Makima and Kobeni found themselves traversing the surreal, blood-red sea that rippled like liquid despair. The sky above twisted with chaotic spirals of crimson and black, while the waves beneath them surged unnaturally, each one imbued with demonic essence. The atmosphere was suffocating, an oppressive weight pressing down on their bodies as though they were intruding on something far beyond mortal comprehension.
Kobeni glanced nervously at Makima, her voice trembling. "Ms. Makima—"
Makima interrupted gently, her tone calm. "Just call me Makima. What is it, Kobeni-chan?"
Kobeni hesitated, looking out at the endless expanse of the red sea. "The Falling Devil... one of the primal devils... she screamed like a madwoman once. She said Kang Woo wasn't supposed to exist here. That he's a world threat itself."
Makima's yellow-ringed eyes softened for a moment, but her expression quickly returned to its usual composure. "Don't say it like that, Kobeni-chan. Kang Woo is our husband. He saved you from your family, didn't he?" Makima's voice carried a quiet reverence as she continued. "He saved mine too, in his own way. As the Demon King himself, he lowered himself to give me the familial love I've craved for centuries. But…" Her tone darkened slightly, and she cast a sharp glance at the horizon. "You're not wrong. Kang Woo has something inside him, something deeply wrong that he doesn't want to share. And it's tearing him apart."
Suddenly, their attention was drawn upward as a haunting voice echoed from the sky above. The voice was deep, powerful, and chillingly familiar.
"Ye who passes by me. To the city of grief."
The words reverberated through the air, and the sky began to shatter like fragile glass. Meteors, burning red and black, rained down from above, each impact sending shockwaves through the blood-red sea. The once-chaotic waters became even more turbulent, the waves rising higher and higher as if responding to the ominous chant. ( img Here)
Makima's eyes narrowed. In her thoughts, she recognized the voice immediately. That's Kang Woo's voice. But that speech… it's not good. It feels like a chant to unleash something horrifying. Her heart sank as realization dawned upon her. This is worse than I expected.
Without hesitation, Makima reached out, grabbing Kobeni tightly by the arm. Her single wing of darkness unfurled behind her, casting a protective shadow over them both. "Hold on, Kobeni-chan," she commanded, her voice steady despite the chaos erupting around them. With a single thought, she activated her Darkness Manipulation, creating a shield that enveloped them in an impenetrable cocoon of black energy.
Kobeni clung to Makima, her thoughts racing as they soared through the air, dodging falling meteors and the erupting waves. Even the Demon King has problems with himself, Kobeni thought, her expression softening. But… I'm glad. It means we're not so different after all.
Suddenly, another chant resounded from the stormy sky, the deep voice reverberating across the demonic sea:
"Ye who pass me. To eternal suffering."
The vortex ahead grew darker, its swirling mass now resembling a storm of universe-sized proportions. The lightless sea churned violently beneath them, meteors continued to fall like harbingers of doom, and yet Makima and Kobeni remained silent, their resolve fixed. The vortex was their goal. Whatever awaited there, they knew that was where Kang Woo resided.
A third chant echoed, its tone heavier, almost malevolent:
"Ye who pass me, to the land of the dead. Malice dyes the sea black, creating me with endless desires. Only those eternal may precede me, for I am eternal."
Makima's wing suddenly vanished, and the cocoon of darkness around them dissipated as if suppressed by an external force. She braced herself, preparing to cushion Kobeni as they began to plummet toward the hellish sea below.
But Kobeni, surprising even herself, called out, "Don't worry, Makima, I can help! I think… I think I'm starting to understand the ability Kang Woo gave me."
Makima's eyes widened slightly as Kobeni stretched out her palm, her expression determined. Kobeni's thoughts raced. I've been thinking… this ice ability isn't magic. It's natural, like a phenomenon. Please, let this work!
The air around them shimmered before freezing entirely. The space surrounding them solidified, forming a crystalline platform that suspended them mid-air.
Makima gave a rare smile. "Amazing, Kobeni-chan. I didn't expect you to freeze space itself and make us float. You've exceeded my expectations."
Kobeni blushed faintly but remained focused. "I… I have no idea how I'm doing this, but I think you're right. The sea isn't safe anymore."
Below them, the once-red sea was now visibly cracking apart, glowing with veins of molten lava-like energy mixed with blood. It was as though the sea itself was tearing apart reality.
Makima narrowed her eyes at the vortex in the distance. "Kobeni-chan, can you freeze another step? At least close enough to reach that vortex."
Kobeni nodded with determination. "I'll do what I can." Then, hesitating briefly, she asked, "Makima… am I worthy of being the Demon King's second wife?"
Makima's gaze softened. "Yes, Kobeni-chan. You are. But hurry—things are becoming far too chaotic now."
Kobeni nodded again, focusing on her task. She reached out, freezing another patch of space ahead, creating a path toward the vortex. One step at a time, she continued, the air cracking and crystallizing under her will, as Makima stayed close, her sharp eyes ever watchful of the chaos unfolding around them.
As they reached the edge of the swirling vortex, something changed in Kobeni's demeanor. She grabbed Makima's hand, pulling her back slightly.
"Makima," Kobeni said softly, her voice trembling with both determination and fear. "Give my parting words to Kang Woo... Tell him I love him so much."
Before Makima could react, Kobeni placed her hand on the vortex. The world around them twisted and churned, and for a split second, everything went black. Then, as if breaking through a barrier, they were transported again, landing on another blood-red sea. This time, the sky above them was shrouded in darkness, illuminated by a glowing, ominous red moon.
Kobeni blinked, looking down at herself. "Eh? I'm… still alive?"
Makima, unfazed, placed a hand gently on Kobeni's head. Her lips curled into a faint smirk. "That's a good joke, Kobeni-chan. The situation is incredibly tense, and we needed a little ice breaker."
Kobeni's face flushed as she covered it with her hands, groaning in embarrassment. I'm so ashamed! I delivered parting words, thinking it required a sacrifice, but I was completely wrong. Her thoughts raced with self-criticism, yet there was a small relief knowing she had survived.
Makima's expression softened even further. She stepped closer, her voice calm and understanding. "Don't worry, Kobeni-chan. We all make mistakes. I've made my share as well. I lashed out at Kang Woo once, even though he's been nothing but kind to me." She paused, her gaze distant for a moment. "That's part of why we're here now—to find him and make things right."
Before Makima could fully process their surroundings, her sharp eyes caught sight of Kang Woo in the distance. His figure loomed ominously above the red sea, his face obscured by a shroud of darkness, like a shadow that defied light itself. He held Dormammu by the throat, though the ruler of the Dark Dimension was already unconscious, his limp form a testament to Kang Woo's overwhelming fury.
Behind Kang Woo, three massive wooden doors towered like titanic monuments to chaos. Two of the doors were wide open, torrents of crimson waters spilling forth and flooding Kang Woo's inner world. The eerie red ocean stretched endlessly, pulsating with energy that felt like the heartbeat of destruction. ( img here )
Makima froze, her breath catching in her throat. Kobeni, however, didn't hesitate. Her instincts screamed at her, and before Makima could stop her.
Kobeni dashed forward with incredible speed. She shouted over her shoulder, "If the third door opens, it'll be the end—not just for us, but our world as well !"
Kobeni extended her hand toward the third door, her ice ability surging forth with a desperate intensity. The freezing power enveloped the massive structure, layer upon layer of thick frost forming over it in an attempt to seal it shut. The temperature plummeted, and the air around her crystallized with shimmering flakes of ice.
But Kang Woo, consumed by his berserk state, paid no heed to his wives' presence. His aura was darker and more oppressive than ever, and the energy radiating from him felt suffocating. Still gripping Dormammu with one hand, he continued his ominous chant, his voice echoing through the void:
"Ye who pass through, abandon all—"
"THERE IS STILL HOPE!" Makima's voice cut through the chaos like a blade, firm and unwavering.
Kang Woo's chant faltered, his shadowed face slowly turning toward Makima. The intensity of his presence remained, but something shifted. For a moment, everything seemed to pause.
Makima stepped forward, her yellow-ringed eyes locking with the faint outline of Kang Woo's crimson ones beneath the shroud of darkness . It was reminiscent of the first time they had met, a silent exchange of power and understanding.
But this time, Makima's gaze was different. It wasn't a challenge, nor a display of dominance. It was a plea—a plea to save him from the Unknown that threatened to consume him entirely.
Makima's yellow-ringed eyes locked with Kang Woo's void-like gaze, the tension between them palpable. Behind Kang Woo stood the three massive wooden doors, two of which were already open, releasing waves of crimson-red oceans that flooded his inner world. Kobeni, her face pale and her body trembling, desperately used her ice abilities to seal the third door. She remained silent, fully aware that if Kang Woo completed his chant and the third door opened, everything—their world would be doomed.
Makima, her mind racing, thought bitterly, I'm completely outmatched. Kang Woo's power… it's beyond anything now. He must have broken through to level 200 or higher. He consumed something again , and the being he just crushed… She glanced at Dormammu, still being choked by Kang Woo. That's Dormammu. And he's nothing more than dust in Kang Woo's hands.
With a guttural growl, Kang Woo's grip tightened. Dormammu, once the feared ruler of the Dark Dimension, disintegrated into a fine mist, his essence vanishing into nothingness. Kang Woo turned his hollow gaze to the vortex surrounding them, his voice calm yet filled with ominous authority. "Sunset."
The sky, once darkened by a crimson hue, now turned pitch black as demonic energy swirled above like a storm. Flames of Voracity erupted from the heavens, resembling a blackened sun. The flames rained down with terrifying force, pouring onto Makima like an endless, burning downpour.
Makima barely had time to react as the torrent of destructive energy struck her, sending her flying backward with incredible force. She broke through the vortex, her body crashing through the chaotic waves of Kang Woo's inner world. Blood spilled from her mouth as she coughed violently, the pain radiating through her body.
I once joked that one day we'd settle it in an arena, Makima thought bitterly, her vision blurred from the impact. It seems my foolish wish has come true. But this isn't the Kang Woo I know. This isn't the man who protected me. She swallowed the blood pooling in her throat. This Kang Woo… he's fighting with the intent to kill me.
As she plummeted toward the sea of blood below, she prepared herself to cushion the impact. But the sea, unlike its previous violent and chaotic state, seemed to submit to her presence. Its surface was calm, as if it had entered a neutral state, and it gently cradled Makima as she landed. She blinked in confusion, the strange behavior of the sea adding to the surreality of the moment.
Suddenly, the sound of reality itself cracking filled the air. Makima's heart sank as Kang Woo stepped through the fissure, his immense presence looming over her like a god descending from the heavens. Behind him, the three massive doors floated ominously, the crimson ocean behind him churning violently. Kobeni clung desperately to the third door, her ice abilities struggling to keep it sealed.
Kang Woo's eyes bore into Makima, his voice dripping with disdain as he addressed her. "Nobodies like you don't belong here."
Makima gritted her teeth, forcing herself to her feet despite the immense pain wracking her body. She locked eyes with Kang Woo, her expression a mixture of determination and sorrow. "Kang Woo… I'm not here to fight you. I'm here to bring you back." Her voice was firm, yet there was an undeniable tremor of emotion behind her words.
Kang Woo tilted his head slightly, his expression devoid of recognition. "Bring me back?" He laughed darkly, the sound echoing across the blood-red sea. "There's nothing to bring back. I am exactly where I belong."
As his words hung in the air, the flames surrounding him intensified, casting an eerie glow across the battlefield. Behind him, Kobeni's voice trembled as she shouted, "Makima! I can't hold this door much longer!"
Makima's sharp eyes flicked toward Kang Woo's back, where she saw a towering castle. It loomed over the blood-red sea, its spires adorned with swirling , casting an ominous red light over the darkened sky. The structure seemed to defy all logic, as if it were tethered to the fabric of the universe itself.( img here)
Makima's thoughts raced. The red sea… it's responding to his emotions. Right now, he's curious. Maybe… just maybe… I can reach him.
A low chuckle escaped her lips, slowly escalating into a dark, mocking laugh. "Kuhuhu… ahahahaha!" The eerie sound echoed across the sea, reverberating against the castle and resonating within Kang Woo's inner world.
Kang Woo's expression flickered for a moment, irritation flashing in his crimson eyes. "What's so funny, third-rate character?" he asked, his tone sharp and mocking, dripping with disdain.
Makima steadied herself, wiping the blood from her mouth with deliberate precision as her smirk grew wider. "It's just… amusing," she began, her voice carrying an air of challenge. "It's like a fairy tale. A wretched being like me—an invalid in your eyes—was promoted by none other than the Demon King himself. I became his first wife."
Her words seemed to cut through Kang Woo's composure, though his face betrayed nothing. He remained silent, but a strange flicker of confusion passed through his crimson gaze. Something about her words… felt familiar, like a missing puzzle piece struggling to fit into the fragmented memories swirling within him.
Makima's sharp instincts kicked in as she noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor. She pressed on, her tone softening slightly. "And that Demon King… is you, Kang Woo."
The red sea stilled momentarily, the swirling chaos seeming to pause as if holding its breath. Makima's darkness manipulation, which had been suppressed, began to return. She felt its energy gathering around her once more, albeit faintly.
Kang Woo's gaze sharpened, his voice laced with both intrigue and mockery. "Under normal circumstances, I would kill you without a second thought. But for a nobody like you to dare say such things…" He paused, tilting his head slightly, his tone growing darker. "There must be something wrong in your head."
His words hung in the air like a challenge as he raised Chaos Excalibur, its dark energy pulsating menacingly. "I won't even waste my magic on someone like you. Attack whenever you like, and once you're satisfied, get lost."
Makima's gaze locked with Kang Woo's as her memories flooded back like waves crashing against a shore. Each flash of her past fueled her determination. The first memory was of Aokigahara Forest, when she was on the brink of death before Kang Woo had saved her. Then, fleeting but cherished moments with her former subordinates—Aki, Himeno, and even Kishibe—flashed through her mind. She even recalled her training with the Ancient One, the wise mentor who taught her to manipulate the very fabric of space and time.
But the final memory was the one she held closest to her heart. It was the last meaningful conversation she had with Kang Woo before his berserk transformation:
Kang Woo's smirk softened slightly, and he looked at Makima with a hint of amusement. "Tell me, you've got one soul in your body, right?"
Makima raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Of course. Are you seriously asking that? Every sentient being has just one soul."
"Exactly," Kang Woo continued, unfazed by her teasing. "But with just that one soul, using your Soul Dominion Enchantment trait, you managed to steal my Zogratis Legacy Magic. The grimoire moved its allegiance to you, even though you're only at half my level."
Makima blinked, genuinely surprised. "Really? It actually moved to me?" She let out a skeptical laugh. "I mean, I'm level 45, and you're—well, you're twice that."
Kang Woo chuckled, leaning slightly closer. "The reason the book shined brighter when I held it is because my soul is always battle-ready. Plus, there's a little difference between us. Right now, I carry around 10 million souls in my body."
Makima recalled the fleeting, ghostly movements she'd once seen in his pinky finger, and her eyes widened slightly. Kang Woo leaned in further, smirking. "Congrats. Your one soul? Turns out it's worth more than 10 million of mine."
The flashback ended, and Makima's hand snapped up, forming the shape of a finger pistol. Her movements were deliberate, her focus razor-sharp. She infused a part of her own soul into the attack, combining her Control Ability with Warp Space Matter Magic. Her voice was calm yet laced with resolve as she whispered, "Bang."
A gleaming Soul Bullet shot from her fingertips, streaking toward Kang Woo with incredible precision. It hit its mark, striking him in the chest with a resounding impact.
Kang Woo barely flinched, his crimson eyes narrowing as he gazed at the point of impact. "What are you trying to achieve?" he asked, his tone cold and unimpressed.
Suddenly, something shifted. From the point where the Soul Bullet struck, a soul chain materialized, glowing faintly as it extended from Kang Woo's chest and connected to Makima's. The connection between them was palpable, their energies entwining in a way that even Kang Woo couldn't immediately decipher.
His thoughts raced. Is she trying to drain my mana? No, impossible—both my mana and demonic energy are infinite. They can't be reduced. No… she's trying—
Makima smirked, her voice steady as she interrupted his thoughts. "That's right. I'm not trying to drain you—I'm trying to rob you. The ability you've always called the Almighty Ability."
Kang Woo's eyes widened slightly, but then he smiled, a rare flicker of genuine amusement breaking through his stern demeanor. Fucking girl… he thought to himself, his smirk returning as he silently admired her audacity.
Kang Woo smirked, a flicker of genuine amusement in his crimson eyes as he felt the pull from the soul chain still connecting him to Makima. Her audacity was undeniable, and it brought a rare, almost twisted smile to his face. Fucking girl, he thought again, marveling at her defiance.
He raised his hand, activating Purgatorial Storm. A massive dome of chaos erupted in front of him, obliterating everything within a 6-kilometer radius. The storm mirrored the horrors of Purgatory itself—scorching heat, freezing cold, and toxic ground, all warped by distorted time. Inside, one minute in reality stretched into an agonizing year of suffering. Yet, the dome was precisely directed, sparing Kobeni, who still clung desperately to the third door, struggling to keep it sealed.
Makima, however, bore the brunt of the storm. Her breathing grew labored, each exhale a painful mix of frost and fire as the chaotic environment battered her body. Yet, despite the agony, the soul chain remained taut, connecting her to Kang Woo.
Kang Woo's gaze flicked to his hand, now slightly damaged, a sliver of blood trickling down his knuckles. His smirk returned as he realized her ploy. Ah, the nobody shares her damage with me through the chain… Clever, he mused.
Makima, still clinging to the soul chain, hung on despite the impossible odds. Her body trembled from the torment, but her thoughts remained sharp. It's impossible to rob his abilities outright, she acknowledged silently. But at least I can reinforce the chain.
Kang Woo, unimpressed, waved his hand. The red sea parted beneath Makima, revealing a massive, endless abyss. The gaping maw of the void threatened to swallow her whole as the soul chain began to loosen.
"Give up and accept your fate," Kang Woo commanded, his tone final and absolute.
The chain slackened as Makima began to sink, the abyss pulling her down. Kang Woo turned his back, satisfied that this would end her. But as he prepared to sever their connection entirely, something felt off. His instincts flared as he sensed movement—her trajectory didn't follow the natural pull of the abyss.
No… she's not sinking. She's—
Makima used the momentum of the storm and the trajectory of her fall to propel herself directly toward Kang Woo, the soul chain acting as her anchor. She crashed into him with force, her body slamming into his with enough impact to make him stumble. His hand reflexively reached out, catching her wrist mid-motion as her fingers formed the telltale shape of a pistol aimed directly at his face.
Chaos Excalibur materialized in Kang Woo's other hand, its edge pressing coldly against Makima's neck, a silent threat. Both remained locked in the moment, their faces inches apart, the storm raging around them.
Makima abandoned her finger-pistol gesture and instead pressed Chaos Excalibur deeper against her neck, drawing a thin line of blood. Her voice was calm yet heavy with emotion as she spoke. "It's okay, Kang Woo. It's okay if you want to kill me. If you hold a grudge against me… I'll accept it."
Kang Woo's crimson eyes narrowed in confusion. His grip on the sword tightened as he growled, "Are you being suicidal, girl?"
Makima smiled faintly, her yellow-ringed eyes softening. "I'm not suicidal, Kang Woo. I just want to know what I can give you. You already have everything. If I can't give you anything of value, then at least let me bring you back to the loving husband you are."
Kang Woo blinked, and for a moment, something deep within him stirred. A torrent of suppressed memories surged to the surface, unearthing moments he hadn't realized had been buried under layers of demonic energy and chaos. He recalled a day when Makima, furious at his endless teasing, had pressed a finger pistol to his forehead.
"Do it," Kang Woo had said with a mischievous grin. "You're the kind of person who shoots first and asks questions later, aren't you?"
Makima, exasperated, had pinched his cheeks in retaliation, muttering about how infuriating he was. Kang Woo, amused and charmed by her fiery nature, had later bestowed the Commandment of Piety upon her. He remembered saving her at Aokigahara Forest, the fierce determination in her eyes when she declared she wanted to make him her property. It wasn't her power that captivated him—it was the life, the color, the chaos she brought into his otherwise empty, lonely existence.
More memories flooded in. Kang Woo recalled the serenity he'd felt during quiet moments with her, like when they lay side by side in the Millennium Castle. Despite reigning over the Ninth Hell and having everything, he'd always felt a void—his emotions stripped from him during his rise to power. But now, in Makima's presence, that void seemed smaller, less suffocating.
The realization hit him like a wave. It's not about her power. It's not about her ambition. It's her presence—her laughter, her fire, her unwavering devotion. That's what I needed.
Without a word, Kang Woo released Chaos Excalibur. The blade vanished, and with a single motion, he shut all the doors of Myriad Demon Palace. The oppressive red sea and the stormy, chaotic universe around them began to transform. The sea shifted into a tranquil, crimson expanse, reflecting an aurora-filled sky that shimmered with breathtaking colors. The storm subsided, replaced by a serene beauty that mirrored the newfound clarity in Kang Woo's heart.(img here)
He extended his arms, pulling both Makima and Kobeni close. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, his embrace wasn't driven by dominance or power—it was warm, almost gentle.
"I remember you both," Kang Woo said, his voice low but filled with certainty. "You're my wives. The only stars that can light my dark sky."
Tears streamed down Kobeni's cheeks as she buried her face into Kang Woo's chest, her voice trembling. "Welcome back, Kang Woo… my husband. The one who appreciates my cooking."
Makima, her own tears falling freely, looked up at him with a mixture of relief and love. "Welcome back, my Demon King… the one who saved me, who gave me the familial love and hugs I craved. My Kang Woo… the one called Anos Voldigoad."
Despite the raw emotions of the moment, no tears escaped Kang Woo's eyes. His sorrow had been stripped from him, leaving only a quiet understanding. Yet, even without tears, the love and gratitude in his embrace spoke louder than words. In that moment, surrounded by the calm crimson sea and the aurora above, the three of them shared a bond that transcended their struggles—a bond forged in love, ambition, and unshakable devotion.
Kang Woo sat on the tranquil crimson sea, the shimmering aurora casting a surreal glow over him, Makima, and Kobeni. His expression remained calm, though his crimson eyes glinted with faint curiosity. "Did your world blow off because of me, or not?"
Kobeni hesitated, glancing at Makima for reassurance before answering. "About to, actually. The sky… reality itself was tearing apart."
Kang Woo leaned back slightly, his tone almost matter-of-fact. "This is the second time I've opened that door outside the Ninth Hell. Each time, the consequences are... messy." He turned his gaze toward them, his tone now edged with suspicion. "But before we continue—how did you get in here? This place is isolated. No one can access it."
Kobeni immediately looked to Makima, silently urging her to explain. Makima cleared her throat, her voice composed but laced with a hint of nervousness. "Uh… I used the Space Stone and combined it with the Infinity Sling Ring. But it's not just that—it's also because of my connection to you, Kang Woo. Remember? Your Commandment of Piety is embedded in my body and soul."
Kang Woo narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze piercing as he processed her words. After a moment, he smirked faintly. "And you decided to pull that soul chain stunt using that same connection. Trying to bluff me by pretending to rob my Almighty Ability, but in truth… you just wanted to get closer to me." He chuckled softly. "I can't underestimate you anymore, Makima."
Makima's lips curled into a sly smile. "So, does that mean I've earned Lucius' grimoire now?" Her tone was playful, but there was a hint of genuine hope in her voice.
Kang Woo shook his head, his smirk widening. "Nope. Your soul abilities still suck."
Makima's smile twisted into a pout as she reached out and pinched his cheek, much to his mild annoyance. "At least I deserve some kind of reward! I just saved our world—and by default, my universe—from you."
Kang Woo's laughter was deep and quiet, resonating like a low rumble across the serene sea. " Name your reward, Makima."
Makima leaned closer, her yellow-ringed eyes gleaming with both mischief and sincerity. "I want what I've always wanted from you, Kang Woo. Stay with me—by my side. Forever."
Kang Woo's crimson eyes softened, the faintest flicker of an emotion he could no longer name crossing his face. "You're a stubborn one, aren't you?"
Makima smiled knowingly. "You wouldn't have it any other way."
Kobeni, watching the exchange, finally relaxed, her face breaking into a shy smile. " I guess that means I still have a lot to learn about dealing with a Demon King."
Kang Woo glanced at her, his smirk returning. "You've already earned your place here, Kobeni. Both of you have."
Kang Woo leaned back slightly, his crimson eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he addressed Makima. "Still, there's something you're hiding, Makima. Something you really want to ask. I'm tired of secrets, so just ask."
Makima hesitated for a moment before leaning in closer, her yellow-ringed eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and determination. "Right, Kang Woo. You've always looked at me with pity and love… but I've also seen hate and sadness. I can't help but feel it's directed at me, not Nayuta. May I know why?"
Kang Woo exhaled deeply, his gaze softening as he met her eyes. "I don't hate you, Makima. I genuinely love you. But what I hate… is the fate stored for you. Why you had to be like this—what you had to endure for centuries. You were finally granted what you've wanted, but the world still demands more from you."
Makima's expression darkened, her voice sharp as she said, "Should I kill Gaia? The world itself? Since it's your enemy, then by default, it's mine too. I've realized that the world itself is a damn asshole."
Kang Woo smirked slightly but shook his head. "Gaia can wait. And don't kill it—if you kill Gaia, your world will explode. Fine by me if you want it gone, but I doubt that's what you really want."
Kobeni interjected quickly, her voice trembling. "No, Kang Woo! Not that! I… I still love my world."
Makima sighed and nodded in agreement. "Forget that suggestion. You're right. It's not worth it."
Kang Woo's tone grew more serious as he continued. "The second part of the answer is… my emotions have been stripped from me."
Makima's brows furrowed in confusion. "Stripped? What does that mean?"
Kang Woo's gaze grew distant. "My joy and sorrow… they're gone. For example, if you somehow died—permanently, killed by someone—I wouldn't be able to shed tears. I wouldn't feel anything. As I gained power at an unnatural speed, opened the door behind me , devouring my enemies and growing stronger, I lost more and more parts of myself."
Makima's eyes softened, a twinge of pain crossing her face. "You… can't feel joy or sorrow anymore?"
Kang Woo shook his head slightly. "No. Not in the way I used to. Power has its cost, Makima. And for me, that cost was the ability to truly feel. I gained dominion over my enemies, but I lost what made me… human."
Makima reached out, her hand resting gently on his. "Then we'll find a way, Kang Woo. Together. If we can bring even a sliver of that humanity back to you… we will. You don't have to face this alone anymore."
Kobeni, standing nearby, nodded with quiet determination. "We're here for you. No matter what."
Kang Woo's gaze remained steady, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as he listened to Makima's proposal. He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head slightly. "Nope, it's impossible, Makima. I've lived for 10,000 years. Most of that time, I've been consumed by boredom and anger. This path… it's just what comes with it."
Makima, undeterred, leaned closer, her yellow-ringed eyes filled with determination. "Kang Woo, how about this? You live inside me."
Kang Woo blinked, his head tilting slightly. "What?"
Makima smirked faintly. "You become a smaller version of yourself—miniature. You reside inside my body and soul, sleeping or doing whatever it takes to find peace or a solution. At the very least, it's a stalemate. It's an option."
Kang Woo raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips twitching into a smirk. "Mini me inside you? That's… unconventional."
Before the conversation could continue, Kang Woo placed his hand on Kobeni's shoulder. A faint pulse of energy flowed through her, and suddenly, her abilities surged. A new facet of her ice power awakened.
"Now, don't tell me I'm unfair, all right, Kobeni-chan?" Kang Woo said, his smirk widening slightly. "I've just upgraded you."
Kobeni's eyes widened as she felt the rush of power within her. "Thank you, Kang Woo," she said softly, a mixture of awe and gratitude in her voice.
Turning back to Makima, Kang Woo's expression shifted slightly, his smirk softening. "I don't like the idea of becoming 'mini-me.' Instead, how about this: I compress my heart and embed it into your soul. You'll have two hearts—yours and mine—until I wake up or something pisses me off enough to intervene."
Makima smiled, her voice soft but resolute. "I don't mind, as long as it makes you better."
Kang Woo nodded, his expression becoming thoughtful. "All right, but I'll share something with you first." He bit his finger, drawing a small drop of blood. As it dripped onto the crimson sea, it sizzled and began to spread, creating an intricate pattern.
"Once upon a time," Kang Woo began, his tone steady and calm, "a Quincy King discovered something… unnatural. He could share his spirit with others. Eventually, he found an even more potent method—engraving letters, signifying abilities, directly onto another's soul. By drinking his blood in a ritual, others could inherit fragments of his power. They called it the Schrift."
Makima listened intently, her eyes locked on Kang Woo.
"What I'm about to do for you, Makima, is different but similar," Kang Woo continued. "You'll become my other half. While I rest, you'll hold dominion over demons. You'll be my second-in-command, and I'll grant you a power akin to my Almighty."
Makima's gaze didn't waver as she replied, her voice steady. "I'll carry it with pride, Kang Woo. Whatever it takes to help you and to stay by your side."
Makima's steady gaze never faltered as Kang Woo extended his hand, the crimson drop of his blood glistening on his finger. Without hesitation, she leaned forward and drank it, the taste burning with an otherworldly intensity as it surged through her body.
Kang Woo's crimson eyes glinted as he spoke, his voice firm yet calm. "I bestow upon you Schrift : A, the same as mine. It will be called Age of Gods. Its power, for now, is simple: any ability energy categorized as magic or negative will be nullified the instant it comes into contact with your body. But that's only the beginning. As you learn to understand the multiverse, as you grow stronger, more powers will unlock. It will evolve with you."
Makima felt the energy coursing through her veins, her body adjusting to the overwhelming might of the Schrift. She steadied herself, her voice unwavering. "Didn't you hate gods, Kang Woo? Why name it after them?"
Kang Woo chuckled softly, a rare moment of amusement. "I despise the gods, true. But not their era. The Age of Gods—the time when mortals knew freedom and lived by clear rules, provided the gods were benevolent—was one of the most remarkable eras. The gods themselves are the problem, not what they represented."
Makima smirked, the corner of her lips curling mischievously. "So, you're saying gods are just a bunch of assholes wasting space?"
Kang Woo tilted his head, his smirk matching hers. "Exactly. Just like that."
He paused for a moment before adding, "Speaking of which, I forgot to mention something important about the Almighty ability, Makima. There's a small chance that our Schrifts might swap."
Makima blinked, her smirk fading into confusion. "Swapped? What do you mean?"
Kang Woo leaned back slightly, his crimson eyes sharp with thought. "It means my Almighty might transfer to you, and your Age of Gods could transfer to me. It's a rare occurrence, but given our connection through the Commandment of Piety, it's not impossible." He glanced at Kobeni as well. "Keep this under wraps. Both of you. And that includes you, Kobeni."
Kobeni nodded quickly, her expression tense. Makima frowned slightly. "Why keep it secret?"
Kang Woo smirked again, his voice calm but with an edge. "Because Almighty is an instant-win power in most situations. If the world learned about it . they'd go insane trying to comprehend it."
Makima raised an eyebrow, her tone almost teasing. "Aki and Himeno are already insane enough for following you. But… what makes this Almighty so overwhelming?"
Kang Woo's tone shifted, becoming more instructional. "The first primary ability of Almighty is future observation. It allows me to see all possible futures simultaneously, as if I'm observing countless grains of sand blowing in the wind. I can act accordingly, using the knowledge I gain to anticipate and counter any opponent."
Makima tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "… like the Future Devil? It can see the future too."
Kang Woo rolled his eyes. "Don't insult me. That's a third-rate power. An invalid. Almighty doesn't just see the future—it transforms it."
"Transforms it?" Kobeni asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes," Kang Woo said, his voice taking on an ominous tone. "Future transformation. It's the second ability. It means I can alter the future itself. For example, let's say Angel Devil's head suddenly gets smashed, or Aki gets stabbed during training. It doesn't matter if those events haven't happened yet—I simply do them in the future, and they become reality instantly."
Kobeni gulped, her hands trembling slightly. "That's terrifying…"
Makima nodded, her tone serious. "That really is an instant-win power, Kang Woo. How do you even counter something like that?"
Kang Woo shrugged. "You can't. But it's not all-powerful. It only works where I have a chance to win. And places without time, like the Demonic Sea, render it useless."
He smirked as he added, "Makima, you can tell anyone about Almighty if you want. Watching the world spiral into insanity might actually be interesting. But Kobeni? Not you."
Kobeni blinked in surprise. "Why not me?"
Kang Woo chuckled, his crimson eyes glinting mischievously. "Because you're a lucky duck, and I like it."
Kobeni's face scrunched up in mock frustration. "I'm a bit jealous, Kang Woo. Why does Makima get to have all the fun?"
Ignoring her complaint, Kang Woo turned back to Makima. "Now, let's move on to the third ability of Almighty—Instant Adaptability."
Makima's eyebrows rose in curiosity. "Will Age of Gods have sub-powers like that? It's quite enticing to have multiple abilities from one Schrift."
Kang Woo shrugged. "Maybe. I'm not sure yet. But let me explain Instant Adaptability: anything that attempts to harm me is rendered powerless. The Almighty immediately adapts to any threat, making me impervious to harm in every way. In simpler terms, everything I see becomes powerless before me."
Makima blinked, her usually calm demeanor slipping into one of incredulity. "That's the most cheating ability I've ever seen in my entire life."
Kang Woo smirked. "There are plenty more ridiculous abilities out there. You'll need to broaden your perspective as we travel together, Makima. Trust me, you've only scratched the surface."
Makima crossed her arms, still processing the sheer absurdity of the Almighty. "What happens if Almighty gets transferred to me ? "
Kang Woo's expression shifted into one of mild curiosity. "That's the real question, isn't it? I don't know if you'd be able to wield it at full power or just access fragments of its abilities. The transfer would be temporary—when I wake up, everything would return to normal. But if it does switch… well, I guess we'll find out together."
Makima smirked, her confidence returning. " If it happens, I'll make sure to put your Almighty to good use."
Kobeni, still sulking slightly, muttered, "Maybe you should try sharing it with me, Kang Woo. Just once."
Kang Woo chuckled lightly at Kobeni's suggestion. "No, Kobeni-chan. You already have an overpowered ability I unlocked for you—Severed World. You'll figure it out eventually."
Kobeni tilted her head, confused but intrigued. "Severed World?"
"You'll see soon enough," Kang Woo said with a smirk, leaving her both curious and slightly nervous.
Makima, ready to return home, slid her Infinity Sling Ring over her finger and attempted to open a portal. She gestured confidently, but nothing happened. The air remained still, unyielding.
"It's not working?" Makima muttered, her brow furrowing.
Kang Woo crossed his arms, his expression amused. "It's a one-way trip, Makima. The Demonic Sea isn't your typical realm. You don't leave unless I allow it."
With a wave of his hand, Kang Woo activated his Authority of Gates. Instead of a portal, a jagged crack in reality appeared, sharp and shimmering like shattered glass suspended in the air. The edges of the crack glowed with faint, chaotic energy, radiating Kang Woo's immense power.
Makima stared at the fractured reality, her sharp instincts immediately noticing the difference. "That's not a normal gate… It's more destructive."
Kang Woo examined the crack with a faint grin. "Looks like my Authority just got upgraded. Probably means 35 percent of my power has returned."
Makima's eyes widened. "Thirty percent? Just how powerful are you going to be when you hit 50 percent?"
Kang Woo didn't answer directly. Instead, he smiled knowingly, a mixture of mystery and confidence on his face. "You'll find out when the time comes."
Makima sighed but couldn't help smirking at his arrogance. Kobeni, still trying to process what "Severed World" meant, followed closely behind as the three of them stepped through the jagged gateway, leaving the crimson sea and aurora-lit sky behind.
The reality around them shifted, and with every step, the trio moved closer to their home.
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On the exposed wall of Futamichi Café, the air was thick with tension and anticipation. Himeno and Aki sat on one side, with Reze standing nearby, her eyes fixed on the jagged cracks in reality where Kang Woo and the others had disappeared. On the opposite side, Quanxi and Kishibe lounged casually, though their sharp gazes betrayed their unease.
Quanxi broke the silence first, her tone as blunt as ever. "Aki, you don't seem surprised or bothered that Makima turned out to be a devil."
Aki shrugged, his expression calm and collected. "Ms. Makima was always a bit cold and calculative before she met Kang Woo. Whether she hid her identity or got exposed, it doesn't really change anything. She's still the same person though she become a better person since she met kang woo ."
Himeno smirked, leaning back slightly. "Should we be more worried about the Control Devil hiding her identity, or her deranged husband Kang Woo? He's capable of doing whatever he wants. Besides, the people of Japan don't care whether Makima is a devil or not. She's still hailed as the hero who saved Tokyo."
Reze, still silent, shifted her stance but didn't say a word, her focus unbroken.
Himeno pulled out a cigarette, holding it between her fingers. "Ah, shit. Forgot my lighter."
Aki snapped his fingers casually, and a small azure flame ignited at his fingertips. He brought it closer, lighting Himeno's cigarette. The faint blue light danced in the dim air before extinguishing itself.
Himeno exhaled a puff of smoke, eyeing him with mild amusement. "You really seem to like the magic Kang Woo bestowed upon you, huh?"
Aki didn't reply immediately. Instead, he held out his hand. "Himeno-senpai, you still have another cigarette, right?"
Himeno raised an eyebrow but handed him one. "You've been smoking a lot more lately. What's up with that?"
Aki lit the cigarette with another snap of his fingers, taking a deep drag before responding. "It eases my nerves… and keeps my sanity intact. I need it before I speak with Kang Woo."
Himeno glanced at him, puzzled. "Your sanity? What's going on with you?"
Before Aki could answer, Himeno turned her attention to Kishibe and Quanxi, who were staring at the exchange with matching looks of confusion. Himeno smirked. "Aki's my husband and my walking lighter now."
Both Kishibe and Quanxi blinked, clearly thrown off by her sudden declaration.
Quanxi tilted her head. "What just happened?"
Kishibe, scratching his chin, added dryly, "Guess I missed something."
Quanxi, still processing, looked back at Aki. "Is Kang Woo's power… like magic from fantasy games or RPGs?"
Aki took another drag of his cigarette, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. "You'd better ask Kang Woo. He'll explain it better than I can."
As the jagged cracks in reality mended themselves, Makima and Kobeni stepped through, their expressions tired but resolute.
Reze was the first to notice their arrival, her voice light yet curious. "Welcome back. But… where's Kang Woo?"
Before they could answer, the ground trembled slightly. A dark substance began to spread across the floor, its texture shimmering like molten shadows. From within the spreading darkness, Kang Woo emerged, his presence commanding and otherworldly.
He was adorned in a new set of clothes, their design exuding a regal, ominous air. A long, high-collared black coat draped over his shoulders, with intricate patterns embroidered in silver threading along its edges. Chains of polished obsidian dangled from his chest, connecting to an ornate golden pin near his collar. The coat's coattails split dramatically behind him, giving him an almost spectral appearance as they moved with an unnatural fluidity. Beneath the coat, he wore a fitted black vest and high-collared undershirt, accentuating his lean, powerful frame. His gloves, pitch-black and fingerless, hinted at both formality and the raw power they concealed. The outfit was completed by dark boots, their polished surface reflecting the eerie light of his surroundings. ( img here )
Makima's sharp eyes scanned him, a faint smirk curling her lips. "New attire?"
Kang Woo gave her a sideways glance, his crimson eyes glinting faintly. "Feeling a bit more like my old self," he replied, his tone carrying a weight that silenced the air.
Kobeni's face lit up with awe. "It's… awesome, Kang Woo! You look like you're the ruler of everything."
Kang Woo turned his gaze to her and lifted a single gloved finger to his lips—a silent gesture commanding her not to speak further. His expression was unreadable, but the weight of his message was clear. Kobeni, catching the meaning, nodded quickly, her enthusiasm tempered by respect.
The tension in the air was palpable, and even the usually composed Quanxi found herself shifting uncomfortably. She leaned toward Kishibe, her voice low and cautious.
"How do I even talk to him?" Quanxi whispered. "From what I've seen, whether he's in that crazy state or fully composed like this, there's no difference—he's still terrifying. My devil fiends weren't exaggerating when they said he's like a world threat."
Kishibe smirked faintly, his tone as dry as ever. "Just talk normally, like you would to anyone else. Though, if you're thinking about picking a fight, I wouldn't recommend it."
Quanxi raised an eyebrow at him. "Do I need to bow or something? Show some kind of formal respect?"
Kishibe couldn't resist the sarcasm as he replied, "Bowing's a good start. Maybe licking the floor would really drive the point home."
Quanxi glared at Kishibe, still annoyed by his earlier sarcasm. "Ha ha, very funny, Kishibe," she muttered before turning her attention back to the task at hand.
Kishibe, leaning casually against a nearby wall, shrugged as if her irritation rolled right off him. "Look, if you're serious about talking to him, I'd better come with you. You know who you're dealing with, right?"
Quanxi sighed, her tone mixed with both irritation and unease. "I'm not suicidal, Kishibe. I just want to ask for something: one ton of Compound V."
Kishibe raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. "With him, it's a take-and-give relationship. No guarantees he'll give it to you for free. You better be ready to offer something in return."
Quanxi nodded, her resolve solidifying. "All right."
Meanwhile, Kang Woo crouched down, picking up the lunch box and the Tesseract cube inside. He inspected it briefly before turning his attention to Reze. "Really, Reze? A lunch box for the Space Stone?"
Reze crossed her arms defensively, her tone a mix of defiance and practicality. "I'm not like you, Kang Woo. My instincts screamed at me not to touch that thing. If I had, I'd probably end up in a place worse than death."
Kang Woo smirked, tilting his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Fair enough."
As Quanxi and Kishibe approached him, Kang Woo's crimson eyes flicked toward them. His expression immediately shifted to one of mild irritation.
"Here comes trouble," he muttered.
Kishibe grinned slightly, his tone as dry as ever. "Do you always think of everyone as trouble? Or is it just everyone except Makima and Kobeni?"
Kang Woo shrugged, his voice calm but sharp. "Maybe. Or maybe it's because Quanxi here looks like she's about to hit a target bigger than she can handle."
Quanxi, unfazed, crossed her arms and tilted her head slightly. "Wait… why does this feel like we've had this conversation before? And why do I get the sense you're already aware of my plans to capture you?"
Before Kang Woo could reply ,
Makima chimed in with a teasing smile. "Quanxi, maybe you should've brought an entire country with you. That would make things far more entertaining—and chaotic."
Aki, standing nearby, sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "Ms. Makima, that's a bad joke. Please don't even joke about World War III. Our country has already suffered heavy losses in the last war."
Makima smirked, her teasing tone unrelenting. "Relax, Aki. No one's going to war—at least, that depends entirely on Kang Woo's mood."
Quanxi, standing with her arms crossed, narrowed her eyes slightly. "Kang Woo, you seem to know a lot about me. Can you humor me?"
Kang Woo's lips curved into a sly grin. "From being utterly terrified a moment ago to suddenly brimming with confidence just because Kishibe's beside you. Damn, Kishibe, you've really got a chance. You'd make a fine husband for Quanxi."
Kishibe chuckled dryly, his usual nonchalant demeanor intact. "I'd hope so, but it seems she's interested in others."
Quanxi rolled her eyes, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "I'm a lesbian, Kishibe. Try again."
Kang Woo raised an eyebrow, the smirk never leaving his face. "You're a Bow Hybrid, Quanxi. By pulling an arrow out of your right eye socket, you can transform. You've got four girlfriends—all of them devil fiends: Pingtsi, Long, Tsugihagi, and Cosmo. And let's not forget, the contract with your government to capture me is their freedom. In exchange for my capture, your harem of devil fiends gets human rights and basic education."
Quanxi froze, her expression unreadable. Inside, her thoughts swirled in disbelief. This man… he reads me like an open book.
Kang Woo waved his hand dismissively. "And no, I won't bother listing out all your devil fiends' powers. Too long, too boring."
Makima, ever the opportunist, leaned in closer to Kang Woo with a teasing smile. " Anytime you're going to sleep? I'd really love to see what I look like with three pupils in each eye when your Almighty switches to me."
Kang Woo's smirk deepened. "I didn't need the Almighty to know that. I used my Big Brain ."
Makima laughed softly, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting mischievously. "Then maybe I'll keep asking questions until you're ready to rest. You're far too intriguing when you're this mysterious."
Kang Woo's smirk lingered as he reached into his own body, his movements fluid and deliberate. With a sharp tug, he pulled something out—a writhing, shadowy mass that he casually tossed onto the ground. The mass quickly shifted and transformed, taking shape into the familiar form of the Future Devil.
The Future Devil stood before him, its once-confident demeanor now subdued, its eyes hollow and weary. "Am I not needed anymore, Sir Kang Woo?" it asked, its voice carrying an uncharacteristic note of hesitation.
Kang Woo waved dismissively, his tone calm but firm. "Go back to where you came from. Or be free. Just go—I don't care."
Before the Future Devil could respond, Kishibe stepped forward
His voice cutting through the air with measured authority. "Wait. At least return it to the facility where it belongs. The Future Devil was once part of Public Safety before you made a contract with it. If you don't need it anymore, send it back."
Kang Woo paused for a moment, then sighed lightly, as if indulging a trivial request. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his Authority of Gates. Reality itself began to crack and splinter around him, sharp fissures forming in midair like broken glass. He gestured toward the rift, and the Future Devil turned to face him one last time.
"The future… is dead," the Future Devil muttered cryptically, its voice tinged with despair. Then, without further hesitation, it stepped into the fractured reality. The rift closed behind it, leaving only silence in its wake.
Himeno, seated beside Aki, broke the silence with a curious remark. "Shouldn't the Future Devil have said something like, 'The future rules'? That's what it always used to say. But after living inside Kang Woo, it's become… pessimistic."
Aki frowned, his expression contemplative. "I don't know exactly what happened, but I have a theory." He glanced at Kang Woo, his voice lowering. "It must've seen something—something Kang Woo did, or something he's going to do. Whatever it was, it was enough to break the Future Devil's confidence in the future itself."
Kang Woo smirked faintly, overhearing the conversation, but before he could comment
Quanxi stepped forward, clearing her throat. "Kang Woo, can you give me one ton of Compound V? Think of it as an investment—"
Kang Woo cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "How about no."
Quanxi frowned, her tone insistent. "At least give me an explanation why you refuse."
Kang Woo's crimson eyes locked onto hers, his expression sharp. "Do you even know how Compound V works on adults? The success rate is a measly 20%. And since you're asking on behalf of China—a country driven by economic obsession and cutthroat competition—what do you think will happen? Your higher-ups would likely turn that 20% into a reckless gamble, using 100 infants at a time. What happens when they all go berserk because your leaders demand results but completely ignore the process?"
Quanxi raised a hand to interject, "That's their problem, not—"
Kang Woo interrupted, his tone colder and sharper. "I'm not finished yet. Here's my personal reason: Do you really think the Red Army, or whoever's in charge over there, is just going to cheerfully celebrate, saying, 'Hey, we got Compound V, let's throw a parade and make Quanxi a hero'? No. They'll see you as a tool, a means to an end.
"And you'll be their target, Quanxi—not because you're incompetent, but because of their greed. And I'm not even talking about the chaos they'll create. You're right, that's their problem. But what happens when they come back, asking for more? When they start demanding things you can't give? When your devil fiends become hostages or leverage to keep you under control? By default, that would annoy me—because I like to win on every front. You being a slave to their system is not part of that equation."
Quanxi's face tightened as she absorbed his words, her usual confidence faltering for a moment. Her girlfriends—her fiends—flashed through her mind, and she clenched her fists, silent for now.
Makima, who had been observing the exchange, watched with a faint smirk tugging at her lips. She clearly enjoyed watching Kang Woo's calculated dismantling of Quanxi's plan. Kishibe, on the other hand, sipping his drink, the corners of his mouth twitching in a subtle grin that say , I told you so.
Suddenly, Kang Woo's eyes glinted, as if he saw something no one else could. His lips curved into a smirk.
Himeno, noticing the change, raised an eyebrow. "Kang Woo, every time you smile like that, it feels like fallout's about to happen. Should I brace for impact?"
Kang Woo chuckled, his tone light but laced with his usual edge. "Relax, Himeno. Let's try something different for once."
He turned to Quanxi, who looked more confused than ever. "Let's make a new variant of Compound V and give it to her."
Quanxi blinked, stunned. "Ehhhh? What? After all that, you're just… giving it to me?"
Kang Woo's smirk widened, and he shrugged nonchalantly. "Why not? Let's add a twist."
Kishibe laughed dryly, shaking his head as he took another sip of his drink. "You'll get used to it, Quanxi. Trust me, this is just Kang Woo being Kang Woo."
Makima chuckled softly beside him, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting with amusement. "That's how he operates. Unpredictable as ever."
Quanxi sighed, rubbing her temple, still trying to process what had just happened. "I don't even know if this is a win or a setup," she muttered under her breath.