Chapter 100

00100 Suhyun's Madness

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Thanks to Ansol's unintentional antics (?), the atmosphere among the group became much brighter. Of course, the culprit herself had a flushed face and was shedding tears, but what could be done? It was funny, after all. The group seemed to have a clearer head and were able to enjoy their rest. I wanted to rest too, but that plan was foiled when Ansol, crying, ran to me and clung to me.

We then left the fallen Wraith Knight behind and resumed our exploration.

The second floor was a paradise for the undead. Every time we opened a door, undead experimental subjects from the laboratory would burst out, and each time, Bibian's eyes would blaze with fury. Honestly, I didn't see much difference between what they did and what the lab personnel did, but I couldn't quite understand why she was so angry.

We turned clockwise and reached the north door, which opened to reveal an empty space. I had expected a staircase leading to the third floor, but my expectations were dashed. Since we had already rested sufficiently in the room with the Wraith Knight, calming down the wailing Ansol, we moved directly to the east door, the last on the second floor.

When we opened the east door, the undead that greeted us was none other than a Mummy.

The Mummy itself wasn't a particularly difficult monster, but it had the ability to regenerate. Anhyun and Yujung kept cutting its bandages, but they would quickly regenerate, continuously threatening the group. The bandages I cut didn't regenerate, but soon new bandages would emerge from inside, making things very difficult for us.

In the end, there was only one solution. I raised my left hand, which wore a ring.

"Anti Magic."

A white light rose from the ring on my left finger, and taking advantage of this, Jung Hyeon-yeon cast her specialty, an application spell.

"Target: Mummy. Overlap."

The white light from my left hand seeped into the bandages surrounding the Mummy. Soon, the bandages were enveloped in white light, and they quickly faded.

Although she hadn't learned high-level spells like Dispel, application spells could cover for that in the right situation. Yujung's dagger then swept across the Mummy's bandages, and a scream could be heard.

Anhyun also thrust his spear into the Mummy's abdomen, and I swiftly slashed at its neck with my sword, determined to finish it off. The Mummy let out a terrible scream and then collapsed. I cheered and quickly grabbed the back of the kids who were trying to get closer, pulling them away from the fallen Mummy.

Bang!

The kids wriggled for a moment, but when they saw the Mummy's corpse explode, releasing a foul smell, they shut their mouths. They shivered occasionally, and if they had gotten closer, they would have been drenched in the poisonous liquid. After confirming that the Mummy had turned into a rag, I finally let the kids go.

"Good job. Jung Hyeon-yeon's spell application is really impressive."

"It's nothing compared to the close combat warriors who risk their lives in the front. Don't flatter me too much."

Jung Hyeon-yeon answered humbly, but she didn't seem too upset, as a faint smile appeared on her face. Beside her, Bibian pouted, and Ansol, with her swollen eyes, also pouted. However, they didn't say anything, having seen the skills of Jung Hyeon-yeon and Shin Sang-yong firsthand. Since the inclusion of the two mages, especially Jung Hyeon-yeon, their achievements on the second floor had almost matched Bibian's.

Inside the east door's room, there was a staircase leading to the third floor. As I stared at the staircase, Shin Sang-yong approached and spoke.

"Leader, do you plan to go up to the third floor now?"

"Of course. How is everyone feeling?"

As I turned to ask, the group revealed their well-being with various gestures. However, Anhyun had a look of regret and kept looking back.

"Anhyun."

"Ah, yes, bro. I'm fine."

When I called him, he jumped and nodded. I could guess what Anhyun was hoping for, so I shook my head.

"Don't be too disappointed if we didn't get any items on the second floor. The items we've already obtained are already a huge windfall."

"Right... But, bro, couldn't I use the items the Wraith Knight had?"

"No, it's better to leave them as they are."

I was about to say, "Hmm, should I bring them?" but Bibian beat me to it. As Anhyun's gaze turned to Bibian, she also shook her head and continued.

"Those items, which can't even be called undead, have been used for a long time by lingering spirits. If ordinary humans use them, they could be harmful. Weapons that protect the user's life could turn around and threaten yours."

"Hmm, Master, couldn't we use Purification?"

"Idiot. These items have dark attributes. They wouldn't survive the purification process. Besides, they look pretty worn out and don't seem to have much durability."

"Ah, I see. You're right, Master."

Her explanation made sense, so I nodded. Despite her logical explanation, Anhyun, who couldn't let go of his desire, sighed when he saw me agree.

"We still have the third floor. Everyone, let's keep going. We'll head up now."

After promising to give Anhyun a gift when I obtain a Qi Gong Specialist, I moved towards the staircase leading to the third floor. The group quietly followed me and began to climb the stairs one by one.

*

When we opened the door to the third floor, a single space came into view. This space, despite the passage of time, seemed to want to reveal the past tragedy, preserving the gruesome scene. To put it simply, it was a pile of ashes. The space was left with only ashes.

It looked as if a small-scale war had been fought in this space. The group seemed to lose their words as they saw the scattered fragments and black, rusted debris.

However, I had a different reason for being speechless.

The third floor was filled with a calm silence, but soon a rustling sound was heard, and a figure rose. At the same time, the chair the figure had been sitting on crumbled with a crack.

"It's been a long time since I've seen humans..."

The figure slowly turned to face us. Its skin was a dark blue, with a horn protruding from its forehead, and devilish wings fluttered behind its back. The figure was a demon.

Upon seeing the demon, the group all showed a start. They hadn't expected to encounter a demon so soon. I was the same. I knew we would meet a demon, but I never imagined we would meet <him> here.

"It's been a long time since I've seen humans, but you're not saying anything. How boring."

No doubt. It's definitely him. His arrogant face, his condescending eyes, and his habit of ending sentences with "How boring." How much I had wanted to meet him again. How many things I had wanted to do and say to him. All the things I had only wished for in my heart, all the things I had buried in a corner of my heart upon returning, were now slowly rising within me.

I rubbed my eyes and looked at him again. This is reality. I wanted to pinch myself to confirm it was real. I felt my chest swell as I gripped my sword. The heavy hilt was not as pleasant as usual today.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Say something. It's been a long time since I've seen humans..."

"Su, Suhyun."

"Bro."

My heart pounded roughly. The blood in my body, which had been dormant, surged and burned hot. I felt my old self, which I had lost while being with the kids, returning. I opened my mouth with a boiling voice.

"Meeting you... Hah... It's been a while."

"Hmm. You humans lack manners. Even if I tell you to speak, can't you kneel and show respect before speaking? Lowly creature."

Madman.

"I am Belphegor, a proud demon with the rank of Duke in the Demon Realm. I repeat, kneel."

"Ah, shut up. If you're a Duke... it's a headache."

Bibian frowned and muttered. Belphegor, the demon of sloth, is classified as a high-level demon. While not comparable to the highest level, he has the potential to reach it and possesses considerable power. At least, that's what he claims.

"Understand and be careful with your words and actions from now on. Hmm... Even if I am the demon of sloth, being trapped here for so long without going anywhere was too unpleasant. Since it's been a long time since I've seen humans, I'll show mercy this one time."

As the group listened to his words, they all showed uncomfortable expressions.

I hate demons. They are more arrogant, more sinister, and more untrustworthy than anyone else. They are vermin who will stop at nothing to satisfy their desires. But their numbers and power are incredibly strong. And through their despicable schemes, I lost someone precious. And Belphegor...

"Stop barking. I'll kill you. Mad bastard."

He was the one who provided the starting point for <that incident>. The moment I saw Belphegor here, one of the questions I had harbored for so long was resolved. It was surprising to see Belphegor in the ruins of the laboratory, and the process is still unknown. However, I could understand a little about how one of the events in the first cycle happened.

Thinking about it, my anger rose again. I smiled bitterly and raised my sword. I could feel several gazes on me due to my intense reaction. But I didn't care. The most important thing for me now is to crush the bastard in front of me as thoroughly as possible.

I have gained skills surpassing my first cycle, but there's no guarantee of a sure win. After all, he is a high-level demon. But I wasn't afraid. No, rather, I felt a sense of ecstasy.

Belphegor looked at me with an interested smile and then spoke in a polite tone.

"Indeed, humans are entertaining. Haha. I've decided. You will serve as my chair."

"That's your last words."

"Human. Even if you are as insignificant as vermin, you are quite annoying. I'll watch your antics up to this point. However, I can be merciful now. Since you are mortal, if you apologize now, I will grant a peaceful death to you and one other male human. Of course, you will have to serve as my chair for the rest of your life."

"Is that so? What about the female humans?"

I smirked and asked, and Belphegor replied with a matter-of-fact expression.

"Of course. Shouldn't they serve the great Duke Belphegor of the Demon Realm? The wretched humans who were here before couldn't do anything to keep me from leaving this building. It was quite boring, but now some decent female humans have come in. They look like top-notch specimens, and I'm very satisfied."

Hearing his words, the group, especially the female users, showed visibly distorted faces. I confirmed their expressions and spoke in a mocking tone.

"They don't seem to want to serve you."

"Still ignorant. Don't worry. My equipment is thick and long enough to satisfy them. Female humans should consider serving the great Duke Belphegor of the Demon Realm as an infinite honor."

"Madman."

"Be careful with your words. If you don't want to be a chair, even if you're alive, kneel and beg now, and I'll think differently."

"There's no need to hear more. Everyone, prepare for battle."

At my words, the group immediately drew their weapons. Belphegor looked down at us with an endlessly arrogant expression and then spoke with a bored tone.

"Humans always tend to shut up after showing off their skills... How boring."

As he finished speaking, a dark blue flame rose in front of him. It was one of the fires demons can control, Inferno. Of course, it was a few levels below Hellfire, but it was still powerful enough.

"It was good when I was first summoned here. But there weren't enough sacrifices. They offered me half-finished, worthless things..."

"So you're not fully summoned. Good. It will be easier to deal with you."

At my words, Belphegor's eyes sparkled.

"Haha. Yes, you're right, human. The power I have here is less than 70% of my true self... You seem to know a bit. But."

He paused and snapped his fingers. At the same time, a dark flame that had risen in front of him rushed towards me. Belphegor then finished with a relaxed smile.

"You are too annoying. I'll watch your antics up to this point, human. Disappear into a pile of ashes before the great demon's Inferno. Writhe in pain! Hahaha!"

As I saw the flames flying towards me with his maniacal laughter, I slowly awakened the power of Hellfire. Soon, a scorching heat rose in my body, and I raised my sword.

Belphegor's lips curled into a deep smile as he saw this.

============================ Author's Note ============================

Hello, I'm Ro Yujin.

Finally, Memorize has reached 100 episodes. It's a touching, touching moment. Many readers have already congratulated me in advance. :)

I would love to go on a writing spree, but after writing two episodes today, I'm completely drained. Hahaha. I'll take a short break and then run towards the midnight release. (If it doesn't come out by midnight, you can assume I've collapsed.)

I deeply thank all the readers who have supported me.

Thank you, and thank you. (__)

PS. Is Belphegor only annoying to me? I wrote him, but he really annoyed me the whole time. ㅜ.ㅠ (I really want to destroy him badly.)

『 Reader Comments 』

1. Silver Garum: Congratulations on reaching 1st place. :) I hope you enjoyed the 100th episode.

2. MT Bear: Indeed?! I'm looking forward to your 100th episode 1st place comment! Bear power!

3. Kazimas: NO. It's not. Hehe.

4. twins7842: They will appear soon. Hehehe.

5. zjekfksqlc: ㄲㄲ Hanbyul's appearance is still a bit away. I also want to see Hanbyul again. It turns out Suhyun is a gentleman!

6. MKira: Right? Sol is really cute, isn't she? If I had a sister like her... *sigh* (?!)

7. Demon Temple: Thank you. I always get strength from the readers who always support me. I won't be deterred by their interference. Hahaha.

8. Strongest Saint: Ahem. Ahem! P, please save me. ㅜ.ㅠ

9. Lancelot du Lac: Because they rush at me too much. When my nephews get too excited and rush at me, I get a bit