Gourmet Gaming

Chapter 1129

However, unlike the Pillar Candidates, who had been under the scrutiny of the masses, there were bound to be strong men who could rival them yet had been excluded by the evaluators. There had been many people who have had the chance to become a Pillar Candidate. Among them, only those who had been specially nominated could become candidates.

One of these people, who had the potential to become a candidate but was excluded and ignored by the evaluators, was in the form of a young boy. He was sitting among the crowd in the stands and watching the World Cutie Competition in the Luvien Empire.

His name was Rughamon.

‘He’s already a magic swordsman at that age? He’s a rare genius, huh?’

Rughamon had wanted to become the Pillar of Black Magic. However, he was rejected for various reasons.

The first reason was because Immortal Sorceress Helenia was still a part of the Pillars. And Rughamon was much weaker than her. So, if Rughamon became the eighth Pillar, there was a high chance he would be compared to her for a lifetime.

The second was because of the words black magic. Most of the Pillars represented something. Helenia, the Pillar of Magic, exerted tremendous force and represented many people. The world was flooded with mages who used magic.

Black magic was different. It was challenging to say if he was representing something.

Of course, another reason was that Rughamon had less influence and power than the other candidates. In Ellie’s case, she was able to overcome the restriction on power with the support of her people.

Regardless of the reasons, Rughamon did not like that he was not nominated as one of the Pillar Candidates. And right now, Rughamon, who was in the form of a boy, was smiling viciously in his seat.

Was there no way for him to become a Pillar even though the Pillar Evaluators did not nominate him?

‘No. There’s a way.’

Evil God Obren did not meet the evaluators yet he became a Pillar. In fact, quite a few Pillars sat on their thrones because of their outstanding influence.

‘Obren killed tens of millions of people.’

Of course, Obren fought against the Land of the Gods alone, but his case gave Rughamon a terrible idea.

‘The second Evil God will be born here.’

Rughamon’s eyes gleamed sharply at the result of the competition. After all, corruption dictated the outcome of the competition.

***

Luvien Empire’s guest hall.

Minhyuk met with Cardin, the new emperor of the Luvien Empire. Perhaps it had been a while since they last met, but Cardin had now become quite an emperor.

Cardin smiled as he listened to Minhyuk, who suddenly visited and talked about Briah’s River. Then, he asked, “The Beyond the Heavens Empire wants the Briah’s River. Is there a reason?”

Minhyuk realized that he had made a small error. ‘Was I acting too urgent?’

He might have been too eager and excited to use the Ingredient Creation skill. Nevertheless, he was very skilled at watching the situation and reacting on the fly.

“Of course, it’s to enrich my meals. I want to expand the range of places to get delicious ingredients. From what I heard, the fish from Briah’s River are said to be plump and delicious.”

His words were valid to some extent.

“Then, what will the Beyond the Heavens Empire offer the Luvien Empire for it?”

This was a transaction between two empires. Each side has to get something out of it.

“How about the Aghbuda Mines?”

“It’s quite a good mine for the Beyond the Heavens Empire. But from what I know, that is a tiny mine. You should know that Briah’s River Water can promote growth and heal wounds if consumed. The Luvien Empire makes a steady profit off of it every year.”

This deal would take a lot of work to complete. Of course, Minyuk knew about that too. But that was only the case in the past. Their revenue from the Briah’s River was slowly dwindling. Emperor Cardin was just refusing to yield.

“Also, the relationship between the Beyond the Heavens Empire and the Luvien Empire is not that pleasant, no?”

They were empires that could go to war at any given moment. They could not give in in a situation where they did not even know what Minhyuk truly wanted. The two continued their negotiation, maintaining a constant tug-of-war. It might seem like one side would give in, but that was not really what was going to happen.

‘I think this deal will go through if I add something to the Aghbuda Mines.’

Of course, it was also necessary for Minhyuk to protect the pride and glory of the Beyond the Heavens Empire. While Minhyuk continued to discuss at the negotiation table, he received a whisper.

[Teacher Kim: Your Majesty, there’s trouble.]

“...?”

The player with the nickname “Teacher Kim” was a teacher at Sprout Academy. She was extremely fond of children. If not, would she even use the nickname “Teacher Kim”?

Not all of the teachers at Sprout Academy were extremely talented and outstanding individuals. In schools and academies, there was a need for people who would take care of children and show them love, like Teacher Kim. That was the reason why Minhyuk signed her to become a teacher at Sprout Academy.

[Minhyuk: What’s going on?]

[Teacher Kim: Our student named Brelin met a boy named Brent in the finals...]

Minhyuk continued to listen to the situation. In the end, he could not help but frown.

‘The young boy named Brelin did not even protest?’

Minhyuk could not understand. He was just a child, and his situation was absurd. Usually, kids would shout, ‘You bad guys!’

So, why did the child remain silent? Not long after, he realized something.

[Minhyuk: Did word about how I came to the Luvien Empire spread in the World Cutie Competition?]

[Teacher Kim: Yes.]

Only then did understanding dawned on Minhyuk’s face. He bit his lips tightly.

‘He’s a child. So, he has to act like a child...’

The child remained calm because he was afraid to damage the transaction between the two empires. In Minhyuk’s eyes, his people were more important. In fact, he was willing to overturn everything and scrap this transaction just because his people, a young boy with a dream, were being treated unjustly and trampled on by others.

Minhyuk continued to listen to the situation. When he was told that Brelin would leave the venue, he immediately used the Battle God's Voice.

The Battle God’s Voice had a version that could materialize scenes in the sky above, but it could also be used as a general God’s Voice. Unlike others, Minhyuk could set it so only his target could hear the God’s Voice or let everyone listen to it. The area he could cover with the skill could even reach a few kilometers.

Using the Battle God’s Voice, Minhyuk talked to Brelin. When Minhyuk was done with what he wanted to say...

“What’s the matter?” Cardin asked. This was because their conversation stopped.

“I’m very unhappy.”

‘So suddenly?’

Emperor Cardin frowned.

Then, Minhyuk told him about the current situation. Emperor Cardin could not help but be dumbfounded when he heard the whole story.

“Right now, are you implying that the Luvien Empire is corrupted?” Cardin looked at him incredulously. “Do you even have evidence? What, just based on those few reports? No. Do you have anything aside from that?”

Emperor Cardin was very sharp and keen.

“You should be very aware, Emperor Minhyuk. You can’t completely uproot corruption in the empire, no?”

Of course, Minhyuk knew it, too. Corruption was like a weed. Even if they cut it off, as long as they did not pull out its root, it would continue to pop out and grow.

There was something else that Cardin found to be truly absurd.

“Don’t forget that we’re in front of the negotiation table. And you’re criticizing me just because of a child and a children’s competition?”

Minhyuk smiled bitterly. He could understand why Cardin found it absurd. After all, he had suffered a sudden jab out of nowhere.

Minhyuk clasped his hands on the table and looked at Cardin. Then, he said, “Because that mere child is a citizen of my empire.”

***

Brelin had the happiest smile in the world. He gushed to Rundalk about how he heard Minhyuk’s voice in his ears.

“That’s right, Brelin.” Rundalk smiled softly. “The empire that you’re living in is like this.”

Rundalk stroked Brelin’s head as he picked the child up.

“It’s an empire that cares for every single citizen. An empire in which the emperor raises his sword for the sake of just one of his citizens.”

Rundalk had experienced and felt many things as he watched over Minhyuk.

“What are you afraid of?”

Then, Brelin went down and stood right next to Rundalk.

“The Beyond the Heavens’ emperor is protecting you.”

Brelin nodded slowly as he walked back to the venue.

Meanwhile, Duke Vakkaman looked at the child, who walked back inside with interest. Usually, kids his age would cry out, ‘Bad uncle! I’m going to tell my mom and dad!’ or ‘You poopy idiot! Waaaaaah!’ Nevertheless, these childish tantrums would not affect the outcome of the tournament...

“Aren’t you ashamed?!”

“...?”

Vakkaman could not help but frown at the child’s unexpected words.

The boy, who was only around a meter tall and carrying an Obren bag on his back, shouted, “You call yourselves the greatest, yet the results of the competition held in the Great Luvien Empire are ultimately decided by the nobles?!”

“Boy. Right now, you’re...”

The young boy’s eyes grew sharp when he heard the referee’s words.

“You’re the boy!” Brelin, who was a child but acted more like an adult, took a step forward. On his arm was a cute version of a fork and knife symbol crossed together. “I am standing here, representing the Beyond the Heavens Empire! Let me ask you...”

Unlike his peers, Brelin was far more exceptional and brilliant. He spoke loudly as if he wanted everyone from the other empires and kingdoms to hear.

“Is there a rule in this World Cutie Competition stipulating that you should only use your weapons and not your other abilities?!” He took a deep breath and continued, “But that’s strange. According to the Luvien Empire’s logic and reasoning, using more than one weapon will be considered a foul. However, magic is not a weapon but one’s ability. It’s considered to be a pure power!”

“Enough! Stop being so stubborn.”

The referee hurriedly glanced at Duke Vakkaman.

“Stubborn?” Brelin chuckled. “Then, why can’t Brent, the one involved in this match, not raise his head proudly?!”

Everyone turned to look at Brent. Brent, who was supposed to be enjoying his win and basking in glory, could not raise his head. He could not bear to look at others.

“Brat, if you continue to do that...”

Duke Vakkaman, who was watching the situation, finally opened his mouth.

“Beyond the Heavens’ representative.” Vakkaman smiled at the boy named Brelin. “Are you implying that the Great Luvien Empire is committing corruption?”

His overwhelming momentum pressed down on Brelin.

“What if the others don’t think so? And if the reputation of the Great Luvien Empire is tarnished by that light tongue of yours then...” Duke Vakkaman was by no means a man who was kind to children. “...we can execute you right away.”

“...!”

Gasps rose all over the venue. With a look of interest, Duke Vakkaman said, “Even though you’re a child, such a light tongue cannot be forgiven. You have to repay that with death. If not, then who would take responsibility for your words?”

“I will.”

The one who stepped forward was none other than Rundalk. Vakkaman laughed.

“You’re the director of the Sprout Academy, no?”

He thought that they were crazy. The highest title that a mere director could have was a count. And Duke Vakkaman? He was the duke of the greatest empire, the Great Luvien Empire. He was also a powerhouse recognized by the whole world.

Murmurs began to erupt in the stands.

“Isn’t that directory crazy?”

“He’s just a mere director but dares to confront Duke Vakkaman...?”

“Maybe he’s not thinking about the future?”

Yes. Everyone ignored the words of a mere director. Vakkaman smiled as if he did not find it worth dealing with this guy anymore.

“...!”

Just then, he sensed something was wrong. He suddenly started to feel sick.

“Uweeeeeek!”

Blood started to spill out of his mouth.

“...!”

“...!”

The sudden turn of events left everyone frozen in their seats.

“Duke Vakkaman!”

The priests, who were outside the venue, hurriedly tried to run to where Vakkaman was.

Thud–

Thud–

Thud–

Thud–

Thud–

Alas, all of the doors leading to the venue closed on their own. At the same time, black magic appeared and covered the entire venue.

[Black Mage’s House.]

[You are trapped inside the Black Mage’s House.]

[Anyone outside is not allowed to enter the Black Mage’s House.]

[Only those from the inside can break apart the cruel and vicious Black Mage’s House.]

Not long after, Duke Vakkaman felt his strength slowly dissipate.

“Everyone, be on guard... Urk!”

Vakkaman only realized it after vomiting another mouthful of black blood.

‘Black magic...? All of my powers have been sealed.’

Someone had deliberately targeted him and made him unable to use their power. The soldiers hurriedly pulled out their swords and tried to run and protect Vakkaman.

Boom, boom, boom–!

Before they could do anything, blood surged out from all of their orifices, and they died at the same time.

“Waaaaaaaah!”

“Mommyyyy!”

“D-director! Directoooor!”

“Kids, all of you get behind me.”

Only a few dozen participants competed, but tens of thousands of children worldwide came to spectate. These young children burst into tears and flocked to the closed doors, their cries echoing all over the venue.

Meanwhile, Vakkaman was dragged to the wall. He realized that he could not use his power at this moment.

Thump, thump–

At that moment, a young boy walked out of the stands. With every step that the boy took, his appearance changed.

Among the people, only Rughamon, wearing a black robe and holding a black staff, was sporting a grin, albeit a bleak smile.

“Wahahahahahahaha!”

Duke Vakkaman was the most dangerous person in this venue, so Rughamon took his powers. With a crazed look in his eyes, he looked at the young children, the directors, and the teachers, who were clinging to the closed doors.

‘Now, no one will be able to stop me.’

Rughamon swung his staff. Black energy fell to the ground, creating a gigantic black wolf.

[Gluttony’s Wolf. Level 711.]

The gigantic black wolf was five meters in height.

“Grrrrrrr!”

The black wolf, a monster that always felt hungry no matter how many he ate, looked at the children with drool dripping down its mouth. Its appearance alone was ferocious enough that one’s legs would grow weak.

“Go on, eat! Eat to your heart’s content!”

“Awooooo!”

Rughamon watched the wolf run toward the children. Then, he looked up at Duke Vakkaman and said, “Keuhahahahaha! Now, the world will witness the birth of the new Evil God Rughamon...”

“Hiiing... hiiing... hiiiiing...!”

At that moment, a sudden cry interrupted his spiel. Confused, Rughamon turned to look in the direction where the sound came from. That was when he saw the Gluttony’s Wolf cowering with its tail between its legs. Its body was even shaking as it tried to step back. It seemed like the wolf had been scared by something.

Rughamon was shocked. ‘What-what the hell?!’

It seemed that among those children was a powerhouse as strong as Duke Vakkaman or perhaps even stronger.