Author: Xerenity

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123. The Earth and Demonic Realm Are Both Busy

In a flash, the mood in the living room became cold.

We had expected convincing her to be a difficult task.

However, we had no idea that she would be this opposed to the idea.

As an Awakened and as a person, we all knew that this was a situation that could only be overcome with the sacrifices.

It was expected that if that sacrifice was to be their lover, the person in question might go into denial.

How could anyone label such a natural reaction as selfish and blame them for it.

If I was in So-Hyeon’s place, I would have been far angrier, not less.

As if he was hit on the head with a hammer, Jong Ho blankly stared at So-Hyeon.

His expression was one that I’d lightheartedly poke fun of if the situation was like the usual.

However, that expression didn’t feel too far from the one I might be making soon myself.

The thought that came to my mind was that I might have an expression just like that, or worse.

I felt once more just how dire the situation was, and how difficult convincing others of our decision would be.

If mother heard of this?

The situation would be the equivalent of a mother sending her two sons into the battlefields of war.

Regaining his composure, Jong Ho spoke.

“Hm….. It’s a reaction I expected at least to some degree.”

“Of course. In the entire world, who would agree so easily if they were in my shoes?”

“Yes. If you said that you were going to the demonic realm, I would have done the same. No. I would have been far more opposed to it.”

“……”

“However, you already know that somebody has to do it.”

“I’m an Awakened too. I know. I know better than anyone else, but…… This isn’t easy to accept even though I know in my head that it’s necessary. I thought that I had control over my own body and mind, but turns out that isn’t the case. Seems I’m making a fool of myself today. Funny.”

“…….”

“It’s true that I’m wondering why it has to be you that must go there. But the bigger reason is that…… why am I not able to go there. The real reason is that I’m unable to answer why I’m unable to help you. This might be just me throwing a tantrum despite knowing that it’s impossible.”

“I know how you feel.”

Jong Ho looked at me as he said that.

After all, in the past, Jong Ho could only look at me as a bystander while I carried all the burdens myself.

He must have felt guilt that could not be suppressed multiple times, not being strong enough to help the brother that he cared about.

That was probably the reason why he knew how exactly So-Hyeon felt.

So-Hyeon didn’t speak.

She just listened to Jong Ho in silence.

“That’s precisely why you should send me off while pretending it’s ok. It’s for the person who is leaving. It’s also in consideration for the person who’s staying behind. That’s the best thing to do in a situation where we don’t have any other choice.”

“……”

“I did the same thing too. Thankfully, the results were always ok. It’ll be the same this time as well. Believe it.”

“…….”

“So-Hyeon. I understand how you feel. However, this situation will decide humanity’s survival. I know that it’s not a easy decision to make, but there isn’t any other way….. If there is anyone to blame, please direct your anger towards my incompetence.”

The conversation to convince her went on for a long time.

She had a resolved look as if she had finished gathering her thoughts.

Seeing her expression, Jong Ho thought that she had changed her mind and went to hold her in his arms.

Up to that point, this would have not only seemed natural, but a beautiful gesture to everyone else.

However, the scene of love and soul turned into love and war in a split moment.

“Move your hand.”

“Hm?”

“I will kill you if you don’t.”

“Ok…..”

“I still haven’t agreed to this completely. Also I’m a government worker. I’m ready to fight anyone with my life on the line. I’m angry enough to beat the shit of the demon king himself. So leave me alone.”

“……”

So-Hyeon gave an embarrassed smile.

The rest of us had a hard time containing our laughter at the sudden change in atmosphere.

We were all looking at the floor and doing our best to hide it.

If anyone else saw how her emotions were leaking out, plain as day on her face, they would burst out laughing.

It was then that mother came out of the kitchen.

“Guess you were all talking about work?”

“Haha. Yes. Work and love. Love and work.”

“Pfft! That’s quite the burn!”

“Hoho. Dinner is ready. You’re all famished, right?”

“No worries. Then….”

“Yes, please come and get seated before the soup grows cold.”

****

“Karin…….”

“Yes! Magnificent sir Berdan.”

Unlike usual, Karin was shaking in fear.

Right now, he could feel the killing intent that Berdan was letting out.

He could only think about how his body was going to be torn apart, each fearful speculation leading to his death.

He was nearly at the verge of fainting or losing his mind.

Berdan was shattering the armrest of his seat.

“Is there no way to get the Gate connected quicker…..”

“Yes, sir Berdan. That is impossible….”

“Kuhuu…..”

“It might be possible if you use your Authority. Currently all the magical energy of this territory is being funneled to form the Gate. That’s why……”

“I will ask you again. I won’t be asking anymore after that. Is there no way to hasten the formation of the Gate?!”

“Keruu! Maybe a couple more days at best, but if you wish for it, it’s not impossible!”

“Half a month. Get it done in 15 days.”

“Kell! Sir Berdan. That’s not…!”

Berdan shot something out that flew right over Karin’s head.

The force of the impact caused debris to fly around the room.

Purple blood ran down Karin’s wrinkly bald head.

“AHH! I shall get it in the next 15 days! Kemuruk…”

“Exactly 15 days from now. Karin, it will be in your best interest to not disappoint me.”

“Yes sir! I understand.”

“Begone.”

Karin ran as fast as he could.

Just like how a penguin acts after seeing the treats the trainer brought, he waddled his chubby body out of the castle in an attempt to survive.

Karin headed for the far end of the Keruoh territory where the Gate was being formed.

The Gate was a similar size to the portals that formed on Earth.

Since it wasn’t completely formed yet, the portal looked transparent.

Monsters of great sizes were lines up in front of it.

At the end of that line, in front of the gate, stood a Butcherer, 2m in size.

The arm of the Butcherer was a weapon in itself.

The arm didn’t have a spec of flesh on it, and instead had a bone like hard pair of scissor-like appendages.

Its appearance resembled that of a monster that appeared in Incheon when I was fighting against Dark Lady, which had dealt massive damage to the surrounding areas by self destructing.

Its body had tears all over it and was rotting away, and it seemed that its body was bloated up to the point of exploding at any given moment.

Karin rand towards them madly.

Even as he ran, the Butcherer continued to butcher away.

The heads of the monsters that lined up were cleanly being severed by the Butcherer.

Next to Karin were other goblins without intelligence, diligently carrying the corpses away.

The reason why the Butcherer was butchering away next to the Gate was to gather magical energy needed to power the Gate.

One might ask why the monsters aren’t just hurling their bodies against the gate.

They might wonder, why go through all the trouble of gathering the magical energy in the Butcherer.

It’s to be expected.

As explained before, monsters have their rank chosen from birth.

Depending on the rank, they are born with innate Authority or abilities.

But that’s not the end of it.

The ranking of the monster also determines how much maximum magical energy they can hold.

Any extra magical energy going over the amount the monster can handle won’t be absorbed.

One thing that was interesting was that humans did not have a limit on how much magical energy they could absorb.

By killing the monsters, they could absorb magical energy without limit.

However, they did not know how to use that magical energy freely.

Karin had to pour in magical energy far more condensed than what was currently being poured in.

That was the only way that he could hasten the Gate’s connection.

It would be the only way that he could continue to survive.

It didn’t take long for him to arrive in front of the Butcherer.

Around that time, a Butcherer that had obtained the maximum mana it could absorb jumped into the Gate, disappearing into smoke.

“Kerut! You filthy lower class monsters! We need a bigger bowl!”

“KUWUH!”

“KWUH!”

“Tsk tsk. Stop what you’re doing right now and get me some Sand Hounds! Right now!”

“Kururu.”

“There’s no time to waste. It’ll be the death of me at this rate. Keruk.”

****

“Whew! Thank you for the meal.”

“I wonder if I’ve lived this long to taste such a wonderful meal, hoho.”

“Ah, I’m most glad. How was…. I’m not sure if it was to young So-Hyeon’s tastes…..”

“Mother, I think I’ll need another bowl.”

“Hohoho. Even your speech is so pretty. Hand the bowl over to me.”

“Yes!”

While my mother went to the kitchen with the bowl, I quietly spoke to those gathered at the table.

“I really don’t want to ruin this atmosphere…… but I think I won’t be able to tell her if I don’t go for it right now.”

“It’s better to get the hard stuff done first and out of the way.”

Jong Ho agreed with what I said.

Perhaps because So-Hyeon had comes to term with the news already, she also nodded with a softer expression.

Unlike them, the members of the association had cloudy expressions.

This situation was the equivalent of handing over a task to that they could not do on to me.

It must be tough for them to bring it up.

Mother came back with a bowl of rice.

“Here you go. Please let me know if you want more if you finish eating.”

“Yes! Thank you, mother!”

“My my. How sweet you are….”

It was then.

The commander spoke up.

“Um…. Madam……”

“Do what you must.”

“…….”

“…….”

“These two sons are my only family. How could a parent not know of the worries their children carries? On top of that, they’re too simple natured to hide their expressions properly.”

“Mom…..”

“Mother…..”

“You two idiots. How long are you going to make me wait before you speak up!”

Mother lightly gave us knuckle sandwiches on the top of our heads.

As if my brain had been frozen, my mind went blank.

It wasn’t because of the impact of mother striking down my head.

It was because I was shocked at her reaction to the news.

Mother continued.

“The son that I gave birth to, as well as the son I never had, both are my babies, so how could I not be worried? However…. My boys have never disappointed me once all this time. They always made the right choice and followed the right path.”

“…..”

“If it’s something that they hid and weren’t able to bring it up…. They must’ve have been struggling a long time to find their answers. That’s enough for me. I have faith that my boys have found the right answer. I am sure of it….”

“Thank you, madam……. I am ashamed that I can only show you not of our heroics, but embarrassing moments.”

“Not at all.”

“It must have been a hard decision, and I thank you for it.”

“Mom….”

“Take care of yourself. Jong Ho, be careful at least for the sake of your fiancee. Don’t forget to eat, and if…. if you can contact me, do as much as you can…..”

“……”

“……”

Pretending as if she was okay, she continued to cut an apple for us.

Our hearts were filled with strong emotions, but we all did our best to suppress it.

And like that, dinner ended.

---

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122. Demon King. Jamon.

There was an explainable killing intent behind every step Jamon took.

A single step was all it took for Berdan’s servants to scatter.

Every one of them lowered their heads as does a pup before a tiger.

Even simple lifeforms without higher intelligence could instinctively recognize that they would perish from just getting near him.

The crowd in his path scattered as if the Red Sea was parting, opening up a path.

Jamon had arrived in front of the castle.

Despite him not moving an inch, the giant doors of the castle opened up.

The interior that did not have a single speck of light now lit up as if countless candles had been lit.

The situation was the same for the monsters inside the castle as of those outside.

They felt great fear and made themselves scarce as possible the moment they recognized who he was.

The castle was built only for the sake of Berdan’s use.

Just as Berdan had appeared before in Min-Cheol’s dreams, his height easily surpassed 20m.

After all, what I had thought to have been a cliff that I saw in my dreams was actually his sword.

On top of that, his body was more ripped than a overly buff body builder.

A horn grew out on each side of his head, and only stumps of what might have been wings once were left on his back as if they had been cut off.

In the tunnel that led to the room where Berdan’s seat was, many massive swords he had collected were embedded into the walls, forming walls of their own.

These swords did not grant him any stats, even if he held onto them.

They were the spoils from butchering many strong monsters up till now.

These items could be considered equivalent to trophies of a hunter, or a museum of one’s accomplishments.

The sheer number of them proclaimed just how many fights he had been to rise to his current status.

Compared to Berdan, the demon king was far smaller in size.

Unlike the other monsters, Jamon wasn’t huge nor did he look fierce like them.

He looked just like a human, a doll like monster.

He was a little bit taller than the average adult male of Korea, which was 180cm.

His skin was smooth like flawless pottery and without a single blemish.

His eyes were cold without any emotion behind them.

His body gave off a dark red glow similar to heated iron, and the heat from his body seemed to scorch the air around him.

As the demon king Jamon got closer, Berdan stood up from his throne and kneeled before him.

His subordinates couldn’t help but find this sight to be strange beyond belief.

To think that Berdan would be kneeling before someone.

However, no matter how high ranking Berdan was, this was not someone he could defy so easily.

Above the counts, marquees, and dukes was the king.

And the king of this place was the demon king Jamon.

Berdan, after lowering his head, spoke.

“Demon king Jamon, what brings you to honor me with your presence?”

“Berdan……”

“…….”

“Just what are you planning……”

The demon king began to interrogate Berdan.

Hiding how he felt being humiliated, he returned the question.

“You said that I’m planning something. I have no idea you…..”

“It has been 40 over years since I have suggested the peace treaty. Even you know, right?”

“……”

“Zekill of the Purian race. Ladin of Dabehneh is biding his time, waiting for a chance to absorb more magical energy. Perhaps they’re aiming for my position? Or perhaps to increase the territory of the demons as I have willed? The reason does not matter….. They are making a move!”

Berdan silently swallowed his own spit.

He already knew what the demon king was going to say next.

Jamon continued.

“However….. You have been guarding this place for over 40 years…. Not making attempts at anything, right at this spot.”

“That’s…..”

“On top of that, I haven’t been able to sense Zekill’s magical energy recently. I have already been informed that he had traveled to a different dimension. Apparently he had left the moment the peace treaty was put into effect, following his own ambitions. However, even if he’s in a different dimension, he isn’t able to hide his magical energy completely. That would mean that Zekill has perished…..”

“…..”

“Zekill’s death…. Your complacency…. What part do you have in this!”

“I’d like to object. How could I, who had been staying only in the demonic realm, have left to another dimension to kill Zekill?”

“Do you think that I’m unaware of your Authority….”

“As I have been saying, I have nothing to do with the death of Zekill.”

“Hm…. Is that so? I’ll pretend that I have been fooled by your lies.”

“…….”

“Listen well, Berdan of the Keruoh race ¹. All of your territory, servants, and monsters will be confiscated and be placed under Ladin.”

“But…..”

“For someone who hadn’t done anything in the last 40 years, this magical energy is wasted on the likes of you. You do not deserve such power!”

“……. I shall follow your will as you say……”

Berdan was grinding his teeth.

His plans were going awry after all.

Due to the arrival of the demon king, not only was he unable to absorb the magical energy from his subordinates as he had planned, but had now lost them all at the demon king’s decree.

Since he could not oppose him with his current strength, the only thing he could do was calm his rage and listen to his words.

“Your complacency comes from a lack of urgency. Witness and understand how it feels for those under you climb their way up and take over your position. Move and think. And regret without end the mistakes of your past. This is the punishment I give you, as well as the last bit of mercy I shall grant you.”

“I surrender to your words, oh great demon king……”

“There will be no more warnings from now on. Berdan….. Remember well that the peace treaty was not made for your convenience…….”

Finishing his speech, the demon king immediately turned around and left the castle.

Lifting up his head, Berdan looked at the demon king’s form until he disappeared out of view.

He stared while holding down his rage with great effort.

There was no blood spilled or lives lost, but this was basically war.

After all, it was the demon king last command to Berdan.

Berdan’s mind became clouded at the demon king’s sudden appearance.

Until now, everything was going according to plan without a hitch.

Soon, the Gate that would connect to Earth would open, and the human with the high amount of magical energy would step through.

If he killed the human and obtained the magical energy for himself, the Purian race that was once under Zekill would naturally come under his command.

Then if he obtained all the magical energies of all the races save for the Lubeta race that the demon king was from, it wouldn’t be difficult at all to take the throne of the demon king.

Berdan urgently searched for Karin.

“Karin…. Bring Karin to me! Now!”

“Y…Yes, sir Berdan!”

At his rage, all the monsters within the castle shivered in fear.

Even during the endless war between the monsters, they had never seen such anger from him.

After all, he had thought of the butchering as just a game and genuinely enjoyed it.

It didn’t take long for Karin to urgently run towards him.

“Kelkeru! You summoned for me, sir Berdan!”

“……..”

****

The commander, Ho Jin, Ho Yeong, and even Choi So-Hyeon was present.

These powerhouses with both strength and political power were all gathered in my living room.

The 20 workers around the house and their family members were looking at the commander, a hero of the country, and Choi So-Hyeon, who was easily far more popular than any idol, with looks of admiration.

“Mom! It’s the grandpa and old lady from the TV! Right?”

“Oh my. My child, hush!”

“Ahahaha! That’s right, little lady. Do you think I look more handsome in person than the TV? Or do you think I look uglier instead?”

“You look far younger than what the TV shows. You’re not that much of a grandpa. Just a little bit.”

“Ohohoho! I’m glad that’s the case.”

“I’m so sorry. My child isn’t well mannered….”

“No, not at all. I’m so happy cause of the compliment that I cannot hide my smile.”

So-Hyeon, who was standing next to Jong Ho, asked him in a whisper.

“It’s unlikely but is he referring me as the old lady on the TV?”

Jong Ho couldn’t help but smile before answering.

“Other than the ones working right now, the only females in this living room are mother and you….. I’m not sure?”

“Can I use magic in here?”

“Hey hey. Even as a joke, don’t go saying stuff like that. It’s scary.”

“I’m just joking. Though, I think it’s still a bit too early for me to get called an old lady….”

Looking at this scene unfold before me in silence, I spoke up.

“Mom! Look at Jong Ho-hyung already trying to sweet talk her! It’s too much.”

“Hohoho. You said that you’re Ms. So-Hyeon? Nice to meet you.”

“Yes. Happy to meet you. I am Choi So-Hyeon.”

“Same here. I am Jong Ho’s mother. My, how pretty you are. When will you be marrying Jong Ho….”

“Mother! We haven’t been dating that long, so a marriage is out of the question…. Or is it?”

“Hey, can you stop this hyung of mine.”

“Hohoho, Jong Ho. They say that one should delay marriage and death as long as possible….”

“Hyung-nim, I could tell your wife you said that.”

“Haha. Sorry, sorry. You’re quick on the uptake, haha.”

“Hoho. Dinner will be ready soon. Please wait a little longer.”

“Yes.”

“Understood, madame.”

“Haha, thank you.”

The atmosphere couldn’t be any warmer.

That was to be expected.

If those gathered here did not unite under one banner against the crisis Korea faced before, this nation wouldn’t have been able to overcome it.

It was obvious that friendships and unity forged under overcoming hard times together were stronger than anything.

Just like that, a bit of time had pass, and I gave a look towards the commander and Ho Jin.

It was because I needed help convincing my mother to let me go to the demonic realm.

That was why I requested help from these two.

Jong Ho’s situation wasn’t that different from mine.

He wasn’t able to tell mother and So-Hyeon about his plan to go as well yet.

An awkward silence came about.

The one to break that silence was So-Hyeon.

“Hm…. It’s a bit disappointing if it’s like this.”

“Hm?”

“What are you boys hiding?”

“Hiding?”

“It’s obvious so tell us already. If I find out the truth after this moment, I don’t what I’ll do, but you won’t like it.”

“……..”

“Commander?”

“……..”

“Department head Kim Ho Jin?”

“…….”

“Mr. Min-Cheol? No, should I be calling you young master?”

“Well…….”

“Go ahead and tell me. I’m not an unreasonable person. Right, Mr. Jong Ho?”

“Huh….? Uh…. No. Ah. No. Right. Unreasonable. No. Reasonable.”

“Do you have a death wish…..?”

“Well. You probably have received word from the association. There was a public announcement that in a hundred days, a Gate that would connect us to the demonic realm would open.”

“Yes, I have seen it.”

“There are roughly 30 days left already.”

“Yes, there should about that much left. What about it?”

“…….”

Jong Ho, noticing that I was having difficulty telling her what the plan was, stepped in to take over for me.

“Hm….. This is just a plan we have in place for now. Don’t take it too hard and just listen, okay?”

“Yep. I got it.”

“Going through the gate.”

“Who?”

“Me and Min-Cheol.”

“Again?”

“That’s all.”

“You’re saying that the two of you are going to the demonic realm? From what I read on that announcement, the monsters over there are incomparably stronger than those on Earth though?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“You seem pretty okay with this?”

“Huh? Hm…. The two of us should be able to take care of this without much difficulty. Don’t worry about it too mu-”

“Alright, go ahead.”

“Huh?”

“Hm?”

“Are you being serious right now?”

“Yep.”

“I’m thankful for how understanding you are. I thought that you wouldn’t let me go so eas-”

“Over my dead body.”

“Huh?”

“Guess it’s the start of a hellish party.”

---

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121. Dangerous Dinner

Jong Ho went to the level 38 dungeon, while I headed for the level 39 dungeon to hunt.

Roughly 10 days after the first clear, Jong Ho was able to clear the golem dungeon by himself.

The 2 skills beyond ranking he learned acted like a pair of wings for him.

His clear speed wasn’t that fast yet, but he was stacking stats at a rate that wasn’t possible anywhere else.

After all, he was able to obtain over 300 points worth of stats in a single day’s hunting.

On top of that, the amount of experience he obtained from the golems wasn’t anything small.

I spoke as we ended the hunting for the day and walked through the Warp back home.

“Hyung-nim. Should we just rest for a day tomorrow?”

“Hm… Should we do so? I guess we didn’t get to rest at all for over a month now. And tomorrow is Sunday to boot.”

“Yes. At this rate, I think I’m gonna die before we even get through the gate that leads to the demonic realm. Sleep, hunt, sleep, hunt. It’s not like we’re machines.”

“Now that I think about it, there are exactly 30 days left starting tomorrow. The date when the portal will open according to what the goblin Karin said…..”

“Yes. Time sure flies. But why are you saying that the moment I talk about resting! Making me feel all guilty.”

“I think I’m still lacking by far……. Do you think I’ll be able to do this properly?”

“Of course, hyung-nim. You already learned all the shields the warrior class could learn, and you have a massive amount of stats that you’re stacking.”

“I can’t help but have doubts that I’m still lacking….. I even wonder if I’m being a burden to you.”

“If that was the case, I wouldn’t have asked you to come with me in the first place. Don’t worry.”

“You’re right. I’ll do my best in the remaining time as well. What are you going to do tomorrow on your break?”

“Dunno. I’ll sleep till lunch. Eat. Watch some TV till…. Huh? What do I even do?”

“Your life is really boring.”

“What about you then, hyung? Do you have something to do?”

“Me….. Love.”

“I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear that.”

“I have to meet with Ms. So-Hyeon!”

“I can make it so that you won’t be able to walk all day tomorrow. Then I’ll use Status Denial to treat you exactly 24 hours after! So that you can hunt right away, that is.”

“……”

Jong Ho was keeping good relations with So-Hyeon, who he had met while he was trying to defend against the portal in Changwon.

Their ages were similar and so was their jobs, I guess? As they were both Awakened, they had a lot in common.

I wanted to kill him out of envy right now, but oh well. At least one of us should find love.

Some time ago, he came home heavily drunk, making a ruckus that I didn’t mind too much.

He said that he had found a family and someone he loves because he had met me.

I put up with his drunken slur and a smile full of happiness for awhile.

At the end though, he met a tragic end of being punched in the gut to be forcefully put to sleep by me.

“You’re under house arrest. You already met with her every day after hunting. Why are you making such a huge deal as if you haven’t met her in a long while?”

“My younger bro. Love is like that.”

“Let’s just go back to hunting. There’s no time to rest. We have to go to the demonic realm. We don’t have any time to spare on relaxing.”

“Hey! You’re saying two completely different things!”

“I’m joking. Go rest. Whether it’s dating or staying shut in at home, let’s do something else other than hunting for once.”

“If you don’t have anything to do tomorrow, do you want to meet Ms. So-Hyeon with me?”

“……. Why! Is it because that I don’t have a girlfriend myself that you assume I can’t take a hint? You really don’t know how to soften your words.”

“Oh. You can at least notice that? Pfft. I’m joking. Remember when you first met her?”

“Yeah.”

“She was incredibly guarded against you and jealous at the time, so she wasn’t able to properly greet you. She said that she didn’t want to be hated by you, my sibling of all people. You haven’t seen her since, right?”

“Sweet. Way too sweet. I do admit that the look she gave me back then was cold as ice. Why not just bring her over to our house? You could introduce her to mother.”

“To her? Hm…. Don’t you think it’s a little too early for that?”

“Who said that you had to marry her right away? It’s good to get to know each other. While we’re at it, let’s invite the commander and Mr. Ho Jin as well. All of us know each other at least to some degree. If it’s okay, we can even invite Mr. Ho Yeong as well.”

“…….”

“Hey! You two lovebirds can go right away after you eat! Who said that I’m gonna hold you two hostage at the house?”

“Okay, okay. I’ll ask her first and let you know.”

“Ahh! Even after seeing your choice of clothing, how did she still think of dating you? Is she a saint of some kind?”

“I told you that the only one who bashes on my style is you though?”

“The opposite of love is apathy. The people around you ignored you as if you were thin air this entire time.”

“Whew….. Why are you talking back to your elders! Talking back!”

“Pfft. Hurry up and contact her already.”

“All right.”

****

We all planned to eat dinner together.

To us, it was a going to be a simple gathering for dinner.

However, to anyone else who knew us…

In a single house, the commander of the Association, the public world’s top dungeon clear record holder, and the private world’s top dungeon clear record holder were gathered for dinner.

They would see it as a gathering of the world’s strongest human weapons.

I made a joke to Jong Ho.

“I guess we can’t bring out alcohol at this dinner.”

“Why? The atmosphere won’t be good until at least everyone had a glass.”

“But what if we get into a fight during it. I think even the demons will be shaking in fear at the thought of that? We’re not exactly your average person. Thinking about it now, this is going to become quite the dangerous dinner if I invite everyone.”

“Haha! You know well something like that would never happen.”

“Hyung-nim. If you ever get married later, don’t get into an argument with your wife. That’s the day the world ends.”

“Hey. You think we’ll get into a physical fight?”

“Pfft. I wouldn’t know. But…..”

“Hm?”

“Did you let her know that you’ll be leaving for the demonic realm?”

“……..”

Jong Ho’s expression quickly darkened.

It seemed that he wasn’t able to reply at all.

However, it was the same for me.

I wasn’t able to tell my mother yet about it.

When I first told her that I’ll be working as an Awakened, she was the one to ask me what kind of a parent would send their children into a tiger’s den.

I was able to obtain her permission with great difficulty and now we’re able to enjoy a luxurious life. However, entering the demonic realm wasn’t something I could lightly approach to her about like I did with the previous subject.

From the issues regarding the radical faction to the high level portals exploding only in Korea, everything was revealed to the world in detail via the press.

The moment the corrupt officials and their lackeys that covered the eyes of the people were removed, people regained the right know.

Mother probably knows already about how many lives were lost and how dangerous this venture would be.

That’s why it was obvious that she’d be against it far more than before.

Jong Ho finally spoke up.

“Your…. Your mother doesn’t know yet, right?”

“Yes. Obviously, she’s going to be against it and will pointlessly worry.”

“What should we do…..”

“But we can’t keep it a secret forever. Disappearing without a word is far more cruel than causing them worry. And we don’t know how many days it’ll take for us to take care of business.”

“Even so……”

“For now, I already spoke about it a little to the commander and Mr. Ho Jin. I asked them to keep silent about any detailed explanations regarding our planned venture into the demonic realm, but give enough of an explanation to not cause too much worrying.”

“Kind of like putting cold water on your body before entering chilling waters?”

“That’s right. At least for your girlfriend, you two have the same job and she knows to some degree about the current situation, so I don’t think it’ll be too difficult to convince her?”

“That’s why it’s a bigger problem.”

“……”

“I’m worried that she’ll say something like she’ll be coming with me. That’s what I’m really afraid of. She’s not the type of person to make such a rash decision, but still.”

“If that’s the case, the commander will take care of it. I heard that she used to follow the commander as if he was her father…….”

“Yep. He is someone that she looks up to the most. It’s the same case for other Awakened as well.”

“Even though we are taking a break today, I guess we’re not dedicating today solely on resting.”

“What do you mean?”

“We’re taking a break on hunting, but we’ll have to take care of another business.”

“Convincing them?”

“Yes. And we’ll have to do in a manner that’s as natural and not shocking as possible. Like how water flows naturally. Reinforcements are arriving from each of the Association headquarters to assist us, so let’s do our best.”

“I guess this could be the worst dinner ever, as well as our final meal. What an important day it is.”

“Let’s exclude the final meal part. There’s still a month left.”

“Hey. Don’t be like that…. You’re saying that it won’t be our final meal because we still have time? If we didn’t have time, it would mean that it would really be our final meal.”

“Pfft. Enough of that and just focus on putting on a convincing act.”

“Make sure you’re not the one messing up.”

“Okay.”

-knock knock knock

“Yes.”

“Young master, the guests have arrived.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“I shall escort them to the living room.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Here it comes.”

“Let’s go. To the most dangerous dinner on Earth.”

“Ah…..”

****

“KUWUHUCK!”

“………”

There were 30 days left before the gate would form.

While making sure that no one would notice, Berdan slowly increased his magical energy.

There weren’t that many ways to increase one’s strength in a world where magical energy was limited and one would have to make sure that they’re not discovered by the demon king.

The only thing he could do was to consume the monsters in his own territory in order to obtain magical energy.

Berdan butchered monsters that couldn’t even look up to meet his gaze one by one.

These lesser monsters that did not have any intelligence and only moved instinctively acted as if they had lost their survival instincts due to the absolute power standing before them.

At his call, the monsters willingly gave their own lives into his hands.

Right now, he was increasing his magical energy by the tiniest of amounts in his own territory.

Next, he was going to obtain highly concentrated magical energy from the humans.

If he obtained the magical energy from the leaderless Purian race and the remaining Dabehneh race, then proceeded to obtain all the magical energy of Earth via travel through dimensions, the demon king wouldn’t stand a chance against him.

It was at that moment when he was covered in purple blood by the continued butchering that it happened.

From far away, a Puppet Goblin similar to Karin was running towards him while out of breath.

Berdan acknowledged the existence of the goblins, but he did not give them much importance.

After arriving near him, the goblin spoke.

“Huff…. Huff….. Magnificent sir Berdan!”

“……”

“Huff…. D-Demon king! The demon king has arrived.”

“……”

“Demon king Jamon! The demon king has appeared here, in Keruoh!”

“Pfffffft!”

The moment he heard that, Berdan spat out the corpse of the monster from his massive mouth.

He made a face as if he had eaten something spoiled.

In his territory, where no one could enter without his permission, the demon king Jamon, who had the greatest magical energy in the demonic realm, was found trespassing.

To the demonic races of the demonic realm, it could only mean one thing if someone is found trespassing on their territory.

It was a declaration of war.

Berdan stared down at the Puppet Goblin as he spoke.

“You say it’s Jamon……”

“Yes….. Yes! Sir Berdan!”

“How many of them?”

“A-Alone!”

“We leave for the castle. We must show hospitality for the demon king who will be overthrown soon.”

With a sinister smile, Berdan began to walk towards his castle.

He now understood that what Jamon wanted wasn’t war.

---

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120. Faster Than Anyone Else, Different from Everyone Else -Commander-

The skill book beyond ranking dissipated as it was put on Jong Ho’s chest.

He nodded, then stared off into blank space for awhile.

It seemed that he was checking the skill’s information on his status window.

If my prediction was correct, Limiter Release should reduce the cooldown of skills.

I didn’t know by how much the reduction would be, but I was sure that I would soon see the answer in Jong Ho’s expression.

After staring at the status window that only was visible to him for a long time, his facial expression hardened.

Since I had spent a lot of time with him, I could narrow down the reasons why he was giving off that look.

1. Obtained a skill that was completely useless.
2. Obtained a skill that was cheat like.
3. He has nothing going on in his head. He’s just staring into space. Mountains are mountains, water is water, but he is wondering where fizzy drinks come from. The world is going to hell.

I could find the answer in his words.

With a expressionless look, he murmured.

“Huh….. That’s weird.”

“Pfft.”

“Min-Cheol. It’s weird.”

“Yes, it must be odd. Since you’re giving a lukewarm response with that kind of expression, the answer has a high chance of being number two.”

“Hm? Number 2?”

“Don’t worry about it. So how is it? The Limiter Release skill?”

“That’s….. Just like you said, the cooldown decreased.”

“I got it right. But by how much? 10%? 20%? Maybe even 30%?”

“No.”

“What. It doesn’t even reduce it by 10%? I’m kind of disappointed. Well, I guess it’s better than nothing….”

“That’s not it. It’s 50%.”

“Huh?”

“The reduction is 50%.”

“…..”

“Is it okay for a such cheat like skill to exist?”

“Are you serious, hyung? The Otherworldly Skin skill. You said that it had a cooldown of 15 minutes. Are you sure that it was reduced by half?”

“Yeah….. It’s 450 seconds. 7 minutes and 30 seconds. It was exactly cut in half.”

“Wow. That’s crazy. I thought that it would reduce by 30% at the most…. I guess we got a skill far more amazing than we thought.”

“I’m kind of shocked.”

“This is a perfect chance for you. You already know that I can only store offensive spells in that ring. That means that you had to take care of the defensive measures for yourself. Now that you have your cooldowns reduced, you won’t have a window where you won’t have any defensive skills up due to the long cooldowns. Just like me.”

“That’s true, but…..  That’s only possible if I have enough mana to do so. A warrior class like me lacks mana.”

“Hm…. That’s true. I guess I thought wrong.”

“……”

“Hyung-nim, the sword.”

“Yeah. What about the sword?”

“I realized that the owner of the sword that I gave you shouldn’t be you. Why did I think that you needed a weapon that raised your strength in the first place. You’re going to attack using the ring anyways.”

“……”

“Let’s raise your mana stat.”

“But my class is that of a warrior. Isn’t it weird for me to wield a staff and wand?”

“If the head of a conglomerate didn’t have any clothes to wear so he got some from the lost and found, it would become a fashion statement. No matter what they wear, they’re still the head of a conglomerate.”

“An odd example, but whatever. I guess I should raise my mana so I can use my defensive skills more often?”

“That’s right. Your attack skills eat up a certain percentage of your mana pool, but the defensive skills don’t.”

“I see. There’s a set amount of mana that’s expended for using the skill. And on top of that, defensive skills for the warrior class doesn’t use up that much mana.”

“Then that’s the end of that. Hyung-nim should focus on learning defensive skills. I’ll focus on learning offensive skills and raising their levels so that I can store them in the ring.”

“It’s like how a cow catches the mice accidentally while stepping backwards….. I’m ok with it for now. But it’ll be difficult to keep the spells on cooldown even with a lot of mana.”

I pulled out the Mana Drain skill book in front of him.

Both skill books had dropped from a single boss.

It must be a coincidence, but both skills synergized with one another very well.

Limiter Release made it possible for skill levels to be raised quickly, while Mana Drain covered the lack of mana that would result from the reduced cooldowns.

Compensating for what one lacks and the other overflows with, one could say that these two skills were the example of a perfect synergy.

“Oho….”

“If your max mana increases due to an increase in the mana stat, the recovery amount will also increase. But if you still lack mana? You could just take it.”

Receiving the skill book I handed over to him, he put it immediately on his chest.

Unlike the expression from before, he seemed quite elated.

In that moment, my mind was wandering elsewhere.

I was imagining us two arriving in the demonic realm.

A warrior with a staff in each hand and a magician that carried a sword.

If anyone else heard of such absurdity, they would laugh mockingly.

However, with the strength that each of us carried, no one would be laughing if they knew.

After all, neither nations nor Awakened from the international organization could stop us.

“You have the same expression from before?”

“Min-Cheol, I don’t think there will be a case where I’ll run out of mana.”

“What do you mean?”

“It says that I gain back mana worth the damage I deal to enemies?”

“Huh? What. You’ll be only using defensive skills, so what good is that! Ruined, ruined.”

“Let me finish. It says that I recover mana equal to the amount of damage I take when I use defensive skills.”

“Hm……. A way for someone to recover mana in the manner that the user would prefer…. To think that you’ll get mana back as you get hit.”

“That’s right…  Huh? What? Hey take that back!”

“Pfft.”

“Guess this means that it won’t be long before you enter the level 38 dungeon by yourself. You just need to get any defensive skills you can grab as you go, and raise the level of those skills as you get hit. One thing I am disappointed in is that you won’t be able to learn shields from other classes though.”

“That’s right. I’ll need a weapon that increases mana and skill books.”

“Then we’ll have to go get them. Let’s go back for now, hyung-nim.”

“Younger brother first.”

“Hyung-nim first.”

****

The hidden boss Jewel Goat King that appeared on the first day appeared no longer.

The saying that a beginner’s luck doesn’t persist after the start was fitting here.

I knew that I couldn’t be satisfied from the first round of alcohol, but nevertheless, I couldn’t hide my disappointment.

After the hunting ended, it was decided that the two swords in Jong Ho’s hands were to be sent to the association.

After all, he would no longer need them.

It would be sent to the Awakened Association, finding its new fitting owner.

He didn’t seem disappointed that he had to part with Black Moon after 10 minutes, but he insisted with every fiber of his being that Banwol Jincheon would return home with him.

Since even I couldn’t change his stubborn mind, I decided to follow his decision this time.

He was going on about how it held the memories of the two of us or whatnot.

As per my request, Ho Yeong brought a high ranking healer from the association.

To avoid the toxins, Ho Yeong and other non-Awakened Association members waited from the hillside.

They could only meet us after all the poison on Jong Ho’s body was completely removed.

With a casual attire as usual, Ho Yeong walked over as I spoke to him.

“Sorry about that. It was because we received an attack that we didn’t expect.”

“No worries. I’m just glad that you are relying on us. Huh?”

Ho Yeong quickly inspected Jong Ho and me all over.

Looking at the new sword and another pair of Titan Boots, he spoke with a higher tone due to the excitement.

“A hidden boss must’ve appeared!”

“Yes. It appeared in the level 39 dungeon. Due to it appearing on our first visit, we haven’t even been to the level 40 dungeon yet.”

“That’s a good thing. Um……”

“Yes?”

“Sorry to ask you this, but if you have some spare time when you go out hunting again, could you clear the level 40 portal as well…?”

“Ah! Of course. I’ll be going there tomorrow.”

“Thank you very much. Part of my duty is to remove as much risk a possible, and that includes portals that could potentially explode.”

“Of course. I’ll do my part in preventing incidents from occurring.”

“Thank you so much for your understanding.”

“No need to thank me. Also, this.”

I handed over Jong Ho’s new sword to the Association member standing next to Ho Yeong.

If I gave it to Ho Yeong, it would immediately fall to the ground.

The actual weight of the sword wasn’t that much, but this was the difference between regular civilians and the Awakened.

It was an item that non-Awakened could not use, no matter what method they employed.

Looking at the sword, Ho Yeong spoke with a confused expression.

“What is this?”

“It’s an item that I’ll be giving to the Association.”

“Oh… Giving it to us? Thank you.”

“Not just giving.”

“Huh? What do you mean…?”

“Give and take. There’s something that we want as well.”

“Ahaha! Yes, please go ahead.”

“I want to rent a weapon with high mana stat. We won’t be using for long. A month at the most?”

“That won’t be difficult. If you asked the commander, he would even willingly give up his own weapon that he’s using, haha. It’s unexpected though. To think that Mr. Min-Cheol and Mr. Jong Ho will need something with a mana stat…. It doesn’t seem to match up with what I’ve heard from rumors?”

“Not me, but Jong Ho-hyung has had a class change.”

“A class change?”

Jong Ho, who was listening to the two of us talk, spoke with an embarrassed look.

“My pride is hurt, but it’s the truth.”

“Yes. It kind of ended up that way. There’s a reason for him to use mana, and a lot at that.”

“Well, I won’t ask for details. I shall prepare what you’ve requested for then. Once again, we’re very thankful for the sword you’ll be giving us.”

“Yes. We’ll be counting on you.”

“Yes!”

****

“Commander, I’ve returned.”

“Yes, so you have.”

“You’re back?”

Midnight had already passed.

However, the light in the top floor of the Association building where the commander’s office room was did not know how to turn off.

Ho Yeong had immediately returned to the association as soon as he had finished meeting with Min-Cheol and Jong Ho.

Ho Jin was also working late, not having clocked out from work still.

As Ho Yeong finished his report, the commander sat up immediately and spoke.

“A magician class weapon!”

“Yes, commander. I do not know of the exact reas-….”

The commander did not even ask why they were asking for a weapon that require mana stats.

Cutting off Ho Yeong’s response, he immediately called for Ho Jin.

“Hey, Ho Jin.”

“Yes.”

“Go down the the underground storage area right away and bring us the Lich King’s Staff.”

“Yes? Right… Right now?”

“That’s right.”

“Yes…..”

“Pfft. Vice president, looks like you’ll be working hard. Everyone else would have left work by this late hour. I would help but I just came back… Also I’m not an Awakened, so I can’t even lift it in the first place. It’s a shame.”

Making a motion as if to wipe his nonexistent sweat off his brow, he spoke smugly.

“Are you my sister-in-law trying to make fun of me or something? Whew. At least you have a silver tongue…..”

“What are you doing. Quickly!”

“Yes…”

Just like that, Ho Jin replied and headed for the underground storage area.

It was 30 minutes before he came back.

“Commander, I have brought it.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Just in case, I brought some wands with similar mana stats.”

“Very good. Then Ho Yeong, please deliver these items to them.”

“Yes, commander. I shall deliver it to them the moment that-”

“The Awakened that left with you hasn’t left work yet, right?”

“Yes? What do you mean…?”

“Pff! I’ll explain it for you. Listen well, department head An.”

“…..”

“Even though I, the commander, haven’t left work yet, where do you plan to go? Hurry up and take this to Mr. Min-Cheol and Jong Ho. That’s what he means. Do you understand? Okay?”

“How can this be. Sh….”

“Pfft!”

“Ho Yeong. What are you doing. Why aren’t you getting ready?”

“…”

“Pfft. Let us get going, vice president Kim!”

“Oh…”

And with the commander’s incredibly fast response to the request, Jong Ho was able to hold magician’s weapons in each hand.

The ideal hunting that Min-Cheol had planned was just beginning.

---

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