NOVEL NEXT Chapter 276
276th Chapter
Lukipugus.
Also known as the Great Seer of Wisdom, her intellect is almost on par with Gagiel, who is reputed to be the wisest among the Great Demons. In the realm of schemes, she is often considered even superior.
Thus, in the great war that occurred in the past between the Heavens and Hell, it was she—not Taumiel—who effectively commanded Hell.
Because she was so wise, nobody could easily have a personal audience with her. If one were to approach her for conversation, before they knew it, they would end up spilling all their secrets and hidden matters.
However, Nahun held his head high, as if unaffected by this, and looked at Lukipugus.
“I don’t think ‘guard dog’ suits me.”
“Doesn’t it suit you more than anything, being the master of Nehemot, who is connected to the Heavens?”
“Logically, I have to agree, but…”
Nahun looked directly into Lukipugus’s eyes.
“Can anyone really call someone who is always ready to bite their neck a guard dog?”
“Puh, they said you were under a restriction, but your temper seems as fiery as ever?”
Lukipugus set down her mug. Oddly enough, she placed it down upright this time instead of upside down.
“What brings the fearsome gatekeeper to me?”
“…I came to inquire about news from the Heavens.”
“The Heavens? You should know that better than anyone.”
“You must know that I’ve been away from my post.”
“Aha, I see? Sorry~ I just forgot.”
It was obviously a lie. Lukipugus smiled playfully and tilted her head slightly.
“Hmmm, is it about that arrogant Metatron?”
“You already know.”
“Is there anything I don’t know about in this Hell?”
Lukipugus stood up from her seat. Then, she personally stepped down from her throne and snapped her fingers. Two chairs and a round table appeared before Nahun.
“Sit down, comfortably. I’ve made sure there’s no poison.”
“…Alright.”
When Nahun sat down, Lukipugus snapped her fingers once more, and a teapot, teacups, and simple snacks appeared.
“Do you like tea?”
“I don’t dislike it.”
“Oh, that’s unexpected.”
With her legs crossed, Lukipugus lightly moved her fingers to pour tea into their cups. Such telekinetic acts were all performed through magic.
“Shall we talk while we drink?”
“I drink quite well.”
Nahun took a sip of tea. The subtle fragrance spreading in his mouth was not unpleasant.
“I’m curious about where you got your information about the Heavens.”
“Hmph, if you’re questioning the source of the information from the start… it means you don’t trust me at all, do you?”
“Trust another Great Demon? That would be the height of foolishness.”
“That’s not wrong, but… I wonder if our relationship has boiled down to just this. Have you forgotten everything due to the restriction?”
“Our relationship?”
At Nahun’s slightly tense question, Lukipugus chuckled.
“Don’t worry, I’m not like Gamaliel. I’m just saying we’re friends.”
“From what I’ve heard, it wasn’t said that you two were that close.”
“Really? Have you already heard? Still uninteresting as ever.”
“……Stop joking around. My question about the source of your information is to inquire whether the information you possess is credible.”
“If it’s that, you needn’t worry.”
Lukipugus took a piece of the snack she had picked up and bit into it. She smiled brightly as she spoke.
“Gagiel would say the same thing.”
“…I see.”
The fact that two individuals known as the greatest wisdom of the Heavens share the same information only solidifies the truth of that information.
“Then what you’re ultimately curious about is whether Metatron has obtained divinity or not… right?”
“I believe that is certain. My curiosity, when that is true, lies in something else.”
“What is it?”
“Can Metatron wield his powers?”
“…Oh my.”
Lukipugus finished the remaining piece of the snack she was holding.
“You say something interesting, don’t you?”
“…Do you have any knowledge regarding that?”
“It seems you’ve seen something.”
Lukipugus propped her chin up with one hand and locked eyes with Nahun.
“Was your encounter with Camiel merely coincidental?”
“…I don’t know what you’re thinking, but that was a coincidence. However, the situation afterward was hard to call mere coincidence.”
“You had no intention, but they did?”
“Exactly.”
“Hmmm. Then…”
Lukipugus asked.
“What did you see there?”
“That’s my only trump card, so I can’t just reveal it now. If I expose all my cards, there would be no reason for you to provide me with proper information.”
“Oh my.”
Lukipugus’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
“When did you learn to think like that?”
“…When you lack power, you have no choice but to use your wits.”
“What?… Ahaha! That’s quite the truth! Your power was at a level where you didn’t need to think.”
While that’s not entirely wrong, Nahun felt somewhat offended. Even if it happened before he took over, it felt like he was being told that he was foolish back then.
“Alright, if I’m to tell you about that situation, I suppose I should share something in return?”
“Exactly.”
“What exactly are you curious about?”
“…The recent war against the Demons.”
“The war against the Demons?”
“You are aware that Mikael invaded the Demon World.”
“I am. I also know that you dealt with it.”
Hell was indeed already aware of everything. Knowing that Nahun would move, it was obvious that Mikael would invade the Demon World, yet Hell took no action.
“That’s why I find your movements suspicious.”
“…Huh?”
“The moment Mikael was lost as a military force, the Heavens momentarily lost their military momentum. So, why did Hell remain still?”
Nahun asked.
“Didn’t you just stand idly by?”
It could have easily been viewed as an opportunity by Hell. Mikael, undeniably one of the greatest military assets of the Heavens, had suffered significant losses along with the Elemental King and numerous Valkyries.
It was a time when the Heavens were weakened.
Yet, they remained quiet, only to now hear that Taumiel is finally preparing to invade. Nahun couldn’t easily comprehend this course of action.
“Aha, you. That restriction was indeed pretty detrimental. Your memory seems to be quite patchy, huh?”
“What?”
“How would you attack the Heavens if you weren’t around?”
Nahun felt confused. Even if he was called the strongest Great Demon of Hell, that didn’t mean that other Great Demons were particularly weak… with the strongest enemy having been slain by his hands, shouldn’t there be no threat left?
As Nahun pondered, Lukipugus said.
“There’s someone exactly like you waiting; how can we proceed without you?”
“…What do you mean?”
“A major archangel who has powers equaling yours. If you’re present in Hell, she’s there too.”
The angel responding to Nahema, the master of Nehemot, the emblem of materialism and the inverted kingdom.
The Lord of the splendid kingdom, Malkut.
The angel of the great throne.
The Archangel symbolizing the ‘birth’ of all life.
Lukipugus spoke that name.
“Sandalphon.”
Nahun’s eyes widened.
“As long as she is around, you cannot march into the Heavens without you. That’s why Taumiel is trying to bring you along for this invasion.”
“…Are you saying they can’t even attempt it without me?”
“Of course. Who could confront that monster? Not even Hell, let alone the Heavens. Not even Taumiel could handle that. Besides, Beelzebub recently got beaten up by someone and can’t afford to fight.”
Nahun felt a jolt. Looking into Lukipugus’s eyes, it seemed clear that she was not unaware of what he had done.
“…Is she still not well?”
“No? It’s more that she’s being punished. Taumiel threw her into darkness.”
“Punished by a fellow Great Demon… that’s quite arrogant.”
“That’s him, alright.”
Lukipugus said.
“None of this is information; I’ll give you one more chance to ask a question. Choose wisely this time. You’ll need to reveal your cards now.”
“…I will ask directly.”
“Okay.”
He initially intended to ask how Metatron could use divine authority, but it seemed that Lukipugus didn’t know about that either. Thus, aside from this question and the doubts regarding the Demon War, there was little else to ask…
“Aquile Syndicate.”
“The Aquile Syndicate? What are you curious about them?”
“How are they entering the human realm?”
“Well, they’re probably using portals.”
“…I know that’s not the case.”
Lukipugus stared at Nahun for a moment. Then she smiled faintly and asked.
“Not at all?”
“The reason I encountered Camiel was that they monitored the portals post-Demon War. The Heavens detected when my subordinates and I crossed through the portal, sending Camiel since they inferred we were moving in the Demon World.”
“Are you implying the Aquile Syndicate did not do this?”
“Stop dodging the question.”
“…Hmph, you caught me.”
Lukipugus withdrew her arm that was resting on her chin and leaned back slightly. Then she answered Nahun.
“You’re curious about how they traverse the human realm, is that it?”
“Yes. And how they engage in trade in the human realm and continue entering the Demon World….”
Nahun lightly struck the table.
“They’ve even been distributing goods to this Hell.”
“…Considering you knew all that, what’s the reason for asking me?”
“Assurance.”
Lukipugus nodded.
“You’re right. There is only one person who can confirm such things.”
The head of Hell, Taumiel.
He is assisting the Aquile Syndicate.
“…Are you saying the other Great Demons don’t care?”
“Well, let’s say we’re turning a blind eye. Hell also needs supplies, and those ants who deliver them are required. As you know, Hell is filled with evil spirits, making it hard to establish production facilities.”
“Is there a reason for choosing the Aquile Syndicate?”
“That would be for Taumiel to know. No matter how wise I may be, I can’t read Taumiel’s mind.”
“…So, there’s no special reason for them?”
“Just a large-scale demon syndicate.”
Nahun had one more puzzling point to ask.
“The fact that they haven’t been caught means they have separate portals they use for movement.”
“That’s also something Taumiel provided. Normally, it’s temporarily closed and only opens when the Aquile Syndicate comes in and out. Even the Heavens probably aren’t aware of its existence.”
“…Can only Taumiel create such a portal?”
“Not necessarily. The portal that the Aquile Syndicate uses was precisely made by Gagiel. I can make one too.”
Nahun found this revelation quite intriguing. After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly proposed to Lukipugus.
“…Lukipugus.”
“Now it’s my turn. I won’t take any more questions…”
“How about partnering with us?”