Chapter 285: Ranking Battle (5)
Jijijik―.
Galaxy’s voice flowed out again from amidst the static.
―Do not take it emotionally. We are investors.
It was a low and dry tone. A tone listing facts, not a threat.
―The cost put into A-4 alone could buy a small country. But you broke it. Well, it can't be helped. Since it is a battlefield.
Instead of answering, Kim Minwoo rolled the communicator on his palm.
―However, the map is different.
The man from the Galaxy side continued.
―The Demon God's Gift. We need that too. No, I'll speak honestly. More than half of the 72 Demon Lords are aiming for that.
“So?”
―You are a target now.
It was a calm declaration.
―From the next Ranking Battle, every proxy will co to kill you. If you cooperate, we will protect you. Do you think you can endure it alone?
The corners of Kim Minwoo’s mouth twisted.
“Well. Even if you take it, can you endure it alone? The Demon Lords wouldn't be such easy people.”
Silence flowed for a mont.
―……We can readjust the conditions.
“If the conditions are vague, I won't join.”
Kim Minwoo took the communicator off his ear.
“Co back with sothing better. I'll think about it then.”
―The opportunity is only onc―.”
Click.
Kim Minwoo turned off the power of the communicator.
As the blue light faded, the lump of tal cooled down.
rhen approached.
―Are you okay, Minwoo?
“Yeah. Rather, I gained information.”
Kim Minwoo unfolded the completed treasure map.
“Half of the 72 Demon Lords are drooling because of this single thing? Then whatever it is, it ans it's a jackpot.”
Just then.
Kugugugu―!
The earth rumbled. The sky split open, and the Demon God's voice shook the world.
〈The first Ranking Battle has ended.〉
〈Survivor: 1 person.〉
〈Winner: Vulcan’s Proxy, Kim Minwoo.〉
System windows poured down like a waterfall.
[Lower Ranking Battle Victory!]
[Reward: Demon God’s Blessing (Stage 1).]
[Additional Reward: Ownership of Completed Treasure Map confird.]
[Waiting ti until next Ranking Battle: 1 day based on Demon Realm ti.]
Kim Minwoo’s eyes flashed.
‘Demon God’s Blessing.’
He didn't know what it was, but if the Demon God gave it, it would be useful.
The world flipped again.
When his vision went dark and then brightened, Kim Minwoo was standing in the circular arena of the Demon Realm.
“As expected, you are amazing.”
Andromalius approached. Admiration was evident in his black eyes.
“I will speak honestly. It might be much more efficient for you to go than for to step forward personally.”
Kim Minwoo smirked.
“For empty words, there’s so sincerity mixed in.”
“It is not empty words. A solo victory in the Lower Ranking Battle. And you even monopolized the treasure map.”
Andromalius took out a black leather book from his bosom. Red patterns were engraved on the cover.
“This is a checklist of dangerous figures selected from the proxies appearing in the next Middle Ranking Battle.”
Kim Minwoo accepted the book.
“It’s a simple summary, take a look.”
He turned the first page.
『1. Thunder Lightning Mad Demon ― Jang Hyeokcheon.』
『Affiliation: Galaxy Alliance. Martial Artist from Murim. Direct Proxy of the 32nd Demon Lord.』
『Special Note: chanization modification complete. Electric amplification devices transplanted in both arms and spine.』
Kim Minwoo’s eyes narrowed.
“This ti, it’s not a Machine Human, but a human who attached machines.”
“That is correct. Unlike Ice Blood Demon Lord Jeong Cheong, he is a martial artist whose main body is alive. He learned the martial art Thunder Lightning Eighteen Hands, and when combined with chanical amplification, the output jumps three tis.”
Next page.
『2. Blood Shadow Ghost Mother ― Azazela.』
『Direct Proxy of the 47th Demon Lord.』
『Special Note: Creates clones using blood as a dium. Max simultaneous summons: 12 bodies.』
“This will be a bit annoying.”
“Yes. Identifying the main body is difficult. Each clone possesses 70% of the main body's combat power.”
Third.
『3. Ten Thousand Poison Immortal ― Goyeom.』
『Independent Faction. Active in both Demon Realm and Human Realm. Direct Proxy of the 41st Demon Lord.』
『Special Note: Possesses over 1,000 types of poison in the body. Fatal injury upon re contact.』
Kim Minwoo snorted.
“Poison, huh. Will poison work on undead?”
“The problem is corrosive poison. It lts the mana circuits themselves.”
Fourth.
『4. Celestial Tuner – Elion.』
『Fugitive from Heavenly City. Direct Proxy of the 26th Demon Lord.』
『Special Note: Manipulates the mana flow of the battlefield itself. Causes delay in opponent's skill activation.』
“Heavenly City?”
“Yes. Unlike our Demon Realm, it is a place created with a grand cause. Well, I don't know if it's really running that way though.”
Last page.
『5. Naless.』
『Affiliation Unknown. Identity Unknown. Direct Proxy of the 25th Demon Lord.』
『Special Note: No Information.』
Kim Minwoo’s eyes beca sharp.
“No information?”
“None. He newly entered this ti. Even so, the reason I put him as a dangerous proxy is that the 25th Lord broke all contracts with other proxies and put only this one person as a proxy.”
“Then there must be sothing.”
Unless the 25th Demon Lord is an idiot.
Since he went all-in, this guy must have sothing.
“I wonder what the the of the Middle Ranking Battle will be.”
“I do not know. It changes every ti. However, there is one commonality. Since the the of the Lower Ranking Battle was combat…… the next the could be completely different.”
“You should warm up too. Let’s see so of that dignity of yours.”
“Haha, must I help as well?”
“Don't try to get a free ride. If we want to climb to 2nd place, you need to show what you've got too.”
“Oh dear…… It seems things will beco quite tireso because of the treasure map…….”
Andromalius made a whining sound.
But Kim Minwoo had no intention of leaving him out of this Middle Ranking Battle.
Although he was the 72nd Demon Lord at the bottom of the rung, in other words, it ant he was a powerful demon ranking within the top 72 in the entire Demon Realm.
Since Mr. An had also beco Vulcan’s proxy, he had no intention of just carrying him through the Ranking Battle.
‘Because he’s soone who surely has a hidden card or two.’
Furthermore, having monopolized the treasure map, all the Demon Lords had their eyes peeled to kill him.
Mr. An would serve as a useful shield.
‘Then I must utilize him.’
The Ranking Battle was structured so that five proxies could participate, or just one.
His participation in the next Ranking Battle was mandatory.
＊ ＊ ＊
An underground cathedral where pitch-black darkness had settled.
Clack. Clack. Clack.
The sound of heels broke the silence.
Twelve gazes turned toward the entrance in unison.
A black priestess robe draped over pale skin.
Every ti she took a step, the 11 Apostles lined up on both sides, along with Liang Xiaojun standing at the very front, bowed their heads.
Even Mikhail of Russia―a giant man with an impressive thick neck and skinhead―could not et her eyes. As if he had seen sothing terrifying and irresistible, his shoulders flinched and shrank.
Han Siah sat in the first seat next to the head table.
Her gaze brushed past the empty throne at the top.
A massive screen hung behind it, and a man’s silhouette floated within a faint blue light.
Beneath a banner engraved with a skull pattern, like a sacred torch in a temple.
“We shall begin the eting after offering a prayer to Him.”
Han Siah gathered her two hands.
The eleven Apostles followed in unison.
A mont of silence.
She opened her eyes.
“I shall comnce the 7th Ergency eting of the Death Order.”
It was a gentle voice, but it overwheld the entire conference room.
“The world is collapsing.”
Han Siah continued slowly.
“Nations, religions, corporations. An era has co where nothing can be trusted.”
News screens flashed past on the screen.
Burning cities. Rampaging gates.
Crowds screaming and fleeing.
Although most were scenes from the Third World, it was an undeniable fact that these flas were spreading further and further.
“We believe in only one person.”
A holy light rippled in her black pupils.
“The Great One, the Ruler of Death, the One who transcends even death. Let us all pray for Him.”
Silence settled.
Not even the sound of breathing could be heard.
Everyone prayed with their eyes closed reverently.
“Then, please report on the preparation status of each diocese.”
Han Siah’s gaze turned toward Mikhail.
“Russia first.”
Mikhail sprang to his feet.
His massive fra was trembling minutely. His hand pressed the remote, and data displayed on the screen.
“Current number of believers in the Russian Diocese is 473,000. Military infiltration rate 23%, bureaucrat infiltration rate 31%, major corporation infiltration rate 18%. We also achieved results in winning over a few top-tier Awakened.”
Beads of sweat trickled down his skinhead.
“Preparations to oust dictator Hutin are 70% complete. It is a plan to soft-land into His system after a smooth regi change, not a riot.”
Mikhail bowed his head deeply.
“Well done. What we desire is order, not chaos. However, the standard of that order…… shall be decided under His will.”
Han Siah nodded.
“Good. Next, China.”
Liang Xiaojun rose from his seat.
It was different from the past. There was no bluffing, no exaggeration. A calm and restrained voice.
“China is being quietly taken over by weaving the Ilseong line. Since the people and top-tier Awakened are supporting us, there are no major difficulties.”
Han Siah smiled brightly.
“I trust the Diocese Head’s loyalty, of course.”
“I am flattered, Saintess.”
Liang Xiaojun bowed.
“We have also blockaded the border region with North Korea. Since we are coordinating with Korea, it appears it will collapse soon.”
“Handle it well so there are no issues. Understood?”
“Of course.”
A fanatical light grazed Liang Xiaojun’s eyes.
“Everything is for Him.”
The Japanese Apostle stood up.
The Arican Apostle followed. Reports from various countries including Europe, South Arica, and Canada continued. Infiltration rates, subversion plans, expected scenarios. A single massive picture was nearing completion.
When all reports had finished.
Han Siah spoke.
“Diocese Head, please give a general review.”
Liang Xiaojun slowly stood up.
His gaze turned to the empty throne. Silence flowed for a mont.
“The of the past…….”
It was a low voice.
“Was a rchant who looked only at his own profit.”
The gazes of the 11 Apostles focused on him.
“But I realized. That without Him, neither this Earth nor I can survive.”
A spasm occurred around Liang Xiaojun’s eyes. An expression where madness and awe were intermingled.
“He saved us. The sa goes for all 11 Apostles here.”
He clenched his fist.
“We owe a debt. Not a debt of money, but a debt of life.”
His voice rang low.
“We shall repay this debt by bringing one country each.”
Silence.
Han Siah rose from her seat.
Her voice resonated throughout the cathedral.
“Earth’s 2.0 update scheduled ssage. The Shadows and their underlings. Also, leaders who will make foolish judgnts like China’s Li Zemin. The chaos will grow increasingly larger.”
She looked at the empty throne.
“But we know.”
A holy light burned within her black pupils.
“As long as He stands, this world is not over yet.”
Han Siah raised her right hand.
“Death is not the end.”
The 11 Apostles stood up in unison.
“We follow the Great One who has transcended death!”
Twelve voices rang as one.
Their gazes turned to the empty throne.
The silhouette on the screen rippled amidst the blue light.
Like priests worshipping a god.
No.
To them, that was not worship.
It was madness, and faith.
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