A fierce wind blew.
The place where I stood was a small square, and in front of my eyes, the Blackened Saint Selene stood firmly with her Inferno Halberd aimed at me, glaring.
“Once again, we meet, owner of the Storm Dragon. Are you here to interfere with my Lord once more?”
Selene’s voice was brimming with hostility. The fiery red flames rising from her Inferno Halberd danced like snakes, scattering sparks all around.
The Storm Dragon Tempestra responded by spreading its wings wide. Due to the violent rain pouring down and the intermittent sound of thunder, for a moment, it even seemed as though Tempestra was controlling the storm.
“Let him go.”
“I refuse. This man dared to harm Lord. He cannot be allowed to live.”
Selene’s voice was cold, despite the flaming aura around her, icy like frost.
‘Damn, I’m about to piss myself.’
I finally understood why Yoo Jun-seo had fled in panic during the Tower expedition not too long ago—overwhelming fear. Standing face-to-face with Selene armed, my legs were trembling uncontrollably.
‘Is it okay for mere acting to evoke this much intimidation?’
Indeed, at this moment, Selene and I were putting on a ridiculous low-budget drama.
We intentionally chose a place crowded with people, and Selene was flaunting her presence by continuously emitting flames until the higher-ups of the Management Bureau arrived.
The hostage, Jo Geon-wook, Selene’s terrifying warning for the execution ritual, my well-timed appearance, and even Mirien’s timely rainfall—all were scripted and part of the stage setting.
The reason for all this effort was simple.
“Tell your master, Actor, that if he kills that man, I will pursue and kill you until the end.”
This hostage situation was aimed at completely severing the ties between Actor, the Lord of the Abyss, and S-Rank Awakened One, Nam Joo-yeon.
At the same time, through Selene’s mouth, my warning would prevent the Management Bureau’s unnecessary interference preemptively.
It was a brilliant plan, but if there was any suspicion, it would have been better not to attempt it at all.
Thus, this performance had to be perfect, and Selene’s acting talent exceeded my expectations.
“Pathetic human, how dare you utter the name of Lord. You clearly do not value your life. I will sever your head and burn it in the fires of hell.”
Hwoooorr.
The flames surrounding Selene grew even larger.
Though I sensed no real animosity, the intense heat reaching my face made me break out in cold sweat. I steadied my voice as much as possible and recited the dialogue I’d memorized beforehand.
“So be it. Along with Actor, whatever your plans are, whatever schemes you concoct, I’ll shatter them head-on!”
[4★ Storm Dragon Tempestra roars.]
The moment my words ended, Tempestra roared.
This dragon actor surpassed human ability in scene-stealing. The distant crowd watching this spectacle erupted in cheers, shouting my name.
“… Indeed, among the gathered hoi polloi, you are the finest it seems. Your unwavering confidence was not misplaced, was it?”
For some reason, Selene appeared to be enjoying this play immensely.
Apparently, the flames swirling around her like a cape were more dynamic than usual. These flames seemed to reflect Selene’s emotions—she clearly took great pleasure in our little game.
“Fine. This one time, I shall indulgently concede to your nonsense.”
Selene sheathed her sword and assumed a praying posture.
[5★ The Blackened Saint Selene cancels the concentration of her skill, “Holy Flame Imprint.”]
Selene’s unique skill and identity—Holy Flame Imprint.
Soon the flames covering her body dissolved into the air and disappeared.
“But remember this: Actor is watching you. Should you cross the line, it will bring only destruction.”
“Over there!”
I commanded the Storm Dragon. Tempestra swelled its body and unleashed its roar of the skies—but…
[5★ The Blackened Saint Selene uses the skill “Dark Gray Curtain.”]
Guhuugu.
Selene, along with the hostage Jo Geon-wook, had already vanished into the sky.
To be precise, they hadn’t truly disappeared. The Dark Gray Curtain was a stealth skill, not a teleportation skill.
What was important was that the Blackened Saint Selene was now invisible to the audience.
“Woo-oo! The Dragon King! He defeated the Blackened Saint!”
After someone’s shout, thunderous applause followed.
Right now, I was like a fantasy star on the field.
—
The situation was quickly brought under control.
The Management Bureau’s Awakened Ones were present, and since everyone had witnessed my confrontation with Selene, the story unfolded quickly.
“Mr. Nam Joo-yeon’s presence prevented who knows what kind of disaster.”
Kang Se-na said this with genuine admiration.
“A, hahaha. I originally intended to handle it, but with Mr. Joo-yeon stepping in, the meaning disappeared. Anyway, it’s fine. Hmm, oh, there’s a camera. Smile, smile.”
Yoo Jun-seo was trying his best to get involved by acting dramatically in front of the camera.
In fact, what was more important than all the formalities at the moment was the final words Selene left behind.
“Should you cross the line, it will bring only destruction.”
The final warning from the Blackened Saint Selene was deeply imprinted in the minds of the Management Bureau’s Awakened Ones.
“Could it be… Actor delivering a warning to us?”
Kang Se-na scrutinized the recording with an uncertain expression. Selene’s method acting was nothing short of phenomenal—just hearing the voice from the footage was enough to send a chill down one’s spine.
“…It appears to be a warning.”
I agreed.
Kang Se-na nodded in concurrence.
In fact, since rescuing Seo Ye-rin, she had unconditionally supported my opinions.
Taking advantage of this momentum, I continued.
“…If the Management Bureau continues to pursue the actions of Actor, the Lord of the Abyss, that calamity will surely return. Seoul will face devastating damage.”
“…I see.”
Yoo Jun-seo darkened his expression noticeably.
To my eyes, he seemed more concerned about the negative impact on his reputation than the actual situation.
Indeed, that wasn’t too far from the truth.
“Mr. Nam Joo-yeon, what should we do? If this gets reported, the Management Bureau will be criticized as incompetent for simply chasing after a calamity. And if the criticism gets worse…?”
“…”
Kang Se-na’s gaze narrowed.
What a predictable and easy-to-understand character.
Nevertheless, Yoo Jun-seo’s selfish nature came in handy in situations like this.
“Leave it to me. If Actor takes any action, I will stop it.”
As I spoke, the eyes of Yoo Jun-seo and the A-Rank Awakened Ones of the Management Bureau narrowed.
“Can you handle it alone? I mean, I’m not saying Mr. Joo-yeon’s abilities are lacking… but…”
“Yes. It’s fine. Didn’t you see just now? That woman doesn’t want to fight me.”
Selene likely fled because she did not wish to fight me.
Though it was part of the script, it was also something everyone had just witnessed.
Using that scene as a basis, I pressed the argument, and no one dared to protest.
Of course, Bureau Chief Yoo Jun-seo was fundamentally self-serving. He would never put himself in danger, especially not after his experience at the Tower of Reversal.
“…J, good! Since an S-Rank Awakened One has offered to protect Seoul, we cannot stop him. Right, Kang Se-na?”
“…Yes. That would seem appropriate.”
Kang Se-na sighed, looking at me.
Her eyes seemed to ask:
“Are you sure this is okay?”
I merely shrugged in response.
[5★ The Blackened Saint Selene is observing you.]
All was going far too smoothly for comfort.
—
“Indeed, I cannot help but be in awe of Lord’s foresight.”
As soon as we returned to the tower, Selene bowed deeply and praised me.
The woman who had seemed like a ruthless demon just a while ago was now a loyal subordinate.
Still, every time I saw her, I couldn’t help but recall the fierce aura she exuded during the performance.
What if I make a mistake and her blade turns toward my heart?
‘Focus.’
I shook my head to dispel the unsettling thoughts.
Anyhow, I am currently the ruler of the rift who governs the calamity.
I will not be consumed by these elements.
“The story unfolded well. The inspectors of the Management Bureau will no longer pursue Actor. They likely think I am Actor’s rival now.”
In fact, my decision to concoct this whole performance was due to Jo Geon-wook.
Currently, Jo Geon-wook is merely a liability. Knowing his identity, it feels unusual to keep him confined in the Tower, yet I cannot bring myself to kill him as a human being.
I considered solutions.
Initially, I thought of using Mirien’s skill, Mind Control, to turn him into a puppet. However, that skill requires constant concentration and would have been extremely burdensome for both Mirien and myself.
Mirien herself mentioned it—sustaining the skill for a day requires devouring nearly five calamities.
To use Mirien, who eats calamities like a gluttonous beast, would come at a tremendous cost.
After much deliberation, inspired partially by Yoo Jun-seo’s words, I devised the fixed-trick plan we just enacted.
The effect of using Jo Geon-wook as a mere prop in our hostage drama proved to be spectacular, as seen.
[Is the Lord of the Abyss, Actor, dreaming of the end of the world?]
News articles about Actor were constantly being updated on the news pages.
The contents were so abstract that it felt as if I were reading low-grade fantasy novels—or the apocalyptic musings of some schizophrenic patient.
[S-Rank Awakened One Nam Joo-yeon, “I will destroy Actor.”]
Such headlines were common.
The responses in the comments were overwhelming.
Reading them was almost unnecessary.
“Still embarrassing, isn’t it?”
“How could insignificant mortals fully comprehend Lord’s great vision?”
Selene smiled gently as she glanced at the text through her phone screen.
“…In any case, going forward, on the pretext of investigating Jo Geon-wook, we will have much more freedom to move about.”
“All due to Lord’s great kindness.”
“…Y, yeah.”
Setting aside Selene’s over-the-top reverence, I had already secured a promise from Yoo Jun-seo that the Management Bureau would not interfere with my actions.
Thus, I could search for other calamities without bothersome interference from outsiders.
Everything is in place. What remains now is…
“Actor!”
…the results.
About three days later, Mirien, who had been using tracking magic on one of the upper floors, came running to me with a delighted expression, practically throwing herself into my arms.
“Actor, I found her! It’s Karne! I know where she is!”
“Good job.”
Over the past few weeks, as I grew accustomed to interacting with Mirien daily, I became more knowledgeable about handling her.
I skillfully pulled Mirien’s shoulder and stroked her indigo hair. She smiled brightly and tilted her head upward. Then I gently massaged beneath her jaw.
The treatment was clearly one you’d give a pet dog.
“…Hehe.”
Just as Mirien buried her face in my chest…
[5★ The Blackened Saint Selene is observing you.]
“…Hmm?”
A burning sensation approached my face.
I turned my head to find the Blackened Saint Selene standing with her arms crossed, her narrowed eyes glaring at Mirien.
It was almost identical to the menacing expression she wore during the play a few days ago.
“…Uh, Selene, are you upset?”
“I apologize, Lord, but I do not know how to be angry.”
That was an obvious lie.
—
And so the scene continued…
