Trash of the Count's Family Book 2: Chapter 387: The Birth of Evil (4)

Yet, Cale found himself unable to remain merely amused.

“Ugh!”

Count Ruiphe’s pained sounds intensified.

Cale quickly approached him, offering assistance as he helped him up. “Are you alright?”

“Ugh, oh supreme evil-”

Ruiphe clutched at Cale’s attire. The instant Cale met his disoriented gaze, a fleeting shift occurred. An unmistakable emotion surged from the depths of his eyes: pure rage.

“T, the Demonic race-”

‘What?’

As Cale leaned closer to catch his words…

“It’s not *just* the Demonic race…!”

Following that utterance…

“Ruiphe!”

“Count-nim!”

Count Ruiphe lost consciousness.

[*He will remain unconscious until his memories are recovered.]

Cale grimaced upon reading the new message on the screen. “Why did this happen-”

“He will remain like this until he recovers his memories.”

“Excuse me?”

Cale proceeded to explain the newly acquired quest to a fretful Aurora.

“Ah-“

Aurora, still unaccustomed to the game system’s mechanics, didn’t grasp it immediately but understood the critical takeaway. “This… it appears you’ve received an exceptionally vital mission?”

“That is correct.”

The Transparent ©.

A formidable tool to destabilize that realm from beyond the game’s confines…

The Demon King of Sloth.

And a pathway to obtaining a crucial leverage against him.

“…However-”

Aurora’s expression shifted, becoming far more serious than before. “Count Ruiphe-nim just mentioned it’s not solely the Demonic race, yes? That-”

Cale smoothly concluded Aurora’s unfinished sentence. “It implies that other groups besides the Demonic race were also subjected to those experiments.”

Count Ruiphe was clearly experiencing distress as his real-world memories and in-game experiences began to intermingle. He must have glimpsed a fragment of his past, attempting to convey it to Cale. The fact that he addressed Cale as the ‘greatest of all evils’ likely indicated the Ghost of Darkness attempting to relay potentially useful information to its master.

“Mm.”

Cale noted the deepening concern etched on Aurora’s face. “Firstly.”

She looked up when Cale spoke, her expression puzzled. “Shouldn’t we relocate Count Ruiphe first?”

“Yes?”

As Aurora responded…

“…….”

And as Cale offered her a peculiar look…

“Ah!”

Aurora realized the answer. It stemmed from Cale’s noticeably frail appearance. “Where should I move him?”

“Please, follow me.”

Aurora effortlessly lifted Count Ruiphe, and Cale took the lead. This division of labor proved efficient, and soon they had placed Count Ruiphe onto a bed. Afterward, they settled into chairs around a table for a discussion.

“I suspect the Demon King of Sloth is currently searching for Arm.”

‘Oh.’

Cale’s eyes brightened upon hearing Aurora’s deduction. The Demon World. Cale had previously introduced a destabilizing element – the secret force known as Arm, a creation of the God of Chaos – into that very world. If this led to the Demon King’s interest in Arm…

“It should become simpler to instigate a conflict between the God of Chaos and the Demon King now.”

“Hoo hoo. Indeed.”

“Hahaha!”

Aurora and Cale both erupted into laughter, their expressions mirroring each other’s amusement.

“…….”

Count Ruiphe remained still, lost in his unconscious state. Cale glanced at him, and the smile vanished from his face. “What is Choi Jung Gun’s condition?”

Choi Jung Gun.

The wandering ancestor of Choi Han and Choi Jung Soo. His body was currently succumbing to a grey pallor, a result of the chaos pollution. His time was rapidly running out. “He remains unchanged.”

Aurora’s face also grew grim. However, this wasn’t entirely negative. Choi Jung Gun was currently situated within a magic circle designed to decelerate the pollution’s spread and offer protection. Even as a mortal, he would perish within a week if removed from its influence.

“At least that offers some solace.” Cale looked upward briefly, contemplating his next steps. ‘The immediate priorities-’

1. Eden Miru’s ‘Birth of Evil.’

2. Journeying to the Holy Land of the God of Chaos, the Night of the Beginning.

‘Once at the Holy Land, I need to unseal the Fear of Chaos skill.’

Locate the Saint or an individual wielding similar powers to this scoundrel, devising a method to purify Choi Jung Gun.

‘Furthermore, I must pilfer a divine artifact from the Holy Land to aid the Blue Wolf’s recovery.’

The Blue Wolf, god of the Beast people. He intended to procure a divine item for him as well. In essence, Cale’s plan was-

‘To annihilate it.’

His intention was not merely to destroy the God of Chaos's sacred territory within the Devil’s Boundary but to utterly raze it. This action would inflict significant damage upon the God of Chaos's standing in RPOG.

‘Consider the potential gains. How many advantages can be derived from a single action?’

He could secure more than four distinct benefits from this undertaking.

‘However, there is yet another crucial task.’

3. Restoring Count Ruiphe’s memories.

This endeavor promised at least three separate rewards.

‘Damage the Transparent ©, the Demon King, and gain the allegiance of the wealthiest individual in the Demon World, Count Ruiphe.’

The potential benefits Cale might acquire on Earth 3 could be particularly extraordinary.

“…Can I truly… Devour an entire transcendent corporation?”

Aurora appeared perplexed by Cale’s muttered words.

The only one capable of reacting to Cale at this precise moment, was none other than the Fire of Destruction.

Huff, huff!

“Hey, fire! What’s gotten into you?”

“Huff, huff… a transcendent corporation… would also be transcendently wealthy…! A mountain of gold! A staggeringly large pile of gold…! Huff, huff!”

It was only the Fire of Destruction.

Yet, this cheapskate had sustained such profound mental damage from a single thought that it was becoming incredibly difficult for him to maintain his composure.

“Heh-”

Cale simply let out a quiet chuckle to himself.

“Mm.”

Aurora groaned, but Cale paid her no mind.

‘And–’

Instead, his thoughts turned to the tasks that lay ahead of him.

To be more specific, it was his overarching objective.

‘In the end, all of these endeavors converge into a singular purpose.’

The omnipresent god.

To halt the god destined to emerge within this game.

And to vanquish the Hunters.

‘Then, all threats will cease to exist.’

In Nameless 1, the world where Cale resided…

The very source of potential trouble that menaced that place would be eliminated.

‘And I can finally return to the Roan Kingdom, recuperate, and perhaps, when time permits, dedicate myself to cultivating an orchard.

Mm.

What a truly brilliant plan.’

“Definitely……”

“Excuse me?”

As Aurora reacted once more to his soft mumbling…

Smile.

Cale’s lips curved into a smile, and he responded gently.

“I will resolute achieve my objective.”

“Ah–”

Aurora offered an awkward smile and inclined her head in acknowledgment.

‘…Is he plotting some sort of destruction?’

She glimpsed the subtly wicked smile on Cale’s face and felt as though she had peered into a forbidden chamber she ought not to have opened.

She made a determined effort to avert her gaze from Cale’s expression.

Cale continued to smile faintly at her, his inner thoughts a silent monologue.

‘Indeed. Let us not concern ourselves with anything that transpires afterward.’

The God of Chaos, the Divine World, the Demon World, or even the World of the Gods…

None of these realms or their affairs were Cale’s responsibility.

Cale held no interest in whether they engaged in conflict or any other activity.

All that Cale desired was the safety and security of his home and the individuals dear to him.

“Mm. What do you intend to do from this point onward?”

Cale directed his gaze toward the entrance upon hearing Aurora’s cautious inquiry.

“I must depart for a brief period.”

Earth 3.

He needed to return to that place, for the first time in quite a while.

[Recovery rate 96.91% (Remaining time: 3 days 20 hours 7 minutes)]

[Birth Ceremony Progression 50%]

[Reward rank undetermined]

He had to make effective use of the limited time remaining before the advent of Eden Miru.

At that precise moment…

“But, is it truly acceptable for Count Ruiphe-nim to be absent in this manner?”

‘Hmm?’

“Is it alright for others to become aware of his current condition?”

Cale quietly looked down at Count Ruiphe, prompted by Aurora’s question.

This fellow’s physical state–

* * *

“So, you are requesting that I don a mask and impersonate this individual?”

“Precisely. I shall handle all matters until Eden Miru emerges, so it will not be for an extended duration.”

Cale inquired with an air of certainty.

“I shall entrust the conclusion of the tutorial to a different boss within the Third Evil for the time being. All I require is for you to assume the guise of Ruiphe and manage any potential issues that might arise in the Third Evil. It will not be arduous in the slightest. Simply maintain the pretense of recuperating. Our beloved teddy bear has pledged to manage all the tedious details.”

Naturally, a thorough explanation followed. The Heavenly Demon emitted a chuckle.

“Instructing me to don a mask, to impersonate another individual–”

The manner in which he mumbled suggested a distinct displeasure with the proposition.

‘Mm.’

Although Cale projected confidence, a flicker of apprehension stirred within him.

“Very well. I shall accept your request.”

However, the Heavenly Demon consented with a surprising degree of ease, far more readily than Cale had anticipated.

Cale considered the Heavenly Demon to be the most suitable individual for this task.

‘He possesses the most freedom at this juncture.’

The Heavenly Demon then posed a question in a subdued tone.

“But are you genuinely intending to take control of all Eight Evils?”

“Mm. Not necessarily to seize control, but rather to ensure they all cooperate harmoniously?”

The Heavenly Demon offered a slight smile at Cale’s statement, which essentially conveyed the same underlying objective.

He, who appeared to possess a greater range of emotions than previously observed, shared a piece of information with Cale.

“I intend to transform one of the Eight Evils into an auxiliary unit of the Demon Cult. However, I shall leave your Third Evil and Seventh Evil untouched.”

“Huh?”

“You simply needed to be apprised of this development.”

The Heavenly Demon then turned on his heel and departed.

Cale remained frozen for a moment before quietly murmuring to himself.

“…Beneficial?”

‘An auxiliary unit of the Demon Cult signifies an ally aligned with my interests.’

Cale saw no reason to refuse the Heavenly Demon’s offer to undertake such an action.

Cale vociferously exclaimed towards the departing Heavenly Demon.

“The First Evil has established ties with the wanderers! Choose any of the others!”

The Heavenly Demon raised his hand.

Witnessing his remarkably cool demeanor, Cale offered words of encouragement.

“Best of luck! It doesn’t have to be just one. You are welcome to claim two, no, you may even take all of them if you so desire!”

The Heavenly Demon’s hand slowly lowered.

For reasons unknown, the Heavenly Demon’s retreating back seemed to convey a hint of irritation.

Cale, unconcerned, summoned Alberu and Rosalyn.

* * *

Cale activated the tablet and settled his body onto the sofa.

“You intend to visit the residence of Honorary Chairman Han Taek Soo’s secretary?”

CEO Choi Sun Hee swallowed nervously.

“To be more precise, it is the Chief of Staff.

The Honorary Chairman of Transparent ©, Han Taek Soo.”

He possessed a multitude of secretaries.

Cale's objective was to become Chief of Staff Han Taek Soo’s most trusted confidant.

Chief of Staff Kang Geun Mok, who had dedicated fifty years to serving the chairman.

“He isn’t a Hunter?”

“That is correct. He originates from Earth 3.”

It was a surprise that Kang Geun Mok was not a Hunter.

“Hoooo.”

Honorary Chairman Han Taek Soo might not even be a human being.

A subtle smirk touched the corners of Cale’s lips.

“I must have a conversation with Kang Geun Mok.”

“His loyalty is renowned. Do you truly believe he would divulge the passcode to the lab?”

Choi Sun Hee inquired cautiously, prompting Cale to smile.

“Will I have to journey there to discover it?”

Gulp.

Subconsciously, Choi Sun Hee swallowed audibly.

“…You aren't contemplating the abduction of the Chief of Staff, are you?”

Cale’s gaze shifted dramatically at that exact moment.

"Abduct?! That is not how we operate!”

Cale's immediate denial seemed excessively strong.

“…….”

“…….”

Alberu and Rosalyn simply offered smiles, continuing their perusal of Chief of Staff Kang Geun Mok’s information on their tablets.

It occurred at that precise moment.

The four individuals were situated on the uppermost floor of the Sun Building.

“Breaking news!”

The television, which had been intentionally left on, was now broadcasting urgent breaking news.

Cale, having been forewarned of this event, thereby ensuring the television was active for this very reason, cast a glance towards the announcer on the screen.

The announcer declared with impeccable clarity.

“The inaugural Chairman of Transparent ©, Honorary Chairman Han Taek Soo, has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election!”

This was information that the vast majority of the nation had already anticipated, yet an official announcement carried significant weight.

“We will now transition to Honorary Chairman Han Taek Soo’s press conference!”

Upon the announcer concluding her statement, and just as the television screen was poised to display the press conference…

Cale and the others directed their collective gaze toward the television.

Han Taek Soo.

Their curiosity extended not only to his forthcoming words but also to the appearance of the Chief of Staff, who was expected to be in close proximity.

“Ah!”

The announcer emitted a startled gasp, an unusual reaction.

The television screen failed to switch to the press conference feed.

"B, breaking news!”

After a brief moment of hesitation, the announcer resumed speaking in a composed tone, though the shock was evident on her face.

“President Ahn Roh Man’s Chief Aide, Mary-”

The announcer momentarily faltered, closing her eyes before continuing.

“Has been identified as the primary suspect in a murder investigation!”

Ahn Roh Man, the three-term President and celebrated hero of the nation.

Mary, a formidable ability user who had stood as his steadfast ally through every challenge…

Suddenly, she was implicated as the main perpetrator in a murder case.

“…What in the world—”

Alberu began to speak.

“This would be the typical reaction, but I suspect Transparent © has engineered something?”

“Naturally. It is quite obvious.”

Rosalyn responded with composure.

“Numerous unidentified remains were discovered at a recently declassified elementary school site! These are remains exhibiting peculiar forms, and Chief Aide Mary is suspected to be involved!”

Rosalyn elaborated as the announcer continued her report.

“Ahn Roh Man’s administration was investigating the Transparent © for illicit activities, including human experimentation, correct? It appears Chief Aide Mary is being made a scapegoat while these investigations are underway.”

“It is highly probable that the situation is along those lines.”

Alberu concurred.

“This predicament must place Ahn Roh Man in a considerably precarious position, having his Chief Aide embroiled in such a scandal.”

He addressed Cale with utmost seriousness.

“Let us secure Kang Geun Mok first.”

Cale remained fixated on the television screen.

"We will provide immediate updates as they become available. We now join the press conference to hear directly from Honorary Chairman Han Taek Soo!”

The announcer adopted a more measured tone, and Honorary Chairman Han Taek Soo materialized on the screen.

“My fellow Roanians-”

Han Taek Soo appeared to be in his seventies.

Cale’s gaze shifted beyond him, focusing on a figure partially visible at the periphery of the screen.

Han Taek Soo commanded everyone's attention. The sole individual positioned behind him, also discernible on the television broadcast…

Someone Han Taek Soo valued excessively, keeping him perpetually at his side, far exceeding the role of a mere Chief of Staff…

Chief of Staff Kang Geun Mok.

Cale concentrated on the stern-visaged man who bore a striking resemblance to a desiccated old tree.

“Let’s proceed.”

On the night of the new moon, when even the moon itself remained hidden…

A night where sleep eluded many due to the ongoing discussions concerning Han Taek Soo and Ahn Roh Man…

Beep.

Kang Geun Mok made a brief stop at his residence before unlocking the door.

The dwelling, fortified with an array of protective spells, was essentially as secure as a veritable fortress.

He took a single step inside.

“!”

Yet, he halted, refraining from taking any further steps.

Surveying the dimly lit living room, he opened his mouth to speak.

“Who is present?”

It transpired at that precise instant.

“!”

He flinched, attempting to turn his head.

But before he could even begin to do so-

“What took you so long?”

He registered a voice speaking from directly beside him.

“I had feared I might not have the chance to see you today.”

A playful utterance reached Kang Geun Mok’s ears as a hand clasped around his neck.

“Let us converse.”

Despite his invitation to talk, Cale was gripping him firmly by the neck.