"I hereby commence the First Round Table Conference of the Organization of Evil, 『Legend of Devils』." Bangbangbang
Pink-Haired Lesbian, in a suit, adjusted her glasses and started the grand conference. The attendees included: the Demon Lord and the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, 『Demon Lord of Corruption Magic, Lucifer Zekniel』 (Phase 2 included).
Yunaris, the Purple Magic Tower Master and the second in the rank of the Four Heavenly Kings, 『Being of Infinite Void, Yunaris』.
The third in the hierarchy of the Four Heavenly Kings, the meeting's host, the Pink-Haired Lesbian, aka 『Yuri Forstlover』.
The weakest of the Four Heavenly Kings, 『Espoir De Eternal Dark』
A plaque engraved with the name in intaglio was displayed in front of the table. Curtains were meticulously hung on the windows, and a lantern floated with a chilling ambiance.
With my arms crossed solemnly and proudly, I allowed the meeting to commence.
"Let's proceed── with our 『Grand Plan(Genocide of the End)』 to destroy the world."
"⋯⋯I-I’m in so much in pain. My hands and feet can’t endure it⋯⋯!"
"What is it, 『Being of Infinite Void』⋯⋯?""Euhiyaaack⋯⋯!!"
Yuna thrashed on the floor as she heard her title. My hands and feet cringed, and my spine seemed to itch, making it unbearable.
It was painful to watch, but seeing Yuna writhing like a dried squid made the role-playing worth it.
Meanwhile, Pink-Haired Lesbian continued to inflict significant damage on Outer God without a flicker of emotion.
"『Espoir De Eternal Dark』, the weakest of the Four Heavenly Kings, please report first."
“That isn’t my fucking name⋯⋯!!”
"Bad, bad. How naughty. Why don't you speak properly? Do you want a taste of female corruption?"
"I have never used such a name, nor do I have any intention of using such a nameee, ack!!"
I’m very satisfied.
The 『Outer God』, which was born in the last session, now felt like a kindred spirit after a long period of training and restraint. Though loyalty wasn’t expected and she was bitching all the time…
If she did what she was told to do well, I’d consider erasing her dogshit setting. And if she couldn’t, I’d apply a ‘carrot and stick’ approach, like making her add ‘nyang’ to the end of every sentence as a penalty.
And, of course, she was also equipped with a bomb necklace for emergencies. Safety was not a concern.
The Outer God thought for a moment and said.
"In my opinion, the target is a jerk."
"That's an interesting assessment. What specifics can you provide?"
"He’s too lazy. It's possible that he might avoid killing Oh Hye-in and take her wealth. It is unclear just how much of a threat the existence of Munggae next to her poses, and adapting to the new society will require local cooperation."
However…
"If he had tried to gain some knowledge⋯⋯ he could have achieved anything. After passionately asking Oh Hye-in about the world and learning about what a 『smartphone』 that people carry all day long is."
From that moment on, the snowball of knowledge began to roll. In the ocean of the Internet, he would be able to obtain all the information he desired.
Firearms, gunpowder, conflicts between countries, and a social atmosphere where killing people was taboo. And after obtaining that foundation knowledge.
"First of all, he would have to stand on his own feet economically. Relying on the favor of others is too risky. How could he be sure that Oh Hye-in wouldn’t kick him out the next day or not? He would start with petty theft, progressing to murder. And with that money, he would grow his wealth and set up an orphanage."
“And?”
"Perform brainwashing education from an early age to create obedient assassins, ultimately aiming to overthrow⋯⋯."
“Yeah, get out.”
Outer God’s mind was just filled with filthy things. I quickly imposed a 30-minute chat ban on her. If I left that thing alone, she might make someone believe that we were actually an Organization of Evil.
I clapped to refocus the atmosphere.
“Now, let’s continue.”
"⋯⋯B-By the way, what do we need to discuss?"
"First, I need you to redesign the next tentacle model. Design 3 didn’t feel that good while using it. The Magical Girl also seemed to suffer rather than enjoy it."
"I think it's about time to introduce the next monstrous-human, but I think we need to think about it, Tower Master. We need something that would give them a sense of crisis and would advance the main storyline too⋯⋯."
As we were having these productive discussions, Outer God forcefully removed her chat ban and shouted.
"You guys said you were going to brainwash Roderus and extract information from him-!!"
"Attitude."
"I-In this girl’s opinion⋯⋯ no, but instead of gathering information, you guys have just been goofing off! Work, goddammit, Work!"
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
Pink-Haired Lesbian and I avoided Outer God’s gaze, feeling guilty. Outer God began to interrogate us fiercely. She first pointed at the Pink-Haired Lesbian and said.
"Hey, succubus! Why did you cancel the operation to use the tentacles to submerge him in pleasure and turn him into a corrupt female slave? Why didn't you use 300 Times Sensitivity?!"
"That's, because of aesthetic reasons⋯⋯. I could have done it, but I would miss out on a valuable phase of hesitation. It’s far more satisfying when she slowly becomes aware of her desires as a woman. The true reward is when she can’t resist and succumbs to her urges on a steamy night⋯⋯."
"Are you sorry or not sorry!"
"I'm sorry for pursuing my own interests and desires. But Demon Lord, the highest commander, also played around. Please scold him also."
Pink-Haired Lesbian handed over the bomb. Outer God turned her gaze to me, her eyes blazing with intensity.
"You said you would destroy his mind and completely subjugate him, turning him into a slave who would follow any command! Why did you even cancel the scheduled operation 'I'm Not Afraid of Anything Anymore'?!"
"Well, uh⋯⋯ the story took an unexpected turn, and I got caught up in it. You can't just pour tragedy into everything blindly to extract information, wastefully⋯⋯."
"Are you sorry or not sorry!"
"I am⋯⋯ I am ⋯⋯ no, fuck, it’s up to me whether I proceed or not, you punk! 『3000 Times Sensitivity』!"
Kkiyaaaack-!
Outer God left with a single scream. Still, she wasn’t entirely wrong. There was a point to what she said.
But…
"Roderus, this bastard has adapted too well. Strangely."
"It does seem that way."
He was milder than I expected.
He didn't act out aggressively and followed instructions well when given objectives. No matter how many times I tested his temper with Oh Hye-in, he never retaliated, and he didn’t stab Munggae with his rapier either.
If he really had a seriously twisted personality, he would have stabbed them with his rapier first.
I didn't think just TS would be enough to control him, so I had prepared forced hypnosis, humiliation tactics, and even high cut gel, but I ended up not using any of it.
Besides, he⋯⋯ was eating so well.
Listen uh, a guy, who was a noble who scoops up soybean paste stew and eats it so well that he could have made a debut as a mukbang YouTuber. A person who was used to European-like culture.
When I first prepared a meal after the session, he devoured it as if he hadn't eaten in a week. I didn’t think he was even a fatty character like that⋯⋯.
Naturally, my thoughts turned this way.
Maybe there was something more to this fucker.
In some way, maybe he’s a better guy than I initially thought. Maybe he’s a little misguided due to his poor upbringing. Maybe he wasn't inherently bad. Thoughts like these crossed my mind.
The Tower Master seemed to be thinking about something similar, and she sometimes looked at Roderus with a worried look. However, she furrowed her brows, recalling when I was struck in the stomach.
Pink-Haired lesbian, the cold intelligence of our Organization of Evil, asked me.
"What his human nature and background are doesn’t actually factor in, Mr. Crazy Wizard. Even if someone has a heartbreaking past that elicits sympathy, there would be no choice but to kill him in a situation where he is going for my neck."
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
"Roderus wanted to kill you. And he likely still does. Is there any reason to give up the advantage of removing risk factors and preparing to deal with Redburn simply out of ‘sympathy’?"
She was right.
I didn't intend to forgive everything merely out of pity. If someone was going for my neck, I would retaliate in kind. If he had malice, I would return that as well.
The Stygian Arrow of Mind Destruction that I used against Roderus was with full intention to kill. If it weren't for the artifacts he wore, his mind would have definitely shattered. At that moment, survival was my only priority.
But, as long as I had the means.
"I believe everyone deserves at least one chance."
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
"I don't want to be nice, and I don't want to volunteer. Just, whoever it is. Just, stuff a person should have had at least once⋯⋯ I want to give just that much to him."
As a child, there were times when I looked up at the night sky, counting the things I couldn't have one by one. There were many people like me in the slum I lived. As a reminder of my poor fate.
I had a neighbour.
He was a good person who, despite his own poverty, split a dalgona in half and held it in my hands. A young man who dreamed of somehow succeeding and getting out of this damn neighborhood.
However, studying was like poison in his situation, when his wallet couldn’t afford neither textbooks nor a tutor. Even when he begged for scraps of bread, the limit would eventually come.
I heard that he lost consciousness from malnutrition and was taken to the emergency room. After he saw the hospital bill, he kept muttering, ‘So many books could have been bought with this money’.
However, he ultimately fell from the treacherous tightrope he had barely been balancing on.
Peering through the window, I saw he had abandoned his dreams. Gradually, tattoos appeared on his body, and he began associating with rough, criminal types.
His story had an… end. He committed a crime and was caught by the police. The young man who had once dreamed of becoming a lawyer was now imprisoned.
I looked up at the night sky and wondered. Only if I⋯⋯ had money. If I had the wealth to share, just like he had when he gave me half of his dalgona.
What would it have been like then? Would he have become a righteous and just lawyer who lived for the poor? I don’t know, but at least he wouldn’t have ended up as a criminal.
It was just that it reminded me of the past.
And this guy, Roderus, was moved just by talking and laughing.
The interaction was remote, so I couldn't delve deeply into his background because 『Narration』 didn't penetrate his mind deeply. He definitely seemed like⋯⋯ he was hoping for some kind of… 'opportunity'.
Right now, I have dalgonas—so many that even a truckload wouldn’t deplete my supply. And here was a mournful, pitiful existence in front of me.
I wanted to split and give even half of the dalgona with a generous heart to him. Would Roderus accept it?
If that was the case, I would give him a hand.
"Of course, we need to review this carefully. Is there any way to uncover his past⋯⋯Roderus’?"
"Should I try sending a letter to the Duke of Redburn?"
“Are you crazy?”
"Then there's really no other way."
At that moment, the Tower Master subtly raised her hand. As if emphasizing her eagerness to speak, an illusion of a shining bulb illusion began circling around her. I generously allowed her to speak.
"Speak, 『Being of Infinite Void, Yunaris』⋯⋯ ack!”
He was hit by a lowkick.
"You know, the one who discovered the Hidden Piece in the Tower of Trials."
"Ah, yes, I heard one of the students managed to find it."
"His name is⋯⋯ Envers Redburn. Since he’s probably the same surname⋯⋯."
"Oho, then I will try probing him by using the Beggar’s Union Leader."
The meeting was adjourned. Now, should I gather as much information as possible before deciding what to do about Roderus? Specifically, what kind of backstory he had.
As she headed out, Pink-Haired Lesbian asked quietly.
"Then⋯⋯ are you stopping the tentacle harassment?"
“No.”
“You won’t.”
Salvation was one matter, revenge another. There was still a black bruise where Roderus had hit me. You won't be able to live comfortably until this bruise goes away, Roderus.
"Then, I will prepare the three-pronged tentacles as planned, My Lord."
"Proceed quickly."
“Understood.”
Evil forces extended their reach to the Magical Girls.
===============================================================
Once when they gathered in groups.
Once when he participated in the Attack Team’s group raid.
And as the Tower of Trials raid intensified, once when he barely managed to reach a third division member by pushing his tactics to their utmost limits.
Envers saw the mysterious beggar three times in total.
During the first meeting, he learned about martial arts.
During the second, he learned about murim.
During the third, he learned about the beggar himself.
It was only then that Envers asked the beggar for his teachings, which he accepted.
The beggar claimed to be nameless and explained that he had become trapped in this space after leaping into a dimensional rift while pursuing the Heavenly Demon(天魔).
With no expectation of returning to his homeland, he figured that this would be his resting place. So, he resolved to leave his mark upon his death. Martial Arts(武功) gained its meaning in its flow from master to disciple.
Thus, the beggar began to teach Envers. This allowed Envers to advance to the 8th floor of the Tower of Trials whenever he wanted. It was a curious fate(奇緣).
He started with the fundamentals.
He was told that he would be ready to strike with his fists only when he had developed a solid, unshakable lower body, like the roots of an ancient tree, and maintained perfect balance.
Envers complied without any complaints. The process of embedding this core strength into his body was monotonous and repetitive, but he worked on it unwaveringly, guided by his pure passion for martial arts.
The beggar was pleased to see it. How could a teacher not be happy if a student was trying with all his heart?
Once Envers had practiced enough to balance on one leg like a crane even while asleep, his training advanced to the next stage: memorizing the Basic Techniques of Martial Arts.
The beggar started a short question-and-answer session before he started teaching him.
"How would you block if the enemy strikes from above?"
"I would probably raise my sword from below to block the attack."
"Can you think of a different way?"
"I could evade using footwork, deflect the attack from left to right, or I could even use an artifact."
The beggar nodded and asked again.
"If you raise your sword from bottom to top to block it, how would you execute that movement?"
"What do you mean by how⋯⋯?"
"Consider where you would position your feet, how you would align your body's center, whether you would strike horizontally or vertically, whether you would loosen your grip for the subsequent move or tighten it for a decisive strike."
"⋯⋯It's a bit hard to understand."
“That’s the Basic Technique(招式)”
So, the Basic Technique was a standardized approach to a specific movement. The beggar demonstrated with a wooden staff, drawing a new moon ascending into the sky.
"This is called Ascending Moon, a Basic Technique designed to refine the subsequent move. It belongs to an old friend of mine. What do you think?"
"⋯⋯It’s beautiful.”
"Now, observe this as well."
The beggar then drew a new moon moving vertically to horizontally. Despite the variations in movement from one to ten, to Envers, it still looked like the same new moon.
"What does this look like?"
"It didn't ascend, but it still looks like Ascending Moon to me. It's strange⋯⋯."
"Good eye. This is indeed the same Ascending Moon. The reason it’s considered the same Basic Technique despite the differences in appearance is because the Essence(意) contained is the same. This also helps in preparing for the next move."
Thus, according to the beggar, while one could learn Basic Techniques, the idea was not to be confined by them but to use them as a guide for enlightenment.
Envers became muddled at the words that were like scattering floating clouds with his hands.
The beggar laughed and added.
"It means you should focus on the essence, not just the form. I have a question for you; answer honestly."
“Yes.”
"If you woke up and found your body had become that of a woman, would you abandon your sword?"
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
It was a puzzling question, but Envers shook his head without hesitation. He believed that a change in his body wouldn’t diminish his passion for martial arts.
"What if you were born without arms or legs? Would you give up the sword?"
"I will wield it with my mouth."
“And if you turned into a butterfly?”
"⋯⋯Wouldn't I at least be able to use my antennae to swing it?"
Then the beggar burst into laughter. Envers laughed awkwardly, sensing that the beggar liked his answer.
The beggar continued laughing for a while before praising Envers loudly.
"Yes, what matters is what's in your heart. Who cares about the shape of the vessel? I'm so glad that your answer is cheerful and full of grandeur. But⋯⋯."
"Go ahead."
"I don't think the sword is the only thing that’s in your mind. There’s no need for shame. If a person only has a knife in their heart, they are called a Sword Ghost(劍鬼). A lunatic."
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
“Why did you take up the sword?”
The beggar's distant gaze seemed to pierce directly into Envers' soul. So, he spoke honestly without daring to hide anything. About the abuse within his family, and the oath he made that day.
And about his brother, Roderus.
Envers reflected on his memory of his brother in confusion. Memories of them hanging out together, the promise they had made under the moonlit sky, and his betrayal. He was still uncertain whether to hate or trust him. However…
"⋯⋯I think I want to meet him once again."
"What are you going to do when you meet him?"
"⋯⋯I don’t know.”
"Then begin by understanding your own heart. As you train and infuse your movements with intent, your foggy mind will also begin to clear."
The beggar stood up, and Envers did the same.
Meanwhile, the Crazy Wizard behind the scenes said, “He’s truly a martial artist!” as he woke up
===============================================================
Based on years of sub-cultural knowledge and gathered information, Roderus seemed like an assassin molded through inhumane training. It seemed like he underwent severe brainwashing by the Redburn family.
Although he had a human body, he was essentially a tool, so my anger should be directed at the one who wielded the tool. How could I fault the tool itself?
Okay. Let’s change this fucker into a real human being.
Operation 『I’ll Teach You Love』.
Youthful events that would take place from various angles: clubs, physical education classes in the indoor swimming pool, swimsuit shopping for school trips (to the beach), the sequel to the tentacle saga, bully hunting, personality tests, a whirlwind of chaos and blooming friendships, romance, a grand finale, and ultimately, freedom.
I will pour out 120% of the slice-of-life experiences I have. The rest is up to you⋯⋯!