Mixed Novel Haha91.47%

278 - 285

Chapter 278: Kang Chul-In's First Love

Translator: Leyy3

One summer night 12 years ago, on a playground...

"Let's break up."

19 years old. Kang Chul-In, who was at the end of his teenage years spoke towards a girl.

"Break... up? U-Us?"

17 years old. The girl, Han Ye-Sun, was so surprised that she couldn't speak properly.

"Yeah, let's break up."

"Why?"

Yes, why? Kang Chul-In and her usually couldn't go a day without seeing each other. But he wanted to break up? Even though it was just immature love [1], it was still a sudden break-up notice.

The reason was...

"I found someone else who's way better than you."

He was crying wolf.

"Liar."

Han Ye-Sun shook her head.

"Oppa... are you telling me to believe that right now?"

"..."

"The lie that you found someone else other than me?"

Kang Chul-In couldn't say anything to Han Ye-Sun's scolding. After all, it was a lie. Someone else? Kang Chul-In had never thought of anyone other than Han Ye-Sun.

She was the only light in his life filled with part-time jobs and stress.

"Tell me the real reason, Oppa."

"I need a break..."

"Liar."

"I'm sick of..."

"Another lie."

"Actually..."

"Another lie again!"

Han Ye-Sun shouted.

"Oppa... I can tell whether you're lying or not..."

"..."

"It's plain to see... your eyes shake when you lie..."

The future Kang Chul-In was a sly evil person that you couldn't read, but the young Kang Chul-In was surprisingly someone that wasn't very skilled at lying.

"Whew..."

The young Kang Chul-In sighed. It was a depressed sigh...

"Is it because..."

Han Ye-Sun opened her mouth thinking of something.

"Is it because of my dad?"

"..."

"Is that it?"

Han Ye-Sun's father, Han Kwang-Ryul. He was planning on running for the councilman of the city of Bucheon 2 years later. Albeit not a gold spoon, Han Ye-Sun had at least a silver spoon in her mouth, and Han Kwang-Ryul didn't like Han Ye-Sun and Kang Chul-In's relationship. To be exact, he hated Kang Chul-In with a passion.

***

"Don't go out with our Ye-Sun."

A few days ago, Han Kwang-Ryul had come to where Kang Chul-In was working part-time.

"Should my daughter meet with you when she should be studying instead? Hm?"

"..."

"Break up while I'm being nice. Got it? Why young people like you are dating beats me."

Of course, Kang Chul-In had a natural temper back then as well.

"I don't want to."

"Don't... what?"

"It's my choice to go out with Ye-Sun, and I believe that it's Ye Sun's choice to go out with me."

"Y-You! What did you say just now?"

"I said exactly what you heard."

"This bastard..."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said. I'll be off. I have to continue with my work..."

"Ha! Look at you! I heard you don't have a father... I can see how your mom taught you..."

"Stop."

The young Kang Chul-In stopped Han Kwang-Ryul's cursing in a low voice.

Boil, boil!

His eyes were fiery. His clenched fists were just about to shoot forward.

"You... you can curse me... but..."

"...?"

"If you curse my parents... I... cannot hold back... even if it's you..."

It was a clear warning.

Even if it was Han Ye-Sun's father, he couldn't listen to his father, Kang Han, and his mother, Park Sun-Ja, being cursed.

"You can't hold back? Ha!"

Han Kwang-Ryul snorted in disbelief.

"You have no manners! Your mom and dad..."

Pakk!

"Oh my!"

That day, Kang Chul-In, who had been working part-time at McDonald's, threw his fist at a councilman, and it had consequences. Part-time? He was fired. School? The discipline committee opened right away and Kang Chul-In who had been a high school senior at the time faced the danger of being expelled.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... it's all because I didn't teach my son well... councilman... please..."

His mother, Park Sun-Ja, kneeled down in front of Han Kwang-Ryul to stop his expulsion.

"Mother, why are you doing this!?"

"Be quiet! Beg for forgiveness!"

"Mother!"

"Now!"

"I just won't attend school any..."

Thwak!

The day the disciple committee opened, Kang Chul-In was slapped in the cheek for the first time in his entire life, and he had to get on his knees for his mother, regardless of his pride.

His pride had been stepped on just because they were poor.

***

The young Kang Chul-In clenched his fists tightly remembering what happened a few days ago.

F***!

It was funny. It

was a plot that should've been in a show from the 90s, but the common cliche was now Kang Chul-In's reality.

Throb!

He could feel his skin being cut apart under his fingernails, but Kang Chul-In didn't change his mind to break up with Han Ye-Sun.

"My dad... was mean to you... so that's why we're breaking up, right?"

"No."

The young Kang Chul-In shook his head.

"I-It's not?"

"Yeah, it's not."

"Then... Why...?"

"I want to earn money. A lot of it."

"...!"

"I don't want to live like this even when I'm an adult."

"Oppa..."

"I'm going to succeed... I'm going to earn a lot of money to show everyone..."

This was the moment the seed of ambition grew in the young Kang Chul-In's heart.

"S-So?"

"I don't have time."

"That's... the reason why? Because you don't have time...?"

"We're poor."

"..."

"I'm a senior. I have to go to school and work part-time. I have to take the college admissions tests soon as well."

It was the truth. Kang Chul-In wouldn't have listened to a single word Han Kwang-Ryul said.

However,

If I can't escape from this... cycle of being poor... I won't change... forever...

The young Kang Chul-In was able to feel the impact of money through this incident. Han Kwang-Ryul? He was just a pig made from this capitalistic society, but Kang Chul-In didn't have the strength, nor money, to stand against him.

Money, money, money! This word was scratching his chest. Because of that, the young Kang Chul-In had decided to become a successful man so as not to suffer in this kind of situation again.

"Stay well."

He turned away from Han Ye-Sun.

"Oppa..."

"Let's not meet again."

He walked away.

Sorry.

The young Kang Chul-In didn't want to break up with Han Ye-Sun either.

Throb!

His heart hurt. He wanted to collapse right then and there because it hurt so much. Others would say it was just the fleeting love of high-schoolers, but his emotions weren't that shallow. However, there was nothing he could do. It was right to break up now. To succeed, and to support his family just a little, he had to stop meeting Han Ye-Sun here.

"D-Don't go!"

Just then, Han Ye-Sun hugged Kang Chul-In from the back.

"Oppa... don't go... Heuk..."

"Let go."

"Opp..."

Plop!

The young Kang Chul-In pushed Han Ye-Sun roughly away.

"O-Oppa!"

"Go away."

They were cold words. He began to walk away again.

"Hey!"

He could hear Han Ye-Sun shouting behind him, but he didn't stop.

"Kang Chul-In, you bastard!"

That day when he kicked his first love coldly away, he shook off his young emotions and became an adult. He had evolved into an ambitious fox, hardened by the world.

Of course, Kang Chul-In hadn't immediately succeeded after this incident, and after he became an adult, he worked himself to death paying back his family's debt. Why? It was the time in South Korea when the employment rates were at their lowest. He was in the land where you couldn't succeed just with effort.

***

Dammit!

Kang Chul-In's face crumpled. He had completely forgotten about it, but seeing Han Ye-Sun's face above the teacher's desk made him go crazy.

It was best to say that it was cringy. It was a piece of a dark history that he couldn't tell anyone. How could he bring it up? Revealing that he was a main character in a soap opera was as humiliating as kissing the dead Rothschild's butt.

You...

Just then, Han Ye-Sun mouthed another message to Kang Chul-In.

Bad. Bastard.

It was what she said to him when they broke up.

I want to get away from here.

He had to use supernatural patience to stop himself from jumping through a window. It wasn't because he was regretful. Those emotions had already disappeared a long time ago. He was just surprised that he met someone he didn't expect to see here, and his emotions were boiling up from the embarrassment of his history.

It's been a while... to see her here...

Kang Chul-In and Han Ye-Sun's last meeting was 2 years before the Great Summoning occurred in the past.

At that time, the 27-year-old Kang Chul-In was paying back debts with three jobs, and Han Ye-Sun had said this when she came to see Kang Chul-In.

"I came... because I missed you."

Yes. Han Ye-Sun hadn't been able to forget Kang Chul-In even after their break-up. It was more accurate to say that she hadn't given up. When Kang Chul-In was in the military, she sent him letters and goods, and sometimes, she even requested to meet him and put Kang Chul-In in awkward situations.

That wasn't all.

Sometimes, she walked passed Kang Chul-In as 'random person 1' and left porridge at his door when he was sick. It was pure caring love.

Of course, Kang Chul-In's reaction every time was,

-Go away.

It was cold.

It's been 3 years since the Great Summoning... if I add the 12 years from the past and the 3 years now... it'll be 15 years since I last saw her.

Han Ye-Sun completely concealed herself after a Christmas day 2 years before the Great Summoning, and the two hadn't met since.

Until today.

I'll. Talk. To. You. Later.

While Kang Chul-In was thinking those thoughts, Han Ye-Sun mouthed more words to him.

It was an awkward situation.

He was with his 3 wives, and he was participating in this observation class as his loving Arshelly's father, not to see his first love!

***

"Alright, class is over."

The parent observation class finished.

"Next... Arshelly's father will give everyone a special lecture," Han Ye-Sun said as she pointed to Kang Chul-In.

"...Me?"

Kang Chul-In was taken aback at Han Ye-Sun's straight punch. Class? Why him? What did a villain like him have to say to these little seedlings? He couldn't talk about murders, war, stealing, threats, and all those other evil acts.

"I'm sorry," Kang Chul-In said as he glared at Han Ye-Sun.

"I can't, Ms. Han."

"I heard that you were giving a special parent lecture..."

"I think you're mistaken?"

"Ah... I see... oh well. Then I suppose I'll have to speak about my first love..."

"Ah, yes, it's me. I'll do it."

Kang Chul-In quickly changed his attitude. He wouldn't let her speak about her first love over his dead body.

Dammit, shit!

Things were thoroughly messed up.

[1] In Korea, you're an adult when you turn 20.

Chapter 279: Han Ye-Sun (1)

Translator: Leyy3

"Oho!"

"Mr. Kang Chul-In himself?"

"Husband, film it with your camera!"

"Keum... I wonder what someone like that will say."

The reactions to the fact that Kang Chul-In was giving a lecture were explosive. Kang Chul-In was someone that you might meet once in a lifetime; he was rarer than a celebrity. Also, he was a hero who had protected South Korea from scary monsters. Listening to a lecture from such a man? This was a huge honor for the little seedlings and for the parents.

However, the problem was that Kang Chul-In didn't have anything to say to these nose-snifflers.

How am I supposed to fill 40 minutes up?

What was he supposed to talk about?

How to use servants? Or how to cleanly cut the neck off your opponent? How to make Rothschild suffer?

Dammit?

Anything Kang Chul-In was good at wouldn't be good for the children.

"Arshelly's father?"

Just then, Han Ye-Sun spoke to Kang Chul-In with slit eyes.

"Are you starting?"

"..."

"Look, the children are waiting."

"..."

"Stay strong, Arshelly's father."

They said that if a woman had a grudge, she could even make it snow in June. That was the Han Ye-Sun of now.

Sssss!

Han Ye-Sun's glare on Kang Chul-In was so sharp that it was like the blade of a knife.

This is revenge!

Kang Chul-In's face filled with surprise.

He had many enemies over his two lives, but this was the first time he was paying the price for stepping on someone's goodwill (or love as they said). In the first place, he had never actually paid the price. But it was different this time. He was about to get hit without even being able to fight back. If they were fighting with swords he would've stopped her, but he didn't know what to do since she was getting him like this.

His work of the past. This was the price he had to pay for making a girl cry.

"Whew."

Kang Chul-In slowly breathed in and out.

Sparkle, sparkle...☆

About 30 elementary-schoolers including Arshelly were looking at him with stars in their eyes.

Dad! You're so cool!

Arshelly looked like a princess gazing up at her knight in shining armor, and Park Sun-Ja's eyes weren't too far off from that either.

Son! You're so impressive!

No, they were shining even more. This situation brought her happiness that she wouldn't even have dreamed of.

I can't escape this.

Kang Chul-In folded his thoughts of trying to break through the window again to run away. Then, he began to write something on the board. It read the following:

Dreams.

It was a bright topic, which was unlike him.

"Can everyone see this?"

Kang Chul-In pointed at the sentence that was his way of getting out of this.

"Yeah!"

The students responded.

"Then, I'll begin now."

Kang Chul-In continued with confidence.

Yeah, this kind of stuff was easy as cake. A man should be confident!

...

"And that's it for the lecture."

The lecture was a memorable one that both adults and children were able to relate to. It was an excellent lecture.

Clap clap clap!

Applause came from everywhere.

"Wow~! Arshelly's dad is so cool!"

"I'm a fan, Uncle!"

"Kya~!"

"My dad isn't cool... humph!"

The children were ecstatic. Hearing Kang Chul-In speak about 'the other world' was interesting in itself, but he added the topic of 'dreams' on top of that and made it seem special, so of course their reactions would be like this.

"Wow... a successful man is definitely different."

"S-So cool! Mr. Kang Chul-In!"

"Ke, so that was why life was hard. Haaa... I don't even remember what my dreams were when I was younger..."

"It was a good healing talk in this cold hard-to-live world..."

The reactions of the parents matched the children's.

"Dad is the best!"

"You're so impressive, son!"

"Husband is so cool~!"

"I love you, Honey~!"

"Y-your Majesty... That was such an amazing lecture!"

His family. Yes, his family was smiling brightly.

Keuk... I'm experiencing all kinds of things.

Kang Chul-In laughed inwardly.

He wondered if this was what a family was about.

Was this true happiness?

He didn't know what he had done all his life to miss these things.

"What do you do when monsters from that world try to eat you? Do you..."

It was time to answer questions.

"I hit their necks."

"You hit their... what?"

The innocent young boy was shocked at Kang Chul-In's response.

"S-So... I was saying..."

"This is what influences life the most whether its humans or monsters."

Kang Chul-In tapped his head.

"So here, if you hit the necks there will be an excessive amount of blood that is spilled and the bodily movements will stop."

"..."

"Of course, there are some situations where that doesn't work. In those cases, you can cut the limbs off or beat them up. You can cut them up into small pieces and..."

Unfortunately, Kang

Chul-In couldn't finish his answer.

"Huwangg~! I-It's too gruesome!"

It was because the young boy who had been listening to his answer paled and burst out in tears.

"..."

The nice atmosphere quickly became awkward because Kang Chul-In's answers to the continued questions were all inappropriate.

For example:

Q: Are there fairies in that world?

A: Yes.

Q: What species are the fairies?

A: They're a poor species that get caught as slaves when people are bored.

Q: What?

A: They're nice to look at so they're usually used for trafficking.

Q:...

Or,

Q: I want to explore that world by becoming a supernatural!

A: Dream on.

Q: ...

Or like this,

Q: I want to go out with Arsh...

A: Shut up.

Q: T-That's not fa...

A: I wouldn't give you my daughter even over my dead body.

Q: Aaaaaang~!

"..."

Thanks to that, cold air swirled inside of the classroom. No one was able to stop Kang Chul-In from talking. Why? They thought that if they talked back to the strongest and evilest villain on Earth, they might die.

"Mm... we'll stop the questions and answers. We'll take 10 minutes to speak about class now~."

Han Ye-Sun quickly stepped up, and the situation ended.

"You've done well, Arshelly's father."

While everyone in the class was busy talking to each other, Han Ye-Sun approached him and whispered in a low voice that only he could hear.

"It was a very memorable lecture, very. Genuineness... yes, genuineness. They say a genuine heart moves people, hm?"

Her words were sharp.

It was like she was mocking Kang Chul-In's lecture for not being genuine.

"Well, fine."

"..."

"Oppa, you..."

Kang Chul-In's face instantly crumpled.

Oppa.

He never imagined he would hear that word from Han Ye-Sun's mouth again...

"Since you're a man with three wives..."

"..."

"That's how good your speaking skills are now, hm?"

"..."

"Unlike before."

It was a sly sarcastic statement that dug into Kang Chul-In's weak point.

"Anyways, I'm glad you seem happy now."

"..."

"Meet me after this."

Han Ye-Sun requested for a meeting with him.

"Is it a parent-teacher conference?"

Kang Chul-In asked.

It was an important question. The answer would be determined by whether it was official business or not.

"No."

However, Han Ye-Sun's motives were completely personal.

"I refuse."

Kang Chul-In shook his head.

Never.

There was no way. He wasn't weak or soft enough to be shaken by his first love. There was anything left of their relationship anymore. Also, wasn't Kang Chul-In the head of a family now?

"Then, I'll be off now."

Kang Chul-In turned around.

"I'll tell you something interesting. So make some time."

"I don't need it."

"You'll be interested."

"I won't."

"I don't think so... you'll definitely be interested..."

However, Han Ye-Sun was confident.

"Aren't you the Chul-In oppa that I know? The oppa that I know won't stay still if someone bothers his daughter...?"

"What?"

Kang Chul-In whipped around. It was something he had done subconsciously. Why? Because he was a fool for his daughter!

Shit!

It was too late when he realized he was baited.

"I have a parent-teacher conference, so I'll meet you in the all-purpose room on the 5th floor when I'm done. That's an empty classroom that even the staff doesn't use often."

"..."

"Then I'll be waiting."

Han Ye-Sun slightly pushed Kang Chul-In away and took her podium back.

"Everyone, you listened to Arshelly's father's speech well, right?"

"Yeah!"

"Alright, it must have been hard to focus on Uncle's talk, so I'm glad you listened well."

It was a mysterious sentence filled with beef.

"Okay, that's the end of today's class."

And like that, Kang Chul-In finished the parent observation class.

***

Crunch, crunch!

Lee Gong-Myung ripped Rothschild's skin and bones apart and drank his blood with a wide open mouth.

"At the very least..."

He was muttering to himself in a mad voice.

"You... will be inside of me... Alex..."

It was an act that could be perceived in a religious way.

On Earth, the Fore people of Papua New Guinea believed that if you ate the dead body of a tribe member, you would be with them forever [1]. Lee Gong-Myung was thinking the same thing, eating his lover's, no, one-sided love's dead body. He was trying to become one with Rothschild by eating him.

Drip.

Tears didn't stop pouring down Lee Gong-Myung's eyes.

"I'll... take revenge... you can... watch... Hm? Since you and I are one now... you'll be able to see it..."

It was a scary madness. It was closer to obsession than love. After all, Lee Gong-Myung was someone who spent years at Rothschild's side with his unspeakable feelings.

He had left him without saying goodbye, so maybe the madness could be expected.

"Just you wait, Kang Chul-In..."

Lee Gong-Myung left Rothschild's remains behind and walked away. He was planning on forcing Kang Chul-In to ruin. He needed an army, as well as a force that could stand against the Valhalla Kingdom.

Surprisingly, Lee Gong-Myung wasn't headed towards the Cyamodus territory in the north.

"As of now..."

A mysterious statement escaped Lee Gong-Myung's mouth.

"You're perfect, Attil Ramanujan..."

Overlord Attil Ramanujan. He was the only person who could fight against Overlord Ao Xin's army.

Also, he was something who had been in charge of the Baldur Alliance's numbers in the past that only Kang Chul-In and Alfred knew of.

This meant that Attil Ramnujan was specialized in a war of numbers...

***

Ongok Elementary School, in the all-purpose room on the 5th floor.

"..."

There was silence between the two who had met each other for the first time in a long time.

Neither of them opened their mouths easily.

Bad bastard...

How long is she going to be hung up on the past?

They just looked at each other.

"Get to the point."

Eventually, Kang Chul-In spoke up first.

"Who's bothering my daughter?"

"Later."

Han Ye-Sun shook her head.

"I can't lose a fish I caught like that

"..."

"You'll just swim away after biting the bait."

"T-That's..."

That was true.

There was a time he had been a fresh teenager in the past, but it wasn't like he wasn't a lunatic back then either.

"Anyways... Congratulations on your marriage."

"Thanks."

"You're really amazing."

"...?"

"You have three wives."

"That's..."

"It's interesting. I didn't know my first love was into polygamy."

It was an attack that Kang Chul-In couldn't refute.

"So what?"

But Kang Chul-In wasn't normal.

"W-What?"

"I'm a Lord, no, the king of a country."

"..."

"What's so wrong about a king marrying for convenience for his country?"

He hadn't wanted to have multiple wives in the first place, so Kang Chul-In felt wronged.

"I..."

Just when Kang Chul-In was about to continue, Han Ye-Sun shot forward like a bolt and ran into his arms.

"You bastard!"

[1] Read more about that here!

Chapter 280: Han Ye-Sun (2)

Translator: Leyy3

On the rooftop of Ongok Elementary School's Building B, three women were watching the 5th floor of Building A.

"T-that woman!"

Lee Chae-Rin exclaimed in surprise. It was when Han Ye-Sun had jumped into Kang Chul-In's arms.

"..."

Skadi was silent. Silence was her only answer since her relationship with Kang Chul-In hadn't gone that far.

"Hm? So Husband was a womanizer I see! I always knew that."

Unlike Lee Chae-Rin, Ninetails acted like she was amused.

"U-unnie..."

Lee Chae-Rin spoke up in a concerned voice.

"Hm?"

"Who do you think that fox... n-no, that sly woman is?"

"I don't know?"

Ninetails shrugged her shoulders.

"I wouldn't know."

"Aren't you curious?"

"No."

"..."

"Not even a little bit."

Was she confident? Ninetails didn't seem to care about Kang Chul-In's apparent affair.

"He's..."

"What?"

"Mm... so Husband is..."

"...?"

"He's impossible to have to yourself, anyway."

"Ah!"

Lee Chae-Rin realized what kind of man Kang Chul-In was again. Yes, even if Kang Chul-In had another woman, there was no need to make a big deal out of it. It was impossible to stop him, and only she would be hurt if she cared about it.

However...

"Well, we still have to watch her, yeah?"

"Watch... her?"

"She might be another one of us so we have to know what kind of woman she is."

"...!"

"Like a kind of a test."

Ninetails smiled.

"So let's quietly watch, sisters."

"Yes, unnie."

"Okay."

Lee Chae-Rin and Skadi nodded their heads.

***

Meanwhile, Kang Chul-In, not knowing he was being watched, was shocked by Han Ye-Sun's sudden attack. It was unlike himself.

"...!"

Kang Chul-In was surprised. Han Ye-Sun was quick. Too quick. She was in his arms before he realized it.

"Bad... bastard..."

Han Ye-Sun sobbed in Kang Chul-In's arms.

"I... I! Heuk...!"

"..."

"I love you so much... I missed you and wanted to be with you..."

"..."

"How could you not meet me even once? You didn't answer a single call! Heuk!"

She was so upset that she started to spew her words out.

Kang Chul-In's shirt was soaked with her tears, so he could feel how much she had missed him.

"I... never forgot about you..."

"..."

"I still... think about you... everyday..."

"..."

"And don't be mistaken..."

"About what?"

"It's not because you're successful..."

"Yep."

Kang Chul-In almost burst out laughing, but he was able to hold it in with his supernatural endurance.

Everyone knows that.

He knew better than anyone that Han Ye-Sun wasn't a gold-digger. When Kang Chul-In was poor, she was a dedicated woman who had looked after him without any complaints. Han Ye-Sun was also the first person to take him to an expensive family restaurant in his entire life. She was also the reason why Kang Chul-In wore the expensive "Jazzmaster" watch from the Hamilton Company, which he accepted because she kept crying about it. When he was serving in the military, she had even sent him letters and goods, even signing up to meet him... although he rejected everything.

There was even a time when she sent some money to Park Sun-Ja secretly.

I know... I know too well.

A passing dog would laugh if they heard that Han Ye-Sun was approaching Kang Chul-In because she wanted to enjoy a lavish lifestyle by marrying him.

Han Ye-Sun. Her affection was 100% genuine, and it was dedicated.

"It's a relief that it's not."

However, Kang Chul-In didn't express a tiny bit of what he was thinking.

"I-It's a relief... that it's not?"

"It's a harsh world."

"..."

"Of course you have to have your guard up when a strange woman approaches you."

"O-Oppa!"

Instead, he pretended like he was suspecting Han Ye-Sun.

"How... how could you..."

"Are you something to me?"

"...!"

"We're not in any relationship."

A counterattack. Kang Chul-In's cold and dry words were like a sword in Han Ye-Sun's heart.

"Oppa..."

"You and I were finished 12 years ago."

"..."

"What do we have between us now that everything's over?"

"Do you have to say it like that?"

"I only said the truth."

Kang Chul-In was colder than ever.

Nothing can be done.

Han Ye-Sun's heart? He knew how

she felt. However, he had to pretend not to know because it would become complicated. It would be more polite to coldly draw the line than to have an unclear stance.

"Fine... okay..."

"Move."

"...!"

"Don't touch me."

Kang Chul-In roughly moved Han Ye-Sun off of him. He wasn't the Kang Chul-In Han Ye-Sun knew from the past. The struggling high schooler and college student who was just entering society didn't exist anymore. Just the Supreme King of the West, Kang Chul-In.

"Bad bastard..."

"That's not the first time I've heard that."

"You've changed..."

"Everyone changes."

"No..."

"..."

"That doesn't mean they become a war fanatic."

"A war fanatic?"

An unexpected sentence came from Han Ye-Sun's mouth.

"I heard all about it."

"What?"

"The World Community."

"...!

"Foreign adventurers occasionally put news of that world on there."

She was right. Not all adventurers focused on dungeon subjugations or monster hunting.

"Oppa..."

"...?"

"Why are you going that far?"

"That's..."

The answer was too simple.

Ambition.

That one word was behind all of Kang Chul-In's movement.

Uniting the continent!

Controlling the huge otherworld called Pangaea was his great mission.

"Can't you stop? You're blowing out of proportion right..."

"Stop."

Kang Chul-In stopped Han Ye-Sun from speaking.

"I won't accept interference on what I do."

"Oppa..."

"Don't cross the line."

That was the end.

"I'll think of the thing with Arshelly just as bait that you used."

"..."

"I'm off."

Kang Chul-In turned away from Han Ye-Sun.

Someone who bothered Arshelly? He could find that out himself. It was just that hearing it directly from Arshelly would be faster.

"Kang Chul-In... until the end..."

Han Ye-Sun growled at Kang Chul-In.

"Fine, go! Go then!"

Kang Chul-In didn't stop.

"Are you happy? Living like that?"

He turned around to answer.

"I'm happy."

"...!"

"Really."

It was the truth.

Family.

It was a happiness that he didn't know about in the past.

"Even having 3 women?"

"Of course."

"More than me..."

"At the very least..."

Before he left through the door, Kang Chul-in smiled faintly.

"My wives don't criticize me for what I do."

"...!"

"They just trust me, follow me, and love me."

Creak...

The door opened.

"And I also love them."

Kang Chul-In left the all-purpose classroom.

"Really... what a really bad bastard... just you wait..."

Han Ye-Sun muttered to herself alone in the classroom.

***

While Kang Chul-In was having a good time, in Vilhelm's bedroom deep in the Bifrost territory...

"Husband... heuk..."

Mei Ling cried out.

"Until when are you going to ignore me? Hm?"

"..."

"Please, just look at me once..."

She was almost begging. After that day, Mei Ling had never looked Vilhelm in the eye. Of course, he hadn't said a word to her either.

"Husband... I'll never..."

It was then.

"Of course not."

Vilhelm answered in a frosty voice. It was the first thing he said in 2 weeks.

"You're my wife. "

"H-Husband! Are you not angry any..."

"You have to be my wife."

"What are you..."

"Your marriage with me symbolizes the bond between Overlord Albrecht Vilhelm and Overlord Ao Xin."

"...!"

"There's nothing I can do even if I hate it."

Puk!

Mei Ling froze at the pain that felt like it was piercing her heart.

Hate it? It was true she had done a great sin, but she thought that was a bit too much.

"H-How can you say something like..."

"You trash-like bitch."

"...!"

"You still don't get it?"

"Husband...!"

"I was going to kill you by ripping you apart forlandesverrat [1]."

"..."

"The only reason why I didn't... is because you're Ao Xin's little sister."

Vilhelm glared at Mei Ling icily.

Flinch!

Mei Ling trembled.

Was he... always like this?

She had always thought Vilhelm was a kind person. Before the incident, he had always treated her with respect.

"Quietly," Vilhelm continued, "live quietly without being noticed by me, you trash-like bitch."

"...!"

"The same goes for your son."

It was cruel. Vilhelm treated his son like he wasn't human after losing.

"..."

Mei Ling felt so wrong and upset that she was speechless.

Once I rule this continent... I'll kill you first, along with Ao Xin.

Vilhelm turned away. Yes, his current ally Ao Xin would become his political enemy the moment that Pangaea was unified. He would end it then. Mei Ling and Ao Xin.

Even his son, Viktor Vilhelm, who had the same blood as them.

***

"So there's someone bothering my daughter, hm?"

Kang Chul-In growled as he left the classroom.

It didn't matter whoever it was. He was planning on sending them to the Nidavellir mines after beating them up.

Bzz!

His phone vibrated.

[The principal did it. I had to calm Arshelly down after he told her to bring you here. Take care of your daughter.

-A girl thrown away by a bad bastard.]

"Mm!"

He was a bit bothered by the last part, but since he got the information from her, he wasn't just baited.

"The principal..."

Kang Chul-In repeated those words to himself as he moved to Building A.

Swoosh!

The door opened.

"O-O!"

The principal, who was on the phone, was surprised after seeing Kang Chul-In.

"W-Who's this!? Kang..."

"First."

"Pardon?"

"You should hang up first."

Kang Chul-In spoke in a cold voice.

"People get surprised if they hear pigs squealing."

"W-What are you..."

"Bite down on your handkerchief at least."

"Huh?"

Kang Chul-In took a step forward.

"You dare to push my daughter?"

He wore a vicious smile.

The mental training was beginning.

[1] German for treason.

Chapter 281. Kwak Jung, Kwak Jun, and Lee Ji-Tae

Translator: Leyy3

"Oi, Kwak something."

Kwak Jung said.

- Yes.

"You saw that right?"

- I did.

Kwak Jun, the tactician of Lord Vito Clemenza replied over the screen.

"Our king is this awesome, hah!"

Kwak Jung shrugged arrogantly.

"In other words, your trickeries have nothing on us!"

- Haha, what do you mean by trickeries... that's an exaggeration. I had to gain Vilhelm's trust....

Kwak Jun denied Kwak Jung's accusations.

"Oh? You bastard still haven't learnt your lesson after that beating...."

- Ah, if tactician Kwak says so, then it must be true. Yup, definitely true.

Kwak Jun smiled and tried his best to curry favor with Kwak Jung.

"Changing words, are we?"

- Not at all.

"Well, if you do it again then I will break your bones into tiny pieces."

- ...

"Anyways, how is the Baldur conquest going?"

- Good.

"Any chance of a third superpower emerging from the Baldur region...."

- I will prevent that at all costs!

Kwak Jun promised.

"Hmm! Sounds good. Alright, keep up the good work."

- Yes.

"Good to see you working hard, huh?"

- Haha! It's all thanks to the Supreme King of the West and tactician Kwak's everlasting care and love.

"Keh... bastard knows how to flatter...."

- Not at all!

"You must have breezed through army."

- Yes, I'm quite....

Despite the ongoing casual conversation, Kwak Jung was incredibly cold towards Kwak Jun inwardly.

There's a chance that you bastard may become the third superpower. You think I will let that happen?

Kwak Jung was hiding a dagger behind his laughter.

He was fine with letting Kwak Jun grow his influence, but he would never let him be a bigwig.

"Well then, continue to report in the future."

- Certainly.

"Ah, and."

- Anything else?

"If Vilhelm looks for you... you know what to do, right?"

- Of course!

Kwak Jun immediately replied.

- I will report every detail of the conversation without mistake. Nothing....

At that instant.

- Gasp!

Kwak Jun was taken aback.

"What is it?"

- A-An incoming call from Vilhelm!

"...!"

- It's classified as 'top secret' some more. Seems like he wants to have a secret conversation.

"Hmm... ok, hurry take the call."

Kwak Jung nodded.

"Let me reiterate...."

- I will definitely report every single detail.

"Good."

- Well then, I will go talk to Vilhelm....

"Be my guest."

- Alright!

Beep -!

The call ended.

"Hmm... Vilhelm seems to be in the soup, huh?"

It was obvious as to why Vilhelm was looking for Kwak Jun.

Vilhelm was in a politically precarious position.

He had already lost the war due to Mei Ling's trolling (?) and had lost the trust of many Lords. Vilhelm desperately needed an opportunity to turn things around.

The fact that he gave Kwak Jun a call meant....

"Now now... it's going to be interesting! Keke!"

Kwak Jung grinned.

***

Overlord rank 9.

Atal Ramanujan.

His specialty was to increase population and overwhelm his enemies with sheer numbers, just like Ao Xin. He was the true ruler of the Baldur region, who governed the Shatyameba territory.

Of course, Atal Ramanujan wasn't a man with the abilities to become the ruler of one of the three large divisions of Pangea.

He could amplify his population to activate his domestic economy and cultivate a large army, but that was all.

Shatyameba was a tropical territory with harsh terrains. It was impossible to feed that many people.

Moreover, the territory lacked a skilled magic-engineer, thus the level of technological advance was extremely meagre. Regardless of the population, Shatyameba was inferior to other territories.

Because of this,

"I have to get out of this cursed land no matter what...."

Atul Ramanujan wished to advance towards the center of the Baldur region.

"And recruit talents...."

He also wished to have capable subordinates under his wing.

Despite the large population, talents were nowhere to be found. This drove Atul Ramanujan insane.

"Now's really the opportunity... we need to make a move now... welps...."

In his office,

Atal Ramanujan kept licking his while reading the map.

Now was really the right time.

Alex Rothschild, who wasn't an Overlord but was affluent enough to pose a heavy influence on the Baldur region had suddenly disappeared from the ranking page.

Furthermore, Overlord Lee Chae-Rin and Lord Vito Clemenza's army were fractioning the Baldur region from the west and east respectively.

In addition, six Lords who ruled over the central region of Baldur had mysteriously vanished, which instigated rebellion and uproar in those territories.

Therefore, if an Overlord like him could advance to the central region of Baldur, Atul Ramanujan could be the second person to claim the crown after Kang Chul-In.

"God damn it... where are the talents...."

The problem was that he lacked a genius who could command his huge army and share his insights regarding the political scene in Pangea.

"Hmm...."

At that moment.

"Your Majesty,

an explorer named Lee Ji-Tae requests to be in your presence."

A servant spoke.

"Lee Ji-Tae?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Peculiar name. But how can a mere explorer request to meet me?"

"A-Actually...."

"Speak."

"This explorer named Lee Ji-Tae has promised to hunt down and tribute to you the level 70 'Gulag lizard'...."

"G-Gulag lizard!"

Atal Ramanujan gasped in shock.

The Gulag lizard was a native species only found in Atul Ramanujan's territory. It was a terrifying monster which spewed out toxic gas.

There was even a consensus amongst the explorers that hunting level 80 monsters was more beneficial than hunting a Gulag lizard.

And this stranger had just promised to kill this monster.

"A raid party?"

"No."

"No?"

"He claimed to have hunted down the lizard alone...."

"...!"

"There are witnesses as well. I believe Lee Ji-Tae is quite a skillful...."

"Hurry!!!"

Atal Ramanujan bellowed.

"Summon this explorer named Lee Ji-Tae in the Lord's hall, now!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I shall personally speak to him!"

Atal Ramanujan's face was red in excitement.

A powerful explorer who could even solo kill a Gulag lizard had walked into his territory of his own volition.

It was akin to chancing upon a wallet on the street.

Talents like such didn't come by often!

***

30 minutes later.

In the Lord's hall of Shatyameba.

"So, you are Lee Ji-Tae?"

Atal Ramnujan asked the explorer charismatically, who was kneeling on one side.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I indeed am."

"You claim to have hunted down a Gulag lizard alone... is that true?"

"Yes."

"Woah... then you must be really powerful! That's already as good as a general in Valhalla!"

"Not at all, Your Majesty."

Lee Ji-Tae was humble.

"How could I compare to the ferocious generals of Valhalla? I may be able to fight one or two Gulag lizards, but they can take down four or five."

"I-Is that so?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Moreover, Kang Chul-In, the Supreme King of the West, will just treat the Gulag lizards as mere pets."

"Right... you speak the truth."

Atal Ramanujan was aware of the reality. He agreed with Lee Ji-Tae.

"But that is not to say your combat abilities are insignificant. It is rare to find an explorer who can hunt down a Gulag lizard alone."

"You flatter me, Your Majesty."

"Well then, raise your head. Let me have a look at your face."

Lee Ji-Tae revealed his face.

Hmm! Seems familiar....

Atal Ramanujan thought he had seen the face from somewhere.

Who is it... I definitely recognize this face... ah, Lee Gong-Myung!!!

The stranger's face closely resembled Alex Rothschild's tactician, Lee Gong-Myung's face.

However,

No, that's not it. Lee Gong-Myung's eyes were not blue. His hair as well... those traits are more like Alex Rothschild's....

The stranger was definitely not Lee Gong-Myung himself.

At the same time, he wasn't Alex Rothschild. He had a strange mixture of both of their traits.

Don't tell me... he recognizes me?

Lee Ji-Tae, no, Lee Gong-Myung was slightly nervous.

He had absorbed Alex Rothschild, hence his appearance carried some of his traits.

In other words, it wasn't surprising that Atal Ramanujan found Lee Ji-Tae's face familiar.

"Your Majesty."

At that moment, Lee Ji-Tae quickly spoke.

"May I request something...."

"Ah, do you have anything to say?"

"Please take me in."

"...!"

"If you take me in as your subordinate... I, Lee Ji-Tae, swear on my life to make Your Majesty the king of the southern region!"

"K-King of South!"

Atal Ramanujan exclaimed with delight.

King.

Ah, what a magnificent title!

The other Lords would look up to him, just like how they respected Kang Chul-In, who was the King of the West.

In addition, if he managed to establish a kingdom, he could become the one and only ruler of Baldur, unlike the Gullveig Alliance in the North.

Just like Kang Chul-In!

"Hmm!"

However, Atal Ramanujan immediately regained his composure.

The King of South?

A grand title indeed, but it was easier said than done.

He understood that Lee Ji-Tae was powerful enough to hunt down a Gulag lizard alone, but that was far from enough.

"Lee Ji-Tae, was it?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Are you patronizing me?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I understand that you are proficient in combat, but that alone is insufficient to make me a king."

"I'm not talking about my combat abilities."

Lee Ji-Tae replied.

"I plan to make you a king using my brain and tactics."

"T-Tactics?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Even though you are strong enough to hunt a Gulag...."

"To assume that a strong soldier is not brainy is a stereotype."

"...!"

"My combat abilities are far from perfect, but I am confident in my tactics and strategies."

That was hardly an arrogance.

Lee Gong-Myung (now Lee Ji-Tae) was a genius who had once pushed that incapable Alex Rothschild up to the same ranks as Kang Chul-In and Vilhelm.

He could do the same for Atal Ramanujan.

"I-Is that true?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Lee Ji-Tae replied firmly.

"Northern Expedition!!!"

"...!"

"Your Majesty currently rules over the southernmost area in Pangea, but you have to advance to the north to rule over the whole continent!"

Ba-dump!

That statement made Atal Ramanujan's heart race.

Ah, the Northern Expedition!

What an exciting phrase!

"Don't you boast a huge population? Your Majesty, think about your home country India and also China!"

"India and China...."

"These two nations invigorated their domestic economies by taking advantage of their large population. They eventually took over the world economy!"

He was right.

Population directly affected a nation's economy, and a strong economy became the foundation for a strong army.

"What forms the fundamentals of a nation is none other than the people."

"...!"

"In that sense, Your Majesty possesses an attribute which is far more valuable than that of Kang Chul-In or Ao Xin!"

"I-Is that so!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Keh... I think you are right."

"However!"

"...!"

"As time passes by, both the Gullveig Alliance and the Valhalla Kingdom will enjoy an increase in population."

It was a race against time.

Both the Gullveig Alliance and the Valhalla Kingdom were equipped with a huge talent pool, abundant resources and advanced technology. Their populations were increasing exponentially.

In contrast, Atal Ramanujan's finance was starting to take a toll due to the increasing population.

Thus, if Atal Ramanujan delayed his Northern Expedition and failed to advance to the center of Pangea, then he would never get a chance to rule over Pangea!

"Your Majesty!"

"What is it?"

"If you grant me 30,000 soldiers, I will conquer the Itaracia territory for you!"

"I-Itaracia!"

It was a strategic location that Atal Ramanujan had to conquer for his advancement.

The problem was that it had harsh terrain similar to the 18 peaks, and also burning hot weather.

In addition, the fortress was located 3000m above sea level, so it was wise to give up before trying in normal circumstances.

"Yes, your Majesty."

"Is that... even possible?"

"I will make you proud!"

A strong confidence!

Lee Ji-Tae was 100% sure of himself.

Why?

It was because he was Lee Gong-Myung, the tactician of Alex Rothschild!

Chapter 282: The Girl's SOS

Translator: Leyy3

"Hmm..."

Atal Ramanujan pondered. 30,000 was not a big number for him. He had over 150,000 soldiers (although they weren't really well-trained) under his command, hence he could just give Lee Ji-Tae the benefit of doubt. Even if he did lose the 30,000 soldiers, all he had to do was to gather another 50,000. However, it was also true that he was hesitant to give a total stranger 30,000 soldiers.

"Your Majesty."

Lee Ji-Tae, having noticed Atal Ramanujan's hesitation, spoke in a staunch tone.

"The answer to your ambition is the Northern Expedition. Only the Northern Expedition!"

"Northern Expedition!"

"If you continue to hole up in this southern region, only doom awaits!"

"Doom, you say..."

"Both Kang Chul-In and Vilhelm have huge ambition. If they conquer central Pangaea while your Majesty hesitates, then..."

"...!"

"Do you think they will acknowledge your sovereignty? Do you think Kang Chul-In, now crowned an emperor, will grant you the title of 'The King of the South'?"

"T-That!"

The consequence was obvious. Atal Ramanujan would be conquered without a doubt.

"I will open up your path, your Majesty."

"Y-You will!?"

"Yes, your Majesty!"

"Hmm!"

Atal Ramanujan pondered one last time and,

"Alright!"

He finally accepted Lee Ji-Tae's request.

"Northern Expedition... that's right, I have to accomplish it sooner or later. I just didn't have the right talent to bring it to fruition. What a serendipity it is for you to appear in front of me at this timing. Lee Ji-Tae, I will give you my trust!"

"I'm eternally grateful, your Majesty!"

Lee Ji-Tae bowed.

However, there was a fact that Atal Ramanujan was unaware of. In Ancient Korea, there was a sovereign named Gungye who met someone called Ah Ji-Tae. He became overly obsessed over the idea of the Northern Expedition and met his end as the result!

***

"Hukkkk..."

Thump!

Cho Nak-Sam, the principal of Ongok elementary school, collapsed onto the floor.

"How dare you?"

Kang Chul-In glared coldly at the principal.

"How dare you mess with my daughter?"

"R-Really... s-sorry..."

"If you lurk around my daughter one more time..."

"..."

"I will give you a tour around the Aoji mine."

"A-Aoji... mine..."

"In other words, I will make you an eternal slave in the other world."

"E-Eek!"

Cho Nak-Sam squealed. It wasn't just out of fear and shock. His teeth were scattered all over the office floor. He couldn't pronounce his words due to air leaking through the holes.

"This is my first and final warning. You hear me?"

"Y-Yes, sir!"

"Well then, rest well."

Kang Chul-In brushed his hands off and left the principal's room.

I will destroy whoever dares to mess with my daughter. Yup, definitely.

Kang Chul-In was being a 'good' father as usual.

***

That evening, the whole family had gathered around the dining table. Kang Chul-In had an important announcement to make as the head of the family.

"14 nights and 15 days."

Kang Chul-In smiled faintly.

"I'm thinking of going on a family trip, mother."

The opinions of Ninetails, Lee Chae-Rin, Skadi and Arshelly did not matter at all. Was it because Kang Chul-In was patriarchal? Or was it because he was macho? If not, was he a mama's boy?

Of course not!

There was no way that his lovely wives and daughter would have conflicting opinions. Moreover, the incredibly busy Kang Chul-In had made leeway to go for a family trip... who would be so undignified to reject that?

"F-Family trip!?"

Park Sun-Ja was surprised.

"Really, son?"

"Yes, mother."

Kang Chul-In nodded.

"I didn't even go for a honeymoon trip because I was busy. But this time, I plan to bring you along this trip and have a good rest."

"No... you have your wives... this old mother doesn't belong there..."

"This is a consensus from your daughters-in-law."

"...!"

"Your second daughter-in-law suggested it first."

Kang Chul-In pointed at Lee Chae-Rin.

"Y-You!?"

"Yes, mother-in-law!"

Lee Chae-Rin replied delightfully.

"And the first and third daughters-in-law also persuaded me to bring you along on this trip."

"R-Really!?"

"Yes. I was also thinking the same thing."

What a heartwarming sight.

Kang Chul-In and his three wives were all on the same page.

"Sob!"

As a result, Park Sun-Ja began to tear up.

"M-My dear daughters-in-law... t-thank you... I'm already grateful for you loving my son... now you even care about this old woman... sob sob, I really... have nothing else to wish for..."

Some would have criticized her for being so emotional, but it was understandable for Park Sun-Ja to react this way. Kang Chul-In, her only son, had grown into a fine man who saved the country and became a national hero. In addition, he brought in three daughters-in-law, who were all kind and caring.

That wasn't all.

"G-Grandma~! Don't cry~!"

She even had Arshelly, her beloved granddaughter.

Nothing else to wish for? Park Sun-Ja was

being 100% genuine.

"Mother-in-law~!"

"Please don't cry!"

"Mother-in-law, it's an occasion to celebrate, so why are you crying!?"

The three ladies began to comfort Park Sun-Ja.

Hmm!

Kang Chul-In, who was watching this scene quietly, was immensely satisfied.

What a beautiful scene!

He was really a lucky man.

"Mother."

Kang Chul-In held Park Sun-Ja's hands tightly.

"Son!"

"Let me be a good son."

That was another way of saying, 'I love you'.

"I love you too, son!"

Park Sun-Ja understood Kang Chul-In inside and out.

She was his mother after all!

***

"W-We won, we won!"

"Wow!"

"We just conquered Itaracia!"

"How did we cross the Chamonix mountains... my god..."

Atal Ramanujan's soldiers cheered. Their victory was truly incredible. The Chamonix mountains! This huge barrier located between the north and central region of Baldur was a heavenly fortress that Atal Ramanujan's poorly trained soldiers had never dared to conquer.

A staggering 3,500 meters above sea level!

But they did it. They had actually managed to conquer the Itaracia territory. It was a marvelous victory that would go down in the history books of Shatyameba.

"Long live His Majesty Ramanujan!"

"Long live Shatyameba!"

The soldiers cheered.

And,

"Long live the commander-in-chief, Lee Ji-Tae!"

"Hooray!"

At the heart of it all stood Lee Ji-Tae.

A trivial victory.

However, he was far from being satisfied despite this accomplishment. How could he be? His goal was to bring down Valhalla and kill its king, Kang Chul-In. Conquering Itaracia was just a stepping stone.

"Men!"

He had to encourage the soldiers, though.

"Yes, sir!"

"You are the protagonists in today's marvelous victory!"

"Wahhhhhh!"

"Look! You can do it, can't you!?"

"Yes, we can!"

Lee Ji-Tae's motivational speech led to a thundering roar from the soldiers.

"This is only the beginning!"

Lee Ji-Tae looked around with a staunch expression.

"As long as we have Itaracia, there is nothing that can stop us! We will advance to Baldur's central region and claim its fertile lands! When we do so, our people will no longer have to starve, and there won't be children in the streets who cannot go to school!"

That was quite a speech. In addition, it carried a sharp insight into Shatyameba's reality. Due to the hot weather and relentless rain, it was extremely difficult to farm in Shatyameba. Coupled with an exponential increase in population, there was thus a constant battle for resources.

Lee Ji-Tae was clearly aware of this. What Shatyameba's people wanted was none other than food, enough to avoid starvation.

"Look!"

Lee Ji-Tae pointed towards the north.

"Whatever we desperately desire lies in the north!"

"...!"

"Fertile lands, clean water, and cooling weather!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Let's go!"

Lee Ji-Tae bellowed.

"Let's conquer the north! We have already conquered Itaracia! What's there to fear!?"

The soldiers cheered loudly in response.

"Wahhhh!"

"We also want to go!"

"Long live commander-in-chief, Lee Ji-Tae!"

"Hoorah!"

The motivational speech had its effect.

Atal Ramanujan's soldiers now had a clear goal in mind to pursue.

"Our next destination is there!"

Lee Ji-Tae pointed at the map.

"If we conquer this land, then our immediate circumstances will be better!"

That territory was called Zolushka. It was ruled by Lily Sephardi, the rank 14 girl Lord.

***

On an island in Southeast Asia...

Splash, splash!

"Kya! Mother, that's ticklish!"

"Then here's more!"

"Kya~!"

Arshelly was having fun with Ninetails on the beach.

"Ah~! So refreshing~!"

Park Sun-Ja was receiving a massage from a native masseur under a gigantic parasol.

"Honey, isn't this place good?"

"Hmm... yes, it's definitely good."

"Hehe~! I bought this place as a present for you."

"B-Bought?!"

Kang Chul-In was flabbergasted.

"Yes."

"This whole place?"

"Of course! Look around, aren't we the only ones here?"

"Don't tell me..."

"Yup, I chased everyone away!"

"Incredible."

Lee Chae-Rin's spending was on another level.

She owned a marvelous resort like this... Kang Chul-In, the niggard, could never even imagine such a situation.

"Nah, it's nothing much. This is all yours now."

"Is that so?"

"Of course. I'm yours after all."

"...!"

"I love you."

"Heub!"

Lee Chae-Rin glanced quickly around at her surroundings to make sure nobody was around. She then suddenly kissed Kang Chul-In without notice. She was getting bolder by the day.

"Ah, and also..."

Lee Chae-Rin added.

"What is it?"

"Please give more attention to my little sister..."

"Ah."

"You know what I'm talking about..."

"I know."

Kang Chul-In nodded.

Skadi Andevari.

She was once a powerful, rank 3 magician Overlord, but she had to forfeit her position due to Vilhelm and Rothschild's threat.

"Actually, I was thinking of talking to her this evening."

"Really?"

"To be honest, our relationship is strictly transactional."

"That is true..."

"That's why I'm going to ask."

"What?"

"Whether she will continue to live with me, or..."

"Or?"

"Whether she will leave me the moment I conquer Esmeralda."

"Ah!"

"It's time for some real talking."

Kang Chul-In was right.

Thanks to Kwak Jung who had already conquered Venedig the port city, it was almost time for a battle to brew over the ownership of Esmeralda. In the near future, the Valhalla Kingdom and the Gullveig Alliance will have another bloody battle again.

If Kang Chul-In emerged victorious... then Skadi Andevari was no longer useful to him.

Why?

It was because she was the rightful owner of Esmeralda in the first place.

Moreover, Skadi wished for the people of Esmeralda to become Kang Chul-In's people and thus live a happy life.

Wiiiinggg!

At that moment, Kang Chul-In's phone rang.

-Your Majesty!

Kwak Jung was the caller.

-Are you free to talk...?

"Didn't I tell you that I'm on a vacation?"

Kang Chul-In replied in an irritated tone.

It was his first vacation in 13 years.

Kwak Jung's call was surely about a work-related affair.

"I will listen to your report later."

-W-Will you?

"It wasn't easy to find time for this vacation. Unless Laputa is engulfed in flames, don't report to me."

Laputa in flames?

That would never happen. Kang Chul-In was indirectly telling Kwak Jung to screw off.

-Hmm... you sure you won't regret this?

"I'm having a family vacation. What's there to regret?"

-Keh... what a family-oriented person. You are truly the number 1 husband material!

"Let's end the call since you know that."

-Alright, then I will tell that girl that you are uncontactable...

"Girl?"

Kang Chul-In replied to Kwak Jung as a reflex.

-Yes.

"What girl?"

-Did you... make some sort of deal with a girl by any chance?

"Who? Speak clearly."

-Lily Sephardi...

"God damn it!"

Kang Chul-In frowned.

"You can request help if you need it. I promise to help you. In return... I shall take the talisman."

Vacation was over.

The Amplifier Talisman – one of the three items in the Trinity Impact – was calling for him.

Chapter 283: The Girl's SOS (2)

Translator: Leyy3

"Honey?"

Lee Chae-Rin, who was right next to Kang Chul-In, noticed a change in the air.

"Is there anything wrong?"

"No, nothing."

Kang Chul-In shook his head.

"Just a standard report."

"Doesn't seem like it though?"

"You are being paranoid."

"Hmm..."

Lee Chae-Rin narrowed her eyes and stared at Kang Chul-In.

Damn it, why does it have to be now!

Meanwhile, Kang Chul-In was struggling with conflicting ideas in his mind.

Amplifier Talisman? He certainly craved for it. He already owned the Overpower Bracelet. If he got his hands on the Amplifier Talisman, then he would have possession over two-thirds of the Trinity Impact set. Moreover, if he subjugated Brynhildr and took his Sonic Ring...

I would... truly become the strongest being in Pangaea.

Then, nobody could stop him for sure. A million enemy soldiers? He could annihilate them all with the Trinity Impact. He could be a living atomic bomb.

However, there was a problem.

If I leave this place...

His family would be disappointed.

"Honey."

At that moment, Lee Chae-Rin whispered in Kang Chul-In's ear.

"Go."

"...!"

"Mother-in-law, Ninetails, Skadi, Arshelly and me... none of us will be sad or disappointed, I'm very sure."

Sad or disappointed because the husband is busy? Or feeling lonely? Nonsense! That could certainly be possible for other families, but these were no ordinary ladies. As Kang Chul-In's family members, they had to be prepared for such an occasion.

If not, how could they be together with Kang Chul-In, the ultimate 'busy man'?

"M-Me too!"

Skadi suddenly appeared from nowhere.

"Your Majesty... is a busy man... but I'm not disappointed at all!"

She was timid, but expressed herself clearly.

"Mother-in-law!"

"Yes?"

"Mr. Chul-In has business to attend to in the other world!"

"Well, my son is a busy man indeed! Hohoho~! Tell him to go quickly!"

Park Sun-Ja was immune to any surprises.

"Husband~! All the best~!"

"Goodbye, daddy~! We will be waiting here~!"

Ninetails and Arshelly shared the same opinion.

Wow!

Kang Chul-In was deeply moved by his family's response. Of course, he didn't show it. How could a man reveal his emotions so hastily!?

"Mother."

Kang Chul-In spoke to Park Sun-Ja.

"I will be back."

"Sure~! Go ahead~! We will be waiting for you here."

"Yes."

Indeed, there was no need for him to be hesitant since he wasn't leaving the place for good. Moreover, his family had a lot of time on their hands. They could tour around Earth's various resorts for a month or two. When Kang Chul-In finally returned after work, they could travel again.

Kid...

Kang Chul-In began to make his way towards Pangaea.

What great timing...

Still, he couldn't deny that it was a bad time for him to receive the call.

***

"O-oh my god, oh my god!"

Lily Sephardi glanced at the battlefield and walked around in circles anxiously.

The battle was one-sided.

Atal Ramanujan's soldiers, led by Lee Ji-Tae, were advancing at an immense speed while annihilating her soldiers.

"Your Majesty, it's not feasible to continue fighting!"

Her secretary, Rooibos, advised.

"I-I know... I know, but...!"

"Your Majesty, you have to call for a retreat!"

"But if we forfeit that place...!"

It had been three days since the start of the war. Her soldiers were currently fighting at a vital location in Zolushka. If she forfeited that place, her army had to retreat all the way back to Zolushka's castle. They would then have to defend for their lives there as the final resort.

"Your Majesty, didn't you contact the Supreme King of the West, Kang Chul-In? It's wiser to first forfeit that land and enter a defensive mode. We can't stop that many enemy soldiers alone!"

Rooibos spoke the truth. Atal Ramanujan had injected a staggering 60,000 soldiers to conquer Zolushka. Although they were poorly trained mobs with failing equipment, they could still dominate their enemy using sheer numbers. To top it all, Lee Gong-Myung was their commander-in-chief. Led by one of the greatest tacticians in Pangaea, the soldiers could fight to their maximum capabilities.

"Your Majesty, you have to trust Kang Chul-In!"

Rooibos urged Lily once again.

"He may be a cunning war-maniac, but I heard he is a man of his word."

"T-That's right! Chul-In oppa was the one who taught me Sumire's feelings!"

"Yes, Your Majesty. That's right. The Supreme King of the West is a power-hungry devil, but he is not a dishonorable man. So, let's trust him and retreat! At this rate, our whole army may be wiped out!"

Now was the right time to retreat.

Any more delay and Lily's soldiers would not make it out alive.

"O-Okay!"

Finally, Lily decided to call for a retreat.

All men,

retreat! Hurry!

"Your Majesty, you should leave too! This place will soon be taken over by the enemy as well!"

"R-Right!"

Lily also decided to retreat away from the battlefield.

Chul-In oppa.

There was no reply.

Come help us! Quick!

The only person who could turn the table was Kang Chul-In, the Supreme King of the West, the most evil and powerful Lord of all.

***

"Who!?"

Kang Chul-In roared angrily the moment he returned to Valhalla.

"Who dares to interrupt my vacation!?"

A thundering voice.

His rage was truly horrifying.

D-Damn it! I shouldn't have told him!

Kwak Jung struggled to not collapse to his knees.

Flick, flicker!

Kang Chul-In was getting more terrifying by the day.

That tremendous burst of mana!

Kwak Jung, who was quite a strong explorer himself, could barely continue to stand.

"Hurry up and tell me."

"It's... Atal Ramanujan."

Suddenly, a vein popped up on Kang Chul-In's forehead.

"That coward?"

In the past, that man had hidden behind Alex Rothschild and Aleister and had witnessed Kang Chul-In's death.

In other words, he was one of the three Lords who had attacked him when Valhalla was getting stomped on.

"Yes. Atal Ramanujan has conquered Itaracia, located at the Chamonix mountains. He is causing havoc in that girl's territory now."

"Right, there was one last bastard left. How can I screw him up...? Just thinking about it already thrills me... hehe...!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Nothing."

"..."

"Go on with your report."

"Ah, okay..."

Kwak Jung couldn't comprehend Kang Chul-In's words and remained puzzled.

"Ahem, anyways, since Atal Ramanujan has conquered Itaracia, I would say his Northern Expedition has been extremely successful. In fact, the reason why Atal Ramanujan couldn't climb up the ranks despite a huge population was due to the southern region's weather and harsh terrains. Now that he has taken over Itaracia, he will try to advance to the central region of Baldur."

"Right."

"In other words, to prevent Atal Ramanujan from becoming the third superpower..."

"I have to help this kid anyway, is that what you're saying?"

"Yes."

It was killing two birds with one stone.

If Kang Chul-In wished for a Valhalla vs Gullveig Alliance situation, he had to eliminate the risk factor called Atal Ramanujan.

"The problem is..."

"It's too far?"

"Yes, it's just too far. From the west of Ishtar to the south of Baldur... it's honestly difficult."

"Hmm..."

"It's not feasible to send a large army across that distance. The supply route will also be extremely long, hence it's impossible to drag the battle for more than a week. Hence, what I'm suggesting is..."

"To send a small group of elite soldiers?"

"Keh! Your Majesty, you are quite a tactician yourself!"

"This is nothing. You are more amazing."

"Not at all. My brain works well thanks to your trust in my work!"

"Hahahahaha~!"

"Hehehe~!"

The king and his subject were scratching each other's back.

"Alright, how long do you think the kid can hold?"

"About a week or so."

"Can we make it by then?"

"If we use Zeppelin and the warp gate, then it's possible."

"Good."

Kang Chul-In nodded.

"Gather a group of elite mercenaries and send them to the kid's territory."

"What about yourself, Your Majesty?"

"I..."

Kang Chul-In replied.

"I will be there first."

He had to be there in case the Amplifier Talisman went missing.

"Ah, Your Majesty."

Kwak Jung added.

"What is it?"

"Kwak Jun, that bastard, got promoted to Vilhelm's senior advisor."

"Hmm! That means..."

"Yes, many things will change depending on how we handle that bastard."

"Can you do it?"

"Leave it to me!"

Confidence maketh a man.

Kwak Jung replied with a grin.

"Keh... good, very good."

Kang Chul-In nodded in satisfaction.

"That's my tactician."

"Hehehe~!"

"Hahahaha~!"

They were scratching each other's back once again.

***

"I, the ruler of Bifrost..."

Vilhelm spoke.

"I, Overlord Albrecht Vilhelm..."

He was holding Gjallahorn, the broad sword that was the Soul Core of Bifrost.

"From this moment onwards, I hereby appoint Kwak Jun, the commander-in-chief of Paramount and the tactician of Lord Vito Clemenza, as the senior advisor of Bifrost."

"I am eternally grateful, Your Majesty!"

Kwak Jun kneeled on one knee and bowed.

"In addition, I..."

Vilhelm was about to continue his speech when...

Flash!

The warp gate in the middle of the Lord's hall emitted a brilliant beam of light.

"Your Majesty."

Someone emerged from the warp gate.

It was a knight in a pristine white armor, which covered him from head to toe. He kneeled down in front of Vilhelm.

"Brynhildr...!"

Vilhelm couldn't be more delighted.

***

In front of the Zolushka castle...

"Long live His Majesty Ramanujan!"

"Long live Shatyameba!"

"Long live commander-in-chief Lee Ji-Tae!"

High in spirits, the Shatyameba soldiers rampaged through the battlefield as they cheered for their leaders.

"Argh!"

"Arghhhhh!"

"M-Mercy... Kuhul!"

The soldiers of Zolushka fell helplessly to the Shatyameba soldiers. The reason for their defeat was simple. The Shatyameba soldiers were moving in unprecedented patterns, catching the Zolushka soldiers off-guard. It was truly a remarkable display of tactics.

"O-Oh no...!"

Lily Sephardi couldn't believe her defeat.

In fact, it was a total defeat.

She had thought of enduring until Kang Chul-In's reinforcements came, but that might not be possible.

The Shatyameba soldiers reached the castle front in just three days, and they penetrated the castle walls in just two days. Lily only had a small castle wall left, located between the inner and outer castle.

"Y-your Majesty! You have to escape!"

Rooibos persuaded Lily.

"Any further delay and you will be hurt!"

"B-But!"

"The inner castle will fall soon. Your Majesty, you need to remain safe no matter what!"

He was right. Zolushka had technically fallen. It was only a matter of time before the Shatyameba soldiers infiltrated the Lord's hall.

Bam!

Suddenly, the Lord's hall's door shattered into pieces.

"Still here, huh?"

Ahinandi, a general of Shatyameba, looked at Lily. He had thousands of soldiers marching behind him.

"I... I..."

Lily clenched her teeth.

"I... will never run!"

That was the girl's will. Instead of abandoning her territory, she had chosen to fight to the end.

"Y-your Majesty!"

Rooibos, her secretary, went pale.

"Rooibos, I will fight!"

"...!"

"I can't just run away! Even if I die here, I will never abandon this territory!"

She was a young girl, but she had the courage of a lion.

Clap, clap, clap!

At that moment, someone gave her a round of applause.

"W-Who is it?"

"Doesn't ring a bell."

"An ally?"

"Who is that bastard?"

The Shatyameba soldiers mumbled in puzzlement.

"Get lost."

The man then pushed the soldiers aside and stepped into the Lord's hall.

Chapter 284: Kang Chul-In, the One-Man Army! (1)

Translator: Leyy3

"W-who are you? Where are you from? Huh?"

A soldier growled at the applauding stranger.

"Get lost."

"What? Get lost? You bastard..."

However,

Bam! The soldier was sent flying like a bloody rag doll before he could complete his sentence.

"How dare a small fry like you address me directly?"

Kang Chul-In snickered and entered the Lord's hall.

"I'm leagues above you bastards."

He was right. There was a huge difference in ranks. How could an enemy soldier casually talk to Kang Chul-In, the king of Valhalla?

"O-oppa!"

Lily Sephardi recognized Kang Chul-In and exclaimed.

"Y-you came... you really... came... sob!"

Lily couldn't control her burst of tears. She definitely longed for her oppa! In fact, Lily could only endure until now thanks to her hope that Kang Chul-In would arrive to help her. Without that, Zolushka would have fallen long ago.

Why the hell am I her oppa?

For a moment, Kang Chul-In didn't like how Lily was addressing him, but he let it slide in the end.

Heh.Well, she is a kid after all... kinda commendable.

This girl. She had risen up to a high rank despite her young age, which was already praiseworthy. Moreover, it was a miracle that she managed to hold her grounds this long against the Shatyameba army. And to think she displayed an unbreakable fighting spirit even on the brink of death? She was truly a talent to behold in the future.

"Well done, kid."

Kang Chul-In smiled at Lily.

"O-Oppa..."

"I came here as fast as I could, but it seems like the fortress fell much earlier than I expected."

"Well that... that is... sob..."

"It's alright."

Kang Chul-In patted Lily's head gently.

"Now that I'm here, that's nothing to worry about."

"Sob... sob sob..."

Lily couldn't speak a word. Only tears continued to roll down her cheeks.

"Oi, you there."

Kang Chul-In pointed at Rooibos.

"Yes, Supreme King of the West."

"Protect your Lord with your life."

"Certainly. However, your Majesty... we've already lost..."

"First time I'm hearing that."

"...I beg your pardon?"

"We haven't lost yet."

"H-however!"

Rooibos was about to say something totally logical and objective about the current war situation. They had already lost. The inner castle had been infiltrated, and even the Lord's hall was about to be conquered. Kang Chul-In's claims seemed too idealistic.

"Didn't I tell you?"

Kang Chul-In said coldly.

"We haven't lost."

"Y-your Majesty!"

"Who gave you the permission to decide whether the battle has been lost or not?"

"...!"

"Don't decide that on your own."

"Your Majesty..."

"Before I acknowledge our loss, this war is still anyone's game."

Thump!

Rooibos could feel his heart sink.

Brrrr!

His body trembled as well.

What confidence! As to be expected from the strongest man in Pangaea!

Kang Chul-In was the Supreme King of the West, indeed.

Only he, who was literally a one-man army, could say such things.

"What, did he just say the Supreme King of the West?"

"That guy is Kang Chul-In? That Kang Chul-In?"

"The king of Valhalla?"

"That war-maniac? And he's here alone?"

"No way..."

The Shatyameba soldiers, who were listening to the conversation all this while, stood there puzzled. They couldn't believe it. It hadn't been too long since the war between Valhalla and the Gullveig Alliance had ended. Why would the busy Supreme King of the West be here in person?

"No way... why would Kang Chul-In, that god damned fucker, be here?"

A soldier spurted out the above without thinking.

Crack! A vein popped up on Kang Chul-In's forehead.

This bastard.

It was hardly surprising that an enemy soldier would mock him. The only problem was that the 'god damned fucker' was right in front of that soldier, alive and well.

"D-Don't tell me!?"

At that moment, Ahinandi, the Shatyameban general, finally recognized Kang Chul-In...

"S-Supreme King of the West? A-are you really that Kang Chul-In...?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Kang Chul-In replied with a smirk.

"E-Eek?!"

Ahinandi was flabbergasted. He was horrified to the core. He couldn't logically comprehend why Kang Chul-In would be here!

"Huu, I heard that."

Kang Chul-In walked towards the soldier who called Kang Chul-In a 'god damned fucker'.

"Say that again."

"Err... actually... what I-I meant was... Kuhuk!"

Thump, roll. His head fell onto the floor of the Lord's hall

and tossed around.

Psssst! Fresh blood spurted out of the soldier's neck like a fountain.

"Nobody..."

Kang Chul-In declared.

"Will ever step into this Lord's hall."

Bam! That was the Absolute's declaration.

"Hmm, actually, you all are a pain in the ass. Just die."

In fact, it was a death sentence.

The death reaper was here.

***

"Argh!"

"Arghhh!"

"M-Mercy!"

The hall was engulfed in chaos.

Kang Chul-In was in another league from the other opponents that the Shatyameba soldiers had defeated on the way.

"Kuhuk!"

"A... a demon! That man is a demonnnn!"

The vanguards began to run for their lives. It was shameful, but what else could they do? Running was the only way for the soldiers to live.

"Nice try."

Of course, it was still impossible for them to escape from Kang Chul-In's grasp.

Swish! Kang Chul-In drove Kaiforce into Ahinandi's chest.

"Kuhuk!"

Ahinandi vomited blood.

"You... you... monster..."

Thump! That was the end. Just five minutes.

That was all it took for the three hundred Shatyameba soldiers to get annihilated.

"To think that the inner castle was penetrated by these weaklings..."

Kang Chul-In muttered in disbelief. No matter how many times he pondered, it didn't make sense to him. The Shatyameba soldiers were weak and poorly trained. Their only saving grace was their superiority in numbers. Kang Chul-In was astonished by Atal Ramanujan's decision to instigate a war with this mob.

But for the inner castle to fall into their hands? It indicated that Zolushka's national defense power was weak beyond imagination.

"Kiddo."

Kang Chul-In asked Lily.

"Yes?"

"Where did you spend all that money?"

"T-That..."

"The only explanation I can think of is that you squandered it on the wrong things."

It was a reprimand. Kang Chul-In was asking her how the inner castle could be infiltrated by these weaklings in merely three days.

"A-Actually... for my territory... ever since we won the battle in which Sumire died..."

Lily tried her best to explain, but she had already lost her mind due to witnessing the prior massacre. It was difficult to tell what she was mumbling.

"I will speak on her behalf."

Rooibos volunteered.

"Actually..."

In essence, his explanation was as follows:

Not long after the Great Summoning, Zolushka was a war-torn territory due to the constant ongoing battles with neighboring territories. However, it was able to subjugate the other territories and regain peace thanks to the work of Sumire, Lily's trusted secretary.

"Her Majesty wished to soothe the pain of the people who had been devastated by the war."

The story that followed was a typical case of the tail wagging the dog. It also had the cliché story plot of how she did her people a favor and it became her job. Lily established too generous of a welfare system. She gave greater rewards and pensions to her people, lowered their taxes and distributed more supplies. The problem was that the territory didn't earn enough money to sustain this act.

That wasn't all. Lily decreased the size of her army to 40% after the war had ended.

"You've got some guts."

Kang Chul-In, who was listening quietly, even mentioned the word 'guts'.

"Why did you downsize the army?"

"As for that... after the end of the battle in which Sumire died..."

"There weren't any noticeable danger factors around, looking at the neighboring territories and geography?"

Kang Chul-In intruded.

"Ah, yes... that's why..."

"You trusted Itaracia and downsized your army?"

"Yes..."

"Ridiculous."

Kang Chul-In was dumbstruck.

"Now I know why you failed."

This was why he wasn't aware of Lily Sephardi's existence in the past. In the past, Atal Ramanujan formed the Baldur Alliance together with Alex Rothschild, and was responsible for the large number of soldiers. In other words, he could cross the Chamonix mountains with Rothschild's help, conquer Itaracia and then participate in the Ragnarök.

Lily's territory was probably trampled down in the process.

"Kid... you are the definition of a pacifist."

Kang Chul-In stood aghast.

"To think you chose to be a eunuch..."

It was a crude, but not totally wrong expression. An army constituted the foundation of national defense. It did exacerbate war sometimes, but at the same time, it was a source of deterrence.

There was a saying that without an army, there wouldn't be war.

Kang Chul-In begged to differ.

That's total bullshit coming from an ignorant shit.

Bullshit, indeed. No army, no war? Even if the nation without an army could be a peace-lover, would the neighboring countries share the same consensus?

Not in a million years! In fact, they would immediately gather an army to swallow the defenseless nation up whole. In this world where fraud and murder were frequent even between family members, who in the right mind would trust another nation?

"Kiddo."

"Yes, oppa..."

"Look."

Kang Chul-In pointed at the Lord's hall, which was now in a mess. Corpses, corpses and more corpses. Crimson-red blood pooled on the floor of the Lord's hall. Fresh corpses were scattered everywhere, some with their eyes still wide open.

"This is the consequence of you downsizing your army."

"..."

"The people that you loved so much? Where are they? Both your soldiers and people are cowards who ran for their lives, instead of fighting back."

Lily couldn't rebut Kang Chul-In.

"Sob..."

"So what if you treat them well? Did the people repay your benevolence in any way? Managing a territory is no child's play. There needs to be a give and take. You have to receive something from your people if you treat them well. War is not just limited to fighting an external enemy. In fact, domestic administration is a constant battle with your own people."

This was Kang Chul-In's philosophy in managing a territory. He treated even politics as war.

"I... I... was wrong..."

Lily's head drooped.

"Because of my poor judgment... sob... the territory has fallen... people died... sob sob..."

"No."

Kang Chul-In shook his head.

"People did die, but your territory can still be salvaged."

"...!"

"There's still some hope. Considering that talisman's value... it's worth rescuing an almost-devastated territory."

"R-really?"

"Of course."

"O-Oppa!"

"However... don't you ever downsize your army again. You hear me?"

"Yes!"

Lily gave him a bright smile.

"I trust you... oppa!"

He didn't have to ask for anything to gain her trust. That was Kang Chul-In, the trustworthy man!

Chapter 285: Kang Chul-In, the One-Man Army! (2)

Translator: Leyy3

Meanwhile, in the Chamonix Mountains' Itaracia Fortress...

"A blitz tactic... advancing our army rapidly is the only solution."

Lee Ji-Tae arrived at the best conclusion he could at the moment.

"Signaller!"

"Yes, commander-in-chief!"

"Send an order to the main force to head east."

"Yes, sir!"

Lee Ji-Tae had yet to conquer Zolushka completely, but he had no intention to dilly-dally. Time was precious. Atal Ramanujan's soldiers were poorly trained, and supplies were running low. He couldn't afford to drag the war on any further.

Zolushka, Iota, Gothika, and Shen... if we conquer these four territories and claim their farming land and mines, we will still be able to sustain the military expenses, albeit not by much.

However, he also didn't want to cut off more than he could chew. If he could conquer Shen, which possessed fertile lands along the Khartoum river, Atal Ramanujan's financial outlook would be much better. In addition, Lee Ji-Tae could form a 'super defense' across the triangle connecting the borders of Iota, Gothika and Shen.

I have to be careful. Both Valhalla and Gullveig are fighting for supremacy. They want a 1v1 situation, not an emergence of a third superpower.

Lee Ji-Tae had a sharp intuition. He knew how to see the big picture.

Silently... let's conquer the Shen territory and then stay low. We have to increase our strength.

A perfect strategy. Well, almost perfect at least. Lee Ji-Tae had failed to take into account a huge variable called Kang Chul-In. His strategies were bound to go amiss.

Why was that? It was because the deal between Kang Chul-In and Lily Sephardi was something that even a genius like Lee Ji-Tae couldn't possibly predict.

***

"Lord Lily Sephardi, you protect the Lord's hall."

Kang Chul-In spoke.

"Don't step a single step out of this land."

"Yes, oppa!"

At that moment, Rooibos suddenly interrupted.

"H-However, Your Majesty! Her Majesty Lily has already lost all her soldiers. The two of us can't defend the hall alone..."

"It's not just the two of you."

"What? Are the reinforcements...?"

"Not yet."

"I can't comprehend Your Majesty's intentions at all."

In the end, Roobios gave up trying to understand Kang Chul-In. That man surpassed everything that Roobios had expected, leaving the latter dumbfounded at every step.

"Come forth, specters!"

Kang Chul-In roared.

Sssssss!

The spectre knights revealed themselves through a curtain of black mist. Riding on the backs of their phantom steeds, they were known as the spectre cavalry.

"Wow... t-these high-class undead monsters!"

"They will protect you two. Now, Atal Ramanujan's weak soldiers will never penetrate the Lord's hall."

"T-That's right!"

"Well then, focus on protecting your master."

"Yes, Supreme King of the West!"

Rooibos bowed.

"Also."

Kang Chul-In turned around to face Lily.

"Just to reiterate, don't ever leave the Lord's hall."

"Okay!"

"You know what I mean?"

"If a Lord... abandons the Lord's hall... he or she doesn't deserve to be one..."

"Ok, as long as you understand that."

Kang Chul-In nodded. A Lord must never leave the heart of the territory. Whoever did had to suffer the wrath of his or her people, not to mention the loss of authority. A classic example could be found in Korea's history books, in which a nation's king fled to another country during a barbarian invasion. He was then criticized for generations and more to come.

"Well then, see you later."

Kang Chul-In turned his back.

"A-Are you going alone?"

"Certainly not."

"W-Who else?"

"Two more people."

"..."

"That's more than enough."

He was right. Kang Chul-In had brought Nilus and Kim Sung-Hee along just in case.

Let's hope there are many potions in my inventory.

Of course, he still had to rely on some drugs to reduce the potential strain on his body.

***

"Nilus!"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Reinforce this building's durability!"

"Certainly, Your Majesty!"

Nilus chanted a spell which caused Zolushka's inner castle to radiate a brilliant silver light.

"How's the durability now?"

Kang Chul-In asked.

"With this spell, this

infrastructure could even withstand Hecate's bombardment!"

Nilus promised with confidence.

"Excellent."

"Haha! I'm flattered, Your Majesty! It was only possible due to the small range!"

"Still, this should be enough to last until the reinforcements arrive."

"As long as you are happy, Your Majesty!"

Nilus didn't like being in charge of the bombarding. Thus, he appeared extremely delighted to be summoned by Kang Chul-In.

"Kim Sung-Hee!"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

Once known as a chaebol family's tomboy – no, crazy bitch – Kim Sung-Hee kneeled in front of Kang Chul-In with respect.

"Show me what you are capable of."

"I will do you proud, Your Majesty!"

"Yes, take this opportunity to upsize your troops too."

"Certainly!"

Kim Sung-Hee always complained about having too few soldiers.

Although she had upsized her army significantly during the battle at Deathwin, it was still not powerful enough.

"Nilus, the Royal chief magician, and Kim Sung-Hee, the commander of the first unit of the Imhotep Immortal army. Here are my orders."

Kang Chul-In commanded.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Nilus and Kim Sung-Hee kneeled down.

"I will handle this arch-shaped passage myself. You two deal with any enemy that infiltrates from the rear."

It was a crazy plan. The passage was wide and led straight to the inner castle. How could one defend this alone? However, Nilus and Kim Sung-Hee left without any objection. Why? Because the King could do no wrong.

Tap tap tap!

All of a sudden, Kang Chul-In could hear the footsteps of the enemy soldiers.

"Game, start."

Crack! Kang Chul-In cracked his neck left and right.

***

"How's the situation in Zolushka?"

Lee Ji-Tae inquired.

"The outer castle has already fallen, but there's still some resistance from the inner castle."

"Resistance? Hasn't it been more than 10 hours since the frontlines infiltrated the inner castle? Are you telling me that the inner castle is still standing?"

"Yes, sir."

"Who is the enemy commander?"

Lee Ji-Tae realized the issue immediately. In fact, it was a simple deduction. Zolushka had more or less perished. But for the inner castle to still stand, it could only mean that there was an extremely strong general blocking the path.

Just like Zhang Fei, who single-handedly stopped Cao Cao's army at a narrow bridge.

"That is..."

The signaller hesitated, with the report in his hand.

"Commander-in-chief..."

"Hand that over."

Lee Ji-Tae took the report from the signaller's hand.

It read as follows:

Enemy cannot be identified.

Impossible to pass through.

Enemy's strength, immeasurable.

Many of our soldiers' corpses are piled up.

Attacks commenced, but to no avail.

The message indicated that nobody who entered the arch-shaped passage survived.

A monster... no, this man shouldn't be as powerful as 'that' man.

'That' man obviously referred to Kang Chul-In. Truthfully speaking, Lee Ji-Tae was right. Assuming that the arch-shaped passage remained unscathed, any good general could fight against the poorly trained Shatyameba soldiers. Moreover, why on earth would Kang Chul-In be in Zolushka?

"Send more soldiers."

Lee Ji-Tae commanded.

"That man is bound to be defeated sooner or later. He is a human after all. Continue to attack the inner castle."

He had countless soldiers under his command, anyway. To begin with, Atal Ramanujan had too large a population to handle, which led to a severe scarcity of food and resources. A decrease in the number of soldiers wasn't that big of a deal. In fact, it was to his benefit.

***

Meanwhile,

Gulp, gulp! Kang Chul-In leaned against the wall of the passage and gulped down his potions.

Roll.

Under his feet were countless scattered bottles that once contained top-class potions.

"Tastes awful."

Kang Chul-In muttered. Consumables like potions usually didn't taste too great.

"When is that bastard coming?"

The 'bastard' obviously referred to Kwak Jung.

He needed the strong army that he had cultivated personally.

He couldn't defend the arch-shaped passage for eternity, after all.

Tap tap tap!

Suddenly, Kang Chul-In could hear the footsteps of the enemy soldiers again.

"Aren't they tired?"

He smirked. These bugs were truly relentless.

***

In the west of Pangaea, to the north of Ishtar...

Wiiing, wiiing!

Analyzing 89,112th video footage out of 291,234 damaged ones.

The needle of the compass-looking video player rotated continuously.

"Hmm..."

Desdemona, who was beating up passing mountain bandits for fun, narrowed her eyes as she stared at the video player.

"When can I catch 'that bastard'?"

Desdemona was talking about the sinner who had destroyed her lair. In other words, she was referring to Kang Chul-In, who had smashed the roof of her house with Laputa, the flying fortress.

Desdemona gritted her teeth.

"I will..."

It was at that moment.

Analyzing 89,112th video footage out of 291,234 damaged ones.

Analysis complete!

Recovery complete!

One video footage available!

"...!"

Ah, what good timing! Desdemona was extremely delighted to be able to catch a glimpse of the hit-and-run criminal. She was about to hit the roof.

"Now, shall we take a look at his face?"

Desdemona played the recovered footage.

Wiiing!

The video player began to project the footage on a wall.

Thump!

With an incredible sound...

Ooonng!

A castle could be seen smashing against her lair.

What's going on!?

In the video, a disrespectful-looking bastard shouted. He was obviously the leader.

Nothing serious, Your Majesty! The lower part of the castle seemed to have scraped against a rock on the top of a mountain!

A soldier shouted back.

I see!

The leader replied.

I will raise the altitude, so make sure everyone stays indoors!

He paid no attention to the fact that he had destroyed Desdemona's lair, and instead drove his castle away casually.

A clear hit-and-run case.

"Right... so you are the bastard..."

Desdemona grinned cunningly, having identified her perpetrator.

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