LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 43: Quest System 2.0
The Watcher, still in his Nexus, watched the exchange through the lingering tear. An idea sparked in his mind, and his voice echoed softly through the rift. "The woman beside you—what's your name?"
Makima turned toward the tear, her expression calm but curious. "Makima," she replied smoothly. "The unemployed Control Devil."
Kang Woo snorted, unable to contain his amusement. "Makima, you already work under me as my first wife. And my second, if you count how much you will manage my life."
Makima shrugged, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Gotta be humble sometimes," she said, her voice carrying a playful undertone.
Kang Woo snorted, shaking his head. "Humble? Coming from you? That's rich."
Taiyo, still confused, leaned closer to Aki and whispered, "Is this how they always talk?"
Aki sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just don't think too hard about it, Taiyo."
The Watcher's voice interrupted their banter as a shimmering hologram appeared before Makima. His tone carried a mix of hesitation and resolve. "I'm going to be honest this time—I'm taking a gamble here, but it's worth the risk."
The hologram expanded, revealing the details of the quest bestowed upon Makima:
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The Watcher's Guardian Quest: Savior of the Universe
Initial Payment Upon Acceptance:
Grimoire Unenchanted (Awakens innate magic and amplifies magic effects)
Magic Weapon Creation Kit
Voiceless Incantation Magic (Allows casting of spells without verbal incantations)
Loved by Mana [Blessings] (Mana naturally gravitates to the bearer)
Magic Creation Ability
Objective:
Observe Doctor Stephen Strange, who has lost his heart due to the death of Christine Palmer. He is on the wrong path but is vital as the strongest version of Strange to counter future threats.
If his power becomes overwhelming, retreat to your own universe is an acceptable option.
Defeating him or convincing him to abandon his goal constitutes victory, and a true reward will be bestowed.
Reward:
Psionics Ability
Custom Reward (Determined by The Watcher's capabilities)
Defeat Condition:
Killing Doctor Stephen Strange is forbidden.
Progression: Doctor Strange → Strange Supreme: 0%
Accept? Y/N
...............…
Makima's yellow-ringed eyes widened slightly, a rare flicker of surprise crossing her usually composed face. "Me?" she said softly, glancing at Kang Woo. "Not you?"
Kang Woo chuckled, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement. "it's your turn now , Makima. You got bestowed a quest just like the ones that pop into my head." He crossed his arms, smirking. "Good stuff, too."
Makima's lips curved into a faint smile, though her voice carried a sharp edge. " I need to really introduce myself Again ." She straightened, her tone commanding yet smooth. "My name is Makima, The Control Devil—the embodiment fear of control. And just like Kang Woo said, I'm not about to babysit someone, especially someone who could become a threat to the entire world."
Her gaze turned cold, the playful undertone vanishing. "Kang Woo has his own needs, and I intend to follow him as his lover. Whether that universe destroyed or multiplies into two doesn't concern me."
Himeno, sensing an opportunity, shot her hand into the air. "Pick me, Bald Head! Pick me!" she exclaimed excitedly.
The Watcher's hologram flickered slightly as his expression shifted. His voice carried a faint trace of disbelief. "...I really need a wig," he muttered to himself.
Aki elbowed Himeno sharply. "At least show some respect, Himeno-senpai."
Himeno tilted her head, her expression suddenly blank as she looked at the Watcher. "What was your name again, Baldie?" she asked, her voice filled with misplaced enthusiasm.
The entire group facepalmed in unison.
Aki groaned internally, his thoughts heavy with exasperation. Himeno-senpai just dropped her IQ the moment she got excited.
Reze stood silently, observing the situation with quiet disbelief. She just killed her own chance to get anything out of this, she thought, shaking her head.
Meanwhile, the Angel Devil stood up, dusted himself off, and walked toward the spectator seats. "I need ice cream for this," he said flatly, picking up a cone as if the entire scene was a reality show.
Kang Woo and Makima exchanged a glance. Kang Woo's lips quirked into a knowing smirk. "Drunkard."
Makima's expression remained calm, but her words were laced with dry humor. "Himeno just got promoted to a dunce."
Makima turned her gaze toward the Watcher's hologram, her yellow-ringed eyes narrowing slightly. "Why not him?" she asked, tilting her head toward Kang Woo. "You likely know him, even if this is your first time seeing him in person. He's far more qualified than I am, though I'm sure he'll refuse anyway."
The Watcher's glowing form flickered faintly, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and dry amusement. "Does he really strike you as someone who needs anything?"
Makima paused, her sharp gaze drifting over to the clutter of artifacts scattered on the magic circle . Her eyes fell on the Infinity Stones, a massive armor clattering on the ground, and other priceless relics strewn about carelessly—objects of immense power treated as if they were mere trinkets. The Hulkbuster armor, though unfamiliar to her, gleamed faintly amidst the chaos, its imposing presence adding to the absurdity of the scene.
Her thoughts shifted to the moment Kang Woo had tossed the Orb Containment Unit holding the Power Stone into a Star Destroyer ship , causing it to crash spectacularly into a mountain range as if it were nothing more than a disposable toy.
Makima exhaled softly, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Fair point," she said, her tone carrying a subtle edge of amusement and resignation.
The Watcher's hologram flickered as he spoke, his voice calm yet firm. "I need to correct your statement about Kang Woo. This is the first time I've met him or heard of him. I know nothing about him because he is not from our multiverse—and I suspect not from yours, either. However," he paused, his gaze narrowing, "that dark sword he used to threaten me... it can kill me. That alone make me sure he is an anomaly. But rather than Kang Woo, how about you, Control Devil, become the savior of the universe?"
Makima nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. In her mind, she considered the strange proposition. A bald-headed man, perhaps a god of that reality, placing his hope in me. Interesting. But I will seek my own benefit and serve my king above all else.
Before she could respond, Himeno's voice broke through the moment. "I remember now! Your name is Watcher, right? You said it yourself!" She beamed, her misplaced enthusiasm filling the space.
Aki sighed, running a hand down his face before ruffling Himeno's hair. "Great work, Himeno-senpai. You're getting smarter, even in your happy-go-lucky state."
Himeno pouted, crossing her arms indignantly. "Respect your senpai, Aki."
Himeno then turned to the Watcher, a sly grin on her face. "Alright, Watcher. If Makima declines, why not give this quest to me instead? I can be very persuasive, right, Aki?"
Aki shook his head, exhaling heavily. "Himeno-senpai, you're only good at killing devils, which we've learned are invalids in Kang Woo's eyes. Oh, and drinking—and cigarettes."
The Watcher raised an eyebrow at Himeno, his voice tinged with slight amusement. "I'm sorry, one-eyed girl, but the Control Devil—Makima—is far better suited for this task. And besides, from what I've observed, your magic only creates water-based constructs with properties akin to beer and alcohol. Hardly sufficient for saving a universe."
Himeno froze for a moment, reflecting silently. The lightheartedness in her demeanor dimmed slightly as she crossed her arms and glanced away.
Makima observed the exchange, her smirk widening just slightly. She glanced at Kang Woo, who stood quietly, arms folded, observing everything with detached amusement. Their eyes met briefly.
"She'll be fine," Makima murmured.
Kang Woo's grin returned. "She'll bounce back. She's drunkard-proof."
Kang Woo stepped closer to Makima, a thin veil of shadow forming around them. The Authority of Silence activated, creating a zone of absolute privacy where their conversation couldn't be heard or sensed. The shadows flickered faintly, their movements subtle yet deliberate, enclosing the two like a cocoon.
Makima's yellow-ringed eyes glinted faintly as she leaned slightly toward him. "How much benefit are we talking about from this quest that's been handed to me?" she asked, her tone calm but laced with curiosity.
Kang Woo crossed his arms, his crimson eyes narrowing as he considered her question. "Enough to cover at least half of the flaws in your abilities," he replied smoothly. "For example, even now, you haven't awakened your origin magic. What you have is impressive, yes—but it's limited. Your current power is tied to your traits as the Control Devil, representing the concept of control and Soul Dominion Enhancement. On top of that, you have the abilities I've granted you through the Commandment of Piety, like Darkness Manipulation and Hellblaze—that dark flame of yours capable of burning souls to dust."
Makima nodded thoughtfully
Kang Woo tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Still, even with the grimoire the Watcher is offering, training will be necessary. Don't think you'll just become an all-powerful mage overnight." He paused, his tone shifting to one of mock exasperation. "Though, I'll admit I'm a bit jealous. You're being handed three abilities that took me considerable time to master. And the moment you accept this quest, you'll be able to use them instantly."
Makima's lips curled into a small grin. "Voiceless Incantation Magic. Loved by Mana [Blessings]. Magic Creation Ability." She recited the names of the powers with intrigue. "Are they really that valuable?"
Kang Woo gave her a knowing look. "Makima, most mages—average ones—have to chant like they're delivering a goddamn monologue just to summon a simple fireball. That's where Voiceless Incantation Magic comes in—it'll let you bypass that nonsense."
He gestured vaguely, the shadows around him rippling slightly as he continued. "Loved by Mana is another game changer. It means you'll likely fix that rough mana output you've had every time you use something like my Hellblaze—or maybe not. It depends. But it should make your magic flow smoother and more efficient."
He stopped briefly, giving her a pointed look. "And as for Magic Creation, well, that one's the real jewel. It'll let you create any kind of magic you want, but there'll probably be drawbacks. Like every prodigy or legendary mage, you'll need your own resources and formulas. You'll be playing with raw power and potential, but mastery will depend on how well you develop it."
Makima's grin widened, her sharp teeth faintly visible. "Interesting," she murmured, her voice laced with satisfaction. She tilted her head, watching Kang Woo's confident yet slightly amused expression. "It seems this quest might have its perks after all."
Makima leaned in closer. Her grin widened, her yellow-ringed eyes glinting with mischief. "Careful now, Kang Woo," she murmured. "With this quest and the benefits it offers, my level might just reach 90 someday."
Without warning, she wrapped her arms around Kang Woo, pulling his head to her chest. Her voice dropped to a playful yet possessive tone. "And when that happens, I'll make you mine—even if you're the Demon King. It's going to happen soon."
Kang Woo's expression remained calm, but his crimson eyes gleamed with humor. He waved a hand, summoning a holographic projection of his Player Status Panel, which floated between them, glowing faintly.
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Player Status
Player Name: Oh Kang Woo
Level: 110 (Sixth Awakening – Breaking the World Limit Cap: ERROR, ERROR)
Awakening Traits
First Awakening Trait: Authority of Predation (Rank: ???)
Second Awakening Trait: World Hunger (Rank: A)
Third Awakening Trait (+): Infernal Summoner (Rank: ???)
Third Awakening Trait (-): Mythic Summoner (Rank: ???)
Fourth Awakening Trait: Ruler of Demonic Energy (Rank: A–SSS)
Fifth Awakening Trait: Chrono-Void Ascendancy (Rank: EX)
Sixth Awakening Trait: Soul Distribution, Auswählen (Rank: SS)
Abilities Inspired and Conceived by Kang Woo
Ten Thousand Demon Core (Rank: ???)
Hellblaze (Rank: S)
Adaptation (Rank: SS)
Demon King Magic: Ruler (Rank: SSS)
Supreme Deity Magic: Sovereign (Rank: SSS)
Darkness Manipulation (Rank: S)
10 Shadows of the Zenin Clan (Rank: C–S)
Anos Voldigoad's Abilities (Status: 10%)
King of Chaos (Rank: EX, 50% Ascension)
Alucard's Heart (Rank: A–SSS)
Space Between Time (Rank: EX)
Black Arts (Rank: S)
Arcane Demon King Magic (Rank: SS)
Zogratis Legacy Magic (Rank: A–SS, requires Grimoire of Lucius)
Gravity Manipulation (Lucifero Version) (Rank: SS)
Quincy King (Rank: SS)
Zanpakutō: Ichimonji (Rank: SSS)
Zanpakutō: Kyōka Suigetsu (Rank: SS)
The Almighty (Imperfect State) (Rank: SSS++)
Commandments (Demon Clan) , -1 piety in makima and Graces (Goddess Clan): (Rank: Varies)
Stats
Strength: 300
Dexterity: 200
Health: 600
Mana: Infinite
Demonic Energy (Unique Stat): Infinite
Spiritual Energy: Immeasurable (Yhwach Level, not Infinite)
Intellect: 280
Wisdom: 250
Note: Absorption of Quincy King Power and Zanpakutō boosts the level by 20.
Inventory
Book of Vishanti: 1x
Divine Axe Rhitta: 4x
Playful Cloud: 2x
Owl Quinque: 3x
Vision's Body (Without Mind Stone): 1x
Darkhold: 1x
Chaos Sword Excalibur: 1x
Kamutoke Dagger: 3x
Dragon Kagune: 1x
Endo-Sym Armor Mark 50 (With Extremis App and Virus): 3x
Note: Any items owned or bought can be recalled even if located in other universes.
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Makima blinked at the display, her thoughts swirling. I took my eyes off his level for just a moment, and now it's soaring to the moon. a wave of jealousy washed over her. Acting on impulse, she bit Kang Woo's finger lightly, a strange mix of affection and annoyance in the gesture.
Kang Woo chuckled softly, his free hand reaching up to ruffle her hair. "Nice, nice," he teased. "Good sit. Good wife."