Trash of the Count's Family Book 2: Chapter 386: The Birth of Evil (3)

There were still numerous uncharted territories within New World that regular users hadn't fully explored.

The most perilous among these were- < The Eight Evils. These are zones we should currently avoid. Even the most skilled rankers are unable to venture there.> No one voiced any disagreement with this assessment.

Among these Eight Evils, the formidable boss of the Third Evil, the Ghost of Darkness, Ruiphe…

He had arrived slightly ahead of schedule to rendezvous with Aurora, offering an elegant bow.

“It has been some time, oh, the greatest among all evils-”

‘Mm.’

Cale involuntarily flinched.

‘Is it truly acceptable to let this matter stand as it is?’

The title of the greatest evil of all…

Was he really going to permit this to continue?

“Yes. It has indeed been a while.”

At the very least, he offered a response to the greeting.

A smile graced Ruiphe’s lips, an expression befitting a noble as he slowly elaborated.

“I have been hearing whispers lately, my lord.”

“Hmm? What sort of whispers?”

“That the Demon King is prophesied to appear in the Seventh Evil.”

Cale’s body stiffened.

Clack.

Eden Miru made a clacking sound from Cale’s side.

“…….”

Cale remained still, speechless.

He was unsure of how to respond.

Ruiphe’s gaze held a deep, contemplative look as he observed the egg nestled within the floral-patterned swaddling.

“As anticipated, this individual is destined to become the Demon King.”

Clack.

“Hooooo. Even its movements exude a vibrant energy.”

C, claaaaaaaaack.

“Haha! That demeanor is certainly befitting the newest evil of the Seventh Evil, the Demon King!”

He nodded his head but then cautiously inquired of Cale, his expression becoming slightly stern.

“The remaining members of the Eight Evils, aside from our Third and Seventh Evils, are currently directing their attention towards the Seventh Evil.”

Cale was well aware of this fact.

‘The Birth of Evil.’

Clopeh Sekka had been orchestrating various events over the past three days leading up to this occasion.

It was only natural that news of his endeavors would spread.

“Given that the Seventh Evil embodies the concept of a fairy tale, the emergence of a Demon King… Everyone believes the narrative is exceptionally fitting for this setting.”

‘Mm.’

It was undeniably true that a Demon King would serve as a suitable final antagonist for a world steeped in fairy tale lore.

“However, the harbingers of this birth are escalating in magnitude, thus everyone within the Eight Evils is intensely curious about the prowess this Demon King will possess.”

‘Mm.

Clopeh is certainly adept at executing plans.’

“From what I’ve gathered, even the kingdoms situated beyond the boundaries of the Eight Evils are maintaining an extreme state of vigilance. The advent of the Demon King would undoubtedly pose a threat to them all.”

‘Mm.’

Cale simply listened in silence.

Ruiphe’s expression grew even more profound.

“Oh, greatest of all evils-”

Then, Ruiphe’s voice lowered considerably.

Cale turned his gaze towards him.

It felt as though Ruiphe was on the verge of uttering something of great significance.

“To command even a Demon King as your subordinate-”

‘Hmm?

Wait a moment.’

“The day you reign supreme over all Eight Evils…”

‘This fellow seems poised to spout some utter nonsense.’

Cale attempted to interject, but Ruiphe continued uninterrupted.

“The epitome of all evils. The supreme evil. The ultimate position of malevolence-”

His eyes gleamed with an intense light.

What would constitute the highest pinnacle for those devoted to evil?

The answer was self-evident.

“A God.”

Cale’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Clack!

The egg too, seemed startled by the revelation.

Ruiphe’s smile contorted into an even more wicked grin.

He declared with unwavering conviction.

“Will you not become the Demon God?”

Demon God.

Indeed.

The manner in which he had subjugated the Third and Seventh Evils, now setting his sights on the remaining members of the Eight Evils…

Furthermore, his efforts to position an ally as the burgeoning Demon King…

His ambition to contend against a deity, as he was currently doing with the God of Chaos…

The establishment of a dark dominion within the Eight Evils to expand his influence across the entirety of New World…

And his extraordinary powers that seemed beyond mortal capabilities –

Coupled with his utter disregard for initiating a war against those striving to manifest an omnipotent deity!

The ultimate culmination of all these endeavors!

The supreme evil!

The Demon God!

The designation of the entity poised at the apex of all malevolence!

“Kehehe-“

Ruiphe emitted an involuntary, almost giddy chuckle.

“You, you-”

Cale found himself utterly at a loss for words, unable to utter a single sound.

He pondered internally.

‘Is this individual unhinged?

The Demon God?

‘What utter drivel is this?’

Cale’s eyes trembled, and his irritation towards Count Ruiphe intensified.

“Ahem.”

Count Ruiphe swiftly regained his composure.

He reverted to his demeanor as a respectful and refined nobleman.

“I shall remain silent, my lord.”

He seemed to grasp the unspoken sentiment behind Cale’s silence.

‘He likely assumes I am astonished by his rapid perception of the grand design.’

The individual endeavoring to preserve New World while ascending to the ultimate position of evil…

One should not delve too deeply into the inner thoughts of such a person.

It was occasionally a subordinate’s duty to feign a degree of ignorance.

Count Ruiphe resolved to continue his duties in quiet observance.

“I shall not broach this subject again, my lord.”

“Mm. Very well.”

Cale felt a sense of relief upon hearing Ruiphe’s assurance.

‘He must realize the absurdity of his earlier statements.’

He mused that Count Ruiphe was indeed far more agreeable to converse with than the Dark Bear.

This was fitting for a mutant who had attained some understanding of the system and the game itself.

Count Ruiphe calmly resumed his conversation with the now-relieved Cale.

“I pledge my utmost support to you, my lord. We are constantly monitoring the movements of the other Six Evils, and we will promptly inform you via Dark Bear should any changes arise.”

Nodding in agreement.

Both Count Ruiphe and Dark Bear excelled exceptionally at their duties, a fact Cale acknowledged internally.

This proficiency allowed Cale to entrust them with the responsibilities here, freeing him to focus on the quest for the Holy Land of the God of Chaos.

His next destination, the Devil’s Boundary where the Night of the Beginning resides, would be accessible once Eden Miru made its appearance.

“Ah.”

Count Ruiphe suddenly seemed to recall something.

“My lord, do you happen to know of the boss belonging to the Fifth Evil?”

“Isn’t that the Fire Hell? Is the boss's name Flames?”

Consider the Third Evil, the Hell of Darkness.

The Seventh Evil, the Time Hell…

And the Fifth Evil, the Fire Hell…

“Indeed, my lord. Are you aware of his title?”

‘Hmm.’

Cale inwardly reviewed the available information, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Observing Cale’s contemplation, Ruiphe began to elaborate.

“The story goes that he was the deposed crown prince, destined to become the Demon King. However, he suffered defeat in a crucial battle and was consequently banished from the Demon World. Upon arriving at the location of the Fifth Evil, he ultimately became known as the Demon of Fire.”

Cale’s gaze drifted down towards the egg.

“Furthermore, that scoundrel harbors an extreme fixation on the title of Demon King.”

Pat, pat.

He casually patted the egg.

Ruiphe’s words registered in Cale’s mind.

“It would be prudent to keep this in mind, my lord. Flames may potentially make a move when the young boss of our Seventh Evil is born.”

Clack.

Suddenly, Eden Miru exhibited intense movement.

A smile spread across Ruiphe’s face.

“Haha! No need for concern, Baby Boss. We are allies who will support the greatest of all evils. I shall dedicate my efforts to aiding your birth.”

Clack, clack!

Eden Miru’s movements grew even more pronounced.

Cale grasped the meaning behind Eden Miru’s agitated state.

“…Baby Boss……”

‘Pffft.’

Cale struggled to suppress a chuckle.

…C…laa…ckkkkkkkkk……

Eden Miru appeared visibly crestfallen.

At that exact moment.

“Human! Aurora has informed me she is on her way!”

Raon, the black dragon, zipped over to deliver the news.

The Arbitrators.

The representative of that influential group was finally making their entrance into the unfolding events.

“Look after him for a moment, Raon.”

Cale entrusted the egg to Raon. The children, who were approximately ten years of age, would undoubtedly provide excellent care for Eden Miru.

[Recovery rate 96.91% (Remaining time: 3 days 21 hours 49 minutes)]

[Birth Ceremony Progression 50%]

[Reward rank undetermined]

Cale proceeded towards Aurora’s anticipated arrival, the progression rate of the ceremony standing at precisely 50%.

“Let us proceed.”

Count Ruiphe’s expression was somewhat strained as he quietly followed Cale.

This reaction was entirely understandable.

He was on the verge of potentially receiving crucial new information concerning his own past.

* * *

Stepping, stepping.

Cale ambled down the corridor adorned with whimsical cotton candy decorations, the soft echo of Count Ruiphe’s footsteps trailing behind him.

‘Aurora is expected to arrive here from Aipotu.’

The Demon King of Sloth.

The sudden resurgence of activity from that individual had compelled both Aurora and the Arbitrators to adopt a more cautious stance in their operations.

However, it appeared Aurora had identified a suitable opportunity, as she had declared her intention to arrive unaccompanied.

The sole descendant of the former Demon King…

Count Ruiphe held immense significance for Aurora and was prominently listed among the 'disappeared members of the Demonic race.'

In addition to supporting Aurora and the Arbitrators…

‘He was the wealthiest individual in the entirety of the Demon World, despite holding the title of only a Count. His fortune alone surpassed that of the Dukes and even the Arch dukes.’

He was, in essence, the true proprietor of the most formidable merchant guild within the Demon World.

‘It was mentioned that Count Ruiphe possessed a hidden safe.’

…A secret safe.

The irrefutable proof of his ownership of the merchant guild was presumed to be secured within it.

This was a critical item that the Demon King’s faction had thus far failed to locate.

‘Should Ruiphe manage to recover his memories as a Count, Aurora would gain a significant advantage in her confrontation with the Demon King, acquiring two key assets.’

Firstly, she would secure a steadfast ally possessing considerable financial resources.

And secondly… This next point was of even greater importance.

‘Justification.’

The current Demon King was collaborating with Hunters, engaging in illicit experiments on members of the Demonic race, leading to their demise.

Even though the Demon King commanded immense power and reverence among the Demonic race, such actions were bound to incite widespread rebellion.

‘And this situation also benefits us immensely.’

Setting aside the fact that Count Ruiphe served as Cale’s subordinate…

‘It serves as concrete evidence.’

The Transcendent Corporation, a formidable entity on Earth 3.

This would provide definitive proof that the Transparent Corporation was conducting inhumane experiments on both members of the Demonic race and humans alike.

‘Assuming Ahn Roh Man continues in his presidential role—’

It should prove exceptionally advantageous in dismantling the Honorary Chairman of the Transparent © and patriarch of the Transparent Bloods, Han Taek Soo, as well as the Transparent © organization itself.

Earth 3.

Cale was remarkably well-acquainted with the societal structures and operations typical of Earth.

‘If all goes according to plan—’

The legal system, the political landscape, the media outlets, and the general populace…

It was conceivable that they could orchestrate a scenario where none of these factions would remain supportive of the Transparent ©.

‘Honorary Chairman Han Taek Soo. And the Transparent ©.’

Bringing about their ends via ‘Earth’s methods’ wouldn't be so bad.

Cale had handled matters in the Central Plains using their ways, and Aipotu with theirs—

Shouldn't he then employ Earth’s methods for Earthly affairs?

A smile played on Cale’s lips.

The corners of his mouth curled upward.

‘Mm!’

Ruiphe, observing Cale’s retreating figure, felt an unexplainable premonition.

“…This should be quite entertaining……”

Cale’s soft muttering caused Count Ruiphe to unconsciously halt his steps.

He felt as though he were gazing into an abyss of immense darkness.

“What is it?”

Ruiphe’s thoughts were interrupted as Cale turned back, his expression unchanged.

“N-nothing, my lord.”

“Okay.”

Cale resumed walking without further comment, Ruiphe falling back into step behind him.

The two continued their silent progression for several minutes until they reached their intended destination.

It was the boundary, the point of connection between Aipotu and the New World.

Cale’s gaze fixed upon the subterranean levels beneath the former Dragon Lord Neo’s residence.

“Ah.”

He observed Aurora proceeding through that passage and entering the corridors of Cotton Candy Castle.

Cale raised his hand.

“It has been a while.”

The middle-aged woman, distinguished by her golden eyes, approached him.

He was eager to glean information regarding the Demon World and Choi Jung Gun from her.

Perhaps that was the reason for his slight elation at the sight of her.

“!”

However, Aurora abruptly ceased her movement.

“Ah-”

A gasp escaped her lips.

Her hands began to tremble slightly.

‘Oh.’

Cale understood immediately.

“C, Count-nim—”

Upon hearing Aurora's quivering voice, Cale slowly turned.

‘It is him!

Our Count Ruiphe is the genuine Count Ruiphe!’

– He is wealthy!

‘Just as the miserly one claims, our subordinate is the wealthiest in the entirety of the Demon World!

Furthermore, he possesses his very own merchant guild!’

A smile spontaneously blossomed on Cale’s face.

“!”

Yet, he found himself momentarily taken aback.

– Cale! Our angel! Our angel!

The miserly voice suddenly erupted.

“Ugh!”

Count Ruiphe emitted a low groan.

Cale moved swiftly to steady him.

“Ruiphe?”

“Ugggh, ugh!”

Count Ruiphe clutched his head with both hands, his body seemingly beyond his control.

Anyone would assume—

– Cale! Our affluent angel appears to be regaining his memories!

Indeed. The miserly one seemed accurate; Count Ruiphe was beginning to recover his memories as a member of the Demonic race upon encountering Aurora! Could this truly be a dramatic cliché unfolding?

“Count-nim!”

Aurora, visibly startled, hurried forward as well.

Ruiphe strained to lift his head to meet her gaze, and then—

“Ugh!”

His suffering intensified.

Unable to utter a word, his entire body began to convulse.

Yet, he slowly extended one hand.

His limb moved in Aurora’s direction.

“Ah—”

Aurora let out a sharp intake of breath.

“Count-nim—”

She could perceive the turmoil in Ruiphe’s bloodshot eyes.

Though filled with bewilderment, another emotion was unmistakably surfacing within them.

That emotion was—

“…You recall, don’t you?”

It manifested as a profound sense of injustice and burgeoning anger.

A deep-seated grievance flickered within Ruiphe’s eyes, vanishing and reappearing in turn.

It felt as though the Ghost of Darkness, Ruiphe, and Count Ruiphe were shifting in and out of existence.

“Ah—”

Tears began to well in Aurora’s eyes.

Count Ruiphe appeared younger than she remembered.

But she was certain of his identity.

‘It is true—’

So, the Demon King had indeed imprisoned his fellow Demonic race members within this game?

He had actually murdered them and conducted experiments?

How—

“How could he commit such an act—”

Aurora’s voice resonated with intense fury.

There was a significant chasm between holding a theory and witnessing its undeniable proof.

“Ha—”

A scoff broke the tense silence.

Cale Henituse.

Aurora recalled his presence nearby.

Assisting Ruiphe, Aurora turned her attention to Cale.

“Commander-nim—”

She then faltered.

Cale was not observing Ruiphe.

He was gazing upward, a sigh escaping his lips.

“…Huh?”

The expression on Cale’s face—

It seemed somewhat—

‘Is he angry?

But concurrently—

He appears somewhat amused?

What is transiring?’

As this question formed in Aurora’s mind…

[A sub quest has been triggered!]

Cale’s eyes were fixed on a message window suspended in the air.

[This is a special event where the reward will be determined by the completion rate!]

[Essential reward: Count Ruiphe’s lost memories]

The game system.

This entity was presenting Cale with yet another quest.

Witnessing the quest’s details, Cale recognized this system as both miraculously capable and utterly insane.

Furthermore, though he hadn’t seen the AI, One, in some time, Cale was certain that this system governing the entirety of the New World was, at present, an ally.

[Sub quest: Let’s steal the special research report from the Transparent ©’s secret lab!]

The game system.

This entity was openly soliciting Cale to undertake actions beyond the confines of the game.

[- Honorary Chairman Han Taek Soo’s secretary holds the passcode to the secret lab.]

[- The secret lab is currently concealed by a magical device.]

The system was suggesting that Cale should depart the game and plunder the Transparent ©’s secret laboratory on Earth 3.

“Haha—”

A refreshing laugh escaped Cale.

—

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