so merciful.¡± A voice came from inside. ¡°Understood! Uncle!¡± Unlike his usual self, Sain passed by Rohan with a cheerful voice. In an instant, Rohan and Sain¡¯s shoulders touched. ¡°¡­.¡± Rohan hesitated for a moment. ¡°Still, seems like a skilled guy.¡± Muttering to himself unheard by anyone, Rohan passed by. Sain entered the master¡¯s room. ¡°¡­.¡± Facing him was Alman with a nd expression. ¡°Un¡­cle?¡± ¡°If you look at the bloodline, isn¡¯t it so? Seems thicker than water.¡± Alman with a bewildered face. ¡°Hehehe.¡± He let out a small chuckle. ¡°Indeed, Sain Demorus, you¡¯re an interesting one. Right. You¡¯re here because of the return report, right? Did you rest well?¡± ¡°Thanks to you.¡± ¡°I suppose.¡± Certainly, a smile spread across Alman¡¯s face. However, it felt more terrifying than anything Seyne had ever seen. ¡°Seyne Demorus, this is thest chance.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°They say your vacation in Contr¨¤ was your final opportunity.¡± Ignoring Rasier¡¯s information seemed unwise. * * * ¨C Don¡¯t even think there will be another chance next time. You¡¯ve already gone beyond the authority of a candidate. Alman, who had so far just let Seyne be. He issued a stern warning. ¡°Whether you like it or not.¡± Before the mumbling Seyne, the candidates were gathered. ¡°Tell Bc about any updates in my absence. And from now on, report to him for missions¡­¡± Thud. Today, Cessil was also present in this gathering. ¡°Just tell this little one here.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± The candidates grimaced. Candidates who were forced into loyalty through magical contracts. They had no choice but to follow Seyne, but they didn¡¯t have muchint. Seyne had already proven his skills and was recognized by all the candidates. But not Bc or Cessil. Especially not Cessil. ¡°¡­ Seyne, this doesn¡¯t seem right.¡± However, they were also owners of the name Demorus. It seemed ufortable to report to Seyne like he was some girl of unknown origin. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t misunderstand. If you say so, I¡¯ll do it. It¡¯s just a matter of respect¡­¡± As they had all experienced Seyne by now, the candidates took a step back. ¡°No.¡± Seyne said, his jaw clenched. ¡°It¡¯s a reasonable request.¡± ¡°R-really?¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t mind your pride being hurt, that is?¡± ¡°¡­?¡± The candidates felt something was amiss. But it was toote. ¡°The five of you. Face off with Bc.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± ¡°And you five¡­¡± Snick. ¡°Going against this little one.¡± ¡°?!!¡± Silence descended. It was possible for Vc. After all, he was a candidate. It was a blow to one¡¯s pride to have to face five opponents at once, but Vc¡¯s skills were acknowledged even by the other candidates. But Cecil¡­ ¡°If this little one wins, your contracts will be terminated.¡± ¡°¡­¡­..!¡± The candidates widened their eyes at Sein¡¯s words. ¡°But if the little one loses¡­¡± Snick. ¡°Your contracts will strengthen. Deal?¡± ¡°Deal.¡± * * * ¡°When did this¡­¡± The candidates who faced Vc couldn¡¯t hide their astonishment. While they knew Vc¡¯s skills were exceptional among the candidates, they hadn¡¯t thought he would defeat all five. The other candidates, motivated by Sein, didn¡¯t ck off in training and gained practical experience through missions, so they were confident too. However, Vc¡¯s transformation was truly dramatic. ¡°Is it over?¡± Vc spoke with a heavy voice. He looked like a dark knight protecting his lord, Sein. ¡°¡­I surrender.¡± The gap in strength was too clear. It was a role he had to acknowledge. But. ¡°Insane, what¡¯s that?¡± There was something else that truly warranted surprise. ng! ng! ng! ng! Sparks incessantly flying. From Noble mtl dot ¡°Whoa¡­!¡± The candidates were pushed back, shocked and in awe. Swish! Cecil, the de and the wielder bing one, swiftly knocked down two candidates with a single strike. ¡°Gah, argh.¡± All they could do was groan. The two candidates who were expelled fainted on the spot. Only three remained. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± They simply couldn¡¯t ept this situation. It wasn¡¯t a remnant of Demorus¡¯s blood, but a child that Sein had picked up somewhere. The candidates spected that it was merely a ploy or Sein¡¯s cruel sense of humor. ¡°This is insane¡­.¡± It was nothing of the sort. Cecil was, in fact, superior to Vk. Both inbat skills and in handling magic. Kwaaah! One could say Cecil was just as exceptional as Sein. ¡®It had to be that way.¡¯ Sein, with a smirk on one side of his mouth, gazed at this scene as if it were only natural. He hadn¡¯t brought Cecil along for no reason. ¡°Saints and holy maidens boast overwhelming power as soon as they appear.¡± yers are different due to various constraints, but NPCs are distinct. They start with tremendous privileges. ¡®The holy maiden¡¯s mark, the saint¡¯s ring.¡¯ Those things are connected. And they were individuals who could only exist in that era. The reason was simple. ¡°Because the previous saints and holy maidens pass everything on to the next generation.¡± Power, knowledge, everything. Sein was no exception. Kwaaang! By having Cecil by his side, he passed on much to her. The only difference being. ¡°I don¡¯t face any penalties.¡± He was a saint yet not a saint. The things that disappeared when passed on were easily reced. They were things that Galio had once handed to him. Shrrrr. Cecil twirled the sword around and sheathed it. Crunch. She took out a snack from who knows where and bit into it. ¡°Well, anyone dissatisfied?¡± The five fallen candidates. Their condition was much more severe than those who faced Vk. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The answer did note. ¡°What on earth is he up to?¡± ¡°What¡¯s up. Youngdy. Isn¡¯t it? Sessil?¡± A nod. Sain rose to his feet. ¡°From now on, unnecessary reports will go through these two, and you will strengthen your magic contract on your own.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Fine.¡± Sain¡¯s words meant he would find a way. Candidates who eventually gave up. ¡°So, who knows why Dante¡¯s Guild Master is here?¡± That was the purpose of gathering the candidates today. And then. ¡°I can tell you that.¡± Finally, someone who knew the answer appeared among the candidates of Lashiel. ¡°That¡¯s something I can tell you.¡± Hailing from his homnd, Sis Demorus. He held a wealth of advanced information through the connections he maintained back home, more than anyone else. ¡°Here, in this ce?¡± ¡°Yes, in this ce.¡± Sis replied to Sain. ¡°Since all the candidates here are involved.¡± The candidates swallowed nervously at Sis¡¯s words. If he was speaking to this extent, it must be something extraordinary. ¡°Originally selected candidates are raised by the three major organizations, evaluated to be sessors.¡± ¡°Get to the point, excluding what we already know.¡± Sain interrupted Sis. ¡°Sigh.¡± Sis let out a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s a candidate exchange.¡± In the end, he brought up the main topic. ¡°A candidate exchange?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a ce where candidates from the three major organizations interact andpete.¡± It made sense. ¡°The problem is, Lashiel is not yet ready for that.¡± Sis said. ¡°The candidate exchange usually takes ce towards the end of the candidatepetition. It¡¯s also known as¡­.¡± ¡°A dusting-off ceremony?¡± A nod. The scene where candidates with insufficient abilities are eliminated. Chapter 56 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 56 ¡°It¡¯s a massacre.¡± That¡¯s why it seemed too early for the Exchange Contest. As expected, the other candidates seemed frightened. ¡°Why is the Exchange Contest happening now?¡± It seemed important. ¡°There are two reasons.¡± Sis said. ¡°One, thest of the three major organizations excluding Rasiel and Dante.¡± The emotions surfacing on Sis¡¯s face seemedplex. ¡°The candidatepetition in Cain has ended.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°It¡¯s over?¡± Unlike the surprised candidates, Sein calmly asked. ¡°Since only one out of thirty candidates remains, the candidatepetition has to end.¡± Whether through idents or killings, only one is left. Sincepeting alone was impossible, it was indeed the end of thepetition. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s how it is?¡± Sein remarked. Gulp. The candidates swallowed dryly. ¡°I thought it might be possible, but seems like there are no sanctions.¡± ¡°Although there are sanctions, they might be meaningless.¡± ¡°Well, in that case, I might as well¡­.¡± Chuckling. ¡°Just kidding, just kidding.¡± The candidates breathed a sigh of relief at Sein¡¯s words. ¡°Anyway, the first reason aside, what about the second?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of you. Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Sein pointed to himself. ¡°That¡¯s right. You. Your reputation has be unexpectedly high. You are the strongestpetitor¡­.¡± ¡°Shall we take care of it before it¡¯s toote?¡± If we summarize Sis¡¯s words. ¡°In the end, it was all about wanting to kill me alone.¡± ¡°In the process, the rest will be taken care of as well. Dante started the candidatepetition much earlier than Rasiel, and the candidates¡¯ levels are much higher than Rasiel¡¯s.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Look at them. They¡¯re just trash.¡± The reason for Dante¡¯s master¡¯s arrival became clear. However, there was still something left undisclosed. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± Sis always seemed to share information aimlessly, yet he always had his own goals and ns in mind. ¡°It seems Almang is contemting whether to ept the Exchange Ceremony.¡± Sis stated his purpose without hesitation. ¡°And that decision rests with you.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Though it may bruise his pride, Rasiel is not yet ready. Sein.¡± Sis said. ¡°I hope you can persuade Almang to decline the Exchange Ceremony.¡± * * * ¡°You must have heard the rumors, right?¡± Almang¡¯s directness. ¡°Somewhat.¡± ¡°So, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Almang asked Sein, who was seated on the sofa. ¡°If you¡¯re asking me to stop, I have no clue.¡± Almang spoke first before Sein could say a word. It was a clear sign of how profound his concerns were. ¡°If Rasiel rejects the candidate Exchange Ceremony, his favor will plummet. And my reputation will suffer as well.¡± No one esteemed a general who fled from battle, even if defeat and disgrace were inevitable. ¡°But if I were to ask if you want to engage in the Exchange Ceremony?¡± Almang continued. ¡°It¡¯s safe to say that¡¯s not the case either.¡± ¡°Because defeat is imminent?¡± Defeat, too, leads to a loss of favor. For Almang, this Exchange Ceremony was nothing but a lose-lose situation. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± Almang¡¯s tone was notably solemn. ¡°I, too, was once a candidate like you.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Even if I rise higher, it won¡¯t change much. I¡¯m just contemting thest surviving human sentiment.¡± Sein met Almang¡¯s gaze. There was no need topare this to his experiences as the Imperial Prince, or rather, the Scutery. ¡°Even if something is inevitable, is it right to push towards a death that could be avoided?¡± Those were the eyes of a person speaking the truth. ¡°Dante has three siblings from the homnd.¡± Almang mentioned. ¡°They might not be much different from the Phaepher you faced.¡± A master-level powerhouse. ¡°You might not know, but the rest will perish. And if that happens, you might meet your end as well. I am contemting whether to spare you all or not.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure about this whole bodyguard thing.¡± Sain said. ¡°If someone suddenly barges in, even I would be surprised.¡± Despite feeling perplexed by the sudden sincerity. ¡°So.¡± Maintainingposure, Alman looked straight into Sain¡¯s eyes. Don¡¯t forget. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Even if the opponent was once a candidate like them in the past, the ce they are standing now is as the guild master of Rasier. So, although Alman possesses a fragment of human emotions. ¡°Are you confident?¡± About him being a monster. ¡°Do you believe you will win if you engage in the Exchange Battle, Sain Demorus?¡± Alman said. ¡°If you emerge victorious in the battle.¡± Just like Sain, Alman¡¯s pupils were also filled with determination. ¡°Sain Demorus is Rasier¡¯s candidate. You will be the one. Rasier, do not support you, Alman Demorus.¡± In the end, this is it. Providing Sain with a proper motive and pushing him onto the battlefield. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to get straight to the point like this.¡± Sain said with a smirk. ¡°Say what you need to say. Let¡¯s get on with it. Whether it¡¯s Dante or whoever, I¡¯ll crush them all.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a deal, Sain.¡± * * * ¡°Now, everyone is addressed this way because there is something to inform you about.¡± Upon Sain¡¯s words, the candidates nodded tensely. ¡°We have decided to hold the Candidate Exchange Battle.¡± ¡°Why!¡± The candidates, who expected Sain to refuse the battle, shouted in confusion. ¡°Why? What¡¯s there to ¡®why¡¯? Because I decided it that way.¡± ¡°But¡­.¡± ¡°We are all going to die.¡± The candidates were already gripped by fear. Upon hearing about the Candidate Exchange Battle, they must have learned about Dante¡¯s power. ¡°So?¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°Whether you live or die, it makes no difference.¡± Sein spoke. ¡°From the start, if all of you are eliminated, without any risk, I will be chosen as Rasier¡¯s candidate.¡± Silence. ¡°Well, shall we settle it here and now?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± There was not a single false word in Sein¡¯s statement. ¡°What I can¡¯t stand is being dared against by someone.¡± There were two reasons why Dante moved. One of them was Sein. ¡°Daring to target my life, what would happen if I just let it go?¡± ¡°What¡­.¡± The candidates seemed uneasy, but it didn¡¯t matter. ¡°I have never let go of those whoe at me quietly.¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°That¡¯s true¡­.¡± ¡°You have to thoroughly trample them to relieve your conscience.¡± Sein sheathed the sword he had half-drawn. ¡°That¡¯s why.¡± The conclusion. ¡°In this exchange match, I will trample Dante. Not just me, but all of you too.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Simultaneously, a word shed through the candidates¡¯ minds. -Impossible. The gap between Dante¡¯s power and Rasier¡¯s power is significant. Despite their efforts, they were a group of five who couldn¡¯t even defeat Bck together. ¡°Did you think it was impossible?¡± Can one now read people¡¯s minds? ¡°It¡¯s possible. You fools.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think what you¡¯ve done is effort.¡± Sein spoke, looking at each candidate. ¡°I have no intention of just letting you die. You are valuable ves; you should be used well.¡± Demorus, who survived the candidatepetition, is acknowledged for that value. Even if they fail to be sessors, they are acknowledged for their worth to rise to Demorus¡¯s position. And if those who are loyal to him can rise to Demorus¡¯s position. ¡°I will raise you.¡± It might not be difficult to eliminate Demorus. ¡°Moreover, Rasier has decided to give full support.¡± For the first time, the candidates¡¯ faces showed concern. ¡°Rasier¡¯s support and my abilities. When those twobine¡­.¡± Snick. ¡°I will win. You spineless lot.¡± There was not a hint of wavering in Sein¡¯s voice. ¡°Whether you die this way or that way, if you¡¯re going to die, at least fight like dogs. I¡¯ll give you swords, armor, everything you need.¡± A strange resonance. Sein¡¯s voice, rough beyondpare, was ironically digging deep into the hearts of the candidates. At some point, they must have realized. Their fate and how it would never end well. But in this moment. ¡°Are you going to try?¡± A glimmer of hope shone. ¡°Are you going to try? You spineless lot.¡± ¡°We will.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll try.¡± Finally, an answer came. Not driven bymand, but by their own will. ¡°I beg you, Sein. No¡­¡± The candidates, they looked at Sein. ¡°Captain.¡± In this moment, they acknowledged Sein as their leader. ¡°How fortunate.¡± Snick. ¡°If you reject here, I truly nned to kill everyone and end the candidatepetition.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So?¡± Sein¡¯s eyes turned to a corner of the training ground. ¡°What do you think?¡± Not all candidates were gathered. Two. Sis and Roberta. Those who had not yet given up thepetition with Sein¡­ ¡°Will you step forward?¡± They were watching Sein from a corner of the training ground. ¡°My training is simple.¡± Sein, holding a longsword he made himself. The moment he casually brandished it. ¡°Kieeeek!¡± The cry of the Lizardman rang out. Where Sein and the candidates were now was a marsh. ¡°Fight to the death.¡± Sein¡¯s chosen training was monster hunting. In the current world, or rather in the previous scenario, it was the same. NPCs tended to view hunting monsters as either a trivial matter or something unhelpful. ¡°Does this really have any effect?¡± Someone questioned. ¡°Hey, no questions allowed.¡± But without answering, Sein detonated the firecracker he had in his arms. Boom! As the firecracker exploded, a green magical light scattered in all directions. A monster bait widely traded in the market. It was Sein¡¯s special bait, enhanced with additional ingredients. ¡°Eeek!¡± The monsters went wild and began to charge. Even if it wasn¡¯t Sein¡¯s words, the candidates no longer had time to ask questions. ¡°Ahh!¡± To survive the charging monsters, they had to exert all their strength. ¡°The lizard babies¡­.¡± But shortly after, the candidates soon regainedposure. The lizardmen were not high-grade monsters. If they had inherited the mission and training from Rasiel, and Demorus¡¯ legacy. ¡°Kill them!¡± They could be dealt with rtively easily. The tide turned. The charging lizardmen became the backdrop against which the candidates pushed forward. Chapter 57 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 57 Sein sat down. Then, with a grin, he opened his mouth. ¡°Let¡¯s see how long you can keep it up.¡± Ignoring the lizardmen could be eptable. But¡­ ¡°Huh¡­?¡± Ignoring the legion of lizardmen was a different matter. It might be fine when they were in the tens. ¡°What are you doing over there!¡± If they exceeded hundreds, the dynamics of the battle changed. ¡°Right, they¡¯re good.¡± While dozens of lizardmen could be handled with individual strength, if they surpassed hundreds. ¡°It¡¯s a group battle, you idiots.¡± Transformation into a group battle. If one fights separately, they end up isted, vulnerable. No matter how skilled a fighter may be. Swish! Throughout the battle, focusing on their backs was nearly impossible. ¡°Ugh!¡± Injured individuals started emerging. ¡°Damn it, struggling against mere lizardlings¡­!¡± Candidates who unleashed their strength fueled by anger. ¡°Blessings are forbidden.¡± However, Sein imposed even the restriction of forbidden blessings upon them. In the end, chaos ensued. Thud! A spear pierced through the chest of one candidate. Fortunately missing the heart, but undoubtedly a severe wound. Then, another sudden change urred. ¡°Damn it¡­¡± The candidates¡¯ formation began to crumblepletely. The plummeting morale was uncontroble, affecting their performance directly. Just getting pushed back repeatedly. Kwaaah! Only skilled individuals capable of facing a group like a wallop were barely holding their ground. And then. Swoosh. Above the candidates¡¯ heads, a sound resembling a split was heard. ¡°¡­.?¡± Certainly sensing something, yet unaffected by its influence. ¡°Look at that.¡± At that moment, someone among the candidates spoke up. That was the signal. ¡°¡­.¡± The candidates turned their heads. Only then did they realize. Finding theposure to sense something, to converse. That. Whoosh! The head of a lizardman, in the hundreds, was cleanly severed in a single strike. ¡°For now, this is the end.¡± And the one who achieved that was. ¡°Anyone still have questions?¡± Sain Demorus. That crazy bastard. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Shock and astonishment. And so, the first training session came to a pause. * * * Monster hunting continued thereafter. Sain, as if drying up the lizardmen nearby, kept shooting fireworks, while the candidates had to endure the relentless monster waves rushing towards them. If they swept through like this, it seemed like there would be no work for the Dark Guild in this area for at least a few years. me. Sys turned his body and drew his sword. In the end, both Sys and Roberta decided to join Sain¡¯s training. ¡°Monster hunting.¡± Sys understood Sain¡¯s intention. ¡°In reality, the exchange match is no different from the fight between Rasiel and Dante.¡± Dante would have already aligned his intentions with theirs. But Rasiel was different. Under the absolute existence of Sain, all the candidates were in a position to kneel, but that was just under Sain¡¯s influence, not a sign of unity among the candidates. ¡°Come this way!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s form a circle and fight.¡± Sys understood Sain¡¯s intention and began to move. ¡°We need to stick together.¡± ¡°We are together.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean.¡± Sys, who instinctively felt why Sain referred to the other candidates as fools, knew now was not the time to me that. ¡°We really need to be a team.¡± It¡¯s difficult for an individual to surpass a group. That is. ¡°We need to maximize strengths andplement weaknesses.¡± The story of when a group bes like a single individual. ¡°Rima. You stand in the center and take care of the enemies attacking from afar.¡± For Rima, who used a crossbow as her main weapon, long-range deterrence. ¡°Vc. You need to be the wall in the front. Can you do that?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°This is what Sain wants.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± When did that guy be Sain¡¯s faithful dog, after all. Even while thinking such thoughts. Snick. Before she knew it, Sis realized she was smiling. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± This is it. The picture Sis had envisioned. Leading a group, the power to move a group. Even if that power came from someone else. ¡°Sweep them away!¡± Now the candidates were moving ording to Sis¡¯s words, striving to be one. A very slight change. The result of that change. ¡°¡­!¡± Truly, it could be described as dramatic. The number of candidates getting injured drastically decreased. On the contrary, from being able to handle only three opponents alone, Lizardman, in a formed posture, could now face up to five. At times, even up to eight. ¡°¡­!¡± It wasn¡¯t just Sis. All the candidates were experiencing the change and its results. ¡°Let¡¯s keep going.¡± It¡¯s possible. Such hope. Individuals gather to form a group. And that group moves like a single individual. Only then, perhaps. ¡®We might really win.¡¯ They might be stronger. * * * ¡°Suck up a potion. If it¡¯s not a serious injury, you¡¯ll die on your own.¡± The concept of resting was almost non-existent. ¡°Hey, if I say die, I don¡¯t mean you should ascend to the heavens.¡± Rasiel¡¯s full-on support. From Noble mtl dot Literally, Rasiel provided everything needed, including potions. If injured, they drink potions to continue the fight. But if they really feel like they¡¯re going to die. ¡°Parasite.¡± Swiftly. Sesil moved. Saaah-! The arm that seemed about to fall suddenly stuck back. It was a power hidden in the current world. ¡°Divine gravity.¡± It was divine gravity. Everyone vaguely felt the uniqueness of the existence called Sesil. And now that uniqueness was right in front of them, but no one wavered. ¡°Th-thank you.¡± One wrong move could mean death. Sesil was a child under the protection of that saint. Whatever the reason, to expose Sesil¡¯s secret was to expose the saint¡¯s secret. No one dared to attempt that. It was clearly stated even in the contract of magic. Rustle! Rustle! And Sys, Roberta, had also agreed. The growth of the candidates was visibly progressing. Among them. ¡°Roberta, she¡¯s the most outstanding one.¡± Roberta¡¯s growth rate could be considered the steepest. She was the best among the candidates inbat. ¡°Roberta! Clear the way!¡± If needed, she would break formation alone and face the enemy lines. Strike, strike, and strike again. Roberta¡¯s sword strikes, drenched in blood, became sharper with each battle. ¡°Now I understand why they told us to hunt monsters.¡± Roberta sincerely felt that. It was a resolve different from what Sys had felt. ¡°Monsters.¡± The reason why others didn¡¯t make monster hunting a training method was simple. The three dark families¡¯ rivalry. The organizations¡¯ conflicts. The struggle for supremacy. All of that. ¡°Humanity.¡± It was all about interactions with humans. That¡¯s why, even if monster hunting could be somewhat helpful, it was an established fact that it couldn¡¯t rece independent training or methods. But asionally, there were stories from mercenaries and deployed soldiers. ¨C Monsters are no different. Monsters were no different from humans. ¨C If you keep fighting them day and night, you start feeling this way. ¨C Am I fighting monsters? ¨C Or am I fighting humans? It was a puzzling statement. ¨C There are also monstrous individuals among humans, right? Well, whatever, same difference, right? Haha. But Roberta was realizing it now. ¡®It¡¯s simr to Porke¡¯s spear technique.¡¯ The spear technique of Lizardman was simr to that of Porke, who had gained fame in the past for his spear technique. Moreover, their movements were also simr to those of Porke. To Roberta, who believed that sincerity in martial arts and martial arts alone were the solution above all, this was a new realization. ¡°They seem to have noticed it too.¡± Sein sensed Roberta¡¯s change. ¡°It¡¯s only natural.¡± They might not know. ¡°That many of the skills and movements of humans are derived from monsters.¡± The setting of Sanctuary. Looking at the descriptions of past game skills, it was true. Monsters with superior bodies and abilitiespared to humans. In order to confront them, martial arts imitating them were created, which was the origin of martial arts. So. ¡°When facing all sorts of monsters, it¡¯s simr to facing all sorts of humans. That¡¯s what I mean.¡± The candidates were rapidly bing stronger. The candidates¡¯ training was gradually taking shape. As if their previous reluctance to hunt monsters was a lie. ¡°Oh, I want to catch something else.¡± The candidates developed the mindset of excellent yers. Meanwhile, Sein was not just idling around. Tatat. Sein, sprinting across the ground at a rapid speed. All Sein held were his fists. He had no weapon in hand. Taat! He pounded the ground and leaped forward. And what he faced was the grotesque head of a monster. It was a troll¡¯s head. Kwaang! Sein¡¯s fist met the troll¡¯s cheek, creating a booming sound like an explosion. With strong regenerative power making it difficult to deal with unless using special attacks or magic, it was a troll. Pwoosh! The head flew off at the impact of Sein¡¯s punch. me. Sein, now seated on the ground, had a refreshing expression. Monster hunting was truly the best training method for candidates. For several reasons. ¡°Since leveling up NP-Cs was possible in Sanctuary.¡± This fact had already been proven in various ways. But in monster hunting, the one who gained the most benefits was always the yer, no matter what others said. ¡°Now it¡¯s starting to get interesting.¡± Sein, talking about himself. He had already tasted the thrill of victory twice. Chapter 58 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 58 ¡°Exhrating.¡± The special rewards that emerged from this only scratched the surface of Sein¡¯s growth. Considering just his level, it was over 10. When everything about Sein was added up¡­ Kwaaang! It would be impossible to express it merely in terms of levels. Snap, snap. Sein cracked his neck, loosening his joints. Sein¡¯s hunt. Thwat! Had just begun. In front of Sein¡¯s eyes, it seemed as if a ck wave was rushing towards him. ¡°Kuoooo-!¡± A deafening roar, like the ground shaking, was the frenzied howl of the massive monsters, easily five times the number of monsters other candidates faced. Yet, the smile on Sein¡¯s lips as he faced them was unwavering. ¡°This is it.¡± Ites to mind. ¡°This is what it is.¡± The glory of the past, the memories that were just pure joy. -This can¡¯t be! This is a game? Skipping meals, enjoying the game while returning to life. The true joy of Sanctuary was¡­ ¡°This is it.¡± This was it. ¡°Bastion.¡± At Sein¡¯s call, the Holy Sword began to emit light. Bastion, consuming Sein¡¯s sanctity and vitality as if being sucked in. However. Crack-! Sein didn¡¯t fall victim to the creature as before. A tightly clenched fist exuded immense strength. And slowly. ¡°Krooo!¡± He shed horizontally towards the monsters rushing at him. At that moment. Crunch-! A white line seemed to be drawn on the horizon. ¡°I¡¯ve lived for this taste.¡± Sein, opening his eyes, stood in a dark space. It was the Jumadang. The area former Chwerry yers referred to as the level-up zone. He had thought it might be impossible in the current world, but with Rasel¡¯s help, he could hunt more monsters than in the glory days of the past. Step by step. Sein approached the stone of life. It shone even more brightly than before, as if representing Sein¡¯s shining life. ¡°Whether it¡¯s Dante or Naball¡­.¡± Grin. Sein ced his hand on the stone of life. A brighter red light shone. He could feel another bonus being etched into his body. ¡°It¡¯s all over. Damn!¡± He couldn¡¯t contain the boiling excitement. * * * There was no crisis. ¡°Was that guy not actually a monster hunter?¡± ¡°Chichiron¡¯s crazy dog definitely devoured monsters.¡± Sein was truly perfect and precise. He knew what monsters could barely be dealt with by the candidates¡¯ efforts, urately assessed the crisis, and took action himself. ¡°You wicked bastard.¡± That¡¯s why it was literally hell. There was no rest. Sein¡¯s control of strength was perfect, allowing only the necessary rest. ¡°What a waste of potions.¡± He also refrained from giving potions, knowing well the extent of injuries that wouldn¡¯t strain him in battle. Of course, it seemed like Sein took care of the remaining potions separately. ¡°Don¡¯t die. You brats.¡± Hell, literally. They had to continue battling monsters without a break. ¡°Starting today, we change our approach.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°Sleep time eliminated.¡± ¡°¡­.Damn it!¡± The candidates protested Sein¡¯s words. No matter how much power they had like superhumans, their shells were human. If humans don¡¯t sleep¡­ ¡°Not dying. And why is there no time for rest? Who said not to sleep? I mean, there¡¯s no designated bedtime.¡± Sis was the one who understood Sein¡¯s words. ¡°¡­Starting today, we hunt in shifts. We divide into teams and need to get used to it.¡± One side sleeps, while the other protects and hunts monsters. What they thought was absurd. ¡°Is this going to work?¡± It suddenly became possible. Once difficult, then easy. ¡°Hey, food¡¯s ready. Eatter.¡± They further divided the team, assigned meal duties, and even had rest time. Of course. ¡°Why are they leaving me alone?¡± Boom! Firecrackers bursting louder. Sein didn¡¯t just leave it be. Yet, the reason the candidates could endure wasn¡¯t solely due to the contract with Sein. ¡°How much stronger do you think we¡¯ve be?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Feeling the increase in strength in their bodies. Being able to easily deal with trolls that were hard to hunt yesterday. After a few days, being able to hunt monsters alone that they couldn¡¯t before. Sein was replicating the sense of achievement that had driven many crazy in past games. And after a few more days passed. ¡°¡­.¡± The first moment when the battlepletely ceased arrived. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Sein took the lead and asked. ¡°¡­Abyrinth.¡± Sis replied. ¡°Maze?¡± I had heard of it before. When the saturation of darkness had progressed considerably, or rather, when it had fallen too low. The darkness that had descended upon the world would release a maze to defend itself. ¡°This is not something we can handle on our own.¡± The enemies of the maze were all creatures of darkness, and if the maze remained unconquered for some time. ¡°This is something that needs to be reported to Rasiel.¡± The maze spewed out numerous creatures of darkness, decimating the surrounding areas. This was also the reason why the concept of territories had emerged on the continent. ¡°The maze must not be easy to see¡­¡± Just how many monsters had been ughtered, really? The candidates seemed to be in awe, recalling the time they had spent rather than the maze before their eyes. It was only natural for the maze to be dealt with by a massive organization like Rasiel. ¡°Well, this is a first.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± From Noble mtl dot However, the candidates could sense something btedly. ¡°No way, right?¡± That there were those interested in the maze. ¡°So, there are creatures of darkness, or rather, monsters inside?¡± Sein. ¡°T-That¡¯s right¡­?¡± ¡°Are there any treasures?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard there are special artifacts that can only be found in the maze. Rare high-grade magic stones that are hard toe by¡­¡± As always, Sys responded to Sein¡¯s question mechanically. But even Sys sensed something was amiss and said: ¡°No way, right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± Sein was approaching the entrance of the maze where some candidates were standing, admiring the maze. ¡°How can we just overlook this?¡± ¡°Sein! This is¡­¡± ¡°This¡­¡± Sein locked eyes with a candidate who had been closest to the maze. At the moment when he felt something odd and tried to turn away. ¡°Iz Sparta!¡± Sein¡¯s kick struck the candidate¡¯s abdomen. Sein¡¯s strength was enough to burst a troll¡¯s head, and even if he had restrained it, it was powerless against Sein¡¯s kick. ¡°Aaargh! You crazy son of a biiiitch!¡± The candidate fell straight into the entrance of thebyrinth. ¡°You can¡¯te out until it¡¯s closed.¡± Snick. Everyone could sense it. ¡°We lost. Damn it.¡± That they would soon enter that hell. * * * ¡°Has time really passed like this already?¡± The chilly cold had passed, and it felt like spring had arrived. Rashiel¡¯s guild master, Alman, nced out the window and suddenly scrunched his face. A letter clenched in his hand. It was a note that had be worn from being read over and over. ¡°When the timees, I will return, so wait.¡± It was a letter sent by one of the candidates. ¡°Heh.¡± Alman let out a bitterugh. Crinkle! The note crumpled weakly, unable to resist Alman¡¯s power. It had been barely a month, yet the reason the note had worn out was precisely this. Anger, and disappointment. ¡°They say there¡¯s a stage where humans ept death.¡± Alman muttered to himself. ¡°Sain, are you my death?¡± The promised deadline had arrived. Sain hadn¡¯t promised a deadline. ¡°Is it tomorrow.¡± It was the day of the exchange event promised by Dante, another of the Demorus¡¯s three organizations. ¡°If you fled out of fear¡­.¡± Alman, who was saying that, turned his head sideways. He was definitely not one to run away. Moreover. ¡®They said there was a reaction in thebyrinth at thest location.¡¯ However, when Rashiel btedly began the investigation, the entrance to thebyrinth was nowhere to be found. That meant two things. Was the reaction in thebyrinth a mistaken assumption? ¡°They¡¯re not crazy, so would they have just entered there without any hesitation.¡± It was said that once someone entered thebyrinth, it closed its entrance. Alman knew how crazy Sain was, but he didn¡¯t think he would do that. No. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± That¡¯s what I wanted to believe. If they were to enter thebyrinth, the inexperienced candidates would suffer a greater hell than what they would face in the Exchange Arena and coldly perish. It was then. ¡°¡­¡­?¡± On the other side of the window, there were those entering through the entrance of Lasciel. ¡°The free distribution period must have ended.¡± Lasciel, in addition to various volunteer activities, asionally carried out relief distributions for the poor. The reason Alman thought this way was because those entering through Lasciel¡¯s entrance seemed nothing short of beggars. However. ¡°This is insane.¡± The figures and faces, the aura seemed familiar. Alman realized. There were those boldly entering through the main gate of Lasciel. ¡°Stop right there.¡± Naturally, Lasciel¡¯s guards couldn¡¯t turn them away. ¡°Ugh.¡± The guards wrinkled their noses at the foul smell wafting. ¡°The free feeding period is over.¡± The guard, sensing that the peopleing for food were from the poor area, spoke. ¡°And where you¡¯re heading is not the main gate. Remember that next time.¡± The guard gestured with disdain, covering his mouth and nose as if disgusted. ¡°¡­Damn it.¡± Then a clear curse was heard. ¡°What did that bastard say?¡± ¡°It seems like he called us beggars.¡± ¡°¡­Well, we do look like beggars.¡± Somewhere, the voice was familiar. ¡°As much as our pride is our pride, we¡¯ll let it slide this time. Move.¡± ¡°These lunatics¡­.¡± Eventually, as the guard was about to draw his sword, emitting a threatening vibe¡­ ¡°¡­¡­.¡± But the guard couldn¡¯t draw his sword in the end. ¡°Why?¡± The one standing alongside the guard asked. It was strange that his colleague, who seemed ready to swing his sword at any moment, suddenly stopped. ¡°My, my body, won¡¯t move.¡± Chapter 59 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 59 ¡°What?¡± One by one, the guards turned their heads away from the foul stench. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± They stood frozen, just like the one who had drawn his sword. And then, it was visible. A spark. The gaze of those who were once considered beggars. ¡®Are we being crushed by their will to live? By us?¡¯ Though they were Rashiel¡¯s subordinates, members of the organization, being overwhelmed by the beggars¡¯ will to survive. It couldn¡¯t be considered normal. Distant. Bebe, the leader of the main gate guards, gnashed his teeth. ¡°It¡¯s an ambush.¡± This is an ambush. By another organization aiming for Rashiel¡¯s headquarters! ¡°It¡¯s an ambush-!¡± Shouting, he half-drew his sword. Thud. It weakly fell back into its sheath. It wasn¡¯t Bebe¡¯s will. The beggar who had suddenly appeared in front of him, pressing the hilt of the sword into the sheath with his hand. Shiver. Despite putting all his strength and pouring in magic, the sword remained motionless. ¡°The guys aren¡¯t in a good mood.¡± The man spoke. ¡°They haven¡¯t even had a chance to bathe or eat,ing straight here. It might be best not to provoke them any further.¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± It was an unexpected conversation. Not only were the enemies approaching kindly, but they even mentioned the uing showdown. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± Only then did it dawn on him. The target in front of him was more familiar than he had thought. ¡°Ba¡­ Bk Demorus?¡± ¡°And if you provoke further.¡± The beggar, or rather Bk, said, his face twisting. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to hold back either.¡± That was the moment. ¡°What the hell! What are you muttering in front of us!¡± All the guards opened their eyes wide. If it were someone else¡¯s voice, it might not be remembered. But if it was Rashiel¡¯s top executive. ¡°Hey! Push them away!¡± If it was the voice of Sein Demorus, it was unforgettable. Sein, Vk. ¡°The candidates¡­.¡± Their identities. ¡°The candidates have returned!¡± The guards shouted with a mix of joy or something else. ¡°You¡¯rete, you damn fools!¡± But the enraged Sein, along with the candidates, began pushing the guards aside. That day, Rasiel had to face the worst trouble since its establishment. The organization¡¯s House, breached by just a dozen or so individuals. And those who caused that¡­ ¡°Sigh.¡± Rasiel¡¯s candidates. A deep sigh of resignation. All the organization members who were guarding the main gate in front of him were hanging their heads in defeat. Injuries, bruised faces. It wasn¡¯t a disciplinary action. ¡°What on earth.¡± Injuries inflicted by the candidates. No matter how low-ranking, those entrusted with guarding the main gate. Especially Bebe, who was in charge of the guards, possessed skills beyond those of a mere corporal. ¡°Do I have to like this or get angry?¡± Regardless, the important thing was that Sein and the candidates had returned. * * * ¡°Ah, feels like being alive.¡± ¡°I thought I was going to die from itching all over.¡± ¡°The venom spider¡¯s poison hasn¡¯t disappeared, has it?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± The candidates gathered in the restaurant. Stacks of dishes were piled in front of them. ¡°Bring more here!¡± ¡°Me too!¡± Considering their ragged appearance when they arrived at Rasiel, it was a substantial amount of food. ¡°Gosh, thinking about it now, it¡¯s brutal.¡± ¡°We almost shed with our Rasiel.¡± After washing off the blood and grime of the monster that had umted for almost a month. Changing out of the makeshift clothes that were barely different from rags. Drinking fresh beer and eating meat, rather than the blood and flesh of monsters, brought him back to his senses. The fact that they had pushed through the main gate of Lassiel. ¡°Do you think something will catch our eye? It¡¯s been a month. A month spent rolling in that hell.¡± ¡°Damn it, if it weren¡¯t for the exchange meeting tomorrow, we could have washed up and rested in a nearby city.¡± Candidates who emerged straight from the maze had no choice but to run towards Lassiel. Treating them like beggars as they grew more and more sensitive, they might not have realized that conflict was inevitable. ¡°But still¡­.¡± And he realized. ¡°We broke through Lassiel¡¯s main gate?¡± Just a while ago, they didn¡¯t even know they were called Demorus. Having awakened their blood and obtained blessings, Lassiel¡¯s members were the elite even in this world. They remembered how they had always felt like a wall but were pushed like tofu. ¡°Really¡­.¡± As the dishes piled up. As the beer sses rolled. Silence descended upon the restaurant. ¡°We¡¯ve gotten stronger. Us.¡± The time that seemed impossible had passed. And what remained was not bodies full of wounds, but bodies of superhumans filled with magic. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the Captain.¡± Sain Demorus. If it weren¡¯t for him. ¡°Captain!¡± Sain Demorus. The attitude of the candidates towards him had also changed. The difort of the past seemed to have vanished, reced by the gazes of those who truly pledged their loyalty. Sain, who had to withstand all those gazes. ¡°Hey, I told you not to chew on that.¡± Brushing through his white hair, he was lecturing. Crunch, crunch. The girl sitting next to Sain. Though it had only been a month, the girl, who seemed to have undergone a significant change, was now emitting the fragrance of a woman. And not just any fragrance, but a beauty that was poignant, perhaps even more than that. Yet no one harbored ill intentions towards her when they saw her. Perhaps because they had spent the past month together, sometimes like family, sometimes likerades. From Noble mtl dot Perhaps because she was under Sain¡¯s protection. But¡­. Crunch. ¡°I said don¡¯t chew on the bones!¡± Because they saw her madness. Cecil, who always chewed on cookies, couldn¡¯t help but let the cookies she carried around in thebyrinth quickly disappear. And from that moment on. Crunch! Cecil started chewing on monster bones. * * * ¡°It¡¯s unbelievable.¡± Alman was clearly expressing emotions he usually kept hidden. The paper in his hand was a reportpiled by Rashiel¡¯s organization members, summarizing the words of Saint and the candidates. ¡°Dark trolls, Death Lizardmen¡­.¡± Those lunatics actually infiltrated thebyrinth. Records of the numerous dark creatures they faced. And finally. ¡°A lich.¡± Even a lich. At the very least, a lich was at master level. Considering that half of the so-called master dark wizards were liches, the difficulty was likely even higher. ¡°Thebyrinth¡¯s difficulty is estimated to be at least gray rank.¡± If it¡¯s gray rank, the difficulty level within thebyrinth is quite high. It was abyrinth with such a high level of difficulty that at least three of Rashiel¡¯s military units needed to move in order to conquer it. Those lunatics not only infiltrated thebyrinth. ¡°Casualties, zero¡­?¡± Everyone returned alive. ¡°Huh.¡± Believe that? He wanted to scoff at those words. But with the evidence right there, gathered in the restaurant, there was no room for denial. ¡°The candidates broke through Rashiel¡¯s main gate.¡± That alone was enough to astonish. In any sense. But Alman also saw. ¡°¡­.¡± All the candidates. They hid their magic in front of me. Even if not all, they learned to conceal a portion of their growing power, something they possessed. It was by no means something easy to reveal. It meant that the percentage of usable magic had increased, and their ability to handle it had greatly improved. That was something not easily learned even in Rashiel. ¡®Homnd.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t until they were at the main house that they could be taught. The candidates had achieved that. And of course. ¡°All of this, it must be that crazy bastard¡¯s doing.¡± Sain Demorus, his work was undoubtedly unique. Alman looked ahead. While it was a member of Rasiel¡¯s organization who had submitted the report, what was in front of them was¡­ ¡°That crazy bastard is right in front of me, I say.¡± It was Sain Demorus. ¡°There was a time when he was called the lunatic of Chichiron.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Is truly everything factual?¡± ¡°Are you not even confident enough to lead Rasiel?¡± Ha, Alman let out a hollowugh. ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe even after seeing the report.¡± Alman¡¯s tone seemed to have changed from before. That was¡­ ¡°I knew you were remarkable, but I never thought it would be to this extent.¡± It was also a clear acknowledgment of Sain. ¡°Tomorrow.¡± The day the exchange match with Dante would begin. Of course, the exchange match wouldn¡¯t start immediately the next day, but it was the day when Dante would arrive at Rasiel. ¡°It seems they are also prepared over there. Rasiel not only fully supports you, but also seems to be conducting special training, thinking that Rasiel will be providing full support.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s not wrong.¡± ¡°Rohan is not an opponent you can easily see. Their candidates neither.¡± Sain silently stared straight at Alman. ¡°¡­¡­¡± A moment of silence. ¡°So.¡± Finally, Sain spoke up. ¡°What do you think?¡± He¡¯s asking. Whether you believe you and your team can defeat Dante. About the oue of the contract between you and yourself. ¡°It will be a rare sight to see Rohan cry.¡± That was Alman¡¯s smiling response. Early dawn. Thud, thud. The sound of swords shing echoed in Rasiel¡¯s training ground. Boom, boom. It wasn¡¯t the sound of just one or two people. Shwaaack! The candidates who returned yesterday. They were all gathered, wielding their swords, conducting their training. Upon witnessing this scene, Rasiel¡¯s organization members wondered if the candidates were tense. Today was the day Dante wasing, so it wasmon to train to ease the tension before the decisive battle. Ttok, ttok. However, soon they realized it was not just that. The movements and gazes of the candidates proved that today was no ordinary day. Just as they thought. Swish! It wasn¡¯t a repetition of the past two days. Every day, every day. Like stretching after waking up, the candidates swung their swords, thrust their daggers, and shot their bows. Shwack! As if the breach of Rasiel¡¯s main gate was false, their training did not seem threatening at all. But that one move, one move. ¡°Are they all the same?¡± They could see the same breath and trajectory. ¡°I¡¯ve seen this before.¡± Someone observing the scene said. Chapter 60 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 60 ¡°I had to visit my hometown, and the militia there were training with those eyes and techniques.¡± The candidates were naturally picking up on that. The exchange with Dante. It was a matter of interest for all of Rasiel¡¯s people. Though under different leaders, ultimately, they were the three rival organizations that had topete. Given the long-standing rivalry between Dante and Rasiel. ¡°¡­Really.¡± However, their expectations weren¡¯t too high. Because they knew their candidates. Because they had heard rumors about Dante. They had put aside all expectations and patiently awaited that day. ¡°You know¡­ Can we really¡­¡± To be able to ept the oue calmly if Rasiel¡¯s candidates were to lose. ¡°Can we win?¡± But upon seeing that sight, hidden emotions surfaced. ¡°Are we really going to win?¡± It¡¯s possible. Such hope. Thump! Thump! Thump! It was making the hearts of everyone watching the training race with excitement. Candidates, sweating profusely despite performing simple movements repeatedly. ¡°Hey.¡± Sein, who had been lyingzily next to them, rose and gestured towards the organization members. ¡°You¡­ called?¡± Feeling naturallypelled to raise his voice in the presence of Sein¡¯s dignity and charisma. ¡°Why are you staring like that?¡± ¡°Ah¡­ If it was impolite, I apologize. We didn¡¯t realize.¡± ¡°No.¡± A smirk yed on Sein¡¯s lips. His gleaming white teeth. ¡°You just here to watch?¡± ¡°¡­.?¡± ¡°Wanna spar with the kids?¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± Sein pointed at a few candidates. ¡°Will that be alright?¡± The organization members of Rasel were confident in their skills. They were individuals withbat experience, to the extent that there were rumors of a maid of Rasel who could single-handedly raze a vige in Zone 10. Being such individuals, they couldn¡¯t contain their excitement. ¡°But Dante ising today¡­.¡± ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry about that.¡± They were also slightly wounded in pride by the news of the main gate security breach. ¡°Well, please.¡± Realizing they couldpete against the candidates, they reluctantly took their positions. Before they knew it, the candidates who would be their opponents were standing before them naturally. ¡°Oh, by the way¡­.¡± Sein raised his sword as a signal for the duel and said. ¡°Our folks don¡¯t know the meaning of ¡®moderation¡¯.¡± Crash! In an instant, one of the organization members was sent flying. * * * A procession of carriages devoid of splendor. Yet, the stark appearance of the carriages was so militant that it evoked thoughts of tanks rather than carriages. Hee-yah! Horses d in armor neighed loudly as the carriage came to a halt. On one corner of the carriage, the prominently disyed emblem made them feel how proudly they held themselves. ¡°The shimmering exterior remains the same.¡± The figure stepping down from the carriage. ¡°Disembark.¡± At hismand, dozens of carriages simultaneously swung their doors wide open. Rohan Demorus. He was none other than the guild master of Dante. nk, nk. The sound of armor began to echo in front of the main gate of Rasiel. Onlookers had long disappeared after catching a glimpse of Dante¡¯s emblem. ¡°They¡¯re noting out to greet us.¡± ¡°That¡¯s their pride, you see.¡± A young man suddenly standing beside Rohan remarked. ¡°What else is there in Rasiel besides unting that same pride?¡± ¡°Your tongue is smooth. A man without skill risks losing it if he mocks others recklessly.¡± Chuckle. Rohan smiled slyly. ¡°You possess that skill, so that too is a boast.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Yet, as if to say, Rohan¡¯s smile vanished from his face. ¡°You may mock me smoothly now, but I hope for the day when I can do the same to you.¡± The man next to him, higher than Rohan. -Demorus. If he were to stand at that center, Rohan would have to bow even lower, beyond what he could bear. To be under Demorus¡¯ dominance meant even non-existent knees would kneel. ¡°I will keep it in mind.¡± nk, nk. In the meantime, the carriages continued to pour out people as if pouring out everything. ¡°Are the children prepared?¡± ¡°What preparation is there to speak of?¡± ¡°Domos.¡± At Rohan¡¯s voice, a youth named Domos shuddered and bowed his head. ¡°Do not overlook Rasiel.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Rasiel also exists under the name of Demorus. Its value should be acknowledged.¡± The youth remained silent. ¡°Rebellion may arise.¡± Understanding it as Domos¡¯ rebellion. Knowing it as a refusal to acknowledge Rasiel, Rohan spoke. ¡°But it will be acknowledged.¡± Rohan had already been to Rasiel once. And on that day, I saw the owner who had been causing amotion in the back alleys these days. ¡°Saint Demorus. That scoundrel must be Rasiel¡¯s true heir.¡± Saint. ¡°You need not worry.¡± Damos lifted his head. ¡°Be it Saint or anyone else, to me, they are mere mortals.¡± Damos spoke as if he had transcended humanity himself. ¡°May he not sumb to arrogance.¡± Rohan seemed to acknowledge that. And finally, Marching. A crowd of dozens stood behind Rohan in formation. From Noble mtl dot Dante¡¯sbatants. And the contenders. The very presence of Dante instilled immense awe and fear, as if the name alone carried great worth. March, march. They advanced towards Rasiel¡¯s main gate. Gulp. The guards swallowed hard, taking their stances. Though I had seen it before, I had to endure. Refrain from retreating in fear. ¡°It¡¯s Dante¡¯s Rohan Demorus. Here for the exchange prior to the duel.¡± Rohan¡¯s words felt like a ton of bricks. ¡°Open the gates.¡± ¡°Wee to Rasiel.¡± Creeeak-! Rasiel¡¯s main gate began to open. * * * March! March! The procession led by Rohan, in honor of Dante, resembled the ranks of soldiers marching onto the battlefield. Weight. Gravity. And then. Thud! Destruction. If there were to be a depiction of all that, it might just be their very appearance. On either side, Rasiel¡¯s organization members stood ready. A psychological warfare of not yielding to each other. It was the beginning of the prelude to the interchange. Despite theck ofposure, he feignedposure. Even though he was scared, he feigned confidence. ¡°Sure.¡± It seemed that Rohan was not entirely pleased with it. ¡°This is Deimos.¡± Deimos. Ultimately, things existing under that one name. Knowing that each one must possess its own value, Rohan spoke thus. Firmly. Rohan stopped in his tracks and clenched his fist. A line that also came to a halt. ¡°Long time no see around here.¡± A voiceing from the opposite side. There stood Alman, the master of Rasiel. ¡°View it as a joyous asion, why be fearful.¡± ¡°I wonder where that crybaby from the past went.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± It was the first time. That something akin to fear had touched Rohan¡¯s steely face. ¡°When I was soulbound to Gaju¡­.¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Interjected at that moment was Damos. ¡°I am Dante¡¯s master. I hope you will show respect.¡± ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re the little brat that Rohan boasts about.¡± Crackle. Even Damos¡¯ face seemed to show a hint of fear. ¡°Feeling upset?¡± ¡°I am also a candidate for Deimos, a soldier to rece Dante. I ask for your respect, Master Alman.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re the one Rohan brags about. Where¡­.¡± In that instant. Kwaaaah-! A massive surge of energy emanated from Alman¡¯s body like a tidal wave. It wasn¡¯t the usual pleasant-looking Alman that everyone knew. ¡°Are you fooling around without knowing when to hold your tongue.¡± In Damos¡¯ eyes. In everyone¡¯s eyes. Alman appeared like a demon. A shudder. My stomach churned, as if I might vomit. That was it. ¡®A monster.¡¯ It was nothing less than a monster wearing a human disguise. Kwaaaaah-! But when Rohan also unleashed his magic, Alman¡¯s appearance seemed to return to normal soon after. ¡°This is a ce for children to interact, Alman.¡± Once again, Rohan, wearing his iron mask, spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t go too far with nonsense. And Damos.¡± ¡°Yes, Master.¡± ¡°Apologize to Master Alman.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Rohan was firm. ¡°I will offer my apology.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not only the fault of the poorly educated kids, it¡¯s also the fault of the reckless ones. Let it go.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Damos¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Hwiyou, our Master has quite the sharp tongue.¡± At that moment, everyone¡¯s gaze turned towards the voice. Snow-white hair. And eyes burning like fire. But most striking of all was theck of anything discernible from him. ¡°I mean, who dares mock my tongue like a dog? If it were me, I would have cut it off.¡± For some reason, nothing could be felt from him. ¡°Cook, cook.¡± Laughter began to echo from somewhere. Distorted Dante. ¡°Anyway, wee. Dante.¡± Alman intervened, trying to defuse the situation. ¡°Drink and eat to your heart¡¯s content.¡± Alman spoke loudly. ¡°Guests at Rasiel¡¯s are treated generously.¡± The restaurant,vishly adorned as Alman¡¯s words, was filled with food. Exquisite delicacies that were hard toe by even in the lower districts. Even fish dishes that had be truly scarce were abundant. Gulp. Sounds of swallowing could be heard here and there. ¡°Did Dante say he was poor? Why are they like that?¡± The candidates of Lasciel murmured. ¡°They¡¯re not poor, but more like ascetic. They only eatbat rations.¡± ¡°Wow. They¡¯re insane.¡± The grandeur in the gardenpletely vanished, and in the eyes of Dante¡¯s candidates, only food seemed to fill them. ¡°Ahem.¡± But everyone straightened up at Rohan¡¯s fake cough. Chapter 61 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 61 ¡°Well then, enjoy your mealfortably.¡± As Alman¡¯s words fell ominously, everyone started eating. ¡°Ridiculous.¡± Seeing that scene, Sein also spoke while putting a piece of meat into his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s amusing how those who are about to die, and those they¡¯ll kill, peacefully share a meal.¡± It was a statement devoid of any emotion. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± In an instant, the atmosphere in the dining hall turned tense. ¡°Unlucky.¡± A voice came from Dante¡¯s side. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± It was Domos who swiftly put an end to the tense atmosphere. ¡°Do we really need to be angry when those who are about to die are enjoying theirst supper?¡± tter, aughter came from Dante¡¯s side. This time, it was Lasciel¡¯s side where the atmosphere sank. It was clear to everyone that Domos¡¯ words were talking about Lasciel¡¯s defeat. ¡°Well, that¡¯s true.¡± At that moment, Sein¡¯s voice chimed in. ¡°It must be so unfair for those who will soon be corpses, having lived onbat rations only.¡± ¡°tter¡­.¡± ¡°We should eat a lot and build up our strength. That¡¯s the only way¡­.¡± Sizzle. ¡°We can enjoy ourselves a bit too.¡± Crash. The sound of tableware breaking came from Dante¡¯s side. ¡°Ouch, our master cherishes that. If they die, we can sell it as an heirloom to pay off debts. Won¡¯t that fetch a good sum?¡± Watching Sein, who spoke with a bandana tied around his head, Dante¡¯s candidates grumbled. They had no intention of getting involved in the kids¡¯ fight. ¡°Don¡¯t you think so?¡± There was nothing as entertaining as the kids¡¯ fight. ¡°Right.¡± ¡°Hey, looks like today¡¯s meal won¡¯t even be worth the price.¡± But it wasn¡¯t just for that simple reason. ¡°You guys.¡± The grandeur of Dante seen in the garden of Rasiel. ¡°Let them feel intimidated by those bastards once more.¡± Though brief, Rasiel¡¯s candidates were overwhelmed by that grandeur. It was something that neither the experience of battle nor the challenge of death could ovee. A longing that any human would inevitably possess. Dante had the power to provoke that. ¡°I¡¯ll split your skull open.¡± But there was someone who surpassed all that, Saint. ¡°¡­W-What are you talking about? Who got intimidated?¡± ¡°They all chickened out. Sons of bitches.¡± With that one word, even the slightest unease held by Rasiel¡¯s candidates vanished. Flinch. Damos trembled as if unable to contain his anger. ¡°Go have your meal.¡± Rohan suppressed those candidates of Dante in such manner. Saint, who had hoped for a brawl, soon lost interest. ¡°It¡¯s not just for now anyway.¡± The interaction with Dante had only just begun. * * * As expected, Saint¡¯s prediction was urate. After the meal came the free time. ¡°Those rascals were quite the talkers earlier.¡± Energetic young men. Moreover, those who would soon be enemies had even had a bit of alcohol? ¡°Say that again.¡± To avoid a fight was impossible. ¡°Wow, this guy¡¯s insane.¡± Rasiel¡¯s candidates countered. ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°You and your dad are just like our dads.¡± ¡­! ¡°Referring to the esteemed Demorus¡¯s lineage as rascals, are you a traitor?¡± Days spent with Saint. Experiencing all sorts of misfortunes and temptations without faltering for a month, they were. And of course. ¡°I must inform the Masters of this fact, we must eliminate this traitorous scum.¡± What the candidates learned was not just battle, but also Saint¡¯s eloquence and rhetoric. The candidates of Rasiel blushed at the words of Dante¡¯s candidates. To deny it now would be like spitting on their own faces. Yet to apologize or defend themselves would be like spitting phlegm on their faces. ¡°Tsk, tsk.¡± The overwhelming rhetoric of Rasiel¡¯s candidates made a tsking sound. ¡°These bastards!¡± In the end, what Dante chose was force. Among Demorus¡¯ candidates, Rasiel¡¯s candidates were the weakest. Like typical inhabitants of the Dark Alley, they knew that strength was most effective in such situations. Gooo. The tense atmosphere suddenly overheated. The magical heat emanating from Dante¡¯s candidates heated up the training ground. Kukuku! They began to press heavily on Rasiel¡¯s candidates. Ssik. Dante¡¯s candidates, sensing victory, smiled. ¡°Punks like you need a lesson¡­¡± As they confidently threw their words, Dante¡¯s candidates realized something was amiss. ¡°What are you doing? You fools.¡± Rasiel¡¯s candidates, unaffectedly, stood with calm expressions, directly receiving the magic. Not a drop of sweat, not a tremor in their bodies. Gooo! They had to draw out even more magic. At that moment, Ssik. With aughter reminiscent of someone, Kwaaaa! Rasiel¡¯s candidates released their magic. Engaging in a showdown of magic and power with Dante¡¯s. Boom! From Noble mtl dot The magic emitted by Rasiel¡¯s candidates rebounded Dante¡¯s magic, suppressing them. ¡°Ugh.¡± Some of Dante¡¯s candidates groaned at the unexpected counterattack. As if raising their spirits to draw out even more magic, ¡°Magic?¡± Dante¡¯s candidates realized. Their magic wasn¡¯t even flinching. Only now could they see Rasiel¡¯s candidates again. They. ¡°What are you doing?¡± It seemed so huge. ¡®How?¡¯ Rasiel¡¯s candidates were clearly the weakest among Demoros¡¯s candidates. Especially considering the information they hadpiled. Just a few months ago, these rookies didn¡¯t even know if they were Demoros. Even if it had been a few months, it was a period that would end after a few missions. ¡°What. Are. You. Doing?¡± How could this be happening? The approaching candidates of Rasiel. Dante¡¯s candidates unconsciously swallowed hard. Swish. The force that came rushing in dispersed the aura emitted by both Rasiel¡¯s candidates and Dante¡¯s candidates. ¡°What are you all doing here?¡± ¡°Damnos¡­.¡± Approaching was Damnos of Dante. ¡°Tsk.¡± He seemed to understand the situation as he clicked his tongue. ¡°The Master calls. Stop messing around and follow me.¡± The appearing Damnos quickly organized the situation. The backs of the Pasen soldiers. Yet Rasiel¡¯s candidates couldn¡¯t follow them. ¡°That one, he¡¯s a real monster.¡± Damnos, overwhelmed by just one of them. But he didn¡¯t lose hisposure. ¡°How do you think hepares to that one?¡± A question arose among the candidates. ¡°Make some sense.¡± Shiver. Some candidates even trembled. ¡°That guy¡¯s seriously messed up. Seriously.¡± * * * Bam! The sound of a p echoed. ¡°Fools.¡± Damnos muttered, unable to contain his anger. ¡°Why bother with those punks when there¡¯s nothing to show off?¡± ¡°¡­Damnos. That¡¯s not it.¡± ¡°If you pick a fight, you should see it through to the end.¡± Dante¡¯s potential candidates fell silent at Damos¡¯s manic eyes. ¡°Just to suffer such humiliation from those insignificant fools!¡± Crack! Damos¡¯s energy poured out. Thud, thud. The candidates, as if overwhelmed by Damos¡¯s energy, grimaced. Yet, seemingly not satisfied, Damos trampled the fallen candidates. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like their fault.¡± A shadow by the window spoke to Damos. ¡°The candidates from Lasel, their story differs from what we¡¯ve heard.¡± Another shadow revealed itself. ¡°They were not mere novices unable to handle magic properly.¡± They were the ones who had scrutinized Lasel¡¯s candidates since their arrival. ¡°Especially that guy named Sein¡­¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Damos said. ¡°They¡¯ve just turned from trash that should¡¯ve been discarded to pests.¡± Damos was resolute. ¡°So, youck confidence?¡± ¡°I highly doubt that.¡± ¡°Even then, they are just candidates.¡± As light streamed in, their faces were revealed. All of simr age. But these were different. ¡°We don¡¯t consider ourselves just candidates, do we?¡± They were those who could boast of Dante. Hailing from prestigious backgrounds. Having handled magic from a young age, forced to use it like their own bodies. Those who wielded daggers rather than ying with toys. ¡°By the way, that kid seems to have joined Sein.¡± ¡°A nobody. From a prestigious family to serving under someone.¡± Finally. Snick. A smile spread across Damos¡¯s lips. ¡°Yes, pests indeed.¡± Though hidden, Damos was the one who sensed it the best. A hint of unease. Something primal and instinctive felt since entering Lasel. Yet, it was something he couldn¡¯t acknowledge. ¡®I.¡¯ From the original family. The most likely sessor of Dante. He received Rohan¡¯s approval, so there was no reason for him to be afraid. ¡°Well¡­ they are just vermin.¡± Damos stood calmly by the window. ¡°After all, they are just vermin who will be trampled and crushed to death.¡± It¡¯s just a matter of time. Now that he thought the candidatepetition would soon be over, he realized he had momentarily thought wrong. ¡®I am strong.¡¯ The strongest of Dante. ¡®I am¡­¡¯ Eyes gleaming with determination. ¡°I will be the sessor of Demorus and take on the role of the leader.¡± That is the reason for his existence. ¡°Yes, you will be the leader.¡± ¡°We will assist you and eliminate the three major organizations.¡± It was decided. ¡°The candidates of Rasiel. Soon, they will all be buried.¡± The method of interaction was to be determined by Dante. And Damos¡­ ¡°From thebyrinth.¡± He already knew that method. Rasiel¡¯s garden. Everyone who resided in Rasiel seemed to havee out. Among them, standing out uniquely, were Dante. On the pedestal in front of the splendid fountain, there were Alman with a gentle demeanor and a sharp-looking man, Rohan. ¡°You must have slept wellst night.¡± Alman¡¯s voice echoed through the garden. Chapter 62 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 62 ¡°¡­¡± A question asked despite clearly knowing about the sh between Dante and Rasiel yesterday. Unlike Dante¡¯s ufortable reaction, Rasiel¡¯s response was explosive. ¡°Yes!¡± A voice filled with tension. ¡°Good.¡± Alman seemed satisfied with that. ¡°Dante. I doubt you slept deeply.¡± Rohan, too, spoke with a low, solemn voice. ¡°It¡¯s hard to control the excitement the day before going out hunting.¡± Chuckle. Rohan smiled. It gave Dante a strange resonance and Rasiel a strange tremor. ¡°Hunters do their best even when catching prey. I think you are warriors different from hunters.¡± Thud! Dante stomped his foot. ¡°You are the true warriors, the true heirs of Demorus.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± A voice of someone. Nevertheless, Rohan said, ¡°Victory is truly yours.¡± Thud! Thud! Thud! The reverberation of Dante¡¯s footsteps seemed to destroy Rasiel¡¯s garden. Though they shared the same roots, they were so different. ¡°Well then.¡± And today, they would be enemies, aiming their weapons at each other. ¡°I will announce the rules of the Exchange Match.¡± Traditionally, the rules of the Exchange Match were determined by the organization that received the request. In cases like this, it wasmon for Rasiel to decide on the rules of the Exchange Match. ¡°As you know, this time Dante has decided on the rules of the Exchange Match.¡± But this time was different. Rasiel hoped to give the candidates time, while Dante decided to determine the rules of the Exchange Match instead of giving that time. It was a method that felt somewhat disadvantageous yet bnced strangely. ¡°What should we do?¡± ¡°Team battle?¡± ¡°Individual battle?¡± ¡°Tournament?¡± People whispered as they anticipated the rules of the Exchange Match. Gulp. At this moment, all the candidates, except for Domos and Sain, were looking at Rohan with tension. Just two. Grin. Except for Domos and Sain. ¡°It¡¯s a Labyrinth Conquest Match.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Labyrinth. ¡°Labyrinth¡­?¡± ¡°Are you telling the candidates to conquer abyrinth?¡± There was amotion among the ordinary members. Thebyrinth was a ce that even multiple armed forces from their own three major organizations had to be deployed to conquer. It was not a ce where individual candidates could easily conquer. The atmosphere around Dante had indeed grown heavy. Abyrinth is a name that suits it well. Not because its interior is as intricately tangled as abyrinth in reality. ¨C A ce where once you step in, you can¡¯t escape. It was called so due to the danger it posed. But something was different. ¡°Cook.¡± ¡°Kiki.¡± Laughtering from one side. ¡°Are they nervous?¡± Dante¡¯s candidates frowned at the reaction of La Ciel¡¯s candidates. Had they been filled with fear just by the name of thebyrinth? ¡°Kukuku.¡± La Ciel¡¯s candidates let out strangeughter, struggling hard to endure it. ¡°Dante!¡± Rohan shouted. ¡°Not confident?¡± And the answer to that was already decided. ¡°I am confident!¡± The lives they had led, the time they had spent. Everything they had received from Dante. With that in their possession, there was nothing they couldn¡¯t ovee. ¡°Noints in La Ciel?¡± Rohan asked towards La Ciel. ¡°Well, I suppose going through hell several times might be better.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± Someone among La Ciel¡¯s candidates muttered an iprehensible sound. p! Almani pped, silencing the chamber. ¡°Well, then let¡¯s depart for thebyrinth selected today. Everyone, finish your preparations and gather.¡± * * * Thebyrinth conquest battle had rarely urred in the history of Demorus. Or more precisely, it was rare during the exchange battles. The three major organizations made efforts to resolve their disputes, and one of the methods used at that time was thebyrinth conquest battle. Hence, thebyrinth conquest battle could be considered a profound and meaningful method. ¡°I can already hear screams.¡± In front of thebyrinth. ¡°If you¡¯re going to make a fuss, it¡¯s best to do it now,¡± Dante said to Rasiel¡¯s candidates. ¡°Once you¡¯re inside, it¡¯ll be toote.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± The candidates pricked up their ears like deer. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s back again.¡± ¡°Again? Those guys have been pretending to explore thebyrinth since earlier.¡± ¡°It¡¯s absurd.¡± Dante thought Rasiel¡¯s reaction was a bit too irritable. ¡°What¡¯s the grade here?¡± ¡°It¡¯s gray.¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°Ah¡­ It might take a month.¡± ¡°But maybe it¡¯lle out faster this time?¡± To Rasiel, Dante was already a nonentity. ¡°¡­¡± Just babbling among themselves, uttering iprehensible words. ¡°Don¡¯t get excited.¡± Damos chided them. ¡°Have you forgotten what trouble you faced due to such provocations before?¡± ¡°Damos¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s inevitable.¡± There. The rippling blue light waves marked the entrance to thebyrinth. ¡°The trouble is¡­¡± Grin. Damos¡¯ lips curled in a despicably sinister manner. ¡°You settle it there.¡± A nod. ¡°Refrain from anger.¡± Damos passed through Dante¡¯s candidates as if he himself had be Rohan. Tap, tap. Touching shoulders, speaking a word at a time. ¡°Anger must be unleashed in time to emit that light.¡± Damos showed a satisfied expression as he passed them all. Come to think of it, he was concerned. Sincest night, Sein hadn¡¯t been visible properly. ¡°Ugh.¡± Then, a yawn slipped through the ranks of Rasiel¡¯s candidates. ¡°Why is he so low-energy?¡± Rasiel¡¯s candidates, even if they didn¡¯t pay attention to Dante¡¯s cues, were observing Sein closely. ¡°¡­Ah, nervously.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the Rich bone you acquiredst time.¡± Rich bone? ¡°I heard a kid got sick from chewing on it¡­¡± ¡°The Rich bone?¡± ¡°Insane¡­ even thinking about eating that¡­¡± More iprehensible words. ¡°They said they caught mice like crazy from evening till morning to relieve anger.¡± ¡°Ah. We¡¯re doomed.¡± Rasiel seemed to be making a decision about something. ¡°Let¡¯s finish quickly.¡± ¡°Yes. Quickly.¡± And then, it was time. ¡°Is everyone ready?¡± Rohan and Alman, standing side by side, spoke to the candidates. ¡°After entering the Labyrinth, no assistance will be provided. Everything that happens inside will be subject to fate, and anything is allowed for thepletion of the goal and survival.¡± The light atmosphere became heavy. Yes, this is it. This is something that must not be forgotten. ¡°Stop beating around the bush with ¡®do as you will, kill or spare.¡¯¡± Into the darkness. Sain walking out among the candidates. ¡°Let¡¯s finish quickly. This time, we¡¯ll pluck that vermin¡¯s hair out by the roots.¡± ¡°Starting the entry.¡± * * * The first to enter the Labyrinth was Rasiel. It was Dante¡¯s consideration to turn the preliminary round into a Labyrinth conquest. Entering first was indeed advantageous, so a little extra advantage was given to Rasiel, whocked it. ¡°Rasiel¡¯s team, entry confirmed.¡± One of Rasiel¡¯s subordinates reported. Now. ¡°Dante.¡± Thud! ¡°Entry.¡± It was Dante¡¯s turn. A determined face. Not a human of the dark guild, but rather a heavily armed warrior on the battlefield. Boiling with fervor. Thud, thud. Dante began to move his heavy footsteps towards the maze. ¡°As a first priority, Kimo enters.¡± All ns were alreadyid out. ¡®Once those Rasiel guys step into the maze, they won¡¯t know what hit them.¡¯ The density of magic inside the maze and outside differed greatly. A much higher density of magic was a tremendous burden for the untrained. Sneer. It would take time for anyone other than Dante, who had consistently undergone such training, to get ustomed to it. Yet the reason for leading with a master-level Kimo from the main family. ¡°Secure the safety.¡± Preparation against any possible attack from Rasiel. ¡°Vita takes the middle.¡± Andstly, it was decided that Damos would enter. A total of twelve. Dante¡¯s subordinates began to enter one by one, forming each team. Swoosh. Watching the disappearing candidates, he felt the tension easing instead. This strange sense of pressure would soon dissipate. ¡®That ce is truly my battlefield.¡¯ Where the existence of Damos Demorus would be perfectly reborn. -Damos. There was a story that Rohan, who had informed only Damos in advance of the maze conquest, had told. -Delegating the maze to the Dark Guardian is because the maze is as dangerous as that. The maze is not the territory of candidates but of sessors. It was a privilege given to Damos that he couldn¡¯t learn within the organization. -But there is a separate reason. Thud. -In the maze¡­ Yes, in the maze. -You can obtain treasures that awaken blessings. Woo-woo-woong! Before he knew it, Damos was standing at the rippling entrance of the maze. Everyone except himself had entered the maze. And by entering the maze, he would be reborn. By fully awakening the blessing that could be considered his final weakness. Thud. His steps echoed. Damos¡¯s world began to transcend. Colors and lines reversed, and the boundary between life and death seemed to blur. The faint light that was shining disappeared into the deep darkness. Thud! The magical power of thebyrinth pressing against his whole body could be felt. ¡°Ugh.¡± However, like someone who had trained for it, Damos began to control the magical power and regain his senses. And then. Swish! What he saw was a world aze. ¡°¡­?¡± There are few dangers at the entrance of thebyrinth. No monsters, no traps exist. Which means. ¡°What the hell!¡± ¡°Damos!¡± Chapter 63 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 63 Vita¡¯s voice,ing from somewhere in the middle, rang out. A cry that was almost a scream. ¡°It¡¯s the Rasiers! It¡¯s them!¡± Whoosh! Amidst the mes, shadows flickered. Standing there were faces with smiles. ¡°Wee.¡± They were Rasier¡¯s candidates. ¡°First time in thebyrinth?¡± ¡°Wee.¡± A young man with white hair at the front. The saint-like figure flickering in the mes spoke with a devilish smile. ¡°First time in thebyrinth?¡± And then. ¡°Aaargh!¡± The screams of hisrades could be heard. ¡°I thought there would be at least something to give way to thepetitor. Tsk.¡± The disappointed expression on the saint¡¯s face seemed to crush Damos¡¯ heart. ¡°Regardless, wee to hell.¡± With that, the saint turned away. Beside him, Bk and Sis stepped forward. ¡°¡­!¡± Only then did Damos fully regain the sensation in his body. ng! Bk¡¯s greatsword shed with Damos¡¯ longsword, echoing loudly. Finally, they collided, two swords. ¡°How¡­?¡± It was Damos who was astonished. The trembling and immense power emanating from the swords. He was a master. Even blocking his own master-level sword. ¡°A master?¡± Rasiel¡¯s challenger, whose name he didn¡¯t even know, blocked his sword. ¡°Really, it seems like you¡¯ve thoroughly ignored us, Damos.¡± ¡°You. Sis.¡± An exposed nk. Into that vulnerability came Sis¡¯s voice and sword piercing together. Damos, who braced himself. Kwahng! He simultaneously blocked Sis and Vc¡¯s swords. ¡°You thought you had the upper hand in this maze? Dante has prepared and trained for mazes, you know?¡± Kukukukung! Damos¡¯s sword, blocking two swords, trembled. He needed to find an opening to escape, but it was not easy. ¡°Sorry, but mazes are not new to us.¡± ¡°Nonsense!¡± With a shout, Damos¡¯s magical power surged. Cha-e-eng! The two swords were knocked away. Damos¡¯s body and magic were adapting to the maze, regaining their original strength. ¡°Candidates entering the maze? Did Rasiel really do that?¡± It¡¯s madness. ¡°Well, he wouldn¡¯t do that¡­.¡± Sis¡¯s voice sounded bitter somewhere. ¡°But he doesn¡¯t care about such things.¡± ¡°Him¡­.¡± He knew. That white-haired lunatic. Sain Demorus. ¡°Are you conquering the maze?¡± Damos adjusted his stance. It was a wless posture, as if to prove that the title of master was not a lie. A posture that could smoothly shift to offense or defense, or any other form. Cha-cha-cha-chang! Even amidst all this, Damos surveyed the situation. ¡°Notpletely overwhelmed yet.¡± While some of Dante¡¯s candidates seemed to be in a state of incapacity, the two master-level figures, considered the main forces, were fiercely battling. ng. Teeth gritted. To fight fiercely. To be pushed back by Luciel. But they couldn¡¯t just be overwhelmed like this. ¡°Dante! Listen-!¡± Kwoooosh! Damos, unleashing his magic explosively. He thrust his sword and shouted. Aura Pierce. A master-level skill that shoots out an Aura de. ¡°It¡¯s a retreat-! For now, it¡¯s a retreat!¡± It had to be acknowledged. Only then could the next move be made. ¡°Where.¡± Bk swung his greatsword. k! Sis pierced with her sword. Damos. Thud! Blocked their sword strikes with the sword face. Zzweeeeng! Even the swords vibrating from the immense force was temporary. Kwaaaaaah! As if absorbing and emitting the power of Bk and Sis¡¯s swords, shockwaves spread out from Damos¡¯s sword. In an instant, Luciel¡¯s forces staggered, some even falling to their knees. ¡°Now¡¯s the time-!¡± From Noble mtl dot Damos¡¯s shout. And Dante began to leave the battlefield as if possessed. * * * Lost sight of Dante, including Damos. Only two were captured. It felt like a bittersweet victory. Snick. If only he had seen Luciel¡¯s expression. ¡°Sain, as you said.¡± Vc approached and said, ¡°Well done.¡± Damos may have thought he could escape this ce on his own will, but he was wrong. This was a let go. ¡°Injured ones, gather.¡± Sein said as he organized the situation. Capture. Was it really Dante¡¯s doing? Taking advantage of the element of surprise and utilizing the benefits of information. Yet, the oue was disappointing. There were quite a few injured candidates. ¡°Do you all know what to do?¡± ¡°¡­Sorry.¡± Candidates who, despite being injured, gathered their magic and struck their heads. The rest took it for granted. ¡°Bring the captured ones.¡± Snap. At Sein¡¯smand, the other candidates brought Dante¡¯s captured candidates. ¡°If you intend to kill, then do so.¡± Candidates spoke with determined expressions. And Sein¡­ ¡°That¡¯s the n.¡± Swoosh. He drew his sword without hesitation. Although he thought he was determined, when he faced the sharp edge of the sword, he couldn¡¯t help but waver. Sein¡¯s sword swung slowly. Snap. However, their heads remained intact, only losing consciousness. ¡°We still have time.¡± Sein said. ¡°Do you think these brats will be broken by just this much?¡± He looked at Dante. They were as solid as diamond. ¡°No, these brats will probably ignite with anger. They¡¯ll probably be grumbling without even acknowledging our skills.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°We¡¯ll torment them until they break.¡± Not the body, but the mind. ¡°Chris, have you finished tracking?¡± ¡°Yeah. And I¡¯ve attached all the tracking scents. We can confirm where they went and how long they stayed.¡± Chris was among the candidates of Rasiel, rtively weak, but quite intelligent. In the previous maze, Sein did. ¨C Learn. He passed on the teachings of tracking skills he received from Tank, the master of tracking, whom he learned from in the hunter¡¯s life, to Chris. And as a result. ¡°Until the maze is over, I won¡¯t be able to get away.¡± A rather usible guy was born. Not just Chris. ¡°The trap release is over. These guys seem to have unfortunately gone towards quite a tricky trap. Some may have died.¡± Shimara was in charge of trap setting and releasing. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡± To Tobyra, he taught a special cooking method. Each candidate of Lasciel contained a part of Sein¡¯s past. ¡°Alright.¡± These would be the party Sein would use for a while. Andter became talents that could still be used. ¡°Everyone, keep in mind.¡± Sein did not actively participate in this exchange battle. ¡®It¡¯s already done.¡¯ Lasciel¡¯s candidates were already developed enough to defeat Dante. So this is. ¡°This isn¡¯t about trying to beat Dante, it¡¯s about evaluating whether you can go with me or not.¡± Sein¡¯s test disguised as the exchange battle. * * * ¡°This is ridiculous.¡± It had been over a week since they entered the maze. ¡°This is insane!¡± The appearance of Damos, who looked like a hero of reversal, was nothing short of astonishing. The maze, experienced for the first time, was hell itself,pletely different from what they learned or trained for. ¡°Is the trap removal not done yet?¡± ¡°Oh, not yet¡­.¡± Kwaaang! ¡°Ouch!¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡± ¡°It seems the trap was released!¡± ¡°Again?¡± The traps scattered throughout the maze were even threatening to supernatural beings who used magic. ¡°Monsters!¡± The dark type monsters appearing again were iparable to what they had faced in their missions. Size, strength, ferocity. ¡°By the gods! Get ready!¡± Facing such dark creatures in a high-density magical dungeon was not just a challenge, it was hell. Even after the battle was over, problems continued to arise. ¡°Several pieces of equipment arepletely unusable.¡± ¡°What about repair kits?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve used them all up.¡± The shortage of supplies had begun. But the real issue started from that moment. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to eat.¡± Food supplies had run out. Losing the magic bag with provisions at the entrance of the dungeon to the despicable Rasel¡¯s men was a fatal mistake. Those captured by them were in charge of Dante¡¯s supplies. ¡°¡­I guess we¡¯ll have to eat monster meat in a pinch.¡± ¡°But.¡± Monster meat was the worst kind of food eaten only in lower regions. It was often toxic, induced madness, and was terrible in taste and freshness. The biggest problem was that the monster meat avable in the dungeon was not of ordinary species but that of the dark creatures. ¡°Ugh.¡± It could be called a delicacy to giants. Capable of enduring Demolus¡¯s blood flowing, but barely. ¡°¡­I need to rest for a moment.¡± From minor stomach upsets to severe fevers. Dante¡¯s situation was only getting worse. Bang! Damos struck the dungeon wall with his fist. ¡°Raaaah!¡± Damos roared like a monster. He couldn¡¯t contain his anger. ¡°We are Dante¡¯s men!¡± Candidates for Dante¡¯s sessor, boasting of being the strongest in violence among the three major organizations. ¡°I am¡­¡± And he was chosen by Dante. To be Demolus¡¯s sessor in the future. ¡°I am Demolus Damos-!¡± Being Damos. But the situation was pitiful. Chapter 64 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 64 Yet, was that what it meant to be Dante? Though there were injured, there were no dead. No. ¡°¡­They are back.¡± They are not dead. The candidates of Dante, who were taking a break, quickly prepared for battle. This was no different from their usual routine. After a strenuous day, just like someone sinking into a soft bed. ¡°Did you rest well?¡± Dante finished a tough day and faced another wave of attackers. Their glossy hair and skin, different from theirs. Shiny equipment. Even a calm wave of magic, as if not engaging in battle. ¡°Damn bastards!¡± Damos shouted but couldn¡¯t move. Those were the days of the past. -Hello? The fear that arose from experiencing the same routine every day. At some point, a question arose. ¡®Are they¡­¡¯ The candidates of Rasiel. ¡®Monsters?¡¯ Thinking they might be true monsters unlike themselves. But among them, the worst was that guy. A young man with white hair, not a saint. ¡°¡­Sys.¡± ¡°Today, I will face you again.¡± From the same hometown. However, a guy who was disregarded even in his own home due to his humble mother. When they wielded swords and blessings, Sys was the one who used to carry their baggage. Swoosh. Entering the maze, Damos had to face only Sys. ¡°I have no feelings. Damos. Raise your sword.¡± ¡°You son of a-!¡± Defeat, defeat, defeat. The moment the three master-level samurais started to fall behind. Whoosh! Dante¡¯s cohesion could only crumble. It all began on the 2nd week of entering the maze. ¡°Cough¡­ Cough¡­¡± It was an event that urred after another routine Rasiel attack ended. ¡°Why do you think I spare you?¡± Sain stepped on one of the candidates for Dante, who had fallen exhausted, and spoke. ¡°After all, we share the same bloodline. What¡¯s so great about bloodlines?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°We¡¯ve done enough, haven¡¯t we?¡± The only thing given so far had been a whip. ¡°Leave Dante, Rasel, no.¡± Snick. ¡°Is there anyone willing toe under me if they abandon Demos?¡± ¡°!¡± ¡°The oue is decided. I¡¯m just giving a chance.¡± And from that day on, the additional tasks began. In front of Dante, who couldn¡¯t even properly wash or have a meal. Chiiiing! Rasel started a rather convincing meal. Although it seemed to be the meat of the same monster, the scent and appearance were different. For some reason, those who ate it seemed to overflow with even more vitality. ¡°Don¡¯t think there will always be a chance.¡± Sain spoke as he put arge piece of meat into his mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t think that if youe under me¡­.¡± It had always been like this. The hardest thing for a human to endure is hunger. Throughout all of human history, when major events began to unfold, it was often due to this hunger. ¡°Can I have a meal too?¡± ¡°You¡­!¡± ¡°Of course.¡± While watching over Dante¡¯s candidate who hade forward earlier, at Sain¡¯s hint, Rasel asked. ¡°Do you want to eat?¡± Thed drooling like a rabid dog. He could endure hunger no matter what. But it was the monster meat that was wrongly consumed that was the issue. Dehydration due to stomach problems, the cycle. That was it. ¡°Want to bark?¡± ¡°¡­Woof¡­.¡± Driving the human to madness. ¡°You won¡¯t bark?¡± Sain shook the meat. ¡°¡­Woof¡­. Woof!¡± Eventually, Dante¡¯s candidate began to charge. ¡°Exactly.¡± It was the beginning. Copse. It continued from a small crack. Moreover, the sight of a candidate whom they initially thought of as arade wagging their tail like a dog was truly shocking for Dante¡¯s candidates. ¡°¡­I¡¯ve been there too.¡± Rasiel¡¯s perspective was different. From Noble mtl dot Ultimately, that day, Dante was the first to charge in. Filled with anger and madness, he charged in, thinking it would be better to die. Knowing that his heart would be broken a bit more tomorrow. But the oue was obvious. ¡°I¡¯lle back tomorrow.¡± And the next day. ¡°We¡¯ll go under yourmand, Sir.¡± Several bodies were visible. Perhaps it was a sh born from differing opinions. And they would realize. It was like a current that had already breached the dam and could not be resisted. ¡°Alright. So what now?¡± Snarl. ¡°We should bark.¡± Dante¡¯s candidates began to depart. * * * Once they departed once, the next time was easier. The bigger issue was the appearance of the departed candidates of Dante. Glistening faces, shining equipment. ¡°Sir! What should we do?¡± Following Sir, wagging their tails. Looking at their pathetic selves and at them. ¡°I¡¯ll go in too.¡± They began to break off one by one. Domus didn¡¯t stop them. ¡°You bastards.¡± Initially, he overcame two candidates who had betrayed by saying they would go under Sir, but in the end, he yielded to the gaze and emotions he received then. One by one. And then. ¡°You are thest.¡± Three remained. Among them were those from Dante, who were the most prideful and had the highest dignity. Candidates from the main house. ¡°Hahaha!¡± Damos burst into a madughter. ¡°Sys, were you also part of that mess?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°A candidate from the main house. No matter how much of a half-wit he was.¡± His zing eyes contained various emotions that could hardly be described as anger. ¡°Are you wagging your tail at someone who doesn¡¯t even know your background?¡± Sys remained silent. ¡°So, will you endure again today?¡± Sein spoke as if such provocations did not affect him. ¡°Tsk!¡± Damos spat. ¡°Do you all share the same thoughts?¡± But that day was different. ¡°¡­.¡± Vita and Kimo, who always stood firmly by Damos¡¯ side. They were not responding. ¡°Vita, Kimo?¡± From the same main house. And they, who had joined forces to be prominent candidates for Dante. Unlike the other candidates used and discarded as pawns, they truly thought of themselves asrades. ¡°Sorry, Damos.¡± Finally, Vita stood up from his seat. ¡°¡­Vita?¡± ¡°I guess this is my limit. I can¡¯t endure any longer.¡± Even if they reached the level of masters, they were ultimately human beings. They couldn¡¯t ovee their instincts and desires. ¡°¡­Kimo.¡± The two masters stood up. ¡°Pull yourself together, Damos.¡± Kimo was different from Vita. Anger, directed towards Damos. ¡°Do you not understand even after all this?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Sein Demorus is different from us.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°Damos, you can¡¯t handle this lunatic.¡± The ones they trusted the most. The moment they were betrayed by them. ¡°Why-!¡± It felt like the dam, which had been holding on until the end, was copsing. ¡°Saint Demorus-! Why! Why-!¡± He screamed and wailed. ¡°Why go this far-!¡± The proud bloodline of Demorus, trampled upon. ¡°If only I had killed him! Why go this far¡­!¡± It was anger towards Saint, who even crushed his slightest dignity. ¡°My ears are about to burst.¡± Approaching Saint, who was sitting there howling like a madman, he locked eyes with Demos and said, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°¡­Yeah. Why. Why go this far.¡± Snick. Saint seemed to smile. ¡°I spared Sis.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get it even now?¡± Suddenly, Sis was standing next to Saint. ¡°Sis is mine.¡± ¡°So¡­¡± ¡°Indeed, the bastards are damn selfish, aren¡¯t they? Right?¡± Saint mocked Demos. But it was the first time. That mockery felt terrifyingly serious. ¡°I heard about how you treated Sis at the main house. Don¡¯t worry. Sis didn¡¯t say anything.¡± Sis bit her lip. ¡°I was curious why someone from the main house has such a personality, why they¡¯ve be so weak.¡± And in thebyrinthst time. ¨C I heard about you. Saint proposed to Sis. ¨C I¡¯ll thoroughly destroy what you hate. How about it? Will you join hands? This was it. ¡°The deal is you. You bastard.¡± The secret pact between Saint and Sis. It was another deal hidden in this exchange match. * * * It was hell. For some, it might be a blessing, but for others, it was hell. It was a life not chosen willingly, but determined by fate. -Your name is Sis Demorus. Born as the son of the most threatening and fearsome being in the world. But the issue was his mother. -Sis. He was born from a mother who hailed from a different lineage of three dark families, yet was a child born among the rulers of the New Empire. Not just randomly scattered seeds, but seeds deliberately crafted. However, Sis was a creature unlike any other. -Sis. What are you doing? A maid. A child of chance born from a mother whose beauty was exceptionally striking. -My shoe got dirty. Lick and clean it. The difference couldn¡¯t be bridged just because they shared the same blood. The stolen sword was sheathed. Emotions had to be suppressed. A life taken away against his will. Fortunately, for the most part, others like him showed no interest. But unfortunately. -Sis, you bastard! Even among them, the inferior tormented those even more inferior. Chapter 65 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 65 That was Damos. -Sis! Sis! He wanted to abandon that name altogether. -Sis! Sis! Sis! Being given the name brought nothing but agony. What was even more agonizing was. -Oh, what the hell. A worthless bastard. Even that Damos changed one day. After being chosen as a candidate for Dante, Damos changed. -Trust only me. Behaving as if he were a hero, he showedpassion and tolerance. It was. ¡®Disgusting.¡¯ To Sis, it was disgustingly so. As if all past times had turned false. -Sis. Though you¡¯re a worthless bastard, someday you might be able to follow in my footsteps. Someone who acted as if his own suffering meant nothing. But the fact that it kept him alive drove Sis mad. The decision to go to Rasiel was made. A deep sense of defeat. If you have something, it¡¯s your origin. Two things were given by the connections umted like threads in the hometown. ¡°Forget it all.¡± He had forgotten too, but wasn¡¯t there something he couldn¡¯t forget about himself? Let¡¯s start anew in Lasciel. And if possible, be the sessor as well¡­ ¡°Damos.¡± He swore to kill that bastard. But there was a wall. ¨C They call him Saint Demorus. A real one who cannot be looked down upon, like himself. Yet he tried not to break while recalling the past. ¨C Let¡¯s make a deal. He even sumbed to that sweet temptation. No. ¨C Pain is visible in your eyes. Pretending to be fine, but it¡¯s not fucking fine, right? You want to die. But that¡­ Snick. That was the devil. ¨C You want to kill. A devil who knew himself too well, as if nestled in his own heart. ¨C Hard to believe, but I¡¯ve been there before. It may be irrelevant now. Saint extended his hand. ¨C Those damn bastards, let¡¯s tear them apart as we please. We don¡¯t need to seek justice, do we? The roots he had forgotten. ¨C We are the ten bastards of the Dark Street. That¡¯s why. A being that understands him perfectly. A being he can truly follow. Saintpletely shattered everything about Sys. He made the impossible man win, thoroughly destroying everything he had. ¡°Well, that¡¯s not the only reason I spared the rest.¡± Saint said, tilting his ear. ¡°You have to die.¡± Suddenly. The sword in Saint¡¯s hand, as if it were probing his ear. The moment it grazed Damos¡¯s neck. ¡°Aaaah!¡± Damos awoke to his curse. The energy emanating from Damos¡¯s body in waves. It was like muck, like darkness. ¡°Right.¡± The man watching the scene stepped back and spoke. ¡°If I didn¡¯t even have that, would it be better?¡± The story of Demos not awakening to his blessing had also reached Rasiel. Just like the man, even though he had skill, the awakening to the blessing was dyed. The blessing was a tremendous power. In the realm of darkness, it was the alpha and omega. ¡°Kraaaaa!¡± Thinking about how the candidates who were once ordinary individuals just by awakening to the blessing had transformed into something else. Vitana Kimo and Dante¡¯s two master-level candidates were no different. They fell far short of the standards to be called masters. However, when they used the blessing perfectly, they came close to the level of masters. But. ¡°Sein! Sein!¡± In thebyrinth, the blessings of the realm of darkness did not work well. The dense darkness swallowed up the faint darkness, making it difficult to utilize any blessings. Among the reasons why Dante was powerless, there was also that. ¡°Don¡¯t leave me!¡± That such a powerful blessing could manifest in such abyrinth. ¡°Could it really be happening?¡± Because that meant that Demos¡¯ awakening blessing was equally powerful. The darkness emanating was swallowing up the darkness of thebyrinth. From Noble mtl dot Sein was already holding Bastion, assuming a stance. Gooo! The magic began to be absorbed into Bastion. Although the effectiveness would be reducedpared to using divine power. Wooo! If the amount of magic was tremendous, such a drawback would be offset. ¡°Seiiin!¡± Demos shouted, eyes wide open. It was that moment. Swish! That was it. The strike Sein showed when he simultaneously cut down hundreds of monsters. ¡®Chamsal.¡¯ The awakening skill he had learned when he started living the life of a wandering recluse. The wandering recluse was actually the only descendant of the sunken Eastern recluse, and in the ancient martial arts manual passed down through the generations, there was only one sword technique written. A move that one must spend a lifetime perfecting, the ultimate sword strike. Kwaaaa! As if the maze itself was splitting in half, a deafening roar echoed out, with Damos standing at its center. Crack! It seemed like the darkness surrounding Damos was splitting apart. But in that moment. ¡°You lost.¡± Sein, with a small curse, reversed Bastion. Crunch! Bastion dug into the ground. Aaargh! Bright light burst out from the Holy Sword Bastion, creating a barrier. This was one of the special abilities of the Holy Sword Bastion, known as the Absolute Barrier. Just as the name suggested, it was a skill that created an incredibly solid defense, but due to its immense sacred power, it wasn¡¯t easily used unless one was at a high level. Moreover, using this with magic was a reckless act. ¡°¡­.¡± Sein, possessing unimaginable magical power, activated the Absolute Barrier perfectly. Kwaaaa! It felt like a storm was approaching. Shattered fragments shook the barrier, and fierce winds tried to overturn the ground. And then, in the following moment. Crack! The Absolute Barrier began to crack. ¡°Wow, damn.¡± Even Sein seemed taken aback. But perhaps it was thanks to injecting even greater magical power. Kwoong! Finally, when the Absolute Barrier shattered, there were no further repercussions. ¡°Phew¡­ Phew¡­.¡± On the opposite side, Damos, d in armor of darkness, stood. * * * Blessing was a power that did not exist in the past. However, Sein could deduce a few blessings. ¡®Awakening Skill.¡¯ A blessing was like a fragment of the most powerful skills given in one¡¯s life. By nurturing andpleting it, one could unleash destructive power equal to or greater than an Awakening Skill. And in the life of a creature, there were grades. Life grades were indicators created by users based on difficulty of life, special missions, etc., but among them, Awakening Skills held significant weight. Kwuooh! The subsiding magical power. ¡°Wow, damn.¡± At that moment, Sein was the only one who could urately assess what had just happened. ¡°That bastard is insane with blessings.¡± As one ages, the veins of darkness awaken blessings. However, there are those who asionally fail to awaken even then,cking the aptitude for blessings. ¨C Superior Blessing. It was said that the manifestation was dyed due to possessing an overwhelmingly powerful blessing. Damos thought he might not be able to awaken his blessing on his own, so he trained harder, hoping to change. He aimed to awaken his blessing by bing stronger, perhaps to one day conquer thebyrinth. But it wasn¡¯t necessary. ¡°¡­This feeling.¡± Damos was clearly thetter case. ¡°What a blessing is.¡± Due to harboring an immensely potent blessing, its manifestation was dyed. ¡°It felt like this.¡± ¡°Everyone, step back.¡± Seinmanded towards the candidates. He couldn¡¯t afford to lose all the party members he had worked so hard to nurture in an instant. And he sized up his opponent. ¨C Grade 3. The despicable guy¡¯s awakened blessing was a Grade 3 Life Awakening skill. ¨C Life, Sessor of Half-Step Mastery. A branch of Eastern Life, born as the sessor of a great master, seeking out and mastering the lost martial arts. And when all those pieces are gathered andbined, a skill is born. ¨C Half-Step Mastery. Eastern Life had a high level of difficulty and grade. ¡®The value of awakening skills is insane.¡¯ Just like the True Kill he had used earlier. Half-Step Mastery truly absorbed all power. ¡°Ssshh!¡± Damos shouted, releasing that power. ¡°Paaaaah-!¡± The cry reverberated. The shockwave overturned Sein and the surroundings. Even though the withdrawn candidates quickly assumed a defensive stance, they were easily overwhelmed. ¡°What on earth is that¡­?¡± A force akin to a monster. ¡°Superior Blessing¡­!¡± The candidates seemed to realize. Crash! Damos struck my chest with his fist. A moment when a red light flickered on the chest of the darkness-d armor he wore. Kwaaaah! A beam shot towards Sain. Kakakang! Sain deflected the beam with Bastion. ¡°Adaptability is my specialty.¡± In the moment of awakening the blessing, he realizes the power it holds. ¡°How about it, Sain Demorus?¡± Damos said. Gone was the rxed expression. ¡°If you surrender now, I will dly ept you.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°I heard you haven¡¯t awakened the blessing either, so I will grant you the awakening of the blessing after conquering thebyrinth.¡± Damos smirked. ¡°There is a condition.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡± ¡°Kill Sis.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Damos¡¯s face contorted. ¡°Vita and Kimo too.¡± Anger. ¡°Gaise! Deria! Kira! Kill all those damn traitors!¡± At Damos¡¯s shout, Sain turned around. There. ¡°¡­.¡± There were anxious candidates. Sain looked back at Damos. ¡°But isn¡¯t it toote for that now?¡± ¡°Are you rejecting my proposal?¡± ¡°No. The face you need to see is not over there.¡± It¡¯s not Dante. ¡°Are they intimidating you?¡± Rasiel. He should have killed them the moment he arrived at Rasiel for the exchange. The confidence reflected on Rasiel¡¯s candidates¡¯ faces. He should have been cautious of it, not mistaking it for arrogance or conceit. ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. Why would you think that?¡± Every word shouldn¡¯t have been taken lightly. ¨C Wee to the Labyrinth, is this your first time? Hints were plentiful. When faced with Rasiel¡¯s candidates, one had to understand the reason behind the expressions they showed. If so. Chapter 66 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 66 Kuooooo! The oue could change by looking at the expressions on Rasiel¡¯s candidates right now. Darkness. It was by no means lighter than Damos. Rather, denser and darker. Squelch. It crawled on the ground like a liquid, submerging Damos¡¯ feet. ¡°¡­!¡± A superior blessing. No, even more. ¡°Did you think the only reason I bowed my head to Sein was because of the deal?¡± It was Sis¡¯s voice. The heart that had not yielded to Damos broke. ¡°He is the real deal.¡± The previousbyrinth. ¡°The awakening of that guy is the blessing of the ancestors.¡± Sein awakened the blessing. ¡°Nonsense-!¡± * * * ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Damos clenched his fist. For a moment, light shone on the ck gauntlet. Thump! Damos rolled his foot. A reddish light enveloped Damos¡¯ leg. In the following moment. Kwaaang! Damos flew towards Sein as if shot out. Utilizing rebounding force, Sein¡¯s praise was not false. Expelling energy condensed in his feet for propulsion. Kwaaang! He clenched his fist as if to crush and unleashed the power obtained. An explosion bursting from Sein¡¯s cheek. However. Kwaahk. The Saint with dark-stained hair held onto it. But the terrifying aspect of the anti-tank gun started here. The gauntlet clenched by the Saint was ominously gleaming. The collision generated by the attack was also energy. Boom! Boom! Crash! It could endlessly explode, annihting the opponent. A hazy explosion filled the path of thebyrinth. ¡°Khh! Khehk!¡± Demas spewed blood. ¡°That ability is formidable, but ites with significant side effects. If you had obtained it through a blessing, it would have been a bargain at just half a penny.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Clearly, the voice of the Saint, who should have been shattered into pieces, was heard. ¡°You must first acquire the Diamond Sutra to enhance your physical endurance.¡± Ripple. In front of the eyes. ¡°Otherwise, your body will break first.¡± The Saint gazed down at Demas. ¡°Well, there¡¯s a lot to exin, but you hate long-winded exnations too, don¡¯t you?¡± Even though it was obvious he had received a considerable shock, the Saint looked perfectly fine. The ck obsidian gazed down at Demas. The owner of the obsidian quietly reached out his hand. ¡°It¡¯s my first time using it properly too, so please guide me well.¡± The Saint¡¯s awakened blessing. ¨C That power is¡­ It was a power known by Sisman, the original source. The ancestor who established Demoros. The blessing that Alphine possessed. ¨C Corruption. The dark-stained darkness engulfed everything about Demas. A darker darkness than Demas¡¯ armor engulfed everything about Demas. Silence settled in the alley of thebyrinth. ¡°¡­.¡± Everyone watched the scene while being engulfed by silence. In that moment. Thud. A faint vibration began. Thud! Thud! The vibration started to grow louder. Boom! From Noble mtl dot It soon deteriorated into a drunken brawl. From within the darkness that engulfed Damascus. The concrete of the burning red darkness. And then, the following moment. Kwaaaa-! As the darkness that had swallowed Damascus shattered, for a moment, everyone¡¯s vision was plunged into darkness. When they regained their sight. ¡°Cough!¡± In tattered armor, Damascus, covered in wounds, appeared. ¡°I¡­ won.¡± Staggering. Saint staggered. It seemed like Saint¡¯s blessing had not ovee Damascus¡¯s blessing. The emotionally intense blessing seemed to have triumphed over the artificially manifested Saint¡¯s blessing. Wooong! The red-hot armor of Damascus. Releasing all the umted shock from just now. Whiiing! It was a moment when it was about to be released. ¡°Fool.¡± Saint¡¯s voice. Pffft! A cheerful sound as if piercing through the skull. The Bastion that Saint held pierced through Damascus¡¯s armor and reached his heart. ¡°¡­!¡± Condensed to the maximum, Damascus¡¯s defense, pouring all his strength into the counterattack, was at its peak. Even if it could withstand a dragon¡¯s w, he thought. Grrr. As if Saint¡¯s Bastion was sharper than a dragon¡¯s w, it twisted effortlessly, inflicting pain on Damascus. ¡°Krrraaagh!¡± ¡°The reason why the counterattack is frightening is because it has no weaknesses.¡± Bing a shield with his whole body, absorbing and releasing the shock. Truly, it was an awe-inspiring ability. But there were many ways to counter it. ¡°Now a new weakness has been added.¡± Saint attacked the counterattack in an entirely undisclosed manner. ¡®Called corruption.¡¯ The blessing he had awakened. Upon awakening, she had a vague sense of the meaning and power behind it, even though the information was insufficient. A faint mist enveloped her, giving off a sense of providing only the necessary information. But now, she knew for certain what she had done. ¡°It will be very painful.¡± Corruption. Another name for it. ¡°Since the absorption of Bantan.¡± Reversal. ¡°¡­!¡± Damos, sensing Sein¡¯s words, tried to open his eyes wide and struggle. But by then, it was already toote. Wiiiiing! Damos¡¯s armor zed even redder. And the condensed power within. Thud! It began to erupt from within Damos. Kwakwakwakwakwak! Like the Big Bang that birthed the universe. The tip of the sword Sein had thrust in became a focal point, releasing all the energy condensed within Damos¡¯s body. Kwakwakwakwak! In the deafening noise, Damos¡¯s pupils slowly flipped. And soon, only white remained. Thud. Damos copsed to the ground. That was the end of it. ¡°Wow, this monster is even worse than Bastion. If I use it wrong, I¡¯ll be sucked in and die first.¡± Was she unaware of what she had done? The candidates stood silently, watching Sein nonchntly. ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Or maybe. ¡°I¡¯m already sick of this maze. Let¡¯s finish up and go eat.¡± Was Sein so broad-minded that she could consider it nothing? Whatever she had be. Step. Sein moved forward, followed by all the candidates. * * * It had been quite a long time since the candidates entered the maze. During that time, Alman and Rohan waited at the entrance to the maze. They were busy individuals, rarely taking direct action in the front lines. ¡°Now, it seems the candidatepetition for this term ising to an end.¡± They knew that with this exchange event, Demorus¡¯ candidatepetition would finallye to a close. ¡°I suppose so.¡± Although Alman and Rohan didn¡¯t engage in many separate conversations, their time together increased as they continued to navigate thebyrinth. ¡°Who do you think is the most likely to win?¡± Even though they considered each other rivals, it was possible due to their shared roots. Alman asked Rohan, ¡°Do you really think Demos will emerge as the victor?¡± Demos, the strong contender Dante had invested everything in, and whom Rohan also had hopes pinned on. ¡°I doubt it.¡± However, Rohan shook his head. ¡°Demorus has exceptional skills and potential, but his capacity is limited.¡± Rohan said, ¡°He may possess outstanding skills and potential, but his capacity is limited.¡± Rohan was no fool; he knew about the family affairs. It was the natural order of the world for the strong to oppress the weak, so he could see how it could happen. But Rohan believed it should be fair. ¡°I just wanted to give him a chance.¡± ¡°A chance?¡± ¡°Even if it may not be right, a chance to use that power for Demorus.¡± That was it. ¡°An opportunity to let his arrogance and stubbornness, that small vessel, contain only Demorus.¡± In Rohan¡¯s mind, there was only Demorus. ¡°But that¡¯s not an answer to my question.¡± Alman was aware of this fact. What he truly wanted to ask was, ¡°Who is the most likely candidate?¡± The contender with the highest probability of bing the victor. ¡°Perhaps even those from the main family who did not enter the candidatepetition have a high chance.¡± Because they were recognized to the extent that they didn¡¯t need to participate in thepetition. ¡°However, the most probable one is¡­¡± Rohan¡¯s gaze became serious. ¡°That guy.¡± ¡°That guy?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t pretend you don¡¯t know. You must think the same way, Alman.¡± Rohan and Alman locked eyes. ¡°The candidate of Cain.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Rohan looked outside the barracks. The undting maze. Within it, the victor will be revealed. ¡°His awakening is the blessing of the ancestors.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Do you understand the significance of that?¡± However, it is but a momentary victory. In the end, they will face an even greater wall. ¡°The most rigorous candidate selection for Cain ended in less than a year. A monster. Truly a monster.¡± Rohan, who isn¡¯t one to give praise easily, went as far as saying this. Alman, seemingly aware of the news, nodded in acknowledgement. ¡°He is undoubtedly the most promising candidate for the next head of the family.¡± Just as Rohan was about to finish his answer to the question. ¡°My thoughts differ.¡± Alman raised the corners of his mouth as he spoke. ¡°You don¡¯t know what kind of man that lunatic is.¡± ¡°A lunatic?¡± ¡°I intend to walk. In that madness.¡± ¡­¡­ Alman no longer resembled the master of Rasiel from the past. No longer therade who had promised to lead Demoros together. ¡°It might be hard to believe. I felt the same way.¡± As if on cue, the two rose from their seats simultaneously. ¡°It would be wise to think carefully. Considering the current oue.¡± The maze. Wooooo! The entrance of the maze began to resonate. It meant that finally, the victor had been determined. * * * The once verdant maze¡¯s gates began to darken. Chapter 67 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 67 It signaled that the maze had finally been conquered. Gulp. It meant that atst, the victor within had been decided. Members of Rasiel¡¯s organization and Dante¡¯s organization gathered upon hearing the news. ¡°¡­¡­¡± No one had emerged from the maze¡¯s gates yet. However, upon reflecting on the past, it was evident who the victor would be. ¡°I, I¡¯ming out!¡± The first to emerge. ¡°Who goes there!¡± ¡°Who¡¯sing out!¡± Those who survived were truly the victors of history. ¡°¡­!¡± Amidst everyone¡¯s attention, a shadow slowly revealed itself. ¡°Tha-¡° The one who saw that figure up close shouted. ¡°Dante!¡± ng. Armor in disarray, a face marked by fatigue and battle. But they were unmistakable. ¡°Dante ising out!¡± Candidates for Dante. Kimo, Vita. Candidates for Dante leading the way through thebyrinth under the two masters. ¡°Whooo-!¡± Cheers erupted among Dante¡¯s organization members. Initially hesitant, only Dante¡¯s candidates were stepping out. It was the throne of victory. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re winning this time. Alman.¡± Rohan said to Alman who stood beside him. ¡°It¡¯s a shame.¡± Expressing regret, yet genuinely happy. ¡°I thought you¡¯d grown up. Seems like you haven¡¯t outgrown your crybaby days.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s better to keep watching till the end. If you don¡¯t want to go through what you did back then when you cried.¡± At that moment. ¡°¡­.¡± Silence fell. Because something that seemed impossible was unfolding before their eyes. ¡°La¡­Ciel?¡± Candidate La Ciel following Dante. ¡°It¡¯s La Ciel!¡± The candidates for La Ciel, whom they thought would have been wiped out by Dante, were revealing themselves. But there was something even more impressive. Comparing La Ciel¡¯s candidates, who appeared unscathed, to Dante¡¯s candidates. ¡°What on earth happened?¡± They looked too unharmed. Equipment shining as if untouched, in abyrinth where scarcity of provisions was inevitable, faces and hair gleaming. Snick. A smile that filled the whole face. It was said to be different from before, but there was nothing more certain than that. ¡°Raciel¡­ is the winner.¡± Certainty. ¡°Raciel has won-!¡± Someone¡¯s shout marked the beginning. ¡°Wow-!¡± ¡°Raciel won! Raciel won!¡± ¡°Look at that! Damn! Raciel won!¡± Raciel¡¯s subordinates couldn¡¯t contain their excitement as they shouted. And that excitement built up until it exploded like a volcano. Candidatesing out one by one. And the one who stoodst. ¡°Wow-!¡± Saint Demorus. His appearance, as if being escorted by everyone. Even Dante, bowing his head and stepping back. ¡°Well, my ears will be ringing.¡± It was nothing short of acknowledging a clear victory. ¡°Yes, we won.¡± Saint¡¯s simple words. That marked the end of the exchange. It felt like the day when Dante¡¯s candidates came to find Raciel for the first time. From Noble mtl dot ¡°You have plenty of food¡­.¡± Snick. ¡°Eat and drink as much as you want.¡± As Alman¡¯s voice faded, the candidates started their meal in a frightening silence. ¡°This is it¡­.¡± ¡°Oh, damn¡­. I¡¯m tearing up.¡± ¡°Raciel forever!¡± Candidates shedding tears while enjoying the banquet. Even though they had brought a well-prepared meal from the Labyrinth, it couldn¡¯tpare to Raciel¡¯s banquet. And that sight was clearly different from the first day. ¡°Kimo, get me more beer over there.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± ¡°Bk, you really handle your drinks well.¡± Candidates who had been divided like water and oil, guarding and restraining each other. Because they were now gathered together, enjoying the meal. Cleaned up and dressed in new clothes, but with faces and bodies covered in wounds. It made them feel like one instead. ¡°Rasiel must be happy. Eating this every day.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? We can¡¯t eat this every day.¡± As they started to get along, they could also confide in each other. ¡°Master Almani is more of a schemer than you¡¯d think. Last dinner, he was trying to intimidate Dante and you guys.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± In that moment, they looked like friends of the same age. ¡°But still, it¡¯s not up tobat rations.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Ha ha ha.¡± The fate of being a bloodline from the Dark Valley, capable of uniting against it. It was an experience not easily found in this harsh world. Originally, one of them might not have even existed. ¡°Hey, I told you to stop gnawing on my bones.¡± The young man at the center. It would have been impossible without Sein. ¡°What¡¯s with that kid?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ask.¡± The overwhelming presence of Sein. It bound together those who had to fight each other. A power that could defy even the given destiny. ¡®Hero.¡¯ Sis recalled that word as she watched Sein. Sigh. But Sis soon chuckled, shaking her head. ¡®The sessor of the Dark Valley as a hero.¡¯ No matter how you looked at it, that couldn¡¯t be possible. It was just a fleeting dream. A brief respite from the cruel reality they would have to face once they woke up. ¡°Rx your expression and eat your meal.¡± Sein¡¯s voice reached Sis at that moment. ¡°In a life where you never know when you¡¯ll die, live for the moment.¡± Was it reading her mind? Or was it a message to her past self? ¡°Thank you.¡± With Sis¡¯s words, the cheerful atmosphere of the dinner faded. ¡°Sincerely.¡± ¡°I told you to eat your meal.¡± Sein frowned beneath his mask. ¡°¡­I am grateful too, Saint Demorus.¡± Vc said. ¡°¡­I genuinely appreciate it.¡± Another candidate of Rasiel. ¡°My life was nothing but fear of when I would die. I knew being of Demorus¡¯ lineage wasn¡¯t anything special.¡± Another candidate continued. ¡°I couldn¡¯t bear the anxiety. I even wanted to give up everything. It¡¯s all thanks to you.¡± Forced or not, they ultimately survived following Saint. Moreover, they knew what Saint had given them. The power not to be anxious. ¡°Also, Dante.¡± Kimoa and Vitta. ¡°We are grateful.¡± They spoke on behalf of Dante. ¡°We understand that our fate as losers is death.¡± Perhaps from a long life as candidates or due to Dante¡¯s organizational nature. Dante¡¯s words were all solemn and heavy. ¡°¡­Even if those moments were excruciatingly painful, thanks to you, we could have a life worth living.¡± Having already sworn loyalty in thebyrinth. ¡°Dante¡¯s candidates will support you.¡± Thud. Saint put down his fork. ¡°The atmosphere is strange.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Am I some majormander?¡± ¡°Major¡­?¡± ¡°Not throwing a tantrum about skipping a banquet.¡± Clicking his tongue. Saint stood up from his seat. ¡°Eat heartily amongst yourselves. I¡¯m leaving.¡± The candidates were momentarily taken aback by Saint¡¯s departure. And then. ¡°I-I felt awkward, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± A clear, soothing voice echoed in their ears. ¡°I¡¯m kinder than I seem.¡± Eyes turned towards the owner of the voice. ¡°Cecil¡­?¡± The little blonde who had been by Saint¡¯s side, Cecil. * * * ¡°Damn.¡± Lying in Raphael¡¯s garden, Sain looked up at the sky. ¡°So damn dark.¡± Even back in Sanctuary, Sain used to be here often like this. The beautiful starlight that embroidered the sky in Sanctuary used to evoke strange emotions just by looking at it. But now, that beautiful sky was no more. As dark as an uncertain future, endlessly ck. ¡°I came out here to take a break.¡± Sain, with a scarf around his neck, looking up at the sky, said. ¡°Well, do you have something to say?¡± A presence. Someone¡¯s shadow crept up next to Sain. ¡°Already ck as death, now you make it even harder to see.¡± ¡°Still, I am the master. It might be better to watch your words.¡± Alman¡¯s voice. Sain smirked. ¡°Out of the blue. Coming to check on a friend.¡± Saying that, Sain slowly got up. There stood Alman, Raphael¡¯s master, and Rohan, Dante¡¯s master. ¡°A consistent friend, indeed.¡± Adding another word, Rohan said. ¡°But if it¡¯s Demorus¡¯s bloodline, that¡¯s how it should be.¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t you warned before?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a story from when youcked qualifications.¡± Rohan continued. ¡°You¡¯ve proven yourself. You carry Demorus¡¯s blood thick in your veins.¡± They were already briefed on the oue of the exchange match. What happened, how it came to be. Even though they could conceal internal matters. -Just tell the truth. Sainmanded the candidates to tell the truth. ¡°I killed your precious candidate.¡± ¡°That¡¯s just Demos¡¯s fate.¡± Sain¡¯s face twisted slightly. ¡°I know about Demos and Sis¡¯s matters.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°I also knew that Demos¡¯s vessel was small.¡± The exchange match. ¡°This exchange match was also for the growth of Damos.¡± I thought it was only to restrain Sain and Rasiel. ¡°I thought he would grow even more when he hatches the egg. I hoped his meeting with Sis would teach him something.¡± All I thought about was killing and being killed. ¡°I thought it was about him being forgiven by Sis or making Sis submit.¡± Rohan seemed to be looking at something bigger, something deeper. ¡°I heard that Damos had awakened a blessing. And at that moment, he made a choice.¡± Rohan said. ¡°Trapped in that narrow vessel, crouching even more. That¡¯s why.¡± It was an iprehensible statement. But I felt I knew what emotion it carried. ¡°I thought there were only those resembling eggs in the darkness, but there were quite decent human beings too.¡± The Rohan in front of me genuinely cared for Damos. Even if it was for the future of Demorus, he wished for Damos to mature and toughen up as a human. ¡°So, I understand you didn¡¯te here to im Damos¡¯s life, but what story do you want to tell?¡± Chapter 68 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 68 Rohan ced his hand on Sain¡¯s chest in response to Sain¡¯s words. It was a light but clear gesture of etiquette. The master of the Three Families. Silence. To Sain, who was still just a candidate. ¡°Dante¡¯s master, Rohan Demorus, will dere his support for Sain Demorus as Demorus¡¯s sessor.¡± That. Silence. Alman, standing beside, not as sharp as Dante but slowly raised his hand to show respect. ¡°Rasiel¡¯s master, Alman Demorus, will dere his support for candidate Sain Demorus as Demorus¡¯s rightful sessor.¡± A scoff. A bitterugh escaped. ¡°Because this was the promise you made.¡± Alman¡¯s voice. It felt childish. In reality, it was a scene where they could be pointed fingers at in their own world, perhaps even ridiculed. Yet, it was necessary. ¡°ept your support.¡± Romance. ¡°I, Sain Demorus, will be Demorus¡¯s rightful sessor¡­¡± Ufortable. Childish. Some might see it as a mockery. But if it touches someone¡¯s heart, conveys emotion. ¡°I will change this dog-like world.¡± We decided to call it romance. ¡°We will embed shining stars back into that dark sky,¡± Sein said. ¡°We will tear down the erected barriers,¡± it was the beginning. ¡°We will cleanse the bitter air and dirty magic.¡± The first time he shared his innermost thoughts with someone. The final chapter, hisst life. There is no option to return to reality. ¡°Until that momentes, I will be more ruthless than anyone else, and I will shatter anything that stands in my way.¡± He buries bones here. ¡®My sins.¡¯ What he once loved. To atone for destroying it so senselessly. ¡°Will you follow?¡± With a hand on their chests, Rohan and Alman. Thud. As expected, Rohan was the first to respond. ¡°I, Rohan Demorus, swear allegiance to Sein Demorus. This oath shalle into effect from the moment Sein Demorus bes the head of Demorus.¡± He kneels on one knee and bows his head. It was a gesture far more significant than cing a hand on the chest. ¡°From the moment the oath takes effect, my life belongs to you, my lord.¡± A traditional gesture of an ancient knight. Thud. One step behind but with a more solemn resonance. Alman also knelt on one knee. ¡°My fate, Lashiel¡¯s fate. The future of Demorus.¡± Everything. ¡°I offer myself to you.¡± At that moment!! ¡°Rise.¡± Sein became their master. ¡°I dere an end to the candidatepetition.¡± Even though they were not worthy, the two masters nodded in agreement to their master¡¯s words. ¡°As soon as the memorial service for the fallen ends, announce the selection of the new sessor candidate for Demorus.¡± And. ¡°Yes, Master.¡± ¡°Yes, Master.¡± Both servants replied. Several days had passed since the interlude had ended. ¡°Be careful on your way.¡± Even Dante¡¯s candidates had departed. ¡°We¡¯ve learned a lot.¡± From Noble mtl dot A handshake shared between them. No ill feelings lingered there. On the contrary. ¡°Don¡¯t die until we meet again.¡± There was a sticky residue left behind. It was what Sein had intended from the beginning. If Dante had been defeated at the end of thebyrinth conquest, this bond would not have formed. However, by epting Dante in the middle, and sharing life and death in the hellish maze, they could have be truerades. Dante was leaving. ¡°I envy them.¡± One of Luciel¡¯s candidates said. ¡°Why?¡± In a tone that showedck of understanding. ¡°They didn¡¯t sign the contract.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± With that one word, silence descended. Now, they might sincerely follow Sein, but the situation of the magical contract that had been forged. Unlike them, Dante had pledged loyalty to Sein without making a contract. ¡°They probably did it too¡­?¡± An attempt to soothe the wounded hearts. However, no one among them believed it was sincere. But then. ¡°I already tore it up.¡± Sein¡¯s voice was heard. ¡°R-really?¡± Did that demon really do that? ¡°Sein!¡± Candidates who seemed like they might shed tears of emotion. ¡°That contract wasn¡¯t necessary from the start. True submissiones from fear anyway.¡± Sein spoke with a dry voice, with arms crossed. ¡°If you want to run, then try to run. I¡¯ll make you taste hell.¡± Instead of tears, the candidates shed cold sweat at his words. The Sein they had seen so far was indeed that kind of person. ¡°Consider yourselves my ves until you repay what you owe me.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°What do we owe you¡­?¡± Chris, who had always heard that he wasn¡¯t very perceptive, asked, ¡°Life. What more can you tell me?¡± They ended up hearing things they didn¡¯t need to hear. ¡°¡­How do you repay that?¡± ¡°You repay it the same way. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll pay you back after just a hundred years of using it.¡± ¡°But humans die in a hundred years¡­.¡± However, the candidates¡¯ expressions weren¡¯t as dark as one might expect. Because they had all made their choice. And then, a few more days passed. ¡°Sein Demorus has been announced as the sessor candidate for Rasiel.¡± Alm Demorus announced Sein as Rasiel¡¯s sessor in Rasiel¡¯s name. -Sein Demorus. Sein, who first set foot in Rasiel¡¯s garden. Back then, Sein was just treated as a crazy person. But now. ¡°Wow-!¡± No one denied Sein¡¯s recognition. To the candidates, he was a benefactor. To Rasiel¡¯s members, he brought victory. ¡°Furthermore, this marks the end of the candidatepetition.¡± The end of the candidatepetition. And not even a day passed before news of Dante reached them. -Dante will not choose anyone in the candidatepetition. He withdraws. It wouldn¡¯t be a bad choice to elevate one of Dante¡¯s candidates, now Sein¡¯s allies, as a sessor, but it didn¡¯t happen. The fight from above wasn¡¯t something that could be won with such shallow moves. -But our Dante will dere his support for Sein Demorus, Rasiel¡¯s sessor candidate. Instead, Dante dered his support for Sein. ¡°Insane.¡± It was unbelievable. A first in Demorus¡¯ history. Never before had two out of the three major organizations supported the same candidate. The continent was stirred. ¡°Now the tutorial is over.¡± That was Sein¡¯s only sentiment. * * * ¡°Sein, I still don¡¯t quite understand. Is this the right thing?¡± Bk spoke to Sein with a voice filled with doubt. ¡°Really, is this really okay?¡± Sein and Vc were at the front of the carriage. ¡°I believe it¡¯s for the best.¡± Sein spoke with a firm voice. Vc Demorus. Today, he leaves Rasiel. With the sessor decided, Sein¡¯s return to the ancestral home was a certainty. However, there was a choice regarding the treatment of the remaining candidate. ¡°I hope he bes a useful tool when we meet again.¡± Vc nodded heavily at Sein¡¯s words. The emblem on the carriage was Dante. -Bring Vc Demorus to Dante. It was Rohan¡¯s request. Rohan, who had been observing the candidates of Rasiel, deliberated between Sis and Vc, but ultimately chose Vc. ¨C I will help him grow to the point where he can entrust Dante to him. Rohan, with his resolute nature, chose Vc, who was simr to him. ¡°Go.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± The carriage departed with a simple farewell. The fates of the other candidates began to be decided one by one. ¡°I¡¯ve decided to stay at Rasiel.¡± Sis. He decided to stay at Rasiel. ¡°I want to learn from Master Alman and someday be a master at Rasiel.¡± Easy to say, but never easy to aplish. ¡°I considered going to the ancestral home to help you, but I might be your enemy¡¯s enemy.¡± It was a conclusion reached after much contemtion. ¡°However, I¡¯ve decided that those who remain at the ancestral home will support you. If you need information or help, tell them. Well, I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯ll be of any help to you.¡± ¡°Why beat around the bush with asking for protection so indirectly?¡± Sein said nonchntly. ¡°If you prove to be useful, I¡¯ll keep you, if not, I¡¯ll discard you. Show your abilities if you have any objections.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Like graduating from college one by one and deciding on a career path, the candidates were choosing the path they had to take. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of supporting the ancestral home¡¯s armed forces.¡± ¡°Although it¡¯s an underground organization, I think we can nurture it. It¡¯s close to our hometown.¡± Sein did not impose anything on them. There was only one thing he desired. ¨C Help me help you. I didn¡¯t impose restrictions on that method. ¡°To the information desk¡­.¡± ¡°To the security team¡­.¡± That was it. ¡°Do as you please.¡± That was also one of the reasons I kept them alive. It¡¯s an undeniable fact that having Demorus¡¯ blood is a natural blessing. Those who have survived so far had the ability to step out of further sessionpetitions, choose their own lives, and receive preferential treatment. And finally. ¡°You¡¯re in my way.¡± Facing Roberta of the Enforcers in front of Sein¡¯s eyes. She was one of the trio who had stood against Sein until the end. She was convinced that, except for Sein among the candidates, she was the strongest in terms of power. ¡°I¡¯m going back to the main house.¡± She chose the main house. Moreover. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you by your side.¡± She decided to take charge of Sein¡¯s security. It was Sein, whom she had noticed in the previous Labyrinth. ¡°I think being by your side is the best way to achieve my goal.¡± ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re going to use me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Roberta said. ¡°In return, you should use me too.¡± Roberta spoke confidently. ¡°If you want, I can be your pawn. I¡¯m at your service, even at night¡­.¡± ¡°Not necessary.¡± Sein said, looking into her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the reason for going this far?¡± The reason why he didn¡¯t definitively capture her in thest Labyrinth was simple. ¨C I don¡¯t know much about Roberta. There is little information about her. Especially, not knowing what her wishes or desires are. ¡°I.¡± She said. ¡°I¡¯m going to be a witch.¡± Finally, the day has arrived. ¡°Open the main gate.¡± What was visible was a single ck carriage. There were no patterns, no decorations. But because of that, they could tell. The Kieik. Chapter 69 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 69 That they hade from the main house. Throughout the continent, there was only one who could use a ck carriage. Demorus. ¡°Wee.¡± Alman personally stepped forward to greet them. ¡°They havee to see the sessor candidate for Lashiel.¡± The stern voice did not show any courtesy towards Alman. But it was epted. ¨C Main house. Because it was the main house. Eventually, even if Lashiel was established as Demorus¡¯s third organization, and Master Alman had royal blood flowing through his veins, it couldn¡¯t be helped. That was it. ¡°The main house brats have no damn manners.¡± Because it was the main house. At Sein¡¯s words, the people from the main house did not even frown. ¡°I like that.¡± ¡°Are you Sein Demorus?¡± Sein¡¯s status was different from before. Now belonging to Lashiel. ¡°Yes.¡± Upon hearing that, they knelt down on one knee and bowed their heads. ¡°You will be escorted to the main house, as 89.¡± ¡°You will be escorted to the main house, as 71.¡± They were not given names. Tools of Demorus. No more, no less. ¡°Lashiel still had a hint of human life, but it seems the main housecks that, huh?¡± They did not respond to Sein¡¯s sarcastic joke. ¡°Will you be apanying Roberta Demorus to the main house as well?¡± They spoke to Roberta, who would be heading to the main house with them, in apletely different manner. ¡°Yes.¡± Roberta, like Sein, couldn¡¯t treat them the same way. A perfectly divided hierarchy. All the candidates watching this scene realized that this was the real world. ¡°You ride on horseback.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± At that moment. ¡°Saint Demorus.¡± It was Alman who called out to Saint. ¡°Do not think that your home is the same as Rasciel¡¯s.¡± It was Alman who had already discussed this several times. ¡°That ce is an arena and a battlefield.¡± It was a gaze full of sincerity. ¡°¡­But still, if it¡¯s you.¡± Nod. Alman ced his hand on Saint¡¯s chest. They couldn¡¯t publicly announce their rtionship yet. That¡¯s why. ¡°I believe the Saint¡¯s sessor will do well.¡± This was the best reassurance Alman could offer. ¡°Go.¡± There was no time for further farewells. If he didn¡¯t like it, he would have punched him. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Leaving should be easy. With Cessil by his side, Saint walked towards Roberta. Having received permission from his home, there was no need to hesitate. Before boarding the carriage, Saint looked back at Rasciel. The remaining candidates, the faces of those with and without identity. Alman Demorus. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± From Noble mtl dot He believed in himself. This was something he couldn¡¯t even say to himself. ¡®I¡¯m a cheat yer.¡¯ Demorus already belongs to me. Demorus¡¯s home is located in Zone 3. It was truly a top-tier area. Naturally, when leaving Rasciel and crossing into the zone, qualitatively different gateways existed than before. ¡°¡­.¡± To the extent that it caught Saint¡¯s attention and interest. However, all of that was futile. Hyaah! The carriage never stopped anywhere. Blocking the carriage of Demorus cloaked in ck was someone who never truly existed. Zone 4. And just before entering Zone 3 where Demorus¡¯s main residence was. Thud! The incident urred at that moment. The shaking carriage. ¡°Kid.¡± In response to Sein¡¯s call, now a ratherdylike Cecil looked at Sein. ¡°Prepare yourself.¡± Nodding. Cecil nodded her head fiercely. Kwaaang! Sein¡¯s world began to turn upside down. As if an explosion was happening beneath the carriage, it started spinning. Thud! In the midst of the carriage rotating in mid-air, Sein came out through the carriage door and stepped on the ground. Thud. Standing next to him was Cecil. What they first saw were dead horses and Demorus¡¯s guides. ¡°Ugh!¡± It was the injured Roberta. Just a few seconds ago, Sein noticed something was amiss. All of this had happened in just those few seconds. ¡°Is this the end?¡± Sein drew his sword. Swish, swish. The shadows finally revealed themselves, surrounding them from all directions. ¡°Are you Sein Demorus?¡± The one d in ck seemed like the leader, speaking. Sein. Kwaaang! In an explosively fast speed, he charged towards the opponent. In the blink of an eye, Sein was standing in front of him. Swa-ack! Sein¡¯s sword was aiming for the throat of the one d in ck. Shrrrr! However, a flying iron chain somewhere began to entangle Sein. A moment. If that time had been given, Sein would have severed the throat of the one d in ck. But s, that moment wascking. With a thud, thud. Sein¡¯s sword was only touching the skin of the figure in ck. ¡°As crazy as they say, huh?¡± ¡°Thanks for thepliment.¡± Iron chains that bound his entire body. ¡®The Iron Chains of Valdrak.¡¯ Unlike theposure he had just shown, Sein¡¯s heart was now heavy beyond measure. This was no ordinary iron chain. ¡°It¡¯s the Iron Chains of Valdrak. It pierces into your body, disrupting the flow of magic. I¡¯ve heard that poison doesn¡¯t affect you.¡± ¡°The upper levels are truly different.¡± From the quality and depth of information. The way Sein had presented himself so far, and the powers he possessed, these people seemed to be well aware of them. Thud! A sound came from one side as Roberta¡¯s knees buckled. On the other side, Cecil resisted before being restrained by them. ¡°Wow.¡± A genuine admiration. The guides of Demorus were definitely not weak. Sein, Cecil, Roberta, all had grown stronger after traversing twobyrinths, and they could be confident in their strength. The current Sein was at a mid-level, but when youbined everything Sein had, he was a master, if not more. ¡°Shall we show you more of what we¡¯ve prepared?¡± The figure in ck spoke to Sein. ¡°How kind. If you don¡¯t want to see it, we won¡¯t force you.¡± ¡°If you follow without resistance, I suppose we can show you.¡± Even for the current Sein, the Iron Chains of Valdrak were difficult to break. ¡®There is a way, though.¡¯ It bothered him that, as the figure in ck had mentioned, there were more things prepared. ¡°Who are you? How dare you provoke Demorus without fear?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Something had unknowingly ended up in the hands of the figure in ck. Seeing it, Sein looked bewildered. ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± The essence of Queen Beholder. A legendary item known for its rarity, dropped by raid-level boss monsters in the past, with even the probability of obtaining it being extremely low. Woong! The moment it emitted light, Sein¡¯s consciousness was cut off. * * * ¡°Kidnapped atst after all this time of living.¡± Sein, bound to a chair. Wrapped around his body were the iron chains of Baldurak, and the chair he was sitting on looked like an unusual object. ¡°Sein, are you okay?¡± Roberta spoke in a faint voice. It was all because of the Queen Beholder¡¯s essence. An item with a strong deceptive nature that even disregarded most resistance. Originally meant to shatter someone¡¯s mind and paralyze them, those guys were using it to render them unconscious. ¡°Who worries about whom.¡± ¡°I am, your guard¡­.¡± But even the resisting Roberta reached her limit there. Once again, she lost consciousness. Fortunately, Cecil was bound in a corner, clearly watching Sein. Sein gestured to Cecil. ¡®Don¡¯t do anything foolish.¡¯ A nod. A turning situation. Their situation. When he tried to grasp it all in his mind. ¡°It¡¯s really as I¡¯ve heard.¡± The figure of the Dark One appeared again. What stood out was the gold brooch on his chest. ¡°To resist the essence of the Queen Beholder and still have your wits about you, impressive indeed.¡± It was a voice genuinely filled with admiration. ¡°I excel in mental strength.¡± ¡°You seem quite rxed.¡± He brought a chair and sat down. Meanwhile, other Dark Ones surrounded the area. ¡°Who are you all? How dare you provoke Demoros?¡± Sein leaned on Demoros¡¯s name. ¡°I heard you were sharp despite appearances, was that just a rumor?¡± ¡°Oh, pride is hurt.¡± ¡°Then speak up.¡± The face drew closer. His robe seemed like a magical item,pletely concealing his face. ¡°What do you think we are?¡± An assault from the gateway transitioning from the 4th zone to the 3rd zone. Those who casually used items potent enough to save a castle with just one. Boldness in provoking Demoros. ¡°¡­¡­¡± The Golden Brooch. As Sein silently red at the figure in ck, a smile finally crept onto his lips. Sneer. A smile. ¡°The rumors of your brilliance were indeed true. Rumors are trustworthy after all.¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t there rumors that say otherwise?¡± Standing up, the figure in ck taunted Sein, but it was futile. ¡°If you¡¯ve figured out who we are, then you must have also guessed what we are capable of.¡± Other shadows approached Sein. ¡°It¡¯s disappointing that you are immune to our venom. We could have had more fun if that weren¡¯t the case.¡± The shadows produced jet-ck daggers. ¡°From now on, we will thoroughly dissect you.¡± The figure in ck spoke with delight. ¡°Identifying your weaknesses and what you possess.¡± In an instant. Thud! One of the shadows plunged a dagger into Sein¡¯s palm. ¡°Ughhh!¡± Sein groaned, his eyes wide open in pain. ¡°It¡¯s going to be a very enjoyable time.¡± And so, hell began. * * * There was no day or night there. Crack! Sleep was not allowed. Eating was forbidden. ¡°Hah!¡± Breathing was not permitted. Chapter 70 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 70 Torture. These lunatics tortured Sein and Roberta in every imaginable way. Using all sorts of rare items found in the sanctuary. ¡°Screaaaam!¡± It felt like they were dissecting Sein bit by bit. Mind, body, and magic. They relentlessly tortured, studying only methods to inflict pain. ¡°Freezing segments of the body causes agony.¡± The ck figures torturing Sein meticulously recorded everything about him. ¡°Stop it! Please!¡± Sein¡¯s howls were in vain. ¡°Haa¡­ Haa¡­.¡± Even copsing from exhaustion held no significance. On a certain day, a finger was severed. And a potion was administered. ¡°Seems to recover quickly.¡± All of that was akin to experiments cloaked in torture. Hope. ¡°¡­Demorus¡­ will¡­ find¡­ you.¡± Having been kidnapped on the way to Demorus, they believed that help woulde to rescue them. Even Sein¡¯s threats. Useless! Nothing worked. More serious than Sein was Roberta. ¡°Her mental strength is extraordinary.¡± Roberta, despite enduring excruciating torture, did not lose her venom. Luckily, Cecile was excluded. Being a young woman meant nothing to them; what mattered was not to touch Cecile, for they knew who she was. ¡°You¡­ bastards¡­.¡± ¡°Is there still some sanity left?¡± Resistance, screams, threats¡ªall were futile. How many days had passed? ¡°¡­Say what you want.¡± Finally, Sein broke. It was nothing but the expected oue from the start. Sein had enjoyed countless lives during his immortality. ¡°Say¡­ what you want.¡± There was no torture there. In reality¡­ Reality was no longer important. Now, this ce was his reality. ¡°Your eyes still show some life in them.¡± The apparition of darkness appeared disappointed. ¡°Increase the intensity.¡± ¡°You bastards! Kill! Kill him! Rather die! Aaaahhh!¡± Torture resumed. It was when Sein¡¯s eyes, once filled with firearms, clouded over. ¡°It took a long time. No one has endured even a week in this ce.¡± One day, Roberta and Cecile disappeared. But Sein no longer had any hope of them ever crossing his mind. He simply focused on the pain he felt within himself. He exerted all his strength to somehow escape this ce. ¡°Nearly a month.¡± A month. It was the period during which Sain endured brutal torture. From Noble mtl dot ¡°It¡¯s record-breaking.¡± It could be considered a remarkable achievement even for a creature of darkness. ¡°Yes. Sain Demorus, are you ready to talk?¡± Sain¡¯s hazy gaze turned to the creature of darkness. ¡°Who are we?¡± The question he asked on the very first day he arrived here. ¡°¡­Nation.¡± Sain slowly swallowed his dry saliva. ¡°¡­Empire.¡± The lips of the creature of darkness. Ssiiick! It twisted and crept up to form words. ¡°Yes, we are an empire!¡± The creature of darkness shouted with a voice filled with madness. ¡°What are you!¡± ¡°Sain¡­ Demorus.¡± ¡°Yes. You are Sain Demorus.¡± The face of the creature of darkness loomed like a monster. ¡°Will you be a spy for our empire?¡± That was the original purpose of the creatures of darkness. They tortured Sain to break his spirit for that purpose. And finally. ¡°¡­I¡­¡± Sain spoke. ¡°Would you do that if it were you, you bastards?¡± There was a glint of determination in Sain¡¯s previously hazy eyes. ¡°Would you? You bastards?¡± A voice that seemed to release pent-up anger. ¡°¡­!¡± The creature of darkness recoiled in surprise at Sain¡¯s sudden vigor. ¡°How¡­?¡± In that moment. ng! The iron chains that bound Sein began to break apart. Throughout thousands of lives, torture was absent. However. ¡°Perhaps I should have prepared for this.¡± At the moment when the final life became reality, Sein, who had assumed all the worst-case scenarios, was there. All that was given was threat and time. Within that, Sein did everything possible, preparing for the impending future. ng! But the conclusion reached then was that pain does not be familiar. Hence, the lesson learned was. -There are times when one must endure unbearable pain in crisis situations. This was also a teaching acquired in past lives. Skill, building a tolerance for pain. Moreover, it was virtually impossible for Sein to entwine the Dragon Heart he possessed with Baldur¡¯s iron chains. ¡°You¡¯ve all been wasting your time.¡± All the time filled with pain turned to smoke. The information about Sein recorded by the beings of darkness was also nothing but smoke. ¡°Why have you endured until now?¡± Suddenly, a being of darkness stood upright and spoke. A change in atmosphere. ¡°If you were to say you wanted to know your purpose¡­ that would be a lie.¡± Sein clenched and unclenched their fist. Within it, a single sword emerged. ¡°I was curious about how far I could go myself.¡± Sein. Thrust! Without hesitation, Sein plunged the sword into the being of darkness. Manipting numerous items at will, the being of darkness, who had even shown the authority of an absolute being, appearedcking in their final moments. ¡°Excellent.¡± The being of darkness pierced by Sein¡¯s sword spoke from within Sein¡¯s embrace. ¡°The world of the psyche is not a ce one easily arrives at.¡± Apanied by Sein¡¯s unknown voice. Crackle! Fissures began to appear in the world. From the beginning, this ce was not reality. An artificially created world of the psyche. In a sense. ¡°A virtual reality within a virtual reality.¡± Virtual reality. The realization came when exchanging nces with Sessil. Though bound to Sessil as the Saint, the connection seemed too vague. And¡­ Thump thump. It was a heart that hadn¡¯t raced before. More precisely, it was theck of sensation of the contract with the dragon within the Dragon Heart. Rustle! The cracks in the world were growing fiercer. ¡°This is truly insane.¡± Rumble! The shattered world finally awakened. Sein slowly opened his eyes in the returning darkness. There were around a dozen figures in ck, one knee bent, waiting. ¡°Congrattions on passing.¡± Rare items in the world. A brooch of gold. It was known as a symbol of the remnants yearning for the old empire. If they truly were remnants of the old empire, Sein couldn¡¯t have missed recognizing them. ¡°Sein Demorus, heir candidate.¡± In front. The figure who tormented Sein in his mental world was there. Sein surveyed the surroundings. Step by step, he advanced without hesitation. His body, well taken care of, was in top condition, clothes changed, but the longsword at his waist and the bastion on his back remained. Sein chose the longsword at his waist. And. ¡°Excellent¡­¡± Swish! ¡°As you wish¡­¡± With his throat hitting the ground, he uttered his final words. ¡°Feels disgusting.¡± Even if it was a mental world, the pain he had to feel was a clear fact. He had to endure that dreadful feeling. Whooosh! He had to let it out here. After all, that must have been the purpose of their waiting here. ¡°This is a truly insane ce.¡± Demorus, one of the three Dark Lords ruling the continent. All of this was their trial. Walking a bit further, the view of Demorus revealed itself through a broken wall. It was more akin to the appearance of a ¡®castle¡¯ than a single ¡®family¡¯. ¡°This is insane.¡± That was the first impression Sein had of Demorus. * * * Sein opened his eyes in Demorus. He had arrived at his family home while being lost in the imaginary world. Was this recent event not dangerous? It was not. ¡®It must be a kind of blessing.¡¯ Being lost in the imaginary world meant he had lost consciousness for even a moment. If someone had genuinely tried to kill him when he was defenseless, it would have been truly dangerous. ¡®I might have endured it, but I definitely need to prepare for this.¡¯ There were thingsing to mind. About how to strengthen what he had already prepared. ¡°Ha.¡± And Sein let out a bitterugh. ¡°What a messed up ce.¡± Finally, Demorus that he had entered. ¡°To think I have to deal with this mess right away.¡± A ce where not even an inch offort could be expected, only filled with anxiety. The fact that this ce, full of edge-like tension, was supposed to be home was truly dreadful. Then someone approached Sein. ¡°How¡¯s your body feeling?¡± Roberta. They had only been trapped in the imaginary world for barely three days. ¡°You still look like you¡¯re about to die.¡± Roberta seemed to have lost over ten kilograms in that brief moment. ¡°¡­Not yet.¡± She couldn¡¯t even speak properly. ¡°Then, how about resting a bit?¡± It wasn¡¯t so much out of consideration but more out of genuine fear that she might die. ¡°Security¡­ mission¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s going to be chaotic for a while. Do as you please.¡± So, the two strolled slowly within the castle. The problem was entering Demorus, but the activities inside were rtively free. And another interesting thing was that there seemed to be no sign of people inside the castle¡¯s vast walls. If you were to ask if they were the only ones in this spacious castle. ¡°How long do we have to stay here?¡± That wasn¡¯t it either. A question directed at the empty air. Thud. A shadow that appeared from somewhere knelt down and spoke. ¡°The Lord must have a summons for you.¡± Hidden in unseen ces are the minions of Demorus. ¡°Disappear.¡± At Sein¡¯smand, the shadow vanished like smoke. ¡°Hmph.¡± Sein breathed in the air and spoke out. ¡°I guess I have to acknowledge it.¡± No matter how bizarre this ce was. Shooosh-! ¡°To think such a ce still exists.¡± As supreme as everything visible and everything breathing. The tale was heard. Chapter 71 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 71 The upper regions retain much of their past appearance and are maintaining it. ¡°It¡¯s said that over eighty percent of the purification power remaining in the continent is concentrated in the upper regions.¡± Clean air. Abundant magic. Above all else. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The azure sky. The blue sky untouched by darkness seemed to proudly disy its beauty there. Roberta, who was wounded by that sight, was left dumbfounded for a while. * * * That day was no different. Days spent trapped in the castle, merely observing. However, Sein understood the intention behind it. ¡°The purity of magic is increasing.¡± Those from the lower regions have lower purity of magic. In other words, even with the same amount of magic, the destructive power that can be wielded varies. It was known to be an innate trait depending on one¡¯s origin, with no way around it. ¡°Is there a special magic array in this castle?¡± It seemed that there was a special power in the area where they resided, and where Demorus¡¯s headquarters existed. Although Sein purified magic through the Dragon Heart, impurities were inevitable. ¡°Not bad at all.¡± Having a n to enhance the purity of magic in the future, for Sein, this effect was not a bad thing. Moreover, he felt the blessing getting stronger. ¡°I understand why those from the main family are so different.¡± If it weren¡¯t for Sein, the sessor candidate in Rasiel would have been Sis. While Vac and Roberta had outstanding potential, Sis was different in terms of physicality. Demos of Dante, Kimo, and Vita were the same. When other candidates were busy trying to keep up, the reason some could reach the level of a master was this. ¡°I thought I was the only one using cheats.¡± A child of Demoros. It was also a cheat, there was no choice but to admit it. There was a lot to realize. Even though he said he was studying, there were still things in the world he didn¡¯t know. ¡°¡­.¡± At that moment, Sein stopped. A different gesture than usual. ¡°Has our busy nting machine finally appeared?¡± Someone revealed themselves at Sein¡¯s mutterings. He looked like a peer of simr age to himself. And. ¡°You seem too young to say that.¡± A young man with white hair and red eyes like himself. An existence with a strange aura. ¡°You¡¯re Sein Demoros.¡± The returning voice was unexpectedly cheerful. ¡°Yes. My father sent me. Was it considerate of you?¡± But there was something broken about him. ¡°Nice to meet you, Sein.¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°Introduce yourself first.¡± ¡°Oh, sorry. I¡­¡± The young man stepped towards Sein and extended his hand. ¡°I¡¯m Varje.¡± ¡°Varje?¡± Varje, who seemed to be smiling. ¡°I¡¯m from the same three major organization candidate background as you. Different from the high-nosed gentlemen from the main family.¡± Sein¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¨C You¡¯ll meet when you go to the main family. There was a story that Almani specifically shared. ¨C Cain¡¯s candidate. That guy is¡­. They shared stories envisioning the future. ¨C A monster. It¡¯s him. ¡°Is he a candidate from the Cain?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Did you receive support from Rasiel and Dante? That caused quite a stir even back at the main house.¡± Eyes met. ¡°But how long do you n to leave things unsettled?¡± Barz¨¦ shook hands again. The moment Sain slowly sped that hand. Whoosh! It felt as if the air was being sucked towards them. Kukuku! His voice trembled. But Sain and Barz¨¦ just faced each other. ¡°As expected of you¡­¡± Barz¨¦¡¯s gentle and yful face was gone. It was the face of a sharp hunter. The gaze of a monster who had been through countless battlefields. ¡°You have awakened the blessing of the ancestors.¡± The moment they released each other¡¯s hands, everything that had unfolded seemed to peacefully turn false. ¡°If I were to kill you here, would it be a problem?¡± Sain kindly asked Barz¨¦. -If I were to kill you here, would it be a problem? In response to Sain¡¯s question, Barz¨¦ answered. -I was also considering that. That was the extent of their brief encounter with Barz¨¦. -It was a joke, right? You were joking too, weren¡¯t you? Let¡¯s get along well in the future, both from the three major organizations! Barz¨¦,pletely transformed as if wearing a mask, left even Sain unable to catch the right timing. ¡°Barz¨¦ Demorus.¡± There was something about him. Something that only Sain could feel. ¡°He said he awakened the blessing of the ancestors.¡± It had been mentioned that he awakened the blessing of the ancestors just like himself. However, it was also said that it might not be the same kind. -The ancestors of Demorus had three great blessings. The blessing of the ancestors was not a singr entity. -The blessing of the ancestors is¡­ That was the moment. Kiiiiing-! A thunderous noise, as if the heavens and earth were splitting, began to resound. The massive door in front of Sain began to open its mouth. ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Sein asked Roberta. On the day Barz¨¦ came, Sein, Roberta, and Cecil were allowed entry outside the castle. And now, it was their first true entrance into the ancestral home. ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°I am nervous.¡± Roberta¡¯s eyes widened at Sein¡¯s words. But soon, her trembling subsided. ¡°Don¡¯t rx from now on.¡± Sein said. ¡°Because this is the battlefield.¡± Thud! Finally, the door swung wide open and stopped. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Sein, who had slipped into the bright light, took confident steps forward. It was their first step into the ancestral home, yet there was no hesitation. ¡°Now, this is the real game.¡± In the final act of his life, Sein was the sessor of the Dark Lord. He realized that he had finally stood alone at the starting point. Step by step. The bright light illuminated everything, and Sein walked out with the demons of Demoros standing on either side of him. Some wore masks, others draped in fur. Due to theirck of uniformity, it was clear that they were the ones acknowledged by Demoros. Gulp. Roberta, who had gathered her resolve, swallowed dryly. ¡°She¡¯ll feel it.¡± Roberta must be feeling it too. Shooosh! The magic of the monsters filled the battlefield. It felt like being submerged in a deep abyss. It seemed like one had to struggle against immense pressure pressing on every inch of their body. Wobbling. In the end, Roberta, unable to ovee it, stumbled. She was on the verge of a major blunder, but Sein caught her. Not with his hands, but with magic. ¡°¡­.¡± It was the first time. The expressions of the demons looking at them changed from indifference to interest. That overflowing interest was solely directed at Sein. Step by step. Sein once again confidently stepped forward. He seemed to understand the meaning of the phrase ¡°Bokmajun.¡± A feeling as if monsters were hissing, eyeing their prey. Sizzle. However, as Sein walked, a faint smile crept upon his lips. Hiss. Slowly unraveling his magic. Paaaah-! The moment he unleashed it, he felt the pressure of the magic that had been suppressing them disappear. ¡°Even though I¡¯ve only been taking tests so far.¡± No one could not hear Sein¡¯s muttered words. ¡°Tests end here.¡± Sein, who had suddenly stopped, found himself facing individuals dressed in a mix of ck and gold. Even without Barje standing in the corner, he could tell. ¡®These guys.¡¯ The sessor candidate of Demorus. And slowly, Sein¡¯s gaze moved upwards. Dozens of women sitting on chairs, a middle-aged man gazing down at himself with azy face on the tform. The author. ¡®The author is¡­¡¯ Thud! At that moment, Roberta knelt with both knees and bowed her head. Shiver. Sein¡¯s legs were trembling. Thud! Ultimately unable to endure, Sein too knelt, bowing his head. ¡°T-This¡­ is¡­ the first¡­ time¡­¡± Sein¡¯s voice, almost inaudible, apanied by a floating smile. It was bewildering. Even when he was the Crown Prince Sein Archipald, he had never experienced something like this. Even in front of the great Emperor of the Archipald Empire. ¡°Wee to the ancestral home.¡± A heavy, solemn voice. A voice that seemed to suck in all the darkness of the world flowed into Sein¡¯s ears. ¡°My son.¡± The author was the head of Demorus. ¨C Tejera Demorus. The absolute ruler of this era. * At this moment, I realized that I shouldn¡¯t straighten my knees. It was curiosity. Ooong. It was about how much power of mine could reach the current leader. ¡°Rasiel¡¯s Alman and Dante¡¯s Rohan will support you. It has been dered.¡± However, Sein¡¯s eyes widened at the voice that soon followed. Kwoong! It felt like Sein¡¯s whole body was being driven into the ground. It was a resistance that seemed futile. Something came to mind. ¡°Damn, is this all?¡± An absolute being deeply connected to him, one he had seen even in this current life. ¡°Angel-grade?¡± It was the strength he felt from the weakened Angel. ¡°You¡¯re arrogant.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sein gritted his teeth, enduring it. Thud! The pressure was getting stronger. Crack! Sein¡¯s lips tore, blood trickling down. The whole world, his world, seemed engulfed in darkness. ¡°Yet the fighting spirit is a curse steeped in Demolus¡¯s blood.¡± Whack! That was even more surprising. ¡°Forgive your impudence. My son.¡± He swept it all away as if it were all just a dream. To perfectly contain what was poured out is always difficult, be it words, water, or especially magic. Barely free, Sein slowly rose while thinking. ¡°Max level.¡± He was undoubtedly an existence who had reached level 30, the max level of Sanctuary. ¡°No.¡± However, in Sanctuary, level alone did not indicate strength. ¡°It¡¯s an Over Level.¡± A realm called transcendence, a power bestowed upon only a select few among Sanctuary¡¯s yers throughout its long history, and it was a power known as the strongest, granted to only a tiny fraction of NPCs. ¡°You may rise.¡± Sein rose up, despite the terrifying permission from Tejera. However, his bowed head remained unchanged. ¡°You may lift your head now.¡± Only then could Sein raise his head and look at Tezera. He was not like Barzenna with his white hair. Chapter 72 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 72 ck hair like jet-ck obsidian, ck eyes, and a demeanor that exuded the gravity of middle age yet concealed his true age with a refined appearance and the solid muscles visible even under his clothes. ¡°Sein Demorus, I permit you to be Demorus¡¯s final sessor candidate.¡± Everything about Demorus. It could only happen with Tezera¡¯s consent. * * * ¡°Uweaek!¡± Sein, stepping outside the capital, couldn¡¯t hold back the urge to vomit. He expelled not only the steak he had just eaten but also the snacks he had enjoyedst night before finally catching his breath. Roberta fainted as soon as they left the capital and was carried to the infirmary. ¡°¡­Insane.¡± It was beyond expectation. As one of the absolute rulers epassing the current world, he had thought he would be a monster by nature. However. ¡®Tezera Demorus.¡¯ The master of Demorus was truly beyond imagination. ¡°Really¡­.¡± Wiping his mouth, Sein muttered. ¡°It¡¯s a whole different world.¡± He had to once again acknowledge that the world had changedpletely beyond what he could have imagined in his past conjectures. Sein wrinkled his brow as the bile rose in his throat once more. ¡°I expected more as the first candidate to win the support of both Rasiel and Dante.¡± Approaching footsteps and a voice. ¡°It¡¯s less than I imagined.¡± The face was familiar. One of the four at the bottom of the table where the head sat. ¡°Sneaking around to vomit in secret, huh.¡± With a skeletal face and a body reminiscent of a snake, he was a guy who exuded a bad vibe even in his eyes. ¡°Are you getting senile like Almani and Rohan?¡± He sneered at the struggling Sein. ¡°To think I supported someone like you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I mean¡­¡± It was when thed was about to utter more words. ¡°Uwek!¡± Sein poured out everything that came out of thed¡¯s mouth in front of him. ¡°Uh, uh¡­.¡± It seemed like a situation even thed hadn¡¯t anticipated, as he stammered in bewilderment. ¡°Waek!¡± ¡°This, this rascal!¡± Although thed tried to break free, Sein grabbed his shoulders and emptied everything out. ¡°Ha¡­. Now I can survive.¡± Sein¡¯s voice, as if barely taking a breath, flowed out. From Noble mtl dot ¡°You son of a b*tch, I barely held it in, but because of your bad breath, I spilled it out again.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Bewilderment, followed by the inevitable. ¡°You b*stard!¡± Anger. Thed with a snake-like face pushed Sein away and vented his rage. ¡°B*stard? Did you justpare our father to a dog?¡± Even in Rasiel, that wouldn¡¯t be tolerated. ¡°Well, I mean¡­.¡± It wouldn¡¯t fly in Demorus either. ¡°Father! Are you still there! This lunatic just called our father a dog¡­!¡± Sein dodged the flying punch with his mouth shut. ¡°¡­that¡¯s what I said.¡± As Sein finished speaking, a drop of blood formed on his cheek. The seemingly random punch from thed pierced through Sein¡¯s magical barrier and left a wound. ¡°Why? Was I wrong?¡± ¡°Eeek!¡± Thed¡¯s furious energy began to pour out even more. ¡°I was curious but didn¡¯t confirm.¡± However, Sein facing this was unfazed to an extreme degree. ¡°What would happen if I killed you here?¡± It was different from before. Roar! Sein¡¯s magic, mixed with genuine intent to harm, instantly ensnared thed with a snake-like face. ¡°¡­Ugh!¡± Startled, trying btedly to free himself from the binding, it was toote. Umph. Sein¡¯s magic-infused palm was touching thed¡¯s neck. Just a little more here, if he moved his hand, it would be over. But he couldn¡¯t. Thud! Taut strings were wrapped around Sein¡¯s hands. ¡°I will give you the answer. Sein.¡± The thin threads enveloping Sein¡¯s body were not ordinary. They were crafted from thinly drawn mithril, an item that only master cksmiths could create. ¡°I will give you the answer. Sein.¡± Sein looked at the owner of the voice with narrow eyes. Men wearing white masks. ¡®Delran.¡¯ They were the guardians of Demorus, protecting his lineage and followers. ¡°Well, I was curious. Tell me.¡± ¡°If the sessor candidate Sein kills the candidate for Jugar, it¡¯s a death sentence.¡± Huh. Sein let out a bitterugh. ¡°Handling candidates¡¯ lives like flies?¡± ¡°Because candidates and sessor candidates are different.¡± The voice was cold, devoid of any emotion. Swoosh. The silver threads enveloping Sein began to loosen. Sein thought he would stop here upon learning the price. ¡°¡­!¡± But Sein wouldn¡¯t stop here. Whoosh! Blood sprayed like a fountain. ¡°Aargh!¡± Jugar, in pain, screamed. ¡°Now you look worthy of attention.¡± A straight scar cut across his vile snake face. ¡°Faces like yours should look more sinister by nature.¡± ¡°You bastard!¡± Jugar, emanating a strong aura, unleashed all his power. ¡°You¡¯re too harsh on someone who gave you a free facelift. But¡­¡± Grind. Sein smiled. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Jugar tried to strike Sein down in one blow but couldn¡¯t achieve his goal. Jugar stood frozen, his fist poised mid-strike. ¡°You heard earlier, right? It¡¯s a death sentence.¡± Silver threads wrapped around Jugar, Delran¡¯s guards held a dagger to Jugar¡¯s throat. ¡°Shall I kill him?¡± ¡°¡­Sein.¡± Sein turned his gaze away from Jargar, who was forcibly suppressing his anger. There, people dressed in a mix of ck and gold garments were watching the scene. No. ¡®They must be aware.¡¯ From the start, it must have been their doing. Testing Sein through the easiest to excite and manipte Jargar. Just as Sein was testing the boundaries of Demorus¡¯sw and the power of the Ga¡¯ju, they too must have been testing Sein¡¯s temperament and skills. ¡°You must be tired of these tests.¡± He spoke not to Jargar but to the others. ¡°Next time, instead of sending this fool,e yourself. I¡¯m curious about Demorus¡¯s execution methods.¡± Sein stepped back. Then Dndo began to release Jargar¡¯s restraints. Shrrrr¡­ The moment when Eunsa lost strength and became feeble. Kwaaang! Jargar flew towards Sein like a bullet. If killing was forbidden. ¡°You should suffer the same fate!¡± Thinking it would be permissible if done in the same manner as Sein. Parrer. But Jargar¡¯s purpose was once again unfulfilled. This time, it wasn¡¯t Dn. ¡°You thought I¡¯d just stand there and take it?¡± Sein reached out a hand, clutching Jargar¡¯s outstretched left arm. ¡°Aaargh!¡± An arm that did not even flinch. When Sein slowly let go of that hand. ¡°Pathetic bunch from the main house.¡± Sein¡¯s handprint was clearly visible on Jargar¡¯s left arm. * * * ¡°A pleasure to meet you for the first time, Sein. I am Ferio, your valet.¡± Several individuals stood politely before Sein, introducing themselves. ¡°We will do our best to serve you, Sein.¡± Their mechanical voices belonged to the servants assigned to Sein by Demorus. ¡°Sein.¡± Roberta spoke to Sein. ¡°I think it would be best to send them back.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Roberta approached slowly and whispered. ¡°They will be the eyes and ears of Demorus.¡± After several shes in the training ground, Roberta seemed to realize what her hometown was like. Connected by blood but no different from others, a ce akin to a battlefield where others might fare better. ¡°Perhapster¡­¡± As Roberta, who had taken on the role of Seyn¡¯s bodyguard, prepared herself meticulously. ¡°Wee.¡± However, Seyn ignored her words and extended his arms towards the servants. ¡°I will serve you sincerely.¡± ¡°Seyn.¡± Roberta, looking concerned. ¡°It seems you have much more to learn.¡± ¡°¡­.?¡± ¡°Do you think they will disappear just because Demorus¡¯s eyes and ears send them back?¡± Unlikely. ¡°They are under the disguise of the monster Demorus. It will be futile no matter what you do.¡± ¡°I know that. But¡­¡± The story was about being more cautious. ¡°Avoiding danger isn¡¯t everything. Be diligent.¡± An annoying fellow. However, Seyn decided to endure the annoyance knowing Roberta¡¯s potential and her aspirations. ¡°Diligent?¡± ¡°We must make use of it.¡± Roberta seemedpletely puzzled. ¡°You have strength, but your mind is the issue. Consider dyeing it.¡± Despite grumbling unpleasantly, Roberta nodded her head. Having witnessed and understood the meaning behind everything Seyn had done so far. ¡°I will observe and learn.¡± ¡°Understood?¡± Seyn addressed the servants. ¡°If my bodyguard suspects you.¡± ¡°No need to worry. As we are your servants, Sir Seyn¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not waste words on each other.¡± Seyn said with a broad smile. ¡°Do your job, just remember there will be a price for your actions someday.¡± A slight warning, and they would understand. ¡°We will keep it in mind.¡± Indeed, like true servants of Demorus, they were quick-witted. ¡°I will exin the overall aspects of Demorus¡¯s life to the Lord.¡± Lady Han, Ferio said politely. ¡°As you are a sessor candidate, you have the authority to establish a faction within Demorus.¡± ¡°A faction?¡± ¡°It can be used for any purpose, but it must beposed of members from the main house.¡± The Lord¡¯s eyes narrowed. He understood what was being implied. ¡®That¡¯spetition too.¡¯ How much of Demorus¡¯s people within the main house can he make his own? ¡°What about the factions of other sessor candidates?¡± Ferio did his best to exin the Lord¡¯s question. There seemed to be quite a difference even among the sessor candidates. The most significant one was. ¡®Kn was said to be the most likely sessor.¡¯ As the eldest son of the main house and uniquely, the outsider, Vincent, who was one of the three Dark Lords equal to Demorus. His faction was called Krnes, taking the form of a military force with around a hundred members. The least was naturally Varze. One of the reasons for his entry into the main house without much differencepared to the Lord was due to the need for an exchange event, Barze who came into the main house with the Lord. He did create a faction, but the number of members was said to be zero. ¡°Furthermore, as a sessor candidate, you can use Demorus¡¯s facilities, but¡­¡± Ferio took something out of his chest and handed it over. It was a ring shining in a bronze color. ¡°Currently at the bronze level, there may be limitations on usage.¡± ¡°How can I raise the level?¡± ¡°You need to fulfill the missions of the main house.¡± Perhaps because it originated from a game world. Even this felt like a game. ¡°Also¡­¡± Ferio exined the things the Lord needed to know in Demorus. Chapter 73 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 73 ¡°If you have any questions, feel free to ask at any time.¡± With that, Ferio and the maids left their seats. * * * Demorus was more like a small country than a single family. A heavenly fortress erected on a sheer cliff. With the size of a castle, inside it existed a vige for the main Demorus family and the families of the servants. ng! ng! The clear sound of metal and sparks flying. The first facility in Demorus that the Lord visited was the cksmith. ¡°Wow.¡± Looking at the unfolded appearance of the grand forge, Sein couldn¡¯t help but be sincerely impressed. It reminded him of Domordafa, once one of the greatest forges of the Empire. Dozens of furnaces were constantly spewing mes, and mithril and the like were rolling on the floor carelessly. ¡°Quite impressive.¡± As he examined thepleted and disyed weapons, praise came naturally to his lips. ¡°They say the Empire¡¯s technology seeped into the Dark Lands.¡± Indeed, those traces were clearly visible. Especially the Empire¡¯s refining techniques that were said to have greatly influenced Demorus. ng! The sight of the forge was quite astonishing even to Sein. ¡°What are these?¡± From unfamiliar ores to weapons in shapes he had never seen before. What was also intriguing was that despite neers entering the forge, no one paid them any attention. ng! They just quietly went about their business. ¡°It¡¯s all within Demorus, anyway.¡± The ability to focus solely on their work without worrying about anything else here would be the trust and stability Demorus provided them. ¡°Hmm.¡± Although he had intended to just watch, his blood stirred. Sein loved the craftsmanship itself, as well as the thousands of lives present there. But among them, there existed lives that captivated his heart even more. Whoosh! Watching the mes attached to the furnace brought a sense offort. ng! Upon hearing the ringing of the hammer by his ear, all other thoughts vanished. -The life of a cksmith. That unremarkable life held boundless possibilities and was the life Sein had yed the longest. From Noble mtl dot ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I properly wielded a hammer.¡± No one¡¯s permission was required. Before he knew it, Sein had a hammer and a piece of metal in his hand, kneeling on the floor. Whoosh. Watching the mes burn, he calmed his heart. ng! The crisp sound of the hammer echoed. At that moment. A twitch. The artisans, who had been hammering away, stopped for the first time. ng! ng! ng! The echoing sound of the hammer spread. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Sein, who was focused on his work within the safety guaranteed by Demorus, was unaware. ng! At that moment, the sound of a hammer echoing in the cksmith shop reminded him that there was only his hammer. ng! nk. The small, clear sound of the hammer marked the end of it all. Thud. Sweat dripped down Sein¡¯s forehead and face. Despite Sein¡¯s high resistance to mes, the heat emanating from the forge in Demorus¡¯s cksmith shop made even him perspire. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Sein¡¯s expression upon finishing everything was dry. It was not a forced fake smile but Sein¡¯s original face. Hmm. What Sein was holding now was something that could unleash everything he had. ¡°I¡¯ve never felt like this before.¡± Sein, who had been obsessed with enjoying spective adventures through games, had never experienced anything like this. The intense sense of reality, coupled with emotions from back then, led to the creation of something unimaginable that gripped Sein¡¯s hand. A small dagger. Engraved on it, the intricate pattern of a long dragon. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Unconsciously gazing at the etching, Sein spoke. ¡°How long are you going to keep doing this?¡± It had been quite some time since he noticed. No matter how focused he was, there was no way he could havepletely lost himself in Demorus, which was essentially a battlefield. Yet, sensing their desire keenly through their eyes, he had let them be. ¡°Sein, the sessor candidate¡­.¡± A voice whispered softly from somewhere. ¡°Who exactly are you?¡± Sein slowly turned his head. The aged cksmith, whose strength with a hammer was uncertain, continued speaking, his Adam¡¯s apple trembling as he moved. ¡°Who on earth are you¡­.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? You just said it yourself. Sein, the sessor candidate.¡± ¡°Well¡­.¡± It was the cksmith shop of Demorus, regarded as the best on the current continent. Of course, there were one or two other cksmith shops at a simr level, but many considered Demorus¡¯s shop the best. Naturally, the cksmiths within it could also be considered the best on the continent. nk. Someone shed a hammer against an anvil. ng! It rose like a chain reaction, stirring the hearts of other cksmiths. ng ng ng! It was a sign of respect and awe. A congrattory gesture unique to cksmiths when one crafts a masterpiece that will be remembered for a lifetime. ¡°Give it a name¡­.¡± The old man spoke to the young man. ¡°Would you give it a name?¡± The old man asked the young man, who held a short sword, to name it. ¡°Semoral.¡± The young man said. ¡°The name of this sword is Semoral.¡± ng! Upon hearing the young man¡¯s voice, the old man, too, raised his hammer and struck the anvil. ¡°Another legend is born in Demorus¡¯s forge.¡± All the cksmiths listened intently to the softly spreading voice of the old man. ¡°From today, we will close the forge for two weeks and extinguish all furnaces.¡± They knew it was also a congrattory gesture for the birth of a new legendary-grade item. ¡°Will you join us?¡± Upon the old man¡¯s question, the young man finally smiled faintly. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± For the next three days, the young man did not leave the forge. Demorus¡¯s servants continued to bring him food and drink. ¡°I said I had something to show him?¡± ess to the forge was restricted even to Demorus¡¯s acolytes. ¡°I need to make sure if Sein, that guy, is in there.¡± Even the entry of Jhagar, one of the potential sessors, was restricted. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you can¡¯t enter.¡± ¡°How dare these cksmiths¡­.¡± Jhagar shouted as if he would break down the forge¡¯s door, but it was to no avail. ¡°This is a promise given to us by our benefactor.¡± In front of the benefactor¡¯s name, Jhagar was nothing more than a lowly creature. Crash. The only thing he could do was turn around. However, the only one inside, apart from the cksmiths, was Sein. * * * For a few days after leaving the forge, Sein observed Demorus¡¯s facilities and craftsmen. Nothing like the forge happened. That day, as if Saint had unleashed something, an incident urred. Despite creating a potion in the alchemy room of Demorus to permanently enhance vitality, there was no particr reaction. That was. ¡°Except for the forge, it¡¯s just average.¡± The inability to gauge what Saint had created. It was because they couldn¡¯t realize its effectiveness without Saint appealing to them by mentioning it. It was an idental event, yet its effect was significant. ¡°Lord Durte has requested an audience with Saint.¡± Ferio spoke in a polite tone. ¡°Durte?¡± ¡°Among the divine of Demorus, he leads the 13th Legion.¡± The explosive increase in interest towards Saint. The reason was simple. ¡°Are they asking for something from the forge?¡± Being the best in their field, the pride of the cksmiths of Demorus soared high. It was also a promise made when Demorus epted the cksmiths of the fallen empire. Although the cksmiths provided their skills to Demorus, many were dissatisfied as they were not receiving any special requests. Then Saint appeared. -We, the Dark Steel of Shadows, will prioritize the requests of Saint¡¯s sessor. The forge made such a sudden deration. It was practically a deration of support, making other sessors uneasy and earning favor from those leading legions. If their legions could be armed with better equipment, reaching higher positions was also possible. ¡°I decline.¡± However, Saint was rejecting all their proposals outright. ¡°The harder the fruit is to reach, the more desperate you be to taste it.¡± As time passed, their value would only increase. ¡°I will convey that.¡± Having finished the conversation, Saint looked ahead. There stood two individuals, a man and a woman, with tense postures. ¡°So, what do you want to say?¡± Saint, who deliberately avoided face-to-face meetings, epted them. ¡°The Great Steel, granddaughter of Pargen, Parfira.¡± The woman, giving off a strong impression, spoke like a soldier. ¡°Pargen, you say.¡± The senior cksmith of the Dark Steel, who was once that old man. He was the son of Jurgen, the empire¡¯s top cksmith, and the most highly recruited talent by Demorus. It was said that if he hadn¡¯t been there, Demorus might not have secured a ce among the three dark families. ¡°But?¡± ¡°Your grandfather has requested your presence, Saint. Learning from you is¡­¡± Silence. Finishing her sentence, Parfi gnawed on her mrs. Seeming somewhat wounded in her pride, she continued speaking. ¡°It seems better than learning from that person¡­.¡± Having to deny the figure she admired the most, how vexing it was. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to think so?¡± In response to Sein¡¯s words, Parfi fell silent for a moment before speaking. ¡°No, I do not. I saw the dagger made by Sein that day.¡± The dagger crafted by Sein, Semoiral, was adorned in one of the highest ces of dark steel. ¡°Just that my mindprehends it, but my heart does not.¡± She was an unusual person. However. ¡°Honesty is appreciated. You pass.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°So, what about you?¡± A young man with a fragile impression. The dark circles under his chin indicated that he was not ordinary. ¡°Tuki¡­. Diark¡­. Origin¡­.¡± Seeing thed who appeared half out of his mind, Parfi, who stood stiffly, furrowed her brows. ¡°If you¡¯re Diark, it¡¯s the Alchemy Chamber, why you?¡± ¡°¡­Created it¡­.¡± The one introduced as Tuki said. ¡°Enhancing regenerative ability¡­, permanent¡­.¡± A low voice. ¡°You pass.¡± Sein immediately granted him approval. They were to enter the Alchemy Chamber of Demorus. Naturally, there had to be at least one talent. ¡°From today, you are my syndicate¡­.¡± Sein addressed them. ¡°The founding members of Semoiral.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± ¡°Thank you¡­.¡± * * * The sessor candidate of Demorus was in a position equal to or superior to the heads of the three sub-organizations. As such, they received many privileges, one of which was the founding of the syndicate. And another one was. ¡°What¡¯s that over there?¡± ¡°¡­A carriage?¡± In the lower area of Zone 3 where the main house is located, free movement was always possible. ¡°The carriage is quite elegant, isn¡¯t it.¡± ¡°It looks rather sophisticated, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s ck.¡± The guards standing in front of the wooden gates spoke with a sense of curiosity. This ce they were in was Zone 10. It was the lowest area, often referred to as the garbage dump. asionally, merchants would visit, but those who came to Zone 10 did not arrive in such elegant carriages. ¡°Halt right there.¡± Naturally, they cautiously halted the carriage. Chapter 74 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 74 The ones guarding a ce like Zone 10 were individuals who hadn¡¯t even received proper education. Hence, they were unaware. ¡°How dare you block the path.¡± What the halted carriage was. ¡°Th-that¡­ we need to stop and check first.¡± That was the only rule they had learned, and didn¡¯t their seniors say that¡¯s how you might get a single bean in return. Moreover, with such a luxurious carriage, who knew if the dropped bean was just an ordinary bean. But at that moment. Chilling. A shiver ran down their spines. When was it? ¡°These country bumpkins don¡¯t know any better. Let¡¯s not make a fuss and just go.¡± ¡°As you wish.¡± Thin beads of sweat collected on the guards¡¯ necks. If the voice had reached them even slightlyter. Thump. They might have had to lose the most precious thing to them. The guards hesitated. Only then did the carriage start moving again. ¡°Be grateful for the mercy. And remember.¡± The seemingly insignificant coachman warned the hesitating guards. ¡°Only those with the bloodline of Demorus can ride the ck carriage.¡± A carriage passing through an ordinary-looking gate. ¡°Huff! Huff!¡± Only now did the guards release the breath they had been holding. Though the recent memories were blurred by shock, one thing was clear. ¡°D-Demorus!¡± Demorus had arrived at this ce, Chichiron in Zone 10. The small vige of Chichiron in Zone 10. The carriage of Demorus arrived in a ce where the poption did not exceed a thousand. ¡°¡­.¡± A silent street. But that didn¡¯t mean there were no people. From Noble mtl dot Every Chichiron was lying t on the ground, holding their breath. tter. The sound of the carriage wheels approaching. Gulp. The citizens felt it like a death sentence hanging over them. ¡°Why on earth.¡± The only question lingering in their minds. Why did Demoruse here? tter. What would he do next? Especially those who hid their appearance and watched the scene had no choice but to hold their breath even more. This ce, at the end of the continent, was like a sanctuary reluctantly sought by fugitives since ancient times. tter. Finally, the carriage came to a halt. ¡°Behold the grand procession of Demorus. All must show respect and awe.¡± Thud! At the voice of the coachman, the citizens bowed their heads. ¡°We meet Demorus.¡± Demorus, received as if he were an emperor of the past. No, not even to that extent in the past. ¡°This is so dreary.¡± The man who revealed himself through the open carriage door said. ¡°¡­?¡± Someone almost involuntarily raised their head. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, everyone.¡± The voice was so familiar. ¡°Have you been well?¡± The casual tone was soforting. ¡°Se¡­ain?¡± Someone quietly raised their head and spoke. ¡°How dare you!¡± The coachman reached out towards him, but Sein was quicker. Sein stood in front of the woman who had opened her mouth. ¡°Ma¡¯am, have you been well?¡± Karen, the olddy. The woman who forged a bond by giving her a nearly rotten apple when she was scavenging in the alleyways on the brink of death. ¡°Really¡­ Sein? No¡­.¡± Can, with his head raised, didn¡¯t know what to do. He didn¡¯t know how to face someone so high, or even how to converse. ¡°Everyone, get up.¡± Sein said, ¡°I¡¯ve returned as the crazy one.¡± Only then could everyone truly feel it. ¡°¡­.!¡± Chichiron¡¯s troublemaker. Chichiron¡¯s crazy one. A boy of little significance, yet a man who eventually took control of Chichiron¡¯s alleyways, making them his own. ¡°Hyung¡­nim!¡± The idol of Jibchang Vige. Sein also felt this way for the first time. ¡°I understand why you want to return to the Golden Hometown.¡± Although he didn¡¯t think of Chichiron as his hometown, he seemed to have some affection for it in his own way. Returning to this ce he had decided not to step foot in again, even the foul air here seemed to have its own unique charm. ¡°¡­.¡± A group quietly approaching. They were the ones who used to serve under Sein¡¯s family name in the past. ¡°Have you been well, Weiss?¡± Number Three of the family. ¡°Hyungnim¡­. Are you really our hyungnim?¡± ¡°Because I am?¡± Thud! Weiss, dropping to both knees, shouted. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting. Hyungnim.¡± I knew a day like this woulde. p. Sein pped his hands to lighten the mood. ¡°Today, I dere definitively here.¡± This was the authority granted to the sessor candidate of Demorus. ¡°From today, Chichiron belongs to me, Sein Demorus. I delegate all matters within Chichiron to Weiss, and any challenge against Weiss and the family will be seen as a challenge against me¡­¡± Snick. ¡°¡­and considered a challenge against Demorus.¡± Following the proper procedures, Sein continued speaking. ¡°And we¡¯ll have to settle the score.¡± Thend where Sein was born and raised. A ce intertwined with countless destinies. ¡°Let¡¯s resolve that today.¡± At Sein¡¯s words, a group turned and began to run away. Of course. Whoosh! In an instant, the guards attached to Sein, or rather Dn¡¯s bodyguards, shattered them to pieces. * * * No matter how Sein had lived through past lives, surviving as a mere child was a mysterious thing. If it weren¡¯t for the existence of Dn, the young Sein might have been beaten in an alley or starved to death. However, it wasn¡¯t only Dn who had helped Sein. ¡°Take it.¡± The gold Sein handed over. It could buy Chichiron several times over. ¡°What¡¯s this, sir?¡± ¡°Listen, Karin, Jagg¡­.¡± Names being listed. ¡°Do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡± The reason why Weiss could be Number Three of the Sein Family. Judging bybat power, one couldn¡¯t expect much from someone from Zone 10. ¡°I¡¯ve been taking care of it anyway. I¡¯ll definitely take care of it.¡± The guy¡¯s head spun pretty fast. ¡°And take this.¡± A small jewel was shining in Sein¡¯s hand. ¡°It¡¯s a processed mana stone.¡± ¡°¡­.?¡± Although he was smart, he couldn¡¯t figure out what he hadn¡¯t seen or heard of. ¡°It will allow you to use mana.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± Weiss, who understood Sein¡¯s words, finally opened his eyes wide. ¡°Is that¡­ possible?¡± ¡°If you have money, you can buy happiness or anything, eighty percent of it, Weiss.¡± Due to being born in the lowest quality Zone 10, the subordinates of the Sein Family, who inherently struggled to handle mana. The processed mana stone would make their mana denser and purer, enabling them to use mana. ¡°Sir.¡± Weiss, with a serious face, seemed to have made up his mind. ¡°Please take it.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°It¡¯s too much for Chichiron or someone like us. Since you are in a higher position, it would be better if you use it meaningfully.¡± This was one of the reasons why Weiss was Number Three. ¡°Cough, cough.¡± The suppressedughter of Sein. ¡°Hahaha!¡± Finally, it burst out. ¡°Hey, you idiot.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°If you want to take it, take it. Whatever I do¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s meaning in that.¡± Sein¡¯s words were clear. So shut up and follow. ¡°Chichiron is my domain. And this is not just about settling past debts.¡± If he wasn¡¯t from Zone 10. So if Sein thought he could exin this without a second thought, it wouldn¡¯t be the case. But Weiss had to understand. ¡°Make Chichiron the best in Zone 10. No, even more.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Chichiron is valuablend to me.¡± It wasn¡¯t about the homnd in the past. ¡°Hire mercenaries, request support from those I mention. And¡­¡± Sein said. ¡°Capture the fugitives.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Fugitives hiding in Chichiron. Sein saw their value. And there was value in Chichiron as well. ¡°Someday this ce will be the fulcrum.¡± ¡°Fulcrum?¡± ¡°You, bastard. I¡¯ll get you a tutor, so study.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡± Sein sighed and said. ¡°Chichiron will be the passage I use when heading to the Dark Zer. You brat.¡± * * * Borpeo, who had once been a candidate for Rasiel. ¡°I present the esteemed sessor candidate of the great Demorus.¡± The treatment upon his return to that ce was markedly different from just a short while ago. Under the leadership of Borpeo¡¯s lord, Remi, the lords¡¯ soldiers and knights knelt down, showing respect to Sein. Even though they belonged to the Holy Empire, it was only natural for them to show respect to the three Dark Families. The knights and soldiers were amazed. ¡°I knew you could do it, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be this quick.¡± Remy, who shed the veneer of pretense, poured wine and spoke. ¡°You don¡¯t beat around the bush when someone¡¯s missing. Do you have two lives?¡± ¡°You¡¯re putting on airs.¡± Remy chuckled and said, ¡°I already feel like I¡¯m walking on thin ice. Whatever happens, what¡¯s the difference.¡± But Remy¡¯splexion seemed better than before. ¡°There¡¯s a proposal from the New Empire. About entering the central area.¡± The Second District. In the New Empire¡¯s territory, those who could truly be called nobles and former royal families resided there. And the humans of the New Empire called it the central area. The Third District of the Dark Alley. The First District called the Holy Land. Because it was in the middle. ¡°It¡¯s thanks to you, Sein.¡± ¡°If you know¡­¡± The two conversed like old friends. ¡°Good luck from now on.¡± At Sein¡¯s following words, Remy¡¯s face froze in surprise. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what kind of hand you¡¯ve caught.¡± The transaction between them had ended, yet it had not. ¡°You didn¡¯t think you could escape by going to the center, did you?¡± Sein¡¯s yful voice sounded too eerie in Remy¡¯s ears. ¡°It would be good for you to think about your role even there.¡± Sein, who was once called the mad dog of Chiciron. He became the owner of the back alleys of Borfeo. He also controlled the business district of Antara and became a candidate for Rasiel. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll end up as the sessor?¡± He became the sessor candidate for Demorus. For Sein, what remained were two steps forward. ¡°As you gain more¡­¡± Rustle. ¡°You naturally be afraid of losing. So, remember that.¡± The sessor. And the head of the family. Chapter 75 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 75 When that dayes, Sein will rule as a greater presence with unrivaled power. ¡°I will remember¡­¡± Remy¡¯s tone changed. ¡°Hey, let¡¯s not talk like this between friends.¡± Sein said with a smile. With that, Sein, who was still just a sessor candidate, became the one who inserted a human into the center. As we move forward, turning Lemmy into the perfect subordinate. The next stop for Sein was the back alley where Deren was. ¡°Borf¨¦o haspletely be my territory.¡± As long as Sein doesn¡¯t die, the whole continent will acknowledge that Borf¨¦o belongs to Sein. ¡°From now on, Borf¨¦o¡¯s back alleys will be patrolled by outsiders.¡± ¡°Me, really?¡± Cyclops was taken aback by Sein¡¯s words. ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you like it?¡± Of course, he didn¡¯t. Thanks to Sein, Borf¨¦o held an overwhelmingly dominant position even in Zone 8. The flourishing business, trade with Antara, and even the asional confrontations with the nobles all implied theplete autonomy of the back alleys. To those who embraced the darkness, Borf¨¦o was nothing short of a mithril mine. ¡°And Deren ising with me.¡± Sein was now taking care of the tasks he had postponed as the heir apparent. ¨C Deren ising with me. Originally, the idea of leaving Deren in Borf¨¦o to rot was never considered. Deren was one of the treasures Sein possessed. Leaving Deren in Borf¨¦o was solely for the purpose of protecting her. Now that she had be Demorus¡¯s heir apparent, it was time to bring Deren back. ¨C Parfi will stay here. Furthermore, Sein had brought Parfi, Demorus¡¯s master cksmith, to Borf¨¦o this time. From Noble mtl dot -¡­ Parti seemed full of discontent. Having grown up in Zone 3, breathing clean air and eating good food, Borf¨¦o in Zone 8 must have seemed like hell to her. -Understood. However, she obeyed Sein¡¯s orders. Entering Sein¡¯s organization, Semoral, she vowed to endure any hardship and learn something from Sein. -Aaron, you take charge of teaching her. -But¡­ Aaron seemed extremely flustered. Teaching Demorus¡¯s master cksmith. That too. -You mean Parfen¡¯s granddaughter! Being mentioned as the granddaughter of Parfen, known as the greatest cksmith on the continent. Though Aaron had regained his determination and youth, for a moment he seemed to age again. ¡°Aaron¡¯s skill is iparable to Demorus¡¯s master cksmiths.¡± His skill was indeed remarkable, but it couldn¡¯t bepared to the continent¡¯s top ss. However, Aaron had his own uniqueness. Struggle and copse. To ovee that, they started from the bottom. In truth, there was a bigger reason than that. ¨C Extracting top-quality ore like in the upper districts of Borfeo. The reason Borfeo became a great city even in the 8th district is that the stored mineral resources were quite excellent. But Lord Remi of Borfeo would not know. Sneer. That there were minerals deep underground in Borfeo that they had not yet discovered. It was something that could be felt due to the many experiences and skills possessed by the Sein. Yet, it was something they had not yet revealed to anyone. ¡°Who would have known.¡± That Orharcon, which received a unique grade evaluation as a mineral itself, was buried deep underground in Borfeo. ¡°Been a while since we traveled together?¡± ¡°An honor, Captain.¡± Sein set out on the road again with Deren. And where they arrived was. ¡°Open the gate! Lord Demorus is approaching!¡± Antara. It was thest city touched by Sein. The experienced guards of Antara did not dare to block Lord Demorus¡¯s carriage. From the moment the carriage was seen in the distance, they had the gate open and ready. Swish. Before leaving for Chichiron, Sein had sent Sesil ahead to Antara. Entering Antara like that. ¡°Nice.¡± Tarrian firmly held the business district, and Oltomeo was once again spreading its wings here. It seemed to have undergone greater changes and developments than before, perhaps due to Sein¡¯s touch. Swoosh. The groom tried to rise, but Sein raised his hand to stop him. ¡°Wee back to Antara, Sein Heir Candidate.¡± The man who approached the carriage and bowed his head was familiar. ¡°Long time no see, Dokjong.¡± Palu. It was none other than the low-ranking intelligence officer of Oltomeo who had not shown respect even when pped like a dog. ¡°Looking good?¡± ¡°Heh. All thanks to you, Sein. It was unfair to be pped back then, but thanks to that, I¡¯m here now.¡± It seemed Palu had been promoted through several experiences with Sein. He now held the role of Sein¡¯s exclusive contact point at Oltomeo, a position that seemed to rival Oltomeo¡¯s chief, Britz. ¡°Britz must be jealous.¡± ¡°He has also been promoted. Of course, thanks to you, Sein.¡± ¡°So.¡± Sein¡¯s voice remained the same, but his eyes sank. ¡°Why have youe all the way here?¡± ¡°Shikchungi-nim has been kidnapped.¡± * * * Shikchungi. A term referring to Cecile. It was Palu who first suggested it after seeing Sein use it several times. ¨C Shall we use that as the code name? Sein agreed, thinking it wasn¡¯t a bad idea, and from then on, in Otomeo, Cecile was referred to as Shikchungi. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Barus.¡± ¡°No pleasantries.¡± Barus, the top aide of Tarion, said, bowing deeply. His demeanor spoke volumes. As if he had been through fierce battles, his clothes were all torn apart. ¡°Recovery?¡± ¡°Not yet.¡± Even with his bishop-level sanctity, wounds that refused to heal lingered on him. ¡°You as well.¡± At Sein¡¯s words, Barus bowed even deeper. ¡°Location?¡± Sein spoke towards Palu, seemingly indifferent. ¡°We are tracking it, seems to be in Anshik.¡± ¡°Cross or those guys.¡± Why do they keep hiding there? Well, the reasons are quite obvious, aren¡¯t they? ¡°What about what we discussed before?¡± Sein asked Barus. ¡°They have been selected.¡± Barus, who posed as a ve trader. His influence, already substantial at the top, grew even more thanks to Sein. Especially after the events in Contra, where he profited greatly from the demon incident, he had expanded his influence not only in Antara but in other regions as well. Sein had told him something. ¨C Buy all the ves with speaking abilities. ves. ¨C Even those who havepleted their education. What Sein desired in Antara were people. Barus was in the process of gathering the people Sein wanted. ¡°¡­Sein-nim. He¡¯s not an easy opponent.¡± Varus spoke in a cautious voice. ¡°You must move right away. The Saint is in danger¡­.¡± But Varus closed his mouth, looking at the yawning face of Sein. Distant. Varus clenched his teeth. Was the Saint¡¯s value to Sein really only this much? Despite knowing that, he had epted the proposal. ¡°Hey. Look at your expression.¡± It was indeed somewhat resentful to know that was the only way out. Thud! Varus hit his head on the ground and said, ¡°She is as precious as my life!¡± The girl entrusted to Sein, who was practically his father. And it was Varus who took care of everything about that girl and spent the most time with her. In essence, a presence no different from a father. -Dad. In fact, when Cecile, who suffered from aphasia, first spoke to Varus, that was what she said. ¡°Please! I will obey all your orders in the future! I will do anything! Save the Saint¡­! Save Cecile!¡± Knowing his position, Varus simply begged. ¡°Hey.¡± Sein said to Varus. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± * * * Cecile kidnapped by gangsters. It was obvious who that force was. And where they had hidden afterwards was also the same. ¡°Not bad.¡± The Inquisition interrogator, the Iron Cross Knights, had been annihted by Sein. However, the Inquisition interrogators in the temple were not the only ones, and among the temple forces, there were others who remained and targeted Cecile. The situation where the presence of the Saint had already been revealed. ¡°How many times?¡± ¡°This is the second time.¡± The second time since the Iron Cross. The previous time was well blocked on Varus¡¯s side, but this time seemed different. The front of the copsed sanctuary. The sacred magic circle spread there, preventing outsiders from entering. Pazhit! Pajizhit! A mid-level sacred magic circle that would bring divine punishment if touched by an unauthorized person. ¡°Here.¡± Sein sighed as he looked at it. ¡°With the authority of a bishop, how can you not handle this as well?¡± Barus just nodded at Sein¡¯s words. It was inevitable. The temple¡¯s power,pletely divided, could only lead to their own destruction; there was no continuation for them. ¡°I will send you the materials rted to the sacred magic circle, study them.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Sein said so, slowly taking out Bastion and cing it on the sacred magic circle. The magic circle that had not allowed any approach until now. Crackle! In an instant, it vanished and disappeared. ¡°¡­!¡± Barus looked at the sight in astonishment. ¡°Saintline.¡± Saintline. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the temple¡¯s magic barrier?¡± ¡°They are the only ones who use this kind of magic structure.¡± Sein took the lead as Barus and Tarian¡¯s forces finally entered the sanctuary. In the distance. ¡°The Holy Sword must be here!¡± A voice was heard. ¡°The maiden can find it!¡± ¡°Though the sanctuary has crumbled, the Holy Sword cannot be destroyed!¡± Voices pleading. Their desperation was palpable. ¡°If only we find the Holy Sword¡­.¡± ¡°Oh, maiden. Please believe in us, not the false ones.¡± Voices praying towards the sanctuary. Sigh. If noughteres out, it must be false. Each of their words. ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous.¡± Indeed, it was ridiculous. ¡°Who are these people!¡± ¡°How did they break through the sacred seven barriers?¡± The look of surprise and confusion was priceless. ¡°You!¡± Even the reaction shown towards Barus. Someone who once ran away after defeat had made it all the way here. In front of them stood a stranger. ¡°¡­!¡± d in ck attire, with a pattern drawn on the chest. ¡°Demorus!¡± It seemed they thought Barus had brought Demorus along. Those who had just been kneeling and pleading towards the sanctuary moments ago. ng! Thrusting the sword towards the sanctuary while embracing it. ¡°Don¡¯te any closer!¡± Intimidation. ¡°If youe near, I¡¯ll slit the saint¡¯s throat.¡± Initially, they wouldn¡¯t have seen the sanctuary as a saint. They probably viewed it as evidence to gather the power of the temple. Facing death and willing to abandon everything to save their own lives. ¡°Well, this is a mess.¡± Though it¡¯s an inappropriate statement as one of the causes of the mess, what can be done? ¡°Are you here to find the Holy Sword?¡± ¡°¡­! How did you know?¡± Chapter 76 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 76 ¡°Here, this is the Holy Sword you seek.¡± Sein said, casually gripping and shaking Bastion. The confusion and greed reflected in the eyes. ¡°And¡­.¡± However, Sein¡¯s voice had not finished yet. ¡°How long are you going to keep this up, you pests?¡± At that moment, for the first time, the sanctuary reacted. ¡°Pests, how long are you going to keep this up?¡± Sein spoke towards the sanctuary. Then, the sanctuary, which had been like an emotionless doll until now, finally reacted. ¡°So that¡¯s why kids these days¡­ Do you want to burst?¡± In response to Sein¡¯s words, the sanctuary puffed up its cheeks. ¡°What are you doing right now¡­¡± Everyone was taken aback by the banter between the two, as if they were alone. ¡°Enough with the jokes. I can make you unable to chew bones for the rest of your life.¡± It was that moment. ¡°Blood.¡± The gaze of the girl, who had filled her cheeks with air, changed. Whoosh! A fountain of blood burst out. ¡°¡­?¡± No one could easilyprehend the sudden turn of events. From Noble mtl dot But they had to realize. A swaying. That a beautiful girl with a well-crafted pair of daggers was swinging in front of them. Yet the price of noticing it toote was. Whoosh! Losing one¡¯s precious head. ¡°Uh¡­!¡± Even though momentarily flustered, the experienced elites hastily cast their sacred shields. ¡°You fools.¡± Seeing their reaction, Sein clicked his tongue. ¡°Have you forgotten who your opponent is?¡± Swish! The moment Sesil¡¯s daggers made contact, the sacred shield shattered into pieces. The sanctity of the saint and the maiden was purer and more powerful than anything else. Something wielded with the same sanctity could crush with force. Swoosh! Sesil moved like a cat. One by one. ¡°Die¡­.¡± They had to shout as they watched their fallingrades. ¡°Kill her!¡± They had to eliminate the maiden who was their target. ¡°What have you done to the maiden!¡± They shouted and shouted while watching Sesil rampage as if possessed. ¡°What have you done to the maiden-!¡± The maiden, who should have been nobler and more dignified than anyone, cutting down Angel¡¯s followers. Her treacherous act shook everything to the core. Yet Sein, the protagonist who caused this situation, merely flicked his ear as if annoyed. ¡°Why are you babbling nonsense without even believing you¡¯re real maidens?¡± ¡°Such¡­.¡± ¡°People who don¡¯t even know what maidens or saints are from the start.¡± In reality, Zandark, also known as the maiden, stood at the forefront and ughtered enemies. The maidens and saints in the Sanctuary were no different. Those who must stand at the forefront of the battlefield, receiving the greatest power. It was a statement that they were not beings who should hide alone in the depths of the temple seeking protection. Whoosh! The urate term for them. ¡°Is that guy the Angel¡¯s killing machine?¡± They felt deep despair in Sein¡¯s smile. From the very beginning, they were magical flyers, so it was absurd for them to confront Sessil without their magic. Finally, when the enemies could be counted on one hand. ¡°Stop.¡± Sessil, who was ughtering under Sein¡¯smand, stopped in his tracks. Thud. Approaching the cruel scene, Sein handed something to Sessil. ¡°Just five minutes.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± If Barus knew that the candy in his hand was not made of sweet sugar but of Rich¡¯s bones, what kind of reaction would he show? ¡°Please spare me!¡± Saintri fell to his knees, begging. ¡°Are you guys really Saintri? It doesn¡¯t seem like you used to be like this in the past.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Anyway.¡± Sein crouched down and ced his hand on the heart of the one begging for his life. Thud. His hand went in like splitting a tofu. ¡°Argh!¡± For a moment, writhing in pain, Sein withdrew his hand, holding something shiny and bead-like. ¡°As expected.¡± They were not magical flyers. Just fakes made to mimic them. ¡°It seems the temple is finally going to start moving in earnest.¡± Muttering words that even they couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°Barus, take them and extract every piece of information from them, both true and false.¡± Their fate was sealed. ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°And Palu.¡± ¡°Yes, Sein!¡± Thed who once endured beatings without raising his voice now looked at Sein with shining eyes, nodding vigorously. ¡°It¡¯s a task.¡± ¡°Just tell me.¡± ¡°Spread rumors until Othomeo¡¯s hand reaches.¡± If they were going to start moving in earnest, he, too, had to follow suit. ¡°The Virgin is in Demorus.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°Sein has secured the Virgin in Demorus.¡± Palu, startled, trembled. He had indeed been promoted, showing an ability to assess the value of information. ¡°Othomeo will follow the organization¡¯s fate with Sein, convey that.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re going to do that, make yourself more useful.¡± With that, the parasitic kidnapping incident came to a close. * * * ¡°Send them to Rasiel.¡± In line were boys and girls. There were not a few young men, and asionally there were those who seemed elderly. Sein was in the process of selecting them. ¡°These ones are for Dante.¡± With a sweep of his white hair, he directed each one where to go. ¡°You¡¯ve heard it, but you are no longer ves.¡± It was a result they all voluntarily chose. They who were once ves could now be free. ¡°Who must they pledge allegiance to?¡± ¡°To Lord Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± To those who had to worry about just today, he gave them a future. Loyalty obtained in exchange. It was uncertain how far that loyalty would go, but further education would follow. ¡°Make sure the fees are received from the buyers, Barus.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll see to it.¡± Barus sorted through the gathered ves. ¡°Raise these ones in Antara as much as possible, then divide and send them to Borfeo and Chichiron.¡± How much was it that one of them was worth, just a few gold coins? Though they were worth nothing more than snacks for the central nobility. ¡°Perhaps because it¡¯s their first time, the quality seems quitecking. Still, there might be some usable ones.¡± The story was different if used by someone who recognized their value. What Sein had told Barus was about their physical characteristics. Or¡­ ¡°It should still work fine, right?¡± A magical tool created with Arin¡¯s help by Sein. A kind of cheat item that did not exist in Sanctuary. An item outside the grading system that allowed yers to assess the potential and affinity of magic using Sanctuary¡¯s system. ¡°If you¡¯re referring to the Scouter, I have enough magic stones supplied to charge it without interruption.¡± It was akin to the one in aic where gathering six baseballs granted wishes. ¡°Good.¡± With just that, one could invest in achieving maximum efficiency. ¡°And¡­¡± Before Sein stood an old man with a bent waist. The drool dripping from the corner of his mouth and his vacant eyes were evidence that the old man was not in his right mind. ¡°I will take this one to Demorus.¡± ¡°Are you serious?¡± Barus asked. ¡°I did ask you to find him, but¡­¡± Even the scouters couldn¡¯t find anything special about the old man. Except for one thing, a peculiar mark on his fingernail. ¡°I have found what I was looking for.¡± I can¡¯t believe I found it so quickly. Undoubtedly, receiving the news of the active ve market in Antara was a move of the gods. * * * Havingpleted all his errands, Sein returned to Demorus. Sein¡¯s dwelling in Demorus was a small castle named Castle of Misery. -It¡¯s a nickname given due to the unfortunate fate of the former lords. Though a ce everyone avoided, it suited Sein¡¯s heart. Close to the forge yet distant from nature, his own sanctuary. ¡°Everyone, leave.¡± At Sein¡¯smand, the servants, the chambein, Deren who had tagged along as a self-appointed bodyguard, even Roberta, vacated their seats. Now, what remained was¡­ ¡°This is serious.¡± Sein and the old man brought from Antara. Sein ced his hand on the old man¡¯s shoulder and infused him with magic. ¡°Ugh, ugh.¡± The old man groaned in agony. Barus had heard that the old man was found in the slums of Zone 9. Rescued by ve hunters among the street trash. Not in his right mind and an aged body, his market value was nothing, but they thought, perhaps a dark sorcerer or the like might have a need for him, so they brought him in. From their perspective, even if they received just a single silver coin, it would be a gain. But they were mistaken. ¡°A single silver coin?¡± A smile crept onto Sein¡¯s lips. ¡°Ridiculous.¡± If one truly understood his value, they wouldn¡¯t utter such nonsense. The old man¡¯s worth was something that couldn¡¯t be measured in money. ¡°Ugh, ugh, ugh! Ugh!¡± The revtion of this secret urred five years after the release of the game Chutuary. The fact that there was a secret undiscovered for five years in a game enjoyed by millions was astonishing. Some called it a bug, while others referred to it as a developer¡¯s Easter egg. Of course, as always, the developers didn¡¯t spare any effort on this. However, what¡¯s important is. Whoa! This is a story about something. Something that humans can never create, something only a god can create. Whoaaaa! As magic was infused, and that magic flowed through the old man¡¯s body in a specific pattern, a blue light began to pour out of the old man¡¯s body, filling the room. And soon, something amazing happened. Crackle! Pop! Gold began to appear on the old man¡¯s skin and flesh. It was something that could never be called human. Pop! Because of this, at one point, the survival of several yers was in jeopardy. Due to not knowing the conditions precisely, experimentation was necessary. The name of this treasure that had to be pursued at the cost of ruining a life was. ¡°Awaken. Ego.¡± Ego Item. Growing and evolving. An item that contained a whole life within itself. Boom! An explosion of light urred. If there had been a window, or even a crack in the door, the light that escaped might have filled the entire desperate castle with such intense light that it could have blinded eyes unustomed to it. If unprepared, it could have blinded one¡¯s eyes. Within that. Thud. The old man¡¯s figure vanished into thin air, and something was left in the hands of the sage. It was an extraordinary ring. But the sage knew what this was. ¡°Lucky me.¡± He couldn¡¯t help but feel satisfied. ¡°A thief has appeared.¡± Ego. A term meaning self, used tomunicate intentions or refer to evolutionary equipment that grows alongside yers. But Ego in the context of survival was different. Existing for five years before even being discovered, it was an item that held a self. No. Swoosh. An item that encapsted a life. The sage¡¯s figure faded away into a blur. Magic did not escape, and the flow of magic did not ur within Sein¡¯s body. Chapter 77 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 77 Hmm. A shining ring. -Thief. It was this ring that held the life of a thief. ¡°I can only manage basic concealment for now.¡± Even for a level 30 Sanguinary, not everyone in Sanguinary had a level cap of 30. -Over Level. Transcendents like Demorus¡¯ leader, Tejera, with over-level capabilities. Even in Sanguinary, where one could infinitely surpass the level cap, there were chosen ones who excelled. -Demons, boss monsters. Just as there were beings born with power exceeding their level, there were many who possessed strength surpassing the limits of levels in Sanguinary. yers could face them with the power of reincarnation, special abilities, and past stats, but¡­ -Ego. There was also an option to grow stronger with the power of special equipment like Ego. For Sein, this was thest chance, the final reincarnation of life. ¡°I must do everything I can.¡± Watching Tejera, unmatched by the past, Sein felt the need to push himself further. From Noble mtl dot ¡°To gain experience even as a thief, I¡¯ll have to endure for a while.¡± Ego shares the yer¡¯s experience points. Knowing this made Ego special, yet many yers refrained from using it. For them, ¡®Because there was no cheat.¡¯ Even acquiring awakening skills was tough with the Jumadeung, let alone sharing experience points with Ego, which could lead to not gaining awakening skills until the end of one¡¯s life. However, Sein maximized the abilities of Jumadeung through cheats, making it a real life without limits. ¡°I should reward you this time.¡± In the future, he would actively consider hiring Ego. A dagger in hand. Shwick! The stab felt different from before. Pang! Even the sound of arrows shot from a small short bow sounded different. This was Ego, a special benefit of life. A Sanguinary system that granted additional effects to abilities rted to life. As Sein smiled satisfactorily after many experiments. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Sein asked towards the shadow that had suddenly appeared. Perio, Sein¡¯s loyal follower. ¡°If I have disturbed you, I apologize sincerely.¡± Perio bowed deeply towards Sein as he spoke. ¡°However, as it was something that needed to take precedence above all else, Imitted a breach of etiquette.¡± The most prioritized matter in Demorus. ¡°Sir, a mission has been assigned to you.¡± Finally. ¡°Your first mission.¡± The first mission to undertake upon entering the main residence. It was the beginning of the achievements to be umted as a sessor candidate. * * * The Shadow Guild did anything. As long as it brought them some benefit. It could be money, power, or anything else. Especially. ¡°Oh! Wee!¡± The usual involvement of the Shadow Guild was in conflicts in neutral zones. From Zone 5 with Lasciel, there were quite a few neutral zones that could be considered within the Empire¡¯s territory. Those were ces that, due to the ck-and-white agreement between the Shadow Guild and the Empire in the past, could not be considered as the Shadow Guild¡¯s territory. However, exerting influence was still possible. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to have the esteemed Sir visit.¡± The Lord of Kamalli in Zone 5 warmly weed the Sir. But the Sir couldn¡¯t help but notice the disappointment hidden in a corner of the Lord¡¯s eyes. Sigh. It was expected. The Sir¡¯s reputation was on the rise. Rumors about the Sir were spreading in the central region and the Shadow Guild, thanks to the support of Lasciel and Dante. But no matter how much it was, the Sir was still a candidate. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend to be pleased.¡± In the 100-year history of Demorus, there had never been a candidate-born head of the family. Those who ced their hopes on candidates were mostly opportunists aiming for a reversal of fortune or petty nobles who wouldn¡¯t even consider associating with someone from the main family. Even the candidates being bound by magical contracts in the mission received from Lasciel was such a case. What they hoped for was for the candidates to rise to a certain position of responsibility in Demorus, not to be the head of the family. ¡°If you wanted to see the other siblings, you should have paid more, shouldn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Haha. What are you saying.¡± Although he pretended otherwise, the Lord couldn¡¯t hide the difort in a corner of his demeanor. He must be thinking like this. ¡®This is why those candidates-born kids are¡­¡¯ Ignorant ones who hadn¡¯t learned the manners of the main family. Just mere pawns to glorify the main family. But nheless, bing a sessor candidate was nothing short of a promise of a high position in Demorus. ¡°I have prepared a party for the Lord.¡± Maintaining a friendly rtionship with them was something they had nothing to lose from their perspective. ¡°If the Lord graces us with his presence and brightens the asion¡­¡± ¡°Bothersome.¡± Sein interjected, scratching his ear. ¡°Derren, Roberta.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Go and check out this party or whatever it is. Sending them should be sufficient, right?¡± It seemed like a vein was about to pop on the smiling lord¡¯s forehead. ¡°But¡­¡± Something that had happened before. He must have paid a sum of money just to consider attending the party. ¡°But what ¡®buts¡¯ are you talking about? He must have said he didn¡¯t want to go, right?¡± Sein now had the authority to ignore it all. ¡°Well, then, I suppose there¡¯s nothing else to be done.¡± The lord eventually retreated. There might have been many things he wanted to say, but no matter what, a lord from Zone 5 like De Moreus couldn¡¯t afford to provoke a sessor candidate from Zone 5. ¡°Well then, restfortably.¡± Leaving with a smile until the end, whether that was truly professional or rather pitiful. Regardless, such matters were not Sein¡¯s concern. Tsk. The more they tried to push Sein, the more frustrated they became. Despite cursing Sein¡¯s impertinence, it was human nature to covet what they couldn¡¯t have. If one day Sein were to extend a helping hand. ¡°T-Thank you!¡± Bowing deeply, expressing genuine gratitude, that was who they were. It was a way to elevate their own worth. ¡°It¡¯s just the beginning, so shall we drive the wedge?¡± Glorious achievements. It would serve as a signal announcing the start of Sein¡¯s session candidacy. The task Sein had been given this time was a territorial dispute. The territory battle between Zone 5¡¯s Carmil and Zone 5¡¯s Tonba. It was said to begin with a sh of emotions between the two lords. ¡°ording to the information we¡¯ve gathered, the lords of Carmil and Tonba are known to have a deep bond.¡± An informant from Othomeo ryed to Sein. Despite Othomeo¡¯s declining influence, it was said to extend to Zone 5. While Paluga imed to be his exclusive gateway, entry into the upper zones was still not permitted. ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon!¡± Was she going through that procedure? ¡°In reality, there is no reason for the Territory War.¡± Sein nodded at the information agent¡¯s words. ¡°It seems they just wanted to have fun.¡± From Zone 5 onwards, apletely different world unfolded. A region iparable to the lower zones, with a stable political situation. That¡¯s why the exhausted Lords asionally engage in y. ¡°Yes. This Territory War seems like a game.¡± A game yed with human lives. ¡°Moreover, it¡¯s an opportunity to form alliances with the Underworld.¡± The Territory War is entertainment. And the events that unfold during it are politics. ¡°I feel like we¡¯re in a dog-eat-dog world.¡± It was obvious what was toe. In sync with the start signal from the Lords, they engage in a full-scale battle. When the soldiers¡¯ blood is spilled and the heat of battle rises. ¡°It¡¯s time.¡± They release the factors of the Underworld they¡¯ve summoned with money and power. That alone sparks a fight over who has summoned the greater entity. And once a certain level of battle is reached, they retreat by agreement to determine the oue. That¡¯s why this was a true game in essence. Where spilled blood and scattered money are not considered. ¡°What about over there?¡± An introduction from Tonba¡¯s side. ¡°He¡¯s the youngest of the Immortal Family.¡± A ce where Sein also has ties. ¡°Shame. Tsk.¡± Sein expressed genuine disappointment. ¡°Fetch that Jaegar kid.¡± In this Territory War, a warrior could be someone from the same lineage. After all, the eptance of a mission is up to the individuals. If Jaegar had shown up. Snick. It wouldn¡¯t have been a problem to slit his throat. Because this was a mission. ¡°You need not worry.¡± The information agent spoke to Sein. ¡°The Immortal Family¡¯s lineage is different from Demorus¡¯¡­¡± ¡°Hey.¡± At that moment, the chilly voice of Sein was heard. ¡°Don¡¯t cross the line.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The startled informant opened his eyes wide. ¡°Answer only what is asked. Don¡¯t unnecessarily delve into the subject.¡± ¡°Sorry, sorry¡­.¡± ¡°Lucky you.¡± Ping. Sein flicked his finger and handed thed a Demoras gold coin. A coin far more valuable than the usual gold coins. ¡°You¡¯ll have to see quite a bit of blood from now on. Endure it.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Name.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t make me ask twice.¡± The informant lowered his head and replied. ¡°I am Kiroz, affiliated with the 5th District Otolmeo Headquarters.¡± ¡°Report everything that happened today promptly. I¡¯ll check next time.¡± ¡°I will keep it in mind.¡± ¡°Get lost.¡± At Sein¡¯s words, the informant vanished like a shadow. ¡°Phew, Otolmeo is quite a distance away.¡± The informant might have wanted to change his specialized desk or something, appearing so conspicuous like that. Well, the important thing wasn¡¯t the foot soldiers but the brains, so after seeing how things go today, he could decide whether to stick with Otolmeo or not. ¡°By the way, Yuhi?¡± Grin. Sein smiled as he looked ahead. There stood Tonba, one of the protagonists of this Territory War. Hmm. Darkness descended over the city protected by a barrier. The barrier not only kept the darkness at bay but also kept out unwee guests. Breaking through the barrier of such a city was an incredibly difficult task. Tap, tap, tap, tap! Sein was leaping over the boundary of that barrier. ¡°How long has it been since Lasciel.¡± Different barrier structures in each district. Lasciel, where Sein had spent a long time, was in the 5th District. The essence of magic, the structure of spells, and such things. Zing. It wasn¡¯t difficult for Sein, who possessed the Dragon Heart. In a world where dragons were said to be the origin of all magic, known as the master of magic. Sein had already deciphered the boundaries of Paine, a city with Rashiel. Even if they were in the same Fifth Zone, the boundaries wouldn¡¯t be exactly the same. Snap! Once one was deciphered, it was rtively easy to apply it to a certain extent. Sein, surging past the walls. The crucial part was to breach a small point in the barrier while ensuring the Lord of the barrier wouldn¡¯t notice. Zizz! As Sein touched the barrier, a blue light shimmered and began to spread. In the darkness of the night consumed by shadows, Sein¡¯s golden eyes shone even brighter. From now on, he would use the special abilities of the Dragon, earned through training with Rashiel¡¯s candidates and Hell, especially the Prince. More urately, it could be called the Dragon¡¯s special ability. ¡°Dispel.¡± Magic destruction. Still not fully matured, and different from when it was a game, so there were difficulties in using it. But this was akin to the abilities of a Dragon, known as the master of magic. Eeing! In the end, Sein seeded in creating a small hole in Tonba¡¯s barrier. Sein plummeted without hesitation. Ego, the moment the thief emitted light. Thud. Sein treaded the ground as if he were a cat. ¡°Comforting.¡± There were restrictions when using skills unrted to his life. But by using Ego, not only did those restrictions disappear, but he could also utilize specialized abilities. Chapter 78 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 78 Sein¡¯s silhouette blurred. Stomp. He slowly paced through Tonba¡¯s streets. Bubble, bubble. Despite it beingte at night, along with the decent security of the Fifth Zone. ¡°Another territorial battle?¡± ¡°How many more will die this time?¡± Those who couldn¡¯t sleep, worrying about the impending territorial battle. Stomp. Tonba Castle, where Sein had arrived without realizing, had apletely different atmosphere from the streets. ¡°Hahaha!¡± A loudughter echoed even outside the castle walls. From Noble mtl dot The shadows flickering in the bright light seemed to indicate how deeply they were indulging in pleasure. Sain walked on. He understood what the lord of Carmille, who had hired him, wanted. And he knew that it was a pact of ck and white that usually came down to the same meaning. ¡°So?¡± Now a habit, talking to oneself. ¡°So, what do they want?¡± Grin. Should he do as they wish just because they want it? No. From the outset, what they wanted from him was Carmille¡¯s victory in the territorial war. Various ways to win in the territorial war. ¡°Stop.¡± Sain was only trying to provide the fastest and surest way among them. The guards of the castle who stopped Sain. Most of those who came to the castle were noble, and Sain¡¯s appearance made him seem noble, so they showed respect. ¡°Have youe to the party?¡± Tonba was the same. Calling upon the Immortal lineage, mingling with him at the party every day to build a rtionship. ¡°Yeah.¡± Sain said with a bright smile. ¡°Right.¡± * * * ¡°You¡¯re a bitte.¡± The guard, upon Sain¡¯s exnation ofing to the party, rxed. Indeed, at this hour, there was no oneing to the lord¡¯s castle unless it was for the party. ¡°May I know your name and lineage?¡± The guard asked. ¡°Or you can show the invitation. I understand it might be annoying, but we do have procedures.¡± ¡°Procedures, important.¡± Sain rummaged in his bosom. And then. Thud! The dagger that flew from Sain¡¯s bosom lodged between the two guards¡¯ brows. ¡°This is my procedure.¡± The fallen guards. Sain could enter the castle by avoiding them. It was far from perfect. But this was the reality at hand. Everything moves like a system, in a world that values mutual promises. It may seem ideal, but not for those outside that system. ¡°I was going to skip the party because it¡¯s a hassle.¡± Just then, guards were approaching from a distance, ready for the shift change. Thud! Thwock! More daggers thrown by Sein struck them between the eyes. ¡°You can¡¯t resist a party like this, can you?¡± From the 5th zone onwards, the moonlight struck distinctly. Amidst it, Sein smiled and proceeded. ¡°Huh? Who¡¯s there?¡± Even the guards patrolling the zone. Thud! ¡°Lost your way?¡± Even the approaching knight, kindly. ¡°Ugh!¡± Sein treated them all equally. It was regrettable. To see such kind individuals easily perish at the hands of a viin like himself. ¡°Damned¡­.¡± But who would know. Perhaps these kind souls had their own vile secrets. And to some, they might have been unknown entities like themselves. ¡°Intruder¡­!¡± So, there was only one thing he could do. ¡°I¡¯ll treat you fairly.¡± The knight shouted upon discovering the bodies. Unaware that it was Sein¡¯s trap, the startled victims met their demise. Yet, others who heard the noise were approaching this ce. Perhaps that was Sein¡¯s trap as well. Thud thud thud thwock! Daggersunched from the traps embedded themselves in the knights¡¯ and guards¡¯ throats and foreheads. ng! Among them was one who deflected the dagger. Swish! It only prolonged their life by a few seconds; they couldn¡¯t evade Sein¡¯s approaching de. ¡°What a waste, it would have been easier if you were an assassin, not a thief.¡± If the ego Sein found this time had been an assassin, things might have been simpler. But the ego was just a means to assist himself. ¡°Intruder!¡± Sein didn¡¯t care if it was absent. Among the abundant corpses, the torches in the castle finally began to illuminate. Rumble, rumble. The once joyful party quickly turned into chaos. Chuckle. Seinughed amidst it all. Those living in peace would never understand. The intensity and fear. ¡°Who goes there!¡± He spoke towards Sein, surrounded by knights. ¡°Don¡¯t know and asking?¡± Sein was met with a sense of disbelief instead. ¡°You¡¯re in the midst of a war. Who do you think sent me?¡± Swoosh. He drew his longsword. ¡°Karmil?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± sh! Sein¡¯s silhouette vanished like lightning, appearing before the bewildered eyes of the vice-captain of the knights. ¡°They call me Sein of Demorus, Demorus.¡± Swish! The vice-captain had no choice but to sumb to the unexpected attack. * * * It was a fact that the higher one went, the higher the standard became. The amount and quality of magic possessed differed, as did the equipment provided. But one thing was certain. There might be monsters in the upper levels, but that was it. Thud, thud. Most were rookies immersed in peace,cking even proper experience, ording to the knights of Tonba. Around level 50. Among the knights, there were quite a few skilled individuals beyond experts. Moreover, they¡­ Whoom! Could effectively wield aura, even controlling its intensity. But that was all. ¡°Gah!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± Theirck of experience was ring. With a good sword in hand, what could one do? Not knowing the proper way or courage to wield it. What would a soldier who had been raised at great expense do? ¡°Help, save me!¡± ¡°Run away!¡± If one is paralyzed by fear and unable to do anything, they might as well be no different from a civilian. But what if they were to aim higher? The standard in Zone 5 was precisely that. A saint who had entered the castle alone. ¡°Stop!¡± The one to halt him. ¡°Who¡­ told you to stop him!¡± Since there was no one there. Blood was pouring. Though the saint advanced slowly, there was no one to dy his steps. ¡°¡­This!¡± Even for them, it was an unprecedented situation. ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be happening here!¡± An ambush and assassination attempt in the war against Carmel, of all ces. In an unimaginable situation, consumed by fear, shouting out in frustration was all they could do. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± The saint treated them all fairly. At that moment, a ck sphere approached right in front of the saint. Slowly raising his sword, he cleaved it in two. Boom! The ck sphere exploded, spewing mes more intense than all the torches in the castlebined. ¡°Dark Ball.¡± A form of dark magic, merely a basic offensive spell, but the quantity and quality of magic contained within, coupled with a slight form distortion, led to this oue. Whoosh! Arge ze erupted where the saint stood, illuminating the castle brightly. ¡°Lord Brando! Please be careful! The whole castle might burn down at this rate!¡± Finally, he appeared. ¡°Hah, and you¡¯re making such remarks even after seeing that? Behold.¡± Two men, followed by people and knights trembling with fear, were there. ¡°He didn¡¯t even flinch after taking my Dark Ball head-on.¡± In the ze, the unharmed saint stood. ¡°There must be a mistake! Lord Campesji wouldn¡¯t stoop to such deeds!¡± Lord Campesji, the ruler of Carmel. And the man was the Lord of Tonba. That was what he said. That this territorial battle was just a game, with no intention of truly harming each other. ¡°Is it really from Carmil that you received this?¡± Even in this situation, the Lord of Tonbar shouted. He must trust the young man by his side, Brando. After all, he was the youngest of the three Immortals summoned by the Lord of Tonbar. ¡°Just¡­¡± At that moment, Brando frowned and said to the Lord of Tonbar. ¡°Silence.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°If you dare utter another word in this state of mind, be it about the mission or whatever, I¡¯ll start with you, burning you from the inside out.¡± Gulp. Brando must have given him a hard time for a few days. Given Brando¡¯s reaction, it was no wonder he was surprised. But Brando, seemingly unfazed, raised two Dark Balls in his hands and approached Sein, saying, ¡°Are you Sein Demorus?¡± ¡°Are you Sein Demorus?¡± Even at this moment, the Dark Balls floating in his hands were absorbing Brando¡¯s magic, enhancing their destructive power. ¡°I heard the rumors that Carmil summoned the sessor candidate of Demorus from you.¡± Brando was rxed. ¡°He¡¯s said to be the first genius in Demorus¡¯ history to receive simultaneous support from Rasiel and Dante.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Those who were unaware of this fact widened their eyes. They realized that Sein in front of them was more formidable than they had thought. ¡°But what in the world is going on here?¡± Brando¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Are you disregarding the rules of engagement?¡± It was no secret that this was a game for the lords. Such incidents weremon, where they would enjoy themselves while gaining some benefits; there was no need to escte matters unnecessarily. ¡°Hey.¡± Finally, Sein spoke. ¡°Who do you think you are to talk to me?¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°What makes a mere Immortal¡¯s trash like you think you can speak to the sessor candidate of Demorus?¡± Of course, Immortals also decide on sessors. But their methods were not the same as Demorus¡¯. ¡°No.¡± They did not share the bloodline. ¡°How dare a non-human creature like you speak to me?¡± They are created. At that moment. The dark ball of Brando spewed even darker mes. ¡°Demorus¡¯s sessor candidate, daring to cross the line¡­¡± With a flushed face, uncertain if it was anger or embarrassment, Brando spoke. ¡°Regret¡­.¡± But Brando couldn¡¯t continue his words. Shoaa! A tiny crack forming in the dark ball he held. And the face of Sain right in front of his nose. ¡°Hey.¡± The youngest in the Immortal family, the child of darkness createdst. His skills could rival a master¡¯s. Chapter 79 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 79 But he was different from those designated as sessor candidates. ¡°Peperonga or whatever got beaten badly by me and ran away.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± Unbelieving faces. There might be questions they wanted to ask, but they couldn¡¯t. Puff-puff-puff-puff-puff-boom! From Noble mtl dot The dark ball split by Sain erupted and exploded. ¡°Aaargh!¡± In an instant, Tonba¡¯s castle anger turned into a sea of fire. He had been gathering strength to target Sain, but the explosion, born out of lost control, was a disaster. Those who were reveling and ying like madmen. ¡°G-gurk, g-guurg¡­.¡± ¡°Gyaaargh!¡± They screamed with ck mes all over their bodies. ¡°What¡¯s happening¡­! Uwaaaah!¡± Tonba¡¯s lord was no exception. But Brando, whom they should me, couldn¡¯t bear their usations. ¡°G-guh! G-guurg!¡± He suffered the most from the dark ball¡¯s eruption. A face melting in mes. Clothes stuck to the skin. Eyes dark and prominently visible within. It seemed like he was seeing something distinctly different from a human. ¡°It was you!¡± Brando shouted towards Sain. ¡°The demon the master was looking for!¡± The story had spread. Since that day, Pepero had been interrogating about himself. However, because the witch was involved, it was not easy to reveal and find, as there were rumors that she hadmitted a sin and moved cautiously. ¡°Too much, a demon.¡± A man with a smiling face. Brando finally opened his eyes and reached out both hands. It was when the rapidly surging dark magic was about to turn into a massive dark ball again. ¡°Would you prefer to be called a demon king?¡± The man who was already in position. He lowered his body, held the sword handle at his waist. A stance of readiness. Only a very small number of people would be able to properly recognize this. Goooo! Anyone could sense how dangerous and powerful the magic surging through the man¡¯s body right now was. ¡°Die!¡± As the dark ball created by Brando flew swiftly towards the man. ¡°Chamsal.¡± The man¡¯s sword also emerged from its sheath. Wooong. A faint resonance echoed. The dark ball stopped in mid-air, and a long rift appeared horizontally there. However, the power of Chamsal was barely at that level. Swish. In front of the man, beside him. A long line was drawn in all of it. Kwaaaaaang! As the dark ball exploded, the Tonba castle began to split in half. * * * ¡°Arrogant bastard!¡± The drunken lord of Carmel, Campegi. His face was flushed with intoxication and anger. ¡°Who does that candidate think he is!¡± He knows that even candidates have Demoras blood flowing in them. They too are Demoras, so they cannot be ignored. So, what should be done? ¡°Damn you!¡± He is the lord of Zone 5. Not the owner of the lower ranks, the lord of Zone 5! Campegi! He had requested Demoras for half a year. ¡°Do you find it annoying?¡± Arriving at the estate, Sein Demorus was insufferably arrogant. Not only did he disregard the sanctity of his title, but he also spewed vulgarnguage. ¡°How much money have I spent!¡± Because of that, even the enjoyable party couldn¡¯t bring him joy. ¡°Where is the sessor candidate of Demorus?¡± ¡°Where is the person you mentioned, my lord?¡± Everyone inquired about Sein and searched for him. ¡°He will arrive soon.¡± His grandiose assurance made him feel so miserable for the first time. ¡°Sein¡­ Sein!¡± That insolent kid. Snicker. ¡°Well, he¡¯s just a candidate after all.¡± But soon, he thought of a n and smiled. ¡°Well, he¡¯s now the newly appointed sessor candidate. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± A knight supporting the campaign replied. ¡°The one summoned by Tonba is the youngest of the Immortal.¡± The Immortal, considered inferior to Demorus but with a subtle difference. ¡°Although the youngest of the Immortal, being from the main family and having been on the front lines for quite some time.¡± Campaign sighed. ¡°Who do you think will win?¡± The knight hesitated. If someone were to hear his answer now, Demorus or the Immortal might not take it lightly. But ultimately, the knight¡¯s lord was Campaign. If he didn¡¯t answer as desired now, it might be hard to think about the future. ¡°I, I think the Immortal will prevail.¡± ¡°Is that so? Really?¡± Anyway, the territorial dispute was just a game, and although pride might be hurt depending on the oue, it wouldn¡¯t be as bruised as during this party. ¡°I should inform Tonba. Tell him to crush Sein Demorus¡¯s spirit mercilessly.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°If luck is on our side, that arrogant fellow might even meet his end at the hands of the Immortal¡¯s youngest!¡± ¡°My lord.¡± ¡°I should give the tribute meant for Demorus to Tonba. I was already considering switching sides.¡± ¡°My lord¡­ It¡¯s too risky.¡± At the knight¡¯s words, Campaign¡¯s face flushed again. ¡°You! Are you disrespecting me too?¡± ¡°N-No, my lord.¡± Despite the knight¡¯s apologies, Campaign reached his chambers. ¡°Ugh. Useless! Utterly useless!¡± If I were born in a ce like Demorus, the sky would have been extraordinary, and even the Imperial Empire might have crumbled. It¡¯s just regrettable to be born in a measly 5th district like this¡­ ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± At that moment, a voice sounded in his bedroom where no one should have been. * * * ¡°Who the¡­ are you?¡± Campegi eximed in surprise. The drunkenness that had just reached the top of his head seemed to dissipate in an instant. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the guards of Lord Saint¡¯s sessor?¡± Thepanions of Saint who had attended the party on behalf of Saint. One was from the 10th district, a low-born, and the other, somewhat of noble birth as the candidate. ¡°¡­.¡± He wasn¡¯t pleased with the low-born from the 10th district, but the candidate wasn¡¯t bad. With sturdy muscles, beauty, and charisma. There were many nobles salivating over him, and could one say the candidate could improve their lineage a bit? ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± The drunkenness hadn¡¯tpletely subsided. ¡°Was this sent by Saint?¡± The low-born from the 10th district had no clue. Campegi was only interested in one thing, Roberta. ¡°Haha. You¡¯re more respected than Saint.¡± To think of his feelings and send guards to the bedroom like this. It seems quitemon to receive such gifts from the upper districts. However, Roberta frowned at Campegi¡¯s words. ¡°Why the frown?¡± A new voice was heard. ¡°If you can¡¯t stand cursing at me while guarding me, at least tolerate it when directed at you.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t control your anger and act out, you¡¯ll be spitting on my face.¡± ¡°I will keep that in mind.¡± Roberta raised his voice in external affairs. ¡°Not just anyone other than Saint.¡± Campegi spoke as if his enthusiasm had waned. Or rather, he felt displeased. ¡°Why have youe to my bedroom on this ambitious night?¡± Saint, who didn¡¯t attend the party, was in the bedroom. Thinking of it as a form of protest or disregard. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Sein, rising from Campegi¡¯s bed, raised his hand apologetically. ¡°I think I might have been too harsh, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Those words slightly lifted Campegi¡¯s mood. ¡°How upset you must be. Spending arge sum to bring me here, only for me to not follow your advice.¡± ¡°I, I appreciate your understanding.¡± Campegi felt the alcohol slowly wearing off. Only then could he realize. That this situation was not ordinary. Gulp. The words Sein had just spoken¡­ ¡°I can offend D¨¦moras.¡± The conversation about the words he drunkenly uttered. ¡°T-That¡¯s not it!¡± The intoxication was quickly fading. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a misunderstanding!¡± He had touched something he should not have. Maybe because he was unusually excited today, because he was angry with Sein, because he felt ignored. No, something was off. ¡®Come to think of it¡­¡¯ He couldn¡¯t remember thest time he was this drunk. Campegi, confident when it came to alcohol. ¡®Could it be him?¡¯ If Sein had done something? That was the moment. ¡°No, no. Why say that? I just came to give a gift.¡± Thud. Something fell beneath Campegi¡¯s feet. Something that fell beneath Campegi¡¯s feet. Campegi lowered his head. ¡°¡­Gasp!¡± He was too shocked to even scream. ¡°I¡¯m just impatient.¡± Sein¡¯s voice made Campegi¡¯s heart race like crazy. ¡°After all, those who are potential sessors to D¨¦moras are busy people. They have so much to do.¡± His stomach churned. Beep-beep-beep! It felt like he was losing consciousness. ¡°Ddalkkung!¡± As the intoxication faded, the seemingly paused sound of a ddalkkung started to resound once again. ¡°Let¡¯s consider the mission aplished with this.¡± At the feet of Campegiy the lord of his friend, Tonba. Precisely, it was his neck. Just a while ago, a friend who enjoyed drinking and partying together nowy there with a face twisted in disgust. ¡°Oh, if you¡¯re worried about the knights or soldiers of the territory, don¡¯t be.¡± Raising his head, Campegi looked at Saint¡¯s face. Rippling. To Campegi, Saint¡¯s face seemed to ripple like a wave. ¡°For a while, not only the territory but even a band of thieves won¡¯t be able to withstand it. How many have survived?¡± The yful tone made people go crazier. ¡°Are you listening?¡± ¡°¡­Immortal.¡± Campegi suppressed something bursting out from his chest as he spoke. ¡°Immortalga¡¯s¡­ youngest¡­ how is he¡­ doing?¡± There was Immortalga¡¯s youngest who would have livened up the revelry with Saint. ¡°What about Brando, sir¡­?¡± Brando. A being who had received education and training in the Dark Tower longer than the Saint before his eyes. No matter how much support Saint gained from Rasiel and Dante, the overwhelming experience gap would crush Saint¡­. ¡°Oh, did we need thatd¡¯s neck too?¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± ¡°If there was an extra charge, I would have brought it.¡± Shivering. Campegi¡¯s whole body trembled like a leaf. ¡°Regardless, the job is done.¡± Saint said firmly. ¡°Thew of the jungle¡­.¡± Campegi¡¯s faint voice. But he didn¡¯t let it out any further. ¡°I¡¯ll spare you today, Campegi.¡± Because Saint¡¯s voice flowed in. ¡°Roberta by my side would want to tear you apart right away, but I¡¯ll hold her back. You need to live to be worth something.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Swoosh. Chapter 80 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 80 From Noble mtl dot Suddenly, Saint stood before Campegi, looking down at him. Though clearly much younger than himself, Campegi seemed like a giantpared to him. Even more massive than the nobles in the center. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare think of using me, Campegi.¡± The heavy voice added to the intimidation. ¡°Don¡¯t involve me in your games.¡± It was unjust. This was nothing but their amusement. Why did his friend have to die? ¡°What does it mean to request aid from Saint Demorus?¡± Even though he himself only saw soldiers and knights, the life of andless man as a mere pawn. ¡°Survive and pass on the message.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Answer.¡± With Sein¡¯s words, Camp¨¦ge nodded, trembling, and replied, ¡°I will keep it in mind.¡± ¡°Now, since it¡¯s settled, smile. Don¡¯t dy the payment, make the deposit.¡± Sein passed by Camp¨¦ge. ¡°Can I take one arm?¡± Roberta asked Sein. ¡°Well done. Roberta, that¡¯s how permission should be sought.¡± Sein replied, ¡°His arm belongs to you.¡± Crack! As Sein¡¯s words ended, a fountain of blood erupted from one side of Camp¨¦ge frighteningly. Camp¨¦ge slumped down. On either side of him, Deren and Roberta also passed by. Sein was on one knee, bowing his head. Flinch. Watching that scene, Tejera, the great head of the Demorus family, twitched her eyebrows. Different from before. He knelt with both knees as before, but with the same force. ¡°Sein Demorus, I havepleted the family¡¯s mission and returned.¡± This time, Sein was only on one knee. ¡°¡­.¡± This was felt by the Demorus gods and the sessors gathered here. ¡®How.¡¯ Tejera was a monster. The seed of a monster could be a monster. However, the appropriate nutrients and experience were needed in the process. ¡®How did he be so strong so quickly?¡¯ Sein¡¯s growth was truly extraordinary. However, all Tejera did was twitch his eyebrows, resting his chin on his hand, and looking down at Sein with azy face as he spoke. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it.¡± At the sound of his voice, Sein almost buckled one knee he was barely holding up. ¡°They say Tonba¡¯s Lordship has beenpletely wiped out.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Gaia!¡± Then, one of the neers spoke for the first time. Gail, the leader of the Third Forces, was an impressive middle-aged man with a mane-like beard and red hair. In a world where low numbers meant strength, the Third Forces of Demorus were by no means a light name. In fact, Gail hadpeted for session with the current Lord and was of noble blood. ¡°Sein Demorus has vited the non-aggression rule!¡± And she was Tampia, the second sessor candidate of Demorus and the only woman among the candidates, who dered her support. ¡°Have you not heard what thatd has done?¡± At Gail¡¯s words, the Lord slowly turned his head. The non-aggression rule. An unwritten agreement tolerated and epted among each other. ¡°Who will trust Demorus with territory battles from now on!¡± Some of the neers nodded at Gail¡¯s words. No matter how arbitrary Sein¡¯s decision was, the Lords could also consider this as Demorus¡¯ will. Demorus who ruined their amusement. ¡°Immediately cancel the 4th District, Otok¡¯s territory battle, as the damage caused by Sein Demorus alone is substantial for Demorus!¡± A few more neers nodded. The profit of Demorus, conflicting with its existence. ¡°Also, the harm done to the peace we have maintained until now!¡± Everyone knew about Sein cutting the Lord¡¯s throat in Rasiel. Everything that had happened so far could be tolerated under the name of Demorus. Lords of lower districts, easily receable parts. But from the 5th district onwards, under the protection of the Empire. ¡°It would be a grave mistake to shake the ck and White Treaty! Lord!¡± Gail raised his voice even louder, looking at the neers who agreed with him. ¡°Punish Sein Demorus severely at once! Strip him of his sessor candidacy¡­¡± ¡°h h.¡± Sein spoke up then. ¡°Nooo!¡± The moment Gail¡¯s face contorted with anger. ¡°Lower your voice.¡± Tejera¡¯s voice echoed through the hall. Thud. At that moment, everyone knelt down. Even the one knee that had barely held out had to yield to Sein. ¡°This is insane.¡± Was this not the end of it? What level was this exactly? Shivering. Every inch of the body trembled. In absolute terror, within it, Tezera spoke. ¡°Gail. How dare youmand me?¡± * * * ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­.¡± Gail, who had just portrayed an air of invincibility, spoke shakily. ¡°Did you not order me to strip Sein Demorus of his sessor candidacy?¡± ¡°Gaju! No! Please forgive me!¡± At the moment Gail cried out. Kwaaang. A loud noise echoed. Where Gail stood. Beside her. In front. Thud. Something that had been Gail was now a mess. ¡°¡­..¡± Though the messengers of Demorus did not show any expression, one could see clear fear in their trembling pupils. ¡°Do not daremand me.¡± ¡°Gaju¡¯s words are correct!¡± The Emperor. ¡°But Gail¡¯s words were not wrong.¡± The tyrant. It should have been this way from the start. What if an entity possessing absolute power and absolute strength did not act like this. If Sein, even he, was like that. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ Gaju.¡± Raising his voice properly was a first in this lifetime. Though he had tried to be fair to everyone. ¡°Damn it.¡± In the face of such absolute power, all of that was useless. However. ¡°Please, speak.¡± Trembling all over, Sein resisted and spoke to the lord. ¡°I will give you a chance to exin.¡± Is this the price being paid now for neglect and abandonment? No. ¡®Teze is a rational being.¡¯ Sein, who studied and understood Teze, the current lord of Demorus, more than anyone else, knew that understanding the nature and character of the NPC to be manipted was fundamental. What Sein did this time. ¡°Are the lords important?¡± Everything was calcted in advance. A rational being. But above all, a being who values their own authority. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for our Dark Guild, they would be parasites who couldn¡¯t even protect their own lives.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The lords¡¯ pupils shook at Sein¡¯s words. ¡°Since when did Demorus be the target of amusement?¡± ¡°As a sessor candidate¡­.¡± Several elders tried to warn Sein, but Teze raised his hand to stop them. ¡°Is Demorus a useless ce without them?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Dare.¡± Authority. ¡°It was a punishment handed down because Demorus was seen as amusement. In the name of Demorus.¡± Sein understood that better than anyone else. No one in this room would understand it. They may be someone¡¯s superior, but in the end, they were someone¡¯s subordinate. Independent from top to bottom. If you don¡¯t stand at the top. ¡°If that is a sin, I will ept it sweetly.¡± It¡¯s something that will never be known. ¡°If Demorus¡¯s name must fall to the ground! If seeing that is painful and strange!¡± Immersed. The sessor of the Dark Guild. But a foreigner whose origins are unclear. Most of those present lined up. Those who have not yet stood will hesitate to confront Sein. It¡¯s a natural result based on the win rate. ¡°Whether you¡¯re a sessor or anything else, I will stop it. Peace¡­.¡± Snick. Sein smiled. ¡°How meaningful is that?¡± Those who had gathered started to look at Sein as he spoke. ¡°Here stands the Amhukga in the midst of struggle. Do you believe that peace without struggle truly benefits the Amhukga?¡± It was the beginning. Snick. The oncenguid expression on Tejera¡¯s face blossomed into a smile. ¡°Choose, my lord. I will follow.¡± ¡°Good. Let the judgment be passed on Sein Demorus.¡± At that moment, everything turned into a trial. The price to pay was life. ¡°A reward is granted to Sein Demorus.¡± Sess. ¨C A reward is granted to Sein Demorus. Sein sighed, recalling Tejera¡¯s words. ¡°Huh.¡± He had thought it all too easy until now. No matter the knowledge of strategies he possessed, that was a tale from the times of games. Now that it had be reality, he had anticipated facing such challenges. ¡°Should I say it¡¯s nice to meet you?¡± Tejera. The current lord of Demorus was not an opponent easily underestimated. ¡°I doubt you¡¯d find my presence weing either.¡± Tejera¡¯s reward for Sein. ¨C 3th Division granted to Sein Demorus. It was the granting of the 3th Division, which had lost its master, Gaill, to Sein. Even in Demorus, the 3th Division was highly esteemed. Each member was a skilled master. Taking over Gaill¡¯s vacant position as themander. ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°I am called Sienjin.¡± Sienjin seemed almost at the level of a maxed-out character in Sein¡¯s eyes. Such power could only be seen in the former royal knights¡¯ ranks. It was surprising that it was just the 3th Division. ¡°Although we gathered to greet the newmander, with many tasks at hand, is it okay to be excused?¡± The attitude of these individuals, like wild dogs, was also surprising. Their faces and words clearly showed their opposition towards Sein, the heir apparent. Snip. Veins bulged on Sein¡¯s forehead, but he endured it for some reason. ¡°Kill them all?¡± Sein shook his head. Unless they rebelled, taking on the entire 3rd Division with his current abilities was unreasonable. ¡°Release them?¡± What Tejera provided was the 3rd Division, not the twenty or so members led by Cyanjin. If he were to release them, leaving only their name behind and recruit new members. ¡°Sigh.¡± Damn it, endure. That was not what Tejera wanted. Rather, it was probably what many gods present at the meeting in Gaju that day desired. If Sein weakened his forces by not properly managing even the division entrusted to him, it was obvious he would be pushed out as a sessor candidate. ¡°Not easy.¡± Havinge this far, pushing through with sheer force was no longer possible. It might be possible with greater power, but that was currently out of reach. Even at this moment, Sein knew he was being evaluated based on their existence. ¡°I admit you all must feel like dogs.¡± Sein addressed them. ¡°Your former captain turned you into mere chunks of meat with one slip of the tongue, didn¡¯t he?¡± Silence. They didn¡¯t even bother hiding their expressions. From Noble mtl dot True to their name as the Pack of Injustice, they were very much like beasts. ¡°But was that my fault?¡± ¡°Please do not insult our former captain.¡± ¡°Listen.¡± Sein grabbed the nape of his neck and continued. Chapter 81 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 81 ¡°As the captain, when I ask a question, you¡¯re supposed to answer, not bber nonsense.¡± Bam. Sein stood in front of Cyanjin. Cyanjin seemed to have Eastern bloodlines rarely seen on the continent. ¡°Damn, he¡¯s tough.¡± Considering that Cyanjin, hailing from the East, received numerous bloodline buffs in Shachuri, Sein didn¡¯t know if Cyanjin was even more skilled than the former captain, Gaill. Moreover. ¡°It¡¯s a shame.¡± Such Cyanjin seemed like a talent to Sein. ¡°So let¡¯s do this.¡± Sein said. ¡°After all, it seems difficult for you to acknowledge me, right?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± They were the Dark Division. Loyal to themander, but above all, those who prioritize loyalty to the family. The fact that they turned out so twisted made it hard to acknowledge the saints themselves. ¡°Let¡¯s have a match.¡± Sein said, pressing his forehead against Sienjin¡¯s. * * * Taming a wolf required several steps. And Sein set his mind to tame the 3rd Brutal Force known as the Firewolf Brigade. Harsh to the worthless. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± Sein, who gave multiple chances to the valuable, was ready. Ultimately, the resistance of the 3rd Brutal Force ticking against Sein was also due to the respect for the formermander, Gail Demoras. If that respect was directed at himself, it meant gaining subordinates who wouldn¡¯t easily submit even to their own death. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Sein addressed someone. Although he intended to face Sienjin head-on. ¨C It¡¯s not appropriate. Sienjin rejected it. It seemed he found it difficult to face Sein, the sessor, after all. Of course, the difference in their skills was deemed insignificant. Hence, Sienjin proposed a pre-battle ceremony. ¨C I will step forward among us. The youngest of the 3rd Brutal Force. Still a master. ¨C Sein, please send one of your subordinates. What they desired was one of Sein¡¯s subordinates. ¨C Subordinates ultimately reflect their master¡¯s face. If we are to belong to Sein, we wish to see Sein¡¯s subordinates. Submission through strength. That was the first step in taming a wolf. But it was not Sein who had to exert that strength, but his subordinates. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± It was Roberta. Deren had yet to engage in this level ofbat, and Cecil was still confined to the fortress of despair for the time being. Considering the avablebat forces, only these two remained at the main base. ¡°Roberta.¡± Sein eventually sent out Roberta. To properly submit them as they desired was the way to true submission. Roberta had grown much stronger during this time. Consistently fulfilling the tasks set by Sein and engaging in her own training in her spare time. Normally, a training method that relies on physical exhaustion would not have shown much effect, but Cecile¡¯s aid helped with her recovery. Even though she became stronger. ¡°But she¡¯s still not at the master level.¡± She was not someone who could reach the level of a master. ¡°Are there any rules?¡± Sain asked towards Cienne. ¡°You can show whatever you desire, it¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Sain simply nodded quietly. ¡°Roberta.¡± ¡°Yes, speak.¡± ¡°Do as you please, go wild.¡± Roberta, holding a long rapier, was ready to unleash. But the moment Sain finished speaking. Tock. She let go of the rapier she was holding. ¡°¡­.¡± Was it truly the experienced 3rd Division that caused this series of actions? While harboring doubts about the sequence of events, caution was not dyed. ¡°I¡¯ll use my fists too.¡± Yet, whether intending to provide a handicap, the 3rd Division member also lowered their weapon. ¡°Do as you wish. Don¡¯tinter.¡± Even so, being a candidate, understanding herck of experience, it was a disy of tolerance and arrogance. Roberta, who wanted to reach the pinnacle of martial arts. Her skills, honed through countless training with various weapons including the rapier, were exceptional. However. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± Kwaaang! Sain corrected her misconception. The resounding explosion. Roberta rushing forward and the 3rd Division member¡¯s fist colliding produced a thunderous sound. ¡°You.¡± Sain spoke to Roberta. ¡°Don¡¯t pick up weapons.¡± Up until now, Roberta had been on the wrong path. Her magic, her movements, the blessings she possessed. They were. Kwaaaang! Qualities of a monarch. With another thunderous sound, the 3rd Division member staggered back. Intense? That word couldn¡¯t express it. Desperate. Yes, that word seemed appropriate. ¡°Cough. Cough.¡± Roberta¡¯s beautiful and healthy appearance was filled with blood and flesh, making her look like a leper patient. In contrast, the three members of the Powerless Unit were only drenched in sweat, with no visible special wounds. Drip. Except for a few scratches on the cheeks and forearms. It was natural. ¡°Master level.¡± They were real masters unlike Dante¡¯s fake masters. Born with a different bloodline, blessed differently, made with different elixirs and drugs. Hmm. Real ones born after battles crossing life and death, after efforts that wore down their bones. Every year, thousands of humans enter Demorus wanting to be members of the Powerless Unit. However, among them, less than fifty survive, and only a dozen can enter the unit. And even among them, only those with skills and experience who are chosen. -Upper Powerless Unit. The 3rd Powerless Unit. Even if she was the youngest among them, Roberta, who had already transcended being a mere candidate, would find it challenging to face. Even if she had the potential of a king, it was still an unawakened potential. ¡°You should stop here.¡± Sienjin said in a cold tone. Roberta¡¯s prowess was truly surprising, but it didn¡¯t meet their standards. That alone earned her some respect. ¡°Hey.¡± At that moment, a colder voice from Sienjin was heard. ¡°Shut it.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°You think you can just re at us like that with those eyes? It¡¯s better to shut your mouth before your goodwill towards us turns sour.¡± The impudence of a young sessor? It wasn¡¯t that. Eyes filled with firm belief and trust. That was Roberta. No. ¡°Can a mere sessor candidate have such eyes?¡± Belief in oneself. ¡°The training I gave that guy was simple.¡± Every day. ¡°To shed my own life, and spill blood to the limit.¡± Roberta¡¯s martial arts had already reached a significant level. What she needed was the evolution of the blessing she possessed. In that moment. Gwoong. As Roberta¡¯s energy changed, the gaze of the 3rd Legion also changed. The wounds that were killing Roberta just moments ago began to heal. If that was all, it wouldn¡¯t have been so surprising. Having seen countless blessings that could be considered powers while in the Dark Land. Kwaaaa! But what truly astonished was the magic that surged explosively. And the blood Roberta spilled began to rise and envelop her. That was it. ¡°There¡¯s no rule saying you can¡¯t use blessings, right?¡± The royal qualities she possessed. It wasn¡¯t just a 4th-grade royal life. It was more than that. -3rd grade. A life even Saints had not experienced. ¡°Hemohorse.¡± The destroyed East, among them, the bloodmares known as the worst. A life of someone who could turn the world into a sea of blood with just one fist. Kwaduk! The arm bone of the 3rd Legion member who blocked Roberta¡¯s fist twisted. There was a reason Sein took Roberta. Especially because Roberta deserved respect, even if she wanted it, and did not properly make any agreements. ¡®If one is worthy of respect, they should be respected.¡¯ It was because Roberta¡¯s value was worthy of respect to Sein. Even though she awakened the blessing, Roberta only knew about improving regenerative power and physical abilities. Sein realized that she had received the life of a bloodhorse as a blessing. Chyaaa! He made efforts to nurture that. A life of a whopping 3rd grade. But that was why Roberta was unable to use even a tenth of her abilities. That alone was sufficient. One day, when she could fulfill her role, she would be qualified to stand by Demorus¡¯ side. ¡°Heuk¡­. Heuk¡­.¡± Roberta, breathing heavily. Under her feet, the ground was soaked with thick blood. Thud. She finally copsed. On the other side. ¡°Heuk¡­. Heuk¡­.¡± The youngest member of the 3rd Unit also gasped for air, exhausted. Unlike when they didn¡¯t use blessings, the youngest member, bearing many wounds, was now panting heavily. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day here.¡± Sain said. ¡°I¡¯ve lost.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re stillcking. It can¡¯t be helped.¡± No one could speak up against Sain¡¯s confident voice. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Roberta¡¯s fierce fighting spirit, leaving everyone in awe, made them ponder deeply. Roberta, who charged forward relentlessly. Every move she made seemed dedicated solely to this moment. Even in mere sparring, even in a battle for Sain, her nobility shone through. ¡°We¡¯ll call it a draw.¡± Enough to impress the 3rd Unit. ¡°No, a win is a win.¡± But Sain was resolute. ¡°You¡¯re free to disobey orders until you properly concede.¡± Taming the wolves. ¡°But do me a favor, just one thing for the family.¡± The 3rd Unit might not understand. Sain using the word ¡°favor¡± acknowledged their skills. ¡°Better than my former personal knights.¡± Despite their shorings, the youngest member who defeated Roberta, utilizing the power of the Blood Pact, proved their worth. ¡°Today, we disband here.¡± They showcased all they had to offer. Today ends here. ¡°Everyone, get to work.¡± As Sain turned away so nonchntly, the 3rd Unit, rather than feeling relieved, stood rooted to the spot for a while before disbanding. After receiving the 3rd Division, a few dayster with them and the trackers. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± One of the members of the 3rd Division came to see Sein. His name was Indus. He was one of the senior members of the 3rd Division, having climbed from the bottom to a considerable position. From Noble mtl dot It was said that he used to be a ve employed by Demorus¡¯ users. ¡°I¡¯m finally here to greet you.¡± Indus bowed deeply towards Sein and spoke. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you from Sis.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Images of Ichae came to Sein¡¯s mind. ¡°I knew Sis had excellent intel, but you seem to have even better connections than I thought.¡± To think that the supporter of Sis, who was treated as a half-breed in the main house, was a member of the 3rd Division. ¡°Are others like that too?¡± Sis had mentioned some supporters, but said the rest woulde on their own. Chapter 82 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 82 It was still unavoidable. Those who had already gained much had to make their own choices. ¡°I don¡¯t know much in detail. Just a few of us like me have helped Sis.¡± ¡°Like you.¡± ¡°Ie from humble beginnings.¡± It could have been a sense of camaraderie or sympathy. Or maybe not. ¡°There was a connection with Sis¡¯ mother, Lady Boha.¡± ¡°A lover?¡± At Sein¡¯s words, Indus¡¯ face turned pale. ¡°She was just a childhood friend.¡± ¡°Good to hear.¡± Sein replied with a faint smile. ¡°Even though I felt a kinship with Sis due to our shared origins, I wondered if I was mistaken.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Just kidding.¡± At Sein¡¯s words, Indus barely nodded. ¡°So, why have youe now?¡± Initially, being chosen was not a pleasant thing for Sein. From the perspective of the one making the choice, it was nothing short of challenging authority. So Sein was trying to suppress his pride. ¡°I thought you were someone worth trusting, as Sis mentioned.¡± ¡°Not the mostforting words.¡± Sein said. ¡°You chose me, but now you¡¯ll have to prove yourself.¡± He didn¡¯t deny his situation. In Demoras, he was still a stranger. It¡¯s not easy for someone with nothing to stake their life on. ¡°I promise to do as much for you as you do for me.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± At least he had found someone useful. In truth, Sein was feeling a bit frustrated in Demoras. Lack of information. Otomeo wouldn¡¯t dare have information about Demoras, and now every move he made was being monitored. ¡°I¡¯ve found a way through one route.¡± Before making an effort for that, it would be weed if a good source of information came to him on its own. ¡°¡­¡± Indus also seemed deeply impressed by Sein¡¯s appearance. Due to his connection with Sis, he had helped Sis, but he didn¡¯t think of him as a vessel to be used. One day, when the time came, he would help Sis, but he wouldn¡¯t cross the line, Indus thought. But Sein was different. ¡°A vessel for the master.¡± This person is a vessel for the master. More than anyone, he resembled the absolute, Tejera. If he ovees one obstacle. Gulp. He might truly be the vessel. ¡°I know a few individuals. I will share the story with them too.¡± ¡°Not bad. Just remember.¡± A route has opened. Therefore, it is the yer¡¯s duty to maximize the benefits through it. ¡°The order of those whoe to me will matter.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°When the timees for me not to be chosen anymore, the value will drop significantly.¡± ¡°I will convey that.¡± A pounding heart. ¡°Alright.¡± Seeing Sein¡¯s smile, Indus¡¯s heart beat even faster. It felt like his fading destiny was reigniting once again. ¡°Then give me the information.¡± ¡°Do you need something?¡± ¡°I do.¡± Grinning, Sein said, ¡°Information on the 3 Forces, all of it.¡± If you¡¯re going to tame wolves, you should know what they like and dislike. * * * ¡°Well, I guess it was going to be like this in the end.¡± Sienjin, who became the captain of the 3rd Ipetence Division, muttered with a tight-lipped face. ¡°I was hoping for more.¡± Sienjin followed Gael, the former captain, more faithfully than anyone else. But he could endure it because his loyalty was not to Gael but to Demorus. However, following a young, inexperienced sessor in blue was an unbearable task. It was an impossible task unless it was Tejera, the absolute authority. Even looking back at Demorus¡¯ history, the Ipetence Division had never just fallen in line under a sessor. One word came to mind. ¡®Abandonment.¡¯ It crossed Sienjin¡¯s mind that Tejera, the master, might be nning to abandon the entire 3rd Ipetence Division. But he was swayed by Roberta¡¯s impressive performance in the previous bet. ¨C One favor, please. Saint Demorus hade to him before and made a small request. ¨C Fetch what¡¯s written here. As fresh as possible. Organs of monsters or special herbs and such. There were things that couldn¡¯t be easily obtained even in Demorus and had to be hunted down personally for the sake of leadership. ¨C I will have my subordinates do it. ¨C No, I asked you. Sien knew what the request implied. To Sienjin, being the deputymander of the Ipetence Division was more than just about being physically strong. In his eyes, as ordered, Sien was being tamed. He was taming them in the darkness of Amhek, and it was almost always the same. Crushing with force. Trampling on pride. In the end, they were nothing, told to lick the soles of their feet. ¡°Should I retire?¡± He thought he had reached as high as he could. He never thought about joining a special forces or a directbat unit under the master. Rather than facing such a dilemma, he thought he might as well retire. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± As Sien ran errands, Sienjin¡¯s thoughts became firm. And finally, he managed to fetch everything Sien had mentioned. Things that ordinary people might not know, but as the 3rd Ipetence Division Commander of Demorus, they were things he could easily obtain. ¡°I have prepared what you desired.¡± Sienjin spoke towards Sein. ¡°And I¡­¡± When he was about to talk about retirement. ¡°Take a walk.¡± Sein stepped out of the castle and started walking. ¡°¡­¡± It was thest remaining hope. A hope that arose from the sight Roberta had shown that day. ¡°Well, it is the end.¡± It wouldn¡¯t hurt to have some hope for once. And he arrived there. ¡°What are you up to.¡± Sienjin¡¯s aura flickered ominously. At this moment, it seemed like there was a determination to kill Sein depending on Sein¡¯s response. Because the ce they arrived at was none other than Sienjin¡¯s house. ¡°Come in. It¡¯s humble, but¡­¡± Sien¡¯s words made Sienjin¡¯s face contort even more. ¡°The home of a 3rd Division Commander is like this? Is Demorus being stingy?¡± That couldn¡¯t be true. Demorus¡¯s treatment was top-notch, evenpared to the entire continent. Especially the treatment towards the 3rd Division was at the highest level. Living in such a shabby house in a vige within Demorus¡¯s ancestral home. ¡°If you feel offended¡­¡± ¡°Was there a shortage of money to spend?¡± ¡°¡­¡± The door opened. ¡°Perhaps your grandmother is unwell?¡± A flinch. ¡°I¡¯m surprised. I didn¡¯t expect such a clich¨¦ backstory.¡± As the door opened and they entered, Sienjin¡¯s grandmother was there. She raised Sienjin, oveing discrimination from the Eastern origins. ¡°I¡¯ll fix it.¡± ¡°What did you just say?¡± Chuckle. Sein smiled and said to Sienjin. ¡°I¡¯ll. Fix. It.¡± Most Easterners were said to have lived as battle ves. Sienjin¡¯s fate was no different. The only stroke of luck was that he had bought Sienjin from the Demolus organization. Sienjin was more talented than expected, leaving a significant mark despite being considered a ve. ¨C They¡¯re calling from the main house. From a ve, he rose to be the head of a district, solely due to his talent. Upon entering Demolus, he found something he had been unable to find until now. His own mother, whom he had lost in his childhood. Because he inherited the filial piety and family values of the Eastern bloodline. ¨C I will help. With Gail Demolus¡¯ assistance, Sienjin found his birth mother. However. ¨C It¡¯s a pity. The condition of the mother he found was beyond words. Having survived as a ve for many years was an incredible feat in itself. gued by various illnesses, she was not even in her right mind. ¨C I will help. Gail was the one who stepped up then. Sienjin¡¯s birth mother, who seemed to regain her health quickly with Demolus¡¯ support. But. ¨C I¡¯m sorry. She had an incurable disease that not even Demolus could remedy. Gandaric Disease. A disease mainly afflicting ves from the East, causing the body to decay and fall into etern. But Sienjin could not abandon his mother. ¨C Help me. With Gail¡¯s assistance, Demolus poured out a substantial sum to maintain the high sry. ¨C If there¡¯s a way, I¡¯ll find it. I will look into it. As a result, Sienjin followed Gail like a father, dedicating his loyalty, a clich¨¦ story of such loyalty. That was the story of Sienjin as told by Indus. ¡°He says he can cure her.¡± Sienjin was speechless. Hope was a terrifying thing, leading one to pin their hopes on the impossible. The sessor candidate. A young man barely in his twenties. ¡°¡­Are you mocking me?¡± Sienjin forced down the hope rising within him and spoke. ¡°Not long ago, you were just scraping by in the back alleys of Zone 10 Chichiron.¡± He struggled to contain the profanities that wanted to burst out. ¡°But¡­.¡± But eventually, it exploded. ¡°How did you manage to fix our mother, whom even elixirs couldn¡¯t heal!¡± Shijin, who had contemted retirement, was the reason for living for his mother alone. If something were to happen to his mother, he couldfortably consider that there would be no reason for him to continue living. ¡°You!¡± An explosive energy emanated from Shijin¡¯s body. ¡°If you truly think that way, it¡¯s disappointing, Shijin.¡± Shijin¡¯s energy wavered at Sein¡¯s cold voice. ¡°Do you really think it makes sense?¡± It would break. Not with force, but with determination. ¡°A kid who used to roam the back alleys of District 10, swallowing Borfeo and leading the simultaneous support of Rasiel and Dante.¡± Though it felt embarrassing to say aloud, it had to be done decisively. ¡°Bing a sessor candidate for Demorus, receiving three military units as a reward from the patriarch on my first mission¡­ Damn.¡± Sein said, swallowing the curse. ¡°Does it look ordinary to you?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Elixirs not working on you? Of course. This isn¡¯t that kind of situation.¡± ¡°What?¡± Gandarik Syndrome. ¡°It¡¯s simply a case of magical flow getting tangled. Due to the different densities of Eastern and Sanctuary magic, it¡¯s a phenomenon that urs in those who haven¡¯t trained in magic maniption.¡± It was one of the quests: rescuing an Easterner suffering from Gandarik Syndrome. Naturally, the strategy was widely known and circted. ¡°¡­Really.¡± Shijin¡¯s momentumpletely vanished. ¡°Do you really think you can save her?¡± ¡°So what?¡± Smirk. ¡°What will you do for me if I rescue your mother?¡± ¡°Anything.¡± It was an immediate response. From Noble mtl dot ¡°I will give you everything I have.¡± For his mother was truly everything to Shijin. ¡°Alright. Then let me tell you one thing.¡± Sein said. ¡°The reason why Gandarik Syndrome manifested is because your mother is an Easterner.¡± It needed to be shaken even more. The structure known as the Engine was on the verge of copsingpletely. ¡°What your mother had to suffer so much for, was so that you could find her when you wanted.¡± This was a secret move to shake the Engine. And. -¡­It may not be the truth. Just a story that might be nothing more than rumors. But what good would that do? ¡°It¡¯s not a coincidence.¡± ¡°What do you mean by that¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Gail¡¯s doing.¡± Chapter 83 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 83 Since the human was already dead, might as well make use of them once. * * * The cheap melodrama had a happy ending. -Engine¡­? -Mother! His mother, who had been bedridden for a lifetime due to the Gandaric disease, woke up. The distorted appearance and such could easily be fixed with Demorus¡¯s powerlessness. -Thank you. Thank you! Engine expressed his gratitude to the Saint continuously. Because the Saint had solved what no one else could. For Engine, this was just the beginning. -He was sold as a ve in Sector 8. They say he¡¯s about to arrive at his hometown. Just as Gail had done, the Saint also rescued the families sold by the powerlessness. It wasn¡¯t a difficult task. Since the ruler of thergest ve market in lower sectors, Antara, was the Saint. Moreover, the Saint granted the wishes of the three powerlessness members. -It¡¯s extra pay. If you need money, here is money. -They say there¡¯s a new sword made in the cksmith, want to try it out? For those who have a desire for equipment, there¡¯s the equipment. And not even a month had passed like that. ¡°I will see themander.¡± The three powerlessness belonged to the Saint. The three powerlessness, who were loyal in their eyes, even if bought with money, it didn¡¯t matter. ¡®Not yet.¡¯ The process of taming them was far from over. ¡°You all gathered well.¡± The 3rd Power Division, unmoved by Sein¡¯s words. Despite being a mere division of the Dark Legion, their level far surpassed that of elite knights. The fact that there were no mediocre knights pleased Sein. Loyalty was there, but nothing else. ¡°I called you all here today because I have something to tell you.¡± ¡°Please go ahead.¡± Sienjin, the divisionmander, stepped forward and spoke. Snick. Since that day, they had followed Sein¡¯s words more than ever. ¡°Although Gaile, your former division leader, did not die because of me, I cannot deny my responsibility in his death.¡± At the sudden mention of Gaile¡¯s name, they hesitated. ¡°I appreciate your trust and loyalty to me.¡± ¡°We will not forget the grace you have shown us.¡± ¡°I believe you will understand why I did what I did.¡± It was the final stage of taming the wolves. ¡°The fact that Demorus can discard you at any time.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The 3rd Power Division froze at the unexpected words. * * * Absolute loyalty to Demorus. It was instilled through education akin to brainwashing. But even without that, there was no denying it. ¨C Going against Demorus meant death. Not only one¡¯s own, but the death of all rted to oneself. Fear. It remained unchanged even as the 3rd Power Division became strong. ¡°¡­Captain.¡± Sienjin cautiously called out to Sein. But Sein raised his hand to silence Sienjin. ¡°It¡¯s true. I don¡¯t know when I might die either.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s face it.¡± There was no response. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not suggesting we kill the mood or kill each other. I¡¯m just making a proposal.¡± Taming the wolves. ¡°Loyalty to me, not Demorus.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± It was the final step in rifying who their true master was. ¡°Whether it¡¯s 3rd Battalion or Naval, in Demoras, it¡¯s neither more nor less than a long shot. You know that well.¡± Sain passed by the front of the 3rd Battalion, speaking. ¡°There are those who, despite suffering pain by Demoras, still choose to follow Demoras.¡± Distant. Cyanjin ground his mrs. The story Cyanjin had heard. How Gail, despite ruining her own life and that of her mother, was raised as if showing mercy. Not knowing that, Cyanjin, who had devoted his life, would have felt an indescribable sense of betrayal. And fortunately. ¡°It was the truth.¡± Even if it was a cheap melodrama, it felt a bit ufortable to tell lies to manipte. But fortunately, after rummaging through the ve market through Barus, the rumors proved to be true. It wasn¡¯t just Cyanjin. This was the Dark Street. A ce where any dirty deed could happen. ¡°I¡¯m not saying I won¡¯t do the same thing. If necessary, I might.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°But look. I¡¯m being honest, aren¡¯t I?¡± Dering his intent to manipte, Sain. ¡°However, I will definitely pay the price.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°You might think you¡¯ve reached your limit. You can get stronger.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± Those who had already reached the master level. They thought there was a ceiling, something impossible. But Sain said, ¡°I¡¯ll help you rise higher.¡± He promised to make them even more than they were. ¡°That¡¯s all I can promise. To keep you from being betrayed and stabbed without even knowing the alphabet, to make you stronger than you are now.¡± Especially thetter was a tempting offer for the 3rd Battalion. The fact that they had joined the Battalion and reached the master level itself meant they had a strong desire for advancement in strength. If they faced a limit and saw the possibility of another limit. Gulp. It was an irresistible, sweet temptation. If anyone else had said such things, they would have been told not to talk nonsense. But Sain had already ovee things others deemed impossible many times. If it was that Sain. ¡°And don¡¯t think of betraying Demoras.¡± Sain drove the wedge. ¡°If I be the leader.¡± Thud. It felt like everyone¡¯s hearts sank. The name Gajuran was so heavy. ¡°I am Demorus.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± An awkward silence. No one could easily step forward. This could be a revolution or an act of rebellion. At the forefront was¡­ ¡°I will do it.¡± It was Sienjin. ¡°I thought it would be Indus.¡± Ironically, it was a good situation. Although Sienjin had fixed his mother, what was happening now was on a different level. That¡¯s why Indus was expected to step forward first. ¡°I will do it.¡± Sienjin stepped forward and answered first. It was a sign of how much the sense of betrayal towards Demorus was. ¡°¡°¡°I¡­.¡±¡±¡± Each with their own reasons. The trust Sein had shown. Their desires. ¡°I will do it.¡± The moment Demorus¡¯s 3rd Division fellpletely into Sein¡¯s grasp. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s do well from now on.¡± There would be as much giving as there was taking. A rtionship that couldst as long as what was desired. The trusting rtionship Sein wanted was just that. ¡°There won¡¯t be any immediate movement of the 3rd Division.¡± Sein said. ¡°There are many constraints.¡± Although Sein was themander of the 3rd Division, it belonged to Demorus before. As they had to follow Demorus¡¯s orders and missions, Sein couldn¡¯t operate freely. ¡°Just continue as you have been for the time being.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Dismissed.¡± Someone with an excited heart. Someone with a worried face. They were the 3rd Division, but in the end, they were all human, each harboring various emotions as they left the ce. All that was left was Sienjin and Indus. ¡°They are reliablerades.¡± Sienjin said. ¡°Once they¡¯ve made up their minds, there¡¯s no changing it, so let them swell like a limb.¡± Another oath of loyalty. ¡°Do you think so?¡± But Sein¡¯s eyes had subtly changed. ¡°¡­?¡± Sienjin seemed not to understand. ¡°Have you confirmed it?¡± Sein asked, looking at Indus. ¡°Yes.¡± What? Sienjin had that kind of expression. ¡°Cheves and Herzor have made contact with the Tampia sessor candidate.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± If it was Tampia, it was the sessor candidate supported by Gail. ¡°Several members have also made contact with other elders and leaders.¡± ¡°What does that mean¡­?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me that.¡± Sein¡¯s words made Sienjin¡¯s face stiffen. While it was true to trust one¡¯srades, it didn¡¯t mean being oblivious. ¡°Are the members betraying us?¡± The betrayal of the members. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that obvious? They¡¯ve been toiling under Demorus for years, so it¡¯s not like they¡¯lle under me just because they did a little better.¡± Sienjin was a special case. ¡°If we¡¯re lucky, half of it is genuine.¡± Cold. At Sein¡¯s words, Sienjin clenched his teeth. ¡°I will handle it.¡± They were his subordinates andrades. If they had lost trust, it was the leader¡¯s responsibility to bear that burden. ¡°Why bother?¡± But Sein said nonchntly. ¡°It was left on purpose. Why meddle.¡± If he didn¡¯t know who had betrayed them, it was one thing. ¡°We should make use of it.¡± * * * A harmony of ck and gold that clung tightly to her body. There was a woman who exuded a peculiar aura and unted her allure. ¡°That guy¡­.¡± It felt like her soul was being sucked out as the words left her lips. ¡°He said that?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± But one must not overlook her beauty. For she was Tampia, the sessor candidate of Demorus. Hailing from the main family, a prominent sessor candidate of Demorus. In addition to the factions supporting her, she possessed undeniable abilities. ¡°How intriguing.¡± Hence, the 3rd Legion members, Cheves and Herzor, believed in their choice. ¡®Sain Demorus.¡¯ From Noble mtl dot The rising star was undoubtedly correct. However, having spent a long time in Demorus, there was something they hade to realize. ¡®Even a rising star remains just that.¡¯ From the main family. They were like the sun. An unstoppable force, capable of incinerating everything with a mere movement. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem foolish, the things she does or the rumors.¡± Tampia muttered to herself. ¡°Is she trying to dere war?¡± A call to loyalty not to Demorus but to oneself. In a way, it evoked thoughts of rebellion. Yet, there was ambiguity in that as well. ¨C Sessor candidate. The uniqueness thates with the position. ¡°In the end¡­ when she bes the head, she will be Demorus herself.¡± Coming from a qualified individual, it could be overlooked to some extent. But those who heard the statement would undoubtedly feel a sense of unease toward Sain. ¡°Clever.¡± She was drawing all attention to herself. ¡°Aren¡¯t the others interested?¡± Tampia asked. Chapter 84 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 84 ¡°¡­I apologize. Some might have glimpsed it subtly, but there are none who have clearly expressed it.¡± It was regrettable. Though the 3rd Legion members were considered modest in origin and status, they were individuals whose skills were acknowledged. To think that only these two could be harvested from them. ¡°Seems like only fools think that way.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. Can we make room for Sienjin?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Tsk.¡± Useless bunch. In fact, among the Three Powerless, Sienjin was the most valuable. His exceptional talent from the East was indeed a talent, but maintaining proper decorum in this messy underworld was not amon talent. ¡°Is it true that he cured the Ganadric disease?¡± Rumors spread that Sienjin cured the Ganadric disease afflicting his mother. ¡°It seems so.¡± Upon hearing this rumor, Demorus was even more agitated. Demorus valued power, and there were many from the East. Among their families, quite a few suffered from the Ganadric disease, yet neither Demorus nor anyone on the continent had provided a solution for it. But if Sein did possess the ability to cure Ganadric disease. ¡°It¡¯s risky.¡± It was said that there were still many who would follow Sein. His abilities were unlikely. ¡°The Legion¡¯s witch, is she the one.¡± Tampia finished her thoughts and rose to her feet. ¡°Thank goodness.¡± As Tampia stood up, her captivating figure became even more pronounced. ¡°I have your loyal service to me.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Can you promise me that?¡± Tampia wrapped her arms around Cheves and Herzor. ¡°I will do anything you want when I wish.¡± Gulp. ¡°If I do that, I might be able to give you something good in return.¡± A fruit that should never be tempted. However. ¡°Very well¡­.¡± The temptation that even the primordial humans couldn¡¯t resist. * * * ¡°My level is around thete 10s.¡± Sein calcted his level based on the number of times he had entered the main dungeon. ¡°Awakened special abilities.¡± The abilities he acquired in that way. He still couldn¡¯t fully integrate them. What was once familiar now intertwined with thews of reality, making it difficult to manifest. Swiftly. Sein was deep in meditation with his eyes closed. -Meditation is helpful. What used to be merely a series of eating behaviors during the game was now showing actual effects in reality. Things that were not a problem in the early stages of not awakening the special abilities began to pose issues as the abilities awakened and became ingrained. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Sein¡¯s face contorted in agony. The awakened special abilities were like monstrous beings, shing with each other, fighting, or trying to devour one another. ¡°Gh.¡± It twisted Seinpletely, causing him intense suffering. Meditation was being used to calm and organize the awakened special abilities within Sein. During this process, Sein also checked his own condition. ¡®Bastion.¡¯ The usable equipment he possessed. ¡®Rogue.¡¯ Ego. And. -Tezera. He remembered the guardian of Demorus. Comparing himself to the monster that seemed to grow stronger every time he saw it. Sein, who was already easily capable of facing a Master-level opponent, felt like a sturdy dwarfpared to the colossal giant Tezera, who emerged in the darkness. If he were a culprit, one would never think of being able to reach it. But Sein was not a culprit. ¡®I need to prioritize leveling up.¡¯ There is a way to reach there. ¡®Leveling up will be more difficult from level 20, so I should aim to achieve it first.¡¯ Many things will change from level 20 onwards. ¡®I also need to acquire more equipment.¡¯ In this type of game, equipment is an essential means of leveling up. Furthermore. Sha-ah. Things needed. Things to be equipped with. The path to be taken. Thinking about all of these, Sein was sinking deeper into meditation. How much time had passed. ¡°This is¡­.¡± Sein, who had opened his eyes without realizing it. ¡°What now. Damn it.¡± In the vivid darkness, a giant crimson iris in the sky was gazing down at him. It was so vivid that it felt unreal, like a dream. Crack. It was a sense of reality that didn¡¯t even allow such thoughts. Sein slowly parted his lips. ¡°Atst.¡± It felt like a moment he had been waiting for an eternity. ¡°Have you decided to converse?¡± Among the things that had been imposed upon him, there were two that were not by his own will. The crimson iris was one of them. ¡°Maryong, Archipald.¡± It was the heart of Archipald. [Watching you squirm is quite amusing, I must say.] Instead of a voice, something resembling a system message appeared in front of Sein¡¯s eyes. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sein¡¯s expression sank. There was certainly a secret with Archipald. A secret that even he, who had poured his life into Chutuary for decades, didn¡¯t know. [But how long will this continue?] The eyes that once gleamed with kindness were now tainted with boredom. [You must be feeling that your time is running out.] ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Do you think everything will go as you wish?¡± He asked. ¡°What is your purpose?¡± But it was Sein who asked instead. The greatest difort Sein felt was the unknown. To unknowingly carry something within oneself, without knowing its purpose and intent, is nothing but a bomb. Especially if it¡¯s a power of a transcendent being beyond Sein¡¯s control. ¡°You¡¯re not ready to hear that yet.¡± Archipald said. ¡°But you will know.¡± ¡°Stop beating around the bush¡­.¡± ¡°This is not the Chutuary you knew.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± It was again. That tone, as if knowing all the truths. ¡°Now that the tutorial is finally over.¡± Uttering words that the beings of this world would never speak. [The Beginning] He banished Sein from his thoughts. Rumors spreading across the continent naturally reached Demorus as well. Demorus, who wouldn¡¯t usually be swayed by mere rumors. ¡°Take your seats.¡± The rumors spreading across the continent were significant enough to convene Demorus¡¯s council. Swish. Under the lord¡¯smand, everyone took their seats today. ¡°Report.¡± The lord¡¯smand echoed once more. ¡°I am Second Information Officer Falcon.¡± A middle-aged man amidst the gathered, exining himself. His face was nothing special, making it highly unlikely to be his real face. As an information officer directly operated by Demorus, the quality of treatment was exceptionally high, and the credibility was also significant. To the extent of knowing what undergarments the Emperor of the Empire wore today. ¡°I will now exin the agenda for today¡¯s council meeting.¡± That¡¯s what Falcon said. ¡°The Holy Sword has appeared.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± With just one word, chaos erupted in the hall. It was the rumor everyone had heard. -There is a Holy Sword in Sector 7. However, everyone dismissed it as a baseless rumor due to its weak and groundless nature, until Falcon mentioned it directly. ¡°Ahem.¡± If it was a Holy Sword, it was not something easily overlooked in Demorus. At the very least, an item on the level of legend, perhaps even approaching myth. ¡°If it¡¯s a Holy Sword, what is it?¡± ¡°We couldn¡¯t ascertain that much.¡± If Falcon didn¡¯t obtain it, no one else would know either. ¡°Ha, a Holy Sword at this time.¡± A Holy Sword known to have disappeared after the Empire¡¯s fall. While some were identified as being in possession of them, most vanished along with the Empire¡¯s copse. The value of a Holy Sword was tremendous. Not only did the Holy Sword possess functional aspects, but its symbolic significance was also immense. -Bringing together three Holy Swords could change the course of history. Just tales floating between generations were of that caliber. ¡°It must be seized.¡± Second Commander of the Military, Joh Han, said. Known for pledging allegiance solely to Demorus without anyone else¡¯s support. ¡°2nd Information Officer, what is the reason for your certainty regarding the rumor?¡± ¡°That.¡± Palco said. ¡°Padin has moved.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Just the Holy Sword alone would be astonishing, but now the name Padin was mentioned. ¡°Who?¡± Padin, the highest Holy Knight of the Order. In the past, their reputation was high, but now it had turned into a notorious one. For the persecuted followers of the Order, the Pdins who had forsaken the principles of immortality ughtered tens of thousands of people. If the Three Dark Families had not intervened to deal with them, the Order might still have a presence in the world. ¡°If they were Padins, they would have all died during the Dark Crusade.¡± ¡°¡­I believe it¡¯s a new Padin.¡± The appearance of a new Pdin, unseen until now. And the Holy Sword. ¡°Hmm.¡± At this moment, everyone present felt the unusual movement of the Order. ¡°Ga-Ju, what will you do?¡± The messengers asked Tejera. ¡°Currently, the Imperial Knights have departed, and the Immortal moved yesterday.¡± ¡°Vincent?¡± ¡°Silent.¡± It was not Vincent¡¯s family matter, so he might not be actively involved. Those interested in the Holy Sword would all move. ¡°We take action.¡± The heavy voice of Tejera resonated. Thud. The messengers bowed their heads and knelt. This was an opportunity to gain great power. Who exactly would participate in the recovery of the Holy Sword? And. ¡°Jagar is going.¡± The sessor candidate was chosen. From Noble mtl dot *** The contest for the Holy Sword was an opportunity to gain great power as much as it was a great risk. High risk, high return. But in Demorus, there was no one thinking about the risk. ¡°That snake¡¯s eyeing it, right?¡± Only Return. Those who believed that the word ¡°failure¡± could not be attached to the name Demorus. ¡°Yes. It is a matter decided by the governor.¡± Sein tasted the bitterness. ¡°The Holy Sword.¡± Rumors had already been circting. Fortunately, information was being gathered through Otomeo and others in the lower areas. ¡°Demorus is Demorus.¡± The information about Demorus had spread in just a few days, bringing only urate facts. ng. Even now, Bastion was hanging from Sein¡¯s waist. Since there weren¡¯t many swords that could contain Sein¡¯s magic, when it came time to fight properly, Bastion was drawn. ¡°What a shame.¡± Bastion¡¯s performance was among the lowest even among the holy swords. Originally, what Sein had discarded as useless was precisely Bastion. ¡°If I were to step forward?¡± ¡°Death sentence.¡± ¡°Hah.¡± Sein let out a bitterugh. Ferio said, ¡°As it wasmanded by the governor, it is an order issued by the governor.¡± Tejera¡¯smand. Chapter 85 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 85 ¡°Going against it and acting independently will be considered an act of rebellion.¡± Going against it meant rebellion, which meant execution. That¡¯s why others, including other potential sessors and gods, followed without a word ofint. ¡°A reevaluation of the candidate is urgently needed.¡± The candidate who dared to confront such a governor was truly remarkable. ¡°Ugh.¡± Regrettable. Since all eyes would be on him, slipping away unnoticed was impossible. Should he give up? Snick. If so, it wouldn¡¯t be Sein. ¡°I need a diversion.¡± Sein muttered to himself as Ferio left. ¡°Derun.¡± At his call, Derun, who was guarding outside the door, entered the room. ¡°You called, Captain.¡± ¡°I need to go out of Demorus for a moment.¡± Retrieve the Holy Sword. The reaper would be himself. ¡°I need to check something.¡± Upon Sein¡¯s words, Deren stood straight in front of Sein. Deren, who had started with thest cycle. Sein considered him the first bonus of this lifetime. Hmm. Sein¡¯s hand on Deren¡¯s chest emitted magic, healing Deren¡¯s body. ¡°You¡¯ve put in quite an effort.¡± Despite not seeing each other, Deren¡¯s magic felt stronger, as if he hadn¡¯t neglected training within the Demorus. ¡®Level is in the early 10s.¡¯ But still not at a level to be considered strong within Demorus. Yet Deren had his own special reason. ¡°You¡¯ve barely met the minimum requirements.¡± Sein Demorus, the sessor of the Dark Path, Deren¡¯s first lifetime bonus. But it was not just a bonus, but a special one. Swish. A bonus created by Sein. As anticipated, the reason Sein awakened to blessingster than other candidates might have been due to containing a huge ancestral blessing. Thud, thud. It could have been due to Deren¡¯s existence. Had it not been for thebyrinth, even that might have awakenedte. Deren. ¡°Drink.¡± He was a human created by Sein. Sein cut his hand, letting the blood flow, and it dripped onto Deren¡¯s lips. It was a technique Deren had learned in the researcher¡¯s life, ssified as an awakening skill, but perhaps due to the researcher¡¯s life, it had a perfect theory. To survive in this strange new world, Sein had devised the best method possible. -Homunculus. The tiny human in the sk. A created human. Transnted with a part of Sein¡¯s soul. Squelch. It could be considered Sein¡¯s bonus. Moreover, the human born through this technique. ¡°Do you know what to do?¡± Nod. They could mimic the appearance and abilities of their owner. Receiving the 3rd Military Badge was a move of the gods. Thanks to it, Sein clearly obtained Indus, the connection of the Cis, and although the various connections of the Cis might seem insignificant to other sessor candidates, they were of certain help to Sein. For instance, the spy of Demoras. ¡°No one noticed them leaving, but no one returned.¡± He knew the loophole used by those trying to escape from Demoras. ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter.¡± When entering, he would leave as a nobody, but when returning, he would return as Sein of Demoras. Instead of Sein who had already received the mission, Deren disguised as Sein would leave. It would be a switch to aplish the mission. Thud. Sein handed over Demoras¡¯ coins. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± But the spy refused it. ¡°It was the Cis who saved me from almost dying. The Cis asked me to think of you as Sein.¡± ¡°Your help will be repaid to the Cis instead.¡± ¡°That will do.¡± Through the loophole, Sein escaped from Demoras. Silent. He wasn¡¯t alone. ¡°I can¡¯t stand this anymore, it¡¯s getting on my nerves.¡± Another girl beside Sein. Cecil, wearing a turned robe, was there. ¡°I came to assist.¡± Sein faced another person. ¡°Huh, even the royal family wouldn¡¯t act like this.¡± Entering and leaving Demoras¡¯ territory at will was no easy feat. As mentioned, receiving the 3rd Military Badge was a move of the gods. ¡°Indus.¡± Indus, standing there after receiving the mission. ¡°You maye with me. I have lent identity cards to others.¡± No one dared to doubt the 3rd Military. Even if they did, thework of connections built up over a long time as a military member would make it possible. ¡°It¡¯s dirty, so let¡¯s move quickly.¡± ¡°If you say so, it must be a good thing for us.¡± Indus was now even cracking jokes. ¡°Do you have a n?¡± Indus asked while leaving the territory. ¡°It would be reckless to jump into the battlefield alone.¡± He shared the information he brought from other allies. ¡°It seems that only those like the Immortal Guard or the Pdins know the exact location and situation of the Holy Sword, not even the Pdin.¡± Even if one is not afraid of the battlefield, not knowing where that battlefield is taking ce. The mission will be carried out with utmost secrecy, and upon arriving at the site of a major battle, one never knew if it might be toote. ¡°I¡¯ve kept an eye on the 5th Legion, who are marching with Lord Jhagarr this time¡­.¡± Indus, possessing abilities beyond imagination. Perhaps it would have been better to go to the Information Division. ¡°There is a n.¡± Something unnecessary for Sain. He had already devised all ns while pondering how to escape from Demorus. ¡°I¡­.¡± The destination is Zone 7. ¡°I am searching for the Pdin.¡± The sect that faced destruction due to the Cataclysm had to survive somehow, evading the eyes of the Dark Zone and the New Empire. Once treated like cockroaches and exterminated, they managed to survive somehow. ¡°Faith exists everywhere.¡± Just like those resilient cockroaches, the sect survived in any way possible. One of its factions, the Pdin Order, finally bore fruit after years of dedicated effort. ¡°Angel.¡± That is the Pdin. A heavily armed knight quietly rose to his feet. Just the weight of his armor alone seemed to easily exceed a hundred kilograms. Thud! Thud! Despite his heavy steps, his movements were incredibly light. A man who had left the barracks. ¡°Lord ckgreen.¡± Twenty people who had been waiting in front of him bowed their heads. Pdin, ckgreen. The Pdin, crafted with everything the Pdin Order possessed. The strategic weapon that was said to be able to destroy a kingdom with just one Pdin, that was him. ckgreen. ¡°After Immortal, Demorus has also started to move.¡± Faith exists everywhere. Even in the Dark Zone, known for its absoluteness. ¡°They say that Jhagarr¡¯s sessor is responsible.¡± ¡°A greenhorn, huh.¡± Greenhorn. That was the evaluation of ckgreen¡¯s Jhagarr. ¡°Isn¡¯t heing?¡± ¡°Given the nature of the Dark Zone, it won¡¯t be easy for him to move.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a shame.¡± It was sincere. ¡°But our goal is one.¡± ckgreen¡¯s deep voice spread out. ¡°To proim the resurrection of the sect to the world.¡± Hmm. A huge greatsword hanging behind ckgreen shone. ¡°Angel.¡± ¡°Angel.¡± Those who bowed their heads as if in prayer. Then, as if sensing something, ckgreen cautiously raised his head. Shiver. ckgreen¡¯s pupils began to tremble. ¡°How¡­ can this be.¡± He was so surprised that he couldn¡¯t even speak properly. ¡°What is happening?¡± The still inexperienced pdins and priests might not feel it. But in the eyes of ckgreen, now a pdin, it was clear. ¡°You are the Angel!¡± The radiant splendor was gradually approaching him. ¡°Who are these guys!¡± The knights shouted btedly. ¡°How¡­?¡± The ce they were in was protected by a sacred magic circle. No impure or faithless person could enter, as a special barrier prevented them from even seeing it. However. ¡°Stop!¡± A young girl and a young man stepped foot in this ce. ckgreen stopped the knights who tried to block them. Thud! ckgreen knelt on one knee. ¡°What¡­?¡± The bewildered knights. ¡°Immediately-!¡± ckgreen shouted at the knights. ¡°Kneel and show respect-!¡± The Pdin¡¯smand was absolute on the battlefield. ¡°¡­.¡± Puzzled, the knights and priests knelt and paid their respects. Finally, the girl and the young man arrived in front of them. ¡°So, you are the ones Angel spoke of.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°You are¡­?¡± ¡°I havee upon receiving a revtion.¡± In the radiant light, the face was barely visible. ¡®How magnificent this divine power must be.¡¯ It was a purity and holiness so high that one could believe in the reincarnation of an angel. ¡°My name is Ain.¡± The young man said. ¡°I am humbled to have been chosen by the angel.¡± ¡°Ah¡­!¡± ckgrin, ovee with emotion, sped his hands as if in prayer. ¡°Angel.¡± The young man looking at them. Ain, no. Smirk. Sein smiled kindly at them. From Noble mtl dot * * * ¡°A saint¡­¡± ¡°Is that even possible?¡± The Pdin Knights of the Pantheon were unable to conceal their confusion at Ain¡¯s arrival. The sudden appearance of the young man, Ain, who dered himself a saint, took them aback. Furthermore, the girl who came with him imed to be a knight of the saint. ¡°Have you heard anything from the clergy?¡± The Pdin Knights were in turmoil at the unbelievable tale. ¡°It is an honor to meet the child of the Angel.¡± ckgrin seemed to have no doubt about them. ¡°Thank you for your hard work. These are difficult times. May the Angel watch over you.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± No one dared to voice an opinion to the delighted ckgrin. ¡°Surely¡­¡± Some of the Pdin Knights had their doubts. ¡°Isn¡¯t she the supposed saint they created?¡± A rumor circting amidst the fallen clergy. Thest Archbishop of Antara created a saint. The rumor was that such a saint was in Demorus. If they were the ones. ¡°¡­¡± It could be Demorus. ¡°No way. The Pope must have referred to her as a saint.¡± ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t that person a man?¡± Not a saint, but a saintess. That¡¯s why it was even more bewildering. How could a saint suddenly emerge from somewhere? ¡°Do not doubt.¡± As if ckgreen¡¯s supernatural hearing had caught everything, he spoke to the knights. ¡°Do not dare to judge the will of God.¡± Chapter 86 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 86 ¡°Angel.¡± ¡°In difficult times, perhaps Angel has finally revealed herself and sent a lion for themb.¡± It was not amon belief. Literally, a belief bordering on fanaticism. ¡°You all seem tired.¡± At that moment, Aine approached the Holy Steel Knights. They were the Holy Steel Knights who had to maintain a forced march due to avoiding the eyes of the Dark River and the New Empire, moving cautiously. If they were not tired, it would be a lie. ¡°Oh, Angel. Please watch over your children.¡± The sound of prayer flowing from Aine¡¯s lips. Rumble. Then, the thorn pattern of the Archangel began to appear on Aine¡¯s forehead. ¡°Whoa!¡± ¡°The Ring of the Saint!¡± No believer could mistake it. The Ring of the Saint, which only a saint could possess! And the spreading divine power. ¡°Ah¡­!¡± It was restoring the exhausted vitality and wounds of the Holy Steel Knights. Due to the nature of the Temple Knights, they included not only Holy Knights but also priests for treatment, enhancement, andbat support. But even among them, there were limits. ¡°Ahh!¡± Aine¡¯s divine powerpletely restored the Holy Steel Knights as if ignoring those limits. There was no way now. ¡°I-I apologize for doubting, Your Holiness.¡± ¡°I dared to doubt Your Holiness.¡± What to do when there is clear evidence before your eyes. It was just doubtful whether the saint was truly on their side. Judging that was not up to an ordinary knight. ¡°The Saint is with us.¡± Pdin, ckgreen. ¡°This expedition was undoubtedly blessed by Angel.¡± He weed Ain and Marcell to the party. Ain, who performed miracles. Looking up at the sky, he thought. ¡°I will make good use of it. Angel.¡± * * * He seeks the Pdin. That was Sein¡¯s n. If someone had heard Sein¡¯s n, they would have felt disappointed by its simplicity to the point of absurdity. Some might have even called it madness. The Pdin is a monster. Notparable to Demorus¡¯ Duke Tegera, but. ¡°At least at level cap.¡± With the Pdin¡¯s condition of achieving at least level cap, they were truly individuals who could be called a one-man army. ¡°ckgreen.¡± The Pdin ckgreen is also a monster in the same sense. But Sein¡¯s n was not foolish. ¡°As you know, so you show.¡± In this world, as strong as you appear. When the Pdin reached that level. ¡°Sir Ain.¡± Sein would appear as a saint in himself. The amount of holy power recovered and increased explosively through leveling up. Although the way to use it might be different, the amount and quality were indeed superior to the Pdin ckgreen. ¡°Would it be eptable to entrust Sir Ain with themand?¡± Also, hope for the faction they held. Faith in God. All of it would lead to the saint who emerged. ¡°Blind faith blinds human eyes.¡± That was the reason this amusing thing was possible. This was something experienced in the past as well. ¨C The mad prince was chosen as a saint? ¨C Nonsense! Sein Archipald. There was a time when chaos erupted in the temple at the rumor of a madman, who used the power of a saint whilemitting ughter and inciting war. The priests who came to prove it. ¨C It¡¯s corrupt power! ¨C It¡¯s false! They were executed for daring to spheme Sein. Of course, in a situation where the Imperial Pce had to move. The Pce sent three Pdins to the Saint, thinking that they would even sacrifice the battle with the Empire. And. ¨C I greet the Saint. The Pce acknowledged the Saint as a Saint. It was undeniable evidence before their eyes. From the start, the Pdins were lunatics. Among fanatics, they were the most fanatical. Without such faith, they could not reach the level attainable by ordinary humans. Back then, as it is now, it remains the same. The Pce¡¯s mistake was. ¡®Creating the Pdins.¡¯ Naturally, the Pce leadership did not ept that the Saint was a Saint. And the result was. ¡®The Pdins killed them all.¡¯ It would be quicker to ask the Inquisitor. Snick. The awaited moment had arrived. The reason why the Saint had been provoking the Pce with the bait of the Saint¡¯s chamber up until now was also this. However, the Pce would not acknowledge them. Not just due to their authenticity, but because the sanctity of the Saint¡¯s chamber was indeed created. However. ¡°I will waive my authority.¡± The Saint is different. The vast amount of sanctity flowing through his body. The halo of the Saint drawn on his forehead. Everything about him. ¡°The Pdins, led by ck Green.¡± It was indeed what Angel had given to them. ¡°How¡­ could we not have noticed?¡± ¡°Could there be such a thing? If they are so faithful to Angel, I simply aim to temporarily entrust myself to assist ck Green due to circumstances.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± The Saint is the Son of God. The words of such a Saint. ¡°So, I ask.¡± It is the will of God to the Pdins. ¡°What has happened? What does the Holy Sword¡­ the Church want?¡± He asks them. A question that surely has no answer. ¡°Ah! I amte with my words.¡± ckgreen answered. ¡°The goal of this expedition is to retrieve the Holy Sword, and¡­¡± A bright smile. ¡°To strike down those who dare to seize the Holy Sword with God¡¯s divine punishment!¡± ¡°In this world, Angel¡¯s will has been hidden, and chaos has arisen with the advent of darkness.¡± ckgreen said. ¡°Dare! God¡¯s divine punishment on the darkness that has tainted the world!¡± To summarize ckgreen¡¯s story: ¨C Grasped the whereabouts of the Holy Sword. ¨C Purposely leaked it. And. ¡°The unbelievers known as the Three Dark Lords will soon find out.¡± Those whoe seeking it. ¡°To maintain the integrity of the Order.¡± He would kill them all. Saint was almost tempted to apud his fervor. Just like in the past, the Pdins¡¯ fanatical faith and steadfastness had a natural apuse-inducing quality. ¡°If Ain lends a hand, they will be even more brutally enlightened. Will you assist?¡± At ckgreen¡¯s request. ¡°Willingly.¡± Saint replied with a smile. The Steel Knights began to move. Saint stuck close to ckgreen, asking him many things. ¡°Pdins. That¡¯s¡­?¡± To the extent that the Knights who had begun to believe in Saint were restraining ckgreen. ¡°How is it? What the Saint knows is what Angel knows.¡± ckgreen was blunt. ¡°At present, the Order is divided into five major factions. The heretical groups will soon realize that they are straying from the righteous path.¡± ckgreen unraveled the inner workings of the Order, easily essible even to Otomeo, as if telling a story. ¡°Are you referring to the Holy Maiden in Demoras? It is likely to be true.¡± Saint, without any prompting, asked ckgreen from time to time. ¡°We are nning an operation for that moment. Whether the Holy Maiden is false or not, the temple must decide. But if she is false¡­¡± Vroom! The greatsword hanging behind ckgreen resonated with his sanctity, emitting light. ¡°You won¡¯t be able to evade the punishment.¡± A tremendous confidence. ¡°Regarding the location of the Order?¡± ckgreen, who was like a robot answering anything, paused only once. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t disclose that.¡± ¡°Ah, if I have transgressed.¡± Though Aine took a step back. ¡°It¡¯s not that. It¡¯s because I don¡¯t know.¡± ckgreen wasn¡¯t avoiding the answer; it was truly because of not knowing that he couldn¡¯t speak. ¡°How can you not know?¡± ¡°As soon as you leave the pulpit, all memories of the pulpit are erased. Only when the mission isplete and you are called back can you find your way there again.¡± Indeed, is that the way it is. A revtion even to the pdins. ¡°I must look into this.¡± It was only natural that interest was piqued. As Sein delved into information about the pulpit. ¡°We have arrived.¡± They could reach their destination. At the edge of Zone 7, a barren wastnd with nothing around. It was a ce filled only with the corpses of dead trees. ¡°Hallowed be. Let us offer our prayers.¡± Starting with ckgreen, the devout knights began to pray. ¡°¡­.¡± Sein watched them closely. ¡®It¡¯s different.¡¯ It was the first time. A flow of sanctity entirely different from what he knew. One could follow, but there was a sense of distortion in the flow of sanctity. ¡°Ah-!¡± Their sanctity was amplifying and spreading. ¡®Indeed.¡¯ The Galiona they had once seen again, the Steel Cross knights charging to capture the saintess. There was something he had thought when observing the other Saintly Temple factions. That they would be utterly ruined and beyond recovery. But now, a spectacle was unfolding before his eyes, shattering that thought. Humans who chose evolution to survive in a world on the brink of destruction. ¡°It¡¯s a vortex.¡± The temple had also evolved. * From Noble mtl dot * * A vortex, it was a nature that did not exist in the past like a maze. If a maze yed the role of summoning a ce simr to a dungeon. Whirrr-! The vortex was a concept of a portal that transported to apletely different ce. However. ¡°It¡¯s not a message for the Saint, but it would be wise to prepare firmly.¡± The issue was the shifting location. ¡°As the Saint must know, the area where the whirlpool leads is the Dark Zone.¡± A portal leading to the Dark Zone from Zone 10. Normally, humans cannot survive in the Dark Zone. The moment one steps foot there, they are destined to be contaminated and die within a day. However, the Dark Zone reached through the whirlpool was different. ¡°Why was the Holy Sword found in Zone 7?¡± The whirlpool neutralizes the magic of the safe zone and the Dark Zone, forming a protective shield that allows humans to survive for a while. In return, the whirlpool mainly appears in lower zones, and once it appears, the surroundingnd turns into ruins. ¡°With Angel by your side, what is there to worry about?¡± ¡°Indeed, you are the Saint.¡± ckgreen smiled satisfactorily at Ain¡¯s words. His face, which had seemed amiable so far, suddenly changed. ¡°Charge.¡± Like a true knight. Giving the charge order. And the Sacred Knights, Ain, and Marsil set foot into the whirlpool. Swoosh. They disappeared as they were sucked in. ¡°The door is open.¡± The shadows watching them revealed themselves and spoke. The symbol etched in a corner of their chests indicated their allegiance. ¨C Immortal. One of the three Dark Houses, Immortal. And. ¡°They are temporary allies.¡± Another figure revealing itself from a corner, Demorus. Jagar was there. The mission leader of Immortal slowly removed his robe and said, ¡°I will discard it anytime if it bes a hindrance.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Chapter 87 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 87 Jagar replied. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t the real Padin, it would have been impossible.¡± Shiver. The mission leader of Immortal. Phepero¡¯s arm trembled. To avoid detection, he set upyers of barriers and watched from a distance as much as possible. The location they would appear in was predetermined, making it possible. The emotion felt while looking at the knight d in massive armor was that he was a true monster. ¡°However, there was someone missing from the report.¡± Jagar said. ¡°Do you know who the Immortal is?¡± Even though the number was mentioned as twenty, there were only twenty-two of them. A girl who seemed delicate and a blond youth. Pepelo shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. They might be a high-ranking figure of the sect.¡± As the opponent was a pdin, they had to consider all possible scenarios. If not, there wouldn¡¯t even be a chance of joining hands with Demorus. ¡°Whatever happens.¡± They opened the door to the whirlpool. ¡°We¡¯re going in.¡± Their mission was just beginning. Beyond the whirlpool. ¡°Raise your shields!¡± ckgreen shouted. ¡°Oh, angels.¡± Boom! An explosive divine power spread out, enveloping the Holy Steel Knights. If this was a shield formed by the overwhelming divine power of a pdin. ¡°Cough.¡± ¡°Cough!¡± The Holy Steel Knights writhed in agony, expelling rough pain from their bodies. Gasp. It was the same for Ein, even for Saint. Cold sweat poured down like rain, and a pain as if their organs were twisting was felt. Just like the test they faced when entering Demorus, it was excruciating pain. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± At that moment, Marceil, no, Sessil, grabbed their hand. And. ¡°Ah.¡± Marceil¡¯s soft voice echoed gently. Growl. The shield ckgreen unfolded felt even sturdier. At the same time, the expressions of the Holy Steel Knights and Ein seemed to improve. ¡°Is this the work of the Saint?¡± ckgreen asked in surprise, ¡°The power to resist the darkness¡­! No one in the Order has ever disyed it. Indeed¡­, it seems that Angel is watching over us.¡± Even Saint, who was tough-skinned, momentarily lost his words at the sight of ckgreen, who seemed genuinely moved. ¡°Originally, I was nning to get used to the dark here before moving.¡± ckgreen said. ¡°It seems we can move right away.¡± Research on the dark zone through the whirlpool was said to be currently ongoing. As humans step into the dark zone, the encroaching darkness corrodes. It devours humans, transforming everything about them into something else. No matter how the whirlpool¡¯s shield exists, it was necessary to adapt to the darkness seeping into the flesh in order to move effectively. ¡°¡­.¡± At that moment, ckgreen¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°Someone has arrived first.¡± It was Ain. Sensing an aura, the surrounding scenery. An awkward sense of unfamiliarity. ¡°We must hurry.¡± Not only themselves, but someone else had arrived here first. ¡®Who?¡¯ Ain was puzzled. ¡®Immortal and Demorus should have been there?¡¯ Eyes watching from afar, monitoring them. ckgreen seemed unaware, but being knowledgeable in magic and the power of darkness, Saint could feel their presence. In that case. ¡®The Empire.¡¯ Only one thing remained. They were the only ones qualified to step into this grand battlefield. ¡°Originally, I was nning to eliminate the unbelievers here and leave. Move.¡± The Holy Knights began to move. ¡°What¡¯s the n?¡± Ain asked Marceil a little farther away. Swoosh. Marceil pointed at Saint. ¡°What¡¯s it to you.¡± Marceil, who had shown the power to resist the darkness. Although he had never been taught such a thing, Ain asked. ¡°I can do it.¡± Marceil said Saint could do it too. ¡°Because he learned.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± Sein let out a bitterugh. No way. ¡°I guess it was real.¡± It was the moment when Cecil confirmed Seissel¡¯s talent was indeed real. Connected through the two beings, the saint and the saintess. Cecil was learning the sacred power from Sein and naturally absorbing it. But this was different. ¡°Application.¡± Sein, who had never experienced darkness, seemed unlikely to possess the strength to resist it. In the first encounter with darkness, Cecil created the power to resist darkness through the sacred power. ¡°Do you want to eat something?¡± Beyond impressive, his body tingled. The lottery ticket he thought was second prize turned out to be first. ¡°Rich.¡± ¡°If you get it this time, eat to your heart¡¯s content for a while.¡± ¡°Heh.¡± It¡¯s been a while. There had never been such a faithful supporter. ¡°May Angel¡¯s blessings be upon us.¡± At Ain¡¯s voice, the entire Holy Knights began to shine. ¡°What a blessing this is!¡± ¡°As expected of a saint!¡± Boosted by heightened physical abilities. ¡°Charge!¡± Led by ckgreen, the Holy Knights began their charge. Kwahng! The Demon Tree, colliding with ckgreen, began to sway greatly. The Demon Tree, a living tree, was an intermediate-level monster. But the one seen in the Dark Zone. ¡°Kwahk!¡± Truly a monster. ¡°It must be at least level 20.¡± There was nock of endurance or destructive power. But the real problem was. ¡°Here ites! Watch out!¡± The Demon Tree¡¯s skill was imbued with dark attributes. Spores scattered as branches burst out. When the dark spores touched the Holy Knights. Chiiing! Armor and flesh burning, injecting darkness through wounds began. Arms turning ck in an instant. ¡°Drive out the disbelief.¡± Yet, as Aine¡¯s sanctity followed, darkness slowly receded. ¡°We can resist the darkness!¡± The morale of the Holy Steel Knights rose even higher. Until now, only a few were known to resist the darkness. Only the Holy Empire possessed that special skill. But not at this moment. ¡°Angelus!¡± ¡°Angelus!¡± Aine and Marsil. The saint and his knight had the power to drive out the darkness. ¡°Now starting to get used to it.¡± Of course, what Aine used was learned from Marsil. Just as Aine could learn what Marsil possessed. Snick. Since Aine could learn what Marsil had. Aine, realizing Marsil¡¯s true talent, had offered the bones of Lich. ¡°The power to resist the darkness.¡± What could be done with this power was anticipated. But the crucial thing was this moment. ¡°Faster than anyone to your servant.¡± The sanctity that Demorus had refrained from using during his saint days. If necessary, he would bring it out at any time, but he had kept that power hidden unless absolutely needed. ¡°The power to punish evil to your servant.¡± At this moment, the saint was unleashing. Kwong! Finally, the Holy Steel Knights seeded in toppling the Demon Tree. Crack. However, something more was happening beside them. ¡°Haha! It¡¯s finally over!¡± ckgreen. That mad pdin had single-handedly destroyed over dozens of Demon Trees. When the entire Holy Steel Knights faced one, he faced dozens. That was the difference between a pdin and a holy knight. That was it. ¡°The difference between the max level and the rest.¡± Max level referred to those standing right before the transcendental wall. ¡°All thanks to you, Saint!¡± ckgreen was a true monster in the real sense. ¡°If we confront that, it¡¯s going to be a headache.¡± He lowered himself a bit more and smiled. ¡°What are you talking about? It¡¯s all thanks to you.¡± He could pull off such acting as much as he wanted. Because he had lived thousands of lives. They had been swirling around for a few days like that. ¡°It seems like we arrived first.¡± Although there were fortune-tellers in the swirl, the first to arrive at the destination were the Holy Knights. Pdins and Saints. Being more sensitive to divine power than anything else. ¡°That is¡­.¡± Following the aura of the Holy Sword was not that difficult. ¡°The Sword of Injustice, Tendra.¡± * * * From Noble mtl dot The Sword of Injustice, Tendra. Among the holy swords existing in Sanctuary, it was considered a superior one. It could manipte the attribute of mes with the name of Anghel, and those mes significantly boosted the wearer¡¯s physical abilities. Most importantly, what was attractive was that Tendra could use special abilities ording to the user¡¯s specs. ¨C Sacred mes. The mes with high resistance against magic and curses would serve as a panacea for dark mages and those tainted by darkness. ¡°¡­There was a reason they sent the Pdins.¡± If they had known that Tendra was here, it wouldn¡¯t have been strange to send more troops. But the problem was where Tendra was. ¡°¡­What in the world is that.¡± It was a massive rock. No, it was a golem in the shape of a rock. ¡°The Sacred Golem, Titan.¡± The Holy Knights and ckgreen looked at Sane. ¡°Anghel has spoken.¡± It¡¯s so convenient to have a god¡¯s name. ¡°That is a god¡¯s soldier who used to guard a great temple in the past.¡± There was no need for Sane to exin his knowledge. ¡°¡­Indeed.¡± The term god¡¯s soldier seemed fitting when looking at that figure. However, it no longer exuded the sanctity of the past. Gugugugu¡­. It was just emitting an iparably dark aura of darkness. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± It felt new to Sein. Tindra was one of the holy swords Sein often used. Of course, it was a mid-level one; in thetter part, many superior holy swords were left behind. On that sacred golem. Why was it here? ¡°It¡¯s just a guess that someone brought it here.¡± Changes on the continent after the Empire¡¯s fall. It seemed easier to think of it as a coincidence. Tindra was stuck in the chest of that sacred golem. ¡°We might need to establish a shrine.¡± One of the Holy Steel Knights said. ¡°The High Priest said to prioritize the extermination of non-believers.¡± The destination. And naturally. ¡°They will gather here.¡± Those aiming for the holy sword would gather here. But what if the Holy Steel Knights and ckgreen were fighting that thing at that moment? If they suffered significant injuries? ¡°We¡¯ll cast a sacred barrier to conceal our presence. After observing the situation¡­.¡± Chapter 88 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 88 The Holy Steel Knights were doomed. Pdin ckgreen didn¡¯t know if he would sustain major injuries. Still, the opponent was from the Dark Guild. ¡°Hmm. Should we just wait for the Shard of Angel to be in front of us?¡± ¡°It is the will of the Order.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s the will of the Order¡­.¡± ckgreen was ultimately trying to ept it. ¡°No.¡± Ain, or rather Sein, couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch. ¡°We need to attack right now.¡± ckgreen is a threat. ¡°But.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you see it?¡± Who Immortal sent from Nemortgar, no one knew, but. ¡°That snake-eyed brat is no match.¡± Even considering theck of resources, there was a possibility they couldn¡¯t even inflict proper damage. One might think the Dark Guilds would send hopeless individuals upon hearing the name Pdin. ¡°I said, can¡¯t you hear me!¡± It was Pdin, appearing after a very long time. If they didn¡¯t understand their full strength, there was a high chance of making the wrong choice. However, Sein¡¯s thoughts were futile. ¡°Thank you for guiding me this far.¡± Those crazy bastards. * * * He didn¡¯t sense any movement. It was the overwhelming darkness that confused his senses. ¡°It¡¯s confirmed with this.¡± Just like Sein resisted the darkness, the Darklings also possessed the power to resist the darkness. Sein was also affiliated with the Demoros, but he had never been involved in missions rted to the darkness. Moreover, if it was rted to the darkness, it was undoubtedly a highly ssified matter. ¡°I need to investigate.¡± He caught a glimpse of another possibility. But that was it. ¡°¡­Those crazy bastards.¡± About thirty humans appeared. One in a ck robe. The other in a mix of ck and gold armor. Immortals and Demoros. ¡°The unbelievers have shown themselves!¡± ckgreen stepped forward, looking pleased, and spoke. Chae-e-eng! The Holy Steel Knights also drew their weapons, readying themselves fully. ¡°Do you feel confident?¡± If it was him, he would aim for the moment when the Sacred Golem and ckgreen shed. If they revealed their previous forms, it meant something. ¡°I need to keep an eye on this.¡± The power of the Darklings. Thud! The power of Padium. Which one would prevail. But then, it happened. Kukukukukukung! Suddenly, with a massive roar shaking the ground, it felt like an earthquake had begun to tremble the earth. ¡°Hold on!¡± They began to move urgently. Themand to not lose bnce on the shaking ground turned into ¡°Blood¡­.¡± soon after. ¡°Watch out-!¡± Everyone present here could be considered elite individuals. Survivors of numerous real battles, the strong. ¡°Dark Barrier-!¡± Even the Immortal. Thud! And the Demolisher. ¡°Retreat-!¡± The Holy Knights each moved in their own way, preparing to withstand whatever was approaching. Among them, the standout was ckgreen. Thud! Driving their massive greatsword into the ground, they ignited their holy power. ¡°Let faith rise!¡± In an instant, the greatsword emitted a radiant light. The already unstable ground splitpletely, beginning to liquefy. A shield seemingly protecting the Holy Knights. But that was not all. Crash! The liquefied ground scattered the Holy Knights in all directions. Sein thought it was the best way. Wham! If they didn¡¯t move quickly enough to evade. Kwaaaaah-! They would have been obliterated by that insane fist. The worst of all were the Immortals. Believing in their formidable magic and dark sorcery, they joined forces to erect a barrier. Crash! It shattered into pieces. ¡°Damn it!¡± At the spot where the fist rose again, there were the elite Immortals who had withstood it, now reduced to mere bloodstains. It was just one attack. ¡°¡­What is this.¡± An attack that bewildered everyone. Up in the sky. Hum. The crimson glowing eyes seemed to re at everyone like a fallen angel. It was a divine soldier. ¨C Titan. A raid-level boss monster had awakened from its slumber, its appearance and immense power causing them to momentarily stop. However, as mentioned. ¡°The backup ising! Dodge!¡± They were elites. Quickly adjusting their formation, they tried to evade the flying fists once more. Sein, still embracing Cecil, leaped towards the Holy Knights. At that moment, there was someone who bore the first blow. ¡°Dark Needles.¡± Immortal. Unable to contain their anger after losing a third of their power in a single blow. A giant ck needle that pierced the air. That. Kwaaang! Colliding with the Titan¡¯s fist, causing an explosion. A raid-level boss monster. Inherently cmitous, these creatures were designed to be unbeatable by a single yer. Temples, mercenary guilds, empires, or kingdoms. yers who had reached the end of faction quests and built their influence. Kwaaaang! One could say that hunting with influence was what raid monsters were about. Amidst the ck explosion, the world seemed to be shrouded in darkness. The colossal Dark Needles shing with the Titan¡¯s fist. Thud. It was a remarkable sight. For just a moment, with sheer force, they managed to halt the Titan¡¯s fist. But they must not forget. That the enemy here was not just the Titan. Sweeeek! Arrows of flying light. Kaang! Barely, the barrier created by the Immortal¡¯s dark mage managed to deflect it. If it had been a bitte, the Immortal¡¯smander who expelled the Dark Needles might have been injured. ¡°It was that guy.¡± The hood fluttering as it was peeled off. Sein could see the Immortal¡¯smander. ¡°Fephro Immortal.¡± The child of the Immortal, first involved in the Demon Incident. The master-level dark mage they had properly faced for the first time. ¡°Holy Knights-!¡± ckgreen shouted. ¡°There will be no change! We will eliminate the unbelievers first!¡± The charging Sungcheol Knights yelled. In the midst of it, Boooom! The Titan¡¯s fist was literally tearing through the air,ing down. Kwaaang! The earth exploded, creating a crevice. On the exploding ground, Thud! ckgreen stepped on it and leaped up towards Phephero, wielding a massive greatsword. A gleaming sword. Facing Phephero. ng! However, ckgreen¡¯s sword could not touch Phephero. Six Demoros suddenly appeared. The moment they crossed their swords to block ckgreen, ¡°We¡¯ve got you, Immortal.¡± Jagar instantly appeared behind ckgreen. The curved dagger, like my eyes, was about to pierce through the gap in Phephero¡¯s armor. ¡°Huahp!¡± A divine light burst forth from ckgreen as he unleashed his energy. Paaang! Like the meeting of opposite poles of a ma, everything surrounding ckgreen was repelled. ¡®The sacred domain.¡¯ It was the moment Pdin, with his unique skill, finally revealed his form. ¡°Tsk.¡± The Darklings spread out in the distance. They began to refine their formation. Of course, in the meantime, Kwaaang! The Titan was flipping the ground with its fist. ¡®It hasn¡¯t fully started functioning yet.¡¯ Right now, all it can do is move its fist. In the meantime, ¡®We need to settle something.¡¯ Sein observed all this, only to step in now. ¡°Great Angel above.¡± From Noble mtl dot A solemn voice. ¡°Bless your servants.¡± Sunghchul Knights. And. ¡°Hahaha! Ha!¡± A gleam began to shine on ck Green¡¯s body. ¡°Did you see that?¡± ck Greenughed loudly and pointed his greatsword towards the Dark Ones. ¡°The Saint is with us!¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°The Saint?¡± Two unfamiliar figures. But to call them saints. If those words hade from someone else¡¯s mouth, they would have been dismissed as nonsense. Not a rumor about a holy maiden, but saints. However, if the one uttering those words was Pdi, it was a different story. Swish. Two Dark Ones locking eyes. No words needed as their thoughts aligned. Kwaaaang! As the Titan¡¯s fist struck down, the earth exploded, obscuring everyone¡¯s view. Meanwhile. Thud! Demorus moved first. If that figure over there is a saint, they must be eliminated first. But. Whoosh! Demorus and Jhagar could only stagger in the face of the flying sword winds. ¡°Did you think you could surpass me?¡± * * * It was magnificent. If this were recorded and uploaded to the inte as a video, gaining a million subscribers in no time would be a piece of cake. Or considering the millions of yers in Sanctuary, he might even be the owner of the Diamond Button. Kwaaaang! The earth periodically exploding. The pressure released by the Titan¡¯s fists. Amidst all that. ng! ng! ng! A battle unfolding like madness. Describing it as acrobatics would fall short. A tale bordering on wonder. Stepping on shards of the earth, leaping, infusing strength into sword and body. Kwaaaang! Even within that, one had to maintain the bnce of magic to unleash maximum power. Kwaaaaang! To keep Oler from faltering. Chapter 89 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 89 Initially advantageous was the Dark Needle. ¡°Dark Needle.¡± ¡°Dark Boom.¡± Even if a dark wizard, the existence of a wizard brought immense advantages to the battlefield. Strategically, the advantage of being able to restrain the enemy from a distance was significant. Thwack! The two Dark Needles, whether they had been on good terms or not, utilized each other¡¯s power skillfully. When Zagar was about to fall, losing his footing. ¡°Dark Needle.¡± Stepping on the Dark Needle that appeared beneath his feet, he stood. To deal with such a Zagar, ck Green approached like an arrow and swung his sword, but Zagar leaped without hesitation. Kwaang! The Dark Needle Zagar was stepping on burst. The coordination with the wizard. Within that, the pdin might think all he could do was helplessly endure. Kwaaaaaah! The opponent was a Pdin. ¡°Insane.¡± Sacred domain. The area around the Pdin is protected by sacred power, where negative energy diminishes, and sacred energy amplifies. Furthermore, if the sacred domain is activated. Chwaaah! Proof of being chosen by the divine. ¡°Pdin¡­.¡± Since he could summon the angel¡¯s wings. In the blink of an eye. Boom! The massive figure of ck Green appeared in front of him, wielding a huge greatsword. If the Sein were in the shoes of the Dark Needle, they might have thought this way. Titan, and Pdin. ¡®Two raid bosses.¡¯ Kaaaang! The Dark Needle¡¯s fate was entwined with ck Green. ? Kwaaaah! Master level, at least fifteen or more. The numerical advantage and the variables created by the Titans. If only the slightest gap was seen within. ¡°Oh, Angel.¡± That dog-like saint interfered. The saint was the issue. The skill of the Iron Knights, excluding ckgreen, was not outstanding, and by now, they should have all been dealt with. ¡°Oh, Angel.¡± Snick. Even that wasn¡¯t easy because of that insane saint. Continuing like this, they were in a situation where they might end up losing in a useless consumption battle. -Zagar. Fephero ryed a message to Zagar. -Although the existence of the saint seems real, no one knew about that presence. Kakakang! Blocking the pouring ckgreen des, Zagar¡¯s ears perked up at Fephero¡¯s words. -Also, with the discontinuation of the saint¡¯s records, there¡¯s a high chance it¡¯s not perfect yet. What story do you want to tell? Zagar¡¯s expression seemed to say that. ¡°Create an opening. Demorus, you deal with the saint.¡± Opening. The idea of creating an opening against Pdin ckgreen, who they couldn¡¯t handle, sounded ridiculous. But both Zagar and Fephero were from the same lineage. The bloodline of the homnd, passed down only to them. ¡°Blessing Unleashed.¡± There was a way to fight in the darkness. * * * Sein utilized his abilities strategically to observe the battle. ¡®Pdin.¡¯ What power can a Pdin born in this era wield? ¡®Dark Union.¡¯ To confirm the secrets of the Dark Union that he still didn¡¯t know. And honestly, he was surprised. ¡®They fight this well.¡¯ The Pdin was truly a monstrous being. But the Dark Union was uniting to confront that monster. ¡®Was that snake kid at that level?¡¯ Jagar¡¯s skills were truly unexpected. For a brief moment, it was almost understandable why the 3rd Armed Forces and other Demorus humans were disregarding candidates of his origin. Furthermore. ¡°Why is that guy so good at fighting?¡± Fenfelo felt the same. And another astonishing point was that their physical abilities were still increasing at this very moment. Endurance that never wavered. Kwahng! The ckgreen sword, which had shown no signs of wavering, began to shift slightly. ¡°Grant me great power.¡± Although the bnce was leaning towards ckgreen due to Sein¡¯s adjustments, without Sein, it was unknown if they would have faced even greater challenges. And now. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Finally, he drew out the hidden ace that the Dark Tower had kept. Kwaaaang! Once again, the ground exploded under the Titan¡¯s fist. Lost sight. When it was regained. ¡°Blessing Unleashed.¡± Fenfelo, with eyes stained ck, was there. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± A sudden surge of magic power. ¡°Dark Sphere.¡± A spell was cast. Kwaaaaaaaah! The destructive force was on apletely different level from before. ckgreen, who had maintained bnce through Sein¡¯s blessings, staggered for the first time. ¡°I knew you were hiding something like that.¡± Sein muttered to himself in surprise. And then. Thwack! Jagar moved. ckgreen quickly brandished his sword and recited an incantation. The pouring divine power tried to hold Jagar¡¯s ankle, but. ¡°Dark Sphere.¡± What flew alongside Fenfelo¡¯s chant struck the de of the greatsword, shaking ckgreen. Was it a calcted move? Or just bad luck. Booooom! Kwaaang! Due to the Titan¡¯s fist crashing down once again in the meantime, ckgreen had no choice but to let Jagar fall. ¡°Saint!¡± Even though ckgreen urgently shouted, there was no room for him. ¡°Dark Spear.¡± Dozens, hundreds of Dark Spears. It was also ckgreen at the same time. And. ¡°Attack-!¡± Because it was heading towards the Holy Steel Knights. It was a battlefield gone mad. A battlefield where a momentarypse allowed a fatal weakness to emerge. Thud! Jagar, rushing at a rapid pace, stepping on the exploding ground. It was clear that he was targeting himself. Swish. Marceil, no, Sessil tried to step forward. ¡°Enough.¡± Sein pushed Sessil aside. It might be a meaningful experience for Sessil as well. Kwahng! No matter what, it was better to be the one facing this. The explosion unfolding right in front of Sein. It was just the beginning. Kwakwakwakwak! Jagar, knowing time was scarce, channeled his mana into his curved dagger and relentlessly thrust and shed without pause. But Jagar, stepping back, would know. ¡°¡­.¡± That all his attacks were in vain. Jagar Demorus. Also known as the Snake. The nickname Snake didn¡¯t quite fit hisrge frame, but looking into his eyes, you could tell why he was called that. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see a scar on that face.¡± Sein, or rather Ain, said. At that moment, Ain had no intention of revealing his true identity. Far away. Jagar took a stance, grinding his teeth. ¡°It seems like someone great carved that face.¡± ¡°It¡¯s oddly familiar¡­ the way you speak.¡± Ain¡¯s appearance and voice were different from Sein¡¯s. Since it was switched with medicine, there was no way to notice. ¡°Is that possible? Is there another person who speaks calmly and politely like me?¡± ¡°You¡­.¡± Jagar¡¯s gaze turned fierce. Growl. For some reason, the scar on the corner of his eye, left untouched to remember the humiliation of that day, began to itch. ¡°Is the saint correct?¡± ¡°Pdins do not lie.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t suit you.¡± ¡°I hear that a lot.¡± Veins bulged on Jagar¡¯s forehead. But still, he couldn¡¯t move. ¡®What was it, really?¡¯ Earlier, Ain wasn¡¯t sure how his dagger, Snake, was blocked by Ayn. ¡°¡­Immortals are truly untrustworthy.¡± As if sending himself off as if hunting saints was easy, it was clear what he knew. From Noble mtl dot That the saint in front of him was just as demanding as a Pdin. ¡°How long will you keep barking?¡± Ain felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. At the moment when he had to keep up the act of a holy saint in front of ckgreen, a moment of nausea came over him. Swish. It was now a feeling as if he could finally breathe. Gratitude for that sense of liberation towards Jagar. That. ¡°For the judgment of God.¡± Swoosh-! It was repaid with a shiningnce. Crash! The flyingnce of light shed with Jagar¡¯s dagger, Snake, spitting out mes. Kaboom! When Jagar barely deflected it. ¡°To the foolish servant, judgment.¡± Six shining swords surrounded Jagar. ¡°¡­.!¡± The decision was swift, the movement even faster. Thud! Jagar leaped up. Where he had stood just a moment ago, the swords of light shed and roared. But that wasn¡¯t the end. Ain, the saint, pointed one finger up. In the gaze of Jhagar, who descended. ¡°Damn it.¡± Swords of light stood in ce of the tips of the swords. Kwaang! Once again, Snake blocked it, and Jhagar was bounced back. ¡°The lineage of the saint¡­ must have been severed.¡± Jhagar¡¯s voice echoed in the explosion. ¡°How could the saint already¡­¡± This level of skill andbat sense was not something that could be acquired in a short time. Even Demorus, who was observing the pulpit, had never heard of the birth of a saint. Whether he himself did not know, or if the saint in front of him suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The important thing was not that. ¡°Punishment to the arrogant.¡± One must win. ¨C There are no losers in Demorus. Arrows of light shooting towards him. Looking at them, Jhagar muttered. ¡°Blessing Unleashed.¡± If the Immortal had drawn it out, he too must draw it out. * * * Swoosh. Clearly the ce where Jhagar was. Arrows shot out exploded as they hit the ground without a target. Kwaaaaang! The ground exploded as the fallen Titan¡¯s fist hit it. That moment. ng! mes sprang behind Sein. Chapter 90 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 90 ¡°Shoot.¡± Jhagar¡¯s voice. When Sein turned around, Jhagar was not there. ng! Once again, in front, a rumble echoed. This was the saint¡¯s special move that had blocked Jhagar¡¯s dagger earlier. ¡°Annoyed?¡± Sacred territory. It was no different from that of a Pdin¡¯s. However, the saint¡¯s sacred power, or rather Sein¡¯s sacred power, was even stronger and purer than that of ck Green. The ability to handle it. Kyaah! Now, he couldn¡¯t bepared to someone who had just be a Pdin. A blocker against any attack, Jugar. His whole body. Swoosh. The smoke of reconciliation vanished. -ck Smoke. That was the blessing Jugar possessed. His entire body transformed into ck mist, free from the constraints of physics and with no limitations on movement. The interesting point was. ¡°I thought he was an assassin, turns out he¡¯s just a thief.¡± It wasn¡¯t a skill acquired in the life of an assassin, but a skill acquired in the life of a disciple of a Grand Master. ¡°This bastard-!¡± An excited Jugar materialized a part of himself and stabbed a snake towards Sein. A red dagger with an aura of the Aura de. ¡°It¡¯s useless¡­.¡± Sein stopped speaking. Thud. A shing de in front of his forehead. Jugar finally pierced through Sein¡¯s sacred domain. However. ¡°You say it¡¯s useless.¡± In the end, he couldn¡¯t reach him. ¡°You¡¯re quite arrogant, Saint.¡± But as Jugar materialized his face, a smile spread across his lips. Clearly, what he said was. -Opening of the Blessing. But what he showed was merely the use of the blessing. Amplification of physical abilities, amplification of magic power, use of special abilities. ¡°¡­.!¡± Something still remained. Whoosh! Within the sacred domain, Jugar¡¯s snake exhaled ck smoke. Jugar¡¯s ck smoke began to fill the protective shield that had been set up for defense. ¡°Cough! Cough!¡± Sein coughed. A bit away, Jugar smiled as the victor. ¡°No matter how much of a saint you are, you can¡¯t hold your breath.¡± That was something only warriors who had undergone rigorous training could do. In the end, the essence of the saint was closer to that of a magician or a priest. ¡®Impossible.¡¯ Judging by Zagarr¡¯s assessment, while the saint¡¯s divine power and holy magic may reach the level of a pdin, his physical form was beyondparison. And furthermore. ¡°I suppose you can¡¯t perform exorcism. The obsidian has prated your body.¡± The saint, like a magician, performed exorcism and unfolded holy magic. Proof of the necessity of exorcism. If that¡¯s the case. Snick. With obsidian prating even his lungs, the saint, struggling to breathe properly, had lost even the means of attack. Nevertheless, a robust holy domain. Zagarr remainedposed. ¡°Even with the saint¡¯s divine power, it will be inevitable.¡± Enhanced by the blessing, the obsidian felt like venom made of darkness. A monster devouring magic, organs, no, everything it touched. Confident of victory, Zagarr turned his back. ¡°Tsk.¡± Then he let out a brief, poignant sound. ¡°It seems it¡¯ll take a while for that side to end.¡± Pdins and immortals. Their battle was intensifying. The immortals were notably dwindling, as were the Steel Knights. The only silver lining was. ¡°Ughhh-!¡± The pdin, ckgreen, showed signs of fatigue, while Phepero¡¯s chest was split open, gushing out ck blood. Zagarr pondered. What should he do? But ultimately, he had to deal with the pdin. Dealing with the Holy Sword¡¯s fate or the pact with the immortals could wait. Puff. At that moment, Zagarr lowered his head with a dumbfounded expression. A gleaming spear piercing through his abdomen. Swoosh. Then, with an incredulous look, he slowly turned his head. ¡°You don¡¯t need to show me more, do you?¡± As if. ¡°The time is up. There¡¯s no more time to y around.¡± The saint, holding a shining sword in his hand, was standing below. From bottom to top. ¡°It seems the bnce is a bit off.¡± The sound of a scream echoed through the air! A straight scar appeared on one of Jhagar¡¯s eyes. ¡°Wow, looks like a perfect match for a washbasin.¡± ¡°Aaargh!¡± Jhagar, whether it was a scream of agony or a cry of shame, spat out something iprehensible. ¡°Now, let¡¯s have some fun with you. Not to kill.¡± But the Saint no longer engaged with Jhagar. The Saint vanished with a swift movement. ¡°How dare you¡ª!¡± Jhagar tried to transform back into ck smoke to grab him, but¡ª ¡°Don¡¯t. y with me instead.¡± Something shining fiercely rushed towards Jhagar. ? ? ? ¡°I have a rough idea of what the Blessing Unleashed is.¡± He also had a vague notion of that ability. Given more time, he truly wanted to y with Jhagar. New power, new secrets. If he could uncover them, they would be his. But that was not possible. Thud! Saint moved forward, stepping on the fragments of the shattered earth by the Titan. He never forgot an attempt. Thud. The fact that there was a diviner in the whirlpool. The diviner, who thought the battle would intensify, was ready to reveal himself. ¡°It¡¯s you.¡± Those figures were now facing Saint on the Titan¡¯s corpse. ¡°You¡¯re the ones who woke the Titan.¡± The Titan woke at an opportune time. There was no way it was a mere coincidence. He sensed an alien energy, which quickly concealed itself. If there were no enemies in front of him, he would have pursued. ¡°I¡¯m curious about something.¡± Saint said, snapping necks. ¡°How did you wake the Titan? Not an easy feat.¡± For the Titan to move, certain conditions needed to be met. ¡°You.¡± The masked individuals. At first nce, they were wearing extraordinary equipment. ¡°An empire?¡± The only thought that crossed Sein¡¯s mind was of a new empire. Swish! A de passed by Sein¡¯s nose. In time, Sein quickly leaned back to avoid the danger. Crunch. The hand held a person tightly. ¡°I asked you. Is it a new empire?¡± Crack. The opponent¡¯s neck snapped, and they tumbled to the ground. The Titan¡¯s body was protected by numerous divine barriers. Furthermore, ckgreen, Immortal, and Demorus were in a situation where they had to exert all their strength to defeat the opponent in front of them. Therefore, they would not be able to see or hear this ce. The battle here would not spill outside. That meant. Hmm. There was no longer a need to focus solely on the Saint. Sein¡¯s chest, torn apart in battle with Jugar, began to have patterns drawn on it. As Sein¡¯s arms started to darken, his energy began to change. Kukukuku. The Dark Zone exuded a dark and fearful power. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to talk, then don¡¯t.¡± He awakened the heart possessed by the Last Demon. ¡°Because you won¡¯t be able to leave alive anyway.¡± Swoosh. In an instant, Sein ripped apart another masked figure with his growing nails. It was a strange feeling. Sein facing the masked figures. ng. Sein deflected the sword with both his nails. In that gap. From Noble mtl dot Swaish! The tip of the sword pierced. He spun his body around. To others, the speed was so fast that only an afterimage remained. He did not forget his counterattack. Whoosh. The elongated nails pierced another body. But at that moment. Whoosh! The swords pierced through the back of the fallen man, rushing towards Sain. ¡°Hah, these crazy guys are something else.¡± Sain said, almostughing in disbelief. A brutality unseen in the game. Even though it had be reality, this level of violence was umon. Exploiting the death of arade. These guys knew it worked. Swish! Rather than falling back, they lunged towards Sain, aiming to overpower him. Shoosh! Of course, things didn¡¯t go their way. Moreover, their movements were downright eerie. Unprecedented. ¡®As if they¡¯re all one.¡¯ No, it felt simr to what was experienced in the past during the game. ¡°Quite demanding.¡± In that moment. ng! Spikes emerging from under Sain¡¯s feet pierced through the attackersing at him. Resembling Felpero¡¯s dark thorns. An elite ability associated with the final demons. From one¡¯s own shadow, endlessly. Crack! A skill to extract the thorns. Sain broke one of the spikes that emerged. Bastion had left him a ce to stand, naturally. ¡°It¡¯s the second round.¡± The dark thorns would be his des. Sain, holding the sword, was different again. They thought they had figured out Sain¡¯s pattern, but his movements hadpletely changed. ¡°True destruction.¡± Staggering against the entirely different power, they could only step back. One thorn shattered with a single strike. However. Crack. Breaking another thorn, gripping it in his hand was enough. The number of masked figures had significantly decreased. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± However, Sein had been focused on only one thing from beginning to end. At the back of those wearing masks. The white mask. Ad who simply watched over all battles without even a flinch. And another thing. ¡°Not readable.¡± One who hadn¡¯t been read up to this point was the author¡¯s first. That¡¯s why Sein didn¡¯t move hastily and was just observing the situation. But that was not the way to go. As originally nned, he should have rushed in recklessly. Uuuung. The Titan¡¯s body began to resonate. Finally, thed fully awoke from slumber, regaining freedom from restraint. Chapter 91 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 91 Zeeeing! Red lines began to appear all over the Titan¡¯s body. ¡°¡­!¡± Sein was genuinely surprised. ¡°¡­Is this your doing?¡± He spoke towards the white mask behind him. ¡°¡­You even know the meltdown code?¡± Not only did he know how to properly operate the Titan, but he also knew how to trigger a meltdown. It was clear. -Deal with these disgusting things once again. Those were the ones Sein had personally eliminated. However, a considerable amount of time had passed, and now there could be someone who had grasped the Titan¡¯s operational mechanism. If only that was the extent of what unfolded next. Uuuung. Finally, the white mask moved. A raised hand, where a cluster of golden lights began to gather. Kakakaang! The masked figures rushed forward as if waiting for that moment. In the following moment. Whoosh. The white mask extended its palm towards Sein. Gwoong. Golden lines. Drip. Blood trickled down Sein¡¯s cheek. There was a slender hole pierced through the dark thorn Sein was holding. If he hadn¡¯t been prepared for what the white mask was about to do. Drip. Where blood flows, the forehead must have turned into a battlefield not one¡¯s cheeks. ¡°¡­I¡¯m going crazy.¡± It was sincere. How many times has he been this surprised starting the final chapter? As surprised as when he saw Tejera? ¡°A Divine Punishment¡­?¡± What that guy just wrote was for the Pdins. Or. Zing! It was the top-tier sacred attack magic that only saints could use. Once again, a goldenser flew towards him. Urgently, he rolled his feet, creating multipleyers of dark thorns. But that was all it could do, barely grazing his trajectory. Drip. Sein¡¯s breathing became heavier. As if the cooldown was short, Sein adjusted his stance at the reckless divine punishment flying towards him. ¡°Ha.¡± Once again, he could only let out a bitterugh. As if he knew what he was going to do, how he was going to think. Wooooong! In the white-masked hand, a vivid golden light gathered unlike before. That too was a divine punishment. But unlike before. Kwaaaaah! The destructive power was qualitatively different. The golden light that approached Sein, despite his efforts to twist his body and cast a barrier all over him, was in vain. Kwaang! Avoiding a fatal blow was all Sein could do. Thrown back by the immense power of the golden beam, Sein was pushed out until he felt like losing consciousness, only then could he see clearly. ng. He was holding the Tundra embedded in the Titan¡¯s body. Normally, he would haveughed. If one were to grab the Tundra without proper preparation, the body would burn in resistance to the Holy Sword. But because of what he had just experienced. ¡°¡­Damn.¡± Sein couldn¡¯t help but curse. That white mask. ¡°This is screwed up.¡± Saint. * * * Feeling like his arm was about to be ripped off. It hurt as if his back was being torn apart by a troll. ¡°¡­.¡± Squelch. In reality, Saint was being dragged by someone. ¡°What are you doing.¡± Saint asked with a hoarse voice. ¡°Are you awake?¡± An irritated voice. ¡°What are you doing.¡± Upon Saint¡¯s words, Cecile released the arm she was holding onto. Thud. Saint fell to the ground without resistance, feeling even greater pain in his already hurting back. ¡°Son of a¡­!¡± In his heart, he wanted nothing more than to smash Cecile¡¯s head with his fist right then and there. But his body did not move as he wished, and at most, leaning against the rock was all he could manage. And. ¡°Why are you in such a mess.¡± Seeing Cecile¡¯s appearance, the thought of hitting her head with his fist disappeared. Covered in wounds. Like poisoned, with bluish veins running through every part of her body, and a face filled with bruises and swelling. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ stand up¡­.¡± As Cecile, who was standing, copsed before him, he barely managed to catch her. Saint looked around. ¡°¡­.¡± An unfelt darkness. It seemed that Cecile had taken care of him and managed to escape the turmoil while he was unconscious. Unconscious. ¡°¡­Damn it.¡± Saint, who knew better than anyone how dangerous it was to lose consciousness, even more so than entering Demorus and facing the trials by sheer will. But this time¡­. ¡°Damn it¡­!¡± He genuinely lost consciousness. Faint memories seemed to float up like fragments. When the white mask pulled out Tundra, the Titan began to ragepletely. A raging Titan was a daunting presence, wearing down ckgana and Padium relentlessly. Moreover. ze! As the white mask effortlessly conjured mes into the world, it seemed as if it had been using Tundra all along. His own downfall. The memory ended there. What happened to Immortal. What happened to Padium. ¡°Kick.¡± The one thing that seemed somewhat certain. ¡°Jagar, you¡¯re halfway gone.¡± Seeing Sesil, who had faced Jagar, in such a state, he was sure that Jagar wasn¡¯t unscathed either. Yet, Sein¡¯s expression was dark. ¡®Was I arrogant.¡¯ Confident in knowing everything, he believed he could navigate the newly unfolding world just fine. Thinking his cheat-infused body would face no obstacles ahead. In reality. -First defeat. This was Sein¡¯s first defeat. ¡°Ugh.¡± Sein rose to his feet. ¡®Let¡¯s not dwell on useless thoughts.¡¯ This wasn¡¯t arrogance, he had done his best. And he would continue to do so. ¡°Damn¡­ light.¡± Unlike Sesil, Sein carried Sesil on his back. Almost as if he was sound asleep, not even his breathing could be heard clearly. ¡°I¡­ ¡° Sein mumbled, dragging his heavy footsteps. He may have lost this time, but it would be different next time. Eventually, everyone would kneel before him. He believed in himself. ¡°I¡¯m a cheat¡­ yer¡­¡± He would tightly seal away what he had hidden deep in his heart. Sein¡¯s eyes had returned to their original state. ¡°S**t. I¡¯m in trouble.¡± Though his physical condition was slow to recover. The entrance to the whirlpool seemed to be one, but the exit felt different. Otherwise, if one were to throw themselves into the whirlpool of Zone 7, they would not havended in Zone 8. Judging by the state of the room, it was impossible to think that the room had moved from Zone 7 to Zone 8. A city they had barely arrived in. ¡°Stop.¡± The guards blocked the way. Ping. Coins bounced off naturally. The guards¡¯ eyes gleamed at the sight. ¡°¡­.¡± Those who passed coins as toll without a word. Looking at the ragged fugitives, who had not eaten or slept properly for years, one word came to mind. ¡®Fugitives.¡¯ Fugitives were nothing less than a goldmine for the guards. ¡°Ahem.¡± From Noble mtl dot Moreover, they threw not silver but gold coins. Fugitives with bulging pockets. If they yed their cards right, they could earn enough allowance to eat and drink infort for months. ¡°In¡­side.¡± Carefully, they opened the castle gate to let them in. Silently carrying the girl into the city, they entered. After walking for a while and disappearing. Click. The castle gate closed its mouth again. ¡°¡­.¡± The guards remained speechless for a long time. Rummaging through the pockets of fugitives was the guards¡¯ way of earning extra money. Though they spent all that they had, they were the ones who could afford it. ¡°Haa¡­ Haa¡­¡± There were beings that should never be touched. ¡°Insane. Thought I was going to die.¡± Those eyes were unsettling. The guards felt as if they had just seen a dragon. Zone 8¡¯s city, Grimma. The lower district, not as dark as the three generations of the Dark City, could still be described as a city touched by the breath of Demorus. The best inn in Grimma, the Dancing Rose. ¡°Hush.¡± The strangers examined the inn, their fingers touching their lips. ¡°Did you hear about them?¡± A few days ago, rumors had spread to the guards about the strange fugitives who had entered the city. -Why did they give gold coins without a word? Stories of a young man and a girl. -Cough, I¡¯m a man of integrity. If they hadn¡¯t begged to be let in, begged to be let in, I would have taken more from them if they hadn¡¯t cooperated. For the ruffians in the back alleys with close ties to the guards, the rumor had already spread like wildfire. But there was a hierarchy in everything. ¡°Still, they are fugitives.¡± Having acquired the priority, the DeSera Family, the most influential faction controlling the back alleys. They were now watching the Dancing Rose where the fugitives were staying. ¡°If they¡¯re staying at the Dancing Rose, their pockets must still be heavy.¡± The owner of the Dancing Rose had reportedly seen several gleaming gold coins. All transactions were prepaid. Grin. To the leader of the DeSera Family, DeSera, they felt like golden goblins. In the legend, the more you hit them, the more they cry, and those tears turn into gold. Moreover. ¡°Do not harm the young girl.¡± The guards made it clear. -It was a disgrace, but the innocence of the young one was remarkable, right? -Tsk. Grin. DeSera smiled. A treasure among treasures. For the DeSera Family, it was not just about being considered a significant family in Grimma, but the chance to be the top family ruling the back alleys of Grimma. As it grew even darker. Whoosh. A torch was lit on the wall of the Dancing Rose inn. That was the signal. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The DeSera Family began to move. Step by step. Capturing a young girl and a young man, fugitives though they were. Most of the fugitives were insignificant, but asionally, there were some dangerous ones among them. ¡®That can¡¯t be. These must be the ones who dared to raid the master¡¯s treasure chest and flee.¡¯ If not. Sneer. ¡®Perhaps a lunatic who fled with the master¡¯s daughter.¡¯ If not, then why wouldn¡¯t this pair and this city fit together? If he were truly terrifying, there was no way he could spend days dancing like a man possessed by fear, with a rose stuck in his teeth, not even bothering to bask in the sun. ¡°Innkeeper.¡± Desera, entering the inn, spoke. Chapter 92 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 92 ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I drugged the food. Even an elephant would pass out, right?¡± He had put sleeping pills in the food he sent up earlier. ¡°Hmph. Good job.¡± ¡°What about the promise?¡± Desera frowned at the innkeeper¡¯s words. ¡°You have to confirm before giving.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Desera. If you keep annoying me¡­¡± Desera¡¯s face twisted. ¡°Break the dancing inn and me?¡± ¡°I only ask for certainty.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± A sleeping pill strong enough to knock out an elephant. ¡°If any issues arise with the young one, the promised money is off the table.¡± ¡°No problem since we gave separate meals.¡± Desera signaled. This caution was what had elevated Desera to the position of the head of the Gramma family. ¡°Kiki, Papa. You go in first.¡± ¡°Got it. Boss.¡± ¡°Tutu. You enter through the window.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Mission aplished. Desera, along with his subordinates, ascended to the second floor where the fugitives were staying. Thump, thump. Desera¡¯s heart raced like mad. But it wasn¡¯t out of fear; it was the heart pounding with the thoughts of the wealth and woman he would soon possess. ¡®Please.¡¯ Just let him have ten gold coins. Desera stood quietly in front of the door, sending the signal. And finally. Creak. The door began to open cautiously. One by one, Desera¡¯s men entered through the now-open door. Everything went ording to n. However. Kwaaang! At that moment, the door closed on its own. ¡°W-What?¡± Dazed, Desera tried to open the door, but it wouldn¡¯t budge. ¡°Kiki! Papa!¡± Desera called out for the subordinates who had entered first. But all that echoed back was an eerie silence. Then. Squeeeeak¡­. The once-closed door creaked open cautiously. Gulp. For some reason, tension gripped her. ¡°If this is a joke, I won¡¯t forgive it.¡± Two fugitives, drugged and asleep,y inside. Dozens of subordinates were deployed for them. Only when a problem arises¡­. Thud. Desera¡¯s shoes squelched on a sticky puddle as she entered the room. ¡°A puddle?¡± Even though it was the highest-grade inn in Grema¡¯s 8th district. Moreover, the fugitives had rented the best room in the inn. There shouldn¡¯t be a puddle like this, much less one that sticky. ¡°It¡¯s toote.¡± The voice that reached her seemed to freeze her heart. Only then, illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the now-open window, did the scene inside the room be clear. Her trusted subordinates. Those who could do any dirty deed for her. ¡°Huuh¡­!¡± They ally copsed on the floor. ¡°Where should I cut?¡± A beast. The gaze was unforgettable. ¡°Neck? Waist?¡± Even if it meant her own death. ¡°Decided. Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t have the luxury of asking the others.¡± It was a beast, no, a monster. Desera, in her final moment. ¡°Guards, you damn bastards.¡± She could only me the guards who spread false rumors. * * * Grima was inplete chaos. ¡°Huh, huh.¡± It was because a noble being, never seen in Sector 8, had visited. ¡°I, I greet Demorus-!¡± ¡°I greet Demorus!¡± Everything happened in an instant. As the castle gates opened and they entered, the lord came out to greet. ¡°Sincere thanks for visiting Grima¡­¡± But they were ignored. ¡°Do not interfere.¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± Demorus¡¯s visit. With a single word, the entire city could be obliterated. Everyone watched their every move with bated breath, them. No. ¡°Why on earth have youe here?¡± They spected why he hade to this ce. Grima was a city of little significance. Unlike Borfeo, which had much to offer. But there was one suspicious thing. ¡°Is it not because of that?¡± Even before Demorus¡¯s bloodline reached the city, Grima had already been in a huge uproar. Thergest Desera Family, boasting in the back alleys of Grima, was wiped out in just one day. And the Rose Inn, which had a rtively good reputation in Grima, burned down, with its owner found burnt in the street. That alone was already shocking, but the real problem began the next day. ¡°Aren¡¯t you here to catch the fugitives?¡± Grima¡¯s back alleys were cleaned up in less than an hour. The story goes. -Bring all the brats living in the back alleys. At the word, families gathered. That day, for the first time in decades, Grima¡¯s back alleys were united. A fugitive with no name. He became the leader of the back alleys. Step by step. Demorus¡¯s footsteps had a clear destination. ¡°That¡¯s right! Exactly!¡± The back alleys. To the Desera House where the Desera family resided. ¡°De, I meet Demorus!¡± The families in the back alley who had heard the news were already gathered, lying t on the ground. ¡°I meet Demorus!¡± The rumors about the presence in front of them had spread. Therefore, they had no choice but to bow their heads in even greater fear. But at the very end, there was a young man sitting on a box, chin resting on his hand, staring straight at Demorus without even daring to greet him. And then, something incredible happened. Thud. A small vibration. ¡°¡­!¡± The eyes of everyone present there seemed to widen as if about to burst. In fact, some of them did burst, and some even stopped breathing. It was no wonder, as Demorus, the grim reaper, had arrived. ¡°Captain.¡± He was kneeling before a strange fugitive who had taken over the back alley. He¡­ -Sacred Saint! Demorus, referred to as the sacred saint! ¡°I rushed here as soon as I received the letter. I apologize for taking so long.¡± ¡°No need.¡± They couldn¡¯t even catch their breath. They couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen if this conversation was interrupted. ¡°But I didn¡¯t keep you waiting too long.¡± Everyone present wanted to dig out their own eyes and ears. ¡°Are these the Captain¡¯s people?¡± ¡°No. They are dispensable.¡± The price to pay for seeing and hearing what they shouldn¡¯t have. Swish! It was nothing but death. In an instant, everyone present here shattered into pieces. Those who had been gathered in the first ce were likely to be happy to hear the news of their deaths. ¡°I¡¯ve been under a bit of stress.¡± The fugitive stood up, stretching. No, the Saint was facing another Saint, Demorus in front of him. ¡°It¡¯s somewhat tolerable as long as I do some garbage cleaning.¡± He said to Deren. ¡°You weren¡¯t discovered?¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°No. Ipleted the mission and avoided contact with others as much as possible.¡± ¡°The mimicry is still at a low level, unavoidable.¡± Sein said as he walked out with Derun. There was no one on the street. Sein had already driven them away. ¡°I didn¡¯t want toplicate things further, so I didn¡¯t take any action.¡± ¡°You did well.¡± ¡°However.¡± Abruptly, Sein stopped and said, ¡°What happened?¡± If he had contacted Borpeo, or contacted Oltomeo, he could have obtained some information. But Sein didn¡¯t do that. The disturbance in Grimma could be easily covered up, but there was a high chance of unnecessary suspicion since everyone knew it was Sein¡¯s territory. ¡°The theft of the Holy Sword failed. Jazgar, who was on a mission from Demorus¡­¡± Derun said. ¡°Lost one eyepletely and is under strict supervision, they say.¡± That¡¯s how it turned out. ¡°And Immortal?¡± ¡°Pefpero went missing.¡± And then, ¡°The Order has raised its g.¡± Finally, the Order was mobilized. The Order raised its g. ¨C Angel looks down on the continent. The appearance of the Pdin. It was a sudden revtion to the continent. The Order, thought to have been destroyed, was mobilized again. Though many on the continent still held grudges against the Order, which they believed caused the world¡¯s demise, and the Purge who was revered as a saint. ¨C Angel looks down on you. It had been a long time. Those who had forgotten that the continent¡¯s downfall was due to the Order and the Purge. ¨C O Angel! Those who longed for such an Order. ¨C Ahhh! For those seeking a glimmer of hope amid harsh and painful lives. The Order was sessfully mobilized. It might just be a name for now. ¡°They will soon begin their activities.¡± The continent, entangled in a peace that was anything but peaceful. Finally. Tick, tock. It felt as if the second hand of the clock was moving. [Now that the tutorial is over.] The voice of Marung actually came to mind. The words that had been heard again. And the Holy Sword that appeared as if on cue¡­. ¡®That guy.¡¯ The white mask. -Pdin did not reveal that he was holding the Holy Sword, ckgreen did not mention retrieving it. The fact that they, who value tradition and symbolism as much as the Empire, did not mention the Holy Sword indicated a failure to retrieve it. And even more. ¡®White mask.¡¯ There must be a connection with that white mask. Since he was seen wielding Tendra, it was a sight that the Saints had witnessed. ¡®The Holy Empire?¡¯ There was little known about them. Although they were the most powerful force on the continent alongside the Three Dark Lords, they did not look down from their central position. If it was not the Holy Empire, it could be another force. ¡®White mask.¡¯ Another Saint. Amidst suchplex thoughts that didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Saint Demorus, I have returned afterpleting the mission.¡± Saint returned to Demorus. The wounds that had been inflicted seemed to have vanished. The sacred power of the Saints and the Holy Maidens was never to be underestimated. The power of the Saint, once called the strongest, not only recovered but also fixed everything for Saint and Cecile. ¡°Good job.¡± Reporting on a trivial mission. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The atmosphere at the council was not pleasant. Chapter 93 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 93 Jagar¡¯s failure. It was soon the failure of Demorus, and also the failure of the council. ¡°Get out.¡± Thanks to that, the interest in Saint seemed to have diminished. It would be so. ¡°You must be restless.¡± Jagar was disciplined by the council for responsibility for the failure. If it was only the failure to retrieve the Holy Sword, it would be fortunate. ¨C The 5th Legion, which had set out together, has been annihted. The legion led by Jagar has been wiped out. ¨C I heard they were rescued. Rescued not by my own hand, but by the hand of another. It was a disgrace to Demorus. ¡°Just being alive is something to be grateful for.¡± My head is pounding. Jagar, the gods of Demorus as well. In essence, it¡¯s no different from stripping Jagar of his sessor candidacy, so those who dered their support for Jagar must be floundering like a lost ship. It¡¯s a matter that will stir the whole family. But one question remained. ¡®Did the head of the family really believe Jagar would seed?¡¯ In search of that answer, I looked at Tejera¡¯s face, but her ice-cold expression gave nothing away to Sein. * * * The Castle of Mist. One of the many castles in Demorus. And the master of this ce. ¡°Spread the word that Sein Demorus has arrived.¡± It was Jagar Demorus¡¯s castle. ¡°Jagar is currently indisposed¡­.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Someone other than the servant who had entered the castle came out to greet Sein. One of the members of the organization, Umwoo, under Jagar¡¯s lineage. ¡°Jagar will not receive visitors.¡± The servant¡¯s throat must have gone dry. As if the situation wasn¡¯t already ufortable. ¡°You¡¯re not here to y. Let him know you¡¯vee. If he refuses once, he might break in.¡± ¡°¡­I understand.¡± Tense? Since Sein, who could be considered to have such a rtionship, hade. For personal gain. The gates of the Castle of Mist opened. Knowing Sein wouldn¡¯t easily turn back from his demand, they ultimately opened the door. ¡°Allow me to guide you.¡± The Castle of Mist was so gloomy, one might think it was actually Sein¡¯s Castle of Despair. But of course, with the lord of the castlepletely losing his mind, it was only natural. ¡°Hah!¡± With the lord of the castle bing a fool, it would be even more so. ¡°If it¡¯s you, I thought you¡¯de.¡± A voice that seemed to linger faintly. Lying on the bed, Zagarr spoke. ¡°Did you want to raise the bet that much?¡± But it seemed Zagarr still had somest trace of pride, as he struggled to rise with the support of his subordinates. ¡°What now?¡± Bandages wrapped around his entire body. Rip! Zagarr tore them apart with one hand. ¡°Mock as much as you want! There¡¯s no need for courtesy towards a loser!¡± Zagarr¡¯s appearance was truly grave. His whole body stuck with burns, his face and one hand so disfigured that they were barely recognizable. This is Demorus. One of the three dark families of the continent. While not a sect, there were quite a few high-ranking priests with significant divine power, ruling like ves underwater. And there were superior potions made from various materials that were hard to find elsewhere on the continent. The most precious elixirs were also found in Demorus. ¡°What a sight.¡± It was understood that even with such things, he would not recover. -Taindra. The me possessed by the Holy Sword Taindra. No, its true power. -Holy me. That was the only thing that could happen. ¡°Mock to your heart¡¯s content.¡± Zagarr said with self-derision. But that¡¯s just Zagarr. Crack. The subordinates supporting Zagarr trembled, fists clenched, ring at the Saint. ¡°You¡¯ve raised these dogs well.¡± ¡°Are you praising or mocking?¡± ¡°But you shouldn¡¯t just open your eyes carelessly.¡± At that moment. Gasping. Zagarr, enduring excruciating pain, managed to rally. ¡°They¡¯re my subordinates. Don¡¯t think of messing with them recklessly.¡± Did he have this side to him? No, they knew. It was because of things like this that even in Demorus, there were quite a few who followed Zagarr. With a snake-like impression, somewhat foolish somewhere, but still, they said he took good care of his own. ¡°I¡¯ll probably end up being abandoned and killed.¡± The fate that awaits a failure like Demorus. Despite being born and raised in his ancestral home with blood ties, the price of not being respected would be just that. Moreover, with this body, he would never be able to wield a sword properly. Puffs of smoke filled the air. Jaggar had used a curse. ¡°Even if I kill you here, nothing will change for me.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re confident, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± A bastard who reveals his wounds when hurt. That was exactly Jaggar¡¯s demeanor. ¡°Get out.¡± Sein spoke to Jaggar¡¯s subordinates. But they didn¡¯t even flinch. ¡°If you kill their master, I¡¯ll be executed. You want me to leave?¡± Sein repeated, but they remained motionless. ¡°Hmph.¡± Although tempted to turn things upside down out of frustration, that wasn¡¯t why he hade here. ¡°Jaggar. It¡¯s a shame. I wanted to savor the scratch I left on your face.¡± ¡°You!¡± The wound inflicted during their first encounter with Jaggar. ¡°I put my heart into making it with X scars, what a pity.¡± ¡°How dare you¡­!¡± Jaggar couldn¡¯t hold back his anger towards Sein, who kept insulting him. But Jaggar was also someone from a prestigious family with numerous bloodlines vying for session. Rumors of his skills and intellect circted. ¡°Get out.¡± Jaggar spoke to his subordinates. ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine, so just leave!¡± * * * A one-on-one battle with Jaggar. If it hade to a showdown, one of them would have ended up dead, no matter the oue. The winner would undoubtedly have been Sein, himself. But the current atmosphere between them was quite different. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Jaggar can even make such a serious expression.¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Ah, sorry, I got confused with my inner thoughts.¡± Jagarr furrowed his brow. ¡°Your face is stern enough as it is, don¡¯t make it worse. I feel like I might throw up.¡± ¡°Stop babbling nonsense. What are you talking about?¡± Jagarr regained hisposure and spoke. ¡°What?¡± ¡°The words you said earlier.¡± Sein clearly stated. ¡°The wound you inflicted is on the right. Why did you mention Xara?¡± It must have been strange. As Jagarr said, the wound Sein inflicted was on the right. The left side¡­ ¡°You can guess, can¡¯t you?¡± It was something that happened on the day Jagarr faced humiliation. Now, even faded by burns, the scar was barely visible, but Jagarr remembered it vividly. ¡°That¡­ ¡° ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m a bastard.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± From Noble mtl dot Jagarr¡¯s pupils dted at Sein¡¯s words. Numerous questions would arise. How Sein was there. Why Sein was with the Pdins. Why Sein was called a saint. ¡°¡­.¡± How Sein had wielded the power of a saint. ¡°¡­.¡± No matter how much one pondered, the answer wouldn¡¯te. Sein was an existence that could never be exined by the norms of this world. -Cheat. It could be said to be cheat itself. If one failed to grasp that concept, they would never understand. ¡°Was he a traitor?¡± That might be the best answer Jagarr coulde up with. ¡°Are you insane? Even if we¡¯re of the same blood.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s those bastards from the Order¡­¡± They might have found a way somehow. ¡°Do you think that makes sense? Are you out of your mind? Do you think the old man wouldn¡¯t know?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Jagarr remained silent for a long time. He finally opened his mouth. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± This is Sein¡¯s secret. Revealing it also meant requesting something significant in return. It was a secret that would have remained unknown if left unspoken. ¡°Jagar.¡± Sein called Jagar. ¡°Will you be my hound?¡± Normally, Jagar would have been in an uproar. He would have called it nonsense and attempted to stab a dagger into his jugr. ¡°¡­.¡± But thed had proven himself as Demorus¡¯s sessor candidate. Listening. It was a virtue one must possess if they aspire to stand above someone. ¡°Be my hound like your subordinates. Jagar.¡± Sein said. ¡°I will save you.¡± ¡°Save me¡­ Do you know what that means?¡± Jagar¡¯s voice changed. He, who had been shattered entirely. He had found a glimmer of hope within that wreckage. ¡°It may be inevitable for the sessorship to be stripped, but I will do my best to prevent it. If I continue to gain influence, it should be entirely possible.¡± ¡°Nonsense.¡± ¡°If not, you can gain influence yourself.¡± ¡°Nonsense!¡± Jagar shouted. Neither Demorus¡¯s potion nor the clergy could mend him. ¡°Like this? Eventually, you will humiliate me¡­¡± ¡°I cured the Gangric disease.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± ¡°That rumor is no false tale.¡± He would know. He thought the secret eithery with the witch who was Sein¡¯s guardian or was merely temporary. ¡°But that alone¡­¡± ¡°Have you forgotten?¡± Jagar quietly stared at Sein. ¡°I was there that day too.¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± Sein was right. The day the lightning struck and the gue spread. Sein was there. ¡°Me. You. And¡­.¡± Another person who was with Sein. ¡°The Saint too.¡± Sein revealed another secret. ¡®After all, the elders must already know.¡¯ By the time the rumor spread, they would have already grasped it. Some deities were also aware of it. -Information loses its value if not delivered in time. Learned from the shining Othomeo of the past. ¡°Four of the same kind, heal. Me.¡± Just that made Jhagar tremble. Jhagar, who had lived holding a sword all his life. Not being able to hold a sword is akin to losing one¡¯s life. Sein was offering to save Jhagar¡¯s life now. Chapter 94 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 94 ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do anything about it?¡± Sein said. ¡°You were attacked like a dog by them, weren¡¯t you?¡± What is she talking about? ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to seek revenge for being treated like that by that white-masked bastard?¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°Seek revenge. I¡¯ll heal you. I¡¯ll even give you strength.¡± And. ¡°You said you¡¯ll save me?¡± That was a credible offer Sein could make. Anything more would not be believed. ¡°¡­.¡± There was a moment of silence. And finally, Jhagar spoke up. ¡°Tymphea is strong.¡± One of the sessors, Tymphea. ¡°Cn, of course, needs no mention. He is the closest to the elders.¡± Jhagar tried, but ultimately, they were obscured to them. That day, what attacked Sein was their will. ¡°I was already a bastard.¡± ¡°Yes. I was a bastard. Finally¡­.¡± Jhagar said. ¡°Barje, he too has something to offer.¡± All potential sessors. Jagar must have been feeling it. His own shorings. ¡°Can I trample over them to be the leader?¡± Jagar said. ¡°Do you believe you can be the shining sun?¡± he asked. A blockhead. But he was also a demon. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s impossible?¡± ¡°I believe.¡± That was Jagar¡¯s response. ¡°If I¡¯m going to end up a bastard anyway, it¡¯s better to have a master who can definitely feed me. Should I bark, then?¡± The deal was struck. ¡°No.¡± When Sein came today to propose a deal, it was also to gain Jagar and his power. But before that, there was something more fundamental. ¡°I¡¯m just like you.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s about not being able to endure.¡± The biggest bastard he had ever seen that day. ¡°The white mask. What happened with that bastard. Tell me everything. That¡¯s the first order I give as your master.¡± Chuckle. Finally, a smile crept onto Jagar¡¯s lips. * * * Jagar¡¯s wounds were so severe that Cecil had to work on them for a long time. If Sein were to step in, the healing process would elerate, but there was no urgent need for Jagar to recover quickly, nor for Sein to unnecessarily exert himself. Crack! It was a new beginning for Jagar. Sein had always looked forward, but he had been cautious about many things. Crack! Numerous calctions. Crack! But this time, he realized that it could be a problem in some aspects. Whoosh! Sein was looking too far ahead. As the final round began, what he had pondered over and over before leaving Chichiron. Crack! It was imprinted in Sein¡¯s mind like a seal, controlling everything about him in a moment. -The Grand Purpose. Sein¡¯s ultimate goal. Kkaaah! But I realized this time. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t just look too far ahead.¡± That unknowingly, I was restricting myself in my actions. ¡°I have to admit it once again.¡± This ce is different from the Sanctuary that boasted knowing everything. ¡°I must not forget.¡± Kkaaaah-! I am a cheat yer. An existence with greater potential than anyone else, with superiortent abilities. That¡¯s why, even though I used to move forward while looking too far ahead, not anymore. ¡°How many hours has it been?¡± Right now. What mattered most was the present moment. Right now, I cannot even confront Tejera. ¡°It has been thirty-two hours¡­¡± If Tejera suddenly feels bad and tries to kill me, I will fight with all my might, but I must die. ¡°You¡¯ve been hammering away for thirty-two hours¡­¡± What about Arin? Although she became my partner, she too was the monster Sein saw. As I am now, I will never be able to ovee her. What about Demorus? What about Immortalis? Kkaaah! I am weak. I was calcting, trying to earn their favor, avoiding their wrath. Kkaaah! That¡¯s not who I am. ¡°What on earth are you trying to create?¡± I was someone who moved and acted as I pleased, enjoying the game called Sanctuary. So now I had to decide. ¡®What this world is.¡¯ The boundary between reality and the game. I had to admit that I was wavering between the two. ¡°Are you going to eat?¡± ¡°No, thank you.¡± So, I decided. The current world was a game and reality to me. Both of them. Without needing to choose one, I will ept both. Kwaaaaah! The fire in Demorus¡¯s forge did not go out. Seign Demorus, there were rumors circting that he hadn¡¯te out of the forge. And finally. ¡°Put out all the furnaces.¡± The master cksmith, Pargen, ordered. It had been only seven hours since Seign Demorus had entered the Darksteel. Thud, thud. Seign was lying on the ground where he had been hammering, snoring. * * * ¡°Ha, finally feel like I¡¯m alive.¡± There was nothing better than hammering to clear the mind. The heat of the zing furnace, the burning mes. If you felt those, it was as if you could forget everything as if you had taken a rough medicine. Seign looked different from before. His long hair was being tossed around carelessly, but Seign¡¯s attire and the swords hanging on him were different. These were what Seign had been creating in the forge all this time. ¡°Seign, there¡¯s a request for equipment production.¡± Seign hid his skills. His martial ipetence, his talents. Excessive attention. And to avoid suspicion. ¡°Refuse.¡± But it was futile. He had to do everything he could. He had to retract what he had thought was a useless investment, considering the equipment he would obtain in the future. He had to not fear that his talents would shine one by one and guard himself. Even if they brought any doubts. ¡®It¡¯s still iplete.¡¯ The equipment he was wearing was still iplete. But he knew what he had to do. With a little time, there would be results. ¡°Is everyone here?¡± The 3rd Martial Brigade was gathered in the deste castle training ground. From Noble mtl dot ¡°Are you okay?¡± The rumor that Seign was stuck in the forge had spread throughout Demorus. The 3rd Division was worried about that senior, but they couldn¡¯t act recklessly. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Is there something bothering you?¡± ¡°Oh, my mind was a bit tangled.¡± Chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s getting better.¡± Upon hearing that, Sienjin let out a relieved sigh. ¡°Still, it¡¯s a bitplicated.¡± ¡°If there¡¯s anything I can do to help, I will.¡± ¡°You should help.¡± Sienjin smiled at that sight. ¡°You look good.¡± The senior always wore a smile. Mocking or ridiculing others. But Sienjin, hailing from the East, had a deeper interest in human eyes than others. He remembered howplex the senior¡¯s eyes were beyond words. ¡°Stop the nonsense.¡± The senior¡¯s eyes now seemed much lighter. Moreover, they appeared rather firm. ¡°Give me your orders, Commander.¡± Thud. Sienjin caught the flying sword. ¡°You¡¯ve never faced a real opponent, have you?¡± He had never faced the 3rd Division, never engaged with them. His only sparring had been with Roberta and the youngest of the 3rd Division. ¡°I don¡¯t know you, and you don¡¯t know me.¡± The senior said. ¡°So, let¡¯s get to know each other. Isn¡¯t that love?¡± Chuckle. ¡°Forget about everything, let¡¯s clear our minds.¡± What he gained in the armory wasn¡¯t just equipment. It was the hearts of the cksmiths. And a glimmer of something profound. ¡°If we keep at it until we¡¯re exhausted, something will be clear.¡± The senior had no intention of missing that. ¡°Come in. Let¡¯s take it one step at a time.¡± At that moment. ng! The senior¡¯s steel sword shed with Sienjin¡¯s steel sword. ¡°This is what I wanted.¡± The Siengin who charged without hesitation. ¡°Good.¡± His appearance was quite pleasing to the eye. Watching the two inbat, the 3rd Division was both surprised and amazed. ¡°Is this all?¡± Sein Demorus couldn¡¯t help but think that no one, not even themselves, knew the true extent of his abilities. And soon, his heart began to burn. After all, they were people who lived by the sword. ¡°Guests have arrived.¡± Sein, who was dividing the swords. ¡°Apologies for interrupting your sparring.¡± Ferio entered the training ground with a slightly different expression than usual and spoke. ng! As the shed swords emitted sparks. ¡°Guests have arrived.¡± Ferio added the finishing touch. Thud! Sein, who deflected the iing sword, lowered his stance and thrust forward. It was a sparring relying solely on physical prowess without the use of magic. ng! Yet, their movements were so fast and sharp that a criminal would not be able to follow. ng! In that ce filled with mes. Sein lifted his heel, shifting his weight with perfect bnce, gliding as if unaffected by gravity. In the next moment. ¡°You¡¯ve lost.¡± The 3rd Division member facing Sein admitted defeat and stepped back. As Sein¡¯s sword had perfectly touched his neck. ¡°Hah.¡± Ferio approached and handed Sein a towel. Sein wiped away the pouring sweat as if it were rain. Despite hearing Ferio¡¯s words, he gripped the sword again. ¡°Next.¡± Another member of the 3rd Division stepped forward. ¡°Sein, sir.¡± Ferio cautiously spoke, wondering if Sein had not heard. ¡°Guests have arrived.¡± ¡°Ferio.¡± Sain adjusted his posture and polished his gaze before speaking. Chapter 95 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 95 ¡°Isn¡¯t it about time you got used to it?¡± It had been quite some time since the spar with the 3rd Division members began. Since the day Sain emerged from the forge. ¡°Send them back.¡± Those who sought to meet Sain had formed a long line. A special connection with the forge, rumors about the equipment Sain personally crafted. And not long ago. ¨C Sain Demorus is with the rumored saint! Finally, the true identity of Cecile was definitively discovered. Some who had maintained neutrality until now and those looking to switch sides were requesting an audience with Sain, sensing a shift in the air when Sain concentrated. But Sain rejected it all. Displeasure. Even without invoking magic, the atmosphere changed. As Sain focused, it felt like the air around him was being drawn towards him. He didn¡¯t want to lose this feeling. Was it called a Runner¡¯s High? When a human runs until reaching their limit, pushing beyond that limit. Bang! A massive amount of dopamine is released, giving a greater pleasure than anything artificial. Sain now seemed to understand what those words meant. ng! Sain shed swords once more. ¡°Sain.¡± Ferio, who would usually have left at that point, called out to Sain again without departing. Swish. Finally, Sain lowered his sword. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day here.¡± ¡°Thank you, Commander.¡± The attitudes and gazes of the 3rd Division members had changed significantly. Though they had sworn loyalty to Sain, some among them had only pretended to do so. Those who truly swore loyalty, and those who feigned it. ¡°Thank you, Commander!¡± They all, with a deeper, more respectful look in their eyes, bowed deeply to Sain. It was because they were individuals before being part of Demorus¡¯s family. Those who had not been acknowledged had proven themselves through their own strength. Respect and admiration for that. ¡°If you go this far, it¡¯s hard to refuse as a guest.¡± Sain spoke towards Ferio. ¡°Yes.¡± The answer came. ¡°It seems you¡¯re not someone who can wait for long.¡± That moment. Snick. A smile appeared on Sein¡¯s lips unconsciously. ¡°I suppose so.¡± Ferio truly understood Sein¡¯s feelings. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, and it seems your ability to read cues has deteriorated.¡± Light streamed into the entrance of the training ground. Beside it, Roberta, the head of security, offered to guide the guest. A flushed face, dted pupils. Yet tightly sealed lips. It was clear she was suppressing excitement. Understandable. ¡°I¡¯m just focusing.¡± The guest who came to see Sein was someone who existed in Roberta¡¯s dreams. ¡°Long time no see.¡± ¡°Long time indeed.¡± Snick. ¡°Partner.¡± ¡°Guardian.¡± Ariane Seymour, she entered the Castle of Despair. * * * Sein was living in the Castle of Despair. Even though meals were brought regrly, and the mission regarding the sessor was momentarily paused due to the incident at the g. ¡°When did you arrive?¡± Sein asked coolly, sipping ice water without his shirt on. ¡°Yesterday.¡± Ariane had returned to the main house yesterday. ¡°I reported to the Lord and took care of some business.¡± Ariane exined. ¡°I¡¯ve been hearing stories continuously. A lot has happened.¡± Ariane and Sein¡¯sst encounter was in Contra. The events that unfolded afterward were heard through the grapevine of Demorus. ¡°She managed to secure the support of both Rasiel and Dante simultaneously.¡± Truly a feat that would go down in Demorus history. The announcement that the tworgest organizations under Demorus would support a single candidate. ¡°Well, that had to be done.¡± However, Arin didn¡¯t find it all that fascinating. Because she knew better than anyone what was in front of her. ¡°What did you do in the cksmith shop to cause such amotion?¡± Arin asked. ¡°There¡¯s a story going around that Jagar went under you.¡± Without pausing, Arin spoke like a touch-me-not. Seeing her, Sein, who had been silently watching her, smirked. ¡°Take it slow.¡± Finally. Hwack. Arin¡¯s cheeks turned slightly red. Arin, who was so white she could pass for a corpse, even the slightest change stood out prominently. ¡°You¡¯ve changed.¡± Arin, who had calmed down a bit, said to Sein. ¡°Why? Disappointed?¡± ¡°No.¡± Arin shook her head. ¡°Now I know who ¡®he¡¯ is.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°We met once when I was young.¡± Back when the Empire was still intact. -It was you¡­. The guest who hade with her grandfather. The memories of that day were as vivid as ever for Arin, even after a hundred years had passed. ¡°The kid looks cute.¡± The voice and smile that had gone up at that time. It was something like a curse that would never disappear. ¡°Now I see the ¡®him¡¯ I used to know.¡± The person she faced again was different from what she had known before. While it was natural for the appearance to have changed, being a necromancer, she could see through it. ¡°You¡¯ve grown.¡± The fact that his soul was wavering. ¡°You n to act as a proper guardian now? Why the disgust?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Arin said, rising to her feet. Her beauty was dazzling to the point of being blinding. ¡°Before I be your partner, I am a guardian recognized by Demorus.¡± Arin said. ¡°Sein Demorus, from now on, I intend to fulfill that role for you.¡± * Three Witches. They were considered absolute, transcendent beings, each existing in their own dark domain. Even the heads of noble families treated them with utmost caution. ¡°What in the world.¡± Lately, there hadn¡¯t been a single quiet day in Demorus. And at the center of that storm, one name was always mentioned. -Sain Demorus. It was Sain Demorus. It all began with the simultaneous support of Rasiel and Dante. Then came Sain¡¯s incident at the main house. Viting thew of non-interference at the Territory War and wiping out the opposing lord¡¯s forces. As a result, despite being a sessor candidate for the head of the family, he didn¡¯t receive the 3rd Legion as a reward. ¡°Truly, I don¡¯t know what to make of it.¡± Resolving the Gandarik gue and capturing Sienjin¡¯s heart. Especially surprising was the fact that he had won over the hearts of the picky Demorus cksmiths. Even though the heads of noble families couldmand them, they couldn¡¯t draw out their sincerity. -The Dark Steel prioritizes Sain Demorus¡¯s requests. From Noble mtl dot What on earth did he do to make those finicky cksmithse out like that? Word has it he gained their approval by making equipment, but that seemed highly unlikely. Having the Demorus cksmiths acknowledge his skills was a stretch, with only about twenty or so, and where would a candidate learn from? If there was one recent incident where Sain¡¯s name was not mentioned, it was only one. -The Holy Sword Tragedy. The event where Jugar Demorus received a mission regarding the Holy Sword and failed, leading to a great embarrassment. Although one might think Sain¡¯s name was absent there. ¡°Jugar has fully recovered, they say?¡± ¡°Really¡­ is she a saint?¡± Sain¡¯s name, which seemed out of ce, was being mentioned even there. Jugar¡¯s recovery, which seemed impossible. And the saint. Lastly. ¡°Is it true that Jugar, a sessor candidate, has entered under Sain Demorus?¡± Even though no one gave a definite answer, judging by Jugar¡¯s actions and attitude, it was quite a usible opinion. In every storm, Sain was involved. And. Rumble! Once again, a massive storm engulfed Demorus. ¡°Is that really happening?¡± ¡°Is it true?¡± ¡°Unbelievable!¡± News that surprised most of the followers of Demorus. -Sir Demorus is the witch¡¯s ward! It was also a rumor that was uncertain. Except for the family, the witch, who could be considered the most special existence, was rumored to be Sir¡¯s ward. However, there was no one who dared to confirm it. But a few days ago. ¡°The witch has been in the Castle of Despair for three days.¡± The witch, who returned home after a long time, met the family and headed straight to the Castle of Despair. The rumor was indeed true. ¡°Ah.¡± The high-ranking officials who already knew this fact just sighed, but. ¡°This is insane. Absolutely insane.¡± To the followers who dismissed it as an unbelievable rumor, it was nothing short of shocking news. The witch, who had never been involved in Demorus¡¯s politics, finally found her first ward. The fact that such a person was at the center of the storm. ¡°Could it be that a candidate might be the sessor?¡± It was something that could even overturn some of Sir¡¯s meager roots. ¡°When the witch returns, we should take a look at the sessor candidate.¡± Even those reluctant to move were now in a situation where they had to act. When Demorus was so noisy. ¡°Attack with full force.¡± The Castle of Despair was under strict control, with no one allowed to enter or leave. Only Sir and Arin. The two of them in that space. ¡°Sir Demorus.¡± Arin and Sir were facing each other once again. The sessor candidate from the family does not have a guardian. Only those from the candidate family could have a guardian. Until a certain age, the candidates had to survive without even knowing they were Demorus. That¡¯s what made up for their differences with their family and theirck of knowledge. ¡°I guess I should y the role of a guardian.¡± They were the guardians. The path of the candidate. Before arriving at the Three Great Organizations, they spent a few months to a few years with their guardians, learning a lot from them. Sir also learned a lot from Arin. ¡°I almost died unfairly, but I¡¯m lucky.¡± Now I think I know. It was toocking. There it is! Rushing air. Within that. Pop! White legs stretched out and tore through the fabric. But it was just an illusion. Swish. A being, faster than ever before, stood behind Arin. Grin. A smiling being. Yet Arin couldn¡¯t see the one behind her. ¡°Well done.¡± Acknowledging Arin was also smiling. Kwong! Finally, Arin began to fulfill her role as a guardian properly. ¡°¡­Impressive.¡± When the duel ended, Arin was genuinely impressed. ¡°I never expected the magic usage to be that high.¡± There are hardly any who can handle their entire pool of magic. If one were to use it by breaking it down into smaller parts, they could potentially use all of their magic, but when considering the power and application that can be exerted at once, even those who have reached the level of a master showed a usage rate of only a fifth. This was even more so for those born of darkness or from great bloodlines. When one possesses an overwhelming amount of magic, coupled with abilities akin to blessings, it can hinder the growth of the individual. However, it seemed that the being had surpassed a 70% usage rate of magic. ¡°If you¡¯ve realized something.¡± The being said. ¡°I¡¯m not much different from you guys.¡± Chapter 96 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 96 The boundary between the game and reality. The moment that dilemma crumbled, they realized. ¡°I am a yer, yet I am not a yer.¡± The thought that the training methods that only worked for NPCs would also work for oneself. The advantages of NPCs and yers merging into one. ¡°I must reach that level to be a cheat yer.¡± That¡¯s what they believed. ¡°I understand where you¡¯ve reached.¡± Arin said. ¡°But this alone won¡¯t make you the heir of Demorus.¡± What the being showed was the power of an absolute ruler. No matter where they went, they would be greatly recognized, and thinking about their future potential, it was truly astonishing. However, the being was the bloodline of Demorus, the one who would be the heir. ¡°The story has been heard.¡± Arin spoke. ¡°Awakening to blessings.¡± The awakening of blessings. ¡°¡­I must have asked you toe at me with all your might, right?¡± Arin¡¯s momentum shifted. The recent sparring seemed like a favor to the saint. Kukukuku-! A surge of magic began to emanate, shaking the very foundations of the castle of despair. ¡°Yes. They called it the ancestor¡¯s blessing.¡± ¡°So, the rumors were true.¡± Only a few had seen the saint¡¯s blessing. It was all because Lashiel, who knew the truth, controlled the information about the saint¡¯s blessing. The ancestor¡¯s blessing was a great power, but it could attract too much attention. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you using it?¡± ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s hard to control.¡± That was why Saint hesitated to use the blessing. Even though they trained, using the blessing felt like going berserk, destroying everything in their path, including Saint. Uncontroble power was nothing but poison. They thought it would take time to use it properly. ¡°Bring it out.¡± Arin was telling Saint to bring out that blessing. ¡°Because as your guardian, that¡¯s what I should do for you.¡± Woong! The storm that had been raging entered Arin. Eyes sinking even deeper. They had to admit it. ¡°I will guide you in the proper use of the blessing and even its release.¡± Arin made it clear that even with Saint at full power, they couldn¡¯t defeat them. Gguggeuk. Darkness emanating from under Saint¡¯s feet. ¡®Corruption.¡¯ Saint unleashed the blessing. * * * Arin, who was incredibly busy, sparred and conversed with Saint without rest, catching up on the lessons that had been neglected. It was what Saint had hoped for too. ¡°I thought it would take¡­ a month.¡± Arin chuckled unexpectedly and said. The Opening of Blessing. It was to fully open the power of blessing, bringing it into contact with the darkness that was already creeping into the world. Granting the nature of darkness to the blessing, enhancing its abilities. ¨C Awaken the blessing before turning twenty if you have the blood of the Dark Family. As possessors of great blood, awakening the blessing was easy for them. However. ¨C Among them, seeding in opening the blessing is a rare urrence. Among them, very few seeded in opening the blessing. Only those who seeded in opening the blessing were considered qualified to be sessors from the main family. It took over ten years for those who were born under the influence of the blessing, awakened to it, and trained to finally achieve the opening. However, Sein. Exceptional. ¡°How do you see me?¡± Seeded in opening the blessing in less than three days. ¡°Is there a next step?¡± ¡°That¡¯s something I can¡¯t teach you. You have to achieve it yourself.¡± ¡°Fine then.¡± As long as it exists. ¡°Well then¡­.¡± Arin shared many stories. Blessing, Demorus, Gaju. ¡°If it¡¯s about the New Empire.¡± Secrets. Arin straightforwardly told Sein things that even other guardians wouldn¡¯t dare to mention. She was Sein¡¯s guardian and partner at the same time. ¡°Well, it seems like you¡¯re treating it like homework.¡± Sein noticed something in Arin¡¯s attitude. Also, being Sein. ¡°How long will it take?¡± He was aware of the reason as well. ¡°It might take at least a year.¡± The time Arin needed to empty. ¡°Sein.¡± Arin called Sein. ¡°The situation on the continent is not looking good.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been messed up from the start, hasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean.¡± Arin said. ¡°The rise of the sect, the people you mentioned with the white masks.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°The secrets hidden by the Darklings are increasing, and the movements in the Dark Zone are ominous.¡± Things that Arin, who roams the scene, can know. ¡°Something massive is about to begin.¡± ¡°Exactly as I hoped.¡± Sein replied. ¡°To uproot a firmly rooted tree, you must first shake it. If others take care of that for you, you should be grateful.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Swish. Arin pulled something out in her own space. ¡°¡­What is this?¡± An item even Sein had never seen before. Resembling a small bead, it held an indescribable vast magical power, seeming to contain something unspeakable on its own. ¡°It¡¯s rare even for me. It¡¯s called a Soul Stone.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°It¡¯s the final gift I give as your sponsor. You¡¯ll understand its value perfectly. Next time¡­¡± Arin smiled subtly. That smile seemed to radiate light. ¡°Let¡¯s meet under different circumstances.¡± Not a sessor candidate, but a sessor. Above that. *** ¡°Allow the return of Jhagar.¡± In the reopened Council, Jhagar was released from probation. With Sesil¡¯s help in recovering his strength, and Jhagar¡¯s support base having secured his return. ¡°If you have tarnished the name of Demorus, turning it into glory is also your duty. I¡¯ll give you onest chance.¡± ¡°Thank you for your generosity.¡± Jhagar, who had be a bit more solemn than before, replied with respect. ¡°¡­Regarding the Immortalga¡­¡± The long-awaited Council took quite a while. Sein participated in the meeting, sensing many changes from before. The interest directed towards him, filled with deep kindness and curiosity. ¡°Sein Demorus. What do you think?¡± The evaluation of the Council towards him had also risen. It was notmon for the sessor candidate to be asked for opinions in the Council. Jhagar had never experienced it, only Coolran or Tampia could have such an experience. ¡°It seems best to act first. We are none other than¡­¡± Having the right demeanor. From Noble mtl dot ¡°Demorus, after all.¡± I discard the unnecessary. ¡°Excellent. Let¡¯s devise a n reflecting that.¡± Those present responded to Tezera¡¯s words ordingly. The conclusion of the Council of Elders. ¡°We shall resume the mission that was put on hold.¡± It was a deration by Demorus, who had been cautious since the Holy Sword incident, to fully resume his activities. ¡°Prove what exists before the name of Demorus.¡± ¡°It is but an honor.¡± They all replied in unison. ¡°Before the name of Demorus, there is only honor.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± The Council of Elders adjourned. ¡°¡­¡­¡± On the way out of the meeting, the gazes of other sessors conveyed their thoughts. Coolran was indifferent. Tampia was curious. ¡°Do you have something to say?¡± Barje showed kindness. ¡°No! Not yet.¡± Barje replied to Sein¡¯s question. ¡°Don¡¯t bother me, go away.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s have a meal together next time!¡± An annoying guy. ¡°Sein, sir.¡± As they left the Council Hall, Ferio approached Sein and called out to him. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°There have been several requests for meetings.¡± ¡°Decline them.¡± It was better to keep them craving for more. ¡°Yes. And¡­¡± Ferio continued. ¡°We have received a mission request.¡± ¡°A mission request?¡± This was a vague matter. For a sessor, receiving a mission was customary. Among the numerous requestsing in for Demorus, the Council would decide which ones were suitable for a sessor to handle and assign them ordingly. A request meant¡­ ¡°A designation?¡± It meant a designation. A designation that Sein had once received. At that time, I obtained a Vk. ¡°Yes.¡± Feryo replied. ¡°Where did youe from?¡± If Demorus was assigning a mission to him, it was quite usible. It was inevitable that some interest would arise. And he also wanted to escape from this suffocating home. ¡°Zone 2¡­.¡± Feryo said. ¡°It¡¯s a request from Lord Remi Borfeo.¡± Grin. The territory received from Demorus was not a nominal request. Since he was the only one who could afford it with the money he had, Demorus had provided it. It was like going to buy a luxury item. ¨C Give me the cheapest one. It could be said that it was a story like that. In other words, it wasn¡¯t a nominal request. As with anyone, obtaining what you wanted was not easy. Obtaining a nominal request was no different from buying what you wanted, so it must have required a huge amount of money. Moreover, with Sein¡¯s reputation having risen greatly now, the cost would have skyrocketed astronomically. ¡®He must have gone through a lot.¡¯ Remi must have spent a huge amount of money to call himself. ¡°Identity verification isplete.¡± Security and inspection that seemed to look into the past. ¡°Wee to Poryshe, Sein Demorus.¡± Sein entered Zone 2, Poryshe, without any attendant. Unless you were a central figure, the number of guests who could be invited was limited, and Zone 2 was precisely such a ce. Zone 2 was not only a city but also the center of the empire. ¡°It¡¯s amazing.¡± Sein said, taking in the view. From Zone 4 onwards, it was like that, but Zone 2 was truly different. It was exactly as it was in the past Chutuary. No. ¡®It¡¯s even more than that.¡¯ The density of magic that could be felt, well-dried architectural structures. Even the well-polished streets in the meticulously nned city. ¡°Nice to meet you for the first time, Sein Demorus.¡± Even the gestures, smiles, and faces of the people. ¡°I am Harkom, the servant of Lord Remi Borfeo. I will escort you to Lord Remi¡¯s mansion.¡± It was so reminiscent of the past that it could even evoke Sein¡¯s nostalgia. Sein, riding in the carriage, continued to capture the surrounding scenery as he moved forward. ¡°There are more people than I thought.¡± Although there was a perception that the Second Zone was and where only a few chosen humans existed, in reality, the Second Zone was bustling with more people than any other zone. ¡°It¡¯s a city of nobles.¡± Sein nodded at Ha¡¯s words. Nobles. Those who were born to stand over someone else. That¡¯s why. ¡°Is there really no world where only nobles exist?¡± Sein said, tapping his temple, revealing the essence of nobility. If there¡¯s no one to trample upon, what use is their power and influence? Chapter 97 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 97 Even though noblespete among themselves to divide their power, ultimately, even the one at the very bottom was a noble. Just like Ha, a servant in front of him, there needed to be beings below to satisfy their self-esteem. So. ¡°Good ves for sale.¡± The city¡¯s citizens were merely ves with better circumstances. They might trample upon others, but in the end, they were considered the lowest in this ce. Indeed. ¡°Stop.¡± Another inspection followed. ¡°Pass.¡± The world that unfolded from within. ¡°This is insane.¡± Truly, it was out of this world. A sight smeared with all the gold and wealth of the world. Competing to see who had a bigger house, who had a taller building, it was all haphazardly disyed. Ironically, in terms of aesthetic unity and beauty, the area outside the inspection zone was better than inside. -Noble City, Labor. A city coexisting within the imperial capital, Labor. * * * ¡°He was singing so vibrantly just now, why is he so quiet?¡± Sein¡¯s puzzled voice received no response from Remi. Gulp. He was just drinking wine. ¡°Do you know how much this one costs?¡± Remi chuckled as he spoke. ¡°It¡¯s free.¡± Back in the lower district of Borfeo, one would have to pay 100 gold for the same wine. The monthly tax revenue of an average lower district territory would amount to that. ¡°Money isn¡¯t a concern here.¡± In a world where wine like this could be free without a care. That was the central point. Lemi¡¯s mansion was dazzling beyondparison to Borfeo. But even this must havee at some cost. ¡°I never imagined a world like this.¡± He heard stories. So he dreamed. But experiencing it was something else. ¡°I regret it.¡± Sain reclined on the sofa, raising a wine ss to his lips. ¡°Why? Want to go back?¡± ¡°Want to go back?¡± Lemi, who had been expressionless, cracked a faint smile. ¡°It¡¯s just regretting noting sooner.¡± Chuckling. Only then did Sain smile too. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± If he had been overwhelmed by disappointment at the existence of such a crazy world, Sain would have regretted it. Yet, Sain chose to be human. Because he saw the potential. ¡°Sain Demorus.¡± Lemi calling Sain¡¯s name. It was the same in Borfeo, but the current feeling was different. Back then, it might have been a forced word to not seem condescending, but now she seemed to feel her position was somewhat simr to Sain¡¯s. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong. That¡¯s what nobility in the center was like. ¡°Do you know what I can¡¯t stand?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t beat around the bush. I don¡¯t want to hear it.¡± ¡°The fact that I was just a mere monkey!¡± Ugh. Sain covered one ear with his finger. ¡°I just called you here to see the monkey from the 8th district who dared to imprison a Demorus.¡± Is this a drinking game? It didn¡¯t seem like that in Borfeo. Thud! Lemi mmed the table hard. ¡°That hurts.¡± Once the sightseeing was over, all that remained was indifference. They could let you pass through the center, but that was it.¡± It was clear that something was wrong. Looking at how his voice had sunk. ¡°They just smile, crack jokes to impress them.¡± Beyond that. ¡°They¡¯re no different from the ves with good fortunes.¡± Even among the nobles, there was a hierarchy. Those beneath were just another set of ves with good fortunes, as Remy had put it. More ves, each one higher than the next. ¡°What can you do.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my fortune.¡± Borfeo had sorted out everything ande to the center. The money given to the nobles for maintaining dignity in the center was more than Borfeo¡¯s annual tax revenue. ¡°I emptied my entire fortune to hire you this time. I¡¯ll have to tighten my belt now. But still, I¡¯m lucky. Wine is free. Just drinking this should keep me alive, right?¡± On and on. If it¡¯s not the alcohol, then it must be this city that¡¯s the problem. ¡°The market is not good. Not good.¡± ¡°What you desire is surely more than just that, Saint Demorus.¡± Remy¡¯s gaze. In one corner of it, what she knew had emerged. No, she had been obsessed with it from the start. ¡°Make me the protagonist.¡± Madness. ¡°How dare the monkey from Zone 8, who dared to confront Demorus, bring her as his escort and partner to the party. To show that I am more valuable than those old, decrepit monsters think¡­.¡± Remy said. ¡°You are the proof of that.¡± * * * Since Sanctuary was an extremely realistic game, it caused a syndrome. However, even in such a realistic Sanctuary, there were ws. -Why are the nobles like that? -Oh, damn. Couldn¡¯t hold back, killed someone, now there¡¯s a bounty on my head. The nobles in the game set in the medieval era. People found them so unrealistic that it created a sense of alienation. However. -What nonsense. It¡¯s authentic. They knew one thing but not the other. -They probably did more in reality. -That¡¯s nonsense, how can a human do that. ¨C Watch TV. When I think about it. ¨C Ah. That¡¯s right. There was no difference in reality. Just the thought of being exposed to the public made me nauseous, so how much worse would it be to delve into their private lives and innermost thoughts. That¡¯s how humans were. That¡¯s how power was. It was surreal. ¨C It¡¯s so brutally realistic. It was an incredibly realistic game. If it was like that back then, what about now? One thing was certain, if she was anything like Remi Borfeo, she would belong to the very kind side of the aristocrats in this crazy world. ¨C dly. Seine replied to Remi like that. With her own stakes deeply rooted in the center, she had nothing to lose if she climbed higher. She was burning with ambition but at the same time, she was a woman with a keen sense of reality. It wouldn¡¯t be easy for someone like her to betray herself. From Noble mtl dot ¡°When will Ie out at all!¡± If she had received a substantial mission fee, it was only right to oblige. Outside, Remi urged Seine. ¡°You¡¯re going to bete at this rate!¡± Today was the day of the mission. It was the day she would attend the party of the central nobles. ¡°You¡¯re not going to run away, are you?¡± At that moment. Creak. The door opened, and Seine emerged. ¡°You should consider cutting back on the alcohol.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Otherwise, I might just kill you.¡± Remi looked up, and Seine looked down. Seine had attended a few parties in thest chapter, but back then, there was no need for formalities. But this was also Seine¡¯s debutante ball. The moment when Seine Demorus, a presence in the center, revealed her true self. ¡°¡­. You.¡± In the silence, Remi struggled to speak. ¡°Are you Seine Demorus?¡± Remi hesitated, taking a step back. Her words carried a sincerity that left no room for doubt. ¡°¡­ That¡¯s impossible.¡± Sein¡¯s appearance was usually remarkable. Close to white hair, tall stature, broad shoulders, and a robust body. However, always roughly running his hand through his hair with fierceness and madness, his appearance was simultaneously decadent and repulsive. But now. ¡°Are you drunk?¡± Sein¡¯s appearance was truly a fantasy in itself. Neatlybing his snowy white hair, tidying up his unkempt skin. Instead of battle-appropriate gear or ufortable attire, he wore a tuxedo that Remi had purchased at a high price. Sein¡¯s physique, face, and aura were not concealed even by the tuxedo. ¡°What¡­ were you a noble?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know? I¡¯m a Demorus.¡± ¡°Ah¡­.¡± Somehow it made sense. Remi was still staring nkly at Sein. Sein instinctively approached her. ¡°Uh¡­ uh¡­.¡± Unknowingly, Remi took a step back. Stumble! Her foot slipped, and she staggered. At the moment Remi was about to fall ungracefully. Whack. Sein roughly grabbed Remi¡¯s waist. ¡°Don¡¯t annoy me. I feel like tearing everything apart, the mission and all.¡± ¡°¡­Will you marry me?¡± Beautiful melodies were echoing through. The room was filled with vibrant lights and golden walls, with a marble floor. ¡°Hahaha!¡± Laughter was incessant, and each bite of their food was nothing short of luxury. That was it. ¡°Is that true?¡± ¡°It is!¡± It was avish party. If the food consumed by them for a day was calcted, it seemed it could feed the entire 10th district for a day. Luxury and extravagance. ¡°Your face has be more beautiful.¡± ¡°I applied a diluted elixir, is it noticeable?¡± ¡°You look beautiful, madam.¡± They, who only knew themselves, were enjoying the party with faces full of joy. ¡°By the way, you¡¯re absent.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s there? If the Count is looking for you, you must be quite remarkable, right?¡± ¡°Haha. That¡¯s unlikely. Just¡­¡± Snickering. An evidentughter. It might seem initially eerie, like theughter of a creature that could be unsettling. ¡°I¡¯m here because that monkey boy is nowhere to be seen.¡± ¡°The monkey boy?¡± ¡°He¡¯s around.¡± The nobles who could advance to the center were limited. And only the chosen few from the entire continent could tread upon. ¡°It¡¯s about the lunatic who locked up Demorus¡¯ candidate in prison!¡± Yet, asionally, they would invite new blood for amusement. ¡°Ah, you must be referring to that Lemi or something.¡± ¡°Lady? Far from it. Anyway, she might not havested long.¡± In any case. Snickering. ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s hanging by the neck by now?¡± They couldn¡¯t withstand the center. Utter disregard. Their own world. Delving into it was a feat beyond ordinary abilities. No matter how rural or provincial, a lord was still a lord. Once they arrived in the center, those who had ruled like kings among their knights and subjects faced nothing but great adversity. Some who couldn¡¯t bear the noble¡¯s plight tried to escape. But soon, they couldn¡¯t even flee to Poriche. A gleam. The city¡¯s gleaming gold and immense wealth. Themselves. ¡°Still managed quite a while, didn¡¯t you?¡± They couldn¡¯t ept the fact of being mere vigers. Thus, staying in the center and enduring, they would inevitably lose their minds. It was one of the amusements for the nobles in the center. ¡°How long did youst?¡± ¡°About a month, I suppose¡­¡± Suddenly, a man raised his hand. ¡°Are there any fainting souls here? Looks like the monkey is exhausted and about to copse! Our victory!¡± Chapter 98 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 98 ¡°Oooh!¡± ¡°Unbelievable!¡± Those who wagered on how long a noble could endure. That was the moment. Squeak. The doors of the banquet hall swung open, and knights d in golden armor entered, shouting. ¡°Count Remy Borfeo has arrived.¡± For a moment, silence enveloped the banquet hall. ¡°Darn it! I thought I had won.¡± ¡°Hahaha! It¡¯s been two months! Gotta endure for two months!¡± But soon, madness tainted the hall. Eyes filled with discontent and curiosity turned towards the entrance of the banquet hall. And then. ¡°Sir¡­¡± The voice that should have ended echoed once more. ¡°Sir Demorus is entering!¡± ¡°¡­.!¡± Sir, the name was insignificant. What mattered was what followed. ¨C Demorus. And then. ¡°¡­.!¡± All eyes widened. Remy had attended many parties before, but as someone from a lower district, her dresses and manners were close to appalling. However, today, Remy was entering with such grace, disying a stunning figure. ¡°Was Count Remy always this beautiful?¡± Displeasure turned into greed, curiosity into admiration. Looks were as crucial as ever. ¡°¡­.Ahem.¡± ¡°Wow¡­.¡± ¡°Oh my goodness.¡± ¡°¡­¡­..!?¡± Followed by exmations bursting out one after another. Interestingly, most of the eximers were youngdies or wives. Only a few came from the mouths of men. It felt like light was walking in. ¡°The author¡­.¡± Graceful strides. Each step exuded charisma so perfectly. There was nothing to criticize about her appearance or attire. The one holding Remy¡¯s hand as they entered. ¡°Sir¡­ Demorus?¡± All attention focused on Sir Demorus. * Learn how to walk first. Remy was worried about Sein. He knew Sein¡¯s greatness and his lineage, but noble society was a different world from the dark alley where he lived. Especially since Sein was from Zone 10, Chichiron. Even if his mind was exceptional and his talent forbat was outstanding. Learning how to speak. Nobles will ignore you. Even etiquette and dancing. But you move well, right? You¡¯ll pick it up quickly. The dark alley tended to disregard noble society. To them, who believed strength was everything, what use were useless manners or speech? Yet. Just as the dark alley had its own rules, so did noble society have its ownws. That was no different from the power of the dark alley. They evaluated a person¡¯s life by their walk. Judged a person¡¯s parents by their speech. Assessed a person¡¯s life by their dance. All of it was power, it was themselves. ¡°At least, don¡¯t make me feel ashamed.¡± Experiencing shame was something he had gone through countless times. But for Sein to experience shame was a different matter. ¡°With your mere presence, you¡¯ll shine brightly enough. So, just align yourself to some extent.¡± The higher Sein¡¯s value was esteemed, the higher Remy¡¯s evaluation would be. In the end, it was Remy who invited Sein to the party. But soon Remy realized. ¡°It seems like you need to adjust your steps.¡± ¡°What? Just pride¡­¡± Sein said. ¡°¡­I was being presumptuous.¡± He was truly an enigma. Sein showed exactly what Remy had said. It was shocking in itself. More noble than any noble Remy had seen at the party. No, even more. Elegance, sophistication, and charisma. ¡°Follow me. It might take a while since you¡¯re not good at moving your body. I¡¯ll help you until you get it right.¡± And that¡¯s how it is now. ¡°If the bloodline of the dark alley¡¯s progeny appearing at the central party is a rare sight, how did you manage to summon the lineage of De Moraus?¡± Remy truly became the protagonist. ¡°There is now stating that a once-fated tragedy must end in tragedy. I believe that any noble should be prepared to embrace fate.¡± ¡°Excellent!¡± Even as he said that, Lemi¡¯s gaze was fixed on one ce. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you. I am¡­.¡± Sein. He truly enjoyed the party with a perfect attitude and etiquette, looking like the epitome of nobility. He seemed more noble than anyone present. ¡®Could he be from the fallen Great Empire¡¯s aristocracy?¡¯ Such thoughts crossed the mind. And¡­. ¡°Hahaha. It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Sein. I am the third of Viscount Alok¡¯s¡­.¡± Why was jealousy creeping in so strongly? * * * Sein¡¯s life, repeated countless times. Having been a prince, a noble. There was even a time when he was a crown prince. ¡®I thought I would die of boredom back then.¡¯ Living such a life, the quests of the Chateau were truly harsh. To steal someone¡¯s heart. To step by step create a perfect dance. It was fun because it was a game, but the memories would have been dreadful otherwise. ¡°Excuse me for a moment.¡± ¡°Oh, do find me again soon.¡± But the experiences back then were now proving to be of great help. The New Empire ultimately inherited the old Empire. Their manners andws were almost indistinguishable. Whether nobles were a bit twisted back then or now, dealing with such people was no easy task for Sein. ¡°Damn, this is frustrating as hell.¡± Yet, the feeling of wearing the wrong clothes persisted. Sein stepped out onto the terrace to breathe in the air. ¡°¡­¡­¡± epting Lemi¡¯s mission wasn¡¯t solely to help Lemi. ¡®The New Empire.¡¯ The white mask. And the curiosity about something new he didn¡¯t yet know. But there were no valuable individuals to be found. From Noble mtl dot ¡®My expectations are foolish.¡¯ It was a party Lemi could attend. In a party where she was at the very bottom of the hierarchy, there was no chance of encountering a proper human being. But at that moment. Whish. Sein quietly turned his body. ¡°You were here.¡± A gentle face, which could be perceived as delicate. However, Sein was surprised for another reason. ¡°Since when were you here?¡± Attending the party, observing everyone, remembering their energy. There were quite a few strong individuals, but none stood out. However. ¡°Apologies for interrupting your rest, Sein Demorus. May I have a conversation with you? Would you mind?¡± This man was unfamiliar to Sein¡¯s senses and memory. ¡°Of course. What need is there for such a trivial rest if I can interact with nobles who work for the continent¡¯s sake?¡± Sein spoke with a mask of hypocrisy. ¡°You don¡¯t seem like a figure from the Shadow District, Sein.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°The lineage of the Shadow District tends to look down on the nobles of the center.¡± ¡°It must be due to the difference in life¡¯s direction.¡± Sein merely yed along. ¡°Indeed. How can those who indulge in luxury and extravagance, chasing after pleasure alone, appearmendable?¡± But at the following words, Sein¡¯s eyes twitched. This was not the rhetoric of nobility. ¡°I, too, find them repulsive.¡± The man with open arms. Then, a feeling like aughing and chattering party host emerged. ¡°But what can be done?¡± ¡°¡­Pardon me.¡± Sein spoke. ¡°May I inquire your name?¡± Finally. ¡°Ah, I havemitted a breach of etiquette. I have been remiss in my introduction.¡± He found him. ¡°I am Carnima Beriatra.¡± The real one among these impostors. ¡°His title is a duke.¡± Duke. Among the hundreds, thousands of nobles in the center, only a handful possessed the title. The title exclusive to the center was that of a duke. ¡°Shall we continue our conversation?¡± ¡°With gratitude.¡± The party ended sessfully. Even the mere presence of the vampires from the Dark Street, which was not easy toe by, made the party a grand event. By the end, it was filled with nobles who hade to hear the news btedly. ¡°Oooo!¡± Although the Dark Street had close ties with the central nobles. The Land Auction and the party were entirely different contexts. Some even thought that attending such a party would tarnish the honor of the Dark Street, so it was fair to say that their attendance was exceptional. -Is that so? Seine recalled the conversation with Canima. An empty conversation. There was nothing meaningful. -Indeed. However, Canima made the strongest impression at the party. As if they knew each other. ¡°Thanks to you, today was a delightful time. I will see you again soon.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Count Lemi. I have a useless territory in my 9th district. Are you interested in investing?¡± ¡°Please make sure to attend the next party as well.¡± Lemi achieved what she desired. She became the protagonist of the party. Not only was she Seine¡¯s partner, who was more splendid than anyone else at the party, but by inviting the Dark Street lineage, she could evolve from a monkey to a human being. ¡°It¡¯s an honor.¡± Lemi gracefully lifted her dress to greet. Clip-clop, clip-clop. The well-groomed carriage swiftly moved forward. ¡°Harkum! Harkum!¡± Lemi, who had just been smiling, urgently called Harkum, who was now frantically acting as a coachman. ¡°Stop!¡± The carriage stopped abruptly. ¡°Whoaaa!¡± Barely opening the carriage door, Lemi started to vomit. The sour smell of vomit mixed with the scent of alcohol rising up. ¡°Tsk.¡± I noticed from the start. From the middle of the party, Lemi was drunk. You could tell by the wine she enjoyed. The one with the lowest alcohol content. ¡°Ugh¡­ I¡¯m gonna die¡­¡± Lemi liked alcohol but wasn¡¯t good at handling it. She only had mental strength. With just that, she endured till the end. ¡°¡­I¡¯m spinning. Spin.¡± Leemi, who got back into the carriage, leaned against the wall and said nonchntly, ¡°Hey, who in the world are you?¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Do you really understand the court manners of the Dark Guild so well?¡± Leemi even resorted to sarcasm, ¡°Grow up gracefully. Before you faint.¡± ¡°Tsk.¡± In response to Sein¡¯s words, Leemi grabbed his cheeks with both hands. ¡°Who are you, who are you.¡± Still, Sein seemed somewhat intimidating. Or maybe the alcohol had cleared his mind a bit due to the sudden outpouring. Although he seemed to be somewhat maintaining hisposure in the carriage. ¡°Would you like me to carry you?¡± Later,pletely fallen apart, Harcum pleaded with Sein. It would be unthinkable for a servant to touch a noble¡¯s body so casually. ¡°There will be an additional bonus.¡± ¡°I will convey that.¡± Sein embraced Leemi. ¡°Ugh. Hmm.¡± Murmuring, Leemi leaned towards Sein. Chapter 99 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 99 Sein gentlyid her on the bed. Just as he was about to get up from the spot. ¡°In times like this, don¡¯t you know it¡¯s impolite to touch?¡± A somewhat hesitant voice, but it seemed that reason had returned. Thud. Leemi wrapped her arms around Sein¡¯s neck. The approaching breath warmly touched his face. ¡°Am I nothing to you?¡± ¡°I tend to think it¡¯s cowardly to touch someone who¡¯s drunk.¡± Just as Leemi was getting closer. Tap. Instead, Sein pushed his face forward and bumped foreheads with her. Grin. ¡°Aren¡¯t you nothing special either.¡± ¡°What¡­!¡± Trying to quickly pull away her flushed face, Leemi. But. Crackle. This time, Sein grabbed Leemi¡¯s waist and said, ¡°Here, I do not know, but in the world I lived in, mutual agreement was important, you know.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Speak.¡± Remyy back on the bed, pushed. ¡°Or leave.¡± ¡°Stay with me.¡± Thinking back, it had been a long time. No matter how much he roamed the alleys, his own body was that of a young boy. But not anymore. ¡°That¡¯s right. Know that I won¡¯t take responsibility.¡± ¡°¡­Next time, we might need to write a contract.¡± * * * As expected. ¡°I¡¯m a DeMolus too.¡± Saint briefly recalled that crazy son of a bitch. ¡°Up already?¡± At Saint¡¯s signal, he spoke to Remy. Remy, feeling embarrassed, turned the nket inside out. ¡°Come on. Why act so innocent?¡± The Lord of Zone 8. To understand how the lords lived, what pleasure they found. To Saint, Remy¡¯s actions were simply amusing. ¡°¡­The first time.¡± ¡°Nonsense about it being the first time, say that to your future husband.¡± ¡°You bastard.¡± Only then did Remy pull himself out from under the covers. ¡°You must have heard by now, I even had the bed brought over, so it¡¯s an additional bonus. Deposit it yourself.¡± ¡°Wow. Really.¡± Saint got up. ¡°You¡¯ll have it. From me.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Soon, you¡¯ll be begging me.¡± ¡°Hah.¡± Saint¡¯s forcedughter. ¡°Even if I have to hold the center and fight DeMolus, I¡¯ll have it, I will.¡± ¡°Are you sober?¡± ¡°I will have it-!!¡± Ignoring Remy¡¯s shouting, Saint slipped out. Plop. A chuckle escaped. ¡°How long has it been?¡± It wasn¡¯t about discussing the night with Remi. ¡°Seems like you needed it.¡± As if truly taking a break, the body felt refreshed. It was partly because of Remi. And partly because of the air in the 2nd District. ¡°Have you been coughing?¡± Ha greeted Seine and asked. ¡°You must have a bad hangover, so bring me some tomato juice. Oh¡­¡± For a moment, he remembered something but shook his head. It couldn¡¯t be the first time, really. As Seine was about to pass by Ha. ¡°So, got something to say?¡± Realizing Ha was still there, staring at him, he asked. ¡°A letter has arrived for you, Seine.¡± ¡°A letter?¡± It wasst night when they attended the party. And returned to the mansion with Ha. ¡°From Demorus?¡± Thinking of where the letter could havee from. But. ¡°Hand it over.¡± Demorus wouldn¡¯t bother writing and sending a letter. Finally, Ha handed him the letter from within his embrace. A crimson letter, sealed for sure, evoked thoughts of someone. ¡°This is a letter sent by His Grace, the Duke of Canima.¡± The brief encounter ofst night. And the intense connection. Seine unsealed the letter right there and read it. -Will see you again soon. Did he really write a letter just to convey this short message? No. Smirk. Canima is unting his influence. Someday. -It would be nice if we were on the same side! For a fleeting moment. ¡°It¡¯s amusing.¡± The New Empire, shrouded in mystery, finally made contact with them. A strange New Empire where uncovering it might unearth nothing but a sweet potato. ¡°Deliver this to Count Carnima. Contact through Remi.¡± And this was a gift for a night. ¡°Count Remi will be pleased.¡± Will he, indeed? * * * There was still some time left on the mission. Returning to Demorus first wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but Zone 2 wasn¡¯t easy to ess. Wouldn¡¯t it be a waste to just turn back? ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking.¡± I wondered if remnants of the past still lingered. From Noble mtl dot Not ideal to dwell on memories, but from Zone 2 onwards, there were quite a few pieces of equipment I hadn¡¯t retrieved. The outer city, Porishe. Sain wandered there, searching his memories. ¡®Gone.¡¯ Gone. Where there should have been a graveyard, there was now a road. And where a statue should have stood, there was a mansion. Even selling the road wouldn¡¯t yield any equipment. ¡®It¡¯s realistic to think the New Empire has them.¡¯ It made sense to believe the New Empire had collected the equipment left behind while tidying up. ¡°It¡¯s quite refreshing, actually.¡± Expecting to satisfy my greed for equipment was futile. It was an item that shook the continent, inevitable, but there was nothing more foolish than obsessing over what couldn¡¯t be solved immediately. Then suddenly. ¡°¡­.¡± Sain, walking down the street, stopped in his tracks. ¡°¡­.?¡± He turned his head for a moment. For the first time. Ding. He entered a certain shop. ¡°Wee! This is the Walnut General Store!¡± A cheerful voice greeted Sain. ¡°Are you¡­ a noble?¡± There are no back alleys in Hwangdo. However, the citizens living there were just as afraid of the nobles as they were of the back alleys. ¡°Are you the owner?¡± A bold-looking girl. With her hair braided into two sections, she was quite a charming girl. ¡°Um, well¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Irne, the owner of the Walnut General Store, felt a strange sensation. In the midst of idly swatting flies, weing a rare guest, she suddenly asked for his name in an informal manner. ¡®Handsome face, but¡­¡¯ His manners were crude. ¡°Are you a¡­ noble?¡± ¡°It¡¯s ambiguous.¡± Since there was no specific hierarchy among the Three Dark Families. Being asked if he was a noble from the central region left things ambiguous. ¡°Well, those who aren¡¯t nobles but act like one, there must be some fallen family lineage somewhere. I¡¯m no different. So what.¡± Even if there was noble bloodline, it wasn¡¯t the case now. Most of Porishe¡¯s citizens were like those. ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Why do you need to know my name? If you¡¯re here to buy, then buy, if not, leave.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± ¡°What? You were the one being informal first. Am I joking? Ridiculous! I¡¯m Irne from the Walnut General Store! Don¡¯t ignore¡­ Huh? Huh?¡± A man approaching briskly. And then. Whack. The man lifted one of the girl¡¯s braids with his hand. ¡°Ah! Let go! Let go!¡± ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve seen some weird discipline somewhere, but that¡¯s only done in ces with clearws and security. Fool.¡± ¡°Let go!¡± ¡°If you keep this up in this dog-eat-dog world¡­¡± Shake, shake. Irne was shaken like a reed in the man¡¯s grip. ¡°This is how it feels.¡± ¡°Aaaah!¡± Irne, unable to bear the humiliation, caused amotion, but it was futile. Even as a woman confident in her strength, she was powerless against the man who didn¡¯t even flinch. That¡¯s when. ¡°What¡­ what¡¯s all this noise, Irne.¡± A hoarse voice came from inside. ¡­! In that moment, the man, too surprised, let go of Irne. Chae-ae-eung! There stood Irne, brandishing a dagger, the source of which was unknown. ¡°Don¡¯te any closer!¡± Despite pointing it at Sein and shouting, it was futile. ¡°Step aside.¡± Sein pushed Irne away, still gripping the dagger, and approached where the voice was heard. 99 ¡°What in the world are you doing¡­!¡± Irne clung to Sein¡¯s sleeve, pleading. ¡°What are you up to!¡± Behind the walnut general store. Where Irne resided. ¡°I told you not to go!¡± Irne, with malice in her heart, lunged at Sein, dagger in hand. Though her eyes were filled with venom. Shake. The trembling dagger seemed tock experience in piercing flesh. ¡°I said stay back!¡± Sein pushed Irne¡¯s head with one hand. Creak. The door opened. ¡°Irne, what on earth is going on.¡± The voice of an elderly man. And then. ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sein and the old man locked eyes. Sein had expectations as he approached the center. And this meeting was one of them. ¡°It must have been fate.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Irne.¡± ¡°Grandfather?¡± ¡°You have a visitor.¡± Irne looked puzzled at the old man¡¯s words. The face of the grandfather she had never seen before. No. ¡®In the past¡­¡¯ It was a face Irne had seen only once in her life. ¡°But, Grandfather¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright. He is not a dangerous person.¡± It¡¯s just like back then. The same expression, voice, dialogue. ¡°¡­I understand.¡± In the end, Iren¨¦ shuffled out and closed the door of the sundry shop. Chapter 100 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 100 ¡°The Walnut Sundries Shop.¡± Sain said. ¡°You¡¯ve mentioned that before.¡± It was different from the time with Galio. ¡°If I grow too old to wield a hammer, I n to retire and build a forge named Walnut and live on.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± When Iren¨¦ hadpletely disappeared, the old man, his frail body hunched over, continued speaking. ¡°Instead of a forge, it became a sundry shop, too shabby, almost passed by.¡± The intersection of Sain and Galio was very small. In a life of over a thousand, there had been a slight connection, but nothing more. Originally, in the past, Galio never saw himself bing a formal clergyman, let alone reaching the rank of Archbishop. But now, before his eyes. ¡°Do you remember?¡± The old man was different. ¡°How did you survive?¡± He was one of his people. Even if it was a game. ¡°But no longer able to wield a hammer, I ended up setting up this sundry shop.¡± He wasn¡¯t supposed to be in a ce like this. In a life of over a thousand. Just like in the game of Shuteri, there were guides leading lives, whom they called masters. The old man before him had once been Sain¡¯s master, friend, and disciple. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Artel.¡± Artel, the Empire¡¯s greatest cksmith. Why on earth was he in a ce like this? ¡°You haven¡¯t changed either.¡± Gritting his teeth, Sain clenched his fist. The old man, Artel, had been blind from the start. Being blind as a cksmith could be a major disadvantage, yet throughout his life of over a thousand, he had always be the Empire¡¯s top cksmith. ¨C Insight. The eye of the mind. That¡¯s why Artel could clearly recognize Sain, even though his appearance had changed from the past. ¡°¡­¡± For a moment, Sain and Artel gazed at each other in silence. If it were a previous life, who knows what might have happened. However, the only thing Sein, a man who made distinctions clear, could say was that. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± An apology. ¡°For letting you¡­ die in a ce like this.¡± NPCs that were most precious to Sein. Among them was Arthel. ¡°Your Majesty. It¡¯s in the past. By the way, how long will you be standing here? Would you like toe in and talk?¡± * * * He wasn¡¯t one to chase wealth and honor. -He will be the greatest cksmith. Making weapons was his everything. -It¡¯s a dream to make the best weapon. -I will be the best. In any rtionship, Arthel remained consistent. -So someday you. -You will. The promise Arthel made when they formed a bond. -I will make a sword to wield. Sein looked at Arthel. ¡°You¡¯ve aged a lot.¡± ¡°A hundred more years have passed.¡± In fact, being alive was astonishing to a certain degree. ¡°How are you still alive?¡± ¡°Have you forgotten that some dwarf blood runs through me?¡± Ah, that was it. Mixed in with Arthel was the blood of dwarves, a race thought to have perished in the past like demons. ¡°The lifespan of dwarves is longer than that of humans. Although the blood mixed in me isn¡¯t very strong, it¡¯s thanks to that.¡± ¡°¡­A granddaughter?¡± ¡°A humble descendant. There was nothing I could do.¡± Sein looked at Arthel¡¯s hands. Not the walnut tree forge, but Arthel who had set up a general store. -Unable to lift a hammer¡­ That was true. As he was blind from the start, his eyes that had gone distant didn¡¯t bother him. But what about those hands that had crumpled beyond repair? ¡°¡­.Why.¡± How did it happen. ¡°I was greedy.¡± Arthel closed his mouth there. ¡°Please don¡¯t apologize. It doesn¡¯t suit Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I, had that kind of image¡­ I suppose.¡± Sigh. Only then did a smile appear on Arthel¡¯s lips. ¡°There were times when I harbored great resentment. Times when I wanted to ask, ¡®Why did you do that?¡¯¡± Naturally, he would. What Saint destroyed was an empire and a continent. Their world, itself crumbled. ¡°But I understand.¡± What. ¡°That Your Majesty loved strategy more than anyone else.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°You were always running as if chased by something, never stopping to rest. If something blocked your path, you would break through and keep running.¡± Arthel spoke. ¡°Some feared the cruelty you might show, worried you might be a tyrant due to your audacity. But I saw.¡± Deep within, the eye of the heart. ¡°That more than anyone else, you loved strategy.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°I thought there must be a reason.¡± A reason. Just a desire to see the ending. ¡°But I won¡¯t ask.¡± Arthel didn¡¯t delve deeper into the secret that Saint couldn¡¯t speak. ¡°Arthel,e with me.¡± He knew it was an impudent request. ¡°I am in Demorus now.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Demorus.¡± ¡°He was there too. The grandson of Parriac.¡± ¡°It was Pargen.¡± ¡°I can mend your hands. I will take care of your grandchildren too.¡± That seemed to be the only atonement Arthel could offer. ¡°Please don¡¯t. It¡¯s not like Your Majesty.¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°But.¡± Saint saw it. The light dawning in Arthel¡¯s eyes. ¡°How d I am to see you again.¡± It was desire and hope. ¡°I didn¡¯t fail to fix my hand. I just chose not to.¡± It seemed like vitality was returning to the old man who was on the brink of death. It was something he had seen before. ¡°There¡¯s no longer a reason to make a prosthetic.¡± Sector 8, the cksmith Aaron he had met in Borfeo. Everything had been broken, he had lost his will, but in a moment of despair, he found hope and regained his youth. ¡°But I can lift the hammer again.¡± * * * ¡°They say your grandfather¡¯s hand ended up like that because he was searching for something in the burning forge.¡± Outside the general store, a man leaning against the wall handed Irne a candy. ¡°It¡¯s something very precious.¡± She seemed to know why Artel didn¡¯t mention it. On the day the empire was falling, crumbling into mes, he couldn¡¯t let go of the prosthetic he was making inside. And that must have been the carnage created by the man. ¡°Your granddaughter?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it cautious not to ask that kind of question?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m just not used to it.¡± Irne chuckled and stuck out her tongue. Whether it was a grape-vored candy, her tongue had turned blue. ¡°He¡¯s too old to be your granddaughter.¡± ¡°She¡¯s not my granddaughter.¡± Artel¡¯s child. ¡°Your real children, they said they buried them together when your hand turned out like that.¡± ¡°Damn.¡± ¡°You curse too?¡± Irne let out a sigh. ¡°Anyway, she¡¯s not your granddaughter. What did you say¡­? Oh, even though she¡¯s not your granddaughter, you decided to raise her because the same blood runs through her veins.¡± Artel had saved Irne, who had been sold around as a ve. It had been quite some time since then¡­ ¡°Wait.¡± The man looked at Irne. The same blood. And the things Irne had shown. If he had any doubts when he met Artel. ¡°What?¡± ¡°H-how old are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m twenty-two.¡± Fuck. Sein almost spat out the curse he was about to say. ¡°Big sister, right?¡± At least for this asion. ¡°Do you know what kind of face you have? I won¡¯t have you calling me big sister.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m not your big sister.¡± Physically, she may seem younger, but her actual age is much higher. ¡°Human beings, it¡¯s what¡¯s inside that matters.¡± With a soul older than her physical age, it¡¯s fine. ¡°So, who are you? There were only two guests with Grandfather and a face.¡± ¡°Two?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ask. I don¡¯t know either. We couldn¡¯t even have a conversation back then. We were really young.¡± Irne said. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard of anyone like you among the central nobles.¡± Irne must still be cautious around Sein for that reason. Like a rtionship between a grandfather and someone familiar. Clearly young in age, yet harboring some kind of secret. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± ¡°Ah, Sein Demor¡­.¡± Irne¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Demorus¡­?!¡± The genuine experts of the continent that even the central nobles wouldn¡¯t dare to provoke. ¡°If you¡¯re Sein¡­.¡± And the name Sein. She had heard of it before. ¡°If you need help, sell my name. Convince Artel to bring in Demorus if you can. Treat me like family.¡± ¡°As Demorus?¡± ¡°No.¡± Sein said. ¡°Something even more valuable.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t there anyone bothering you, pestering you?¡± At that moment, Irne felt it again. What the connection to the Dark Zone meant. ¡°There is.¡± And Irne was a woman who knew how to hold onto it. The Second Zone, seeming to be nothing but peaceful. But that peace was only possible in a national perspective; ultimately, it was where people lived. ¡°You owe Irne thirty thousand gold?¡± Late at night, when everyone was asleep. Sein looked down at the man kneeling in a room that was unmatched in its splendor. ¡°Ugh!¡± He was bound all over and even had a gag in his mouth. Swiftly, Sein removed the gag. ¡°What is the meaning of this!¡± The man shouted. ¡°Is anyone there!¡± The guy was Garcia, who released debts in Zone 2. Debts released in a ce where back alleys did not exist. ¡°No one¡¯s here.¡± ¡°Do you know who I am!¡± ¡°Garcia.¡± ¡°¡­Do you know who¡¯s behind me!¡± Naturally, nobles had to be involved. ¡°Viscount Aipar?¡± ¡°¡­Even knowing that, you¡¯re doing this!¡± In Zone 2, only the Empire and nobles had the proper power. Elsewhere, equipment or even a simple weapon was not easily obtainable. ¡°Are you trying to be some third-rate underworld figure!¡± Sein scratched his head. ¡°Or perhaps someone even higher than Viscount Aipar behind you¡­!¡± ¡°Both might be true.¡± Sein sat crookedly, facing Garcia eye to eye. ¡°Demorus.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°There¡¯s probably Lord Carnima behind me.¡± ¡°Carnima¡­ Lord Marquis?¡± Garcia¡¯s face turned pale. Impersonating a figure of authority was amon urrence. Chapter 101 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 101 But no madman in the world would dare use Demorus¡¯s name. ¡°Did the Ironblood Marquis send you?¡± The Ironblood Marquis, Carnima Variat, was not one to impersonate. For his end was inevitable destruction, not just for himself but for all involved. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sent by him, but that¡¯s not the important part, right?¡± Swish. Sein brought a dagger to Garcia¡¯s throat. ¡°W-What do you want in return¡­? Oh, no, no! Whatever it may be, I¡¯llply as you wish! If there¡¯s a debt, I¡¯ll clear it! Or, no, I¡¯ll sponsor you!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Sian¡¯s satisfied smile. But. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± Swiftly. Sian¡¯s dagger sliced past Garcia¡¯s neck. ¡°What a shame.¡± He briefly regretted killing him so easily. Garcia had been a nuisance at Irina¡¯s walnut emporium for quite some time. ¨C You owe us. If it had been a simple debt, he would have just paid up. ¨C I only borrowed a measly thousand gold! It didn¡¯t take long for a thousand gold to turn into thirty thousand. A miraculous business. ¨C So? In the end, you¡¯re the one who borrowed. ¨C That¡¯s not it! He hadn¡¯t borrowed out of a desire to borrow. Deception and fraud. As a man entrenched in the underworld, Sian couldn¡¯t condemn such things. Thunk. The opponent was unsatisfactory. ¡°You have to torment those who torment others.¡± Isn¡¯t tormenting someone already in hell something even demons wouldn¡¯t do? ¡°Please make sure they never bother us again.¡± Irina¡¯s wish was granted. ¡°Well¡­ the method might not sit well with you.¡± There would be no evidence. This dagger had been stolen from Garcia¡¯s corpse. Even if that weren¡¯t the case, given Garcia¡¯s propensity for lending with interest, there would likely be many enemies, making it hard to confirm it was his own doing. A merchant¡¯s death wouldn¡¯t erase the debt. So. Thud. The aftermath had to be taken care of thoroughly. ¡°You¡¯re earlier than expected.¡± Sian returned to Remi¡¯s mansion. ¡°Take it.¡± ¡°What¡¯s this money for?¡± Handing a pouch of coins to Remi, Sian replied, ¡°It¡¯s for the walnut emporium in Porishe. Just pass it along there. Count Ipar Viscount will probably try to collect the debt.¡± ¡°Ipar? That obnoxious fellow?¡± ¡°Yeah. Make sure he keeps his hands off the walnut emporium.¡± Debts would be passed on to Aipar. He would have another merchant rob the walnut store. Putting a hand in that mess might work, but then things would escte too much. So, he paid off the debt to Aipar with the money stolen from Garcia¡¯s safe. Then, they too would lose their grounds. If they still meddled afterward, Remi would have to step in. ¡°Can you do it?¡± When pressure from Demorus reaches Zone 2, they attract too much attention. Not oneself, but Irne and Artel. ¡°If it¡¯s Aipar¡­.¡± Snick. Remi chuckled. ¡°I can. I made a new friend at the party. I¡¯ll do that much for you, too, since it¡¯s thanks to you. Debt?¡± ¡°Debt?¡± ¡°You said you¡¯d have me. Money or power.¡± Sein smirked. ¡°What¡¯s the deal? It¡¯s unusual to see you go this far.¡± That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want to reveal it. Only to Remi, that was the best Sein could offer. Sein pondered his words for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m in debt. More than I thought.¡± ¡°¡­You?¡± ¡°So, take care of it. If you can help pay off my debt, I¡¯ll consider your proposal positively.¡± ¡°Is that a promise?¡± And a few dayster, Sein briefly stopped by the walnut store before returning to Demorus. The nces that greeted Sein upon his return from Zone 2 were somewhat piercing. It was because of the news that Sein, who had scoffed at participating in the territory wars, had attended the central party. It was rebellious. Contradictory. The looks and voices pointing fingers at Sein increased. ¨C Sein Demorus is not the kind to associate with Demorus. Such evaluations. ¨C Especially not fit to be the heir. It would be a fatal w in bing the sessor. Aware of this, Sein had prepared a few countermeasures. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± However, at the aristocratic meeting that weighed merits and demerits, something unexpected unfolded. ¡°I heard you attended the party in Zone 2.¡± Even though it was a mission, Tejera said so clearly. ¡°A mission¡­¡± Sein tried to spit out the reasons and excuses he had thought of. But. ¡°A letter came from the Iron Blood Duke.¡± At Tejera¡¯s following words, the atmosphere at the gathering froze. ¡°¡­!¡± The Iron Blood Duke. If there were three Dark Lords in the shadows, there were three Dukes under the sun. The Iron Blood Duke, Carnima. He was considered to be one of the three Dukes with power and influence that would never be overshadowed by Demorus. ¡°He was deeply impressed by you.¡± Tejera¡¯s gaze fell on Sein. Commotion. Those who had expected Sein to be reprimanded today were in a state ofmotion. What on earth had Sein done to receive a letter of admiration from the Iron Blood Duke? ¡°He promised to lift Demorus¡¯ hands off you in the dealings he was having with the Iron Blood Duke.¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°Insane.¡± One of the attendants who couldn¡¯t bear it any longer blurted out. Fortunately, there was no retaliation from Tejera. The recent events would not be considered out of the ordinary even if an attendant cursed in the gathering. ¡°Excellent.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± At Tejera¡¯s praise, everyone froze. ¡°For your significant merit, ask for what you desire.¡± * * * Sein, returning from the center, was no longer confined. Proactively seeking missions, he roamed outside the family estate. ¨C A mission has been assigned. Sein¡¯s reputation built up until now, his work in the center. ¨C A mission¡­ ¨C A mission hase in. ¨C It¡¯s a designation. Countless powers and factions on the continent began to seek out Sein Demorus. Mission after mission. It was a series of missions. Yet, Sein had never once refused a mission,pleting them all. ¡®Arthel.¡¯ Throughplicated times, Sein had found his own answers. And after meeting Arthel at the center, more things became clear to him. Performing missions like a madman, Sein also started getting nicknames. -Demorus the Unbeatable. Demorus, where failure does not exist. But that was a story on a grand scale; surely, both big and small failures existed. Of course, in the end, Demorus was attached to Sein for carrying out missions with additional support and resources. But the meaning of the unbeatable attached to Sein was different. -Sess rate 100%. Never failing toplete any mission. The method was ruthless and relentless, but the results were certain. -Sein Demorus. Some praised that name. -Sein Demorus! Others feared that name. -Sein¡­ Demorus. Some revered that name. At least now, in the dark alleys, there was no one who didn¡¯t know Sein¡¯s name. It took a year for that to happen. Just a year. ¡°Long time no see, Miss.¡± Sein was a strong contender among the sessors. At Sein¡¯s words, a beautiful woman on the opposite side frowned. ¡°Disgusting. What mask are you wearing today, Sein Demorus?¡± Tampia Demorus. One of the Demorus sessors like Sein, and the woman whom Sein had taken the 3 Forces from was her, the one originally supported by the Demorus. Hostile. Sein muttered in response to Tampia¡¯s words. ¡°Do you have to act like ady? That¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Fine. That¡¯s just how you are.¡± Tampia gritted her teeth. It was unclear when things had gone wrong. Even receiving simultaneous support from Rasiel and Dante. -It seems Alman and Rohan are blind. They didn¡¯t consider it anything special. It was a habit that had formed from being born as the child of the Absolute, living with absolute power. To see everything beneath their feet as just bugs or organs. ¡°What do you intend to do?¡± Sein spoke to Tampia, holding a sword towards her. Thirty Demolus stood behind Tampia. In contrast, Sein was apanied by only sixteen individuals. ¡°Shall we fight properly here and settle it?¡± Sein said with a smirk on his lips. ¡°Or would you prefer to retreat quietly? For the record, I prefer the former.¡± It was already toote when one realized how sharp Sein¡¯s revealed fangs were. ¡°Well, make your choice.¡± Sein¡¯s fangs had already sunk deep into Tampia¡¯s throat. ¡°Today¡­¡± Distant. It felt like a mr had shattered. ¡°Back off.¡± Distant. Tampia crunched on a mr. ¡°That bastard¡­ He¡­¡± Although he intended to spit out ¡°bastard,¡± Tampia, who had been tormented endlessly, unknowingly changed the word. ¨C Son of a bitch? Your Grace! ¨C Little brat? Your Grace! ¨C Fucking brat? Your Grace! It was maddening and infuriating. Who would have thought the Demolus heir apparent would act so childishly? But by being tantly childish, all he would earn was unbridled rage, often rendering him speechless. If that was the case, avoiding confrontation and ignoring it might be the way to go. ¡°Already¡­ How many times is it now?¡± Those supporting her lowered their heads at Tampia¡¯s words. Swish. Fingers straightened, then folded one by one. ¡°Twice in Sector 4.¡± Folded two fingers. ¡°Once in Sector 5.¡± Another one, until one of Tampia¡¯s hands was clenched into a fist. Crash! The table in front of her shattered into pieces. ¡°This marks the fifth time his mission has coincided with ours.¡± That was why Tampia was truly furious. Demolus did not discriminate when it came to missions. If it was justifiable or had the rightpensation, they would ept and handle anything. In the process, there were instances where Demolus turned against their own kind. ¡°Do you think this is all a coincidence?¡± When the timees, it has been handled by one side stepping back, or making one side give up their mission, or reaching an agreement with each other. -Is this the first time you¡¯ve seen it this way? At first, I thought it was a coincidence. He was the escort, and she was the assassin. Although gaining recent fame, ultimately a candidate. -What will you do? Sain said, telling her to choose one of the three. There was nothing to say. It was the first time Sain and Tampia had a violent sh. The result was aplete defeat for Tampia. ¡°I will stop it!¡± If not for the sacrifice of her subordinate, that day, Demorus¡¯s sessor candidate could have been three instead of four. Even after facing each other, Tampia tried to reach an agreement. -Why me? Memories of cmity. Grrrrr. Now, she was certain. That he was not just an ordinary candidate. Chapter 102 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 102 ¡°The supporting forces that have already left me are quite significant.¡± Demorus¡¯s military advisor, Opas. Once mentioned as a witch candidate, she was also known as the flower of blood. Despite being known as an elder within Demorus, she was the most significant spiritual supporter of Tampia, who was strongly supported by the famous assassin within Demorus. Despite being called an elder, her appearance shone as if with light. ¡°If things continue like this, you will fall. Tampia.¡± Tampia, who once had the second most support among the sessor candidates, had now fallen to a level simr to Nagaar. The changes that emerged as the number of contacts with Sain and the The unpopr castle of Vithong, rumored to be disliked by the Lord. Despite its considerable size and grandeur, the castle always felt deste. ¡°Your Lordship, we have gathered.¡± A considerable number of people were present in the deste castle. ¡°Please, have a seat.¡± At Sein¡¯smand, over thirty individuals took their seats. Roberta, Deren, Sienjin, and the key figures of the 3rd Legion. And faces unseen for a long time. A year at the main residence. Those who had gathered to pledge loyalty to Sein. ¡°Let¡¯s get straight to the point, as the affairs have taken a turn for the worse.¡± A flicker of a smile appeared on Sein¡¯s lips. ¡°Tampia has begun to move.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The assembled individuals perked up. However, figures like Roberta, Deren, and Sienjin silently nodded in agreement. ¡°That means¡­¡± ¡°It must be the beginning.¡± The unspoken rule of Demorus. When all sessors have been determined, there is a year-long rule to restrain conflicts among the candidates. Hence. ¨C It¡¯s an execution. When Sein attempted to slit Jargar¡¯s throat, it was also Dn, Demorus¡¯s bodyguard, who intervened. And here. ¡°Lady must have endured for a long time.¡± Jargar was also present. ¡°It seems the realpetition has begun now.¡± A true sessionpetition. That is the rule of the main residence. During this time, Sein was gaining strength by suffocating the other sessor candidates. Now is the proper beginning. Knock, knock. A knocking sound was heard. ¡°Come in.¡± Through the door opened with Sein¡¯s permission, two men entered. Well-built bodies and fierce appearances. Having spent a long time on the battlefield, they were members of the 3rd Legion. ¡°Chevez, Herzor.¡± Those were their names. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Only the high-ranking officials who could be considered the core were invited to today¡¯s meeting. ¡°Excuse me, my lord.¡± Two individuals apologizing for interrupting the meeting. And as they cautiously raised their heads, a glint appeared in their eyes. ¡°An order has been issued.¡± Chevez spoke. ¡°An order?¡± Only they had the authority to issue orders to these two. The master of Demorus, Lady Tezera. And the owner of the 3rd Force, Sain. But there was no memory of Sain giving orders to the 3rd Force. ¡°Has Lady Tezera given a mission to the 3rd Force?¡± At that moment, when another official spoke with disbelief. ¡°Kill Sain Demorus.¡± A single phrase came from Chevez¡¯s mouth. Thud. The air in the meeting room seemed to be heavily pressed down. ¡°It¡¯s an order from Tampia.¡± But Sain¡¯s response was a smile. ¡°So, the little fool is really starting.¡± Chevez and Herzur. They were the ones who had been summoned to Tampia and sworn loyalty to her when Sain acquired the 3rd Force. But now, they were the ones conveying Tampia¡¯s orders to Sain. Their attitude, devoid of even a hint of vitality, and quietly bowing their heads. ¡°Good work.¡± They had already be Sain¡¯s people. ¡°The little fool.¡± Sain¡¯s evaluation of Tampia was not wrong. Tampia thought too highly of her own beauty, power, and noble lineage. But the 3rd Force had spent a year with Sain. Just as Sain had observed the 3rd Force, the 3rd Force had also observed Sain. ¨C I have something to tell you. One day, Chevez and Herzur came to Sain and spoke. ¨C We havemitted a crime. In fact¡­ Theyid everything bare. Sain¡¯s abilities, and the attitude and thoughts with which he dealt with the 3rd Force led to his defection. ¨C Lucky. Sain said at that moment. ¨C If it had been toote, I would have had to eliminate you inevitably. Still, I quite liked it. Sain already knew everything. At that moment, Chevez and Herzger, dripping cold sweat, repeatedly expressed their apologies and gratitude, a scene etched into their minds never to be erased. ¡°Well, have you all heard?¡± Sein slowly rose to his feet and spoke. ¡°Now, it¡¯s war.¡± Snick. ¡°You all have waited long enough.¡± Thud. Sein ripped open the shirt he had covered with a jacket. ¡°What are you doing?¡± From Noble mtl dot Approaching Chevez and Herzger, Sein said, ¡°Stabbing.¡± * * * ¡°Kuk¡­.¡± Suppressedughter. ¡°Kahaha!¡± Tampia roared withughter, ecstatic with the joyous news that had just arrived. ¡°Sein Demorus has been critically injured and lost consciousness.¡± It was a signal announcing the sess of the operation. The details were not yet clear, but Tampia knew. One of the seeds Tampia had nted, Chevez, had taken advantage of Sein¡¯s slumber. ¡°You fool!¡± It felt like a weight had been lifted off the sick person¡¯s chest. Tampia never doubted Sein¡¯s critical condition. ¡°I trusted the 3rd Forcepletely and handed over my protection.¡± From one day, Sein alternated between the 3rd Force members for protection, entrusting them while he slept. How many times it had brought delight. For a human, inevitably the most vulnerable moment was when Tampia¡¯s prepared de would be at its sharpest. However. ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see.¡± Tampia was not entirely pleased. Then, a messenger urgently approached Tampia, kneeling on one knee. ¡°ording to the Medical Unit, Sein Demorus was indeed stabbed in the heart.¡± Snap! Finally, Tampia pped his hands. The Medical Unit could not be deceived. Always carrying the burden of injuries, they were the most crucial organization in the dark world, where they had to treat everyone fairly and without bias, with no room for session orpetition. Those who cannot be bought, nor persuaded to be bought. Therefore, if the wordse out of their mouths, they must all be true. ¡°About the enemy?¡± ¡°They say they still don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°They handled the situation well.¡± I like that. ¡°But it¡¯s a shame they didn¡¯t die.¡± It would have been better if they died in this round. Sein opened up to the 3rd Unit and waited until he overestimated his own abilities, which was the perfect moment he had gained, but the result was somewhat disappointing. At that moment, another group came looking for Tampia. ¡°They say the enemy is Chevez of the 3rd Unit. The 3rd Unit is currently in pursuit, and here¡­¡± They handed over a letter. ¡°They asked me to deliver it to you, Tampia.¡± Even without opening it, it was obvious. Since they kept their promise, they must be asking for rescue and protection. But. Rip. Tampia tore the letter apart without even looking at it. ¡°These people are underestimating my value.¡± They are to be discarded. If they had seeded without being caught, they might have been used a few more times, but it was never a feasible story to save those who had attempted to assassinate Demorus¡¯s bloodline. ¡°Tampia.¡± At that moment, Opas called Tampia. ¡°There¡¯s only one that got caught. And Sein Demorus has not died yet.¡± A sly smile appeared on Opas¡¯s face. ¡°Bring in the other one.¡± There is still one more chance left. Rumors spread that Sein Demorus¡¯s recruits were being sent to Dante. Since the assassination attempt was made at the main house, the treatment would be carried out not by the main house but by Dante, one of Sein¡¯s supporting factions. Dante¡¯s Obligatory Unit was also known to be highly regarded by Demorus. Gnash. Tampia bit her nails. ¡°Do we have any ties to Dante?¡± Dante, one of the three organizations under Demorus. ¡°No.¡± Unfortunately, there were no individuals in Dante who could be considered allies of Tampia. It was all due to their unwavering loyalty to the relentless Rohan. ¡°What about those young ones?¡± Two little ones from the main house were part of Dante. One was heard to have died in thepetition of candidates with Sein. ¡°Kimo¡­ What was it? Butter? Ah, right. It was Vita.¡± Tampia remembered the name. ¡°Using those guys?¡± ¡°It will be difficult.¡± ¡°Tsk.¡± Although they were from the main family, they would have found Tampia challenging, but now that they had stepped back from the forefront of the sessionpetition and thrown themselves into Dante¡¯s arms, there was no reason for Tampia to heed their request. ¡°It seems like it¡¯s harder to touch once they¡¯re sent away.¡± Even for Tampia, meddling with the three major organizations was a burden. She tried to think leisurely, but she had to get urgent. ¡°Contact with that guy?¡± One of the three branches of force had been discarded, but one had already made contact. ¡°I received a message today.¡± The three branches of force were in disarray due to Sein¡¯s assassination attempt, so now they had finally sent a reply. She broke the seal and opened the letter. There, time and ce were written. ¡°Tampia, there¡¯s no need to worry too much.¡± Opas reassured Tampia, who seemed anxious. ¡°The dagger that pierced Sein Demorus¡¯s heart was coated with the venom of a ck rose.¡± The extremely potent poison Opas provided. Opas, once renowned as an assassin, and his poison, which had an unknown antidote. ¡°The possibility of Sein Demorus waking up immediately is slim, and the situation is flowing very favorably for us.¡± Another branch of force. ¡°It¡¯s said that one of the branches of force will participate in this transfer.¡± ¡°Is that¡­ really true?¡± A glimmer of hope appeared on Tampia¡¯s face, which had looked anxious. ¡°So meet that person and make sure to handle the job properly.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t make a proper judgment due to the constant rising anxiety. At times, feeling immense relief, she felt like she could handle everything. Darkness. At other times, she felt like Sein¡¯s de would pierce her throat at any moment. ¡°Tampia.¡± Opas grabbed Tampia¡¯s shoulder and said. Only then did Tampia feel a bit of reassurance. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious.¡± A whispering voice. ¡°Everything will turn out well.¡± ¡°Alright¡­.¡± It will happen. ¡°You will be the sessor.¡± Words of Opus. You can believe it. ¡°I should meet that guy first.¡± The remaining three forces of the Kknafull. It seemed necessary to meet him. *** Numerous castles existing in the main house. Among them were abandoned castles that were not even maintained. There. Swish. A figure in a reversed robe quietly stood up. ¡°Are you, Lady Tampia?¡± The man¡¯s unease was evident in his voice. ¡°Did you think Lady Tampia woulde in person?¡± However, those who entered the castle only brought disappointment to their opponents. ¡°You won¡¯t meet Lady Tampia with the likes of you.¡± Chapter 103 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 103 ¡°What!¡± The man eximed excitedly. ¡°If it¡¯s not Lady Tampia, I won¡¯t say a word!¡± The man¡¯s eyes inside the robe trembled uneasily. ¡°What is Lady Tampia doing! Where is Chevez¡­ that guy?¡± The man¡¯s true identity was Herzur. ¡°If you solve what Lady Tampia mentioned¡­. and stab the heart of Saint Demorus, she promised to protect us. But Chevez is being chased by the remaining three forces!¡± Herzur was no longer afraid. If caught, he would die anyway. Such thoughts and emotions were clearly felt. ¡°Please, Lady Tampia, tell us again. We must meet her in person to talk.¡± ¡°It seems there¡¯s no deception.¡± At that moment, a voice came from a corner. Sa-ah. A misty fog settling on the ground. ¡°You must tell me nothing but the truth.¡± Revealed was Tampia. She knew from the start that Herzur would try to talk to her. But. -You must be suspicious. Herzger did not directly participate in the Saint¡¯s assassination, so there were only suspicions about whether Herzger was a double agent. ¡°Whose dog are you?¡± ¡°Demorus¡­.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°I am Lady Tamphia¡¯s dog.¡± A faint mist is Tamphia¡¯s blessing. Known as the Mandoke, it was a deceptive ability to create and use poison as one pleased. This was a poison that brought forth illusions and truths. ¡°Correct.¡± Tamphia smiled satisfactorily as she removed her robe. ¡°Chevez will be under my protection. You will do the same.¡± Despite being under the influence of the illusion poison, Herzger seemed relieved. ¡°So, there is something you must do.¡± ¡°What¡­.¡± ¡°Saint Demorus is heading to Dante for a mission. You will participate there.¡± Herzger nodded with a vacant expression. ¡°Stab him again. This time, you must definitely cut off his breath.¡± ¡°¡­Understood.¡± Only then did Tamphia attempt to step back. But at that moment. Thud. Herzger grabbed Tamphia¡¯s shoulders. ¡°What are you¡­¡± ng! Tamphia¡¯s guards quickly drew their swords. ¡°¡­It¡¯s a trap.¡± This is an abandoned castle. A promise with only Herzger. But at some point, it could be felt. That there were a few shadows flickering in the moonlight entering through the broken castle walls. ¡°You¡­!¡± When Tamphia looked at Herzger. Snick. Herzger¡¯s lips curled up into a smile. Thatughter was something unforgettable. ¡°Was it fun?¡± A voice that seemed to ask for a review of the performance. ¡°Saint Demorus!¡± The face that was Herzger¡¯s was now transformed into the hateful face of Saint. Boom! Tampia exploded with energy and stepped back. A sharp pain was felt on the shoulders that had been caught by Sane. ¡°Tsk, not very entertaining reaction. Still, it was a prepared performance.¡± Swish. The shadows were revealing themselves. Roberta, Sane¡¯s guard, and the 3rd Division of the Mute Forces were there. In addition, members of the Mute Forcespletely surrounded Tampia. ¡°If you were trying to kill me¡­.¡± Sane took off his robe. ¡°You should have thought you¡¯d die too.¡± It was checkmate. * * * Tampia and Sane stood facing each other. Tampia¡¯s face twisted in disbelief. ¡®Fooled.¡¯ From the start, Sane wasn¡¯t injured. No, from the start. ¡°Damn trash.¡± Chevez and Herzger, whom he thought were his allies, did not betray Sane. Behind Sane, those holding swords towards Tampia were the evidence. ¡°I knew I shouldn¡¯t have trusted vultures.¡± Tampia seemed to be trembling with intense betrayal. ¡°Why me my innocent subordinates, me yourself, you fool.¡± Sigh. Tampia exuded venom. There was nowhere to run. ¡°Oh, that might seem unfair.¡± Foolish? There was no such assessment of Tampia. Recently, there was an evaluation of losing firearms, but foolish? From Noble mtl dot ¡°¡­?¡± That was the moment. People were gradually joining Sane¡¯s side. ¡°I have a personality that believes in repaying what I¡¯ve suffered.¡± ¡°What are you¡­.¡± As Tampia was about to respond like that, his eyes widened as if they were about to burst. Something that shouldn¡¯t have happened was happening right now. It felt as if she had fallen victim to the hallucinogenic poison she had spread herself. ¡°Why¡­?¡± At this moment, Tampia¡¯s head seemed to turn pale. ¡°Why are you standing there¡­ trembling?¡± Because it was so unbelievable, she began to wonder if this was all just a dream. ¡°Why!¡± ¡°I apologize, Tampia.¡± Two people stood beside Sain. One was the ordinary Jazar she already knew. The other one. ¡°Pledge your loyalty now.¡± Her spiritual mentor, Opas, whom she should never have encountered, was there. ¡°Jazar!¡± Jazar, Opas. Opas, who had raised her in ce of the mother she lost shortly after birth. -You will be a leader. In times of hardship. -Opas! Look at this! It¡¯s a blessing! In times of joy. Opas had always been by her side. Yet now, she stood by Sain, not her. In hindsight¡­ -Sain Demorus. Opas had been mentioning Sain¡¯s name frequentlytely. -Step back this time. Opas, who had often presented puzzling choices even when she thought it was an opportunity. But she trusted. Because it was Opas. Also. ¡°Could it be¡­?¡± ¡°I apologize for clouding Tampia¡¯s clear gun.¡± Tampia, who was once considered skilled with firearms. That too was because of Opas. ¡°Why¡­?¡± Tampia murmured. ¡°Why¡­?¡± It made no sense. If her father, the leader, had betrayed her and thrown her into a pit, she might have understood. Because that¡¯s who he was. But Opas was not. The one person she could trust. And that person had betrayed her. ¡°Tampia. Lay down your sword. Embrace the blessing.¡± Opas spoke. ¡°Saint Demorus is not your enemy.¡± ¡°Not¡­ an enemy.¡± Opas¡¯ venom had long been consuming Tampia¡¯s mind and body. It was up to Saint to awaken her from that slumber. ¡°Pledge your loyalty to him. Look at Jagar. You will be well-rewarded.¡± ¡°¡­Why?¡± Yet a sliver of consciousness lingered, questioning Opas. What had led her to betray them? ¡°Saint Demorus.¡± Opas said. ¡°He is the master of ¡®the one,¡¯ the king of all assassins.¡± Tampia bowed her head deeply. ¡°All¡­, the king of assassins¡­.¡± She had heard of such legends. But legends were just that, stories she never believed in. -Just a meaningless old tale. Hadn¡¯t Opas said that as well? Swish. Tampia lifted her head to gaze at the sky. Something. Crack! A feeling as if something inside her chest and mind had shattered. ¡°Tampia.¡± Opas called out to her once more. ¡°Saint Demorus, he will be the leader.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°He will soon be¡­ Demorus¡¯¡­.¡± At that moment. Thud! Something flew through Opas¡¯ neck, piercing it. Sizzle. The object that fell to the ground began to melt and disintegrate. A green bead. Boom! It soon exploded, emitting a toxic vapor. ¡°Now¡­ I feel a bit refreshed in my mind.¡± Tamphia. Looking up at the sky, she, who had been contemting, turned her gaze towards where Sein and Opas were with a fierce expression on her face. ¡°Opas, you were my poison.¡± The elders of Demorus, monsters capable of destroying a city with just one of them. But now, as time has passed. ¡°Sein Demorus.¡± The sessors were also bing monsters of equal stature. Tamphia had awakened to her blessing since childhood, and through Opas, who had expertise in poisons, she had learned many things. And just before Sein appeared. -There is nothing more for you to learn now, Tamphia. Opas acknowledged it herself. That Tamphia had surpassed her. ¡°Silence! Control your breath!¡± Sienjin shouted. ¡°It¡¯s a toxic reunion!¡± A toxic reunion filling the abandoned castle. Even the immovable of Demorus. Chiiing! The extremely potent poison spread in all directions. ¡®Is this¡­ the extent of it!¡¯ Sienjin was genuinely astonished. She knew, of course, that Tamphia was strong. After all, it was Gail, the formermander of the 3rd Brigade, who supported Tamphia. But no one had ever truly seen her abilities. ¡°Sein Demorus!¡± To think it would be to this extent. Even though she was the lowest-ranking elder, she never expected to render the entire 6th elder council incapable ofbat in an instant. Moreover, the poison that affected even the 3rd Brigade members who had built immunity to poisons was undeniably dangerous. ¡°Always¡­¡± Hufik. ¡°Why do you call.¡± Sein turned his ear towards Hufik and spoke to Tamphia. ¡°I admit my defeat.¡± It seemed like the determination in her eyes was returning. Opas¡¯ poison had reached her brain, but now the poison she had awakened was so powerful that it surpassed Opas¡¯ poison, having consumed it. ¡°But I can¡¯t leave like this.¡± Shooooosh! The venom spewing from beneath his feet was bing even denser. ¡°Risk everything!¡± For the first time, Sein lifted his foot. ¡°Treat it from the Sixth Chamber. It¡¯s intentional, so it shouldn¡¯t be fatal.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°And all of it.¡± Srwk. Chapter 104 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 104 Sein pulled out the sword that was wrapped around his waist. A brilliant light and a gorgeously decorated famous sword. The moment he infused it with magic. Thud. Sein¡¯s sword made a sound as if breaking and turned ck. There was no longer a bastion for Sein. It was now Syssil¡¯s, not his. ¡°Step back.¡± Sein said. ¡°Activate the barrier.¡± This was the field prepared by Sein. Whoo-! Those who pressed the button in Sein¡¯s arms at hismand. Then, a wave spread out, enveloping the abandoned castle. No sound or magic would leak out. ¡°You madman!¡± Tampia spoke towards Sein. ¡°You want to fight with me in a sealed space?¡± I understand why he¡¯s setting up a barrier. He probably doesn¡¯t want this fight to be known outside. But that was Sein¡¯s biggest mistake. ¡°Hmph.¡± Tampia thought. Gently, Sein took a breath. Toward him. Whaaa-! The venom Tampia spewed began to flow in. ¡°¡­!¡± It was a venom that he believed he could kill anyone with, as long as a dragon existed. However, Sein, who had consumed all of that venom. ¡°Tampia. Do you know why I¡¯ve left you alone until now?¡± In an indifferent tone, casually stepping forward, he said. ¡°Because of the rules of Demorus?¡± Of course, there was that reason. Determined in mind, Sein decided to make the most of the rules. Thanks to that, for a year, Sein was able to expand his influence within Demoras and grow stronger. It was thanks to admitting his shorings and quickly epting them. However. ¡°No.¡± That wasn¡¯t the only thing. Sneer. The corners of Sein¡¯s lips rose as if tearing up to his ears. In his restless eyes, a deep madness lurked. ¡°Because you¡¯re not a threat to me.¡± In the next moment. Kaaang! A ck aura rushed in, emitting light right in front of Tampia¡¯s nose. If it wasn¡¯t for the hastily crafted shield of poison, Tampia would have just copsed, split in two. ¡°Poison immunity?¡± Right in front. Sein, whose breath didn¡¯t even waver, said. ¡°So what.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°I¡¯m immune to poison.¡± As Sein¡¯s eyes slowly turned into that of a serpent. Quarrr! Sein¡¯s sword began to scatter an even darker aura. ¡°Hey, promises¡­! We must keep our promises! Sein Demoras!¡± Ophus¡¯ voice rang out, regaining consciousness. * * * Siengin looked at Tampia in surprise. He hadn¡¯t expected her power to be this formidable. But that¡¯s it. ¡°Everyone, hold your ground.¡± That was all. The reinforcements Sein had brought were not to hunt Tampia. Tampia¡¯s guards had long been subdued, and they all withdrew as Seinmanded, only watching the fight. This was, in a way, like a speech given before heading to battle. Kaaang! Sein¡¯s sword seemed to speak. -Trust me. Believe in yourself and don¡¯t step back. Just move forward. And you will seed. Kwaaaaah! The Sein they had seen so far had be an unstoppable being, like a typhoon. From a year ago, Sein had been immersed in his mission like a madman. But those who had spent time with Sein knew. ¡°Is this all¡­?¡± Sein had never shown his true abilities. A startled Typhia stepped back. Shivers ran down his spine. It seemed like Opas knew what the promise was. ¡°Kuk.¡± From Noble mtl dot It must be to save himself. That¡¯s why Sein had something up his sleeve. ¡°Even that blessing is high-grade, but that¡¯s all you can manage.¡± Each word from Sein felt like piercing the lungs. ¡°Just because you¡¯re from a noble family, you act all high and mighty.¡± But Typhia couldn¡¯t respond. Swish! Sein¡¯s sword came spinning towards him. ¡°Kwah!¡± He struggled to block it. The matchup was terribly unfavorable. None of the poisons Typhia boasted about affected Sein. ¡®Really¡­¡¯ Overwhelming despair. ¡®Could he be a dragon?¡¯ It was impossible unless he was the strongest creature onnd, a dragon, who could resist all poisons. No. ¡°Blessing¡­.¡± Typhia, who believed he could even kill a dragon. ¡°Release.¡± Believed his poison would affect even the dragon. Squelch. The green poison that had spread began to turn purple in an instant. And soon they took on a gel-like form. Thud. They began to fall to the ground. Typhia¡¯s poison started to clump together. ¡°Yes, this should be enough.¡± Sein smiled satisfactorily as he looked at it. A monster created from a gathering of purple poisons. The hydra opened its mouth towards Sein. * * * The ending was tantly obvious. From when Tampia revealed herself in this abandoned castle. From when Opas took Sein¡¯s side. From when they were so convinced they could control the Three Mages. ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t there.¡± The beginning was not there. When Sein Demorus became the sessor candidate. No, even before that. -Oh, you¡¯ve awakened to the Blessing of Omniscience! It was wrong from the start that Tampia¡¯s blessing was omniscient. ¡°My¡­ blessing was something else.¡± Compatibility. Thepatibility with Sein was terribly poor. Although he knew that poison wouldn¡¯t affect Sein, he didn¡¯t think that none of the poisons, even those of omniscience, would work. He didn¡¯t expect that even the poison created through the blessing opening by Hydra would be of no use. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Fooled. A clearer mind. Now, it was clear. -I really should check if the poison works on you. Several experiments conducted after hearing rumors about Sein. Sein seemed to be slightly affected by the poison, which reassured him. From the beginning. Thud, thud. It was all a game yed on Sein. ¡°Do you think that¡¯s the beginning?¡± Tampia knelt down. As Sein slowly sheathed the sword he had pressed against her, he said, ¡°The problem lies in bothering with such things in the first ce.¡± A greenhorn from the main house. Those born in too favorable conditions and only look down on others tend to be consumed by that perspective. Tampia, Jargar, they were just like that. ¡°If you put it that way.¡± Snick. Sein smiled and said, ¡°From the moment I was born, your lives were doomed.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Thud. Sein tossed aside the robe she was wearing. Due to her poison, the fabric melted away, revealing her alluring figure entirely. ¡°I tend to keep my promises unlike you, so I¡¯ll spare you,¡± Sein said. ¡°I never expected you to prepare this much.¡± Finally, Tampia bowed her head. Born in Demorus, raised in Demorus, yet her essence was ultimately human. The fear she felt while fighting Sein just now truly evoked thoughts of death. She couldn¡¯t ovee that fear. She was defeated. It seemed impossible to ever win against fate again. ¡°I¡¯ve lost,¡± Tampia admitted, as Opas sighed in relief, grabbing her neck. However. ¡°What nonsense is this?¡± Sein furrowed her brows. ¡°Do you think I went through all this just to capture you? From the start, you were never my target.¡± Saying so, Roberta approached Sein and draped a different robe over her. No one knew that Tampia had surrendered to Sein. Being on a mission to meet Herzor, she naturally kept all her actions secret, and the guards who apanied her were trustworthy. Whether Opas¡¯s wounds or Tampia¡¯s wounds, there was a living elixir named Cecil. Despite the battle between the two heirs the previous day, no one knew the oue, except perhaps the family. Thud thud thud. Early in the morning, a ck carriage departed from the main house. Dozens of people stood by, alert, as the carriage moved swiftly. Inside the carriage was the injured Sein, en route to Dante. Inside the carriage, Sien was asked, ¡°Are you in pain, sir?¡± as Sien sat without his shirt, revealing deep scars on his chest. Acquiring the duty badge of Demorus was an impossible task even for a Saint. However, deceiving them was entirely feasible. ¡°Here.¡± Indeed, Chevez had plunged a dagger into the heart of the Saint. A definite lethal blow. But if desired, recovery was always an option. Deliberately regting his magic to slow down wound healing. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°Life is suffering, Sienjin. I know it better than anyone else.¡± Now, Sienjin and the Saint, who had be quite friendly, exchanged banter. ¡°Now, the real beginning.¡± The sh with Tampia. It was a qualitatively different story from the sh with Jagar. Normally, the damage from a sh with Tampia would have been severe. She had her own abilities, a considerable support base, and due to her proficiency with poisons, she rarely ventured outside the castle. And when she did, she came out with individuals who could surely guarantee her safety. The same went for missions. Although Opus sided with the Saint, the reason it took a year to definitively subdue Tampia was not trivial. ¡°Yes. This is just the beginning.¡± The Saint, who left the mansion due to the lethal wound. Finally. ¡°The Duke¡¯s eyes will be somewhat dimmer.¡± He might be able to avoid Tezera¡¯s scrutiny. Although Dante was ultimately a Demorus, he was better than the mansion. ¡°One year.¡± During that time, he made thorough preparations. The confrontation with Tampia was just the prelude to the uing battle. ¡°It took longer than I thought.¡± The war to be Demorus¡¯ sessor was finally about to begin. ¡°But¡­.¡± The Saint said. ¡°It will end quickly.¡± * * * The carriage that departed from the mansion arrived at Dante. Ignoring all procedures, the carriage swiftly raced through the courtyard and finally came to a halt. ¡°Hurry!¡± Dante¡¯s duty badge urgently moved and entered the carriage. Numerous people stood guard around the carriage, while many others watched the scene. Sein Demorus, one of the most renowned candidates for Demorus¡¯ sessor these days, had arrived. ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°Is it really¡­?¡± With a pale blue face, he stepped down from Dante¡¯s carriage, heading outside. Various potions were embedded in his body, and Dante¡¯s ve priests were exuding sanctity. ¡°Hurry up and move!¡± The wounds that hadn¡¯t fully healed even at the main house were unlikely to heal easily. Nevertheless, the fortunate thing was that Dante¡¯s carriage had skills equal to those of the main house. In the many battlefields of Demorus, they were as ruthless inbat as the duty and force divisions, making them the top skills within the three major organizations. ¡°What are you looking at?!¡± Rohan spoke towards the members who were watching. ¡°Get back to your positions immediately!¡± The members who had gathered under Rohan¡¯smand quickly dispersed. ¡°Get moving! Transfer the heir candidate immediately!¡± Rohan took charge of the situation and acted. Chapter 105 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 105 ¡°I apologize!¡± A swift response from the attending priest. Soon after, the members of the 3rd force and Dante¡¯s force began guarding the infirmary where the attending priest was admitted. Once themotion settled, Rohan began heading towards the infirmary where the attending priest was. Inside, the attending priesty with a pale face. ¡°How is the situation?¡± ¡°It¡¯s critical. An unknown toxin has seeped into the heart.¡± The head of the duty division spoke urgently. ¡°What needs to be done for recovery?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a wound even the main house couldn¡¯t heal. We¡­ ¡° ¡°Is that what you¡¯re saying now?¡± ¡°The poisoned toxin itself is tooplex. We have no choice but to wait and see¡­¡± ng. Rohan clenched his fist and spoke. ¡°Mobilize everything. Use everything Dante has.¡± He wagered everything on the attending priest. Even if not, the attending priest was the being Rohan had been seeking. ¡°I will keep it in mind.¡± As Rohan sat down, the duty members left. And then. ¡°Did you learn smoke separately?¡± Sein asked as he sat up. ¡°I was quite surprised. Thought I had been swapped.¡± It had been about a year. ¡°You¡¯re still the same.¡± Rohan also spoke to Sein. When he was a candidate and when he became the heir, it was different. And Sein was already the one who received his loyalty. ¡°Finally¡­.¡± He had already exchanged words with Rohan through theirmunication book. ¡°So it begins.¡± From now on, their ns and what they would do. ¡°Come in.¡± As Sein¡¯s voice called from inside, Deren, who was standing guard outside, entered. ¡°Deren.¡± Calling Deren, Sein stood up. And soon, the wound on his chest began to heal. Sein put on the clothes handed to him by Rohan. And. Ripple. Deren began to transform. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the story, but¡­.¡± Rohan, who was not good at expressing emotions, spoke. ¡°It¡¯s amazing.¡± Rohan, who had seen and experienced many things in the three major organizations under Demorus, was still taken aback. But this was something new even for him. ¡°To think that doppelgangers actually exist.¡± ¡°No need to be so surprised. Probably¡­.¡± Swish. He put on a shirt and armor. ¡°Because they do exist.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Just because you haven¡¯t seen something doesn¡¯t mean it doesn¡¯t exist.¡± Sein spoke as if he knew something. It had been a year. It was enough time to get to know this world better. As Sein dressed, Deren suddenly transformed into Sein¡¯s appearance. Tap. The moment Sein ced his hand on Deren¡¯s chest. Throb. The wound that Sein had received appeared on Deren in the same way. Deren had grown a lot over the year, so his abilities as a doppelganger had also developed. His mimicry level had increased, and he could now partially copy the memories and state of the original. ¡°¡­Truly amazing.¡± Before they knew it, Deren had be Sein and was there. Sein, too, had disguised his face. ¨C Rogue Skill. The ring on Sein¡¯s index finger, the rogue. Just like the reason he could mimic Herger in Tamphia, the rogue had a special skill called reverse magic. Sein fed experience points to the rogue and unlocked the reverse magic skill. ¡°It might be frustrating for a while, but please.¡± ¡°No. Captain.¡± Derreny down on the bed. Sein was now fully dressed. ¡°Here you go.¡± He received the necessary documents, identification badge, and the like from Rohan. ¡°From now on, you¡­¡± To disguise as someone who had to live for a while. * * * From Noble mtl dot Dante was all about des, a shield-like feeling. Sharp yet solid. It seemed like to intrude here, one had to ovee Demorus¡¯s sword and shield. One of Dante¡¯s training grounds. ¡°I understand the disturbance caused by the family¡¯s affairs.¡± Looking like a wandering knight. A man who looked as if he had felled a dragon spoke. ¡°But family business is family business. We do what we have to do.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± A respectful response. Truly Dante-like. ¡°Forget all you¡¯ve seen and heard. It¡¯s the Master¡¯smand.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± It seemed impossible. No matter how Dante-like, controlling information was difficult, and too many people had seen that day¡¯s events. As if saying, ¡°See and hear.¡± It was an unusual behavior for Rohan, but the situation was so urgent that it was inevitable. ¡°Today, I will introduce someone to you.¡± They were Dante¡¯s 1st Division, the ck Sword. And the one standing at the podium, exuding the atmosphere of a wandering knight, was Bk Demorus, who had been a mere candidate until a year ago. Dante¡¯s mission, many real battles. As Sein had done, Bk tried to constantly be on the battlefield and as a result, gained Dante¡¯s true recognition. It was a talent already awakened. Added to that were effort and the right approach. Demorus¡¯s blood flows. ¡°New recruit.¡± With that, before Bk even turned one year old, he could be themander of the 1st Division of the ck Sword. ¡°Oh, a new recruit?¡± ¡°Where did this guye from?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of anyone being promoted.¡± The atmosphere that had settled into silence at Sein¡¯s words of ¡®new recruit¡¯ became restless. In the 1st Division, it was rare for a new recruit to arrive, and most of the time, they were transferred from other divisions. But Bk was an exception. Moreover, being a candidate, it was unreasonable for Bk, who had the blood of Demorus, to receive special treatment as the youngest. ¡°He really is the youngest!¡± ¡°The youngest has arrived!¡± Since it had been five years since thest youngest member of the ck Sword, it was all said and done. Eager eyes turned towards the entrance of the training ground. ¡°Youngest! Youngest! Youngest!¡± Even the imposing ck Sword of the heavy Dant¨¦. ¡°Youngest!¡± They were also human beings. However. Thump, thump. As the young man entered the training ground, the members of the ck Sword gradually fell silent. The ck Sword was a division that even Dant¨¦ boasted about. Their skills and experience were at a level that was never surpassed even in their homnd. That¡¯s why they could tell. ¡°¡­I thought he was the youngest.¡± His stride. The aura he exuded. Even the intervals at which the sword shook. ¡°He¡¯s a secondhand new recruit.¡± Not someone to be underestimated. Gulp. As they gripped their swords and ate their meals of steel, everyone had the same thought. ¡®Can I really win?¡¯ That much. Thump. The youngest entering now exuded an overwhelming aura. Slowly climbing onto the tform, he smiled as he took off his robe. ¡°Nice to meet you all. My name is Jain.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you all. My name is Jain.¡± Jain, the new recruit of the ck Sword, finished his introduction. ¡°¡­¡­¡± The eerie atmosphere emanating from Jane froze the onlookers. And then. ¡°Well¡­.¡± Jane, who was about to step down from the tform. Slip! He stumbled clumsily and fell with a thud. ¡°¡­¡­?¡± Naturally, ckde couldn¡¯t help but be taken aback by his appearance. Could someone of that caliber make such a mistake? ¡°Oops¡­ Sorry.¡± Jane tried to get up. But this time, as he tried to stand up, his legs got tangled. Thud! Now, suspicion turned into certainty. Clearly, the new recruit had the skill to join the ckde. But there were those like him. Skilled, yetcking in some way. Crooked geniuses. ¡°Pfft.¡± One of the ckde members burst intoughter at Jane¡¯s appearance. Only then did Jane manage to get up, scratching his cheek as if embarrassed. ¡°Hahaha! A crazy one has joined us!¡± ¡°Hey! Newbie! Wee aboard!¡± The reactions of the ckde members were explosive. ¡°Today, we disband.¡± At Balrak¡¯s words, the ckde members began to disperse one by one. ¡°The newbie stays.¡± Balrak left only the neer. Alone in the empty training ground. ¡°What¡­ What are you doing?¡± Balrak asked, looking down at the slumped Jane. ¡°Well¡­.¡± He had been feeling it since earlier. That Balrak, emitting an aura honed like a sword, had a faint quiver at the corner of his mouth. ¡°Ridiculous¡­.¡± ¡°If you want tough, go ahead andugh.¡± Jane spoke in a blunt tone. He was a new recruit of the ckde. Balrak was the leader of the ckde. However, now the two seemed to have switched roles. ¡°How could you possibly understand my true intentions, you blockhead.¡± ¡°Cough, cough.¡± Jane even went as far as teasing Bk. It was possible because his true identity was Sein. A fake identity was necessary to operate in Dante. It had been prepared for a year. ¡°I will handle the talent I secretly nurtured.¡± The talent secretly nurtured by Rohan became Jane. There were no issues. In fact, Sein had used Barus to send capable ves to Dante and some of them were already assigned to lower military units. ¡°Have you been preparing since then?¡± Rohan was surprised by Sein¡¯s n. He had only thought of expanding his power and increasing Sein¡¯s people, never considering using their status. ¡°It¡¯s difficult to hide the aura of a ck Sword. Even if concealed, it subtly emanates.¡± It could be done, but it would seem awkward. It would be troublesome if those who had to live together for a while began to suspect Sein. ¡°It¡¯s better to reveal one and conceal the other.¡± That¡¯s why Sein revealed the aura. But by showing another side, he deceived them. ¡°If people think everyone is inferior to them, they can¡¯t feel humanity. They be aloof and suspicious. Jealousy is natural.¡± At that moment, Demorus¡¯ gaze, Tezera, came to mind. ¡°But somewhere, do they seem inadequatepared to themselves? Do they seem insignificant?¡± Pat, pat. Sein brushed off the dust on his clothes and said. ¡°Then you¡¯ll appear like a decent human being.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Do you feel like I¡¯m bing long-winded when I¡¯m with you?¡± Sein looked at Bk as he spoke. Grin. Bk smiled back. It had been almost a year. Bk. ¡°You¡¯ve be quite useful now.¡± He had be a pretty decent sword. ¡°Wee to my ranks.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have to be a bit subservient for a while.¡± Chapter 106 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 106 * * * Sein was naturally blending in with the ck Sword and Dante. Indeed, just as Sein had said. ¡°Hey, newbie!¡± At first, the ck Sword members who were cautious of Sein approached him first, offering a shoulder to lean on. Of course, it wasn¡¯t just a simple act of kindness. ¡°They call me Sebu.¡± ¡°Ah, nice to meet you, Sebu senior.¡± ¡°I was the youngest for¡­ oh, five years?¡± ¡°You must have had a tough time, right?¡± ¡°Ve.ry. Tough. Time.¡± Sebu spoke, pausing between each word. ¡°Let¡¯s go fetch some water. Our seniors are training, and if theyck hydration, it could be a problem.¡± A small errand. ¡°Me?¡± In truth, it was unnecessary. Considering Dante or Rasiel¡¯s scale and wealth, it was unnecessary. The number of servants within the organization alone exceeded twice the number of members. They handled everything fromundry to meals with just a word. ¡°Yeah, you.¡± It felt good. The feeling of bing a senior member first. ¡°Oh, I see. Hey! Our ck Sword seniors are thirsty¡­¡± As Sein spoke to a passing servant. ¡°What are you doing right now?¡± Sebu, angered, struck Sein¡¯s back of the head. Or tried to. ¡°Ack!¡± Sebu let out a painful scream. His arm, which had just tried to smack Sein¡¯s back of the head, was now twisted and held behind him. ¡°Gah. I¡¯m sorry, senior! I¡¯m a bit sensitive about my head without realizing it.¡± ¡°What¡­ this crazy¡­!¡± Sebu, holding onto the arm. But it wasn¡¯t easy to let go easily. -That bastard¡¯s a monster. -He seems a bitcking. It might be best not to mess with him. The voices of the seniors who had seen Sein seemed to echo in his ears. ¡°Ugh.¡± Sein¡¯s strength, experienced just now, was just like that. Sebu, a member of the ck Sword¡¯s elite, possessed skills slightly below the master level. However, even he couldn¡¯t handle it and ended up with a broken arm. What was even stranger was the pain he felt. Despite being a ck Sword who rarely even let out a scream through numerous trainings, he couldn¡¯t bear it and screamed. ¡°It felt like something was seeping in for a moment.¡± That couldn¡¯t be possible. Injecting mana without permission into someone with a simr level of magic to control their senses was almost impossible. ¡°Senior?¡± ¡°What are you doing? Hurry, go fetch some water yourself.¡± ¡°Oh¡­! Understood!¡± Even so, Jane quickly dashed out. Thud. Of course, she stumbled, but Sebu soon lost interest and returned to the training ground. Not long after, Jane started returning from the well with several buckets on each side. ¡°Oh, did the youngest finally escape? Sebu?¡± ¡°Of course, Senior.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t torment him too much. He seems like a lunatic.¡± ¡°Torment him? Not at all!¡± Sebu said. ¡°This is about discipline!¡± As the ck Sword was where the elite warriors gathered, it wasmon for those with considerable pride toe. Pride wasn¡¯t a bad thing, but when it turned into arrogance, disasters always followed when they were assigned a mission. So what Sebu was instructing now wasn¡¯t just a trivial task but a ceremony to make them recognize their position. ¡°Senior! I¡¯m back!¡± Jane approached and set down the buckets. And then. ¡°Why is this like this?¡± Sebu looked puzzled at the buckets. ¡°Well¡­ I think they broke on the way back after I tripped. Should I fetch again?¡± ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s fine.¡± He felt it would be the same no matter how many times he asked. * * * From Noble mtl dot ¡°Aaah!¡± Sebu couldn¡¯t bear it and screamed. It felt like his head was about to split open. All of this was because of that strange neer. ¡°¡­That lunatic.¡± Although the first day¡¯s ceremony had failed, Sebu was not about to give up. How did she endure for five years. But Jane was truly insane. -Bring me a sword. -You son of a b****! What good is one sword! -I didn¡¯t say how many to bring. Fine. ¡°You loser.¡± Jane was a true loser. Of course, she didn¡¯t give up on details. -Do push-ups without using magic. -How many? -Until I tell you to stop! An early morning task that stretched her limbs. ¡°Stop that.¡± Even when she returned after finishing all tasks, Jane was still doing push-ups. She didn¡¯t feel like she had used magic. Sweat pouring like rain, muscles trembling. -You¡¯re here? Even her voice was trembling. Since that day, Sebu gave up trying to tame Jane. Of course, it doesn¡¯t mean Jane was a bad person. ¡°Hey, Jane. Are you ready now?¡± ¡°Yes, senior.¡± A firm tone. And. ¡°Can I ask for a sparring match?¡± ¡°Of course. Senior.¡± Confident skill. ¡°Sebu, you¡¯re not still bothering Jane these days, are you?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be too harsh. She¡¯s a good kid.¡± That was what truly drove Sebu crazy. ¡°Oh, and Sebu.¡± ¡°Yes, senior.¡± ¡°Bring this to the captainter.¡± ¡°What is this?¡± Sebu asked. ¡°It¡¯s something the captain asked forst time, but it¡¯s a bit¡­ so I¡¯d rather not entrust it to the servants.¡± ¡°¡­? So you¡¯re making the youngest do it.¡± Sebu looked at Jane with a puzzled expression. Jane, who blinked as if she knew nothing, momentarily raised Sebu¡¯s blood pressure. ¡°Let me have a brief match with this guy. Can you please not interfere?¡± In the end, Sebu had no choice but to ept the senior¡¯s errand. Confused. The path leading to Vc¡¯s headquarters. Finally, Sebu stopped in his tracks. ¡°Ah, damn.¡± In Sebu¡¯s eyes looking up at the sky, ¡°Should we stop here? ck swords and all.¡± It seemed like tears were falling. No. How did he be a ck swordsman, how did he endure all those times? Knock, knock. Along with the sound of knocking, ¡°Come in.¡± Vc¡¯s voice was heard. Sebu looked at Vc hesitantly. Vc, who was supposed to be the youngest instead of him, but soon became the leader above them. Nevertheless. ¡°Leader, I¡¯vee for an errand. Lorghan senior asked me to bring this.¡± Vc did not look displeased. ¡°¡­You¡¯ve been through a lot. From now on, I¡¯ll go myself. I wasted your time for nothing. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Vc had a charm worthy of respect regardless of his age. But. Vc. His face involuntarily twisted at the thought of Jane. ¡°Are there any problems in your life these days?¡± Vc asked, looking at him. Sebu felt embarrassed by the fact that he unintentionally put on a facade in front of Vc, the leader. ¡°There are none. The ck Swords never change.¡± ¡°Good, that¡¯s a relief.¡± Thinking he should be a man like that too. But that evening. ¡°Ah, should I really stop?¡± Sebu shed tears secretly. ¡°Bastard!¡± ¡°Sein, how are you feeling?¡± The ck Swords also had a deep interest in Sein¡¯s injury. ¡°It seems like there¡¯s no improvement yet. I wonder what kind of poison he was exposed to.¡± Dante¡¯s support for Sain was already well-known. Although Dante¡¯s fate was uncertain, his alliance with Sain naturally sparked high interest in him. ¡°You should wake up quickly.¡± But that wasn¡¯t the only reason. Sain was a legend in his own right. While there were many sessors from candidate families, none had garnered simultaneous support like Sain. Moreover, all the other candidates who had been with him served Sain like their lord. ¨C Sain Demorus¡­ a legend. You wouldn¡¯t know unless you saw it. They praised Sain. ¨C Sain? Even Bk, who became the leader of the ck Swords. ¨C He¡¯s in a league of his own, notparable to someone like me. Yet, it was hard to believe it all. He may have conquered the maze, but he hadn¡¯t done it alone. There were even opinions suggesting that everything had been orchestrated to elevate Sain, a candidate-born man. Nevertheless, curiosity and admiration were inevitable. ¡°By the way¡­¡± The members of the ck Swords turned heads. ¡°Youngest, heading to your first mission with the ck Swords?¡± The ck Swords were moving towards somewhere. Not requiring secrecy, they moved with Dante¡¯s carriage and support. ¡°Do you have any mission experience?¡± ¡°A few times, yes.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Grin. Jane was the cute junior of the seniors. ¨C Would you like to try holding the sword like this? ¨C Try widening your stance a bit like this. Rumors had it that one¡¯s skills improved by listening to Jane¡¯s advice, and they had seen the results firsthand. ¡°Sebu, learn a thing or two from that guy.¡± Sebu was the only one who hadn¡¯t sparred with Jane yet. ¡°Why should I?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this guy? Do you really dislike the youngest that much?¡± ¡°Who said I dislike him?¡± Just jealous, that¡¯s all. ¡°Don¡¯t be too jealous. He¡¯s working hard too.¡± In battle, Jane seemed like a genius. But in other aspects, Jane was almost a fool. ¨C Jane, let¡¯s eat. It was the seniors who took care of Jane instead. ¡°Youngest. Whatever mission you¡¯vepleted, the ck Sword¡¯s mission is qualitatively different. Recognizing your exceptionalbat sense is one thing, but when ites to missions, it¡¯s a whole different story.¡± The senior members of the ck Sword didn¡¯t hold back their advice for Jane. ¡°Just stick close to us and observe at first.¡± ¡°I will keep that in mind, seniors.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Seeing Jane once again receiving affection, Sebupletely turned his head away. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± As the carriage stopped, one by one, the members of the ck Sword disembarked onto the ind. This was Jane¡¯s first mission with them. ¡°The mission details¡­¡± Bk said, looking ahead. ¡°It¡¯s an Abyssal Beast subjugation.¡± Abyssal Beasts. Among monsters, they were specially enhanced. ¡°We¡¯re up against a single entity.¡± The atmosphere among the ck Sword members grew heavy at Bk¡¯s words. A single entity. That meant¡­ ¡°The target is the Dark Gryphon King. It¡¯s more than ten timesrger than a regr Gryphon.¡± The fact that one entity could summon the ck Sword indicated its immense power. ¡°Three cities in the 6th region have been attacked by the creature, with one city even having its barrier destroyed and facing ruin.¡± It was a monster among monsters. ¡°We need to eliminate it before the damage esctes.¡± Chapter 107 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 107 This, too, was part of the Dark Land¡¯s affairs. ¡°The projected path of the creature leads to where we¡¯re standing. We¡¯ll erect a barrier and prepare to confront it.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± The yful demeanor vanished, reced by ck Sword members checking their equipment. ¡°How many times has this happened now?¡± Special among the Abyssal Beasts were the Boss Monsters known as Darklings. One entity could rival a city¡¯s power, and asionally, more monstrous creatures could even destroy parts of a region. Such creatures had already appeared four times in nearly a year. Since the others had appeared in different Dark Land regions, Demorus hadn¡¯t needed to intervene. This was the first time Demorus had personally taken action. ¡°I heard two military units in Arkhan were wiped out.¡± If it was Arkhan, they were a subordinate organization of the Immortal Family. Like a branch organization boasted by the Immortals, simr to Dante. If their two units were wiped out, it was no small force. ¡°So, are we supposed to be scared stiff?¡± ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± The ck Sword members chuckled. ¡°We can¡¯t even bepared to the Arkans.¡± The refined vitality began to awaken one by one. Dante¡¯s ck Swords. They were individuals who did not kneel even whenpared to their homnd¡¯s forces. * * * ¡°They¡¯reing.¡± Vc gazed somewhere with a greatsword in hand. The ck Swords standing in formation. Nothing was visible in their eyes, furrowing their brows in that moment. Kwaang-! A deafening sound tore through the air. A ck dot appeared in the sky that had been empty just moments ago. And that dot. ¡°¡­!¡± It rapidly expanded, coloring the sky ck. ¡°¡­Insane.¡± The overwhelming presence was enough to even intimidate the ck Swords. Moreover, the intense energy and darkness emanating from him. That gaze. ¡°Activate the cage!¡± As Vc shouted loudly, the support unit that was waiting pressed the button to start the preparation. Woong! ck tendrils that shot out instantly enveloped the surroundings as if forming a cage. -Kieee! The griffin¡¯s cry resonated, piercing the eardrums of all who could hear. ¡°Kuk!¡± Even with magical protection, the body trembled from the overwhelming aura. That was the imposing presence of the superior species of the Darklings, the Abyssals. Kwaang! The griffin collided with the cage, twisting its body. The cage, a barrier device crafted by the Immortalists, was the top-tier magical tool that existed only in Dante. The Griffin King staggered from the impact. In that agony, he grew furious, and that fury. ¡°They¡¯reing!¡± Poured towards the ck Swords. The unfurled wings seemed to engulf the world. He. Fluttered. They were just posturing. The ck Swords, each in their own martial stance, preparing for defense. ng! Balrak drove his greatsword into the ground, toppling the earth beneath. And what followed was truly a bombardment. Bang! Bang! Boom! Each strike, as if made of steel with immense weight, shattered the ground, echoing through. People today call it the Dark Paper. But those who had yed Sanctuary would say this. -A Raid-level Boss Monster. After a storm had passed. ¡°Injured spotted!¡± From Noble mtl dot ¡°None here!¡± Amidst the grim scene, the ck Swords calmly kept their gaze on the Gryphon. ¡°Activate the Chains of Death.¡± At Balrak¡¯smand, the support team began activating another magical tool. The ck pirs, already in ce. Shhhhh! One by one, they beganunching chains gleaming with ck light. The cursed chains that entangled the Gryphon. And in that moment. ¡°Hunt begins.¡± Balrak, transformed into a demon, surged forward and leaped off the ground. * * * Bang! Bang! Boom! The Gryphon thrashed wildly as if insane. Trapped in a cage, one wing bound by chains. Yet even with just one wing. Bang! Bang! Boom! It was like a bomber. -Kieeeek! Despite the wounds inflicted by Balrak, the creature, in agony, continued to thrash about. ¡°Focus on defense, only strike when an opportunity arises!¡± Balrak wasmanding the ck Swords effectively. Like a seasoned warlord. ¡°Now!¡± Finally, as the Gryphon momentarily calmed its frenzy, Balrak, once again, leaped in with arms and legs transformed into a demon. Attacks in demon form turned everything into a curse, weakening the opponent. Quadddduk! Already, after enduring several of Vc¡¯s attacks, the griffin¡¯s skin couldn¡¯t hold on any longer and finally could be properly wounded. Chwachwachwa! The flying sword tore through the griffin¡¯s skin, as if trying to extract its organs. But at that moment. ¡°¡­!¡± Vc¡¯s eyes widened. Instinctively, he could sense it. ¡®Has the flow of magic changed?¡¯ The darkness emanating even more intensely from the griffin¡¯s body seemed to swallow the world whole. sh! Within that, the griffin¡¯s eyes began to shine. As if time had slowed, amidst the blurry flow, the creature¡¯s beak opened. ¡°Blood¡­.¡± He could tell. ¡°Blood-!¡± This is dangerous, Vc, who had momentarily turned his entire body demonic, leaped with a greatsword in hand. As if it had been awaited, the energy gathered inside the griffin¡¯s mouth. Kwaaaaah! It poured down towards the dark swords. Breath. It was a power akin to the abilities of top-tier monsters or dragons that had once existed in the past. ¡°Krrraaah!¡± Vc struggled to block it, but ultimately couldn¡¯t seed. Thwack! Vc was thrown back, unable to withstand the force of the Breath. However, utilizing the opening he had created, the dark swords formed a defensive line. ¡°Come on!¡± Yet, they had misjudged something. Thinking the griffin was targeting the main forces of the dark swords. ¡°¡­!¡± The direction changed, heading towards another ce. Where the support unit was stationed. ¡°He¡¯s trying to break the cage!¡± At that moment, Sebu leaped. -It¡¯s his first mission, so just watch. Don¡¯t interfere needlessly. Jane! Jane, who had been left in the support unit as a reminder to recognize the power of the seniors, was right there. ¡°Oh, no!¡± Sebu rushed out like a madman. However, Griffin¡¯s breath was too fast, and it wasn¡¯t until it finally reached the support team that details could arrive. Details threw his body. He had never faced such a massive aura in all his life, the aura shrouded in darkness, ready to cut through the breath. But that was not the way to go. ¡°Cough, cough, cough!¡± The iplete aura swallowed the power within the breath, contorting Details¡¯ body. Knowing what it meant to lose consciousness on the battlefield, he gritted his teeth against it, but it seemed he wouldn¡¯tst long. Just for a moment, that moment passed. ¡°Run¡­.¡± Details reached out his other hand towards Jane as he spoke. In that moment, Jane seemed to be muttering something, her lips moving as if in protest. ¨C Loyalty is there. That semnce, and an astonishing event unfolded. Before anyone knew it, Jane drew her sword. ng. The breath was split. ng. The breath released by Griffin was split. No, more precisely, it was shattered. Crack-! Cracks seemed to appear and growrger, causing the breath itself to shatter. ¡°¡­.¡± Everyone was stunned by the sight they witnessed. ¡°Is that¡­ even possible?¡± Especially Balrak, who had faced the breath directly, clenched his teeth, feeling like he was in a nightmare. In the blink of an eye, Jane¡¯s eyes showed a charisma unlike her usual immature and frivolous self, reminiscent of what was seen on the first day at the training grounds. It was a moment when everyone was speechless and motionless. ¡°It¡¯s now-!¡± As if the disy shown a moment ago was false. ¡°It¡¯s now!¡± Jane pointed her sword towards Griffin and shouted. ¡°¡­.!¡± Only then did everyone in the ck Sword regain their senses. ¡°It¡¯s now-!¡± It was Griffin who had used the grand technique called Breath. Considering the power within the breath, no matter how dark Griffin was, there was no doubt about the risk. p! Indeed, the Griffin, once again seen, was struggling to maintain bnce, pping its wings heavily. Balrak, once again demonizing his body, tightly gripped the greatsword and leaped forward. When the burning ck mes flickered around and wrapped around the greatsword. Shaaak! Balrak sliced through with a perfectly straight line without a single inch of error. The wings of the creature that the griffin could barely hold. Shwaaak! Torn and tattered, fluttering. The fate of a bird losing its wings was a simple tale. Sweeeeeek! Plummet. Kwaaaaaang! The griffin crashed headfirst into the ground, letting out a thunderous roar. Thud! The ck sword¡¯s soldiers began to rush out. They, who had only been able to make attacks that were nothing but regrettable until now. Because the vast skies had been the creature¡¯s domain. But now, fallen to the ground, the battlefield had changed. ¡°It¡¯s a hunt-!¡± The ck sword seniors who seemed amiable. ¡°Kill him!¡± Their once warm appearance hadpletely vanished. The trials they must have faced to be ck sword soldiers. Gooooo! It seemed like their lives were being manifested from every fiber of their being. Burning aura extended from all directions. Those wielding swords were hunters and dismantlers. -Kwiiiii! The griffin tried to resist a few more times, but it was futile. Having lost its wings and breath, that creature was nothing more than a tough monster. Nevertheless, the griffin, boasting an unimaginable endurance, finally. Thud. Lost its head. ¡°Huff. Huff.¡± I¡¯m not sure how much time had passed. But it was certain that most of the ck sword soldiers hadpletely depleted their mana. Balrak, bloodied, smiling at the corner of his mouth, not even sure whose blood it was. ¡°Everyone¡­.¡± Balrak almost copsed, sinking down as if about to fall. With the sword supporting him, Balrak breathed heavily, a smile spreading on his lips. ¡°Good job.¡± The mission was a sess. *** ¡°Kreuk!¡± It was only natural for Dante to receive public recognition forpleting the mission of the ck Sword. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard.¡± Rohan personallymended each member of the ck Sword. Chapter 108 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 108 ¡°I wonder how Immortal¡¯s Arkhan will react when he hears this; I¡¯m already looking forward to it.¡± Rohan, who was known for his usual stern demeanor and emotional restraint, couldn¡¯t hide his smile. While many considered Dante and Rasiel as rivals, the true rival was someone else. With swords and magic always at odds, Arkhan, the organization under Immortal¡¯smand, was truly Dante¡¯s greatest rival. ¡°Those stinking corpses might have lost two of their forces, but¡­¡± Rohan proudly looked at the ck Sword as he spoke. ¡°We didn¡¯t lose a single one.¡± ¡°We were fortunate.¡± Bk said, bowing his head. ¡°It¡¯s not just luck; it¡¯s an achievement beyond words. The Guild Leader will be delighted to hear this news.¡± Moreover, the Dark Griffon was a rare and valuable monster. The value of its products was astronomical, just thinking about the feathers it shed. Watching it, Jane briefly recalled Arin. ¡°Master, Jane has contributed greatly.¡± At that moment, a sudden interruption urred. ¡°If he hadn¡¯t blocked the breath, the support team would have been wiped out.¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°If the support team hadn¡¯t been there, we would have failed to hunt the Griffin without any casualties.¡± Rohan looked at Jane. ¡°Good job.¡± A slightmendation, but to the ck Sword, it seemedcking. Although Rohan was the fairest when it came tomendation, the way it ended was still iprehensible. In fact, the details were true. ¡°I will grant one wish.¡± Only then did the members of the ck Sword smile at Rohan¡¯s words. ¡°You brat! You¡¯ve done a great job!¡± ¡°Master granting a wish. We¡¯ve never experienced that before.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be promoted to captain?¡± Senior members approached Jane, patting his head and praising him. ¡°Ahem.¡± It was no mistake that Rohan briefly cleared his throat and turned his head at that moment. ¡°Jane.¡± And it was Sebu who had brought up the conversation that came near. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for bothering you all this time. What¡¯s the use of being the youngest or having a strong will? You did your part splendidly.¡± It was the moment when Sebu finally acknowledged and epted Jane as a colleague. Of course. ¡°Bo¡­thered you?¡± Although Rohan mumbled to himself in a voice no one could hear. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the seniors. Please take care of me in the future as well.¡± ¡°Party! Party!¡± ¡°Since dinner is ready, let¡¯s go to the banquet hall and enjoy.¡± When Rohan signaled to Balrak and spoke, Balrak nodded. ¡°Jane, stay for a moment and talk.¡± ck Sword did not doubt Rohan¡¯s words. It was clear that he wanted to properly praise Jane, who stood out amongst them. Only after everyone had disappeared into the banquet hall did Jane reveal her true self. ¡°You taught Balrak well.¡± Guarding the support team, Sebu looked at ck Sword. More precisely, Balrak. ¡°Even inmand and situational judgment, he could pass as a veteran.¡± ¡°I already had a hunch. I heard he learned from Sein.¡± Rohan¡¯s words were true. While conducting the Griffin Raid, Rohan¡¯s appearance was quite simr to that of an experienced squadron leader. ¨C Balrak. Why can¡¯t you understand human speech? Are you a beast? It was the result of Sein rigorously training Balrak in the Labyrinth, among other things. ¡°I¡¯ve marked you as my sessor.¡± Sein nodded at Rohan¡¯s words. The brief conversation came to an end. Now it was time to get to the point. ¡°Last night, a secret letter arrived.¡± Sein wasn¡¯t just y-acting with Jane as a pastime. All of this was part of a n, a move to bait the prey. And now. ¡°He¡¯sing soon.¡± From Noble mtl dot Just as the fish was about to take the bait. Snick. Faster than expected. ¡°Good.¡± But since all preparations were already in ce, Sein smiled satisfactorily. ¡°But¡­¡± At that moment, Rohan cautiously asked. ¡°Did you really suffer from harassment?¡± It seemed like Sebu¡¯s words hade to mind. Within the Martial Arts Hall, conflicts and disputes weremonce, but even the mostmon things could vary depending on who was involved. No matter how much he pretended to be indifferent, Rohan had asked to know Sein¡¯s true nature. ¡°Not really. It was actually less boring.¡± It was tormenting himself. * * * The festivalmemorating the Gryphon hunt continued for two days. Alcohol, alcohol, alcohol. Was there a ghost who couldn¡¯t drink and died? The ck des poured and drank, drank only alcohol. But they were veterans for a reason. ¡°You here?¡± The next day, they gathered at the training ground as if nothing had happened. ¡°Ugh. I¡¯m gonna die.¡± Some were struggling to calm their still uneasy stomachs. ¡°Are you okay, Jane?¡± Jane was the star of the festival. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m fine, thank you.¡± ¡°¡­You can hold your liquor well. Bastard.¡± Though the voice carried a hint of jealousy, Sein was smiling. Unlike before when he couldn¡¯t acknowledge it, Sein now fully epted Jane. ¡°Care to spar with me?¡± Finally asking for their first spar, Sein¡¯s appearance even made the senior ck des smile. ¡°Not today.¡± Then, Igorpha, the leader of the ck des, approached them. ¡°Mission?¡± The ck des¡¯ eyes gleamed. Just as insects lived off pine leaves, these warriors lived amidst the scent of blood on the battlefield. ¡°Not a mission, but weing a guest.¡± ¡°A guest? Weing?¡± The ck des seemed puzzled. Guests visiting Dante were few, let alone the even rarer asions of weing them. And why did the ck des have to wee them? ¡°From the main house?¡± A nod. Main house. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t know. It¡¯s a direct order from the Master.¡± Having finished preparations, they headed towards where the assembled warriors were. ¡°Everyone heard the news, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°They are guests from the main house.¡± It felt like a strange current was flowing. ¡°It¡¯s not an ordinary matter.¡± Just a while ago, a noble hade from the main house and was currently receiving treatment in the infirmary. Another guest from the main house. But orders were orders, and the ck Swordsman had to obey. So, d in their usual armor, the ck Swordsman set out to greet them. Far away. tter tter. Demorus¡¯ carriage was approaching. ¡°¡­.¡± It was not a usual atmosphere. The size of the carriage, the troops apanying it. ¡°Who is themander?¡± Asked towards Balrak in an uneasy atmosphere, but the only response was that Balrak did not know either. tter¡­. Finally, the carriage came to a stop in front of the ck Swordsman. On either side, men who seemed to have be knights were looking down at the ck Swordsman from their horses. ¡°I am Balrak Demorus, who has been tasked with the reception.¡± Balrak stepped forward as their representative and spoke to them. However. Kuuuu! The men on horseback exuded an intimidating aura and spoke abruptly. ¡°Prepare yourself.¡± . ¡°Prepare yourself.¡± An authoritative voice rang out. Distorted. The eyes of the ck Swordsmen¡¯s members twitched. It was the ck Swordsman. Dante¡¯s 1st Battalion. Even if they were not the main house¡¯s battalion, they were recognized for their skills even in Demorus. ¡°Prepare.¡± There was no one who could address such ck Swordsmen like this. ¡°Yourself.¡± Once again, as they tried to make the ck Swordsman kneel with their intimidating presence, Balrak finally intervened. ¡°We are honored to have a distinguished guest from the main house.¡± Balrak ultimately bowed his head. The ck Swordsman, with a displeased expression at this gesture, had no choice but to ept it. Silence. ¡°I have the honor of meeting the head of the main house.¡± In the end, the distinction between the main house and Dante was clearly evident. ¡°What are you up to.¡± It should have ended there, but the voice continued to echo. ¡°I¡¯m sure you were instructed to show respect, weren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Kneel.¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± The eyes of the ck Swords, who were just writhing, momentarily distorted. Crack. This had crossed the line. They couldply with showing respect for the main house¡¯s background. But not beyond that. ¡°Kneel¡­.¡± ¡°I cannot do that.¡± Balrak, who had suddenly held his head high, said. ¡°The ck Swords do not kneel to just anyone.¡± Growl. Balrak and the ck Swords, who had been merely enduring their aura, were now emitting their own. Thud-! A tautness was felt as if a single thread was being pulled on both sides. It was the ck Swords who were surprised. ¡°Is this all?¡± It was astonishing to realize that they, the 1st Division of Dante, were standing up to their aura as well. But there was no thought of backing down. ¡°The ck Swords kneel only to those we acknowledge.¡± Balrak said. ¡°To the Master, the Lady, and the Lord. Only to these three.¡± As Balrak took one more step forward, his aura intensified. The tension that seemed to be holding firm finally seemed to snap. ¡°If you wish for us to kneel, you must gain our recognition or be our Lord.¡± ¡°Dare.¡± They were the first to reach for their swords. In sync, the ck Swords¡¯ members also reached for the hilts of their swords. ¡°Enough.¡± The voice that resonated from the carriage washed away the auras they were emitting. ¡°Hanoa¡­.¡± The one who was pressuring the ck Swords by emanating his aura, while next to the carriage, was now bowing his head, unsure of what to do. ¡°Dante¡¯s pride, the ck Sword. Respect them.¡± With those words, the window of the carriage closed once again. Only then did the expressions of the ck Sword members rx. Unlike the tightly closed figures, the presence inside the carriage had shown them respect. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Finally, the stalled carriage started moving again. ¡°Even though we don¡¯t know who¡¯s inside the carriage, they seem quite decent.¡± The ck Sword members seemed slightly relieved by the kindness shown by the presence inside the carriage. As respect seeped into their hearts, a bit of kindness emerged, softening the difort that had filled their minds. ¡°Is that so?¡± Jane, who had quietly followed behind, spoke up. ¡°What?¡± ¡°If I had respected the ck Sword¡­¡± As if oblivious, Jane spoke with an innocent face. ¡°I don¡¯t think we would have ended up in this situation from the start.¡± Only then did the faces of the ck Sword members return to their original state. Though they were not heavily involved in politics, their extensive experience allowed them to understand Jane¡¯s words. That all of this was a y. ¡°I almost crossed the line there. Thank you, Jane.¡± Deliberately creating tension and difort, they acted to shake them and then embrace kindness. Though unaware of the identity of the person inside the carriage, they were skilled at manipting human psychology. Dante¡¯s party did not catch a glimpse of the presence inside the carriage. The reason for seeing off the ck Sword was not only because of the noble status of the other party but also to lead them through a secret entrance that only the ck Sword knew. The intention was to use the back entrance, not the main gate, and keep their visit discreet. The carriage arrived directly at Rohan¡¯s mansion. ¡°Only Jane and Sebu remain.¡± Upon Rohan¡¯s words, Jane and Sebu guarded Rohan¡¯s mansion, awaiting their return. Rohan reappeared after several hours. And finally, they could see the guest who hade from the main house. Sebu, tense, couldn¡¯t look directly at their face, but Jane was different. ¡°Damn.¡± Chapter 109 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 109 No matter how many times they looked, it didn¡¯t be familiar. ¡°Even if they im to have given birth alone, I believe it.¡± That face triggered Sein¡¯s PTSD. No, everyone in the main house would be the same as Sein. ¡°Prepare yourselves.¡± This time, Rohan spoke to Jane and Sebu. ¡°Here is Cn Demorus, the heir apparent of the main family.¡± Cn Demorus. He was the sessor of the Demorus family, bearing the closest resemnce to Tezera. In appearance, aura, and being said to carry the thickest bloodline, Cn was the one designated as the sessor. ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°I present the sessor.¡± Startled, Sebu momentarily froze, speechless, while Jane naturally bowed her head in greeting. ¡°I present the sessor!¡± Sebu btedly also bowed his head. ¡°And these?¡± ¡°They are the youngest members of the ck de.¡± ¡°They¡­ are called Sebu.¡± ¡°And I am Jane.¡± That was the end of it. ¡°I see.¡± Cn, seemingly indifferent, moved forward, followed by Rohan. Jane and Sebu hurriedly followed suit. With Dante¡¯s internals under control by Rohan¡¯smand, they could move without encountering anyone. Finally, they reached their destination. ¡°¡­?¡± Sebu, with a puzzled expression, and Jane, with a slightly sunken face unlike her usual self. ¡°Follow Jane.¡± At Rohan¡¯s words, Jane moved along, while Sebu remained behind. ¡°Wait here.¡± Rohan also halted the neers who came as Cn¡¯s escort. ¡°We cannot leave Cn¡¯s side.¡± ¡°It¡¯s what even Cn has permitted.¡± Tension mounted between Rohan and the escort. ¡°Wait.¡± Cn addressed the guards. ¡°But¡­¡± The guards added a word, expressing their disbelief. ¡°You seem particrly defiant today.¡± Cn spoke with a low, calm voice and aposed gaze, observing them. Thud! At that, like powerless soldiers who had received harsh training from Rohan, they knelt before him. ¡°Please reconsider!¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Cn seemed to ponder for a moment. ¡°Would cutting off both arms suffice?¡± Out of the blue, Con looked at Rohan and spoke. ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°They are obligated to protect me. Though they cannot leave my side, it seems the only way to ease their worried hearts is to wait by, isn¡¯t it.¡± It was Con speaking now. Those unauthorized cannot enter this ce. The reason being the possibility of them bing a threat. So, the question was, would they be allowed in if they cut off their arms. In the face of such strange logic, both Con and Rohan fell momentarily silent. ¡°Just for a moment.¡± In the end, Rohan gave his consent. ¡°To cut off your ar¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to cut them off.¡± * From Noble mtl dot * * Rohan had a reason for going to such lengths. The ce Con hade to was the most sensitive spot in Dante at the moment. ¡°Everyone, step back.¡± Rohan addressed the duty personnel of Dante. The duty personnel of Dante. Here, there were saints who had been injured and escorted from their homes. Although the 3rd Military Unit had been given to the saints, most had left for their missions as part of their home military unit, leaving only Roberta and the 3rd Military Unit¡¯s Dantallu here. ¡°I greet Con, the sessor candidate.¡± Roberta and Dantallu greeted Con with a slight bow. Nodding. ¡°This ce is¡­¡± ¡°I havee to see Saint Demorus.¡± Before Roberta could say anything, Con spoke first. ¡°I havee to see my brother. Do I need permission? If I do, I have already received it from Rohan here.¡± At Con¡¯s words, Roberta and Dantallu fell silent. There was no error in Con¡¯s words. ¡°As you must maintain stability, we are not receiving guests.¡± However, Roberta did not step back and continued speaking. ¡°If it¡¯s for protection, then yes. But¡­¡± Con¡¯s eyes turned to Roberta. ¡°Do not doubt me. I have no intention of harming the wounded.¡± Roberta quietly sent a nce towards Rohan. Nodding. Yet, it was Jane who nodded her head, giving the signal. In the end, Roberta and Dantallu stepped aside. ¡°May Ie in with you?¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± A pungent herbal scent wafted through the open door. Inside,y Sein surrounded by numerous potions. Cn approached Sein slowly. ¡°What did the Oracle say?¡± Cn inquired to Rohan. ¡°It¡¯s a deadly poison, so much so that its nature remains unidentified. They are unsure how long it will take for the victim to awaken.¡± Rohan replied sincerely. The counterpart was Cn Demorus. Among the potential heirs, Cn, with exceptional abilities, was one of the first to be designated as a sessor,pleting his first mission sessfully at the age of twelve, earning him the title of a veteran. ¡°Tsk. Should have stayed at the main house.¡± Though his words seemed dismissive of Dante, Cn appeared genuine. ¡°And about the assassin?¡± ¡°We have only determined that they are skilled in using poisons.¡± In the Shadow Realm, there were hundreds who excelled in poison use. While few could handle poisons of this caliber, it made it challenging to use them without evidence. ¡°Tampia, that child.¡± Nevertheless, Cn responded bluntly. ¡°They have caused unnecessary trouble.¡± As Cn slowly scanned Sein lying down, he moved his hand deliberately. A shudder. Everyone was startled, hastily reaching for their weapons. But that was the end of it. Thud. Sein¡¯s body remained motionless as if frozen. During that moment, Cn achieved his goal. Thwack! In a swift motion, Cn plunged a dagger into Sein¡¯s heart. All of this unfolded in a blink of an eye. Even Rohan couldn¡¯t intervene in time. Yet, the oue was truly explosive. ng! In an instant, Rohan, Roberta, and Dantallu drew their weapons simultaneously, pointing them at Cn¡¯s throat. Cn¡¯s guards did the same, but their des were aimed at Rohan. ¡°¡­What is the meaning of this?¡± Rohan managed to speak through his anger. It was Rohan who had hesitated about allowing Cn to see Sein in the Oracle. Though he had contemted granting permission, he decided to do so, fearing that hiding it could raise suspicions. Never did I imagine such a thing. No matter how unpredictable Cn was, I never thought he would do something like this in Dante. ¡°At once!¡± Rohan shouted. ¡°Exin yourself!¡± Everyone present was mustering the courage to confront Cn. The reason they hadn¡¯t moved yet was one and only. Swoosh. Jane. Because he hadn¡¯t drawn his sword. ¡°Seems like I¡¯ve startled you.¡± Even with three swords poised at his neck, Cn remained unfazed. Instead, he spoke in a calm voice. ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to kill my brother.¡± ¡°¡­Stabbing a dagger into the heart, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°See for yourself.¡± Keeping his eyes on Cn, Sein hesitated. And soon, a startling realization dawned. ¡°¡­!¡± Though the dagger had pierced, not a drop of blood flowed. As if piercing through something invisible, the dagger lodged in Sein¡¯s heart was glowing white. ¡°¡­What is this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s called the Purification Dagger.¡± Cn exined. ¡°I happened to acquire it by chance. It¡¯s an artifact that purifies most poisons it encounters.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Though Tampia¡¯s poison is potent, it¡¯s not fully developed, so it should have an effect.¡± Everyone present was formidable. It wasn¡¯t hard to discern whether Cn¡¯s words were true or false. Above all, Jane¡¯s gesture signaled to lower the sword. -It¡¯s true. Cn¡¯s words were true. ¡°¡­I won¡¯t say you¡¯vemitted a sacrilege. It was a misunderstanding.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Cn said nonchntly. ¡°It¡¯ll take effect soon. Somehow.¡± ¡°Why go to such lengths?¡± Though unaware of the Purification Dagger, it was evident that it was an extraordinary item. Especially the dagger embedded in Sein¡¯s heart had turned to dust in no time. A disposable artifact. It was strange to have written such a valuable item to hispetitor, Sain. ¡°He¡¯s too valuable to be expelled in this way.¡± Con said. ¡°I admire Sain¡¯s abilities.¡± Every word was sincere. ¡°I am confident that someday he will be of great help to Demorus.¡± It was a statement based on Sain¡¯s umted reputation. ¡°Someday.¡± Con said. ¡°It is merely a favor to hope he will assist me by my side.¡± Everyone¡¯s faces stiffened. Only then could they clearly understand. Con believed without a shred of doubt that he would be his own protector. ¡°Should I rify further?¡± Only then. ¡°Yes.¡± Everyone sheathed their swords and stepped back. ? ? ? ¡°Con Demorus.¡± He was an unusual character. He resembled the leader the most, and could also be considered the most powerfulpetitor. Already, three of Demorus¡¯s Five were supporting Con. Considering even those who dered neutrality or supported other factions, Con had garnered such unwavering support that he couldn¡¯t bepared to Sain, who had Tampia in his hands. The reason was simple. ¡°He fits Demorus¡¯s leader role better than anyone else.¡± His personality, blessings, abilities. All of it was overwhelmingly recognized as Con¡¯s. Indeed, even Sain acknowledged that. ¡°Still¡­¡± He recalled the incident at the Obligation. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he would do such a thing.¡± Just as his unpredictable nature suggested, hemitted an unpredictable act. At the moment when a dagger slipped from Con¡¯s embrace, if Sain hadn¡¯t seen it properly, he might have struck Con¡¯s neck first. If that had happened, it would have led to an all-out conflict. That was not what Sain desired. ¡°Jane.¡± Rohan called out to Jane. He was not alone. From Sebu to Vk. Cn¡¯s visit to Dante was not simply to see his sick brother. ¡°You called for me, Master.¡± There was another reason. ¡°For a brief period, you will depart from the ck Sword.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°This is a duty that those affiliated with Demorus must fulfill.¡± Vk and Sebu, who had looked puzzled until then, nodded their heads. Finally, Cn revealed the true reason for his visit to Dante. ¡°Cn Demorus, the heir presumptive, has ordered the recruitment of talent.¡± It wasmon for the main house to recruit talent from its subordinate organizations. ¡°From now on, you will work with Cn Demorus, the heir presumptive, to carry out the mission.¡± It was an unavoidable notification. ¡°What is the mission?¡± When Sebu asked, Cn, with a calm face, approached from behind Rohan. ¡°It¡¯s a suppression.¡± Suppression. ¡°Monsters?¡± Whether it was a creature of darkness or shadows. Chapter 110 The Sessor To The Underworld Is A Cheat yer 110 When it came to suppression, it usually meant that. ¡°No.¡± But Cn said it as if it were insignificant. ¡°It¡¯s humans.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°I will exin the details of the missionter.¡± Cn¡¯s gaze changed. ¡°Prepare yourselves and we will meet again. You won¡¯t be back for a while.¡± After finishing speaking, Cn vanished. Vk and Sebu moved to prepare, while Rohan and Jane remained there for a moment. ¡°It turned out as you said.¡± This was it. ¡°That¡¯s right. We went through all this trouble, didn¡¯t we?¡± From the beginning. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be able to catch Cn with just this one attempt.¡± Sein¡¯s target was Cn. She had spared Tampia to hunt Cn, and the n began with the collection of such information. However, Cn was not someone who could be dealt with in just one attempt. ¡°But we can create an opening.¡± All great things start with small changes. Cn, who had already built a solid foundation, would crumble from this incident. And Sein was determined to take advantage of that opportunity topletely eliminate Con. ¡°Rohan.¡± Jane called out to Rohan. ¡°There isn¡¯t much time left now.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°The promise I made to stir up the winds of change when I be the leader. I haven¡¯t forgotten.¡± That was what Rohan had hoped for. ¡°I believe you.¡± ¡°Yeah. Believe it.¡± Finally, the moment Sein¡¯s n began. * * * The carriage that had entered as Dante now departed as Dante. But unlike when it arrived, the number of people had increased. Three figures in robes, Jane and Sebu, and Vc. ¡°Are you excited like that?¡± Jane asked Sebu. ¡°Of course! Being summoned for a mission from the headquarters is a great opportunity!¡± Sebu couldn¡¯t hide his excitement. ¡°You¡¯re going to the headquarters?¡± ¡°¡­Not exactly.¡± Sebu smirked. ¡°But if there¡¯s a chance to rise further, I¡¯ll take it.¡± ¡°With Commander Vc right next to you, is that what you¡¯re saying?¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± Sebu raised his voice towards Jane. Amidst the gathering gazes, Sebu took a deep breath and lowered his voice. ¡°Well, Commander Vc is confirmed as Dante¡¯s master anyway.¡± Sebu said. ¡°There¡¯s no way I won¡¯t be themander.¡± From Noble mtl dot Sebu spoke with a dreamy expression. ¡°What if Con decides to scout Sebu-senior?¡± In reality, such things happened quite often. Borrowing members of the lower organization for missions, and if they performed well, bringing them in as their own. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sebu couldn¡¯t easily respond. ¡°That¡¯s disloyal.¡± Jane said. ¡°What? Hey, I just thought about it for a moment. I have no intention of betraying Sein.¡± ¡°Why? We¡¯re not even on that kind of terms.¡± ¡°I have two people I admire, one of them being Captain Vc.¡± ¡°Just because they¡¯re by your side¡­¡± Jane closed her mouth at Sebu¡¯s gaze. ¡°The other is Master Rohan,¡± Sebu said. ¡°As long as they support you, I will too.¡± Sigh. Jane chuckled at the sight. ¡°You find it funny? Laughing?¡± Sebu seemed to brighten up at Jane¡¯s reaction, then spoke in a subdued voice. ¡°I used to be a errand boy in Dante.¡± Sebu was recounting his past. ¡°Even if I wanted to wield a sword, no one would give a guy like me a chance.¡± It wasmon. An organization like Dante wouldn¡¯t just hire anyone as a newbie. They either picked those recognized in lower ranks or gave opportunities to those who joined at a very young age. ¡°Rohan was the one who handed me a sword back then.¡± Rohan. ¡°Since Rohan trusted Captain Vc, I trust him too.¡± And. ¡°Since Rohan supports you, I support you too. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡± The ¡°above¡± Sebu mentioned extended to the ck de¡¯s leader. He asked for nothing more. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best on this mission to ensure it doesn¡¯t be anyone¡¯s burden but Rohan¡¯s.¡± Jane and Vc nodded at Sebu¡¯s words. ¡°It might be risky as it¡¯s a mission from the main house.¡± Vc, who had been listening quietly, interjected. ¡°So, what¡¯s the n? With Captain Vc by my side.¡± Grin. Sebu smiled. ¡°I have this guy, don¡¯t I?¡± Jane, who was initially wary of Sebu, now genuinely acknowledged him. ¡°But, senior.¡± Jane spoke up. ¡°It might be better to stop talking.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°That¡­¡± With a serious expression, Jane addressed Sebu. ¡°It¡¯s a death g.¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. By the way, it seems like we¡¯re almost there.¡± In front of them, Can¡¯s carriage, which was leading the way, came to a stop. Even if it wasn¡¯t there, Jane and Vc could already feel it. Far in the distance, a dark and ominous aura emanating from the mountain range. -This mission is. Can¡¯s words echoed. -Subjugating humans. Surprisingly, there was a vige-like existence in the mountain range. Camouged with dead trees, it seemed to have a kind of barrier set up using natural magic. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± But they must not forget. ¡°I will tell you about the mission.¡± In an era of encroaching darkness, ordinary people couldn¡¯t survive outside the city. Living outside the city meant either risking bing a monster, being unable to live as a fugitive and having to hide, or perhaps something else. ¡°Destroy everything in sight.¡± Was there something big being concealed? Can said. ¡°Every visible human¡­.¡± Can and his subordinates moved quietly. Vc moved in sync with him. ¡°Eliminate them.¡± The mission was simple. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Tension filled the air. Especially the ck Sword descendants of Dante were more on edge. ¡®What could it possibly be for?¡¯ With the head of the family, Can, moving and summoning the ck Swords of Dante. The question arose, but they couldn¡¯t ask. ¡°Is it an ambush?¡± But because it was a mission, they needed to know. At Vc¡¯s question, Can and his subordinates nced at Vc briefly before speaking. ¡°No.¡± Without hesitation. Can took a step forward. ¡°We don¡¯t do ambushes.¡± His subordinates followed suit. Their steps were resolute, devoid of any hesitation. As they neared the shabby vige. Pooo! The horn signal announcing intrusion began to echo and spread from the vige. ¡°Mission start.¡± Cn¡¯s words were the signal. Tatatang! The first to rush in were his subordinates. They ran towards the imposing gates without hesitation, drawing their swords without a second thought. Goooo. The moment when swirling magic engulfed their swords. Kwakwakwang! The pouring aura shattered the gates. Amidst the dense smoke from the broken gates. Pash! Finally, Cn and his subordinates could enter the vige. ¡°Intruders!¡± ¡°Enemies!¡± The startled vigers screamed in terror as sharp sword tips pierced their bodies. Chyaaa! In an instant, those torn apart could no longer scream loudly. ¡°Aaaah!¡± Their identities did not matter. What mattered was that their opponent was Demoros. And Cn. Chyaaa! A massacre without mercy unfolded. In that brutal scene, Bk and Sebu could only stare in shock, unable to speak. ¡°¡­.¡± The vigers¡¯ reaction was strange. Although it was clear that enemies had attacked, all they could do was flee. ¡°This¡­ they¡¯re not enemies, are they?¡± Beings that could not be considered enemies. A sense of difort arose when witnessing a massacre against civilians. ¡°Will they keep this up?¡± Jane drew her sword. Chyaaa! She swiftly cut down a fleeing viger. Sebu and Bk grimaced at the sight. ¡°That was hard to watch.¡± Finally, the two of them began to move as well. This was a mission. A mission unfolding before Con Demorus. Their every action now represented Dante. Chyaaa! Whether weak or rebellious, it didn¡¯t matter. This was something that had to be done. Because they were people of the Dark Guild. Yet, they were fortunate. Twist. They were not just ordinary individuals. When nearly half of the vige residents had perished, some of the deceased vigers began to convulse. ¡°Kieee!¡± They were undead. * * * The once in vigers began to rise again. ¡°¡­!¡± Undead. Those who rose from death began to retaliate against Con and his group. Initially treated as mere fodder, they were like zombies. But soon. Grrrr! The corpses of the deceased vigers gathered and merged into a monstrous abomination. Only then did the face of the Dark Sword brighten. ¡°This is it.¡± ughtering the powerless vigers filled them with guilt. But if they were monsters. Kwaang! They could face them without hesitation. Although they were resurrected as undead, they could not be opponents of Demorus. Jane, who felled the zombie knight, gazed at Con amidst the chaos. ¡°¡­.¡± Con stood there doing nothing, wanting to see him fight, but the enemies here were not even worth Con¡¯s effort. shing, stabbing. ¡°Sa, save¡­.¡± Rain killed them. Swoosh. Killed them again. It took barely 30 minutes for all the hundreds of vige residents to be torn apart. ¡°Phew.¡± It seemed like it was all over, but once again, Kon began to move. ¡°What on earth is this ce¡­?¡± Sebu, who thought he hadpleted his mission, muttered to himself. This ce was an experience Sebu had never had while carrying out missions in Dant¨¦. ¡°I found it.¡± One of Kon¡¯s subordinates approached and spoke. It was a subordinate who had briefly disappeared while dealing with the vigers. ¡°Well done.¡± Kon, whomanded the subordinate, moved with him. The ck Sword did the same. And when they arrived there. ¡°¡­.¡± Broken walls and floors, twisted barriers were visible. The mountain vige was nothing but a disguise. The real deal was right here. ¡°¡­A dungeon?¡± A dungeon. A space where dark wizards used to hide, build their power, and conduct research. And the dungeon was filled with wealth and treasures collected by such individuals. Fazit. As Kon waved his hand, the entrance of the dungeon spewed lightning. Fazijit! Yet Kon, despite the lightning, continued to push his hand in. ¡®This guy is insane.¡¯ Jane, watching him, thought. That was madness. Forcing open the barrier that blocked the dungeon entrance was no different from breaking down the entire dungeon at once. Fazijijijit! The surge of magic that followed would overwhelm even those called superhumans. Kon had no choice but to try to open the barrier with sheer force. Kwazijik! The sound changed. The bright lightning suddenly turned into a deep red light. Kwaaaaah! The entrance of the dungeon burst open. Kon Demorus had pulled off that insane feat. ¡®How much magical power does he possess?¡¯ Kon, who didn¡¯t give off the impression of being particrly strong at first nce. Until now, he hadn¡¯t properly demonstrated his skills, making it difficult to evaluate him. However, this time, it was a different story. With that move, Kon proved her skill. ¡°A monster.¡± That thing was also considered a monster. ¡°Entering.¡± * * * The dungeon was an unfamiliar ce even for the members of the ck Sword. In the past, dungeons might have been ces where people roamed around aimlessly, but in this day and age, dark wizards were no longer beings who had to hide to survive. The numerous dungeons were either abandoned or difficult to conquer anymore. From Noble mtl dot ¡°¡­.¡± Curiosity about the mission filled their minds, but no one asked. Then. ¡°Kieee!¡± Undead creatures filled the dungeon, revealing themselves and beginning to attack. ¡°How bothersome.¡± It was the moment when Kon, who had only watched from outside, spoke in azy voice. Thud! The charging undead horde exploded in an instant, turning into chunks of flesh that sttered against the walls. ¡°¡­.!¡± Everyone, except Kon¡¯s subordinates, could do nothing but be astonished. ¡°What did she just do?¡± ¡°Just now¡­.¡± A strike that they couldn¡¯t even properly see with their own eyes. ¡°¡­.¡± Only Jane truly felt something. ¡°Jerzoa.¡± When Kon called out to one of her subordinates, he quickly advanced, tilting his head. Thud! A small explosion began. Thud! Thud! Thud! It escted into a loud one. They could sense what he was doing. He was literally breaking through the traps set by the dungeon¡¯s owner to defend against intruders. ¡°His name was Varvoss, right?¡± Kon¡¯s ndestine organization, Varvoss. Jerzoa had heard that he was one of those affiliated with it. Thud! After the final explosion, no more sounds could be heard. ¡°Whew, impressive.¡± Sebu eximed sincerely. Although there had been times when they coborated with the main family¡¯s power, they had never encountered a mission as challenging as this one. The true abilities of the main family that they witnessed for the first time were truly extraordinary. Dante¡¯s ck Sword was said to be formidable, but their skills were beyond imagination. ¡°But¡­¡± Thus, questions arose. ¡°Why did you bring us here?¡± With such skills, there was no need to seek support from Dante. ¡°Have you figured it out now?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Because we have a use for you, that¡¯s why we brought you here.¡± Sebu was slightly taken aback by Jane¡¯s unusual tone. ¡°Well, I suppose?¡± ¡°So, let¡¯s stop talking and focus on the mission quietly.¡± Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, Sebu stood dazed by the difort. ¡°I will guide you.¡± Havingpleted the mission, Jerzoa approached Con, bowing his head. And they began moving once again. Atst, they reached their destination. Woosh! There stood a massive altar exuding an overpowering magical aura, making it hard to even breathe. mes flickered, offerings wereid out, and intricate magic circles emitted a powerful energy forming a strict barrier. ¡°Hmm.¡± The strength of the barrier was iparably powerful, far surpassing that of dungeon defenses. Once again, Con reached out his hand as before. Boom! The bursting sh was so intense that it momentarily blinded everyone. ¡°My lord!¡± Con¡¯s subordinates, startled, approached him. Although it merely shed with the barrier for a moment. ng. Con¡¯s hand that touched the barrier felt a numbing sensation. Even after hastily applying a potion, the non-healing wounds felt like magical scars. ¡°This seems challenging.¡± It seemed impossible for Con to open the barrier using his usual methods. And it was clear that the true purpose of the missiony beyond that barrier. They couldn¡¯t afford to give up here. ¡°Hmm.¡± It seemed like Cn was contemting a solution, and finally, as if he had found an answer, he spoke. ¡°ckde, will you lend a hand?¡± A rather polite attitude. ¡°I wish you could throw yourself into this barrier.¡± However, his following words were truly despairing. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!