Kalatus had told Yeon-woo to find him as soon as possible. However, it was impossible to get through the Dragon Labyrinth without preparation, and Yeon-woo needed time. The first step in his plan was to tap forces like Blood Land. The more forces appeared, the easier it would be to subjugate everyone. He had to wait for the fruit to ripen first.

What happened between him and Edora was a result of his heightened emotions and relief. He hadnt expected it to happen, but that didnt mean their relationship would drastically change. As always, they would take care of each other.

* * *

Edora listened with interest at the stories Yeon-woo told her. She was happy to hear hed finally met Jeong-woo and cried when she heard about Mother Earths appearance in Tartarus and the mess she made. Ive seen Allforone before.

Allforone? He hadnt expected that, and he looked at her in surprise.

Yes. I was very young, and it was only a glance. He visited my father once. Edora had never forgotten because the village had been in an uproar. Actually, I dont remember what he looked like. He probably used some magic that interferes with identification. Still, I remember his aura clearly because it was strange.

His aura?

Yes. It was very unique. He stood in an aloof manner, but it seemed like he was also in trouble. Edora described her impression of Allforone. Likesomehow he wanted to fall, as though he were deeply exhausted. It was something like that.

Mmm. Yeon-woo thought for a moment. Allforone in troubleit was too different from his experience and so it was hard for him to picture it. However, Edoras Insight was outstanding, and even at a young age, she could already view someones essence clearly. Her impression of Allforone could possibly be accurate.

I dont know. Yeon-woo swept his hair back. It occurred to him that the Allforone he and his brother had experienced might be different from what he was really like. But that doesnt mean anything will change. It didnt matter either way. Allforone was still a wall he had to climb to reach the peak of the Tower. Of course, there were other walls he had to climb first before then.

Oraboni, do you have more of this? Its so good. Edora looked at the empty plate with wistful eyes.

Theres plenty left, so eat as much as you want. But next time, just dip the meat in the sauce. If you pour it over the meat, itll become sticky when it cools.

But if you pour it in, the sauce mixes with the fried meat well. I want to eat it like that!

Yeon-woo watched her eat Tangsuyuk with the pouring method and sighed. I also made some coffee, do you want some?

* * *

That night, Yeon-woo and Edora met the Gluttony Emperor.

Hahaha! My comrade! The friend Ive been waiting for! Why have you only shown up now? Do you know how much Ive missed you? The Gluttony Emperor burst out in laughter and ran towards Yeon-woo. He had returned to his chubby form and his face was greasy as always.

Yeon-woo was about to hug him back, but two crossed blades suddenly appeared between them.

What is the meaning of this Duke Moglay! Duke Tarbing!

The owners of the swords were the Nanchaosand Shingodlyof Guai Ruk Nan Shin: Duke Moglay and Duke Tarbing.

Please forgive us, Your Majesty.

However, theres something we must first hear from this man.

Before the Gluttony Emperor could shout at them further, Duke Tarbing knelt and bowed his head. In the meantime, Duke Moglay narrowed his eyes at Yeon-woo. Sir Cain. Depending on your answer, we will put our lives on the line to dissuade the king from being close to you.

Yeon-woo looked between Duke Moglay and Duke Tarbing, then nodded dispassionately. As you wish.

Because of this chessboard that youve set up, weve entered a situation with no escape. We are now enemies not only with White Dragon, but also with the Elohim. However, the plan youve proposed is too simple. How are you going to balance the disparity in strength?

Edora glowered at him, but Yeon-woo stopped her. He replied without any concern, What if the Fantasy Regiment has expressed their intent to participate, and Demon Beauty Castle will soon gather their forces to join?

Duke Moglary scoffed. Ridiculous! You think groups of ruffians will be able to close the gap? Theyll be ended by the Lion Alliance.

Its not just those two. Yeon-woo smirked. You have me too.

What!

Clang! As soon as Yeon-woo finished speaking, a shadow soared up from the ground and brought down the sword Duke Moglay was holding. At the same time, another sword emerged and reached Duke Moglays neck. Dont move. The moment you do, your head will fall off. Hanryeong stood behind him.

When? It had happened in an instant. Duke Moglays eyes widened. He was also an outstanding swordsman, but he hadnt read Hanryeongs movements at all.

Yeon-woo spoke coldly to the stiff Duke Moglay. You are probably aware that Im a Lord with Shadow Familiars. I think this is enough to see the plan through, even if the numbers arent equal. Fair?

Since Yeon-woos familiar had managed to block his attack, Duke Moglary acknowledged his defeat. Forgive my rudeness. Kashing! He straightened and returned his sword to its sheath. Hanryeong moved a step back, glaring at him, and disappeared in the shadows again.

When Duke Tarbing also moved away, the Gluttony Emperor raised his hand with a furious face. Thwak! Youll answer for this later. I dont want to see you anymore, so go away!

Your grace is as deep as the oceans.

Your grace is as deep as the oceans.

The two dukes bowed and quietly drew back. The Gluttony Emperor glared at them until they completely disappeared and ran towards Yeon-woo with anxious steps, looking him over. A-are you all right? Youre not hurt?

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Is that important right now?! Your body is more important?! This wasnt something I ordered! I guarantee it!

I know, Your Majesty. Please dont worry about it.

How can I not?!

Please dont punish the dukes either. It was all because of their loyalty to you. I completely understand. The familiars watching found it too obvious that Yeon-woo was acting, but the Gluttony Emperor wiped his eyes with a moved expression.

Hu. Your kindness is as high as the skies. Why have I only met someone like you now? It wouldve been nice if we had met sooner. The Gluttony Emperor held Yeon-woos hand in his plump one. Now, lets go inside. Ive prepared a feast for you. The Gluttony Emperor led Yeon-woo inside his tent and continued to sing his praises. Prince Domo and Duke Tuan Tien followed him.

Kalatus grave! Its something that insolent Spring Queen and others will lust after. Hahaha! And youve made the chessboard so complex that their heads will be muddled.

Inside the tent, there were various foods and wines on fancy plates.

And as you requested, were done with all the field research. Only the excavation is left. The Gluttony Emperor murmured, giggling. He had been trying to speak discreetly but everyone heard. As Yeon-woo rescued Edora and drew the attention of the enemies, Blood Land had studied the map Yeon-woo had given them and searched for the grave to see if it was authentic.

Of course, they were successful and found the hidden stage.

The Gluttony Emperor still remembered how his subordinates had come up to him with flushed faces to report that they found Kalatus grave. He licked his lips just thinking about it. Everyone says that there were so many precious items even just at the entrance. They had a glimpse at the reason why the old dragons had been classified as transcendental species and why the Summer Queen was able to rule the Tower for so long. He rubbed a piece of the Draconic species treasure that his subordinates had taken to him. Each piece was equivalent to a superior artifact in the Tower.

Your Majesty.

Hahaha! Whats the matter? Speak.

I hope you dont forget that what youve seen so far is only the beginning. He meant that there were far more valuable items inside. And everything there will become yours.

The Gluttony Emperors smile widened, revealing all of his teeth. Then, he covered his mouth with his hand and tried to speak as solemnly as possible. Are you telling me to take your rewards? Or do you think of me as an ungrateful tyrant? This is all yours. Im only helping a friend. Everything here belongs to you.

Yeon-woo snorted to himself. You dont really think that. How could Yeon-woo not know of his endless greed? He was so greedy that hed eaten his own brothers to take the throne. Perhaps that greed came from the Soulstone in his stomach, the stone of gluttony.

I dont have the power or desire to protect that treasure. Then wouldnt it be all right for Your Majesty to take it all?

The Gluttony Emperor barely stopped himself from grinning as he asked, Then what about you? If you give me everything in there, there wont be anything for you.

I only want one thing.

Do as you wish! I swear on my name that Ill give you anything! Hahaha! Weve had a lot of tough ordeals, but today, it feels like we have a thousand troops with us! Whats everyone doing; bring the feast over!

Why dont we look around the grave first before taking our time to enjoy the feast after?

Haha! Its like you read my mind. I like everything you say. Good. Ill take you to the grave, I mean, the labyrinth. Follow me.

Yeon-woo smirked as he watched the smiling Gluttony Emperor stride to the portal connected to the Dragon Labyrinth. I cant say I want your head, Gluttony.

With a flash of light, their location changed.

[You have entered the hidden stage, Dragon Labyrinth.]