RKP 511-520

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511

Three years had passed since he had accepted the power of the Divine Beast.

Five years had passed since he ended the Domain War and became an Archduke.

It was not a short time for him or the people around him.

Was that why?

He wanted to check on their growth rather than greet them with a smile.

Park Seongjin, who had reached the realm of a mature SSS-rank player, and Im Ahyeong, who had fused the power of a Supreme-level monster.

He wanted to see with his own eyes what kind of fruits the seeds he had sown had borne.

As he passed through the gate, five years had passed, so his hair had grown to his waist, and the suit that had been damaged by testing the assassins' attacks had not been regenerated.

Behind the torn suit, his body, reinforced with 'Stone Skin', was different from the body he had in the past.

"Ancient martial arts...?"

Park Seongjin, who had minimized the power of his palm strike by twisting his body, asked back in a dazed voice.

He was glad to hear perfect Korean, but he didn't show it.

Since he had decided to test them.

He was going to act convincingly.

"Aren't you just some young punks from a small country?"

Park Seongjin and Im Ahyeong's faces hardened at the natural Chinese.

"So... the Chinese guys were here too..."

"Team Leader... this guy is at least an SSS-rank."

"I know. The place I was grazed is still tingling. Damn, what's going on?"

Im Ahyeong and Park Seongjin glanced at Taehyun, Tolkien, and the eleven captured assassins, trying to figure out the situation.

Brazil had not yet sided with the United States or China.

The resistance, led by former national-level player Lucas Dos Santos, was centered on exchanging information with Shinhan.

Because those who came from the Murim were all considered to be at least SS-rank players, in order to minimize damage.

The aura used by the Empire people and the internal energy used by the Murim people, like the magic power used by the players, had endless potential.

Knowing Ji Jinhee's concern.

Park Seongjin and Im Ahyeong were secretly moving to break through the isolated situation of Shinhan.

But their movements were reported to the United States and they were being chased by the Empire people, and Lucas Dos Santos was currently disrupting the rear.

Park Seongjin and Im Ahyeong were waiting to deal with the Murim people as quickly as possible and join them.

They were running out of time.

They were not happy with the constant variables.

"A Chinese player is directly involved in capturing them alive... so they haven't established any relationships with the unorthodox Murim people yet."

"This is an opportunity for us. We must keep them alive and take them away."

"I know."

Park Seongjin raised his beloved sword, Spiral Chilji.

'Sword Draw', a skill that started at S-rank and rose to SSS-rank.

The sword of the man who ranked 7th in the world aimed for the prey's neck.

'Not bad.'

Sharp.

Taehyun swung his strengthened hand and deflected Spiral Chilji.

Clang.

A deafening sound rang out and it felt like his entire body was vibrating.

The magic power contained in the sword was not light for his current body to handle.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

A one-sided exchange continued.

He was just deflecting or blocking Park Seongjin's constantly swinging sword.

Whoosh.

Blue magic power spread out from under his feet.

It wasn't the same as the previous ice.

'This is...'

Sea of Magic.

A field that could only be summoned by those of the high-ranking Sea Serpent monsters or higher had unfolded.

The range was narrow, but it had the stickiness characteristic of field-type skills.

"Don't resist."

Park Seongjin, who was constantly swinging his sword so that his prey could not escape, said that moment.

Crack.

The ice, enhanced by the Sea of Magic, firmly bound his feet.

Ting.

[You have been caught by the skill Kraken's Shackles (SSS).]

[You partially resist the skill 'Kraken's Shackles'.]

[The skill 'Kraken's Shackles' partially penetrates.]

Messages appeared one after another that his already degraded physical abilities were decreasing.

'Alright.'

The corners of his mouth rose without him even realizing it.

Just E-rank.

It would be a problem if they couldn't even do this much against him, who was in a degraded state.

'But I can't just surrender my neck.'

With red eyes.

He saw Spiral Chilji being swung slowly.

This is enough for the test.

Ting.

[The skill Knight King's Aura (E) has been activated. Target is specified.]

Boom.

"......!!"

At that moment, Park Seongjin's movements, who was swinging his sword, faltered.

Confirming that his eyes were trembling, he used the next skill.

Ting.

[The skill Monarch's Aura (E) has been activated. Target is specified.]

Koo-oong.

Aura of oppression.

"This is..."

Taehyun smirked and used the last skill.

Ting.

[The skill Apocalypse (E) has been activated. No target is specified.]

Whoosh.

Darkness descended on the area.

"How can this be..."

Following Park Seongjin, Im Ahyeong's face was stained with shock.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The ice that had been dominating the area shattered.

Taehyun pushed back his flowing hair.

Five years had passed, but except for the fact that his hair had grown, he hadn't aged at all.

Rather, his red eyes gleaming in the darkness seemed to tell who he was.

"It's been a while, everyone."

After a moment of silence.

Park Seongjin and Im Ahyeong.

The two players shouted Taehyun's name.

It was a reunion after five years, but the greeting was not long.

The situation was not relaxed for Im Ahyeong and Park Seongjin.

"Did you do that to those guys?"

"Yeah. They were guys I'd never seen before."

"They're Murim people from the Unorthodox faction. They're hostile to the Orthodox faction that China is working with."

Park Seongjin simply summarized the current situation of Shinhan.

He had already grasped the general atmosphere through Ataraxia.

It was not difficult to accept the situation.

"Most of the guys coming through the gate are at the level of SS-rank players... so the objective power is definitely on this side."

Murim, Empire, Earth.

Gates of three dimensions were connected, but only the United States and China could use them.

"So you came to Brazil to capture these guys? Im Ahyeong, you made a summoning covenant with the High Kraken?"

Im Ahyeong nodded.

The reason why they were moved to Brazil, which was not a dungeon but had no connection, was explained.

"Where are the Empire people?"

"Lucas is buying time."

"The numbers are considerable. It's likely that they've already resumed the chase."

Taehyun expanded his senses.

'Indeed.'

A foreign energy that was more than twice the size of the assassins.

He sensed the presence of the Empire people using 'Aura'.

"The mission is complete since we've captured the Murim people. There's a moving gate prepared on the Brazil side. We'll have to transfer a few times, but it's the safest way."

"No. It's fate that we met like this, so let's go see their faces."

"But you. You said your body isn't in normal condition, right?"

"That would be the case if I was alone."

Taehyun's red eyes looked at Im Ahyeong and Park Seongjin.

Their magic power levels were not much different from the magic power level that Taehyun could currently release.

"Didn't you say earlier that players' skills can melt down both the Empire people's aura and the Murim people's internal energy? Did I understand that correctly?"

Park Seongjin nodded.

"If we can capture enough aura users and internal energy users, Shinhan can also open a dimensional gate. Guild Leader Seo Sangik said it was certain."

"Then there's no need to worry anymore."

He looked at the eleven Murim people who were bound in chains.

"Let's capture the rest of the Empire people too. It'll be a sufficient gift for the Association President."

"The rats aren't far away."

Gregor Gillespie.

The national-level player of the United States who had turned into a werewolf said that.

He was annoyed because he had been delayed by the Brazilian players led by Lucas Dos Santos while chasing Im Ahyeong and Park Seongjin.

How could they stick so close despite being so weak?

He barely managed to fend them off after taking more than a dozen lives.

"The two players. Of Shinhan. Can you suppress them?"

An old man, an Empire magician who had reached the realm of 8-star aura, asked in clumsy English.

He was the only one among the ten knights and nine magicians who led them to learn the language of the United States.

"Don't worry. I know those guys' skills best."

Back when S-rank players were called national-level players.

He had experience fighting against the best forces of Shinhan along with Michael Gore.

At the time, he had been severely beaten by Kim Taehyun and it remained a humiliating experience, but that damn guy no longer exists.

The situation had changed a lot.

He too had grown and grown, rising to the level of an SSS-rank player.

Michael Gore evaluated that he was now second to none in Shinhan, except for Yoo Ahyeong, who ranked first in the world.

Nineteen Empire people who were similar to or one level below him.

The old man in front of him was at least on par with him.

'Or more.'

Even if the escaped Lucas Dos Santos joined, it didn't make sense that they couldn't catch three SSS-rank players.

"Today, we will finally trample on Shinhan's arrogant pride."

Im Ahyeong and Park Seongjin were key forces of Shinhan.

If they were captured alive, it would be a good card to use to force Association President Ji Jinhee to submit to the United States.

"I heard that Shinhan has. A monster called Kim Taehyun. They say he had. A power that was not comparable. To the current players."

"......"

Gregor Gillespie's face hardened when an unexpected name came out.

"That guy is no more. He hasn't appeared even after the dimensions were connected and five years have passed, so it's safe to assume he died somewhere. Or he got caught in the gap between dimensions."

"Hmm..."

Cody Cruz and Kim Taehyun, whose names he had heard so much about while learning about Earthlings.

Gregor Gillespie raised his voice at the old man's attitude, which still showed interest.

"They are products of the old era. They just reached the level of SSS-rank players first. There won't be much difference now."

"Is that so?"

Even Yoo Ahyeong, who was currently ranked first, was said to be insufficient compared to the heads of the Murim clans and the legends of the Empire.

The old man decided not to unnecessarily provoke the nerves of Gregor Gillespie, who was his guide.

Only a part of them had crossed over now.

If their entire force was connected, then current humanity would be entering a new era.

There was no need to pick a fight with the top-level combatant of the United States, the force that dominated Earth.

"If we absorb Shinhan, the rest of the forces will follow our United States of America. The relationship with the Empire will become even stronger."

"Good. To hear."

Shinhan had achieved terrifying growth with the appearance of Kim Taehyun, but in the end, they were not chosen.

The past 5 years since the middle-realm dimension was connected.

Shinhan had fallen behind, and 5 years from now.

'The name Shinhan will no longer exist.'

Just like Japan now.

The capture of Im Ahyeong and Park Seongjin.

That beginning would be achieved today by his own hands.

"Wait a minute."

Gregor Gillespie, who had been walking ahead, stopped and released his magic power.

Whoosh.

Blue magic power spread throughout the area.

Three SSS-rank magic powers were felt.

It must be Im Ahyeong, Park Seongjin, and Lucas Dos Santos.

"It seems the rats have decided to resist."

Gregor Gillespie smiled and drew up the magic power in his body.

"Just watch quietly. I'll pull those guys out."

At the ensuing howling, the Empire people covered their ears and frowned.

Even so, they didn't take their eyes off him.

High Werewolf.

If you were an Empire person, he was close to an 8-star warrior.

The sight of such a person showing his power was of considerable help in training.

Gregor Gillespie's huge magic power began to engulf the area.

The Empire people were watching the process.

Whoosh.

Darkness began to descend on the area.

"Oh... A technique I've never seen before. Did he have a field-type skill too?"

It's tingling.

The old man muttered in admiration at the new magic power that bound his body.

It was a pure magic power, different from the destructive appearance he had shown when fighting the Brazilian players.

But.

"Mr. Wolf... Your expression... What's wrong...?"

The old man tilted his head.

Gregor Gillespie's eyes, which had turned red, were shaking violently.

"No, this can't be... There's no way..."

The giant being who had turned into a High Werewolf showed an unprecedentedly flustered appearance.

Then.

"Gregor Gillespie. Your barking skills have improved a lot, haven't they?"

The real owner of the domain revealed himself.

Okay, here's the translation of Chapter 512:

Chapter 512

Mason, the 8-star mage of the Empire.

Like any mage, he was curious about the current situation.

It had been five years since Earth and the Empire were connected.

He had met countless strong individuals from Earth.

But aside from a few players, there weren't many who piqued his interest.

Or rather, it would be more accurate to say there weren't many.

Therefore.

"Hmm. Interesting."

Mason raised his lips as he looked at the red-eyed man who appeared before him.

Descending darkness.

The power that Earthlings called 'mana.'

He knew it was another form of magic manifested as 'skills.'

Pazzz. Pazzzzz.

White electricity erupted from his body.

Lightning Barrier.

It was only a low-level spell, but when used by an 8-star mage, it became a sturdy shield that even the blow of a skilled martial artist couldn't penetrate.

"Five… no, at least seven."

Mason tried to grasp the number of skills fused into the darkness that constricted him.

Melting that many 'skills' into a field-type magic was an interesting trick, but.

'It's not that powerful.'

Pazzz. Pazzz.

As if to prove that fact, the darkness was unable to penetrate Mason's Lightning Barrier.

Not just himself.

The nine 5- to 7-star mages and ten martial artists he was leading from the Empire.

They were all blocking the darkness and preparing to counterattack in their own ways without much difficulty.

For example, this level of attack wouldn't be enough to threaten the lives of the Empire's elite.

It was clear that was the case.

'Hmm. I don't understand.'

Mason looked at the face of the man trembling beside him.

An SSS-ranked player known as national-level power.

Although there were individual differences, they were strong individuals comparable to the Empire's 7- to 8-star aura users.

The wolf before him was also someone he recognized as strong, but.

'He's afraid?'

Because he was so large, even the smallest movements were easily noticeable.

The man who called himself the strongest spear of the United States was trembling violently.

'Hmm… is there something I don't know…'

Mason's white eyebrows twitched.

Like a great mage, it didn't take long for him to grasp the situation.

The being who cast this darkness was familiar with the man before him.

Unlike what he saw, he wasn't an easy opponent.

"This time. I. Will fight him."

He said awkwardly in English as he took a few steps forward.

To save face for his ally, Gregor Gillespie.

Perhaps he was a little bored because he hadn't had a proper battle since coming to Earth.

It was the moment when the martial artists and mages were about to enter a combat stance at Mason's gesture.

Kwaaa kwa kwa kwa.

Suddenly, the mana emanating from the werewolf's body became even greater.

He had maximized the release of mana by enhancing his skills.

"Do not move."

Gregor Gillespie spat out the words.

Grr. Grrr.

His red eyes flashed, and his low howl was filled with murderous intent.

"……?"

"I warned you. That guy is my prey."

"...If you wish. I will observe. Are you sure?"

"I won't say it twice. I will fight Kim Taehyun."

"……!!"

Mason's eyes widened for a moment.

Kim Taehyun.

He clearly heard that.

The world's number one ranked player who had been missing for years.

'This is getting interesting.'

At Mason's gesture, the nineteen Imperials quickly retreated.

The martial artists and mages paired up to strengthen their aura for defense.

Mason also retreated ten steps and chanted an additional spell.

"Detect Energy."

Aura bloomed, and his eyes brightened.

The amount of energy possessed by the red-eyed man was measured in his enhanced vision.

'Hmm?'

As expected, both his physical body as a martial artist and his mana as a mage were lacking compared to what was expected of an SSS-ranked player.

At best, he was about an SS-ranked player.

'Then why is he so nervous?'

It was when Mason was wondering about that.

"Kim Taehyun… I wouldn't have recognized you if it weren't for this unpleasant mana. You, you were alive."

Drddd.

Ignoring the mana that constricted his body, he asked.

It was just a simple skill he unleashed.

But the way he was showing off was so laughable.

Taehyun smiled and opened his mouth.

"Mr. Wolf. You've grown while I haven't seen you?"

"Damn…."

Unpleasant memories came to mind.

He gritted his teeth for a moment,

Why he was alive.

Why he suddenly appeared.

He followed with questions as if he were interrogating him.

"I have no obligation to answer you kindly. And we're not close enough to do that."

Taehyun sneered and looked at the Imperials who were exploring him.

He met the eyes of an old man with impressive, bright eyes.

'That guy is the leader.'

He recalled that Park Seongjin and Im Ahyeong had said there was one Imperial that they couldn't guarantee victory against.

'He's strong.'

He understood why Im Ahyeong and Park Seongjin had tried to capture the assassins and return. He could feel the difference in level.

"……."

"It's fine if you hand it over willingly, or if you get hit and hand it over."

The mana he felt was lower than his own.

Yet he was still arrogant.

"I don't know where you've been rolling around… but don't think you're the same as before."

He howled and poured out his fighting spirit.

The realm of SSS-rank reached beyond the wall.

The darkness around it was shaken by that power.

"A lot of time has passed. It would be a problem if I was the same as before."

The moment he said those words, Gregor Gillespie's body was moving.

Kkaang.

Chains. Gravity. Poisoning. Paralysis. Sensory domination.

He endured the skills that weighed down his body with his strong body and swung his huge arm.

'It's heavy.'

The body using 'Stone Skin' throbbed.

It had a different sense of weight than when he blocked Park Seongjin's 'Batto.'

'Physical types have the fun of beating them up.'

The assassins from the Murim and Park Seongjin, whom he had fought earlier, were skillful types who valued speed, and Im Ahyeong was closer to a melee combat magician than a martial artist.

Aside from battles where numbers and mana control were important, battles with tankers had the pleasure of smashing them.

Those who had reached the pinnacle of enhancement with human bodies.

Among them, beings like Kwon Ganghyeok and Gregor Gillespie, who took on non-human forms, gave him a similar feeling to fighting monsters.

This was because they didn't imitate human combat methods, but showed movements that were faithful to their instincts.

Kkaang!!

The werewolf's claws and Taehyun's fist collided and made a metallic sound.

He figured it out after a few exchanges.

Strength, speed, and stamina.

"This body is superior!!"

Gregor Gillespie, who shouted, slammed into his prey.

Taehyun, who was thrown back, frowned and got up.

'Certainly. It's a burden to fight back.'

He acknowledged the difference in stats.

He was relieved that the stats he had confirmed the moment he returned to Earth were unusually high for E-rank.

But.

He had to admit that he couldn't overwhelm SSS-ranked players with just simple stats.

Tring.

[Skill Eye of the Incubus King (E) has been activated.]

[The proficiency of the skill is limited.]

[The skill is partially activated.]

The red eyes, which had been maintained without using any special skills, became even darker.

It was an eye that even captured the movement of the archduke.

Even though it was activated at the E-rank level.

"The level is different."

Whoong.

He easily avoided Gregor Gillespie's follow-up attack.

It was as vivid as if he had gained super-sensory perception.

With this much, he could sufficiently cover the falling stats.

First Form of Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Explosive Force.

Kwang.

Realizing the lack of muscle strength, he stepped back.

Naturally, the next movement followed.

Second Form, Short Force. Third Form, Elbow Force. Fourth Form, Spiral Force. Fifth Form, Penetrating Force.

The strengthened fists struck the werewolf's body in succession.

And.

Sixth Form, Divine Transformation Force.

Kkwaang!!

"……."

Gregor Gillespie's body, which had shown no reaction to the shower of attacks, flinched.

Of course, Taehyun wasn't going to miss that moment.

'It takes about 6 forms to have an impact.'

He rushed into his arms.

Whether it was the Chinese Sanxia or the Korean Baeklang.

His understanding of ancient martial arts was already at its peak.

There was no need to use it as a principle of ascension anymore.

Likewise, there was no problem in mixing up the forms.

Seventh Form of Ancient Korean Martial Arts.

Plains.

Jjeoooooeong!!

The moment the tightly clenched fist and the straightened palm touched his abdomen.

"Cough…!!"

With a scream, the wolf spat out blood.

This was because the mana began to flow in reverse as the fist, the principle of Force, and the palm, the principle of Bagua, overlapped.

"Don't fall down so easily. I still have a lot I want to test."

"……!!"

Kwang. Kwang. Kwang.

The one-sided battle continued.

It was when he finally broke through Gregor Gillespie's outer skin with continuous strikes.

Pajiz!!

Taehyun retreated his body from the lightning that struck down.

"This body. Is the Empire's mage. Mason."

Awkward English.

But it wasn't difficult to understand his intention.

"I was going to finish this guy off and say hello."

Tring.

[Skill Chains of Restraint (E) has been activated. Target identified.]

[Skill Energy Drain (E) has been activated. Target identified.]

Chains wrapped around the werewolf's body.

When Gregor Gillespie shook his body, the chains looked precarious, as if they would break.

This was not enough.

No matter how much shock he had inflicted, he couldn't hold him for even a minute.

But.

Jjeojjeojjeojeok.

Ice soared from the ground where darkness had descended.

Im Ahyeong, who had been waiting in advance, had joined in.

Teok.

Im Ahyeong placed her hand on Gregor Gillespie's frozen body.

She was also an SSS-ranked player.

With this, the werewolf could not participate in the battle.

It wouldn't be unreasonable to break free if he went berserk.

However, choosing such an option with the Imperials as his backers was too much to call him a national-level power.

Hwaaaaa.

The surroundings were swallowed by darkness.

Jjeojjeojjeojeok.

Ice was waiting for an opportunity from below.

Sswaaaaek. Swaek.

Park Seongjin was firing sword energy from somewhere in the darkness.

In an instant, one 6-star mage and a martial artist had their legs cut off.

The Empire's mages and martial artists began to search for new enemies.

"I've been caught. In a trap."

Unlike his words, Mason let out a pleasant smile.

"Everyone, retreat and move into a dense defensive formation. A mediocre force will only amplify that guy's power."

Since the darkness had descended, his power had been slowly sucked away.

In proportion to that, Taehyun's mana was slowly growing.

The effect of the fused skill 'Energy Drain.'

Both the Murim warriors' inner strength and the Imperials' aura were being converted into mana with some loss.

'He's quick.'

Tring.

[Skill Apocalypse (E) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

"Where. Are you aiming."

When Mason swung the staff he was holding, flames soared from all over the Apocalypse.

Salamander.

He was planning to burn away the darkness with fire attribute magic.

The mana that had been filled through 'Energy Drain' decreased.

Rather, a considerable amount of mana began to drain out to maintain the Apocalypse.

It was a power struggle where Taehyun could only lose.

"You too. Stop. Now."

Kkwareureung!!!

Im Ahyeong swallowed a groan at the lightning that struck down on her and pulled back her body.

Hwareureureu.

The flames that followed released the wolf.

The charred werewolf howled roughly.

Taehyun's Apocalypse was incompletely released, and Im Ahyeong and Park Seongjin gathered around.

"It's come to this."

"You can still avoid it now."

"No."

Taehyun smiled and drew the Dragon Slayer Sword that was attached to his belt.

"I've found a solution."

The message he had been waiting for appeared.

513

Ting.

[Skill: Primal Element (E) has been activated.]

[Skill user's stamina is low.]

[Skill: Primal Element (E) will be temporarily activated.]

Fzzz. Fzz.

Lightning flowed from Taehyun's body.

The Grand Duke, wielder of elemental power.

Typhon, the Giant King.

Originally, most of the Grand Dukes' skills were sealed when they crossed over to Earth, but they were forcibly awakened through the Dragon Slayer Sword, a special device.

This was also possible because he had diverted most of the mana drained by 'Energy Drain' to the Dragon Slayer Sword.

'Temporary, huh? I should finish this quickly.'

Currently, Lucas dos Santos and the remaining players are protecting Tolkien and the assassins.

Dealing with Gregor Gillespie and the twenty Imperial soldiers was the responsibility of Taehyun, Park Sungjin, and Lim Ayoung.

The reason Taehyun took on this seemingly difficult task with just these three was:

It was also a problem that the power of Brazil, which could be considered a friendly nation to New Korea, was diminishing, but he was confident that he could capture them with the assistance of Park Sungjin and Lim Ayoung.

A message appeared, indicating a temporary increase in strength, stamina, speed, and mana.

'Apocalypse' was deactivated, but an even greater stat increase occurred.

No matter how much the grade drops, there is a difference in class.

At the point of subjugating the Grand Dukes and leading the territorial war to victory, the understanding of the skills derived from the Grand Duke's power was no longer comparable to those used by mortals.

"Now it's worth a try."

When the constantly appearing messages stopped.

All stats far exceeded 450.

This meant that Earth, where dimensional integration had begun, could withstand this level of existence.

If Taehyun's combat experience and the 'Nightmare King's Eye' were added to this, it could no longer be said to be a disadvantage.

"You're still the same...."

"......"

Park Sungjin and Lim Ayoung, who were beside him, couldn't hide their surprise at the explosively increased existence.

They had been worried knowing that Taehyun's condition wasn't normal, and they were embarrassed for suggesting escape.

'As expected, if I'm with Kim Taehyun.'

'It's worth a try.'

Even though he had a stat increase that could be called a rampage, he didn't lose his reason.

Rather, he seemed more relaxed than before.

This attitude was possible because he had experience dealing with even greater power.

They weren't the only ones surprised.

The faces of the Imperial soldiers and Gregor Gillespie who were watching hardened rapidly.

Only Mason's interesting expression became even more fixed.

'He can control lightning?'

Elemental magic is the foundation of Imperial magic.

Therefore, he knew that the lightning flowing from Taehyun's body was comparable to a 7-star.

Judging from his strange movements a moment ago, if he were to surround his body with the power of lightning and engage in combat.

Top-tier 7-star.

Or.

'Early 8-star.'

He would become an existence that could be said to be on par with himself.

"I want to test it."

He spoke his true feelings in the Imperial language.

"Enchant. Fire Armor."

Whoosh.

Flames of aura soared in the area.

The mages and warriors of the Empire were clad in armor of flames.

If they couldn't avoid Taehyun's lightning-covered attacks, they had to inflict a corresponding shock.

The mages and knights of the Empire emitted ominous auras.

Really.

"It's an interesting power."

Taehyun said with pure admiration.

The inner power of the Murim and the aura of the Empire only differ in their composition.

'The essence is similar to the divine power of the Upper Realm.'

Just as Earth was connected to the Lower Realm named Abyss.

It was possible that other dimensions were connected to the Upper Realm.

'I should catch them all and hand them over to the Alchemist.'

Eleven Murim people.

Twenty Imperial soldiers.

They are sufficient as test subjects both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Seo Sangik would be able to produce sufficient results.

Taehyun's figure shot out.

Two or more 7-star Imperial soldiers that New Korea had failed to capture even after pouring in 5 years.

It took less than 5 minutes to capture two of them.

As the battle continued, Mason's bewilderment also grew.

He had thought that Taehyun would only be able to use the power of lightning.

It was a misjudgment.

Only five things have been identified so far.

When he stamped his foot, the ground rose up.

The fist he carelessly swung seemed to contain wind.

Above all, the Empire soldiers' aura was being sucked into the blue sword emitting an ominous presence.

'I can't believe it. He can control all of this?'

Mason was horrified by Taehyun's actions of avoiding his magic and breaking the leg of a 7-star warrior.

In a short time, ten Imperial soldiers were defeated.

Gregor Gillespie was fighting Yoo Ayoung and Park Sungjin.

From the moment Kim Taehyun appeared, the wolf could no longer show the same majesty as before.

In its current state, it cannot win the battle.

Also.

'I can't chase him.'

The higher the level of magic, the longer the chanting time and the lower the accuracy.

Since he can't hold Taehyun, his magic is not hitting him either.

The approaching defeat was clearly visible.

'Some way to stop the movement....'

His gaze turned to Gregor Gillespie.

No more Imperial warriors can be lost here.

The decision did not take long.

'You will have to sacrifice yourself.'

Warp.

He moved the wolf in front of Kim Taehyun.

He doesn't think he can win.

If he can only buy a moment of time, if he can only cast complete 8-star magic.

'I can reverse this situation.'

"Kahaak!!"

It roared and pounced on Taehyun for a moment.

Kwaang!!

"Keuheok...."

Thud.

Gregor Gillespie knelt on one knee.

The ingrained fear rendered his boasted toughness useless.

Bang!!

Taehyun's kick completely forced the werewolf to its knees.

"You... I'll kill you... I will kill you...."

"You're still all talk."

Kwajik.

When he put force into his foot, he heard the sound of bones breaking somewhere.

The wolf was about to groan, but for a moment.

"Keuk... Keukeuk... Go Taeuk. That guy reacted like that too."

Unlike his painful face, the corners of his mouth lifted bitterly.

"......?"

"Ah... haven't you heard?"

Bang.

The wolf's jaw was lifted.

Thud!!

The massive body fell back unsightly.

"Speak clearly."

Kwaduk. Kwadeuk.

Taehyun stepped on the wolf's neck and made eye contact.

Even though his arrogant face was stained with humiliation, he burst out laughing on purpose.

"He's dead. He died quite miserably too.... Kak...!!"

"......"

Park Sungjin's slash sent Gregor Gillespie flying in the distance.

Taehyun watched the scene quietly.

"Kim Taehyun!!"

Late, Lim Ayoung surrounded Taehyun with an ice wall.

Her expression wasn't good.

"Lim Ayoung. What did I just hear?"

"That is...."

Ulk.

An unpleasant feeling welled up.

At that time.

Mason, who had finished chanting, spread his arms and shouted.

"Meteor."

Kwaaaaaa.

A huge shadow loomed over the area.

"Something's up...."

Park Sungjin, who was dealing with the Imperial soldiers alone, spat out profanity.

Not just because of the falling meteorite.

He could guess what Lim Ayoung and Taehyun were talking about beyond the ice wall.

Go Taeuk, who supported the New Korea Player Association along with Ji Jinhee.

Will Taehyun be able to maintain his reason even after hearing about that man's death?

'No.'

A huge meteorite that should not exist is falling overhead.

And.

To the murderous intent rising from beyond the ice wall.

'Something's up.'

He shook his head.

[To think that the power of the brethren would fall to this level.]

Tolkien, who was watching the battle from afar, muttered.

The assassins had been entrusted to the Brazilian players.

This was to watch Taehyun's battle.

It was effective.

He realized that inner power and aura were similar to divine power.

Also.

[Oho.]

A strange wave was generated the moment mana and aura collided.

It was a subtle change that could only be seen if it was him.

[Sufficient.]

Tolkien was certain.

This collision phenomenon was the perfect environment for the Seed of the Divine Tree to grow.

He wanted to inform his brother of this fact as soon as possible.

And he wanted to prove his worth.

However.

[Hmm?]

Suddenly, the area became dark.

A meteorite preserving a huge mass was falling from the sky.

Meteorite Summon, which one of the absolute beings of the Upper Realm was seen using as a joke.

A technique called 'Meteor'.

[Can a mortal of Middle-earth imitate this much?]

Tolkien showed curiosity towards the otherworldy old man who appeared to be the caster.

But that was it.

Pajijik. Pajik.

Electricity was crackling from Taehyun's body.

The special qualities of the Blue Tribe used in the forging of the Dragon Slayer Sword.

There, the power of the Giant King was being amplified.

The vast power mixed and mana began to swirl.

[Strange.]

Taehyun, who had been taking a thoroughly reconnaissance-oriented battle until now, was drawing out more power than necessary.

[Hmph... could it be...]

Is he angry?

That slick brother?

Tolkien didn't guess the reason.

Washington, D.C. U.S. Player Association Headquarters.

Michael Gore was having a private meeting with Kevin Lee.

"We have lost contact with Gregor Gillespie, who was heading to Brazil."

"What about the Empire side that moved with him?"

"Same goes for them."

"What about news about Park Sungjin and Lim Ayoung?"

"Nothing. I'm sorry."

"...I have a bad feeling."

The Chinese side seemed to have captured Yoo Ayoung.

Thanks to this, they promised to measure the gate of New Korea on the pretext of her guidance.

Gate measurement is just an excuse.

"At this rate, China will end up occupying New Korea."

America and China.

The reason why they, who are overwhelmingly ahead among the world's powers, are obsessed with New Korea is not just because of territory.

"This time, it's certain."

Two-dimensional gate.

A chosen geography is needed to open gates to Abyss, Empire, and Murim.

"No matter how Yoo Ayoung's life is at stake, I doubt Chairman Ji Jinhee will hand it over willingly. There's a high probability that he'll just stall for time."

"A cornered beast can bite a dragon. Send additional troops to Brazil."

Now Ji Jinhee will have to choose whether he likes it or not.

If it's the cards Park Sungjin and Lim Ayoung.

"Even that fortress-like man won't be able to ignore them easily."

New Korea. Player Association Chairman's office.

"Are you really going to do it?"

Lee Jaejun asked with a worried voice.

"Of course."

"......"

It was the expected answer.

He knows that he is a person who never gives up once he decides.

Even so, he wanted to stop him at all costs this time.

"The chairman will not be safe either... The chairman is New Korea's...."

"I gave up my life a long time ago. I even thought I lived longer than I expected."

"If it's about Director Go Taeuk, you can strengthen your strength later...."

Ji Jinhee shook his head and stopped Lee Jaejun's words.

"Don't worry. I still maintain at least a minimum of reason. Receiving Guild Master Yoo Ayoung is based on that judgment."

"......"

It was New Korea that called in the Chinese side on the pretext of measurement.

"Is there any news from Brazil?"

"Since communication has not been restored yet... it is difficult to grasp."

"It's ominous."

"I'm sorry."

"First of all, focus on Guild Master Yoo Ayoung. She is a card that must never be lost. Please check the condition of the players again."

"...I understand."

How long has it been since Lee Jaejun went out on his superior's orders?

"Chairman. The Chinese envoy has arrived."

The long-awaited report came from another secretary.

How long have I been waiting for this day.

"Let's go."

Ji Jinhee left the room calmly.

514

The leader of Nightwalker, a global information guild, and the world's number one ranked player.

Yoo Ah-young.

With Nightwalker's information and the association's tacit approval, she moved discreetly in the changing world.

She crushed SSS-ranked players from the United States and China, and eliminated warriors from the Empire and Murim.

With Kim Tae-hyun gone.

Yoo Ah-young was the pride of New Korea, itself.

That was certainly the case.

Ji Jin-hee trembled at the sight of Yoo Ah-young.

One of her arms was cut off, and her complexion was haggard from being poisoned.

Familiar faces were seen around her.

Murim.

The young masters of the Mo Yong Family and the Sichuan Tang Family, who were wielding power there.

According to the information Nightwalker had gathered, they were families skilled in swordsmanship and poison, respectively.

He suppressed the emotions that were boiling up inside him so that no murderous intent would leak out.

He forced a smile.

But unlike that appearance.

'You bastards will all...'

...die here today.

Grim determination filled his mind.

Lee Jae-joon was looking at such Ji Jin-hee with concern.

The eyes of the association players who were welcoming the Chinese envoys were filled with murderous intent.

Among them, a man's face showed a bitter expression.

Hwang Jae-young, Tae-hyun's cousin.

He followed the excellent workout routine left by Tae-hyun, obtained a license when he turned twenty, and was currently working as an A-ranked player affiliated with the association.

He, who had been just a D-ranked Awakened, became an A-ranked player in New Korea.

People around him even called him a genius of effort.

'Sister...'

He gritted his teeth as he looked at Yoo Ah-young, who was sitting in a wheelchair.

She was the woman who shouldered the burden of being the strongest player in New Korea in place of his brother, Tae-hyun.

She defeated Sarah Collins of the United States and became the undisputed world's number one ranked player, and performed countless unofficial missions while serving as the guild leader of Nightwalker.

He knew that all of that was for the sake of New Korea.

Now that the other-dimensional gate had opened and new powerhouses called Murim people and Empire people had appeared.

Yoo Ah-young was more than just the status of a player from one country, she was like the pride of Earthlings.

Such a woman had one arm severed and was restrained, showing a helpless appearance.

Knowing that she had a subtle relationship with Tae-hyun.

Jae-young was also struggling to suppress his rising murderous intent.

His gaze turned to the two men at the head of the delegation.

China was regaining its former power, but they did not have the military force to capture Yoo Ah-young.

So, the cause must be the two men wearing otherworldly clothes.

'They said they were Mo Yong Family and Sichuan Tang Family...'

Several families that held an absolute position even in Murim.

He heard that they were the young masters who could be said to be the next successors of those families.

Mo Yonghak, the young master of the Mo Yong Family.

Tang Jeonggi, the young master of the Sichuan Tang Family.

The information that Nightwalker had gathered was shared with all of them.

They said that SSS-ranked players were called supreme masters in Murim, and 8-star mages or knights in the Empire.

Since they were the ones who captured Yoo Ah-young, who was considered the best among SSS-ranked players.

'I have to assume that both of them are top-tier SSS-ranked.'

He realized the weight of this operation again.

His skill 'Dreamwalk,' which had grown to A-rank, could not even dare to compare.

No, if he used it rashly, he would lose his life in an instant.

However, New Korea was not just standing by idly.

Ji Jin-hee, who had reached the upper level of SSS-rank, and Kwon Kang-hyuk, who was evaluated as upper-middle level, would face the two young masters.

And Kwak Si-yang, who had reached the middle level, would command them from the rear.

Excluding the young masters, only eight players from the Chinese side had followed.

About 200 New Korean players, who were famous for their high skills, and two supreme masters comparable to Yoo Ah-young, and eight of China's elite players.

'It's an unpredictable match.'

Gulp.

Hwang Jae-young swallowed hard without realizing it.

Sweat flowed all over his body.

It would not be any different for Ji Jin-hee, who was in front of him with a hardened face, welcoming the Chinese envoys.

"...How dare you!!!"

Suddenly, Ji Jin-hee shouted and exploded with magic power.

It was a signal.

Players' magic power bloomed from all over the place.

Tring.

[Skill 'Magic Power Amplification' has been applied.]

[Skill 'Magic Power Enhancement' has been applied.]

[Skill 'Unwavering Stamina' has been applied.]

In addition to these, messages appeared stating that all kinds of skills were applied, maximizing physical abilities and skill efficiency.

Stats that were only A-rank had already far exceeded the S-rank level.

The same was true for all the players who had been assigned a similar role to him.

'Sister... rest in peace now.'

Tring.

[Skill Dreamwalk (A) has been activated. Identifying the target.]

[The skill is enhanced.]

[The efficiency of the skill increases.]

Tilt... Tilt...

Yoo Ah-young's head, which had been shaking, drooped down.

For the strongest player to be affected by his skill, it showed how bad her condition was.

"When you open your eyes, everything will be resolved."

Jae-young, who said that.

Tring.

[Skill Dreamwalk (A) has been enhanced. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]

Used his skills towards the prey of the operation.

"...How dare you!!"

Ji Jin-hee exploded with the magic power he had been saving up all at once.

With just that, the expressions of the Chinese envoys, who had been smiling, hardened.

Everyone who visited this place was a holder of a self-issued SSS-rank license.

However.

Upper level of SSS-rank.

Ji Jin-hee, who was recognized as a world-renowned realm.

It was impossible to block the momentum that he was unleashing with determination.

"Hiss..."

"W-What are you doing!!"

"Withdraw your power!!"

Some of the envoys shouted.

"That's what I want to ask. Did you think our New Korea was so easy?"

Ji Jin-hee asked, still holding the man's wheelchair, Yoo Ah-young's wheelchair.

"W-What are you talking about?!!"

"You son of a bitch, don't lie. Did you think we were so easy that you would allow streaming skills on an informal visit?"

The huge man next to him.

Kwon Kang-hyuk growled and stepped forward.

"You're making ridiculous claims... Cough..."

The man shouted as if he was wronged.

Kwaaaa.

Ji Jin-hee's murderous intent made him grab his neck.

"Shut your disgusting mouth."

Ji Jin-hee, who said that, walked to Yoo Ah-young's front.

Kwon Kang-hyuk stood firmly behind him.

'Old man, he's really angry.'

They had been working together since they were S-rank.

He could tell that he was risking his life today.

A planned outburst.

Association players activated their skills one by one.

"Association President Ji Jin-hee!! You were planning this from the start!!"

"Do you think you will be safe even after betraying the great nation!!"

"Don't!! Look down on the great nation!!"

The released magic power was mixed in the area.

It was true that the player Ji Jin-hee had knocked out a little while ago possessed recording and streaming skills.

It was also true that using those skills on an informal visit was illegal.

They deployed an SSS-rank player from their own country because they thought that if they took a clumsy guy, they might get caught.

They intended to record this measurement and spread it to the public later, and to demoralize the shocked New Korean citizens and players.

'Damn it. I didn't expect to get caught so soon.'

'Even so, to come out so reckless like this. Are they crazy?'

Ji Jin-hee's magic power detection was better than expected, but they did not expect him to act to this extent.

Ji Jin-hee walked closer.

At this rate, he was afraid that Yoo Ah-young would be taken away by the atmosphere.

Yoo Ah-young was supposed to be handed over only after the measurement was completed.

'I have to buy time somehow.'

"W-Wait a minute, Association President Ji Jin-hee!! There is no such law!!"

The leader of the delegation, a man, stepped forward and shouted.

He was also an SSS-rank player from the People's Republic of China.

But since he had not crossed the wall through normal training, it was natural that the wall of the past that had blocked him came to mind the moment he faced Ji Jin-hee.

It was solid and huge.

From the era when it was called the country of the Son of Heaven, to the present.

He felt like he knew why the great nation had not been able to swallow this small country.

"There is no need to keep a promise with those who have no faith."

"What are you talking about!!"

"The measurement case is canceled. We will also have Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young taken away by the association."

It was the moment when Ji Jin-hee, who said that, reached out to the wheelchair of the fainted Yoo Ah-young.

Poohk.

A dagger was stabbed in front of Ji Jin-hee's feet.

It was the position where it would have been stabbed in the leg if Ji Jin-hee, who had noticed the presence, had not stepped back.

The man who threw the dagger.

Mo Yonghak, the young master of the Mo Yong Family, clicked his tongue.

"How far should we tolerate your impudent behavior?"

"Good job, Mo Yonghak. That woman is mine."

The young master of the Sichuan Tang Family praised Mo Yonghak, revealing a sinister look.

"Tang Jeonggi. There are many eyes watching. Don't show a 모습 that will tarnish the family's name."

"Bullshit. If you talk to this body like that, I might kill you first."

Tsk tsk.

Mo Yonghak clicked his tongue again.

The order given by the head of the family was absolute.

The order that the head of the family gave to him was to help the great nation of China and open a gate that was directly connected to the family here.

Now that the success of the mission was right in front of him.

There was no need to make trouble with such a womanizer.

"Do as you please. But don't forget the purpose of coming here."

"That's obvious."

Poohk.

Tang Jeonggi took out a needle from his chest and stabbed it into Yoo Ah-young's neck.

It was not a simple needle.

A force that aliens called magic power.

It contained a poisonous substance that suppressed that power.

The poison passed down in the family was the cause of preventing ultra-high-speed regeneration.

"Did you say Ji Jin-hee? Don't have any vain expectations."

Yoo Ah-young's power was so great that many young masters of the family had to come forward.

Especially the tentacles she released with madness.

The purple power was eerie.

"This year is a trophy of the Tang Family."

From the beginning, he had no intention of giving it out, and he was thinking of taking it back to the family alive and using it as research material.

"Come to think of it, this year's younger sister is also quite pretty... Hiss... In many ways, it's a fun country."

Mo Yonghak looked at Tang Jeonggi, who was getting excited just by thinking about it, with pity.

"Focus on the mission. First of all, we need to break their momentum."

He emitted a force that Earthlings called internal energy.

Kwaaaa.

The refreshing energy suppressed the mixed magic power in the area.

"You've prepared quite well."

Mo Yonghak frowned at the skills that were rushing to weaken his momentum.

198 players excluding Ji Jin-hee and Kwon Kang-hyuk.

More than half of them were non-combat skill users.

Each individual was less than a worm.

'The coordination is at the level of a decent Nine Great Sects.'

The suppression was considerable.

Even so, the power that Mo Yonghak emitted was by no means inferior to Ji Jin-hee's momentum.

The hardened faces of the Chinese players were relieved again.

"Association President Ji Jin-hee!! Cooperate with the measurement now!! Otherwise, you will not know that you will shed blood here, will you?"

Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had been silently watching the situation, stood next to Ji Jin-hee.

He helped Ji Jin-hee and released magic power.

"Do these bastards think this is their home?"

His stats, which had been at the upper-middle level of SSS-rank, were surpassing the upper level due to overlapping skills.

'If I'm at this level, the old man must have reached the highest level. This battle is worth it.'

Following.

[Magic Power Interference Wave has been activated.]

[Barrier has been activated.]

He heard the report he had been waiting for through the earring.

"It's easy to enter a tiger's den, but you have to risk your life to get out."

New Korean Ancient Martial Arts Style 1 Taebaek.

Crack!!!

Ji Jin-hee's hand blade, which collided with the sword, bounced Mo Yonghak's body away.

"What is this bastard?"

Tang Jeonggi threw a needle at Ji Jin-hee, who had knocked out Mo Yonghak and was holding Yoo Ah-young.

The needle was coated with a poison that could paralyze an elephant weighing 1 ton even if only one drop was injected into the body.

But.

Kwang!!!

Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had transformed into a demon, deflected the needle and rammed into Tang Jeonggi at the same time.

"You son of a bitch!! Do your sewing at home!!"

New Korean Players Association Headquarters.

A small war began there.

515

Thud.

Mason knelt down, feeling drained.

It was the aftereffect of using 8-star magic.

Meteor, which draws meteorites from outside the world using the aura within the body as coordinates.

Even if successful, the aftermath would leave the area devastated, and its use was forbidden in the Empire.

But this place was not the Empire, but another world.

He wasn't so kind as to worry about the environment of a place called Earth, so he used it recklessly, intending to shake things up.

Whether they evaded or blocked it.

Kim Tae-hyun and his companions, targeted by coordinates, could not escape the damage.

That's how it should be.

"Ah... ah..."

He groaned with empty eyes.

The 8-star magic called a disaster.

An unbelievable thing was happening against that massive magic.

Crackle.

Rumble.

A giant hand that had risen in front of Kim Tae-hyun was supporting the meteorite.

Its size was meager compared to the falling meteorite, but it looked as if the earth was doing its best to protect the mysterious human.

'He was hiding this much power...?'

In terms of raw power, Meteor was far superior.

No.

'What matters is not the power.'

Unlike himself, who had to chant to use 8-star magic.

'There was no sign of preparation from that guy.'

Considering the movements close to an 8-star martial artist he had shown until just now.

The edge of 8-star.

Or.

The entry point of 9-star, considered to have surpassed mortals.

'Could it be that he was already there from the beginning...?'

The realm of 9-star, which only five people in the vast Empire had reached.

Heroes who supported the Empire and had awakened the essence of martial arts and magic.

'If Kim Tae-hyun is on par with such beings...'

In an instant, many thoughts flashed through his mind.

If the guess was correct, it would create a major variable in future plans.

Even the Empire, which was in alliance with the United States.

Even the Murim, which was in alliance with China.

Because 9-star beings still could not cross dimensions.

Rumble.

The statue that was blocking the Meteor was seen shaking.

'……!!'

Trickle.

Blood flowed from the corner of Kim Tae-hyun's mouth.

Reversal symptoms.

Mason's face brightened, and a smile appeared.

That's right, that's right.

There was no way he could block 8-star magic without any preparation.

There was no way such a monster could exist.

'That guy must be finished here.'

It wasn't just a matter of capturing Im Ah-young and Park Seong-jin to use as bargaining chips in negotiations with Ji Jin-hee.

'Kim Tae-hyun must be eliminated at all costs.'

Even if it meant sacrificing many Imperials in the process.

"Hoo..."

Mason squeezed out his aura.

Swish.

The archmage's aura touched the fallen Imperial mages.

Whoosh.

The eight rings formed within their bodies rotated fiercely.

Each ring emitted a light comparable to a star, quickly restoring the depleted aura.

7-star magic, Life Drain.

Restoring aura with the lives of others was forbidden in the Empire.

But again, this was not the time to worry about such things.

The bodies of the five Imperial mages who had fallen to Kim Tae-hyun shriveled up like mummies.

'Capture is impossible.'

If he could eliminate that guy, this much sacrifice was nothing.

Once rationalization was complete, all guilt disappeared.

Mason rose again.

The two 7-star martial artists who had been fighting Park Seong-jin gathered beside him.

It was possible for Gregor Gillespie, who had gone berserk, to hold Park Seong-jin back well enough on his own.

"Mason. I'll pretend I didn't see this."

"I'll protect you until you finish chanting the magic."

"...Thank you."

Once again, Mason chanted the 8-star magic.

The time it took to activate the second Meteor, in a state where his energy was depleted, was only five minutes.

He saw Gregor Gillespie, who was engaged in a bloody battle with Park Seong-jin.

'I'm sorry to that man...'

I will honor your death.

"Meteor."

Kaboom.

Above the meteorite supported by the giant hand, the second meteorite collided.

Emotions fluctuate.

I thought I had achieved a state of mental clarity, forming the dignity of an Archduke, but.

'I'm still not there yet.'

It seemed that my heart had become clouded due to being degraded.

In such a situation, I used the power of Typhon.

Because it was used forcibly without proper mana release, the body was screaming.

[Physical abilities have reached their limit.]

[Skill Source Element (E) will be canceled.]

[Cancel countdown has begun.]

[10… 9….]

Not good.

If this continued, the forcibly used Source Element would be canceled, and Park Seong-jin and Im Ah-young would have to face the remaining guys.

Since I had already neutralized about half of them, they wouldn't be easily pushed back, but there would be considerable injuries.

'Calm down, Kim Tae-hyun.'

Go Tae-wook.

One of the few people who maintained a good relationship with Tae-hyun throughout his previous life and regression.

Such a person was murdered.

'People die anyway.'

I tried to convince myself.

'I can't save everyone.'

Even if I tried to rationalize it that way.

Once a heart starts to boil, it doesn't calm down easily.

Many thoughts came to mind.

Why was I going through such hardship in the Abyss?

While not even being able to properly take care of the people around me.

Trying to inherit the will of the Lower Realm King?

Hypocrisy.

I was angry at my own pretenses.

Ding.

[Skill Source Element (E) has been canceled.]

As the hand that was supporting it was released, the meteorite fell again.

Crackling.

Boom.

Im Ah-young's magic replaced Tae-hyun's skill to stop the falling phenomenon.

"Kim Tae-hyun!! Get a grip!!"

I am getting a grip.

I'm just angry at the emotions that don't subside.

'No, doesn't that mean I'm not getting a grip?'

When reason becomes clouded, it is difficult to think properly, as usual.

If Rosaria or Elven saw this current state, they would surely sneer.

Not far away, I saw an old man taking the life force of the Imperial mages.

I saw Park Seong-jin holding Gregor Gillespie's feet.

Compared to the Domain War.

Compared to the battles I fought against the Archduke and Noname.

'It's like child's play.'

But why is it so.

What am I so.

'Afraid of?'

"...Kim Tae-hyun!!"

Im Ah-young's shout echoed in my head once again.

I stop thinking.

When your head is complicated, it's easiest to act as your heart tells you.

Whether they are Imperials or those foolish players over there.

"I'm done with capturing them alive."

"...What? Then..."

Ding.

[Skill Chains of Entrapment (E) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

Clatter. Clatter.

Chains touched the body of the werewolf who was fighting Park Seong-jin.

Ding.

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

[Skill Energy Drain (E) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

It was an attack that wouldn't have worked under normal circumstances.

I would have trampled him so he couldn't move, restrained him, and then allowed it.

But the werewolf's condition, after being trampled by Tae-hyun once and fighting a bloody battle with Park Seong-jin, was far from normal.

The werewolf's mana flowed into the body, which showed signs of reversal.

Unlike when I used it against the Imperials a little while ago, I didn't hold back on the skill.

Ding.

[The enhancement of Skill Energy Drain (E) has reached its limit.]

[Absorbing the target's life force.]

I bet.

On the werewolf, who was slowly starting to lose his existence.

Stab.

The wolf, whose tendons had been cut by Park Seong-jin's sword, knelt down.

"...Kim Tae-hyun."

Ignoring Park Seong-jin, who was calling his name, he made eye contact with the wolf.

"Don't… let go… doing this won't…"

"The reason I didn't take that wretched life."

Tae-hyun cut off the wolf's words and strengthened his mana.

The weaker the guy became, the stronger Tae-hyun's presence became.

"Was the least I could do for Ricky Hallis and Cody Cruz."

Stab.

I shoved my hand into the wolf's body, which had been torn apart by the Spiral Piercer.

I grabbed the heart that was once human.

Now I held the heart of a monster that had reached the boundary of the highest species.

"Cough…"

Blood gushed from Gregor Gillespie's mouth.

"I'll forgive you twice."

Ding.

[Skill Chains of Entrapment (E) will be released.]

[Skill Energy Drain (E) will be enhanced.]

"There is no third time."

Zzzzzz.

Boom.

The magic stone shattered, and the wolf's massive body fell to the side.

Ding.

[Awakening rank changes to D.]

[Skill rank changes to D.]

A message popped up saying that several skills had been unlocked along with the increase in awakening rank.

"Are you going to kill everyone?"

Park Seong-jin asked.

"If they survive, let's take them with us."

The second meteorite fell, and Im Ah-young's ice was breaking.

Watching that, I newly released the mana that had risen.

Ding.

[Skill True Blood (D) has been activated.]

Kiiii-.

A vampire's magic stone was created in the body.

[The skill's cooldown is released.]

I had only created one magic stone.

But the cooldown of 'Apocalypse' and 'Ataraxia' and 'Source Element' was released with the rising blood-red mana.

Was that all?

The reversal subsided, and the energy of the area was absorbed by Tae-hyun.

Im Ah-young and Park Seong-jin's mana.

The aura of the Imperials.

Tae-hyun gladly accepted the phenomenon.

Im Ah-young's ice was about 80 percent destroyed by the two meteorites.

Her face changed to that of someone who had made up her mind.

"Stop it."

"But…"

Tae-hyun looked at the meteorite without any further response.

Honestly, it was surprising.

Because it was an attack that I could only block with the resolve to face the reversal until just now.

But.

"Not now."

I reached out my hand.

The Dragonslayer Sword, which I had thrown away, flew and was caught.

Ding.

[Skill Source Element (D) has been activated.]

Crackle. Crackle.

Lightning wrapped around the Dragonslayer Sword.

Insufficient.

Whoosh.

Upward flames rose above the lightning.

Insufficient.

Crackling.

Kiiii.

The elements of ice and wind were added.

Yes.

"It has to be at least this much."

The two meteorites that completely shattered the ice cast a huge shadow.

As if not allowing a single falling object.

The Dragonslayer Sword, with four mixed elements, roared.

The two meteorites disappeared with one sword strike.

It wasn't cut or broken.

The ice slowed down the speed, and the debris that was cut into pieces vanished without a trace with lightning and upward flames.

It was an absurd power.

'It was clear that the use of power was limited...'

Clench.

Im Ah-young bit her lip without realizing it.

It's not jealousy.

It's just self-blame for not being able to provide proper help this time either.

Park Seong-jin's expression was also hardened, perhaps feeling the same way.

If they had had this much power, Go Tae-wook wouldn't have been murdered like that.

The world wouldn't be so chaotic.

"Don't make that expression. It's still an incomplete state."

With those words, Tae-hyun captured the eleven surviving Imperials.

Five martial artists. Six mages.

It was because Mason recklessly sacrificed the Imperials.

"Eleven. How ironic."

Eleven Murim members. Eleven Imperials.

That would exceed the original target.

It was when Park Seong-jin and Yoo Ah-young's faces brightened a little.

"Kuh… Keuh… By now, Shinhan… will be suffering great… sacrifices…."

Mason, exhausted, spoke in broken English.

516

There are things that are hard to believe even when you see them with your own eyes.

The current Im Ah-young felt that way.

Chains.

She saw the end of the chain she was holding.

There, eleven Imperials were strung together like dried corvina fish.

'The Chairman would be dumbfounded if he saw this…'

Five years ago, the dimensional gate connecting the Empire and Murim opened.

From that day on, the gate to the Abyss was blocked.

Ji Jin-hee promoted research on the dimensional gate to overcome the isolated situation.

However.

The relationship between Murim and the Empire was monopolized by China and the United States, so there was no way to achieve proper results.

Seo Sang-ik emphasized that sufficient experimentation was necessary for meaningful results.

The ultimate masters of Murim.

Or 7-star martial artists of the Empire.

Seo Sang-ik asserted that if they had these, the research on the dimensional gate would greatly advance.

It was from then on that secret missions were handed down to the top-ranked players of Shinhan.

Subduing a 7-star mage was possible with just one SSS-rank player, but it was decided that two players were appropriate, considering the need to capture them safely.

Im Ah-young and Park Sung-jin.

That's why the two moved secretly.

They thought it would be a success even if they brought back just one of the eleven Murim people.

'…….'

She looked at another chain held in Park Sung-jin's hand.

Similarly, eleven Murim people were bound together like dried corvina fish.

They looked as if they could collapse at any moment due to the 'energy drain' effect acting on the chain.

She stared at the man among the Murim people who was particularly badly damaged.

'Was his name Dokgojin?'

He ended up like that after facing Taehyun, but he was a killer from the Cheonma Sin-gyo (Demonic Cult) who was as good as the 8-star mage Mason.

He would be an invaluable gift to Ji Jin-hee and Seo Sang-ik.

'Maybe we can try a new diplomatic relationship with the other world.'

All of this was due to Kim Taehyun.

It was the result the man talking to the dwarf had achieved as soon as he returned.

"You. You said unnecessary things."

At her words, the battered old mage trembled.

Immediately after hearing the news of Go Tae-wook's death and that Ji Jin-hee would receive an irresistible offer.

Taehyun was talking to the dwarf monster with a serious expression.

'It's probably just unnecessary worry.'

Whatever trap the United States and China have prepared, Kim Taehyun will surely overcome it.

Absolute trust.

Forgotten hope was revived.

'Chairman. Please wait a little longer.'

She clenched the hand holding the chain.

The conversation between Taehyun and Tolkien was conducted in the language of the monsters.

It wouldn't matter much even if Park Sung-jin and Im Ah-young heard it, but just in case.

[The collision of Aura, internal energy, and magical power forms the soil for planting the divine tree?]

Taehyun asked again to make sure he understood correctly.

[It seems that quite some time has passed than we thought. For some reason, the existence of the planet Earth is significant. It's different from what I heard from my brother.]

"Then…."

[Yes, if the location is confirmed, we can plant the seed right away.]

"……."

A situation where the plan could be carried out faster than expected.

Originally, he would have cheered.

It was because he had to finish the work here quickly and return to the lower world to prepare for the tribal war.

But now.

'I'm not just in a good mood.'

The United States and China.

The Empire and Murim.

Go Tae-wook was killed in their power struggle.

While he was rolling around in the lower world, acquaintances including Ji Jin-hee were being attacked.

He was angry.

He checked the countdown that appeared in the status window.

'This is the time I can stay on Earth.'

About 30 days.

Michael said he would prevent the outbreak of the tribal war during that time.

'Exceeding the time has a big risk. I have to go back as soon as possible.'

He suppressed the rising anxiety.

"……."

He stared at the twenty-two people from another world who were captured in the chain.

[I have already decided on a location.]

[Hmm?]

[Shinhan. I will plant the seed of the divine tree there.]

[…Isn't that your brother's hometown? If you plant the seed, it will no longer be the same as before….]

[Let's just say I modified the plan. I don't think this is the time to worry about such things anymore.]

[Hmm… I understand. This body is just helping my brother's plan.]

It didn't take long to finish a few more discussions after that.

"You can speak the language of monsters?"

Park Sung-jin, who had been watching, approached and asked.

"Somehow. It's been quite a while."

"Well, Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young has reached that level, so it's not surprising."

"How is Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young?"

"We call her level the top tier of SSS-rank players."

In addition.

Park Sung-jin was a mid-high tier SSS-rank player.

Im Ah-young was a mid-tier SSS-rank player.

This was the unofficial level of information known.

'Mid-tier.'

Taehyun looked at Im Ah-young.

"High Kraken Zelga. It doesn't seem like you can't use that guy's power. Are you not using it?"

"……."

Im Ah-young sighed softly at Taehyun's casual attitude.

'It's easier said than done.'

The ability of the highest-ranking HaeRyu-Jok monster she had accepted.

It was still incomplete, but if she decided to, it could amplify her power considerably.

The problem was that she was highly likely to lose her reason.

If the weaknesses of an SSS-rank player were leaked, it could cause a national crisis.

For that reason, she had never told anyone, but Taehyun had immediately seen through it and was talking about it casually.

She felt like a dullard in front of a genius.

"Well, let's hear the details later."

Taehyun, who had become a D-rank, released his even denser magical power.

"Right now, it's not easy to move through the gate like before. It's better to use the route connected to Brazil…."

"No."

Taehyun shook his head.

He could tell the moment he arrived on Earth.

That the barrier and magical power interference waves had become stronger than before.

"Then it will be too late."

The 8-star mage Mason said.

That China, with the power of Murim, had captured Yoo Ah-young.

That Ji Jin-hee would have made an unavoidable choice.

"It will be somewhat difficult, but it would be better to return to the Player Association right away. You and Player Park Sung-jin. It's worth trying if we use the magical power of the two of you."

"I agree. If we can open the gate right away, it doesn't matter how much magical power we use."

"……."

He used energy drain on Park Sung-jin and Im Ah-young.

It wasn't because he was short on magical power.

It was to search for the most stable coordinates using the magical power of the Shinhan players they had contacted.

[The skill Gate's Apostle (D) has been activated. Searching for coordinates.]

"Until we arrive in Shinhan. Is there anything else I need to know? I would appreciate it if I didn't have to hear it from the enemy's mouth like before."

Im Ah-young and Park Sung-jin told him about the power of the Empire and Murim.

Unlike the Empire, which had not yet surfaced, the young masters of Murim were impressive.

'Each of them is comparable to Yoo Ah-young. It's not surprising that she was captured.'

If it was a large number, even she would have been helpless.

"I hope the Chairman didn't make the wrong choice."

"I agree. We must stop the war at all costs."

[Coordinates have been identified.]

[Activating the gate.]

"Ugh…."

"Hoo…."

Kwaaa.

The gate opened, sucking up the magical power of Park Sung-jin and Im Ah-young.

"I'll go first."

Taehyun crossed the gate without waiting.

"Hey, bring those guys back without missing a single one."

Tolkien, speaking fluent Shinhan Korean, followed behind.

"……."

"……."

A player receiving orders from a monster.

"It's nothing surprising since he's involved with Taehyun."

"I agree."

The two who sighed took the defeated soldiers and crossed the gate.

Shinhan Player Association Headquarters.

A small war was taking place in its basement.

"Old man!! You're quite something!!"

Clang!!

Moyong Hak's sword grazed Ji Jin-hee.

Even if the opponent had a strong body, even if it was enhanced, he had clearly scratched the body properly.

And yet.

"……!!"

No blood splattered.

Rather, he was aiming for a counter and hitting with ancient martial arts.

There was only one thing that could be inferred.

'This body is… on par with me?'

The excitement he felt when facing Yoo Ah-young.

He felt that feeling spreading through his body.

'No.'

It was different from then.

The current Ji Jin-hee had strengthened his body with dozens of buffs, and he was burdened with debuffs that pressed against his whole body.

The same was true for Dang Jeong-gi, who was facing Kwon Gang-hyuk.

That stubborn Dang Jeong-gi was unable to do much against the pressure of Kwon Gang-hyuk and Gwak Si-yang.

'It's not that I didn't anticipate this situation, but it's troublesome.'

He thought that the players and themselves included in the Chinese delegation would be enough to suppress them.

The power of the Shinhan players, who had prepared themselves with determination, was higher than expected.

"Do you even have the capacity to look around?"

Thud!!

Moyong Hak was pushed back by Ji Jin-hee's kick.

Even though he blocked it with his sword, his whole body vibrated.

"It's a tedious war of attrition. The longer you drag this out, the more disadvantageous it is for you."

That the Chinese side, who had lost contact with the envoy, would soon take action.

Moyong Hak provoked in awkward Chinese.

"Wouldn't it be a matter of dealing with you guys before that?"

At Ji Jin-hee's confidence, Moyong Hak made a ridiculous face.

Currently, Shinhan's power could be said to be based on SSS-rank players.

Yoo Ah-young was also poisoned by Dang Jeong-gi's poison and would have difficulty moving properly for the time being.

In this situation, to start such a reckless act.

Tsk tsk.

"Ji Jin-hee. You are disqualified as a leader."

"I've been disqualified for a long time."

"……."

Ji Jin-hee's voice was filled with regret.

He had been thinking of stepping down since before the dimensional integration.

He had already designated Yoo Ah-young as the next Chairman.

'With that child's skills and connections, she would be more than enough to protect Shinhan.'

"As an old man's companion. If it's you guys, it wouldn't be bad."

Moyong Hak's face frowned at the sight of him laughing back at the provocation.

"...Is that so. You were planning to die here, you bastard."

"If you knew that even now, join forces easily."

Moyong Hak's swordsmanship, which had been all about attack, changed.

It was to stall for time with defense.

"That's troublesome."

Ji Jin-hee detonated his magical power.

The young masters he had faced directly were truly monsters.

Even though he was receiving numerous buffs, and they were limiting his abilities with dozens of skills, it was only enough to achieve a draw.

'He's right. It's dangerous to drag this out any longer.'

So.

'I'll end it in one go.'

His body, filled with dozens of skills, began to exceed its limits.

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts 6th Form Ten Truths.

Crack!!

Moyong Hak's face was distorted once again by the whip-like kick.

Click. Clatter.

'At this rate, the sword won't hold out.'

He widened the distance.

"Dang Jeong-gi!!!"

He called out to the other young master who was struggling against Kwon Gang-hyuk and Gwak Si-yang.

He realized the seriousness of the situation due to Ji Jin-hee's rampage and quickly retreated to his side.

"You… crazy bastards!! I'll kill you all here today!!"

"Calm down, Dang Jeong-gi!!"

"Don't order me around!!"

"We have to call Namgung So-hyup."

"……."

At the word Namgung So-hyup, Dang Jeong-gi's aura, which had seemed about to explode, cooled down.

"Are you serious…? If that happens, it will be like we failed…."

"The situation is not good enough to worry about such things. I'm asking for a favor. Your help is needed to buy time."

"...I understand. It will be ridiculous if it gets out to the family…."

Bang!!!

"You bastards!! What are you plotting!!"

Watching Dang Jeong-gi bounce off from Kwon Gang-hyuk's headbutt.

"Damn it…."

Moyong Hak cursed.

Episode 517

In the past, players battled monsters and demons.

To conquer dungeons and hunt demons, the party system was considered the most efficient.

Tank, Melee Dealer, Ranged Dealer, Healer, Supporter.

Amidst the chaotic world changes, the targets shifted, but the applied tactics remained the same even for beings from other dimensions.

The difference was that Ji Jin-hee was facing Mo Yong-hak, Kwon Kang-hyuk was confronting Dang Jeong-gi, and a large party led by Kwak Si-yang was engaging in a chaotic battle against Chinese players.

Kwon Kang-hyuk, the best tank in Shin-Han, had pushed his skill, "Beast's Heart," to its limit.

A massive form mimicking the ancient Great Demon Gorfer, encountered in the deepest depths in the past, tanked Dang Jeong-gi's attacks. It far surpassed the most powerful species.

Kieee- Kieee-.

The magic stone within his body screamed.

That alone regenerated the wounds inflicted by Dang Jeong-gi.

It couldn't compare to the Saintess's "Super-Speed Regeneration," but it provided the equivalent effect of constantly drinking healing potions.

"That damn bastard is annoying..."

Dang Jeong-gi injected internal energy into needles he took from his pouch and launched them.

The Sichuan Dang Clan was famous in the Murim world for its poison techniques.

He had injected poison several times since the battle began.

It would be strange if there were no ill effects.

Nevertheless.

Kwon Kang-hyuk was enduring with his almost absurd stamina.

Poook.

Chiiiik.

The needles melted upon contact with Kwon Kang-hyuk's body.

A significant amount of poison was injected this time as well.

Having been force-fed this much poison, it wouldn't be surprising if he had become the poison itself instead of being felled like an elephant.

"You cute little bastard!!"

Kwon Kang-hyuk, enduring the pain of his internal organs melting, rammed into Dang Jeong-gi.

Kwaang!!

Dang Jeong-gi used that opportunity to drive in five more needles.

"Hup... You bastard...!!"

Kwon Kang-hyuk, chasing Dang Jeong-gi who was fleeing like a rat, swung his fists.

Kwaang. Kwaang. Kwaang. Kwaang.

The ground caved in wherever his fists landed.

'Crap. This hurts like hell.'

The essence of a tank wasn't about being painless, but about enduring pain.

It had been quite a while since he had been riddled with wounds from the continuous injection of poison.

What allowed him to endure was the buffs from the players beyond the barrier and the occasional support from Kwak Si-yang.

"You son of a bitch!! Is all you can do sewing?!!"

"I... injected Gu poison a moment ago."

"Don't try to fool me!!"

Kwaang!!

Kwon Kang-hyuk ignored him and threw his body forward.

His already simple attack pattern had become even simpler.

His body was nearing its limit due to the continuous injection of poison.

'That stupid bastard. Turns out he doesn't even know what Gu poison is.'

The corners of Dang Jeong-gi's mouth twisted upwards.

Gu.

A parasite that grows inside and spreads poison.

Since poison wasn't being injected from the outside, he had no choice but to proceed, even with some sacrifice in mind.

Fortunately, the reaction came quickly.

"Keuh..."

Kwon Kang-hyuk's movements, which hadn't responded to the hidden weapons and poison clawing at his body, stopped.

Kung.

He, who had endured Mo Yong-hak's sword strikes several times, knelt on one knee.

"You son of a bitch... trying to die..."

"No need to babble. Just die."

Expletives that neither could properly understand continued.

From Kwon Kang-hyuk's perspective, he was frustrated that he couldn't finish it, even with receiving numerous buffs and enhancing his body to its limit.

From Dang Jeong-gi's perspective, he was angry that Kwon Kang-hyuk, whom he considered several levels below him, was pushing him.

'Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk has been hit... I need to finish this guy before joining the others.'

Ji Jin-hee glanced at his opponent, Mo Yong-hak.

The realm of monsters.

That was the level of the opponent in front of him.

"If the Clan Head saw this, he would be furious."

Mo Yong-hak said in clumsy Korean.

Ji Jin-hee replied in fluent Chinese.

"I don't care about your family affairs."

"Nor do I. I don't care what happens to your country either."

"Then let's not hold back on each other."

Mo Yong-hak nodded at Ji Jin-hee's words.

There was no need to understand the killings committed for each other's purposes.

Mo Yong-hak realized anew how deeply capable Ji Jin-hee was.

"It's a pity. If a warrior like you had been born in Murim, you could have stood shoulder to shoulder with me."

"Nonsense...!!"

Ji Jin-hee's movements changed.

More time than expected was being spent.

Kwak Si-yang's forces had subdued over 80% of the Chinese players, but he and Kwon Kang-hyuk had yet to settle their battles.

This was because Mo Yong-hak and Dang Jeong-gi were dragging out the time by focusing on defense instead of offense.

'I won't allow additional support to come.'

It was time to make a move.

Ji Jin-hee dove into Mo Yong-hak's arms as before.

From the 1st form of Shin-Han Ancient Martial Arts, Taebaek, to the 6th form, Sipjin.

Even though each form of Ancient Martial Arts was a blow that could be called a killing move.

'It's becoming familiar now.'

Mo Yong-hak was also a master of the highest caliber.

As he watched the repeatedly used techniques, he grasped their principles.

A quick sword strike slashed Ji Jin-hee's side.

'Got him properly.'

If he twisted the sword and injected internal energy, the rampaging body wouldn't be able to withstand it and would explode.

Kwack!!

"Got caught."

"......!!"

Ji Jin-hee grinned, grabbing the sword embedded in his side.

He put strength into the hand holding the sword.

Deodeodeodeod.

Internal energy and magic collided, shaking the area.

"Bastard..."

Though he could only use one hand.

Too-uk.

He extended his fist towards Mo Yong-hak's chest based on the principle of Kyung.

Then he spread his hand to use the flow control of Palgwae.

Shin-Han Ancient Martial Arts 7th form Pyeongwon.

Jjeoeong!!!

"Kakh..."!!

Mo Yong-hak was thrown backward.

Feeling as if his internal organs were overturned, he dropped his sword.

"Hoo..."

Ji Jin-hee exhaled.

Shin-Han Ancient Martial Arts Baekrang.

He felt as if he had gained a new understanding of his skills, which he thought he had already understood to the limit.

He pulled out the sword embedded in his side.

A sharp blade.

It was a weapon that wouldn't be out of place being evaluated as Unique grade.

'Body Strengthening' and 'Geumgang'.

Having something like this embedded in a forcibly rampaged body, there was no way he would be alright.

His head was spinning and he felt dizzy.

He shook his head.

He focused his mind to control the backflow phenomenon.

Murim.

"The revenge for the players who were sacrificed to you..."

Ji Jin-hee gripped the sword with both hands.

"Kulk... Kakh..."

The stronger the internal energy one possessed, the more fatal the backflow phenomenon was.

The crisis that a number of young masters felt when hunting Yoo Ah-young.

That feeling was blooming in Mo Yong-hak's chest.

"I will repay it with my own hands."

Mo Yong-hak belatedly tried to fly away and evade.

Poo-uk. Poo-uk.

Kwak Si-yang's awl-like magic, which had subdued all the Chinese players, pierced Mo Yong-hak's feet.

"Eu... ah..."

With a scream of fear mixed in.

Seogeok.

Ji Jin-hee brought the sword down.

Blood splattered.

Deogureureu.

The head of the young master, who was evaluated as the peak master, rolled on the floor.

"You son of a bitch... Kulk... Now only you... Kakh... are left... Are there... no more poisons left..."

Kilkilkik.

The battered Kwon Kang-hyuk mocked Dang Jeong-gi.

He had faced a death crisis just a moment ago.

But thanks to Ji Jin-hee, Kwak Si-yang, and the players joining forces, he had barely managed to survive.

The situation had reversed.

From hunter to prey.

Dang Jeong-gi was now in a position to be hunted alone.

"These... crazy bastards..."

Dang Jeong-gi trembled.

It had been quite a while since he had lost feeling in the arm that Ji Jin-hee had cut off.

To kill the young master of a clan?

An unimaginable thing was happening in the world he had lived in.

He suddenly remembered the words of the presidents of the American and Chinese Player Associations, who had told him to be careful of Ji Jin-hee.

He had thought they were just saying it to uphold the pride of people from the same origin.

'Damn...!!'

Now he understood the meaning of those words more clearly than ever.

He looked around.

He saw Mo Yong-hak, whose head had been cut off, and the Chinese players who were definitely dead.

'Why... why haven't they come yet...!!'

A significant amount of time had passed since contact had been lost.

"You son of a... Kahaak... Ptooey... Seems like you're finally getting a grasp... of the situation... now, eh?"

Kwon Kang-hyuk mocked him even as he was dying.

"Don't underestimate the defense system of Shin-Han."

The relatively unscathed Kwak Si-yang continued.

"Shin-Han will make good use of your bodies. Farewell."

Ji Jin-hee pronounced the death sentence.

Just like he had done to Mo Yong-hak.

Poo-uk. Poo-uk.

Kwak Si-yang's magic blocked the prey's escape.

Kwack!!

The sword swung by Ji Jin-hee stopped near Dang Jeong-gi's neck.

He should cleanly cut off the neck of the battered young master.

"Heup..."

Ji Jin-hee groaned and trembled.

"Old man...!! Don't joke around... finish it quickly!!"

Kwon Kang-hyuk shouted, and Kwak Si-yang's expression hardened.

And.

"Amazing."

Fluent Chinese.

A low voice echoed through the area.

It was heard as if whispering in his ear.

While other players were frantically looking around.

"Wei...!!"

"It's Wei...!!"

Kwak Si-yang and Ji Jin-hee shouted simultaneously.

There was a man standing there, with the distortion of space behind him.

A dignified figure as if there was a path in the air.

It was definitely a realm that Murim people called Hovering or Walking in the Air.

'A peak master...'

Kwak Si-yang swallowed a groan.

'Focus. We can still subdue him enough.'

The problem was that even he, who was sensitive to magic sensation, and Ji Jin-hee, who was considered a level above him, had not noticed the other party's presence.

"Ah, you all have faces wondering how I got here."

The man, who landed softly, stood next to Dang Jeong-gi.

"I'm, Namgung So-hwi..."

Joy and fear were mixed on Dang Jeong-gi's face.

"Tsk tsk, my friend. I told you to be careful. That friend Mo Yong-hak has already departed this life."

The man treated Dang Jeong-gi's blood points to give him first aid.

At the same time, Ji Jin-hee retreated.

"Namgung... So-hwi..."

"You... son of a bitch. Then... that bastard is..."

"It seems... that he is a young master of the Namgung Clan..."

Groans leaked from the mouths of the players who had confirmed the opponent's identity.

He wasn't an ordinary Murim person.

The strongest of the Murim people who had crossed over to Earth so far.

He was the one who played the biggest role in subduing Yoo Ah-young, who was on a mission.

"I came because contact was lost... It's hard to believe even seeing it with my own eyes."

Two young masters of a clan who had crossed over with equal status to him had been defeated.

A bitter smile appeared on Namgung So-hwi's lips.

"Old Warrior. You must be Chairman Ji Jin-hee."

"......"

"A born warrior as I've heard. And not only that, the players of Shin-Han are all elites?"

"You son of a... Keok..."

Kwon Kang-hyuk, who was spitting out curses, was suddenly thrown away.

It was because Namgung So-hwi had kicked him with unbelievable speed.

"......"

Only Ji Jin-hee, who was maintaining his rampaging state, had recognized it.

"You've set up quite an interesting trap, but you all seem quite tired too?"

"Everyone, create distance."

Ji Jin-hee ordered, raising his sword.

It was different from Mo Yong-hak and Dang Jeong-gi.

"Not a bad judgment, but."

Kwack. Kwakak. Kwadeuk.

Kwajik!!

That was when three exchanges were made in the blink of an eye.

Namgung So-hwi tore off the arm that Ji Jin-hee was holding the sword with.

"I'll return my friend's memento."

Namgung So-hwi handed Mo Yong-hak's sword to Dang Jeong-gi.

"I, Namgung So-hwi... Is there support...?"

"Haven't I come? Then what more support is needed?"

It was an arrogant yet overwhelming question.

"Ah, there's no need to be so stiff. Either way, no matter what choice you made, I wasn't planning on letting any insects that had rebelled live."

The spirit that only a being who had overcome several walls could emit.

With that overwhelming power.

'Unbelievable...'

Ji Jin-hee recalled the feeling of facing Tae-hyun in the past.

518

For a martial artist, losing an arm means a lot.

Most of it was negative.

It means losing the basic physical body needed to realize the essence of martial arts accumulated over decades.

A fall.

Or regression, naturally followed.

"Ugh..."

Ji Jin-hee groaned.

It wasn't the first time he had lost a part of his body.

Only then, he was restored without feeling any pain thanks to the Saintess's 'Super-Speed Regeneration' skill.

"Huff..."

He exhaled deeply.

The pain is less than expected.

The fact that the opponent cleanly removed it may have had an influence.

'This... I regret it belatedly.'

The day he reached number one in the world rankings.

Yoo Ah-young told Ji Jin-hee, who was celebrating:

"SSS-rank. You need the help of a magic crystal to break that wall."

She showed him the power that Tae-hyun had implanted, the power that had become her other heart.

A deep purple mana that covered the original green color.

The power of the Archduke called 'Succubus Queen'.

Even just facing the remnants of that power sent shivers down his spine.

Kim Tae-hyun.

He was reminded of the player who was called the strongest in the past, present, and future.

"Compared to him, it's still not enough."

She said that Tae-hyun's level was beyond their imagination and that they would never be able to reach it while maintaining their humanity, even after endless eons.

"He has become a different species from us."

"......"

To the silent Ji Jin-hee, she told him the principle of the creation of magic crystals.

Now that he could operate the rampage stably, he said that he, who already had a strong body suitable for it, would be able to create it sufficiently.

Ji Jin-hee shook his head.

"Magic crystals. As you said, just creating them will make me twice as strong. Tae-hyun has proven it, so it won't be wrong. But."

He didn't want to.

He said so.

"Association President. The source of mana used by players is from monsters..."

"No, I don't want to."

Ji Jin-hee, who cut off her words by raising his hand, laughed heartily.

It was because his revenge for the monsters made him who he is now.

He didn't want to shake his past decision now.

"Really... you're as stubborn as ever."

The moment of crisis will come someday.

He said he would regret not being able to do super-speed regeneration.

"Even if you regret it then, there won't be a next time, right?"

"Hahaha. Then I have to train harder so that I don't regret it."

"......"

She knew Ji Jin-hee's past, so she didn't criticize him anymore.

After that, the world situation changed rapidly, and even though several crises came, Ji Jin-hee did not form a magic crystal.

Park Seong-jin, who was walking the path of martial arts, was the same, and Kwak Si-yang and Kwon Kang-hyuk accepted the growth opportunities that were being prepared.

Forming a magic crystal would amplify mana, but the biggest advantage would be the ability to regenerate the body.

It was nothing compared to the Saintess's super-speed regeneration, but it felt as reassuring as gaining an extra life.

'It will be difficult to see a human like Tae-hyun again.'

That statement was half right and half wrong.

Five years since the integration of dimensions began.

It was true that no players like Tae-hyun came out of Earth anymore.

It could be said that it was wrong because there were people in other worlds who could compare to him.

Recalling the past conversation was only for a brief moment.

During that fleeting time, Namgung Sohui scanned the New Korean players without any movement.

A gaze that lingers when a strong person looks down on a weak person, as if looking at a struggling bug.

"He's arrogant."

Ji Jin-hee made an assessment of the opponent.

Swish.

Namgung Sohui's gaze was fixed on Ji Jin-hee.

"Association President Ji Jin-hee. Your eyes are still alive."

"Hehe. What's a big deal about losing just one arm?"

"You're exaggerating. I know you don't have the ability to regenerate, right?"

'As expected, he is aware of our power.'

Of course, this was the first time he had met him.

Namgung Sohui, the young lord of the Namgung family.

Unlike some of the young lords of the Murim he had seen at the meeting, he was a man of many secrets in many ways.

All of the young lords who crossed over to Earth possessed power that defied common sense, but...

'He's called the unparalleled genius in Murim.'

He was said to be a martial artist who would appear only once every 100 years among the geniuses.

'Perhaps we are the ones who have fallen into a trap.'

Moyong Hak and Dang Jung-gi's power were as they had grasped.

It was quite difficult, but in the end, Moyong Hak was executed, and Dang Jung-gi was neutralized.

The only thing left to do was to block the Chinese offensive and expedite Yoo Ah-young's recovery.

That was the most ideal scenario.

"I've been... curious about it before."

Ji Jin-hee muttered as if talking to himself.

"In order to assassinate Director Go Tae-wook, who is being protected like iron, it is essential to move through the gate."

"Keep going."

"You guys have a way of moving that we still don't know."

"If so?"

"But there are restrictions, so you can't use it carelessly. The young lord lying there with his head cut off is proof of that. Am I wrong?"

Namgung Sohui smirked.

"That's correct."

Silence fell over the area.

A major incident that had only had suspicions but no evidence.

The person who could be said to be the representative of the Murim admitted it.

If the current conversation were to leak out, great chaos would come to the world.

'The fact that he said that in this place, which could be said to be enemy territory.'

'That means he has no intention of letting us live.'

As if that thought was not wrong, an alien energy flowed out from Namgung Sohui's center.

'He's strong.'

It doesn't feel like he's facing the same human being at all.

The pressure that makes Moyong Hak and Dang Jung-gi feel cute pressed down on his whole body.

Ji Jin-hee, who had finished stopping the bleeding, took a stance of ancient martial arts.

The center was not properly balanced, but he would be able to hold it in place.

He glanced at Kwak Si-yang, who was directing the players in the rear.

He nodded.

The treatment of the transferred Yoo Ah-young had begun.

'If I just take that guy... I don't think I'll have any regrets.'

The current battle is a war to avenge Go Tae-wook and protect the next New Korean Player Association President.

'Namgung Sohui. You can have this old man's life as much as you want.'

"Everyone, retreat outside!!"

At Kwak Si-yang's command, the players moved in unison.

Of course, with A-rank to SS-rank barrier skills.

Semi-transparent barriers surrounded the scene of the battle in layers.

The final stage prepared for this moment had been prepared.

Additional buff skills wrapped around Ji Jin-hee's body.

Regeneration did not occur, but the fatigue and stamina that had reached the limit began to recover rapidly.

"The internal qi has amplified beyond the limit. Are you thinking of dying together?"

"I can't say no. I've already picked out a burial place, so let's go together."

Ji Jin-hee controlled the mana that surged from within.

His body, which he had trained all his life, became a medium to amplify the explosion.

Kiiiiii-.

A strange sound was heard from his heart.

It was the phenomenon that Yoo Ah-young had shown when she concentrated mana on the magic crystal.

His heart, which had been controlling a huge amount of mana, was evolving into the heart of a monster, which he had so denied.

'How mysterious.'

He never thought he would have a magic crystal at the end of his life.

The magic crystal, which he had finally refused, was concentrating enough power to deal with the man in front of him.

It was drawing out more power than he had thought.

'I can do it.'

He had that confidence at the threshold of death.

"That's pathetic."

Namgung Sohui quietly muttered.

Even with himself in front of him, he doesn't beg for his life.

An unpleasant feeling surged up.

"Na, Namgung Sohui... the qi is not normal..."

"Shut up."

He said coldly to Dang Jung-gi, who was flustered.

The pretentious smile he had been showing until just now had disappeared.

It was because the energy that Ji Jin-hee was emitting was that unusual.

"You're really... making it fun."

One step.

He walked in front of Ji Jin-hee.

He felt a heat like an active volcano.

Ji Jin-hee, who was emitting such heat.

He didn't like the way his eyes were glaring at him.

Poook.

His finger took away one of Ji Jin-hee's eyes.

Kwaddeudeud.

Slow regeneration was beginning.

"Looking at you, you can't move."

Cluck, cluck, cluck.

The corners of Ji Jin-hee's mouth went up.

He can't move his body, but he hasn't stopped his mouth.

"...You're afraid..."

"Afraid? Me. Of the likes of you?"

Kwajik.

He broke his one remaining arm.

Even so, the heat burning in Ji Jin-hee's body did not subside at all.

"That's not enough to do anything to this body. Before that, you will taste hellish pain."

"You're bluffing inappropriately..."

Ji Jin-hee gave back the words Namgung Sohui had said.

Kwaduk.

Ji Jin-hee's knees buckled under the kick.

"Can you withstand having your neck cut off?"

"......"

The moment Namgung Sohui's hand was swung.

Kwajik!!

"Ssibal... that's terribly painful..."

Kwon Kang-hyuk, who blocked Namgung Sohui's hand blade, spat out curses.

He had received treatment in a hurry, but he was still in tatters.

Even with such a body, he could still play the role of a tanker.

That was enough for now.

"Retreat... there's no need for you to die here..."

Unlike with Namgung Sohui, Ji Jin-hee opened his mouth as if squeezing it out.

"Don't say such bullshit!! I'm confident that I can take care of myself!!"

"You'll get caught up in the explosion..."

"You were trying to die alone, pretending to be great!!"

"......"

"Have you ever thought about the bastards who are left behind!!"

He didn't want to hear any excuses.

"...At least, we shouldn't die like dogs."

"......"

Ji Jin-hee closed his mouth at the sharp words.

"How much time do you need?"

"...30 seconds."

"Hoo... it's terrifying as fuck..."

"It's just one more bug."

He was a huge bug, even rare in Murim.

Namgung Sohui took two steps back and muttered, scanning Kwon Kang-hyuk.

"This pansy-like bastard... doesn't understand the situation...?"

Kwaddeudeud.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's upper body transformed into that of a great demon.

He had used up a lot of stamina and mana fighting Dang Jung-gi a little while ago.

Then what's left is the rampage...

Jjeok!!

"Kack...!!"

The rampaging, completely transformed giant staggered.

It was because he was hit in the solar plexus by Namgung Sohui's straight punch.

"It's quite solid. How many times can you withstand it?"

Bang. Bang. Kwaang.

Unilateral violence began, so much so that Kwon Kang-hyuk's regeneration could not keep up.

Kung. Kung. Kuung.

Kwajik. Kwajijik.

Ji Jin-hee squeezed his eyes shut.

New Korea's best tanker is sacrificing his life to buy time.

This attack.

He has to succeed.

Kwaang!!!

Kung.

Kwon Kang-hyuk finally knelt down.

"Good. Now you're in a fitting shape."

Namgung Sohui grabbed Kwon Kang-hyuk's neck as if satisfied.

"Your toughness is indeed at the level of a top master. If you surrender now, I will take you in as my subordinate. How about it?"

He spoke as if it was an irresistible offer.

"Ka...ack... how... many... seconds... left...?"

"...It's all done..."

"Keuheuhe... ssibal... show them what you got..."

Kwajik!!

Namgung Sohui broke Kwon Kang-hyuk's neck bone.

Kuung.

The transformed giant, its transformation undone, collapsed.

"It's because you can't take the chance when it's given that you're called a bug."

Namgung Sohui's blue eyes met Ji Jin-hee's red eyes.

A body that has been repeatedly regenerated and destroyed.

Kiiiiiiii-.

Jjeojeok. Jjeojeojeok.

Cracks formed in the magic crystal that had achieved evolution.

Namgung Sohui took out Moyong Hak's sword that he had given to Dang Jung-gi.

"I never thought I would use the family sword here."

"...It's useless..."

"That's not something a bug can say for sure."

Kwaaaa.

A huge amount of mana leaked out from the cracks created by Ji Jin-hee's magic crystal.

At the same time.

Namgung Sohui's sword was swung.

519

Gwak Siyang bit down on his lip.

‘Did all the others get out?’

He was the only one left in the area.

It was to maintain the barrier's magic and watch Ji Jinhee's end.

‘With this much magic condensation, there won't even be a body left.’

Cleaning up after the explosion was his role.

It was the plan from the start.

Originally, Kwon Kanghyuk was supposed to stay here with him, but he couldn't bear to watch Ji Jinhee's end and went down.

The Player Association, which practically leads Shinhan.

It wasn't right for the head of the four major guilds, who supported such an association, to act emotionally.

‘…Damn it.’

He felt similarly, so he didn't feel like blaming him.

Instead, he was grateful for him acting in his stead.

Since Ji Jinhee and Kwon Kanghyuk had voluntarily taken on heavy burdens, he would complete his mission at the risk of his own life.

It was as he resolved to do so.

"This... crazy...."

Gwak Siyang, who was maintaining multiple barriers, cursed.

Namgoong Sohui's power was beyond expectations.

He suppressed Kwon Kanghyuk, who had completely transformed, as if he were a child.

But no matter how strong he was.

He wouldn't be safe if the condensed magic exploded.

The existence-level power that Ji Jinhee achieved by sacrificing his life was comparable to what Kim Taehyun had shown in the past.

It was nearly impossible for martial artists without ultra-high regeneration to be safe.

He couldn't stop it.

That's what he thought.

He was wrong.

The moment the core poured out massive magic with cracks.

Swish.

The sword Namgoong Sohui swung cut through the air.

An unbelievable thing happened.

The space was torn along the path of the sword.

Simply tearing space was a level that Park Sungjin could also achieve.

However, as if a massive gravity was at work, magic was flowing into the torn space.

‘No….’

At this rate, there was a high chance that the strike he poured out at the risk of his life would be in vain.

Ji Jinhee was well aware of this fact.

"You…!!!"

With a shout, Ji Jinhee moved his collapsing body.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The hands of the trained martial artist, which had been broken and healed countless times, grabbed Namgoong Sohui, who was holding the sword.

"How dare you lay your hands on this body."

"...Didn't I say... I'd take you with me...?"

"Shut up."

Swish.

One sword strike.

Ji Jinhee's shoulder was torn apart just by Namgoong Sohui waving his hand.

The collapse of the body was accelerated.

Was that all?

He could see Dang Jeonggi, who had been retreating all along, was moving.

He was trying to help Namgoong Sohui and thwart Ji Jinhee's attack.

Then.

Thwack.

Kwon Kanghyuk, who had fallen, hugged Dang Jeonggi.

"H... Where are you going... you miser..."

"Let go... you bastard... let go...!!"

The two men, battered and bruised, hugged and rolled around.

Already at their physical limit, they were even more desperate.

Their fates would depend on whether Ji Jinhee's technique succeeded or failed.

However, the situation was slowly deviating from Shinhan's plans.

Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.

Namgoong Sohui, with both hands free, continued his attacks relentlessly.

His entire body, which had surpassed the level of a top expert, was no different from a famous sword.

Even Ji Jinhee, who had developed regenerative abilities from the rampaging magic stone, had a limit to what he could endure.

20% of the initially condensed magic scattered.

An additional 10% was quickly leaking out.

Gwak Siyang watched that desperate struggle with his own eyes.

‘At this rate… it won’t work.’

At this rate, there was a high chance that the attack they were risking their lives on would fail.

“…Damn it.”

He muttered that he had also been tainted by Kwon Kanghyuk's recklessness.

As he said that, he moved his body.

He accelerated the magic stone by passing through as many as ten barriers.

Thud thud thud thud.

The rising spikes pierced Dang Jeonggi's body.

“Kah….”

“……!!”

Dang Jeonggi screamed, and Namgoong Sohui managed to dodge all but one of the spikes that pierced his shoulder.

Truly monstrous reflexes.

“Not yet!!”

He, too.

He had already resigned himself to death the moment he entered this place.

Gwak Siyang, shouting, caused the magic stone to run wild.

Kiiiiing-.

The moment the rampaging magic stone emitted a loud noise, a massive magic surrounded Namgoong Sohui's body.

It was to restrict his movements.

“Ha.”

As if it were ridiculous, the attack that had been directed at Ji Jinhee was focused on Gwak Siyang.

Even though he had two layers of barriers.

Thud.

In an instant, one of his arms fell off.

‘Damn… I can't release the barrier...!!’

Gwak Siyang lamented his own lack of ability and began to regenerate.

Fissit.

A chilling sword aura grazed past his neck.

‘Crazy… Was the Association Leader fighting against such a monster….’

“…Fall back!!”

Ji Jinhee shouted and closed the distance with Namgoong Sohui.

Even though his body's regeneration couldn't keep up with the collapse.

His face, distorted with pain, was smiling.

Although the power was considerably reduced than originally expected.

Thwack.

Ji Jinhee's hand touched Namgoong Sohui's sword, which was aiming for Gwak Siyang.

"Let's go together... didn't I say...?"

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts, Seventh Form, Plains.

Kwaaaa.

“You bug….”

It was when Namgoong Sohui was constantly swinging his sword.

Crack. Crack.

The magic stone completely broke, and a massive explosion occurred.

‘If the barrier collapses….’

The aftermath will reach even the players waiting in the rear.

He had to endure the explosion at all costs.

Gwak Siyang squeezed the magic stone he had unleashed.

While struggling to maintain the barrier and the shaking barrier.

Pajik-.

Something snapped in his head.

His vision.

Went dark.

How long had he been unconscious?

He felt a vivid pain in his chest.

Kwaddeudeud….

Through his blurry vision, he could see his arms and legs regenerating.

‘Did I survive….’

Even though he had unexpectedly survived, he wasn't happy.

That's because he knew he hadn't completely blocked the explosion.

‘Damn… damn it….’

He cursed.

Just before he lost consciousness.

He had diverted some of the magic that maintained the barrier to himself.

It was an instinct that was triggered in the face of the crisis of the magic stone shattering in his heart.

‘Gwak Siyang… you cowardly bastard… damn it….’

He could find the cause of the explosion not far away.

“Association Leader….”

He was lying there motionless, as if dead, with his arms and legs lost.

His appearance, which seemed to have rejuvenated to SSS-rank, had returned to his original age.

‘He….’

Gwak Siyang hurriedly looked around.

He could see Dang Jeonggi and Kwon Kanghyuk, who were also lying down as if dead.

In the meantime.

Namgoong Sohui, whom he so desperately wanted to eliminate, was standing there.

“…An absurd level of power.”

A voice mixed with anger flowed.

Everyone risked their lives.

‘Just….’

He survived with just his clothes torn?

Gwak Siyang stared at Namgoong Sohui with bewildered eyes.

"To think I had to use a family secret technique on you guys... This is a disgrace. I have no face to show the family head."

He wouldn't be satisfied with just taking their heads.

“You two.”

I'll use you for biological experiments.

He quietly spat out.

It was a declaration towards Kwon Kanghyuk and Gwak Siyang.

Namgoong Sohui headed to Ji Jinhee, who was left with only his torso.

It was to ensure that he finished off his tenacious life.

“Keuk….”

Gwak Siyang struggled with his body, which wouldn't move as he wanted.

Seureung.

Namgoong Sohui drew the sword from his waist that he had not been using all along.

Even Moyonghak's sword was shattered into pieces by the explosion just now.

Only his sword sheath was damaged, and the sword suffered no harm.

"Know that this is an honor. You're the second one to have this sword wielded against you, after her."

Namgoong Sohui was about to plunge the completely drawn sword into Ji Jinhee's shattered chest.

No, it was the moment he was about to plunge it.

Thwack.

“…….”

Namgoong Sohui looked down at the small spike that had pierced his foot.

At the end of the magic reaction, there was Gwak Siyang, who had stretched out his hand with difficulty.

“Is that bug… interfering until the end.”

Just by surrounding himself with energy, the spike burst.

“Kulk… Kak….”

On the other hand, Gwak Siyang was vomiting blood and falling into a reverse flow.

"Quietly wait for your disposal. I don't want to damage the spoils any further."

As Namgoong Sohui said that and tried to plunge his sword again.

Kwaaaa.

A gate was created next to him.

“…….”

He quietly watched the activating gate.

He thought it was support from the Chinese side.

‘Did I delay this much time? I should leave the rest to Jegalhyeon.’

As things stood, it would be advantageous to hand over Ji Jinhee, who was barely alive, and receive corresponding compensation.

Jegalhyeon might swallow Shinhan whole with this incident as an opportunity.

Namgoong Sohui withdrew the sword he had drawn.

A man walked out of the completed gate.

Swish.

The man, who looked around once, stopped at Gwak Siyang.

He, who had been vomiting blood, twitched his body.

There were considerable changes in his appearance, and his existence-level power was weakened beyond comparison to before.

It was magic he could never forget.

He could tell at once.

He resented the voice that was blocked by blood and wouldn't come out.

The one who spoke instead was Namgoong Sohui.

“Where do you belong to?”

To the fluent Chinese.

“You. You’re not a Player?”

He asked back in Shinhan language.

“Are you a Shinhan guy?”

“Is this what you are?”

“Ha.”

To think that support of only this level would come at this timing.

Namgoong Sohui couldn't help but laugh.

“You. Did you come here to die?”

Instead of an answer to the question, questions went back and forth.

“One is dead, and one is in a dying state.”

Taehyun's gaze, which had scanned Moyonghak and Dang Jeonggi, swept over Gwak Siyang, who had a reverse flow phenomenon, and Kwon Kanghyuk, who was seriously injured and unconscious.

Finally, he looked at Ji Jinhee, who was left with only his torso, with indifferent eyes.

“But why are you the only one alright?”

Tring.

[Skill Apocalypse(D) has been activated.]

Hwaaa.

Darkness descended.

‘Did they still have this much power?’

Even though it was said that the skills of Shinhan's Players were considerable compared to other countries.

It was evaluated that Yoo Ah-yeong was the only one comparable to the Young Family Head.

At best, Ji Jinhee, Gwak Siyang, Kwon Kanghyuk, Park Sungjin, and Im Ah-yeong were at a level where they could have a plausible battle.

That was the original evaluation.

But when they actually clashed, it wasn't the case.

Young Family Head level.

Yoo Ah-yeong, who was known to be at best a high-level expert, had skills worthy of being called an ultra-high-level expert, and it took considerable sacrifices to subdue her.

And Ji Jinhee, Gwak Siyang, and Kwon Kanghyuk, who were considered low-level, turned the accomplished high-level experts Dang Jeonggi and Moyonghak into wrecks.

In particular, Ji Jinhee's last attack, which he prepared at the risk of his life, was momentarily at a level that was not insufficient to be called an ultra-high-level expert's attack.

In that situation, a mysterious man appeared and was instantly emitting magic at the level of a high-level expert.

Above all, the killing intent embedded in the magic was enough to bind himself, an ultra-high-level expert.

‘He’s not on the report.’

Namgoong Sohui thought as he cut through the chains.

Before he knew it, the man with glowing red eyes was approaching.

He smelled of blood.

The aura of the Empire and the power of the Murim remained as afterimages.

It was certain that he had been fighting until just now.

How interesting.

It was also an instinct that he felt that way.

“Try taking this.”

He lightly swung his sword.

When one reaches the level of an ultra-high-level expert, all sorts of mysteries are embedded in a lightly swung sword.

It meant that it was enough to grasp the opponent's capabilities.

It was the moment when the sword, swung as if slashing space, was about to touch the man's body.

Sssss.

In an instant, the man's body moved to the side like flowing water.

Namgoong Sohui's sword futilely cut through the darkness.

The man who had avoided the sword reached out his hand to Ji Jinhee, who was left with only his torso.

Chains wrapped around him.

Crimson magic was injected.

“It’s too late no matter what you do. Even if you prolong the fading life, he will have to live as a cripple for the rest of his life.”

The man ignored him and strengthened his magic.

This time, it was towards Kwon Kanghyuk, who was lying down, and Gwak Siyang, who was vomiting due to the reverse flow phenomenon.

“Don’t say it’s useless….”

“Hey.”

Clench.

The man's hand, which had narrowed the distance before he knew it, grabbed Namgoong Sohui's neck.

‘Fast…!!’

Namgoong Sohui's eyes shook.

It was a mistake that he couldn't avoid it properly because he thought he had missed the movement.

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts, Sixth Form.

Shipjin.

Bang!!

“Keup…!!”

Namgoong Sohui's body bounced away with a groan.

“You. I have to kill you.”

Taehyun revealed the killing intent he had been suppressing.

520

White Wolf, the Ancient Martial Art of Shinhan.

A striking technique created by studying the movements of the White Tiger and the Wolf, many practitioners have left their names in the history of Shinhan.

Among them, Ji Jin-hee left the greatest mark.

He became an SSS-rank player while serving as the President of the Shinhan Player Association, and his unofficial disciples, Min Ji-hong and Kim Tae-hyun, became known as the worst fiend and the strongest player, respectively.

He even independently developed the 7th Form, which cannot be learned without the mastery of strong bodies and techniques above the S-rank advanced player level.

He could have devoted his entire life to the training of "White Wolf."

However, the stronghold of ancient martial arts began to collapse as different dimensions were connected to this world.

Unlike players, whose main weapon is skills, martial artists are skilled in physical techniques based on forms.

Like the Japanese ancient martial art "Kata" and the Chinese ancient martial art "Sansha," White Wolf was also treated as a crude form by martial artists.

Earth, Empire, Murim.

The levels of strength for the three dimensions were newly established.

The aura of the Imperials was more sophisticated than the skills of the players, and the martial arts of the Murim were superior to those of the ancient martial arts users.

A sense of defeat settled among the Earthlings of the unified dimensions.

Numerous named players challenged and were defeated in an attempt to overturn that perception.

After the assassination of Go Tae-wook.

The influence of the Empire and Murim grew stronger, and countries destroyed after abnormal wars were designated as "Frontier Territories."

All of this happened during the 5 years after Tae-hyun disappeared to fight in the territorial war.

Outside the Shinhan Player Association.

Dozens of people appeared beyond the open gate.

It was Im A-young and Park Seong-jin, leading the restrained Imperials and Murim.

"The outskirts..."

"Yeah. Tae-hyun...has he already moved...?"

The two players who crossed the gate looked around.

The coordinates were perfect, but it was undoubtedly the outskirts.

This was because the Shinhan Player Association had recently strengthened its barriers, adjusting the teleportation location.

"Considering this distance, it wouldn't be strange to consider it a success."

It was only possible because it was Tae-hyun; with a normal gate skill, they would have been stuck in the gaps between dimensions and died a dog's death.

Park Seong-jin shook his head.

Also.

"The barrier seems to have been strengthened while we were away."

"Yes. Really...what happened?"

The 8-star Imperial mage, Mason, said that Ji Jin-hee would have to choose between the United States and China.

And no matter which he chose, the future of Shinhan would be bleak.

He asserted that "humiliation" would be unavoidable in order to adapt to the new era.

Im A-young's gaze turned to the end of the chain she was holding.

There was an old man there who was more broken than any other Imperial.

The old mage who had asserted the bleak future of Shinhan.

He peed himself at A-young's gaze.

"......"

"...We'll find out when we check it out ourselves. It'll take quite a while to drag all these guys along."

"Tae-hyun used his skill here one more time, it seems."

A-young, who was detecting the flow of magic, found traces of the skill "Apostle of the Gate."

"To try a failed coordinate one more time...he's still not cautious at all."

While explaining Go Tae-wook's death, they roughly heard about Tae-hyun's situation.

He said he had been controlling the rampaging monsters in the Abyss.

The time he spent there was less than a year, but the moment he crossed over to Earth, 5 years had passed.

It was a situation that would confuse anyone.

"If it's him...he'll think that Chief Go's death was his fault."

"It's not like the dead come back to life just because he thinks that...anyway, he's more fragile than his power suggests."

At that moment.

"Hey, you there."

Awkward Shinhan was heard.

It was Tolkien, who had crossed the gate for the second time but was the last to arrive.

Having inherited Tae-hyun's magic power, he could use a few of Earth's languages, albeit imperfectly.

One might be taken aback by a monster speaking Shinhan.

"What's wrong, dwarf?"

A-young tried to put on a kind face.

Tae-hyun had said that he had brought the monster to help them, so she thought it couldn't be an ordinary being.

"Ahem...this body is the proud Meister of the clan. An existence that stands shoulder to shoulder with the Archdukes of the Lower Realm."

Park Seong-jin and Im A-young's faces turned pale at the word Archduke.

"Amazing. You're right, he does have a physique that's more muscular than one would expect for his size..."

"Hehe. You're Park Seong-jin, right? You have a good eye? Well, there's no such thing as an ordinary person who's been through thick and thin with his brother. Just like this body."

'He's simple.'

'Is this guy really an Archduke?'

The two players had similar thoughts as they watched Tolkien grin at the compliment.

"This body stirred up the Upper Realm with his brother and finished the territorial war in the Lower Realm, well, how should I put it...yeah, in your terms, he's a comrade-in-arms who shares a friendship thicker than blood."

Upper Realm and Lower Realm.

Territorial War.

Tolkien was spouting tales of heroism that even Tae-hyun had never told them.

Mainly, he was saying that Tae-hyun had stood up to the absolute beings of the Upper Realm to save him, or that he had confronted the Archdukes to save his face.

They were interpretations in his own way, but that alone was enough to amaze Im A-young and Park Seong-jin.

"He...subdued all the Archdukes?"

"Yeah."

Tolkien nodded.

"There are guys even worse than the Archdukes in a place called the Upper Realm...and Kim Tae-hyun hunted those guys...?"

"Of course."

Tolkien nodded again.

"Hahaha, you should have seen my brother gouge out that bastard Horus's eyes."

Tolkien, whose shoulders were straightened by Park Seong-jin and Im A-young's reaction, was spouting all sorts of experiences.

He was getting along with the Archdukes, but a Meister is never an existence to be ignored.

He was building a good impression of Earthlings because of Im A-young and Park Seong-jin's attitude toward him.

"Ah, that's right, there's a crazy bitch called the Fairy King...Hoo...If it wasn't for my brother, I would have ripped out those nasty pointy ears already...That freak who enjoys watching the pain of others is supposedly a king..."

The rapidly progressing conversation had already progressed to why they came here.

"That's why. This body came here to help his brother who was cast down. That's all. Kkhahaha."

The two players couldn't close their gaping mouths.

The scale was even bigger than they had thought.

'He subdued the Archdukes...Just what kind of existence has he become...?'

'He's going to integrate the Middle Realm to prepare for the racial war...?'

Questions led to more questions.

They already had a mountain of questions to ask, but now they didn't even know what to ask first.

At the same time, the two players were thinking the same thing.

'If what the dwarf says is true, then Tae-hyun's ability is no longer at a human level. I see hope.'

'The key is how much his power has been diminished...and whether it can be recovered...'

"Hey, what are you so worried about? More importantly, where did my brother go again?"

Im A-young answered.

"If it's Tae-hyun, he's probably arrived at the Player Association by now. He must have used his skill because he's confident that he can break through the barrier on his own."

"Tsk. He's the same here as he is there, moving on his own."

He abandoned him.

He treated the Meister like a pebble.

While the two players were appeasing the grumbling dwarf.

"......!!"

"......!!"

Im A-young and Park Seong-jin's gazes simultaneously turned to one place.

It was in the direction of the Association.

"What is this, it's my brother's magic power. Don't tell me he's already started fighting in that short amount of time? He's a combat maniac. Or is this place called Earth waging a territorial war? Hehehe."

While smiling, the two players raised their senses.

The rapidly increasing presence wasn't just Tae-hyun's.

"This is...!!"

In addition to magic power, there was a rising heterogeneous energy, which was clearly the power used by Murim.

That power was rising just as much as Tae-hyun's magic power.

"Go ahead first. I'll bring these guys and join you as soon as possible."

"But..."

"There's no point in hiding our power now. You'll be more helpful than I am right now."

Im A-young didn't refuse any longer at Park Seong-jin's words.

"Then...I'll leave it to you."

Im A-young, who had handed over the chains she was holding, ran quickly.

Running with a determined mind, she could be sure.

That while they were away in Brazil, there had been a battle resembling a war at the Association headquarters.

At that time.

"Lady...no, Player Im A-young!! You're safe!!"

A man followed her, calling her name as she sprinted quickly.

It was Ahn Hyun-soo, who was in charge of the outer barrier.

"Manager Ahn Hyun-soo, please explain the situation."

She asked without slowing down.

"It's the President's order. You can't go inside."

"What does that mean..."

"Guild Leader Yoo A-young has been captured by the young masters of Murim."

"......!!"

"It seems that China is putting pressure on using her as bait. You and Manager Park Seong-jin were also being targeted by the Empire, but I'm relieved that you're safe!!"

Ahn Hyun-soo poured out information non-stop.

"The President finally pulled the trigger. Some of the young masters are already...and additional forces from China and the United States are...Uh...wait...!!"

The difference between SSS-rank and SS-rank.

Ahn Hyun-soo lost sight of Im A-young, who suddenly increased her speed.

Because of the situation.

The Shinhan players who saw her passed her through the barrier without any suspicion.

'Sister...President...Kim Tae-hyun...'

Her precious people were dying.

Magic power leaked out due to her impatience.

The ground froze everywhere she passed.

When she crossed the outer barrier and entered the inner barrier.

Swish.

Blood was splattering from Tae-hyun.

Ting.

[Skill Apocalypse (D) has been strengthened.]

Kugugugu.

Even though the magic power pressing down on the area had strengthened, Namgung So-hui's expression didn't change much.

'Is it bearable, then?'

It was a magic power stat that had even made SSS-rank players and 8-star mages of the Empire kneel.

He might have been in danger if he had faced it without being at D-rank.

Tae-hyun raised his assessment of the opponent's danger even higher.

"You. What is your name?"

He stared at the otherworldly being who asked in Chinese.

"You are truly an arrogant fellow. This body is Namgung So-hui, the young master of the Great Namgung Clan. I have revealed my name first, so shouldn't you show the appropriate courtesy as well?"

"Kim Tae-hyun."

"As expected...!!"

Namgung So-hui showed interest for the first time.

Yoo A-young, who had been difficult to subdue.

Kim Tae-hyun, who was said to be even stronger than her.

He couldn't have been happier that the guy who had suddenly disappeared had appeared before him.

However.

"I'm a little disappointed. There's no small amount of exaggeration compared to what I've heard."

Namgung So-hui clicked his tongue while gauging Tae-hyun's magic power.

"There's no need to remember the name of someone like a young master."

"......"

It was an obvious provocation.

Even considering all of that.

"You're arrogant."

Tae-hyun drew the Dragonslayer Sword from his waist.

Ting.

[Skill Elemental Origin (D) is temporarily activated.]

Pazzz. Pazzzz.

Lightning flowed along the Dragonslayer Sword.

Ting.

[Skill True Blood (D) has been activated.]

Kiiiiii-.

The magic stone rotated, and his physical stats increased.

Until just a moment ago, he was certain that he was inferior to him.

But.

'He's going berserk from the start. What an audacious fellow.'

The corners of Namgung So-hui's mouth rose at the rapidly increasing presence.

He raised his sword and aimed it at Tae-hyun.

"The swords wielded by the Earthlings are..."

"Shut up."

The figure wrapped in lightning twitched.

At the same time.

Clang...!!

The Dragonslayer Sword collided with Namgung So-hui's sword.

Tsuzzzzzzzz... Kagagak!!

A chilling sound of bones being cut was heard.

"The start is an arm."

Thud.

Namgung So-hui's arm belatedly fell to the floor.

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