The Modern Founding Chronicles of the Returned Demon King

The Modern Founding Chronicles of the Returned Demon King

Episode 31: The Demon King of Greed (7)

‘Arrogant brat.’

In a space filled with the demons, Beelzebub glared at Lee Seo-Jun who stood tall.

Originally, the Seven Deadly Sins did not interfere with each other; in fact, their ‘tendencies’ were so different that they mostly had no interest in one another.

However, they couldn’t ignore the news that Asmodeus, who invaded the ‘Solomon Demon Realm’, was quickly suppressed.

What caught their attention the most was the ‘Apocalypse’ left by Asmodeus.

Part of the Apocalypse said:

[I thought I had gathered enough information about the Solomon Demon Realm.

I had accounted for the strength of not only the Legion Commander but also the Minister, Femme Fatale, and Sages.

However, I could not precisely gauge the strength of that guy…the Demon King of Solomon.

His skin was like the Tree of Good and Evil, his hair and uniform were like the dark earth, his fists were like meteors, and his feet were like typhoons.

He asked me, “Why do you run?”

I am currently fleeing from that calamity.

It is not mentioned even in the library of heaven how a non-demon could have such power.

But this much is certain.

O Seven Deadly Sins who do not mix, heed my warning.

If you see someone flapping a black cloak, run, even if you can’t.

That is the only path granted to you.

I, Asmodeus, will wither here for now, but I will return to take revenge…]

Calm yet terrifying records.

The Seven Deadly Sins scoffed at it, but ‘He’ accepted it and postponed the conquest of the Solomon Demon Realm.

It was unclear what ‘He’ was thinking at the time, but it seemed clearer now.

“…Well, it doesn’t look like he’s planning to run.”

‘He’ had recognized the author’s power.

Sure, on the surface, he looked comparable, but there was a strange intimidation that made it impossible to measure his full strength.

‘But now it’s different from the time of Asmodeus.’

The author is alone now. Even the dragon that had been by his side couldn’t enter due to the barrier.

On the contrary,

“I can’t indulge you any further. Lord Beelzebub, please leave him to me.”

Here, they had counts and even dukes by their side. Those below were not allowed into the barrier as they would only be a hindrance.

Of course, there was a great gap between the duke and himself, they wouldn’t be able to inflict significant damage on the author.

But drawing attention is enough.

Even if there’s a difference in strength, the outcome is decided in an instant.

The duke wielding a polearm stepped forward.

“My name is Belphegor. I hold the rank of Duke and the position of General under Lord Beelzebub. O Demon King of Solomon, would you kindly tell me your name?”

Normally, demons don’t show this kind of courtesy to their opponents. But they were doing so because Lee Seo-Jun was such an exceptional being.

Yet to Lee Seo-Jun, even that was impertinent.

“I have no name to tell the likes of you.”

“What?”

Ignoring the retort, Lee Seo-Jun clenched his sword.

His penetrating gaze focused on Belphegor.

“From now on, you will realize your place.”

Thump!

A new model blade wrapped in pitch-black lightning slashed through the air.

The moment it reached right in front of him, Belphegor’s pupils quivered.

Shiik!

The speed was so fast that not even an afterimage was visible.

Only the rising sparks made it known that he had swung his sword.

However, as expected of a duke, Belphegor raised his polearm to intercept the attack.

Clang!

The crisp sound of metal clashing.

For a moment, it looked like he had blocked it, but Belphegor’s face contorted due to the overwhelming force.

‘Impossible strength…!’

And it wasn’t just his face.

Crack!

The electricity flowing from the sword dug into the polearm, creating cracks.

Next, Lee Seo-Jun’s blade seemed as though it would split Belphegor and his weapon in two at any moment.

‘Huh!’

However, Lee Seo-Jun had to step back from the incoming attack from the side. Beelzebub had seized the opportunity and swung his fist.

“Be, Beelzebub sir…?”

“That guy is right. Know your place, Belphegor. He is not someone you can handle alone.”

“But he’s human—”

“Shut up. Does he really look the same as the humans on Earth to you?”

Beelzebub’s torn eyes were fixated on Lee Seo-Jun. Despite being thrown into an unknown space, he appeared calm and collected.

“He killed Asmodeus with a human body and is the demon king who rules the Solomon’s demon realm. What matters now is not his race, but his power.”

“…”

“So, everyone attack at once. Even if you risk your lives, create an opening. I’ll seize that moment to cut off his breath.”

“I understand.”

Beelzebub looked at Lee Seo-Jun with a tension-filled gaze. How long had it been since he felt this sensation?

It was the first time since the ‘Jar of Solitude’ event that set the Seven Deadly Sins. The surrounding darkness also seemed the same.

“Charge!”

15 or so underling demons rushed forward without hesitation at his command. Lee Seo-Jun assumed his stance quietly.

Snipe!

Silently, one of the Counts leading the charge was slashed. However, they continued to coordinate without caring.

Ssssh!

The sharp nails of one of the Dukes aimed for Lee Seo-Jun’s neck. He blocked it with his blade, but the attacks didn’t stop.

Clang! Clang!

A flurry of attacks and defenses occurred in an instant. Whether to be surprised that they could fight evenly with Lee Seo-Jun, or that he could fend off all their attacks, Beelzebub was uncertain. However, one thing was sure.

‘An opening!’

He saw an opening in the flurry of strikes aimed at Lee Seo-Jun. Though it was a tiny opening, it was enough for him to seize.

Stab!

Beelzebub, who had been waiting for a chance, lunged forward. He aimed for the Count’s back. Beyond that was Lee Seo-Jun’s nape.

It was hidden from sight, something that wouldn’t be noticed. It would mean the Count’s death, but it was worth it if it meant Lee Seo-Jun’s life.

Whiff!

His sharpened fingertip penetrated the Count’s back. However, no further sound was heard, and Beelzebub’s hand went through the air.

“…As expected, troublesome.”

Lee Seo-Jun, who had already put some distance between them, spoke.

Beelzebub retracted his hand, stuck in the Count, and clicked his tongue. Indeed, it was hard to kill him just like that.

‘But I can still win.’

However, Beelzebub saw the possibility of victory. If the situation remained this way, Lee Seo-Jun’s end was certain. And there was still ‘that move’ left.

It was then that Lee Seo-Jun made a move.

“And, I don’t like your way of fighting either.”

Lee Seo-Jun reached toward the invisible sky. At the same time, Magi erupted like lava.

“Hybrids, be gone.”

Roar!

As Lee Seo-Jun’s words ended, a complex magic circle spread on the ground. It was big enough to swallow all the demons present.

“Everyone, dodge!”

Beelzebub yelled sensing the ominous aura. However, it was already too late.

Rumble——!!

Countless black lightning bolts rained down, hidden within the curtain of darkness. Despite their exceptional reflexes, the lightning that filled the space scorched their flesh and shattered their bones.

Soon, as the magic circle disappeared and the lightning ceased, the damage was evident. All Counts were dead, and only three Dukes remained.

“As expected, it’s quieter now.”

“…This crazy bastard.”

Beelzebub bared his fangs at the unbelievable sight. Suddenly, Lee Seo-Jun asked.

“By the way, I have a question for you.”

“What is it all of a sudden?”

“I read a brat named Eden’s thoughts earlier. Apparently, you know how to halt aging and even rejuvenate. Is that true?”

Lee Seo-Jun always used [Lezie’s Insight] on his enemies, and it was the same during his confrontation with Eden.

Beelzebub chuckled at the abrupt question.

“Ah, you mean that? Suppressing aging with Magi is one thing, but actual rejuvenation is impossible. Well, with ‘Belphegor’s power’, it might be somewhat possible.”

“Sure enough, that’s how it was. If Roberto said it was impossible, I thought there was no way you could do it either,” Lee Seo-Jun nodded as if he understood.

Beelzebub chuckled.

“Right, that guy just sold his soul to empty desires. Isn’t it funny?”

“What are you talking about?”

“In all my life, I’ve seen many races, but I’ve never seen one like you humans with insatiable desires. Even if you divide human desires into seven, it would still be insufficient.”

Beelzebub pointed sharply at Lee Seo-Jun’s heart.

“There are already 72 demons inside you. In other words, you humans are derivatives of demons.”

It was a point well made.

Humans do have countless hidden selves, after all.

“That’s why humans are the perfect sacrifices for us, the Seven Deadly Sins, to grow stronger. After swallowing your desires, I will become even more powerful and devour all the planets in the universe. This place is just a stepping stone for that.”

‘So that’s how it is.’

Hearing that, Lee Seo-Jun felt as if a puzzle had been completed.

He had already known that the Seven Deadly Sins grew stronger by consuming the desires they governed. Now he understood why the Cult of Great Sin had remained quiet despite its power.

It was all to further strengthen the power of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Until they descended to Earth, they did not indiscriminately kill humans who could be of help.

“So.”

Beelzebub bared his greenish teeth.

“Die for my purpose, Solomon Demon King.”

Swish–

Beelzebub’s solid body turned into liquid. His wings melted and flowed, and his entire body lost its form and poured onto the ground.

Soon after, Beelzebub, now completely black liquid, seeped into the ground.

‘…Did he disappear?’

Lee Seo-Jun was genuinely surprised at the strange phenomenon.

‘No, he didn’t disappear.’

But he quickly calmed down and assessed the situation.

Beelzebub hadn’t disappeared; he had merely hidden within this ‘curtain’.

Slurp!

As if to prove that fact, a violent presence was felt from behind.

Lee Seo-Jun quickly turned and swung his sword.

Clang!

Lee Seo-Jun’s blade blocked Beelzebub’s attack that had suddenly sprung from the ground.

Immediately after, Beelzebub once again disappeared into the curtain.

He liquefied and hid in the curtain, materializing to attack when an opportunity presented itself.

That was Beelzebub’s hidden tactic.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Unpredictable, appearing from nowhere, Beelzebub vanished like a fly hidden in the dark.

At one moment, as Beelzebub and Lee Seo-Jun clashed, he yelled.

“I told you! I’d make you regret saying that!”

“…”

“Ah, don’t forget that I’m not alone.”

After saying this, Beelzebub turned into a liquid and merged with the darkness. Just as Lee Seo-jun’s blade swung through empty air, a chill rose behind him. Without even looking back, he was certain that three peacocks had appeared.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Quickly steadying his posture, Lee Seo-jun was able to counter their charge. However, he couldn’t defend against another attack by Beelzebub, who leapt from the darkness.

Two rapid strikes.

The first one grazed his chest, but the remaining strike scratched his cheek. For the first time, Lee Seo-jun distanced himself.

“…”

Hot liquid rolled down Lee Seo-jun’s cheek. With his fingers, he touched a single stream of blood running down his face. It was blood he hadn’t shed in a long time, due to someone else’s efforts.

“Hahaha! Are you regretting it now?”

Beelzebub paused, looking at the stationary Lee Seo-jun and laughed uproariously.

“The moment you entered here, you were already in my grasp. No one can capture me in this place. And that includes you, Solomon Demon King.”

Lee Seo-jun remained silent, only gently wiping his blood-soaked finger.

Understanding the situation, Lee Seo-jun chuckled ruefully.

“…Haha.”

“You find this funny?”

Not understanding the reaction, Beelzebub frowned.

Lee Seo-jun maintained his smile and looked up.

“Alright, I admit it. If I were the person I used to be, there might have been a chance that I would lose.”

“So, you finally understand your position—”

“That’s if I were the person I used to be.”

“…What do you mean?”

Ignoring Beelzebub’s question, Lee Seo-jun continued,

“And I admit humans have endless desires. But ironically, because I am such a human, I was able to become this strong.”

“…You’re strong because you’re human?”

“Yes. It seems the title ‘Demon King of Greed’ suits me better than you. Even with all this power, I’ve never ceased to be greedy.”

“…What the hell are you going on about?”

Beelzebub hesitated, perhaps sensing something inexplicable.

“Well, you’ll see.”

Lee Seo-jun grinned faintly.

“Thunderbolt.”

Zingg!

A dark spark engulfed him, a power gained through Quel from Ryu Chun-ji.

“Accelerate.”

Wooosh!

Surrounded by dark mist and escalating the tension.

Something coveted from Kim Eun-ha ability.

“Now, I will kill you with all my strength.”

Even after returning to Earth, Lee Seo-jun had never stopped using predation. Even with great strength in his grasp, his ‘greed’ yearned for even more.

“And so, try running away with all your might.”

Nothing had changed.

(To be continued in the next episode)