The situation in Ganghwangye was flowing smoothly, without any variables worth mentioning.
The final war, waged by gathering the strength of the continent’s major forces.
The victors were the side of Murim and the Yokai Alliance, and the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, defeated in battle, had all perished gloriously on the spot except for their leader, the Heavenly Demon.
And even that Heavenly Demon was used as a sacrifice to rebuild the Dragon Heart and disappeared from the world, so in fact, only the stragglers who had not participated in that war remained as the cult’s remnants.
‘…Truthfully, Hans smuggled him away immediately after the ritual ended, but.’
After all the trouble I went through to make him, would I really let it go to waste!
It was no exaggeration to say that the Heavenly Demon was the strongest undead Hans possessed.
No matter how much I had secretly backed him up through a pre-prepared stage, the fact remained that he had fought on equal terms against numerous Transcendents.
‘With that level of force, he’ll be of great help going forward. Especially to that Byeoncheon Hoeju bastard.’
Actually, that was the most important key point.
Having poured all my efforts into creating the Heavenly Demon gangshi for this rehearsal, the work on turning Seo Gi-gwan into an undead had been sluggish, but since I had just finished a major task, that wouldn’t take too long either.
The remaining tasks were nothing but trivial matters that didn’t even require Hans to step in personally.
‘Hugo is currently returning to Yungjung together with the Jegal Family…’
His heroic deeds, comparable to the masters of the Profound Realm, deeply impressed many people.
Not only his limitless internal energy, overwhelming martial prowess, and spectacular techniques, but also his outstanding feats and devoted sacrifice.
Thanks to that, having obtained the grand nickname “Heavenly Dragon Sword Hero,” he was able to build solid connections while receiving gratitude from many.
‘And that will be a great help to his future activities. There is no condition more suitable for operating in the daylight than this.’
Of course, he had no intention of remaining cooped up inside the Jegal Family forever.
If he was going to do that, it would be far better to travel the entire continent performing acts of heroism, eradicating evil, and building fame.
‘Once we root out those who didn’t cooperate in this matter and the irredeemable trash… After that, we can focus on handling the aftermath and stabilizing public sentiment.’
I smiled contentedly and stroked my chin.
Just thinking about the Karma that would continue to flow in during that process filled my heart with abundance.
The various forces and yokai who had fought together, risking their lives against the absolute evil that led the world to destruction.
Having formed strong bonds through this matter, they would strive for mutual harmony on their own without me needing to step in.
Considering their positions, where they could speak with considerable authority in each faction, it was not a difficult task.
‘Above all, the cult’s main base and remnants still remain.’
The residual unknown threat would make them even more tightly knit.
If I periodically revealed my presence appropriately to remind them, that effect would be even more amplified.
And that would return in full as my Karma for having contributed the most to creating that kind of environment.
Just as it was doing now.
『Karma Held - 9,574,649』
While briefly lost in other thoughts, I saw the changed figure and curled up the corners of my mouth.
Like the decimal places of a stopwatch ticking up, the momentum of the number changing in real time even at this very moment was frighteningly steep.
‘This will probably be maintained for quite a long time too.’
Karma Points were awarded by converting the influence exerted on the world into numbers.
In other words, these points now were nothing more than a down payment received before proper reconstruction work had even begun.
Thinking that my influence would touch every single change that occurred in Ganghwangye from now on, it was virtually no different from having taken out a solid pension.
‘How should I use this?’
Whether thanks to having newly built up ranks through various matters, I was gradually getting the feeling.
That before long, I would be able to use “Unique Skill Enhancement” once more.
‘The points needed for the next enhancement were 2 million.’
A figure that had jumped up from 1.5 million in one go.
At that rate, the next enhancement might be 2.5 million or perhaps 3 million.
Thinking of that, the nearly 9.6 million Karma Points couldn’t exactly be called a lot, but…
“Well, by then, that much will be coming in again.”
I didn’t worry much about that issue.
Currently employing a two-track strategy in Auterica and Ganghwangye, the amount of Karma steadily supplied to me was by no means small.
How else could the rate at which it accumulated have increased even more, despite the fixed expenditure of the 『Growth Potion (7 Days) (200,000)』 continuously consumed by the main body and avatars?
‘Not to mention the special privilege I obtained separately this time.’
Actually, the points that came from feats and achievements were nothing more than bonuses.
What was truly important was the privilege that came with them.
Just as I had obtained 「Otherworld Transmission Array Summoning」 when I first achieved a feat, this time the acquired 「Savior」 also contained tremendous potential.
‘Ignoring all restrictions that arise in a secondary dimension means…’
It was a mighty reward, enough to release most of the restrictions that had been placed on me until now.
Now Hans could perform gangshi transformation procedures in Auterica, summon an immortal army in Ganghwangye, and operate undead forces without dimensional restrictions.
He could also use one world’s magic tools in another world without restrictions, and modern items that had been impossible to transfer could now be used freely.
It was truly a privilege that other Awakeners could scarcely imagine.
‘Of course, I’ll have to gradually check how far it applies, but.’
At this point, I felt a little regret for the high-level gangshi I had recklessly expended in Ganghwangye, but the regret didn’t last long.
It was true that only with such investment could the rehearsal have been completed successfully.
“Hmm, I wonder if something happens if I gather ten million points this time too.”
The points gathered so far were approximately 9.6 million.
At the current rate, it seemed I would reach ten million smoothly in just a few hours.
‘No, since I already hit it once, maybe it’s no use? I don’t have anywhere to urgently spend it right now, so should I try gathering up to 20 million? If I move a bit more aggressively, it doesn’t seem like it would take that long…’
As I was briefly lost in such worries—
Dririring—
The smartphone tossed on the table began to ring.
The external contact number used as Han Seonghyeon, not the one for the shadows.
Naturally, there was a limited number of people who would contact someone with as narrow a social circle as mine.
-Yo, you alive? If you got nothing going on, let’s see each other after a long time.
As expected, the voice I had anticipated flowed from beyond the phone.
My friend Kang Taesan, who could be called almost the only remaining connection I had in the daylight.
-I just happen to have something important to tell you.
His voice had dropped low and turned serious, and my expression stiffened as well.
It seemed something had happened to the guy.
***
“Yo, long time no see! At this rate I’ll forget your face!”
I looked at Kang Taesan, who was greeting me happily at the pub that was our meeting place, with mixed feelings.
Unlike the serious voice I had heard over the phone, there was nothing particularly negative about him as he welcomed me.
He was just waving his hand with a face exhausted as usual.
“…Yeah, good to see you. But what’s the matter? I thought something big had happened.”
“Ah, that? I’ll tell you later. Sit down first. Boss! One crispy and one seasoned chicken here, plus two beers!”
I nodded and sat down.
If there was no urgent problem, I could listen slowly.
“Hah, I finally feel alive. You have no idea how much I’ve suffered because of that damn terror attack… I don’t even hope to leave on time; I just wish I could sleep at home.”
Kang Taesan gulped down beer with chicken and spilled his complaints.
The large-scale Seoul terror incident that had occurred not long ago.
In the aftermath of that incident, which caused astronomical property damage and an unprecedented, massive loss of life, Korea had had to suffer for a while.
Naturally, he, who belonged to the Crime Investigation Division of the Ability Management Bureau, had had no choice but to spend busy days on the aftermath, and today was a holiday created because things had somewhat concluded.
‘They resolved it faster than I thought. Well, it’s natural since the entire country was devoted to this matter.’
Also, while incidents of this scale were rare, terror attacks themselves had not been uncommon, which contributed to the quick response.
Not only the authorities but also the citizens had grown numb to ability terror attacks.
Right now, in this pub, despite the terror scene being just a few blocks away, wasn’t it conducting business calmly as usual?
Moreover…
“Phew, if it weren’t for the vigilantes, I’d still be trapped in work hell like a slave.”
“Really? Well, there’s been a lot of talk online lately. People saying they should be officially recognized with certificates or something.”
“Ah, that came up on our side too. Though it probably won’t pass. With corrupt officials appearing even among public servants, giving official hats to those who move around freely without responsibility or obligation would definitely cause problems later.”
Vigilantes who moved autonomously to maintain public order despite having no legal authority.
Normally they would be subject to punishment for carrying out private sanctions, but in chaotic situations like now, their participation was a great help to society as a whole.
‘Jin Soran seems to be doing well.’
I sipped beer while listening to Kang Taesan’s complaints.
The largest force among the vigilantes operating in Korea was undoubtedly the Blood Alliance.
Having completely taken over the underworld thanks to Heinz II, they mobilized not only vampires but also subordinate organizations and all personnel within their influence to crack down on violent crime.
‘Probably, except for a very few acting personally, most of them moved under the influence of the Blood Alliance.’
It was possible because they possessed overwhelming combat power, thorough organizational skills, and seemingly endless financial resources.
Those who would have committed crimes taking advantage of the chaos now had their collars leashed and were instead hunting their own kind who crossed the line; naturally, the problem hadn’t grown bigger relative to the incident’s scale.
“Donations are coming in from various companies… Ah, did you know? Howard Industries poured enormous funds into the affected areas. It’s a new company—who knew they had so much money? Work got easier thanks to that, so I’m not complaining.”
As various small talks went on, the chicken and beer gradually ran out, but no matter how much time passed, Kang Taesan didn’t bring up that “important thing he had to say.”
‘What the hell is it that he’s beating around the bush so much?’
Just as I was about to ask again—
“Yo, but at first I thought I was imagining things… You seem different somehow? Your appearance, and your aura too.”
“Hm?”
I flinched momentarily at the words that came from his mouth first.
‘Changed…’
And without realizing it, I stroked my face and repeated those words.
But there was no need to think too deeply about that.
The cause of that feeling was obvious.
‘Is it because of divinity?’
The faint divinity that had sprouted within me.
While operating nearly ten avatars and distributing most of my rank according to each individual’s level, it didn’t show much, but some aura inevitably being felt was unavoidable.
‘Even though I’m using [Existence Denial] too. Why is this guy so perceptive?’
Perhaps after spending so many years together, he felt something out of place.
Just as I lowered the hand that had moved toward my face and stroked my chin, wondering how to answer.
Kang Taesan, who had been observing me with sharp eyes, snapped his fingers.
“Ah! I got it! Are you taking care of your skin lately? Wow, your skin is practically glowing. If you’ve got something good, don’t use it alone, share it.”
He had completely missed the mark on his own.
Of course, it was true that my skin had improved through massive energy and divinity, but…
‘Well, does it matter?’
It was annoying, so I’d just go with that.
“I’ve been working out lately. Looks are a competitive edge these days. Stop making excuses about skincare and get some sleep. What management are you talking about with your rough skin and dark circles down to your chin?”
“Hey, I’d love to sleep if I could. But I have to do something or it’ll get worse! If I just leave it, it’ll only deteriorate.”
Kang Taesan sighed deeply and grumbled again.
I didn’t know how the topic had gotten here, but if he really had important business, he would speak up on his own even without me asking.
Giving up on pressing him, I smirked and casually threw out a line with a relaxed mind.
“What are you taking care of yourself for at this point? It’s not like you have anyone to look good for anyway.”
The moment I said it, I felt like the damage came back to me too, but it was probably just my imagination.
Unlike him, I wasn’t unable to meet women—I just chose not to!
“Ah, about that…”
But that was.
My misconception.
My childhood friend of ten years, smiling awkwardly and averting his gaze slightly.
The moment I sensed something unusual in that reaction—
“Honey! There you were!”
A lively woman’s voice approached from the side.
Of course, it wasn’t directed at me.
“Ah, you’re here, noona?”
“Sorry, sorry! Something came up right before getting off work, so I ended late.”
“It’s fine, we were about to move too. Oh, this is the friend I told you about. We’ve hung out for over ten years; he’s practically family.”
“Hello! I’m Park Miyeong. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Kang Taesan exchanging affectionate conversation with a beautiful woman of cute impression right in front of me.
I barely managed to maintain my composure, finished greeting her with effort, and turned my gaze to my friend beside me.
Filling my eyes with a demand for an explanation.
“Well… yeah, that’s how it happened.”
“……”
My friend scratching the back of his head bashfully, and the older beauty linking arms with him affectionately.
Han Seonghyeon, a natural-born bachelor.
It was the day he lost his companion of ten years.