Angel Devil, Aki, and Himeno stood their ground, tense and wary as they faced Kang Woo. His Blut Vene Anhaben created an impenetrable zone around him, rendering any approach suicidal. The trio was stuck, unable to advance or retreat, their earlier declarations hanging over them like a heavy feeling . To wait idly now would only add to their humiliation.
Kang Woo stood unmoving, a cold and calculating aura replacing his usual chaotic and unpredictable demeanor. He was no longer the bizarre, ranting lunatic they were familiar with—he now resembled a cold-blooded killer, his intentions unreadable.
In his thoughts, Angel Devil considered his options. Should I try using 2,000 years? It's not like dying is an issue in this magic circle, but the problem is… Kang Woo right now isn't messing around. Aki's already died three times.
Aki, still gripping his sword tightly, broke the silence. "Himeno-senpai, are you absolutely sure that Kang Woo's power is mana-based? The one he's using right now… I don't think it's his original power—demonic energy. And it sure as hell isn't mana either, the one that makes him act all goofy. I think this power is something else entirely. Something new."
Himeno frowned, her focus momentarily shifting to Kang Woo, who remained a statuesque figure of dominance. "Aki, I don't know anymore. He's pulling out abilities that don't even make sense, like we're fighting a completely different person. But honestly…" She raised her voice, her frustration boiling over. "Oyy, narcissistic jerk! Give us a break, all right? Toss us a hint or something! Isn't that how these games work? When the final boss is too strong, there's always a trick to beating him, right?"
From the spectator seat, Makima's laughter rang out, sharp and amused. Her yellow-ringed eyes gleamed as she smirked at Himeno. "Himeno, seriously? You're that shameless? You all declared you could punch my husband in the face, and now you're asking him for a hint?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she leaned back, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Kang Woo finally opened his crimson eyes, his expression unreadable as his gaze flicked to Himeno. "A hint, huh?" His voice was calm, yet carried an edge of condescension. "Here's your hint: despair harder. Maybe then you'll find the resolve you need."
Makima chuckled at his response, shaking her head. "You truly are annoying , my King."
Himeno muttered under her breath, glaring at Kang Woo. "This guy… He's worse than a final boss. He's the damn game developer."
Angel Devil exhaled deeply, clutching his weapon tightly. "If we keep this up, we're going to look like complete fools. But I'll say this…" He glanced at Aki and Himeno, his tone heavy with determination. "If there's even a sliver of a chance to break that arrogance of his, I'll take it. Even if I have to burn everything."
Aki nodded. "Then let's stop waiting and figure this out—because sitting here is just letting him win." His eyes flickered with a newfound determination. "If he's not going to give us an opening, we'll make one ourselves."
Himeno's grip on her blade tightened, her lips curling into a smirk. "About time, Aki. Let's see if that cold-blooded jerk has any weakness left to exploit."
Suddenly, a resounding boom echoed through the arena, and Kang Woo's Blut Vene Anhaben vanished without warning. Angel Devil, Himeno, and Aki instinctively stepped back, their breath catching as the pressure around them shifted.
Aki took a deep breath, glancing at the others. "I changed my mind. Let's take this slowly. If we don't, we'll end up with dunce caps on our heads and forever be the laughingstock of the world."
Kang Woo's crimson gaze began to shift, his eyes now taking on an eerie, almost divine appearance. His pupils multiplied into three concentric circles, radiating an otherworldly intensity.
Kang Woo's eyes gleamed as his three-pupiled gaze intensified. "The Almighty," he said, his voice calm but resonating with power, "isn't the ability to see the future. It's something far greater. Don't lose hope just yet—I'm only beginning to perfect it."
In a flash, Angel Devil's head was severed, his body collapsing to the ground before anyone could react. The attack was instantaneous, as if Kang Woo had killed him before the moment had even occurred. Angel Devil respawned within the magic circle, his expression dazed and horrified.
"I didn't see him attack at all," Angel Devil muttered, touching his neck as if to reassure himself he was whole again. "And he didn't even move. Not an inch."
Himeno's face twisted with nervous energy, but she forced a smirk. "Guess teasing him was a bad idea. Looks like we triggered the second phase of the boss fight. My bad, guys."
Aki's grip on his blade tightened as he locked eyes with Kang Woo. "Let's focus on the problem, Himeno-senpai. We don't know what this 'Almighty' means, but those three-pupiled eyes of his? They're bad news just like he did before . Whatever they're seeing… we're not ready for it."
Angel Devil gritted his teeth, clutching his weapon tightly. "Those eyes are trouble , it's already too late for us."
Kang Woo suddenly coughed—Koff!—the sound echoing through the tense battlefield. He glanced down, noticing blood staining his hand. His mind raced as he analyzed the situation. Yhwach needed a total of 999 years to rebuild his Quincy King power and The Almighty… and here I am, trying to force it into existence in just a few days. Too much excitement… or just my idiocy, showing this weakness so plainly.
Aki's sharp gaze caught the moment. "Did he just cough up blood?" His voice was laced with disbelief. "That maniac… I thought he didn't bleed at all."
Kang Woo smiled faintly, brushing the blood off his lips as he straightened. "Hope and despair—they're two sides of the same coin. But my despair… outlasts everything." His voice carried a chilling finality. "Even in its imperfect, forceful state… the power… remains the same!"
As he spoke, Kang Woo's aura shifted drastically. His eyes glowed with a menacing light, their gaze almost unbearable. His cloak seemed to ripple like liquid darkness, blending with the air as if it was alive. Yellow, eye -like patterns formed across the surface, illuminating his ominous figure. ( img here )
His Reishi broadword transformed as well, extending into a jagged, ethereal shape. The energy around it crackled violently, a fusion of glowing cyan lightning and blackened edges . It radiated a power that warped the space around him, making it difficult to focus on his form directly.
Angel Devil's breath hitched as he took a step back. "What… what is that? He wasn't even serious before, was he?"
Kang Woo laughed, his voice reverberating with confidence and malice. "This is your hope crushed, your determination shattered. Even in its imperfect state. Now, show me—will you cling to hope or embrace despair?"
Kang Woo raised his hand, making a commanding gesture. The eye-like patterns across his cloak surged outward, bundling together and forming a massive wave-like tsunami of glowing, ominous eyes.
Angel Devil gritted his teeth and shouted, "Usage: 3,000 years!" Without hesitation, Aki immediately beheaded him again, his blade moving with precision. Angel Devil respawned instantly within the magic circle, his form reforming just as a massive red shield materialized in front of them. The shield shimmered with immense energy but immediately showed cracks as the tsunami of eyes bore down upon it.
"Thanks, Aki," Angel Devil muttered, sweat dripping from his brow. "But that shield won't hold for long."
Before anyone could react, Kang Woo was suddenly standing directly in front of Aki. The Almighty's influence had made his position Instantly to its objective , and Aki barely had time to tighten his grip on the Angel Devil sword, now glowing with the properties of Blazing Courage.
CLASH!
The collision of their weapons sent a deafening shockwave through the battlefield. Kang Woo's jagged, crackling Reishi blade collided with Aki's flame-infused sword, sparks of cyan lightning and fiery embers erupting into the air..
From a short distance away, Himeno raised her voice in desperation. "Ghost Devil! I give you my—"
Her plea was cut off as a massive hand of the Ghost Devil materialized beside her. Covered in ethereal mouths, the hand spoke in a haunting, trembling voice. "I refuse." The Ghost Devil's tone was cold and resolute. "Even if you sacrifice your life, I will not fight that man. He is too powerful… too terrifying."
Himeno's expression fell, frustration and helplessness written across her face. She watched as the Ghost Devil withdrew, leaving her with no way to aid her comrades.
Meanwhile, at the center of the battlefield, Kang Woo's locked onto Aki's with a chilling calmness. Their weapons continued to struggle, the energy between them intensifying with each passing second. But with a slight increase of pressure, Kang Woo overpowered Aki, knocking him off balance. In one swift, precise motion, Kang Woo drove his jagged Reishi blade into Aki's chest, piercing his heart with ease.
Aki gasped, blood spilling from his lips as his body crumpled to the ground. His form flickered and dissolved into light, only to respawn moments later within the magic circle, whole but visibly shaken.
Kang Woo turned to the group, his voice calm yet dripping with cold malice. "Have you all woken up from your dreams yet?"
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From the spectator seat, Reze sat beside Makima, her face pale and her voice trembling with disbelief. "What the fuck was that?! Those three-pupiled eyes… now there are countless of them! And he just decimated aki and his groups ! Just like that!"
Kobeni, sitting nearby, looked equally terrified. She turned to Makima, her voice a shaky whisper. "Ms. Makima, what's Kang Woo talking about? The Almighty? And why does he look more terrifying now?"
Makima, calm as ever, crossed her legs and rested her chin on her hand. Her yellow-ringed eyes glinted as she gazed at Kang Woo's overwhelming presence. "I've seen it before. Usually, it's just two pupils—his early state. But forcing it into a third pupil? It's unstable, bleeding on his eye … but even more dangerous." She paused thoughtfully. "As for what this means now…" She trailed off, her gaze darkening slightly. "Even I don't know what he's fully capable of in this state. It's likely what he calls 'The Almighty Imperfect State.'"
Taiyo, sitting on Makima's lap, looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes. "Will Aki be able to punch that man? From what I see, Aki and his group—they're the heroes. And that man…" Taiyo hesitated, his voice trembling. "That man, Kang Woo… he's the villain, isn't he?"
Makima gently ruffled Taiyo's hair, her expression softening for a brief moment. "I don't know, Taiyo," she replied honestly, her voice calm yet grave. "But reality is cruel. And in this state, Kang Woo will absolutely win."
Reze, sitting nearby, swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on the battlefield. "How do you even fight something like that?" she whispered, more to herself than to anyone around her.
Makima didn't answer, her yellow-ringed eyes locked onto Kang Woo, who stood like an immovable force. His overwhelming presence dominated the battlefield, an embodiment of despair itself.
In the magic circle, Kang Woo's gazes bore into Aki, Himeno, and Angel Devil, his eyes carrying an almost crushing weight. Before they could act, the tsunami of glowing eyes surged forward once more, completely overwhelming the trio. The wave engulfed them in an instant, their bodies disintegrating under the sheer force of its power.
Moments later, Aki, Himeno, and Angel Devil respawned within the magic circle, their forms whole but their spirits visibly shaken. None of them moved or spoke, their silence heavy with the weight of their repeated deaths.
Kang Woo's voice broke the silence, cold and unwavering. "Isn't it nice to give up? To know your place? To ignore everything, accept your fate, and let death claim you?"
Aki, his voice steady but carrying a faint edge of defiance, spoke up. "I haven't asked you this before… but do you really look down on us? On every devil in this world? On humanity itself? Answer me, Oh Kang Woo." Aki emphasized Kang Woo's full name, his frustration boiling over.
Kang Woo tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk forming on his lips. "Whether you punch me or not doesn't matter," he replied. "Because I just had an inspiration… a new way to use my power." His gaze shifted briefly to the countless glowing eyes surrounding him and the flowing darkness of his cloak.
Himeno, watching closely, thought to herself, He's easily distracted, easily bored… that's a good opportunity. If we can exploit that, we might have a chance.
Angel Devil grinned faintly, a dangerous glint in his eyes as he whispered, "Usage: 7,000 years." His body began to deteriorate, but his grin only widened. With his last act, he raised a trembling hand and flipped Kang Woo the middle finger.
The ground beneath them began to glow an ominous red, a pulsating light that intensified rapidly. Aki's voice rang out, his tone sharp and resolute. "Have you ever heard the saying, 'If we're losing, you're coming with us'?"
Kang Woo's smirk grew wider, his gaze fixed on the glowing ground. His tone was calm, eerily so, as he remarked, "You've done well."
BOOM.
The explosion erupted, deafening and cataclysmic. The sheer force of the blast was akin to a 500-kilogram bomb, consuming the battlefield in an inferno of destruction. The shockwave rippled outward, obliterating everything in its path, leaving behind a blinding light that swallowed the scene entirely. For a brief moment, silence reigned—an ominous, suffocating stillness.
Kang Woo's disappointed voice resonated through the air like an unrelenting judgment. "Only this?"
Thump.
A heartbeat echoed in the void.
Thump.
Reality froze, the fiery chaos of the explosion suspended mid-air, its destructive force caught in an unchanging moment. Then, with a soundless shift, reality resumed. As if the explosion had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion, its fiery remnants vanished entirely. The battlefield stood pristine, untouched, and unscathed, as if nothing had ever occurred.
Kang Woo emerged at the center, unmoved and motionless. His three-pupiled gaze faded back to a single pupil, and the ominous cloak of countless eyes dissolved into the ether. He stood, an unyielding monument to dominance, his calm demeanor masking an overwhelming presence.
The tension was palpable, heavy with the weight of failure. Himeno broke the silence, her voice defiant despite the tremble in it. "It's a draw, narcissistic jerk. We managed to impress you, right?"
Kang Woo turned his attention to her, his smirk fading into a colder, more piercing expression. His voice was sharp and cutting, each word like a dagger. "No. You're disappointing. All of you."
His words hit like a hammer, unrelenting in their brutality. "You cling to the remnants of hope, believing that someone like me can be caught off guard. That isn't just foolish—it's idiocy. Even when you knew it was impossible to land a single blow on me, you still threw your lives away."
His gaze swept over them, unrelenting. "That's what makes you weak. You think your resolve, your desperate cries for worth, hold any meaning on the battlefield. They don't. Without power, there is no value. Without it, you are nothing. You've died a thousand times in this circle, and still, your deluded minds whisper the same lie: 'We can beat him. We can prove our worth.' You are wrong."
Kang Woo stepped forward, the weight of his presence pressing down on them. "The battlefield is cruel. Without strength, you are only fodder for the strong. No resolve, no sacrifice, no clever plan will save you if you lack the power to enforce them. That is the reality. Learn it well, or die in ignorance."
Himeno, her fists clenched, raised her voice in defiance. "But we fought you, right? We managed to prove our worth, didn't we?"
Kang Woo scoffed, his crimson gaze locking onto her. "Since when did I say I wanted to fight? It was Aki's plan to punch my face, all because of some foolish grievance about my eyes looking down on someone. Let me tell you the truth—I had other things to do. I fulfilled what Aki wanted; I gave him his own power, Blazing Courage. Do you know how rare that is? That curse energy, crafted for humans, and its technique are worth more than anything any devil or human society could ever attain."
His voice grew colder, his words like a dagger twisting in their pride. "And yet, after receiving something so extraordinary, he decided to pick a fight with me. Before this, I didn't care how I looked at you. I just wanted to get the job done. But now…" His gaze turned sharper, more disdainful. "Look at your situation. You're all disappointing."
Kang Woo let his words sink in before continuing, his tone heavy with a cruel wisdom. "There's a reason despair exists. It's not just to crush you—it's to keep you in check with reality. That's why the phrase give up exists. It's not about losing; it's about learning from your mistakes. But instead, you cling to false hope and throw your lives away without thinking."
Aki's thoughts churned, guilt welling up within him. From the beginning, I thought it was just potential he forced on me. But… I'm the ungrateful one, aren't I? He may have tortured me, but the results… they're real. I can use my own negative energy—or rather, what he calls curse energy, this thing he named 'Blazing Courage.'
Aki bowed his head deeply, his voice steady but filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Kang Woo. I was wrong about—"
Before Aki could finish, Kang Woo unceremoniously sat down on the ground, crossing his legs like it was all a game. "Save those words for your tombstone and your friends' corpses, all right? Say it in the afterlife when your soul has time to reflect." His tone was casual, almost mocking. "Now, this is my final question: will you cling to hope, or embrace despair?"
Himeno, unable to hold back, raised her voice. "And still, you're being a dickhead! Give us a break, will you, narcissistic jerk? Just tell us what you mean clearly. We're not as intelligent as—"
Before she could go further, Aki clamped his hand over her mouth, his tone sharp but restrained. "Himeno-senpai, calm down a bit." He looked at her with a mix of exasperation and understanding. "He might sound like he's talking nonsense, but if you think about it… even his rubbish has value."
In silence, Aki's thoughts deepened. He speaks like that, but if I think back to his actions from the beginning of this fight… it's the opposite. He wasn't trying to crush us. He was trying to teach us. This is going to be difficult, but it's not pointless.
Aki then turned to Kang Woo, his expression serious. "Let me think about that answer, Kang Woo."
Kang Woo's lips curled into a faint smile, but he said nothing, his silence more telling than words.
Aki exhaled deeply before motioning for Himeno and Angel Devil to gather closer. "Himeno-senpai, Angel Devil, come here for a bit."
The two approached cautiously, both glancing between Aki and Kang Woo, whose imposing presence loomed over them like a shadow.
Aki began, his tone serious. "Listen carefully. Kang Woo is trying to teach us about mana, but for some reason, he has to do it in an indirect way. Maybe there's some unknown circumstance tying his hands, but from his gaze, I can tell—it has to be now. If we leave this place without figuring it out, we'll lose the chance to learn about mana forever."
Himeno frowned, skepticism clear on her face. "Aki, I don't even have what Kang Woo called curse energy yet. You do. Doesn't that mean you have a bigger chance than us? Maybe you can convert your curse energy into mana."
Aki shook his head. "It's not about having curse energy or not. Mana is different—it's the source of magic. It's what Kang Woo always uses. This magic circle? He's preparing it for us. But for some reason, Kang Woo can't teach us directly. The hints were already there, from the beginning of his rants about mana and magic."
Himeno blinked, her expression softening slightly. "Kang Woo's rants? I already forgot most of them, sorry. My happy-go-lucky personality… and being a drunkard… distracted me from actually listening."
Angel Devil sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I only remember bits and pieces. His rants are annoying as hell, so I tuned them out."
Aki groaned, dragging his hand down his face in exasperation. "I'm doomed. But not dead yet." He straightened, determination flickering in his eyes. "All right, just give me more time. I'll figure this out."
Himeno crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing as she looked at Aki. "You'd better, Aki. If this is our one chance to learn about mana, you need to get it right."
Aki turned his attention to the spectator seat where Makima sat. "Ms. Makima," he called out, his voice steady but tinged with desperation. "You remember all of Kang Woo's words, right? Every word that came out of his mouth?"
Makima tilted her head slightly, her yellow-ringed eyes focusing on Aki as if appraising him. "Hmm?" she responded nonchalantly, her gaze shifting to Kang Woo.
Aki hesitated for a moment before continuing. "If you want me to apologize for putting Kang Woo in this state, I'm—"
Makima interrupted, her tone sharp yet calm. "That's not it, Aki-kun." Her gaze flicked back to Kang Woo.
Without moving, Kang Woo looked at Makima, his voice resonating telepathically in her mind. It's not tied to you. You can help them.
Makima's brows furrowed slightly as she responded telepathically, her voice curious yet cautious. My King, what are you betting on? What is restraining you like this?
Kang Woo's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. If they fail to learn about mana, I'll lose my shop inventory. However, if they succeed… I'll regain more of the power I once lost.
Makima's telepathic voice rose slightly in disbelief. What? The shop inventory? Is it that important that you'd create conditions like this?
Kang Woo's tone remained calm yet resolute. Most of the items I need are already secured. But if I lose it, the consequences will cause major drawbacks. It's a gamble worth taking.
Makima blinked once, then twice, her usually calm demeanor shaken ever so slightly. She exhaled audibly, her breath slow and deliberate, before muttering softly to herself, "What a troublesome husband I have… But that's exactly what makes him so special in my heart." Her voice carried a mix of exasperation and fondness as her gaze lingered on Kang Woo.
Taiyo, perched on Makima's lap, tilted his head curiously and asked, "Ms. Makima, are you alright?"
Makima ruffled Taiyo's hair gently, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Just like your brother. Stubborn, loyal, and innocent. But unlike a dog's loyalty, you're more like a fox—always curious, always questioning." She glanced at Kobeni, who stood nearby. "Kobeni-chan, take care of Taiyo for a while."
Kobeni blinked nervously but nodded, stepping closer to Taiyo as Makima rose to her feet. An ice bridge formed under her steps, created effortlessly for her passage to the magic circle.
As she walked, Makima's thoughts wandered. On the surface, he's unpredictable, sometimes causing chaos… but deep down, Kang Woo is a good person. And despite everything, he's given his wife everything—even this dramatic spectacle.
She reached the center of the magic circle, her gaze steady as it fell on Kang Woo.
Aki turned to her immediately, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "Please don't joke about my brother like that, Ms. Makima."
Makima's yellow-ringed eyes shifted to Aki, her tone calm but playful. "Aren't you the one who defended me the first time I met Kang Woo? He flicked my forehead, and you suddenly decided to teach him a lesson."
Aki's face flushed slightly, and he groaned, averting his gaze. "Please don't remind me of that, Ms. Makima. I've lost to Kang Woo twice now. It's humiliating enough without revisiting old memories."
Makima's yellow-ringed eyes lingered on Kang Woo for a moment, a knowing smile flickering across her lips. My guess was right, she mused internally. Kang Woo smiled when I teased him about sharing rewards with his wife. The moment he looked at something, there was that quest-like invisible screen. I can't see it, but Kang Woo can—or rather, it belongs only to him. What he stole from Gaia must be tied to that, it infuriated her. Some of those things must be linked to the power he once lost… and perhaps new items or abilities he's yet to reveal.
Angel Devil interrupted her train of thought, his teasing voice pulling her back to the present. "Look at you, Makima. You're starting to act like Kang Woo—getting lost in thought in the middle of a conversation."
Makima blinked, her composure returning instantly as she glanced at Angel Devil. "Let's get back on topic," she said smoothly, brushing off the teasing. "Kang Woo's rants—those are what you need to focus on. Mana requires intense concentration and meditation. It's not something you can harness with anger alone."
She turned to Aki, her tone shifting into a more instructive one. "You've already taken a step by transforming your negative energy into curse energy, Aki. That's a significant start, but it's not enough. Mana is more complex. It doesn't draw solely from raw emotion or instinct. It requires control, balance, and a deep understanding of oneself and the world around you."
Aki furrowed his brows, his frustration evident. "But how, Ms. Makima? How can I—" He stopped mid-sentence, his words catching in his throat. His thoughts swirled chaotically as Makima's gaze remained calm and steady.
"You already know, actually," Makima said gently, her voice steady.
Aki's eyes widened as realization struck. Will you cling to hope or embrace despair? Kang Woo's words echoed in his mind. He was talking about me. His thoughts raced, piecing together the riddle. He gave me a choice. But does one diminish the other? How am I supposed to balance hope and despair? Ahhh, this is so confusing!
Himeno placed a reassuring hand on Aki's shoulder, her voice firm yet comforting. "Calm down, Aki. We'll work this out together, all right?"
Angel Devil chimed in, his tone unusually encouraging. "Yeah, Himeno's right. Kang Woo already gave us everything we need. Let's take this slowly and figure it out."
Aki's eyes widened further, the puzzle pieces falling into place as his thoughts sharpened. Makima's words… they're simpler than Kang Woo's. She said I need to open my mind to deal with him. He replayed Kang Woo's question in his head: Will you cling to hope or embrace despair? Aki's mind raced. He was talking about me. Until now, I hoped I could kill the Gun Devil, but my strength was never enough. Even with Blazing Courage, I could only defeat its weakest manifestation before it almost claimed Taiyo's consciousness.
His thoughts turned darker. And despair… my powerlessness, my inability to stop Taiyo from being taken again before Kang Woo rescued him by cutting his connection to the Gun Devil. Aki's mind cleared, the realization dawning on him. He conditioned me to feel these strong emotions—hope and despair—because they're necessary. He was preparing me for this moment, to learn mana. My life has always been a mix of the two. I know what must be done.
Aki dropped to his knees, his head bowed. His voice was steady and resolute as he spoke. "Kang Woo, I know the answer to your question. I choose neither." He looked up, his gaze determined. "Hope and despair—they don't define me. I don't need to cling to one or embrace the other. I need to accept both as part of who I am."
He continued, his voice softening with gratitude. "I'm grateful for your teachings, Kang Woo. And I realize now that I've been blind to the blessings I already have. My brother is back. My friends are here, supporting me—Himeno-senpai, who always has my back, and Angel Devil, who's stood by me even when things seemed hopeless. I forgot to thank you both."
As he spoke, a wave of blue particles began to gather around him, shimmering in the air before merging into his body. The energy was warm and pure, filling him with a newfound power. Aki instinctively snapped his fingers, and in an instant, he was surrounded by blue flames, their ethereal light illuminating the battlefield.
Kang Woo clapped his hands, a rare smile spreading across his face. "Congratulations. You've done it, Aki. You've become the first mage of this world. You've just won against me—equivalent to punching me in the face." He tilted his head, his crimson gaze gleaming with curiosity. "Now, what will you name your magic?"
Aki stood, the blue flames dancing around him, his gaze burning with newfound strength. He took a deep breath and declared, "Azure Resolve." The flames flared brighter as he continued. "It's the balance of hope and despair, the fire that burns within me, lighting the path forward no matter how dark it gets."
Himeno crossed her arms, her lips curling into a bittersweet smile. "Congratulations, Aki. I guess you've grown stronger now…" Her voice trailed off, tinged with a subtle regret. "While I'm still here, stagnant. Still the same Himeno—drunk and barely keeping up. I guess I'll just be watching you from behind, huh?"
Aki turned to her, his expression softening. "Himeno-senpai, don't say that."
Before she could respond, Aki shifted his gaze to Makima . His voice carried a sense of finality. "Ms. Makima, I think… I can't love you anymore. I'm resigning from being your dog, if you don't mind."
Makima tilted her head slightly, her yellow-ringed eyes unreadable. Then, with a faint, almost playful smile, she said, "I already have Kang Woo. And my goal has always been to make him my property. Besides, it lightens my burden, doesn't it?"
Kang Woo let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Keep dreaming, Makima. Fantasy's free for everyone."
Ignoring their exchange, Aki turned back to Himeno. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them and kissed her gently. Himeno froze, her eyes widening in shock as the flames around Aki seemed to burn brighter for a moment.
When he pulled back, his voice was steady, sincere. "Himeno-senpai… do you love me?"
Himeno blinked, her face flushing as she struggled to process what had just happened. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "Aki… I…"
Aki stepped back slightly, his gaze unwavering as he continued, his voice filled with sincerity and vulnerability. "I'm sorry, Himeno-senpai. I've always thought of you as my partner, even now. When I said I was going to marry you after my revenge was complete… you probably thought I was just playing around. But I know now… you truly love me. And I've been blind to it."
He took a deep breath, the flames around him flickering gently, mirroring his emotions. "That day, when I said those words, I still thought of you as a partner. But looking back… you were really happy, weren't you? I must've said it wrong, my tone all off because we were about to die— with that giant boulder sword about to crash us. I was just speaking what was on my mind in the moment, without thinking."
Aki dropped his sword, letting it clatter softly to the ground. He took her hands gently in his, looking directly into her teary eyes. "But now, I'll say it properly, without any distractions. Himeno-senpai… will you accept this man, Aki Hayakawa, whose lifespan is already so diminished by countless devil contracts, as your partner in life until death? Will you… be my wife?"
Himeno's breath hitched as her lips trembled. Her eyes brimmed with tears, and her hands shook slightly in his grasp. For a moment, she was silent, the weight of his words crashing over her like a tidal wave.
Then, with a sudden, overwhelming burst of emotion, Himeno threw her arms around Aki, pulling him into a tight embrace. She buried her face against his shoulder, her tears soaking into his clothes as she began to sob uncontrollably.
"You idiot…" Himeno choked out between her sobs. "You absolute idiot… You think I wouldn't have waited for you, no matter what? You think I didn't know what you meant, even back then?" Her voice broke as she clung to him, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt like a lifeline. "You're such a fool, Aki Hayakawa… but I love you. Of course, I love you. And yes, I'll be your wife. I'll stay with you for as long as we have, no matter how short or long that might be."
Aki's arms wrapped around her tightly, his own eyes glistening with emotion. "Thank you, Himeno-senpai. I swear… I'll protect you. Always."
As Himeno embraced Aki, a surge of blue particles began to swirl around her, mirroring the transformation Aki had undergone earlier. The glowing particles seeped into her body, and for a moment, she blinked in surprise before a sly grin spread across her face.
She turned her gaze toward Kang Woo, her grin widening. "Kang Woo, you narcissistic jerk," she teased, her voice tinged with triumph. "That question you asked us? I choose hope—because my hope has already been answered. And guess what? A drunkard will always be a drunkard."
Raising her hand with a casual gesture, water began to materialize around her, swirling gracefully and radiating a serene but powerful energy. The shimmering liquid seemed to dance in tandem with her movements, forming a protective barrier around her body. It was an antithesis to Aki's fiery aura, yet just as commanding.
Aki raised an eyebrow as a droplet of the magical water landed on his lips. He blinked, his expression shifting to one of confusion. "Why does this taste like beer… and wine?"
Himeno laughed, a hearty, genuine sound that broke through the tension of the moment. "I'm calling it Lucky Drunkard. That's my magic."
Kang Woo slapped his hand against his forehead, groaning in mock exasperation. "Great. There's always one bad apple in the bunch, isn't there?"
Makima chuckled softly, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting with amusement. "At least now we have two mages," she said, her tone calm but edged with satisfaction. "Progress."
Kang Woo stood just two meters away from Aki and Himeno, a subtle smile tugging at his lips as he gazed at the invisible air before him. His expression was one of satisfaction, like a man who had just finished a masterpiece no one else could see.
Aki, noticing the shift, narrowed his eyes. "Why are you smiling, heartless bastard? What are you hiding, huh?" His tone carried a mix of suspicion and frustration,
Makima, standing beside Kang Woo, couldn't resist teasing him. "Kang Woo, does it mean it's successful? Should I reveal it?" Her yellow-ringed eyes gleamed with pride, her tone light but layered with meaning.
Kang Woo chuckled softly, his voice carrying a triumphant edge. "No problem. Some of what I lost has been regained… and I got a bonus as well."
Makima's smile widened, and her voice rose, almost like a declaration. "Kang Woo, my King, the invisible quests only you can see… they've been completed, haven't they? And all the rewards—you've claimed them all?"
Kang Woo threw his arms out dramatically, exhaling deeply as if the weight of an age-old burden had finally lifted. His voice resonated with satisfaction, each word laced with grandeur. "Yes! Ahhhhhhhhhh… After all this time, I thought they would remain forever separated from me. But now… all of my Commandments have been reclaimed. Every single one. And my Grace—restored in full."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, his crimson gaze glinting with unparalleled pride. "And as if that wasn't enough, the bonus… the Aether AKA Reality Stone—it's mine now."
As Kang Woo finished speaking, he snapped his fingers, and suddenly, a glowing hologram materialized in the air. It was an intricate quest system, revealing details for everyone to see. The glowing words illuminated the surroundings as the group read the display.
..................................
Hidden Quest: "Change the World's Power Structure"
Status: Completed
Objective 1:
Indirectly create one Jujutsu Sorcerer capable of developing negative energy on their own.
Reward: Remaining Lost Commandments
Pacifism: Anyone who kills will have their remaining lifetime stolen from them, aging rapidly to death.
Patience: Anyone intolerant of pain will be inflicted with further pain.
Purity: Anyone conducting impure deeds will be inflicted with illness.
Repose: Anyone fighting without rest will have their magic sealed away.
Reticence: Anyone who expresses hidden feelings or emotions will be rendered unable to speak.
Selflessness: Anyone with greed, desire, or selfishness in his presence loses their memories, emotions, and sense of self.
Objective 2:
Indirectly create one Mage capable of developing mana or magic abilities on their own.
Reward: Remaining Lost Graces
Flash: Grants the ability to move at extremely fast speeds.
Ocean: Allows creation and manipulation of water, liquefying the body, healing, or creating oceans to trap enemies. Combined with Tornado, it can create a pocket dimension, manipulate weather, and unleash lightning that destroys at the molecular level.
Tornado: Allows creation and manipulation of wind and air, generating powerful storms or barriers. Combined with Ocean, it creates similar effects, including pocket dimensions and weather control.
Objective 3:
Add harsh custom penalties and difficulties for an additional reward.
Added Difficulty: Teach through the opposite of conventional methods.
Custom Penalty: Shop inventory will be deleted.
Reward: The Aether, aka Reality Stone, in its liquid form.
...................................
Aki stared at the display, his brow furrowing as he processed the information. "Himeno-senpai," he muttered, his voice heavy with realization. "To Kang Woo, we're probably just…"
"NPCs," Himeno finished flatly, her gaze unwavering. "That's the term, right?"
Reze, standing at a distance, said nothing. In her thoughts, she grappled with the enormity of the revelation. He's had something like this from the very start. This wasn't just a game to him; it was a plan.
Makima, intrigued, stepped closer, her yellow-ringed eyes scanning the list. "What's this Reality Stone? And those graces and commandments—are they the same as the ones inside me, Kang Woo? Did you give me one of those?"
Kang Woo smirked, his crimson gaze meeting hers. "Yes, Makima. The commandment you hold is the same as the ones I just reclaimed."
He raised his arms as five black orbs, representing the Commandments, and three glowing entities, representing the Graces, began to orbit around him. The power radiating from them was overwhelming, suffocating the air around him.
With a commanding voice, Kang Woo spoke a single word. "Kuhito."
The orbs and graces surged forward, merging seamlessly into his arms. The energy they carried pulsed through his body like a thunderstorm, causing the ground beneath him to quake and the air to hum with an unrelenting vibration. The spectacle was as awe-inspiring as it was terrifying.
Kang Woo exhaled deeply, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he lowered his arms. "You've done well," he said, his voice carrying an air of triumph. "The pieces of my power have returned."
Turning his gaze upward, Kang Woo's eyes locked onto the red liquid that painted the Hidden Wonderland's sky. It shimmered and flowed unnaturally, as though alive. Extending his hand, he commanded the liquid to gather, shaping it into a small, concentrated stone that hovered just above his palm. The crimson hue of the stone pulsed faintly, exuding an otherworldly power.
"Reality and Mind," Kang Woo mused, his voice calm yet filled with purpose. "Already at my disposal. Three stones more to go." His crimson eyes gleamed with determination as he clenched his hand around the stone, absorbing it into his system inventory .
Angel Devil, who had remained quiet until now. His voice was steady but carried an undercurrent of frustration. "Kang Woo… what are we to you exactly? You don't look down on us, but you don't care about us either?"
Kang Woo turned his gaze toward Angel Devil, his expression impassive but his crimson eyes glinting with a sharp, unreadable intensity. "You're asking the wrong question," he began, his tone a blend of disinterest and faint amusement. "My power was sealed, scattered across realities, most of it by this world itself. I've spent days in this world reclaiming it. That is my priority. Not your lives, not your struggles, not even your existence."
He smirked slightly, his voice gaining a razor's edge. "My intent is simple—to take back what is mine. And, perhaps…" He paused, chuckling darkly. "…satisfy my boredom along the way."