Gourmet Gaming

Chapter 696: The Ten Plagues

After the end of the episode: God of Death and the Hell Corps’ Invasion, Minhyuk immediately called for Haze and the Knowledge Star Jarrod to give them an order, which was for them to fully grasp the current dynamics and movements of the Luvien Imperial Army.

At the Beyond the Heavens’ executive meeting, Jarrod reported, “According to the reports that we have confirmed, the Luvien Empire is slowly nibbling at the territories under the Masserati Kingdom.”

“Masserati Kingdom is a kingdom created by a player. They have probably judged that it was easier to deal with them since they are less organized?”

The people that resided in Athenae and the players were generally different from each other. Players had only ever fought in real wars in this place. As for the residents of this world, whether they were from an ordinary kingdom or an empire, all of them had experienced or were experiencing war since young.

“However, Absolute Monarch Richard is not someone that can easily be taken down like that. According to our reports, he has been holding out in Esser Fortress for two weeks now.”

“From what it looks like, they will use the fall of Masserati Kingdom to warn us.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Everyone turned to look at Minhyuk, watching him rub his chin in thought. All of them were aware that they could not let their emotions affect their judgment on this matter. Although the cries of their people was enough to shake the entire kingdom, if they acted on their feelings, they might probably be running on a path that would bring about a swift collapse of their kingdom.

“I will go to the Luvien Empire and ask them to pay for their sins.”

“…!”

“…!”

“…Your Majesty.”

Shock was painted on the faces of everyone present.

What kind of existence was the Luvien Empire? They were a large organization that had cast their net and covered the entire continent. There were so many powerful and talented individuals in their empire that even the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom could not compare with them. Even their military forces were around eight times bigger than the troops nurtured in the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. That was basically the difference between a kingdom and an empire.

It was also a nation that had forced an ‘alliance’ with other kingdoms and empires throughout the continent, by bringing them down to the brink of destruction. One wrong move against them and one could become the target of countless kingdoms and empires.

Everyone looked worried at his suggestion. However, Minhyuk was grinning.

“I will leave no trace behind.”

“What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?” Haze asked, completely puzzled by his words.

.

Minhyuk took out a book that was wrapped in thick chains from his inventory. One look at it and everyone already felt an unpleasant sense tingling at the bottom of their spines. This book was none other than the ‘God of Death’s Book of Disaster’, an item that he acquired after sending the God of Death back to hell.

Knowledge’s Star Jarrod quickly checked the book’s information.

(God of Death’s Book of Curses)

Grade: God

Special Effects:

?The God of Death’s Ten Plagues will fall wherever the book’s owner wants it to fall into.

?The First Plague. The river, wherever you want it to be, will turn into blood.

?The Second Plague. Frogs will come out from the waters and cover the lands.

?The Third Plague. Lice will infest…

?The Fourth Plage. A variety of flies will…

?The Fifth Plague. Pestilence…

?…

?…

?The owner of the God of Death’s Book of Disasters can end the plagues whenever they want. However, whether it is fully used or not, once it is opened, the God of Death’s Book of Disasters will disappear.

?The owner of the God of Death’s Book of Disasters can imitate the voice of the God of Death.

?The God of Death’s Book of Disaster will not harvest any human life during its duration. In other words, everything is nothing but an illusion.

“…!”

Jarrod could only groan after checking the information of the book. These plagues had no limit. Wherever it would fall, it would literally bring about a huge disaster. It could also allow them to initiate a negotiation.

One after the other, the executives of Beyond the Heavens Kingdom began to check the information of the book. That was when the players realized something.

‘This…’

‘Did they take inspiration from the Ten Plagues of Egypt?’

There were many cases in Athenae where the stories, artifacts and items had taken inspiration from actual myths and legends from reality. From what they heard, the Chinese Server had a God-rank artifact by the name ‘Green Dragon Crescent Blade’. It was probably the case for this particular item too.

“What about the Sword of the Gods that intervened in this war?”

“They moved as if they did not do anything in the empire. We can expect the Luvien Empire to pretend as if they weren’t involved at all. From what I heard, the Luvien Empire had deliberately sent them to the Masserati camp to hide them away from prying eyes.”

“I see. Then, our Beyond the Heavens Kingdom will secretly send support to Masserati Kingdom.”

“We will send support to Masserati Kingdom?” Haze expressed her doubts. She knew that support did not simply mean that. She thought for a moment before speaking up again, “Your Majesty, the support you’re speaking about should have a ‘price’, am I right?”

“That’s correct.”

“That also means that we will hide our identities.”

Minhyuk nodded. If the Beyond the Heavens openly formed an alliance with the Masserati Guild and helped them stop the Luvien Empire, then they would just give the empire justification to pursue them.

Besides, there was no harm in hiding their identities. After all, as long as the Luvien Empire did not have any solid proof, they would have no other choice but to swallow their anger the moment Beyond the Heavens denied their allegations.

“If that’s the case, then it’s better to send only a few of them.”

“We should do that. Ah, it would be better if we can make a team. What kind of people do you think will apply for the Masserati Kingdom Support Team?”

There were too many people around Minhyuk that had a deep-seated hatred for the Luvien Empire. Everyone nodded at Minhyuk. Among them, there was one man that looked extremely excited. He was none other than Minhyuk’s father and the chairman of Ilhwa Group, Black Dragon.

“Son.”

“Yes, dad?”

Black Dragon, with a flushed look on his face, asked, “Can I think of a name for the team?”

“Of course.” Minhyuk readily agreed. However, he saw the faces of some of his guild members turn dark. He thought, ‘Hmm? What’s the matter with these guys?’

Minhyuk looked at them in confusion while Black Dragon practically vibrated in his seat with excitement. Meanwhile, the guild members were recalling the team name that Black Dragon had come up with in the past.

‘Is the team going to be called Power Infinity Great King God General Magister Dark Breaker again…?’

‘What will the team name be this time…?’

‘Haaa…’

As for Black Dragon? He was thinking, ‘Fufufufufufu. Everyone will surely be surprised by my naming sense once again!’

***

[Nerva Sephiroth.]

[He was an emperor sent by the God of Battle in the chaotic human world.]

[This emperor will correct the chaotic world and rule over everyone in the world.]

This was how Nerva Sephiroth was depicted in the stories. This very same Nerva Sephiroth was looking at the Swords of the Gods Elainey and Rend with an indifferent expression on his face.

“The Beyond the Heavens’ troops are far stronger than what we expected. Even the Spear God called Ben, the Lesser Demon Elpis, as well as the other vassals, have far exceeded our expectations.”

“Although they are a kingdom created by nothing more than a foreigner, the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom has far surpassed a considerable number of kingdoms in the continent.”

“The people and soldiers adore and serve their king, Minhyuk, wholeheartedly.”

Basically, Elainey and Rend were telling him to be wary of the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom.

Nerva was actually aware that Beyond the Heavens Kingdom had been involved in the war between the Luvien Empire and the Eivelis Empire. However, it would be quite funny to see a proud and arrogant emperor like him not letting a small kingdom go, and try to attack them because of something in the past. If the people find out about that, he would most definitely be a laughingstock.

‘For now, we should focus on devouring the Masserati Kingdom.’

Nerva had already given the numerous kingdoms and empires under him an order to attack the Masserati Kingdom. If they decided to rashly advance and deal with the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom right now, then the empire might receive huge damages.

“This emperor has trusted you to deal with this yet you come back with results like this. I might start to doubt your qualifications if things continue to go on like this.”

Flinch!

Flinch!

Nerva Sephiroth was the emperor that was chosen by the Battle God. The power in his voice made the two Swords of the Gods tremble and shake.

“Lead our knights to the Masserati Kingdom, who is occupying our lands as they pleased. I will only accept the news of your victory. Otherwise, you will have to pay for your sins.”

Only after that did the Swords of the Gods retreat. Nerva felt his temples throb from his exhaustion. However, another report came to him.

“Your Majesty, the Beyond the Heavens’ King has requested an audience.”

“…!”

It was very shocking news. The Beyond the Heavens King himself came to visit? The report even mentioned that the man came alone.

Nerva watched as the Beyond the Heavens’ King Minhyuk entered at his command. The man had a head full of dark hair, shining bright eyes, a sharp jawline, and a straight nose. It was completely contrary to his own white skin, fierce eyes and long blonde hair.

On this day, the emperor of a huge empire and the king of a small kingdom finally met.

***

The moment Minhyuk met Nerva…

[You are facing a transcendental being that has inherited the power of the Battle God!]

[The Emperor’s Authority is forcing you to give in!]

[You will not be able to resist even if you try your hardest!]

“…?!”

He had no choice but to kneel on both knees even though he was walking confidently.

‘Crazy… He forced me to kneel with just one glance?’

Of course, this was all caused by Nerva Sephiroth’s passive skill. Nerva Sephiroth was now smiling at him in satisfaction. There were only two people in the world that had escaped the clutches of his ‘Emperor’s Authority’.

“I wonder why the king of a distant continent has traveled this far? And why did you suddenly request an audience with this emperor?”

Nerva was very arrogant and snobbish. However, that did not mean that he could just disregard and ignore a guest of great status. After all, an emperor had great etiquette and courtesy. Only if a true absolute being had both manners and courtesy would they be able to experience unparalleled power.

“I have heard that the Luvien Empire is known to be the most beautiful and peaceful empire so I really wanted to visit it. And truly, the Luvien Empire is as beautiful and magnificent as the rumors said it to be. I am curious as to how you manage it.” Minhyuk spoke softly, his head bowed down as he continued to stay on his knees.

In the end, Nerva was an emperor and Minhyuk was just a king. If he acted rashly here, he would give Nerva the justification to wage a war against the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. However, that did not mean that he would not do anything. In fact, Minhyuk’s words were laced with thorns.

The empire was magnificent and beautiful? How did he manage it? He was, in fact, asking if Nerva felt good using the money that he obtained by raiding other kingdoms and empires and living a rich and lavish life.

“This is all because the people are repaying this emperor for all of the things that I have given them. Don’t you think so, too?” Nerva spun up bullshit right on the spot.

“So, what’s the real reason behind your visit?”

The gaze that Nerva used to look at Minhyuk turned sharp. This was the gaze of an absolute being.

Minhyuk’s response was very forward. “It’s because I have seen some familiar faces in the war that we fought not too long ago.”

“Hmm…” Nerva rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Familiar faces? From what I heard, there were many undead and demonic beasts during that war. So, why did you come here to look for them? Perhaps…”

Nerva’s eyes narrowed sharply, his expression obviously questioning Minhyuk. Minhyuk just smiled softly.

“I just mentioned the familiar faces that I have seen back then. Other than that, I came here to inform you that I want to stay in the empire for a few days.”

“A few days? That much is fine. However, even if you are the king of a nation, you have to know that our imperial family will not be able to serve you properly.”

Nerva meant that Minhyuk should leave. Did he think that he would be welcomed as a distinguished guest and served wholeheartedly? But Minhyuk still nodded in agreement. After all, that was what he wanted anyways.

“I see. It would be good if we can have a cup of tea sometime soon.”

However, Nerva was indifferent. “I don’t like tea.”

“Is that so? Even so, I believe you will want to meet with me and drink a cup soon. You’ll have to know, I can make delicious refreshments.”

‘Are you telling me that I will seek you out myself?’?Nerva frowned. No matter how he listened to those words, he could only take it as Minhyuk saying that he, Nerva, would find Minhyuk first.

Nerva stood up and left him behind. However, he spoke to him one last time. “It’s quite rude of you to stop by in the middle of the night. You have obviously interrupted my bedtime.”

“Please forgive me, Your Majesty. How should I apologize to you…” Minhyuk answered quietly. “I might be the Beyond the Heavens’ King but I am also a chef and a good one at that. From what I heard, your knights will be going to war, right? How about I serve them my dishes as an apology?”

Nerva asked him outright, “What in the world are you planning?”

Minhyuk just shook his head at the cold and harsh question. “I don’t have any plans, Your Majesty. Ah, there’s one more thing.”

Minhyuk showed a very bright smile as he continued his words. “Our Beyond the Heavens Kingdom has this tradition where we will write a short greeting and share it to a precious person during our first meeting. I have personally written a greeting for you, Your Majesty. If you will, please allow me to present it to you.”

“You have my permission,” Nerva answered as he tried to deactivate his Emperor’s Authority for a while. But before he could do so, he was already met with Minhyuk’s sharp gaze. He watched as the man kneeling in front of him slowly stood on one of his legs.

[The opponent is resisting your Emperor’s Authority!!!]

“…!”

Nerva clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on the man, who slowly got on his other leg.

[The opponent has completely suppressed your Emperor’s Authority!]

This was effect ‘The Unyielding One’, from Minhyuk’s new title, ‘Candidate for the Eight Pillars’.

‘H, how…!’

Nerva was very shocked. There were only two people in the world that had escaped the grasps of his Emperor’s Authority. Today, the third person to do so had appeared.

Minhyuk smiled softly as he handed Nerva a rolled parchment. “This greeting is written using the special characters from the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. I’m sure you will be able to interpret the meaning of these words since you have a lot of talented figures in the Luvien Empire.”

“I understand. You may leave.”

At those words, Minhyuk retreated and left the audience hall. As for Nerva Sephiroth? He hurriedly called for the experts of the Luvien Empire and tasked them to decipher the words written in the parchment that Minhyuk had handed to him.

“I cannot sense any evil energy coming from this parchment.”

“There are no powers that are meant to harm you inside, Your Majesty.”

“It’s nothing but a letter.”

Even the experts that had studied the ancient languages also gathered.

“We cannot interpret this language.”

“We cannot understand. This is the first time that we have seen or heard about a language like this.”

Nerva immediately threw everyone out as he turned to look at the text with a solemn expression on his face.

[??? ?????. (Nerva, you’re a frauckring brastrard.)]?

It was a message that only Koreans would be able to understand.

Nerva rubbed his chin in thought as he stared at the parchment seriously. “These words obviously have a profound meaning…”

As expected, Hangul was a very great language.

1. There were additional characters written in the curse word to make it hard to decipher