Player 10,000 Year Later (Chainsaw Man ,The Boys) Multiverse later

by xanderzone23

A powerful Gamer MC, the Demon King, descends upon the chaotic crossover world of Chainsaw Man and The Boys, a place where he doesn't belong. With unmatched strength and cunning, he seeks to reclaim his full power—and he fully intends to gather the most captivating women for his harem along the way. Gamer MC . Harem, lemons in the future.

21. The hidden Wonderland

The group tread carefully toward the pulsating magic circle that illuminated the icy expanse. Aki's expression remained hard, his mood sour as his eyes scanned the snowy surroundings. Each flake reminded him of a past he longed to bury—the day the Gun Devil tore his life apart, taking his brother with it.

Himeno noticed the tension in his posture, his clenched fists betraying the storm of emotions he was trying to suppress. Gently, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You okay, Aki? You look like you're about to blow up at any second."

Aki exhaled slowly through his nose, his tone clipped. "I'm fine."

Himeno frowned but decided not to press him further. Instead, she glanced toward Kang Woo, who walked ahead, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. "Hey, Kang Woo, what's with all the ice themes? Frozen castles, snow everywhere… What's the obsession?"

Without breaking stride, Kang Woo turned his head slightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You wouldn't get it, but I've always liked Quincy aesthetics. Elegance and ice—it's a vibe. This place just… fits." He paused and glanced over his shoulder at Aki. "Though I didn't realize the snow would cut into your scars this deep. I thought you'd moved on."

Aki froze, his eyes narrowing as he processed Kang Woo's words. "You… knew?" His voice was tinged with disbelief.

Kang Woo smiled enigmatically, offering no further explanation. "I know more than you think."

The group exchanged uncertain glances as they reached the glowing circle. Intricate symbols etched into the icy ground pulsed with a soft, blue light, humming with energy that seemed alive.

Kang Woo turned to the group, his commanding presence radiating across the space. "Alright, everyone. You can watch from the sidelines—think of it as colosseum seats. This is going to be a spectacle."

He glanced at Makima, who had been following silently. "That includes you, Makima. Take a seat."

Makima smirked faintly, her yellow-ringed eyes sparkling with curiosity. "As you wish, my King." She moved to stand with the others.

Suddenly, with a snap of Kang Woo's fingers, the group found themselves seated on icy bleachers surrounding the circle. The transformation was instantaneous.

Kobeni glanced around, startled. "We're… seated?"

Himeno leaned back, a grin spreading across her face. "Where's the popcorn and beer?" she joked. As if on cue, a bucket of popcorn appeared beside her, along with three glasses of lemon tea.

Himeno picked up the tea, rolling her eyes playfully. "Where's the beer, Kang Woo?"

Angel Devil looked to his side, finding a bowl of ice cream. He scooped up a spoonful, muttering, "This man really is unpredictable."

Reze took a seat beside Makima, glancing at her briefly before turning her attention back to the center of the icy room. First, he turns a basement into another world, and now I'm sitting beside the Control Devil herself? she thought, her unease growing.

Makima remained focused on Kang Woo, her yellow-ringed eyes unwavering. Whatever he had planned for Aki, it was clear she wasn't going to miss a second of it.

Aki stood at the center of the glowing magic circle, his fists clenched tightly. His gaze never left Kang Woo. "What exactly are you planning?" he asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Kang Woo didn't reply immediately. Instead, he stood silently, his crimson gaze locked on the intricate symbols beneath Aki's feet. After a few moments, he finally spoke, his tone calm yet commanding. "Let me think for a while."

He then turned his attention to Aki, tilting his head slightly. "Currently, you have two devil contracts, correct? The Fox Devil and the Curse Devil?"

Aki nodded cautiously. "Yes. But aren't they useless? No devil would dare to attack you—not when even a small amount of your demonic energy is enough to terrify them."

Kang Woo chuckled softly, his smirk carrying an unsettling edge. "You're not wrong. But here's the deal: you're going to summon them. And they're going to attack me."

Aki's eyes widened. "What?"

Kang Woo ignored his reaction, raising his gaze to the empty air as if addressing unseen entities. His voice grew sharper, more authoritative. "You two—lowest devils from the uppermost Hell—you are allowed to attack me the moment Aki calls for you. However, if you don't fight with everything you've got…" His tone darkened. "…you'll be killed on the spot. Invalids of the upper Hell have no place in my presence."

Suddenly, two distinct voices rang out in unison, echoing within the icy chamber. The voices of the Fox Devil and the Curse Devil were submissive but filled with reverence. "Yes, Noble One."

Aki took a step back, his composure cracking. "Wait—you're saying we're going to spar like that?"

Kang Woo's smirk deepened, his crimson eyes gleaming faintly. "Spar? No, Aki. We're going to kill each other."

In Aki's thoughts, panic set in. I've faced Kang Woo once before. Back then, he altered my Fox Devil contract, forcing it into unshakable loyalty to me. Now, with the Curse Devil probably following the same path, can I even stand a chance against him? When I first met him at the Public Devil Hunter branch, I could tell he wasn't at full power, and even then, I didn't have a chance. He decimated me with ease, summoning the Commandment of Love to depower me completely.

Before Aki could spiral further into his thoughts, Kang Woo's voice cut through, eerily calm. "Don't worry. I won't use the Commandment or any of the black flames that scared the Fox Devil so much it started spouting nonsense about me. But you…" His smirk grew sharper. "…you're so focused on the predator in front of you, you're not noticing the other one that's already upon you."

Before Aki could react, a shadow streaked across the circle, and Divine Dog: Totality appeared out of thin air, piercing through Aki's heart with devastating precision.

Himeno dropped her popcorn, standing abruptly as she screamed, "Makima! Kang Woo's going to kill Aki! What the hell is he—" She froze mid-sentence, her gaze snapping back to Aki. "Wait… what?"

Aki stumbled, looking down at his chest where the gaping wound should have been. Instead, there was nothing. He was perfectly fine. "I… I'm fine?" he said, his voice trembling with confusion.

Kang Woo clapped his hands together once, drawing their attention. "Relax, everyone. I added a rule. Anyone who dies within the circle gets respawned immediately—as long as they remain inside it."

The group exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier horror giving way to cautious intrigue. kobeni whispered under her breath, "This is madness…" but she couldn't look away.

Makima simply smirked, crossing her arms as she leaned back slightly. "Always dramatic, my King."

Himeno clutched her chair, her breath shaky as she processed what Kang Woo had just revealed. "Respawn? This isn't a game, Kang Woo!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with lingering frustration, though the earlier panic had subsided.

Aki, still shaken, unsheathed his sword. His stance was firm, but there was no mistaking the unease in his movements. He was clearly unsettled by Kang Woo's unpredictable nature. "What's your angle, Kang Woo?" Aki asked, his voice steady but edged with suspicion.

Kang Woo tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable as he began to speak. "Once, there was a boy who wanted to play catch with his sick brother. He begged his parents, 'Let's play outside.' But the parents said no, insisting the brother was too unwell and needed to rest. Disheartened, the boy decided to leave and play by himself."

Kang Woo paused, a strange smile playing on his lips. "But then, the sick brother called out, 'I'm fine. Let's go outside.' Encouraged, they went out to a land covered in snow. The boy, being his tsundere self, began to neglect his brother, throwing snowballs at him instead. 'I don't want to play with you,' the boy said, though his actions contradicted his words."

The audience exchanged confused looks, their expressions a mix of bafflement and discomfort. Even Reze, who had been cautiously observing, leaned closer to Makima and whispered, "What… is he talking about?"

Makima, however, was smiling faintly, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting with understanding. She didn't respond to Reze, her attention locked on Kang Woo and Aki.

Aki's grip on his sword tightened, his breathing growing heavier. His expression darkened, the story clearly hitting a nerve. "You… You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" he spat, his voice trembling with suppressed rage.

Kang Woo's smirk widened, his tone still calm but now carrying a darker undertone. "Did I hit a nerve, Aki? What are you going to do about it? Send me back to where I came from? Try to kill me?" His crimson gaze met Aki's, and the air between them seemed to grow heavier.

Aki's stance shifted, his body tense as he raised his sword slightly. "You're asking for it, Kang Woo," he growled. "You're asking so badly for me to send you straight back to Hell."

Kang Woo chuckled darkly, his voice cutting through the icy chamber like a blade. "Ah, youth—so full of arrogance and bluster. Much like you, Aki ,all those years ago… and even now."

Aki's jaw tightened, his eyes blazing with determination. He formed the fox hand sign with precise, . "KON!" he shouted.

The Fox Devil materialized in its full glory—not just the head, but its entire body, a towering, snarling behemoth. The ground trembled under its weight, and its guttural growls reverberated through the air, sending a ripple of unease through the onlookers.

But before the Fox Devil could act, Kang Woo moved. His speed was impossible to track. In an instant, he was high above, riding atop Nue, the thunderous winged serpent. Lightning crackled around them, casting eerie shadows across the icy walls. His crimson gaze locked onto the Fox Devil, and with a fluid motion, he formed another hand sign.

"Max Elephant," he said, his tone calm and commanding.

From the sky , a gargantuan mammoth descended. Max Elephant, with its massive, building-like weight, plummeted onto the Fox Devil with a deafening impact. The chamber shook violently as the mammoth's form collided with its target, sending shockwaves rippling outward. The ground beneath the magic circle cracked and splintered, only to repair itself instantly, bound by the spell's regenerative properties.

The Fox Devil let out a guttural roar, its voice strained. "My master… permission to recover. This weight… it's unbearable."

Aki gritted his teeth, his frustration evident. "I allow it," he said through clenched teeth.

The Fox Devil dissolved into a pool of liquid, retreating from the overwhelming force. The room fell into a tense silence, save for the faint hum of magic coursing through the air.

Kang Woo landed gracefully, his movements fluid as he dismissed Nue with a casual flick of his hand. He smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming faintly as he looked down at Aki. "One devil down. You've got one left. What are you going to do now, Aki?"

Aki's grip on his sword tightened. Sweat dripped from his brow, but his gaze remained steady. "I'm not done yet," he growled, his voice laced with determination.

The tension in the room was palpable. The air seemed heavier as everyone held their breath, watching the standoff with bated anticipation.

Himeno leaned forward, gripping the armrest of her seat so tightly her knuckles turned white. "This is insane," she muttered under her breath. "Aki is no match for Kang Woo, and he knows it."

Himeno turned to Makima, her voice sharp. "What's the point of all this?"

Makima's yellow-ringed eyes never left the scene. Her tone was calm, almost detached. "Just watch."

Aki straightened, his expression resolute. "Kang Woo, you said it yourself, right? Even if I die, I'll just respawn here?"

Kang Woo's smirk deepened, his tone tinged with amusement. "It's an absolute rule, as long as it stays within the circle."

Aki's voice grew louder, filled with conviction. "Curse Devil, I'm giving my all. Kill Kang Woo!"

Without warning, Aki's body detonated in a violent explosion. The force of the blast sent a shockwave through the chamber. But within seconds, Aki's form reappeared within the circle, whole and unharmed. A wicked grin spread across his face as he stood. "I came back."

Kang Woo raised an eyebrow, his amusement unshaken. His gaze shifted as the Curse Devil fully manifested itself. The grotesque entity loomed over Kang Woo, its massive form exuding a dark and malevolent energy. With a swift motion, it grabbed Kang Woo, pinning him in a crucifixion-like pose. Its sharp teeth sank into his shoulders and neck, while its crushing grip immobilized his arms.

Despite the display, Kang Woo's expression remained calm. Though the Curse Devil's force was tangible, Kang Woo appeared unaffected. It was clear he could break free anytime he desired.

Suddenly, Aki was inches from Kang Woo, his sword poised dangerously close to Kang Woo's eye. His voice was low and trembling with restrained fury. "Continue the story about the young boy. It seems you know about it—the only ones who know are me… and maybe Ms Makima."

Kang Woo's smirk faded slightly, his crimson gaze meeting Aki's with a hint of gravity. In his thoughts, Kang Woo reflected, Looks like Aki's finally piecing it together. The boy in the story—it was him. The snow, the games, his brother… that day when the Gun Devil killed his sick brother.

Still pinned by the Curse Devil, Kang Woo continued the story. His voice was calm, almost detached. "The boy played snowball with his sick brother for quite a while. The sick brother, breathing heavily, seemed happy despite his frailty. At one point, the boy said, 'If you catch a cold, Mom and Dad are going to get angry with me. But your hands won't feel cold if we play catch, right? Go bring the gloves.'"

Aki's breathing grew heavier, his sword trembling slightly as Kang Woo continued. "The sick brother happily ran back to the house to grab the gloves, waving goodbye to the boy as he left. But then…"

Kang Woo's tone grew darker, heavier. "Suddenly, a hail of giant bullets struck the house. BOOM! It was obliterated in an instant. The Gun Devil had arrived. Not just there, but everywhere—death in every direction."

The room grew deathly quiet, save for the hum of the magic circle. Aki's grip on his sword tightened as Kang Woo pressed on. "The boy stood frozen. He had survived, but the house… his family… gone."

Aki's jaw clenched, his rage barely contained. Kang Woo's voice grew sharper, cutting through the silence. "The boy became consumed by revenge. All his blame, all his hatred, focused on the Gun Devil. But for me? I wonder why."

Kang Woo's crimson gaze bore into Aki's, unrelenting. "Why did the boy blame the Gun Devil for everything? Wasn't there fault of his own? Why didn't he get stronger as a child to protect his family? Why didn't he stay by their side and die alongside them? Or…" Kang Woo leaned forward slightly, despite still being pinned by the Curse Devil. His voice was cold, cutting. "…why didn't he keep his brother with him a little while longer, instead of sending him back?"

Aki's grip on his sword tightened, his entire body trembling with suppressed rage. His voice cracked, filled with anguish, as he growled, "You bastard…!"

Before he could act, something caught his attention. His eyes widened as he saw a glowing dharma wheel manifesting faintly on Kang Woo's right arm.

Kang Woo's let go the dharma wheel , hislips curved into a cold smirk as he uttered, "With this treasure, I summon the Divine General Mahoraga."

The air in the chamber thickened, and the temperature seemed to plummet further. From the shadows surrounding the magic circle, a massive form began to take shape. The Divine General Mahoraga emerged, its towering figure casting an oppressive shadow over the group. It was unlike anything they had seen before. The muscular, humanoid figure had grotesque, otherworldly features: four wings protruded eerily from its empty eye sockets, and a tail-like appendage extended from the back of its head. Above it hovered an enormous, eight-handled wheel, spinning slowly and ominously. The wheel emitted a bone-chilling sound: CLANK.

The Curse Devil, still pinning Kang Woo, suddenly faltered as Mahoraga moved with terrifying precision. With a single, devastating swing of its massive blade, Mahoraga obliterated the Curse Devil Temporary . The wheel above Mahoraga's head spun once more, the haunting CLANK echoing in the icy expanse.

Himeno's voice broke the stunned silence, trembling with realization. "The White Devil… the one that rampaged at Sage Grove Center in America, and appeared at Aokigahara Forest… It's actually Kang Woo's. The White Devil belongs to him? "

Makima's yellow-ringed eyes glinted with curiosity as she spoke, her tone measured but inquisitive. "I was suspicious that day. Kang Woo claimed he only heisted Sage Grove Center and escaped, but the devastation left behind… it was unmistakable. He didn't just steal something. He summoned the White Devil: Mahoraga. Strange name, isn't it?"

Reze's thoughts raced as she processed the revelation. The Soviet Union ordered me to report immediately if I ever encountered the White Devil. But now I know… it's Kang Woo's summon. This is very dangerous situation .

Mahoraga's enormous hand reached out, grabbing Aki by the neck and lifting him effortlessly into the air. The sheer strength of its grip left Aki dangling helplessly, his sword slipping from his grasp and clattering to the icy floor.

Kang Woo stepped closer, his tone icy and devoid of sympathy. "My question remains the same, Aki: why didn't you die with your family? Problem solved. No more revenge, no more guilt. You could've passed the baton to the next generation."

Mahoraga's wheel spun once more, the sound of CLANK reverberating through the chamber like a death knell. Kang Woo continued, his voice unrelenting. "This world calls it the White Devil. Its true name is Mahoraga, and it serves me. Four more spins, Aki, and you'll be permanently killed . What will you do?"

The eight-handled wheel above Mahoraga began to spin for the second time. The familiar sound of CLANK was expected—but then it faltered.

Krrk… krrkk… krkk…

The wheel stuttered, refusing to spin further. Kang Woo's eyes glinted as he observed, his mind analyzing the disruption. The magic circle I implanted… its rules bend reality itself, thanks to the power of the King of Chaos. Even Mahoraga, empowered by demonic energy, can't adapt or progress further.

Mahoraga growled lowly, its wheel glowing faintly but unmoving. Despite this limitation, its grip on Aki tightened further, rendering him unconscious. His body went limp, hovering between life and death. The magic circle's rule—no one can die within its bounds—began to waver as the delicate balance of its reality-warping nature deactivated in secret.

Kang Woo's smile grew colder. In his thoughts, he reflected, The seed of revenge has been planted. The rest is up to you, Aki Hayakawa. Let's see what you do with it.

,

Aki opened his eyes and found himself surrounded by snow. The scene was eerily tranquil, untouched and pristine, with a quiet that stretched endlessly. The cold stung his skin, but it felt nostalgic—almost comforting. In the distance, a familiar figure stood, holding a baseball in one hand.

"Taiyo…" Aki's voice trembled as he recognized his younger brother.

The boy waved cheerfully. "Aki, come on! Let's play catch!"

Aki's legs moved before his mind could catch up. He sprinted toward Taiyo, his heart pounding with a mix of joy and disbelief. When he reached his brother, Taiyo grinned and tossed the ball lightly.

Aki caught it, the motion almost automatic, as if his body remembered a time long forgotten. He threw it back, the ball soaring through the crisp air.

For what felt like hours, the two played catch, their laughter echoing through the snowy expanse. Taiyo playfully missed a few catches on purpose, sticking out his tongue in mock frustration. Aki retaliated by tossing the ball higher, forcing his brother to jump for it. They teased, they laughed, they ran through the snow, each moment more vivid and real than the last.

But as the game slowed, Aki found himself breathing heavily, the emotions he'd buried for so long bubbling to the surface. Dropping the ball, he ran toward Taiyo and wrapped his arms around him tightly.

Tears streamed down Aki's face as he whispered, his voice breaking, "I hope this is real… I miss you so much…"

Taiyo, confused but smiling, hugged his brother back. "What's wrong, Aki? I'm here. I've always been here, but it's far away."

Aki frowned, pulling back slightly. "What do you mean, Taiyo?"

Far in the distance, 200 meters away, Kang Woo observed the scene, his crimson gaze flickering with faint interest. "Hmm… This is life between death, at least in Aki's landscape," he muttered under his breath.

Without warning, Makima materialized beside Kang Woo, her yellow-ringed eyes sharp as they took in the surreal scene. She stood silently for a moment before glancing at Kang Woo.

Kang Woo sighed dramatically. "I'm starting to regret giving you the Commandment of Piety. Now I can't escape from you."

Makima's lips curled into a small smile, her tone light but knowing. "Regret? You don't seem like the type."

Kang Woo scoffed, crossing his arms. "The Commandment of Piety was meant to give you Darkness Manipulation, Hellblaze, and the mana you needed. Now that you've absorbed it completely, it truly belongs to you. Honestly, I don't even know what you're planning to do with it anymore."

Makima's smile deepened, but she said nothing.

Kang Woo turned his attention back to Aki and Taiyo, waving a hand dismissively. "Now quiet down. I need to hear this."

As Taiyo stood before Aki, his form began to waver, dissolving like smoke caught in the wind. His voice, trembling with urgency, called out, "Please find us. We're bundled together, trapped, but we can't escape. Please… find us."

Aki's breath hitched as he reached out. "Wait! Taiyo, tell me more! What's going on?!" His voice cracked, filled with desperation.

Taiyo's fading figure smiled weakly, tears glistening in his eyes. "I really miss you, older brot—"

Suddenly, the air above them tore apart with a deafening roar. A massive black flaming sword descended, its sheer presence suffocating. The Hell Gate Blade slashed through the space above Taiyo, severing invisible chains that bound him. The flames danced wildly as the sword's cut reverberated through the snow-filled landscape. Taiyo's form solidified once more, no longer dissolving. He stumbled forward, steadying himself beside Aki.

Kang Woo emerged from the void of the broken sky, his crimson eyes blazing as he approached. His footsteps were deliberate, each one crunching against the snow with weight and authority.

"I've heard stories," Kang Woo said, his tone dripping with disdain, "about minds being separated from the soul after a body's death. It's rare, a phenomenon most would dismiss as legend. But now, seeing it with my own eyes, I feel nothing but anger."

Aki's confusion deepened, his gaze shifting between Kang Woo and Taiyo. "What… are you talking about?"

Kang Woo's expression darkened as he continued. "What makes me furious isn't just the rarity of this phenomenon—it's that an invalid dares to mimic the highest-ranked. Consuming souls? Manipulating them? Acting like they're more than what they are?" His voice grew colder. "It's unacceptable."

The weight of Kang Woo's words settled heavily on Aki, who finally snapped. "What the fuck are you doing here?! Isn't this supposed to be my consciousness? Are you seriously invading my mind now, too?!"

Kang Woo tilted his head, a wicked grin forming on his lips. "Oh, Aki. How about you stop shouting and take a good look behind you?" His voice was laced with amusement. "That, right there, is your true enemy. The one you've been chasing."

Hesitant but compelled, Aki slowly turned, his heart pounding in his chest. As the snowy sky cleared, an ominous figure emerged, casting an enormous shadow over the landscape.

It was the Gun Devil.

The monstrous entity floated ominously, its grotesque form impossible to ignore. It resembled a colossal humanoid, skeletal and decayed, with massive, building-sized rifles for arms. Its body was packed with disembodied, screaming heads, their anguished cries echoing like a cursed symphony. An oversized barrel and slide jutted out grotesquely from where its face should have been. The lower half of its body was missing, replaced instead by six massive ammo belts of 7.6251mm NATO rounds, swaying and clinking ominously as they hung from its torso.

Aki's blood ran cold as Kang Woo's voice echoed behind him. "Those screaming heads you see?" Kang Woo's tone was quiet but biting. "Those are the souls. Perhaps you'll find answers in the cries of the damned."

The tension in the air thickened as the Gun Devil raised its colossal M4 carbine-like arm, its barrel glowing ominously. A hail of bullets tore through the icy expanse with terrifying precision, aimed directly at Taiyo, as if to reclaim his mind and drag him back into its tortured collection of souls.

Aki froze, panic gripping him. "Taiyo, get down!" he shouted.

Before the bullets could reach, a sharp sound cracked through the air: BANG. The deafening noise echoed as a massive force obliterated the Gun Devil's left arm entirely. Its hail of bullets vanished into harmless sparks, dissipating before reaching Taiyo.

Makima stepped forward, her yellow-ringed eyes gleaming with calculated focus. Her finger was raised in a mock pistol gesture, smoke wafting from its tip. "It's very rare to see you angry, my King," she remarked, her tone calm but edged with amusement. "And now you're concerned about your status?"

Kang Woo's expression darkened, his crimson gaze fixed on the disarmed Gun Devil. "It's the principle, Makima. My power—soul-consuming—isn't for these invalids to mimic. If they want to act like me, they can start by paying for a license." His voice dripped with sarcasm and venom.

Makima's lips curved into a small smile. "Narcissistic as ever, aren't you?"

Aki's frustration boiled over. "Hold on!" he snapped, his voice shaking with anger and confusion. "Why are you two invading my mind now? Wasn't Kang Woo enough? And Ms Makima, why are you even here?"

Makima shrugged, her tone matter-of-fact. "I'm just sticking to Kang Woo, as always. It's entertaining, after all."

Kang Woo glanced at her with a dry, sarcastic smirk. "And I'm just running away from Makima, as usual."

Makima chuckled softly, her amusement evident as she lowered her "pistol." "Liar. You enjoy my company far too much to run."

The Gun Devil let out an unholy screech, its remaining arm convulsing as it attempted to regenerate. The ammo belts attached to its lower torso began spinning, preparing for another onslaught.

Taiyo clung to Aki, his small hands gripping his older brother's arm tightly. "Aki, it's trying to take me back!" he cried, his voice trembling with fear.

Makima stepped forward, her hand manifesting a sword of pure darkness. She raised it, ready to strike down the abomination. However, Kang Woo stepped in, placing a firm hand on Makima's chest—a silent gesture meaning "Let Aki cook."

Kang Woo remained completely silent, offering no explanation. Makima only smiled faintly, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting with amusement as she lowered her weapon. She gave Kang Woo a glance that silently said, another experiment ?

Aki's mind raced, recalling something Angel Devil had once said: What if I'm not afraid? What if I'm fueled with rage? What if being angry enough can make me stronger?

But nothing changed. Despite his fury, he remained powerless. Aki's frustration deepened as he struggled to find a solution. His thoughts wandered to Kang Woo's earlier rants: "To obtain mana, mages in training have to undergo intense meditation. It's the most effective way to absorb mana from the air around them."

At that moment, Aki thought bitterly, At a time like this, why am I remembering that crazy maniac's bullshit? But desperation pushed him to act. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to concentrate.

Taiyo tugged at Aki's arm, his voice rising in panic. "What are you doing, Aki? It's coming toward us!"

From the sidelines, Kang Woo broke his silence, his voice calm and amused. "Don't worry. He's just beginning to believe."

Makima arched a brow, shooting Kang Woo a look that said, Really? That's your big plan?

Suddenly, the space surrounding Aki began to shift. Flames erupted around him, forming a protective circle that engulfed both him and Taiyo. The heat was intense, yet comforting, creating an unbreakable barrier that deflected the Gun Devil's onslaught.

Aki opened his eyes, staring in awe at the flames encircling him. His voice was quiet, almost disbelieving. "Is this… my negative energy power?"

Kang Woo smirked from the sidelines, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the fiery light. "That's the start of it," he muttered, his tone laced with pride.

Taiyo, still holding tightly onto Aki, turned his gaze toward Kang Woo and Makima in the distance. "Aki, are those your friends? And that black-haired man—he has the same hair color as you. Is he your teacher?"

Aki, his face darkening with irritation, glared at Kang Woo before lifting his middle finger in his direction. "Ms. Makima is a thousand times better," he said sharply. "That guy is just a narcissistic, cold-hearted bastard."

Makima, amused by the display, elbowed Kang Woo lightly and teased, "It seems my former subordinates still prefer to stay under my control."

Kang Woo rolled his eyes, letting out a faint sigh but keeping silent.

Aki and Taiyo stood within the circle of protective flames, its intense heat shielding them from the Gun Devil's relentless presence. The towering monstrosity loomed in the distance, its grotesque form pulsating with malevolent energy as it prepared for another attack. Taiyo clung to Aki's side, his small hands gripping tightly to his older brother's arm.

From some distance away, but still within view, Makima stood alongside Kang Woo, her yellow-ringed eyes observing the scene with calm detachment. "Unlike Kishibe's circumstances," she began, her voice measured, "where I believed he could win against Stormfront—and he did, albeit with some of my assistance—this time, Aki will lose without intervention." Her gaze shifted briefly to Kang Woo, her tone sharpening. "You're holding me back from helping him."

Kang Woo crossed his arms, his crimson eyes glinting faintly in the flickering light of the flames. "In the real world, Aki would be decimated," he said matter-of-factly. "But this isn't the real world. It's a mental battlefield. The Gun Devil here is just a manifestation—remnants scattered from the original's power."

Raising his voice, Kang Woo called out to Aki. "You can do it, Aki! This is just like a battle inside your mind. The Gun Devil you're facing isn't even the real one—it's a fragment!"

Aki's expression soured immediately, his frustration bubbling over as he muttered under his breath. "See, Taiyo? That man—Kang Woo—is a heartless bastard." His voice dripped with sarcasm as he gestured toward Kang Woo with an exasperated sigh.

Taiyo, however, tilted his head and spoke hesitantly. "But… he cheered for you, didn't he? That means he cares for you, right?"

Aki stared at his brother for a moment, his lips curling into a bitter smile. "Care for me? That man's the farthest thing from caring. And yet…" His thoughts began to race as he glanced back toward Makima and Kang Woo, his frustration mounting. I'm about to face my goal—revenge against the Gun Devil—and the only one showing any sanity is Ms. Makima. But even she's not helping me because Kang Woo stopped her.

Aki and Taiyo stood firm within the protective flames, their fiery barrier pulsing with the strength of Aki's negative energy. The Gun Devil loomed in the distance, its grotesque form writhing with fury as it prepared for yet another relentless attack. Taiyo clung tightly to Aki, his small hands gripping his brother's arm for support.

Aki unsheathed his katana, the blade glinting in the fiery glow. In his thoughts, he replayed Kang Woo's earlier rants. He said his demonic energy has the power to devour and surpasses mana. Negative energy… it's just a cheap knockoff, a trash power. Aki's grip on his katana tightened. But I'll show you, Kang Woo. Even the weak have the right to grow strong.

He turned to Taiyo, his expression serious yet tinged with affection. "Taiyo, my brother… the one I love and always miss playing catch with. Do you trust me with this suicidal plan?"

Taiyo gazed up at Aki, his youthful face determined despite the fear in his eyes. "Even if the plan fails and my consciousness is dragged back to the Gun Devil, I'll always believe in you, Aki. You trusted me back then when I said I wouldn't get sick if we played catch."

Aki's resolve deepened as he pulled Taiyo into a tight hug. The warmth of the flames mirrored the bond between them. Letting go, Aki focused once more, channeling the negative energy from the protective flames into his blade. The katana burned with an ethereal intensity, its edge glowing like molten steel.

The Gun Devil, sensing the shift, roared in anger. It raised its remaining arm and unleashed another hail of bullets weren't aimed at Aki—they were aimed directly at Taiyo.

Aki's eyes narrowed, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Have you ever learned, Gun Devil? When you focus too much on one thing, you lose sight of your surroundings."

The Gun Devil realized its mistake too late. Aki had already closed the distance, his flaming katana cutting through the massive figure. The Gun Devil's grotesque body split cleanly in half, one side igniting in the flames of Aki's attack. The other half fell back, writhing in rage.

The Gun Devil roared louder, spawning new weapons from its remaining form. A massive minigun emerged from its skeletal body, the barrels spinning furiously. Aki's eyes widened as he realized the inevitable. "It's too late…"

Before Aki could react, Taiyo stepped forward, his arms wrapping tightly around his older brother in a protective embrace. "Taiyo!" Aki shouted. "What are you doing? The plan was—"

Taiyo said nothing, his small frame shielding Aki as the bullets rained down. But then, something miraculous happened. A glowing, ethereal baseball glove appeared on Taiyo's hand, its translucent surface shimmering with a protective energy. The glove moved with impossible speed, intercepting every bullet midair. Each shot ricocheted harmlessly away, the glove absorbing the brunt of the Gun Devil's attack.

Aki stared in disbelief, his voice trembling. "What… What is this?"

Taiyo turned to him, his face calm but resolute. "It's just like back then, Aki. You always told me to catch the ball. This time, I caught something even bigger."

From a distance, Makima observed the surreal scene with a raised brow. "That's Taiyo, Aki's brother—the one who died in the past. The Taiyo we're seeing now is just a construct of Aki's mind, isn't he? but how does he have supernatural abilities like that?" Her tone was analytical but tinged with curiosity.

Kang Woo, standing nearby, crossed his arms and smirked before suddenly throwing his head back and shouting dramatically, "The power of friendship! And as one wise street racer once said, I got family! IT'S REALLLLLL! FAMILY IS REALLLLLL!"

Makima, utterly mortified, placed a hand on her cheek and muttered with sarcastic embarrassment, "I don't know him. He just… started shouting out of nowhere." Her yellow-ringed eyes darted away from Kang Woo, as though trying to distance herself from his theatrics.

Taiyo, still glowing with the energy of the ethereal glove, turned his head slightly and grinned at Aki. "Look, Aki! The heartless bastard said the power of family is real!"

Aki let out a heavy sigh, his thoughts turning inward. After this ends, I need to remind myself—only talk to Kang Woo if I absolutely need him. This man is unhinged.

The Gun Devil, enraged by its repeated failures, shifted its grotesque form once more. It sprouted additional weapons: an M4 carbine and a massive Desert Eagle-like firearm emerging grotesquely from its skeletal head. The monstrous entity aimed its arsenal at the brothers, preparing for an even deadlier barrage.

Aki glanced at Taiyo. "Can you take that attack again?" he asked, his voice steady but urgent.

Taiyo hesitated before nodding. "I'll try, but if the bullets are too big, they might get through."

Aki gave a resolute nod, determination flashing in his eyes. The flames on his blade intensified, swirling outward to form another protective barrier around the two of them. This time, the barrier was so thick with fire that nothing inside was visible from the outside.

The Gun Devil unleashed its relentless barrage. Bullets rained down, their sheer force shattering the flaming barrier. When the flames dissipated, it was revealed that Aki had taken the brunt of the attack. His left arm hung limp, disabled from the relentless assault. Taiyo, however, was nowhere to be seen.

High above, the Gun Devil spotted Taiyo descending from the sky, nearly 200 meters above the battlefield. Aki's flames had launched him upward, turning him into a living projectile. As Taiyo plummeted toward the Gun Devil, the ethereal glove on his hand grew massive, glowing brighter as he prepared to flatten the monstrous enemy.

The Gun Devil, now cautious, immediately spawned additional firearms from its back, aiming them at Taiyo to stop his descent. However, it underestimated Aki.

Aki, already closing in from below, gritted his teeth as he charged, his blade burning fiercely with concentrated negative energy. He smirked grimly and muttered, "Your attention shifts too easily… and I'm no warrior either."

With lightning speed, Aki slashed the Gun Devil relentlessly, each strike precise and fueled by his determination. The Gun Devil's form crumbled under the onslaught, reduced to ash with each passing second.

Taiyo landed with a thud, but Aki was already there to catch him, holding his younger brother steady as they both stood amidst the ashes of their foe.

Taiyo, his face lighting up with excitement, looked up at Aki and grinned. "Let's do it again! Let's go fly!"

Aki let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Sure… but not now. I've got something to finish first." His tone shifted, carrying a hint of seriousness as his gaze turned toward Kang Woo.

Aki approached him, his steps measured but purposeful. Kang Woo, standing beside Makima, watched him calmly, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Makima tilted her head slightly, her yellow-ringed eyes fixed on Kang Woo. "I've been wondering," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "Why put Aki through all this? Torturing him, provoking him?"

Kang Woo shrugged nonchalantly, his crimson gaze steady. "Honestly? I don't even know what I'm doing half the time. I never really understood how negative energy works anyway. What I'm doing is probably just random nonsense, as usual." He glanced at Makima with a teasing smirk. "But let's be honest, you're not really surprised, are you? And now you're asking me this even though you already know the answer—just to mess with me?"

Makima gave him a small, knowing smile and nodded. "I've learned to keep an open mind when it comes to you. And yet, my King, even though you do random things and rant endlessly, somehow, each of them carries meaning and value."

"I guess my unpredictability doesn't surprise you anymore," Kang Woo teased, his voice tinged with amusement.

Before Makima could reply, Aki lunged forward, his blade aimed directly at Kang Woo. Flames flickered around the sword, a manifestation of his newly awakened negative energy. Kang Woo sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and unbothered, catching the blade mid-swing with his bare hand.

Kang Woo looked at Aki, his grin widening as he teased, "Shouldn't you be thanking me? I just helped you unlock control over that negative energy coursing through your body."

Aki's grip on the sword tightened, his teeth gritting in frustration. "Let me hit you. Just once. To satisfy myself." His voice was steady, but his frustration was palpable. "Whether in the real world or in my mind, you never stop being a dickhead."

Kang Woo chuckled, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "We can continue this after your mind is back in your body." With a casual snap of his fingers, the landscape around them began to crumble, pieces of the snowy world falling into an endless void.

"Wait!" Aki shouted, his voice filled with urgency. "What about Taiyo? His mind is stuck with me, but his soul is somewhere else. What will happen to him?"

Kang Woo smirked, tilting his head. "Do you want to punch me in the face or worry about your brother?"

"Both!" Aki snapped. "I'll kick your ass and rescue my brother."

Kang Woo smiled, a faint sense of approval in his expression. "Fair enough." With another snap of his fingers, Aki and Taiyo disappeared, the crumbling world vanishing around them as they returned to the real world.

Makima, who had been silently observing, stepped closer to Kang Woo and poked his cheek playfully. "You're lying again, my King," she teased, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting with amusement. "You do understand how negative energy works. You're just—"

"Just lazy," Kang Woo interrupted, finishing her sentence with a wry grin. " it looks like you're starting to see through my lies now, Makima. What a pain. I guess I'll have to upgrade myself before I get downgraded toyour property."

Makima smiled, patting Kang Woo's head gently. "Making a Demon King my property is just another objective," she teased, her tone soft but playful. "Besides, isn't it natural for the first wife—which is me—to be equally powerful to her husband?"

Kang Woo sighed dramatically but couldn't hide his grin. "What a hassle," he muttered, though his tone was more amused than annoyed.

With a final shared glance, both Kang Woo and Makima disappeared, returning to the real world.

,

At the spectator seat within Hidden Wonderland, Makima opened her eyes, her yellow-ringed gaze as calm and unbothered as ever. The tranquil moment was shattered when she noticed Himeno standing alarmingly close, her blade drawn and positioned just inches from Makima's neck.

Makima didn't flinch. Instead, she turned her gaze slightly to Reze, who had been sitting beside her the entire time, seemingly indifferent to the tension. "How long were my eyes closed?" Makima asked, her voice calm, betraying no hint of concern.

Reze, her tone heavy with sarcasm, replied, "A few moments. Long enough for Aki's female partner to get this close with a blade at your throat. But hey, don't mind me—I'm just a waitress."

Kobeni, standing a meter away, finally reacted, her instincts kicking in late. She conjured an ice dagger and prepared to intervene, her stance tense and ready for a fight.

Makima raised her hand in a subtle but authoritative signal, stopping Kobeni in her tracks. "I've got this," she said coolly, dismissing any need for concern.

Himeno's grip on her blade tightened, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "Makima, tell Kang Woo to retract that White Devil and release Aki! He's going to die if he keeps getting choked like that. I can't stand seeing him tortured for no reason!"

Makima tilted her head slightly, her calm demeanor unshaken even with the blade so close. "You've already seen it, haven't you?" she asked, her tone almost too serene. "Aki came back. Even if Kang Woo killed him, the magic circle he implanted ensures—"

"Yes, I know!" Himeno interrupted, her frustration boiling over. "I know it can respawn Aki, but I'm not buying it! There's no way Kang Woo is 'training' Aki by putting him through this kind of torment!"

Makima's gaze remained steady, her presence unwavering. "It's not about believing, Himeno. It's about understanding that Kang Woo's methods are... unconventional. But effective."

Himeno's eyes flared with a mix of anger and desperation. "Unconventional? You're defending this? Aki's my partner—I've known him for years! I won't stand by while someone like Kang Woo treats him like a pawn!"

Before Makima could respond, a sudden explosion of fire erupted at the center of the magic circle, sending a shockwave through the arena. The White Devil, Mahoraga, released its grip on Aki's throat and stepped back.

Kang Woo, standing beside Mahoraga, made a subtle hand signal. In response, Mahoraga dissolved into shadow and returned to Kang Woo's form, disappearing as though it had never been there.

Makima's eyes shifted back to Himeno, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "The result," Makima said with a faint smirk, "is that Aki can now wield negative energy. And as for you, Himeno—if you want to threaten me, you'd better make sure your blade is enchanted with mana or has supernatural sharpness. Otherwise—"

Makima's hand shot out, gripping Himeno's katana with her bare hand. With a casual twist, the blade snapped, shards of steel falling to the ground.

Makima continued, her tone cold but tinged with an air of superiority. "It'll end like this every time. You still have a lot to learn, Himeno. And thanks to Kang Woo opening my eyes, I've realized something." She let the broken blade drop to the floor. "Devils won't be the only threat we face in the future. There's much more to prepare for."

Himeno stepped back, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and indignation.

Reze let out a soft chuckle, muttering under her breath, "Just a waitress, huh? Sure."

Kobeni stood frozen, her ice dagger still in hand, unsure whether to intervene or retreat.

Makima's gaze shifted briefly to Kobeni. "Kobeni-chan, you can stay beside me. I'm fine."

Kobeni nodded, the tension in her shoulders easing as she sat beside Makima on her left side, her ice dagger dissolving into harmless mist.

At the center of the magic circle, Aki stood amidst the dissipating flames, his gaze fixed on the smoldering remnants of the Gun Devil's manifestation. He spoke softly, almost in awe. "Is this… my negative energy? It has flame properties."

Kang Woo stepped forward, his tone casual yet brimming with authority. "Negative energy is typically associated with devils, yes. But what I gave you just now—or, more accurately, what I vented on you—was my way of using a body bag to refine that energy in humans. It's no longer just negative energy. For humans, it transforms into something different: curse energy."

He smirked, clearly enjoying the unfolding realization. "You've also developed a curse technique, Aki. 'Blazing Courage,' something that once belonged to Ogi Zenin back in sorcery world. Fascinating, isn't it? I've been using my Ten Shadows Shikigami extensively, and that influence has granted you this power."

Aki frowned slightly, processing Kang Woo's words. "Curse energy… and a technique?" His voice trailed off, but before he could ask more, a familiar voice interrupted.

Taiyo materialized beside Aki, his small form looking around in wonder. "Wahhh! The environment… it's just like the day we played snowball! But now, there are castles everywhere, and we're in the middle of—"

Before Taiyo could finish, an ice platform began forming, extending from the magic circle toward the spectator seat where Himeno stood. The smooth, crystalline surface gleamed as it connected the two areas seamlessly.

Kang Woo crossed his arms, his smirk deepening as he observed Aki's reaction. "Do you want your brother involved in your quest to punch my face, or not?" His voice carried a teasing edge, though his crimson gaze remained sharp, assessing.

Aki glanced between Taiyo and Kang Woo, his frustration barely masked. "You really have to turn everything into a damn game, don't you?"

Aki then crouched down slightly to meet Taiyo's gaze. "Taiyo, listen to me. Walk across that platform to the woman with the eyepatch. Her name is Himeno, and she'll look after you for a while. Or, if you're feeling bold, you can stay near the red-haired woman. Her name's Makima. She's… dangerous, but she keeps her word and can be trusted. Unlike this heartless bastard standing here."

"Hey!" Kang Woo interrupted with mock indignation, raising a hand in protest. "I do keep my words! You've got your own power now, don't you?"

Taiyo blinked at both of them, then nodded and began walking toward Himeno via the ice platform Kang Woo had created. As the boy made his way across, Himeno's sharp gaze flicked between Kang Woo and Aki, her grip on her blade tightening. The moment Taiyo reached her, instead of staying by his side, she lunged forward, dashing toward the center of the magic circle where Aki stood.

Taiyo stopped abruptly, his confusion evident as he glanced back at Makima. Makima knelt down beside him, ruffling his hair in a rare display of warmth. "Don't worry," she said softly. "Himeno has some… unresolved issues with my King, much like your brother does."

Taiyo tilted his head, still puzzled, but eventually nodded, comforted by her words.

Meanwhile, Himeno reached the center of the circle, her movements deliberate. Aki turned toward her, his voice tentative. "Himeno-senpai, are you—?"

"I'm fine," she interrupted, her tone firm. "I'm not drunk, Aki. I'm perfectly clear-headed. And as your senpai, I won't stand by and watch my kouhai get tortured like that." She shifted her grip on her weapon, her eyes narrowing at Kang Woo. "Someone needs to teach this narcissistic jerk that our lives aren't just a game for him to play with."

Makima's voice rang out from the spectator seat, her tone teasing as she called to Kang Woo. "Looks like you've been promoted, my King. 'Heartless bastard' and 'narcissistic jerk.' Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

Kang Woo let out a laugh, spreading his arms theatrically. "I'm flattered! Truly! Maybe I should have those titles engraved on a plaque." His grin widened as he glanced at Himeno, unperturbed by her hostility. "Though I have to say, you're pretty bold for someone about to pick a fight they can't win."

Himeno unsheathed her blade, her expression unyielding. "Whether we can punch your face or not is not for you to decide."

Aki's attention snapped to her blade, his eyes widening as he noticed its broken state. Before he could speak, Angel Devil's calm but determined voice cut through the tension. "Usage: 100 years." A radiant halo materialized beside Aki, and from it, a single-edged, red-hilted, cleaver-like longsword emerged. Its aura exuded a sense of power and finality.

Angel Devil turned to Aki, his tone resolute. "Aki, you've got to punch Kang Woo's face. That eye of his—it looks down on everything. He calls us devils invalids, worthless. Prove him wrong. Break his expectations. And if possible…" Angel Devil's gaze flickered briefly with hope. "Learn mana, even without his help."

Aki hesitated for only a moment before handing his katana to Himeno. His voice was calm but carried a hint of determination. "Here, Himeno-senpai. Use this for now." He then looked back at Angel Devil. "How much of my lifespan will your blade take? Not that it matters—I'm willing to pay the price, especially since this circle keeps us from dying anyway."

Angel Devil smirked faintly, a glint of approval in his eyes. "I've resolved my problems thanks to Kang Woo, but even I can't stand being mocked like that. Words like 'invalid'… 'worthless'… Those hit harder than any blade. Prove him wrong, Aki. Show him that resolve matters, even in a world he thinks he controls."

Kang Woo clapped slowly, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "Nice resolve, Angel. Nice speech, too. But empty words are useless around here."

Kang Woo's smirk deepened as he extended his right hand. Energy began to coalesce, forming into a massive reishi broadsword with two jagged protrusions jutting out diagonally from either side, creating a cross-guard that, along with the hilt, resembled the Wandenreich insignia—eerily similar to the weapon Yhwach once wielded. The blade shimmered with an ominous glow, radiating a sense of supreme authority.

With deliberate calmness, Kang Woo planted the sword into the ground, its impact sending subtle vibrations through the icy expanse. He closed his crimson eyes, exuding an air of indifference. His voice, soft but cold, echoed. "All dreamers wake up eventually. And when they do… their dreams end." He stood motionless, his stance almost mocking as if daring them to make the first move.

Aki glanced at Himeno, his voice sharp with urgency. "Himeno-senpai, how much do you actually know about RPGs? Kang Woo's powers—they're built like one. Magic, mana, abilities… everything he does follows that system."

Himeno's grip on the katana tightened, her brow furrowing. "RPGs? Well… let's just say I've played a few. Still do sometimes to unwind." She glanced at Kang Woo, her eyes narrowing in disbelief as she gestured toward the massive broadsword he had planted in the ground. "But there's no way magic like that can manifest into something so absurd. That weapon—it's not just any sword. It's the kind of primary weapon you'd expect a boss to wield."

Taking a cautious step back, Himeno continued, her tone more measured. "If this were an RPG, we'd be the low-level bandits in the tutorial. And Kang Woo?" She gestured to him, her voice laced with grim acknowledgment. "He's the final boss. Charging at him head-on? That's suicide. Instant game over."

Aki's jaw clenched, frustration evident in his voice. "Himeno-senpai, what's your plan then? Just sit here and wait for him to wipe us out?" His eyes flicked toward Kang Woo, who still stood motionless, his crimson eyes closed, radiating an air of absolute dominance.

Himeno let out a long breath, her gaze unwavering. "From what I can tell, Kang Woo won't attack us first. He'd probably stand there for an hour if we let him, just waiting. And after our so-called resolve speeches? Keeping him waiting would be… embarrassing." She smirked faintly, though tension lingered in her expression. "Let's die first."

Aki's eyes widened in disbelief. "Die first?! Are you serious?"

Himeno nodded, her voice calm but firm. "If we want to beat him, we need to figure out his attack patterns. And this magic circle prevents permanent death, right? Even if he kills us, we respawn. Isn't that right, Kang Woo?" She turned her gaze to Kang Woo, awaiting a response.

Kang Woo remained silent, his posture unchanging, as if their presence barely registered.

Aki sighed, gripping Angel Devil's blade tighter. "Fine. Let's see what happens."

With their resolve steeled, Aki and Himeno lunged forward, their weapons aimed directly at Kang Woo. The fiery determination in their movements seemed almost tangible.

But Kang Woo didn't even flinch. Without opening his eyes or moving from his position, he beheaded them both in one seamless motion. Neither of them even saw how it happened. One moment they were charging, and the next, their heads were gone, and their bodies crumpled to the ground.

Moments later, Aki and Himeno respawned within the magic circle, their forms whole once more. Himeno sat up, a mix of awe and disbelief on her face. "That's… the first time I've died and come back."

Aki exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of his neck as he stood. "Second time for me." He glanced toward Kang Woo, who remained in the exact same position, as though nothing had occurred. "And he's still not even trying."

Himeno grumbled, standing and brushing herself off. "Oy, narcissistic jerk, move your fat ass!" Her voice rang out in a deliberate attempt to provoke Kang Woo.

Kang Woo remained utterly still, his eyes closed and his posture unchanged. His silence was infuriating.

Aki sighed, shaking his head. "On second thought, his rants and bizarre nature are better than this cold-blooded act."

Himeno crossed her arms, exhaling in frustration. "Plan failed. We can't even provoke the boss, and he's not moving from his spot."

Suddenly, a dark, ethereal wing materialized in the air. Makima descended gracefully, her single wing casting an ominous shadow. Angel Devil was being tugged gently along by her hand as they floated toward Aki and Himeno.

Aki blinked in surprise. "Ms. Makima, are you here to fight against Kang Woo?"

Makima shook her head with a small, knowing smile. "No. I'm just here to deliver Angel Devil to your position. He asked for it." She gently released Angel Devil beside Aki. "He's decided Kang Woo is currently nigh impossible to beat, and he's offering his manpower to aid you."

Angel Devil adjusted his coat, his expression calm but resolved. "Consider it backup. You'll need it."

Makima looked at Aki and Himeno, her tone measured but slightly amused. "As for me, I'll move only once you either give up or succeed in punching Kang Woo's face."

From his unmoving stance, Kang Woo finally spoke, his voice carrying a playful edge. "Shame. If you were to join them, Makima, they might actually have a chance at raiding this final boss."

Makima glanced over her shoulder as she began to ascend back to the spectator seat. "The main star dances with the main event. No need for other actors or actresses, right?" Her tone was laced with mockery and assurance, as if the outcome was already set.

Kang Woo's lips curled into a faint smile as he remained still, his presence unyielding. "You're learning, Makima."

Angel Devil seized the moment as Kang Woo remained motionless, seemingly distracted by Makima's departure. "Usage: 1,000 years!" Angel Devil's voice echoed with resolve. His body trembled as his lifespan was drained significantly, and he collapsed to his knees, his breath ragged. "Aki, kill me now!"

Aki didn't hesitate, his blade flashing as he beheaded Angel Devil. The devil respawned instantly within the magic circle, standing strong once more. "Kang Woo," Angel Devil said, his voice sharp with determination, "you shouldn't have shown me how to use my power properly when you borrowed it. Now, you'll eat your own teachings."

Suddenly, 1,000 red, radiant spears materialized in the air, their forms pulsating with power. Angel Devil commanded the final spear, aiming it directly at Kang Woo. The spear passed through a black, starlit portal held open by three golden, humanoid effigies floating in the air with their arms spread wide.

Kang Woo, still unmoving and with his eyes closed, muttered calmly, "Blut Vene Anhaben." In an instant, blue veins of energy extended outward from Kang Woo's body, forming a protective spherical barrier that shimmered with a brilliant, otherworldly glow. The incoming spears collided with the barrier, which held firm—except for the final spear, which caused a visible crack to form.

Aki saw his chance. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, combining his flame-imbued power ( blazing Courage ) with Angel Devil's cleaver-like sword. The combined power shattered the weakened sphere. Yet, as he breached Kang Woo's defense, Aki felt a strange sensation take hold of him. Blue veins began to creep along his body, glowing ominously.

Kang Woo's voice broke the tense silence, calm and almost amused. "Blut Vene Anhaben isn't just a barrier. Its true power isn't in blocking attacks. It's in its consumption." His tone darkened, laced with a hint of menace. "It absorbs everything that makes contact with me and the ground around me. And this time… I've modified it."

Aki's body froze mid-strike, and his movements turned erratic. His blade shifted course against his will, aiming toward Angel Devil. Panic filled Aki's voice as he struggled to regain control. "I… I can't move my body! It's not obeying me!"

Without hesitation, Himeno acted. She lunged forward, her katana slicing cleanly through Aki's neck, beheading him before he could harm Angel Devil. Aki's body crumpled to the ground, only to respawn moments later, standing within the circle again.

Aki rubbed his neck, exhaling in frustration. "Third time now. I've died three times already."

Himeno glanced at him, her tone dry but edged with grim humor. "At least you're keeping count." She turned her focus back to Kang Woo, analyzing his previous move. "Magical blue sword, and then that… Blut Vene Anhaben. That's what he called it, right? It's not just a barrier—it's a trap. The ground around him… it's like a weapon or a giant landmine waiting to consume us."

Angel Devil nodded, his expression grim. " It's a battlefield he controls completely. Every step closer is a gamble."

Angel Devil, Aki, and Himeno stood their ground, tense and wary as they faced Kang Woo. His Blut Vene Anhaben created an impenetrable zone around him, rendering any approach suicidal. The trio was stuck, unable to advance or retreat, their earlier declarations hanging over them like a heavy feeling . To wait idly now would only add to their humiliation.

Kang Woo stood unmoving, a cold and calculating aura replacing his usual chaotic and unpredictable demeanor. He was no longer the bizarre, ranting lunatic they were familiar with—he now resembled a cold-blooded killer, his intentions unreadable.

In his thoughts, Angel Devil considered his options. Should I try using 2,000 years? It's not like dying is an issue in this magic circle, but the problem is… Kang Woo right now isn't messing around. Aki's already died three times.

Aki, still gripping his sword tightly, broke the silence. "Himeno-senpai, are you absolutely sure that Kang Woo's power is mana-based? The one he's using right now… I don't think it's his original power—demonic energy. And it sure as hell isn't mana either, the one that makes him act all goofy. I think this power is something else entirely. Something new."

Himeno frowned, her focus momentarily shifting to Kang Woo, who remained a statuesque figure of dominance. "Aki, I don't know anymore. He's pulling out abilities that don't even make sense, like we're fighting a completely different person. But honestly…" She raised her voice, her frustration boiling over. "Oyy, narcissistic jerk! Give us a break, all right? Toss us a hint or something! Isn't that how these games work? When the final boss is too strong, there's always a trick to beating him, right?"

From the spectator seat, Makima's laughter rang out, sharp and amused. Her yellow-ringed eyes gleamed as she smirked at Himeno. "Himeno, seriously? You're that shameless? You all declared you could punch my husband in the face, and now you're asking him for a hint?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she leaned back, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Kang Woo finally opened his crimson eyes, his expression unreadable as his gaze flicked to Himeno. "A hint, huh?" His voice was calm, yet carried an edge of condescension. "Here's your hint: despair harder. Maybe then you'll find the resolve you need."

Makima chuckled at his response, shaking her head. "You truly are annoying , my King."

Himeno muttered under her breath, glaring at Kang Woo. "This guy… He's worse than a final boss. He's the damn game developer."

Angel Devil exhaled deeply, clutching his weapon tightly. "If we keep this up, we're going to look like complete fools. But I'll say this…" He glanced at Aki and Himeno, his tone heavy with determination. "If there's even a sliver of a chance to break that arrogance of his, I'll take it. Even if I have to burn everything."

Aki nodded. "Then let's stop waiting and figure this out—because sitting here is just letting him win." His eyes flickered with a newfound determination. "If he's not going to give us an opening, we'll make one ourselves."

Himeno's grip on her blade tightened, her lips curling into a smirk. "About time, Aki. Let's see if that cold-blooded jerk has any weakness left to exploit."

Suddenly, a resounding boom echoed through the arena, and Kang Woo's Blut Vene Anhaben vanished without warning. Angel Devil, Himeno, and Aki instinctively stepped back, their breath catching as the pressure around them shifted.

Aki took a deep breath, glancing at the others. "I changed my mind. Let's take this slowly. If we don't, we'll end up with dunce caps on our heads and forever be the laughingstock of the world."

Kang Woo's crimson gaze began to shift, his eyes now taking on an eerie, almost divine appearance. His pupils multiplied into three concentric circles, radiating an otherworldly intensity.

Kang Woo's eyes gleamed as his three-pupiled gaze intensified. "The Almighty," he said, his voice calm but resonating with power, "isn't the ability to see the future. It's something far greater. Don't lose hope just yet—I'm only beginning to perfect it."

In a flash, Angel Devil's head was severed, his body collapsing to the ground before anyone could react. The attack was instantaneous, as if Kang Woo had killed him before the moment had even occurred. Angel Devil respawned within the magic circle, his expression dazed and horrified.

"I didn't see him attack at all," Angel Devil muttered, touching his neck as if to reassure himself he was whole again. "And he didn't even move. Not an inch."

Himeno's face twisted with nervous energy, but she forced a smirk. "Guess teasing him was a bad idea. Looks like we triggered the second phase of the boss fight. My bad, guys."

Aki's grip on his blade tightened as he locked eyes with Kang Woo. "Let's focus on the problem, Himeno-senpai. We don't know what this 'Almighty' means, but those three-pupiled eyes of his? They're bad news just like he did before . Whatever they're seeing… we're not ready for it."

Angel Devil gritted his teeth, clutching his weapon tightly. "Those eyes are trouble , it's already too late for us."

Kang Woo suddenly coughed—Koff!—the sound echoing through the tense battlefield. He glanced down, noticing blood staining his hand. His mind raced as he analyzed the situation. Yhwach needed a total of 999 years to rebuild his Quincy King power and The Almighty… and here I am, trying to force it into existence in just a few days. Too much excitement… or just my idiocy, showing this weakness so plainly.

Aki's sharp gaze caught the moment. "Did he just cough up blood?" His voice was laced with disbelief. "That maniac… I thought he didn't bleed at all."

Kang Woo smiled faintly, brushing the blood off his lips as he straightened. "Hope and despair—they're two sides of the same coin. But my despair… outlasts everything." His voice carried a chilling finality. "Even in its imperfect, forceful state… the power… remains the same!"

As he spoke, Kang Woo's aura shifted drastically. His eyes glowed with a menacing light, their gaze almost unbearable. His cloak seemed to ripple like liquid darkness, blending with the air as if it was alive. Yellow, eye -like patterns formed across the surface, illuminating his ominous figure. ( img here )

His Reishi broadwordtransformed as well, extending into a jagged, ethereal shape. The energy around it crackled violently, a fusion of glowing cyan lightning and blackened edges . It radiated a power that warped the space around him, making it difficult to focus on his form directly.

Angel Devil's breath hitched as he took a step back. "What… what is that? He wasn't even serious before, was he?"

Kang Woo laughed, his voice reverberating with confidence and malice. "This is your hope crushed, your determination shattered. Even in its imperfect state. Now, show me—will you cling to hope or embrace despair?"

Kang Woo raised his hand, making a commanding gesture. The eye-like patterns across his cloak surged outward, bundling together and forming a massive wave-like tsunami of glowing, ominous eyes.

Angel Devil gritted his teeth and shouted, "Usage: 3,000 years!" Without hesitation, Aki immediately beheaded him again, his blade moving with precision. Angel Devil respawned instantly within the magic circle, his form reforming just as a massive red shield materialized in front of them. The shield shimmered with immense energy but immediately showed cracks as the tsunami of eyes bore down upon it.

"Thanks, Aki," Angel Devil muttered, sweat dripping from his brow. "But that shield won't hold for long."

Before anyone could react, Kang Woo was suddenly standing directly in front of Aki. The Almighty's influence had made his position Instantly to its objective , and Aki barely had time to tighten his grip on the Angel Devil sword, now glowing with the properties of Blazing Courage.

CLASH!

The collision of their weapons sent a deafening shockwave through the battlefield. Kang Woo's jagged, crackling Reishi blade collided with Aki's flame-infused sword, sparks of cyan lightning and fiery embers erupting into the air..

From a short distance away, Himeno raised her voice in desperation. "Ghost Devil! I give you my—"

Her plea was cut off as a massive hand of the Ghost Devil materialized beside her. Covered in ethereal mouths, the hand spoke in a haunting, trembling voice. "I refuse." The Ghost Devil's tone was cold and resolute. "Even if you sacrifice your life, I will not fight that man. He is too powerful… too terrifying."

Himeno's expression fell, frustration and helplessness written across her face. She watched as the Ghost Devil withdrew, leaving her with no way to aid her comrades.

Meanwhile, at the center of the battlefield, Kang Woo'slocked onto Aki's with a chilling calmness. Their weapons continued to struggle, the energy between them intensifying with each passing second. But with a slight increase of pressure, Kang Woo overpowered Aki, knocking him off balance. In one swift, precise motion, Kang Woo drove his jagged Reishi blade into Aki's chest, piercing his heart with ease.

Aki gasped, blood spilling from his lips as his body crumpled to the ground. His form flickered and dissolved into light, only to respawn moments later within the magic circle, whole but visibly shaken.

Kang Woo turned to the group, his voice calm yet dripping with cold malice. "Have you all woken up from your dreams yet?"

From the spectator seat, Reze sat beside Makima, her face pale and her voice trembling with disbelief. "What the fuck was that?! Those three-pupiled eyes… now there are countless of them! And he just decimated aki and his groups ! Just like that!"

Kobeni, sitting nearby, looked equally terrified. She turned to Makima, her voice a shaky whisper. "Ms. Makima, what's Kang Woo talking about? The Almighty? And why does he look more terrifying now?"

Makima, calm as ever, crossed her legs and rested her chin on her hand. Her yellow-ringed eyes glinted as she gazed at Kang Woo's overwhelming presence. "I've seen it before. Usually, it's just two pupils—his earlystate. But forcing it into a third pupil? It's unstable, bleeding on his eye … but even more dangerous." She paused thoughtfully. "As for what this means now…" She trailed off, her gaze darkening slightly. "Even I don't know what he's fully capable of in this state. It's likely what he calls 'The Almighty Imperfect State.'"

Taiyo, sitting on Makima's lap, looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes. "Will Aki be able to punch that man? From what I see, Aki and his group—they're the heroes. And that man…" Taiyo hesitated, his voice trembling. "That man, Kang Woo… he's the villain, isn't he?"

Makima gently ruffled Taiyo's hair, her expression softening for a brief moment. "I don't know, Taiyo," she replied honestly, her voice calm yet grave. "But reality is cruel. And in this state, Kang Woo will absolutely win."

Reze, sitting nearby, swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on the battlefield. "How do you even fight something like that?" she whispered, more to herself than to anyone around her.

Makima didn't answer, her yellow-ringed eyes locked onto Kang Woo, who stood like an immovable force. His overwhelming presence dominated the battlefield, an embodiment of despair itself.

In the magic circle, Kang Woo's gazes bore into Aki, Himeno, and Angel Devil, his eyes carrying an almost crushing weight. Before they could act, the tsunami of glowing eyes surged forward once more, completely overwhelming the trio. The wave engulfed them in an instant, their bodies disintegrating under the sheer force of its power.

Moments later, Aki, Himeno, and Angel Devil respawned within the magic circle, their forms whole but their spirits visibly shaken. None of them moved or spoke, their silence heavy with the weight of their repeated deaths.

Kang Woo's voice broke the silence, cold and unwavering. "Isn't it nice to give up? To know your place? To ignore everything, accept your fate, and let death claim you?"

Aki, his voice steady but carrying a faint edge of defiance, spoke up. "I haven't asked you this before… but do you really look down on us? On every devil in this world? On humanity itself? Answer me, Oh Kang Woo." Aki emphasized Kang Woo's full name, his frustration boiling over.

Kang Woo tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk forming on his lips. "Whether you punch me or not doesn't matter," he replied. "Because I just had an inspiration… a new way to use my power." His gaze shifted briefly to the countless glowing eyes surrounding him and the flowing darkness of his cloak.

Himeno, watching closely, thought to herself, He's easily distracted, easily bored… that's a good opportunity. If we can exploit that, we might have a chance.

Angel Devil grinned faintly, a dangerous glint in his eyes as he whispered, "Usage: 7,000 years." His body began to deteriorate, but his grin only widened. With his last act, he raised a trembling hand and flipped Kang Woo the middle finger.

The ground beneath them began to glow an ominous red, a pulsating light that intensified rapidly. Aki's voice rang out, his tone sharp and resolute. "Have you ever heard the saying, 'If we're losing, you're coming with us'?"

Kang Woo's smirk grew wider, his gaze fixed on the glowing ground. His tone was calm, eerily so, as he remarked, "You've done well."

BOOM.

The explosion erupted, deafening and cataclysmic. The sheer force of the blast was akin to a 500-kilogram bomb, consuming the battlefield in an inferno of destruction. The shockwave rippled outward, obliterating everything in its path, leaving behind a blinding light that swallowed the scene entirely. For a brief moment, silence reigned—an ominous, suffocating stillness.

Kang Woo's disappointed voice resonated through the air like an unrelenting judgment. "Only this?"

Thump.

A heartbeat echoed in the void.

Thump.

Reality froze, the fiery chaos of the explosion suspended mid-air, its destructive force caught in an unchanging moment. Then, with a soundless shift, reality resumed. As if the explosion had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion, its fiery remnants vanished entirely. The battlefield stood pristine, untouched, and unscathed, as if nothing had ever occurred.

Kang Woo emerged at the center, unmoved and motionless. His three-pupiled gaze faded back to a single pupil, and the ominous cloak of countless eyes dissolved into the ether. He stood, an unyielding monument to dominance, his calm demeanor masking an overwhelming presence.

The tension was palpable, heavy with the weight of failure. Himeno broke the silence, her voice defiant despite the tremble in it. "It's a draw, narcissistic jerk. We managed to impress you, right?"

Kang Woo turned his attention to her, his smirk fading into a colder, more piercing expression. His voice was sharp and cutting, each word like a dagger. "No. You're disappointing. All of you."

His words hit like a hammer, unrelenting in their brutality. "You cling to the remnants of hope, believing that someone like me can be caught off guard. That isn't just foolish—it's idiocy. Even when you knew it was impossible to land a single blow on me, you still threw your lives away."

His gaze swept over them, unrelenting. "That's what makes you weak. You think your resolve, your desperate cries for worth, hold any meaning on the battlefield. They don't. Without power, there is no value. Without it, you are nothing. You've died a thousand times in this circle, and still, your deluded minds whisper the same lie: 'We can beat him. We can prove our worth.' You are wrong."

Kang Woo stepped forward, the weight of his presence pressing down on them. "The battlefield is cruel. Without strength, you are only fodder for the strong. No resolve, no sacrifice, no clever plan will save you if you lack the power to enforce them. That is the reality. Learn it well, or die in ignorance."

Himeno, her fists clenched, raised her voice in defiance. "But we fought you, right? We managed to prove our worth, didn't we?"

Kang Woo scoffed, his crimson gaze locking onto her. "Since when did I say I wanted to fight? It was Aki's plan to punch my face, all because of some foolish grievance about my eyes looking down on someone. Let me tell you the truth—I had other things to do. I fulfilled what Aki wanted; I gave him his own power, Blazing Courage. Do you know how rare that is? That curse energy, crafted for humans, and its technique are worth more than anything any devil or human society could ever attain."

His voice grew colder, his words like a dagger twisting in their pride. "And yet, after receiving something so extraordinary, he decided to pick a fight with me. Before this, I didn't care how I looked at you. I just wanted to get the job done. But now…" His gaze turned sharper, more disdainful. "Look at your situation. You're all disappointing."

Kang Woo let his words sink in before continuing, his tone heavy with a cruel wisdom. "There's a reason despair exists. It's not just to crush you—it's to keep you in check with reality. That's why the phrase give up exists. It's not about losing; it's about learning from your mistakes. But instead, you cling to false hope and throw your lives away without thinking."

Aki's thoughts churned, guilt welling up within him. From the beginning, I thought it was just potential he forced on me. But… I'm the ungrateful one, aren't I? He may have tortured me, but the results… they're real. I can use my own negative energy—or rather, what he calls curse energy, this thing he named 'Blazing Courage.'

Aki bowed his head deeply, his voice steady but filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Kang Woo. I was wrong about—"

Before Aki could finish, Kang Woo unceremoniously sat down on the ground, crossing his legs like it was all a game. "Save those words for your tombstone and your friends' corpses, all right? Say it in the afterlife when your soul has time to reflect." His tone was casual, almost mocking. "Now, this is my final question: will you cling to hope, or embrace despair?"

Himeno, unable to hold back, raised her voice. "And still, you're being a dickhead! Give us a break, will you, narcissistic jerk? Just tell us what you mean clearly. We're not as intelligent as—"

Before she could go further, Aki clamped his hand over her mouth, his tone sharp but restrained. "Himeno-senpai, calm down a bit." He looked at her with a mix of exasperation and understanding. "He might sound like he's talking nonsense, but if you think about it… even his rubbish has value."

In silence, Aki's thoughts deepened. He speaks like that, but if I think back to his actions from the beginning of this fight… it's the opposite. He wasn't trying to crush us. He was trying to teach us. This is going to be difficult, but it's not pointless.

Aki then turned to Kang Woo, his expression serious. "Let me think about that answer, Kang Woo."

Kang Woo's lips curled into a faint smile, but he said nothing, his silence more telling than words.

Aki exhaled deeply before motioning for Himeno and Angel Devil to gather closer. "Himeno-senpai, Angel Devil, come here for a bit."

The two approached cautiously, both glancing between Aki and Kang Woo, whose imposing presence loomed over them like a shadow.

Aki began, his tone serious. "Listen carefully. Kang Woo is trying to teach us about mana, but for some reason, he has to do it in an indirect way. Maybe there's some unknown circumstance tying his hands, but from his gaze, I can tell—it has to be now. If we leave this place without figuring it out, we'll lose the chance to learn about mana forever."

Himeno frowned, skepticism clear on her face. "Aki, I don't even have what Kang Woo called curse energy yet. You do. Doesn't that mean you have a bigger chance than us? Maybe you can convert your curse energy into mana."

Aki shook his head. "It's not about having curse energy or not. Mana is different—it's the source of magic. It's what Kang Woo always uses. This magic circle? He's preparing it for us. But for some reason, Kang Woo can't teach us directly. The hints were already there, from the beginning of his rants about mana and magic."

Himeno blinked, her expression softening slightly. "Kang Woo's rants? I already forgot most of them, sorry. My happy-go-lucky personality… and being a drunkard… distracted me from actually listening."

Angel Devil sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I only remember bits and pieces. His rants are annoying as hell, so I tuned them out."

Aki groaned, dragging his hand down his face in exasperation. "I'm doomed. But not dead yet." He straightened, determination flickering in his eyes. "All right, just give me more time. I'll figure this out."

Himeno crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing as she looked at Aki. "You'd better, Aki. If this is our one chance to learn about mana, you need to get it right."

Aki turned his attention to the spectator seat where Makima sat. "Ms. Makima," he called out, his voice steady but tinged with desperation. "You remember all of Kang Woo's words, right? Every word that came out of his mouth?"

Makima tilted her head slightly, her yellow-ringed eyes focusing on Aki as if appraising him. "Hmm?" she responded nonchalantly, her gaze shifting to Kang Woo.

Aki hesitated for a moment before continuing. "If you want me to apologize for putting Kang Woo in this state, I'm—"

Makima interrupted, her tone sharp yet calm. "That's not it, Aki-kun." Her gaze flicked back to Kang Woo.

Without moving, Kang Woo looked at Makima, his voice resonating telepathically in her mind. It's not tied to you. You can help them.

Makima's brows furrowed slightly as she responded telepathically, her voice curious yet cautious. My King, what are you betting on? What is restraining you like this?

Kang Woo's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. If they fail to learn about mana, I'll lose my shop inventory. However, if they succeed… I'll regain more of the power I once lost.

Makima's telepathic voice rose slightly in disbelief. What? The shop inventory? Is it that important that you'd create conditions like this?

Kang Woo's tone remained calm yet resolute. Most of the items I need are already secured. But if I lose it, the consequences will cause major drawbacks. It's a gamble worth taking.

Makima blinked once, then twice, her usually calm demeanor shaken ever so slightly. She exhaled audibly, her breath slow and deliberate, before muttering softly to herself, "What a troublesome husband I have… But that's exactly what makes him so special in my heart." Her voice carried a mix of exasperation and fondness as her gaze lingered on Kang Woo.

Taiyo, perched on Makima's lap, tilted his head curiously and asked, "Ms. Makima, are you alright?"

Makima ruffled Taiyo's hair gently, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Just like your brother. Stubborn, loyal, and innocent. But unlike a dog's loyalty, you're more like a fox—always curious, always questioning." She glanced at Kobeni, who stood nearby. "Kobeni-chan, take care of Taiyo for a while."

Kobeni blinked nervously but nodded, stepping closer to Taiyo as Makima rose to her feet. An ice bridge formed under her steps, created effortlessly for her passage to the magic circle.

As she walked, Makima's thoughts wandered. On the surface, he's unpredictable, sometimes causing chaos… but deep down, Kang Woo is a good person. And despite everything, he's given his wife everything—even this dramatic spectacle.

She reached the center of the magic circle, her gaze steady as it fell on Kang Woo.

Aki turned to her immediately, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "Please don't joke about my brother like that, Ms. Makima."

Makima's yellow-ringed eyes shifted to Aki, her tone calm but playful. "Aren't you the one who defended me the first time I met Kang Woo? He flicked my forehead, and you suddenly decided to teach him a lesson."

Aki's face flushed slightly, and he groaned, averting his gaze. "Please don't remind me of that, Ms. Makima. I've lost to Kang Woo twice now. It's humiliating enough without revisiting old memories."

Makima's yellow-ringed eyes lingered on Kang Woo for a moment, a knowing smile flickering across her lips. My guess was right, she mused internally. Kang Woo smiled when I teased him about sharing rewards with his wife. The moment he looked at something, there was that quest-like invisible screen. I can't see it, but Kang Woo can—or rather, it belongs only to him. What he stole from Gaia must be tied to that,it infuriated her. Some of those things must be linked to the power he once lost… and perhaps new items or abilities he's yet to reveal.

Angel Devil interrupted her train of thought, his teasing voice pulling her back to the present. "Look at you, Makima. You're starting to act like Kang Woo—getting lost in thought in the middle of a conversation."

Makima blinked, her composure returning instantly as she glanced at Angel Devil. "Let's get back on topic," she said smoothly, brushing off the teasing. "Kang Woo's rants—those are what you need to focus on. Mana requires intense concentration and meditation. It's not something you can harness with anger alone."

She turned to Aki, her tone shifting into a more instructive one. "You've already taken a step by transforming your negative energy into curse energy, Aki. That's a significant start, but it's not enough. Mana is more complex. It doesn't draw solely from raw emotion or instinct. It requires control, balance, and a deep understanding of oneself and the world around you."

Aki furrowed his brows, his frustration evident. "But how, Ms. Makima? How can I—" He stopped mid-sentence, his words catching in his throat. His thoughts swirled chaotically as Makima's gaze remained calm and steady.

"You already know, actually," Makima said gently, her voice steady.

Aki's eyes widened as realization struck. Will you cling to hope or embrace despair? Kang Woo's words echoed in his mind. He was talking about me. His thoughts raced, piecing together the riddle. He gave me a choice. But does one diminish the other? How am I supposed to balance hope and despair? Ahhh, this is so confusing!

Himeno placed a reassuring hand on Aki's shoulder, her voice firm yet comforting. "Calm down, Aki. We'll work this out together, all right?"

Angel Devil chimed in, his tone unusually encouraging. "Yeah, Himeno's right. Kang Woo already gave us everything we need. Let's take this slowly and figure it out."

Aki's eyes widened further, the puzzle pieces falling into place as his thoughts sharpened. Makima's words… they're simpler than Kang Woo's. She said I need to open my mind to deal with him. He replayed Kang Woo's question in his head: Will you cling to hope or embrace despair? Aki's mind raced. He was talking about me. Until now, I hoped I could kill the Gun Devil, but my strength was never enough. Even with Blazing Courage, I could only defeat its weakest manifestation before it almost claimed Taiyo's consciousness.

His thoughts turned darker. And despair… my powerlessness, my inability to stop Taiyo from being taken again before Kang Woo rescued him by cutting his connection to the Gun Devil. Aki's mind cleared, the realization dawning on him. He conditioned me to feel these strong emotions—hope and despair—because they're necessary. He was preparing me for this moment, to learn mana. My life has always been a mix of the two. I know what must be done.

Aki dropped to his knees, his head bowed. His voice was steady and resolute as he spoke. "Kang Woo, I know the answer to your question. I choose neither." He looked up, his gaze determined. "Hope and despair—they don't define me. I don't need to cling to one or embrace the other. I need to accept both as part of who I am."

He continued, his voice softening with gratitude. "I'm grateful for your teachings, Kang Woo. And I realize now that I've been blind to the blessings I already have. My brother is back. My friends are here, supporting me—Himeno-senpai, who always has my back, and Angel Devil, who's stood by me even when things seemed hopeless. I forgot to thank you both."

As he spoke, a wave of blue particles began to gather around him, shimmering in the air before merging into his body. The energy was warm and pure, filling him with a newfound power. Aki instinctively snapped his fingers, and in an instant, he was surrounded by blue flames, their ethereal light illuminating the battlefield.

Kang Woo clapped his hands, a rare smile spreading across his face. "Congratulations. You've done it, Aki. You've become the first mage of this world. You've just won against me—equivalent to punching me in the face." He tilted his head, his crimson gaze gleaming with curiosity. "Now, what will you name your magic?"

Aki stood, the blue flames dancing around him, his gaze burning with newfound strength. He took a deep breath and declared, "Azure Resolve." The flames flared brighter as he continued. "It's the balance of hope and despair, the fire that burns within me, lighting the path forward no matter how dark it gets."

Himeno crossed her arms, her lips curling into a bittersweet smile. "Congratulations, Aki. I guess you've grown stronger now…" Her voice trailed off, tinged with a subtle regret. "While I'm still here, stagnant. Still the same Himeno—drunk and barely keeping up. I guess I'll just be watching you from behind, huh?"

Aki turned to her, his expression softening. "Himeno-senpai, don't say that."

Before she could respond, Aki shifted his gaze to Makima . His voice carried a sense of finality. "Ms. Makima, I think… I can't love you anymore. I'm resigning from being your dog, if you don't mind."

Makima tilted her head slightly, her yellow-ringed eyes unreadable. Then, with a faint, almost playful smile, she said, "I already have Kang Woo. And my goal has always been to make him my property. Besides, it lightens my burden, doesn't it?"

Kang Woo let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Keep dreaming, Makima. Fantasy's free for everyone."

Ignoring their exchange, Aki turned back to Himeno. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them and kissed her gently. Himeno froze, her eyes widening in shock as the flames around Aki seemed to burn brighter for a moment.

When he pulled back, his voice was steady, sincere. "Himeno-senpai… do you love me?"

Himeno blinked, her face flushing as she struggled to process what had just happened. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "Aki… I…"

Aki stepped back slightly, his gaze unwavering as he continued, his voice filled with sincerity and vulnerability. "I'm sorry, Himeno-senpai. I've always thought of you as my partner, even now. When I said I was going to marry you after my revenge was complete… you probably thought I was just playing around. But I know now… you truly love me. And I've been blind to it."

He took a deep breath, the flames around him flickering gently, mirroring his emotions. "That day, when I said those words, I still thought of you as a partner. But looking back… you were really happy, weren't you? I must've said it wrong, my tone all off because we were about to die— with that giant boulder sword about to crash us. I was just speaking what was on my mind in the moment, without thinking."

Aki dropped his sword, letting it clatter softly to the ground. He took her hands gently in his, looking directly into her teary eyes. "But now, I'll say it properly, without any distractions. Himeno-senpai… will you accept this man, Aki Hayakawa, whose lifespan is already so diminished by countless devil contracts, as your partner in life until death? Will you… be my wife?"

Himeno's breath hitched as her lips trembled. Her eyes brimmed with tears, and her hands shook slightly in his grasp. For a moment, she was silent, the weight of his words crashing over her like a tidal wave.

Then, with a sudden, overwhelming burst of emotion, Himeno threw her arms around Aki, pulling him into a tight embrace. She buried her face against his shoulder, her tears soaking into his clothes as she began to sob uncontrollably.

"You idiot…" Himeno choked out between her sobs. "You absolute idiot… You think I wouldn't have waited for you, no matter what? You think I didn't know what you meant, even back then?" Her voice broke as she clung to him, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt like a lifeline. "You're such a fool, Aki Hayakawa… but I love you. Of course, I love you. And yes, I'll be your wife. I'll stay with you for as long as we have, no matter how short or long that might be."

Aki's arms wrapped around her tightly, his own eyes glistening with emotion. "Thank you, Himeno-senpai. I swear… I'll protect you. Always."

As Himeno embraced Aki, a surge of blue particles began to swirl around her, mirroring the transformation Aki had undergone earlier. The glowing particles seeped into her body, and for a moment, she blinked in surprise before a sly grin spread across her face.

She turned her gaze toward Kang Woo, her grin widening. "Kang Woo, you narcissistic jerk," she teased, her voice tinged with triumph. "That question you asked us? I choose hope—because my hope has already been answered. And guess what? A drunkard will always be a drunkard."

Raising her hand with a casual gesture, water began to materialize around her, swirling gracefully and radiating a serene but powerful energy. The shimmering liquid seemed to dance in tandem with her movements, forming a protective barrier around her body. It was an antithesis to Aki's fiery aura, yet just as commanding.

Aki raised an eyebrow as a droplet of the magical water landed on his lips. He blinked, his expression shifting to one of confusion. "Why does this taste like beer… and wine?"

Himeno laughed, a hearty, genuine sound that broke through the tension of the moment. "I'm calling it Lucky Drunkard. That's my magic."

Kang Woo slapped his hand against his forehead, groaning in mock exasperation. "Great. There's always one bad apple in the bunch, isn't there?"

Makima chuckled softly, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting with amusement. "At least now we have two mages," she said, her tone calm but edged with satisfaction. "Progress."

Kang Woo stood just two meters away from Aki and Himeno, a subtle smile tugging at his lips as he gazed at the invisible air before him. His expression was one of satisfaction, like a man who had just finished a masterpiece no one else could see.

Aki, noticing the shift, narrowed his eyes. "Why are you smiling, heartless bastard? What are you hiding, huh?" His tone carried a mix of suspicion and frustration,

Makima, standing beside Kang Woo, couldn't resist teasing him. "Kang Woo, does it mean it's successful? Should I reveal it?" Her yellow-ringed eyes gleamed with pride, her tone light but layered with meaning.

Kang Woo chuckled softly, his voice carrying a triumphant edge. "No problem. Some of what I lost has been regained… and I got a bonus as well."

Makima's smile widened, and her voice rose, almost like a declaration. "Kang Woo, my King, the invisible quests only you can see… they've been completed, haven't they? And all the rewards—you've claimed them all?"

Kang Woo threw his arms out dramatically, exhaling deeply as if the weight of an age-old burden had finally lifted. His voice resonated with satisfaction, each word laced with grandeur. "Yes! Ahhhhhhhhhh… After all this time, I thought they would remain forever separated from me. But now… all of my Commandments have been reclaimed. Every single one. And my Grace—restored in full."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, his crimson gaze glinting with unparalleled pride. "And as if that wasn't enough, the bonus… the Aether AKAReality Stone—it's mine now."

As Kang Woo finished speaking, he snapped his fingers, and suddenly, a glowing hologram materialized in the air. It was an intricate quest system, revealing details for everyone to see. The glowing words illuminated the surroundings as the group read the display.

...

Hidden Quest: "Change the World's Power Structure"
Status: Completed

Objective 1:
Indirectly create one Jujutsu Sorcerer capable of developing negative energy on their own.
Reward: Remaining Lost Commandments

Pacifism: Anyone who kills will have their remaining lifetime stolen from them, aging rapidly to death.

Patience: Anyone intolerant of pain will be inflicted with further pain.

Purity: Anyone conducting impure deeds will be inflicted with illness.

Repose: Anyone fighting without rest will have their magic sealed away.

Reticence: Anyone who expresses hidden feelings or emotions will be rendered unable to speak.

Selflessness: Anyone with greed, desire, or selfishness in his presence loses their memories, emotions, and sense of self.

Objective 2:
Indirectly create one Mage capable of developing mana or magic abilities on their own.
Reward: Remaining Lost Graces

Flash: Grants the ability to move at extremely fast speeds.

Ocean: Allows creation and manipulation of water, liquefying the body, healing, or creating oceans to trap enemies. Combined with Tornado, it can create a pocket dimension, manipulate weather, and unleash lightning that destroys at the molecular level.

Tornado: Allows creation and manipulation of wind and air, generating powerful storms or barriers. Combined with Ocean, it creates similar effects, including pocket dimensions and weather control.

Objective 3:
Add harsh custom penalties and difficulties for an additional reward.
Added Difficulty: Teach through the opposite of conventional methods.
Custom Penalty: Shop inventory will be deleted.
Reward: The Aether, aka Reality Stone, in its liquid form.

...

Aki stared at the display, his brow furrowing as he processed the information. "Himeno-senpai," he muttered, his voice heavy with realization. "To Kang Woo, we're probably just…"

"NPCs," Himeno finished flatly, her gaze unwavering. "That's the term, right?"

Reze, standing at a distance, said nothing. In her thoughts, she grappled with the enormity of the revelation. He's had something like this from the very start. This wasn't just a game to him; it was a plan.

Makima, intrigued, stepped closer, her yellow-ringed eyes scanning the list. "What's this Reality Stone? And those graces and commandments—are they the same as the ones inside me, Kang Woo? Did you give me one of those?"

Kang Woo smirked, his crimson gaze meeting hers. "Yes, Makima. The commandment you hold is the same as the ones I just reclaimed."

He raised his arms as five black orbs, representing the Commandments, and three glowing entities, representing the Graces, began to orbit around him. The power radiating from them was overwhelming, suffocating the air around him.

With a commanding voice, Kang Woo spoke a single word. "Kuhito."

The orbs and graces surged forward, merging seamlessly into his arms. The energy they carried pulsed through his body like a thunderstorm, causing the ground beneath him to quake and the air to hum with an unrelenting vibration. The spectacle was as awe-inspiring as it was terrifying.

Kang Woo exhaled deeply, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he lowered his arms. "You've done well," he said, his voice carrying an air of triumph. "The pieces of my power have returned."

Turning his gaze upward, Kang Woo's eyes locked onto the red liquid that painted the Hidden Wonderland's sky. It shimmered and flowed unnaturally, as though alive. Extending his hand, he commanded the liquid to gather, shaping it into a small, concentrated stone that hovered just above his palm. The crimson hue of the stone pulsed faintly, exuding an otherworldly power.

"Reality and Mind," Kang Woo mused, his voice calm yet filled with purpose. "Already at my disposal. Three stones more to go." His crimson eyes gleamed with determination as he clenched his hand around the stone, absorbing it into his system inventory .

Angel Devil, who had remained quiet until now. His voice was steady but carried an undercurrent of frustration. "Kang Woo… what are we to you exactly? You don't look down on us, but you don't care about us either?"

Kang Woo turned his gaze toward Angel Devil, his expression impassive but his crimson eyes glinting with a sharp, unreadable intensity. "You're asking the wrong question," he began, his tone a blend of disinterest and faint amusement. "My power was sealed, scattered across realities, most of it by this world itself. I've spent days in this world reclaiming it. That is my priority. Not your lives, not your struggles, not even your existence."

He smirked slightly, his voice gaining a razor's edge. "My intent is simple—to take back what is mine. And, perhaps…" He paused, chuckling darkly. "…satisfy my boredom along the way."