Chapter 23

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***

After fixing my tie, I leave Hee Jin's house.

Deciding to unwind a little, I asked her out. So we had a good time together. We went for a walk, I took an enthusiastic girl for a ride on my wyvern. Then we had dinner at a restaurant and ended up at her house. It wasn't bad, but I hadn't been paying much attention to her lately, more busy with my own stuff. And in the meantime, the feelings that had developed between us at the red gate had faded a bit. And now I had Aesil, my pocket girl. Much more convenient than a self-serving sorceress.

Still, there was no good reason to stop seeing Hee Jin.

Getting back to my business....

Almost a week had passed since I let the Architect rip a human heart out of my chest. Not much has changed in that time. I've already cleared quite a few dungeons, both in South Korea and North Korea. It's just that after closing almost all the A-rang gates, I suddenly found that one state wasn't enough for me. And I didn't want to be spread over lower level dungeons. And, in general, in this way I increased the size of my shadow army quite well. And slightly increased my own characteristics.

Previously, I would have gained twenty levels at least for such activity. But after completely appropriating Ashborn's powers, I stopped growing in levels so quickly. Even more so, my stats changed like that as well.

Song Jin Woo

Class

Shadow Lord

Title

One who looks for easy ways

Health - 100%

Mana - 100%

Characteristics:

Strength - 1602 (+512)

Dexterity - 1452 (+354)

Stamina - 1252 (+300)

Perception - 1002 (+300)

Magic - 1502.

Yes, being reborn as a Dark Monarch gave me a very significant boost in strength. And I even felt completely different. My own body was no longer human.

The characterisation system itself was slightly altered. In particular, I changed "intelligence" to "magic", which was more in line with the truth. I removed the level indicator altogether, as it didn't really reflect my strength. But by destroying strong monsters, I still increase my stats a bit. The weave structure of my title has also been improved. In a way, it can be called a separate inner layer... soul, corresponding to the weave of passive skills. But the title is sort of on the outside... merging with the outer layer of my soul and weaving with the emitted aura. The title itself gives a more powerful effect than any of the passive skills, but I can only use one.

There is another soul layer, between the outer and the first, that surrounds the core, which is a concentration of power, directly connected to the Black Heart. And it was on this middle layer that the magical designs of the equipment items ended up. Actually, they ended up being more magical weaves than actual items. So I was able to improve them too, along with the Architect. And add a few new ones.The bonuses from these structures are also added to the bonuses from real equipment, but the latter do not directly affect the magical structures on the soul levels. The power of real things immediately flows into my aura, strengthening it. And here, on the very edge of the outer soul level, in fact, already in the aura itself, on top of the weave of the title, are the constructions of active skills. They are the easiest to work with in general.

And, in general...

I increased my strength so significantly not only because I completely dropped the restrictions of the system and released the potential of the Black Heart as much as my current body allows. The synchronisation of all those numerous weaves that surrounded my soul also played a role here. Previously, they were... more chaotic and acted as if they were on their own. But, with the Architect's help, I had turned this hodgepodge of weaves into something more coherent and perfect.

And now I was ready... for a lot of things.

I was already thinking about trying to look for the other Monarchs. As long as they were hiding and trying not to attract attention. While Antares had not yet come to this world, I could destroy the weak Monarchs. Perhaps through them I can reach the Dragon Monarch himself. The fact that he has not yet begun to act means only one thing - he is not yet ready. His current vessel, his new body, simply can't handle the Monarch's power. If I destroyed the vessel, I wouldn't kill the strongest Monarch, but I would delay his attack for another ten years.

However, I wasn't sure if I could handle him even now. Even if we're roughly equal in strength, he's much more experienced, and he has powerful chaos armies under his control.

Here, just as I was thinking about all this, there was already a meeting between the representatives of the Korean and Japanese hunters' association. I was contacted by Chul and told that the chairman of the association, Gang-hee, wanted to meet with me.

Soon I found myself back in the familiar office.

- Hunter Sung Jin Woo. - The chairman greeted me by shaking my hand.

- You wanted to see me?

- Yes... please have a seat.

However, I already knew the reason for this meeting.

- You know about the S-rank gate breach in Jeju-do, right?

- We were never able to close that gate. - I'm nodding at him. - There were several raids, but they all failed.

- That's true. - The old man sighed. - Look at this.

He handed me a tablet.

Taking the gadget, I was able to admire the pictures of several monster bodies. Red ants with wings. But, a hunter should be more wary of the area where these bodies were found. This is not Jeju-do, where the monsters should have been isolated.

- They made it to the Japanese Islands. - The chairman confirmed. - If they had flown the other way, it would have been even easier for them to reach Korea.

- Is there a new raid planned?

- Yes. The Japanese Hunters' Association approached us with a proposal for a joint operation. We've already assembled a team, but you've been a little difficult to contact.

My super senses tell me there are a lot of S-rank hunters in the association's training room right now. Significantly more than there should even be in Korea. Apparently, our colleagues from Japan were already there right now.

- I see. Do you need my help?

- Of course. - The chairman nodded in agreement. - Can we rely on your support? Of course, your help will be paid for.

- I'm in.

The chairman visibly cheered up.

- Hmm... also... you still haven't commented on the double dungeon that was cleared a week ago.

- What do you want to know?

- Was it really an S-rank dungeon? How did you deal with it?

- I think... you understand how. - I squinted my eyes.

The old man's eyes flashed with a golden light, and his figure reeked of menace.

- Ashborn..." The otherworldly voice rang out.

- Hmm. Lux..." I grinned.

The pulse of the Black Heart coloured my eyes purple.

- Whose side are you on?

The brightest shard of light was extremely tense. His mortal vessel was not prepared to withstand the power of this creature. After all, he was the strongest of the Rulers. He was even stronger than Ashborn until he awakened the Black Heart. And he was the one who first rebelled against the Creator, he led the other Lords and they overthrew their master. Ashborn was the only one who remained loyal to the Creator. And for that reason, he sided with the Monarchs. Although, I can totally understand those guys, but for Ashborn, that betrayal was extremely painful.

- I'm on the side of the people. - I said calmly. - Say, Lux, can you still use the Cup?

- How-" The Overlord recoiled from me.

- I see, so you too were deprived of your memories, and the Cup became useless.

- What do you know?

- We lost, again. - I explained. - This is our last attempt. And I will need your help to destroy Antares. And we don't have much time left.

- You... forgive us? - The shard's voice trembled.

- No. I shook my head. - I am Ashborn's heir, and he gave me his power. But I have nothing to forgive you for. Your enmity and betrayal are none of my concern.

- What? He--

- He's fallen into eternal sleep.Gu Hee closed his eyes and the pressurising presence disappeared. The old man himself looked exhausted when he opened his grey eyes again. And now he was looking at me with a strange expression.

- So you are... I see. - Sighed the grandfather. - The Association will give you all the support you need.

- That's great. - I grinned.

Somewhere in the shadows there was a whiff of pride. Baruka was triumphant that he had infected me with that expression.

- How much time is left? - The old man sighed tiredly.

- Maybe a few more months. - I nodded.

- How strong are they?

- The Monarch can't be handled by any human, not even with the power of a shard.

- Can you?

- I think I can do it, but I need more time to prepare.

Gu Hee sighed and assumed a more relaxed posture in his chair. Although, it made his appearance even more exhausted.

- Right now, there's a raid group gathered in the training room. You can take a look at them.

- Yes... we have to work together after all. - I nodded.

Anyway, now I knew for sure that the Overlords and I were on the same side. And that opened up new options. I had a few more ideas on how to destroy Antares. If we destroy the weak Monarchs first, then after joining forces with the Overlords, we could attack the strongest Monarch in the interworld. Yes, he wouldn't be limited by the power of his vessel, but the Lords would be in full force. That being said, I will be there as well. Antares is strong, but we can just crush him in numbers. Even if his army is bigger, but without the other Monarchs, it's not enough against the Overlords.

- Alright... I'll go see those hunters. - I got up, stretching my neck.

- Let me escort you, Hunter Jin Wu.

The chairman decided to escort me. Although, he probably wanted to see the hunters training together himself.

Thus, the two of us left the main office and headed towards the training hall. This place was clearly created with magic. That is, ordinary construction, but magically reinforced, making the structure much more resistant to damage.

And here, by the time we arrived, team sparring was already taking place. Two groups of Korean and Japanese hunters were fighting hand-to-hand to gauge each other's strength. As I glanced around at the other hunters, I noticed that the mages were not participating and didn't seem to have any intention of fighting anyone.

- Mr Chairman, Hunter Jin Wu. - Jong Ying came over to us

This guy immediately headed over here as soon as he sensed my presence.

- Good day - I nod to him

- So you've decided to join our raid?

- I guess so.

- Then I can rest assured of the success of this operation..." he sighed.

After he saw what I could do with my own eyes, the head of the hunters' guild had a lot of respect for me.

Meanwhile, the duel between the teams was getting more and more fierce. Although, it was worth noting that the Korean hunters were more restrained. Yun Ho was fighting half-heartedly, his body had already begun to transform, acquiring beastly features, but he was still far from fully transforming into the monster he could become.

At the same time, Cha Hae-in was confidently crowding the hunter from the Japanese team. With some surprise, watching their fight, I noticed that the plasticity of both girls matched the movements of a fighter who was more accustomed to relying on the sword. What surprised me, however, was that I was able to identify such details at all. I guess the experience of fighting with Igris was taking its toll.

And so, the Japanese swordswoman herself realises that she can't handle Hae In. She then immediately switches with another fighter from her team. But, it's a bit clumsy. The guy with the mask on his face hesitated, which the Korean swordswoman immediately took advantage of with a series of quick strikes. It was even a bit more of an onslaught than one would expect. Perhaps she was angry at the change of partner. And, as a result, the Japanese man's face ended up smashed into blood.

In the very next instant, a pulse of killing power struck from him.

It wasn't stronger than Hae-yin, but, the guy was simply blown away, and he recklessly rushed into the fight, with the intention of killing. The girl, on the other hand, was completely unprepared for such a serious fight and was caught off guard

- Igris.

My knight had time at the last moment.

The Japanese hunter's arm was intercepted a moment before he could rip the throat of his opponent.

- Ghaaaa! - The one roared.

And tried to destroy my fighter already.

But, Bloody had no trouble flipping the guy over and knocking him into the floor, putting her foot on his back and plunging her blade into the floor, next to his neck, leaving a scratch on it. The whole team fight had come to a standstill because of this.

- Let's calm down. - I said. - This is training, you don't need to kill your opponents.

- Hunter... Jin Wu? - Yunho was surprised to see me.

I didn't answer anything, only glanced at Igris and she retreated back into the shadows. The Japanese hunter had just recovered and was no longer trying to kill everyone around him. And, though I could have stopped him myself, I decided to use my warrior to do so. Although, many of my strong shadows could have handled this guy. But perhaps only Igris could do it so quickly and showily.

Generally speaking, the strong elite knights of my army could quite easily match up in a one-on-one fight with an S-rank hunter. The general could actually outnumber all the hunters present here. Unless the Chairman had the chance to call upon the power of the shard. Igris is my marshal, she's on a different level and these hunters are like harmless kittens to her.

However, by using her, I have also shown that I am a summoner who prefers to avoid direct confrontation in person. Even if my servant is a cause for concern, the Japanese will be confident that destroying me myself won't be a problem.

- Hunter Hae-ying, are you all right? - I asked, approaching the girl.

And extended my hand to help her up.

- Yes... everything is... fine. - She answered somewhat awkwardly. - Thank you for your help, Hunter Jin Woo.

- You're welcome.

I didn't want to participate in the duel myself. No one asked me to.

In fact, after this incident, it was decided to end this type of training and not to confront any more S-rank hunters. Their abilities are extremely deadly in themselves, and half-hearted fights are not particularly effective. This kind of format doesn't allow one to determine the potential of the hunters, anyway.

A little later, Inspector Chul also decided to give me information about the operation plan.

Everything had already been planned and organised.

I only took a quick look at the plan.

My strength is enough to clear the island alone anyway. Well, with an army of shadows. But, remembering the course of events in the comic, I was hoping to use this raid to reinforce myself. The enemy would prove to be stronger than the association suggests. If Jin Woo hadn't intervened in this story in the comic, the entire raid would have been destroyed.

I suppose with my support, the Korean team would have a better chance of surviving.

But the Japanese...

Some of them will join my army.

Fair enough, considering they themselves planned this joint mission precisely to simply destroy Korea's S-rank hunters. At least that's how it was in the comic. But after watching these guys in person, and especially their leader, who was sullenly standing off to the side and sizing up our colleagues, I was growing increasingly suspicious of these guys.

That is why I planted some of my spies in the shadow of the Japanese hunter.

And from him they moved to other Japanese as soon as they had the opportunity.

In fact, even the leader of this group, Ryujin Goto, did not feel the presence of the shadow spy at all. And it was through him that I learnt of the Japanese plans. But I wasn't going to do anything about it, as their villainy only plays into my hands.

With four days left before the operation, I decided to clear a couple more red gates.

Only...

I didn't even look for them. Instead, I opened one in the suburbs by myself, and it was S-ranked. Inside, however, waiting for me was one of the legions of the fallen chaos army that had been captured by the Overlords.

- Aesil...

My shadow surged and flowed forward. And at the same time, a powerful demoness began to rise from it, turned into a shadow marshal with the heart of a Monarch.

- Overlord... - She looked back.

- They will bow to you and join my army. - I nodded.

- Yes, I will bring them to you.

She walked forward and my other demonic shadows followed her. It was only then that all the other shadow warriors began to come out. I decided to entrust this one to her for the simple reason that the shattered remnants of Baran's forces were trapped in this dimension. The Lords were preparing them to release them in the coming months, but I decided to appropriate them for myself.

And so I would do the same with the other Chaos Legions that were held captive by the Overlords.

They would open these gates in various countries, in hopes of preparing the people for the threat of facing an actual invasion. But it would be much more effective if I just dealt with these forces myself. That way, I'd be stronger, and I'd expand the size of my shadow army.

And as for the demons.

- They are ready to swear allegiance to you, my Lord. - Esil bowed respectfully with her palm to her chest.

Behind her, the remnants of the defeated demon legion lined up.

It is worth noting that the demonic legions are a somewhat smaller number than is usually represented in such a formation, if we focus on the troops of ancient Rome.

There were hundreds of demonic knights and a few dozen archdemons.

At the same time, they also kept several thousand wild demons, subdued by magic. And they all recognised the new king in the person of Aesil. More precisely, now she is their queen, since the heart of the demonic Monarch beats in her. And, kneeling before their new mistress, they were ready to recognise me as their lord as well. Although, my vassal's vassal is not my vassal, but this is a different situation.And thus, hundreds of powerful monsters let darkness into their souls....

And I had just enough mana to deal with so many demons right now. I still need to purify their magical energy to transform the demon. And just like Aesil, the voluntary oath was much more effective. Knights rose as elite knights and archdemons became powerful generals.

My army became even stronger.

And the Aesil faction in it became especially stronger.

Over the next four days before the raid on Jeju Island began, I also cleared a few more S-rank gates in the same way, significantly increasing my strength and expanding my troops. Except that after the demons, I had to completely destroy other chaos armies before I could raise them with shadows.

Thus, my strength grew day by day.

Although, my army wasn't even comparable in numbers to Ashborn's old army yet.

But, I had definitely become more powerful.

*** 

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