Chapter 355

R&e;&a;​d o​η KàｔȒεad​i​nｇＣaf&e;

Venomous Snake.

That was Michael’s first impression.

A shadow against the sun.

Lips forming a slender curve.

Even with eyes closed, he felt as if their gazes met.

Not an ordinary person.

A Supernatural who had achieved a considerable level.

One close to God. A transcendent who had gone beyond that.

Even 300 years ago, when Supernaturals were rare.

Even 150 years ago, when Supernaturals were mass-produced by the Saintess’s sacrifice.

Supernaturals who had reached such a level were extremely rare.

Who is this man?

If it were the original Michael, he would have sensed the approaching presence. However, the current Michael was merely a soul summoned by Azazel’s Supernatural Ability. Therefore, he was late in noticing. By the time he realized it, the figure was already close at hand.

Michael frowned at the creeping sense of incongruity. What exactly was the man before him? He was suspiciously like something that had been made wrong. 

Michael did not discriminate against people based solely on impressions. 

How many people had a fearsome appearance but a kind heart? Conversely, how many had a beautiful exterior but a hideous interior?

But this man was different. Like watching a snake crawl through fallen leaves. If those closed eyelids were to open, he felt as if he would see the cold, chilling eyes of a reptile. This was something that could not be explained by mere ‘impression.’

‘It’s like seeing a monster… no, a demonic beast.’

Could it be a demonic beast disguised as a human?

There were already two demonic beasts running rampant.

It wouldn’t be strange if one more demonic beast was added here.

However, Michael’s thoughts did not extend beyond that.

Rather, a completely different topic shook Michael’s thoughts.

More important than Karma’s identity were the words Karma had uttered.

“[Sealed? That guy?]”

“Yes, sealed.”

“[That can’t be…]”

Impossible. What kind of man was Yoo-seong? Even if he was degraded compared to his prime, the fact that he was the strongest remained unchanged. Unless it was Bael or a power equivalent to him… But the Divine Sword was left unattended without its owner. 

Moreover, the more he grasped it directly, the more concrete it felt. A considerable amount of ‘light’ had been consumed. If he had used this much ‘light’, how fierce a battle must it have been?

“[How do you know that? Who did you hear it from? I can’t believe it. Could there be a mistake in the news…]”

“Why do you assume I heard it from someone?”

“[What…?]”

Karma said nonchalantly.

“I was at the scene when the Commander was sealed, so there can’t be any mistake or error.”

There was a mistake and an error.

The one who sealed Yoo-seong, witnessed by Karma, was Astaroth. It was her carefully prepared move. The ‘Abyss’ that was completed after paying numerous prices to fulfill the conditions. 

Originally, it was a hidden card to seal Agares, but it had to be used on Yoo-seong. Excluding Bael, it was a trap to seal the strongest devil god. Yoo-seong, whose prime had passed, could not escape.

However, Yoo-seong escaped. Not by his own power alone. With the Needle of Causality as a catalyst, the Four Seasons guided him, and Yoo-seong was able to escape the cold Abyss and return to the present world.

Karma doesn’t know that fact.

Because he was resealed shortly after escaping.

“[Just who are you…]”

The suspicion that had been put aside resurfaced.

He speaks of Yoo-seong’s sealing as if it were nothing, even laughing about it. And he was at the scene where Yoo-seong was sealed, even emitting the aura of a demonic beast.

Michael’s grip tightened. The Divine Sword, which had returned to its original owner after transcending many years, scattered sharp energy.

“This bastard’s at it again!”

In the end, Azazel couldn’t stand it and cursed. Why was this slit-eyed guy so eager to be misunderstood? Is it a hobby? Is he so happy to be misunderstood in that way that he can’t stand it? Can’t he see Michael fiddling with the sword hilt?

“Michael. Don’t mind him. Does he seem suspicious right now? Like a mastermind or something? Just ignore it. This guy’s a moron who grows a flower garden in his head, so he probably doesn’t even know what he’s saying.”

“That’s too harsh.”

“What’s too harsh is your empty head.”

“I’m hurt.”

“That’s what I want you to be.”

“I’m going to cry.”

“Cry. Cry and prove your innocence.”

Azazel kicked Karma’s leg.

I saved your life.

If I had been a few seconds late, you would have been greeting Michael’s Divine Sword.

“So, why are you here so late? I’m the first one here, aren’t you all too lazy? What about the other captains? They’ll be arriving soon, right?”

If the captains gathered, it would mean putting down their worries.

She could focus on saving Riel in peace.

To her question, Karma started by saying, “Ah, about that?”

“No. Only I will be coming.”

“What?”

“No, I guess it’s not ‘won’t come’ but ‘can’t come.’”

“Why?!”

What is this slit-eyed moron babbling about?!

And don’t say that with that expression.

Michael’s Divine Sword is starting up again!

“Not long after the Commander was sealed, the movements in the Demonic Realm are unusual. You know what this means, right?”

“…”

“We’re under attack. The border is collapsing. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to be systematic as if it was ordered by a demonic beast, but the numbers can’t be ignored. All the captains except us are focused on stopping the monsters pouring in from beyond the barrier.”

Thanks to that, even after hearing the news that a demonic beast had descended in the city, they couldn’t recklessly leave.

‘Wow, this is troublesome.’

Karma said that and shrugged his shoulders.

The moment the emotions disappeared from the slender slit eyes that had been drawing a curve was instantaneous.

With a chillingly cold expression, he whispered.

“If things go wrong, the United Nations might soon be destroyed.”

No matter how strong the captains are, they can’t overcome the numerical inferiority without the God of War.

“Outside, there is a horde of monsters, inside, there is a demonic beast… even the Commander is absent. Haha, has there ever been such a desperate situation? I don’t think even the Great Catastrophe was this bad.”

“…This crazy bastard. Are there really only flowers in your head? How can you laugh right now?”

“I laugh when things are tough. You taught me that. So, I have to laugh.”

She did, but seeing him grinning even in this situation made her stomach churn. 

Should I hit him? Should I just hit him once? It feels like one hit will become two, and two will become three, but should I just hit him first and think about it?

“So, Azazel.”

“What again? What sound are you going to use to scratch my insides this time?!”

“What are you doing here anyway?”

“Huh?”

“You didn’t know what the situation was like outside until you heard it from me, right? And you’re a captain?”

“…”

“I know you’re having a hard time because of your sister. But you shouldn’t forget your duties as a captain.”

That’s right.

Even if she was called the ‘Lazy Pinnacle’, she had to keep at least the minimum line.

As long as she was in the position of captain, she had to perform the role befitting that position.

“I can feel power from you that is incomparable to what you’ve had so far. You must have channeled a powerful spirit. But why are you hesitating here? You should have immediately defeated the demonic beast that is destroying the citizens’ homes. 

You should have gone to support the thousand members of the Celestial Corps at the border, who are still fighting desperately after hearing the support request. What are you doing? They’re not like us. They’re not as strong as we are. They really risk their lives in every battle.”

“That…”

She tried to argue, but no words came out.

Everything he said was right.

It was all right, even though it was frustrating.

But it’s still frustrating!

Azazel lowered her head. Her head throbbed at the fact that she had been lectured by Karma, she was annoyed that everything he said was right, and she felt pathetic that she couldn’t argue.

But I wasn’t just playing around either. I came to save Riel, my precious family. Why do I have to listen to this nagging? 

Especially from this damn slit-eyed guy. A moron who can’t even take care of himself and always relies on me. 

The nagging shouldn’t be from you to me, it should be from me to you. No one else can say that, but you shouldn’t say it. 

How much have I cleaned up after you until now? How many boxes of stomach medicine have I eaten because of you! You know better than anyone else how much I’ve been struggling all this time. 

You’ve been watching me wander around after losing Riel right next to me! Ugh, the more I think about it, the more frustrating it is. No, I can’t take it anymore. I can’t stand it if I don’t say something!

“Ugh, ugh… I don’t know! You stupid idiot! I’m trying my best in my own way! Karma, of all people! You don’t even know me! Uwaaaaaaaah!!!”

Azazel screamed like a sick chick.

Her vision blurred strangely.

Sniffling with a stuffy nose, Azazel raised her fluffy fists.

She swung them wildly and hit Karma’s abdomen.

“Ugh, euk?!” wait, she heard groaning sounds.

“I-I concede! Wait a minute. Put the sword down for now… Keuek?!”

“Uwaaaaaaaah! Die, you slit-eyed moron who’s useless except for your face!!!”

“Except for my face!? I have so many advantages though?!”

“Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up!! This is for the stomach medicine I ate yesterday! This is for the stomach medicine I ate a week ago! And this is for the rabbit doll that was sacrificed today! And this is…!!”

“Ack! Euk! Ueok?! Don’t hit me seriously! You’re incredibly strong right now?!”

“I’ve always been strong!”

It was a one-sided beating. Azazel, who had only been punching at first, tripped Karma’s legs and started stomping on him with her feet. Unreasonable violence covered Karma. Karma had to be beaten up without knowing why. The merciless violence only stopped with the intervention of a third party.

‘…I see, I almost made another mistake.’

Michael sighed and stopped Azazel.

‘In the past, I defined Yoo-seong as an enemy without knowing him properly. If I had looked into it a little, I would have known that it was a false accusation. To repeat the same mistake again. Even in death, I’m still far from it. I’m still far away.’

To try to attack just because he looked a little suspicious.

If Azazel hadn’t stopped him, he would have really swung the Divine Sword.

Was he impatient at the news that Yoo-seong had been sealed?

Maybe, but it’s just an excuse.

“[There’s no way a sucker like that could be the mastermind.]”

“Why are you saying only that part out loud?”

“[Hmm? Can you read minds?]”

“No. But you’re dwelling in Azazel’s body. I can tell what Azazel is thinking just by looking at her expression.”

“Don’t lie.”

Azazel kicked Karma’s chin again. 

‘If you knew what I was thinking, you couldn’t act like that. Die, you slit-eyed moron!’

“[Save the love quarrel for later. This is not the time.]”

“It’s not a love quarrel! Don’t say creepy things!!”

“[Okay, I’ll take it that way.]”

“No, I mean it’s not!”

Ignoring Azazel’s rebuttal, Michael half-opened his eyes. He raised his head and looked up at the sky. The still-broken sky filled his vision.

‘Four Seasons. I understand the reason why you guided me to this girl.’

The present world is so chaotic, so you want me to lend a hand, even if it’s weak.

“[I am a shadow of the past. Girl, I dwell in the present world with your power, but the time allowed will not be long.]”

However, that short time is enough.

Enough to do everything he can right now.

He gently stroked the blade of the Divine Sword with Azazel’s small finger.

It was an unfamiliar body, but the feeling transmitted through his hand was familiar.

“[I am Michael. Immodestly, ‘The Godlike One.’]”

Who could be like God?

The meaning of that alias, he would show them.

Author Note

A/N (Author’s note):
Karma is often misunderstood not just because of his distinctive expressions and behavior, but also due to the influence of the demonic beast’s power he inherited.

Translator Note

T/N (Translator’s note):
Don’t waste precious time! *proceeds to waste precious time*

Smh.