Chapter 23: Untitled

It had already been a few months since Belbeth was created in my territory.

I spent most of my time in my new study, enjoying entertainment from the human world.

As if to fill the void of tens of thousands of years since my reincarnation, I lived buried in games, movies, and comic books.

On that day, too, I was lying on the sofa, engrossed in a game.

[Creator... Lord Tannin has arrived...]

The voice of one of my creations echoed in my head.

I knew it was a good idea to include a telepathy function.

"Oh, let him in."

[Understood...]

A moment later, the massive doors of the study opened, and Tannin entered, having shrunk to human size.

I always wonder, why doesn't he transform into a human form instead of staying as a dragon?

Is that more comfortable for him?

But even the dragons under Tannin’s command transform into human forms just fine.

"It’s been a while."

"Indeed. What brings you here? To think you'd visit in person."

I asked without taking my eyes off the game console.

"What do you mean, 'what brings me here'?! I came to check because ridiculous waves of power have been radiating from your territory lately! The entire Underworld is in an uproar! The Satans were considering coming, but I volunteered instead."

"Ah, I just made some subordinates. The territory felt too empty."

"Subordinates? I saw them on my way here... You mean those hideous monsters roaming around your castle?! Each one is at least on the level of an Ultimate-Class Devil. And what the hell is that thing that spoke in my head and guided me just now?! Who uses a Dragon King-Class entity as a mere subordinate?!"

Tannin shouted, looking utterly flabbergasted.

"I'm above Heavenly Dragon-Class, so isn't it natural for my subordinates to be Dragon King-Class? What's the problem?"

"Hmm? I-Is that so?"

At my matter-of-fact answer, Tannin seemed speechless for a moment.

"Ah, while you're here, great timing. Could I get some Dragon Apple tree seeds?"

"What for?"

"Because they're delicious. I want to try growing them here. I already finished what you gave me last time, and since I have the Grail, I figure I can grow them pretty quickly."

"What kind of lunatic uses a Longinus capable of slaying God to grow fruit...!"

Tannin shouted in shock.

"Me."

I answered nonchalantly.

'Besides, the protagonist of the original story used his to strip girls' clothes.'

'Compared to that, isn't my usage very wholesome and productive?'

"Tannin, you can't reach the summit by acting within the bounds of common sense. The strong of this world are all stuck in a mold. 'This must be done this way,' 'That must be done that way'... It’s ridiculous. If you can't break that common sense, you'll remain stagnant forever."

"...!! I see. So your absurd strength stems from thinking outside the box."

Tannin nodded as if he had reached a great realization.

I made it sound convincing, but honestly, I'm not really aiming for the summit either.

Great Red... is still a bit too tough.

Since we're allies anyway, there's no reason to fight.

After chatting with Tannin for a while, he stood up as if his time was up.

"Understood. I will send the seeds soon. In return, do not let those monsters you created come anywhere near my territory. Especially that monster over there."

Tannin looked out the window at Belbeth rooted in the center of the territory, wearing an expression of utter disgust.

"Got it. They won't leave here anyway, so don't worry."

Tannin looked around my territory with a complex expression, then spread his wings and departed.

"Master, that Dragon King is quite amusing."

"Master! I want to eat Dragon Apples again too!"

Before I knew it, Hwaryeong and Sera were by my side.

"Yes, yes. When the seeds arrive, I'll plant plenty so you can eat to your heart's content."

I patted their heads.

'A Dragon's Paradise...'

Maybe I should try making something like that.

Planting tons of Dragon Apple trees and other vegetation in my territory, and letting my creations roam that forest.

Of course, it'll be overflowing with scary-looking dragons... but let's ignore that for now.

To me, they are all cute subordinates.

"Alright, decided."

I turned off the game console and stood up.

"Master?"

"Where are you going?"

"To do some gardening."

I stepped out of the castle.

And using the power of the Grail, I began to transform the desolate land into fertile soil.

A few days later, when the seeds arrive from Tannin, this place will become the most bizarre yet abundant garden in the Underworld.

Shall I name it the Garden of Chaos?