NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: A Wild Kobeni Appear
The meeting room was dimly lit, the soft hum of the lights above adding to the heavy atmosphere. Two large, blue-glowing gallons of Compound V sat beside Kishibe, their presence almost eerie. Aki, seated across from Makima, glanced uneasily between her and Kishibe. Himeno, completely oblivious, slouched in her chair with a half-empty bottle still clutched in her hand, muttering nonsense under her breath.
Aki finally broke the silence, his voice carrying an edge of frustration.
"Mr. Kishibe," Aki began, pointing toward the gallons, "what is this blue substance that Ms. Makima mentioned? This... Compound V or Supes. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with our devil hunting work. Why is it so important?"
Kishibe, leaning lazily against the wall, crossed his arms and gave Aki a look of exasperation. His eyes narrowed, and he raised his flask for another drink before answering.
"Are you living under a rock?" Kishibe's tone was sharp, laced with irritation. "How the hell do you not know what Supes or Vought are? They've been manipulating things for a long time now. Compound V is the stuff that makes their so-called 'heroes' special. You honestly don't know?"
Aki clenched his fists, annoyed at the mocking tone, but stayed silent as Makima, who had remained composed and distant, spoke up, her voice calm and unwavering as always.
"Supes," she began, her gaze focused, "are humans artificially enhanced by Compound V, a chemical substance created by Vought International. They use it to manufacture heroes, giving them superhuman abilities that elevate them to a level far beyond ordinary people. Vought controls everything about them—how they appear in the public eye, what powers they have, and, most importantly, how they're perceived as saviors."
Makima's eyes flickered toward the two gallons of Compound V beside Kishibe. "But now, Kang Woo has given us something much more significant." Her voice grew even colder. "An opportunity. An opportunity to create a version of a Supe par with Vought's current capabilities or maybe beyond it."
Aki blinked, his mind racing to comprehend everything she was saying. "Wait… you're saying Kang Woo's given us a way to surpass them? Even beyond what Vought is doing?"
Makima nodded slightly. "Yes. Beyond anything they've achieved maybe ." She paused, glancing again at the Compound V containers. "even my current capabilities isn't enough for now at least ."
Kishibe raised an eyebrow but said nothing, letting Makima continue. She folded her hands neatly in front of her, speaking with an unsettling calmness.
"Right now, no one knows of Compound V's existence except for a select few—myself and Kishibe included. We have our sources, our... ways of knowing. But this substance, this chance that Kang Woo has handed us, goes far away . Even the Prime Minister only have some knowledge about it . It's a power that few can grasp."
Aki tried to process it all, the weight of her words sinking in. Everything he thought he knew about the world, about devils, seemed to pale in comparison to the truth Makima was revealing. And yet, there was something else gnawing at him—something about Makima herself. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was an unsettling feeling he couldn't shake. He wasn't aware of the full extent of her power, but Kishibe's silence on the matter hinted that there was more to her than even he knew.
Kishibe suddenly smirked, breaking the silence. "Actually, I bought those two gallons with an initial payment of 58 million yen," he said with a casual tone. "In current year 2012 dollar currency , that's about 734,000 USD. Let me tell you, that's dirt cheap. The true value is probably closer to 10 million dollars or more."
Aki's eyes widened in shock. "What?!"
Makima sighed, a faint smirk appearing on her lips. "That's because you," she gestured toward Kishibe, "and Kang Woo thought it would be funny to pull a prank on me. You both seem to think bluffing me is entertaining, don't you?"
Kishibe let out a small chuckle, his grin widening. "You always make things difficult, don't you, liar?"
Makima ignored the comment and turned her attention back to Aki. "Aki-kun, I need you to contact the Fox Devil and ask how Kang Woo managed to alter your contract. It's almost as if he's commanding the Fox Devil to serve you, which... surprised me." She paused for a moment, her gaze distant as her thoughts wandered. I've lived for a very long time, she thought, and I've never heard of Kang Woo. What surprised me more was how the Fox Devil seemed afraid of him.
Aki took a deep breath, his mind still reeling from the conversation. "I already asked the Fox Devil," he replied slowly. "It told me… 'You have no idea, human. That black flame he used, that symbol... it holds meaning that goes far what you can comprehend.'"
Makima's brow furrowed slightly, the first crack in her otherwise calm expression. "What else?"
Aki hesitated before continuing. "The Fox Devil also mentioned his red eye… it called Kang Woo 'the noble one.'"
Makima tilted her head, her confusion deepening. "Noble one?"
Aki nodded, his voice quieter. "Yeah. The Fox Devil referred to him as 'the noble one.' It also said, 'I'll keep things under wraps for now. But tell Makima… if you have to kill me, do it. I'd rather die by your hand than face the noble one's wrath.'"
The room fell into a heavy silence. Makima remained motionless, her mind processing this new information. For the first time, there was a trace of uncertainty in her demeanor. Kang Woo was far more dangerous than she had originally thought. Even the Fox Devil feared him—a creature bound to Aki, now trembling at the very mention of his name.
Kishibe, watching the exchange with mild amusement, took another drink, his sharp eyes twinkling. "Well, looks like things are about to get real interesting."
Makima's smirk returned. "What's even more interesting, Kishibe, is that you didn't tell me about your little secret… that you've killed a Supe. You've been holding out on me—what a liar of a friend you are," she teased, her voice full of playful sarcasm.
Kishibe groaned, clearly irritated. "Shut up, Makima. That was a long time ago. I just had luck on my side."
Aki, caught off guard, looked between the two. "Wait... a Supe clashed with the Public Safety Devil Hunters?"
Kishibe sighed, as if resigned to tell the story. "Yeah, a long time ago. I used my wits, cheat, and managed to take down a Supe called Stormfront. His real name was Klaus Risinger. Strong, arrogant, but I got the better of him." He paused, taking another swig from his flask before adding, "He had a sister too—Klaire Risinger. She's probably the one who'll take up the mantle of the next Stormfront."
Aki's expression hardened. "So, you think Klaire will come after you?"
Kishibe shrugged casually, though his eyes betrayed a hint of caution. "Probably. Supes hold grudges. But I'll deal with it when it comes."
Makima leaned back in her chair, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "You've been holding out on us, Kishibe. I wonder what other stories you've been keeping secret."
Kishibe's grin faded, his gaze sharpening. "Don't push it, Makima."
Makima shifted her attention. "Aki-kun, please take Himeno-kun with you. I want to have a more serious discussion with Kishibe."
Aki nodded respectfully. "As you wish, Ms. Makima."
Aki rose from his seat, carefully helping the still-drunk Himeno to her feet. She groaned incoherently as Aki guided her out of the room, leaving only Makima and Kishibe behind.
Kishibe watched the door close behind them before turning back to Makima. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze more serious now. "Makima, what is Kang Woo? I mean, you've been around a long time… longer than any of us. You must have some idea."
Makima tapped her fingers lightly on the table, considering her words before responding. "Alright," she said with a hint of amusement. "I'll humor you and be truthful… for now. Even I don't know exactly what Kang Woo is. But one thing is certain—he's not a hybrid of a devil or a Supe. There's something different about him." She paused. "What confuses me the most is that I can see his face clearly."
Makima's eyes narrowed, and her tone took on a strange, almost reflective quality. "Because for me, I suffer from what could be called face blindness. To me, humans all look the same. Their faces blur together in a sea of indistinguishable features. I can only truly see the faces of devils, their forms clear as day. But with Kang Woo…" She hesitated, then added, her voice quieter, "His face is crystal clear to me. I can see every detail—perfectly. It's disturbing."
In her thoughts, Makima could feel the excitement bubbling underneath the surface, a feeling she hadn't experienced in centuries. Someone like Kang Woo… someone so different, so powerful, so clear. Finally, something that doesn't fit into the mold of this predictable world. It's thrilling.
But beneath the surface of her explanation, Makima knew the truth—her "face blindness" was a carefully crafted lie. The reality was far simpler: To me, humans all look the same, like dogs, and I remember them by their scent, particularly the ones I take an interest in. It was an easy excuse for her lack of emotional attachment to most people, reducing them to little more than blurred faces she cared nothing for.
But Kang Woo… His face was different. Handsome, sharp, and far more memorable than any other human or devil. His face was the one she'd remember—and that intrigued her to no end. And his scent… That was another puzzle. I don't quite understand his scent… There was something unfamiliar, something that made it impossible to categorize him into her usual mental frameworks.
Kishibe considered her words for a moment before reaching under the table and sliding one of the gallons of Compound V toward her.
Makima looked at the gallon, confused. "What's this for?"
Kishibe smirked. "You said you wanted a sample, right? And besides, given the budget I spent on Kang Woo's Compound V, it wasn't that much of a sacrifice." He leaned back, taking a sip from his flask. "And lastly, it would be nice if you stopped being a 24-hour spy on everyone. Not all of us enjoy being watched."
Makima's grin widened, amused by the last comment. "I'll think about it," she said, her tone playful but with an underlying threat.
Kishibe rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure."
As Kishibe prepared to leave, Makima's voice, calm yet laced with intrigue, called out. "However, I have my theories. He's not a devil, that's for sure. Probably something higher than that."
Kishibe nodded as he reached the door, but he couldn't resist teasing her one more time. "By the way, how's that 'love ball' Kang Woo gave you treating you?" He glanced over his shoulder, his smirk returning. "Or should I say, Commandment of Love?"
Before Makima could respond, Kishibe had already exited the room, the door closing behind him. She was left in the now-empty room, and her eyes narrowed with both annoyance and amusement.
Sighing, Makima leaned back in her chair, relaxing her feet on the table. Suddenly, the Commandment of Love floated beside her, radiating with a faint, teasing glow. A message Written on it , words shimmering like a taunt:
"I expect a nurse cosplay and maid outfit."
Makima stared at the message, her annoyance shifting into a bemused smirk. "If I walk around with this thing floating beside me, people are going to think I'm some kind of crazy pervert." Her voice was sharp, though there was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
Despite her outward irritation, Makima couldn't help but feel something she hadn't in a long time—a strange sense of aliveness. Kang Woo's ability to get under her skin, to make her feel something, had sparked a rare, powerful reaction within her. She hated the thought of being controlled, but somehow… Kang Woo made the game interesting.
Her thoughts swirled as she pondered the impact this mysterious "noble one" had on her, and more importantly, how she could eventually turn the situation to her advantage. For now, though, she'd play along—if only because it was so infuriatingly entertaining.
With a final glance at the floating Commandment of Love, Makima muttered to herself, "You really know how to keep things Chaotic , Kang Woo."
The room returned to its usual stillness, though something had undoubtedly shifted within Makima, leaving her both unsettled and, surprisingly, invigorated.
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Meanwhile, in the high-rise meeting room of Vought Tower in New York City, the atmosphere was tense. Stan Edgar, the calculating CEO of Vought International, sat at the head of the table. His fingers lightly tapped on the polished surface as he stared down Madelyn Stillwell, his right-hand woman.
"What happened to our asset?" Stan asked coldly, his tone sharp, cutting through the room like a blade.
Madelyn, standing with a tablet in hand, shifted slightly. "Homelander, sir. He will recover, but—"
"I don't care about the bad product," Stan interrupted, his voice unwavering and dismissive. "What I care about is why 20 tons of Compound V mysteriously disappeared, along with the destruction of the Sage Grove Center. And on top of that, you're telling me an unknown entity, a 'white devil,' appeared?" His eyes narrowed as he tapped the screen on the table in front of him, showing footage of the carnage at Sage Grove.
The image was grainy but unmistakable—Mahoraga, the eight-handled wheel on his back spinning relentlessly, was shown brutally beating Homelander. Each devastating strike from Mahoraga sent Homelander flying through walls and buildings, his once-invincible form rendered nearly useless against the sheer might of the unknown creature. Homelander's laser vision and brute strength seemed meaningless as Mahoraga adapted and shrugged off the attacks.
The footage continued playing, capturing the brutal beating before it cut off, showing nothing more than chaos and debris.
Madelyn's jaw tightened. She hadn't fully grasped the gravity of what they were dealing with. "Sir, we've never seen anything like this before. Our systems can't identify this entity. It showed up during the destruction, and all the Supes on-site were wiped out. Some of our top-level personnel believe it's a devil, but no one has been able to confirm what it is. We only know one thing for sure: it's not one of ours."
Stan Edgar leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but deadly serious. "A 'white devil,' huh? That's the best explanation your team can come up with?" He let out a faint sigh. "You've failed to control the situation, Madelyn."
Madelyn tried to maintain her composure, but the pressure of Stan's glare was palpable. "We're working to gather more intelligence, sir. But I must emphasize, this thing… it's far beyond anything we've seen. It's not a Supe, but it isn't something ordinary either."
Stan remained silent for a moment, his eyes narrowing at the screen. The footage replayed, showing Mahoraga in its full, terrifying form. "If this entity destroyed the Sage Grove Center, stole 20 tons of Compound V, and beat Homelander without breaking a sweat," he said, his tone cold and calculating, "then we have a bigger problem on our hands than we initially thought."
Madelyn swallowed hard, knowing she had already made one colossal mistake. She shifted uneasily, her mind racing as she tried to navigate the delicate balance of what to reveal and what to keep hidden. She knew exactly what was going on with Peter January, Starlight's long-lost brother, who had been part of an illegal experiment—one that she had authorized. Starlight had no idea her brother had been used, and during the experiment, Peter had somehow summoned The White devil , a fact that terrified Madelyn more than she let on. Peter's death had been her fault, as she had forced Homelander to torture him, trying to shape Peter into her personal Black Noir. The situation had spiraled out of control, and she had kept the entire debacle hidden from everyone, even Stan.
But she couldn't bring that up now.
Madelyn quickly shifted the topic, hoping to divert the conversation. "Sir, what if we consider making devil contracts? Like the ones used by public devil hunters in Japan. We could implement them with The Seven. It's a drastic measure, but given the current situation, it might give us an edge."
Stan's face twisted in annoyance, his patience clearly thinning. "You've already failed," he snapped, his voice sharp. "And now you suggest doing something without even knowing the full consequences? Do you even hear yourself, you idiot?"
Madelyn, though rattled, kept pressing. "Sir, in times like this, we need to take more drastic measures. We're dealing with powers beyond anything we've encountered. If we don't act, we risk—"
Stan cut her off with a cold glare. "Like the bad product that failed its first rescue mission, killing everyone involved—including the hostages. Black Noir had to cover up the entire mess." His tone was venomous, each word designed to remind Madelyn of her past failures.
Madelyn's heart sank as she realized Stan hadn't forgotten her past mistakes, and his patience with her was running out.
Stan Edgar's face remained hard as stone as he turned his attention to the window, looking out over the chaos that had been caused by the battle. His gaze drifted to Homelander's apartment floor in Vought Tower, where massive damage was visible. The side of the building was cracked open, glass shattered everywhere, and chunks of steel and concrete lay scattered across the floor. A large section of the wall had been obliterated, the result of Homelander being flung from Sage Grove Center all the way back to Vought Tower by the sheer force of Mahoraga's strike. The impact had been so violent that it had caved in a portion of the apartment's ceiling and left deep cracks running through the floors.
The once-luxurious penthouse, which had been Homelander's sanctuary, now looked like a war zone. Furniture was destroyed, walls were torn apart, and even the floors bore deep gouges where debris had fallen.
Madelyn, noticing Stan's focus on the destruction, shifted uncomfortably. "Should we repair Homelander's room, sir?" she asked carefully, hoping to avoid further reprimand.
Stan didn't turn to face her. His voice was cold and dismissive. "Leave it. Let it serve as a reminder for the man-child to learn from his mistakes."
Madelyn's eyes widened in panic. "Sir, the damage, and the press… the media would—"
Stan cut her off sharply. "The press already knows Homelander lost. The entire city of New York knows what happened. They witnessed it. It's out there, Madelyn, and that's final." His tone brooked no argument, his eyes never leaving the shattered floor of Homelander's apartment. "If you're so concerned about the repairs, go ahead and fix it, but use your own budget."
Madelyn's heart sank. She knew how expensive Homelander's penthouse was. Just repairing a single window in that place would cost a fortune. She took a deep breath, realizing the enormity of the financial burden she would have to bear if she followed through with the repairs. Forcing a calm expression, she silently resigned herself to the situation.
Stan, his gaze still cold and unyielding, then shifted topics. "And the rest of The Seven… how did they react when they saw their captain in his current state?"
Madelyn hesitated before answering. "They… they remained silent, sir. No one said a word."
Stan's face showed no reaction, but his disappointment was palpable. "Typical," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to Madelyn. The silence in the room grew heavy as Stan returned to his thoughts, his mind already calculating the next steps for Vought amidst the growing chaos.
Madelyn stood there, knowing she was on thin ice, unsure of what would come next but understanding all too well that any further missteps could be her last.
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Meanwhile, in Tokyo, high in the sky, Kang Woo hovered effortlessly with his Wings of Darkness spread wide, casting an ominous shadow below. The city skyline stretched beneath him, but his focus was elsewhere. As he drifted, he summoned his status window, letting the familiar blue glow of the interface fill his vision.
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+30 Affection with Makima (60/100):
Makima is really enjoying what you are and finds you very interesting. Probably developing a love-hate relationship with you since you tease her too much.
+30 Reputation with Makima (80/100):
Makima thanks you for selling her 2 gallons of Compound V for 58 million yen—a very cheap price.
+20 Relationship with Kishibe (40/100):
Your willingness to support the Public Safety Devil Hunter agency by giving Compound V for a very cheap price is noted.
+10 Reputation with Kishibe (70/100):
Kishibe thinks: "A very rare crazy bastard that can keep Makima's attention away from us is nice."
+20 Relationship with Aki (20/100):
You altered Aki's contract with the Fox Devil, making it highly beneficial for a human like him.
+20 Reputation with Aki (20/100):
Aki respects you for your strength, but still dislikes you for disrespecting Makima.
+20 Relationship with Himeno (20/100):
Himeno is a drunkard, and thanks to you, she can drink as much as she wants.
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Kang Woo chuckled as he reviewed the points and updates.
"What a nice haul of points," he muttered to himself, clearly amused by the growing dynamics with those around him. Each relationship and reputation seemed to have shifted in ways that intrigued him. Makima's interest was particularly amusing—her affections and respect growing despite the playful torment he subjected her to.
Still, Kang Woo's mind was never far from the greater schemes at play. The Compound V deal with the Public Safety Devil Hunters had been a minor effort on his part, but the ripple effects were already proving beneficial. Kishibe saw him as an ally, though his own agenda was still in motion. Aki, ever the stoic soldier, remained conflicted between respect and disdain. Himeno, on the other hand, was simply grateful for the endless supply of alcohol.
"Seems like everyone's dancing to my tune," Kang Woo mused, his grin widening. "And the best part? They don't even know it yet."
Kang Woo continued hovering in the Tokyo sky, amused by the changes in his status window. His thoughts were interrupted, however, by a sudden detection from his Authority of Beholder . A familiar yet stupid energy caught his attention below A Wild Kobeni, as usual, was in trouble.
"Ah, shit. Kobeni being Kobeni again," Kang Woo sighed, feeling the familiar wave of annoyance. "And just when I realized I haven't eaten anything yet. What an annoying ass."
He quickly descended, focusing on the scene unfolding below. Kobeni was running in panic, arms flailing as she narrowly avoided being devoured by a Cabbage Devil, a grotesque vegetable-like creature with multiple gnashing mouths and writhing stalks for limbs. The sight of it was absurd enough to make Kang Woo grimace, but then again, Kobeni had a talent for attracting the most ridiculous and dangerous situations.
As the Cabbage Devil lunged at Kobeni, who was paralyzed with fear, Kang Woo landed in front of her in a classic superhero pose, one knee on the ground, fist punching the pavement, sending shockwaves through the street. The force of his landing instantly crushed the Cabbage Devil into a splatter of green mush beneath him, completely obliterating the creature before it could even react.
Kang Woo stood, brushing the dirt off his pants nonchalantly. "You alright?" he asked, glancing down at Kobeni, who was trembling on the ground.
Kobeni looked up at him, her eyes wide with tears. She suddenly burst into hysterical sobs and lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you! Thank you! Oh my god, thank you!" she cried, clinging to him as if her life depended on it.
Kang Woo continued to peel Kobeni off him, his patience wearing thin. "Now, can you stop crying? Actually, can you give me some ramen or something? I haven't eaten in forever."
Kobeni, wiping her tears, nodded frantically. "I-I can cook ramen!" she blurted, eager to be helpful.
Not long after, they arrived at Kobeni's cramped apartment. The place was small, modest, and cluttered with mismatched furniture and random knickknacks. It was clear she didn't live a glamorous life. Despite her living conditions, Kobeni was quick to get to work in the tiny kitchen, determined to repay Kang Woo's kindness with the only thing she could offer—food.
In a few minutes, a steaming bowl of ramen sat in front of Kang Woo, who eyed it skeptically at first. The aroma was surprisingly good, though, and his stomach growled in anticipation. He took a bite.
As soon as the flavor hit his tongue, his eyes widened. He froze for a second before slamming his hands down on the table.
"FUCKING DELICIOUS!" Kang Woo roared, his voice echoing through the apartment. "FUCKKKKKK! For 10,000 years, I've eaten nothing but corpses and trash, but this—this makes me feel ALIVE again!" He inhaled more of the ramen like a starving beast, savoring every bite with pure ecstasy.
Kobeni stood there, frozen and wide-eyed, watching in disbelief as Kang Woo devoured her ramen with the enthusiasm of someone who hadn't eaten a proper meal in millennia. Her lower lip trembled, and she suddenly burst into tears again, but this time they were tears of joy.
"T-Thank you," she sobbed quietly. "Thank you for praising my food…"
Kang Woo paused mid-bite, looking over at the tearful Kobeni. He blinked, realizing she had started crying again—though this time for a different reason. He let out an exasperated sigh. "Seriously, what is it with you and crying? First, you're scared to death, and now you're bawling over ramen."
Kobeni sniffled and smiled weakly. "I'm just... glad," she muttered. "Glad you liked it."
Kang Woo was enjoying the last few slurps of ramen, the door to Kobeni's cramped apartment suddenly swung open, slamming against the wall. The tension in the room skyrocketed as a rough, heavyset man barged in. His face was haggard, with deep-set eyes that spoke of years of bitterness and anger. This was Takuro Higashikata, Kobeni's father.
The moment he stepped in, he scanned the room, his gaze landing on Kobeni. His expression twisted in fury. Without a second's hesitation, he stormed toward her, grabbing her by the arm. "Where the hell is the money, Kobeni?!" Takuro spat, his voice venomous. He slapped her hard across the face, the sharp sound echoing through the tiny apartment. Kobeni stumbled back, her eyes wide with fear.
Kobeni's hands trembled, and she tried to stammer out an explanation. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't—"
Takuro didn't let her finish. "Shut up!" he growled, his hand raised as if to strike her again. "I send you out to work, and you come back empty-handed? You useless waste! Do you know how much we owe?" He slapped her again, harder this time, knocking her to the ground. Kobeni whimpered, tears streaming down her face, too terrified to fight back.
Kang Woo, still seated at the table, barely noticed the commotion at first, too absorbed in the bliss of the ramen. However, when the enraged Takuro suddenly noticed him and the bowl in front of him, his attention shifted. "And who the hell are you?" Takuro spat, his anger now directed toward Kang Woo. "What, you think food is free, huh? Beggar?" Without warning, Takuro swiped the bowl off the table, sending it crashing to the floor, the broth spilling everywhere.
For a brief moment, time seemed to freeze.
Kang Woo blinked, slowly processing what had just happened. His beloved ramen—his FUCKING DELICIOUS ramen—was now destroyed, splattered across the floor like trash. He stared at the mess, his once-pleased expression slowly twisting into something darker, more wrathful. The room's temperature seemed to drop as the air grew heavy with ominous energy.
Kang Woo's eyes gleamed dangerously, and a deep, unsettling growl rumbled from his throat. The shadows in the room began to warp, stretching and crawling along the walls as his Authority of Fear flooded the space. The entire apartment grew darker, the very air becoming suffocating with malice.
Takuro, sensing something was terribly wrong, stepped back instinctively, but it was too late.
Kang Woo rose from his seat, towering over the now-petrified man. His voice, dripping with barely contained fury, echoed through the room. "You... destroyed my ramen." His words were slow, deliberate, as if he were struggling to keep himself from ripping Takuro apart right then and there.
With inhuman speed, Kang Woo kicked Takuro across the room, sending him crashing into the wall. The impact left a deep dent in the plaster, and Takuro crumpled to the floor, dazed. Before he could even react, Kang Woo grabbed him by the collar, slamming his face down onto the desk with brutal force.
"Repeat after me," Kang Woo snarled, his voice filled with a demonic edge. "Ramen... is God."
Takuro, his nose now bleeding from the repeated slams, whimpered in confusion and fear. "W-What?"
Kang Woo slammed his head down again. "Say it!"
"R-Ramen... is God," Takuro gasped out, his voice weak and trembling.
Kang Woo's grip on Takuro's collar tightened, his fury palpable as he slammed Takuro's face into the desk once more. "Repeat it again," Kang Woo growled, his voice low and menacing. "Ramen is God."
Takuro, shaking violently, whimpered through bloodied lips. "R-Ramen is God..."
"Louder!" Kang Woo demanded, his eyes burning with rage.
"RAMEN IS GOD!" Takuro screamed, his voice desperate and filled with terror.
Kang Woo smirked, satisfied for a moment. But his anger hadn't subsided. His eyes flickered toward Kobeni, who was still trembling on the floor, and something deeper inside him boiled over. He knew what Takuro had been doing to her—forcing her into impossible situations, making her work endlessly, probably with the intention of exploiting her further.
Kang Woo leaned in close to Takuro's ear, his voice a low, chilling whisper. "You've been feeding off her misery, haven't you? Pushing her into the darkest corners of life, thinking no one would notice. You thought you could twist her fate into your own personal game? That ends now." His voice was cold and devoid of any empathy.
Takuro's eyes widened in terror as Kang Woo's words hit home. "N-No, I—"
Before he could finish, Kang Woo's boot came down with brutal precision, crushing Takuro's groin with merciless force. The man let out a high-pitched scream, his entire body convulsing in agony as the pain coursed through him. Kang Woo pressed harder, making sure there would be no chance of Takuro ever recovering from this.
"That's for believing you had any control here.," Kang Woo spat, watching with grim satisfaction as Takuro writhed in pain, his voice hoarse from screaming. "You're done. You'll never hurt anyone again. And Kobeni?" He turned his gaze to her, his voice softening just slightly. "She's coming under my wing. You'll never see her again."
Takuro, now barely conscious from the pain, could only whimper weakly. "Y-Yes... ramen is God..."
Kang Woo let go of his collar, letting Takuro collapse fully onto the ground, curled up in agony. He stepped back, looking down at the man who now lay broken, both physically and mentally.
"Good," Kang Woo said with a twisted grin.
He turned to Kobeni, who was still wide-eyed and trembling. "Get your things. You're coming with me."
Kang Woo watched as Kobeni, still trembling and shaken, slowly rose from the floor. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief as she looked at him, clearly unsure of how to express her emotions. She cautiously stepped forward, then, without warning, leaned in and kissed him softly on the cheek.
"Thank you... Mr.," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank you so much."
Kang Woo blinked, momentarily taken aback by the gesture. "Just call me Kang Woo," he replied, his usual nonchalance masking his surprise.
As soon as the words left his mouth, a status window suddenly materialized before his eyes, glowing with a familiar blue light. He squinted at the notification as it popped up.
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+100 Affection with Kobeni (100/100):
Your relationship with Kobeni has reached maximum affection. This relationship is now locked and cannot be altered. You have become her hero.
Reward: Extraordinary Luck—Inherited Ability from Kobeni.
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Kang Woo's eyes widened slightly as he read the notification. "Wait, what...?" he muttered to himself. He quickly scanned through the details, trying to make sense of the unexpected reward. "Extraordinary luck?" he mused aloud, the realization settling in.
Suddenly, another notification chimed within his mind:
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System Announcement: Congratulations! You have completed your first locked relationship. As a reward, you have inherited Kobeni's Extraordinary Luck.
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Kang Woo couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. "Huh... so Kobeni's notorious luck is now mine? This might be more entertaining than I thought," he said with a smirk, imagining what kind of chaotic opportunities this new luck would bring.
Kobeni had already gathered her small collection of belongings, stuffing them into a tiny, worn-out bag. She looked up at Kang Woo with a mixture of gratitude and relief. "I'm ready, Kang Woo. Once again, thank you for freeing me from the burden of supporting my family."
Kang Woo nodded, his mind now racing with other thoughts. He extended his hands, summoning the familiar darkness that swirled around him. Using his Darkness Manipulation, he wove the shadows into large, ethereal wings that stretched from his back, fusing them with his Authority of Sky. As he observed the fusion, he mused to himself, "Looks like I'll just call them Wings of Darkness from now on. Combining them every time takes too long."
Kobeni stood there, wide-eyed and speechless. Her thoughts raced. Wings? He has wings? What kind of being is Kang Woo? And he's... carrying me away? Her heart raced, caught between awe and disbelief. It was as if she was witnessing something straight out of a dream, the kind of impossible scenario that only seemed to happen in stories. Is this my life now?
Before Kobeni could fully process it, Kang Woo turned to her, his wings casting a shadow over the room. He bent down, effortlessly lifting her in his arms, carrying her in a princess-like fashion. Kobeni's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she clutched her small bag tightly, trying not to look too flustered by the sudden intimacy. Despite her surprise, she managed to answer him softly.
"I… I don't have many things. Most of my stuff gets taken by my siblings and my parents anyway…"
Kang Woo frowned, a flash of disdain crossing his face. "What a sad shit," he muttered under his breath. Then, looking down at her, his expression softened slightly. "Hey, Kobeni, do you know what people say about the song 'Come Fly Away with Me'?"
Kobeni blinked, confused by the sudden shift in conversation. "W-What? I don't—"
Before she could finish, Kang Woo smirked and, without waiting for her response, launched them into the sky at comet-like speed. The world around them blurred, the ground vanishing in a split second as the sky stretched out in every direction. Kobeni gasped in shock, her hands instinctively wrapping around Kang Woo's neck as the sheer speed of their ascent made her stomach drop.
The air around them crackled as they cut through the sky with incredible force, Kang Woo's Wings of Darkness trailing behind them like a shadowy comet tail. Buildings, clouds, and city lights became nothing more than streaks of color beneath them. The wind roared in their ears, but Kobeni couldn't help but be awestruck by the surreal beauty of the scene around her.
Her thoughts raced again. This... this is impossible. We're flying so fast... is this real? The stars above them seemed to glimmer more brightly, the moon casting an ethereal glow on Kang Woo's dark wings as they soared higher and higher, leaving the world below in a blur.
Kang Woo glanced down at Kobeni, her eyes wide with wonder and disbelief. "See?" he called out over the wind. "You don't need to know the song. You're living it now!"
Kobeni, still holding tightly to Kang Woo, could only nod, her heart pounding in her chest. For the first time in her life, she felt weightless—free from her burdens, her fears, and her pain. The rush of the wind against her face, the thrill of being carried so effortlessly by someone so powerful—it was more than she could have ever imagined. She wasn't sure where they were going, but for now, none of that mattered. She was flying, and for the first time, the world didn't feel so heavy.
Kang Woo's grin widened as they soared through the night sky, streaking like a dark comet toward whatever destiny awaited them.
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Meanwhile, in her dimly lit apartment, Makima moved with quiet grace as she fed her dogs, one by one. Her motions were calm and precise, and the dogs, ever loyal, ate happily at her feet. Beside her, the Love Orb—a manifestation of the Commandment of Love Kang Woo had humorously attached to her—floated silently, its soft glow adding a surreal atmosphere to the room.
As the dogs finished their meal, Makima walked over to the small table, remote in hand, and turned on the TV. The news flickered on, the anchor's voice filling the room.
"Breaking news! An unusual dark comet-like phenomenon has been spotted over the city, causing widespread confusion. The first dark comet appeared near the Public Safety Devil Hunter building, streaking across the sky with terrifying speed before disappearing into the night. Eyewitnesses say the streak of darkness resembled something more akin to a supernatural event than a natural one."
The anchor's expression shifted as they reported the next part.
"However, moments after the first sighting, a second dark comet appeared, this time emerging from what appears to be a nearby apartment. The second streak of darkness caused significant damage, partially destroying a residential building as it tore through the sky. Authorities are baffled, and investigations are underway. No injuries have been reported as of yet, but residents are understandably shaken. Authorities are urging caution until further details are uncovered about these phenomena."
The screen flashed images of the damaged building, the camera zooming in on the large hole left behind in the structure. Makima's eyes narrowed slightly as she took in the images. Her lips curled into a knowing grin, her eyes filled with amusement.
"Kang Woo..." she murmured, her voice laced with satisfaction. "It seems you're making a commotion again."
She turned off the TV, leaving the room in silence except for the faint hum of the Love Orb beside her. Her thoughts drifted to the dark figure that had already become an unpredictable force in her life. She couldn't help but admire the chaos he brought—constantly stirring things up, even when he wasn't trying.
Makima stood up, glancing out the window. She was intrigued. Kang Woo's power, his ability to disrupt the natural order so effortlessly, was becoming more fascinating by the day. As much as she enjoyed her usual dominance and control, there was something exhilarating about someone who could keep things unpredictable. And now, as he soared through the sky with his Wings of Darkness, she knew this was only the beginning.
Makima's grin widened, her fingers lightly tracing the surface of the floating Love Orb. "Let's see how far you can take this," she whispered to herself, the thrill of the unknown creeping into her voice. "I look forward to watching."