The Novel’s Villain

13. Vengeance Is Mine (5)

China’s Tianjin Gate was China’s future and hope. It was similar in size to the Tokyo Gate in Japan. It had been speculated that many artifacts lay there, but they had never been properly excavated from the Gate’s depths.

They had become more cautious since a powerful wave of mana was observed inside the Gate. The technology that was stolen from G&P also flowed into Japan, and other countries had been sniffing it out and applying pressure. It was a technology that transmitted through communication. It was only a matter of time before the technology was leaked to other countries, so China wanted to quickly preempt it and change the structure of the powerful country of Competent People.

With the Seven Dragons Association as the main axis, the Chinese Knights hoped to achieve results quickly. The power of the Knights of the Seven Dragons Association was almost invading the leading member of the party. Since there was no justification, this work had to be successful to receive great support. They turned the Frontline Group and Lee Jin-woo into enemies, but that was all right.

It was a technology worth the trouble.

Despite South Korea’s strong protests, China continued to show signs of ignorance. On the contrary, China even took the position that South Korea infringed on its sovereignty. Anyway, it would be hard in the next twenty years, but China would have the strength to fight the Frontline Group after that.

Wang Guo Liang, an executive of the Seven Dragons Association, was dressed as a Chinese Knight. The color of the clothes was different according to rank. Wang Guo Liang was wearing a red knight’s conquest, as he became an executive in recognition of his work.

“Looks like you’re having a lot of fun. Brother.”

“Sister, you always look upset.”

“Can’t you see the people suffering? Even Brother Liu became like that…”

The woman standing in front of Wang Guo Liang was his sister, who learned from the same master, Tang Xiao Zhen. She was called the flower of China and was a promising young Knight. Wang Guo Liang used Liu Wei to win his position as an executive of the Seven Dragons Association.

“Liu Wei would have died for the country with joy. The people should tighten their belts for the time being. It’s going to be a little tough, but the results will prove it.”

“The country is already leaning. How come the Seven Dragon Association…!”

“Watch your mouth.”

Wang Guo Liang frowned at her. Tang Xiao Zhen looked at him, then she turned and disappeared. Wang Guo Liang grinned as he watched her leave.

After acquiring G&P technology, many scientists attempted to analyze it. However, it was too complex, and the wavelength changed over time so that it couldn’t be analyzed. It was concluded that the analysis alone would take another hundred years. So, the leadership made a quick decision.

‘Concentrate all our resources on it and proceed.’

It hadn’t been verified whether it was safe or not. However, the Knights and those involved in the G&P said they saw it in person, and Japan was working on it right away. China couldn’t fall behind, although it could join hands with Japan. Eventually, after focusing all of its capabilities on a few days, China could complete a large-scale operating device.

All the things that were used as amplifiers for the Magic Crystal Power Plant were removed, and all the Magic Crystal from all over the country were collected. This was because it took a lot of energy to make the data into an artifact. An unbelievable amount of money went into it.

All of this happened in less than a week. Many objected, but all were ignored. The Ambassador who resisted the most was imprisoned by the Seven Dragons Association. After pouring in a fortune, China succeeded in creating an artifact! Unlike the report, it was a red jewel, but its brilliant appearance was very beautiful. When the news that Japan had also succeeded within a day’s notice came, the leadership became even more impatient.

Now was the time to unite the power of all guilds. Although it was said that the Seven Dragons Association was the most dominant, the power of the old and small groups couldn’t be ignored either.

‘Finally, a new era…!’

The Seven Dragon Association, including Wang Guo Liang and other factions of competent people, gathered in front of the Gate. A brilliant jewel was installed in front of the Gate. Triggering unproven artifacts was a huge risk. However, there was no problem with the safety device installed. Wang Guo Liang looked at the red jewel inside the transparent box and clenched his fist.

He had been jealous of Liu Wei because he had outstanding talent. Yet not only had he gotten rid of Liu Wei, he even rose to the rank of the executive. A brighter future awaited him.

‘With this I…!’

He would rise to the top of the list as the main axis of the Seven Dragons Association, and he would gain the honor of saving his people! Wang Guo Liang didn’t doubt it. If he had the strength of the Seven Dragons Association, then it would have been a solid road for him. Military merit would make him a great Knight. Wang Guo Liang looked so confident.

It took a lot of Magic Crystals to invoke the red jewel. The Seven Dragons Association had also paid a burdensome amount.

Brrrrrrrr!

The artifact was activated.

“Oh!”

“Finally…!”

There was a buzz around them. The red jewel was radiating a dazzling glow. Wang Guo Liang’s heart raced as if he saw a bright future for himself and China in that light.

Drrrrrrr!

It was at that moment that the change occurred. The brilliant light emanating from the red jewel suddenly turned into a dark air current.

“Huh?”

“I-it’s out of control!”

“The mana..!”

The gate scientists and those controlling the mana shouted in bewilderment. The wall made for safety twisted with a strange sound. It was like listening to a ghost’s wail.

Paaang!

The wall burst open, and the black air flowed out. Those around them screamed and tried to run away, but the black air current devoured them.

“E-eaaaargh! Uh, huh?”

“Keaaaaaargh? Huh?”

Those who screamed in preparation for the pain that was about to come looked at their hands and feet when nothing happened. A black air was swirling around, but there was nothing wrong with them. It was then they tilted their heads.

“T-the Magic Crystal…?!”

“The artifact…”

“M-my sword?! Huh?! Why am I naked?”

The black air current went to the warehouse where the Magic Crystals were stored and ate them all, intensifying as it did. The competent people hurriedly created the barrier to block it, but it wasn’t enough.

“W-what the hell…?”

Wang Guo Liang brought his sword to his hand.

Boom!

“Huh?”

The handle burst apart. Wang Guo Liang looked down, confused.

“Huh, huaaaarg?!”

The very expensive treasure sword that was in his hand…

“Haaaah!”

A disgusting earthworm, not a sword, was wriggling in his hand instead. Big eyes appeared from the earthworm’s body, and it looked at Wang Guo Liang.

Shhrrrkk! Giggles!

The earthworm laughed, revealing its sharp teeth.

“Eaaargh!”

Wang Guo Liang threw the earthworm on the ground. When he looked at his body, instead of a Knight’s uniform, an earthworm was around him. He struggled and removed the earthworm. The earthworm that fell to the ground wriggled wildly and began to devour the dirt.

“W-what is this…!”

The artifacts for measurement and relics installed for safety were engulfed in the black air and turned into something else. They were all now disgusting creatures. The black air current swallowed up to the Gate, pushing into it. However, the volume of the black air current didn’t decrease but rather expanded exponentially.

“S-stop it from going to the warehouse!”

“N-no! Stop it!”

Only then did the leaders begin to shout urgently. The black air current flowed like a wave along with the mana.

China had only one Gate. A huge treasure trove was built next to the Gate to keep them from being taken over by other countries. It was a place where all their valuables were stored. The tight security around it was the best in the world. However, the black air current wasn’t tangible. It seeped through the walls into the warehouse.

When the competent people created a barrier in a hurry, the warehouse had already been devoured. Wang Guo Liang looked at his hand with devastating eyes. The rings and accessories he wore were gone. Since the ring was an heirloom, he couldn’t even find a replacement.

“T-this…”

Wang Guo Liang’s eyes shook at the unbelievable reality. Then…

Gwaaaaang!

The warehouse where the most valuable things were stored collapsed.

Gwooooooooh!

What broke out of the warehouse was a monster in huge armor. After absorbing all the mana, it gradually grew in size. The surroundings were swept away in an instant as a giant sword swept past them.

[Master hates dirty things. Clean…up!]

It was an earth-shaking voice. Wang Guo Liang tried to draw his sword urgently, belatedly remembering it was gone.

Whiieeeek!

The giant sword descended.

“Keaaargh!”

Wang Guo Liang was swept away by the force of wind moving along the blade.

“S-stop!”

“The barrier!!”

All of China’s forces hurriedly created a barrier to block it, using all of their remaining magic crystals.

Wheeeng!

The area around the Gate was devastated, but fortunately, it didn’t come out beyond a certain radius. Wang Guo Liang, covered in mud, raised his head and looked towards the Gate.

It was hell.

That was the only word that came to his mind.

* * *

Jin-woo returned to the Sanctuary of Gold. Arina greeted Jin-woo with a bright smile. The Sanctuary of Gold was growing more and more splendid day by day and increasing in size.

Her eyes glistened as if they were full of dimensional gold coins.

“Master, you are as wonderful as ever.”

“Do you have a favor to ask? Do you want a raise?”

“W-what favor to ask? How could you say so about my loyalty…of course, I’d be very happy if you could raise my salary.”

It was good that Arina was honest. She said she had something to report while looking at the scene. Jin-woo nodded and followed her.

The place where they arrived was a spacious room.

“Master, do you have the Security and Trap Gem you bought last time?”

“Those things?”

After the technology leaked, everything in the Gates and labs had been discarded. It was a pity since they were perfect to use as an interior accessory.

‘It’s not a technology that I feel bad about.’

Jin-woo only thought so.

“All of those have been discarded, haven’t they?”

“Yes, that’s what I heard too, so Repository 16 was being used as a lab.”

She opened the door of Repository 16. The room was neat as if it had just been built.

“It’s clean.”

“Up until yesterday, it was full of my experiments, but they are all gone.”

“Experiment?”

“Yes, these things.”

When Arina spread her hand, a magic circle was engraved on the floor, and something came up.

“Queeeck!”

It was an earthworm with sharp teeth. Arina patted the earthworm’s head as if it was cute. Of course, Jin-woo took a step back because it was very gross.

“Isn’t it cute? They’re admirable ones who demonize the earth. Would you like to touch it?”

“…That’s fine.”

The earthworm stared at Jin-woo and began acting cute. It felt like seeing a puppy. Anyway, Repository 16 seemed to be full of such monsters. She brought several monsters to the training ground and remodeled them, but they disappeared in an instant.

“Angelica is gone too.”

“Angelica, too?”

“Yes, she was wearing the Giant Rune, though…”

“What is that?”

“It is a technique that makes one’s body huge by absorbing Mana. As you know, Angelica is not like a Death Knight. Her body is a little small, right? Because that’s a complication…”

That was why she gave her something like that. Jin-woo nodded.

“Where did they disappear?”

“So I did some research, and the Security and Trap Gem I mentioned earlier was working. Oddly enough, it’s sending a signal here, riding the dimensional flow. The signal is weak and seems to be distorted, but it still works as an artifact. You’ll understand if you look at that.”

A small magic circle was drawn on the floor of Repository 16. It had been activated.

[D+] Magic Circle of Repository

The Security and Trap Gem accessed the repository via the dimensional flow. The Sanctuary of Gold, the center of the dimension, sensed the flow and activated the magic circle.

*Storage: 91%

Jin-woo roughly guessed what was going on.

‘Have they already created an artifact?’

It was just a week after the leak. He thought that no matter how good Se-yeon was, she couldn’t fully reproduce it. Even though the rank itself wasn’t high, the technique was so complicated that it was impossible to interpret. But Se-yeon was a genius.

It was Jin-woo who underestimated her Rank A potential.

“It seems like something in Repository 16 has been swapped for something that has been working for some unknown reason. Master must approve it before I can check the contents.”

Jin-woo nodded and put mana into the circle.

Wheeeeng! Drrrrrr!

Light came out of the magic circle, and the floor began to shake. Due to the unusual situation, Jin-woo took a few steps back. He didn’t know what would come out.

Ting!

Something rose into the air: it was a ring that looked quite beautiful. Yet the moment the ring fell to the floor…

Rumbling!

A lot of different things came out of nowhere. There were books, gold coins, weapons, shields…there were also many pieces of pottery, jewelry, and artifacts. There were sets of Chinese-styled armor that could be seen in museums and also Japanese-style swords. The amount was so large that they filled the repository. It wasn’t over yet either, as the items were continuously being transmitted one by one in real-time.

“…”

Jin-woo stared blankly at the scene for a moment. A book rolled down to his feet. It was written in ancient Chinese characters, which could be confirmed by the Magic Eye of information.

[D] Purple Sunset Magical Art (Original Copy)

Legendary martial arts were handed down from the Great Mount Group. It is said to be kept in the most secure place in the world. The Seven Dragons Association was negotiating with the Old Archives to get it. It is said that only the long-standing people of the Great Mount Group can learn it.

Rank D was already a great treasure at this point. In addition to that, there things that he had heard of somewhere.

[D] Choi’s Family Sword School’s Heavenly Sword (genuine)

The sword is used by the head of the Choi’s Family Sword School. It was lost long ago. It is damaged and needs repair.

“It’s junk, but there are some quite useful things. I think there was a malfunction.”

“Umm…”

“It seems that the useless things can be melted and used as materials. Well, I think it would be good as an ornament.”

Arina’s evaluation wasn’t very good. Books about as good as Purple Sunset Magical Art were stacked in the study, as were the weapons. Still, the gold bars and jewels containing mana were valuable items.

‘This…’

It was an unexpected benefit.

‘Then…what was in Repository 16…’

Perhaps they were summoned there?

“Arina.”

“Yes, Master.”

“That…what kind of monster did you make?”

“Yes! They are mainly the creatures that demonize the earth. I improved it to plant the plant Master gave me last time. I also made a lot of seeds and eggs. Their fertility will be huge!”

“I see.”

It turned out to be quite a dangerous thing. Above all, Angelica was the problem. No knight could serve a match for Angelica.

“You don’t have to worry. I can retrieve them again if Master permits it.”

“Yes. Let’s get them back at once.”

Since he didn’t know what kind of situation would happen, it would be good to recall them first. Arina reached out her hand to retrieve them. Her mana was spewing out, and a magic circle was drawn. Surely her magic was awesome. It was different from humans as she was a high-ranking demon.

Wheiiing!

The wind was somehow blowing.

“Huh?”

“What’s the matter?”

“That’s…”

Arina waved her hand again. However, only her mana spewed out. Nothing changed.

“About that…I-I can’t get them back.”

“You can’t?

“It looks like the artifact is defective.”

“Ah…”

Jin-woo was speechless for a moment. It seemed that something big had happened.