Chapter 8

8

Chapter 8: Decline

****

Dark energy surges from the right hand of the Demon King. However, this is only temporary, as it is skillfully manipulated.

Swoosh...

The dark energy, thin like a thread, extends toward a bug clinging to a green leaf. The bug's true identity is none other than a mite.

Pfft...

The mite's body turns a sickly color. This is a bad sign. If it can't withstand the dark energy, its body might burst.

Swoosh...

The intensity of the dark energy is reduced. It seems about to break, but it manages to hold.

Thus, the injection of dark energy is successful. Now, the mite's body can be transformed according to his will.

Crunch... Crunch...

First, the exoskeleton is reinforced. Along with this, its movement speed has significantly increased. It has become a so-called super mite.

‘Still, it’s just a bug.’

If stepped on, it will burst and die. In terms of combat power, it is virtually nonexistent. However, this is not what the Demon King desires.

Now it's time to control the bug.

The Demon King's hand acts like a remote control. The mite moves according to his will.

The result is very successful.

Though it is just a bug, this is the moment the Demon King's first subordinate is born.

Using dark energy to transform living beings is called chimera. The Demon King is the ultimate authority in this field.

He also named the subordinate.

Crigalid.

It is a very basic chimera. Although the beginning is small, the end will be grand. The Demon King believes this.

‘The problem is that I need to create at least 200 of them.’

Chimeras cannot reproduce. This means each one must be individually transformed and imprinted.

At first, it was slow, but the more he worked, the more skilled he became. Finally, 200 Crigalids were completed. Now it's time to put them into action.

Opening the front door, the Crigalids follow. However, due to their tiny size, no one notices them.

-Original Spicy Soup

He issues a command with his dark energy. The Crigalids infiltrate the kitchen through a small gap.

Crunch, crunch!

Their target is the food ingredients. The Crigalids begin to ingest and digest a portion of the food, then expel a certain substance through their excretory system.

“Hahaha...”

The Demon King lets out an evil laugh. Now, he can sit back and watch the events unfold.

****

The next morning.

The Spicy Soup restaurant opens its doors. As lunchtime approaches, a few customers visit.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had a spicy soup. Good thing it’s here.”

“Yeah, let’s order it right away.”

They seem to be out-of-town visitors. They order three servings of spicy soup.

Bubbles rise.

Soon, the food is served.

“Smells good.”

“Come on, let’s eat.”

They lift their spoons and bring them to their mouths.

Slurp.

The man’s eyes widen. A surprised voice bursts from his mouth.

“No way, this is—!”

The man’s spoon moves faster. The same goes for the others. In no time, the bowl of spicy soup is empty.

“Phew... This is really unique.”

“Strange, I want to eat more!”

Despite visiting many famous restaurants, none of them served food with this taste.

“What kind of flavor is this? Sweet, salty? No, it’s not...”

There are five basic flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. However, the flavor hidden deep within the spicy soup doesn’t fit into any of these categories.

“Excuse me, owner.”

In the end, they ask the manager about the secret flavor. But how could he know? He shakes his head and says,

“I’m sorry, but we don’t have any special recipe.”

The customers don’t believe him.

‘He doesn’t want to tell us.’

‘Well, it is a secret recipe.’

After that, customers who have tasted the spicy soup return to the restaurant.

“That place’s spicy soup is incredibly unique.”

“When I lie down at home, I keep thinking about the spicy soup. I couldn’t resist and ended up eating two meals there.”

“What kind of secret recipe could it be? If we knew, we could become rich quickly.”

The rumor spreads quickly. The best catalyst is TV.

“... A spicy soup filled with the delicacies of the sea! The unique flavor of this restaurant is becoming a trend. A mysterious flavor that can’t be identified, but it’s addictive like a drug...”

With the broadcast, the restaurant is flooded with customers. The manager smiles broadly and counts the money every day.

****

As the business thrives, the manager starts to think differently.

‘Now is the time to expand the business.’

He plans to open a second branch in the prime location of the city. However, the money he has is far from enough.

“Honey, you’re not taking out another loan, are you?”

His wife, who has a good sense, immediately smells something fishy. But this time, the manager can speak confidently.

“This time, it’s certain. You know how packed the place is these days.”

“Don’t do it. I’m worried. The current income is enough.”

“Nonsense. I’m doing this for our children and you. Trust me!”

Though not very convincing, no amount of persuasion could change the manager’s mind. In the end, he took out a loan using their house as collateral. Not only that, he borrowed money from people around him.

He had to write many IOUs, but since the business was doing well, it wasn’t a problem.

‘Now, a new beginning. The second act of my life.’

****

Jangjeong Spicy Soup 2.

Bang, bang, bang! Whirr!

The workers are busy remodeling. A new sign is hung. The opening day is just a few days away.

‘It’s progressing like a flash of lightning.’

The Demon King watches the process with a satisfied smile. Everything is going according to his plan.

Humans are generally foolish, and the Demon King knows this better than anyone. All he did was coat a sharp dagger with sweet honey.

The manager, unaware, lapped up the honey without a second thought. Now, it’s time to watch the foolish one’s downfall.

‘Come forth, my subordinates.’

Following the Demon King’s command, the Crigalids leave the kitchen of the spicy soup restaurant. As a result, the mysterious flavor of the spicy soup disappears.

“Why is the spicy soup so fishy?”

“Ugh... I can’t eat this.”

Customers stop eating and leave.

“Huh? Something’s strange.”

The atmosphere itself has changed. Customers no longer wear satisfied expressions. Instead, they frown and some even get angry.

‘Wh... What’s going on?’

Rumors spread quickly. With the special flavor gone, the decline of the spicy soup restaurant is inevitable. Customers stop coming.

****

Spending a large sum of money, the second branch opens. But almost no customers come in. Those who accidentally enter leave most of their food uneaten.

“...”

The manager’s face turns pale. Despite using their house as collateral, the daily accumulated losses grow like a mountain.

“Manager, when will this month’s salary be paid?”

The chef and other employees look worried. The manager, sweating, shouts,

“I... I’ll pay by the end of this week.”

He says this and runs out like a fugitive.

Ring, ring...

Answering the phone, it’s the landlord.

“Hey, Mr. Baek. The rent payment is still far off. How much longer can I wait?”

“T... That’s... I’ll get it soon.”

“What? I’ve heard this many times. I can’t wait any longer. I’ll take legal action. Be aware of that!”

Like a fish unable to withstand the pressure, water leaks from all sides. It’s only a matter of time before it bursts. Back at home, he stays indoors, but his phone doesn’t stop ringing.

Ring, ring...

Click!

“M... Manager.”

A nervous voice.

“What’s the matter this time?”

“Government officials are here. It seems to be an inspection!”

It’s a sudden raid by the food and drug administration.

“What... What?”

A customer who got food poisoning from the spicy soup immediately reported it to the authorities. The result is a violation of food hygiene laws.

“I’m ruined.”

The restaurant is ordered to cease operations by the food and drug administration. This is a devastating blow.

First, the house is seized as collateral. Even after selling all his assets, the debt is far from being paid off. Creditors knock on his door every day.

Bang! Bang, bang!

“If you borrow money, you have to pay it back.”

“Give me my money now!”

The debt collectors’ threats are terrifying. He files for personal bankruptcy and becomes homeless. Every day, he drinks cheap soju and barely sleeps on the cold ground.

As the Demon King intended, he is doomed to live a life of regret.

****

Jangjeong Spicy Soup

Once a famous restaurant, customers used to line up for the food. Now, it’s desolate. A small signboard tells the current situation.

-For Rent, For Sale 010-3218-29

The Demon King sees this and makes a call.

Click!

“Yes, Hanuri Real Estate. How can I assist you?”

“I need an office. I like one of the properties. I want to sign the contract right away.”