Ch.7979. The Collar of Avarice Filling Up on Lena

“Huff.”

I rubbed between my eyebrows with my fingers, feeling somewhat fatigued.

The date for my duel with Emperor Recter was now just three weeks away.

It would be the day the second scenario ends.

Since Vengeance had grown so massive in scale, there was much to handle, but we were short on manpower due to the urgency of the process. The biggest problem was that I had few people I could trust.

“Lord, I’m here to report.”

“Proceed.”

A quick-witted subordinate briefed me on the situation.

“Small villain organizations absorbing surviving heroes are staging rebellions. They’re occurring worldwide, and we’re suppressing them immediately, but it’s consuming significant resources.”

Currently, my trusted inner circle consists of four people: Lu-a, Lena, and the original subordinate Kang Wan, along with the boss of Harbor 7. I couldn’t use Boksil for administrative roles, so I assigned her to clean up post-apocalyptic Australia.

Each was given a mission and scattered across the world until things stabilized, which is why this guy is by my side in Washington. He’s been moving quickly beside me since I detonated the Origin in Sinzwork. His villain rank is still a weak C, but he’s useful as a manager.

“…Additionally, Yellow Cloaker and Ocean Saber have moved from the underwater prison back to downtown Seoul. They’re still searching for Choi Minseo, but show no signs of suspicious activity.”

“Good work.”

“You look tired.”

“Is that so?”

“I’ve served you longer than Dark Matter has, Lord.”

“Your sloth meter is dangerously low. It’s time to fill it up. Deep Dive is off duty today. Do you have a favorite game?”

“Apex Heroes, sir.”

“Perfect, there’s three of us. Let’s play.”

When it’s time to play, play with full force.

The Red Dragon is a troublesome one.

***

“Lord, nine o’clock! Nine o’clock! I’m going in with my ultimate!”

“That runner’s aim is too good! You’ll die if you go in first! If we can just catch them there, we could wipe them…”

We were enjoying a battle royale FPS game with three-person teams. As the game continued, the safe zone closed in on our team, putting us in a dilemma. Finally, unable to hold back, Deep Dive hastily used her ultimate ability, but enemy characters in good positions took all three of us out.

“We got destroyed! I’m sorry, Lord!”

“No, that was fun.”

Then a message appeared in the global chat.

Dark_Matttt> I won, hehe

……

Lu-a, huh.

How did she know to snipe us like that?

Elli_Love> Lu-a, please remind me which button is for shooting

WHATMYNAME> this is so boring i’d rather shoot myself

What are they doing?

They’re both on Lu-a’s team. No wonder we couldn’t win.

Well, thanks to them my sloth meter rose nicely, so I won’t complain.

We played a few more rounds but got ghosted and destroyed by the Vengeance women’s team.

***

“Hmm.”

I checked my system window before going to sleep.

The bed I’m lying on is soft, spacious, and warm. All of Vengeance’s bases are luxurious.

But material satisfaction doesn’t mean much to me. I only care about how much the comfortable sleep will raise my sloth meter, and how much more effective it will be if a battle occurs tomorrow.

Vengeance’s villain organization level is 20.

World ranking #1. We’ve reached the pinnacle.

I’m also on the verge of achieving my goal of becoming the Lord of Evil. The position of leader who can bring all villains under control.

My stats have increased about 80% compared to when I revived and received the special benefits.

My ability level is 29.

Considering how slowly levels in the 20s increase, this is good growth.

Abilities typically evolve every 5 levels, so reaching 30 would be nice, but it’s impossible in three weeks.

The Evil Sentai members are Lu-a, Lena, and Boksil.

All three have increased in rank since Eridanus, and their ability levels and stats show tremendous growth rates.

The final boss of the second scenario, Recter, is T8. This means the Absolute League, originally the boss of the third scenario, should have been higher. Due to the scenario’s nature, the boss wasn’t predetermined, but appeared much earlier in a weaker state.

Logically, Lu-a and Lena, characters from the fourth scenario, would have had higher ranks if they had appeared at their original time, 1.5 to 2 years later. Even this growth rate isn’t unexpected. They’re performing as expected.

I believe we’ve met the minimum conditions to defeat Recter.

All those troops of the Galaxy Empire would lose their command structure and fall like autumn leaves without their officers. Morgan will need to handle that role well.

The variable is Dorado. He’ll be harder to take down before Recter. I hope Morgan has excluded Dorado from the command structure, but the best option would be to negotiate with him one-on-one.

In case that fails, we have Pestam weapons.

I should also prepare the Dragon King Sentai’s mechs from the Seoul Hero Association.

All six units are in Vengeance’s possession.

Seeing that Kang Yerin and Ji Se-hwa still haven’t found Choi Minseo, there’s a high probability she died elsewhere. She was in such a poisoned state.

But that’s just probability. Choi Minseo has the healing ability Quetzalcoatl. She might still be walking the back alleys.

I’d prefer to finish her with my own hands.

But that’s a lower priority now. We can search thoroughly after dealing with the Galaxy Empire.

“Good.”

The progress is appropriate. As I was doing my final check, a message appeared on my system window.

—-

* Notice: The maintenance condition level for ‘Red Dragon of Apocalypse’ has increased!

― Maintenance Condition Lv.6

Pride: SUPERBIA 10/10

Greed: AVARITIA 9/10 (NEW)

■■: ■■■■■■■

Wrath: IRA 7/10

Lust: LUXURIA 5/10

Gluttony: GULA 8/10

Sloth: PIGRITIA 5/10

* Form change will be unlocked at Lv.7

—-

Huh.

In the original work, the maintenance condition was only level 4 until nearly clearing the fourth scenario, but it’s already at 6.

Maybe it’s because I cleared the third scenario and performed the unprecedented action of annihilating all heroes. Still, this is too fast.

“I’d rather reach level 7.”

Judging by the name, the last remaining condition is clearly envy.

…Hmm.

I feel like there might be a way to force it open using a bug.

Of course, there’s no guarantee it would work in this world.

“First, the greed condition. Is it related to accumulating or spending money?”

I checked the description.

—-

Greed: AVARITIA

The Red Dragon’s owner must desire and accumulate more wealth than others. However, currency is created by human civilization and has no absolute value. On the other hand, there is an absolute and certain asset engraved in genes.

That is a ‘spouse.’

There is a saying that having a beautiful spouse brings prosperity for 3 years, having a strong spouse brings prosperity for 30 years, and having a wise spouse brings prosperity for 3 generations.

Of course, the Red Dragon’s owner must have multiple spouses who fulfill all these conditions.

Keep beautiful, strong, and wise lovers by your side. Captivate them. The meter fills as much as they love you.

—-

“Damn.”

***

“Hmm. Today’s sandwich has such a wonderful flavor, doesn’t it? I’d like to compliment the chef. An excellent brunch.”

“It’s 2 AM my time. Why do I have to match Lena’s mealtime? The only reason we can eat together is because I transport everyone here.”

“Boksil likes morning! Morning bread good!”

As we were eating lunch, Lu-a complained. I silently stuffed my sandwich in my mouth.

“Boksil, do you shower? You smell a bit…”

“Eeeeh. Boksil hates baths. Rain is enough.”

“It doesn’t rain there! It’s a desert!”

“Lu-a, please check my ability level. What is it now?”

“Oh, yes. Let me see. Lena’s Spiritual Command is at 19.”

“Creation appeared at 10, so something will happen at 20 too. Hehe. Perhaps… could I meet Elli now?”

Lena was full of anticipation. I nodded.

“The Spiritual Command series includes mental interference. If it unlocks at 20, it should be possible.”

“I see. Finally… I’ll definitely reach 20 after the war with the Galaxy Empire, right?”

“There will be more than enough experience. You’ll all need to participate in the final battle.”

“…Hehe.”

Lena leaned her face close to mine.

“But Geo, didn’t you say you’d put a leash on me before I achieved my goal? At this rate, I might put a knife in your back after we defeat the Galaxy Empire.”

“What? Are you trying to betray Geo now?”

“That was the condition from the beginning. If you’re hoping for mercy, I might be so disappointed in Geo that I’d immediately stage a coup at the Holy Tree.”

“Sigh. I really don’t understand your way of thinking.”

Lu-a shook her head as if disgusted.

“So, Geo. Where’s my leash?”

Lena narrowed her eyes and gave me an expectant look.

This works out well.

I handed Lena a simple contract I had written.

Her expression froze oddly when she saw the title.

“…What is this?”

“Exactly what it looks like.”

BOOM!

An explosion erupted on the table, creating a hole in the floor that disappeared without a trace.

Lu-a was glaring at me with lifeless pupils and a raised chin.

“…Geo? What does this mean? A ‘dating contract’?”

Lu-a’s lips trembled as she emitted killing intent.

There seems to be a misunderstanding.

“It’s a dating contract with me as the subject. The target is the name written below.”

“…It’s Lena. Why is Lena first? Why not… why not me first instead of Lena?”

“I see. So this is my leash, Geo. How cunning.”

Lena smiled ecstatically.

“Look carefully, Lu-a. This isn’t a contract between Geo and me.”

“…Huh?”

Lu-a checked the name on the contract again.

“…Yoo Cha-mi?”

“Yes. Geo is threatening me, using Elli as a hostage. But Geo, why should I sign this?”

Lena’s voice seemed to be mocking me. I responded with a raised corner of my mouth.

“If you don’t sign, the Apocalypse goes on strike.”