The Ma-in Purge and the Apocalypse Temple's Descent
“Don’t make me laugh.”
The association president’s face twisted into a demonic snarl.
“A inferior human like you dares... to draw a blade against the Ma-in.”
Ma-in.
They had infiltrated human society from the moment the System appeared in this world.
Their ultimate goal was to drain all the energy from the present world and replace it with demonic energy.
It wasn’t easy.
It was an invasion operation that required subjugating humanity and extracting vast resources from beneath their feet.
The System defined humanity as players. The Ma-in from other dimensions were no different from monsters.
This world was even structured to favor players.
If the players vanished, the System would disappear. The apocalypse would halt. No more gates, no more monster cores.
The Ma-in had no choice but to wait.
For humanity to grow.
‘Our plan was perfect... Only a tiny fraction of humanity even knows of the Ma-in’s existence.’
Suppressing players too harshly would inevitably spawn an uncontrollable irregular.
That was the conclusion drawn from conquering countless dimensions.
‘There shouldn’t have been any problems.’
Why did the human before him wield anti-demon energy? Why had Mumyeong, that blatant irregular, appeared?
His vision blurred for a moment, but the association president quickly regained his composure.
“You think I’ll fall to something like this?”
Veins bulged on the association president’s forehead. Terrifying demonic energy began boiling from his entire body.
Crackle, crackle—!
His human shell peeled away, revealing purple skin and crimson eyes. The old man’s form was gone.
“It’s just a cheap trick. Anti-demon power changes nothing about your essence!”
Formless demonic energy began shaping into tentacles. High-density demonic energy sprouted from the association president’s back like an octopus’s limbs.
Boom—!
Dozens of tentacles swept through the abandoned factory.
Krboom!
Some blunt tentacles smashed the ground, while others sharpened into spears that pierced the factory walls.
Scraaape—!
Sparks flew from Sa Choiheon’s sword as he blocked one tentacle. His eyes narrowed.
‘Tch.’
It was an overwhelming assault that blocked any approach.
Ma-in stored demonic energy within their bodies. Higher-ranking Ma-in compressed and held even more.
The tentacle barrage grew storm-like, pushing back the anti-demon aura cloaking Sa Choiheon’s body.
“Anti-demon power? Just overwhelm it with denser demonic energy.”
The association president’s lips curled into a sneer.
A thick tendril whipped like a tail. Whoosh—! Sa Choiheon slammed into the wall.
Abandoned materials in one corner of the ruined building shattered and flew up.
“Kuhak—!”
Blood spurted from Sa Choiheon’s mouth.
Ma-in were no laughing matter.
They were powerhouses who had grown strong even before the System arrived in this world. Fighting them in a human body was absurd.
“Sa Choiheon! Don’t get cocky just because you’re weak—stay back and buff us!”
But if the opponent was an apostle cloaked in anti-demon energy, the story changed.
Lucifer, shouting at Sa Choiheon, was utterly relaxed. Thanks to his enhanced stats as a Legend+ apostle, plus the anti-demon power.
There was no way he’d struggle.
Bang, boom!
Lucifer casually swatted away the madly surging tentacles. Even though he needed close range to fully utilize the anti-demon power, he was at ease.
Gabriel wore a calm expression too.
“Weak.”
Gabriel advanced, smashing tentacles. Before her fists, wrapped in holy power and anti-demon energy, the tentacles scattered like tofu.
No matter how many tentacles poured forth, it was futile.
“Got it. Lucifer.”
Accepting Lucifer’s words, Sa Choiheon raised his hand from the rear. Anti-demon energy began enveloping the two apostles.
Focused solely on buffing, he became even more threatening.
The association president’s face contorted.
“Sa Choiheon!”
Rank 1 hunter Sa Choiheon.
He’d never felt threatened by him before.
There had been friction with the association, but he was rather compliant.
In the long term, he’d even solidified Bulmyeol’s position through deals with him.
A guy who pursued profit and gain.
Easy to handle, he’d thought.
Maybe even pull him to the Ma-in side.
All delusions.
The man harbored a sharp blade.
“You’re making a huge mistake! Without Ma-in, Korea can’t survive! You don’t know the future that’s coming!”
The desperate association president began to persuade.
“Who knows.”
Sa Choiheon’s gaze was sunken. No room for talk.
The association president ground his teeth.
Alone, he might’ve managed Sa Choiheon. But with two apostles? No chance.
The association president shouted desperately.
“Urk, apostles! Don’t you have any pride? Mumyeong’s just a human. Aren’t you ashamed to bow to such a lowly being?!”
The worst possible move.
Boom—!Krboom—!
The rate of tentacle dissipation doubled.
“My master is the strongest in the universe. Nothing prouder than serving him.”
“Cheeky for a high Ma-in.”
Killing intent flickered in Lucifer’s eyes. Gabriel too. Tentacles vanished at a terrifying speed.
Finally, all demonic tentacles scattered. No more obstacles blocking the two apostles.
Boom—!
Gabriel’s uppercut slammed the association president’s jaw. Holy power and anti-demon energy exploded like fireworks.
“Kehak!”
Crack!
No time to recover—Lucifer’s knee crushed his abdomen.
Thud, thud! Bam bam bam!
Gabriel’s right hook, Lucifer’s stomp.
Thud thud thud—!
A one-sided beating followed. Unfamiliar agony overwhelmed the association president.
“Kwaaaak—!”
The direct anti-demon power prevented him from fully unleashing his stored demonic energy.
Dozens of tentacles rising from the ground dispersed powerlessly.
The association president’s wide eyes turned to the apostles’ backs.
‘If not for the anti-demon power...’
Sa Choiheon quietly applied anti-demon energy from behind. The association president couldn’t comprehend.
The density was unbelievable for someone just starting to handle it. And granting it to others?
But tracing the cause...
Mumyeong. It was all because of Mumyeong.
The death wave, the fantasy species kills, these apostles beating him—all Mumyeong’s doing.
‘Where the hell did Mumyeong come from—.’
That was the association president’s final thought.
Crunch—!
Gabriel’s fist pierced his heart. The anti-demon energy blooming from her hand would burn until the Ma-in’s breath ceased.
Thud.
The Ma-in who had hidden as association president, aiming to topple Korea, met his end.
Pat pat.
“You sure timed it right to catch these Ma-in gathering.”
Lucifer said, shaking blood from his hands.
These Ma-in had gathered targeting Mumyeong. Intel from a few before dealing with the president.
“Told you. I have sources.”
Finally catching his breath, Sa Choiheon pointed ahead with his finger.
The association president’s secretary, collapsed on the floor. She brushed back her hair and lifted her head.
“...I nearly died. Aren’t your sword strikes a bit merciless?”
She brazenly said that too.
Lucifer’s brow furrowed.
“She’s a Ma-in too. A collaborator?”
“...I hate Ma-in too. Makes me sick.”
The secretary adjusted her cracked glasses and said.
“Everyone has their reasons.”
Sa Choiheon said calmly.
The association president’s secretary was a human-Ma-in half-breed. A descendant from a dimension destroyed by Ma-in.
Thus, easy to sway.
Reading others’ desires and wounds to pull them to his side was a returner’s specialty.
“No Seven Deadly Sins appeared.”
Gabriel gazed at the gaping hole in the factory roof. Beneath the storm clouds, a pale moon peeked through briefly.
The calm before the storm, they say.
“Would’ve been better if they showed.”
Lucifer smacked his lips.
Sa Choiheon narrowed his eyes.
What might’ve happened if they had. Just imagining it chilled him.
“Anyway, thanks to you, we took out the Ma-in easily. Starting tonight, all media will report on them.”
Otherworldly race hiding in Korea: Ma-in.
Their crimes and planned schemes would be fully exposed.
They had more than enough gathered intel.
Sa Choiheon looked up at the apostles.
“The association is now completely clean. I guarantee it. No organization in Korea threatens Mumyeong anymore.”
I sat on the sofa watching TV.
Petting Kero.
Just that, and...
Your level has increased.
Your level has increased.
⋯
Your level has increased.
Levels rising.
Without doing a thing.
Daily growth limit reached. Lv. 86 → Lv. 90
‘Huh?’
The surging levels finally stopped at the growth cap. Just 10 levels from A-rank hunter.
‘What the...’
The reason was obvious.
Lucifer and Gabriel out hunting monsters. But this many? Questionable.
‘Jeju Island maybe?’
Jeju Island, now pure monster territory.
Even S-rank hunters struggled there, I heard.
Legend+ apostles could handle it, though.
Nothing else came to mind.
Working overtime behind my back.
What loyal retainers.
On the other hand, worry crept in.
‘Are the Apostles of the Apocalypse that dangerous?’
Enough to rush level-ups like this.
Grrr...
Kero on my lap growled lowly. I petted him and turned to the TV.
Breaking news scrolled endlessly.
Just as Sa Choiheon said.
If I hadn’t heard ahead, I’d have been shocked. Ma-in hiding in the association?
Shocking, but not what I sought.
No reports on the Apostles of the Apocalypse.
‘Was watching just in case.’
Best to handle before it happens, but if they don’t show, no way to act.
Frustrating.
Pat pat.
Petting Kero’s soft fur brought drowsiness. Calming effect? Or just comfy sofa?
Overwhelmed by sleep, I closed my eyes briefly. Nap till the apostles returned?
But.
The next moment, I was in a vast white space.
A foggy void.
‘What?’
Clear anomaly.
I scanned around quickly.
Too vivid for a dream.
Test pinch on my cheek: numb. No time to panic long.
“Ah—. Ah—.”
A black silhouette emerged from the fog. As it cleared, the figure fully appeared.
“Can you hear me?”
A woman in a black cloak. Gold-ornamented half-mask. Petite blonde foreigner.
Fluent Korean.
“First, let me clarify. I’m not your enemy. Even if you, Mumyeong, could kill me, please hear me out. It won’t be bad for you.”
Her lengthy explanation was utterly monotone.
But she said it clearly.
Mumyeong.
“What...?”
“I should introduce myself. I’m Elise Grainzer. Heard of the Star of Prophets? I’m their leader.”
Star of Prophets.
Another group Sa Choiheon mentioned. Secret organization of prophets.
I’d experienced prophecy power a bit via the Awakened Alliance.
“Found me via prophecy?”
“Don’t misunderstand. I don’t know your identity. Just that you’re Mumyeong. I’m only delivering a message.”
Her voice emotionless, yet cautious to the extreme.
Now I noticed: dream-me wore robe and mask too.
Elise continued carefully from the fog.
“I had no plans to contact you directly. Not until the Apostles of the Apocalypse appear.”
“Apostles of the Apocalypse...”
Definitely dangerous. Apostles and secret orgs alike on edge.
“Straight to the point: We must stop the Apostles of the Apocalypse.”
“Was gonna anyway.”
“If you fail... this world ends.”
“World ends?”
I muttered thoughtlessly, then froze.
Scale jumped too big?
World destruction?
Then, visions flashed before my eyes.
Sky blood-red, black clouds drifting.
Collapsed buildings, ruined streets, rusted abandoned cars.
No human traces.
View shifted: familiar land. Buildings, streets I knew.
‘That’s...’
My hometown.
Apartment with mom and sister.
Streets I lived on.
School I attended.
No people. Just weeds sprouting from cracked roads.
Nothing left.
“Not a fixed future. It hasn’t arrived; countless branches exist. Just one possibility.”
Elise showed more visions.
Endless war: Ma-in, humanity, monsters. Backdrop: this world.
Few humans surviving on barren land.
Mostly world-ending scenarios.
“Part of the destruction the Apostles of the Apocalypse could bring.”
“...”
I was speechless.
Far graver than I thought.
Could be illusions from Star of Prophets.
But pondering: same conclusion.
Lucifer and Gabriel restricted. Their panic made sense.
Couldn’t speak of it.
Destruction-level crisis.
And Apostles of the Apocalypse.
Name screams it. Not just flair...
High chance they herald the end.
I rubbed my temple.
Quick calculations done.
Might sound arrogant, but.
“Seems doable.”
I’ve got Instant Death.
Reset rights too.
“Can’t prophecy the Apostles’ location?”
If position known, preempt strike possible.
Elise neither confirmed nor denied. She spoke quietly.
“Note: this dream is one-way. Monologue. Can’t answer questions.”
“...”
Should’ve said that first.
Conversation flowed naturally till now? Illusion?
“Apostles of the Apocalypse counter prophecies. Direct info impossible now. However...”
Seems conversational still.
“Star of Prophets can do most else. If you need help, strongly wish for us.”
Wish?
“Wish to find Star of Prophets no matter what, and we’ll help.”
Elise stepped back. White fog thickened.
“Our goal: stop apocalypse. If you’re with humanity, don’t hesitate.”
Her voice faded distantly.
I woke.
Lick lick.
Kero licking my face.
Dazedly recalling the dream, I looked up.
Too vivid for dream.
Obviously, Star of Prophets contacted me.
Sa Choiheon said use them as needed.
“...They’ll help, huh.”
Apostles of the Apocalypse that powerful.
World-ending level.
‘Oh hell no.’
No, haven’t even bought a building.
Just started hunter life to suck some honey, now world end?
World ends, real estate, money—toilet paper. Retirement dream bubbles away.
Absolutely not.
Then, front door opened. Two apostles entered.
Lucifer carried shopping baskets, Gabriel a game pack.
“Master, good news.”
Lucifer beamed especially.
“Your items? Can sell them all now. Ah, news too—association threats gone.”
Threats gone?
Not Jeju.
Took out Ma-in.
“Association will protect Mumyeong’s identity fiercely. Find trustworthy person for trades, or make account in my name. Details inside.”
“Hold up.”
Stopped Lucifer’s torrent.
Item sales.
Account in Lucifer’s name.
Identity protection.
All good.
But had to ask this.
“What if we don’t catch the Apostles of the Apocalypse?”
“Uh...”
“World really ends?”
Lucifer and Gabriel froze.
No answer.
“Yes or no?”
Lucifer couldn’t speak. Barely, barely nodded.
Exhausted, Lucifer collapsed.
“You okay? Burning up again?”
“Ah, fine. Just minor power drain. Really.”
Reaction clear enough.
Confirmed.
Fail = world end.
Nothing matters then.
Money, whatever—meaningless.
Can’t let that happen.
“No matter what it...”
Was about to say find the Apostles of the Apocalypse. Purple flash from balcony.
“Another Seven Deadly Sin?”
“No. Different feel.”
I went to balcony with Gabriel. Her finger pointed.
Purple pillar rising downtown. Massive storm clouds gathering. Ominous.
“Apocalypse Temple.”
Lucifer explained from behind.
“Highest-difficulty gate by Seven Deadly Sins. This country’s hunters must raid it. Or...”
Unspoken, but obvious.
I stared at the pillar’s origin.
Apostles of the Apocalypse.
He showed himself.
Task clear.
Find and kill.
“Gotta stop it no matter what.”
Full power to block the Apostles of the Apocalypse.