RKP 131-140

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Episode 131

A red sky and desert-like land.

Unidentifiable towers rising everywhere.

All of it was a landscape reminiscent of the Abyss.

Yet, not a single monster, the so-called residents of the Abyss, was to be seen.

It was hard to call it a true Abyss.

[How boring.]

Taehyun, lying on a massive rock, muttered in the language of monsters.

Completely red hair and red eyes.

His appearance was identical to the Taehyun fighting Kentamion 'outside', but the energy he exuded was on a different level.

[It seems he has grown more than before.]

Through his red eyes, he could see the situation outside.

Taehyun was buying time against Kentamion.

[Tsk, tsk. To struggle against a mere creature like that. Still lacking.]

He clicked his tongue as he spoke.

But unlike his words, he was secretly intrigued by Kentamion.

By human standards, an SS-rank monster, Kentazenas.

A hybrid created by mixing the direct lineage of Kentazenas with the power of Grand Duke Orgal.

What if this place wasn't Earth but the Abyss?

He would surely have completely melted down the power flowing through his body and become a ruler of a region.

Just like Kaiselin, who ruled the Tower of Dragonkin.

Against such a being, Taehyun was putting up a reasonably equal fight.

He tested the new skill he acquired and succeeded in pushing Kentamion to the brink of consumption.

Unlike before, he wasn't unilaterally defeated, nor did he rely on Rozaria's help.

Considering his body was human, it was a remarkable achievement.

[But that's not your power.]

At this rate, Taehyun would easily succeed in consuming Kentamion.

His physical abilities would increase to the point that the term 'growth-type Awakened' would be laughable.

The strengthened body would succeed in awakening him, but soon another Taehyun shook his head.

[Relying on my power will not allow you to reach 'that guy'.]

That's why he decided to interfere with the body's control.

If the previous interference was to save Taehyun's life, now it was to put Taehyun's life in danger.

First, he limited his mana.

Then, he sealed his skills.

Taehyun showed a strong reaction, but he didn't care.

He would intervene before the guy died anyway.

[You need to grow more than you are now. But you're lacking with such sentimental behavior.]

He needed to be more fierce, desperate, and miserably defeated.

To realize how complacent he had been living.

To realize that the power he possessed was of a different nature.

The defeat in this battle would be worth it for that alone.

Kwaang.

Kentamion, who had barely survived, began to rampage.

Conversely, Taehyun, with his skills sealed, was helpless.

[How pathetic.]

Perhaps due to the aftereffects of putting everything into the previous attack, he wasn't even dodging properly.

He was the one who sealed all the skills, but...

[Tsk. Maybe I should have released at least one skill.]

He couldn't help but click his tongue at the sight of him losing his limbs in an instant.

It seemed he had to admit that the vessel called Kim Taehyun was only capable of this much.

Soon, he would have to step in himself, or the vessel would be completely broken.

Then.

Taehyun began to tear apart and eat the arm of a woman named Ayoung.

The mana contained in that arm.

Mana equivalent to a low-level S-rank by human standards, flowed into his body.

An unexpected action awakened a new power imprinted within his body.

[Oh ho. So that's how it is?]

Taehyun chuckled and stirred.

The power of Grand Duke Igmun, not formally contracted and therefore not registered as a skill.

Feeling the crimson mana flowing even into his mental world.

[Well, I have no choice but to admit it.]

Taehyun sat back down.

This time, he had to admit it.

The guy's will to survive.

That alone was enough for now.

Ting.

[Skill Blood Frenzy (AA) has been activated. The body is being activated.]

Taehyun's eyes turned red.

A bright red mana, not the usual dark red mana, bloomed.

A new message window appeared before his eyes.

[A great power awakens. Strength increases. Strength has become 250.]

[A great power awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina has become 250.]

[A great power awakens. Speed increases. Speed has become 250.]

[A great power awakens. Mana increases. Mana has become 300.]

Kwaddeudeudeuk. Kwadeudeuk.

Udeudeuk. Udeudeudeuk.

With eerie sounds, his limbs began to regenerate.

Skin that had turned red and could not be called human.

The limbs of a monster sprouted.

'I expected this much.'

There was no way there wouldn't be a risk to using the Grand Duke's power.

Rather, he should be relieved that it was only this much.

Perhaps the limit of skills that the current Taehyun could accept.

'All stats 250. It's a close call.'

Taehyun had faced Jang Linfeng, who used 'Blood Frenzy.'

He knew well how great the current physical abilities were.

Nevertheless, he couldn't guarantee victory against Kentamion.

The other skills were still sealed.

The hidden card of Consumption had also disappeared, so there was only one way.

'I have to destroy the magic stone.'

To do that, his limbs needed to be fully regenerated.

Taehyun suppressed his surging power and looked at Kentamion.

Come if you dare.

But you won't be safe either.

Kentamion was silent at the obvious provocation.

[......]

He too was feeling a similar emotion to Taehyun.

A different energy and pressure than before.

His whole body was being crushed.

But he had regenerated, and still had this much power left?

Furthermore, the energy he was emitting now was a power familiar to him.

The power of another Grand Duke who ruled the Abyss, just like the Beast King Orgal.

[You. What is your true identity? Are you even a hybrid created by a Grand Duke?]

“……”

Taehyun wrapped his body in crimson mana without answering.

His limbs had already finished regenerating.

It's dangerous.

Kentamion's instinct told him so.

He didn't do anything foolish like rushing in excitedly.

Instead, he chose to power up.

He devoured the numerous corpses scattered around.

Kwadeudeuk. Kwadeudeudeuk.

The bodies of monsters and humans were torn apart mercilessly by his sharp teeth.

Udeudeuk. Deudeudeudeuk.

The arms and legs he had lost to Taehyun were regenerated.

Four legs. Two arms.

That alone restored his original mana.

[You too. I'll tear you apart. I'll eat you.]

It was around the same time that Taehyun's limbs and Kentamion's limbs were completely regenerated.

Kentamion's halberd aimed at Taehyun, and Taehyun quickly dodged.

'My body is light.'

Speed stat 250, reached for the first time.

It was different from when he had fought with insufficient stats.

The current Taehyun.

He had obtained a body that wouldn't be pushed back even in a full-scale battle against an SS+ rank monster.

In an instant, Taehyun's body disappeared.

And.

Kwaang.

Power Burst hit Kentamion's massive lower body.

[……!!]

Kentamion's lower body, which had been firmly holding its ground, shook.

The halberd was swung quickly.

He was going to cut him in half, but...

Seogeok.

It only managed to graze his shoulder shallowly.

The aim had failed due to the sudden change in movement.

[This guy... how is it that a mere human is wielding this much power?]

Taehyun didn't answer.

He no longer had time to banter with him.

A heart pounding like it was about to burst.

Blood boiling as if it would surge backward.

He felt that the moment to sustain the skill wouldn't be long.

'Finish it quickly.'

An overwhelming attack that he wouldn't be able to regenerate from.

Including the memories of his past life.

There was only one card Taehyun could pull out.

Ancient Chinese martial arts, learned while facing Chaimingmin and Jang Linfeng.

Taehyun's body rushed towards Kentamion.

Evading the halberd by a hair's breadth, he attacked his lower body.

Form 2, Inch Punch.

Kwaang.

Form 3, Elbow Strike.

Kwaaang.

Form 4, Spinning Punch.

Kkwaang.

Kentamion's leg took a step back for the first time.

Strength, speed, and stamina of 250.

The three stats and ancient martial arts were in harmony, creating an explosive synergy.

Non-stop.

Form 5, Penetrating Force hit.

Kkwaaang.

Kentamion, who momentarily missed Taehyun's movements, staggered and was pushed back.

He couldn't understand.

His strength was definitely no different from before.

Conversely, he had survived several near-death experiences.

But still.

Why.

Am I.

Being pushed back?

[Kuaaaaa!!!]

Kentamion threw away the halberd and roared.

His muscles bulged.

Kuguguk. Kuguguguguk.

The bulging muscles expanded, and the expanded muscles inflated his body.

It looked like a giant shield.

If he couldn't keep up with the speed.

[Then all I have to do is wait.]

He would endure his attacks and tear off his head,

He thought, grinning.

Kentamion waited for the next attack.

Thinking that the attack would be Taehyun's end.

But that was the same for Taehyun.

'This is the end.'

Crimson mana focused on his legs and arms.

Taehyun prepared the stance for the final attack.

Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Form 6. Divine Power.

The shape of his hand, grasping like that of a beast, disappeared.

And when he reappeared.

Pook.

Taehyun's right hand had pierced Kentamion's chest.

Kentamion belatedly grabbed Taehyun's left arm.

Eudeudeuk.

The bones of his arm were breaking.

Nevertheless.

Taehyun grabbed the right hand he had shoved in without hesitation.

Jeojeojeok.

He could feel cracks forming in Kentamion's magic stone.

[What is this power... why...]

Jureureuk.

Black blood flowed from his grotesque mouth.

Pusshiiiik.

Mana leaked out of the magic stone, and his body began to shrink.

SS+ rank. SS rank. S+ rank. S rank.

An unstoppable regression proceeded.

Kentamion roared, and Taehyun didn't give him time to self-destruct.

"Find out in hell."

Puhwak.

At the same time as pulling out the magic stone.

Kuoong.

Kentamion's giant body fell.

Japan Player Association President's Office.

President Kubota Masataka stared intently at the shaky video.

"He won! Kim Taehyun has defeated the monster!!!"

A man who introduced himself as Jake Maximum shouted without regard for the shaky video.

Following the camera he was holding, the giant monster and bloody Taehyun were shown.

Kentamion, who died with the magic stone pulled out, was zoomed in on.

Taehyun looked down for a moment, picked up Ayoung, and disappeared. That was the last scene.

Following that, Japanese players who were clearing out the remaining monsters were shown.

The war was coming to a victory.

Thud.

President Kubota slumped into his chair.

A helpless smile appeared on his face.

Now, all eyes would be on Kim Taehyun.

The first player to capture an SS-rank monster single-handedly.

The prestige of New Korea, which possessed such a player, would increase, and they would rise to the position of a world power with this capture as a stepping stone.

"Ha... hahaha... hahahaha...."

President Kubota burst into laughter.

The plan he had prepared.

The honor he wanted to enjoy.

All of it had been snatched away.

Was that all?

Belatedly, the 'Oath of Awakened' he had made with Taehyun came to mind.

What Taehyun had demanded in exchange for dealing with Kentamion.

Past history. Territorial invasion. Human experimentation, etc.

He had sworn to reveal all the evil deeds that the Japanese government had been trying to cover up himself.

He had made it in a hurry, but.

It was a promise that he, as the president of a country's player association, should not have made.

"Keuk... keukeukeuk...."

President Kubota burst into laughter as if he had lost his mind.

Living like this would only make him Taehyun's puppet.

Prime Minister Suga would definitely not leave him alone.

He took out the gun he had kept in his pocket.

It was time to make the choice he had been putting off, and the answer was already decided.

"Chikusho."

Taang.

An empty gunshot echoed.

Episode 132

The Beomjin Temple Dungeon Break that devastated Japan.

A week has passed since the war that claimed the lives of countless warriors.

[Our Japan will never forget the deaths of those who sacrificed themselves in this 'Holy War'... The funeral of Chairman Kubota Masataka, who committed suicide, will be held as a state funeral... The collusion between Prime Minister Suga and Yuki Broadcasting has been revealed, leading to widespread criticism...]

Beep.

Chairman Kevin Lee ended the video.

"Holy War, huh... What a grandiose name."

A name can be whatever you make it.

But since it was being used by a country that blew things up on its own, he could only scoff.

"Well, it's their own kind of holy war from their perspective."

Michael Gore said.

His gaze returned to the documents he was holding.

"So, what's the situation in Russia?"

Chairman Kevin Lee asked about the results of the Irkutsk Dungeon.

He had received a report just a few hours ago that the capture was complete.

"Not good. A significant number of S-rank players from our United States, as well as Germany, England, and France, were killed in action. In Russia's case, three national powerhouses were killed."

"Hmm..."

All of the supporting countries suffered considerable damage.

Among them, Russia's damage was the the most significant.

Because it was their own situation, they took charge of all the dangerous tasks at the forefront.

"After all, hunting SS-ranks comes with too high a price."

As he manipulated the screen, the image of the SS-rank monster Titan appeared.

Each had red, blue, and black magic, which was their distinctive feature.

Each Titan, reaching 20 meters in height, was massacring numerous players.

"Not putting all your effort into the capture... are you regretting it?"

At Michael Gore's question, Chairman Kevin Lee shook his head.

The reason the United States hadn't hunted SS-rank monsters so far wasn't because it was impossible.

Cody Cruz, the number one ranked player.

Or deploying the top four rankers, could ensure hunting SS-rank monsters with a high probability.

Nevertheless.

"Risk and opportunity cost. There's no need to take the risk."

Chairman Kevin Lee opened his mouth as if it was obvious.

The United States was already recognized as the strongest country.

In the current situation, all they would gain from hunting SS-rank monsters was honor and prestige.

In comparison, the loss of power from the injury or death of a national powerhouse was clear.

There was no need to take the risk.

That was the same for other countries called great powers.

England, Russia, France, Germany, China, etc.

They also made various excuses and were passive in subjugating SS-rank monsters.

The bomb just happened to explode in Russia first.

"Now Russia will have to step down from the ranks of the great powers."

"That's right. Even though they have two national powerhouses, the sacrifice of S-ranks and high-level players is immense."

"Seeing that, you could say Japan's sacrifice is surprisingly minimal."

It was ironic.

The United States, called the strongest in the world, and numerous great powers supported Russia by sending troops.

Russia accepted troops from other countries into its country to overcome the crisis situation.

Even abandoning the pride of being a great power.

Conversely, Japan, whose ambition was excessive, refused support from other countries under plausible excuses.

At most, they received food and medicine.

And yet.

The results of the Dungeon Break were quite different.

It wasn't because Japan's response was excellent.

Only one person made this difference.

"Kim Taehyun of Shin Korea. He was more amazing than your report suggested."

Chairman Kevin Lee connected the screen to security mode.

A new video appeared.

It was a video taken by Observer, the world's best satellite created with the United States' concentrated technology.

In the video, a woman and a large monster were clashing.

No, it was more like a unilateral assault.

'Was her name Im Ah-young? She has good skills.'

Kevin thought as he watched Ah-young's movements.

Although she was half-dead from Kentamion's attack, her skill utilization, judgment, and spirit caught his eye.

Most of all, the fact that she wasn't even twenty years old yet drew his attention.

He recognized her potential to reach the national powerhouse level of the United States if she was nurtured well.

But Kentamion was an early stage for her right now.

Kwaang.

With a roar, her body was thrown back.

Kentamion lowered its body to devour her.

At that moment.

An amazing thing happened.

The man who had been lying down until now.

Taehyun, whose limbs were shattered, regenerated his body at the same time as he bit into Ah-young's arm.

Kentamion was the same.

The clash between human and monster continued, and the battle didn't last long.

Kwaang.

Wooduk.

Attack and defense with all their might.

The winner was Taehyun.

The attack using half of his body as bait succeeded in destroying Kentamion's magic stone.

It was a speed that could not be followed with the eye unless the video was adjusted.

The Observer's video ended with Taehyun picking up Ah-young and leaving the scene.

"Hmm... What do you think, Michael?"

"He's grown more than during the Asia Player Friendship Match, and even more than when he fought Gregor."

"Indeed. An SS-rank monster, no, an SS+ rank monster hunted single-handedly... Unbelievable."

As far as he knew, Cody Cruz was the only one who could do that in the United States.

Or maybe something he didn't even grasp.

'Contractor of the Archdemon.'

He couldn't help but be conscious of that point.

Michael Gore had similar thoughts.

"Blood-red magic... We might need to investigate this a little."

"Please do. Every time I see a talent like that, I can't help but regret that he's not American."

Talents scattered around the world.

Among those called geniuses, only a few special ones obtain the title of national powerhouse.

The United States Player Association, where ten of the strongest national powerhouses are affiliated.

Even though Kevin Lee is the chairman there, the gem called Kim Taehyun seemed too bright.

'I want to have him.'

The best training facilities. The best partners. The best experience. The best hunting grounds.

If he supported that Asian boy with all his capabilities, how far would he grow?

"Ugh... It's a shame, a shame."

Michael Gore made it clear that Taehyun had no intention of naturalizing.

Kevin Lee also knew that.

Kim Taehyun's convictions were too firm.

A man like that would not be tempted by material things or status.

That's because he has the confidence to get it on his own.

Conviction and guts, and even the power to achieve it.

'He's a guy who doesn't match his age at all.'

It was when Chairman Kevin Lee was lost in his own thoughts.

Michael Gore continued the report.

"At the very least. It is estimated that it will take Russia 15 years to restore its previous power."

"That's good news, but also bitter news."

It was the downfall of a country that had been checking the United States along with China.

From a national competition perspective, they should be happy, but from a human level with a common enemy called monsters, it was regrettable.

"Chairman."

"Hmm?"

"Has the association made a decision?"

"Ah..."

Kevin Lee realized that Michael Gore was asking about 'Humanity's Update'.

"Yes. The establishment of the SS rank has been confirmed. There will be an update to the status window soon."

"Humanity's new progress is about to begin."

Michael Gore couldn't hide his anticipation.

Chairman Kevin Lee nodded.

"Although we missed out on the title of the first SS-rank monster subjugation, we must take the first SS-rank awakener for our United States."

A triumphant smile spread across his face.

The world was slowly.

Moving into the future.

A week later.

There was an official announcement from the World Player Association.

It was about the Dungeon Breaks that occurred in Russia and Japan.

SS-rank monsters Titan Red, Blue, Black.

SS-rank monsters Kentazenas, Kentamion.

The breaks, led by just five monsters, resulted in 50 million victims.

The two countries received A in the index indicating national rank and fell from the position of great powers.

Shin Korea was newly awarded S rank and joined the ranks of the great powers.

The world's religions expressed their condolences in their own ways for the sacrifices made in the rapidly changing world history, with the retreat of existing great powers and the birth of new great powers.

Sadness is often forgotten with new events.

Before long, an event that shook the world happened.

The world's first SS-rank awakener appeared.

The awakener's name was Sarah Collins.

A lot of attention was focused on the 17-year-old American woman.

The American Player Association took her in.

She expressed her willingness to give her life for the country, which moved many Americans.

Around that time, the SS-rank player license was newly established under the leadership of the American Player Association.

The World Player Association announced that licenses would be awarded to ten players who had been active in the uncaptured Dungeon Breaks.

Five from the United States, one from England, one from Russia, one from France, one from Germany, and the last tenth came from Shin Korea.

China, which had two national powerhouses, the only one in Asia, protested fiercely.

The World Player Association did not accept it.

Because they didn't send support to Russia or Japan.

And because the recommended player's skills were not verified.

The date for the SS-rank player license award ceremony was set for two weeks later.

Their every move and interview were broadcast every day, but only one person.

Taehyun's whereabouts were unknown.

Shin Korea, Seoul.

Alchemist Guild Laboratory.

There, Taehyun drank a specially made potion.

It was a potion made under the leadership of Guild Master Seo Sang-ik.

The potion cost 10 billion won in materials alone, and was the only one in the world.

"Keuh... Good things are supposed to be bitter..."

After downing the potion, Taehyun checked his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 19

Rank: AA

Strength: 207 Stamina: 208 Speed: 190 Magic: 290 Charm: 150

Fatigue: 3%

Remaining Magic Power: 290/290

[Skills]

Devour (X) - Can devour the desired target. Demonic Power: 50

Shadow Skin (X) - Hides the body along with physical enhancement. Demonic Power: 15

Lord's World (X) - Forms a special field enhanced with magic. Demonic Power: 20

Lord's Ferocity (X) - Emits ferocity enhanced with magic. Demonic Power: 20

Chains of Restraint (X) - Designates and binds an opponent. Skill tracking and cancellation are possible. Demonic Power: 20

Queen's Man (X) - Summons the Queen of Succubi, Rosaria. Demonic Power: 200

Complete Hypnosis (X) - Designates an opponent and hypnotizes them. Demonic Power: 40

Blood Frenzy (AA) - Activates physical stats. Demonic Power: 200

Demon's Eye (AA) - Red eyes are activated. Demonic Power: 10

"I guess not."

Taehyun sighed as he looked at the newly acquired skill 'Demon's Eye'.

And at the skills that were still sealed.

Episode 133

[Mr. Taehyun. How is it?]

A man's voice flowed from the speaker.

It was Seo Sang-ik, the head of the Alchemist Guild.

He was currently watching Taehyun's figure from behind the wall.

"Well. There's no change according to the status window."

[Would you like to try using a skill?]

"Alright."

Taehyun activated his skills one by one.

Ding.

[Unique Skill 'Devour (AA)' cannot be used.]

[Skill 'Shadow Skin (AA)' cannot be used.]

[Skill 'World of the Monarch (AA)' cannot be used.]

[Skill 'Presence of the Monarch (AA)' cannot be used.]

[Skill 'Chains of Restraint (AA)' cannot be used.]

[Skill 'Queen's Man (AA)' cannot be used.]

[Skill 'Complete Hypnosis (AA)' cannot be used.]

The enormous magic power that would normally writhe just from being recognized...

'It's not felt.'

It felt as if it were blocked by a solid stopper.

Now, there were only two skills left.

Taehyun used 'Eye of the Monster', which was relatively less burdensome.

Ding.

[Skill 'Eye of the Monster (AA)' has been activated.]

His vision seemed to turn red.

Before he knew it, Taehyun's eyes reflected in the mirror wall were dyed crimson.

'There's no need to use Blood Rampage.'

It was because he confirmed that nothing had changed since before drinking the potion.

[How is it?]

"It's the same."

[I see...]

The two sighed together.

From the beginning, the purpose of making the potion was to use the sealed skills.

If the seal was not released, this potion should be considered a failure.

A little later.

The two met face to face in the guild leader's office.

Seo Sang-ik carefully handed over some documents.

"As I mentioned before, the potion that Taehyun drank had a total of twenty rare ingredients ground into it. All of them contain ingredients to make magic power sensitive."

"Yes. You did say that."

Taehyun nodded.

"But looking at the results now... Except for one skill that was activated a little while ago, no magic power movement was checked... I'm sorry that you invested 10 billion won."

Seo Sang-ik bowed his head and apologized.

10 billion won is not a large sum for the current Taehyun.

If he only accepted sponsors who were eager to get in line, 100 billion won would come in.

Even so.

Seo Sang-ik apologized because of the disappointment Taehyun would feel.

South Korea's S-rank player.

South Korea's best chemist.

The head of Alchemist, South Korea's best production guild.

It was an amazing background, but it was nothing compared to the name of a national-level player.

Such a national-level player came to him first and asked for help.

He risked revealing that his skills were sealed.

It was an act that he could not have done unless he trusted him.

As a person, he wanted to repay that trust.

But.

'I can't figure out what kind of curse it is...'

He couldn't solve it.

He had procured the best materials he knew and made it, but there wasn't even a slight movement.

He had always been confident that he could lift any curse skill.

The fact that he couldn't break the seal was the same as admitting that there was no longer a way within South Korea.

'To think that a national-level player's power is sealed...'

He couldn't even begin to fathom how much disappointment and frustration Taehyun would feel, even if he imagined his own S-rank skills being sealed.

In the silence, Taehyun opened his mouth first.

"There's no need to be so sorry. It's enough to know that the guild leader can't handle it."

"What are you planning to do now?"

Seo Sang-ik cautiously asked about his next move.

Taehyun is currently attracting attention from all over the world.

What if the fact that he, who is considered South Korea's top power, is not intact is revealed?

He couldn't predict what kind of checks would come into South Korea just by that.

It was a fact known to only a very few people right now, but if the time to hide like this got longer, all sorts of rumors would spread.

'I need to solve it before the license award ceremony.'

The SS-rank license award ceremony is broadcast live simultaneously around the world.

Taehyun didn't have to get an SS-rank license right away, but Ji Jin-hee seemed to want him to receive it if possible.

'Well, an SS-rank license would be quite useful at this point... More than that, damn doppelganger. Why are you hiding again?'

Thinking of the doppelganger who had disappeared without a trace, he cursed inwardly.

At this point, it seemed that he could try to talk or fight with him only if he broke the seal.

Seo Sang-ik, who was Plan A, had failed.

Now there was only one method that came to mind.

"I'll have to find someone from overseas."

"..."

At the word overseas, a woman came to Seo Sang-ik's mind.

"Are you thinking of meeting Riki Halis?"

An American national-level player and one of the best magicians.

A skilled person who is rumored to be able to cancel even the 'Oath of the Awakened'.

Taehyun didn't bother to hide it.

"Yes. I'm thinking of betting on her."

"I see. I hope... you have good results."

Seo Sang-ik politely bowed again, and Taehyun bowed back.

"Thank you."

Taehyun quickly left the building.

Riki Halis.

It was time to find out where she was first.

Zheng Zhi, the chairman of the association, was chewing on a cigarette while playing Go.

Tak. Tak.

He was lost in thought, placing black and white Go stones by himself.

'Not good.'

Not only did he miss out on winning the Asia Player Friendship Tournament, but he also lost three national-level players.

In addition, he did not complete the Unification War.

Tak. Tak.

"Hmm..."

The black Go stone swallowed the white Go stone and increased in size.

Once it gained momentum, the black house began to expand rapidly.

At this rate, he would hand over the hegemony of Asia to South Korea.

No, since they had already acquired the status of a great power like themselves and the first SS-rank player in Asia had appeared.

The external image may have surpassed China.

"Tsk. Stupid guys. To make things so complicated."

Chairman Zheng recalled the three latecomers who had died.

Even if he put aside Xu Xin and Cai Mingmin, losing Zhang Linfeng was a great loss for him.

A man came to mind.

A man who was constantly interfering with his hegemony.

Kim Taehyun of South Korea.

"That brat... his arrogance is piercing the sky."

Murderous intent began to rise from his body.

The day when he would have the continent unified and put the United States under his feet was not far off.

To be swayed by just one player and end up like this.

Chairman Zheng was suppressing his anger.

A secretary in Chinese traditional clothing came in.

"Chairman. This is a report from the Guangzhou Research Lab."

Chairman Zheng, who received the documents handed over by the man, began to quickly flip through them.

The expression on his face, which had been frowning, gradually brightened.

The content was that 300 additional S-rank enhanced awakeners had been created in the Guangzhou Research Lab.

Among them, there were 5 who could be registered as S-rank players.

It was the right number to fill the vacant seats lost in the Unification War.

"That's right. There's no way our great country would collapse so easily."

More than anything.

"They finally succeeded."

"Could it be..."

"Yes. I'm talking about 'Complete Demonization'."

Chairman Zheng burst into laughter as if he was proud.

"Congratulations."

The secretary bowed his head in respect.

"Hehe... I'm finally getting results that I like. Certainly, Guangzhou is doing a good job."

There are many research institutes in mainland China.

In particular, the Beijing and Shanghai research institutes are pouring in amounts equivalent to the annual budget of a typical country.

Nevertheless, the Guangzhou Research Lab has accomplished something that has not been successful.

It was like a welcome rain for China, which had lost its national power and was looking for new power.

"Is the replenishment of prisoners and demons still approved?"

"Negotiations will be completed within this week."

"Good. I like it very much. Send it to the Guangzhou Research Lab as soon as it's ready."

At that time, when Chairman Zheng was envisioning a new future.

Another secretary in traditional clothing came in.

She was the woman who managed the official schedule.

"Chairman. It's an urgent call."

"What is it?"

"Riki Halis has arrived at headquarters now."

"……!!"

"She's asking to see you, Chairman."

"Without contacting me?"

"Yes... she's waiting in the reception room now."

"Hehe. To come to me without an appointment. She must have thought of our great country as a joke."

"Shall I refuse?"

"No. Bring her inside. It's not polite to turn away guests."

"I understand."

"You should go out too."

"Yes."

The two secretaries left the chairman's office.

Not all national-level players are the same.

In that respect, Riki Halis was a player who was rated much higher than Chairman Zheng Zhi.

'Riki Halis. That arrogant thing without fear...'

Since she is called Chairman Kevin Lee's left arm, he can't openly refuse her.

Above all, there was no way she would have come for unimportant things.

A little later.

Chairman Zheng greeted the American national-level player with a kind smile.

South Korea. Nightwalker Seoul Branch.

Taehyun was checking information in the VVIP reception room.

It was about America's top players.

There were a total of ten national-level players, and nearly 100 S-rank players who were no less than them.

Taehyun's hand, which had been looking at the players with the lower rankings, finally stopped at 2nd place Riki Halis.

'Her current location is Beijing.'

The last information was that she had gone to Beijing as an unofficial envoy.

'I couldn't figure out the purpose.'

No matter how much Nightwalker is, it can't predict history that hasn't happened yet.

In that respect.

There was quite a bit of information that only the regressed Taehyun knew at this point.

The information that her next destination after visiting Beijing was the headquarters of the Chinese Player Association, and that she was going to meet Chairman Zheng Zhi.

'I wasted more time on making the potion than I thought.'

He hoped that the problem would be solved by Seo Sang-ik as much as possible.

If he receives help from foreigners, Taehyun must also pay a corresponding price.

And for a big shot like Riki Halis, the price was often not money.

Taehyun checked the time.

He was reminded of the image of wolves and foxes growling while turning their heads.

'I have to meet her quickly.'

He called the person in charge to purchase information that could access her.

If he had enough time, he wouldn't have had to go all the way to China.

'It would have been enough to make an official appointment and invite her to South Korea.'

But the problem was that the time was tight.

Riki Halis, the 2nd ranked national-level player in the United States and one of the best magicians.

Until she disappeared in Guangzhou.

There was not much time left.

Okay, here's the English translation of the provided Korean text:

Episode 134

Guided by a man who appeared to be a secretary, Ricky Hallis headed to the chairman's office.

Her sunglasses and pure white coat made her look like a movie star.

Her attire was hardly what one would expect from a special envoy.

Nevertheless, no one whispered.

This was because she was a national-level powerhouse at the very top of S-rank players, and ranked 2nd even in the United States, known as the strongest of them all.

In terms of position and power.

She was a figure who could inflict significant damage on the Beijing branch if she so desired.

"This way."

The man, who stopped in front of the chairman's office, opened the door.

A familiar face.

Chairman Zheng, with a cigarette in his mouth, greeted her with a smile.

"You've made a precious visit. Please, sit here."

Ricky Hallis sat on the sofa and crossed her legs.

Long, pristine white legs were revealed beneath the skirt she was wearing.

A moment later, another secretary brought tea and refreshments.

"You guys, leave us."

"But, Chairman..."

"I said leave."

"..."

At Chairman Zheng's command, the two secretaries bowed and closed the door.

"So, what brings you here without prior notice?"

Chairman Zheng asked with a pleasant expression.

He already had an earpiece in his ear.

Finally, Ricky Hallis opened her mouth.

Her voice was soft.

"Hehe. There's nowhere in the world I can't go."

"That's quite the confidence."

"Still, the reason must be clear. I've come to deliver a warning on behalf of Chairman Kevin Lee."

"A warning?"

Chairman Zheng gestured as if he didn't understand.

Ricky Hallis smiled at the sight.

China's denial.

She had expected as much.

"Chairman, please don't disrupt world peace."

"Haha. I don't know what you're talking about."

Ricky Hallis took a sip of her tea.

It was a scent she hadn't encountered in the United States.

"Hmm~ They say in the East, you brew tea with your heart, too, right?"

"Oh my. If I'd known a beauty like you was interested in Eastern tea culture..."

"But it tastes murky."

"..."

Thud.

Ricky Hallis put down her teacup and stared at Chairman Zheng.

She could see him forcing a smile.

"Don't disturb the world order any further. Stop the pointless unification war, and the games you're playing in Guangzhou."

'This impudent...'

Clench.

Chairman Zheng clenched his fist.

Ricky Hallis continued, unconcerned.

"This is a final warning. The United States of America will no longer stand idly by."

"Arrogant!"

A fierce killing intent erupted from his body.

He, too, was a national-level powerhouse of China.

He wasn't someone to be ignored in terms of position or power.

Even so.

"Hoo..."

Barely regaining his composure, Chairman Zheng suppressed his killing intent.

If he showed his true colors now, the Beijing branch would suffer devastating damage.

Chairman Zheng was not foolish enough to do that.

"Hehe. You're hitting quite the sore spot."

"I won't listen to excuses. This is Chairman Kevin Lee's will."

"Since when has the United States meddled in our great nation's affairs?"

"Meddling... let's call it advice."

Slurp.

As if she had said all she needed to say, she drank her tea with a familiar gesture.

"Oh, by the way, I heard you complained to the World Player Association?"

"..."

Chairman Zheng knew she was talking about the SS-rank license.

The United States had the most shares in the World Player Association.

He thought it wouldn't be bad to firmly tell her something on this occasion.

"Our China is practically the ruler of Asia. Do you think choosing New Korea over us is the right choice?"

China was the only one in Asia that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States.

So it was a threat not to play tricks with New Korea and Japan.

"Oh my. What era are you talking about? Isn't New Korea the trend in Asia these days? Even a child on the street would answer that way."

"Stop with the clumsy provocations."

"Hehe. It's not a provocation, it's the truth. While Russia and Japan were being destroyed by monsters, what was China doing?"

"Prioritizing the defense of one's own country is basic..."

"So."

Ricky Hallis interrupted Chairman Zheng again.

"I'm saying continue to focus on defending your own country. Don't covet other people's lands unnecessarily."

"Hmph. You speak as if the United States is clean."

"At least we don't conduct inhumane experiments like some people do."

"..."

Ricky Hallis's blue eyes glared at Chairman Zheng.

She was no longer smiling, even falsely.

"We've received reports that the number of S-rank awakened in China has increased exponentially recently."

"What's wrong with that?"

Chairman Zheng asked back, feigning ignorance.

"You're a terrible liar. Did you think I came to you without any solid evidence?"

"Ricky Hallis. How dare a player from another country interfere in the affairs of a great nation!!"

Even though Chairman Zheng was raising his voice, she still had a poker face.

"I'm telling you to stop what you're doing at the research institute built in the Guangzhou dungeon. From now on, coercive sanctions will be taken."

It was a clear threat.

'That cheeky brat...'

Chairman Zheng suppressed the urge to use his skills right away.

In a fleeting moment.

One thought crossed his mind.

Justification, profit, and even personal feelings could all be resolved with this plan.

"Kuk... Keukeuk... Hahahahaha..."

He suddenly burst into laughter.

"......?"

Ricky Hallis looked at him as if asking what he was doing.

But the laughter continued for 30 seconds.

Chairman Zheng wiped away the tears flowing down his face and opened his mouth.

"If you're so confident, why don't you see for yourself and judge?"

"..."

"I formally invite you. To our Guangzhou research institute."

Chairman Zheng proposed a 'big deal'.

Nightwalker's Beijing Branch.

Taehyun waited for information in the VVIP reception room there.

It had been over an hour since he requested a hotline to contact Ricky Hallis.

Just as he was starting to feel bored, the guild member in charge of information returned.

"I'll connect you to the guild leader."

"......?"

As the woman operated the device, the installed screen turned on.

Nightwalker's Guild Leader.

Yooyeong appeared.

[Hello? It seems like you're going into hiding again. Beijing this time?]

"Are you a stalker?"

[Oh my. How cold. After all this time between us?]

"......"

At the lack of a response, Ayeong giggled.

[Why are you suddenly looking for information about Ricky Hallis? Oh, you don't have to worry about being bugged. There are so many attempts to eavesdrop here that I made sure it was built with that in mind.]

"It's nothing special. There's no harm in knowing about the US's national-level powerhouses."

[Hmm~ Our Taehyun wouldn't move without a reason. Just like in Japan, right?]

"What are you talking about?"

[That girl. You deliberately took her around to have her build up contribution points, didn't you?]

Only then could Taehyun tell that Yooyeong was talking about his half-sister, Im Ayeong.

"I just thought she was a partner as good as you. I actually owed her my life, too."

Im Ayeong.

She was issued an S-rank license for her contribution in preventing the Beomjinsa dungeon break.

It was an unprecedented feat in the industry.

But it was also true that she had built up that much skill and contribution points, so not many people expressed dissatisfaction.

Rather, New Korea was enthusiastic about the birth of a new star.

[Having two sisters is not good, you know that, right?]

Ayeong asked slyly, as if she had read Taehyun's thoughts.

"I have no intention of getting involved in my sisters' problems."

[......]

Ayeong's expression briefly stiffened at the term "sisters."

Yooyeong and Im Ayeong.

Despite being sisters, they used different surnames and given names.

It was known that the two were not on good terms, and that they were particularly sensitive to the word "sisters."

[Tsk. Stop talking nonsense. Find the sealed skill and come back.]

"...Did you know?"

[Oh my. It must have been real then?]

"......"

[I'm just kidding, kidding. If the information guild can't do that much, they should just shut down. I'm blocking it now, but rumors spread faster than you think?]

Taehyun turned his head while watching Ayeong, who was speaking playfully.

Seo Sangik was the only one who knew about his current condition.

'Could it be Guild Leader Seo Sangik?'

As if reading those thoughts, Ayeong shook her head slightly.

[Don't worry. It didn't come out of Guild Leader Seo Sangik's mouth.]

"That's a relief."

[More than that. You can't just contact Ricky Hallis' hotline if you have the number. Our kids will give you something. Use that to contact her.]

"I'll pay you for it."

[Oh my. You should do that much for us. And Ricky Hallis.]

"......?"

[No matter how attractive she is... you can't have other feelings, okay?]

Before he could ask back what nonsense she was talking,

Beep.

The screen turned off, the last thing he saw was Ayeong winking one eye.

"......"

A moment later.

Taehyun received an earpiece from the guild member.

Before his condition reached other people's ears, just like she said.

It seemed like he had to meet Ricky Hallis.

Ricky Hallis chose to stay at a hotel funded by American capital.

She could be sure there was no wiretapping here.

She connected an earpiece that was specially made by the association.

Chijijik.

After a brief burst of static, Chairman Kevin Lee's face appeared in front.

[You're late. I was waiting.]

"Did you worry?"

[As if. There's nothing more pathetic than worrying about someone who's about to get an SS-rank license.]

"Hehe. Thank you for the kind words."

[Well then. Now I want to hear why the report was delayed?]

"You're so impatient."

Contrary to her words, Ricky Hallis conveyed the story she had with Chairman Zheng.

About Chairman Kevin Lee not accepting the warning and suggesting the big deal, inviting him to the Guangzhou Research Lab.

[Hmm... The Guangzhou Research Lab. I'll send an escort separately.]

Ricky Hallis shook her head.

"That's a problem. He says he won't allow it unless I'm alone."

[It's dangerous to be alone.]

"You were just talking about the SS rank a moment ago."

[......]

Ricky Hallis laughed.

"Don't worry. I'll buy you a gift on the way back."

Chairman Kevin Lee reluctantly nodded at the sight of her not feeling tense.

[Be careful. Oh, and one more thing.]

"......?"

[New Korea's Kim Taehyun. That kid you were interested in is in Beijing right now.]

"Oh my. Is that a coincidence?"

[If you get a chance, try to contact him. There's no harm in creating a friendly relationship.]

"Hehe. If I have time."

[I'll wait for your next call.]

Beep.

The communication was cut off and Chairman Kevin Lee's appearance disappeared.

'Kim Taehyun... Should I go to the Information Guild tomorrow?'

It was no exaggeration to say that all of China was being monitored.

So, if she didn't want her information to be leaked, she had to choose a good guild.

While she was thinking of a few guilds,

The earpiece rang again.

[New Korea - Estimated Nightwalker]

The earpiece automatically guessed and notified the opponent.

'If it's Nightwalker... A guild from New Korea?'

She remembered that she had given the number to Yooyeong, the guild leader there, before.

'Information is fast.'

Anyway, she was planning to contact him once to meet Kim Taehyun.

If it was Nightwalker, she wouldn't have to worry about the information leaking.

She recalled Ayeong's voice and responded to the call.

"This is Ricky Hallis."

[This is Kim Taehyun from New Korea.]

"......!!"

At the unexpected self-introduction.

Her poker face shook.

Episode 135

Ricky Hallis's hotel.

A man entered the place.

He wore a hat pulled low over his shaggy hair, and his face was thoroughly covered with sunglasses and a mask.

"Entering a woman's room at night. You're a naughtier 'boy' than I heard."

Ricky Hallis spoke in English, but there was no problem in communication.

It was because the automatic translation function of the earring the man was wearing was working.

"Isn't this American style?"

Taehyun said playfully, taking off his sunglasses and mask.

"I heard you have a stealth skill."

"It's always good to be careful."

In reality, he couldn't use the stealth effect because 'Shadow Skin' was sealed.

Taehyun made a rough excuse.

Because he had to keep doing this until the skill seal was lifted anyway.

Ricky Hallis laughed loudly at Taehyun's youthful face.

"Michael was right, there was a reason your charm stat was high. Of course, you've grown more in the meantime."

Her blue eyes stared at Taehyun.

It was a kind of habit.

It stemmed from the belief that a person's character was reflected in their eyes.

Just as she had read greed in the eyes of the Zheng Association President a while ago, she was curious what desires Taehyun would reveal.

But.

"Unfortunately. I can't tell you about that."

Taehyun's eyes were clear as he said that.

A strange power was felt.

Almost like when she dealt with her colleague, Cody Cruz.

'Is he an even bigger figure than I thought?'

The corners of Ricky Hallis's lips went up.

To be a national-level power, it's not just about being smart or having power.

The size of the vessel.

That size indicates future growth potential.

In that respect, Taehyun's first impression was not bad.

While she was thinking that, Taehyun glanced at the sofa behind her.

The fact that she didn't offer him a seat meant.

'I haven't earned her trust yet.'

He wanted to show her all the cards he had and ask her to release the skill seal.

But he couldn't do that.

"So? What's the reason you wanted to see me?"

"I came to do business."

"For someone doing business, you're very confident. Do you know who I am?"

Ricky Hallis playfully put on a psychological warfare.

It meant to reveal his cards first.

Taehyun wasn't one to fall for it easily.

"Ricky Hallis. A national-level player in the United States. The most trusted person by Kevin Lee, the Association President, along with Michael Gore. Public Contribution Ranking is 2nd. It is known that you awakened a magician-type skill, but the exact ability is unknown. It is estimated that you have at least two S-rank skills..."

She raised her hand after listening to Taehyun.

"You've done a lot of investigating, haven't you?"

"I don't need to investigate. You can find that much just by searching on the internet."

Taehyun shrugged as if it were nothing.

It was true.

If Nightwalker Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young was in New Korea, and Saintess Yoshikawa Tsurara in Japan.

'Ricky Hallis has the most fandom in the United States.'

She was so popular that most celebrities couldn't compare.

"Haha. The reason you wanted to see me wasn't just to introduce yourself, right? Show me your cards first."

She raised her hand first.

Taehyun didn't refuse.

"There's a rumor that you have a skill that can cancel the 'Awakener's Covenant'."

"Hehe. What if that's true?"

Ricky Hallis asked back without affirming or denying.

"Then I would like to make an 'Awakener's Covenant' with you."

"...What?"

A moment later.

Hahahahaha.

Ricky Hallis burst out laughing.

"Kim Taehyun. You're a really interesting person. You want to make a covenant with me, who can cancel the Awakener's Covenant?"

"There's no reason I can't."

Taehyun answered with a grin.

"Haha... Thanks to you, I had a good laugh for the first time in a while. But what should I do? That's not how you do business."

Ricky Hallis went to the sofa and lay down.

Her white legs revealed under her skirt caught his attention.

"The basics of business are to clearly understand what the other person wants and lure them with bait that fits that. In that regard."

"..."

"The fact that you contacted me first means you've already lost. You must need my skill for something, and I'll try to cling to that point no matter what. I'm not the type to do things at a loss like someone else."

Ricky Hallis's tone changed as if she were talking to a child.

It was because she was sure that she had the initiative in the conversation.

Taehyun easily realized that 'someone' meant Michael Gore.

A national-level player belonging to the same association.

If she had asked him, he could have canceled the Awakener's Covenant he had with Taehyun and prepared a new card to pressure New Korea.

Nevertheless, Michael Gore chose to protect his beliefs.

It was a foolish pride in her eyes.

But in reality, she wasn't much different.

'Ricky Hallis. On the surface, she seems light and has a fussy personality, but once her mind is made up, she trusts the other person more than anyone else.'

That was what was written in the information from Nightwalker.

In other words, if he could turn her heart here.

'It also means getting a more enthusiastic supporter than anyone else.'

"More than that, I heard you rejected the naturalization offer?"

"Are you thinking of offering it again?"

Taehyun maintained his politeness without paying attention to her condescending tone.

"Hehe. You're going to reject it again anyway, right?"

"You know me well."

"More than that. Why don't you slowly show me the cards you have? I'm a busy person, you know."

She said, taking off the coat she was wearing as if she didn't care about Taehyun.

"I see you've decided to go to the Guangzhou Research Institute."

"Oh. Nightwalker's intelligence is quite impressive?"

Taehyun continued as if it were nothing.

"I guess you were planning to go alone, but from my point of view, I wouldn't recommend going."

"Hmm. Can you tell me why?"

"The Zheng Association President is after you."

Ricky Hallis burst out laughing at the obvious answer.

"Hahaha. I have to take that much risk, right?"

"I'm not saying that lightly. You're going to die in Guangzhou."

"..."

Her expression hardened for the first time at the assertive words.

She sensed that Taehyun wasn't saying that lightly.

"I'm going to die?"

"Ah, of course, not if I'm there."

"What... does that mean?"

Smirk.

'She asked.'

Taehyun, who showed a bright smile, went and sat on the sofa.

It was time to start serious negotiations.

The next day.

Ricky Hallis visited the Beijing branch.

The Zheng Association President and the escort team were waiting in advance.

"You came right on time. But who's the person next to you...?"

The Zheng Association President asked, looking at the man next to Ricky Hallis.

"Ah, he's the bodyguard I just hired."

"Did you think my words were a joke? I clearly said only you were allowed."

The Zheng Association President frowned openly.

It was because he thought she was ignoring him.

On the other hand, Ricky Hallis was relaxed.

Although it was her who broke the promise.

She knew that the Zheng Association President wouldn't refuse now anyway.

"The association president of a place that calls itself a great power is so timid. You're so stingy with just one bodyguard."

"!!"

A small blood vessel popped out on the Zheng Association President's forehead.

A clear provocation.

How many people in China could talk to him like this?

Sure enough.

"What a rude attitude!!"

"Apologize to the Association President!!"

"Just because you're a national-level player in the United States doesn't mean you can look down on China!!"

People around raised their voices to rebuke the rudeness.

In the meantime, the Zheng Association President nodded to his subordinate.

It was always good to be careful.

Since he was a man brought by someone who was a national-level player in the United States.

'He probably isn't an ordinary guy.'

The subordinate secretly used his skill.

He was a man with an S-rank measurement skill.

After a while, he shook his head twice.

It meant that the magic power wasn't much.

In other words, it meant he was below S-rank.

'Hmm... Was I worrying for nothing?'

The subordinate's measurement couldn't have been wrong.

No.

No matter how much you hide your magic power, you can't avoid the measurement skill of an S-rank Awakener.

That's impossible even for him, who has reached the 'peak' of magic power control.

The Zheng Association President, who finished thinking, smiled again.

"I apologize. I didn't understand how you felt having to travel to a foreign land alone. I will allow him to accompany you."

"Hehe. Thank you for your generous heart. Where is the warp gate?"

"This way."

The corners of the Zheng Association President's lips went up with a smirk as he led the way.

Whatever plans she had made.

She would eventually not be able to escape from his grasp.

What was visible after passing through the warp gate was the devastated land.

The color of the land was different with the iron bars as the boundary.

"It's land that has died due to magic power erosion. Most of Guangzhou is like this."

The Zheng Association President said as if it were nothing.

"To build a research institute in such a place. That's a great boldness."

Ricky Hallis whistled and praised him.

The Guangzhou dungeon that China had not been able to capture and had left abandoned.

The time it took to form the dungeon immediately after the gate break was only 3 hours.

The current dividing line was drawn after the sacrifice of countless citizens during that time.

It wasn't known to the world despite its enormous scale because China had thoroughly concealed it, as Russia and Japan had done.

"Don't look at us like fools. We're not stupid enough to just stand by and do nothing after being attacked by the enemy."

"Did it sound like that? It was a compliment."

Ricky Hallis smoothed things over with an exaggerated gesture.

"That's not what you're curious about, is it?"

"Oh my. You seem to know what I'm curious about?"

"Hehe. I want to hear the answer to the deal I proposed yesterday. There should be something coming if there's something going, right?"

"What do you want?"

"Lift the economic sanctions that the United States has taken against China. Then I will show you what you want."

"Hmm... I can't decide on such a huge issue, but... well, it depends on what the bait is, right?"

It meant to show the cards first.

"You already know it. You would have seen it with the Observer, which is a collection of excellent technologies."

"!!"

"However, there would have been a lack of detailed information. About the monster that made Guangzhou like this. The SS-rank monster 'Venom of Gray Plague'."

It was a bigger bait than expected.

This time it was Ricky Hallis's turn to take the bait.

"Are you saying you'll give me information about Venom?"

At the moment, information about an SS-rank monster is priceless.

So far, they had managed to avoid it somehow.

In the future, the country that preempts SS-rank monsters will become the new hegemonic power.

Information about Venom and the regulations that the United States is imposing on China.

The value of each other's purpose was a sufficient condition.

But.

The Zheng Association President's bait wasn't just that.

"Would it be just that? I can show it to you directly."

"What...!!"

"Venom. I mean, that guy has already been captured by the players of the great power."

"!!"

The Zheng Association President smiled with satisfaction, admiring her expression, which had broken the poker face for the first time.

"..."

Behind them, Taehyun, wearing sunglasses, quietly watched the two.

Episode 136

It didn't take long for Ricky Hallis and Chairman Zheng to write the contract.

The condition was that the United States would withdraw its economic sanctions in exchange for China allowing access to confidential data from the Guangzhou laboratory.

Ricky Hallis signed the contract in her capacity as a National Power-Class Player and with the authority of acting as Chairman Kevin Lee's proxy.

She even made a Pledge of Awakened, which was filmed for later use.

This was a precaution in case rumors about her skill being able to cancel even the "Pledge of Awakened" were true.

"Then, let me give you a full tour of our laboratory."

Chairman Zheng said as he took the lead.

The main laboratory was not far away.

"Welcome, Chairman."

"Have you all been well?"

Chairman Zheng waved his hand as he received a salute from the laboratory staff.

Ricky Hallis followed behind him, and Taehyun guarded her back.

"Typical China. I can't believe there are this many researchers in a place like this... You're not making some secret weapon, are you?"

Ricky Hallis said playfully, but Taehyun knew that her words were true.

Experiments using the monsters that inhabited the Guangzhou Dungeon.

The Monsterification Project was quite famous in his past life.

'It was revealed after Ricky Hallis disappeared. But the experiment would be underway now, right?'

Taehyun glanced at her.

Even though he had told her about the experiment taking place here.

She had a demure expression as if she knew nothing.

"Huhu. You make interesting speculations."

"I hope it's just speculation."

Ricky Hallis said with a smile.

"A secret weapon... It's too early to say that, but there is something I want to show you."

"Wow~ I'm excited!"

"Follow me."

A little later.

The three arrived at a huge laboratory.

Hundreds of test tubes were lined up.

People were inside the test tubes, and even more researchers were absorbed in the experiment.

"......"

"......"

Although they had expected it to some extent, the two couldn't help but be surprised.

They didn't expect the experiment to be progressing so blatantly.

"It's a skill enhancement experiment. Would you like to take a look?"

At Chairman Zheng's words, Ricky Hallis silently nodded.

He chuckled as if he expected that and gestured.

"Proceed."

"Yes."

The person in charge, who was guiding Chairman Zheng, gave the order, and the device in the test tube was activated.

Grayish mana was injected into the test tube.

"Mana injection..."

Ricky Hallis watched the experiment with a stiff expression.

The body of the man injected with mana began to tremble.

"The heart rate of subject B-102 is rapidly increasing."

"The stamina of subject B-102 is rapidly increasing."

"The mana of subject B-102 is rapidly increasing."

"Inject more."

At the person in charge's command, more mana permeated the subject's body.

Throb. Throb, throb.

The air in the laboratory felt thick as more mana was injected.

Gulp.

Ricky Hallis swallowed.

In just one minute.

An unusual mana was felt from the body of the man injected with gray mana.

'Is that... the aura of a high-level monster?'

As she was thinking that.

The person in charge, who had checked the chart, reported.

"Chairman. It's a success."

"Hoh. The success rate is getting higher and higher."

"It's all thanks to the Chairman's support."

Chairman Zheng nodded with a satisfied expression.

"Hey. What kind of experiment is this?"

Ricky Hallis asked as if she had been waiting for it.

Physical enhancement.

Or skill enhancement.

Those are things that all great powers are secretly doing, so it's not surprising.

But.

'They're injecting this kind of mana into humans? And it's a success?'

It was such an unsettling experiment that she couldn't help but ask.

Chairman Zheng looked at her and laughed heartily.

"Don't you know? It's just a simple skill enhancement experiment. You just watched a new S-Rank player being born in our great nation."

'That's amazing technology.'

Clearly, the mana felt from the man just before the experiment was around B-Rank.

But now the mana felt is Low S-Rank.

Taehyun had encountered a fake S-Rank Maine and an Awakened in the friendly match.

But he couldn't help but be surprised at the process of growing from B-Rank to S-Rank at once.

That was the same for Ricky Hallis.

"That's a plausible excuse. Isn't that gray mana from a monster?"

"Hoh. You have a good eye."

"You've crossed the line. You."

Ricky Hallis blurted out her true feelings.

Injecting the mana of a monster into a human.

That's not a matter of technology.

It was something that no one in their right mind would do.

But everyone here had an expression that they didn't care.

Only then did she sense that this experiment had been going on for a long time.

At least hundreds or thousands of people.

No, considering when the Guangzhou laboratory was activated, there would have been tens of thousands of experiments.

'This is dangerous.'

While the rank of Awakened is absolute, the criteria for player rank differs from country to country.

But on average, when one of the physical stats exceeds 100, it is evaluated as having skills befitting an S-Rank player.

Even if you enhance your skills or body, the success rate is not high.

Moreover, two-stage growth is an extremely rare case.

But if stats can be inflated like this without any risk.

'It's only a matter of time before the world's power balance collapses.'

She felt like she knew where Chairman Zheng's confidence came from.

"You look more surprised than I thought. Don't worry. It's mana that has been refined to the point where the human body can accept it."

"What kind of monster's mana is it?"

She asked instinctively.

But she thought that Chairman Zheng wouldn't answer.

Even if only what she saw now was known to the world.

'China's external image will fall endlessly.'

But Chairman Zheng reacted as if he didn't care.

"Yes. I should tell you since you signed the contract. It's the venom of the Gray Plague. It's the refined mana of an SS-Rank monster."

"......!!"

"......"

Ricky Hallis had an unbelievable expression once again, and Taehyun quietly closed his mouth.

He had never even thought that they would inject the mana of an SS-Rank monster into a human.

"Didn't I tell you earlier that I would show you the venom?"

"How did you clear it?"

"An SS-Rank monster. It certainly wasn't an easy opponent."

Chairman Zheng chuckled as if recalling that time.

"They are not in this world anymore. We used three National Power-Class players. I was even on standby in case of failure."

Taehyun knew that they were Zhang Linfeng, Cai Mingmin, and Xu Xin.

The best powers of China who would be alive now if it wasn't for him.

'Did they really catch Venom with just those guys?'

If that was the case, there would be no reason for this place to remain an uncleared dungeon.

While Taehyun was having such doubts.

Beep- Beep- Beep-

A sound alerting an emergency situation echoed throughout the laboratory.

The muscles of the man in the test tube were swelling up.

"The mana of subject B-102 is starting to go berserk."

"The mana value is exceeding 110."

"The strength and stamina values are falling."

"The body structure of subject B-102 is collapsing."

The person in charge approached with a troubled expression in the unusual atmosphere.

"Forced monsterification is in progress. It is currently progressing to 10%, no, 20%."

"Oh dear. It seems to be defective."

As if it wasn't the first or second time.

Chairman Zheng reacted casually.

"What happens if you leave it like that?"

Ricky Hallis couldn't help but ask.

"Since monsterification is in progress, wouldn't it become a monster?"

"You're crazy! Stop it right now!!"

She shouted without hiding her hostility.

Chairman Zheng smiled bitterly.

"Why are you so surprised? Isn't the trend of enhancement experiments something that is being competed over anyway."

"Trying to justify human experimentation..."

"There is no mana as pure as the mana that a monster possesses. Furthermore, the refined mana of an SS-Rank monster is even more so."

Chairman Zheng, who interrupted her, flicked his fingers and said.

It's not wrong.

The body of a monster that has adapted to a place called the Abyss contains mana that cannot be compared to humans.

The reason why the corpse of a monster is traded at a high price is also for that reason.

But even if it's for enhancement, to inject something from a monster into a human body.

It was certain that if this fact was known, it would be condemned by world opinion.

Chairman Zheng is doing it secretly because he knows that.

"Why are you showing me this?"

Ricky Hallis, who had finally regained her reason, asked back.

Chairman Zheng took out a cigarette and gestured to the person in charge.

The lever was pulled and mana was activated in the test tube.

The body of subject B-102, which was gradually losing its human form, began to be crushed.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

It was instantaneous.

The body of subject B-102, who had reached S-Rank, was crushed as it was.

It was a futile death.

"Let's join hands with our great nation. China and the United States. It won't help human history development if these great countries check each other."

"......"

When Ricky Hallis couldn't say anything, Chairman Zheng opened his mouth again.

"China has the largest population in Asia and even has this cutting-edge technology. Japan? New Korea? Tch tch. Those two countries are not enough as partners for our great nation. There is a saying that a crow tit tries to follow a stork and its legs get torn. Japan self-destructed, and New Korea will eventually follow Japan's path. How about it? Won't you persuade Chairman Kevin Lee well?"

He showed how great the technology China has is.

As he said, if the United States and China join hands, humanity will develop at an incredible speed.

Ricky Hallis closed her mouth as if thinking for a moment.

And.

The answer was decided.

Before coming here.

"I refuse."

"That's unexpected. I thought you were a smart woman."

"I am smart. But after seeing even this experiment, I'm sure of it. China won't last long."

"Hoh. Then what about the pledge you made a little while ago?"

Chairman Zheng's eyes narrowed.

Ricky Hallis took out a paper contract from her pocket.

And.

Tear.

She tore it up mercilessly.

"It's broken. Oh, don't worry about the Pledge of Awakened. I'll cancel that myself."

Ricky Hallis said as she threw the torn contract on the floor.

Episode 137

Ricky Hallis threw the torn contract on the floor.

"It's a shame. I thought you of all people would understand the ideals of our great nation."

Chairman Zheng sighed as if genuinely disappointed.

"Look for another partner. Of course, if you can withstand the sanctions from the World Player Association."

She spoke sarcastically, and the conversation ended there.

"Go back safely. I won't see you off."

Chairman Zheng gestured, and a player guided them.

Ricky Hallis and Taehyun followed behind.

They walked for about 15 minutes.

After passing through several barriers, a huge space appeared.

A warp gate was installed alone in the space, which was as large as a laboratory.

Ten employees glanced at them while manipulating magic stones.

The only difference from the usual appearance was that the size of the warp gate was excessively large.

'Chairman Zheng. He put quite the effort in, huh?'

While Taehyun was thinking that.

"This way."

The man in charge of the guide reached out to the warp gate.

When the ten employees activated the magic stones installed, gray magic was activated.

"This is a warp gate connected to the Beijing branch. A person in charge will be waiting for you after you pass through the gate."

Even with the man's words, Ricky Hallis stared at the gate with her arms crossed.

She looked like something didn't please her.

"Hmm~"

"What's wrong?"

The man in charge of the guide tilted his head and asked.

"Hey."

"......?"

"This. Isn't this a warp gate to Beijing, is it?"

"What... do you mean...?"

The man looked like he didn't know what she was talking about, and.

Stumbled.

He took a step back.

That was enough.

"I'm Ricky Hallis. This gate. No matter how I look at it, it's suspicious, isn't it?"

"What are you talking about..."

Ricky Hallis clicked her tongue.

And.

Thwack.

Without hesitation, she kicked the man between his legs.

A speed that only national-level players can react to.

There's no way a man who looks to be about B-rank could avoid such an attack.

"Cough..."

The man didn't even let out a proper scream as he rolled on the floor, trembling.

"Is this the crisis you were talking about?"

She looked at Taehyun and asked.

"Well, it could be."

Taehyun shrugged his shoulders.

"Hmm... if you thought I'd die with just this, it's disappointing... I wouldn't be stupid enough to fall for a trap like this in the first place, right?"

"That's only possible for someone like you."

Taehyun's words were sincere.

Ricky Hallis, called the world's best magician.

If it weren't for a skilled person like her.

'Even if I told them about the danger in advance, it would be difficult to realize it's strange.'

She was a woman with a good sense.

Even though Taehyun didn't open up detailed information, she noticed that the gate in front of her led to the Guangzhou dungeon.

"Then. Since I didn't receive any special help, we should consider the offer as if it never happened, right?"

"I thought you were more business-minded than I thought."

"I'm from a country that represents capitalism, you know."

She smiled as she thought she had regained the initiative in her relationship with Taehyun.

At that time.

Beep- Beep- Beep-

The space began to close along with the alarm.

The ten employees seemed to be doing something unexpected as they shouted in confusion.

"What, what is it!!"

"The story is different!!"

"Chairman!!!"

"Open it!!!"

"Why are you doing this!!"

"Hey, open the door!!"

As if responding to the shouts, a familiar voice flowed out from somewhere.

It was Chairman Zheng.

[As expected of the best magician.]

You can't see his face, but you can feel that he's laughing just by his voice.

"Chairman Zheng. Can you take responsibility for what you're doing now?"

[Responsibility? What are you talking about?]

"Oh my. Have you forgotten who I am?"

Ricky Hallis asked in a chilling voice.

She was implying that if she wanted to, she could blow up this entire lab.

The reason she wasn't doing that was the maximum patience considering it would escalate into a diplomatic issue.

But Chairman Zheng had decided not to hide it anymore.

[Ricky Hallis. A reckless brat who shows off without fear, believing in her power alone. I'll give you one last chance. A chance to serve our great nation.]

"Have you gone senile for a moment?"

She laughed and replied.

[If you knew what the gate in front of you was, you'd think differently? If you had quietly entered, those people wouldn't have had to lose their lives... It's a shame.]

"Cha, Chairman!!"

"Please save me!!"

"Please!!!"

"The story is different!!"

Unlike the shouts of the lab employees, Chairman Zheng's voice was calm.

[It's all for the great nation. I'll remember your sacrifices.]

"You're crazy."

Taehyun, who had been silent, shook his head and said.

[Didn't I promise? That I'd show you the Venom of the Gray Plague. I'm a person who always keeps his promises.]

With those words, the warp gate was forcibly activated.

The mana available in the lab was concentrated in the enclosed space.

Zzzzzzzzz.

The gravity generated from the gate began to suck in the area.

"It's a real mixed bag."

Ricky Hallis gathered mana in her hand.

She was thinking of breaking through the lab and going out as it was.

But.

An unexpected message appeared in front of her eyes.

'I can't use skills?'

"It's a modified form of the skill 'Black Hole'."

Taehyun said, tracking the mana felt in the surrounding space.

The sense of discomfort he felt the moment he entered here.

That was because of the skill 'Black Hole' installed everywhere.

"Ugh, it's really a mixed bag. You. You have a way, right?"

Ricky Hallis asked with expectant eyes.

If they stayed like this, they would be forced into the dungeon.

But.

"No. I'm also quite surprised by the current situation. China's mo.ney. is really scary."

"......"

She glared at Taehyun for emphasizing capital.

A reproachful look as if asking if it was because of the business talk earlier.

Taehyun nonchalantly accepted it and looked around.

'Do these guys have too much money rotting away?'

Black Hole is a rare skill even among S-ranks.

Even if it's contained in a scroll with relatively less power, it would be a huge price.

Not only did they implement such a thing in the form of an installation in the space.

The felt power also seemed to be the amount of ten scrolls.

He realized once again how much effort Chairman Zheng had put in.

'At this rate, I'll be forced to enter the dungeon.'

In a short time, the remaining number of people being sucked in was five.

Zzzzzz.

They were burying their feet on the ground to hold on, but they couldn't keep doing this forever.

You can't just go into the dungeon recklessly and proceed with the attack.

There's an SS-rank monster there.

If the 'Venom of the Gray Plague' is there, it was impossible to attack with only Taehyun and Ricky Hallis in their current state.

'No. Even if we succeed in the attack, it's impossible to deal with the Chinese players outside one after another.'

It would have been a pinch.

If he didn't know Chairman Zheng's intentions.

Taehyun took out two potions from his chest.

"These are 15 billion won potions each."

"......?"

Swish. Swoosh.

Taehyun threw two potions into the gate as they were.

A moment later.

Wooong. Wooong. Woooong.

Noise flowed out of the gate that seemed to swallow the two people at any moment.

The gravity began to weaken.

"What did you just do?"

"It's nothing special. It's a potion that lures the monsters in the dungeon to this side."

"What?!!"

Ricky Hallis shouted.

[This crazy bastard!!!]

Chairman Zheng, who was watching through a screen installed somewhere, was the same.

Lure monsters by throwing two potions into the gate?

There's no way that's possible.

Both of them thought so.

But Taehyun's thoughts were different.

'I'm glad there's a guild like Alchemist in New Korea.'

In the near future.

Alchemist will grow to be one of the top 5 guilds in the world, surpassing the 4 major guilds of New Korea.

Right now, the technology they have is not getting attention, but that knowledge is not going anywhere.

Based on his memories of his previous life, Taehyun commissioned various special potions from Seo Sang-ik.

He provided not only the cost but also the idea and possibility of the product together.

Alchemist was slowly developing potions that met that demand.

Woooooong.

Something appeared from the gate along with the noise.

[Squeak?]

It was an orc with a gray body.

The most common E-rank monster in the early part of the Abyss.

The five employees who confirmed the appearance of the monster sighed in relief.

You can't use skills with the black hole floating in the air.

But they thought they could handle an orc somehow.

"Orc?"

"I, I'm alive..."

"Did God help me..."

[Squeak, squeak, human. Unpleasant. Squeak.]

The orc, who had completely escaped the gate, looked around.

"There's an orc in a dungeon that hasn't been attacked yet...?"

Ricky Hallis muttered as if questioning.

"It probably isn't a normal orc."

After a while.

"Don't come!!"

One employee kicked at the orc approaching him.

He was a C-rank awakened person, though he was a researcher.

The orc's body bent and flew away from his kick.

"Huh?"

"It's weak...?"

"Is it really an E-rank orc...?"

The remaining four researchers were momentarily confused.

[Squeak. Human. I'll kill you. Squeak.]

Gray mana surged from the orc's body, covering the body of the researcher who attacked him.

It was an absurd speed.

"What, what is it!! Get off!!!"

The employee covered in mana flailed.

It was already a belated resistance.

Gray spots sprouted from his body and his eyes became bloodshot.

'As expected. There's no way something like an orc would still be alive.'

Taehyun distanced himself as he looked at the employee whose skin had turned gray.

The remaining four employees were the same.

They scattered in all directions in a panic.

One of them recalled the identity of the orc.

"Se, surely... Parasite?!!"

"Parasite?!!"

"Ru, run away!! You'll get infected!!"

"No way!!"

But it was already too late.

The gray mana that had taken over the C-rank employee's body covered the remaining four researchers in turn.

In an instant, the five employees became hosts of the Parasite.

Chairman Zheng's voice echoed once again.

[S+ rank monster Parasite. A creature that parasitizes by using the body of another living thing as a host. It's not someone you can deal with in a state where you can't even use skills.]

Chairman Zheng, who had been flustered until just now by Taehyun's sudden actions.

He had regained his composure with the appearance of the Parasite.

'It's definitely a troublesome guy.'

Parasite.

It doesn't have much power.

It's a tenacious life force that constantly parasitizes and repeats regeneration unless it is eliminated at once.

That's why it was given an exceptional S+ rank even though it wasn't a Grand.

Ricky Hallis clenched her fist with a stern expression.

As a Magician class, she has mainly fought relying on skills.

But in the current situation, it seemed like she had to keep close combat in mind.

"Interesting."

Taehyun, who was looking at the status window, smiled slyly.

Even when Black Hole was there, only 'Devour' could be used.

Ironically, he can't use Devour now.

Two new skills were flashing in the status window.

'I don't know what the connection is, but.'

There was no need to save it.

Ting.

[Skill Eye of the Monster (AA) has been activated.]

At the same time as the vision turned red.

Taehyun's eyes were dyed red.

Okay, here's the translation:

Episode 138

Two vials, seemingly containing potions, were thrown.

The gate, which had been exuding tremendous power, quieted down.

"They certainly surprised me. What were those things you just threw?"

President Zheng asked the person in charge next to him.

"That's... an item that's not yet known..."

The man hesitated, as if apologetic.

"Hmm... I see."

President Zheng stroked his chin.

He was in charge of the Guangzhou Research Institute, no less.

If even he didn't know, it was highly likely that even test samples hadn't circulated in the industry yet.

"Luring the monsters beyond the gate, is it? Interesting."

"Shall we order their capture?"

"Yes. If they survive, that is. But I don't think it will be necessary."

President Zheng smiled wryly, looking at the video on the screen.

Grayish orcs were infecting the research institute's employees.

The S+ rank monster Parasite, which had been parasitizing the orcs.

It had revealed its true form.

The Parasites, which had instantly parasitized five humans, approached their real target.

'Well, this isn't bad either.'

The commonly known un-cleared Guangzhou dungeon.

People thought that China, like other countries, was concealing its true state, but the reality was different.

Immediately after the gate break occurred.

They didn't rush and prepared for the attack.

Just like Japan, China wanted the title of the first country to clear an SS-rank monster.

President Zheng put three units led by Xu Xin, Cai Mingmin, and Zhang Linfeng into the dungeon.

A large-scale attack force of 300 people.

The result was disastrous.

There were only about 30 survivors.

More shocking was that the majority of the casualties were infected by an unidentified monster and turned into enemies.

The unidentified monster was named 'Parasite', and it was determined that immediate clearing was impossible.

President Zheng came up with a new possibility.

If monsters could infect humans, could humans control the infectious agent?

Could humans use the power of monsters?

He was a man with the power and authority to put what he thought into action.

First, Guangzhou was designated as a special control zone.

Civilian access was controlled, and a camouflage barrier was installed to prevent satellite photography.

A research institute was built around the entrance of the dungeon, and attack teams were periodically sent to capture the monsters.

Human experimentation using the monster's magic power.

The 'Monsterization Project' began in that way.

It was a necessary research to take China to the next level.

Numerous players died, were infected, and went missing by nameless monsters.

And finally.

They succeeded in capturing the monster called 'Parasite'.

It was parasitizing a missing Chinese player.

Considering the characteristics and risks of the Parasite, it was classified as S+ rank.

Soon after, they realized that the Guangzhou un-cleared dungeon was a huge virus nest.

Most of the high-level monsters had infection and parasitism abilities like the Parasite.

The boss that existed somewhere in the dungeon was expected to have a mass infection risk.

SS-rank monster Gray Plague's Venom.

Although they had never encountered it, the name was given based on the fact that the monsters in the dungeon commonly had gray magic power.

They caught spies that the great powers had planted in the research institute and maintained strict security.

Everything went smoothly.

Until Ricky Hallis came to see President Zheng.

'Hyenas trying to divide a great country are everywhere.'

In front of President Zheng, two men and women were taking a fighting stance.

He laughed.

If they knew the characteristics of the Parasite, they wouldn't have thought of engaging in close combat.

'Even national-level players can't do much if their skills are sealed. I'll make them pay the price for looking down on our great country.'

S-rank rare skill 'Black Hole'.

A space created by consuming nearly twenty scrolls that circulated around the underworld.

The surrounding area was designed with a barrier with a strength that could not be broken unless the strength stat was at least 230.

It was a measure to close it at any time, even if a dungeon break occurred.

That measure.

It was being used to capture the American national-level player who had insulted the great country.

"Heh heh heh..."

President Zheng suppressed the laughter that leaked out and stared at the screen.

Now was the time to choose.

Deal with the human host, or keep running away.

In the end, they wouldn't be able to escape the Parasite's parasitism.

'Ricky Hallis. I'll get my hands on your corpse and use it as a pawn.'

It was when President Zheng was thinking that.

The person in charge who was watching the screen with him gasped.

"Huh... President... that guy is...!!"

President Zheng's gaze shifted to the man.

The man Ricky Hallis had brought as a personal bodyguard.

His eyes, which had been wearing sunglasses all along, were stained red.

"……!!"

With a very familiar face.

President Zheng couldn't hide his embarrassment.

Taehyun took off his sunglasses.

Now that President Zheng had revealed his teeth.

There was no reason to hide his identity any longer.

The dark vision due to the sunglasses became brighter.

No, to be exact, it would be correct to say it turned red.

"Your... eyes..."

Ricky Hallis next to him couldn't hide her embarrassment.

"It's okay. It's a skill."

Taehyun said casually, looking at the five approaching humans.

'It's hard to call them humans anymore.'

Spots were popping up all over their faces and exposed skin, and their skin had long turned gray.

Their bloodshot eyes were reminiscent of horror movies.

'It's quite a useful skill.'

On the outside, it just looked like his eyes had turned red like before.

But the effect was completely different.

It was as if both eyes were thermal imaging cameras, and he could see the flow of magic power.

'The main body is that guy.'

There was an employee with an unusually thick flow of magic power.

Then something interesting happened.

The Parasite, which had been touched by Taehyun's gaze, moved its main body to another host.

'I can see everything, you bastard.'

Taehyun raised the corners of his lips, watching the main body quickly moving back and forth between the bodies of the five even at this moment.

The skill 'Monster's Eye' registered after the battle with Kentamion.

He didn't know why it was registered, but it seemed to be helpful in the current battle.

"Is there a way to deal with them?"

Ricky Hallis asked, looking at the hosts whose magic power density was changing every moment.

She could only feel that the magic power was moving quickly.

She couldn't even imagine what exactly was happening.

"I have a rough estimate. What are you going to do?"

The consideration didn't last long.

"Okay. I'll take your offer."

"Good thinking. Stay back. It'll be a problem if you get infected too."

As Ricky Hallis stepped back, gray magic power covered Taehyun.

Taehyun easily avoided it.

'Parasite. The abilities that can be used vary greatly depending on the host.'

Taehyun moved his legs, recalling the information he had seen in his previous life.

It was said to be an S+ rank monster, but it was only taking the body of a C-rank Awakened.

Its gray magic power was far from Taehyun's speed.

Taehyun quickly broke through them.

And.

Crack.

He quickly kicked a man's leg.

The leg of the man, who didn't have high physical stats, bent grotesquely and fell.

The other employees were the same.

Crack. Crack.

Snap. Snap.

Taehyun easily took away their mobility.

When the legs of the five were bent grotesquely.

Gray magic power wriggled from the body of the guy presumed to be the main body.

It was moving the host here and there to find the timing to parasitize Taehyun's body.

Originally, it was a speed that human eyes could not follow.

Taehyun easily followed the movement with his eyes.

The momentary gap when the gray magic power formed the shape of a magic stone.

He didn't miss that moment.

Thwack.

Taehyun shoved his hand into the body of the host.

And.

Crack.

He pulled out the hardened gray magic power.

Dudududuk.

The gray magic power hardened into a solid magic stone.

It was a futile death for an S+ rank monster.

'Parasites are weak to the air on Earth.'

It was a clearing method that was known only after numerous sacrifices because the China Player Association did not share information.

Kwaaaaa.

Ssss.

As the magic power of the parasitizing Parasite disappeared, the bodies of the hosts began to rot.

"Whew~ amazing? How are you using your skills?"

"I'll tell you when we get a little closer."

"Aren't we close enough now? You're a sneaky boy~"

"It's too early to let your guard down."

"You're prickly. I'll give you one more skill if you get me out of here."

She looked relaxed, as if she had decided to trust Taehyun.

"Deal."

Taehyun put the magic stone in his arms and touched the barrier with his fist.

Tap. Tap.

After tapping it a few times, Taehyun punched hard.

Kwaang.

A stinging pain surged through his fist.

"It's hard."

"If I could do it with my strength, I would have left a long time ago."

Ricky Hallis answered, regretting her low strength.

'A barrier that blocks even a strength stat of 200...'

Even Shinhan Korea wouldn't have this kind of barrier.

Once again, admiring President Zheng's meticulousness.

Taehyun used his second skill.

Tring.

[Skill Blood Frenzy (AA) has been activated. The body is activated.]

A familiar message window appeared with crimson magic blooming.

[A huge force awakens. Strength increases. Strength is now 250.]

[A huge force awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina is now 250.]

[A huge force awakens. Speed increases. Speed is now 250.]

[A huge force awakens. Magic Power increases. Magic Power is now 300.]

And.

A new message window appeared.

[The overlapping effect of Skill Monster's Eye (AA) and Blood Frenzy (AA) has been activated.]

[Skill Monster's Eye (AA) is temporarily transformed into Superior Species' Eye (AA).]

The barrier, which looked ordinary even with the Monster's Eye, looked different.

'This is a real thing...'

Thinking so, Taehyun took a deep breath.

"Hoo..."

He punched the barrier with all his might.

Kwaang.

The first barrier was easily broken.

Okay, here's the translation of chapter 139:

Chapter 139

Kwang! Kwaang!

Every time Taehyun swung his fist, the Guangzhou Research Institute building shook.

It was a strength that was hard to believe belonged to a human.

And then.

KWAANG!

The last barrier crumbled powerlessly.

"Nice boy."

Ricky Hallis winked one eye and then dashed out.

It was to catch Chairman Zheng.

A murderous aura flowed from her body, which had recovered its original skills.

'Chairman Zheng is definitely done for.'

I don't know what kind of skills Ricky Hallis has.

But judging by the reaction, she seemed capable of dealing with Chairman Zheng alone.

Taehyun released 'Blood Rampage.'

The energy that had been boiling within his body subsided as if it were a lie.

'It's definitely an absurd skill.'

The skill 'Blood Rampage' that seemed to belong to Grand Duke Igmun.

There were various skills in the world classified as buffs, but he had never heard of a skill that raised physical stats this much.

Moreover, the body regeneration effect was activated during the battle with Kentamion.

Although it was regenerated with the monster's power and required treatment from the Saintess afterward.

Even considering all that.

'It's an SS-rank skill. And the backlash is decreasing as I use it.'

Crackle. Crackle.

His bones cracked as he rotated his arm.

There were no particular risks other than his body feeling stiff.

Taehyun followed the path Ricky Hallis had taken, lost in thought.

Had about 30 seconds passed?

A scream was heard in the distance.

'It seems it has started.'

The scene was already a complete mess when he arrived.

"Wow."

Hundreds of people who had been in the lab were sprawled on the floor.

Only one person was standing.

It was only Ricky Hallis.

There was a familiar man under her feet.

Chairman Zheng, the originator of all this.

He shouted with an expression full of shame and anger.

"You bug-like… you dare…!!"

Crack.

Ricky Hallis put strength on the foot she was stepping on as if he was being noisy.

Chairman Zheng, who had been shouting loudly, groaned.

"Kuh..."

"Didn't you commit this, prepared for this much?"

"You... crazy... bitch..."

"You're the crazy one."

Crack.

She gave strength one more time, and Chairman Zheng's left arm broke.

Chairman Zheng screamed loudly with torn yellow eyes.

"I'll kill you!!"

"Your mouth is still alive?"

Crack.

This time, his right arm broke powerlessly.

"Keah..."

'She's completely playing with him.'

No matter how highly Ricky Hallis's power is evaluated.

There is a considerable difference in stats between an awakened person based on a magician and an awakened person based on combat.

In particular, Chairman Zheng is an elite who has also trained in ancient Chinese martial arts.

It didn't make sense that her strength stat was higher.

'Is it the power of the skill?'

Taehyun activated 'Monster's Eye' once again.

Tzzzzzzz.

Only then could he see the green mana surrounding her body.

Similarly, the green mana was also acting on the bodies of those sprawled around.

It looked like the blood vessels in their bodies were blocked.

'Ricky Hallis. She lives up to her name.'

It's not difficult for Taehyun to subdue these many enemies at once.

Because he has the skill 'Lord's Aura.'

But it was a different story to disarm hundreds of people without killing them all.

It required meticulous mana control.

It was an extraordinary feat that even a national-level player couldn't do without being very skilled in mana control.

'Is it a skill that drops physical stats to the bottom?'

Otherwise, there was no way Chairman Zheng would be so helpless.

He wanted to appreciate her skills more.

But getting back the sealed skills was a priority.

"I think that's enough. Let's get out of here."

"What do you mean? It's not over yet."

Crack.

This time, she crushed Chairman Zheng's left leg.

It was natural for his stats-decreased leg to break without being able to withstand it.

"Kuh...!! Ricky Hallis... Kim Taehyun... you... you bastards... I swear on the name of the great nation, I will...!!"

"Look at that. He's still energetic, you see?"

"......"

Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack.

She moved her feet incessantly.

Every time, Chairman Zheng's body broke here and there.

The catharsis ended only after a minute had passed.

"Keuh..."

The bloody Chairman Zheng groaned with a dying look.

Even if his shattered limbs were treated by a top-notch healer, he would have to rest for at least a month.

It was an injury that a normal S-rank player would have died from.

"Hmph. Don't look at me like that. A madman needs to be hit."

"As you wish. More than that, I would like to receive the fulfillment of the promise."

"Haa... I know. A promise is a promise. Business is business."

"That's good to hear."

"Let's get out now. It doesn't seem like a warp scroll will activate properly here."

She headed for the exit without any regrets.

This is because using a warp scroll indoors can interfere with coordinate setting.

'She even brought a warp scroll.'

Taehyun thought she was thorough and followed her.

Hundreds of people were sprawled on the floor.

All of them were either Chinese players or employees of the Guangzhou Research Institute.

If an ordinary player did this in another country, a wanted order would be issued immediately, but the opponent was a national power of the United States.

Even in China, it would be difficult to hold her accountable later.

'No, is it the opposite?'

The card that Chairman Zheng used to catch her was a mistake.

The best bait that had been set to catch Ricky Hallis had now become a shackle that was tightening China.

'Still, it's not a bad result.'

South Korea, Japan, and China are called the three dragons of Asia.

They are called the three dragons, but in reality, only Japan and China are trying to seize the hegemony of Asia.

South Korea was in a difficult position, busy taking care of itself in between.

This is because of the lack of national-level players and the insufficient number of top-level players.

However, if Japan comes down from the position of a great power, and China even loses its status as a great power due to this incident.

Chairman Ji Jin-hee's plan will gain even more momentum.

'If that happens, it will be one year.'

In a year, it was clear that it would be at least 10 years ahead of the South Korea of Taehyun's past life.

It was not intentional, but the stronger Taehyun became, the more prosperous South Korea was becoming.

Then Ricky Hallis turned her head.

"Have you thought of a place to解除 解除 the 'Awakener's Oath'? It would be nice to have a place guarded by someone you can trust."

"Ah, actually, what I want to解除 解除 is not the 'Awakener's Oath'."

"Ah, then a curse-type skill?"

"It's hard to even call it a skill… You can think of it as解除 解除ing a sealed skill."

"Huh. It's not even a curse-type skill, but they sealed the skill of a guy like you? Who the hell is the opponent?"

"The world is wide, and there are many strong people."

Taehyun mumbled vaguely.

He couldn't bring himself to say that it was the work of his doppelganger in his mental world.

He was sure to be treated like a madman.

"So, how many skills do you need to解除 解除? One? Or two?"

To the outside world, Taehyun was a multi-skill awakened person.

She had just seen him using two skills, so she thought there might be more than one skill that needed to be解除 解除d.

At most, two or three.

But.

"There are a total of seven."

"What… did you say?"

Ricky Hallis asked back with an expression as if she doubted her ears.

"There are seven. Skills that need to be解除 解除d."

When Taehyun said it casually, she stopped walking, speechless.

"Seriously… How many skills do you have…?"

"It's a trade secret. Is it possible?"

"Jesus… It'll take all night to cancel seven."

"There's no need to rush. Time is on our side."

Smile.

Taehyun smiled with a friendly expression.

He was going to concentrate on regaining his skills for the time being, so there would be no need to get involved separately.

"Well, good. First, let's go back to Beijing and find a good place."

"As for the place, I have a place in mind..."

Before Taehyun could finish speaking.

KWAANG!

Chairman Zheng blocked their path at an incredible speed.

"There... stop..."

He spat out with a blood-boiling voice.

It was a side effect of forcing his body to move by exploding skills.

"Huh... I should have broken his neck."

She frowned as if she had seen something unpleasant.

"Heh... Hehehe... Were you trying to escape from me..."

"Oh dear. He hasn't come to his senses yet."

Green mana gathered on Ricky Hallis's index finger.

It was a mana bullet made by applying a skill.

Phew.

The mana bullet that was shot out cut off one of Chairman Zheng's arms like a flash of light.

"Kehak... Khaak... Hehehe..."

"Oh, really. I hate persistent men."

She fired a mana bullet again.

Phew.

Chairman Zheng's remaining arm was cut off.

Nevertheless, he burst into maniacal laughter instead of screaming.

"What, is he crazy?"

As she said that and tried to shoot the third mana bullet.

Kugugugugung.

The research institute began to shake.

'This is...'

An unusual mana wave was felt from the center of the research institute.

It was similar in size to when the uncaptured dungeons in Russia and Japan broke twice so far.

"Good... Keuluk... The time... has come..."

Chairman Zheng chuckled, spitting blood.

"You. What have you done?"

"I'm going to send you away…kheuk… like this …kkheuk..."

"It's a disaster."

Taehyun, who was the first to grasp the situation, muttered.

"Kheuk... Kim Taehyun... It's something you brought on yourself... If it wasn't for you... the great power would be... keuluk..."

Chairman Zheng spat blood again.

His words could not be continued until the end.

Poong.

Because the third mana bullet that flew from Ricky Hallis's hand blew his head off.

"Damn it. I should have done this sooner. I'm too soft."

"Let's get out of here quickly. It seems that the dungeon has broken."

She sighed as if she understood the situation.

"Haa... Then let's use the scroll here in a hurry."

She took out a scroll from her bosom.

Tear.

"......"

"......"

Normally, the warp gate registered in the skill should appear.

But nothing happened.

"Is it defective?"

"It's not that..."

Regardless of Taehyun's question, she had an unbelievable expression.

It was because of the message that appeared in front of her.

[Skill Warp Gate (S) Scroll has been used. Scroll use is canceled. It cannot be used in the dungeon.]

"No way. This is a dungeon...?"

Then someone's voice was heard in Taehyun's head.

[Where are you going? Grand Duke Contractor.]

It was the language of the monster that he had heard in a long time.

Okay, here's the translation of Chapter 140:

Chapter 140

American Player Association, Chairman's Office.

A man whom even the President needs an appointment to meet.

Kevin Lee, Chairman of the American Player Association.

He was receiving a guest in his office.

The name of the man boasting a massive build was Ian Hawkes.

He was the United States Secretary of Defense.

He took a sip of coffee and opened his mouth.

"I've decided to run for the next presidential election."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you. I'd like you to take over for me, as we discussed before."

Ian Hawkes said in a soft tone.

This was the reason why the Secretary of Defense himself had visited this place.

"I still have a lot to do. There are many talented people who can replace you, Secretary."

"I know your thoughts well. 'The power of the Player Association symbolizes the national power of that country'. You still believe that, don't you? Or am I wrong?"

"......"

Ian Hawkes seemed determined and did not back down easily this time.

"But the strongest deterrent force is still military power. It's soldiers, not players, who wage war."

"I know."

Chairman Kevin Lee answered calmly.

Players were originally called explorers.

A group of ability users who explore the Abyss and deal with monsters.

That group expanded in size at some point and formed the group that they are now.

Brandishing each country's war prevention laws.

There were regulations such as 'Those who have obtained a player license cannot serve in the military', and 'Awakened individuals of A-grade or higher cannot serve in the military', but...

A law that cannot be enforced becomes null and void.

It had somehow been adhered to until now, but...

China's recent conduct of the unification war with players was decisive.

In particular, countries like Russia and Japan, which lost a significant number of players, were already showing movements to integrate military personnel and players.

The stage for seizing the next hegemony of the world was beginning.

That was why Ian Hawkes was recommending Kevin Lee as the next Secretary of Defense.

The United States is currently the world's number one superpower in terms of both military power and player power.

Integration was essential to maintain the hegemony they currently held in the next era.

What if the current Secretary of Defense becomes President, and Player Association Chairman Kevin Lee becomes the next Secretary of Defense?

No one would be able to challenge the hegemony of the United States.

'Even if the countries called world powers join forces.'

Thinking that far, a smile spread across Ian Hawkes' face.

It was a future he could obtain if he could persuade Chairman Kevin Lee here.

"As I said before, I'll think about it a little more."

Chairman Kevin Lee postponed giving an immediate answer.

He was also a man who had lived as a player to the bone.

He knew what kind of impact his actions would have.

"I understand. I'll wait for a good answer."

"......"

"By the way, how is the situation in Asia? I've been hearing about it... I've been getting troubling reports from China."

"Are you talking about Guangzhou?"

"The President is too soft-hearted. To think that economic sanctions can stop their greed."

Ian Hawkes was a radical who argued that the current government's sanctions were weak.

"We have currently dispatched Ricky Hallas."

"She'll find something out."

"I can only hope so."

"I'll be going now."

Just as he rose from his seat and Kevin Lee was about to see him off...

"Chairman! Something terrible has happened!!"

The eyes of the two men turned to the man who had entered without knocking.

He was the man in charge of the dungeons and gates that had occurred in the United States.

He belatedly realized that Ian Hawkes was there and wore a flustered expression.

"It's alright. What's wrong?"

"That's... a magical power surge on the scale of a dungeon break has been detected in Guangzhou, China."

"Guangzhou... is it an uncaptured dungeon?"

"Yes. But the strange thing is... even though it broke, there's no trace of monsters on the observer."

"Does that mean...?"

"It seems to be a new type of break. It is presumed to be a 'dungeon expansion', which has not yet been reported."

Chairman Kevin Lee immediately attempted to call Ricky Hallas.

The connection failed.

He immediately connected to the secretariat.

"Who is the closest national-level power to Guangzhou right now?"

[It's Montel Jackson.]

He informed them that he was in Shanghai on intelligence activities. Montel Jackson is an American national-level player ranked 5th.

"Have Montel Jackson sent to Guangzhou. I'll give detailed instructions soon."

[Understood.]

He put down the receiver and shook his head at the Secretary of Defense, who was looking at him.

"I won't be able to see you off."

"Hmm... I see."

Ian Hawkes, realizing the seriousness of the situation, left the chairman's office as it was.

Chairman Kevin Lee watched his back and sighed.

Now was the time to deal with monsters, not humans.

Taehyun frowned at the voice he heard in his head.

The language of monsters.

It wasn't the first time a monster had spoken to him, but...

'Where is it talking from?'

It was difficult to pinpoint the location of this one.

This was the first time Taehyun had experienced this kind of telepathy.

"What's wrong? Let's get out of here quickly. We have one more warp scroll, so it's okay."

"It's too late. If it's become a dungeon, the exit will be different from the original."

"......"

Ricky Hallas had not yet realized the reality.

She thought that the message that had appeared earlier was an error.

But Taehyun thought differently.

'Dungeon expansion. Could there have been signs of that here?'

In his previous life, the uncaptured Guangzhou dungeon eventually broke.

But at that time, China's power had not weakened as it had now, so media control was possible.

They released a lot of false information, and it was not easy for people around the world to distinguish what was true.

'Uncontrolled variables also threaten vested interests. The concept of dungeon expansion is a phenomenon that will appear several years later.'

He was once again impressed by Chairman Zheng's determination.

The potion Taehyun threw into the gate only lured monsters.

It did not have the power to break or expand the dungeon.

The only way the situation could have come about was if Chairman Zheng had activated a separate device.

'To do something like this even at the cost of his life. Did he hate us that much?'

Taehyun realized how high his pride was.

Then.

Kwaang.

Ricky Hallas hit the wall with her fist.

It was not a barrier wall, but an ordinary wall.

Originally, it should have cracked or broken, but...

"Ouch. Why is this so hard?"

The building wall did not seem to have any impact.

'There's not enough time to explain.'

Taehyun decided to show her directly.

That they had entered an uncaptured dungeon.

Ting.

[The skill Blood Rampage (AA) has been activated. The body is activated.]

Kwarara.

Crimson magic bloomed.

Kwang. Kwang. Kwang.

Taehyun, who had become strength 250, continuously swung his fists, and the wall could not withstand it and collapsed.

And.

Ss sss sst.

The broken wall began to be restored along with the gray magic.

It was an effect of the dungeon, which held immense magical power.

"......"

Only then did Ricky Hallas realize the reality.

The first dungeon expansion.

She even stepped into an uncaptured dungeon without proper preparation.

"Let's look for the entrance first."

Taehyun said, taking the lead without further explanation.

Then, once again, the monster's voice was heard.

[Come here. Contractor of the Archduke. You cannot escape from me.]

"What's wrong?"

"...It's nothing."

Ignoring the words he heard in his head, the two turned back the way they had come.

The two were rummaging through the Guangzhou Research Institute.

It was Taehyun and Ricky Hallas.

"They built it unnecessarily wide."

"You said it was a great facility at one point."

"Hmph. That was just a formality."

Looking at Ricky Hallas making a prim expression that was not suitable for her age, a chuckle came out.

"Instead of that, how about we exchange information?"

She knew that what Taehyun was saying was about skills.

It was also an essential act that was usually done before entering a dungeon.

"Well, okay. You know that it's forbidden to tell the other guys, right?"

"I agree."

"Want to go first?"

"Ladies first."

Ricky Hallas chuckled and took out her card first.

It was the moment when her skills, which had been shrouded in mystery until now, were revealed.

There were a total of three skills, and unbelievably, all three were S-rank.

S-rank skill Canceler.

S-rank skill Energy Compose.

S-rank skill Energy Drain.

All Taehyun wanted was the first skill, 'Canceler'.

But the other two skills were also amazing.

'Energy Compose is the technique that blew Chairman Zheng's head off earlier. It's a technique to transform magic power into shape and handle it as you please.'

Similarly, 'Energy Drain' would be the skill that rendered hundreds of Chinese players and researchers helpless.

A skill whose power can be maximized as much as possible depending on the user's proficiency.

It seemed that Ricky Hallas had already reached that level.

"Amazing. You really deserve to be called the best magician."

"Now it's your turn."

Ricky Hallas asked, her eyes sparkling.

Taehyun's abilities, which even Michael Gohr had not been able to figure out properly.

It was an opportunity to hear those skills directly.

But Taehyun did not intend to tell her all the skills right now.

"I only have two skills that I can use at the moment."

Taehyun told her about 'Eyes of the Beast' and 'Blood Rampage'.

"Both of them are buff types?"

"Unfortunately, the remaining skills are sealed."

She remembered that Taehyun had asked to unlock seven skills.

"Then the total number of skills is... nine? Jesus...."

There would be no need to ask about the grades.

He had already shown enough power through the friendly match and the battle with Kentamion.

'He said he was growth-type... but this is not a level that can be defined as such?'

She was already interested in Taehyun.

But now that she learned that each of the nine skills corresponded to S-rank skills...

'I have to make him on our side no matter what.'

She instinctively felt that way.

After running for about a minute more.

The two stopped at the same time.

"Oh dear."

"Wow."

What blocked the way were the Chinese players and Guangzhou Research Institute employees that she had subdued.

They were not monsters. But they could no longer be called human.

"I saved them, but I ended up making them more miserable."

She clicked her tongue and gazed at the approaching enemies with slow steps.

Even though she had clearly made them unable to recover with 'Energy Drain'.

They were approaching the two with gray spots on their bodies.

"It's terrible."

"There's synergy, so I'll take care of it."

She activated the skill without any hesitation.

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