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Chapter 334

What if Yeon-woo suddenly barges into the Hunter Guild and claims that a war is imminent? Would people actually believe it and start preparing for battle?

Not at all. For hunters, the term “war” isn’t something that can be tossed around lightly. It’s a word reserved for the Demon King or beings of equal stature.

The reason Yeon-woo has been preparing for war personally until now was exactly that. Until now, no one really believed it. But after the night when death walked among us, the credibility skyrockets.

In fact, this is after the Demon King has taken some sort of action. Even the guild and the Magic Tower and other high-ups can’t help but be on high alert in this situation.

Well, even so, it’s not Yeon-woo’s job to convince anyone directly. After all, hasn’t this kind of chaos already happened? In the current situation where Yeon-woo has single-handedly held it all back, there’s only one place for people to rush to.

[The messages are flooding in.]

‘Good.’

[No, it’s not “good.” What will you do?]

The first to chime in was, of course, the secretary, Riley. It was to be expected. Riley was the only channel for official communication with Yeon-woo.

This meant all the curiosity about the current situation was directed towards Riley. But Riley’s duties weren’t limited to just handling calls.

In other words, the endless stream of incoming calls was more of an annoyance than anything else for Riley.

‘I’m heading over there for now. Osiris seems to have come to his senses, right?’

[Yes, but sitting in the office just answering calls is killing me.]

‘Shall I record a voicemail saying I’ll make an announcement at a press conference later and turn my phone off?’

[Can I really do that?]

Considering how scolded Riley got when I once asked if I could “slack off,” it must be quite a rare case to hear her voice cheer up when I told her to turn off her phone. Just how many calls can it be?

‘Yes, let’s do that. But please prepare for the press conference a week or two later when things cool down.’

[Understood.]

Riley’s voice cut off with a relieved sigh. Hmm, I didn’t expect her to be having that tough of a time. Well, I better hurry over.

“What did you talk about with Sister Riley?”

“Nothing much, just gave her some advice because she seemed to be struggling.”

“What’s going on that’s causing her so much trouble? Is that friend really that scary?”

From appearances, she certainly looked intimidating. A walking giant standing 4 meters tall is certainly terrifying.

“It’s nothing.”

Just a messy adult issue. It’s an area kids shouldn’t have to concern themselves with. They’re paid and treated well enough for it, after all.

Adults learn to carry the weight of the money they earn.

*

“Welcome.”

Riley, looking haggard, greeted Yeon-woo’s group, having just communicated via a sort of telepathy moments ago. It seems the situation is more serious than I thought. I should definitely give her some time off once this is all sorted out.

“…Um, should we rest, Riley?”

“No, it’s fine. Not taking calls feels like a breath of fresh air.”

“I see….”

It sounds like there have been an overwhelming number of calls. I felt a bit guilty, but I’m relieved she said she’s okay now. I followed Riley as she headed toward the research lab where Down used to recuperate.

A gigantic front window appeared. Before it, countless instruments and machines were arranged. The researchers, a bit tired-looking but not as much as Riley, greeted the group cheerfully.

“Oh, the boss is here!”

“Is everything going well, everyone?”

As Yeon-woo spoke, he manipulated Relin’s Warehouse and pulled out some snacks. Sweet treats from around the world crashed onto the lab table. The sight made not just the researchers but also the children’s eyes sparkle.

“Since they’re both gifts and purchases, feel free to eat while you work. The expiration dates are all fine.”

“Thank you!!”

I saw children rushing for the snacks amidst the chaos, but I didn’t bother to stop them. They should eat well and grow strong.

Nea tends to worry a lot and tries to limit the children’s snacks, but she isn’t here right now. Since today is her day off, she doesn’t want to ruffle the feathers of the other researchers by showing up at work.

We should feed them during times like this. If one person restricts them, another should let them go free. That’s how the balance of the world is maintained…

Leaving the children happily demolishing snacks with the researchers, Yeon-woo stepped into the lab alone. Instead of the grand 4-meter clay statue that should be occupying the throne, it was a slightly smaller giant, perhaps around 3 meters tall?

“…Um, hello?”

[Greetings.]

Osiris’s dignified voice echoed through the lab. Although it sounds heavy and splendid, his inner self is different. The reason is simple. He’s not much different from Down.

Even a god of resurrection has methods to come back, and life after resurrection isn’t much different. It’s about a different personality being reborn while retaining the memories.

So, while he has the form of a giant and the face of a young man, inside Osiris is really just a child.

Still, the choice of this appearance was to reduce the discrepancy from Egyptian mythology, but…

‘That might have been a bit too much.’

As Yeon-woo thought this, he noticed the envy in Osiris’s indifferent gaze directed at the pile of snacks. It was a result of a compromise after initially wanting to go for a face that looked like an old man.

“Want some?”

[Would you offer me? Thank you.]

Yeon-woo took pleasure in pulling out snacks from the warehouse for the openly grateful Osiris. Being a giant, it seems even a modest amount wouldn’t be enough for him.

As tiny snacks the size of his fingertips entered his mouth, Osiris spoke. His massive head tilted slightly.

[First, I want to express my gratitude for this event. Reviving me, it would not be remiss to bestow a reward upon you.]

“Of course, it was something that had to be done.”

Understanding the intent behind Osiris’s words was easy based on how the conversation was flowing.

[However, my true powers have waned, so I have nothing to give you. I apologize.]

“It’s alright. I didn’t resurrect you to receive anything.”

Osiris has eventually lost control over the realm of the dead to another. There was no way he would have gifts to offer anyone.

But honestly, resurrecting him wasn’t because I wanted something in return. I simply couldn’t leave Usir’s skull in a dangerous situation.

[Instead, though I hesitate to say this, I would like to grant you a wish. Feel free to tell me anytime.]

“If that’s the case, I would be the one to request something.”

To Yeon-woo, that was a delightful offer. Osiris’s cooperation would undoubtedly wield absolute power in the battle against Toyo’s Demon King.

Establishing control over the realm of the dead alone would be a tremendous help, and it wasn’t going to stop at just that.

“I think it would suffice if you could respond to my call just once. Without your help, we might not be able to win.”

[Is that so? Then I shall keep my strength reserved until that time.]

Nodding in understanding at Yeon-woo’s words, Osiris seemed solemn. It made sense. Osiris was killed by Nephren-Ka.

He must remember being killed by Nephren-Ka, and while intense hatred isn’t likely, there would at least be thoughts of delivering some judgment.

The strict ruler of the realm of the dead would be angry not because of his own death but because the rules of the underworld were disrupted and thrown into chaos.

“Then I’ll be counting on you.”

[For your request, I will gladly comply.]

“I believe Sebek will also come to meet you soon. Until then…”

Before Yeon-woo could finish his sentence, a sudden banging noise echoed through the door. Tae-oh and Shar rushed in like the wind, followed calmly by Down, who strutted in like a seasoned senior.

“These are my children. They might alleviate your solitude, so how about befriending them?”

[…A friend for the king of the dead? That’s quite an ill-fitting term.]

Osiris smiled with a subtle expression. It might not fit well at all. But does that mean one should give up just because it doesn’t fit?

“Even if it doesn’t fit, wouldn’t it be worthwhile if it brings happiness? In this age, no one demands the king of the underworld to live in loneliness.”

[Is that so.]

Hearing those words, Osiris gazed at the children awkwardly. Standing 4 meters tall, he would normally overshadow them, yet Shar and Tae-oh were playfully unbothered.

“Can you hear us!?”

“Tae-oh too, Tae-oh too!”

[Hearing? What do you mean?]

As Osiris brought his hand to his ear as if to listen, Shar shook her head vigorously.

“Don’t just hear us, let us up, please!”

[Ah, I see.]

Carefully, Osiris lowered his hand alongside Shar and Tae-oh. While his hand wasn’t big enough for the children to hang on, it was significantly large enough for them to clutch.

As the children clung to his hand, Osiris slowly raised his arm. As their height increased, the children erupted in gleeful laughter.

“Wow, this is high!!”

“Please let us on your shoulders!”

[Hmm, understood.]

As Osiris placed his hand on his shoulder, the children plopped down happily on top. They waved brightly at Yeon-woo.

“Daddy, can you see us!?”

It wasn’t high enough that one couldn’t see the 4-meter giant. Yeon-woo thought that as he waved back at the children.

*

[What on earth can you all do?]

Such a roar erupted from the headquarters of the Cult of Oblivion. It was a voice filled with anger, yet the aura emanating from it was certainly not to be taken lightly.

[You lost a skull? And on top of that, your ambush failed? Just what are you miscreants doing!!]

At that bellow, countless necromancers prostrated themselves. To be fair, the series of failures couldn’t be entirely detached from the high priest’s responsibility. However, no one present could call him to account. They had all lost their heads.

[Enough. I can no longer expect anything from you. From now on, do not act independently. You must heed my words alone.]

“W-What do you mean…?”

[I will annihilate the humans. Then, I will dominate this world and acquire even greater strength.]

After a brief pause to take a breath, the high priest shouted.

[Prepare for war!!]

“F-Finally…!!”

“We’ll make up for our past disobedience with war…!!”

At the command, the countless necromancers were overwhelmed with emotion, shedding tears. Observing the scene from a distance, one priest massaged her temples. She was Christopher’s partner.

‘Crazy fools. If you kill them all, where will you get the bodies?’

Looks like I really have to leave the sect. As she thought this, she quickly turned away. The instincts of an Aura Master are astonishingly accurate.

(To be continued)

 

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