Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 722

“So, how much do you want?”

“…”

Kang Jin-ho’s gaze fixed on Zhu Gang. He realized he’d made a mistake by answering so quickly.

“Ah…”

Zhu Gang felt everyone’s eyes on him and shuddered.

‘This is a mess.’

Now that things had gone this far, he had no choice but to address the Demon Lord. Remaining silent would be disrespectful. Feeling a cold sweat on his back, Zhu Gang spoke.

“A-are you saying you’ll give us a salary?”

“Then, you don’t want it?” Kang Jin-ho countered.

“B-but there’s no precedent for that.”

Kang Jin-ho’s eyes widened slightly. He turned his head and looked at Jang Min.

“What are you talking about? Are you saying you don’t give stipends?”

“…Since I was old enough to understand, I’ve never heard of stipends being given.”

Kang Jin-ho tilted his head, looking bewildered.

“Then what do you live on?”

“…”

Jang Min hesitated, unable to answer. From his perspective, he couldn’t understand what Kang Jin-ho was asking.

‘Give stipends?’

As far as he knew, the Demonic Cult had never given stipends to its members.

“Demon Lord, the members take care of their own personal finances.”

“Then what does the cult do?”

“The cult is in charge of the cult’s propagation and overall management…”

“So…” Kang Jin-ho cut off Jang Min.

“You’re saying you do nothing, just take money as elders or whatever, and don’t care about the members’ lives?”

“…”

Jang Min was speechless. Well, if you twisted the words, that’s what it would sound like. But wasn’t that normal?

However, from Kang Jin-ho’s perspective, it was absurd.

From the perspective of ordinary religions, it might not be so strange. But the Demonic Cult was not an ordinary religion. Members of other religions balance their daily lives with their religious lives.

However, Demonic Cult members had to learn demonic arts, making daily life impossible. From the perspective of other religions, it was like a pastor or priest who had to live a tight schedule all day long not receiving a salary.

Then who would want to join the cult?

That’s why the old cult was responsible for the members’ lives. They gave them land to cultivate and shared food. This was the reason why the Demonic Cult constantly coveted the fertile lands of the Central Plains [the most prosperous and populous region of ancient China]. As the number of members increased, it became difficult to feed them all in the barren mountains.

But…

‘It’s actually regressed.’

He understood.

As they lost power and fell, they must have lost the financial resources to take care of the members’ lives. But now, things had to change.

“Stipends… no, I should use modern terms. Salaries will be paid. Starting now.”

“H-hold on, Demon Lord!” Jang Min desperately tried to stop the situation.

It was easy to declare, but where would the funds come from?

“The cult’s funds…” Jang Min said quietly, so others wouldn’t hear. But Kang Jin-ho was firm.

“That’s my problem.”

“Demon Lord?” Kang Jin-ho looked around at everyone and said,

“Everyone who follows me to Korea will be paid a salary. You have to learn new demonic arts, and if you have to worry about money, there’s no way you can achieve anything. It’s not just about money. I will solve all the problems that hinder your learning of martial arts.”

Zhu Gang was speechless, staring at Kang Jin-ho.

‘Am I hearing this right?’

It was a world where you had to pay to learn martial arts. And it was a world where you had to pay tribute for learning those martial arts. But now, he was saying he would give money and let them learn martial arts?

“H-how much?” The question came out without him realizing it.

Kang Jin-ho frowned at Zhu Gang’s words.

“It’s hard to say the exact amount right now. I don’t know what the appropriate amount is. But I plan to pay at least enough to support your families.”

Kang Jin-ho did some calculations in his head.

If they went to Korea, the Demonic Cult would eventually become a branch within the General Assembly [a fictional organization]. If he had to pay them salaries instead of using their power, Lee Hyun-soo would welcome it with open arms.

The General Assembly was overflowing with money but was struggling with a lack of manpower.

The only concerns were bringing them over and the potential for conflict due to the different cultures. But from the perspective of strengthening their forces, there was no reason to refuse.

“I-is that really true?” Kang Jin-ho flinched slightly.

He was worried that he might have gone too far with Zhu Gang’s extreme reaction.

“…How much do you guys get now?”

“It’s so varied that it’s hard to get an exact average, but on average, those who work for a month earn about 8,000 yuan per month.”

“How much is 8,000 yuan?” Kang Jin-ho fumbled for his smartphone and turned on the currency converter.

“Is that all you get?”

“…Yes?”

“I’ll guarantee at least 10,000 yuan.” Kang Jin-ho started throwing out numbers.

“The exact amount will have to be discussed separately, but I will unconditionally guarantee at least 10,000 yuan per month. I probably won’t give you just that much.”

‘What kind of place is this?’

Zhu Gang began to feel confused. Was this a headhunting firm? Since when did the Demonic Cult change its business from a religion to a company? He even wondered if they should use the name ‘See-Demonic Cult’ instead of Demonic Cult in the future.

“Any questions?”

No one opened their mouths.

They had heard such absurd things that they doubted whether they should take it seriously.

“S-so, you’re really going to give us a salary?”

“It’s those who haven’t been giving salaries that are strange. Getting stronger is a good thing. But isn’t the reason for getting stronger to achieve results?”

“That’s right.”

“If a minimum standard of living isn’t guaranteed in that process, people can’t pursue results. You just need to get stronger. As you get stronger, the cult will use that to make money. Train and do as you’re told. That’s your job.”

It was absurd.

In a way, it was obvious. But because that obvious thing had never been kept, it sounded like a groundbreaking statement.

“W-will the salary continue to be paid? In the future too?”

“Hmm, that part needs a more structured system.”

Everyone’s faces showed disappointment, as if saying, ‘Figures.’ Even if it was just once or twice…

“I can’t decide on the annual salary increase. The accounting team and the working team will create a system. In addition, those who have achievements will receive bonuses and adjustments to their annual salary increase.”

“Those who have ability should be treated according to their ability.”

Oh, so…

Zhu Gang stared blankly at Kang Jin-ho.

‘So, that person is the Demon Lord?’

The one who descended into the mortal world when they were at the end of despair, and would lead them to a new world.

‘Wasn’t that supposed to mean giving us demonic arts and making us stronger?’

Was it supposed to mean leading us to a welfare paradise?

Giving jobs and paying generous salaries to contribute to the local economy, who cares if they’re demons, as long as the economy is alive…

Ah, that’s not it.

‘Anyway, what’s going on?’

Kang Jin-ho, oblivious to the strange atmosphere in the hall, continued his explanation.

“And I can’t guarantee a 5-day work week or quitting time. This is not something that can be guaranteed due to the nature of the job. I can’t kick out someone who is training just because it’s time to go home, can I?”

“Y-yes, Demon Lord.”

“Instead, the cult will also guarantee the lives of those who bring their families. We will provide housing and create schools for the children to attend. We will also find suitable jobs for the wives who have nothing to do at home.”

He didn’t know when the welfare department was created in the Demonic Cult, but unprecedented proposals were pouring out. The hall, which had been filled with anxiety and confusion just a moment ago, began to boil with excitement, as if it were a place announcing a new city development.

‘Should I get in line?’

Those in the front were starting to stir.

If the Demon Lord were to shout, ‘Okay, all these benefits are for the first 3,000 people. Whoever signs the contract first gets it,’ everyone would rush forward. If they weren’t careful, it would be a massacre, not just a fight.

“I-is all of that really true?”

“Why would I lie to you?” Kang Jin-ho answered casually.

“It’s not easy to take you all to Korea as a group. But it wouldn’t be that difficult for you to return to China from Korea individually. You can come back on your own. If the promises aren’t kept or if it’s different from what you heard, you can just come back.”

That was true.

It wasn’t like they were being dragged to a remote island, so what was the problem? If they wanted to return to China, they could just go to the police station and shout, ‘I’m that famous illegal immigrant,’ and they would be sent back to China.

“May I ask why you’re doing all this for us?”

“All this?” Kang Jin-ho tilted his head.

He couldn’t understand the words ‘all this.’

“Am I doing something special?”

Everyone was dumbfounded by Kang Jin-ho’s puzzled expression.

“I want your best. I want you to risk your lives to train and become stronger. That’s the fastest way to revive the Demonic Cult, and the fastest way to make me stronger. So, I’m going to remove all the obstacles that hinder your training.”

Everyone nodded.

“So, train. I will open the way for you to become stronger. Not just martial arts. I will also create the environment. I will open the way for those who work hard to receive their due. Those who have made up their minds, don’t hesitate.”

“I…” Zhu Gang raised his hand.

“Granted.”

As permission to speak was granted, Zhu Gang swallowed hard and said,

“It’s not that I doubt the Demon Lord…”

“Cut out the unnecessary remarks.”

“Yes. I understand what you mean. But we’re not just one or two people, is it really possible to pay salaries and provide housing for all these people?”

It was a fundamental and core question.

But Kang Jin-ho answered all those questions with a single sentence.

“I have a lot of money.”

“More than you think.”

A strange heat boiled in Zhu Gang’s eyes.

Believe and follow.

Then you will reach happiness.

It wasn’t the direction he had imagined… no, it was very different from what he had imagined, but one thing was certain.

‘The legend was true.’

Reality was even more groundbreaking than the legend he had imagined. He thought the Demon Lord would descend, but instead, a wealthy welfare angel had descended.

“Where do I sign up!” The line instantly broke as the demons rushed forward.

The demons, pushing and shoving, began to make a commotion.

The heat was like a concert hall, and Kang Jin-ho tilted his head and asked Jang Min.

“Why are they like this?”

“…”

How would I know, Demon Lord?

“Calm down!”

“Calm down, you guys!”

“Can’t you get back in line before the Demon Lord gets angry!”

The words that the Demon Lord would get angry worked.

The demons, who had been grabbing the hair of the people in front of them and rushing forward, came to their senses and slowly retreated.

Even then, they were still watching Kang Jin-ho, who was sitting on the grand chair.

Click.

Kang Jin-ho, as if it were nothing, lit another cigarette and slowly exhaled the smoke.

“Let’s calm down first.”

“Yes!” The answer was loud.

Kang Jin-ho clicked his tongue as he looked at the gazes of the demons looking at him.

“How harshly they must have been treated…”

Jang Min looked wronged at Kang Jin-ho’s scolding.

‘What can I do when we don’t have money?’

What was the current Demonic Cult but a beggar’s den?

If they had money, what couldn’t they do? It was because they didn’t have money that they lived so miserably.

“…I’m sorry.”

He had a lot to say, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t say to the Demon Lord, ‘We don’t have money, so please don’t be too angry.’

Kang Jin-ho looked at the enthusiastic demons with an interesting expression.

‘It’s amazing that they’ve stuck around until now.’

In other words, their lives were that harsh. They knew that being in the Demonic Cult didn’t really help their lives, but they couldn’t choose another life.

They had nothing but demonic arts, so they couldn’t abandon their lives as demons.

In the meantime, they had to live with the fear that demonic energy could fill their bone marrow at any time and corrupt them.

That’s why they were weak.

‘The outsiders were several times stronger.’

The outsider, who was the first demon he encountered when he returned to the mortal world, was much stronger than them.

If they had trained in demonic arts without worrying about demonic energy filling their bone marrow, they would have become stronger.

And then they would have become monsters who had lost their humanity.

They had to become stronger, but they couldn’t. They were caught in that dilemma.

“Now things have to change.”

Kang Jin-ho stroked his chin.

What they needed was a way to become stronger, and fair compensation for their efforts.

No one can continue to make efforts without compensation.

Kang Jin-ho was the same.

The reason he could constantly become stronger was because he had a reason to become stronger.

To survive.

That reason alone made Kang Jin-ho strong.

Survival became the reward for his efforts.

But they were different.

Then he had to reward them for their strength in a different way.

‘That’s money.’

Kang Jin-ho didn’t see the world so romantically.

The General Assembly and the Yeongnam Association [another fictional organization], which were in much better situations than them, were also caught in a spiral of killing each other for their own interests.

In the end, humans are sensitive to profit.

To force a sense of duty on them without providing them with profit?

It was a shortcut to ruin.

It wasn’t because he felt sorry for them. In order to properly utilize their abilities, fair compensation and stability of life were essential.

“Hmm.”

Kang Jin-ho slowly exhaled cigarette smoke and spoke again.

“Questions.”

Now that the atmosphere had improved, questions poured out quickly.

“Can our families come with us?”

“Of course. However, the method is different. First, you will go. Then, your families will be brought over through official channels.”

“How long will that take?”

“I don’t know. But it won’t be long. I promise.”

Some faces showed displeasure at the mention of family.

They didn’t want to bring up the realistic topic of family when they were talking about a new life and goals.

However, from Kang Jin-ho’s perspective, it was a very natural question.

For him, family was also a goal in life.

Kang Jin-ho knew very well how desolate and empty a life could be if one only pursued strength, without family, friends, or a personal life.

“Is the entire Demonic Cult moving to Korea?”

“If those who remain here want to call themselves the Demonic Cult, I won’t stop them. There’s no reason to force it. Those who go to Korea will also have to abandon the current form of the cult.”

Kang Jin-ho answered calmly and firmly.

“The cult’s methods are outdated for modern times. New wine must be put into new wineskins. The name of the Demonic Cult is not attached to its form. If there are those who pursue demonic arts and strength, that place will become the Demonic Cult. And…”

Kang Jin-ho looked around at everyone and stated decisively,

“Where I am is the Demonic Cult.” A tremor.

It was an extremely calm statement.

It wasn’t a threatening remark, nor was it arrogant. It was as natural as saying the sky is blue.

That’s why it was felt.

The pride and conviction contained in those words.

The demons’ bodies trembled at the boundless pride.

Was there anyone who was so proud of being a demon who had mastered demonic arts?

At least, not in their lives.

Those who lived in the glorious past might have been proud of being demons, but for them, the identity of a demon was just a weakness to be hidden.

Something welled up inside.

The inability to be proud of oneself.

How much had they lost because of that fact?

How many nights had they spent sleepless?

Before they could calm the strangely overwhelming emotions, Kang Jin-ho continued.

“From this moment on, we will discard formalities and authority. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask, and if you have issues, don’t hold back. I will create a system that everyone can understand. And I will make sure you live a life that everyone envies.”

“Oh, Demonic Lord!”

Someone asked,

“Isn’t the reason we have to go to Korea to establish a Demonic World?”

Kang Jin-ho’s eyebrows twitched.

“What is a Demonic World?”

“A world where the Demonic Cult controls everything.”

“That’s nonsense.”

A firm denial followed.

“The Demonic Cult didn’t try to dominate. It was just that we couldn’t be at peace without dominating.”

Even the elders showed confusion at Kang Jin-ho’s words.

What was he talking about now?

“The reason we had to fight was simple. It was to find stability and happiness in our current lives. But the Demonic Cult was driven out, and it was impossible for everyone to be happy there. That’s why we fought. To ask for just a little bit of your land. And they wouldn’t give us even an inch. They tried to fight to the very end. That’s the war that happened, and that’s the history that followed.”

Kang Jin-ho’s voice was filled with power.

“You have already stepped onto the battlefield. Everyone knows that it’s impossible to step out of here now and just be happy.”

Everyone nodded.

There was no way other martial artists would leave them alone as they grew stronger. The Three Kings Realm, at least, would never stand idly by.

“We fight to protect. If they would just step aside and we could find stability, then a Demonic World doesn’t matter at all. But that won’t happen. So you will fight. Not for a Demonic World, but for yourselves.” The result is the same.

But the intention was different.

Kang Jin-ho stood up from his seat.

“There seems to be some misunderstanding about me, so let me make it clear here.”

Demonic energy rose from Kang Jin-ho’s body.

Black demonic energy, as if burning his entire body. That demonic energy surged and boiled, covering Kang Jin-ho’s body.

“I am not your savior. I am not a prophet who will establish a Demonic World. I am just a demon living with you. I just have a little more and know the path we must walk.”

A demon with red eyes was displaying his full power.

Those who saw the fiendish form sat down on the spot.

“If you are chasing after an illusion like a Demonic World, you don’t need to follow me. I don’t want war. The reason I fight is simple. It’s because they touched me.”

His appearance and words didn’t match.

It was too mild a statement to come from the mouth of a demon who looked like he would cover the world in evil.

But…

Now everyone understood.

That man was the legendary Heavenly Demon Lord.

But that Heavenly Demon Lord was not the Heavenly Demon Lord they knew.

He was not someone who sought blood and death, someone who would cover the world in evil. He was just an ordinary person walking his own path.

Ordinary, more than ordinary. And therefore, not ordinary…

That was the kind of person he was.

“I cannot provide a land of ease. I can only provide you with the opportunity to make that place a land of ease. There is only one thing I can promise you. If you work hard, I will at least give you a life where you don’t feel self-loathing.”

Joo Gang muttered without realizing it,

“And you’ll give us a house and money.”

“……That’s right.”

The demonic energy surrounding Kang Jin-ho disappeared like smoke. The appearance of an ordinary young man. Kang Jin-ho, who had returned to his original form, scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

“That’s actually important, you know.”

“It’s more important than anything.”

Joo Gang’s voice was filled with strength. All fear had now disappeared.

“Oh, Demonic Lord, I have many questions I want to ask. But I believe there will be plenty of time to ask other things in the future, so I will ask just one question.”

“Speak.”

“What should we do with those who have made their decision?”

Kang Jin-ho looked at Joo Gang quietly and nodded.

“I will set up a place to apply. The elders will receive the applications, so write down whether you will move and the list of family members who will move with you. I cannot give you much time. Finish everything within two days.”

“We will obey the Demonic Lord’s command!”

As Joo Gang knelt on the spot, those who filled the hall knelt down in unison.

The sight of thousands of demons kneeling at once was a spectacle that could not be seen anywhere else.

‘Ah!’

Jang Min’s body trembled.

‘This is it.’

This was the Demonic Cult from the time when the cult leader existed.

Demons full of loyalty and the one who leads them from the front.

The scene he had dreamed of was now unfolding before Jang Min’s eyes.

Ambition burned in Jang Min’s heart as well.

He had believed. He had no doubt. But he never thought that he would subdue the cult members so quickly. He didn’t even suppress them with force. He had only drawn their loyalty with a few words of conversation.

How could he not be moved?

“D-Demonic Lord!”

Just as Jang Min was wondering how to express the emotion that filled his body, Kang Jin-ho opened his mouth with a nonchalant voice.

“Everything’s solved because I said I’d give them money.”

Jang Min’s emotion fell to the ground.

“Nothing has changed from the past or now. Anyway.”

“……Were you like this in the past too?”

“They had a lot of complaints, but when I said I’d double their salaries, they all shut up. I don’t know if it’s a human trait or a demon trait to be so greedy for money.”

Jang Min’s eyes twitched.

“Anyway, it’s solved, right?”

“Y-Yes, it is.”

“Now everyone knows exactly what kind of person I am, right?”

Jang Min nodded without realizing it.

Even if he didn’t know anything else, Jang Min understood one thing for sure.

‘The Demonic Lord is rich.’

That was a fact that was more powerful than anything else.

There are many forces in the world.

The three most central forces are:

Wealth, power, and violence.

At first, the power of violence was the strongest. But as humanity developed, the power of authority began to dominate violence.

So what about now?

‘It’s wealth.’

Jang Min was not an old man.

Although he was older than anyone else here, he had been making efforts not to fall behind the times.

From his perspective, what dominated the world now was money. In the past, power made money, but now, money brings power.

You could easily guess that just by looking at the behavior of the kids these days.

In the past and now, the reason for learning martial arts was to become stronger. But the reason for pursuing strength was different.

In the past, strength brought fame and power.

The strong who were recognized in the martial world were envied by others, and they could live like noble cranes just because they were strong.

But what about now?

If you were told to live a leisurely life in a deep mountain valley in exchange for strength, who would accept that strength?

‘It’s definitely different.’

The reason most martial artists learn martial arts now is because they can make money through martial arts.

If martial arts were of no help in making money, 80% of the martial artists currently in the martial world would leave the martial world.

In the end, it was a world where money dominated everything. In such a world, having a lot of money was an enormous advantage.

However…

“Oh, Demonic Lord!”

Kang Jin-ho frowned at Jang Min’s voice. Whenever Jang Min made such a piercing sound, a sense of unease washed over him.

“I cannot help but worry.”

“Worry?”

Jang Min nodded heavily.

“Is it really possible to guarantee so much to the cult members? If it is possible, there is nothing more to wish for. But if what was promised to them is not properly given, or if support is cut off midway, it will be worse than not starting at all.”

“I know.”

Kang Jin-ho answered calmly.

“That much is definitely possible.”

“But the amount will be enormous.”

“I have enough brains to calculate that much.” Kang Jin-ho waved his hand, cutting off Jang Min’s worries.

There was no need to worry about it. The martial artists of the General Assembly were already being paid a salary.

The General Assembly paid salaries to its members and taught them martial arts. In return, the members allowed the General Assembly to use their martial arts according to its orders. That was the basic operating principle of the General Assembly.

If they could integrate the Demonic Cult members into that system, it wouldn’t be too difficult. Rapidly increasing the number of members would be a burden for any organization, but the biggest problem, funding, was overflowing right now.

The General Assembly had an abundance of funds, but it was in a situation where it couldn’t increase its military power even with that money. If what each side wanted matched, minor problems could be adjusted.

Of course, Lee Hyun-soo would be the one to make those adjustments.

If Lee Hyun-soo heard that, he would foam at the mouth again… but what could he do? This was for the good of everyone.

Kang Jin-ho was someone who believed that people had a proper use, and if they received money, they had to be worth their value.

And Lee Hyun-soo was being paid a sufficient salary, and this was his use.

“And…”

Jang Min said, still sounding uneasy.

“Even if that is possible, is it really right to give the cult members a salary?”

Kang Jin-ho frowned.

“There is no labor without compensation.”

“But, Demonic Lord, I don’t think the reason for loyalty to the cult should be money.”

“Then what should they be loyal to?”

“……Of course, respect and faith in the Demonic Lord.”

“Respect?”

Kang Jin-ho chuckled.

“How can you have respect for someone who uses you without paying you?”

“We are not merchants, are we?”

“Everyone is the same.”

“But in the past…”

“The past? Do you know the past better than I do?”

Jang Min immediately lowered his head. He could not discuss the past in front of the Demonic Lord, no matter what. The Demonic Lord was the one who came from the past.

“Do you think the past was any different? Don’t think that the Demonic Cult members joined the cult because they had great faith or loyalty. Most of them joined because they had nowhere else to go and nothing to eat.”

“B-But…”

“What do you think would have been different if it wasn’t the cult? The reason why Shaolin [a famous Buddhist monastery known for martial arts] could be called the best in the world was because they had a lot of money. All those who had some money in the world flocked to Shaolin, offering donations and praying for eternal bliss.”

“Thanks to that, they were able to raise many martial artists. As more martial artists emerged, their reputation rose again, and with that reputation, money gathered, and as there were more martial artists, research became active, and the level of martial arts rose. It’s the same everywhere else.”

“But a martial artist…”

Kang Jin-ho shook his head.

“Martial artists are also people. They cannot live without eating, and they cannot live without wearing clothes. In the end, everything they wear and eat is money.”

“But we can’t just be obsessed with money, can we?”

“Isn’t it our job to make sure that doesn’t happen?”

Jang Min closed his mouth at Kang Jin-ho’s words.

“Is not giving money to prevent them from being obsessed with money really the right solution? Isn’t the proper solution to show them that the world is not made of money alone and to teach them that there are other valuable things in the cult? Is it the cult’s way to not give grain to someone who is starving, saying that they shouldn’t be obsessed with food?”

“That is not the case.”

“Everyone knows the solution. We know it clearly.”

Kang Jin-ho’s voice was calm. But everyone could feel the power in his voice.

“There are countless ways to make things a little easier right now. There are more than a hundred reasons why we shouldn’t pay salaries right now. It wouldn’t be difficult to convince them either. It was natural for them. But there is no progress that way.”

“……Oh, Demonic Lord.”

“If the cult doesn’t treat its members well first, they have no reason to be loyal to the cult. Didn’t you say that the Holy Flame accepts everything and is benevolent to everything? That doesn’t mean that money is excluded from everything, does it?”

Jang Min waved his hands vehemently.

“That is definitely not the case, Demonic Lord. I am just worried.”

“Change always comes with worry. But if you are trapped by that worry and refuse to change, there will never be progress. I have no intention of backing down on this matter. So that you understand.”

Jang Min bowed deeply.

“Oh, Demonic Lord, what are you saying? Everything in the Demonic Cult follows the Demonic Lord’s will. I was just hoping to be of some small help in the Demonic Lord’s decision-making… Please forgive my sin.”

“I understand.”

Kang Jin-ho took out a cigarette from his pocket and put it in his mouth.

“Then… may I say one more thing?”

“Speak.”

Jang Min said with a slightly dark face.

“Oh, Demonic Lord, please do not be angry and listen to my words. I have seen too much. Having lived to this age, I have not only seen good things.”

“I had to see even what I didn’t want to see.”

“So?”

At Kang Jin-ho’s urging, Jang Min let out a deep sigh.

“In my long years of observing countless histories and people, my conclusion is that humans are never truly good and are incapable of gratitude.

They may be grateful for the Demonic Lord’s favor now and pledge their loyalty, but… in a few years, no, even just a few months, everything the Demonic Lord bestows upon them will be taken for granted.

They will even complain about why they aren’t getting more.”

Kang Jin-ho didn’t respond.

He understood what Jang Min was saying.

“The Demonic Lord’s grace is as vast as the sea. But they will not understand it.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Jang Min slightly raised his head. Kang Jin-ho, in his sight, was still calm.

“Don’t misunderstand, Jang Min.”

“I’m not doing them a favor. This is a right that those who belong to the Demonic Cult [a martial arts sect], those who have sworn allegiance to me, should naturally enjoy.”

“You mean it’s not a favor?”

“You wouldn’t call getting a salary at a company a favor from the boss. It’s just receiving treatment according to one’s ability.”

“But…”

Jang Min tried to say something but closed his mouth. However, Kang Jin-ho already knew what Jang Min was about to say.

“It’s excessive treatment compared to their abilities, isn’t it?”

“That’s correct.”

“It’s your and my job to make them acquire the abilities that match that treatment, Jang Min.”

Kang Jin-ho took a deep drag from his cigarette and slowly exhaled the smoke.

“Right now, they don’t deserve the treatment they’re getting. But that will change. Someday, you and I must make it so that you feel the treatment they receive is appropriate.

It’s our job to bring that time closer.”

“I will do my best.”

“And…”

Kang Jin-ho stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

“Those who take what they’re given for granted and don’t strive will pay the price.

I’m not taking pity on them. I have no intention of giving charity to those who can’t prove their worth.

Those who can’t keep up will be weeded out and expelled. They will learn that responsibility comes with the privilege of enjoying what’s given.”

“Demonic Lord.”

Jang Min prostrated himself on the floor.

‘The Demonic Lord’s legend was not in vain.’

He couldn’t tell if the direction was right.

Jang Min didn’t have the ability to judge whether Kang Jin-ho was going in the right direction. What Kang Jin-ho wanted was beyond his comprehension.

But he could judge one thing.

‘The Demonic Lord is looking far beyond what I can imagine.’

Whether that direction was right or wrong, it was certain that the Demonic Lord was looking at something he couldn’t see. How could a Demonic Cult led by such a person not become strong?

In the past, the reputation of the Heavenly Demon Lord, who had ushered in the era of demonic rule, was not solely due to his strength. As he felt this, Jang Min cautiously opened his mouth.

“Demonic Lord, one more thing.”

“Good grief…”

Kang Jin-ho frowned.

It was good to have questions and exchange opinions, but why so many at once?

“What is it now?”

“It’s presumptuous, but…”

“Don’t hesitate, just speak.”

“Well…”

Jang Min smiled awkwardly.

Seeing that expression, which was rare for Jang Min, Kang Jin-ho was filled with unease.

“The elders will probably receive a little more, right?”

“I’ve lived in a cave for nearly a hundred years, so my joints still ache every morning. We should also have a house to live in…”

“…I’ll make sure to take special care of it.”

“The Demonic Lord’s grace reaches the heavens! Oh, Demonic Lord!”

It’s the money that reaches the heavens.

Money…

Kang Jin-ho let out a deep sigh without realizing it.

There are days when a word you use without much thought suddenly hits you in a new way.

Some people realize the true meaning of the word ‘happiness,’ while others learn how much the word ‘sadness’ can torment a person.

When someone who used the word ‘loneliness’ casually returns home to the cold air of an empty house,

they feel what loneliness truly is once again.

Life is always accompanied by new discoveries.

Sometimes, a pleasant discovery stays by someone’s side, and sometimes, a sorrowful discovery makes someone’s life difficult.

Sometimes it’s joyful, and sometimes it’s sad, but it’s undeniable that these discoveries enrich a person’s life.

However, there was someone who wanted to deny that fact right now.

This person wasn’t one to have many new discoveries.

Even when he learned a single word, he would thoroughly analyze it, study in what situations it should be used, and what emotions it was connected to.

For such a person, experiencing the meaning of a word anew was something that was almost impossible.

But this man was experiencing that rare event right now. And the word he was newly discovering was ‘bolt from the blue’ [a sudden, unexpected shock].

“So…”

Lee Hyun-soo’s hand holding the phone trembled.

‘It can’t be.’

He must have misheard.

Lee Hyun-soo vehemently denied what he had heard.

It was impossible for him, who never missed and always analyzed what others said, to have misheard.

Nevertheless, Lee Hyun-soo was downplaying his hearing and ignoring reality.

“So…”

He was uncharacteristically speechless. But the person who had caused this situation was speaking very calmly, too calmly.

[Is it difficult?]

“Difficult, you say? Did you say difficult? Hahaha…”

Lee Hyun-soo’s lips trembled.

“What’s so difficult about it, Guild Leader? We live in an age where people go to the moon, and we send probes to the deep sea.

We’ve even reached the singularity where artificial intelligence surpasses humans, so what’s impossible in this world? Just tell me. I can handle it all.”

[Is that so?]

No, it’s not! You’re being sarcastic!

That’s what I mean! Don’t take people’s words literally!

Lee Hyun-soo wanted to cry.

There are various types of bosses in the world.

No, to be precise, there are various types of terrible bosses.

A guy who gives you impossible tasks without providing support and then blames you for not being able to do it because of your lack of ability and passion?

A guy who doesn’t know that people have a private life?

A guy who spews out irritating words in real-time whenever he opens his mouth?

There were many types of bosses who turned work life into a living hell. But Lee Hyun-soo had finally found the answer to his long-standing question.

What type of boss torments people the most?

‘It’s this type.’

Lee Hyun-soo’s eyes were filled with venom as he stared at the phone.

The type of boss who makes people suffer the most is the one who pushes their abilities to the limit. Just like this person!

‘Why is he doing this! Why!’

Kang Jin-ho was a cunning person.

He didn’t know it before, but now he was sure. The tasks this person gave weren’t just thrown out there.

He only gave tasks that were thoroughly calculated based on whether Lee Hyun-soo could handle them.

The problem was that the calculations were based on a level that could only be achieved if a person didn’t sleep at night, and worked like crazy, saving every moment they could.

If only!

If only the instructions were at a level where he could shout, ‘Ugh! I can’t do this even if I die! Just fire me!’ he would just give up.

But somehow, it was possible.

That’s why Lee Hyun-soo was even more miserable.

“…It’s possible, it’s possible. What’s impossible in this world? It’s all possible.”

Of course, it’s possible.

Moving the unexpectedly increased number of applicants.

Legally immigrating the families of those applicants, who were even more numerous, to Korea.

Creating accommodations where the applicants who had illegally crossed the border could live comfortably.

Providing homes where the families of those applicants could settle down and live together when they arrived in Korea.

And paying the salaries of those applicants, and finding jobs and schools for their families!

‘It’s possible! What’s impossible in this world! It’s possible! Damn it!’

It can all be done.

Why wouldn’t it be?

The problem is that if one person had to handle all of that at once, it would be like sacrificing their entire life!

[I know it’s a bit of an excessive order. I’m sorry.]

Huhuhuhu.

He’s sorry.

He says he’s sorry.

Lee Hyun-soo felt like tears were about to well up.

It wasn’t tears of emotion because Kang Jin-ho acknowledged his suffering. Kang Jin-ho was the type of person who calmly ordered things that made you wonder if a person could even do them.

It was pessimism about his own situation, where he was now naturally taking on tasks that made even such a person apologize.

“W-Why did things get to this point? It seems like it’s more than double the expected scale?”

[To be honest…]

“Ah, no. Please don’t be honest. Don’t say such scary things.”

[The applications aren’t over yet, so it’s possible that it will increase even more. It was double as of yesterday, and it seems like there are still people lining up to apply… Should I check?]

“…There’s no need to check. Well, I guess that’s how it is. When has it not been like that?”

Lee Hyun-soo laughed in a daze.

[The reason is…]

After hearing all the circumstances Kang Jin-ho explained, Lee Hyun-soo let out a deep sigh.

[Was it too much?]

“To be honest, I want to say it was too much. But… I think there are times in life when you have to move forward even when you know it’s unreasonable.

Now is the time when we need to increase our strength, even if it means being unreasonable.”

[I agree.]

“However, Guild Leader, if those we bring in don’t become as strong as we hope, all of this will be a meaningless waste.

The main guild will also be burdened if we accept that many people.”

[It’s not like we’re going to be fussing over just ten thousand people when we have that much money piled up.]

“That’s true, but…”

Lee Hyun-soo sighed.

‘If it was just about feeding ten thousand people, I wouldn’t be worrying this much.’

The problem was the families they would bring. The main guild wasn’t in a position to support those who were of no help to the guild.

Right now, they had an abundance of money because they had recovered all the hidden funds that Lee Joong-gul and the elders had stashed away. But in the long term, they couldn’t avoid a huge burden.

“It’s not going to be easy in the long run.”

[It’s a benefit just to be able to look that far ahead.]

“…My thinking was short-sighted.”

Lee Hyun-soo knew that Kang Jin-ho’s direction was right.

Looking far ahead?

That was only if the main guild survived until then.

If someone attacked with their current strength, the main guild would have to rely solely on the power of Kang Jin-ho, Bator, and Wiggins.

A balance maintained by a few people couldn’t be called a balance.

Accepting these people might be poison in the long run, but the current main guild couldn’t afford to refuse that poison.

Lee Hyun-soo’s face hardened.

‘My judgment has become clouded.’

Right now, Lee Hyun-soo should be urging Kang Jin-ho to bring even one more demon, no matter what.

Because that was the most beneficial direction for the entire main guild. But instead of encouraging him, he was complaining.

‘I’ve come to rely on someone.’

Lee Hyun-soo accurately diagnosed his situation.

This would never have happened in the past. Right now, Lee Hyun-soo was whining to Kang Jin-ho. He knew that the main guild’s work was important, but he was complaining that he was working himself to death to make the main guild stronger, and he wanted Kang Jin-ho to acknowledge his hard work.

Lee Hyun-soo’s face flushed at the thought that he had been acting like a child.

“Guild Leader.”

[Speak.]

“I will handle the work in Korea somehow. No, I will handle it perfectly. So please don’t worry and bring all the people you can.”

[…]

“I’m sorry for complaining when you’re suffering in a foreign land and I can’t even provide proper support. Please know that that’s not what I truly meant.”

[…You.]

“Yes, Guild Leader!”

He could feel Kang Jin-ho’s voice trembling.

At that moment, Lee Hyun-soo felt a strong sense of guilt.

‘He must be having a hard time.’

In a way, the one who was suffering the most at this moment wasn’t Lee Hyun-soo, but Kang Jin-ho. No matter how much influence he had over the demons,

it couldn’t be easy to jump into enemy territory and bring out demons who could become a force.

Every day must be like walking on eggshells.

How happy he must be that at least Lee Hyun-soo understood his intentions.

Lee Hyun-soo proudly puffed out his chest with a sense of satisfaction.

But reality wasn’t so rosy.

[Did you eat something bad?]

“…Huh?”

What was that?

What was this reaction?

At that moment, Lee Hyun-soo realized that there was a huge wall of distrust between Kang Jin-ho and him.

[There’s no bonus for that.]

“When have you ever given me a bonus? Why are you suddenly talking about bonuses?”

[…There are only money-grubbers here.]

He had a feeling that Kang Jin-ho was going through some terrible things.

Lee Hyun-soo, who had briefly mourned for him in his heart, changed his tone and spoke seriously.

“Anyway, that’s good. So when do you plan to depart?”

[I want to depart within three days, is the preparation finished?]

“Three days is tight, but it’s possible. The number of people has increased, but we can cram them in. If we think of them as cargo instead of people, the loading capacity is more than enough. However, they will have to give up their dignity as humans during the move.”

[It’s fine. Proceed.]

“Yes, Guild Leader.”

Lee Hyun-soo’s eyes gleamed.

[I’ll contact you if the situation changes. Call me when the preparation is finished before then.]

“I’ll contact you from time to time.”

[Okay.]

As Kang Jin-ho hung up, Lee Hyun-soo took a deep breath.

‘This is no ordinary task.’

It wasn’t physically easy. But the bigger problem was that he couldn’t predict what kind of interference there would be while carrying out this task.

Besides…

‘It’s urgent.’

Everything was urgent.

Kang Jin-ho wasn’t usually the type of person to proceed with things so urgently.

If there was something to prepare, he would prepare slowly and then handle everything like lightning when the time came to move.

This was the first time Lee Hyun-soo had seen Kang Jin-ho urge people from the preparation stage.

That meant that Kang Jin-ho was feeling a sense of crisis right now. And that problem was likely stemming from the Hongwang faction [a rival group].

“I have to handle it perfectly.”

Lee Hyun-soo picked up the phone.

He had already finished most of the checks, but

he couldn’t afford to be careless. This task might determine the future of the main guild.

“Come inside.”

Lee Hyun-soo, who had called Lee Hyun-joo on the phone, leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. His mind began to quickly review all the plans once again.