Descent of the Demon Master

“...What on Earth are you even talking about?”

Knight Leveaux’s voice contained traces of a hollow chuckle. But he couldn't openly hold the Master in contempt after realizing how grave the latter's expression was.

“Did you say Wiggins will show up?”

The Master calmly nodded. “That I did.”

“But, Master…” Leveaux slowly shook his head. “I know how much you like to overestimate Wiggins' capabilities. However, there should be a limit to that, don't you agree? The Round Table is already in my hands. With you removed from the picture, even the authority to mobilize the Round Table's forces has become mine! In that case, what can Wiggins do by himself? Did he receive assassination training while we weren't looking?”

The Master tutted and shook his head at all the relentless sarcasm-filled replies. They weren't enough to upset him anymore. “Yes, Wiggins alone can't win against you.”

“So, you know.”

“However, the Martial Assembly definitely can.”

“…?”

“I’m not on guard against Wiggins, Knight Leveaux. I’m terrified by the prospect of Kang Jin-Ho tagging along. After all, that man is not human!”

Knight Leveaux furrowed his brow. He could think of many retorts suitable for a comeback. However, something else was far more important than retorting right now.

“If you're indeed right!” Knight Leveaux's eyes began burning fiercely. “Why are you telling me all this? If Wiggins eliminates me and takes over the Round Table… Wouldn't that be a good thing for you? So, wouldn't it be better for you that I get caught off-guard? With my proverbial pants down?”

“That is why I told you already,” the Master chuckled helplessly. “...That you all are like my own children.”

“…”

“Even if I had not a single shred of attachment to you… No, even if my dislike of you reached the level of hatred, my decision still would not have changed, Leveaux. Because, once you inherit the Master's position, the Round Table will remain an organization still deserving of that name. Even if its views might change somewhat.

“However, if Wiggins takes over, this organization will no longer be able to call itself the Round Table.”

Knight Leveaux's mind was invaded by a whirlwind of complicated thoughts while he stared at the Master.

He couldn't understand.

He just couldn't wrap his head around this old man's actions.

“...I hope you enjoy your stay down here,” said Knight Leveaux as he turned around to leave. If there was something he couldn’t understand, it was also fine to ignore it. To forget completely about it!

Now left alone inside the dimly lit cell, the Master sighed at length.

“What a sorry sight I’ve become.”

The Master couldn’t see eye to eye with Knight Leveaux in pretty much everything except for one thing.

‘He’s right. My intellectual capacity has fallen.’

He had to admit that he was no longer as sharp as before. The reason for this belated acceptance was simple.

Wiggins seemed to know what the Master had failed to realize. Without a doubt, Wiggins must’ve predicted that the events would unfold this way. And that was why he put forward that clause during their negotiation.

Even Knight Leveaux had surpassed the Master. That man's hostile feelings toward the Master was an already-known factor. Even so, the Master didn't predict the Frenchman would go behind his back to make deals under the table and successfully destroy him politically like this.

In fact, the Master guessed incorrectly that Leveaux would either verbally express his dissatisfaction or use force to overturn the situation in his favor.

However, both Knight Leveaux and Wiggins easily surpassed the Master's expectations. While Leveaux didn't even have to do much to demolish the Master, Wiggins had predicted the future that not even Master could foresee. And then...

‘...And then, you unhesitantly sent me off to my grave, Wiggins.’

“Hah. Haha. Kekeke…”

A hollow chuckle escaped the Master’s mouth all on its own.

What impressed the Master the most was Wiggins’ commitment. If something had gone awry slightly somewhere, even by the smallest margins, the Master would've left the world of living by now.

Trying to resist would have netted the same result, too. From Knight Leveaux's perspective, it would have been better to completely eliminate a potential loose end, after all.

However, Wiggins still coolly bade the Master farewell at the airport despite knowing the latter would get impeached and end up in this situation!

“I have to say, both of you have become splendid tacticians, haven’t you…?”

The Master wasn’t being sarcastic. No, he was serious.

Whether it was Knight Leveaux or Wiggins, both men have proved they had surpassed the Master now.

That meant the Master had no place left to stand among these men. In that case, perhaps it was not a bad conclusion for him to quietly wither away inside this cell. After all, his role was effectively over now.

Rejoicing Wiggins' growth or worrying about the Round Table's future were none of his concerns now. From this moment on, he'd be nothing more than a bystander. He'd just stand back and watch the next generation fight it out among themselves.

***

“...Making me feel like dirt right till the end, huh?” Knight Leveaux grumbled as he walked out of the underground prison.

He ordered the guards on duty to keep a close eye on this place. One of the guards pointed to the bank of monitors displaying CCTV camera feeds and casually shrugged in silence.

Although Knight Leveaux was not happy with that attitude, he didn’t want to create a situation that could negatively affect his chances during the Master selection soon to take place.

So, he resolutely kept his mouth shut and left the prison building in large, hurried steps.

As he walked, Leveaux’s assistant approached him.

Leveaux glanced at him and asked, “What’s the situation?”

“We've already thoroughly inspected the cell the former Master is in. And we've also completed disarming the Master's personal guards.”

“Good. What about the Brits?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

“Knight Chadwick has not shown any movements yet, sir.”

“Hah. That fool won’t do anything.”

Chadwick was the name of the individual who replaced Wiggins as Britain's representative Knight. Since the Master originally hailed from Britain, Leveaux predicted that the bulk of resistance would most likely come from Chadwick's side.

“Keep monitoring them. We only need two days. Two more days! Once I become the Master, there will be nothing Chadwick can do to me.”

“Understood, sir!”

“Oh, and also…”

The assistant tilted his head. “Sir?”

“Mm… I want you to strengthen our security measures.”

“Security measures, sir?”

“That’s right. Summon extra personnel from France to supplement the security forces. And utilize every information channel at our disposal to monitor every man, woman, and child entering Europe from South Korea!”

“K-Knight Leveaux, sir! That is impossible. Monitoring so many people is…”

Leveaux tutted. “I only need to know who is entering the continent, okay? If monitoring the whole of Europe is impossible, narrow your focus to Britain's borders. I'm sure that our targets won't rock up to this stinking island on a fishing boat.”

“...Understood, sir.”

Of course Leveaux knew he was asking for something unreasonable here. However, now seemed like a good time to be unreasonable about being vigilant.

Knight Leveaux silently licked his dried lips.

‘Although the chances are that the Master has gone senile…’

Wiggins was not a moron. Even though Leveaux used the term “naive fool” against that Brit, that was only when the two men were directly compared to each other. From the standards of average people, even the evaluation of genius was not enough to describe Wiggins.

Someone that smart would never do something as moronic as waltzing right into Europe, which was the Round Table’s backyard.

‘Either way is fine.’

If Wiggins remained in South Korea, Leveaux would utilize his authority and the Round Table's strength to slowly squeeze that man to death. However, if Wiggins foolishly stepped onto British soil? Leveaux would simply separate that man's head from the rest of his body.

Either way, Wiggins' fate would not change much, the only difference being the speed of encroaching death!

Leveaux muttered to himself. “He surely can’t be that stupid, no?”

“Sir? I beg your pardon?”

“No, it’s nothing,” Leveaux quickly shook his head while walking ahead.

He had lots of things to do from now on.

***

“And so, we must head to Britain next,” said Wiggins.

“…”

Everyone in the room stared at him weirdly, their attitude conveying how unimpressed they were.

However, Wiggins expertly deflected those unimpressed gazes with a smooth grin. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, everyone. Miss this opening, and we will never be able to meddle in their affairs again. That is why we must head to Britain as soon as possible.”

“...Listen, Wiggins,” Vator groaned softly. “Sounds like you might need a vacation. You’ve been very busy lately, right?”

“I’m perfectly fine, Sir Vator.”

“People usually say that, don’t they?”

“No, I am fine. Really.”

“Mm. And people usually reply with, yes, I’m sure you are.”

It was Wiggins’ turn to groan this time. “I’d like to avoid misunderstandings as much as possible if you don’t mind. I’m speaking from a very logical place, and now is the best time for us to intervene. Delay it any longer, and this situation will create serious problems for us later down the line.”

“Okay, to summarize…” Lee Hyeon-Su raised his voice and responded to Wiggins. “There is a rebellion within the Round Table, causing the Master to be ousted and imprisoned right now?”

“Yes, that’s it.” Wiggins nodded.

“And we should butt in and restore the Master to his rightful place?”

“Restoring him is a separate issue. What’s important to remember is that we must prevent the hardliners from seizing power in the Round Table. Please try to focus on the issue at hand, Mister Lee.”

“...Hang on a minute there, sir.” Lee Hyeon-Su sneakily glanced at the others in the conference room. The participants of this meeting were looking at Wiggins in either flabbergast or dismay.

‘Well, that’s not so surprising, considering…’

Bang Jin-Hun's expression crumpled after listening to the translation. “What the heck? You say in Britain? Why should we resolve some power struggle happening on the other side of the planet? It's not like we're the Earth Defense Force or something, right?”

Wiggins glanced back at Bang Jin-Hun. “But it’s necessary.”

“Lots of things in this world can be deemed necessary, you know? Like, uh, building schools in Africa. That's just as necessary and urgent, wouldn't you say?”

“...No, but this really is necessary.”

“Come on, now. This fella, he doesn’t get it, does he?” Bang Jin-Hun deeply furrowed his brow. “Be honest, okay? You want to butt in since there’s trouble brewing in your former home, no?”

“Mister Bang. I'd appreciate it if you watch what you say.”

“That’s nothing to be ashamed about, you know? Besides, not admitting it won’t suddenly change you into an American citizen, no? And everyone else will react the same if they are in your shoes.”

Wiggins groaned again before fixing his gaze on Kang Jin-Ho. The truth was, persuading others was meaningless here. What mattered the most was Kang Jin-Ho's opinion on the matter. “My lord. As I've said before, we need to intervene.”

Kang Jin-Ho calmly asked back. “And why should we do that?”

“It’s because this course of action will be most cost-effective for us. I wouldn’t have suggested intervening in the Round Table’s affairs if it hadn’t been for this heaven-sent opportunity. Without a doubt, now is the best time to do so.

“A new Master has not been selected yet, which means the number of forces the Round Table can mobilize will be limited. Not to mention, their method of resistance will also be just as limited. Considering all that, it's possible to deal with them with only a small number of elites from our side. However, give them five days or so, and the Round Table will become an impregnable fortress.”

“No. Your reasoning still doesn't fit,” Kang Jin-Ho muttered casually while mouthing a fresh cigarette. “Why don't you tell us the real reason, Wiggins? Why should we intervene and normalize the situation in the Round Table?”

“But, my lord. This is for our overall bene—”

“Wiggins,” Kang Jin-Ho unceremoniously cut Wiggins off. He stared at the former Knight in silence.

Nothing in this room moved except for the cigarette smoke lazily wafting in the air.

After holding this silence for some time, Kang Jin-Ho finally resumed addressing Wiggins. “What is the reason?”

“...My lord,” Wiggins replied, his tone noticeably different now. “The Round Table is a powerful organization. If we intervene now, we will get to control such an organization to our will.”

“Controlling a faction on the other side of the planet…? That doesn’t sound all that appealing to me.”

“I assure you, it will be of great help to us."

“Nah. I don't need such help,” Kang Jin-Ho chuckled, then stared straight into Wiggins' eyes. “We already have our hands full trying to stabilize and organize things in our own backyard. And what kind of help can we even expect from the Round Table? Extra loaves of bread?”

“…” Wiggins was rendered speechless and couldn’t respond.

“Wiggins, let’s stop beating around the bush and be more honest here. All the benefits you talk of by joining hands with the Round Table? We could’ve gotten them without intervening in this rebellion. And you should know that, too. In that case, why did you push the situation to this point?”

Wiggins remained silent, his head falling. He took this time to reorganize his thoughts before raising his head again to stare back at Kang Jin-Ho. “My lord. I wish to purge every single hardliner and cleanse the Round Table. This will be a positive change for that organization overall, and for us, we will use this opportunity to exert a powerful influence over the Round Table.”

“So, then…” Kang Jin-Ho grinned brightly. “...Who is this hardliner you want to eliminate so badly?”

“My lord, if you push me like, I—”

“Who is it?”

“…” Wiggins finally relented and groaned loudly. “Knight Leveaux, my lord. I’d like to use this opportunity to plunge my sword into that hateful little bastard’s face.”

“You all heard him, right?” Kang Jin-Ho scanned the people in the room, his smirk deepening. “Oh, well. In that case, I don't mind lending a hand.”

Vator firmly nodded and muttered, “Kuh-euh! Director Wiggins, now you're talking like a man.”

Bang Jin-Hun chimed in next, “...See? Rather than benefit or whatever, this is much easier to understand, you know?”

Wiggins’ face reddened ever so slightly.

Kang Jin-Hu chuckled before his expression grew serious. He issued his order next. “We’re going to Britain. Get ready.”

Changes great enough to rock the world often began from trivial things like petty emotions.

Just like now!