Chapter 99 99 – Creeping Darkness

In the deep of the jungle, at the top of a certain mountain in Romania, a single figure looked up at the dark clouds in the sky while its buttoned rag face made a frown.

"Dragon King."

It didn't have its usual smirk or unique laugh. No, this figure of Boogeymen looked serious and… felt fear.

"Awakened at a time like this? Do you want to stop us again? Like 10 years ago?"

Boogeymen had no idea, but they knew they needed to move fast. The threat posed by Dragon King was way higher than a Mythical Oni or a Phoenix combined. That was how dangerous Dragon King was, even though she had just awakened from her slumber.

The plan they carefully cooked would be a mess once Dragon King was fully awakened from her sleep. That was how much power Dragon King had in that body of hers.

If she wanted to, she would be able to destroy the world by sinking the city with floods and creating storms for 30 days straight. But she didn't do that because she had promised someone, a vow she respected.

Still, in that vow, there was nothing stated about protecting an individual other than her friend. The question was… Why did she step up to stop them 10 years ago?

"We just want a perfect body. Why bother us?"

Their plan should've succeeded 10 years ago when they found the perfect body they wanted. It was chaos back then, but he almost succeeded. That was until the Dragon King showed herself and destroyed all their fake bodies in the furious storms and floods caused by her power.

"We hate you."

Krak Creak!

A sound of wood ground against each other rang in the area. The trees around the Boogeymen started to squirm around, morphing into a humanoid form that resembled their real body. However, they had a face instead of being covered in a rag.

The total of those fake bodies easily reached 20 and still increasing. Spirit Power leaked from Boogeymen's main body; the color was mixed with brown and blue.

"We have a body now. Not perfect, but better." The Boogeymen's voice rang with some noises mixed in.

It was as if there were two individuals living in the same body, and they talked in different tones, layered on top of each other, creating a creepy voice.

"We will get that body tomorrow."

The newly created fake bodies became bigger as they absorbed the dirt and pebbles on the ground. Boogeymen's main body's ragged face had a smirk as they stabbed their hoe to the ground.

"Our body can't hold on any longer." They scooped out a lump of dirt and took it in their hands, covered in tree branches shaped like claws. "Stop us, Dragon King. We are stronger now."

***

In a certain region in Romania, on top of a high-rise building, stood the Alchemist with his usual half-mask and luxuriously tailored tailcoat. He held a book in his hand, not bothered by the rain pouring on his body.

"Aah! A party crasher has arrived. What a shame." He sounded disappointed, but his voice was still lovely and cheerful even with that. "I wanted to test the new Ruler more, but I can't do that with the promised protector being here."

Protector. Something to describe someone who protects a certain individual.

"The reason why the Boogeymen failed was simple." An ear-to-ear grin appeared on his face. "Because that creature never bothered to know whose body they aimed at! Their greed is immeasurable, and they refuse help from others. What an arrogant creature!"

At first, the Alchemist wanted to find out about the Ruler's strength, mainly because he and his organization were interested in him. That was why they revived Boogeymen earlier than the creature's supposed advent.

Who knew that the Ruler would be interested in joining their organization? That would give them a boost and make their plan easier for the future.

However, after observing the Ruler, Alchemist scrapped that idea. For one reason only.

"The Ruler is too kind. He wasn't fit to join our organization... yet."

Right. His observation resulted in him finding out about the Ruler's kindness toward the others. Someone might call him naïve, but for Alchemist, he didn't think that the Ruler was naïve at all.

Even behind his kindness, there was still a layered intention, hidden secretly, so the others didn't notice.

"People can change. Oh, how wonderful if his personality changed. Hihihihi."

It wasn't rare for people's personalities to change, especially in the Supernatural World. Even the kindest man could turn into a cruel, cold-blooded murderer if they were forced. Nothing was set in stone, as lady fate was a whore who loved everyone. Even the evilest man.

"That would be a good show~" The Alchemist spun his body, dancing on the roof as his boots hit the puddle, splashing water everywhere. "Ah~ The Boogeymen also can't wait. They are really impatient! If only they waited for a bit… Don't you think so too?"

The man stopped dancing, bowing toward the direction of a wall at the corner of the roof. He wasn't speaking alone. He spoke to someone hidden there.

Behind the wall, a figure covered in all black stood calmly, crossing their arms inside their robe.

"Not going to say anything? Fine." The Alchemist had a disappointed look, but then it was quickly replaced by a grin.

"The Ruler also seems to have a plan. Unfortunate. If only he didn't put up that soundproof barrier, my rat would be able to hear his plan… Also…"

Looking at the sky, the Alchemist's eyes flashed with a silvery light. His grin widened, finding something interesting.

"As expected. The Ruler isn't a fool! He knew that he needed help from people, so he created his own force under him. He's just inexperienced."

Taking out a Talisman with a communication rune written on it, the Alchemist put it down on the floor. Miraculously, the paper wasn't wet from the rainwater as if it was coated by some kind of waterproof agent often found in the supermarket.

"Feel free to use this to contact us. I promise this will give you something you desire. Hihihihi." A creepy laugh escaped the Alchemist's lips as he slowly turned into a silvery liquid. "Well then, please excuse me." And he disappeared.

After the Alchemist disappeared, the figure behind the wall stepped out from the shadow. Their coat was hit by the rain that started pouring down ragingly as they made their way toward the Talisman left behind by the mysterious man.

Crouching down, they took the Talisman, revealing their slender pale hand from under the robe. They looked at the Talisman, and their lips curled up into a grin.

"Just wait." A soft, feminine voice rang. "I will take my revenge."