The evening air still carried the faint hum of lingering applause. Though the orchestra had long since fallen silent and Vought's high command had retreated back across the sea to lick their wounds, the crowd in Tokyo's udon plaza had not dispersed.. Whispers rippled through the throng — quiet awe, speculation, fragments of Kang Woo's performance passed between strangers like folklore taking root.
At the center of the stage, Kang Woo remained — relaxed, still holding the conductor's baton loosely at his side..
Makima stepped up beside him, the last to join him on the stage. She held out a folded check with one hand.
"Here," "The check from Stan Edgar. Ten million dollars. Yours, technically."
Kang Woo didn't even glance at the paper.
"I don't need money, Makima," . "I think it stays with you just fine."
Makima gave a small laugh ,.
"Sure it does,". "Also…" her smile gentler than usual.
"I'm grateful . For defending me in front of all those people… and for the greatest surprise I've ever had."
Before Kang Woo could respond, a sudden commotion rippled through the far end of the plaza. Reporters — dozens of them — surged forward, cameras raised, microphones outstretched, their footsteps pounding the pavement. Some shouted questions. Others simply pushed closer, eager to capture any scrap of footage.
Makima's eyes narrowed slightly. She didn't hide her irritation.
Tch… Vought planned this in advance. Planting American press to spin the aftermath their way.
She shifted forward, ready to intercept them — her mouth just beginning to open.
But before a single word escaped, the world around her shifted.
A dome of pure darkness surged upward, towering like a tidal wave. It swallowed the stage in a heartbeat — an obsidian wall rising a hundred meters high, opaque and soundless. The crowd gasped. Cameras fizzled static.
Kang Woo turned to her, calm as ever. "Close your eyes, tsundere princess."
Makima arched one brow. "No,". "I want to see for myself. You've surprised me plenty already… shouldn't I get spoilers now?"
Kang Woo turned to her, calm as ever. "One last surprise for today. "But only if you don't peek."
Makima gave a small laugh, her smirk never leaving. "You drive a hard bargain…"
Still, she slowly closed her eyes — then covered them with one palm for good measure. Though not without cracking them slightly open for just a second.
"Eehh, no peeking, Makima," Kang Woo chided, voice playful.
Caught red-handed, Makima chuckled quietly again and finally sealed them shut for real. Her hand pressed lightly over her face, her posture relaxing — oddly at peace for once.
she thought, Himeno and Kishibe might've been right. I'm actually enjoying this.
Kang Woo stepped forward — raising one hand.
Authority of the Sky.
Authority of Protection.
And then, with a faint tremor across his skin, the Demon King's magic surged through him : Invincible Ruler. The three powers entwined, crackling silently as a glimmering, translucent sphere gently formed around Makima, latching onto her being. Thin as a bubble, it shimmered faintly — but its power was immense. Enough to protect her in the vacuum of space for at least a year without effort.
Makima didn't flinch. She only tilted her head faintly, eyes still closed.
Kang Woo spread his wings — six in total, sprouting like jagged blades of obsidian and blood. Each one unfurled with a deep CLANK of weight and magic interlocking. Crimson-black feathers shimmered like molten onyx.
Then he moved. In a blur, he scooped Makima into his arms — one arm behind her knees, the other around her back — and with a single beat of those massive wings, they tore skyward like a black comet.
Wind howled. The world below vanished into a blur. They shot through clouds, breached the stratosphere, and slipped into orbit — weightless, silent, surrounded by stars.
Makima's brow furrowed, still blindfolded by her own hand.
"Kang Woo… can I open my eyes now?" she asked, voice calm but curious.
"It feels like I'm inside a tornado."
Kang Woo's voice came through softly, but with that ever-present grin tucked into the tone.
"Yeah. You can now."
Makima lowered her hand. Her eyes opened— And froze.
Endless blackness stretched in all directions, flecked with stars that blinked like ancient, watching gods. Below them — far, far below — Earth curved in all its vast . Clouds moved in slow drifts over oceans. Cities blinked like circuitry across continents. And there she was… floating with Kang Woo in orbit.
Makima's pupils shrank. Her composure cracked — completely. "Hiieeeeehhhhhh—!"
She yelped like an ordinary girl and immediately clutched at Kang Woo's collar, burying herself against his chest in pure, unfiltered panic.
Her breath hitched. "Too high. This is too—too—too—"
Kang Woo chuckled, tilting his head down at her as he hovered with ease." The great Makima. The woman who likes to dominate every room she walks into… scared like a little girl."
He smirked wider. "Maybe I should've brought a camera."
Makima clung to Kang Woo, her grip tight — not just out of fear now, but something else. Affection. Trust. She didn't say a word, simply burying her face against him, breathing in slow to steady her nerves.
Kang Woo smiled faintly. With a flick of his finger, Darkness manipulation curled beneath them like ink poured across the void — and then solidified. A circular platform of shadow formed, wide enough for both of them to stand on comfortably. The dark floor shimmered slightly against the starlight, floating 200 meters above the orbital line.
He shifted slightly, lowering their feet onto the shadowed surface.
"You can let go now," he said calmly. "You won't fall."
Makima hesitated a moment, then slowly eased her grip. She looked down, eyes sharp but no longer panicked. She took a step away from him — cautious, but confident now — and stood on the dark floor, the Earth still sprawling far beneath them. Then, with a smug tilt of her head, she looked over her shoulder.
"Hey ,", "now I can fly too, Kang Woo. That's right. I'm standing where you stand."
Kang Woo gave her a flat look. Technically, he thought, I'm the one who flew us up here. You just got carried.
Makima didn't catch the thought — but she noticed the faint smirk twitching on his lips. Her gaze turned back toward the Earth, her eyes narrowing at the shifting sunlight above the curve of the atmosphere. The way the light painted the oceans, the clouds, even the night side creeping in from the far horizon — it was all… alien. Beautiful. Isolating.
"…Why did you show me this?" she asked. "This view. This place where you reign, Kang Woo? And me… I don't."
Kang Woo's reply came with a shrug. "I wanted to. Let you see something different."
Makima blinked. And then, something in her eyes changed — a flicker of mischief and something softer underneath.
Without a word, she raised her hand.
Thin, ethereal chains unfurled from her palm — red threads laced with force and will — and gently latched around Kang Woo's left arm like a possessive tether. She leaned into him again, arms wrapping tightly around his side, her voice dropping into a whisper against his shoulder.
"Then it's my turn," she said. "I'll bother you… cling to you… until you're bored."
Kang Woo said nothing.. The air around him darkened only slightly — a stillness folding into his expression, subtle, but clear. They sat together at the edge of the blackened platform — two figures suspended above the Earth, dangling their feet over an orbiting horizon, with only silence and breath between them.
Then came the ping.
─── QUEST COMPLETED ───
Title: Make Your Name
Description: Hanamaya Udon is on the verge of losing its reputation. The musical guest scheduled for tonight has gone missing, and the backup has been devoured by devils.
Objective: Replace the conductor. Construct your own orchestra.
Reward: Doom Slayer's Super Shotgun
Hidden Reward: Portable forge of the Huldra brothers, parts to create Draupnir Spear x1, Rings of Power knowledge blueprint unlocked
(Hidden condition Fufilled : due to humiliate the vought higher ups and homelander himself )
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Kang Woo smiled faintly.
Makima, still latched to him tightly, didn't notice the sudden change on his interface — only felt the shift in his breath.
But then—
Ping.
The interface flickered again, this time colder. The lettering more ancient. As if it had crawled in from a forgotten realm.
─── Gaia Quest Type Activated ───
Title: "Decisions That Shape Destiny"
Objective:
The world stands still — its fate balanced on the edge of your next move. Your influence stretches far, but now you must make a pivotal choice regarding a key figure of this world: Denji, Pochita (The Chainsaw Devil)
Option 1: Eliminate Denji
Description:
Denji, host of the Chainsaw Devil, possesses a volatile and uncontrollable force. Though weak compared to your level of existence, his ability to erase devils from history makes him uniquely dangerous. If you choose to end his life, that power vanishes with him — wiping away a potential thorn in your rule. No challengers would dare emerge. Your authority would become legend, and the devilkind hiding in fear would kneel before you.
Reward:
Commandment of Faith – Anyone that shows a lack of faith will have their eyes set ablaze.
Commandment of Pacifism – Anyone that kills in the wielder's presence will have their timestolen from them.
Commandment of Truth – Anyone who tells a lie in your presence will be petrified instantly.
Commandment of Reticence – Anyone that expresses hidden emotions will have their voice taken away.
Option 2: Let Denji Live
Description:
Choosing to let Denji survive in this ruthless world is not an act of kindness — it is a calculated move. As the Chainsaw Devil's vessel, Denji embodies a wild, uncontrollable force — one that even the most powerful devils in this realm would hesitate to confront. (Note: This does not extend to demons, who stand at the peak of magical supremacy within your former domain.) Allowing him to live transforms him into a tool — a chaotic blade you can wield against future enemies. And in a world where compassion is rare, this act of restraint will not go unrewarded. His strength, rooted in his longing for affection and his connection to Pochita, can be twisted to align with your ambitions — giving you a loyal asset when the time comes.
Reward:
Sunshine Grace – The Grace of the Sun itself. Your power increases exponentially with the rising of the sun, reaching divine strength at noon.
Time Limit: 12 Hours
Caution: This is a branching fate. Whichever path you leave unclaimed will fade. If Denji dies or transforms into Chainsawman through another's hand — such as Yakuza schemes — all rewards will be lost forever.
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Kang Woo's eyes sharpened. The smile died. And then, he muttered under his breath, low and venom-laced:"…Asshole motherfucker."
Makima blinked, still holding onto him. The words caught her attention.
She tilted her head slightly against his chest. "…What?" she asked softly. "What's wrong?"
Makima blinked again, her brows lifting ever so slightly as she stayed nestled against Kang Woo's chest. His sudden silence, the shift in his aura — it was unusual, even for him.
Kang Woo stared outward a moment longer before exhaling through his nose. His voice was flat, as always — but firm with intent as he fake his current problem with another .
"Makima. I'm going to create something. …Do you still want to latch onto me?"
Makima, without missing a beat, gave a smirk against his shoulder. Her voice came playful — light, but edged with her usual ambiguity.
"Depends," she said. "Do you hate me?"
Kang Woo didn't answer. He just gave a short, dry hmph — and that was answer enough.
With one hand, he swept through the air. The shadows and void-touched winds around the platform shimmered — and then twisted.
A brilliant crack surged through space.
Out of the ether, the Portable Forge of the Huldra Brothers materialized with a sharp metallic echo — massive, ancient, and brimming with otherworldly heat. Sigils of dwarven design burned red-gold across its frame. A low mechanical hum pulsed beneath their feet.
Makima just watched. Silent. Eyes tracking the impossible being born around him.
Kang Woo stepped toward the heart of the forge and lifted his hand.
Within his palm — the materials:, Rings of Power blueprints, eldritch gold flowing with inscriptions. They hovered midair, swirling under his will, coalescing with divine calculation.
Then, without looking at her, he asked:
"Would you like to have a ring, Makima? One I make… for you?"
Makima blinked. For a moment, she said nothing — then tilted her head, eyes narrowing with a faint gleam of teasing mischief.
"…Are we getting married?" she said flatly, as if daring him.
Kang Woo didn't flinch, didn't even look at her — his hands already steady over the forge, tools of Authority aligning themselves in the air like obedient stars.
"Nah," he muttered casually, "it's just… if I make one for myself and not for you, you'll go rabid and whine like, 'Kang Woo didn't give me anythingggg.'"
Makima narrowed her eyes, lips tugging into a dry smirk.
"What am I, a child? "Please. There are plenty of things I can't dominate. For instance…" Her eyes flicked to him, unblinking. "You. I've never been able to control you. You're too unpredictable. ."
She took a slow breath, letting the air between them thin.
"But what kind of ring are we talking about?"
Kang Woo's fingers twitched. Without a word, he reached out — and summoned his Authority of the Gateway.
A red-black portal tore into existence just beside the forge, swirling like burning ink devouring the sky.
From within, Nightmare emerged.
Liquid, writhing, immense — his familiar oozed out like shadow incarnate, its singular core eye glowing with dull menace..
Makima's eyes tracked the creature calmly. " Other than Mikhail… you've got another beast?"
Kang Woo gave no reply. Just a pause. Three seconds. That was all Nightmare needed.
It slithered forward without a word, slipping its black body toward the portal's far side — reaching into the Makai World, the place from which it had materials — and returned swiftly with materials clutched in its viscous form.
A twisted demonic alloy, glowing faintly with infernal heat.
A crystal — black at the core, fractured with red veins, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat sealed in stone.
Kang Woo watched them in silence. I don't know exactly how Sauron forged the Rings of Power for the Elves, even though the knowledge surges through me, he thought, his eyes dim. But I'm certain it involved darkness. Even the first three rings given to the Elves had it buried deep beneath their shine.
He exhaled quietly — and with a sharp snap of his fingers, a luminous blueprint formed in the air.
The Ring of Narya. A delicate shape, , etched with fire-like patterns. At its heart, a setting for ruby —like the promise of a hearth. A ring forged to inspire others.
Makima had quietly stopped clinging to him. She stood at his side now, watching the blueprint with unreadable awe.
Kang Woo exhaled again and stepped toward the forge.. And as he worked, his voice came low.
A quiet hum at first — then words, sung to himself.
"Thank you…
I'll say goodbye soon…
It's not the end of the world…
Don't blame yourself…"
"And though it's true…
I will surround you…
And give life to a world…
That's our own…"
Her eyes narrowed just slightly. something unsettled. She didn't like that tone. The finality.
The ring's shape was almost finished — its base solidified, the ruby suspended above like a heart waiting to be placed.
But Kang Woo's hand… twitched.
He reached for it — and stopped. Pulled back. By instinct. Narya was designed to inspire others. And Kang Woo, , ruler of demons … was a narcissist. His Authority rejected the idea of losing focus from himself. Even this gesture — creating a ring for someone else — was treading dangerously close to contradiction.
His jaw tightened. His hand wouldn't move.
Makima watched quietly — until her lips parted , on instinct she counter the song with her own lyrics . And this time, she sang. laced with something unexpected: sincerity.
"Wait…
Don't leave…
Maybe you can be free…
It can't be true…
Somehow, I'll save you…"
"I won't leave you here…
There's nothing to fear…
Don't let go…
I'll light your way…
Home."
Her hand reached out. Pressed lightly on his to ground. Her palm rested on the back of his fingers, and she looked at him.
The tremble stopped. The ruby glowed, and Kang Woo — still silent — moved his hand forward. The ring accepted it. And the forge flared with light. The light of the forge faded into a low, shimmering pulse — as if the ring itself had taken a breath.
Kang Woo head remained bowed, hand still extended from the final strike that sealed the ruby into place. Wisps of energy — a blend of his Authority of Sky and his demonic energy — . He had infused it with flight, with protection, and a piece of himself….
And then… he sang again.
"Thank you…
I'll say goodbye soon.
Not everyone can be saved.
Don't blame yourself, now…
And though it's true…
I will be with you…
Giving life to our world…"
Makima stood still — listening. Her eyes trembled, lips slightly parted.
That song again… Like he was… saying farewell.
She stepped closer. And answered — this time with fire in her voice.
"Wait… don't leave.
Maybe you'll stay with me.
What can I do to save you…?
Please, it's not too far.
We'll gaze at the stars…
Just hold on.
There's so much you haven't done."
Her voice cracked slightly near the end.
As the final note left her lips — the ring floated gently down into her palm.
It pulsed once — warm. Alive. Then settled. Bound. Its power locked into her very soul.
A tear rolled down her cheek. Just one. She stared at the ring in her palm, then looked up at Kang Woo. Her voice was quiet . "…Kang Woo."
Her eyes locked with his.. "Why do you keep singing that song like you want to die?"
He didn't answer. Just stood there — unreadable.
Makima inhaled softly and stepped closer again, ring still in her hand, her other brushing his coat sleeve as if trying to anchor him in place.
"…Say something," she whispered.
But Kang Woo remained still. He had never known sadness. Never recognized or long forgotten .
Makima's fingers lingered on his sleeve a moment longer. Then she slowly pulled back. Her eyes searched his face — hard, precise, as if she were trying to read the script beneath his skin.
Kang Woo broke the silence first. A crooked smirk tugged at his lips. "You should've seen your face in the mirror, You were crying."
Then, just as smoothly: "Also — do you like the ring or not?"
Makima's breath caught, but her expression didn't falter. He deflected the moment I got close.
Did I step too far into his space?
She reached up and wiped the tear from her cheek, her voice quiet but certain.
"…It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," she said, her gaze locked on the ring still pulsing gently in her palm.
"But… are you all right?"
Kang Woo turned away slightly, eyes cast on the void, his wings flexing once with idle weight.
"I'm completely fine now," he said without emotion. "Now, can I forge what I want next?"
Then, with a glance back at her: "…And please, don't act too much."
Makima exhaled. Just… letting it go. she said nothing. simply stood nearby just present. Watching.
Kang Woo stepped forward again, the forge pulsing dimly beneath his feet as he called upon the final materials:
— The head of a golden spear, etched with runes.
— The Draupnir Ring, already humming with restrained multiplication magic.
— And the Ring of Lucii — singular dominion, forged for the heir of a forgotten throne.
He stood in silence for a moment, then sang — voice low, weighty
"Deus dormit
Et liberi ignem faciunt
Numquam extinguunt
Ne expergisci possit."
The spearhead began to glow, gold light twisting around its edges. Sparks of fire, silent and reverent, floated upward into the void like prayers.
Then the second verse, deeper, sharper:
"Omnia dividit
Tragedia coram
Amandum quae."
The Draupnir Ring — resting above the spearhead — shuddered. Then, it melted into the shaft like quicksilver, its essence stretching the spear's length until it became a long, radiant weapon. Golden and expanding, yet perfectly stable.
Then the final verse — heavy with resolve:
"Et nocte perpetua
In desperatione
Auroram videre potest
Mane tempus expergiscendi."
The Ring of Lucii answered.
It pulsed like a , just as the final note echoed out into the silence of orbit — it merged.
Silver light and golden flame wrapped together , and the spear changed. The shaft turned sleek and regal, the tip refined to a deadly divine edge, and on its base, a coiled crown symbol spiraled, flickering faintly with a deep, royal indigo.
Kang Woo then took a single breath and sliced his finger. A drop of his blood fell — black-red and glowing with infernal might — and struck the center of the weapon.
The weapon drank it greedily.. In his hand now rested The Draupnir Ring of Lucii — an artifact reborn. A chime rang in Kang Woo's mind.
[Congratulations. You have successfully forged your first weapon.]
[Item: The Draupnir Ring of Lucii]
[Status: Soul-Bound to User: Kang Woo]
[Properties: Allows formation of the Final Spear. Limitless duplication. Embedded with spells: Death, Holy, Alterna.]
Kang Woo slowly slid the ring onto his finger. It clicked into place like it had always belonged there. Then, casually, he curled his fingers into a grip—empty air trembling around his palm.
In an instant, the spear manifested. A golden finish shimmered, laced with crimson accents that traced the contours of its polished, deadly elegance. The spearhead gleamed with precise engravings—ancient runes so sharp and symmetrical they looked like they'd been etched by a divine artisan.
The shaft itself was plated gold, its length broken only by intricate red detailing running along the flanges, and a deep crimson cloth spiraling down it. At the base of the wrapping, a golden Rune Key sigil pulsed faintly with enchantment, binding the entire weapon in aesthetic balance and arcane power.
Kang Woo twirled the weapon once, letting the light catch every perfect line. "…I look like something out of 300 Sparta now," .
Makima tilted her head, watching all of this unfold with half-lidded eyes and a crooked smile. "Wowww,". "When you forged a ring for me? You hesitated, sang songs like you were dying. But when it's for yourself , …the world itself has to witness the drama."
Kang Woo shrugged. "Uh, yeah? Duhh. The creator needs the best thing. Of course."
Makima smiled at that, amused—but it faded slowly. Her eyes lingered on him with a steadier gaze. Her voice, once playful, dropped to something quieter. Calmer. More serious. "Kang Woo," . "You might answer me this. It's my question—and I want honesty. I'm not asking which side you're on. I'm not even going to ask why you sing like you want to die."
She stepped closer, just enough for her voice to reach him without echo.
"My question is this: if you're an alien—then I shouldn't be able to see your face... That would make you something truly foreign. Outside even the devils."
"But I see your face clearly. You're… very handsome. And that makes no sense. I can only see devils, not human beings. I separate them by scent. Yours is completely different, but also… close. Just close enough to blur the line."
Her voice became even quieter, like the wind around them.
"And the fox devil? It was terrified of you. It knew you. From before. And that's surprising—because I'm not. Can you answer that?"
Kang Woo stood still, face unreadable — but beneath it, his thoughts swirled like a storm trapped in a jar.
Makima… You only separate humans by scent. That's your first flaw — a symptom of how broken your mentality truly is.
But I can't answer your question. . I'm a demon king. From the Ninth Hell.. Your mind still runs on the logic of Four Horsemen and devils. You think primal devils are the apex of fear… but they're nothing to us. To demons. You're a peasant who try to ascended. We are already above.
His fingers flexed slightly at his side — not in tension, but as if testing the weight of silence.
And you, Makima… You're just a Horseman , The control devil current incarnation .. But if I told you the truth — that I stand above your entire order, above even concepts — what would you do? Submit? Flee? Try to dominate?
Unpredictable outcomes… I don't like them. I won't answer. Not now. …And yet, he thought, when I'm around you… I feel alive.
The admission wasn't one he liked. It scratched at something human in him, something long buried beneath authority and annihilation.
For the first time, I don't want to discard someone.. Or pretend they don't exist . So now I'm stuck. What do I do with that?
A step away, Makima kept her gaze on him, searching his unmoving profile. This question… she thought, It's harder for him to answer than I expected. Maybe too hard. Whatever Kang Woo is… I hope he finds a way to say it.
Kang Woo remained silent for a long moment, but then his voice broke through the quiet. "If you can't classify me by scent or fear… , then maybe I'm yours to figure out. Would that make me more dangerous? Or more… yours?"
Makima stared. She knew it wasn't an answer. A deflection, masked in intimacy. But her smile said she didn't care. She stepped closer and took his hand — gently at first, then with firmer possession — curling her fingers around his thumb.
"That means, "you're my possession, right? Then I'll remember you. Even if you're far away."
Without warning, she brought his thumb to her lips — and bit. Firm. Sharp. Intentional. Her teeth marked him, and she didn't look away.
"Ever had your finger bitten before?" makima said, almost playfully — but something in her eyes was hungrier. Wilder. "If you ever go blind, you'll still know it's me. By how hard it's bit."
Then — an unexpected shift. Kang Woo allowed it. A small trail of his blood trickled from the wound — thick, black, and shimmering faintly with Origin Demonic power.
Makima drank kang woo blood . The moment the blood passed her lips, her body shivered. N from sensation . The structure of her being resisted. Her memories flickered. Her soul trembled.
Then came the tears. They ran down her cheeks without warning.
Why am I crying? she thought, stunned. Why do I feel like… I want to kneel? Why do I want to be beneath him — under his wings — when I've always been the one above? This shouldn't be happening. I'm the one who owns. Controls. Dominates.
Kang Woo said nothing. Just watched her — calm, patient, unwavering.
I see, he thought, eyes half-lidded. Even though the gap between us is immense… your soul understands.. This is hierarchy. Like a mortal seeing a god — and knowing they were never equal to begin with.
Gently, he lifted his hand and wiped the tears from her eyes — his touch careful, almost reverent. Then, without a word, he pulled her into his arms. A quiet embrace beneath the stars.
"It's okay," Kang Woo murmured beside her ear. "No need to be confused too much. Every answer… it'll unveil itself in time."
Makima clung to him, her grip tight like someone anchoring herself to something she didn't understand yet needed all the same.
"…Idiot," she whispered. "I wanted to control you. Instead, you're the one confusing me."
Kang Woo smiled glancing off toward the endless black above.
A soft chime rang inside his awareness — an internal reminder.
Gaia Quest: The Decisions That Shape Destiny.
Time Remaining: 5 hours, 12 minutes.
His expression shifted just slightly, more grounded.
"Shall we end this conversation?" he said, voice low. "Staying in orbit too long… isn't healthy."
Makima leaned back just enough to look at him, her usual poise breaking into laughter l.
"Aha… A man who rules the sky and sits on the edge of orbit says it's not a good idea to stay here."Are you a comedian now, Kang Woo?"
Kang Woo tilted his head slightly, giving her a blank yet mildly annoyed look. "I still need to pick up Mikhail . "He's under Kobeni's grasp now."
Makima raised an eyebrow, her smirk sharp as ever. "Oh right,". "The great conductor Kang Woo — without his precious Mikhail, the red eyeball the size of a ping pong ball… completely unmanaged and shriveled. How could I forget?"
Kang Woo clicked his tongue, his blackened wings unfurled behind him — six massive plumes of onyx and scarlet shimmer stretching wide against the void. Without ceremony, he shifted his arms and swept Makima up once more — carrying her in a firm, effortless princess hold.
"You talk too much for someone who clings like a kitten," he muttered.
Makima only rested her head lightly against his shoulder, smiling without denial. And like a black comet falling back to earth, they descended.
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9:00 PM — Tokyo, Public Safety Devil Hunter Branch.
Cafeteria Section.
The room was dimly lit,. At one of the corner tables, Kobeni sat with both hands wrapped around an untouched glass of beer — not drinking it, just holding it like a stress ball that foamed.
On the table in front of her, the Eye of Mikhail sat completely still, unmoving. Silent. Its dull glow pulsing faintly with each second, as if observing… or judging.
Across from her, Himeno had clearly made herself at home.
She leaned sideways across the table, one foot up on the chair, clutching a half-emptied bottle of some overpriced liquor that still had its price tag half-torn on the neck. Around her, at least eight more bottles cluttered the surface. Most of them open. Some barely touched. Some nearly gone.
Himeno let out a lazy hiccup and grinned wide. "Kobeni-chan~ You didn't even sip that," she pointed out, gesturing toward the still-full beer glass with exaggerated offense. "Come on, we stole that. Premium brand! Premium regret!"
Kobeni said nothing. She only glanced at the glass again, then at the glowing eyeball beside it.
Aki, seated beside Himeno, sighed audibly as he leaned back and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Himeno-senpai, I think you've had enough."
Himeno snapped her fingers, slightly too hard and uncoordinated. "Nonsense," she said, slurring just a bit, "this is only my third drink. I usually do ten. Ten, Aki. This isn't even my last battle ."
Aki gave a dry stare, letting her words hang a second before replying. " We only stole like a hundred bottles of liquor — including vodka worth more than my apartment ,". "All thanks to a floating red eyeball that told us, quote, 'fine, let's rob more low creatures.'"
A deafening BOOM split the cafeteria ceiling wide open. Smoke billowed from the gaping hole as fragments of concrete and light fixtures rained down. And from the center of it all — descending with the grace of a black-winged god — Kang Woo landed silently on both feet, cradling Makima in his arms like a princess from myth. His wings, folded behind him and dissolved into thin black mist.
At the table, Himeno blinked blearily through the dust.
"Oooh…" she slurred, squinting at the descending silhouette. "It's the devils. They're attacking. Akiii, save me! Take your senpai to safety!" She dramatically flopped against him, spilling a little whiskey.
Aki stood frozen, arms out, jaw clenched. "WHYYYY—?!" he shouted.
Kang Woo looked over calmly. "Why what?"
Aki pointed up at the massive hole in the roof with both hands, face already twitching. "There's a door, Kang Woo! You broke the ceiling. And probably three floors on your way down! You couldn't not do that?!"
Kang Woo tilted his head, completely unbothered. "What? You expect me to enter like some… peasant? No. For me—"
He snapped his fingers toward the smoke. "It must be EPICCCC."
Makima, still in his arms, let out a low chuckle and leaned into his shoulder. "Don't worry," We have a ten million dollar check. Courtesy of Vought. For keeping quiet about… an incident where Kang Woo punched Homelander until he puked his dignity out."
She glanced lazily around the dusty, beer-soaked room. "…I could buy this whole building."
Kang Woo lazily lifted his left palm, and with a flicker of shadowlight, Mikhail detached from the table and shot through the air., The red eyeball latched back into the center of his hand, its Zaiphon rings pulsing to life like a lens aligning into place.
"Good to be back, Master," Mikhail purred, his voice low and arrogant. "Also… those two low creatures forgot their place."
Himeno immediately flipped Mikhail off without turning from her bottle.
Kang Woo ignored it entirely. "Uh huh. We don't have time for that."
He turned to the side and gestured. "Kobeni."
She perked up immediately from her slouch, her expression bright like someone being called on stage.
"Yes, Kang Woo. On my way!" Kobeni chirped, quickly rushing to his side with the biggest smile she'd worn all day — maybe ever.
Makima tilted her head. "What's your schedule now?". "It's already night, you know."
Kang Woo cracked his neck once, casually. "First off, I'm gonna drop Kobeni at a four-star hotel," he said bluntly. "Then I need to go solo."
Makima's smile twitched wider. She stepped in a little closer,. "Can I come? Maybe be your wingman tonight? Besides…". "Don't forget. I marked you."
Kang Woo didn't even turn around.
"Uh huh," he said with mock gravity, raising his hand dismissively as he walked away.
"Stay dreaming. Stayyy dreammmingggg."
His voice echoed with theatrical flair as he strolled toward the hallway exit — cloak fluttering, Kobeni already matching his pace.
Makima's fingers twitched slightly as the hallway emptied. Kang Woo was gone — vanished in an instant with Kobeni, not even a trace left behind.
She stood there a moment longer, then let out a quiet breath.
Her eyes lowered to her right hand. The Ring of Narya gleamed gently on her finger — regal, and impossibly warm.
Makima smiled faintly to herself. This is a very nice ring, she thought, Thank you again, Kang Woo… though you left me behind again.
"I'll make you regret that later," she muttered under her breath.
Suddenly, an arm slung around her shoulder.
"HA! Makima is married! Makima is marrrrried~!" Himeno sang, vodka bottle in hand, clearly deep into drunk territory. "You're totally blushing. That's, like, a proposal ring, right?!"
Makima gets pissed . In one swift motion, she snatched the bottle from Himeno's hand — and without pausing, downed it in one long gulp. The burn didn't even faze her. The bottle came away empty.
Makima licked the last drop from her lip and turned toward Aki. "Aki," she said calmly, "bring those other bottles."
"Huh?" Aki blinked,.
Makima said "I'm going to make sure Himeno doesn't have any liquor left."
Himeno's face drained pale. "Wait—Makima-san, sorry! SORRRYYYYY!"
She scrambled back across the cafeteria bench, slipping over a chair leg with a shriek. "Not the expensive stuff!"
Aki just stood there, watching the chaos unfold, holding an unopened bottle in each hand. He gave a slow sigh.
"…What a strange day,"My boss is acting like a jealous bride. And I had a full conversation with a floating eyeball.."
2:00 AM — somewhere remote in Japan.
The sky was ink-dark, the moon veiled behind a layer of thick cloud. Grass rustled gently in the wind, brushing against Kang Woo's boots. Around him, an eerie calm. But inside him — storm.
The air rippled with pressure. Demonic energy pulsed out from his body in quiet, swelling waves — the ground itself seemed to groan in protest beneath him. A light tremor rattled through the earth as if warning nature of a brewing apocalypse. The temperature dropped sharply.
He stood alone in the middle of the clearing —. This was the place. He knew it.
The spot where Denji once met with pochita . And now, it was empty.
Kang Woo's teeth ground together as the rage boiled up again. His fingers twitched, ready to unleash Purgatorial Storm — the technique that would level six kilometers in every direction without hesitation . Nothing would survive.
But then he froze. His left hand clenched into a fist. He forced the breath through his nose.. Be cool.
He dropped to the grass and sat with a thud, elbows resting on his knees, staring ahead into the darkness. His eyes burned — not with pain, but with timing.
"Twelve minutes…". "Twelve minutes is all I have. Remember that."
Kang Woo's jaw clenched tighter.
What did you say again, Mercury ? he thought, eyes low. "Change your angle, not the world"? Or should I just follow Heydrich method — erase the map, demolish every trace and be done with it?
The air distorted violently as his demonic pressure surged again — the entire clearing humming with tension, blades of grass vibrating like they were about to snap from existence. Purgatorial Storm pulsed on the edge of release.
But he didn't move. Instead, he muttered low, almost bored.
"Mikhail. Any rats? Birds? Even crows?"
From the back of his left hand, the slitted red eye of Mikhail snapped open with a flare of Zaiphon runes. The voice that emerged was steady, clinical.
"None, Master. The area is devoid of wildlife.. It is… strange." A brief pause. "Though, perhaps good news — it means the Control Devil knows her place."
Kang Woo's eyes narrowed further. "…It's no coincidence," he said quietly. "It's here. I know it is."
Without delay, he activated the Authority of the Beholder — maximum output. In the sky above, invisible to all but himself, a massive black-crimson eye blinked into existence. It spun in concentric rings, dozens of miniature pupils orbiting within, each scanning across dimensions, soul residue, atmospheric disturbance, magical layering, and space-time bends.
Then — a ping.
A flicker, barely on the edge of perception. But it was there. Twelve kilometers northeast.
A boy. Kneeling beside a weathered wooden grave marker, clutching a stick like a sword. Beside him, a car — aged, rusted, with a debt collector still inside. The man had driven Denji here, to his father's grave, preparing to issue another cold, transactional order.
It was him. Denji. But what rattled Kang Woo most wasn't the scene — it was the fact that the Beholder had scanned this area before. Multiple times. And found nothing Until now.
Kang Woo's expression darkened just as thunder cracked overhead. Rain fell suddenly, cold and relentless .
The wind howled across the empty grassland, trees bowing under its fury. Kang Woo blackened wings expanded violently behind him, stretching wide in a flash of onyx and crimson, then he roared:
"HRAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The sound echoed like a wrathful god peeling open the sky.
With a single flap of his wings, he surged forward, tearing through space itself like a meteor of wrath. A black comet. His speed shattered the rainfall around him, silencing the storm midair. The skies peeled open, and thin fractures laced across the heavens like broken glass.
Meanwhile, twelve kilometers away…
Denji stood in silence under the crooked memorial of his father — just two sticks lashed together, jammed into the earth. Rain soaked his tangled hair and faded clothes, clinging to his thin body like a second skin.
A normal car idled beside him. Inside sat the debt collector — a yakuza leader. He was an elderly man with a scruffy grey beard and mustache, wearing a wrinkled suit, round glasses, and a low-brimmed hat..
"That bastard,. "Hung himself before paying this month's installment. Brat, you owe 700,000 yen by the end of the month. I don't care how you do it — just get it done, or else."
Denji eyes were dead. His grip on the stick tightened. The car sputtered into gear, preparing to roll away — but then the engine coughed, flickered, and died.
The rain stopped. Denji blinked. Looked up. So did the debt collector. A black comet, massive and terrible, blazed across the sky — tearing through clouds, dragging behind it a trail of ruptured glass and warped space like the aftershock of a divine explosion.
The debt collector screamed, nearly biting off his tongue.
" THE END OF THE WORLD! IT'S HERE!"
He scrambled to crawl over his passenger seat in panic, pounding the dashboard.
Denji shielded himself with both arms, mouth wide open in disbelief. "MOTHERFUCKERRRRRR!"
And then— The black comet stopped. Its form began to ripple — peeling apart in layers of shadow and flame — until it dispersed entirely, unraveling into nothingness. In its place, a spiraling staircase descended from the sky itself, forged from pure darkness. Each step solidified with a low hum, as if reality had no choice but to make way for it.
At the top of the stairs, Kang Woo stood.
Expression unreadable. Presence vast. His cloak whispered against the windless air, and his blackened wings retracted behind him like a folded executioner's blade.
The debt collector staggered halfway out of the car, putting on his yakuza bravado as if it could save him. "H-Hey!" he barked, voice cracking. "Do you know who you're messing with?! Public Safety and us— we have a pact not to interfere—!"
He stopped. As he couldn't breathe. Because something far, far worse began to leak into the world.
Kang Woo's partial law — The World After the Fall — bled into existence.
The skies cracked and turned crimson, soaking the world in hues of red and dread. From the shattered horizon rose a single, impossible tree — so tall it disappeared into the void above. Its bark pulsed like veins, blackened with agony. And at the top, nestled within the gnarled canopy, hovered a bloodshot eye, glowing red, staring down upon existence with judgment older than any Being .
The Tree of Imagery. The Eye of the Demon King of the 9th Hell.
The debt collector dropped to his knees. A sickening chill shot down his spine as he swallowed hard, his teeth chattering.
What did I do this morning…? he thought. Did I just offend a primal Devil cousin ?
Denji stood frozen in place. . His pants soaked, but he didn't even register it.
His instincts screamed at him — run, scream, die — anything but stand still.
But he couldn't. Because somehow, his soul understood. He was the end after it.
Kang Woo descended the staircase of black, each step echoing like a drumbeat against the bones of reality. The rain no longer touched him.. And when his boots met the ground the world itself seemed to exhale in fear. He stared at them.
Denji flinched under that gaze, breath hitching. He could feel it—this man wanted something from him. Something deep.
"…What do you want from me?" Denji whispered, voice cracked and hollow.
Kang Woo didn't answer him.
He turned his eyes—calm, deadly—to the debt collector still frozen by the car. His voice cut like an imperial decree.
"How much," he said slowly, "for the brat's total debt?"
The yakuza leader blinked, confused and utterly overmatched. "W-What…?"
He didn't get to finish. Something else moved.
From Kang Woo's left hand, a burning red circle flared—Mikhail's eye, now open and seething with divine wrath. Vines dark and thorned burst from the air like living spears, snaring around the debt collector's arms, legs, and neck—, pinning him in place like a writhing sacrifice offered to something ancient.
High above, the sky fractured further. A massive crimson globe hovered in the air, spinning slowly—Zaiphon glyphs etched across its surface like molten scripture, casting blood-red light over the world below.
Mikhail's voice boomed from Kang Woo's palm—merciless, absolute. "Choose your words carefully, pest. The sun itself hangs by a thread. Say one thing wrong… and another crater will mark this land ."
The vines tightened. The globe spun faster.
And at last, the debt collector—the same yakuza branch leader who'd once spoken down to Denji—broke. "T-The amount…!" he stammered, voice cracking. "Thirty-nine million yen! With intere—"
Before he could finish, a briefcase screamed through the air and smashed through his car's passenger-side window. Bundles of cash spilled from within The eye d Mikhail .
Kang Woo in anger he say . "Count the money. I'll wait."
. With trembling hands, The man gathered the bundles from the shattered seat, flipping bills with growing desperation. Denji watched in silent disbelief.
"…Ten million yen," the debt collector finally said, barely above a whisper. "It's the exact amount…"
Kang Woo's voice was low. Cold. "The brat's debt ends next year. That's final. Understand?"
The yakuza leader nodded so fast his glasses slipped off. "Y-Yes. Of course. Absolutely."
"Now leave." Kang woo said With a hiss of vacuum and light, Mikhail's vines retracted, spiraling back into Kang Woo's palm like serpents obeying a master's call. The crimson globe in the sky vanished with a low, thunderous crack, and silence returned.
The debt collector without another word. Engine sputtering, tires skidding,
And just like that — the world after the fall still bled across the ruined sky, and only two figures remained beneath it. Kang Woo and Denji. The crimson horizon pulsed like a dying heartbeat, and above it all, the tree stretched endlessly into the storm — crowned by a single, bloodshot eye watching in silence.
Denji turned slightly, glancing at the man who had just bought his freedom with a briefcase and godlike fury.
"…What do you want, sir?" Denji asked quietly. "I'm thankful. You saved me. Paid my debt. But…"
Kang Woo raised a single finger. Then he pointed to the base of the tree. There, a shape limped into view.
A devil. Small. Orange. Nearly broken. Pochita. His frame trembled with every step, a weak whine escaping as he dragged his chainsaw head across the soaked grass. Sparks flickered from the blade — dull, exhausted. His tiny paws collapsed under him as he fell, breathing shallow.
Denji's eyes widened in disbelief. "A devil here ?"
The devil barely moved. And Denji… understood.
His voice cracked as he stepped forward. "If you wanna kill me, then… go ahead. I was probably gonna die anyway. Either by the debt collector or…"…by the hands of some guy like you."
But Pochita just lay there — dying.
"No," Denji said, suddenly kneeling. "No. Not like this."
He grabbed his own wrist and held his arm out, shoving it toward the chainsaw devil.
"Here. Drink. My blood. Hurry. You're a devil, right? That's what you need to heal, isn't it?"
Without hesitation, the little devil clamped its teeth onto Denji's arm.
. Pochita drank, trembling, weak sparks trailing along his rusted chainsaw.
Denji Said . "This is a contract. "You help me… I help you. Together, we'll get out of this mess."
The bond formed. Pochita barked once — a happy, sharp sound — and suddenly bounced around Denji, his tail wagging, the life slowly returning to his tiny frame.
Kang Woo stepped forward. His tone was flat. Inevitable. "The dog's name is Pochita."
Denji blinked, hugging the little devil again.
"Isn't that good, Pochita?" he whispered. "You've got a name now."
But Pochita stilled. He pulled away gently from Denji's arms, paws settling on the grass, and turned — facing Kang Woo.
Then he froze.. He just stared, the whine in his throat growing tight with something deeper than pain.
Denji frowned. "Pochita? What's wrong? You're… ignoring me now? Come on. We're buddies, remember?"
Still no movement. Pochita couldn't speak. But his eyes — wide, glassy, and locked on Kang Woo — said everything.
Why… is he here…? He should never be here.. Not to Hell as we know it. the doors in the sky and the peaceful soil beneath. The only Hell that exists in the minds of devils.
he's from deeper. Far deeper. Something even devils were never told existed.
The one who rests below everything – the demon of prophecy..
Pochita body moved — instinctively. pressed himself close to Denji's feet.. A trembling warmth at his partner's legs. to shield Denji. To assure him — even if only through presence — that everything was he didn't need to be afraid. Because Denji couldn't know. that the most horrifying being ever born had just stepped into their lives..
Kang Woo took one silent step forward . This was why he came. To cheat the system itself.
A faint hum vibrated through the world.
Demon King Magic: Invisible Ruler . Authority of Sloth
He combined them. A ripple cracked across the ground — and then spread upward, folding into itself like glass curling in heat.
Time Magic : Chrono Stasis A green sphere erupted outward in a flash — 1 kilometer in radius — swallowing everything inside.
Denji froze mid-breath. Pochita's blink stopped halfway. Everything inside the sphere had stopped.
And Kang Woo exhaled slowly, his voice calm in his own mind. Although this is only temporary fusion… it's more than enough for what's about to happen.
Kang Woo. . Authority of the Beholder surged through, scanning deep into Denji's soul — down past the mortal shell, through the fragmented sorrow, and into the twisted spiral of fate where it waited:
The Element of the Tortured Protagonist. A unique concept embedded into Denji's soul code —from suffering. And betrayal.
Kang Woo hand pierced Denji's chest. The world was frozen. Denji never moved — his heart had stopped in time before it could even recognize death. With one pull, Kang Woo extracted the soul Code . He crushed it in his palm.
Consumed. Then, just as easily, he raised his other hand.
A single drop of the Ingal Spell — the same divine incantation he once wielded as Anos Voldigoad — fell from Kang Woo's fingertip. It was his own demonic blood, condensed into liquid fate.
The drop dissolved instantly into Denji's chest.
And breath returned. Life snapped back into Denji's limbs.. . Time remained frozen.
Kang Woo's vision pulsed red — a sharp ping echoing inside his mind as divine glyphs streamed across his inner sight like burning commandments.
──── Gaia Quest Type Activated ────
(COMPLETED)
(Both options fulfilled — subject was both eliminated and resurrected. Full quest reward granted.)
Title: "Decisions That Shape Destiny"
Objective:
The world stands still — its fate balanced on the edge of your next move. Your influence stretches far, but now you must make a pivotal choice regarding a key figure of this world: Denji, Pochita (The Chainsaw Devil)
Option 1: Eliminate Denji
Description:
Denji, host of the Chainsaw Devil, possesses a volatile and uncontrollable force. Though weak compared to your level of existence, his ability to erase devils from history makes him uniquely dangerous. If you choose to end his life, that power vanishes with him — wiping away a potential thorn in your rule. No challengers would dare emerge. Your authority would become legend, and the devil kind hiding in fear would kneel before you.
Reward:
Commandment of Faith – Anyone who shows a lack of faith will have their eyes set ablaze.
Commandment of Pacifism – Anyone who kills in your presence will have their time stolen from them.
Commandment of Truth – Anyone who tells a lie in your presence will be petrified instantly.
Commandment of Reticence – Anyone who expresses hidden emotions will have their voice taken away.
Option 2: Let Denji Live
Description:
Choosing to let Denji survive in this ruthless world is not an act of kindness — it is a calculated move. As the Chainsaw Devil's vessel, Denji embodies a wild, uncontrollable force — one that even the most powerful devils in this realm would hesitate to confront.
(Note: This does not extend to demons, who stand at the peak of magical supremacy within your former domain.)
Allowing him to live transforms him into a tool — a chaotic blade you can wield against future enemies. And in a world where compassion is rare, this act of restraint will not go unrewarded. His strength, rooted in his longing for affection and his connection to Pochita, can be twisted to align with your ambitions — giving you a loyal asset when the time comes.
Reward:
Sunshine Grace – The Grace of the Sun itself. Your power increases exponentially with the rising of the sun, reaching divine strength at noon.
The four commandments — Faith, Pacifism, Truth, Reticence — floated into Kang Woo's grip .
And behind them came the sun — a sphere of radiant golden flame: Sunshine Grace.
All five merged into his chest — absorbed to his inventory , without resistance.
Kang Woo exhaled, his wings flexing once behind him as he looked at Denji's frozen body — reborn and intact.
"…Finally," he said quietly. "You're where you belong."
Then — another ping. A sudden flicker in his vision. A new notification unfurled across his inner screen, but this one was different. Glitched. Half-corrupted.
[ Note: You have solved the puzzle by absorbing the Element of the Tortured Protagonist from Denji.
Projected fate path: To become the most pathetic prot—(error)—(ERROR)—(cannot predict)—(ERROR) ]
The words blinked, scrambled — a warning not even the system could properly render.
Kang Woo smirked.. Within his soul, the Reactive Evolution trait stirred — awakening in full. It had learned. Adapted. And now it moved.
Kang Woo grinned — and etched a new message into the divine fabric with nothing but willpower and authority
MODIFIED NOTE:
[Oh Kang Woo will hold the best fate in this cruel world. The Golden Rule will bend in his favor. Wealth will follow him, and the mightiest will kneel before him. His harem will never betray him — jealousy among them forever suppressed. His story is that of a conqueror, like Kang the Conqueror, yet greater — for Kang Woo will be the better version. His current goal and destiny , reach the stage of the greatest Demon Lord, and it shall not be denied.]
And Kang Woo exhaled with satisfaction. .