Chapter 483: Superstar L (1) |
The scenery started changing, and I reckoned that we were moving pretty fast.
The ride was comfortable despite the high speed. I never expected that demons would have something similar to a carriage. I thought that they had prepared all this for me, but the tentacle woman sitting next to me was acting too natural in the carriage.
Anyway, the comfortable ride made me feel bad for Jung Ha-Yan as many thoughts popped up in my mind.
‘I wonder if she managed to go home safely.’
I was worried. Of course, fixing her habit was part of the plan, but Jung Ha-Yan looked pretty pitiful earlier. She looked like a seven-year-old child throwing a tantrum and crying for snacks at the market, which was pretty annoying.
However, her heartwrenching cry and how she desperately begged me not to leave made me feel depressed.
‘I feel like she’s going to feel even guiltier…’
It was true that I put her in this situation so she could reflect on herself and start having a guilty conscience, but a part of me felt uncomfortable about all this.
Of course, I acknowledged that I couldn’t do much about that, and I also understood how she felt when she had to apologize.
I thought about the possibility that she would do something radical.
However, I was still alive, so she definitely wouldn’t do something like what she had done in her past life.
Still, she was definitely feeling extremely guilty.
Personally, I felt bad as well, but…
‘It’s about time she starts reflecting on her actions.’
Naturally, I wasn’t expecting her to change completely after going through all this. I was actually worried that she would get traumatized. However, I knew that she would learn about the concept of karma through this incident, which made me feel like clapping.
Karma was simple—what one had done would come back and get them one day.
Of course, karma didn’t really apply to me. However, if my assumption was right and Jung Ha-Yan truly did learn to be afraid of karma, then I was sure that she would start limiting the scale of her actions.
I glanced to the side and saw the tentacle woman. The playful look she had when she fought Jung Ha-Yan earlier was gone. She looked pensive and serious, and I presumed it was because Belial had said something to her.
She had become completely different compared to when she was teasing me with her strange tentacles. She acted like she was taking care of a VIP. Rimoura felt my gaze and turned toward me to hand over a mysterious drink.
‘Shit, that’s disgusting. What is that?’
- Are you feeling uncomfortable about something…
“It’s nothing. I’m feeling comfortable. It’s just I’m curious if Ha-Yan is safe…” I replied.
- Hm.
“...”
- Please wait a moment. Let me check—Right now… hm, she has arrived at a place filled with humans, but it seems that she’s unconscious. We included our message along with the girl, so I’m sure the humans are coming up with a plan right now.
‘Looks like she managed to return safely.’
I was worried that she would kick up a fuss about saving me, but it seemed that it wasn’t the case. Jung Ha-Yan probably thought that she needed help.
However, what bothered me more was the current status of the joint training.
‘I’m sure it’s a mess…’
I couldn’t help but nod at Rimoura’s news because things were going according to plan.
It seemed like Rimoura also understood really well what had to happen so that we would have the advantage in the future. It seemed that I would have to expect nothing less from Belial.
- And you don’t have to worry about that crazy woman.
“Ah…”
- As I mentioned earlier, Belial cares about that woman, too… Our fight looked pretty violent earlier, but she should be able to recover without issues. Her current condition is also because she used magic beyond her limit. Anyway, rather than talking about boring topics like this—Hm—what do you think? We still have some time before we arrive at our destination.
“Huh? What are you saying…?” I asked.
- What did you think about earlier? I won’t be able to do some of the things I had mentioned during my fight with that crazy woman, but if you like, I can make it so that you won’t even think about the human female body anymore…
“I-It’s fine. I’m okay,” I stuttered.
I was afraid that something would actually happen.
Rimoura was beautiful, but I didn’t feel comfortable around her. I shook my head after imagining what it would be like to be under the control of those wriggling tentacles.
Of course, Rimoura looked really disappointed because she probably didn’t expect me to decline.
- That’s unfortunate. If you’re not satisfied with the way I look, I’m willing to change parts of my body.
“No, no. I appreciate the offer, but…”
- I’m pretty popular among the demons… I can make myself look a little younger or older.
“No, that’s really not the reason. I really appreciate it, but I’m afraid that this stupid mortal will genuinely fall in love with the beautiful Rimoura…” I explained.
- You lied just now, but it still makes me happy. However, you don’t have to say it like that. I’m not that great of a demon for you to speak formally to me, and I’m quite fond of you as well, even if Belial weren’t here. Basically, you’re my type. It’s not just me. The demons who dislike you can only be counted on one hand, so you’re definitely unique among the humans.
‘Is this an insult or a compliment?’
- It is my first time meeting a human capable of wielding holy power despite having such a disgusting soul. I can feel your holy power, but your soul is absolutely filthy.
“Are you… are you fine? From what I know, holy power is fatal to demons…” I asked.
- That’s not necessarily the case. It’s true that I feel a bit uncomfortable, but your soul is more disgusting than the light you possess… How about I use fermented food as an example? Let’s say cheese. Cheese can smell bad, but it tastes delicious. Don’t you agree?
“Ah… yes…” I mumbled.
- Among the different types of cheese, you’re a special cheese that has been fermented for so long that you’re giving off this strong odor. Who won’t like that kind of cheese? Obviously, everyone will want to have a bite, and I want to take a bite as well.
‘I think she’s actually insulting me..’
I became suspicious that Rimoura was actually trying to eat me, but her gaze told me that she was telling the truth. I was bothered by how demons’ expressed themselves, but I was more stupefied by how I was basically a delicious piece of meat in their eyes.
Overall, it was a burdensome treatment.
‘Don’t do anything…’
- Tell me when you change your mind. I’m always ready.
“Ahem… Hm. I really appreciate the offer, but—Ahem. I know it’s not enough to call it an apology, but if possible, let’s proceed with one contract, even if it’s small,” I suggested.
Rimoura’s attitude instantly changed. Her pensive, serious look blossomed into a bright smile. She looked like an insurance agent who had just succeeded in selling insurance to a customer.
‘I guess this counts as an achievement.’
I started nodding upon realizing that this method was tempting enough for a demon to the extent that they would reveal that kind of expression. I had some expectations before I offered a small contract, but I felt happy upon confirming it myself.
- Really?
“Yes. We won’t be able to do a direct contract since we’re not from the same world, but I’m willing to proceed with a temporary contract. I feel grateful to see you so happy. Haha. I’m sure you’re strong enough to make a contract with other humans…” I replied.
- It sounds like you have an idea of how our system works, so I’m telling you this: a contract isn’t enough to increase our achievements. The contractee, the contents of the contract, and the results from that contract are important factors. Your previous contract with Belial increased his rank by 41, so I’m sure you get the idea.
“What?”
- Among the 72 Demon Lords, Belial was Rank 68, which is pretty low. Demons below the top 10 aren’t that powerful, and they do not have that much authority either. The fact that his rank increased by 41 was pretty rare—especially when the contract was just a temporary contract. I’m sure your foul soul and how you made the entire continent feel Belial’s majestic presence were the reasons behind the huge increase. The powerful demons also said that a contract of that scale was pretty rare.
“Ah…”
- Think of it this way. How can our performance not increase after establishing a contract with you—the one they call Benigoa’s Second Coming?
‘She’s right.’
- Assuming that you really get into a contract with me, I’ll probably manage to enter the top 1,000 with this one contract. My rank will increase by 600.
‘This is a really big deal.’
I expected that much because Belial was extremely nice to me, which made me realize that he had definitely profited a lot from our temporary contract. However, Rimoura’s explanation made it obvious that I had underestimated it.
The Laios incident increased Belial’s rank by 41 ranks. In addition, Rimoura was also expecting that her rank would increase by at least 600 ranks with one temporary contract with me.
If the demons under Belial’s command were to proceed with establishing a contract with me, the power dynamic in hell would most likely change. Of course, it would only happen if the situation allowed it.
- W-Will you really get into a contract with me?
‘Maybe I shouldn’t have offered…’
“Yes, of course. You helped me a lot earlier. I think it’ll be best if I tell you the contents of the contract later because you still have a lot to do,” I replied.
- Sure. I already know what you have in mind. You’re going to fool all the humans on the continent this time as well…
“It hasn’t been decided yet, but that is my plan for now,” I said.
- Um, Mr. Lee Ki-Young.
“Yes?”
- I’m really sorry about telling you this, but…
“Yes?”
- When you proceed with the temporary contract later…
“Huh?”
- I’ll be extremely thankful if you… give me a slightly important role. I’ll be sure to pay you back.
‘What the… the rumors are already at that level?’
Rimoura was Belial’s priest, so it was amusing how excited she looked at the idea of establishing a contract with me.
However, the sight also made me realize my current position.
Basically, the demons were like actors who wanted roles, and I was the casting director as well as the director of the entire stage.
My lips naturally curved up, and I started to feel proud of myself.
‘You’re living the easy life now, Ki-Young. I’m walking on sunshine!’
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