Chapter 211-213 |
It really showed how much Azul truly hated to be associated with Dantalian.
Hatred.
Azul despised Dantalion.
As Muyoung had never met Dantalion, he wasn't able to recognize the scent as Murdudun could.
“What is your relationship with Dantalion?"
And so, he couldn't help but ask. Although he was planning to disregard other subjects and focus on the trade, if the subject was Dantalion, it was a different story. The incarnation of lies and truth. People said you would lose your soul the moment you were deceived by him.
If Azul was associated with Dantalion, he might need to reconsider the trade itself.
Azul let out a sigh.
“I don't think it would be meaningful to hide it anymore. Yes, I was his vassal."
Muyoung raised his eyebrows slightly.
He thought Dantalion was alone. But, there was a demon king who followed him?
“Don't look at me with those eyes. I left because I was sick and tired of Dantalion's lies."
“Can demon kings leave their demon god?"
“In the first place, the demon kings are attracted by the power of the demon gods. It is natural to leave if the power they were once fascinated by no longer exists. You know, right?"
Azul thought Muyoung was a demon king like him.
Although, this wasn't completely wrong.
Muyoung was following a path close to a demon king's, and his tendency was also very close to theirs.
On that note...
‘The demon king and the demon god's relationship.'
This was the first time he thought about their point of view. The demon kings were in some ways closer to mercenaries, or freelancers.
Then, what did the demon kings receive from the demon gods to work under them?
It was a topic worth thinking about. However, there was something more urgent to focus on.
“Where is Dantalion?"
The first demon god he wanted to kill was Dantalion.
Muyoung turned Azul to face him and spoke directly.
“I don’t know. No one in the world could divine his location."
Did he mean Dantalion was like the wind?
Muyoung didn't ask any further.
Azul, who was Dantalion's vassal in the past. Could he really trust his words and his credibility to pass by the Sky Lord, or did he now need to find another way?
“So, what do you want to do? If you can't trust me, I don't mind if you want to go back. Of course, don't think you'll be getting back your payment."
“I'll go."
Muyoung had decided.
Either way, an enormous amount would need to be sacrificed to force his way in.
This snake was that sort of existence.
It had no ego and no feeling, it just consumed infinitely and multiplied.
There would have been only one order given to the Sky Lord. 'To eat up everything it sees'. That was why it was able to stop even Diablo's army.
“Then, let's wait until evening. At night, he has a 'blind spot'."
Azul crossed his arms.
Muyoung looked at the Sky Lord in the distance.
‘It feels like I'm seeing the pinnacle of artificial life.'
Muyoung didn't know who created it. But, the power he felt from it was on another level. If he could dissect the monster, Muyoung's knowledge would also drastically increase.
It could help in making his undead even stronger.
“I found two women who were coming this way. What should we do?"
Bae Sungmin, who had left for a while, had returned, wearing a jet-black cloak.
After becoming an elder lich, Sungmin's awareness has also increased. Muyoung had noticed a very faint presence, but it seemed like Sungmin noticed it too.
After hearing that it was two women, he had some idea as to who they were.
“Capture them alive and bring them to me."
“Yes."
[em>Swish.
Sungmin's body disappeared without a trace.
Muyoung looked into the mountains with curiosity.
‘A duel between an elder lich and a high elf...'
He was slightly interested in the result.
***
Ain was the highest ranked high elf.
She was powerful and holy, on another level compared to most dragon types, and that difference in level was enough to make her comparable to ancient dragons.
As she was someone who followed the path of the moon, she knew how to hide her body better than others.
“What are these monsters? I don't understand."
“Pa?"
Ain and Snow looked at the march of specters.
Ain was originally a member of a tribe who lived in the hometown of Shandalton, the Dragon of Light. Of course, due to Shandalton's influence, she was close to 'light'.
Although she followed Muyoung for the revival and safety of her tribe, Muyoung had disappeared for nearly a month, only to return with all kinds of monsters.
‘What is he trying to do by taking all these monsters to the Demon God's Territory?'
The hell of the current world... Muyoung's actions were enough to raise doubts about him. That was why she couldn't easily follow him. This was the reason why she hid.
“Paaa..."
Snow reached her hand out. And, Ain stopped her.
“You can't. Such a pure person like yourself could become influenced by evil if you are not careful. Until we determine his intentions, you need to stay with me."
Ain read Snow's powers that were hidden beneath the surface. Ain knew that, depending on how Snow grew up, she could become an overwhelming existence.
However, if Muyoung was truly 'evil'?
Snow would be influenced by him and walk the path of world destruction.
She couldn't let that happen. If the world was destroyed, the revival of her tribe would also become pointless.
However, that didn't mean she could leave him be.
She needed to find out about his true intentions. So, while concealing their presense, she was following him.
By using the high elf's authority, Shadow of Moon.
[em>Swish!
Ain raised her eyes. Right before her eyes, the darkness swirled and formed a sphere.
The lich who suddenly joined Muyoung. He was someone who Ain and Snow saw for the first time.
[em>Claaaang!
The staff the lich held rang.
‘We've been caught.'
Ain quickly reacted. She instantly placed a barrier on Snow and wielded a dagger. In a flash, the dagger shined as if permeated by the spirit of the moon.
[em>Thud!
A sound like a death rattle.
[em>Pshh!
Black flames rose.
One, two, three...
Holes were created on the ground and the number of flames increased exponentially.
[em>Swarara!
Ain touched her earrings once. Then, Ain's appearance changed into a huge white eagle.
Whenever she flapped her wings, an intense wind blew and fought against the flames.
Then the lich placed his staff into the ground.
A few meters in area was colored with darkness and within it, black hands appeared and tried to grab Ain.
Ain couldn't avoid all of the black hands which were a few thousand in number.
[em>Kyaaack!
Ain opened her mouth wide. And soon, numerous particles of light heated up and exploded.
Although the black hands that were approaching her had disappeared, she couldn't remove them all.
Ain who was caught by the ankle was slowly pulled down to the ground.
“Hmm."
The lich held his staff and twirled it in the air. Then, some kind of gate seemed to be opening up.
With a 'thud' sound, a huge black door was created in the air.
Afterwards, the door opened up, and black bats were released.
[em>Scrreek! Screeeck!
The numbers were too large to be counted.
No matter how many she got rid of, more appeared and reached Ain.
They bit her wings and plucked out her feathers.
However, Ain was the highest ranked high elf. She couldn't be beaten with just black bats.
[em>Thud!
The lich, Sungmin opened another door.
“Amazing. It has been a while since I had to use two doors to fight against an opponent."
[em>Swaaang!
As the door opened up, sluggish shadow monsters showed themselves. After seeing them, Ain was terrified.
‘Shadow prisoners!'
How could a mere lich summon such monsters from thin air?!
The shadow prisoners had an iron ball and chains shackled to their hands and feet. However, they were able to freely increase the length of the chains.
A few hundred shadow prisoners appeared and threw their iron ball and chains towards Ain, as if they were fishing.
Their power and speed could not be ignored.
It was especially hard for Ain to avoid the ball and chains, as well asthe bats.
[em>Kyaaaaack!
After blocking numerous times, her body was wrapped up in the ball and chains in the end.
[em>Thud!
After she turned back to her original form, she collapsed to the ground.
Sungmin turned his head slightly and lowered his head after looking at Snow, who was shivering.
“My master wishes to see you."
***
Muyoung looked at Snow and Ain who were tied up.
“Pa! Pa!"
With her hands bound, Snow approached Muyoung and rubbed her face on his leg.
On the other hand, Ain's expression was very dark.
“What exactly are you planning to do?"
“What? What are you talking about?"
“You have destroyed things with these monsters and you are with... a demon king as well."
She was talking about Azul.
Muyoung shrugged his shoulders.
“I have no intention to persuade you. If you want to leave, leave."
It was a bit of a waste to give up Ain's fighting power, but if she wasn't going to help, he had no need for her strength.
“I cannot even guess what your intentions are."
“I'm planning to go to the Demon God's Territory. It isn't a great place for a high elf to go."
She felt like a door was slammed close in front of her.
However, Ain bit her lips.
“I'm... going to follow Snow."
“Snow?"
“She cannot be allowed to be influenced by you."
Ain knew how great Snow's hidden potential was.
In terms of simply potential, she was comparable to Muyoung.
But, if her powers were to be influenced by him, it would become a very large power of evil.
She needed to stop that from happening.
Muyoung also read Ain's will that was conveyed through her eyes.
Using the expression that Snow could be influenced. It meant that she had that much sense of vigilance.
Snow was a saintess in the past, and was now an unknown existence. However, if one thing was certain, it was that she would surely add strength to fight against the demon kings and demon gods.
And to fight against them, she couldn't be influenced by him. This was something Muyoung also agreed with.
“Do what you want."
Muyoung looked in another direction. The sky was slowly sinking into darkness.
The time has come.
***
The blind spot Azul showed.
In other words, the place the Sky Lord couldn't sense. Azul entered the territory.
“Every 14 days, the Sky Lord sheds. Although it is an ignorant bastard that even eats up its own skin. Thanks to this, there is a blind spot like this once every 14 days."
As it used its strength to shed, there were areas that it was unable to pay attention to.
“It isn't an adult yet?"
When Muyoung asked, Azul nodded.
“It continues to grow. It is scary because it adapts to all attacks and evolves."
Then, it seemed to be created to evolve and withstand Diablo's attacks.
Azur pierced a hole into the shell the Sky Lord shed.
“We need to move before it eats up all of its shells. I'm not sure if we can do it in time though..."
Azul looked at Muyoung's army. There were too many monsters accompanying Muyoung.
“From now on, don't even let out a sound."
With a warning, he quickly moved. He pierced a hole and went out the other side.
Muyoung and Muyoung's army moved a bit faster as well.
[em>Peeeeeep!
That moment.
A whistling sound could be heard from somewhere.
“Damn it!"
Azul frowned.
[em>Rrrrrrrrr!
The ground shook. The Sky Lord started to move.
Fortunately, the target wasn't Muyoung, but something that had started to attack the Sky Lord.
[em>Bang! Pow!
The bomb burst, and the world seemed to be engulfed in flames.
“Attack!"
From afar, a voice like this was heard.
Knights on horses led dozens of different species to attack the Sky Lord. However, they were unable to damage the Sky Lord at all.
However, rather than the Sky Lord, Muyoung was more focused on the one who was carrying out the attack on the Sky Lord.
‘Baltan.'
The Guardian of his Territory, Baltan!
The one Muyoung revived as an undead.
Muyoung had ordered him to guard his territory in the Demon God's Territory.
But, why was Baltan at this place attacking the Sky Lord?
It was fortunate that the Sky Lord had just finished shedding. Snakes that shed their skin tended to be weaker right after they shed.
In fact, the Sky Lord's movement was slower than expected. The overwhelming size and strength were still there, but Baltan repeatedly choose the right timing to attack and retreat.
It seemed like Baltan had deliberately waited for it to shed.
“...It's actually a good thing. We need to move before the Sky Lord eats up everything. It should be possible."
Azur spoke as if he was chanting a spell. He seemed to have an instinctive fear of the Sky Lord.
For a demon king to be taken aback, it meant that the Sky Lord's power was that great.
“Muyoung."
Sungmin spoke. He also knew Baltan.
There was only one reason why he would call him. It was to ask if they would help Baltan.
“What are you doing? Don't think of doing something stupid. Even though the Sky Lord just finished shedding, they will never be able to win against the Sky Lord!"
The Sky Lord's attacks were simple. It used its huge body to gobble up everything in front of it. Baltan was doing well, making timely attacks using his army, but it felt like they were at their limit. Indeed, casualties started to appear.
As the Sky Lord rolled its tail to pressure them, a sand storm started to blow in all directions.
“Sungmin, take everyone and proceed."
“I will help as well."
“No, I'll be okay alone."
Muyoung spread his wings.
The Sky Lord... Muyoung didn't plan to risk his life and fight against it.
He just wanted to buy time.
There were many things he wanted to ask Baltan. To do this, Muyoung needed him alive. Furthermore, he was slightly curious about the Sky Devil's power that was able to stop even Diablo.
As he knew that its power had been greatly reduced because it had just finished its shedding, it would be a good chance to find out how strong it was.
“You're a fool...!"
Azul clicked his tongue.
However, he was strictly a trader.
He had no thoughts of helping him.
He was someone who moved only according to his trade, his promise.
Muyoung flew up into the air.
[em>Swoosh!
He took out Anguish and placed the holy flame on it.
As the strong powers of curse and holy flame mixed together, he quickly launched it at the Sky Lord.
[em>Craaaashhhh!
A huge explosion.
The Sky Lord's body shook a bit. But, the Sky Lord didn't even let out a scream.
It was just scratched a little.
‘A complete immunity against fire. It's the perfect preparation for Diablo.'
First, the holy flame couldn't produce any damage. It was the curse that produced a hit. But, even the power of the curse had been sharply decreased.
A spell was probably placed by the demon gods.
It was able to produce such an effect because the curse that was engraved on Anguish was so strong.
However, Muyoung had many abilities besides the two powers.
In fact, no one would have such a wide range of abilities as Muyoung.
As he spread Gabriel's wings wide, 7,777 feathers floated through the air.
[em>Boom boom boom...!!
Countless bursts occurred. But this time, it was an explosion of pure divine power.
[em>Graaaaaaaaaaah!
For the first time, the Sky Lord let out a scream.
It's effective.
As the Sky Lord was a very simple creature, it turned its attention towards Muyoung.
‘It wasn't prepared to fight against divine powers.'
At least, it didn't have any protection against pure divine power.
Well, if the demon gods created it, how could they give it divine power?
Muyoung looked down at Anguish. He wasn't able to really mix divine powers with Anguish.
Instead...
[em>Clank!
As Muyoung touched near his heart, something could be felt.
It was a spear.
The God Killing Spear... Gabriel's weapon.
Gabriel's spear neutralized all 'evil' mixed in Muyoung, stopped him from being corrupted, and was a way to keep Luciferre in check.
This item could be considered as a 'higher level' than Diablo's flame.
A true original. A treasure among treasures.
Would the Sky Devil be able to prepare for a spear of this calibre?
For the first time, Muyoung took out the spear for a moment.
[em>Zeeeeeeing!
In a flash, intense light was emitted from Muyoung's heart.
The light was so bright that it could even brighten up the Demon God's Territory that was dyed by darkness.
After looking at the bright light, Azul felt pain like his whole body was on fire.
It had been a while since he felt this sort of pain.
Then, as he looked up after bending his body slightly, he saw the 'guy' with six huge wings.
Muyoung was his name?
‘Was he not a demon king?'
When Azul first met Muyoung, he was able to smell a strong evil scent.
He also showed off a unique disposition that all demon kings normally had.
But he had never heard of a demon king who used divine powers.
‘He isn't an angel. That couldn’t be possible.'
There were no angels in the Underworld.
This wasn't a truth that only the humans were aware of.
Demons also had the same knowledge.
This was the Underworld, a place where evil was born.
Then what was the divine power that could be felt from him?
It was far from the divine powers that the priests of humans or other species used.
A bit more... it felt like it was a bit closer to the source.
The Sky Lord had a critical weakness.
That it was helpless in front of ‘a strength unique in the world’.
It was also known as special power. Or the world ability. It was called many names.
Either way, Diablo's flame couldn’t come close to the power of that world ability.
Diablo's flame should have been a unique strength, but this meant that it wasn't unique.
There was no way for Azul to know that Muyoung was able to use Diablo's flame because he had absorbed it. Thanks to this, Azul was able to see the Sky Lord being inflicted with damage for the first time.
[em>Graaaaaaaahhhhh!
The Sky Lord twisted its huge body. Whenever it did, the sky and the ground shook. It felt like the world was about to be destroyed.
A huge sand storm and strong winds.
For the first time, Azul gained interest in the being who he was making a trade with, the one who stood firmly through all this.
This was something that never happened before.
However... it was lacking. For some reason, Muyoung seemed unfamiliar in dealing with his strength.
“If you don't want to be swept away, follow me. Even if you went, you wouldn't be of any help."
Azul spoke to Sungmin.
Surely, Sungmin exhibited a lot of strength as an elder lich, but it wasn't effective against the Sky Lord.
If his opponent wasn't the Sky Lord, like the current army, Sungmin would have been playing an active part in the fight.
However, the situation was different.
“I understand."
Sungmin well knew this of himself.
He had obviously become stronger as well. He had grown so much that he was incomparable to his past self. However, Muyoung was still a few steps ahead of Sungmin.
It didn't seem like he would be able to easily close this gap.
***
As a commander, Baltan's abilities were outstanding. His ability to notice things and read the situation was excellent.
After he read the message Muyoung wanted to convey, he started to retreat.
Rather than being excited about a reunion, now was the time for them to fall back.
“Retreat!"
While holding all kinds of weapons created by the dwarves, Baltan and his soldiers started to leave the battlefield.
[em>Crash!Thud!
As they got further away from the battlefield, the sound became louder.
Would the fight between gods be like this?
‘If my eyes did not deceive me...'
However, Baltan couldn't help but become aware.
The moment he saw Muyoung, he felt like the connection that was lost had been renewed.
“Wasn't that... our lord?"
An elf approached him and asked.
Although a few things had changed, the person he saw just now was definitely the owner of the territory, Muyoung.
It seemed like Baltan wasn't the only one who felt this way.
“Our lord was alive."
“If, if that's the case, we can end this war."
“Finally, finally!"
All his soldiers were delighted.
However, Baltan still had a gloomy expression on his face. If he was alive, why did they lose contact for over 2 years?
Why did he leave the territory and disappear...?
Due to his vacancy, the territory had suffered much pain. Although they had grown that much more, he was still hurt by Muyoung's absence.
[em>Thud!
The loud sounds continuously spread. However, it became quiet afterwards.
Had it been a few seconds since the last sound?
“It has been a while."
Muyoung appeared.
With his wings open, Muyoung approached swiftly.
“Greetings, lord."
Baltan kneeled.
Although Baltan was hurt by Muyoung's absence, he was the Guardian of the Territory. And his master was still Muyoung.
As Baltan kneeled, everyone around them did so as well.
“There are a lot of things I would like to ask you. But... first, let's change our location. The Sky Lord will wake up soon."
From Muyoung's tone of voice, Baltan was able to notice that he wanted to leave quickly. It meant that the fight with the Sky Lord was that gruesome.
Baltan nodded his head.
Muyoung scratched his head with his hand and started to move with his wings folded.
***
Gabriel's spear was certainly amazing.
It was stronger than anything else.
But, Muyoung was not accustomed to using Gabriel’s strength. As its power sucked away so much of his strength, the recovery would take a while. It was a different feeling than when he used acceleration with his ‘horn’.
‘I need to refrain from using it.'
He was able to momentarily knock the Sky Lord out.
As expected, he could produce huge damages. It was possible for him to make it unconscious because his skin had become weaker.
However, if Muyoung were to continue the battle, he would be in danger.
This event allowed him to understand why Diablo could not cross the border, and why even the demon gods, who had created it, avoided it.
So, Muyoung left the scene and took a raincheck.
During their fight, he was successful in getting a sample of its skin and flesh.
‘If I research this, I will get some sort of result.'
It was an interesting foreign substance.
They were a type of skin and flesh he had never seen before. They were far different from what normal living creatures had.
If he conducted research and got results, he could use it to strengthen undead or in other ways.
Perhaps, it could lead him to learn more about the demon gods.
So, after he took a sample, he gave it to Baltan.
Afterwards, he led his army to return to his territory.
Azul quickly left after seeing the territory. He said, "When you need me, you can just tell the lich." However, he looked like he was leaving in a hurry after discovering something unsettling. He looked like he had arrived in a place he shouldn't have.
Although Muyoung thought it was odd that he acted that way, he didn't think much of it.
“The territory has grown much larger."
“Compared to 2 years ago, it should be about 3 times the size. The population has grown that much as well."
Muyoung walked along the main road that led to the castle.
Behind him, his army followed.
And there were many people in the area who looked at Muyoung.
“There are a lot more children, I think?"
“There was a war. No, it is currently happening as well. There were a lot of adults who died. Of course, those who survived are that much stronger."
“It is still going on? Who is the opponent?"
Baltan stood in front of the castle for a moment.
The lord's castle grew much larger, and was greater than before.
The place was spotless, as they had continuously maintained it.
In front of it, Baltan nervously spoke.
“Demon King of Iron, Enroth. We are at war with him."
Demon King of Iron, Enroth!
Muyoung couldn't help but react to his name.
There were three levels to classify the finest demon kings.
Seven Mountains.
Six Lords.
Five Stars.
Altogether, eighteen.
The lower the number, the stronger they were; especially, the last five were like a 'wall'.
They could truly be called the kings of the demon kings, and reigned right below demon gods.
And if it was the Demon King of Iron, Enroth...
‘He's one ofthe Five Stars.'
The one who is considered as one of the most powerful demon kings!
Muyoung understood why Azul left in such a hurry.
Moreover, the titles were not something that the demon kings gave themselves. It was something that Baal had given to honor those eighteen demon kings.
They were worthy of that much respect, were as powerful as their titles, and had greater armies than other demon kings.
But, a war with Enroth?
“How did you survive?"
Muyoung couldn't help but ask.
The territory obviously had great potential. Most cities wouldn't be able to compete with it. This was because the people were plentiful, and so many diverse species had gathered to create it.
However, it wasn't enough to fight against Enroth. If they were to look at things objectively, it would be normal for them to have been completely destroyed.
But, looking at the territory, they had actually become more prosperous than in the past. Even though they were at war, the territory and the population had increased in size.
Not just that.
The ones who survived also had excellent skills. Most high tier monsters wouldn't be as strong as one of them.
Although Muyoung had returned, they didn't seem to really greet him.
The lord who disappeared for two years without a word while a war had started. Of course, it was understandable for them to be in a bad mood.
Still, they looked at him with hopeful gazes. They believed the army Muyoung brought would certainly be of help.
While shaking his head, he led Muyoung to the castle.
“I'll fill you in on everything after we go up."
***
The inside of the castle was no different from how Muyoung remembered.
First, it had been kept very clean. It had not been left untouched. Because of this, Muyoung believed their faith in their lord had not bottomed out.
‘Soul Assimilation...'
Muyoung sat on the throne and looked at Baltan.
Baltan was kneeling on one knee in front of him, and his soul began to look sharp again.
It was a sign that the connection that had been broken had started to reconnect.
As a result, Baltan became a vassal again. The Guardian of the Territory. As an undead created by Muyoung, he had regained his function and authority.
Name: Baltan
Level: 445
Type: Guardian Knight
Strength 447 (427 + 20) Agility 355 (335 + 20) Stamina 498 (478 + 20)
Intelligence 320 (300 + 20) Wisdom 345 (325 + 20) Indomitable 483 (463 + 20)
+ Great understanding of swords
+ Great physical constitution for battle
+ Guardian of the Territory (Within the designated territory, all stats +20)
+ Cry of the Guardian (Within the territory, the toughness of 'allies' increases slightly)
+ Strengthening Potential (Become stronger when you fight to protect)
+ Resolve for Revenge
+ High Conservation Rate (High autonomous will)
As Muyoung observed him closely, the Status Viewer showed his information.
‘As expected.'
Baltan had grown incredibly. Although Muyoung had felt it, it was different from actually looking at the stats.
If he grew this much, it was enough to consider him as powerful as a top tier monster.
There was only one condition for Baltan to grow. The condition was that he needed to fight battles to protect others.
The last two years of uninterrupted fighting had made this possible.
But even so, it was abnormally fast growth.
‘There must have been something else.'
It was difficult to become this strong with just battles.
Without another opportunity.
“Speak."
Muyoung commanded.
Baltan raised his head.
“After the lord disappeared, we increased our territory. As the territory got bigger, rumors spread, numerous species joined us, and we became that much stronger."
Different species gathered and lived in the Demon God's Territory!
There definitely would have been many who were waiting for such news.
Even if it was the Demon God's Territory, there weren't only evil monsters.
Those who believed they should pool their strength came to the territory, and the territory thrived.
“And when the territory became a certain size, something strange happened with the dungeon."
Dungeon. It was Murdudun's Kingdom where the murlocs lived.
“What sort of strange thing happened?"
“The murloc's appearance changed, and the boundaries of the dungeon disappeared. When you arrived at a certain location where the 'sages' gathered, you could receive training from them."
The sages?
Murdudun popped out as Muyoung was puzzled for a moment.
– It seems like he is talking about the ancient sages. But, they should have all died. Since they would have lost their strength after I died.
“That is true. They all had the appearance of stone statues. However, their thoughts remained. Thanks to this, the warriors of all kinds of species, as well as myself, were able to rapidly raise our fighting power."
The meeting with the sages became an opportunity.
– Huh, that's really fortunate. They were truly great. Although they had run far away because of my dictatorship. If they had stayed by my side, I wouldn't have been fooled by Dantalion's stupid trick. Rather, Dantalion would have been defeated.
Murdudun spoke with great regret.
Dantalion was a demon god. Murdudun spoke as if it would be natural for them to win against a demon god with the sages. The sages seemed to have been that strong when they were alive.
Either way, what Muyoung wanted to ask was the next question.
“How did you become involved with Enroth?"
“Do you know that the demons are fighting as factions?"
“I do."
“They are quickly fighting a war to conquer more territory. Enroth is also trying to make numerous areas his. Our territory is currently one among a few areas that he is after."
Ahh, it wasn't an all-out war with Enroth.
Well, that was probably why they lasted for 2 years but...
‘A war to conquer has started.'
Muyoung thought about what Baltan said.
It was progressing fast. Didn't it start after the Great Calamity in the past?
Diablo and Sky Lord. And other things created variables.
And those variables were all created or influenced by Muyoung.
‘I have gained strength to fight against the variables.'
However, Muyoung didn't just wait for things to happen. Even though variables had appeared, he had gained much power as well.
As the future wasn't determined yet, there were that many ways the future could proceed.
“There are 4 demon kings under Enroth's command. Do you know which among them have come?"
A demon king couldn't have another demon king as their subordinate.
This was normally the case, but it was different for the top eighteen demon kings. Especially, Enroth's Four Devas were famous.
“Shar-Shazar. He came leading a hundred thousand devils. While we are enduring their attack and protecting our territory, the fire tars are close to being completely destroyed."
“You didn't join forces with the fire tars?"
“They have great pride. Maybe because you weren't here, but they didn't even think about cooperating with me."
Muyoung nodded his head.
The fire tars were the owners and natives of this region.
The huge giants of flame. Predators.
Most devils would avoid fire tars, but if it was one of Enroth's Four Devas, the story was different.
However, if it was Ogar, the vice-chieftain, he should have been able to work it out.
But, even that wasn't possible?
“Our territory has also lost many strong personnel. Irene also... was killed by Shar-Shazar."
Irene. Muyoung remembered. The woman who supported Baltan.
However, Baltan was an undead. He should barely have any change in his emotions, but Baltan was furious.
Was this the cause of ‘Resolve for Revenge' that appeared on the Status Viewer?
Until revenge was achieved, he would endure all kinds of hardships. Seeing how it was written on the Status Viewer, Muyoung was able to understand how vengeful he was.
“Is this an evolution as an undead?'
Regarding this part, Muyoung couldn't help but find it slightly odd.
Even though he was undead, Baltan was regaining his emotions as a human.
If he really thought about it, it wasn't just Baltan. Bae Sungmin was also like this.
'Is it because of Art of Death, or is there something about undead I'm unaware of.'
The moment when Muyoung clicked his tongue, the door burst open.
“Lord! Did, did you come back?!"
A small figure ran as he waddled.
It was the dwarf, Kalmooh.
In the past, Muyoung saved him from the underground arena, and he had been following Muyoung since.
“Kalmooh."
“Ahh, you really did return!"
Kalmooh's body shook violently. He was almost about to weep.
“I thought something terrible had happened to you. Of course, I didn't believe it, but time passed so quickly."
“I won't die."
Never.
“Of course. I believe in you."
“I would like to know in detail what has happened in the territory."
“Yes. I will explain it all."
Kalmooh enthusiastically nodded.
After Muyoung learned about his territory.
The things that had changed in the past two years. If he was to use theskill, 'Lord', he could find out a lot of the things, but a territory couldn't be understood through just numbers.
It was much easier to understand when he heard what actually happened, and what was currently happening. It was especially true in the midst of a war.
“...Because the conquest war began, the dwarves were unable to return. Seeing how we can't even get in touch with God's Hammer Bartas, they probably started their own line of defense."
Their own defense.
It was an extreme act of hiding themselves from the enemy.
Like in the past, when they were fleeing from the dragon.
But, Muyoung needed Bartas's ability. As he was planning to get God's Hammer Baltas to make the rest of the 'Immortal King's equipment'.
The fragments of Immortal King.
And the items that contained the full blessing of the moon.
As the items were prepared, now all that was left was to find a craftsman.
“If we make a way and give you soldiers, are you confident you would be able to find Baltas?"
“You mean me?"
“Yes."
Kalmooh thought for a moment before he nodded.
“I will try to do it. No, I can do it."
“Go with Tacan. As he can use magic related to teleportation, when you find Baltas, he'll be able to connect you to this place right away."
“Yes!"
Kalmooh cheerfully answered. It seemed like there was one person who was really happy to see him.
“What was the reason you fought with Sky Lord?"
“It was to get a sample of its skin. We concluded it was the only way to block Shar-Shazar's lightning... as the Sky Lord sheds every 14 days, I believed we could take advantage of that time."
But, the reality was much different from what was imagined. Baltan spoke with a bit of regret as he had faced Sky Lord's overwhelming power.
If Muyoung hadn't stepped up, he would have lost almost all his soldiers.
By the way, speaking of Shar-Shazar.
He was a demon king who used lightning.
Although Muyoung hasn't encountered him before, as he was one of the top demon kings, it would be that much more powerful.
Even if they had become stronger, it would have been hard to battle a demon king like Shar-Shazar.
That was why he gambled to gain an ingredient to block his lightning attack.
'It won't be easy.'
However, Muyoung never thought he would lose.
If he couldn't defeat a demon king like him, how could he compete against demon gods?
Muyoung petted Anguish.
Then, Anguish cried lightly.
* * *
Shar-Shazar liked to play games.
Instead of crushing his opponent with overwhelming strength, he liked giving his opponent a bit of hope as he slowly killed them off.
“This is truly art."
A completely yellow man who didn't wear any clothing.
Shar-Shazar admired the giants that were skewered befroe him.
Besides them were creatures of other races.
As Shar-Shazar stretched out his hand, electric waves stirred up the bodies that were skewered and burned them.
“Don't bring shame to a warrior and kill me! Just kill me!!"
The giants had all died. The creatures of other races had also all died.
However, just one. There was one living being.
A warrior who was trapped in a huge iron cage, the vice-chieftain Ogar!
While looking at him, Shar-Shazar laughed.
“Didn't they all come running to save you? But, how could I kill you? It's so fun not to."
All these giants charged towards Shar-Shazar to save Ogar.
As well as the creatures of other races, that were like ants that lived in a certain 'territory'.
He didn't really care much about them.
“You bastard! I will kill you! At least you! I will break every bone, and won't leave a piece of flesh on your body!"
“That is quite amusing."
Shar-Shazar burst into laughter.
Afterwards, a devil subordinate of his approached and spoke.
“Shazar."
“What? I believe I told you not to talk to me when I'm performing art?"
“I'm sorry. But, the owner of the 'territory' of the mixed races has returned."
“Hmm?"
The creatures of other races. Was there an owner to those of humble origin? Even if they had one, what could he do? Sha-Shazar laughed.
“It's not of any importance."
[em>Pop!
The devil's body popped. And as Sha-Shazar started to laugh once again, Ogar started to laugh.
‘He has returned?! He, Muyoung! Kyahahaha!"
“What is so funny?"
“He didn't die! As expected, he's immortal, kyahahahaha!"
Ogar laughed as if he'd gone crazy.
“Crazy bastard."
Sha-Shazar believed that Ogar had finally lost his mind.
That he had lost it after seeing his colleagues die off.
He didn't pay much attention to the owner of the territory, Muyoung.
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