Chapter 26: The Sanctuary of Belial (1)

All around was red earth.

Lava flowed through the cracked ground.

It seemed as if it would melt everything it touched at any moment, and yet, there was no heat.

A corner of the Sanctuary of Belial.

Taehoo opened his eyes there, not realizing it was a Sanctuary.

“What kind of deal are you proposing?”

Before him stood a man with strong, bold features and vivid red hair.

It didn’t take much for Taehoo to realize that this was Belial, taking on a human form.

“This is a form I haven’t even shown to my Followers. You’d better answer properly.”

Belial, uncharacteristically for a Constellation, was making threats.

[Heh, that brat’s gotten big.]

Ba’al spoke from inside Taehoo’s head.

From Belial’s reaction, it didn’t seem he could hear Ba’al’s voice.

Ba’al.

The First Demon.

He could once again sense the weight that name carried.

As Taehoo’s abilities hinted, Ba’al was said to have been able to steal all Demons’ abilities in the Underworld.

But, Ba’al insisted that rather than take by force, he had chosen to receive power through surrender, out of his “broad heart.”

As a “reward,” he left the Demons with some power.

‘Back then, Ba’al was called Ba’al the Glutton.’

He dressed it up as “surrender,” but it was no different from outright thuggery.

The fact that Belial, even in human form, revealed his true body meant he felt that much fear toward Ba’al’s power.

It seemed Ba’al’s stories, told so often his mouth should be worn out, weren’t just made up.

“This isn’t really a situation where you should be threatening me, is it?”

“What? You’re just a human…”

The lava flowing along the ley lines boiled up.

It was clear that Belial was furious.

Taehoo swallowed dryly.

He stood here as Belial’s equal for the sake of a deal, but the pressure was overwhelming.

“I am the First Demon Ba’al’s only Follower. I’m here to propose, by his will, that you surrender your power.”

Surrender? Is he saying, “If you quietly hand it over, I won’t kill you, at least?”

Belial asked back, incredulous.

Was this how Ba’al had taken power?

Ba’al let out a fake cough.

“Right, I didn’t want to go that far, so I came to make a deal. If you don’t accept, I’ll have to take it by force.”

Taehoo looked Belial straight in the eyes.

“By force? Don’t tell me you’ve fully inherited Ba’al’s power…”

Belial asked, briefly flustered.

As expected. If he’d felt Ba’al’s power, this was the one thing he’d most fear.

‘I only have an obvious, watered-down version, though.’

But,

There was no way Belial would notice that.

He couldn’t imagine Ba’al was dwelling within Taehoo’s own body.

“Why do you think I became his only Follower?”

At Taehoo’s non-denial, Belial’s expression stiffened visibly.

Then, he tried to use his power to read Taehoo’s Status Window and Skill Window.

[Where do you think you’re going?]

Ba’al blocked that power.

Belial’s eyes shook violently.

‘I can’t see his Status Window? Has a human really fully inherited his power? Is that why he hasn’t chosen another Follower for so long?’

Countless thoughts spun through his mind.

Belial was, in a word, panicking.

“W-What kind of deal do you want?”

He’d yielded. Taehoo could barely contain his joy.

“It’s simple. Just surrender to me as much power as you give your Followers. In return, I’ll make your House greater than any Demon’s.”

Taehoo said, his voice brimming with confidence.

If that was truly possible, it was a great bargain.

Assuming, of course, that he could trust the human before him.

But Belial had no choice but to believe.

Because Taehoo’s words sounded no different from Ba’al’s own.

‘If he says he’ll do something, he’ll do it.’

Belial thought,

“Then, what will happen to my current Follower?”

He was referring to Jin Tae.

“I’ll make sure that nothing bad happens to your contractor, Jin Tae… I promise.”

As much as possible, anyway.

Just as “surrender” had a very different meaning for Ba’al, there was no guarantee Taehoo would mean it the same way.

“Fine. I’ll trust you, just this once.”

With those words, his vision faded.

Only a fleeting moment had passed.

The hand placed on the Holy Relic now pulsed rhythmically, unlike before.

[Constellation ‘Belial’ chooses you!]

[The Mark of Belial is engraved upon your arm!]

The contract was a success.

The two had safely acquired Belial’s power.

Jin Tae never even suspected what had taken place between Taehoo and his Constellation.

He simply felt proud that his Constellation recognized those he approved of.

“Now, begin your mission. Failure is not an option.”

Jin Tae spoke, hiding his feelings.

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

They answered at the same time and left the underground together.

‘It went smoothly with the Sword God, but I’m glad I kept in mind the possibility they might notice Ba’al’s presence.’

That was how Taehoo had been able to prepare for such situations.

‘It’s lucky I had a reliable way to use this, but I should be more careful unless the situation is as clear as now.’

There was no guarantee things would continue to go this well.

For Taehoo, who had survived countless crises as a stray dog, it was a lesson he never forgot.

‘The Penalty and benefit of this power is Ba’al himself.’

Ba’al residing within his body.

He could bluff higher beings like just now, but unlike with Ba’al, he couldn’t actually steal a Constellation’s power.

He could only use a Constellation’s power when given permission.

But if the Constellations could sense Ba’al’s presence, it would be twice as hard to earn their favor.

He could now understand why the Dantalion House had been so desperate to destroy Ba’al’s Holy Relic.

[What are you worried about? The fact you’ve already obtained three powers means your potential is beyond comparison with anyone.]

Ba’al continued, telling him to just open his Skill Window.

‘Right, I should check what I’ve obtained.’

Thinking so, Taehoo recited the activation phrase inwardly.

[Shadow Blade]

-Origin: Belial

-Description: The despicable demonic technique that kills without sound or presence! Your sword loses its sound! Your movements erase their presence!

It was a Skill specialized for ambush.

‘A sword that erases sound and presence…’

For an assassin or spy, there could be no greater ability.

A person’s presence was at its greatest when they revealed their intent to kill.

But this Skill claimed to erase that very presence.

‘It would pair well with the Sword God’s overwhelming power.’

Namjin could kill his presence and cut through anything with the Sword God’s power alone.

He could vividly recall a sword, dropped lightly, slicing a mountain in two.

But Taehoo had yet to reach that level.

This power would help him deceive opponents and sharpen his abilities.

‘It’s more useful than I thought.’

He’d only learned of it through information in his previous life. He hadn’t known its details like now.

[Ah, this Skill brings back memories.]

Contrary to Taehoo’s judgment, Ba’al’s commentary was rather off the mark.

[Intimidation]

-Origin: Belial

-Description: A gaze that strikes fear into your opponent! Anyone whose mind is overtaken by you will confess all they know! Overpower your target and extract the information you need! However, the target’s life force is reduced while under this Skill!

This one was perfect for torture.

Both were Skills that explained how the Belial House made their name as information brokers and assassins in his past life.

And above all,

‘They’re usable right now, instant assets.’

That was why Taehoo had pushed the deal to obtain Belial’s powers.

‘But why didn’t Jin Tae use these Skills on me?’

Was it because he moved to win my trust?

Or did it simply not work?

Most likely the latter.

He’d never met the condition of having his mind overtaken by Jin Tae.

‘It doesn’t matter.’

The very existence of these added abilities gave him a clear direction for his next mission.

‘Kuro… I’ll make you confess everything you know.’

Of course, he would have to overpower his opponent first.

But there were plenty of ways to do that.

Taehoo rolled up his sleeve.

Where there was still a stinging pain, a scar left by a blade remained.

Unlike the Sword God’s insignia, this was just a wound that looked like a mark.

‘Now, with this power…’

Taehoo opened his Quest Window once more.

[Assassin’s Talent]

Description – Master of Belial, Kim Jin-tae, has declared you shall receive the power of the Holy Relic! Use that power to take the life of the target he has named! Master of Belial expects you to make use of your comrades and information!

Reward – Bonus Stat Point +5

‘Assassination…’

Kuro had received abilities as a member of the Dantalion House.

He might only have the lowest rank’s power, but he was not someone to be taken lightly.

Taehoo returned to his room, hurriedly packed, and left the Safehouse.

Outside the Safehouse, Juhyeok was waiting.

[You have received a Quest!]

At that moment, another message rang out.

[Fulfillment of Promise]

Description – Belial wants you to keep your promise! This quest will remain until you fulfill that promise! Belial is watching you!

Reward – Already received.

Penalty – Possession Descent.

[Unbelievable, to go this far—sometimes I’m ashamed to be a Demon.]

Ba’al clicked his tongue.

‘Possession Descent, huh…’

It meant a Constellation could descend into the world through their Follower.

If the Follower died in that state, the Constellation would also suffer significant damage—such was the nature of this power.

‘So, if I don’t keep the promise, they’ll kill me, even by possessing me if they have to.’

For Ba’al to send such a quest, despite knowing Taehoo was his own Follower, proved just how much insurance he wanted.

‘Actually, I should thank him for the hint.’

It was a threatening quest, but Taehoo was grateful for it.

Belial had effectively revealed one of his trump cards to Taehoo through this quest.

‘Time to move.’

Taehoo had now completely left the Safehouse. Juhyeok was waiting outside.

Juhyeok, too, was lightly packed.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

His voice, much calmer than the day before, once again made Taehoo appreciate Juhyeok’s abilities.

‘I never thought I’d be heading back to the Sewer this soon. And to kill someone I hadn’t planned on.’

With such thoughts,

The two burned Jin Tae’s report on Kuro’s movements into their minds.

‘At the time we arrive, he’ll probably be at the Subterranean Restaurant or the Arena.’

First destination: Subterranean Restaurant. Then, the Arena.

Their steps led them toward wherever Kuro might be.