The Game of a Legendary Genius Dark Mage

0.

Seong wrapped up the explosion with a stoic calm.

The ghost wasn’t the only one visibly elated. Naturally, the audience, who had been glued to the live broadcast, went wild.

“Wow! That was insane! Absolutely insane!”

“I literally held my breath watching that.”

“That was worth every penny.”

“Honestly, isn’t this a steal? Watching a stream like this for this price?”

“LOL, I’m subscribing to Rapid Guild and turning on notifications for their streams.”

“This is how it should be.”

“If you’re Korean, please subscribe to Rapid Guild.”

The viewers were in an uproar. It was a broadcast that left them thoroughly satisfied.

Normally, after a victory like this, one would expect some kind of reaction: cheers of triumph, a celebratory roar, or even a flashy performance.

But Seong showed none of that. He remained composed.

[That’s all for today’s broadcast. Thank you for watching.]

“...??????”

“...???????”

“...?????? Wait, that’s it?”

“...??????”

Ending the stream with such a humble statement? After displaying such an extraordinary performance? While bearing the title of Demon King? The viewers lingered, refusing to believe it was truly over. Moments later, the words Broadcast Ended appeared, and the screen faded to black. The stream had indeed concluded.

Even though the stream had ended, the chat remained active, and the reactions only grew more intense.

“LOL LOL LOL LOL.”

“Who ends a stream like this? LOL.”

“The performance was insane, but this ending? LOL.”

“He’s thanking us for watching when we’re the ones who should feel honored.”

“LOL, seriously, this was gold.”

“His humility is refreshing.”

“Honestly, so many people these days act arrogant while being nowhere near as skilled as the Demon King.”

“True LOL. Instant fan here!”

“Demon King! Please stream more often!”

While the viewers reveled in the moment, there were others who found the atmosphere irritating—primarily the guilds competing with Rapid Guild in the rankings.

Notably, Eclipse Order, ranked 4th among all guilds, felt the impact.

“Ha... We can’t catch up now, can we?”

“We might have to settle for staying in 4th place.”

“This is disappointing...”

The senior members of Eclipse Order couldn’t help but admit defeat.

Even with Mayrin and their current top-ranking player, Wade, leading a two-pronged strategy, it was clear they couldn’t measure up. Seong’s performance today had all but solidified his future as a top-ranking solo player. In comparison, Wade, their ace, was only ranked 15th—far from a position to compete with the likes of Seong. Adding to that, Rapid Guild already boasted Yuna, ranked 9th among solo players.

If Seong continued to rise at this pace?

“We won’t even be able to challenge Rapid Guild.”

“With just us, there’s no way forward.”

“Ha...”

Most of Eclipse Order’s senior members were consumed by despair. While being ranked 4th was still impressive, the rising pressure from the guilds below them made maintaining their position increasingly difficult. They had brought Mayrin, a remarkable talent, on board to try and climb higher, but it wasn’t enough.

There was only one option left.

“We’ll have to accept Echo Willow’s proposal.”

“It seems that’s our only path forward.”

“Well, even if we align with them, it doesn’t directly harm us.”

The senior members exchanged knowing smiles, referencing Echo Willow—a group that had remained conspicuously absent even as the major event approached its climax.

1.

Seong ended the stream abruptly. He had his reasons.

It was time to savor the sweet rewards of completing the main quest. He had gained new skills, a powerful summon, and even the appointment of a Legion Commander. Yet what Seong anticipated the most was something else entirely.

Before him knelt a skeletal knight, one knee to the ground in a posture of loyalty, swearing fealty to him. Beside it stood a translucent teal ghost with a faintly fractured appearance, pixelated edges shimmering faintly.

The Doom Knight, Leonic Evoke’s body and spirit, both knelt in unison, bowing deeply to Seong.

“...”

The skeletal knight remained silent, seemingly incapable of speech.

—For the new successor to possess such extraordinary talent and skill... This must surely be a virtue of the previous Lord. This knight is deeply moved.

The ghost spoke excessively, his tone noble and refined. Seong, feeling slightly awkward, nodded stiffly in response.

Despite the formal manner of speech being reminiscent of Noctrynnium, Leonic was far from reserved. He was verbose, to say the least. Still, Seong acknowledged his abilities and replied, though his words felt forced.

“Ah, well then, I’ll receive the memory...”

—Hah! It is humbling to request this of you, but as a lord, you must remember to consider the hierarchy between ruler and servant. I ask that you lower your tone when addressing me.

“...Ah, very well. I shall do so.”

Though baffled, Seong found himself slipping into a more archaic manner of speech. For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, it felt fitting.

Satisfied, Leonic nodded approvingly. Now, it was time to delve into his memories. While Seong’s stats would rise, he was more interested in the swordsmanship those memories would reveal.

Seong’s current swordsmanship was graceful and fluid, designed for defense rather than offense. However, the technique wielded by the remnants of the Doom Knight had been aggressive, a domineering and unyielding style.

Can I master that too?

Reaching out, Seong’s hand emitted a teal glow, enveloping Leonic’s spirit. The energy surged like a wave, cascading over Seong. For an ordinary person, it might have been terrifying, but Seong welcomed the flood of memories with eager anticipation.

This swordsmanship was on an entirely different level than anything he had encountered before. Even the Doom Knight’s remnants seemed incomplete by comparison.

“Ah...”

The essence of the swordsmanship—the core principles—became clear to him. As he absorbed the memories, familiar notifications appeared.

[Through an ’Unknown Power,’ you have accomplished the impossible at your current level.]

[Strength +15, Agility +8. Permanent increase.]

A total of 23 stat points gained. Compared to the 20-point increase he had received from Fiora, this was even more significant.

Amazing.

Though portions of the memories remained inaccessible, Seong had obtained the essence of the swordsmanship and knew he had grown stronger.

The aggressive style he had gained complemented his existing graceful swordsmanship, enhancing it further.

At this point, I could probably fight with just my swordsmanship.

Having absorbed Leonic’s memories, there was only one thing left to do. Seong imbued the spirit into the kneeling skeletal knight.

As he did, the hollow eye sockets of the knight flared with a deep navy glow, its aura radiating disbelief as it gazed at Seong.

“Ah... Ahhh!”

And yet, this was not the end. Seong activated a skill.

From above, a teal radiance descended like a blessing, accompanied by an ethereal hymn. The light enveloped Leonic, merging with the navy aura, creating a swirling interplay of teal and navy energy.

The skeletal knight transformed further, its bones darkening to an obsidian black that absorbed light, radiating an imposing presence.

The transformation complete, a new notification appeared.

[‘Doom Knight, Leonic Evoke’ has been appointed as Death Legion Commander.]

[He grows even stronger and leads the Death Legion.]

“Ahhh! Despite my initial transgressions against my new lord, I am deeply grateful for the trust you have bestowed upon me! I, Leonic Evoke, swear eternal loyalty to you, even if my every bone turns to dust and crumbles!”

Seong nodded in satisfaction as Leonic proclaimed his oath in a resounding voice. It was clear Seong was pleased—one could almost sense a grin forming on the skeletal knight’s face, despite the lack of flesh.

Is he just that happy to be restored as a commander? Seong wondered, though he ultimately decided not to dwell on it. Instead, he turned his attention to the new skill he had acquired.

Once again, it was an Almighty-tier skill.

What kind of power would it hold this time?

『Knights of Ruin』

→《Almighty》

→[Level 1][Growth-Type]

[Passive Effect][Active Skill]

[Cooldown: 24 hours]

[Summon Duration: 10 minutes]

When the Knights of Ruin march, nothing remains in their wake. They are destruction, death, and takers of all.

→ Exclusive skill for Overlord class.

→ Summons the Knights of Ruin from the Demon Realm.

→ The number of knights summoned is equivalent to 10% of the summoner’s level. During the duration, they follow the orders of the Death Legion Commander.

→ If the commander’s leadership is insufficient, the knights will not obey orders.

Leadership? Seong frowned. The skill’s power was undeniable—it was Almighty-tier, after all. But leadership? Since when did such a stat exist? Confused, he continued reading the skill’s details.

The number of summoned knights was based on 10% of his level, which meant it could grow as he did. The 10-minute duration was generous, though the 24-hour cooldown was a bit restrictive. Still, that could be circumvented with the Hourglass of Reversal, so it wasn’t a major concern.

But what does it mean for the commander to lack leadership?

Perhaps it referred to rank or status. The specifics weren’t clear yet.

Guess I’ll just have to test it out.

With Leonic newly appointed as the Death Legion Commander, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to experiment. As a knight himself, Leonic should be well-suited for the task, right?

Just as Seong considered asking for his opinion, Leonic spoke first.

“Lord, might I request that you test your new skill, Knights of Ruin?”

“Hmm?”

Seong raised an eyebrow. Leonic’s eagerness to summon the knights was unexpected. Could there be a connection? Seong glanced at him curiously.

Leonic, ever courteous to the point of excess, explained, “During my time serving Lady Helena, I had a minor association with the Knights of Ruin. I am eager to see if they still carry their illustrious reputation. Moreover, as commander, it will fall to me to train and lead them in battle. I thought it prudent to familiarize myself with them in advance. Additionally—”

“Enough. I get it. I’ll summon them,” Seong cut him off, sighing.

“Ahhh! I am overwhelmed by your boundless generosity, my lord!”

Leonic’s gratitude came with another long-winded speech, prompting Seong to shake his head in exasperation. Despite the theatrics, he was just as curious to test the skill.

When Seong activated Knights of Ruin, the skies darkened instantly.

It was as if a portal to the underworld had opened. A swirling black-and-teal vortex materialized, and from it erupted a thunderous neighing sound.

Whiiiiiiinnnnneee—!

The pounding of hooves followed, a rhythmic crescendo of galloping horses that grew louder with each passing second.

The sound reached a deafening roar, shaking the earth and air as nine shadowy figures burst forth from the portal.

Each figure rode a ghostly steed wreathed in black flames, their armor and weapons exuding an aura of death. Though their number was small—only nine—their overwhelming presence filled the air with the might of an entire army.

They’re as terrifying as Valtar, Seong thought, recalling the fearsome knight he had summoned previously. While none of them individually matched Valtar, their combined presence was suffocating. Even Leonic, newly appointed as commander, seemed momentarily taken aback.

“Did an undead truly think to make us his subordinates?”

The knight at the front of the group sneered down at Leonic with contempt. The arrogance in his tone was palpable, befitting warriors from the Demon Realm.

It was clear the knights had no intention of obeying. For now, at least.

Should I shelve this skill until I can assert control?

Judging by the atmosphere, Leonic would have to subdue all nine knights before they would even consider following him.

Leonic, however, remained undeterred. His navy-blue eyes flared with determination, his aura brimming with defiance.

So he’s going to fight them after all, Seong mused. Despite his verbose and pompous demeanor, Leonic’s martial prowess was undeniable.

As Seong braced for a clash, Leonic suddenly roared, “Which generation are you from?!”

“...What?”

“...W-What??”

Even Seong was stunned. The Knights of Ruin exchanged bewildered glances, their arrogance giving way to confusion.

“I asked, what generation are you?!”

“R-Ruin! 1263rd generation!”

“Your voice is too weak!!!”

“R-RUIN! 1263RD GENERATION, SIR!!!”

“I’m from the 3rd generation. Bow your heads!!!”

Astonishingly, glowing numbers appeared above each knight, indicating their generation. Upon seeing Leonic’s number, the knights collectively paled.

“R-RUIN!!!”

“R-RUIN!!!”

“R-RUIN!!!”

Without hesitation, the nine knights dismounted and knelt, their foreheads pressed firmly to the ground in submission.

A dumbfounded Seong watched the scene unfold in silence.

“My lord, may I take a moment to educate these younger knights? It seems their discipline has been neglected, haha.”

“...”

[The ‘Knights of Ruin’ now obey ‘Death Legion Commander – Doom Knight, Leonic Evoke.’]

Seong sighed and nodded. It didn’t seem necessary, but there was no harm in letting Leonic have his way.

“Thank you, my lord! Now, you all heard that, didn’t you?! Let’s start by fixing your mental discipline...!”

As Leonic launched into his tirade, Seong quietly retreated to a safer distance.

It wasn’t because he didn’t want to hear it.

And it certainly wasn’t because the situation reminded him of his days in the military, where lectures like this were the norm.

Absolutely not.