Chapter 1238

Chapter 1238

There would always be days when someone was so busy with exam preparations, work, or other activities that they could not eat a proper meal. More often than not, they wanted to eat until they were full; they just could not bring themselves to eat a lot. This was what Minhyuk was feeling right now.

He had suddenly become the Battle God. The moment he sat on the throne, he was immediately put in a situation where he had to prove his qualifications and select his Heavenly Generals. After that, he had to clean up everything.

Although Minhyuk could cook many things using pork intestines as the ingredient, he still chose the warm and filling

sundaegukbap.

It

was the perfect meal for chilling days where anyone’s hands would freeze from the cold. Eating the cheap yet filling soup not only could fill their stomachs but could also warm them up.

All of the

sundaegukbap

ingredients had been cut, prepared, and placed in the earthen pot filled with boiling white soup. Side dishes like

kkakdugi,

kimchi, onions,

Cheongyang

pepper, and

ssamjang

, the perfect match for this dish, were lined up around the boiling pot.

Minhyuk grabbed a spoon and scooped some of the milky white soup. He gently blew on it before taking a careful sip. Although the soup was milky white, it tasted a bit bland. He scooped some salted shrimp to adjust the flavor before mixing in the prepared red seasoning, which completely changed the color of the soup.

‘Fufu.’

Minhyuk, who believed the rumors that chives were good for stamina and energy, added a lot of chives. Of course, he also forgot to sprinkle some perilla powder in the earthen pot. After adjusting the flavors to his taste and mixing everything, he dug in with gusto.

First, he scooped the healthy and steaming ingredients and placed them in a separate bowl to cool. However, he did not forget to taste some ingredients first. He scooped a few pieces and blew gently on them before taking a huge bite.

Sundaeguk

is a delicacy that usually contains three to five pieces of

sundae

. Because there were only a few of them, Minhyuk preferred to eat the

sundae

separately.

After preparing everything, Minhyuk sipped the spicy and reddish

sundaeguk

soup while scooping some hot rice.

‘This is a real and genuine sundaeguk!’

The liver added to the

sundaeguk

had a strong, deep flavor that complemented the soup.

Then, he dumped the rice into his

sundaeguk

and mixed everything. He scooped a huge spoonful of the rice, the soup, and some remaining ingredients. He blew gently on the spoon before taking everything in his mouth.

As he savored the various yet harmonious flavors of the ingredients and the soup, he clamped a perfect size of

kkakdugi

and put it in his mouth.

Crunch, crunch–!

He could not help but hum and exclaim as the refreshing taste and crispy texture of the

kkakdugi

spread in his mouth. Then, he ate another mouthful of the

gukbap

, this time accompanied by onions dipped in

ssamjang

.

“I love dipping raw onions in

ssamjang.

”

Minhyuk believed that raw onions were sweet rather than pungent and spicy. In his opinion, this sweet onion paired perfectly well with the salty

ssamjang.

As he ate like that, he turned his attention to the

sundae

he left to cool down. He ate one as it was, while consuming the second one along with some salted shrimp. Another one was put back in the hot soup to reheat it. No matter how he ate it, the

sundae

’s taste and flavor remained outstanding. It was indeed worthy of admiration.

After eating like that, the contents of the earthen pot had significantly decreased. Minhyuk saw this and grabbed the entire pot, tipping it in his mouth.

Sluuuuuuurp–!

“Kghhk. It’s so refreshing!”

After drinking the soup, he scooped up the intestines and rice left behind in the pot with his spoon. He even tilted the earthen pot to avoid missing a single drop. With that, he finally finished his meal.

“Kghhk...”

Of course, the drink was the ultimate cherry topper, but today's drink was a bit different.

‘They said barley tea is strangely delicious when paired with rice.’

Minhyuk filled his cup with barley tea and finished his meal by gulping it down.

[You have eaten the God of Cooking’s Ingredients: Innards and Intestines.]

[All of your stats have increased by 0.6%.]

[All of your skills’ proficiency has increased by 20%.]

After finishing his meal, Grand General Jenel entered the audience hall. Belson was not in the hall. As Minhyuk’s aide, he was swamped taking care of things on his behalf.

Jenel showed courtesy and knelt on one knee. Compared to before, he looked at Minhyuk with trust and sincerity. He asked politely, “Are you going back now?”

“I have to go back. I know that this land is very precious. However, I have to be where I should be and protect what I have to protect. I’m sorry. I feel like I’m entrusting everything to you, the Grand General, and my aide.”

Jenel smiled softly. “It’s fine. Lord Belson liked this setup very much. He said,

‘In the end, I am no longer the Battle God. So, I can do as I please and let loose.’

”

Belson must have been frustrated and suffocated by the incredible burden associated with the name of the Battle God.

“It’s fine. We’re still going to live just like we have always lived before. Whether it’s one year or ten, we will help you protect your position as the Battle God.”

Minhyuk felt reassured by his words. After all, Minhyuk lived on Earth and always preferred his empire over there more than the Land of the Gods. Because of that, he wouldn’t have that much time to spend in the Land of the Gods.

“I still can’t believe it. It still seems like nothing has changed.”

“Things will start to change one after another. As time goes by, you will become more powerful and influential. Perhaps you will even be able to surpass the previous generation of Battle Gods.”

It was proof that Minhyuk could still grow further as a Battle God.

‘It seems like I will have to shelve the path to becoming the Great Food God for a while.’

In the end, Minhyuk failed to create a better and more significant achievement than the achievement that Rocado had made in the Abyss. However, he was confident that he could find more of his accomplishments. As long as he put his mind to it, he would be able to!

‘For now, let’s focus on one thing. It’s time for us to step closer to becoming the Great Beyond the Heavens Empire.’

And this was the perfect moment to put this plan into motion. After all, the people knew Minhyuk had become the true Battle God. And a lot of things would change because of that. There would be forces that would turn hostile to them and forces that would try to build relationships with them.

A light flashed in the hall as a bird gently landed on Minhyuk’s arm. It was none other than the Mythical Bird that Cries Sadly For You.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes. I do like it.”

Surprisingly, the Mythical Bird that Cries Sadly For You’s ownership was under Jenel. In the past, Minhyuk had borrowed this bird using cash in the store. Now? Jenel had given this Mythical Bird to Minhyuk as a show of loyalty.

Of course, Jenel also resented this bird. It was genuinely eccentric, and there were many times when it acted willfully, creating many problems for him. That was not all there was to it.

‘Well, it’s true that you have to be very careful and cautious when enlisting that guy's help.’

Now that the Mythical Bird that Cries Sadly For You had come into Minhyuk’s possession, he could learn its name.

‘Mythical Bird.’

Its actual name was just that short. Then, when he saw the detailed explanation, he was left stunned.

It was because its name could change randomly. Many words could be attached to its name, including

‘Cries Sadly,’ ‘Shows Courtesy,’ ‘Furious,’ ‘Gives Strength,’

and a dozen others. Minhyuk immediately understood why its name could change every time.

‘The problem is that its personality will also randomly change once its name changes.’

He did not know what would happen, how it would react, or the effects if it became the Furious Mythical Bird or the Mythical Bird that Gives Strength. That was why he had to be cautious when letting it fly free and work for him.

Thankfully, the Mythical Bird's owner was allowed to designate its state once every three months. Minhyuk immediately changed its name and status.

[You have set the Mythical Bird’s name to the Mythical Bird that Asks for a Favor.]

[The Mythical Bird that Asks for a Favor will fly to your designated targets.]

Minhyuk looked at the Mythical Bird. Then, it disappeared in a flash of light.

The moment that Minhyuk had been waiting for for a very long time was finally here. It was now time for him to put the kingdoms made by players under the rule of the Beyond the Heavens Empire.

***

The Maserrati Kingdom, under the rule of Absolute Monarch Richard, was still at war with the Great Luvien Empire. Its situation was utterly different from that of the Beyond the Heavens Empire.

Whenever they tried to establish an empire, the Luvien Empire appeared and thwarted their plans. The Maserrati Kingdom was miserable and challenging because the Great Luvien Empire put more pressure on it.

Absolute Monarch Richard once stood shoulder to shoulder with Supreme Minhyuk, but now, the situation was completely different.

‘Minhyuk became the Battle God,’

Richard thought, a bitter smile on his face. Unlike him, the person who once only stood shoulder to shoulder with him had spread his wings and moved to a higher and better world.

Suddenly, a bright light flashed in front of him. When the light disappeared, Richard was met with the figure of an unknown bird.

The bird landed gently on the ground and showed courtesy(?) by raising its left wing and placing it on top of its right chest.

[The Mythical Bird that Asks for a Favor delivers Minhyuk’s message to you.]

“...”

The unknown bird began telling Minhyuk’s story and message to Richard. It explained that Minhyuk wanted the Maserrati Kingdom to be under the rule of the Beyond the Heavens Empire.

‘The moment Minhyuk became the Battle God, everything turned into his playing field.’

More and more migrants had flocked to the Beyond the Heavens Empire, to the point that it could already threaten the position of the Luvien Empire.

The Maserrati Kingdom’s last bastion and way to survive was to ultimately come under the rule of the Beyond the Heavens Empire. However, Richard remained silent. It was mainly because Richard was overcome with a sense of inferiority, an emotion common to humans.

Even though he knew that they would eventually reach this point, Richard still could not accept it calmly. He felt like it was far too miserable. After all, no one could take being a subordinate to someone who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him.

Just then, a notification rang out.

[King of Races Reikan declares that he will destroy all the kingdoms created by foreigners.]

[Members of all races on earth, except humans, have gathered around Reikan. They have formed a coalition and have begun to march.]

“...”

Richard could already tell what was coming. King of Races Reikan was one of the Pillar Candidates. He had already proved his power and qualifications by destroying several other kingdoms and gradually moving his way up.

‘It seems he intends to bring the players to their knees first.’

Richard was fully aware that the Maserrati Kingdom could not deal with the King of Species. But if he approached the Beyond the Heavens Empire, it was practically saying that they would be willing to surrender to the empire's control.

When Richard told his subordinates about this, they became furious.

“Even if I die, I will die as a citizen of the Maserrati Kingdom!”

“We have worked so hard to establish this kingdom.”

“Your Majesty, we have already finished our preparations.”

As a result, Richard suddenly wanted to make a very unrealistic and uncharacteristic choice today.

‘Let’s go. Let’s fight a glorious battle and go without any regrets.’

Even if the Maserrati Kingdom was destroyed, they could return to their old name and survive as the Maserrati Guild. But even though Richard wanted to ask his men to fight this battle and die a glorious and honorable death, he would still prefer to take the comfortable and easy path if given the chance.

Richard opened his mouth and began his passionate speech, saying, “Everyone, let’s all fight a glorious—”

[The Mythical Bird that Asks for a Favor is pleading.]

The bird suddenly began rubbing its wings together. It even bowed its head repeatedly.

[Please.]

[Please.]

[Please.]

It repeated this set of actions several times.

“...?”

Richard looked at the bird, who kept asking for a favor from him, in confusion.

[Please.]

[Please.]

[Please.]

[Please...]

[Please...]

[Please...]

“...”

Warmth flooded Richard’s chest. He realized something as he listened to the dozens of notifications that rang in his ears.

“Look. The bird sent by the Beyond the Heavens Empire’s emperor is bowing its head to us.”

How much did he sincerely beg for this bird to act like this? How much was he willing to do for them? Through the bird’s actions, they could see how sincere and desperate Minhyuk was.

[Please.]

[Please.]

The bird even put its head on the ground as if it wanted to convey those words correctly.

Richard looked at the Mythical Bird that Asks for a Favor and said, “How about we find another method?”

“That’s right. To be honest, I think letting ourselves and the kingdom that we worked hard on get destroyed is a bit too much.”

“Hehe...”

Because of their pride and arrogance, the people present chose such a destructive method. However, they also wanted to protect the Maserrati Kingdom.

“Minhyuk, your earnest and sincere pleas have swayed our hearts. It seems like you have been desperately longing for this.”

A new insight unfolded for Richard, who saw the blood dripping down the Mythical Bird that Asks for a Favor’s head as it chirped in confusion. Even so, Richard did not intend to go under the rule of the Beyond the Heavens Empire. He just began to think of a new way to deal with the situation that they were in.

The Mythical Bird that Asks for a Favor looked at them and chuckled before flying elsewhere. The bird did not even know the degree of what it had done and the consequences that it would bring.

***

𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

After sending the Mythical Bird that Asks for a Favor, Minhyuk returned to his Beyond the Heavens Empire office. He had told Haze about what had happened.

“There’s a high chance that none of the players who have set up a kingdom will respond to us.”

Indeed. Minhyuk also believed this to be the case.

“Even if they are in danger, they will choose to die a glorious death. They carry the title of a Ranker. Although they might think that going under the command of the Beyond the Heavens Empire is not really bad, they will never bend. That is unless we bend first.”

Minhyuk agreed with Haze’s words. Even if he chose to bend first, the situation would likely remain the same, and they would have to set many conditions.

“This is especially the case for the Maserrati Kingdom. It was once a rival kingdom to the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. There’s also the God of Archery Miao. She seems to hate you, Your Majesty.”

Minhyuk smiled bitterly.

“There’s also Sir Kentaro. Even though he’s friendly and close to you, Your Majesty, he is still the symbol of the foreigners of his country. We must follow many things before having such a symbolic figure under the banner of the Beyond the Heavens Empire.”

“Haze. I already know that. Stop hitting me with what I already know. I feel like my spine will not stop tingling...”

Minhyuk believed he would need a lot of time before they could convince them to go under his command. So, he stood up and said, “I’ll be back. Maybe if I go there myself, then—”

[

Miao

: Minhyuk, I really hate you. Yet you’re asking me to come under your command? That’s so freaking annoying. I hate that.]

“...?”

[

Miao

: But I have seen your sincerity through the bird you sent me. Anyway, I did not expect you, the emperor of such an empire and the Battle God, to beg like this just to show your sincerity.]

“...?”

[

Miao

: I’ll consider it. I’m currently talking to Richard, Kentaro, and the rest. We’ll give you a response soon.]

“...?”

And immediately after that...

[

Kentaro

: Minhyuk, I completely understand what you mean... To be honest, I was going to say no to you. But the bird that you sent had conveyed your heart to me. Even though you’re the Battle God, you know how to bow your head. Minhyuk, you did this to help me raise my status, right? I assure you, I’m pondering this matter deeply.]

[

Richard

: We were once rivals. To be honest, when I received your offer, I immediately disregarded it. I would rather die an honorable and glorious death with my guild members than do that. Nonetheless, your earnest, sincere, and desperate pleas have moved our hearts. I will consider this matter very carefully and give you an answer.]

“What bullshit are they going on about...?” Minhyuk mumbled, his face filled with confusion and disbelief.