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The voting is over.

In the 21st century, where scientific advancements are piercing through the universe, we still couldn’t use the “Coca-Cola is delicious” voting method, which is at the forefront of science.

If you can’t trust the science and technology of a mega-corporation worth 340 trillion won, what are you supposed to believe in?

Today, I threw my vote in frustration at the pitiful level of ignorant humans.

“Since Gyeoul voted in favor, Gyeoul can take responsibility and control it.”

“…Did everyone else vote in favor? Was it just me? Why only me?”

“Look, Gyeoul. Except for you and Hayul, everyone else is an S-Class Awakened One.”

“…Right.”

Park Seol-hwa, the leader of the unscientific faction, was trying to persuade me with sparkling eyes.

It felt like when a Succubus uses her charm spell.

The words coming out of that wicked mouth seemed more like a beauty trap thrown with just a pretty face rather than logical persuasion backed by scientific evidence.

“Even if you bind Satan, the limit is dropping him to S-Class. But what if Satan causes trouble? Is it easier for an S-Class to subdue another S-Class, or for you or Hayul, who have transcended, to do it?”

“S-Class.”

“Stop talking nonsense. To subdue an S-Class, Jeong Ha-yul or you have to step up. But she’s busy wiping the Association’s ass every day, right?”

“…Should I tell the Association President?”

Not only does she casually dismiss the Association as a useless institution that only shits every day, but she also belittles a transcendent hero as a shit-wiper.

Even for Park Seol-hwa, this would warrant media backlash…

“I might have gone a bit too far, but the conclusion is that you have to take responsibility for Satan.”

“…Should I just kill him?”

I felt like Satan’s body was trembling.

Even though he fell from being the best personality in the Demon Realm to the worst, I doubt the great lord of the Demon Realm would tremble in fear at the mere mention of death.

It’s more plausible that he caught a cold virus after an intense battle.

Indeed, all situations should be thought of scientifically.

So, I should also stand my ground.

In the battle between unscience and science, science must prevail.

The First Law of Brrraaak.

I’ll counter with the “Like Danbi Theory” of throwing a tantrum.

“No! Can’t! Won’t!”

“Sigh… Then what should we do? Shouldn’t have voted in favor.”

“No! Can’t! Won’t!”

Park Seol-hwa, facing the great science of modern civilization, held her forehead as if she had a headache.

“You were acting so maturely after coming to the Demon Realm, why are you suddenly back in Danbi mode…”

“What’s Danbi mode, unnie?”

“There’s a character from an old anime just like you. Her name was Danbi.”

“Ah.”

After hearing Park Seol-hwa’s simple explanation, I nodded as if I understood the gist.

Let’s get one fact straight here: Danbi mode was a method Lee Ha-yoon often used during her elementary school days to get something from her sister.

Back then, I was like a stray cat always fearing abandonment, so I couldn’t use it, but now I can confidently use it.

Though it’s ironic that the target is Park Seol-hwa.

“Captain! We’ll go instead! Let’s kill that bastard quickly and take us with you to use us!”

Heukgu and Heukrang have heard many stories by my side since long ago.

How fascinating it must be for medieval demons to experience the 21st century.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Heukgu quickly chimed in.

But…

“You can’t. With Belphegor, Satan, Asmodeus, and Lucifer all gone, it’s almost like a world war has broken out. Where do you think you’re going? You need to help Mammon clean up this mess.”

“…”

You can’t, you crazy guys. I created this turbulent era perfect for making money, and you want to follow me? Where do you think you’re going?

This is absolutely not for my financial gain.

Really.

Probably.

Even if Mammon’s power grows excessively, Leviathan and Baal Zebul will keep him in check, but honestly, it doesn’t matter if they don’t.

In fact, it’s fine even if Mammon becomes the supreme lord of the Demon Realm.

‘A single dimensional contract can be this reassuring.’

I don’t know how the Demon Realm will change after we leave.

There might be Heukgu, Heukrang, and Belarus territories, or Mammon might start ruling alone.

Or maybe a three-way power struggle between Baal Zebul, Leviathan, and Mammon will unfold.

Whatever happens, the original goal of securing the safety of the middle realm will inevitably be achieved, so let them fight or fry among themselves.

“First, thanks for this sword. And you guys, get moving. While we’re here, I need to secure my share.”

“…Half of it is originally yours, Captain, so we’ll gladly give it to you, but really, can’t we go to the middle realm?”

“Nope. No. Go back. I have no intention of taking you. By now, Blandiya must have set off from the dark valley. Go meet her.”

“…”

I cut off the last bit of attachment my subordinates had and sent them on an errand.

When I went to get the dimensional contract, I didn’t just take the contract.

‘I told them to bring Heukgu and Heukrang’s hidden fortunes with them.’

Once that arrives, I’ll leave the Demon Realm without any regrets.

“So… what about Satan?”

“…Sigh.”

All I can do is sigh! That troublemaker.

***

“Then, take care. I don’t know when the next visit will be.”

“…I hope it’s after I’m dead.”

“If it’s that late, I’ll torment your children, or even your grandchildren, or even your great-grandchildren.”

In Korea, it might be different, but the Demon Realm still lives in an era where the concept of collective punishment exists.

If Mammon dies by the time I visit next, his descendants will have to bear his karma.

“Tsk… Why don’t you just stay in the Demon Realm? With you, unifying the Demon Realm would be a joke.”

“Not interested. Why bother with such a hassle.”

Just being the captain of an elementary school brought endless annoyances.

The epitome of laziness.

Jeong Gyeoul, lazier than Belphegor, would never be interested in unifying the Demon Realm.

“Anyway, we should live well and prosper. Help Belarus take over Belphegor’s territory as I instructed. It’d be nice if Heukgu and Heukrang each got a lord’s seat, but… I doubt they’re strong enough.”

“Belarus is weaker than us, Captain!”

“But he’s the legitimate heir. Where do you think you, grave robbers, stand?”

“…”

Jeong Gyeoul hasn’t forgotten her first meeting with her subordinates.

Grave robbers dreaming of striking it rich, who tried to rob Jeong Gyeoul (though she robbed them first).

Jeong Gyeoul says this, but she’s already asked Mammon to protect Heukgu and Heukrang.

No one would dare touch the two merchants under Mammon’s protection.

‘Last time I left after asking someone for a favor, I came back to find them imprisoned… That won’t happen this time, right?’

Recalling Heukgu and Heukrang’s glorious track record, I started to feel uneasy.

But I shook off the thought, thinking they’re not kids and can handle themselves.

Many connections formed during the short time in the Demon Realm were seeing them off.

Mammon and his generals.

The gang leader of the dark valley, Blandiya.

Jeong Gyeoul’s slaves… no, subordinates, Heukgu and Heukrang.

And most importantly.

‘As old as Heukgu and Heukrang. Welcome, my treasures!’

The expedition team’s luggage was filled with treasures.

Not to mention, they were adorned with all sorts of accessories.

They were carrying gold coins and gold bars in their hands.

Unlike the expedition members, who could be considered dressed up, Satan was carrying so many accessories that his original form was unrecognizable.

“Then… goodbye, everyone!”

Grin—

With Jeong Gyeoul’s brightest smile since coming to the Demon Realm.

A pure white light enveloped the expedition members.

A light so intense even Mammon couldn’t keep his eyes open.

Flash—

In an instant, the expedition members disappeared.

“Are they gone?”

“Yes. They’re gone.”

“Really gone?”

“Yes. Really gone.”

“Phew…”

Just as Mammon was about to sigh in relief.

Jeong Gyeoul’s voice was heard.

“Ah, shit! My sword!”

“What, what’s that!”

The dimensional passage had already closed.

But Jeong Gyeoul’s hand tore through space, flailing around.

“That, that, that, crazy…”

Unable to speak at the sight of a human tearing space during dimensional travel.

The hand moved a few times, then looked at Heukgu.

It then sucked in the dark sword Heukgu was holding and quietly retreated back into space.

That bizarre and terrifying moment.

Became the terrifying introduction to the best horror novel that would soon hit the Demon Realm.

[Winter is Coming].

The fact that Jeong Gyeoul demanded half of the total sales upon learning this was a story for the distant future.

 

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