352 - 355 END
Chapter 352: The Final Frontier (1)
"Could it be..."
"You are right." Desdemona nodded. "Rindermergel must be waking up."
"We are running out of time."
"Yes, we have to hurry! We don't have time!"
"I will go first." Kang Chul-In made his move. "I will send you the coordinates when I arrive. Can you warp the imperial army accordingly?"
That was Desdemona's role. Kang Chul-In would send Desdemona the location coordinates using the Core of Pangaea, where she would then warp the army.
"Of course." Desdemona nodded. "I will make the preparations. Hurry and go."
"Well then, see you later." Kang Chul-In leaped off the ground immediately.
***
Meanwhile, the great conqueror who was never meant to exist in this universe had resurrected in the Moscow Kremlin...
Thump! With tremendous sound,
Thump, thump! 'He' began to make his move.
"Hu...!"
Thick sulfuric mist spewed out like steam from his mouth. It was truly a sight to behold. Over 4 meters tall, 'he' was even more intimidating than the great demons of hell. Red lava could be seen within the cracks on his matte black skin. His eyes gleamed with a great demon's chaos and primitive malice. His wings flapped threateningly, as if trying to contaminate the whole world with darkness.
"Finally." Rindermergel the Relentless Eater spoke for the first time. His voice instilled despair and anguish in his audience.
"Well done, Milenius." Rindermergel paid his respects to the dead Milenius, but that was all he was going to do. Rindermergel was the parent of his species as he possessed the DNA of all high-class Agnagas. Therefore, all of Milenius' efforts to resurrect him was akin to a law of nature. It was his duty. Therefore, Rindermergel did not express any more gratitude to Milenius.
Moreover, Rindermergel could create a 'new Milenius' once he recovered his strength over time. Why would he ever be concerned about the old Milenius' death? Hence, his attention was directed at something else.
"Emperor of Blood and Iron... and Emilia... foolish mortals..." Rindermergel spoke with hatred. "Are you watching this? My resurrection? The second coming of the mighty Agnaga? You mortals even sacrificed your souls to challenge me, but it was all for naught!"
Rindermergel's speech was useless. Unfortunately, the Emperor of Blood and Iron and Emilia were already dead for a thousand years! The fact that Rindermergel mentioned the two of them indicated how humiliating his defeat was. Truly enough, the Agnaga race had conquered countless planets before facing a bitter defeat in Pangaea.
"Mark my words..." Rindermergel gritted his teeth. "Watch carefully what will happen to the planet that you bastards tried to protect so dearly...! I will make everything go extinct..."
It was at that moment...
Banggggggg! With a tremendous echo, a huge hole gaped open on the roof of the palace.
"Don't tell me...!"
Rindermergel had a flash of thought. According to Milenius, the Earthlings were so barbarous that they did not have any means to break through the barrier. But now his barrier was broken, and the palace roof had a hole. That could only mean two things.
Firstly, the Earthlings could have discovered a way to penetrate the barrier. Secondly, a third party which could penetrate the barrier had appeared.
However...
"Not Earthlings, I see."
Rindermergel did not even take the first possibility into consideration. He could strongly feel a powerful presence from afar. In other words, Milenius' plan to lure the reincarnation of the Emperor of Blood and Iron and Desdemona, the daughter of Emilia, to Nosferatu and blow them up had failed. Those beings from Pangaea had chased him down to Earth!
"It's that bastard." Rindermergel mumbled as he stared towards the west. He was referring to Kang Chul-In, the reincarnation of the Emperor of Blood and Iron and current ruler of Pangaea. The second powerful presence obviously belonged to Emilia's daughter, Desdemona.
"I guess there's no need to wait."
Since Kang Chul-In and Desdemona had managed to chase Rindermergel to Earth, it was impossible for him to buy time to recover his strength. Therefore, Rindermergel and his ancient Agnaga army had to fight them and their alliance army.
"How dare they?"
No, Rindermergel did not plan to fight them. He brimmed with confidence. He was one of the few existences in this universe who could single handedly destroy a whole planet. It didn't matter whether he recovered his full strength or not. According to Milenius, Kang Chul-In was weaker than the Emperor of Blood and Iron. Moreover, Dragon Lord Emilia was deemed the mightiest and most powerful dragon in history. Desdemona might be capable, but she would not surpass her ancestor!
"You will pay for opposing the mighty Agnaga race, foolish mortals." Rindermergel was confident that he would win, even if his recovery was still incomplete...
***
Meanwhile, in the sky above Moscow...
"Good." Kang Chul-In grinned. The root of the Moscow Kremlin, which was previously the symbol of communism and now the Agnaga's base, was collapsing.
"Quite an introduction, I must say. Kek!"
A declaration of war? That was useless in this battle. Striking the enemy first with a Mega-Vortex was the declaration itself.
"Emperor of Blood and Iron." Kang Chul-In mumbled. "I will complete your unfinished work today."
He was addressing the Emperor of Blood and Iron, but it was also a pledge to himself. Completing the Emperor of Blood and Iron's
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unfinished work also meant that Kang Chul-In would protect his Valhalla Empire.
"Shall we begin?" Kang Chul-In mumbled and looked back.
"Long live the Valhalla Empire!"
"Hooray!"
"Long live his imperial Majesty, Kang Chul-In!"
"Hooray!"
His army was there. The strongest army in Pangaea, equipped with burning animosity and retaliatory spirit, was waiting for Kang Chul-In's order.
"Listen all!" Kang Chul-In bellowed.
"Yes, your imperial Majesty!" The million soldiers replied simultaneously.
"Today – no, this moment – shall be the first and last battle against the Agnaga."
He planned to decide the victor with just one battle.
"The victor has already been decided."
Moreover, Kang Chul-In was confident of winning.
"Let me ask." He faced his audience. "Who will become the final victor? Will it be them?"
"No!"
"Will it be us?"
"Yes!"
To both Kang Chul-In and his soldiers, victory was almost a given. Kang Chul-In held the Core of Pangaea high up in the air.
"Well then..." He then shouted something that was a little cringey and cliché. "Follow me!"
However, it didn't matter. This could very well be the last time he would ever shout 'follow me.'
"I will lead you all to victory!" The Emperor's mighty roar shook the grounds of Moscow.
"Waaaahhhhh!" Simultaneously, the Valhalla soldiers charged towards the Kremlin palace.
The final battle had begun, and it was intense. Hecate's Temeraire bombed relentlessly. Stingray, which had a castle on its back, spewed out a toxic energy beam known as 'Venom Beam.' The gigantic whale released water-type icy wind, while the ectoplasm ghost ship emitted a hallucinating wavelength to attack the Agnaga soldiers without mercy.
The magic-engineered artilleries made significant contributions as well. They could easily break through the Agnaga's barrier, which eventually led to the death of countless Agnaga soldiers.
Moreover...
The most powerful existence of all released a terrifying roar and revealed herself.
A huge black dragon over 200 metres in length warned her allies. A 'miracle' then happened.
"E-Escape!"
"Queen Dragon asks us to move!"
"Make way!"
"Get away from the center!"
The sight reminded one of the fabled crossing of the Red Sea, made possible when Moses divided it. Over a million soldiers parted left and right to open up a path. A scene of such a scale was unprecedented in both Pangaea and on Earth.
Desdemona grinned widely.
Immediately, Desdemona's body began to swell up like a balloon. The ancient dragon was about to release 'Dragon Breath," which boasted the greatest firepower in Pangaea.
The next moment...
Desdemona's green Acid Breath began to erase everything in its path.
The destructive power of Acid Breath was incredible. It's composed of a substance that could dissolve even bone upon contact. The ancient Agnaga soldiers were dissolved without a trace and splattered onto the ground.
"Keh...!" Kang Chul-In marveled. "As expected of a dragon."
Indeed, Desdemona's firepower was comparable to an atomic bomb. She might be a fool, but she was fundamentally still a mighty dragon!
Desdemona signaled to Kang Chul-In after spewing her last bit of Acid Breath.
"Roger." Kang Chul-In nodded. "Follow me, central troop!"
He then began to dash through the shortcut to the Kremlin palace created by Desdemona.
"Waaahhh!"
"Let's gooooo!"
"His imperial Majesty is on the frontline! Charge!"
200,000 soldiers followed Kang Chul-In in suit and charged straight to the enemy lines.
"Left troop, follow me!" Drakan, the dragon warrior, shouted at 400,000 soldiers.
"Right troop, this way!" Amur led another 400,000 soldiers and attacked the east.
It was a triangular formation. While Kang Chul-In led 200,000 soldiers through the shortcut to the central enemy lines, both Drakan and Amur would lead 400,000 soldiers to attack the flank!
Couldn't be better than this. Kang Chul-In smiled as he penetrated the enemy lines. He might be tough and daring, but he was no idiot. He was a smart man. In fact, he was cunning. Even in the past, Kang Chul-In was the brain that singlehandedly led the Ishtar Alliance. Not only was he the most powerful in terms of strength, but he was also an invincible commander-in-chief! As such, he had powerful rationale behind his every move.
We will definitely win this battle as long as the triangular formation works. Guaranteed.
Kang Chul-In was 100% confident in winning. Such a simple and basic army formation was about to bring him the victory.
At that moment, a gigantic beast obstructed Kang Chul-In's path.
Furthermore...
The generals of Agnaga, who were equipped with intelligence, appeared.
Kang Chul-In smirked because he had expected this. In any battle, the hardest part was to break through the central defense of the enemy army. However, he had to endure and do it.
The key was the central troop. Kang Chul-In and his 200,000 soldiers had to divert the attention of the ancient Agnaga army. Only then could he complete his 'plan' and achieve victory. Fortunately, Kang Chul-In had strong subjects and comrades who were as powerful as the Agnaga generals.
"Hey, idiot." Kang Chul-In said to Dorian Explorer.
"Yes, Kang Chul-In?"
"Kill them all."
"Ok!" Dorian shot out like a bullet.
"Lucia!"
"Yes, your imperial Majesty!"
"Crush them."
"Certainly!" Lucia also began to charge at the Agnaga generals.
"Han Ye-Sun."
"Yes, oppa."
"Cut everything down."
"Of course. I will never forgive anyone who dares to stand in your way." Han Ye-Sun, who once tried to stand in Kang Chul-In's way herself (due to a misunderstanding), was now his avid supporter.
"James! Podolski!"
"Yes, your imperial Majesty!"
"Give us your order, your imperial Majesty!"
James the leader of the guards and Podolski the commissioner were also deployed.
"Lee Chae-Rin."
"Yes, honey!"
"Show us the power of money."
"Certainly, hoho!" His wife was an 'Arch Summoner' who could even summon the Spirit King with her Epic item 'Miss Moneypay.'
"Your imperial Majesty, you can't leave me out!" Of course, Nilus the great Arch Mage had a role to play as well.
Good. While observing his subjects, comrades and wives, Kang Chul-In felt an emotion that he had never experienced before.
Everyone was trustworthy and reliable. Together, Kang Chul-In felt like he could win against anyone.
Let's keep this flow going. Kang Chul-In enjoyed this unfamiliar feeling as he approached the Agnaga generals. He planned to kill them all, without any mercy!
***
A blood bath, no, a great blood bath had occurred!
The Valhalla's imperial army was on the losing end because the Ancient Agnaga army had five times the number of soldiers compared to the imperial army. In normal circumstances, the Valhalla's imperial army should've perished immediately. However, both parties were so well matched in strength that they had to resort to quarrelling. This was because Kang Chul-In alone could compensate for the discrepancy in army size!
Swish, swish! Kang Chul-In was in a zen-like trance at the frontline, swinging Mitra and Kaiforce left and right indiscriminately.
"Whoever stands in my way shall not survive."
Kang Chul-In became the Grim Reaper himself. He had to.
"Argh!"
"Y-Your imperial Majesty... please... please achieve victory...!"
"Argh!"
"Urgh!"
Even at this moment, hundreds of his soldiers were dying in battle. Kang Chul-In could not tolerate that. Casualties were a natural occurrence in any war, but Kang Chul-In had the strength to reduce his soldiers' sacrifice. The more he killed the enemy soldiers, the less the harm to his allies. Kang Chul-In was willing to be labelled the Grim Reaper if he could mitigate the damage to his allies.
He was a man who upheld noblesse oblige! That was Kang Chul-In, the Emperor of Pangaea!
"Kuhuk!"
"Argh!"
"Arghhhh!"
Despite Kang Chul-In's amazing achievements, the imperial army still suffered a massive loss, but that was to be expected. How could charging through the enemy lines be an easy task? Realistically speaking, most of Kang Chul-In's 200,000 soldiers could end up dead. In fact, 100,000 soldiers had already passed away in battle.
"Let's go further! We can't stop! I will take the lead! Follow me!"
They were moving step by step. Although his central troop was advancing slowly, it was clearly penetrating the ancient Agnaga army's center.
As a result...
We are almost here!
After battling for almost half a day, Kang Chul-In arrived at the central area of the Kremlin palace. He had done it. He had successfully pierced through the enemy lines!
"How foolish."
It was at that moment...
"Digging your own grave? Drawn into the fire like a moth?"
An existence radiating an eerily powerful aura was approaching the central troop's frontline.
"Kek..." Kang Chul-In smirked. "Finally, we meet."
Kang Chul-In could instantly recognize the stranger thanks to the Emperor of Blood and Iron's memories. He was an individual with the title of 'Relentless Predator,' who led the Agnagas to conquer and destroy countless planets.
Rindermergel! Kang Chul-In's arch-nemesis, as well as the final boss, had appeared!
Chapter 353: The Final Frontier (2)
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"Welcome, descendent of the Emperor of Blood and Iron." Rindermergel welcomed Kang Chul-In. "No, I should say, 'the' Emperor of Blood and Iron. As expected from his reincarnation, you resemble him... including the foolishness to jump into fire like a moth."
Rindermergel's words did not please Kang Chul-In.
"Spouting nonsense, aren't you." Kang Chul-In smirked. "Who's the Emperor of Blood and Iron? I am Kang Chul-In, the emperor of Pangaea. Also, what do you mean by moth? Me?"
It was ridiculous.
"You lost to the Emperor of Blood and Iron 1000 years ago. Who are you calling foolish?"
"...!"
"You loser!"
What a taunt! Kang Chul-In had never lost to anyone in an argument before.
"A loser should know his place and humbly take part in a revenge match. Aren't I right, Rindermergel?"
"..."
"I'm the champion, while you are the challenger. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
Kang Chul-In brimmed with confidence, despite facing the leader of the Agnaga. He had a reason for that.
You are already dead.
Without a doubt, Rindermergel was strong. However...
You are just an actor in this play.
These circumstances were the climax portion of Kang Chul-In's play based on the scenario that the Emperor of Blood and Iron and Emilia had proposed a thousand years ago!
"Full of confidence, aren't you, Emperor of Blood and Iron's reincarnation?" Rindermergel spoke. "That, however, does not mask your weakness."
"My weakness?"
"Even the Emperor of Blood and Iron could not handle me in the past."
That was a fact. The Emperor of Blood and Iron was always on the losing end against Rindermergel, utterly 'dominated.' Without the Emperor of Blood and Iron's trump card in the final moment, Rindermergel would have been the victor. Truly enough, that battle itself was almost a lose-lose situation.
"You are inferior to the Emperor of Blood and Iron, yet you dare to display such confidence in front of me?" Rindermergel smirked.
"Know your place, reincarnation of..."
At that instant, Kaiforce was swung towards Rindermergel at an incredible speed and clashed with Rindermergel's arm with tremendous sound.
"...!"
Rindermergel was shocked.
I-Incredible force...!
He wasn't injured or anything, but the heavy impact caught him off-guard. However, that alone was enough to shock him, because Kang Chul-In's attack itself was half-hearted.
"What, surprised?" Kang Chul-In grinned. "You thought that I was weaker than the Emperor of Blood and Iron, huh?"
That hit the nail on the head.
Milenius... you bastard...!
Rindermergel gritted his teeth as he recalled Milenius, the previous Time Lord.
Feeding me such inaccurate information...!
According to Milenius, Kang Chul-In was much weaker than the Emperor of Blood and Iron in his prime. However, that was just now proven to be untrue. If a casual attack from him could carry such force, Kang Chul-In was undoubtedly stronger than the Emperor of Blood and Iron.
In that case...
Danger!
Rindermergel, who had not yet recovered his full strength, deemed Kang Chul-In a burdensome enemy.
Thump!
At that moment, Kang Chul-In stepped towards Rindermergel.
"So, you are that strong, huh?"
"..."
"Show me that grandiose strength of yours." With that, Kang Chul-In became a string of light and leaped towards Rindermergel.
"Keh...!" Rindermergel laughed. "Let me show you my overwhelming power...!"
Kang Chul-In was a burdensome enemy indeed. However, that was it. He was just a burdensome enemy. It took more than being stronger than the Emperor of Blood and Iron to defeat Rindermergel. He was the leader of the Agnaga, who had conquered tens of planets across thousands of years. He would never relinquish his life so easily no matter how difficult the circumstances were!
"Come at me, Emperor of Blood and Iron's reincarnation!"
Immediately, Rindermergel also became a string of light and charged at Kang Chul-In. That signaled the start of the battle between Kang Chul-In, the emperor of Pangaea and Rindermergel, the leader of the alien race Agnaga.
The battle that would decide the fate of the world and the two races had begun!
***
Meanwhile, the Valhalla's imperial army also began to move swiftly.
"Left troop, this way!" Drakan shouted.
"Right troop, this way!" Amur also responded accordingly and switched the formation.
"Central troop, split into left and right! Do not interfere with his imperial Majesty's fight!" Lucia substituted Kang Chul-In as the commander of the central troop.
We will accomplish this mission no matter what! Focus only on your fight, your imperial Majesty! Believe in us!
Lucia, Drakan and Amur clenched their teeth and tried to accomplish their mission given by Kang Chul-In. The three of them were actually the protagonists in this play. Kang Chul-In was just the bait. Although Kang Chul-In was in charge of dealing with Rindermergel, that alone would not win them the final battle.
He needed an army. A triangular formation first, then a circular one. His one million soldiers would bring him the victory.
Yes, they were the stars in this battle!
***
The battle between Kang Chul-In and Rindermergel was intense.
He's strong! Kang Chul-In was shocked by Rindermergel's strength. Incredible strength... lightning speed... and also...
Rindermergel wasn't just strong physically.
He's experienced too...!
The leader of this alien race was a master of martial arts, and that was to be expected. Rindermergel had led his race to conquer countless planets throughout the entire universe, across tens of thousands of years.
Therefore, Rindermergel's experience was even superior to the Emperor of Blood and Iron's memories. The experience of fighting against innumerable living organisms was definitely insurmountable...
I'm getting pushed back...!
Kang Chul-In could gradually feel himself getting overwhelmed. Rindermergel was the god of martial arts. Kang Chul-In used the Emperor of Blood and Iron's memory to analyze and memorize Rindermergel's battle style, but he couldn't find any weakness. It was as if he was facing an impregnable fortress.
Rindermergel grinned.
"How foolish, Emperor of Blood and Iron's reincarnation...!"
With that,
Bang! A compressed force struck Kang Chul-In's chest.
"Kuhuk!" Kang Chul-In was knocked down as he coughed out blood.
"I acknowledge that you are stronger than the Emperor of Blood and Iron." Rindermergel looked down at Kang Chul-In.
"However..."
"..."
"Why don't you realize that it's not enough? I'm invincible! Nobody in this universe has ever overpowered me before!"
He pressured
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Kang Chul-In with his overwhelming aura.
"You can't win me, Emperor of Blood and Iron's reincarnation." Rindermergel slowly approached Kang Chul-In.
"Is that so?" Kang Chul-In got himself up and replied. "On what basis? The battle has just begun."
"You think so?" Rindermergel questioned. "Do you really think so, Emperor of Blood and Iron's reincarnation?"
"Of course." Kang Chul-In refused to be daunted.
Not yet. I have to buy some more time.
Rindermergel was definitely powerful. However, Kang Chul-In wasn't going all out either. Well, he certainly wished to, but now was now the right time.
Let's endure a little longer... when the battle reaches its climax...
The battle between the imperial army and the ancient Agnaga army was still premature. If he invested all his energy into this now, his whole plan could be ruined.
"Shut up and come at me."
Kang Chul-In decided to endure a little longer, just until the battle heated up a bit more...
***
The battlefield was inundated with a massive blood bath. The battle between the Valhalla soldiers and the ancient Agnaga army was gruesome, horrifying and intense.
"Die, die, die, dieee!"
"You fuckers! Die, dieeee!"
"Arghhhhh!"
"Come at me, you fuckers!"
The imperial army soldiers gave their all.
"These bastards..."
"I-I may die here... but... you bastards... are going down... with me... kuhuk!"
"I will... even become an apparition... to haunt you bastards."
Even on the brink of death, the Valhalla soldiers were engulfed in anger, animosity and fighting spirit. They would attempt a final attack even while collapsing. It wasn't an exaggeration to term them 'evil spirits' based on such behavior. The Valhalla soldiers were that desperate.
They did not have a future if they lost, so now was not the time to value their lives. This battle had a different meaning altogether.
Territory versus territory? Nation versus nation? Such battles were bound to conclude someday, and the parties involved could return to their respective homes after they were done battling. However, that was not the case for this battle. Who could back out from a battle that would result in the extinction of their species?
That was why the soldiers were so desperate to bring down at least one Agnaga soldier with them.
"For the world!"
That was the predominant mindset of all of the Valhalla soldiers!
***
Pssssshhh! Crimson red blood spurted out.
"Argh...!" Kang Chul-In screamed. From the gaping wound on his chest, blood began to spurt out like a fountain. He had been cut by one of Rindermergel's long fingernails.
God damn it...!
Kang Chul-In was appalled. Muscles tougher than Kevlar cable? The Ectoplasm Oversuit?
...Those were useless. Rindermergel's attacks negated all defense mechanisms.
"Do you know your place now?" Rindermergel taunted Kang Chul-In. "Have you realized how weak you are yet?"
He had the right to mock Kang Chul-In. Kang Chul-In was in a total mess. Even ignoring the open wound on his chest, he had wounds all over his body. It sufficed to say that he was utterly 'wrecked' by Rindermergel.
"Why aren't you replying, Emperor of Blood and Iron's reincarnation?" Rindermergel spoke to Kang Chul-In. "You were all talk just now. Have you finally learned your lesson...?"
"Kek...!" Kang Chul-In grinned. "Getting cocky after I gave you a few free hits?"
"W-What!?"
Rindermergel's face crumpled like a demon.
Free hits? How could Kang Chul-In say that after getting pummeled? Rindermergel was flabbergasted.
"Ridiculous... you gave me a few free hits? What bullshit..."
Rindermergel was about to continue his sentence when a tremendous amount of energy – as if a planet's core had been compressed – began to radiate from Kang Chul-In.
Now's the time.
Kang Chul-In could sense that the time was finally ripe to end this battle. The battle was now heated up to the maximum. Both parties in the war were all mingled up in a chaotic fight, so now was the time to carry out his 'plan.'
I am... Kang Chul-In thought as he felt his rising power. Invincible!
He truly was.
[Ability: Full Moon, activate!]
[Attack Power increasing by +20%]
[Defense Power increasing by +20%]
[Regeneration Rate increasing by +200%]
The full moon was up in the night sky, which activated the [Full Moon] ability of Alaric. Also, they were currently on the Earth, not Pangaea. The fact that the second coming of the Agnaga occurred on the Earth was a blessing in disguise. This was because the day-night cycle of the Earth and Pangaea were total opposites. It was currently the dawn of February 22nd on Earth.
[10 seconds left until February 22nd, 02:22:22!]
[Activating Violent Storms! 10, 9, 8...]
It meant that Kang Chul-In could use the ability [Violet Storms], which increased his attack power by 22,222%.
In addition,
"Activate... Trinity Impact!"
Kang Chul-In commanded. He was about to activate the most powerful set item, Trinity Force!
[Activating Trinity Impact!]
[Attack Power, 1000% increase!]
Simultaneously, Kang Chul-In's body began to glow in gold. At this moment, Kang Chul-In possessed the power to even kill God. He could even single handedly destroy a planet!
"W-What the fuck...!?"
Appalled, Rindermergel escaped as fast as he could.
I-If I take that blow...!
In his long life, Kang Chul-In's attack was the one thing that he had to avoid. He could not survive that. Even his soul would perish. That was why the "Relentless Predator" shamelessly ran away.
Don't you dare.
Kang Chul-In had no intention of letting Rindermergel off.
[7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... 0!]
[Violent Storms, activate!]
[Attack Power +22,222% increase!]
When his power had built up enough to even bend space, Kang Chul-In was able to reach light-speed.
"Farewell, you damned bastard."
With that, Kang Chul-In's attack landed on Rindermergel's back.
Banggg!
"...!" Rindermergel was horrified. "N-No...!"
He struggled.
"T-This is...!"
Instantly, his body vanished without a trace. Kang Chul-In's incredible attack had completely dissolved Rindermergel's body into nanoparticles!
However...
"No." Kang Chul-In refused to believe that Rindermergel was dead. "This is not the end, Rindermergel."
In the first place, Rindermergel was a psychological parasite who had a separate soul and body. Destroying his physical body was not good enough.
It's bound to be somewhere. Rindermergel's soul can transfer to another Agnaga's body within a 2 kilometre radius... this bastard is definitely running away to plan for the future...
The key was not to destroy Rindermergel's body. He would resurrect as long as there were any Agnaga within a 2 kilometre radius. That was what made the Agnaga so terrifying. It was impossible to eliminate their existence unless they were all killed at once...
There was only one way. It was to completely eradicate all Agnagas on the battlefield at the same time. That was why Kang Chul-In had waited. He waited for the imperial army and the ancient Agnaga army to mingle with each other!
Kang Chul-In held the Core of Pangaea high up in the air.
[Magic-engineered satellite, Cosmic Force, online!]
Cosmic Force, which was located in the air above Russia, responded to the Core of Pangaea.
[Kinetic Strike ready!]
[Activate orbital bombing?]
That was right. This was the final gift for Rindermergel. Kang Chul-In planned to drop a mithril bomb from the satellite to erase the entirety of Moscow off the map, similar to the 'Hypervelocity Rod Bundles' project that the USA had proposed in the 1980s.
He could only send Rindermergel's soul to hell if he eliminated every Agnaga within a 2 kilometre – no, a 200 kilometre radius!
"Kinetic Strike..." Kang Chul-In used the Core of Pangaea to order the Cosmic Force. "I approve... the bombing!"
He had deployed his final trump card, able to drive the Agnaga to extinction!
***
In the space above Moscow, Cosmic Force began to drop mithril bombs... over 10 of them! That was sufficient to not only wipe out Moscow city, but also the entire state. However, that didn't matter, because not a single human remained in the Moscow region...
***
Stars began to fall from the sky.
"Here they come." Kang Chul-In knew that those shooting stars were actually the mithril bombs. The end was near. Soon, the mithril bombs would annihilate Moscow and the ancient Agnaga soldiers, together with Rindermergel, the Relentless Predator...
Of course, Kang Chul-In and his soldiers were in danger as well.
"Time to leave."
However, Kang Chul-In was calm and composed. He had a way to get out of there.
"All men!" Kang Chul-In shouted. "Assemble around me!"
A tremendous voice! It caused the entirety of the Moscow region to vibrate.
"His imperial Majesty is calling!"
"Let's go! Assemble!"
"Move quick! Hurry!"
The soldiers of the imperial army were extremely well-trained. Even in the midst of battle, they immediately began to move.
"Desdemona." Kang Chul-In turned around to face Desdemona. "It's time to leave."
"Alright." Desdemona nodded. "You can go first."
"See you later." After a short farewell, Kang Chul-In vanished off the face of the Earth. Desdemona had teleported him to Pangaea. Soon afterwards, the Valhalla soldiers and Desdemona disappeared from Moscow as well.
Summon Legion! The fourth summoning skill of Cosmic Force had warped the imperial army to where Kang Chul-In was!
Boom, boom! The orbital bombing, which was more powerful than a nuclear bomb attack, demolished Moscow and the ancient Agnaga army.
"N-No!" Rindermergel despaired. "T-This can't be... t-this is ...!"
Rindermergel was trying to escape the battlefield using an Agnaga soldier's body. The Kinetic Strike was akin to a death sentence. He could never withstand the impact with his borrowed body, which meant that his soul had nowhere to go to.
That was death. Rindermergel would vanish without a host.
"K-Kang Chul-Innnnnn!" Rindermergel screamed Kang Chul-In's name.
Booooommmm! At that instant, the third mithril bomb landed on Rindermergel's head.
It was game over. Just like this, Agnaga, the terrifying conquering race, went extinct[1]. They were eliminated by one of the weakest species in the universe – humans. Or to be precise, by an emperor who came from a poor background in South Korea...
It was a marvelous victory.
***
Two years have since passed from that day.
[1] CuppyNote: Well, that was anti-climatic.
Chapter 354: Epilogue (1)
Two years later, Metallia, in the Laputa Castle...
"Hmm...!" Kang Chul-In was nervous. "Hmm... hmm...!"
In fact, he was extremely restless.
"Honey... Why are you so restless...? You have to maintain your composure." Lee Chae-Rin told him.
"That's right, your imperial Majesty... Please calm down." Skadi agreed with Lee Chae-Rin.
"Oppa... you are not acting like an emperor now; do you know that?" Han Ye-Sun, who had become his fourth wife after Skadi, also reprimanded him.
"Why are you so distressed!?" Desdemona, his fifth wife, pouted.
"What?" Hecate, his sixth wife, had a strange look on her face. "My husband had this side to him?"
She was right. Truly, the current Kang Chul-In did not seem like the emperor at all. Nobody would believe that he was the ruler of Pangaea. He had restless eyes, cold sweats, and fidgety fingers. In fact, he didn't even act like a man. However, he had a clear reason for that.
"Heung... should I get pregnant too? Will he be this anxious at that time, too?" Hecate narrowed her eyes and spoke.
"What? Pregnant?" Desdemona turned around to face her. "Hey, Hecate. What are you saying?"
"What's wrong, elder sister?" Hecate asked.
"There's an order to everything, don't you know? How can the youngest get pregnant earlier than the older ones? Huh?"
"Why not?"
"W-What!?"
"Who says there's an order to who gets pregnant first?"
That was right. Kang Chul-In was nervous because of a pregnancy. To be exact...
"Kyaaaaaa!"
Ninetails, his first wife, was about to give birth!
"Are you telling me that you will have a baby before me?" Desdemona asked Hecate again.
"Why not?" Hecate replied curtly.
"You...!" Desdemona was about to explode due to Hecate's disrespectful behaviour.
"Kyaaaaa!" Ninetails' scream echoed from within the delivery room.
"Wah~! Wah~!" A baby's cry could also be heard.
"...!" Kang Chul-In's eyes gleamed.
"...!" Lee Chae-Rin, Skadi, Han Ye-Sun, Desdemona and Hecate had similar responses. Kang Chul-In's first child was finally born!
Sometime later, the midwife came out from the delivery room with a baby wrapped around in cloth. She showed Kang Chul-In the baby.
"Congratulations, your imperial Majesty!"
"C-Congrats...! R-Right...!"
"It's a healthy boy!"
"...!"
"You have an imperial prince, your imperial Majesty!"
It was a joyous occasion. An imperial prince? He was a blessing for the royal family and the empire.
"Oh no... I was hoping that it was a girl..." Kang Chul-In mumbled to himself. It seemed like he had an intrinsic love for daughters.
"Y-Your imperial Majesty?" The midwife was bewildered. "Y-You have an imperial prince... so how could you...?"
"N-No." Kang Chul-In quickly withdrew his words. "Come, pass me the baby. Let me take a look."
"Yes, your imperial Majesty." The midwife passed him the baby in the cloth.
"Let's see... my son..." Kang Chul-In gently swept the cloth away to face his newborn son.
"This boy... is my second child...!"
The baby was extremely cute. In fact, he already had the facial traits and the potential to grow into a handsome man. As expected from having Ninetails and Kang Chul-In as the parents.
"Who would have thought... that I would be... a father...?"
Kang Chul-In was deeply moved. A child? Although he was the Emperor now, he had grown up poor without a father. Therefore, the thought of becoming a father had never crossed his mind. However, now he was one.
"Kya!" Suddenly, the baby looked at Kang Chul-In and smiled, as if he knew that the awkward man was his father!
In addition...
Swish~! He even wagged his white and soft tail.
"T-Tail!?" Kang Chul-In was shocked. "My son... has a tail...! W-What's going on!?"
The midwife replied, "Your imperial Majesty, the first Queen is a fox-human. Isn't it natural for the imperial prince to have a tail?"
"R-Right...!" Kang Chul-In agreed with the midwife and nodded.
At that moment,
"Here comes the Great Empress and the imperial princess Arshelly!" A servant shouted. Park Sun-Ja and Arshelly entered the room.
"Son!"
"Father!"
Kang Chul-In showed the newborn baby to his mother and his precious first child.
"Mother, look. He's your grandson. Arshelly, you too. He's your younger brother."
Park Sun-Ja and Arshelly looked at the baby with curiosity.
"Oh, look at him! He has a tail!?"
"S-So cute!"
As expected, Park Sun-Ja and Arshelly were extremely delighted to see the imperial prince.
"Hmm...!" Kang Chul-In was proud.
It was a moving scene. So that was why everyone would be delighted and congratulated the parents when a baby was born? Of course, most parents would suffer financially later on, but that failed to apply to Kang Chul-In. He was the emperor of Pangaea and the savior of Earth. Money would never be a problem for him. Kang Chul-In could raise 10, or even 100, children without an issue.
"Your imperial Majesty." The midwife spoke. "You have to give him a name."
"N-Name?"
"According to this continent's tradition, your imperial Majesty should be the one to name his imperial prince on the spot."
"Is that so..."
"Yes, your imperial Majesty."
"Hmm... w-wait... let me... think about it." Kang Chul-In pondered for a moment. "This child will be called... Jun-Bae."
That was the baby's name.
"Jun-Bae. So he will be Kang Jun-Bae..."
At that moment,
"No!"
"Honey, what are you doing! That's child abuse!"
"Daddy! That's too hick-ish of a name!"
"Son... that's not good..."
"My husband's naming sense... is so shitty."
"Oppa... that's really not good..."
Kang Chul-In received an inundation of criticism.
"Eek!"
Only then could Kang Chul-In realize that he had made a mistake. They were right. Jun-Bae? What kind of hick name was that?
"I-I..." Kang Chul-In swiftly walked towards the delivery room. "I have to go tell Ninetails that she has done well..."
He was trying to escape irresponsibly by running away after making a fuss!
***
Two years passed since Jun-Bae was born. Kang Chul-In's life was uneventful.
"Hmm... paving roads on Esmeralda? The budget's a little tight..."
Deep into the night, the Emperor was burning his midnight oil in his office.
"Your imperial Majesty, do rest for a while." Alfred the Vampire butler persuaded Kang Chul-In. "It's already 4 am. You can stop doing..."
"I wish I could." Kang Chul-In looked extremely fatigued. "Look."
Kang Chul-In then pointed at the enormous pile of work,
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which could even touch the ceiling.
"I still have a lot of work to do."
"Y-Your imperial Majesty..."
"If I don't settle these by this week... then I may be nagged to death by Timothy..."
"Haha..."
"At least before the morning assembly..."
Kang Chul-In then brought his attention to the paperwork again.
Scribble, scribble scribble! His quill pen moved busily across the paperwork.
Damn it... I want to quit already. Kang Chul-In bit his lower lip tightly. This is not what I expected...
There were so many things that an emperor had to do, and paperwork was the most troublesome of them all. Scanning through the paperwork and signing them already took the whole day. Kang Chul-In found it agonizing to devote at least 10 hours to paperwork alone, but that was the reality. There was a huge discrepancy between his expectations and reality.
***
Another year slowly passed by.
"Ah!" Arshelly screamed, and Mitra was dropped onto the floor. A black demon sword barely touched Arshelly's neck.
"Daughter, you still have a long way to go." Kang Chul-In smiled.
"F-Father..." Arshelly gave a disappointed expression.
Already seventeen, she was extremely beautiful. In fact, she was the most beautiful woman in Pangaea. She was the living embodiment of the term 'peerless beauty!' To top it all off, her nickname on Earth was 'Squid [1] maker.' It wasn't an exaggeration to say that her beauty was insurmountable in both worlds.
Little girl.
Kang Chul-In was proud of Arshelly. It wasn't because she had grown into such a fine woman. It was more because of her lovely attitude and demeanor. Arshelly was diligent. She was so busy that even Kang Chul-In had to make an appointment at least two or three hours beforehand to see her.
Studies, heir lessons, magic, and swordsmanship. She refused to neglect any of them. Arshelly was truly the 'all-rounder.' Furthermore, she had such a great passion for martial arts that she received one hour of personal training from Kang Chul-In every morning.
How could Kang Chul-In not adore Arshelly? Even after Jun-Bae was born, Arshelly and Kang Chul-In had a special relationship.
"My daughter."
"Yes, father."
"If you lack weight, overcome it with your flexibility. Don't try to force what you can't." Kang Chul-In advised Arshelly. "A real master can turn their weakness into strength, but that is only applicable after a certain skill level. Don't be greedy. A swordsman can never be greedy."
"B-But..."
"...?"
"I want... to be strong too..."
"Hmm?" Kang Chul-In was puzzled. "You are already good enough to win against most people in this empire, so what do you mean?"
He was right. Across the whole of Pangaea, not even five people could defeat Arshelly. She was that strong. It was as expected from Kang Chul-In's eldest daughter...
"I want to be strong like you, father..."
"Hmm...!"
"You are just too strong... I feel like I can never catch up to you."
"Haha..." Kang Chul-In let out a bitter smile. All he could do was laugh. He understood where Arshelly was coming from, but she could not replicate his strength with talent and hard work alone. In order to reach his level, one had to go through countless battles and life-threatening experiences and overcome bitter failures.
That wasn't all, either. Luck was another essential factor. Therefore, it was impossible for Arshelly to obtain Kang Chul-In's strength no matter how hard she tried.
"Daughter." Kang Chul-In spoke gently.
"Yes, Father..."
"I know how you feel, but... aren't you being a little impatient?"
"T-That's true..."
"Slowly." Kang Chul-In consoled Arshelly. "I know that you want to protect the empire, but you can't gain that strength overnight. You know it too, don't you?"
"I do..."
"Slowly. Step by step. Getting strong quickly is good, but such a strength is bound to come with weakness."
Anyone could say that. However, it was different when Kang Chul-In was the speaker. He was the supreme being. In fact, Kang Chul-In was almost to the point of becoming a divine existence who ruled a world called Pangaea. This led to a new cult in both Pangaea and Earth that worshipped the Emperor being created. If Kang Chul-In said so, even the most theoretical speech could become an inexorable truth.
It was because Kang Chul-In had experienced almost everything that a human possibly could.
"Yes, father!" Arshelly nodded. "I will take note! I shall not be impatient!"
"That's my girl." Kang Chul-In patted Arshelly's head.
Blush! Arshelly's face turned pink.
"I believe in you, Arshelly. And I love you."
"I love you too, daddy!"
Kang Chul-In and Arshelly, the two of them had an unbreakable bond.
***
"Hah...!"
With a moan, "O-Oppa..." Han Ye-Sun threw herself into Kang Chul-In's arms. "I... f-feel so... good... I almost... l-lost... my mind..."
"Haha...!"
"Oppa... you are really... the best... no other men can compare to you."
Han Ye-Sun had just experienced the greatest pleasure.
"Oppa..."
"Go on." Kang Chul-In gently stroked Han Ye-Sun's hair.
"Do you know?"
"What?"
"You are... really good... be it our high school days or now."
"Good at what?"
"N-Night time stuff..."
"...!"
"No matter how much I think about it... you are just gifted at this..."
That was the best compliment that a man could receive. Apparently, Kang Chul-In was a 'true man'. There were 'big and beautiful' men around, but none of them could imitate Kang Chul-In's technique. He could make any woman squeal in maximum pleasure. That was why his wives always wished for his services. In fact, they had to draw lots to decide who would spend the night with Kang Chul-In on Sunday. This was an inexorable proof of Kang Chul-In's incredible virility.
"Well, that..." Kang Chul-In replied awkwardly. "I was born like that, so what can I do...?"
"Hmph! Playboy!"
"..."
"You don't even get tired!"
"Haha...!"
Battery wasn't the only thing that was powerful and lasted long.
"Oh right, oppa." Han Ye-Sun changed the topic. "Regarding that..."
"What?"
"Aren't you going to look for the Needle of the Empress?"
"Well..." Kang Chul-In pondered for a moment. "I plan to leave it there."
"Why?"
"I'm quite sure that the Empress' memories lie in it."
"Brynhildr, the wife of the Emperor of Blood and Iron? Whom I am presumably the reincarnation of?"
"I think so." Kang Chul-In deduced that Han Ye-Sun was the reincarnation of Brynhildr. The fact that she often had dreams about events that were 1000 years ago, and that she could form a strong bond with Arshelly supported his theory.
"Just leave it there?"
"That would be better."
"Why?"
"Because... you are my first love."
"...!"
"Han Ye-Sun is my only first love, not some woman with Empress Brynhildr's memories."
"O-Oppa...!"
Kang Chul-In had no idea how Brynhildr could reincarnate without the Wheel of Three Lives, but he did not wish to overwrite Han Ye-Sun's memories with Brynhildr's.
"I want Han Ye-Sun to be by my side, not Empress Brynhildr."
"Oppa...!" Han Ye-Sun threw herself into Kang Chul-In's arms. "I love you...!"
"I love you, too."
Kang Chul-In then strongly pulled her over.
"O-Oppa?!" Han Ye-Sun was surprised. "S-So fast?"
Kang Chul-In's second assault (2) had already begun.
***
"Welcome, husband." Desdemona welcomed Kang Chul-In from her bed. "What's the theme today? Acting? Or SM? Or..."
"Ha..." Kang Chul-In covered his face with his hands. "Please..."
"Hmm?"
"Can you do something about your perverted taste...?"
Kang Chul-In had to face a dilemma every Friday, which was when he had to spend the night with Desdemona. Desdemona was a pervert. As expected from a dragon, she had an eccentric taste that preferred 'hard' plays.
"I-I was wrong... forgive me... master!" "O-Oink...!" "Woof woof!" "I am my master's loyal..."
She was a total masochist, which always troubled Kang Chul-In.
"I don't want to... I like being handled rough..." Desdemona pouted. "I like to be dominated... hehe..."
"..."
"So do me as you please today as well..."
"Hold on, before that." Kang Chul-In cut Desdemona off. "Can you at least change your appearance?"
"Hmm?"
"Even if you are thousands of years old... Your current appearance... I just can't."
"Ah, this childish appearance? "
"..."
"What's wrong? You don't have a loli kink?"
"Are you kidding me...?" Kang Chul-In was flabbergasted. Desdemona had polymorphed into a girl who looked at most thirteen. Kang Chul-In felt uneasy making love with her. Furthermore, Arshelly had once been kidnapped by the psychopath pedophile, Sheville Polanski, before, which reinforced Kang Chul-In's uneasiness. In fact, he had established a terrifying law that entailed the castration of pedophiles.
Kang Chul-In loathed pedophiles that much.
"But I'm a dragon, you know?"
"Still..."
"I'm not even a minor! Strictly speaking, I'm the criminal here! I'm at least 7000 years older than my husband!"
"..."
"Heh... you are the younger one here... I'm gonna eat you up...! Hehehe."
"Ahem...!"
Desdemona seemed to have no intention of polymorphing into another appearance.
Damn it...
Kang Chul-In was caught in a dilemma. He felt uneasy going to bed with Desdemona, but it was impossible to argue with her. After all, she was right; Desdemona was the older one in the relationship.
"Well, then. Stop complaining and... Break. Me. As. You. Always. Do! "
Desdemona waved her dragon butt at Kang Chul-In.
"No." Kang Chul-In shook his head. "Not today."
"Huh? Y-You won't!?" Desdemona frowned.
"Why!? Why not!? Why~?" She then began to sulk.
"Still a no."
"W-Why!?"
"I have something to tell you."
"T-Tell... me?"
"Something very important."
"R-Really...? What is it?"
"Do you still have Erinyes' programme code?" Kang Chul-In asked.
He had finally shared his thoughts with Desdemona.
[1] In Korea, ugly people are called squid. Squid maker is someone who makes other people look ugly in comparison.
Chapter 355: Epilogue (2)
"Huh?" Desdemona's eyes widened. "The programme code of Erinyes?"
"That's right."
"Why do you ask?"
It was a pretty unexpected question. It had already been five years since they defeated the Agnaga. The Agnaga that threatened Earth and Pangaea no longer existed. They were perfectly extinct, so why was Kang Chul-In asking for the programme code?
"I need it."
"Huh?" Desdemona was surprised once again. "W-Why do you need it? Don't tell me..."
"No." Kang Chul-In shook his head. "There's no third coming of the Agnaga, of course."
That certainly had nothing to do with Desdemona's concern.
"T-Then?"
"I have a plan."
"What sort of plan requires the programme code of Erinyes?"
"Simulation."
"S-Simulation?"
"I plan to create a virtual world with similar conditions as Pangaea."
That came out of nowhere. Why was he trying to create a virtual world with similar conditions as Pangaea? Desdemona could not comprehend his rationale.
"Why? Are you perhaps bored...? Could it be that you want to make your own virtual world and play in it?"
"Hmm?"
"You know. Playing lord with some humans, like last time."
By last time, Desdemona was referring to the time when Kang Chul-In had just become a Lord after the Great Summoning. In other words, Desdemona believed that Kang Chul-In wanted to play a game.
"That's an interesting idea." Kang Chul-In smiled faintly. "That may be quite fun. To return to those days..."
Kang Chul-In recalled his past. That was when he had first become a Lord – 20 years ago, if he included the past that no longer existed. He could barely remember those days.
Those were the good times. Kang Chul-in smiled. That might have been the most exciting period of my life...
It wasn't just exciting. Kang Chul-In had a burning enthusiasm when he first stepped into this unfamiliar world. The times when he had become the leader of a territory, met Alfred and went to conquer the goblins... and even his first battle to protect his land; everything was new, fearsome and interesting for Kang Chul-In when he was younger. Although he went on a rampage five years after the Great Summoning, Kang Chul-In had vigor.
"Hmm? Is that really your plan?" Desdemona frowned. "You want to mingle with the novices and act like a novice?"
"That's a good idea, but... that's not my type." Kang Chul-In shook his head.
He knew his place. Even if he started the Lord's game now, he knew that he could not replicate the burning passion of the past.
That wasn't to say that he was devoid of passion. He had plenty. It was just a different kind of passion from his younger days. Currently, Kang Chul-In was diverting all his attention and passion into the reconstruction of Pangaea. He lacked the luxury to participate in some lame simulation game.
"I-Is that so?"
"Of course."
"I had my doubts... After all, everyone wishes to return to their past and change it. I thought you wanted to do the same, even if it were just a simulation."
"Right, that's true."
"Yep..."
"However," Kang Chul-In spoke and embraced Desdemona. Her face instantly turned red.
"W-Why so sudden..."
"Those who wish to alter the past have one similarity."
"W-What is it?"
"Regret."
"Yes..."
"Humans, no, any living organism with intelligence is bound to have regrets."
"T-That's true..."
"But not me."
"...!"
"Well, I can't say I'm devoid of it... but I do not have any agonizing memories to correct. Why would I resort to simulation for reminiscence when I have already returned to the past once? Moreover..."
"Moreover?"
"I'm already happy."
"...!"
"I even have... such a cute dragon wife, so why would I obsess over something like a simulation?"
"D-Dummy!" Desdemona blushed. "Cheh... you are usually so brusque, but now you say those sweet words...?"
"Hehehe~!"
"A-Anyways!" Desdemona changed the topic. "Why are you looking for Erinyes' programme code?"
"For the future generation."
"The future generation?"
"Our sons and daughters."
"...!"
"For our baby."
"O-Ours...?"
Desdemona could not comprehend Kang Chul-In's words. In fact, nobody would be able to. Why was the programme code of Erinyes essential for the future generation? The Agnaga had already gone extinct. Using it for the sake of the children did not make any sense.
"I've seen the emperor of Blood and Iron's fear." Kang Chul-In went straight to the crux of the story.
"His fear? What is it?"
"The tragedy of the Aurangzeb royal family."
"Ah...!" Desdemona finally understood.
"The emperor of Blood and Iron, who never feared anything in the world, including Saturnus, felt terrified of someone for the first time. Do you know who that was? It was none other than Arshelly."
"R-Right..."
"He feared that his cute daughter could change at any moment and point her sword at him. He did not fear that Arshelly would take his throne. Rather, he was more worried that his precious daughter would change for the worse. I would have thought the same. That was the tradition in the Aurangzeb family history, after all."
"That's right." Desdemona nodded. "Understandable. There's a joke that the Aurangzeb royal family's history books were written in blood."
"No, it's not a joke. There wasn't a single sane emperor."
"Hmm... I see..."
"We are no exception." Kang Chul-In said sternly. "There's no need to worry for now, since I'm still alive and well... but what about 100 years later?"
"Well, for sure..."
"There will be an internecine feud."
"Right..." Desdemona could not argue with Kang Chul-In. Power could turn people into monsters. As of now, nobody dared to fight for the throne out of fear for Kang Chul-In. However, things could be different after his death.
"Internecine feud is not the only problem, however."
"That's not all?"
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"What if there is a coup? An internal war? That could very well devastate the lives of the people of the empire."
"Ah..."
"Also, what if a tyrant like Saturnus becomes the victor in such a conflict?"
"T-Then...!"
"The empire, no, the whole Pangaea will be stained in blood."
"Hmm... husband's right..."
"I plan to prevent that."
"...!"
"I do not wish for my descendants to fight over the imperial throne. Moreover, a tyrant like Saturnus should never become the emperor in the future."
"That's why... Erinyes...?"
"You are right." Kang Chul-In nodded. "I plan to use its code to create a virtual world... and let our descendants compete with each other. Needless to say, the winner shall become the next emperor. Just like... me."
"Ah...!" Desdemona gasped. "You want to let them brawl it out in the virtual world, instead of doing so in reality?"
"Wouldn't that be better? The winner will ascend the imperial throne with the Core of Pangaea, so nobody can disagree with the game's result."
Kang Chul-In pointed at the longsword on his bedside.
"T-That's a great idea!"
No. Kang Chul-In's idea was revolutionary. Nobody else had thought of a fairer method to select the next emperor.
"This could prevent the tragedy of the Aurangzeb royal family!"
"That's not all." Kang Chul-In had planned further. "The competition that our descendants shall take part in... will not be easy to win based on strength alone."
"Huh?"
"Of course, the owner of the Core of Pangaea has to be strong... but a brainless, brawny gangster cannot be it."
"T-True."
"There's nothing more horrifying than someone like Saturnus winning the Lord's game."
He was right. If strength was the only factor of consideration, there was a high chance for a tyrant like Saturnus to become the emperor.
"An emperor..." Kang Chul-In continued. "Should possess strength, insight, charisma, financial knowledge, a strong will, responsibility, wisdom, political aptitude, an altruistic and benevolent mind, talent in dealing with domestic affairs, the ability to read paperwork fast, a fast hand to quickly sign documents..."
Desdemona was flabbergasted.
Husband... I see now that you have had a hard time...
She wondered how agonizing the paperwork could be for Kang Chul-In to say that. Indeed... even the invincible Kang Chul-In feared Timothy and paperwork.
"Anyways." Kang Chul-In continued. "The competition shall test all the above qualities."
"To rule out any potential tyrants?"
"Exactly." Kang Chul-In nodded. "I will not hand down the throne purely based on bloodline. The people of the empire do not have any say in choosing their leader. Be it a benevolent leader or a tyrant, they have no choice but to follow."
"That's true. We dragons voted our Lord..."
"I do wish to establish democracy, but this is Pangaea, not Earth. It's a hundred years too early for the people to appreciate democracy. So what if I give them the rights to vote and participate in politics? A right that is not earned will lose its meaning."
"Husband... you are incredible... as expected from the emperor..." Desdemona looked at Kang Chul-In with admiration. He was that cool. Kang Chul-In was a true emperor, one with both strength and wisdom!
"Hundreds of years later, the people shall earn democracy of their own accord. I will even make arrangements accordingly, so until then..."
"We will choose the candidate based on the Lord's game, right? A fair game that any member of the royal family can take part in."
"Yes, that's my plan."
Kang Chul-In naturally arrived at this conclusion after pondering for a long time... he realized that the competition system in which he himself took part in in the past was the best method.
"That was why I asked whether you still have the programme code for Erinyes."
"Of course I do."
"In that case..."
"Let's make one, then. I, too, do not wish for my descendants to kill each other." Desdemona smiled widely. "It's a good opportunity to prove that I can be a great dragon like my mother too."
"Excellent." Kang Chul-In laughed. "Let's make a new Lord's game together, just like how Julius and Emilia did it 1000 years ago."
"Yes...!"
That was the start of what would eventually be called the 'Imperial Throne Ascending Game' in the future. They called this project 'Kaiser Maker'.
"Ah, right!" Desdemona frowned.
"What is it?" Kang Chul-In asked.
"So, aren't we gonna do it?"
"..."
"I..." Desdemona kept fidgeting. "W-wanna do it..."
"..."
"Do me as you please..."
Kang Chul-In closed his eyes in fatigue.
***
Five years have passed since Kang Chul-In's "eventful" night. Kang Chul-In was a little older, and the production of Kaiser Maker had already reached its intermediate stage.
"Hehe..." Kwak Jung, who was now a Grand Duke of the empire, laughed. He was once again healthy, as his vampire DNA had almost been completely eradicated thanks to Kang Chul-In and Desdemona.
"Your imperial Majesty..."
"...?"
"I'm getting married next month."
"Oh? Finally. Okay, with who?"
"Well... hmm, hmm..." Kwak Jung hesitated. "As for that... haha..."
"It's Niu, am I right?" Kang Chul-In could read Kwak Jung like a book.
"H-How did you know?"
"You've been chasing her for 10 years. Moreover, how could I be oblivious of who's dating the deputy director of the empire's Intelligence Department?"
"Hehe..."
"Anyways, congratulations."
"Thank you."
"I will send you a lot of money." Kang Chul-In smiled.
***
While Kang Chul-In focused on managing his empire and reconstructing Pangaea, his colleagues parted ways with each other.
Last, but not least...
***
In the Laputa Sky Fortress, on the highest spire...
"Y-Your imperial Majesty...!" Lucia was shocked. "W-Why are you doing this...!?"
It was because Kang Chul-In had hugged her from the back.
"Did you wait long, Lucia?"
"Y-Your imperial Majesty...!"
"I'm sorry." Kang Chul-In whispered into Lucia's ear. "You are my secretary. Maybe that's why I hesitated so much."
"Y-You knew...?"
"Only recently."
That was true. A beacon does not shine on its own base. Lucia was so close to him that he had failed to notice her love.
"Lucia."
"Yes... your imperial Majesty...?"
"Will you..."
"...?"
"...Be my seventh wife?"
"Y-Your imperial Majesty...!"
"I love you, Lucia." Kang Chul-In embraced Lucia even tighter.
Ah, ah...!
Lucia was too deeply moved to say a word. Her wish had finally come true. Her unrequited love had come to fruition!
And Kang Chul-In...
To think I have three wives and four concubines...
He had the glorious (?) experience of having multiple spouses.
***
Another 5 years passed by, slowly.
Ssss...! Cool wind swept across Pangaea. Kang Chul-In stood alone on the spire, looking down at Metallia.
"Good." Kang Chul-In, now a middle-aged man, smiled satisfactorily. "I'm content."
15 years had passed since the final battle. Metallia was living up to its name as the empire's capital, displaying its majestic splendor. Furthermore, today was the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Valhalla empire. The whole capital was in a festive mood.
Everything was perfect. The empire was peaceful. It had enjoyed a reign of peace for over 15 years, and this was to continue for the next few decades. Kang Chul-In was now hailed as the legendary Divine Emperor of Blood and Iron.
However, that certainly did not mean that the story will end there. As long as he was the ruler, Kang Chul-in had to devote his time and energy in managing his empire. Only then could he keep his honourable title...
"My time has already passed, but..."
He mumbled in pity. However, it was alright. Project Kaiser Maker was about 80% complete, which meant that his descendants were about to compete for the imperial throne.
"A new era shall begin."
Nobody could last forever. Right now, his role was to manage the empire. The intense competition was the responsibility of his descendants. All he had to do was take a step back and watch from the side.
"Your imperial Majesty." At that moment, Alfred climbed up the spiral and handed something to Kang Chul-In. "I made this new cape. Please, try it on."
"Thank you, Alfred."
He looked at Alfred with affection.
"Haha... that was out of the blue. Try it on!"
"Alright." Kang Chul-In put on the cape with Alfred's help.
Flip! The cape made of the highest-quality silk fluttered in the wind. It was a passionate red! Nothing could represent Kang Chul-In more aptly.
"You look great, your imperial Majesty!"
"Is that so?"
"Yes, as expected from your imperial Majesty!"
"Good." Kang Chul-In smiled.
"Your imperial Majesty, it's time to go now. The people are waiting for you. Please do not make them wait any further!"
"Of course." Kang Chul-In made his move without hesitation.
"Long live the Valhalla empire...!"
"Hooray...!"
"Long live his imperial Majesty, Kang Chul-In...!"
"Hooray...!"
"Long live his imperial Majesty, Kang Chul-In...!"
"Hooray...!"
The clamor of the people of the empire could be heard from all around, even from the far distance.
THE END!