章節 606: CHAPTER 763

[T.L: punisher87]

[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]

Kinzelo's headquarters quickly went into emergency mode. Although they have no intention of doing so, if this is an unexpected attack by Jin and his forces, it is natural for the headquarters to be completely destroyed in an instant.

The sound of trumpets blared, signaling the sudden invasion as beastmen and demons emerged in the blink of an eye. They even drew their weapon, but like most of the red tiger tribesmen before them, they couldn't dare to wield it.

Jin did not overlook the fact that unfamiliar demons were mixed among them, unlike what he had seen in previous battles.

'Have they already replenished their demon forces since the Evil god war? Or are these the troops they held back and concealed?'

Some of the demons exuded a rather formidable presence. In the past, Jin would have been no match for them, facing a formidable opponent he couldn't overcome.

Of course, to Jin now, they were merely cute, but they could still pose a significant threat to his comrades.

Moreover, the demons might possess special abilities like rapid regeneration or dark magic.

'Naturally, the looks I'm receiving from those who suddenly see me are far from friendly. If the opportunity arises, it wouldn't hurt to assess the level of a few of them for the sake of my comrades. It would be nice if a few of them would step forward and fight me.'

Just as he had that thought, a demon with blazing eyes stood in their way, blocking Jin and his party.

His build and the impressive giant axe were reminiscent of the White wolf tribe.

Jin almost thanked him out of gratitude for his gallantry.

"Jin Runcandel, what is this nonsense?"

The demon shouted with a fierce determination to rush at any moment.

"What nonsense did I do?"

"I heard that the temporary alliance between you and the leader has come to an end. But without permission, you come straight to the headquarters and dare to find the leader? Do you think this is sensible behavior?"

It was an argument that had no room for rebuttal, but Jin shrugged his shoulders.

"Your leader and I can have a drink together anytime."

"A joke...!"

"Enough."

Another demon stepped forward, this one exuding a much more dangerous aura than the giant demon. With a dignified appearance and calm expression, he created a far more menacing atmosphere than the giant demon.

"You are not someone worthy of his status. Step aside."

"Understood."

When the giant stepped aside, the demon locked eyes with Jin.

"I am Shagal of the Bachma Family."

Among the four Grand Dukes of the Demon World—Rontelgius, Kaligo, Halovice, and Bachma—Shagal was 1st prince of Bachma.

"Oh, Prince Shagal! Kill him quickly!"

"Yes, Brother Shagal! Show him no mercy!"

Bubare and Ainas, who had followed Jin's party discreetly, shouted. Ignoring them, Shagal Bachma continued his conversation.

"I've been curious about you, sir. It seems like we're meeting for the first time like this. If it's alright with you, would you like to exchange blows? In the absence of the Runcandel clan's patriarch, you are practically the First Sword of the Human world, they say. They even say that if you borrow the power of the Plutonian Tribe, you might become the true First Sword."

Without waiting for Jin's response, Shagal drew his sword from his waist.

"Who said that?"

"Everyone."

"I see. Your position in the Demon World is quite high, then?"

"The First Sword of the Demon world."

"I find that hard to believe."

"...Let's just say I'm a swordsman within the top ten, aspiring to be within the top one. Anyway, the leader is currently in a meeting. I hope you can join me until then."

It seems there are many arrogant individuals in the Demon World. Jin understood that and nodded his head in agreement. Shagal smiled as if telling Jin to draw his sword.

"Sir, I'm ready."

"Then let's begin. I hope you don't expect you to ask for instructions."

Shagal's pupils dilated. Jin's two swords were still at his waist. The beastmen and demons gathered nearby tensed, waiting for Shagal's response.

"This is even more exciting."

Whoosh!

Shagal suddenly disappeared from Jin's sight. It wasn't merely because of his speed that Jin lost track of him, but his body had instantly dissipated into gray smoke.

'Dark magic? Or perhaps a type of skill?'

The smoky Shagal reappeared behind Jin in an instant, extending his sword.

Shiing!

Jin turned around, deflecting the incoming blade with his fist, and Shagal's stance broke, exposing a gap.

Jin's fist, after parrying the sword, changed its direction and struck Shagal's face. There should have been a resounding impact as if hitting metal, but Jin's fist hit nothing but air.

'Close to a skill. It reminds me of Ozdock. Even though physical attacks don't work, he couldn't avoid being vulnerable when he attacked.'

But Jin didn't miss the moment when Shagal reformed on the left. He struck deeply into his flank with a low kick.

"Ugh!"

Continuing from there, Jin grabbed Shagal by the back and slammed him to the ground. Shagal immediately turned into smoke and distanced himself. His cheekbone was dented, and his face was covered in dirt.

"Don't rely too much on your tricks."

Jin tidied his clothes as if he had no intention of continuing the fight.

The sparring ended before three seconds had passed.

"And when facing stronger opponents, always give your best. Have you learned your lesson?"

Shagal blinked his eyes.

Of course, Shagal didn't think he could defeat Jin. According to what he had heard from Orgal and Kinzelo's executives, to defeat Jin, it would require the direct involvement of the Dukes, including his own father.

But he didn't expect to be subdued so quickly. At the very least, he expected to be able to engage in a proper battle. His fatal mistake was becoming complacent under the influence of the transcendent power, as Jin had mentioned.

"Br-Brother Shagal! You won't admit defeat so easily, will you?"

"Prince Shagal! No, does that mean Prince Shagal was no match for him like Lord Ranke?"

Shagal glanced at the two with a scornful gaze and nodded towards Jin.

"...That's right."

Since the sparring ended too quickly, Jin had to wait for Orgal's meeting to finish.

Shagal personally escorted Jin's party to the guest room. Despite losing face, he didn't show any signs of excitement or resentment.

"But Shagal."

"Yes?"

"If you're giving something, you should also get something in return. I taught you a lesson, so I want to ask you something out of curiosity."

"Isn't it enough that I have already forgotten about the rudeness you have committed by coming here without any notice?"

"It's not. According to what you said, you learned the sword from someone close to being the First Sword..."

Shagal pondered for a moment and concluded that Jin's words made sense, nodding his head.

"I see. It makes sense. What do you want to know?"

"After the Holy Kingdom Protection War, I heard that the Demon world suffered extensive damage and was on the verge of destruction. But are there still powerful individuals like you, Bianca, and Ranke?"

"The Demon world is not one entity."

It was the first time Jin heard such a story.

"What do you mean?"

"The answer ends here."

"If I teach more about the sword?"

"I'll pass, Sir Jin. Have some tea. It's precious tea."

Jin didn't ask any further due to Shagal's firm attitude.

'The Demon world is not one entity...'

It could be interpreted in various ways. It could mean that the Demon world is not unified or that it is divided into multiple dimensions. After the Holy Kingdom Protection War, there wasn't much known about the Demon world in the human world, after all.

-Yes, the relic of the demons that our kingdom is keeping. The Eye of Zito has been showing recent ominous signs.

-The Eye of Zito?

-The name Zito may sound unfamiliar. He has never been active in the human world, and in the demon world, few are familiar with that name. Even I, as the Holy King, could not find any records regarding the Eye of Zito.

-[If I were to answer your question, Cough. Zito is a figure that is intrinsic to us demons. But to me, he is no different from a teacher.]

Jin remembered the conversation with Lani and Oragal that he had before the Evil god war.

"Does it mean that the demon world ruled by your leader Orgal and the domain where the Demon King Zito reigned are separated? Is it just a territorial separation, or are they in different dimensions?"

Well, it's worth a shot anyway. Shagal exclaimed in surprise, spitting out his tea.

"Cough, Cough."

"Is that surprising?"

Orgal had not informed the other demons about Jin mentioning the Demon King Zito.

"Hmm, you have an extraordinary talent for surprising people... Seeing the librarians coming out, it seems that the meeting has ended. Go and see our leader. I hope we can have a better fight next time."

As Shagal left as if escaping, the group moved towards Orgal.

[You have come, Jin Runcandel, the mage of Hister. Bale, it's good to see you.]

"Don't act like we're close. I don't like you."

[Today, I'm not in a very good mood, Jin Runcandel. So there should be a valid reason for you to come to our headquarters without any notice.]

The answer came from Bale, but Orgal revealed his discomfort to Jin.

"If there is no valid reason?"

[I will draw my sword, and you will do the same.]

"That's a scary thing to say. I came to propose different conditions for the failed steel transaction last time."

[If that's all, today, one of us will not be able to sleep peacefully in their sound mind. So let's hear the conditions for the steel transaction after the rest of the story is finished.]

Orgal was truly ready to draw his sword. His hand was already on the hilt.

Even the scenery that was just a meeting room had now transformed into a golden space. Orgal had invoked his power and prepared the battlefield. Although there was a momentary confusion due to the unexpected turn of events, Jin calmly looked at Orgal.

'It's not just a slightly bad mood; he seems in a really terrible mood. What could have made the usually cautious Orgal so angry? It can't be because of my statement.'

Jin wasn't afraid, but now was not the time to fight him.

However, depending on the value Orgal placed on the bait prepared before Jin arrived, there was a possibility that an actual battle could occur.

"Lokia Ganesto."

[...What?]

"Why does that traitor from a thousand years ago, want the resurrection of the Sun God just like you? I came here because I was curious."

Slowly, Orgal's hand, which had touched the hilt, was coming down.

[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]

[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]

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章節 607: CHAPTER 764

[T.L: punisher87]

[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]

The reason Jin told Orgal about Lokia's purpose was to gauge whether they were in a cooperative relationship.

'Seeing how surprised he is, could it be that he had no idea about Lokia's purpose? It doesn't seem like an act.'

Although it felt like giving away information too easily, there wasn't much to lose if they weren't in a cooperative relationship. If they weren't, it meant Jin was adding another pursuer to Lokia without utilizing the power of the Vamel alliance.

A period of silence followed. Jin watched Orgal, who was contemplating his response with his mouth closed, and became convinced. He believed that Orgal was genuinely taken aback by this revelation.

"Hey, Orgal. Let's have an honest conversation without hiding anything from each other. It seems like this is quite a shocking revelation to you as well. I heard this story from Sir Padler."

[...the Blue Thunder King?]

"Yeah. Sir Padler said Lokia Ganesto betrayed my clan a thousand years ago and made a pact with the Witch to corrupt Temar. Sir Padler also mentioned that he was a victim of Lokia and revealed her goal was the resurrection of the Sun God before he died."

The golden aura disappeared, revealing the scenery of the meeting room once again.

"It was also said that Lokia was responsible for sending all the ten great knights to their deaths, except for Bale, whom she spared because she needed him for her goal."

[In that case, something strange is going on... Now that I hear your words, my memories are finally coming back.]

The history manipulation that was applied to Lokia is not completely erased. Only now, after hearing Jin's story about Lokia, did Orgal start to piece together fragments of memories that were gradually becoming clearer.

"Remember what?"

[A thousand years ago, just once. There was an opportunity for the Sun God to resurrect. At that moment when he could finally return to this world... just before that. The one who made me be erased from history...]

In an instant, Orgal's eyes filled with a tremendous anger that even Jin found surprising.

[Lokia Ganesto. That vile creature...! To think I'm only recalling it now!]

Hooong!

Like a furious dragon, gray wings spread out from Orgal's back. The building trembled as a massive aura emanated from his body.

'Oh, this can't be an act. It seems that Sir Padler was right, and Orgal, too, fell victim to Lokia a thousand years ago.'

An intense intuition arose that he might be able to untie the knot without lifting a finger.

[Hey, calm down. Why are you suddenly getting angry?]

Jin stopped Bale, who was about to curse. There was no need to speak harshly to Orgal, who could potentially be an ally in finding Lokia.

'Finding information about Lokia is something Orgal would be better at than Vamel alliance.'

At this point, relying solely on Valeria's record magic to find Lokia has its limits. Once they start acquiring information, Jin can create a situation where they can share it one by one.

Alternatively, it would be a good idea to closely examine Kinzelo, who was tracking Lokia. It would be much more convenient than pursuing Lokia directly.

"Calm down, Orgal. This is the first time I've seen you so emotionally stirred. Anyway, to sum it up, you missed the decisive opportunity for the resurrection of the Sun God a thousand years ago due to Lokia, right?"

In fact, Orgal's sensitivity today was partly due to the fact that he had been recalling the "opportunity a thousand years ago to resurrect the Sun God" during the meeting. However, he couldn't remember how he happened to miss that opportunity, and it was thanks to Jin that he now knew the reason: it was because of Lokia.

[If only that disgusting creature hadn't been there, the world could have been completely restored a thousand years ago.]

"I can't agree with that, but Lokia Ganesto also has a debt to pay to Runcande with her bloodl."

[A debt to pay? It sounds like you're talking as if Lokia is still alive.]

"She is alive. I met her recently. Valeria, can you show Orgal the records?"

The records regarding Lokia Ganesto's words had already become blurred from the subspace of Luntia. Instead, Valeria informed Orgal that she had examined those records herself.

"These blurred sentences here contain the content that if my father returns from the Black Sea, something I can't handle will happen. Lokia said this to my elder sister while proposing a contract to her. The reason she is still alive is because she received immortality from the witch."

Orgal gradually calmed his emotions and regained his composure. As his anger subsided, Jin's actions seemed strange to him.

'Why is Jin Runcandel giving away such valuable information so easily without asking for anything in return?'

Jin seemed to see through his thoughts.

"It does not make sense why I'm giving away such high-level information so easily, right? But I'm only doing it because I have something to gain."

[The fact that the records about Lokia are blurred bothers me. The blurred part could possibly contain content suggesting that you made a pact with Lokia and tried to manipulate me.]

"Is that so? Even if I made a pact with someone like Lokia... Temporary alliances may come to an end, but that's regrettable. Orgal, who do you think killed the evil god?"

[A person can change at any time.]

"Even if I made a pact with Lokia, what's the problem? Investigate and if it turns out that your delusions of being victimized are true, you can attack me then. You seemed ready to confront me as if it was nothing just a moment ago."

[I see... I understand your intentions well. You want to use me to track down Lokia.]

"Now it seems like we can have a conversation, Orgal. It may not be a temporary alliance like last time, but how about temporarily cooperating?"

[It's not cooperation, it's manipulation. But go ahead and play with me.]

In reality, Orgal had no choice.

Even if he refused, there was a high possibility that Jin would still track the movements of the Kinzelo trackers through Valeria and the anonymous contacts.

Moreover, if Lokia were to return to Luntia, there was no way for Kinzelo to confirm it.

If Jin wasn't in league with Lokia, there was no reason to refuse. From Orgal's perspective, as long as he found clues about Lokia, he could receive assistance from Valeria.

"Alright, it seems like we've sorted things out. Shall we move on to the steel trade now?"

[Last time, the King of Tikan only spoke nonsense and left. You want to purchase the steel for a fair price this time.]

"I added more information about Lokia to that offer."

Orgal suppressed a sneer at Jin's audacity.

[That's not something you can put a price on. We're not beggars.]

"And I'm offering double the amount of money compared to last time."

[Do you have the intention to buy the steel?]

"I do. Honestly, wouldn't it be a profitable deal for you to just take the money? I thought you were swimming in excess."

[Can you handle that money? I heard you're busy with the reconstruction of Huphester.]

"As long as you do not ask to pay in full upfront, I can handle any amount."

[Unfortunately, that's not possible. Frankly, I expected to hear something extraordinary when you came in person, but I'm disappointed. Unless you're willing to share your technological expertise, don't even dream about a steel trade.]

From that moment, Jin put on a determined act, carefully controlling his expression. He made it clear that he would show signs of frustration or anger.

"That's a shame. It seems like a loss if your technological advancement than the power enhancement we gain from producing ample battleships."

Fortunately, it seemed to work well, as Orgal responded with a gentle smile.

[You're confident in your power enhancement. You believe in Battle god and Murakan. Anyway, the negotiation is off.]

"I will take my leave. If you change your mind, feel free to contact Tikan anytime. But by then, you'll have to trade under worse conditions."

[That's not going to happen, so stop contacting me about the steel issue. Let me know if there are any developments regarding Lokia.]

As Jin's group left the headquarters, Shagal approached Orgal.

"Leader."

[Shagal.]

"Jin Runcandel knew Gito's name."

[You seemed surprised when he suddenly mentioned Zito's name. There can be no other meaning behind it not informing you of the fact that he knows Zito. I hope you don't have unnecessary curiosity.]

"I thought as much. However, Jin Runcandel asked me about the Demon World."

[Did you give him an answer?]

"Yes, he asked for something in return for complying."

[I sensed there was a complication. He caught you off guard.]

"I'm ashamed, but it was a valuable lesson. I simply told him that the Demon world is not a singular entity. When I said that, he asked if your rule and the rule of Demon King Zito have different territories, then I left."

[I see.]

"Did I make a mistake?"

[No, in any case, Jin Runcandel will soon learn that level of information. There's no need to worry since there's nothing we can do to counter it.]

"I understand."

[I will write a letter now. Go to the Third Demon world and deliver it to your father. We need the assistance of the malevolent spirits.]

***

The next destination of the Red Owl was the Wantaramo Forest.

As Jin and his companions appeared at the edge of the forest, they were greeted by the Felinoids tribesmen Neru, Lulu, and Miru. Valeria had sent them a letter in advance.

They were to find Luet Damiro, the ancient Runcandel's head butler and a friend they had forgotten about.

"Have you been waiting for long?"

[No, we only waited for a week.]

"It felt like a long time... I apologize."

[Don't worry about it! I had a great time talking with Sheila.]

The third tomb of Temar, where Luet resided, originally existed in the hideout of the Felinoids Tribe. However, it had been destroyed by the Spectres shortly after Jin's visit.

Therefore, Valeria concluded that in order to enter the tomb again, there had to be something related to Luet, similar to Luntia's subsapce.

Bale, Silus, the sword of Padler, and Luet's younger sister, Sheila.

Even if they used all these elements, if they couldn't reopen the entrance to the destroyed hideout of the Felinoids Tribe, finding Luet would become a difficult task.

[Let's go and check it out. I think it'll work. I took a bit of Sheila's energy and went near the destroyed hideout, and there was a strange reaction.]

Thinking about the terrible solitude Luet must be experiencing, Jin moved forward into the depths of the forest.

[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]

[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]

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