Manager.
A being that rarely appeared on Earth in his previous life. Even then, it would mostly manifest indirectly through messages or notifications.
Aside from the guild war incident, Shimun had never had the chance to even catch a glimpse of one.
-Please, I implore you. Restrain your anger.
The manager stood between the two Divine Kings. Although physical intervention seemed to have many limitations,
-This continued conflict benefits neither of you. You know this well.
The intervention came in the form of a text message.
However, it seemed to convey sincere effort.
『Hmph!』
“Haha. Always so meddlesome, aren’t they?”
King Enma grunted in annoyance. The Heavenly Demon showed some regret but relented.
Step.
Following the manager’s request, both Constellations took a step back. But surprisingly, even though they each only took a single step back,
Swish.
The gap between the two Constellations stretched to nearly 2 meters.
Then,
Seeing the writhing dark void, Shimun realized. The mere act of each Constellation taking a step back, ‘The world…’
Was restoring the world, which had been distorted and damaged, back to its original state. Like uncrumpling a sheet of paper.
Sssss.
The world, twisted around the focal point of their colossal clash, returned to its normal form.
Then,
Whooo…
From the impact point between the Heavenly Demon and King Enma, a massive, dark hole resembling a black hole began to form.
“Tsk.”
King Enma slightly furrowed his brow and waved his delicate hand.
Swoosh.
Like rewinding time, the hole quickly filled. Soon, the sky returned to its usual dark red state, as it had been before the clash.
Surveying the now-restored Speech Hell, “Out of respect for the manager’s effort, I will let it slide this time.”
King Enma glared at the Heavenly Demon with burning dark red eyes. She waved her arm again in the air.
“I will also personally open a gate to the Sword Trees Hell. Leave immediately.”
The space beside them split open, revealing a dark red dimensional portal. However, Shimun still had to complete Sun Wukong’s quest.
“Haha. I haven’t even received an answer yet. Do you intend to drive me away so hastily?”
As the Heavenly Demon had previously mentioned. The Emperor and Lord Shennong. Having not heard how King Enma is connected to these two incompatible beings, the Heavenly Demon maintained a gentle smile.
“Regrettably, Enma, I cannot step back just yet.”
He declined gracefully. Because of this, “You dare…!”
King Enma’s already burning eyes flared even more intensely.
Fwoosh!
The fierce aura surged around her once again but stopped there.
-Excuse me, may I say a few words?
The paused message window popped up again. The impending clash between the Heavenly Demon and King Enma was momentarily defused.
-The reason for your current conflict is due to the Bull Demon King’s seal, correct?
The manager’s inquiry met with silence as the two Constellations continued their standoff. However, it seemed the manager wasn’t expecting a verbal response.
-We believe this issue can be appropriately mediated by us.
The manager continued without hesitation.
At that, “What nonsense is this?”
One of the Constellations broke the silence.
“What are you proposing to mediate?”
King Enma asked, glaring at the manager with visible irritation.
-It’s simple. King Enma, you wish to completely conceal the Bull Demon King’s seal and the two giant players, correct?
“And so?”
-We will take full responsibility for concealing them.
In response to the manager’s words, “Haha! Is this a new manager?”
The Heavenly Demon let out his characteristic laugh. But it was just a laugh.
“You must have been active for a long time to dare say such things before me.”
The smile of the Heavenly Demon, filled with spirit and murderous intent, was so intense that even Shimun, observing from a distance, his whole body quivered slightly at the intensity.
Shiver.
Naturally,
-Please, remain calm. I mentioned appropriate mediation before. I have conditions that will satisfy you as well.
The manager quickly presented a proposal to the Heavenly Demon.
-Heavenly Demon, are you curious about how King Enma is connected to Lord Shennong of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and Yellow Emperor Gongsun Xuanyuan?
Was this proposal to his satisfaction?
“That’s right. More precisely, I want to know how the Bull Demon King sealed by Gongsun ended up here.”
The Heavenly Demon, having subdued his aura, looked at the colossal statue.
The seal of the Bull Demon King.
“But how did you allow Lord Shennong’s subordinates near that seal?”
Because of this,
“Ha!”
King Enma burst into a dry laugh.
However, before she could say anything to the Heavenly Demon,
-That’s right. We will also clarify that part for you.
The manager stepped forward.
-However, this can only be disclosed personally to the Heavenly Demon.
Was this response unexpected?
“Oh? You really intend to reveal that? Does this mean you were aware of this situation?”
A glint appeared in the Heavenly Demon’s eyes.
Conversely, “Who gave you the authority!”
King Enma’s eyes flared up.
“I listened because you were a manager. Now you’re overstepping your bounds!”
However, the manager seemed prepared to argue.
-Please calm down. Strictly speaking, it was King Enma who violated the regulations, correct?
Unlike his previously submissive tone, the manager did not display absolute deference.
“Nonsense! I have no connection with the Galaxy Arena! Are you telling me you don’t know that, as a manager?”
King Enma exploded in rage.
-We are fully aware. That is precisely why I bring this up…
The manager’s gaze, or rather, the message window, shifted slightly past King Enma to the enormous statue behind her.
The colossal statue of the Bull Demon King. Observing the seal, the manager asked,
-Do you truly intend to scrutinize how ‘that’ came to be here?
Emphasizing ‘that’ as the Bull Demon King’s seal.
“You…!”
King Enma clenched her fists but could do nothing more. Even though her body trembled with barely contained wrath, she couldn’t muster any retort or response.
Seeing this, the Heavenly Demon chuckled.
“Haha! Enma? I don’t know the specifics of your situation.”
He laughed lightly, stroking his beard like a sage.
Of course, “But shouldn’t you handle this tactfully? Being connected to that emperor… it could be quite filthy.”
His eyes were filled not with composure but with ruthlessness. As the Heavenly Demon said, had she realized that letting this escalate would be disadvantageous?
“… Fine.”
King Enma subdued her boiling rage.
“So, do you intend to reveal the full story only to that depraved lecher?”
Taking a step back from the manager’s mediation.
-That’s correct. Of course, we will also require a vow from the Heavenly Demon to prevent any leaks.
“Ha? Do you dare to gag me?”
The Heavenly Demon questioned in return.
– We are merely here to clarify the legitimate questions Heavenly Demon has regarding this incident.
The manager turned back to the Heavenly Demon.
– After all, the reason for this conflict is the question you raised, correct? Or…
He trailed off momentarily, then added,
– Do you perhaps have ‘other motives’?
Just as he had emphasized to King Enma before.
“This is getting interesting.”
The Heavenly Demon chuckled.
“Even a manager dares to interrogate me, huh…”
He clasped his hands behind his back.
Tap, tap.
The Heavenly Demon rhythmically tapped his fingers. A simple action that an ordinary old man might do. But why?
“…….”
…….
A deep tension settled over the faces of King Enma and the manager.
Similarly, ‘…This is incredible.’
Shimun, who was closely observing, felt the same.
‘No visible aura or emotion, yet… my entire body tensed up.’
Considering Shimun was in his Dragonoid state, the current atmosphere exuded by the Heavenly Demon was truly beyond comprehension.
Then, ‘Hm?’
Was it an illusion?
Despite the dangerous atmosphere, it felt like the Heavenly Demon’s gaze brushed past Shimun’s for a moment.
Soon, “Very well.”
The inexplicable sense of danger vanished.
“I shall do as you suggest.”
Returning to his usual serene demeanor, with a gentle smile, the Heavenly Demon responded.
-Thank you…
“However.”
Interrupting the manager,
“King Enma has stated she has no ties to Galaxy Arena or this incident.”
The Heavenly Demon looked at King Enma.
“Henceforth, she should refrain from involving herself in any future matters here.”
Had King Enma understood the implication of his words?
“What nonsense is this!”
She attempted to refute immediately but could say no more.
“Did you not consistently assert you had no connection to that?”
The Heavenly Demon countered swiftly.
“Or could it be… a lie?”
His gaze filled with an eerie coldness.
Grit.
King Enma ground her teeth but could only glare. With both the manager and the Heavenly Demon staring at her, “…It cannot be.”
After keeping her eyes closed for a while, “Heavenly Demon, as you say, I have no connection to the Bull Demon King’s seal or those giant beings.”
She ultimately conceded.
“Kahahah!”
Rumble.
The Heavenly Demon, laughing loudly enough to shake the atmosphere, said, “Yes! Exactly! As the ruler of Speech Hell and the leader of the Kings of Hell, there’s no way you’d dare to lie!”
With a cruel and victorious gaze, he looked down at King Enma. Clenching her fists in humiliation, King Enma retorted, “Heavenly Demon… This applies to you as well!”
Her resistance was subdued and low.
“Of course. Having acknowledged your integrity, I will withdraw as expected.”
With a sidelong glance at Shimun, the Heavenly Demon smoothly stepped back.
*
With the two Constellations stepping back, “Ugh!”
“Grr!”
The giants who had been immobilized felt their bodies regain freedom.
Boom.
Although their freedom was restored, Lungtnir and Velyaz’s faces remained grim.
The reason was simple.
“If… if this continues…”
“Hmm…”
King Enma and the Heavenly Demon. Two Divine Kings clashed, leading to the manager’s intervention. And then, even mediation. While they were pinned to the ground by the presence of the Divine Kings,
They had heard every word exchanged among them clearly.
Thus, “K-King Enma, are you truly going to withdraw just like that?”
From the route crossing from Sword Trees Hell to Speech Hell, to the guidance at the heart of Speech Hell where the Bull Demon King’s seal lay,
“We had an agreement with Lord Shennong!”
They had heard King Enma’s statement about not interfering anymore. Their anxiety was justified.
“……”
King Enma, having stepped back, remained silent.
She gave no answer.
Thus, “Hey!”
Lungtnir tried to raise his voice.
“I have one question.”
But Velyaz stepped in front of him. Like Lungtnir, he must have been quite flustered by the situation.
“I have heard that promises between Constellations are more than just words.”
Taking a step forward, Velyaz continued calmly.
“Indeed.”
King Enma, who had been silent, spoke.
“Then this decision must bring you some disadvantage, King Enma.”
“That is also true.”
“In that case…”
Trailing off slightly, Velyaz added,
“Would you propose a method to keep your promise to Lord Shennong without directly interfering in this matter…”
As he continued,
Crackle.
The sound of crackling lightning was heard.
There was no need to hesitate.
Hiss!
Immediately, Lungtnir and Velyaz flared with all their strength, emitting steam from their bodies.
Especially from behind Velyaz, and closer to the incoming attack, Lungtnir immediately shouted, “No chance…!”
Wham!
With a fist infused with his characteristic aura, strength, and the giant race’s unique might, he struck out. Although it paled in comparison to the two Divine Kings,
Boom!
It was a powerful strike for a Master Rank player that cut through the air. But that was it.
Crack!
The hammer wrapped in blue lightning. And then,
Wham.
The moment the dark, powerful energy met the hammer,
Crash!!
A chilling sound of flesh and bone breaking echoed.
Following that, fragments of bone and flesh, imbued with blue lightning,
Thud, thud.
Fell like a torrential downpour.
“……”
Velyaz, having been hit by the remnants, widened his eyes.
The 18-meter tall Lungtnir, no, now reduced to only 10 meters after losing most of his upper body, including his fist,
Boom….
Lungtnir fell powerlessly, and Velyaz could only watch. But it was only a moment. In his usual calm manner, Velyaz quickly took something out from his pocket.
“King Enma! Please grant me permission!”
He revealed a dark seal.
“That is…”
King Enma’s eyes widened for a brief moment upon seeing it.
She was about to speak, the sound of Mjolnir’s lightning echoed again.
Crack!
“Hurry!!”
In defiance, Velyaz raised his voice at the Divine King.
“Well, I don’t stand to lose anything. Alright.”
With a cruel smile, “This will fulfill my promise to Lord Shennong.”
She waved her hand in the air.
Then,
Whoosh!
As when she first revealed her true form, the space around Velyaz was rapidly drawn into the dark seal he held.
Simultaneously,
Crack!
Mjolnir, held by Shimun, flew towards them.
“Ahaha! It’s too late now!”
Velyaz, previously unseen with such a maniacal expression, laughed wildly.
“Come with me! To the eternal abyss!!”
His voice was filled with madness.
With that,
Swoosh.
Velyaz, Shimun, and the half-body of Lungtnir, everything in the vicinity vanished without a trace.
“……”
“……”
A small silence enveloped the area.
The manager who had mediated between the two had vanished. King Enma, watching the spot where Shimun and Velyaz had disappeared, slowly turned her gaze.
“Why didn’t you stop them?”
She glanced sideways.
“Haha. Don’t you know what your disciple possesses? Moreover…”
The Heavenly Demon approached her quietly.
“Breaking an oath imposes troublesome constraints, doesn’t it? I wouldn’t want to see you struggle.”
“Hah! You’re so slippery.”
King Enma scoffed and pursed her lips at his answer.
“Indeed, he holds a Fragment of Tartaros, but that’s all. Heavenly Demon. He won’t die there, but… a mortal’s mind can’t withstand it.”
However, despite her words, the Heavenly Demon simply let out his characteristic light laugh.
“You laugh?”
When Enma’s eyes twitched at this, “You truly seem detached from the Arena. You have no idea who gave him that, do you?”
“What?”
The Heavenly Demon answered with an enigmatic smile.
Before King Enma could say anything else, “By the way, the monkey’s karma is still unresolved… What do you think?”
He continued with a sly smile.
“How about we have some Sshanghwacha in Enra Palace alone, for old times’ sake?”
“You haven’t changed at all. How dare you wag that tongue so freely in Speech Hell.”
“Haha! My tongue wagging is second to none, even in the Heavenly Demon Divine Art. Enma, who knows it better than you?”
With his increasingly lecherous gaze,
“… You bastard.”
Enma turned abruptly and disappeared into the dark red dimensional gate.
Of course,
Whum.
The gate remained open. Seeing this, the Heavenly Demon chuckled.
“Haha! Everyone, direct your attention that way.”
He gestured towards the spot where Shimun and Velyaz had disappeared with a sly smile.
“If you continue watching, you’ll end up in hell.”
He hurriedly walked into King Enma’s dimensional gate.
TL’s Corner:
Okay, I might have missed something, but it seems King Enma is a woman.
Also, Heavenly Demon is such a smooth talker.