Chapter 285: Ryu Min’s Proposal (2) |
“And there’s one more thing.”
[More?]
“I want additional rewards for killing the angels. Strengthen the Demon’s Blessing, or provide extra rewards when I eliminate them. If you claim to be a god, that should be within your power, right?”
While Ryu Min had wanted to meet with the Demon Grand Duke, this was his real objective.
Securing additional rewards from a demon.
It was the reason he hadn’t killed Michael sooner and instead walked willingly into the Demon King’s Castle.
He had been certain that negotiating with the Grand Duke would yield greater rewards.
[You should be grateful just for being spared, yet you demand extra rewards? Hah, I’ve never seen a human as audacious as you.]
“Or do you simply lack the power to give rewards?”
Plunictos looked down at Ryu Min with a dignified expression.
[I have no reason to grant a mere human anything. Be grateful that I am letting you live.]
“Well, that’s a shame. If there’s no incentive, I might not feel like keeping my promise.”
[Are you saying you’ll run away once I release you?]
“I’m just saying I need some motivation. If a master keeps threatening to make dog stew out of his hunting dog, then lets it loose to fetch prey, do you think the dog will obediently bring it back? More likely, it’ll see the opportunity and run away instead. Even if it does hunt, wouldn’t it expect a reward? A proper reward?”
[Hmm…]
Plunictos seemed to be seriously considering Ryu Min’s argument.
[Indeed, a reward would ensure you stay motivated. And it would also put my mind at ease about sending you off.]
Soon, as if he had come to a decision, Plunictos gave a small nod.
[Very well. I shall grant you additional rewards. However, there is one condition.]
“A condition?”
[You must kill Michael within this round.]
“You don’t have to worry about that. He was always my first target.”
[And… you shall take Baal with you.]
At those words, the most surprised person in the room was none other than Baal himself.
[Your Excellency?! Why would you send me along with this human…?]
[To ensure he carries out his mission properly. He might attempt to break his promise and flee.]
“Tch. I already told you, I’m not going to run away.”
Ryu Min clicked his tongue, while Baal scowled in clear displeasure.
[Your Excellency, my duty is to protect you. Please allow me to remain by your side and send another demon instead…]
[I cannot trust anyone else. That is precisely why I am entrusting this mission to you. As the highest-ranking among the seventy-two demon nobles, you are the most reliable choice.]
[Ah…]
Hearing that he was trusted above all others, Baal hesitated, then bowed deeply.
[I shall obey your command.]
Ryu Min left the Demon King’s Castle with Baal following closely behind.
As he did, a message appeared before him, and he let out a sigh of relief.
[You have returned to the designated round location.]
[Disqualification has been canceled.]
‘Good. I got out within an hour.’
Had he stayed any longer, all the progress he had made so far would have been for nothing.
‘I can’t afford to die in a place like that.’
Fortunately, his negotiations with Plunictos had gone well.
As proof, a new buff had been applied to him.
[Buff ‘Grand Duke of Demons’ Proxy’ has been activated.]
[Buff effect: Upon killing Celestials, stat points will be granted based on the enemy’s strength.]
[Buff duration: Only valid in the 18th round.]
‘I don’t know how many stats I’ll gain, but it’s better than nothing.’
On top of that, if he used Demon’s Blessing, he would be able to obtain even more stat points than before.
‘Now, time to switch sides.’
Ryu Min activated his temporary skill.
[You have used the temporary skill ‘Faction Change Ticket’.]
[Player ‘Black Scythe’ has changed faction from ‘Celestial’ to ‘Demon’.]
[Celestials will now recognize you as an enemy.]
[Faction change has altered your quest conditions.]
Opening the quest window, Ryu Min confirmed the change.
└ Achieve victory in the war against the Celestials.
As expected, his objective had shifted.
All that remained was to use Demon’s Blessing in front of the angels and siphon their stat points.
‘Everything’s set. It’s perfect.’
If only it weren’t for the annoying watchdog beside him.
[Now, head to the battlefield immediately and carry out His Excellency’s orders. Wipe out the Celestials—Michael being your top priority. Not that I believe you’re capable of it.]
“Doubt me all you want. You’ll see soon enough.”
Though Ryu Min taunted him, Baal was no fool.
As the highest-ranked among the seventy-two demon nobles, he wasn’t so easily provoked.
[I have no interest in unnecessary fights. You are merely a hired hand chosen by His Excellency.]
“So you’re just going to stand back and watch?”
[I have no choice. Until the 20th round, I am forbidden by the rules from interfering in this war. If I were to intervene, you players would all be wiped out in an instant.]
“Oh, is that so?”
[Enough chatter. Fulfill your promise. If you attempt to run away…]
Baal’s eyes glowed red, exuding a murderous aura.
[You will not live to regret it.]
“Tsk, I already told you—I’m not running away.”
[Then do your job properly. I will be watching you from invisibility, human.]
With those final words, Baal disappeared.
Ryu Min clicked his tongue.
“Damn, what a nagging demon.”
Muttering to himself, he unfurled his wings and took off.
Though Baal was invisible, Ryu Min could clearly sense his presence following him.
And that made him smirk.
‘So that’s why the Demon Grand Duke assigned Baal to me… Makes perfect sense now.’
Reading Baal’s thoughts had allowed Ryu Min to see through Plunictos’ real intentions.
I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!
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