#077.
“…Was it always this quiet here?”
Yeil, who had once traveled to Paris in the past, spat out a question.
“No way. This is the center of Paris. There are so many tourist attractions; it was always overflowing with people.”
“Then why?”
“I told you. It *was* that kind of place. The situation changed with the second harbinger.”
“You mean….”
“Yeah. The Catacombs. That’s what created this ghost city.”
The place where I and all my companions had currently arrived was Paris, the location of the Catacombs’ entrance.
A place that should have been bustling with Parisian citizens and tourists was utterly deserted.
And it wasn’t just deserted.
It had become a ghost city where not even a single ant could be seen.
“If we’re talking about the Catacombs….”
“They were originally quarries dating back to the Roman era. But when Louis XVI carried out city beautification policies, they desecrated cemeteries and gathered all the remains there, making it a truly terrible place.”
As if she had once taken a guided tour, Yeil continued with a fluent explanation.
“There are also rumors that it’s the entrance to hell and that demons wander about.”
“Demons, eh. It’s certainly no ordinary place.”
At Yeil’s explanation, Chairman Kang stroked his chin.
If not the others, then at least this quick-witted old gentleman must have roughly realized.
That this journey would be quite arduous.
“By the way, is it certain that he entered the Catacombs?”
I asked Chairman Kang, who had fallen into thought.
“I received a report confirming that he entered the Catacombs. It’s from a trustworthy fellow, so it should be certain.”
“Yes. Then that’s a relief.”
Certain information was essential for this matter.
Because.
*It’s like entering hell.*
Inside the Catacombs, it was a place where the expression “hell” would not be wasted.
To the extent that one would be reluctant to enter unless they possessed considerable resolve, unless they had a reason commensurate with it.
But if that guy, the one who had awakened that trait, had entered there, it was more than worth going in.
Moreover.
*If things go well, I can obtain those things as well.*
I could obtain side benefits together with the most important person.
The optimal place to strengthen our forces before the competition begins.
*I hadn’t planned on coming since there was no need to overdo it, but now that he’s gone in, it can’t be helped.*
Shaking off the remaining anxiety, I moved toward the entrance of the Catacombs.
“Whoa. I can feel the brutality even before going in?”
As if sensing something ominous, Hero spoke.
“Mm. It really is like that.”
William responded.
Most of the group nodded in agreement.
Except for one.
“…Really? I think I’m fine, though.”
Only Yeil tilted her head, seemingly unable to feel the energy emanating from within the Catacombs.
“You think you’re fine?”
I couldn’t help but feel bewildered by Yeil’s words.
Depending on how one looked at it, it could be passed off.
But to me, who knew all the circumstances, it was an absurd situation.
And that was inevitable because.
*For a Saint, who should react most violently to impure powers, to say she’s fine.*
The beings guarding the inside of the Catacombs were demons standing in opposition to holiness.
Yeil, who had awakened the Saint trait, should have been the most sensitive, or at the very least not less sensitive.
But she was saying she was fine.
Why on earth?
*Something I don’t know is happening.*
I had predicted this to some extent.
Just as the harbinger had indicated, a future completely different from before the regression was unfolding.
There was a high probability that the situation inside the Catacombs had changed as well.
Of course, that was not a desirable phenomenon.
I needed things to be as close as possible to before the regression in order to utilize the power of the information I held; if it became like this, that would be impossible.
*But that doesn’t mean I can just sit around here.*
In the end, I had to move.
Though there was some anxiety, I believed in myself and the comrades who had grown until now.
“Let’s go.”
I had made thorough preparations to eliminate any variables that might arise.
Therefore, without hesitation, I crossed the entrance of the Catacombs and stepped inside.
Ziiing—
The otherness I had felt at Tintagel Castle enveloped my flesh.
Evidence that I had crossed into a separated space, or a powerful barrier.
*The inside of the Catacombs blocks all movement-related traits.*
Instant movement, spatial movement, and portals.
A barrier that blocks traits allowing one to cross between regions.
Furthermore.
Thuung!
Even when I tried to go back outside, I couldn’t, as if blocked by a transparent wall.
Unless I resolved the problem of the Catacombs, its root cause, I could not escape.
“Well, then….”
It was when I was about to order careful movement.
“…Hm?”
Something was strangely grating.
The right side of the entrance. I approached that spot, where there was clearly nothing.
“….”
If not for my sixth sense, and if I hadn’t known of its existence, I would have just passed it by.
“So you were here.”
One of the purposes for coming here.
Clutch.
I grabbed the guy hiding using Nature Assimilation.
“Huk!”
The surprised boy jumped up as if convulsing.
But apart from the Nature Assimilation aptitude and that trait, he had no significant combat ability.
After restraining him with brute force so he couldn’t escape.
“Calm down. I won’t hurt you.”
As if I’d hurt him—he was a precious comrade I would stand together with from now on.
I’d feed him, shelter him, and take very good care of him.
“R-really?”
His two eyes, wide like a rabbit’s, held fear.
And he had every reason to be.
The terrible tragedy that had occurred around him.
It wasn’t a reality that a mere boy could handle.
Even if he was a tempestuous brat who had lost all fear, being consumed by terror was only natural.
“Of course. So relax. Here, take a deep breath.”
I gave him a moment’s respite, as he was out of his mind.
“Huuu—”
Fortunately, he didn’t seem to have completely lost his reason.
Taking deep breaths, he regained some composure.
“Your name?”
I had always been curious.
What was the name of the guy I had searched for so desperately, who had caused me so much trouble?
“Jinwoo. Park Jinwoo.”
“Park Jinwoo.”
After engraving that name in my head.
“I’m asking because I’m curious, but what happened here?”
Corpses filled the surroundings.
Most had gone cold, but the blood flowing from some corpses still retained warmth.
Furthermore, the Black Moon badges visible on their chests indicated their affiliation.
For guys who formed a fairly powerful force to be this miserably defeated, there was definitely something.
Of course, a very powerful being lurked inside the Catacombs.
But.
*You have to go deep into the Catacombs to see it.*
According to the Sage’s information, that guy was holed up deep in the Catacombs, in his secret laboratory.
For such a guy to come out from the entrance and massacre them?
That was a truth completely different from the Sage’s information.
Therefore, additional information was needed.
Through Jinwoo, who had witnessed all that spectacle through Nature Assimilation, through that boy’s mouth.
“Well….”
Just as he opened his mouth to say something.
“Ugh, uaaaaack!”
As if gone mad, he thrashed and pointed in one direction.
A chill!
An oppressive aura so intense it stung the skin.
Ziik!
I opened my backpack and shoved the struggling boy inside.
Since he was an ordinary person who couldn’t withstand the battle that would occur ahead, I had to hide him somehow.
Whirling around.
An unfamiliar yet somehow familiar energy.
*…Could it be?*
The moment I turned toward where he pointed.
「Meeeeh—」
I could see it.
A monster with a goat’s head, a human body, and black wings flapping.
“…Baphomet?!”
Baphomet.
He was an extremely powerful existence whom I had never thought would be here—no, who should not be here.
*
『The Apocalypse, and 18 Years Later』
Drrrr-uduk!
The earth shook violently.
Kwaaaa!
The atmosphere roared as if screaming in agony.
“….”
Humanity, lined up against this tremendous change, maintained silence and held their ground.
A number not even reaching 1,000.
They were all affiliated with the White, victors of the final war.
Sword Saint William, still standing at the forefront, gazed forward with eyes filled with firm conviction.
The others were no different.
Gangjon Shin Yoonchan, who greatly contributed to helping William and making White the final victor.
Lone Demon Liu Yan, originally an enemy from Kangho who joined due to Yoonchan’s abrupt actions.
Sage Julius, likewise from a different faction, who had bent his will after William’s earnest persuasion and joined hands with White, among others.
They all united in spirit with William and gazed forward.
There was no fear of the changes occurring around them.
Because the trials and ordeals they had endured until now had been too harsh for them to be surprised by something of this level.
How long they gazed only at the front.
Kuaaaang!
An enormous explosion occurred in the distance.
The explosion accompanied by black smoke was no ordinary one.
Tsutsutsutsutsu!
The leaking smoke gradually took form.
Shortly thereafter, what was completed was a massive gate.
A huge, rectangular gate, and inside it was painted with a bloody aura.
Swish.
And there was a being emerging through that gate.
「….」
A beautiful man.
Eyes that seemed embedded with obsidian, white hair as if bleached, and a mouth holding a sneer.
At his appearance, as if mocking the world, all of White including William flinched.
And that was inevitable because.
Goooooo!
His energy, flowing out naturally even without intention, was overwhelming the field—no, the world.
That momentum was threatening enough to instill tension even in the final survivors who had endured all sorts of hardships for 18 years.
Just who was he?
“…Beelzebub.”
The Great Demon of Gluttony.
The Ruler of Hell.
He, who bore all sorts of grand epithets, stood at the pinnacle among the demons called Transcendents.
「It’s been a while since I’ve taken a stroll on the surface.」
The corners of his mouth rose even higher as he confirmed the humans before him.
「I should enjoy this rare opportunity—a party of blood.」
Swish.
At his light gesture.
Kwachachachang!
The barrier sealing the Gate of Hell shattered.
At that moment.
Chak chak chak.
Countless beings revealed themselves behind Beelzebub.
The Hell Legion.
They, who should have been in the underground wastelands filled with sulfur, had appeared on the surface.
「Go, and end this war that has lasted forever!」
The Ruler of Hell wished to end the War of Gods and Demons that had continued for eternity.
「We follow the Grand Duke’s command!」
The Hell Legion answered sonorously.
Dududududu!
They began approaching quickly, shaking the earth.
Their target was the lined-up humanity—straight toward the White.
Srrreung—
William, seeing that, drew his sword.
“Glory!”
The power of Glory dwelling in the True Excalibur, not the inferior version, descended upon everyone.
Morale rose and physical abilities jumped dramatically.
But it didn’t end there.
Kkaang!
Gangjon Shin Yoonchan.
He struck an anvil, producing a clear metallic sound.
Flash, flash!
The weapons of all belonging to White flashed once, receiving temporary reinforcement.
Sharpening the blades of weapons, increasing the durability and luster of armor.
Though not permanent, it could stack with permanent reinforcement, making it extremely useful for short-term combat.
“Uwoaaaaah—”
Along with that, a shout that shook the field.
This courageous battle cry filled them with excitement for battle.
Thanks to traits and abilities adding all sorts of auxiliary effects, White’s combat power rose another level.
And while they made thorough preparations.
「Insolent humans!」
「Become sacrifices of blood!」
The Hell Legion, approaching in an instant, unleashed powerful energy and fierce attacks.
Hwareureuk!
The flames of hell, powerful flames that melted everything, covered the White.
“….”
But they didn’t move.
Because there was a golden protective shield defending them.
「Behold!」
Above their heads, those who had bestowed the protective shield upon humanity appeared.
Flutter, flutter!
Combat angels, flapping their pure white wings.
Benevolent existences that White had awakened to oppose the demons before them, the Hell Legion.
They dominated the sky wielding pure white swords and spears.
「Behold!」
The one at the front, wielding a golden sword, shouted.
Above his head was a crown dyed in golden light, and the stars decorating that crown were six in number.
Camael, one of the Archangels who ruled all combat angels.
「Here, wicked minions are running amok.」
Kwarreung!
A voice like thunder pierced their ears.
「How could we remain still?」
For a brief moment, Camael and William’s gazes met in the air.
Nod.
An alliance through some kind of deal.
And now they had gathered here to fulfill that promise.
「Destroy… the evil!」
At Camael’s command.
Shuuuuung!
The angels began low-altitude flight, advancing toward the Hell Legion.
「Pass judgment on those arrogant fools! Kill them all!」
Beelzebub, seeing the angels, spoke excitedly.
To them, the race called angels were arrogant, dogmatic, willful, contemptible insects.
How could they remain still when thousands of horrifying flies decorated the sky?
The prelude to the War of Gods and Demons, fought between the two existences representing good and evil that had existed since the beginning, was raised once more.
“We can’t just watch either.”
Humanity was certainly not the protagonist of this stage.
But to pass this trial and move on, to head toward the final end of the apocalypse, they had to be victorious in this war.
Jeobeok.
Slowly at first.
Tatatat.
But soon quickly.
Dududududu!
And the next moment, like wild horses, they collided with the Hell Legion that was confronting the angels.
Humans and demons were fundamentally different from birth.
In body, traits, abilities, and all aspects, demons were inevitably superior to humans.
But now.
Seogek!
Humans had surpassed demons.
Humanity that had survived the apocalypse for 18 years was armed with abilities worthy of being called Transcendents.
This wasn’t a level that lesser demons, who formed the majority of the legion rather than higher demons, could look up to.
Of course, if they were intermediate, and if higher, that would be a different story.
Kwang!
The higher demon Gregori.
Beings that were originally angels but were captured by demons and fell through cruel torture and brainwashing.
The attacks of those wielding flame swords emitting green light held heat that human skin couldn’t withstand.
However.
“Don’t fall back!”
William and the executives of White resisted this irresistible existence.
No, it wasn’t resistance.
Kaang!
They were overwhelming.
They were proving with their bodies that humanity was not weak.
Kwang, kwakwang!
Explosions and.
「Hap!」
Battle cries and shouts.
「Uwaack!」
And the center of chaos where screams mixed together.
Jureureuk.
Blood spilled by demons, angels, and humans soaked the ground.
Blood.
The energy of life.
Just as the spectacular sight of different races’ blood mixing together was unfolding.
Hwiooooo!
The blood mixed together and created a whirlpool.
It was neither angel nor demon, nor a human trait.
Paaaat—
The suddenly created whirlpool of blood scattered in droplets.
「….」
What appeared there.
It was an existence with a goat’s head, human body, and flapping black wings.
*A demon?*
A monster, no, a demon.
William, thinking it was an enemy, raised Excalibur and charged at the goat monster.
“Stop!”
But Julius, guarding his side, urgently stopped him.
「Mneh—」
The goat monster’s black eyes turned toward William.
As that gaze gradually turned red.
「Goat of Sabbat!」
Julius, the one called Sage, knelt before the goat monster and raised both hands in a pious posture.
Flash.
The red-tinged pupils regained their black color.
「…A human who wields the Divine Language. It has truly been a long time.」
The goat monster, no, Baphomet, who had made a sound like a goat’s cry moments ago, was conveying his will.