RKP 221-230

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Episode 221

The Shinhan Republic's Saecheonrian extermination war.

The United States' pursuit of Harsultan.

An unidentified epidemic spreading across Asia and the world.

Without special gate breaks or dungeon breaks, and without damage from monsters.

The Earth was in unprecedented chaos.

And a newly added incident shook the world.

It was an incident involving Shinhan Republic and China.

'The Last of the Three Lords Shadow Arrested!!'

'A Mine Enhancement Factory Discovered in Beijing.'

'Is Chairman Xu Zaiyin of the Association Behind the National-Level Mine Shadow?!!'

'The Double Life of Xu Zaiyin, Chairman of the China Player Association.'

'China's Leadership Draws a Line. Announces Xu Zaiyin's Sole Crime.'

'Mine Shadow. Kim Taehyun of Shinhan Republic Captures Alive.'

'Chairman Ji Jinhee. Expresses Gratitude to the Chinese Leadership for Cooperation in Joint Operations.'

"It's quite distorted."

Ji Jinhee said, putting down the last newspaper he was reading.

Many media outlets had released related articles, but none were close to the truth.

"If the truth is known in the current situation, it will only become more uncontrollable."

The man who was also skimming through the newspaper.

Park Seongjin, who was also a party to the incident, said so.

"Shinhan Republic still has a long way to go, huh."

Immediately after capturing Shadow and Xu Zaiyin.

The Chinese leadership demanded the extradition of Shadow and Xu Zaiyin.

It was a demand on the surface, but they were willing to risk war.

It was Taehyun who resolved the situation.

As he did with Xu Zaiyin, he brought up their involvement behind Shadow.

Further loss of image could drive China, which was already overwhelmed by a sense of defeat, into a downward spiral.

In the end, the Chinese side agreed with Taehyun to put all the blame on Xu Zaiyin.

They even made an oath as Awakeners to keep the details secret.

Ji Jinhee had already heard those facts.

"What about Shadow? Chief Go is interrogating him, right?"

"Yes. But it doesn't seem easy."

Go Taewook is considered the best at interrogation in Shinhan Republic.

The fact that Go Taewook was having difficulty meant that the opponent was an existence beyond standards.

"Hmm... What about Taehyun?"

"He said he would interrogate him himself. He headed to where Chief Go is."

"Here we go again... there will be bloodshed."

A place secretly operated by the Association to interrogate high-level Mines.

Commonly known as the Junkyard.

Taehyun set foot in the place he had only heard rumors about in his past life.

Pazzzzz.

Taehyun, who had crossed the warp gate, looked around.

Five Association players in prison uniforms saluted.

Go Taewook, who had been contacted in advance, was in front of them.

"I've never seen you look so tired."

"It's because of who the opponent is."

Two days after capturing Shadow.

Go Taewook had been spending time interrogating Shadow, putting aside all Association work.

Even so.

"He's amazing. He doesn't flinch at any torture."

Go Taewook guided Taehyun with a tired smile.

It was where Shadow was imprisoned.

"I heard he caused a ruckus?"

Go Taewook nodded.

"Thanks to him, two Association players are seriously injured. To have that much power even with restraints... how did you catch such a guy?"

Go Taewook, who said that, slyly looked at Taehyun's face.

A youthful face that was about to shed its boyishness and become a young man, still only twenty years old.

How could such a child subdue and bring such a monster?

"He knelt down on his own."

Taehyun shrugged as if it was nothing.

Go Taewook just chuckled as if he understood.

"As you know, we haven't found out much compared to the time invested. It seems like someone put a mental skill on him."

'Indeed.'

Taehyun nodded as if he understood.

It happened occasionally.

There were guys who tried to hide information with mental skills to keep secrets.

If a player like Go Taewook couldn't even try, it would be at least an SS-rank player or Mine level.

'Min Jihong? Kasim Zolt? Or is there another Mine I don't know?'

Taehyun recalled the guy's power, but the only figures that came to mind were those.

'Well, I'll know if I wait and see.'

The reason Taehyun came to the Junkyard.

It was to interrogate Shadow himself.

"Here it is."

Go Taewook stopped in front of a triple-locked door.

Creak.

The player guarding the door opened it, and a metallic sound rang out.

And there.

There was Shadow with his arms and legs restrained.

It was a similar appearance to what Ayung had suffered in the labyrinth.

"Let's have a private talk."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm the one who caught this guy."

"...Okay. What about the cameras?"

"You can leave them on."

Go Taewook nodded and left the room.

Only then did Taehyun approach Shadow.

"Hey, I know you're not unconscious."

At Taehyun's words, laughter flowed from Shadow's mouth, who had been bowing his head.

"Heh... Hehehe...."

It was like scratching metal, wondering what kind of torture he had been subjected to.

"You seem to be in good shape."

"Kim Taehyun... Is it you this time... If you're trying to get information from me... It's a waste of time."

Shadow glared at Taehyun with venomous eyes, unlike his battered body.

"That's what you think. There's always a way."

"Damn it. I should have taken care of you sooner."

Shadow glared as if he was frustrated.

"I know how you feel."

Taehyun mocked him, not caring about the hostility towards him.

Clench.

If it weren't for the tightly bound restraints, he would have slammed Taehyun's face.

"Don't be arrogant, kid."

Shadow growled.

"I think that's what I should be saying. What are you so confident in?"

The Triad. The Malignant Guild. The China Player Association.

They all met with bad endings.

Lee Jeongsoo of the Taesan Group, who is expected to be on the same boat as him.

He too would have a similar fate.

"Hehehe... You really don't know anything."

Taehyun clicked his tongue at Shadow's bluff.

"You better wake up from your dream of getting help from China. Oh, and Kasim Zolt too. That guy's being chased in America right now."

Taehyun told him about Kasim Zolt's recent activities.

Cody Cruise's pursuit had cornered not only Harsultan but also Kasim Zolt.

Of course, Shadow also knew that fact before being captured here.

'There will be a pressure effect.'

Taehyun's thoughts were right on target.

Shadow was feeling a tightening in his heart.

Anyone would be like that if they heard such news in a situation where their body was not normal.

Taehyun opened the last card to drive in the wedge.

"All that's left is Min Jihong... Is he worth risking himself to save you?"

Just a little.

Shadow's body twitched.

"Don't be cocky... Didn't you come to make a deal?"

Taehyun shook his head at the word 'deal'.

"That's something you do on equal footing. Look at yourself now."

"......"

"Do you think we're equal?"

Taehyun, who said that, placed his hand on Shadow's broken shoulder.

Clench.

The already broken bone was halved once again.

"Prove your worth."

Pfft.

Shadow grinned at the pain in his shoulder.

"You don't know how to make a deal."

That wasn't wrong.

That's because Taehyun didn't come here to make a deal.

"It looks like you're confident that you won't be affected by mental skills."

[Skill Apocalypse(S) has been activated. Targeting the subject. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

Hwaaaaaa.

Charrrr. Charrrrr.

"Hiss...."

Shadow gasped as the field that had subdued him unfolded.

Charrrr. Charrrrr.

The chains indifferently wrapped around Shadow's body.

"Let's see what kind of preparations you've made."

"Heh... Futile...."

Taehyun grabbed Shadow's hair and fixed his gaze.

And.

[Skill Complete Hypnosis(S) has been activated. Targeting the subject. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

"Let's have a private talk."

Taehyun's red eyes flashed.

"It's started."

Go Taewook muttered, looking at the frozen screen.

He knew that Taehyun's skills included a field type that nullified surrounding electronic devices and detection skills.

No, he even experienced it firsthand in China this time.

Thanks to that, he also knew that even an S-rank player would have a hard time staying sane inside that field.

'Taehyun wouldn't kill him, would he?'

He was a guy who had served as one of the Three Lords of the Triad and the vice-guild master of the Malignant Guild.

Was that all?

Connections with China, Lee Jeongsoo, and Min Jihong, etc.

He was a guy who would be useful in many ways if he was kept alive.

"That cunning guy wouldn't know that..."

Go Taewook shook his head and brewed coffee.

10 minutes passed.

But the frozen screen still hadn't returned.

'It's taking longer than I thought.'

Go Taewook was about to make coffee, thinking that.

Kwaaaang.

The building shook with an explosion.

Before Go Taewook could grasp the situation, a subordinate came in.

"Something terrible has happened. It's an invasion!!"

"Who is it?!"

"Blackhole... No, it's Min Jihong!!"

Go Taewook hurriedly moved at the unexpected name.

There were two men in the silent darkness.

Taehyun, who was shining his red eyes, and Shadow, who was crawling on the floor.

"Keuh...."

Shadow trembled and groaned.

It was due to the aftereffects of Taehyun's skill 'Complete Hypnosis'.

10 minutes.

During that time, Taehyun succeeded in finding out the background of Shadow's life and his activities up to now.

Why Min Jihong wasn't in the labyrinth.

What kind of power he had obtained.

Where Vice-Chairman Lee Jeongsoo and Saecheonrian's cult leader Min Daehee were hiding, etc.

Various plans burst out like a chain reaction.

And above all.

'The vaccine for the Grey Disease hasn't been created yet.'

This alone would change the direction of the Association's investigation.

The interrogation was successful with just the information he had just learned, but that wasn't all Taehyun wanted from Shadow.

If that was all he wanted, there was no need to bring Shadow from China.

There was no need to entrust the interrogation to Go Taewook.

Bait.

Shadow was the role of bait to catch the last big fish.

And just in time, the big fish that Taehyun was waiting for came on its own.

Kwaaang!!

Explosions were heard from everywhere.

There were roughly dozens of presences felt.

Not many, but enough to occupy the Junkyard.

And.

Step. Step. Step. Step.

A man walked from afar.

"Min Jihong. You have a daring side."

Taehyun said, looking at the man who appeared in the apocalypse.

There was Min Jihong with his red eyes opened.

The fierce fighting spirit was a bonus.

"Fortunately, I wasn't too late."

He said, looking at Shadow who was in pain.

"You won't be able to joke around like before. This place is quite messed up, you know?"

Taehyun said, tapping his head.

It was a provocation.

Of the man in front of him.

Min Jihong released his mana without a word.

Kwaaaaa.

Skill 'Blackhole'.

And the brown mana began to push back the apocalypse.

Taehyun wasn't going to just watch that.

[Skill Apocalypse(S) has been strengthened. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

Kugugung.

Taehyun's gaze turned to Min Jihong's body part that was different from before.

"You have a pretty good looking arm, don't you?"

[Unique Skill Predation(SS) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]

Jjeoooook.

Similarly, the mana of Predation was also of a size that was incomparably larger than before.

"Devour it."

At Taehyun's command.

The mana of Predation, like a tsunami, covered Min Jihong.

Episode 222

The junkyard was attacked by the Mins.

It didn't take long for Ji Jin-hee to receive such a report.

"Who is the opponent?!"

Ji Jin-hee asked his chief of staff, who had come in to report.

"It's Min Ji-hong!!"

Ji Jin-hee's eyes widened.

He wondered how the Mins had found out the location, but.

'Mr. Go and Tae-hyun are there.'

It could only be seen as a deliberate attack.

"What about Player Park Seong-jin?!"

"He is currently receiving the report and preparing for troop warp."

Even if it's troop warp, the power prepared in a short period of time can't be good.

Above all, the opponent is Min Ji-hong.

Park Seong-jin alone was not enough.

"I'll go too."

Ji Jin-hee said as he rose from his seat.

The chief of staff's face darkened at those words.

"Association President. In the absence of Chief Go Tae-wook... on-site support is impossible."

"......"

Go Tae-wook was appointed as the acting Association President in place of Ji Jin-hee, the Association President.

Currently, the acting Association President is in a dangerous situation.

No matter how much Ji Jin-hee is a major power in New Korea.

It meant that both the Association President and the acting Association President could not be put in a dangerous area.

'It could be a major blow not only to the Player Association but also to New Korea.'

The chief of staff was saying that point.

Ji Jin-hee also knew that.

But.

'Min Ji-hong. Am I supposed to entrust that child to others again?'

The ancient Korean martial art Baeklang, which he passed on.

How many more victims will that technique claim this time?

Just thinking about it made his heart heavy.

Ji Jin-hee sighed.

The chief of staff carefully opened his mouth.

"Fortunately, we placed it in a secluded place in preparation for this... Player Kim Tae-hyun is inside, so... there won't be a problem."

The chief of staff said hopefully.

It was from the chief of staff's perspective, who thought that Min Ji-hong was about the best S-rank Min, one level below Kasim Zolt.

"Hmm...."

He had opened up a lot of information about Min Ji-hong, but there were still many hidden facts.

The fact that he was a Great Duke contractor was also information that many people still didn't know.

"Min Ji-hong will be helpless in front of the Grim Reaper."

Tae-hyun has been called the Grim Reaper by the Mins since some point.

The chief of staff had no doubt that Tae-hyun would solve the case this time as well.

But Ji Jin-hee's thoughts were different.

'Ha... am I supposed to entrust Tae-hyun with such a burden again?'

He knows that Tae-hyun is the only one in New Korea who can face Min Ji-hong.

He, of course, and all the S-rank players in New Korea would not be able to match him.

There was that much of a gap between S-rank players and SS-rank Mins.

Some people are relieved that Tae-hyun has taken a lot of the burden off their shoulders.

The more that happens, the heavier Ji Jin-hee's heart becomes.

How relieved he was when he found out that Min Ji-hong was not in the labyrinth.

'It's a monster I created. I wanted to end it with my own hands this time...'

That's what Ji Jin-hee was thinking.

"More than that, the timing is exquisite. It would have been a disaster if Player Kim Tae-hyun hadn't found the junkyard."

"......"

Ji Jin-hee's mind flashed at the chief of staff's words, which were spoken as if in passing.

'Could it be...'

Is this situation also intended by Tae-hyun?

Did he anticipate that Min Ji-hong would attack the junkyard?

'Hmm... no way... it can't be.'

Ji Jin-hee shook his head slightly.

"They say the command center is ready now."

Thinking that all these suspicions were an exaggeration.

"Let's go."

Ji Jin-hee was heading to the operations command room.

At the same time, the junkyard.

Unlike Ji Jin-hee's thoughts.

Tae-hyun was anticipating that Min Ji-hong would come here.

As befits Tae-hyun, who considers give and take as a basic common sense.

Just as they used Yoo Ah-young as bait to lure Tae-hyun, they used the shadow as bait to lure Min Ji-hong.

'Well, I didn't expect him to come this fast.'

Seeing Min Ji-hong spewing out fighting spirit in front of him, Tae-hyun smiled bitterly.

It would be a problem if it was slow.

Hunting is better the faster it is.

On the other hand, from Min Ji-hong's point of view, all of this was absurd.

He dug a trap to capture Tae-hyun by order of Orgal.

He was called to the abyss by Orgal's whim and returned to Earth.

It wasn't without risks, but he didn't leave the labyrinth empty without any insurance against Kim Tae-hyun.

Thousands of high-ranking Mins and the monster Tartaros.

In addition, he had some safety measures such as the shadow and Kasim Zolt, whom he acknowledged, and the destruction of the labyrinth.

'I thought it would be possible to confine Kim Tae-hyun in the labyrinth in the worst case.'

Contrary to expectations, the reality was the opposite.

The labyrinth was destroyed, Kasim Zolt returned to Earth and was being chased by Cody Cruz, and the shadow was captured by Kim Tae-hyun at the headquarters of the Chinese Player Association.

That's why Min Ji-hong invaded the junkyard, putting Orgal's orders as a lower priority.

It was an emotional choice, unlike his usual self.

Tae-hyun saw through Min Ji-hong's psychology.

'I'll make a move before he regains his composure.'

[Unique skill Gluttony (SS) has been activated. Target is specified.]

A huge maw surrounded Min Ji-hong, who was about to approach the shadow.

The guy belatedly used Black Hole, but.

Kwadeudeuk.

Gluttony indifferently tore off his right arm and bit it.

The current 'Black Hole' cannot stop the grown 'Gluttony'.

[A huge amount of magic has been devoured. Strength has increased by 1.]

'A huge amount of magic...'

Tae-hyun, whose stats have increased incomparably compared to before.

How can his stats increase just by devouring one arm?

Tae-hyun looked at Min Ji-hong's other arm, which was wrapped in bandages.

A size that is too large to be human.

[Skill Eye of the Superior (S) has been activated. Target is specified.]

In the deepened red eyes, the magic flowing through Min Ji-hong's body was clearly visible. "......!!"

A huge amount of magic hidden inside the bandage.

It was the brown magic that symbolized Orgal.

'It's thicker than before.'

It was a much thicker magic than what he had seen when he met him before, no, than what ordinary Great Duke contractors had.

The unpleasant smell was reminiscent of the demonized Kasim Zolt.

'Did this guy transplant the body of a higher-ranking monster?'

Kasim Zolt's 'Demonization' or Tae-hyun's 'Demon Transformation'.

Undoubtedly, it was just as heterogeneous a body.

The difference is.

'He's maintaining such a body even on a regular basis.'

Min Ji-hong has grown as much as Tae-hyun has grown.

That's how it could be seen.

Kwaddeudeudeuk.

Min Ji-hong's torn arm grew back.

Ultra-fast regeneration.

That is also an ability that he originally did not have.

'Interesting?'

Heesheuk.

The corners of his mouth went up involuntarily.

Tae-hyun fully opened Apocalypse.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Kugugugu.

[Output 60... 70... 80... 90... 100%.]

[Skill enhancement has reached its limit. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Min Ji-hong faced and opened magic.

The brown magic symbolizing Orgal's power pushed back the power of Apocalypse.

Pajik. Pajijeuk.

In the collision of the two magics.

Two men with red eyes glared at each other.

Kwaaang.

Min Ji-hong knocked away the magic bullet fired by Tae-hyun.

It was an attack aimed at the defenseless shadow.

This is because he knows that if he attacks the shadow, Min Ji-hong will defend it instead.

"I'll buy time. Escape in the meantime."

Min Ji-hong said in a low voice to the shadow, who was struggling to hold on to his mind.

He already knows that his partner is not in his right mind.

'It must be Rosaria's skill.'

Min Ji-hong glanced at his arm, which had begun to recover.

The power is strong compared to the preparation time.

Even considering the field skill, Kim Tae-hyun's magic power was much higher than before.

Normally, he would have released Apocalypse with his skill Black Hole, but.

Jjeoeeeok.

The magic of Gluttony, which is constantly aiming, was devouring the Black Hole as if it were hunting.

Not only that.

Pueeong. Pueeong.

Chwareureuk. Chwareureuk.

Even multiple skills aimed at the shadow on purpose.

Tae-hyun was putting pressure on Min Ji-hong so that he couldn't move carelessly.

'I understand why Kasim Zolt died.'

Kkadeuk.

Min Ji-hong bit his teeth.

Whether to sacrifice the shadow to break through Tae-hyun's skill.

Or to sacrifice his arm to defend as he is now.

Kim Tae-hyun was watching for an opportunity while leaving only two options.

No, if it's that much, he can buy time.

But.

Jjeoeong.

Tae-hyun's hand, which approached in an instant, aimed at Min Ji-hong's neck.

The 1st form of the ancient Korean martial art, Taebaek.

"......!!"

Min Ji-hong's hand, which defended instinctively, throbbed.

If it wasn't a new arm, it would have been cut off as it was.

That was not the end but the beginning.

2nd form San Gyeong. 4th form Palgwae. 5th form Goryeo.

Baeklang, Min Ji-hong's own main technique, was being recreated by Tae-hyun.

Even with a level of proficiency that wouldn't be strange even if he was a legitimate successor.

[Skill Demon Transformation (S) has been activated. Specify the imitation area.]

[Skill Demon Transformation (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Kwaddeudeuk. Kwaddeudeudeuk.

Tae-hyun's arms and legs swelled grotesquely.

At the same time.

6th form Sipjin.

Kwaang.

"Keuhak...."

Even though Min Ji-hong blocked it with both arms.

Tae-hyun's leg shattered both arms and kicked his chest.

"Not bad."

Tae-hyun admired as he looked at Min Ji-hong, who was rising from afar.

The attack just now was done with the intention of blowing away the guy's upper body.

He endured it by strengthening both arms with magic and strengthening it again with diamond.

The guy's broken body began ultra-fast regeneration.

'The saintess would be sad if she saw it.'

Tae-hyun thought so and fired a magic bullet at Min Ji-hong, who was trying to use Black Hole.

Min Ji-hong canceled the skill and hurriedly knocked away the magic bullet.

He dropped one magic bullet that had been condensed in an instant on the shadow.

Kwaang!!

Min Ji-hong hurriedly approached and knocked away the magic bullet.

"Kueuk...."

The burst arm began ultra-fast regeneration once again.

"Good camaraderie."

When Tae-hyun was about to prepare for the next attack while mocking Min Ji-hong.

Tteoeok.

The shadow, who barely regained his mind, grabbed Min Ji-hong's leg.

"Run away."

"What... nonsense are you talking about."

"In your current state... you can't beat Kim Tae-hyun."

"......"

"I'll buy time."

"You..."

"Go."

Seuseuseuseuseu.

Min Ji-hong's body disappeared in an instant.

He completely escaped from Tae-hyun's Apocalypse.

"......!!"

He knew that the shadow had one last card left.

But.

'To be able to take out even Min Ji-hong... this is definitely a mistake.'

It was a variable that occurred because he didn't think that he would escape from his field and that this level of friendship was possible for a Min.

"Friendship for a Min..."

Tae-hyun's gaze turned to the shadow in a dying state.

"Partner guy too... hoo... was it too much...."

It's not normal at a glance.

Nevertheless.

In the Apocalypse deployed to the maximum, the shadow rose.

A creepy sound was heard as if the bones of his whole body were breaking.

That was not all.

An ominous magic emanating from his body.

It was definitely similar to the magic of Orgal that was felt from Min Ji-hong a little while ago.

"You. You risked your life."

Tae-hyun understood the current situation.

The shadow exploded the skill.

He had used the last card he had hidden.

"Keuk... if I can save that guy with my life... it's not a bad deal."

Kwaaaaaaa.

The soaring magic swallowed the shadow.

And.

A shadow that can no longer be called human.

[I'll take you with me as a companion.]

He spat out the language of the monster.

223

Taehyun stared at the new enemy.

A Mine Shadow.

It was hard to find any trace of humanity left in him.

"I'd believe it if you said he was a real monster."

Taehyun muttered quietly.

It wasn't just a passing remark.

Complete demonization, not partial like Taehyun.

Moreover, a SS+ grade monster surpassing SS grade.

This was also why Go Taewook couldn't penetrate his mind despite using all sorts of methods.

An S-grade player couldn't possibly touch the subconscious of a SS+ grade monster.

A person transforming into a higher-level monster?

'If it were normal, I'd be so surprised I'd grab the back of my neck.'

But the enemies he'd faced recently were too alien and strong to be surprised by this much.

Venom, Blodia. Kasim Zolt. Min Jihong.

And Archdukes like Orgal and Igmun, and the Archduke-level Doppelganger.

Through 'Complete Hypnosis'.

He also knew that this guy had accepted the refined power of Orgal.

His current appearance was just worthy of applause.

It couldn't even be considered a shocking situation.

"Refining the mana of an Archduke contractor to successfully achieve complete demonization... the higher-ups will go crazy if they find out."

Knowing them, there would be more than one or two places trying to use this to increase national power.

[You're not surprised.]

The Shadow asked in the language of monsters.

"Should I be?"

Taehyun observed the Shadow in front of him.

Massive muscles that were beyond just "bulked up."

Brown mana that could only be felt from Orgal's followers.

Just like Kasim Zolt.

A huge horn grew from his head.

Clap, clap, clap.

Taehyun applauded, satisfied with the Shadow's transformation.

"Perfect."

[......]

It wasn't just a bluff.

The form the Shadow was showing now was the state Taehyun had been ultimately waiting for.

'Devouring small fry won't raise my stats or skills.'

So.

'I'll aim to devour him the moment he shows his full power.'

The Shadow risked his life to pull out his last card.

He could be certain.

If he devoured the guy in his current state, he would definitely be able to steal a skill.

"Well, extracting Min Jihong was unexpected. But life wouldn't be fun if everything went as planned, right?"

[How absurd.]

That was the beginning.

Sssst.

The Shadow's disappeared body reappeared behind Taehyun.

A huge scythe was already in his hand.

Slice.

He cut through the approaching chains and disappeared again.

'The skill's performance has improved.'

The guy who couldn't use skills within the Apocalypse was moving around without any issues.

And that wasn't all.

Swish, swish, swish.

Sssst.

He was easily avoiding the chains that even SS-grade monsters couldn't evade.

It wasn't just increased speed, but spatial movement.

Even the 'Eyes of the Superior Species' couldn't track the Shadow's movements.

"......!!"

Sensing a sudden presence, Taehyun punched upwards.

Thud!!

The Shadow's scythe, which had moved in an instant, was deflected by Taehyun's explosive force.

The Shadow didn't care and slammed both hands down.

Crack.

Taehyun could feel the floor he was standing on cave in.

Even though it was a field, the building's structural integrity remained.

Perhaps that's why.

Sssst.

Boom.

Sssst.

Crack.

The huge arm relentlessly slammed down on Taehyun's guard.

[Do you still find me funny?!!]

And then.

Crackle.

Boom!!!

The building tilted.

[I am the Shadow!!]

Brown mana exploded from his body.

The Apocalypse was lifted.

"Representative, are you sure this is the right way?"

Three young men asked Kim Reporter, no, CEO Kim Sangyun, who was walking ahead.

They didn't understand.

He brought them here, to this secluded place, saying there was a scoop.

"Stop talking and pack your equipment properly. Even though it doesn't look like much, each camera you're holding costs as much as a sports car, you know?"

Kim Sangyun said, urging them on.

He was once a reporter for a small magazine, but now he was independent as the CEO of TH Company.

Before he knew it, he was a sizable company with forty employees, but he still occasionally came to the field directly with his staff like this.

"Hey... of course we know that. Shouldn't we be covering the Gray Disease instead?"

The one who said that was a newbie who hadn't been with TH Company for long.

He seemed to think that it didn't make sense to come to a place like this instead of covering the trending Shadow incident or the Gray Disease.

"Rookie, what you see isn't always everything."

Kim Sangyun gave him advice that came from life experience.

Who would have imagined that he would become the CEO of TH Company?

All of this was due to a chance encounter, and today's events were no different.

'Information about Player Kim Taehyun. An incident will definitely break out here.'

The reason TH Company was able to achieve rapid growth.

It was because of the backing of Kim Taehyun.

Although he was too busy to contact him directly now, his secretary, Yoon Miso, was periodically providing information.

They came here because Yoon Miso had leaked the information separately.

That was why Kim Sangyun stepped up himself.

Although he became the CEO, he still had to resolve information related to Taehyun himself to be satisfied.

"You can't become a true reporter by only doing what everyone else is doing~ Remember that."

"Yes, Representative."

"Understood."

Kim Sangyun hurried his pace, watching his employees reluctantly nod their heads at his words.

The location Yoon Miso mentioned was a shabby place on the outskirts of Seoul.

She told him to take a spot where he could see S Building well.

"Let's set up here."

"Here? There's nothing here, though?"

"First, prepare the barrier skill and activate the camera and filming skills."

The two men tilted their heads but prepared a B-grade barrier skill and filming skills.

Another one set up the five cameras he brought.

They waited like that for 20 minutes.

'It's about time...'

Kim Sangyun was quietly checking the time.

He had the illusion that something was shaking.

No, it wasn't an illusion.

"E, earthquake...?"

"Re, Representative. Shouldn't we evacuate?!"

"What if the building collapses...?"

"Don't be scared. Everyone, stay in your positions."

At Kim Sangyun's resolute attitude, the three men shut their mouths with stiff expressions.

Had 5 more minutes passed like that?

Boom!!!

With an explosion, the S Building in front of them collapsed.

"Gasp..."

"Re, Representative, this..."

"We, we need to..."

It was when the employees were fussing and panicking.

Boom!!!

A monster popped out with a loud noise.

"A, a monster!!"

"Shit!!"

"Run!!"

The three employees ran away as they were, without even thinking about filming.

Only Kim Sangyun stayed in his position.

Trust in Taehyun and worry about leaving behind the expensive equipment mixed together, clouding his judgment.

Tremble, tremble.

His body began to shake violently.

'Yoon Miso, that crazy woman!!'

If he made it back alive, he would grind up Taehyun's secretary, or whatever, and drink her.

It was then that he thought that.

Crack!!

Suddenly, the monster's head was slammed into the ground.

Kim Sangyun's eyes met the eyes of the man who was stomping on the monster's head.

"Oh, Mr. Kim Reporter?"

The man asked with a nonchalant expression, as if surprised.

"P, Player Kim Taehyun... what the hell is this..."

Kim Sangyun called out the man's name in a trembling voice.

Unlike Kim Sangyun's trembling voice.

The camera was turning smoothly.

Somewhere in an alley on the outskirts of Sinhan.

Sssst.

Min Jihong appeared from the shadows cast on the building.

It was because of the skill 'Apostle of Darkness' that the Shadow had forcibly used.

"Damn it!!"

Crack.

The asphalt cracked where Min Jihong's rolling foot landed.

"That... Kim Taehyun... that damn bastard..."

Min Jihong was genuinely furious.

He knew that the Shadow had made his skill go berserk and moved him.

The Shadow's 'Skill Rampage' was special.

The imperfectly copied Saintess' skill 'Holy Revelation'.

It was because he accepted the refined mana of Orgal through a power similar to that.

If he went on a rampage, he would gain the power of a SS+ grade monster.

The condition for activation was his human form.

The Shadow risked his life to save him from Kim Taehyun.

Once activated, the end result was eventually death.

It was then that Min Jihong was venting his anger, which would not subside.

[Breaking news, everyone. The wanted Mine are causing a riot in Seoul. Currently, Players led by Chairman Ji Jinhee and Player Kim Taehyun, who belongs to the association, are at the scene...]

Familiar faces appeared on the billboard towering in the distance.

Kim Taehyun, who had been pressuring him until just now, and his partner, whom he had been trying to save until just now, in a demonized form.

The two of them were fighting, tangled together.

The junkyard building had already collapsed, and they were fighting on the road.

Buildings collapsed with a crash as the Shadow swung his arm.

Unlike the surrounding damage, the battle was one-sided.

Chinese ancient martial arts, Sansha, and Sinhan ancient martial arts, Baekrang.

Kim Taehyun was driving the Shadow back, mixing the two ancient martial arts.

'That bastard Kim Taehyun...'

Min Jihong, feeling a sense of incongruity in the video, gritted his teeth.

Imprisoning the Shadow and imprisoning him in the junkyard.

Drawing him in.

Even the current video of him fighting the demonized Shadow.

He belatedly realized that everything was a set-up by Kim Taehyun.

Boom!!!

Once again.

A loud noise rang out in the video.

Chinese ancient martial arts, 5th form, Penetrating Force.

Taehyun's fist was piercing through the Shadow's chest.

Taehyun clenched the hand that pierced his chest.

Crack.

He felt something burst in his hand.

It was the Shadow's heart.

[Kuh...!!]

The Shadow staggered and swung the scythe he was holding.

Another heart that was created as he demonized.

The magic stone was making him move.

Thud.

Taehyun's entire guard was slammed into a nearby building.

At the same time that Taehyun bounced away to the side.

Sssst.

Crack.

The Shadow's foot that appeared was slammed down.

'Even if it's spatial movement, the pattern is obvious.'

Taehyun's fist, which had read the movements in advance, touched the Shadow's solid body.

Sinhan ancient martial arts, 2nd form, Mountain Strike.

Thud.

The Shadow's body bounced off the magic power that exploded belatedly.

'This should be enough.'

Far away.

He could see Kim Sangyun, who was diligently turning the camera.

The danger of demonized Mine.

That video would be spread not only to Sinhan, but to the whole world starting today.

In addition to the secondary effects of raising awareness of the dangers of Mine and the Gray Disease.

Ultimately, it would create public opinion that Lee Jungsoo would have no choice but to participate in vaccine development.

'Should I stop acting around here?'

The huge scythe flew towards Taehyun.

Thud.

Taehyun chopped off the scythe with his hand blade.

It was instantaneous.

Taehyun's body dug into him.

And he brought his mana-imbued hand to his giant body.

Sinhan ancient martial arts, 4th form, Eight Trigrams.

Crumble.

The mana swirling from Taehyun's hand made the Shadow's intestines a wreck.

[Cough...]

A handful of brown blood flowed from the Shadow's mouth.

Taehyun didn't care and rotated his body.

Sinhan ancient martial arts, 6th form, Tenth Array.

Crack!!

The Shadow's head was half blown away by his leg, which rotated on the axis.

It was when Taehyun was about to use the 7th form, Plain, for a sure finish.

[I'm not dying alone!!]

Waaaaaaa.

Brown magic power gushed out from the Shadow's body.

224화

Kwaddeudeudeuk.

The original magic was combined with Orgal's brown magic.

The face of the guy who had been blown away began to regenerate at high speed.

At the same time, a shadow spread widely under his feet.

He was a monster of SS+ grade.

The range was by no means small.

'This is a bit dangerous.'

Taehyun distanced himself and retreated to where Reporter Kim was.

'Enough footage has been taken.'

There seemed to be no need to conserve power from now on.

Taehyun used 'Apocalypse' again.

Tting.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

Hwaaaah.

It was a skill that targeted the shadow.

Cheoreureuk. Cheoreureureuk.

Dozens of chains wrapped around his body.

[……!!]

Strong power dulls the senses.

Shadow was no different.

He was clearly in a state where a human skill was added to the body of an SS-grade monster.

'Is this not enough?'

He even began to question.

Kim Taehyun, who could publicly execute him if he wanted to.

Why he created such a stage.

Why he pushed him to such an extreme.

However.

Taehyun was not kind enough to explain the reason to his prey.

"It's in perfect condition to eat."

Taehyun, who approached, took out the magic of predation.

He had been waiting for this day.

Jjeoeeeoeoeok.

The shadow stared at the unknown magic that was trying to devour him.

[So that was it... the secret you have.]

"Correct answer."

Kwaddeuk!!

The magic of predation swallowed the shadow's body in an instant.

Kwaddeudeuk. Kwaddeuk.

[Keuk... Keuheuk....]

Even at the moment of being chewed up.

Even in the pain of having his whole body torn apart.

The shadow laughed.

It was by no means the attitude of a dying guy.

[Didn't I... say... I wouldn't die... alone....]

'This guy, could it be....'

It was the moment Taehyun was about to strengthen the predation.

Seuseuseuseuseut.

In the midst of the crimson magic of Apocalypse and Predation, the shadow's body, with its arms and legs torn off, suddenly disappeared.

"……!!"

The monster's resilience and the variable of skill.

The obsession not to give up even when facing death.

He succeeded in activating the skill while his body was given to predation.

It was a bizarre act he had never experienced before.

"This is the first time I've experienced something like this."

Fortunately, Taehyun had a useful skill for times like this.

Tting.

[Skill Portal (S) has been activated. Searching for coordinates.]

The skill tracked the shadow's magic remaining in Apocalypse.

[Coordinates have been identified. The gate is being activated.]

Kwaaaaaaaa.

A warp gate opened.

Taehyun chased after the escaped prey.

New Korea Player Association Headquarters.

A monster suddenly appeared in the sky above it.

To be precise, it was the shadow, with only the body left after being torn apart by predation.

[Heu... I succeeded.]

It was the place he chose to face his end.

The power he obtained by giving up being human.

He intended to take as many players as possible with him before this power disappeared.

"Mo, monster!!"

Someone discovering him was the beginning.

"Th, that's Shadow?!!"

"Why is that guy from the junkyard...!!"

Those who shouted like that were all players of the Association.

They knew that Shadow was imprisoned there and that he was fighting Taehyun in the transmitted video.

But that monster appeared before their eyes.

Kwaddeudeudeuk.

The torn body of the shadow began to regenerate.

The speed was slow due to the influence of predation.

[Not bad.]

It was enough to not have a big problem in erasing the Association in front of him.

Seuseuseuseuseu.

The spreading brown magic was submerging the area.

It was a plan that had been prepared for over a dozen years, going back and forth between Earth and the Abyss.

Those plans were being dismantled one by one by Kim Taehyun, and he was finally forced to give up his life.

All that remained was his partner.

For him.

It wouldn't be worth it if he didn't have a meaningful end.

'There isn't much time left for consciousness to remain.'

The magic of Orgal that Min Ji-hong accepted.

He had refined it once again and only accepted a small part of it.

Nevertheless, the brown magic was eroding his body every moment.

He was the one who used the key called skill runaway, but he was not allowed to own it.

'It's enough.'

Anyway, the best he could do now was to spill as much blood as possible.

Min Ji-hong would take care of the rest.

There was no need to activate the skill.

Simply raising the magic power of his whole body sucked in the shadows of the area.

Originally, his awakened skill 'Apostle of Darkness' was just a simple implementation technique.

He succeeded in various ways of application beyond the limit.

He implemented a scythe, and he also jumped through space.

And now that he has accepted the power of the monster.

[I'll show you the truth.]

It was possible to bring the darkness of the deepest part of the Abyss to Earth.

Regardless of people and buildings.

Everything in the area was engulfed in shadows.

There are monsters in the deepest part.

Everything marked with his magic would become a sacrifice to summon those monsters.

Screams erupted from everywhere.

Someone was using skills to struggle, and someone was starting to beg for their lives.

'It's already too late.'

The corners of Shadow's mouth went up.

Soon, New Korea will become fertilizer for a new era.

It was then.

Pajijijijik.

A gate opened right in front of Shadow.

"A rat is still a rat even if it runs away."

From there came a familiar face, Kim Taehyun.

[A rat.]

The shadow shook its completely regenerated body.

[Indeed.]

Kim Taehyun in front of him.

[You are qualified to say that.]

Once known as the ruler of the deep, the SS-grade monster.

Even though he had become an SS+ grade monster that had surpassed even that limit, he couldn't draw a picture of being able to win.

Soon, a part of the deepest part will be summoned here.

Kim Taehyun, who is more sensitive to magic than anyone else, would not know that fact.

So he took hostages.

Everyone trapped in his magic was marked.

If he wanted, he could turn their bodies into lumps of flesh in an instant.

[You're bluffing.]

Shadow clicked his tongue as he watched Taehyun coming out of the gate.

The skill is already in effect.

If the skill is stopped, a huge explosion will occur as a backlash.

Its power was enough to blow away not only the Association headquarters but also the entire area.

'The explosion cannot be stopped even by that skill from before.'

Even so.

"So the skill is manifested like this. It's quite something?"

Taehyun, who was looking around the darkened surroundings, was still relaxed.

It was an attitude as if he was dealing with someone else's business.

[Have you given up even the slightest resistance?]

Shadow chuckled as he amplified his magic power.

The only remaining magic stone after losing his heart.

He could vividly feel a huge amount of magic power seething there.

His body had become a kind of detonator.

Even the slightest shock could cause an uncontrollable explosion.

All Kim Taehyun could do was watch or leave this place.

Whatever choice he made, it was a painful defeat.

"You're wrong, Shadow."

Tting.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated.]

Hwaaaah.

Shadow deployed 'Apostle of Darkness'.

A new darkness was superimposed on it.

[This again. You have no learning ability.]

Pajijik. Pajijijik.

The two areas collided, and sparks flew from everywhere.

With just that.

Tteolseok. Tteolseok. Tteolseok.

The players in the area fainted.

"You're the one who has no learning ability. You thought the only way to buy time was to take hostages."

Taehyun, whose eyes had turned red, approached Shadow.

If it had been Kasim Zolt, there would have been victims without Taehyun being able to do anything.

But Shadow had turned into a monster, but he had not reached that level.

The proof was that he couldn't completely break through Taehyun's Apocalypse.

"You're far from Kasim Zolt."

[Keuheuk. I don't think you're in your right mind either?]

Shadow let out a laugh.

Those eyes.

Aren't you closer to a demon than a player?

Why didn't he know that fact until now?

The real face behind that mask.

However.

It's already too late.

[There's no turning back.]

Kwaddeudeudeudeuk.

1 minute.

After that time, this place will become a part of the Abyss.

Tting.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Pajeujeujeujeu.

[It's useless!!]

Shadow burst into laughter, regardless of the sparks.

"Have you already forgotten?"

[Skill Blood Runaway (S) has been activated.]

[A great power awakens. Strength increases. Strength becomes 360 (380).]

[A great power awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina becomes 360 (370).]

[A great power awakens. Speed increases. Speed becomes 355 (370).]

[A great power awakens. Magic power increases. Magic power becomes 500 (520).]

Crimson magic was mixed with blood-red magic.

Taehyun's red eyes became even darker.

There was no way Shadow couldn't notice the change.

Hwaaaaaaaa.

The area was instantly placed under Taehyun's control.

At the same time, the things that Shadow had marked disappeared.

It was the result of 'Apocalypse' being strengthened beyond the limit by 'Blood Runaway'.

"Shadow."

Jeobeok.

Taehyun walked towards his prey.

"I've been waiting for this moment."

[Just by touching this body...]

Shadow hadn't even finished speaking.

Pook.

Taehyun's hand dug into Shadow and grabbed the magic stone.

It was a surprisingly clean blow.

The detonator was touched.

Shadow's magic began to shake unstably.

[Keureuk... Keu... Keuk....]

He could feel the magic swirling around the magic stone.

A massive explosion will occur.

He won't be able to summon the deepest part.

But that wasn't a bad ending either.

[Kim Taehyun. You're making a mistake at the very last moment.]

"I'm curious. How long will you last?"

Tting.

[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

Jjuuueuk. Jjuuuuueuk.

'The magic power is at best Blodia level.'

That's about Blodia before using her full power.

Of course, the effect of 'Energy Drain' was valid.

[……!!]

The whirling magic of Shadow began to weaken little by little.

Tting.

[Absorbed a huge amount of magic power. Magic power increased by 1.]

[Absorbed a huge amount of magic power. Magic power increased by 1.]

Kwaaaaaaaa.

Red and black magic power bloomed from Taehyun's body at the same time.

He had opened the magic power of predation in addition to the blood runaway.

Tting.

[Unique skill Predation (SS) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

Jjeoeeeoeoeok.

"Any last words?"

Holding the magic stone, and surrounded by the strengthened magic power of Apocalypse and Predation.

Taehyun asked that, having blocked all the moves that Shadow could take.

Tting.

[The opponent feels awe. Charm increased by 1.]

The message represented Shadow's feelings.

"I guess not."

Kwaddeudeudeudeuk.

A huge maw.

Devoured the main who had become a monster.

Tting.

[Devoured a huge being.]

[Strength increased by 1.]

[Stamina increased by 1.]

[Speed increased by 1.]

[Normal skill Apostle of Darkness (S) has been registered.]

[The magic power of normal skill Beastification (S) is being readjusted.]

[The magic power of summoning skill Orgal (S) is being readjusted.]

Ssik.

The corners of Taehyun's mouth went up.

He took care of skills as well as stats.

Above all.

'It was this way after all.'

A demonized main.

Or a higher-level monster.

Only then will the probability of skills being registered or stats increasing be high.

It was the moment he confirmed that his choice was not wrong.

Hwaaaaah.

Apocalypse was lifted.

Players who had fallen in the area were noticeable.

They had their magic power stolen by Shadow's ultimate, but their lives would not be in danger.

"It's going to get noisy again."

A demonized main.

The Player Association behind the main.

The line dividing good and evil has blurred.

It was obvious that the chaos would intensify.

As Taehyun thought, Shadow's death became the starting point of chaos.

But the beginning happened in an unexpected place.

225

The whole world was abuzz with the death of Shadow.

It was because the battle footage of Taehyun and the demonized Shadow had spread.

It wasn't that Taehyun had broken the Awakened agreement he had with the Chinese high-ranking officials.

Originally, only Shinhan and the United States knew about China's demonization experiments.

Among them, Taehyun had the most influence, so he made the agreement on behalf of them.

However, Shinhan was a free and democratic country, and it couldn't control everything that happened by chance.

Really by chance.

The secret prison of the Shinhan Player Association, which was searching for Shadow.

The CEO and employees of TH Company were passing by nearby.

They filmed the battle between Shadow and Taehyun and sent it to each broadcasting station, and the suspicions of people who witnessed the demonization grew.

It only led to the uncaptured Guangzhou dungeon and the currently rampant gray disease.

Suspicion becomes rumor, and rumor becomes conviction.

That's how the rumor that China was behind Shadow and the demons spread.

Beijing, China.

Chairman Zheng Qing threw his ashtray in his room.

The sound of shattering followed.

"Damn Kim Taehyun… how dare this small country bastard…."

He was in an excited state, unlike a leader who leads a country.

That's because China suffered the most damage from this incident.

He thought he had cut off the tail named Xu Ziren.

Shadow's demonized video was wandering all over the Internet, linking to the shameful secrets of the great power.

With that alone, public opinion was deteriorating.

Zheng Qing was being pointed out as the mastermind behind all of this.

"Kim Taehyun… Kim Taehyun… Kim Taehyun!!!"

Zheng Qing shouted Taehyun's name.

The battle video with Shadow that's circulating in the world.

Whether Taehyun intended it or not.

Compared to the benefits Shinhan gained, China suffered a great loss.

How can he repay this humiliation?

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't find an answer.

Shinhan is already a world-recognized superpower.

On the other hand, China lost a significant number of its main players due to being caught up in various incidents.

There's no justification and no profit to be gained.

That's exactly the situation.

"Damn it!!"

Bang!!

Just as Zheng Qing was slamming his fist on the table in anger.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Slam.

A small commotion occurred outside.

No, it was too one-sided to call it a commotion.

"What's going on outside?!!"

Zheng Qing, who had become sensitive, shouted.

Click.

The person who opened the door and came in was not his secretary.

A man. A face that Zheng Qing knew well.

"Black Hole…."

The mysterious figure behind Shadow.

If Shinhan hadn't revealed his identity, he wouldn't have even known his nationality.

The man, who is considered one of the worst demons along with Kasim Zolt, was standing in front of him.

"Did you… come to kill me?"

Zheng Qing asked cautiously.

If that's really the case, he's as good as dead.

Fortunately.

"Of course not."

Min Ji-hong smiled and continued.

"I was just curious. Are you just going to sit back and take it?"

"……!!"

He only said one word.

With that alone, Zheng Qing seemed to know what purpose Black Hole had come here for.

'He's trying to take over what Shadow was doing.'

At the same time, footsteps were heard.

Dozens of players belatedly rushed into Zheng Qing's room.

Twenty players who are always on standby around the presidential office.

They were comparable to the guards who were lying outside the door.

"Step back. He's not someone you can handle."

At Zheng Qing's words, the twenty guards quietly stepped back without any questions.

"Excellent choice."

Min Ji-hong sat on the sofa.

"Black Hole. What brings you here?"

"I have work to do with my partner. Were you going to back out?"

"……."

It was a one-sided question.

"If you were thinking of doing that, it's the wrong decision."

Tss.

Min Ji-hong lit a cigar that was on the table.

"Aren't you the leader of a great power?"

"……."

All Zheng Qing could do was remain silent.

Min Ji-hong was exuding an undeniable presence without using any power.

Smoke was exhaled from Min Ji-hong's mouth.

"Hoo… make a choice."

"What… do you mean?"

"Are you just going to watch the great power sink like this? Or are you going to take a gamble with me?"

"……!!"

The surprise was only momentary.

Zheng Qing's mind was racing.

'China's power has already been greatly reduced.'

The external image was also the same.

Isn't the man who is a Great Gong Contractor and considered the worst demon making a proposal?

'There's nothing more to lose.'

The thought didn't last long.

Zheng Qing, who was sitting in front of Min Ji-hong, also lit a cigar.

He took a deep puff and nodded.

"I'll join you."

Heh.

Min Ji-hong, who raised the corners of his mouth, reached out his hand.

"Congratulations, Chairman. With your choice now, you have saved countless people."

Min Ji-hong stubbed out the remaining cigar in the ashtray.

"Would you like to hear the plan?"

Zheng Qing asked, his eyes shining.

A bitter smile appeared on Min Ji-hong's lips.

He had no intention of making Shadow's death in vain.

"First, let's use the gray disease."

Ding.

[Terminating skill Memorize (S).]

Pazzzz.

As the skill was canceled, the video flowing in his head disappeared along with it.

The original Association President's office came into the eyes of those within the skill's range.

"Amazing…."

"When did you get a skill like this…."

"Heo…."

"Impressive…."

These were the reactions shown by Park Seong-jin, Ko Tae-wook, Ji Jin-hee, and Jung Han-soo in order.

It was because Taehyun showed them a part of what he had glimpsed in Shadow's memory through Memorize.

'Memorize' was different from the tricky Devour.

Perfect control like a video editing program was impossible, but.

The fact that he could partially select and show sections was a great help.

That's why he was able to share information with the four people while hiding things related to Great Gong.

"Just now… is everything we saw true?"

Ji Jin-hee asked with a stiff expression.

"It's all true."

The gray disease that is spreading beyond Asia to the world.

A vaccine has not yet been developed, and Taesan Pharmaceutical's palliative is not perfect either.

That's all Taehyun showed.

What Shadow was sharing with Vice Chairman Lee Jung-soo and Association President Xu Ziren.

Ko Tae-wook, who quickly grasped the situation, opened his mouth.

"If that's the case, there's no need to risk our lives for Taesan Pharmaceutical's palliative."

"I heard that Alchemist, as well as overseas, have not yet created a vaccine."

Jung Han-soo, who attended the meeting in place of Yoo Ah-young, said.

'I guess so.'

Taehyun nodded in agreement without answering.

In his past life, it was the United States that developed the vaccine for the gray disease.

Their scientific power wouldn't be that different in this life either.

'We need to exchange information with the United States.'

Taehyun came to that conclusion on his own.

Just as he was thinking about meeting Chairman Kevin Lee after a long time.

Jung Han-soo asked for understanding and answered an incoming call.

"I found out the hideout of Vice Chairman Lee Jung-soo. What should we do?"

"I'll go."

Park Seong-jin volunteered.

Ji Jin-hee nodded.

"I'll also volunteer. What about Taehyun?"

Normally, it would be enough to send only two people, but there was already a precedent like Yoo Ah-young before.

If an opponent like Min Ji-hong or Kasim Zolt appears, Taehyun is the only one who can handle it.

"I'll follow as the rearguard."

"Okay. Then I'll deliver the plan through the earring later."

That's how the meeting ended.

After finishing the meeting, Taehyun entered Alchemist's VVIP room.

It's because the association is currently undergoing repairs due to Shadow's previous attack.

Taehyun opened his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 20

Rank: S

Strength: 339 Stamina: 338 Speed: 332 Magic Power: 485 Charm: 255

Fatigue: 22%

Remaining Magic Power: 485/485

[Unique Skill]

Devour (SS) - Can devour the desired target. Yokai Power: 120

[General Skill]

Perfect Hypnosis (S) - Hypnotizes the target. Yokai Power: 100

Blood Frenzy (S) - Activates physical stats. Yokai Power: 100

Eye of the Superior (S) - Sees through the opponent. Yokai Power: 10

Apocalypse (S) - Forms an infinite field. Yokai Power: 200

Dragon's Wrath (S) - Emits magic-enhanced aura. Yokai Power: 100

Beast Transformation (S) - Transforms the body. Yokai Power: 170

Energy Compose (S) - Materializes energy made of magic power. Yokai Power: 60

Energy Drain (S) - Absorbs the opponent's magic power. Yokai Power: 60

Memorize (S) - Activates recording magic. Yokai Power: 300

Portal (S) - Creates a warp gate with set coordinates. Yokai Power: 100

Apostle of Darkness (S) - Controls darkness made of magic power. Yokai Power: 80

[Summon Skill]

Rosaria (S) - Summons the Queen of Dreams, Rosaria. Yokai Power: 300

Hazard (S) - Summons the Dragon Lord Hazard. Yokai Power: 11000

Igmun (S) - Summons the Vampire Lord Igmun. Yokai Power: 550

Orgal (S) - Summons the Beast King Orgal. Yokai Power: 7800

Beelzebub (S) - Summons the Demon King Beelzebub. Yokai Power: 10000

Jormungandr (S) - Summons the Sea King Jormungandr. Yokai Power: 9000

Typhon (S) - Summons the Giant King Typhon. Yokai Power: 99999

What changed was a slight increase in stats.

And the yokai power of the skills 'Beast Transformation' and 'Orgal' decreased, and 'Apostle of Darkness' was newly registered.

"I finally got it."

Taehyun smiled satisfactorily.

The reason why Shadow was able to survive until now while evading the association's pursuit.

It was because his personal strength was outstanding, but the specialty of the skill 'Apostle of Darkness' was even greater.

And now that skill belonged to Taehyun.

Taehyun tilted his head as he read the description of the status window.

"The explanation is somewhat comprehensive…."

He thought it would be a more straightforward skill.

But after actually devouring it, the explanation was vague to call it a movement skill.

Taehyun knew from experience that such skills often depended on the user's capabilities.

Ding.

[Skill Apostle of Darkness (S) has been activated. Please specify the form.]

'Form?'

It was a type of message he had never seen before.

Suddenly, he remembered Shadow materializing a scythe.

'A scythe….'

At the same time.

Srrr.

A jet-black scythe was created in Taehyun's hand.

It was a crude design compared to the one Shadow used.

Clang. Clang.

Taehyun flicked the cutting surface of the scythe with his finger.

"Is the strength about Unique grade?"

He happened to need a decent weapon.

'Still, what I need right now is a movement skill.'

'Portal' was a skill that Taehyun arbitrarily created, so the usage was tricky.

It was a half-finished gate skill that made it difficult to move without the opponent's magic power.

He tried a few more times, but it only asked to specify the form.

There was no message related to movement.

"So it needs enlightenment."

Just as he couldn't create a gate right away just because he devoured Ricky Harris's 'Energy Compose' and 'Energy Drain'.

It seemed that 'Apostle of Darkness' would have to be used only for weapon materialization for the time being.

"Well, the skill isn't going anywhere."

It's something he can learn gradually.

While he was thinking that.

Beep- Beep- Beep-

The earring rang.

[Sender - Unknown]

'Who is it?'

The earring that Taehyun uses is a product that has been inspected by Nightwalker.

Except for a small number of people, it was impossible to contact him.

Taehyun guessed the other person and responded to the contact.

Beep-

"This is Kim Taehyun."

[Nice to meet you, Contractor of Rosaria.]

"……!!"

The surprise at the unexpected greeting was only momentary.

[I'm the Contractor of Hazard. Can we meet for a moment?]

The other person's lively voice was heard.

Episode 226

Hazard's Contractor

At those words, Taehyun's mind raced.

Duke Hazard.

The king who commanded dragonkin monsters in the Abyss, and possessed the authority of 'Prestige'.

According to Rozaria, his power was top-tier even among the Dukes.

'Why would such a guy have a contractor…?'

No.

'That's not what's important right now.'

Shaking his head, Taehyun regained his composure.

What was important now was how they found out about Taehyun's earring frequency, and...

'How did they know I was Rozaria's contractor?'

Numerous thoughts arose simultaneously.

Their purpose.

The possibility of a trap.

Even considering all of that.

The reason for revealing their identity just to meet.

It was different from the Duke contractors he had met so far.

No matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn't fathom their intentions.

'If it's an alliance, it would be more beneficial not to reveal that they're a Duke contractor, and if it's a trap, a surprise attack would be more advantageous, wouldn't it?'

Apart from Cody Cruise, who he met naturally.

All the Duke contractors he had met so far had a history of engaging in life-or-death battles with Taehyun.

[I can hear you racking your brain all the way over here. Hahaha.]

The man on the other side of the earring laughed heartily.

Since the voice could be altered, it was too early to assume it was a man.

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

Taehyun nonchalantly feigned ignorance.

[Hmm… so you're going to play it that way?]

"If you're just going to talk nonsense, I'll hang up now."

[This is not as easy as I heard...]

Beep-

Taehyun terminated the earring connection.

Continuing the conversation would only increase the likelihood of being led by the other party.

Unless they had a specific reason, there was a low chance they would contact him again after his attitude just now.

But what if Taehyun had a personal reason for them?

Then.

Beep- Beep- Beep-

[Sender - Unknown]

They would contact him again, just like now.

'They can't be a gentleman.'

Taehyun answered the call again.

"What is it?"

[As I said, I am a Duke…]

"More nonsense? I may need to turn off my earring for a while."

Taehyun drove the other party from the start.

[Haha… I concede. I took the joke too far with player Kim Taehyun.]

"Just the point. Briefly."

[…….]

A moment of silence.

And then.

[Duke Hazard will target Rozaria. This isn't bad information for you, is it?]

“……”

Indeed, it wasn't bad information.

"Turns out you're a benefactor. Let's set a time and place."

Answering smoothly, Taehyun took the bait.

After ending the call, he found himself at the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

At a regular warp gate located there.

Sss sss.

A plane just beginning to take off could be seen.

"I never thought I'd end up in Africa…"

The world's attention was focused on New Korea.

The same was true for Taehyun, their strongest force.

Although he used the warp gate under the identity of Kim Hyuntae, an A-rank player, rather than Kim Taehyun, an SS-rank player, it was best not to waste time unnecessarily.

'I need to finish this as quickly as possible and return.'

Jinjinhee, Park Sungjin, Kwon Kanghyuk, and Kwak Siyang were already leading their respective units to Lee Jungsoo's hideout.

Including Taehyun, it could be said that an excessive amount of power was being used to capture Lee Jungsoo, but it was better to do so just in case.

Taehyun had said that he would move through the warp gate that the Association players would later create on-site.

He only had about three hours he could spend here.

'That should be enough.'

That included the time to subdue the other party, even if they did something foolish.

As he was thinking that, someone approached.

A woman wearing sunglasses, just like Taehyun.

"Mr. Kim?"

A tank top revealing long arms and legs, and dreadlocks.

Taut muscles over tanned skin caught the eye.

"You're even more dependable in person than I expected?"

The woman took off her sunglasses and extended her hand.

"And you are?"

Taehyun asked, ignoring the outstretched hand.

The woman awkwardly retracted her hand.

"Ahaha. Nice to meet you. I'm the 'man' who contacted you earlier."

'So the voice was altered, after all?'

Taehyun thought, extending his hand.

"Not Kim Taehyun, but Kim Hyuntae."

“……”

The woman clasped Taehyun's hand.

The woman's name was Asisat Ebi, and she was twenty-nine years old.

She said that there was a gate in an abandoned factory in Abuja, and that they had to travel by car just in case.

'She's an energetic woman.'

She talked non-stop about New Korean celebrities, dramas, and culture.

It was quite an ordeal for Taehyun, who was riding in the Jeep with her.

"Are we almost at our destination?"

"Oh~ I guess it's true that New Koreans only know how to work?"

"I'll give you thirty minutes. I'm leaving if you're still like this by then."

Taehyun said bluntly.

"Don't worry. It's only 20 more minutes from here."

Asisat Ebi stepped on the accelerator.

As they left the bustling city center, Abuja's true face was revealed.

"It's bad here too."

Taehyun muttered, quietly looking out the window.

Soldiers were frequently seen armed and standing guard on the streets, with flames rising behind them.

The Grey Plague.

The disease that had spread from New Korea was now extending its reach to Africa.

The difference from New Korea was the method of dealing with it.

'They're burning not only the infected but also objects they've touched?'

It was unimaginable in New Korea, which championed human rights.

Asisat Ebi seemed to agree, as she cursed for the first time.

"Those damn Minds really did a number on us. Still, it's a relief that player Kim Tae, no, Kim Hyuntae caught the Shadow. I thought China would do something, but I didn't expect it to be like this…"

Asisat Ebi muttered to herself.

Taehyun listened to her words while observing her.

'If she's hostile to the Minds, could she have joined hands with Kasim Zolt or Min Ji Hong?'

It was too early to tell.

'Her outward aura is around the top tier of S-rank.'

Nigeria had about five S-rank players.

But as far as Taehyun knew, Asisat Ebi's name wasn't among them.

'If I were to gauge the power of the Duke's contractor… maybe around Jang Linpung's level.'

The first Duke contractor Taehyun had fought.

If he had to compare, her combat power as a player seemed similar to his.

"You're being lewd. Scanning a defenseless woman like that."

Buaaaang.

Asisat Ebi said, stepping hard on the accelerator.

The Jeep screamed as if it was about to explode.

"I don't think you're in a position to say that."

At the same time as Taehyun retorted.

Screech.

The tires screamed and came to a sudden halt.

"I like that answer. We've arrived at our destination."

The car stopped at the abandoned factory, as she had said.

"Don't be so wary and come inside."

She strode into the factory first.

Taehyun followed her inside.

"Is the reason Hazard is targeting Rozaria here?"

The factory interior, with abandoned machinery, was large.

Taehyun asked as he searched for the gate she had mentioned.

"Ahaha. Actually, that's a lie."

“……”

Taehyun sighed at her nonchalant and smiling attitude.

It wasn't unexpected.

He was just sighing because he could see too clearly what was going to happen in the future.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Taehyun released a slight amount of killing intent.

It was an aura that would have made an ordinary top-tier S-rank player tremble.

But Asisat Ebi wasn't intimidated in the slightest.

"Oops. Don't be so angry. But that doesn't mean I'm not Hazard's contractor."

"Just the point. Briefly."

"Really~ Kim Taehyun of New Korea. I just wanted to see your rumored skills for myself."

Black mana flowed from Asisat Ebi's body.

The skill was activated without mana release.

A barrier of mana was placed around the factory.

"A barrier, huh…"

"What I said earlier about it being a lie was actually a lie. There's no gate, but it's true that Hazard is targeting Rozaria."

"I don't like wordplay."

Taehyun's tone changed.

"But I can't just give it to you for free. Beat me."

"You want to see my skills…"

Taehyun repeated her words.

That couldn't be the only reason she called him.

"You'll have to go all out? I'm not stupid enough to give information to someone I think is useless."

Asisat Ebi grinned.

That wasn't wrong.

Giving information without knowing the other party well was definitely something a rookie would do.

But conversely.

You had to do it while watching the other party as well.

"How rude."

Kwaaaaaa.

Taehyun released his mana.

The world of the survival of the fittest.

Taehyun was also accustomed to subjugating opponents with the logic of power.

Ting.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated.]

Hwaaaaaak.

Dark red mana spread throughout the factory.

He could feel his physical stats rising.

"So this is the rumored field?"

Crushing gravity, paralysis that hardened his entire body, gradually fading senses, chains trying to bind his body.

Those were just the skills he could feel right now.

Even so.

Even though various skills were being applied and his physical stats were dropping.

She didn't seem to care.

Even the Shadow, which had already surpassed national-level power, couldn't move freely here.

'I haven't felt any skills being used other than the barrier yet.'

But her physical stats don't seem particularly superior to the Shadow either.

'There's something I can't see.'

Chwarleuk. Chwarleureuk.

The chains trying to wrap around her body couldn't find their way, as if they were blocked by something.

It was as if an invisible barrier was wrapped around her body.

Heh.

Asisat Ebi raised the corners of her lips.

"If that's all you've got, I'm disappointed. The mana won't leak outside the factory anyway, so you can go all out, you know?"

It was an obvious and blatant provocation.

It was also a pattern that Taehyun often used.

Likewise.

Heh.

Taehyun smirked.

"In New Korea, there's a saying that a madman needs a beating."

"Hmm?"

Asisat Ebi tilted her head.

"I hope it's a saying that applies to Nigerians too."

Ting.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. The target has been specified. Mana consumption is accelerating.]

Kugugugung.

The immense mana, incomparably stronger than before, pressed down on Asisat Ebi.

Twitch.

Her expression changed at the suddenly strengthened field.

But regardless, the mana of Apocalypse continued to grow stronger.

[Output 60… 70… 80… 90… 100%.]

Ting.

[Skill enhancement has reached its limit. Mana consumption is accelerating.]

Kwajik. Kwajik.

Kwadeuk. Kwadeudeuk.

The ground she was standing on began to cave in.

It couldn't withstand the crushing force.

Taehyun watched the scene and opened his mouth.

"Kneel."

He said it nonchalantly.

But it was an order.

Episode 227

Kugugung.

A massive gravity pressed down on Asisat Ebi.

The Apocalypse that Taehyun was currently unfolding possessed power that even SS-rank monsters, let alone SS-rank monsters, couldn't easily defy.

Such power.

She was enduring it with little more than a frown.

'She's withstanding this?'

Taehyun was genuinely impressed.

If she were a Great Duke contractor on the level of Jang Linpeng, maybe.

But with someone like Min Ji-hong, Kasim Zolt, or Cody Cruz, it would be impossible to subdue them with just "Apocalypse."

'Still, this is too much.'

He had expected her to be at least a little flustered.

But her expression didn't seem desperate or urgent at all.

It was just at the level of being annoying to keep taking the hits.

Nothing more, nothing less.

In fact, "Chains of Entrapment," another skill within Apocalypse, still couldn't even get close.

Tting.

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

Taehyun's crimson eyes scanned Asisat Ebi.

Her body was filled with black magic power.

A human heart was beating, and there was no sign of a magic stone, of course.

It was the same as what he had seen in the car on the way here.

On the surface, she seemed to be just a top-tier S-rank player.

'But it can't be just that.'

Tting.

[Skill: Eye of the Superior Species (S) has been enhanced. Target is being specified. Magic consumption is accelerating.]

Taehyun focused magic power into his crimson eyes.

The flow of magic became a little more vivid, but there were still no changes to Asisat Ebi's body.

"Ahaha. You seem surprised?"

She shook off the crushing gravity and took a step toward Taehyun.

Taehyun calmly watched her.

Kwajik. Kwajik.

Kwadeuk. Kwadeuk.

Each step she took caused the ground to cave in.

There was no problem with the power of the skill.

It was when she was about ten steps away from him.

Suddenly, Taehyun's head turned outward.

The black magic power surrounding the abandoned factory.

The enhanced Eye of the Superior Species saw a new flow of magic.

It was different from when the skill was first used.

Before he knew it, "immense magic power" had taken root in the barrier.

"Oh my. You noticed already, I see."

Asisat Ebi, who said that, had narrowed the distance to five steps.

"I told you, not everything was a lie."

Her eyes had already turned crimson.

The difference from Taehyun was that scales unique to the dragon race were sprouting all over her face.

"Hmph. More importantly, Player Kim Taehyun. I'm ol.der. than you, okay?"

Tting.

[Skill usage detected. Affected by 'Dragon Lord's Intimidation (SS)'. Resisting with mysterious power.]

[Resistance partially successful. Magic power that could not be resisted is infiltrating.]

Just as a new message window was about to pop up.

An unprecedented pressure began to weigh down on Taehyun.

'...!!'

Teok.

Asisat Ebi placed her hand on Taehyun's shoulder.

"Want to kneel?"

Kugugugugu.

With that immense power.

The abandoned factory surrounded by the barrier shook.

Kwachang.

With the sound of something breaking, "Apocalypse" was dispelled in vain.

The physical ability stats that had been boosted by the skill effect dropped.

Deudeudeudeu.

His body began to tremble under the crushing "intimidation."

Kwajik. Kwajik.

His feet, rooted to the ground, were buried in the floor.

It was a power that was by no means inferior to Taehyun's Apocalypse.

The difference was that, unlike "Apocalypse," which was created by skill fusion, "Dragon Lord's Intimidation" was not a simple skill.

'So that's how it is.'

Taehyun, facing Asisat Ebi's crimson eyes, came up with a hypothesis.

If she really was a Great Duke contractor.

If she was a contractor of Hazar, the so-called Dragon Lord.

Then it was highly likely that she had inherited power related to his authority, "Intimidation."

Just as Taehyun had received a skill related to Rosaria's authority, "Mind Control."

"Apocalypse" was a mix of various skills, but the core skills were "King of Knights' Intimidation" and "World of Silence."

And now.

She was stripping away the power of Apocalypse by mixing the magic power of the Great Duke into her skill.

'So, a "Intimidation" skill is useless in front of someone who uses the authority of Intimidation.'

Thinking about her saying that not everything was a lie, Taehyun thought of his next move.

"It was true that you were Hazar's contractor."

"I told you? I can see you using your head."

She, like Taehyun, used informal speech.

The mischievous face and the malicious smile that didn't match it were a bonus.

She was showing the opposite of what Taehyun usually did.

"Ha."

For a moment, he let out a hollow laugh at the absurd situation.

The intimidation pressing down on his body grew stronger and stronger.

Because she had strengthened the skill, he might really have to kneel down as it was.

'That can't happen.'

Taehyun's eyes changed.

If Apocalypse was broken, he could just use another skill.

Tting.

[Skill: Transformation (S) has been activated. Specifying the imitation area.]

Kwaddeuk. Kwaddeudeuk.

The muscles of both legs swelled up.

Kwajik. Kwajijik.

His two legs, stuck in the ground, bent at the knees to withstand the crushing intimidation.

That was all he could do with his strengthened legs.

'I understand how those who were affected by Apocalypse feel in a new way.'

Taehyun wasn't satisfied with just that.

Tting.

[Skill: Transformation (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerating.]

Kwaddeudeudeuk.

His right arm swelled up grotesquely.

And then.

Bwung.

A huge fist was swung through Asisat Ebi's intimidation.

"Eek."

She, who had her hand on his shoulder, dodged the attack at the last possible moment.

'The movement itself is at the top-tier S-rank level.'

If it hadn't been for the crushing intimidation, he would have been able to hit her.

"That's too much. I thought the men of New Korea were supposed to be gentle... You know I'd die if I got hit by an attack like that?"

It was when Taehyun was about to continue his attack.

A number of message windows popped up in front of him.

Tting.

[Skill: 'Transformation (S)' proficiency has increased.]

[Adapted to the proficiency of the body. Strength increases by 1.]

[Adapted to the proficiency of the body. Speed increases by 1.]

[Adapted to the proficiency of the body. Stamina increases by 1.]

The corners of his mouth went up on their own.

Not only had the proficiency of the difficult-to-handle skill "Transformation" increased.

As a reward for moving his body in a limit situation, a stat that was already difficult to raise had increased.

Regardless of Asisat Ebi's attitude, he couldn't help but laugh.

Kung. Kung. Kung. Kung.

Taehyun approached her while maintaining Transformation.

The floor caved in every time he walked.

"Oh my, how scary."

She was also smiling, unlike what she said.

She was enjoying it.

The fact that she was achieving an equal situation with Taehyun, who was ranked No. 1 in the world.

Bwung.

Taehyun's fist narrowly brushed past her face.

"Ahahaha."

A sense of pleasure washed over her.

Bwooong.

Once again, Taehyun's fist tore through the air.

To think that she would have this kind of power just by becoming a contractor of a Great Duke?

That the famous Kim Taehyun was unable to find his feet?

She wanted to enjoy this feeling a little more.

It was well known that Taehyun was a multiple-skill Awakened.

It was especially well known that he mainly used "Intimidation," "Field," "Physical Enhancement," and "Buff" as his main skills.

So.

"Go ahead and use your remaining skills."

Asisat Ebi, who had created some distance, was being completely relaxed.

Bwung. Bwung. Bwooong.

At that moment, when Taehyun was still repeating his useless swings.

She noticed something strange.

'Why… is he smiling?'

There was a smile on the face of Taehyun, who was swinging his fist at her.

Even though his whole body was being crushed by skills, and his attacks were still failing.

And suddenly.

Utteok.

Taehyun's fist, which had been swung without a break, stopped.

"Unlike what I heard, you're quite slow, aren't you?"

Asisat Ebi provoked him with a pout.

Taehyun paid no attention to her and squeezed and unfolded his swollen right arm.

'I'm slowly getting used to it.'

Whether it was because his body had adapted, or because of his stats increasing, the messages were no longer popping up.

'Shall I try it.'

Taehyun took a natural stance.

And he swung his fist into the air again.

Chinese ancient martial arts 1st form, Fajing. 2nd form, Cunjing. 3rd form, Chijing. 4th form, Xianjing.

A cool breeze blew through the abandoned factory following the fist that was being thrown.

"What… are you doing right now?"

Asisat Ebi asked at the inexplicable behavior.

She knew that Taehyun was using ancient martial arts.

Because that was also information she had obtained through the Information Guild.

But why was he using it in the air?

"Is 4th form about 3 the limit?"

Taehyun muttered to himself.

'Why is he suddenly being like this?'

It was when she was thinking that.

"Prepare yourself."

"What?"

Taehyun took a stance without answering.

His legs, strengthened by Transformation, firmly supported his center of gravity.

And then.

Chinese ancient martial arts 5th form, Penetrating Force.

Kwaang!!!

The fist that had been transformed and enlarged by Transformation.

Struck Asisat Ebi's body.

Tududuk. Tudududuk.

She, who had been stuck in a corner of the factory, raised her body.

"Hiss…."

It was a dizzying impact that momentarily made her lose her mind.

What if her speed hadn't been reduced by the 'Dragon Lord's Intimidation'?

The barrier skill would have been canceled as it was.

'To think that he would withstand Intimidation in this way….'

Taehyun was also surprised.

"There was a reason for acting up."

She didn't seem to be particularly shocked even after being hit by Penetrating Force.

Although the power was reduced due to the crushing intimidation, it was a combination of 'Transformation' and 'Sansha.'

It wasn't something that could be endured with the body of a top-tier S-rank player.

Her defense was at the level of a SS+ rank monster.

Or even more than that, it wouldn't be strange.

"Hmm…."

Taehyun's crimson eyes, which were using the 'Eye of the Superior Species', narrowed.

Because of the blue scales that were revealed through her torn clothes.

"This is fun."

Even Penetrating Force using Transformation hadn't been able to penetrate it.

Since Kasim Zolt.

It was a durable punching bag that he had encountered after a long time.

"I think we can stop at this point."

Asisat Ebi said, rubbing her neck.

"What are you saying? You wanted to test my strength, didn't you?"

"No, it's enough…."

Taehyun ignored her words and used the next skill.

Tting.

[Skill: Dark Apostle (S) has been activated. The form has been specified.]

Seuseuseuseut.

A black scythe was materialized in his hand.

"Shall we see if you can block blades too?"

"No, that kind of thing is useless anyway…."

This time too, Taehyun didn't wait for her to finish speaking.

Tting.

[Skill: Blood Frenzy (S) has been activated.]

[A great power awakens. Strength increases. Strength becomes 360 (380).]

[A great power awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina becomes 360 (380).]

[A great power awakens. Speed increases. Speed becomes 350 (370).]

[A great power awakens. Magic power increases. Magic power becomes 510.]

Crimson magic power was mixed into the black scythe.

'Transformation'. 'Blood Frenzy'. 'Dark Apostle'.

All of them were skills whose power had been proven.

"I told you before? For a madman, a beating is the best medicine."

"No, wait, let me say something…."

"In addition, there's a saying that practice is like the real thing."

Taehyun quickly rushed in.

And the huge scythe struck Asisat Ebi's neck.

Episode 228

The black scythe created by the skill 'Apostle of Darkness'.

Even if it were a Unique-grade weapon, the scythe struck at Asissat Ebi's neck.

Clang!!

An unbelievable sound, as if a human neck and a sharp blade had collided, echoed through the factory.

Thwack.

Taehyun kicked her abdomen with a demonically transformed foot.

It felt as if he had struck the body of a monster, not a human.

"Tough."

Taehyun muttered, watching her rise.

The magical energy emanating from her body had changed.

This was proof that she no longer had the余裕 to control the power of the Archduke and fight.

"It would be troublesome if you were broken this easily, wouldn't it?"

Just as Taehyun said that and was about to rush at her again.

Ting.

[Skill 'Demonization (S)' proficiency has increased.]

[Skill 'Apostle of Darkness (S)' proficiency has increased.]

[Skill 'Blood Frenzy (S)' proficiency has increased.]

[Adapted to the body's proficiency. Strength increases by 1.]

[Adapted to the body's proficiency. Speed increases by 1.]

[Adapted to the body's proficiency. Stamina increases by 1.]

A series of messages appeared before his eyes.

Each one was a skill close to a secret technique, 'Blood Frenzy' and 'Demonization'.

He was using such skills simultaneously, so the burden on his body could not be light, and his body was growing to withstand the skills.

'Freebies, all freebies.'

Unlike Taehyun, who was overflowing with satisfaction with the current situation, Asissat Ebi's embarrassment was only growing.

She was originally an A-rank player belonging to the Nigerian Association.

Her Unique Skill was the A-rank judged 'Separated World'.

It was a downgraded version of Chaimingmin's 'Soundless World', but as a barrier skill, it had the effect of blocking off the surrounding area.

However, her fate changed after she accidentally became a contractor of the Archduke.

Among the Abyss's monsters, the dragon race boasts innate strength.

Hazard, the Archduke who rules such dragons and is known as the Dragon Lord.

Just by receiving some of his power, 'Separated World' grew from A-rank to S-rank.

That wasn't all.

Two new skills emerged.

SS-rank skills 'Dragon Lord's Majesty' and 'Azure Dragon's Scales'.

Originally, her body, unable to withstand the powerful skills, should have exploded.

But was it thanks to Hazard's arrangement?

Just by possessing the skills, her Awakened rank, which had been stagnant at A-rank, changed to SS-rank.

Although it was growth-type.

It was an unbelievable change for her, who had been stagnant at the highest level of A-rank.

One S-rank skill and two SS-rank skills.

Although due to the nature of the SS-rank player license test.

She could not obtain the license because she could not reveal the power of the Archduke's contractor.

However, when using the power of the Archduke's contractor, she could momentarily exert skills surpassing those of an SS-rank player.

Against monsters, against demons, and against players.

She wanted to test this ridiculous power.

She was confident.

With this power, she could try even against Kim Taehyun, who had newly risen to rank 1, as well as Cody Cruz, who had been pushed down to rank 2 in the world player rankings.

Around that time, Hazard issued an order.

[Capture Kim Taehyun, the contractor of Rosaria.]

That was why Asissat Ebi created this unofficial meeting.

With the pretext of testing her strength here, she would subdue Kim Taehyun to clarify their hierarchical relationship.

If she defeated Kim Taehyun, she could simply take him to Hazard.

Even if she lost, she would moderately hand over information and reconcile.

'A plan that has nothing to lose for me.'

That's what she thought.

Clang!!

Taehyun's scythe once again scraped past Asissat Ebi's body.

Aside from being protected by 'Azure Dragon's Scales', the pain of being torn apart was vivid.

Above all, that ridiculous speed and strength had already exceeded her perception.

This was because, although her magic power and stamina stats had temporarily increased thanks to 'Dragon Lord's Majesty' and 'Azure Dragon's Scales', her speed remained at its current state.

Even so.

'Is there such a big difference?'

Thwack!!

This time, it was not the scythe but a fist.

A demonically transformed fist struck her back.

She was hurled into the barrier 'Separated World' that she had created.

'I… can't do anything?'

Wasn't her current state like that of a sandbag?

Thanks to 'Azure Dragon's Scales', there were no physical injuries, but the mental shock was significant.

Before she knew it, her expression had also reversed.

Taehyun was grinning at the continuously rising stats, while she was busy being thrown into the wall, contorting her face with each impact.

That scene was repeated for about a minute.

'There's no way he can maintain that momentum with low magic power consumption….'

Before she knew it, she was rationalizing that way.

If she endured these attacks.

If she just prevented him from using magic power potions and fatigue potions, eventually the victory would tilt in her favor.

That's what she judged.

Taehyun easily read her thoughts.

"You're wrong."

New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, 4th Form, Palgwae.

Crack.

With the magic power swirling in Taehyun's hand, she was once again flung away.

"There's no way you can inflict damage with such attacks… Cough…!!"

Unlike before, she spat out a mouthful of blood.

This was because her internal organs had been concussed by Palgwae.

Taehyun had seen through the weakness of 'Azure Dragon's Scales'.

"Cough… Why…."

Thwack!!

Taehyun's strengthened foot trampled on her as she tried to stand up.

"You seem to be misunderstanding something… Did you think I was taking you seriously?"

"No… way…."

Before she could finish her sentence, the black scythe struck down on her left arm.

Originally, it should have been repelled by the effect of 'Azure Dragon's Scales'.

However, her skill was in an unstable state due to the continued attacks.

There was no way Taehyun, who had strengthened his 'Eye of the Superior Species', would not know that.

Slice.

Making a mockery of the protection of 'Azure Dragon's Scales', her arm was cleanly cut off.

"Aaaaaah!!!"

She screamed at the onrushing pain.

Watching that scene, Taehyun tilted his head.

"Huh. You don't have the ability of super-speed regeneration? Nowadays, even dogs and cows use it."

"Ggr…hhh…."

She tried to stop the bleeding from her arm and stand up.

Taehyun was not going to leave her alone.

With his foot pressing down on her neck.

Taehyun aimed the scythe he was holding at her neck.

Piercing through 'Azure Dragon's Scales' like paper.

Drip.

Red blood flowed.

'How….'

There was no time to worry any further.

Pazzzzzzz.

The scythe, surrounded by blood-red magic power, tightened around her neck.

'I'm going to be cut.'

If she was hit by this attack now, her head would be cleanly severed.

"Wa, wait…!! P, Player Kim Taehyun…!! I…."

With each word she spoke, blood flowed from her neck where the blade touched.

Taehyun quietly watched that scene and opened his mouth.

"Any last words?"

Dripping.

Before she knew it, her blood soaked into the scythe that had dug into her neck.

"D, do you know why Archduke contractors came to be?!!"

The scythe dug a little deeper into her neck.

Drippppp.

Before she knew it, the blood that had flowed down began to soak the floor.

"H, Hazard said he would attack Rosaria!!"

There was desperation in her voice.

"Now we're talking."

"Haa…."

It was when she let out a sigh of relief.

"Still, that's that."

Slice.

The scythe cut off her other arm.

"If you've done something wrong, you have to pay the price, right?"

Amidst Asissat Ebi's screams.

Taehyun smiled brightly and said.

Taehyun poured a healing potion on Asissat Ebi's severed arms.

'It raised it quite a bit.'

He never thought that he would come this far and raise his stats, and even the proficiency of his skills.

'Azure Dragon's Scales, huh. A coveted skill.'

Compared to the 'Stone Skin' or magic power enhancement he used in the past.

Even compared to Baeklang's 'Diamond Body', which he recently learned, it was a physical strength that he could envy.

Although he adjusted the power to raise his stats and proficiency.

'If I had only used one of 'Demonization' or 'Blood Frenzy'.'

'I wouldn't have been able to pierce those ridiculous scales.'

"Hoo… You're really… a scary person."

Asissat Ebi muttered, her hemostasis complete.

Before she knew it, her tone had become polite again.

"There's a saying in New Korea that you'll get what you give."

Taehyun said with a friendly face.

Shiver.

Goosebumps rose on Asissat Ebi's body.

"So. Shall we start hearing the story now?"

Taehyun got to the point.

The reason why he flew all the way to Nigeria.

The reason why he spared her life.

"Ah, and don't even think about deceiving me just because the Awakened's Oath isn't established. You know Rosaria's power well, don't you?"

"Yes…."

Asissat Ebi replied in a voice that had lost its spirit.

Rosaria's power is mental manipulation.

Taehyun had subdued her, who had used Hazard's power, Paegi, without even using that power.

If he set his mind to it, he could read her thoughts at any time.

Even if her mind was completely destroyed.

Taehyun, whom she had grasped through their short exchange, was such a man.

'I have to… form an alliance.'

Now that she had made up her mind, there was no need to hesitate.

"Hazard is targeting Rosaria for the sake of the domain war…."

Taehyun also knew that.

Nevertheless, he listened quietly.

For the next information.

"Tell me why Archduke contractors came to be."

Rosaria was friendly to Taehyun, but she didn't give him detailed information.

Only when she was in a good mood.

Or unless it was a one-to-one exchange of information.

Even though it was to avoid interfering with the king's will, it was quite troublesome from Taehyun's point of view.

In that regard, the information that Asissat Ebi was talking about was worth listening to by spending time.

"There are seven Archdukes in the Abyss who call themselves kings."

"And?"

Taehyun asked, pretending to know nothing.

"But besides them, there are a few more who are called Archduke-level beings. I heard that a monster called Asmodeus is the closest to being an Archduke…."

Taehyun's lips curled up at the name Asmodeus.

It seemed like he had found a proper Willy this time.

"Damn bastards!!"

Lee Jungsoo shouted in indignation.

The Shadow who had been in a secret relationship with him was killed by Kim Taehyun.

The Player Association chased him to the brink.

An anti-warp barrier was already in place in the area, making it impossible to escape.

No, in the first place, why should he, the vice chairman of the Taesan Group, which controls the New Korean business world, have to run away?

'Was I too hasty….'

To launch the Taesan Guild.

He had only temporarily borrowed the hand of a demon for the future of the Taesan Group.

"Where's Jungjae?!!"

Lee Jungsoo shouted.

Although it was a villa, it was on a scale that would not be strange to call it a small kingdom.

It was natural that hundreds of guards composed of top-level Awakened were stationed there.

"Young Master is currently receiving treatment at the research building."

"Damn it… Just a little more… If I had just a little more, everything would be in my hands…."

Lee Jungjae had his potential unlocked after taking the potion given by the Shadow before.

Now, after receiving all sorts of enhancement procedures, he had obtained power comparable to that of an S-rank high-level player.

If it wasn't for this situation.

He could have confidently taken office as the guild master of the Taesan Guild and freed himself from the pressure of the Player Association.

But all of this was ruined by one brat named Kim Taehyun.

'Damn Kim Taehyun!!'

It was only natural for Lee Jungsoo to spew out curses.

It was then.

"This is as lively as ever."

An unexpected man appeared before Lee Jungsoo.

229화

"You are...."

Standing before Lee Jung-soo was Min Ji-hong.

"H-How did you get here...."

The shadow who had been his backer was dead, and he was being hunted by the Player Association.

Lee Jung-soo was not easily surprised these days.

Yet, he was visibly flustered.

Min Ji-hong was first known in the underworld by the alias "Black Hole."

He knew the man was strong.

The elusive Shadow's chosen partner.

He was certainly no less formidable.

But this place was his secret villa.

He had spent astronomical sums of money on guards around the perimeter, with hundreds of top-tier Awakened Ones stationed here.

So how could he have arrived so silently?

'To infiltrate this place...'

Unlike Lee Jung-soo's confusion, Min Ji-hong grinned.

His expression suggested he knew what Lee Jung-soo was thinking.

"Such things aren't important."

Thud.

Min Ji-hong sat in Lee Jung-soo's chair.

An act to make it clear who was in charge.

"......"

Lee Jung-soo watched him silently for a moment before finally speaking.

"You're brazen."

"Brazen?"

Min Ji-hong echoed the word.

His face was full of laughter as he asked.

The sight of it infuriated Lee Jung-soo even more.

"The Shadow is dead."

"I am aware."

Min Ji-hong replied politely, contrary to his notorious reputation.

It was because Lee Jung-soo was still a valuable asset to him.

"I'll be next after the Shadow, won't I?"

"Why do you think so?"

"Do you think I don't know that you Myins are in the habit of cutting off tails?"

As he said this, magic power writhed from Lee Jung-soo's body.

Even though he knew he shouldn't bare his fangs in front of Min Ji-hong.

He was enraged by the man before him, who had brought the situation this far.

Min Ji-hong, watching his reaction, still wore a smiling face.

"Oh dear... I unintentionally caused you concern, Vice-Chairman."

"Is that what you're saying now..."

Lee Jung-soo was about to burst out when.

Min Ji-hong raised his hand and stood up from his seat.

"I sincerely apologize for the Shadow, that friend of mine."

Min Ji-hong quietly bowed his head.

"......"

Lee Jung-soo was silent, taken aback by Min Ji-hong's attitude.

Even the Shadow, whom he regarded as inferior, had never shown such deference.

He had never imagined that a man like Min Ji-hong would be so humble.

Lee Jung-soo sensed hope in that behavior.

"Right now, that damned Ji Jin-hee is leading his subordinates to corner me. You didn't come here just for that reason, did you?"

"Of course not. I have prepared three gifts for you, concerned about your worries, Vice-Chairman."

"Gifts?"

At the question, Min Ji-hong's lips curled up.

"The Chairman of the Tae-san Group. Your father passed away a little while ago."

"......!!"

Lee Jung-soo's face, which had been calming down, twitched.

His biological father had been kept alive by life support systems for the past ten years.

Although he was his biological father, there was no paternal affection.

He was merely dissatisfied that his father, who had stubbornly clung to life despite overcoming the complex family feud, held the greatest authority in the Tae-san Group.

'Shinhan's medical technology is the best in the world.'

Yet, the man who had been fine for ten years.

'Suddenly... died?'

Once again, Min Ji-hong resolved his question.

"There's no such thing as 'suddenly' in this world."

As he said that, Min Ji-hong clenched and unfurled his fist.

A chill ran down Lee Jung-soo's spine.

He understood the meaning of his words.

It was a warning that his own life could be taken at any moment.

"Congratulations. You've become the Chairman of the Tae-san Group, something you've yearned for so much?"

'This... crazy bastard...'

Min Ji-hong, who had killed his own father and was congratulating him with a smile.

In his eyes, Lee Jung-soo saw the distortion of the world.

But he couldn't show his anger here.

"...Thank you. What is the second gift...?"

Lee Jung-soo asked cautiously, still reeling from the shock of the first gift.

"I will connect the Tae-san Group with the Chinese government."

It was a somewhat anticlimactic answer compared to the tension.

The Tae-san Group was already conducting considerable business in China.

Above all, it wasn't a gift that would be of much help in the current situation.

"Well... that's already in progress..."

This time, Min Ji-hong cut him off.

"I mean connecting you to the Premier's line. As the government's number one partner company."

"......!!"

Lee Jung-soo's eyes lit up.

No matter how much the Tae-san Group dominated in Shinhan, its growth was limited in places like China, where the government's power was immense.

Yet, he was offering to make them the number one partner company, watched over by the Premier of that country?

'So... it's true that the Chinese government is behind them!'

The rumor that had been circulating since the Shadow incident.

He was somewhat aware that the Chinese government was backing the Myins.

He himself had joined hands with the Myins for that very reason.

But he had never imagined this level of influence.

If Min Ji-hong's words were true, the Tae-san Group could grow more than tenfold.

'If only that were possible.'

They could exert influence beyond Asia, even on the world.

They would no longer have to be swayed by pressure from the Shinhan government or the Player Association.

But all of that was a future that could only be dreamed of if he could shake off the Association's pursuit and escape from here now.

With an anti-warp skill activated in the area.

The method to escape this place seemed remote.

There was no way a figure like Min Ji-hong would be unaware of that.

As Lee Jung-soo's thoughts reached that point.

"Could it be...?"

"Exactly."

Min Ji-hong smiled slyly as he continued.

"The third gift. I brought someone who can help you escape this place safely. Come in."

Creak.

The door opened and an elderly man entered.

"Heh heh. Did the talk take longer than I thought?"

"H-Huh...!!"

Lee Jung-soo involuntarily cried out when he saw the man's face.

It was none other than the notorious Myin.

Kasim Zorte.

"W-What is this..."

"Didn't I tell you? It's the third gift."

Just then.

There was a sound as if something had exploded, and the temperature rose.

Lee Jung-soo instinctively realized that his son, Lee Jung-jae, had used a skill.

The explosion continued for about five minutes.

A little later.

A man was dragged in by the Myins.

It was his son, Lee Jung-jae.

The son who had also obtained the power of an S-rank High Player, just like Lee Jung-soo, was being dragged in, battered and bruised.

"What are you doing..."

"Shouldn't we erase all traces of the Chairman from this place? We specially brought your cute son, though."

That meant only one thing.

Your guards are all dead.

Lee Jung-jae was spared only because he was your son.

Lee Jung-soo had no choice left.

"T-Thank... you..."

"Heh heh. This kid seems to have some interesting potential. He'd be very useful if we raised him as a Myin."

Kasim Zorte chuckled as he turned Lee Jung-jae's face, who was glaring at him.

At the same time.

Thwack.

Min Ji-hong's hand pierced the heart of the man next to Lee Jung-soo.

The chief of security.

"Cough..."

Thud.

With a single blow, the man, who had been an S-rank Awakened One, met his death.

"Let's begin."

Min Ji-hong said casually, flicking off the blood.

"Hehehe. No need to rush."

Kasim Zorte unleashed his magical power.

Purple magical power overflowed and spread throughout the area.

"My body isn't quite intact yet. Please understand if there's some poison."

With those words, Kasim Zorte used a skill.

Ding.

[Skill 'Devil Gate(SS)' has been activated.]

Fwooosh.

The moment the room felt filled with evil energy.

Crack. Crack crack.

The intact space cracked as if it had been split.

Crack crack crack.

The cracks quickly formed the shape of a gate.

"This is...."

Lee Jung-soo stared at the gate before him with his mouth agape.

It wasn't a small or medium-sized gate.

"A large...gate?"

The magical power emanating from the gate was ominous.

As Lee Jung-soo thought, 'Devil Gate' was not a warp skill.

Boom.

The first to emerge from the gate was an S-rank monster.

"Kill all the humans nearby."

Kasim Zorte commanded the monster, his eyes glowing red.

Faced with the unbelievable situation unfolding before him, Lee Jung-soo could only stare with his mouth open.

[Association President. Deployment complete.]

Go Tae-wook's voice was heard through Ji Jin-hee's earpiece.

He was giving orders from the operation command center, in place of Ji Jin-hee, who was dispatched to the scene.

Ji Jin-hee, Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Kwak Si-yang were at the scene, each leading their respective units to surround the area from four directions.

"What's the inside situation?"

[We detected suspicious magical power reactions a little while ago... but we haven't been able to identify the cause.]

"Hmm...."

Ji Jin-hee made a small sound of contemplation.

Not being able to identify the cause meant that there could be a variable.

'But.'

He couldn't let a fish he had caught slip away because of one variable.

"We'll proceed with the operation as planned."

Ji Jin-hee firmly expressed his will.

He had confirmed through Tae-hyun that Lee Jung-soo did not possess a vaccine for the gray plague.

But leaving him alone, connected to the Myins, was also dangerous.

For the sake of the morale of the Association's players, it was necessary to deal with him decisively.

[Understood. I'm now issuing orders to the other Guild Leaders as well....]

Before Go Tae-wook could finish speaking.

KWAANG!!

A huge explosion erupted in the distance.

It was the location where Lee Jung-soo was expected to be.

A chain reaction of magical power was occurring there.

Go Tae-wook relayed the general situation.

After the explosion subsided for a moment.

"This is...."

Ji Jin-hee flinched at the evil energy he felt.

It was the magical power that could only be felt during a gate break, flowing out from the target location.

"Chief Go?"

[Association President... It's an S-rank gate break....]

'A gate break at this timing, suddenly.'

And if it was an S-rank, it could not be a coincidence.

It was instinctive for Ji Jin-hee to think of Tae-hyun.

"How is Tae-hyun?"

[We are trying to contact him now... but we can't reach him. It seems he has entered an area with some sort of interference.]

"Hmph...."

The Tae-hyun that Ji Jin-hee knew was not someone who would leave his position without any reason.

'But I can't just step back here without taking any action.'

In any case, it was a fact that a gate break had occurred within Shinhan.

"We will deal with the break and continue the operation."

[It's dangerous. With the situation where we don't know what trap Lee Jung-soo has prepared, to deal with the gate break as well....]

"Even if Tae-hyun is not here, the best forces of Shinhan are gathered. If we retreat like this, we'll only become a laughing stock."

It wasn't wrong.

Then, Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had been quietly listening to the two, interjected.

[Hey, what are you doing now? We need to deal with it quickly and go catch Lee Jung-soo.]

[This side is ready.]

Park Sung-jin agreed.

[First, let's deal with the monsters that have come out, then the barrier....]

Before Kwak Si-yang could finish speaking.

Another huge explosion erupted.

"That is...."

A monster that could be seen even from where Ji Jin-hee was.

An entity with magical power that they had never faced before revealed its massive body.

It was an SS-rank monster.

[What the, son of a bitch?]

Kwon Kang-hyuk involuntarily swore.

Episode 230

The SS-rank monster that appeared was in the form of a wolf.

What was unique about it, besides its 10-meter size, was that it had four heads.

Hydra Fenrir, Tyrant of the Depths.

An SS-rank monster listed in the World Government's Monster Encyclopedia.

Fss. Fss.

Saliva dripping from its mouth was melting the ground.

Like most monsters of the depths, Hydra Fenrir also possessed poison within its body.

"Hmm..."

Ji Jin-hee groaned.

It was clearly an SS-rank monster.

Players representing Shin Korea, Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Kwak Si-yang, had experience subjugating SS~SS+ rank monsters, but...

'All were successful subjugations under Tae-hyun's command.'

There was a huge difference between S+ rank and SS rank.

Shiver.

Just facing Hydra Fenrir's magic power sent shivers down his spine.

Ji Jin-hee calmed himself, estimating its power.

[It's dangerous.]

Go Tae-wook said again through the earpiece.

He emphasized that all the hard work they had put in could be ruined by this one event.

Ji Jin-hee knew that.

"Chief Go, how many monsters have appeared?"

[Twenty A-rank monsters... ten S-rank monsters, and one SS-rank monster.]

There were few in number, but all were high-ranking to the highest-ranking monsters.

Among the Gate Breaks that have occurred in Shin Korea so far...

'I can say that this is the most difficult.'

Coincidentally, those on the scene were among the elite players of Shin Korea.

'It's not impossible.'

That was when Ji Jin-hee made his judgment.

[I'll draw the SS-rank monster's attention. Take care of the others quickly in the meantime.]

Kwon Kang-hyuk volunteered.

"Can you do it?"

Ji Jin-hee asked again.

[I can't rely on my brother forever, can I?]

Kwon Kang-hyuk grumbled, mentioning Tae-hyun.

He wasn't wrong.

'We can't rely on Tae-hyun forever.'

He had returned to active duty to prepare for situations like this.

Ji Jin-hee made a decision.

"I understand. Do that."

The response plan was decided.

There was no more confusion.

[I will take care of the A-rank monsters first with an area-of-effect skill.]

Go Tae-wook came up with a realistic plan.

[I guess I'll have to step up.]

Kwak Si-yang quickly released his magic power.

Because the magic power he had compressed to the limit could deal with about twenty A-rank monsters at once.

"Sung-jin, you and I will deal with the S-rank monsters."

[Roger.]

Park Sung-jin's answer was the last.

Four players representing Shin Korea.

The four squads led by them moved towards their destination.

Explosions continued one after another.

While Kwon Kang-hyuk was holding the SS-rank monster in place, Kwak Si-yang's skill dealt with the A-rank monsters.

In the meantime, Ji Jin-hee and Park Sung-jin dealt with five S-rank monsters.

The remaining five S-rank monsters were quickly taken down by Kwak Si-yang, who joined later.

All that remained was the SS-rank monster, which seemed to want to devour Kwon Kang-hyuk.

Only Hydra Fenrir.

Kwaang!!

Kwak Si-yang's condensed magic bullet hit one of Fenrir's heads.

It paused, but that was all.

The leather was so thick that the attack didn't really work.

"You son of a b*tch!! Why are you so late?!!"

Kwon Kang-hyuk shouted, drinking a healing potion in a hurry.

His body was covered in injuries, big and small.

If he had been even 30 seconds late, he would have been cut in half.

"I came as quickly as I could, so don't complain so much."

Ji Jin-hee said calmly, staring at the target in front of him.

At that time, an Association player who had gone in to find Lee Jung-soo approached Ji Jin-hee.

"There are no signs of life inside."

"Damn... Did we miss him again?"

"Damn it. Is he even causing Gate Breaks now?"

Kwon Kang-hyuk cursed.

He knew that the current Gate Break was not a coincidence.

Ji Jin-hee was the same.

"Select fifty people from each unit and form a search party to search the area thoroughly."

"Understood."

The man who received Ji Jin-hee's order disappeared quickly.

The opponent was an SS-rank monster.

Most players would only be a burden.

Except for a minimum number of healers and buff-type players, all were reorganized into search parties and rear support units.

Kwaang!!

Kwon Kang-hyuk was knocked to the ground once again by Hydra Fenrir's attack.

"Chief Go, how's the analysis going?"

Ji Jin-hee asked for a strategy, looking at Park Sung-jin, who had started attacking instead of Kwon Kang-hyuk.

[There is nothing particularly known except that all four heads must be broken and the toxicity of the fangs. Alchemists are preparing to support for accurate analysis. They will arrive at the scene in 5 minutes.]

"Understood. Hurry."

He ended the communication and released his magic power throughout his body.

"It's been a while since I've hunted a monster."

Drrrrr.

Ji Jin-hee's body was strengthened with magic power.

"Tch. Don't push yourself too hard and die."

Kwon Kang-hyuk spat out blood as he got up.

"That's blasphemy, Guild Master Kwon Kang-hyuk."

Park Sung-jin, who said that, also wrapped his magic power around the Seven Branch Sword.

"I'll add a follow-up attack once I peel off the skin."

Kwak Si-yang said, transforming the compressed magic bullet into the shape of an awl.

"It will be Shin Korea's first SS-rank monster subjugation. Don't anyone die."

With those words, Ji Jin-hee leaped above Hydra Fenrir.

Shin Korea Ancient Martial Arts, Style 6, Ten Folds.

Kwaang!!!

It was a signal for his strengthened foot to slam down on Fenrir's head.

Tring.

[Skill Draw Sword (S) has been activated. Identifying the target.]

[Skill Magic Condensation (S) has been activated. Condensation rate: 90%]

[Skill Protection of the Beast (S) has been activated. Version: Minotaur Queen]

On this day, when the life-threatening subjugation of the SS-rank monster began.

Four players would reach the highest level of S-rank, once called national power.

Tae-hyun returned to Shin Korea after the Hydra Fenrir subjugation was just over.

Because the earpiece didn't work properly due to Asisat Ebi's barrier, he didn't receive the message in time.

'Fortunately, the damage isn't great, but... we missed Lee Jung-soo, huh?'

Even at the report that he had missed Lee Jung-soo, Tae-hyun was not particularly disappointed.

Because he had gained more than capturing Lee Jung-soo in Nigeria.

Information learned through Asisat Ebi.

Tae-hyun organized them one by one.

'The Archdukes win the territorial war and ultimately aim for the throne of the Lower World.'

That was why they were making Archduke contractors.

Since the origin of the king was human, they recognized the possibility of a being they usually considered to be an insect or a mere creature.

But as in the past.

Becoming an Archduke contractor was not something that could be easily chosen.

It required not only a strong body that could withstand unrefined magic power.

The nature of the magic power had to be compatible, and the probability of subsequent mental or physical collapse was not small.

'If the contractor dies, it will also affect the Archduke.'

She didn't know about the impact, but the fact seemed certain.

In addition, he heard about sightings of some Archduke-level monsters, such as Asmodeus.

"How do you know this information?"

Tae-hyun asked, feigning an indifferent expression, after hearing all her words.

Even though she was now his subordinate, she didn't care.

"Ahaha. Hazard used to tell me? Rosaria must be tight-lipped."

"......"

Tae-hyun ignored her question and organized the core of the information.

"So, the Archdukes can't cross over to Earth because of their huge magic power, and the stronger the magic power of the Archduke contractor, the more the limit of monsters that can cross over to Earth increases?"

"Yes. Exactly. Soon, SSS-rank monsters will be able to cross over, and eventually..."

Even Archduke-level monsters will be able to cross the Gate.

"Why are you sharing information with me?"

"Just because I became an Archduke contractor doesn't mean I intend to turn the Earth into an Abyss."

Asisat Ebi answered with an expression as if it were obvious.

"So, let's join hands?"

"I know that you are allied with Cody Cruise. If we join forces, it's nothing to deal with Kasim Zort or Min Ji-hong."

"You. You seem to underestimate those guys too much?"

Tae-hyun had fought against both Min Ji-hong and Kasim Zort.

All of them had achieved more than Asisat Ebi.

"I'd be useful enough as an ally, how about it?"

It was a problem that didn't need to be considered.

While he was recalling the events of that time, Tae-hyun arrived at the intensive care unit.

Instead of capturing Lee Jung-soo, he succeeded in subjugating the SS-rank monster, including Ji Jin-hee, Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Kwak Si-yang.

'I should meet with Vice Guild Master Jeong Han-soo.'

He would investigate Asisat Ebi on behalf of Yoo Ah-young, who had not yet woken up.

Including Rosaria if they are Archdukes.

Considering his attitude so far, he was close to being a colleague.

'You never know.'

He needed to make sure of her intentions in case of an emergency.

As he organized his complicated thoughts.

Click.

Tae-hyun opened the door to the intensive care unit.

That day.

News spread that there was an SS-rank Gate Break in Shin Korea.

There was also an article that the chairman of the Taesan Group had passed away, and that Lee Jung-soo, the vice chairman, had unofficially become the chairman.

In addition, an article was reported that the Chinese side had selected the Taesan Group as its No. 1 partner company.

The value of the Taesan Group soared in an instant.

In addition to Taesan Electronics, which represents the group, there was also talk of Taesan Guild moving to China.

Among them, the most attention was paid to Taesan Pharmaceuticals.

Rumors spread that the newly listed company was leading the way in developing a vaccine for the Gray Disease.

The Player Association announced that it was unconfirmed information, but public opinion was divided.

A force that criticized Ji Jin-hee for trying to destroy a company that was promoting national prestige by colluding with the Mages.

A force that was convinced that there was a Mage behind it and suspected the sudden collusion between the Chinese government and the Taesan Group.

And even a force that hates Asians due to the uncontrollably spreading Gray Disease.

The world was divided and tearing each other apart.

As if mocking such public opinion.

The American Health Organization (ATO), one of the best vaccine research institutes under the U.S. government, was attacked.

The mastermind was the world's largest Mage organization.

Harsultan, led by Kasim Zort.

Shin Korea Player Association Headquarters.

Despite the early hours, several people were sitting in the emergency conference room.

"The situation is getting more and more serious."

Go Tae-wook, who attended as the acting Association President, said with a stern expression.

All the vice guild masters of Onsemiro, Magicians, and Night Walker attended.

This was because Ji Jin-hee and each guild master suffered considerable injuries from the Gate Break just now.

The only guild master who attended was Alchemist, a non-combat guild.

"They are moving quickly."

Jeong Han-soo, vice guild master of Night Walker, opened his mouth.

In just a few hours, a lot of information was being released.

Even before Night Walker could properly identify the source of the information.

"The United States has declared all-out war with Harsultan and has decided to borrow the power of allied countries."

"Allies... The United States' position has also become laughable."

"If you touch Lee Jung-soo now, you will face a backlash."

Lee Jung-soo was under the protection of the Chinese Player Association after becoming the chairman of the Taesan Group.

Some friction was inevitable to bring him in.

"I definitely seem to have miscalculated."

Tae-hyun muttered quietly as he listened silently.

He thought that the United States could develop a vaccine for the Gray Disease as in his previous life, no matter how long it took.

He was going to deal with the work in Shin Korea first and then go back to the Abyss.

But the future.

'Was it more twisted than I thought?'

Even though they caught the shadows, the Mages were becoming more rampant, and Kasim Zort and Min Ji-hong were profiting in the meantime.

He had no idea what that profit was right now.

"Guild Master. How much has the Gray Disease vaccine been completed?"

Go Tae-wook asked, looking at Seo Sang-ik.

"It's certain that it's based on the poison of monsters... but it's creating mutations at an incredibly fast rate. Unless we get our hands on the root poison... it will last at least 5 years."

"5 years...."

"Haa..."

Unlike the other vice guild masters who sighed, one hypothesis came to Tae-hyun's mind.

In both his past life and present life.

'The Gray Disease started from Venom's magic power.'

Such a Venom could become an SS+ rank monster by receiving the magic power of the Archduke, Beelzebub.

Then what if.

If he could control Beelzebub's magic power?

If Beelzebub's blood could replace the root poison?

'It's worth a try.'

It was a sufficiently plausible hypothesis.

He didn't think for long.

Squeeze.

He unconsciously squeezed his clasped hands.

Archduke Beelzebub.

It was time to meet him.

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