RKP 51-60

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Okay, here is the translation:

Episode 51

Meanwhile, Taehyun and Ayoung, the parties involved, were making smooth progress in their dungeon raid.

Despite being named a temple, the dungeon was structured with ascending stairs, and the two were currently passing through the 12th floor.

"How much longer do we have to climb? I have a decent amount of potions, but..."

Ayoung grumbled as she defeated a monster and extracted its magic stone.

That was because they had dealt with a total of 24 A-rank monsters since entering the double dungeon.

It wasn't a large number considering the dungeon's size, but she was losing steam with the monsters appearing in small increments, as if testing the waters.

"It's good to have this kind of leisure."

Taehyun said, putting the magic stone extracted from another corpse into the 'Infinite Backpack.'

Click.

He took out a fatigue potion from his backpack and drank it.

He could feel the fatigue from moving his body intensely while climbing up quickly subsiding.

'Ah, this is the taste.'

A refreshed expression appeared on his face as if he had drunk an energy drink.

This was because he had caught all the monsters he had faced so far with his talisman and physical abilities, without using any special skills.

No matter how many potions he had, it was an inefficient way of fighting considering the financial aspect.

"Aren't you wasting too much energy unnecessarily?"

Ayoung, who had been watching all this time, finally said something.

The monsters they faced while climbing the floors were becoming increasingly difficult, but Taehyun still didn't seem to want to use his skills.

He wasn't even using new skills, only appropriately mixing 'Stone Skin,' 'Stealth,' and 'Paralysis.'

'Is she wary of me?'

She wasn't hiding her observation, so it was an understandable reaction.

However.

Glug. Glug.

Taehyun drinking his second potion without any hesitation.

Looking at that, it didn't seem like that was the case.

"It's a kind of training. The world is too dangerous to rely solely on skills."

Ayoung shook her head at his playful words.

She couldn't understand Taehyun's way of thinking, doing unnecessary hard work.

"Still, for a double dungeon, it's manageable so far, right?"

Ayoung was worried about a situation where dozens of A-rank monsters attacked at once.

One or two times would be fine, but if such rushes continued, it would be difficult to maintain the same level of magic control.

'Was I worrying for nothing?'

The double dungeon still had many unknowns.

Even after climbing 12 floors.

Seeing that no more than two monsters were appearing at a time, it wasn't as difficult to raid as its reputation suggested.

"Don't let your guard down. There might be traps set up."

He reminded Ayoung, who seemed to be slightly relaxing, of the possibility of illusion traps.

Whether it was in the Abyss or a dungeon, there was nothing more dangerous than being careless when facing monsters.

Above all.

'We still have a long way to go to get to the 50th floor.'

Taehyun, knowing that the 'Phoenix Temple' was 50 floors high, needed to pay a little more attention to his partner's condition.

'Still, it's easier with two people.'

If he were alone without Ayoung, he wouldn't have been able to maintain the same level of magic control.

"Should we take a break?"

"Are your legs too weak or something?"

"...Catch your breath before you speak."

With those words, Taehyun sat down first.

At the current speed, six hours would be enough to reach the 50th floor.

There was no need to push himself to raid the dungeon.

He opened his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 19

Rank: B

Strength: 121 Stamina: 140 Speed: 103 Magic: 180 Charm: 30

Fatigue: 25%

Remaining Magic: 160/180

[Skills]

Devour (B) - Can devour the desired target. Consumes demonic energy: 40

Stone Skin (B) - Can strengthen the body. Consumes demonic energy: 30

Stealth (B) - Can hide the body. Consumes demonic energy: 25

Paralysis (B) - Restricts the target's body. Consumes demonic energy: 20

Lord's Heart (B) - Increases the stats of party members. Consumes demonic energy: 30

King Knight's Intimidation (B) - Overwhelms the opponent with intimidation. Consumes demonic energy: 35

Chains of Restraint (B) - Restrains the target. Skill tracking and cancellation are possible. Consumes demonic energy: 27

Contract with the Devil (B) - Can open a gate to the Abyss. Consumes demonic energy: 200 (1/1)

'My physical abilities are steadily increasing.'

His answer to Ayoung earlier wasn't just a joke.

Cutting down enemies one by one with his talisman.

That was also to adapt to the changing physical stats.

It was only recently that he lost his strength and speed.

Before he could get used to that body, he significantly increased his strength and stamina stats through the 'Warrior's Ring.'

Adapting to his current stats before reaching the 50th floor was really like training.

As a result.

Taehyun, who had broken away from his previous speed-oriented combat, had grown to the point where he could fight like a tank.

'There's no problem as long as my speed stat increases little by little.'

His strength, stamina, and magic stats had already surpassed 120.

His speed stat was increasing little by little to adapt to the harsh combat style.

From Ayoung's perspective, who didn't know these circumstances, it wasn't unreasonable to think that he was wary of her.

"You're looking at the status window every time, what are you looking at so closely?"

Ayoung, who had already returned, asked, sticking her head out from behind.

"You can never look at the status window in enough detail."

Reacting calmly to Ayoung's actions, Taehyun got up.

"Geez. You're good at saying things that don't suit your age."

"Anyone would think I'm a naive child."

"That's not wrong. I sometimes feel a childish yet profound boldness from our 'baby,' like that of middle-aged men."

"......"

Taehyun flinched without realizing it at Yoo Ayoung's unintentional words.

It was the moment Taehyun showed the most weakness since entering the dungeon.

But.

Ayoung, the person involved, didn't notice it.

30th floor.

Drakes and Sneijders appeared.

Those who couldn't become dragons and stayed on the ground.

Because wings did not exist, their appearance was reminiscent of degenerated dragons and Imugis.

It was generally said that they were on the A-rank list with just their physical abilities, but they did have one special ability.

[Skill Amazoness's Ferocity (S) is activated. The skill is nullified due to the opponent's resistance.]

This was because Ayoung's skill 'Amazoness's Ferocity' was nullified due to the high magic resistance in their scales.

"Step back. I'll take care of this one."

Seeing Ayoung frowning, Taehyun stepped forward using 'Stone Skin.'

Since he had to catch the monsters for Ayoung as well, he thought he would have to stay on this floor for quite a while.

However.

"No. There's no need for that."

Ayoung didn't step back but instead moved in front of Taehyun.

Kwaaaa.

Green magic like a mirage rose from her body.

The overflowing magic seemed to stabilize little by little, sticking to her body and hardening.

It was a sight that could only be seen through the skill 'Body Enhancement.'

'It's less efficient than a registered skill, but... still impressive.'

Taehyun, who was watching from behind, lightly admired.

A skill is a fixed technology that is manifested through magic.

Therefore, if you have a high understanding of technology and magic, any skill can be realized.

In the past, scholars made plausible hypotheses.

It was a reasonable statement to the point that related schools were created, and they repeated numerous experiments on players to prove their claims.

The results of the research were miserable.

Despite spending astronomical amounts of money and time, only a few S-rank players succeeded in imitating E-rank skills at best.

Even then, the power and magic consumption were ridiculously low compared to the actual skills.

The world ridiculed the failure of the research.

The scholars stated that their theories were not wrong and that it was difficult to build a proper experimental environment.

They admitted that realizing the attributes of skills with the human head and body was close to impossible.

The research was discontinued, revealing only that human understanding of magic was not high.

But even in failure, some see possibilities.

The research gave many players hints for training and growth.

Top-ranked players who had mastered the understanding of magic.

They began to focus on developing new technologies.

Just like Ayoung right now.

'Not bad, Yoo Ayoung. At this rate, you'll be able to enhance your body to A-rank.'

The magic consumption wouldn't be comparable to a skill, but it's not easy to gather that much magic.

In that respect, Ayoung was clearly one of the top talents among S-rank players worldwide.

"Watch closely, our baby. The ones who don't respond to skills."

Ayoung's figure quickly shot out.

Kwaaaang!!

Crack!!

Kwaddeudeuk!!

Ten exchanges of blows occurred in an instant.

And.

Kooong.

Kooong.

The huge bodies of the two monsters collapsed, shaking the ground.

"Because you can just break them with strength like this."

Ayoung, coming down from the corpses of the two monsters, shook the blood off her hands.

Seeing that, Taehyun clapped.

"That's a really good method."

He couldn't deny that it was a good spectacle.

49th floor.

This time too, there were two of them.

Taehyun and Ayoung looked down at the corpses of the monsters they had just defeated, catching their breath.

The flames that hadn't yet died down were surging around them.

It was not an easy fight for the two of them.

"Haa... Haa... What kind of dungeon is this? These guys aren't even the boss."

The Fire Drake that Ayoung defeated and the Fire Sneijder that Taehyun defeated.

Unlike ordinary Drakes and Sneijders, they were monsters imbued with fire attributes.

Monsters on the S-rank list.

Even those guys appeared as gatekeepers, not bosses.

For Ayoung, who had to engage in hand-to-hand combat because skills didn't work, the seriousness was newly recognized.

'If I had faced them alone... I would have taken out my hidden card already.'

Ayoung sighed softly.

"Hoo... Let's take a break."

Taehyun sat down on the floor and gulped down a potion.

"......"

Unlike Taehyun, who hadn't lost his composure, Ayoung's expression wasn't good as she examined her backpack.

She thought she had brought enough in the Infinite Backpack.

But she had been using excessive magic since the 30th floor, so there were only a few potions left.

At this rate, they would run out before they could even climb three more floors.

Taehyun glanced at her and got up.

It was to collect the magic stones.

"You don't need to pretend to be strong."

"I'm actually strong."

"Well, I guess you are."

"......"

"More than that, I hope the rules of this dungeon don't apply on the next floor."

"Yeah. At this rate, we won't have any potions left."

Ayoung said it as if it were nothing, but Taehyun knew her burning heart.

'Is it almost over?'

Right above them was the 50th floor, the top of the 'Phoenix Temple.'

The S-rank monster Phoenix, known as the dungeon boss, would be waiting there.

There was no need to comfort Ayoung.

Episode 52

Before ascending to the 50th floor, Tae-hyun meticulously checked his condition and equipment.

Ah-young, the former strategist who was unaware that a phoenix awaited them on the next floor, did the same.

'Sending down monsters based on the number of people... What a nasty guy.'

While climbing the 49th floor, Tae-hyun and Ah-young faced a total of 98 monsters.

Most of them were A-rank monsters, and S-rank ones were not uncommon in the latter half.

In particular, Ah-young's skill, 'Amazonian Ferocity,' was often ineffective due to the Dragon race's unique resistance to magic.

Considering all that...

Tae-hyun felt that it lived up to the name of the Double Dungeon, if not surpassed Apocalito.

Of course.

'This is about the level it would take for Yoo Ah-young's raid party to suffer near-total annihilation…'

Strange.

As if something was missing.

'Not enough.'

He couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling.

On the other hand, Ah-young, who was directly involved in the raid, questioned the current situation for a different reason.

"Hey, you don't think they'll start sending three at a time from the next floor, do you?"

It was a plausible assumption.

"No matter how I think about it, the owner of this dungeon seems to be playing with us."

Tae-hyun chuckled at Ah-young's sarcastic tone.

If he didn't know there was a phoenix on the next floor, even Tae-hyun would have felt helpless.

"If you're all rested, let's go."

Tae-hyun braced himself and stepped onto the stairs leading to the next floor.

"Hey, wait up."

Ah-young hurriedly followed him.

Double Dungeon: 'Phoenix Temple.'

Tae-hyun realized why it was named that only after reaching the 50th floor.

'Now it looks like a temple.'

The sight that greeted him as soon as he reached the top of the stairs.

Tae-hyun involuntarily opened his mouth.

Ah-young, who followed behind, did the same.

"What? Don't tell me three… Wow."

The size of each floor from the 1st to the 49th was by no means small.

But the size they were seeing now was as if all 49 floors they had passed through were combined.

Statues of unknown shapes were erected everywhere, and flames were burning from ten pillars.

At the center of it all.

A monster with blue flames engulfing its body was looking down at Tae-hyun and Ah-young with dignity.

S-rank monster: Phoenix.

A monster that mainly uses fire attacks, characterized by its superior regeneration ability compared to ordinary S-rank monsters.

Creating items from the byproducts of the Phoenix was like a dream for those with production skill awakenings, and a rare grade was guaranteed if they succeeded in crafting them.

The Phoenix Potion Tae-hyun had drunk was also one of the representative items.

'In addition to its insane regeneration, it's said to be difficult to deal with due to its high magic resistance.'

He had followed many high-level players in his past life, but this was the first time he had seen a Phoenix.

Its appearance area was as elusive as its rare value.

"Phoenix?"

Ah-young also looked a little flustered when she belatedly identified the monster.

It was a natural reaction, considering that a 5-meter-tall Phoenix was looking down at them in a huge temple.

'I don't see anything special yet.'

Tae-hyun examined the Phoenix with a deflated expression.

He hadn't found any special traps while climbing up to the 49th floor.

That was why.

He expected something special to be set up on the 50th floor.

'Like a chance encounter.'

Contrary to his expectations, the 50th floor was just as magnificent as the size of the temple, with no special devices to be seen.

The Phoenix also had nothing special about its appearance, except that it was engulfed in blue flames.

'Is its magic stone special? Even making one more Phoenix Potion would be a worthwhile endeavor…'

While Tae-hyun was thinking that, Ah-young muttered in a nervous voice.

"Be careful, Kim Tae-hyun. That Phoenix... It's a blue flame."

"……?"

What did it matter if it was a red flame or a blue flame?

When Tae-hyun reacted as if it didn't matter, Ah-young sighed softly.

"Phoenixes that use blue flames have the ability to mind-control other monsters."

"……!!"

One hypothesis flashed through his mind.

Only then did he feel like the scattered puzzles were piecing together.

At that moment.

Someone's voice was heard in Tae-hyun's head.

[So, you've finally made it this far.]

It was an unknown language, but.

The meaning was clearly understood.

The language of monsters.

The language he had heard from the Death Knight Lord echoed in his head again.

Creak. Creak. Creak.

As if it didn't expect Tae-hyun to understand its words, the Phoenix made a monster-like laughing sound.

Ah-young became wary of the ominous atmosphere and prepared to activate her skill.

"What's wrong?"

"...Nothing."

'The monster is talking to me.' He would clearly be treated as mentally ill if he said that.

"Rather than that, if it's mind control, I should be the one to deal with it…"

Ting.

[Magic use detected. You have been affected by 'Mind Control.' Resisting with a mysterious force. Resistance successful.]

At the same time as confirming the message that appeared before his eyes.

Whoosh.

Ah-young's fist that she swung passed by with the sound of wind.

Distance and speed.

Considering everything, if he hadn't lowered his head, it wouldn't have ended with just a minor injury.

Tae-hyun distanced himself from Ah-young.

"So, it was something like this."

[Hoh. You have withstood my power.]

The voice, which was clearly the Phoenix's, echoed in his head.

Tae-hyun's expression turned bitter as he grasped the situation.

The four major guilds with many high-level players: Night Walker.

The guild leader of that place and S-rank ranker of Shin-Hanguk, Yoo Ah-young.

The reason why she had suffered tremendous damage during her past life's raid of the Double Dungeon 'Phoenix Temple' and was reluctant to talk about the details.

"They made allies fight each other with mind control."

If Yoo Ah-young, who could be said to be the guild's top power, was rampaging, they would have been too busy trying to survive, let alone hunting monsters.

It was also easy to imagine that a significant number of casualties would have already occurred when the mind control was released.

Ah-young, whose eyes were dyed blue, approached.

No murderous intent or fighting spirit was felt, but the oppressive feeling of an S-rank player was conveyed intact.

"What are you going to do if you get affected?"

[Skill use detected. Amazonian Ferocity (S) is penetrating. Resisting with a mysterious force. Resistance successful.]

Ah-young was even using skills while being mind-controlled.

Kwaaaaaa.

Tae-hyun released his magic power.

Dark red magic power rose from his body.

[Using Skill: Chains of Restraint (B). Searching for the target. Target has been identified.]

Ah-young's body began to be painted red.

Dozens of chains covered Ah-young, who was unleashing ferocity.

Chwarararack. Chwarararack.

The chains wrapped around her arms and legs, and 'Amazonian Ferocity' was dispelled.

Kwaduk. Kwaduduk.

She struggled to break free, but.

She couldn't shake off the chains in a state where the skill was dispelled.

"I wondered if they were sending down monsters based on the number of people."

Tae-hyun picked up the restrained her while being wary of the Phoenix.

And.

[Using Skill: Paralysis (B). Searching for the target. Target has been identified.]

Ah-young stiffened at Tae-hyun's magic power.

He perfectly took care of the aftermath to prevent her from rampaging again.

Tae-hyun threw her into the corner.

"It's not nice for a phoenix to play with people."

[Using Skill: Stone Skin (B).]

[Using Skill: Stealth (B).]

Sssssss.

Looking at Tae-hyun, who instantly hid his body.

[An interesting fellow has come.]

The Phoenix's blue eyes seemed to change as if it were smiling.

Kwaang!

The magic bullets fired by the Phoenix exploded as they hit the floor.

It was the spot where Tae-hyun, who had used stealth a moment ago, had been standing.

Confirming that it had failed to hit him, the Phoenix fired magic bullets again from its body.

Kwang. Kwang. Kwang. Kwaang.

'Is this guy really a phoenix?'

While parrying and dodging the magic bullets without a break.

Tae-hyun spat out curses.

It was similar in form to the E-rank skill 'Fireball,' but its power was comparable to the A-rank skill 'Fire Burst.'

It was continuously firing a technique with that much destructive power for nearly 5 minutes.

Although he was using stealth.

It was only natural that Tae-hyun was too busy dodging without being able to narrow the distance.

Hwareuk. Hwareureuk.

After a few exchanges, the surroundings were already a sea of fire.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Tae-hyun activated the skill once again.

[Using Skill: Chains of Restraint (B). Searching for the target. Target has been identified.]

Chwararararack.

As if the constricting chains were laughable, the Phoenix discharged flames around it.

Kwagg!!

'Chains of Restraint' was canceled with the explosion.

It was a kind of smokescreen.

Tae-hyun quickly turned around and slashed the Phoenix's wing.

Swish.

One wing was completely severed by the talisman's sharp blade.

At the same time.

Hwareureureuk.

Blue flames blazed up.

The place that had been cut off as if it were nothing was regenerated.

Tae-hyun used stealth again and circled around the beast.

'No matter how I look at it, this guy doesn't seem like an ordinary Phoenix.'

Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense that he was putting up such a tight fight against Tae-hyun, who had already reached the level of a high-level S-rank player.

Above all, it was incomprehensible that an S-rank monster would dominate an S-rank monster.

Mind control was generally used on someone with a lower level or weaker magic resistance than oneself.

Tae-hyun leaped.

Just as he was about to aim for the magic stone this time.

Chiiiik. Chiiiiik.

A rain of flames fell on the area.

Even with 'Stone Skin' on, a pain swept in that made him frown.

It was only natural that stealth was dispelled.

[Human. Is there nothing more to show?]

Tae-hyun's expression changed at the Phoenix's composure.

One bad thing since learning to understand the language of high-ranking monsters was that.

He had become even more certain that they regarded humans as mere playthings.

Naturally, the memory of being attacked by Asmodeus came to mind.

"Don't underestimate humans, you monster."

Ting.

[Using Skill: Knight King's Ferocity (B).]

Kugugugung.

As 'Knight King's Ferocity' activated, an intangible energy pressed down on the behemoth.

When the Phoenix's flames faltered, Tae-hyun increased his output even more.

Geugeugeuk.

Hwareureureuk.

The two energies wrestled, making a metallic sound.

'I'll add one more.'

Tae-hyun used 'Chains of Restraint' once again towards the Phoenix.

Chwarareureureuk. Chwarareureuk.

The chains wrapped around the body of the beast, which was distracted by the power struggle.

The blue flames that seemed to be about to turn the area into a sea of fire began to weaken little by little.

Heh.

"Phoenix-ssi. Is there anything more to show?"

Along with a bitter smile.

Tae-hyun returned the words he had heard a little while ago as they were.

Contrary to expectations, the Phoenix's body began to heave.

'Is this bastard laughing?'

[To think I would show this side of myself to a human.]

Deudeuk. Deudeudeuk.

The Phoenix's body began to grow even larger.

From 1 meter, to 2 meters, from 2 times, to 3 times.

It was only natural that magic power would increase along with its size.

Soon, when the behemoth exceeded 4 times its original size.

Kwajik. Kwajijik.

'Chains of Restraint' could not withstand the beast's magic power and broke helplessly.

"……."

[Human. Let me ask again. Is there anything more to show?]

Hwareureureuk.

The Phoenix's blue eyes that looked down at him from above gleamed.

'I… caught a guy like this?'

Looking at Ah-young, who was passed out and lying in the corner.

Tae-hyun was at a loss for words.

His mind went blank for a moment, but her eyes quickly came back to life.

Ah-young stirred and moved her body.

No, she tried to move.

"What is this?"

She could see the chains of magic power that were binding her body.

Not only that, but the lack of sensation in her hands and feet below her neck was clearly the effect of the skill.

Startled, Tae-hyun came to her mind.

The lack of sensation in her arms and legs must be due to Tae-hyun's skill 'Paralysis', and the chains that were binding her body were clearly a skill she didn't know about.

"Heh. To think he used a skill on me that he didn't even use on the monster."

She expected that Tae-hyun might have another hidden skill.

She never thought that the target would be herself.

She sighed as she looked at the ceiling of the temple.

She, who was the head of the four major guilds, was reduced to this state by the mind control of a monster.

'I'm so embarrassed.'

If this fact became known to the world, those who had looked down on her as a woman would surely bite her like wolves.

Such thoughts did not last long.

Kwaaang.

Another explosion sounded.

The ground shook all the way to where she was.

Due to the impact, her body shook, and she was able to see where Tae-hyun was.

And.

She was speechless at the sight of the monster that came into view.

"That is…."

S-rank monster Phoenix. Furthermore, a Phoenix with blue flames with the special ability of mind control.

That alone made it a rare monster, but its current appearance was completely different from what it had been before she lost consciousness.

Its body, which was already not small, had now become so large that it was difficult to look up at.

Its size was so great that it exuded its presence even in the huge temple.

Hwareureureuk. Hwareureuk.

Blue flames were constantly spewed from its large mouth.

There was a figure moving quickly beneath it.

A dagger called the Talisman.

It was Tae-hyun, who was flowing dark red magic power into that dagger.

"Could it be… Grand Phoenix?"

Ah-young had been confident throughout her time in the Double Dungeon.

Her expression darkened for the first time.

It was because she remembered the information she had collected from overseas not long ago.

Night Walker was the best intelligence agency in Shin-Hanguk, and it was also one of the top intelligence guilds among the world's guilds.

Information about the Abyss, which was essential for players to use.

They were especially good at collecting and handling information there.

Tae-hyun in his past life had remained a porter, so he didn't know, but.

Higher-ranking rankers like Ah-young, who handled information, had found one thing in common while fighting countless monsters in the Abyss.

A being who was outstandingly strong and had a dangerous, mutant-like quality, unlike the monsters with limited ranks.

Among them, they called it Grand to distinguish it from other monsters and added a + to the standard rank.

They recognized that it was an imperfect being, but it was comparable to the next rank of monster.

The monster in front of her was like that.

A size that was unbelievable to be an ordinary Phoenix.

In Ah-young's view, it was clearly a Grand Phoenix, or a beast called Bonghwang in the East.

S+ rank monster.

An imperfect being, but a being that could be put in the category of SS rank monster.

"Why is a guy like that here…."

No, it wasn't like her to assume a situation that had already happened.

It was a guy who had even mind-controlled the magic-resistant Dragon race.

On top of that, it was now increasing its size and unleashing unbelievable firepower.

Just from a glimpse.

It looked like five S-rank rankers would have to gather to hunt it safely.

'It's reasonable for Tae-hyun to be the tank and me to be the dealer. If I want to avoid mind control, that's the only way….'

The moment Ah-young completed her own plan.

Seogeok.

Tae-hyun's Talisman slashed past the Grand Phoenix.

It was a wound that would be fatal to an ordinary S-rank monster, but the blue flames immediately regenerated it.

Contrary to expectations, Tae-hyun was putting up a good fight against the Grand Phoenix.

Suddenly, an interesting thought flashed through Ah-young's mind.

'Hmm… Should I watch a little longer in this state?'

Ah-young squinted and watched the battle between the player and the monster.

'Stone Skin.' 'Stealth.' 'Paralysis.' 'Knight King's Ferocity.' 'Chains of Restraint.'

Except for the 'Knight King's Ferocity' obtained from the Death Knight Lord, they were skills corresponding to D~A rank.

Due to Tae-hyun's grown stats, it was exhibiting power comparable to that of an S-rank player.

Tae-hyun, who was holding the Talisman in reverse, succeeded in confusing it with his flashy movements.

The blade surrounded by magic power aimed for the Grand Phoenix's eyes.

At the same time.

The fireball that the Grand Phoenix spat out passed Tae-hyun and flew towards Ah-young.

'Oh, er?'

She was momentarily flustered by the unexpected spark.

Sssss.

Tae-hyun, who had narrowed the distance in an instant, picked up Ah-young and jumped.

"What are you doing? If you've come to your senses, you should say something."

Kwaang. Kwang. Kwaaang.

Tae-hyun said while dodging the attacks that kept chasing him.

"Huh? Hahaha. Thanks to you, I'm alive. Can you untie me?"

"If I untie you. Is there a guarantee that you won't be mind-controlled again?"

At the indifferent gaze, Ah-young gave an awkward laugh.

"Don't worry. I brought a buff potion, too. If I eat that, I'll be fine for a while."

"A buff…."

At her words, a skill he had forgotten came to mind.

Tae-hyun opened the status window and quickly activated the party system.

And.

[Skill: Lord's Heart (B) has been used. All stats of party members increase by 10. Time limit: 10 minutes. 9 minutes 59 seconds….]

Ah-young's expression changed as if she was surprised at the rising message.

'He even had a buff skill?'

Strength 10. Stamina 10. Speed 10. Magic power 10.

Like the other skills.

This time, it was an effect comparable to that of an S-rank Awakened.

'Only six skills have been identified… I'm glad I invested in you.'

Unlike the situation where they were being chased, a smile was drawn on Ah-young's lips.

"Since you've rested, you can play the role of bait."

Kwaaang.

Tae-hyun, who had avoided another flame, released the 'Chains of Restraint' and 'Paralysis' he had cast on her.

It was just as the Grand Phoenix seemed to be about to do a range attack.

Kwoong!

Tae-hyun used 'Knight King's Ferocity' to interfere with its movement.

Kwaang!

Ah-young used 'Amazonian Ferocity' to explode the magic power that was gathering in its mouth.

It was damage that blew off half of its face.

Hwareureureuk.

High-speed regeneration.

The Grand Phoenix quickly regained its original appearance with blue flames.

Tae-hyun, who was watching, shook his head.

Ah-young's explanation followed belatedly.

Along with the meaning of the name 'Grand', she was telling him that the beast in front of him should not be regarded as an ordinary S-rank monster.

'Tell me that sooner.'

S+ rank monster, attacking with faith in its regenerative power.

Considering the beast's combat power.

'It's going to be tough without Gluttony.'

It was difficult to inflict damage beyond that regeneration speed with his main skills alone.

Naturally, 'Gluttony' could not help but come to mind.

'Should I use it here?'

He was worried.

If he used Gluttony against the Grand Phoenix in its current state, there was no guarantee that the same thing wouldn't happen again.

At that time, Ah-young stepped forward.

It was because she judged that she had seen all of Tae-hyun's hidden cards.

"……?"

In front of Tae-hyun, who was expressing his doubts.

"It's not a thank you for making me fight alone, but I'll show you something good too."

Ah-young took out her hidden card.

There is a concept called rampage in skills.

Just for a moment.

A kind of berserker state that can produce vastly different powers by reversing magic power.

It mainly occurs when an Awakened person forcibly activates a skill, and it can cause permanent damage to the body, so everyone shies away from it.

But what if you could arbitrarily control that power?

Like using unregistered skills.

Rankers who approached various aspects to increase their power became interested in 'Rampage' and research was conducted.

Ah-young was also one of them.

The S-rank skill she had: 'Amazonian Ferocity'.

Right now, she was one of the strongest in Shin-Hanguk, but it was a rapidly changing era.

She did not neglect training in order not to be left behind.

That was why she was able to strengthen her body through magic power and control rampage.

Pajijik. Pajijijik.

The magic power that surrounded Ah-young's body sparked.

The body surrounded by firm, lean muscles became even larger.

She, who had focused on speed and magic power control, bulked up into a body that only tank-type Awakeners would have.

If the equipment she was wearing didn't have the property of infinitely stretching, it wouldn't be strange if it exploded.

"Hoo~"

She took a small breath after completing the change.

"Maintaining this state is 1 minute. If I can't finish it in that time, I'll leave the rest to you."

Before he could even answer.

Ah-young's figure disappeared.

It was so fast that Tae-hyun, who had been mesmerized by the change, missed it.

'This was the power.'

Tae-hyun's gaze belatedly turned to Ah-young, who had started the battle.

One of the Grand Phoenix's wing bones was being torn off by bare hands.

She was truly a female warrior worthy of the name Amazon.

That wasn't all.

When she used a skill, an explosion occurred in the area she had torn off.

The Grand Phoenix belatedly began to regenerate.

It was enough time for Ah-young to tear off another wing.

Hwareureuk.

The soaring blue flames engulfed her body.

Chiik. Chiik.

The heat penetrated through the magic power surrounding her body.

Some of the unique items she was wearing melted.

"Tch."

She left the wings she had been tearing off as if she was disappointed.

Ah-young moved away from the Grand Phoenix.

A rain of blue flames began to fall from the sky.

She didn't care and charged in again.

The Grand Phoenix, which had not fully recovered, screamed.

Hwareureuk. Hwareureuk.

Kung Kung Kung Kung.

The pillars of flame that soared in front of her trapped her.

If only 1 minute passed like this.

The Grand Phoenix's blue flames would melt her without a trace.

The moment he thought that.

Kwaang!

Kwaang!!

Kwaang!!!

[……!!]

Ah-young swung her fist towards the pillars.

Unbelievable strength and speed.

Eventually.

Kwaaang!!!

The pillars that could not withstand her ten times were destroyed, allowing Ah-young to escape.

Chiiiik. Chiiiiik.

The Grand Phoenix's blue flames tried to stop her from approaching, but.

Ah-young, who had already gained momentum, no longer cared.

Tak.

She leaped with her clasped fists raised to her head.

And.

A scene reminiscent of the Hulk in a movie unfolded before her eyes.

Kkwang!!!

The Grand Phoenix's body, which was directly hit in the head, was slammed into the ground.

Kkwang!!

Kkwang!!

Kkwang!!

Ah-young's two fists relentlessly began to crush the Grand Phoenix's head.

Episode 53

The Double Dungeon, Phoenix Temple.

Its peak, the 50th floor.

The dungeon's master, the Phoenix, revealed its true power.

The power was directed at Taehyun.

Indiscriminate attacks were being unleashed.

As Taehyun hadn't yet decided to use 'Devour,' he could only run around, looking for an opportunity.

He wasn't able to inflict any significant damage.

As if a massive earthquake had struck, the 50th-floor temple was being destroyed and shaken.

The shock even reached Ah-young, who was unconscious in a corner.

"Ugh...?"

The ground was shaking.

Ah-young belatedly opened her eyes.

Kwang. Kwang.

A series of explosions could be heard nearby.

"Battle... sounds?"

She felt a gap in her consciousness.

Her mind was momentarily blank, but her eyes quickly regained their sharpness.

Ah-young stirred and tried to move her body.

Or rather, tried to move.

"What is this?"

She saw magic chains binding her body.

Moreover, she had no sensation in her hands and feet below her neck, which was clearly the effect of a skill.

Panicked, she thought of Taehyun.

The lack of sensation in her limbs must be the effect of Taehyun's 'Paralysis' skill, and the chains binding her body were undoubtedly a skill she didn't know about.

"Huh. He used a skill on me that he wouldn't even use on monsters."

She had suspected that Taehyun had another hidden skill.

But she never imagined that she would be the target.

She sighed as she looked at the temple ceiling.

The leader of the Four Guilds, and she was reduced to this state by a monster's mind control.

'I'm so embarrassed I could die.'

If this fact became known, those who looked down on her for being a woman would definitely tear her apart like wolves.

But that thought didn't last long.

Kwaang.

The explosion sounded again.

And the ground shook even where she was.

The impact shook her body, allowing her to see where Taehyun was.

And then.

She was speechless at the sight of the monster that came into view.

"That's..."

The S-rank monster, the Phoenix. Furthermore, a Phoenix wreathed in blue flames with the special ability of mind control.

That alone was a rare enough monster, but its current appearance was completely different from what it was before she lost consciousness.

Its already considerable size had now become so enormous that it was difficult to look up at.

Its size exuded presence even within the massive temple.

Hwarurureuk. Hwareureuk.

Blue flames were constantly being spewed from its large mouth.

Below it, a figure was moving quickly.

The Talisman dagger.

Taehyun was channeling crimson magic into the dagger.

"Could it be... a Grand Phoenix?"

Ah-young, who had been confident ever since entering the Double Dungeon.

Her expression turned grim for the first time.

It was because she remembered information she had recently collected from overseas.

Night Walker was the best intelligence agency in Shin-Hanguk, and one of the top intelligence guilds in the world.

Abyss information, which players inevitably had to use.

They were especially renowned for collecting and handling that information.

Taehyun in his past life, being just a porter, didn't know about it.

But upper-ranked players like Ah-young, who handled information, had discovered a commonality while fighting countless monsters in the Abyss.

Existences that were exceptionally strong and had mutation-like dangers, unlike monsters with limited ranks.

They called them Grand to distinguish them from other monsters, adding a + to the usual rank.

They acknowledged that these were imperfect but comparable to monsters of the next rank.

The monster before her eyes was like that.

A size that was ridiculous for a normal Phoenix.

In Ah-young's view, it was clearly a Grand Phoenix, or a creature called a Bonghwang (鳳凰) in the East.

An S+ rank monster.

An existence that could be placed in the SS rank monster category, albeit imperfectly.

"Why is something like that here..."

No, assuming a situation that had already happened wasn't like her.

It was a being that had even mind-controlled the dragon race, who had high magic resistance.

On top of that, it was now increasing its size and emitting unbelievable firepower.

Just from a brief glance, it seemed that five S-rank players would need to gather to hunt it down safely.

'It would be rational for Taehyun to be the tank and me to be the dealer. To avoid mind control, that's the only way...'

The moment Ah-young completed her plan.

Seogeok.

Taehyun's Talisman slashed past the Grand Phoenix.

Despite it being a wound that would be fatal to a normal S-rank monster, the blue flames immediately regenerated it.

Contrary to expectations, Taehyun was putting up a good fight against the Grand Phoenix.

Suddenly, an interesting thought flashed through Ah-young's mind.

'Hmm... Should I watch a little longer in this state?'

Ah-young narrowed her eyes and watched the battle between the player and the monster.

'Stone Skin', 'Stealth', 'Paralysis', 'King Knight's Ferocity', 'Chains of Binding'.

Except for 'King Knight's Ferocity', which he obtained from the Death Knight Lord, they were D~A rank skills.

But due to Taehyun's increased stats, they were displaying power comparable to an S-rank player.

Taehyun, holding the Talisman in reverse grip, succeeded in creating confusion with his dazzling movements.

The magic-covered blade aimed for the Grand Phoenix's eyes.

At the same time.

A fireball spewed out by the Grand Phoenix passed Taehyun and flew towards Ah-young.

'Oh, uh?'

Just as she was momentarily flustered by the unexpected stray attack.

Seuseuseut.

Taehyun quickly closed the distance, picked up Ah-young, and leaped away.

"What are you doing? You should say something if you've come to your senses."

Kwaang. Kwang. Kwaaang.

Taehyun said as he avoided the attacks that continued to chase him.

"Huh? Ahahaha. Thanks for saving me. Can you undo this?"

"If I undo it, is there a guarantee that you won't be mind-controlled again?"

At his indifferent gaze, Ah-young let out an awkward laugh.

"Don't worry. I brought a buff potion. If I drink that, I'll be fine for a while."

"A buff..."

Her words reminded him of a forgotten skill.

Taehyun opened his status window and quickly activated the party system.

And then.

[The skill Lord of the Skills' Heart (B) has been used. All stats of party members increase by 10. Time limit 10 minutes. 9 minutes 59 seconds...]

Ah-young's expression changed to one of surprise at the rising message.

'He even had a buff skill?'

Strength +10. Stamina +10. Speed +10. Magic Power +10.

Like the other skills.

This time, it was an effect comparable to an S-rank Awakened.

'Only six skills have been identified... I was right to invest in you.'

Unlike the situation of being chased, a smile was drawn on Ah-young's lips.

"You rested, so at least play the role of bait."

Kwaaang.

Taehyun, who had avoided another flame, released the 'Chains of Binding' and 'Paralysis' he had cast on her.

It was just as the Grand Phoenix was about to use a ranged attack.

Kuoong!

Taehyun used 'King Knight's Ferocity' to disrupt its movement.

Kwaang!

Ah-young used 'Amazonian Ferocity' to explode the magic gathering in its mouth.

It was damage that blew away half of its face.

Hwarurureuk.

High-speed regeneration.

Along with the blue flames, the Grand Phoenix quickly regained its original appearance.

Taehyun, who was watching, shook his head.

Ah-young's explanation followed belatedly.

Along with the meaning of the name 'Grand', she said that the creature in front of them should not be seen as a normal S-rank monster.

'You should have told me that sooner.'

An S+ rank monster that attacks, trusting in its regenerative power.

Considering its combat power.

'It's going to be tough without Devour.'

It was difficult to deal damage beyond that regeneration speed with just his main skills.

Naturally, he couldn't help but think of 'Devour'.

'Should I use it here?'

He was worried.

If he used Devour against a Grand Phoenix in this energetic state, there was no guarantee that the same thing wouldn't happen again as before.

At that moment, Ah-young stepped forward.

She judged that she had seen all of Taehyun's hidden cards.

"......?"

In front of Taehyun, who was expressing his question.

"It's not really a reward for letting you fight alone, but I'll show you something good too."

Ah-young took out her hidden card.

There is a concept called 'Rage' in skills.

Just for a moment.

A type of Berserker state that can produce vastly different powers by reversing the flow of magic.

It mainly occurs when an Awakened無理하게 activates a skill, and everyone shuns it because it can cause permanent damage to the body.

But what if you could control that power arbitrarily?

Like using an unregistered skill.

Rankers who approached power in various ways became interested in 'Rage' and research was conducted.

Ah-young was one of them.

She had an S-rank skill, 'Amazonian Ferocity'.

Right now, she was one of the top powerhouses in Shin-Hanguk, but the era was changing rapidly.

She didn't neglect training in order not to be left behind.

That was how she became able to strengthen her body through magic and control Rage.

Pajijik. Pajijijik.

The magic swirling around Ah-young's body sparked.

Her body, surrounded by firm, lean muscles, became even larger.

She, who mainly focused on speed and magic control, had bulked up into a body that only a tank-type Awakened would have.

It was a difference that would have been strange if the equipment she was wearing didn't have the property of infinitely stretching.

"Hooo~"

She took a small breath after finishing the change.

"Maintaining this state is 1 minute. If you can't finish it during that time, I'll leave the rest to you."

Before he could even answer.

Ah-young's figure disappeared.

It was so fast that Taehyun, who was mesmerized by the change, missed it.

'This is the power.'

Taehyun's gaze belatedly turned to Ah-young, who had started the battle.

One of the Grand Phoenix's wing bones was being torn off with bare hands.

Truly a female warrior worthy of the name Amazon.

That wasn't all.

When she used the skill, an explosion occurred in the torn-off area.

The Grand Phoenix belatedly began to regenerate.

It was enough time for Ah-young to tear off another wing.

Hwareureuk.

The soaring blue flames wrapped around her body.

Chiik. Chiik.

The heat penetrated through the magic surrounding her body.

Part of the unique item she was wearing melted.

"Tch."

She seemed disappointed and abandoned the wing she was tearing off.

Ah-young fell away from the Grand Phoenix.

A rain of blue flames began to fall from the sky.

She didn't care and dove in again.

The Grand Phoenix, whose recovery was incomplete, screamed.

Hwareureuk. Hwareureuk.

Kungkungkungkung.

A pillar of flames rose in front of her, trapping her.

If only 1 minute passed like this.

The Grand Phoenix's blue flames would melt her without a trace.

The moment he thought that.

Kwaang!

Kwaang!!

Kwaang!!!

[……!!]

Ah-young swung her fist at the pillar.

Unbelievable strength and speed.

In the end.

Kwaaang!!!

The pillar, which failed to block her ten times, shattered, allowing Ah-young to escape.

Chiik. Chiik.

The Grand Phoenix's blue flames tried to stop her approach.

But Ah-young, who had already gained momentum, no longer cared.

Taak.

She leaped up with her hands clasped together, raised above her head.

And then.

A scene reminiscent of the Hulk in a movie unfolded before his eyes.

Kkwang!!!

The Grand Phoenix's body, directly hit in the head, was slammed into the ground.

Kkwang!!

Kkwang!!

Kkwang!!

Ah-young's two fists relentlessly began to crush the Grand Phoenix's head.

Episode 54

Amazones.

Watching Ah-young crush the Grand Phoenix's head, Tae-hyun thought she truly deserved the name.

He never imagined she was hiding such a side of herself, not in her past life, nor in this one.

He felt a mixture of emotions, including shock, admiration, and much more.

One thing was certain.

'So, this was it. The power that took down that thing.'

It was difficult to grasp the detailed stats, but it was a berserk state triggered by a buff.

Ah-young was steadily taking down the Grand Phoenix.

Fzzzt.

The instinctively used 'Amazones' Ferocity' burst the Grand Phoenix's body in various places, hindering its regeneration.

Thwack!!!

Her fists, filled with green magic, struck down, leading the monster's body to its death.

However.

'Oh. Is this the time limit?'

Ah-young's movements were gradually slowing down.

It was such a subtle difference that it would have been difficult to notice if one hadn't been focused.

Tae-hyun quickly rushed in.

Sure enough.

With her fist raised in the air, Ah-young suddenly stopped moving.

Shortly after, her body began to collapse helplessly.

The risk of berserk mode.

It was a time over.

Having briefly experienced the border between life and death, the Grand Phoenix belatedly raised its massive body.

[!!!!]

Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.

Blue flames regained function, and regeneration began.

Enraged, the creature opened its mouth toward the unconscious Ah-young.

To vent the resentment it had suffered.

This time, to erase her existence for good, it chose condensation over rapid-fire attacks.

It was an attack that would have been successful if Tae-hyun hadn't been there.

Boom!!!

'Knight King's Ferocity' activated, closing the Grand Phoenix's mouth.

The attack was canceled, causing an explosion within its mouth.

Tae-hyun held Ah-young in his arms in front of the monster, who had belatedly started regenerating.

"Phoenix, it's a player change."

[You!!!]

Blue flames blazed in the Grand Phoenix's blue eyes.

[Mana usage detected. 'Mind Control' has been attempted. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

'Struggling, are we?'

The Grand Phoenix's condition was clearly not normal, as evidenced by its significantly slower regeneration speed compared to before.

The corners of Tae-hyun's lips curled up, and three skills activated simultaneously.

[Using skill Chain of Restraint (B). Searching for target. Target identified.]

[Using skill Paralysis (B). Searching for target. Target identified.]

[Using skill Knight King's Ferocity (B). Searching for target. Target identified.]

The three skills pressured the massive body.

The Grand Phoenix, unable to completely shake them off like before, roared.

[Dare you with such paltry things…!!]

Its body lurched.

In proportion to the creature's struggles, the skills gradually loosened.

Tae-hyun was finally certain that it was time to end this battle.

"Chicken, let's finish this."

Tae-hyun activated his unique skill.

Ding.

[Unique skill Predation has been used. Target determined according to the user's perception.]

Hwaaaaak.

His eyes turned red, and crimson magic, erupting from his body, began to devour the monster.

Gooooooo.

It was a massive tide of magic that the Grand Phoenix, already heavily damaged, could not resist.

'Kim Tae-hyun. He has to finish it before it regenerates its wounds.'

She wanted to say that, but no sound came out.

Her vision was dark, and she couldn't even lift her head.

Attack relentlessly.

She desperately wanted to shout that to Tae-hyun, but her consciousness was fading.

Then.

She heard a chewing sound in her fading consciousness.

Crunch. Crunch. Crack.

She even had the illusion of hearing someone's scream.

'Am I hearing things…?'

Unbeknownst to her that all these sounds were created by Tae-hyun's unique skill, 'Predation,' which she had longed to see.

She lost consciousness.

"Chew thoroughly. Don't choke."

Tae-hyun muttered, watching the Grand Phoenix being devoured headfirst.

More precisely, he was speaking to his own crimson magic attached to the Grand Phoenix.

It was the first time he had used 'Predation' since the battle with the Bone Dragon.

He had refrained from using it for fear of triggering another rampage like last time, but.

'I can't just leave such a delicious creature alone.'

It was the first Grand-class monster he had encountered since his regression.

Its magic stone would be of great help to Tae-hyun.

Before he knew it, Predation's magic had completely swallowed the Grand Phoenix.

It had erased its existence from the world along with its magic stone.

And as expected.

Ding.

[Magic power increases by 20.]

An enormous amount of magic power stats increased.

200 Demonic Power needed to activate the skill 'Contract with the Devil'.

He had achieved his goal in a way that ordinary people could not even imagine, and collecting a significant amount of magic stones was a bonus.

"Not a bad party."

Tae-hyun brought all the remaining potions in his backpack and poured them into Ah-young's mouth.

It was difficult for Tae-hyun to contain his laughter.

Two days had passed since Tae-hyun and Ah-young cleared the double dungeon, 'Phoenix's Temple.'

'Kim Tae-hyun, reborn as the best player in New Korea. This time, a secret dungeon raid with Yoo Ah-young?!!'

'Night Walker side. Player Kim Tae-hyun is a business partner. Absolutely no private relationship.'

'Onsaemi-ro Guild. Shows interest in recruiting Player Kim Tae-hyun.'

Ah-young covered the newspaper she was reading and threw it carelessly onto the table.

There were already piles of newspapers stacked high.

"Ugh. Did I overdo it?"

Ah-young frowned at the pain that seemed to shatter her entire body.

She had already been receiving intensive treatment from A-rank healers for two days, but.

The aftereffects of the berserk mode did not easily subside and still tormented her.

'Damn it. Lack of training.'

Ah-young cursed and lay back down on the bed.

There were many excuses she could make.

The recent discoveries of unexplored dungeons and chain dungeon breaks worldwide.

Monitoring the movements of the Mins.

Even assisting Association Chairman Ji Jin-hee.

Living a life where even having two bodies was not enough, let alone physical training, was not easy for anyone.

Even in the midst of all that, she had learned the technique of enhancing her body by enveloping herself in 'Amazones' Ferocity,' and she had mastered the imperfect technique of making the 'Amazones' Ferocity' berserk for one minute.

She wouldn't be inferior to even the top 5 ranked players in New Korea.

She had that thought as she tackled the double dungeon, but.

'Ha. To end up like this.'

Ah-young, recalling the photo that news agencies had been eagerly spreading for two days - Tae-hyun carrying her out of the dungeon - found her face involuntarily turning red.

The next day.

Tae-hyun visited Night Walker Guild's private hospital where she was hospitalized.

Ah-young greeted Tae-hyun, happy to see the face she had been waiting for.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"Oh my. It seems like the tables have turned in just a few days."

"It's not uncommon among players."

"What's wrong? Why are you suddenly being so stiff? Especially after spending such a cozy time together in the dungeon."

Ah-young showed her usual nonchalant demeanor, and Tae-hyun shrugged.

'She looks fine despite using berserk mode. Well, she wouldn't have used it if she didn't have confidence.'

Even if she was an S-rank player, it was a technique that could cause permanent damage to her body.

Yet, she was recovering so quickly.

Tae-hyun's evaluation of her rose once again.

"Don't worry. It's not for nothing that I'm called the S-rank body. You know that, right?"

Ah-young raised her forearm, which had returned to its original size, as if to say that she was fine.

"Well, that's true."

"I'm sure this isn't just a casual visit. Shall we talk about business?"

It had only been three days since they cleared the dungeon.

Still, for her, who dealt with information, it was not a small amount of time to be spending quietly in a hospital room.

Several pressing issues had already been dealt with.

The distribution of magic stones with Tae-hyun was one of them.

"We brought back 98 magic stones from the double dungeon. And they're all fresh and warm, from top-grade monsters."

Ah-young smiled meaningfully, as if to say that he could look forward to it.

"Even if we take the minimum, it's 300 billion won."

Ah-young showed three fingers, and Tae-hyun whistled.

Even with the Grand Phoenix's magic stone missing, the amount was this much.

He realized once again how she had prevented the collapse of Night Walker, which had been staggering in her past life.

"I guess I'll really become rich."

"It's not something that applies to ordinary players. Even we, who are called ranked players, almost died. Are you really okay with 9 to 1?"

Tae-hyun's contribution to clearing the double dungeon was significant.

She mentioned the contract again.

Even now, if Tae-hyun wanted, she was willing to adjust the ratio, but.

"It's okay. That was the contract."

Thanks to Ah-young's berserk mode, he was able to easily gulp down the Grand Phoenix.

He had made up the excuse that he had to get out without having time to collect the Grand Phoenix's magic stone.

He could afford to give up that much.

"Hmm. That expression of yours says there's something I don't know about?"

"Well, it wasn't an ordinary dungeon raid."

"True. It's been a long time since I've pushed myself to the limit like this."

Tae-hyun got up from his seat.

"Oh my, are you leaving already?"

"I have things to do. You know that."

"You really are a busy kid. How long has it been since you came out of the dungeon?"

"The 10th place in the ranking. You'll have to give it up soon."

With those words, Tae-hyun left the hospital room.

"Hehe. He's such a bad boy for his age."

Ah-young smiled pleasantly, looking at the place where Tae-hyun had been.

After leaving the hospital room, Tae-hyun headed to Alchemist's building.

Everyone in New Korea knew that the two had cleared the double dungeon.

Alchemist was the guild that had an exclusive contract with Tae-hyun regarding magic stones.

Therefore, the disposal of the magic stones collected from this dungeon was also transferred to this place.

Of course, the purpose of his visit was not just for the magic stone settlement.

"It's nice to see you again."

Tae-hyun lightly greeted Chief Choi Chang-shik, who came out to greet him.

"Since the scale is so large, I thought I should guide you myself. The magic stones received from Night Walker are of such high quality that it's taking longer than expected to measure them."

"There's no place as reliable as Alchemist for settlements."

"Thank you for trusting us. Then, should I take you to see the Guild Master once…"

Tae-hyun waved his hand at Choi Chang-shik, who was subtly trying to guide him to Guild Master Seo Sang-ik's room.

"Ah, I'll see the Guild Master next time. I came for a different reason today."

"A different reason…?"

"I want to use the warp gate. There are few places with such well-established gate installations as this place."

At Tae-hyun's words, Choi Chang-shik connected with the warp department through his earpiece.

"Understood. Where would you like the location to be?"

"The deep Abyss would be good."

Choi Chang-shik's face hardened at Tae-hyun's casual words.

"Why suddenly to the deep Abyss…?"

Tae-hyun had never been to the Abyss since becoming a player.

But suddenly, he wanted to go to the deep Abyss, not even the entrance or the middle layer.

He knew about the dangers and variables of the Abyss, so he couldn't help but ask the reason.

"You can't meet devils in Earth, where the water is good and the air is clean."

Tae-hyun gave Choi Chang-shik, who was wearing an incomprehensible expression, a friendly smile.

It was time to use the skill 'Contract with the Devil', which he had predated from Narendra Nehru.

Episode 55

When I opened my eyes, I saw the red sky symbolizing the Abyss.

An atmosphere different from Earth's.

Magi, which could be called the air of the Abyss, entered through my nose and mouth.

It felt as familiar as if I had just inhaled it yesterday.

"Long time no see."

It was the first time I had come to the Abyss since my regression.

A self-deprecating smile appeared at the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery.

The inner depths of the Abyss.

A region where A-rank monsters appeared frequently and S-rank monsters began to appear in earnest.

Unlike the entrance, which had somewhat of a village, the player zones located throughout the inner depths were desolate to the point of being bleak.

From what Taehyun could see right away, there were hardly any people moving around, except for a roughly built wooden hut and personnel standing guard in various places.

'It'll probably be like this for the next 10 years.'

Almost 100 years had passed since the existence of the Abyss became known to the general public.

Just like space exploration, the great powers recognized the Abyss as a new land of opportunity, and numerous players jumped into exploration activities.

Many lost their lives to the rampaging monsters, and after countless repetitions of hunting, Player Zones or Safety Zones were created.

That was the level of exploration and development that had been achieved so far.

The guild alliance belonging to the World Player Association.

They were eager to expand the warp gates, but it was commonplace for many places to be taken back by monsters.

'This place won't last long either... but for now, I'll have to be satisfied with this much.'

Originally, Taehyun wanted to go deeper, but at this point, even this much was more than welcome.

While Taehyun was looking around with a look of renewed emotion, the man in charge of the warp gate approached.

He was a Westerner wearing a guild mark uniform from somewhere.

He had come to check on the warp gate after a long time, as he was also in charge of defense in other areas.

"I am Paul Becker, the gate manager of District 22 in the inner depths, affiliated with the Blazer Guild. Please identify yourself."

Taehyun handed over the license he had prepared to Paul Becker, who presented his American player license.

"I am Kim Taehyun, a player from Shinhan Republic."

When he showed the S-rank license proving his identity, awe appeared in the man's eyes.

Regardless of the country, possessing an S-rank player license was something to be respected.

"What is your business?"

The man asked with expectant eyes.

"Exploration."

The man nodded and returned the license.

It was an excessively lax procedure compared to the entrance.

But that was understandable because this was the inner depths.

If you didn't have the skills, you would die on your own, so there was no need to pay attention to every single person.

It was enough to confirm that the person using this warp gate was not a wanted criminal.

'Still, just in case...'

The man simply added some unnecessary advice, as Taehyun was an S-rank player.

"This place is where A-rank monsters, as well as S-rank monsters, are frequently found. I don't recommend wandering around alone."

"I know."

"Would you like to use a guide and porter? There are players on standby."

Guides and porters were indispensable for exploring the Abyss.

The man's question was natural, but it was not applicable to Taehyun, at least not to the one in front of him.

"I don't need a guide just to take a walk."

"......"

"I'll see you when I return."

Leaving the speechless man behind.

Taehyun leisurely left the player zone.

"Oh my, Chairman. You seem to be in a good mood."

Ah-young asked playfully as she saw Ji Jin-hee opening the door and entering.

"Haha. Oh dear. I came to visit you in the hospital and showed you an unsightly 모습." (Note: 모습 is Korean for "appearance" or "figure". I left it untranslated as it adds a subtle comedic emphasis.)

Ji Jin-hee placed the fruit basket he had brought next to him and smiled awkwardly.

He was actually in a slightly excited mood because of the report he had received in the car.

"It's because of Taehyun, isn't it?"

Ah-young asked as if it was obvious.

She had also just received information that Taehyun had used the Alchemist Guild's warp gate to head to the inner depths of the Abyss.

She knew that Ji Jin-hee had been wearing such a cheerful expression lately because of something related to Taehyun.

"Huh. How did you know... no, more than that, Tae.hyun.? Could the rumors be true?"

"You know how they say you can't know about relationships between men and women?"

Yoo Ah-young retorted with a sly smile at Ji Jin-hee's mischievous reaction.

She was well aware that the biggest gossip in the player industry lately was about her and Taehyun.

Ji Jin-hee cleared his throat at her confident appearance.

He thought of Ah-young as a daughter and Taehyun as a late-born son or an early grandson.

There was nothing wrong with the two of them being together, but considering Ah-young's personality, which he had seen so far.

He was actually worried about Taehyun.

"Ahem. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with two people who will be responsible for the future of Shinhan Republic being close."

"Hehe. Our Chairman. You really can't manage your facial expressions, can you?"

Ji Jin-hee quickly changed the subject at Ah-young's teasing.

"The name of the dual dungeon that the two of you conquered this time. It's been confirmed to be called 'The Temple of the Phoenix'."

"The Temple of the Phoenix... not a bad name."

Perhaps it was because the impact of the 50th floor was too great compared to the impact of the 1st to 49th floors.

She thought it was a fitting name in its own way.

"So, how was the conquest with Taehyun?"

Since Taehyun usually worked alone, there was not much known information.

Ji Jin-hee was curious, as the head of the information guild had been with him.

"I understand why you're so happy, Chairman."

The not-so-short time in the dual dungeon.

Ah-young smiled contentedly as she recalled the conquest they had done together.

When was it?

There was a time when she acted without regard for the consequences.

She chased after the demons, prioritizing her immediate emotions, and hunted monsters.

But that was all just memories from a bygone era.

After becoming the guild master of Nightwalker, she lived a life that pursued safety rather than adventure.

Growing older meant becoming accustomed to such a life.

She had forgotten the energetic emotions of her twenties.

'I thought that was natural.'

She crossed the boundary between life and death while conquering the dungeon with Taehyun.

Emotions that only those who worked on the front lines of the Abyss experienced.

The trust that could only be felt when entrusting one's back to a reliable colleague.

It had been a long time since she had tasted various excitements.

Ji Jin-hee, feeling the excitement in Ah-young's words, made a envious expression.

"Oh dear.... If only I were 10 years younger... no, no. Anyway, Taehyun's ranking has risen to 15th place. And of course, you've also risen to 7th place. I don't know if you'll be returning to the field as well."

She had been marking 10th place in the rankings for several years, as there were no opportunities to be active on Earth.

Ah-young burst into laughter at the words that her ranking had risen by 3 places with just one dungeon conquest with Taehyun.

"Hmm~ I don't have any intention of participating in friendly matches, but this is making me interested, isn't it?"

"Haha. I won't stop you if you want to participate, but don't overdo it. Taehyun is enough to surprise my heart."

"Chairman, really. I'm not a child."

Contrary to her words, Ah-young was looking for an opportunity to be with Taehyun again.

'The inner depths... what kind of mischievous things is he going to do this time?'

'Hmm... I wonder if I'll be officiating their wedding soon.'

Shinhan Republic's S-rank players Ji Jin-hee and Yoo Ah-young.

They each wore expressions of anticipation for different reasons, representing an organization.

The Abyss also has climate and nature.

The place Taehyun wanted to go was a deep place within the inner depths, where players and monsters did not come and go.

He arrived at such a place after passing the safety zone and driving for an hour.

The corpses of monsters that had attacked Taehyun were piled up all around.

Taehyun swallowed the mana potion and fatigue potion he had taken from his backpack and checked his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 19

Rank: B

Strength: 121 Stamina: 140 Speed: 104 Mana: 200 Charisma: 30

Fatigue: 5%

Remaining Mana: 200/200

[Skills]

Devour (B) - Can devour the desired target. Requires demonic energy: 40

Stone Skin (B) - Can strengthen the body. Requires demonic energy: 30

Stealth (B) - Can hide the body. Requires demonic energy: 25

Paralysis (B) - Restrains the target's body. Requires demonic energy: 20

Lord's Heart (B) - Increases the stats of party members. Requires demonic energy: 30

King Knight's Aura (B) - Overwhelms the opponent with aura by designating them. Requires demonic energy: 35

Chains of Binding (B) - Binds the opponent by designating them. Skill tracking and cancellation are possible. Requires demonic energy: 27

Contract with the Devil (B) - Can open a gate to the Abyss. Requires demonic energy: 200 (1/1)

He did not have enough mana, so he filled it up with potions, and he also lowered his fatigue to below 10%.

In addition, he took out ten mana stones from his backpack and placed them around him.

'I hope they're worth the expensive price I paid for them.'

He didn't know what Narendha Nehru, the owner of the skill, was like.

But it was likely that the "Contract with the Devil" registered to Taehyun was consumable.

The words 'Can open a gate to the Abyss' meant that Taehyun had to go to the Abyss to make a contract related to monster summoning.

Taehyun, who had already awakened a skill related to gates once, could not help but make such an inference.

'Clearly, at that time, it was specified as a gate to the king, but this time it only says a gate to the Abyss.'

The reason why 200 mana was used was probably the minimum mana required to go to a place where there were monsters that could be contracted.

Considering the cases of those who had awakened contract skills in their previous lives.

He would be able to contract with a suitable monster among the monsters in the place he moved to with 200 mana.

Taehyun racked his brains here.

What if he didn't open a gate from Earth to the Abyss, but used the skill in the inner depths of the Abyss, where high-ranking monsters were teeming?

And what if he used mana amplification stones to increase the distance he could travel through the gate?

It was a skill that could only be used once, so it was a worthwhile attempt to try at least once.

Taehyun took a deep breath after placing ten of the highest-grade mana amplification stones around him.

It would be a lie if he said he wasn't nervous, as he had put a lot of effort into this moment.

'Okay, it's showtime.'

Tting.

[The skill Contract with the Devil (B) has been activated.]

Crimson mana gushed out of Taehyun's body.

At the same time, the amplification stones installed around him reacted and a vortex of mana formed.

[Searching for a contractable target.]

[Search completed. Creating gate.]

Pajiik. Pajiijik.

A gate with an ominous aura that was different in size from the warp gate he had used earlier opened before his eyes.

Taehyun quickly emptied a mana potion and entered the gate that was sparking.

With a familiar feeling and a familiar mood, his vision was reversed several times.

And after a while.

"This is...."

Episode 56

Somewhere deep within the Abyss.

An unusual event was unfolding there.

A massive castle, seemingly unbelievable for monsters to inhabit.

Within its walls, an unlikely encounter was taking place between humans and monsters.

The man's identity was Zhang Linpeng, a national-level player from China.

One of the fifty S-rank players in China.

Among them, he was one of the five players recognized as a national-level asset.

There he was, kneeling on one knee, kissing the hand of another man.

[With this, we are bound by a blood oath.]

The one who had made Zhang Linpeng kneel.

A man with pale skin and red eyes looked down at Zhang Linpeng with an eerie smile.

Even though he spoke in the language of monsters.

Zhang Linpeng bowed his head once more, as if he understood him.

"Thank you, Master of Blood."

[It is too early to give thanks. Whether you can adapt to the power of our clan, we shall see.]

"I will not disappoint you."

"Good. Unlike the others, I am quite interested in humans. This Chinese language is also quite intriguing."

The man spoke in fluent Chinese, looking at a woman who had collapsed behind Zhang Linpeng.

Another S-rank player from China.

Her once vibrant body was withered like a mummy.

"That child, too... will be moved by the fact that she has become part of the Archduke,"

Zhang Linpeng said calmly, trembling slightly.

At that sight, the man burst into laughter.

"Indeed, you are worth keeping alive in my presence. How many more like you are there on Earth?"

"At most, there were about ten of us."

Zhang Linpeng paused for a moment and tried to circulate the mana he felt within his body.

The man's mana, already mixed inside him, swelled his blood vessels as if they would burst.

Yet, there was no sense of discomfort.

Rather, it felt as if a wall he had been unable to overcome for the past 10 years had crumbled.

It did not take long for that illusion to solidify into confidence.

"I can confidently say that I am the strongest now."

At Zhang Linpeng's answer, the man let out a chilling laugh.

He had reigned as the Archduke of the Abyss and a Vampire Lord for hundreds, even thousands, of years.

Just anticipating what kind of amusement this new toy would provide.

Crimson mana began to writhe.

"Heh heh. Amuse me further."

As if answering the Lord's command.

Zhang Linpeng's red eyes gleamed.

In another deep part of the Abyss.

A woman was sitting on a throne.

One of the Archdukes ruling the Abyss.

The Succubus Queen, known as Rozaria, Queen of the Nightmares.

And at her long fingertips, a player with glazed eyes wandered through dreams.

A man who had made a name for himself as an S-rank player in Europe.

A veteran player who had been exploring the depths of the Abyss for a long time.

That man was disarmed and being toyed with in Rozaria's hands.

Whenever Rozaria moved her hand, saliva dripped from the man's mouth, and his manhood twitched.

As she was having fun with the man,

[My Queen. We have an intruder.]

A succubus in the form of a human woman approached and reported.

In her hand was the whip of a player who had visited sometime ago.

So far, dozens of players had lost their masculinity to that whip.

And soon, the man abandoned by Rozaria would also meet the same fate.

Rozaria rose.

"Oh, my. Two guests come to visit today. It's a special day."

Succubus Queen Rozaria spoke in human language.

It was such fluent pronunciation that it was hard to believe she had just learned it.

[Congratulations. You have learned more about humans.]

The woman bowed politely, imitating human etiquette.

It was an action made possible because she too had tasted a considerable number of humans.

"We've been getting more and more visitors lately. Thanks to them, I'm not bored, though."

Rozaria said so, flicking her fingers.

Mana began to drain from the man's glazed-over body.

His muscles withered away, and his face became gaunt, resembling a mummy.

Yet, the man did not let out a single scream.

Rather, as if tasting paradise, he began to spew an unidentifiable liquid from all over his body.

Looking at that sight.

Rozaria stroked the man's face as if he were lovely.

"Yes. What is the intruder's gender?"

At the queen's question, the succubus giggled.

[Ooh-hoo-hoo. It's a man. A pretty sturdy one, too. Shall I bring him?]

"That does sound tempting."

Rozaria was a being who knew leadership as a ruler.

"I'll have to be satisfied with this one. I'll hand the new guest over to you."

[Giggle. Thank you, my Queen. Everyone, it's a party!!]

Watching the succubus retreat with a smile, Rozaria wore a motherly smile.

"They really are mischievous children."

All of the nightmares who were assisting her in her closest proximity.

All of them were monsters that far exceeded the S-rank by human standards.

But to Rozaria, they were just adorable children.

Meanwhile, at that time.

Taehyun frowned at the sight before him.

"This is... a dungeon?"

There was no confidence in the voice that spoke those words.

Dungeons existed in the Abyss as well, but most monsters lived a hunting lifestyle.

They lacked intelligence and satisfied their hunger by devouring other monsters; that was their habit.

However, monsters that had attained a certain level of status would form dungeons and command forces, just like on Earth.

Therefore, it wouldn't be strange if a dungeon appeared somewhere immediately after passing through the gate.

That's what he thought.

However.

Even compared to the countless dungeons he had experienced in both his past and present lives.

The sight before him was 'a bit' of a stretch to call a dungeon.

'Is it closer to a castle than a dungeon?'

Antique stairs. Chandeliers. A large library visible through an open door.

All of this was interior design that evoked the image of a medieval castle seen in movies.

"It's unlikely that the skill was activated incorrectly...."

Taehyun quickly opened his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 19

Rank: B

Strength: 121 Stamina: 140 Speed: 104 Mana: 200 Charm: 30

Fatigue: 25%

Remaining Mana: 200/200

[Skills]

Devour (B) - Can devour the desired target. Demonic Power: 40

Stone Skin (B) - Can strengthen the body. Demonic Power: 30

Stealth (B) - Can conceal the body. Demonic Power: 25

Paralysis (B) - Restricts the target's body. Demonic Power: 20

Lord's Heart (B) - Increases the stats of party members. Demonic Power: 30

King Knight's Spirit (B) - Overwhelms the opponent with spirit by designating a target. Demonic Power: 35

Chains of Restraint (B) - Restrains the target by designating a target. Skill tracking and canceling are possible. Demonic Power: 27

Contract with the Devil (B) - Can open a gate to the Abyss. Demonic Power: 200 (0/1)

Aside from the fact that the skill count had decreased as a result of using 'Contract with the Devil,' there were no special changes.

He let out a sigh of relief once he confirmed that the skill activation was proper.

If the skill had been activated strangely as a result of using the Mana Amplification Stone.

There would definitely be traces left somewhere on his body or in the status window.

"So, I opened the gate properly, but... I've never even heard of monsters living in a castle."

Even existences like the Death Knight Lord and the Grand Phoenix had the form of temples, but they never escaped the confines of being 'dungeons.'

Then, an existence flashed through his mind.

At the same time, cold sweat dripped down his spine.

The top-tier monster who had received an SSS-rank rating.

Asmodeus, whom Taehyun had encountered before his regression.

'That guy's territory was definitely not a normal dungeon either.'

In Asmodeus's case, he ruled over a vast area that was closer to a territory than a dungeon.

The price for the exploration team Taehyun belonged to accidentally stepping into a part of that territory was death.

But in order to enter that place, a special item was needed.

And that was an item that would only be discovered 15 years later.

As Taehyun was now, there was no way he could go there no matter how hard he tried.

'Certainly, the atmosphere is different from that guy's territory.'

Taehyun wiped away the dripping cold sweat and breathed roughly.

It seemed like he had to look around the area a little more for now.

'I was expecting an SS-rank guy here. If I'm not careful, I might risk my life.'

He clicked his tongue belatedly, as he never expected the effect of the Mana Amplification Stone to manifest in this way.

Ding.

[Skill Stealth (B) has been activated.]

Swoosh.

Taehyun's body disappeared.

Had five minutes passed since using Stealth?

A voice reached Taehyun's ears as he was climbing the stairs somewhere in the castle.

"......!!"

It was the sound of a monster, not a person.

[Giggle. There he is~]

[He's already come this far?]

[But how did he get in? There was no report of him passing through the main gate.]

Taehyun swallowed as he looked at the monsters coming down the stairs.

'Succubuses?'

Monsters like sirens and succubuses were usually treated as B-rank or A-rank.

Their physical attacks were weak, but their mental attacks were not to be taken lightly.

However.

'These guys. They're not ordinary succubuses.'

He had only looked at them.

But with that alone, Taehyun's developed senses were able to grasp the other party's capabilities.

Coincidentally, he even knew the term to refer to them from the strategy guide from a few days ago.

'Grand Succubus.'

However, the only difference was.

They were outstanding existences enough to receive Queen Rozaria's selection.

Their uniquely red eyes, characteristic of the higher species.

Ordinary S-rank players would lose their will to fight and become slaves just by looking at them.

There was nothing particularly special about the Stealth Taehyun used.

Of course, Taehyun had no way of knowing that far.

[Giggle. What are you doing?]

[You don't think we can't see you, do you?]

[How fun~ I'll have the first taste.]

It was the moment Taehyun noticed something was wrong and quickly tried to dodge.

A message window popped up.

Ding.

[Mana usage has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Ominous Power'. Resisting with a mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

'......'

[Huh?]

[Giggle. Move aside. I'll do it.]

[Mana usage has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Ominous Power'. Resisting with a mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

[Huh?]

[What are you doing~ He's still fine.]

[That's strange~]

The three succubuses began to bicker, tilting their heads.

Watching that scene.

Hehe.

The corners of Taehyun's mouth rose.

After arriving here, the tension that had been pressing down on him like a burden seemed to melt away.

Whether it was a Grand Phoenix or a Grand Succubus.

Taehyun had the strongest skills, regardless of whether they were mental or physical.

Of course, it didn't seem necessary to bring out that skill just yet.

"I guess I'm your counter, huh?"

Ding.

[Skill King Knight's Spirit (B) has been activated. Target not specified.]

The mana that spread out in an instant swept through the stairs.

At the same time.

"Everyone, heads down."

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The castle began to shake.

Episode 57

Kugugugung.

[Kyaa... What is this power...]

[Oh my, are we being crushed?]

[Kyaruru. Are we going to die like this?]

The Knight King's Aura was concentrated on the monsters identified as Grand Succubi.

Magic stat 200.

Taehyun had achieved such a dramatic growth that he could face three S-rank monsters simultaneously.

Koong. Koong. Kuwoong.

Even those considered Grand Succubi in the world couldn't move a single step under the crushing pressure.

"Now, then. Shall we take some time to get to know each other?"

Ttaak.

As Taehyun snapped his fingers, the skill 'Paralysis' was added to the 'Knight King's Aura'.

With a magic stat of 200, it wasn't just the power that had increased.

The proficiency had also gone up, allowing for a more diverse range of techniques.

[Something's strange? My body is gradually stiffening~]

[Kyaruru. This is a skill called Paralysis.]

[Are we really going to die?]

Despite being hit with two overlapping S-rank skills, the Grand Succubi were still acting nonchalant.

Taehyun clicked his tongue as he looked at them.

He had succeeded in restricting their movements, but he felt he hadn't drawn out their full power.

Taehyun didn't let his guard down and gradually increased the output of his skills.

These were creatures he might end up forming a summoning pact with.

There was no harm in knowing each other's compatibility and limits in advance.

'Knight King's Aura' output 70%. 75%. 80%... 90%.

'They can withstand this much?'

Even as Taehyun's gradually increasing magic power was already reaching its maximum.

[Kyaruru. I'm going to die. I'm going to die.]

[Do something~]

[That's strange~]

The Succubi in front of him still weren't taking it seriously.

'These guys. Do they really have something to rely on?'

Ordinary Succubi didn't have much in the way of attack methods besides mental attacks.

But these were Succubi from the deep levels.

Moreover, a group of Grand Succubi residing in an unusual place.

Taehyun's intuition warned him not to underestimate them.

'Whatever they're hiding. I'll make them spill it all out.'

Taehyun ruthlessly pulled up his magic power.

'Knight King's Aura' instantly reached 100% output.

[Skill Knight King's Aura (B) has reached its limit. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Taehyun continued to use the skill, unconcerned by the message in front of him.

Kugugugugung.

The power was enough to shake the castle in an instant.

Only then did the Grand Succubi's expressions change to 'slightly' serious.

[Kyaruru. This is no good anymore.]

[The castle will collapse at this rate~]

[It would be a waste to just kill him.]

Sssseuseuseut.

It was as if Taehyun was using a stealth skill.

The Grand Succubi's bodies gradually began to fade.

The difference was that, unlike stealth where their presence and appearance disappeared, the Grand Succubi's bodies became translucent.

Taehyun's eyes gleamed as he watched the change.

'Becoming Ethereal, huh? They're worthy of being called Grand.'

Etherealization, which deflected physical attacks as well as magic-based attacks.

He had never heard of Succubi becoming Ethereal, but if they didn't do this much, Taehyun would have been disappointed.

"Is that all you're going to show me?"

The group of Grand Succubi who had escaped from the 'Knight King's Aura' through Etherealization surrounded Taehyun.

Bat wings and two horns.

And the voluptuous body of a human woman, unlike a monster.

It was so explicit that he couldn't find a place to rest his eyes.

But Taehyun didn't make the foolish mistake of averting his gaze.

Not a mimicry of a player visiting the castle, but the Grand Succubi's true form.

There was no more foolish action than being distracted in front of them, who were worthy of being called top-tier monsters.

Canceling the 'Knight King's Aura'.

Taehyun curled up the corners of his lips as he thought about how to use them.

He didn't know where this place was or why it was in the form of a castle.

But there must be a reason why the gate from the summoning skill had led Taehyun here.

'Grand Succubi wouldn't be bad.'

Whether they were physical-type awakeners or magic-type awakeners.

The only way to block mental attacks.

That was to have magic resistance based on high magic stats.

Or they had to awaken special skills like Taehyun's Devour.

However, since items and skills related to magic stats were rare in the first place.

There was virtually no easy way for ordinary players to cope.

Even Yoo Ah-young, one of the top rankers in Shinhan Korea, couldn't avoid the Grand Phoenix's mind control.

So it goes without saying for the players below.

'If I do well, I might be able to use them usefully in friendly matches.'

The Grand Succubi's physical defense also seemed to be above average, so they were a passing grade as Taehyun's summons.

Taehyun swung his sword and passed one of the Succubi who was smiling right in front of him.

Even though he had cut her neck precisely, he felt nothing on the Talisman.

[Kyaruru. That won't work~]

[I guess we're not scary.]

[Such an interesting man~]

Taehyun ignored their words and checked the skill window.

'But why isn't there any reaction.'

In order to make a summoning pact, you had to awaken a skill related to the contract.

The problem was that the method varied depending on the skill.

A typical example was when you used a gate like Taehyun to move to a place where there were monsters suitable for your 'grade'.

After that.

The method of making a 'summoning pact' could be broadly divided into two types.

Give the monster what it wants.

'Or subdue the monster.'

Taehyun's answer was already decided.

Monsters were originally defined as enemies of humans.

Even though they were bound by a pact.

That was also a contractual relationship made with the understanding of the superiority of power.

If even a small gap was shown.

It was not even a rare situation for a monster to threaten the life of the skill user.

In fact, Taehyun had seen it quite a bit when he was working as a porter.

'Of course, most of those guys were low-level monsters. But it doesn't hurt to be careful.'

He had confirmed that he couldn't inflict any damage on Etherealization in his current state.

Taehyun used 'Stone Skin' as an alternative.

Wooddeudeuk.

"Shall I subdue you all first?"

[Kyaruru.]

[I guess he has something else to show~]

[I'll know when I eat him~]

The Grand Succubi's eyes flashed as they looked at the Stone Skin around his body.

Taehyun also activated 'Chains of Entrapment' immediately.

The message window popped up at the same time.

[Magic usage detected. You have been afflicted with 'Ominous Power'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

[Magic usage detected. You have been afflicted with 'Ominous Power'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance partially successful. Magic penetrates. Speed decreases.]

[Magic usage detected. You have been afflicted with 'Ominous Power'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance partially successful. Magic penetrates. Vision is reversed.]

His body became heavy and his vision was upside down.

'These guys are more amazing than I thought.'

Devour had even blocked the Grand Phoenix's mental attack.

Although three of them had attacked simultaneously, the power to break through Devour was commendable.

Of course, it wasn't enough to turn the tide of battle right away.

Taehyun took it lightly and took a step forward.

It was the Grand Succubi who were in worse condition.

[Kyaruru. What is this again?]

[That human. He has a lot of strange techniques~]

[Aahaha. I really want to eat this man~]

'Chains of Entrapment' tracks magic power.

If you had overwhelming physical strength and magic power like the Bone Dragon or the Grand Phoenix, you could release the skill.

'But that doesn't apply to you.'

Taehyun clenched his fist tightly.

The chains entwining the Grand Succubi tightened even more.

[Oh my. Why is it like this?]

[It's back to normal?]

[Kyaruru. It hurts~]

Taehyun used the 'Paralysis' skill again as he looked at the Grand Succubi whose Etherealization had been released.

Just as he had combined 'Knight King's Aura' and 'Paralysis', this time he combined 'Chains of Entrapment' and 'Paralysis'.

Taehyun approached one of the Grand Succubi who couldn't move an inch.

Deudeudeudeu.

The crimson magic power flowing through the Talisman made an eerie sound.

"I've come to make a summoning pact. I'll only take one on a first-come, first-served basis."

Taehyun pointed the Talisman at the Grand Succubus's neck and checked the status window.

As expected.

The skill 'Contract with the Devil' should have transformed into a new form to make a summoning pact.

But.

[Not a valid target for the contract.]

'What?'

Taehyun's body twitched at the message that appeared.

The Grand Succubi, understanding the meaning, burst into laughter.

[Kyaruru. You're a guest who came to see the Queen?]

[Kyarururu. Too bad~ I thought he was a pretty good man.]

[Are you not going to release us? If you make a noise, you'll be scolded by the Queen~]

'Queen?'

It was a word that ordinary players wouldn't have understood, so they wouldn't have paid attention to it.

But Taehyun was different.

He was not an ordinary player, and his intuition, which had overcome many hardships, warned him of danger once again.

'A giant castle located in the deep levels… Three Grand Succubi who are more than enough to reign as dungeon bosses… And if it's a Queen, could it be…?!'

Just as he felt a sense of dread at the newly conceived hypothesis.

It was different from before.

A voice of a monster with a presence unlike anything he had heard before resounded in his head.

[To shake my castle like this. You were not a guest, but an uninvited guest.]

It was clearly the same language of monsters, but it was distinctly different.

Different in class from the Death Knight Lord and the Grand Phoenix he had faced before, and the Grand Succubi in front of him.

It was a voice filled with dignity and intimidation.

[Kyaruru. Queen~]

[Kyarururu. Sorry for disturbing you, Queen~]

[Save me, Queen~]

The voice was not only heard by Taehyun.

The captured Grand Succubi began to shout in voices devoid of a sense of crisis.

At the same time, an unbelievable message window appeared in front of him.

Tting.

[Magic usage detected. You have been afflicted with 'Great Power'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance failed. All skills in use are released.]

Without Taehyun being able to do anything.

The 'Chains of Entrapment' and 'Paralysis' that had been suppressing the Grand Succubi were released as the skills were canceled.

The monsters who had regained their freedom burst into laughter louder than ever.

And.

[Kyarurururu.]

[Sisters, let me play too~]

[A guest, a guest~]

[Are we going to eat him?]

[It's a guest for the Queen~]

[Let's take him to the Queen~]

[Kyarurururu~]

As if they had been hiding and watching until now.

Hundreds of Grand Succubi appeared from all directions.

Sssseuseuseut.

Sssseuseuseuseut.

Sssseuseuseuseut.

Taehyun let out a hollow laugh as he watched them all become Ethereal.

Hundreds of Grand Succubi were visible right now.

"This is crazy…"

All of Taehyun's skills had been canceled.

All that Taehyun could do was.

Kkwak.

To give strength to the hand holding the Talisman.

'I might have to risk my life…'

It was the moment he was about to move for a preemptive strike.

Tting.

An unwelcome message window appeared.

Episode 58

[‘A Great Power’ is in effect. Strength decreases by 20.]

[‘A Great Power’ is in effect. Stamina decreases by 20.]

[‘A Great Power’ is in effect. Speed decreases by 20.]

[‘A Great Power’ is in effect. Magic Power decreases by 20.]

A stat reduction of 20 is significant enough to potentially turn an A-rank into an S-rank.

With a combined reduction of 80 points, the pressure Taehyun felt was considerable.

The cold sweat pouring from his body was already soaking the floor.

‘I need to get out of here.’

Taehyun tried to use ‘Chains of Entrapment’ again.

However.

[‘A Great Power’ is in effect. Resisting with an unfathomable power. Resistance failed. Skill usage is impossible. Usable Skills: 1/8]

“This is driving me crazy.”

Taehyun hurriedly opened his status window to check his skills.

All skills except for ‘Devour’ were rendered unusable.

Clicking his tongue, he awakened the magic of Devour.

‘Looks like you’re the only one I can rely on.’

KWAHHHH!

Dark crimson magic began to spread around him.

Hundreds of Grand Succubi.

It took less than five seconds for the dark crimson magic to take root beneath their feet.

[Kyaruru. What’s this?]

[This is really fun.]

[Kyarururu. What is this, sisters?]

[I don’t know either~]

[Let’s eat it up quickly~ Kyaruru~]

Watching them, still oblivious to the impending danger, Taehyun took a deep breath.

‘Tch. For how they look, they’re acting like complete children.’

There’s nothing scarier than children with power.

That’s exactly how Taehyun felt right now.

Fighting against this many ‘Grand’ succubi in this unknown place.

He wouldn’t necessarily be defeated.

But Taehyun could easily predict that he wouldn't come out unscathed.

“The first one to approach me dies. If you don’t believe me, feel free to test it out.”

Trying to buy time by engaging in conversation was his intention.

However.

Ting!

[Magic Power usage detected. Affected by ‘Ominous Power.’ Resisting with an unfathomable power. Resistance succeeded.]

[Magic Power usage detected. Affected by ‘Ominous Power.’ Resisting with an unfathomable power. Resistance partially succeeded. Magic Power is infiltrating. Speed is decreasing.]

[Magic Power usage detected. Affected by ‘Ominous Power.’ Resisting with an unfathomable power. Resistance succeeded.]

[Magic Power usage detected. Affected by ‘Ominous Power.’ Resisting with an unfathomable power. Resistance partially succeeded. Magic Power is infiltrating. Vision is inverted.]

[Magic Power usage detected. Affected by ‘Ominous Power.’ Resisting with an unfathomable power. Resistance succeeded.]

[Magic Power usage detected. Affected by ‘Ominous Power.’ Resisting with an unfathomable power. Resistance partially succeeded. Magic Power is infiltrating. The body is paralyzed.]

A massive number of message windows popped up.

Simultaneously, Taehyun's body began to take immediate damage.

‘Damn it!!’

There were no more choices left.

Ignoring his increasingly heavy body, he unleashed the power of Devour.

KWAHHHHHH!

“Devour them all!!”

Dark crimson magic climbed up his legs, instantly enveloping his body.

The Grand Succubi, unable to resist the power of Devour, burst into laughter.

[Kyaruru. What is this?]

[What a strange power.]

Perhaps because they didn’t foresee the impending catastrophe.

The Grand Succubi were busy laughing.

Crack. Crack crack.

Crunch. Crunch crunch.

In an instant, the castle was filled with the screams of the Grand Succubi.

Some of them managed to break free.

Crack crack crack.

But they were forced to struggle again against the reoccurring magic.

Taehyun wasn’t in a good situation either.

His overall stats had decreased.

And in that state, he was bombarded with an unbelievable barrage of skills.

He had managed to partially defend himself with the power of Devour, but he was already losing his senses and starting to panic.

He felt his magic power plummeting to the bottom, without even a moment to take out a potion.

Just then.

[Stop.]

Once again, a voice echoed in his mind.

The Queen of the Nightmares, and mother of all Succubi.

It was an order from Succubus Queen Rozaria.

What player would listen to the orders of a monster?

‘I can replenish the lacking magic power with Devour. This kind of nonsense….’

He was about to resume Devour, ignoring her words, but….

Thump.

The fiercely raging Devour magic trembled.

‘Devour… stopped?’

Soon, the Devour magic gathered around Taehyun, leaving its targets behind.

It was a sight he had never experienced before.

As the magic receded, Grand Succubi, who had been partially devoured, began to fall one by one.

[Kyaruru. I came back to life.]

[The Queen saved us~]

[Kyarururu. Long live the Queen~]

‘…….’

Hastily taking out potions from his bag.

Taehyun watched the situation.

Healing Potions, Fatigue Recovery Potions, Magic Power Potions, Stamina Potions, Status Recovery Potions, etc.

His body began to recover rapidly as he downed a number of potions.

‘If that skill had lasted just a little longer, I would have suffered permanent damage.’

Taehyun took a deep breath as his senses returned.

The Queen's intervention saved not only the Grand Succubi but also Taehyun's life.

So, the outcome wasn't bad for either side.

[Girls. Stop playing around and bring the guest. I must meet him myself.]

This time, it wasn't a voice in his head but a loud voice that echoed throughout the castle.

As if they hadn’t been screaming just moments before, the Grand Succubi rose to their feet, giggling.

[Kyaruru. The Queen wants us to bring him~]

[Wasn’t he for us~?]

[Kyarururu. What a waste~]

[This way~]

[I'll guide you~]

In an instant, the Grand Succubi moved aside to both sides.

Some of them volunteered to be guides.

When Taehyun hesitated to move, the voice echoed in his head once more.

[I won’t stop you if you want to play with those children again. This is the last of my consideration. Uninvited human.]

At this point, Taehyun had only one choice.

“Alright. Let’s go talk face-to-face.”

Taehyun chuckled and followed the Grand Succubus who was leading the way.

The Grand Succubus guiding Taehyun suddenly stopped.

They were in a place where a giant throne was located.

The Queen wasn't there.

[Heeheehee. This is as far as I go.]

[What a shame~ Kyaruru.]

[Kyarururu. We're leaving, Queen~]

Swish swish swish.

Before Taehyun could react, the Grand Succubi disappeared, turning into ethereal forms.

‘Where is the Queen?’

Suddenly.

An unusually familiar message window popped up once again.

[Magic Power usage detected. Affected by ‘A Great Power.’ Resisting with an unfathomable power. Resistance partially succeeded. The Magic Power that wasn't resisted is infiltrating.]

“Cough.”

Thud.

Taehyun grabbed his throat and knelt on the spot.

A murderous intent that felt like it would blow his mind.

‘I’m going to die.’

The helplessness and fear in the face of death.

Emotions he hadn't felt even once since his regression.

Were gripping Taehyun more vividly than ever.

"Ugh…."

Taehyun, grasping at his breaking mind, used Devour.

KWAHHHHHH!

It was an instinctive struggle.

Perhaps sensing its master's danger.

The dark crimson magic engulfed the throne, even though Taehyun hadn't designated a target.

And.

Crunch. Crunch crunch.

The magic began to devour the throne.

It was as if there was something Taehyun couldn't see there.

Crash.

The illusionary barrier shattered with a sound of breaking.

"Hah… Hah…."

Breathing heavily, he looked at the being before his eyes.

Bat wings. Two horns. A voluptuous figure of a woman.

But unlike the Grand Succubi, there were enormous tentacles with no end in sight.

There was a being writhing with hundreds, thousands of tentacles under her legs.

Taehyun swallowed.

[I was going to burst your limbs. But this is an interesting power.]

It was the language of a monster.

The woman sitting on the throne looked down at Taehyun arrogantly and said.

“Are you… the Queen?”

He hadn't heard of a Queen among Succubi, let alone Grand Succubi, even in his previous life.

A massive castle that didn't seem like a place where monsters would live.

Hundreds of Grand Succubi residing in that castle.

An existence outside the norm that they called Queen and followed.

Perhaps.

Taehyun had a feeling that he might face his second death.

And he confirmed that his prediction was correct from the other person's answer.

[Yes. My name is Rozaria. The mother of all Nightmares.]

“Rozaria?”

“Rozaria?”

The Nightmare Queen Rozaria.

She mimicked Taehyun's way of speaking.

She had perfect Korean skills.

“This is insane. A monster speaking human language.”

It was already surprising that humans could understand the language of monsters, but now the opposite was happening.

If others knew this fact, the existing common sense about monsters would be turned upside down.

"Hehe. There is no need to be surprised."

Rozaria's gaze pointed to Taehyun's side.

Then.

Swish swish swish.

As if a stealth skill was being deactivated.

Something hidden revealed itself.

“……!!”

A being that was originally human, but now had lost its human form.

“You are wary. Didn’t you come here to see me?”

At Rozaria’s words, Taehyun checked his skill window.

[The target of the contract. Summons oath possible.]

Taehyun took another breath.

To think that a being who commands hundreds of Grand Succubi would be designated as a contract target.

He couldn't tell whether this was good luck or bad luck.

But since he had come this far, he had to say what he had to say.

"Succubus Queen Rozaria. I've come to make a 'Summons Oath' with you."

"Hehe. To dare make a contract with me. But you seem too weak for that?"

KWAHHHH!

The only power that Taehyun could use right now.

He awakened the power of Devour.

Because it was impossible to expect mercy from a monster anyway.

He thought that unless the other party was interested in a contract, he would have no choice but to subdue her with power.

'In the worst case. Even if I have to let Devour go wild….'

Because the opponent in front of him was worth enduring that much risk.

Taehyun was already assuming the worst-case scenario.

"Trying to face me with just that much power. I guess this is what humans call cute."

Rozaria smiled as she looked at Taehyun, who was making a desperate expression.

That smile was unbelievably captivating.

"It won't be that easy. Queen."

Crack crack crack.

Taehyun deployed the power of Devour to the maximum.

Once again.

Dark crimson magic engulfed the area.

Only Rozaria was sitting leisurely on the throne.

The corners of her lips curled up as she looked at the magic swirling around her.

Taehyun, who was given the power of the King.

And Rozaria, who possessed the power of the Queen.

Kwaooo.

Pajijijik.

Two pairs of unusual eyes with red eyes met.

Pachik. Pajijik.

Sparks flew around them just by looking at each other.

‘If I slack off even a little, I’ll die.’

Taehyun held his Talisman and watched her movements.

But Rozaria didn't show any movement from the throne.

[Since a proper guest has come after a long time.]

The moment he felt her red eyes become a little more red.

[Shall I take a peek?]

Pachik-

Taehyun's vision turned dark.

59th episode

'Damn it. Should have just closed my eyes.'

Taehyun cursed in the pitch-black darkness.

There was no other way to explain the current situation other than being caught in Rosaria's technique.

He tried to be careful, but ended up like this.

Taehyun blamed himself for his lack of alertness and looked around.

Because he couldn't do anything without getting out of here.

He had to come up with a plan as soon as possible.

'I heard that succubi make you dream. But this doesn't seem like a dream...'

Taehyun has already reached the top of S-rank in terms of magic power.

He was confident in confronting a national-level player without using Devour.

But the opponent, as if mocking Taehyun, restricted his physical abilities and sealed seven skills.

Queen of Nightmare.

'Succubus Queen.'

The moment he was experiencing now seemed like a dream.

Taehyun shook his head.

'Crazy. That's almost a god.'

He was trying to make a summoning pact with such an existence.

A belated hollow laugh escaped.

Just as Taehyun was about to blame his recklessness.

He remembered something a famous player from his past life said at a press conference.

'Mental attacks seep into the opponent's weak mind. Whether it's a monster's technique or an Awakener's skill, the caster is watching from a place the opponent can't even imagine. I don't know how they'll break the opponent's mentality, but one thing is for sure. If you endure and break through it, the caster will take a significant amount of damage.'

Why did this suddenly come to mind?

"Could it be. Is she watching me?"

The surroundings were just pitch-black darkness.

As soon as he thought that Rosaria was watching him from within that darkness.

Taehyun's spine tingled.

"I knew it since she had tentacles... she's a scary woman."

Contrary to his words, Taehyun's eyes began to come alive.

Being dragged along as the opponent wants didn't suit his personality.

'There's only one thing I can do anyway.'

The only choice Taehyun makes in moments of crisis, as always.

Unique skill, Devour.

He unleashed that power.

Kwaaaaaa.

As if responding to its master's call.

The dark crimson magic power that bloomed from his body devoured the endlessly unfolding darkness.

This damned situation.

"Eat it all, Devour!!"

Crackle. Crackle.

As if coveting a living being.

The darkness began to recede with an eerie sound.

Beyond the darkness.

There was a middle school Taehyun.

His parents had passed away, and he was moving from relative's house to relative's house, and his Awakening rank was unknown.

He lived with vague hope.

But he was despairing because he had no certainty about the future.

'What is this again.'

As if he had an out-of-body experience, Taehyun was looking at his younger self.

It's not like a dream.

It was too vivid and sequential to be called a dream.

Rather, he felt an eerie gaze, as if someone was reading his memories.

'She's reading my memories?'

Only then did Taehyun remember where he was a little while ago.

That he used Devour in that pitch-black darkness to get out.

That he had broken through Rosaria's technique.

At the same time as the realization, Taehyun's faint body became a little darker.

This made it clear.

"Why don't you show yourself now?"

At those words.

Swish.

Rosaria, who had transformed into an ordinary human woman, revealed herself.

Unlike Taehyun, she had a clear body.

[You're a perceptive child. To reach me so quickly.]

Rosaria chuckled.

"I think you're being too rude to someone who came to make a summoning pact."

Taehyun said, avoiding directly meeting her red eyes.

Everything he was experiencing now had happened since he made eye contact with her.

As long as the power she possessed was unknown.

He judged that it was dangerous to confront her head-on.

Seeing Taehyun's appearance, Rosaria's eyes curved like a bow.

[It's useless. This is the mental world. You will show everything to me.]

'Tch.'

Taehyun, who understood her words, approached and swung his fist.

But it just passed through.

And the magic power of Devour was no longer activated.

[Don't bother. You won't be able to use that interesting power here. The red eyes too. You're a really interesting human.]

'This is a setback.'

There was nothing he could do with the power of Devour sealed in the opponent's home ground.

Taehyun's expression was more distorted than ever before.

The only good thing was that he didn't feel the same hostility from her as before.

[But it's strange. Usually, they can't even move, let alone recognize me.]

She was curious about Taehyun, who had endured her technique not once, but twice.

"I don't listen to nonsense."

[Don't be so nervous. Who knows? Maybe I'll save you at the end of your memories. Until then, it's your fate to wait quietly for your disposal.]

"......"

Looking at Rosaria, who had already turned her gaze back to the memories.

Taehyun stroked his chest.

'Did I buy some time for now.'

Already in the memory, the middle school days had passed and there was Taehyun in high school.

Whether he was killed by Rosaria or made a summoning pact with her.

One thing was certain, there wasn't much time left.

'I have to find a way until the memory playback is over.'

Taehyun and Rosaria watched the playback of memories with different thoughts.

High school Taehyun had almost no good memories.

The aunt's house where he settled wasn't well off, and his relationship with Jaeyoung, who trusted and followed Taehyun, gradually deteriorated.

At school, he was targeted by Lee Jungjae's gang and every day was a continuous fight.

What allowed Taehyun to endure with hope was the 'unknown potential rank' rating.

And the existence of people like Choi Nayoung, Sim Yakyong, Go Taewook, and his aunt and uncle.

Enduring day after day with anger and tears.

That was all Taehyun could do in his teens.

Twenties.

Before he knew it, Taehyun in his memory had passed three years of high school and was twenty years old.

He became independent from his aunt's house and earned money on construction sites during the day and trained at night.

After that, he succeeded in registering at the Blackhead Training Center, and with Go Taewook's recommendation, he got a job as a porter despite being a non-Awakener.

Slowly. Slowly but steadily.

Taehyun endured his blood-draining days while waiting for the time of Awakening.

Since his previous life was a series of contempt and ridicule, it was no different among the players.

Gradually, more people around him began to acknowledge Taehyun.

As the competent porter Kim Taehyun.

That name began to be known.

Around that time, he felt relative deprivation when he saw Lee Jungjae and Im Ayoung, who were often in the news.

Taehyun persevered, believing that his time would come someday.

"......"

Taehyun felt a strange feeling looking at himself in his past life.

Clench.

His fist clenched without him realizing it as he watched his desperate past.

And.

The memory was played back sequentially and moved on to his thirties.

'That day' had come.

SSS-rank monster Asmodeus.

Players who could be said to be the best in the party were dying from his tremendous power.

Taehyun, who had grown into a veteran porter, was helpless in front of him.

[Hoo~ Asmodeus. To meet that guy and still be alive. It seems your life is longer than I thought.]

Rosaria glanced at Taehyun as if she found it interesting.

She thought he was unique, but he was more than she expected.

Taehyun had a different past from the humans she had seen so far.

Stepping into the depths, whether by choice or by others, meant that he was full of talent as a player.

And most of them were humans who had been successful without great trials and tribulations.

Therefore, Taehyun's life, which was in contrast to them.

And the fact that he met Asmodeus, who was aiming for the position of Archduke, aroused Rosaria's interest.

Her playful expression didn't last long.

Because a man appeared with Taehyun's Awakening.

King.

The red-eyed, red-haired man who made Taehyun regress.

[That person is...!!]

He felt an untouchable power even in the memory.

Rosaria gasped and panicked.

Instantly, the mental world became unstable, and Taehyun did not miss the opportunity.

"Haa... Haa..."

Taehyun gasped for breath and opened his eyes.

The moment the King appeared in his memory, Rosaria had a loophole, and the magic power of Devour returned.

The given opportunity was enough.

"I finally got out."

Taehyun glared with red eyes and grabbed Rosaria from behind, who was sitting on the throne.

Then, the moment he was about to cut her neck with the Talisman.

[Good. I will allow the contract.]

Stop.

Taehyun's movement with the Talisman stopped.

"What?"

Rosaria, who turned her head, wore an expression like a benevolent queen.

It was a smile with a completely different atmosphere than before she peeked into the mental world.

[Didn't you hear? I said I would allow the contract.]

"The summoning pact... you'll make it? Why did you suddenly change your mind?"

Taehyun was still in a state where all skills except Devour were sealed.

If they were to fight, Rosaria would be overwhelmingly advantageous.

To give up such an advantage and suddenly change her attitude.

It was natural for Taehyun to be wary.

[Hehe... you really don't know anything.]

"Explain so I can understand."

[You don't need to know. Now, what will you do? You don't think you can kill me with that sword, do you?]

"......"

As she said.

It didn't seem like a monster like Rosaria would be fatally injured if her neck was cut.

Even if he caught her, Taehyun would have to risk his life to get out of here.

Eventually.

'I guess there's only one choice again.'

Taehyun sighed and put away the Talisman.

"Okay. I'll make a summoning pact. The method..."

Of course, he didn't let his guard down.

It was just before he could finish speaking.

It was an event that happened in an instant.

Crunch.

Rosaria bit Taehyun's neck.

Ting.

[The conditions of the contract have been fulfilled. The summoning pact is made.]

A message window appeared in front of Taehyun, who widened his eyes in surprise.

[The skill 'Contract with the Devil' is changed to 'Man of the Queen'. The rank of the skill is readjusted.]

[A new skill 'Complete Hypnosis' is registered. The rank of the skill is readjusted.]

[Charm stat has increased by 100.]

'What...'

[Hehe. Sleep well. You who have been chosen by the King.]

Without any resistance.

Taehyun's consciousness blurred once again.

The first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was Paul Becker.

"You're finally awake."

It was a familiar cabin with a bonfire in the center.

"This place is..."

Paul Becker, who understood Taehyun's reaction through the earring, nodded.

"I was surprised too. When I came back from patrolling, you were collapsed next to the warp gate, Player."

Taehyun, who felt confused for a moment, became dazed.

"How long has it been since I... left here? No, wait."

He thought of a way to confirm the current situation most reliably.

Taehyun opened his status window.

And.

"Huh."

A hollow laugh escaped from Taehyun's mouth as he checked his physical stats and skill list.

60

Name: Kim Tae-hyun

Age: 19

Grade: B

Strength: 121 Stamina: 140 Speed: 104 Magic Power: 200 Charm: 130

Fatigue: 25%

Remaining Magic Power: 200/200

[Skills]

Devour (B) - Can devour the desired target. Devil Magic Power: 40

Stone Skin (B) - Can strengthen the body. Devil Magic Power: 30

Stealth (B) - Can hide the body. Devil Magic Power: 25

Paralysis (B) - Restrains the target's body. Devil Magic Power: 20

Lord's Heart (B) - Increases the stats of party members. Devil Magic Power: 30

Knight King's Spirit (B) - Overwhelms the opponent with spirit. Devil Magic Power: 35

Chains of Restraint (B) - Designates an opponent and binds them. Skill tracking and cancellation are possible. Devil Magic Power: 27

Queen's Man (B) - Summons the Succubus Queen Rozaria. Devil Magic Power: 200

Complete Hypnosis (B) - Designates an opponent and hypnotizes them. Devil Magic Power: 40

A hollow laugh escaped.

At the same time, the corners of his lips turned up.

The biggest change was that 'Contract with the Devil' that he had devoured from Narendra Nehru had changed to 'Queen's Man'.

The skill, as expected, was to summon Rozaria.

'Devil magic power is higher than I thought, but it's worth it.'

Tae-hyun, who had fought her directly, could be sure.

Succubus Queen Rozaria.

Unless the national power-level players, who are considered the strongest in the current world, come in swarms.

'They can't be her opponent.'

With this, Tae-hyun had essentially taken out a life insurance policy that would save his life in moments of crisis.

An opportunity that ordinary players wouldn't find even if they paid a fortune.

Of course, he would need the help of Devour or magic power potions to fill up the 200 Devil magic power.

But that much was nothing compared to the value of one life.

'And complete hypnosis. I can use this too.'

The second skill that Rozaria seemed to have given him.

Just as the characteristic of Devour is to eat up the opponent's skills, he had never heard of a demon giving a skill to a player either.

But Tae-hyun had experienced many events after his regression that he couldn't even understand with his previous life's experience.

Naturally, he came to think that 'complete hypnosis' was one of them.

'It would be nice if there were no risks like Devour.'

Just as the King's power, Devour, shows effects beyond imagination, ignoring its grade, he had a feeling that the Queen's skill wouldn't be light either.

The upcoming Asia Player Friendship Tournament.

It would be a great help there too.

'And charm stat... it keeps going up steadily even though I don't pay attention to it.'

Charm stats that are possessed by awakened idols, actors, politicians, etc.

People in occupations who have to appeal their charm to the public.

It's not bad in an era where looks are also evaluated as assets.

'But this world is meritocracy.'

There were quite a few players who were famous for their unique skills and marketing.

But the essence of a player is a job of exploring the Abyss and hunting demons and devils.

What's important to them is the four major stats that allow them to activate skills and withstand the body.

'I don't need it right now.'

Tae-hyun nonchalantly closed the status window, not caring much about his charm stat that had reached the level of an S-grade player.

Now all that was left was to fill the achievement points enough to raise his ranking from 15th to 5th.

"I'm really... looking forward to the future."

Tae-hyun, who was satisfied with his time in the deep depths, burst into laughter on his own.

'Tsk tsk. I told you it's dangerous to be alone. What kind of demon did he meet out there...?'

Paul Becker, who was watching from the side, clicked his tongue with pity.

"Congratulations on your discharge."

Jeong Han-soo handed over a bouquet of flowers as he followed Ah-young, who entered the guild leader's office.

"What discharge? I just changed places and worked."

Ah-young glared at Vice Guild Leader Jeong Han-soo, throwing the bouquet of flowers carelessly.

"Haha... Don't look at me like that. I was dying while you were away, Guild Leader."

Ah-young sighed at Jeong Han-soo's shameless smile.

It had been a long time since the unreasonable wounds from the 'Phoenix Temple' had healed.

Nevertheless, she stayed in the hospital for a few more days, hoping to take a break this time.

But Jeong Han-soo also seemed to have noticed Ah-young's condition like a ghost.

He kept making dying noises every hour, saying that the approval documents were piling up.

Ah-young eventually had no choice but to return to the guild building.

"Vice Guild Leader. If you keep doing this, I might actually cut your salary."

"Haha. When you scouted me, you said you'd give me the world. If I had known I would become such a workaholic, I would have run away back then."

Jeong Han-soo, the best talent in Night Walker, whom Ah-young scouted after repeated attempts.

Ah-young couldn't do without him, to the point where there was a saying that 'Night Walker's best power is Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young, but the best brain is Jeong Han-soo.'

"I know. I'm just kidding. Night Walker would be doomed without our Vice Guild Leader."

Ah-young waved her hand and sat down.

There were already piles of documents to review on her desk.

'I'm not going to get off work today either.'

Jeong Han-soo chuckled as he looked at Ah-young.

"Haha. That's what's left after I've handled most of them. If it weren't for me..."

"Hmph. Don't act like you're doing me a favor. More than that, is there anything special?"

"When you say something special, you actually want to ask about Kim Tae-hyun, right?"

Startled.

Ah-young tried not to show it, but Jeong Han-soo already had the eyes of a hawk that had spotted its prey.

"Why is the conversation going that way?"

"Well, you haven't denied the dating rumors that the media is spreading. I didn't know the Guild Leader liked younger men. I have to be careful too..."

"I'm not interested in you, so give me the report."

"I'm just kidding. Office romance is a no-no."

"Just get to the point briefly."

Jeong Han-soo cleared his throat at Ah-young's attitude, which had already returned to her original coldness.

"Ahem. I was going to report that Kim Tae-hyun had returned from the deep depths of the Abyss."

"Oh? So fast? I guess exploring the deep depths alone was too much."

"That must be it. It's not called the graveyard of S-grades for nothing."

Jeong Han-soo nodded as if agreeing.

It was common for some players who were confident in their own skills to disappear while exploring the deep depths alone.

That's why the general opinion was that even S-grade players couldn't survive in the deep depths unless they formed an exploration team of dozens of people.

Tae-hyun had been conquering dungeons alone, so she wondered if it would be possible.

But there was a limit after all.

'Tae-hyun. Is he going to ask me for help now?'

Ah-young smiled, imagining things on her own, and Jeong Han-soo flinched.

"So? Is Tae-hyun at home now?"

"Yes. But there's one problem."

"Huh? What problem?"

"The information is that Kwon Kang-hyuk, the guild leader of Onsaemiro, is heading there."

Ah-young's eyebrows twitched at Jeong Han-soo's words.

"Huh. What's that big guy doing? Wasn't he in the Abyss?"

"It hasn't been long since he returned from the Abyss, and the reason is obvious. It must be a scout offer. Even if you're one of the four major guilds, you're always short of talent."

"Hmph. What a waste of effort. That big guy is completely wrong."

Tae-hyun had already rejected not only Chairman Ji Jin-hee but also Ah-young's proposal.

He didn't belong anywhere and had full support from the association and had a partnership with two of the four major guilds.

There was no reason to join Onsaemiro or Magicians now.

"I think so too. But considering that guild leader's personality, it won't just end with words."

Kwon Kang-hyuk, the guild leader of Onsaemiro.

Jeong Han-soo clicked his tongue as he recalled the legendary anecdotes that followed him.

But Ah-young's reaction was different.

"Is that so? Tae-hyun's personality is not easy either. This will be a pretty fun fight. Hehe."

"A fight? Are you a kid? If you're thinking of going to watch, forget it. Work is piling up even at this hour."

At Jeong Han-soo's cold attitude.

"Yes~ Yes~ As if it's someone else's order."

Ah-young answered perfunctorily.

"What brings such a busy person here?"

Tae-hyun asked the giant man in front of him. A man who resembled a bear.

"I heard you were wandering around, so I came to see your handsome face in person."

Shamelessness that was hard to believe from someone who came to visit without an appointment.

It would be embarrassing to have this kind of attitude from the first meeting.

But Tae-hyun knew the man in front of him well.

Kwon Kang-hyuk.

One of the four major guilds of Shin Korea, like Yoo Ah-young and Seo Sang-ik.

The guild leader of Onsaemiro, which was said to be the best in terms of pure force among the four major guilds, was blocking the half-open door as if he would tear it off.

'Come to think of it, only big shots are coming, to the point where the association's security is useless.'

While Tae-hyun was thinking about how to use this situation, Kwon Kang-hyuk spoke first.

"Are you going to keep me standing here?"

"Come in."

At Tae-hyun's permission, Kwon Kang-hyuk and his secretary came inside.

"I heard you were a rookie who received full support from the association, so I thought you lived in a great place... but it's more humble than I thought."

Tae-hyun shrugged and scanned him at Kwon Kang-hyuk's blunt assessment.

Unlike Night Walker, an information guild, and Alchemist, which specializes in production and distribution, Onsaemiro was a force guild whose main purpose was Abyss exploration.

That's why.

'Kwon Kang-hyuk. He really deserves to be ranked 3rd.'

The energy that was felt just by facing each other stimulated Tae-hyun's body.

It was because Kwon Kang-hyuk didn't bother to hide his power.

"Well, don't be scared. I didn't come to fight."

"But I heard you have a bad reputation."

Kwon Kang-hyuk chuckled at Tae-hyun's unyielding answer.

As the leader of one of the four major guilds, it was natural for him to have a strong desire for talent.

It's just that the way he scouts them is more than just extreme.

"You're working as a freelancer, right?"

"Yes."

"If you fight me and lose, join our guild."

Just like right now.

Tae-hyun, who had heard so many clichés in his previous life.

He couldn't even laugh.

"I'm not interested, so please go back."

"You're not interested?"

"Oh, of course, I'm willing to work as a business partner or mercenary. But I don't think that's what you want."

"Hwiwoo~ You're as high-nosed as I've heard. This kind of opportunity doesn't come often. At least pretend to think about it."

Pretending to think about it.

A memory came to Tae-hyun's mind as he was thinking about how to use Kwon Kang-hyuk.

The Minotaur in the labyrinth.

'Well, as a reward for coming here in person. It wouldn't be bad to change the order.'

Tae-hyun, who had made up his mind, smirked.

"If it's about scouting, my answer is the same. And more than anything."

"Hmm?"

"I don't feel like going under someone weaker than me."

It was an obvious provocation.

Nevertheless.

Crack.

A vein popped out on Kwon Kang-hyuk's forehead.

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