Episode 466. This also…….

A flashing message reads.

[Demon hunter, ‘Gabriel’, has his eyes on you.]

I can guess why the Great Senior is watching me.

‘Because I mentioned the exorcism.’

The target of the exorcism must be a demon.

It was Akshan’s discipline, a demon hunter’s common sense.

Shouldn’t it be obvious?

‘It won’t have any effect anywhere else anyway, right?’

It was a ritual that had to end with the demon being invited to the ‘consciousness’.

There was no reason to use it on someone who wasn’t a demon or possessed by a demon, and no reason to mention it in the first place.

‘Because Akshan values discipline.’

Of course, you might understand my feelings if I recited every single one of Raymon Sean’s accomplishments as a demon, but I wouldn’t be so hesitant to explain it.

‘I’m usually prone to spouting out harsh words.’

In times like this, it was the snout that used Grandfell style of speaking.

I might have been concerned.

I wondered if I’d unintentionally provoked the Akshan Civil War by breaking the Akshan Rules, and if I’d gotten myself into an unexpected conflict with the Great Senior.

‘But I can read people.’

But the Named Demon Hunter NPC.

Gabriel.

He was the exception.

‘If someone I don’t know listens.’

Are you going to tell me I’m exaggerating?

Why, back when Akshan was intact.

There were no updated demonic monsters on the Arcana continent.

‘You couldn’t make a name for yourself.’

There were few requests for demons in the first place.

The reason Gabriel’s reputation as Akshan’s demon hunter grew in such a barren environment was simple. Yes, Gabriel didn’t just hunt demons.

-“So, did you hear the rumor that those murderers were found dead? I’m glad to see those devilish bastards dead anyway……. Let’s see, you said Gabriel again, the one from Akshan!”

Gabriel was an excommunicated demon hunter from Akkshan.

He was excommunicated for a reason.

He didn’t just hunt demons.

He also hunted those who were no better than demons.

Notorious criminals.

Demon puppets.

Even the most vile of underworld figures.

Gabriel hunted them according to his own judgment, not Akshan’s rules. In the process, he earned a substantial bounty and a reputation to match.

『True Demon Hunter, Gabriel』

An ironic title given to Gabriel, who hunted down humans who were more evil than demons on a continent without demons. Of course, I probably remember the detailed story because I lived in Akshan.

I had quite a bit of admiration for it back then.

‘I thought, That’s the true essence of a demon hunter.’

……Of course, I was just mistaken!

‘Anyway, thanks to you, I understand.’

Gabriel.

The moment I heard his name.

Even without hearing the details of his story.

I could guess why he was involved with the Shadow God.

‘The sparrow must have passed by the mill.’

Arcana Continent.

The worst criminal organization, the Shadow Mercenaries.

Gabriel must have pursued them by any means necessary.

‘Along the way, he came into contact with the Shadow God…….’

He may have made a pact with him.

The only way to reach the Shadow God, the cause of everything.

I thought this was the only way.

As if to answer my speculation.

Crash.

Gabriel took out a crossbow.

He aimed at the distant honored guests.

Gabriel added.

“I’ll take care of them.”

In case they try to get in.

Then to me.

Does that mean I’ll be in charge of that prototype coming down from the sky?

‘Between us.’

I didn’t need an answer.

Not that I minded saying so.

Some things work between demon hunters.

It does.

It was all planned from the moment I opened the box Gabriel handed me. There was nothing in the box, but that was just a simple confirmation of trust.

Now, then, it’s time to focus on the prototype in front of me.

‘The Bad Omen that Swallowed God.’

It’s a big name, and it looks like this…….

Let’s see, it resembled a whale.

A whale wrapped in complex mechanical parts and wires.

The only thing that made it more hideous than its appearance was the directing.

“The Master of the Corridor is angry.”

The employees, who usually hid their emotions, trembled in fear.

Their heads bowed toward the Bad Omen.

Even the guests, acting on instinct, failed to intervene in the chaos.

‘They must know something.’

If you’re caught, you’ll be swallowed by the Bad Omen.

To be swallowed is to be erased from existence.

But no matter how plausible the atmosphere.

I have no reason to be intimidated.

because I’ve already overcome it.

That’s Gwicheol.

No, the same goes for Illusion Breaker.

-No matter how many times I break it, there is no end to it, illusion.

Excitement.

The Illusion Breaker’s heartbeat is palpable.

Not fear, but anticipation.

It’s different from the second path, where I took my first steps a moment ago.

ttogag.

With the sword of pride, the first path has become all too familiar to me. I feel the sword aura rising from my body, beyond the Illusion Breaker’s sword body.

『Grandfell’s talents were not limited to one thing. A brilliant mind is one thing. His innate magical talent was such that he could mimic most magic just by looking at it. Furthermore, the potential of the body is comparable to that.』

Just by witnessing sword aura for the first time.

Thus, it was a talent that radiated sword aura.

What if Grandfell’s natural talent was combined with experience?

I could intuit the result.

A true divine body and sword unity.

Of course, [Natural Enemy] hasn’t been triggered.

My [Strength] and [Agility] stats shouldn’t exceed a combined total of 500. With those numbers, can I defeat the bad omen that drives fear even in the Shadow Corridor where the appropriate level is close to 2,000 or 3,000?

‘Honestly, I have no confidence.’

But I know from observation. Why a level 600 Harkon can hold his own against high-level monsters approaching 800-1,000.

[※Caution: health drops rapidly].

Sword Aura.

It’s like a fire that burns with your own life force.

In that sense, I am grateful for the World Tree once again.

[First World Tree Blessing rejects ‘Exhaustion’].

[First World Tree Blessing rejects ‘Faint’].

[First World Tree Blessing rejects ‘Weakened’] …….

A [Legendary] grade item, Gwicheol. My physical body is not yet strong enough to become one with Gwicheol, but I can still endure, thanks to the blessing of the World Tree.

Unique stats earned through tireless training.

[Tenacity converts to Strength].

[Tenacity].

That’s why I was still able to stand.

I could look at the descending the Bad Omen.

Concerned employee voices.

“Wh, what?”

“This is ridiculous……!”

“Do you truly intend to confront it, it may be an irreversible choice, are you no different from other honored guests, Grandfell Claudi Arpheus Romeo?”

You’re worried about my bounty evaporating, not me, aren’t you?

‘The outside and inside are so different that it’s disappointing.’

Thanks to that, it was the moment when I was about to swing the Illusion Breaker without paying attention. Suddenly, a message appeared above his head, ‘The Bad Omen that Swallowed God’.

[Current Bounty: 100 Karma]

There are no exceptions to the rule.

There’s a bounty on his head, too.

Even such an amazing creature is only worth 100 Karma.

‘For me…….’

Why is there a bounty of 1,000 Karma, ten times more than that ridiculous guy? It was the moment when I suppressed my doubts.

Woooooo.

The prototype, The Bad Omen that Swallowed God, cried. I didn’t have the ability to hear the animal’s cries and guess its intentions, but I could tell it held no animosity toward me.

Even from what it was doing now.

It crouches, its massive body cautious.

It approaches me and bows its head as if in honor.

Needless to say, I wouldn’t have let my guard down.

Have you forgotten the concept of the Shadow Corridor?

First of all, the master is different on the outside and inside.

The fact that he sent me an invitation and waited so long to meet me, despite his intense dislike of me, shows the thickness of his mask.

The employees also imitate such a master, wielding tricks and pretending not to notice, and attempting to poison you under the guise of hospitality…….

‘Is it any different from a prototype?’

Moreover, the prototype is Raymon Sean.

He’s the Shadow God.

Or at least, it was proof of his connection to the God Realm.

Yes, Raymon Sean, whose true intentions no one can guess.

As you can see, there was plenty of reason for distrust.

[‘Obedience’ occurs to The Bad Omen that Swallowed God.]

A message that didn’t lie was glowing. It is against noble pride to take the life of a foe who is unwilling to fight, and whose heart has already been broken.

Crash.

“You are wiser than your master.”

I said graciously, sheathing my Illusion Breaker.

“I accept your obedience.”

Then there was a murmur around.

“You submit……?”

“That can’t be possible.”

“No. Maybe, just maybe, it’s His will……!”

By that, you’re talking about a Shadow God, right?

‘That could be possible.’

I looked at the quest window.

[Main Quest: Uncovering the Darkness]

The Arcana continent has collapsed, and the Great Shrine has opened. However, the Shadow God’s incomplete ‘status’ prevented him from entering the pantheon. From now on, the Shadow God will use any means necessary to advance his status.

-Encounter the Shadow God on the Battlefield of Proof. (Ongoing)

The Shadow God is clear about what he wants.

A rise in status.

It’s unlikely, but if I were to be consumed by the Bad Omen.

Because you will never be able to enter the pantheon.

‘No matter what I do.’

Even if I break the rules.

There’s nothing you can do about me.

As if to prove my point.

The Bad Omen stuck its head out more aggressively towards me.

[You have acquired permission to ride the prototype, ‘The Bad Omen that Swallowed God’. ‘The Bad Omen that Swallowed God’ is the only being that can freely enter and exit the third level of the Shadow Corridor.]

Indeed.

I suppose you’ve become impatient to meet me?

Then you’ve stumbled into our plans.

Gabriel said, tucking his crossbow into his waistband.

“You were right.”

As I said, everything was according to plan.

The moment when Gabriel’s rules are violated.

I heard about the whale, and I recognized it immediately from the description of its unusual appearance, which meant I knew it was a prototype of Raymon Sean.

‘Well, I wasn’t planning on subjugating it.’

How did we come up with this plan in that short conversation?

Because we have the same goal.

The Shadow God was after me and Gabriel.

jeobeog.

Gabriel climbed on top of the Bad Omen first. The Bad Omen’s giant mouth opened with a grotesque sound, as if it hadn’t planned on taking Gabriel with it.

“Be formal.”

The Bad Omen’s mouth was imposing.

I scolded it mildly, and it shut its mouth in a cowardly, timid fashion.

Tower Master the cat was fine even when he heard derogatory words from me.

‘You’re better than a cat, and you don’t shed.’

Woooo.

The Bad Omen that carried me and Gabriel had done its job.

juleongjuleong.

The Bad Omen trotted backwards down the corridor, dodging hanging chandeliers.

Its speed was furious.

[Achievement: Ride the Dragon, King of All Things.]

[Effect: Increases proficiency with all mounts to maximum]

[Duration: Permanent]

‘Without the achievement, I would have fallen off a few times.’

At least I can still rate the ride.

It was a moment of great relief.

Gabriel looked around and spoke.

“It is not easy to go up the corridor with both feet. Even if we exclude the guest’s bounty hunting, this is because the barrier in the middle layer separates the owner’s territory from the guest’s territory.”

“I’m used to it.”

……I’m not being facetious.

The rifts in reality are similar to the order.

A sense of useless pride rose up in my throat, but I desperately held it back.

It’s been a while since I tried to explain the rift.

After an appropriate silence, Gabriel spoke.

“You’re familiar, I see. The middle tier of the corridor is called the Mirror that Reflects No Shadow. As the name suggests, it’s a room of mirrors everywhere. Ah, we’re getting close.”

I followed Gabriel’s gaze, and sure enough, there was a giant barrier blocking my way.

But it didn’t matter. Just as the message said, the Bad Omen would break through it freely.

But then.

“Well, then, does our companionship end here?”

Was it because of my overly upright posture?

Or was it the after-effects of the Divine Sword Unity?

If not all of it, was it because I put too much faith in the name Akshan?

kung.

The sudden impact sent me reeling.

At the same time.

From the top of the Bad Omen.

Without offering much resistance.

I fell straight down.

‘……What?’

Even as I fell.

My body didn’t move an inch.

Thanks to this, I found myself falling on top of the Bad Omen.

I was able to face Gabriel, who was looking at me with empty eyes.

“I know. Didn’t I tell you not to trust anyone?”

His mouth was speaking plainly.

“Whether it’s Akshan. Demon Hunters. You, yourself.”

What the fuck? That damn Akshan way of speaking……!!!

.

.

.

When I came back to my senses, I saw an information window.

[Hidden Piece: A Mirror That Reflects No Shadow]

A hidden piece within a hidden piece?

Well, that was no reason to be alarmed.

Well, there was another reason to be alarmed.

[Appropriate Level: Grandfell Claudi Arpheus Romeo]

Full Name.

Just in case someone sees it, even the scary message is brief.

I heard a familiar sound in my ears.

It was a mirror reflecting me.

It was a sound from beyond.

It was the sound of my footsteps as I moved around in the mirror.

ttogag─