Chapter 377
Chapter 377
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 377
Chapter Title: Kang Taesan (1)
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The situation in the Kanghwan Realm was proceeding smoothly without any notable variables.
The final war waged by the continent's major factions pooling their strength together.
The victors were the alliance of the Murim world and the yokai forces, while the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, having lost the battle, saw all its members perish heroically on the spot—except for its leader, the Heavenly Demon.
Even the Heavenly Demon himself had been used as a sacrifice to reconstruct Yongsim and vanished from the world, leaving the cult's remnants as nothing more than the cowards who hadn't even participated in the war.
…Though in reality, Hans had whisked him away right after the ritual ended.
After all the hardship he'd gone through to create him, there was no way he'd let it go to waste for real!
The Heavenly Demon could be called Hans's strongest undead without exaggeration.
No matter how much he'd subtly backed him up with a pre-prepared stage, the fact remained that he'd fought on equal footing against multiple transcendents.
With that level of power, he'll be a huge help going forward. Especially against that Reverse Heaven Society Leader bastard.
In truth, that had been the most crucial point.
Because he'd poured everything into creating the Heavenly Demon jiangshi for this rehearsal, the scribe's undeading process was still dragging on, but having just wrapped up a major task, it wouldn't take much longer.
All that was left were minor chores that didn't even require Hans to step in personally.
Hugo's heading back to Yungzhong with the Zhuge family for now…
His heroic exploits, rivaling those of divine realm experts, had left a profound impression on many.
Not just his infinite inner energy, overwhelming martial prowess, and flashy techniques, but also his outstanding performance and selfless sacrifices.
Thanks to that, he'd earned the grandiose moniker "Heavenly Dragon Sword Hero" and received gratitude from countless people, forging strong connections.
And that'll be a big help for his future activities. No better setup for operating in the light.
Of course, he had no intention of holing up in the Zhuge family forever.
Far better to roam the continent, upholding justice, purging evil, and building fame.
Once we clean up those who didn't cooperate this time and the irredeemable scum… then focus on recovery efforts and stabilizing public sentiment.
I smiled contentedly, stroking my chin.
Just thinking about the steady influx of karma during that process filled my heart with abundance.
The diverse factions and yokai who'd staked their lives together against the absolute evil threatening to destroy the world.
Having forged strong bonds through this event, they'd work toward harmony on their own without me lifting a finger.
Given their influential positions in their respective factions, it wasn't a difficult task.
Plus, the cult's main base and remnants are still out there.
The lingering unknown threats would bind them even tighter.
If I periodically reminded them of my presence, the effect would multiply.
And that karma from creating such an environment would all come back to me.
Just like now.
Current Karma: 9,574,649 While lost in thought for a moment, I glanced at the updated number and curled my lips upward.
Like the decimal places ticking up on an atomic clock, the figure was climbing in real-time at an astonishing rate.
This'll probably keep going strong for quite a while.
Karma points were disbursed based on quantifying one's influence on the world.
In other words, this was just an advance payment before proper reconstruction even began.
Considering how every change in the Kanghwan Realm would carry my influence, it was like having a solid pension secured.
How should I spend it?
Having built up my tier through various experiences lately, I was starting to get a sense.
Soon, I'd be able to use "Unique Skill Enhancement" once more.
The next enhancement costs 2 million, right?
It had jumped from 1.5 million in one go.
Following the trend, the one after might be 2.5 or even 3 million.
That made the current near-9.6 million not seem that abundant…
"Well, by then, it'll come in just as fast."
I wasn't too worried about it.
Running a two-track strategy in Outerica and the Kanghwan Realm, my karma intake was far from meager.
Even with the ongoing fixed expense of Growth Potions (7 Days) (200,000) for the main body and avatars, the accumulation was accelerating.
And this time, there's a special perk too.
Feats and achievements were just bonuses—the real prize was the attached perk.
Just like when I first achieved a feat and got "Otherworld Teleportation Circle Summon," the newly acquired "Savior" held immense potential.
Ignoring all restrictions across dimensions…
It dismantled most of the limits I'd faced so far.
Now Hans could perform jiangshi procedures in Outerica, summon an immortal army to the Kanghwan Realm, and operate his undead forces without dimensional constraints.
He could use magical tools from one world freely in another, and even modern items previously impossible to transfer.
A privilege no other awakener could dream of.
Of course, I'll have to test the full extent gradually.
Having dumped high-tier jiangshi into the Kanghwan Realm without restraint, I felt a twinge of regret, but it didn't last.
That investment was precisely what made the rehearsal a resounding success.
"Hmm, wonder if hitting 10 million again triggers something this time."
We'd accumulated about 9.6 million so far.
At this rate, it'd hit 10 million in just a few hours.
Or since we already hit it once, maybe nothing? No urgent need anyway—should I aim for 20 million? Might not take long if I push a bit…
As I pondered that—
Riiing~
The smartphone on the table started ringing.
Not the underworld line, but the public one under Han Seonghyeon.
With my limited social circle, contacts were few.
"Hey, you alive? No plans? Let's catch up—been ages."
As expected, the voice from the phone matched my guess.
My near-last remaining connection to the light: my friend, Kang Taesan.
"Got something important to say, actually."
My expression hardened at his deepened, serious tone.
Something must've happened to him.
***
"Man, it's been forever! At this rate, we'll forget what each other looks like!"
I eyed Kang Taesan greeting me enthusiastically at the pub half-heartedly.
Unlike the grave tone on the phone, he showed no negativity toward me.
Just his usual weary face, waving lazily.
"…Yeah, good to see you. So, what's up? Thought it was some big crisis."
"Oh, that? I'll explain later. Sit first. Boss! Crispy and seasoned chicken, one each, and two beers!"
I nodded and took a seat.
No immediate crisis? Fine, we could take it slow.
"Haa, finally feels like I can breathe. That damn terrorism had me suffering nonstop… Don't even dream of on-time quits—just let me sleep at home."
Kang Taesan downed his beer with chicken, venting like always.
The massive Seoul terror incident not long ago.
Astronomical property damage and unprecedented casualties had Korea reeling for a while.
Naturally, as part of the Ability Management Bureau's Crime Investigation Division, he'd been swamped with aftermath, and today was a rare day off after things settled somewhat.
Handling it faster than expected. Well, with the whole country all-in, it's natural.
Terror incidents weren't rare, just not usually this scale, aiding quick response.
Both agencies and citizens were seasoned to ability-based attacks.
This pub operated normally despite the site blocks away, right?
Plus…
"Phew, without the vigilantes, I'd still be slaving in hell."
"Yeah? Heard chatter online too. Should certify them officially, like with licenses."
"Our side's discussed it. Won't pass, though. Even among civil servants, corruption exists—if we cap loose cannons with no duties or accountability, it'll blow up later."
Vigilantes: no legal authority, but voluntarily maintaining order.
Normally, their private sanctions would've made them targets too, but in this chaos, their help was invaluable.
Jin Soran must be handling it well.
I sipped my beer, listening to his complaints.
Korea's largest vigilante group? Unquestionably Blood Alliance.
Thanks to Heinz 2nd dominating the underworld, they mobilized vampires, subs, and all under their sway for crackdowns on major crimes.
Probably most moved under Blood Alliance influence, bar a tiny few independents.
With fearsome combat power, tight organization, and bottomless funds, it was feasible.
Instead of exploiting chaos for crime, the leashed turned on their breaching kin—naturally, things didn't spiral worse than expected.
"Donations from corps too… Hey, know about Howard Industries dumping huge funds into affected areas? New company, but loaded. Eases our workload—good for me."
Chit-chat flowed as chicken and beer dwindled, yet no "important talk" from Kang Taesan, no matter the time.
Why drag it out like this?
As I geared to ask again—
"Hey, thought it was my imagination at first… but you changed? Looks, vibe—something."
"Hm?"
I froze at his words.
Changed, huh…
I subconsciously stroked my face, mulling it.
But no need to overthink.
The cause was obvious.
The divinity budding in me.
Distributing most tiers across ten avatars kept it subtle, but an underlying aura seeped through inevitably.
Even with "Existence Denial" active, he senses it? This guy's intuition is scary sharp.
Maybe our long history made the incongruity stand out.
As I lowered my hand from my face, pondering a reply—
Kang Taesan, scrutinizing me sharply, widened his eyes and snapped his fingers.
"Ah! Got it! You hitting the skincare? Man, your skin's glowing smooth. Share the goods—don't hog!"
While fumbling hilariously on his own.
Granted, massive energy and divinity did improve my skin…
Eh, whatever?
Too bothersome—roll with it.
"Been working out lately. Looks are competitive edge now. No excuses—sleep more. Dry skin, dark circles to your chin—what care?"
"I'd sleep if I could! Gotta do something to not worsen! Letting go just accelerates the decline."
Kang Taesan sighed deeply, grumbling.
No clue how we veered here, but if it was vital, he'd spill without prodding.
Abandoning the probe, I chuckled lightly, tossing casually:
"Too late for that maintenance. Who you tryna impress anyway?"
Felt like self-damage mid-sentence, but imagination.
Unlike him, I could meet women—I just didn't!
"Speaking of that…"
But that was.
My misconception.
Awkward smile, averted gaze from my decade-long bro.
Sensing something offbeat—
"Honey! There you are!"
A bubbly female voice approached from the side.
Not aimed at me, of course.
"Ah, sis here?"
"Sorry! Work popped up right before clock-out—late finish."
"No biggie, we were about to switch spots. Oh, this is the friend I mentioned. Over a decade together—like family."
"Hi! Park Miyoung. Heard tons about you."
Kang Taesan chatted warmly with the cute beauty right in front.
I forced calm, barely greeting, then eyed my friend demandingly.
Eyes brimming with "explain."
"Uh… yeah, it just happened."
"……."
Friend scratching his nape sheepishly, older beauty linking arms affectionately beside.
Han Seonghyeon, eternal singleton.
The day he lost his decade comrade.