NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Command : Enchain
In the sky above Tokyo, Kang Woo hovered effortlessly, his wings of darkness spread wide, casting an ominous shadow over the city. His gaze remained steady as he overlooked the city below, calculating and anticipating the next move.
Kang Woo glanced down at his chest, feeling the familiar sensation of his power pulsing within. In his hand, he held two devil hearts, fresh creations forged through the sacrifice of three of his own hearts. These hearts weren't just vessels—they were powerful, twisted creations meant to act as contingencies. In a world filled with unpredictable forces, a Demon King always needed to be three step ahead.
The two hearts floated before him, pulsating with dark energy.
The first, The Heart of Darkness, looked like something pulled straight from a nightmare. It resembled the beating heart of a demon, dark and twisted, but its surface was jagged, covered in sharp, organic spikes and thorns. At the center of the heart was a glowing, malevolent eye, radiating an intense red light. It blinked occasionally, as if watching, waiting, and calculating. ( img here )
The second, The Infernal Heart, was a grotesque and twisted masterpiece of black, pulsing veins and exposed, dark arteries that extended like grotesque tentacles. At its core, it had a massive, predatory eye—sharp, fanged mouths extended from the edges, all gnashing and snapping with terrifying hunger. ( img here )
Kang Woo admired his creations for a moment before turning his attention back to the sky. Suddenly, he felt the familiar tug of the Commandment of Piety—it had been summoned, and Makima was using it.
With a dark grin, Kang Woo allowed the power of the Hellblaze to surge within him, his commandment responding to Makima's plea for power. He didn't hesitate for a second. The flames of Hellblaze burned in the distance, searing everything they touched, and his darkness manipulation extended its reach, coiling around her like a protective force.
He could sense the primal devil pressing in, the Baba Yaga's twisted energy suffocating Makima. He knew she was in a corner now, struggling against overwhelming odds.
"It started now, huh?" Kang Woo muttered to himself, his voice cold and calm. His eyes narrowed as he felt the intensity of the battle below. "She's in a pinched spot."
Without a moment of hesitation, he poured more of his power into the darkness surrounding Makima, reinforcing the shield around her.
In the sky above Tokyo, Kang Woo's wings of darkness propelled him forward like a dark comet, leaving a trail of swirling energy in his wake.
As he neared the entrance to Aokigahara Forest, the trees below rustled in the chaotic battle, the very ground trembling under the weight of the dark forces clashing deep within. But Kang Woo's sharp eyes were focused on something else: the group of Devil Hunters stationed near the forest's edge. Makima needed to be rescued, but first, there was something he needed from one of them Kishibe.
Meanwhile, at the forest's entrance, Kishibe, the ever-stoic devil hunter, observed the black flame explosion that had erupted within the forest. His cigarette hung lazily between his lips, the smoke curling upward as he took a long, deliberate drag. His eyes flicked between the forest and the horizon, waiting.
Aki, standing next to Himeno, clenched his fists in frustration. "Ms. Makima... I have to help her!" he shouted, his hands reaching for the sword at his side, ready to charge into the forest.
But Himeno quickly grabbed his arm, pulling him back. "Are you insane? You'll get yourself killed! You don't even understand what's happening in there!"
Aki's eyes were full of fury and concern, but Himeno's words held him in place. He knew she was right, but the idea of standing by while Makima was in danger ate away at him.
Kishibe glanced over, his calm demeanor never wavering. "Use your head, not your emotions, Aki," he said quietly, his voice barely rising above a whisper. "We're Devil Hunters, not some reckless kids. Think first."
As Aki tried to suppress his emotions, Barem Bridge—the Flamethrower Hybrid—stood off to the side, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Makima's probably already dead," Barem sneered. "And if she's not, it's because Kang Woo killed her."
That was enough to make Aki snap. His hand instinctively went for his katana, but just as he was about to unsheathe it.
Kishibe's voice cut through the tension. "Cool yourself, Aki," Kishibe said calmly, his sharp eyes locking onto Aki's. "Losing your temper here won't do anyone any good."
Before Aki could respond, a strange sensation swept over them. The sky darkened momentarily, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. Aki and Himeno both looked up, their eyes widening in shock. They had heard about the dark comet in news reports, but seeing it up close was entirely different.
"What... is that?" Himeno whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she watched the dark comet tear through the sky, heading straight toward them.
Aki's jaw tightened, and his hand hovered over the hilt of his sword. He had never seen anything like this before, and the sheer power radiating from the comet made his skin crawl. "Is it... him?" Aki muttered under his breath.
Barem Bridge, who had been so confident moments ago, suddenly felt a cold sweat break out across his skin. Despite his usual psychopathic, callous demeanor, there was something about the approaching force that made him uneasy. No... afraid. His heart raced as he realized the comet's trajectory might bring it crashing directly into them.
Kishibe, ever the seasoned hunter, simply smirked as he took another drag from his cigarette. "Always gotta make an entrance, don't you?" he muttered, watching the comet descend.
The dark comet slowed as it approached the ground, its intense energy dissipating as it neared the group. Just before it could crash into them, the comet dispersed, revealing Kang Woo. He landed with a thunderous impact, his superhero landing causing a slight tremor in the ground.
Kang Woo rose slowly, dismissed his wings as he straightened up. He said nothing, his gaze cold and unreadable, the air around him thick with tension.
Aki and Himeno stood frozen in place, awe and fear mixing in their expressions. It was the first time they had seen Kang Woo in this state his presence was overwhelming.
Barem, for all his bravado, couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down his spine as Kang Woo's eyes briefly flicked toward him. For the first time in a long while, Barem felt a hint of true fear.
Kang Woo remained silent, his expression betraying nothing as he surveyed the group. Finally, his eyes locked onto Kishibe, and for a brief moment, the two exchanged a knowing glance.
Kishibe, ever unfazed, simply nodded, taking another drag from his cigarette. "So... what now?" he asked, breaking the silence.
Kang Woo's eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke. "How much influence do you have over Public Safety Devil Hunters, Kishibe? Can someone like me be allowed to make a contract with the devils you've captured... with your help, of course?"
Kishibe paused, taking his time as he regarded Kang Woo, his cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. "I've been with Public Safety for a long time. Seen things that most people wouldn't believe. And at this point, there aren't many who would stand in my way if I decided to make things happen." His voice was calm, steady, betraying years of experience. "Technically, we're supposed to be the ones controlling devils, not handing them out for contracts. But in this business, exceptions are made... especially for people like you."
He flicked the ash from his cigarette before continuing. "So yeah, if you want to make a contract with one of the devils we've got in custody, I can pull the strings. Just gotta know who you're after."
Kang Woo nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response. "Good. Where are the devils being held?"
Kishibe shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he gauged the situation. "We've got a few locations, but the main holding area is deep underground in a high-security facility. Only a select few know about it, and it's locked down tighter than you'd imagine. If you want access, I can get you in, but it won't be easy. Even with my position, I'll have to pull some serious favors."
Suddenly, Barem Bridge stepped forward with a warm, welcoming smile, though his true nature remained well-hidden beneath the surface. Extending his hand, he introduced himself, "My name is Barem Bridge, part of Private Safety Devil—" But before he could finish, Kang Woo completely ignored him, not even glancing in his direction.
Instead, Kang Woo turned to the others and asked, "Does anyone want to join me?"
Aki nodded silently, his usual stoic demeanor in place, while Himeno, cheerful as always, grinned and exclaimed, "Ooh, an adventure!"
Kang Woo smiled ever so slightly and made a circle of liquid shadow appear around all of them—except for Barem. The shadow coiled like dark energy, preparing them for teleportation.
"All right," Kang Woo said, "the Fox Devil. Where is it, Aki?"
Aki responded without hesitation, "It's in Kyoto."
Just as Kang Woo was about to teleport them away, Barem interrupted, calling out desperately, "Wait! I'm part of the Devil Hunters too! I'm a hybrid of the Flamethrower Devil. At least... can I know what contract you made to get the Shadow Devil's power like that?"
Kang Woo paused for a brief second, and with a subtle gesture, darkness manipulation enveloped Barem, pinning him down to the ground with immense pressure. The weight of the dark energy crushed him into submission . Kang Woo offered no explanation, no acknowledgment of Barem's desperate plea, and simply ignored him.
Without another word, the group disappeared into the shadows, teleporting away as Kang Woo moved forward with his next plan.
Barem, still pinned to the ground by the oppressive force of Kang Woo's darkness, cursed under his breath. "Damn him... humiliating me like this." He grit his teeth, the weight pressing harder with each passing second. "Now I understand why someone like him could change Makima's personality, make her... more human." Barem's eyes filled with contempt as he whispered, "Which I hate."
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Meanwhile, at the Kyoto branch building of Public Safety Devil Hunters, the group arrived at the entrance. The atmosphere shifted as they materialized from the shadows, the looming presence of Kang Woo still felt by the hunters stationed nearby.
Before anything else could happen, Aki stepped forward, interrupting Kang Woo. "Before we proceed, let me apologize for my earlier behavior," he said, bowing slightly. "And I want to thank you for altering my contract with the Fox Devil. But… why would someone like you need a devil contract? Your power seems more like that of a devil than any of us, and it comes from you alone."
Kang Woo gave Aki a cold, unreadable glance but chose to ignore the comment for the moment. He turned instead to Kishibe. "You have a method to summon the Hell Devil, right?" Kang Woo asked.
Kishibe, ever calm, took a drag from his cigarette before answering. "I do, but it'll exhaust the favors you have with me," he replied, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "That blue gallon you sold to us at a cheap price? It won't cover the cost of what you're asking." Kishibe's eyes narrowed. "You know what it means, right? We're talking innocent lives or personnel. When the Hell Devil gets involved, someone's going to pay the price."
Kang Woo gave a slight nod, acknowledging the weight of what Kishibe was saying. "All right. A give-and-take relationship then," he replied, accepting the conditions. "You need favors in the future? You help me, I help you."
Kishibe's expression remained steady. "Exactly."
After this, Kang Woo turned back to Aki, finally responding to his earlier question. "I need to stay three steps ahead in this crisis," he explained, his voice calm but firm. "Devils, Supes, and everything in between. Having contingency plans—contracts—is just one part of it. This isn't a matter of power. It's about controlling the variables."
Aki remained silent, considering Kang Woo's words. Himeno, ever the optimist, smiled and nudged Aki. "Guess that's a good enough answer for you?"
Kang Woo's focus shifted back to the task at hand. "Where's the Fox Devil being held, Aki?"
Aki replied swiftly, "It's in a secure facility here in Kyoto."
Kang Woo glanced at Kishibe and said, "You don't have to worry about the innocent lives or personnel. I know a loophole. And don't worry, Kishibe, you can still cover some favors in the future."
Kishibe grinned, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he thought to himself, There'll be a surprise again with him involved. Kishibe relaxed demeanor suggested he was prepared for whatever Kang Woo had planned.
Now, Kang Woo and Aki stood before the Fox Devil containment facility, a massive steel door blocking the way. Kishibe reached to unlock it, but before his hand could touch the door, Kang Woo suddenly teleported via shadows, passing effortlessly through the steel.
A few seconds later, Kang Woo reappeared right where he had been, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Done," he said flatly.
Himeno's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, that fast?" she exclaimed, clearly impressed by the speed of his actions.
Aki, still processing what had just happened, spoke up, "Are you commanding the Fox Devil like you commanded it to swear fealty to me? And on top of that, so quickly?"
Kang Woo gave Aki a bored look. "Uh-huh," was all he said, as if it were the most trivial task imaginable.
Shifting focus, Kang Woo asked, "Any other devils being held in Kyoto?"
Kishibe, regaining his calm composure, nodded. "You're lucky. Most of the devils we've captured are here in Kyoto." He began listing them off, naming some of the devils held by Public Safety Devil Hunters, much like in canon:
-Angel Devil
-Spider Devil
-Future Devil
Kishibe added with a smirk, "You'll have your pick of devils, but just know, each one comes with a price. And sometimes, that price isn't what you expect."
Kang Woo nodded, acknowledging the information. After a while, Kang Woo and the group arrived at the entrance of the Angel Devil containment facility, standing before another steel door. The silence between them grew heavier as they waited.
Kang Woo broke the silence with a slight tilt of his head. "Why the awkward silence?" he asked.
Himeno chuckled, breaking the tension. "I thought you were going to show us some dramatic darkness spectacle again," she teased, a grin on her face.
Aki joined in, teasing as well. "Yeah, I was kind of expecting something flashy."
Kang Woo, unimpressed, shook his head. "Nope, not this time," he replied casually. Then, turning to Kishibe, he added, "Open it."
Kishibe obliged, unlocking the steel door with ease. As the heavy door swung open, the Angel Devil was revealed, sitting in his usual nonchalant manner.
The Angel Devil resembled a young, androgynous male, draped in the standard Public Safety uniform. His shoulder-length hair, a striking red color—reminiscent of a deep crimson or "japonica"—framed his delicate features, giving him an almost ethereal quality. Above his head floated a halo, glowing faintly, and from his upper back extended a pair of white, angelic wings, the feathers gleaming against the dim light of the containment facility.
Despite his celestial appearance, his demeanor was lethargic. He sat with his arms crossed, staring off into space, completely disinterested in the group that had just entered. His presence exuded an otherworldly yet apathetic aura, as though the weight of existence itself bored him.
the door fully opened, the Angel Devil continued sitting, his usual apathy undisturbed by the presence of the group. His lethargic gaze finally shifted toward Kang Woo as he muttered, "A human... careful, you might lose your life span just by standing near me."
Kang Woo, unfazed, stepped forward and swiftly grabbed the Angel Devil's forehead, cutting him off mid-sentence. "Authority of Memory," Kang Woo uttered calmly. It was one of his abilities, allowing him to manipulate or erase memories. A wave of dark energy flowed through his hand, diving deep into the Angel Devil's mind, pulling forth memories long buried.
Suddenly, the Angel Devil's past began to unravel in front of him, as if it were playing on a screen inside his mind. He saw himself in a coastal village after he arrived in the human world. The people of the village had taken him in, despite him being a Devil. They cared for him, accepted him. Among them was a young woman, someone he had come to love deeply—someone who had loved him in return.
Images flashed of them spending time together, their moments filled with warmth and simplicity. She was "the one I loved, and the one who loved me." But then, something dark entered the scene—an event that remained unclear. Circumstances unknown surrounded their deaths. The village was destroyed, and the woman he loved was gone, lost forever.
Kang Woo released his grip, letting go of the Angel Devil's forehead. As the connection between them broke, the Angel Devil began to cry, silent tears rolling down his cheeks as those long-lost memories flooded back to him. His usual detachment was shattered, and he looked up at Kang Woo with a mixture of confusion and sorrow.
"Who... are you?" the Angel Devil asked, his voice trembling with raw emotion, now vulnerable and shaken by the resurfaced memories he had long forgotten.
Kang Woo's gaze remained steady as he responded, his voice calm yet firm. "The one who needs something from you. I can make you relive those memories again and make them permanent if you wish. But I need a contract from you—to follow my command and do exactly as I say."
The Angel Devil stared at Kang Woo, his eyes wide, still glistening with the tears from the memories that had resurfaced. His apathy was gone, replaced by a vulnerability he hadn't felt in what seemed like an eternity. He was silent for a moment, processing Kang Woo's words, the offer lingering in the air like a heavy weight.
"Relive those memories... again?" he muttered softly, his voice cracking with emotion. The thought of experiencing the warmth of his past love, of reliving the happiness he once had, both enticed and terrified him. But the other part of Kang Woo's proposition—the contract, the command—reminded him of the cruel reality he was still tethered to.
His wings fluttered slightly as he lowered his head, contemplating. For a Devil, contracts were binding, powerful forces that often came with sacrifices. Yet, the pain of losing his memories once had been unbearable, and now they were back, fragile and fleeting, as if they could slip away again at any moment.
The Angel Devil slowly raised his head, his gaze locking with Kang Woo's. "And if I agree... if I make this contract with you, what would you have me do?" His voice was quieter now, tinged with the lingering sadness of the memories that had just returned. He wasn't used to feeling this way, and it made him cautious, unsure of the consequences.
Kang Woo's response was sharp, direct. "I want you to guard someone. And when I say 'enchain,' you will allow me to borrow your power at maximum output. Exactly 20 minutes after that, you will sever your contract with me. Understand?"
The Angel Devil hesitated, concern flooding his voice. "Contractor, my power is life-force absorption, and your action of touching my forehead already reduced your lifespan. You will—"
Kang Woo cut him off with a dismissive wave. "You don't have to worry about that. Besides, what you've absorbed was probably something that wasn't worth much." He gave the Angel Devil a knowing look, though he kept the truth hidden his infinite demonic energy was beyond the reach of the Angel Devil's abilities, but there was no need for him to reveal that now.
Kang Woo stepped back, turning as if to leave. "We'll be in touch," he said coolly, his voice final.
The Angel Devil remained silent, still grappling with the emotions stirred by his reawakened memories, his wings trembling as the weight of the contract began to settle in his mind.
Kang Woo glanced at the group, his expression unreadable as always. "Let's go. Next stop, the Spider Devil," he said, his tone calm and commanding, as if the contract with the Angel Devil was nothing more than a routine matter.
As they began walking, Aki couldn't help but process what had just happened. His brow furrowed in confusion as he thought about the way Kang Woo handled the Angel Devil. "Why didn't he just command the Angel Devil like he did with the Fox Devil?" Aki muttered to himself, still trying to understand Kang Woo's methods.
Himeno, ever the light-hearted one, couldn't help but be surprised by what she had just witnessed. "Well, that was different…" she remarked, a slight smile on her face, though her voice was laced with intrigue. "Usually, you're all about overwhelming darkness and control. But with the Angel Devil, you were... gentler?" She raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious but a little shocked at the shift in Kang Woo's approach.
Kang Woo gave no response, his face still expressionless as he led the group forward.
Meanwhile, Kishibe watched in silence, though internally he was surprised by what he had seen. Most people would be terrified at the thought of their lifespan being drained or aging faster... but this man? he mused to himself, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. He doesn't seem to fear death at all. Kishibe took a long drag from his cigarette, letting the smoke linger in the air as he processed the idea of someone completely indifferent to the concept of dying.
At the Spider Devil containment facility, Kishibe opened the steel door without a word. Kang Woo entered the room first, followed by the others. Inside, the Spider Devil, known as Princi, stood waiting. She resembled a young woman with waist-length black hair, her eight spider-like legs ending in sharp, scythe-like points. A zipper ran up the center of her face, the pull under her chin, ready to unzip upwards. Her attire was a strange contrast—she wore a formal shirt with an elaborate bow-tie and a knee-length skirt, giving her an eerie, almost unsettling appearance.
As soon as Kang Woo stepped in, he called out her name with a calm, commanding voice, "Princi."
The Spider Devil's legs twitched at the sound of her name, and without warning, she lunged at him, aiming to stab him with one of her sharp, scythe-like limbs. "Where did you hear that name?" she hissed, her voice laced with threat and hostility.
Unfazed by the sudden aggression, Kang Woo remained calm and replied, "From Makima herself."
Princi's eyes narrowed in suspicion, her anger rising. "Bullshit! There's no way—"
Before she could finish, Kang Woo raised his hand and coldly said, "Authority of Footage." A hologram flickered to life, displaying vivid memories pulled from Kang Woo's mind. In the projected footage, Makima was seen hugging Kang Woo, laughing with him, and even playfully pinching his cheeks. The unexpected sight of Makima being so affectionate with him instantly silenced Princi.
Her legs, once poised to strike, slowly lowered as she processed the scene. There was no denying what she was seeing. The authority Makima had shown toward Kang Woo was clear. Calming herself, Princi finally spoke, "What do you want? Since Ms. Makima trusts you... I'll listen."
Kang Woo's voice remained steady and unflinching. "I want you to guard someone—and that someone is Makima. When I say 'enchain,' you will allow me to borrow your power at maximum output. Exactly 20 minutes after that, you will sever your contract with me. Understand?"
Princi's eyes widened in confusion. "You already made a contract with the Angel Devil and Fox Devil . Isn't that enough?" she asked, trying to make sense of his request.
Kang Woo's voice suddenly boomed with a forceful authority, unyielding and resolute. "If you make 1,000 preparations but only use 1, then it was worth it. Preparing for all possibilities without exception—that's how I do things from the beginning until I die... if I can die."
Princi stared at him, her expression shifting between disbelief and awe. She remained silent for a moment, taking in the gravity of his words. Finally, she muttered, "That's... crazy."
Without hesitation, Kang Woo's Magic Eyes of Destruction flared to life, their crimson glow pulsating with raw power. The godlike pattern within his eyes, eerily similar to Anos Voldigoad's, swirled with destructive energy, not intended to kill but to make a point. His intense gaze bore down on Princi, conveying a clear message: he wasn't someone to be taken lightly.
Princi froze in place, her scythe-like legs that had once threatened him now quivering under the weight of his presence.
In a voice dripping with command and authority, Kang Woo spoke, "This is war. You lose, you die. So that they don't die, everybody prepares for their death." His words were resolute, not just a strategy but a declaration of survival in the chaotic world they found themselves in.
Overwhelmed by the seriousness of Kang Woo's presence, Princi could only nod, her earlier hostility completely gone, His power, his intent none of it was a joke. This was life and death, and Kang Woo had no intention of losing.
Her voice now much quieter, Princi finally responded, "I understand… I'll do what's necessary."
Kang Woo's eyes returned to normal as he turned away from her, his point made. There was no need for further explanation; everyone present understood the gravity of the situation.
Himeno, usually lighthearted, swallowed hard, taken aback by the sudden shift in atmosphere. "Well… that's one way to get the job done," she muttered under her breath, clearly shaken by the display of power.
Aki, though typically composed, couldn't shake the cold, calculated manner in which Kang Woo had spoken. His thoughts deepened further—this wasn't just someone who commanded devils, but someone who meticulously planned for every possible outcome, no matter how bleak.
Kishibe, as always, remained impassive on the surface, but internally he acknowledged the level of preparation Kang Woo demanded. This guy… he truly prepared for everything that this cruel world store for him f.
Suddenly Aki spoke up, concern lacing his voice. "Kang Woo, you okay? Your eyes flared red."
Kang Woo, dismissing the Magic Eyes of Destruction, waved it off casually. "I'm fine," he said, his tone as calm as ever. "Let's go. Two more—Future Devil and last, the Hell Devil." He turned his gaze toward Kishibe, knowing the man was expecting more of his wild, calculated stunts.
Kishibe smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes, as he nodded. "Looks like it's going to be quite the show," he muttered to himself, anticipating the next display of Kang Woo's power.
Now standing before the third steel door containing the Future Devil, Aki stepped forward, his hand on the handle as he prepared to do the honors of opening the containment. His respect for Kang Woo had grown over time—he saw that, like him, Kang Woo was willing to do whatever it took to protect those important to him and achieve his goals. The two of them, in their own ways.
With a metallic clang, Aki opened the steel door. Inside, the Future Devil awaited, its strange form looming. The lower half of the Future Devil resembled a tree rooted to the ground, branches and trunks stretching up to a humanoid figure with outstretched arms and a horned head. From its chest and arms grew vine-like streamers, swaying as it moved. Its face was eerie, with three pairs of eyes stacked vertically and a wide mouth almost always left open. A large hole in the center of its chest housed another oversized eye, which seemed to stare out at them with a gleam of unpredictability.
The Future Devil immediately began to move toward Kang Woo, its voice booming, "FUTURE RULES," it chanted excitedly. As usual, it began its eccentric dance, moving its arms and swaying as it repeated, "FUTURE RULES, FUTURE RULES!"
Kang Woo interrupted the Future Devil's dance with a cold, calculated voice. "The future can be manipulated with the right power, and the future can be killed under the right circumstances," he stated, his words cutting through the whimsical chant of the Future Devil.
The Future Devil halted its movement, clearly amused, though its tone shifted to something darker. "What a sad and despair-filled person," it said, staring at Kang Woo with its multiple eyes. The air in the room grew heavy with tension, but Kang Woo remained unfazed.
Kang Woo simply responded, his tone icy, "The future is only as despairing as the one who allows it to be." He wasn't here to entertain the Future Devil's eccentricities—he was here for a reason, and he wasn't leaving without sealing his contract.
The Future Devil chuckled, its eerie mouth widening into an almost grotesque grin. "So, you think you can manipulate the future, do you?" It seemed intrigued by Kang Woo's boldness, the eyes in its chest blinking slowly.
Kang Woo smirked, his amusement apparent as he took a step closer to the Future Devil. Without warning, he raised his arm and, with a swift motion, cut it off, blood spraying momentarily before he activated his Authority of Regeneration. His severed arm immediately began to regrow, the crimson energy swirling around the stump until his hand was fully restored.
"Why don't you try seeing my future?" Kang Woo taunted, his voice low and mocking. "There are two ways, right? Either I stick my head into that hole in your chest—" he pointed at the oversized eye housed in the Future Devil's trunk—"which I'd rather avoid, or you can look through my body parts."
The Future Devil, intrigued, slowly extended one of its vine-like arms to grasp the severed hand that Kang Woo had offered. The Future Devil pulled the hand into its trunk, vines curling around the limb as it absorbed Kang Woo's body part.
For a brief moment, the Future Devil stood motionless, its eyes wide as it tried to access Kang Woo's future. But then, something unexpected happened.
The Future Devil began to shake violently, its tree-like body trembling as it struggled to process the information. A heavy, labored breath escaped it, and its eyes, once so confident, now darted around in confusion and dread. "I… I can't see your future… at all," it wheezed, gasping for breath as if suffocating under an invisible weight. The once-boisterous and playful devil now seemed small, weak, and fearful.
It stared at Kang Woo, disbelief in its many eyes. "Why? Why can't I see it? What… what kind of man are you? Why are you here?"
Kang Woo said nothing at first. He stood there, grinning, a quiet, unsettling grin that spread across his face like a predator savoring its prey. The silence between them grew heavier with every passing second.
Suddenly, the Future Devil echoed the same words the Angel Devil had spoken earlier, its voice trembling, "Who… are you?"
Kang Woo, growing bored with the repetitive questioning, slipped. Without thinking, he threw his arms out and shouted, "I'M BATMAN!"
The room fell into an awkward silence. Himeno, Aki, and Kishibe all exchanged confused glances. Inside their minds, they were all thinking the same thing: Is this guy... tired of life ?
Kang Woo blinked, suddenly realizing his mistake. His expression briefly changed to one of realization as a thought crossed his mind: Wait... this world has no DC Comics, right?
Quickly composing himself, Kang Woo let out a cough and muttered, "Just forget it. It's been a bit chaotic these days." His voice returned to its usual commanding tone, as if nothing had happened.
The Future Devil, still recovering from its inability to foresee Kang Woo's future, slowly rose back to its full height, trying to salvage whatever composure it had left. The confusion and fear that had overtaken it moments ago still lingered, but now it attempted to regain its former bravado.
"All right," it rasped, attempting to sound as casual as before. "I'll do like the other devils… In 20 minutes, I'll—"
But before it could finish, Kang Woo cut it off with a sharp, commanding voice.
"NO," he commanded, his voice ringing with absolute finality. His eyes narrowed, and the weight of his presence bore down heavily on the room. "You will be different. I don't need you just for a 20-minute contract." His tone darkened. "I need you to get inside my arm and stay there. You won't come out unless I tell you to."
The Future Devil, though known for its unpredictable and whimsical nature, could feel the seriousness of Kang Woo's demand. Its vine-like arms twitched nervously, uncertain of what to make of the request. "Get inside your arm?" it asked, its curiosity piqued. There was Something about This man Kang Woo—his power, his aura—enthralled the devil more than the dull confinement it had endured all this time.
But even with its curiosity stoked, there remained a flicker of doubt in the Future Devil's mind. "You won't kill me, right?" it asked cautiously, eyeing Kang Woo with suspicion. Although it thrived on chaos, the devil had no intention of meeting its end.
Kang Woo's grin widened, his expression almost predatory. His voice, though casual, carried an ominous weight. "Nope, I won't kill you. You'll live… in me."
The Future Devil, now bored of its static existence and increasingly intrigued by the peculiar offer, decided to take the risk. With a quiet sigh of resignation, it began to shrink. Its once-large, tree-like form rapidly condensed, its limbs curling inward until it became a miniature version of itself, small enough to fit inside a human body.
Without hesitation, the Future Devil floated toward Kang Woo's outstretched arm. As it reached him, it phased into his skin, disappearing beneath the surface. For a brief moment, Kang Woo's arm glowed with a faint, eerie light as the Future Devil settled inside, its presence now fully embedded within him.
Kang Woo flexed his hand once, testing the sensation of having the Future Devil residing within his body. "Perfect," he muttered, satisfied. The contract was now sealed
The room, which had been filled with tension mere moments ago, was now eerily calm.
Aki, Himeno, and Kishibe stood by, watching in silence, each processing the bizarre and unsettling event in their own way.
With the Future Devil now secured, Kang Woo turned to his companions, his expression calm and unreadable. "One left," he said, his voice steady. "The Hell Devil."
But as they prepared to move forward, something shifted within Kang Woo. A silent grin slowly spread across his face, a metallic clink echoed in his mind. The sound was almost imperceptible, but Kang Woo knew exactly what it signified. His adaptation ability had already begun working.
The Future Devil's power, now integrated within him, was starting to sync with his own. It would take time to fully adapt, but Kang Woo could feel the early stages of a new future sight skill forming within him.
This was not just a temporary boost or enhancement. The future sight skill would become a permanent part of his arsenal, allowing him to glimpse multiple outcomes in real-time. But this was only the beginning.
The real aftermath would come later, as the skill evolved. Kang Woo could already sense that the true potential lay in the reclamation of his lost powers—abilities that had been stripped from him in the beginning since I arrive in this world . Once reclaimed, those powers would combine with this new S-rank skill and others he currently possessed, creating , a power that would symbolize his unmatched dominance.