Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Demian Cayenne.

Raciel must have read that name hundreds, if not in the thousands. He has seen dozens of his illustrations. Naturally, since he is the real protagonist of this novel, Devil Sword Emperor.

A guy who overcomes numerous adversities and hardships, and eventually becomes the emperor.

Recalling the novels contents, Raciel found himself transported back to a time of great struggle for his Oriental medicine clinic. The pandemic had pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy, leaving Raciel devoid of dreams, a future, hope, or answers.

In those desolate moments, the solace Raciel discovered lay within the pages of novels. It became his sole source of pleasure, a way to endure the haunting emptiness of the clinic where foot traffic had dwindled to nothing. So, he delved into the world of novels, a realm that hadnt captivated his interest before.

To his pleasant surprise, the experience surpassed his expectations. Among the multitude of works he encountered, some didnt quite resonate with his taste, but there were others that proved to be life-altering. One such work was Devil Sword Emperor.

Devil Sword Emperor became a recurring presence in Raciels reading repertoire, compelling him to read it multiple times over. His devotion went beyond mere consumption, as he joined a fan club dedicated to the novel. He eagerly shared and discussed organized settings, delving into the nuanced and hidden meanings embedded within the storys twists and turns. Late-night keyboard battles with fellow club members became a norm as they dissected and interpreted the novels double-meaning developments.

It was all thanks to that.

Demian, I know exactly where you are and what youre doing right now.

Demian, possessing immense talent, found himself unable to glimpse the light. He was ensnared in the depths of the underground world.

The reason was simple.

Its because of the addiction that causes the withdrawal symptoms.

Demian Cayenne finds himself entangled in the clutches of a potent opioid painkiller. The relentless battles he faces each night exact a toll, leaving him to endure their grueling aftermath. Dependent on the painkiller to cope with the consequences, Demian remains trapped in the underworld, unable to break free from its grip.

Such is the current plight of Demian Cayenne, confined by these circumstances.

Surely thats the case. Hell continue in that state for the next two or three months. According to the original development of the novel.

Raciel reminisced about the early stages of the novel Devil Sword Emperor, where the situation surrounding Demian was shrouded in darkness. However, a transformative event soon unfolded, altering the course of his circumstances.

The catalyst for change emerged with the untimely demise of Crown Prince Raciel. The passing of the crown prince had a profound impact on the Imperial Capital, ushering in a rapid shift in dynamics. The second prince assumed the role of the crown prince and made earnest efforts to solidify his position. He bolstered the crackdown on illicit establishments and criminal organizations, leaving no corner untouched.

A change that could be called a butterfly effect.

Amidst this turning tide, a glimmer of opportunity emerged for Demian. It provided him with a chance to break free from the clutches of the underground organization that had bound him, liberating him from the darkness of addiction. Astonishingly, the demise of Crown Prince Raciel became an unexpected stroke of fortune in Demians journey.

But what about now?

Sorry. I dont plan on dying for you.

As Raciel reviewed the settings, a bitter smile concealed his face. In the current phase of the novel, Raciels condition should have reached a point where he could barely walk unaided. Each passing day should have brought him closer to his deathbed.

However, contrasting this dire state, Raciel now thrived with newfound vitality. He not only regained the ability to walk effortlessly but could even run with a lightness in his step. The bouts of blood vomiting that plagued him in the past were now a thing of the past. Although he remained aware of his limited time left, he had discovered means to extend his expected lifespan.

So its already very different from the early development of the novel.

If Raciel doesnt die there will be no change in the early underground world of the novel. The profound butterfly effect triggered by Raciels demise will fail to permeate the depths of the underground. Consequently, the pivotal chance that Demian had encountered would cease to exist.

In this scenario, Demian would be devoid of any opportunity to break free from the clutches of the dark underground world.

He might not be able to shake off the shackles of addiction and continue to deteriorate until he dies.

Indeed, it is highly probable. Life, despite its absurdity and ridiculousness, often unfolds as a sequence of seemingly coincidental butterfly effects.

Well, thats how it is. Someone becomes a billionaire thanks to Bitcoin which he bought without thinking 10 years ago and forgot about. Someone bullied a new employee so much that they made them cry. Then, to comfort the employee, they bought them drinks after work Three years later, they realized they were calling the employees mother mother-in-law.

And what about himself?

As fate would have it, he stumbled upon a recommendation for the novel Devil Sword Emperor on a novel site. Intrigued, he delved into its captivating pages, becoming an ardent fan. Now, he finds himself harnessing the elements and settings within the novel to his advantage.

Anyway, if things go as they are, Demian cant get out of the underground world. His dazzling talent and whatnot are tied up there. He would probably die in a few years as an addict. His bright future would all fly away. But what if I save him? What if I cure his addiction?

Raciel could turn someone who cant live for a few years into someone who can grow old comfortably.

Literally, his life expectancy would increase by dozens of years.

Then I can also use my Medical Billing skill. I can receive a bonus lifespan proportional to 1/2000th of his increased life expectancy.

For example, if his life expectancy increases by 50 years through Raciels treatment?

Its a total of 600 months. Roughly 18,000 days. And 1/2000th of that? I can receive a bonus lifespan of 9 days.

9 days.

Some might say, Just that? But when you think about it, its an enormous amount of time. Its not like he would be treating just one person.

I can treat dozens of people at once. For example, people in the same situation as Demian there.

Then the calculation changes.

He could receive a bonus lifespan of dozens of days all added up.

Besides, thanks to reading the novel, I know what kind of addiction Demian is suffering from, and how I can treat it. This is almost like getting extra lifespan for free.

Raciels face beamed with satisfaction.

The treatment method is explicitly outlined.

He undoubtedly has the ability to cure him.

Its undoubtedly a clear win-win situation.

With conviction, Raciel lifted his head.

So theres something I need to prepare.

Yes?

Yes, Im a regular here.

Good. Lets go in.

What on earth was the Crown Prince planning to do at this restaurant? Moreover, what made this particular spot a bad place? Following the princes lead, Gardin took a seat at the table. It was a restaurant he frequented.

But with the Crown Prince

It felt strangely unfamiliar. Even the Crown Princes attitude, ordering from the waiter, was the same.

Pasta without sauce, steak without the blood drained, and grape wine that wont get one drunk even if consumed without stopping. All before the moon rises. Is that possible?

Of course, its possible.

When can it be served?

Do you want it now?

You cant eat it for me, can you?

Then please rise. I will guide you.

The waiter responded cautiously, his careful demeanor evident.

The Crown Prince rose casually, as if everything were normal.

Caught up in this mysterious atmosphere, Gardin hesitated but eventually stood up, hastily following the Crown Prince.

What was that order just now?

It was the procedure to gain entry to a secret place.

.

Gulp.

Gardin involuntarily swallowed hard.

Something was definitely happening here.

It wasnt just a feeling.

The peculiar conversation between the Crown Prince and the waiter a while ago, the cautious attitude of the waiter afterward, and now this strange situation where they were being guided somewhere.

This restaurant had such a place?

A secret place.

Despite being a regular, Gardin had no idea. However, the Crown Prince acted so naturally, as if he had known about it all along. In fact, Raciel was well aware of the restaurants secret.

Thats a relief. Everything is just as it was in the novel.

Walking behind the waiter, Raciel breathed a sigh of relief.

He wondered what would happen if reality deviated from the novel. But by following the code and procedure outlined in the novel, they seemed to have obtained a free pass.

Thus, following the waiter, they ventured deeper into the restaurant. They passed through a door reserved for staff use and navigated through several corridors and staircases. Finally, they reached a door that led to the basement.

The second entrance greeted them.

Inside here is where our restaurants special sauce is made. Im sorry, but the recipe cannot be disclosed, and no outsiders are allowed, so please turn back.

Five burly men blocked the door. Raciel smiled at them faintly.

Well, how about we go for a meat feast together then?

Im sorry. Im a vegetarian.

How about grazing together in a pasture?

Pass.

With a creak, the heavy door swung open.

The staircase leading to the basement was revealed. Gardin and Raciel descended on their own. Flickering torches lined the walls, emanating a peculiar heat. The distant cheers grew louder.

Whats down there What is this place?

Gardins trembling voice echoed from behind. To be honest, Raciel felt a twinge of nervousness too. He had only read about this place in the novel; it was his first time actually visiting.

But he pretended to be calm.

Pretended to know this place well.

He shrugged his shoulders and bluffed.

I told you. A bad place.

With that, he opened the door at the bottom of the stairs. Beyond the door, a vast space stretched out before them.

At the center of the bustling crowd stood a towering iron cage. On the stage, stained with smears of blood and filled with the fervor of combat, a man holding a sword like a canine fang stood amidst the intertwined cheers and sighs of the spectators. That man was exactly in the gladiatorial arena.

The man Raciel had been looking for.

The real protagonist of this novel.

The underground gladiatorial arenas tyrant.

It was Demian Cayenne.