You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

There's nothing I can do about it; it's just that Iori hardly ever interacts with these people.

-

[CG included]

A demon lord descends from the heavens, a calamity befalls humanity.

Category: Art Style

Quality: Mythical

Level: EX

Rewards Overview:

Art style value +14 (can be refreshed);

[Legendary Status: Japanese EX]

• As long as you are in Japan (or a corresponding alternate world civilization), you can enjoy the highest level of fame bonus and even obtain corresponding "mystery".

Note: According to legend, when Izanagi returned from the Land of the Dead, he cleansed himself. The filth on his clothes gave rise to twelve gods, while the filth on his body gave birth to two calamity gods. They were the elder brothers of the three children (Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo) who were born later, and they also symbolized the concept of calamity, which is the opposite of the three pillar gods.

Here, countless people witnessed the arrival of "heroes" and "gods," but their unease led them to associate "calamity" with their image, thus mixing the divinity of Susanoo with the aspect of the god of calamity.

Chapter 220: The Beautiful Young Man Under the Moon (4K)

It's unclear how things unfolded in the original timeline, but in this apocalypse where Iori intervened, hundreds of shelters of all sizes were established in various places within just one month, with some of the larger ones housing more than 100,000 people!

Iori's influence here is enormous, because most of the stronger high-level monsters have been eliminated, while the weaker monsters are generally unable to threaten the reinforced concrete fortifications. Once the survivors gather to a certain size, most of them will consciously seek out places like police stations or military bases where firearms are stored.

In many post-apocalyptic works, human technology is portrayed as easily defeated, but in reality, let alone steel fortresses like tanks, even ordinary heavy trucks, with some reinforcement, can crush low-level monsters—these things are much more effective than heavy cavalry!

If those high-level monsters, tens or hundreds of meters tall, capable of unleashing long-range magic cannons, with scales impervious to blades and spears, and able to regenerate limbs, still existed, they could naturally ravage modern humans at will... But wasn't it Iori who punished them?

Those places where shelters could be built were almost all places that had been "cleaned up" by Iori, so that humanity could have a chance to catch its breath and regroup.

As for the parts that Iori couldn't take care of, basically only military bases could protect themselves in a disaster.

From this perspective, it's no exaggeration to say that he saved the Far East—otherwise, he wouldn't have accumulated so much art style value!

By the way, when he just finished "Unifying the World by Force", the art style value given by that CG was only "14", but it has risen to "19" in just two days!

Clearly, when Iori was initially wreaking havoc, many of the people he rescued were in a daze, and in their frantic escape, they didn't have time to think about who Iori really was.

But after the shelters were gradually established and the situation was barely stabilized, Iori's "fame" began to explode on a large scale after a period of preparation!

Based on this trend, Iori estimates that she will eventually reach around "30", and this is just the beginning of the apocalypse...

Returning to the "apocalyptic" event itself, the expansion of the spatial rift led to a massive influx of magic, forming a demonic tide, which also attracted a large number of demonic creatures to invade. In fact, a significant portion of these demonic creatures were passively transported across the rift, much like fish swept in by a flood.

As time went by, the demonic tide gradually subsided, and the number of demons that appeared naturally decreased. The situation on the human side began to slowly improve. If Japan received help from other countries at this time, it could rebuild order.

Of course, this is just wishful thinking; reality is far more cruel.

The spatial rift has only stabilized and shows no signs of closing. There is even a possibility of a secondary collapse. Countries around Japan and even the world are on high alert for this. They are preparing for the impending disaster and have no time to rescue others.

A single epidemic can make everyone mind their own business, but now this is a matter of national extinction and racial extinction. Who's going to be so selfless as to sacrifice themselves for others?!

Furthermore, Japan isn't exactly popular in East Asia... Perhaps other countries are using it as a case study to observe the development of their "doomsday" scenarios.

Originally a major shipping nation, the country's ports were almost entirely destroyed due to the earthquake and tsunami. A few large ships were still usable, but they were of little use except for transporting a small number of people to safety—there were no nearby countries that would welcome large-scale immigration.

In short, Japan was basically in a passive state of "isolation" and could only rely on itself.

A rough estimate suggests that the death toll in Japan exceeded 90% of the total population. Even if there are still many undiscovered survivors, the total number of survivors would not exceed 15 million.

A country suffering such a huge population loss can basically be considered to be on the verge of national extinction. In fact, given Japan's current situation, it is indeed unlikely that it can continue to exist as a political entity as a "nation".

It should be noted that Japan's geographical environment is particularly suited to regional fragmentation. Historically, instances of unified governance have been relatively rare.

With the cabinet "missing," the US military busy withdrawing, the Self-Defense Forces unable to integrate, and physically hindered by monsters and terrain changes, various independent forces of different sizes have naturally emerged throughout Japan, rebuilding a management system centered on "noble families" and "noble families."

Of course, times have changed. On the surface, the survivors are managed by local prominent families, such as families of politicians or large corporations, who leverage their organizational power.

Interestingly, although it seemed like a step backward, the process went surprisingly smoothly... Not only ordinary citizens, but even police officers and civil servants supported this system. Some high-ranking government officials, who were closely connected with powerful families, were also willing to cooperate.

Perhaps because their daily lives are so deeply intertwined with large corporations, they feel no psychological burden whatsoever.

This is not surprising. If South Korea were to face the same situation, companies like Samsung would probably have an even more "natural" outcome!

Under these circumstances, the numerous bases were not under each other's jurisdiction and had almost no intention of helping each other. The only thing they had in common was that they all had legends about "war god", "noble son" and "sword saint", which were the impressions left by Iori slaying monsters.

Some people actually consider it an illusion because they can't understand how powerful humans could exist. But over time, they find that many people have seen the same things as them. Moreover, since monsters and spatial rifts are already absurd, the appearance of a "superpowered person" or "god" doesn't seem unacceptable.

It's worth noting that while some people associate Iori with ancient heroes and mythological figures in the various descriptions of him, few connect him to Susanoo. This is mainly because Iori's appearance is that of a handsome young man, which doesn't match the image of a male god known for his "brave and mighty" deity.

In Kageno Minoru's alma mater, Nishino High School, or more precisely, in the sanctuary base built around Nishino High School, Iori is called "White Reaper," and together with Kageno Minoru's "Shadow," they left an indelible and profound memory.

After that day, Kageno stayed at Nishino High School. He didn't yet have the strength to slaughter high-level monsters at will, so Iori didn't take him with her.

Of course, Minoru Kageno did not stay as "Shadow." The powerful person who controls everything behind the scenes will not be chased by everyone in the spotlight. So he said a few cool lines and then shook off everyone's attention. After going around in circles, he changed his clothes and looked for an opportunity to return to the school.

At this time, he was just an ordinary high school student, so there was no way to verify his identity. Minoru Kageno blended in seamlessly among a group of boys and girls who had survived a great calamity.

During the day, he worked with newly acquainted strangers, carrying bricks and mortar, following the instructions of the "decision-making group" to build a defensive line, and eating simple food on a fixed ration.

At night, he would be a mysterious and powerful figure dressed in a black coat and wielding a demonic sword, hunting ferocious magical beasts around him—and casually grabbing some fried noodles from the ruins of a convenience store.

On several occasions, while eating alone—or rather, while protecting the world—he encountered students and teachers in danger and secretly offered his help.

The reason for secretly helping is that, as a dark hero, he can't show up too often, otherwise he would seem cheap and lower his own prestige.

As we all know, the strength of a "mysterious character/cool move" decreases with each appearance!

Therefore, Minoru Kageno will never appear in "ordinary crises". He will only make a dashing appearance and steal all the shock when a huge disaster occurs and everyone is in despair!

Therefore, he diligently cultivated every day, exercising his body and refining his magical power whenever he had free time. Thanks to the magical atmosphere he now possesses, he no longer needs to consume the flesh and blood of demons and can cultivate using ordinary methods.

With the arrival of the demonic tide, some survivors have already been able to sense the magic power, and it is estimated that extraordinary individuals will appear in a while... but Minoru Kageno is already several levels ahead.

Hey!

Hey!

Hey!

A shadowy figure, almost melting into the night, strolled leisurely along the deserted, broken streets.

Loneliness, solitude, mystery, elegance... Even walking in the perilous apocalypse, it is as calm as taking a leisurely stroll.

If a young girl in the throes of first love saw this, she would surely be moved by his courage and charisma.

"I'll go pick up some instant noodles today."

However, this is what he was thinking about.

There's no way around it; even superheroes have to cook for themselves after a busy day. After all, not everyone is Bruce Wayne.

Minoru Kageno can now convert magic into the calories he needs for exercise, so he doesn't need much food. However, as a human, he still maintains the habit of "eating".

In addition, he doesn't spend too much time cooking because he prefers to focus his time and energy on how to become stronger or other areas that can enhance his sophistication—such as Western musical instruments and obscure Chinese characters.

Of course, cup noodles are an extremely precious food in this era, and Minoru Kageno certainly didn't want to deprive her stomach.

Just as he was passing by a relatively well-preserved building, a melodious piano tune drifted over, and a strange thrill made his heart clench tightly!

Are they enemies? No!

This feels different from when facing a formidable enemy; although there's tension, there's no sense of danger... Could it be?!

Kageno's eyes lit up. He flicked his coat and leaped into the air, lightly stepping on the cracks in the wall with his toes. Like a swift against the wind, he flew through the night and landed on the rooftop of the building.

Looking up, I saw the bright moonlight shining down, casting a long silhouette against the silvery light, holding a violin and playing it leisurely on his shoulder and neck.

old--

Kageno kept his mouth shut, almost making a sound to interrupt this beautiful scene.

A melancholy boy playing a solo under the moonlight—this was once one of Minoru Kageno's fantasies. Now, seeing it with his own eyes, he is not only infected by the unique atmosphere, but also has different emotions welling up in his heart.

"Oh my god, this is exactly the ideal me!" the boy exclaimed, deeply moved.

The musician in question was Iori, who was completely absorbed in the music. With impeccable fingering and movements, he made the notes flow one after another from the foot-long piece of redwood in his hands.

Minoru Kageno has a keen ear for music. In fact, a perfect "Shadow Warrior" should have achieved something in the arts, so he has studied this subject in detail and can even play a few piano pieces on his own.

But precisely because of this, he could tell that Iori's current piece began with a gentle melody, but it was not as melancholic as the piano piece "Moonlight Sonata," but rather much more charming.

As the tempo quickened, the moonlight alternated between bright and dark, and amidst the surging, wave-like notes of the piano, the moonlight gradually parted the clouds until its radiance spread to every corner of the earth!

Soon after, it gradually became hazy and faded away, disappearing like mist, but that moonlight-like gentleness and tranquility was like a bright and clear veil in the city, softly caressing the world...

Is it a shadow?

Sometime later, the last note disappeared. After a brief pause, the person turned their head to look back and asked a question indifferently.

Minoru Kageno snapped out of his daze, his face still showing a hint of confusion, clearly not fully awake yet.

"Teacher? That's amazing... You can play the violin too? What piece is this?"

"It has no name; it's just that my fingers started moving on their own after seeing this moonlight."

"Well!"

Ding!

[CG included]

[A beautiful young man under the moon]

Art style value +1;

~

"Wow, amazing! No wonder you're a teacher! What a graceful and powerful demeanor!"

Minoru Kageno felt an irresistible urge, wishing he could fast-forward to the next full moon night so he could do the same thing on the rooftop, casually saying something to the visitors…

As for why Iori was here, and how she got the violin—these were things that Minoru Kageno automatically ignored.

As everyone knows, for every user with the strength of a Shadow, uniforms, hair gel, speakers, blowers, etc., are all naturally provided and require no explanation!

Then, Minoru saw Iori place the violin on his waist, and after a flash of inconspicuous silver light, the precious instrument disappeared into thin air, causing him to widen his eyes.

"The inventory?"

Shadow is quite knowledgeable, having read so many anime and novels, so he is no stranger to the ability of spatial storage.

Iori didn't explain much; he knew that speaking casually now would ruin the atmosphere.

"My disciple, the world is in chaos right now. What are your thoughts?"

My only thought right now is to get some instant noodles—Kageno Minoru's mind went blank for a moment.

To be honest, he hadn't really thought about anything... he was just happy that his skills finally had a chance to be put to use.

However, out of pride, he absolutely could not be foolish enough not to respond!

"This wind brings news from afar. In this chaotic era where no one knows where to go, I have decided to follow the call of my heart and act accordingly," Minoru Kageno said calmly.

"Hmm~"

Iori nodded, and Kageno Minoru smiled shyly—he wished he could roll on the ground in frustration!

What exactly did I just say?

The meaning is unclear!

This is what it means to make conversation even when you have nothing to say!

Can't you just honestly say you don't have it?

On the other hand, while Iori outwardly nodded in approval, he was inwardly cursing wildly. It was clearly nonsense, yet he was pretending to understand something…

Being an adult is really tough!

Let's put it another way:

Young man, do you crave power?

Before Minoru could answer, Iori raised his hand, and a cold flash streaked across the towering path. The sharp blade easily pierced through the concrete slab, and the katana spun and stuck in front of the boy.

Under the moonlight, Minoru Kageno saw the true form of the blade; it was an ordinary-looking samurai sword.

Shallow hit!