RKP 241-250

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Episode 241

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 20

Rank: SS

Strength: 349 Stamina: 360 Speed: 343 Magic Power: 512 Charisma: 265

Fatigue: 32%

Remaining Magic Power: 444/512

[Unique Skill]

Devour (SS) - Can devour a desired target. Requires Demonic Magic: 120

[General Skills]

Ataraxia (SS) - Dominates the mind of the opponent. Requires Demonic Magic: 90

Blood Rage (SS) - Activates physical abilities. Requires Demonic Magic: 100

Eye of the Higher Being (SS) - Sees through the opponent. Requires Demonic Magic: 10

Apocalypse (SS) - Forms an infinite field. Requires Demonic Magic: 200

Dragon's Wrath (SS) - Emits magic-enhanced Haki. Requires Demonic Magic: 100

Beast Transformation (SS) - Morphing the body. Requires Demonic Magic: 170

Energy Compose (SS) - Materializes energy made of magic power. Requires Demonic Magic: 60

Energy Drain (SS) - Absorbs the opponent's magic power. Requires Demonic Magic: 60

Memorize (SS) - Activates recording magic. Requires Demonic Magic: 300

Portal (SS) - Creates a warp gate with set coordinates. Requires Demonic Magic: 100

Dark Apostle (SS) - Controls darkness made of magic power. Requires Demonic Magic: 80

Devil's Saliva (SS) - Imbues magic power with poisonous properties. Requires Demonic Magic: 120

[Summon Skills]

Rosaria (SS) - Summons the Queen of Succubi, Rosaria. Requires Demonic Magic: 300

Hazard (SS) - Summons the Dragon Lord Hazard. Requires Demonic Magic: 11000

Igmun (SS) - Summons the Vampire Lord Igmun. Requires Demonic Magic: 550

Orgal (SS) - Summons the Beast King Orgal. Requires Demonic Magic: 7800

Beelzebub (SS) - Summons the Demon King Beelzebub. Requires Demonic Magic: 8900

Jormungandr (SS) - Summons the Sea King Jormungandr. Requires Demonic Magic: 9000

Typhon (SS) - Summons the Giant King Typhon. Requires Demonic Magic: 99999

"Ha."

Taehyun, looking at the status window, let out a hollow laugh.

It's quite long.

It was very different from the status window he received when he first regressed.

The Awakener rank, which was E, changed to SS, and general skills and summoning skills were densely packed.

All of this started with the unique skill 'Devour'.

'It's a new feeling.'

Ranked No. 1 in the world player rankings.

And now, it was a fight against himself.

[You seem to be in a good mood.]

At Rosaria's words, Taehyun quickly came to his senses.

And turned his attention to the skill 'Devil's Saliva'.

[Would you like to use it?]

Rosaria asked, rippling her tentacles.

She was also curious about Taehyun's growth.

"Okay."

Ting.

[The skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been activated.]

Kwaaaaa.

Purple magic power bloomed in Taehyun's body.

[Ho ho.]

Rosaria watched the scene with interest.

The dark red magic power, which felt like the power of the king even in its slightness.

Neither Igmun's blood-red magic power nor her own purple magic power.

The magic power that Taehyun was blooming now was definitely Beelzebub's.

One of Rosaria's tentacles touched Taehyun's body.

As if infected, the tentacle was dyed purple.

In an instant, one tentacle was contaminated with poison.

[Hmph~ Try some more.]

"Don't blame me if you regret it."

Ting.

[The skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Magic power poured out of Taehyun's body in chunks.

Sizzle. Sizzle.

The tentacle that was touching Taehyun began to melt.

The power was not comparable to Beelzebub's, but the principle seemed similar.

Thud.

Rosaria laughed, looking at her sizzling tentacle with bubbles.

[I thought it would be possible. But it's amazing to see it in person.]

"Same here."

Rosaria's 'Ataraxia', Igmun's 'Blood Rage', Orgal's 'Beast Transformation', Hazard's 'Dragon's Wrath', Beelzebub's 'Devil's Saliva'.

'And even Devour.'

Starting with the power of the king, he is dealing with the power of five Archdukes.

Taehyun's skills were beyond comparison in both quantity and quality.

'The remaining Archdukes are Lucifer and Jormungandr.'

No, including Typhon, who was the Giant King, there are three.

How much can he grow when he receives their magic power?

Just imagining it makes his body tremble with excitement.

Rosaria realized his thoughts.

[Huhu. It seems like too much greed for the current contractor to have.]

"Let's call it ambition."

Taehyun, who said that, gathered his magic power.

The skill was deactivated, and the poison that had been encroaching on the surroundings subsided.

Swish.

Rosaria regenerated the lost tentacle.

It was possible because Taehyun had deliberately not defended to allow the attack to succeed.

But even so.

'It's an amazing power.'

He didn't get Beelzebub's blood, but he got Beelzebub's magic power, which was more than that.

Taehyun's power was strengthened, and Seo Sang-ik would be able to create a vaccine with this alone.

[Are you going back?]

"Yeah. I spent too much time."

He knew that a considerable amount of time had passed even though he had spent each day tightly.

It's dizzying to think about how much the gray disease has spread by now.

[Come to think of it. What happened to that child?]

That child.

Taehyun realized that Rosaria was talking about Yoo Ah-young.

She is the only human that Rosaria would mention.

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young? I heard she's still recovering... I don't think she's regained consciousness yet."

At Taehyun's words, Rosaria made a face as if she was thinking about something.

[Hmm... I guess the gift was too much.]

Gift.

Suddenly.

An ominous feeling flashed through Taehyun's head.

"What are you talking about? Don't tell me you did something else when she was recovering...."

Before Taehyun could finish speaking.

[That's it. Go back now.]

Rosaria waved her arm as if she didn't want to hear it.

Kwaaaaa.

A gate to Earth opened.

If it was different from before, it was that the body was being forcibly pulled in as if gravity was acting on it.

Taehyun did not bother to reject that power.

[Ah, Contractor. Come to think of it, I forgot to say this.]

"......?"

[Now, the laws of the Abyss may apply to your body.]

"What?"

The laws of the Abyss.

It was the first time he had heard of it.

Rosaria smiled slyly, as if she had expected Taehyun's reaction.

[You'll know when you experience it yourself.]

Before he could ask anything.

Crack!!

The gate swallowed Taehyun.

As Taehyun's presence disappeared, succubi gathered like ghosts.

Many of them became Grand Succubi after the previous battle, and some even grew into Succubus Knights.

[Kyaruru. Queen~ Is the guest gone?]

[We couldn't even say hello. Kyaruru.]

[Handsome oppa~ Why did you go?]

It was a word that would have made Taehyun shudder if he had heard it.

But to Rosaria, even those appearances were lovely children.

She returned to her usual queen-like, dignified expression.

[Hmm. It's not something for you to worry about. More than that, have you fortified the castle's defenses?]

[Kyaruru. My sisters are firmly blocking it now.]

Sisters meant Grand Succubi and Succubus Knights.

[Yes. You must not let your guard down from now on.]

Following Igmun and Orgal, even Beelzebub.

Rosaria was now being targeted by three Archdukes.

It may be burdensome for her, who is considered the weakest of the Archdukes.

[Hmm~ Is it just that arrogant bastard?]

The doppelganger seen in Taehyun's mind.

Rosaria was just wriggling her tentacles as she thought of his appearance.

South Korea, Seoul.

On the rooftop of Yeouido, where high-rise buildings are concentrated, a woman was looking down at the ground.

Nigerian player and contractor of the Archduke Hazard.

It was Asisat Ebi.

"Really, where did you disappear to~ Player Kim Taehyun."

She muttered, admiring the brilliant night view.

Quite a bit of time had passed since the day she met Taehyun.

"I'll contact you again. Wait quietly until then."

The way he said that after disarming her was still vivid.

But eventually.

She was tired of waiting for Taehyun to say that he would contact her soon, so she secretly entered South Korea.

South Korea was thoroughly managing overseas entrants due to the rampant gray disease, and Nigeria was a place with a relatively high infection rate, so she had to sneak in.

Therefore, she was searching for Taehyun alone without the help of the association.

She, who was admiring the night view, turned her gaze to the report in her hand.

It was Taehyun's information that she had found out through the Nigerian information guild before arriving in South Korea.

What she was interested in was the people around him.

Although Taehyun disappeared like a lie.

She judged that if she went to her acquaintances and inquired, she would definitely get something.

"Let's see. The acquaintances can be said to be Association President Ji Jin-hee and Go Tae-wook... and Lim Ah-young and Yoo Ah-young...? What, the names are the same?"

Asisat Ebi's eyes, who was quickly skimming through the information, stopped at the photos of the two women.

What was interesting was that both were S-rank players in South Korea, and both were currently being treated for injuries caused by the now deceased Shadow.

She grinned.

It was a unique behavior that appeared when she set a target.

It was when she was about to put the documents in her arms and move.

An eerie energy was felt, contrasting with the beautiful night view.

"...Come out."

She muttered quietly, clicked her tongue, and looked back.

"Good sense."

"......!!"

Asisat Ebi had a rare surprised expression.

It was because someone who shouldn't be here was in front of her eyes.

"Black Hole."

She said the other person's name.

Min Ji-hong continued speaking as if he didn't care.

"Asisat Ebi. Nigerian A-rank player, but recently went missing in an uncaptured dungeon. Afterwards, he survived alone in the broken dungeon."

"I heard you were recently promoted to an S-rank player in Nigeria?"

"I heard it from Player Kim Taehyun. I heard you are also a contractor of the Archduke?"

To Min Ji-hong's question, she answered with a question.

Taehyun had already told her about the battle with Kassim Zolt and Min Ji-hong.

Min Ji-hong let out a hollow laugh at Asisat Ebi's straightforward question.

He was surprised that she had contacted Taehyun, but he didn't think she would ask so openly.

"I came to the right place."

"Same here. I didn't expect to be stalked by a Majin."

"Don't worry. You won't even remember what happened after a while. Before that, I want to ask you one thing. What are Hazard and Asmodeus planning?"

Min Ji-hong asked, naturally narrowing the distance.

"Orgal seems very interested~ But what should I do? I hate Majins more than demons."

"That's a shame. Well, you'll think differently in a little while."

Kwaaaaa.

Black magic power bloomed from Asisat Ebi's body.

Ting.

[The skill Separated World (S) has been activated. Specifying range.]

"A barrier. Not a skill suitable for an Archduke contractor."

"Yes. The real thing is this."

Ting.

[The skill Demonic Dragon's Haki (SS) has been activated. Specifies the target.]

Kugugugung.

"......!!"

As Taehyun had done a while ago, the crushing power was not light.

Min Ji-hong instinctively thought of Taehyun's skill.

Likewise, it was no coincidence that Asisat Ebi also thought of Taehyun.

Could that be why?

"Want to kneel?"

She provoked with an arrogant smile.

The corners of Min Ji-hong's lips twitched.

It was because his appearance was so similar to Taehyun's.

"A bad face comes to mind."

Brown magic power bloomed from Min Ji-hong's body.

Ting.

[The skill Black Hole (SS) has been activated.]

"Did you prepare your will?"

Min Ji-hong, who said that, rushed forward.

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

Chapter 242

The Shinhan Country Player Association headquarters had been significantly damaged by the Shadow's rampage some time ago, but it was quickly repaired, and now no trace of it could be found.

The chairman's office was the same.

Although it was late at night, the lights in the chairman's office were brightly lit.

This was due to Ji Jin-hee's return from his injury not long ago.

It hadn't been long since he returned from his injury, and his martial power reached the highest level of S-class players.

Nevertheless, he did not make the mistake of neglecting his duties as chairman.

Swish. Swish. Swish. Sgak.

The work of reviewing and signing the documents piled high on his desk was repeated.

While he was incapacitated, Go Tae-wook had handled a considerable amount of work as the acting chairman.

Even so, this much work had accumulated.

Sometimes, Ji Jin-hee thought that fighting documents was more difficult than fighting monsters.

Ji Jin-hee's hand, which was signing mechanically, stopped at one document.

'This is….'

What stopped his hand was the Shinhan Country's power report.

The number of S-class players, including himself, had increased to thirty.

This was an unbelievable increase in power compared to just a year ago.

One year.

Ji Jin-hee knew that all of this was a change that occurred with Tae-hyun's appearance.

Not only was his martial power outstanding, but also his ability to lead those around him.

"Really… he's a kid who doesn't fit his age."

Ji Jin-hee had heard from Go Tae-wook that Tae-hyun had gone to the deepest part of the Abyss to find the vaccine material for the Gray Disease.

If he hadn't been recovering from his injury, he would have seen him off, wishing him a safe trip.

Especially since the destination was the deepest part, which was called an unknown area.

Ji Jin-hee turned his gaze back to the report.

Twenty S-class players and about two hundred A-class players.

Not only was the quantitative increase significant, but the qualitative power aspect was also not bad.

Now, the term "national power level" had been upgraded to SS-class players, but four new S-class high-level players, a realm once considered the best players in the past, had been born.

Pfft.

Ji Jin-hee let out a hollow laugh without realizing it.

It was a wall he couldn't overcome even when he was active.

It was an SS-class monster that he once thought was impossible to conquer.

He was now catching such monsters and entering a new realm after retiring from active duty.

This would not have been possible without Park Seong-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Kwak Si-yang supporting him.

And it was Tae-hyun who had trained them so well.

'Tae-hyun.'

Although his body was away from Earth, there was no place where Tae-hyun's influence wasn't felt.

Thinking of Tae-hyun, Ji Jin-hee was smiling unconsciously.

As Ji Jin-hee turned the report over, he saw the list of injured.

"Hmm…."

Ji Jin-hee groaned as he looked at the two women whose names were at the top of the list of injured.

Yoo Ah-young / Night Walker / Guild Leader / High-level S-class player / Unconscious

Im Ah-young / Shinhan Country Player Association / Directly under the Chairman / Upper-middle-level S-class player / Undergoing regeneration treatment

Two sisters who once followed him like a father were both seriously injured and undergoing treatment.

As the chairman, a position responsible for all affiliated players, Ji Jin-hee's heart was not at ease.

Moreover, both Yoo Ah-young and Im Ah-young were injured while carrying out the orders he had given.

Im Ah-young had recovered most of the wounds inflicted by the Shadow with the help of the saintess, and Yoo Ah-young had fully recovered from her physical injuries after returning from the Abyss with Tae-hyun, but she had not regained consciousness.

The only saving grace was that he knew time was the cure.

'The worst is over, so if it's those kids, they should be able to return to active duty. Until the Go Department Head system is established, I have to endure silently.'

Ji Jin-hee thought so and trusted the two sisters.

After reviewing all the power analysis reports, Ji Jin-hee leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

The first thing that came to mind was Tae-hyun, who was like a grandson to him.

And another face that came to mind with Tae-hyun.

Min Ji-hong, who had spread the notoriety of the Black Hole to the world.

The man who was his adopted son.

The guy who hated monsters had become a demon and was now an Archduke contractor and an enemy of the world.

"Just how far are you planning to go…."

Ji Jin-hee was thinking so, recalling the past events.

Kugugugung.

A wave of magic power was felt.

It was not light, comparable to the SS-class monsters he had faced before.

'Two of them…!!'

Ji Jin-hee got up from his seat and put on his clothes.

Before long, the secretary who had been waiting entered.

"Chairman, it's a disaster…."

"Is it a demon?"

"Yes!!"

"Let's go."

Ji Jin-hee headed to the situation control room, and the secretary followed.

"Has anything been identified?"

"Due to the influence of the skill, it is impossible to confirm with video. We are also contacting Department Head Go Tae-wook…."

The secretary couldn't finish speaking.

Poook.

It was because of the sharp thorns that pierced his neck.

"Keuk…."

Thud.

The secretary collapsed with a final scream.

It was an instant death without a doubt.

"You!!!”

Ji Jin-hee shouted and released his magic power.

Crack. Crackle.

He had crossed the wall and was now able to instinctively use aura.

The buildings in the hallway cracked due to the aura mixed with magic power.

Ji Jin-hee shouted again.

"Come out!!"

"Fuhuhu. Excellent aura."

A man appeared with a gloomy laugh.

"You…."

Ji Jin-hee's eyes, which were like a tiger's, trembled slightly.

The opponent in front of him was a man who was considered the most heinous demon along with Min Ji-hong.

He was Kasim Zolt, the leader of Harsultan.

Kugugung.

The building shook.

"It would be troublesome if you were just surprised. This place will soon be a den of monsters."

"……!!"

Ji Jin-hee's eyes widened at Kasim Zolt's words.

The rumors about him came to mind.

That he brought monsters with him.

So what he just said was not a lie.

"How dare… a demon like you…."

Ji Jin-hee strengthened his whole body.

But it was difficult to rush in rashly.

The opponent was an SS-class demon that even Cody Cruz couldn't catch.

It would be difficult for Ji Jin-hee, who was relatively inferior, to get involved.

"Excellent posture. I heard you were a martial artist, and it wasn't just empty words."

"What do you want?"

Ji Jin-hee asked, circulating the magic power in his body.

The headquarters of player associations in each country were the number one targets for demons.

Even so, the reason why they were considered the safest was because a large number of talented people were always on standby.

The defense of such associations was broken once by the Shadow.

And now it was broken twice by Kasim Zolt.

Ji Jin-hee wanted to cut off that neck right now if he could.

'I have to find out exactly what his purpose is.'

For Ji Jin-hee, who didn't have mental skills, the only thing he could do was to talk to the guy as much as possible and buy time.

Of course, holding an SS-class demon's feet was a bonus.

'I have no choice but to hope that player Park Seong-jin arrives on time….'

It seemed that he had no choice but to leave the outside of the building to Kwon Kang-hyuk and Kwak Si-yang.

"I can clearly see what you're thinking."

Kasim Zolt said with a mocking laugh.

"Answer me. I asked why you did this."

Kasim Zolt didn't seem interested in Ji Jin-hee's question.

He was just.

"I heard that the Black Hole would be an interesting sacrifice, and it's true."

He was just licking his lips, evaluating Ji Jin-hee's magic power.

Twitch.

Ji Jin-hee's body flinched at the word Black Hole.

"That guy is here too!!"

Ji Jin-hee shouted with magic power.

Kasim Zolt's disheveled hair fluttered here and there at the majestic cry.

Ji Jin-hee quickly turned his head.

If he was moving not only with Kasim Zolt but also with Min Ji-hong.

'If the magic power outside is that guy's?!!'

It would not be enough to buy time with Kwon Kang-hyuk and Kwak Si-yang alone.

A catastrophe was expected.

"Don't worry. I won't kill you."

Kasim Zolt smiled sinisterly and reached out his hand.

"You!!!"

Ji Jin-hee, who couldn't stand it any longer, rushed in first.

He had already finished releasing his magic power.

Shinhan Country Ancient Martial Arts 6th Form, Shibjin.

Ji Jin-hee's body, which rushed in quickly, struck Kasim Zolt's head.

Crack.

With a chilling sound, Kasim Zolt's neck was torn off.

It was an unparalleled blow.

But.

"Kekekeke. Yes, it has to be this level."

"What…!!"

How could words come out of the severed neck?

Ji Jin-hee's body flinched at the unbelievable situation.

"I will give you divine punishment."

From Kasim Zolt's body with his neck cut off.

Purple magic power exploded.

Fzzzt. Fzzzt.

With sparks, Tae-hyun crossed the gate.

Unlike when he left Rosaria's castle, his whole body was covered in wounds.

"Hoo…."

Tae-hyun sat down and looked around.

No matter how he looked at it, it didn't look like Shinhan Country.

Judging from the appearance of the people walking around, it seemed to be somewhere in Southeast Asia.

"Damn Rosaria."

Tae-hyun recalled what Rosaria had said before he crossed the gate.

The law of the Abyss.

She said that due to Tae-hyun's growth, he would not be able to cross the gate as before.

Was that why?

As soon as he entered the gate, the space seemed to compress his whole body.

If Tae-hyun wasn't in good enough condition, it wouldn't be strange if he had been crushed to death.

It seemed to be related to the fact that monsters above SSS-class couldn't cross the gate.

"Is this what they call the 'Law of the Abyss'…."

Tae-hyun would frequently travel between Shinhan Country and the Abyss in the future.

It was not something to be taken lightly.

He thought he should ask Asisat Avi about it later and left the alley.

It was fortunate that he hadn't fallen into a jungle.

He didn't have any potions, and it was difficult to use skills in his current physical condition.

Tae-hyun was thinking so and walked down the street.

News was being broadcast on the televisions displayed in various stores.

Collapsed buildings were shown along with smoke.

'They've completely destroyed it.'

Judging from the looks of it, there seemed to have been a gate break.

From the gray disease spread by the demons to the gate break of the monsters.

Tae-hyun clicked his tongue and was about to move his feet.

Suddenly, a familiar photo came to mind.

"Chairman…?"

'Shinhan Country Player Association annihilated.'

'The worst and most heinous SS-class demons join hands.'

'Shinhan Country's first SS-class demon, Black Hole. Who is he?'

"Fuhuhu."

Chairman Jeongcheong happily put down the newspaper he was reading.

Following the Hong Kong Player Association, the Shinhan Country Player Association had collapsed.

No, it wasn't completely collapsed, but the fact that they had invaded twice meant that they could do it three times.

This was good news for him.

Behind the scenes of making this possible were Min Ji-hong and Kasim Zolt.

Those heinous demons.

'Amazing, amazing.'

To think that they could so weakly destroy Shinhan Country, which was a major obstacle to the rise of the great power.

It was chilling.

He could feel how great the people he had joined hands with were.

"I should send a letter to Shinhan Country."

Jeongcheong dipped his brush into the ink that was already prepared.

What should he write?

A first sentence that was concise and impactful.

"Yes. 'I mourn the death of Chairman Ji Jin-hee' would be good."

Jeongcheong wrote a letter of condolence and consolation in one stroke.

"Send this to Shinhan Country. Distribute the sample to the reporters."

"I understand."

The secretary bowed his head and left the room.

Jeongcheong turned his gaze to the large map hanging on the wall.

Hong Kong. Taiwan. Shinhan Country. Japan. Vietnam. India, etc.

Numerous Asian countries were checked.

It wouldn't be strange to say that the Hong Kong Player Association had already been taken over by China.

Since Kim Tae-hyun was in Shinhan Country, he had to spend a little more time.

Jeongcheong's eyes stopped at a country as if chasing after a delicious prey.

He pulled out one of the knives stuck in the wall.

And.

"Next is Japan."

Kwaang.

The knife that Jeongcheong slammed down was stuck in Tokyo.

Translation:

Episode 243

Taehyun arrived in Shinhan-guk a day after the Association was attacked.

Go Tae-wook was acting as the Association President, filling in for the injured Ji Jin-hee.

After Ji Jin-hee returned to active duty, Taehyun was also familiar with the setup.

"Welcome back."

Go Tae-wook greeted Taehyun.

The gray disease that had broken out around the world without a solution.

Taehyun had abruptly left for the Abyss to find a key substance to create a vaccine for the disease.

His location was deep within the deepest part of the Abyss, which made everyone worried, but fortunately, there didn't seem to be any major accidents.

No, the big accidents were actually happening to them.

"What happened?"

Taehyun asked about the situation in Shinhan-guk.

The news reported that there had been a considerable number of casualties, and the status of Association President Ji Jin-hee was unknown.

He was in front of the nation's top player.

Therefore, Go Tae-wook didn't hide or deny the reality.

"It's as you heard. Min Ji-hong and Kassim Zort attacked together. The Association President is unconscious."

"Unconscious...?"

"Kassim Zort's attack... melted away his limbs."

"……!!"

"He's currently regenerated with the help of the Saintess. But he hasn't regained consciousness yet. It seems... he needs time."

Go Tae-wook sighed.

Because he didn't know how long that time would be.

"I need to hear the details."

"Alright. Sit down."

The full report followed.

Half of the Taesan Group had relocated to China, and Chairman Lee Jeong-soo had also fled to China.

Taesan Pharmaceuticals' palliative was being mass-produced and distributed in China, while being sold at high prices to Shinhan-guk and other countries.

And many, including Association President Ji Jin-hee, were seriously injured in the attack and were being treated.

'What a mess.'

He'd only been away for less than a month.

Yet it was surprising how much had happened.

And all of it was disadvantageous to Shinhan-guk.

'The power of the demons has become too great.'

That's what Taehyun was thinking when Go Tae-wook spoke again.

"The first one observed at the time of the attack was Min Ji-hong. He was fighting a Nigerian player in a building in Yeouido."

A Nigerian player.

A face came to mind at those words.

Sure enough.

"Haa…."

Taehyun sighed as he checked the photo that Go Tae-wook handed him.

The quality wasn't clear, as it was taken from afar, but it was definitely Asisat Ebi frowning.

'Why is this woman in Shinhan-guk….'

"Her life or death hasn't been confirmed. Kassim Zort attacked the Association right after that. Thanks to that, the building in Yeouido collapsed quite a bit."

A Grand Duke contractor clashed in the middle of the city.

Taehyun's mind raced.

'Attacking the Association was likely just to divert attention.'

Otherwise, Min Ji-hong and Kassim Zort wouldn't have moved together.

Three Grand Duke contractors were in Shinhan-guk, and two of them targeted the Association.

"You managed to hold on."

It wasn't empty praise.

Min Ji-hong aside.

Taehyun had faced Kassim Zort directly before.

He also knew that Shinhan-guk's forces wouldn't be able to stop him if he was determined.

Go Tae-wook, aware of the objective difference in power, nodded with a stiff expression.

"Yes. It would have been dangerous if Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young hadn't woken up in the nick of time."

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young woke up?"

"...Yes."

Go Tae-wook's expression was strange as he said that.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing happened. It's just so bizarre."

"Bizarre?"

"Yes. It's like... she crossed the wall."

Yoo Ah-young, who had grown into an upper-tier S-rank player while with Taehyun.

For her, the wall would be the realm of the top-tier S-rank player.

The realm that Ji Jin-hee, Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Kwak Si-yang had already reached.

Go Tae-wook had seen five top-tier players up close, including Taehyun.

Even though it wasn't the first time he'd seen that realm, his reaction was strange.

"Don't tell me she's SS-rank?"

Go Tae-wook nodded heavily.

Taehyun was slightly impressed.

He hadn't expected her to jump over the wall all at once.

What followed was even more surprising.

"She's the one who inflicted a fatal wound on Kassim Zort and made him retreat."

"……!!"

"I've heard of people experiencing a reawakening-like growth at the brink of life and death… but in her case, she acted as if she had become a completely different person."

Go Tae-wook continued, seeing the look that was urging him to answer.

"What should I say... Would you call it a bit crazy?"

"……."

Listening to Go Tae-wook, something felt off.

The gift.

Rosaria's words just before crossing the gate came to mind.

"I should meet her once."

"Alright. Before that, this."

Go Tae-wook handed Taehyun a letter.

"The Saintess left it. She said to be sure to give it to you when you returned."

The letter envelope was already open.

Meaning someone had already read it.

Go Tae-wook nodded again.

"I entrusted it to a detection skill player in case she did anything strange. They didn't find anything particularly unusual."

It was a very Go Tae-wook thing to do.

"What's the content?"

"It's simple. She wants to arrange a meeting soon. She's thinking of dreaming of her country's resurgence through Shinhan-guk."

It was a natural method.

Japan had lost the Demon Sword and was on a downward slope.

The Saintess alone had limitations in stopping the overflowing demons and monsters.

In addition, Japan's position was ambiguous due to its past misdeeds being exposed.

If the United States, which was trying to keep China in check, hadn't lent a hand, it wouldn't have been strange if they had been captured by the demons long ago.

Yoshikawa Tsurara and Yoo Ah-young, and even Asisat Ebi.

There were many people he had to meet as soon as he got to Earth.

"By the way. Was it successful?"

Go Tae-wook belatedly asked.

He hadn't asked because Ji Jin-hee had collapsed and the Association had been attacked.

But this was also an important issue.

"Yes."

Taehyun replied casually.

"Really?!!"

Go Tae-wook asked back, as if shouting.

It was the deepest part of the Abyss.

He was secretly thinking that it would be fortunate if Taehyun didn't find the answer but just came back in one piece.

But if Taehyun was saying this, it wouldn't be a lie.

"I was going to meet Director after seeing you and then meet Guild Leader Seo Sang-ik."

Taehyun unleashed his magic power.

And.

Ting.

[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been activated.]

Kwaaaah.

Purple magic power rose from Taehyun's body.

Chiiiik.

The sofa that touched his body melted away.

"What is this…!!"

Surprised, Go Tae-wook got up from his seat and stepped back.

Taehyun told Go Tae-wook to calm down and briefly told him what had happened in the deepest part of the Abyss.

Of course, he passed it off as the magic power he had obtained was not Belzebub's, but about the level of a rare SSS-rank monster.

"Hah… An SSS-rank monster. You caught it alone?"

"Isn't that why it took so long?"

Taehyun joked, unable to tell the truth.

"Alright. I'll contact Guild Leader Seo Sang-ik in advance. You'll be able to move right away."

"Before that."

"Hmm?"

"It would be good to see the Association President first."

"The Association President?"

"Yes. There's something off about that too."

Unlike his words.

Taehyun's eyes were certain.

Ji Jin-hee was in front of him.

On the surface, there seemed to be no problems, but Taehyun could tell at once.

'He's been attacked mentally.'

Perhaps Kassim Zort had melted Ji Jin-hee's limbs to hide that he had launched a mental attack.

It was such precise magic power control that even Taehyun wouldn't have noticed if he hadn't awakened 'Ataraxia' and 'Devil's Saliva'.

'Kassim Zort, why would he do this to the Association President….'

Mental skills also put a considerable burden on the user.

It would have been better to just end the opponent's life.

"How is it?"

Go Tae-wook asked quietly from the side.

"Could you excuse us?"

Taehyun asked without giving a detailed explanation.

Go Tae-wook nodded and took the healers and guards out of the intensive care unit.

Taehyun unleashed his magic power once again.

The purple magic power filled Ji Jin-hee's hospital room in an instant.

Ting.

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

'So that there is no burden. Gently.'

As Taehyun controlled his magic power.

Kwaaaah.

The dark red magic power began to turn purple.

Buildings were collapsing everywhere, and people were dead.

It was hard to breathe due to the poison.

[Krrr.]

A man was fighting a monster there.

The fist of the man, who had strengthened his whole body, crushed the monster's head.

The monsters that appeared after that were the same.

How much time had passed?

Wrinkles increased on the face of the man who had been a young man.

In the meantime, the man had lost quite a few companions, and the more he lost, the stronger his fist became.

Countless monsters and demons died at his hands.

The man.

It was Ji Jin-hee's life.

Ji Jin-hee, who was exhausted, faced a new enemy.

The worst demon he had raised.

Min Ji-hong.

On the other side, the most vile demon was grinning eerily.

Kassim Zort.

The two beings emitted an unbelievable magic power and put pressure on Ji Jin-hee.

Ji Jin-hee's body hardened just by emitting energy.

Ji Jin-hee rushed at Min Ji-hong with his skills running wild.

He chose to take them down together, just to deal with the wrong seed he had sown.

As if mocking that decision.

Kwaang.

Ji Jin-hee's skill was offset by Min Ji-hong's lightly thrown punch.

His body being torn apart was a bonus.

Kassim Zort, who was watching, laughed at the sight.

His purple magic power seeped into Ji Jin-hee's body.

Ji Jin-hee, who was kneeling, screamed.

[Give up your body and be at ease.]

Ji Jin-hee did not succumb to that sweet temptation.

Ji Jin-hee's world was getting darker and darker.

"Didn't I tell you? He's a man of strong principles. It would be better to just break him."

Min Ji-hong said, as if it were nothing.

"Hehehe. How about this?"

Kwaaaah.

Kassim Zort waved his hand, and a huge gate appeared.

It was his skill 'Devil Gate'.

Monsters appeared one by one from there.

S-rank monsters, S+-rank monsters, and soon SS-rank monsters, and even SS+-rank monsters.

Ji Jin-hee, who was crippled by the new monsters surrounding him, emitted fighting spirit.

He had already resigned himself to death.

If he had any regrets, it was that he couldn't take either Min Ji-hong or Kassim Zort with him.

'If so.'

Kwowoooo.

Ji Jin-hee focused his magic power on his heart.

He was thinking of sacrificing his body to take even the monsters with him.

As the condensed magic power increased its power, Min Ji-hong and Kassim Zort's laughter grew louder.

At that time.

Thud.

Someone's hand touched Ji Jin-hee's shoulder.

"Association President. It's too dark here."

"……!!"

Ji Jin-hee had already lost his sight.

He couldn't see the other person's face.

But at least he could clearly recognize the voice.

"Taehyun…?"

"If you can't illuminate the darkness. I will cover it with a greater darkness."

Ting.

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

[Skill Ataraxia (SS) has been strengthened. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Hwaaaah.

Dark red magic power and purple magic power began to devour the area.

"Get up. Association President."

By now, the pressure that had been binding Ji Jin-hee's body had disappeared.

The poison that had been eating away at his mind was also gone.

Towards Ji Jin-hee, who had opened his eyes.

Taehyun, with his crimson eyes shining, was reaching out his hand.

Episode 244

"Haa..."

Ji Jin-hee gasped and opened his eyes.

Tae-hyun was there.

"Did you rest well?"

Tae-hyun's eyes were playful as he asked.

"What the hell is going on...?"

Ji Jin-hee held his dizzy head and tried to recall the events of the past.

The 7th Form of Shinhanguk Ancient Martial Arts, Plains.

He had clearly unleashed his ultimate technique against Kasim Zolt.

But it hadn't reached Kasim Zolt, and the monster had melted his limbs.

He had assumed death as the price of defeat.

However.

[I will not kill you. You are a valuable offering.]

The monster had clearly said that to Ji Jin-hee as he lost consciousness.

A nightmare had begun.

The nightmare of the past that he had failed to protect.

The nightmare of the present that he had failed to deal with.

And even the nightmare of the future that he couldn't handle.

He thought he would be consumed and die.

Until Tae-hyun, with his glowing red eyes, appeared.

'Tae-hyun rescued me...?'

Ji Jin-hee looked up at Tae-hyun with exhausted eyes.

Tae-hyun's crimson eyes had already returned to their original color.

"You really... got me out of there..."

Ji Jin-hee asked in a weak voice, but Tae-hyun, the person in question, didn't seem willing to tell him.

"Association President. You're trying to carry too much of a burden alone."

"......"

Tae-hyun added to the silence.

"You don't have to push yourself."

"...Thank you."

It was as Ji Jin-hee said that.

"Association President!!"

Bang.

Ko Tae-wook burst through the door.

He had confirmed through the installed camera that Ji Jin-hee had woken up.

"Director Ko... I've caused you worry."

"Tae-hyun...!! Is the Association President alright now?"

Ko Tae-wook asked, raising his voice without realizing it.

Tae-hyun nodded at the almost paternal reaction.

"He seems to have been hit by Kasim Zolt's mental attack. He will recover with sufficient rest."

"That's a relief, Association President!!"

Ko Tae-wook hugged Ji Jin-hee's emaciated body.

He deeply felt that Shinhanguk still needed the giant named Ji Jin-hee.

"Hmm... I didn't know our Director Ko thought so highly of me."

Ji Jin-hee teased with a joke for a moment, and soon a friendly atmosphere was created.

"Tae-hyun, how did you know?"

Ko Tae-wook asked belatedly, after ending the tearful reunion with Ji Jin-hee.

He was curious about the details of the incident that even he and the Saintess hadn't noticed.

There was nothing much to it.

Tae-hyun told him how Kasim Zolt had approached Ji Jin-hee's mind.

Ko Tae-wook blamed himself for hearing that.

He thought that Ji Jin-hee had suffered because of his mistake.

"Director Ko. It's not your fault."

"Still... I'm sorry."

Tae-hyun quietly interjected as he watched Ko Tae-wook reproach himself and Ji Jin-hee comfort him.

"Then, I'll go see Guild Leader Seo Sang-ik."

"Okay. I'll follow you soon."

Leaving Ko Tae-wook supporting Ji Jin-hee behind, Tae-hyun left the intensive care unit.

"Is something going on with the Alchemist?"

Ji Jin-hee asked anxiously after Tae-hyun left.

What if something had happened to the four major guilds while he was unconscious?

What if Kwon Kang-hyuk, Kwak Si-yang, and Park Seong-jin were injured?

Such ominous thoughts came to mind.

Fortunately, Ko Tae-wook shook his head.

"They've obtained an important ingredient for creating a vaccine for the Gray Disease."

Ji Jin-hee's eyes widened at the unexpected good news.

"Is that so...! This isn't the time for me to be like this."

"Association President, you mustn't overdo it."

"I'm... alright..."

From Ji Jin-hee's eyes as he said that.

Drip.

Tears began to flow.

"Association President?"

Ko Tae-wook asked, flustered, and Ji Jin-hee also looked surprised.

"A burden, huh..."

He had lived as a player representing Shinhanguk, as the president of the Shinhanguk Player Association.

You don't have to push yourself.

That was what he had heard countless times.

However.

It had never felt as refreshing as when Tae-hyun said it.

"Now I... want to lighten Tae-hyun's burden too."

Ko Tae-wook knew what Ji Jin-hee was thinking just by looking at his eyes.

He turned his head towards the door of the treatment room where Tae-hyun had left.

"I agree."

Centered on Tae-hyun.

The bond of Shinhanguk was becoming even stronger.

"Welcome, Player Kim Tae-hyun."

Seo Sang-ik, who had been waiting after receiving a call in advance, welcomed Tae-hyun.

"Can we start right away?"

"Yes. You can follow this friend. I'll be operating the experiment myself."

There was no atmosphere or time for a welcoming ceremony.

Tae-hyun was guided by a guild member and went straight to the laboratory.

30 minutes later.

Only Tae-hyun remained in the lab.

[Player Kim Tae-hyun. Are you ready?]

"Yes. Let's begin."

Tae-hyun replied, looking at Seo Sang-ik, who appeared on the screen.

Dozens of Alchemist researchers could be seen behind him, concentrating.

Whether or not a vaccine for the Gray Disease could be created depended on this experiment.

'I don't need to show my full power.'

Ting.

[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been activated.]

Shiiiii.

Purple mana rose from Tae-hyun's body.

The risen mana headed towards the spherical object installed in front of him.

It was a machine made to analyze mana components.

However.

Chiiiiik.

The machine began to melt as soon as it came into contact with the purple mana.

[Huh...!! The controller that can withstand SS-rank mana is...]

[There were no problems when researching the Gray Disease... How can...]

[P, Player Kim Tae-hyun. Can you lower the mana a little more?!!]

"I'll try."

Tae-hyun lowered the mana maintaining the skill even further.

Even so.

Chiiiiik.

'Devil's Saliva' completely melted the machine without showing any signs of weakening.

The problem wasn't the amount of mana being injected.

The toxicity of the mana itself was more deadly than expected.

That was all.

'Beelzebub. It's amazing that I survived that guy.'

Thinking that, he reached out to the corpse of a monster next to the machine.

An SS-rank monster that had appeared in Shinhanguk some time ago.

It was part of the Hydra Fenrir's corpse, which had been subdued by four players including Ji Jin-hee.

'Hydra Fenrir is also a monster with toxicity.'

He thought that it would withstand to some extent as it was an SS-rank monster, but.

Chiiiiik.

The corpse, which couldn't withstand 'Devil's Saliva' even though the mana was lowered to a low S-rank level, melted away as it was.

"At this rate, the experiment won't work."

Tae-hyun said, deactivating the skill.

Suppressing the Gray Disease virus, which was created from Venom's mana, with Beelzebub's mana.

It certainly seemed possible in theory, but the experiment itself couldn't be established like this.

Unlike blood, which could be called the undiluted solution, it was the influence of Tae-hyun's mana being mixed in and strengthened.

[Where did you... get such mana from?]

Seo Sang-ik didn't know that the deadly mana was Beelzebub's.

He asked in a flustered voice.

Tae-hyun didn't want to open up information about the Archduke yet.

He just glossed over it as having obtained it from a monster in the deepest depths, as before.

A meeting was held for a while, and Seo Sang-ik made a decision.

[We'll have to create a purified solution. Only then can we proceed with the research.]

Purified solution.

It was something Tae-hyun was hearing about for the first time.

"How long will it take?"

[At least... we'll have to take a month.]

"......"

A month was too late.

He had to return to the Abyss as soon as he dealt with the Gray Disease.

"That purified solution. How do you make it?"

Tae-hyun asked, and Seo Sang-ik's explanation followed.

There was nothing special about it.

'The principle of mixing mana with properties that are the opposite of the target mana to weaken the power over time...'

The problem was that it was necessary to maintain at least three times the mana for purification for about five hours.

In other words, it meant creating a vessel to hold 'Devil's Saliva' with the mana of multiple players.

[With the mana that Tae-hyun just showed, we'll have to ask the World Player Association for help.]

He didn't know for sure.

'To withstand the toxicity from earlier, we'd need at least a thousand S-rank players.'

That was why Seo Sang-ik needed a month.

How much of the mana mixed in would be compatible with 'Devil's Saliva'?

'Even if you make a purified solution, it will take more than a month to take the shape of a vessel...'

Seo Sang-ik sighed, thinking about the difficult process.

Then.

"Guild Leader. Do you need a vessel?"

[Yes... After all, the mana shown earlier was so over-spec that neutralization and extraction work is necessary.]

"Then how about doing this?"

[......?]

Instead of explaining, Tae-hyun released his mana.

Kwaaaaa.

The laboratory was filled with dark red mana.

And.

Ting.

[Skill Dark Apostle (SS) has been activated. Specifying shape.]

Kwaruru.

The Dark Apostle transformed into the shape of a round vessel.

Next.

Ting.

[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been activated.]

Tae-hyun poured the purple mana of 'Devil's Saliva' into the 'Dark Apostle'.

Chiiiiik.

The purple mana began to melt the vessel.

Even though they were the same SS-rank skills, the difference in power was considerable.

Ting.

[Skill Dark Apostle (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerating.]

[Skill Energy Compose (SS) has been activated. Specifying shape.]

[Skill Energy Compose (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerating.]

Pazzzz.

A sphere of mana was created in the air.

Knowing that 'Energy Compose' was insufficient in its basic form, he enhanced it from the beginning.

And.

[Skill Energy Drain (SS) has been activated. Specifying target.]

Chains created from the sphere of mana covered the Devil's Saliva contained in the Dark Apostle.

Squeeze. Squeeze.

The purple mana was being weakened by the dark red mana.

The more it did, the more cloudy the sphere of mana that had absorbed 'Devil's Saliva' became.

[What is this...?]

Seo Sang-ik and the researchers, who were watching through the screen, began to buzz.

Not only was he emitting deadly mana, but he was also making and neutralizing purified water himself?

Wasn't it like a walking laboratory?

Tae-hyun was also surprised.

Ting.

[The proficiency of skill 'Energy Compose (SS)' has increased.]

[The proficiency of skill 'Energy Drain (SS)' has increased.]

[The proficiency of skill 'Dark Apostle (SS)' has increased.]

'So the proficiency increases when using it in a form other than the existing form.'

Changing skills into forms other than fixed forms was impossible unless it was a select few.

But for Tae-hyun, it didn't matter.

"Please hurry. My next schedule is tight."

[I understand!]

Seo Sang-ik answered with all his might and activated the measurement system.

'With that amount of mana... and neutralization ability...!!'

It seemed that the vaccine for the Gray Disease wasn't the only thing that would be made.

Tokyo, Japan.

Player Association Headquarters.

The Saintess, who had passed through the warp gate there, sighed deeply.

Thanks to the special skill 'Super High-Speed Regeneration', she was digesting an absurd schedule.

The problem was that no matter how busy she was, the situation in Japan was not improving.

"Any word from Player Kim Tae-hyun?"

She asked the secretary who handed her the potion.

"Not yet."

The Saintess sighed once again.

The strongest force in Shinhanguk and the strongest player ranked first in the world.

'Without joining hands with him... Japan is over.'

That was the conclusion she came to after losing the Sword Demon Nakata Shinji, who had been supporting Japan together.

The rank of the monsters and gate breaks that were appearing was increasing, while Japan had lost many talents in the uncaptured dungeon before.

Every time, the Sword Demon's absence was felt, of course.

'Will the next ten years... be a dark age?'

The only hope was that the United States had reached out to check China.

Then, the secretary, who had received a call somewhere through her earpiece, opened her mouth.

"Tsurara-sama. Guild Leader Yu Ah-young of Night Walker has come to visit."

"Guild Leader Yu Ah-young?"

The Saintess asked back at the unexpected visit.

She had contacted her several times in the past to strengthen her friendship with Tae-hyun, but she had refused, using her busy schedule as an excuse.

Moreover, she had recently been attacked by the M

inds and was unconscious, and she had not shown her face when she visited to treat Ji Jin-hee the day before.

"Did she come alone?"

"Yes. She entered the country through a private warp gate."

"Hmm... Let's meet her."

Unlike what she said.

'What business does that fox suddenly have?'

As she struggled to guess Yu Ah-young's actions, she moved her feet.

Chapter 245

When the Saintess arrived where Yoo Ah-yeong was, she was looking out the window, drinking coffee.

"Did you wait long?"

"Of course not. More than that, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

Yoo Ah-yeong smiled brightly and sat down.

"Are you feeling alright? I heard you fought Kasim Zort not long ago."

The Saintess sat down in front of her and asked cautiously.

Because that's what she knew.

"Ah, yes. As you can see, I'm perfectly fine."

Ah-yeong showed her two hands, without a single wound, and replied.

"That's a relief."

The Saintess smiled brightly.

There was a time when Tae-hyun pointed her out as a psychopath.

The Asia Player Friendship Tournament.

After 'that day' when she faced Tae-hyun, she became a completely new person.

The two shared a 'light' conversation.

Even though it was a conversation in a comfortable atmosphere.

High-level information was exchanged in a friendly atmosphere.

"Then, should we get down to business now?"

When the Saintess proposed an alliance with Shin-Hanguk,

Yoo Ah-yeong put her empty coffee cup down on the table and said.

"Go ahead."

The Saintess focused on Yoo Ah-yeong's next words and replied.

"Yoshikawa Tsurara-ssi. I heard you're still looking for our 'baby'?"

"... ..."

Yoo Ah-yeong's tone changed.

No, it wasn't just the tone that changed.

"Clinging to someone who doesn't want you~ you're more shameless than you look?"

The Saintess' body flinched.

Because Yoo Ah-yeong's eyes had changed completely from just a moment ago.

Magic power that she couldn't manage was leaking out of her body.

'Is she... testing me?'

A fighting spirit or madness that could only be thought of that way.

It was like looking at her past self.

"I... don't know what you mean. Baby?"

The Saintess forced herself to maintain a poker face and asked back.

But Yoo Ah-yeong was firm.

"Don't lie. You have other intentions for our baby, don't you?"

"... ..."

The Saintess' face hardened at Yoo Ah-yeong's cold attitude.

She realized that she was serious.

'What, is this crazy bitch...'

She was someone who was once called a madwoman by someone.

That's why she could tell.

The image that Yoo Ah-yeong was showing in front of her wasn't a trick for more effective business.

The magic power of an S-rank High-level player leaking from her body in streams convinced her of that thought.

However, she couldn't reveal her temper, as she desperately needed Shin-Hanguk's help.

"I didn't know you had this side of you... Who on earth are you referring to as 'baby'..."

"Kim Tae-hyun. You're aiming for him, aren't you?"

For a brief moment.

The Saintess' eyes twitched.

Ah-yeong didn't miss that sight.

"Kim Tae-hyun Player-nim... is not someone I can dare to do anything to."

"Hmm~ That's not the answer I was expecting."

Yoo Ah-yeong murmured as if contemplating something.

"What answer were you expecting?"

Yoo Ah-yeong's tilted head stopped.

"Women know women well, right? Do you really think I don't know what kind of feelings you have?"

"... ..."

It was an attitude that was impossible to reason with.

Even so.

Smirk.

The corners of the Saintess' lips went up.

She seemed to know what answer the other person wanted.

When you can read the opponent's moves, the negotiation becomes that much easier.

"This is... troublesome. I never thought Kim Tae-hyun Player-nim would have such a reliable person by his side."

"See? My gut feeling was right after all, wasn't it?"

Ah-yeong smiled slyly and raised her magic power.

Drrrrrr.

The equipment in the reception room began to shake.

It was a power that could turn the area into a wasteland at any moment.

"Instead of being like this here, how about we make a bet?"

The Saintess calmly threw out the bait.

"Heung?"

As if to say, try saying it, Yoo Ah-yeong let out a snort.

"We'll have a competition with each other's feelings for Kim Tae-hyun Player-nim on the line. Of course, making a Covenant of the Awakened beforehand would be a good idea, wouldn't it?"

Yoo Ah-yeong's known martial power is S-rank High-level player.

Even if the Saintess wasn't a combat-type, there was an insurmountable wall between an S-rank High-level player and a Top-level player.

'If I can make Yoo Ah-yeong my person here, I can use her greatly.'

The thought of losing wasn't even in the process from the beginning.

That was the same for Ah-yeong.

"Okay."

Ah-yeong bit the bait.

"But you know."

"Please speak."

"You. Have gotten weaker?"

The Saintess' face frowned at the blatant provocation.

'Apostle of Darkness', 'Devil's Saliva', 'Energy Compose', 'Energy Drain'.

The combination of the five skills resembled a laboratory.

The vaccine development research was accelerated with Tae-hyun's skills, and by the time he came out of the Alchemist, four hours had already passed.

Tae-hyun led his tired body straight to Nightwalker.

To meet Yoo Ah-yeong, who had woken up.

"Huh?"

Contrary to expectations, it wasn't Yoo Ah-yeong who was in the guild leader's office, but Jeong Han-soo.

When Tae-hyun asked about Ah-yeong, Jeong Han-soo had a troubled look on his face.

"Is something wrong?"

"Huu... Please sit down first."

Jeong Han-soo, who had offered a seat, sat opposite him.

"To put it bluntly, the guild leader is not here right now."

"The vice guild leader must be having a hard time."

Tae-hyun said casually.

He thought that Yoo Ah-yeong's erratic behavior had started again.

"Erratic... if it was just that, it would be a relief."

Jeong Han-soo's expression, saying that, was strange.

"……?"

"Kim Tae-hyun Player-nim. May I ask if anything happened in the labyrinth?"

Labyrinth Tartarus.

What Jeong Han-soo was asking about was what happened there.

"I don't know what you mean."

"I heard that the guild leader Yoo Ah-yeong fought Kasim Zort, who had infiltrated the association. Have you heard about it?"

"I have."

He heard that she, who had been unconscious, had woken up, and thanks to her growth into an SS-rank player, she was able to protect Ji Jin-hee from Kasim Zort.

That was all Tae-wook had told him.

Since Tae-hyun knew that Yoo Ah-yeong in his past life had become an SS-rank player, it wasn't a big deal.

'It's not that he stepped down, but that he allowed her to step down.'

No one except Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz can deal with Kasim Zort.

Maybe Asisat Evi can buy some time at best.

Even if Yoo Ah-yeong had crossed the wall of the wall, she wasn't an existence that a typical SS-rank player could handle alone.

"If the guild leader Yoo Ah-yeong grows, won't Nightwalker's prestige also increase?"

"That's not wrong... but more than that, it's like the person has... changed."

"The person has changed?"

"Or should I say gone crazy... This is really..."

"……."

Jeong Han-soo's expression was as if he was troubled about how to explain it.

'So that's what it is.'

Seeing once is faster than hearing a hundred times.

"Guild leader Yoo Ah-yeong. Where is she now?"

"Three hours ago. She headed to Tokyo."

"The purpose?"

"She said she was going to meet the Saintess."

To think that she would throw away guild work and head to Japan as soon as she regained consciousness?

'It's not like her.'

It didn't feel good.

The words that Rosaria had casually said were swirling in his head all the more.

"I'll go and check it out."

Tae-hyun said that and got up from his seat.

Jeong Han-soo's expression brightened.

"Thank you. I'll prepare the warp gate right away."

Tae-hyun, who came out of the guild leader's office, headed to the warp gate zone.

He recalled what Rosaria had said.

She had clearly said it was a 'gift'.

And Yoo Ah-yeong had obtained power equivalent to an SS-rank player immediately after waking up.

What if Kasim Zort didn't step down on his own, but Ah-yeong really drove him away?

'No way... it can't be.'

Tae-hyun recalled a bad hypothesis and crossed the prepared warp gate.

Tokyo Player Association Private Training Room.

There were two women there.

Yoo Ah-yeong, who was officially known as an S-rank High-level player, and Yoshikawa Tsurara, who was registered as Japan's only S-rank Top-level player.

S-rank High-level and S-rank Top-level.

Originally, there should be a gap that would prevent the name sparring from being established.

Even if the Saintess was a non-combat player, the difference in stats alone was enormous.

Was that all?

Even if Yoo Ah-yeong ran amok with her skills, it wasn't compatible with the Saintess' 'Super-Speed Regeneration' and 'Holy Revelation'.

Yoo Ah-yeong's defeat seemed obvious, and in the end, she would have no choice but to fulfill the Covenant of the Awakened.

The Covenant of the Awakened that the two had made was simple.

To transfer a significant portion of the shares of Nightwalker, which guild leader Yoo Ah-yeong held.

And to naturalize to Japan and put her efforts into reconstruction.

Those were the two conditions that the Saintess had put forward to Yoo Ah-yeong for the benefit of her country.

The conditions that Ah-yeong had put forward to the Saintess were also two.

Not to approach Kim Tae-hyun.

To join Nightwalker's guild members and follow her instructions.

From the Saintess' point of view, it was a ridiculous condition, and she didn't even assume defeat.

However.

The result was different from what she thought.

Gush.

The Saintess, kneeling, spat out blood.

The organs that had been broken several times had already begun Super-Speed Regeneration.

Since Yoo Ah-yeong was originally active in the field, she expected a certain amount of fighting prowess.

But.

'I... can't even touch her once...?'

The Saintess' eyes trembled.

"Hmm~ As expected, it's boring."

"Boring...?"

The Saintess looked at Ah-yeong, who was looking down at her.

Ah-yeong's bitter smile caught her eye.

"You can't use Super-Speed Regeneration if your magic power runs out. Don't you have one more skill?"

Ah-yeong mentioned 'Holy Revelation'.

"Don't regret it and do your best."

Hehe.

Yoo Ah-yeong said mockingly, even raising the corners of her lips.

Gritting.

The Saintess bit her teeth.

She thought she would win for sure.

She thought nothing of it.

But now, finally.

She realized how absurd the conditions she had set out in the Covenant were.

At this point, she really couldn't choose the means and methods.

Magic power surged from the Saintess' body.

Ting.

[The skill Holy Revelation(S) has been activated. Specifying the target.]

"Guild leader Yoo Ah-yeong. Obey my words!!"

A cluster of pure white light wrapped around Yoo Ah-yeong.

It was her first time using 'Holy Revelation' in a long time, but she was sure.

'So far, Kim Tae-hyun Player is the only one who has broken through this skill.'

Except for him, everyone became her slave.

Yoo Ah-yeong would definitely become like that as well.

But.

"As expected, you. Are weak?"

She stirred her body as if nothing was wrong.

"……!!"

"Watch carefully. This is how you use power."

Ting.

[The skill Amazoness' Ferocity(SS) has been activated.]

For a moment, green magic power soared from Yoo Ah-yeong's body.

The Saintess' scream echoed in the training hall.

"Tsurara-nim is meeting with guild leader Yoo Ah-yeong first. Please wait a moment."

The secretary who had guided Tae-hyun to the VIP reception room said that.

She knew that the two had gone to the private training room, but she hid their location for now, as their bet wasn't ordinary.

Of course, it was an action she could take because she was sure that the Saintess wouldn't lose.

At that time.

Tae-hyun sensed an unusual magic power.

'This is...'

Magic power that was insufficient for a Top-level S-rank player was going out.

Conversely, the suppressing magic power was going beyond the Top-level to SS-rank.

'No.'

It was an aura that was not lacking even if it was an SS-rank monster, beyond an SS-rank player.

Before the secretary could stop him, Tae-hyun got up from his seat and burst out of the reception room.

Tae-hyun is skilled in magic power detection.

It wasn't difficult to find the private training room.

Crack.

The door of the training room, which had been tightly locked by Tae-hyun's internal energy, was broken.

What he saw was the Saintess, already fainted and with Super-Speed Regeneration not activated, and Ah-yeong, who was stepping on her head.

"What are you doing here, guild leader Yoo Ah-yeong."

Tae-hyun scanned her with calm, sunken eyes.

Compared to the Saintess, who was battered and bruised, she couldn't find any traces of battle.

Only the bloodstains splattered on her pure white clothes allowed him to anticipate what had happened a little while ago.

Her gaze turned to Tae-hyun.

Hehe.

For a moment, the corners of her lips turned up bitterly.

"Oh my. Our baby has come?"

In Yoo Ah-yeong's eyes, saying that.

Madness was embedded.

Episode 246

Taehyun quietly called out her name.

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young."

"Heeung~?"

She made a nasal sound and tilted her head up.

"What is going on here?"

What was that power, and why did it turn the Saintess into that state?

It was a question loaded with meaning.

Ah-young, who knew the reason, smirked.

That appearance was almost like...

'She's like a crazy bitch.'

She looked no different from the Saintess of the past, whom he had judged to be a psychopath.

'No.'

She was even trampling on the Saintess who had run wild, so her madness would certainly not be any less.

Taehyun couldn't bring himself to say that thought out loud as he stared at her.

"It's nothing~ I made a bet, you see? So I tested my strength a little."

Bet and strength.

'The Oath of the Awakened, perhaps.'

Unlike her casual tone, the surging mana was ominous.

"Showing off your strength? That doesn't suit you."

"Neither as the Guild Leader of Night Walker nor as a player of Shin-Hanguk. Your actions right now are a mistake."

"Heeung~ Are you reprimanding me?"

"This is Japan. In the end, it's Association President Ji Jin-hee who will be in trouble."

He even brought up Association President Ji Jin-hee, whom Yoo Ah-young followed like a father.

"So?"

Ah-young was unwavering.

Taehyun immediately used a skill.

Tting.

[The skill Eyes of the Higher Species (SS) has been activated.]

As his crimson eyes opened, he could see the mana flowing within Ah-young's body.

Along with the existing green mana, there was a mixture of purple mana.

"..."

Taehyun's eyebrows twitched.

Purple mana. And a familiar feeling.

It was definitely Rozaria's power.

Why was Rozaria's mana residing in Ah-young's body, who wasn't even a contractor?

Even though he hadn't received an answer yet, he already knew the answer.

'A gift, was it... She did something unnecessary.'

Taehyun clicked his tongue and focused on the mana flowing in his body.

A human who wasn't a contractor couldn't use an Archduke's power for long.

The distinct green mana was gradually mixing with purple.

'If this continues, she'll go berserk.'

Going berserk due to the Archduke's power.

If things went wrong, the Japanese Player Association might be annihilated.

Taehyun took a step towards her.

And, forcing himself to put on an indifferent expression, he asked,

"That's an amazing power. How did this happen?"

Even though madness dominated her reason, Yoo Ah-young was originally one of the most level-headed people in Shin-Hanguk.

She also knew Taehyun's intentions.

"Hehe. My baby~ Are you scanning my body right now?"

"..."

It was a title he hadn't heard in a long time.

A word she used only when Ah-young thought she was superior to Taehyun, and hadn't had the opportunity to use recently.

"That's too much~ To have such power all to yourself."

'Rozaria's mana is taking over her body.'

Taehyun ignored her and took another step.

At this rate, there might be permanent problems not only in her body but also in her mind.

He could see the Saintess trampled under her feet.

A woman who had faced SS+ grade monsters alone by boasting the special ability of 'Ultra-Fast Regeneration'.

Such a woman was in tatters.

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. This is Japan. I hope you realize who you're trampling on right now."

Taehyun's gaze shifted from the Saintess to Ah-young.

One of his eyes was already open with crimson light.

"Heeung~ Are you trying to hold me responsible, by any chance?"

'It's impossible to have a conversation.'

She had suddenly gained great power.

He didn't know what that primal desire was, but he certainly understood the desire to test her strength.

Just like Asishat Evi had done to him.

It was needless to say what had happened to Asishat Evi.

"Have you shown off your strength enough? Vice Guild Leader Jung Han-soo is desperately looking for you, you know."

"That's too much~ It's not just a simple show of strength."

"Then what is it?"

"A failure who couldn't become an Archduke's Contractor."

"......!"

Taehyun's eyes narrowed slightly at the words 'Archduke's Contractor' coming from Ah-young's mouth.

Ah-young smiled as if she had been expecting that reaction.

"I just came to give rest to that failure."

"Failure?"

"Heeung~ Didn't you know?"

Kwajik.

The foot that was trampling the Saintess's head put in a little more force.

"..."

"This power, you see, it corrupts the mind if taken by someone who lacks the qualifications. Look at this."

As if she was different.

She brought down the foot she had lifted once again.

Kwajik.

There was a sound of something breaking.

At the same time, with a bright light, the Saintess's skill 'Ultra-Fast Regeneration' began.

"Since you accepted the power in such a half-assed way, you can't even die easily, can you?"

Kwajik. Kwajik. Kwajik.

"..."

The Saintess's body was broken and regenerated repeatedly by the merciless kicks.

Taehyun quietly watched the scene, lost in thought.

If Ah-young's words were true.

If the Saintess was really a failed Contractor of an Archduke, Rozaria at that.

'The risk is that the mind is not sound.'

Looking at Ah-young now, it was a plausible hypothesis.

Now he understood why the Saintess of the past was so psycho.

Even though she was a failed Contractor, she had obtained power equivalent to a national force, and in return, her mind became incomplete.

Perhaps if Taehyun hadn't mind-controlled her, she would have remained that way until now.

And that symptom was now.

'It's happening to Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young as well.'

Even if he suppressed her now, there was a high possibility that she would become a psycho due to the power of Rozaria that was already embedded.

Yoo Ah-young was a comrade who had fought alongside him, and one of Taehyun's important assets.

If possible, he didn't want to injure her body, but.

'It won't be enough to just knock her out lightly.'

The body might run wild due to the collapse of her mind.

Kuaaaaaa.

Taehyun, having sorted out his thoughts, released his mana.

Utuk.

The foot that was about to crush the Saintess's skull this time stopped in mid-air.

"Taehyun-ah. My baby. Come to think of it."

Green mana soared from Ah-young's body.

The soaring mana surrounded her body.

Body Enhancement.

She had wrapped herself in one of her specialties, 'Amazoness's Ferocity'.

'An S-rank Top-tier Player.'

It was at the same level as Nakata Shinji in the past.

"It's been a long time since we talked with our 'bodies', hasn't it?"

"Depending on how you hear it, that's a chilling thing to say."

"Will you do it? Or not?"

Pajijik. Pajik.

The ferocity overflowing from Ah-young's body sparked.

Madness flowed from her crimson eyes.

"Vice Guild Leader Jung Han-soo will have to suffer a little more."

With those words, Taehyun raised his mana.

He had already spread a barrier of mana at the entrance.

Unless they destroyed the building, they wouldn't be able to enter this place.

Halljak.

Ah-young licked her lips, tasting Taehyun's mana.

The thought that she wasn't in her right mind became even more firm.

"I wish you had come out like this sooner~"

"Indeed, we've never really fought each other properly."

The Phoenix's Temple, the Asian Player Friendship Match, the Jeju Island incident, the Labyrinth of Tartarus, and so on.

The two were partners helping each other, not adversaries.

Therefore.

"Yoo Ah-young."

Tting.

[The skill Apocalypse (SS) has been activated. Designating the target.]

"Kneel."

It was necessary to firmly imprint Taehyun's power on that body.

When she came to her senses, her body felt heavy.

It felt as if something huge was gripping her body.

It was around that time.

[You seem to like Contractors.]

A voice of something echoed in Ah-young's head.

Even though it was clearly not human language, she could somehow understand its meaning.

'Contractor?'

The voice in her head did not answer her question.

Her consciousness was awake, but her body would not move.

Such days continued.

'Frustrating.'

It was frustrating, but there was plenty of time.

She replayed the previous battle.

Min Ji-hong.

A madman who had been taught everything by Association President Ji Jin-hee and was now making the world his enemy.

He was a monster that she could not possibly face with her skills.

Even if they fought again.

'I can't win.'

Unless she put in the power of at least an S-rank Top-tier Player, there was no hope in sight.

Even during that time, the words in her head kept ringing out.

[Is that all the resolve you have to get Kim Taehyun?]

Something purple stimulated her desire.

She, Ah-young, had not yielded even to the tortures of shadows and black holes.

But the words echoing in her head.

Contained a sweetness that could not be compared to simple torture or hallucinogens.

[Then why not become stronger and make him yours?]

'I'm weak.'

Ah-young realized reality.

She had not been negligent in her training.

But for her, who was not a growth-type Awakened, surpassing her limits was not something that could be achieved through effort alone.

Taehyun was growing at an unbelievable rate and achieving ridiculous accomplishments.

'Taehyun is different from ordinary babies.'

She may have been complacent at some point.

She may have been satisfied with just assisting Taehyun by his side.

It might have been she herself who set limits on her abilities.

The voice in her head burst into laughter.

It was a laughter that was benevolent, playful, and yet majestic.

[Of course, it would be impossible with your power.]

As if understanding, a warm comfort wrapped around her heart.

And then.

[This Lady will lend you my strength. A power that will not lose to Kim Taehyun. A power that can protect that child.]

'Power...?'

[Yes. It might be impossible right now, but you seem to be a good spare.]

Contractor. Spare. Failure.

Unknowable words continued.

By the time the words in her head were finished.

Something purple began to condense inside her body.

Tting.

[A 'Great Power' is beginning to reside.]

It felt as if she heard such a sound.

On top of her inherent green mana.

Purple mana was mixed in.

She got up from the intensive care unit.

Coincidentally, Har Sultan, led by Kasim Zolt, was attacking the Association headquarters.

He was a demon-like existence to the players, but to her, who had just woken up, he was good prey.

She could use her boiling power right away.

Among them, Kasim Zolt was the best prey.

The power of the Queen that she manifested for the first time.

Kasim Zolt's words, as his heart was pierced by that power, were vivid in her ears.

"Hehehe...!! Shin-Hanguk is really full of interesting guys!!"

Kasim Zolt, who was continuing a battle of equal strength with Ah-young, turned around, saying that his time was up.

She abandoned the severely injured Ji Jin-hee and chased after him, but to no avail.

The battle with Kasim Zolt made her body hot.

She neglected her guild work and locked herself in her room.

She wanted to feel that feeling again.

She wanted to fill and quell this excitement.

Around that time, she heard the voice of the Queen again in her head.

[Go to Japan. There will be a child who suits you there.]

Japan.

Naturally, the Saintess came to mind.

It was right after she received a report from Jung Han-soo that the Saintess had treated Ji Jin-hee and returned.

"It seems the Saintess has received confirmation from Director Go Tae-wook."

"Confirmation?"

"Yes. She intends to propose a deal using Player Kim Taehyun as leverage."

It was not because of Rozaria's orders.

Her trampling of the Saintess, Yoshikawa Tsurara, was of her own volition.

Kugugugung.

Ah-young frowned at the gravity pressing down on her body.

She had clearly broken through her limits.

But even so, Taehyun's power was still heavy.

"As expected~ My baby is amazing!!"

Ah-young shouted cheerfully.

"Looks like you can still handle it?"

With those words, Taehyun strengthened Apocalypse.

Kwajik.

"......!!"

One of her knees buckled.

Overwhelming force.

Kwaddeudeu.

The moment her other knee was about to buckle under the unbearable load.

[You're really a heartless man.]

It felt as if she heard such a voice in her head.

And.

Kuaaaaaa.

Purple mana scattered from Ah-young's body.

Cheolseok. Cheolseok. Cheolseok.

Above the green mana.

Three tentacles made of purple mana were surging.

Both of Ah-young's eyes were dyed red.

Taehyun recognized those same eyes at once.

'Eyes of the Higher Species?'

"My baby. Shall we give you a scolding?"

"......."

In the face of this ridiculous situation.

Taehyun was at a loss for words.

247화

Bang!

Taehyun deflected the violet magic tendrils.

Even with the buff from Apocalypse, his wrist throbbed.

'Come to think of it, this is the first time.'

The first time fighting a grown Yua-yeong like this, and the first time facing Rosaria's tendrils manifested through Yua-yeong's body.

Just a while ago, Yua-yeong was a top-tier S-rank player.

But her magic power was steadily rising just by using Rosaria's power.

Before he knew it, that power was more suited to a monster than a player.

Not an SS-rank player, but an SS-rank monster.

'She's far surpassed the Yua-yeong of my past life, at least.'

Yua-yeong's life had changed a lot due to his regression.

Whether that end would be a comedy or a tragedy remained to be seen.

'In any case.'

If it was Yua-yeong using the power of an SS-rank monster, it was a different story.

Crack.

Taehyun blocked Yua-yeong's fist, which had materialized a gauntlet.

At the same time, a tendril behind him lashed out at Taehyun's face.

Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.

The three tendrils swung with unbelievable speed.

Taehyun would have had a hard time dodging them if he didn't have the 'Eyes of a Superior Being.'

'I can understand how Kasim Zolt was defeated.'

With this much power.

Apart from the divine power he showed in the labyrinth, he wouldn't have stood a chance.

He was thinking that while dodging the tendrils when.

Bang!

Suddenly, magic exploded near Taehyun's shoulder.

The moment her red eyes flashed, her skill 'Amazoness' Ferocity' was activated.

'She's tricky.'

When a monster's power is combined with a human's skill, the effect is multiplicative, not additive.

Moreover, the power Yua-yeong was using was not of an ordinary SS-rank monster, but the power of a Grand Duke.

It was magic control that wouldn't be strange even for a seasoned Grand Duke contractor.

'Is this an unexpectedly good match?'

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Continuous explosions occurred where her red eyes were reflected.

She seemed to have far surpassed the Saintess, as well as the deceased Jang Lin-feng and Ricky Hollis.

'I'd believe she was Rosaria's real contractor.'

Normally, he would only read the opponent's mind or create openings.

That was the extent to which Taehyun used Rosaria's power.

He had fought many battles across the line of death against opponents of high caliber.

Weakening the opponent's power to use mental skills was essential.

That's why most battles took place in close combat.

On the other hand, the way Yua-yeong used her power was different from Taehyun.

More primal and.

'Unrestrained.'

Moreover, Yua-yeong's red eyes also had the same effect as the 'Eyes of a Superior Being.'

Just like Taehyun, she was eerily reading the timing of attacks and reacting.

'You're such a cheapskate with me. Are you giving everything to Yua-yeong?'

Clang!

Taehyun grabbed Yua-yeong's fist as it aimed for his face.

And.

Ding.

[Skill Dark Apostle (SS) has been activated. Specifying the form.]

Swish. Swish. Swish.

A black dagger was created in Taehyun's other hand.

At the same time.

Slice.

The nameless dagger cut Yua-yeong's hand.

She frowned and stepped back.

"Looks like you don't have regeneration?"

Taehyun asked, throwing her severed hand to the corner.

"What are you doing to a baby... a lady?"

Contrary to her words, she didn't seem too shocked.

Lick.

Yua-yeong licked her bleeding wrist.

Violet magic dwelled in the severed area for a moment.

Soon, the bleeding stopped.

Taehyun watched her expressionlessly and aimed the dagger.

"If you don't have the Saintess's ability. You'll have to live as a one-armed person from today."

"......"

Whether it was Rosaria moving that body or Yua-yeong.

Even if it was true that the Saintess was a failure, it was a warning not to touch her.

From today, she would be Taehyun's property.

Yua-yeong read Taehyun's thoughts.

"I'm jealous~"

Yua-yeong frowned and let out magic power.

Violet magic formed the shape of the severed hand.

"Let's finish this soon. You won't be able to use that power for long."

Swish. Swish. Swish.

Taehyun said that and deactivated 'Dark Apostle.'

The dagger in his hand disappeared.

Yua-yeong's red eyes narrowed as she watched.

"What do you mean?"

"I'll give you a chance. I'll take on your last hidden move."

The durability and reflexes Yua-yeong was showing now were not human.

He didn't know what kind of backlash would occur if he tried to suppress her halfway.

'More than anything.'

If he didn't cut off the root, the same thing might happen again.

'End it in one shot.'

New Korean Ancient Martial Arts Style, Third Form.

He used Geumgang and covered it with crimson magic.

The corners of Yua-yeong's lips went up as she watched.

She realized Taehyun was serious.

"You'll regret it?"

"You only have one chance. I can't be responsible for what happens next."

The number of tendrils Yua-yeong wielded increased to six.

At the same time.

Thwack, thwack, thwack.

The reduced tendrils were impaled into Taehyun's body.

A line of blood flowed from his mouth.

"That stings."

"Hehe. If that's a bluff, it's cute~"

Yua-yeong used the tendrils to pull Taehyun closer.

She was about to mock the confidence that dared to bluff in front of her.

Ding.

[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been activated.]

"......!!"

Sizzle. Sizzle. Sizzle.

The purple magic that bloomed from Taehyun's body.

That poisonous magic began to melt the violet tendrils.

Yua-yeong's body flinched at the unexpected power.

The moment she tried to pull her body back.

Grip.

"Where are you going?"

"......!!"

Taehyun's hand grabbed Yua-yeong's neck.

As Yua-yeong's other tendrils tried to aim for Taehyun's neck.

Clatter. Clatter. Clatter.

The chains that had been aiming for their prey ensnared the tendrils.

It was 'Chains of Binding' materialized with magic power without using a skill.

Crack. Crack.

Yua-yeong's body, which had belatedly overloaded the skill, heaved to break the chains.

But Taehyun's skill had already reached a realm that even SS+ rank monsters couldn't break.

Snap. Snap.

'Chains of Binding' gradually destroyed her body.

"Ba... by...!!"

Yua-yeong screamed, spitting blood.

Taehyun covered her mouth with his other hand.

And.

The moment their red eyes met.

Ding.

[Skill Ataraxia (SS) has been activated. Specifying the target. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

"Look into my eyes. Yua-yeong."

"......!!"

Whoosh.

Violet magic engulfed the two.

In Yua-yeong's mental world, countless skyscrapers were built.

When he entered there.

The first emotion he felt was loneliness.

'It can be called a forest of buildings.'

Among the countless buildings, the tallest one.

A huge tendril that swallowed the skyscraper touching the sky stood out.

"What are you doing there?"

Taehyun asked, looking up at the small woman at the end of the tendril.

Rosaria, far away.

[Hehehe. It seems the seed has finally bloomed.]

"A seed, huh..."

[Yes. I planted a part of my power in her. Do you not like it?]

Did he not like it?

His face naturally frowned.

"I told you not to touch my people."

Taehyun said in an unusually grumpy tone.

[Oh my, you seem angry. Wasn't she an insignificant child to you? This humble one merely stimulated her repressed desires, no?]

It was a naive question, as if she really didn't know.

"Rosaria. It's none of your business."

Taehyun's red eyes naturally intensified as he said that.

Anger. Or a fighting spirit.

He was feeling that towards a being far stronger than himself.

[Hehehe. What pleasing eyes. You should have cared like that sooner.]

Rosaria said that and winked.

Wriggle.

One of the countless tendrils moved.

Yua-yeong's unconscious body was wrapped around the end of it.

With the power of just one tendril, she used power similar to that of a Grand Duke contractor.

"Don't do anything weird. Release her."

It wasn't a request, but an order.

If Rosaria refused, he was ready to have a proper fight here.

[That's difficult.]

"That's unexpected."

Whoosh.

Crimson magic bloomed from Taehyun's body.

Not just gathered like when he faced Yua-yeong earlier.

But showing his full power like when he was active in the Abyss.

"It won't be easy, even for you."

He wasn't the Taehyun of the past.

At least in this mental world, he could do it.

[You're agitated.]

"Jokes are not welcome."

Even at this moment, Yua-yeong's body was collapsing as a price for facing excessive power.

If he didn't hurry, she might have to spend a long time in the intensive care unit again.

'I need to melt the tendrils first.'

Taehyun was about to use Belzebub's newly acquired power when.

[Put away that poisonous power and calm down. This is also for the sake of the contractor. Didn't you say that Orgal and Belzebub's contractors are enemies?]

"Speak plainly."

[It seems you're neglecting the 'Domain War' because you're worried about things there. Wouldn't you feel relieved if there was at least one human who accepted my power?]

"......"

She wasn't wrong.

In fact, Yua-yeong had driven away Kasim Zolt single-handedly.

If it was her from earlier.

'She'd definitely fill my void enough.'

The risk was that her mind wasn't sound.

"I don't want power obtained at the cost of life."

Could she use that power without damaging her mind and body?

That was what Taehyun wanted to ask.

[Isn't that the same for the contractor? You're trying to carry all the burden alone.]

"......"

Rosaria was returning the words Taehyun had said to Ji Jin-hee.

She continued.

[She has enough potential to become my contractor. You're taking that child too lightly.]

"She's a woman who can't afford to be a failure."

Yoshikawa Tsura is also one of the world's leading players.

Even that woman couldn't accept Rosaria's power and become a complete contractor.

Yua-yeong's potential was great, but.

At best, she was just an SS-rank player.

It was natural for Taehyun to show this reaction.

[Don't worry. Doesn't she seem to have a better match than that child, at least?]

"Even so, I don't understand. You have me."

Even if Taehyun used the power of other Grand Dukes.

The official contractor was Rosaria.

One Grand Duke, one contractor.

There was no way she could escape that rule.

[Contractor. How long do you think you can be with me?]

"......?"

Taehyun was about to ask what she meant when.

[Let's talk about the details later. A guest has just arrived on this side.]

"What are you..."

[Just hurry back.]

Whoosh.

Taehyun's body was sucked into the violet magic.

When he opened his eyes again.

He saw the Saintess and Yua-yeong, who were battered.

It seemed like he had to take care of the current situation first.

Ding.

[Skill Energy Drain (SS) has been activated. Specifying the target.]

Thwack.

The thinned magic was impaled into the Saintess's body.

It was no longer a big deal to control it this way.

Taehyun injected Igmun's magic into her.

"Ugh..."

Before long, the Saintess regained consciousness.

It seemed that her physical wounds were perfectly healed by the 'Ultra-Speed Regeneration' activated by the injected magic power.

"Are you okay?"

"......!!"

The Saintess, who confirmed Taehyun's face, had a greatly surprised expression.

"Kim Taehyun... Player... nim..."

Seeing the Saintess trembling,

He saw the psychopathic appearance of the past overlapping.

'Could Yua-yeong become like this?'

The more he thought about it, the more ambiguous the words were.

But.

It was more important to fix the situation now.

Taehyun approached the Saintess and extended his hand.

"Player Yoshikawa Tsura."

"Yes, yes...!!"

"Would you like to be secret friends with me?"

"Yes...?"

It was an unexpected proposal, but.

The Saintess's answer was set.

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

Episode 248

Shanghai, China.

A smile spread across Lee Jung-soo's face as he took office as the chairman of the Taesan Group.

Rapid success.

It was a fitting phrase for him, having relocated the group to China and become naturalized as a Chinese citizen.

His gaze turned to the massive building visible beyond the window.

The entire 50-story building was being used as the headquarters of the Taesan Guild.

The place where Lee Jung-soo was, standing at the same height as that building, was also the same.

It housed Taesan Pharmaceuticals and Taesan Electronics, emerging as core affiliates of the Taesan Group, along with several other group companies.

Both buildings were gifts from the Chinese government, celebrating the Taesan Group and Lee Jung-soo's move to China.

He had received two large buildings in Shanghai, the so-called economic capital of China, for free.

There was a contract to relocate all affiliates rooted in New Korea to China in the future, but even considering that, it was an unbelievable level of support.

All thanks to Min Ji-hong, who had joined hands with Chairman Jung Qing.

And thanks to Lee Jung-soo's insight in partnering with Min Ji-hong.

'He's truly a great man.'

Unlike the shadows who moved quietly in the underworld, Min Ji-hong was a man who knew how to expand a business.

The fact that he immediately joined hands with the Chinese government after losing the Malignant Guild and the Triads showed his judgment.

Although China's influence wasn't what it used to be.

The capital and technology derived from its population and land still held influence among the top five in the world.

Moreover, the world was paralyzed by the unprecedented epidemic, the Grey Disease.

It was no coincidence that the palliative produced by Taesan Pharmaceuticals was selling like hotcakes.

Turning crisis into opportunity.

Taesan Pharmaceuticals, in the hands of the outstanding figure Lee Jung-soo, was personally practicing that motto.

'Now, New Korea isn't enough. The world is in my hands.'

Grasp.

Lee Jung-soo clenched his fist towards the window.

"Chairman?"

Lee Jung-soo snapped out of his thoughts at the sudden voice.

He saw his chief secretary looking at him.

"Yes. What were we talking about?"

"It's about hiring new and experienced employees."

Lee Jung-soo nodded as if telling him to continue.

"With the rapid growth of Taesan Pharmaceuticals and the Taesan Guild, we need to recruit more personnel."

"And?"

"The Chinese government... is requesting that we hire more than 80% of local personnel."

It was an absurd request.

The government demanding that a private company, even allocating the number of employees.

It was an unfair demand, even for China, where the government's power was immense.

However.

"Grant it."

Lee Jung-soo permitted it as if it were nothing.

The chief secretary looked surprised.

Considering Lee Jung-soo's fiery personality, he thought he would shout loudly again this time.

Lee Jung-soo's thoughts were different.

What comes must go.

'I expected that much interference anyway.'

No matter how notorious Black Hole's mediation was.

Business was inextricably linked to politics, where large sums of money were involved.

He didn't want to spoil a good thing just to protect his pride.

"Anything else?"

"Young Master has honorably graduated at the top of his class in the S-rank license test this time. Congratulations."

"Hmph. Everyone knows that the hurdles for Chinese licenses are lower than in New Korea, don't they?"

Everyone who knew knew that the Chinese Player Association was indiscriminately issuing licenses.

It was not strange for Lee Jung-soo to show this attitude.

"Well, even so, he has laid the groundwork for obtaining an SS-rank license..."

"Okay. Give him a team leader position appropriately and let him into the guild."

That was the end of the report.

"...Understood. Then, I'll be on my way."

The chief secretary bowed his head and left the chairman's office.

"I've come a long way."

Lee Jung-soo muttered, looking at the building across the window.

The Taesan Guild becoming a large guild, and his son Lee Jung-jae acquiring an S-rank license and leading the guild.

It was a plan that should have been realized a long time ago.

All of that was twisted and twisted because of those damn bastards, Ji Jin-hee and Kim Tae-hyun, and it was finally realized after coming to another country.

"Now is the beginning."

Lee Jung-soo clenched his fist once more.

Magic power arose from his fist.

How many people in the world have both force and wealth in their hands?

"I'll make them all lick my feet."

The Taesan Guild and Taesan Pharmaceuticals, which are gaining momentum late, are growing rapidly.

His son, Lee Jung-jae, is also the same.

Lee Jung-jae delved into underworld items to overcome his fear of Kim Tae-hyun.

He strengthened his skills, strengthened his body, drank the demonization potion given by the shadow, and recently entered as a disciple of Kasim Zort.

A little while ago, he said that the value of the Chinese license was low, but even if it was New Korea, there would have been no difficulty in graduating at the top of the class.

No, he had grown beyond recognition to the point where it wouldn't be strange to receive an SS-rank license right away.

Kim Tae-hyun.

There wasn't much time left to watch that damn bastard stir things up.

Lee Jung-soo was so sure of it.

It was then.

The screen installed in the chairman's office rang.

It was the chief secretary who had left the chairman's office a little while ago.

[Chairman. Chairman Jung Qing has contacted you.]

"Connect him."

After a while.

Lee Jung-soo, who was called by Chairman Jung Qing, headed to the Chinese Player Association.

"Sit down. The two of you are familiar with each other, right?"

"Yes. I met him separately before regarding the Taesan Guild."

The new president of the Chinese Player Association, Ryu Si-bo.

He answered Jung Qing's question with precision.

Lee Jung-soo also nodded.

In order to run a guild in China, the connection with the association president is an indispensable relationship.

'Slippery snakes.'

The amount of money Ryu Si-bo had received from Lee Jung-soo was well over 30 billion won.

Jung Qing was no different either.

Political funds and Guanxi, which means relationships, are only one piece of paper apart.

"But what brings you here...?"

"Chairman Lee Jung-soo. You've been on a roll lately, haven't you?"

"It's thanks to you."

Lee Jung-soo bowed respectfully.

In a different sense from Chairman Ryu Si-bo, Chairman Jung Qing was no exaggeration to say that he held his lifeline in China.

That was the reason why Lee Jung-soo, with his fiery personality, backed down.

"Thank you for saying that. Always act for the sake of the great nation."

Do not have other thoughts after receiving the grace of the great nation.

So, continue to be loyal to him in the future.

That was what Jung Qing meant.

"I will keep that in mind. I will keep that in mind."

Lee Jung-soo satisfied Jung Qing by prostrating himself.

"Then, let me tell you why I called you busy people."

Lee Jung-soo and Ryu Si-bo focused, and Jung Qing continued.

"Taiwan's counterattack is fiercer than I thought."

"It's a matter of time."

Ryu Si-bo raised his voice as if expressing his loyalty.

"Yes, yes. That's a reassuring word, but America is watching with hawk eyes."

"What do you mean?"

"We need to change our target temporarily."

"Tell me."

Ryu Si-bo carefully asked his opinion.

"Japan. We have to eat that island nation."

"……!!"

"……!!"

Lee Jung-soo and Ryu Si-bo showed similar reactions.

"Wouldn't it be dangerous...?"

Lee Jung-soo carefully asked back.

"Hahaha. The giant pillars of the great nation. With Chairman Ryu Si-bo and Chairman Lee Jung-soo, what worries are there?"

The Player Association led by Chairman Ryu Si-bo is recognized for its overwhelming numbers, and the Taesan Group, backed by Chinese capital, is growing at a record pace every day.

From Jung Qing's point of view, he felt like he had the best sword and shield in his hands.

Of course, Lee Jung-soo, who was quick to calculate, had a slightly different thought.

'Chairman Jung Qing. He's trying to use me as a shield.'

He recalled Chairman Xue Jiaren, who had communicated directly with Shadow before and had his tail cut off.

If it was New Korea, he would have shouted, but Lee Jung-soo had no choice.

New wine in new bottles.

Since he had moved the stage to China, the only way was to develop relationships with them.

"I will not disappoint you, Chairman."

Lee Jung-soo lowered his head in a sign of obedience and held out his hand.

"The great nation will be with you."

Jung Qing shook Lee Jung-soo's hand and shone his eyes.

"You've worked hard."

The vice guild leader of Night Walker.

Jung Han-soo welcomed Tae-hyun in the guild leader's office.

He was on his way from handing over the fainted Yoo Ah-young to the intensive care unit.

Jung Han-soo knew that fact and thanked him.

Tae-hyun casually accepted the greeting and brought up the business.

"Please find out about the Nigerian player Asisat Ebi. As soon as possible."

"This is a coincidence."

"What do you mean?"

"Asisat Ebi is someone we were looking for at the request of the association. And today, that information came in."

Jung Han-soo told Tae-hyun things he hadn't even asked about.

Aside from being a VVIP customer of the guild, or a player representing New Korea.

It was natural to treat him like this, as he had brought in his guild leader without any compensation.

It wasn't a bad treatment for Tae-hyun.

"Her trace was last discovered in Guangzhou."

"Guangzhou?"

"Yes. There is information that Harsultan's remnants have set up a new hideout in that restricted area. Coincidentally, the whereabouts of Black Hole, who fought with Asisat Ebi, also became unclear around that time."

It was a plausible statement, meaning that Min Ji-hong had driven Asisat Ebi to Guangzhou.

"China... I have an unpleasant feeling."

Whether it's in the past life or the present life.

'It's a country that doesn't care about means or methods to achieve its ambitions.'

Even though Tae-hyun was ranked number 1 in the world, it was still a country with a scale and organization that could not be ignored.

Perhaps if it wasn't for America's check, they would have clashed with New Korea several more times.

"I agree. It's not good to be close, but it's clear that it's bad to be far away. I'll contact you as soon as more information comes in."

"Thank you."

Tae-hyun got up from his seat after finishing his business.

"What are your plans for the future?"

"I plan to stay in New Korea for the time being."

He was going to stay in New Korea and act as a bodyguard until the vaccine was fully developed.

The expected time until the vaccine is completed is one month.

There were many things to do until then.

Tae-hyun headed to the association while being escorted by Jung Han-soo.

Following Ji Jin-hee, Yoo Ah-young, and the Saintess.

'It's been a while, hasn't it?'

It was time to meet the old man.

Translation to English

Episode 249

This was the third time Taehyun was going to find Bang Chaesu.

Compared to before, his Awakened level had risen, and his stats and skills had also increased significantly.

Checking his status window during combat was a chore.

So, fusing skills whenever managing them became difficult was one way to handle it.

The fact that fusion was possible meant that his understanding of the skills had reached a certain level.

'Even if they're fused, I can still use the skills with just magic control.'

Currently, 'Apocalypse' was a skill fused with 'Stealth,' 'Stone Skin,' and 'Chains of Binding.'

He could use all those skills individually for that reason.

'My proficiency should be high enough... I'm looking forward to it.'

Every time he fused, he gained effects beyond what he expected.

This time, the ranks of the skills he obtained weren't low, so he couldn't help but be excited.

"Construction is in full swing."

As he entered the Association's area, he saw laborers and players moving busily.

Kasim Zort's attack had easily breached the Association's defenses, which were considered the safest in Shinhan.

The new defenses being built would apparently have Gate Zones that the top 20 guilds in Shinhan could immediately support.

'It's better than nothing... but it won't be much help.'

Swish, swish, swish.

Using Stealth, Taehyun quickly passed the guards.

For the five B-rank players on guard duty, it happened in the blink of an eye.

'It's better not to contact the Director or the Association President separately.'

Both of them already had mountains of questions for Taehyun.

If he got caught, he'd have to spend a long time talking.

'I need to focus for the time being.'

Bang Chaesu's lab was located in the innermost part of the Association.

That was why Bang Chaesu was safe during the recent attack, which had caused so many casualties.

When he arrived in front of the lab, there was a large sign:

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.

'Does he have a visitor?'

Taehyun was thinking that when.

He felt a familiar magic power from inside.

It was the magic power emitted when Bang Chaesu used his skills.

And the magic power that skill was attracting was also familiar to Taehyun.

'This is…'

Was it because of the joy of having a guest who came before him?

Or was it because of the anticipation of how the first guest would grow?

Either way.

Taehyun was quietly at the door.

He was just waiting for the magic of the two people to subside.

"Hoo... this was the hardest fusion since Taehyun, huh?"

Contrary to his words, Bang Chaesu's face was smiling.

That was because the person who received his procedure was one of the top players in Shinhan.

It was Im Ayoung, one of the main players who would lead Shinhan in the future.

The procedure was also successful.

The energy emanating from Im Ayoung was noticeably different compared to before the procedure.

"Thank you, Professor Bang."

"Professor? I'm just a sinner who received an undeserved opportunity for atonement thanks to the Association President's consideration."

Bang Chaesu said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Sinner? That's out of the question."

Ayoung roughly knew what kind of life Bang Chaesu had lived.

She didn't want to make a mockery of the hardships he had endured and his beliefs.

'A rare young lady.'

Bang Chaesu smiled pleasantly at Ayoung's kind nature.

"More importantly, are there any aftereffects? I don't know much, but... you fused your skills not long after fully recovering, so it's best not to move too vigorously for a while."

"Yes."

Im Ayoung politely bowed her head in response.

She was planning to resume training right away from today, but she thought it would be better to say that for now.

'I can't fall behind forever.'

She realized it while fighting the Shadow.

How much of a frog in a well she was.

She couldn't fight alongside Kim Taehyun if she grew like this.

Ayoung was determined when.

Her gaze turned to the door of the lab.

"Professor... did you have another guest scheduled today besides me?"

"That can't be. Aside from the Association President or Chief Go, no one ever comes here...?"

At Bang Chaesu's words, Ayoung's eyes narrowed.

Blue magic power overflowed from her body.

It was a pure yet frostily cold magic power that was admirable.

"Please step behind me, Professor."

"Hmm?"

Bang Chaesu tilted his head, not knowing what was going on.

"I think he's been standing outside since the skill fusion was happening."

She opened up her magic power so that she could use her skills at any time.

The player Association headquarters, considered the safest in Shinhan, had already lost its credibility due to two attacks.

It wasn't unreasonable for her to react sensitively, as she had been knocked unconscious by the Shadow until recently.

"Who is it?"

Ayoung put magic power into her voice.

It was quiet, but it was enough to reach beyond the door.

"Come in."

Even after she said it again, there was still no movement.

Suddenly.

"......!!"

An unknown magic power flowed in from outside the door.

It was a venomous force she had never experienced before, a magic power like poison.

'At least an upper-tier S-rank player.'

Or.

'An upper-tier S-rank Demon!!"

There was no way an S-rank player of this level would look for Bang Chaesu without contacting him.

It was not unreasonable for her to think that he was a demon.

She created two ice spears in the air.

"A, Ayoung..."

Bang Chaesu was briefly flustered by the unexpected situation.

Fwoosh.

One of the spears slowly passed through the doorway.

It was a kind of bait.

To test the opponent's capabilities.

And surprisingly.

Crack.

"......!!"

The spear, which was slowly passing through the door while freezing the surroundings, was torn apart as if it had been bitten by something and disappeared.

Ayoung launched another spear without delay.

This time, it was an attack intended to inflict injuries.

But.

Crack!

The ice spear failed to achieve its intended purpose this time as well and disappeared.

Kuuuuu.

The magic power flowing from Ayoung's body became even more intense.

It was because she realized she had made a mistake.

The opponent outside the door was not just an upper-tier S-rank.

At least.

'A top-tier S-rank.'

Kwaazzz.

A huge spear was created according to her will.

The temperature of the building seemed to drop due to the blue magic power surging from the spear.

Whoosh!!

An ice spear reaching 2 meters in length pierced through the door and aimed for the intruder's life.

At the same time.

Kwaang!

There was a presence breaking through the door.

Fwoosh.

An uninvited guest appeared in the frozen lab.

"Im Ayoung. Are you starting to resemble your sister?"

Ayoung's eyes widened at the unexpected situation.

"Kim... Taehyun...?"

"Tae, Taehyun..."

In Taehyun's eyes, who had picked up the ice spear.

He saw the figures of a flustered Im Ayoung and a shivering Bang Chaesu.

"S, sorry!!"

Ayoung was startled and calmed her magic power.

She realized that she had reacted sensitively because she had not recovered from her injury.

Taehyun turned his gaze to Bang Chaesu, barely acknowledging her greeting.

"Have you been well?"

"Oh, it's been a while. W, well... cough... cough...!!"

Bang Chaesu coughed at the sudden drop in the lab's temperature.

Only then did Ayoung hurriedly take out a blanket from the lab and wrap it around Bang Chaesu's body.

"I was beaten to it."

Taehyun said, looking at Ayoung.

There aren't many multiple skill Awakeners.

That's why it was a mistake to think that there would be time whenever.

'But I never thought Im Ayoung would do a skill fusion.'

If the skill fusion succeeds, it would be an undeniable benefit, but there is no strengthening without risk.

Especially for an S-rank player, the risk is by no means negligible.

They could become physically disabled, or their stats could be permanently lowered.

Ayoung took on skill fusion, even considering such risks.

As Taehyun casually scanned her body, Ayoung shyly avoided his gaze.

It was an attack that could injure even an S-rank player.

It was only then that she realized how absurd a mistake she had made.

But even this time, Taehyun didn't seem to care.

"I should come another day. You look very tired."

"Haha. Give me two days. I'll be in tip-top shape in the intensive care unit during that time. More than that…"

Bang Chaesu's gaze turned to Ayoung.

Along with Taehyun, she was another masterpiece he had created.

He felt awkward speaking only to him in front of Ayoung.

'Just like the rumors say, he treats women like stones.'

Unusually for his age, Bang Chaesu was well-informed about rumors.

He also knew that Taehyun was having something going on with many players, both domestic and international.

Im Ayoung was also one of them.

But what about this apathy?

It was not an easy thing even for Bang Chaesu in his old age, so it was natural to admire Taehyun, who had just entered his twenties.

"Kim Taehyun. I'm sorry about what happened a little while ago. I thought a Demon might have invaded…"

"I know. It's understandable since you haven't been back from your injury for long. You need to get treatment to prevent PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), okay?"

"...Okay."

Ayoung's shoulders drooped.

"Then I'll come back in two days."

"Haha. How about having a cup of tea or something?"

"Let's do that then."

"Hmm... then I'll see you in two days."

Just as Taehyun was about to leave the chilly lab.

"Kim Taehyun!!"

Ayoung called out to Taehyun in a loud voice.

"……?"

Facing Taehyun, who turned around with an incomprehensible expression.

"Can you... spare some time?!!"

Ayoung shouted bravely.

"Hehehe. Youth is great."

Bang Chaesu watched the scene with a satisfied look.

Shinhan Player Association Headquarters.

S-rank Training Room.

"Are you serious?"

Taehyun asked again.

"Yes."

Ayoung nodded with a determined expression.

"A sparring match…"

Ayoung's request after seeing him after a long time.

That was to help her test her skill fusion.

Ding.

[Skill: Eyes of Higher Species (SS) has been activated.]

"Those eyes…!!"

Ayoung was startled by the suddenly opened crimson eyes.

"Don't worry about it. It's just an observation skill."

Taehyun made a rough excuse.

"……."

He could see the magic power flowing through Ayoung's body.

A blue magic power equivalent to a top-tier S-rank player.

Did she have some kind of realization after being attacked by the Shadow?

Or.

'Was the skill fusion overly successful?'

Either way.

What was certain was that she had become strong enough to want to test her strength.

Just like Yoo Ayoung, whom Taehyun had just met.

Suddenly, Rosaria's words came to mind.

'We need to raise Im Ayoung as soon as possible.'

Even without Taehyun, he immediately had Yoo Ayoung as insurance.

But the more insurance, the better, right?

Having two days unexpectedly free.

Taehyun decided to invest that time in Ayoung.

She would be suitable for Taehyun to test his skill proficiency.

"Okay. Then come in when you're ready."

Kuuuu.

Just as Ayoung's body was about to release blue magic power.

Ding.

[Skill: Ice Heart (S) has been activated.]

[Skill: Ice Age (S) has been activated.]

Two skills were used simultaneously.

Fwoosh.

Successive messages appeared in front of Taehyun, indicating that he was exposed to the cold.

Ayoung reached out her hand to Taehyun.

Crackle.

Ice rose up his leg.

She was trying to strengthen the skill and turn him into an ice statue.

"Well, not bad."

Ding.

[Skill: Apocalypse (SS) has been activated. Target is selected.]

[Output is limited. Output: 5%]

Kuuung.

Thud.

"Huh?"

Due to the sudden gravity.

Ayoung knelt down without even realizing it.

Taehyun looked down at her with a flustered expression.

"What are you doing?"

"……!!"

Belatedly, she realized that she was kneeling.

Her face turned bright red as she strengthened her skill.

Crackle.

Strengthened magic power surrounded her body.

Ice Armor.

It was a technique similar to Taehyun's Stone Skin.

"Hoo…."

Following her breath.

Fwoosh.

A spear of cold was gripped in her hand.

It was the moment she pounced, determined to launch a proper attack this time.

Ding.

[Skill: Apocalypse (SS) has been activated. Target is selected.]

[Output is limited. Output: 10%]

Due to the crushing magic power.

Kuuung!!

Ayoung knelt down once again.

"Get up."

There was no time to be in a panic.

Looking down at her, whose eyes were widened in disbelief.

"It hasn't even started yet."

Taehyun muttered quietly.

Episode 250

S-Rank Top-Tier Player.

Though their brilliance had somewhat faded with the advent of the SS-Rank Player License.

Their prestige was by no means something to be taken lightly.

In the first place, the SS-Rank Player License was a level reached by S-Rank Top-Tier Players who had accumulated status.

In other words, a realm with limitless possibilities for growth.

That was the realm of the S-Rank Top-Tier Player.

And now.

Before Taehyun's eyes, there was another player who had crossed the wall.

White breath puffed out with each exhale.

The temperature of the training room had already dropped to an absurd degree.

All of this was the result of Im Ah-young alone.

'Is her skill rank around S?'

In Taehyun's previous life, right before his regression.

Even then, SS was the only Awakened rank, and the SS-Rank Player License was the final one as well.

Due to Taehyun's regression, the strong from his previous life were quickly emerging to the surface.

Im Ah-young was the same.

The figure that stood before Taehyun now was no longer the clumsy player from before.

"You've gotten really strong."

Taehyun praised 'Ice Age,' which had completely frozen one of his arms.

Although he had released 'Apocalypse' to draw out her full power.

She deserved to be praised for producing this much output.

"Haa... Haa...."

The person in question, Im Ah-young, could only breathe heavily, without any time to be happy.

'Even with this... I can't reach him?'

Whack.

Ah-young's face contorted.

She had always possessed exceptional talent.

In addition, she had added consistent effort, and gained rare experience as a key member of the un-cleared dungeon raid team.

Talent combined with effort led to rapid growth.

A level that would be recognized not only in Shin Korea, but also worldwide.

An exhilarating sense of elation made her heart flutter.

Just a little more like this.

If she put in a little more effort, gained more experience, and grew, she thought she could reach Taehyun.

She thought she could be active on the same front line as him.

For her, the battle with the Shadow was a stimulant.

A guy that had been corrected from S-Rank High-Tier to Top-Tier Mind.

If they formed a good party, if they planned their strategy well, if they overloaded their skills.

They might be able to do something about it.

'How foolish.'

Clench.

Ah-young clenched her fist.

Reality was cold.

She was no match at all.

He was elusive, and before she could even overload her skills, he inflicted fatal wounds and disappeared.

Numerous players moving with her lost their lives or were seriously injured.

She was lucky enough not to lose her life either.

After that, Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, Kwak Si-yang, Ji Jin-hee.

Those who surpassed her, the best of Shin Korea, suffered helpless defeats.

The Shadow was someone who even surpassed S-Rank Top-Tier Players.

It was only natural that she couldn't do anything about him.

That was the evaluation that was made.

The mental recovery took longer than the physical recovery.

But those who are truly strong choose to rise rather than fall.

She had already received a considerable shock from Taehyun during the Player License Test.

Ah-young rose above her defeat.

What was the problem?

What should she do to break through the wall?

She constantly thought, analyzed, and worried.

What she chose was not skill 'enhancement' but skill 'fusion.'

Ko Tae-wook had gone from A-Rank to S-Rank with skill enhancement.

Simple growth has its limits.

She judged that she couldn't aim for SS-Rank with that much.

The reason she chose the complex growth of fusion rather than the intuitive growth of enhancement was because of that.

"The will of the person involved is important in skill fusion."

That was what Bang Chae-soo said when she visited the lab after much deliberation.

The ambition to be with Taehyun.

The desire to defeat her sister, Yoo Ah-young, and return everything to its place.

A desire for growth that must be essential for all of that.

Her will was sufficient, and as a result, her choice was successful.

'Physical Enhancement' and 'Weapon Enhancement,' which were only B-Rank, were reborn as the S-Rank skill 'Ice Heart' with her blue magic.

It was a personal buff skill that not only enhanced 'Ice Age' but also increased stats themselves.

S-Rank skill 'Ice Age' enhanced with S-Rank skill 'Ice Heart'.

Not addition but multiplication.

Now she could feel what that phrase meant.

Absolute power gained without the risk of skill overload.

When she entered the training ground and used her skills.

She realized that she had become the seventh S-Rank Top-Tier Player in Shin Korea.

Even so.

'I can't... reach him...'

Ah-young breathed heavily and got up, her body creaking.

It was the aftereffects of being hit by Taehyun's skill 'Apocalypse' a little while ago.

How many times had she knelt down?

The more she attacked, the more tired she became, and her mana was running low.

All she had managed was freezing one of Taehyun's arms while he was showing some openings.

Judging by his expression, even that didn't seem very shocking.

A feeling of inferiority tore her whole body apart.

Ugh.

She bit her lip.

Despite the incredible growth she had made, she had only realized that there was an unbridgeable gap between her and Taehyun.

Would she be able to reach Taehyun even if she became an SS-Rank Player?

No.

'I can't classify him by rank anymore.'

It felt like facing a wall she couldn't climb.

It's miserable.

More than when she was defeated by the Shadow.

It's embarrassing.

More than the mocking gaze of her sister, Yoo Ah-young.

Is that why?

Even though she knew there was a risk if she pulled up more power, she chose the path of exceeding her limits.

"Properly... fight me... Kim Taehyun...!!"

She shouted and drew all the remaining mana.

Ting.

[Skill Ice Age (S) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

[Skill Ice Heart (S) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

[Health has reached its limit.]

[Mana has reached its limit.]

Negative messages popped up one after another.

She didn't care and pulled up mana.

Bluuuurp.

Hot blood that didn't match the cold training room flowed down.

She didn't care.

If she could only reach the man she had set as her goal.

'This body... no matter how many times...!!'

Ting.

[Skill Proficiency of Ice Age (S) has increased.]

[Skill Proficiency of Ice Heart (S) has increased.]

Mana, which was incomparable to before, fluttered from her body.

It was the influence of overloading the skill.

Jiririririk.

Crystalline cold gathered in her hand.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

She condenses, condenses, and condenses again the crystals of cold.

Holding unbelievable power in her hand.

Step. Step. Step.

She walked towards Taehyun.

With each step she took, her mana seemed to be flowing backwards, unstable.

Taehyun watched Ah-young approaching him.

He could avoid it if he wanted to.

Her condition was not normal to anyone.

If he dodged and attacked, she would fall from mana reversal without time to recover.

But this is not a match.

Confirmation of growth and training.

Taehyun was going to accept the ultimate skill that Ah-young used even while overloading her skills.

The battle he had in Japan a little while ago.

Yoo Ah-young's appearance, which had manifested Rosaria's power, came to mind.

What are the odds that the sisters are both S-Rank Top-Tier Players?

What are the odds that he would have to defeat both of those sisters in one day?

'It seems that sisters are sisters, seeing as they are making things troublesome.'

The corners of his mouth went up at the recklessness of the two women.

Taehyun knows better than anyone about the will to grow.

Ah-young, who had already come close, reached out her hand.

Pazzzzzzzik.

The condensed ice crystal headed towards Taehyun's chest.

"You worked hard."

Taehyun praised her courage indifferently.

And.

Ting.

[Skill Beast Transformation (S) has been activated. Specify the mimicry part.]

Kwaaaaaaa.

Brown mana rose from Taehyun's body for a while.

Kwaddeudeudeuk.

His right arm swelled up like that of a beast-type monster.

Kwazik!!

The transformed hand grabbed the ice crystal.

Jiririririk!!

Riding his arm, Ah-young's blue mana swallowed his whole body.

Zzzzzzzzz.

It was about to freeze the entire building.

Taehyun took all that mana into his body.

The ice crystal, which was spewing blue cold, didn't stop even after freezing his whole body.

"Cough... Keuk..."

Ah-young scattered blood on the floor.

Without a doubt.

It is clearly an attack that can inflict valid damage even to SS-Rank monsters.

Even so.

Taehyun, trapped in the ice, was smiling.

"Damn it..."

Thud.

Ah-young collapsed, spitting out swear words.

After a while.

Chiiiiik.

Purple mana rose up.

The ice that was binding her body melted away in an instant.

Taehyun looked at the ice crystal floating in the air.

A skill that doesn't disappear even after the caster falls.

If he left it like this, it was clear that it would affect the building beyond the training room.

Ting.

[Skill Demon's Saliva (SS) has been activated.]

Taehyun grabbed the crystal with his purple hand.

Chiiiiik.

The crystal disappeared without any particular resistance.

Only then did Taehyun look down at the collapsed Ah-young.

"Your younger sister is quite something too, isn't she?"

It was a pure impression after finishing the short exchange.

It was definitely a power that would be worthy of an SS-Rank Player's unique technique.

It was because it was Taehyun that he received it.

If it were a run-of-the-mill SS-Rank monster, it would have been greatly shocked.

"Although the skill stability is a little low..."

At least it was a much more positive growth trend than Alex Watson and Daniel Green, who were already deceased.

'If I refine it a little more, I can let her work as an SS-Rank Player.'

Yoo Ah-young, who already has the power of an SS-Rank Player, and Im Ah-young, who shows the potential to become an SS-Rank Player.

'Two SS-Rank Players.'

If he does well, the period to leave for the Abyss may be brought forward.

A week later, Taehyun visited Bang Chae-soo again.

The time was delayed because of Ah-young's training.

It was said that Kim Taehyun was torturing Im Ah-young like a rat in the private training room.

Yoo Ah-young of Night Walker was already unconscious and recovering.

He trampled on the Saintess and forced her to obey him.

It was said that he was targeting Kwon Kang-hyuk, the guild leader who was rude to the chairman, as his next target.

It was when such rumors were circulating among the players of Shin Korea.

"I've heard some strange rumors."

Bang Chae-soo said as he prepared for skill fusion.

"Rumors travel a thousand miles on foot."

"......"

Bang Chae-soo was momentarily at a loss for words at the unexpected response.

"I heard you beat Ah-young to a pulp...? Is she okay? I heard she's recovering in the intensive care unit..."

Bang Chae-soo worried about the masterpiece that his skill had created.

Even though it was a masterpiece with diamond strength, it wouldn't be strange if it broke because its opponent was Taehyun.

"You don't have to worry. She'll get stronger."

"Stronger... As strong as you?"

Taehyun shrugged at the expectant look.

"Everything is ready."

"How long do you think it will take this time?"

Bang Chae-soo scanned Taehyun's status window.

As Taehyun grew, Bang Chae-soo's skill proficiency also increased as he faced many players.

Is that why?

He began to see some of Taehyun's skills that he hadn't seen before.

"Well... I'd be lucky if I didn't pass out in the middle..."

"I should meditate then."

Taehyun, who had crossed his legs, closed his eyes, and the third skill fusion began.

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