Ch.14Ep.14: The Goblin Clan

# Dokkaebi.

They are demonic beasts that inhabit the Demonic Prison, top predators among the many creatures of the Demonic Prison.

Their numbers don’t exceed 100, but each one possesses power comparable to a calamity.

If they were to escape from the Demonic Prison, they have such insane power that even the Guardian Spirit would have no means to stop them.

There’s a particular reason why they should be feared.

It’s because the dokkaebi possess an ability called ultra-regeneration.

They feel pain, but if a body part is cut off, it regenerates within less than a second.

There’s no magical energy consumption, no physical stamina consumption whatsoever.

It’s simply like an inherent trait.

Moreover, their necks can’t be cut.

They just can’t be cut.

Spatial cutting, causality deletion, whatever—they just can’t be cut.

Usually, regenerating demonic beasts die when their heads are cut off.

But with dokkaebi, no matter what method was used, their necks couldn’t be severed.

That’s why rumors spread early on that dokkaebi should never be provoked.

So to kill a dokkaebi, the only way is to directly burst its heart.

But that’s not easy.

Dokkaebi are cunning and attack without concern for their own safety.

A dokkaebi only needs to protect its heart, while humans must protect everything when fighting.

It’s obvious who has the advantage.

Of course, neither Radios nor Arsia had ever formally met the chief of the dokkaebi tribe.

They had only glimpsed one.

Rumors said the dokkaebi chief possessed god-like power…

When fighting otherworlders in the Demonic Prison, not a single dokkaebi was seen.

But who would have thought they’d encounter a dokkaebi not in the Demonic Prison itself, but in its territory?

“Boss… what should we do?”

“Let’s talk first. A preemptive attack won’t work.”

Though it’s just one creature, it has enough power that the Sword of Judgment would need to be activated to face it.

Despite its terrifying magical energy, there’s no sense of killing intent.

It probably isn’t here to fight. It shouldn’t be.

Dokkaebi value their own kind highly.

Radios and Arsia remained still, facing the dokkaebi.

They didn’t hastily open their mouths, waiting for the dokkaebi to speak first.

“Humans, and two of them at that—what brings you to the Demonic Prison?”

He asked with an indifferent expression.

He seems genuinely curious about why they’re here.

Well, coming to the Demonic Prison with this level of power is equivalent to coming to commit suicide.

Radios answered while trying not to offend him.

“There’s… something I need from the Demonic Prison.”

“Go back. With your power, you’ll die at the entrance of the Demonic Prison.”

“Then… were you the one who sent those skeletons?”

The dokkaebi gave Arsia a cold look at her question.

Radios drew out Astrape, preparing for the worst-case scenario.

“Oh? A human wielding Zeus’s weapon?”

“…”

“That madman wouldn’t give his weapon to a human… did you steal it?”

“What if I did?”

“Kuhehe. You’re truly an insane human, aren’t you?”

The dokkaebi laughed with a growl, seemingly pleased with Radios’s answer.

Though the atmosphere had lightened somewhat, the dokkaebi was still a demonic beast.

Radios continued the conversation without lowering his guard.

“Three years ago… no dokkaebi were seen in the Demonic Prison. Why?”

“Three years ago? Ah, when humans fought in the Demonic Prison?”

The dokkaebi nodded as if recalling that time.

His lips curved into a smile.

“When humans were fighting, we were conquering the Demonic Prison.”

“Conquering?”

“We needed to unite the forces of the Demonic Prison.”

“..!”

Chilling.

Radios sensed something ominous in the dokkaebi’s words.

What reason would there be to unite the forces of the Demonic Prison?

There could only be one.

“Were you… planning to leave the Demonic Prison?”

“Yes. The greed contained in Cronos’s blood made us weary, and we wanted to go to a wider world.”

“Then why…”

“Am I still in the Demonic Prison? Well, the blood left by humans somewhat satisfied our greed.”

To summarize what the dokkaebi was saying:

Because of the battle with the otherworlders in the Demonic Prison back then.

The dokkaebi didn’t even think about leaving the Demonic Prison.

Was this truly a blessing for the Guardian Spirit?

Well.

If the dokkaebi had left the Demonic Prison… they would have clashed more with the otherworlders.

“So in the end, I ruined everything…”

“Don’t blame yourself. It was us who followed you, and results can’t be changed.”

Arsia showed disappointment that her strategy had ultimately been a failure.

But wait.

Why is the dokkaebi telling us this?

Especially when we’ve never met before?

Just as Radios was wondering this.

“Arsia Cromwell. Strategist of the Guardian Spirit. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“..!”

“Our chief wants to see you. Follow me or die.”

Boom!

As the dokkaebi released killing intent, indicating the friendly atmosphere was over.

Radios finally activated the Sword of Judgment.

“Hoho, I remember that face too. You’re Radios Magnum, right?”

“…I didn’t want to make enemies with the dokkaebi.”

This is dangerous.

If he kills this dokkaebi, he’ll be tracked by the others.

If he fights with the intention of subduing, he’ll definitely die.

Even with the Underworld army and Arsia backing him up.

Dokkaebi are opponents one should never underestimate.

“It seems words won’t make you follow. I need to teach you a lesson.”

“Looks like we have no choice but to fight.”

Crackle!

Finally, Radios lunged at the dokkaebi with Astrape in hand.

But the dokkaebi just stood still, glaring at Radios.

He should know that if Radios’s attack hits, his heart would be pierced.

Yet the dokkaebi’s behavior seemed too calm.

Bang!

As a result, Radios stopped just before thrusting Astrape.

He also deactivated the Sword of Judgment and looked into the dokkaebi’s eyes.

Eyes that seemed to say, “Is this all you’ve got?” even when faced with a life-threatening situation.

They reflected that he had already read his opponent’s movements.

Radios finally realized.

“You’ve been toying with me from the start, haven’t you?”

“You catch on quickly. Then, let me introduce myself.”

The dokkaebi gestured to his face.

His youthful face transformed into an elderly one full of wrinkles.

It changed to a face that Radios had seen before.

“I am Kraud, chief of the dokkaebi tribe.”

“…Radios Magnum. Captain of the Guardian Spirit.”

“Good decision. If you had tried to pierce my heart, I would have twisted your neck.”

“…Thank you.”

Kraud, chief of the dokkaebi tribe.

A monster whom Radios had encountered by chance just once.

A being considered the greatest among Kadinant’s creatures.

From a distance, he seemed insane, but up close, Radios could tell.

Dokkaebi Chief Kraud possessed power that could rival even Hades.

‘This changes things. I must recruit him.’

Each dokkaebi is an immense force.

And if they’ve conquered the Demonic Prison, they might be even stronger.

“You’re probably wondering how I could leave the Demonic Prison?”

“Yes. The Demonic Prison isn’t called that for nothing.”

“Best Guardian. You should be able to deduce it to some extent, right?”

In response to Radios’s question, Kraud directed a question to Arsia instead.

Surprised by the sudden question, Arsia pondered for a moment.

Then she offered a speculative statement.

“From what I’ve gathered, the dokkaebi had the power to leave the Demonic Prison, but… if they couldn’t actually come out, could it be due to the nocebo effect? And since you’re the chief… with a different Order, you might be able to ignore that effect to some extent.”

“That’s close.”

The nocebo effect.

Commonly known as the opposite of the placebo effect.

So the reason dokkaebi couldn’t leave the Demonic Prison is:

Even though they could have left from the beginning, after being in the Demonic Prison for so long, they developed a resistance to leaving.

It was such an unexpected reason that even Arsia, who had suggested it, was left speechless.

Satisfied with her deduction, Kraud shifted his attention from her and locked eyes with Radios.

“I’ve come to propose a deal.”

“A deal… you say?”

“The fragment containing energy opposite to the Olympus gods that you possess. I want to borrow that power.”

“..!”

Without even being shown, Kraud mentioned the Divine Fragment: Replication.

Is this… possible?

It’s truly bewildering.

Perhaps this emotion was evident on his face.

Kraud spoke as if to reassure him.

“No need to look so surprised. I only need the energy contained in that fragment.”

“…What do you plan to use it for?”

“To erase the fear from my kin who are afraid to leave the Demonic Prison.”

He wants to use the Divine Fragment to erase the nocebo effect.

Honestly, Radios isn’t sure if it would work.

But since the chief says so, it must be true.

“In other words, you want to leave the Demonic Prison?”

“Let me tell you what you’ll get in return. Just once, whenever you wish. Our entire tribe will help you with your task.”

“..!”

Radios’s eyes widened at the unexpected condition.

The power of the dokkaebi tribe is enough to easily destroy Kadinant.

Such a formidable force is offering help?

‘This… this is an opportunity!’

He must seize it.

If he rejects this offer and the otherworlders make contact and take the energy of the Outer God…

Then a truly bleak future with no dreams or hope would unfold for the Guardian Spirit.

Of course, the atmosphere doesn’t really allow for rejection anyway!

With such an offer, one should naturally accept, right?

A deal shouldn’t become a threat.

Just to be sure, he looked back at Arsia, and she nodded as if sharing the same thought.

Since only the owner can use the fragment’s power, they probably won’t betray them.

“I have… one more condition.”

“Oh? Go ahead, speak.”

While making the deal, Radios thought of a tactic.

Honestly, since they’re the ones providing the power, they could be considered the superior party in this negotiation.

As long as it’s not an unreasonable request, they should try to gain a bit more advantage.

“We need proof of the deal.”

“What is it?”

“Could we… take one dokkaebi with us to accompany us?”

“Hmm… that’s not difficult. In fact, I’d like to request that.”

“Then, please guide us. I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Understood.”

Tap!

With those words, Kraud struck the ground with his wooden staff.

In the blink of an eye, Radios and Arsia were transported to the center of the Demonic Prison.

The pair looked around the Demonic Prison with wide eyes.

Kraud introduced them with outstretched arms.

“Welcome to the village of the dokkaebi, the first visitors ever.”