Chapter 509: A Short Break (2)
-External advisor, we have completed the withdrawal of base 4.
“Oh, thank you so much for your hard work.”
-Base 7 has also been withdrawn. Hahaha.
“You’ve been working really hard so far.”
-It’s not hard work at all. Isn’t it all thanks to external advisor Lee Kiyoung? In fact, we were treated like low-rankings because we were not recognized on the continent. However, this opportunity not only left a strong impression of us on humans, but we were also able to obtain good results. I even think that I’ve gained more achievements this time around than I had acc.u.mulated over my entire life. It’s really fortunate to be able to work for you before returning to h.e.l.l.
“Hahaha…”
-It was you who helped us in so many aspects.
“You flatter me too much.”
-It’s pretty small, but this is…
“Ah.”
-I hope you can think of it as my grat.i.tude and accept it.
“No, you don’t need to do this…”
-No, this is a token of my appreciation. Haha. Just take it.
“You can’t do this. Ah, I didn’t do my job to get something like this…”
-Seriously, just take it.
“If you insist… ahem, I will have no choice but to do so. Thank you.”
I couldn’t do anything but smile. The acc.u.mulated goods were also great, but in fact, I thought the situation itself felt even more enjoyable.
The news about continued victories also continued to make me smile.
As of that day, bases 4 and 7 succeeded in withdrawing according to the scenario.
Yesterday, bases 13 and 19 retreated without issues, and at that point, I kept hearing that the project’s phases were successfully being completed one after another. At this point, I even wanted to dance.
‘There’s nothing wrong with the old saying that the biggest enemy is indeed a stupid ally deep inside…’
After Donovan’s death and the hardliners’ downfall, the project itself began to work out with great success. I was surprised to see the corps’ rush of success. It was like watching an eight-ton truck speed through with a broken steering handle.
The current project was definitely running toward one goal.
Although its duration was only that of a short time, I could no longer count how many crises had pa.s.sed through the world. Some of the demons that stood out to me showed amazing acting skills, and the signature line ‘The 27th Corps will come back again!’ was also becoming increasingly entrenched in human memories.
It might have been felt like a successful battle for humanity, but there were no huge deaths for the demon faction after Donovan.
In fact, there should’ve been no way for demons to die permanently. It was very unlikely that they would die if they exited according to the script or chose to reverse-summon.
If the demons simply followed the script, which only aimed to leave a huge impression that would threaten humanity, then it would’ve been safe for them. That meant that they wouldn’t have to die. Rather, they would just have a good time while raising their degree of recognition.
From humanity’s perspective, victory was right in front of them, but there were indeed many unstable factors for them.
They would be able to live on, but they would always remember that the demons who had driven them into a complete corner were still alive and waiting for the right time to return.
The weak-minded people just might have the worst aftereffects of the war.
It was not just the largest main unit. Numerous troops were moving simultaneously across the large territory of the Federation.
In addition, humanity was watching the current situation through magic holograms.
It was only natural for achievements to acc.u.mulate as they repeatedly felt despair and hope every day. As the recognition of the 27th Corps as a whole increased explosively, the demons in the command rejoiced at the present situation.
Once again, the demons opened their mouths with smiles forming on their lips.
-It feels so good to see humans being happy and anxious. It’s during times like this that I recall why I wanted to follow Belial, external advisor.
“Hahaha, I was worried if you would be satisfied, so I really am glad that you’re feeling that way.”
-Aren’t our achievements enough proof? If you go back to h.e.l.l and get the payment you deserve, you would fully deserve to be called the 20th Corps-no, the 19th Corps instead of the 27th Corps.
“That much…”
-It’s difficult to imagine how tremendous the repercussions Lee Kiyoung caused would be. The demons of the other legions in h.e.l.l are even promoting this as a moderate example… It is said that the low-ranking demons and intermediate demons who haven’t found a place yet want to go under Lee Kiyoung after 2,000 years. Even the corps commanders in the top 10 are sending out messages that they want to work together with you.
“That’s…”
-Since Belial cares about you… you probably haven’t heard of it, yourself.
“Hahahaha. I would be grateful if you tell him that there’s no need to worry. Well, I’m already a member of the 27th Corps, right? I’m grateful for the proposals from other legions in h.e.l.l, but I would have chosen to work with the 27th Corps no matter what they offered.”
-As expected from you…
“It’s hard to find such fun and pleasant people that are easy to work with.”
-Thank you for thinking so. Oh, what about base 3?
“I think they will withdraw safely inside today.”
-In a little while, this will soon be the last one.
“You don’t have to be too disappointed. There will surely be a chance to meet again.”
-External advisor… if I could, I would stay here.
“I would be very grateful if you all stayed, but you also have to go back to h.e.l.l. It is good to acc.u.mulate results, but isn’t this a workplace? You have to take the good news to your families who will be waiting in h.e.l.l.”
-…
“If you focus too much on work, it would only be less efficient. Since you worked hard, you have to rest for a few hundred years. There are also other levels of work. I will make sure to take action so that I can summon you once again before 2,000 years is gone.”
-We won’t forget you, external advisor.
“Me too. Haha…”
-And um… can I ask a small request…
“Anything you want.”
-It’s embarra.s.sing, but I want to get an autograph. Is that okay?
“I don’t know how my autograph will help, but if it’s a request from our Lily Mirian, I will, of course, abide by it. Haha.”
-If so, then please do it here.
Looking ahead, I saw an old-fashioned novel that seemed to be well-made.
‘I see…’
After things had gotten back on track to some extent, I saw some guys spending their personal time intermittently.
Of course, the most striking ones were those who were reading that big book. In fact, I initially never thought I would see demons reading, but I went through that situation a couple of times.
Considering that they were basically no different from humans, it wasn’t strange to say that there would be bestsellers in their realm.
‘Considering it’s a bestseller from h.e.l.l… I’m kind of curious.’
As I slowly turned my gaze downward, the t.i.tle of the book began to catch my eyes.
I only started learning the demon language recently. Hence, I couldn’t read it properly, but the visible t.i.tle was…
[How the Plaguelord of Darkness and Genius Swordsman Love]
It was a familiar t.i.tle somehow.
‘Are ‘how to love’ books popular these days?’
The continent and h.e.l.l really had similar trends.
In the case of a genius swordsman, it was a cla.s.sic material that could be found anywhere…
It was funny to see the demons carrying a book about how to love, but that love was most likely not the love I thought it referred to. It was also quite interesting that my cla.s.s name, Plaguelord, was in it, but the only ones who knew my cla.s.s name in the first place were Ronove, Limur, and some other generals…
A bestseller couldn’t be completed in such a short period of time, right?
I had no other choice but to take out my pen as we agreed on, thinking it was a reasonable coincidence.
“Hahaha. I have seen a book with a similar t.i.tle in this world. Of course, I haven’t read it, but the t.i.tle is similar, so it’s a little strange.”
-Oh, that…
“Yes? You know it?”
-Are you referring to H.G.S.A.L?
“H.G.S.A.L?”
-How a Genius Swordsman And Alchemist Love.
‘What, why is she so serious all of a sudden?’
She looked like she didn’t like it, and although I couldn’t know for sure, it felt like I said something I shouldn’t have.
-Like every book written by humans, you can see that its quality is low. I felt bored with a cla.s.sic coupling that didn’t even know how to twist a cliché. The author’s writing skills are the worst, and it was cringy to see it express useless feelings. Overall, I had a strong feeling of being too bored. And the scene was so powerless.
‘What scene?’
-I understand that the genius swordsman cares for the alchemist, but works that lack violence and sadism are basically not popular. Simply put, it isn’t stimulating to read. That book is trash.
‘Is she a critic?’
-It’s too slow to pa.s.s chapters while only sprinkling baits on it. Even that isn’t interesting. I can a.s.sure you that just comparing this book and H.G.S.A.L written by humans is extremely rude to the author.
“Oh, sorry. I… I’m really sorry.”
-I recently heard that the author has been trying to translate this book because he wants to spread the story to humans in this world. It will probably be a good study for stupid humans. Through this amazing novel, they will surely realize how bad they are at writing. I would gladly desire to be summoned back to this world to see their reactions… Oh, I’ve been talking too much. I got a little excited. I’m sorry, external advisor.
“No. It’s fine. Isn’t it a good thing to be able to focus on and be pa.s.sionate about something else? Then the autograph…”
-Oh, I think you can do it right under the t.i.tle. If you could write ‘to my beloved Lily Marian’…
“Okay.”
-It’s a gift for my daughter… Thank you very much, Lee Kiyoung.
“It was nothing at all. Hahaha. It’s not a big request. Then thank you for the hard work, Lily Mirian.”
-I will never forget this grace, external advisor. Then I’ll be going.
“Yes. I look forward to seeing you again.”
-Me too. I will definitely accompany you in h.e.l.l. I wish you a successful and well-rounded finish.
With a wide smile, the figure of the demon slowly being summoned back to h.e.l.l came into sight.
Although I was a little distracted by the criticisms that emerged out of nowhere, the last line was surely stuck in my heart.
‘I have to finish it successfully… right.’
No matter how good the intermediary process was, if one couldn’t properly tie it together in the end, it would end in failure.
I couldn’t get a proper evaluation because I didn’t read either of the books, but the winning side would probably be the one who finished the story properly.
Of course, that was the same as the situation I was in. No matter how much I performed and received good reviews from the demons, the possibility that many would lose interest if the end were vague and powerless…
‘It’s too high.’
Suddenly, the heavy sense of responsibility to draw pictures that both continent and h.e.l.l would be interested in crushed my whole body.
In fact, the ending where I would confront Kim Hyunsung had been temporarily given up.
However, it was difficult to find an ending that was better than that, no matter how much I thought about it.
The scene where the fallen Doom Kiyoung and Light Hyunsung collided was necessary for the work’s completeness.
‘d.a.m.n it. I have to find a way.’
Even if I could borrow the power of Belial, the Plaguelord was still not suited for the frontlines.
I thought I needed someone who could use their body as a shield, but there was another big difference between fighting entirely alone and fighting 2v1 with the demon.
That could never be seen as a very cool scene. I even thought of using a summoned minion, but I didn’t like that, either.
As I was constantly thinking hard, I became crazy about the summon I had forgotten for a while.
I organized my thoughts instantly. I didn’t know if I could make contact right now, but for the time being, I had no choice but to open a communication channel right away.
‘Excuse me?’
[Huh? Huh? you… Where the h.e.l.l are you right now… Do you feel a bit better?]
‘I think it would be better to meet and talk, Dialugia.’
This time, the Black Dragon, Dialugia, was absolutely necessary.