76 - 83

If anyone was watching the current situation, they would think Kang-jun was crazy.

Of course, it wasn't because Kang-jun asked the naga queen to become his subordinate.

A sovereign could ask anyone to become their subordinate, even if they were rejected.

Furthermore, if a sovereign's charisma was high enough, even the most outspoken person might be willing to accept the offer.

However, what if the other person was already part of someone's household?

Whether the lord was a sovereign or demon king, it was considered impossible.

The extremely powerful Second Demon King Colladikus would never allow the naga queen to leave!

It was literally nonsense. People would have no choice but to call Kang-jun crazy.

Kang-jun also knew this well. He had already heard it several times from Keirun.

Yet there was a reason why he suddenly made the offer.

[Naga Queen Melinad is not a sincere follower of the Second Demon King. She joined him to save the nagas.]

[However, the Second Demon King abandoned his promise to Melinad and she is very angry. She is also trembling at the Second Demon King's monstrous behaviour.]

These messages suddenly popped up.

This situation had happened once before. He used it to convince Colt, who was Jung Kw.a.n.g-hyeon's follower, to join him.

[Your charisma isn't high enough to accommodate Queen Melinad. You must have 20 charisma in order for Melinad to willingly accept you as her lord.]

The problem was Kang-jun's charisma.

Charisma: 11 (+4)

He had a total of 15 points. This wasn't low, but he needed five more points in order to obtain Naga Queen Melinad.

[However, Melinad is in a crisis. If you say that you will get her away from the Second Demon King Colladikus, her heart will be shaken.]

[Even so, she won't easily become your subordinate.]

[Listen to her conditions. If you can get Naga Queen Melinad to join your side then Mission 14 is considered to be complete.]

If he listened to the naga queen's terms and made her join, then he could complete Mission 14 without killing her!

Although it wasn't directly mentioned, one important premise was given.

It was the premise that Kang-jun could free the naga queen from Colladikus.

The ability to release someone from a household!

If it hadn't been a coincidence, was it a hidden power of the Demonic Dragon's Ring like Keirun said?

The problem was that Kang-jun didn't know how to activate the ability. It seemed to be a phenomenon that occurred when a target, sensitive to the Demonic Dragon's Ring, appeared or when certain conditions were fulfilled.

'Anyway, this is a big hit.'

The naga queen had a mighty combat power that dominated two commanders. If she joined his household, Kang-jun's power would be several times stronger.

On the other hand, Queen Melinad's expression was filled with confusion.

[Will you accept Sovereign Lucan's offer?]

[If you accept then you will be Sovereign Lucan's subordinate, not the Second Demon King Colladikus.]

A new message appeared.

'Accepting the offer will allow me to change lords?'

The human sovereign Lucan instead of the Second Demon King Colladikus?

Melinad was confused.

Being able to escape from the Second Demon King was like a miracle.

She had never imagined it in her wildest dreams.

However, she had to be under the power of another person.

Moreover, Lucan was a human sovereign.

It was better than being under the demon king but it still wasn't enough to meet her expectations.

Kang-jun then said,

"Rest a.s.sured that I won't punish your people for being defeated in a battle."

Melinad looked silently at Kang-jun who simply smiled.

"Additionally, I will accept all the nagas."

"Don't you want to use me and my subordinates in battle? Even if I become your subordinate, they will just end up being killed like now."

"I don't intend to force anything."

Melinad snorted.

"Do you expect me to believe that? I've already been fooled once."

Melinad thought that sovereigns wouldn't need household members if it wasn't for the purpose of war.

Kang-jun shook his head.

"Of course, I need your help. If you become my subordinate, you'll get a lot of power. However, I won't force you to do anything unless you want to."

Kang-jun stared intensely into Melinad's eyes.

"If you want to rest, you can. There is something you should help me with if you are willing. Tell me if you have any other conditions."

"Conditions?"

"Yes. I will listen to your conditions and try to accommodate you as much as possible."

Then Melinad paused for a moment and opened her mouth.

"I need a s.p.a.ce when I can live with my men. A place where no one can interfere."

"A s.p.a.ce? What type of s.p.a.ce?"

"Give me one of the buildings you own in Hwanmong."

"A building?"

"I'm not asking for owners.h.i.+p. I just want a place where I can stay with my

people."

A satisfied smile appeared on Kang-jun's face.

He thought she would demand something more but it was an unexpectedly simple condition. He just had to give a building to the naga queen.

He had been thinking of buying one more building. It wasn't unreasonable since he had more than 5 billion won in cash.

He had already a.s.signed it to Secretary and the real estate agent Kim Seok-cheol.

The Yugang building and Dafeng building contained bases, a rest area, workshops, barracks and a research inst.i.tute, so he couldn't give the buildings to Melinad. A newly purchased building would be a suitable place to live for the nagas.

"Okay. I will do so."

Kang-jun nodded easily.

Melinad made a startled expression. She didn't think that Kang-jun would accept so easily.

"My conditions aren't over yet. I no longer want to be a tool of war. So, I will refuse any orders."

"I have already decided to do that. Any other conditions?"

Melinad's expression brightened noticeably.

"There are no other conditions."

The words emerged from her mouth.

"Instead, if your base is attacked, I will defend it with my 800 naga warriors."

They would partic.i.p.ate in defending the base on a voluntary basis.

Kang-jun still felt hopeful.

A naga queen with 800 warriors! As long as they protected Kang-jun's buildings, his bases wouldn't collapse.

No matter how much money Hardis and his cronies collected, it was impossible for them to defeat the naga queen's army. At the very least, they wouldn't have anyone that could match the naga queen.

"So, we can remove our weapons."

"Yes."

Melinad nodded. Both of them simultaneously pulled their weapons out of each other's chests.

Melinad immediately dropped her weapon to the ground and kissed Kang-jun's right hand.

"Sovereign Lucan, you are now my lord. I, along with 827 naga warriors, will serve you."

[Naga Queen Melinad has joined your household.]

[Melinad will become your faithful subordinate in Hwanmong.]

[Mission 14 has been completed.]

[As a reward, enough experience will be given to increase your level.]

[10,000 nodes have been given as compensation.]

[60 large moonstones have been given as compensation.]

Level up!

He reached Lv35.

However, that wasn't the end.

[One of the commanders of the Second Demon King, Naga Queen Melinad, and 827 of her naga warriors have become your power.]

[You will be given 1,000 red moon achievement points for the special achievement.]

His achievements rose by a huge 1,000 points.

It was great.

His points were higher than the whole enemy alliance group combined.

[You have succeeded in bringing a high level target into your household.]

[Charisma has risen by one.]

Charisma rose by one point.

Melinad bowed politely and said,

"So, I will head to your base."

The battle was over and the seal on this area was lifted. There was no place for Melinad and her 827 naga warriors to go except for Kang-jun's base.

Chu chu chu.

She waved her hand and made a base return magic circle.

Kang-jun just smiled.

"Wait there. I will give you a new home soon."

"Yes, Lord."

Not only Melinad but the naga warriors around Kang-jun also bowed and disappeared into the circle.

(Keirun, the naga queen is coming.)

(Huh? What does that mean?)

(The naga queen has joined my household.)

(Huh? Who?)

(Naga Queen Melinad.)

Keirun was silent for a moment. He was obviously shocked. Of course, he immediately regained his spirit.

(Lord! What happened? Did you really convince the naga queen to join?)

(Please take care of the new household member. She should have reached there by now.)

(Yes, she seems to be coming. T-this! Nagas are coming in endlessly.)

(The naga queen has 827 people.)

(T-that's right. Hahaha! It is really wonderful, Lord!)

Keirun said in a frantic voice.

(I will buy a new building soon. Give the nagas a place to live for the moment.)

(Then I will arrange for a place in the rest area.)

(Good work.)

After a while, Kang-jun was left alone in the fortress.

Soon a magic circle would appear to return him to headquarters or Heksia would come to him directly.

Meanwhile, Kang-jun pulled out the silver box that he got from the clone.

There was also a book inside this time.

[Dark Transparency]

In the last silver box, he received knowledge about vampire mages. However, this time it seemed like some type of skill.

'What is this?'

Kang-jun opened the book with a pounding heart.

Palrak.

At that moment, strange letters and patterns were absorbed into his body.

[The skill Dark Transparency has been learnt.]

[Dark Transparency]

-Makes the body transparent using the power of black magic.

Movement speed in the darkness will increase greatly but the transparency will disappear once you attack an enemy.

-Duration lasts for 10 minutes.

-5 black magic energy will be consumed.

It was a skill that literally turned him invisible. Using five black magic energy could conceal his appearance for 10 minutes.

'Amazing! Does this also apply to reality?'

In the past, he could augment his speed using Aura of the Wind in reality.

If so, it should be possible to use Dark Transparency.

Hwaaak! Hwaaack!

At that time, there was a brilliant light and two people appeared in front of Kang-jun.

They were Heksia and Grania.

Their faces were full of shock.

"Lucan! What happened?"

"I can't believe it. How did you make the naga queen join your household?"

They already knew.

Kang-jun received 1,000 achievement points for a special achievement, so it was impossible that the commanders didn't know.

Kang-jun just smiled.

"I was just a little bit lucky."

Heksia stared at Kang-jun like it was absurd.

"If that is luck then you are really fortunate."

On the other hand, Grania looked excited.

"What is wrong with luck? Luck is also a skill. Anyway, Lucan, you are now a force in the Earth Defense Army that can't be ignored."

Heksia smiled.

"Now, I will reward you for the mission. I'd thought we'd lost but you did very well."

[You have destroyed the Jewel of Darkness.]

[You have earned 300 red moon achievement points.]

[You have killed the most nagas.]

[You have earned 100 red moon achievement points.]

[You have survived until the end.]

[You have earned 50 red moon achievement points.]

He received 1,000 points and now there was an additionally 450 points.

Today, he earned a huge 1,450 points.

Last time, he had killed the ghoul lord at Geumho-dong and received 300 achievement points.

When that was combined, he had earned a total of 1,750 points. Kang-jun's had 1,850 achievement points when the 100 points given at the beginning was added.

'That is three times over my previous achievements points.'

The fact that he took the naga queen into his household had given him such a fraudulent achievement.

In the last evaluation period, he gained three levels and two charisma points with only 560 achievement points. So, what would he receive this time?

Just like a good student waiting for a report card to come out quickly, Kang-jun also wished for the next evaluation period to arrive.

Of course, most sovereigns hoped the next assessment period would be delayed as much as possible.

Heksia gazed at Kang-jun and declared,

"Lucan, you have gained the naga queen and it could be said that you have the best power among the sovereigns. The commanders can't ignore this. After the red moon is gone, I can't attack you anymore. damn!"

"You can still try it."

Heksia then shook her head with a smile.

"No, it's not like that."

"When we first met, I remember you said that you would see me after the red moon. You decreed I would pay for my actions against your clone."

In fact, Heksia had really told him that. Kang-jun felt it was unpleasant she tried to deny it.

"So, I was preparing to see you after the red moon was gone."

Heksia looked embarrassed. She laughed awkwardly and said,

"Hoho! I guess I did. Forget it. Why would you remember something like that?"

"I can never forget that."

"Then are you going to attack me?"

"Let's see. Well, I don't know yet. Now that the red moon is rising, I will concentrate on fighting the Second Demon King."

He didn't necessarily mean his words. Heksia stared at Kang-jun with wary eyes.

Then Grania said urgently from beside him.

"Lucan, what about me? I have done nothing wrong. Isn't that right?"

"War is like a jungle. It is natural for a strong person to eat the weak."

"What? What does that mean?"

"I don't mean anything."

"Then you won't?"

"I can't say for sure. I don't know what the world will be like."

After the red moon was over, Grania might end up losing to him. Therefore, she also watched Kang-jun with wary eyes.

"Bah! In the end, you're aiming for me."

Of course, Kang-jun didn't intend to attack Heksia or Grania after the red moon was over.

To be honest, he didn't know what buildings they were occupying.

He just wanted to play a prank due to Heksia's previous words and Grania was just standing next to her.

It was a joke because they didn't know the naga queen was only responsible for defending Kang-jun's bases.

As he had already seen, even Heksia and Grania combined couldn't defeat the naga queen. In other words, if Kang-jun attacked with the naga queen, Heksia and Grania would suffer.

Was there anything else? Heksia seemed to take Kang-jun's joke very seriously. After seeing her stiffened expression, Kang-jun said hastily,

"It was a joke. I want to go to the end with Commander-nim, so don't worry."

"Bah! A joke?"

"You don't know that it is joke."

They stared at Kang-jun with challenging eyes.

"It can't be helped. I'm going to attack Lucan after the red moon."

"Me too. I need to hit first in order to live. I'm going to lead my troops."

They really seemed like they were going to strike first. Kang-jun started sweating as he tried to soothe them.

"It really was a joke."

"That is nonsense. You are too strong to accept it as a joke."

However, their expressions had relaxed considerably. Kang-jun smiled.

"We are comrades. Comrades have a closer relations.h.i.+p than friends! I won't betray you. I want to go together with you until the end."

"Go together until the end?"

"Of course. We will be friendly even after the red moon has passed. Feel free to come to my base to play."

Heksia smiled.

"Hrmm. I will consider it."

"Okay. I guess we don't need to be enemies."

Grania's expression brightened.

'I'm glad they are more relaxed.'

In fact, his words were true to a certain extent.

He truly would wait and see if he would attack them or not.

In the future, he would try to obtain them when he had enough charisma.

Originally, he hadn't planned such a thing.

He hadn't imagined it would be possible.

However, he was capable of it now that the naga queen

had been brought into his household.

'I have a chance to obtain Heksia and Grania if I have enough charisma.'

If he got the naga queen, Heksia and Grania, then Kang-jun would become more powerful. The defense would be left to the naga queen, while Kang-jun would sweep the area with Heksia.

So, it was necessary to make the relations.h.i.+p with them as good as possible.

It seemed difficult but he seemed to be getting closer as he saw their warm gazes. They felt better after Kang-jun emphasized that they were comrades.

Then Heksia suddenly said,

"I almost forgot to tell you. Be firmly prepared the next time you enter."

"I guess there will be a great battle again."

"It is something more important than that. Our army is fortunate to have a competent sovereign like you. However, the actual situation of the defense forces in Earth Hwanmong isn't that good. In recent years, the situation has become quite disastrous."

"A disastrous situation?"

Grania replied with a mournful expression.

"13 of the army commanders have been killed."

Kang-jun was puzzled. That was impossible!

"Isn't it possible for the dead to be resurrected while the red moon is up?"

"There is a zone where resurrection is impossible and the fiercest battle is occurring there."

"Where is that place?"

"The bloody Battlefield. It is the end if you die there."

It was obvious just by the name - the bloody Battlefield.

"There are no sovereigns there. It is the place where the strongest powers under the Second Demon King are gathered."

If the sovereigns appeared there, they would be destroyed. Resurrection was impossible.

"Then 13 commanders are dead."

Heksia nodded.

"It was outside of the power of the sovereigns, so I hadn't mentioned it but now things have changed."

She continued speaking.

"If we are pushed back on the bloody Battlefield, it will be over. Sooner or later, some of the army commanders, including myself, will have to go and support the bloody Battlefield."

"Um."

"Then there will be many armies without commanders. Therefore, the commanders met and have decided to hold a competition to select the strongest total sovereigns to appoint them as new commanders."

A competition between the total sovereigns. If so, it meant that Kang-jun also had a chance to become commander.

Heksia said with intense eyes,

"Next time you come here, there will be a competition among the total sovereigns. The ones ranked from 1st to 10th will become commanders."

"Then what is good about becoming a commander?"

With his abilities, he would be able to compete with the other total sovereigns. However, he was unwilling to become a commander if he needed to lead the other sovereigns.

Heksia grinned.

"If you become a commander. you can obtain wings."

"Wings?"

Heksia pointed to the mysterious wings behind her.

"These aren't simple wings. It is a token of a commander and symbol of our strength. Of course, you can hide the wings and only unfold them when necessary."

Heksia shrugged and her wings disappeared.

"Each wing has a special ability that can increase your attack power by at least two times. Of course, it can be used permanently, at least until the moment when the wearer dies."

"I see."

Kang-jun's eyes shone. If so, he absolutely needed to get into the top 10 to receive the wings.

Grania continued.

"Although it is unlikely for the total sovereign in my army, I am hoping that Lucan does well. You should preferably reach first place."

"Is there a better reward if I'm first?"

"There is a difference between first and second place. It hasn't been decided yet but it will be substantial. The most important thing is the wing option."

"Wing option?"

"You will be allowed to pick from the wings of the army commanders who died based on the order of your rank. Once the wings are picked, you can't turn back."

Then it was Heksia's turn.

"Wings of Chaos! A commander with these wings were killed. Don't look at other wings and make sure you choose this one."

"Is the Wings of Chaos that good?"

"When it comes to combat power, you can think of it as the strongest wings. It is on a different dimension from the wings I have now. I would choose the Wings of Chaos if given a choice but it is impossible since I've already picked wings."

Heksia looked depressed. It was the same for Grania.

"There are only three commanders with the Wings of Chaos in this whole area of Hwanmong. Now that one of them is dead, there are only two people left. This is a chance that won't come twice. That is why you must be in first place."

"Right, I understand. I'll try."

Wings of Chaos! It was an opportunity to become a commander and it was only possible when a commander with wings died.

Their appearances then started to blur.

[The door to Hwanmong is closed.]

[Your time in the world of Hwanmong is over.]

The 5th floor of the Yugang building.

"You woke up."

Hayun greeted him with a bright smile today.

It was normal for when he woke up from Hwanmong.

Although Hwanmong was different from normal dreams, to a certain extent, he felt displeasure when he woke up.

However, that disappeared whenever he saw Hayun's smiling face.

It felt good to come back to reality.

Kang-jun felt better to start the morning with a pleasant smile.

"Thank you for always watching my side Hayun."

"There is no need to thank me. It is a pleasure for me."

It wasn't a big deal but Hayun looked very pleased.

Shortly after showering, Kang-jun tested out Dark Transparency.

Sususu.

Five black magic energy was consumed and Kang-jun's appearance became transparent, including the clothes he wore.

He couldn't see anything when standing in front of the mirror.

'Huhu, indeed.'

Kang-jun laughed as he looked at the mirror. It was great he could use the transparency ability in reality.

It was a useful skill for Kang-jun.

Yiing.

Then the Skia rang. It was from Lawyer Han Yeon-soo.

"hello."

-hello, Lee Kang-jun. Is everything okay? Did you have breakfast? The bean sprouts soup from last time was really delicious. I'm afraid I can't come again to eat, so I contacted you by phone.

It was her habit to not get to the point straight away. Kang-jun remained silent until she finally spoke again.

-25 million won per moonstone. What do you think?

This was the reason for her phone call. The offer was five million more than last time.

"No."

-I see. What price do you want?

"I'm just going to hold on to it for a while. I won't sell it quickly. I will think about it slowly."

-Yes, I understand. By the way, you solved the problem of the ghoul lord, so the Black Dragon Law Firm has prepared a small gift.

"Gift?"

-A bike. It runs on many, so no fuel is needed and the speed can go up to 300km per hour.

"A bike?"

-It is convenient when traffic is blocked. It will be comfortable to switch. For more details, check out the space app. Then I will go.

"Yes, thank you. I'll use it well."

After the call finished, Kang-jun looked at the space app.

[New Storage: 1]

He touched it with his fingers and the following content appeared.

[A gift has been sent from the Black Dragon Law Firm to your space.]

Just like money from a bank account could be transferred, the Black Dragon Law Firm could also transfer objects.

[The Prutun has arrived in your warehouse.]

[The Prutun is now yours.]

'Prutun?'

It was a bike-shaped icon of a funky-shaped bike that seemed like it would appear in a SF movie.

'I don't know if I can ride it. They could have just given me money.'

Anyway, it wasn't a bad thing.

There was no burden in keeping it because it would be in the space.

Shortly afterwards, Kang-jun shook hands with Hayun as he prepared to leave the house.

"Be careful."

"Then I will be going."

Today's menu was bean sprouts soup.

Kang-jun had ordered it for the luck effect.

However, unlike the last time, the effect wasn't luck but +3 to strength.

The same menu didn't always have the same effect. In the future, it would be better for Hayun to cook the food that she wanted.

Anyway, the strength increaser buff was very useful, so he placed three bowls of soup in the space.

Due to the buff effect being different, the bean sprouts icon also looked different.

'By the way, there are many people out there today.'

There was a huge crowd in front of the building.

'Dark Transparency!'

Kang-jun immediately used the skill.

And he was able to leave through the front door.

It was the best skill to use to escape from reporters and fans.

For the next three days, Kang-jun continued hunting through the app.

In the meantime, Secretary Kim Hye-na and Kim Seok-cheol succeeded in purchasing the 4-story Gayoung building that was between the Yugang and Dafeng buildings.

The value was 4.8 billion. Two billion in cash was used for the purchase and the rest was a bank loan.

He could use the rest of the money to buy another building. The bank interest would be covered by rent and the quality of the tax effect would be enhanced.

He had a competent secretary to take care of everything. Additionally, the legal issues regarding the source of the cash was handled by the Black Dragon Law Firm.

As a result, Kang-jun became the owner of three buildings.

'Melinad will be happy.'

At 10 o'clock in the evening, Kang-jun lay down in his bed.

[The door to Hwanmong is open.]

Upon reaching the base in Hwanmong, he saw Naga Queen Melinad standing beside Keirun.

"Oh! Lord, you came?"

"Naga Queen Melinad, I see Lord."

Melinad greeted Kang-jun then kissed his hand.

Rodiam and Melinad seemed to like touching Kang-jun's hands.

Rodiam liked to rub his cheek against Kang-jun's hand like a cat while Melinad seemed to like kissing it.

There was a style for every household member, so he should respect it.

Just like he normally did to Rodiam, Kang-jun stroked Melinad's head without thinking.

Seuk seuk.

"Have you been well?"

"Yes."

Melinad seemed to be embarrassed but she spoke calmly.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Kang-jun quickly pulled his hand away. Even if she was a household member, she was still a queen, so he shouldn't be stroking her hair like she was a pet.

Then Melinad smiled.

"It's okay. This is the first time I've had my head stroked like this. It doesn't feel bad to receive praise."

"Then I'm glad."

Kang-jun smiled. It seemed like he had permission to stroke her head.

"I have some good news. I bought a new building. It is the Gayoung building that is close to here."

Then Keirun said with an excited face,

"I already

know, Lord. That is why Melinad-nim submitted to Lord."

Melinad only treated Kang-jun with respect. Melinad stared at Kang-jun with a red face.

There was something like expectation in her eyes.

However, she also looked half-resigned.

Kang-jun knew the reason behind the complex look in her eyes. Her previous lord, the Second Demon King, had never kept his promise.

Although Kang-jun said that he would keep his promise, it couldn't be helped that she didn't believe him. She might have been deceived.

So, she had half-way given up.

However, Kang-jun had no intention of breaking his promise. He immediately spoke to Melinad with a gentle smile.

"Melinad! Now, the Gayoung building will be a home for you and the nagas. Use the taxes from there to build fortifications and facilities. As promised, I will entrust you will the rights."

"Lord..."

Melinad's body trembled with disbelief.

"You really kept your promise."

"I wanted to buy a bigger building but this was the only one being sold. I'll change it to a large building later on."

"No, Lord. This building is sufficient."

The tears in her eyes showed that she was touched.

Anyway, if they raised the facilities, the space would be greatly expanded. It wouldn't be difficult to make space for 800 nagas if there were enough nodes.

Furthermore, there were enough taxes coming from owned territories to solve this.

"I won't forget Lord's grace."

Melinad once again kissed Kang-jun's hand. Kang-jun stroked her hair and smiled.

[You have entrusted the rights of the Gayoung building to your household member, Naga Queen Melinad.]

[Melinad has built a naga base on the 4th floor of the Gayoung building.]

[The base at Gayoung building will be upgraded to stage two. 1%]

Stage one was completed in an instant and the base expanded instantly to stage two. From stage two onwards, it would be more time consuming.

In the meantime, the nagas staying at the rest area moved to the Gayoung building under Melinad's command.

Kang-jun watched the scene with a gentle expression.

In fact, as the base of the nagas developed, Kang-jun's bases would become safer. Therefore, he wouldn't receive any losses from entrusting them with power.

"Lord! An army command scroll has arrived."

At that moment, a command scroll from Heksia arrived. Kang-jun immediately used the magic power to move to the Army Headquarters.

"Come in, Lucan."

Heksia was sitting on the throne. The other sovereigns, except for Kang-jun, had already arrived.

While Avia and his allies sent him favourable glances, the other sovereigns were looking at him with either jealousy or fear.

Kang-jun was already accustomed to such eyes and responded with a smile.

Heksia turned to them and said,

"As I said before, a competition between the total sovereigns will be held. The top 10 will be able to become commanders and receive wings. If you want to become the total sovereign, challenge Lucan."

Two hands shot up.

"I will try it."

"I will challenge."

They were none other than Zenith and Hardis.

Zenith was someone with an unrelenting nature and would challenge even if it meant death. In particular, this battle would involve becoming the commander of an army and receiving wings.

On the other hand, Hardis was a person who didn't do well in the original fight. Nevertheless, he raised his hand due to his greed for the wings.

'It is over if he gets wings.'

Lucan already had the strongest combat power, so who knew what would happen if he received wings.

That was why it was necessary. He didn't know if he could win but he had to try.

Heksia nodded.

"Okay, then we will move to the training room."

Of course, she hadn't thought that a challenger would come out.

However, it couldn't be helped.

It was a rule that if anyone challenged the total sovereign, it had to be accepted.

"How annoying. Both of you fight me together."

Kang-jun declared while holding the Vampire Lord's Sword.

Then Zenith and Hardis glanced towards Heksia for permission. Heksia nodded.

"Go ahead. If you both win then you can compete again with each other."

At that moment, Zenith and Hardis' expression brightened.

No matter how strong Kang-jun was, they thought there would be a chance of winning if it was two against one.

Zenith and Hardis rushed straight toward Kang-jun.

Sswing sswing!

First, Zenith's axe flew with a sharp sound. It was an offensive that was much faster and sharper than before!

He had become quite strong in the meantime.

It was the same for Hardis. He moved behind Kang-jun like a shadow, then aimed a dagger at Kang-jun's back.

At that moment, Kang-jun spun around.

An axe was aiming at him from the front and a dagger from behind.

His sword moved around him.

Seokekeok!

Of course, it was a display that didn't require any skills.

Nevertheless, Hardis and Zenith's bodies were sliced.

"Keook!"

"Kuuack!"

The sovereigns were astonished when they collapsed.

It was a one-sided match.

However, the sovereigns in Kang-jun's alliance, including Avia, cheered.

"Lucan! Thank you for your efforts."

"You have to go to the Total Sovereign Competition and win!"

Kang-jun smiled and waved at them.

The bodies of Zenith and Hardis turned to smoke and they appeared again in front of the resurrection gem.

Hardis thought that he had no luck and hung his head but Zenith was unable to acknowledge it.

"Kuoh! Dammit! This doesn't make sense! Why am I in an army with him?"

Zenith felt wronged. He appreciated that Kang-jun was strong.

However, he was convinced that he would have been the total sovereign if he was in another army.

Even though he might not reach first place, he could rank within the top 10. He asked Heksia,

"Move me to another army!"

Heksia snorted and replied,

"It is unfortunate for you to be assigned to the same army as Lucan but that is also your luck. Blame your own bad luck."

Then she turned towards Kang-jun.

"Sovereign Lucan! Now, you will move to the Defense Army's headquarters where you will face the other total sovereigns. I wish you all the best."

There was a magic circle. Kang-jun nodded and stepped into it.

"Then I will be going."

Kang-jun's body was surrounded by a light.

Hwaaack!

Kang-jun was covered in a dazzling light and appeared in a room.

It was an enclosed s.p.a.ce. There was a magic circle flashing on the floor.

The red light from the resurrection gem was also there in a corner of the room. It looked like the training room in the Army Headquarters.

[Sovereign Lucan from the 439th Army!]

[Welcome to the Total Sovereign War.]

A voice was heard coming from somewhere.

[You will now compete with the other total sovereigns in the Total Sovereign War.]

[We will select 10 commander candidates.]

After that, Kang-jun was surrounded by a light again.

Once the light disappeared, he was standing on circle in a vacant lot.

At Kang-jun's feet, the letters spelling out Sovereign Lucan were glittering.

Blazing lava surrounded the vacant lot but fortunately, he couldn't feel the heat.

[This is a duel.]

[You must duel a total of 50 times.]

[The duel opponents will be randomly selected among the total sovereigns and you can't face the same opponent twice.]

[Once the duel is over, 10 commander candidates will be selected based on the highest victory points.]

[You can will the duel by killing your opponent or pushing them out of the arena.]

[Two victory points will be obtained when a duel is won.]

[One victory point will be deducted when a duel is lost.]

[In the case of a draw, there will be no addition or subtraction of points.]

Unexpectedly, it wasn't a tournament style.

The opponent would be determined at random and points would be based on winning or losing. Although it was c.u.mbersome, it was a more rational way to determine the true candidates.

The disadvantage of a tournament style was that the loser would be excluded, no matter what.

For example, the number one and number two talents might end up facing each other, causing one of them to drop out. Therefore, a person who was less skilled than the one who dropped out might become one of the 10 commander candidates.

That was less likely if the victory points method was used. It would be natural for the strong players to maintain a high score if they randomly dueled 50 times.

'I thought it was a tournament but this is quite a hshile.'

Well, it didn't matter what approach was used. He just needed to win the fights.

[A duel against Achel, the 276th Army's total sovereign, will begin in 10 seconds.]

10, 9, 8...]

'Is it starting straight away?'

Kang-jun grabbed the Vampire Lord's sword and stared straight ahead.

[...3, 2, 1, 0.]

[Start the duel.]

[The time limit is 3 minutes.]

The sovereign name flashed at the circle on the other side.

Sovereign Achel.

A man with red hair appeared on top of it. He had determined eyes and a sharp nose. He was holding a big battle axe that made him seem two metres tall.

Kang-jun estimated him to be a Nordic person and he was reminded of an ancient Viking warrior. This was the first foreign sovereign he had seen.

'Then that means we can see each other's appearances here.'

Previously, he had only been able to recognize the sovereigns by the names glittering on their chest.

However, that wasn't the case now. He could even see a dot on Achel's left cheek.

"Hahaha! Sovereign Lucan? It is your misfortune to be my first opponent."

The language was automatically translated, so it wasn't strange that Kang-jun heard Achel's words as Korean.

Achel smiled arrogantly with an expression that showed he was confident about winning.

"There is no time. Then, I will attack."

Achel rushed in as his battle axe flashed.

Swiing!

The red light from the battle axe caused a ghostly red flame.

Sswing! Sswing! Sswing sswing!

There was a barrage of strikes from the battle axe!

He didn't swing it wildly.

'Stronger than Zenith.'

He was the strongest among the sovereigns he had seen.

Someone like this was his first opponent. The world was wide and there were many sovereigns.

Kang-jun avoided the battle axe's offensive and stabbed Achel's neck with his sword.

Puok!

Achel's eyes widened.

"U-unbelievable!"

The battle axe he was holding with both hands dropped to the ground. He grabbed his neck, shuddered and fell down.

[You have won the duel.]

[Two victory points have been obtained.]

[Your condition will be restored.]

[The next duel will shortly begin.]

Meanwhile, Achel's body had disappeared into smoke. There were no traces of blood on the floor.

Additionally, a light surrounded his body and he felt refreshed.

It was a light that would restore any injuries during the duel and get rid of fatigue.

[A duel against Elabul, the 117th Army's total sovereign, will begin in 10 seconds.

[10, 9, 8... 2, 1, 0.]

[Start the duel.]

It was a blond and blue-eyed western beauty.

Her weapon

was a bow. It was a stunning blue bow. A quiver decorated with blue features and filled with arrows was at her waist.

It was a big weapon for a slim figure. She looked like a female elf.

Ping!

Unlike Achel, Elabul didn't utter any words. She fired an arrow toward Kang-jun the moment the duel began.

Pak!

The arrows appeared in front of him in the blink of an eye! The arrowhead shone with a blue light as it flew.

There was another arrow in the place where Kang-jun tried to escape! When he tried to avoid it again, three arrows flew at once.

Pipiping!

An infinite number of arrows seemed to be coming from her quiver. It was enough to turn any opponent into a porcupine.

However, Kang-jun avoided the arrows and approached her.

"Ah!"

Elabul stepped back with shock but it was too late as Kang-jun's sword had already cut her throat.

Seokeok!

Duk.

Elabul's head fell off. Her body turned into smoke and scattered.

[You have won the duel.]

[Two victory points have been obtained.]

[Your condition will be restored.]

[The next duel will shortly begin.]

The next opponent was Sovereign Damas.

It was someone holding two swords. He was a tall person who gave off a sharp impression. His face was like a j.a.panese person.

Surung.

Damas glanced at Kang-jun and raised his swords.

They were two swords of different lengths.

Chakang! Chu chu chuk!

The two swords shone with a red light.

"Be prepared."

Damas came forward after his brief words.

After that, there was a storm of attacks.

Kakang! Kang! Kakakang!

Kang-jun attacked calmly. He was much stronger than the two preceding sovereigns. It was an offensive worthy of a lord's clone.

Flash! Papapat!

He even used a skill. It was a powerful skill where the two swords divided into dozens and flew in every direction.

However, Kang-jun received all of them.

There was no need to avoid them. The power of Heaven's Blood Sword Style rose along with his level.

Astonishment appeared in Damas' eyes after he saw Kang-jun receive his skill. He glanced at Kang-jun like he couldn't believe it.

"Who are you?"

"Lucan. It is funny to ask when you already know."

The sovereign name was written on the floor. Besides, shouldn't he have asked for the opponent's name before the duel?

Damas' expression then changed.

"Lucan... I heard that you are the strongest exorcist in the world right now. Of course, I don't believe such rumours."

Damas seemed to have read an article about Kang-jun. Kang-jun laughed.

"It is just a groundless rumour."

Then he stepped forward.

Who cared about such rumours? The important thing was this moment.

Damas solidified his expression and stepped back.

[Time remaining until the duel ends.]

30, 29, 28...]

If the time ended then it would be a draw.

'That can't happen.'

Kang-jun decided to use a skill.

'Heavenly Cut!'

As the flash headed towards him, Damas hurriedly crossed his two swords to block it.

Kakakakak! Seokeok!

However, the power of the flash wasn't something he could prevent. The crossed swords were pushed down and he was sliced from head to crotch.

"Kuuack!"

Damas stared at Kang-jun with disbelief before disappearing.

[You have won the duel.]

[Two victory points have been obtained.]

[Your condition will be restored.]

[The next duel will shortly begin.]

Since then, Kang-jun was on a winning streak.

He was 38 times. He had 76 victory points and only 12 duels remained.

Among the sovereigns, Damas who he had met in the third round was the strongest. The ones after that didn't have any strength.

[A duel against Agnus, the 66th Army's total sovereign, will begin in 10 seconds.]

His 39th opponent was Agnus.

She was a female magician wearing white robes.

Kang-jun used a sword while Agnus cast magic.

Hwaruru! Hwaruruk!

She used an absurd spell from the beginning. She called a wall of flames named Firewall and pushed it towards him.

Hwaruru!

The wall of blazing flames approached. In order to not get burned by the flames, he would need to flee. However, that would mean leaving the duel area and that he would be automatically defeated.

"Hohoho! If you knew I was a magician, you shouldn't have given me a chance to use my skill."

Agnus was convinced of her victory and laughed. It seemed like she had won a lot through this method.

It was certainly powerful. It would be quite effective.

However, that was useless against someone with a very strong magic defense.

Kang-jun penetrated through the wall of flames and wielded his sword.

Seokeok!

Agnus' body was cut diagonally.

[You have won the duel.]

[Two victory points have been obtained.]

After Agnus, many talents continued to emerge in front of Kang-jun.

It probably wasn't a coincidence. Those who were proficient were being shiigned to a strong opponent. Maybe this meant that the commanders were watching the duel.

Kang-jun's winning streak continued.

49 wins. He had 98 victory points.

Now, there was only one person left.

[A duel against Andras, the 13th Army's total sovereign, will begin in 10 seconds.]

Blue armour. A brilliantly shining sword. A shield with a blue dragon pattern.

The equipment wasn't far behind Kang-jun's.

'He is strong.'

Kang-jun was always relaxed but now, his expression was stiff.

Until now, he had been able to win even if he had fought roughly.

However, he felt like Andras was on a different dimension from them. It was the first time he was dealing with a sovereign with power.

Suuk.

"Lucan. I've heard rumours but the same thing won't happen to me."

The eyes gleaming through the helmet were intense.

Kang-jun ran forward and used a skill without hesitation.

'Heavenly Cut!'

Flash!

There was no need to talk if he met a strong opponent. It was best to get a victory through sheer force from the beginning.

Kakakaang!

Surprisingly, Andras received Kang-jun's skill with his shield.

"Ugh!"

Andras moaned as he was pushed back, but he was the first sovereign to block Kang-jun's Heavenly Cut.

'That shield? It isn't ordinary.'

It didn't receive any scratches despite being hit by Heavenly Cut. Rather, Kang-jun's two arms were tingling.

Fortunately, the Vampire Lord's Sword was fine.

A legend grade weapon was different. However, that meant the shield Andras was holding was also likely to be legend grade.

If not, it wouldn't have been possible to block the Heavenly Cut that emerged from the Vampire Lord's Sword.

Kakang! Kang! Kakakang!

Kang-jun immediately attacked with his sword, but Andras blocked it with a shield.

'Amazing. The shield's defense is no joke.'

Even if the shield was legend grade, Kang-jun's Heavenly Cut wasn't something that could be blocked with simple reflexes.

Nevertheless, Andras defended perfectly. This meant that Andras had more advanced skills a.s.sociated with shield defense.

However, Kang-jun hadn't fought just one or two opponents. Andras was nothing compared to the naga queen he fought a while ago.

Kakang! Kang! Kakakaang!

Kang-jun continued to push Andras without hesitation. Andras tried to maintain a distance but it wasn't easy.

'Ohh! He isn't giving me a chance to use a skill.'

Andras had two powerful skills that used the shield to neutralize the opponent's sword. As soon as he tried to use the skills, he would be busy trying to block Kang-jun's sword.

During Kang-jun's battles with the lords and their clones, he had learnt not to give them time.

[Time remaining until the duel ends.]

[52, 51, 50...]

As time started running out, Andras became impatient.

'It can't end like this. I have to fight him somehow.'

Kang-jun had already detected Andras' mindset. So, he tried to look relaxed as if he wanted a draw.

Andras' face distorted.

[12, 11, 10...]

Once 10 seconds were left, Andras' eyes flashed.

It was bound to be a draw. That could never happen.

In the end, he stepped back and tried to use a shield skill.

Flash!

However, Kang-jun's sword was one step ahead of him. Moving through the gap in the shield, it struck.

A flash crossed Andras' blue armour and blood spurted out.

"Ugh!"

As blood emerged, Andras' upper and lower body fell to the ground. It was the end.

[You have won the duel.]

[Two victory points have been obtained.]

[You currently have 100 victory points.]

That was the end of 50 duels.

Kang-jun stood in the middle with a winning streak of 50 wins.

'Andras wasn't an easy opponent.'

If he hadn't taken advantage of Andras' psychological state at the end then it might have ended up in a draw.

However, he won anyway.

If this had been a real battle between sovereigns, instead of a duel, Kang-jun would have taken everything that belonged to Andras.

On the other hand, Andras would be screaming in the loser's h.e.l.l.

The thought of it didn't calm Kang-jun down. He won this time but what about the next time?

Of course, he would win. If he became stronger, then he would win unconditionally.

Kang-jun formed fists as he made a resolution.

[Sovereign Lucan from the 439th Army!]

[You have 100 victory points. You are the first ranked commander candidate among the total sovereigns.]

The light of the magic circle wrapped around him.

A gigantic room.

There was a big magic circle shining in the centre.

Kang-jun appeared on top of it.

However, this time, he wasn't alone. There were nine other people standing on the circle.

Five of them were familiar to Kang-jun. Andras, Damas, Agnus, Praksin and Allamo.

They were opponents Kang-jun had met in the duels. The other four - he hadn't seen before. He had never met them in the 50 duels.

However, it was possible to see their victory points and rank under their sovereign name.

Kang-jun was first, Andras was second and Damas was third.

At that time, a group appeared in front of the magic circle.

A total of 10 people. Some were human while others looked like ogres or demons. There were two horns on top of their heads and fearsome faces.

Who were they?

The atmosphere around them was beyond imagination.

They introduced themselves one by one.

"I am the 1st commander of the Earth Defense Army, Binhaim."

"I am the 2nd commander, Madun."

"I am the 3rd commander, Ligas."

The ten commanders introduced themselves. It ranged from the 1st to 12th Army, with there being no commander for the 7th and 11th Army.

Kang-jun suddenly recalled Heksia's words.

She said that the 1st to 12th army commanders were the strongest among the Earth Hwanmong defense forces.

After that, the armies get jumbled up and the rankings were meaningless. In other words, the commander of the 400th Army could be stronger than the 30th commander.

However, only the commanders with the greatest strengths could become the commanders of the 1-12th Armies.

However, these 12 armies weren't divided in order of ability either. Although the 1st commander represented all of them, there might be someone with a stronger ability among the 12 commanders.

Not surprisingly, the 1st commander Binhaim was watching the 12th commander. The other commanders were also watching the 12th commander, indicating that he was the strongest among them.

At that moment, the 1st commander Binhaim spoke to Kang-jun and the others.

"You are the strongest among the sovereigns. However, the rankings are now meaningless. You will have to fight again."

Was it a compet.i.tion that would give them a chance to change their rankings?

Kang-jun had already defeated five of them. He hadn't fought the remaining four yet but they seemed to be weaker than Andras and Damas.

Binhaim continued.

"Before that,

we would like to give you gifts. Now, you will be taught by one of us."

Taught? By the strongest army commanders themselves?

"This is because your skills are still lacking to become a commander. It is very lucky for you that we have made the special decision to strengthen our defenses."

This was quite unexpected.

Kang-jun was looking forward to it.

They were the best people in Earth Hwanmong, so their teachings wouldn't be terrible.

"Then the sovereigns a.s.signed to each commander should come forward. Sovereign Agnus."

"Yes."

The 1st commander, Binhaim, pointed to Agnus. Agnus walked forward with a nervous expression.

"Sovereign Damas will come to me."

"Yes."

Then the 2nd commander, Madun, pointed to Damas and the 3rd commander called Andras.

"Sovereign Lucan!"

Finally, the 12th commander, Rainkar, spoke Kang-jun's name.

"Yes."

Kang-jun walked in front of Rainkar.

He was a male in his 40s with a cold aura. There was an eerie energy around him like in martial arts novels.

Kang-jun believed that Rainkar was the strongest among all the army commanders. Otherwise, the other commanders wouldn't be paying attention to Rainkar.

Rainkar gazed at Kang-jun and said,

"Follow me."

"Yes."

Kang-jun followed Rainkar to a nearby closed chamber.

It was a room with two resurrection gems, one on each side.

It was a training room. The unusual thing was that it had two resurrection gems.

Rainkar said,

"Lucan! I deliberately told the other commanders not to choose you. It is because I have chosen you. Can you guess why?"

"I don't know."

"It isn't because you have the most victory points or achievements. There was only one reason. It is because you know Heaven's Blood Sword Style."

"How do you know that?"

"I watched your duels. I know because I am familiar with the skill. The person died a long time ago."

"Who is he?"

"You don't need to know. Just that when he was alive, the Second Demon King Colladikus would have never considered invading Earth Hwanmong."

Rainkar's eyes shone coldly.

"Please note that I won't be teaching you any new abilities. I will only expand on what you already know. This is the same for the other commanders."

"I will be grateful for any teachings."

Kang-jun was prepared to die during the training. It was rare to get a chance to be taught by the strongest in Earth Hwanmong.

There was a faint smile of satisfaction on Rainkar's face as he gazed at Kang-jun, however, his cold expression soon solidified again.

"The given time is two hours. During that time, I will give you the harshest and most efficient training. The only thing that matters is your will. If you give up in the middle, you won't receive anything."

"That will not happen."

Kang-jun replied with a smile and Rainkar's eyes shone.

"I'll see if that happens or not. Then, I will start."

Surung.

He immediately pulled out a sword and stabbed Kang-jun.

Puk!

"Keeeok!"

Kang-jun's eyes widened and he fell. HIs body turned into smoke and reappeared in front of the resurrection gem.

"Euh..."

Did he die?

It was the first time Kang-jun had experienced death. This was because he had never been defeated in an duels in the training room. Additionally, he had never died in battle against the Second Demon King's subordinates. Resurrection was possible but he had never experienced it.

Yet, he had just died. It felt like the world was ending the moment he died. His consciousness was still alive but his body was like a stone. Then even his consciousness disappeared. And he woke up again.

"Why?"

Kang-jun stared at Rainkar. He said he would teach, so why did he kill Kang-jun? It wasn't a pleasant feeling, even if he was resurrected.

He didn't want to experience such a terrible feeling again.

Sukeok!

However, Rainkar approached Kang-jun and cut off his head.

Duk.

His head fell off his body. He had done this to others but this was the first time he had experienced it.

Once his head was lost, the struggling body lost strength and collapsed.

His consciousness lasted for a while even after the head had fallen off. Then his consciousness was cut off and he was resurrected at the gem on the other side.

Jebeok jebeok.

Rainkar walked over with his sword.

Kang-jun got up.

'Wait! Is this training?'

Rainkar said he would use the most effective training method for a short period of time. Then he stabbed Kang-jun's stomach and sliced his neck.

Kang-jun didn't intend to just sit down and die.

Kang-jun pulled out his sword.

'Yes. This is training. This time, I won't suffer without trying to block him.'

However, Kang-jun was once again cut in half by Rainkar's sword.

Seokeok!

Flop.

"Ugh, d.a.m.n! What are you doing?"

Once he resurrected again, Kang-jun swung his sword but Rainkar blocked it and stabbed him.

Puk!

"Keook!"

He died again and then resurrected.

This repeated for a while.

Did he die 10 times?

From then on, he even lost the will to resist.

"How long will you do this? Teaching about Heaven's Blood Sword Style... cough!"

Rainkar came up to Kang-jun without saying anything and killed him. He seemed like a crazy murderer.

Seokeok! Seokeok! Chwaack! Puhak!

Kang-jun's rage surged. He died silently. He used all his power and still died. However, no matter how he thought about it, he still couldn't determine a reason.

"What type of training is this?"

He wondered if Rainkar was enjoying murdering him instead of teaching. Unsurprisingly, Rainkar's eyes weren't filled with madness.

"Don't ask me but realize it yourself."

"Realize it myself?"

"Think of this as the Battlefield of Blood. Don't rely on resurrection. Think of it as the end once you die."

His sword flew once again. The sword approached Kang-jun's left eye.

Kang!

Kang-jun unconsciously blocked the sword. The action was detected using Heaven's Blood Sword Style.

Puhak!

"Keook!"

Rainkar's next strike stabbed his neck. Kang-jun was amazed.

'I did it.'

It was the first time. He desperately wanted to stop it and his sword unconsciously moved. It was the action of Heaven's Blood Sword Style!

Kang-jun revived and Rainkar's sword flew toward his head.

Kang!

This time, Kang-jun blocked the sword aiming at his right eye and the next stab soon arrived. Kang-jun shook his head and avoided it.

Kakang! Seokeok!

He died in the end but he managed to endure three strikes.

Resurrection again!

As time went by, the number of times Kang-jun could endure Rainkar's attacks increased.

Then after a long time...

Kakang! Kakakang! Kakang!

Before he knew it, Kang-jun had become capable of surviving for more than 10 minutes.

Rainkar smiled faintly and stepped back.

"It seems that you have roughly grasped it. Now, it is time to go."

Kang-jun was then moved back to the place with the big magic circle.

The other sovereigns were gathered, including Andras and Damas. Everybody seemed to be overflowing with energy like they had learnt something great.

The 1st commander, Binhaim, said,

"So, we will now choose the strongest among you."

The dueling method was the same as before.

All 10 people would duel once with each other. Victory gave two points while defeat caused one point to be deducted. There would be a total of nine duels and the victory points would determine the rankings.

However, there was no time limit for the duel. It would continue until the opponent was defeated.

Kang-jun's first opponent was Sovereign Fade.

He looked to be in his mid-30s, a Chinese person. His height was approximately 190cm. He looked imposing and reminded Kang-jun of Guan Yu from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

"Lucan, you were the best in the first duels but now it will be different. The one who smiles last will be the winner!"

Fade was ranked 5th in the main duel and had been defeated by Andras, Damas and Agnus.

However, after the last two hours, he had gained enlightenment and showed confidence in winning against the 1st ranked Kang-jun.

"If you are confident, come on."

Kang-jun raised his sword.

'Um.'

Then Fade sank into his thoughts.

'Strange. Why is he showing such a loose posture?'

Kang-jun had so many gaps, he couldn't figure out how to attack.

Seongk.u.m.

Fade hesitated, so Kang-jun stepped forward.

"Then I will attack first."

Kang-jun's posture instantly changed. All his gaps had disappeared.

Hwik!

His sword flew with him. It was an ordinary strike but the momentum behind it felt like it could split apart a mountain.

'Block the weapon!'

Fade blocked it hurriedly.

Kakang!

An advanced weapons blocking skill - through the teachings, this skill reached a new level.

Not only was it a perfect defense, he could also counterattack and deal a fatal blow to the opponent.

Kwarurung!

There was a ringing sound as Fade's sword ripped through the s.p.a.ce like a storm.

Swiik! Papapat!

It was a formidable momentum that seemed like it could crush anything in its path.

However, Kang-jun silently evaded the attack and proceeded to cut Fade's neck.

Seokeok!

Duk.

Fade's head rolled to the ground.

The second sovereign was Damas. He was a j.a.panese warrior who used two swords of different lengths.

Damas, who had won against Allamo, showed his confidence in winning against Kang-jun.

"Be prepared."

Damas rushed forward like the wind. He narrowed the distance in an instant like a flying arrow.

Kakang! Puhak!

At that moment, Kang-jun rushed forward and brandished his sword. Damas' swords were blocked and he was struck at the same time.

Kuuong!

Damas sank down. He was bleeding from a half-cut neck.

The third opponent was Sovereign Agnus.

She also gained new enlightenment as a battle magician. Originally, her skills had a long casting time, but now she had a teleportation skill called Blink.

Its casting speed was extremely short. It was advantageous when fighting enemies that used warrior-type melee attacks. She could maintain a distance and use attack magic.

"Bah! This time will be different, Lucan!"

She still had the memory of being defeated in the first duel, so Agnus' gaze towards Kang-jun was filled with poison.

Hwaruk! Hwaruruk!

She immediately launched attack magic and a series of flames flew from her staff.

As Kang-jun approached, Agnus used Blink to get away.

Hwiing! Hwing!

This time she made arrows of wind. The strength was slightly lower but the casting time was shorter than fire magic. The so-called moving shot was possible, so her speed didn't decrease.

However, it was powerless against one of Kang-jun's skills.

'Heavenly Unyielding Slash!'

It was a wide area skill that could be used at a reasonable distance.

Flash! Paaaat!

Since the damage dealt to individuals was less than Heavenly Cut, it would be less powerful against warriors like Damas and Andras.

"Ugh!"

However, it was fatal to Agnus who had weak defense. She quickly used Blink to avoid it, but she had already received some damage.

"damn!"

She collapsed.

Next was Andras.

He was in second place after the primary duels. As soon as the battle began, Andras ran forward like he had been waiting.

Swiik! Supapak!

Kang-jun's sword pushed the s.h.i.+eld back.

However, unlike before, Andras' posture wasn't disturbed. He was perfectly harmonized with his s.h.i.+eld. Furthermore, his psychological flaws weren't exposed anymore.

His combat power had doubled.

However, Kang-jun thought it was easier to face Andras compared to before. It was because Andras' balance broke whenever he tried to attack.

Sukeok! Chwack! Chwack!

Kang-jun's sword cut off Andras' right wrist, followed by a slice to his chest and neck.

Kuuong!

Andras collapsed but his eyes were still glaring.

Kang-jun's winning streak continued on.

He used Dark Transparency to confuse the opponent in addition to his other skills to achieve victory.

Before he knew it, he had eight victories. Now, there was only one person left.

The commanders watching Kang-jun's duel were surprised and impressed.

1st commander, Binhaim, glanced at 12th

commander, Rainkar, with dissatisfaction.

"Lucan's attack power seems several times stronger than before. Rainkar-nim seems to have taught him a lot."

The 2nd commander, Madun, nodded.

"Although it is an inevitable choice to stop the Second Demon King, it will be impossible to prevent Lucan from walking over everyone else in the sovereign world."

The other commanders agreed with him and stared at Rainkar. However, Rainkar didn't even blink.

"I don't know why you think I taught Lucan something great. I didn't teach him. He learnt everything by himself."

Rainkar just killed him. Lucan came to the realizations on his own in order to live. There were no teachings other than killing.

Rainkar frowned and said,

"Don't think about unnecessary things. It can be considered as acting against me. He had increased the power of his skill greatly. So, I taught him a desire to win."

The commanders flinched and avoided Rainkar's gaze.

While a strange current was flowing between the commanders, Kang-jun won the last duel.

Nine duels and nine wins. He had 18 victory points.

Kang-jun was crowned as the No.1 sovereign in Earth Hwanmong.

2nd was Andras.

3rd place was Agnus.

4th was Damas.

There wasn't a big change in the rankings compared to the primary duels, except that Agnus had climbed in front of Damas.

The ten commanders, including Binhaim, said to him,

"Now, you must choose a wing that is a token of strength. With these wings, you are qualified to become a commander. Once you have chosen your wings, you can't change them forever. So, choose carefully."

Finally, the wings. The eyes of the sovereigns, including Kang-jun, shone. Everyone had heard about the wings from their commander.

"Sovereign Lucan, I will give you the choice first. Which one of these wings do you want? The wings' flight speed will increase as your level rises."

At that moment, 13 wings appeared in front of Kang-jun.

Wings of Light, Wings of Darkness, Wings of Chaos, Wings of Fire, Wings of Water, Wings of Wind...

They were beautiful and mysterious wings. Furthermore, he could see information about their capabilities when he looked at the wings.

Wings of Light (Stage 1)

-Rating: Myth

-Wings with a transcendent will.

-Free flight is possible.

-Health +1000, Black Magic Energy +1000, Strength +10.

-Resistance to all properties will greatly increase.

-Starting from Stage 2, a unique skill will be gained at every stage.

-Light Power needed to upgrade to Stage 2: 0/1000

Wings made of brilliant light - if he wore these wings, everyone would mistake Kang-jun for an angel.

A myth grade item! Amazing! It was literally a jackpot item.

'The abilities are enormous.'

It was natural to gain the ability to fly freely with wings.

Yet his health and black magic energy rose by 1,000 and his strength by 10!

Additionally, his resistance to all properties increased.

The difference between having wings and no wings was like the difference between heaven and earth.

It was natural that the ten sovereigns in this position would reign supreme in the world of the sovereigns in the future.

'If I have Light Power, I can upgrade it further.'

When the wing level rose, it would be possible to open up unique skills.

Binhaim smiled as he saw Kang-jun looking at it.

"Do you want the Wings of Light?"

"I will look some more."

Kang-jun had heard from Heksia and Grania that the Wings of Chaos was the strongest.

However, instead of listening to their words, he decided to look himself so that he wouldn't have any regrets.

Wings of Darkness (Stage 1)

-Rating: Myth

-Wings with a transcendent will.

-Free flight is possible.

-Health +1000, Black Magic Energy +1000, Agility +10.

-Resistance to all properties will greatly increase.

-Starting from Stage 2, a unique skill will be gained at every stage.

-Dark Power needed to upgrade to Stage 2: 0/1000

When he looked at the Wings of Darkness, there was no difference with the Wings of Light except for the fact that agility was increased by 10 instead of strength.

The Wings of Abundance, Wings of Water and Wings of Fire were similar. They just differed by increasing intelligence, strength or agility.

Kang-jun shook his head and Binhaim said,

"The wings will start showing unique abilities at Stage 2 onwards. Well, it will be obvious once Stage 4 or 5 is reached. At first it is similar, so it doesn't matter what you pick."

"I see."

Kang-jun nodded and looked at the Wings of Chaos. The colour and shape were constantly changing, so he couldn't tell what it looked like originally.

Wings of Chaos (Stage 1)

-Rating: Myth

-Wings with a chaotic will.

-Free flight is possible.

-Health +1000, Black Magic Energy +1000.

-As the stage rises, attack power will increase significantly.

-Resistance to all properties will greatly increase.

-Starting from Stage 2, a unique skill will be gained at every stage.

-Chaos Power needed to upgrade to Stage 2: 0/1000

However, it was strange.

'What? There are no increase in stats.'

There was only an increase in health and black magic energy, not stats.

Why was only the Wings of Chaos different?

That wasn't all. There was also a difference in the description of the wings.

The other wings contained transcendent will, but this one contained chaotic will.

What was transcendent and what was chaos?

Furthermore, there was something else about the stages.

-As the stage rises, attack power will increase significantly.

This was it. There was no other information about the wings.

'This option is attached instead of an increase in stats.'

Maybe this was why the Wings of Chaos was said to have the strongest combat power.

At first, the increase in stats might be more powerful. A huge 10 point increase was never low. Strength rising by 10 points was like having his level increase by 10.

However, later on the increase in damage from the Wings of Chaos would be much more powerful than the rise in stats.

Of course, that was assuming he could upgrade the wings.

Anyway, he had decided on an answer.

He was sure of the reason why Heksia and Grania recommended the Wings of Chaos.

Kang-jun's eyes flashed as he spoke.

"I will choose the Wings of Chaos."

Binhaim sighed with a little bit of regret. He tried to conceal it but there was envy in his eyes. Based on the shape, he had the Wings of Light.

From the 1st to 12th Army, the only commanders who had Wings of Chaos were the 3rd commander, Ligas, and the 12th commander, Rainkar.

Ligas was a commander that had the terrifying appearance of a devil.

"Your decision is the Wings of Chaos? If you choose now, there is no turning back."

"I've decided. I will choose the Wings of Chaos."

"These wings originally belonged to the commander of the 7th Army. He died and now you will have his wings."

One of the commanders that had been killed this time was the 7th commander. Binhaim spoke with a solemn expression.

"Now, turn around. I will give you the Wings of Chaos. These wings will not only be your strength in Hwanmong but also in the world you belong to and all other worlds."

Kang-jun turned around and Binhaim placed the mysterious, s.h.i.+ning Wings of Chaos on Kang-jun's shoulders.

The wings shone with a transparent light that appeared like a halo behind Kang-jun, giving him a mysterious atmosphere.

[Those who transcend will meet the wall of chaos. If you grow beyond the wall of chaos...]

[If you want to know the will of chaos waiting in the wings, upgrade it.]

The contents about transcendence and chaos made Kang-jun's head confused.

[You have worn the Wings of Chaos.]

[The wings can't be dismounted but it is possible to hide the wings.]

[Health has risen by 1,000 points.]

[Black magic energy has risen by 1,000 points.]

His health and black magic energy increased greatly due to the wings.

It wasn't simply a numerical increase.

At the same time, Kang-jun felt an unknown vigor enter his body.

A strong vitality.

Now, he had obtained a vitality that wouldn't die.

As it continued, Andras chose the Wings of Light, Agnus - the Wings of Fire and Damas - the Wings of Darkness.

It was the same for the later sovereigns.

They also heard from their commanders that they should choose the Wings of Chaos. Once Kang-jun chose it, they picked wings that fit their needs.

Once the 10 sovereign chose wings that were a symbol of strength, Binhaim said with a smile,

"Now, you have become a commander. However, we haven't decided where to put you yet. The next time you come to Hwanmong, you will be able to choose."

He continued,

"Now that you have become commanders, your public evaluations will be completed differently from other sovereigns. For that reason, your achievements during this period of time will be rewarded immediately."

At the end of his words, a message appeared in front of Kang-jun.

[You have become a commander of Earth Hwanmong's defense forces.]

[Charisma has increased by two.]

[Good Luck has increased by two.]

Becoming a commander increased his charisma and good luck by two points.

However, that wasn't the end.

[As a reward for becoming a commander, 500 red moon achievement points will be given.]

[You currently have 2,350 achievement points.]

[This will be adjusted to 100 achievement points.]

[Your achievement points are reduced by 2,250 points.]

[As a reward for the reduced achievement points, the effect of your charisma has greatly increased the abilities of your household members.]

[Your level has increased by five.]

[Charisma has increased by two.]

Lv.40 (Exp 00.00%)

[War] Intermediate

Health: 1970/1970.

Black Magic Energy: 1700/1700

Strength: 44 (+5)

Agility: 45 (+5)

Intelligence: 41

Good Luck: 9

Charisma: 16 (+4)

Kang-jun rose to level 40 all at once.

His mental state could barely keep up with the rewards. Still, something like this was always welcome.

[Hayun's abilities have risen.]

[Keirun's abilities have risen.]

The abilities of all his household members, including Hayun, rose again. It was always a pleasure to have the attack power of his subordinates increase.

There was a prominent message among them.

[Melinad's abilities have risen.]

Naga Queen Melinad, who had just become a member of Kang-jun's household, had her abilities increased.

'Melinad has become stronger?'

Melinad was already at a level where she could trouble two commanders. An increase in her attack power was a welcome thing for Kang-jun.

Additionally, the probability of obtaining rare items in areas such as the mines, lakes and gra.s.slands increased.

[Black magic energy will no longer be consumed when you enter Hwanmong.]

There was a new addition.

Now, 100 points of black magic energy would no longer be consumed when the door to Hwanmong opened. His maximum black magic energy had increased significantly but it was still 100 points.

In the meantime,

the intensity in Andras' and the other sovereigns' eyes increased due to their growth.

"Then, you should go back to your world."

Binhaim spoke in a light tone. Before he knew it, the surrounding s.p.a.ce distorted.

[The door to Hwanmong is closed.]

He opened his eyes.

"You woke up."

A gentle light gleamed in Hayun's smiling eyes.

There was a mysterious halo around her.

She had looked completely like a ghost when he first saw her. Now, she felt like an angel.

She had originally been an advanced ghost. As her ability continued to rise, she felt as fresh as an angel. Maybe one day but not now.

It would be good for Kang-jun if her abilities continued to increase.

'Her face has become more beautiful.'

The other members had their abilities strengthened but their appearances hadn't changed as much as Hayun.

Did it only apply to women?

If so, Queen Melinad would become even more beautiful. If he entered Hwanmong, he would naturally find out.

Kang-jun would welcome it if it had really happened.

Then Kang-jun had an unfortunate thought.

'It is too bad. If Heksia and Grania were already in my household, my abilities would increase.'

It was really important for their abilities to rise.

He had 20 charisma, so he decided to try it the next time he met them. There was no guarantee that they would accept, but he had to try it.

At that time, Hayun let out a sound of surprise when she looked at Kang-jun.

"Ah."

Kang-jun asked,

"Why is your expression like that?"

"You have changed a lot during the night. Something huge can be felt from you."

"I have become a commander- or maybe it is due to the wings."

"Wings?"

Kang-jun shrugged and unfolded his wings.

Hwaaack!

Then a mysterious, glittering pair of wings spread out behind Kang-jun.

"Wah! How wonderful!"

Hayun shouted. Kang-jun admired his reflection in the mirror.

"It is real even in reality."

Binhaim had said it. He said that the wings would be present in Hwanmong and all other worlds.

So, he had been hoping the wings could be unfolded in reality.

It was also possible to fly. He floated slightly in the air. It wasn't uncomfortable but felt natural.

That's right. Now was the time to fly.

Kang-jun was able to fight on the ground and in the sky.

He had seen Heksia and other lord level monsters doing so.

The problem was that it would cause a frenzy in reality. He wouldn't be able to fly without having people concentrate their gazes on him.

'That's right. Can't I become transparent?'

Kang-jun instantly used Dark Transparency.

Sususu.

His appearance then turned transparent. However, there was no surprise in Hayun's eyes. Kang-jun smiled.

"I'll go out and fly for a while. I need to look at the performance of the wings."

"Then I'll go with you."

Hayun also turned into a transparent state.

"You can fly?"

"Yes, although it isn't fast."

She was a ghost, so limited flight was possible. Kang-jun opened a window and flew out.

Hwiik!

He was above the clouds in an instant.

'Fast.'

Kang-jun was amazed by the power of the wings.

He was moving like a bird.

Neither mana nor black magic was consumed.

He didn't even feel any resistance as he flew freely.

"Let's go together."

Hayun whined from below. After a while, she finally arrived at the place where Kang-jun was.

"That's too much. Why did you go so fast by yourself?"

Kang-jun smiled.

"It was my first time flying, so I couldn't control the speed. Now, I'll go slowly."

"Yes."

After flying over Seoul for a while, Kang-jun returned to the Yugang building.

'Huhu, I don't need to waste time driving around in the future.'

Due to the transparent state, he wasn't visible to anyone and it would shorten his movement time.

As a result, Kang-jun was able to solve almost 100 cases of evil spirit possession.

However, the experience from the evil spirits wasn't that high.

Still, he hunted them diligently as they still dropped j.a.ptem and moonstones.

Then it was time to enter Hwanmong again.

[The door to Hwanmong is open.]

He arrived at the base of Yugang building where Keirun, Melinad, Rodiam, Germuz and Kajel were waiting.

"Is everyone well?"

Kang-jun smiled as he spread out the Wings of Chaos and everyone replied with a resounding "Yes".

"Congratulations on becoming a commander, Lord. Now that you have obtained the Wings of Chaos, Lord is surely the strongest of all the sovereign in this world."

"I sincerely mean it, Lord. I am proud that you are my master."

"Congratulations."

Everyone had already known Kang-jun had become a commander. Kang-jun smiled.

"Thank you."

Looking at the changes in his subordinates, he was able to fully appreciate their rise in abilities.

As expected, Melinad's appearance had become more dazzling. Additionally, the look in her eyes she had toward Kang-jun had changed.

It was full of respect.

Perhaps it was due to his charisma. Kang-jun's 20 points of charisma was enough to make Melinad's chest beat.

Then Keirun said,

"Lord, do you know how to upgrade your wings?"

"I was wondering about that. It says that Chaos Power is required? However, it didn't fill up no matter how many evil spirits I killed.

Keirun immediately replied,

"Chaos Power can be increased if there is Essence of Chaos. However, it is extremely difficult to obtain Essence of Chaos. The Essence of Chaos is the rarest among all essences."

"Then it won't be easy to upgrade my wings."

Keirun just smiled.

"That's not it. In fact, the Wings of Chaos is actually the easier one to upgrade."

"What does that mean?"

"Unlike other wings, the Wings of Chaos can absorb the essence of all attributes. Therefore, you can raise Chaos Power by absorbing the Essence of Wind, Essence of Earth and Essence of Darkness. Of course, the amount is small compared to the Essence of Chaos."

"Oh! Really?"

He then decided to try it straight away as there were miscellaneous items already piled up in the base warehouse.

Essence of Earth: 62

Essence of Wind: 22

Essence of Darkness: 39

These were the essences piled up in the warehouse.

Some were obtained from Kang-jun's battles, while others were found in mines, lakes and gra.s.slands.

The essences were used for advanced facilities, upgrades and summoning high level troops at the barracks.

In particular, the Essence of Earth were used to summon golem ratigers and the Essence of Darkness were necessary for the vampire mages. Keirun was collecting the Essence of Earth to create a future golem ratiger army and the Essence of Darkness to summon 100 vampire mages.

In other words, these essences weren't easy to gather. They were literally rare items.

So he had to make a choice. Either strengthen his wings or strengthen the power of the base.

'Shall I see how much I get first?'

Kang-jun pulled out one Essence of Earth and brought it to his wings.

Then a question immediately appeared.

[Do you want to convert the Essence of Earth to Chaos Power?]

Yes/No]

'Yes!'

The wings shone with a bright light.

[One point of Chaos Power has been obtained.]

-Chaos Power needed to upgrade to Stage 2: 1/1000

'What? Only one point?'

Kang-jun was dumbfounded. This meant that 1,000 essences were required to upgrade it to Stage 2.

He though that the Essence of Wind or Darkness might give more Chaos Power.

[One point of Chaos Power has been obtained.]

-Chaos Power needed to upgrade to Stage 2: 3/1000

"Each one only gives one point! 1,000 points is required to reach Stage 2 so this isn't the answer."

Then Keirun spoke with a confused expression.

"I've never seen the Wings of Chaos, just heard it through rumours. But one essence only gives one point. I don't think it will be easy to strengthen your wing unless you meet a dimensional merchant."

"What is a dimensional merchant?"

"You can meet them at the Dimensional Shelter."

"Dimensional Shelter?"

"A shelter can be created using a Dimensional Piece. When a shelter is created, a dimensional merchant will appear. You can buy various types of essences."

A merchant selling all types of essences existed. Kang-jun was delighted.

"That's great. By the way, how can I get a Dimensional Piece?"

Keirun scratched his head and said.

"If Lord is lucky then you might find it in an Aok, but it won't be easy."

"Aok."

It meant a prison s.p.a.ce. Kang-jun had the Aok Key that could be used three times, but he hadn't found an Aok yet.

It was at that moment. Naga Queen Melinad spoke with s.h.i.+ning eyes.

"I have a Dimensional Piece, Lord."

"Really?"

Kang-jun was surprised. Keirun's eyes widened. Melinad just smiled.

"I'll give it to Lord if you need it."

"I'm very thankful."

Kang-jun didn't refuse. A dimensional store wasn't just good for strengthening his wings. It was possible to summon high level troops in large quant.i.ties since he could purchase essences in bulk.

Melinad pulled out a ring that shone with a blue light and pushed it towards Kang-jun.

"Accept it."

"It is this ring?"

"Yes. A dimensional ring. It was my mother's keepsake. I've only received bad luck from this so I hope you get good luck. I had wondered if it was a ring of misfortune. Still, it is nice to know that Lord needs it. My best luck was meeting Lord so I don't need any more luck."

Kang-jun's heart swelled with emotion.

"Thank you. Tell me if you want anything."

"It's okay. I am just glad that I can help Lord."

"Then I'll get you a really good ring."

"No. Just sometimes..."

"Sometimes?"

Melinad avoided Kang-jun's gaze like she was embarra.s.sed.

"It would be nice if you could stroke my hair sometimes, but I know that isn't easy."

"It is easy. Of course I will do so."

It was natural to stroke her head if she did something worthy of praise.

Seuk seuk.

Kang-jun immediately stroked Melinad's head. Melinad laughed brightly like she was in a good mood.

"Thank you."

"I will stroke your head at any time. You deserve it."

Kang-jun smiled. On his other side, Keirun was staring at the dimensional ring.

"If you have a Dimensional Piece and 10,000 nodes then you can construct a Dimensional Shelter. The jewel in this ring is clearly a Dimensional Piece."

"Make it right now."

"Yes, Lord."

[A shelter is being constructed on the roof of the Yugang building. 1%]

[2%, 3%...100%]

[A Stage 1 shelter has been completed on the roof of the Yugang building.]

Surprisingly, it was completed in seconds. Kang-jun went up to the rooftop with Keirun and Melinad.

Meanwhile, the rooftop door had changed to a portal.

There was a s.h.i.+mmering deep blue light that was like water.

As they pa.s.sed through, a large square was revealed.

[You have entered the Dimensional Shelter.]

[The Dimensional Shelter is a place for weary strangers wandering the

dimensions to rest. This is now a deserted vacant lot and there will be no visitors other than merchants.]

[Two Dimensional Pieces are required to upgrade a shelter to Stage 2. If the shelter is connected to the rest area then more people will find it.]

'Do I need another Dimensional Piece to get it to Stage 2?'

He needed two of them. It was hard to get one so how can I obtain two?

He would be satisfied with Stage 1 for now.

On the other hand, the square was empty.

There was only a large magic circle on one side of the square.

Chuuuot!

At that time, the magic circle glowed and a person in a grey hood appeared.

He stared into Kang-jun's eyes but didn't show any noticeable reaction.

"Hmm, why is the atmosphere so cold? There is no trade. Anyway, I am here so let's pick a spot."

He muttered as he trudged across the square and sat down.

Seuk. Suuk.

Something similar to a mat appeared in front of him.

On top of it were all types of sparkling beads of different colours.

'That?'

They were all essences. They weren't just the Essence of Earth, Essence of Wind and Essence of Darkness, but other essences as well. There were beads that seemed like fire was blazing or water was swirling.

Keirun smiled.

"Lord, that person is a dimensional merchant. You can't know their ident.i.ties, but the job of a merchant is to move around Dimensional Shelters to do business. They sell various types of essences."

"Then shall I go and find out the price?"

Currently, the base had more than 60,000 nodes. A few nodes were paid as tax, but most of them were the result of Kang-jun's constant hunting and missions.

'I can use around 30,000 nodes.'

He was overflowing with money so it wouldn't be a burden.

Keirun asked the merchant.

"I came to ask the price of the essences."

The merchant laughed and replied.

"Huhu, customers came as soon as I opened my business so I am happy. Yes. How many moonstones do you have?"

"Why are you asking for moonstones? Do yoy not deal with nodes?"

The merchant shrugged at Keirun's question and replied.

"I guess you don't know. Who deals with nodes these days? The value of nodes is too bloaded due to Hwanmong. I won't trade unless it is with moonstones."

Kang-jun was surprised.

'Moonstones? Moonstones are used as currency?'

Kang-jun asked.

"I have some moonstones so tell me the price."

Then the merchant gave him a friendly smile.

"These are the prices."

Essence of Earth - 2 Moonstones

Essence of Wind - 2 Moonstones

Essence of Fire - 3 Moonstones

Essence of Water - 3 Moonstones

Essence of Abundance - 4 Moonstones

Essence of Enchantment - 4 Moonstones

Essence of Darkness - 5 Moonstones

Essence of Light - 5 Moonstones

There were no Essence of Chaos. But the cheapest Essence of Earth and Essence of Wind were two moonstones each.

In addition, Essence of Darkness was going for five moonstones.

Of course, the standard was for the small size.

Keirun frowned and whispered to Kang-jun.

'It sounds like ridiculous prices. Wait a bit and see. Usually the prices will decrease when more merchants arrive.'

Kang-jun also thought like that.

Currently, he had approximately 1,800 small moonstones. If that was the case, he could buy 900 Essence of Earth from the merchant.

When combined with the essences at his base, the 1,000 Chaos Power required to upgrade his wings would be fulfilled. However, the value of the moonstones couldn't be lowered.

"Then I'll come next time."

"Huhu, don't think that it is expensive. Who else besides me will come to such a sad place? Anyway, you can get a small discount if you buy it in bulk so think carefully."

The merchant waved his hands.

Kang-jun exited the shelter with Keirun.

In the meantime, one scroll had arrived.

It was from Heksia.

[Lucan, I no longer have the right to command you now that you have become a captain. We are in equal positions.

Wouldn't it be a good idea to visit headquarters to say h.e.l.lo?

Give us a chance to celebrate.

-439th commander Heksia.]

'Yes. It will be good to talk to her.'

He hadn't heard anything yet so he decided to go and meet Heksia.

After a while, the 439th Army Headquarters.

However, Heksia couldn't be seen when he arrived. Only the sovereigns were there.

His allies, including Avia and Haniel, stared at Kang-jun.

"Lucan! Welcome back. Congratulations on becoming a commander."

"Welcome. "I've heard about it. You have become the first ranking commander among the sovereigns. Congratulations."

The other sovereigns were also staring at Kang-jun.

Some of them belonged to Hardis' alliance that opposed Kang-jun, and the ones who weren't close to him didn't congratulate him.

They just returned to their work.

"How about 20 million per moonstone?"

"I can't afford to give away my moonstones."

"Then 30 million? Please sell me one."

"Ah, let's see. I can't sell it. I want to sell but I can't. Although you are giving 30 million per piece, I only have a few pieces."

Everyone was eager to buy moonstones. Kang-jun asked what was going on and Avia replied.

"Heksia said it would be the evaluation when she comes back. The people with less than 100 achievement points are eager to buy moonstones. However, moonstones are in short supply so no one is selling."

"I see."

Kang-jun nodded. The rate of moonstones dropping was quite low, so it was quite difficult to find some even when hunting evil spirits.

Therefore, it wasn't easy to find someone who could spare their moonstones.

Who would sell it in this situation?

At that time, a sovereign carefully approached Kang-jun.

"Lucan! I am Sovereign Ruel."

It was a female voice. She wasn't one of the sovereigns in Hardis' alliance and had never had a conversation with Kang-jun.

She just suddenly walked over and greeted him.

"What is it?"

"This might be presumptuous, but can you please sell me three moonstones? I think that you have quite a lot of moonstones. I'll buy one at 30 million won per piece."

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