260 - 268

Chapter 260: Work, Rothschild!

Translator: Leyy3

In the Bifrost Territory's Lords' Hall...

Kwang!

Vilhelm smacked the table loudly.

"Loss? We lost the battle?"

It was a voice filled with fury.

"Do you think that makes any sense?"

His anger was expected.

There were 20,000 of the Valhalla forces, but there were 70,000 of the Gullveig Coalition's forces.

However...

The Goji battle, loss.

Their supply routes, cut off.

The Gongbang battle, loss.

The result of their battle was always a loss.

In one battle, they had been victorious, just barely, but the Valhalla forces had succeeded in escaping the net of the Gullveig Coalition like rats. Vilhelm was like a chicken that was chasing after a dog.

"A military without Kang Chul-In, and we have three times more their numbers, but... this can't be!"

He was going crazy.

Whenever he tried to do something, Hecate would appear to throw her cannonballs, and the Full Metal Dragon stopped whatever progress he was making.

And that wasn't the end of it.

The magician called Ninetails swept away the Gullveig Coalition forces with a single attack.

It wasn't like the Gullveig forces were just common humans, either.

The chimeras, fighter planes, and the machine squads from the Gullveig forces were clearly above the Valhalla forces.

But the fact that they had still lost...

"Is it because our army sucks, or because our enemies are too good?"

Vilhelm quietly muttered to himself.

"Kwak Jung."

It was then...

"His slyness is leading to our continual loss."

A man dressed in clothes that Chinese emperors wore spoke. It was Aoxin.

"The Valhalla forces are strong, but in my opinion, seeing the high-quality strategies, this can only be explained by..."

"By...?"

"That person called Kwak Jung. It's clear that the Supreme King of the West's tactician is at least 3 steps ahead of us."

"No way."

"Look at this."

Aoxin pointed at the map.

"Take a look at this battle. How many different paths could our forces take?"

"Aren't there 4?"

"Then how about the Valhalla forces?"

"It probably depends on our army."

"Here, we blocked the Valhallans, and sealed their back routes, right?"

"Right."

"Alright, and look at how the Valhalla forces moved. It's impossible to tell how they'll move in the future, but we can track their movements now."

Aoxin marked the route that the Valhalla forces used.

"So, how is it?"

"T-This is!"

Vilhelm was completely taken aback.

"You're right."

Aoxin nodded.

"From the beginning, this man has been moving with all our plans in mind. From the combination of our forces, and even their escape routes."

"T-This can't be!"

"This Kwak Jung guy is a scary person. Isn't it like going against A.I software and not a human?"

It made sense.

If Aoxin was right, Kwak Jung's abilities were outstanding.

"Keup!"

"What should we do!?"

"If that Kwak Jung's strategies are that amazing, we won't get anywhere even by outnumbering them, yeah?"

"Isn't this a big problem, Mr.Vilhelm?"

The Lords in the Gullveig Coalition started to murmur.

"Keup!"

Vilhelm coughed.

He felt like he knew why Kang Chul-In left him in charge.

A scary brain.

He had a subordinate who had the entire game board in his entire hand, so what would he have to worry about?

Kang Chul-In... how did he get such a person!

Vilhelm was genuinely envious. As a Lord who ruled over multiple people, of course he would be envious of his enemy.

"Your Majesty!"

Just as Vilhelm was being envious of Kang Chul-In, a messenger came with a report.

"The tactician of Lord Vito Clemenza, Kwak Jun, has requested for a call."

"Is that so?"

It was good timing.

He felt a migraine coming because of the boring war talk.

Also, he was curious why Kwak Jun, who was so amusing, wanted to contact him.

"Everyone, I'll be right back."

Vilhelm immediately headed for the conference room.

***

[Have you been well, your Majesty?]

Beyond the screen, Kwak Jun greeted Vilhelm.

"You look good, Kwak Jun."

[It's all thanks to your attention.]

"Alright, so what's up?"

[Like I promised, we dominated 5 of the territories.]

"...!"

[I contacted you because I thought that I showed you enough contribution.]

"Huh...!?"

Vilhelm gasped in astonishment.

Five territories?

It was true that he hadn't believed him when he said that he would dominate 3 territories in a week.

He had only funded them because he was amused, but...

"Is that possible?"

[If it wasn't for your support, we wouldn't have even dreamt of it.]

Kwak Jun bowed his head

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modestly.

"No, of course not."

[Pardon?]

"People can't just easily dominate territories with a million gold. Tell me, how was it possible?"

[That's...]

Kwak Jun shortly explained how he dominated the 5 territories to Vilhelm.

"Huh...!?"

Vilhelm was surprised again. It was because Kwak Jun's strategies were surprising.

[It's beginning now, your Majesty.]

Kwak Jun spoke.

[We'll continue to use the support you gave us to attack against the Baldur region.]

"...!"

[Please leave it to me, your Majesty!]

Just then, Vilhelm's eyes flashed like a hawk.

It's this person!

He needed someone to rival Kwak Jung. If it was someone who dominated 5 territories in less than 2 weeks, he felt like he would be able to stand against Kwak Jung.

"Kwak Jun."

Vilhelm spoke in a serious voice.

[Yes, your Majesty.]

"Do you want to work under me?"

It was his greed.

The greed to have someone skilled under him. It was a desire that all Lords would have.

[I apologize.]

But Kwak Jun immediately rejected Vilhelm's offer.

"Why?"

Vilhelm's voice was sharp.

"Vito Clemenza is..."

He was going to say that Vito Clemenza was "just a Lord from the rural outskirts."

[Your Majesty, in the East, there's a saying that goes like this:]

"...?"

[Goonsabuilchae[1]. It means that a Lord, teacher, and father are the same. I am loyal to Vito Clemenza. I understand you're looking kindly upon me, but I'll pretend I didn't hear anything. I apologize, your Majesty.]

It was a firm rejection.

"But..."

Vilhelm seemed to want to ask Kwak Jun again, but he quickly changed his attitude.

"No, never mind. I apologize. I seem to have unintentionally tested your loyalty to Vito Clemenza, Kwak Jun."

[...!]

"I sincerely apologize."

Unexpectedly, Vilhelm didn't try to force it and apologized instead.

The rank 2 Lord who was the leader of a large scale coalition apologized!

[Y-your Majesty...!]

Kwak Jun's words faded away like he was touched.

"Anyways, you've worked hard. It was worth it trusting you. I'll leave it to you in the future as well, Kwak Jun."

[Of course, your Majesty!]

"But I have something I'm curious about."

[Please go ahead, sir.]

"Why don't you use your actual name? I heard you changed your name to Kwak Jung."

[That is...]

Kwak Jun made an awkward face and explained the reason.

[Right now, Kwak Jung, the Supreme King of the West Kang Chul-In's tactician, is more famous.]

"Hm..."

[When my fame is above Kwak Jung's and the name 'Kwak Jung' only describes me, I'll use that name.]

That meant that this was a matter of pride.

"I hope that day comes soon."

[Thank you, your Majesty!]

"Then I'll end the call now. I have an important conference..."

[Can I say something before that?]

"Hm?"

[I heard that you're struggling because of the Valhalla forces.]

"...!"

[During times like these, I think that it's best to crush them with power. Right now, Kwak Jung's strategy is to stretch out the war with small victories. He will now...]

Kwak Jun began to speak about the key points of the Valhalla forces' strategy.

***

Koong, koong!

It was early in the morning.

A large turtle with a castle on its back took its place on the Nürburg mountain.

"Get down, quickly!"

"Adventurers, this way!"

"Long-range attackers go to the back!"

All kinds of people came from Cyamodus castle.

There were about 200 of them.

They were adventurers that Rothschild had gathered. It was the squad that had been created to hunt the dragon.

"Squad, settle down!"

"Down!"

"Squad, rank and file!"

"Rank and file!"

That wasn't the end of hunters.

After them, the greatest soldiers of the Cyamodus territory, about 2000 people, began to come down and get into their ranks.

On top of that, there were different magician squads.

The number of people that Rothschild gathered to capture the gold dragon was a colossal number.

"Soldiers!"

It was a clear voice that rang out.

Rothschild had appeared at some time and was shouting at the soldiers.

"Today, we have gathered to accomplish something that has never been done!"

He wasn't wrong.

If you hunted a dragon, you could earn the title "Dragon Slayer." It was a priceless title that even money couldn't buy.

Not only that, but they would also receive gold and silver pieces, the dragon heart, dragon bones, dragon scales, dragon meant, blood, among others.

Since it was a raid that they were risking their lives for, the rewards they would get certainly made up for it.

"We can do it!"

Rothschild shouted.

"We are strong, and we have numbers! We even have the Cyamodus!"

The turtle Cyamodus.

This gigantic monster with a castle on its back defended them and was the key point to lead their raid to success.

"Also..."

Rothschild pulled out his last card.

"The adventurers that survive will all receive 4000 gold!"

The reactions of the adventurers were fired up.

"Wooohooo!"

"We can do it!"

"A dragon is all it is!"

"Anytime!"

Four thousand gold was almost 2 million dollars, so of course their reaction would be like this.

Of course, there would be some who died, but it was only a case of "maybe."

***

At the same time, about 1 kilometre away from where Rothschild's forces were, Kang Chul-In was having a good time watching this scene.

"Yeah! Good job, Rothschild! That's the way to go!"

"..."

The Team Browser members—Dorain Explorer, David Chrome, Sean Firefox, and John Safari—looked blankly at the happy Kang Chul-In.

They were only thinking of one thing.

Ugh, he's my friend, but still...!

Kang Chul-In, I didn't know he was that bad...

His personality...

What a scary human...

They realized once again how cruel and evil Kang Chul-In was.

"Hehe..."

Not caring about what they were thinking, Kang Chul-In was half out of it thinking about stealing the gold dragon.

"Rothschild, you were my cormorant as well... hehe... yeah, giving me a present before you go... I'm so thankful that I don't know what to do... k-keuk...! Work, Rothschild... work... work..."

The intent of the evil king was too clear.

1. He would take the rewards and the points from Rothschild just before he attacked the gold dragon.

2. He would kill Rothschild to avenge his past.

3. He would gobble up the dragon's corpse.

It was a perfect highway robbery.

1. 君師父一體

Chapter 261: Thanks for the Meal

Translator: Leyy3

-

The Valhalla army's intentions are clear.

Kwak Jun spoke.

"Clear?"

-

What they need is time.

"...!"

-

Isn't there a cliché saying that attack is the best form of defence?

The crux.

Kwak Jun was tackling the fundamental reason behind this war.

-

The Valhalla army is not aiming for victory.

"...!"

-

It hasn't even been a year since the nation's birth. Hence, its main priority would be to stabilize the domestic affairs and achieve harmony within. That alone takes time! The enemy would rather launch an attack first than to be attacked by a gigantic force called the Gullveig Alliance. And while its soldiers fight outside the nation's borders, Valhalla plans to strengthen its cohesion.

"Yes, that's right! You are right, Kwak Jun!"

Vilhelm nearly slapped his forehead in epiphany.

-

The Valhalla Kingdom has no interest in achieving victory. It would be good if they could, but it's difficult to expect anything from its smaller-scale army. Moreover, the Supreme King of the West himself is not participating in the war.

"Does that mean...?"

-

Yes, the enemy only desires small victories or defeats. Consequently, Valhalla will try to sign an armistice after multiple small battles.

"Those sly bastards...! You think I will let you?"

-

You certainly will.

"Why would I? What do I have to lose...?"

Vilhelm stiffened up, but Kwak Jun quickly corrected his thoughts.

-

Isn't the Gullveig Alliance similar?

"...!"

-

A mob - that is the reality of the Gullveig Alliance. Great in number, but poor in quality.

That was the truth.

The Gullveig Alliance had comparable equipment and supplies to the Valhalla Kingdom, but the quality of soldiers was vastly inferior.

The soldiers of Valhalla were extremely well-trained through high intensity battle simulations.

In addition, they were proud to be soldiers thanks to Kang Chul-In's policy which respected the veterans. The fact that they were part of the 'unbeatable army' also reinforced their morale.

To top it all off, the Valhalla soldiers possessed the most battle experience in Pangaea.

"Ahem...!"

Vilhelm cleared his throat. He didn't feel comfortable listening to this "insult," but it was a gesture that he agreed.

-

Tactician Kwak Jung is a scary man, but what made Valhalla so strong is the quality of its army. Strictly speaking, isn't the Valhalla army objectively the greatest army in Pangaea?"

"..."

-

Our Gullveig Alliance is fighting against those men. If we do not achieve good results in this war, your Majesty would have to withdraw your army and sign the armistice. We would be running low on resources.

That was the reality.

The Gullveig Alliance boasted an incredible economic power, but that wasn't enough to sustain through a long, tedious war.

"If that happens..."

-

Yes, we would be playing by Kang Chul-In's rules. As you know, the combination of the Supreme King of the West and Overlord Lee Chae-Rin is a threat. Power and money. What could be scarier?

"...!"

-

With time, Valhalla will eventually be on par with the Gullveig Alliance in strength. And then..."

"That must never happen!"

Vilhelm shouted.

"How could we ever let that happen!?"

-

Yes, that's right.

Kwak Jun nodded.

-

That should never happen. Therefore... don't be fooled by Kwak Jung's tricks and just charge at the enemy with brute force. It's wiser to deploy the whole army to conquer Deathwin.

"But..."

-

Yes, Kwak Jung will do anything he can to stop this all-out attack. But do not be swayed by that. We can trample on the enemy soldiers with a sheer number of men, which is indeed the main advantage of the Gullveig Alliance.

Thump!

Vilhelm was shocked.

Brrrr!

Even his body trembled.

Right, why didn't I think of this? I shouldn't have been swayed by Kwak Jung's schemes!

It was a simple but effective solution, as the Gullveig Alliance lacked the strategizing mind of Valhalla. Even if it was tedious, the best action was to conquer the land of Deathwin, which was situated at the two giants' boundaries.

"Kwak Jun...!"

Vilhelm stared at the screen.

-

Yes, your Majesty?

"You are right."

-

I'm flattered. It's just a trivial suggestion.

"No, I will follow your plan."

-

Your Majesty, please think about this carefully. If you just hastily follow my plan, you may end up in a sticky situation.

"There's nothing to think

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about further. If we fail, the blame lies on me and my army, not you. I'm not an idiot who blames it on others."

In other words, Vilhelm had decided to heed Kwak Jung's opinion fully, and attack the land of Deathwin.

"Kwak Jun, can you help me for a while?"

-

I beg your pardon?

"If you come here and command our alliance army..."

-

I apologize.

"..."

-

His Majesty Vito Clemenza is currently very ill. I can't leave Paramount at such a critical time.

"What a pity."

-

I, too, wish to help your Majesty to the best of my abilities. I apologize once again.

Kwak Jun bowed at Vilhelm via the screen.

Damn it!

Vilhelm was dying from anxiety.

He wanted to observe Kwak Jun's abilities personally, but he had refused to join him in the war.

Vilhelm couldn't threaten or kidnap him as well. Kwak Jun had a valid reason to decline.

I will make you my subordinate no matter what.

Vilhelm swore.

Kwak Jun.

He was the key to fighting against Kang Chul-In's tactician, Kwak Jung.

***

"Wishing you the best for the war, your Majesty."

Kwak Jun told Vilhelm and ended the call.

"Now to hint to the other party... Kwak Jung, let's see how good you are."

He mumbled to himself and began to write on a scroll.

The encrypted, confidential message was as follows:

[To: Kwak Jung, the tactician of the Kingdom of Valhalla.]

Instigated Albrecht Vilhelm to launch an all-out attack. (You should know the reason)

Target: Deathwin territory.

Will be difficult to defend.

I will observe your decisions.

Good luck.

[Sender: Kwak Jun, the tactician of the Paramount territory.]

***

Kwaaaaaa!

The magma breath from the fire turtle Cyamodus announced the start of Rothschild's gold dragon raid.

Success rate... around 30%?

Kang Chul-In predicted.

It was a risky raid, indeed.

In fact, it was almost an impossible mission. There was a reason why everybody who got the awakening quest left it for later.

To attempt the quest immediately after hitting level 70 was a suicide call.

Well, whether they succeed or fail is none of my business.

Kang Chul-In grinned.

Indeed, it didn't matter whether Rothschild could clear the quest.

All Kang Chul-In had to do was watch with some popcorn in his hands and make his move when the timing was right.

"Now, Rothschild! Hurry up, make my throne! Hahahaha~!"

Kang Chul-In laughed like a crazy man.

"Huh?"

Dorian intervened.

"What throne? Don't you have a throne? The one made from mithril? I heard Ms. Chae-Rin gave you that as the dowry?"

"I do."

"Then why is Rothschild making you a throne?"

"Not all thrones are the same."

Kang Chul-In smiled and replied.

"Isn't a throne made from a gold dragon's skull the most befitting for a classy king like me?"

"I-I suppose."

"Of course it is. And it's more comfortable too."

"How do you know that? Not like you've sat on one before!"

"I have."

"Huh? When? Where?"

"Very long ago?"

"You are lying!"

"Believe it or not."

Kang Chul-In grinned.

Lying?

Nonsense!

His throne in the previous life was made from a gold dragon's skull!

Moreover,

"I will leave it to you again, Rothschild...! Hehehe!"

That throne was loot from Rothschild's territory!

In other words, Rothschild had successfully hunted down a gold dragon in the past as well.

***

The battle was incredible to watch.

-

Roarrrr!

50 metres in length.

The gold dragon that had come out of its lair was magnificent, vicious, beautiful and mysterious at the same time.

Just think!

Those brilliant golden scales!

They were emitting light.

From its head to the tail, the gold dragon was covered in a brilliant ray of heavenly light.

"Holding, holding!"

Rothschild shouted.

"The chains, chains!"

"Magicians, cast your AOE binding spells!"

"Arrows!"

All the explorers and soldiers were doing their job.

Bang, bang!

Meanwhile, magic-engineered artillery fired shells at the gold dragon and Cyamodus the fire turtle unleashed its magma dreathe.

Not bad.

It was a sight to behold.

Dragon hunting was a rare occasion. Kang Chul-In was even munching on some popcorn while he watched.

About four hours passed.

The entire area was in ruins, but the battle between the humans and the gold dragon seemed to come to an end.

"Let's go."

Kang Chul-In threw his half-eaten popcorn packet aside and began to move.

***

-

Grrr, Grrrrr...!

The gold dragon growled in agony.

A total wreck.

Its brilliant scales were drenched in fresh blood. Two of its three horns were broken, and its right wing was completely torn into pieces.

To top all of that off, its long tail had been chopped in half.

However,

-

Roarrrr!

Dragon Fear!

The gold dragon did not show any signs of weakness. Befitting the strongest creature in Pangaea, it never lost its dignity even in its final moments.

"Huff... puff..."

Rothschild gasped for air as he stared at the gold dragon.

"Let's...end this..."

Rothschild pointed his epic-ranked sword, 'Sigurd,' at the gold dragon.

The sword was in a bad state.

It had chips and crack lines everywhere, making it practically unusable.

Flick, flick!

However, the sword still had a strong current of energy surrounding it. That was because Sigurd was a 'dragon-slaying sword'.

Dragon Slayer!

Sigurd added +50% damage on any dragon-type monsters.

Thus, it was releasing its final bit of energy to fulfill its duty.

Rothschild grasped Sigurd tightly.

With this... I will surpass Kang Chul-In!

It was the final moment.

Awakening!

A new world would open up for him the moment he sliced the gold dragon's throat.

Psst!

Rothschild propelled himself forward.

I did it, I really did it!

Rothschild's eyes gleamed in excitement. He had a juicy prize right before him.

"Thanks for the meal!"

At that moment.

An irritating voice could be heard.

"...!"

Rothschild's face crumpled in horror.

The corners of his mouth were curved upwards.

Kang Chul-In. His arch nemesis was stabbing Kaiforce into the gold dragon's neck.

"N-Noooooooooo! You fuckerrrrrrrrrr!"

Rothschild screamed desperately.

Chapter 262: Rothschild Explodes!

Translator: Leyy3

While Kang Chul-In was licking his lips looking at Rothschild's gold dragon raid, in the west of the Baldur region in some forest, "it" was being voracious.

Crunch, crunch! Rip! D-Drip.

Even while blood and spit were dripping down, it didn't stop filling itself.

"Keuk... p-please..."

Despite the fact that the prey was still alive, it continued to eat it.

Crunch, crunch!

It endlessly ripped the flesh and muscles of adventures apart, chewing their bones and drinking their blood.

There were broken body parts piled around it. It signified the number of people it ate.

"Keee...!"

It slowly raised its body after finishing its meal.

At the same time, the 'change' began.

Chuk, chuk!

The shining black skin that looked akin to an insect's shell split apart, revealing pure white flesh.

About 5 hours later...

"Whew...!"

'It' let out a long breath, having finished its change.

It was the perfect form of a human with black hair, white skin, a tall height, and nicely toned muscles.

"Finally... finally!"

The language of humans flowed from its mouth.

"I've come back... like this..."

The language was Korean.

Lee Gong-Myung's appearance was exactly like how it had been when he was alive.

"Just you wait..."

The thing with Lee Gong-Myung's appearance spoke to itself.

"I'll be there soon..."

Right after it finished speaking, it began to move.

Its destination was the east, where Alex Rothschild's Cyamodus territory was.

***

"N-Noooooooo! Hey, you son of a bitch!"

Screams of despair came from Rothschild's mouth.

"I said 'nooooo!'"

"'No'?"

Kang Chul-In asked with a smirk.

"Why wouldn't I?"

Why couldn't he?

This was a chance to eat this tasty and strong gold dragon for free!

Also, wasn't it a universal fact that the grass was always greener on the other side?

In fact, the gold on the other side was more gold as well.

Swish!

Kaiforce turned into a frightening-looking longsword.

Kashing!

There was a black flash, and with an explosive sound, the gold dragon's head plopped to the floor. Its head had been cut from its body with a single swing from the sword.

Puhak! Flash!

White light wrapped around Kang Chul-In's body.

[You leveled up! Level 73 accomplished!]

[You leveled up! Level 74 accomplished!]

[You leveled up! Level 75 accomplished!]

[You leveled up! Level 76 accomplished!]

[You leveled up! Level 77 accomplished!]

[You leveled up! Level 78 accomplished!]

It was an increase of 7 levels!

[Regal Power +100 strengthened!]

[Lord Points +2,000P!]

[You have earned the title 'Dragon Slayer (+20% additional damage to dragonic species)'!]

Also, he received Lord Points, the new stat points, Regal Power, and the glorious title of Dragon Slayer.

Erm, it's not that great.

They were incredible rewards, but Kang Chul-In just smacked his lips. It was because the rewards weren't that great considering he gave the final blow.

Makes sense, it did seem small for a dragon.

The reason was simple.

The target of Rothschild's growth quest, the gold dragon, was significantly young, and it was a lot smaller than the Blue Dragon that Kang Chul-In had hunted in the past.

Back then, three Overlords, namely Kang Chul-In, Aleister, and Hecate, had to work together against it.

"Well, this isn't that bad."

It was actually pretty nice considering he got it for free. A dragon was a rare monster, so it wasn't something you could hunt often.

"K-Kang Chul-Innnnn!"

It was then.

"You son of a bitch!"

He heard Rothschild cursing behind him.

"Y-You're still here?"

Kang Chul-In turned around with a cheeky grin that flipped people over from frustration.

"I-It's the Supreme King of the West!"

"What in the world!?"

"What kind of nonsense is this!? We worked so hard... n-no, I guess we just gave it to the Supreme King of the West..."

The adventurers that recognized Kang Chul-In were completely shocked. They had barely succeeded in the dragon hunt but Kang Chul-In suddenly appeared... there couldn't be anything more shocking than this.

"I'll give you 10 seconds."

Kang Chul-In spoke looking at the adventurers.

"Disappear within that time."

He was basically saying that if they wanted to live,

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they should just fuck off.

"What kind of bullcrap is that!?"

"We hunted that gold dragon!"

"Hey, you thieving bastard!"

"That cowardly guy!"

The adventurers refused.

It was an expected reaction.

They were the ones who hunted the gold dragon, so they had the right to the delicious reward.

Tsk tsk, these losers.

Kang Chul-In laughed at them.

Losers. They were people that didn't truly understand anything.

Rothschild wouldn't share his treasure.

If Kang Chul-In didn't come here, Rothschild would have betrayed the adventurers and hoarded the gold dragon's corpse to himself.

And after this,

"Unfortunately, they all passed away from the tough battle. However, they were true warriors and great heroes. They will always live in my heart."

He would say sly things like that, and the truth would be buried forever.

"Kang Chul-In, go away!"

"You should step back."

"Do you think we'll let you take it?"

But the adventurers didn't know this, so they began to growl at Kang Chul-In like cornered rats. It was the blind eye of those who only saw the treasure.

These bastards.

A vein popped out from Kang Chul-In's head.

Telling them to fuck off was a generous offer coming from him.

Those adventurers were people who participated in Rothschild's raid, meaning they were clearly his enemies. It was extremely generous to even give them 10 seconds.

"Alright, then I'll kill you all."

A violent voice escaped from Kang Chul-In.

"Waitttttt!"

It was then.

-Kiiik!

A metallic cry rang in the air.

"Leave it to us!"

Dorian Explorer arrived confidently on his black wyvern.

There were about 100 wyverns behind Dorian, all with riders atop of them.

It was a wyvern attack squad.

The force that Dorian created using his experience in the British special forces, SAS, was here!

"H-Hiik!?"

"Dorian Explorer?"

"Wyvern riders!"

Because of that, the faces of the adventurers who had been growling at Kang Chul-In was a sight to see.

Kang Chul-In alone was hard to deal with.

But with Overlord Dorian here as well, they had no chance of winning.

All of Rothschild's elite soldiers had died during the raid, and Cyamodus was a mess from being hit by the gold dragon's breath.

"Alright, well, take care of it on your own."

With this, Kang Chul-In completely took his attention off of the adventurers.

Dorian said he would take care of it, so there was no need for him to step up. He didn't need to use a sword to catch a couple of chickens!

"Hey, chicken."

Kang Chul-In turned his head to speak to Rothschild. He spoke like he was talking to a friend he hadn't met in a while.

"Should we have a chat?"

It was time to end it.

The hour of revenge had come!

***

The situation was perfect.

There were no hidden variables.

With no extra bodies and the Scroll of Absolute Return gone, it was impossible for Rothschild to leave this situation.

Finally.

Kang Chul-In smiled faintly.

Approximately 3 years ago, Rothschild had pierced his heart and cut off his neck with the help of Aleister. Kang Chul-In remembered everything clearly thanks to the Overlord power, Soul Backup.

But now, it was time to shake off the humiliation, rage, and thirst for revenge through Rothschild's death!

"Kang Chul-In!"

Crunch!

A teeth breaking sound came from the growling Rothschild.

Growth quest.

With the last chance for Rothschild's comeback gone because of Kang Chul-In, hate flowed throughout his entire body.

"You bother me... until the end. Just why... do you hold some grudge against me?"

"Well, something like that."

Kang Chul-In shrugged his shoulders.

"Keuk, keuk keuk..."

Rothschild laughed.

"Sure, I suppose you do. Fine, let's end this damned fate today."

"I was thinking the same thing."

"Keuk keuk, you're pushing me all the way to the end..."

Drip.

Vibrant red blood started to pour from Rothschild's eyes.

"Keukk...!"

It was a sound mixed with sobs. Rothschild squeaked like an injured beast.

"Huh."

Kang Chul-In grinned.

"Are you planning on begging me you chick..."

At that moment, Rothschild's body suddenly began to split.

"Hm?"

Kang Chul-In narrowed his eyes at the sudden change.

"I heard you entered a cocoon and you're doing all kinds of stuff."

Flash!

Mitra started to let out a brilliant light from his hip.

What is this?

Kang Chul-In was confused. It was strange.

Unlike the merciless Karforce, Mitra was a sword that couldn't destroy life. Since such a holy sword was starting to shine, there was definitely a reason for it.

For example, it could mean that Rothschild wasn't human.

-Master!

And of course, Mitra's voice dug into Kang Chul-In's brain.

-That man is an Agnaga's subordinate!

Agnaga.

He had heard of that name before.

Didn't Kaiforce say something about Agnaga?

-Yes, Master.

Mitra replied.

-Kaiforce was the subordinate of Urosinfinit, the Machine of Annihilation... one of the 5 Agnaga.

And? So that guy is also one of the Agnaga's subordinates?

-Yes, sir! I can feel the power of the Furious Beast, Bergelmir!

I don't understand what kind of bullshit this is.

Kang Chul-In didn't know what to say.

The Machine of Annihilation, Urosinfinit?

And the Furious Beast, Bergelmir?

He didn't know anything about this.

-You have to kill that man!

Mitra spoke firmly.

She put so much emphasis on her words that Kang Chul-In's head hurt.

-If you can't kill him now...!

You're too loud.

-M-Master!

I was going to kill him, anyway.

The sword's interference was out of place.

Kang Chul-In wasn't a fool, so why would he let Rothschild live?

"Well, it'll be more fun to kill a guy that's resisting."

As soon as he finished speaking, Kang Chul-In lifted Kaiforce and Mitra at the same time.

Swish!

Chapter 263: Kang Chul-In vs Rothschild

Translator: Leyy3

"Arghhhhh!"

Kang Chul-In had just finished his battle preparations when Rothschild let out a piercing, agonizing scream.

Chuk, chuk!

His pale white skin cracked open.

Crack, crack!

With a horrifying sound, Rothschild continued to bulk up and transform.

This is!

Kang Chul-In was taken aback slightly.

A transformation.

Similar to Kaiforce, who was apparently a member of the demon race Agnaga, Rothschild was also transforming.

The only difference was the method in which they shapeshifted, as Kaiforce had curtained himself with a veil of dark energy.

I'll cut your head off!

Kang Chul-In charged at Rothschild with a blinding speed and swung Kaiforce.

Charak!

Kaiforce changed its form to a saw blade and approached Rothschild's neck.

"Argh!"

Rothschild's eyes, which were bleeding profusely, began to emit a beam of light.

Bang!

With a tremendous sound,

"...!"

Kang Chul-In was bounced quite a distance back.

An incredible power.

The strength in Rothschild's forearm was incomparable to Kaiforce's, whom he had fought in the past.

"Harh?"

Kang Chul-In re-established his battle stance and grinned.

"Seems like you've gone the whole hog?"

It was a clear tone of condescension.

Rothschild's current strength was not a product of his hard work. In fact, he had even given up his humanity to claim it.

Moreover, he had abandoned his pride as a sovereign. How pitiful was that?

"Keke!"

Rothschild snickered in response.

"Surprised? Hehehe!"

"..."

"I will do anything to kill you, you bastard. Kekeke! I even... killed... my own father, because of you, Kang Chul-In. You stole everything from me – Lee Gong-Myung, father, my family's trust and my future. All because of you!"

Rothschild bellowed at Kang Chul-In.

"...This bastard is really crazy."

Kang Chul-In mumbled in absurdity.

Was Rothschild really blaming him for all those mishaps?

No sane person would spew such bullshit.

Their bad relationship in the past aside, Rothschild was the first to point a sword at Kang Chul-In. It was true that the latter had triggered the former, but he did not use violence.

No, with all else aside, did Kang Chul-In ever order Rothschild to kill his own father?

Rothschild's story had zero credibility and logic.

"Yes, I've gone crazy. Really crazy... Kekeke!"

Rothschild nodded his head and grinned.

"But... so what...? Now I can finally kill you."

The confidence.

Rothschild seemed to believe that he could murder Kang Chul-In in this very setting.

"Keke, prepare to die, Kang Chul-In..."

Crack!

With that, Rothschild's transformation came to an end.

Ssssss...!

Steaming black skin.

Eyes with black sclera.

A muscular body even superior to that of an ogre's.

Thorns on his elbows, knees, shoulders... all over his body.

And an unknown mucus flowing down the skin.

Rothschild resembled a demon, or a monster after the transformation.

"Hehe... I am... going to kill you today... and crunch on your bones and flesh... and drink your blood..."

"Oh, how scary!"

Kang Chul-In said sarcastically.

"I'm about to shit in my pants. Do you want me to get spare underwear?"

"Go on, continue to laugh... you will be my prey in the end... keke! And..."

Rothschild's eyes flashed.

"Your wives... they married the wrong man... keke... even your daughter... I will..."

Rothschild was about to continue his sentence...

Grasp!

When Kang Chul-In, who had instantly closed the distance between him and Rothschild, grabbed Rothschild by his collar.

"You need some bashing, bastard."

Kang Chul-In snarled.

There was an old myth that a dragon had one reverse scale that grew in the opposite direction. A great catastrophe awaited whoever touched that scale.

Similarly, Rothschild had triggered something that he shouldn't have.

For Kang Chul-In's case, his reverse scale was his family, mother, wives and Arshelly!

Bam!

Kang Chul-In's fist landed on Rothschild's chin. He had already let go of Kaiforce and Mitra.

"Kuhuk!"

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Rothschild's neck twisted backwards.

His bloody teeth were also sent flying into the sky.

"You bastard."

Bam!

"Let's see."

Bam!

"How long."

Bam!

"You can."

Bam!

"Continue to."

Bam!

"Talk bullshit."

Bam!

Six intermittent punches. Rothschild could not fight back at all.

"Cough!"

Rothschild vomited a profuse amount of blood.

"H-How!?"

He was shocked.

Rothschild couldn't fathom this situation.

He had even given up humanity to obtain this strength. He could even withstand a dragon's attack, but Kang Chul-In's punches were akin to atomic bombs.

"Coming to your senses now?"

Kang Chul-In laughed cunningly.

He was proving that clubbing was the best solution for rabid dogs.

"K-Kang Chul-In...!"

"Actually, I shouldn't give you room to breathe. Let me beat you into a pulp."

With that,

Pzzt, pzzzzt!

An intense burst of sparks began to surround Kang Chul-In's body.

That wasn't all.

He emitted energy like an active volcano.

An incomparable strength!

He had activated the third phase of Overdrive, the secret to breaking through limits!

"Say your prayers, you bastard."

Kang Chul-In threw his punches at Rothschild. He wanted to show his nemesis the strength of the triggered Supreme King.

He was not going to forget his revenge for the past!

***

While Rothschild had left Cyamodus to hunt the Gold Dragon, a commotion occurred in the territory.

It was to be expected.

Wouldn't it be shocking to see someone come back from the dead? Nobody knew what was going on.

"Lee... Tactician Lee...!"

Akül couldn't believe his eyes.

Lee Gong-Myung, who had been murdered by Kang Chul-In, had appeared in front of him.

"Akül."

Lee Gong-Myung nodded slightly.

"It's been a while."

"..."

"How have you been?"

"Tactician Lee... h-how... I-I can't..."

"Long story. I will tell his Majesty privately about my current physical status."

"Ah, okay... I see..."

Akül replied rather coldly. He didn't appreciate Lee Gong-Myung's attitude.

"Where is his Majesty?"

Lee Gong-Myung paid no attention to that.

His first action was to look for Rothschild.

"His Majesty is absent."

"Where did he go? Is he back in his main family? Or..."

"I can't tell you."

"I beg your pardon?"

"His Majesty is a sovereign who rules over this territory. His whereabouts are confidential. I can't spill the information to outsiders."

"Akül, what are you talking..."

"Tactician Lee."

"...?"

"No, Mr. Lee Gong-Myung."

Akül replied bluntly.

"You were declared dead and we even had a state funeral."

"..."

"And because of that, the tactician seat is officially unoccupied currently."

"What's your point...?"

"Hey, Mr. Lee Gong-Myung. I know you are smart, but why can't you take the hint?"

"..."

"Do I really need to say it out loud? You, Lee Gong-Myung, are an outsider. I can't reveal his Majesty's whereabouts to any explorer."

A clear hostility.

Akül was hardly overjoyed to see Lee Gong-Myung alive. In fact, he was irritated.

"Those words, can you take responsibility?"

Lee Gong-Myung inquired in a cold voice.

"When his Majesty returns, how is he going to react..."

"Who knows?"

"...!"

"Will his Majesty – no, Rothschild, that crazy bastard, even hear about your return? Why don't you think with that clever brain of yours?"

Akül's attitude changed 180 degrees.

Not only was he looking down on Lee Gong-Myung, he was also portraying his master, Rothschild, as a mad man.

How dare you try to come back?

Akül's intention was clear, and it wasn't totally absurd.

If Rothschild, that bastard, comes to realize that you are back, he will treat me poorly again. Do you think I will let that happen, Lee Gong-Myung?

Akül, who had been living as Rothschild's number one faithful dog, could hardly appreciate Lee Gong-Myung's return. He had been the number two in Cyamodus for quite some time now.

Furthermore, his survival depended on whether he could keep his position.

He knew that Lee Gong-Myung would render him useless, and Rothschild the tyrant could cut his head off any day.

In other words, Akül was displaying hostility mainly for his survival and secondarily for his thirst for power.

"Akül, you dare to get off after mocking his Majesty?"

Lee Gong-Myung's voice was cold and apathetic.

"Well, that's only if you manage to meet Rothschild."

"..."

"Your return will be made confidential, and that crazy bastard will never guess your whereabouts. Also..."

Akül snickered.

"You are going to die twice..."

At that instant,

Plack!

Lee Gong-Myung's hand moved at lightning speed and penetrated Akül's heart.

"Kuhuk!"

"Continue talking."

"L-Lee Gong-Myung! You bastard...!"

"You thought trash like you could kill me, who overcame even death just for his Majesty?"

"...!"

"Nobody... can insult his Majesty... Akül... you disloyal trash..."

An intimidating speech.

It carried an intense animosity and rage.

"G... guards..."

"Shh."

"Kuhuk..."

"I will eat you up without a trace..."

"...!"

"Completely..."

Lee Gong-Myung was clearly referring to the act of cannibalism.

"W-What are you talking about...!?"

"Well, who knows."

Immediately,

Crunch!

Lee Gong-Myung's mouth tore widely open and bit onto Akül's neck without mercy.

Crunch, crunch!

It was the beginning of a 'feast'.

Chapter 264: Domination and Revenge

Translator: Leyy3

"Argh!"

Rothschild screamed in agony.

Bam, bam!

Kang Chul-In's fists were overwhelming.

"Keuk, keuk...!"

"Hehe... you dare to mention my family with that dirty mouth of yours?"

"P-Please...!"

"You've crossed the line, bastard."

Kang Chul-In was genuinely infuriated.

How dare Rothschild annoy him when all he gained was an insignificant bit of power?

He was ashamed to even acknowledge Rothschild as his rival.

Thump!

Rothschild's face landed on the ground.

Crack!

And kicks followed.

"Oi, trash."

Kang Chul-In's army boot pressed onto Rothschild's head.

"Did I,"

Crack!

"Look,"

Crack!

"That easy,"

Crack!

"To you?"

Crack!

Endless bashing.

Rothschild had gained mysterious power from the demon race Agnaga, but that was incomparable to Kang Chul-In's full strength.

Even the intimidating title 'Bergelmir the Rampaging Beast' appeared trivial in front of him.

"Kuhuk..."

"I was an idiot to think that we were the same type of people."

Kang Chul-In stared down at Rothschild mercilessly.

"W-What b... bullshit..."

"Useless trash."

"...!"

"You only know how to rely on Lee Gong-Myung. Do you actually know how to accomplish anything without him?"

"...!"

"To think you've even given up humanity for that measly power... good job. Even an infant is more capable than you."

Kang Chul-In's criticisms wounded Rothschild's heart.

"Keuk...!"

However, he couldn't rebut as Kang Chul-In was speaking nothing but the truth. Tears rolled down Rothschild's cheeks.

Without Lee Gong-Myung, Rothschild was pitiful indeed.

"Let's see how long you'll last."

Kang Chul-In sniggered at the sobbing Rothschild.

Actually, he wasn't feeling that great either.

Ba-dump... ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump!

His heart was beating like an explosive machine.

Pzzt, pzzt!

And his muscles were tingling from excessive stimulation.

Tiring. Really tiring.

Kang Chul-In bit his lips secretly.

Overdrive was the reason for his fatigue.

It was a trump card to increase the user's abilities by 40% and 60% during phase 1 and phase 2 respectively. In return, it placed a huge burden on the user's body.

Kang Chul-In had activated the third phase of Overdrive, which increased the user's abilities by 100%.

In other words, his body had become a total wreck!

Grasp!

Kang Chul-In, however, did not stop. He grabbed strongly onto Rothschild's hair.

"You bastard."

"Heuk..."

"I won't kill you so quickly."

"Keuk..."

"I will beat you to death."

A strong will.

An inevitable decision.

Kang Chul-In could not activate his [Full Moon] or [Spellthirst] abilities currently. In order to display 'true power', he had to activate the third phase of Overdrive.

If anyone asked why he took the risk to maximize his strength,

I won't let you hit me even once.

Kang Chul-In wished to destroy Rothschild completely.

Learn how insignificant you are compared to me. Then die.

Domination!

Kang Chul-In planned to subjugate Rothschild completely and thus gift him the greatest agony possible.

That would indeed be the most merciless revenge.

***

"Commander-in-chief!"

Kwak Jung received a report from the reconnaissance officer.

"The once-scattered Gullveig Alliance army seems to be gathering in one place."

"...Hmm?"

"In total, there's around..."

"70,000 enemy soldiers?"

"Yes, commander-in-chief."

"God damn it... we are fucked."

Kwak Jung's thin face crumpled upon hearing the news.

"Argh... after all that effort to shake the alliance. Why would they suddenly group up? What kind of bullshit is this...!"

"I beg your pardon? W-What do you mean...?"

"None of your business!"

"...!"

"Get out!"

"Y-Yes sir!"

Kwak Jung lashed out at the officer, who quickly ran out of the tent. He foresaw a fist coming if he stayed for a while longer.

"Argh... why would they suddenly group up?"

Kwak Jung pondered hard about the Gullveig Alliance's unexpected move.

It's not time for them yet... Wouldn't they be conscious about grouping up when we are attacking them from behind? They are grouping up at a tremendous speed too, about 10 days ahead of schedule!

It was a sticky situation.

Kwak Jung had been avoiding any major fights, and he had been inducing small wars of attrition to spread out the Gullveig Alliance's army as much as he could.

In that case, Valhalla's territory could remain unscathed.

However, if the reconnaissance officer's report was true, the Valhalla army could be placed in a dangerous situation at the wrong time.

Deathwin was difficult to defend, not to mention the additional week

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required to complete the defense line construction at its borders.

Someone must have seen through Kwak Jung's plan, and he was manipulating the Gullveig Alliance army to counter it.

"Commander-in-chief."

At that moment.

"A message has arrived from Kwak Jun, the tactician of Lord Vito Clemenza!"

A signaller reported.

"Kwak Jun?"

"Yes, commander-in-chief."

"Hand it over."

"Sorry? The decryption..."

"Never mind, just pass to me."

"But..."

"Pass to me before I explode. Can't you see that I'm already having a headache?"

"Ah, okay..."

The message was encrypted, which required someone to decipher it. Kwak Jung needed none of that.

Simple.

A computerized brain.

It sounded absurd, but it wasn't a joke.

Kwak Jung's brain had become so active that he could memorize all the codes used in the Valhalla army.

"Hmm... let's see. What did he write here?"

Kwak Jung began to read the document.

"...This bastard?"

He then swore and crumpled the document.

"Did he just tell me to choose one from two options? Quite cunning, I must say... If I'm not careful... phew... now I understand why his Majesty told me that."

Kwak Jung recalled what Kang Chul-In had told him in the past: 'Don't completely trust, nor distrust Kwak Jun.' He realized that Kwak Jun was not someone to be taken lightly.

According to the document, the mastermind behind the clustering of the Gullveig Alliance army was Kwak Jun. In other words, he had seen through Kwak Jung's plans.

Moreover, he placed Kwak Jung in a dilemma.

If we successfully defend against the all-out attack from the Gullveig Alliance... then victory is ours. Nothing could be better, to be honest.

Kwak Jung began to brainstorm rapidly.

The first option was to fight back. The Valhalla army would place all effort into defending the territory.

However,

Fuck, that's easier said than done! How can we fight against so many enemy soldiers? Even if we do win, the damage is too much.

It was indeed difficult to emerge unscathed.

In that case, Valhalla would be extremely vulnerable to future wars as well.

But if we follow the second option, aren't we technically giving this bastard the control over the situation?

Kwak Jun's second suggestion was to fake defeat and surrender the Deathwin territory to the Gullveig Alliance. It ensured as little damage as possible for Valhalla.

In this case,

Kwak Jun would receive Vilhelm's full trust.

The clueless Vilhelm would rely on Kwak Jun even more, and with greater trust came more information. This could prove to be instrumental in shaking the alliance from within.

Clench!

Kwak Jung, however, did not like the second option.

Too fast. Gaining Vilhelm's trust is good, but... if we hand over Deathwin...

Kwak Jun would have the upper hand.

If Kwak Jun happened to become the Gullveig Alliance's tactician someday, then he would have control over 90% of Valhalla Kingdom's information network.

"Fuck!"

Bang!

Kwak Jung slammed his fist onto the table.

"No, I won't let that happen... certainly not... I will play along a bit but not fully."

He couldn't trust the information completely.

Kwak Jung had no intention of giving Kwak Jun the upper hand.

What if he was actually a double spy?

...Valhalla's doom.

That was why Kang Chul-In had pleaded with him not to trust Kwak Jun completely.

"Signaller."

"Yes, commander-in-chief."

"Relay this message to Nieu. Send unit 20 to Lord Vito Clemenza's Paramount territory. Watch over Kwak Jun and his master closely, and if there's any suspicious activity..."

Kwak Jung's eyes gleamed.

"Delete them."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I said, kill them."

"Yes, commander-in-chief."

"Also, tell her to get some assassins on standby, to instantly kill anyone on my command."

"Yes, sir."

"Oh, and also!"

"Anything to add?"

"Position all our men at Deathwin's borders."

That was Kwak Jung's decision.

He planned to sponge off Kwak Jun, without giving him any control over the situation.

In addition, he had even made measures to kill him if he had a sudden change of heart.

"Phew."

Kwak Jung let out a long sigh.

"Ah, and also."

"Yes, commander-in-chief."

"Get the magicians to prepare a warp gate that leads to the Paramount territory. Right now."

The reason was simple.

Crack!

Kwak Jung cracked his knuckles.

"You dare to interfere with my big picture? Alright, let me show you your place..."

He mumbled to himself.

***

"Kang Chul-In... he is my friend, but that guy is just too merciless..."

"..."

"Eek! Horrible..."

"Is violence his only specialty?"

Members of Team Browser shuddered, as they witnessed Kang Chul-In beating Rothschild into a pulp.

"P-Please! Argh! M-Mercy! Arghhhhhh!"

Rothschild, in his monstrous form, pleaded and screamed.

Bam!

However, that only increased the strength with which Kang Chul-In punched him with.

And those punches... they were becoming too grotesque to watch. Kang Chul-In was almost murdering Rothschild.

Crack!

Kang Chul-In grabbed Rothschild's two thick arms.

"Keuk..."

"You've been exercising?"

Kang Chul-In grinned cunningly.

"E-Exercise..."

"Nice arms."

"Heuk..."

"Shall we see how hard they are?"

Crack, rip!

With a horrifying sound,

Rothschild's arms were torn out from his body.

It was a cruel and violent punishment indeed.

"Arghhhhhhhhh!"

Excruciating pain!

Rothschild cried in despair.

"You're gonna burst my eardrums."

Kang Chul-In smirked.

Bam!

He then landed an explosive blow on Rothschild's solar plexus.

"Keckkkk!"

Rothschild began to vomit a yellowish slurry.

"Cough, cough cough!"

"I'm getting tired of bashing you."

"...!"

"Just die."

Having said that, Kang Chul-In grabbed Rothschild's head.

Crack, rip!

With another horrifying sound, skin, muscles and bones began to rip.

And finally, Rothschild's head was completely separated from his body.

Psssst!

Dark red blood spurted out like a fountain.

At that moment, Kang Chul-In started to feel his chronic chest pain and chills around his neck disappear.

Chapter 265: Lee Gong-Myung's Despair

Translator: Leyy3

Flash!

It was deep into the night.

Kwak Jung appeared in the Paramount territory with a unit of the Mir mechanized infantry.

"Hmm... what is this?"

Kwak Jung frowned.

The Lord's hall.

In any territory, it was the most grandiose and brilliant infrastructure. However, the Lord's hall in the land of Paramount was miserable beyond words.

All it had was an old throne, few dim lanterns and a ceiling covered with dust and spider web. It almost resembled an abandoned castle.

Moreover, the hall was empty even when Kwak Jung, a diplomat(?) of some sort, had arrived for a visit.

"Welcome."

Only Kwak Jun was present to greet him.

"I assume you are tactician Kwak? I am Kwak Jun, tactician of His Majesty Vito Clemenza."

Kwak Jun bowed to Kwak Jung.

"Great pleasure to meet you, tactician K-..."

At that moment.

Bam!

Kwak Jung's punch landed straight on Kwak Jun's face.

"Kuhuk...!"

Kwak Jun stumbled and collapsed, while he held his bleeding nose.

"T-Tactician Kwak!"

"Good timing."

"...Sorry?"

"If there was an audience, I would have dragged you to that~ corner of there. But thankfully, this hall is empty."

Kwak Jung snickered.

In other words, he had intended to beat up Kwak Jun from the start.

"Oi, Kwak something."

"Yes..."

"Do you know what you did wrong?"

"..."

"You don't?"

"W-What are you trying to say..."

"Hu... acting dumb, are we?"

"Sorry?"

"I guess there's no choice."

"...?"

"Come, let me beat you up some more."

Kwak Jung rolled his sleeves up and began to walk towards Kwak Jun, who had collapsed onto the floor.

"C-Commander-in-chief!"

The platoon commander of the mechanized infantry unit held Kwak Jung back.

"It's going to be troublesome if you continue..."

"How is this troublesome?"

"B-But! This place is..."

"Are you trying to tell me that using violence against a foreign territory's tactician in the Lord's hall is plain diplomatic disrespect?"

"That's right!"

"You don't have to care about that."

"I beg your pardon?"

The platoon commander couldn't believe what he had just heard.

Don't care?

Even after this diplomatic offense?

"Not even the slightest bit."

However, Kwak Jung thought otherwise.

"That's because whatever that's happening now is all pre-planned."

"...!"

"A miserable hall could be due to genuine financial difficulty. But to not have a single subject, guard or servant even upon the arrival of a representative of the Supreme King of the West is suspicious."

It was an accurate observation.

Kwak Jung knew precisely why Kwak Jun had greeted him alone.

"Oi."

"Yes..."

"Am I right?"

"..."

"You had expected to get beaten up by me, right? That was why you deliberately emptied the Lord's hall. Not bad, bastard."

"..."

"You were probably going to spout some excuses like 'I could only obtain Vilhelm's trust this way', 'I've worked hard', 'it's a misunderstanding, everything's all for the better good'".

"That...!"

"Ah, of course you will continue to claim that this isn't true. That's the only way for you to live."

Kwak Jung snickered.

"But how now?"

"..."

"I'm not angry about that. I don't care whether you were trying hard, or whether you wanted to take control of this deal."

Kwak Jung said coldly as he grabbed onto Kwak Jun's hair.

"I hope..."

"Urgh!"

"I hope you know your place, bastard."

"..."

"Who gave you permission to draft a plan for Vilhelm?"

That was the real reason.

"How dare you screw up my plan with such trickery?"

"...!"

"You are a chess piece that went out of control. What should I do?"

"T-That! T-Tactician Kwak! That's my mistake... I-I apologize!"

Kwak Jun finally realized his mistake.

He had manipulated the Gullveig Alliance without any coordination with the Valhalla Kingdom. All his excuses (for example, he had to propose a plan to gain Vilhelm's trust) did not work.

"Mistake my ass."

Kwak Jung did not accept Kwak Jun's apology.

"One should know his place. How dare you think so highly of yourself, just because His Majesty gave you some affection?"

"T-That was never my intention!"

"Like hell it wasn't."

"It's a misunderstanding!"

"Misunderstanding? You bastard...!"

With that,

Crack!

Kwak Jun's face was smashed against the floor of the Lord's hall.

"Have you ever heard of 'mental training?'"

"K-Keuk... w-what are you talking about..."

"Oh."

Kwak Jung's eyes gleamed.

"You

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will find out soon."

"...!"

"By the way, you should really bite onto something. If not... your throat will be a gonner. I'm speaking from my own experience. Isn't getting beaten up already sad enough?"

Kwak Jung was kind.

He had told Kwak Jun a valuable tip, which he had learnt from his experiences with Kang Chul-In.

***

Thump!

Rothschild's body fell limply onto the ground.

Thump,

Roll.

So did his head with two widely open eyes, which rolled on the floor.

"Keuh..."

Kang Chul-In exclaimed.

The end.

He had taken his revenge.

After returning to the past using the Soul Backup ability, he had finally addressed his humiliating defeat in his previous life.

The loss in Ragnarök.

The fall of the Valhalla territory.

Last but not least, his own death!

"Urgh... Kang Chul-In..."

Dorian slowly approached Kang Chul-In after Rothschild's death.

"You..."

"Got anything to say?"

Kang Chul-In smirked.

"This is just too violent... urgh..."

"Well, it's Rothschild we are talking about."

"But still... hmm... this is like... more grotesque than ISIS' beheading..."

"Those bastards are psychopaths who murder innocent people."

"T-That is true but..."

"And Rothschild wasn't even human."

"Oh, you are right."

Kang Chul-In was spot on.

Rothschild's corpse resembled a monster. One could no longer call him a human.

Moreover, [Skill Absorption] did not activate after Rothschild's transformation. It seemed that even the system did not recognize Rothschild as a Lord.

"Hehe... anyways, good job!"

"The small fries?"

"You mean the explorers? There."

Dorian pointed at a corner of the battlefield.

"We subjugated them all~"

"You didn't kill any of them."

"I didn't have to. They were only being used by Rothschild."

Dorian was right.

Most of the explorers had only participated in the raid due to Rothschild's empty promises to share the massive reward.

"Hmm..."

Kang Chul-In narrowed his eyes and observed the captured explorers, who were all tied up.

"W-Wait!"

"What?"

"Are you thinking of killing them?"

"N-No."

Kang Chul-In stuttered.

"Seems like it though?"

Dorian glared at Kang Chul-In suspiciously.

"I'm not."

"Really?"

"How many times do you want me to say?"

"Hmm... your eyes were gleaming with murderous intent."

"Who are you to judge how my eyes look?"

"Hehe~"

"Stop laughing like an idiot and send them back after some reprimand. Ah, just give them some dragon scales or pieces of bone."

"Oh~ Kang Chul-In~ being benevolent, I see?"

"But never give them the dragon's heart, horn or eyes."

Kang Chul-In (The Supreme King of the West / Professional Robber) had absolutely no intention to share the juicy rewards with others. He was only fine with giving up the useless bits.

"Someone's being greedy."

"You gotta do what you got to do."

"Right, but you appear petty."

"What did you say?"

Kang Chul-In glared at Dorian.

"Say that one more..."

"Ah~ time to go for work~"

Dorian changed the subject and quickly left the venue.

"Hmm..."

Kang Chul-In, who was left alone, stared at Rothschild's corpse.

It was somewhat bittersweet.

Rothschild was his former rival after all. His pitiful death left a special feeling in Kang Chul-In's heart...

"Agnaga... seems like I have to deal with this bastard Andrei Ivanovic soon."

... Or not. The cold-hearted Supreme King of the West didn't entertain such frail emotions.

He only cared about the vampire Overlord Andrei Ivanovic, who was being suspicious.

***

The next day.

Kang Chul-In ended Cyamodus' life (it was impossible to tame) and cleaned up the battlefield.

And afternoon came.

"One, two, three!"

Dorian shouted.

-

Keeeeeeeek!

Hundred wyverns soared up into the sky, their ankles chained to transport the Gold Dragon's corpse.

Clank, clank!

With the clanking of the chains, the Gold Dragon's corpse began to be lifted up in the air.

"I will be leaving first!"

"Remember to butcher it well!"

"Don't worry!"

"Also, don't forget to send me the dragon's heart, eyeballs and blood! And its skull! I need them to make my throne!"

Kang Chul-In pleaded Dorian, who was riding a black wyvern.

"Ok, got it! Stop it already!"

"..."

"You bastard! Are you doubting your friend!"

"I-I'm not!"

"It's damn obvious?!?!"

"..."

"Well anyways, farewell!"

With that, Dorian and his wyvern riders left the scene with the Gold Dragon's corpse.

Valhalla was too far, hence they had agreed to disassemble the corpse in Dorian's territory.

"Hu hu...!"

Kang Chul-In grinned.

"A new throne... fantastic... a throne made from a dragon's skull is really the best."

Kang Chul-In was in high spirits.

After all, he was a sovereign to the core. He couldn't camouflage his desire to show-off to others.

Now, a third party revolving around Rothschild will no longer appear. Even if someone else forms a new party, it will not have much power.

Kang Chul-In was satisfied.

Chaos did give birth to heroes, but the Baldur Alliance was never a part of Kang Chul-In's big picture.

Dorado's army in the west and Kwak Jun's army in the east were shaking up the Baldur region.

Moreover, the sovereigns whom he had destroyed (those who interacted with Rothschild) were still captured alive in Dorian's territory, while retaining their status as sovereigns.

In other words, as they were all still alive, their authorities as sovereigns were forfeited and their lands had become unclaimed (though nobody could claim them).

"Time to return."

Kang Chul-In began to make his way with a satisfied grin.

***

That afternoon.

It began to rain in the Nürburg mountains after Kang Chul-In had left.

Drizzles soon turned into squalls, engulfing the whole region.

"What is this...!"

Lee Gong-Myung, who had rushed to the Nürburg mountains in excitement to meet his master, was flabbergasted to see what had happened.

And soon afterwards, Lee Gong-Myung faced the biggest tragedy in his life...

Chapter 266: Lee Gong-Myung's Despair (2)

Translator: Leyy3

A barren land... the Nürburg mountains in front of Lee Gong-Myung were in ruins. Suddenly, Lee Gong-Myung felt a chill running down his spine.

Ba-dump! Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump!

His heart began to race.

Drip.

Cold sweat flowed down his skin.

Don't tell me...

He didn't have a good feeling. In fact, it wasn't just a feeling. The sight in front of him was telling him a rough story. Evidence of battle, splashes of blood everywhere. Destroyed weapons lying around.

And...

"Cyamodus!"

The death of the gigantic fire turtle, Cyamodus, was extremely shocking.

"What in the world...!?"

Something was definitely wrong.

However, it was unlikely that the whole group had been massacred by just the Gold Dragon.

Most notably, there wasn't a single dead body in the area.

If a massacre did happen, then numerous corpses of the soldiers and explorers were to be expected.

Think about it. Would a monster like a dragon clean up the battlefield?

One could assume that the Gold Dragon had eaten all the dead bodies, but Lee Gong-Myung did not buy that explanation. Even if that were true, a limb or two would have been tossed around.

There was only one other explanation.

A cleanup.

Someone had deliberately cleaned up the battlefield.

That's right, I probably arrived too late. His Majesty would have returned to his territory after the raid and cleanup...

Lee Gong-Myung tried his best to be optimistic. He began to seek for traces of Rothschild.

-Bark!

While he was searching, something barked at him.

-Grrrr...!

About ten Dire Wolves flashed their sharp canines at Lee Gong-Myung. Seeing how they were gathered around, it seemed like they were feasting on a body that had been missed out on during the cleanup.

"...?"

Beyond the ten Dire Wolves, Lee Gong-Myung noticed a sign.

The following was written on the sign with atrocious handwriting, even worse than that of a kindergartener's:

[Here lies Rothschild, the ultimate coward, idiot and fool.

– The Supreme King of the West, Kang Chul-In.]

Thump!

Lee Gong-Myung could feel his heart sink.

Kang Chul-In.

The horrendous handwriting aside, that name left such an ominous impression on this situation.

This name never meant anything good.

-Grrrr!

The Dire Wolves paid no attention to Lee Gong-Myung's feelings or thoughts. They began to charge at the intruder.

Psssst!

And they soon met their end.

"Y-your Majesty... this can't be... your Majesty...!"

Lee Gong-Myung, who had easily ripped the Dire Wolves apart, began to walk forward as if he was possessed.

After walking some distance, Lee Gong-Myung finally let out a scream of despair.

"Ah, ah... ahhhhhhh...!"

A corpse. Not only was it missing both arms and its head, it was also disfigured due to the Dire Wolves' feasting.

"A-Alex..."

However, Lee Gong-Myung could immediately identify the corpse. His bond with his master was deep and genuine. The body was that of a monster's and was heavily disfigured, but Lee Gong-Myung could point out Rothschild's physical traits in one glance.

Pitter-patter!

Cold rain crashed down onto the crestfallen Lee Gong-Myung.

"E-Even though... I have returned..."

His voice contained a tone of resentment and regret.

"I've even become a cursed being... just to... just to meet you again... just to be by your side... Alex... Alexxxxxxx!"

Thump!

Lee Gong-Myung collapsed onto the ground and embraced Rothschild's corpse, after his cry of despair.

He then began to wail in anger and agony.

"Keheuk... heuk...!"

He just couldn't stop crying.

His tears were as relentless as the heavy rain pouring onto him.

"My Alex... my dear Alex... Keheuk...!"

To Lee Gong-Myung, his master's death was more heartbreaking than his own.

***

"Urgh... urghhh...!"

For the first time in his life, Kwak Jun experienced an indiscriminate beating known as 'mental training'.

"H-How...? This is too p-painful... Eek...!"

"There is a saying that you can tell as much truth as your experience."

"...?"

"After being beaten up countless times, I've finally mastered

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the technique. Turns out the art of violence is quite a complex one."

Kwak Jung shrugged. He had learned well from his teacher Kang Chul-In, the king of violence.

If he had witnessed this, he might have felt proud and said, 'Hmm... not bad, Kwak Jung!'

"Oi, Kwak-something."

Kwak Jung said coldly after completing the mental training.

"Yes, yes..."

"This is my first and final warning."

"..."

"If you mess up my big picture with your stupid ideas one more time... you know what's going to happen."

Kwak Jung did not have to explain further. Kwak Jun knew that only death awaited him.

"I-I understand..."

"I will be keeping a close eye on you."

"Certainly, I will report before arriving at any decision."

Kwak Jun bowed.

"Right right~! Do it better next time! You get it?!"

"Yes..."

"My apologies for hitting you."

"..."

"We are partners, aren't we? Let's not dwell on such trivial things."

"O-Of course..."

"Ahem. Don't take it too personally."

"Yes..."

An apology after such a beating.

Kwak Jung shamelessly brushed the dust off Kwak Jun's shoulders and straightened his collar. That drove Kwak Jun crazy.

"Hahaha~! A mistake is a mistake. Let's put that aside and work hard together!"

"Yes..."

"Hahahahaha!"

Kwak Jung laughed.

Abominable bastard... trying to act intimidated, are we?

Behind his façade, Kwak Jung was glaring at Kwak Jun with cold, apathetic eyes.

You are probably thinking that this is a profit. Since getting beaten up once to gain access to our army's anti-Gullveig Alliance database is good enough.

According to Kwak Jung's suspicion, Kwak Jun had drafted a plan for Vilhelm solely because he was 100% sure of the Valhalla army's defeat.

Our army and the Gullveig Alliance... you are planning to have both parties under your control and stick to the winning party at the most decisive moment to gain maximum profit.

He was right.

Trusting Kwak Jun was a gamble.

Depending on the situation, he could be on Kang Chul-In's or on Vilhelm's side.

Well, it certainly depends on how you do it... but do you think I will let you off, after seeing through your insidious plan? Huh? Hehe... today may just be a beating... but next time... I will drive a knife into your belly, you sly bastard.

Sharp insight!

Kwak Jung knew Kwak Jun's intentions inside out. He could certainly kill him off at this moment to prevent future hindrances, but he decided to let him live for a while longer. Kwak Jun could prove to be useful.

"Hu... alright, I guess there is no choice."

Kwak Jung shook his head.

"S-Sorry... because of me..."

"If you know, do better next time."

"Yes..."

"It's gonna be a hard one but... what to do? We shall have to brawl it out."

"D-Does that mean...!"

"We will fight."

"...!"

"It's possible to follow your plan and forfeit Deathwin after faking some losses... but it's a bit troublesome."

"Tactician Kwak, that won't do! There's too..."

"Too much loss?"

"Yes, it's a loss."

"What to do, then?"

"..."

"His Majesty hates losing, even if it's a pretense."

"..."

"He strongly believes that a man shouldn't be taking short cuts. Would you dare to ask him to forfeit the Deathwin territory?"

"But that is just..."

"Stubborn, I know."

Kwak Jung immediately glanced around his surroundings. He instinctively made sure that Kang Chul-In wasn't around to hear him.

"But what to do? That is my master for you."

"..."

"All I can do is to obey him. Sigh!"

Kwak Jung shook his head and turned around.

"Take care. I shall be leaving to clear up the mess that you have created."

"I apologize..."

"Nah~! Well then, farewell~!"

Kwak Jung replied and jumped into the warp gate with the Mir mechanized infantry members.

Flash!

Kwak Jung disappeared.

"Hu... freaking painful, that damn bastard."

Kwak Jun mumbled as he massaged his aching muscles.

"Well, it's still good for us since we have gained control over the two gigantic forces."

Kwak Jung's suspicions were spot on.

***

Pitter-patter!

Heavy rain relentlessly fell onto the Nürburg mountains.

"Alex... Keheuk... Alex!"

Even long after the sunset, Lee Gong-Myung refused to let go of Rothschild's corpse. How could he? Rothschild was a special existence to Lee Gong-Myung. Someone he could never let go.

"I've never told you this before... I was worried that you would leave me... not once in my life..."

A late confession. Lee Gong-Myung began to reveal a secret.

"I... loved... you... Alex Rothschild... I still... love you... forever... Keheuk..."

That was it.

Behind Lee Gong-Myung's unquestionable loyalty to the incompetent Alex Rothschild laid an extremely special and secretive emotion.

In fact, that was the only reason why a genius like him decided to be Rothschild's aide.

Think about it. Lee Gong-Myung was an unprecedented genius in domestic affairs, politics and strategizing. Rothschild, on the other hand, was incompetent. Back on Earth, he was an extremely sociable, promising young heir of the Rothschild family with a good business mind. However, he was an unsalvageable trash in Pangaea. Consecutive losses, poor decisions, countless embarrassing moments, violence and more. He was insignificant compared to Kang Chul-In or even Vilhelm.

Lee Gong-Myung stuck to this man till the end and even helped to bring down his nemesis, Kang Chul-In, in the past.

Purely out of love.

However,

"Come back... please... My dear Alex... Heuk... if you die... I..."

Alex Rothschild had already left this world. He was killed by none other than Kang Chul-In, and he didn't even receive a proper burial. Instead, his pitiful corpse was left to be eaten by monsters.

Furthermore... he had died as an Agnaga. Alex Rothschild was no longer able to revive. In a sense, he had died 'perfectly'.

"Kang Chul-In!"

Lee Gong-Myung screamed.

It was a cry of resentment and agony.

Chapter 267: The Girl's Items

Translator: Leyy3

Meanwhile, Kang Chul-In was returning to Valhalla when he suddenly felt his ear itch.

"... Seems like someone is talking about me."

This was a meaningless monologue. There weren't just one or two candidates for people who could be speaking of him. Regardless of race, gender or age, he had countless enemies everywhere!

Truthfully speaking, the whole world other than the people of Valhalla and his subordinates hated him. He had already been labelled as a murderer, war-maniac, psychopath and worse. He was basically the Hitler of Pangaea.

"Seems like I will be living a long life."

Kang Chul-In laughed.

He was used to insults. Someone would insult him regardless of what he did!

First priority is to return as soon as possible.

Kang Chul-In cleaned his ears with his pinky finger and pondered about his future plans.

If I reveal myself then cormorant will appear too... that's a bit troublesome.

In order to obtain the Sonic Ring, Kang Chul-In had to stop encountering Brynhildr. As the king of a nation, he couldn't keep letting an enemy general off. But it didn't make sense for him to stay in the backlines. He was basically Valhalla's God of War.

Undefeatable! The God of Victory! A one-man army!

These adjectives and titles described Kang Chul-In perfectly, and his appearance on the battlefield alone could boost his soldiers' morale significantly. Not to mention, Kang Chul-In himself was extremely powerful. With him, Valhalla could even win seemingly impossible battles.

However, if he blatantly participated in the war, he had no choice but to kill Brynhildr. In other words, he had to forgo the Sonic Ring.

What to do?

He needed a solution.

***

"Bastard..."

Kwak Jung gritted his teeth the moment he had returned to Deathwin.

He didn't want to admit, but he had fallen into Kwak Jun's trap.

"Hold it in... keep calm..."

Kwak Jung struggled to suppress his murderous intent.

Kwak Jun could still prove to be a valuable tool. He was indeed a double-edged sword, but that depended on the circumstance. Kwak Jun was loathsome but Kwak Jung decided to close one eye for the future of Valhalla.

However, he now had to face the Gullveig Alliance.

"This is absurd... alright, let's see who wins."

A brain battle between the two men with the same name! One wanted to make Kang Chul-In an emperor, while the other planned to achieve his goal via manipulating Kang Chul-In and Vilhelm.

"Commander-in-chief!"

At the nick of time, a signaller reported in.

"The Gullveig Alliance army has approached within a 50 kilometre radius!"

"That was fast... those fuckers..."

Kwak Jung swore.

50 kilometres. If the enemy was determined, a day was enough to cover that distance.

"Gather all the generals!"

Kwak Jung commanded.

***

In Deathwin, specifically the Lord's hall which once belonged to the Overlord Aleister...

"Let me warn everyone, it's going to be a tough battle."

Kwak Jung announced.

"It's an unprecedented war in terms of difficulty. I dare to claim... that this fight may produce the highest casualty rate in Valhalla's history."

Kwak Jung's statement carried weight. At this moment, he was no longer a frivolous man but a tactician cum commander-in-chief.

"Strategy? We have none. It's just a pure battle of strength. We have a positioning disadvantage and there are many more enemy soldiers compared to ours. The only way is to defend in this stronghold. Even that has only about... a 10% chance of success. That will also come at an enormous cost."

Easier said than done. The situation was gloomy. If Kwak Jung said so, the war must have had a pretty bad outlook. Officers in any other territory would be anxious in such circumstances, but not for those in Valhalla.

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They were airheads who only knew how to fight, just like Kang Chul-In.

"Doesn't matter."

Lucia replied firmly.

"To participate in this war as his Majesty's representative is a huge honor. I, Lucia, will become Laputa's barrier and protect our soldiers."

As expected from Lucia.

"Haha! Let I, Drakan, stand in the frontlines!"

"No, let I, Amur, stand in the frontlines, commander-in-chief!"

The two leaders of rival troops volunteered.

"Let's break them all."

"We are not afraid."

The same went for James and Mikael.

"Ahem~! Seems like it's time for this old man to shine!"

Nilus, the precocious magician, spoke as well.

"This will be my first battle as his Majesty's subordinate. I know no defeat."

The female warrior!

Kim Sung-Hee, who had been honing her necromancer abilities using dark mana, was also eager to join the fight. She was now the commander of Imhotep, the first division of Valhalla's immortal army. Of course, it wasn't significant enough to be called an 'army' as of now.

"And also..."

Kim Sung-Hee continued.

"I plan to take this opportunity to expand my army. I can't let it pass!"

A bold statement indeed.

Kim Sung-Hee apparently paid no attention to Kwak Jung's warning.

"Such brave, ignorant souls. I wonder who they take after."

Hecate sniggered with sarcasm, while holding a cigarette. The 'who' obviously referred to Kang Chul-In. However, nobody challenged her statement. They couldn't. Hecate could be a massive source of firepower in this war. If she happened to become volatile, the war would become much harder.

"Well, whatever. I don't really like defending, but it seems like I can't pull out this time. In return, I'm in charge of all the breaking and destroying in the next battle, so don't you dare challenge me."

A terrifying destructive urge... Perhaps it would be more befitting to call Kang Chul-In the male version of Hecate, instead of Hecate being the female version of Kang Chul-In. Nobody could comprehend her chaotic mind.

"Hmm..."

Kwak Jung stroked his non-existent beard and replied.

"Alright then. I'm touched by all of your determination and will. His Majesty would be very proud as well. He is always watching from somewhere after all."

His Majesty is watching! That was a sort of maxim for everyone in Valhalla. Kang Chul-In had adopted a system to listen to his people's concerns and also to observe his officials' work secretly. He would reward them if they were diligent, and likewise punish them if they slacked off.

That was one of the reasons why Kang Chul-In had so much paperwork to settle.

"The enemy is coming."

Kwak Jung continued.

"As I said before, there is no strategy. Well, there's a bit but... the main goal is to defend the stronghold. Do your due diligence to protect your responsible regions."

That concluded the meeting. All that was left was the battle.

***

"Kang Chul-In... today shall mark the end of your undefeatable spree..."

Vilhelm stood on a hill and observed the Deathwin stronghold. He grinned with satisfaction.

"Kwak Jun... what a lad."

He should have launched an all-out attack earlier. The Valhalla army was preparing for a stronghold defense. In other words, the Gullveig Alliance should've assembled its army earlier without any hesitation. Ah, how accurate Kwak Jun's insight was.

"Kang Chul-In... let's see how long you can keep yourself hidden... you arrogant bastard. Or should I be thankful instead? Since if you don't reveal yourself, then victory is mine without a doubt!"

With or without Kang Chul-In, Vilhelm was 100% confident of winning. He was being backed up by an astonishing number of 80,000 soldiers. In addition, this number was composed purely of combat soldiers, excluding the supply troops.

With such a huge difference in strength, the Gullveig Alliance could simply sweep the Valhalla army away with brute force.

-

Mennnnn!

Vilhelm announced using the magic-engineered loudspeaker.

-

Attack!

Vilhelm commanded.

"Long live the Gullveig Alliance!"

"We are one!"

"Let's destroy those devils!"

"Let's show them the power of the Northern region!"

80,000 soldiers began to charge towards the Deathwin territory. That marked the start of what would be one of the most ridiculous wars in Pangaean history.

***

Meanwhile...

Bzzzzttt! Boom!

Kang Chul-In shot across the continent like a bullet train, creating a sonic boom.

Funnily enough, he was returning to his kingdom on foot.

God damn it!

He had forgotten to prepare any means of transport.

That was because Kang Chul-In had no idea how long it would take to accomplish his mission.

...Was I always this dumb?

Kang Chul-In faulted his clumsiness, but it was already too late.

Return Scrolls were Unique-rank items which were rare. Moreover, there were no explorers around to borrow a warp gate from.

All he could do was run his ass off.

"Phew..."

Consequently, Kang Chul-In became tired and had to take a brief rest with his back laid against a tree. He was a human after all.

"Huk... huk..."

Kang Chul-In gasped for air and took a sip of water. He then began to rummage through his inventory, with a sliver of hope that somehow, he had kept a Return Scroll.

However,

"God damn it!"

He found nothing.

"How..."

Kang Chul-In was about to mutter when suddenly, a notification popped up.

[Alert!] You have 18 items in your inventory that you have not verified!

"Hmm?"

Kang Chul-In was puzzled. He searched his inventory again just in case, but he was indeed a scrupulous man. Whenever there was a loot, he would check before placing it in his inventory.

An unverified item for such a person?

"Hmm..."

After pondering for a while,

"Ah, those must be the goods that I've purchased from that kid."

Kang Chul-In recalled.

The kid referred to the Lord, Lily Sephardi.

"Let's see."

Kang Chul-In opened the inventory without much hope. Who knew? There could be something that could help!

Chapter 268: Kang Chul-In's Counterattack

Translator: Leyy3

Kang Chul-In had bought the following items from Lily:

-

[Unique/Staff] Girl's Magic Wand

-

[Unique/Pants] Bomb Chastity Belt

-

[Rare/Bracelet] Furry Handcuffs

-

[Unique/Whip] The Whip of Delight

-

[Magic/Consumable] Chestnut- Scent Cream

"... As expected."

Kang Chul-In frowned. There was nothing useful. In fact, these items were absolutely ridiculous. And to think they cost him 186,000 gold (even with the 420 gold discount)! That was about 74 billion South Korean won.

Kang Chul-In would have definitely gone crazy if Lee Chae-Rin had not offered to buy all these items.

"It's too early to give up."

Kang Chul-In held onto his sliver of hope. He still had a few more items to look through.

However,

(Skipping the middle 9)

15. [Unique] Metal Underwear

16. [Normal] Torn Cotton Sash

17. [Magic] A Novice Magician's Ring

Totally useless items.

He wouldn't even get them for free.

"How dare that bitch choose all these trashy items..."

Kang Chul-In muttered under his breath.

Kang Chul-In, the Supreme King of the West, and also a niggard.

He had put on a cool façade before, but he was now regretting his choices.

He was the living proof that someone who was once poor always thinks like they're poor.

"A bitch, indeed. Where's her conscience? To think she immediately accepted my offer to pay triple for these shitty items..."

Suddenly,

"Hmm?"

The last item began to intrigue Kang Chul-In.

Its description was as follows:

[Unique/Consumable] Return Scroll to Jötunheimr

Warps the user to the Jötunheimr region.

"What do we have here?"

Kang Chul-In's face lit up.

The Jötunheimr region. It was a small rural area located just north of the Gullveig region.

"Interesting... very interesting..."

Kang Chul-In mumbled cunningly.

Wasn't it so coincidental? This Jötunheimr region shared its boundaries with the Bifrost territory. Even Vilhelm himself had neglected this place due to the lack of resources, strategic location, population and a ruler! It was that barren. The only saving grace was its close proximity to Bifrost, the biggest city in the North. But still, a layman needed a week to travel between these two locations.

However,

"Sounds good."

Peculiarly, Kang Chul-In had a wide grin on his face.

"Hmm... it's going to be very risky... but if I do succeed, then tables may turn in this war."

This Return Scroll was undoubtedly bad in any other circumstances, but Kang Chul-In had figured out a use for it. In fact, it could be even more valuable than any other Epic-ranked item in this situation.

"Hehe... let me take one for the team."

Having said that,

Rip!

Kang Chul-In shredded the Return Scroll to Jötunheimr into pieces.

Flash!

With a brilliant light, Kang Chul-In vanished.

***

"Hey, you damn bastards!"

"You cowards... come at me, come at me!"

"Die, dieeeee!"

"I'm a proud soldier of Valhalla!"

The Deathwin stronghold defence finally began. With their morale at an all-time high, the Valhalla soldiers clashed against the incoming swarm of enemies without mercy. Astonishing combat proficiency! The Valhalla army was called the strongest in Pangaea for a good reason.

"Not good..."

However, Kwak Jung wasn't too optimistic about this situation.

"This problem... can't be solved with strategy alone."

He was right. An hour had already passed since the start of the battle... his soldiers were starting to tire. In contrast, Kwak Jung couldn't see an end to the swarm of Gullveig Alliance soldiers.

A staggering 80,000 soldiers! Furthermore, this wasn't even the enemy's full strength. Its special units were not even deployed in this fight, yet.

Pow, powww!

Valhalla's artillery fired.

-

Roarrrrr!

The Full Metal Dragon let out its Dragon Fear and bombarded the Gullveig Alliance army.

Pow, powww!

Zeppelin the airship was also dropping bombs relentlessly.

"Argh!"

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"Arghhhhh!"

"Y-your Majesty... your humble servant... shall die fighting... for you and this nation..."

"Urgh!"

Despite their brilliant combat abilities, the Valhalla soldiers were slowly falling one by one.

"The disparity in number is just too significant... god damn it..."

Even Kwak Jung himself was running out of options.

In order to preserve its force, Valhalla had to forfeit Deathwin and retreat to the 18 peaks. However, that would lower the morale of the soldiers and put them at a severe disadvantage for the next battle in autumn.

"It would be great if the fight was just nicely even... damn it, what's Hecate doing?"

Kwak Jung complained.

Hecate. This psychotic Overlord had to unleash her overwhelming firepower in order for Kwak Jung to play his trump card. Temeraire, however, didn't move an inch from the rear.

Hey, you weasel. I will kill you if you urge me one more time. I have a plan so wait patiently, alright?

Hecate replied to Kwak Jung's request for reinforcement, then holed herself up in Temeraire. He was about to go crazy with frustration.

"Argh!"

Kwak Jung screamed.

"Don't tell me we are actually going to lose..."

Suddenly,

Thump, thump!

The earth began to tremble violently.

"W-What on earth are those?"

Kwak Jung's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing.

"W-What the fuck? That is cheating, you bastardssssss!"

Kwak Jung swore, but this was to be expected.

From afar, five gigantic beings were charging at full speed from the Gullveig Alliance rear line. At least 20 metres in height. No, they appeared to be more than 30 metres tall up close.

"Giants!"

Kwak Jung exclaimed.

There was no better descriptor. These were the so called Gigantes, who lived in the northern mountains.

"Fuck..."

Kwak Jung swore.

"... or not."

He then grinned slyly.

"That's right, I happen to have a solution specifically for you five."

Kang Chul-In had told Kwak Jung this before:

Everything comes with a counter.

Fortunately, the Valhalla Kingdom possessed the perfect counter to Gigantes.

-

This is an order from the commander-in-chief.

Kwak Jung announced with the loudspeaker.

-

Webner Fighter Wing, annihilate those chunks of meat!

***

Late at night...

"...!"

Mei Ling the explorer suddenly got up due to chills.

Ssss...!

Her Chinese-style sabre gleamed under the moonlight. She had drawn her sword in reflex.

"Viktor...!"

Mei Ling immediately glanced at the side of her bed, where a newborn baby was sleeping peacefully.

Viktor Vilhelm. This baby was Albrecht Vilhelm's son. In other words, Mei Ling was Albrecht Vilhelm's wife and also the sister of Overlord Ao Xin.

"Phew~."

Mei Ling let out a sigh of relief and sheathed her sword. She approached her baby and carried him tight in her arms.

I've been a little too sensitive nowadays.

She chuckled. This was a mother's moment.

"Don't move."

At that moment.

"Shut your mouth and stand right there."

A low and deep voice rang out in Mei Ling's ears.

"I do not wish to create a mess here."

"...!"

"Ah, don't you dare try anything funny."

It was an assassin for sure.

Nobody else would've invaded into the deepest area of Bifrost so late at night.

"You will regret saying that."

Mei Ling growled in a low voice.

She was an explorer herself.

In fact, she was a warrior who possessed skill comparable to Kim Sung-Hee, the Desperado.

"How dare you threaten my baby and me with your meager skills..."

However, her opponent was leagues above her in strength.

"Is that so?"

"...!"

"Meagre, you say...? That hurts my pride."

Mei Ling finally identified the man who had revealed himself from the shadows, and almost fainted from shock. She would have actually passed out if not for her determination to protect her baby.

"K-... Kang Chul-In...!"

She was right.

Kang Chul-In, the vilest demon of all, was the assassin.

"Well, how convenient. Seems like I don't have to introduce myself, then. Good to be famous, I suppose."

Kang Chul-In snickered.

"W-What do you want?"

"Hmm, I wonder what?"

He tossed back the question at his victim.

"J-Just spare the baby!"

Mei Ling pleaded.

A counterattack? Or perhaps a surprise attack? Nothing could be effective against the Devil himself.

All she could do was plead for Viktor Vilhelm's life.

Welp... my image isn't looking too good here.

Kang Chul-In muttered inwardly.

Viktor Vilhelm was obviously the more crucial target, but he had no intention to capture or kill such a young baby. All he wanted to do was to give a scare.

Wouldn't he be actual scum if he laid his hands on a newborn baby?

Furthermore, that would trigger a string of troublesome events. Vilhelm could give up on his baby. In fact, it was highly likely. According to Kang Chul-In's intuition, Vilhelm's ambition was large enough to overshadow his own wife and baby. Strictly speaking, it was still a profit for Vilhelm if he could conquer Deathwin and the 18 peaks by sacrificing the two of them. That was why keeping Vilhelm's wife and her baby hostage wasn't the most effective solution. However, Kang Chul-In himself was no layman. He already had an idea on how to disarm Vilhelm effectively.

"Spare the baby... alright, but only if you do my bidding."

"W-What is it?"

"That is..."

Kang Chul-In grinned slyly and began to list out his terms.