NOVEL NEXT Chapter 28: The Letter: A
( note : i need a break every saturday since my work put me in overcapacity thanks for reading )
The Tokyo Public Devil Hunter HQ was in chaos. The meeting room, once pristine, now had an exposed wall due to the massive blast caused by the Falling Devil's earlier rampage. Inside, the atmosphere was tense, made heavier by the crushing gravity emanating from Doom Eye—a powerful extension of Kang Woo's presence.
Fami, the Famine Devil, along with Fumiko and Yoshida, were pinned to the floor, unable to move under the immense pressure. Meanwhile, Himeno sat comfortably on the ground, hugging one of Doom Eye's tentacles as though it were a plushie. She absentmindedly chewed on another tentacle, her expression utterly unconcerned.
Beside her, Aki gave her a baffled look. "Himeno-senpai… are you so hungry that you're chewing on that starfish monster?"
Himeno paused, glancing at him with a smirk. "I'm starving. And besides, Makima's not here to steal it from me, so why not?"
Doom Eye shifted its gaze toward her, its voice reverberating like an echo from another dimension. "If you get diarrhea, that's your shit to deal with, not mine."
Aki rubbed his temples in exasperation, then turned his gaze toward Doom Eye. "Since you and Kang Woo are basically the same entity, what should we even call you?"
The massive eye blinked lazily, its presence oppressive yet oddly casual. "You can call me Doom Eye if it suits you. But Kang Woo works just fine, too."
Himeno took another bite of the tentacle, completely unfazed by the surreal exchange, while the rest of the room remained frozen under Doom Eye's crushing gravity.
The absurdity of the situation was almost comedic, but the tension remained palpable as the rest of the room's occupants lay frozen under the crushing gravity. The ministers and Prime Minister Kentaro, present in the meeting, dared not speak, their fear of Doom Eye outweighing their indignation.
For a brief moment, Kentaro's gaze flickered toward Fami, the Famine Devil, whose reputation had once inspired hope. Now, pinned to the ground like a helpless child, she was a far cry from the being the government had hoped would bring Makima under control. Their greatest trump card, the Falling Devil, lay defeated as well, reducing even their faintest hope to despair.
Finally, Prime Minister Kentaro broke the silence, his voice trembling but filled with frustration. "Do you two"—he pointed at Himeno and Aki—"even realize what you've done to Tokyo? The city is in ruins because of your 'fight' with Homelander! And now, some nobody named Kang Woo?!"
His voice cracked with anger. "We've already suffered enough penalties since World War II, and now you let a maniac damage Vought's property? Do you have any idea what kind of repercussions this will have?!"
Himeno lazily bit off another chunk of Doom Eye's tentacle, unbothered by the Prime Minister's rant. She leaned back against the tentacle she hugged and quipped, "Relax. Kang Woo's the one causing all the trouble, not us."
Aki, sighing deeply, muttered under his breath, "At least the city's still standing… for now."
The news channel in the room flickered to life. The anchor's voice was sharp, and the words on the screen demanded attention: BREAKING NEWS.
The broadcast showed chaotic scenes of Tokyo, battered and torn apart. The camera panned over the massive destruction, before cutting to an eyewitness interview. The reporter's voice carried the weight of the unfolding disaster.
"Reports are flooding in of an extraordinary battle that has left the city of Tokyo in ruins. Eyewitnesses describe the scene: the leader of The Seven, Homelander, has been defeated—chased by a storm of thousands of glowing red spears. Observers recount a massive construct resembling spider legs, closing like a giant Venus flytrap, causing destruction over a 200-meter radius. The name of the individual responsible?"
The anchor paused for dramatic effect, the name appearing in bold text across the screen.
"Kang Woo."
The footage shifted to aerial shots of Tokyo, showing the sheer scale of the damage. The anchor's voice grew heavier.
"As Homelander struggled to recover, members of The Seven arrived to provide backup. However, their efforts seemed to backfire. Witnesses report that, as the team assembled to confront Kang Woo and the former Devil Hunter Commander Makima, they were suddenly seized by a colossal six-fingered arm. The arm reportedly pulled them into some kind of dimensional rift, leaving no trace. Their current status is unknown."
The screen filled with static for a moment before cutting to a somber panel of analysts. One of them spoke urgently. "This is an unprecedented event. The Seven are considered untouchable, yet they've been removed from play entirely. Kang Woo… Whoever or whatever he is, has redefined the global power scale overnight."
The screen faded to live images of Tokyo, still smoking, with emergency services struggling to respond.
Himeno took another casual bite of Doom Eye's tentacle, chewing thoughtfully. "Sounds about right," she remarked, her tone casual as if she were discussing a weather update. "I mean, Kang Woo doesn't do things halfway."
Aki rubbed his temples, exasperated. "You're really not helping, Himeno-senpai."
Prime Minister Kentaro, pale with shock, staggered back into his seat. His lips trembled, unable to form coherent words. "This… This is madness. He's a monster. They're monsters."
Suddenly, the room's tension was disrupted as Nue, the colossal Shikigami, descended outside the meeting room's exposed wall. Its enormous wings beat powerfully as it carried Kishibe and Kobeni, setting them down inside with ease.
Kobeni stumbled to her feet, her legs shaky. "This is the second time I've been flying. Still terrifying," she muttered, clutching her stomach.
Kishibe stretched, unbothered by the dramatic entrance. "Hoooh, Kang Woo carried you, huh? Must've been on his dark comet. By the way, I'm Kishibe—the old dog of the Devil Hunter corps. My fangs are getting dull, but I'm still kicking."
Kobeni perked up at the mention of Kang Woo. "I'm Kobeni! Kang Woo loves my cooking and always praises me with his lovely voice. That's why I love him and strive to be the best cook for him!" she declared proudly, as if her words were fact.
Aki blinked at the odd pair. "Mr. Kishibe, where is Kang Woo? And Ms. Makima? Also…" He gestured toward Nue. "What's with the giant chimera bird?"
Kishibe yawned, scratching the back of his head. "Ask Kang Woo. I'm just along for the ride. All I wanted was to settle the score with Stormfront and die peacefully. But Kang Woo? That bastard healed me up and outright refused to let me die. What a pain in the ass." He lit a cigarette, shaking his head with a tired grin.
Himeno chuckled, leaning further into Doom Eye's tentacle. "Yeah, sounds like Kang Woo."
The Falling Devil, still pinned to the floor by Doom Eye's immense gravity, rasped out, her voice trembling with anger and confusion. "The human… named Kishibe. Why is there a monster here? A creature that shouldn't have been summoned or brought to this world?"
Kishibe raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What are you talking about?" he replied sarcastically, blowing a puff of smoke. "You're making no sense, lady."
"Don't fool me!" the Falling Devil snapped. "There's no one in this world who could command the Hell Devil like that. Let alone make it guard someone so loyally. It severed my own connection to Hell! That's impossible!"
Aki, standing nearby, felt a chill run down his spine. His thoughts raced. Kang Woo is really that infamous? Even a primal devil fears him? Aki's understanding of primal devils was deeper than most. After his defeat at Kang Woo's hands, he had been forced to witness how the Demon King operated—unveiling not just overwhelming power but meticulous planning, with a thousand contingencies for every enemy. Determined not to remain in the dark, Aki had spent countless hours researching primal devils, scouring archives, and occasionally seeking insights from Kishibe or other former comrades. Even Yoshida, who was now pinned helplessly under Doom Eye's crushing gravity, had been a source of useful information.
Meanwhile, the Famine Devil, still pinned by the same oppressive force, silently reflected. The Falling Devil… She's revealing more than she should. My knowledge of Hell is incomplete. What's really happening there? Her thoughts churned with uncertainty, a rare occurrence for the usually composed entity.
Suddenly, the meeting room door slid open, and all eyes turned toward it. The already tense atmosphere grew heavier as Makima stepped inside, her single dark wing folded neatly behind her. Her presence radiated a quiet but undeniable authority, making even the primal devils flinch.
"Shouldn't you be flying in with that single dark wing Kang Woo gifted you? Where's he, anyway? Shouldn't he be attached to your hip?" Kishibe quipped, lazily exhaling a puff of smoke, his tone laced with sarcasm.
Makima's gaze swept over the room, her expression unreadable but no less commanding. "I've grown accustomed to using doors in meeting rooms. Old habits tend to stick," she replied smoothly. Pausing for a beat, she added, "Kang Woo will catch up. He has his own pace."
The Falling Devil suddenly broke the silence, her voice trembling with anger and fear. "Control Devil! What have you done by summoning that thing? The world is ending! Even Hell is no longer a safe haven for us! If you want to die so badly, don't drag the rest of us—and this world—down with you!"
Inwardly, Makima mused, The wing behind my back must have triggered some kind of trauma in her. It's amusing how even a primal devil can break so easily.
Kishibe, observing the exchange, silently reflected, I always thought Makima was the most dangerous entity I'd ever encountered. I prepared every anti-squad and strategy I could think of, just in case she turned against us. But it seems I was wrong. The mysterious man I met that day—Kang Woo—when he brought two corpses of devils to sell, along with his wares, including Compound V, is far more terrifying.
Kang Woo doesn't just command high-grade devils—he's something else entirely. The current him… I get the sense that no power in this world—be it devils or supes—can harm him. It's a stark contrast to when I first met him. Back then, I was confident I could handle him. But now? The current Kang Woo feels like a threat to everyone. His power has grown far too fast.
There's something I need to learn about him—something crucial.
Meanwhile, the Famine Devil remained silent, her eyes flickering with unease as she watched her enslaved companion's outburst. Her thoughts churned. The Falling Devil… she's more terrified of a man rumored to have saved Makima in Aokigahara Forest than anything else. Kang Woo… just what kind of being are you?
The Famine Devil leaned slightly toward the Falling Devil and whispered, "My slave, I have a plan to escape—"
But the Falling Devil suddenly shouted, her voice trembling with desperation, "DON'T DO ANYTHING UNNECESSARY! Don't antagonize him! I'm sorry! Please… let me die!"
Her words sent a wave of unease through the room, making the tension even more suffocating.
In Makima's mind, the pieces began to fall into place. Either Kang Woo blew off a part of the uppermost layer of Hell in the past, or he used reality-warping abilities. Either way, his status as the Demon King is becoming more widely known.
Her lips curled into a faint smile. And I couldn't be happier. My King's infamy is spreading across the world.
Suddenly, the sky above the meeting room erupted with golden brilliance. A massive axe materialized, its radiant glow like a miniature sun piercing through the darkest sky —the Divine Axe Rhitta, a symbol of overwhelming power.
Within 50 meters of the exposed meeting room, reality itself cracked and shattered like fragile glass. From the fractured void, a gate formed, its swirling energy connecting the location directly to the Millennium Castle on the moon.
Kang Woo emerged, his presence heralded by a dark platform forming in the air beneath him. The very air seemed to recognize him, bending to his will as if acknowledging the King's approach.
Aki watched, his heart pounding. The man I wanted to ask for guidance… to teach me… to help me achieve my revenge against the Gun Devil.
Himeno, letting go of Doom Eye's tentacle, smirked in her usual casual demeanor. Always making an entrance, right, Kang Woo?
Doom Eye, as if instinctively drawn to him, hurriedly returned to Kang Woo and reabsorbed itself into his form, its tentacles merging seamlessly as part of his being.
Kishibe, standing in stunned silence, watched the unfolding scene with a cigarette loosely hanging from his lips, his hand frozen mid-motion. This is too much. This… this changes everything.
The Famine Devil, still pinned to the ground, couldn't suppress the growing unease in her thoughts. There he is. The one spoken of by the Falling Devil.
The Falling Devil herself trembled even more violently, unable to even glance at the figure descending like a harbinger of doom.
Suddenly, there was a snap—a sound that echoed unnaturally, like the unraveling of chains. Fumiko, Yoshida, the Famine Devil, and even the Falling Devil were released from the immense gravity pinning them to the floor. They stumbled, confusion etched across their faces.
"Why… why did he let us go?" Yoshida muttered, his usually calm demeanor shaken as he steadied himself.
Fumiko instinctively reached for her weapon, her hand trembling as she aimed it toward Himeno. Before she could pull the trigger, Yoshida grabbed her wrist firmly. "Don't," he hissed, his voice low and tense. "You do that, and Japan will cease to exist in an instant."
Fumiko hesitated, the weight of his words sinking in. She lowered her weapon reluctantly, her gaze flickering between Yoshida and Kang Woo.
Kang Woo walked across the dark platform, each step radiating an aura of authority that seemed to command the very air around him. The people of Tokyo, watching from below, were paralyzed by terror. Their wide eyes reflected the faint, chilling smile on Kang Woo's face—a smile that promised both power and devastation.
The Famine Devil, Fami, forced herself to stand, her movements rigid with apprehension. She glanced at her slave, the Falling Devil, who remained bowing low to the ground, her trembling form unwilling to rise or even look up. A primal devil like the Falling Devil… paralyzed with fear, not even daring to look at him? I must find out what this being truly is.
Kang Woo's deliberate descent seemed endless, each step amplifying the suffocating tension in the air. When he finally reached his destination, silence hung heavy in the room.
Without hesitation, Makima dropped to one knee, bowing her head deeply. "Welcome, my King," she said, her voice unwavering and filled with reverence.
Kang Woo reached out, placing a hand on Makima's head and ruffling her hair casually, almost affectionately. "You don't need to bow, Makima," he said with a calm yet firm tone. "You invited me here to this meeting room, right ? Let's get this over with—I'm busy figuring out how to properly use Almighty before it misfires again."
Makima rose gracefully, a faint smile on her lips as she replied, "As you wish, my King."
Fami's eyes widened at the sight. Makima… My sister, the embodiment of Control itself, one of the Four Horsemen, bowing to him without question? What kind of power does he hold to command such loyalty?
Makima, sensing Fami's inner turmoil, turned toward her with a faint smile. "In your thoughts now, Fami, you must be wondering why someone like me, the Control Devil, follows him so loyally," she said, her tone calm but teasing.
Fami immediately shook her head in denial. "I didn't think that!" she snapped, her voice sharper than intended.
Makima's smile grew slightly. "Don't lie, my dear sister. Your face—"
Before Makima could finish, Kang Woo interrupted, his tone decisive. "Alright, that's enough, both of you. Everyone is out of topics and forcing things into my hands now." He turned to Aki, his crimson eyes locking onto him. "First, let's handle Aki's problem."
Kang Woo's gaze remained steady as he addressed Aki. "Aki, I'm going to be very blunt with you—no secret codes or cryptic hints. You've been too hasty. Why couldn't you wait until the adult-compatible Compound V was ready? I gave my word to Kishibe that once it was finished, you'd have the strength to take on both supes and mid-grade devils."
Aki's fists clenched tightly, his frustration etched across his face. "The power you wield is immense, far beyond anything I've ever seen. I can't afford to wait until the Compound V is finished. My lifespan is already thin, Kang Woo. Too many contracts, too much strain… I don't have the luxury of time."
Prime Minister Kentaro, watching silently, thought to himself, Isn't Compound V a Vought product? How could someone steal it from them? Or… is this man capable of creating it on his own? His unease deepened as he contemplated the implications.
Kang Woo's expression didn't change as he addressed the unspoken thoughts in the room. "My power doesn't come from this world, that's for sure. You all need to widen your gaze. And after this, you'll have a lot of blood on your hands—not that I mind, though. Before this, I just finished blackmailing the world itself."
Aki didn't flinch. "I don't care. I just want the power to take revenge against the Gun Devil."
Kang Woo smirked, his tone shifting slightly. "Welcome aboard."
He turned to Himeno. "And you? Gonna stick with Aki through this?"
Himeno gave a casual shrug, chewing on the last bit of Doom Eye's tentacle. "Yeah. Someone's gotta keep him alive. By the way, your starfish monster tastes like takoyaki."
Kang Woo's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice filled with mock warning. "Don't eat that next time. You'll get diarrhea."
Without missing a beat, Kang Woo turned his attention to the Hell Devil, who manifested in its centaur-like form, its fiery mane flickering ominously. "Hell Devil," Kang Woo commanded, his voice calm but authoritative.
The Hell Devil bowed its head low. "Yes, Noble One."
Kang Woo extended his hand, and with a swift motion, he broke two of his own fingers. Crimson blood began to pour from the wounds, but his expression remained unfazed. The Hell Devil moved quickly, summoning a jar-like construct to carefully contain the precious blood.
"As promised," Kang Woo said, his voice steady. "More will come depending on your performance. For now, I've awarded you 50 grams of my blood."
The Hell Devil bowed even lower, its voice filled with reverence. "Thank you, Noble One, for keeping your promise. Your blood is a gift beyond compare."
The room remained steeped in silence, its occupants too stunned to speak. Even Fami and the Falling Devil, both recovering from their earlier ordeal, couldn't mask their unease at the sheer authority Kang Woo exuded. He seemed untouchable, every movement calculated and commanding. Makima stood nearby, her faint smile betraying nothing but satisfaction as she watched her King once again assert his dominance.
Kang Woo raised his hand casually. "Authority of Gates." A swirling portal materialized, connecting the room to a rooftop on an adjacent building where the Angel Devil stood on guard, their serene expression unchanged despite the sudden opening of a gateway.
Before Angel Devil could react, Kang Woo's power pulled them through the portal and into the meeting room. "I could have made it here on my own, you know."
Kang Woo's smirk was sharp, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Fly? With those wings? They're just for decoration. And as for running, you don't seem like the type. You'd have taken forever."
Angel Devil sighed, brushing off the insult. "As long as you keep your promise, I don't care how I got here."
Kang Woo's expression turned slightly more serious. "Oh, I'll keep it. But not here. Your reward involves delving into your deepest memories, and it's not something I intend to do in front of an audience. For now, you'll need to wait."
The Angel Devil tilted their head slightly, their tone resigned but accepting. "Fine. Just make sure you don't break your word."
Kang Woo ignored the devil's subtle skepticism, turning his attention toward Kishibe. With a wave of his wrist, he tossed a small vial across the room. Kishibe caught it effortlessly, examining the label, which read Extremis Serum 1.0.
"For emergencies only," Kang Woo said casually. "It'll last for 24 hours, and for now, it's only compatible with someone as durable as you."
Kishibe raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Aren't you a multitasker? Blowing up half of Tokyo and New York while still managing to whip up this complicated drug? What's next—curing diseases on the side?"
Kang Woo smirked, unfazed by the jab. "A magician keeps his secrets, and an alchemist always has wares. Now, if you're done marveling at my efficiency, we've got more pressing matters to discuss ."
Kishibe chuckled, slipping the vial into his pocket. "Noted. I'll save it for when the world's really going to hell… which, with you around, might be sooner than later." His tone shifted slightly as he added, "Is this the promise you made? The Supe Program that Japan will have? The drugs that will be used for every Public Safety Devil Hunter personnel? The Extremis 1.0—does it have any side effects if someone other than me uses it?"
Kang Woo's expression didn't change, but his tone grew slightly more serious. "Still working on the kinks. However, no human—except hybrids—has the durability to handle it like you do. For example…" He gestured toward Yoshida, who stiffened at the mention of his name. "If he were to use it, he'd either become permanently disabled—or, worst-case scenario, he'd explode like a bomb."
Yoshida's eyes widened, and he instinctively stepped back, muttering under his breath, "That's one hell of a risk…"
Kishibe gave a low whistle, smirking as he pocketed the vial. "Noted. I'll make sure no one else gets their hands on this unless they're ready to gamble with their life. Thanks for the heads-up."
Before Kang Woo could respond, Prime Minister Kentaro slammed his desk with a loud THUD, his face twisting in anger. "Why the fuck does no one tell me about this?! If this happens, Japan will have ground against Vought itself! I wouldn't be stuck in this pathetic position, scrambling for control!" His voice rose with every word, dripping with frustration and self-centered indignation.
He pointed a trembling finger at Makima, Himeno, Aki, and Kishibe. "And you—all of you—are traitors to this country! How dare you not stop this Korean man, Kang Woo, from causing mayhem in Tokyo?! This isn't my fault! You should have done your jobs! Instead, you let him destroy everything while I'm left to clean up the mess!"
Kang Woo's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable, but he said nothing aloud. Instead, his telepathic voice reached Makima's mind, calm yet carrying a hint of annoyance. Switch places with me. You handle this old man. I might accidentally kill him if I keep talking.
Makima glanced at Kang Woo, her gaze briefly meeting his. She nodded imperceptibly and replied telepathically, Understood, my King. Her tone carried both respect and a subtle amusement. Though, judging by your gaze, it seems your attention is elsewhere… perhaps on your system window?
Kang Woo didn't react visibly, but his eyes flicked briefly to an invisible point in the air—his shop inventory, visible only to him, filled with items that reflected his growing power and accomplishments.
Makima continued in the same mental connection, her tone teasing yet obedient. Since you've shown me how this world grades all of us with levels, and considering how we just picked a fight with the world and blackmailed it, don't hog all the rewards for yourself, my King. Her words carried a light humor, but the respect was unmistakable.
Kang Woo's lips curled into a faint smirk, but he remained silent, allowing Makima to step forward. She turned to face Prime Minister Kentaro, her composed demeanor a stark contrast to his furious ranting. The Control Devil was now fully in charge of the conversation.
As Makima approached the Prime Minister, a faint whisper of laughter escaped from the other side of the room. It was Fami, the Famine Devil, who had been watching the interaction with curiosity and disdain. She leaned slightly forward, her sharp eyes fixed on Makima. "How far the mighty have fallen," Fami said, her tone dripping with mockery. "The Control Devil, once feared and revered, now at the mercy of a human. Tell me, sister, what's so special about this Kang Woo that he can leash you so easily? Or… is it you who leashed yourself willingly?"
Fami's words carried a calculated venom, her intent clear: to provoke Makima or Kang Woo into revealing something about their connection. She wanted to understand what made this human so extraordinary that her sister, the embodiment of control, had bent the knee.
Makima's expression remained serene, her eyes unblinking as she turned slightly toward Fami. "Fami," she said in her usual calm tone, a faint smile gracing her lips. "It's fascinating how you mistake loyalty for weakness. A rare lapse in judgment for you."
Fami narrowed her eyes, unfazed by Makima's composed demeanor. "Loyalty? To a human? Don't insult me, sister. I'm merely observing what has become of the once-proud Control Devil. If this Kang Woo is so special, then show me. Prove it."
Makima's smile didn't waver, but her voice carried an unmistakable edge. "Prove it? Fami, dear sister, you've already seen it. Your trembling companion, the Falling Devil, speaks volumes of what Kang Woo is. Yet, you think yourself immune to the same fear."
Suddenly, the air itself seemed to stop, like the pause between heartbeats.
THUMP.
Time resumed.
The Falling Devil let out a blood-curdling scream as the upper half of her body was obliterated in an instant.
"AAAAARRRRRGGGHHHHHH!"
Behind her, the wall of the room had been completely shattered, revealing a massive five-kilometer crater now scarring Tokyo's landscape. The devastation was undeniable, and all eyes turned toward Kang Woo.
His presence was more terrifying than ever, and his gaze commanded attention as everyone noticed the change: two pupils now sat in each of Kang Woo's crimson eyes, exuding an aura of untouchable authority.
Aki instinctively stepped back, his face pale. Is this Kang Woo's doing? he thought, his fists trembling. I was ready to stain my hands with blood, but this… this is too much.
Himeno, usually so carefree, froze in place, her thoughts spiraling. Oy… oy… oy… oy… why does Kang Woo look more like a monster now? Her cheerful façade was replaced with quiet horror.
Fumiko, staring at the devastation, couldn't stop the wave of relief washing over her. Thank God Yoshida stopped me from shooting Himeno. If I'd taken that shot, I'd be next. I'd be nothing but dust by now.
Yoshida, ever the strategist, kept his composure outwardly but couldn't suppress his internal dread. Not just Japan… If this escalates, the entire world could be destroyed by this monster.
Prime Minister Kentaro, previously loud and defiant, now sat in stunned silence. His bravado had evaporated completely, his mouth dry as he stared at Kang Woo.
Fami, the Famine Devil, gulped hard, her normally composed expression cracking. In her mind, fear crept in like a relentless tide. I finally understand my slave's submission to fear. I feel it now too. This isn't normal—this is fate itself deciding to kill me. Her body trembled as if reacting to an unseen force.
Breaking the tense silence, Makima let out a soft chuckle, her usual composure intact. "Is that what you meant earlier when you said one of your abilities… misfired, Kang Woo?"
Kang Woo turned his gaze toward her, the corners of his mouth twitching into a faint smirk. "More like a large AoE effect, in game language," he replied casually. "And yeah, the collateral damage is pretty steep."
Without acknowledging the terrified gazes fixed on him, Kang Woo shifted his focus inward, scanning his shop inventory for the item he sought. His demeanor suggested indifference to the destruction he had caused, as if this level of devastation was no more than a passing inconvenience.
A sudden sound of wheels creaking broke the tension further. Tadashi Hasegawa, the former Minister of Finance, moved forward in a wheelchair. Despite his frailty, his eyes gleamed with a malevolence and influence that even surpassed the Prime Minister's. Known for his ruthless pragmatism, Tadashi's presence alone shifted the atmosphere.
Fixing his gaze on Makima, he spoke, his voice carrying a chilling calm. "Makima, I'm here to welcome you back to the Bureau of the Government. You will lead all of Japan. The contracts you once wielded, the ones that made you invincible—they can be yours again. Your companion is powerful, yes, but the world is vast. And this world, my dear, runs on money and influence. Rules must be followed, and only someone with your... talents can ensure our nation's survival in such times." His words dripped with temptation, a calculated offer that blended flattery and opportunity.
Makima turned her gaze to him, a sharp glint in her eyes. Her lips curled into a mocking smile as she leaned slightly forward. "Fucking old man," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Are you senile now? You're offering this to a criminal who just destroyed Tokyo, created a five-kilometer crater, and plunged the country into chaos. And you're hailing me as your next Prime Minister? What's next, old man ? Knighthood for Kang Woo?"
Suddenly, Prime Minister Kentaro broke down, unable to hold back his tears. His voice quivered with emotion as he pointed an accusing finger at Kang Woo. "My people... they died recklessly because you wanted to show off your power, right? Kang Woo!" His voice cracked, but he pushed on, desperation etched into his every word. "I only do this for the people of Japan! All of it—for the people of Japan! The severed contract that left Makima to die at Aokigahara Forest... the sacrifices I had to make, the ones I ordered to cover my tracks..." His voice lowered into a near whisper, but the weight of his confession was deafening. "Aki, Himeno, Kishibe... all of them were meant to be sacrificed. It was all for the greater good."
The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in. Even the devils and primal devil in attendance shifted uneasily.
Kang Woo, who had been quietly focused on his shop inventory, suddenly snapped his fingers . His two-pupil eyes turned to Prime Minister Kentaro, their crimson glow radiating an aura of overwhelming authority.
"Normally," Kang Woo began, his voice low but laced with a chilling edge, "I don't give a shit about people's rants or their sanctimonious justifications. But that phrase—'greater good,' huh?" He paused, his tone turning almost contemplative. "Looks like the body of Peter January I inhabit is starting to affect me a bit."
The atmosphere shifted as Kang Woo's words carried an ominous weight. The already darkened sky and the shine of divine axe rhitta , dimmed by his immense power, now transformed. Eldritch abominations began to emerge, their grotesque forms writhing in chaotic shapes, blotting out what little light remained. Tentacled monstrosities, some resembling Cthulhu-like creatures, stretched their alien appendages across the skyline, their grotesque presence exuding pure chaos.
The Prime Minister's bravado evaporated entirely, his knees buckling as he stared in horror at the creatures above. The eldritch horrors seemed to reflect Kang Woo's inner state—a manifestation of his disdain for the notion of "greater good" and the pitiful self-righteousness of those who wielded it as justification.
Makima's gaze flicked to Kang Woo, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she observed the escalating chaos. "Well," she murmured, her voice carrying a teasing edge. "I suppose that's one way to set the tone for the conversation."
The eldritch sky above seemed to pulse in rhythm with Kang Woo's overwhelming power, an unspoken warning to all present that no justification, no "greater good," would ever be enough to stand against him.