Category: I Never Run Out of Mana

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172. God

“What is all this! You left for a week to collect all this?”

“Yes. The stones are in the center of the garden, so please ask them to take it.”

When Jong Ho opened the door to my room in order to find his cellphone, he faced a huge mess.

After all, enough King’s Marbles were present to cover the furniture and bed, and nearly all of the floor.

I had forgotten how many monsters I had killed.

All I did was to use the Demon King’s Authority to find the Unknown Dungeon and turn them into barren wastelands over and over again.

Due to that, I was nearing level 900 as an Awakened, and the magical energy I had lost from opening the dimensional gates had been completely replenished.

Other than the stones and marbles, plenty of artifacts and jewels dropped, but I didn’t even give them a glance.

I wasn’t aiming to level up either.

Due to the massive amount of monsters I had slain, it had risen naturally during the process as a byproduct.

While the other Awakened would exercise caution when putting their status points in after a level up, I wasn’t interested.

They were numbers on status window that merely covered my field of view. These stats were meaningless to me.

It was a hindering annoyance, so I just put them in randomly between stamina and strength stats.

After all, further growth as an Awakened didn’t matter anymore.

“Whew! Just what is that…. Did you turn the demonic realm on its head? Just how many did you kill?”

“Not sure. There were a lot of Unknown Dungeons all over the place, so I ended up spending an entire week on hunting.”

“You’re insane. Absolutely insane.”

Jong Ho opened the window to look out at the garden.

When his eyes met with the glittering stones, he couldn’t hide his surprise.

That was to be expected. After all, the pile of stones gathered far surpassed anything Jong Ho and So-Hyeon had obtained during their time as an Awakened.

Due to the sack made from condensed mana becoming bigger than the Gate, we had to make the bag stretch horizontally and change its shape in order to have it fit through.

This was enough for the few nations that survived the outbreak of monsters to use for a month and then some.

Due to the sheer amount of stones present, the large plot of land I had obtained from spending a massive amount of money appeared small.

“Let’s skip discussing about the stones. Just where are you planning to use all these marbles, farming so many to do so?”

“I just felt like it. I felt like it was a waste to just bring the bloodstones back.”

“I guess, since these are rare items you can’t get on Earth. But what about the artifacts? A lot of them should’ve dropped. Where did you put all of that?”

“I left them all behind.”

“What? If they dropped from the Unknown Dungeon, aren’t they worth a lot?”

“That would’ve been the case a couple months ago, but now, humankind has no need for them.”

“……”

“These tools would be dangerous to have around here.”

“Hm…. An Earth without monsters. It’s the same as the Awakened losing their purpose.”

“Yes. When everything turns peaceful, you know that people’s minds start wandering off, right?

A war could start for land or natural resources, or even bloodstones, especially with the current situation.”

“That’s true.”

“We won’t fight with guns and swords like the past, right? Each nation will use their Awakened as weapons in this war. Human weapons will become a thing.”

“……”

“Bringing the artifacts from the Unknown Dungeon to earn some money, which will release them on this world, is the equivalent of putting wings on these weapons.”

“What you’re saying makes sense. So you left behind all the artifacts and jewels?”

“Yes. Right now, all these items should be in the pockets of Puppet Goblins, such as Karin.”

“Kel kel. Shiny things are good.”

“Well, since these items are useless as you said, now I don’t feel like leaving them behind is a waste.”

“Yes. The marbles will also be stored after some organizing.”

“Then why did you follow the commander?”

I was going to hide the fact that I had been summoned to the celestial plane from everyone.

After all, the moment that I enter the tunnel of space and time, time stopped.

This freeze in time included both the human realm and the demonic realm. All time would stop in the realms that I was a part of.

This fight was going to be mine to bear alone, so why would I worry everyone else with something that they could not be involved in.

I spoke while fidgeting with a marble in my hand.

“Ah. That’s because of the issues caused by the lack of bloodstones. The intake is still the same as before, but the supply has been cut to zero.”

“Right.”

“That’s why I urgently headed for the demonic realm. Before the situation became dire.”

“If that’s the case, why didn’t you say something before going!”

“I was told that it was that urgent. Also, I told mother beforehand.”

“What about me? Your sister-in-law? Karin? Did you consider that we’d be worried for you?”

“You weren’t honestly worried about me though. At least hyung and Karin, right?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“I’m sorry, sister-in-law. Due to the urgency, I wasn’t able to tell you before leaving.”

“No worries, young master. All that matters is that you’ve come back safely.”

“Whew. Then I’ll be going back to my room to rest. I’m not really hungry, so you don’t need to wake me up for a meal.”

“Right. Since you’re tired son, go get some well deserved rest.”

“Go rest.”

“Kel kel. Min-Cheol! Am I allowed to jump up and down on the bed?”

“You can.”

“Keh eh! I knew that Min-Cheol was different from the other humans!”

Karin, now with his human form, stared at one person in particular with his eyes squinting.

The person in question was So-Hyeon.

“Can I really do it? Kel kel.”

“Sure, you can do it. If you want to die.”

“Kehel…. I want to go back to the demonic realm…. Everyone here is scary.”

“Pfft. Why are you not using the bed in your room and insisting that you do that on mine? Either way, I’ll see you at supper.”

Enclosing the King’s Marbles with mana, I lifted them all up in one go.

The promised grace period that I had agreed with god had passed.

I had prepared the best I could for the coming battle, and now waited for this god’s call.

I felt some resentment towards the god who had chosen me to bear all this weight, even though there were many others humans to choose from.

From the radical faction to the Demon King. However, as exposed before, it was true that I had looked forward to this a little bit.

I wanted to continue rising to a higher place.

Instead of a state where I’d be still, I wanted to live a life where I could continue moving forward and pushing my limits.

I had at least thousands of marbles.

Defeat? Would I even consider that word after seeing this?

With the power of the Piece of Time and Space and King’s Marbles combined, other than the peerless god Karupedan, I would be able to defeat anyone.

It was obvious that I would exclude Karupedan.

After all, just a sentence or action from Karupedan would become a universal law and rule.

To put it simply, this god could seal my mana and magical energy without blinking an eye.

Considering that, their goal of dying was something I should be thankful for.

“I wonder when they’ll call me…. I hope that they call me quickly, so my family won’t notice.”

“Hehe!”

“Oh shit! You surprised me!”

“Sorry if I did. Are you ready?”

“Is it okay for you to just go to the human realm like this?”

“Kehehehehe. I couldn’t bear to wait because of how excited I am.”

“I’m ready. The moment I head to the celestial plane, all time stops, right?”

“Yep! If you want that, then we’ll do that.”

“……”

“Do you want me to stop it? Should I just removed time itself?”

“I don’t need you to be so overly considerate. Just stop time during my leave.”

-snap.

“Hehe. This good?”

It was just like how a god would act.

Almost as if proving that they were an omnipotent existence, they casually stopped time.

After that, they spoke excitedly to have me hurry.

It was almost as if they wanted to die and be obliterated as soon as possible.

Peerless strength. And to live for an eternity. It made me rethink if these were a blessing or a curse.

Even if the one behind the choice was willing, it could still become a curse, and even they weren’t willing, it could become a blessing.

For this god right now, it was the worst case scenario of a curse they never asked for.

“Then I can go, right?”

“…….”

-snap.

****

“Where are you, god?”

“…….”

“Just what is this darkness……”

It seemed that I had arrived at the celestial plan at that god’s power.

However, this place looked far different from what I had seen a week ago.

It was pitch black without a single ray of light.

To brighten up the area around me, I casted Lightning Spray and condensed it in my hand.

However, the situation did not go as planned.

I could sense the mana of the Lighting Spray spell in my hand.

This meant that the skill had been casted without any problems.

However, I could not see the overwhelming bright light the spell produced at all.

I tried using different skills, but the results were the same.

For a moment, I had thought that I was in a dream.

However, what that god had told me before came to mind.

After that, I quietly muttered to myself.

“Hai Yanta…..”

It was then that I was sure of it.

The place that this god had tossed me in was where the God of Darkness, Hai Yanta, resided.

I was sure after seeing that I wasn’t able to emit any light, having it stolen from me.

It seemed that the peerless god Karupedan was in quite a hurry.

I assumed it so after seeing that they had tossed me into this place without any explanations.

“They really want to die, don’t they.”

I was in quite the disadvantage.

It wouldn’t be strange to be attacked from anywhere, and I wouldn’t be able to see it coming.

I had more than plenty of marbles, to the point of spilling. I swallowed one King’s Marbles.

After that, as using a magnifying glass, I casted Eye of Insight.

Perhaps due to the effects of the marble, Eye of Insight not only showed the weaknesses of my enemy, but also outlined the forms of those in hiding.

Not far away from here, I could see someone.

Messy hair. Also seeing their bent back and shoulders, I could tell that this being was an old man like Karupedan said.

Due to how he was perfectly blending in with the darkness, it would be incredibly difficult without my Eye of Insight to see him.

I dashed at him.

“Hm?”

“Hai Yanta?”

“Aren’t you a human being?”

“…….”

Noticing how Hai Yanta was genuinely surprised, it seemed that he had no idea I had arrived here.

That and noticing his form of an old man, it made me question if he had any combat capabilities.

It was also true that I didn’t know if it was okay to just kill him.

I wondered if it was okay to believe in the peerless god’s words to kill one of the gods in charge of a part of all the dimensions.

Unlike before my arrival here, which was filled with determination, now I was filled with uncertainty.

Hai Yanta spoke with dignity and a great amount of effort.

“How can a human walk around in the celestial plane…. It’s the work of Karupedan, right?”

“…….”

“Sending just an insignificant human? Kuhuhhuh. The weakest lifeforms that should’ve been wiped out from the start.”

“…..”

“I want to hear the reason. What is your business here? Why have you come to visit the God of Darkness.”

“Karupedan wants death. That’s why that god had chosen me. However, to do so, I have to take powers of gods such as yourself.”

“Kuhuhu. They still haven’t given up on that dream? How pitiful…..”

“But looking at your appearance, it made me question that, you know? Is it really okay to kill you after all.”

“No matter what, you won’t be able to kill me. You’re aware of the difference between gods and humans, right?”

“…….”

“However, I shall help you become sure of your uncertain goal.”

“What do you mean…..”

“I guess Karupedan didn’t tell you. Kuhuhhuh.”

“…….”

Hai Yanta was basically asking to be killed.

If he didn’t speak up, he might have lived a bit longer.

That’s why I felt thankful to him.

He had given me the motive to kill him without feeling any guilt.

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170. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

With Barub, we walked towards the shabby door that lead into the celestial plane.

I didn’t really welcome the idea of arriving there.

The reason why that god had created the pure white Gate was probably to summon me back to the celestial plane.

Even after I arrived, there wouldn’t be any changes to the Gate.

Nothing would come out and start causing a ruckus either.

Of course, this was assuming that the negotiation with this god would go well.

Since I was aware of this, I continued talking with Barub while taking a leisurely walk.

“Do you remember telling me that we’ll meet again?”

“Yes.”

“What did you mean by it when you said that?”

“I didn’t mean anything specifically by it. I’ve served that god for a long time. I know what they’re thinking to at least some degree. That is all.”

“So you knew that they’d call me, the one who had passed the test and carried an unprecedented strength, back to their side?”

“That is correct.”

“So why does this god do this to us humans?”

“Didn’t I say this before. I am merely but a guide for time and space.”

“Of course you did. So you don’t want to get involved?”

“That’s right. My duty is to carry out tasks that are related only to time and space of all dimensions, nothing more.”

“Of course. I’m sure that you’ve been doing this work as long as that god has been doing their work, right?”

“Correct.”

“When was that?”

“……”

“You’re not letting me know of something as minor as this?”

“I do not know.”

“Are you conducting a hearing? You don’t remember?”

“It is the truth, human.”

“Hm? What did you mean by that?”

“It is the same for all the gods in the celestial plane. No one remembers anything before coming to the celestial plane. From the beginning, I was a guide, and they were the gods.”

“It almost sounds like there is someone above the gods?”

“Pfft. Humans have been given the right and freedom to think as they please…..”

“……”

It is as Barub had said.

It seemed that even gods had risen to their stations by someone else.

That was the only way for me to make sense of this right now at least.

After all, these beings had forgotten all memories of who they were, what they did, and what they wanted to be.

It was almost as if they were pieces moved across a board of chess by some unseen hand.

However, I couldn’t help but find something odd in Barub’s laughter.

It was a short but strong laughter, seeming to come out unintentionally.

It was just a guess, but I felt as though that laughter meant a lot more than what I was catching on.

“My guidance ends here, human. Then…..”

“See you again, Barub.”

“……”

I wanted to obtain more information through Barub, but making a promise for the future, I stopped.

After all, I wasn’t sure if Barub knew more, and the situation could turn badly if I had continued to push it.

Engaging in a fruitless conversation, I had arrived at the entrance without knowing.

This meant that I had to see the face of the evil god with the face of an angel.

“It hasn’t even been that long since I’ve left, but calling me back already…. Well, at least this place looks beautiful. It’s almost unfitting.”

I briefly admired the scenery.

As expected, I heard that same voice.

It was that god again.

“Hehe. You came?”

“Was there any other options? It’s not like I can ignore the summons of a god. What’s your deal? And what’s up with the Gate created on Earth?”

“Hehe. It’s nothing much. Hm…. I guess a proof of my affection on how I’m especially interested in Earth?”

“I’m not sure why and what your reasoning is, but I’d like it if you stopped. Just what do you want?”

“What I want….. Dunno? I guess when you passed the test, I became a lot more interested in the mundane daily life.”

“……”

“Is all this pointless murder amusing to you? Do you not understand that human life isn’t so light as for you to use like a consumable and toss them aside?”

“Eh….. Why are you being angry at me! Still, couldn’t help it.”

“What a selfish and narrow minded god.”

“Isn’t this something you also wanted?”

“What…. Huh?”

“Didn’t you ask to be summoned by me!”

“That…. That’s…..”

With a question from this god, my head became blank.

It was because I couldn’t deny his question.

The thought that pass briefly through my mind had happened right after defeating the Demon King Jamon.

My life was now without purpose, nothing different from being dead, and was surrounded by futility and emptiness.

There was a part of me that may have wanted this.

How pathetic of me.

You could argue that I could just live the life of a normal human being in peace, as I had been before.

I could live that way, but would I be able to find fun in that life?

Humans are animals that seek new thrills.

It was obvious that I would need greater simulation.

That was why it was true that I had looked forward to the summons of this god a little bit.

However, this was just my personal greed.

I couldn’t obtain satisfaction for myself by sacrificing countless lives.

I agreed to listen to what this god wanted from me.

Also, I was curious as to why this god wanted to spectate humans continue facing against dangers.

In this negotiation, I was definitely the one at a disadvantage.

It was obvious, since the one I’m making a deal with was a peerless god.

Steeling my nerves, I asked.

“Stop beating around the bush. What do I need to do?”

“Hahaha. How amusing. I even like your personality.”

“……”

“I’ve been curious for a long time.”

“What?”

“If a god dies…. what happens. Will someone else appear to take my place? Or will my position be vacant forever?”

“As a peerless existence, you should be easily able to sate the thirst for that curiosity though? There’s no way that you’re weaker than the other gods?”

“Pfft. For some reason, that’s not possible for me, you know? Hehe. I can’t cause any harm towards them. That’s why I need you…..”

“As expected, you’re insane. That’s what you want? To kill your fellow gods?”

“Why are you being like this. You killed your fellow humans without blinking an eye.”

“That’s…..”

“Is it because they’ve sinned? Is it because they’ve killed countless humans? Pfft. But what authority did you have to judge them? Are you a god or something? You won’t be able to give any answers to my question.”

“…..”

“Look at this. All humans are the same, you know? They’re generous to themselves, but treat others as they please. It’s amusing, isn’t it?”

Look at this damned god preaching at me.

I was upset and angered, but there wasn’t anything false in what this god had said.

I was ashamed, but I had to accept what was the truth.

“I’ll acknowledge that.”

“Pfft. The first target is the Hai Yanta.”

“Hai Yanta? Who is that?”

“He’s here. A gloomy old man who likes to hide. He’s in charge of darkness itself. With the God of Light, Lai Yanta, they rule over all the light and darkness of all dimensions. Since they don’t get along, the chances of the other interfering with you should be next to nil.”

“So I just have to defeat him?”

“Yep! That’s right!”

“Let me ask you one thing.”

“What?”

“The reason why you want me to defeat a god. And also the reason why you want the other gods dead.”

“Idiot! I told you. I just want to see what happens to a god when they die…”

“No. I want to hear the real reason.”

“Oh! I’ll cancel that insult.”

“Why? Why are you making me kill the gods?”

“Listen well so you don’t forget later, okay?”

The god kept their bright expression.

They kept a childlike smile that no one could hate, even though what they said next didn’t fit that expression in the slightest.

“Each time you kill the gods, you should be able to obtain their abilities. And if you keep adding up the gains, you should be able to eventually arrive at a point where you have more power than me, right? Wow! Even thinking about it makes me excited.”

“…..”

“And if that happens…. Once you obtain a power beyond me, the peerless existence, I want you to kill me.”

“Huh?”

“Idiot! I told you to listen well.”

“No. I heard it clearly.”

“Hehe. Then it’s fine, okay?”

“…….”

“Why is there no answer? Was my explanation too difficult?”

“Nope.”

Was it just because of my emotions? Despite how bright their expression was, I felt pity.

Just how long has this god remained on the seat of a peerless existence.

Also, this being must’ve felt the emptiness that I’m feeling right now, but thousands of times greater all this time.

I could somewhat understand their hatred for humans, and also the intense desire to find new amusement.

The god spoke.

“What is that sullen look for? If you don’t do as I say, I could make the dimension you reside in disappear!”

“Okay.”

“Hm? You’re telling me to destroy it?”

“No. I’ll do as you say. But you know, do you really think that I can face off against a god? Don’t you have you to give me some advantage?”

“Nope.”

“……”

“I don’t like seeing a movie when I already know the ending. Hehe. And that won’t be fun for you too.”

“So I have to defeat them with the abilities I have?”

“Yep! That’s right. No one can know the conclusion. You could die, or you could kill all the other gods and defeat me, the peerless one.”

“All of my abilities. Alright, let’s do that.”

“Oho? I didn’t expect you to agree so easily! Are you sure that you’ll be okay without any help?”

“As I already said, yes. But what happens if I fail?”

“Pfft! Why do you ask such a question with an obvious answer. It’s oblivion with you.”

“I thought so, but you’ve confirmed it. I don’t have to start right away, do I?”

“Of course! I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, so it won’t be a problem if I wait a little longer. When would be a good time?”

“Pus doesn’t become flesh with time, so it’ll be best to squeeze it out as soon as possible. One week should be plenty.”

“Hehe! I like it. I like it a lot! Alright, I shall call for you in a week’s time. Don’t worry about all that difficult walking to reach here. I’ll bring you here myself.”

“Sure. Then I’ll be going.”

****

I returned home.

I just had taken dominance over the demonic realm, but now had to prepare a fight with the gods.

Just like last time, this fight was going to be my burden alone.

After all, Jong Ho and Karin would not be able to participate in this fight at all.

After returning home, the god’s words kept ringing in my head.

They had asked me to kill them. All sorts of thoughts filled my head.

However, I had to first put out the fire.

Since I had mastery over mana and magical energy, I did not need anymore skills.

And I didn’t need additional artifacts to increase my physical stats either.

The reason why I needed this week laid elsewhere.

Currently right now, there weren’t many who could face me due to my King’s Marbles.

I had offensive capabilities that would allow any attack to land on anyone.

And it would be an attack that uses 100% of my mana and magical energy.

If I was able to obtain more King’s Marbles to cover my defensive capabilities, I should be able to win this fight easily.

Despite much time having passed since I parted ways with the commander and headed for the celestial plane, the day wasn’t over yet.

After all, time would’ve stopped the moment I met with Barub.

Entering the room quietly, I opened a portal to demonic realm.

“Hopefully I don’t get reported by the worker union. I did promise that I wouldn’t set foot in the demonic realm ever again.”

With the path opened, I headed to the demonic realm where Belkoseu was probably working hard.

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169. No Vacation

From seeing the expression of the commander who took the phone call, I could tell that something bad had happened.

If the call was some regular office call, he would’ve left the scene to take it, but it seems that this situation was far beyond that.

Only after a while did he realize that everyone noticed and tried to move to a more discreet location, but I gave him a knowing look.

The look I gave have signaled that we all knew it was serious, and I wanted him to let me know of it as soon as possible.

It didn’t take long for Yoon Jong-sun to hang up the call and look towards me with a serious expression.

Unlike before, he spoke with a much lower tone.

“Min-Cheol lad, could we speak in private for a bit?”

“Understood.”

“Then, let’s go out to enjoy the breeze for a bit.”

“……”

After briefly trying to gauge the mood of my mother in the kitchen with a glance, I followed the commander to the garden.

I was positive that I had gotten rid of all the portals on Earth with the Authority of the Demon King.

This meant that we would no longer be harmed by the monsters.

Then what could this be?

Is Earth some kind of popular local restaurant now, with another dimension trying to invade once more?

This wasn’t some movie or drama, so that was unlikely.

Hiding my worry, I followed commander.

“Hm…. I’m not sure where to start.”

“What has happened? I thought all the portals are gone?”

“That’s right. All the portals are gone. With that, all the dungeons disappeared with them.”

“Is it because of the bloodstones? That’s……”

“That’s not the case.”

“……”

“Remember the Gate that you used to head to the demonic realm.”

“Yes.”

“I have received a call informing me that another Gate of the same size has appeared.”

“Huh? Is that true?”

“I’m not sure of it as well. I just received the call after all. I’m going to use Warp to head there right now. Will you come with me?”

“I will do so.”

I had used Warp to head to the Gate when I was in the demonic realm.

Warp had a 12 hour cooldown.

However, that didn’t matter at all right now.

Due to being able to use mana freely as I willed, I could ignore the cooldown easily.

To be precise, I was technically able to use all skills with disregard for the cooldowns since I’ve become Awakened.

However, only now did I start doing so, since I didn’t know how to use mana properly before.

I headed for Yangpyeong with the commander at the same time.

****

“Karupedan. Just what are you thinking, resorting to this?”

“Hehe! What do you mean?”

“Haven’t you tortured them enough? The humans have obtained peace once more through their own strength. However, you’re…..”

“Hey, Gera. I don’t think this is something that you should be involving yourself with?”

“……”

“Just because we’re both gods…. You dare try to lecture me?”

“That… That is…..”

“Arrogance. Do you understand?”

“……”

“Pfft! Look at your expression. Were you surprised? Don’t hate me too much for this. After all, it gets interesting for you only if I continue killing life, right? This tampering is beneficial for you too!”

“I don’t want such pointless deaths!”

“Huh? That shouldn’t be the case, you know? To think that the God of Death Gera dislikes death. Ha!”

“All the gods of the celestial plane do not approve of your meddling. I’m sure you’re already aware of it though? Now please stop this.”

“So what? What are you going to do about it? Are you planning to kick me out or something?”

“……”

“Try bringing them here. Those who disagree with what I’m doing, that is. Hm? I’m curious as to if they’ll be able to say that while looking straight into my eyes.”

“This isn’t something I’m saying as a fellow god, but as from the same bloodline. Please stop your anger on those innocent lives. Please.”

“I think you’re misunderstanding something here….. Gera, even if I didn’t intervene, they hate and kill each other. Despite all sharing the status of creations, the strong are worshiped, while the weak are abused. Am I wrong? That means that they want a greater war and more blood to spill.”

“That’s just one of the many ways they live. This isn’t something that you should be meddling in!”

“I thought so too at the start. I felt that their deaths were in vain, and wanted to stop them. But as time passed, I became more confident that I was wrong. Now stop. Because of that, my mood is ruined….. Get the fuck out of here. Disappear from my sight, Gera.”

“……”

The celestial plane that Min-Cheol had arrived with the guidance of Barub.

There, a god with the appearance of a young girl existed.

It was a peerless god that most humans thought of as the definition of a god.

It was true.

While many that had thought that the idea of god was made up by humans and didn’t exist, god really did so, and was very similar to what we idealized in terms of ability and strength.

A peerless existence that created monsters, and controlled both life and death.

However, this peerless god wasn’t the only existence.

Many gods existed, each with their own traits, and the one that Min-Cheol had met, displaying unrivaled power, was Karupedan.

It was a god with a peerless power, able to control all life and death, and had complete dominance over all dimensions and worlds.

Looking at Greek myths, one could be led to believe that these gods had once briefly remained in the realm of the humans.

Gera, the one who pointed out the brutality of the peerless god, and Karupedan were siblings.

Since gods did not have genders, there wasn’t really a way to express their relationship other than as from the same bloodline.

After all, concepts such as older sister or older brother that addressed genders were made up by humans.

Gera was the head of anything related to death.

All life, once they die, their souls returned back to Gera.

Afterwards, with the help of the God of Life Milgrass, the souls would obtain new life.

It was also up to Milgrass to decide what dimension this new life would go to.

The peerless god Karupedan didn’t care much about the humans, despite the fact that humans were the ones that Karupedan poured the most amount of effort into creating.

This was the equivalent of making a pretty sandcastle, then destroying the entire thing in one blow similar to how a child throws a tantrum.

Karupedan was a peerless existence from the start, with no idea on how they had risen to the status of a god.

Their memories started only after they had risen to the seat of godhood, and it was the same for the other gods.

Just like that, the humans were suffering from Karupedan, with the reason being something that only Karupedan themself knew.

“The first one to pass my test was a human? Pfft! Everything’s gone crazy. I’m making them suffer without reason? No. A part of the memory that remains with me is howling in anger at the humans without rest.”

****

“That’s……”

“I had hoped that this wasn’t the case. Sadly, it was true.”

The area around the Gate that led into the demonic realm had been completely sealed off.

Not only was it to prevent entry by humans, but it was a measure against possible appearance of monsters.

The Gate was covered by a dome of nanomaterials, and a joint force of both the military and the Awakened association kept it all under lockdown.

The moment that the two of them had spoken, dozens of the guards ran up to Min-Cheol and the commander at the same time.

After all, the Warp had just appeared in the middle of the restricted area in plain view.

“Halt! Who are you two?”

“The Association is working hard, Commander.”

“Hoho. It is I, the commander.”

“Turn around facing the wall, and keep your hands up!”

“……”

“……”

The military and Awakened Association forces moved busily to confirm our identities.

There was no way that they did not know the face of the commander.

However, they were moving just as the manual they were instructed to follow to the letter.

The commander might have been annoyed, but he followed their orders without resistance.

Finishing the checks, one of the Awakened spoke.

“Commander, I apologize. But who is the other person…..”

“No need to worry about him. He’s my acquaintance.”

“Yes. Please forgive our discourtesy.”

“No worries. Rather, knowing that you all are doing your jobs properly puts my mind at ease. Enough of that though. Is that it?”

“Yes, that’s correct. A short while after the expedition force to the demonic realm returned, it suddenly appeared.”

“Hm…”

“Unlike the Gate from before, we did not sense any movement at all. Right now, the Gate is still, only letting out a bright light.”

“I understand. I shall go speak with the acquaintance that has come with me about this, so please go back as you were.”

“Yes, Commander!”

“What do you think of this?”

The previous Gate was connected to the demonic realm.

Facing that Gate, another Gate of the same size had formed.

It was a Gate that glowed brightly, almost as if many LED lights had been turned on.

However, there wasn’t any reports of anything pouring out of the Gate.

Menacingly glowing, it merely existed without doing anything.

However, Min-Cheol could tell in an instant just who had made this.

“What is your motive, god….”

“Hm? Did you say something?”

“No. I think it’s just my luck to be overloaded with additional work like this.”

“…..”

“That is probably a Gate that leads into another dimension. I’m glad that there are no signs of movement at least.”

“What should we do? I plan to organize an expedition group and investigate the Gate.”

“No! That’s pointless.”

“You….. Your expression shows that you know something. Aright.”

“I understand the situation clearly as of now. It’ll be brief, but I’ll be returning home to rest for a bit.”

“G…. Go head…. I’m just worried that the appearance of this Gate is a sign signaling another disaster upon us…..”

“Then…..”

****

[Cannot move to the selected dimension.]

[Cannot move to the selected dimension.]

“Even the Demon King’s Authority is nothing before the power of a god?”

After returning home, I tried teleporting to the celestial plane.

However, that was impossible.

Despite being the king of the demonic realm, it seemed that it was impossible to use that power to affect the peerless existence’s realm.

“If it’s the tunnel of time and space…. It might be possible there.”

In a split second, I felt as though my body was being sucked in.

Looking around me, it seemed that I had arrived without issue.

I had entered the tunnel of time and space that I could’ve only entered by swallowing the Piece of Time and Space before.

I could see a blinding light coming closer from far away.

“Barub…….”

Arriving, Barub spoke with a formless appearance as before.

“To be able to come and go as you please to the tunnel of time and space. It seems that you’ve grown quite a lot, human child.”

“I’m still discontent that I’m not able to get to the celestial plane right away, but instead have to take a detour here first.”

“For what reason have you come here once more?”

“I wish to see that god once more. Also, I wanted to know what you meant when you said that we’ll be meeting again.”

“I shall guide you to that god.”

“You knew already, didn’t you?”

“…..”

“Personally, I think I’ve finished quite the difficult task. But if that god’s reward for me is something like this….. Even as a god, they have no excuses they can say. No. Even if they had ten mouths, the only thing they can say is an apology. Isn’t that so?”

“I am just a guide of time and space…..”

“Right. Or not. Either way, let’s get going for now, so I can go meet the cruel seven year old god.”

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166. Mana, Magical Energy, and the Piece of Space and Time

Separating from Min-Cheol, Jong Ho and Karin, as well as Belkoseu, were settled far away from the Demon King and Ladin’s residence.

Only Min-Cheol received guidance from Karin, which he then moved to the final battle with the Demon King.

Right now, everyone else would only serve as a hindrance.

It would be painful for them to hear that, but it was the truth.

Thankfully, the three he had left behind knew this very well.

They knew that if they partook in the battle, they would only serve as a hindrance to Min-Cheol.

There was the possibility that they’d be captured and held as hostages, ruining the whole thing.

Belkoseu used his Authority to hide the magical energy signatures of the three securely.

Unless those pursuing them had the search capabilities on par with the Chimera, they would never be able to find them.

I did not know with Belkoseu, but the faces of Karin and Jong Ho were as per usual, without a trace of worry in their expressions.

That was because they believed in what Min-Cheol had accomplished had so far and the speedy growth that allowed him to obtain great power.

Their thought process was of sound decision making.

After all, with the current strength Min-Cheol possessed, there was no way that he would lose to the Demon King.

Using Mass Stealth Jutsu and laying flat on the ground, Jong Ho spoke to Karin.

“Karin. If either the Demon King’s or Ladin’s magical energy signature disappears, you need to let me know immediately, okay?”

“Keruru. Do not worry. I won’t allow my thoughts to drift off even for a minute, staying focused the entire time.”

“I’m sure that Sir Min-Cheol will defeat them both and come back. I’m positive! Steak…. I mean. He will become the Demon King, so that is a given.”

“Keruk! It has begun! Ladin’s magical signature is on the map.”

“Ladin isn’t anything worth worrying about…..”

“Kehel?”

“Why!”

“Dis.. Disappeared.”

“What? Did he hide his magical energy signature and flee once more in that short amount of time?”

“No….. He has been completely obliterated. Ladin’s magical energy does not exist in the demonic realm anymore. All of it has been absorbed by Min-Cheol. Keh heh el……”

“Not even a minute has passed! Are you positive?”

“Kehrururu….. Kelkel! Jong Ho, Min-Cheol is strong. He’s so strong that we can enjoy observing him with a peace of mind. Kel kel.”

“Still, don’t let your guard down and stay observant!”

“Kel kel. I understand.”

****

Growing massive in size in an instant, Ladin charged.

He was the size of an apartment.

The mace in his hand was far greater in size.

I could tell that it wasn’t made from bloodstones.

Rather, it was a weapon made of compressed magical energy.

I threw in a King’s Marble in my mouth.

I was sure that Ladin dealt far more damage than I could I respond with recovery skills like Status Negation.

I needed to stay focused on the fight like I was in during the 3 tests from god I passed.

My offensive capabilities grew at an impossible rate, but my defensive capabilities stayed the same.

Despite using all sorts of skills wildy without restraint, I needed to pay attention to the King’s Marble’s immortal effect that only lasted a minute.

“Kuwuhhhhh!”

A deep voice that seemed to split apart the air was followed by the swing of the mace.

The speed at which it came down was insanely fast.

Even with how much I stronger I’ve gotten physically, it would’ve taken everything I had to avoid it, I guess?

As Ladin’s attack started, I swallowed one of the King’s Marbles.

Giving off a visual effect of my body burning black into what seemed like a lump of charcoal, the one minute countdown began.

“Is this simple attack all you’ve got?”

“Kuuhhhhh!”

I did not even consider avoiding Ladin’s attack.

There was no need for me to even flinch at the falling mace.

Of course, it was a powerful attack.

When his attack reached me, a sound similar to a smithy hammering an anvil filled the air around us.

If I had allowed this attack to hit me while I didn’t have the effect of the marble…..

I would’ve had to hear my bones and organs scream out in agony for awhile.

“Kuwahhh!”

I could not find any hints of rationale in his eyes.

He appeared as though he had sold his soul to the devil.

As he grew bigger, the horn on his head seemed rather small in comparison.

His body seemed to be covered in obsidian, which looked impossible to penetrate.

His appearance seemed similar to the radical faction Dark Lady’s ability.

However, I had obtained a power that allowed my attacks to have a 100% success rate and ignored all resistances.

On top of that, my attacks would be twice as strong right now.

In order to save up as many King’s Marbles as possible, I used my strongest attacks.

As anyone knowing me would be familiar with, 9 fiery orbs of death appeared in the air.

I didn’t even need to use my Mana Shield.

After all, no attacks would affect me at this time.

That was why I used even the 3rd spell slot granted to me by the Dual Casting passive to cast Meteor.

This was a fight where I would only focus on attacking.

I was positive that they didn’t realize that my Meteor Call became stronger beyond comparison to what it was before.

Due to it being my main skill that I’ve been using for so long, I could tell just from looking at it.

Darkish black flames covered the orb after the skill’s Transcendence.

Now, if that wasn’t enough before, magical energy and condensed mana was added, letting out a mysterious light as it searched for its target to obliterate.

Even I was surprised that I could even use an attack like this.

It looked as though a planet of purple and bluish hue only found in space had been compressed and now floated in the air.

Without missing a beat, I landed the Meteor directly at him.

“KUWECKKKK!”

“Holy shit…..”

It was definitely me who had made the command.

The one who to command it to land ruthlessly on him was definitely me.

However, even I, who had sent it down on my will, couldn’t keep up with the Meteor’s movement.

In a blink of an eye, almost as teleporting, I only realized that the attack landed after I saw the flames sticking to his body.

Now, even I found myself frightening.

Being at a loss of words at this spectacle didn’t last long.

Only then did a heavy gust of wind from the explosion blow outward in all directions.

The shockwave was so powerful that the castle that was in the field was destroyed without a trace, like paper before the wind.

The soundwave followed.

It was such a loud noise, making it hard for me to believe that this was my attack.

‘To think that it’d be this strong….’ I couldn’t help but mutter to myself.

Naturally, I looked towards Ladin.

“Ku… Kueh…..”

“…….”

His situation was quite gruesome.

Almost as if a building had been under shelling, there were holes all over his body.

Recover? That was impossible.

Not a drop of blood spilled from the holes in his body.

The flames did not subside yet.

The intense angry flames continued to eat away at Ladin’s body.

A body that I had thought to be impervious was melting away as if boiling metal had been poured down on styrofoam.

“45 seconds left.”

“What…. What! Ladin, what are you doing! Your horn!”

“Ah, that’s right. Berdan also had broken his horn to try to change the situation, right?”

“Ku… KUWUUUHHHH!”

A shocked Demon King yelled at Ladin and commanded him.

All the demon tribe leaders had horns on their foreheads.

Previously, Berdan had broken his horn when his life was in danger, obtaining a massive amount of power.

He was trying to flip the tables in a last ditch attempt with that injured body?

Don’t even try!

“Kwuhhhh!”

“Don’t bark.”

He was laboring to move his arm that been tattered like a rag towards his face.

Without a will of his own, he must be moving on reflex at the command of his Demon King.

“Breaking your horn? Isn’t that something that you can do if only the stronger one in the fight allows it?”

I poured cold water on the flickering flame that was Ladin’s life.

I wondered if the saying that a lightning strike comes down during a clear sky was made to be used here.

Guess the lightning wasn’t enough, as hail with shards of ice large enough to be classified as something beyond a hail poured down.

I had cast In Storm and Blizzard at the same time.

Both these skills absorbed lots of mana and magical energy and boasted high amounts of damage.

In Storm poured down lightning in a certain range.

Far outgrowing its previous destructive capabilities, the lightning bolts that struck the ground dug out parts of the ground, with the remaining power still being enough to cause an explosion and scatter outwards.

It was the same with Blizzard.

They dug into Ladin’s body, dealing initial damage, then exploded inside of him, causing massive internal damage that was hard to even imagine.

The range and the destructive force. Both could not be even compared to the previous state.

It was enough to make me wonder, ‘Could I use these two skills back on Earth?’

The answer to the question I asked myself was an easy ‘No!’ Unless it was a dire situation, I would have to make sure to never do so until I’ve gained a greater control over my magical energy and mana.

With the monsters and the Gate gone from Earth, I needed to make sure that I wasn’t a new disaster to come.

Just like that, Ladin’s body froze over and was shattered into pieces, with his innards being burnt to ash.

After that, I could see that his magical energy was being absorbed by me.

Ladin had been obliterated into nothingness, followed by his magical energy rising up into the air like smoke, halting as if trying to find the owner, and then being absorbed into my body.

It was a strange feeling that I haven’t felt before.

Was it because Ladin had a vast amount of magical energies?

“Whew….. This is quite amazing, isn’t it?”

I could feel it for sure.

The increase in magical energy. Not only that, I could sense that the power I was exuding had risen up to a new level.

I had now defeated 3 of the four demonic leaders.

However, I was surprised once more due to the fact that I hadn’t risen to the title of the Demonic King with this.

This meant that Jamon was carrying at least 50% of the demonic realm’s magical energy.

Jamon’s body was soft looking, as if he was a pottery that had been shaped.

Despite having expressed a great amount of hatred towards me before, his face remained calm then, but now there was clear surprise on his face.

That was because I had far surpassed what he had thought and previously experienced as my strength.

Even Ladin, who was the last remaining demonic tribe leader, had fallen so pathetically.

Now he was the only one left in the demonic realm.

Staring him down, I spoke.

“30 seconds left.”

“What? Why are you this powerful….. This incomprehensible power….. And within a couple days!”

I had defeated Ladin in only 30 seconds.

With 3 King’s Marbles in each side of my mouth, I spoke with an inaccurate annunciation.

“I guess it’ll end in about 30 seconds? Eh. Since you’re a Demon King and all, I’ll eat one more for you.”

“I am the Demon King! All life in the demonic realm bow before me….. Not only that, but I am the strongest lifeform in the demonic realm!”

“So 1 minute and 30 seconds. Don’t ask for more. I’m not sure when, but I’ll have to leave some for my descendants so they won’t get bored, you know?”

“You’re just a weak pathetic human! As I said, I won’t let you die so easily! I’ll let you live in the most agonizing pain you could imagine! Kuaaaa!”

“Pfft. Sure, come at me.”

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167. The Demon King’s End

“……”

“Kuhaha! What are you doing! How foolish of you to stand there blankly.”

Jamon attacked in a very smart way.

He attacked by moving incredibly fast.

I wasn’t able to read his movements.

That was because the Demon King was moving at a speed which my eyes could not keep up with, even as an Awakened.

I didn’t even know what kind of attacks he was performing.

However, since I was receiving no damage, it was true that I wasn’t minding it at all.

“Kuhat. Go ahead and swallow more! No matter how much you have left, I shall make you use them all up!”

“I think I already told you that they’ll be for my descendants to play with?” ¹

“If you can endure this without swallowing them all, go ahead. If you can catch me, go ahead and do so! That is, if you’re able to catch up to my speed….. What!”

-crack!

“Ugh! There’s no way that a hex like this can affect me! Kuahh!”

“I wasn’t able to see you. But it seems that I didn’t need to see you to catch you, so stop taunting me and just die already.”

The Demon King’s movements that split apart the air and moved at incredible speeds had been halted.

The ability that stopped his movements completely was Bind.

It was only an A ranking support skill, which caused a stone golem’s hand to rise up from the ground and grab a hold of the opponents feet.

It was one of the skills that I hadn’t used even once since I’ve obtained it.

That was because if the opponent had any decent resistance stats, it would be incredibly difficult to bind them down.

However, the Bind that I just cast ignored all resistances.

Not only that, but the skill that used to target a single opponent had turned into a massive area of effect skill instead.

With just one cast, a countless amount of hands had popped out on the ground around me.

It didn’t matter that I didn’t know where the Demon King was.

I just poured in a bit of the infinite mana I had, along with a little bit of magical energy.

It wasn’t a perfect dish made by a skilled cook, but a college student’s meal that he made by just throwing in as much seasoning as he pleased.

Jamon, with his feet bound and unable to move, continued to struggle.

However, it was a pointless effort.

It was because the Bind’s hand tightened its grasp further and further, enough to leave marks on his smooth body.

I walked towards him.

I could smash a Meteor on him, but if I did so, the Bind would come undone.

If he gets free and begins to flee?

A hide and seek where the it has been swapped would continue for awhile.

When it comes to escaping, he would be better suited than I would be.

“Ugh! You little!”

“Just thinking about all the canned food we had to eat all this time…. Whew.”

“Will you keep struggling till the end?”

“Kuwah!”

Meeting the sword slashes while bound, the Demon King did not hesitate for a second before breaking his own horn.

It was probably because he saw Ladin perish without being able to do anything.

Rather than that, he would unleash his last resort without hesitation.

The moment that he broke his horn, a massive amount of magical energy flowed out.

After I was able to use magical energy, I was able to see the flow of it clearly.

Almost as if a pipe burst open, an insane amount of magical energy flowed out and covered Jamon’s body.

Even after seeing this spectacle, I did not react much.

I just calmly swallowed another King’s Marble instead.

Despite how much magical energy he let out, my attacks would still connect, and even if he counter attacked, none of it would work against me.

With him near me, I used the Formless Sword Aura that was empowered with newfound strength.

Wild Beast, which only activated if a vast amount of cuts were made, activated instantly as soon as I cast the skill.

A darkish red smoke rose from my body, and I could sense a power I could not contain fill every part of my body.

A calm smile appeared on my face.

This would finally set me free from the tiresome life in the demonic realm after all.

At the same time that I started my attack, the Demon King that had exuded all of his magical energy began to burn viciously.

“I am not one who will be defeated by the likes of a human!”

“Bullshit. See ya, Demon King!”

The sword aura that was akin to a hurricane had finished its due course penetrating Jamon’s body.

Until the immortality buff had 10 seconds left on it, the merciless attack continued.

My body that had been moving busily as if dancing stopped, and I looked at the Demon King.

He did not stir in the slightest. No part of his body was without injury.

I moved one of my fingers and moved it towards his forehead.

Then.

The mana that I focused on the tip of my finger suddenly exploded, fracturing his body with a very small cut.

This wasn’t a skill that I had obtained.

I had merely controlled my magical energy to cause a powerful explosion.

Almost as if blowing off dust, the Demon King’s body that had been ripped apart due to the Formless Sword Aura scattered into the air.

Just as with Ladin, I absorbed the Demon King’s magical energy.

Thus, the Demon King Jamon lost his life, completely disappearing from existence.

With this, everything ended.

The main reason of coming over, the Demon King Jamon, had been defeated, and I had absorbed over 90% of the magical energy in the demonic realm.

The only one with enough magical energy to be classified at the level of a demon tribe leader was Belkoseu.

No matter how much capacity for magical energy a monster had, they wouldn’t be able to surpass my level, and with this, we would no longer be harmed by monsters.

However, something felt off.

I was able to return to the home that I so desperately wanted to, and would be able to meet mother again.

The realm that I was in, Earth, was completely safe, and would no longer suffer chaos from the monsters.

It was a situation where I should be feeling elated from a massive feeling of accomplishment and relief, celebrating with happiness as if I could fly away at any given moment.

However, the reality wasn’t so.

Instead of happiness, there was a hollow emptiness instead.

Would there be a time where I would need to use my incredible power that I possessed?

What was the goal that I should be looking towards next?

What should I be doing next?

I wasn’t able to come up with clear answers to any of the questions I had raised.

Right now, I was…. I was just a wanderer without a goal and an outlaw with reins over him.

****

It didn’t take long for Jong Ho, Karin, and Belkoseu to arrive.

Jong Ho teased me with a bright expression.

“Demon King! We must head to Earth and destroy humankind!”

“Pfft. What are you on about. I should leave you here and go. Anyways, I guess it really is over?”

“Of course. Everything is as it should be now. You finished what we didn’t know would end. You did well.”

“But…… For some reason, it feels hollow and a letdown.”

“I guess so. For this, we had charged in with everything on the line, but now it has ended. I can at least somewhat understand what you’re saying.”

“For adults….. Is this emotion something that you feel often?”

“It’s different for everyone. There are those who’d never feel this feeling their entire lives, while others feel this way every single day.”

“I think I can understand it in my head….. But I still can’t get a clear picture. I’m not sure what to do.”

While I was at a loss on what to do with this new feeling that I’ve never felt before, Jong Ho came to me and patted my back.

In all our time together, this was a moment when he seemed the most mature, and I felt a desire to rely on him.

All the emotions that I held back came flooding out like a dam breaking.

Karin danced with enjoyment, unaware of how I was feeling.

He continued to do so, humming a bizarre song I could not understand.

“Kerukeru. Kel Kel. Keruuut. Keruutuut!”

“Are you happy?”

“Kerut!”

“You worked hard, Karin.”

“Kel kel. I didn’t do anything. It was you who went through a lot, Min-Cheol.”

“Whew…. That’s true. So, what will you do from now on?”

“Keru?”

“Will you stay here? Or do you want to come with us to Earth?”

“Keruru. I guess it’s a habit of yours to ask questions that you know the answers to?”

“Heh. Right, I get it.”

“Kel. Hurry up and try using the Demon King’s Authority!”

“Right. To get back home, I’ll first have to open the dimensional door leading back to Earth, right?”

“So we’re finally going. I was dying to see her again.”

“Tell me the truth. Is it mother? Or is it your girl?”

“Huh? Uh…. It’s everyone, of course. I’m saying that I want to see the place where everyone is.”

“That’s why they say that you shouldn’t raise a child that’s not your own…..”

“Pfft. Either way, I’m happy.”

“But how do I use this Authority?”

“I shall teach you, Demon King.”

“Ah….. Belkoseu. Addressing me respectfully is good, but please don’t call me Demon King. It’s rather uncomfortable…..”

“Ahem. I understand. D….. Mighty Human.”

“So how do I use this Authority?”

Belkoseu was also someone from the demonic race with quite the large capacity for magical energy.

He had many Authorities, and learned to use them more efficiently than anyone else after using them for countless years.

Sadly, due to them not being Authorities that allowed him to grow quickly, he wasn’t able to rise to the title of demonic tribe leader.

As instructed by Belkoseu, I closed my eyes.

After that, I thought of the Authority I wanted to use in my mind.

He informed me that not even those who had risen to the title of Demon King knew just how many Authorities they could use.

It wasn’t as if there was some detailed instruction manual or someone instructed you on it.

Firstly, we started our travels to another dimension.

It did cost a lot of magical energy, but it didn’t matter to me.

It was the equivalent of taking a shovel’s worth of sand from the desert.

Focusing on Earth, the place I wanted to return to, I used my Authority.

As I did so, a small Gate formed in front of me.

“This is amazing, you know?”

“It’s a dimensional door that only allows one lifeform to travel.”

“Hm. Then I shall be going. Hyung-nim, it’s been fun.”

“Hey, you! Are you telling me to live as a lonely old man?”

“Pfft. Hurry up and go through. It should be connected to home.”

“Right. Whew…..”

Jong Ho let out a long sigh and looked around.

He too was probably feeling a mix of emotions as well.

It was to be expected, since he was not selected, but rather convinced by me to risk his life fighting in the demonic realm.

“See you at home.”

“Yes.”

“Now, next is Karin.”

“Kel kel! Quickly! Send me quick!”

“But for you to go there with your current appearance is…..”

“Kehel….. I guess it’s too much for a monster such as myself to live on Earth?”

His disappointed look stung my heart.

“Hm…. You’ll become the most famous goblin in both the demonic realm and Earth. But instead of doing that, why not let the guide goblin Barun take the position and live a normal life instead?”

“Kehel?”

Finishing my words, I changed Karin’s ugly appearance into a human’s.

How did I know that this would be possible?

I would have to give credit to the Piece of Time and Space.

One of the effects said that I would be able to use all of the power that I possessed.

After creating the dimensional door with the help of Belkoseu, I was able to use all of the Authorities that a Demon King possessed, which was never done before by anyone.

After learning the first step, I was able to master the whole thing and make it my own.

“Ket! Min…. Min-Cheol. My body!”

“Go ahead. Make sure to explain to hyung-nim clearly, okay?”

“Kerururu! Finally, I feel like I’ve become an actual part of the family. I understand. Hurry up and follow!”

“Gotcha.”

“Now, I should get going as well……”

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168. Return

Jong Ho and Karin had returned to Earth.

The only ones left were Belkoseu and I.

I wanted to make a portal immediately and return, but there still was something I needed to say before I left.

“Belkoseu.”

“Yes, Mighty Human.”

“I’ll see you at the Gate that is connected to Earth. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Understood.”

“And straighten out your shoulders. You’ll be acting as the Demon King now.”

“Kuhuhu. Yes.”

“Good. See you in a bit.”

Finishing my words, I casted Warp.

My destination was where Jong Ho and I first set foot in the demonic realm, which was in front of the Gate.

This Gate would serve as an important pathway for the future bloodstone exportation to Earth.

That’s why even though I could get rid of it right now, I wouldn’t do so.

In front of the Gate stood King Suwoo and the Devil Avatars, holding the line.

Heal Full had been casted under their feet, so despite not having given them any care for many days, they were guarding the Gate without a single wound.

Other than the guide goblin Barun, no other monster should be allowed through the Gate.

If I returned to Earth, these summoned creatures would remain, but I would not be able to cast Heal Full for them.

Just like how the Proof of Pledge skill I had cast on my mother had been severed, I wouldn’t be able to cast skills to affect other dimensions without being there in the dimension myself.

“Kuwuhhh!”

“Haaa…… Haaa…..”

“Have you been well?”

“Kuhuhhuhhh!”

No matter when, the Fear howls they roared were loud enough to make my ears sting.

Approaching them, I canceled the Heal Full spells on the ground.

“Kuruung?”

“We won’t be needing this anymore.”

Albeit little, they had some intelligence, so they understood my commands pretty well.

It seemed that they were also aware that Heal Full was beneficial to them.

Since I removed that very skill, they seemed confused, tilting their heads to the side.

Walking closer to them, I put my hand on one of the Devil Avatars.

During the 3rd test given by that god, I had learned from my copy during the fight.

I was trying to strengthen the summoned creatures using mana.

“Kuwuhuhl!”

“It would be a problem if their roars get louder.”

I poured in magical energies until the summoned creature’s body was about to burst.

The summoned creature’s size did not increase, but this Devil Avatar now at least had 10 times the offensive and defensive capabilities than before.

Since I had over 90% of the magical energy in the demonic realm, the monsters who would continue to spawn after wouldn’t have much strength.

These creatures would have to share the leftover magical energy in the realm after all.

I continued to pour mana into the rest of the summoned creatures.

With this much, they should be able to hold on for dozens of years without any issue.

“Whew…. With this, the Gate defense is done.”

The next thing I had to do was to get rid of the portals appearing on Earth.

Since one of the demonic tribe leaders, Zekill, had made these portals, they should be easily undone with the Authority of Demon King.

Once again, I focused with all my might.

Since I couldn’t use the Demon King’s Authorities with ease, it was quite the strenuous task.

With the title of the Demon King, I commanded all doors leading to any other dimensions be closed, with the exception of this Gate that was connected to Earth.

“I command as the Demon King. At this time, I collapse dimensional doors that lead to other dimensions within the demonic realm.”

As I finished, a loud noise similar to a lightning strike on a clear day rang enough to shake the earth and sky.

With it, I could feel some loss in magical energy.

It didn’t matter that much, since all the magical energy that I used would float around the demonic realm and eventually be absorbed by my subordinate, Belkoseu.

I didn’t know when, but if I continued to use my Authority like this, there probably would come a day that Belkoseu would become the Demon King.

However, that didn’t matter.

As long as I was alive, we wouldn’t be harmed by the monsters.

That is why I invested some of that time to close all doors leading to different dimensions save this Gate.

I could sense Belkoseu running towards me from afar.

I felt odd at this sensation.

To think that I would obtain the ability to sense magical energy like Karin did, which was only accessible by monsters.

It was enough to make me wonder just what I’ve become.

“Demonic race? Human? I’m not a god though. Hm. It’s become quite complicated.”

“Human!”

“Oh, you’ve arrived?”

“Yes! For what reason have you requested me here?”

“Do you see these giants?”

I pointed towards the summoned creatures guarding the Gate.

Belkoseu briefly looked towards the creatures before moving his gaze to the floor once more.

And then he spoke.

“Yes. Those who guard the Gate….. Gatekeepers.”

“Yes. I told them already to not let anyone who isn’t the guide goblin Barun through.”

“……”

“In a bit, Barun will return. He’s a diligent fellow who works through day and night bringing back bloodstones.”

“Yes……”

“You just need to hand over the stones that you’ve obtained to him.”

“Hm…. Just how much will you be needing, my lord?”

“Since the stones that drop here will be S to S+ ranking anyways, so……”

“……”

“Not sure?”

“Yes… Yes?”

“I’m not sure how much we’ll need. Just bring enough to make a mountain of it in front of the Gate. I’ll go to Earth and decide after seeing the amount that is delivered.”

“Then… Do you mean that you’ll be returning back….”

“No, that’s against the contract we made. I told you that I’m not a cruel master. All you have to do is to fill enough of the sacks or boxes I send you. Then your duty is done.”

“If that’s all. Kuhuhu.”

“Yep. I’ll be trusting you and going ahead.”

“Yes, Mighty Human.”

“Work hard, Demon King.”

“Demon King…. Kuhuhuhuhu! Yes!”

**** 

“Mom….”

“Son.”

“I’m back”

“Young Min-Cheol! You’ve gone through a lot for us. I believed in you.”

“Mr. Min-Cheol. It must’ve been hard. Thank you.”

“I hope everyone has been doing well?”

“Look at how shrunken your cheeks are. We should start eating as we talk. Commander and Mr. Ho Jin haven’t eaten yet either, right?”

“Hohoho. Yes, mother.”

“I’m in your debt from always burdening you, missus.”

“Please, come in.”

“Tsk! Jong Ho-hyung and the goblin…. No. Is there a man who came with him, right? Is he in the house?”

“That’s right. However…. Why was there a human in the demonic realm? Even the way he speaks is strange, and even the way he walked seemed off. Well, since you brought him here, I assumed that he has a good heart.”

“That’s…. It seems that he was stuck there in the demonic realm when the Unknown Dungeon opened…. Probably…..”

“Is that so. Let’s talk about the details inside. Let us go.”

“Yes.”

Earth, our house, and my mother. Everything was the same as it was before.

As promised, I returned home safely.

Mother was smiling brightly right now, but noticing how her eyes were puffed up from crying until recently, I felt terrible.

She was pretending to forget all the heartache she had until now, hiding her emotions as best she could and welcomed me with a bright expression.

I remembered the test I took after swallowing the Piece of Space and Time.

Was that why? Looking at mother, I suddenly remembered our bleak past.

Back then, I couldn’t do anything. I let it continue while pretending that it wasn’t happening.

Once more, I promised myself that I wouldn’t let that happen again, no matter the cost.

Passing the gardens, we all headed towards the house.

It was a strange feeling to walk on soft grass again after the barren wastes of the demonic realm.

This little change helped me feel that I’ve returned back to my daily life.

Inside the house, I could smell lots of tasty foods.

The butler and many of the workers inside gave an enthusiastic welcome.

Greeting them with matching enthusiasm one by one, I walked towards the living room, where Jong Ho and Karin were.

“Hey, you’re here?”

“Keruru. Min-Cheol, you’ve arrived?”

“Wow…. This is very awkward, you know?”

“Karin? Hey, I was really surprised. A human came out of the portal that a goblin was supposed to. But the moment that he started speaking, I could tell. This had to be Karin.”

“Kel kel kel. I like this new look.”

“Karin, yes, but also hyung-nim sprawled out on the couch feels awkward too.”

“Just enjoy it, you little rascal.”

“Young master, you’ve been through a lot.”

“Y…. Young…. Young master? Ah. Yes…..”

“Of course, you’re the young master. Try calling her sister-in-law.”

“Everything is so awkward. I’ll get used to slowly. But looking at Ms. So-Hyeon, now I remembered. I should’ve ripped off Berdan’s castle.”

“Why? Was it because you don’t want us to destroy the building when we have a lover’s quarrel? Pfft.”

“Yes. The building material was rather sturdy, right? Ah, and have the portals disappeared?”

“So-Hyeon, the remote control please.”

“Sure.”

-click.

-Due to Yangpyeong having vast mountains, this is one of the places where portals reaching near level 40s are present. This spot I’m standing is where a level 35 portal was. As you can see, the portal has disappeared without a trace, almost as if never being there in the first place. Not only here, but all of South Korea, and beyond that, the entire world…..

-click.

-The mega corporation in charge of exporting and trading OBEC. After all the portals on Earth have disappeared, a different icy aura is permeating here. Forty-one years ago, portals came into existence, and humankind has used the bloodstones as a resource that we cannot live without anymore. That very same supply of stones had been cut without warning…..

Instead of answering, Jong Ho had turned on the television.

No matter what channel he switched to, it was the same news.

The main points of all the coverage was that the portals where the monsters came out from have all disappeared.

Not only that, but despite after only a short time, the price of bloodstones had risen dramatically, and each country’s governments were scrambling to acquire as many bloodstones as possible.

The reporters seemed to be aware that this had been caused artificially by an Awakened, but the ones behind it being Jong Ho and I wasn’t even in the theoretical discussions.

This was because the association president, Commander Yoon Jong-sun, had put in a great amount of effort to keep it hidden.

“Isn’t it quite funny?”

“……”

“Due to portals exploding and monsters…. Do we have to call them as demonic creatures now? Anyways, they poured out each year, causing many lives to be lost in the process, but some are arguing that we shouldn’t get rid of the portals. All because of the energy resource, the bloodstones.”

“Hm…. It’s quite disappointing, but I think I can understand where they’re coming from.”

“Look at you becoming a grown adult after a visit to the demonic realm.”

“Pfft. To be honest, I’ve said it because I can’t be bothered with it. As you know, the stones will be supplied continuously through Belkoseu and Barun. And since the ranking of these stones are far greater than what we previously obtained on Earth, even though we might have less available, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Honey, look at how clever my sibling is. To think that he prepared ahead in advance, knowing that this would happen. The more I look at him, the more I realize that he’s a genius.”

“It’s whatever. It’s not like I’ve been a genius for a day or two, right?”

“You two are the dream duo, really. I can’t stop you two.”

“Keruru. Include me in and call us a trio, human female!”

“Informally addressing me?”

“Hey hey….. Karin. He’s not someone with a good personality….. Let’s start with him having him learn how to address people respectfully…..”

Jong Ho whispered while keeping an eye on So-Hyeon mood.

With that, we all ate our meals while talking about what happened in the demonic realm.

I was thinking that this is what peace was like.

However, as we finished our meal and was eating desserts in the living room, a call for Commander Yoon Jong-Sun came.

None could predict just how much of an impact this one phone call would have.

“Yes, this is the commander.”

“…….”

“What?”

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163. A Piece of Time and Space

-snap.

In an instant, my surroundings changed.

Only now did I see what I had originally thought the celestial plane would have looked like.

An endless waterfall of various colors flowed, and I heard a beautiful melody that seemed familiar somehow, as if I had heard of it at least once before.

It was a beautiful and peaceful scenery, fitting of a place called the celestial plane.

To me, however, this scenery had such a contrast that it was enough to make me sick.

It was because I remembered how this god had merely watched and spectated the violence in amusement just until now.

Including me, the radical faction, the Chimera, and other monsters as well, they were all creations of this god.

This god was feeling thrilled at the sight of the creatures that she created spilling blood amongst each other.

I didn’t stay on this thought too long, however.

The god pointed at a small door that led back out towards the demonic realm.

“Now, if you leave through there, Barub, who had guided you here, will be waiting for you.”

“What about the ability of a Piece of Time and Space……”

“When you are guided back by Barub through space and time and back to the demonic realm, the time that had stopped will flow once more, and you will obtain the ability automatically, so don’t worry.”

“Then I’ll be taking my leave…..”

“Hehe. Did I make a human with a personality like this? Well, since you’re not predictable like the rest, it’s pretty amusing.”

“……”

Not even pretending to listen to what this god said, I walked towards the door.

The sound of my Titan Boots against the smooth floor as I walked was music to my ears.

As I opened the battered door, I could see the pure white tunnel.

How could such a simple passageway be such a welcoming sight?

I did boast that I would be able to meet the Guide Through Time and Space Barub once more, but I was feeling pretty down after hearing that no one had passed this test before.

Just considering the results alone, I had passed the test proudly and had come back to this path with the power of a Piece of Time and Space.

To be honest, I felt proud of myself.

Just like that, I was about to step into the crack in time and space.

“Wait!”

“Is there something left?”

“……”

“If that’s not the case……”

“I don’t think I’ve ever offered this to anyone.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means that I’ve never been so interested in a human’s strength before.”

“I’m not sure what you mean by that.”

“It means that I want you at my side. You can obtain a lot of power here while you stay as well.”

“If that’s your offer, I decline.”

“The power of the Piece of Time and Space? Even though the power I offer is far greater than that, you aren’t interested?”

“If I could take that power and walk out of this celestial plane, then I’d accept gladly. However, if that’s not the case, then I decline.”

“As expected.”

“For a god such as yourself, it shouldn’t be that difficult for you to make someone like me submit though?”

“Hehe! That’s true, but….. Eh. There’s no reason for me to explain the complicated intricacies of the world of the gods. I won’t stop you. Hurry up and go.”

“What a boring god. Then…..”

****

“Yo! It’s been awhile.”

“Human….. Did you really do it?”

“As I said, you’ll be seeing me again.”

“I congratulate you. Through the many years, I have guided countless across to the celestial plane, but this is the first time that I’ve guided someone back from the celestial plan to their original dimension. It is my pleasure to guide you back.”

“Thanks.”

I continued to follow Barub down the pitch black road.

A while passed just like that, and I was able to see the demonic realm that had turned red due to the Chimera’s orbs.

Was it because I had obtained a massive amount of power?

I was already moving faster than Barub, almost nearing a run.

Just a bit more.

The moment that Barub finished guiding me, time in the demonic realm and on Earth would flow once more.

“Now. We’ve arrived.”

“Wew…… So if I take one more step forward, time will start flowing again?”

“That’s right.”

“Good. Thank you for guiding me.”

“Don’t mention it, since it is the duty I am charged with.”

“Let’s meet again, Guide Through Time and Space, Barub.”

“We shall soon.”

“……”

With a mysterious answer, Barub grew distant and eventually out of my sight.

As Barub’s guidance came to an end, my vision went to black once more.

It was the same as when I had first swallowed the Piece of Time and Space.

It didn’t take long before I arrived at Ifrit’s castle and saw my body that collapsed on the ground.

Also came into view were Jong Ho and Karin, who were both guarding me.

“I guess it’s time that my soul returned back to its home.”

Almost as if diving back into my body, I dug into myself.

Only then did I feel my body once more, as if waking from a long slumber.

Not only that, but I felt suffocated as if my chest was being pressed down by something heavy.

Taking in a deep breath, I opened my eyes.

“Kehruruk?”

“Mi….. Min-Cheol……”

“Hm?”

“Whew…… Now I feel like I’m alive again.”

“Hey, you idiot! Why didn’t you eat it slower. So you’ve woken back up after choking on it?”

“Hm?”

“Kerururu. Even I thought that the Piece of Time and Space was too big to swallow.”

“Hurry up and digest it! If we leave it as it is, we could end up with nothing happening.”

“If you eat steak, you can digest faster. Min-Cheol, should I cook up some steaks?”

“Ah….. I feel sad again.”

This was the same situation as when I had finished my fight with the demon god Ifrit before.

Only did time pass for me and me alone.

Jong Ho and Karin must be thinking that I had merely taken a quick nap.

I was positive that they had no idea that I had passed the three tests that the god gave me.

Even so, I was somewhat happy that time had stopped till now.

It was because I was worried that the Demon King would try chasing us down in the meantime, and that I could not use Full Heal on the summoned creatures guarding the Gate.

The situation was looking great.

For them, only a short time would’ve passed, but I had obtained an inexplicably powerful strength during that time.

I had also been using mana with only basic methods, but now learned how to use it effectively in the process of passing the tests, almost as if catching a rat while stepping backwards. ²

Even the Demon King and Ladin wouldn’t be able to face against me now.

Not only that, but I would be able to defeat Belkoseu, who had been nothing but a headache.

Due to having the Authority that granted him immortality, I wouldn’t be able to take his life, but I had the healing negation effect thanks to the Piece of Time and Space.

If I bring him near death and stop there?

He would live in the demonic realm forever in a state where he would be barely alive, unable to do anything similar to a corpse.

Looking at Jong Ho and Karin who were both making fun of me, I spoke.

“It’s the same with the time when I defeated Ifrit! This is unfair!”

“Huh?”

“Kel?”

“By that, you mean…. Did you already go? No way, right?”

“Nope, there’s no way. You’re so right.”

Since they couldn’t believe me, I pulled out the last remaining King’s Marbles and showed it to them.

Before I swallowed the Piece of Time and Space, I had 11 marbles.

I gave 6 to Jong Ho and kept 5 for myself.

However, in the timespan that I had closed and opened my eyes in their point of view, only one marble was left.

“Really?”

To Jong Ho’s question that he asked with wide eyes, I merely nodded.

Only then did I see relief in his expression.

I could also sense that he felt sorry and pity for me.

“Now, we need not run, even if our opponents are the Demon King or Ladin.”

“Good work.”

“And we need not worry about Belkoseu either.”

“What? What do you mean by that!”

At my words, Belkoseu let out his anger with a disgusted look.

Despite Belkoseu being next to me, I had spoken without a care for that fact.

The shaky alliance that we had kept up was no longer useful. It was time to end it.

To be more precise, the alliance was no longer beneficial for me.

The plan to help him grow stronger so that he could defeat the Demon King had become outdated.

Staring down Belkoseu, I spoke.

“Did you not hear?”

“Have you forgotten! Without my help, you cannot defeat the Demon King!”

“Ah. That was true 5 minutes ago.”

“What?”

“With how outdated your intel is, how can you be of any use?”

“You little….. You had planned to betray me…..”

“Isn’t it the same with you? This was an alliance that could not be held from the start. But you knew that as well, right?”

“……”

“I was just teasing to see your reaction, but since you can’t answer, I guess it was true?”

“Do not do something you’ll regret, human!”

“Regret? Instead of self reflection or regret, how about I show you something interesting?”

“…..”

I cast a Frozen Orb at him.

Frozen Orb was the lowest ranking skill, also known as a trash skill.

This pathetic attack grazed his cheek and continued to fly by.

However, I hadn’t just used Frozen Orb.

Since I was able to use all of my strength now, I had channeled additional mana into the skill to enhance it before sending it flying.

Purple blood spilled from his cheek.

This situation really didn’t make any sense to the average spectator.

To think that the one with the greatest vitality in the demonic realm would bleed profusely from a single Frozen Orb.

From looking at him, I could see that his eyes were filled with shock.

My attack ignored all resistances and had a 100% success rate.

On top of that, it prevented healing.

I gave him a sinister smile.

“Hurry up and try healing with your magical energy.”

“You made a mistake that you cannot take back……”

“Your injury is what that cannot be reversed, and have you really not understood the situation?”

“No matter how long it takes, I will rise in power and take the Demon King’s throne by myself. The first thing I shall do with the Demon King’s Authority will be to raise an army of death. After that, I shall immediately send them through the Gate that connects the demonic realm to Earth! Though to call it a fair punishment for your betrayal would be light…..”

“So can you recover.”

“An injury like this….. What! How can this be…..”

“You should’ve brought some ointment or something. You’d heal back in no time, right?”

Belkoseu had used magical energy to recover before.

However, the cut from the skill I used did not heal even after a long time.

With my arms crossed, I spoke with my head held high.

“Do you have the confidence to block any additional attacks?”

“…..”

“Even though you’ll have to live with the pain for an eternity?”

“Damn…..”

“What I want isn’t something so difficult.”

“…..”

“As you wish, I’ll give you the demonic realm onto the palm of your hands. How about it?”

“What are you up to! And how did you obtain so much power in such a short amount of time…..”

“Don’t bother trying to figure that out. Just remember this well. That if you mess with humans, you’ll get more than you bargained for.”

“Right now, you could tear me apart like a dirty rag and leave me to suffer an eternity in the demonic realm. But you’re saying that you’ll let me take the seat of the Demon King?”

“Yep. To be exact, it won’t be the seat of the Demon King. After all, since the one who becomes Demon King will be the one with the most amount of magical energy, and that will be me, naturally.”

“I’m sure that what you wish of me will be incredibly difficult.”

“That’s not the case.”

“…..”

“How about it? Would you like to at least hear me out?”

“Kuhu……”

Instead of negotiating a deal, I threatened Belkoseu.

I was sure that he would’ve noticed from my simple attack.

I had become an existence with a power far surpassing him in an instant.

“What I want is……”

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164. Demonic Realm Factory’s Plant Manager (Feat. Belkoseu)

Belkoseu flinched at the small cut on his cheek, unable to hide his shock.

It was an attack that came from Min-Cheol’s hand.

It wasn’t the flashy skills that he had been seeing, but a small chunk of ice had come out instead.

However, this attack that came out from this human’s hand shot out at a speed almost impossible for him to comprehend.

After all, it was so fast that he couldn’t even try avoiding it.

Not only that, but he also couldn’t ignore the power behind the attack.

However, the real reason why he was surprised wasn’t because of the destructive power behind the attack.

He was an immortal existence.

No attack could destroy him, and he never flinched to an attack before.

However, with this single attack, he had met with fear that he had never felt before.

Not only that, but the wound from the attack did not heal.

Since it was a simple injury, he had thought that he could recover using a little bit of magical energy.

If not, he had believed that after some time, it would heal on its own.

However, the injury didn’t show any signs of healing, and instead kept on bleeding out profusely.

The reality that Belkoseu faced was something far worse than what he had expected.

After Min-Cheol woke up from his sleep, even the aura around him was different.

It wasn’t as if he had the ability to sense powers other than magical energies, but he felt it for sure.

He was positive that Min-Cheol had grown several times stronger.

Not only that, but he also sensed that real death could be fast approaching him.

Belkoseu was like a flower in the demonic realm.

To him, Min-Cheol the human, who had come from Earth to the demonic realm, was something akin to a butterfly.

For someone who had difficulty growing stronger even if he struggled as much as he could, Min-Cheol had come and given him the opportunity for a tasty fruit to bear.

At the end though, he had planned to become a carnivorous plant to eat this insect instead.

Since he was aware of the Gate that led to Earth existing in Berdan’s territory, once he had obtained the title of Demon King, he was planning to rule over the human realm as well.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“…..”

“Won’t you focus? Can you still not understand your situation? Are you even listening to me?”

“What happened. I sense an unknown power from you…..”

“Glad to hear. I was worried that I had to bring you halfway to death in order to make you realize.”

“Kuu…..”

“I don’t plan to kill you. Isn’t that good news for you?”

“……”

“However, there is something you need to do. I guess this part isn’t that much of a good news?”

“What……. What will you have me do?”

Belkoseu, who had completely submitted under Min-Cheol’s strength, carefully asked a question instead of resisting.

“The Demon King and Ladin. They will disappear within days. Of course, they will die by my hand.”

“Im… Impossible!”

“What part of you needs to be cut off before you fix your habit of cutting people off?”

“Ugh……”

“From now on, if you have something to say, raise your hand and ask me for my permission. You will only speak after I give you permission, understood?”

“……”

“Answer me!”

“Ah! Yes!”

“Good. After all, you are immortal, right?”

“That’s right. I have the immortal Authority…..”

“You should think carefully if you know what’s good for you. After all, you could be subjected to the pain of your body being torn apart without being granted the sweet bliss of death, living like that forever.”

“What do you wish of me…..”

“Obedience. And for you to toil for me.”

“If you need monsters with the magical energy capacity that of a demon king candidate, I shall call forth as many as you need.”

“Hey. Look, buddy. I don’t need anything like that anymore.”

“…..”

“From now on, you shall become known as the demonic realm’s factory plant manager.”

“I do not understand what you mean by that.”

“Bloodstones. You shall bring me an amount that I will decide on each day.”

“Are you telling me to pick up those pathetic stones! I am Belkoseu, a being with an Authority that grants me immortality…..”

“You can do your self introductions later when you’re alone. Just answer.”

“Ahem!”

Belkoseu crossed his arms and turned his head to stare off into space.

This was obviously gesture of declination.

Despite his position, it must be due to his pride.

It was obvious for Min-Cheol to not take kindly to such a gesture.

Using Blink to get right next to Belkoseu, Min-Cheol raised his hand.

“AHHH!”

His forehead turned red as if on fire.

Despite being hit with just a flick of a finger, it had enough strength to blow apart most monsters.

Belkoseu held his forehead in his hands and asked.

“Wait! Then what shall I receive from this?”

“Good. You should’ve said that from the start. I’m not an evil employer after all.”

“Kuuu…”

“Obedience. And if you work hard, then you shall become the strongest monster in the demonic realm!”

“Oho! You plan to let me defeat the Demon King and Ladin with my own hands! I shall be obtaining their magical energies!”

“No, that’s not it. I can’t go back to the demonic realm without becoming the Demon King. Well, there is a Gate, but it’s not a full proof plan.”

“Then…..”

“If I absorb all the magical energies of Zekill, Berdan, Ladin, and Jamon, who are the leaders of the demonic tribes, then?”

“……”

“I will be holding onto over 90% of the magical energies of the demon realm, right?”

“That…. That’s right…..”

“Out of the remaining 10%, you’ll be the strongest.”

“Is that all!”

“Do you want to obey after you lose your arms and legs? Or do you want to work while you still have them?”

“Ahhhhh!”

Belkoseu flailed about in desperation.

Not able to hold back his anger, his entire body shook.

Not only that, but purple blood was coming out from his tightly clenched fists.

It seemed that he was quite angry.

“Hm?”

“I! I am Belkoseu! Holder of the immortal Authority Belkoseu! My destiny is to become the Demon King! That is why! I shall work while keeping my limbs intact!”

“You little….. To think that we had the same sense of humor.”

“Kuhu……. Just promise me one thing, human.”

“What is it?”

“As you demand, I shall continue sending bloodstones to Earth.”

“Right, right.”

“However, if the amount I delivered didn’t meet your demands or if I failed to deliver them properly, then……”

“Continue.”

“Do not come back to the demonic realm!”

“That’s nothing. If there is a good employee at the workplace, why would the boss come out to the store? Okay. This, I shall be happy to do so. After all, only by doing this will you have some pride still left as the best employee of the demonic realm.”

“I do not understand these concepts of shops and employees, but….. I shall take it that you have agreed.”

“Yeah. Since there is not an official contract, let us shake hands and settle on this. After all, I have a lot to do.”

Min-Cheol pulled Belkoseu’s hand and forcefully shook hands.

Belkoseu’s expression was the definition of having eaten shit.

Just from putting out his hand forward, Belkoseu was freaking out intensely and went into a defensive stance.

The reason why Min-Cheol didn’t kill Belkoseu and instead planned to use him as a source of bloodstones was the following.

As said beforehand, the Demon King and Ladin will soon be removed out of existence.

We still had 7 King’s Marbles, and now I had the power of the Piece of Time and Space.

Not only could I use mana, but I could now use it in any way I wanted to.

With this, I did not need to grow any stronger before I could defeat my opponents.

After that, as the one with the most amount of magical energy, I would naturally rise to the title of the Demon King.

Since the dawn of the demonic realm till now, I would have the most amount of magical energy by far of any Demon Kings in the past.

Since it will be over 90% of the magical energy in the demonic realm, it would be quite a lot more than any before.

If that is what comes to pass, then we would be able to return to Earth safely.

Not only that, but I could remove the portals and dungeons formed on Earth one-sidedly.

Removing the portals and dungeons on Earth was a good thing, obviously.

After all, I would be putting an end to the monsters causing destruction upon our world.

However, humans had adapted bit by bit since the monsters appeared.

The biggest example was the appearance of the mutant Awakened.

Also, bloodstones that dropped from defeating the monsters were incorporated into our society.

Right now, bloodstones had become a resource that humans couldn’t live without.

Not only were they responsible for keeping machinery and factories powered, but even the creation of the smallest everyday products required the stones.

But if the portals and dungeons disappeared, cutting off the supply of bloodstones to us humans?

It would cause chaos equivalent to the first appearance of portals on Earth.

To put it simply, it would be the equivalent of coal and fossil fuel that were the main source of energy 40 years ago disappear all of a sudden.

That is why Min-Cheol did not plan at all to remove all portals and the Gate that connected the demonic realm with Earth once he had risen to the seat of the Demon King.

It was the only way that humanity could be supplied with this stuff, so why would he.

Continuing to kill the monsters that spawned endlessly, humanity would continue obtaining the stones.

There wouldn’t be many who could do this job.

That is why I put Belkoseu on the table.

Sealing the deal with a threat, Min-Cheol called for Karin.

“Karin!”

“Keruru. What is it?”

“Let’s use your ability a bit.”

“Keruk? Is there a monster you’d like to locate? Who is it?”

“Demon King.”

“Kel?”

“Ah, I made a mistake.”

“Kehhehheh. I thought you went insane for a second, Min-Cheol. Without being insane, why would you go to the demon king? Kel kel.”

“Instead of the Demon King, let’s go find Ladin first. Well, I think they’d be together, so I guess it doesn’t matter.”

“Kehheh? Jong Ho! Min-Cheol is being strange! I think he didn’t sleep well!”

“Pfft. He’s fine. Please search them out for me.”

“Kehet! Have both of you given up! Have you lost your sights on getting back to Earth alive!”

“No, that’s not….”

“Keruk! I am disappointed at the two of you!”

Karin had no idea that Min-Cheol had become strong beyond description at this point.

It was to be expected, since Karin had been happily eating away some steaks after Min-Cheol had woken up.

To him, it must’ve looked like I was just trying to end this long journey in the demonic realm.

He must be thinking that I had given up on everything, planning to die at the hands of the Demon King and Ladin.

As he spoke out passionately, food from his mouth spewed forth all over the place.

Seeing this little goblin rage, I found it cute without understanding exactly why.

Jong Ho set about the difficult task of calming down the upset Puppet Goblin.

“Karin. We’ll be heading back to Earth now.”

“Kehheheh…… Min-Cheol, is it very difficult for you? You can talk to me. Family is supposed to be like this.”

“No, you fool! I’ve become incredibly strong. Not only Ladin, but I could easily defeat the Demon King now.”

“Keruuuuuuu. Jong Ho! Min-Cheol is hurting. I think he is hurting on the inside a lot.”

“Sigh. Let me show you. Hey, Belkoseu.”

“……”

“Let’s get this whole pecking order all cleared up. From now on, consider Jong Ho-hyung and Karin as equals to me and address them accordingly. Understood?”

“Kuhuu!”

“Finger flicking again?”

“Kuhu….. Understood…”

“And isn’t there a way to address people respectively in the demonic realm? Why are you not addressing me with respect since the moment we met.”

“Kel kel! There is! Even in the demonic realm, there is a way to refer others with respect in a way that follows etiquette.”

“Oho? Is that so? Sir Belkoseu? I ask that you address us respectively now, please?”

“Tsk! I understand…. Sir.”

“Kehhel! Kehhel! Kehhel! Say it properly!”

“Karin…. Sir…..”

“Keh heh heh heh!”

Karin laughed as if he had owned the entire world for quite some time.

His happy expression was as if he was swimming in a pile of steaks.

Without much thought, I looked at his expression for awhile.

I was hoping that the life in the demonic realm that I thought would never end would conclude happily as Karin’s laughter right now.

“Karin! Find us the Demon King!”

“Kel! Understood!”

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