RKP 171-180

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Okay, here is the translation of the provided text into English:

Episode 171

Gyeonggi Province, Pyeongtaek City.

Away from the South Korean capital, Seoul, a new religious movement was rapidly emerging.

The New Chollian.

A group cultivating numerous followers with interpretations of scripture different from traditional Christianity.

On the surface, it looked like a regular church, but in reality, it was a pseudo-religion, not even a true cult.

"Those who believe in me will go to heaven."

Perhaps the world was too peaceful?

People began to fall for such absurd advertising slogans.

A man was in a palace-like house, with two women at his side.

The man was Min Dae-hee, the leader of the New Chollian.

He was called the son of God by his followers.

In his sixties, he couldn't hide his age with a protruding belly, but the women beside him looked to be only in their early thirties.

"Hehehe."

Min Dae-hee opened his mouth with a sinister laugh.

One of the women plucked a grape and placed it in his mouth.

Smack. Smack.

He chewed the grape with a crude sound.

The woman's face flushed at the sight.

'This is heaven.'

Min Dae-hee thought as he stretched out his legs.

Another woman began to massage his leg with her smooth hands.

"Good, good. That's right."

Min Dae-hee grinned, enjoying the pleasure from his fleshy leg.

If there were a king in modern times, wouldn't this be how he felt?

'Hehe. To think such dreamlike days would come to me.'

Min Dae-hee recalled the past.

He had been an ordinary pastor.

His awakened skill was 'Preaching' (C-grade).

A common skill possessed by many lecturers and evangelists.

Around the time he surpassed 20 years as a pastor, he awakened a new skill.

A-grade skill 'Earnest Whisper.'

He should have reported it to the Awakened Management Bureau, but Min Dae-hee cleverly hid the fact.

Because he had a brilliant idea that could change his life.

First, he left the church he was affiliated with and established the New Chollian Church.

It was completely different from existing denominations.

He created his own doctrine, idolizing the human Min Dae-hee, not Jesus.

The process of manifesting the skill was complicated, but the number of followers who were deceived by his sweet words increased, and the church quickly expanded its power.

Followers who projected Jesus onto him.

'The human Min Dae-hee is the son of God.'

'Those who are with the son of God will go to heaven after death.'

Even he thought the logic was absurd.

But for those who felt emptiness in their hearts, such things didn't matter.

Emptiness in friendships for teenagers.

Emptiness in job seeking for those in their twenties.

Emptiness in work life for those in their thirties.

Emptiness in family life for those in their forties.

Emptiness about past lives for those in their fifties.

He didn't accept followers over 60 because their economic activity was weak.

Min Dae-hee's clever strategy worked perfectly.

Before he knew it, the New Chollian Church had become a large religion with 5 million followers.

He had become the king and god of 5 million followers.

"Hehehe."

Just as Min Dae-hee was about to reach for a woman's butt with a sinister laugh...

"Looks good."

"Huh...!!"

"Kyaa!!"

"Your Holiness...!!"

The two followers fell backward at the sudden voice.

The same went for Min Dae-hee.

"Yo, Your Holiness...!! We need to call the guards...!!"

The woman shouted, but Min Dae-hee's expression was not good.

Guards against the man in front of him?

Even if the guards, police, soldiers, and Players came in droves, they would be useless against this man.

Min Dae-hee forced a smile.

"Si, Believer... I told you to contact me in advance next time you visit... Haha... You all don't have to worry. He is one who is 'with' us."

At Min Dae-hee's words, the two women turned their dull eyes towards the man.

The man.

The moment the Shadow and the two women made eye contact.

Thud. Thud.

The women lost consciousness and collapsed powerlessly.

"Didn't I ask? It looks good."

"Sa, Save me..."

At the Shadow's words, Min Dae-hee prostrated himself on the floor.

He had been putting on airs in front of his followers just a moment ago.

Because the Shadow was not someone he could condescend to.

"There's no need for introductions. What happened to what I ordered?"

"If you mean what you ordered..."

"If you ask me one more time, I'll cut off that pig-like neck."

The Shadow spoke in a chilling voice, pouring a drink.

Only then did Min Dae-hee notice the clothes the Shadow was wearing.

There was an unidentified bloodstain all over his body.

"Hi, Hiii...!!"

The memory of that day flashed in his mind.

The nightmare of the day he easily killed the five A-grade Awakened he had hired and forced the oath of the Awakened.

"I, I did it. I executed it for sure."

"The result?"

"The followers who took the medicine that the Shadow gave us showed symptoms of mass infection."

"And?"

"A, As ordered... without stopping by the hospital... I gave the order to travel around the country and the world. I, In the name of God..."

The Shadow, who had heard that far, emptied his glass.

New Chollian leader Min Dae-hee.

He was just an insignificant existence compared to the power he possessed.

However.

'These ordinary guys have more Maine-like tendencies.'

Thanks to that, his plan seemed to be progressing without a hitch.

"In the name of God... that's a good word to hear."

The Shadow smiled rarely.

"Hu, However, what is that..."

Min Dae-hee asked, watching the mood.

However, as soon as he met the Shadow's eerie eyes, his head was lowered.

"Ah, No. I will just do as the Shadow tells me in the future."

"It's disgusting, but I like that attitude. Move secretly as you do now."

"A, I understand."

Min Dae-hee, who once again hit his head on the floor, swore obedience.

The S-grade Maine that the South Korean Player Association put a huge bounty on.

He didn't know what kind of medicine he gave.

'What do I care about the lives of other guys.'

He knew that he must not be on the Shadow's bad side in order to continue his current life.

Unlike the past life.

A future Taehyun didn't know was unfolding.

The SS-grade license awarding ceremony that created many issues.

After that, the un-conquered dungeon conquest ended, led by the United States and South Korea.

Many people who were members of the conquest team accumulated contributions.

Was it because of the increasing skill level of players?

The World Player Association quickly received recommendations for new candidates.

Many players confidently put their names on the SS-grade license test.

The first test tested contribution points and theory.

The second test, which tested magic control and skill specificity, was conducted independently.

And the last third test was in Italy, where the World Player Association is located.

It took place in an artificial colosseum.

"Player Kim Tae-hyun. Welcome."

As Taehyun crossed the warp gate, an employee of the association greeted him politely.

"Have the others arrived?"

"Yes. This way."

The employee immediately guided him to the supervisor's office.

Cody Cruz and Thomas Neuer, who had arrived earlier, were inside.

"I was wondering when you'd come."

Thomas Neuer greeted him, feigning familiarity.

"It's been a while."

Taehyun smiled, holding his hand.

"......"

Cody Cruz, who also made eye contact, nodded slightly.

The three of them were the only ones selected as test supervisors.

It was the result of selecting the three SS-grade players with the highest contribution points for fairness.

"Alright. Now that we have gathered the three busiest people in the world. I will immediately explain the test method."

An employee of the World Player Association opened his mouth.

The previous awarding ceremony was overseen by Italy with the intervention of the Pope.

From the second test, the World Player Association took the lead again.

The test content had to be changed accordingly.

"Everyone you are responsible for is already a player who has passed two tests. Their skills are beyond question."

"Hmm... I've also heard that connections were involved?"

Thomas Neuer asked boldly.

"Haha. Of course not. Only those who have not been recommended by the heads of each country's association have been excluded. We also conducted our own tests to reduce the number to 150... Even this was not easy because the candidates were so outstanding."

"150 people. It seems there are many talents."

Taehyun asked casually.

He was reminded of the fact that there were fewer than 50 people in his past life.

"The power of Awakened is getting stronger and stronger."

"Is that so."

Of course, Taehyun did not say that out loud.

"So. What do we have to do?"

Cody Cruz, who had been silent, asked.

"Ah. You will each be in charge of 50 players. First, measure your magic power and then half of that number..."

The manager's explanation was simple.

The current SS-grade players and candidates will engage in 1-on-1 combat.

And fifty professional measurers watching from beyond the barrier.

They will check the candidates' practical abilities and give them the final score.

'Bureaucratic paperwork.'

Taehyun clicked his tongue at the ridiculous test method.

He wondered how many people would be able to properly deal with SS-grade monsters even if they were selected in this way.

At that time, Cody Cruz opened his mouth.

"Wouldn't it be easier not to do that?"

'Hoo...'

Taehyun and Thomas Neuer looked at Cody Cruz with interesting expressions.

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

The employee, who had not yet judged the situation, looked puzzled.

Cody Cruz sighed and continued.

"After all, they will eventually explore the depths. If you are going to be issued an SS-grade license. You should be prepared for that."

"......?"

Taehyun added an explanation to the employee, who still didn't seem to understand.

"Let's have all 50 of them attack at once."

"I agree."

Thomas Neuer nodded.

"Bu, But..."

"Don't worry. We'll watch the test properly."

"I, I'll contact the higher-ups now..."

The man reached for his earpiece.

The three had already decided on their own.

"What order do you want to go in?"

Thomas Neuer asked.

"I will be in charge of Group A."

Taehyun volunteered to be the first supervisor.

The artificial colosseum that the World Player Association boasts about.

Fifty candidates assigned to Group A were waiting for the supervisor.

There were quite a few people who had become familiar with each other by passing the 1st and 2nd rounds.

Most of them were spending their time flirting with each other.

"Hey. How many people do you think will pass here?"

"At most, about 5 people."

"I heard that the 3rd round will directly face the current SS-grade player?"

"Huhu. Cody Cruz, Thomas Neuer, and Kim Tae-hyun. None of them are easy to deal with."

"I wish Kim Tae-hyun would be in charge. I've always hated seeing the Asian monkey act up."

"Hey. James. How are you going to take responsibility if those words get into Kim Tae-hyun's ears?"

"Hehehe... Then let's take off our licenses like men and fight."

Colombia's S-grade player James.

He smiled viciously and pretended to be tough.

At that time.

[Group A. The supervisor will enter.]

An alarm rang from the large speaker.

A man came in from afar.

It was Taehyun.

"Wow. It's really Kim Tae-hyun?"

"Kikik. James. Are you going to take responsibility for what you said earlier?"

"Hehe. Of course."

Taehyun quickly stepped onto the colosseum square.

He could see 50 scattered players flinching.

"I'm Kim Tae-hyun, supervisor of Group A. I will briefly explain the third test. 1 minute from now. If you can still stand after that, you will acquire the SS-grade license."

The square was in chaos at Taehyun's unilateral notice.

"What?"

"Stand...?"

"Excuse me... can you explain it properly...?"

"Okay. 59 seconds left."

There is always someone in the group who is quick-witted.

The first to move was James.

Ding.

[Skill Meteor (S) has been activated. Specifies the target.]

The moment a magic circle was drawn in the square.

Whoooooooosh.

A huge magic power began to fall from the sky.

"Die!!"

"Damn, are you trying to kill us all!!"

"That crazy bastard!!"

Colombia's James.

Starting with him, countless skills were fired indiscriminately.

And.

Ding.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated. Does not specify the target.]

In the Colosseum.

Darkness fell.

Okay, here is the English translation of the provided text:

Episode 172

A skill created through skill fusion.

Apocalypse.

The events of that day were still vivid.

"There are skills that I've never seen before?"

"There has never been anything like that before..."

"I can guarantee that."

Those were the words of Bang Chae-soo after waking up from the skill fusion.

Afterward, not believing Tae-hyun, he scanned his status window.

However, as expected, he didn't seem to see any skills other than Apocalypse.

He was merely surprised by the dramatic increase in his stats.

Later, Tae-hyun visited the deep layers and experimented on several monsters.

Among them was an S-rank monster.

Although he couldn't do enough experiments, one thing was clear.

The power of Apocalypse is threatening enough even to SS-rank monsters.

Therefore.

"Keuhuk..."

"I can't see... I can't see!"

"I can't... breathe..."

"Save me..."

"Someone, please release these chains!"

"My body won't move...!"

"I have no sensation...!"

"M-My voice..."

In the silent darkness, the candidates screamed.

Tank classes and mage classes were no different.

Gravity pressed down, and all kinds of physical abilities were debuffed.

They couldn't breathe due to the overwhelming magical power, and chains of unknown origin wrapped around their bodies like tentacles.

Those seized by fear began to lose ownership of their bodies.

Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.

Lord's World.

Lord's Aura.

Chains of Binding.

The candidates fell one by one under the weight of their different skills.

This happened in less than 20 seconds after the skill was used.

'There's no way these guys can withstand this.'

'Apocalypse.'

Only ten skills were used to create this single skill.

Moreover, now that Tae-hyun's status window rank is S.

It wouldn't have made a difference even if it were 50 current SS-rank players, not candidates.

But wasn't there a crane among the chickens?

'Not bad?'

There was someone enduring the skill.

The jet-black darkness swallowed the plaza, 'Apocalypse.'

A woman emitting pure white light and concentrating steadfastly caught his eye.

It was the first SS-rank Awakener, Sarah Collins.

Tae-hyun knew that she would be participating in this license test.

But he never expected that she would be assigned to him among the three supervisors.

Hwaaaaa.

Pajijijijik.

The light emanating from her pushed back against the Apocalypse.

'That's an interesting skill.'

Step. Step. Step. Step.

Tae-hyun crossed the plaza towards her.

They were candidates considered to be named in the industry.

None of them sensed Tae-hyun passing by.

Eventually, Tae-hyun reached right in front of Sarah Collins.

'Sarah Collins.'

She was sweating as she focused on her skill.

A strange emotion flickered in Tae-hyun's eyes as he looked at her.

He knew a lot about Sarah Collins.

Like Tae-hyun, she was a child whose potential rank was unknown.

She was also a child who lived a life called a loser.

Of course, compared to Tae-hyun, who couldn't awaken until he was thirty-five, she awakened late and lived a successful life.

'I used to wish I could awaken like you.'

Now, for some reason, they are standing in the Colosseum as a supervisor and a candidate.

A strange heat rose.

'But this time, it was a little too early.'

The current life changed due to Tae-hyun.

There was a subtle time difference from his previous life.

Sarah Collins was the same.

She should have acquired the SS-rank license after building up more power than she had now.

No matter how outstanding her talent was.

The Abyss is such a ruthless place that it swallows even such talent.

'Is it almost a minute?'

Perhaps because of what Tae-hyun said before the test.

About five candidates were still crawling on the floor, maintaining consciousness.

Tae-hyun snapped his fingers out of respect for their tenacity.

Tting.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated. Output: 5%]

The concentration of magical power surrounding the area deepened.

And.

Kugugugung.

Hwaaaaaa.

All 50 people knelt.

Sarah Collins gritted her teeth.

She was the first SS-rank Awakener.

A chosen existence.

'I will never give up.'

The light emanating from her body grew even stronger.

Tting.

[Skill Terraforming (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated. Output: 70%]

SS-rank skill 'Terraforming.'

It was a skill that absorbed the surrounding magical power and converted it into her abilities.

A large amount of magical power was drained in an instant.

At the same time, an unbelievable message rang in her ears.

[Strength increases by 30.]

[Health increases by 40.]

[Speed increases by 20.]

[Magic increases by 60.]

'What?'

She questioned what she had heard and focused on her skill.

This power that was gnawing at her mind.

It was clearly Player Kim Tae-hyun's field-type skill.

Just absorbing the magical power scattered in such a field resulted in this much of an increase.

Unbelievable, but the stats were accurate.

Breathing became much easier than before.

Her vision hadn't fully returned yet.

But it was bearable compared to the feeling of being crushed a moment ago.

Light magic was emitted from her body.

Pajijijijik.

She seemed to hear the sound of magical power colliding with magical power with her weakened hearing.

At that time.

She instinctively turned her body.

Her five senses were faint, but she could clearly perceive the enemy targeting her.

Chwaleuleuk. Chwaleuleuk.

The chains aiming for her arms and legs simultaneously narrowly brushed past.

Perhaps if she had been caught, it wouldn't have ended with just being incapacitated.

Thinking that, goosebumps broke out all over her body.

'Kim Tae-hyun. He's really a scary man.'

Age. Country. Gender, etc.

Many people in the West tend to underestimate Tae-hyun.

There are various reasons, but she knew that envy and jealousy were underlying.

'But.'

She, who had lived as a loser until recently, was different.

'Maybe he's on par with Uncle Cody... or even better...'

Cody Cruz was her teacher.

That's why she wanted to pass this test no matter what.

'This much pain... is nothing compared to what I've been through so far.'

After awakening as an SS-rank, the U.S. government approached her.

They promised the best treatment if she would work for the country.

There was nothing to hesitate about.

She had lived as a loser her whole life.

She didn't come from a wealthy family, and she had always admired players anyway.

There was no reason to refuse when the government offered to support that path.

Was it because she awakened as an SS-rank?

She was strong.

Despite having no combat experience.

With just one skill, she was recognized as having the same combat power as a current B-rank player.

The best talent in the world.

The child who would continue the glory of the United States.

The government transferred her management to the U.S. Players Association, where she met Cody Cruz.

Cody Cruz taught her many things.

She grew rapidly in a short period of time while working with him.

That's why she was able to take the SS-rank player test in less than half a year after awakening.

There was only one goal.

To surpass her teacher, Cody Cruz, and become the best player in the world.

She couldn't back down here to do that.

"Kim...Tae-hyun..."

She muttered as if chewing and spitting it out.

If she could withstand Kim Tae-hyun's skill.

It would be an indicator to check how close she had gotten to Cody Cruz.

Above all, this test was not about defeating Tae-hyun, but about surviving for one minute.

Tting.

[Skill Terraforming (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated. Output: 70%]

Once again, a large amount of magical power was drained.

'More...!!'

[Skill Terraforming (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated. Enhancement has reached its limit. Output: 100%]

[Strength increases by 20.]

[Health increases by 30.]

[Speed increases by 20.]

[Magic increases by 50.]

As the skills stacked.

Her four main abilities instantly exceeded 200.

Hwaaaaa.

It was when the light was about to drive out the darkness.

"Good eyes."

"......!!"

Kugugugung.

The moment she felt the gravity around her suddenly increase.

Thud.

She knelt down helplessly.

"Are there any videos being recorded?!"

"T-That's... none of them are working. It seems to be because of the skill."

Behind the Colosseum.

Measurement room with dozens of state-of-the-art screens installed.

Fifty measurement experts were in a state of mental breakdown.

Not only had the test subjects been changed at the request of the supervisors, but the screens had stopped working all at once.

The association was confident that it could accept the supervisors' requests even though they were one-sided.

But because they couldn't see like this, there was nothing they could do.

"Surely... they won't drop everyone off, will they?"

Said a professor of criminal psychology at the American National University.

No matter how many Kim Tae-hyun has, the number is 50.

Even Sarah Collins, who is called the future of the United States, was there.

"Rather, just enduring Kim Tae-hyun appropriately will give you a significant bonus."

That was said by a professor of mana studies at Newcastle University in England.

"Anyway, they asked for only 1 minute. Let's wait a little longer."

Another professional measurement expert said that.

Almost 1 minute that Tae-hyun requested was coming to an end.

A little later.

Exactly 1 minute later, 'Apocalypse' was released.

The darkness disappeared and the artificial Colosseum returned to its original state.

The same was true for the screens that had been frozen.

It captured the appearance of the Colosseum with clear image quality as if nothing had happened.

But unlike what they thought.

Dozens of screens were showing an unexpected scene.

The fifty experts who were watching all took a deep breath at once.

"What is this..."

"Huh... I think an explanation is needed..."

"What the hell happened inside..."

50 candidates assigned to Group A.

They were lying on the Colosseum.

About 45 were unconscious, and 4 were still conscious but trembling and crawling on the floor.

That's why she stood out.

Sarah Collins.

The sight of her, kneeling on one knee, struggling to get up.

"I didn't expect you to actually endure it."

Tae-hyun opened his mouth above the silent Colosseum.

"Sarah Collins."

"......"

Suddenly, Sarah Collins vomited blood.

It was a symptom of magic backflow.

Blood flowed from her eyes, where the capillaries had burst.

Tae-hyun watched the scene quietly.

"You passed."

The 50 experts waited for the next words.

But that was the end.

Tae-hyun turned around and left the Colosseum.

And after a while.

Thud.

Sarah Collins completely lost consciousness.

"Healer!! Get the healers in quickly!!"

The measurement room became noisy again.

Following Tae-hyun, Thomas Neuer and Cody Cruz took charge of Group B and Group C.

The tests were conducted at different times.

In the end, only one person passed.

Only Sarah Collins.

Episode 173

The fifty measurers lowered their heads.

Every one of them was a renowned scholar from prestigious universities.

It was because they keenly felt the difference in skill between themselves and the active SS-rank players Cody Cruz, Kim Tae-hyun, and Thomas Neuer.

The association executives also wore grim expressions.

"Hmph… I never expected these results…"

"Only one out of a mere 300… Certainly an unexpected figure."

"The Association President will be greatly disappointed."

Perhaps because they had hoped for the birth of a new star from this test.

Their disappointment was immense.

They had thought that fairness would be guaranteed if the top 1-3 ranked players in contribution points acted as supervisors.

That was why they had spent a large sum of money to invite the three of them.

"Looks like there wasn't enough talent."

As if for the disheartened association officials to hear, Tae-hyun said, looking at the other two supervisors.

Cody Cruz and Thomas Neuer nodded in agreement.

'It's obvious without even looking.'

From the start, it wasn't that they had made the test overly difficult.

It was simply that the average skill of the 150 candidates was lower than that of active SS-rank players.

'They have great potential, but they lack practical experience.'

It was similar to cases where they were knowledgeable in theory but lacked practical ability.

Among the candidates in Group A, which Tae-hyun supervised, Sarah Collins was arguably a top-tier S-rank player.

'Well, it would have been the same even if it was these two guys.'

Sarah Collins' talent was definitely remarkable.

However, she lacked time.

Time to hone her talent and unleash her potential.

Nevertheless, Tae-hyun passed her because of her tenacity.

A tenacity to not hesitate to push beyond her limits in order to uphold her beliefs.

"Hmph… If all three of you say so… It must be true."

"We will… report the results to the Association President."

"Thank you for your hard work…"

The association employees retreated.

"I was trying to be tactful… But I got carried away without realizing it."

Thomas Neuer said, as if embarrassed.

But that wouldn't be his true feelings.

In his previous life, he had also been invited as a supervisor and only passed one person.

That person was Sarah Collins.

Cody Cruz passed none.

The only change was Tae-hyun's position.

'In my past life, Jang Lin-feng was in this position.'

Jang Lin-feng, the contractor of the Archduke Igmoon.

After obtaining his SS-rank license, he quickly rose to 3rd place in the contribution point rankings.

It was a result of the Chinese government unofficially funneling contribution points to him.

The test he participated in as a supervisor was quite different from the present one.

China lobbied heavily to enhance its national prestige.

Many of the 50 experts pocketed black money.

All of this was later revealed through internal whistleblowing.

'The test must be fair.'

Tae-hyun exchanged a meaningful look with the other two supervisors.

The SS-rank license test ended that way, and unlike in his past life, only one SS-rank player was born.

"Then, let's all go our separate ways."

Thomas Neuer agreed with Tae-hyun's words.

As players who were among the only ten in the world, they had mountains of things to do after their supervisory duties were over.

'Should I go straight to the Abyss?'

The newly updated status window and skills.

There were many things that he hadn't had time to properly check.

Tae-hyun was about to leave the supervisor's office first when.

"Wait."

Cody Cruz called out to Tae-hyun.

"Is there something you need?"

"There is something I wish to ask you…"

"Ask away."

"……."

Cody Cruz belatedly looked at Thomas Neuer.

Fortunately, he wasn't an oblivious man.

"Haha. I should leave you two alone. Until we meet again, take care."

With those words, Thomas Neuer headed to the warp gate.

Only the two of them remained.

"Cody Cruz. What is it you want to ask?"

"I know that you are Igmoon's contractor."

"……."

Perhaps because it was an unexpected question.

For a moment, Tae-hyun was speechless.

'Igmoon… Did Ricky Harris tell him? Or was it during Kentamion?'

Tae-hyun was thinking about what kind of answer to give when.

Cody Cruz spoke again.

"Kim Tae-hyun. I want to fight you."

World Rank 1, Cody Cruz.

He proposed a duel with a determined look.

World Player Association Headquarters.

In the Association President's office, Vincent Chang received a report on the license test.

"One person… I understand. You may leave."

At his command, the subordinate who had finished the report left the room.

"One person…"

He was in a bad mood.

With his term as the World Player Association President coming to an end.

He needed to produce tangible results for his re-election.

He had laid the groundwork in many ways, but he needed more impactful achievements.

For example, an increase in the number of SS-rank players.

He had put a lot of effort into selecting the supervisors in case of any backlash.

World Rank 1 in contribution points, Cody Cruz.

World Rank 2 in contribution points, Kim Tae-hyun.

World Rank 3 in contribution points, Thomas Neuer.

Their nationalities were different, and all three had achieved various accomplishments.

That was why he had spent a fortune to bring the three of them in, even paying huge sums to each country's association.

But now.

According to the report, only one person had passed.

And that one person was Sarah Collins, who had been mentioned as a strong candidate.

Furthermore, Kim Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz had used special skills, so there were no records remaining.

"Tch. It seems I've been outsmarted by my own plan."

He was sipping wine, wondering what kind of congratulatory speech to give when.

A woman's face appeared on the installed screen.

It was the person in charge of facility management for the association.

[Association President. I have something urgent to report.]

"What is it?"

The conversation connected in response to Vincent Chang's answer.

[It's… about Cody Cruz and Kim Tae-hyun, who were supervisors for this test.]

His face twitched at the unexpected appearance of those names.

"Speak."

[The two of them didn't return immediately and requested to rent a training room.]

"Don't tell me… a duel?!!"

Vincent Chang's voice inadvertently rose.

The World Player Association has branches all over the world.

The artificial colosseum where they are now is also one of the branches in Italy.

Coincidentally, there was a newly renovated, top-notch training room there.

[It seems that because of their skills… we will have to rent out the highest-grade training room.]

The facility management director cautiously said.

The highest-grade training room costs astronomical amounts just for repairs.

If it were to be damaged due to a wrong decision, it would not be resolved by a single employee submitting their resignation.

That was why he had contacted the Association President, Vincent Chang.

Vincent Chang was coincidentally dissatisfied with the results of this test.

To him, this report was like rain during a drought.

"I will authorize the use of the highest grade. However, require recording as a condition for renting the place to the two of them. I will also head there now."

[Understood.]

Vincent Chang quickly put on his clothes after ending the call.

The face that had been filled with worry moments before was no longer there.

'If this goes well, I might get an unexpected masterpiece.'

A duel between the world's 1st and 2nd ranked players.

It was definitely a sight that would be hard to see again, even if you paid a fortune.

He hurriedly headed to the warp gate.

The training room installed in the Italian artificial colosseum.

Although it was called a training room, it was large enough to accommodate 200 people.

Also, befitting its name as the highest grade, there was a barrier that would not break even with 300 strength and magic stats.

'It's a good place.'

Although it was far from the performance it had right before regression, it looked the sturdiest among the places he had seen so far.

Science and technology were also steadily growing.

"There are many eyes watching."

Beyond the barrier, over a hundred association officials were watching the two.

If you included those watching through the cameras, it would probably be double that.

"Does it bother you?"

Cody Cruz asked, looking at Tae-hyun.

He was the one who proposed the duel first.

If Tae-hyun couldn't perform at his best because he was conscious of the current attention, he was willing to postpone the date at any time.

But that wasn't what Tae-hyun was thinking.

"Don't you know?"

"……?"

"Once the 'battle' begins, such things are useless."

"I suppose so. That's true."

Cody Cruz chuckled at Tae-hyun's boldness.

His gaze turned to those beyond the barrier.

There were at least thirty S-rank players, from what he heard.

Not only measurers, but also named players who were skilled in combat.

He understood what they were thinking by coming here.

Two SS-rank players.

And the duel between the two people ranked 1st and 2nd in the world in contribution points.

Even if they didn't get the video they wanted.

'Just seeing it directly would be helpful enough.'

But that would also be useless once the real battle began.

'Well, it's probably like grasping at straws for them.'

'I should show just enough of my hand.'

The thoughts of the two people coincided once again.

"More than that, it's surprising. That you would request a duel with me first."

World Rank 1.

A position with an astronomical value just from the title.

Cody Cruz was a man who had been enduring such pressure for his entire life.

In both his past and present lives, he was the strongest player.

Tae-hyun's goal until recently was to be the world's best player.

'My thoughts have changed a little now, though.'

In any case, he was the only man he had high expectations for at this point.

"It's me who's surprised. I thought you were aiming for my position."

Tae-hyun smiled at Cody Cruz's provocation.

"Don't you know?"

"……?"

"If I were to put my mind to it, I could take such a position at any time."

Twitch.

An expression rarely appeared on Cody Cruz's face.

Not anger or arrogance.

It wasn't such a simple emotion.

It was complex and subtle.

At this moment.

Thump.

Cody Cruz's heart was beating violently.

'This is driving me crazy.'

The corners of Cody Cruz's mouth went up as he felt the throbbing.

"I hope that you have the skills I wanted, as you say."

"Likewise."

Kaaaaaaa.

The two simultaneously unleashed their magic power.

Cody Cruz.

The world's strongest man.

Even in his past life, he was simply the strongest, and not much was known about him in detail.

He was simply the best in S-rank, and he maintained the best position even after becoming an SS-rank player.

The goal of Tae-hyun, who had regressed, was until recently to be the world's best player.

'My thoughts have changed a little now, though.'

In any case, he was the only man he had high expectations for at this point.

"It's funny to say this now."

"Hmm?"

"I'm honored to face you."

"Hehe. Flattery now?"

Pajijiji.

Pajijijik.

Tsuzu zuzuzuk.

The magic power unleashed by the two collided and sparked for a moment.

Kwaddeudeudeuk.

The magic power that had been unleashed wrapped around the two bodies.

They had enhanced their bodies by surrounding them with magic power.

And.

The bodies of the two people who had disappeared.

Kwang.

Collided in mid-air.

Two SS-Rank Players.

Not skills, but simple physical stats.

They are clashing using only those physical stats.

It was natural that ordinary players wouldn't recognize it.

At the very least, S-Rank player's physical stats were needed to follow their movements, and even those S-Rank players were bewildered by the absurd movements.

"Is it possible for humans to... move like that?"

"More than the movements... look at that fist. The sound it makes when it's swung is no joke."

"What about the magical power surrounding their bodies? It doesn't seem like a skill, does it?"

"It's unbelievable..."

"Even measurement skills don't work."

"Monsters..."

They were also S-Rank players, so they could feel it.

Both of them had surpassed the top tier of S-Rank long ago.

Even if Michael Gore were here, he wouldn't be able to measure them.

Even if they were engaged in such a fierce battle.

"Tremendous magic resistance..."

"Don't worry. Fortunately, it seems the recording is going well."

It wasn't just S-Rank measurers that were mobilized for the two's sparring.

They called in any skill related to filming or recording.

Because they knew that some of the two's skills would obscure their vision.

Then.

Crack.

Taehyun, who was knocked back, crashed into the barrier.

Because a triple shield and magic absorption device had been installed behind the barrier, the observers weren't harmed.

'With this kind of impact, even I would die instantly...'

Gulp.

An S-Rank player swallowed hard.

And.

Boom.

Cody Cruise's fist struck the spot where Taehyun had turned his head to avoid.

If he hadn't dodged, it wouldn't have ended with just minor injuries.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

Cody Cruise's fist came down, chasing after Taehyun, who was dodging.

It was such a close call that even the people watching were on edge.

Thwack.

Cody Cruise's body was pushed back by Taehyun's sudden kick.

And.

This time, Taehyun closed the distance.

Chinese ancient martial arts.

First Form. Explosive Force.

Boom.

Cody Cruise easily defended against Taehyun's fist.

Second Form. Inch Punch.

Boom.

Third Form. Elbow Strike.

Boom.

Fourth Form. Shoulder Strike.

KABOOM.

"......"

From Shoulder Strike onwards, he could feel the impact on his hands.

Taehyun continued the next attack without a break.

Fifth Form. Penetrating Force.

Slam.

Drip.

Even though he had perfectly guarded, Cody Cruise's body was pushed back.

And finally.

Sixth Form. Divine Power.

Attacks that relentlessly closed in from all directions.

The moment Taehyun's body seemed to disappear.

Clang.

"Ugh..."

Cody Cruise groaned at the final blow.

The magical power surrounding his body was visibly wavering.

That meant Taehyun's attack was considerable.

'Ancient martial arts... when did he train in that?'

Cody Cruise was not unaware of the existence of ancient martial arts.

But considering Taehyun's age.

It was an impossible feat for him to have such a level of proficiency.

'What kind of life has he lived?'

Cody Cruise looked at Taehyun.

Twenty years old.

An age when some people haven't even found their path.

At that age, Kim Taehyun had reached the level he was at now.

'Is Sara going to become such a monster too?'

Sara Collins, the first SS-Rank Awakened One in charge of training.

She hadn't even been awakened for a year, but she was growing rapidly.

If Sara Collins was only just at the level of being able to perform the role of an S-Rank player.

Taehyun was someone who had achieved tremendous growth in one year.

A player who had accomplished achievements equal to his own in just one year.

'A monster whose growth is still in progress.'

"Wow~ The strongest in the world is indeed different. Other people would be satisfied with just this much."

It was a blatant provocation.

Even so.

It was an emotion he wouldn't have felt if the opponent wasn't Taehyun.

Thump.

Cody Cruise's heart beat once again.

"I knew my gut feeling was right."

"Are you going to get serious now?"

Cody Cruise gathered the magical power that was surrounding his body.

Taehyun did the same.

Until now, it had only been a simple exploratory battle.

"Kim Taehyun. I thank you."

Heat rose to Cody Cruise's face.

Magical power seethed from his body.

Ting.

[Skill 'Body Enhancement (S)' has been activated.]

[Skill 'Weapon Manifestation (S)' has been activated.]

The magical power surrounding his body became even thicker.

The same was true for the sword in his hand.

He didn't just end with surrounding himself with magical power, but also used skills.

Taehyun also noticed the change.

'The real game is starting.'

Just now, the battle with magical power surrounding them was neck and neck.

No, if he didn't have ancient martial arts, he would definitely have been pushed back.

Surprisingly, Cody Cruise's physical abilities were.

'Surpassing my current self.'

He could easily tell that if he didn't use skills from now on, the situation would be tilted.

"Amazing. I can't believe you would use such simple skills."

"Nothing is as important as the basics."

That wasn't wrong.

After all, the reason why Taehyun didn't indiscriminately devour other skills was for a similar reason.

"Show me. Your skills."

"You'll regret it."

Taehyun released the magical power he had been gathering again.

Ting.

[Skill 'Apocalypse (S)' has been activated. Target is not specified.]

Whoosh.

Darkness descended on the training room.

Cody Cruise looked around.

Pitch-black darkness.

Taehyun was looking at him from there.

"This is the skill I've only heard about."

The A Team's test that Taehyun participated in as a supervisor.

It wasn't just measurement experts who were watching it.

"It's going to be different from what you thought."

Crimson magical power rippled from Taehyun's body.

The darkness began to move as if it were alive.

Rustle. Rustle.

Creak. Creak.

An eerie sound echoed.

The vision became blurred and the air became heavy.

"Kneel."

It was just a single word.

With that one word.

Rumble.

"......!!"

A massive gravity was applied.

He knew that Taehyun could strengthen gravity.

Skill 'King Knight's Aura'.

Controlling gravity was uncommon, but he thought it wouldn't be difficult to resist if you were at the level of national power.

His thoughts changed at the license award ceremony.

'He's gotten stronger than he was then.'

Cody Cruise assessed calmly.

A massive gravity pressed down on his strengthened body.

Unidentifiable chains wrapped around his strengthened body.

His strengthened body went stiff as if it had been paralyzed.

The senses of his strengthened body became faint.

He could see his stats dropping drastically in his blurred vision.

In contrast.

Taehyun, who wasn't even moving, felt like a massive mountain.

It wasn't like a hallucination.

Cody Cruise realized how many skills were melted into this one skill.

'Is this... possible?'

Even when he saw Ricky Hallis's magic control.

Even when he first saw Sara Collins's skill 'Terraforming', it wasn't this shocking.

Others would have just thought they had activated their skills simultaneously.

In fact, it wasn't particularly difficult for those at the national power level.

But Cody Cruise could tell.

No, perhaps Ricky Hallis already knew.

'Ricky Hallis. You're such a prankster.'

Now he knew why she had returned from Jeju Island in such a battered state.

This was like.

'A jungle.'

Cody Cruise, having finished his assessment, swung the sword he was holding.

Clang.

The chain that was trying to bind him collided with the sword and bounced off.

A sword that could tear apart an S+ Rank monster in one go had failed to cut the chain.

"What are you so surprised about?"

Taehyun's voice was heard from far away.

It was such a small sound that you couldn't hear it unless you concentrated.

"If you have any trump cards, take them out now."

Thump.

His heart beat once again at Taehyun's provocation.

Ting.

[Skill 'Body Enhancement (S)' has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

[Skill 'Weapon Manifestation (S)' has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

He swung his sword continuously.

Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang.

The chains that were entangling him like hooks were cut off.

Gravity. Paralysis. Sensory Domination. Chains.

He overcame all kinds of restrictions and took a step towards Taehyun.

Thump.

He concentrated all his strength into that one step.

And.

Boom.

He charged with the momentum of his step.

5 seconds.

The distance was closed in an instant.

Taehyun's appearance was finally clearly visible.

He was smiling.

"I gave you a chance."

Clang.

Valhalla, which had been drawn at some point, deflected Cody Cruise's sword.

And.

Ting.

[Skill 'Apocalypse (S)' has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 50%]

Rumble.

Whoosh.

The concentration of magical power surrounding the area intensified.

Creak. Creak.

Cody Cruise's expression rapidly hardened.

"What about the recording cameras?"

Vincent Chang, who arrived late, asked with a stiff expression.

"They're not working..."

"What about the skills?"

"They're not working either..."

"Are we just going to have to watch this happen?"

"Yes..."

Vincent Chang's face twisted at the helpless answer.

Cody Cruise and Kim Taehyun.

Although the license test didn't go as planned, he thought his choice was right when the two men were engaging in close combat, even if it was at an unbelievable speed.

Because he was properly capturing the battle with numerous cameras and skills.

The situation changed when Taehyun used his skill.

Darkness descended on the training room.

It was a field-type skill that Taehyun was known to possess.

Skills, cameras, players.

Everything that had been prepared became useless.

Three minutes passed like that.

"The accumulated damage to the barrier has reached its limit. At this rate... the training room will be completely destroyed in one minute..."

The facility manager reported with a trembling voice.

"What happens after that?"

Vincent Chang asked, anticipating the answer.

"If this state continues for more than five minutes... there's a 90% chance that the building will collapse."

"...It looks like I've made a bad deal."

"We need to stop it now."

Vincent Chang scoffed at the facility manager's words.

"Who can stop that fight?"

Rumble. Rumble.

Crack.

Cracks appeared on the barrier that had reached its limit.

He had to make a decision.

"Haa... I'm judging the current situation as an S-Rank disaster. Evacuate everyone in the building."

"A-alright."

He knew better than anyone about the pride of the players.

Chairman Vincent Chang belatedly regretted his wrong decision.

It was as if he was giving up the association's main building to give the impression that he was sponsoring the two players.

'The media will be all over this.'

The building shook once again.

It was a shake that made the highest-grade vibration isolation device look ridiculous.

It was the moment he was about to leave the building without regret.

Whoosh.

The darkness that had descended on the training room disappeared.

What he saw was an unexpected situation.

"......!!"

"T-that...!!"

Not only Vincent Chang.

Everyone who was preparing to evacuate was shocked.

Episode 175

3 minutes before Taehyun released 'Apocalypse'.

Cody Cruz used his third skill, 'Holy Knight'.

Even him.

He sensed that he could not solve the enhanced 'Apocalypse' with 'Body Enhancement' and 'Weapon Manifestation'.

In response to the skill, a huge magical force exploded.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

Armor of a unique shape materialized on his body.

A helmet was put on.

A shield was created.

The magic power forming the sword doubled.

Above all, the radiance emanating from his body.

That great light began to push back the darkness of the Apocalypse.

Pazijijik.

Sparks flew.

"……."

Taehyun gazed intently at Cody Cruz.

He was curious.

Cody Cruz's skill, which had not been revealed until now.

That hidden power.

'How effective will it be against me now?'

As if reading Taehyun's thoughts.

Cody Cruz rarely opened his mouth.

"I don't have a field-type skill like you. But I can use it in this way."

He raised his sword.

Ziiiiiiing.

A huge magical power gathered in the sword.

An additional technique that can be used when the skill 'Holy Knight' is activated.

It was a technique he named Rising Sun.

'Amazing.'

Just one skill is exerting a power equal to 'Apocalypse'.

Apocalypse is a skill that even Taehyun has not used at full power yet.

'Shall I test it?'

Since it's the highest-grade training room.

It might last for a while.

Cody Cruz's 'Holy Knight' and his 'Apocalypse'.

It was time to check which skill was superior.

Taehyun, who had made up his mind, strengthened the Apocalypse.

Tring.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 70%]

Kugugugung.

The two forces began to struggle again.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 80%]

Cody Cruz approached Taehyun, deflecting all the skills aimed at him.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 90%]

Hundreds of chains covered Cody Cruz like tentacles.

The chains were quickly cut off.

He once again stretched his sword towards Taehyun.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 100%]

Geugeugeugeuk.

His body, which was advancing towards Taehyun, stopped.

It was because he thought there was no need to narrow the distance any further.

Cheoeok.

His sword was aimed at Taehyun.

Ziiiiiiing.

A pure white magic bullet gathered in the sword.

The corners of Taehyun's lips went up.

Seuseuseuseut.

Taehyun, who had hidden his body, grabbed Cody Cruz from behind.

And.

Kkaang.

He knocked Cody Cruz's sword up, canceling the attack.

"Are you going to blow up the building?"

"It would be difficult to see full power without this much."

His shield was swung again.

Teonge.

Taehyun's body was pushed back.

Apocalypse is Taehyun's field.

Compared to Taehyun, who receives buffs, the opponent must experience considerable debuffs.

Nevertheless, the stat difference between the two did not seem to be much.

It was because of the effect of the skill 'Holy Knight'.

'There's a reason for the modifier of being the strongest.'

After exchanging blows a few times, he could see.

He had not deeply learned any specific martial arts.

Strength honed through numerous experiences.

Ironically.

There were no gaps in such simple and crude attacks.

Teonge. Teonge. Teoeeonge.

While Taehyun was thinking that, Cody Cruz's shield and sword were closing in.

'It's going to be dangerous any more than this.'

Tring.

[Skill Eye of the Superior Species (S) has been activated.]

Huoong.

Taehyun perfectly avoided Cody Cruz's attack for the first time.

"……!!"

It didn't take long for Cody Cruz to notice the change.

Huoong. Huoong. Huooong.

His sword and shield no longer reach.

It's not a close timing, but he's dodging more easily than he thought.

Late, two pairs of eyes met.

Red eyes.

Eyes symbolizing the power of the Archduke.

Sseueeik.

The corners of his lips went up without him realizing it.

It was from the thought that he had succeeded in drawing out Taehyun's full power.

Huoong.

Taehyun avoided the sword once again.

At the same time.

Hwaaaak.

Light was emitted from Cody Cruz's body for a moment.

Flash.

It was a light that could even temporarily stop the Apocalypse.

Taehyun closed his eyes instinctively.

Chwaaak.

Cody Cruz's sword cut across Taehyun's chest.

'Good sense.'

What he was aiming for was the arm, but he instinctively twisted his body to minimize the damage.

Teonge.

Taehyun, using the shield as a stepping stone, widened the distance.

"You have a lot of tricks up your sleeve."

It wasn't mockery.

Cody Cruz's battle method resembled his own.

Instead of relying on one or two strong skills, he is faithful to the basics and does not miss the opponent's gaps.

It was a virtue that anyone with thick bones in the abyss deep must have.

Cody Cruz was in a situation where he was being driven to the point of making his heart race.

Taehyun was in a situation where he was convinced that the karma he had built up was not wrong.

For their own reasons, the two felt joy.

"You can still do more, right?"

Cody Cruz asked, unable to hide his bright smile.

"Of course. But it seems like the training room is reaching its limit."

It is not visible now because it is covered by the Apocalypse, but since they have been rampaging to this extent, it will not end with simple repairs.

'Well, I got permission. Does it matter?'

There is no end to human greed.

Perhaps it was out of gratitude for proving himself.

Taehyun took out two magic potions from his belt.

Hwiik.

He threw one of them to Cody Cruz.

"You said it was the power of Archduke Igmun. I'll show you."

"The next blow is the last one."

Ttakalk.

The two drank the potion.

He felt the magic power filling up quickly.

Taehyun used the skill.

Tring.

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

A crimson magical power rose up and a familiar message appeared.

[A huge power is awakened. Strength increases. Strength is now 290 (295).]

[A huge power is awakened. Stamina increases. Stamina is now 290 (295).]

[A huge power is awakened. Speed increases. Speed is now 290 (295).]

[A huge power is awakened. Magic increases. Magic is now 395 (400).]

In the past, he would have thought that these were impossible stats.

But now, those impossible stats have become a reality and began to temper Taehyun's body.

The hand holding Valhalla was shaking.

Was it because he had forced the magic power a little while ago?

He could see that the rebound was not far off.

Kwaaaaa.

Conversely, Cody Cruz seemed satisfied.

"I also express my gratitude."

Tring.

[Skill Fallen Angel (S) has been activated. The body is activated.]

The radiance subsided, and gray magic power rose up.

Kwaddeudeuk.

A horn made of magic power sprouted on his forehead.

And.

Like Taehyun

Countless messages popped up.

[A huge power is awakened. Strength increases. Strength is now 330.]

[A huge power is awakened. Stamina increases. Stamina is now 310.]

[A huge power is awakened. Speed increases. Speed is now 300.]

[A huge power is awakened. Magic increases. Magic is now 300.]

"It's the power of Archduke Lucifer."

Cody Cruz, who had red eyes, murmured lowly.

Archduke Lucifer.

It was an existence he had never heard of in the Abyss or in the dungeon.

One thing was clear.

'Stronger' than himself who is receiving buffs from 'Blood Frenzy' and 'Apocalypse'.

Gulp.

Taehyun swallowed dryly without realizing it.

It was instinct.

Kwareureu.

Devouring magic power surrounded Valhalla.

"……."

"……."

There was no more probing like that.

Skills fused into the Apocalypse covered Cody Cruz.

Gray magic power eroded the surroundings.

'Apocalypse cannot stop that power.'

Apocalypse.

Taehyun's field was collapsing.

Seuseuseuseut.

Taehyun's body, which had melted into the darkness, grabbed Cody Cruz from behind.

Light was emitted from his body once again.

It was to take away his vision as before.

'I won't be fooled twice.'

Taehyun threw Valhalla at Cody Cruz.

It was the moment he was about to swing his sword to knock out Valhalla.

Kwaang!!

Sword and sword collided.

It wasn't the sound he expected.

"……!!"

The sword that collided with Valhalla bounced off as it was.

Kwaddeudeuk.

From below to above.

An enhanced fist was swung.

Cody Cruz hurriedly raised his shield to block it.

Kwaaang.

With a roar, the shield bounced off.

'There's this side too.'

Kwaddeudeuk.

Once again.

An enhanced fist was swung.

A new sword was created in Cody Cruz's hand.

It was something that happened in a flash.

When the Apocalypse was released, the training room revealed its appearance.

The magic barrier, as well as all the barrier walls, were destroyed to the point where they could not be recognized.

In the middle of it, two men were standing.

Taehyun's fist was stopped right in front of Cody Cruz's nose.

The sword held in Cody Cruz's hand was stopped at Taehyun's neck.

The only difference from before was that Taehyun's arm muscles had become abnormally large due to the skill effect.

And that what Cody Cruz was holding in his hand was called the Holy Sword.

Holy Sword Durandal.

It was one of the skills of 'Holy Knight' that tears apart even SS-class monsters.

The body, hidden in the already torn clothes, was covered in wounds, and the red eyes were released.

There was no trace of using the power of the Archduke in their appearance.

"Why did you stop?"

"If we hadn't stopped, we would have lost each other's heads."

"...It's just a pity about the stage."

Cody Cruz said, looking at the countless eyes watching them.

"I agree."

Cody Cruz held out his hand to Taehyun.

Taehyun shook his hand.

"It was a good match."

"I'll see you in the Abyss next time."

Beyond the barrier wall.

There were people watching that scene.

"Crazy…."

A man cursed and clapped his hands.

Clap. Clap clap. Clap clap clap clap.

Starting with someone's applause, a thunderous roar followed.

The World Player Association spent a huge amount of money to repair the building.

The scene of the world's No. 1 and No. 2 player fighting in close combat was edited and used as the association's promotional video.

Amid countless rumors, Sarah Collins was granted a new SS-class player license.

History was being passed on incompletely.

Episode 176

The SS-Rank License Test organized by the World Player Association.

The next day.

Taehyun visited Ji Jinhee after a long time.

"Taehyun...!!"

As he entered the Chairman's office, Ji Jinhee rushed over and clasped his hands.

"Are you hurt...!!"

"Chairman, I'm fine."

"I heard you were badly injured...!!"

Ji Jinhee spun Taehyun around, examining him and asking.

"It's nothing much. I've received plenty of healing."

Taehyun replied, looking embarrassed, as Ji Jinhee was feeling around his thigh.

"Haa... I never imagined I'd worry this much even when going as a supervisor... I was so taken aback when I received a call from Chairman Vincent Chang..."

"I'm sorry for making you worry."

Looking at Ji Jinhee, who was genuinely worried, Taehyun once again felt like a grandson.

"Sit down first... What exactly happened? How could someone who went to supervise the test end up in a duel? And with Cody Cruz of all people?!!"

'He hasn't heard the full story yet.'

Vincent Chang, aiming for reelection, wanted to show off his influence.

That was why he embellished the fight between Taehyun and Cody Cruz and informed the associations of each country.

Since it was an unexpected schedule.

It was natural that Chairman Ji Jinhee wouldn't know the details.

'If there was a little more time, Chief Go or Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young would have told him instead.'

Right now, the fact that Taehyun, whom he cherishes, faced Cody Cruz and suffered considerable injuries was enough of a shock to Ji Jinhee.

Taehyun felt the need to reassure him.

"It really wasn't a big deal. We just moderately confirmed each other's skills and ended it."

"Moderately... you say?"

Ji Jinhee knew that the artificial colosseum, which was one of the World Player Association's properties, was temporarily under construction.

Therefore, Taehyun's words just now were not easily understood.

It was Taehyun who woke Ji Jinhee from his newfound shock.

"More than that, Chairman, there's something I'd like to say."

"Ah, right. Look at me losing my mind. I've been holding onto a busy person."

Ji Jinhee was said to be busier than the President of Shinhan, but.

He always thought of Taehyun as more important than himself.

The things he had always wanted but couldn't do.

Taehyun was accomplishing all of them in his place.

More than anything, Taehyun was a player who knew how to act responsibly, beyond his years, even more than Ji Jinhee thought about Shinhan.

He was curious.

What was the matter that brought this busy player to him?

"I'm thinking of going on an Abyss exploration soon."

At the mention of Abyss exploration, a broad smile spread across Ji Jinhee's face.

"I see. Perhaps it's even late compared to your skills, Taehyun."

Abyss exploration was like pioneering space.

It was a place that could be recognized as territory if only a few tricky conditions were met.

That was why so many countries were driving players to their deaths.

Even E-Rank players were venturing into the Abyss.

Now that Taehyun had become an SS-Rank player and expressed his intention to begin full-scale exploration.

It was quite a late timing for anyone to see.

'Now I have something to say too.'

Taehyun had already been showing prominence for the past half year.

There was no politician who didn't want their country's territory to expand.

The political world had been constantly pressuring him to persuade Taehyun to explore the Abyss.

But Ji Jinhee, who doted on Taehyun, was blocking all of it in advance.

"I sincerely thank you for everything you've done for Shinhan so far. If there are any association players you want, I'll mobilize them for you at any time."

He was even prepared to overstep his authority if necessary, but the answer he received was unexpected.

"No, thank you, but there's a guild I have in mind."

At the word 'guild,' Ji Jinhee showed interest.

Taehyun had been strictly adhering to solo play until now.

He heard that the un-conquered dungeon raid team was also for the sake of the players' growth.

But now he was saying he would join a guild?

"Could it be Onsaemiro or Magicians? Certainly, they have a lot of talent."

Onsaemiro and Magicians, the two most active exploration guilds among Shinhan's 4 major guilds.

Those two guilds would have enough talent to support Taehyun.

That's what he thought.

But Taehyun lightly shook his head.

"No, it probably isn't that big yet. It probably hasn't even been a month since it was established."

"Hmm...?"

Ji Jinhee wore a puzzled expression.

If it wasn't one of the 4 major guilds, what guild in Shinhan could handle an SS-Rank player?

And he said it probably hadn't even been a month since it was established?

"I should tell you the reason I came. It's about the player license."

Ji Jinhee's expression grew increasingly strange as he listened to Taehyun's words.

"Ugh... next month will be in the red too."

In a shabby building, a man sighed deeply.

He was checking the guild's financial status, but he couldn't see any solution.

There was no place for money to come in, but the places for money to go out were constantly increasing.

"Damn it. Should I just move to the countryside?"

He said it without realizing it.

But then the man shook his head.

To flee from Seoul after barely surviving for a month.

There was no point in taking out a loan and establishing a guild in Seoul, where land prices were high.

At the very least, he had to achieve the intended purpose of recruiting talent before relocating.

Since there would be no difference between the countryside and Seoul once they crossed the gate.

'So, it's important to recruit talent as soon as possible...'

The man.

Hanbit Guild's Guild Leader, Jung Tae-woo, sighed once again.

He couldn't help but sigh as he looked at the guild member roster.

Jung Tae-woo: Rank - Guild Leader / Awakening Rank - A / Player License - A

Choi Chi-soo: Rank - Vice Guild Leader / Awakening Rank - A / Player License - A

Park Geo-han: Rank - Raid Leader / Awakening Rank - A / Player License - A

There were only three guild members.

It hadn't even been a month since its establishment.

'The number of guild members hasn't increased at all...'

It was when Jung Tae-woo was about to sigh once again.

Knock knock.

He heard a knock.

"Hello?"

'A guest at this hour?'

The most recent guest he received was an aunt who came to sell insurance.

"Yes, come in."

Jung Tae-woo opened his mouth in an uneasy voice.

Click.

The door opened and a man with a sturdy build entered.

It was difficult to recognize his face because he was wearing a messy hairstyle and a hat pulled down low.

But judging from the imposing presence he felt, he was not a low-level player.

'Has he been practicing martial arts?'

He was lost in thought for a moment.

Jung Tae-woo immediately put on a business smile.

"How may I help you?"

"I came to join the guild."

"Ah, is that so!! You've come to the right place."

Jung Tae-woo hastily pulled out a guest chair.

The man sat down.

"Hahaha. We haven't even started promoting yet, how did you know?"

He didn't have enough money to promote, so he was running around on foot.

There was no need to say that much.

"A good guild. It's something you can tell even without promotion."

"Thank you for saying that. What is your name?"

"Ah, my name is Kim Hyun-tae."

The man replied with a kind smile.

Click.

"A newbie came in?"

A giant over 2 meters tall.

Choi Chi-soo, the Vice Guild Leader of Hanbit Guild, asked as he entered.

"Ah, Chi-soo. Say hello. This is Player Kim Hyun-tae. His rank is the same as ours, A. And he even has an A-Rank Player License, haha."

"What? A-Rank?"

As the surprised Choi Chi-soo, the man approached and extended his hand.

"I'm Kim Hyun-tae, who just joined. Please take care of me."

"Ah, yes. Welcome. Player Kim Hyun-tae."

Behind Choi Chi-soo, who shook hands with a bewildered expression, a man who had been wearing a sullen expression opened his mouth.

"Heh. Brother. At this rate, isn't this a party instead of a guild? Did you properly verify his identity?"

"Geo-han. Speak a little softer. If it wasn't for you, we would have had over ten guild members by now."

Jung Tae-woo clicked his tongue as he looked at Park Geo-han, who was already acting awkwardly.

In fact, a total of nine guild members had left due to not being able to stand Park Geo-han's temper, as of yesterday.

It was the biggest reason why Hanbit Guild was having difficulty attracting new guild members.

"Ah, what's the point of taking weak guys? All they'll do is die. Come to think of it, this guy... hmm... he looks like he can use some strength...?"

Park Geo-han muttered as he scrutinized Taehyun's body.

"Raid Leader Park Geo-han!! I told you not to act rudely!!"

"I'm sorry, Player Kim Hyun-tae. This guy's words are rough, just like his appearance... but I guarantee he's not a bad guy."

"Ah, it's okay. He's cute and looks good, what's wrong with that."

"Pfft."

Vice Guild Leader Choi Chi-soo spit out the water he was drinking.

Park Geo-han's face turned red belatedly.

"W-what?!! This body is cute?!!"

"Yes. They say muscular macho guys have a lot of hidden cuteness... I guess that's true."

"Th-th-this crazy guy...!!"

Park Geo-han pulled out the axe from his waist.

Hearing that he was cute was a shocking statement he had never heard before in his life.

"Park Geo-han!!"

"Raid Leader!! What are you doing!!"

Jung Tae-woo and Choi Chi-soo shouted at the same time.

"Brothers, didn't you hear what he just said?!! This bastard is playing with me!!"

"That's because!! You were being awkward when you spoke."

"Player Kim Hyun-tae. I apologize on his behalf."

Choi Chi-soo and Jung Tae-woo tried to smooth over the current situation.

But the person in question remained unmoved.

"Ha...!! I can't just let this go. Hey. Newbie. You come out with me right now."

"Hey, you really..."

It was when Jung Tae-woo was about to scold Park Geo-han.

Taehyun raised his hand to cut off the flow.

"May I make a suggestion?"

"...Say it."

"Considering what happened a little while ago. How about a duel for the position of Raid Leader? I don't want to work under a weak Raid Leader either."

"Heh, this peanut-sized guy is really crazy..."

Kim Hyun-tae raised his hand to interrupt Park Geo-han's words.

And.

"Why are you talking so much, you pansy? Either chicken out or die."

"......"

"......"

"What did you say, you punk?!!"

In the end, Park Geo-han exploded.

The official duel arena operated by the Player Association.

"Will it be okay?"

Jung Tae-woo, who had retreated to the spectator seats, asked with an uneasy expression.

Hanbit Guild Raid Leader Park Geo-han.

He was quite hot-tempered, just like his appearance.

"That guy is also a pro. Don't worry too much."

Choi Chi-soo, who was also seated in the spectator seats, maintained a calm expression.

Jung Tae-woo. Choi Chi-soo. Park Geo-han.

The three were childhood friends who had grown up in the same neighborhood and had risen to the positions of executives in small and medium-sized guilds before becoming independent.

"By the way, what class is Player Kim Hyun-tae?"

"I heard he awakened A-Rank 'Body Enhancement' and 'Stealth'."

"Double skills. Despite the simple skills, he's amazing."

"If we're talking about simple, Geo-han is the same."

"Well, that's true too. It's starting now."

The two, who had closed their mouths, focused on Park Geo-han and Kim Hyun-tae.

At the start of the duel, Park Geo-han shouted loudly.

"Kim Hyun-tae, was it? It's been over a year since I got my A-Rank license, but... I've never heard of a name like yours."

"Is that so?"

Park Geo-han twisted his lips at Kim Hyun-tae's informal speech.

"This bastard... it's one of two things. Either he's a lucky guy who passed the test this time."

Sreung.

Park Geo-han pulled out the axe from his waist.

"Or he's a guy who doesn't even have the courage to enter the Abyss. I'll bet one of my balls that it's the latter."

Kim Hyun-tae chuckled.

"You're as simple as you look. Cutie Macho."

"This bastard... Enough with the bullshit..."

Before Park Geo-han could finish speaking.

Swissswissswiss.

Kim Hyun-tae's figure disappeared.

"......!!"

Woong.

Park Geo-han instinctively swung his axe.

But.

Thwack.

"Cough... Ack..."

Thud.

Park Geo-han grabbed his stomach and knelt down, overwhelmed by unimaginable pain.

Swissswissswiss.

Kim Hyun-tae reappeared in front of him.

"Ah, I'm not interested in your balls anyway. You don't have to keep your promise."

A-Rank Player Kim Hyun-tae.

No, Taehyun, who had concealed his identity, looked down at the fallen Park Geo-han and said.

Episode 177

One Strike.

"Cough... Hack..."

With a single strike, Park Geohan knelt down.

He coughed as if he couldn't breathe.

"W-What's going on...?"

"Geohan... going down that easily..."

The two men watching.

Jung Tae-woo and Choi Chi-soo muttered in disbelief.

The others who were watching without much thought were the same.

It was quite well known in other guilds that Park Geohan had a bad personality.

Even so, they couldn't openly criticize him because his skills were certain.

Axe Dance Park Geohan.

He was a skilled player even within the A-rank.

"Tae-woo... What is that guy's identity?"

Choi Chi-soo asked in a daze.

Kim Hyun-tae.

He had two skills at the same A-rank as them.

But they thought he wouldn't be able to beat Park Geohan.

It was because they had never heard of the name Kim Hyun-tae before.

If they were in the same rank, the probability of an unknown player beating a famous player was generally less than 20%.

"How would I know...? Just that he's an A-rank player..."

"That skill is A-rank?"

"......"

Jung Tae-woo and Choi Chi-soo were also A-rank players.

Like Park Geohan, they were skilled players in the upper ranks of A-rank.

Even so, they weren't confident in taking down Park Geohan in one shot.

'Unless it's an S-rank.'

The super-elite players such as Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, Kwak Si-yang, and Yoo Ah-young naturally came to mind.

They looked for the name Kim Hyun-tae among the S-ranks they knew.

Of course, there was no matching face.

'Could it be license forgery?'

"I know what you're thinking. I checked the license properly."

Jung Tae-woo also said with an expression that he couldn't understand.

At that time, Tae-hyun, who had defeated Park Geohan, came down from the sparring ring.

Park Geohan was still kneeling and vomiting.

"Wow. I almost lost. It was a close call."

"......"

"......"

Jung Tae-woo and Choi Chi-soo were momentarily speechless at the glib attitude.

Jung Tae-woo was the first to come to his senses.

"Player Kim Hyun-tae. What exactly is your identity?"

"Identity?"

Tae-hyun shrugged as if he didn't know what he was talking about.

"I mean... are you really an A-rank?"

"Didn't you check my license yourself?"

"......"

Jung Tae-woo was speechless once again at the obvious answer.

"Oh, and about the strategy leader position we bet on."

"A promise is a promise... I'll hand over the position."

"No. I'd like Player Park Geohan to keep it as is."

"May I ask why?"

"Actually, I've heard of Player Park Geohan's skills. The nickname 'Axe Dance' is quite famous."

'What are you if you took down a guy like that in one shot?'

Jung Tae-woo and Choi Chi-soo wanted to ask that, but they couldn't bring themselves to say it.

"Is there anything else you want?"

It was a question they had been thinking about since before.

"Give me the position of General Manager of the Hanbit Guild."

"General Manager?"

"Yes. I know that the Guild Master is currently in charge of everything."

"That's true, but..."

The guild's work wasn't that different from a normal company.

In addition to forming strategy teams to explore the Abyss, administrative guild members such as accounting, personnel, sales, and general affairs were essential.

The problem was that even those guild members couldn't stand Park Geohan's personality and left.

"To take on administrative work with that level of skill..."

Jung Tae-woo trailed off, as if he couldn't understand.

With the skills he had just seen.

He was more than capable of taking the strategy leader position in a large guild.

But the General Manager of the Hanbit Guild, which hadn't even settled down yet, and a position that was far from glorious.

It was a choice that was difficult to understand from a common-sense point of view.

"It's not just miscellaneous work. The inner workings must be strong in order for the outer workings to be successful."

Jung Tae-woo's eyes widened at those words.

"Oh... you really know something."

"Hey. Tae-woo..."

Choi Chi-soo grabbed Jung Tae-woo's shoulder and looked at Tae-hyun.

His eyes were full of suspicion.

"I understand. It's understandable since a guy you don't even know well is suddenly asking for the General Manager position."

"To be honest, I can't help but ask what you're thinking of joining our guild for. I can't help but wonder if you're a spy from another guild..."

"I will donate 30 billion won to the Hanbit Guild."

Tae-hyun interrupted Choi Chi-soo and answered.

"What?!"

"Huh?!"

The two surprised men shouted at the same time.

They also prided themselves on handling quite a bit of money, but 30 billion won was still an amount that ordinary people couldn't imagine.

"No... why would you go that far..."

Jung Tae-woo, who had a considerable amount of debt, asked in a trembling voice.

"Please think of it as an investment for the future. I believe in the vision you two have."

"......"

At this point, Choi Chi-soo couldn't push him away any longer.

30 billion won was an investment that would allow the Hanbit Guild to grow one step further.

"And about Player Park Geohan. We shouldn't repeat the situation where guild members leave on their own."

"I'll give Geohan a stern..."

"I'll break his legs..."

The two of them were already ready to listen to anything Tae-hyun said.

But Tae-hyun lightly shook his head.

"You two have positions, so. I'll train him myself."

Although it wasn't clearly visible because it was hidden by his shaggy hair.

The two had to feel a sense of dread in Tae-hyun's eyes.

Tae-hyun, who had been entrusted with Park Geohan's education, left the sparring ring.

'This should be enough for now.'

If Jung Tae-woo that Tae-hyun remembers, he would be able to use the 30 billion won donation to lay the foundation for the guild's growth.

Also, the position of General Manager was the best position to check how the guild was running.

Now, everything that happened in the Hanbit Guild would come to Tae-hyun.

All of this was possible because of the A-rank license issued by Ji Jin-hee.

Because there was an identity called Kim Hyun-tae.

'The die is cast.'

It was more efficient for Tae-hyun to use the four major guilds than to grow the Hanbit Guild.

Even so, he wasn't just doing this out of affection.

SSS-rank monster Asmodeus.

The existence that had driven Tae-hyun to the brink of death and made him awaken.

He thought that he could find a clue about the origin of Tae-hyun's power, 'The King', by contacting him.

'I can't keep using skills with a time bomb-like risk.'

From the doppelganger trying to steal his body to the arbitrarily changed status window.

The King who had regressed Tae-hyun must have known something.

The problem was that there were about 15 years left until the Hanbit Guild discovered Asmodeus' territory.

Even though the flow of time had accelerated with the regression.

He couldn't just wait for the Hanbit Guild to grow on its own in the midst of various variables.

That's why he joined under the alias Kim Hyun-tae instead of Kim Tae-hyun.

'Jung Tae-woo solved the initial funding difficulties with the investment of the rich.'

It was five years from now that he would meet the rich.

Tae-hyun had shortened the time by at least five years.

The major events that were happening now and the time frame were roughly aligned.

'I'll have Secretary Yoon take care of the General Manager's work... should I go to the Abyss for a bit?'

There were still many skills that he hadn't confirmed in actual combat.

Before that.

"How long are you going to keep watching?"

Silence fell on the quiet street.

A woman approached Tae-hyun from behind.

"I didn't know you were also interested in disguises?"

"......"

Tae-hyun was speechless as he looked at the woman.

She was wearing a nearby girl's high school uniform, had shaggy hair, and wore glasses.

He had never seen the woman who had dyed her hair green before.

"What are you doing here? Guild Master Yoo Ah-young."

Tae-hyun immediately recognized the other party's identity.

"Oh my. I've already been caught? I tried to imitate it similarly."

"It's not similar at all."

"Hahaha. Don't be so serious. You're being too much for someone who only sent a bouquet of flowers as a get-well gift~"

Ah-young said as she naturally crossed her arms.

"I just sent that as a greeting. And first of all, take your arms off..."

"Let's make this the get-well gift. Are you not going to tell me? What are you doing while even creating a new identity?"

Ah-young asked, pointing to the building Tae-hyun had just come out of.

"I just thought it was a good guild."

"Surely you're not telling the head of the information guild to believe those words, are you?"

Ah-young's eyes narrowed behind her glasses.

"Is that all you need?"

"Hmm~ How about we go on a date instead?"

Ah-young looked at Tae-hyun with a sultry gaze.

"I'll write off the debt I owe you."

At the word debt, a promise Tae-hyun had forgotten came to mind.

"Now that I think about it. I was thinking of making time separately with Guild Master Yoo Ah-young."

"Hmm? You're unusually powerful? I like it!!"

"Can I choose the place?"

"Hehe. Where is it? Is it overseas?"

"Well, it's definitely not domestic."

"Call!!"

Ah-young, who was excited, jumped up and down and put strength into her crossed arms.

A short time later.

Ah-young's expression hardened as she arrived at Night Walker headquarters.

And the two headed to the warp gate leading to the depths.

Towards the SS-rank player.

Tae-hyun's one-on-one tutoring began.

The deepest part of the Abyss.

Although they were usually playful succubi, there was a tense atmosphere throughout the castle.

[Queen. The Vampire Lord has arrived.]

[Everyone, step back.]

Only Rosaria commanded in her usual seductive voice.

[Yes.]

A moment later, the door opened and a man in a bright red coat entered.

He was a man with pale skin and blond hair.

Vampire Lord Igmun stood before Rosaria.

Succubus Queen Rosaria welcomed a guest after a long time.

[You've made a heavy step. Vampire.]

[How dare a succubus play with its vulgar mouth.]

[Huhu. This is my castle. You should be careful with that vulgar mouth of yours.]

[......]

[Tell me what you need.]

[I'll give you a chance. Call the human you contracted with. Kim Tae-hyun.]

Igmun growled without taking his hand out of his coat.

[Reason?]

[That guy is using my power.]

Giggle.

Rosaria laughed loudly at the unexpected words.

On the one hand, she understood how Tae-hyun, who had not even signed a contract, was using Igmun's power.

[Then why don't you go find him yourself?]

[Are you. Mocking. Me right now.]

Kwa Kwa Kwa Kwa.

Crimson mana exploded from Igmun's body.

Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.

The structures touched by the mana began to explode.

[Huhu. You're still hasty.]

Rosaria said with a mocking laugh.

[Speak. Why is that guy using my power without even signing a contract.]

[A human who is interested in two Archdukes... the rough future of the contractor is clear.]

It was natural for Igmun to feel ignored by the riddle.

[I won't ask twice. Answer. You goddamn succubus.]

[You're more stupid than you look. Archduke of Crimson.]

Rosaria's red eyes gradually turned redder.

There was no longer a smile on her lips.

[Before we became Archdukes. Isn't there someone who occupied the seat of Archduke in a human body?]

Igmun's eyes shook greatly, unlike usual.

Even for him, who had lived for countless eons, faint, past events came to mind.

[Could it be...]

[More than that. I can't just send a guest away. It's not good for my reputation.]

Rosaria rose from her throne.

A huge mana rose from her body.

[You dare.]

Igmun also raised his mana.

Starting with the collision of the two Archdukes' mana.

A huge explosion occurred that shook the castle.

Episode 178

Mid-Layer of the Abyss.

"Get out of the way!"

Park Geohan swung his rare-grade axe, Full Moon (滿月), with all his might.

Swish.

The head of an A-grade monster, a 'Worm Gargoyle,' was cleanly severed.

It was an anticlimactic death for a creature that was notorious in the mid-layer.

Surprisingly, there were more than ten of these Worm Gargoyle corpses scattered around.

It was a scene of carnage created by the Hanbit Guild's raid team.

And the one Park Geohan had just defeated was the last monster in the area.

"Uwoooooo!!!"

Park Geohan raised Full Moon, roaring.

"Waaaaaaa!!!"

"Raid Captain, you're the best!!"

"Everyone, follow the Raid Captain!!!"

Cheers celebrating their victory echoed from all directions.

There were those who watched this scene quietly.

Jung Tae-woo, Choi Chi-soo, and Tae-hyun, who was using the identity of Kim Hyun-tae.

"The raid team's morale is amazing."

It was Tae-hyun's impression after watching the battle from beginning to end.

"To have corrected that guy to this extent... it's all thanks to General Manager Kim Hyun-tae."

Choi Chi-soo replied with sincerity.

He couldn't believe it, even though he was seeing it with his own eyes.

That the day would come when the capricious Park Geohan would be so respected.

Especially since Park Geohan acted like a docile lamb in front of Tae-hyun.

It was only natural that Jung Tae-woo and Choi Chi-soo, who had grown up together, were surprised.

"I didn't do much."

"Haha. You're still so humble."

Jung Tae-woo laughed heartily at Tae-hyun's words.

Kim Hyun-tae, the general manager of the Hanbit Guild and an A-grade player.

Tae-hyun, who was hiding his identity, was a lucky charm that had rolled into his life.

With the 30 billion won that Tae-hyun had donated as a stepping stone, the Hanbit Guild was growing rapidly.

Guild members from various occupations, such as administrative affairs, mine hunting, and Abyss exploration, were recruited, and the guild had grown to the point where it could now be considered a small to medium-sized guild.

This had happened in just two months since Tae-hyun took on the role of general manager.

In two months, they had advanced to the mid-layer of the Abyss.

Jung Tae-woo and Choi Chi-soo were satisfied, calling it an unbelievable growth, but Tae-hyun was secretly feeling frustrated.

He wanted to donate more money and raise the guild to a level where it could explore the deep-layer immediately.

But.

'It's not good for me to get involved directly.'

The Hanbit Guild was already growing fast enough.

If Tae-hyun intervened too much here, he didn't know what variables might occur later.

Procuring supplies as the general manager and acting as a raid team member whenever there was an emergency.

This was the limit that Tae-hyun was adhering to.

'Still, at this rate, two years should be enough.'

Currently, the Hanbit Guild was ranked 60th in the New Korean Guild rankings.

Competition between guilds became fierce from 30th place onwards, so the role of the guild leader, Jung Tae-woo, was important from now on.

'Well, I'm sure this guy will handle it well on his own.'

The Hanbit Guild when Tae-hyun was working as a porter was a large guild ranked 7th.

Although he had joined the guild on Ko Tae-wook's recommendation, the Hanbit Guild members he met there had an unapproachable sense of pride and self-esteem.

It was all thanks to the leader who instilled ambition and vision in each and every guild member.

That was the outstanding guild leader, Jung Tae-woo.

He had ambition, he had vision, and he had enough skill.

In the early days of the guild's establishment, they were struggling with financial difficulties.

But after receiving a large investment, they were able to soar.

And the biggest reason why they were able to keep up with the top 4 guilds.

That was because Park Geohan, the core executive of the guild, would grow into an SS-grade player.

'Of course, that's still a long way off.'

"By the way, it's amazing. All three of you are taking the S-grade license test at the same time."

Tae-hyun casually brought up the topic while watching the guild members collecting the corpses of the monsters.

"Haha. I may look like this, but I'm quite ambitious."

"An S-grade license is essential to explore the deep-layer."

Jung Tae-woo and Choi Chi-soo said confidently.

As the founders and executives of the guild, they didn't want to be looked down upon by Tae-hyun.

'Where on earth did this guy suddenly come from?'

Jung Tae-woo glanced at Tae-hyun.

He had commissioned Knight Walker to investigate, but only information that was nothing special came back.

It was exactly the same as what he already knew, without a single lie.

"You're not wrong."

Tae-hyun smiled knowingly, having read their thoughts.

'Once they gain a little more experience, they'll pass the license without any problems.'

"By the way, Hyun-tae-nim is taking a vacation from tomorrow."

"Yes. I'm sorry to take time off when the guild is so busy."

"No. You've been dedicated to the guild all this time... I wish I could give you a vacation of two months instead of just one."

"Thank you. Then let's call it a day and go back."

Tae-hyun said that and raised his hand to Park Geohan.

Park Geohan flinched for a moment, then nodded.

"Collection team!! Move quickly!! As soon as the work is finished, we'll return to the safety zone!!"

The guild members roared once again at the successful exploration.

Slowly but surely.

The Hanbit Guild was growing.

That night, after finishing his work as Kim Hyun-tae.

Tae-hyun passed through the gate leading to the Abyss alone.

This time, it was under his original identity as the SS-grade player, Kim Tae-hyun.

"Just watching the battle is something I can't do."

Tae-hyun muttered as he left the desolate safety zone of the deep-layer.

Most of the monsters in the mid-layer were B to A-grade monsters.

It was a level that could be explored even without him.

It wasn't Tae-hyun's place to step in, as he was outwardly playing the role of general manager.

'Still, it wasn't without results.'

Tae-hyun opened his status window.

Name: Kim Tae-hyun

Age: 20

Grade: S

Strength: 269 Stamina: 268 Speed: 269 Magic: 389 Charm: 210

Fatigue: 20%

Remaining Magic: 389/389

[Unique Skill]

Devour (S) - Can devour the desired target. Consumes Demonic Power: 100

[General Skills]

Complete Hypnosis (S) - Hypnotizes a designated target. Consumes Demonic Power: 100

Blood Frenzy (S) - Activates physical abilities. Consumes Demonic Power: 200

Eye of the Superior (S) - Sees through the opponent. Consumes Demonic Power: 10

Apocalypse (S) - Forms an infinite field. Consumes Demonic Power: 200

Dragon's Wrath (S) - Emits mana-enhanced aura. Consumes Demonic Power: 100

Beast Transformation (S) - Transforms the body. Consumes Demonic Power: 200

[Summon Skills]

Rosaria (S) - Summons the Queen of Succubi, Rosaria. Consumes Demonic Power: 300

Hazard (S) - Summons the Dragon Lord, Hazard. Consumes Demonic Power: 11000

Igmun (S) - Summons the Vampire Lord, Igmun. Consumes Demonic Power: 7700

Orgal (S) - Summons the Beast King, Orgal. Consumes Demonic Power: 8000

Beelzebub (S) - Summons the Demon King, Beelzebub. Consumes Demonic Power: 10000

Jormungandr (S) - Summons the Sea Serpent King, Jormungandr. Consumes Demonic Power: 9000

Tae-hyun hadn't been just playing around for the past two months.

He had been constantly exploring the deep-layer and devouring monsters.

Because it would be meaningless if he couldn't overwhelm Asmodeus even after reaching him.

'By the way, my stats aren't increasing much.'

Most of the creatures Tae-hyun had devoured were S-grade monsters.

Now, even if he devoured A-grade or lower monsters, his stats wouldn't increase.

He had only encountered a few SS-grade monsters.

Even those, he wouldn't have encountered if he hadn't used his memories from his previous life.

'Well, even in my previous life, SS-grade monsters were hard to come by.'

Tae-hyun checked his status window and quickly moved his feet.

Even though it was the deep-layer.

The deeper he went, the higher the chance of encountering other players.

Ignoring the numerous monsters around him, he ran for an hour.

The place Tae-hyun was aiming for came into view.

It was the 'Ent Burrow,' where Homunculus Ents lived in groups.

Homunculus Ents were S-grade monsters who formed a force inside a giant tunnel.

'The number of discovered individuals was around 500, wasn't it.'

Many parties and raid teams had challenged it.

But because the burrow was so complex and the number of individuals was so large, it was a place that hadn't been conquered until before his regression.

There were rumors that a queen lived deep in the burrow, and in the industry, she was called the Homunculus Ent Queen.

A creature that commanded over 500 S-grade monsters.

'The Ent Queen is likely to be SS+ grade.'

That was why Tae-hyun had taken a month off.

"Alright. Let's raise my stats a bit."

The Ent Burrow, where no human had yet set foot.

Tae-hyun entered that giant burrow.

Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish.

Tae-hyun's beloved sword, Valhalla, was swung relentlessly.

[Kieeeeeeek.]

Each time, blue liquid splattered on Valhalla.

It was the blood of the Homunculus Ents.

Whoosh.

Blue flames rose on Valhalla.

As if to prove that they weren't just any S-grade monster.

Their blood contained a fire attribute that wouldn't easily extinguish.

"This is quite gruesome."

Tae-hyun muttered, looking at the Homunculus Ents blocking his path.

There were about fifty of these 2-meter tall creatures.

No matter how skilled Tae-hyun was, it was impossible to avoid their blood while fighting them.

'It's also a waste of stamina.'

Tae-hyun shook off the blood on Valhalla and put it into his waist holster.

Ting.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated. Target is specified. Mana consumption is accelerating.]

A quiet darkness descended on the Ent Burrow.

[Kieeeeee?]

[Kieeeeeeek.]

The creatures, noticing the strange feeling, sent signals to each other.

But it was already too late.

Swish. Swish.

Kugugugung.

Kwaaaaaaa.

Crack. Crack.

Along with eerie sounds, the Ents screamed.

But the massacre continued without pause, as if not even allowing them to scream.

[Strength has increased by 1.]

[Magic has increased by 1.]

[Speed has increased by 1.]

[Stamina has increased by 1.]

"50 S-grade monsters and only 4 total stats... this is tough."

Tae-hyun sighed, looking at the messages appearing before his eyes.

Just selling the magic stones of the creatures he had devoured would gather a huge amount of money.

But what was important right now wasn't money, but stats.

"Well, money is important too, I guess."

Tae-hyun took out a magic potion from the backpack he was carrying.

It was the 'Infinite Backpack Version 2' that he had commissioned from an alchemist for a large sum of money.

The space inside the infinite backpack was divided, and it was made in a way that he could easily take out the desired potion.

Magic potion. Healing potion. Fatigue potion. Detox potion.

And even carbonated drinks.

Tae-hyun drank all kinds of potions like energy drinks and moved forward.

He thought that he had spent enough time in the Ent Burrow for at least 10 hours.

[A dirty insect has invaded my territory.]

A voice was heard in his head.

It was imitating a woman's voice, but it was the language of a monster.

"Bingo."

Tae-hyun snapped his fingers.

The Homunculus Ent Queen.

It was definitely the existence Tae-hyun had been waiting for.

Kwaaaaaaa.

Mana was unleashed from Tae-hyun's body.

And.

"Let's start a game of tag. Insect."

Crimson mana began to roam throughout the burrow.

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

Episode 179

The Entgul Queen Homunculus Ent Queen.

A monster that had never been captured by anyone until regression.

Taehyun was certain that the monster's voice he heard in his head belonged to the Homunculus Ent Queen.

Because all the creatures that had spoken to him in this way until now.

Were monsters that were no different from dungeon bosses.

That conclusion was based on Taehyun's experience and intuition from being able to hear the language of monsters.

'Her rank is probably around SS+.'

Taehyun thought, expanding his sensory perception.

The magic power he had spread out to search the cave, circled around.

And stopped in the middle of a wall.

"Is it there?"

Taehyun quickly approached the wall.

And.

Crack.

Just as his magic-enhanced fist was about to strike the wall.

[Hehehe. Come here. Food.]

Swish.

"......!!"

The cave wall, which seemed like solid rock.

Opened up in a rounded shape as if it were part of his own body.

There was another way to get to the Queen.

That was a situation that Taehyun hadn't anticipated.

'I heard that meeting the Ent Queen wasn't easy. So that's why.'

There was a limit to the information that Taehyun, who had been a porter, could hear.

Perhaps it was already known information among the top players, but.

'I have no choice but to go now.'

Taehyun thought, walking through the new passageway.

Surprisingly, not a single Homunculus Ent that he had devoured so relentlessly was seen.

Had he walked like that for an hour?

Just as he was beginning to suspect a trap, a huge cavity appeared.

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

"......"

Taehyun quietly observed the scene unfolding before his eyes.

A gigantic Ent, 5 meters tall, was tearing apart monsters with twenty legs.

'That's the Queen.'

Even though she wasn't emitting magic power, he could feel a presence as overwhelming as a 'Basilisk'.

More than anything.

The corpses of the monsters that she was tearing apart as if they were cheese.

The fact that they were S-rank monsters 'Hydra' and 'Cerberus' was shocking.

"She has terrible taste in food."

At Taehyun's words, the Ent Queen turned her head.

Five red eyes embedded in her huge face.

The hideous red eyes moved back and forth, scrutinizing Taehyun.

[You're late. Food.]

"It feels strange to be called food by a bug."

Taehyun muttered sarcastically.

[You've eaten a lot of my children.]

As the Ent Queen said that, saliva gathered in her mouth.

She was outwardly trying to have a conversation, but she wanted to eat him.

Taehyun's body, full of magic power.

Drip. Drip.

Sizzle. Sizzle.

It was just saliva dripping.

That alone made holes in the cave floor.

'This is a situation I've seen a lot.'

He was reminded of the Guangzhou Research Institute.

Venom of the Grey Plague.

It, too, had emitted toxicity like the current Ent Queen.

'Come to think of it, only that guy's skill wasn't devoured.'

The status window changed, and new skills were registered.

'Dragon's Wrath' and 'Beast Transformation'.

Taehyun suspected that those skills were due to the influence of Devour.

'Kaiselin' and 'Kentamion' had pushed Taehyun to the brink.

They were too similar to the techniques they had used.

The problem was.

Why those skills had appeared now.

Why the status window, which had been fine, had suddenly changed.

Moreover, there were no skills that seemed to belong to other SS+ rank monsters.

'Venom' or 'Basilisk'.

There was no consistency to simply believe in the hypothesis.

'Maybe if I devour this one, new skills will appear.'

Taehyun, having sorted out his thoughts, unleashed his magic power.

Kwaaaa.

[It's a futile struggle.]

"The strong eat the weak. Didn't you do that too?"

[Fuhuhuhu.]

The Ent Queen's chilling laughter echoed in the cavern.

[I'm going to taste something special today.]

The Ent Queen abandoned the monster she was eating and approached Taehyun.

It was as if a huge mountain was approaching.

"I agree. Ant Queen."

Ting.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated. Targeting the target. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

In the Ent Queen's domain.

A silent darkness descended.

A battle unfolded in the darkness.

Clang. Clang. Clang clang.

[You have a strange talent. Food.]

The Ent Queen said, knocking away the chains with her twenty legs.

Gravity, as well as magic power that paralyzed the five senses, was pressing down on her massive body, but.

Judging by her movements, it didn't seem to be affecting her much.

Her magic resistance was higher than Taehyun had expected.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 80%]

Taehyun immediately adjusted the skill's output upwards.

Kugugugung.

Hwaaaaaak.

The concentration of magic power surrounding the area deepened.

Crack. Crackle.

The ground began to crack under the intensified gravity.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

The iron chains struck out by her legs became even heavier.

[......]

Only then did the Ent Queen's composure disappear.

[You're doing something useless.]

Pshhhh.

Acidic gas spewed from the Ent Queen's mouth.

The chains that were about to wrap around her body melted before they could even touch her.

The gas didn't disappear there.

Fizz. Fizz fizz.

The spreading gas intertwined with the magic power of Apocalypse, beginning a power struggle.

Apocalypse seemed to be pushed back little by little.

"Indeed. She's not an opponent to be taken lightly."

Before Taehyun regressed.

At that time, there was a considerable number of SS-rank players.

While Cody Cruise's pure skill was considered the top of the SS-rank.

The majority were at the lower to middle level of the SS-rank, but the fact that humanity's combat power was far superior to what it is now was undeniable.

Even so, they couldn't catch the 'Homunculus Ent Queen'.

Fizzzzzzzzz.

The Ent Queen spewed out gas once again.

The darkness of Apocalypse wavered erratically.

The gaps between the unstable magic power and magic power.

There was no way the Ent Queen, with her five red eyes, wouldn't see that gap that Taehyun could see.

Twenty hideous hands were embedded in the gap.

Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

Rumble. Rumble. Rumble. Rrrrrrrumble.

Steadily, but quickly.

She began to tear apart Taehyun's space.

'Is that possible with just brute force?'

Taehyun admired the sight, watching it quietly.

It was a workaround that Cody Cruise hadn't been able to do.

A workaround that even Taehyun hadn't thought of.

In less than 5 seconds, the skill was forcibly deactivated.

Rustle. Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.

The Ent Queen quickly approached Taehyun.

[The bug struggling just before death is a delicacy.]

Sizzle. Sizzzzzle.

The dripping saliva melted the floor.

[Come here.]

The Ent Queen's red eyes, which had closed the distance in an instant, flashed.

Tear.

A hideous and gigantic mouth was opened.

Ting.

[Magic power usage has been detected. Affected by 'Great Magic'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

Taehyun slowly walked towards it.

[Good. Good.]

It felt as if that voice could be heard even though her mouth was open.

Ten steps.

That was the remaining distance between Taehyun and the Ent Queen.

Taehyun suddenly stopped walking.

[It's too late.]

The Ent Queen instantly approached Taehyun's eyes.

And.

Crunch.

Taehyun was swallowed helplessly.

Or so he thought, in that moment.

Ting.

[Skill Beast Transformation (S) has been activated. Designate a mimicry area.]

Poong.

Suddenly, about a third of the Ent Queen's face exploded.

The Ent Queen, who had instantly lost two red eyes, howled.

"Ah~ Too bad. I was going to blow her head off completely."

The place where the Ent Queen had been just a moment ago.

Taehyun was smiling there, his arm muscles bulging grotesquely.

Blue and green pus splattered every time the Ent Queen screamed.

Taehyun looked at his right arm, which had created the current situation.

His sturdy arm was five times thicker than it had been a moment ago.

The veins that looked like they were about to burst and the thickness made it seem like it could no longer be called a human arm.

It was as if he was looking at Kwon Gang-hyuk's 'Protection of the Beast'.

[I'll kill you... I'll chew you up and eat you....]

The Ent Queen rolled around, screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Even with her head blown off, her mouth is still alive. What a strange structure."

Taehyun quietly used the next skill.

Ting.

[Skill Dragon's Wrath (S) has been activated.]

A special aura emitted by the existence called Dragon.

Dragon Fear.

That power, which no one had ever used as a skill before, was being emitted from Taehyun.

[Kiahhh...!!]

The Ent Queen let out a cry that was hard to tell if it was a scream or a strange noise.

The power of a dragon is special even among monsters.

The Ent Queen could be no exception.

The presence, which couldn't even be compared to 'King Knight's Aura'.

or 'Apocalypse', pressured the massive body.

'It's terrifying.'

He wondered how he had won against those guys who used such power.

He reached out towards the Ent Queen, whose body was completely stiff and unable to move.

It was time to get out of this tedious cave.

Ting.

[Unique Skill Devour (S) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

The Ent Queen's massive body.

A crimson magic power spread like a swamp beneath it.

The moment he thought the area was sufficient.

Tear.

A huge maw sprang up from the swamp.

"I'll eat well."

Crunch. Crunch.

SS+ rank Homunculus Ent Queen.

The Queen of Entgul lost her life helplessly.

It had already been about eleven days when Taehyun returned to Shinhan Korea.

Food was not a problem thanks to the Infinite Backpack, but as a player who had just finished hunting, he was in a terrible state.

The time was approaching 12 o'clock at night.

"You're working hard."

Taehyun greeted the association player guarding the warp gate lightly.

"Ah...!! You're finally back!!"

"......?"

It was a different reaction than usual.

"Is something the matter?"

"Player Kim Taehyun!! The association president is looking for you."

"At this hour?"

"That is...."

The man looked around and opened his mouth quietly.

"The United States' national-level power, player Michael Gore, has come. He came two hours ago and has been waiting for player Kim Taehyun all along."

He was no less than the top executive of the American Player Association.

Such a person was waiting for him, who had gone deep into the depths and might not know when he would come back?

It was an incomprehensible situation.

"I understand. I'll go right now."

Taehyun moved his steps towards the Player Association.

"Taehyun-gun. I'm sorry to call you as soon as you got back."

"It's okay. What's going on?"

Taehyun asked, looking at Michael Gore, who was sitting on the sofa.

"Um... that's...."

President Ji Jin-hee's expression was dark.

"If you don't mind, I'll tell you directly."

"Please do."

Taehyun sat next to Ji Jin-hee.

It was a place where he could face Michael Gore.

"I'll get straight to the point. Player Kim Taehyun. We need your help."

"A country that has as many as six SS-rank players is asking for help. It seems like an explanation is needed."

"......"

After a moment of silence at the pointed question.

Michael Gore opened his mouth again.

"Five SS-rank players from three countries, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, have gone missing."

"Hmm..."

Ji Jin-hee let out a moan.

Five out of eleven of the world's top players have gone missing?

It was an unbelievable statement even after hearing it again.

Michael Gore added an explanation.

"President Kevin Lee said. If you can persuade player Kim Taehyun. Don't be picky about the means and methods. In addition to the United States...."

Michael Gore continued to open his mouth, but Taehyun was already lost in his own thoughts.

'Could it be... that incident?'

He had heard of it.

The disappearance of five SS-rank players.

And what happened to them as well.

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

Episode 180

Before Taehyun's Regression.

An incident occurred in which an SS-rank player went missing in the depths.

True to America's reputation for not abandoning comrades, a party was quickly formed to investigate.

France and England secretly supported SS-rank players.

Since the location of the disappearance was in the depths.

Daniel Green from England.

Alex Watson from France.

And Cody Cruz, Dominic Gavrant, and Uriah Simon from the United States.

The party was formed with five players as the core.

After 3 days.

Surprisingly, only Cody Cruz returned.

The World Player Association announced it as a disappearance during the deepest exploration, but.

Later, the discovery of the missing SS-rank players shocked the world.

'If England and France are involved... then the first investigation has already failed.'

Taehyun sorted out the flow of events.

This also happened around the age of thirty in his previous life.

But he was already aware that time was not flowing the same as then.

'I haven't heard about a second investigation...'

While Taehyun was thinking that.

Michael Gore spoke again.

"Chairman Kevin Lee said he would grant any request."

Michael Gore said calmly, but Taehyun didn't bite the bait.

"Five SS-rank players have gone missing. That's a very reluctant thing to do."

"......"

Disappointment flickered across Michael Gore's face.

Taehyun is practically evaluated as the same power as Cody Cruz.

He knew better than anyone that forming a second investigation team without him would be fruitless.

'I didn't expect him to refuse so decisively...'

Michael Gore's assessment of Kim Taehyun.

He was definitely the type to take risks if he could secure enough profit.

'Did he notice something...'

That's why he threw the bait of granting all requests from the start.

Nevertheless, the answer is no.

Under these circumstances, even the basic conditions for negotiation were not met.

But unexpectedly.

'It's quite a lucrative offer.'

Taehyun was thinking something else inside.

"Player Kim Taehyun. It's not my place to say this as someone making a request... but how about thinking more broadly? If you step forward, Cody Cruz will join you. If you join this investigation..."

"If I join?"

"The United States of America will treat New Korea as its top ally."

"Ahem..."

Ji Jinhee cleared his throat.

For the United States to treat a country as its top ally meant to work together as a partner leading the world.

It was no longer a request between individuals.

A pressure card that even brought up national interests.

It was natural for Ji Jinhee to express discomfort.

On the other hand, Taehyun, the person involved, remained calm.

'It's obvious what you're trying to do.'

Taehyun's lips quirked up.

"I know Cody Cruz is great, but hasn't he already failed once?"

"......!!"

Michael Gore's eyes twitched at the unexpected answer.

He only said that five SS-rank players were missing.

He hadn't said anything separately about Cody Cruz.

'But how...'

Ji Jinhee also looked surprised inwardly.

Even he hadn't heard anything more than that, but Taehyun immediately grasped the situation and pressured Michael Gore.

"Isn't America arrogant? There's no way they'd ask for help like this if they could solve it themselves."

"......"

Michael Gore's face hardened at the thought that his trick was read.

Taehyun smiled as he savored that expression.

"But fine. I'll step up from a humanitarian standpoint."

"...Thank you."

"Instead. May I state my conditions first?"

"Please do."

The initiative had already completely passed to Taehyun.

"The legendary-grade item that the United States possesses. I'll take it as compensation for joining this investigation."

'Huh. How did he know that...'

As unexpected information poured out one after another, Michael Gore reflexively swallowed.

He thought for a moment and sighed.

"Haa... That condition is difficult to accept."

'Hmm... I guess I'll have to settle for just being the top ally.'

It wasn't a surprising answer.

Legendary-grade items are invaluable.

The fact that the United States possessed it was just a shot in the dark.

But Michael Gore rejected it.

It was for a different reason than Taehyun thought.

"Indeed, the United States recently acquired a legendary-grade item."

'Oh. It was real.'

He let out a hollow laugh at the unexpected confession.

Michael Gore continued.

"But currently, along with the missing player, the whereabouts of the item have also become unclear."

"Who is that player?"

To entrust a legendary-grade item, they must have been quite strong.

Excluding Cody Cruz from the United States.

"It's Ricky Hollis."

"......"

A moment of silence descended.

"Ricky Hollis is... missing?"

"Yes. It seems Player Kim Taehyun didn't know that much."

Of course he couldn't have known.

"I will explain again from the beginning."

Michael Gore began to tell the whole story of the incident.

Initially, only one person was missing.

Ricky Hollis.

She was given a legendary-grade item and disappeared, leaving traces during an exploration mission.

'Ricky Hollis...'

Taehyun knew her skills well.

Although she might not be able to hunt SS+-grade monsters alone, she was skilled enough to escape unless it was a special case.

The American Player Association seemed to have reached a similar conclusion.

They hastily dispatched five SS-rank players.

The first search party was dispatched, and only Cody Cruz returned.

Ricky Hollis's survival was confirmed, but this time the whereabouts of the other four became unclear.

"And yet you're saying you'll send another search party?"

"Yes. Ricky Hollis. She is important to us, the United States."

"Important... even at the cost of losing other SS-rank players?"

"That's right."

Michael Gore's position was firm.

"What is Cody Cruz's position?"

"Player Kim Taehyun is needed for the second exploration. Chairman Kevin Lee and Cody. Both have the same thought."

Perhaps Taehyun would have presented similar requirements.

"You're not telling me the most important thing, though."

"...What is it?"

"Ricky Hollis's mission. And about the being that put the other SS-rank players and Cody Cruz in danger."

"......"

"I can't work with people who are hiding something."

Taehyun quietly stared at him.

It was time to hear the truth.

Michael Gore sighed as if resigned.

It would have been confidential originally, but it was no longer a situation where he could hide it.

"Ricky Hollis's mission is to investigate the deepest part of the Abyss. And as for the monster behind it... we suspect a being called Grand Duke Orgal."

"Grand Duke...!!"

Unlike the surprised Ji Jinhee.

"That's quite an appealing story."

Taehyun's eyes changed.

Michael Gore's second explanation followed.

Grand Duke. Demon King Orgal.

It was a name he had heard from Kentamion.

It was also a name registered as a skill in the status window.

'A Grand Duke like Rosaria and Igmun... It's definitely a miracle that Cody Cruz came back alive.'

It was a judgment he could make because he had directly experienced their power.

"Taehyun-gun. I honestly hope you refuse this request. It's too dangerous."

Ji Jinhee spoke belatedly.

He also didn't know the details about the Grand Dukes.

But the estimated rating is SSS-class or higher.

Moreover, if Cody Cruz was seriously injured, it also meant that Taehyun would not be safe.

It was natural for Ji Jinhee to worry about Taehyun.

'Isn't this like a moth jumping into death?'

But unlike Ji Jinhee's thoughts.

From the moment Michael Gore came, Taehyun's mind was made up.

"Please tell me the date and time."

Information about legendary-grade items and Grand Dukes.

Getting both birds with one stone.

It would be a fruitful exploration.

The schedule was set in less than an hour.

Taehyun, who had received supplies, immediately stood in front of the warp gate.

"Taehyun-gun. Don't overdo it."

"You don't have to worry too much."

Go Taewook habitually comforted Ji Jinhee, and Taehyun waved his hand.

"I'll be back."

Taehyun crossed the warp gate leading to the depths of the Abyss.

The red sky came into view.

Whoosh.

It was an embarrassing place to call a safety zone.

Just a temporary warp gate protected by barrier stones and stealth stones.

'Is America already exploring this place?'

It was quite far inside, even in the depths.

He felt the strength of America anew.

At that time.

Crackle.

The warp gate activated and Cody Cruz appeared.

"It's been a while."

"I didn't expect to meet again like this."

"I agree."

"The explanation?"

"I heard it from Michael Gore Player."

Cody Cruz nodded.

"The place where Ricky Hollis went missing is about five hours further from here."

Dryly and clearly.

The two conveyed their intentions.

"We don't have time. Speed up."

"I will."

It was truly instantaneous.

Cody Cruz's figure disappeared from the safety zone.

'He's fast.'

Taehyun easily followed behind him.

In the depths of the Abyss, you can see S-rank monsters often.

In that respect, Taehyun and Cody Cruz were slaughtering S-rank monsters.

Both of them had brought all sorts of potions and scrolls in their infinite backpacks.

Rather, the important thing was fatigue rather than magic power.

In such long-term missions, it was important to control the mental fatigue that couldn't be filled with potions.

Was it because they had received each other's skills before?

The two didn't hesitate to use their skills.

Kwaaaaaaaa.

Cody Cruz emitted brilliance within Taehyun's 'Apocalypse'.

The current two are not enemies but comrades.

That's why they officially formed a party.

Cody Cruz in Apocalypse was receiving buffs instead of debuffs.

The harmony of darkness and light was quite plausible.

Charrrrrr.

Kugugugung.

Swish. Swish. Swish.

Kwakwakwakwang.

Thirty S-rank monsters lost their lives in all sorts of skills.

After about five hours had passed.

"It's here."

Cody Cruz removed the stealth stone and the warp gate appeared.

"It's a gate made by Ricky Hollis."

"That means..."

"It means she's still alive."

"We need to hurry."

Just as Taehyun was about to pass through the warp gate.

"Kim Taehyun."

He called out to Taehyun.

"......?"

"You may know from Michael. Beyond this is Grand Duke Orgal."

"I know."

"I barely managed to keep my life."

"I know that too."

It was an uncharacteristic appearance of caution for Cody Cruz.

"So. Are you scared?"

"......"

Cody Cruz closed his mouth at the blunt question.

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