〈 Kang Taesan (1) 〉
Kang Hwan-gye’s situation was going smoothly without any variables.
The final war fought by the continent’s major powers joining together.
The winner was the martial arts and monster alliance, and the Heavenly Demon Church, which lost the fight, was violently killed on the spot except for the leader, the Heavenly Demon.
Also, even the Heavenly Demon was used as a sacrifice to rebuild the dragon’s spirit and disappeared from the world, so in effect, the remnants of the Demonic Cult were just chaff that did not participate in the war.
‘…Actually, Hans stole it right after the ceremony was over.’
You went through so much trouble to make it, but would you really throw it away?
It was no exaggeration to say that the Heavenly Demon was actually the strongest undead that Hans had.
No matter how much he sneakily backed up the stage through a pre-prepared stage, it does not go away from the fact that he fought on equal footing against many transcendents.
‘With that much power, it will be of great help in the future. Especially to that guy from Beoncheonhoeju.’
Actually, that was the most important point.
For this rehearsal, the work on turning the secretary into an undead was slow as we were doing our best to produce the Heavenly Demon Gangsi, but since we had just finished a big job, it wouldn’t take too long.
The only things left to do were minor things that Hans didn’t need to do himself.
‘For now, Hugo is returning to Yongzhong with the Zhuge family…’
His heroic deeds, no less than those of the masters of the county police, deeply impressed many people.
Not only infinite strength, overwhelming inaction, and splendid herbivorousness, but also outstanding performance and selfless sacrifice.
Thanks to this, he earned the grand title of ‘Heonryong Sword Association’, received gratitude from many people, and was able to build a strong network of connections.
‘And that will be a great help in my future activities. ‘There are no conditions more suitable for working in sunny areas.’
Of course, he had no intention of just staying inside.
In that case, it would be much better to make a name for yourself by traveling across the entire continent, carrying out conspiracies and eradicating evil.
‘Once we clear up those who did not cooperate in this matter and the trash that cannot be rehabilitated… After that, we can focus on controlling the damage and stabilizing public sentiment.’
I smiled happily and stroked my chin.
Just thinking about the karma that would continue to come in the process made me feel enriched.
Various forces and monsters risked their lives together to fight against the absolute evil that was leading the world to destruction.
They have developed a strong bond through this incident and will work hard to achieve harmony without me having to step in.
Considering their status as having a fairly loud voice in each faction, it wasn’t that difficult.
‘More than anything, the stronghold and remnants of the Demonic Cult still remain.’
The remaining unknown threat will make them even stronger.
If you regularly show your presence and draw attention, the effect will be doubled.
And it would all come back to my karma, which contributed the most to creating that environment.
Like right now.
『Holding Karma – 9574649』
While I was thinking about something else for a moment, I raised the corners of my mouth when I saw the changed number.
As if the decimal point of a stopwatch was increasing, the increase in numbers changing in real time at this very moment was frighteningly steep.
‘This will probably last for quite a long time.’
Karma points were awarded by converting the influence one had on the world into a number.
In other words, this point is nothing more than an advance payment received without proper reconstruction work yet.
Considering that I would have influence on every single change that occurred in the Kanghwan world in the future, it was like having a kind of strong pension.
‘How should I use this?’
I was slowly starting to feel it, perhaps thanks to the various things I had experienced and the new level I had built up.
Soon, I will be able to use ‘Unique Skill Enhancement’ one more time.
‘The points needed for the next reinforcement were 2 million.’
A figure that jumped from 1.5 million at once.
If the trend continued, the next strengthening would be 2.5 million or maybe even 3 million.
Considering that, the current karma points of close to 9.6 million could not be said to be that many, but…
“Well, when that time comes, that amount will come in again.”
I didn’t pay much attention to that issue.
Now that I am pursuing a two-track strategy with Outerica and Kang Hwan-gye, the amount of karma that is constantly supplied to me is by no means small.
What’s worse, even though there is a fixed expenditure called 『Elixir of Growth (7 days) (200,000)』 that the main body and avatars continuously consume, the speed of accumulation has actually accelerated.
‘Plus, there are special perks that I got separately this time.’
In fact, regardless of whether it was a feat or an achievement, the points received from it were just bonuses.
What’s really important is the perks that come with it.
Just as I achieved the feat for the first time and obtained “Summon the Otherworld Transmission,” the “Savior” I acquired this time also had tremendous potential.
‘Ignoring all the restrictions that occur in this dimension…’
It was a reward so powerful that it lifted most of the restrictions that had been placed on me until now.
Now, Hans was able to operate the undead army without dimensional restrictions, such as performing a kangaroo treatment in Outerica and summoning an immortal army to the Ganghwa world.
In addition, magic tools from one world could be used without restrictions in other worlds, and modern cultural objects that were impossible to transmit could also be used at will.
It is truly a privilege that other awakened people cannot even imagine.
‘Of course, we will have to gradually check to what extent this applies.’
At that point, I felt a little regretful about the high-ranking Jiangshi who had been generously blown away by the Jianghuan world, but the regret did not last long.
It was true that the rehearsals were successfully completed because of that level of investment.
“Hmm, maybe there will be something if I save 10 million points this time?”
The points accumulated so far are approximately 9.6 million.
Looking at the current trend, it seemed like we would easily reach 10 million in just a few hours.
‘No, I already took it once, so it’s no use? Why don’t you save up to 20 million when you have no need to use it right now? If I move a little more proactively, it won’t take that long…’
That’s when I was lost in thought for a moment.
Tiririring—
The smartphone I had left on the table began to ring.
External contact information used as Han Seong-hyeon, not for use in the shadows.
Of course, the number of people I could contact was limited as I had very limited interpersonal relationships.
-Hey, are you alive? If I don’t have anything to do, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.
As expected, the expected voice came from the other end of the phone.
Now, my friend Kang Tae-san is almost the only positive relationship I have left.
-I have something important to say at the moment.
His voice sank low and became serious, and my expression hardened.
It seemed like something had happened to him.
***
“Hey, how long has it been since this? “If this continues, I’ll forget my face!”
I looked at Kang Tae-san, who was greeting me warmly, at the bar where we had met.
Contrary to the serious voice I heard on the phone, I didn’t see anything particularly negative about him as he greeted me.
He was just waving his hands with his tired face as usual.
“…Okay, nice to meet you. But what’s going on? “I thought something big had happened again.”
“Oh, that? I’ll tell you later. Just sit down. president! Here, please give me one crisp and some seasoning and two beers!”
I nodded and sat down.
If there were no major problems right away, it was okay to listen slowly.
“Haha, I think I’m finally going to buy something now. “I’ve been through so much trouble because of that damn terrorist attack… I don’t want to get off work on time, so I wish I could sleep at home.”
Kang Tae-san, who drank beer with chicken, explained the story as if complaining.
The large-scale terrorist attack in Seoul that occurred not long ago.
Korea had to suffer for a while in the aftermath of the incident, which caused astronomical property damage and unprecedented human casualties.
Naturally, he, who was affiliated with the Criminal Investigation Department of the Supernatural Abilities Management Bureau, had to be busy with the follow-up, and today was said to be a holiday due to the fact that some work had barely been completed.
‘The work is done faster than I thought. ‘Isn’t it natural that the whole of Korea will be putting all its effort into this matter?’
Also, although such a large scale is not common, the fact that terrorism itself has not been that rare also contributed to the quick response.
Institutions as well as citizens have already been prone to terrorist attacks.
Isn’t this bar just going about its normal business calmly even though there is a terrorist scene just a few blocks away?
Plus…
“If it weren’t for the vigilante group, I would still be trapped in work hell like a slave.”
“okay? Well, there’s a lot of talk about it on the Internet these days. “They say we need to give them some kind of certificate to officially recognize it.”
“Oh, that’s what we said too. Of course, I don’t think it will pass. “There are corrupt people among public officials, so if you give credit to those who act as they please without responsibility or obligation, you will 100% have problems later.”
A vigilante group that has no legal authority but moves autonomously and protects public order.
In normal times, they would also have been subject to punishment for engaging in private sanctions, but in the current chaotic situation, their presence has been of great help to society as a whole.
‘It looks like Jin So-ran is doing well.’
I sipped my beer while listening to Taesan Kang’s complaints.
No matter what anyone says, the biggest force among the vigilante groups active in Korea was the clan.
Thanks to Heinz II, they took complete control of the underworld and strengthened their crackdown on violent crimes by mobilizing all their influential personnel, including not only vampires but also subordinate organizations.
‘Probably, except for the very few who are active individually, most of them are people who moved under the influence of the clan.’
This was possible because they had powerful fighting power, thorough organizational skills, and endless financial resources.
Those who would have originally committed crimes by taking advantage of the chaos were put on leashes and instead were hunting their peers who had crossed the line, so it was natural that the problem did not become bigger than the scale of the incident.
“Donations are coming in from various companies… Oh, you know that? Howard Industries released a huge amount of funds to the affected area. It’s a new company, but how much money does it have? “Thanks to you, work has become easier, so I’m glad.”
In the midst of all the small talk, the chicken and beer were slowly running out, but no matter how much time passed, Kang Tae-san had nothing important to say.
‘What on earth are you doing this for?’
So, just as I was about to ask again—.
“Hey, but at first I thought it was just my mood… but you seem to have changed something? “The appearance and the atmosphere are the same.”
“hmm?”
I paused momentarily at the first words that came out of his mouth.
‘It’s changed…’
Then, without realizing it, he repeated those words while stroking his face.
But there was no need to think much about it.
Because it was obvious what caused me to feel that way.
‘Is it because of divinity?’
A feeble divinity sprouted within oneself.
While operating ten avatars, most of the status was distributed according to each individual’s level, so it wasn’t very noticeable, but I couldn’t help but feel a certain aura implicitly.
‘Still, I’m writing ‘Denial of Existence’ and I can’t believe I’m feeling it. ‘Why does this guy have such good feelings?’
Maybe I felt something different thanks to our relationship for so many years.
At that moment, I lowered the hand that was towards my face and stroked my chin while contemplating what to reply.
Kang Taesan, who was observing this area with keen eyes, opened his eyes and snapped his fingers.
“ah! I get it! Are you taking care of it these days? Wow, your skin is so shiny and shiny. “If there’s something good, don’t just use it alone, let’s use it together.”
While making a big fuss by myself.
Of course, it is true that my skin has improved thanks to the enormous energy and divinity, but…
‘What does it matter?’
Since it’s annoying, let’s just do it that way.
“I also exercise these days. These days, even appearance is competitive. Stop making excuses about management and get a good night’s sleep first. “What care can I take with my dull skin and dark circles that extend all the way down to my chin?”
“No, I want to sleep well if I can.” Still, we have to do something to keep it from getting worse! “If you just leave it alone, it will only get worse.”
Kang Tae-san sighs again and grumbles.
I don’t know how the topic came to this point, but if there’s something really important, I’ll tell you without you having to ask.
I gave up asking questions and just smiled and said something casually.
“What are we going to do now, managing it like that? “There’s no one who can see you well anyway.”
The moment I spoke, it felt like it was damaging me, but I guess it was just my mood.
Unlike that guy, it’s not that I can’t meet women, it’s that I just don’t date them!
“Oh, about that….”
But that.
It was my mistake.
A friend of ten years, a friend of mine, who smiles awkwardly and slightly avoids my gaze.
The moment I sensed something unusual in that reaction.
“babe! “It was here!”
A lively female voice came from next to me.
Of course, it wasn’t addressed to me.
“Ah, is your sister here?”
“Sorry sorry! “Unfortunately, something happened right before I got off work, so I finished late.”
“It’s okay, we were just about to move. This is the friend I was talking about. “We’ve been together for over ten years, so he’s almost like family.”
“hello! This is Park Mi-young. “I heard a lot of stories.”
Kang Tae-san is having a friendly conversation with a cute-looking beauty right in front of him.
I tried to keep my composure and barely finished saying hello before turning my attention to my friend next to me.
Your eyes are filled with a request for explanation.
“Well… well, that’s how it happened.”
“…….”
A friend scratching the back of his head shyly and an older beautiful woman affectionately crossing her arms next to him.
Han Seong-hyun, a solo artist since birth.
It was the day I lost a colleague of ten years.