Chapter 288: Chapter 288

Choi Yeonseung didn’t think there was much he could help the demon constellation with. First of all, Choi Yeonseung had more enemies than him at the moment.

Despite being an evil god constellation, the demon constellation had no enemies. On the other hand, Choi Yeonseung had many enemies despite being on the side of the good god constellations. It wouldn't be surprising for him to get involved in another constellation battle in the near future.

In addition, it seemed that the demon constellation wanted some insight into the lifestyle of humans, but it didn’t seem like Choi Yeonseung himself could offer him any enlightening knowledge when it came to that.

[The household of the ‘Demon of Contract and Order’ has come to you.]

‘Eh?’

Choi Yeonseung was startled by the sudden message window.

Since they had formed an alliance, it was normal for the Demon of Contract and Order to send his subordinates to Choi Yeonseung. Moreover, the demon constellation was now pressured to fulfill his end of the bargain as soon as possible, given that he had made a deal with Choi Yeonseung to get his contract book back.

It was only natural for his household members to come to Choi Yeonseung.

‘...But it’s so embarrassing...’

Compared to the Abyss, it was far more awkward to meet Abyssal races on Earth. That was especially the case if those creatures were the household members of an evil god constellation.

“I look forward to cooperating with you, Hunter Choi Yeonseung. I am Demon No. 139. Feel free to call me No. 139.”

“...Yes. It’s a pleasure, No. 139. However, if you go somewhere else, don’t say out loud that you’re a demon.”

They were on British soil, and no matter what Choi Yeonseung said out loud, it was extremely unlikely for anyone to leak information to others. The only ones here were the household members sent by the goddess of balance and the orcs and nightmare demons brought by Choi Yeonseung.

However, it would be troublesome in many ways for this demon to go to other countries and reveal his true nature.

“Oh my... Yes, that goes without saying. Don’t worry, Hunter Choi Yeonseung. I will obey orders no matter what. Hehe.”

‘I guess I don’t have to worry about him getting caught.’

Choi Yeonseung scanned the demon from head to toe. He was much more adept at disguising himself than Odaigon. The demon was dressed in a slightly worn, checkered suit, and wore large, thick glasses. He stood awkwardly and was reminiscent of a weak-minded tax accountant or lawyer.

Choi Yeonseung instinctively gauged the abilities of No. 139 with his constellation eyes. After all, it was important to know if the demon was too weak.

If he got into a fight with other monsters or hunters...

[Demon No. 139]

[Level: 498

Strength: 728

Agility: 830

Physical Strength: 840

Magic Power: 980

Intelligence: 890]

[Bondage of the Black Contract]

Rank: ?

?????

[Seven Hearts]

Rank: ?

?????

...]

‘...That’s insane.’

For the first time in ages, Choi Yeonseung was completely shocked. The demon’s stats were simply too amazing. Moreover, it was difficult to check all the skills the demon had. Even if Choi Yeonseung looked at them roughly, his abilities were...

It was likely that this demon was pretty strong even when compared to demons Choi Yeonseung had faced in the past, like Baringos.

One couldn’t reach the status of a constellation just by rising to a high level, but even so, looking at the demon’s level alone, he was essentially one step away from surpassing the strength of mortals!

“Can I ask you what role you play among the household members of the demon constellation?”

“I’m ashamed to say it, but I’m in charge of fighting.”

“...”

‘I need to tell the orcs to watch out for Demon No. 139...’

Once again, Choi Yeonseung realized that he shouldn’t judge the Abyss based on appearances!

***

“So this is the new business that the Undefeated Incarnation of Training is working on?”

“To be precise, it isn’t Master’s business. It’s the business that I am working on.”

‘Huh… But Hunter Choi Yeonseung is a favorite household member, so he must be receiving quite a bit of support,’ thought Demon No. 139 as he toured the plant facilities established in the United Kingdom. He was puzzled because he had expected a more modern and systematic kind of farm.

However, the farms of the orcs were quite… They were strange.

-Take a break!

-No. I’m finishing it today. Now, let’s split the field together!

-Well, I can’t just stand still when you say that. Let’s see who’s the strongest orc here!

“...”

No matter how No. 139 looked at it, it seemed like a primitive system to him. He couldn’t wrap his head around having the orcs plow the fields individually, relying solely on their strength. Wasn’t the Undefeated Incarnation of Training a bit harsh for providing the orcs with that little support?

‘If he’s giving this type of support to his favorite household member, I think the Undefeated Incarnation of Training is too much...’

The demon constellation wasn’t a good or benevolent constellation, but he still had a clear system of rewards and punishments.

No. 139 was confused because the incarnation of training turned out to be unlike what he had expected.

“Huh, what is it?”

“Uh... That... Is there a reason for doing this? Human agriculture uses more advanced technology. If it’s Abyss farming, you can use magic. Did the Undefeated Incarnation of Training specifically order you to do this?”

“...”

Choi Yeonseung realized what No. 139 was thinking.

‘This jerk... He’s doubting my abilities now!’

It was bound to be troublesome in many ways if others thought that this was the maximum support that the incarnation of training could provide to these orcs. If strange rumors started circulating in the Abyss...

-The Undefeated Incarnation of Training only gives this type of support to his household members? I thought he was the constellation who ruled over martial arts, but he wasn’t as great as I expected.

-Well, martial arts are a terrible skill at their core, so…

…It could devolve into something like that.

Choi Yeonseung spoke firmly, “This farming method has its purpose.”

“Oh, I knew it! What is it?”

“First of all, the technology for human agriculture isn’t fully capable of handling the plants of the Abyss yet.”

“Indeed... So why not use magic?”

It was because as a constellation, Choi Yeonseung could barely use magic. He had to be proficient in using magic in order to bestow magic upon the orcs, but his main weapon was martial arts.

“There are two reasons for it.”

“...!”

“One is to try to get a better result by growing it by hand without using magic.”

It was inevitable that the plants would sustain some form of damage when artificially creating rain and thinning out the soil with wide-area magic. It was indeed more inefficient for the orcs to do it by hand, but it ultimately served to achieve a result close to perfection.

“Indeed...”

“The second thing is the training of martial arts.”

“Is this training in martial arts?”

Demon No. 139 knew nothing about martial arts, so he had to pass over it.

Choi Yeonseung nodded seriously.

“Unlike magic, the practice of martial arts is possible in all areas of everyday life.”

“Amazing. I’ve learned a lot, Hunter Choi Yeonseung. I can’t believe you’ve taught me this.”

“It’s not a big deal. I hope you can also teach others the teachings of the Undefeated Incarnation of Training,” replied Choi Yeonseung quietly.

Just like demons made contracts with various mortals, spreading good rumors was beneficial for a constellation in many ways.

“But Hunter Choi Yeonseung, I don’t know much about human businesses, but... I’ve heard that humans like cutting-edge technology. They develop it and are obsessed with it. Is it okay to farm like this without using that type of technology?”

“There seems to be a misunderstanding.”

“?”

“Humans like technology and are obsessed with its development, but this old-fashioned way of doing things can also be advantageous,” replied Choi Yeonseung almost instantly. He just needed to come up with enough explanations until No. 139 was convinced. The demon didn’t know much about Earth to begin with, so it would be easy enough for Choi Yeonseung to deceive him.

“When they witness such natural, idyllic scenery, humans discover the things they no longer have. Presentation is very important in business.”

“Oh... Indeed...”

No. 139 was listening with great interest when an idea suddenly came to him.

“Hunter Choi Yeonseung, could I apply your strategy to my master’s contracts?”

“...Huh?”

“Apparently, mortals don’t trust demons and are afraid of them, which is detrimental for making contracts. However, if we make our image more friendly, I think mortals will have the courage to make contracts with us.”

“...”

[New advice has been delivered to the ‘Demon of Contract and Order.’]

[If this advice is effective, it will be recorded as assistance under the contract.]

-What are you doing?!

The goddess of sloth let out a cry of shock. Even if No. 139 was the household member of the demon constellation, how could Choi Yeonseung let him use his strategy for such a malevolent purpose?

***

Adaquaniel regularly reported to the Goddess of Balance Who Walks Ahead. She reported on the status of the realm, the movements of the surrounding constellations, or any peculiarities that were worth mentioning. Since taking over the United Kingdom, she also reported on the British officials.

-Master, some of the humans dared to claim your land as their own and extort money from others.

-So what did you do?

-Just as Hunter Choi Yeonseung had advised me, I let orcs purify their minds and bodies through labor. This type of human behavior has disappeared, so it seems to be effective.

-I see.

The goddess of balance nodded in satisfaction. Adaquaniel had certainly done a good job. However, a thought flashed through her mind…

‘...Aren’t the two of them too close...?’

Generally speaking, it was easy for two household members to get along with each other because they were both mortals. On the other hand, a relationship between a constellation and a mortal was bound to have some walls, no matter how friendly one side was.

The goddess of balance suddenly became nervous as she thought about this. However, she couldn’t tell Adaquaniel, a loyal angel, to stop interacting with Choi Yeonseung.

-Master, this time, the Demon of Contract and Order sent a household member. The demon marveled at the business you taught him. All of this is your glory...

-Wait, the demon constellation sent a household member?

Adaquaniel nodded, thinking that something like that was bound to happen. After forming an alliance, it wasn’t unusual for one side to send over a household member in order to prepare for any possible attacks on their ally.

In addition, Demon No. 139 was so powerful that even Adaquaniel couldn’t easily see through him. In the event of a constellation battle, he would certainly be very helpful.

-...Adaquaniel, when you return to Earth, can you ask Hunter Choi Yeonseung if he needs the help of a constellation?

-I shall do that, but Master, Hunter Choi Yeonseung already has a constellation that can help him. Why go out of your way to...?

-Just do it.

-Yes. I understand.

The loyal Adaquaniel wouldn’t disobey her master’s orders. The goddess of balance became a bit more harsh because Adaquaniel questioned her decision.

-Adaquaniel, I think it would be a good idea to mention some nice things about me when you go and speak to him.

-That goes without saying, Master. I won’t forget to tell him.

-Don’t do it blatantly. Do it naturally. Understood?

-Yes. Of course.

-...When you go and tell him about this, ask him what he thinks of me.

-Yes. Of course.

-He might take part in another constellation battle soon, but make sure to tell him that my power will be helpful, just like last time. In addition, ask him if he wants to receive an even stronger power.

The other angels suddenly felt sorry for Adaquaniel. Why did their master, who was relatively fine in other areas, act like this when it came to Choi Yeonseung...?

The power of a constellation wasn’t meant to be used to lure others. It was a reward that had to be bestowed in a more honorable manner. It was as if the goddess was saying, ‘Why don’t you come to my house? I’ll make sure to give you something nice if you do…’

-Master.

-?

Adaquaniel called out to her master earnestly, and the goddess of balance looked at her with a hint of wariness.

-I will risk my life to bring Hunter Choi Yeonseung to you, if that is your order. So, Master, when I bring him here, why don’t you just do what you wanted all this time...?

-...

The goddess of balance came to her senses, and then reflected on it.