Money-grubbing Necromancer (217)
There was a reason why Paimon was in trouble. The fact that he wanted to meet Balkan was itself a variable for him.
If this side were worthless, they would have tried to attack long ago.
That must be because I held out at the concert earlier.
“That’s amazing. Is that the extent of the Balkans? Enough for all seven great monarchs to join hands?”
– That’s not possible. However, if you fight them alone, the damage will be great. Are Balrogs even ordinary races? What about a mercenary group of such people?
Paimon’s face became very serious.
-That’s why. We joined hands. This is an unbreakable oath. So, abandon Balkan.
“Let me think about it. So where is the Balkans?”
Paimon’s brow furrowed.
―Does Balkan owe you something? Why on earth do you seek it out? I kindly warned you.
“I have something to say. I just want to talk for a bit and then leave. I don’t think you’ll mind that much, Paimon.”
– What if you reveal our plan? Wouldn’t that be difficult?
“Do you really think so?”
Arrogant demon lord.
Among them, the seven great monarchs, the highest beings, have all gathered together. Whether this side goes to Balkan or not, does it really matter to Paimon?
Even if it is important, would you try to stop it by fighting here and there?
‘No way.’
If that had been the case from the beginning, there would have been a fight with the Balkans a long time ago.
Paimon laughed heartily.
―Haha! I can’t lie to you about this. Alright. I’ll tell you. Balkan is on a secret mission. To be exact, he’s operating in the territory of the Five Monarchs. Come see him if you want.
After finishing speaking, Paimon handed over a jewel. It was a red jewel with an arrow drawn on it.
-The closer you get, the more red it will glow.
Soon the humans and Balrogs left his office. In the distance, the group could be seen leaving the castle.
“Your Majesty, can we just let them go?”
The snake sitting on his shoulder, or rather the scribe Posike, asked cautiously.
-What’s the problem? Even so, only one human is joining.
〈That’s true, but… … .〉
The king held back from saying that the human was so strong that even Paimon was reluctant to fight.
―Actually, it was so obvious that it was boring. If all the overlords were to move, what could that Balrog do? But look now! Isn’t the situation much more interesting?
〈Will that human really join hands with Balkan? As I said before, he may just be coming to see me because he has something to say.〉
-What does that really matter? What really matters is that the man didn’t listen to my warning.
Paimon’s mouth was split open.
Drool dripped down his jawline.
The devil is more narrow-minded than you think.
That was the case for Paimon, the 7th in the hierarchy.
The Balkans have committed many sins so far.
As expected of an ignorant and uncultured Balrog, he not only made arrogant remarks despite being a mere ‘mercenary captain’, but also did not properly carry out his own orders.
Kim Min-woo just committed the same sin.
The sin of baring one’s teeth at the demon lord while he was merely prey.
The penalty for that sin is severe.
That’s why I was thinking of dealing with it.
By joining forces with other overlords.
As a cunning devil, without any variables.
* * *
I got out of Gosung.
Longlong, who had left the big city, finally took a deep breath as if he could live a little.
-What are you going to do now?
“What about you, Longlong? Without Balkan, you would rule the village. Aren’t you tempted?”
– I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t shaken. But… … I want to save Lord Balkan.
“Why?”
―It was all thanks to the captain that the Balrogs were able to live together and speak with one voice as a mercenary group.
“Did you live separately before?”
-Yes. Since our species is strong, there was no reason for us to live in groups. We scattered and lived as we pleased.
“There must have been pros and cons.”
– That’s right. But no matter how strong you are, there’s a limit to what you can do alone. Balrogs are always hunted.
Longlong continued the story calmly. Balok was strong.
But as strong as he was, he also had clear weaknesses: a violent temper and strong greed.
And even a simple head.
Balok said that he was often used by the demons.
Balrog’s status in the Demon Realm gradually declined, and even when he realized that the situation was worsening, he was unable to raise his voice. That was because his power was torn apart here and there, just like in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.
The one who changed that tone was Balkan. His power was truly unrivaled among the Balrogs.
Sometimes, a strong force becomes the focal point. That’s how the mercenary group was born, and the village of the Balrogs was created.
‘Up to this point, it seems like Balrog is a true hero… … .’
As the saying goes, a person’s personality is like a dog’s, and the same was true for Balkan.
– I know it’s shameless, but could you please save the captain?
I could see Longlong’s eyes looking at me earnestly. It must have felt like he was holding onto a rope.
“That’s right.”
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– Really?!
“That’s why we met in the first place.”
The first arrangement helped Cedric overcome his regrets.
In the second arrangement, Merhen’s grudge was avenged.
In the end, this arrangement was structured to take the side of the corps commander.
―The problem is, how do we save Lord Balkan? Perhaps I can persuade him… … .
“Persuade? Tell them to surrender?”
―Wouldn’t this be much better than the crazy option of fighting the Seven Overlords?
“Should I bow my head now and see that you’re okay? I don’t think so.”
―… … Then what should we do? Does Kim Min-woo have any tricks?
“Could there be such a thing?”
The most powerful being I’ve ever seen was the Great Witch Ananke.
A monster that I couldn’t even think of dealing with, even though I received special compensation for strengthening the legion commander through indomitable power.
He was also the only being who almost pierced through Merhen’s enhanced magic.
Paimon was showing momentum that was not far behind Ananke.
‘It seems like I’d have to invest all my resources just to catch one of them… … .’
Destiny’s Guidance hasn’t come back on cooldown yet, but even excluding that, there were quite a few things to utilize.
There are four main things that come to mind right now.
1. Nuclear bomb.
2. Dice of Destiny (Luck).
3. Elu’s Tears (Ring).
4. Item grade up ticket.
Gold and jade are resources that we have been saving. A nuclear bomb is a nuclear bomb.
The Dice of Destiny had a strong bonus to luck after the misfortune at Oak Gate last time.
If you throw it, you’ll probably get a number at least 5.
It’s always the luckiest ones who are the strongest.
This is a big variable.
Elu’s tears were there too.
It was an ancient-grade ring, and one of its effects was to allow the use of a miracle once a month.
The upgrade ticket is… … .
‘If necessary, you could put it on a nuclear bomb and detonate it. Or you could use it on dice.’
Then at least Paimon could have been caught for sure.
However, I didn’t use it because it was too much resource to invest in just catching a 7th rank Paimon.
‘There, it doesn’t end with catching one of those guys.’
They say that all seven great monarchs have gathered together.
It wasn’t something that could be solved by just catching one.
“Let’s go and find it.”
I rode on Longlong’s back.
As I took hold of the reins, the boy flapped his wings. The crimson sky drew near.
It started moving in the direction the arrow was pointing.
* * *
It was only after leaving his domain that I realized that the territory of the Seventh Lord Paimon had a rather sophisticated style.
5th Lord Marbas.
The territory of the overlord known to have the head of a lion is like… … .
‘It really feels like the primitive era.’
You can see the endless spread of the Demon World’s quince trees.
All sorts of insect-like creatures, each measuring more than a meter, were swarming about.
Even mere insects are that big, so what about animals?
It was literally as big as a dinosaur.
As I went deeper into the territory where the forest of such monsters continued endlessly, the jewel Paimon had given me began to shine more and more eerily.
-Look, I see it!
The place Longlong pointed to.
There were holes here and there in what appeared to be a cliff.
It looked like a dwelling place for Balrogs, made by digging a cave in a volcano.
Balrogs were seen flying everywhere, standing guard.
-Stop.
A resonating voice.
Soon, the voice was filled with joy.
-Wait a minute. Are you, by any chance, Longlong?
-That’s right! Brother Kalung! It’s me, Longlong!
The Balrog called Kalung was in good spirits.
―Oh, Long Long! It’s been a while. But how did you find out about this place?
-I asked Paimon. Can I see the captain? It’s urgent!
-Okay. Guide the captain… … Wait a minute. What’s that on your back?
The eyes of the Balrogs, including Kalung, turned in this direction. It seemed that they had finally recognized something hanging behind them.
– The person here is Kim Min-woo. He is a human, and a great talent acknowledged by even Paimon.
-What? Paimon?
The faces of the Balrogs, who had seemed like they would drool at the first mention of the word human, changed completely in an instant.
A human recognized by Paimon?
‘What’s that tiny thing?’
‘Is it real?’
Still, it is the same testimony.
Kalung, who trusted his companions, guided the two into the largest cave.
-Wait a minute.
Inside the rough cave.
Kalung went inside.
Soon, the largest of the mercenaries, Balrog, walked out.
‘They look exactly the same.’
A Balrog with the same appearance as the one I saw before.
It was the Balkans.
-I heard you were looking for me, human. What happened?
“All the great monarchs have joined hands to kill you.”
-Hoo. The great monarchs are united? All seven?
“Yes. I heard it from Paimon.
―Hehehe. Paimon, that guy is not a gentleman. Well, his eyes were a bit blurry. Yeah, good job. Now get out.
Balkan waved his hand and spoke. Longlong was startled when he saw that.
―Ah, no! Captain! Mr. Kim Min-woo here is here to lend his strength! He is an incredibly skilled man!
―There are a lot more jokes than I’ve ever seen before, Longlong. A mere human?
Then Balkan said with a smile.
―I’ve been to Middle-earth a few times. I’ve seen many humans there. They’re all weak and cunning. You can’t trust humans.
―… … .
Longlong was silent.
Because in that state, it was impossible to persuade Balkan no matter what was said.
That was when.
Kim Min-woo, who had been listening quietly, asked back.
“Like those Balrogs?”
-Huh? What does that mean?
“They say that Balrogs are all simple-minded, stupid, and reckless. I think I know exactly what they mean when I see you.”
Balkan’s face turned bright red. So did the other Balrogs nearby.
The evaluation of the Balrogs spread throughout the Demon World.
Because what they were whispering about was being openly recited by a mere human being.
―… … Do you want to die?
“Why, are you a little upset because it’s being reversed?”
There was a brief silence.
Before long, a red whip was in the bastard’s hand.
―… … The Demon World speaks through skill.
“I think that’s a very good point.”
Swords and summoned creatures are meant to be used in times like this.
