Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 256

The hypnotized administrator originally belonged to the department that guided souls and was in charge of the central area of the Demon Realm’s main castle. He had been faithful to his duties, but he suddenly transferred to the distribution department during Elquines’ rotation week. Circumstantially, it was clear that the Demon King had intervened, but until now, there was no way to prove it.

Even though the Demon Realm belonged to the same higher dimension, the demons who resided there were beings with physical bodies. It was generally understood that they could not approach the underworld, the world of spirits, or even perceive their forms. It was therefore impossible to hypnotize someone they couldn’t even contact. Understanding the process was a crucial task for the underworld. In the worst-case scenario, there was the possibility of other accomplices, and that would greatly complicate the situation.

However, today, Shannon found evidence that strongly suggested the Demon King was solely responsible: the ‘Unicorn’s Eye.’ This spiritual artifact allowed one not only to see spirits but also to touch them. With it, the Demon King could have orchestrated the entire situation alone.

“Until now, the Unicorn’s Eye was just a special toy. I didn’t realize he would use it like this. I feel completely blindsided.”

“Changing departments to coincide with the timing means he knew the date in advance, right? How did he know the day of the Spirit King’s disappearance and plan this?”

“There were several attempts at hypnotism. It seems he experimented to see if it was working properly. He must have checked the ledgers of life and death. It’s too much to check them one by one, but it’s not difficult if you specify a particular person. It would have been even simpler if the target was the Spirit King.”

“Is there any evidence to support these assumptions?”

“The Demon King once dispatched his subordinates to collect Unicorn’s Eyes. The timing of the hypnosis coincides with that period.”

If that was true, it was almost certain. Ellyuen sighed softly and put down the documents. Even if he figured it out now, the outcome wouldn’t change, but it was better than remaining ignorant. At least he had learned that the Unicorn’s Eye could be misused in this way, so he would take appropriate measures from now on. All the remaining Unicorn’s Eyes in the world would be recovered, and the Saint-Ma race would receive strict protection.

‘Come to think of it, there was one next to El, too.’

He considered mentioning it, but Ellyuen kept silent. If a protection order was issued, that Saint-Ma would be forcibly returned to the Divine Realm against his will. He didn’t particularly care, but he didn’t think El would want that. The rules of the Divine Realm had to be strictly observed. However, Ellyuen decided he could overlook this much for his son. If he let things be, they would unfold naturally, and he didn’t want to bother interfering.

“Anyway, this is good for you. You don’t have to suspect the Demon God anymore. You were quite troubled by the possibility of his involvement, weren’t you?”

“Thank you for understanding.”

It was a somewhat provocative remark, but Shannon laughed it off as if it were nothing.

“In that case, where is Kanos now?”

“Why are you asking me that?”

“I thought you would definitely know.”

“I don’t know where that conviction comes from.”

“Radeka said you have a red meeting scheduled. I assumed that meant Kanos. Or does it not?”

A red meeting. It was definitely red [a high-priority, urgent meeting]. Ellyuen, who saw no need to hide it, didn’t react. Shannon, who had anticipated his reaction, smiled again.

“Did you review the meeting contents? I didn’t attend, but I sent you a summary separately.”

“If it’s about the materials needed to eliminate the Evil God, I’ve reviewed it.”

“Materials. It’s a harsh term, but accurate. The entire Divine Realm is buzzing about it. We plan to acquire as many resources as possible, but if no one volunteers by the deadline, there’s a high probability they’ll be forcibly selected based on fate.”

“That’s right.”

“Aren’t you nervous? As a high-ranking god, you’re not exempt. You could lose your position in an instant.”

“Well, I don’t have any attachment to the position of a god. I never intended to become one in the first place.”

“…Please refrain from saying such things in public. I’m worried everyone will try to push you forward as a material with one mind. Personally, I like you and value your abilities, but if it’s a majority vote, it will be difficult for me to protect you.”

“That’s unnecessary worry. I appreciate the thought, but I have no intention of sacrificing myself for others. I have no intention of entrusting my fate to the will of others.”

“That’s a fortunate determination, but… from the perspective of needing volunteers, it’s a pity in its own way.”

“Stop talking nonsense and get to the point. Is that all you’re curious about regarding Kanos? I thought you’d probe a little more persistently.”

“Ah, I wasn’t trying to meet him. Knowing his whereabouts is enough.”

“Is that so? It seems he doesn’t think so.”

“Yes?”

Puzzled, Shannon asked and noticed Ellyuen was looking behind him. The moment he turned, his face froze. A man with jet-black hair was standing there.

“Ka, Kanos!”

Startled, Shannon jumped up from his seat. Kanos, who had appeared unnoticed, simply stared at the embarrassed Shannon. Shannon tensed under his dark gaze. His expression was strange. He usually had an unreadable face, but now Shannon couldn’t decipher his emotions at all. It was even more unsettling because the usual smiling mask was gone.

“…Kanos?”

“It’s Shannon.”

A moment later, the corners of Kanos’ lips lifted slightly. It was barely an expression, but it created a semblance of a smile. However, it felt even more eerie, as if it would have been better if he hadn’t smiled at all. Shannon swallowed hard, stiffening.

“Ho, how have you been, Kanos? I’ve been looking for you. There are things I wanted to ask…”

“Yes, I know. More importantly, it’s good to see you, Shannon. There’s something I wanted to ask you.”

Shannon frowned at the dismissive tone, then felt embarrassed by the following words.

“You mentioned a favor?”

Though he nodded, Kanos’ gaze wasn’t focused on him. His unfocused eyes were terribly empty. Shannon waited anxiously for him to speak. Today, he seemed to be wandering in a dream. Shannon didn’t like the playful smile that always seemed to hide his true feelings, but he disliked this look even more.

Darkness began to encroach around him. Approaching even slightly felt like being swallowed into the jet-black darkness and dragged away. This poison-like darkness was likely close to the inherent energy of the Demon God. Was it this dangerous if he didn’t control his power? Shannon sighed, feeling jaded. The mischievous pranks he played while wandering around were, in retrospect, considerate. Thanks to this, he knew one thing for sure: Kanos was not in a good mood. So much so that he had forgotten the mask he consciously wore when dealing with others. Very much.

“…A little while ago, I felt a very unpleasant sensation.”

Still with an unreadable face, Kanos muttered indifferently. Would it have been better if he had expressed anger openly? Shannon tried to remain calm and looked at him.

“If it’s an unpleasant sensation…”

“It seems that the child I cherished has died.”

“…!”

Shannon’s eyes widened, and he hurriedly looked at Kanos. His face, smiling dryly, looked somehow hollow.

“The afterlife is your domain, Shannon. I’ll ask you about that child. He worked hard all his life, so even in death, he’ll try to be bound by his duties. Let him rest comfortably.”

“…Is it okay if you don’t meet him?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

After answering in a dry tone, Kanos took a long breath as if exhausted. He raised his empty gaze and looked at Ellyuen, who was also staring at him.

“Things have become a little difficult, Ellyuen. It seems the seal will be released sooner than I thought.”

“…What?”

“The last device hasn’t disappeared yet, but the bonds that held it have been released. His body must already be free. He’ll try to gather strength to undo the remaining restrictions, in the same way he has so far: by collecting human blood. To that end, he’s already headed to a place where he can find help.”

“If it’s a place where he can find help…”

“It must be a place where there are helpers, like his contractor.”

“…Are you talking about Arkadon?”

“Your son…will be in danger.”

The quiet remark was more of a prophecy than a warning. Ellyuen’s eyebrows twitched as he listened calmly.

“Wha, what are you talking about, Kanos? Are you talking about the Evil God now? He’s going to Arkadon?”

Shannon’s urgent voice rang out. While he was flustered by the answer, Ellyuen slowly rose and walked towards Kanos. Each footstep echoed, filling the space with a cold tension.

Kanos didn’t move until Ellyuen stood right in front of him and reached out. It seemed he wouldn’t resist even if Ellyuen strangled him. But Ellyuen’s purpose was different. Thud! As he reached out, something broke around Kanos’ neck. Kanos’ face hardened as he belatedly realized what was happening. Ellyuen took the necklace Kanos was wearing from inside his clothes and tore it off.

“…!”

A red stone shook inside the string wrapped around Ellyuen’s fingers. A satisfied smile appeared on his face as he stared at the Demon God’s hardened gaze.

“Is this necklace the seal of the Chief God? It was supposed to help the god stay in the middle world for a long time.”

“Ellyuen, you…”

“I received it. I’ll use it gratefully.”

Kanos hurriedly grabbed Ellyuen, stopping him from turning away with a leisurely smile. His face, which never lost its composure, now revealed the turmoil in his heart.

“No, Ellyuen. What are you thinking?”

“My son is in danger, you said it yourself. Do you think I’ll just stand by and watch?”

“So what are you going to do? Are you planning to try to seal it again?”

“If possible.”

“Don’t be reckless! Don’t you remember what happened last time? Even with the remaining restrictions, he’s almost an Evil God! He’s not someone you can handle alone!”

“It doesn’t matter. At least I can protect my son.”

“Listen to me! This behavior isn’t like your usual cold judgment! If you go now…!”

“You’re unusually talkative, Kanos. If you have so much energy, stop playing around and do some work. Oh, and finish all the documents you’ve dumped on me.”

“Ellyuen!”

A cry-like call followed, but Ellyuen disappeared. He descended to the middle world. Shannon looked anxiously at Kanos, who stood there blankly, having lost his grip.

“Kanos…”

Kooong! A loud vibration rang out as Shannon spoke. Kanos punched the wall next to him.

“…Anyway, those two never listen to me.”

His eyes flickered dangerously as he muttered to himself. Perhaps because he was angry, he seemed to have regained his energy. Shannon shuddered, feeling almost happy for some reason. It was better than the hollow look he had a moment ago, but Kanos was just as difficult to deal with in this state. It was best not to interfere. So, he couldn’t even make the obvious retort, “I don’t think you’re one to talk.”

“Shannon, how close is the formation to completion?”

“Yes?”

“The annihilation formation. You’re working on it, right?”

Shannon’s mouth opened at the unexpected question. From the moment he sensed the Evil God, he had been personally preparing the annihilation formation. He had devised a method that didn’t require sacrificing anyone, unlike the existing methods. It was more of a test, so the possibility of failure was greater, and he planned to reveal it after laying some groundwork, but he never thought Kanos would guess it. Flustered, Shannon answered calmly, aware of Kanos’ gaze.

“We, it’s only in the early stages. Besides, even if I complete it, I don’t know how effective it will be…”

“It will be. Before that son of a fool dies in front of his son.”

Shannon swallowed, knowing who Kanos was talking about. His eyes darkened at the demanding tone. If he didn’t achieve the desired results, he wouldn’t be satisfied even if the Evil God was annihilated and peace returned. Shannon’s tension was conveyed to Kanos, who smirked.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m not telling you to do it alone.”

“Yes? Then…?”

“If I help you, it will be completed faster. But it seems one person can’t handle the divine power needed for the frame. First, summon the high-ranking gods.”

“Ah, ah! Yes, I understand!”

Nodding quickly, Shannon moved to deliver the news. He couldn’t think straight with the situation changing so suddenly. To think Kanos would offer to help! It was the first time he had shown himself actively involved in anything. It was clear that Ellyuen’s sudden action had ignited a dangerous fuse within him.

Although he didn’t show it, Shannon was also surprised by Ellyuen’s actions. He knew that his adopted son, who had been the subject of rumors, was Elquines of this generation. He thought it was just a whim and never imagined it was a deep emotion. But Ellyuen was willing to protect him at the risk of his own life.

Shannon’s face contorted each time he recalled the rising prophetic phrases.

‘Could it be…’

He bit his lip, feeling anxious.

He could feel the overflowing waves searching for a place to crash. It felt like it would end more terribly than he could guess, and he would lose more. He had that feeling.