The situation in Ganghwange was proceeding smoothly.
The final battle, fought by the combined forces of the continent's major factions, had ended in victory for the Murim and yokai alliance. The Demonic Cult, save for their leader, the Heavenly Demon, had been annihilated. And even the Heavenly Demon had been used as a sacrifice to restore the Dragon Heart, leaving only the remnants who hadn't participated in the battle.
'…Actually, Hans extracted him immediately after the ritual.'
He wasn't about to waste such a valuable asset! The Heavenly Demon Jiangshi was arguably Hans's strongest undead. Even with the backup he had prepared, the fact remained that the jiangshi had fought evenly against multiple Transcendent Realm masters.
'Such power will be useful in the future. Especially against the Master of Heaven's Turn.'
That was the ultimate goal. He hadn't made much progress on turning the Scribe into an undead, having focused on creating the Heavenly Demon Jiangshi for this rehearsal, but it wouldn't take long now that the major event was over. The remaining tasks didn't require Hans's direct involvement.
'Hugo is returning to Yungjung with the Zhuge Clan…'
His heroic deeds, rivaling even the Transcendent Realm masters, had impressed many. His boundless internal energy, overwhelming martial prowess, flashy techniques, and selfless sacrifices had earned him the grand title "Heavenly Dragon Sword Hero" and many valuable connections.
'That will be helpful for his future activities. He's perfectly suited for operating in the open.'
He wouldn't remain confined to the Zhuge Clan. He would travel the continent, righting wrongs and building his reputation.
'After dealing with those who didn't cooperate and the irredeemable scum… I'll focus on recovery efforts and stabilizing public sentiment.'
I smiled, stroking my chin, pleased with the anticipated influx of karma. The various factions and yokai, having fought alongside each other against a common enemy, would work towards harmony, even without his intervention. They were influential figures within their respective factions.
'And there's still the matter of the Demonic Cult's hidden base and remaining members.'
The lingering threat would unite them further. Periodic reminders of their presence would reinforce the effect. And that would translate into even more karma for him.
『Karma Possessed – 9,574,649』
I grinned, seeing the increased number. It was rising rapidly, like the fractions of a second on a stopwatch.
'This should last for a while.'
Karma points reflected his influence on the world. This was just a down payment, with the reconstruction efforts not even having begun. Considering his influence on the upcoming changes in Ganghwange, it was like a secure retirement fund.
'How should I use this?'
Having achieved a new level of power, he sensed he would soon be able to enhance his unique skills again.
'The next enhancement costs 2 million points.'
A significant jump from the previous 1.5 million. The next one would likely cost 2.5 or even 3 million. His current 9.6 million points didn't seem so abundant anymore…
"Well, I'll have earned enough by then."
He wasn't worried. With his two-pronged approach in Auterica and Ganghwange, he was accumulating karma at a steady rate. He was even earning more than he was spending on 『Growth Elixir (7 days) (200,000)』 for himself and his avatars.
'And I also acquired a new perk.'
The karma points from achievements and feats were just a bonus. The real prize was the perk itself. Just like 「Interdimensional Transfer Gate Summon」 from his first feat, the newly acquired 「Savior」 held immense potential.
'Ignore all restrictions in other dimensions…'
It removed most of his limitations. Hans could now deploy his undead army across dimensions, create jiangshi in Auterica, and summon his undead forces to Ganghwange. He could use magical tools from one world in another and even utilize modern technology, previously impossible to transfer.
Unprecedented privileges.
'Of course, I'll have to test its limits.'
He felt a pang of regret for the high-ranking jiangshi he had sacrificed in Ganghwange, but it was a necessary investment for the rehearsal's success.
"Hmm, I wonder if there's a bonus for reaching 10 million karma points."
He was close, and at this rate, he would reach it in a few hours.
'No, I've already reached it once, so it probably won't work. Should I aim for 20 million? I could reach it quickly if I'm more proactive…'
As he pondered the possibilities—
Ring
His smartphone rang. His public contact number, used for his civilian identity, Han Sung-hyun. He had few contacts.
-"Hey, are you alive? If you're free, let's catch up."
The familiar voice of Kang Tae-san, his only friend in the civilian world.
-"I have something important to discuss."
His serious tone made me pause. Something was wrong.
***
"Dude, it's been ages! I almost forgot what you look like!"
I looked at Kang Tae-san, who was greeting me enthusiastically at the pub, a puzzled expression on my face. His cheerful demeanor contrasted sharply with the serious tone he had used on the phone. He just looked tired, waving his hand.
"…Yeah, good to see you too. What's up? I thought something serious happened."
"Oh, that? I'll tell you later. Sit down. Hey, boss! Crispy and spicy chicken, and two beers!"
I nodded, taking a seat. If it wasn't urgent, he could wait.
"Hah, finally a moment to relax. That damn terrorist attack… I wish I could at least sleep at home, even if I can't leave work on time."
Kang Tae-san took a swig of beer, complaining about the recent large-scale terrorist attacks in Seoul. The aftermath of the attacks, with its astronomical property damage and unprecedented casualties, had kept Korea busy. He, a member of the Supernatural Management Bureau's Criminal Investigation Department, had been working tirelessly, and today was his first day off.
'They're working fast. Well, the entire country is focused on this.'
And while attacks of this scale were rare, terrorist attacks themselves weren't uncommon, so they were prepared. Even the citizens were used to it. This pub was just a few blocks away from a bombing site, yet they were operating normally.
And…
"Hah, if it weren't for the vigilantes, I'd still be stuck at work."
"Really? I've seen people online saying they should be officially recognized and given licenses or something."
"Yeah, we've discussed it. But it's unlikely to happen. Even government officials are corrupt. Giving power to vigilantes with no accountability would be a disaster."
Vigilantes, operating outside the law to maintain order. Normally, their actions would be considered illegal, but their contribution to public safety during this crisis was undeniable.
'Jin Soran is doing a good job.'
I sipped my beer, listening to Kang Tae-san's complaints. The Blood Alliance was the largest vigilante group in Korea. Having seized control of the underworld thanks to Heinz II, they were cracking down on violent crimes, mobilizing their vampire forces and affiliated organizations.
'Most vigilantes are probably under the Blood Alliance's influence, except for a few lone wolves.'
It was possible thanks to their overwhelming combat power, strong organization, and vast resources. Criminals who would have exploited the chaos were now leashed, hunting down their own kind. That's why the situation hadn't spiraled out of control despite the scale of the attacks.
"Corporations are making donations… Did you hear? Howard Industry donated a massive amount to the affected areas. How much money do they even have? It's making our job easier, though."
As they chatted, the chicken and beer dwindled, but Kang Tae-san still hadn't mentioned his "important business."
'What is he waiting for?'
As I was about to ask—
"Hey, I thought it was just my imagination, but… you seem different. Your appearance, your aura…"
"Hmm?"
His words made me pause.
'Different…'
I unconsciously touched my face, repeating his words. But the reason was obvious.
'It's the divinity.'
The faint divinity he had awakened. It was usually masked by the need to distribute his power among his ten avatars, but a subtle aura still lingered.
'He noticed it despite 「Existence Denial」. He's surprisingly perceptive.'
Perhaps their long history together had made him sensitive to any changes.
As I pondered how to respond, Kang Tae-san snapped his fingers, his eyes widening.
"Ah! I knew it! You've been taking care of yourself! Your skin is glowing. Share your secrets."
A complete miss. While his skin had improved thanks to the energy and divinity…
'Whatever.'
It was easier to just agree.
"I've been exercising. Appearance matters these days. You should get some sleep instead of making excuses. You have bags under your eyes and your skin is dull. What care are you talking about?"
"I wish I could sleep. But I have to do something to prevent things from getting worse! I can't just ignore it."
He sighed, complaining again. He would eventually get to the point.
I chuckled, giving up on asking.
"Why bother with your appearance now? You don't even have anyone to impress."
It felt like a self-inflicted wound, but it was fine. Unlike him, I wasn't single; I was choosing to be single!
"Actually, about that…"
I was wrong.
He averted his gaze, an awkward smile on his face. I sensed something was amiss.
"Honey! There you are!"
A cheerful female voice called out from the side. Not to me, of course.
"Oh, you're here?"
"Sorry, sorry! Something came up at work."
"It's okay, we were just about to leave. This is my friend I told you about. We've been friends for over ten years; he's practically family."
"Hello! I'm Park Mi-young. I've heard so much about you."
Kang Tae-san chatted amiably with a charming woman. I forced a smile, greeting her, then turned to my friend, my gaze demanding an explanation.
"Well… it just… happened."
"…"
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, the woman linking arms with him affectionately.
Han Sung-hyun, forever alone.
I had lost a comrade.