NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31: The Girl With The Collar 2
Reze pushed open the door to Futamichi Café, mumbling under her breath as droplets of rain rolled off her dress . "Yeah, yeah, cheapskate… You'll probably cut off my payment next…" Her voice trailed off when she saw the scene before her.
The café boss stood behind the counter, a stack of official documents in his hands, which he promptly handed over to Kang Woo. The man's posture was stiff, his face pale with a mix of irritation and submission.
Reze blinked, confused. "Uh… did I just miss something while I was walking in the rain?"
The café boss glanced at her, then gestured toward Kang Woo. "This man will be your new owner, Reze. He just bought the café."
Reze's jaw slackened as she struggled to process the information. "Wait… what? With what, exactly, boss?"
The man sighed and pointed toward the two-kilogram gold bar still embedded in the wall, glinting under the dim café lights.
Reze's thoughts spiraled as she stared at the gold. Is Kang Woo really that rich? No wonder he ignored me when I said I'd treat him. I was offering him a free coffee when he could probably buy the whole district…
Meanwhile, Kang Woo sat at one of the café tables, seemingly staring at empty air. To anyone else, his expression appeared vacant, but in reality, he was examining his shop inventory, visible only to him .
Makima sat beside him, her posture poised and calm. She casually observed the café, her expression neutral but her thoughts sharp. Even now, my King's mind is leagues ahead. Everything he does is deliberate.
The café boss cleared his throat awkwardly, holding out the stack of documents. "Here it is—the deed and all the rights to Futamichi Café. I hope you have great success with it."
Kang Woo, however, didn't even acknowledge him, his gaze still fixed on his invisible interface. The boss's eye twitched, irritation creeping into his demeanor as he muttered under his breath. "At least say something, you—"
Makima's sharp voice cut him off, cold and commanding. "If you value your life, do not disturb him." She turned her yellow-ringed eyes toward the man, her calm tone carrying an edge of finality. "Thank you for your service. I believe it's time for you to leave."
The café boss stiffened, swallowing hard. "O-of course," he stammered.
The café boss turned toward the gold bar embedded in the wall, gripping it tightly in an attempt to pull it out . His efforts were in vain, the bar unmoving, What the…? It won't budge. What kind of devil is this? he thought, his frustration mounting.
Himeno, watching from the side, burst out laughing. "Huaahahaha! That's what you get, cheapskate! No strength to pull it out—it's karma. Allow me, the lucky woman, to pull off anything!"
Stepping forward, she gripped the gold bar confidently, putting her back into it. "Here we go!" she exclaimed, tugging with all her might. After a few moments of struggle, she froze, staring at the unyielding bar. "Ehh? It won't move either!"
Aki smirked, unable to resist teasing her. "Himeno-senpai, it looks like the gold bar doesn't take kindly to drunkards."
Himeno shot him a glare. "Oh, shut up, Aki." She crossed her arms in defiance, then gestured toward him. "If you think you're so great, you try pulling it out!"
With a sigh, Aki stepped forward, gripping the bar with both hands. After a few moments of futile effort, he stepped back, adjusting his suit. "It's not about muscles, Himeno. This thing just doesn't want to move."
Himeno grinned slyly. "Sounds like someone who doesn't have enough muscle to me."
The Angel Devil, who had been watching silently, rolled their eyes and turned toward the café boss. "Old man, do you have a rope lying around?"
The café boss blinked in confusion. "A rope? Uh… yeah, I have one in the back. But what for?"
Reze, still standing nearby with an exasperated look, chimed in, crossing her arms. "To pull that gold bar out and leave you filthy rich, of course. Come on, let's get this done."
The boss nodded hesitantly and disappeared into the back to retrieve the rope.
Himeno leaned on the counter, smirking at Reze. "You're pretty quick to jump in. Don't tell me you're after a share of the riches too?"
Reze shrugged, her voice light but with a hint of curiosity. "Not really. I just want to see if it's even possible to pull it out. Besides…" Her gaze drifted toward Kang Woo, who sat quietly, his focus seemingly elsewhere. "I'm starting to think he planted that thing as a test or something. You don't meet people like him every day."
Makima's calm voice broke through the murmurs. "Nope. Kang Woo isn't in the mood to bully anyone right now. From the way he's staring, he's probably searching for something important."
The café boss returned with the rope, handing it over to Reze. With Aki's help, they attached it securely around the embedded gold bar. Reze grabbed one end, followed by Aki, Himeno, Angel Devil, and the boss himself, forming a makeshift tug-of-war team.
Reze raised her voice with determination. "Alright, on my count! One!"
Aki joined in. "Two!"
Himeno grinned, taking the lead. "Three!"
The group heaved in unison, the rope straining under their combined effort. Despite their best attempts, the gold bar didn't budge.
"It's not moving at all!" Angel Devil grumbled, his voice laced with sarcasm as he strained against the pull.
"Keep pulling!" Reze shouted, her tone resolute.
Makima, standing apart, made a subtle gesture with her hand. Her movement was imperceptible, unnoticed by anyone else. Whatever she did, it remained her quiet secret.
Suddenly, the gold bar came loose, flying from the wall with a loud clunk as it hit the floor. The group stumbled backward in surprise .
The café boss wasted no time, scooping up the gold bar with both hands, his eyes gleaming with giddy excitement. "Thank you, everyone! Without you, I'd never have gotten it out. Now I'm filthy rich!"
As he dashed toward the exit, he shouted over his shoulder, "I'M FILTHY RICH! I'M FILTHY RICH!" His voice echoed down the street as he disappeared into the distance.
Reze stood there, arms crossed, watching the spectacle unfold. "A cheapskate turned filthy rich… What rotten luck I have," she muttered, shaking her head.
Himeno chuckled, brushing off her hands. "Well, at least he's out of the picture now. Guess the café's all yours, Kang Woo."
Kang Woo finally shifted his gaze from the invisible air he had been fixated on. "Alright. Thank you, everyone, for getting rid of the old man," he said.
His attention turned toward the Angel Devil. "Time to fulfill our bargain."
Kang Woo raised his hand and uttered, "Authority of Gates." A swirling portal materialized in the middle of the café, its edges shimmering faintly as it revealed a serene beach environment. The sound of waves crashing gently against the shore carried through the portal. "After you, Angel," Kang Woo said, gesturing for him to enter.
The Angel Devil hesitated briefly before stepping forward and walking into the portal, his expression neutral.
Himeno smirked, leaning casually against the counter. "Not going to use your shadows to travel this time?" she teased, her tone playful.
Kang Woo didn't dignify her comment with a response, moving toward the portal without breaking stride. Makima followed close behind, her calm and unwavering demeanor unshaken.
Aki frowned slightly. "Uh, Ms. Makima… isn't this supposed to be private for Angel Devil and Kang Woo?"
Makima glanced at him briefly, her tone as composed as ever. "Even without his approval, I will always stay by Kang Woo's side unless he orders me otherwise. And besides, Angel Devil's problems are mostly my fault."
Kang Woo waved his hand as he crossed the portal's threshold, closing it behind him with a flick of his wrist.
Reze, still standing by the counter, stared at the now-empty space where the portal had been. "Uh… it's not normal. There's no way a person can create a portal like that. That takes the power of a Hell Devil or some kind of high-grade devil," she said, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Himeno shrugged, her grin unfazed. "You'll get used to it."
Aki adjusted his jacket and added, "No one really knows where Kang Woo's power comes from. It might be mana, since Kang Woo told Makima that her current power came from something inside her body—something he called a commandment that produces mana. Still don't understand what that even means, though." He turned his gaze toward Reze. "Reze, you seem pretty knowledgeable about devils. Who told you all that?"
Reze stiffened, her thoughts racing. Ah, I slipped up. Shit! She forced a casual smile, trying to downplay her reaction.
Sensing the tension in the air, Himeno waved it off with a laugh. "Waitress! Bring me three bottles of beer. Kang Woo agreed to treat me, so I'm cashing in."
Aki sighed, rubbing his temples. "Himeno-senpai, you're just robbing Kang Woo's favor."
Reze quickly seized the opportunity to deflect the conversation. "Yes, I'll bring the beer! And I'll make the best coffee for your male partner over there," she said, motioning toward Aki with a polite smile before disappearing into the back to prepare the drinks.
As she walked away, her mind churned. I need to be more careful. These people… they're sharper than they look.
Himeno leaned back in her seat, her grin widening as she stretched. "Ah, this is going to be fun. Let's see how long this café stays 'normal' with Kang Woo running the place."
Kobeni, who had been silently observing the chaos, finally spoke up, hesitating as she raised her hand. "Wait, I wanted to order—oh, she already left."
Himeno turned to Kobeni, a playful smirk forming as she rubbed her cheek against Kobeni's. "Don't worry. We can get drunk together later, right? Uh… what's your name again?"
Blinking in confusion, Kobeni mumbled, "Kobeni Higashiyama…"
"Right, Kobeni-chan! We'll get drunk together later," Himeno declared with a teasing laugh.
Still visibly perplexed, Kobeni nodded slowly. "O-okay…" she said, her tone unsure as she tried to process what she had just been dragged into.
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Kang Woo, Makima, and the Angel Devil walked along the serene shoreline, the soft crashing of waves filling the air as they approached a lone wooden house nestled on the beach. The sight of the house made Angel slow his pace, his gaze narrowing in recognition.
"Why did you bring me here, contractor—?" Angel started, but as his eyes flicked toward Makima and the environment around him, his expression shifted. His breathing became shallow as flashes of memory surged forward, unbidden and raw.
The Angel Devil's last memory, after he had come to the human world, resurfaced in vivid detail. He remembered a coastal village, a place where people had accepted him despite being a devil. A young woman stood out in those memories—a woman he described as "The one I loved, and the one who loved me." He recalled the warmth of the community and the happiness he felt for the first time in his existence.
But then, as the memory unfolded, the image of Makima appeared. He remembered her standing on that very beach, her expression calm and commanding.
"Show me your powers," she had said.
He had refused at first. He hadn't wanted to harm anyone. But Makima had insisted, her voice cold and inescapable. His mind went blank after that. Hours later, he had awoken surrounded by death. The lives of everyone in the village—his community, his lover—absorbed into him.
Angel Devil mind snapped back to the present, and Angel turned to Makima, his face contorted with rage and anguish. "Makimaaaaaa!" he shouted.
Kang Woo let out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Hahhhhhhh. I suppose it's my job to clean up your mess, Makima."
Makima's expression remained composed, though her tone carried a tinge of resignation. "I had many problems in the past," she said softly, her gaze meeting Kang Woo's. "Back then, I needed power, and I had to make difficult decisions. But you're not here to kill him, are you? After all, you brought him to the place where he first experienced the human world."
Kang Woo's eyes darkened, his sclera turning black as a palpable weight filled the air. "Presence of the Demon King."
Angel Devil was suddenly pinned to the ground by an overwhelming force, the gravity pressing him into the sand. His rage flared as he shouted at Kang Woo. "Contractor! Are you going to kill me too? Are you covering for her sins now?!"
Kang Woo's voice cut through the tension, sharp and commanding. "Quiet." His crimson gaze bore into Angel, who froze under the weight of his words. "I'm thinking… about how to bring them back."
Angel's wide eyes met Kang Woo's. "Huh? What did you just say?"
Kang Woo stood silently, his dark sclera eyes gleaming as an unseen force seemed to pulse around him. He raised his hand, and the air around the beach crackled with an eerie energy. "King of Chaos ," he said, his voice calm yet resounding. A faint glow surrounded him as the veil between life and death began to ripple.
The Angel Devil stared in shock as spectral forms began to materialize—shimmering fragments of souls once lost. Kang Woo reached into his inventory and pulled out Lucius's Grimoire, flipping it open with precision. He began chanting, his voice steady and commanding.
"Body… bone… blood… and lastly, soul. All of them are magic. Let the beginner paladin creation commence."
The ground shifted, and skeletal forms began to rise from the sand. Bones assembled with meticulous accuracy as flesh and blood knitted themselves together. Each figure took shape, and soon, the once-lost villagers stood before them, their eyes fluttering open as life returned to them.
The young woman who had loved the Angel Devil stepped forward, her gaze filled with wonder. "Angel… I had the strangest dream. It felt like you… absorbed us."
Angel Devil froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, wrapping his arms around her and the others. Tears streamed down his face as he clung to them tightly. "I've been lost for so long," he cried. "My memories of that time were gone… but now I can see you all again. I can hug you. I missed you so much!"
The villagers embraced him, their confusion giving way to relief and joy as they recognized their devil-turned-savior.
Makima approached Angel Devil, her expression softer than usual. "To even things out," she said, her tone measured but sincere, "you are fired from Public Safety Devil Hunter. You're free now, and no harm will come to you."
Angel Devil looked at her, his eyes still wet with tears. "You… you're serious?"
Makima nodded. "You have my word, Angel."
Kang Woo, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, his tone as sharp as ever. "The current you has no position in Public Safety Devil Hunter. You resigned yourself, remember? And let's not forget you publicly caused severe panic in Japan after your resignation, sparking all that bullshit about Kentaro selling the country to Vought."
Makima turned to him with a small smile, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting. "Shhh. It's my dramatic moment. Don't ruin it, my King." She smirked faintly and added, "And besides, I still have strings to pull."
Kang Woo raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with mock irritation. "Not going to say you're impressed that I just brought the dead back to life like that?"
Makima chuckled softly, her smirk widening. "Kang Woo, you created a millennium castle on the moon in mere moments and spawned nightmares in the sky. I've started to get used to your theatrics. I've put it in my mind that anything impossible is about to become possible with you around."
Kang Woo rolled his eyes but said nothing, turning his gaze back to the villagers as they reunited. The beach was now filled with life and laughter—a stark contrast to the tragedy that had once unfolded there.
Kang Woo paused for a moment, his hand hovering mid-air as he prepared to use his Authority of Gates.
The Angel Devil called out. "Wait… Kang Woo. Thank you for everything, but… I heard from human tales that angels are creations of gods. Are you a god, Kang Woo?"
Kang Woo turned to him, his dark sclera eyes gleaming faintly, his expression unreadable. "Do me a favor and put this in your head: there are no good gods or demons. They both play humans and low-tier demons like billiard balls. Except for Makima—her case is unique. She's not just a devil, but The Control Devil herself."
Makima tilted her head slightly, her yellow-ringed eyes calm but with a subtle curiosity. "Indeed. But you seem to have a deep grudge against gods, aside from the current world system, Gaia."
Kang Woo smirked faintly. "I've had my fair share of dealings with them, Makima," he replied cryptically.
Angel Devil's gaze shifted to Makima, his expression hardening. "I will never forgive you, Makima. Not for what you've done."
Makima's response was cold and indifferent, her voice measured. "The feeling is mutual. And I don't care about the death or the lives lost, anyway."
Angel Devil sighed, his anger simmering but no longer boiling over. His focus returned to Kang Woo. "However… I trust you, Kang Woo. When we made our bargain, you promised to unlock my deepest memories. Instead, you resurrected them all." He paused, his eyes flickering with determination. "I'm coming with you. I want to see what other miracles you're capable of."
Kang Woo raised an eyebrow, amused. "You've just climbed out of the deepest pit this world has to offer, and now you want to jump back in? Humor me."
Angel Devil's voice steadied, his conviction clear. "No one—no one—can resurrect people like you just did. From what I see, the energy you wield is beyond this world's comprehension. It's something that can be considered godlike, and I want to understand more."
Makima remained silent, but in her thoughts, she analyzed Kang Woo's power. That energy… it's his mana . It's pure—purer than any energy I've ever encountered. Even the fragment of it within me, from the Commandment of Piety, pales in comparison to what he truly wields.
Kang Woo finally spoke, his tone sharp yet commanding. "I'll allow it, but put this information in your head: under no circumstances are you to reveal that I can resurrect people. Understand?"
Angel Devil nodded solemnly. "Noted. But… I can still visit this place, right? And why don't you want anyone to know? You could be considered a messiah—a god."
Kang Woo let out a low chuckle, his gaze turning distant. "I don't like being worshiped, nor do I have any obligation to save everyone. I came to this world to satisfy my boredom, nothing more." He turned back toward the wooden house and the villagers, now happily reunited. "As for visiting this place, it's simple. I'll put a permanent gateway at the café. Easy, right?"
Angel Devil blinked in surprise. "A… permanent gateway? You can just do that?"
Kang Woo grinned faintly, raising his hand. "You'll see soon enough. Now let's move.
The young woman stepped forward, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked at Angel Devil. "Angel… are you leaving us again? We'll miss you if you go."
Angel Devil hesitated, his eyes softening. "No, I'm not leaving forever. I'm just off to work—a job probably unlike any other in this world. But I'll come back soon, I promise. See you later."
She nodded reluctantly, watching as Angel turned and followed Kang Woo and Makima toward the shimmering portal. The gateway led them back to the café, and with a soft hum, it closed behind them.
Himeno, now several beers in and sitting casually at a table, noticed their return and raised her bottle in greeting. "Oy, Angel! How does it feel to get a reward from Kang Woo? Something grand and miraculous, I bet."
Angel Devil's lips curved into a mock frown as he slouched into a chair, adopting a fake expression of sadness and confusion. "It's… problematic. Not worth it at all."
Himeno laughed, nearly spilling her drink. "Ah, I see how it is. Even miracles come with a price, huh?"
Aki, leaning against the counter, turned toward Kang Woo with a curious expression. "Kang Woo, can you finally teach me how to use your power? This mana-based stuff still doesn't make any sense to me."
Kang Woo raised a hand, signaling for a moment of peace. "Give me a break, alright? I need a moment." He stretched slightly, sitting at one of the café chairs.
Makima, ever observant, leaned in with a teasing smirk. "Maybe you should give Lucius's Grimoire to me, Kang Woo. It's clearly tiring you out."
Kang Woo glanced at her, his expression unreadable but tinged with faint amusement. "Didn't I tell you? Until you've fully mastered your Soul Dominion Enchantment Traits, you've still got a long way to go, my cute little devil."
Makima pouted—a rare and disarming sight that seemed to amuse Kang Woo even more. She playfully balled her fist and gave him a light punch on the back, her tone lighthearted. "I'll catch up faster than you think," she muttered, crossing her arms but keeping a faint smirk.
As the moment passed, Reze emerged from the kitchen, holding a tray with a steaming cup of coffee. She approached the group, her movements smooth and purposeful. "Here it is, coffee for the male partner," she said with a small smile, placing the cup in front of Aki.
Aki took a sip, assessing it thoughtfully. "Not too sweet, but not as bitter as black coffee. Did you give me the standard customer blend, Reze?"
Reze gave a small shrug, her tone casual. "Not everyone likes black coffee. I just follow the standard requirements for most orders."
Aki nodded in approval, his demeanor calm. "Not bad, then. Thanks."
Reze turned her attention to Kobeni, her expression brightening slightly. "How about you, young lady? What would you like to order?"
Kobeni hesitated for a moment before answering shyly, "A milkshake would be nice. My current… uh, nature is kind of ice-focused, so it fits."
Reze nodded, noting it down. She then turned her gaze to Kang Woo, her smile tinged with curiosity. "And how about you, Mr. Rich Guy? Right now, it's on the house, you know."
Makima interjected with a sarcastic tone. "He owns the café now, remember?"
Reze blinked, a flicker of realization crossing her face before she laughed softly. "Right, right. Still, I'd like to hear what the boss wants to order."
Kang Woo glanced at her briefly before speaking. "Just call me Kang Woo. Let the others order first—I'm still thinking."
With that, Kang Woo's gaze shifted back to the invisible air, his focus locked on something beyond anyone else's perception.
Curious, Reze leaned closer to Makima and whispered, "Does Kang Woo have a habit of spacing out or getting stunned in the middle of conversations?"
Makima's yellow-ringed eyes flickered as she observed Kang Woo's still form. "He's not stunned," she replied in a hushed but certain tone. "He's looking for something. Even I can't see what he's focusing on right now. Aki's request to learn about mana must've triggered something more complex—it's rare to see him so absorbed."
Reze nodded thoughtfully, filing the information away before quietly disappearing into the kitchen.
Kang Woo remained seated, his gaze fixed on the invisible air in front of him, muttering to himself with an exaggerated sense of dismay. His voice carried just enough for Makima to catch snippets of his inner turmoil. "Huhuhu… I have literally all the items I've ever needed to ascend or achieve my chuuni dreams… and yet, not a single one of them grants proper power bestowal. The only option is the Extremis Virus, and that's serum-based, not mana-based."
Makima's yellow-ringed eyes flickered with concern as she observed him, her expression softening slightly. "Kang Woo, are you feeling a bit stressed?" she asked, her tone gentle yet curious.
Kang Woo barely registered her words as he continued his monologue, listing out the absurd array of artifacts and weapons stored in his inventory. "Book of Vishanti, Divine Axe Rhitta, Playful Cloud, Owl Quinque, Quincy King Spiritual Energy, Vision's Body including the Mind Stone, Darkhold, Chaos Sword Excalibur, Kamutoke Dagger, Dragon Kagune, Zanpakuto: Ichimonji, Kyoka Suigetsu, Endo-Sym Armor Mark 50… I have them all! And I still have a leftover balance of 5 million malevolent points after my evil deeds being count again !"
Makima's eyebrow twitched slightly at the sheer extravagance of his inventory, though her concern lingered. "Then what's the problem?" she asked carefully.
Kang Woo finally broke from his list, his gaze turning toward Aki briefly before he slumped slightly in exasperation. "The problem," he said, dragging out the words for dramatic effect, "is that there's no mana in the air. None. Anywhere. On this entire planet!"
Makima blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. "No mana at all?"
Oh, I just remembered, Makima thought, Kang Woo's world and mine are fundamentally different. Here, there's only negative energy. But Kang Woo… he said himself that he comes from the 9th deepest level of Hell and is the Demon King. Everyone from that level wields magic and demonic energy like it's second nature. If beings like them ever surfaced here, this world would be finished in an instant.
Makima raised her hand and conjured a small, dark-colored flame—Hellblaze—letting it dance on her palm before dismissing it with a flick of her wrist. Her thoughts drifted as she examined her hand. This power of mine… it was bestowed by Kang Woo through the Commandment of Piety. I nearly forgot its origin.
Kang Woo groaned again, leaning back as if his predicament weighed the entire world on his shoulders. "None! Not a speck. How am I supposed to grant mana-based power to these people if the atmosphere itself doesn't support it? I'd have to change the very fabric of the air!"
Makima placed a hand on her chin, suppressing a small smile at his dramatic display. "I see… that does sound troublesome," she replied, her voice laced with a faint hint of amusement.
Kang Woo, meanwhile, drifted into thought. Should I give Aki and Himeno a Schrift, like a Quincy? No, that's a terrible idea. I don't have the proficiency of Yhwach to manage Auswählen properly. I'd risk killing them rather granting them strength .
Aki sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Then it's hopeless. The only way I can achieve my revenge is to make devil contracts as usual… or wait until you perfect Compound V for adults, which will take a while."
Kang Woo let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Let me vent my frustrations and play the role of a good teacher for once."
He stood up, his dark sclera eyes glimmered faintly. His presence seemed to ripple through the café, and the faint tension in the room shifted. Kang Woo's frustration had turned into a quiet resolve, and it was clear to everyone present that something was about to change.
Makima watched him, her expression unreadable but her yellow-ringed eyes tracking his every move. He's always so deliberate… even his frustrations carry weight.
Suddenly, Reze appeared from the kitchen, balancing a tray. "Thank you for waiting! Here are your orders,and here is bonus for the female partner " she said, placing a milkshake in front of Kobeni and a fresh coffee for Himeno.
Kobeni took the milkshake and nodded with a faint smile. "Thank you."
Reze glanced at Kang Woo, who was already on his feet, moving with purpose. " Kang Woo's consciousness has returned to the ground, I see," she teased lightly. "Did I miss something again?"
Himeno leaned back with a grin, pointing a thumb toward Kang Woo. "The crazy maniac just announced he's going to become a teacher and teach us about mana ."
Aki, leaning on the café table , added dryly, "To vent his frustrations."
Himeno chuckled and gestured toward Reze. "You're welcome to join us, by the way. Kang Woo's feeling generous enough to let everyone listen in."
Angel Devil, seated nearby, shrugged. "More like he doesn't care who listens to his rants. Might as well turn it into a public lecture at this rate."