Chapter 251: The Second Lords' Meeting (4)
Translator: Leyy3
Numerous question marks.
Kang Chul-In's facial expression was literally...
"What kind of bullshit is this!?"
...full of horror.
"Perhaps... did I cause you any inconvenience?"
Kwak Jung, the tactician of Lord Vito Clemenza, spoke.
"If I happened to be rude..."
"Before that."
Kang Chul-In interrupted him. He had to ask questions to clarify his identity.
"Who are you again?"
A petrifying glare.
Kwak Jung was faced with indescribable intimidation.
It was the most fundamental question when identifying strangers.
"I am..."
Kwak Jung replied.
"I am Kwak Jung, the tactician of Lord Vito Clemenza, who rules over the land of Paramount at the eastern end of Pangaea."
"Again."
"...I beg your pardon?"
"Whose tactician?"
"I work for his Majesty, Vito Clemenza."
"Your name?"
"It's Kwak Jung."
"Nationality?"
"Well, you are hearing me speak now... I am Korean..."
"Fuck!"
"Sorry?"
Kang Chul-In accidentally spewed out vulgarities, but he did not care. He had a frown on his face.
How can this be?
Two Kwak Jungs?
The tactician of Lord Vito Clemenza, Kwak Jung, whom he had been searching for so desperately after the Great Summoning stood right before his eyes.
In that case,
Did I pick the wrong one...?
It only meant that his own tactician wasn't the Kwak Jung he had been looking for.
"'Kwak Jung,' you say...? I have a tactician named Kwak Jung, too. Both of you have the same name..."
"That's not really the case."
"...?"
"Just until a week ago, my real name was Kwak Jun. My mother incidentally had my fortune told, and the fortune teller told her that I'm destined to die early... ah, do you mind if I light up a stick?"
Kwak Jun fished out a cigarette from his pocket.
"I'm a chronic smoker..."
"Go ahead."
"Thank you. Hu..."
A thick layer of smoke rose up.
... A chronic smoker.
Kang Chul-In was flabbergasted.
No matter how he looked, the Kwak Jung he had been searching for seemed to be this smoker in front of him, not the one buried in a pile of documents back in Laputa.
"So."
Kang Chul-In spoke.
Regardless, he had to find out why this 'real Kwak Jung' had approached him in the first place.
"Why did you come to find me?"
"I want to offer you a deal."
"What kind?"
"A big one."
"Wouldn't it make sense for your Lord to be present instead? Where is Vito Clemeza?"
"His Majesty is not feeling well, hence I had to participate in the Lord meeting as his replacement. I hope to seek your understanding..."
"I understand."
Kang Chul-In nodded.
It wasn't uncommon for Lords to send their subordinates to meetings if they could not make it personally.
"What's the deal about?"
"I presume your Majesty desires to conquer the whole of Pangaea?"
"I'm certainly not the only one."
"That's true, but there's a difference between mere dreamers and someone who has the capacity to fulfill the dream. Since I'm on it, why not bet on the more likely candidate?"
"The details?"
"Do you want the summarized version?"
"Suit yourself."
"Alright. I, no, his Majesty, Vito Clemenza..."
Kwak Jun hesitated for a moment before whispering in a very low tone.
"...Wishes to create a two-way power struggle for your Majesty, Kang Chul-In."
"...!"
"The two parties would be the Kingdom of Valhalla and the Gullveig Alliance. Isn't this the big picture that you have been drawing?"
From Kwak Jun's words, Kang Chul-In could already notice one thing.
Regardless of whether this stranger was the man he had been looking for, he had the intelligence to qualify as a dealer.
"Tell me more."
Kang Chul-In let out a faint smile.
With the conclusion of the ball, the second Lord meeting seemed to come to an end.
However,
Bang!
A loud sound was heard, which instigated a commotion.
"Kuhuk!"
An Asian man vomited a ton of blood. Someone had sent him flying into a wall in the Lord's hall.
"How dare you?"
That someone, Kang Chul-In, snarled at the Asian man.
"You dare to offer a shitty deal like this, you trash?"
"Keuk, Kuhuk...!"
"You want me to rip your tongue out?"
"I... apologize... p-please... forgive... m-me..."
Kwak Jun pleaded while struggling to catch his breath.
"Forgive?"
Kang Chul-In smirked.
"Know your place. You dare to ask forgiveness after showing that disrespect?"
"I-I'm sorry..."
"I will crush your throat."
"Argh!"
Kang Chul-In increased his grip force, causing Kwak Jun to scream in pain.
"Cough!"
Kwak Jun coughed out blood again.
The color of the blood!
Kang Chul-In faltered slightly.
The blood... was dark red in color. Just like that of a patient with lung disease.
If its etiology was indeed lung cancer, then the man
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before him truly fulfilled the conditions of the real Kwak Jung.
"What's wrong with them?"
"Isn't that Vito Clemenza's messenger?"
"It's Kang Chul-In again...!"
The other Lords had no clue on what Kang Chul-In was up to.
Pzzt, pzzt!
At that moment.
-
Supreme King, Kang Chul-In!
The space warped and Archon, the self-declared messenger of god, appeared to stop Kang Chul-In.
Chuk!
In addition, Guardians equipped with armors of light also aimed their spears at him.
"What is it, the dog of god?"
Kang Chul-In mocked Archon.
"Anything to say?"
-
I stated this clearly before. In the Lord meeting, all forms of violence, rape, sexual harassment, robbery and murder are banned.
"Oh, you did?"
Despite Archon's warnings, Kang Chul-In did not let go of Kwak Jun. He had just ignored the host of the Lord meeting.
"But what to do? I have no intention of listening to a god's dog."
-
You will regret it.
"Regret? Me?"
-
The Supreme King of the West, I warn you as the messenger of god and as the host of this Lord meeting: Let go of that hand. I shall not tolerate any more violence.
"What if I don't?"
With that,
Kang Chul-In grasped Kwak Jun's throat with even more force.
"Eeeeeekkkk!"
Kwak Jun sounded as if he was about to die from breathlessness.
It was a critical moment.
If Kang Chul-In applied any more force, Kwak Jun's throat would snap in half.
Flash!
At that instant!
-
Punish him!
Archon ordered the Guardians to charge at Kang Chul-In.
Swish!
Ten sharp spears flew towards Kang Chul-In.
I can see them!
His eyes gleamed.
He had already surpassed the human limits.
His cognitive ability, dynamic visual acuity, spatial awareness and reflexes were products of intense training of the human potential to the max with the Oraclomind. They were not given to him through level ups.
In other words, Kang Chul-In had already become the strongest human across both Pangaea and Earth!
Flick, flick!
Kang Chul-In rapidly rotated his body.
Clang!
The Guardians' spears parried each other in the air. He had performed an incredible dodge.
Bastard!
Kang Chul-In did not stop.
Crack!
He kicked a Guardian's abdomen and landed an uppercut on its chin below the casque.
That didn't have much impact on the Guardian, of course, but it was not in vain.
Chuk!
Kang Chul-In had the Guardian's spear in his hand. While he was dodging the attacks, he had snatched its weapon.
"I've always wondered..."
Kang Chul-In gave a murderous grin.
"What would happen if I stab something sharp into your neck, arrogant bastard."
-
Supreme King of the West.
"I shall have my answer today."
With that, Kang Chul-In charged at Archon with a blinding speed.
-
Fool!
Archon did not flinch at all.
He stretched his arms and raised his hand, which was covered with blue flame.
Flash! Pang! Bang!
With a tremendous sound, Kang Chul-In was sent flying for almost 100 metres. He crashed into a wall at the opposite of the Lord meeting.
He coughed out blood.
"H-Husband!"
The shocked Lee Chae-Rin hurriedly ran towards Kang Chul-In, who had collapsed.
Chuk!
However, the Guardians stopped her with their spears.
"Move! I said move!"
Lee Chae-Rin screamed, but to no avail.
"Move you bastards! Are you trying to kill my friend!?"
Dorian joined in as well, but only Kang Chul-In was capable of surpassing the human limits in the Lord's hall. They couldn't penetrate the thick armors of the Guardians.
-
Supreme King of the West, Kang Chul-In.
Archon moved in front of the fallen Kang Chul-In. It spoke in a cold, apathetic tone.
-
Do you know your place now?
"How dare you... do this to me! Urgh..."
-
Arrogance will only bring you demise.
"..."
-
Choose.
"Choose what?"
-
Do you want to die here, or follow the rules?
"..."
-
I realize very well that you have surpassed the human limits. However,
Archon stretched its hand towards Kang Chul-In.
Ooooongg!
Mana began to swirl around the hand and formed a small ball of energy.
-
That's barely enough in this Lord's hall.
"..."
- I will ask for the last time. Do you want to die here, or apologize to the messenger of Lord Vito Clemenza and the rest of the Lords here?
Kang Chul-In was given a choice.
He had to choose either his pride or survival.
The answer seemed obvious.
Kang Chul-In would rather die than to have his pride trampled on. That was the kind of man he was!
"My choice is..."
Kang Chul-In began to speak.
***
Albrecht Vilhelm, the chairman of Gullveig Alliance, immediately visited the communication room after the Lord meeting.
"What did you suggest?"
Vilhelm asked.
-
...
Kwak Jun did not reply.
"What kind of suggestion did you make that infuriated Kang Chul-In so much?"
-
...
No reply.
"Still keeping your mouth shut?"
-
...
"I don't think I'm asking for too much, am I?"
Vilhelm almost pleaded Kwak Jun. He was that curious.
-
I apologize... I can't tell you.
Kwak Jun replied.
-
It's a diplomatic secret between the Supreme King of the West and me.
"Is that so?"
-
Yes.
"You better spill the beans."
He threatened now.
"Taking the previous occasion into account as well, I can easily frame you as an enemy. You should know this better."
The previous occasion referred to Kwak Jun declaring Paramount's refusal to join the Gullveig Alliance in place of his master.
"Your refusal to join the alliance, and the secret conversation with Kang Chul-In. These two reasons are enough."
-
...!
"What are your options now? As the chairman of a gigantic alliance, I can easily erase your small territory's existence off the map. There's no guarantee that Kang Chul-In will keep your conversation confidential, either."
-
It's not such a simple matter...
"Ah, I think I know."
Vilhelm stoke his beard.
"Perhaps what you suggested to him benefits your territory and Kang Chul-In, but puts the Gullveig Alliance in danger?"
-
T-That!
"Seems like I'm right."
-
Your Majesty!
"Ah, don't be too afraid. I'm in a very good mood today. It's not often that you see Kang Chul-In, that arrogant bastard, kneeling helplessly on the floor. Speak up, I will be merciful."
Vilhelm smiled brightly.
Chapter 252: A Squirming Conspiracy
Translator: Leyy3
Meanwhile, at the same time.
"Your Majesty, your Majesty!"
"Call the physician, quick!"
"Move, move! No one should be in the hall to the hospital ward!"
Right after the second Lords' Meeting ended, Fortress Laputa was in chaos.
[Reporting to all command, reporting to all command! Sir Alfred is wanted at the VVIP hospital ward immediately; this is a code zero situation. I repeat. Sir Alfreds is wanted...]
The magically-engineered rang with Lucia's voice looking for Alfred all over the castle.
"Husband!"
The hall to the hospital ward was filled with Lee Chae-rin's pleading shouts.
"Just what happened?"
Ninetails, who had been walking by the estuary near the hospital ward, quickly joined her.
"U-Unnie!" Lee Chae-rin sobbed.
"What happened, did..."
Ninetails wasn't able to finish her sentence.
"H-Husband!"
It was because she saw that the bloodied person who was being carried in was none other than Kang Chul-In.
"What happened? Why is Husband..."
"U-Unnie..."
"Stop crying and speak!"
"T-That's... at the Lords' Meeting..."
But Lee Chae-rin wasn't able to finish.
"Hey, you! Move! Now!"
"Bring all of the best potions we have!"
"Bandages, bandages!"
"Disinfectant, quickly!"
It was because the doctors and nurses that had been waiting in front of the VVIP ward had begun their treatment.
"Your Majestyyyyy!"
Also, with the appearance of Alfred, who came after hearing the announcement, the VVIP emergency hospital ward became like a warzone.
"Goodness, your Majesty! You couldn't control your temper and... just what did you do this time!?" Alfred loudly exclaimed.
No one understood him, but Alfred spoke like this wasn't the first time something like this happened.
Several times in the past, Kang Chul-In hadn't been able to control his fiery temper and stormed into other Lords' territories alone, returning on the brink of death.
"Second queen, third queen!"
Alfred whipped his head towards the two.
"Please move so I can focus on the treatment."
"But Mr. Alfred..." Lee Chae-rin was about to say something.
"Sister."
Just then, Ninetails stepped up.
"It's okay."
"Unnie..."
"Husband will be better soon, so let's leave for right now. That's the most we can do."
"Heuk!"
"It's okay, it's all okay."
Ninetails hugged the sobbing Lee Chae-rin. It was a reliable and calm appearance fitting of Kang Chul-In's currently highest ranked wife.
***
"Al... fred..."
When Kang Chul-In spoke, a weak voice escaped his mouth.
"Your Majesty!"
Alfred, who had been using Heal to the best of his abilities, was surprised when Kang Chul-In suddenly woke up.
"I... will... give... orders..."
"Your Majesty, what orders are you talking about when you're in this state! Please close your mouth and focus on recovering!"
"No, my orders... must be... acted out..."
"Your Majesty!"
"This... is... the... chance..."
Just what had happened at the Lords' Hall? Even Kang Chul-In's voice seemed to be in a critical situation.
"Tell the tactician... Kwak Jung..."
"Your Majesty!"
"Immediately, all forces... Gullveig Coalition... Full Metal Dragon... Zeppelin... Atlas... so everything can be mobilized..."
"...!"
"For the strategy..."
Like this, Kang Chul-In continued to barely speak one word at a time as he gave orders and Alfred became tearful again.
"Keuk...! Understood, your Majesty! This oldie will deliver every single word you said! So please..."
"Not yet..."
But Kang Chul-In didn't stop.
"Tell the third queen... Lord... Vio Clemenza... at the Paramount Territory... to give him... a million gold and strategic materials..."
"Your Majesty! Why would...!"
"And..."
Kang Chul-In gave his last order in annoyance.
"Warn... the tactician Kwak Jung..."
"W-Warn?"
"Never... Never..."
That was it.
Drop.
Kang Chul-In's head drooped down as he stopped speaking, and Alfred restarted his Heal with a pale face.
"Your Majestyyyyy!"
***
Two hours later, Alfred delivered Kang Chul-In's words to Kwak Jung.
"...is what he said."
"...!"
Kwak Jung's face hardened like ice when he finished listening.
The information was as follows:
The commotion that Kang Chul-In made at the Lords' Meeting was just for show.
The reason why he went through with it even as he ended up in that state was to trick others into thinking his deal with Kwak Jun had gone wrong. In fact, Kang Chul-In's deal with Kwak-Jun went well.
Kwak Jun knew Kang Chul-In's exact plan to get rid of the third party so only the Valhalla Kingdom and the Gullveig Coalition would be left, and offered to attack Baldur from the east to the west, making it just the two forces left. He even promised to attack the Gullveig Coalition in the future.
Kwak Jun was going to make the same offer to Vilhelm, and Vilhelm would gladly accept it.
That meant that Vilhelm was thinking that he would be victorious in
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a fight against the Valhalla Kingdom.
On the orders of Kang Chul-In and Vilhelm, Kwak Jun would continue to get their support to attack Baldur, and hit the Gullveig Coalition at a decisive moment.
For this to succeed, the Gullveig Coalition needed to be shaken up, and the Valhalla forces had to fight at a snail's pace away from the main military of their enemies.
Meanwhile, the allied forces of Dorado and Balnibarbi would attack Baldur with the army that Kwak Jun led.
If this works...
Kwak Jung's head began to spin furiously.
It's perfect.
There was the pressure of dividing their forces to fight two enemies at the same time, but if this was possible, Kwak Jung and Kang Chul-In's 'big picture' would be finished.
However,
The problem is how much we can trust this person's skills... but if His Majesty gave these orders it means that he trusts this person's abilities completely.
This was easier said than done.
For this plan to succeed, there had to be a spotless strategy and the abilities of those in charge had to be at the top.
They already had their hands full with the Gullveig Coalition, but their newly established kingdom was about to be shaken up by its roots.
It was only possible with Ninetails's enormous dowry and Lee Chae-rin's 'I'll show you money' skill supporting them.
"I hope this guy properly does his work..."
It was just when Kwak Jung was muttering to himself.
"Tactician Kwak."
Alfred opened his mouth.
"Yes?"
"There's still the last order from his Majesty."
"There's more?"
"Yes."
"What is it?"
"That's..."
Alfred spoke after some hesitation,
"He adamantly said not to trust Lord Vito Clemenxa and his tactician, Kwak Jung, and also not to distrust them."
"Pardon?"
Kwak Jung's eyes almost fell out of their sockets.
"W-What kind of bull... sh..."
Kwak Jung almost cursed.
If he was being frank, what kind of bullshit was that?
He wanted to place a spy in the Gullveig Coalition, but Kwak Jung could not trust nor distrust them?
***
[As you already know, our territory is on the very eastern tip of Pangaea.]
Kwak Jun spoke.
[We lack population and funds. We're currently getting by from plundering.]
"I know."
[So we decided to make a bid for victory. That is also why we didn't apply to be in the Gullveig Coalition. Even if we did, there wouldn't be anything for my Lord. Rather, wouldn't we have to send forces and supplies that we don't even have? Eventually, as time goes on, the finances of our territory would be pushed into a corner.]
That was true.
A few Lords joined the Gullveig Coalition of their own will because they were scared of Vilhelm and Ao Xin. If they didn't give in, they would be stepped on.
[Also, our Lord would end up becoming dominated by you. Survival of the fittest... that's the rule of all societies, am I right?]
"I won't deny that."
[That is why the card we chose was the Supreme West King, Kang Chul-In.]
"The reason?"
[The Supreme West King is strong. It's a fact that they have the greatest single force after establishing a kingdom. However, it's also true that the Gullveig Coalition's forces are greater.]
"So... you offered to receive Kang Chul-In's support to strike my forces from the back?"
[Yes, sir.]
"But Kang Chul-In was angry?"
[He... he is prideful.]
Kwak Jung made a displeased face.
[He was probably doubtful of the abilities of my Lord and me, as we haven't done much yet. I admit that he needs something to trust to invest in us.]
"I also agree with that."
[But his attitude was too...]
"Hm..."
[There wasn't any reason to come out like that. Anyone is allowed to make offers, but thinking about how he looked down on me just because he is ranked first and he's the Supreme West King makes me...]
Crunch!
The sound of his grinding teeth was ghastly, proving his hate for Kang Chul-In.
[He might be the West King, but he doesn't have what it takes to be the owner of Pangaea. Even though he has his strength, how can he rule a country without any people skills? He'll likely fail to unify the continent. Even if he does, it'll crumble not too long after.]
Kwak Jun was reciting the history of the First Qin Emperor and Xiang Yu.
But of course, there was no way the European Vilhelm would know about that.
"I see."
However, Vilhelm was definitely interested in Kwak Jun. The smile on his face proved it.
"Kwak Jun, right?"
Vilhelm continued to speak.
[Yes, your Majesty.]
"How about if I invest a million gold in you? What can you do with that?"
[Y-your Majesty!]
"Don't be surprised."
[...!]
"I'm not a man of small character like Kang Chul-In. Nor am I poor."
[C-Could you be talking about...!]
"I don't trust you. No, that's not right. There isn't any data about you, is there? I agree with Kang Chul-In."
[Yes, sir...]
"However."
[...!"]
"A million gold? It may be a large amount to Kang Chul-In, but it's not a large amount for me to bet on for my curiosity. I'll pretend to fall for it and trust you."
[Your Majesty!]
"I'll send the million gold and application form for the Gullveig Coalition right away. From now on, Lord Vito Clemenze and his representative Kwak Jung will be in charge of getting rid of Baldur, or any other third party. But!"
Vilhelm's eyes shined brighter than the Mediterranean Sea.
"If you fail..."
[My life...]
"Would that be enough?"
[...!]
"The price for saying what you shouldn't should be great, right? If you fail this, I'll crush the Paramount Territory, including you and your Lord. All those in your territory will see blood."
They were gruesome words.
It means that he wouldn't accept gold in case of failure, but lives.
"How is this?" Vilhelm asked Kwak Jun.
"Will you do it, or not, representative of Vito Clemenza, Kwak Jung?"
[I will do it.]
Kwak Jung answered right away.
[I'll show you my abilities.]
"You've got guts."
[Our territory will be taken if I don't do this, at the very least. Since you gave me this chance, I will try it.]
"The time?"
[One week.]
"Can you show something within that time?"
[Even though I can't do something great, I can show you something small. I'll dominate three territories within Baldur in a week."
"...!"
[Please watch over me.]
Kwak Jun emphasized his words.
'He...'
Vilhelm was inwardly surprised at Kwak Jun.
Those fierce eyes, and firmly shut mouth.
The illusion of Kwak Jun he was looking at through the Illusion Network strongly gave him the impression this wasn't a normal guy.
Chapter 253: To the Baldur Region
Translator: Leyy3
3 days later, after Kwak Jung left the Valhalla Kingdom with the army in tow...
Vilhelm... he'll probably trust Kwak Jun for the time being.
Having woken up, Kang Chul-In's head was spinning busily.
"Stop with the bullshit, Akan."
<<...>>
"Do you think that I, the Supreme King of the West, Kang Chul-In, will apologize to trash like that?"
<
"And that's not the end of it. I won't plead in front of you, the self-proclaimed god's lapdog."
<
"I would never do anything like that."
Kang Chul-In didn't surrender.
Rather, he irritated Akan more, and the result was that he was injured just enough to avoid dying.
"It hurts like hell. Ow!"
However, instead of being angry, Kang Chul-In was having the time of his life.
An act.
Making the mess at the Lords' Meeting was enough to trick Vilhelm completely.
It would be rude of Vilhelm if he didn't fall for it since Kang Chul-In risked his life to put on that act.
How could Vilhelm find out about this conspiracy unless Kwak Jun stabbed Kang Chul-In in the back?
As long as Vilhelm didn't suspect anything, the effects of the act would continue for a while.
And...
I was right.
Kang Chul-In was able to learn something.
It was that the Erinyes system didn't kill rank number one.
Akan should've killed me under normal circumstances, but he didn't. I was right. As long as it's not something like murder, making a commotion like that...
The reason why Kang Chul-In caused the commotion was to trick Vilhelm, but also because he was confident that Akan wouldn't kill him.
This great force, the Erinyes system, was made a thousand years ago for a specific reason.
Such a system wouldn't kill the highest ranker just because a rule was broken. From the beginning, Kang Chul-In was an existence full of the Emperor of Blood and Iron's schemes anyway.
"Y-your Majesty!"
Alfred, who had entered the VVIP room to use Blood Heal, was greatly taken aback seeing Kang Chul-In moving.
"Oh, you're here?"
"Your Majesty! What's so funny!? Can you laugh in the state you're in? Hm?"
Alfred shouted in anger.
"I thought you changed, but what am I supposed to do if you cause something like that! I wasn't able to sleep thinking of how the great Majesty ended up like..."
"O-Ow..."
"...!"
"Alfred... I'm tired..."
"...Your Majesty."
"I... should sleep..."
"..."
"Hmhm..."
Right before the nagging was about to start, Kang Chul-In slowly turned around making pained noises.
It was because he knew all too well that if he didn't do this, Alfred's nagging would be enough to destroy his eardrums.
"Ahem...!"
Alfred grumbled.
"You're quite clever, aren't you, sir?"
"Hmhm..."
"Are you gonna be like this again? Sir?"
"I'm sleepy..."
"..."
"Hmhm... Why does it seem like you're even more sly than before?"
"It's because I'm old."
"Is that something you can say in front of me?"
"Hmhm."
"Goodness."
Alfred ended up being forced to calm his boiling emotions down.
He knew that when Kang Chul-In was in that sly mode, there was no point to his nagging.
"Anyways."
Kang Chul-In changed the subject.
"Did you deliver my orders?"
"Are you doubting me? Humph!"
Alfred responded sharply. It seemed he was quite upset.
"I delivered them reallllllly well, your Majesty."
"..."
"Of course I did~. What would it matter to you what this oldie is concerned about?"
"..."
"Whew... but I still hope you're careful. It hasn't even been that long since you married. You're not planning on making her Majesties into widows, are you?"
"Of course not."
Kang Chul-In shook his head.
"I intended everything and it was all set up. Think of it as a tactical scam to trick Vilhelm. I didn't end up like this because I was on a rampage."
"If you say so... I won't nag anymore."
Alfred nodded.
Kang Chul-In wasn't just a dumb brute.
Although he sometimes created messes he couldn't fix when he was furious, he was a Lord to be proud of when he set up strategies that no one would've been able to think of.
Knock knock.
While Alfred was thinking those thoughts, someone knocked on the door.
"Husband..."
It was Lee Chae-rin.
"Come in."
"Are you alright?"
Lee Chae-rin looked haggard. It seemed like she hadn't got any sleep worrying about him.
"Of course. I'll probably have to rest a few more days, but the physician said there's nothing to worry about."
Kang Chul-In glanced at Alfred.
Blood Heal.
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This healing technique was the reason why Kang Chul-In could throw himself into trouble without any worry.
"Humph!"
Alfred left with a snort. It was true that he was upset, but he also left so the two could be alone.
"Husband..."
"Why do you look like you're going to cry?"
"Why did you do that...? Heuk heuk, I... was really surprised, heuk..."
"It was set up."
"Still! How can you make someone worry this much, heuk...?"
"Everything's fine."
Kang Chul-In wiped the beads of tears around Lee Chae-rin's eyes off.
"Didn't I promise? I won't die."
"...Humph."
"Come here."
Kang Chul-In pulled Lee Chae-rin to the bed.
"Oh my!"
Lee Chae-rin was taken aback.
"H-Husband...!"
She was on top of Kang Chul-In.
"I-It's embarrassing!"
"So what?"
Kang Chul-In smirked.
"This is my personal room, and no one can enter without my permission."
"B-But!"
"We're a married couple. Who would say anything about us being in this position?"
"Heung..."
"You're even prettier when I see you from below."
"W-Whatever!"
It was cringy, but Kang Chul-In was being 100% genuine.
Lee Chae-rin was really beautiful.
If Ninetails had the beauty of a Kumiho, Lee Chae-rin perfectly fit the standards of a Korean beauty. Elegant and soft.
"We haven't..."
Kang Chul-In opened his mouth.
"T-That's!"
"Sorry. I was too busy."
He was talking about how he hadn't slept with her yet.
"Heung..."
Lee Chae-rin grumbled.
"Did you like Unnie's arms that much? So much that you didn't want to leave?"
"That's not it."
"Sure!"
"I was thinking about you. But the time..."
"That's an excuse!"
"It's really not."
Kang Chul-In firmly denied it.
"I was always thinking about you. If I wasn't busy, I would've slept with you a long time ago."
"R-Really...?"
"Of course. Also, I have to leave for a while because something came up."
"What?"
Lee Chae-rin's eyes widened.
"It's to draw the big picture. There's nothing I can do about it. But it's something I have to do."
"I see..."
"So before I leave, I want to spend a good time with you. I'm being sincere."
Kang Chul-In wrapped his arm around Lee Chae-rin's toned waist.
"Huk!"
"Lee Chae-rin."
"Y-Yes?"
"I love you."
"...!"
"Heup...!"
What followed after was a deep kiss.
It happened inside the VVIP hospital room that only Kang Chul-In could use.
"Heuk, heung... h-husband... heung... y-you can't!"
Lee Chae-rin struggled against him.
"You don't... want to?"
Kang Chul-In was flustered at her unexpected rejection, but...
"That's not it!"
It seemed like that wasn't the case.
"You're hurt."
"I'm alright."
"For at least two days, you should be taking it easy!"
"But..."
"J-Just stay still..."
"...!"
"I-I'll.. I'll..."
Lee Chae-rin muttered with her head down. She couldn't lift her face from the embarrassment.
"...Since I'm older."
"...!"
"Since you're... hurt...!"
Swoosh!
Lee Chae-rin began to take off Kang Chul-In's hospital clothes.
This kind of situation was awesome for Kang Chul-In.
And because she was on top of him, it was easier for her to move.
Lee Chae-rin!
Kang Chul-In didn't resist.
To deny her when she was being this forward? That was rude.
If he treated the courage of the woman who loved him like that, he didn't deserve that love. Wouldn't Lee Chae-rin have some pride of her own?
Kang Chul-In didn't have any reason to deny her because he loved her, too.
Some time passed.
Shift.
Lee Chae-rin's hand was at Kang Chul-In's "true form".
"Huk!"
She lifted her head quick as lightning.
Blooooop!
The symbol of a true man was there.
"H-Husband, how...?"
Lee Chae-rin was speechless.
This is it! This was why Unnie was bedridden!
Lee Chae-rin realized why Ninetails had stayed inside her bed for an entire week.
***
The next morning.
"Then, I'll be back."
Kang Chul-In secretly left the Valhalla Kingdom.
"Stay safe, Husband!"
"Come back safely, your Majesty."
Ninetails and Skadi saw Kang Chul-In out.
Lee Chae-rin... wasn't there.
It was because she had been lying sick in bed since making love with Kang Chul-In.
"But Husband," Ninetails asked. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to Dorian's territory."
"That means..."
"We're planning on shaking up their rear."
"Aha!"
Yes.
While Kwak Jung was leading the army, Kang Chul-In was going to carry out small tasks like assasination and terror with Dorian.
Also, if he had the chance, he was planning on taking Rothchild's last life to finish his revenge.
It's now time to have your head.
***
Meanwhile at the same time in Seoul, South Korea, at some elementary school in Seocho...
"Hing..."
Arshelly's footsteps didn't have any bounce as she returned home from school. This was because her father had been bedridden right after the second Lords' Meeting.
"Hing... Father... I hope he gets better soon... No, let's not worry! Butler Alfred is taking care of father well, so he'll definitely get better soon!"
She clenched her fists.
Always Kang Chul-In.
The lovable princess' head was only filled with thoughts about her dad, her dad, and even more of her dad.
All the boys at her school experienced the bitter taste of first love as they sent her candy, chocolate, and puppies[1].
Unfortunately, she didn't know that Kang Chul-In was on his way to the Baldur region.
"I should return quickly and greet father!"
Arshelly picked up her pace.
Crash!
Until she bumped into someone at the end of the hallway.
"Ow!"
Arshelly shouted adorably, having hit her butt on the floor.
"Oh my!"
The person who bumped into her spoke in surprise.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine!"
Arshelly jumped up with a bright voice. This was nothing for a brave princess.
"I should've looked where I was going, sorry..."
Just as she was trying to apologize first like the kind princess she was, her words trailed away.
Thump,
Thump thump-!
Her heart started to beat faster.
"M-Mom...?"
A voice filled with longing escaped her throat.
[1]!?
Chapter 254: A Turbulent Continent (1)
Translator: Leyy3
Arshelly's shining star-like eyes started to tear up.
She was a Unit, having lost most of her memory from the past, but it wasn't like she forgot everything.
First, Kang Chul-In, no, Julius Berlineta Pon Aurangzeb.
Arshelly remembered that he was the emperor of the empire and a generous father who loved her very much.
She didn't remember all the times she was with him, but she could remember that emotion.
Also, Arshelly firmly believed that Kang Chul-In was Julius Berlineta Pon Aurangzeb.
She also remembered one more thing:
The wife of the Emperor of Blood and Iron, the empress of the empire, the person who had birthed Arshelly...
Arshelly also remembered this person, who couldn't be justified with just words.
Drip!
Clear tears like the mist of dawn dripped down her face.
"M... Mo..."
A choked voice escaped her mouth.
Ah, how could she forget?
Even if she forgot everything else, she wouldn't forget the Emperor of Blood and Iron, her father, or the empress, her mother.
"Mommmmmm!"
Arshelly called the name that she hadn't been able to for a thousand years and jumped into the arms of the woman she met in the hallway.
Hug!
"Heuk... heuk heuk... m-mo... m...!"
Arshelly began to sob in her arms.
"I... missed you... mom... gulp...! Heuk heuk...!"
"..."
"I... was waiting nicely... I was brave... I didn't cry!"
Arshelly wasn't able to think reasonably and acted like when she first met Kang Chul-In.
"Uh... that's..."
The woman was about to say something but instead just patted Arshelly's back.
And after some time, the woman spoke when Arshelly was somewhat calmed down.
"So you're... Arshelly... Did you miss your mom?"
Arshelly raised her head to look at the face of the woman who was much taller than her.
A sharp nose.
Large and beautiful eyes.
Vibrant red lips.
Porcelain skin.
And a perfectly balanced body.
Other than the fact that her hair was brown, she looked exactly like Arshelly's mom, like how Kang Chul-In was like Julius' reflection.
"Do I look a lot like your mother?"
The woman smiled.
"..."
Arshelly didn't answer.
No, she couldn't.
It was because although her instinct told her that this woman was her mom, she realized it was just her who thought like that.
***
The war started with the Valhalla Kingdom attacking the Gullveig Coalition first.
Obviously, there was no such thing as a declaration of war.
The retaliation of the lands around it? The glares from the Pangaea International Security Association? Reason for attacking?
None of that was important.
Uniting the continent and building the empire!
With these two slogans, the Valhalla Kingdom didn't care about what others thought.
No, they didn't know how to care.
Everyone, regardless of their gender, was motivated to enlist, so Kang Chul-In and Kwak Jung didn't have to incite them to join.
Like the saying that said water had to flow cleanly at the top to flow cleanly at the bottom, the people of Valhalla were burning with passion... just like their dominating ruler, Kang Chul-In.
Of course, there were also some who just joined the war for fun.
***
Security operations were rotating guards around every hour or two for the protection of their squads and for anything unexpected.
This was an extremely important task for soldiers.
General Douglas MacArthur, too, once warned: "The history of failure in war can almost be summed up in two words: Too late. Too late in comprehending the deadly purpose of a potential enemy. Too late in realizing the mortal danger. Too late in preparedness. Too late in uniting all possible forces for resistance." [1]
"Haaa~!"
To Corporal Doughman in the Gullveig Coalition, security operations were just something that took time away from his sleep.
"Ugh... I'm so tired..." Doughman grumbled.
"Do I have to make time to do this, too? Huh?"
"N-No, sir!" Private George responded in a loud and clear voice.
"Sheesh!"
Doughman glowered at the newbie soldier.
"Hey, are you the only person here?"
"N-No, sir!"
"Then do you have something blocking your ears?"
"No, sir!"
"Then why are you shouting so loud? Hm? Are you supposed to make loud noises in a security operation?"
"No, sir!"
"How did you learn to talk?"
"W-With a low and dignified voice..."
"Then you must know what you did wrong."
"I apologize, sir!"
"Why did you do something to apologize for? To break my eardrums?"
"N-No!"
"Then to make me mad?"
"Definitely not, sir!"
"Then why did you do that?"
"I apolo..."
"Apologize?! Didn't I just say that it's forbidden to apologize?"
"Yes, sir!"
"But you apologized?"
"..."
"You're ignoring me?"
"N-No, sir!"
"No and everything else is forbidden
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from now on. Understood?"
"T-That's!"
Private George looked like he was about to cry.
Tears were going to drop from the full grown man's face if Doughman grilled him anymore.
If George had more experience, he would've gone over it thinking 'that guy's always like that so I'll just nod my head,' but it had only been a week since he was assigned here, so he didn't even have the mind to curse.
"Hey, it's a joke." Doughman smirked.
"Pardon?"
"Pardon?"
"I-I didn't hear what you said!"
"I said it was a joke."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"T-That's a relief..."
"Ha, punk."
"..."
"I just grilled you because I was bored, so don't be scared. Everyone ends up like this in the army."
"..."
"What the heck? You're thinking, 'that fucker's doing all kinds of dumb shit,' right?"
"No, sir!" George shouted.
"Huh, I just randomly said that but it seems like you really did think that."
"N-No, sir!"
"Really?"
"Yes, sir!"
George firmly denied it.
"I really didn't!"
"Hmm... this is suspicious."
"Really..."
"Mm... I'll trust you this time."
Actually, Doughman knew that George probably was cursing him from experience, but he decided not to bring it up anymore. There was a time when he was a brand new private as well.
"Ugh... it's cold. Let's smoke a joint before we go."
Doughman pulled out a cigarette holder from his pocket and held it out to George.
"Huh? What's this?"
"It's a cigarette, you punk! Don't you smoke?"
"N-No, that's not it..."
"You think that if you smoke while on your post you'll get in trouble?"
"..."
"Whew, you poor punk. Tsk tsk..."
"..."
"Hey, you can smoke a little bit as long as you're careful about it. Military life is already like shit. Do you want to do it according to the manual? Huh?"
"I-Is that so?"
"Shouldn't we at least smoke if we're forced to stand out here in the middle of the night?"
Doughman squatted on the floor and pulled the fire near his cigarette holder. He was careful not to let the light leave outside of the guard post like the seasoned veteran that he was.
"Whew~!"
Smoke flowed from Doughman's mouth.
"This is it! Smoking during your post is the best."
"..."
"Here."
"Pardon? I-I should smoke, too?"
"You said you smoke."
"That's true, but..."
"Gosh... if your superior gives it to you, just smoke it, alright?"
"Y-Yes, sir!"
George couldn't resist him and squatted down like Doughman.
"Is it good?"
"Yes, it is."
"Punk."
"Thank you!"
"It's nothing. Be a nice superior like me one day, okay?"
"Yes, sir."
Secretly smoking in the guard post was really the best.
It was a feeling that surpassed being promoted.
Of course, this attitude was what ended their lives and led their territory to ruin.
Swish!
A dark shadow whipped by the guard post, and Doughman and George toppled over like they fell asleep.
Plop, plop!
"Lazy soldiers deserve to die."
The girl wearing a black suit laughed coldly looking at Doughman and George.
Above her short golden hair, there was a pair of black cat ears sticking out. It meant that she wasn't a human, but a cat-human. She was a demi-human.
"Commander Niu."
Another demi-human reported to her.
"We've taken care of guard posts 1, 2, 3, and 5."
"Good job."
They were killers in Section 20 of the assassination squad of the espionage bureau in Valhalla.
"It was easier than I thought, commander."
"I think so too. I don't know why they gave such fools the job. They're totally relaxed right now."
What Niu said was true.
This place that Section 20 had just taken care of was a strategic point with the best communication systems and three magic engineering beacons.
It was because this was a supply route for the Esmeralda Territory.
"Could it be... a trap?"
"No."
Niu shook her head at the question.
"That perv... n-no. Tactician Kwak said that the enemies wouldn't be expecting us to attack first."
"Oh?"
"It's true that the Gullveig Coalition's scale is bigger than ours."
"I see."
"And according to the information we learned beforehand, the Lord of this Signoleon Fortress isn't that interested in expanding the military. He's just happy with the supply route being protected safely. So it's not weird that their guards are lax."
"Yes, commander."
"Since we took over the guard posts, let's get the beta team to block all communication systems and the beacons. That's the end of our task."
"Yes, ma'am."
Niu glanced at the sky.
The silhouette of a boat head flashed for a moment, but it was quickly hidden behind clouds.
"Then, let's move."
Niu jumped.
***
Kwang!
It was deep into the night when a loud sound exploded in the Signoleon Fortress.
"W-What was that!?"
Someone who had been far away in dreamland, the person in charge of Signoleon, the two-star Major General, Dust, jumped up from his bed.
Kwang!
Another loud sound rang out.
Rumble!
He could also hear the building collapsing.
"Is it... an earthquake?"
It didn't occur to Dust that this sound and vibration was from a raid.
This was understandable since the Signoleon Fortress was located where enemies couldn't easily attack.
"Sir!"
It was then.
"We have a big problem! The enemies have attacked!"
The deputy burst open the door to report to Major General Dust.
"What?"
"The first through fifth guard posts have been immobilized, and the beacons have all been destroyed. Also, there was an explosion in the communication's..."
"...What are you talking about? No, today isn't even April Fool's, so why are you telling me those bad jokes?"
"Dammit!"
"...!"
"It's an attack! An attack!" The deputy shouted.
"The enemies came!"
"W-What kind of... nonsense...?"
The major general couldn't believe the situation as told.
Just how would the enemies have been able to attack?
This place was right in the middle of the Gullveig Coalition where it was impossible to attack.
[Ahem, mic test.]
Just then...
[Hi, cuties.]
The voice of a husky woman rang out.
"What!?"
Major General Dust quickly opened his window.
He then shrieked in shock at the sailboat that was floating in the night sky.
The bombing plane-fortress Temeraire that symbolized Hecate was aiming 74 magically-engineered cannons at them!
[1] CuppyNote: The original quote here was, "a commander who fails a strategy can be forgiven, but a commander who failed to defend can't." However, I found that with some research this wasn't a real quote, so I replaced it with a real quote that General MacArthur did say that carries a similar meaning.
Chapter 255: A Turbulent Continent (2)
Translator: Leyy3
[Alright, now it's time to decide.]
Hecate's threatening voice rang out through the magical voice amplifier.
[You, the loser with the two stars. Listen to what I say well.]
"What's that crazy bitch talking about!?" Major General cursed angrily.
Loser?
Was that something a Lord should be saying to an enemy commander?
[Oh, so you know? I am indeed a crazy bitch.]
Hecate fired back.
[Do you want a taste of this crazy bitch?]
"Huk! D-Did you hear all...!"
[Then, did you think I wouldn't?]
"..."
[My ship is advanced with magic engineering so it can pick up sounds like that easily.]
"..."
[Anyway, that's not important. Now, I'll be giving you a choice.]
"Choice? Are you telling me... to surrender?"
[Shut up and listen, you bastard.]
"..."
[I'm an Overlord... or not. Right now, I'm basically a soldier. Sheesh, Kang Chul-In, that greedy guy... does he really not want to roll around with me?]
"..."
[Well, I'll think about that later...]
Hecate continued to speak after some grumbling.
[I'll speak as the Mobile Shooting Commander and head of navy forces for the Valhalla Kingdom.]
"T-That means...!"
[Yes, I'm speaking not as the 'Overlord' Hecate, but as one of the four generals under Kang Chul-In.]
It was shocking news.
It was true that Kang Chul-In was the Supreme King of the West, a step above Overlord, but nobody could've expected that he would use Hecate, an Overlord, as his subordinate.
It was a terribly shocking incident from the Gullveig Coalition's perspective.
[I'll give you 10 seconds, so choose.]
"10 seconds..."
[You can surrender in that time span, or...]
Hecate spoke in a threatening tone of speech.
[You can be 'holed'.]
There were no negotiations.
It was either surrender or death.
[10.]
Hecate immediately began the countdown.
Damn it!
Thanks to her, the major general experienced the feeling of shit being scared out of him.
What should he do?
It wasn't something that could be easily decided.
He could surrender to save himself, but his family wouldn't be safe. His lord wasn't that merciful a person.
It was clear that the Gullveig Coalition would ask his family to pay the price.
But it wasn't like he had the courage to fight.
The opponent was Overlord Hecate, the dirty tempered, crazy bitch.
There were people who called her the 'female Kang Chul-In'... If they were even shot at 3 times by all 74 cannons, 222 cannonballs would fall on them like rain.
[9, 8...]
Hecate's countdown continued while Major General Dust was hesitating.
However, Hecate suddenly uttered an unexpected word.
[Shoot.]
"W-Wait! There are still 6 seconds...!"
The surprised Major General Dust tried to argue, but the 74 cannons on Temeraire were already gathering magical energy.
Vroom!
"You said you would give me 10 seconds!"
[Yeah.]
"But why...!"
[Because I suddenly wanted to shoot?]
"...!"
[Goodbye, loser.]
"Hey, you crazy b..."
Major General Dust tried to curse again at the unbelievable reason.
However-
[3, 2, 1!]
Hecate shouted, and 74 magically engineering cannons spewed fire.
[Fire!]
Ssssss! Pew pew! Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!
They were shooting randomly.
It was a parade of cannonballs.
The firepower that no other Overlord had, not even Kang Chul-In, covered the Signoleon Fortress.
***
Kang Chul-In immediately headed for Dorian's territory when he arrived in the Baldur region through the Warp Gate.
Punk.
He suddenly thought of Kwak Jung while he was resting on the branch of a tree.
With Kwak Jun existing, it was 99.9% possible that Kwak Jung wasn't the real one, but he didn't try to scout Kwak Jun.
He wasn't disappointed nor did he try to push Kwak Jung out.
Because although there was a mistake, it was still Kang Chul-In that made the choice to recruit the current Kwak Jung.
I trust you, Kwak Jung.
Also, Kwak Jung's recent strategies (they were more like underhanded tactics) were showing his growth, so Kang Chul-In didn't need to bother himself trying to recruit another tactician.
Kwak Jung and Kwak Jun's plan to attack the Baldur region to fight one-on-one against the Gullveig Coalition was the same.
Since he had Kwak Jung as his tactician already, it was proper etiquette of a Lord to trust him.
***
Boom, shatter!
A table made of the highest-quality marble broke into pieces.
"What?" Albrecht Vilhelm spoke in a low voice.
"T-That's..."
The sweating messenger didn't know what to do in front of the angered Vilhelm.
"Say that again."
"Your Majesty..."
"Now!"
It was a shout like thunder.
Vilhelm's voice was so loud that the subordinates around him trembled in fear.
"T-That's... Overlord Hecate took her ship Temeraire and took over the Signoleon Fortress, and..."
The messenger soldier tried to muster all the courage he could.
"I'm reporting that the Valhalla forces took over three different paths that lead to the Esmeralda Territory..."
"..."
"I-It's a war... your Majesty..."
The start of war.
And it had begun with the Valhalla soldiers' first strike.
"He dares..." Vilhelm growled.
"He dares to attack our coalition first? Even after he was punished like that at the Lords' Meeting? Hahahaha!" Vilhelm laughed
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maniacally.
It was because even though Kang Chul-In had established a country in the Ishtar region, to fight with the Gullveig Coalition face on was quite foolish.
That was why the Gullveig Coalition had never imagined they would attack first.
Who would've guessed this?
"Kang Chul-In, he's not exactly wise either." Vilhelm made a mocking smile.
"He starts a war without any reason? And with the weaker hand, at that?"
War wasn't a game.
Attacking first and thinking later was something that only worked in a game.
A war without reason or a war for personal gain was something that wasn't looked nicely upon by the global society.
Who would support Kang Chul-In with all the enemies he had?
"Fine. Let's do this."
The anger in Vilhelm's face had already faded away.
Obviously, even if they lost the Signoleon Fortress and lost 3 of their routes to Esmeralda, it was still advantageous to them.
Why?
With a few losses, he had gained a reason for going to war with Kang Chul-In, something that couldn't be bought with all the money in the world.
"Messenger."
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Tell all the Lords in the Coalition that there is an emergency meeting. Also..." Vilhelm's eyes shined.
"Summon Brynhildr."
The Joker.
They couldn't leave out the strongest card he had, the only card that could stand against Kang Chul-In.
***
In the south of the Baldur Region, in some isolated forest...
The main culprit that caused the entire continent to go into an uproar with war, Kang Chul-In, was eating rabbit meat by himself with a small fire.
Crackle, crackle!
"Should I have brought Podolski? Haaa."
Kang Chul-In licked his lips regretfully with the rabbit meat in his mouth.
He was going to join up with the forces at Dorian's territory soon, so he wasn't going to be alone for long, but it was true that being alone was boring. It was also terribly annoying to hunt to eat every time.
But what else could he do?
His absence meant that 30% of the Valhalla forces were gone.
"I'll just have to eat whatever and eat a good meal when I arrive at his territory."
He tossed the rabbit meat into the fire and stood up. The rabbit must've been old because it felt like he was chewing on rubber.
"First, I need to take care of all those who are allied with Roth..."
Just then, while Kang Chul-In was muttering to himself...
Ssss!
A large rock nearby started to shine with a white light.
"Hm?"
Kang Chul-In whipped his head around.
This was the effect of a warp gate activating.
That meant that that large stone was a dimensional door that connected Earth and Pangaea.
It seemed like someone, possibly an adventure, was entering Pangaea.
'I better move.'
Kang Chul-In began to walk away. There was nothing good that would come from being spotted by a random person. But...
Flash!
Swoosh!
Someone pointed their sharp blade at Kang Chul-In's back.
"Kang Chul-In."
The adventurer spoke. It was a low and heavy voice.
"Keuk... oh well."
Kang Chul-In snorted like the situation was awkward.
It was a strange coincidence.
Why did they meet not on a battlefield, but in this isolated place?
"This wasn't the Biforest Territory?"
Kang Chul-In turned around.
The only person that could be called his rival was glaring at him, though it was hard to tell with his helmet on, with Arondight raised.
"Brynhilder... I didn't expect to meet you here."
"Neither did I," Brynhildr replied, "But since we're already here..."
"You should put your sword away."
Kang Chul-In warned Brynhildr, who was starting to begin a fight.
"Unless you want to die."
"Die? Me?" Brynhilder responded like he was flabbergasted.
"I felt this last time, but your unfound confidence..."
"Should I kill you?"
"...!"
"Are you the type to come to your senses after your head is cut off?"
The murderous intent of a beast escaped from Kang Chul-In's mouth.
Flinch!
For the first time in his life, Brynhildr experienced fear.
"I..."
Kang Chul-In spoke with emphasis on his words.
"Am overflowing with power right now."
"..."
"I think I can cut your head off at any moment now... do you want to try?"
It was true.
The bright full moon shined through the clouds.
[The full moon has appeared!]
[Attack +20% increase!]
[Defense +20% increase!]
[Regenerative power +200% increase!]
Kang Chul-In was only a tiny bit more powerful than Brynhildr, but it was different while under the full moon. Right now, Brynhildr couldn't even touch Kang Chul-In's coattails.
"Kang Chul-In!"
Brynhildr grit his teeth.
"How... are you so strong? And in that short amount of time..."
A master could realize a master was in front of them.
Brynhildr definitely noticed that Kang Chul-In was a lot stronger than when he saw him in the Deathwin Territory.
"I don't know," Kang Chul-in replied with a smirk. His murderous intent was gone.
"Are you curious? Then die."
"...!"
"They say a dead man has no words."
That meant that in return for Kang Chul-In telling Brynhildr his secret, he would have to die.
Obviously, the buff of [Full Moon] was a business secret for Kang Chul-In.
"Yeah, you can die after knowing, or live not knowing."
"..."
"I'll assume that you want to live."
Then, Kang Chul-In pulled out a sky-blue fruit called a 'musk apple' from his pocket. He wasn't satisfied with the rabbit meat from earlier.
"How come?" Brynhildr asked Kang Chul-In, who was calmly biting into his apple.
"Why are you letting me live? I'm a danger to you."
"Didn't I already say it? You're a cormorant."
"Are you saying that I'm gonna bring you fish?'
"Seems like you googled it," Kang Chul-In replied nonchalantly.
"Well, I suppose it's a fish."
One part of the Trinity Impact, the Sonic Ring, was demoted to a fish in an instant.
"Anyways, I don't want to cut the stomach of a goose that lays golden eggs just yet."
"..."
"I'll kill you when the time comes, so don't rush me."
Kang Chul-In was completely relaxed and sure of himself when he spoke to Brynhildr.
Crunch!
The sound of Brynhildr grinding his teeth could be heard.
He was also a martial artist.
Of course, he would get mad when the monster called Kang Chul-In mocked him.
And he became even angrier knowing that he couldn't defeat Kang Chul-In right now.
"Then, I'll see you next time."
Kang Chul-In turned away.
"Wait."
Brynhildr stopped Kang Chul-In.
"What are you doing here? You should be..."
"You're asking why I'm not on the eastern frontlines, no, the western frontlines from your guys' perspective, right? And that's why Vilhelm urgently called you."
"..."
"Sorry, but I'm not participating in this war."
"..."
"So, run around all you want. Although it won't be easy."
From what he had seen so far, Kang Chul-In wasn't trying to hide his location. Even if Vilhelm knew where he was, he wouldn't do anything because he didn't want a three-way war either.
"Why?" Brynhildr asked.
"How many times..."
"Not about the cormorant talk."
"Hm?"
"Why are you causing a war? You probably already have a lot of money."
"Money?"
Kang Chul-In asked with a flabbergasted face.
"You... you think I did this for money?"
He had suddenly become an avaricious person.
Chapter 256: A Turbulent Continent (3)
Translator: Leyy3
"That's not it?"
"..."
"I heard that you earn millions with the business you have. You have a high amount of sales and you're even earning from the treatment for balding. You're acting like you would do anything for money."
Brynhildr's words were filled with thorns.
"When will you be satisfied? I heard that you're also completely exempt from taxes in the Korean government. Are you trying to surpass the Rothschild family?"
This wasn't a baseless rumor.
In fact, it was true that Kang Chul-In was earning an enormous amount of money through Galaxy Corporation.
But Brynhildr didn't know that that money was exchanged into gold and that gold was being used to run the Valhalla Kingdom. None of it went to Kang Chul-In.
And that wasn't all.
Remembering his difficult old days, Kang Chul-In gave benefits in his company like an 8-hour work day, off days, financial help, and many other benefits. He didn't have as much money as was thought by the public.
"Where are you going to..."
"Enough."
Kang Chul-In cut Brynhildr off.
"Get your nose out of how I spend my money."
"No!"
Brynhildr shook his head.
"I..."
"And what about you?"
"...!"
"What do you fight for?"
He asked the question because it was ridiculous that he was treated as an avaricious person.
"In your eyes, is Albrecht Vilhelm such a good Lord? Enough to give your loyalty to?"
"..."
"To be frank, with your skill, it's you who picks who to serve, not the other way around."
That was true.
Brynhildr was powerful enough to make a Lord into an Overlord.
"Is that what you're curious about, Supreme King of the West, Kang Chul-In?"
"To an extent. Rather than a hypocrite like Vilhelm, someone like me would..."
"No."
Brynhildr was firm.
"Whatever happens, I won't serve you, Kang Chul-In."
"I wasn't saying that you..."
"I... fight to stop you."
"..."
Kang Chul-In's face crumpled when he heard Brynhildr's words.
What kind of bullshit is that!?
He had never heard of something so ridiculous his entire life.
To stop him?
Was that the only reason why Brynhildr had always stuck to him even before he regressed?
It wasn't his loyalty to Albrecht Vilhelm?
"You're exploding, Kang Chul-In."
Brynhildr continued to speak regardless of how dumbfounded Kang Chul-In was.
"For your greed and desire. You can't even take care of those around you, so what are you trying to do?"
"...?"
"My goal is to stop you from exploding, and it doesn't matter who I ally myself with as long as they can stop you."
It was an amusing reason.
Was that shit reason why they had fought all this time?
"Whew."
Kang Chul-In sighed.
"I'm hearing all kinds of weird things."
"Sure, think what you want. Stopping you from exploding..."
"Fuck off since I don't want to listen anymore."
Kang Chul-In coldly turned away from Brynhildr. He didn't want to speak with him anymore.
"Sheesh... so you think that Vilhelm is a wise and generous king for trying to stop me?"
He didn't know why Brynhildr was talking about such bullshit when they hadn't even met before. Brynhildr didn't even know about what a sly bastard like Vilhelm might do.
Since when did people bring up whether you took care of the people around you?
When cavemen were around?
Or when animals used to speak?
Technically, that was what he did when he ignored his mother Park Soon-Ja and fought in wars, but that was all in the past.
It was funny how Brynhildr was babbling on about stopping him amongst other things.
We should take a family vacation when I return.
There was maybe about 1% of truth in what Brynhildr said.
After all, it was true that he had been so busy that they hadn't had any proper family functions.
"Anyways, I'll go my way, so you go off to fight with my military to accomplish your goals. Oh, I'll pay back the blood of my soldiers that you spill by hundreds, no, thousands of times later in the future."
"..."
"The day you bring the fish."
That was the end.
Kang Chul-In moved, leaving Brynhildr standing there, and Brynhildr just silently watched Kang Chul-In.
It was a strange and coincidental meeting.
***
Two days later.
For the first time
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in his life, Kang Chul-In entered Dorian's territory --- he hadn't visited in his old life, either.
"Welcome, Kang Chul-In!"
Dorian Explorer greeted Kang Chul-In gladly.
"...I have no words."
But Kang Chul-In didn't look happy.
It was because Dorian's territory, Mistarik, was probably the worst off in all of Pangaea.
He would've believed it if he heard this was a rural village and not a territory.
"Is this really it?"
"Yeah."
"This is your territory?"
"What about it?"
"You..."
Kang Chul-In eyed Dorian with dissatisfaction.
"...Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Were you actually a village leader instead of a Lord?"
"...!"
"Or the village mayor?"
"..."
"How were you able to become an Overlord with this hiding place for bandits?"
It was quite mysterious.
There was a minimum size requirement for the territory to earn Lord Points, but it seemed like there were barely about 5,000 people here.
"Hey, you!"
It was then...
"Are you daring enough to ignore our king!?"
A fairy with wings that were about 20 centimeters long shook its finger at Kang Chul-In with a raised voice.
"Kneel and apologize this... Kyak~!"
The fairy flew far away. It was because Kang Chul-In flicked the fairy away with his finger.
"What's with this fly?"
Kang Chul-In spoke in an annoyed voice.
"Are you raising moths these days?"
"It's not a moth!"
"...?"
"Kang Chul-In, you bastard! You blew Pixie away!"
"Oh?"
It seemed like that fairy was Dorian's secretary, Pixie.
"...S-Sorry."
Kang Chul-In quickly apologized, which was unlike himself.
Even if it was a territory that wasn't that great, it was still Dorian's territory, and the moth was the second-in-power of this place. It was good manners to apologize in situations like this.
In other words, if Kang Chul-In and Dorian weren't that close, this could've been a reason to cross swords with each other.
"I really didn't know."
"Be careful!"
"Okay."
"Well, fine. Since you didn't know. Hehe~!"
Dorian was really easygoing.
"Hey, you rude bastard!"
But Pixie wasn't.
***
After that slight incident, Kang Chul-In immediately started a strategy meeting. It was only him and Dorian, but it was still a meeting.
"Alright, so this is the start."
Kang Chul-In pointed at a point on the map.
"From here, to there, there, there, there, there, and there. These 7 territories are the bases of the Baldur region. They're also Rothchild's neighbors. The Lords of these 3 territories..."
"Assassinate them?"
"Correct."
"I have a question!"
"Go ahead."
"What if the Lords die? Won't someone try to take their place? For example..."
"Rothschild?"
"Yeah. If we assassinate them, Rothschild might be..."
"Grateful? Since he can swallow the territories up during all the confusion?"
"Mhm, isn't this just spoon feeding him?"
"No."
"No?"
"The targets are... here, here, and here."
Kang Chul-In pointed at each of the three points.
They were the furthest from Rothschild's territory.
"Mm? They're all places that Rothschild can't move quickly to."
"Right. We're only going to kill these three."
"What about the rest?"
"They'll probably draw a line between Rothschild and themselves."
"Huh? Why?"
"I'm planning on threatening them."
"Huk! A-Are you going to...?"
"Yeah, these three here are the people who are friendly with Rothschild. What if they die, and I announce that everyone who allies themself with Rothschild will die?"
"Isolation!"
"And during that time, Vito Clemenza's army will come from the west, and three days later, a second group will attack the Baldur region from the south."
"T-This!"
Shiver!
Dorian felt like he had been splashed with cold water.
'Kang Chul-In, this scary bastard!'
This was an extremely scary plan.
Kang Chul-In was trying to use Vito Clemenza's army to attack the Baldur region and the territories of the Lords at the same time.
This was a three-way attack.
If this plan began, the Baldur region would be in a mess, and the third-party would be gone.
And with this, Rothschild would be isolated, so it was hitting two birds with one stone.
"I'll ask again."
Kang Chul-In opened his mouth.
"No matter what kind of reason we have for this, it'll be a repetition of murders over and over again. There might even be a great war involving the entire continent. Can you do it?"
"Of course."
Dorian replied.
"To be honest, I don't want to go to war... but it doesn't change the fact that Vilhelm and Rothschild massacre people. I know that you're not that different from them... but I also know that you're a gentleman compared to them. I'm saying you're the lesser evil. Your citizens even call you a heavenly king."
It was long, but Dorian had a single main point.
Seoul.
Dorian remembered the dungeon gate incident that was the combined work of Rothschild and Vilhelm.
It was the massacre of civilians.
Furthermore, civilians in Seoul didn't have anything to do with the politics of Pangaea.
They were crushed just by the fact that they were users of the Galaxy Corporation.
As someone from the British Special Forces, SAS, this was extremely horrifying.
'So that was it.'
Kang Chul-In realized why he and Dorian had split up in the past.
Massacre.
Embarrassingly, Kang Chul-In had carried out meaningless massacres multiple times. It was a gruesome past that he couldn't understand when he thought about it now.
"Kang Chul-In."
Dorian spoke towards Kang Chul-In.
"Promise me this one thing."
"What?"
"I understand war. There's tons of other passionate Lords like you."
"So?"
"I hope you stop at war."
"So that means..."
"Yes."
Dorian nodded.
"I won't say to protect innocent civilians. However, massacring people is something that should never happen."
"Of course."
"Can you promise me that?"
"You're not a girl. Stop saying useless things and let's get to work."
Kang Chul-In frowned.
Massacre?
It was enough being called a fanatic for dominating. He wasn't crazy to do something like that and fail in this life, too.
"Okay, good."
Dorain understood what Kang Chul-In was saying and turned his head towards the map.
This was the moment that Dorian Explorer completely took Kang Chul-In's side.
Chapter 257: A Notice
Translator: Leyy3
"Oh, Brynhildr!"
Albrecht smiled widely seeing his joker, Brynhildr, as he came down from the magic circle.
"You've come!"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Good job. Since those savages from Valhalla have come in, our Gullveig Coalition is desperate for your power!"
He was treating him extremely kindly.
Vilhelm acted like he was greeting his hidden lover.
"How come I couldn't get in touch with you?"
"..."
"I told you again and again to stay next to me..."
"I apologize."
"No, that's fine. Since you came in the face of danger, that's enough."
So what if he was a little late?
Vilhelm was satisfied that the only card he had that could rival Kang Chul-In was here on his orders.
"Your Majesty."
But Vilhelm's hopes came crumbling down in a second.
"Yes, go ahead."
"I apologize, but I won't be participating in this war."
"...What?"
Vilhelm suspected his ears.
"You won't participate in the war?"
"Yes, sir."
"What are you talking about? You came this quickly after I contacted you but you won't go out to war? Brynhildr, are you saying that you don't care if our army is crushed by the Valhalla forces?"
"That's not it."
Brynhildr shook his head.
"Then why...?"
"Kang Chul-In won't appear on the battlefield."
"...!"
"Because of that, I'll return to Earth."
Vilhelm's face froze like ice when Brynhildr announced he wouldn't participate.
He couldn't use his joker?
Since he had a reason for going to war after being attacked by Kang Chul-In first, he had a duty to lead their army to victory.
"Wait!"
Vilhelm grabbed Brynhildr in a frantic voice.
"You're not participating? What does that mean? No, rather, how do you know that Kang Chul-In won't participate in this war!?"
It was strange.
He didn't know how Brynhildr knew something that he didn't. Had this white knight secretly been contacting Kang Chul-In, their enemy?
"I met Kang Chul-In."
"...!"
"Oh, it was a coincidence. I met him on the way here."
"Keum!"
"He said he won't join the war this time."
"What?!"
"He said he had something to do."
"I can't believe it. The Valhalla forces were the ones to attack us first. But their leader isn't participating? What kind of nonsense is that?"
His words were reasonable.
Kang Chul-In was the most powerful soldier during this war.
He should have known this himself better than anyone, so why was he saying that he wasn't going to participate?
"Is his condition not good?"
It was a logical question.
It had only been 1 week ago when he was beaten up by Akan during the second Lords' Meeting.
"No, sir."
"I-it's okay?"
"Yes, sir."
But Vilhelm didn't expect Brynhildr's answer.
"He is healthy."
"No... did you see wrong...?"
"I'm sure."
"...!"
"Two days ago, when I met Kang Chul-In near the Deathwin territory, he looked stronger than ever. No, he was too strong. Strong enough that I couldn't even dare to attack him."
"No way..."
"What is the matter?"
"Oh, you wouldn't know. So what happened is..."
Vilhelm explained what happened at the second Lords' Meeting.
"It was a critical injury. It might've been enough to endanger his life..."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. But he's stronger than he was 2 weeks ago? Do you think that makes sense, Brynhildr?"
"..."
"It's not that I don't believe you. But it's just so nonsensical that..."
"I agree. However, it doesn't change the fact that he's stronger."
"T-That! Ahem...!"
Vilhelm coughed at what Brynhildr said.
Kang Chul-In, are you even human!?
Just how many potions did he gulp up to recover in just 2 weeks after those critical injuries?
It was impossible for Albrecht to understand since he didn't know about Alfred's Blood Heal.
"Anyways, I'm repeating myself, but I won't participate in this war."
"...!"
"Then, I'll be..."
"Wait!"
Vilhelm frantically stopped Brynhildr.
"Are you really going?"
"Pardon?"
"Brynhildr, wait a minute!"
"..."
"This is a chance, Brynhildr! If Kang Chul-In really doesn't participate in this war, isn't victory easily ours? If only you step up!"
"Your Majesty."
But Brynhildr's reply was cold.
"Like I said in the beginning, I'm only fighting Kang Chul-In. Didn't you promise that my sword, Arondight, would only be used against Kang Chul-In?"
"T-That is!"
Vilhelm was speechless for a second.
"I became your sword with just that promise."
"..."
"It's not that I don't understand you. However, with Kang Chul-In stronger, is there a reason for me to participate in war?"
"Keum..."
"But if you still want me to participate..."
It was obvious
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what he was going to say.
The end.
He was going to say that if Vilhelm broke the promise he wouldn't serve him anymore.
Dammit!
Vilhelm felt like his insides were boiling up. Since Kang Chul-in wasn't participating, if they used Brynhildr, the war would be finished with their victory.
Of course, Kang Chul-In would join when that kind of situation came, but wouldn't they have already gotten what they needed by then?
Also, they could stop Kang Chul-In from doing whatever he was planning.
Tsk...
It was a shame, but he didn't bring it up again.
It was better not to use this card than to lose it completely.
If Brynhildr went to another Lord, the damage would be great.
Kang Chul-In wasn't the only enemy.
Vilhelm was someone who dreamed of reuniting the continent, and he needed Brynhildr for that.
"I guess there's nothing we can do..."
"I apologize, your Majesty."
"It's a shame, but if that's what you want I won't force you. However!"
Vilhelm emphasized his words.
"If Kang Chul-In shows up, I trust that you'll step up."
"Of course, your Majesty."
"Good, you may leave now."
"Yes, your Majesty."
Brynhildr's participation in war was canceled like that and the fight of the strongest in the continent was pushed back to another day.
"Keum..."
When Brynhildr was gone, Vilhelm's mind was in chaos.
"Just what are you planning, Kang Chul-In?"
What was Kang Chul-In doing?
Why wasn't he joining the war?
What tricks was he coming up with?
Vilhelm didn't have any way to know.
***
"Kang Chul-In..."
Leaving the territory, Brynhildr's voice was filled with complex emotions.
"I'll become stronger."
He had a firm resolve.
"I'll be stronger... and stop you."
It was a prediction of how hard he would work.
***
"W-What...!?"
His rank was 31.
The Lord of the New Orleans territory, Delcado, looked blankly at the letters in front of him.
The information on the letters was as follows:
Cut off your ties with Lord Rothschild within the next 10 minutes. If not, you will be dead.
-Supreme King of the West Kang Chul-In & Overlord Dorian Explorer
-Warning: Not a joke. If ignored, you will pay the price.
"..."
Delcado didn't know what was happening, so he just stared blankly at it.
What did this mean?
Cut off his ties with Rothschild?
No, it was even more astonishing that this letter came from Kang Chul-In and Dorian.
"Nah, no way."
Delcado shook his head.
This was 100% a joke... the work of someone who was bored.
Why would the Supreme King of the West kill someone like him?
Also, he wanted him to cut off his ties with a small fish like Rothschild?
It was some bastard that he didn't understand.
"Your Majesty!"
It was then.
"We received an urgent message from the Oslo territory!"
"Oslo territory?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Connect me with them."
Oslo and New Orleans were right next to each other, so Delcado was the Oslo territory Lord's next door neighbor.
-Delcado!
As soon as they were connected, Claudius' hologram appeared on the beam projector.
"What's the matter, Claudius?"
-It's a disaster!
"Mm? A disaster?"
-The Supreme King of the West Kang Chul-In sent a letter saying that he would kill me if I didn't cut off my ties with Rothschild within 5 hours!
"...!"
-What should I do!?
Claudius seemed to be out of his mind.
Of course. How many people would be calmly eating popcorn when the Supreme King of the West said he would kill them?
"Tsk, tsk."
Delcado looked at Claudius pathetically.
"You coward."
-C-Coward?!
"Yeah."
-...
"Why would the Supreme King of the West come to kill us?"
-Us? What are you talking about?
"I also received that letter. You have 5 hours, but I have just 10 minutes. I just received it, so... I have about 6 minutes left.
-Huk! Then aren't you in danger, too?
"...Are you being serious right now?"
-...?
"No, why would Kang Chul-In come here to kill us?"
-I-Is that so?!
"Use your head. With the Valhalla forces having attacked the Gullveig Coalition, why would Kang Chul-In come all the way here?"
-Mm?
"Also, Kang Chul-In should be lying sick in bed after being beaten up by Akan at the Lords' Meeting. Even if he's healed, he should've gone to the battlefield to help his forces, so why would he come all the way here and send a letter?"
Delcado was completely right.
His logic was something that anyone would've been able to think of.
"Do you understand now? This is just a joke. It's just a bad joke to play with us."
-Y-You're right!
"If you understand, don't be frozen in fear and order your subordinates to find the person who sent the letter and destroy them."
-I will do that!
"Goodness, what kind of... just who is it? Do we seem easy enough to be tricked by this joke? No, even if it's the Supreme King of the West, so what?"
Delcado snorted.
"He's gonna kill me? Does he think I'll be scared of him? Is it all because he's important? Hm?"
-U-Uh...
Just then, Claudius shook his finger, pointing behind Delcado with a pale face.
-D-Delcado? T-That's...!
"That foolish, cowardly, savage bastard, not knowing he's being arrogant."
-E-Excuse me...
"Kill me if he wants! Does that damned guy really think he's a king...?"
It was then.
"Oh, yeah?"
Delcado heard a voice on the edge of exploding in his ears.
"I suppose that Kang Chul-In guy is pretty annoying, huh?"
"Of course! That crazy bastard... hmm?"
Delcado suddenly realized that something was weird.
Shiver!
His back felt cold.
Drip.
A bead of sweat dripped down his back.
"I-Is..."
Delcado slowly turned around.
There, the annoying, crazy, savage, cowardly, and foolish bastard was smiling icily at him.
"Oh, so is that how you thought of me?"
Kang Chul-in licked his lips.
"H-How did you get in here!?"
"It's been 10 minutes."
"Heek?!"
"My letter wasn't important to you."
"...!"
"Alright, let's start the game."
Kang Chul-In took a step towards Delcado.
Chapter 258: Aluko's Report
Translator: Leyy3
"D-Delcadooooo!"
Cladius screamed.
-Keak!
-Uck!
-P-Please...! Uackkkkk!
Beyond the screen, a gruesome scene was playing.
-Please...
-No.
-I want to live!
-That's not my business.
-Your Majesty! P-Please!
-Relax, shut up, and just get beat.
-Uackkkkk!
Kang Chul-In on the screen was merciless.
"You savage! J-just kill him!"
It was to the point that Claudius unintentionally shouted for the death of his next-door neighbor.
-Keuk, keukkkk! P-Please...
-Then why'd you ignore my letter?
-But... it was so... unbelievable...
-That's your mistake, not mine. It's normal to be punished if you don't have faith.
-...
-So get beat up.
-Keackkk!
How was a human so shameless and cruel?
If he had said that he wanted to beat someone up and kill them on the notice, it would've been easier to believe.
That's a demon! Not a human! A human can't be like that!
Cladius was completely frozen in fear watching the scene.
-K-Kuk!
-Let's end it now.
-...!
-Any last words?
On the screen, Kang Chul-In asked Delcado a question with a sword emitting white light in his hand.
-P-Please let me liv...
-Die.
Flash!
The light of the sword flashed as it drew an arc.
Plop.
Delcado collapsed.
-Hey, you.
Kang Chul-In spoke at the lens of the magic-engineered communication device. He was speaking to Claudius.
"Y-Yes?!"
-You have 4 hours and 30 minutes left.
"...!"
-Decide by them. Whether you're going to cut off your alliance with Rothschild or...
Kang Chul-In glanced at his feet when he said that, towards where the dead Delcado was.
-You die.
"Huk!"
-I hope you make a wise decision.
At the same time, the communication device was cut off.
Click!
Psss, pssst!
The black and white screen filled Claudius' vision.
"The Supreme King of the West! The real Supreme King of the West! The Supreme King of the West killed...!"
Thanks to that, Claudius plopped to the floor blankly.
5 hours.
He had to choose by then.
***
"Wow, Kang Chul-In..."
Dorian clicked his tongue.
"Truly a demon. Totally a demon."
"...What's with those eyes?"
"You're really evil."
"..."
"How can a person beat up people so well?"
"Can't you do everything well if you just practice?"
"W-What?"
"They say people who've eaten meat before eat it well."
"S-So?"
"It means I beat up a lot of people."
"Huk!"
"Well, it's not something to brag about."
Kang Chul-In grinned.
That scary guy... just who did he beat up so much...
Dorain was scared. All he could talk about was how powerful...
"Anyway."
Kang Chul-In spoke as he tapped Delcado's head with his foot.
"Let's clean up before we go."
"O-Okay."
"Hey, get up."
Kang Chul-In spoke to Delcado.
"Keuk...!"
Delcado groaned.
Surprisingly, he was still alive.
So this is useful during times like this.
He smiled sourly looking at Mitra on his waist.
Because Mitra couldn't be used to kill anyone, no matter how much he cut someone, he wasn't injured at all.
In fact, Delcado was a mess after being beaten up by Kang Chul-In, but his body wasn't split in half.
"Hey, I said to get up."
"Keuk..."
"Will you feel better once I actually kill you?"
"M-my body... won't... lis..."
It seemed like he had been beaten up too much.
"Tsk, there's nothing we can do."
Eventually Dorian stepped up.
Puk!
His dagger swiped down on Delcado's neck.
"Keuk!"
Delcado fell over after half a scream. He had fainted.
"Since you did it, you carry him."
"Humph!"
"Then should I just kill him?"
"T-That's not..."
"Then take care of him. I'll leave first."
Kang Chul-In broke through the office window to go outside.
Shatter!
"...He's breaking everything just because it isn't his."
Dorian shook his head, Delcado on his back.
***
In a dark room deep inside the Cyamodus territory...
A cocoon started to split apart.
Rip, rip!
With an ominous sound, a white arm stretched out of the cocoon and ripped at the cocoon around itself.
Rip, rip! Tear!
The process of ripping the cocoon continued.
The right hand, left hand, and left leg.
The body after that.
"Whew!"
Alex Rothschild breathed out when he ripped out of the cocoon.
White smoke was coming from his body.
"I feel... disgusting... very disgusting..."
Rothschild muttered as he looked at his bare body.
His body was covered with a sticky liquid, and he looked quite grotesque.
However, Rothschild's muscles squirmed like they were alive, and each of his muscular fibers could be clearly seen.
His muscular fibers looked like they were connected by Kevlar [1], not proteins.
"So
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this is the power of Agnana..."
Rothschild muttered as he looked at his palms.
"It's dirty, but strong. This power... there's no need to strengthen it. Just where did you get this kind of power, Andrei?"
It was then.
-Are you there, your Majesty?
Akul's voice rang out from a magic-engineered speaker.
"What...is it, Akul?"
-It's an emergency, your Majesty!"
"Emergency?"
-Overlord Lee Chae-rin's military is heading for our Baldur region, and from the east, Lord Vito Clemenza's army is coming, and has already swallowed three territories.
"Is that so...? Well, alright."
Rothschild was relaxed even though the Baldur region was being attacked from both sides.
"I'll take care of it one by one while taking care of business."
-That's not all, sir!
"...?"
-Some of the territories we are allied with have received letters from Kang Chul-In.
"Kang Chul-In, again? Alright, explain."
Akul spoke about the information in Kang Chul-In's notice.
"I see, I see..."
Rothschild wasn't mad.
"Pft, pft pft! That's what he did? That Kang Chul-In did this to isolate me?"
-Y, Yes, sir...
"Well, sure, whatever."
"What? Your Majesty, you have to prepare for...!"
"Prepare... Fine. I'll call for a meeting one hour later, so tell the messengers to get ready."
-Understood, your Majesty...
Akul was flustered because Rothschild's voice was so calm, but he didn't ask why. Recently, Rothschild had called his subordinates depending on his mood and killed them, showing his tyrant instincts.
"Whew."
Rothschild sighed.
"I suppose it's time to settle things with you."
His eyes were completely black with no whites. His clear blue eyes had disappeared.
"Wait a little, Kang Chul-In. There's not too long until your life is taken... ha, hahahahaha!"
Rothschild laughed ominously.
While Rothschild was drunk on his new power, a periscope smaller than a pinkie disappeared through the ground.
Swipe!
***
One week later...
"D-Don't come closer!"
Lord Gilbert shouted at the demon approaching him.
"Don't you have any refreshing lines?"
The demon spoke with a grin.
"Don't come, I said! Fuck off!"
"Goodness..."
"You demon-like bastard!"
Gilbert had quite a temper, seeing how he was shouting in the Lords' Hall after all his guards and soldiers were just killed.
That might've been why he had increased the security around his territory by 3 times and spent sleepless nights in the Lords' Hall.
It's easy to tell who's gonna burst out crying just by their faces.
Kang Chul-In took a step closer to Gilbert.
As he did, Gilbert fainted with bubbles in his mouth, right before Kaiforce landed in his head.
"Whew."
Kang Chul-In sighed as he took Kaiforce back.
"I'm tired."
"Me too."
Dorian, who had suddenly come from somewhere, spoke with a tired face.
"And the clean up?"
"Good enough."
"That's fine."
"Ugh... this isn't something I want to do again. We send notices to the Lords so... and it's hard when they move..."
"That's why we're holding the Lords hostage."
"But it's still hard... ugh..."
"Cheer up."
Kang Chul-In dryly encouraged Dorain.
It's understandable that he's tired. Since I'm also tired.
To be honest, Kang Chul-In was tired as well.
The two had used up all their energy causing messes in 5 different territories for the last week.
"Huk, hukkk..."
"Haaa... haaaa..."
"Ugh..."
The same went for Dorian's airborne forces, the Wyverns Woman Airborne Forces.
They weren't even at war, and causing terror in territories and running away was extremely tiring.
They couldn't even imagine fighting against Rothschild's forces.
"Anyway, shouldn't we stop now? I think both of us will die from overworking ourselves if this keeps up."
Dorian spoke in a raspy voice.
"I was thinking of stopping anyway."
Kang Chul-In replied.
We're at the limits now.
It was true.
The more time went on, the more the forces of the Lords were increasing. Even for him, it was dangerous to fight against all those soldiers. It was time to stop.
But we still gained something.
It wasn't like this was for nothing.
From the 5 Lords that they spoke about, two of them had been taken care of by Kang Chul-In and Dorian, and the other 3 returned to Rothschild to cut off their ties and hide.
With this, Rothschild wouldn't be able to ally himself with the Lords around himself for the time being.
Also, the other Lords in the Baldur region were hiding themselves, saying they wouldn't be on Rothschild's side. They had definitely achieved what they came to do.
Will you stay inside your territory even after I pressure you like this, Rothschild?
But something was strange.
It was normal to show some kind of response to this, but it was quiet. Like he was planning something.
It's strange...
There was only one option for Rothschild to pick.
It was hard for him to help the Gullveig Coalition because he was busy with the attacks from Lee Char-rin and Vito Clemenza.
Then there was only one thing left. To swallow up the territories around him to gain power. That was the wisest path that Rothschild could take.
But why? Just what is he trying to do in there...
Just then, he heard the sound of wings flapping and some owl huam suddenly came from the ceiling. It was Aluko, from Fox Valley's reconnaissance group.
"Aluko greets the Supreme King of the West!"
"Oh, it was you?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Weren't you watching over Rothschild?"
"Yes, sir."
"But why are you here? Has the reconnaissance group been found?"
"No, sir."
"Then why?"
"I came because I have important information to report to you!"
"Hm...?"
"Your Majesty, I'll report it to you separately. Could you make some time..."
"Of course."
Kang Chul-In nodded.
"Your Majesty, Rothschild is currently..."
After they moved to another location, Aluko reported to Kang Chul-In.
"Huh."
Kang Chul-In smirked when he heard the report.
It seemed like his bad fate with his enemy was on the closing act.
"The time to end that damned bastard's life has come."
[1] Kevlar.
Chapter 259: Birds Hear the Words of the Night and Rats Hear the Words of the Day
Translator: Leyy3
10 minutes ago...
"Your Majesty, Rothschild's movements are out of the ordinary."
Aluko's report was quite interesting.
"I was also thinking the same thing."
Kang Chul-In nodded his head.
Rothschild's response to Kang Chul-In was too passive.
He didn't take any action even when all of his alliances isolated him by himself.
I did expect he was planning something.
When Kang Chul-In heard Aluko's report, he felt like an uncomfortably itchy spot had been scratched.
"Alright. Then report."
"Yes, your Majesty."
Aluko began his report.
"First of all, Rothschild had brought an immense amount of gold from the 'other world.' It's an unimaginable amount of..."
"I expected that."
Kang Chul-In nodded his head.
Wasting money?
Being born with a diamond spoon in his mouth, he always ran away to Earth when he was in trouble, and returned after asking his daddy for money.
However...
"Yes, your Majesty. I thought so up to there, too. However, right after the second Lords' Meeting ended, a large casket was delivered to Rothschild's territory."
Aluko's continued report piqued Kang Chul-In's curiosity.
"Casket?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"The source?"
"It seems to be from Overlord Andrei Ivanovich's Blood Castle territory."
"...!"
"The casket is 1.5 meters wide and 3.5 meters long and it has old letters that I've never seen before. Also, a strange but powerful energy was flowing out of it."
Kang Chul-In narrowed his eyes.
It was definitely strange.
A vampire that he didn't know existed in the past became an Overlord, and gave Rothschild some casket?
Something's fishy.
Kang Chul-In immediately sensed something suspicious in their connection.
"So."
Kang Chul-In tossed Aluko a question.
"So, what happened?"
"Yes, your Majesty. From what we saw, Rothschild moved the casket into a locked door and hasn't left since."
The locked room was the space where Rothschild created his dolls.
"I see."
Kang Chul-In nodded in understanding.
"Good work. You've done..."
"Your Majesty. I still have something else to report."
"Hm? Rothschild locked in there but you still have something to report?"
"Of course, your Majesty."
Aluko spoke in a confident voice.
"There's this saying in Fox Valley."
"...?"
"Rats hear the words of the day and birds hear the words of the night."
"Isn't it that birds hear the words of the day and rats hear the words of the night?"[1]
"Pardon?"
Aluko tilted his head. It was a typical movement of birds.
"Your Majesty, owls sleep during the day...?"
"N-Never mind."
Kang Chul-In waved his hand.
"Continue with your report."
He knew it was foolish debating whether or not the saying of Fox Valley was right or the Earth's.
What did it matter what listened when?
"Yes, your Majesty."
Aluko continued his report.
"It's true that it was hard to observe the closed room. However! You know that it's not just demi-humans at Fox Valley, right?"
"Hm?"
"We have the shredder."
"...!"
"They're species that are equivalent to the underground rat species. Also, their firm toenails are powerful enough to break iron."
"That means...?"
"Yes, your Majesty. The Shredder has succeeded in planting a miniature magic-engineered periscope in Rothschild's closed room!"
"...!"
"Thanks to that, we were able to collect information on most of what happened inside of the room."
It was an incredible achievement.
Even Kang Chul-In hadn't been able to get inside that room. The abilities of the agency at Fox Valley was amazing.
"Is that so!?"
Kang Chul-In's voice was raised.
"Yes, your Majesty!"
"So? What information did you collect?"
"That is... there was a shiny black cocoon inside the casket."
"A cocoon? Like from an insect?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"So?"
"Rothschild entered the cocoon, and the cocoon wrapped around him like it was alive. And until this morning, it squirmed creepily."
"..."
"Then, this morning, Rothschild looked extremely strong when he ripped the cocoon open and came out. His hesitant appearance completely disappeared."
And just then, a thought hit Kang Chul-In like a bolt from the blue.
'A cocoon, cocoon... could it be?'
Necromantic Bay.
It was the undead research lab of the now dead Aleister.
Dorian said that he had also seen a cocoon inside the Necromantic Bay. Didn't he say that the thing
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born from it had chased him until the end?
Something seems suspicious... I don't want to just go over it.
Andrei Ivanovich, and the cocoon.
Both these things didn't exist in the past, and it didn't quite make sense that it was all because of a butterfly effect.
"After this, Rothschild..."
Aluko's report continued while Kang Chul-In was thinking about something else.
"You may have heard already, but they say he's been going out to hunt a monster."
"Monster hunting?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"What kind?"
"That is..."
"...?"
"They say he's hunting a gold dragon."
"...!"
"He's recruiting strong adventurers with a large amount of money and is creating a team of his own with his soldiers."
"Look at this guy."
Kang Chul-In's voice took on a condescending tone.
"So that damned bastard is putting me aside and doing growth quests, is that what you're saying?"
"I-I don't under..."
"It's nothing."
There was no need to explain the growth quests that were given to Lords, so Kang Chul-In changed the subject.
"Oh, and your Majesty."
"What is it? Do you still have something to report?"
"Of course."
Aluko shot his eyes open.
"Your Majesty, don't be too surprised."
"...?"
"According to the information from the shredder, Rothschild cannot use his connected bodies anymore."
"What!?"
"...!"
"Is that true?"
"Y-Yes! Because of the penalty of him losing 4 of his bodies with the Laputa incident..."
It was then.
"Hahahahaha!"
A maniacal laugh escaped from Kang Chul-In's mouth.
"So that's what happened? Hahahaha!"
It was a loud laugh.
Kang Chul-In laughed like he was letting out all the laughter that he had suppressed.
Of course he would react like this.
Even after finding out that Rothschild had dolls he controlled, he wasn't able to get rid of them.
But he couldn't use the bodies?
This was crucial information that let him know the chance to kill him had finally come.
"Aluko of Fox Valley, listen."
An imposing order came from Kang Chul-In.
"From now, all forces follow the hunt of the Gold Dragon and report back to me."
"Yes, your Majesty!"
"Also, after this, all of you at the Fox Valley's intelligence agency will be given the third rank promotion and you and the shredder will be given the Martial Arts Medal."
"Y-your Majesty!"
Aluko was surprised.
The Valhalla Martial Arts Medal.
This was the highest ranking medal in the Valhalla Kingdom.
No one had received it before!
"H-How...!?"
"No."
Kang Chul-In shook his head.
"You deserve the Martial Arts Medal."
"...!"
"Give it all you got to finish the task I've given you!"
"Yes, your Majesty!"
Aluko shouted in response.
"I'll definitely carry out your orders with the honor of the Fox Valley's intelligence agency on the line!"
Who would be able to resist him?
It was extremely rare for Kang Chul-In to tell others to 'give everything they had.'
***
Inside the tent of the Valhalla commanding forces...
"Ugh... ughhh...!"
A pained groan escaped Kwak Jung's mouth.
"These cowardly powerful bastards! They're weak as fuck but their numbers! Argh!"
It was a spew of curses.
Kwak Jung was stressed to the maximum creating strategies against the Gullveig Coalition.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Silence filled the tent. Everyone blinked with blank faces.
But there was nothing they could do.
Each of the soldiers of Valhalla were strong, but they didn't have the brains for coming up with strategies.
"Whew... what to do, no, if this..."
Because of that, Kwak Jung suffered from carrying the forces.
Ping, ping!
It was so much that you could almost hear Kwak Jung's head spinning.
"I have an electronic brain... electric brain... ha, no this isn't it..."
Kwak Jung muttered like he was drunk and wasted.
However, once he was done explaining his orders to the Valhalla forces, their faces became filled with shock.
"Look. Tiger Division, and here, Red Dragon Division. These divisions will defend the canyons, and secretary Lucia will quickly..."
There was no weakness in Kwak Jung's strategy.
No one would be able to look at this without being astonished.
"Wow... you're the brain of Pangaea!"
"An actual genius!"
"Mr. Kwak, I'm amazed so many times these days!"
Electronic brain.
It sounded like a joke, but Kwak Jung had calculated every single detail, like he was some kind of program with an algorithm.
"Nothing else is needed, just do it like this. I'm not accepting any complaints. Alright, everyone, leave. Leave!"
Kwak Jung demanded that they leave because he was tired.
Reading and analyzing all the reports and coming up with strategies took quite a toll on your mind.
After the conferences ended, he would put a towel on his forehead from the headaches.
Knowing this, the executives of Valhalla left so Kwak Jung could rest.
"Whew."
Kwak Jung sighed when he was left alone.
"I'll really die at this rate... my head is working fine, why am I so busy?"
Just then, a purple light flashed in Kwak Jung's vision, but because he was so tired, he didn't notice it.
"Fuck it!"
***
"If only I clear this quest...!"
Rothschild clenched his fists together seeing the status window in front of him.
The details about the quest were the following:
-
Growth, Marionette Master
Goal: Take care of the gold dragon.
[Growth effects]
All stats +20% / Controllable bodies +1 / Connected body stats +30% / Proficiency of creating connected bodies +50% / Ability to magically engineer connected bodies
[Clear Rewards]
+7 levels / Lords Points 2,000P / 10,000 Gold / Random Epic Item +1
The target of the quest was the strongest monster, a gold dragon.
It was a monster that even Kang Chul-In couldn't fight one on one. However, it's rewards were incredible.
If he completed this, he could get rid of all the humiliation and loss he felt.
"Alright, this is my last chance. Wait, Kang Chul-In. I'll take your life soon. This strength, and growth... this will be enough."
Rothschild clenched his teeth.
1. a Korean idiom for "walls have ears."