Chapter 22: Pardon The Interruption
- Park Jongsoo (Knights Guild) -
The Knights guildmaster confidently led his small group of hunters deep inside the destroyed mountain. He was accompanied by a few Association hunters and members of the Korean military since Go Gunhee contracted his guild to assist with the collection of monster corpses and high quality magic stones.
He was expecting to be waiting on the boat for at least a day or two, so he was quite shocked when Mars and his summons cleared the island so quickly. His mind raced to the overnight sensation, maybe it was possible his guild could join in on whatever Mars had planned. It didn't seem like he was joining the Association, despite how close the young National rank hunter appeared to be with Chairman Go.
And by the frustrated expressions on Baek Yoonho and Choi Jong-In's faces earlier on the boat it seemed like Mars had yet to give them any answers on if he was joining either of their guilds. Thank the gods Mars finished so quickly, he couldn't take the two guildmasters constant bickering for so long. What started from banter on which guild Mars was going to join devolved into petty squabbling in less than ten minutes.
Jongsoo's pipe dream was to be the head of the most powerful guild in the country, but maybe being part of whichever guild Mars winds up joining will be good enough. Although wouldn't it make more sense for Mars to just create his own guild? Unless Seoul's Saint ends up leaving the country, joining with Thomas Andre... That would be devastating for Korea.
He soon forgot that terrifying thought, instead focusing on the mission at hand, collecting the magic crystals left inside the monster nest. If they're fast enough maybe they can finish before the day ends.
The small group continued forward, following the stench of blood and manipulated mana through the maze-like tunnel system, finally arriving inside the boss room. He was expecting to find the queen ant's corpse, but he was instead horrified to find countless dead centipedes and giant ants littered around the cave.
It was strange, none of the satellites ever picked up any sign of these centipedes, were they all just hiding underground? Normally those colossal creatures were found in red gates. Was there another smaller dungeon break in the abandoned island earlier in the year?
"UGH!" Jung Yoontae, his vice-guildmaster suddenly shouted out in surprise. "Hyung-nim, look at this..."
One of the military guards was seen hurrying away from the commotion, looking like he was about to puke.
Checking out the situation with his vice guildmaster, he cringed when he spotted the torn apart spider, its huge and mutilated hairy legs ripped off all around it. There was a putrid acid substance leaking from all its holes.
"What the hell happened in here?" He turned away from the sickening scene, carefully studying the brutalized corpses of the ants and centipedes as well. "This was a complete massacre..."
Mars and his shadows did this?
"H-Hyung-nim!" Jung Yoontae cried out again, but this time there was a tremble in his voice.
"What's wrong?" He turned his head, gasping when he saw what everyone else was staring at.
Jongsoo was frozen in fear when a giant of a man with glowing yellow eyes stepped out of the shadows. This man would dwarf even Thomas Andre. The stranger was wearing what looked like the fur pelt of a powerful wolf monster. The more he studied the guy, the more inhuman he seemed.
The entire group was paralyzed, they could all sense the clear danger he posed, but none of them could move. A life or death instinctual order to make as little movement or sound as possible. It was like an alpha predator arrived out of nowhere, looking at them like they were mere prey to be devoured.
"W-who are you?" The clueless solider who couldn't handle the dead spider interrupted the tense standoff, re-entering the room, pointing his rifle at the stranger.
"Reveal your identity!" Jongsoo shouted out in fear, finding the courage to speak out against the intruder.
There should only be his guild members and Association members or soldiers on the island currently.
"Hyung-nim, is that even a human?" His vice-guildmaster worriedly whispered into his ear.
"You're in a restricted area! If you do not follow the orders, we will shoot!" The other soldier accompanying them warned the mysterious man.
" ...? &84(fj)$) ? " The stranger spoke out in complete gibberish, revealing teeth sharper than any monster he's encountered.
"I-It is a m-monster?!" Jongsoo suddenly realized, reaching for his sword.
At that same moment, in the corner of his eye, right behind the monster he spotted a white-eyed elf, lifting its blue hand up, right as the second stranger snapped its fingers.
- The Beast Monarch -
As soon as the Frost Monarch snapped his fingers, the weak humans all collapsed into a magic induced trance.
"What are you doing?" He turned to the ancient snow elf.
"We don't need to make a scene. I just made them go to sleep for a bit." The King of Snow Folk calmly answered, looking around the cave. "Are you satisfied now? I'm certain that it's his power. It's strange, I don't understand why he would be helping humans."
"Who knows. If you're so curious, why don't you ask him yourself?" The Beast scoffed out. "It stinks of rotten insects in here. I'm surprised she could let that happen to her subjects."
Signs of the Shadow and Plague Monarchs were still fresh all over the cave, but no blood was spilled, not counting Querehsha's bugs.
"The hunt will proceed as planned. Nothing has changed." The old elf said dismissively as he conjured a frozen gate, ready to step through.
"Are you sure? You don't feel that?" He sniffed with his near perfect senses. "How about we take care of it since we're here?"
He could feel the Ruler vessel much clearer now, as if the shard of Brilliant Light took over the human host. It would be smarter to take care of the shard before it became even stronger.
"We will..." The Frost Monarch paused in deep thought. "Leave this place in his hands."
"You don't want to get involved, right?" He turned to the elf just as his fellow Monarch was stepping through the gate.
"You could see it that way... Think however you please." The cold elf admitted, leaving him alone in the cave.
The stubborn elf always has to have the last word.
"Pfft. Coward..." He turned his attention to the humans who have all lost consciousness, suppressing his instinct to slaughter them here and now. "I guess we don't need to make a scene."
The King of Beasts casually swiped in front of himself, scratching a red gate out of thin air. Just as he was about to step through, he hesitated slightly, was it truly the smartest idea to let the new Shadow Monarch interact with the Ruler vessels?
He could always go on a solo hunt, and kill the rejuvenated shard himself.
Although maybe it's best to just wait for Antares.
He's certainly not scared of anybody.
Especially not the Shadow Monarch.
- Mars -
Fiddling with the key in my hand I try to think about what's going to happen next. What I know for sure is that I have three days until my confrontation with the Ruler statues and the Architect.
I can barely even remember my first encounter in this world, where I was thrown into the original double dungeon with Jinwoo. There was that god statue that is based on the Absolute Being. The one thing stuck on my mind about that encounter was how much it loved decimating most of the hunters who entered that day.
Well I should thank [Gamer's Mind] for carrying me through the initial dungeon raid, where I was barely even D-rank. The sadistic god would have crushed me like I was nothing.
I should be confident, I feel like I should be able to take it down along with the group of Ruler statues guarding it. The real question is if the Architect has any surprises for me, the ancient mage must have bags and bags full of tricks.
It should be fine, I've made it this far haven't I? I can't help but laugh to myself a bit, remembering how I started in this universe. Being launched into canon right away as soon as I reincarnated sucked.
Wait... Don't tell me that's going to happen with DxD as well?
Oh well, it should all work itself out in the end. At least I hope so.
I sigh as I continue to fly through Seoul without a specific destination in mind. My plan was to visit Jinah and Jinwoo at home, but she texted me, letting me know their mother was just discharged from the hospital. I'll wait a bit, I don't want to intrude right away.
Remembering that Mars' original home was nearby, before I took over, I follow my stored memories, finding it easily. It's a decently sized home, but it's cool to see it for the first time in person. Since becoming the Shadow Monarch, I spent most of my nights in different dungeons, the hospital or Jinah's place.
That reminds me, now that I've cleared Jeju Island, I can finally begin construction on my Lair. The ants are the fastest and best possible builders I could possibly ask for. Since I don't even have a true place to call home in this universe, I should decide where to build it.
Sitting right outside the door, I pull out my phone, dialing Go Gunhee, who answers right away.
"Young Mars, I didn't expect you to call me so soon. It's barely been an hour since I last saw you!" Chairman Gunhee answered warmly. "Is there something you need?"
"I was thinking of acquiring some land, I need to find a large enough space to house all of my shadow soldiers." I ask the old chairman. "Instead of paying me money or magic crystals for clearing Jeju, could I just take some of the destroyed land in Jeju? My summons can take care of all the repair and construction with whatever land you can spare me."
It would definitely be nice to have a proper main base of operations. Of course, all of my soldiers can stay within my shadow, but I'd like a space for them outside, I do want to spoil them a little. I bet it would also do my demon allies some good having fresh air, I'm sure they would like the option of staying in my shade or outside.
And honestly, my puppy Cerberus will probably grow huge as hell, he should have at least a dozen kilometers of open space to run around and play in.
"Hmm. That shouldn't be a problem at all." Gunhee easily accepted my proposal. "I'm sure many citizens would feel safe moving back to Jeju, knowing they would be living near you and your army."
"Thank you, Chairman. I'll leave you to it, then." I was about to end the call, when Gunhee interrupted.
"One more thing, Mars. Did you put some sort of barrier while you dealt with Jeju? There was an incident of some hunters passing out when they went to take care of the ants and collect magic crystals." Gunhee asked me, where I could hear slight concern. "They were all A or B-rank hunters, too. I was just asking because I thought you might have forgotten to mention that you placed a barrier."
"Hmmm. No, it wasn't me. It must have been the Monarch I met. Are they okay?" I ask, thinking the true culprit was the Frost Monarch, actually.
"They're all fine. They have since woken up, but not a single hunter could remember what happened before they passed out at all." He informed me. "I was wondering if they were attacked by magic or not."
"It should be okay, chairman, I wouldn't worry too much about it. But please let me know if there are any more strange occurrences like that. Thanks again." I end the call.
I wonder if the house is empty?
Right before I could enter my old home, a new voice called out to me in English.
"Excuse me, hunter Mars Valentino." A man with slick orange hair gave me a friendly smile, handing me his official card. "Hello, I am senior agent Adam White from the United States' Bureau of Hunters."
Name: Adam White
Race: Human
Occupation: Federal Bureau of Hunters Branch Chief of Asia
Thoughts about you: He's glad he sent agents all over your known locations across Seoul. He will do whatever it takes to bring you to the United States, he hopes Norma Selner will be able to persuade you
Reputation: 15
The Americans are finally making their move huh? I guess I can't say I'm surprised. If anything, I expected them to have formally approached me earlier.
"Mr. White, it's good to meet you." I shake his hand, returning a smile of my own.
"Amazing job in Jeju today, let me tell you all of our agents were glued to the screen, watching you and your summons fight the ants." He complimented me, before getting down to business. "On behalf of the Bureau, we'd like to discuss certain things with you. If you have the time, of course. I assure you, it will not be a waste of time."
Fuck it why not, I got some time to kill. There must be something I can get out of this meeting.
- Later -
After a brief car ride to some fancy 5-star hotel, I find myself following Adam into a penthouse suite. I bring out Igris, he's insisted to act as my personal bodyguard for any important meetings. Unfortunately for Beru, he will have stay in my shadow for now, since Beru has a tendency of terrifying people just by existing.
"We've arrived." Adam informed me, knocking on door. "My boss, Michael Connor will be glad you're fluent in English."
Opening the door is a middle-aged man with blond hair. He instantly put his hand out, shaking mine.
Name: Michael Connor
Race: Human
Occupation: Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Hunters
Thoughts about you: He thinks you might be worth at least double what Thomas Andre costs, given your unique skillset and ability to upgrade hunters. He is wary of your power, realizing it's way too much for one person to hold
Reputation: 5
"Nice to meet you. I am the Deputy Director, Michael Connor." He introduced himself with conviction. "Please come in, hunter Valentino."
He takes a seat on one of the couches in the suite, inviting me to sit on the couch opposite him. Adam White and a handful of feds stand beside him while Igris stands behind me, keeping a close eye on things. Of course, I'm in no real danger, but Igris is quite vigilant.
"I will be straightforward with you hunter Valentino. These are papers for immigration to America. Usually, it takes a couple of years to take care of. But it's different for a hunter of your caliber." Michael starts, sliding an envelope across the table, raising his index finger up high. "One second. If you just say the word, you can become an American citizen. You're a smart man Mars, I don't think I need to explain to you how we can nurture and grow your power much better than South Korea can."
Opening the folder, it's exactly what he says. A stack of documents, freshly stamped, allowing one Mars Valentino to immigrate to the United States, effective immediately. I respect the big dick energy, if I was a normal hunter I might have been convinced on the spot. Unfortunately for him, I know basically all of his plans, and he couldn't even hide anything from me if he wanted to.
"Heh. Then I'll be straightforward in return, Mr. Connor. Honestly, I don't think I need you as much as you need me." I can't help but grin, with the look on his face he probably wasn't expecting such resistance from me right away.
It's obvious why Hwang Dongsoo or any other foreign hunters can be swayed to join the States. They have been the most aggressive country to poach hunters from other nations, due to losing so many high ranked hunters during the Kamish catastrophe. And they're still hiding their trump card, Norma, it'll be funny seeing her reaction to my power.
"Maybe so. But I truly believe it's in your best interest to come over State side." He countered, still exuding complete confidence. "Bring in Mrs. Selner."
Agent White opened the bedroom door, where an older, pretty lady stepped out, holding a plate with a slice of cake.
Name: Norma Selner
Level: 51
Race: Hunter (S)
Class: Upgrader
Title: The Seer
Thoughts about you: She is interested in finally meeting another Upgrader. She has confusing visions about you and the future, wishes you could have protected National rank Christopher Reed
Affection: 10
Ah Norma Selner, the lone upgrader and clairvoyant in the world. She certainly has a much different aura than any other hunters I've met, even including Thomas Andre. Despite her age, she's quite the beauty, as expected.
But what I wasn't expecting was the other woman accompanying her.
Name: Laura
Race: Human
Occupation: Scavenger Guild Secretary
Thoughts about you: She is going to try to convince you to join Scavenger Guild, by any means necessary
Affection: 25
This certainly became more interesting. Is this Thomas Andre's way of sending out feelers? I would have felt his vast presence a mile away.
Should I be annoyed or impressed at their ploys to recruit me? I won't fall for any bait.
Oh well, let's have a bit of fun.
- Michael Connor (Federal Bureau of Hunters) -
Michael carefully watched Mars' reactions to meeting Norma Selner. Every hunter he's met so far has admitted she has the most unique aura for a hunter, even Thomas Andre is quite fond of her. It was hard for him to read the young hunter's emotions so far, but he smiled as Mars seemed to perk up at her arrival.
"Mars, this is the only person in the world who can help other awakeners exceed their limit-" Michael started to introduce their VIP to Mars, before the young hunter suddenly interrupted by clearing his throat.
Seoul's Saint put his hand up, and instantly the temperature in the room dropped down to a freeze.
"Norma Selner." Mars stood up with a sly smile on his face, chuckling at the confusion he caused around the room. "You guys don't think I can recognize a fellow upgrader?"
How the hell does he know of her? Only other international hunter chiefs and trusted guildmasters knew of her true status. The National rank hunters all but monopolized her exclusive skillset.
Michael remembered how much of her limited powers went to waste when Christopher Reed died, but if they successfully recruited Mars then it didn't matter at all.
"You don't believe I can upgrade your powers? So many hunters were skeptical as well..." Norma responded, not even phased by Mars' brief show of strength. "But once you experience it, you'll have no choice but to cling on to it."
"Mrs. Selner!" Michael shouted out in worry, the atmosphere in the room was going the wrong direction.
Norma turned to Michael, giving him a surefire smile. She had a 100% success rate, many previous hunters acted like they were above her, before being completely dependent on her once she shared her powers with them.
"So you're saying I'll get addicted to your powers?" Mars laughed to himself, no longer worrying about being polite. "That I'll have no choice but to defect once I get a taste of your powers? Let's test out that theory, shall we?"
Mars extended his hand to her, as if he already knew her abilities would be null and void on him.
The deputy director hid a grin of his own, the kid was getting too cocky. He fell for it, the powers must be getting to his head already. Mars is about to learn the same lesson Hwang Dongsoo did. If he's impulsive enough, he might agree to joining right away.
His boss David Brennon will be pleased they secured the hunter who can clear an S-rank gate all by himself.
Norma carefully held Mars' right hand within hers, where she begun to peer deep into Mars' eyes, her eyes bright turquoise eyes started to shine, the sign her powers were activating.
He couldn't help but feel anxious when Mars smirked in response, the young hunter's eyes were now glowing a dark purple.
"Ughhh..." Norma whined out, breathing heavily as she began to sweat profusely. "UWAAAAAHHH!?"
She immediately released her grasp on Mars, clutching her head in agony screaming bloody murder.
"YOU BASTARD!"
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO MRS SELNER?!"
Norma's personal security shouted at Mars, pointing their handguns at him.
"STOP! ARE YOU GUYS OUT OF YOUR MIND?!" Michael screamed back in panic at the guards threatening Mars, not wanting to piss off the newest National rank hunter. "YOU MORONS! DON'T YOU KNOW WHO THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU IS?!"
The sound of a sword being unsheathed caused everyone to look up at Mars' menacing bodyguard.
"What did you just say to my King?" The knight stepped forward to the idiot who called Mars a bastard.
Humans aren't the best at sensing power at the S-rank level, but even Michael knew this summon was dangerous, more so than most S-ranks he's ever met. And he's met most of them.
"Aha. Don't worry, I'm not mad." Mars finally interjected, his smile only grew during the escalating chaos. "Igris, stand down."
The great knight immediately followed the command, putting the sword away. They were still in hot water, as the intimidating knight continued to stare at the federal agents with a tangible fury.
Michael and Adam instantly bowed forward in desperate apology, the tense atmosphere felt like it was about to explode.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Valentino. Our agents were acting impolite." Adam sincerely apologized, they were praying that Mars was more merciful than the other National rank hunters.
"Pfft. It's fine. Don't mention it. I'll take my leave now." Mars stood up, heading for the door with his bodyguard close behind. "I'll contact you if I need you guys for anything."
"T-thank you, Mars." Michael genuinely thanked Mars for sparing them, not many National rankers would let that slide without spilling even a drop of blood.
"Oh right, one more thing." Mars returned, bringing his hand up one more time.
In a second, the guns the agents were holding flew into each other at Mach speed. The forceful telekinesis caused the pistols to morph into an electrified and crumpled ball of steel.
"Don't ever threaten me again." Mars warned them, before he and his knight vanished, his ghastly aura no longer present.
The air in the room was breathable again, the tension disappeared in a flash.
"You idiots! Go check on Mrs. Selner!" Michael ordered the stunned security force, turning to the lead agent who pulled his weapon first. "If something like this happened in front of Thomas Andre or Liu Zhigang, we would all be dead right now. Keep that in mind."
"Y-yes... Yes sir!" The pale faced agent nodded his head.
"Mrs. Selner, what's wrong?!" Adam gently asked the Upgrader, who was trembling in fear this whole time. "You're sweating profusely... Are you feeling ill? What happened?!"
"He... He is..." Norma could barely speak, her hands shaking uncontrollably. "He is a King. A very powerful one..."
"Then... Do you mean he's stronger than the National level hunters?!" Michael asked her, trying to decipher her supernatural forecasting.
"I've never experienced this before... He is one of the Kings, but he's different than the others." She revealed between deep breaths, calming herself down. "When I looked into him, he was also looking back at me... It wasn't Mars, but rather it was the endless darkness inside him... It was looking back at me... And he doesn't... He doesn't have a limit."
- BONUS -
- Yogumunt (Monarch of Transfiguration) -
A-rank Gate, Midwestern United States
The King of Demonic Spectres opened up a portal to The Frost Monarchs location, where the elf was looking for the last hidden fragment of Brilliant Light. He was in a cave, humans could be seen on the ground in a magical slumber.
"Ahh, you... What are you..." An American hunter was on the ground, shivering in fear at the sight of an other-worldly being.
"This one is not a fragment either... They're hiding cleverly." The ancestor of all snow folk studied the human, before he turned to the newly arrived Yogumunt. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to deliver more information about the territory in the east." Yogumunt explained, as he was in charge of keeping track of the Ruler's movements.
"Are you referring to the small territory where the Shadow Monarch is?" The elf asked, still ignoring the human's cries for help.
"It seems like the Rulers are going to release Legia south of there." The Monarch of Demonic Spectres revealed. "As long as the Architect fulfills its role, there won't be a problem."
"How interesting. So it's almost time, then." The Frost Monarch responded with a chilling smile. "Wait, do you feel that? It looks like we were lured here."
The two Monarchs turned to the new source of energy, where a bearded man stepped out from the darkness. This new vessel was shining radiantly, no doubt this was the work of a Ruler.
"The small territory in the east..." The hooded stranger confronted them, speaking the language of the Chaos World. "Are you referring to Korea?"
"Why is it of any interest to you?" The Monarch of Frost taunted the vessel.
"I don't think you have time to play with that man." Yogumunt warned his fellow Monarch, already halfway through the purple portal he created.
The unknown intruder was strong even for a vessel.
"I won't let you escape!" The man rushed forward with two daggers in hand, aiming for the elf.
As fast as the man dashed forward, a wall of ice formed, completely blocking the attack. With the man's arms trapped in the icy prison, the King of Snow Folk smiled. In an instant, the glacial formation violently exploded, causing a cave-in.
- BONUS -
- Mars -
[You have used Shadow Exchange. 2 hours 59 minutes until the skill can be used again]
I kept Kang at my old house, just in case I needed an emergency swap. Did I have to go that far?
No, but it was funny.
It was a bit of limit testing on my part, I wanted to see if I could really get away with anything back there. I probably could have forced that one agent who shit himself to eat it, and I would have been in no trouble at all.
I'm sure I could cash in some favors with the Americans, for sparing them. What are they going to do? Send the Scavenger guild after me? Having the full backing of the Korean government and the support of the Americans should mean I can really do as I please, without much worry of blowback.
My phone starts to vibrate, Go Gunhee is calling me.
"Hello, Mars. Are you free at the moment?" The chairman asked me directly. "A B-rank gate just spawned on the west coast highway. Can you take care of it quickly?"
"Send me the coordinates."
After five minutes of flying I reach my destination, where the city has already sectioned off the blue gate literally right on the road, dead center. I'd hate to be stuck in this traffic, that's for sure. There's already a news crew filming, how the fuck did they get here before I did?
As I slowly descend from the skies, I can hear civilians stuck on the road cheering and chanting my name once they see me arrive.
"It's hunter Valentino Mars!"
"Looks like Seoul's Saint is here to save us!"
"Mars will take care of it!"
Half of the road begins to honk in support as I storm past the Association members keeping a perimeter around the gate.
Stepping into the gate, the calm blue energy in the gate explodes, mutating into a blood red hurricane.
I'm immediately transported into a new dimension, where heavy rain pours down on me. I breathe in the humid air, looking around the dense jungle that stretches out for miles. Deep into the forest, I can start to see countless sets of red eyes peering at me with hostile intent.
I summon my shadows out in full, we're ready to hunt.
"Kill them all."
AN: Chapter 22 is in the books. Feeling a bit inspired to write lately, so I'm going to strike while the iron is hot. Still not exactly sure what those creatures are in the red gate but whatever yolo. Also anyone have a good idea of what kind of soldiers the King of Demonic Spectres can summon? We talking wizards and witches or more like ghosts and shit? I don't think we ever see his army.
Anyway we're up to chapter 110/111 in the original comic if anyone cares. The more I re-read the manhwa while writing this fic the more I realize like a third of the content is just other people simping for Jinwoo. Not that I exactly hate it but lol
Thanks to everyone who made it this far! Appreciate y'all.