As mentioned, the God and Knight was usually triggered for those who lived a life they did not want or could still change. But from what Minhyuk could see, there was no benefit to having Balaman in their ranks even if he decided to change.
But the situation has changed now.
‘He has died under my hands and has already paid the price that he had to pay.’
Even though he became an undead and a Death Knight, it did not matter. In the first place, the reason why Balaman was so afraid of death was because he feared not being able to think and dream anymore.
[Balaman only has a tiny bit of ego left.]
The birth of the second Viel’s Puppet Doll was just around the corner. He would become a killing weapon that would obey Minhyuk’s orders alone.
Minhyuk looked at Balaman, who had turned into an undead. He looked a bit too different to be called a Death Knight. Although blood continued to drip all over his body, it was obvious that his wounds were already starting to recover. And compared to the other Death Knights, his figure did not turn into that of a skeleton.
Then, Minhyuk asked Balaman, “Would you like to die again, or will you obey me?”
Even if Minhyuk chose to bring Balaman to his side, the duke would serve him for a year. After that year, he would return to the arms of the God of Death. But even though there was only a tiny bit of ego left in this version of Balaman, it seemed like he was still afraid of that moment and immediately nodded in answer to Minhyuk. The moment Minhyuk received the answer, a notification rang in his ears.
[The God and Knight have succeeded!][You have acquired the ownership of the One who is Dead but is Not Dead.]
[You can kill him anytime you want.]
Then, Minhyuk stretched his hand out to Duke Balaman. He said, “Give me everything that you have.”
“...”
Minhyuk was confused because he could not hear the acquisition notifications for the platinum and artifacts even though he had already killed Duke Balaman. It seemed that this was because Duke Balaman had not truly died yet.
Not long after, Duke Balaman, who had become a well-behaved and obedient dog, handed over everything, including his ring, artifacts, and even the sword he had been using.
[You have gained 75,414 platinum.]
[You have acquired the Absolute One’s Breaker Ring.]
[You have acquired the Ducal Sword.]
[You have acquired the Gleaming Ducal Armor.]
After Minhyuk took everything away from Balaman, he saw the Black Skull Knight Order troops, going on a rampage earlier, stop to look at their master and owner.
“Lord- Lord Balaman.”
“Even if you have died, we will still obey and follow you!”
They were the type of people who would serve their master forever, even if they knew that Balaman had already died and had become a puppet. As for Minhyuk? He had no intention of giving them a good look.
Minhyuk had recently made headlines when he decided to embrace the prisoners from the Qingdao Kingdom. However, these people here were inherently different from them. They had exploited, plundered, and killed others. That was why he intended to take them away and suck them dry until their deaths.
Minhyuk knew that these people would only obey Balaman’s orders. So, he approached the duke and whispered in his ears. Then, Balaman conveyed his words. He said, “We should never forget the sins that we have committed. We will pay for the price of our sins and devote our lives to the Beyond the Heavens Empire up until the moment we die.”
“Sob, sob, sob. We understand.”
“We have received the duke’s orders!”
“Even if the Beyond the Heavens Empire denounces us, we will never forget the sins that we have committed!”
Now, Minhyuk had earned people he could freely and thoroughly use. Then, another notification rang in his ears.
[The 94,415 soldiers of the Black Skull Army, 24 knights of the Black Skull Knight Order, and 2 Red Skull Knights, who followed and obeyed Balaman, have become the slaves of the Beyond the Heavens Empire.]
“Take away everything that they have on them. A pair of simple clothes and a pickaxe is enough for them.”
Perhaps because of Balaman’s words, the men who followed him hurriedly took everything they had and gave it to Minhyuk’s men.
When Minhyuk totaled everything, he realized that he had received almost a million platinum and a variety of quality weapons, armor, artifacts, and many other things from them. All of these would greatly help the Beyond the Heavens Empire.
Among these items, Minhyuk desired the Absolute One’s Breaker Ring. He had checked the details of the item after he exploited(?) Balaman.
(Absolute One’s Breaker Ring)
Rank: God
Requirements: Level 600 or higher, 10,000 CHA or higher.
Durability: 5,000 / 5,000
Defensive Power: 501
Special Abilities:
•A 5% increase in Abnormal Status Resistance.
•Active Skill: The Breaker
Description: This is a ring made exclusively for Duke Balaman. If someone other than Duke Balaman wears the ring, the effects would be significantly reduced.
(The Breaker)
Active Skill
Level: None
Penalty for Use: You will receive a 13,000 damage to your HP. Your CHA will permanently decrease by 1.
Cooldown: 15 minutes.
Mana Required: 20,000
Effects: Anything tagged with “absolute” can be ignored for two seconds.
The effects of “The Breaker” were evident at a glance. But Minhyuk could not help but frown.
“Hey.”
“...”
Balaman, who only had a little ego and had become completely obedient, turned to look at Minhyuk.
“Why is it so different from when you used it?”
That was right. The Absolute One’s Breaker Ring that Minhyuk personally experienced felt much more significant than this. It felt like it could ignore anything tagged with “absolute” for around five to ten seconds, not just two seconds. There was also the 20,000 requirement for mana. It was much larger than he expected.
‘If it needs 20,000 MP, it will deplete 15% of my MP in one go.’
There was also a penalty. This meant that Minhyuk had to weigh the consequences before using the artifact.
‘I think Balaman was able to use this after one minute. But according to the description, I can only use it after fifteen minutes.’
Balaman answered, “It’s… because the ring… is custom… made… for me…”
“What effects does it have when you have it equipped?”
“I can break anything every forty seconds for a certain amount of mana.”
The difference was undoubtedly huge.
‘It’s still an excellent artifact.’
Heleina-class strongmen and powerhouses often possessed a power that allowed them to ignore absolute and invincible barriers. The fact that he would have the power to break those things with the help of this ring, even if it was only for two seconds, was a testament to how unique this artifact was.
At that moment, Prince Cardin nodded lightly to Minhyuk and said, “Allow me to greet and express my gratitude to you, Beyond the Heavens’ Emperor.”
Minhyuk had saved Prince Cardin from a huge crisis. Of course, he had heard that the Luvien Empire and the Beyond the Heavens Empire were bitter rivals. But the fact that he received their kindness and grace this time would remain.
‘He’s an extraordinary person.’
Cardin never expected Minhyuk to overpower and win against Balaman. His vassals were also people who should never be messed with.
‘Of course, I would have been able to overcome this crisis if I had the help of my master.’
But that was not his power. He would only be borrowing the power of his master. Minhyuk nodded lightly.
“Nerva had asked me to bring you back to the Luvien Empire.”
It might have looked like Minhyuk had been brought to this place because of Conir and Herakel. That was why he specifically mentioned Nerva's request. There were many reasons for that.
“Thanks to the help of the Beyond the Heavens Empire, the Luvien Empire will be able to go to even greater heights.”
You have received my help. Don’t ever forget that.
“Our troops have received quite a significant amount of damage. However, since it was for the greater good, it’s fine.”
“...”
Prince Cardin could see that even though Minhyuk was saying it was okay, his expression told him it was not acceptable at all.
“It’s really fine.”
“...”
At that moment, Cardin recalled how Conir pretended he did not know about the Becoming Hero Elixir that he had given the boy earlier.
“Conir! Conir got this for you, hyung!”
Then, at that moment, Conir appeared and handed over the Becoming Hero Elixir, the outstanding elixir that can increase all of one’s stats by 1, to Minhyuk.
“That’s mine…”
“I see; our dear Conir was able to obtain this precious elixir. Hahaha. Our dear Conir got a precious elixir!” Minhyuk quickly responded.
Prince Cardin snapped his mouth shut when he realized the situation.
“Anyway, it’s really fine. We’re fine even though the Beyond the Heavens Empire has received quite! A huge! Amount! Of damage!”
“...”
Prince Cardin, who had been extorted(?) by Conir, was now being extorted by the boy’s hyung. But in a way, it could only be considered fair.
“Once I have safely returned to the empire and inherited the throne, I will send my vassals to greet you. Is there something that you personally want?”
“But it’s really fine, though?”
“No. I have to do my best…”
“Then, I will tell you what I want.”
Contrary to his previous words, Minhyuk strongly and firmly stated his demands.
“First. I want the Luvien Empire to find and give me the information about all the Eight Pillars Candidates.”
Minhyuk knew that the Luvien Empire had the most extensive and far-reaching intelligence department in Athenae.
“Second. Find information about the Pillar Ingredients.”
“...”
He also knew there were at least two Pillar Ingredients in the world. He was trying to take care of the burdensome matters by making use of the Luvien Empire.
“Third.” Minhyuk smiled lightly. “I hope the Luvien Empire will compensate the Beyond the Heavens Empire with an amount you think is fair for this incident. As I mentioned earlier, the damage our Beyond the Heavens Empire has received is huge. Also, please keep in mind that I am someone who loves to eat.”
Prince Cardin looked around and saw the Beyond the Heavens Empire members standing scot-free after drinking a single potion bottle.
‘Uhm…’
But the reason why they were relatively intact and safe was because they were strong.
“I understand,” Prince Cardin agreed. Then, he thought about something for a moment. After remaining silent for a long time, he said, “I think I can fulfill your first requirement right now.”
Minhyuk’s eyes were colored with surprise when he heard the unexpected words. The first demand that he gave was information about the Eight Pillars’ candidates.
“The Teacher, Beradon. He is my master and was once a candidate to become the Eight Pillars.”
“The prince’s master?”
Minhyuk’s surprise grew. The one who taught the prince was once a candidate to become one of the Eight Pillars. But he was still alive and breathing?
Minhyuk had set a new goal: to become one of the Eight Pillars. He believed it was the only way for them to jump over and go beyond the Luvien Empire. And now that he wanted to try to find information about the Eight Pillars’ candidates, Prince Cardin’s teacher just happened to be one.
“My master does not discriminate when it comes to teaching. Whether you’re good or bad, he will teach them and open up a path for them.”
Of course, that did not mean that he would teach just anyone.
“But for one to receive the teachings of my master, one has to pass the trials that he had set first.”
“What does he teach?”
Minhyuk was wondering what Beradon was teaching.
“Well, how to say this. He can teach you to become stronger, so your mental power will grow, and many more. There is no limit to what he can teach you. He can teach you anything and bring you to the next realm. For example…” Prince Cardin looked at Minhyuk. “He can open up a path for the Food God, who has reached the limits and can no longer climb further. Or, he could give the Battle God, who could no longer grow further, a push and bring him higher.”
Cardin looked around him. That was when he caught sight of Spear God Ben. Then, he said, “He can teach those who are stubborn and determined how to bend so they would not break.”
Then, he looked at Brod. “He can teach those filled with anger and give them peace of mind.”
Cardin chuckled lightly and continued, “He had even told a boy, full of his greed, how to empathize with others and embrace them. That was how endless his powers are.”
At that moment, Minhyuk understood what it meant. ‘He has the power to make anything and anyone grow.’
Of course, he had to go through the process, but there was a chance he could create a new skill.
‘Or perhaps I can raise the level of my skills?’
Or he could be given a stepping stone to help him grow stronger.
“But master told me that he wanted to rest. He said that he no longer wished to accept any more disciples.”
Cardin was no fool. He knew he did not need to act favorably and kindly toward the Beyond the Heavens’ Emperor. After all, they might just become enemies one day. All he needed to do here was give him the information about the Eight Pillars candidate he wanted.
“It will be up to you to persuade my master to accept and teach you. Here, let me give you a map.”
[You have obtained a map leading you to The Teacher.]
Just as Minhyuk received the map, those who were supposed to escort Cardin safely to the empire arrived. Since they had already met Minhyuk, they silently bowed their heads in greeting.
After watching them leave, Minhyuk returned to the Beyond the Heavens Empire with his executives and their new slaves.
***
Nerva looked at Prince Cardin and his escort knights, who were being guarded safely by the guards of the Luvien Empire inside. Even though this was their first reunion after separating for so long, no tears appeared in either man's eyes. There was just one thing that Nerva wanted. He hoped the Luvien Empire would be revived and flourish further under his child’s reign.
“Now, it will be easy for you to climb and sit on the emperor's throne.”
Duke Balaman, who had become a very fierce and lethal weapon in the hands of the Beyond the Heavens’ emperor, had already killed all the factions and forces that wanted to hinder his path to becoming the emperor of the Luvien Empire before.
Now, Prince Cardin no longer needed to prove his abilities. He was already qualified to become the emperor just by having Nerva’s blood running through his veins.
Nerva looked at the remarkable and extraordinarily outstanding prince, Cardin, and asked, “What do you think about the Beyond the Heavens’ Emperor?”
Nerva had already let go of everything. Because of that, he no longer harbored any greed, jealousy, or hatred. And it was also because he had put everything down that he could see things more rationally and coolly. He had to admit that the Beyond the Heavens’ Emperor stood far beyond Prince Cardin.
“He’s an amazing person. Although he’s called the Food God, he has a strong power. He truly is the ruler of an empire.”
Nerva remained quiet and added nothing to Cardin’s frank and blunt statement.
‘Aside from that, he also possesses a different power.’
That was what Nerva felt when he came to meet Minhyuk.
At that moment, Knight Laghman, who stood behind Prince Cardin, said, “Prince Cardin has told the Beyond the Heavens’ Emperor to the place where The Teacher is living. However, he will not be able to learn from the master. I’m sure it would be like a slap to his face.”
A small smile lingered on Nerva’s face as he listened to their story.
‘Eight Pillars’ Candidate, The Teacher.’
“The Teacher said he would no longer accept any more disciples?”
Prince Cardin nodded as he took a sip of his tea.
“That’s right. Ultimately, what the Beyond the Heavens’ Emperor demanded of me will yield no results. First, it is tough to become my master’s disciple. Besides, my master personally told me, ‘I will no longer accept any more disciples.’ That’s why I believe what he’s doing is all in vain. Hence, the first demand he asked me for would be for naught.”
A smile appeared on Nerva’s face when he heard those words. “Pfft. I see.”
He no longer held hatred toward the Beyond the Heavens’ Emperor. He just became someone who watched the steps that he took and the moves that he made. No. To be exact, he became someone who wanted to make sure that Brod sat on the throne that rightfully belonged to him safely.
“Hahahahahahahaha!”
Prince Cardin could not help but frown when he saw Nerva laugh loudly for quite some time.
“Father, what’s the matter with you?”
After laughing for a while, Nerva looked at him and asked, “What do you think would happen if someone who said he would no longer accept any disciple decided to accept one again?”
“Eh?” Prince Cardin looked puzzled at the question. What was his father talking about? Seeing Nerva look at him as if he was waiting for an answer, Cardin opened his mouth and said, “Thinking that maybe this will be the last time that they will accept a disciple… If they find them valuable and worth teaching, then…”
Cardin suddenly snapped his mouth shut. That was right. Every person wished to find something or someone special for their final hurrah.
“Their final disciple will receive the most special and most precious teachings in the world.”
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