Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 104 [Title: Why is Mr. Gaderok's @seal-breaking pattern so appealing? Lol] Content: In phase 1, he pretends his level isn't that high, pretends he's not a Dark Mage, then suddenly unleashes massive high-level Black Magic After dealing with all that bullshit and entering phase 2, he just runs away to the Back Alleys lol What? The longer it takes to find where he ran off to, the stronger Gaderok gets? Are you fucking Bitcoin or something? Lol The pattern is so damn lovable I want to strangle him and give him kisses lol -: This post is just overflowing with rage... -: When you experience that for the first time, it really does mess with your head -: Phase 2 is seriously the most infuriating part Even when you hold a knife to the Back Alley guys' throats and threaten them asking where Gaderok is hiding, they won't answer -: I'm telling you I beat Gaderok? They should be more afraid of me than that bastard? -: This bastard properly built up goodwill by grilling meat whenever he had the chance when he was working in the industry So the guys can't even think of opposing him -[Original Poster]: Boss, you smell really good, what kind of meat is it? -: Your colleague who opposed me -: So barbecue parties really do help with team unity... *** "Damn it, Gaderok!!! Stop this! Forean! Forean!!!" Dejong, the ruler of the Southern Region, was restless as he faced his subordinate engulfed in Black Fire. Dangaleon explained why he had specifically chosen the woman named Forean from among all these people. -That insect named Forean! She seems to be that maggot Dejong's guard, but it doesn't appear to be a simple contractual relationship! I sensed the distinctive aura felt from humans who share mating! -That's why I chose that insect! No matter how cold-blooded one is, they're bound to waver when their mating partner is attacked! It's ultimately the limitation of beasts enslaved to flesh! Risir felt a mild headache at the demonic vocabulary choice that denied human dignity, yet nodded reluctantly. "Wait! Dejong, listen to me! Something is strange-" "Shut up! Put out this damn fire first!!!" Gaderok and Dejong had successfully seized control of the location. Now all that remained was to guide the flow as they wished while maintaining their numerical advantage. In such a situation, there was no reason for Gaderok to betray Dejong. Even if there were reasons to betray him, there would be much better times and methods. Dejong, who ruled over despicable and calculating criminals, couldn't possibly not know this. "Damn it! I shouldn't have joined hands with you after all...!" Nevertheless, Dejong was consumed by emotion and unilaterally pressed Gaderok. "Aaaahhhhh!!!!" The woman's screams from beside him and the impression that the person named Gaderok carried thoroughly interfered with his thinking. The leader's hostility spread directly to his subordinates. Dejong's men, who had confidently surrounded the round table, began to be conscious of Gaderok's subordinates beside them. Dangaleon's scheme had worked perfectly. 'Incredible...' -Incredible!!! What supreme praise!!! Master! This Dangaleon doesn't know what to do with such gracious commendation!!! That's right! Only I can make such things possible for you, Master!!! Dangaleon, greatly excited by Risir's praise(?), proceeded to explain the next plan. -Now, publicly condemn that maggot to highlight how foolish and dangerous it is to follow him!!! Then we can not only cause internal strife among them but also win over some of his subordinates! How many times had this immortal being done this over the eons? Risir felt such admiration that wasn't quite admiration, and immediately tried to join the demonic plan. "Dejong, didn't you know?" But then, Gaderok acted one beat faster, outpacing the demon's thinking that was guiding the situation. He spoke calmly while thoroughly hiding his emotions. "What that bitch has been up to." "What do you..." Instead of explaining, Gaderok glared at Dejong. He judged that making excuses in the current situation would only backfire. Therefore, instead of explaining, he touched his ear. The Black Pearl Earring hanging from his ear—the Eye of Black Fire, a demonic relic. "...!" It was a signal. Dejong knew well what fate had befallen those who failed to notice that signal. The emotion that had dominated Dejong was devoured by an even greater emotion. That was none other than fear. "Ah... ah..." Dejong withdrew his gaze from Forean, who no longer had the strength to scream. Then he gave his subordinates a meaningful look. Thus, Dejong's group tolerated Gaderok's sudden action. Gaderok of the Black Fire. The criminals of the Back Alleys could never be free from the fear created by that fearsome reputation. Gaderok knew very well how to handle that fear. -That maggot is quite something!!! If it were before I met you, Master, I would have wanted to make him my servant! Risir tensed at the demon's high praise. Even to him, Gaderok seemed more dangerous and despicable than expected. The atmosphere of the place that had been divided was somehow coalescing around him again. 'Moreover, Gaderok's subordinates didn't even waver.' When Dejong's woman was consumed by Black Fire. Gaderok's subordinates only panicked briefly before immediately beginning to keep Dejong's men in check. It was truly absolute loyalty. The source of that loyalty would be none other than fear. 'Can we cause internal strife against such people?' Risir looked around. The crowd that Gaderok and Dejong had gathered. Setting aside each individual's capabilities, there were too many of them, and the place was too cramped. If a battle broke out, damage would be unavoidable. Even with reliable allies like 'The Saint' and 'The Owner.' A frontal assault was definitely not the answer. Like Dangaleon's attempt at sowing discord, they absolutely needed to devise another strategy. Risir carefully observed Gaderok's appearance. Gaderok was also looking at Risir with a similar gaze. 'I don't know how he did it, but it's him. He's the one who controlled my Black Fire power.' Gaderok felt the need to eliminate him as quickly as possible. But he mustn't be hasty. 'What the hell is this guy...' Something that controlled Black Fire. Gaderok was wary of the unidentified power that Risir possessed. Until his power was revealed more clearly, engaging in battle with him would be premature. Considering the aftermath that would come from seizing control of this Back Alley Council, not a single soldier could be wasted carelessly. In that regard, it could be considered fortunate. There were plenty of expendable resources here who could fight that guy first in his place. He gave Dejong a meaningful look. "..." It was the moment when Dejong, with a resentful face grinding his teeth, was about to follow Gaderok's instruction. "Aaaahhh!!!" Dejong's gaze shot somewhere else. -Let's see how you handle this, maggot! The demon, feeling defiant at Gaderok's challenge(?), had come up with an alternative. Dangaleon thought of a way to maximize the use of his limited power. Targeting the weaker ones among Dejong and Gaderok's subordinates. By doing so- "Fuck, don't come near me!!!" "Lord Dejong!!! My body-" "Kraaahhh!!!" "Lord Dejong! No matter how I think about it, this is strange!!!" "Lord Gaderok, why...!!!" Even in his sealed and weakened state, he could create such chaos. Dejong and Gaderok's subordinates. Parts of some of their bodies were simultaneously engulfed in black flames. Someone's gloves, someone's sword, someone's clothes. It was far from enough to threaten their lives, but it was sufficient to induce their confusion. "Lord Dejong!!! That Gaderok bastard is definitely strange!!! We can't just stand still any longer!!!" "Gaderok, you crazy bastard! Are you planning to kill us all!" In addition, some of Dejong's subordinates began shouting with glazed eyes. The power of dominance possessed by 'The Owner' supported Risir and Dangaleon's plan. "Damn it, Gaderok! What the hell are you trying to do!!!" Dejong finally couldn't hold back and exploded. Gaderok couldn't answer that. He was staring at the Acting City Councilor in a state dominated by anger. Soon, he pointed at Risir and shouted. "Everyone, snap out of it! It's him! He's the one doing this! Attack him immediately!" It was an order from Gaderok, who held absolute authority over the Back Alley criminals. However, the criminals couldn't obediently follow that command. "Don't fuck with us, Gaderok!!! This is your power!!!" The cry of someone under the Word of Command represented everyone else's feelings. Until now, Gaderok had used Black Fire to imprint fear of himself upon them. But now to say that Black Fire was someone else's doing. There was no way they could accept it obediently. -Master, now is the time! Right now!!! The demon delighted in the insects' struggling and advised his great master. Just as he had said, to corner Gaderok with the screams of the burning maggots. -Master!? Then, the demon expressed bewilderment. Because his great master had shown an unexpected action. "Huh!?" "It, it went out!?" Those who had been causing a commotion all stopped in unison. The Black Fire on their bodies had suddenly been extinguished. Their gazes all turned to the Acting City Councilor. Because he had risen from his seat and was gesturing toward the fallen Forean. Dejong, who had watched the series of events, hurriedly checked on Forean's condition. "Forean!!!" The Black Fire that had been burning her was extinguished. "Come here." Then, The Saint gestured to Dejong. The Saint extended his hand to Forean, who was in the approaching Dejong's arms. The radiance emanating from The Saint's hand gently enveloped Forean. Forean's skin that had been 'stained' by the Black Fire rapidly returned to its original state. -Master, why...! Dangaleon was confused as the chaos he had worked to create was normalized. Behind such a demon, Risir opened his mouth. "I don't know what's going on, but that's enough, Gaderok." Only after confirming that everyone's attention was completely focused on him did he continue speaking. "The Back Alleys don't belong to you alone." "...!" The atmosphere of the place stirred. Risir's actions, which perfectly contrasted with what Gaderok had shown(?), had shaken their hearts. They thought: -Should I side with that madman? -Or should I side with this Acting City Councilor? The thinking didn't last long. Gaderok's presence, which had grown massive within them due to Gadum's absence, was pushed aside by another newly entered presence. "Lord Dejong..." "Forean!?" "N-no..." "What do you mean no- You don't have to force yourself to speak!" "I, I... didn't betray you, Lord Dejong... You know... my heart..." "...!" Then, Forean, whose condition had improved, spoke in a weak but clear voice. Dejong glared at Gaderok with burning eyes. He moved away from Gaderok and approached Risir. Starting with him, the hearts of others began to move as well. In the end, the majority of those present, except for Gaderok's close associates, showed hostility toward Gaderok. The situation had reversed. "...Hahaha!!!" Gaderok looked at them and burst into laughter as if he had lost his mind. *** It was literally a fucking terrible situation. But it was fine. Gaderok of the Black Fire. The criminals of the Back Alleys could never be free from the fear created by that fearsome reputation. Gaderok knew very well how to handle that fear. They had turned away from Gaderok. Why? The Acting City Councilor. Thanks to his presence, they had escaped from the shadow of fear that Gaderok created. Therefore, the method to bring them back was also simple. He just needed to remind them of the fear they had forgotten. Gaderok rolled up his sleeve and touched the gold bracelet on his arm. It was another relic that Gaderok possessed. The result of the desperate struggle that Gaderok, originally a Master of the Blue Magic Tower but frustrated and fallen after being blocked by the wall of the 7th Rank, had found in his attempt to overcome that wall. Gaderok infused power into the bracelet. Not magical power, but his own life force. Then, red patterns were drawn on the gold bracelet. Those patterns soon spread throughout his entire body. "Ahhhhh... ahhhhh..." Gaderok groaned. The price he had just paid was half of his life force. In other words, he had paid half of his remaining lifespan as the price. But there was no regret. Thanks to that, he could break down the wall of the 7th Rank that he had so desperately desired. It was temporary power, but that was fine. This sensation and enlightenment would remain. Moreover, without this power, he couldn't overcome this situation. Gaderok emanated his aura with all his might. Filled with killing intent and abundant magical power. The presence of a mage who had entered the realm of the superhuman pressed down on the entire place. "Urgh-" "Wh-what is this..." It was clearly felt. Their fear was being recalled. Gaderok touched the Black Pearl Earring on his right ear. With that, he sent them a final warning. Between himself and the Acting City Councilor. Which side would they choose? "..." "..." The fear of death clearly awakened their reason. Gaderok. Under him, they never knew when they might die a dog's death. But if they opposed him now, they might immediately die a dog's death. 'Wouldn't it be fine if we all joined forces and attacked together?' Such thoughts briefly crossed their minds, but- '...No, how can I trust those bastards.' They were criminals. The targets weren't quite good enough to risk their lives depending on each other in the face of death. They began to surround the Acting City Councilor again, one by one, watching Gaderok's mood. Step. Step. In the sharp and uncomfortable silence, only small noises loudly asserted their presence. <Kuhahahaha!!!> Just then. A strange cry suddenly poured into the place. Gaderok, who had been exuding absolute composure, showed bewilderment. Because the source of that strange cry was none other than his own earring. <Gaderok! In the name of I, the great demon, Dangaleon the Burning Black Fire, your wish has been fulfilled!!!> "?" <Rejoice! This is the power you so desperately craved!> "???" <You haven't forgotten the price, have you! Quickly, burn their flesh with the 'Black Fire' I have granted you!!! Offer their souls to me!!!> The demon's tone was strangely artificial and explanatory, but unfortunately, since they were hearing a demon's voice for the first time in their lives, they had no proper comparison. They took the content of the conversation at face value. A conversation between a demon and a demon follower(?). "Holy shit. Gaderok, were you really a Dark Mage!? You're going to sacrifice us to a demon!?" Dejong shouted. The crowd stirred. Those who had been about to enter Gaderok's shadow again were startled and returned to their places. "No..." Gaderok forgot even the existence of the power that filled him completely and felt emptiness. *** -Master!!! Look at the expressions of those insects!!! Everything is flowing according to your plan!!! Dangaleon, having completed his mission and returned, cried out in an overwhelmed voice. -How amazing, how wondrous!!! I, Dangaleon, once again feel awe toward you, Master!!! Such an evil and despicable scheme!!! I could never come up with such a terrible scheme! '...That's it?' At the demon's high praise, Risir's thoughts became complicated.