Chapter 44: Good morning

The demon of countess rank, Albania the Illusion, was born in Hell and had lived for hundreds of years.

Having endured such a long span of time, she had gained a certain wisdom, or perhaps a sharpened instinct.

She had always known it, but as she aged and accumulated magical power within her, she felt it even more keenly:

Even in Hell, where daily life consisted of fighting and exploiting subordinate demons, there existed an absolute order.

This wasn’t some lofty, abstract revelation. It was a simple and clear truth:

Strength is justice.

In Hell, where only the strong could claim their rights, this was an obvious logic.

Those who thought their knowledge was their weapon scoffed at this idea—

Until they were pummeled by a magical fist and quickly changed their tune.

“So, being strong feels pretty good, doesn’t it?”

“…Yes, it does seem that way.”

“Let’s get along from now on, alright?”

“…Okay.”

When a low-ranking demon dared to talk back to a high-ranking one, they’d get thoroughly beaten and realize, “I overstepped.”

This was a world where the mightiest tyrants took everything—a paradise of power where everyone aspired to become that tyrant, to grow stronger.

It wasn’t just talk; this was a society genuinely governed by the order of strength.

For Albania, who had risen to the rank of countess in such a place, deciding to follow the Great Master—Shin Yuseong—required no lengthy deliberation.

“He’s insanely strong, isn’t he?”

She hadn’t been subdued through trickery, poison, or ambush.

She was overwhelmed purely by strength, and as a high-ranking demon, she had even sensed her own death in that moment.

No matter how many times she replayed that scene, the conclusion was always the same: if that sword had struck her, she would have died.

Even if she possessed the ability to disrupt minds, the fact that he could enchant multiple demons and dark sorcerers to this extent was, in itself, a tremendous power.

It meant he was a strong being capable of turning illusions into reality, even if indirectly.

Though weakened upon crossing into this world, Albania, a high-ranking demon of countess status who wielded the concept of Illusion, was no pushover.

Even now, she was confident she could take on an archmage.

Being rendered powerless by a mere human gesture was utterly incomprehensible.

There had to be something beyond her perception to explain such a gap.

Before questioning the species of “human” or its limitations, this was a disparity only possible for someone who had transcended their mortal shackles.

If her opponent was truly a being who had escaped the fate of mortality, it wasn’t such a bad deal.

In other words, it meant he was a transcendent being.

Was there any shame in being defeated and detained by a god?

It was only natural.

Showing respect and reverence to an overwhelmingly powerful being was equally so.

For those who had trespassed into the domain of a god and committed rudeness, the path forward was clear.

When facing a hostile transcendent being, one should grovel, offering everything they have just to be spared.

And since they were already captured, shouldn’t they offer tribute and pay a ransom?

As someone who considered it a miracle to still be alive, Albania couldn’t fathom why the others, aside from herself, were so glum.

The possessions of the weak naturally belonged to the strong, and they should be grateful to still have their lives.

Alright, let’s stop wasting words and take the hint.

With that thought process, Albania extended her hand with a calm expression.

[“So, each of you, hand over something valuable.”]

[…]

[“Before I start searching you.”]

Truly demonic tyranny.

***

“I’m so done with life.”

Sephine Alabard had recently noticed herself becoming increasingly dejected.

She was the daughter of one of the world’s most prestigious magical families.

If she set her mind to it, she was talented enough to aim for the position of heir.

While she never aspired to be the best in the world, she had always been confident she could live a comfortable, successful life.

But… how had things come to this?

Through twists and turns, she kept discovering her own shortcomings.

The magic she had studied her entire life, aside from manipulation and transformation spells—she was a complete idiot.

“…Ugh, a real dumb idiot.”

Now, she didn’t even know what birthday gift to give to the guy she had a crush on.

Closing her eyes tightly, she tapped her head in frustration.

She genuinely had no clue.

This wasn’t just a friend; it was someone she hoped to grow closer to.

What do you give someone like that?

A bouquet of flowers felt oddly burdensome, and she didn’t know his fashion taste well enough to buy him clothes.

Sure, there were clothes she’d love to see him wear, but those were her preferences, and she worried he’d think she was overstepping.

Giving him gaming gear might make her seem like some kind of nerd.

“You like this stuff, right?”

“Uh, I don’t really need something this intense.”

He’d said he liked games, but it could just be a casual interest.

Someone who hadn’t even played a hundred hours of games might carelessly think,

“Oh, I guess I like gaming.”

It was entirely impossible.

Above all, Shin Yuseong didn’t look like the type to hole up in his room playing games all day!

He was too handsome to be hanging out at clubs or bars like other guys.

Instead, he gave off the vibe of someone who’d visit an art gallery to quietly appreciate paintings or sip tea at home while listening to classical music.

Is giving a gaming console to someone like him really the right move?

It might be the correct choice, but as a gift for someone she had a crush on, it felt a bit nonsensical.

Or maybe she was being too hasty?

If she thought of it as a casual gift between friends, it didn’t seem like a bad idea.

Actually, it might not be so bad.

Right, no need to rush.

He didn’t seem like the type to fall for someone just because they made a move.

A gaming console—preferably an expensive one in that tricky price range—was something she wanted to buy anyway.

Sephine Alabard finally found a thread to follow for the birthday gift.

She’d heard he liked food, but gifting something like a hamburger, chicken, or a gift card felt blatantly insincere and was ruled out from the start.

Sending high-end ingredients out of the blue… that was even more absurd than an expensive gaming console.

‘Why would she give this?’

If he thought that upon seeing the gift, it’d be a disaster.

Let’s go with a friendly gaming console instead.

Finally seeing a clear path, Sephine’s lips curled into a smile as she imagined Shin Yuseong happily receiving her gift.

The happy fantasy sent her brain into overdrive, pumping out endorphins and adrenaline, instantly boosting her mood.

She sprang out of bed, threw on some clothes, and headed to the department store.

“Hey, Aunt. Do you know anything about gaming consoles?”

All this to prepare the perfect gift.

If you thought about it, a “gift” in human society carries various meanings:

It’s just for a special occasion.

It’s because we’re friends.

It’s because I love you.

***

“Let’s discuss the proposal of gifting a 1.43 million won gaming console to the person of interest. Imagine a friend who’s been hanging out in group activities or outings suddenly gives you a gift like this. What would you think?”

In a bid to score points, there was a place where meticulous discussions were unfolding to win the favor of one specific person.

Deep within the heart of the Jeil Yeongnak Church, under the watchful eye of the guardian monk Imir, the church’s intelligence division was holding an emergency meeting with serious attitudes and stern expressions.

“A gaming console, huh.”

“This isn’t easy.”

The topic seemed light at first glance, but their responses came after deep contemplation.

“Such an expensive gift? I’d wonder if he really seemed that into gaming.”

“We’re friends, but we’ve only known each other for two months. For recent friends, that price range is a bit high.”

“But everyone’s from well-off families and has earned quite a bit from dungeons, so it’s probably fine, right?”

“Hiss, still, 1.43 million won is a lot.”

“Uh, I’d just be happy to receive it.”

“That’s because you’re a girl. Think like a guy! Imagine you’re a super handsome, top-grade, charismatic, popular guy. How would you react?”

“…Would a guy like that even play games or read manga?”

“Exactly, that’s the point.”

“Good approach. He said he likes gaming, but taking every word at face value is a disgrace to our intelligence division.”

“I’ve seen someone who only read Jjangpal and One-Two Piece call themselves an otaku.”

“Referencing such rare cases and falling into confirmation bias isn’t ideal, but since this is a critical matter, we need to be cautious.”

“…Sure, a lot of guys play games these days, but it’s mostly FPS or cutesy-looking games. Console gaming feels too hardcore and niche.”

“Maybe lower the bar a bit?”

“Yeah, something like a Nintendo.”

“Not a bad idea.”

As the intelligence division of Jeil Yeongnak Church gathered every available male and female agent for this meticulous discussion, Imir, who had been quietly nodding along, suddenly snapped to attention and furrowed her brow.

Why does it feel like we’re discussing something weird?

But winning the favor of a highly dangerous individual was undeniably important.

This is giving me an identity crisis.

If only he were the type to post a gift wishlist on a messenger app or SNS.

“Then we should switch models—choose between the 890,000Won Nintendo Special Warfare or the 400,000Won Nintendo Rich.”

“I like the vibe of ‘Rich.’”

“But Warfare is better for playing together, isn’t it?”

“Hmm, is this really the right direction?”

Imir, suddenly hit with a wave of existential dread, let out a deep sigh, smacked her lips, and refocused on the meeting.

She had to focus.

***

Time passed, and soon it was the weekend.

Midterms were starting on Monday, so the moment was fast approaching.

My first school exam in 20 years!

I wasn’t aiming to take first place like in the level test, but I didn’t plan to do poorly either.

It was a strange mix of ambition and nervous excitement.

It was time to hit the books, and it also happened to be the day my fancy apartment—purchased after my return—would welcome its first-ever guest.

Ding-dong.

At the sound of the doorbell, I hurried to the front door and opened it to greet my first visitor.

With her distinctive blue hair and skin that, though less sickly, was still strikingly pale, Seol Yeonhwa shyly averted her gaze and offered a timid greeting.

“…Good morning.”

Her words carried a ticklish charm.

Her visuals and lines could easily stir feelings of excitement, but I kept my composure.

Not because I wasn’t charmed by her, but because…

[Finally, a romance event?!]

[(≧▽≦)]

[The Goddess shrieks, pounding the cushion beside her.]

For some reason, the Goddess up in the heavens was watching with far more enthusiasm than I was.

Well.

That cooled my excitement a bit.

To Be Continued