1070——————==

Soul of the Evil God

A single world government.

While pondering the meaning behind those words, Sagong Lin closed his eyes and replied.

“Please elaborate further.”

The head of the Evil God Team bowed his head and spoke.

“The major axis of the current world order lies with your nation and our country, along with Europe. However, Europe is currently breaking free from the domination of the Demon Path and is therefore unable to make significant progress, so it is really the two nations that hold the power. Thus, if these two countries join forces, we can achieve eternal world peace.”

“……”

“Isn’t that a fair proposal? Currently, every continent on Earth where humans have set foot… In order to expand influence over all these places, there will inevitably be significant friction. To avoid such unfortunate events, I hope we can form an alliance and move towards establishing a single government.”

It’s certainly a decent proposal.

But it’s also sinister.

Emperor Sagong Lin immediately grasped the true intention behind the other party’s words.

‘So in the end, they want to split the world between them…’

From what he heard, the United States was currently targeting the southern continent. They probably wouldn’t be satisfied with just the southern continent and would think about extending their reach to other continents, but the Great Bear Empire was a stumbling block. Rather than confront the Great Bear Empire head-on, the true intent behind this proposal was to suggest an alliance. In exchange, the United States would agree to not interfere with whatever the Great Bear Empire did or possibly help under the guise of alliance.

Sagong Lin said.

“I’ve heard that your country is in significant conflict over the issue of slavery…”

“…Regarding that issue, we have already agreed to abolish slavery. Therefore, in the future, slavery will be eradicated in all countries influenced by the United States.”

“……”

“It’s as if under His Majesty, all subjects are equal, just like your country, the Great Bear Empire…”

Sagong Lin pondered for a moment and said.

“Please wait a few days.”

“I’ll be expecting wise decisions.”

After the Evil God Team left, Sagong Lin reported the United States’ proposal at a meeting with the officials. Upon hearing the story, Zhuge Yulong said.

“It would be better not to accept that proposal.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because accepting it won’t benefit us. Our current practical realm of control is at most up to the Southern Barbarians, but we have no power to strike back at Europe or Tianzhu. We’re not maintaining peace because we have the strength to do so. There’s no practical benefit, and excessive movement could provoke the hidden world, so we should exercise restraint.”

Originally, the Great Bear Empire had indeed defeated the Tianzhu continent during the great disaster of the Eight Parts of the Divine, but its influence lasted only about forty years. Afterward, they nominally subdued it and turned it into an autonomous region. They were unable to manage such a vast continent, especially since they were already overwhelmed by their own weakened national strength after the calamity. Therefore, the present Tianzhu could not really be considered as part of the Great Bear Empire’s territory.

“The true meaning behind the proposal for an alliance is to exclude the Great Bear Empire as much as possible from the United States’ expansion journey. They don’t want to face our interference or invasion until their power is stabilized.”

Zhuge Yulong continued.

“In other words, they want to explore the southern continent of the United States without any hindrance while proclaiming an alliance with us. Therefore, rather than simply accepting the alliance, it serves as an opportunity to figure out what they’re truly after.”

“…The southern interior of the United States. Perhaps South America?”

“Call it whatever you like.”

“What I know about it is that it’s a barbaric primal continent, yet a gigantic empire exists there, and their level of civilization was using bronze. Other than that, I don’t know much. Why do they want to explore that land?”

At that moment, Zhuge Bu chimed in.

“Human sacrifice.”

The atmosphere in the room stiffened all at once. With a serious look, Zhuge Bu continued.

“Specifically, their primitive empire’s essence seems to be a sorcery civilization developed through human sacrifice. They appear to be trying to merge that primitive empire, obtain their altar of human sacrifice, and gain their sorcery.”

“Zhuge Bu, how do you know all this?”

“I learned it through interactions with Dr. Faust. He had a lot of information about Earth that we were not aware of… I didn’t report it sooner because I needed to verify that information to some extent. I apologize.”

“No, it’s only natural to filter out uncertain information before reporting. Still, we need to listen to that information for now.”

As the attention turned to Zhuge Bu, he briefly glanced at Cheon Woo-jin and spoke.

“I remember you said that when you first spied on the United States, you met with three representatives from the United States.”

“Why are you looking at me?”

Cheon Woo-jin glared as if annoyed, but Zhuge Bu ignored him and continued.

“That person called ‘Black Sun’. The title is not merely a name; it belongs to the chief priest of the Aztec Empire. The meaning of ‘Black Sun’ refers to the deity worshipped by the Aztec Empire, implying that they possess the qualifications to borrow the name.”

“A god…!!”

Sagong Lin’s expression changed.

“Right. As you’ve grasped, the leader of the Aztec Empire is a being linked with the ‘Old Ruler’, and can be seen as either an avatar or an apostle. Since that person represents the United States, it suggests that the origins of the United States are tied to an alliance with the Aztec Empire… It’s a very suspicious situation.”

“The United States could break the alliance first to attack the Aztec Empire…? That sounds a bit off. No matter what the connection is, it wouldn’t benefit them. Moreover, invading a nation connected to the ‘Old Ruler’ would be highly dangerous.”

Sagong Lin’s words were accurate. The inability to recklessly strike at the imperial palace’s forces during the height of the White Lotus Sect had been due to the same logic. Taking down merely a mortal priestly faction would be doable, but if they summoned the ‘Old Ruler’ prepared for self-destruction, that would be beyond manageable.

“We need to shift our perspective. While maintaining the alliance, it should be with the ‘Black Sun’ and the followers of the ‘Old Ruler’. We would hand over the Aztec Empire in its entirety to the United States, but in return, we can speculate that the ‘Black Sun’ will extract something in return. The repercussions of that might not land on the leadership of the Aztec Empire but rather on the common people.”

“……”

“Although it doesn’t directly concern us, it seems an enormous human sacrifice or tragedy is anticipated. If the aspect of human sacrifice takes over, whether they maintain their system of slavery or not wouldn’t matter that much…”

Zhuge Bu’s prediction had a bit of an exaggeration to it, yet the higher-ups of the Great Bear Empire found his reasoning compelling. Sagong Lin remained silent, contemplating, and after a while, opened his mouth.

“We cannot prevent that tragedy. That’s not our affair, and we are not reincarnations. Carelessly dipping our hands into that matter could risk greater issues.”

“……!!”

“However, if we do not halt the rising momentum of the United States, it may become a significant obstacle in the future. Thus, a thorough investigation is needed first.”

Sagong Lin looked at Zhuge Yulong and Zhuge Bu in turn and said.

“I will provide all support from the empire. Please conduct a thorough investigation and analysis of the Aztec Empire and the United States. Until now, we have focused on the development of national strength and technology, but henceforth, our main policy will shift to countering external forces.”

“Honor.”

“Honor.”

“The Evil God Team will be sent back for now. Then let’s all do our best in our respective duties.”

After the meeting ended, Sagong Lin spoke to Cheon Woo-jin.

“Cheon Woo-jin. It’s time for work.”

“……”

“You have things to do.”

Cheon Woo-jin wore a distressed expression. Then, showing the curse of the demon king tattooed on the back of his neck, he protested.

“What now?! What is it?! Look at this! I’ve been cursed by a demon king and lost all my sorcery! I’m just a regular person now, and you force me to attend these meetings! What work do you want from me?!”

Cheon Woo-jin shouted in despair, but Sagong Lin calmly said.

“If I grant you my powers, it’s possible to temporarily negate the effects of the tattoo and restore your original strength. It may consume some energy, but if you think of it as you working, it will be manageable.”

“No… please don’t… Get someone else to do it…”

“No. It’s a job that only you can do.”

Sagong Lin’s eyes sparkled.

“I need you to cast an illusion spell on President George Washington and abduct him to our homeland.”

“……”

“Remove all obstacles.”

“Are you crazy?! You want me to do something like that with a straight face! He clearly isn’t an ordinary human, and there are bound to be interruptions from reptilian aliens and all sorts! I can’t take on such a dangerous mission!”

Cheon Woo-jin shook his head vigorously, but Sagong Lin smiled sweetly and reached for his neck. The moment his jade-like fingertips touched the tattoo, Cheon Woo-jin’s seal temporarily lifted. Sagong Lin whispered softly into his ear.

“Do you want to work for 300 years…?”

“………. ”

“If I were you, I would think to work for a short time, Cheon Woo-jin.”

A long silence.

Moments later, Cheon Woo-jin, with his face turning pale, began to tremble as he nodded his head.

“I… I’ll do it. So please, just that.”

Sagong Lin nodded.

“If you do well, I’ll grant you time to rest. You can do it.”

“Ughhh.”

“Off you go!”

Pa-at

Cheon Woo-jin’s figure disappeared. After sending Cheon Woo-jin on his way, Sagong Lin let out a sigh of relief and spoke into the darkness.

“That was a close one. I originally planned to send you, but… you really don’t look well.”

“I apologize, Your Majesty.”

“Come here.”

From the darkness emerged Seo Mun-hye. After hesitating a bit, Sagong Lin pulled Seo Mun-hye into an embrace, and his golden eyes sparkled as powerful magical energy flowed into her. Seo Mun-hye shuddered, then finally relaxed.

“You should be able to smoothly bypass the call of [Voice] while receiving my assistance, just like Cheon Woo-jin.”

“Your Majesty. Thank you. But by expending your powers like this, it means you’re getting closer to [Voice]…”

Seo Mun-hye looked at Sagong Lin with worried eyes. Sagong Lin smiled brightly.

“That’s exactly what I’m hoping for.”

“What?”

“I realized when I met [Voice] that the Heavenly Demon isn’t simply an avatar of the ‘Old Ruler’. The relationship is more intricate and intertwined. Thus… When I confront that existence, it means I also have a chance.”

“……”

“You don’t need to worry about me. Everything will turn out just fine.”

“…Thank you.”

Seo Mun-hye wasn’t entirely clear on the meaning of what he said, but somewhere inside, she felt there might be an opportunity for herself as well. Until now, [Voice]’s power had been too overwhelming for her to handle, but perhaps she’s not so different from Sagong Lin after all.

A few days later.

“Ugh… gasp…. I’ve… I’ve caught him!!”

Cheon Woo-jin, covered in blood, gasped as he dragged a middle-aged man before Sagong Lin. However, the blood wasn’t his; it was all from the reptilians and aliens that obstructed him. It had been a wild few days of combat, facing bizarre and deadly electromagnetic traps and ultra-scientific weapons.

After examining the man’s face, Sagong Lin said to Cheon Woo-jin.

“You did really well, Cheon Woo-jin.”

“Is it done…? You’re not going to make me do anything more?”

Cheon Woo-jin looked at her desperately, and Sagong Lin replied.

“Good. Take a good rest for about 10 years.”

“…Huh? 10 years?! I’m not doing anything else. I’m retiring….”

“Retiring? Don’t joke around… There’s no such thing until Baek Woong returns.”

“…….”

“I’ll ensure all conveniences while you rest. Take care of your exhausted body and mind…”

“H-Hold on a second.”

Pa-at

Cheon Woo-jin was forcibly whisked back home. After sending Cheon Woo-jin off, Sagong Lin addressed the middle-aged man.

“George Washington, the President of the United States. I’ll ask you directly.”

George Washington, surprisingly calm despite being captured, showed no sign of fear in front of Sagong Lin. Sagong Lin continued.

“Are you receiving support from the Twelve Joules?”

“I don’t quite understand what you mean, Your Majesty of the Great Bear Empire.”

“We wish to know the origins of the United States. I believe that as an ordinary human, your ability to establish equal or higher relations with aliens or reptilians is due to some kind of backing.”

“……”

“We don’t have the luxury of time. Therefore, we lack the leisure to calmly uncover your behind-the-scenes connections. Sorry, but if you don’t answer honestly, we cannot guarantee your life. The United States may not be safe either.”

At Sagong Lin’s words, George Washington burst into laughter.

“Hahaha!!”

“What’s so funny?”

“What do you plan to do when you learn the origins? Are you going to wipe out the United States and unify the entire world? That could be a possibility. Hahaha…”

“I have no plans for world unification at this moment.”

“Hahaha… Is that so? You’re quite candid.”

With a hearty laugh, George Washington replied.

“Then let me be frank as well. There are a total of four forces aiding me. One is the reptilian aliens known as reptiles, and another is the Aztec priests led by the ‘Black Sun’. The other two are…”

He continued playfully.

“Future beings from the continent of Atlantis. And the owner of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Revelation. Is that straightforward enough?”

“……”

“Don’t believe it? Go ahead and torture me if you want. Do what you like, I’ve told you the truth.”

“I believe you.”

Sagong Lin replied with a face devoid of any amusement.

“I want to hear more details.”

“Well, I’m not sure if the person in question would allow me to disclose that information. I’ve left my life and death in the hands of that being, so from now on, it’s up to that individual’s will.”

The next moment.

Without a hint of warning, a silver deer appeared near George Washington. This silver deer was the entity that had shown up during the great battle of the Eight Parts of the Divine, and upon sensing the silver deer, Sagong Lin immediately used his powers against it.

Eternal Dance

As Sagong Lin’s Eternal Dance unfolded, the silver deer brightened its eyes as if to block it.

[CCLF Type 2: Magical Distortion Spore Cloth Release.]

Pachung!!

The silvery barrier wrapped around the deer and George Washington. However, the Sword of the Yellow Dragon, which had somehow been caught in Sagong Lin’s hand, swiftly sliced through the moment and decapitated the silver deer.

Poof!

The silver deer burst apart, vanishing into nothingness. Sagong Lin thought he had defeated the silver deer, but suddenly, it appeared unharmed a distance away. The silver deer mumbled an unintelligible sound.

[Indeterminate Quantum Superposition State Confirmed. Chaos Heritage Ultima Level. Attempted escape sequence with the target.]

The silver deer rushed again as white light particles swirled around George Washington’s body. Realizing that the silver deer intended to take him away in mutual demise, Sagong Lin’s golden eye glittered.

Heavenly Demon Annihilation Formation

All things will be vanquished by the light of the Heavenly Demon.

Ssssssss

It seemed everything was dissolving along with the silver deer. Sagong Lin thought it unnecessary to keep watching and intended to sweep away everything in front of him, but then George Washington’s eyes turned pure white and grasped Sagong Lin’s wrist.

Grip

Godly words poured from George Washington’s mouth.

[Stop, Heavenly Demon.]

Shuuuu….

As the command burst forth, the silver deer vanished, and Sagong Lin’s golden power dissipated as well. Sagong Lin stared blankly at George Washington, sensing the tremendous being hidden in his eyes. Then he spoke.

“Are you the master of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Revelation?”

The other party appeared to show a semblance of respect to Sagong Lin as he slowly nodded his head.

[Indeed. Heavenly Demon… the one who embodies the will of the Great Being.]

“I want to know why you need to protect George Washington even at the cost of invoking a god.”

[…….]

After a moment, that existence spoke.

[At least I cannot tell you while you are who you are. Because you have already stepped onto the stage of the rising of the Great Cycle!]

“You speak in riddles. Then are you suggesting you could reveal things to another human, not me?”

[Even that information, if you can figure it out, cannot be disclosed. The moment you know everything, humanity will plummet further into chaos.]

“……”

[Even though I descend upon this fragile human body, I know I cannot defeat the Heavenly Demon like you. But don’t underestimate the great Law of Cause and Effect. The creation of the United States was precisely to keep you in check!]

At that statement, Sagong Lin was suddenly taken aback.

“You mean to say you, a being on par or above the ‘Old Ruler’, an Ancient God, created the United States?”

[Indeed. Ancient Gods, along with the illustrious beings like myself, shall support the United States as the heavens. We can no longer allow the dominance of this world to slip into your hands, Great Bear Empire.]

“That’s impossible… Why? We oppose the Demon Path and do not engage in human sacrifice. We are the very ones fighting for the future of humanity.”

[…Oh, Heavenly Demon. It’s quite astonishing that someone like you holds such ideals and ideologies. Originally, you should stand on the opposite side. You should have been able to hold the devil of the heavens beneath your feet. Yet….]

Mumbling in disbelief, that being continued.

[Our choice remains unchanged. You are a threat to humanity’s future. If you harm George Washington, we will only respond more vigorously!]

“…Is that so? Then are those from Atlantis also your subordinates?”

[They are the most alien beings. They reside on the border between mortals and immortals. They are not my kin.]

“…….”

Sagong Lin fell into deep thought. Then he spoke.

“Then, do you possess a way to save humanity at the end times?”

[None at this moment.]

“Then isn’t the establishment of the United States futile?”

[Even if the grand scheme currently leans toward ‘that individual’s’ unilateral domination, there will always be a will for rebellion. At least, I cannot allow it to proceed as he wishes. I will overturn the arena he has set.]

The divine being’s eyes sparkled.

[However, as long as you uphold the doctrine of humanity, neither I nor my kin shall oppose you! This is the utmost respect I can show to you, Heavenly Demon.]

“Alright, I’ll accept that mediation. I stake my name on it.”

[Poor soul, Heavenly Demon. May a ray of hope accompany your path to destruction….]

Pa-at

With that, the being left George Washington’s body. As George Washington rose with a dazed look, Sagong Lin spoke.

“George Washington. Until the world meets its demise, the Great Bear Empire aims to establish a lasting alliance with your country. We will become blood allies, and this pact will be upheld on my name until either side betrays.”

“…It seems the Great God has visited. Are you prepared to accept the outcome?”

“I have no choice but to accept. I have the responsibility to protect my comrades.”

Sagong Lin replied and continued.

“However, I’d like to hear a bit more about the future beings from Atlantis.”

That day.

The Great Bear Empire and the United States forged a bond of brotherhood and blood alliance that would last until the world’s end.

For decades, the world seemed to evolve peacefully, void of major incidents.

“Your Majesty! This is bad!”

A messenger rushed urgently to the imperial palace, and the chancellor received the news and reported to Emperor Sagong Lin.

“A new empire called the Nazis has emerged in Europe. It has been about three months since its founding, but information gathering has lagged…”

“What makes this such a big deal?”

“Th-that is….”

The chancellor stammered as he shared the unbelievable news.

“They claim to be an independent empire formed by pure blood… and they are currently invading neighboring nations, slaughtering all humans, young and old, in the occupied territories… They are using the slaughtered ones to create Demon Path soldiers.”

“……”

“According to reports from the reconnaissance division, the number of Demon Path soldiers summoned so far is….”

The chancellor was unable to articulate for some time. When Sagong Lin urged him with a gaze, an astonishing number finally slipped from his lips.

“Ten million.”