Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 101

The Demon Realm Council

Lucifer, the Great Demons, and all the former demons were gathered in one place.

The grand hall, located in the center of the palace, was so enormous that it resembled a circular arena. I entered the place with the Angel of Darkness. Lucifer was in the middle of his speech.

At the very center, a dragon throne, about three times the height of the floor, stood with a writhing form, and a seat was installed at its head. Lucifer was sitting there.

Around him, seven more dragon thrones were visible, about half a level lower than the one Lucifer was sitting on. The seven Great Demons were seated there with dignified appearances.

“After striking the Sun Meridian, we will take a brief time to reorganize the main realm. After that, we will begin the dimensional conquest. Do not let your guard down until the very end. And do your best in your assigned tasks.

This is the first and last war for the main realm, so we must put all our efforts into it so that there is no regret or disappointment. Demons, under the command of my sons and daughters, and the Great Demons, carry out the orders given without the slightest hesitation.”

His prepared words did not miss even the smallest detail and were delivered without hesitation. Occasionally, the Great Demons would make suggestions, but for the most part, Lucifer was conducting what was more like a monologue than a meeting. I and the Angel of Darkness stood quietly at the entrance of the assembly hall, watching Lucifer. Many plans were made, and specific instructions were given. The treatment of the rebels, who were enslaved in the current Demon Realm, the attack on the Sun Meridian, and basic countermeasures against the Celestial Realm, the Heavenly Realm, the Ghost Realm, and the Infinite Realm were also discussed.

I still couldn’t understand how Lucifer could speak so calmly. In my opinion, there were many important matters that the enemy should not know, so I was confused about how to accept it. It was too much to understand as simple confidence.

Lucifer continued to speak.

“Now, I will mention a few matters that need to be dealt with first. First, Chilseong Daedeok [Seven Stars Great Virtue], you are well aware that the main realm and the Ghost Realm are currently in the process of uniting. Moreover, I specifically asked you for it before. Even though the alliance between the Ghost Realm and the main realm is becoming a fait accompli, you have forgotten your duty and acted in such a rebellious manner.

I ask you, do you intend to oppose the main realm?”

Jeokrua, who was sitting below the dragon throne, nodded her head calmly at Lucifer’s words.

“Even if all six of the Seven Stars of the Ghost Realm help me?” Again, Jeokrua did not hesitate. Her decision was firm, and it seemed there would be no further reversal. Nevertheless, Lucifer wanted to confirm again.

“Even if the entire Ghost Realm declares you a traitor? Even if all the rights you have enjoyed in the Ghost Realm are restricted and deprived?” Jeokrua was not shaken at all, and she was only nodding her head, as if it was the only action she could take.

“Very well. Your treatment will have to be entrusted to the Ghost Realm anyway. Until a decision is made, I will maintain the courtesy you have received so far. You are very foolish, Chilseong Daedeok.” At this moment, Asasel slowly rose from his seat, and everyone’s attention was focused on him. Since he rarely stepped forward, a slightly agitated atmosphere was formed.

“Demon Lord, there is one thing I would like to ask.” “What is it, Asasel?” “Is the alliance with the Ghost Realm decided?” “Not yet. But soon…” “Then, until now, the Ghost Realm is also an enemy of our Demon Realm. Then, shouldn’t he be treated as a prisoner?” Why was he trying to find fault?

“Now, we must maintain a wartime system. We have passed the stage of being lenient to the enemy. I think the Demon Lord is well aware that there have been many complaints among the demons…” “Complaints? Did you say complaints? What complaints are there?” “Let me be blunt. First, it is about the Demon Lord’s unilateral decision on the succession. And the fact that you have handed over some of the command to them.

From the demons’ point of view, they are unfamiliar beings that are difficult to accept. You should consider the position of the demons who have to serve them as superiors.

Also, in order to efficiently manage the organization of the demons, a more systematic hierarchy is required for the two ranks of demons. This is something that Great Demon Britra has been suggesting to the Demon Lord for a long time. Asuras and Rakshasas [Two types of demons] wear demon armor during wartime. It is difficult to expect effective combat in a state where the distinction between them is ambiguous.

Finally, I would like to say one more thing. In my opinion, there are difficulties in starting the dimensional conquest right now. The training of demon warriors, which has been carefully carried out for a long time, has not yet fully come to fruition. That is all.”

These were words that only Asasel could say.

Lucifer paused for a moment to consider Asasel’s suggestions, then began to distinguish between the parts he would accept and the parts he would not.

“I have heard your thoughtful suggestions. First, I would like you to follow my sons and daughters without any objection. I hope you will not speak any further on that matter. As for the hierarchy among the demons, I will give it more careful consideration and try to conclude it in the direction you want as much as possible.

Finally, regarding the timing of the expedition… It is not something that will happen immediately just because I declare a conquest now. As you said, it will be possible after the demon warriors are completed. Moreover, since we have to consider various variables, it will take a considerable amount of time before the first battle of the actual dimensional conquest.

What I want to say is that we are entering a wartime system from this moment on, that is all. If there are no particular obstacles, and if it is judged that the time is right, we can subjugate other dimensional realms right now. But if there is a reason to wait, we will do so. I hope there is no misunderstanding on that point.” At that moment, Britra stood up, bowed respectfully to Lucifer, and expressed his opinion.

“Respected Demon Lord, we are the Demon Lord’s servants. I can assure you that there is not a single demon who dares to oppose or resist the Demon Lord’s decision. We will embark on the dimensional conquest according to the Demon Lord’s command and return all the glory to the Demon Lord.

I believe that Great Demon Asasel’s intention is to proceed with the matter more carefully. In that regard, I would like to add one more point.

It is not about anything else, but whether the Sun Realm is the best choice as the first target of conquest for the main realm. In fact, if we only consider objective power, the Ghost Realm and the Sun Realm are the weakest among the dimensional realms. They are not much of an obstacle to our Demon Realm.

Our enemy will eventually be the Heavenly Realm, and the biggest variable is the Infinite Realm. The Infinite Realm does not have a specific center, so it cannot unite, but if we consider its overall power, it is the most troublesome. If the Ghost Realm unites with us to check the Sun Realm, and if the Infinite Realm adds its power while we are fighting the Heavenly Realm, it will be very difficult.

We must keep the Heavenly Palace in mind until the very end. In that regard, there is a burden that we must maintain a significant portion of our power without loss. So, what I want to say is this.

The part we need to focus on and deal with first is to infiltrate the Infinite Realm and further encourage their division. After that, if the Ghost Realm checks the Sun Realm and we attack the Heavenly Realm, we will be able to maintain our power without much loss.” Britra’s words were quite persuasive, and Lucifer nodded his head, and other demons were also in agreement.

“Very well. That seems to be something worth studying further. Report to me when a concrete plan is prepared.” “I will do so.” At that moment, Lucifer turned his head towards where I was. And words about me flowed from his mouth.

“I was thinking of keeping Pacheon and Baalzebul as slaves of the main realm until the end of the dimensional conquest. But that is no longer possible. I have decided to send him out of the main realm.” There was a brief commotion, and then Bali jumped up from his seat and shouted excitedly.

“That is not acceptable. To let that guy go?” “That’s right. Why should we do that? As far as I know, that guy was instigated by another dimensional realm. We all know that the Heavenly Realm or the Sun Realm is plotting something through him. We cannot let them have their way.” Chandra even opposed my release. At this time, Britra looked at me and spoke slowly.

“That one alone is not a problem. He is just a slightly strong human. Moreover, he only has power in this human realm, and he is useless in other spiritual realms.

However, what is concerning is that other dimensional realms value him quite highly. There is no need to leave something that will be an obstacle. The best thing is not to create a risk factor in the first place.

As long as he is in our hands, he has no value. That is the best thing. There is no benefit to keeping him, but there is no loss either. But if we let him go, he might become a variable and block our path.” Even he, who had been so kind and considerate to me, was ultimately looking out for his own interests when faced with such a sensitive issue. He did not see me as anything more than an enemy. That was only natural.

At this time, Mephisto rose from his seat and stopped Bali, who was about to add more.

“I would like to say something. I could not know anything about that person’s past life. It was as if this life was his first. I know that he gathered the Five Elements and created a new substance.

As you know, substance creation can only be done by spiritual beings of a very high level. But he did it as a human. Judging from this… If we send him away, it will surely not be good. I don’t know why you made such a decision, but it is not a welcome thing.”

Everyone was against it. I was secretly worried that I might not be able to escape the Demon Realm.

“I will say one thing, everyone.” The Angel of Darkness, Metatron’s messenger, stepped forward and began to speak, and everyone’s attention was focused on where we were standing.

“This decision… was made by Metatron. Would you still oppose it?” It was quiet. No one stepped forward to answer.

“It is the Lord’s will. I do not know what his intention is. I am merely a messenger who conveys the message.” “Did you all hear? It is my father’s command. No complaints are allowed. I have decided to send him away, alive.” I was relieved only after hearing his final decision. I was able to get out of here. The meeting continued for a long time, and various issues were discussed and decided. As I listened to it, I realized one thing and my anxiety gradually increased.

The reason I am trying to find Master Jang Sambong is to take revenge on these demons. The Master said that the reason he was trying to take me was to bring light, and that it was necessary because it could move other dimensional realms.

But now, there is no reason to do that, is there? If they embark on a dimensional conquest, other dimensional realms will have no choice but to take a position, even without bringing light. Then, they may no longer need me.

Nevertheless, I must obtain light. I cannot face them with my own power. I must inevitably grasp the light in my hands to have even a shred of hope. Only then can I move other dimensional realms to strike them. For me now, light was also the only means to take revenge.

Another concern was that even if I was lucky enough to get the light, I might not be able to punish the Demon Realm. They did not seem to be afraid of a full-scale war with the entire dimensional realm.

After the meeting, I was still sitting in front of Lucifer with an uneasy feeling. He seemed to be lost in thought and had no interest in me. My head was also complicated with various thoughts. In the end, I came to one conclusion: even if they carry out a dimensional invasion, light is still necessary, and that is the only way I can do it, without considering anything else.

I did not know how much authority and effect the light would have, but if I could get it and make even the Infinite Realm or the Ghost Realm fight against the Demon Realm, I thought its value was something I could not give up.

And no matter how confident the Demon Realm was, I also thought that they could not win against the entire dimensional realm. Yes, there is only one path anyway. If I don’t go, I will have to stop. I have no choice but to go to the end.

“Pacheon. Why, are you worried? You want revenge, but you don’t have the power, so I guess you would be. Don’t be too impatient. I don’t know what kind of proposals they will make, but in the end, there won’t be many ways you can do it.

There is one thing I am very curious about. If I kill you, what form will you appear in front of me later… I was curious about that. So, I felt that urge several times. It would only be about an Arhat [A being who has attained enlightenment], but still. So, I don’t understand it even more. What is it about you that made them need you? I wanted to keep you by my side and solve that question, but it’s a bit of a shame.” I am also disappointed. I wanted to slap your smug face at least once, but I am also disappointed that I can’t.

“I have one confession to make.” It was a sudden sound. I was curious about what he had to say. I was holding my breath and waiting for his next words when there was a sound from outside.

“It’s Vulcan.” “Oh, come in. Pacheon, I’ll have to talk about that later.” Hwan-a entered. He glanced at me, but soon fixed his gaze on Lucifer. I was resentful of his attitude.

My son Hwan-a, who has changed so much. But I still can’t look at Hwan-a as a stranger. You can reject me, but I can’t give up on you.

“So, you buried your mother and came back?”
“Yes.”
“Were you sad?”
“No, I wasn’t.”
“That’s how it should be. You must know that the demons still haven’t fully accepted you, right?”
“Yes, I’ve heard.”
“You know what you need to do from now on without me having to tell you. You are still incomplete. That’s why I called you here. Go back to the Illusion Zone and continue your training. Don’t come out until you feel confident. Your current power is not enough to match the Great Demons. Don’t come out until you have the strength to rival them. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Don’t forget to tell Lulu and Seraphin as well.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
“I’ve completely revised the plan for you. You will now lead the Demon Warriors, not the demons. To do that, you need to develop even stronger demonic power. Remember that.”
“Understood.”
“Is there anything you want to say?”
“No, there isn’t.” Only simple questions and answers were exchanged. I had so much I wanted to talk about with Hwan-a, but I couldn’t, which was a shame.

Hwan-a, as expected, didn’t say a single word to me and walked away. As soon as Hwan-a disappeared, Lucifer turned his attention back to me.

“I have a confession to make, Pacheon.”
“…”
“Aren’t you curious?”
“Tell me.”
“Actually, I tried to place my magic on you several times. It was to understand what was in your heart. But for some reason, it didn’t work. It’s not easy to control a human’s soul with magic, unlike using it to exert physical force. But it’s not impossible.

But I couldn’t do it. From then on, my questions about you grew stronger. I was so curious about what power was protecting you from my magic. You are clearly an ordinary human. Of course, you’re not completely ordinary, but you’re not special in my eyes either.

If you were a spirit, it would have been easier to place magic on you, but I comforted myself by thinking it was difficult because you were human. But honestly, that matter still remains a big question for me.” If what he said was true, I was also curious. If he had wanted to, he could have used magic to look into the hearts of Jeokrua, Cheonma, or Seolran, and if he had, our intentions would have been exposed, and we wouldn’t have been able to deceive Lucifer.

But why didn’t he? I asked Lucifer the reason. And I got an unexpected answer.

“It was because of my pride. Forcing or monitoring you with magic would make me feel pathetic. I’m not so weak that I have to resort to such things. What am I afraid of that I have to cling to such small things? That’s what I thought.

But now… honestly, I regret it. I once had a conversation with my father, Metatron. He told me that while I could rule and control the human realm, I could not make all of them obey me.

At that time, I confidently said that I would show him that I could. He then said,

‘Eventually, you will have no choice but to kill all the humans who refuse. You can only kill or forcefully subdue them, but that would mean you have lost to them.’ He also said,

‘You may take the human realm, but you will not win over the humans.’ At that time, I confidently said that such a thing would never happen.

Looking back, everything has turned out as my father predicted.” Metatron…

He is a terrifying being. The fact that someone with such foresight didn’t prepare any countermeasures bothered me.

I even wondered if all my intentions and actions were proceeding as he wished.

“Leave this place tomorrow. Once you leave, I don’t know when we’ll meet again. Pacheon, become strong if you can. So that when we meet again, I can be impressed. So that I regret letting you go like this.”
“I will… I will try my best to make that happen. And I have one request to make as well.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll leave the children in your care for a while. But I will definitely come back for them. Even if those children point their swords at me, I will definitely return. And I will bring them back to their former selves.”
“Hahahaha.”
“You may laugh now, but I will be the one laughing then. Remember this. Until my soul is extinguished, I am your enemy. My name is Pacheon! Remember this name and don’t erase it.”
“Alright, I will do that. I still feel a bit of regret. If you had given up your stubbornness, we could have had a very ideal relationship. If we meet again, I will do my best to eliminate you as well. And I will show you that your beliefs are wrong. Now, go.”
The moment I left Lucifer’s residence, I was overcome with an ominous premonition. It was a scene of Hwan-a, Hwa-a, and Cheon-a blocking my path and pointing their swords at me.

The moment I left Lucifer’s residence, I was essentially free. With his final verdict given, no one would stop me.

My prediction was accurate. Wherever I went, whatever I did, they watched as bystanders and never interfered.

I had to see and learn as much as possible for the future. When the time comes to face them, all of this will be excellent information for the fight, strengthening my foundation and making the conditions for victory more solid.

They used to prevent me from leaving the palace, but now they didn’t. Even if I left the demon realm, it seemed they wouldn’t stop me. I went down to the ground and observed the demons, trying to gauge their scale.

I witnessed scenes of humans being executed here and there, and each time, I stood there, motionless, observing the events in detail from beginning to end. I watered and fertilized the tree of anger growing within me. I wanted it to take root faster and deeper, filling my entire heart.

Although nothing stopped me, there were still forbidden places.

I was not allowed to enter the places where the Demon Warriors were or where the demons trained. After carefully observing for a while, I found myself heading to one place without realizing it. From what I remembered, it was the area where the children were staying.

They said I would enter the Illusion Zone tomorrow, so if not today, I wouldn’t be able to see them for a while. I hesitated a few times but eventually went inside.

Hwan-a froze on the spot when he saw me. I was the same. No matter how much Hwan-a had grown and bore the mark of the demon realm on his forehead, he was still just a lovable child to me.

“Hwan-a.”
Hwan-a turned his back and said softly,

“Don’t call me by that name.”
“Then… what should I call you? In my eyes, you’re still Hwan-a… what should I call you…?”
“Just leave. You and I are no longer related. I am the Demon Lord’s…”
“Stop, stop it. Alright, I’ll go. But I want to say one thing. Your dad… loves you. It’s the same now, and my love for you will never change. I will come back. So don’t give up either.

Your dad and mom don’t resent you. Please wait. I will definitely come back for you.”
Hwan-a didn’t answer me, nor did he ignore or try to stop me. He just stood there with his back turned.

“Take good care of Hwa-a and Cheon-a until I return. Rely on each other and endure together. Then, your incompetent dad… will be going now.” Hwan-a didn’t look back at me until the end. As I walked out of that place, hot tears suddenly welled up, and I felt a sharp pain in my chest.

Sigh, well, even if it was your choice, it’s still my fault for not protecting you. It’s my fault for putting you, who are still young, in a position to make a choice you couldn’t handle. Yes, that’s right.

Today is definitely a day of new meaning for me. How can it be ordinary when I’m leaving a place full of despair for a small hope?

Lucifer ordered Bali to guide me out of the demon realm. I didn’t expect such kindness, so I refused and declined several times, but even Bali, who usually couldn’t wait to devour me, readily agreed, so I had no choice but to follow his wishes.

The day I first came here came back to my mind.

All the humiliation and pain I suffered while being captured by these beings were so vivid. The countless deaths. Their tragic last moments will probably never be forgotten.

I looked back several times. Not because I had memories left there, but because I had precious people left there. Leaving the children and Jeokrua there made my heart heavy. Bali gave me a faint smile when the demon palaces looked like tiny specks.

“You’ve suffered a lot during this time.” Why is this guy suddenly acting so friendly? I had the right to not answer since I was in the demon realm, so I exercised that right as usual.

“I just don’t like you. I didn’t like you from the first time I saw you. And to think that a human like you has reached the level of material creation… honestly, I wanted to kill you the moment I saw you.” A special guy. Yes, at least in my memory, you will remain very special. I will not forget how you barked and mocked your subordinates in their pain. And if I get the chance, I will give you twice the pain. Please live long and prosper until then.

“Farewell. It’s Metatron’s order… to let you go alive… If I let you go like this… I think he only told me not to kill you, right?” Suddenly, he lunged at me and grabbed my neck. And with his other hand, he quickly scanned my whole body. In an instant, I felt pain surging almost simultaneously in several places. The places his hand had scanned were my wrists and ankles, and blood was constantly flowing from those spots.

“I’ve severed your tendons, so it won’t be easy for you to move from now on.” I was helplessly thrown away and crashed onto the dusty ground. The dust flew up and covered my body, but I couldn’t move.

“You bastard! How could you do this…?” I was so frustrated that I was attacked without warning and was powerless to do anything.

“Farewell. It’s quite a long way to where the descendants of the Seonmaek [A lineage of martial artists] are. You’ll have a hard time getting there. Well, since there’s nothing to eat, you might starve to death soon. If you’re lucky, maybe a bug will crawl into your open mouth.” Bali, as he said, left those words and disappeared in an instant. It seemed he had teleported away.

I moved my neck and looked at my wrists. The pain wasn’t the problem. If I couldn’t use my hands and feet, it would be impossible to get to Jangbaeksan [A sacred mountain]. Even if I managed to get there with the help of Geumeung, what could I do in this state? I screamed loudly.

“You damn demons! If you were going to do this, you should have just killed me! What’s with this attitude of letting me go? I was foolish to trust you. Bah, ptoo!” I wished my voice could reach the palace far away. I couldn’t move my hands and feet, but I could move my body. If I could borrow the energy of nature and fly into the sky and onto Geumeung’s back, I could do it.

But I was worried about whether it was okay to call Geumeung here, so close to the demon realm. And I wasn’t even sure if Geumeung was still alive. If Geumeung had been attacked by the demon beasts, getting to Jangbaeksan would be nearly impossible. I might die before I even got there.

I was in a difficult situation in many ways. I decided to sit up first. I gathered the energy around me and lifted my body into the air. My body, which was rising straight up, tilted and landed softly on the ground.

“I really am a mess. I should have guessed when he said he would come along.” It was highly likely that Bali had acted on his own. I didn’t think Lucifer would order such a thing. At least, he wouldn’t use such a petty method.

“Should I call Geumeung? Sigh, I have no choice. That’s the only way.” It would be too much for my body to fly to Jangbaeksan using the energy of nature in this state. And the bleeding was also a problem. If I rode Geumeung, it would be faster than going by my own power. I had a sudden thought.

“Yes, maybe that would be better.” Instead of going straight to Jangbaeksan, I decided to go back to the demon realm. They used to treat such injuries as nothing. Moreover, if Lucifer found out, it might put Bali in a difficult position.

“It’s a win-win situation. Even if it wasn’t Bali’s independent action, the Demon Lord would have no choice but to treat me. He has to keep his word officially. That’s the image a leader has to show his subordinates.” I finally decided to go back to the demon realm, which I had wanted to escape from, and I used the energy of nature to lift my body into the air again.

“There’s no need to go back.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s me. The Angel of Darkness.” How did this guy…? And why?

“I’ll heal you.” His words were more welcome than his appearance. I never thought there would be a day when I would be happy to see this guy.

“You’re going to do that… should I say thank you?”
“There’s no need.” He didn’t reach out his hand or touch my body. He just looked at my wrists and ankles for a moment.

“You’ll be fine now. Now, go. Go your way and do what you have to do. Do it quickly.” It’s like giving a disease and then giving the cure. Well, as you said, I don’t owe you anything.

“Look here, Angel of Darkness.”
“Speak.”
“I don’t know what you’re trying to get through me, but it won’t be easy. Especially since I know your intentions.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Alright, see you later. Then, I guess it’s time to say goodbye.” I quickly left that place. And I headed east, shooting my body forward at full speed.

Even though I had been out in the world for a long time, I didn’t feel very happy. All I could see was a barren wasteland, a dry land. And since I couldn’t see a single person, how could I not feel down? Thinking that I was the only one left alive on this vast land, I was suddenly overcome with a piercing loneliness.

The moment I left Cheonghae, I immediately called Geumeung. Contrary to my worries, Geumeung was safe and sound.

I was amazed at how this guy had survived, where he had been, and what he had been eating.

Geumeung was unusually friendly, perhaps because it had been a long time since we had met. I climbed onto Geumeung’s back and made it fly into the sky with all its might. Geumeung seemed to understand my urgent heart and flew towards Jangbaeksan at full speed.