Lukas would never have expected that their next meeting would be in this place. That was why he couldn’t help but look at Lee Jong-hak with surprise.
Fortunately, he was currently using ‘Frey’s face. So unless he released the spell himself, Lee Jong-hak would never recognise him.
“…”
When Lee Jong-hak came down, the noisy hall immediately became deathly quiet as though a bucket of cold water had been poured onto it.
And even those who had been in the middle of laughing or cheering stifled their voices when they noticed him.
Seemingly not noticing his effect on the people, Lee Jong-hak looked around with his distinctively calm expression.
Perhaps he was looking for an empty table. But Lukas had picked the last one.
After a brief moment, Lee Jong-hak finally turned to look at Lukas. It seemed that he thought the table for four might be too big for just Lukas alone.
After walking up to Lukas, Lee Jong-hak bowed his head and asked politely.
“Can I sit with you?”
“Go ahead.”
When Lukas nodded and gave a brief response, Lee Jong-hak pulled the chair across from him and sat down.
The middle-aged woman he saw earlier approached the table once again.
Tak-
But this time, she placed the glass of water on the table in a cold manner before walking away.
Her actions convinced Lukas of the thought he had. It seemed that the residents here didn’t like Lee Jong-hak.
Lukas turned to look at Lee Jong-hak once again.
It had been months since they’d last met, but he didn’t seem to have changed much in that time. The only difference was that he had a more determined aura than before.
This was a sign that he’d made great progress in swordsmanship.
It was not easy to achieve so much progress in such a short amount of time. This was also proof of frightening talent.
‘Did this man return to the Asia Headquarters?’
The last time he’d heard news of him, he was working in Germany.
Lukas became curious.
Had Lee Jong-hak heard about what happened in Russia? And if he had, what were his thoughts about it?
“I don’t think you’re from around here.”
Lee Jong-hak’s soft voice came once again. It was so quiet that Lukas would not have heard it if he hadn’t been sitting at the same table.
Realising that he was talking to him, Lukas took a sip of cold water.
“Yes. I’m from Europe.”
“…”
Lee Jong-hak’s hand froze as he was about to pick up his own cup.
He looked up at Lukas, a complex emotion hidden within his eyes.
Lukas wondered how he would react.
Following the incident, Europe and Asia had become irreconcilable enemies. So it wouldn’t be surprising if he were to suddenly attack after meeting a European hunter in a foreign country.
“That…”
Just as he was about to say something, Lukas looked up, sensing Joanna’s presence.
It was not an exaggeration to call her appearance striking. As soon as she appeared, some of the hunters couldn’t help but stare at her with their mouths wide open.
Joanna, who had changed into light clothes, seemed to be in a good mood. She looked around the room for a moment before cheerfully walking over to Lukas after spotting him.
Then she sat on a chair beside him and waved her hand.
“Ah, how refreshing. Huh? Didn’t you freshen up?”
“No.”
“Ugh, you’re filthy. Stay back.”
When she pulled her chair away from him, she bumped into Lee Jong-hak. Naturally, she turned to look at the person she’d hit.
“I’m so-… rry? This gentleman, I feel like I’ve seen you before…”
Joanna pressed her hand against her forehead as she struggled to think. Then, after a moment, she asked with a slightly hesitant voice.
“Are you the Human Dragon?”
“Yes, I’m Lee Jong-hak.”
Joanna smiled brightly.
“I’ve seen many pictures, but this is my first time seeing you in person. Nice to meet you. I’m Joanna Goldberg.”
Lee Jong-hak had a look of realisation at those words.
“Now, I recognise you. You’re that Archmage from North America. Your reputation precedes you.”
“Oh, my.”
His polite attitude made Joanna unsure of how to react for a moment.
Right. This was it. She had forgotten after spending so much time with that block-headed guy, but this was the attitude people usually had when talking to her.
She was at a level where even heroes from Asia had to be polite to her, and more importantly, she was a woman who had been chosen by the Great Mage.
Joanna shot a triumphant look at Lukas. As if to say ‘look at the type of woman I am’.
But even when she looked at him smugly, Lukas’ gaze remained locked on Lee Jong-hak, and he seemed to be thinking about something else.
A bit embarrassed, Joanna let out a small cough.
“Hmhm. So, Mr. Lee, what brings you here?”
“I came here for a mission. But I can’t tell you the details.”
“I see.”
It was a rule that unless you were talking to a member of the same branch, you should never reveal the mission you were doing. Knowing that he was on a mission, Joanna didn’t try to question him any further.
Lee Jong-hak’s gaze then turned to Lukas.
“Who is this?”
“I’m Frey Blake, from Europe. I’m on a mission with Joanna.”
“I see.”
Lee Jong-hak seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, and Lukas observed him.
A joint mission between Europe and North America hinted at the possibility that the relationship between the two regions was becoming closer.
Depending on how he reacted to this knowledge, he might be able to learn Lee Jong-hak’s thoughts, but…
They were interrupted once again as Keegan appeared.
He looked at the three of them sitting at the table before tilting his head slightly.
“Well, would you look at that. The three of you are all sitting together .Do you know each other?”
“We just met.”
“This is great.”
Well. It was nice because it meant he wouldn’t have to go looking for them.
Keegan smiled.
“Our leader is ready to see you. Follow me.”
* * *
The hierarchy among Demons was determined by power. At the very bottom were the normal Demons, and above them were the Demon Nobles. And only those Demons who stood at the very peak among Demon Nobles could be granted the title Duke.
However, this didn’t mean that every Duke had the same amount of power or authority.
Of the Demon Dukes, there were only five who could be called the Demon King’s closest aides. It was for this reason that they were referred to as the Five Dukes.
And among the Five Dukes, there was one who could be considered the Demon King’s right hand.
Azazel.
He was a Demon who had an appearance that was strikingly close to that of a human, except for his gray hair, pale skin, and two large horns growing from his temples.
Some of the Dukes often half-honestly and half-jokingly called him the ‘Grand Duke’. Because the title suited him in a way.
This was because he was the one who often took over whenever the Demon King was absent.
Azazel was currently walking through a forest in France.
This was no ordinary forest as the demonic energy in this place was many times thicker than even at the Versailles Palace. This demonic energy caused the entire forest to look like it was covered in a thick smog.
This was natural.
After all, this forest was basically the place that could be called the Demon King’s true residence.
“…”
Azazel looked around.
The entire area was a mess, as though a typhoon had swept through it. The ground was filled with large holes and trenches like a giant worm had crawled through it, and the demonic energy in the air was so thick it condensed into fog.
And in the middle of this devastated area was a single, large being.
Azazel immediately knelt down on one knee and politely bowed his head.
“My King.”
At those words, the huge being opened his eyes. Black eyes, which seemed to suck in all the surrounding light, turned to look at Azazel.
[Azazel Trowman.]
“I humbly await your order.”
[The preparations are complete.]
“That means…”
Azazel shuddered for a moment. Unspeakable joy overflowed from his gaze.
The Demon King’s lips twisted into a smile.
[I am now the strongest.]
(TL: The author is really teasing us with these names. Who do you guys think is the one from Lukas’ world?)