Chapter 104: Chapter 98: Back to Cult
Zeke said, "Then you go on and check on the others."
Mammoth Head asked, "You’re not coming?"
Zeke shook his head and said, "No. I’ll stay here and recover. And I’m asking you to just check on them. Do not help them. If they are dying, let them die. Those who survive this bloodbath will be infinitely stronger. Of course, I won’t say anything about the Spirit Beasts. Do whatever you want with them."
Mammoth Head shook his head and said, "No, you’re right. The young’uns need to learn how to hunt. We’re beasts. If they need help with something as basic as hunting, then they’re better off dead. The little ones from your generation haven’t seen blood like the previous generations have. Well, I can’t blame them. The humans back then were fearless.
There was a time when they attacked whenever they had the chance—for food, wealth, anything that had value. Your generation is too timid. Of course, there are exceptions like you, but you aren’t human. Not really. I see the monster that slumbers deep inside you. You might have lulled it into a deep sleep for now, but know this: He will awaken. And he will rage. He will laugh while the world burns. It’s better that you deal with him before that happens."
(A—are you the green monster from a certain comicverse?)
[No, I’m not. I’m not anybody from any verse. I’m just Ezekiel Ashbourne. If you do find any similarities, it’s because they copied me, not the vice versa. Capisce?]
Zeke said, "I didn’t ask for wisdom, old man. Just go. Oh, and take Yonggi with you. I’m sure he’s also craving some carnage. He was stuck with babysitting here. Besides, the world is already burning, and I’m still laughing."
Mammoth Head said, "Kid, after all that I’ve experienced, my wisdom is more precious than any material thing that you can find in all of Murim. And I know that you’ll be thinking about what I said, so you don’t have to act like you wouldn’t. Anyways, I’m leaving now." He grabbed Yonggi and disappeared.
Zeke muttered, "Damn ancient monster."
Mammoth Head’s words had struck a chord, but Zeke decided that he would deal with it later. He said, "I should have asked him for a lift."
He sat down and started healing his injuries. His passive healing was already very strong with his mutated physique, and it only increased with him actively tending to his wounds.
He said, "Back in the main world, these Transcendents would be A Grade Players. Mammoth Head is a half-step S Grade. No, he would be a full-fledged S Grade. This world is holding him back, not his talent. He’s still stronger than me, that’s for sure."
Soon, the sun set, and the elite task force had completed its mission. They had not only killed everyone present, but also those who had escaped. They then returned to the Cult’s headquarters at full speed. It took them three days, more or less. The Demonic Scribe welcomed them back.
He said, "Congratulations on your victory, My Liege. You have fulfilled the Divine Demonic Cult’s lifelong dream."
Zeke nodded and said, "Report."
The Demonic Scribe said, "We’ve received messages from the rest of the Demonic Monarchs. They’re almost done as well. Some targets escaped, but the forces of the Demonic Monarchs are tracking them as we speak. They should be done in a week and be back in two."
Zeke said, "Good. Let’s move to the War Room."
The Demonic Scribe hesitated a little before saying, "My Liege, you have just returned. You should rest."
Zeke shook his head and said, "We cannot be complacent. We have not won yet. Remember, war’s not over until it’s over. But your words have some merit. I’ll take a bath. Meet me in the War Room in two hours. And send food to my chambers. A lot of it."
The Demonic Scribe bowed his head and said, "As you command, My Liege."
Zeke then disappeared and appeared in his room. His Demonic Spirit, which he had named Umbra, disappeared. There was a scar on his chest.
He thought, ’The Namgoong Clan’s techniques must be pretty strong. It’s the first time that my physique hasn’t been able to heal without leaving any scars. No, wait, it’s still healing, albeit incredibly slowly. Maybe the scar will be gone in a few years. Whatever, a scar or two doesn’t matter.’
He then walked into the bath that the servants had drawn for him. The water was boiling, but that was how he liked it. Anything less was too mild for him. After he was done, he walked out and used his Hell Qi to dry himself. Then he ate. Even though he could go on for quite some time without food, he liked eating.
Finally, he went to the War Room and found the Demonic Scribe waiting for him.
Zeke said, "Demonic Scribe, from what I know, you have a small legion’s worth of scribes under you, don’t you?"
The Demonic Scribe replied, "Yes, My Liege. We deal with the administrative part of the Cult—its finances, etc."
Zeke said, "I have a mission for you. The Cult will have expanded a lot after the war is over. I want you to conduct a survey. Land, population, literacy, etc. I need accurate stats and detailed maps of the land. And you don’t have to worry. You won’t be alone. The Empire will give you everything that you need."
The Demonic Scribe was silent for a minute before he said, "My Liege, it is certainly possible, but I will need time. Even with resources, it will take a lot of time."
Zeke said, "Give me an estimate."
The Demonic Scribe did some calculations in his head and said, "Considering that we can conduct multiple surveys at the same time, it will take at least two years. If we have the Empire’s full support, that is. Otherwise, it can take five to ten years, My Liege."
Zeke nodded and said, "Do it. The Empire will support you in any way it can. You have my word."
