Trash of the Count's Family Book 2: Chapter 385: The Birth of Evil (2)

Returning to the center of the Seventh Evil after a considerable absence, Cale and his companions arrived via a flash of light from the Lan Kingdom. The fairy tale-like castle, once belonging to Dragon Lord Neo, was now under the care of the Heinous Dark Bear.

“Uhh-”

Cale offered an awkward smile. “There seem to be a few more people now?”

It was at this precise moment that:

Boom!

Approximately a hundred individuals simultaneously knelt on one knee. What sent a shiver down Cale’s spine was the synchronicity of their movements; their speed and force were so identical it felt as though only a single entity had moved. “We greet the Heavenly Demon!” These were the members of the Demon Cult.

Within the grand castle, the final bastion of the Seventh Evil… the enchanting white edifice, reminiscent of a fairy tale, was adorned with fluffy, cotton-candy-like clouds. Despite its whimsical appearance, the scale was immense. The Seventh Evil, being the second most expansive of all Eight Evils, housed a castle as majestic as its size suggested. Naturally, the main hall on the first floor was equally vast.

“……”

Shh.

The Heavenly Demon raised a hand.

Boom!

The hundred-plus figures struck their foreheads against the ground in a deeper, more profound bow.

“Demon!”

The Heavenly Demon remained still as they invoked his title.

“Haha-”

Cale observed the Heinous Dark Bear, whose laughter was tinged with awkwardness. This endearing teddy bear was nervously rubbing his hands together, clearly attempting to maneuver closer to Cale’s side. “Haha, it has been quite some time, young master-nim.”

Behind the teddy bear, the Tiger Shaman Gashan offered a wave to Cale.

“Eek!”

The teddy bear yelped, startled by Gashan’s voice behind him, and darted towards Cale. He then cautiously peeked over his shoulder. Eek! Gashan’s eyes were entirely white, and his body was covered in a multitude of tattoos. Two crows circled him, emitting mournful cries.

Squeeze.

The Heinous Dark Bear instinctively clutched Cale’s leg.

Gulp.

Cale Henituse, the apex of all evils. The bear had never anticipated feeling such elation upon seeing Cale. ‘But there are far too many lunatics here!’

Following Cale’s departure, the bear had been diligently engaged in registering individuals as mid-level NPCs or general NPCs, beginning with the Dragon half-blood Pope of Aipotu. Concurrently, the construction of the portal within the Black Castle had been proceeding apace, providing the Heinous Dark Bear ample opportunities to interact with Cale’s other associates. This had led him to a stark realization: ‘These people are the most sensible!’

Cale, Choi Han, the formidable baby Dragon, and the two ferocious kittens! They were the most comfortable company. As for the degenerates from the Demon Cult who had arrived to support the Heavenly Demon… ‘Mad psychos!’ Their conduct while proclaiming the discovery of a new base for their Demon Cult struck him as eerily similar to that of scam artists. The Beast people, Gashan included, were also notably peculiar. ‘The Dragon half-bloods were peculiar as well!’ The Dragon half-bloods had begun arriving sequentially, starting with the Pope, espousing the creation of something termed the ‘Miru Knights Brigade’ or similar. These individuals were taciturn but undeniably unsettling. Truthfully, a multitude of other bizarre and intimidating figures were present.

‘…Naturally, the most peculiar one-’

Gulp.

A sudden chill ran down the Dark Bear’s spine.

“It has been a while since I’ve seen all of you.”

“Eruhaben-nim.”

Cale, who had appeared unsettled while observing the Demon Cult, now sported a joyful expression. Pat pat. He affectionately patted the Dark Bear’s head a few times before warmly greeting Eruhaben.

“You must be occupied with the portal, Eruhaben-nim?” The Black Castle portal. Eruhaben, possessing unparalleled magical knowledge second only to Lord Sheritt who remained confined to the castle, had been registered as a mid-level NPC. He had subsequently collaborated with researchers from Earth 3 to erect the portal. Furthermore, he was assisting in the recovery of Aipotu following the devastation wrought by the Purple Bloods, the Dragons of Aipotu.

“It was manageable, to a degree.” Eruhaben responded nonchalantly, then glanced at the Dark Bear before continuing, “The Dark Bear. This little one proved more useful than anticipated. His handling of various matters greatly simplified our tasks.”

‘Oh.’ Cale expressed a silent admiration, looking down at the Dark Bear. However, the Dark Bear dared not turn to face Eruhaben.

‘Hoooo.’ He could not forget Eruhaben’s reaction upon becoming a mid-level NPC. ‘Dragons are monsters that users can hunt at will?’ ‘Excuse me? T, that is not possible yet, but-’ ‘But it might be achievable in the future?’ ‘Uhh, I, if they increase their levels and undertake various actions-’ ‘Hoooo. How amusing. Utterly amusing.’ Eruhaben’s expression turned fanatical, despite his placid tone. ‘Can Dragons engage in what they refer to as leveling up in this place?’ ‘Excuse me? Umm, mid-level NPCs cannot level up-’ ‘Is that so? Hahaha-’ The Dark Bear was haunted by that boisterous laughter. Ever since that incident, he had assiduously avoided Eruhaben whenever possible.

Pat pat.

“You’ve worked hard.” He found solace in Cale’s comforting pats on his head. ‘Indeed. I am the great and mighty Dark Bear!’

My loyalty rests with the ultimate evil!

The leader of us all!

The greatest evil in existence!

Our one and only Cale Henituse-nim!’

Smile.

Just as the Dark Bear was about to grin…

“Is it about to hatch?”

Eruhaben's voice held a trace of anticipation.

Cale gestured towards the flower-patterned swaddling by his side.

"Yes, Eruhaben-nim. I believe it will hatch in seven days."

The recovery rate began to climb again from 95.2%.

[Recovery rate 95.21% (Remaining time: 6 days 23 hours 21 minutes)]

[Birth Ceremony Progression 0%]

[Reward rank undetermined]

It even provided the remaining time.

‘I need to reach 100% Birth Ceremony progression within the remaining time.’

Doing so would result in a higher reward rank.

‘I have a feeling this little one will be the one receiving the reward.’

[* The reward will differ based on the event completion rate. (Rank F~S)]

While Cale examined the quest details, Eruhaben posed a question.

"Based on what I heard, mm, hatching should only require a warm environment…"

Eruhaben was already familiar with Cale's methods. This was why he sensed something unusual from the message Cale had sent.

"Why did you urgently request Clopeh Sekka's presence?"

Clopeh Sekka.

Peek. Eruhaben glanced towards the two individuals who hadn't yet approached.

Clopeh stood alongside the former Pope, Casillia.

‘Mm.’

The ancient Dragon found their proximity somewhat unsettling.

‘Since when did they become so close?’

Clopeh Sekka. That man appeared quite intimate with Pope Casillia as they stood together.

Naturally, Pope Casillia's attention was solely fixed on Eden Miru, and nothing else.

“……”

However, she refrained from approaching.

Eruhaben, sensing her apprehension, slightly frowned. For reasons unknown, even he felt a reluctance to approach Eden Miru casually.

“Ah.”

The ancient Dragon observed Cale smiling at that moment.

“It’s wonderful that those two are together.”

‘What?’

Cale expressed his contentment seeing Clopeh Sekka with Pope Casillia.

“Mm. Yes, extremely reliable.”

He regarded the pair with satisfaction before shifting his gaze to the Heavenly Demon.

‘Hmm? What is happening?’

More precisely, his attention was directed towards the subordinates accompanying the Heavenly Demon.

His intense gaze sent a shiver of unease down Eruhaben's spine, prompting him to quickly scan Cale's surroundings.

“Hehe!”

“Hehe!”

“……”

The children, around ten years old, Raon and Hong, were giggling, while On wore a smile. They appeared quite thrilled.

“……”

Rosalyn averted her eyes, and Choi Han seemed momentarily lost in thought.

“Hoo hoo.”

Even Crown Prince Alberu Crossman let out an elegant chuckle.

This situation felt highly peculiar.

As for the Heavenly Demon, who met Cale’s gaze…

“……”

He appeared simultaneously amused and cautious.

‘What is going on?’

The ancient Dragon mused that it had been quite some time since Cale presented such a mischievous front, when Cale proceeded to explain the situation.

“In seven days, a mo~mentous legend must be born.”

His voice carried a serious tone.

“!”

The Dark Bear flinched.

Legend?

“The new evil of the Seventh Evil. The Eight Evils and the entire continent must acknowledge the advent of this great evil.”

‘Hmm?’

The Dark Bear loosened its grip on Cale’s trousers.

Shhh.

Its front paw moved away from Cale’s leg.

Step. It then took a step backward.

In seven days. Hadn’t Cale mentioned that was when Eden Miru was due to be born?

The temporary final boss, the Dark Bear, was already aware that Eden Miru had the potential to become the new leader of the Seventh Evil.

But — a legend?

“Hoooo.”

Clopeh Sekka emitted a soft gasp.

“……”

Pope Casillia's eyes gleamed.

The Dragon half-blood.

An individual who had been ostracized and never found belonging.

Eden Miru. As a Dragon half-blood, he had sacrificed himself to shield everyone from former Dragon Lord Neo, a figure Casillia detested.

He was destined to inherit Dragon Lord Neo's position, and she had resolved to protect him.

But his new birth—

‘Transform it into a legend?’

One so magnificent that everyone across this vast world would learn of it?

‘Turn the birth of a Dragon half-blood—

Into a legend?’

The Aipotu continent.

Pope Casillia had established a church venerating Dragons, which had proliferated across the continent within two centuries.

The former Pope's eyes began to blaze with fervor.

“Oh Heavenly Demon— what is required of us?”

The Heavenly Demon chuckled, responding to his subordinate.

“Well, doesn't that sound entertaining? I intend to lend my assistance as well.”

The Central Plains' Martial Arts world.

The Demon Cult possessed a long-standing presence in that domain.

They were a sect that revered the Heavenly Demon as a deity.

Their extreme fervor often left even the most formidable martial artists bewildered.

For individuals of their ilk, a ritual like this, a ritual to elevate something into legend—

"We indeed have considerable experience in such matters."

It was a familiar process to them.

“……”

Step.

The Dark Bear retreated another pace.

Plop.

Upon turning around after colliding with something, Cale discovered Eruhaben standing there. The Dark Bear attempted to swiftly retreat, but upon noticing the ancient Dragon's expression, he instinctively clutched Eruhaben's trousers.

Pope Cassia continued speaking with an unnervingly serene countenance.

“If the message is crucial for all to hear, we must arrange a birth ceremony. This should include inviting the mid-level bosses of the Seventh Evil and opening the castle gates so the residents of the Seventh Evil can witness the event.”

Her voice, though outwardly calm, carried an unexpected fervor.

“Furthermore, we ought to notify the final bosses of the remaining Eight Evils about the birth ceremony. However, their presence here might expose our location to enemies. Therefore, disseminating information rather than extending a formal invitation seems the prudent choice.”

This was precisely the reason for the Dark Bear's apprehension.

One of the Heavenly Demon's subordinates gradually interjected, “The ceremony must be grand and dignified. It marks not merely a birth, but the advent of evil itself, does it not?”

“Indeed, I believe a touch of sacredness is also appropriate.”

As Cassia and the Demon Cult engaged in their discussion…

“Cale-nim.”

Someone broke the silence.

It was Clopeh, who had been silently observing with a smile since his initial gasp of surprise.

He finally spoke, “It is time for the true spectacle!”

While everyone else seemed to deliberately ignore Raon's earlier remark…

Shh.

Clopeh stepped forward.

He then cast his gaze upon Eden Miru's swaddled egg, adorned with floral patterns.

“I declare-”

His voice, imbued with a holy resonance, gradually filled the hall.

“There is no necessity to broadcast a legend to the masses.”

Proclaiming that others need not be informed of it.

“What they witness, what they hear, the sensations upon their skin… A legend is something they perceive with every breath they take.”

Cale Henituse.

The path of legend he treads is not paved with meticulously planned ceremonies or narratives crafted with a legendary outcome in mind.

Clopeh understood this truth better than anyone.

He was, after all, the one who had pursued countless avenues to become a legend before the true legend himself guided him.

"We simply need to demonstrate it.”

A ceremony?

Demonstration was sufficient, even without such formalities.

“Showcase the evil taking shape within this very place.”

Clopeh’s smile widened considerably.

“The birth of evil. Merely witnessing the omens will draw everyone near.”

From there, stories would naturally emerge, eventually coalescing into a legend.

Clopeh tilted his head, gazing towards the ceiling.

The hall's ceiling was adorned with clouds resembling fluffy cotton candy.

“Ah-”

Clopeh began to perceive these cotton candy clouds transforming into malevolent and foreboding shapes.

“I can perceive the evil unfolding.”

As his smile reached its zenith…

“Clopeh Sekka.”

Cale extended his hand and gently patted Clopeh's shoulder.

He found Clopeh to be exceptionally dependable.

“This time, feel at liberty to pursue whatever endeavors you desire.”

‘If I entrust this to this fellow, the birth ceremony—’

“I shall support you in every aspect.”

The reward for this undertaking, Cale mused, ought to be at least S-rank.

* * *

Rumble-

Within the castle belonging to the boss of the Seventh Evil.

The location renowned as Cotton Candy Castle.

The inhabitants of the Seventh Evil residing in the nearby village, along with the surrounding monsters, all fixed their gazes upon Cotton Candy Castle with a sense of foreboding.

Rumble-

The sky situated directly above the castle, at the heart of this plain, seemed to weep.

“W-what is happening?”

Flash! Flash!

Rose-gold bolts of lightning intermittently streaked through the clouds, making their presence known.

In addition…

“A cloud like that—”

The heavens were being obscured by a dark crimson cloud.

It exuded an ominous aura.

A truly ominous sign.

Caw! Caw!

Crows began to emerge from all directions, converging upon Cotton Candy Castle.

Caw! Caw!

An innumerable host of black birds blotted out the sky.

“…This feels ominous.”

Yet, the individuals voicing this observation did not appear particularly distressed.

This was because they were all intrinsically part of the Seventh Evil.

They were beings born from fairy tales, each possessing their own unique narratives.

“The trees, the trees—!”

Someone exclaimed with unrestrained delight.

“The trees are growing like monstrous abominations!”

The sky wept. A dark crimson cloud manifested!

Crows descended from every quarter!

Trees contorted into grotesque forms!

“Holy hell, now there’s rain and gale-force winds too!”

All these malevolent phenomena were converging upon Cotton Candy Castle.

It felt as though a colossal evil, the ultimate adversary for a hero to vanquish, was on the verge of being born.

Thump! Thump!

Tales of Cotton Candy Castle were rapidly disseminating throughout the entirety of the Seventh Evil.

“Human, aren’t you perhaps overdoing it?”

“…Damn it.”

Cale found himself regretting his actions at this very moment.

Nevertheless, his hand remained pressed against the ground.

The unnaturally burgeoning, grotesque trees were a manifestation of Cale's will, coaxing their growth as he had previously done in the jungle, aided by the Indestructible Shield.

“Haaaaa.”

The Heavenly Demon sighed, releasing yet more of his dark crimson aura.

“Mary-nim.”

“Yes.”

“It is your turn.”

Mary, holding a bone in her hand, inclined her head in acknowledgment.

Clack!

The earth trembled, signaling the arrival of the skeletal legions.

All these unholy precursors were making their way toward Cotton Candy Castle.

“It's insufficient.”

Clopeh felt that the current situation was far from enough.

He turned his gaze toward Eruhaben, Rosalyn, and Raon.

Addressing the trio, who were all skilled in magic, Clopeh declared,

“It's lacking.”

Lunacy gleamed in Clopeh’s eyes, a fact Rosalyn observed.

“Malice must escalate, becoming so profound that it captures the attention of the leaders of the Eight Evils.”

He approached them, his voice a low murmur.

Later that night…

A towering pillar of black light erupted from Cotton Candy Castle.

Its radiance expanded in all directions, a beacon visible across the entirety of the Seventh Evil territory.

Caw caw-

From their resting places, crows and skeletons stirred, drawn by the light. They converged upon the vast plains, moving toward the heart of the Seventh Evil, the Cotton Candy Castle.

The spectacle was truly dreadful.

News of this event rippled through the Eight Evils and into the neighboring nations that constantly monitored them. Cale, naturally, had played a part in piquing the interest of these other countries.

He had meticulously recorded the unsettling scene and dispatched the footage to Ahn Roh Man and Queen Tamahi.

====================

< What is occurring in the Seventh Evil? Chilling. >

Did anyone else catch that video that vanished so quickly?

It seemed like gameplay footage uploaded by someone.

Holy shit.

What the actual hell is happening in the Seventh Evil right now?

– What video are you talking about?

– I managed to save it. Here’s the link.

– Holy shit. What the fuck? This is incredibly ominous.

– Wow. This New World game is wild. So much chaos everywhere.

– Holy shit… Chilling. But seriously, who managed to record footage of the Seventh Evil?<