Chapter 377: Chapter 377

The situation in Ganghwange was progressing smoothly, without any significant deviations from the script.

The final battle, a clash between the combined forces of the major Murim factions and the demon army,

…had ended in victory for the Murim Alliance and their demon allies. The Demonic Cult, excluding their leader, the Heavenly Demon, had been completely annihilated, their warriors perishing on the battlefield.

And the Heavenly Demon himself had been used as a sacrifice to restore the Dragon Heart, his existence erased from this world.

The only remaining members of the Demonic Cult were the insignificant remnants who hadn’t participated in the final battle.

‘…Though Hans retrieved him immediately after the ritual.’

He wasn't going to just discard such a valuable asset!

The Heavenly Demon jiangshi was arguably Hans’s most powerful undead creation.

Even with the assistance of the prepared stage and the subtle manipulation of events, the fact that he had been able to fight on equal footing against multiple transcendent beings was undeniable.

After all, that was the main objective.

The Scribe undead creation project was still in progress, as Hans had been focusing on the Heavenly Demon jiangshi for the rehearsal… but it wouldn't take long to complete.

The remaining tasks didn't require Hans’s personal involvement.

‘Hugo is returning to Yungjung Mountain with the Zhuge Clan…’

His heroic actions, comparable to those of Mysterious Realm experts, had left a deep impression on many.

His boundless internal energy, his overwhelming martial prowess, his elegant techniques, his bravery and selflessness…

He had earned the grand title of ‘Heavenly Dragon Sword Saint’ and forged strong bonds with many influential figures.

‘And that will be incredibly helpful for his future activities. He’s the perfect candidate for a public figure.’

Of course, he wasn't planning to just stay at the Zhuge Clan’s estate.

It would be much more beneficial for him to travel the continent, upholding justice and eradicating evil, his reputation growing with each passing day.

‘Once I’ve dealt with those who didn't cooperate and the irredeemable scum… I’ll focus on restoring order and stabilizing the situation.’

I smiled, stroking my chin thoughtfully.

Just thinking about the Karma he would acquire made him feel… content.

The various factions and the demons, who had fought alongside each other against a common enemy, risking their lives for the future of this world…

They would work together to maintain peace and harmony, even without his intervention.

And considering their positions of power within their respective factions, it wouldn’t be difficult.

‘And there’s still the Demonic Cult’s headquarters and the remaining remnants…’

The lingering threat would further strengthen their alliance.

He would just have to… occasionally remind them of the danger, to keep them on their toes.

And that would, of course, translate into Karma points for him.

『Karma Owned - 9,574,649』

I glanced at the updated number, my lips curling into a smile.

The number was increasing rapidly, like the fractions of a second on a stopwatch, its momentum seemingly unstoppable.

‘This should continue for a while.’

Karma points were awarded based on the impact he had on the world.

And this was just the down payment, before the true reconstruction efforts even began.

Considering that his influence extended to every aspect of Ganghwange’s future, it was like a… guaranteed pension plan.

‘How should I use this?’

…that he would be able to enhance his unique skill again soon.

‘It costs 2 million points.’

A significant increase from the previous 1.5 million.

At this rate, the next upgrade would probably cost 2.5 million, or even 3 million.

His current balance, close to 9.6 million, didn’t seem like much…

“Well, I’ll earn more by then.”

With his two-pronged approach, Auterica and Ganghwange, his Karma income was substantial.

It was increasing faster than his expenses, even with the regular purchase of the “Growth Elixir (7 days) (200,000)”.

‘And I’ve also acquired a new perk.’

The Karma points from achievements and great feats were just a bonus.

The real reward was the perk itself.

Like 「Interdimensional Transfer Formation Summon」, acquired after his first great feat, the newly acquired 「Savior」 perk also held immense potential.

‘To negate all restrictions in other dimensions…’

It was a powerful reward, removing most of the limitations he had been facing.

Hans could now create jiangshi in Auterica, summon the Immortal Army to Ganghwange, and freely manipulate his undead forces across dimensions.

He could also use magic tools from one world in another without any restrictions, and even use modern technology, which had been impossible to transfer before.

It was a privilege no other Awakened could even dream of.

‘Of course, I’ll have to test its limits.’

He felt a pang of regret for the high-ranking jiangshi he had sacrificed in Ganghwange, but it couldn't be helped.

After all, it was thanks to that sacrifice that the rehearsal had been such a success.

“Hmm, I wonder if there’s something else at 10 million.”

He was currently at 9.6 million.

At this rate, he would reach 10 million in a few hours.

‘…Though I’ve already reached it once, so it might not work. Should I try for 20 million? It shouldn’t take too long if I’m proactive…’

As he was pondering the question,

…his phone, which he had left on the table, began to ring.

It was his personal phone, not the one he used for his underworld activities.

Naturally, his social circle was… limited.

-“Hey, are you still alive? Let’s catch up if you’re free.”

It was a familiar voice.

Kang Tae-san, his only friend in the ‘real world’.

-“I have something important to discuss.”

His voice, unusually serious and somber, made him frown.

It seemed like something had happened.

“Hey! It’s been so long! I almost forgot what you look like!”

I looked at Kang Tae-san, who was greeting me enthusiastically at the pub we had agreed to meet at, my expression slightly puzzled.

His cheerful demeanor didn’t match the serious tone of his voice on the phone.

He just looked… tired, as usual, waving his hand casually.

“…Yeah, it’s good to see you. So, what’s up? I thought something serious had happened.”

“Ah, that? I’ll tell you later. Sit down. Two crispy fried chickens, one spicy, and two beers, please!”

I nodded and sat down.

If it wasn’t urgent, he could wait.

“Haa, I’m finally alive. I’ve been working non-stop because of that damn terrorist attack… I don’t even expect to leave work on time anymore, I just want to be able to sleep at home.”

Kang Tae-san, taking a large gulp of beer, began to complain.

The recent terrorist attacks in Seoul.

The astronomical property damage, the unprecedented casualties… Korea had been reeling from its aftermath.

And naturally, Kang Tae-san, who worked in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Supernatural Management Bureau, had been incredibly busy.

Today was his first day off in a while.

‘They resolved the situation quickly. Well, the entire country was focused on it.’

And while large-scale terrorist attacks were rare, smaller incidents weren't uncommon, so they were relatively well-prepared.

Both the authorities and the citizens were used to it.

Even this pub, just a few blocks away from one of the attack sites, was operating normally.

“Huu, if it wasn’t for the vigilantes, I would still be trapped in that hellhole.”

“Really? I’ve seen a lot of discussions online about giving them some kind of official recognition, like a license or something.”

“Yeah, we’ve also discussed it. But I don’t think it’ll pass. Even government officials are corrupt, so giving those vigilantes, who operate without any oversight or accountability, official authority would be a disaster.”

Vigilantes, individuals who operated outside the law, taking matters into their own hands.

Under normal circumstances, they would be punished… but in these chaotic times, their contribution to maintaining order was undeniable.

‘It seems Jin So-ran is doing a good job.’

I took a sip of my beer, listening to his complaints.

The largest and most influential vigilante group in Korea was the Blood Alliance.

Having taken control of the underworld thanks to Heinz the Second, they had mobilized their forces, including their subordinate organizations and affiliated individuals, to crack down on violent crimes.

‘…Most of the vigilantes are probably under their control.’

They had the power, the organization, and the resources.

The criminals who would have otherwise exploited the chaos were now being hunted down by their own kind, their actions controlled by the Blood Alliance.

Naturally, the situation hadn't escalated as much as it could have.

“We’re also receiving donations from various corporations… Did you hear? Howard Industry d a massive sum of money to the affected areas. They’re a new company, but they’re incredibly wealthy. It’s making our job easier.”

As we chatted, the chicken and beer gradually disappeared, but Kang Tae-san still hadn’t mentioned the ‘important thing’ he wanted to discuss.

‘What is it? Why is he being so hesitant?’

I was about to ask him again, when—.

“Hey, I thought it was just my imagination, but… you seem… different. Your appearance, your aura…”

I paused, his words catching me off guard.

I unconsciously touched my face, repeating his words in my mind.

But there was no need to think too deeply about it.

‘It must be the divinity.’

The faint divine spark that had sprouted within him.

It wasn’t very noticeable, as he had distributed most of his power among his ten avatars… but there was still a subtle aura, an otherworldly presence, that couldn't be completely concealed.

‘He can sense it even with “Existence Denial”? His senses are quite sharp.’

Perhaps it was because they had known each other for so long.

I lowered my hand and stroked my chin, wondering how to respond, when…

…Kang Tae-san, who had been observing me intently, suddenly snapped his fingers.

“Ah! I knew it! You’ve been… taking care of yourself! Your skin is glowing! Share your secrets!”

Well, it was true that his skin had improved thanks to the energy and divine power…

It was easier to just agree.

“I’ve been working out. Appearance is also important these days. You should get some sleep instead of making excuses. You look like a zombie with those dark circles under your eyes.”

“I’d love to sleep if I could! I have to at least try to maintain my appearance! It’ll only get worse if I do nothing!”

He sighed and grumbled.

If he had something important to say, he would eventually get to it.

I chuckled softly and casually said,

“Why bother? You don’t even have anyone to impress.”

I felt a pang of… something… as I said those words, but I dismissed it as just my imagination.

Unlike him, I wasn't single because I couldn’t find a girlfriend, I was single because I didn’t want one!

“Actually, about that…”

My friend, avoiding my gaze, an awkward smile on his face…

I sensed something… unusual.

“Honey! There you are!”

A cheerful voice, a woman’s voice, called out from the side.

It wasn’t directed at me, of course.

“Sorry, sorry! Something came up at work.”

“It’s okay, we were just about to leave. Oh, this is my friend I was talking about. We’ve been friends for over ten years, he’s practically family.”

“Hello! I’m Park Mi-yeong. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Kang Tae-san was chatting happily with a beautiful woman.

I forced a smile and turned to my friend,

…my gaze demanding an explanation.

“Well… it just… happened.”

He scratched the back of his head awkwardly as the woman, slightly older than him, linked her arm with his.

Han Seong-hyeon, forever alone.

He had just lost his oldest friend.