Chapter 484: Superstar L (2) |
- We’ll be arriving soon.
“It’s closer than I thought. Is this where Belial was summoned?” I asked.
- Yes.
“Looks like he doesn’t move to other locations,” I commented.
- That’s right. We can move freely, but because Belial is in a higher position than us, there’s a limit on his activities in the real world. He basically can’t leave that castle.
‘Should I be relieved by that?’
It seemed like the system enveloping this continent was still functioning somewhat.
‘So it’s the difference between a Semi-Mythic and Mythic being. It must be like a suppressor on Mythic beings or something.’
The details were unknown to me, but I was sure that I would be able to figure out the answer as long as I thought about it.
A suppressor was necessary, and I was sure that it would prove effective whenever Belial was summoned. A slight stat adjustment was a type of suppressor as well. Of course, it didn’t really matter to me if beings on the same level as Belial could move around, but it was better than letting them move freely.
‘It’s well designed.’
In hindsight, It was obvious, but I had just realized that this continent wasn’t designed haphazardly. Otherwise, the trolls managing this continent would have destroyed the continent long ago.
I could tell just by looking at Benigoa and that scummy Elune.
“Are you and Belial the only ones who can be summoned to the real world?” I asked.
- No. Every high priest cannot be summoned, but my comrades in the top 1000 have answered Belial’s call. You’ll meet them soon, but an audience with Belial is the priority.
“I’m kind of nervous because it has been a while,” I said.
- No need to be nervous. The 27th Legion will always treat you nicely, and I’m telling you this out of concern, but regarding our promise earlier…
“I promise to give you a temporary contract, so you don’t have to worry,” I said.
- Thank you, Mr. Lee Ki-Young.
“But I can’t guarantee your role…” I added.
- As expected.
“I’m sure you already know, but this is very important. However, you don’t have to be disappointed. You’re already doing something important, and you’ve left a very strong impression as well. Belial also sent you to me,” I explained.
- That’s true, but…
“Belial definitely cherishes you because he entrusted you with an important mission like abducting the hero of the continent known as Benigoa’s Second Coming. I would like to give you an important role in the next part of the story, but I’m still writing the script. It’ll be a win-win for both of us if I manage to give you a good role, but I hope that you’ll understand that I can’t make any promises because of unknown variables.
- If that’s the reason, then I don’t mind it, Mr. Lee Ki-Young.
“It’s not something I can decide on my own, so I’ll contact you once I’m done discussing the details with Belial,” I told her.
It was ridiculous, but the actress looked really nervous.
I was kind of nervous because this place was filled with Semi-Mythic beings, but I couldn’t help but smile upon seeing Rimoura’s face. I was sure that the other demons were in a similar situation as her. She had probably made the request about the role because she was afraid that I would change my mind after seeing the other demons.
- I feel like I keep talking about useless things.
“I understand. I won’t forget what you did for me today, so please don’t worry,” I assured her.
- I feel a bit relieved hearing you say that. I really appreciate it. Anyway, let’s head inside. Belial is waiting.
“Okay, Miss Rimoura.”
Our short conversation ended, and we soon arrived in front of the audience chamber. I felt an unknown pressure boring down on me, but it wasn’t hostile. It was probably the energy of a Mythic being.
I wanted to prepare myself a bit, but Rimoura opened the door as if she had no idea what I was going through.
However, I actually felt comfortable rather than feeling like I couldn’t breathe. I lifted my head cautiously and saw an interior design that was vastly different from what was popular among humans.
‘He sure has bad taste.’
There were many unknown meat pieces plastered everywhere, along with skulls belonging to unknown beasts. It wasn’t organized, but it felt organized. There were antique-style decorations here and there, which gave me goosebumps.
- It has been a while, disgusting human.
However, the interior design wasn’t as grotesque as Belial’s appearance.
“This insignificant mortal greets the ruler of thousands of demons,” I greeted.
Rimoura looked somewhat human. I couldn’t quite describe Belial’s appearance, but his looks instilled primal fear in me. I couldn’t tell which one looked more normal among demons, but if someone asked who looked more like a demon, I would choose Belial.
He had the visage of a ranked 27 Demon Lord.
‘I feel like he can transform as well…’
Rimoura mentioned that she was capable of changing her appearance, but I didn’t think that a Demon Lord would change their appearance just because they didn’t like how they looked.
Belial was capable of reading my mind, so I had to stop having silly thoughts.
I nodded to myself, and I heard his voice again.
- Haha… I already told you that you don’t have to flatter me.
“I’m not trying to flatter you. My thoughts are all from the bottom of my heart. I really missed you, Belial. After sending you away like that last time, I regretted not being able to treat you better…” I said.
- You already know that you don’t have to be humble in front of me. In the end, you were the one who proposed the contract rather than me. The same thing goes regarding what you just said about treating me better. I should be the one who should treat you better. Haven’t you heard about it from Rimoura? I’m sure you profited a lot, but I profited the most from the previous contract, and it’ll probably be the same this time as well.
“It’s all for you, Belial…” I said.
- Don’t say things you don’t mean. Forget the formalities and have a seat. I prepared many things for you.
‘This is why people need power.’
When I saw the many different dishes and drinks on the mysterious table, I was sure that Belial wasn’t lying when he said that he wanted to treat me better.
I wasn’t sure if they were food that the demons in hell enjoyed, but there were dishes I had never seen before.
The sight of the many different dishes made me realize that they knew how to eat as well.
- I’m sure there are dishes you’re not familiar with, but they don’t taste bad. Humans can eat those dishes, I hope you’ll enjoy them. I’m sure this isn’t enough compared to what you have done for me.
“I’m grateful,” I told him.
- If I could, I would have given you some of my powers, but I can’t do that right now, so let’s save the fun for later.
“By later, do you mean…”
- Aren’t you going to join us later? I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but your rank is high enough for you to abandon your fleshly body here at your rank. Of course, it’s still too early right now. Considering your abilities and fleshly body, ample preparations are necessary, but… 2,000 years should be enough.
‘He already thinks of me as a demon…’
It was my first time feeling uncomfortable about being recruited. Now, I finally understood why Rimoura started being friendly toward me. I was sure she would still treat me with respect without Belial or her possible role.
I was sure she felt like making connections with a future co-worker and someone whom one of the 72 Demon Lords trusted was definitely appealing to her.
‘Why are these bastards so sure of that?’
If I were to abandon my fleshly body and ascend, there would be a chance that Benigoa or Elune would try and recruit me. Therefore, I couldn’t understand why they thought I would join them.
In addition, I could wield holy power.
However, Belial wanted to recruit me, so Benigoa and Elune definitely wanted to recruit me as well.
- Your holy power bothers me a bit, but it won’t be an issue. We have demons like Lucifer, after all. Anyway, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. It’s more important for us to wrap all this up rather than talk about what we should do in the far future.
“You’re right,” I said.
I glanced at Belial and saw him drinking wine to wet his dry lips.
- Come to think of it, you met Rimoura, right? What do you think of that child?
“She was a woman full of grace, and I know that you trust her. Since you chose her to start this incident, I had a feeling that perhaps one of the Demon Lords is backing her. Her acting skills are great, and I liked everything about her,” I replied.
‘Even her tentacles…’
- I received a lot of help from Rimoura, but I haven’t been able to take care of her. I sent her because I wanted to take care of her a bit this time, so I’m glad to hear that you weren’t upset with her.
“How could I be upset with her? I actually wanted to thank you for sending her. The first impression is the most important, and Rimoura has done more than enough to fulfill her role, so I’m sure she’ll do well in the next important task. Yes, I believe it,” I explained.
- No, no. I’ll reward her separately for this. Normally, it’s my job to take care of her, but as you know, this seat comes with a lot of responsibilities. Since our 27th Legion suddenly grew, there have been many internal issues. It would have been nice if I were capable of handling all the issues, but I can’t lead a group without knowing my subordinates’ thoughts.
“That’s absurd…” I muttered.
- I can’t be biased toward a subordinate I like, and I also can’t get rid of a subordinate I dislike just because I want to get rid of them.
‘This bastard…’
- It’s a really big problem. Don’t you agree?
‘You demon bastard! You really are a bastard...’
I had a hunch about what Belial wanted to achieve in this incident. He wanted to get rid of those he disliked while showing his support to those he trusted.
A simple contract and siphoning negative emotions to become even stronger wasn’t just his goal. He wanted to reorganize the 27th Legion, and it seemed that he wanted to purge a few demons to do that.
‘I think my guys will be able to use them to level up...’
This was a win-win situation for both of us.
‘Prepare yourselves, guys. If you get lucky, you’ll get a ton of experience points!’