NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Mahoraga vs Homelander
The Sage Grove Center was eerily quiet as Oh Kang Woo strolled through its sterile hallways, unseen by the patrolling guards or the cameras. His Authority of Stealth and Invisibility cloaked his presence entirely, making him little more than a whisper in the wind. Meanwhile, back in the room filled with corpses, his clone played the part of Subject 7326—a good little test subject, lying dormant as the scientists went about their business.
Kang Woo's true self, however, was on the move. He had a destination in mind: the vault. The place where Vought held their most prized possession—Compound V.
As he passed through the secured doors with ease, his 10 Shadows ability allowed him to blend into the darkness, moving through the shadows like a specter. He flowed through the structure of the facility without leaving a trace, a predator in a world of blind prey.
Finally, he arrived at the vault, the last barrier between him and Vought's secrets. The door was massive, reinforced with steel, and surrounded by various security systems. Not that it mattered. Kang Woo emerged from the shadows, stepping effortlessly into the vault as if the barriers were nothing more than curtains in the wind.
The scenery inside was almost industrial in its cold efficiency. Twenty massive steel drums, each labeled with the familiar insignia of Vought and marked with the symbol for Compound V, were stacked meticulously around the room. Each drum was enormous, designed to hold a ton of the precious blue liquid. But the most striking sight was at the center of the vault.
A large pool of glowing blue liquid lay in the center of the room, bubbling faintly, the chemicals giving off a soft, ethereal light. The blue hue reflected off the walls, casting the entire chamber in an otherworldly glow. It looked more like some kind of ancient ritual bath than a storage area for a volatile substance.
"20 tons of this stuff," Kang Woo mused, his eyes glinting with interest. "And here they are, hoarding it like it's their salvation."
He approached the pool, peering down into the bubbling liquid. The air around it was heavy with the raw power of the chemical compound that had created countless Supes over the years. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Oh Kang Woo stood at the edge of the glowing blue pool, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and hunger. The power radiating from the Compound V stirred something primal within him—a desire to absorb, to devour. He reached out his hand, invoking his Authority of Predation.
A dark, swirling black aura erupted from his body, extending toward the liquid. The aura crackled and twisted, growing into a massive cloud, black and ominous. From the depths of this shadowy cloud, enormous spectral moths emerged, their wings beating the air with a low hum. They descended upon the pool of Compound V, drinking in the liquid and siphoning its power into Kang Woo.
As the moths consumed the glowing blue liquid, the pool began to drain, its light dimming, the very essence of the volatile chemical disappearing into Kang Woo's core. The drums surrounding the pool shook as 5 tons of the precious substance were devoured, absorbed into his being.
Kang Woo grinned, his body thrumming with newfound energy—until it hit him.
Suddenly, a sharp pain tore through his chest. One of the three remaining hearts within him exploded, sending a wave of agony through his body. He staggered, clutching his chest, as the force of the backlash wracked his form. His grin faltered, but only for a moment.
Clink.
The sound echoed in his mind, the familiar noise of his Adaptation ability kicking in. Kang Woo's expression hardened as he straightened up, fighting through the pain. His body, though wounded, began to heal, the power of adaptation weaving through his form, adjusting to the overwhelming strength of Compound V now coursing through him.
Clink.
Kang Woo's body trembled as the power of the Compound V surged through him, and for a moment, his grin faltered. The pain was excruciating as both of his remaining hearts exploded, leaving him to collapse on the cold, sterile floor of the vault. His eyes flickered, and for a brief moment, his vision grew dark, his body lifeless.
Then, it happened again.
Clink.
The sound of the result Adaptation , and Kang Woo's eyes snapped open, the familiar power of Adaptation roaring to life within him. The system in his body, forged from his demonic heritage, was adjusting to the overwhelming energy he had consumed. His expression twisted into a knowing smile.
"It's done," Kang Woo whispered as he stood up, feeling the power course through him once more, stronger than ever before.
A status window flickered into view in front of him, displaying the results of his intense struggle with Compound V.
.................................................
Player Name: Oh Kang Woo
Level: 35 (second Awakening)
First Awakening Trait: Authority of Predation (Rank: ???)
Second Awakening Trait: Insatiable Hunger (Rank: C)
Abilities Kang Woo Conceived, Both Inspired by Anime and His Own Original :
Ten Thousand Demon Core (Rank: ???)
Hellblaze (Rank: S)
Adaptation: (Rank: SS)
Demon King Magic: Ruler (Rank: SSS)
Darkness Manipulation: (Rank: S)
10 Shadows of Zenin Clan: (Rank: C - S)
Anos Voldigoad's Abilities: (Status: 2%)
The majority of the trait's power is currently sealed
Strength: 100
Dexterity: 50
Health: 70
Mana: Infinite
Demonic Energy (Unique stat): Infinite
Intellect: 60
Wisdom: 60
.................................................
Kang Woo stared at the display with satisfaction. His power had increased significantly, and the feeling of Insatiable Hunger gnawed at him—a desire for more, to consume and grow endlessly. But something else had changed. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the shift in his abilities. When he opened them again, a new power surged through his vision.
The Magic Eyes of Destruction—the same eyes possessed by Anos Voldigoad—now rested within him. His gaze was sharper, more lethal, capable of destroying anything that dared challenge his supremacy.
Kang Woo closed the status window with a satisfied smirk. Finally, the system had recognized him by his true name—Oh Kang Woo. No longer the anonymous "Subject 7326 or unknown name ," but the Demon King himself, reborn and more powerful than before.
He blinked, and the Magic Eyes of Destruction flared to life, the world sharpening into vivid clarity. As his vision expanded, his Authority of Beholder activated instinctively, scanning the area beyond the vault. The faint disturbance of energy caught his attention. He turned his gaze toward it, his eyes locking onto a figure descending from the sky.
Homelander.
With his enhanced vision, Kang Woo focused, and a familiar status window materialized in front of him, revealing Homelander's stats.
.................................................
Name: Homelander
Level: 17
Abilities: Laser Eyes, Immense Strength, fly
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 25
Health: 35
Mana: 0
Intellect : 30
Wisdom : 25
The majority of his power is derived from Compound V.
.................................................
Kang Woo's grin widened as he studied the information in front of him. Homelander was strong by this world's standards, yes. But compared to Kang Woo, he was nothing. A fraction of the Demon King's strength, a mere shadow of what true power looked like.
"Half my level, and no mana to speak of." Kang Woo's voice dripped with contempt. "They think this is their ultimate weapon? Their leader?"
His gaze lingered on Homelander's health—half of mine—and the absence of mana or any semblance of true supernatural ability. Homelander was a Supe, but compared to the forces Kang Woo had battled and conquered, he was nothing more than a brute with shiny toys.
As Kang Woo observed Homelander's status, a conversation was taking place just beyond the thick steel door that led to the containment area of Subject 7326. Homelander stood with his arms crossed, his face reflecting a mixture of irritation and disinterest, while Madelyn Stillwell delivered a piece of information that had been strategically held back until this moment.
Madelyn's voice was calm, but there was an urgency in her tone. "His name is Peter January, Homelander. The same last name as Starlight—Annie January."
Homelander raised an eyebrow, his icy blue eyes narrowing slightly. "Starlight's brother? The one they said was dead?"
Madelyn nodded. "Yes. Vought classified him as a failed experiment. But now that he's awake, and with powers… we need him on our side, immediately."
Homelander's lips curled into a smirk, the faintest glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. "So... you want me to play big brother? Give him the 'team talk' and all that?"
Madelyn's expression remained stern. "I don't care how you do it. I just want him in line. He's strong, Homelander. And with him, The Seven would be unstoppable."
Homelander's smirk faded into a sarcastic chuckle. "Uh, Starlight hasn't even joined us yet. She's still running around with Young Americans. You're jumping the gun, Madelyn."
Madelyn's eyes hardened as she took a step closer to him, her tone growing more serious. "This isn't about Annie. I need another Black Noir, John. Noir loyalty belongs to Stan Edgar, not to me. I need your help to ensure Vought stays in control ( the truth is Madelyn has her own agenda ) . I need you to make sure we have an asset that I can rely on."
Homelander's grin grew as he sensed the gravity of her request. "So... any method is allowed?"
Madelyn nodded, softening her voice as she called him by his true name. "Up to you, John. I just need him on our side. Precaution. Understand?"
Homelander's eyes gleamed, his grin now full of malice. "Don't worry. I've got this." He turned toward the steel door, which slowly slid open with a mechanical hiss.
As the door revealed the interior of the containment area, Homelander moved forward, eager to meet the new asset that Vought desperately wanted under their control.
As the steel door slid open, Homelander stepped into the containment area, his footsteps echoing through the sterile room. His eyes immediately locked onto the figure sitting motionless in the center—a young man, slouched slightly, appearing more like a lifeless doll than someone awake and aware.
Peter January, the long-lost brother of Starlight, sat with his head down, his blond hair falling slightly over his face. His body, though well-built and muscular, looked as if it had been neglected for years. His pale skin glistened faintly under the harsh fluorescent lights, the faint scars on his arms barely noticeable. His overall demeanor was eerie—his eyes empty, his posture slack, like a puppet without strings. There was a strange air about him, something unsettling, as though life hadn't fully returned to him yet.
Homelander's lips twisted into a smug grin as he observed the figure before him. He casually crossed his arms, a spark of amusement flickering in his icy blue eyes. He didn't see a person—he saw a product. Another creation of Vought. Another tool to be used.
"Well, well, well," Homelander began, his tone dripping with condescension. "Look at you, all cleaned up and ready for action. I hear they're calling you Subject 7326." He didn't bother to use Peter's name—it wasn't important to him. "Or should I say… Vought's little project?"
Homelander stepped closer, his grin widening as he loomed over Peter, his eyes narrowing as he studied him. "You've been out of commission for a while. Must be nice, right? Just lying there, not having to deal with all the bullshit out here." His voice lowered, taking on a more sinister edge. "But now you're awake, and you're gonna be a good little soldier for us, aren't you?"
Peter didn't respond. He remained silent, still as stone, his head tilted slightly downward, his blond hair casting a shadow over his empty gaze.
Homelander's smirk faltered for a moment as he realized he wasn't getting the reaction he wanted. He leaned in slightly, his voice darkening. "I'll make this easy for you. You're gonna fall in line. You're gonna do exactly what Vought tells you. You're just a product, a tool for us to use. You got that?"
Still, Peter didn't move. His silence wasn't defiance—it was something else. Homelander's eyes narrowed as he straightened up, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.
"Don't play dumb with me," Homelander sneered. "You don't have a choice in this, kid. You either do what you're told, or… well, let's just say things won't go too well for you."
Homelander's words hung in the air, but Peter remained unmoved, still sitting like a lifeless doll, as if he hadn't even heard him.
Homelander, growing more irritated, clenched his fist, his eyes glowing faintly with a hint of his laser vision. "I don't know what they've told you, but let me make one thing clear. Around here, I'm the one in charge. You're nothing but a tool. A product. And if you don't want to end up as scrap, you better learn how to follow orders."
As Homelander stood over him, waiting for any response, Peter's voice suddenly cut through the tension, quiet but laced with venom.
"Fuck off."
Homelander's smirk flickered for a moment, surprise evident on his face. But then, it returned, darker and more sinister than before. "Oh, you've got a mouth on you, huh? Not bad." He chuckled, though irritation simmered just beneath the surface.
But then, without warning, his expression twisted into pure anger. "You think you can talk to me like that? Like you're something special?"
Before Peter could react, Homelander's fist shot out with blinding speed. His punch connected with Peter's torso, sending him flying across the room like a ragdoll. Peter's body crashed into the wall with a sickening thud, and he collapsed to the floor in a heap.
"Who the hell do you think you are?!" Homelander growled, his voice full of fury now. "You're just another product! You're nothing compared to me!"
He stalked over to Peter's crumpled form, his hands flexing, barely keeping his anger in check. "I don't know who filled your head with the idea that you're something more, but let me remind you of one thing. I'm Homelander. I run this show. Not you, not Vought—me."
Peter remained still, lying on the floor as if he hadn't felt the punch at all. This lack of reaction only fueled Homelander's rage.
Homelander's smile twisted into a grimace. "You think you're tough? You think you can ignore me?"
In a fit of anger, Homelander grabbed Peter by the arm and, with a sickening crack, snapped it backward, breaking the bone cleanly. Peter's face remained impassive, his body limp like a broken doll.
"Let's try this again," Homelander snarled. He crouched down and grabbed Peter's throat, squeezing until he could feel the cartilage crunch beneath his grip. Peter's windpipe collapsed with a wet, choking sound, but still, there was no scream. No defiance.
"You understand now, huh?!" Homelander roared, his eyes glowing faintly red. But Peter remained motionless, his throat crushed, his breathing reduced to shallow gasps.
"You can't talk, can't scream, can't do a damn thing," Homelander said, his voice taking on a mocking, almost playful tone. "Let's see how much more you can take."
With a sudden, vicious motion, Homelander grabbed Peter's face and, with a sickening squelch, plucked out both of Peter's eyeballs, holding them in his hands as if they were mere toys. Peter's face remained still, not a flicker of pain crossing it.
Homelander tossed the eyeballs aside casually, his frustration mounting. "What, you don't like that?" he taunted, his grin returning as he kicked Peter's limp body across the room once more. Peter's form collided with the wall, slumping lifelessly to the floor.
"You're nothing," Homelander spat, standing tall over the broken figure. "And if you don't start acting like the obedient little tool you are, I'll make sure there's nothing left of you."
As Homelander stood over Peter, savoring his dominance, the lifeless body suddenly stirred. Peter's voice, strained but deliberate, cut through the silence.
"Uh-huh... no wonder you made a mistake on your first rescue mission. Black Noir had to cover up for you, right?"
Homelander froze, eyes wide with shock, as he stepped back instinctively. "What...?" he muttered, his voice uncertain for the first time. He had crushed Peter's throat—how was he able to speak? His shock turned to anger, but something felt wrong. He clenched his fists, a red glow flickering faintly in his eyes as he tried to comprehend the situation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the observation room above, Madelyn and the directors watched the interaction unfold with confusion and growing concern. Unbeknownst to them, Oh Kang Woo observed the scene in silence, cloaked by his powerful stealth abilities. No one even knew he was there. His eyes gleamed with amusement as he muttered to himself, "It's time to wrap this puppet game up."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back in the containment room, Peter began to chant in a language unfamiliar to Homelander but deeply unsettling. "布ふ瑠る部べ由ゆ良ら由ゆ良ら... Furube Yurayura..."
A dark, ominous energy filled the room, and suddenly, a cocoon enveloped Peter, surrounded by shadowy forms of wolves and frogs that appeared to writhe and shift. Homelander's eyes darted around, trying to make sense of the bizarre spectacle.
"What the hell...?" he muttered, his confusion growing. His knowledge of devils and supernatural forces was limited, but he recognized something dangerous was happening. "Is he... summoning some kind of devil?"
The cocoon pulsed, and Homelander could feel the pressure in the room intensifying. He instinctively took a step back, unsure of what he was facing. The chant grew louder, echoing through the room, until Peter's voice rang out once more, his tone final and commanding.
"Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga!"
With a sudden crack, the cocoon shattered, and from within emerged Mahoraga, its mouth stretching wide open, its towering presence dominating the room. Homelander's confident expression twisted into disbelief and shock as the creature loomed before him.
Peter, standing tall next to Mahoraga, stared down the Supe. His voice was cold, dripping with disdain. "You're just a failed product."
Before Homelander could react, Mahoraga moved with blinding speed, its massive fist crashing into Peter, killing him instantly.
Mahoraga, the towering and grotesque figure, stood menacingly before Homelander. Its four wings protruded grotesquely from its eye sockets, a tail-like appendage coiled around its head, and an eight-handled wheel hovered ominously above it, rotating with a slow, deliberate rhythm. The shikigami's muscular form radiated an aura of ancient power as it approached Homelander, black hakama flowing with each slow, deliberate step.
Homelander, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of this towering creature, didn't hesitate. His eyes blazed red as he unleashed his laser vision at full force, aiming directly at Mahoraga's head.
Mahoraga, unfazed by the intensifying laser attack, continued its slow, deliberate advance toward Homelander. The eight-handled wheel above its head spun with increasing speed, emitting a series of mechanical CLANK sounds as it adapted effortlessly to the attack. Homelander's laser vision, which had decimated countless enemies before, was now rendered useless.
"What the hell…?" Homelander growled, his voice laced with frustration. He poured even more energy into his attack, but the beams of light had no effect. Mahoraga's grin grew wider, almost mocking him as it stepped closer.
From the observation room, Madelyn Stillwell watched the display on her screen with mounting horror. Her fingers dug into the console, and she activated the intercom, her voice trembling with panic. "John! What the hell is going on? I need answers—now!"
Homelander's irritation boiled over as he glanced at the screen showing Madelyn's frantic expression. Her voice pierced through his focus, and with a sharp snap, he responded, "Not now, Madelyn! I'm handling it!"
But even as he said the words, doubt gnawed at him. He had never faced anything like this before. No one had ever stood up to him, not like this. His laser vision was his ultimate weapon—unstoppable, devastating—but this… this creature was something else. It was ancient, powerful, and completely indifferent to him.
Mahoraga's wheel gave another CLANK as it finished adapting to the laser vision. It loomed closer, its grin now a full display of menace. For the first time in a long time, Homelander felt a flicker of doubt, his confidence shaken as the untouchable shikigami continued its relentless approach, utterly unaffected by his overwhelming power.
With a single, devastating punch, Mahoraga's fist collided with Homelander's chest. The force of the blow sent Homelander crashing through the containment room's reinforced walls like they were made of paper, his body slamming into the outer structure with a thunderous impact. The entire facility shook as cracks splintered across the walls, debris raining down around them.
Homelander hit the ground outside the containment room, gasping for breath, his chest aching from the force of the punch. His mind reeled—how? He had never felt anything like this. His laser vision had done nothing, and now this... this thing had sent him flying like he was nothing.
From the observation room, Madelyn Stillwell's eyes widened in horror as she watched the most powerful asset of Vought, Homelander, get rag-dolled by this nightmarish creature. Her hands shook as she slammed the emergency button, triggering the facility's alarms. A red light flashed across the room as she issued a command over the intercom, her voice filled with panic.
"National threat! A devil has appeared at Sage Grove Center! All military forces, I repeat, all forces, converge on the location immediately! This is not a drill—rendezvous now!"
Her voice echoed through the facility, the alarms blaring as chaos erupted.
As 500 U.S. Army soldiers appeared, the sound of gunfire erupted, bullets ricocheting off the reinforced walls as they aimed their standard-issue firearms at Mahoraga. The barrage of firepower was relentless, but Mahoraga only grinned, unaffected by the assault. The bullets were nothing to the ancient and adaptable shikigami.
With a deliberate motion, Mahoraga unsheathed the Extermination Sword that was implanted in its right arm. The blade glowed a menacing red, radiating a deadly aura. In one swift movement, Mahoraga swung the sword, and the strike wasn't just a normal slash. The swipe resembled Homelander's laser vision—an arc of energy shot from the blade, but instead of a beam, it was a cutting force that sliced through US Army and the walls of the facility as though they were made of paper.
The adaptation sound echoed once more—CLANK—signaling that Mahoraga had evolved its attack even further, mimicking Homelander's laser attack but enhancing it into a devastating cutting technique.
Madelyn Stillwell, still watching from the observation room, gasped in horror. Her mind raced as she realized what was happening. "It's copying Homelander's attacks... but making them stronger," she whispered, her voice trembling as she gripped the edge of the console. The reality of what they were dealing with hit her harder than anything she'd seen before.
Homelander reappeared in a blur of speed, his expression twisted with fury and disbelief as he launched himself toward Mahoraga once more. With all his strength, he drove a powerful punch aimed at Mahoraga's jaw. The impact was meant to break bone and shatter resolve, but Mahoraga moved with chilling precision. In a flash, Mahoraga caught Homelander's fist mid-strike, the force of the blow dissipating into the shikigami's grip as the eight-handled wheel above its head spun rapidly, adapting once more.
CLANK
Homelander's eyes widened as his fist remained locked in Mahoraga's iron-like grip, the overwhelming strength of the creature now fully realized. Mahoraga's grin widened as it pulled Homelander in closer, its towering form dwarfing the Supe. Without hesitation, Mahoraga unleashed a counter-punch straight to Homelander's midsection. The force was immeasurable, sending Homelander flying backward like a ragdoll, crashing through walls and machinery before finally colliding with a control room.
The impact sent sparks flying as monitors shattered and control panels were destroyed. But something far worse was triggered by Homelander's crash—the security systems for the containment cells malfunctioned, and with a hiss of hydraulics, the reinforced doors to the containment units slid open one by one.
Forty inmates, all failed experiments or volatile Supes, burst from their confines. Each of them had been locked away for their unstable powers, and now, they were free. Chaos erupted as guards rushed in to contain the riot, but it was already too late.
A hulking figure with molten lava flowing from his skin stomped forward, his very presence melting the floor beneath him. "Magma," a former test subject who could generate intense heat capable of turning anything he touched into molten slag. He grabbed one of the guards, incinerating him in seconds.
Beside him, a woman with eyes that flickered like lightning—"Voltage"—raised her hands, unleashing arcs of electricity that crackled through the air, frying the circuitry of the facility and electrocuting anyone unlucky enough to be caught in her range.
Another inmate, a slender man who seemed to flicker in and out of visibility—"Phantom"—laughed as he phased through a group of guards, his intangibility making him impossible to restrain.
The containment floor descended into chaos, with other Supes like "Crusher," a brute with enhanced strength, and "Shredder," who could generate razor-sharp blades from his body, joining the riot. The guards fought back desperately, but their standard firearms were useless against such powers. The entire facility began to fall apart as inmates tore through walls, equipment, and security forces.
From the observation room, Madelyn Stillwell's face went pale as she watched the horror unfold on the monitors. With her voice trembling, she spoke aloud, almost to herself. "I need to get out of here… now."
Homelander, still reeling from Mahoraga's earlier punch, barely had time to react before the monstrous shikigami was upon him again. The towering figure appeared in a blur, its wheel spinning as it adapted further to Homelander's movements. With an almost casual motion, Mahoraga slammed another brutal punch into Homelander's face, sending him skidding across the crumbling floor. The facility shook with the force of the impact, walls collapsing and machinery sparking in a violent cascade of destruction.
The forty Supes that had been released in the chaos were no match for the power of the ongoing battle. As Mahoraga moved, its attacks cut through them like paper, their abilities useless against the overwhelming force of the shikigami. Magma, Voltage, Phantom, and the others fell one by one, their brief rebellion snuffed out amidst the crumbling ruins of the Sage Grove Center.
Mahoraga's fist collided with the ground, sending another shockwave through the structure, reducing the last few walls to rubble. Homelander barely managed to get to his feet before another blow sent him flying, his body smashing into a column that cracked and buckled under the force.
Above the destruction, the blades of a helicopter whirred as it lifted off into the night sky. Inside, Madelyn Stillwell watched the carnage below unfold, her hands trembling as she realized the depth of the situation. Homelander—her most powerful asset—was losing, and the power of the devil they had unleashed was beyond anything she could control.
As the helicopter soared higher, the fires and chaos below growing smaller, Madelyn clenched her teeth and whispered to herself. "Supes alone won't be enough... I need to learn how to make devil contracts, like those public devil hunters in Japan."
In a moment of grim resolve, she bit her thumb, the sharp pain grounding her as she considered the lengths she would have to go to. A new plan began to form in her mind, one that would take her far beyond the boundaries of Vought's traditional power structures.
Homelander lay unconscious on the ground, his once-imposing body now reduced to a broken and battered state. His face was bruised and swollen from Mahoraga's relentless assault, his jaw dislocated, and several of his ribs were shattered. His once-pristine suit was torn and scorched, blood oozing from the deep gashes and cuts that littered his frame. Though his body was regenerating, the process was slow, and the sight was terrifying even for someone as invincible as him.
Mahoraga loomed over Homelander, raising its massive fist for the final blow, ready to end the battle once and for all. But before it could strike, a sharp snap echoed through the wreckage of the facility. The sound reverberated with a commanding force, halting Mahoraga in its tracks. Slowly, the creature's attention shifted to the source—Oh Kang Woo.
Kang Woo's dark grin grew wider as he stepped forward, his presence immediately drawing Mahoraga's recognition. Though the shikigami was an unstoppable force, even it seemed to acknowledge the authority of its original master. But the ritual between them was far from complete. Mahoraga wouldn't yield until either it was tamed or Oh Kang Woo was killed. That was the nature of the beast, and Kang Woo knew it all too well.
In Kang Woo's mind, the pieces of this world and its twisted hierarchy began to slot together. "So, from what I heard from Madelyn's little announcement… this world has devils," he thought, his eyes flashing with amusement. "That means Makima is probably here too, huh?" The thought flickered briefly before he dismissed it, his priorities shifting. "No, that can wait. First things first… I need to find Pochita. That's the top priority."
With that thought set in stone, Kang Woo cast a glance at his system window. The new status displayed before him:
...................................................
System Quest: "Being Superior is Nice"
STATUS: COMPLETED
Objective:
Defeat Homelander on the first encounter and prove your superiority in a world ruled by false gods. Demonstrate that the concept of Supes is irrelevant before your true power.
Reward:
System Inventory (Unlocked)
Hidden Reward 1:
Commandment of Love (Estarossa's Commandment) – COMPLETED
Description: You did not show anger toward Homelander, despite him torturing you.
Hidden Reward 2:
Commandment of Piety (Zeldris' Commandment) – COMPLETED
Description: Your loyalty is only to yourself.
....................................................
Kang Woo's smirk widened as the message faded, his satisfaction growing. Not only had he subdued Homelander, but he had claimed 15 tons of Compound V from the facility, now safely stored in his system inventory through the power of his 10 Shadows ability.
As Mahoraga's massive fist swung toward him, Kang Woo barely flinched. With a swift motion, he summoned the Authority of Blades, a dark, jagged blade forming in his right hand. He slashed upward, meeting Mahoraga's attack head-on. The blade connected with Mahoraga's left hand, and a loud CLANK resounded through the battlefield as Mahoraga's eight-handled wheel spun rapidly, adapting to the strike.
Kang Woo's grin widened further. "Good," he muttered to himself. "Now let's see how long you can keep up."
Summoning the power of Darkness Manipulation, Kang Woo fashioned a pair of sleek, black wings from the shadows themselves, the tendrils of darkness coiling around him like a cloak. With a taunting grin, he spread his wings wide, flapping them once to lift off into the air.
"Catch me if you can," Kang Woo called out mockingly, his voice laced with challenge. With that, he shot into the sky, flying at blinding speed, leaving a dark trail behind him.
Mahoraga's eyes glinted with malevolent intelligence as the eight-handled wheel above its head spun faster, a double CLANK echoing through the ruins. The ancient shikigami adapted once more, this time to Homelander's abilities. It slowly extended its hand toward the unconscious Supe, wrapping its massive fingers around Homelander's neck with an iron grip. The adaptation completed with the unmistakable sound of CLANK CLANK, signaling that Mahoraga had now mimicked Homelander's ability to fly.
A twisted grin spread across Mahoraga's face, its primal instincts fully tuned to the chase. With a thunderous leap, it soared into the air, dragging Homelander's limp body with it like a ragdoll. The shikigami now had the ability to fly, and its focus was fixed squarely on Oh Kang Woo.
Oh Kang Woo, sensing the massive energy following behind him, glanced over his shoulder, his dark grin widening as he saw Mahoraga giving chase. "Adapted to flight, huh? Not bad," he mused, his wings of darkness propelling him through the sky at blinding speeds.
Mahoraga followed, the weight of its presence like a storm brewing behind Kang Woo, its massive frame cutting through the air as effortlessly as a predator stalking its prey. Homelander, still trapped in its grip, dangled helplessly as the battlefield now extended into the skies.
The chase had begun, and the fight between master and shikigami was far from over. Kang Woo reveled in the thrill of it all, knowing that this contest would push him—and Mahoraga—to the very limits.
As Mahoraga completed its final adaptation with a deafening CLANK, it now possessed the ability to fly, mimicking Homelander's powers perfectly. With its newfound mastery of the skies, the shikigami tightened its grip on the unconscious Supe and, with an immense force, hurled Homelander through the air.
Homelander's body soared like a missile, rocketing across the horizon. Within moments, the Vought Tower in New York came into view. With a thunderous impact, Homelander's body crashed into the side of the building, shattering glass and bending steel. The iconic skyscraper shook from the force, sending tremors throughout the city as onlookers gazed in shock at the sudden devastation.
But the battle was far from over. Oh Kang Woo and Mahoraga clashed in the sky above, their dark forms locked in combat as they shot across the world at blistering speeds. Each strike sent ripples through the atmosphere, shockwaves from their blows tearing through the air. The sky itself seemed to bend under the pressure of their power as they raced from America to Japan in mere seconds.
The once-calm skies above Japan's infamous Aokigahara Forest—the "Suicide Forest"—were torn apart by the arrival of the two titans. Oh Kang Woo, sensing the need for a new battleground, dragged Mahoraga downward, their impact imminent. The two hurtled toward the dense forest below, their speed creating a sonic boom that shattered the sound barrier, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
When they finally crashed into the forest, the earth shook violently, and the force of their descent carved a massive crater into the ground. Trees were uprooted, their trunks snapping like twigs, and the surrounding area was devastated as shockwaves rippled through the forest. The sheer speed and power of their landing caused a localized earthquake, the once-tranquil forest now transformed into a scene of chaos and destruction.
The damage extended miles beyond the impact zone, as entire sections of the forest were flattened. Ancient trees, which had stood for centuries, were reduced to splinters. The animals fled in terror, and the once eerie silence of Aokigahara was replaced by the cacophony of nature's upheaval.
As the dust and debris settled, Oh Kang Woo and Mahoraga stood at the center of the devastation. The ground beneath them smoldered, and the air was thick with the scent of scorched earth. The forest had become their battlefield, and with each passing moment, the tension between them grew.
Oh Kang Woo's dark wings flexed, his grin unshaken as he stared down Mahoraga. " This forest will be your grave ," he taunted, his voice dripping with confidence. The battle had only just begun.
As the dust settled in the destroyed Aokigahara Forest, Mahoraga's towering form loomed over Oh Kang Woo. The shikigami's arm, which had been severed in their earlier clash, regenerated with a deafening CLANK, signaling the final completion of its adaptation. Its eight-handled wheel spun rapidly, processing every movement, ready for another attack.
Oh Kang Woo, unfazed, readied himself for the inevitable strike. Mahoraga lunged forward, its massive fist slicing through the air with tremendous speed. But Kang Woo was faster. With fluid precision, he dodged the strike, his wings of darkness propelling him into position as he activated his Magic Eyes of Destruction. These eyes, the ultimate form of anti-magic, gleamed with a terrifying light, capable of erasing not just matter but phenomena—Mahoraga's powerful adaptation included.
Mahoraga's spinning wheel began to slow as it encountered the overwhelming power of Kang Woo's gaze, its adaptations faltering, failing in the face of this ancient force.
With a low growl, Kang Woo raised his hand, summoning the fiery energy of Hellblaze and combining it with his Authority of Blades. The resulting creation—a divine technique—manifested into a thousand ethereal blades, each burning with the flames of hell.
"Divine... 1000 Slice."
In a single, precise motion, the thousand blades descended upon Mahoraga, slicing through its colossal frame with terrifying accuracy. Each cut burned with the intensity of Hellblaze, reducing the shikigami to bits, its body disintegrating into nothing but ash and charred remains. The once unstoppable Mahoraga was no more, its final death marked by the sheer overwhelming force of Kang Woo's divine strike.
As the remains of Mahoraga scattered in the wind, Oh Kang Woo lowered his arms, breathing heavily. He could feel the strain of the battle weighing on him, though his body showed no signs of weakness.
He dropped to the ground, sitting in the middle of the crater they had created, gazing at the carnage surrounding him. "I'm tired... but not too tired to keep going," he muttered, a small grin still playing on his lips. "Now, I really need to find Denji and Pochita... before Makima catches wind of all this."
His expression shifted to one of mild annoyance as he thought about her. "Knowing her, she'll be on my tail soon enough. Time to move."
With that, Kang Woo stood, his wings unfurling once more, and in the blink of an eye, he disappeared into the horizon, leaving the ruined forest behind.
As Oh Kang Woo disappeared into the horizon, leaving the devastation of Aokigahara behind, the eerie silence of the forest began to settle once more. But it didn't last long.
Moments later, a wave of rats scurried into the clearing, swarming in unnaturally coordinated patterns. In the blink of an eye, the rats converged into a single point, twisting and merging together until they formed the unmistakable figure of Makima.
She stood at the edge of the massive crater, her eyes calm but alert, taking in the scene before her. The aftermath of the battle was immense—entire sections of the forest were reduced to nothing but scorched earth and ash. The lingering energy in the air was heavy, something far beyond the normal disruptions she'd grown accustomed to in the world of devils and Supes.
Makima's eyes scanned the destruction, her thoughts calculating and precise. This… she mused silently, her gaze traveling over the remnants of Mahoraga's disintegrated form. This feels similar to the aftermath of the Gun Devil's rampage... or perhaps even worse.
Her golden eyes flickered as she walked through the devastation, considering the possibilities. Was this the work of a Primordial Devil? No, the energy signature is off. Too controlled, too focused. This wasn't random chaos...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two minutes earlier, Makima had been in her apartment in Kyoto, seated at her window when a violent disturbance tugged at her senses. She could feel it—a massive surge of energy crashing down upon Aokigahara Forest. Closing her eyes, she attuned herself to the signatures.
A white creature... She focused on the strange, foreign presence that had erupted, its energy unmistakably otherworldly. And a black mist... wings. The image was unclear, hazy, almost like a shadow in her mind. Is it a person or a devil?
The energy rippled with such intensity—fear, rage, and negative emotions swirling together like a maelstrom. In that instant, Makima knew something immense had taken place. With no time to waste, she dissolved into rats, teleporting herself directly to the site of the disturbance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now as Makima knelt down, picking up a handful of ash, letting it slip through her fingers as she narrowed her eyes. Or perhaps Vought has created something beyond even their prized Homelander. Could one of their Supes have reached this level? She paused, thinking of the current rising star in Vought's arsenal
She straightened, her posture unwavering as her thoughts aligned with the facts. I can't rule out the possibility that a devil is involved. But if this is Vought's doing... if they've somehow engineered someone—or something—capable of surpassing even Homelander, then this world is about to shift dramatically.
Her calm demeanor belied the storm of thoughts running through her mind. She wouldn't close any doors, not yet. Whether this was the work of a devil, a new Supe, or something entirely different, Makima knew one thing for sure: Whatever it is, it will reveal itself soon enough.
With that, Makima glanced around the desolate landscape one more time before turning away. Her expression remained neutral, but in her mind, a plan was already forming. Whatever power had left such devastation, she would track it down. And when the time came, she would ensure it either bent to her will—or was destroyed.
Makima never leaves loose ends.
As she vanished, teleporting away via her rats once again, the forest remained empty, the aftermath of the battle lingering like a ghost in the air. But the true game had only just begun.