“So they fought devotedly.”
“Of course. Whether you die in battle or survive until the end, returning to hell after the ranking battle ends is all the same. That’s why everyone wants to earn some merits to get a break.”
It was then that Lee Shin finally understood why they had all been so active and cooperative.
But to think that all they could gain from it was a mere moment of rest.
“Can they never escape from hell forever?”
“Not necessarily.”
Gremory explained.
“When Lord Lee Shin summons humans to the battlefield, you can specifically choose whom you want. That’s why everyone wanted to make a good impression on you, Lord Lee Shin. If they catch your eye, they can be summoned by name in the future.”
That was it.
Everyone tried to show their value and loyalty in any way they could.
“If they are summoned to the battlefield frequently and accumulate enough merits, they can be freed from hell and promoted to a resident of the demon world.”
“I see.”
“But remember, they are the ones who committed sins deserving of falling into hell.”
“Of course, I understand. It’s just that I’ve noticed those who are experienced and skillful, and it might be good to remember such people for future use.”
“That’s a good idea. But surely you don’t plan to keep choosing only humans in the future?”
“Yes.”
“Did you not see how weak humans are when they fought the hellhounds?”
“It took several archers to kill one hellhound.”
“Yes. Don’t empathize or sympathize just because they are humans. Choose a strong race.”
“It’s not because they are human. I have discovered the strengths of the human race.”
“The strengths of humans?”
“Yes.”
“If you wish, I will prove it’s not just bluster. Shall we continue with the mock battles?”
“Alright. I’ll show you how weak humans really are.”
And so, their mock battles continued.
Lee Shin fought many mock battles, alternating between victories and defeats.
But once he understood all the human units and buildings, he no longer faced defeat.
Gremory’s face, repeatedly defeated, gradually turned to dismay.
Lee Shin not only played humans but also tried orcs, elves, dwarves, and monsters, studying the ranking battles from various angles.
After no fewer than 30 matches, Lee Shin was finally satisfied.
“Now I feel like I understand the ranking battles a bit.”
“Is that so?”
Gremory, having played 30 mock battles, looked extremely tired.
Out of the 30 matches, she had won only 7. Even those were victories from the early stages when he was still adapting.
Once he had gained sufficient understanding of the ranking battles, she could no longer defeat Lee Shin.
‘I should also practice in different dimensional spaces…’
Lee Shin, observing Gremory’s weary expression, continued speaking.
“Let’s stop here for now. If a challenge comes, let’s meet it here in the first battlefield, Asteia.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
The 12-dimensional spaces available for selection in the ranking battle each had distinct geographical features.
But for now, he was satisfied with having fully understood even one dimensional space.
Upon returning to the palace, Lee Shin roughly drew the map of the first battlefield, Asteia.
He looked over the map and studied strategies and tactics.
‘Didn’t they say their favorite race was the demonic beasts?’
The race preference was over 40% for demonic beasts.
The rest were orcs, elves, dwarves, and humans in order of popularity.
‘Over 40% are demonic beasts, so it seems the higher-ranking demons who will challenge us this time will also mainly be demonic beasts.’
Nevertheless, Lee Shin spent time establishing strategies assuming various scenarios.
***
Only a few days had passed. But finally, what was to be expected had arrived.
“Greetings to Lord Gremory of the 72 Demon Lords, the 72nd seat.”
A young man with pale, bloodless skin visited the palace.
He was polite and formal, yet his expression was full of confidence.
Sitting on the throne, Gremory looked at the man and asked.
“Ah, the High Demon Eltima.”
“Yes, Lord Gremory. It seems the time has come, so I have come like this. I, the High Demon Eltima, dare to challenge your 72nd seat.”
To Lee Shin, it sounded like she was being told to give up the lord’s position right away.
‘He acts as if he has already won.’
The 72 Demon Lords.
It seemed that the position held a truly special meaning for the demons.
‘Just like Hwang Byung-chul.’
Lee Shin suddenly recalled his own rival.
The perennial second-place, Hwang Byung-chul.
In fact, if you only considered raw skill, Hwang Byung-chul was almost the only professional gamer who could rival Lee Shin.
Even in friendly practice games between professional teams, Lee Shin’s winning rate against Hwang Byung-chul was only about 60%.
The fact that he could cause Lee Shin a 40% loss was a remarkable feat, and only Hwang Byung-chul could do that.
However, when they faced each other in the finals of a personal league, Hwang Byung-chul was particularly excited.
The gleaming trophy and prize money right before him!
He got drunk on the future of becoming a new star in esports by defeating Lee Shin.
As a result, he lost three straight matches in a best-of-five series. It was a disappointment to the fans who had expected the match of the century.
‘He bit eagerly whenever I threw the bait.’
Hwang Byung-chul’s impatience to seize the slightest sign of victory was thoroughly exploited by Lee Shin.
After that, whenever Hwang Byung-chul faced Lee Shin, he was outplayed in psychological warfare. Thus, the birth of the perennial second-place.
Reigning on the throne, Lee Shin sensed the same scent from the High Demon Eltima.
‘It seems easier than I thought.’
An opponent who easily gets carried away by the atmosphere.
Lee Shin’s favorite kind of prey.
Gremory said,
“Very well. According to the laws set by the Demon God, it’s impossible to refuse a challenge from one who is qualified.”
“How much magical power will you wager?”
Eltima’s voice sounded thirsty as he asked.
In that moment, Lee Shin boldly spread out two fingers.
Seeing this, Gremory immediately responded,
“I will wager 20,000 magical power.”
“20,000?”
A spark appeared in Eltima’s eyes. It seemed more than he had expected.
“Are you serious?”
“Do you doubt my word?”
“No, how could I? Very well, 20,000, that’s excellent.”
A smile spread across Eltima’s lips. Gremory frowned at Eltima’s dismissive attitude.
Meanwhile, Lee Shin continued to analyze Eltima’s expressions and psychology.
‘He must have expected us to bet the minimum of 10,000.’
He seemed pleased that they had bet more.
It appeared that Gremory had fallen into a streak of defeats, causing everyone to underestimate her.
“The place of the final battle will be the first battlefield, Asteia.”
The only battlefield Lee Shin had practiced and analyzed. There were no other options.
“Very well.”
“Then let’s start right away.”
Rising from the throne, Gremory placed her hand on Lee Shin’s shoulder standing beside her.
Flash!
Both figures disappeared.
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