Gourmet Gaming

Chapter 1102

–Aemira, do you not want anything?

Heaven had wrongfully punished the innocent. Not only were Aemira’s parents executed in the worst possible way, but she had also been subjected to the most terrible punishment for more than a thousand years. It was only natural for those involved to pay for their wrongs.

–Even though Archangel Gabriel, the leader of the angels, had already paid for her crimes, this could still be considered Heaven’s fault. So, they will accept and give whatever you ask for.

Standing with her back to the sea, Aemira flashed the most brilliant smile before shaking her head.

–I have already received the greatest treasure from you, Your Majesty. I can now walk and run as much as I want. I can now look up at the sky whenever I want. And I can also feel the cool breeze in front of the sea.

Her smile remained bright and wide as she looked at Minhyuk.

–Your Majesty, you’re the one who gave me the greatest reward, not Heaven. So, I want you, Your Majesty, to receive the rewards instead.

Of course, Minhyuk repeatedly asked her, still, Aemira’s answer was firm. Aemira even cleverly worded her answer.

–Your Majesty, because of me, you had to face against Heaven, even possibly falling out with them. It’s enough for me to see you receive a reward in my stead.

After she said that, Minhyuk was convinced that she genuinely wanted to give him that reward. So, he left Aemira and returned to the Boundary Between Good and Evil. On his way, he checked Aemira’s information once again.

(Aemira)

Rank: Archangel Candidate

Type: Vassal

Level: 701

Attack Power: 3,559

Defensive Power: 3,683

Holy Power: 8,650

Special Abilities:

•Passive Skill: The Ruler of the Earth

•Passive Skill: The Ruler of the Sky

•Passive Skill: The One Releasing Sacred Power

•Active Skill: The Ruler of Nature

•Active Skill: Angel’s Wings

•Active Skill: Noblest Angel

Potential: 135

Experience Value: 31% / 100%

Description: She is the only angel with the power to rule over the sky and the earth. She might become one of the archangels in the future.

Minhyuk was left in awe. He found Aemira’s powers and abilities much stronger than Saintess Loyna’s. After all, her basic holy power was at 8,650.

Minhyuk shook his head. He wondered if this was only natural because she was an angel. Perhaps that was not the case either. After all, even if they were angels, it did not make sense to have such a high basic holy power. He realized that this was something that Aemira was born with.

After he checked her skills, Minhyuk realized they would greatly help him and the Beyond the Heavens Empire. One such skill was the passive skill, The Ruler of the Land.

‘As long as she stays in that nation, the vitality of every citizen will increase by 8% while their stamina will increase by 5%.’

It was a crazy ability. With Aemira by their side, the tens of millions of people and players living in the Beyond the Heavens Empire would now enjoy the effects of this power without even doing anything.

‘The Ruler of the Sky is also incredible.’

Natural disasters and calamities were something that no human could do something about. It was something that was totally beyond mankind’s reach.

There were times when the entire continent suffered from heavy rains or snowfall. Sometimes, there were overbearing heat waves and cold waves. These disasters often ruin the resources of many nations.

Shockingly enough, the Ruler of the Sky could maintain the most optimal temperature in the nation where she belonged in all four seasons. Even rain or snow would only be at a moderate level. It was a power that could ignore disasters like heavy rains, heavy snowfall, heat waves, and even cold waves! It could even prevent severe catastrophes like storms and typhoons.

Then, there was the One Releasing Sacred Power.

‘This is the power that allows her to create auspicious sites.’

There were some changes in the power. Originally, the area of the auspicious site that she could create was only focused around her, and one could only receive the site's effects once they entered that area. Now, the effects of the auspicious site would remain in effect for an hour even after they had left the area.

‘Many skilled and dexterous craftsmen will come to the Beyond the Heavens Empire.’

He wondered what would happen if he cooked right next to Aemira.

Then, there was the Noblest Angel. According to the skill, it had the power to open up the potential of someone Aemira chose.

‘Hmm.’

Nonetheless, the growth would be gradual and slow. Then, there were also the conditions for activation. They were quite demanding.

‘A person acknowledged by the system as someone walking down the right path. A person who has a lot of potential. Someone whose rank goes beyond legendary.’

Although these three conditions would be quite hard to meet, Minhyuk knew that this power would greatly help them someday.

After checking Aemira’s status, Minhyuk patted his bulging pocket and recalled what the God of Death said.

‘It seems like you still have a conscience.’

Minhyuk knew from the beginning that the God of Death Louis had issued the pass to him so that he could help free the innocent Aemira from the terrible punishment she was subjected to. In a way, he had been used. However, the God of Death generously paid him a million platinum before returning to Hell.

Minhyuk patiently waited until he saw Michael cross the border into the Boundary Between Good and Evil and enter this place once again.

***

Heaven and Hell were still mostly covered with a thin veil layer in the players' eyes. Heaven’s image in the players' eyes was a land of dreams.

‘Heaven is a land of treasure.’

Rumors like that were even circulating among the players.

Rumor had it that the players who had obtained artifacts, Divine Ingredients, and Divine Ores that dropped from Heaven were all said to be shocked by their power. Every single one of them possessed incredible strength.

Michael only met with Minhyuk after a thorough discussion with the other archangels.

“Who will fill in for Gabriel’s vacant spot?” Minhyuk asked. This was him sounding out how much influence Michael had in Heaven.

“I think I’ll have to fill in this position temporarily.”

It seemed that the archangel in front of Minhyuk exercised far more power than he initially thought since he had become the temporary leader of the angels.

Michael asked, “Where’s Aemira?”

“Aemira has given me full authority over the discussion of the compensation she has to receive,” Minhyuk responded.

Archangel Michael’s expression did not change much. He said, “We will pay around a million platinum to allow Aemira to live comfortably in the human world. In addition, we will allow you to choose one of the items in the list we have prepared.”

At the same time, a list of rewards appeared in front of Minhyuk.

‘As expected of Heaven.’

The items presented to him were much more than he initially expected.

‘Divine Drops.’

A single drop from a small bottle of this item could easily increase an artifact’s effects by 5%. It could also be applied to any artifact. Of course, the effects would only last for five days. Nevertheless, its effects were still quite shocking. When Minhyuk looked at the amount offered, he could roughly estimate that it would last three months.

So many mysterious and surprising items like this were listed on the compensation list that they had prepared.

Swoosh–

Although he was surprised by the effects, Minhyuk’s expression remained impassive. He bluntly and curtly said, “It’s just this much? Do you think this is enough to compensate for the suffering that Aemira had experienced being imprisoned in that small space for more than a thousand years?

Michael retorted, “That’s a bit too excessive, don’t you think? You’re the one that’s going to use it, yet you’re pushing Aemira forward.”

The response was only natural. After all, that’s what it looked like. Minhyuk responded with the answer that Aemira had given him.

“I fought for her alone, ready to go against the entire Heaven itself. Are you saying that I don’t deserve that much compensation?”

Michael choked. Had Minhyuk failed to prove Aemira’s innocence, he would have suffered damage far exceeding the compensation they were trying to give him.

“Then, I’ll allow you to choose one additional compensation.”

In the first place, Michael intended to give two compensations. He believed that humans were easy to deal with. All he needed to do was throw one tiny, insignificant thing and add one more. Then, they would feel like they had already obtained something tremendous. Ultimately, what Michael would part with were nothing but trivial consumables.

A glow appeared on Minhyuk’s face as he said, “Oh, I see! Then, I’m very grateful!”

Seeing the expected look on Minhyuk’s face as he rejoiced, Michael could not help but ridicule him in his heart. Mankind was indeed a pathetic race.

“Haha. I have obtained two items. Alright. I’ll get these two, go to the human world, and release everything that happened here to the public.”

“What...?”

“Why? Is there a law prohibiting me from disclosing this matter to the public just because I received your compensation?”

“...?”

“I believe you’re aware of this video capture function? It’s something that foreigners have.”

Minhyuk was referring to the process of filming and saving a video.

“You see, I have filmed everything from the beginning to the end and saved it as a video. Don’t tell me, is this against the rules of Heaven?”

There was no such law that prohibited something like that in Heaven.

“After all, the other races have the right to know something like this, no?”

Michael’s jaw dropped open.

Heaven, a realm that was supposed to represent the good, had imprisoned an innocent woman for more than a thousand years. The archangel leading the angels failed to reign in her anger and stood by her decision until the end. She even went so far as to seek the woman’s death for her to be released from her punishment.

If this incident were public, many would condemn them. If that happened, Heaven would have to suffer. It would also take a very long time to restore their honor.

‘I underestimated him.’

Just when Michael was about to say something, Minhyuk quickly interjected.

“I require three items from this list. Also, I want a blessing from you, Michael. Then, an additional one million platinum. And finally, your ability to discern the truth.”

“...!”

Michael’s eyes grew wide. What kind of preposterous terms was he putting on the table?

“You are the angel of ‘truth’ who can determine the truth from the lie with your sword. But I’m sure you have other ways to do so, no?”

It was the truth.

Michael felt like the man before him had seen through his inner thoughts for a moment.

Minhyuk pressed, “I believe this is quite a cheap price to pay to prevent Heaven’s reputation from being tarnished. Don’t you think so too?”

He could not say anything back. Even so, Michael could not easily accept such terms.

“Are you not even going to consider your relationship with Heaven going forth?” He asked, incredulous.

“Why? Was I the one in the wrong?” Minhyuk argued.

One sentence and Archangel Michael was rendered mute.

“What relationship are we even talking about here?” Minhyuk looked at the archangel incredulously. “Heaven’s the one here in the wrong. The archangels should have treated the Angel of the Earth and the Angel of the Sky with better care, right?”

Minhyuk glared coldly at Michael. This sin should not only be pushed into Gabriel’s head alone.

“If you had paid a little more attention to the matter, you would have known about it immediately.”

There was nothing wrong with Minhyuk’s words.

Michael sighed as he calculated in his head. Minhyuk had only asked for three of the consumables from the list that he had given him. One was his own blessing while the other was the additional one million platinum. Then, there was also his ability to discern the truth.

“I’ll give you the Scale of Truth. However, you can only use it three times in total.”

Of course, Minhyuk was aware that he would never be able to permanently obtain the power to discern the truth from the lies. Nevertheless, he could not stop the dissatisfaction from shining on his face.

Just then, a surprising notification rang in his ears. After hearing the world message, Minhyuk said, “Let’s add one more to those terms. I want a token representing my friendly relationship with the archangels.”

“Why do you want something like that?”

It was not difficult to bestow such an item on him, but Michael wanted to know where Minhyuk would use it.

“I will not use it to tarnish the archangels’ reputation or bring you harm. And if you give me this token, I will never reveal what Heaven has done this time.”

Michael nodded. He easily accepted the additional term. Even so, he could not help but sigh. This was because he had paid twice as much as he expected. Especially because each and every single one of the compensation that Minhyuk chose were good items.

[You have acquired the Divine Drop.]

[You have acquired the Sprig of Realm Ascension.]

[You have acquired the Archangel’s Star.]

‘How can he be this fast when it comes to calculating?’

When it came to consumable items, one would usually fail to determine their true worth. Because of that, most of the people would pass by such great items.

The Divine Drop could increase all of the artifact’s ability by 30% for one day. If one glanced at the list, one might think obtaining the Large Drop would be better than receiving the Divine Drop. Nonetheless, if one took into consideration the fact that the Divine Drop’s special effects could be extended with every drop added, then it was obvious that the Divine Drop was far more valuable.

Minhyuk, who saw through the essence of all of the items in such a short time, said, “The blessings, please.”

[Michael has bestowed his blessings upon you.]

[The archangel’s power covers you.]

[You have obtained a 0.7% increase in all of your stats.]

[You have obtained a 7% increase in your holy power.]

[You have obtained a 10% increase in your resistance against abnormal statuses.]

Only after obtaining the additional one million platinum and the Scale of Truth did a smile of satisfaction appear in Minhyuk’s face. When Michael saw his expression, he felt like he had lost quite a lot.

Then, Minhyuk said, “I hope that we can continue to maintain a friendly relationship in the future.”

“...?”

Michael looked at him in confusion. His expression looked like he was saying, ‘You have the audacity to say that right now?’. Then, at that moment, Minhyuk took out four silver pots from his inventory. Then, he handed them to Michael.

“...”

Michael looked at Minhyuk incredulously.

“This is a show of my sincerity. Let’s maintain a cordial and friendly relationship. Alright?”

Each silver pot was filled with chapagetti and was covered with conservation magic. This meant that the contents of the pot remained in its most optimal temperature and state.

Archangel Michael received something worth the paltry sum of 800 gold, yet he could not throw it away. In the end, all he could do was sigh as he kept it. Then, he turned away.

Unbeknownst to them, Minhyuk had put a drop of Sea Honey in those pots.

Minhyuk released a trembling breath after seeing Michael disappear completely from his sight.

‘Is it finally going to happen?’

The reason why Michael was forced to pay an additional compensation was the world message that rang in his ears earlier.

[The Advanced Polling for the New Pillar will now begin.]

[All players are eligible to participate in the Advanced Polling.]

[The players who can correctly guess the one who will take first place in the Advanced Polling will be able to obtain a 1-level Level Up Potion.]

[Pillar Candidates can promote and publicize themselves in their own ways.]

[The Advanced Polling will not have any influence on the Eight Pillars Selection.]

[If a player is one of the Pillar Candidates, the other players belonging in the player’s nation will not be able to vote for them.]

[If the player still wishes to vote for them, they can vote. However, they will be subjected to a 40% decrease in your current level’s EXP.]

[The candidate who will rank first in the Advance Polling will be able to obtain a special privilege for the still unknown events that will happen later.]

[The Advance Polling period is one week.]

[You can vote twice.]

[Voting can be done once a day after the announced start of the Advance Polling and once on the third day or the last day of the voting period. In the case of changing candidates to vote for, your votes will be applied to the final candidate that you have chosen.]

The day when he would stand at the center of the world of Athenae was fast approaching.