“U-use you? You…?”
“Yep. In exchange, you help me with my thing.”
The bewildered girl narrowed her eyes skeptically, scanning him.
Now was the time to sell his usefulness. The power in this negotiation lay with her, not him.
“The Forge God Gurba—he exists, right?”
“Y-yes… But—”
“He’s my old subordinate. I need to meet him—”
“W-wait! What’re you saying!?”
Eyes wide, she stepped forward—forgetting caution in her shock.… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 3 part 4
TLNOTE : I’m really sorry! The timeline glitched, and Chapter 3 part 5 posted before Chapter 3 part 4 was fully posted. I’m fixing it now!
A nation that can do nothing but cling to the tiniest glimmer of hope it thinks it sees in us—it’s unstable in the most terrifying way.
And even worse, that hope doesn’t embellish me, doesn’t serve any real purpose. Even if I did meet their expectations, it would only ever benefit others—a pointless sacrifice.… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 3 part 5
At Gagiur’s great tree,
sunlight filters into its hollow.
For a hundred eighty years, something had stirred within—its birth delayed by an irregularity.
Gulba’s sword.
By the fool who carelessly pulled it out—unaware it had become a sealing wedge—it began preparing for rebirth once more.
The hollow of the great tree transformed into a false sacred grove, welcoming the birth of a demon. Within, it opened its eyes, slowly forming its body over time.… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 3 part 3
“Well, whatever. I’ll take it. 300 coins, right? Just a sec.”
The girl pulled a large leather pouch from her coat and the jingle of gold rang out.
But I couldn’t let that slide.
“Hey.”
“What is it?”
“How much do you think this sword is worth?”
She froze like a pigeon hit by a peashooter, but after a brief moment of hesitation, she crossed her arms and gave it some thought.… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 3 part 2
“…It’s way bigger than the last time I saw it.”
Well, 180 years would do that… But still, this was unexpected. Was this even allowed, aesthetically?
“Nifl, this tree—”
“It’s celebrated as Gagiur’s Great Tree—a cultural landmark. A tourist attraction, if you will.”
“Oh. Good.”
Garm tugged at my sleeve, staring up in awe.
“King! King! Isn’t this the tree you planted?!”
“Well, ‘planted’ is a strong word… More like ‘dumped.'”… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 3 part 1
Chapter 3: Gagiur’s Forge God
The steel city of Gagiur.
A metropolis of iron, built nestled at the foot of the colossal Vehinos Mine. At its center towers the Great Tree of Gagiur, a massive arboreal monument.
This is a holy land for blacksmiths—a place where materials from demons of all kinds gather. It is also a bustling hub of commerce. Aspiring smiths flock here, nobles and adventurers come seeking their weapons, and merchants follow, hoping to profit from this cycle.… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 2 part 9
The true Helheim. The imposters.
The Guardian Dragon’s betrayal.
The Corpse King.
Drowning in this flood of revelations, the explorers stand frozen—
all but Artel, who moves first.
“We return to the Empire. The emperor must hear this.”
“M-my lady! But what of Griffil Sea of Trees?!”
Artel prods the damp ground with her boot. Detecting faint traces of mana, she narrows her eyes.
A flame sword. A suspiciously moist space.… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 2 part 8
“W-well, damn… The Guardian Dragon herself showing up as backup…?”
“His Majesty must be that serious about eliminating Helheim.”
“Still, her entrance could’ve been a little less destructive…”
“No kidding, my heart almost stopped.”
Watching her party chuckle, Artel slumped her shoulders. The tension from earlier had evaporated—along with her resolve.
A Guardian Dragon versus humans? This wouldn’t even be a fight.
She cast a pitying glance at the three members of Helheim.… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 2 part 7
“A Demon in a Level 3 dungeon?”
“Y-Yes! A subjugation team should be in that realm right now!”
“………..”
“What do you think, Miss?”
The one who called the silent Artel “Miss” was Ted, a Level 6 explorer who served as the tank of “The Valiant Lance.”
Twirling his unkempt beard, he planted his large armored body firmly.
“That’s impossible.”
“I agree. From what I’ve heard, the first missing person disappeared a month ago.… Read more
Corpse King Volume 1 Chapter 2 part 6
“Hah… hah…!”
[G-GOoOo…]
A Demon knelt, its exoskeleton failing, flesh exposed.
Dragging the weakened blade, I raised it overhead—
“Burning my army… I’ll just rebuild. Do it.”
Her last Demons charged on command.
Deaf to their thunderous advance, I focused on the crippled foe.
This Demon was likely a lost explorer’s fate.
But hesitation died long ago.
The Corpse King in me howled.
I’ll avenge you with this life—
The sword pierced its hide—unnaturally soft—
Blood geysered.… Read more