RKP 601-610

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Part 2, Episode 17

The moment he heard the word 'brother,' Taehyun thought of one dwarf.

The Meister of the dwarf race, rescued from the Ten Heavens before the full-scale race war.

"Tolkin."

Ting.

[‘The Tower Manager’ is startled.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ demands you to be careful with your words.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ shouts that they have never revealed their identity.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ trembles in surprise.]

“……”

Taehyun was speechless at the messages that kept popping up.

He only spoke the word Tolkin after hearing the word brother.

But the reaction was excessively extreme.

"Is it really Tolkin?"

[‘The Tower Manager’ is startled once again.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ reiterates the demand to be careful with your words!]

'It's definitely Tolkin.'

Taehyun was convinced that the 'Tower Manager' was his friend after a few reactions.

'Why is this guy...'

Before wondering why he was the Tower Manager, a few questions came to mind.

The first was how he remembered him.

The second was why he was hiding his identity.

The memory was understandable considering the twisted timelines.

The Doppelganger had also regained his memory through some means, so it wouldn't be strange if other methods existed.

The problem was the second question.

Tolkin.

The guy who was proud to be the Meister of the dwarf race, why was he so afraid to even mention his name, showing such a reaction?

'Is he being affected by the laws of the world?'

The laws of the world were a spell created by No Name when he designed the Three Thousand Worlds.

Later, the Demon King refined it, and it was activated when a creature tried to exceed a certain level of existence.

It not only forced them into oblivion but could also completely erase their existence.

It was the minimum device to prevent a universe from suddenly collapsing.

Tolkin, a slave of the Upper Realm.

Tolkin, a Meister of the Lower Realm.

Tolkin, a guest of the Middle Realm.

And.

Tolkin, the 'Tower Manager' of the twisted timeline.

Taehyun listed the existence of Tolkin in chronological order.

'He doesn't seem to be hostile to me.'

Then, is someone's will binding Tolkin?

The laws of the world.

The Constellations.

Or their Avatars.

'It's not the Constellations.'

Among the many micro-universes that the Constellations possess, the Three Thousand Worlds is not very high in rank.

Rather, it is below average.

'If they manifested there, the Three Thousand Worlds would have been undergoing the process of annihilation.'

Unless it was a Great Constellation, it would not be able to defy the laws of the universe.

If a Great Constellation had reached the Three Thousand Worlds, he would have noticed it.

'I'll exclude the Great Constellations.'

The more likely possibility is that an Avatar of a Constellation is watching Tolkin.

Or Tolkin himself has become someone's Avatar.

'It's not a bad situation.'

As the Tower Manager, he would know how things are going.

'I should assume that he is definitely not hostile.'

If that weren't the case.

[‘The Tower Manager’ asks you to forget what they said.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ wonders if you are okay.]

There would be no reason to worry about him like this.

"I'm okay."

Taehyun flopped down on his back.

The chains that were binding him tightened.

'Hmm... What should I call him?'

After a moment of thought, Taehyun decided not to use a specific designation.

He thought that it would reduce the burden on Tolkin.

"First of all, my name is Kim Taehyun. I'm not very interested in who you are. I don't care what you call me either."

[‘The Tower Manager’ nods.]

"Good. Then let me ask you. Why are you sending me these messages? And what's this quest you're proposing?"

[‘The Tower Manager’ says that they can intervene at any time for the sake of balance.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ says that the quest has already been initiated.]

'Initiating a quest without my permission.'

Things haven't changed since the old days, Taehyun chuckled.

"So, that means I'm an existence that violates the balance?"

[‘The Tower Manager’ refuses to answer.]

"How many floors are there in the Tower?"

[‘The Tower Manager’ refuses to answer.]

"Which floor are you on?"

[‘The Tower Manager’ refuses to answer.]

"Is there only one Manager?"

[‘The Tower Manager’ refuses to answer.]

"What's the Pandora's Box?"

[‘The Tower Manager’ refuses to answer.]

The same words keep repeating.

"I can't have a conversation like this."

[‘The Tower Manager’ protests that they can't help it either.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ shows signs of depression.]

'…….'

Depression.

He's beyond being dumbfounded.

Taehyun decided not to ask any more questions.

Since Tolkin could contact him, there was no need to rush.

"Okay. That's enough."

[‘The Tower Manager’ cocks their head.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ is saddened that they were not helpful at all.]

[‘The Tower Manager’ feels their depression worsening.]

"That's not true. You've been helpful enough."

A smile appeared on Taehyun's face.

He had already gathered enough information.

'Finally, I see a way.'

None of those who had used the Authority of the Twelve Zodiacs had ever told him what happened when they regressed.

More precisely, they couldn't.

Not telling non-regressors what the regressors had experienced.

That was the minimum rule to maintain what they had gained from traveling through the timelines.

And.

Tolkin is also showing a similar reaction to the regressors.

'Why am I realizing this now?'

Taehyun blamed his ignorance for the first time since his second regression.

'There's no need to rush about the rules.'

What's important is the Doppelganger and Tolkin.

Already, two Irregulars opposing the Authority of the Twelve Zodiacs have been born.

'And that's after entering the Tower.'

He couldn't stop the laughter that was leaking out.

Conquering the Tower.

That is the way to unlock the Seal of Gluttony.

'It's the strategy to achieve my goals in the twisted timelines.'

"Just like in the Upper Realm. It won't be any different this time."

[‘The Tower Manager’ begins to sob.]

It's as if he can hear the cries of the unfortunate dwarf.

'Wait for me, Tolkin.'

[‘The Tower Manager’ cheers that you will be able to reach the top.]

"I'll see you again soon."

Taehyun said with conviction.

There were many things he wanted to say, but Tolkin disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared.

'The reason to climb the Tower has become clearer.'

The problem is.

Clang. Clang.

Taehyun looked at the chains that were binding his body.

'How to restore the trust that has already been broken.'

Even though the Doppelganger did it, it was ultimately done with Taehyun's body.

Depending on how Ji Jinhee, who had directly experienced the danger of the rampage, reacted, Taehyun's direction of climbing the Tower would also change.

'Even if I can persuade the Association President and Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young… will Chief Ko Tae-wook believe me?'

Speak of the devil.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzt.

Ko Tae-wook's hologram appeared over Taehyun's face.

[You're awake.]

"Didn't you already know?"

He didn't feel any signs, but the timing was too perfect.

He must have been watching the conversation with Tolkin.

[You were talking to the Tower Manager.]

"They contacted me suddenly."

[…….]

He was just telling the truth, but Ko Tae-wook's expression wasn't good.

It was as if he was thinking, 'What is this guy?'

That thought wasn't wrong.

[Kim Taehyun. What are you?]

"That's the same question you asked when we first met."

[The situation is different from then.]

'I guess so.'

Ji Jinhee and Yoo Ah-young are the strongest forces in the New Korean Player Association.

They are on a different level from the martial artists of the Blood Demon Sect, who were at most A-rank.

"Are the Association President and Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young safe?"

Taehyun asked calmly.

[…They're safe.]

"That's a relief."

[You're not answering the question. Are you trying to play me again like the first time? Do you know that you used the language of demons?]

'Oh, Doppel.'

How was he supposed to explain the language of demons again?

He didn't think for long.

"Hmm… I'm wronged."

[What?]

"First of all, it was the Association President who authorized the status window update. Senior Bang Chae-soo also guaranteed that I wouldn't have to worry about going berserk."

[…….]

"You promised me the climb of the Tower, but now you're pushing me like this, so I can't help but feel wronged."

He wasn't wrong.

Even though he had stubbornly shot back, Ko Tae-wook didn't show the same oppressive attitude as before.

[Yes, it's not your fault. But the Association has its own position.]

He apologized for their lack of preparation, but asked for understanding because they had put chains on him to prepare for Taehyun's rampage.

"What about my position?"

[Kim Taehyun. Your power is beyond standard. The ability you showed when you went berserk is on par with a national power….]

"My growth rate is also fast."

[Did you check your status window…?]

"B-rank. There was also a skill I had never seen before."

[Are you talking about Pandora's Box?]

Taehyun quietly met Ko Tae-wook's eyes.

'They didn't figure out Gluttony and Dream Eating?'

It didn't matter.

He had no intention of telling them everything anyway.

Still, some explanation would be necessary.

"Pandora's Box. There's no skill description."

[I see.]

It seemed that he had investigated quite a bit while Taehyun was asleep.

"How much time has passed?"

[Two days.]

"No wonder I was hungry."

Ko Tae-wook chuckled at Taehyun's joke.

[I'm sorry, but you'll only be able to eat after a brief investigation.]

"Let's finish it quickly."

Zzzzzzzzzzzzt.

The image of Taehyun rampaging was replayed in the hologram.

Ji Jinhee and Yoo Ah-young were frozen by Taehyun's momentum, and the gluttonous jaws that were forcibly created were tearing through space.

[The attack at this time caused a change in the Tower.]

"A change…?"

[Yes. The boundaries that made up the Tower were revealed, and it was revealed that the specific number of floors reached at least 100.]

'That's a little surprising.'

Just looking at the outside, the Tower looks like it goes on infinitely.

On the other hand, the width of one floor inside is enough to be one Earth.

'If there are at least 100 floors… is it divided into more detail?'

It may be connected not only to the Lower and Upper Realms but also to other dimensions of the Middle Realm.

The problem is that humanity has not yet climbed to the 5th floor.

"It doesn't matter. I have no intention of stopping the climb anyway."

[Yes. We feel the same way.]

"……?"

[I didn't tell you. A large-scale quest was created after you fainted.]

A large-scale quest.

Come to think of it, Tolkin said that a quest had been initiated.

Taehyun was thinking that.

[Large-scale Quest: Pandora's Key. It doesn't seem to appear in your status window?]

As Ko Tae-wook's simple explanation continued, Taehyun's face hardened.

'Doppel. You did a good job.'

[So. The Association is also planning to support your climb.]

He said that they had decided to increase the number of party members, considering the possibility of Taehyun's rampage.

Ko Tae-wook continued calmly.

Two S-rank players were not enough, so who else were they going to add?

'Are Park Sung-jin and Kwak Si-yang also participating? Then the forces stationed in New Korea will be significantly reduced….'

Contrary to Taehyun's expectations.

[The Saintess and the Sword Demon.]

"……!!"

An unexpected name came out of Ko Tae-wook's mouth.

[We have decided to add two national-level players from Japan to the party.]

Taehyun was speechless at the unexpected additional members.

Part 2 Episode 18

Saint Yoshikawa Tsurara.

Sword Demon Nakata Shinji.

They are national power-level figures in Japan, and also have a connection with Taehyun.

'Suddenly...'

[It's the Association President's order.]

"......?"

Ko Taewook sighed at Taehyun's puzzled reaction.

[The last technique you used. The Association President seems to view it as national power-level.]

He must be referring to the Predation used by the Doppelganger.

[He said that if you go berserk again, even if one or two more S-rank players are added, there's no hope.]

'No, it's not necessarily like that...'

Taehyun has no intention of yielding his body to the Doppelganger anymore, and the Doppelganger can't do such a reckless act again.

But it's already been decided by the Association.

Taehyun had no choice.

"Then... you contacted two national power-level figures for me? It wouldn't have been easy to persuade them."

Even though South Korea and Japan are allies, they are clearly rival countries.

Unless it's a state of war, they wouldn't want a national power-level figure to emerge in South Korea.

'They'd probably try to kill me rather than release the seal.'

If it's the Saint in Taehyun's memory, it's definitely possible.

So if they dispatched two national power-level figures to help the party under a different pretext, South Korea must have given them something in return.

[You sometimes have an old-fashioned side that doesn't suit your age.]

Ko Taewook clicked his tongue lightly.

The more he knows, the more difficult it is to believe he's 19 years old.

'Where did this guy come from?'

He dug into the personal details of numerous students in order to discover talent.

'It was a waste of effort.'

That thought came to mind, but it wasn't important now.

[Don't worry about the Association. How could I have survived without that much skill.]

Ko Taewook grinned.

Although he hasn't completely removed his suspicion of Taehyun, he decided to overlook trivial things for the sake of the greater good.

[I called Player Kwak Siyang. He will be joining the party. Ah, I assume you know about the Magicians?]

Ko Taewook asked belatedly, thinking that it was obvious, but it might not be.

Because the Awakened in front of him sometimes shows a side that doesn't even know basic information.

Taehyun always excused it as amnesia after awakening.

"Of course, I know."

Guild Leader Kwak Siyang of the Magicians.

'It's been a while since I've seen him.'

The corners of his lips lift at the unexpected connections.

"What's the party size?"

[I was going to explain that anyway. Four players and one porter.]

"That's modest?"

[There are four S-rank players. There's no need to waste a lot of time on the 2nd floor. The porter will be given a Backpack of Infinity, so there will be no problem with food and supplies.]

"But if there are four players..."

[Kim Taehyun. You're the porter.]

"......"

[You're no longer a B-rank Awakened. You're more than capable of being a porter for S-ranks.]

Unlike his words, he seems to be teasing him.

He seems to think of it as a punishment for Taehyun's reckless behavior so far.

Two national power-level figures from other countries.

Two leaders of large guilds from their own country.

He could clearly see that they wanted him to suffer a bit in between.

Contrary to Ko Taewook's thoughts.

'It's not a bad combination.'

Taehyun was satisfied with the Association's more proactive attitude than he thought.

The Association wants his seal to be safely released.

They must be even more eager now that they've seen the potential of a national power-level figure.

'In addition, the Saint possesses the S-rank skill "Super-Speed Regeneration".'

Even if he were to go berserk, they would suppress him using the Sword Demon and then heal him with the Saint's skill.

'They must have made an Awakened's Oath as well.'

From Taehyun's point of view, all he has to do is hide his identity, quietly act as a porter, and climb the tower.

'It's too sweet of a reward for doing porter work.'

"I understand. I will do my best to live up to the Association's efforts."

[That's a welcome answer.]

Ending Ko Taewook's reply.

Swish-.

Click. Click.

The chains that had been binding Taehyun's body were released one by one.

Taehyun rotated his wrists and checked his physical condition.

[The treatment is over. I'll send someone, so wait.]

"I will."

Immediately afterwards, he was guided to the Association President's office.

Ji Jinhui, with a somewhat tired face, poured tea himself.

"You look tired. Are you alright?"

"Haha. Your rampage seems to have been more overwhelming than I thought."

Apart from the treatment, his stamina wasn't returning as well as he thought.

Ji Jinhui said with a friendly smile.

"Did you hear about it from Chief Ko?"

"Yes. I heard that the party will be reorganized with the Saint and Sword Demon. You said I'll be following as a porter to check the state of the seal?"

"That's right. The schedule is to join Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk on the 3rd floor. What do you think?"

After joining Kwon Kanghyuk on the 3rd floor, they will break through to the 4th floor with the current members.

"Excellent idea."

"Oh. In what way?"

Ji Jinhui's eyes lit up.

It was because he also knew that Taehyun had insight that didn't suit his age.

Communicating openly with young talent and broadening his knowledge.

It was one of Ji Jinhui's long-standing hobbies.

"I heard that the United States and China are confronting each other inside and outside the Tower, right?"

"That's a fact that everyone knows."

"Crumbs always fall for the shrimps that don't get caught in the whale fight."

"Is South Korea a shrimp?"

"Currently, all countries except the United States and China are shrimps. Well, among them, South Korea may be the smallest shrimp."

"......"

He's not hesitant to use explicit expressions in front of the Association President himself.

'He's definitely something.'

Ji Jinhui had to suppress the excitement that was rising in him.

"I heard that the United States is connected to the Empire, and China is connected to the Murim."

Taehyun reconfirmed the current state of the world, which he had grasped while resting for a day.

"That's right. That's why the power gap between countries has started to widen rapidly. That's also why we're focusing on Taehyun-gun's complete awakening."

Ji Jinhui will declare to the world that South Korea has become a country with a national power-level figure on the day that the seal on Taehyun's skill is completely released and an S-rank license is issued.

'Taehyun-gun. You are a treasure of South Korea.'

His heart is already overflowing just thinking about it.

It was when Ji Jinhui was painting a rosy future.

"The national power-level system will collapse soon."

"......"

Ji Jinhui couldn't react to the unexpected words.

"You shouldn't cling to outdated titles like national power-level."

"……!!"

"South Korea must be the first."

Regardless of Ji Jinhui's flustered expression.

Taehyun raised his index finger and pointed to the ceiling.

"To reach the top of this tower."

"You're the rookie in question."

"Nice to meet you, Guild Leader Kwak Siyang."

Taehyun respectfully greeted the man by taking his hand.

Kwak Siyang had come to the Association at Ji Jinhui's call.

"To think that you were the cause of that commotion. It's a shame I couldn't see it with my own eyes."

He was referring to Taehyun's rampage.

On that day, all the Awakened in the Tower received a quest called "Pandora's Key."

The content, rank, and reward were unknown, but it was a quest directly issued by the 'Tower Administrator'.

Then, Ji Jinhui told him that the cause of the quest was related to Taehyun.

He is the leader of the largest mage guild in the country.

The main reason he took time out of his busy schedule to join this party was that he wanted to observe Kim Taehyun up close.

"I've heard the general story. Please take care of me until the 4th floor."

"I look forward to working with you."

Taehyun bowed again.

Ji Jinhui. Ko Taewook. Yoo Ahyoung. Kwak Siyang.

He has already formed relationships with about half of the people who can be said to be Taehyun's people.

'I can do this.'

While Kwak Siyang and Yoo Ahyoung were imbuing magic power into the warp magic circle, Ji Jinhui approached.

"Taehyun-gun. Take this."

Ji Jinhui handed over a cross-shaped earring and pendant.

The magic tool Saint's Blessing.

'I thought it was broken. Did the Association President have it?'

As soon as he put on the earrings and pendant, the magic stone he had created in his chest vibrated.

"I've imbued it with my magic power. It will protect you once."

"Thank you."

"I hope you return safely."

Squeeze.

Ji Jinhui's hands gripped Taehyun's arms.

It was as if he was watching a grandfather seeing off his grandson who was leaving for a distant place.

"You won't be disappointed."

"I look forward to it."

A moment later.

As Kwak Siyang activated the magic circle, they arrived in front of the gate leading to the 2nd floor.

"Let's go."

Taehyun climbed the 2nd floor of the Tower with two companions.

A wasteland spread out under a red sky.

Air filled with magic power.

The 2nd floor was no different from the entrance to the Abyss, as Taehyun thought.

And.

"You've arrived sooner than I thought."

A pair of men and women walked out from next to the gate.

It was the Saint and the Sword Demon.

"Heung~ So you're Guild Leader Kwak Siyang of the Magicians. It's an honor to be able to work with you."

The Saint gave an example to Kwak Siyang while making a nasal sound.

The Sword Demon just nodded mutely.

"I'm embarrassed that a national power-level figure is saying that."

Kwak Siyang waved his hand and returned the greeting.

"Shall we move on for now?"

Four players and one porter slowly moved their feet.

The place they were heading to was a labyrinth that could be reached by walking for about 10 hours from the gate.

B-grade labyrinth Harun.

Passing through it would allow them to quickly reach the gate leading to the 3rd floor.

The Sword Demon was silent, and the conversation proceeded with the Saint, Yoo Ahyoung, and Kwak Siyang leading the way.

"A large-scale quest all of a sudden. The Tower Administrator sometimes does ridiculous things, doesn't he?"

The Saint mentioned the large-scale quest that had recently appeared.

"Did you have any gains in Nightwalker?"

"Not much information yet."

"Heung~ That Tower Administrator. He doesn't even know that we're suffering like this. I want to kill him if I meet him."

"......"

"......"

It was a bonus that the Saint seemed to have a psychopathic tendency.

'Guild Leader Yoo Ahyoung is holding back a lot.'

Knowing that her temperament is no less than the Saint's.

Taehyun could only hold back his laughter inside.

At that time.

"But this porter is quite young?"

The Saint showed interest in Taehyun, who was walking a little further away.

"He's my exclusive porter. His name is Kim Taehyun."

"......"

Kwak Siyang was embarrassed by Yoo Ahyoung's confident lie.

The Saint didn't miss that subtle sign.

"The porter seems... pretty good."

The Saint's eyes scanned Taehyun's body.

"Oh my, Tsurara-yang has the Sword Demon, doesn't she?"

Yoo Ahyoung said, blocking Taehyun's path.

Claiming ownership with her body.

"As you can see, our Sword Demon is a taciturn type."

The Saint and Taehyun's eyes met.

'This is unsettling.'

It was when Taehyun was thinking that.

"How about we make a bet?"

The Saint opened her mouth, stroking her chin.

"......?"

"A bet...?"

The two guild leaders, expressing their doubts, tilted their heads.

"Yes. I want to make a bet with the 1-day usage rights of that porter on the line."

Smiling.

The Saint smiled at Taehyun as she said.

Part 2, Episode 19

Silence fell after the Saintess's words.

'She's finally showing her true colors.'

Taehyun, with his head bowed, slightly frowned.

Outwardly, the Saintess was known for her beautiful appearance and kind personality.

But the reality was.

'A psychopath who thinks little of human life.'

Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Si-yang, leaders of a large guild, couldn't be unaware of that fact.

"Haha. Your jokes are too much."

Kwak Si-yang laughed, stepping closer to Yoo Ah-young.

He was trying to shield Taehyun from the Saintess's gaze.

His actions only seemed to further stimulate the psycho's curiosity.

"I'm serious. It's going to be a long journey, so shouldn't there be some fun?"

She grinned.

She wore a kind smile, but it was only eerie.

'I can't exactly beat her up... this is a problem.'

Although Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Si-yang possessed considerable power, they were no match for someone on the level of national power.

Not to mention Taehyun, who was only a B-rank.

In the end, all he could do was huddle up and hope the two of them would handle it well.

"Tsurara-yang."

Yoo Ah-young called the Saintess's name in a gentle voice.

"Yes."

The Saintess nodded, wearing her signature fake smile.

"I don't bet with my team members."

It was a kind but pointed reply.

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes. This child is just my porter. Mine alone."

"......"

Taehyun remained silent at Yoo Ah-young's confident declaration.

He judged that dealing with a fox was safer than a psychopath.

"......"

Only Guigeom indifferently observed the situation.

"Hmm... this is troublesome."

The Saintess, alternating her gaze between Taehyun and Yoo Ah-young, stroked her chin again.

"I always have to get what I want."

No matter what methods she had to use.

"......!!"

"......"

The atmosphere turned cold with her quietly added words.

"But, well. We are currently undertaking a joint mission between countries, so we should put aside personal desires for now, right?"

"Thank you for understanding."

"By the way. About the Tokyo branch construction that Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young suggested to this association earlier."

"......"

"Ah, don't worry. I know you approached discreetly. But I'm also on the level of national power, so the association president bothered me by telling me everything."

"...I see. I guess I need to be on good terms with Tsurara-yang?"

Yoo Ah-young said with a business smile.

If she was Player Yoo Ah-young just moments ago, she had now shifted to her position as the leader of Nightwalker.

The guild's business was a matter of livelihood for many people.

Taehyun sensed that the situation was turning in favor of the Saintess.

"There's no need for that. If an information guild like Nightwalker forms an alliance with our Japan, it would be good for me too."

"That's a relief. I'll be sure to speak well to the association president."

Yoo Ah-young bowed politely.

"Still. I feel like indulging my whims today for some reason."

"......"

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. Would you like to make a bet with me?"

It wasn't a question, but a threat.

If she refused this time as well, Nightwalker's business would be ruined.

Perhaps next time, she might bring up her relationship with the Magicians, or even the association.

'She's capable of that. The association president must be having a hard time in many ways.'

China above, Japan below.

Maintaining neutrality against those who were constantly eyeing Shin-Hanguk wouldn't be easy.

And there was also the variable of other dimensions in the Interdimensional Zone.

The Ji Jin-hee of this world had even more to consider than the one Taehyun knew.

'I can understand their desperate need for national power-level individuals.'

His thoughts didn't last long.

Yoo Ah-young answered in a cheerful voice.

"Okay. I accept the bet."

"Oh my, really?"

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young..."

Despite Kwak Si-yang's worried reaction, Yoo Ah-young continued.

"Instead. I should be able to decide the method of the bet, right?"

"Of course. There should be some handicap for me to find it fun. Of course, it would be better if the bet aligns with our schedule."

It meant that she wouldn't agree if they proposed an unreasonable method.

Yoo Ah-young nodded, seemingly convinced.

"Labyrinth Harun. Let's make it about who clears it first."

"That sounds fun!!"

With this, it would be difficult for problems to arise later.

Yoo Ah-young had come up with a wise idea.

'It would be perfect if I wasn't the prize.'

Even as Taehyun thought that, the two women's negotiations were proceeding quickly.

"Then, shall we make a binding agreement and begin?"

"Okay!!"

The Saintess's voice was excessively excited.

S-rank magic power bloomed, and the two women entered into a binding agreement between awakeners.

The main points were that actions that would harm party members were prohibited, and the winner would have ownership of porter Kim Taehyun for 24 hours.

Taehyun indifferently watched the process unfold without his consent.

After all, expressing his opinion now would only complicate the situation.

It would be better to help Yoo Ah-young and get some crumbs.

'How did I, once known as the "Predator of Three Thousand Worlds," end up in this state?'

'Twelve Ji. I'll be sure to get this debt back.'

Taehyun gritted his teeth toward the higher-level constellation, where only he could know.

"Taehyun-gun. Are you alright?"

While the two women were discussing the detailed terms, Kwak Si-yang approached and asked quietly.

"There's nothing I can do about it. If I had refused unconditionally, it would have interfered with the mission."

"Hmm... I'm sorry. I 괜히 only made things difficult for you."

"Well, now that it's come to this, I'll have to negotiate with Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young as well."

Taehyun said, looking at Yoo Ah-young returning to them.

The Saintess and Guigeom were already leaving, having decided to start the bet immediately.

"Oh my, our baby. You don't look as bad as I thought?"

"Aren't you going too far without my consent?"

"Hehe. This is all to protect you. Even though the Saintess looks like that..."

"She's a psycho, right?"

"Yeah. What, you knew?"

Yoo Ah-young looked at Kwak Si-yang.

"I never told you."

"It's not normal to bet with people. It's common sense."

Yoo Ah-young burst out laughing at Taehyun's words.

"The association president said you had unusual insight. It's really true?"

She praised Taehyun, trying to naturally change the subject.

'Hey, where do you think you're going, woman?'

"Do we have a chance of winning?"

"Of course. I'm Yoo Ah-young."

"Yeah, yeah. You would say that."

At the lukewarm response, she patted Taehyun on the shoulder.

"Let's get to the labyrinth first. I'll tell you along the way."

'Does she really have something to rely on?'

The labyrinth is a place where it's hard to set foot without detection skills, regardless of personal power.

Of course, she must have brought a useful map, but Yoo Ah-young's attitude was overly confident.

'It's no use bringing it up now.'

Taehyun decided to observe the situation a little more for now.

It was less than 3 hours before they arrived at the entrance of the labyrinth.

They drastically reduced the 10-hour walking distance by running.

Since it was the early part, some players staying near the entrance recognized them.

"I heard it hasn't even been an hour since the Saintess and Guigeom entered."

Kwak Si-yang said, having asked the players.

"Well, the real game starts right after entering the labyrinth."

Labyrinth Harun's monsters are at the C-rank level, but it was given a B-rank due to its constantly moving transformation.

Even with the help of someone with detection skills, it takes a full three days to reach the end.

The three of them stepped into the entrance, which was several times higher than them.

The concentration of magic power mixed in the air became even thicker.

"Trust me. I wouldn't do anything that would harm our guild members."

"I'm not a guild member though?"

"You're a future guild member, right? If you're thinking of being a player anyway, you'll end up connected to Nightwalker."

Ahahahahaha.

Yoo Ah-young laughed heartily, patting Taehyun on the back.

It wasn't wrong.

In the past, Taehyun would have taken much longer to become the world's number one without Yoo Ah-young's help.

Information must have played a significant role in her becoming the world's number one after Taehyun.

'I guess it's still better not to say anything.'

Taehyun sensed that it wasn't time to negotiate as he looked at Yoo Ah-young's confident appearance.

'I'm curious what Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young has up her sleeve. It's hard to guarantee anything with just a map with imprinted detection skills in a changing labyrinth.'

Even if the bet ends in the Saintess's victory, Taehyun would be able to refuse the Saintess's demands with various excuses.

However, if that happened, Yoo Ah-young would receive a permanent penalty.

At that moment.

Yoo Ah-young, after confirming that there was no one around, took out a map from her backpack.

Taehyun and Kwak Si-yang watched with dumbfounded expressions.

"It's not an ordinary map."

She spread the map on the floor and infused it with magic power.

Then.

Tzzt-.

A topographical map of the labyrinth appeared, and the locations of the humans inside appeared.

Following that.

Sss-.

Arrows made of magic power appeared on the ground.

"This is... a magic tool with an imprinted skill!!"

Yoo Ah-young chuckled, seemingly pleased with Kwak Si-yang's reaction.

"It's a product made in collaboration between the Alchemist and Nightwalker this time. It not only has A-rank detection skills imprinted on it, but it can also track the movements of those inside the labyrinth."

"I see... there was something to rely on. Winning the bet with this is just a matter of time."

Kwak Si-yang shook his head, admiring the Alchemist's technology.

"Let's see... the location of our talented party members is... huh...?"

Sensing the approach of a huge magic power.

Yoo Ah-young, Kwak Si-yang, and Taehyun released their magic power at the same time.

Swish.

The map on the floor was cut in half at the same time.

The three of them protected their bodies with magic power as a sword aura swept across the ground.

Ahahahahaha.

Laughter could be heard not far away.

The Saintess, imitating Yoo Ah-young's laughter, appeared.

"Your strategy is too obvious, Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. Don't you think so, Guigeom?"

The Saintess looked at Nakata Shinji as if seeking an answer.

"......"

Clang.

He put the sword he had drawn back in its sheath.

The sword aura that had split the map a moment ago was definitely his.

"Well, then. See you later."

She winked at Taehyun.

The Saintess and Guigeom passed by them.

"That X bitch...."

Yoo Ah-young trembled.

Judging from the creeping energy, she seemed ready to start a fight with the Saintess at any moment.

"What are you planning to do now?"

Taehyun asked nonchalantly.

He had brought a separate map for his role as a porter, but it would be difficult to win the bet with just that.

"From the looks of it, they seem confident in their map too... I don't have anything particularly prepared."

Kwak Si-yang shrugged as if he was sorry.

Japan also had a technology guild 'Denso' that was as good as the Alchemist.

Their map wouldn't be ordinary either, although it would be worse than the one Yoo Ah-young had.

'The stage has been set.'

Suppressing the twitching corners of his mouth, Taehyun wore a serious expression.

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. Even if we lose this bet, I have no intention of becoming the Saintess's porter."

"Sorry. I didn't expect them to be waiting for us. But the match is still..."

"We can't win against them with a frontal attack. Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young knows that well."

"......"

"In that case, you'll have to bear the penalty for not keeping the agreement."

"Tae, Taehyun-gun... you can say that later..."

Kwak Si-yang trailed off, as if he was troubled.

"I have a way."

"......"

"......?"

Yoo Ah-young's eyes wavered.

Kwak Si-yang's eyes widened.

Taehyun continued, meeting the familiar gazes.

"However, there's a condition."

"Condition...? What..."

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. Let me boss you around for a day."

"......!!"

"......!!"

If he was wronged, he'd pay it back.

Taehyun's creed hadn't changed even in his second regression.

Enjoying the faces of the two flustered players, Taehyun drove in the wedge.

"Deal?"

Part 2, Episode 20

Labyrinth Harun.

Within it, the Saintess and Sword Demon were moving quickly.

Not at full power, but far beyond a casual walk.

It was known that even with the help of someone with a detection skill, it would take a full three days to reach the end.

Or so it was said.

"They're such ridiculous people. Showing off their petty tricks."

The Sword Demon glanced at her.

"Are you talking about Yoo Ah-young?"

"Yes. She probably wouldn't have used that map if it wasn't for this bet, would she?"

The Saintess checked the map and increased her speed.

The map they possessed was no ordinary one either.

A masterpiece from Denso, with an A-rank detection skill engraved upon it.

The detection skill activated in sync with the speed of an A-rank player, allowing them to traverse the labyrinth in a day.

Of course, if it wasn't for the bet, they would have used a map with a decent detection skill engraved on it and spent about three days breaking through the labyrinth.

"That woman always gets on my nerves."

Tsk.

The Saintess clicked her tongue, thinking of Yoo Ah-young's face.

Exceptional martial prowess and stunning beauty.

With little age difference between them, a rivalry had formed between them in Asia.

"It's a shame. If we had gotten the map, the guild leaders of Kage and Denso would have been pleased."

The Sword Demon spoke, recalling the map he had sliced apart with his sword technique a little while ago.

"What we can't have, we must destroy."

"Noted."

The Saintess' mood lifted at her partner's unwavering reply.

"Shall we increase our speed?"

"Yes."

As the two focused mana into their legs, their speed increased to the level of an S-rank player.

Occasionally, when the map glitched and they had to stop, they even had the leisure to greet those wandering the labyrinth.

They continued like that for about twenty more hours.

"Hoo…. It's starting to come to an end."

In another hour, they would reach the labyrinth's exit.

Naturally, the Awakened Oath would activate, declaring their victory.

It was around then that the Sword Demon, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

"Why are you showing interest in Kim Tae-hyun?"

"Oh my. Isn't it rude to pry into a woman's curiosity?"

"……."

"Hehe. I'm just joking."

"I don't like jokes."

The Sword Demon muttered gruffly.

At times like this, he became more sensitive. It was best not to provoke him unnecessarily.

"Kim Tae-hyun isn't just an ordinary porter."

"The level I sensed was clearly that of a B-rank Awakened."

"It's not a problem that can be so easily dismissed."

The Saintess recalled the suspicious behavior shown by Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Si-yang.

They thought they were handling it well, but Kim Tae-hyun's attitude towards the S-rank players was too natural.

"Maybe he's just a gutsy guy."

"Hmm…. I'd say it's a woman's intuition. Anyway, Shinji is always slow on the uptake."

Confident in her intuition, she flashed a playful smile at her partner.

"……."

"Anyway. It seems we've won."

Far in the distance, they could see the massive wall indicating the labyrinth's exit.

Once they left the exit, they would reach the gate to the 3rd floor in a day.

They were about 30 minutes away from their destination.

Ding.

[You have been designated as a target of the skill Mana Condensation (S).]

[You have been designated as a target of the skill Summoning Formula (A).]

Suddenly, a message appeared before her eyes.

'What…?'

"Tsurara…!!"

The Sword Demon, running beside her, showed a similar reaction.

Both of them enveloped their bodies in mana without hesitation.

At the same time.

Whoosh.

Their bodies were enveloped in unfamiliar mana.

They felt a queasiness, as if they were using a warp gate.

And then.

"Oh my. So this actually works?"

Before they could even open their eyes.

Yoo Ah-young's voice, filled with heavy breaths, greeted them.

The Saintess saw a huge entrance towering before her.

They were clearly close to the exit, but in the blink of an eye, they had been transported back to the starting point.

'What is this….'

The Saintess looked down at her feet.

A massive warp magic circle and scattered mana amplification stones.

She and the Sword Demon were standing side by side on it.

'Could it be… a reverse summon…? Of Shinji and me?'

Her gaze turned to Kwak Si-yang, who was also gasping for breath.

'He shouldn't have a skill like that?'

She was still trying to figure out what was happening.

"Oh dear~ Look at all that sweat. You looked like you were running hard, I'm so sorry!"

Yoo Ah-young caught her breath and put on a fake apologetic face.

"It's a one-on-one fight then."

Kwak Si-yang wiped away the sweat and said.

And.

Tae-hyun was quietly drinking a potion.

"……."

"……."

To warp two national-level powers while they were moving.

Even the American Ricky Hallis, known as the world's best magician, couldn't do that.

"How… did you do it?"

The Saintess asked cautiously.

"As you can see. Guild Leader Kwak Si-yang put in some effort."

Smiling sweetly.

Yoo Ah-young mimicked the Saintess' smile as she answered.

"That's not what I'm asking."

The Saintess' voice turned cold.

She could clearly see Yoo Ah-young's intention to play a game of riddles.

"That means... can I assume you've given up the bet? If so, I might tell you."

Clench.

The Saintess' clenched fists tightened.

But hunting party members was a violation of the Awakened Oath.

The association had made them swear a separate oath in order to form the party, so it was necessary to stay within the bounds.

"Are you going to keep going? We can warp you as many times as you want."

"Oh my. Guild Leader Kwak Si-yang looks like he's running out of stamina?"

"Ahaha. If you're confident, you can start first."

Yoo Ah-young did not yield an inch.

'There's no way they can perform this warp multiple times….'

But they had already spent a day.

'There's no time to waste.'

The Saintess bit her lip.

Opportunities like the one where the US and China were showing a crack like this didn't come often.

If they missed this chance, they would regret it for a long time.

'You sly fox.'

Contrary to her thoughts, the Saintess quickly calmed her emotions.

"Okay. Let's call it a draw."

"I thank you for your rational judgment."

The Saintess and Yoo Ah-young shook hands with smiles.

The Sword Demon and Kwak Si-yang, who were watching, showed surprised expressions.

'This is getting even more interesting.'

The Saintess looked at Kim Tae-hyun, who was standing behind Kwak Si-yang with his head bowed.

Even in this situation, he showed no reaction.

That made him even more suspicious.

'Well, it's not like this is the only chance.'

The two women quickly released the Awakened Oath.

"Then, we'll have to run hard for the next 3 days. We only have one map left."

Yoo Ah-young said, looking at Tae-hyun holding the map.

This meant that unless they used their map, they would have to run for a full three days as planned.

"……."

"……."

The Saintess and the Sword Demon showed no reaction.

"This way."

Tae-hyun, who had examined the map, began to run at a slow pace.

The four S-rank players quietly followed.

'Just what is his identity….'

Kwak Si-yang wondered as he ran, looking at Tae-hyun's back.

His running speed wasn't fast.

At first, he ran at the level of a B-rank player, but as the labyrinth's terrain became more complex, he had reduced his speed to about D-rank.

What was surprising was that Tae-hyun, who had only recently Awakened, seemed to fully understand the map.

No matter that the map was a magical tool that activated simply by infusing it with mana, he was too natural.

It was like watching a veteran porter.

No, if it was just that, he wouldn't have felt this way.

'It's not something that can be dismissed as simply a national-level talent.'

Kwak Si-yang began to suspect Tae-hyun's identity two days ago.

It was from when he had received guidance (?) from him.

The plan that Tae-hyun had proposed was simple.

Reverse summon the moving Saintess and Sword Demon to this location.

"Since we have a party system, it's not impossible to detect their coordinates."

"It sounds simple, but… it's not an easy task."

Unlike the silent Yoo Ah-young, Kwak Si-yang actively explained the plan's shortcomings.

"Guild Leader, you haven't fully grasped the skill yet."

"What…?"

At first, he thought it was an arrogant statement from someone intoxicated by their own talent.

After all, he had won the bet against Jin Ji-hee, forced two S-rank players into a difficult situation with his rampaging skill, and even had the Tower's administrator personally give him a quest.

No matter how great a talent he had for handling mana, how dare he discuss the skills of an S-rank player?

Especially his own 'Mana Condensation', which was known as the best magic in New Korea.

"Kim Tae-hyun. You speak as if you know my skill well."

Kwak Si-yang's voice was sharp.

"S-rank skill Mana Condensation. I know that it is similar to the American national power-level Ricky Hallis's Energy Compose."

"You don't think you understand it completely just because of what the media is saying, do you?"

It wasn't a new thing for the media to talk about named players' skills and status windows.

Kwak Si-yang was disappointed, thinking that Tae-hyun was just one of those people.

He was mistaken.

"Haven't you already become familiar enough to imitate new skills?"

'How did he know that….'

Tae-hyun was speaking casually, but it was a fact that he had never told anyone.

"I felt it when I activated the warp magic circle. It's not easy to warp three people so smoothly that there's no foreign sensation."

'What…. Just from that…?'

But it was accurate, even if it was just a lucky guess.

In fact, Kwak Si-yang had been spending a considerable amount of time creating a new skill.

Warp magic was one of them.

"With a little more assistance, I think we can summon the Saintess and the Sword Demon to this location."

"Nonsense. You're thinking too highly of me."

Even with an S-rank skill, it wasn't easy to warp two moving players, especially those who were higher in level than him.

"That's why I said we would need a little 'assistance'."

"……."

"You know that I Awakened the skill 'Pandora's Box'."

Of course he knew.

The reason he had formed this party was to stably release the seal on Tae-hyun's skill.

"Although I can't use the skill properly yet, I can see the formula now that it's awakened."

"You don't mean…."

"Yes. I mean the formula that makes up the skill."

"……!!"

If that were true, it would be a great thing.

So far, Cody Cruise and Ricky Hallis were the only ones who had stated that they 'can see the formula for a skill'.

'The chairman said it would be a skill related to Mugol. Does this mean that the talent of a national-level power is different…? No, if the Tower's administrator is getting involved in the first place….'

"I think I can assist with the warp magic. You have nothing to lose, Guild Leader."

Lose?

On the contrary, if what Tae-hyun was saying was true, he wouldn't have enough if he bowed his head and asked for his help.

Kwak Si-yang's answer was already decided.

"...I'll do it."

After that, everything went smoothly.

Kwak Si-yang drew the reverse summon magic circle, and Tae-hyun placed the mana amplification stones.

It was as natural a scene as two magicians working together.

Yoo Ah-young, who was watching with the same expression as Kwak Si-yang, infused mana into the magic circle.

Kwak Si-yang used the skill 'Mana Condensation'.

It was a failure.

He repeated the attempt, recovering his stamina and mana with potions.

There were six failures over twenty hours.

"Let's be sure to succeed this time."

On the seventh attempt.

Tae-hyun's mana mixed more smoothly with Kwak Si-yang's mana.

The moment the magic circle felt more comfortable than ever before.

Ding.

[Skill Summoning Formula (A) has been registered.]

[Skill Summoning Formula (A) has been activated.]

[Understanding of skill Mana Condensation (S) increases.]

A message appeared that a new skill had been registered.

'That was already two days ago.'

The created skill was still in his status window.

Every time he looked at the status window while running, his heart pounded with excitement.

'Kim Tae-hyun. With this child, even the chairman's dream is not impossible.'

Is this how countries with national power-level backers feel?

Kwak Si-yang had a feeling that this mission would not end in the ordinary way.

Part 2, Episode 21

The Saintess was not in a good mood.

She had passed through the labyrinth and reached the gate to the 3rd floor, but it was difficult to create a situation where she could get involved with Taehyun.

'Hmm~ Should I just watch the situation on the 3rd floor?'

There were too many eyes on the 3rd floor, making it difficult to set the stage.

Just as she was thinking this, she arrived at the gate leading to the 3rd floor.

A huge man was waving his hand in front of the gate.

"Well, well, look who's here."

"Guild Leader Kwon Ganghyuk. Did you come to greet us!"

Unlike Yoo Ah-young, who waved her hand with a sullen expression, Kwak Si-yang welcomed Kwon Ganghyuk.

"I was worried about you weaklings. And only one porter."

Kwon Ganghyuk stared at Taehyun with indifferent eyes.

'Long time no see.'

Kwon Ganghyuk, the guild leader of Onsaemi.

In Taehyun's world, they were involved in many ways.

His main skill was the S-rank 'Blessing of the Beast'.

By activating the skill, he could mimic the body of a beast or monster.

'The stat differences were huge depending on the beast or monster he set.'

In Taehyun's last memory, Kwon Ganghyuk had obtained power equivalent to the contractee of the Beast King.

It was when Kwon Ganghyuk was grumbling about why they were so late.

"Hello, Beast. It's my first time seeing you in person."

The Saintess stepped forward and greeted him.

"Saintess..."

Despite her bright smile, Kwon Ganghyuk's expression was not good.

She had a history of blocking Shinhan's path at every turn.

Kwon Ganghyuk and Ji Jin-hee weren't exactly close, but he was also a player from Shinhan.

He didn't have good feelings about her.

More than anything.

"Stop with the act."

Kwon Ganghyuk said bluntly.

"Hmm~ What do you mean, act?"

The Saintess looked up at Kwon Ganghyuk with innocent eyes.

Kwon Ganghyuk's face twisted.

He thought she was making fun of him.

"You underestimate Shinhan's intelligence. Pure White Saintess. You don't expect me to believe your personality changed just because that's what you're called, do you?"

'This is surprising.'

Taehyun looked at Kwon Ganghyuk's attitude towards the Saintess with an unexpected expression.

That was because, during Taehyun's time as a non-awakened person, Kwon Ganghyuk had fallen for the Saintess and became a force that supported her.

In the 2nd playthrough, he didn't have any special feelings for the Saintess, and instead formed a close friendship with Taehyun.

And now.

In the 3rd playthrough, Kwon Ganghyuk was clearly hostile to the Saintess.

'The personality difference is bigger than I thought.'

Ji Jin-hee. Go Tae-wook. Yoo Ah-young. Kwak Si-yang.

They all had personalities that weren't much different from the previous playthroughs.

But Kwon Ganghyuk was different from the simple and foolish figure Taehyun knew.

'Is there something I don't know about? Or is it... a variable...?'

The countless variables of a twisted timeline.

Taehyun was thinking about a few possibilities when.

"Get out of my sight. Bitch."

Kwon Ganghyuk leaned in and spat out harsh words.

The Saintess's eyes narrowed and.

Whoosh.

A pure white sword was swung.

Clang.

Kwon Ganghyuk's arm, reinforced with magic, blocked the pure white sword.

If he hadn't blocked it, one of his eyes would have been gouged out.

"Apologize. Beast."

Nakata Shinji chanted as he put strength into his sword.

"Damn it. The distinguished swordsman is wagging his tail like a dog in heat."

"You're the type who won't understand words."

The swordsman who had sheathed his sword took a stance to draw it again and.

"Are you one to talk when you've already swung your sword?"

Crack.

Kwon Ganghyuk's legs and arms transformed into those of a monster.

He was imitating the monster to enhance his physical abilities.

The lower body of an unknown monster swelled and.

Bang!!

The arm of the unknown monster fell on top of the swordsman's head.

The swordsman, who had blocked the blow, slid back.

Even if he hadn't put his full power into it, the power was enough to push back a national-level player.

'His level is higher than I expected.'

Taehyun admired the level that exceeded his expectations.

Taehyun wasn't the only one watching.

"Ah...."

The Saintess groaned softly.

"What should I do? Because of me, two people are having a life-or-death 'match'."

"What should you do? You should stop them. Don't you know that attacking party members is against the agreement?"

Yoo Ah-young said, as if annoyed.

After the bet in the labyrinth, she had been distancing herself from the Saintess.

She thought the construction of the Tokyo branch was over.

"That's right. Ms. Tsurara, you should try to stop the swordsman. What if he gets injured from this...?"

"But Guild Leader Kwon Ganghyuk isn't a party member yet, is he?"

Smile.

Kwak Si-yang was speechless at the Saintess's words.

"The Beast insulted me, and the swordsman drew his sword for me. Ah... it seems all I can do is pray to God."

'This crazy bitch is going all the way.'

It was the moment Yoo Ah-young, frowning, was about to say something.

Taehyun was seen walking between Kwon Ganghyuk and the swordsman.

"Uh... hey... wait...."

"Tae, Taehyun-gun...!"

Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Si-yang stammered at his calm steps.

Kwon Ganghyuk and Nakata Shinji's fight stopped at the sudden intrusion.

Taehyun approached Kwon Ganghyuk with his back to the swordsman.

"Guild Leader Kwon Ganghyuk. Stop and join the party."

"Get out of the way, kid."

Kwon Ganghyuk looked down at Taehyun with cold eyes.

"I don't know your personal matters. But we're currently on a mission. If you do this, only Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Si-yang will be in a difficult position."

"I told you to get out of the way."

Hoo.

Kwon Ganghyuk's aura pressed down on Taehyun.

Even so.

"It's still the 2nd floor. If you're going to do it, go up to the 3rd floor and do it proudly."

Taehyun only frowned once, and didn't stop saying what he had to say.

'Look at this guy?'

A porter interfering in an S-rank battle.

It's not something that can be done with ordinary courage.

Kwon Ganghyuk was a man with a strong desire for talent.

'Come to think of it, he's just a kid?'

He belatedly looked at Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Si-yang.

They were all shaking their heads.

Something was strange.

'Those guys are reacting like that... this is interesting.'

Sss.

Kwon Ganghyuk lowered his energy.

His transformed arms returned to normal.

"Okay."

He looked at the Saintess.

"I apologize. I was agitated. You're not going to embarrassingly refuse here, are you?"

"Well... okay. I'll accept your apology."

The Saintess's expression was not good.

She thought she had created a scene, but Taehyun's intrusion had ruined the fun.

She alternated between looking at the swordsman who was protecting her and Kim Taehyun, who was standing with his back to him.

'What is it?'

He was definitely a B-rank Awakened.

But it was the second time already.

The situation was resolved by his intervention.

Yoo Ah-young too. Kwak Si-yang too. Kwon Ganghyuk too.

Everyone was a player from Shinhan and the leader of a large guild.

But they were being influenced by a porter who wasn't even an adult yet.

It was something that couldn't be understood logically.

'This is strange.'

Her intuition as a woman told her.

Maybe Kim Taehyun was.

The trigger related to the success of this mission.

"Let's go up to the 3rd floor."

Taehyun smiled and said to the Saintess and.

'I want to tame him.'

I want to make him mine.

Hiding her expanding desires.

"Yes. Kim Taehyun-gun."

The Saintess replied with a bright smile.

Kwon Ganghyuk, who was the first to pass through the 3rd floor gate, opened his eyes.

Red sky and dry terrain.

It was a familiar landscape that wasn't much different from the 2nd floor.

The only difference was that the concentration of magic was thicker.

'Those guys. They're late coming through the gate.'

Kwon Ganghyuk was feeling puzzled.

He could understand that bringing only one porter was to increase the speed.

But everyone was overly praising Kim Taehyun.

'I heard that Park Seong-jin is leading the supply unit himself.'

Likewise, Isaka Ryohei from Japan is also coming here leading a supply unit.

They will arrive in about a week at the earliest.

There are enough supplies to last until then.

But why.

'Those guys joined now? And who is this guy Kim Taehyun...'.

Kwon Ganghyuk was thinking that when Kwak Si-yang passed through the gate.

Taehyun, who came after Kwak Si-yang, admired the scenery of the 3rd floor.

'As expected, the mid-level area.'

Just by feeling the magic, he could tell that high-level monsters lived there.

Kwon Ganghyuk tapped Taehyun on the shoulder.

"I don't know what kind of connection you have, but welcome, kid."

"Ah...."

"Pfft, you're surprised."

"......"

Taehyun closed his mouth.

He wasn't surprised by the scenery of the 3rd floor.

No, he was surprised.

He had never seen players of this scale while passing through the 2nd floor.

Roughly three hundred. That many people were resting, setting up tents and lighting fires.

But the real reason he was surprised was because of the message that appeared in front of him.

[A 'Great Being' recognizes 'Kim Taehyun'.]

[Attempting to connect with the 'Great Being'.]

[Failed to connect with the 'Great Being'.]

It's not clear who the Great Being is.

It could be the 'Demon King', who shares the same universe, or it could be a 'Dragon'.

What's certain is that Taehyun's presence is getting stronger as he climbs the tower.

'This will be resolved when I meet Tolkien.'

Whether it's the Blood Demon, who is presumed to be the avatar of the constellation.

Or the Great Being, who is presumed to be a constellation.

He would be able to hear about them if he met Tolkien, the manager of the tower.

At that time, a group of players approached.

They were Japanese players stationed nearby.

"We received the message that the Saintess and the Swordsman are coming."

"Sorry we're late. Illusion Sword."

Illusion Sword Ishii Satoshi.

He was an acquaintance of Taehyun and a man he knew through Go Tae-wook.

'Illusion Sword to Sword Demon.... these guys are really crazy about swords.'

Recalling that Park Seong-jin was the only one who properly used a sword in Shinhan, Taehyun focused on the Saintess's conversation.

The man called Illusion Sword shook his head with a smile that reached his ears at the Saintess's whisper.

"No. I was surprised that you came earlier than expected. But...."

Illusion Sword's gaze turned to Kwon Ganghyuk.

"You came with the Beast?"

"Yes. Guild Leader Kwon Ganghyuk kindly came to greet us."

The Saintess replied brightly.

"Is that so."

Illusion Sword greeted Kwon Ganghyuk with a sword salute.

"Thank you. I don't know how to repay this favor."

It was a formal greeting.

But.

"Stop the bullshit and go back to your place. Can't you see that our kids are annoyed."

"......!!"

The atmosphere became cold at Kwon Ganghyuk's words.

The Japanese side emitted energy, and the players of Onsaemi, who were resting, began to organize their positions.

'The two associations managed to make this party happen.'

Taehyun smiled wryly, having grasped the relationship between the two groups in a short time.

"Two simp bastards. Anyway, you guys are disgusting."

Kwon Ganghyuk's words were nothing short of a declaration of war.

Sreung.

Ishii Satoshi drew his sword.

The Saintess, who was watching, opened her mouth with a worried face.

"Illusion Sword. The Beast is a party member. Fighting party members is against the alliance between the associations."

"I don't care. If I can only cut off the tongue of the one who insulted the Saintess."

Illusion Sword poured magic into his sword.

He was determined to do it properly.

"Oh my. What should I do?"

The Saintess looked at Yoo Ah-young, Kwak Si-yang, and Taehyun and asked.

"What a load of crap."

Kwon Ganghyuk grumbled and looked at Taehyun.

Heh.

The corners of his mouth rose.

"What excuse are you going to use to stop me this time?"

There was no reason to stop someone who was determined to fight.

Just.

"Are you confident in winning?"

Taehyun provoked Kwon Ganghyuk even further.

"Hey, kid. Is that even a question? Do you think I'm going to lose?"

Watching Kwon Ganghyuk burn with fighting spirit.

"We're in trouble."

"At this point, isn't his brain an animal?"

Kwak Si-yang and Yoo Ah-young sighed.

Part 2, Episode 22

To be honest, Taehyun didn't expect the Kwon Kanghyuk of this world to be this reckless.

'To go through that on the second floor and then repeat it again.'

The only good thing is that this time the opponent is the Illusion Sword, which is considered to be a few levels below the Ghost Sword.

'He doesn't seem like the type to pick fights based on who he's up against... His recklessness is excessive.'

At this point, one might have to congratulate the other party's patience.

"Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk. There are many eyes watching."

The implication was to watch what he said since there were many eyes watching.

"It's always necessary to establish a hierarchy in parties of this size."

Kwon Kanghyuk said, twisting his lips.

The combined party size of South Korea and Japan exceeds 500 people.

With this many people, minor grievances tend to accumulate during exploration.

The problem is that the hierarchy is unfavorable to the South Korean side?

'Is he the type to only think of one thing and not the other?'

Taehyun felt like he had finished assessing Kwon Kanghyuk, even though they had only met for less than a day.

"How about it, simp? Want to step up and fight as the representative?"

"You beastly bastard. I wonder how much more filthy your foul mouth will become."

Beast and Illusion Sword.

The two S-rank players continued to insult each other.

Ignoring the seemingly imminent bloodshed, Taehyun approached the Saintess.

"Could you perhaps stop the Illusion Sword?"

"Hmm~ the Illusion Sword's pride is no less than the Ghost Sword's. To disregard a swordsman's pride is a vulgar act."

In other words, she didn't want to stop him.

The Saintess smiled and added.

"However, if Kim Taehyun were to serve me with devotion, perhaps we could defuse the situation while preserving the Illusion Sword's pride."

The Saintess's eyes were smiling, but it wasn't difficult to discern the greed hidden within.

"Come to think of it, the bet you had with Guild Leader Yoo Ahyeong on the second floor was a draw, right?"

The Saintess's eyebrows twitched at the sudden remark.

Even if it was a draw, it was practically her defeat.

"What do you mean by bringing that up all of a sudden? I'm quite soft-hearted, you know."

She demurely placed her hands together at her chest, her eyes glistening with tears.

How disgustingly hypocritical.

"Yoshikawa Tsurara. I propose a bet to you."

"Oh my! Is that so?"

The Saintess beamed, pushing her face forward as if nothing had happened.

"Tae, Taehyun...!!"

"Hey. Just a moment."

Kwak Siyang and Yoo Ahyeong were flustered.

And.

"..."

The Ghost Sword, still silent, looked at Taehyun with sunken eyes.

"Ah, but you see."

The Saintess, who seemed ready to accept the offer, continued with a coy expression.

"Why are you saying that to me? It's the Illusion Sword who is angry."

"I thought you desired me?"

"Oh my. I was merely curious about Kim Taehyun. That is separate from the Illusion Sword's pride."

The players of New Korea, including Kwon Kanghyuk, couldn't help but be taken aback by her burst of laughter.

The Saintess distanced herself from the Illusion Sword, making it difficult to stop the fight through her.

If they couldn't stop the two, and a battle broke out between party members, the joint mission could be terminated.

'That would be troublesome.'

Taehyun shook his head.

He knew the Saintess's personality. This level of scheming was within expectations.

Taehyun brought his mouth close to the Saintess's ear.

And.

Very softly.

"Are you thinking of using even a Holy Revelation?"

He whispered.

Surprise flashed across the Saintess's face.

It was as if she was saying, 'How did you know that?'

The bait was thrown.

"If you're not inclined, shall I talk to the Illusion Sword?"

The Saintess's eyes curved into crescent moons.

"Oh my. Why go through such trouble now? You can talk to me."

"You should have said so sooner."

Smirk.

Grin.

The Saintess and Taehyun exchanged glances, smiling at each other.

"So, what kind of bet do you want to make?"

"If Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk and the Illusion Sword fight like this, it would be a violation of the association's covenant. I want South Korea and Japan to pass the third floor and break through the fourth floor together."

"Oh my, oh my. You and I think alike. If we can get past the fourth floor and reach the fifth, the alliance between Japan and South Korea will become even stronger."

'Stronger, my ass.'

More likely, they would bare their teeth to devour each other in order to eliminate a competitor.

But the joint mission was a business.

To show personal feelings here would be to admit that one was at the same level as Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk.

"To do that, we need to get to know each other."

Taehyun looked at Kwon Kanghyuk.

He was staring at the current situation in disbelief.

Not only him, but all the Onsaemiro guild members and the Japanese players.

They were focused on the conversation between Taehyun and the Saintess.

"I propose a friendly match."

"Oh my~ a nostalgic word. Have you thought about the conditions?"

"The winning side gets to boss around whoever they want for a day."

The Saintess's lips twitched at the shocking proposal.

She looked like she was about to die of happiness.

"Two against two. One round only."

"Oh my. Are you perhaps planning to participate directly?"

"It wouldn't do for the parties making the covenant to be absent, would it? How about this? Team up with the Illusion Sword and face me and Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk."

The Saintess burst into laughter at Taehyun's provocation.

"How can you be so provocative? Could it be that Kim Taehyun desires me as the prize for the bet?"

The Saintess placed her hand on her chest.

It was as if she had become the Virgin Mary herself.

"That's right."

Taehyun nodded as if it were only natural.

At the same time.

Thump.

Whoosh.

Two enormous auras pressed down on Taehyun.

It was the energy emitted by the Ghost Sword and the Illusion Sword.

Taehyun's face contorted under the crushing weight that felt as if it would buckle his knees at any moment.

The Saintess's smile deepened.

"Kim Taehyun. Can you handle what you just said?"

It was a meaningful warning that he wouldn't be able to escape once he became her slave.

Just as Taehyun was about to protect himself by surrounding his body with mana.

"How rude."

"Where do you think you're going."

"I'm the simps' opponent."

Yoo Ahyeong, Kwak Siyang, and Kwon Kanghyuk approached Taehyun's side.

Three S-rank players representing New Korea.

The auras emitted by the three guild leaders blocked the Ghost Sword and the Illusion Sword's momentum.

'...'

A smile crept across his face at the combination that reminded him of the past.

The timeline had been twisted and dislocated.

They had no memory of the time they had spent together.

Yet they were still using their strength by his side.

Therefore, Taehyun could not show a weak side.

"Saintess."

Taehyun took a step towards her, bringing his face close.

The Ghost Sword and the Illusion Sword began to shout something.

The three guild leaders bought him time by unleashing their magic power.

"Are you chickening out?"

The Saintess's eyebrows and pupils began to tremble.

Taehyun did not miss that wavering and stared at her quietly.

He waited for the answer that would come from her opening lips.

"You're going to regret this, Kim Taehyun."

"Not a chance."

And so.

A stage was set for a friendly match between South Korea and Japan, unknown even to the two association leaders.

The preparations were swift.

The three guild leaders representing the New Korean players agreed, and the Ghost Sword and the Illusion Sword representing the Japanese players agreed.

Rather, the Illusion Sword seemed happy to be able to prove his heart together with the Saintess.

"Hey... I followed along for now, but what are you planning to do?"

Yoo Ahyeong asked belatedly.

Having joined the Onsaemiro camp, she showed a worried expression that she had been hiding all along.

Kwak Siyang was the same.

"I'm... worried too. Even if martial arts isn't her main strength, the Saintess is on par with a national powerhouse."

And the martial arts-based Illusion Sword was teaming up with her.

It was a composition that could be said to be optimized for two-on-two from the Japanese side.

"Can you tell me who this guy really is? He's not just an ordinary B-rank porter, is he?"

Kwon Kanghyuk pointed at Taehyun and looked at Kwak Siyang and Yoo Ahyeong.

He was innocent and carefree, without any hint of the tension of the friendly match that would take place in two days.

"Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk. Are you really at the level of a beast in the head?"

"Hehe. A beast is better than a fox in many ways."

Kwon Kanghyuk lightly dismissed Yoo Ahyeong's provocation.

"Hmph... How did things turn out like this?"

"So are you going to tell me who he is?"

"Hmm..."

At Kwon Kanghyuk's urging, Kwak Siyang briefly summarized what had happened so far.

Taehyun's national-level potential and rampage.

The bet with Ji Jinhee and the bet between the Saintess and Yoo Ahyeong on the second floor.

Kwon Kanghyuk burst out laughing like a beast after hearing all that.

"No wonder he acts so boldly. I suspected it, but he was a guy related to a quest given by the Tower's administrator?"

"Shh. Keep your voice down."

Kwak Siyang said that and strengthened the barrier he had placed around them.

It was out of concern that their conversation might be leaked.

"Good. Kim Taehyun. This fox made sure I didn't lose the bet, so I'm sure you have a plan this time too, right?"

Yoo Ahyeong glared at his rude attitude, but Kwon Kanghyuk ignored her and looked at Taehyun.

"What does it matter if we lose anyway?"

"What?"

"After all, the conditions of the bet are just me and the Saintess. There will be no harm to the South Korean side."

As Taehyun said that as if it were no big deal.

"What the, fuck."

"Taehyun?"

"Hey..."

The three guild leaders had a loss for words.

Among them, Kwon Kanghyuk looked the most dumbfounded.

He didn't care if Taehyun became the Saintess's daily slave, but he would have to suffer a humiliating defeat in front of all the guild members.

If he was unlucky, he might even have to kneel.

"That's not going to happen!! If you're going to do that, switch players!!"

Kwon Kanghyuk looked at Kwak Siyang and Yoo Ahyeong.

"Didn't you see him make the Awakener's Covenant? The friendly match is in two days. Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk and I. Those are the two players."

"Goddamn..."

Kwon Kanghyuk spat out expletives at Taehyun's confident words.

"Well, I don't intend to lose either."

"This guy lifts people up and puts them down."

"I thought you would have a plan."

Yoo Ahyeong and Kwak Siyang's eyes sparkled.

Just like in the labyrinth on the second floor, they expected Taehyun to come up with an unexpected ingenious solution.

They already regarded Taehyun as a player equal to or greater than themselves.

It was an attitude that Kwon Kanghyuk, who had never seen Taehyun's skills firsthand, did not understand.

"Kid. You can win, right?"

"That depends on what Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk does."

"Me?"

"Heart of the Beast. What's the strongest monster currently registered as a skill?"

How do you know even my skills?

Such questions were unnecessary.

Kwon Kanghyuk calmly revealed his power.

"Minotaur Queen."

Taehyun was surprised by the answer.

Minotaur Queen.

A monster rated as a top-tier S-rank, whose physical strength was second to none, even compared to a Bone Dragon.

It was because he had already captured the monster that he had worked together with in the past.

'Indeed. He's become confident enough to show it off.'

With that level of power, he could somehow beat the Illusion Sword.

But it was impossible against the Saintess.

"You can't subdue the Saintess with the Minotaur Queen."

"What? Do you even know how monstrous that thing was?"

"The Saintess has two S-rank skills. Even if she only uses one of them, Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk can't win."

"Goddamn. So what are you saying? Are you telling me to imitate an SS-rank monster or something now? In two days?!"

Taehyun shook his head at Kwon Kanghyuk's shouting.

"Do you know about the Beast King?"

"What...?"

"You need to be at that level to catch a national-level powerhouse."

Beast King Orgal.

If Kwon Kanghyuk could use even a portion of that power.

'He could easily steamroll the Saintess and the Illusion Sword.'

Part 2, Episode 23

"Beast King? What kind of guy is that?"

Kwon Kang-hyuk asked as if it were the name of a restaurant owner.

"It's a monster. It would be at least SSS-rank."

"What?"

Kwon Kang-hyuk looked dumbfounded at the mention of SSS-rank.

Exploration of even SS-rank monsters hadn't been properly conducted yet at this time.

But SSS-rank?

Kwon Kang-hyuk's reaction was understandable.

"You want me to believe such nonsense?"

"That's up to Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk."

"Hmph... this kid, his tone..."

"Now, now, Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk. Let's hear more of Tae-hyun's story. Didn't I say I saw the results myself?"

Kwak Si-yang calmed Kwon Kang-hyuk.

The Tower's Administrator's quest, 'Pandora's Key.'

And Tae-hyun's skill, 'Pandora's Box,' which was the cause.

Kwak Si-yang hadn't told anyone, but he thought Tae-hyun's skill was an irregularity that the Tower's Administrator was wary of.

'That's probably why the skill was sealed at the same time as his Awakening.'

Even if the things Tae-hyun saw weren't common, it was understandable.

No, it didn't matter if he couldn't understand.

Just following him would bring great enlightenment and growth.

Kwak Si-yang had already rationalized it.

"If we've decided to trust him, let's trust him to the end. I'll vouch for him."

"Hmph... Kwak Guild Leader, you've changed a lot."

"Or would you rather kneel in front of all the guild members?"

"Damn it..."

Kwon Kang-hyuk cursed and glared at Tae-hyun.

"So, how can I imitate this Beast King guy? My skill isn't something you can easily copy by doing image training."

'He knows it well.'

'Blessing of the Beast' required experience that would be ingrained in the user's body.

Therefore, to imitate a common beast, one had to roll around in their cage and learn their habits, and in the case of extinct species, one had to understand the principles of their physiology through thorough research and then apply it to the skill. As for monsters, one could only use it after a bloody battle to subdue them.

SS-rank or SSS-rank.

It was impossible for Kwon Kang-hyuk to imitate a new monster in two days.

"Are you perhaps trying to register a new skill?"

Kwak Si-yang asked.

"No. Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk's enlightenment isn't enough for that."

"What did you say?"

"His body wouldn't be able to withstand it either. Other players don't have as much understanding of magic as Guild Leader Kwak Si-yang, so it's not easy."

'Not easy...'

He himself had barely succeeded after repeated exhaustion, but Tae-hyun was talking about it so casually.

"Damn it, so you're saying it's impossible."

"Why don't you shut up and listen, Big Guy? Our Tae-hyun is trying to explain."

Yoo Ah-young, who had been watching quietly, added a word.

Kwon Kang-hyuk and Kwak Si-yang's faces darkened at the word 'our.'

"You... what... that... now... even with this kid..."

As Kwon Kang-hyuk stammered, Yoo Ah-young took a step forward and said,

"I know more about Tae-hyun's danger because I've been intimate with him. So shut up and listen, you beast."

"This foxy woman. Why are all the pretty faces like this?"

"Is it because you're not pretty that you're like that?"

"Ahem, calm down, you two. Tae-hyun, please continue."

Kwak Si-yang calmed the escalating atmosphere and changed the subject.

If they delayed any longer, Kwon Kang-hyuk and Yoo Ah-young might have to settle things before the friendly match.

Tae-hyun nodded.

"First, I'm going to create magic stones in your bodies."

"Magic stones?"

"Me too?"

Kwak Si-yang and Yoo Ah-young asked back.

"Yes. All three of you have potential."

"A magic stone... isn't that the heart of monsters?"

As expected of Kwak Si-yang, who had a high understanding of magic, he caught on immediately.

"That's right. It makes it easier to use the power of monsters."

"Even so, a monster's heart... it's unsettling, not to mention it's something a demon would do..."

"It's not like magic stones are special. Magic, skills, magic tools. It's all the same. It's up to the person to handle it."

"Even so... there's no research on implanting magic stones in players yet."

It's faster to show it once than to say it a hundred times.

Kiiiiing-.

Tae-hyun awakened the magic stone he had created in his body.

A surging crimson magic power rose.

The three guild leaders' eyes widened.

"How can this be..."

"How...?"

"Damn... what kind of guy are you really?"

Tae-hyun ignored their reactions and continued his explanation.

"I created it during a previous berserk state. After creating the magic stone, I immediately became a B-rank Awakener. And."

Whooooosh-.

As the magic stone rotated with a roar.

Ting.

[Your Awakening rank has temporarily changed to A.]

The expected message appeared.

The others also felt Tae-hyun's changed presence.

"It seems that it's possible to change the rank like this because it's possible to temporarily raise physical stats."

"This is absurd..."

Kwak Si-yang stared at Tae-hyun's magic power with a shocked face.

If it was true, it was a huge deal.

All three of them, who hadn't reached the national power level, had found a clue to growth.

"From now on, for a day. The three of you will focus on creating magic stones. After that, we'll think about whether Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk can imitate the Beast King."

Kwon Kang-hyuk and Yoo Ah-young, with dazed expressions, nodded in response.

And.

"Tae-hyun. What exactly do you see...?"

Kwak Si-yang asked in a trembling voice.

The skill Pandora's Box.

Even though the seal hadn't been released yet, he had such enlightenment.

Tae-hyun met the eyes of the three guild leaders.

"I see the future of the players. And the next generation that we can reach."

"..."

If Ji Jin-hee had heard this, he would have cried, saying that a blessing had rolled into New Korea.

"The Association President should have heard this."

"Totally an old man's taste."

Yoo Ah-young and Kwon Kang-hyuk had similar thoughts.

"Guild Leader Kwak Si-yang, please strengthen the barrier around us. It will be quite a difficult training."

"Ah, okay."

They were at the level of past Great Contracters.

Although there wasn't enough time to watch them grow into complete Great ranks.

'I have to make it for sure this time.'

That way, they can be a strong guardian who can protect Tae-hyun from the Saintess in front of him.

"Then, please rest well."

After Hwan-geom gave a brief salute and left, Gwi-geom came in.

"Welcome, Gwi-geom. I was waiting for you."

The Saintess smiled, lying on her bed.

"Look at this. Such luxury inside the Tower. Isn't the development of technology amazing?"

Gwi-geom, who had been silently looking down at her for a moment, opened his mouth.

"Why did you accept that proposal?"

"Why would you ask?"

"I remember you didn't like this mission. It wouldn't have been bad if the whole thing fell apart."

The Saintess burst out laughing at Gwi-geom's words.

"Oh, my. Gwi-geom. It's not that I hated the mission, but that I hated it being boring."

"..."

"What were they doing?"

"They were putting up a barrier with magic power. If I went any further, Kwak Si-yang would have noticed."

"Heeeng~ He's a difficult man, as expected."

The Saintess lay on the bed and rested her chin on her hand.

He even had a reverse summoning spell that wasn't in the information.

'Has he been hiding it until now? Or... a posteriori enlightenment?'

Either way, it doesn't matter.

What's certain is that the difference of one skill of an S-rank player leads to an increase in the power of a country.

"Shall we just kill him?"

"..."

"Hmm. I guess that wouldn't work."

"I can kill him if you want."

"As expected of Shinji. Great confidence. But please wait a little longer."

"...Why?"

Until now, he had killed a considerable number of people for the Saintess.

Even if the opponent was an S-rank player from New Korea.

If it's in the tower, he was confident that he could handle it while minimizing the traces.

"Wouldn't an accidental death be better?"

"..."

"Let's focus on the friendly match in two days. I'm really looking forward to it."

The Saintess smiled brightly.

The manic look from before was nowhere to be found.

"Do you still have feelings for that guy, Kim Tae-hyun?"

"Oh my, are you jealous?"

"..."

"It would be a problem if you killed him."

"I'll do my best."

"Hmm~ If I don't soothe Shinji's heart, Kim Tae-hyun won't be alive until tomorrow. Okay."

The Saintess got up and untied the strings of the kimono she was wearing.

"Let's sleep together tonight."

"......!!"

Gwi-geom's eyes, which had not shown any emotions, trembled strongly.

The Saintess's eyes curved like a crescent moon.

"How about being honest with your feelings today?"

Gwi-geom shook his head.

"There are too many eyes watching. Get some rest."

With those words, he quietly left the tent.

"Tsk. No fun."

The Saintess muttered so.

But no one was listening.

"In accordance with the Awakener's Covenant, two players from New Korea and Japan will act as referees. Interference is not allowed, and teams that interfere will be considered defeated."

A guild member from Onsaemi-ro explained the rules of the friendly match.

Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Si-yang were the referees from New Korea.

Gwi-geom and an unnamed A-rank player were the referees from Japan.

With the end of the explanation, the friendly match began in the open space on the 3rd floor.

"You psycho. I thought I was going to die from being so pent up."

Kwon Kang-hyuk smiled at Hwan-geom.

"You showed up without running away. Don't retire even if you lose an arm."

"Why? Is it because that fox will revive you even if your head is smashed?"

Wahahaha.

Kwon Kang-hyuk laughed and shrugged his shoulders.

It's an obvious taunt.

But it was a fatal insult to Hwan-geom.

Magic power surged in his sword along with curses.

S-rank skill Distorted Sword.

It maximizes the afterimage of the sword he is holding by using magic power.

It's a seemingly simple skill, but it's different if the player's physical stats are S-rank.

Spurt-.

Blood spurted on Kwon Kang-hyuk's enhanced upper body.

The sword he thought he had blocked had cut his chest.

"Damn it... wriggling around."

"It's just the beginning."

"It's just the beginning."

The sword began to mutilate Kwon Kang-hyuk's body, which had turned into a beast.

"Oh my. What should we do? Hwan-geom is being too eager from the start."

Tae-hyun did not turn his head despite the Saintess's words.

He knew that he would miss the movements the moment he turned his head.

"To be honest, I was a little surprised. I don't have a hobby in battle, but I'm still a national power level."

'There's only one chance.'

Tae-hyun ignored the Saintess's words and focused his mind.

"It's not like you're a beast, and Kim Tae-hyun is directly facing me. As expected. Is this what it means to not know the world?"

Smiling.

The Saintess gave Tae-hyun a bright smile.

"Isn't it uncomfortable to live like that?"

"Yes?"

"You can't hide your true colors so clumsily."

"Oh my, true colors? I'm putting human love into practice and received a title directly from the Emperor..."

"That's enough. Are you going to come in first?"

Tae-hyun's tone changed from honorifics to casual.

"Or should I go in first?"

"Heung~ Is that your true self? I'll give the young sheep who doesn't know the world the first move."

'A young sheep.'

Tae-hyun's mouth twitched.

"The concept of sheep will change today."

Kiiiiing-.

At the same time as the magic stone awakened, a message appeared that the Awakening rank would change.

"Hoo. Was he a variant Awakener? That's an interesting skill."

Tae-hyun ignored the Saintess's words and took a stance.

'I'm going to go all out from the start.'

Chinese ancient martial arts 5th style Penetration.

He stepped forward and aimed for the Saintess's face.

Grasp.

The Saintess smiled and grabbed Tae-hyun's hand.

"I told you. The stat difference is too big?"

"No. It's perfect."

New Korea ancient martial arts 7th style Plains.

Tae-hyun's other hand, enhanced with magic power, headed for the Saintess's chest.

"Tsurara!!"

Gwi-geom, who was watching, shouted.

Part 2, Episode 24

Nightwalker Weekly Report

Swordsman Nakata Shinji.

The eldest son of a prestigious swordsmanship family with a long history.

Possesses outstanding physical abilities even before becoming a Player.

Turns thirty this year and is presumed to have a simple partnership with the Saintess.

Unlike the Saintess, who frequently appears in the media, he does not enjoy being the center of public attention.

Following the Saintess, who was the first in Asia to become a National Powerhouse, he was appointed as the second National Powerhouse.

His mysterious image, formed by his taciturn personality, is judged to have decent marketability.

I am confident that he can rival Cody Cruz of the United States when he activates the S-Rank skill, Soul Taker.

His actual combat power is the strongest in Asia.

Request that the Guild Leader not approach him.

The risk of the Association's Tower Project is HIGH.

'Why...'

Nakata Shinji clenched and unclenched his fist, feeling the emotion he was experiencing.

People in the world say.

That the Swordsman, Japan's strongest force, can do anything he sets his mind to.

And now.

Such as he.

'Tsurara...'

Was watching his partner, who was fighting a mere B-Rank Awakened, and feeling anxious.

The 7th Style of Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts: Plains.

A technique that draws out the opponent's backlash by overlapping the principle of fist, which is the principle of power, and the principle of palm, which is the principle of the Eight Trigrams.

It was created by Ji Jin-hee in the past and was a secret technique that Tae-hyun received directly and used effectively.

His thrown fist was caught, but his straight palm touched the Saintess's chest.

Crack.

"Hng...!!"

It was an attack she allowed in an unexpected situation.

The Saintess staggered and took a step back.

'I was careless.'

Tae-hyun looked at his arm, which had been grabbed by the Saintess.

It was bent at a strange angle.

If he had not been a Player who had gone through thick and thin, if he had not grasped the opponent's personality.

One arm would have been torn off.

As a result.

'The Plains technique didn't land properly.'

Even if it was only one hand, if it had landed properly, the Saintess should be coughing up blood from the backlash by now.

'It's going to get difficult.'

His face contorted at the pain he felt running through his arm.

Tae-hyun drew the Dragonslaying Sword from his waist.

Since Plan A had failed, he would have to move on to Plan B.

Just in time, the Saintess, who had recovered from her wounds with her super-fast regeneration, glared at Tae-hyun.

"Really... how absurd."

Her voice was filled with anger.

The killing intent emanating from her body constricted Tae-hyun's body.

Kiiiiing-.

The magic stone rotates as if resisting the enemy's attack.

If it had been an ordinary B-Rank body that had not formed a magic stone, he would have had to kneel down.

'If I get hit even once, I'll be seriously injured.'

The Saintess is not specialized in combat, but her physical abilities far exceed those of a typical S-Rank Player.

The fact that an A-Rank body was incapacitated just by her twisting it lightly proved this.

"Killing intent in a friendly match? Isn't that a violation of the covenant?"

"Don't worry. You won't die if I break your arms and legs."

The covenant includes the clause "no killing" as well as "full recovery through the Saintess's skills is premised later."

The Saintess is saying that she will break Tae-hyun just enough to not kill him and then heal him.

"Indeed. A woman who doesn't disappoint."

Tae-hyun moved as if his figure was stretching.

"It won't work twice."

The Saintess waved her hand with clumsy movements.

Whoong.

Tae-hyun changed direction and dodged the threatening air pressure.

The same situation was repeated after that.

'Tch.'

The Saintess admitted that her poker face was faltering.

That's because she didn't think she would show this side of herself against a B-Rank Awakened.

'Well, he's not an ordinary B-Rank Player anyway, is he?'

Unlike ordinary Awakened who have to break through walls to raise their Awakening Rank.

Those whose Awakening Rank changes when a certain amount of experience and enlightenment is met.

'Growth-type Awakened.'

The Saintess sensed that Tae-hyun was a Growth-type Awakened, which rarely appeared in the world.

The problem is that Tae-hyun's talent is not only to change physical stats.

Two ancient martial arts used eccentrically.

She immediately recognized the White Wolf of Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts and the Three Gorges of Chinese Ancient Martial Arts with just a few exchanges.

She could understand the White Wolf.

The problem was why Kim Tae-hyun had even mastered the Three Gorges.

'Just what kind of guy is he?'

The Saintess looked at Tae-hyun, who had drawn his sword towards her, with an unpleasant gaze for a moment.

Smile.

Soon she regained her smile.

Because she confirmed that Tae-hyun's attacks could no longer reach her.

"I knew you weren't just an ordinary porter, but honestly, you exceeded my expectations."

Whoong.

Magic power like radiance bloomed in the air.

Another space opened and the Saintess put her hand into it.

Before she knew it, she was holding a staff in her hand.

'I know she didn't have the ability to manipulate Another Space... is it the ability of a magic tool?'

It looks like a plain wooden staff without decoration, but there's no way the tool used by a National Powerhouse would be so crude.

Squeeze.

Tae-hyun put strength into the hand holding the Dragonslaying Sword.

Even in the midst of this, the Saintess did not stop talking.

"I heard you're not even an adult yet?"

"......"

While watching Tae-hyun's reaction.

Lick.

The Saintess licked her lips.

"Hmm~ Just what could you be?"

Lust contained in a sensual voice.

Tae-hyun calmed his breathing and focused on her next move.

"Find out yourself."

"Okay."

Hwaaa.

Pure white light engulfed the Saintess.

The already insignificant damage of the ancient martial arts is completely recovered.

'Super-fast regeneration. It's a truly amazing skill.'

The authority of the Underworld Archduke Lucifer, 'Regeneration'.

The skill that originated from that absolute authority is certain.

And it was a skill that Tae-hyun needed right now.

"You should use your second skill too."

Holy Revelation.

Absolute command that penetrates and manipulates the mind of the opponent.

"I have to save that for later."

The Saintess smiled bitterly.

Anyone who knew her truth would feel goosebumps.

Immediately after, the Saintess narrowed the distance first.

Clang.

Tae-hyun deflected the staff that she swung with the Dragonslaying Sword.

No, he tried to deflect it, but he was pushed back by the force and his body was pushed back.

"Good movement for someone who has lost one arm. Shall I pull it out to make it easier to move?"

Whoong.

The Saintess swung the staff greatly with both arms.

A gust of wind, like sword energy, stirred the area.

Clang. Clang.

Several more exchanges took place after that.

Even though he was realizing ancient martial arts with the Dragonslaying Sword, Tae-hyun was at an absolute disadvantage.

"Tch."

The Saintess steadily narrowed the distance as if she was annoyed.

She only needs one attack to land.

But she doesn't allow that one time.

'He's good at running away like a rat, isn't he?'

Whoong. Whoong. Whoong.

The Saintess swung the staff nervously.

She is waiting.

The moment when Kim Tae-hyun notices her weakness and comes in deeply.

She is sure that he will try the attack from earlier again, but he doesn't come in.

'It can't be... experience.'

There's no way that a kid who's not even twenty years old can be capable of this level of mind games.

'He's a 'man' with a good sense.'

It would be better to see it as instinct.

These kinds of people are too cold and need to bring others in to cloud their judgment.

The Saintess looked at the Sword Phantom and the Beast who were fighting in the distance.

Just in time, the Beast, who had taken a merciless sword strike, was destroying one of the Sword Phantom's legs.

'Tsk. As expected, even if it's the same sword, it doesn't even come close to Shinji's hair.'

"Where are you looking?"

Whoong.

Tae-hyun's Dragonslaying Sword swept past the place where her neck was.

Not caring, she aimed the staff at the Sword Phantom.

Ting.

[Skill Super-fast Regeneration (S) has been activated. Specifying target.]

Hwaaa.

Pure white light seeped into the Sword Phantom and restored his body to its original state in the blink of an eye.

"Well~ who will be more advantageous as time passes?"

Wide.

Her attack, as she smiled and swung her staff.

Whoong.

Tae-hyun dodged by a hair's breadth.

Crack.

Kwon Kang-hyuk was annoyed by the attacks that were ravaging his body.

The swords of the Sword Phantom Ishii Satoshi.

They are definitely sharp and keen.

But not enough to penetrate his defense, which imitates the Minotaur Queen.

The problem is that the Super-fast Regeneration that the Saintess is constantly using is completely healing the wounds that the Sword Phantom is inflicting.

'Kim Tae-hyun...! Can't you do it right?!!'

He wants to shout that out right now, but it's a useless act.

Kim Tae-hyun's opponent is a National Powerhouse.

It can be said that he is doing well just by enduring against a woman who he himself would have difficulty guaranteeing victory against.

Kaga gag.

The Sword Phantom's sword swept past his knee.

A few drops of blood splatter.

'Damn it. This is frustrating.'

The Minotaur Queen is a magical creature that specializes in stamina and strength.

His attack speed cannot keep up with the Sword Phantom.

Not only will he not be easily attacked, but the moment he releases his defense and tries to focus on attacking, a fatal blow like a mutual destruction will come.

And the Saintess will completely heal such a Sword Phantom.

'Damn it.'

Kwon Kang-hyuk internally uttered countless swear words.

Because the words from before came to mind.

"The Saintess will use her skill on the Sword Phantom and try to subjugate Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk first."

Surprisingly, the current situation is exactly as Tae-hyun predicted.

Naturally, the two days he spent with Tae-hyun came to mind.

The Demon Beast King Orgal.

He said that he could easily win the friendly match even if he could only draw out a part of that power.

But.

'Damn.'

He failed.

'Damn it. How can I imitate such a guy?'

Kwon Kang-hyuk poured magic power into the second heart, which was located next to his heart.

Kiiiiing-.

A magic stone the size of a thumbnail.

A hidden card that he had worked on with all his might for two days.

Just by activating it, he felt a rush of exhilaration as if he had taken drugs.

'The Demon Beast King is impossible.'

Kaga gag!

He thought so while deflecting the Sword Phantom's sword.

Kaga gag!

Didn't Tae-hyun also admit that it would be impossible for Kwon Kang-hyuk to imitate an SSS-Rank magical creature right now?

'Something is strange.'

The eyes of the Sword Phantom, who was fighting Kwon Kang-hyuk, narrowed.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's presence had become stronger in a short time.

And the ominous magic power that was rising from his body.

It feels as if he is facing a magical creature.

Kaga ga... Kwak...!

Kwon Kang-hyuk caught the Sword Phantom's attack with his bare hands.

A considerable amount of blood poured from his hands.

"Kenta...Zenas."

"What?"

"Our little porter said that. He said that Kenta Zenas is possible."

"What kind of..."

Before the Sword Phantom could finish speaking.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's other arm.

Kwaddeudeuk.

Swelled up to the point where it became huge.

"Have you ever been hit by the attack of an SS-Rank magical creature, you weakling?"

"......!!"

Chwaak.

The Sword Phantom, who twisted and pulled out his sword, swung it again at Kwon Kang-hyuk's neck.

At the same time.

The arm of Kwon Kang-hyuk, who was imitating a beast-type magical creature.

Kwajik!!

Shattered the sword.

Jjeoeok!!

And stabbed the Sword Phantom into the ground as it was.

He felt a sensation of bones being crushed.

Hwaaa.

The Saintess's Super-fast Regeneration started late, but the Sword Phantom, who had already lost consciousness, could not get up.

"Hoo...."

Kwon Kang-hyuk breathed out and looked at his stiff arm.

He only imitated a part of the power of an SS-Rank magical creature, but it was this much.

If he had imitated an SSS-Rank magical creature as Tae-hyun originally wanted?

'If I were to face such a magical creature....'

Ossaak.

He felt goosebumps.

"Tch. Just talking big...."

Kwon Kang-hyuk clicked his tongue after confirming the Sword Phantom's condition.

His mind had completely flown away.

He would definitely not regain consciousness until the friendly match was over.

It was when Kwon Kang-hyuk was celebrating his victory.

"Congratulations."

Tae-hyun, soaked in sweat, approached with hasty movements and breathed out.

"Now, please help me."

Tae-hyun raised the Dragonslaying Sword and pointed at the Saintess, who had a flustered face.

'He really bought time against the Saintess...?'

Ha.

At first, he let out a hollow laugh.

And belatedly, his chest began to flutter.

Eudeudeuk. Eudeuk.

Kwon Kang-hyuk loosened his muscles while turning his neck.

"I've always been curious about the toughness of a woman who relies on her good skills and acts cocky."

Under the gazes of Tae-hyun and Kwon Kang-hyuk.

"How annoying."

The Saintess's eyes narrowed.

Part 2, Episode 25

Crack.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's transformed arm returned to normal with a bizarre sound.

'Is it too much to maintain for more than a minute?'

SS-rank monster, Kentazenus.

In Tae-hyun's world, it was a monster that devastated Japan just by appearing.

It was also the only monster that Kwon Kang-hyuk succeeded in embodying, having failed to realize Orgal's power.

'What a cruel fate.'

If he could have managed SS+ rank Kentamion, it would have been a more certain winning move, but Kwon Kang-hyuk isn't as quick to learn as Kwak Si-yang and Yoo Ah-young.

He should be grateful just for having come this far in two days.

'A normal S-rank can't withstand it even once.'

Tae-hyun looked at Ishii Satoshi, who was lying far away.

Cutting off consciousness with a single attack.

It was a way to exploit his near-fraudulent ultra-fast regeneration.

'Still, with this short duration...'

Tae-hyun looked at his arm, twisted at a bizarre angle.

He can't make a meaningful attack on the Saintess with one arm.

In the end, he has no choice but to rely on Kwon Kang-hyuk's transformation.

Tae-hyun whispered softly.

"Even though it's 2-on-1, we're at a disadvantage."

The Saintess's physical stats surpass theirs, and she doesn't seem to tire easily.

"What's the plan?"

"That attack just now. Can you do it one more time?"

"Only once."

Tae-hyun nodded.

"That's enough."

It's not like they have the luxury of creating openings for the Saintess twice anyway.

"I'll hold her. Look for an opportunity to land a solid hit."

Kwon Kang-hyuk stared at Tae-hyun silently.

"You're not thinking something obvious like, 'What the heck is this guy?' are you?"

"Of course not."

Unlike the words that came out reflexively.

'What the heck is this guy, really?'

Kwon Kang-hyuk was inwardly flustered.

In the past two days, under Tae-hyun's guidance, the three guild leaders, including himself, had formed magic stones.

A magical technique that enhances magic power to create efficiency akin to a berserk state.

Not only did he nonchalantly share such secrets, but he even explained how to apply their skills.

Each time, he made excuses that having such knowledge was due to the skill 'Pandora's Box,' but now he knows.

It's not just for that reason.

Kim Tae-hyun has something they don't know.

He just knows that asking now is useless, and he wouldn't be able to answer anyway.

"You're too skilled in combat."

It's not just about awakening superior skills.

Tae-hyun, who is not even twenty years old yet, is showing the ability to create openings against national-level powerhouses.

Experience. Confidence. Combat sense. Magic power control. Adaptability.

He lacks nothing.

"It's absurd."

"Is that a problem?"

Tae-hyun asked nonchalantly.

He'd be annoyed if Kwon Kang-hyuk tried to pry into Tae-hyun under the pretext of the current situation.

"No. I don't care, even if others do. Are you sure your arm is okay?"

"We can heal it if we win anyway. What's this injury compared to getting the Saintess in our hands?"

"This guy is even more insane than I thought."

Crack. Crack.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's legs transformed into those of a lion.

"I'll draw her attention, so try to dig in well."

Bang.

Kwon Kang-hyuk, stomping hard on the floor, dashed forward.

He felt the wind pressure from the Saintess's staff.

Simple but steadfast.

That was the reason why Tae-hyun liked Kwon Kang-hyuk.

It wouldn't be much different even if the world changed several times.

He drastically increased his speed stats by transforming into the legs of a beast.

Even so, the Saintess, with her overwhelming physical stats, was pushing him down, but she lacked experience.

Little by little.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's fists were landing on the Saintess's body.

Crack.

The injuries on the Saintess's body increased in proportion to Kwon Kang-hyuk's attacks, which changed the form of the beast every moment.

At the same time, the wounds were cleanly healed with a pure white light.

Then, if even one opening were to occur.

Thwack.

The staff wielded by the Saintess sent Kwon Kang-hyuk's massive form flying.

"Just because you're big doesn't mean...!"

Before she could finish speaking, she turned her head.

Whoosh.

The Dragon Slayer Sword, reinforced with magic power, swept past that spot.

'Tch... Like a rat, constantly...'

The deceit felt from Kim Tae-hyun's sword. It's clearly not an ordinary magical tool.

Of course, even if it's a poison at the S-rank level, she could completely recover with her skill, but.

'There's no need to buy trouble.'

The priority was to break his other hand first, preventing him from using the sword.

Tae-hyun had the same thought.

'How do I deal with that staff?'

The wind pressure wielded using the staff is on par with Yoo Ah-young's attacks, and its defense is no less than Kwon Kang-hyuk's.

Not only that.

It lightly deflects the Dragon Slayer Sword imbued with magic power.

It was a magical tool made of materials that were hard to even guess.

To win, the first priority would be to separate the Saintess from the staff.

'I have no choice.'

Whoosh.

He spun the Dragon Slayer Sword once and gripped it in reverse.

He knew that neutralizing the opponent's weapon required the same level of determination on his part.

Clang.

The Dragon Slayer Sword and the staff collided.

The crimson magic flowing through the Dragon Slayer Sword clung to the Saintess's staff.

He transformed the nature of the magic power, bonding the two weapons together.

"A useless act."

Thwack.

Tae-hyun's body staggered from the Saintess's kick.

"Guh..."

Drip.

Blood leaked out due to the absurd difference in stats.

"You thought it would be manageable without the staff, didn't you?"

Thwack. Thwack.

With two consecutive kicks.

Gush.

Tae-hyun vomited blood.

He had protected his body with ancient martial arts and magic power, but he was vomiting blood after only three kicks.

If he allowed any more attacks, his internal organs would rupture for sure.

Tae-hyun pretended to collapse and grabbed her from behind.

And.

Grasp.

He restricted her movements with clasped hands.

It looked exactly like he was hugging her.

"Oh my, what is this?"

The Saintess's lips curved upward as she was suddenly embraced by Tae-hyun.

"A lot of people are watching, you know?"

The Japanese players who were watching the friendly match booed.

They were silent even when Hwan-geom collapsed, but they were getting excited just because he clung to the Saintess.

"Ooh-hoo-hoo, the beast can't attack if I'm hugged like this, can it?"

Thud. Thud.

The Saintess formally resisted, and Tae-hyun's ribs cracked from the elbows that moved.

"Kuh..."

Blood leaked from his tightly closed lips.

"Kim Tae-hyun!!"

"Tae-hyun-gun!!"

He heard Yoo Ah-young and Kwak Si-yang shouting.

The Saintess was in front, but an attack that would inflict damage on her would also affect Tae-hyun.

Tae-hyun shouted without caring.

"Kwon Kang-hyuk!! Hit her!!"

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts, Third Form, Vajra.

With a body as hard as a rock.

Kiiiiii-.

He surrounded himself with magic power drawn from the magic stone.

Only then did the Saintess, realizing Tae-hyun's resolve, harden her face.

"Are these guys really going to go all the way..."

Boom.

Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had already transformed his arm into Kentazenus's, stood in front of the Saintess.

"Damn... I'm not controlling my power."

"Wait..."

Before the startled Saintess could say anything.

Whoosh.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's fist was swung towards the Saintess's face.

And.

Crack!!

Gui-geom, who had somehow intervened in front of her, surrounded his beloved sword with magic power and blocked the fist.

"Shinji..."

"......!!"

It was an intervention that even Tae-hyun hadn't expected.

Grab.

Gui-geom, who swung his sword to deflect the attack, looked at his trembling arm.

"These bastards...!!"

Belatedly, Kwon Kang-hyuk spat out curses and tried to attack again.

Boom.

Due to the recoil from using the skill, one of his knees buckled.

Nakata Shinji looked back and forth between Kwon Kang-hyuk and Tae-hyun.

"It's your victory. So."

Swoosh.

A pure white sword, Byakuya, aimed at Tae-hyun's neck.

"How about releasing your arms now?"

"......"

Silence fell on the area.

Thud.

Tae-hyun dropped his arms weakly.

"I wasn't doing this because I liked it, either."

It was hard to speak because his ribs were cracked and broken.

Just.

"Damn it---!!"

Kwon Kang-hyuk and the Onsemiro guild members' roar announced that they had won.

"Shinji!! What are you doing!!"

The Saintess, separated from the Shinhan players, belatedly shouted.

She was asking why he intervened and ruined the match since she wouldn't die even if she activated her skill anyway.

"Enough, Tsura-ra."

"What?"

"You could have lost consciousness if you had been hit by the beast's fist. You should know that he was aiming for your face, right?"

"But... I have a skill..."

"If all you want is to get Kim Tae-hyun, there's no need to go that far."

"Don't tell me you..."

"I'll pretend I didn't see it this time."

With those words, Nakata Shinji looked at Tae-hyun, who was lying down.

The Saintess, with a smile on her lips, headed towards where Tae-hyun was lying.

"Well, it looks like we lost. The friendly match is a victory for Shinhan."

"I understand, so let's start the treatment."

Yoo Ah-young retorted as if she didn't like it.

"Ah, of course. It's something we promised in the covenant."

A pure white light rose from the Saintess's body.

"It's going to sting a little."

The Saintess's hand touched where Tae-hyun's heart was.

And.

Ding.

[Skill Holy Revelation (S) has been activated. Identifying target.]

[The target is not resisting.]

Whoosh.

With the rising message and a burst of intense light, her consciousness faded.

The Saintess opened her eyes.

A vast desert. And a red sky.

A place reminiscent of the Abyss.

"Hmph~ A unique inner world."

The Saintess let out a nasal laugh.

Inner world.

The inner world that each Awakened possesses.

'Holy Revelation' was a command given to such an inner world.

It wasn't that she had won all the bets.

Even so, the reason why she had been able to avoid fulfilling the requests until now was thanks to 'Holy Revelation.'

A skill that enters the opponent's inner world and imprints an absolute command.

With this power, which is unknown to the world, it would be possible to not only nullify the covenant's bet but also make Kim Tae-hyun her slave.

It was the method she had used to take those she wanted until now.

"Let's see..."

The Saintess looked around to find the core of the inner world.

For a moment, pure white magic power bloomed.

"That's strange."

She tilted her head.

It was because the core was not detected.

'There's never been a case like this before...'

The moment she tried to unleash her magic power once again.

[How laughable.]

"......!!"

The Saintess turned her body at the voice she heard from behind.

There stood a man with the same face as Tae-hyun.

'Kim Tae-hyun?'

He looked the same, but the atmosphere was different.

"Oh my, how did you get in here?"

[......]

"As expected, you knew about my 'Holy Revelation.' You possessed a skill related to the inner world, didn't you?"

Grin.

The Saintess's lips twisted grotesquely.

[......]

The silence didn't last long.

Snap.

As Tae-hyun snapped his fingers, a throne made of magic power materialized.

Tae-hyun sat on the throne and rested his chin on his hand.

"Oh my. So you're going to be comfortable all by yourself, huh?"

Greed and madness.

The Saintess, with her eyes wide open, was about to stroke Tae-hyun's face.

[Insignificant creature.]

Snap.

As Tae-hyun snapped his fingers.

Thwack.

A long sword pierced the Saintess's abdomen.

[You fail to grasp the situation.]

The doppelganger's red eyes.

Met the Saintess's wavering eyes.

Part 2, Episode 26

Bearing the face of Kim Tae-hyun. Otherwise known as a doppelganger.

He was in a foul mood.

He possessed magic like the ocean and could exhibit a presence like a mountain.

If he only had a physical body, he believed he could seize the world at any time.

But that was not the case.

[How futile.]

Somewhere within the mental world.

The doppelganger, lying on the desert, gazed up at the sky, which resembled a sea of blood.

Someday, when he regained his power, he planned to challenge the king who had cast him out.

He dreamt of a future where he would confront and mock him, saying it was a mistake to separate him, that the human he had chosen would eventually become his prey.

But.

[Damn it.]

The doppelganger spat out a curse.

Everything had been twisted since he met Kim Tae-hyun a while ago.

More precisely, since he glimpsed into the guy's memories.

[The Devourer of the Three Thousand Worlds... What a joke.]

Kim Tae-hyun was already at the pinnacle.

He had surpassed the limits of a mortal, won the Domain War to become the Lower World King, and won the Race War to become the Unified King.

Then, he went outside and became a companion of the Demon King.

If compared to a story, it could be called a happy ending.

Except for the fact that he acknowledged Kim Tae-hyun and vanished in the process.

No, that's not the only thing that bothered him.

[You moronic bastards.]

The fact that Kim Tae-hyun had stayed in the Lower Constellation and that even the Demon King, his origin, was only a Middle Constellation on the outside.

Limit (限界).

Various unexpected facts made him uncomfortable.

In the end, even if he took over Kim Tae-hyun's body, wouldn't he have to go through the same process?

He hated to admit it, but Kim Tae-hyun's power when he finished the Race War was not significantly different from his own full power.

The status he achieved as a constellation on the outside must have been incomparably greater.

That alone made him angry, but.

[Just what kind of life is this?]

Now, that immense power is sealed again and in decline.

[Just what kind of body is this?]

The doppelganger poured out his complaints about his current situation.

Seriously contemplating Kim Tae-hyun's life.

Observing what kind of absurd events the guy would create next.

That was what he had been repeating every day since returning to the mental world.

And.

[Why is that crazy bitch here again?]

The doppelganger clicked his tongue, sensing a presence entering the mental world.

He knew Kim Tae-hyun was creating mana stones in his world.

He also understood how the guy had used him in the past.

[He's really decided to use me as a tool.]

Even if he fought Kim Tae-hyun for the rights to the body, it would be troublesome if he disappeared.

He didn't think long.

The doppelganger sighed and stood up.

In any case, for now.

It was time to play along with Kim Tae-hyun's game.

Snap.

Flicking his finger, he saw the back of the uninvited guest's head.

She found the core of the mental world, but she didn't even notice him when he revealed himself.

[What a joke.]

"……!!"

The surprised uninvited guest turned around.

She made eye contact with the woman called a saint among the insignificant beings.

Greed and madness.

He could feel the petty emotions scanning him.

"Oh my, how did you get in here?"

"As expected, you knew about my 'Holy Revelation.' Did you have a skill related to the mental world?"

"So you were going to stay here comfortably by yourself."

He couldn't help but laugh.

Was Kim Tae-hyun struggling against someone like this?

No, saying that now would only make him look pathetic.

Snap.

He flicked his finger again.

Thud.

A sword made of magic pierced the saint's abdomen.

[A trivial being. Doesn't understand the situation.]

"Hiss..."

The saint, bleeding, pulled out the sword embedded in her body.

At the same time, the wound healed with a pure white light.

[Diluted authority, huh?]

A skill used by the earthlings from Kim Tae-hyun's origin.

It was nothing more than a part of the system built by the Demon King within the universe constructed by No Name.

The difference was that the skill used by the saint was rooted in the authority of a surprisingly high-ranking being.

The former owner of the Celestial Realm and the current Underworld Archduke, Lucifer.

Moreover, the skill that entered this mental world was also connected to the authority of the Succubus Queen.

Although diluted.

To have two powers of two archdukes as a mere trivial being.

[Not bad as a test subject.]

He gave a casual evaluation.

"The atmosphere has changed quite a bit. Ah, is this your true form, perhaps?"

The doppelganger smiled at the woman who seemed quite relaxed in front of him.

In the past, Kim Tae-hyun was content with subjugating and using the saint.

He knew that overwhelming fear was used in the process.

[But he doesn't have enough power to do that now.]

"Hey. Are you listening?"

[Now that I see it, she understands and speaks the language of demons quite well.]

"A demon? Shouldn't you make a hole in my stomach and then talk so I can understand?"

Whoosh.

The saint reached out to grab the doppelganger's neck, but.

Slash.

Her hand was cut off by a blade that suddenly fell from the air.

It happened so quickly that she wouldn't have even noticed if not for the super-speed regeneration.

'Strong.'

The saint didn't reveal her thoughts and threw a fist again.

All movements made here are related to mental power.

She was confident in her mental strength in the mental world.

Contrary to her thoughts.

Thud.

This time, the doppelganger blocked her fist with just one finger.

[Yeah, good. You should show at least this much.]

"So you can smile like that too."

[You're thinking of subjugating me?]

"Oh my, can you even read my thoughts?"

Hahahaha.

The saint laughed as if nothing could be better.

"I've gained an unexpected slave."

The saint wore a blissful expression as if nothing could be better.

She thought that by using Kim Tae-hyun's abilities as they are now, she could fill the incompleteness of her 'Holy Revelation'.

The saint's face changed eerily.

"Kim Tae-hyun. From today, you will serve me as your master."

Whoosh.

At the moment when the saint's two hands, clad in the power of super-speed regeneration, were about to grab the doppelganger's neck again.

Swish. Swish. Swish.

Suddenly appearing chains bound her body.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Behind her, a red cross made of magic was created.

Swish. Swish. Swish.

The unbreakable chains were pulled taut.

Clunk.

In an instant, her limbs were bound to the cross.

"This little..."

[Don't push yourself. You can't break them at your current level.]

Crack.

'It's hard.'

She had pushed her physical level to the limit with her mental power.

But that alone wasn't enough, and her bones were breaking and regenerating.

"You have a rather unique taste. If you want, I can play along..."

Before she could finish her words.

Crunch.

An unidentified maw tore off and bit her foot.

"Ugh..."

She had plenty of mental strength, but her regeneration wasn't happening as quickly as before.

[Does it hurt?]

Crunch.

Another maw bit off the opposite foot.

"Let me go!"

The saint shouted, glaring.

The pain was felt vividly because of the slow regeneration speed.

[A hunting dog needs an owner.]

Crunch.

This time, the maw tore off and bit one of her fingers.

"Don't talk nonsense!!"

Drip. Drip.

The saint drooled from the accumulating pain.

Her eyes were already bloodshot.

[A complete hunting dog.]

Crunch.

"I'll kill you!!"

[A hunting dog needs a master.]

Crunch.

"I'm going to kill you!!"

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

How much had been torn off and eaten?

By now, even though she was no longer regenerating and only her torso remained, the saint was bound to the cross.

The doppelganger flicked his finger, and her body fell onto the desert.

[Even a dying hunting dog needs an owner.]

A shadow fell.

The doppelganger approached her and grabbed her neck.

[I will be your master.]

Swish.

A chain was placed around her neck.

Nakata Shinji felt a sense of déjà vu as he looked down at the fainted saint.

'It's taking a long time.'

People thought she had collapsed during treatment, but that was a misconception.

Losing consciousness was due to the backlash from infiltrating the mental world through the skill 'Holy Revelation'.

Now that he had allowed the infiltration, there was no way to stop her.

Her presence in the mental world was difficult to handle unless it was someone like him.

Kim Tae-hyun would soon become her toy.

'Why did we even do something like a friendly match in the first place?'

Nakata Shinji sighed softly.

It was a predetermined outcome from the moment she started showing interest.

He calmed down his country's players, who were making a fuss.

On the other other side, the players from Shin-Hanguk were doing their best to heal Kim Tae-hyun.

'Tsurara. Stop doing useless things and come back quickly.'

It was then.

The saint's face twitched.

Then, her eyes opened.

"Are you awake?"

"Lo, Lord..."

"What...?"

"My Lord..."

"Tsurara. Stop joking around. You are representing Japan..."

She was shaking.

She was shaking with a face full of fear, not excitement.

Why?

"Lord..."

"You... Just what happened to you there..."

What did she see there?

He asked, pressing her.

"Shin, Shinji... Shinji...!!"

Suddenly.

The saint, belatedly recognizing him, hugged him.

"......"

The saint started sobbing.

"Save me..."

Something was quite.

Wrong.

He put the saint, who was babbling, on the bed in the tent.

"Lord... I met a god... Shinji... Save me..."

She was muttering incomprehensible words.

He quietly covered her with a blanket.

He could only think that something was wrong with her mind because the skill had failed.

She was not in her right mind.

"......"

He felt his heart growing cold.

'Kim Tae-hyun. I have to kill him.'

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