The Ma-in Trap
"......It's already vanished?"
Lucifer arrived at the site in a hurry, but there was nothing there.
The area around the mountain peak had been utterly devastated.
Not a single blade of grass remained at the spot where the Apocalypse Apostle had descended.
"No helping it. The bastard's too slippery. Would've been great if we could take it out right away."
Lucifer scanned the vicinity with sharp eyes as he spoke.
There was no trace of the Seven Deadly Sins' energy anywhere. Even with his enhanced vision at Legend+ rank, he couldn't spot it.
It had already completely vanished.
That Apocalypse Apostle is that dangerous?
"Yes, extremely dangerous. The descent of a Seven Deadly Sin...... isn't good."
That was as far as Lucifer could explain.
Damn restrictions prevented him from using the word "apocalypse."
Tutorial hasn't even ended, and a Seven Deadly Sin shows up.
The descent of a Seven Deadly Sin accelerates the system's apocalypse. That was why they were called Apocalypse Apostles.
The world would now proceed toward destruction even faster.
"Their raw power is on another level from anything before. They're born for destruction, after all."
Lucifer's gaze shifted to the corpses strewn across the ground in the distance. Their heads were missing. He frowned.
The thick magi suggested they were all ma-in.
Victims of the Seven Deadly Sin.
"Even idiots like the ma-in summoning an Apocalypse Apostle directly......"
Not far away, red blood and chunks of flesh were scattered. Amid the remnants of death lingered the aura of demons.
Had the demons tried to take on a Seven Deadly Sin?
Predictable outcome.
Seven Deadly Sins were relatively free from system restrictions. They were trials guiding the apocalypse itself.
Unlike Lucifer, who had been summoned to the human side, their starting point was different.
"The Seven Deadly Sins' alignment is chaotic evil. Their only goal is the world's ruin. I recommend eliminating them as quickly as possible."
With his master Joo Kanghyeok around, it wouldn't be an issue.
The problem was finding the Seven Deadly Sin.
That was when it happened.
Boom-!
Something landed on the peak. None other than Hunter Sa Choiheon.
His eyes shook violently as he arrived in haste.
"No way. Did Mumyeong summon an Apocalypse Apostle too?"
Lucifer let out a hollow chuckle at Sa Choiheon's words. From his perspective, it might really look that way.
"That would've been better. Hold on. How do you know about the Apocalypse Apostles?"
"Isn't that beside the point?"
Fair enough.
"Sa Choiheon. Contact me the moment you learn the Apocalypse Apostle's location. No one but my master can handle it."
"Mumyeong, you're saying you can beat a Seven Deadly Sin?"
Sa Choiheon's gaze turned toward where Mumyeong might be. Lucifer shrugged.
"You call that a question? The issue is how many humans die before then. So contact me on time."
Lucifer spread his black wings.
"Master, I'll head back first."
As he prepared to deactivate vision sharing and take flight.
"Wait."
Sa Choiheon stopped him. Lucifer's brow furrowed.
"What? You get three seconds."
He needed to return and assist with his master's meal.
"Tomorrow night, the ma-in are holding a meeting. The ma-in in charge of Korea have set a trap to eliminate Mumyeong."
Sa Choiheon stated calmly. Lucifer's expression twisted.
The ma-in daring to target his master?
"Reliable intel?"
"I have a mole in the ma-in ranks."
Sa Choiheon's eyes were steady.
"Planning to raid and wipe them out."
"By yourself? You wanna die that bad? The ma-in are annoying, but not weak enough to lose to humans—."
Whoosh.
Multicolored flames erupted from Sa Choiheon's fingertips. Lucifer was at a loss for words.
"Power gained as reward for slaying Cerberus. This should let me handle the ma-in alone. However......"
Sa Choiheon looked up at the moon in the sky. Black clouds began to obscure the moonlight.
"There's a chance a Seven Deadly Sin appears. Unfortunately, I can't beat one with my current power. Mumyeong, I want to borrow your strength."
Lucifer didn't respond.
"It's not a bad deal for you. A chance to eradicate the ma-in deeply embedded in the Association and elite society. It'll widen your room to maneuver."
In truth, Sa Choiheon planned to seize control of the Association.
Through that, Mumyeong could continue operating while hiding his identity.
Though a minimal risk of exposure to key figures. In exchange, item disposal and free fund management would open up.
"Your answer?"
Sa Choiheon waited for Lucifer's reply.
He didn't want to leave room for failure.
For that, Mumyeong's cooperation was essential.
After a brief silence, Lucifer finally spoke.
"Master isn't listening."
"What?"
Vision sharing was already off.
But wiping out Korea's ma-in? Sounded good. They were thorns in his side, especially after the death wave.
"Still, it's tempting."
A sly smile crept across Lucifer's lips.
"I'll help this once. Not for free, of course."
The next morning.
He woke in a comfortable house. Heaven compared to his old semi-basement studio.
Plush bed, soft blankets.
Air purifiers and AC in every room.
Unfamiliar home, but he slept like a rock.
Good sleep, yet troubled.
The braised pork was insanely good, but......
The sudden Apocalypse Apostle was the issue.
If even Lucifer warned about it, the danger was incomparable to before.
Creeeak.
He opened the door. Lucifer was already up in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.
Gabriel seemed still asleep.
"Ah, Master, you're up?"
"Morning."
"I'll prepare breakfast right away."
Whirr.
He sat on the living room sofa. Wanted to pet Kero and bask in the morning sun, but......
"It's seriously gloomy."
The sky visible through the balcony window was blanketed in dark clouds. Totally opposite the smartphone weather forecast.
"This weather will stick around for a while. No need to worry much. Sa Choiheon will handle finding it."
"Yeah......"
According to Lucifer's explanation, there was no way for them to track it down.
A real headache.
But once it showed itself, that'd be the end.
Instant Death.
As long as it was a living being, it couldn't stand against him.
"Apocalypse Apostles are system-recognized monsters. Living beings, of course. Rewards will be solid if we take it out."
Lucifer said as he grabbed the frying pan again.
"Until it shows...... I'll do what I need to."
Level up and claim rewards.
Prepare for battle with the Apocalypse Apostle.
He leaned back on the sofa and glanced at his smartphone.
Top trending on SNS: Mumyeong. Last night's lightning probably looked like weird weather to civilians.
Still flocking to the labyrinths.
Same as yesterday.
Mazes across Korea were packed with people.
Some even pitching tents and camping.
Mumyeong challenge or whatever.
Can't be helped.
No issue.
Leveling via instance gates worked fine.
With system function limits lifted, instance gates now gave EXP.
Rewards could wait.
Not urgent right now.
Clang.
Then Gabriel emerged from her room, hair tousled, plopping at the table.
"Squid rice bowl?"
"Squid rice bowl? Eat whatever's served."
Lucifer brought plates to the table.
Today's breakfast: omelet rice.
He sat too, taking a bite with his spoon.
"What is this? Why's it so damn good?"
Not of this world. Fluffy, soft egg harmonizing perfectly with fried rice.
Gabriel shoveled it silently. Kero buried his head in his bowl.
Satiety lasts slightly longer.
Stamina +3% for 24 hours.
Even came with effects.
"Honed it in hell for today. Glad it suits your taste."
Lucifer smiled satisfied at the reaction. With food like this, he'd eat it daily.
After the hearty breakfast.
"Apocalypse Apostle or not...... duties remain the same."
Preparations done, he opened an instance gate.
Activate Instance Gate (C)?
Cost: 50,000 Coins
His current level: 78.
Upper C-rank.
Instance gates only up to one's rank. Needed one more level for B-gate.
"Level up first."
Vrrr—.
A purple gate opened on the living room floor.
"Black Apostle Lucifer. Time to show Legend+ combat power."
Lucifer stretched confidently and entered. Gabriel eyed him displeased.
"Master, when's the next enhancement stone?"
"No idea."
"Use it on me. I'll sort recycling, trash properly, walk Kero daily."
"......I'll think about it."
Next stone: pick one of them.
Whatever, decide later.
"Let's go."
Gate clear was a breeze.
Brought Kero to check his combat power too.
Boom-!
"Oh."
Kero in full Cerberus form turned the gate inside out.
Lucifer nodded lightly.
"About S-rank hunter level, I'd say."
C-gate clear: mere 5 minutes.
EXP filled 35%.
Insane speed considering his level.
With full monopoly and 1.3x EXP bonus, this is me......
Wonder how others fare.
Reason everyone obsessed with initial awakening rank. Hard to change once set.
"A few more, please."
"Leave this one to me."
After six C-instance clears, reached level 80.
Congratulations. You are now a B-rank Hunter.
Level to stand proudly as a hunter. What low-ranks desperately crave.
But not enough for him.
Goal: S-rank.
No, max level as possible. More foes for Weakling Extermination.
Level 80 unlocks B-instance gates.
Next: B-gate clears.
Activate Instance Gate (B)?
Cost: 150,000 Coins
150k coins.
Costs jumped.
Burden now. Heard B-rank difficulty spikes.
Masses of beasts, no doubt.
More EXP monopoly for him: good.
"Let's go."
Blood-red sky. Crumbling fortress, cracked mossy walls from neglect.
Squeak.
Squeak-.
Orcs peeked through gaps. Gnawing meat around campfires.
【Lv.84】
【Lv.83】
Unlike previous primitive tribe orcs.
Squeak.
Rusted armor, leather belts: trained soldiers vibe.
"I'll handle it."
Lucifer raised one hand forward.
Squeak?
Squeak!
Orcs turned at the presence, raising sharp iron weapons. Intimidating.
But next instant.
Kaboom-!
Black magic beam from Lucifer's hand engulfed them.
Whoosh......
Orcs vaporized without trace. Massive hole in the old wall.
Fierce wind tousled hair. Chilled air stung skin.
Clearly stronger than before.
"Master, see? This is me."
"Knew you had it."
Thumbs up.
Gabriel dashed into the fortress like she'd been waiting.
Boom! Kaboom!
Fortress crumbled sequentially. Disaster for orcs.
Squeeeak—!
Orc screams echoed.
Level up.
His job: sit back and watch.
"......Superspeed."
Clear in under 30 minutes.
Rewards appeared.
B-rank Instance (Personalized) Gate cleared.
Clear Rating: Legend
Issuing Legend-grade rewards.
◈ Item Cooldown Reset Scroll x1
◈ Legend+ Skill Acquisition Scroll x1
◈ Legend Emblem x1
Oh.
Item cooldown reset and skill scroll too.
Jackpot.
Another Limit Breaker use, new skill.
"Open again."
Kept repeating B-gates. Pitied the beasts.
Lunch and rests in between.
Total seven clears done.
"That's it for today."
Coins running low. Expanded inventory from magistones and items.
Current Level: 86
Reached level 86.
Monstrous pace unchanged.
World bosses and phantasia were easy eats.
"Good work, everyone."
Flopped on home sofa. Gabriel sprawled beside. Lucifer tied apron without rest.
"Shower then dinner prep."
"No, rest a bit."
"This is rest. For real."
Lucifer firm.
Fine then. No stopping him.
Checked terminal from Sa Choiheon. No contact. Outside still gloomy from clouds.
Too bad, but day's end.
Anywhere for coins?
Gaze to floating starlight.
Constellation Otherworld Discipline raises empty hands.
Constellation Master of the Black Star sheds tears of near-bankruptcy.
No sponsorship signs.
Go farm coins?
Come to think......
First world boss drop: black imugi item.
High chance Bulmyeol—no, Sa Choiheon took it as #2 contributor.
Could leverage for coins.
As he pondered, Lucifer from kitchen spoke.
"Ah, off to market briefly for dinner."
"Master, I got a carrot deal."
Coincidentally, both apostles outing.
"Master, if anything happens, use this."
Gabriel handed a white feather. Same as Lucifer's black one before.
Instant summon for her.
Sa Choiheon's hideout: should be safe, but......
"Carrot? Used goods trade?"
"Yeah. Game about crushing evil orgs. Must buy."
Gabriel's eyes sparkled.
This girl......
Really loves games.
Seoul suburbs.
Abandoned factory.
Under dark sky, ma-in gathered one by one.
Tonight's summons for Korea ma-in.
Purpose: lure and kill Mumyeong, but......
"Damn it, what the...... Summoning an Apocalypse Apostle? How the hell did that lowly thing......"
Hunter Association President Go Guseong, Korea ma-in leader.
His face heavily wrinkled.
He too rode a black sedan toward the site.
"Calm down. Still salvageable."
Ma-in secretary driving consoled. But Go Guseong's heart was heavy. Beyond heavy—tormented.
"Apocalypse Apostle's upper echelons matter. Out of our hands. If unlucky, all involved lose heads."
"They won't ditch you easily after your contributions."
Not comforting.
Go Guseong clutched his head.
"Must handle Mumyeong at this meeting."
Failure: total purge of Korea ma-in.
"Forget the Apostle, focus on Mumyeong."
"Right, yes."
Screech.
Black sedan stopped before factory. President's expression resolute upon exit.
Black magi swirled above, visible only to ma-in.
Unprecedented numbers. Each surpassing S-rank.
Eliminating Mumyeong: easy.
President stepped into the abandoned building thinking so.
Splash.
Something off. Dim factory interior. Warm liquid soaked his foot.
"......What."
"Danger!"
Kaboom—! White sword aura grazed president's head. Secretary's tackle saved him.
"You okay?"
"Yes, more importantly......"
President's gaze toward factory depths.
"Mumyeong......?"
Dark interior.
Someone blazing in pure white mana.
Not Mumyeong.
Familiar face.
"S-Sa Choiheon? How the hell are you here......"
President's eyes widened.
Presence here: fine.
Inexplicable was separate.
Snap—!
President snapped fingers; magi spread, illuminating building.
"That power of yours......"
Ma-in corpses littered factory. Black-red blood from them soaked floor.
"Hah!"
President exhaled sharply.
One human butchering ma-in? Impossible.
Rank 1 Sa Choiheon.
President monitored him closely as Association head.
Strong for human. But even he couldn't surpass ma-in might.
Ma-in built power from other dimensions.
Common sense crumbling.
Sa Choiheon's eyes sank coldly.
"President, thought I didn't know?"
White mana rippled from Sa Choiheon.
Blazing white light.
Multicolored mana emitting light was precisely.
"Ha, Antimagic......"
Antimagic aura.
Ma-in's absolute weakness. President's jaw dropped.
Normally unobtainable.
Why?
Antimagic: ultra-legend skill.
Rare even post-tutorial in system phase 1.
Yet Sa Choiheon had it.
No way......
President stiffened, recalling something. Grind. Teeth clenched.
Roland! Damn Roland!
His summoned phantasia Cerberus.
Ultra-legend rank.
"Sa Choiheon, you're courting death."
President's eyes reddened. Black energy poured around him.
Antimagic or not, one Sa Choiheon: manageable.
That instant.
Boom-! Thud!
Something dropped beside Sa Choiheon. Bread-bag-masked man, light-veiled woman.
Apostles.
"This is nuts. Antimagic aura paralyzes ma-in."
"Told you it'd be easy."
Antimagic from Sa Choiheon enveloped Lucifer and Gabriel too.
"Sa Choiheon, bow toward Master ten times daily. No, hundred."
"I'll consider."
White energy blazed like flames on Sa Choiheon's raised sword.
Crackle.
"Lowly worms daring to target Master. Bold."
Lucifer faced president squarely, antimagic flowing over him too.
"Pay that sin in EXP."
Red eyes flashed in bread bag.