RKP 141-150

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Episode 141

The skill Riki Halis used was 'Energy Compose'.

Kwaaaa.

A green mana orb was created in her hand.

Instantly, an amount of mana equivalent to an intermediate S-rank player gathered.

'As expected of Riki Halis. Her control is stable.'

Even though she was directly controlling the skill to gather mana, she didn't seem to be struggling.

This meant she not only had confidence in her control but also a surplus of mana.

'Her mana stat might be higher than mine.'

While Taehyun was thinking this, the mana orb was already concentrated to the level of a high-tier S-rank player.

Ttaak.

She flicked her finger.

"God bless you."

The green orb flew quickly.

And.

Kiiiiing.

The mana bullet, which had plunged into the midst of the infected humans, began to rotate.

Those touched by the encroaching mana disappeared without even screaming.

It didn't take even 30 seconds for the lives of hundreds to be evaporated.

Taehyun, who had been watching the scene calmly, opened his mouth.

"You learn quickly."

It was praise for her, who had annihilated them without leaving behind even a limb.

"Parasite. The Monster Management Bureau will be busy."

"They might be happy about the discovery of a new monster."

The official organization that records the characteristics of monsters, the 'Monster Management Bureau'.

Taehyun was sure.

They would welcome the appearance of the Parasite more than mourn the victims.

'Well, that's how it was in my past life too.'

"If that's the case, then that's good. More than that."

"......?"

"You're not going to tell me about the other skills? I'm showing you my hand without holding back."

She pouted.

She thought Taehyun didn't trust her yet.

'This woman has a childish side too.'

Taehyun chuckled at the face of Yoo Ah-young that unconsciously came to mind.

Still, there was no need to upset her here.

You can't erase a thousand-nyang debt with just one word, but at least it would be easier to aim for benefits in future relationships.

"They're skills you can't use right now anyway. They're also skills you'll learn once the deconstruction process begins."

"Hmph. I feel like I'm at a loss."

"It's just a feeling."

Taehyun said this and started moving again.

He had to find the exit and get out of the dungeon quickly.

'The risk of facing Venom is too great.'

Even with Riki Halis, the compatibility was not good.

He thought this and took a step.

Poook.

"......!!"

It was an instinctive reaction.

When he turned his head, Riki Halis was there, her chest pierced.

She, too, seemed unable to believe what had happened to her, wearing a bewildered expression.

"Cough..."

She spat out a mouthful of blood.

The hand of a man who shouldn't be alive was stuck through her chest.

Taehyun belatedly swung his fist at the man.

Swoosh.

The man pulled his hand out and retreated back.

'Fast.'

Taehyun followed the man, who exceeded his speed, with his eyes.

There was the red-eyed Chairman Jung of the Association.

"You... how are you alive?"

His head had clearly flown off.

That was an instant death that even the Saintess's 'Hyper Regeneration' couldn't heal.

"Kim Taehyun. Finally, I get to see your surprised face."

Chairman Jung said with a sinister smile.

"Cough... Cough..."

Riki Halis began to vomit blood.

Keeping his gaze fixed on Chairman Jung, Taehyun quickly took out the highest-grade healing potion.

Glug, glug, glug.

He poured half into her mouth and half onto her chest.

'The wound is deep.'

She had overwhelming magic stats, but her physical abilities were relatively low.

She couldn't have properly defended against an attack that even Taehyun hadn't fully recognized.

That was why a single attack had resulted in a severe injury.

She forced her mouth to move.

"In my pocket... scroll..."

Taehyun searched her pocket.

Several mini scrolls came out.

Among them was a healing scroll.

Tear.

As soon as he tore the scroll and designated the target, a cluster of pure white light enveloped her body.

'A-grade healing scroll. But it's not enough.'

If it were a normal penetrating wound, this would be enough.

However, Chairman Jung's mana remaining in her body was pushing back the scroll's mana.

It would be an immediate emergency treatment.

To receive proper treatment, it seemed that intensive treatment from a top-notch healer was necessary.

"Oh my. You had a scroll?"

Chairman Jung chuckled as he watched the scene.

He knew it too.

Unless he brought a healer.

That her condition would not improve.

Taehyun got up and began to draw in mana.

Through his torn clothes, his fully regenerated limbs could be seen.

"How did you recover?"

"Hehe. Does that matter? I've been resurrected."

Chairman Jung took a stance.

The 4th Form of Ancient Chinese Martial Arts. Seon Gyeong.

"You'll just die here."

At the same time, his fist was unleashed.

Kwaang.

Taehyun narrowly blocked Seon Gyeong.

'Fast.'

Ancient Chinese martial arts.

If he hadn't known the movement called Seon Gyeong, he wouldn't have been able to block it.

'It's not a skill rampage.'

Tremble, tremble.

Taehyun pushed back the fist that was trying to press down with force.

Their eyes met.

Red eyes that a human shouldn't have.

He had the eyes that symbolized a monster.

'So that's what it was.'

There wasn't much time to think.

Ting.

[The skill Blood Rampage (AA) has been activated. The body is activated.]

A familiar message window appeared as crimson mana bloomed.

[A great power awakens. Strength increases. Strength is now 250.]

[A great power awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina is now 250.]

[A great power awakens. Speed increases. Speed is now 250.]

[A great power awakens. Mana increases. Mana is now 300.]

[The overlapping effect of the skill Monster's Eye (AA) and Blood Rampage (AA) has been activated.]

[The skill Monster's Eye (AA) has been activated.]

[The skill Monster's Eye (AA) temporarily transforms into Eye of the Higher Race (AA).]

The movement of mana flowing through his body.

In Taehyun's eyes, Chairman Jung's body looked like it was being viewed by a thermal imaging camera.

Unlike before, gray mana was flowing.

A sinister and thick mana that couldn't be called human.

It wasn't hard to tell that the source of that power wasn't human.

Crack.

Taehyun, whose physical abilities had increased, broke Chairman Jung's fist.

At the same time.

Kwaaang.

With Chon Gyeong, he sent his body flying and tore out one of his arms.

"Cough... Keuk... "

Chairman Jung wiped the blood from his mouth and got up.

Crimson mana and red eyes that surpassed his gray mana.

"Those eyes... so that's how it is."

He began to chuckle.

"What's so funny?"

Taehyun took a stance for the next attack.

He was going to protect Riki Halis while she took at least minimal stability.

She was using green mana to improve her body's condition.

With her mana control.

'Two minutes. I just need to buy that much time.'

Chairman Jung didn't particularly stop Taehyun's actions.

Instead, he asked a question he had always been curious about.

"Kim Taehyun. You've made a contract with a Grand Duke."

"What?"

"Hehe. There's no need to hide it. I also know that fact."

"......"

He took Taehyun's silence as affirmation.

The Grand Dukes who rule the Abyss.

There was no way the chairman of the Chinese Players Association wouldn't know of their existence.

Likewise, he knew that Jang Linpeng had made a contract with one of them without his knowledge.

After all, famous swords are difficult to handle.

Chairman Jung understood Jang Linpeng's deviation.

That Jang Linpeng died at Kim Taehyun's hands.

Naturally, it was a situation where he couldn't help but suspect Taehyun was also a 'Grand Duke Contractor'.

Gray mana flowed from Chairman Jung's body.

And.

Kwaddeudeudeu.

The pulled arm was restored to its original state.

It was a recovery power different from 'Hyper Regeneration'.

Taehyun calmly watched the scene.

"You're not surprised. Then you must know how I got this power?"

"You must have conducted a flawed monsterization experiment. Judging by the regenerative ability, it seems like Parasite's mana."

"Hmph. Does Shin Korea know that much?"

Since he didn't know that Taehyun had regressed, he seemed to think it was Shin Korea's intelligence.

He wasn't going to hide it anymore.

"Yes. I am also a successful product of the monsterization experiment. It's an amazing power. Not only does it break through walls at once, but it's still getting stronger. With imperfect power... this is what it is!!"

He burst into mad laughter.

Boasting about his power that he wouldn't normally do.

Taehyun sensed that the mana flowing through his body was gradually driving him crazy.

'The monsterization experiment couldn't have been completely successful at this time.'

Unconsciously, he made a bitter expression.

The price for coveting the power of a monster couldn't be good.

Chairman Jung read that thought.

"Risk? That's nothing."

He moved his reattached arm and clenched his fist.

Kooooo.

Gray mana poured out from his entire body.

'At least all stats are 230. And it's still rising.'

"I had to choose. In order to overcome the giant mountain called America. And I decided. To accept the cursed power into this chosen body."

"You're unusually talkative. You're even doing grand rationalization."

"Do you want to laugh at me?"

"No."

Taehyun shook his head.

"Hoo. Why?"

Chairman Jung asked, as if surprised.

In his past life, Taehyun had wanted to awaken more than anyone else.

He had worked harder than anyone else.

That's why he knew.

The powerlessness, the weakness, the despair of not having power.

"Because I, too, yearned for power more than anyone else."

"Unexpected. For those words to come out of Kim Taehyun's mouth."

He thought he was a naive brat.

Now, that guy says he understands him.

'If so.'

Then, the alliance he had proposed to Riki Halis might also be possible?

Chairman Jung moved his mouth, which had now completely turned gray.

"Kim Taehyun, ally with m..."

Before he could finish speaking, Taehyun flicked his fingers.

"Don't misunderstand. It doesn't mean I'm going to associate with you."

Chairman Jung.

He already had some of the most powerful strength in the world.

Unlike Taehyun in his past life, he had obtained and controlled everything.

The reason he wanted even greater power.

It was only a personal desire, and only to achieve his goals under the guise of a great cause.

Even if that was a power obtained by taking the lives of others.

Taehyun didn't like that point.

He had crossed the line that should be kept as a human being.

"Don't test my patience. This is my final offer."

Chairman Jung's red eyes flashed.

Unlike Taehyun.

He was now a figure who was hard to call human.

"Join hands with me. You and I. With 'our' power, even America can't do anything. Riki Halis? A national power of America? If we join hands, they're just mayflies. Come on."

He reached out his perfectly healed hand towards Taehyun.

"The next era will be occupied by us Asians. We'll hold the world in our hands. Take my hand, Kim Taehyun."

It was as if a snake was whispering in his ear.

There wasn't much time to think.

Step. Step.

Taehyun, who approached, took his hand.

A smile was drawn on Chairman Jung's face.

"Good thinkin... Hmm?"

Chairman Jung frowned at the increasingly stronger grip.

"What... does this mean?"

"You. There's one thing you're mistaken about."

Crack. Crack.

Taehyun put strength into the hand he was holding.

"I never trust a person who backstabs me."

Kwaang.

Strength and speed stats reaching 250.

Taehyun's fist accurately struck Chairman Jung's face.

Kwaaang!!

"Well, it doesn't seem like you're human anymore, though."

Looking at the man who had given up being human and Riki Halis, who had overcome the crisis.

Taehyun prepared for the next attack.

"Haa..."

Ricky Hallis, having overcome the crisis, let out a small sigh.

Green magic was seeping into her body, preventing further damage to her organs.

It was an emergency measure she could take thanks to her 'Energy Drain' skill and her excellent magic control.

'Damn it. How did I get into this mess?'

Although she was a magician class, her physical stats weren't low.

'Foolishly... was I careless?'

Even considering that, the fact that she allowed a surprise attack meant that the opponent's speed stat was at least over 220.

According to the information, Chairman Zheng didn't possess that level of ability.

'But why...'

She watched the battle unfolding before her and sighed once more.

Kwaang. Kwaang. Kwaaang.

A battle at a speed difficult to follow with the eye was continuing.

It wasn't just speed, either.

Taehyun and Chairman Zheng were exchanging attacks and defenses with movements she found hard to comprehend.

Kwaang.

Chairman Zheng threw a punch, and Taehyun twisted his arms to block it.

Simultaneously, Taehyun's straight punch landed at point-blank range.

'That's... martial arts...?'

Several pieces of information flashed through her mind.

Before the current era where skills and ranks were idolized.

Humans used to train their bodies to exert strength comparable to low-level skills.

That hasn't changed much in the current era either.

Physical ability awakeners can increase their physical abilities through training or martial arts practice.

There are various martial arts, including well-known general martial arts and more difficult-to-learn traditional martial arts.

But what practitioners want most is ancient martial arts, passed down only to a few successors.

Secret arts that add more lethality than ordinary martial arts, to the point where it's said that non-awakeners can rival intermediate players.

She recalled information that Chairman Zheng was a practitioner of Chinese ancient martial arts.

Also, that Taehyun used some unique martial arts, including Shinhan traditional martial arts.

The movements of Chairman Zheng and Taehyun, exchanging attacks and defenses, were strangely similar.

'How does that guy even know that?'

Taehyun is one of the best in the world with the abilities he has.

But to use even the ancient martial arts of other countries, which takes more than ten years to learn properly.

Not knowing about his past life, she couldn't help but be puzzled.

'This is not the time for me to be like this.'

Ricky Hallis focused on her body again.

She was using magic to prevent organ damage from progressing, but.

'Recovery is slower than I thought.'

The evil energy imbued in Chairman Zheng's attack was the cause.

Even with her 320 magic power, this was her limit.

The only skills she could use in her current state were 'Canceler' and 'Energy Drain'.

It seemed unlikely she could directly influence the battle.

'In this case... is there no other choice?'

Just as she was about to open her status window to check her magic power.

Chairman Zheng lunged at her, aiming for her neck.

And.

Kwaaang!!

He was instantly knocked away by Taehyun's kick, which had blocked him.

"Are you alright?"

Taehyun asked casually, watching the front.

If he had been a little late, her neck would have been severed.

Her expression hardened as she belatedly grasped the situation.

"I'm... okay."

"You're more troublesome than I thought. Unless you destroy the heart and the magic stone located next to it simultaneously, you'll regenerate endlessly."

Taehyun said, watching Chairman Zheng get up.

"Kim Taehyun. After dealing with that guy, what are the chances of us getting out of here?"

Taehyun glanced at her.

He could tell that she couldn't use combat skills that would burden her body.

He also couldn't maintain 'Blood Frenzy' for long.

"It depends on what kind of power the Gray Plague's Venom has."

"......"

"Let's take him down first and then talk."

Taehyun was about to rush out again.

Because Chairman Zheng was rapidly regenerating his broken body.

"Wait a moment. I'm going to use 'Canceler' now."

Since that was the situation.

Taehyun didn't ask why.

"...Is it possible while moving?"

"Just stay still until the marking is finished."

Ricky Hallis reached out her hand to Taehyun.

The skill was used.

Tting.

[Skill Canceler(S) has been activated. Searching for the target. Seven skills have been identified. Estimated time: 29 hours 57 minutes 59 seconds.]

She could解除 the oath of the Awakened in an hour.

But 30 hours?

'What skill did I get hit by?'

"How is it?"

Taehyun asked cautiously, seeing her unpleasant expression.

Chairman Zheng, who had already recovered his body, was preparing for the next attack.

"It takes 30 hours... to cancel them all."

"......"

It was within the range she had somewhat expected.

"What if I cancel just one?"

She was a woman counted among the best magicians.

She had more magic power than him, if not less.

So, if she used all of her magic power to cancel one skill?

'Of course, the time will be much shorter.'

Ricky Hallis frowned.

After a moment, having finished her calculations, she spoke again.

"It's 2 hours. And after that, there's a risk that I won't be able to cancel other skills for at least a day."

As expected.

"Well, it's not the worst situation."

"Which skill do you need?"

One of the seven skills.

A skill that can reliably overwhelm any enemy, while putting minimal strain on the body.

The answer was already decided.

"Then, I ask you to."

After asking her to cancel the skill.

Taehyun engaged in a new exchange with Chairman Zheng.

'Predation, huh...'

The remaining her took out a magic potion from her pocket.

'I don't know what skill it is... but I have to trust him.'

Feeling the rapidly rising magic power, she began the cancellation process.

Kwaang.

Chairman Zheng was once again slammed into the wall by Taehyun's attack.

"Keuh..."

Before he could even groan and get up.

Taehyun's next attack came flying.

Chinese Ancient Martial Art, 5th Form.

Penetrating Force.

Even though he blocked with both arms.

Kwaddeuk!!

"......!!"

He could tell that his bones were broken in an instant.

Following that, Taehyun's kick struck his head.

Kwaang!!

It was a shock that made him feel like his mind was flying away.

If he hadn't activated the monster's blood, it was clear that he would have died once again, such was the power.

Before long, his broken bones and damaged organs were rapidly recovering.

Due to the gray magic power seething within him.

'Why... why am I still being pushed back...'

Eudeudeuk. Eudeudeudeuk.

Chairman Zheng shook his head violently, as if he couldn't believe it.

He opened his status window.

Strength 240. Stamina 240. Speed 240. Magic Power 240.

All stats 240.

Stats he had only dreamed of.

Yet he was still being pushed back little by little against Kim Taehyun before him.

'Are that guy's stats... higher than mine...?'

What kind of joke was this?

Moreover, the martial arts that Taehyun was using were the same Chinese ancient martial arts that he had trained in.

It's not a move you can imitate just by seeing it once or twice.

If you imitated it poorly, you could fall into magic power backflow and live your whole life as an invalid.

Yet Taehyun was using it without any problem, or rather, in a new form.

Talent? Genius? National level power? Great Contractee?

No. It wasn't a realm that could be understood with such things.

"This... this... it can't be happening...!!"

Chairman Zheng shouted and charged once again.

At the same time.

Kwaang!!!

Chinese Ancient Martial Art, 6th Form.

Mystical Force struck his chest.

Chairman Zheng's body floated into the air like a kite with a severed string.

'Why... even though I accepted the power of the monster... why... can't I reach him...'

The Parasite is a monster with a rank of S+.

He accepted the magic power of such a being and gave up being human.

Molting.

No. He succeeded in evolving into a new species.

Yet he was being pushed back by that arrogant brat.

Should he have injected more magic power?

Did he need more time to adapt to this power?

That wasn't it either.

Several questions and answers crossed his mind.

It didn't take long to come to a solution.

'I need the magic power of a stronger monster.'

The dungeonized Guangzhou Research Institute.

The owner of the dungeon that must be somewhere in this place.

The Gray Plague's Venom.

'I need that guy's power. But how...'

Just as Chairman Zheng was yearning for an existence he didn't even know the face of.

Sararak.

[Do you desire power?]

'......!!'

An unexpected voice rang in his head.

A language he had never heard before.

Yet he could understand it.

Instinctively, he realized that the voice in his head was that of a monster.

Once again.

The voice rang in his head.

[Do you desire power?]

He didn't think long.

'I want it... a power that's stronger than now... a power that can kill Kim Taehyun...!!'

[Then accept me. Hand over that body to me.]

'If I can become stronger... I'll do anything!!'

There was no need to hesitate about the method.

With just a thought, the gray magic power scattered throughout the research institute gathered.

"......!!"

Taehyun, who was aiming for a follow-up attack, quickly retreated at the sudden situation.

The magic power of Chairman Zheng, which had stopped growing, was rising again.

And at a steeper rate than he had imagined.

"This is crazy."

He was already having a headache because of the regenerating ability.

If he got stronger here, it was obvious that even aiming for that would become difficult.

'It's an ominous power.'

Yet there was nothing he could do right now.

He took out a magic potion and a fatigue potion from his belt and drank them while watching the situation.

It had only been 10 seconds since he was enveloped in the magic power that had gathered from all directions.

But the appearance that had been revealed was completely different from before.

"This is a bit too much."

It wasn't like the gray spots that were characteristic of Parasite infection.

A body that seemed twice as big.

Disgusting antennae growing on his head.

Two pairs of wings of unknown origin sprouting from his back.

Above all, the saliva that flowed down from his gaping mouth.

Chi-eek.

It was nonchalantly melting the dungeonized floor.

"This is a bit too much."

Taehyun took a step back, watching Chairman Zheng, who had become a complete monster.

"Kim... Tae... Hyun..."

Chairman Zheng grabbed onto his fading consciousness and took a step forward.

Kwajik.

The floor caved in to match his increased size.

"Give... me... your... body..."

Kwajik.

His eyes began to tremble as he took another step.

Jjwaak.

Crimson eyes.

Within them, yellow eyes reminiscent of insects were newly opened.

[Finally, a body worth using has appeared.]

"......!!"

The monster's language.

A monster that could no longer be called Chairman Zheng opened its mouth, looking at Taehyun.

The monster began to touch various parts of its body with its clawed hands.

Then, as if satisfied, it turned its gaze back to Taehyun.

[Didn't I tell you? To come and find me.]

"What... what are you..."

At Taehyun's words, the monster tilted its head.

1 second or 0.5 seconds.

The moment it took the monster to ponder was very fleeting.

[I see. You're asking for my name.]

Kwajik.

The monster took another step towards Taehyun.

Suddenly, it began to laugh, revealing its hideous teeth.

[You humans call me Venom.]

"......!!"

[Venom of the Gray Plague. Not a bad name.]

Centered on the monster.

The magic power of an SS-rank monster exploded.

Chapter 143

Venom of the Gray Plague

An evil energy, almost like demonic power, poured out from its body.

A power that ordinary players couldn't withstand.

It was unrefined magic, like when Taehyun used 'Devour' and 'Blood Frenzy'.

I couldn't help but ask.

"President Jungz, what did you do to it?"

[Jungz. Is that the name of the one who possessed this body?]

Venom mumbled, resting a hand on his chin that could no longer be called human.

Just like Kentamion.

He was trying to act based on the knowledge gained from possessing a human body.

The imitation didn't last long.

He grinned.

"I ate him."

Venom replied, revealing horribly grown teeth.

It was the exact same voice as President Jungz.

"That's... unfortunate."

Taehyun clicked his tongue and muttered.

He was being sincere.

It kept regenerating and wouldn't die from most attacks.

'It's tricky, but if I had a little more time, I could have subdued it.'

It wasn't a bad opponent for Taehyun, either in terms of compatibility or stats.

Conversely, I felt a different kind of pressure from the guy in front of me now.

'Its stats are higher than mine when I use Blood Frenzy…'

Instinctively, my whole body tingled.

"Why are you so afraid? Contractor of the Archduke."

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

"Are you still trying to deceive me?"

Venom raised a grotesque hand and pointed at Taehyun's body.

"That crimson magic flowing through that body. Isn't it that of Archduke Igmun? Also."

The grotesque hand moved towards Taehyun's eyes.

"I can sense the power of a higher being, like myself, in those eyes."

"……."

"Did you think I wouldn't know? Or..."

Venom's yellow eyes landed on Riki Hallis behind Taehyun.

He grinned again.

The corners of his mouth lifted.

[Are you afraid that this human will find out? Hybrid.]

"……."

Ignoring his words.

Taehyun retreated towards Riki Hallis.

"Kim Taehyun. That guy… could it be…?"

"It's Venom. This is the worst-case scenario."

A monster vaguely assigned an SS-rank because China hadn't released proper information.

Now that I was facing him, I could tell for sure.

Taehyun with his main skill sealed and Riki Hallis injured.

They were not an existence that the two of them could handle alone.

Riki Hallis gritted her teeth.

At this rate, she would die a dog's death.

No, maybe she would suffer the humiliating fate of becoming the monster's host.

'I'm useless… but if it's just this guy alone, he might still be able to escape.'

She looked up at Taehyun standing in front of her.

He had predicted her death here.

Even if he abandoned her.

She didn't have the strength or justification left to stop him.

It was her fault for not believing Kim Taehyun and making the situation this bad.

'Damn it. Am I going to die here…?'

It was a futile end for someone of America's national power level.

Above all, she was sorry that she couldn't inform President Kevin Lee of the current situation.

'I still have to get at least this guy out…'

As she was thinking that.

"Can you move?"

Taehyun asked, his eyes fixed on Venom.

"……?"

"With your current condition, you can handle most enemies."

"What… are you saying?"

"I'm saying I'll buy you time. I can't hold out for long."

With that, Taehyun rushed towards Venom.

The scenario for the future was drawn in his head.

'If I lose Riki Hallis here, unlocking the skill will fall back into the labyrinth.'

It was best to risk it and block Venom himself.

'Of course, this scenario is only possible if I can get out of here.'

Clang.

Just before Taehyun's fist reached Venom's face.

He raised a hand and blocked Taehyun's fist.

Tzzzzzzzz.

Aside from being pushed back by the recoil, he didn't seem to have suffered any shock.

"Is this all you can do with the Archduke's power…."

Clang.

Taehyun's other hand struck Venom.

Another roar echoed around the area.

Chinese Ancient Martial Arts First Form. Discharging Power.

Caught off guard, Venom flew away and crashed into the wall.

"I miss Reddick at times like these."

Taehyun shook his numb hand and regained his stance.

He thought he should look into new items if he got out of here.

"Fun…."

The moment Venom raised his body.

Bang.

Taehyun, who had been watching his movements, landed a Penetration Strike.

Venom crashed into the wall once again.

"Aren't you gone yet?"

Taehyun glanced back at Riki Hallis and asked.

"If I move away from here now… I can't unlock the skill."

"It's okay. Let's hope for the future."

He said that because he didn't think it was time to wait any longer for the skill to be unlocked.

But.

"No. I'm not okay."

"……?"

"Hold on, Kim Taehyun. That Devour skill. I'll unlock it somehow."

Magic soared from Riki Hallis' body once again.

Ding.

[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been activated. Searching for a target.]

Her magic flowed into the research lab.

About 10 seconds passed.

Magic reached the survivors nearby.

[135 targets have been identified. Magic consumption is accelerating.]

Hwaaaak.

S-rank skill 'Energy Drain'.

Her mastered skill dug into the bodies of others and extracted magic.

"Cough…."

Blood flowed from the corner of her mouth.

It was a reaction from using the skill forcefully.

It was when Taehyun was about to stop her.

"Not yet. Almost there."

Hwaaaak.

Her body emitted a significant amount of magic once again.

She turned the magic she was using to maintain her physical condition into skill unlocking.

Drip.

She wiped away the flowing blood and concentrated.

You could see that the skill unlock time was shortened at once.

"20 minutes. Hold on somehow."

"Well, that's an offer I can't refuse."

Taehyun took out a fatigue potion from his belt.

'20 minutes… it'll be close.'

High risk, high return.

'Blood Frenzy' is not a simple buff skill.

Like the skill 'Man of the Queen'.

Considerable pain and stamina consumption follow.

It was less painful than when maintaining Rosaria's summons, but it wasn't a skill that could be maintained for a long time.

'If you think about it, the risk of Devour is not insignificant, either.'

A sigh came out on its own when he thought of the Doppelganger who caused the current situation.

It felt like he had become a risk-filled lump rolling only on a thorny path.

'First, I'll do everything I can.'

He focused on controlling his magic.

The crimson magic that now felt familiar concentrated on his arms and legs.

It was good enough as a temporary measure to increase reaction speed.

"Is the joke. over?"

As if the attack from before had had no impact.

Venom asked as he nonchalantly raised his body.

'Even with 250 strength, there's no damage. He's a real monster.'

Spot.

In an instant, Taehyun's figure disappeared.

Clang.

Chinese Ancient Martial Arts Sixth Form. Mythical Transformation.

A fist wrapped in crimson magic struck him once again.

President Jungz.

No, if you express Venom's martial power in stats, it seemed to be at least 260.

It was 10 higher than Taehyun's strength, stamina, and speed when using 'Blood Frenzy'.

On top of that, his insect-like body.

Unlike the monsters he had encountered so far, it allowed for more dynamic movements.

He used his wings to close and open the distance in an instant, and he spewed acidic liquid from his mouth.

The sharply grown teeth and nails were like unique-grade swords.

He was a more difficult guy to deal with than Kentamion.

Still.

Taehyun was fighting a battle that wasn't significantly behind him.

Clang.

Taehyun, who had been blown away by the recoil of guarding Venom's fist, quickly raised his body and rushed in.

Clang.

Venom's maw, which he was pushing out to crush the body, was bounced off Taehyun's One-Inch Punch.

At the same time, Venom's nails were swung at his neck.

Whoosh.

Blood spurted from his neck, even though he had dodged it by a hair's breadth.

It was because of the wind pressure.

No matter how high his stamina stat was.

There was a limit to engaging in close combat without 'Shadow Skin'.

'If I had been a little late, my neck would have been cut off.'

Taehyun calmly touched his neck and thought.

[Could it be that my attack is being read by those eyes? To awaken the eyes of a higher being. Being a contractor of the Archduke is not just luck, I see.]

Venom muttered as if he was interested.

"You talk too much."

The decisive reason why Taehyun could fight an equal battle against Venom despite the absolute stat difference.

That was because he didn't use ancient martial arts and he was separately catching his movements with the 'Eyes of the Higher Being'.

No matter how much he had taken over a human body.

He was not imitating his martial arts, which he had built up through effort.

Venom approached again, swinging both hands.

Unlike the desperate Taehyun, he was enjoying this exchange.

As if it were a test to adapt to his new body.

'Damn it. Has it only been 5 minutes now?'

There were about 15 minutes left.

At this rate, he didn't think he could hold out for even 5 more minutes.

Above all, the magic potions he had put in his belt were empty.

Riki Hallis' appearance, which was focused on the skill, also looked unstable.

If Venom was determined to target her, there was a high possibility that she would fall into magic backlash.

Taehyun looked around in between fighting with Venom.

There was only one passage.

If he picked up Riki Hallis and ran, he would definitely be caught up in less than 10 seconds.

Still.

'It's worth a try.'

Clang.

Taehyun's counter punch struck Venom's chin.

Following that.

Pow.

He was pushed back with a back kick.

The walls of the lab, which had become a dungeon.

The magic flowing there was clearly visible like that of a thermal imaging camera.

Core.

Taehyun tore three scrolls that he had taken out from Riki Hallis' arms at the same time.

S-rank skill 'Lightning Barrier'.

S-rank skill 'Hell Laser'.

S-rank skill 'Giant Prison'.

Pajijijik.

Hwareureureuk.

Kwagwagwagwa.

Three powerful skills flew towards Venom.

It wouldn't do much damage, but it was enough to buy time.

Taehyun kicked the core that he had seen in advance.

Bang!

The wall hit by the core collapsed and restoration began.

Taehyun, carrying Riki Hallis, threw himself without hesitation.

The broken wall was restored in an instant.

And.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Taehyun continued to break the walls and moved away from Venom.

"……."

Venom did not chase Taehyun.

He tilted his head as if he couldn't understand.

The three S-rank skills did not inflict any damage on him.

Then what did Kim Taehyun's actions mean?

Escape. Or flight.

It was an action that could be explained in such words.

But wasn't he the contractor of the Archduke?

Receiving the power of the Archduke was an unparalleled honor for monsters.

That's why.

Venom couldn't understand it even more.

That was why he missed Taehyun and Riki Hallis in vain.

He tried to understand the current situation by using the brain of Jungz, which he had swallowed.

It didn't take long to derive the conclusion.

[I see.]

He understood.

Kim Taehyun.

An existence who had received the power of the Archduke, just like himself.

An incomplete martial power that could wage an equal battle with himself.

One thing that was different from himself.

He had accepted the power of the Archduke in a weak human body.

[He's a mutant.]

He started acting again after drawing the answer.

In any case, the Guangzhou Research Lab here was his dungeon.

It was obvious where Taehyun would go.

Episode 144

Kwang. Kwang. Kwang.

Taehyun's kicks shattered the laboratory walls one after another.

Though they were immediately restored.

Taehyun, already carrying Riki Harris on his back, had moved on to the next space.

'Just a little further.'

He could now understand the source of the déjà vu he'd felt during the battle with Venom.

The location of the difficult-to-detect gate.

After that guy took over Chairman Jung's body.

The gray magic surrounding the laboratory was flowing towards it.

The flow was visible with the 'Superior Species' Eye,' a mutated form of the 'Demon's Eye.'

'It's not as taxing as Blood Frenzy and a good skill.

If the Demon's Eye could see the magic flowing within a living body.

The Superior Species' Eye could see the flow regardless of whether it was in a living or non-living thing.

'The gate is not far away.'

Just as Taehyun was about to break the wall in front of him again, a sudden pain forced him to kneel.

It was a rebound.

The message appeared belatedly.

[The use of the skill Blood Frenzy (AA) has reached its limit. Cooldown: 15 hours 20 minutes 23 seconds]

[The skill Superior Species' Eye (AA) is being converted to the skill Demon's Eye (AA).]

'Well, I was maintaining it for quite a while.'

Thud.

Taehyun collapsed to the floor.

Fortunately, Venom wasn't following.

'Does he think he can hunt me down at any time?'

Taehyun had fought SS-rank monsters Kaiselin and Kentamion.

Venom was no different from them.

An arrogant personality that believed he could hunt his opponent down whenever he wanted.

So, it was okay to rest for a bit.

"Are you okay?"

Riki Harris, leaning against the wall, asked.

"I can endure it. How much time is left?"

"Eight minutes."

"That's the best news I've heard all day."

"Can you face Venom if this skill is released?"

"Maybe. Probably."

Taehyun's unique skill 'Devour.'

With that overwhelming power, unfavorable compatibility and stat differences wouldn't be a big problem.

She nodded and focused on the skill again.

Taehyun also sat cross-legged and took out all the remaining potions and drank them.

'I never thought I'd be fighting Venom here.'

He had only intended to win Riki Harris's heart and retreat.

To show Chairman Jung's true colors appropriately and then escape.

That plan had fallen apart, leading him here.

'I lack information.'

Venom of the Gray Disease.

In his past life, the guy infected countless humans and made them hosts.

Kentamion and Titan also caused numerous casualties.

'But the fear of visible force and the fear of invisible force are different.'

In that respect, the fear he instilled in people was greater than that of any SS-rank monster.

Just as the World Player Association (WPA) was in America's grasp.

It was no secret that the World Health Organization (WHO) was influenced by Chinese capital.

Despite the failure to respond to Venom's initial outbreak, China tried to hide the fact.

The World Health Organization also sided with China, following the logic of capital.

The infection spread rapidly.

The health organization, having missed the golden time, belatedly declared a pandemic, plunging the world into chaos.

Taehyun remembered over 500 million people being infected.

The actual number must have been higher.

One year.

That's how long it took to defeat Venom and deal with all the remaining parasites and hosts.

'Back then, it was only announced that the joint operation between the United States and China was successful, but...'

Now, China doesn't have the same status as in his past life, and Venom hasn't left the dungeon yet.

Taehyun had regressed, and he had changed the future by preventing Riki Harris's death.

Currently, Taehyun had two options.

To escape with Riki Harris.

Or.

'To deal with Venom here.'

Looking at the current situation, choosing the former seemed wise.

Then.

Unexpected figures appeared from the opposite passage.

"Gueooo..."

"Save me..."

"Kim Taehyun..."

"Kill me..."

'There were this many left?'

Hundreds at a rough estimate.

Laboratory workers with gray spots were rushing in from both sides.

Just as Taehyun was about to get up to deal with them.

Riki Harris stopped him.

"It's better this way. Kim Taehyun."

"......?"

"I can't escape from here alone anyway. So."

Kwaaaaa.

With green magic, her skill activated once again.

"From now on, I'm betting on you."

Those affected by 'Energy Drain' began screaming and collapsing.

A moment later.

The message Taehyun had been waiting for appeared before his eyes.

Tring.

[The unique skill Devour (AA) can be used.]

[The skill Monarch's Ferocity (AA) can be used.]

Taehyun opened his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 19

Rank: AA

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

Fatigue: 84%

Remaining Magic Power: 27/290

[Skills]

Devour (AA) - Can devour the desired target. Yokai Power: 50

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

Monarch's World (X) - Forms a special field enhanced with magic power. Yokai Power: 20

Monarch's Ferocity (AA) - Emits ferocity enhanced with magic power. Yokai Power: 20

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

Queen's Man (X) - Summons the succubus queen Rozaria. Yokai Power: 200

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

Blood Frenzy (AA) - Activates physical abilities. Yokai Power: 200

Demon's Eye (AA) - The red eyes are activated. Yokai Power: 10

"You... you unlocked two skills?"

She smirked.

She raised the corners of her mouth with a tired face.

She had a relieved expression, as if she had finished her job.

"Hoo... a bonus... so... be sure to win."

Thud.

She lost consciousness as her fatigue reached its limit.

"Venom."

The being that had taken over Chairman Jung's body.

The being that was named Venom by the Chinese Player Association.

Venom spoke his own name.

Aside from what he was originally called, it was a name he liked very much.

"Humans are an interesting race."

Venom mimicked fluent Chinese and looked around.

A significant portion of the area had already been dungeonized.

Magic power, evaluated as SS-rank according to human standards, was flowing throughout the laboratory.

Dungeon expansion.

Originally, it would have taken more time, but that time was shortened due to human selfishness.

At the center of it was Chairman Jung, whom he had taken as a host.

A foolish guy who dared to covet the power of a superior species like himself, despite being a mere insect.

However, the ambition he wanted was not much different from Venom's.

"Jung, I will realize your ambition."

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

Venom twisted his mouth while making disgusting noises.

Then, the parasite that had taken over the body of a Chinese player approached.

[All humans in the dungeon have been infected.]

[Gather the hosts.]

[As you command.]

The parasite that had taken over the body of a high-level player quickly retreated.

[Now. There isn't much time left.]

Venom drooled as he recalled the countless times he had waited.

Chiiik.

The dungeonized laboratory floor couldn't withstand it and melted away.

Its concentration was thicker than when he had faced Taehyun earlier.

Archduke Belzebub.

He could feel the power he had received from him gradually returning.

Everything was going according to plan.

Before long, when all of his original power returned, the dungeon would break.

He couldn't help but get excited at the thought of the countless humans who would be infected by the parasites.

[Lord Belzebub. I will soon offer this place to you.]

Venom uttered the name of the archduke he served.

He could see the gray gate in front of him.

The only exit from this dungeonized place.

Soon, the last prey would take the bait and come here on its own.

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

Just as Venom was letting out a satisfied laugh.

Drddd.

His antennae began to tremble slightly.

[Hmm?]

Belatedly, his body began to tingle.

It was definitely a fighting spirit emanating from a superior species like himself.

Or even a being beyond that.

[There's no way such a being could be in a place like this... Could it be...]

Venom's yellow eyes narrowed.

One human came to mind.

The insect that made him guard the exit. The prey.

A mutant with the power of Archduke Igmun.

Kim Taehyun.

[I see. So that's the real power you were hiding.]

The longing for a complete body.

It was an instinct.

Once again, Venom's hideous laughter echoed.

It was another five minutes before Taehyun found the exit.

"So you were waiting."

Taehyun, carrying Riki Harris on his back, said as he looked at Venom, who was standing with his back to the gate.

[You took longer than I expected.]

"The lab has to be big. Ah, now I should call it a dungeon."

[I don't care about that.]

Venom moved his wings.

His huge body instantly reached Taehyun's front.

[I only need your body.]

Venom said, opening his hideous mouth.

He was seething with the desire to chew Taehyun and swallow him whole.

Yet, Taehyun didn't show any reaction.

"There was another guy like that not long ago."

Step. Step.

Taehyun ignored Venom and walked towards the gate.

[Do you think I'll let you go again?]

Just as Venom was about to rush at Taehyun.

Tring.

[The skill Monarch's Ferocity (AA) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]

Kugugugung.

Gravity that he had never felt before crushed Venom's body.

Kwajik. Kwajijik.

His reptile-like feet were gradually embedded in the floor due to the increasing gravity.

[Enhancing the skill Monarch's Ferocity (AA). Targeting the subject. Magic consumption is accelerating. Output: 60%]

[......!!]

It was more magic power than he had expected.

Just as Venom was about to unleash gray magic power and shake off the skill.

"Wait there. Venom."

[Enhancing the skill Monarch's Ferocity (AA). Targeting the subject. Magic consumption is accelerating. Skill enhancement has reached its limit.]

Ferocity activated with 100% output dominated the area.

Kugugugugung.

Kwaddeudeuk.

[Heeuh.]

Venom marveled at the power that was making his body tremble.

He was indeed one of the most skilled humans.

But it wasn't at the level that had made him shudder a moment ago.

While Venom was interested in this intriguing power, Taehyun was able to send Riki Harris out.

[Why aren't you leaving? Weren't you trying to escape from me?]

Venom asked, not hiding his arrogance.

"I've decided. I'm going to deal with you here."

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

Venom didn't care that his joints were creaking as he fidgeted his body.

[I am a being who has received the power of Archduke Belzebub. How dare you, an insect like you, believe in the power of Igmun...]

Taehyun didn't listen to the end.

"What's with the insect calling another insect an insect? And it's not something like an archduke."

[......?]

"This is the power of a king."

Tring.

[The unique skill Devour (AA) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]

"I'll devour you without a trace."

Kwaaaaa.

Crimson-black magic power revealed its fangs.

145

[What is that? That power.]

Venom asked, calming his trembling antennae and chilling body.

"I told you. It's the power of a king."

Taehyun said, controlling the crimson magic.

[King…?]

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

Venom laughed loudly once again.

To call oneself a king, not even a Grand Duke.

What kind of crazy bastard would do such a thing?

On the other hand, Taehyun, the person in question, still had a nonchalant expression.

"Everyone has a similar reaction before they're eaten."

[…….]

Only then did Venom's laughter stop.

He realized.

That Taehyun wasn't joking.

To eat him, the ruler of this dungeon, not even a parasite.

[Do you possess the same ability as me?]

It was time to have a shred of doubt about his audacious attitude.

At Taehyun's gesture, the crimson magic changed its form.

Crack.

It was an maw made of crimson magic, big enough to swallow Venom's huge body.

That ominous power, even more so than the gray magic flowing through the dungeon.

Boom.

It rushed towards its target.

A moment of hesitation.

He belatedly avoided the attack, but that hesitation resulted in giving up one arm.

It was because the speed of 'Devouring' was as good as Venom using his wings.

Crack.

[……!!]

Venom couldn't hide his surprise at his torn arm.

He was somewhat adapted to the body of the Jeongz Association President.

Even now, his original power was gradually returning, but to have an arm, which was not even scratched by the previous attack, torn off in an instant.

[What a disgrace.]

Venom clicked his tongue, imitating a human.

Pain was not an important sense to him.

He was just questioning this new power.

On the other hand.

[You have devoured a huge amount of magic. Speed has increased by 1.]

[You have devoured a huge amount of magic. Speed has increased by 1.]

[You have devoured a huge amount of magic. Speed has increased by 1.]

Taehyun was satisfied with the messages that popped up.

"You. You're quite a nutritious guy, aren't you?"

[What…?]

"Bring it. The rest of your arms too."

Once again, the maw of Devouring targeted Venom.

This time, Venom didn't afford to relax and quickly dodged.

He acknowledged that this unknown magic was sharper than his own solid body.

Not only sharpness.

Even his specialty, speed, was catching up.

Flap. Flap.

Venom's wings moved incessantly.

If he lost his focus even for a moment, he would become prey.

[This… it's impossible….]

Venom reacted in disbelief at the rapidly changing situation, and Taehyun was equally flustered.

'That guy. Did he grow in the meantime?'

Since he wasn't using 'Blood Frenzy,' the perceived speed felt very different.

Even with the power of Devouring rushing in with all its might, it was difficult to properly capture his movements.

If it turned into a prolonged battle, it was obvious that Taehyun's magic would run out first.

'Then.'

Ding.

[Skill Demon's Eye (AA) has been activated.]

The crimson vision that had reddened with the use of Devouring became even deeper.

And.

An unexpected message window popped up.

[The overlapping effect of Skill Demon's Eye (AA) and Devouring (AA) has been activated.]

[Skill Demon's Eye (AA) is temporarily transformed into Superior Species' Eye (AA).]

Tsszzz.

Just like when he was using 'Blood Frenzy.'

He felt as if the opened red eyes were becoming even more intense.

Up, down, left, and right.

It was Venom who was quickly moving and avoiding 'Devouring.'

His movements seemed noticeably slow.

Taehyun reached out his hand towards Venom.

'If I can see the path, there's no way I'll miss it.'

Grasp.

As he clenched his extended hand, the magic of Devouring was divided into several parts.

Among them.

The magic that had been divided into a small maw succeeded in biting off one of Venom's legs.

Crack.

[……!!]

Venom's movements became sluggish due to the unexpected attack.

'Bingo.'

Crack. Crack.

The remaining limbs were swallowed up in an instant.

[You have devoured a huge amount of magic. Health has increased by 1.]

[You have devoured a huge amount of magic. Health has increased by 1.]

[You have devoured a huge amount of magic. Strength has increased by 1.]

[You have devoured a huge amount of magic. Speed has increased by 1.]

[You have devoured a huge amount of magic. Magic has increased by 1.]

'I'll end it like this.'

Whirr.

The magic that had been merged back into one was about to swallow the torso.

Chiiiiiiiik.

Strong acid spewed from Venom's mouth.

It was an amount that was more than enough to fill the area.

"……!!"

While the magic of Devouring hesitated for a moment, he used his wings to distance himself.

Chiiiiik.

The floor of the laboratory that had become a dungeon melted.

Taehyun had no choice but to distance himself as well, due to the amount that couldn't be restored.

[I admit it. I was underestimating you.]

'Damn it.'

In that gap where Taehyun distanced himself for a moment.

The gray magic that filled the laboratory gathered towards Venom.

He decided not to take any more risks and give it his all.

Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack.

Instead of the torn limbs, new limbs were created.

They were even more grotesque than before, having already abandoned the human form.

Chiiik. Chiiiiik.

Acidic liquid flowed from various parts of the body, such as the eyes, nose, and ears.

The body of the Jeongz Association President, whom he had taken as a host, began to collapse due to the overwhelming magic power.

'That's going to be a bit dangerous.'

Ding.

[Unique skill Devouring (AA) is enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Taehyun wrapped his body in the magic of Devouring.

It was certain that he was targeting his body.

As expected.

[That body is mine.]

Venom flew in with a speed that didn't match his heavy body.

Chiiiiiiiik.

Pazzzzzik.

Sparks flew as the two magics collided.

Taehyun was the first to gain the upper hand.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The magic of Devouring broke through the gray magic and once again bit off his limbs.

A message appeared in front of him, indicating that his stats were increasing.

Even so.

[Give me that body!!!]

Not caring that his whole body was being torn apart, he inserted his body.

It was to make Taehyun his new host.

'He's confident that he can infect me.'

Normally, he would have somehow created distance and blocked his approach, but.

'I don't have much magic left.'

Taehyun didn't even have that option right now.

He deactivated 'Demon's Eye.'

It was to return as much magic as possible to Devouring.

Crack. Crack.

Meanwhile, Venom was right in front of him, a tattered mess.

It was the result of constantly regenerating using the dungeon's surging magic.

'Disgusting bastard.'

At that moment.

One thought came to Taehyun's mind.

A way to surely finish Venom off, even in his current state with insufficient magic.

It couldn't be said that there were no risks.

But if he succeeded, he could see the same effect as devouring Venom.

'Shall I try it?'

Before he knew it, Venom, who had broken through the magic of Devouring and was in tatters, reached Taehyun.

[My victory. Your body is now….]

"No."

Thud.

Taehyun put his hand on Venom's regenerating body.

"I'm the one who's eating."

Gray magic and crimson magic began to intertwine.

What Venom saw was no longer his dungeon.

A red sky symbolizing the Abyss.

And likewise, land like a desert somewhere in the Abyss.

Venom could tell that he had entered Taehyun's mindscape.

Before he knew it, his completely regenerated body began to stir.

[Eating me?]

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

What on earth was he thinking when he said such a thing?

The mindscape was the best place to start 'infestation' beyond 'infection.'

Once the encroachment was over, he would control Kim Taehyun's body.

It was when Venom was reveling in his victory and bursting into grotesque laughter.

Suddenly, his antennae began to stiffen.

He had detected the reaction of magic.

And it wasn't a small amount of magic.

Venom belatedly saw a figure.

[Who are you?]

This was the mindscape.

Unless one was a special being like himself, one could not invade, no, not even exist.

"Unbelievable."

A man appeared with a familiar voice.

[You… Kim Taehyun?]

Venom tilted his head at the incomprehensible situation.

Surely his invasion was perfect.

He should be pouring all his energy into just maintaining the balance of magic from the outside.

In other words, there was no way he would have the spare capacity to be in the mindscape.

But why.

Why was he here?

"Now I'm even letting bugs in. I'm going crazy."

[You. Who are you.]

Venom asked, feeling an unusual magic power from his opponent.

He belatedly recalled what Taehyun had said.

That he would eat him.

"Shut your stinking mouth. Belzebub's bug."

Taehyun, with a glint in his red eyes, said with annoyance.

[How dare you….]

Tremble. Tremble.

Venom's huge body trembled for a moment.

The gray magic that overflowed from his body spread throughout the area.

He had begun to encroach on the mindscape.

[Punishing you comes after that.]

Venom bared his hideous teeth and glared at Taehyun.

But.

Kkwaaaaaaa.

The overwhelming magic power gushing out from Taehyun's body.

Crimson magic began to push back the gray magic.

[This is….]

The magic that had bitten into his body.

That power was pushing back his full force.

[How….]

He had come here with a considerable amount of the dungeon's magic.

There wouldn't be many beings in the Abyss that he couldn't encroach on in his current state.

But.

Why.

"Really, these days, they don't know manners."

Taehyun said, raising an endless amount of magic.

It was a different concentration than when he had faced him outside a little while ago.

Venom's gray magic had already been mixed into the crimson magic and lost its color.

"Opening magic in my house? Are you crazy?"

[You… could it be a Grand Duke….]

"Didn't I tell you to shut that stinking mouth?"

Snap.

Taehyun snapped his fingers.

Chains were created from the magic that had spread throughout the area.

Clatter. Clatter.

It was the skill 'Chains of Entrapment' that Taehyun used.

In an instant, Venom's entire body was pulled taut.

[Let go…!!]

Venom doesn't feel pain.

That's because he can constantly regenerate and revive at any time through the host's body.

A semi-immortal body.

But.

"I'm curious."

Snap.

When Taehyun snapped his fingers again, hundreds of blades were created in the air.

Each one possessed the magic power to easily cut through Venom's body.

"How long will that life be cut off?"

Heh.

Taehyun smiled sinisterly and approached Venom.

Twitch. Twitch.

It didn't take long for Venom's body, entangled in chains, to grasp the situation.

Tremble. Tremble.

Instinctive fear.

The semi-immortal body, which had finally predicted the identity of the person in front of him, began to tremble violently.

Episode 146

The Guangzhou research lab, now a dungeon.

Tae-hyun exhaled at the exit gate.

"Is it over?"

Swoosh.

Venom, who had been rampaging and struggling against him just moments ago.

Its body completely melted away.

In the end, it failed to find a new host.

Normally, it wouldn't die just because its host's body disappeared.

But from the melted body, there was no sign of a magic stone or any indication of survival.

Only then did Tae-hyun release the Predation that had been enveloping him.

'It should be showing up soon.'

Shortly after.

The message he had been waiting for appeared.

Ding.

[You have devoured a massive amount of magic power. Magic +1.]

[You have devoured a massive amount of magic power. Stamina +1.]

[You have devoured a massive amount of magic power. Strength +1.]

[You have devoured a massive amount of magic power. Speed +1.]

[You have devoured a massive amount of magic power. Magic +1.]

…….

Tae-hyun smiled in satisfaction at the continuously appearing messages.

Everything was as expected.

"How foolish."

The Venom of the Gray Plague.

A tough opponent for Tae-hyun, who wasn't in top condition.

But not for the other Tae-hyun in the Mindscape.

It's unclear how the infection happened.

But he thought the guy in the Mindscape wouldn't just sit still.

As expected, Venom was devoured by the other Tae-hyun.

"This is unexpectedly..."

Venom had been defeated.

It wasn't part of the plan, so he could only let out a hollow laugh.

He won the friendly match to obtain ownership of the unexplored dungeon.

Although the ownership wasn't being recognized for an unexpected reason.

That didn't mean it was supposed to be cleared like this either.

'Should I move up the other plans then?'

Following the Beomjin Temple dungeon in Japan, now the Guangzhou dungeon in China.

The plan to clear them with a certain interval was gradually falling apart, having defeated the bosses of both dungeons.

'I wonder how much more the future will change.'

Even a small change in the past could affect the future in unpredictable ways.

But Tae-hyun's actions since his regression were shocking in themselves.

'Well, the more the merrier.'

Just as Tae-hyun finished rationalizing and was about to check his status window.

Rumble. Rumble. Rumble.

The research lab began to shake.

The dungeon break had started as Venom, the dungeon boss, died.

'Damn it. There must be some that I haven't dealt with yet.'

Originally, the boss-level monster would be at the end of the dungeon.

The proper way to clear it was to deal with the residing monsters in order, and then defeat the boss at the end.

However, due to the strange phenomenon of dungeon expansion and the variable of Chairman Zheng, the order was reversed.

If it broke down like this, the remaining monsters would surely come out with it.

However, Tae-hyun lacked the time and magic power to deal with them all.

'I can only hope that there are decent forces gathered outside.'

Thinking that way.

Tae-hyun crossed the unstable gate.

About ten minutes before Tae-hyun had his showdown with Venom.

There was a player who had secretly infiltrated the Guangzhou research lab site, where a blockade order had been issued.

A muscular giant of a black man.

It was Montel Jackson, an American national-level player and a top-ranked player.

"I don't see a single person."

Behind a lonely towering rock.

He lowered his binoculars and muttered while surveying the Guangzhou research lab.

He had managed to arrive while evading the eyes of those around him on the chairman's urgent orders.

But there wasn't much he could do without any party members or supporters.

'Tch. Surely they're not telling me to go into an unexplored dungeon alone.'

He had been given one order.

To safely secure the well-being of Rikki Hallis.

On the surface, it seemed easy, but considering that the place was an unexplored dungeon, it wasn't so simple.

"Why can't this woman be contacted and make me suffer like this?"

Montel Jackson grumbled and rummaged through his bag.

Clatter. Clatter.

It was a bag that he had hastily packed due to the urgent order.

It couldn't be helped that all sorts of potions and scrolls were mixed together.

After a while, he found the scroll he wanted.

"Hmm… good."

Tear.

When he tore the scroll, the registered skill was activated.

A-rank skill ‘Detect Human’.

It was a skill mainly used to find people at disaster sites.

He scattered the green magic power of Rikki Hallis, which he had received in advance, into the air.

As if fluttering in the wind, the green magic power headed towards the Guangzhou research lab.

"Damn. She's really in there, huh."

He frowned.

This meant that he really had to enter the research lab that had become a dungeon by himself.

The faint gray magic power blooming around the research lab building was emitting an ominous aura.

The first dungeon expansion.

The title of 'first' always brings unexpected variables and dangers.

Originally, it should be bustling with dispatched players, but the area around the dungeon was quiet without even the sound of a dog barking.

It was a part where you could realize how well China was controlling things.

'Anyway, they're amazing in strange ways.'

Before coming here, he had been watching the research labs built all over China under the orders of the association.

The recent surge in China's S-rank awakeners.

Strange intelligence had come in regarding them.

He moved quietly and beat up several S-rank minders and players to get clues.

Afterwards, he informed Chairman Kevin Lee that the 'Monsterization Project' was being carried out at the Guangzhou Research Lab, and Rikki Hallis was dispatched to verify the truth of that information.

'I'll have to hear the details from her… but if it's true, China is finished too.'

China, which had recently had a bad image due to inhumane acts.

If this fact was even known, it wouldn't simply end with them being demoted from a great power.

As Chairman Kevin Lee said, he didn't know that the center of Asia was becoming the New Korea.

That's what he was thinking when it happened.

"……!!"

Far away.

He saw a woman falling from a gate that had appeared in the air.

Familiar clothes and face.

It was Rikki Hallis, who Kevin Lee had told him to secure at all costs.

Thud.

Montel Jackson leaped to where she had fallen in an instant.

"Hey. Wake up."

He took out a top-quality healing scroll and potion from his bag and used them on her.

Following that, he spared no expense in pouring fatigue potions and magic potions.

Soon she regained consciousness.

"Montel… Jackson…?"

"Thankfully, she recognizes my face."

"Where is… ugh…."

She groaned as she tried to get up.

It was because of the pain she felt in her chest.

"Don't move yet. A woman like you in such a serious condition… what on earth happened?"

"……."

At Montel Jackson's question, she looked around.

She saw the Guangzhou research lab spewing out gray magic power in front of her.

"Could it be… did I get out alone?"

"What are you talking about? Were there any party members?"

At Montel Jackson's question, she shook her head.

"Kim Tae-hyun… that guy hasn't come out yet…."

"Kim Tae-hyun? New Korea's national-level force?"

Nod.

Montel Jackson leaned in as she answered weakly.

"Explain what happened."

From Beijing to Guangzhou.

She conveyed what she had seen and heard in a short period of time.

After hearing the story, Montel Jackson spat out curses.

"These crazy bastards. They finally did something."

"This is no time for that… Kim Tae-hyun. We have to go save that guy."

"Hey. Why are you being so unlike yourself?"

"What?"

"According to you, that Venom monster. Its not only has infectious abilities but also monstrous physical power."

"……."

"It's already too late. The fact that he hasn't come out yet means…."

"Stop."

Rikki Hallis stopped him by getting up.

"Hey. Don't move yet…."

"I can't live with owing someone."

"……."

"I have to go back."

"Fuck."

Montel Jackson cursed as he watched her being stubborn.

Whether he did or not, her pale face was serious.

The wounds and magic power backlash she suffered from Zheng, the monsterized chairman.

She was in a dangerous state unless she was shown to a top-level healer as soon as possible.

Even though she, who was called the best magician, couldn't possibly not know.

She was stubbornly insisting against her better judgment.

Montel Jackson put his hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, my mission is to secure you safely. If you're going to act alone beyond this, I can't help it either?"

Kwaaaa.

Magic power surged from Montel Jackson's body.

It meant that he would subdue her with force and take her away.

"That ignorant bulk…."

Just as Rikki Hallis frowned and was about to resist.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Rumble.

The Guangzhou research lab, as well as the surrounding area, began to shake.

"What is it now all of a sudden?"

"Could it be… a break?"

The two national-level players moved away from the research lab at the same time.

There were two cases where a dungeon that had appeared on Earth would break.

One was when a monster had become so strong that the dungeon couldn't handle it, causing a self-break.

The other was when the boss-level monster, which was the dungeon's core, died, causing a break.

The two thought of the former.

There was no way an individual could clear a dungeon of this level.

Montel Jackson activated his skill ‘Genocide Bullet’.

Whirr. Whirr. Whirr.

Dozens of mortars and missile launchers materialized around him.

A gatling gun was already in his hand.

"You stay back."

Montel Jackson said as he blocked her path.

He had no intention of failing his mission after coming this far.

"……."

She didn't insist any further and obediently stepped back.

'Kim Tae-hyun… what happened? He said he could win if he had that skill….'

That's what she was thinking when.

A new gate opened in the air.

A man jumped out from there.

It was Tae-hyun, who was in tatters.

"……!!"

"You…!!"

Before the two surprised people could react.

"Is this all the support?"

Tae-hyun asked, taking the lead with a disappointed expression.

"Hey… what's going on…"

Montel Jackson couldn't finish his sentence.

Rumble.

An even greater tremor than before shook the ground.

It was definitely a sign of a break.

Tae-hyun nodded as if he knew what he wanted to say.

"It's fortunate, at least, that you're the player who came as support."

"Hey kid. Explain exactly what the hell is going on right now."

Montel Jackson asked with a growl.

Montel Jackson's bag caught Tae-hyun's eye.

"It's simple. Venom is dead."

"……!!"

"What…?"

"Soon, the surviving monsters will come pouring out."

"That's nonsense…."

Tae-hyun ignored the confused man and rummaged through his bag.

Magic power potion. Fatigue potion. Healing potion.

Gulp. Gulp.

Even though potions worth hundreds of millions of won were being used without permission, no one stopped him.

"Hoo… I feel like I'm going to live now."

"……."

"……."

"Then. Shall we hunt down the small fries?"

At the same time as those words.

The broken dungeon.

Monsters poured out of the Guangzhou research lab.

147

"So it has come to this."

Kevin Lee, the association president, said while watching the broadcasted video.

"We are currently awaiting entry permission from China."

"......"

Despite his secretary's words, Kevin Lee didn't respond.

His eyes were fixated on the unbelievable battle scene unfolding before him.

The American-developed secret satellite, Observer, was broadcasting the break in Guangzhou, following the dungeon expansion.

What set this break apart from others was the Venom of the gray plague.

Notably, the boss-level monster was nowhere to be seen.

"Could Kim Tae-hyun have cleared it alone...?"

He muttered as if the idea was absurd.

It was an unbelievable fact.

But looking back at the timing of the dungeon break, he couldn't help but think so.

He refocused on the three men and women in the video.

They were waging a 'war,' not just a typical raid or battle.

It wasn't just the people from the former Guangzhou lab.

Players who had gone missing in Guangzhou's uncleared dungeons were emerging as monsters.

Including low, mid, and high-level monsters, their numbers were around three thousand.

Despite this, the three men and women were maintaining a tense standoff, holding their ground.

Ricky Hallis.

Montel Jackson.

Kim Tae-hyun.

Each of them was a world-class national-level player.

Among them, Montel Jackson stood out the most.

The various weapons he manifested unleashed a torrent of magical bullets.

It was a skill particularly effective against large numbers of monsters.

His mana, which was usually considered a weakness, was being replenished with potions, as he chugged high-grade mana potions like energy drinks, continuously activating his skills.

He looked almost like a god of war.

Most of the monsters melted under his attacks.

However, some monsters broke through the barrage and targeted Montel Jackson.

Each time, Tae-hyun appeared instantly to intercept them.

Crack.

The uncanny ability to extract magic stones with a single blow.

Compared to Montel Jackson, his movements weren't flashy.

But Kevin Lee, an S-rank player and association president, understood.

Extracting the magic stones from monsters in such a chaotic situation required immense training.

It was not something Tae-hyun, who was barely turning twenty, could do normally.

"Still, it's fortunate that Ricky Hallis is alive."

The secretary spoke her thoughts on behalf of the silent president.

She appeared injured, as she mostly threw potions to Tae-hyun and Montel Jackson, occasionally using scrolls.

"Yes. Fortunately, we've avoided the worst-case scenario... but something's off."

"Yes?"

"Ricky Hallis aside, doesn't Kim Tae-hyun seem to be using any skills?"

"......!!"

Only then did the secretary notice something strange.

It was well-known that Tae-hyun was a multiple Awakened.

At least five skills had been identified.

Yet, in the video, Tae-hyun was only dealing with the approaching monsters with minimal movement.

"Indeed... it's odd. Could he be injured?"

"Does that look like the movement of an injured person to you?"

"......"

"Well, we'll find out when Ricky comes. Inform China to lift the warp gate barrier."

Kevin Lee, having sorted out his thoughts, casually spoke.

The secretary looked troubled at his words.

"But other countries haven't given their permission yet. If we make a move first, it could cause diplomatic problems..."

Kevin Lee silently stared at his secretary.

"Listen. There's a saying in Asia."

"......?"

"If you keep being nice, people think it's their right. It's a fitting saying for the current situation, don't you think?"

"Yes...?"

Kevin Lee chuckled awkwardly at his secretary's question.

"Two of our national-level players are fighting. What's so important about political situations when it comes to saving comrades?"

"You mean..."

"We don't need permission. Break through even if they refuse. I'll take responsibility for the aftermath."

"...Understood."

"Oh, and one more thing."

"......?"

"Edit this video and leak it discreetly to the information guild."

"Even to other countries?"

Kevin Lee nodded at his secretary's question.

"Yes. As of today, China will no longer be a superpower."

After the secretary left, Kevin Lee looked back at the video.

The number of monsters, which had seemed about to engulf the three people, had greatly decreased.

"A break... So it was."

"Yes. All gates heading to China are currently blocked."

"I hope the damage isn't too severe this time."

Association President Ji Jin-hee said, looking at the documents his secretary handed him.

They contained information collected about the Guangzhou uncleared dungeon.

"Player Kim Tae-hyun will be disappointed."

It was well known among the association staff that the president was extremely fond of Tae-hyun.

"Hmm... Come to think of it, that kid was particularly interested in the uncleared dungeon. At this rate, there's no point in winning the friendly match with such effort."

"It seems China won't be accepting support from other countries. They seem to be trying to resolve it on their own."

"With the incidents in Russia and Japan, they would react that way. What about the movements of other superpowers?"

"They are protesting the unilateral blockade of entry and exit, but... there's no official response."

"Well, they must be busy themselves."

Ji Jin-hee said understandingly.

If something similar happened in New Korea, what choice would he have to make?

The thought alone was terrifying.

"Also, there's information that the United States forcibly activated a warp gate a while ago. This isn't confirmed, so I'll investigate further and report back."

"Hmm... Hasn't Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young contacted us?"

"I'll contact her now."

"Please do."

As the secretary left the room, Go Tae-wook entered.

"It's an incident that happened in a neighboring country, but we're taking it seriously."

Go Tae-wook nodded lightly.

"Association President. Please take a look at this."

Go Tae-wook immediately plugged in a USB.

"Hmph... What is it this time..."

Ji Jin-hee muttered, unable to hide his worried expression.

He knew that Go Tae-wook wouldn't act like this over something insignificant.

Soon, a video appeared on the screen.

Monsters and humans were rushing across the desolate land.

No, they could no longer be called humans.

Humanoid monsters.

These beings in their gruesome forms were charging alongside the monsters.

Toward whom?

Bang. Bang. Bang. Ba-bang.

The monsters at the forefront had their bodies blown apart by a barrage of magical bullets.

S-rank skill 'Genocide Bullet.'

A man materializing modern weapons and using his magic as bullets and shells.

Montel Jackson was firing skills as if he were a whole army.

He was using scrolls and potions to deal with the rapidly increasing fatigue and mana consumption.

Ji Jin-hee immediately recognized that it was happening in the Guangzhou uncleared dungeon.

"Amazing... How did you get this video?"

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young sent it. Apparently, the American Player Association is behind it."

"I see... What are they up to this time?"

Unlike politicians who are divided into left and right tendencies, Ji Jin-hee takes a neutral stance.

Therefore, he generally doesn't trust other superpowers either.

Even when individuals form organizations, countless vested interests become intertwined.

Let alone when it comes to the scale of a nation, it was impossible to even guess what was going on inside.

"Have you seen it?"

"Yes... I was on my way to bring it after checking it first, but..."

"Hmm? Why is that?"

Ji Jin-hee's expression darkened as Go Tae-wook trailed off.

"It's about Tae-hyun."

"Tae-hyun is... Why? Did he cause an accident...?"

Tae-hyun had been quiet for the past few days without any contact.

Association President Ji Jin-hee couldn't help but ask anxiously.

"Tae-hyun is there too. In the Guangzhou uncleared dungeon."

"What...?!!"

Ji Jin-hee jumped up from his seat at the unexpected words.

Just then, the screen showed another face.

It was Tae-hyun, extracting magic stones from a charging monster.

"Oh... Good heavens."

Ji Jin-hee couldn't finish his sentence and slumped back down.

Go Tae-wook added.

"Although it's not in the video, it seems Ricky Hallis is there too."

"Hmm..."

"Are you alright?"

Go Tae-wook sighed and asked.

Whenever it came to Tae-hyun, Ji Jin-hee lost his usual dignity and became an ordinary grandfather.

"I'm fine... Hehe... Is this the first time this has happened...? It's not even surprising anymore..."

"I think you're already quite surprised."

"Umm..."

Ji Jin-hee was making sounds as he watched the video.

At that moment, at the Night Walker Seoul headquarters,

Ah-young was also watching the video that Ji Jin-hee and Go Tae-wook were watching.

The only difference was that it was the second video leaked by the American Player Association.

"Our Association President is going to be surprised again."

Slurp.

Ah-young muttered while drinking coffee.

Association President Ji Jin-hee was extremely fond of Tae-hyun.

She could easily imagine the expression he was making right now.

She turned her gaze back to the video.

The battlefield was the Guangzhou uncleared dungeon.

The video ended with Montel Jackson shattering the body of a monster that seemed to be S+ rank.

"By now, the results must be out somehow."

A considerable amount of time had passed since the dungeon break.

Judging by the reduced number of monsters in the second video, there was enough time for the results to come out.

More than anything,

"It's too obvious."

As far as she knew, the people there were Tae-hyun, Ricky Hallis, and Montel Jackson.

But for some reason, only Tae-hyun and Montel Jackson appeared in the video.

And even then, most of it was either close-ups of the hideous monsters or Montel Jackson stopping them, and Tae-hyun was only occasionally fighting a few monsters in one-on-one combat.

'They're trying to show off their status and downplay other countries.'

It was obvious, but

It was not a good look when the intention was so transparent.

At that time, Deputy Guild Leader Jung Han-soo entered.

"New information has come in."

"About Guangzhou?"

Jung Han-soo shook his head.

"It's about the villainous guild."

Ah-young's expression hardened.

A considerable amount of time had passed since the friendly match.

But they still haven't captured the culprit.

The external guild leader was Shadow, one of the three elders of the Triad, but they had already identified that there was a separate power behind him.

The problem was that the identity of that power was still unknown.

"Someone witnessed Shadow and President Lee Jung-soo contacting each other in the depths of the Abyss."

"Lee Jung-soo of Taesan Electronics?"

Lee Jung-soo.

The president of the global company Taesan Electronics and vice president of the Taesan Group.

She was surprised to hear that he was involved with Shadow.

"It's just circumstantial evidence for now, but..."

"Yes. Both of them are guys related to Tae-hyun."

The Triad and the villainous guild for Shadow, and his son Lee Jung-jae for Lee Jung-soo.

Whether it was trivial or not, they were people related to Tae-hyun's past actions.

It could be dismissed as a coincidence, but

She knew that the truth was often hidden in what seemed like coincidences.

"What else has been identified?"

"Not yet. I will report as soon as new information comes in."

"Okay."

Jung Han-soo, having finished his report, left the guild leader's office.

Ah-young's gaze returned to Tae-hyun in the video.

'Kim Tae-hyun. What are you aiming for?'

The word 'unconventional' always followed Tae-hyun's path.

A path that no one had ever walked.

Ah-young hoped that Tae-hyun's path.

Was not related to her ominous feeling.

Okay, here's the English translation:

Episode 148

Three days have passed since the un-cleared Guangzhou dungeon broke.

Just three days.

In that time, the world was turned upside down.

It was because the hidden face of China, which had been flaunting itself as a great power, was revealed.

China tried to manage the situation by announcing that all these events were the sole actions of Chairman Zheng Zhi, but the eyes turned towards China were becoming colder.

Nightwalker, South Korea Headquarters.

In the VVIP room there, Taehyun was skimming through the information he had requested.

His physical condition had mostly returned, but he was still avoiding public activities.

“Trying to read this all one by one is endless.”

It was Taehyun himself who requested the information, but

Checking the vast amount of content one by one wasn’t an easy task.

“If there was an intelligence stat among the physical stats, I would have diligently raised it.”

As he sighed, the newspapers scattered on the table caught his eye.

To clear his head for a moment, Taehyun quickly read the headlines.

‘Dungeon Expansion. Is this okay?’

‘Guangzhou Un-cleared Dungeon Break. Will it be a Turning Point for China's Fall?’

‘China's Hidden Side. Revealing its True Colors.’

‘The First Infected Monster, Parasite. Collapsing the Guangzhou Laboratory.’

‘Venom of the Gray Plague. How was he defeated?’

“What a mess.”

News agencies all over the world were attacking China.

The reasons were diverse.

The inhumane experiments conducted at the Guangzhou Laboratory were revealed by Ricky Hallis’s testimony, and it was belatedly revealed that the information about Parasite and Venom of the Gray Plague was also falsely reported.

Moreover, there were circumstances that they tried to kill a US national-level player to cover up that fact.

It was truly a series of undeniable facts.

In addition to the Unification War and their arrogant attitude of calling themselves a great power.

Those who didn't like China's actions until now were throwing criticism like fish in water.

The Chinese side was desperately trying to create allies to neutralize public opinion, but every time, new shortcomings were revealed, making it worse.

At this rate, it seemed to be only a matter of time before China was stripped of its place as a superpower.

“You really never know what will happen in the world.”

Taehyun muttered as if it were someone else's business.

In his previous life, China, which stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States, was now unable to regain its senses.

Even though he was at the beginning and end of all that.

Taehyun nonchalantly operated the tablet that was provided.

Even though he went out of the player category to read new articles, China was still being talked about.

In particular, there were many stories about Asians active in the West suffering from racial discrimination due to this incident.

‘Well, it's much milder compared to my previous life.’

At that time, after failing to respond initially, countless people were sacrificed.

Distrust and hatred exploded into racism, and many murders occurred.

Eventually, even a national entry ban was proposed, and Taehyun remembered spending quite a long time in seclusion.

‘Still, this is a well-resolved case.’

He rescued Ricky Hallis, who could unlock skill seals, and made him indebted.

He devoured Venom, and his stats increased significantly, and there were no civilian casualties.

It was resolved more neatly than he had expected.

Thinking so, he wandered around the web.

He could easily find articles or videos with his photos posted everywhere.

Among them, there was a video with an unusually high number of views.

The title was ‘What Happens When National-Level Players Party Up’.

“Why is this being watched so much?”

When he clicked on it, it connected to ‘WorldTube’, a global video sharing service.

[Everyone, have you seen the video circulating on the web this time? For those who haven't seen it yet, I'm taking the lead like this. I don't know when the government will delete this again, so please spread it as much as possible.]

The video was one minute long.

Montel Jackson was massacring the monsters that were pushing in, and Taehyun was occasionally dealing with the monsters that were attacking.

That was the content of the edited one-minute video.

“What is this? How did they get their hands on this again?”

Taehyun had already seen the video through Nightwalker.

He also knew that the American Player Association was behind it and that it had been edited to some extent to their advantage.

It was a video that most information guilds had probably seen at least once.

However, it wasn't a video that an ordinary person could casually post.

‘Could there be someone else behind this?’

South Korea has a population of about 100 million.

Players who show heroic aspects are quite popular among young people.

It was common for them to join political parties or enter politics with the love calls of the political world.

Taehyun also had an agency claiming to be the South Korean Player Association.

If it wasn't for the threat of Association Chairman Ji Jinhui, he would have been suffering from numerous offers.

‘Would it be better to hire a secretary or a lawyer separately?’

He can't keep burdening Ji Jinhui forever.

He was thinking that for a moment.

As soon as the short video ended, comments automatically popped up.

[Wow. Player Kim Taehyun is really everywhere. At this point, he's like Conan.]

[Montel Jackson and he are surprisingly in good sync.]

[He went into hiding and was traveling in Chinaㅉㅉ.]

[He seems to be protesting that they don't recognize the rights to the un-cleared dungeon. I agree with the comment above that he's like Conan.]

[He's forcibly conquering it again lol]

[But why doesn't Kim Taehyun use skills??]

[Could it be that he doesn't have magic power? Aren't you going to upload the Venom video?]

[Montel Jackson is doing everything. USA forever. Kim Taehyun get lost.]

[I'm a current player. The comment above. It's not easy to extract magic stones like that at once.]

[ㅇㅇ that's right. I have a player among my acquaintances and they said that the location of the magic stone is different for each monster.]

[The US is just the best. I have to escape Hell Joseon.]

[Can the person above live a normal life? Are you even South Korean?]

[No Gukppong please.]

It was a mess.

Taehyun clicked his tongue and turned off the tablet.

It was unexpected that the video was released to the general public, but it didn't seem to be a particular loss.

More than anything.

‘Is it almost time for the SS-grade license award ceremony?’

The schedule has been somewhat revised because the un-cleared dungeon in China was broken.

The end of the year is just a few days away.

December 31st.

At that time, the World Player Association's SS-grade license award ceremony was scheduled to take place.

Considering the unsettling world atmosphere recently, it seemed to be broadcast simultaneously around the world.

Taehyun opened his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 19

Rank: AA

Strength: 217 Stamina: 219 Speed: 207 Magic Power: 305 Charm: 150

Fatigue: 15%

Remaining Magic Power: 305/305

[Skills]

Devour (AA) - You can devour the desired target. Required Magic Power: 50

Shadow Skin (X) - Hides the body along with strengthening it. Required Magic Power: 15

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

Lord's Ferocity (AA) - Emits ferocity enhanced with magic power. Required Magic Power: 20

Chains of Restraint (X) - Designates an opponent and restrains them. Skill tracking and cancellation are possible. Required Magic Power: 20

Queen's Man (X) - Summons the Succubus Queen Rozalia. Required Magic Power: 200

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

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

Monster's Eye (AA) - Red eyes are activated. Required Magic Power: 10

‘Devour’ and ‘Lord's Ferocity’, which he regained with the help of Ricky Hallis.

The rest of the skills were still sealed, but he was satisfied with the increased stats.

“Venom. Unlike how it looked, it was a very nutritious guy.”

In particular, it was encouraging that the speed stat, which had always been lagging behind due to the battle with Narendra Nehru, exceeded 200.

Now he could face most national-level players without using ‘Blood Frenzy’.

The upcoming award ceremony.

‘First of all, it's a top priority to regain the remaining skills.’

Speak of the devil.

Beep.

A member of Nightwalker came in.

"Player Kim Taehyun. The VVIP has arrived.”

Another reason Taehyun was staying at Nightwalker.

It was to meet Ricky Hallis.

There was no place as discreet as this in South Korea.

"Where is she now?"

“The VVIP is currently meeting with the Guild Master. The Guild Master said that she would personally guide you to the warp gate.”

"That's good."

Taehyun got up from the chair he was leaning on.

Currently, four out of nine skills are available.

Now it was time to regain the remaining five skills.

Taehyun headed to a small warp gate installed underground.

Yu Ayoung and Ricky Hallis, who had arrived there first, were talking.

Ricky Hallis, who appeared dressed up like a movie star, waved at Taehyun.

"Long time no see. Kim Taehyun."

"Your recovery was faster than I thought."

"Hehe. I'm Ricky Hallis. As long as my magic power returns, wound healing is instant."

"I guess that's true."

Her skills ‘Energy Compose’ and ‘Energy Drain’.

She had an adaptability that could even mimic new skills if she wanted to.

What if she strengthened the skill effects of an S-grade healer?

'It wouldn't be strange if she had healed her wounds completely by now.'

“Oh my. Am I not even visible?”

“……”

Looking at Ayoung, who was playfully raising her eyes, Taehyun slyly changed the subject.

"How did what I asked for go?"

"Anyway, she only tries to talk business with me. It was completed this morning. You wanted it, so I forced the installation, but... is it okay to spend so much money like that?"

"Spending recklessly? Using it for necessary things is called an investment."

Taehyun said, receiving a document envelope from Ayoung.

The building blueprint Taehyun had asked for was in it.

Ayoung continued to explain as she watched Taehyun skim through it.

“Alchemist was in charge of it, but they said it can’t withstand more than a strength and magic power stat of 250. They said to be satisfied with the additional firewall installed? Why do you need a barrier that can withstand a strength stat of 300 anyway?”

“It can withstand up to 250… That’s cutting it close.”

A magic barrier with an all-stat level of 250.

It was strong enough that it wouldn't break even if three national-level players used their full power.

It was far short of the all-stat 300 barrier that Taehyun had asked for, but.

‘Should I be satisfied with this for now?’

Thinking that, he headed towards the warp gate.

Ricky Hallis and Ayoung followed behind.

“Why is the Guild Master following…?”

Taehyun looked back at Ayoung and asked.

All he had asked her to do was install the barrier.

From now on, it was Taehyun and Ricky Hallis.

It was just their business.

“Oh my. It’s something that no less than South Korea’s national-level player is doing, so shouldn’t I go and see it myself?”

“You’re saying something that Vice Guild Master Jeong Hansoo would clutch the back of his neck over so nonchalantly.”

“Don’t worry. I even took a half-day off this time. And that’s my property there, right? It’s okay, right Ricky?”

“Hehe. I’m fine. If it’s Guild Master Yu Ayoung, she might be able to prepare for something unexpected.”

“……”

The two women exchanged meaningful glances as if they had already planned it.

“Well, then I won’t refuse.”

As Taehyun agreed, Ayoung nodded to the gate operator.

“Activating the warp gate. Coordinates Jeju Island A-100.”

Weeeeeeing.

The gate was activated with bluish magic power.

Taehyun, Ayoung, and Ricky Hallis.

The three crossed the gate heading to Jeju Island.

Episode 149

"Wow. Is this New Korea's Jeju Island?"

Ricky Hallis, who had crossed the warp gate, looked around and asked.

"It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Korea."

As if they had become close, Ah-young said in a friendly manner.

"Wow… I didn't know there was such a beautiful place."

Ricky Hallis repeatedly said "Unbelievable" and admired the scenery.

The three had arrived at Jeju Island.

Specifically, the Disaster Relief Center of Night Walker, built under Mount Halla.

"This way."

Ah-young led the two with familiar steps.

A guild member who had been waiting at the entrance of the center greeted them.

"It's been a while, Guild Leader."

"Yeah. Anything unusual?"

"What could be unusual on Jeju Island?"

"Did you set up what I told you?"

"It's currently activated. Do you want to use it right away?"

At the subordinate's question, Ah-young turned to Tae-hyun.

"What do you want to do?"

"There's no harm in hurrying."

Ah-young nodded at Tae-hyun's answer.

"That's right. Lead the way immediately."

"The air is really nice. I want to take a good look around."

As they entered the center, Ricky Hallis showed a regretful reaction.

"If this is over, stay a little longer."

"Hmm… Should I?"

"Of course, if you're not busy."

"Umm…."

"Umm…."

At Tae-hyun's words, both of their expressions stiffened at the same time.

As they were executives and leaders in their respective organizations, they were reminded of the piled-up work they would have to do when they returned.

"Fuck…"

Ricky Hallis muttered softly.

While the three were talking, they arrived at the shelter.

A place created in preparation for a possible situation.

But now, not being an emergency, it was just a large circular indoor space.

Ricky Hallis tilted his head at the spacious area that could accommodate at least 5,000 people.

"Here?"

Tae-hyun nodded.

"Unexpected. There must have been many other places besides here."

"Well, after considering various factors, there was no place better than here."

It was a reasonable suspicion, but Tae-hyun brushed it off.

Only three people knew that Tae-hyun's skills were sealed.

Alchemist's Seo Sang-ik, Night Walker's Yoo Ah-young, and America's Ricky Hallis.

It had been confirmed that the skills could be unsealed with time.

The problem was after the skills were unsealed.

It was quiet now, but it was unknown how the guy in the Inner World would come out.

'If by any chance, that guy takes over my body, things will get complicated.'

That guy's power, at its minimum, was that of an SS+ rank monster.

In the worst case.

Such a guy would appear in Seoul, the capital of New Korea.

It might be more dangerous than an un-cleared dungeon breaking.

That's why he chose Jeju Island.

A place where others' eyes couldn't reach, and where he could prepare for the worst.

Moreover.

"As requested, a barrier that can withstand 250 of Strength and Magic Power has been installed. Although it's unlikely, a blocking wall has been installed doubly, in case the barrier collapses."

At the guild member's report, Ah-young patted him on the shoulder.

"Thanks for the hard work overseeing it. Did Alchemist say anything special?"

"They said this is the maximum at this point. They said they would provide a free warranty for up to 3 years."

"Okay. Tell me how to operate it."

"You want to… personally?"

"That's why I came along in the first place."

"I understand. This way."

While Ah-young was learning how to operate the barrier and blocking wall, Tae-hyun and Ricky Hallis entered the interior.

"How long do you think it will take to unseal them?"

"There were five skills left, right?"

Tae-hyun nodded.

She activated the skill 'Canceler,' and Tae-hyun accepted the magic power without resistance.

He could feel the green magic power stirring his body.

"It'll take at least 15 hours, give or take?"

"That's quite a long game."

"But it'll be different if we use this."

Ricky Hallis took out various potions and magic power amplification stones from the handbag she was carrying.

There were dozens of them.

"Don't tell me it's a bag of infinity?"

"Of course. We have a good production guild in America too. I commissioned them with a lot of money."

She showed off the handbag with the expensive brand logo as if boasting.

"Oh, and I'll get the cost of the potions here back later. I'm just a salaried worker for now."

"Of course, I was planning on it. More importantly, after the skill unsealing is finished, can I ask you for one more favor?"

"Hmm? Right away?"

"Yes."

Tae-hyun told her about the worst-case scenario he had been thinking about.

Her expression seemed to change subtly, but she nodded.

"Okay. I owe you one anyway."

"Thank you."

"Then, when are you thinking of starting the work?"

"There's no need to postpone it. Let's start right away."

Thud.

Tae-hyun sat cross-legged on the spot.

Ricky Hallis sat facing Tae-hyun.

"Then, let's focus."

Her hand touched Tae-hyun, and the full-scale skill unsealing work began.

Shanghai, China.

A skyscraper where you can enjoy the night view of Shanghai.

A secret drinking party was being held there, where dozens of top-level players were on guard.

It was a meeting between China's President Zheng Cheng (曾诚) and Liu Yiming (刘奕鸣), who had newly taken office as the president of the Player Association.

"So, how is the position of association president?"

"I am only working to the death for the President."

"Haha. Work hard for our great nation, not me. I've known your abilities for a long time."

At Zheng Cheng's words, Liu Yiming bowed his head once more.

He was a person no different from Zheng Cheng's hands and feet, along with Association President Zheng Zhi, and he had newly become the president of the association.

The connections of Zheng Cheng and the skills of an S-rank intermediate player.

No one opposed his becoming the president of the association.

"So, you said you had something to tell me separately?"

Zheng Cheng asked, emptying his glass.

Liu Yiming took out a small box from his chest as if he had been waiting.

"What is that?"

At Zheng Cheng's question, Liu Yiming showed the USB inside.

"It's the data that the Guangzhou Research Institute backed up."

"……!!"

At the unexpected words, Zheng Cheng's face was filled with surprise.

"Then this is…."

"Yes. With this alone, we can restart the monsterization project, as well as the development of biochemical weapons."

"Hahaha. Very excellent. My judgment in choosing you was not wrong after all."

Zheng Cheng burst into a hearty laugh and filled Liu Yiming's glass with wine.

What he had just received was a first-class secret thought to have been lost along with the dungeon break.

It was an object that could be called a hidden card to overcome the current situation in China.

"Thank you."

Liu Yiming bowed his head at Zheng Cheng's praise.

"With this alone, the Americans won't be able to come out as pressured as they are now. Hehe… I'm excited just imagining what cards the White House will pull out."

"Everything will be as the President wishes."

The two clashed glasses and continued the friendly atmosphere.

"I can't listen anymore."

"……!!"

"Who is it!!"

The source of the voice was behind the folding screen.

Zheng Cheng and Liu Yiming rose to their feet at the sudden presence.

"How did you get here… Guards!! What are the guards doing!!"

Liu Yiming shouted, but no sound was heard from outside.

"There's no use in shouting like that."

"Nonsen…."

Swish.

Thud.

As the man waved his hand, Liu Yiming's neck was cut off as it was.

An S-rank player died without even reacting.

"Wh, what is this…."

Zheng Cheng, who did not understand what was happening now, stammered.

The attack was not even visible to his eyes, who was an ordinary C-rank Awakener.

"There's no need to make a fuss. Sit down. President."

At the man's command, Zheng Cheng sat down in a humiliating expression.

It was a judgment that he had to listen to the man's command for now.

The man kicked Liu Yiming's body out of the way and sat in his place.

A new glass was filled with wine.

"Spicy wine. It's different from the bland New Korean stuff."

"H, hey. What do you want? Is it money? I'll give you as much as you want if you want."

Zheng Cheng said, trying to calm his trembling voice.

The guards outside would not be safe either.

Then his life was as good as in the hands of the man in front of him.

The man chuckled at Zheng Cheng's quick change of attitude.

"What I want. Don't you have it."

The man gestured with his chin to the USB in Zheng Cheng's hand.

"Th, this is…."

"Don't say you can't. Unless that thing is more precious than your life."

"……."

The thought was not long.

Swish.

Zheng Cheng handed the man the box containing the USB.

"You're a politician, so you're quick at running your head."

"Who… are you…?"

"You don't need to know. Unless you want to know more, I have to kill you here?"

"H, hey, that's not what I mean…!!"

Seeing Zheng Cheng flustered, the man raised the corners of his mouth with a grin.

"Good wine. This wine saved you."

"……."

As if Zheng Cheng's answer did not matter.

The man emptied all the wine in the bottle.

"President. Enjoy the rest of your life. A new world will come soon."

That was the end.

Swoosh.

A shadow that rose from somewhere swallowed the man's body.

In an instant, his presence disappeared from the room.

"Huh…."

Zheng Cheng, who was left alone, sighed.

It was a situation that could be believed to be a dream.

But the body of Liu Yiming, soaked in a pool of blood.

It reminded him that what had just happened was real.

A message suddenly appeared in front of Tae-hyun's eyes.

Ting.

[Skill Shadow Skin (AA) can be used.]

[Skill World of the Monarch (AA) can be used.]

[Skill Chains of Restriction (AA) can be used.]

[Skill Queen's Man (AA) can be used.]

[Skill Perfect Hypnosis (AA) can be used.]

It was the message he had been waiting for all along.

"Whew. It's finally over."

Ricky Hallis stretched her arms and stretched.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Tae-hyun said so and checked the status window.

All skills were flashing as if they could be used.

"Hooah…."

Ricky Hallis, who drank a magic power potion and a fatigue potion, collapsed on the floor.

She had concentrated while controlling magic power for nearly ten hours.

Although she used potions and scrolls, if it was not her, but someone else, it would have been enough to exhaust them long ago.

"What. Is it over?"

Ah-young, who had been watching from behind the blocking wall, approached and asked.

"I have regained all my skills."

"Then?"

"Now we have to test the money we spent here."

"……?"

Ah-young made an expression that she didn't know what he was talking about, and Ricky Hallis, who exchanged eyes with Tae-hyun, nodded.

She recalled the second request Tae-hyun had made.

"Everyone, please go out and activate the barrier and the blocking wall."

"What are you going to do?"

Ah-young, who still did not understand the situation, asked.

"If I have regained my skills, I should test them."

"……?"

"Okay. I'll explain it, so let's go out first, Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young."

Ricky Hallis took Ah-young and went out.

After a while.

As Tae-hyun requested, the barrier and the blocking wall were activated.

Ziiiiing.

Thump. Thump.

A barrier and a specially made blocking wall that could withstand up to 250 of Strength and Magic Power.

Tae-hyun had spent hundreds of millions of won just in case.

'I hope there won't be a moment when these are needed….'

Who can be sure of an uncertain future?

Tae-hyun stood in front of a full-length mirror installed on one wall.

Ting.

[Skill Perfect Hypnosis (AA) is used. The target is specified.]

Tae-hyun's eyes reflected in the mirror turned red.

'Come to think of it, is this the first time I've used a skill on myself?'

His mouth was dry as he thought of what would happen soon.

In order to regain complete control of his body.

Now was the time to face that guy.

'Wait for me. You bastard.'

The consciousness subjected to 'Perfect Hypnosis' began to fade.

Okay, here's the translation:

Chapter 150

Taehyun opened his eyes.

He saw a familiar place.

A red sky. A vast, desert-like land.

And in the middle of it, a man with the same face as him, sitting leisurely on a crudely made throne.

"I didn't expect you to come here yourself."

Red hair and red eyes.

The other Taehyun said, rising from the throne.

"I should have done this sooner."

Taehyun retorted as he walked towards him.

It was uncertain.

Whether such a monster really existed inside him.

Even if it did, how would he meet it?

The Inner World wasn't a place one could enter carelessly.

Especially his own Inner World.

He thought it would only be possible in a dream, but it wasn't.

Taehyun already had the key.

'This guy can influence me at any time if he wants to.'

Taehyun's heart began to pound.

"I can't live with a bomb like you."

Kwaaaaaaa.

A dark red magic power surged from Taehyun's body.

Magic power that had devoured Venom and completely surpassed 300.

Even an SS-ranked monster wouldn't be able to easily face Taehyun now.

The other Taehyun whistled at that power.

"To think you'd grow this much even after losing your power. I have to admit that."

"Still laughing? You fake."

Taehyun, who had already reached him, faced his other self.

The eyes of Taehyun, who hadn't yet become red-eyed, met the eyes of Taehyun, who had become perfectly red-eyed.

"It's the first time you've faced me with your own will."

The other Taehyun murmured, as if feeling a new emotion.

"You. What are you? You doppelganger bastard."

"Doppelganger... not a very pleasant name. Does it matter?"

"It does. Unless you want to die like a dog."

The magic power flowing from Taehyun's body grew stronger and stronger.

He was in a state where he could unleash his magic power at any moment.

"You've come to handle quite a bit of magic power. In that insect-like body."

"I didn't come here to joke around."

Hwaaaak.

Taehyun gestured, and dark red magic power surrounded the doppelganger's body.

It meant that he would devour him if he didn't answer properly.

"Are you going to try to subjugate me with force?"

"It's not impossible."

"Still an ignorant brat. But well, fine."

The doppelganger smirked and snapped his fingers.

Ttaak.

Kwaaaaaaaaaa.

The same dark red magic power as Taehyun's exploded from his body.

Kwazik. Kwazik.

In an instant, the two magic powers mixed together.

"The Abyss is a world of the survival of the fittest. If you want to hear an answer from me, then subjugate me."

It was an expected reaction.

That's why Taehyun's actions were quick.

"I was planning to do that from the start."

Swissswisss.

Deudeudeudeuk.

Taehyun's body was strengthened and disappeared at the same time.

He had used the skill 'Shadow Skin.'

The doppelganger's red eyes chased after the quickly moving Taehyun.

His movements were clearly visible, making the use of the skill seem meaningless.

"Like a moth to a flame. Shall we go easy?"

Ttaak.

The doppelganger snapped his fingers once again.

"......!!"

It wasn't a range attack.

The gravity in the area was strengthened.

Kugugugung.

It was a familiar power.

"Kneel. Kim Taehyun."

The skill 'Monarch's Presence' began to press down on Taehyun's body.

How much time had passed?

How many exchanges had there been?

The Inner World was shaken countless times, and each time blood splattered.

Kwagwagwagwa.

Taehyun, who had tumbled over and over, immediately stood up and prepared for the next attack.

Chinese ancient martial art, 5th form. Penetrating Force.

A technique that even the SS-ranked monster Kentamiion and Venom couldn't ignore.

That technique targeted the doppelganger, but...

The result was not the same as before.

Kudeudeudeuk.

The doppelganger's hand easily caught Taehyun's Penetrating Force.

Taehyun pushed in, using Internal Force with his other hand.

Kudeuk.

That too was easily caught by the doppelganger.

"To put me on the same level as those guys. Disappointing."

He had watched how Taehyun had faced Kentamiion and Venom in the Inner World.

That's why.

He didn't like the attitude of equating himself with 'mere' SS-ranked monsters.

Kkwang.

The doppelganger's knee struck Taehyun's abdomen, whose hands were caught.

A clean and concise movement.

Taehyun's body, which hadn't properly defended, was sent flying.

The pain was beyond imagination, and 'Shadow Skin' was解除 (haejeo - unsealed/released).

"Cough...."

Taehyun, who had flown a long way and crashed, coughed up blood.

The doppelganger was approaching with an indifferent expression.

'That damn bastard... he's disgustingly strong.'

"You're not going to give up with just that, are you?"

The doppelganger said mockingly.

"Shut up."

Taehyun spat out a curse and got to his feet.

"Come on, try again. You can use your fancy skills if you want."

Kkadeuk.

Taehyun gritted his teeth.

That guy.

The doppelganger.

He was enjoying watching him struggle.

Every time he took out a card, he didn't really engage with him.

Yet, he not only blocked him without difficulty but also countered him reliably.

He couldn't see a way to attack him at all.

'If I can't defeat him here... I can't move forward.'

He instinctively knew.

The doppelganger staying in the Inner World was like a superior version of Taehyun.

The stronger Taehyun became, the stronger he would become, and the greater his control over the body would be.

'I will regain control of my body here.'

He had run tirelessly to explore the Abyss that no one had ever accomplished and to become the best player in the world.

There were still mountains of things he hadn't confirmed to stop here.

Taehyun checked the magic power he felt inside his body.

He didn't know why, but...

There were two skills that weren't being used here.

'Queen's Man' and 'Blood Frenzy.'

Coincidentally, both were skills he had been thinking of as hidden cards.

'There's a way.'

Taehyun's eyes changed.

The doppelganger whistled again.

"Good eyes. Let's see what kind of tricks you've prepared this time."

Taehyun moved his body without saying a word.

The first thing he used was 'Shadow Skin.'

"Hmph."

The doppelganger crossed his arms with a bored expression.

'That arrogance will make him lose.'

Taehyun used the next skill.

'Monarch's World.'

Hwaaaaaak.

The area was engulfed in darkness, swallowing Taehyun and the doppelganger's bodies.

'Monarch's Presence.'

Kugugugung.

Gravity was added to the field created by Taehyun.

'Chains of Binding.'

Chwareureuk. Chwareureureuk.

Chains flowing down from all over the field wrapped around the doppelganger.

A complete capture to hunt down prey.

And...

'Devour.'

Kwaaaaaaaaaa.

The dark red magic power that had swelled up from all over covered him like a tsunami.

It was magic power that had become even more violent with the advantage of 'Monarch's World.'

"I told you. Your skills don't reach me."

Kwaaaaaaaaaa.

Kugugugugung.

When the doppelganger released his magic power, Taehyun's field began to shake unstably.

"Try to block this, then."

At Taehyun's gesture, the magic power of Devour transformed its form.

Jjeoeok.

A giant maw opened to devour him.

"Insufficient."

Jjeo-eoeok.

At the doppelganger's gesture, his Devour also transformed its form.

"......!!"

The difference was that it was bigger than Taehyun's.

Two maws began to bite each other.

Kwadeuk. Kwadeuk. Kwadeudeuk. Kwadeudeudeuk.

"Hoo."

The doppelganger showed interest as he watched Taehyun's magic power fiercely resist.

Clearly, he was at a disadvantage in terms of the size of his magic power.

Kwadeudeudeudeuk.

Taehyun's Devour was not easily being eaten.

At the same time, Taehyun strengthened his remaining skills.

A whopping six skills were strengthened, and the remaining magic power was rapidly decreasing.

No, what was decreasing was not magic power, but Taehyun's mental strength.

His head, his brain, felt like they were burning.

Even so.

'I won't miss a single one!!'

Kwagwagwagwa.

'Monarch's World.'

'Monarch's Presence.'

'Chains of Binding.'

'Devour.'

"......!!"

The doppelganger's body, which had been so relaxed all along, shook momentarily at the all-out attack.

Taehyun did not miss that gap.

Chinese ancient martial art, 6th form. Divine Transformation.

Kwaaaaaang.

Taehyun's fist, which had kicked off the ground, was unleashed towards him.

The two hearts visible with 'Demon's Eye.'

Towards the right heart, where more magic power was gathered.

He was planning to pull out his heart, as if pulling out the magic core of a monster.

But unfortunately.

The Divine Transformation, which had poured out all his energy, did not reach him.

Chwareureureureuk.

"Keuek...."

Taehyun groaned as he looked at the chains that were pulling his limbs taut.

"This one was a little dangerous."

Kwadeudeuk.

He released the 'Chains of Binding' and slowly approached.

Kwoong. Kwoong. Kwoong. Kwoong.

The ground shook with each step.

"It seems like all your tricks have been revealed."

The doppelganger said, looking down at Taehyun, whose limbs were bound.

"It's a little early, but. I'll take this body."

Unlike the tattered Taehyun.

His attitude was full of ease.

Taehyun's body writhed at his voice.

"No."

Taehyun lifted his head, which had been lowered, and glared at him.

The red eyes, with the combined effect of 'Demon's Eye' and 'Devour' activated, had transformed into 'Eye of a Higher Being.'

"Get out of my body. You fake."

The two pairs of red eyes met, and 'Complete Hypnosis' was activated.

At that moment.

Ah-young and Ricky Hallis were watching Taehyun's figure beyond the barrier.

In the middle of a large shelter.

Taehyun was standing as if dead, with his head lowered.

It had only been 5 minutes since the barrier had closed.

"Ricky. What did Taehyun ask you to do?"

Ah-young asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

Ricky Hallis opened her mouth as if it were nothing.

"He said he was going to test the Overload of Skills."

"......!!"

Overload of Skills.

The maximum output of magic power that could be normally used.

An area that only a small number of S-ranked players could attempt, allowing them to use more than that.

"Why would someone like Taehyun..."

Ah-young asked back, as if she couldn't understand.

He had the power to hunt SS-ranked monsters single-handedly.

Why would Taehyun risk everything and assume a situation where he would overload his skills?

She couldn't imagine it at all.

"A lot has happened. I guess he thinks his current power is not enough."

"......"

Ah-young closed her mouth.

She knew what she was saying.

Just as with the 'Phoenix Temple' she had been with, she knew that conquering the 'Guangzhou Unconquered Dungeon' would not have been easy either.

"So, the request was..."

"Yes. In case he failed to control his skills, he asked us to subdue him."

"What kind of skill is he trying to overload..."

National power level.

And even keeping the second-ranked player in the US on standby?

Ah-young made an uneasy expression, unlike her usual self.

Ricky Hallis smiled playfully at that sight.

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. You like Taehyun, don't you?"

"......"

The two women's eyes met quietly.

Ah-young did not avoid her eyes.

"Because he's a good man, not fitting for his age."

"I think so too."

"Does that mean..."

Smirk.

"Shall we make a bet? Who will be the first..."

Ricky Hallis's expression, which had been playful, suddenly hardened.

Beyond the barrier.

Taehyun, who had been lowering his head all along, was lifting his head.

Red eyes.

And the dark red magic power boiling in his body.

It was a chilling sensation that the two had never felt before.

Ricky Hallis quietly removed her necklace.

The necklace, which was in the shape of a cross, reacted to the magic power and became a long staff.

"Get ready. Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young."

"Wait. We can't say he's failed yet..."

"With this much magic power... that barrier won't be able to withstand it."

No sooner had Ricky Hallis finished speaking than.

Jjeojeok. Jjeojeojeok.

The barrier touched by the dark red magic power.

Cracks began to appear in the barrier that was said to withstand up to 250 magic power.

"......!!"

"It seems we have to assume the worst-case scenario."

Watching Taehyun approaching them.

The two women raised their magic power.

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