RKP 91-100

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

Episode 91

Shiver. Shiver.

Ping Yu trembled, blood gushing from her nose and mouth.

The rebound of the skill 'Perfect Hypnosis' had begun.

It had been less than three minutes, but it was enough time to get information about the Shadow.

Taehyun looked down at Ping Yu and clicked his tongue lightly.

She appeared to be in her 30s, but he knew her actual age was well over 50.

Was it because her mind was destroyed and her magical power stopped flowing?

Her appearance had reverted to match her true age.

'It would be better to convert this woman into points rather than devour her.'

This was the decision he had been considering ever since confirming that she was a mid-tier S-rank Mind.

Devouring 쉬신 and gaining 30 Strength had been a big factor.

He had confirmed the rule that skills increase when devouring a living Awakened, and stats increase when devouring a dead Awakened.

'Of course, it's hard to blindly believe this either.'

In any case, for that reason, he had tried devouring other Minds from time to time, but his stats didn't increase easily.

The only time they increased was when he devoured Jang Jinsoo's corpse a little while ago, gaining 4 Magic Power.

Considering he was a low-to-mid tier S-rank player, it meant you needed to be at least 'S-rank' for stats to increase.

It wasn't that he didn't want the stats that Ping Yu would give.

It was just that in the long term.

It seemed better to hand over even her corpse and convert it into points.

China had already lost two national-level powerhouses.

They would slowly be pushed out of the championship race, and Japan, who was in 3rd place, would also be competing for 2nd place until the friendly match, as planned.

If he handed over Ping Yu like this and caught the Shadow, even if the monster team did nothing for the rest of the period, winning the championship would be a sure thing.

Taehyun didn't want to miss the opportunity to secure the championship title, let alone the immediate stat gain.

'Above all, considering the rewards for this friendly match, I can endure a momentary desire.'

Taehyun's expression changed as if he were looking forward to something.

The rewards given to the winning nation of the friendly match.

It was a double-edged sword, both an honor that announced them as the ruler of Asia and a risk at the same time.

Because he knew the sweetness of the 'reward of the reward'.

'I have to win at all costs.'

Taehyun was already looking forward to the end of the friendly match.

Just as he was about to reaffirm his fighting spirit and call the forensics team again.

Whoosh. Whoosh.

Two daggers flew like snakes.

Normally, he would have blocked all the attacks without much difficulty.

But he was quite fatigued from the continuous battles and skill usage.

Clang.

As Taehyun knocked away the dagger flying towards him with one hand.

Thwack.

Another dagger flew and pierced Ping Yu's forehead.

Quiver. Quiver.

Thud.

Ping Yu, who had been shaking for a moment, collapsed as she was.

Even before he could grasp the situation that had happened in an instant.

A woman walked out from far away.

It was a face Taehyun knew well.

"......"

"Oh my. Did she die from that attack just now?"

Saintess Yoshikawa Tsurara.

She smiled sweetly and stood in front of Taehyun.

"What are you doing."

Looking at Ping Yu, who was starting to cool down.

Taehyun said fiercely.

"Oh my. How scary. I just protected you because I thought the vicious Sanrodo might harm Taehyun."

"How shameless."

"Hehe. But if this happens, does that mean I caught Sanrodo?"

"......"

She had already walked right up to him.

Thwack.

Smiling sweetly, she pulled out the dagger that had been stuck in Ping Yu's forehead.

"Unexpected."

"What do you mean?"

"I didn't think you would expect me to be here."

Taehyun asked, pretending to be nonchalant.

As expected, she was supposed to be in Seoul, not Shanghai.

"I can say the same. I almost blindly believed that stupid demon's words."

"......"

"I'm sure he wanted me to search for Sanrodo in the new Korea. Or spend my time looking for Player Kim Taehyun, who is searching for Sanrodo."

Taehyun, whose intentions had been completely seen through, closed his mouth.

Certainly, sending Isaka Ryohei at this timing was for that reason as well.

A smokescreen or distraction to confuse the gaze of Japan and China, who realized that Taehyun was aiming for Sanrodo.

"But I'm curious how you know I'm here. It's nothing great. I got on the warp gate to the new Korea as you intended. And you were caught up by an unexpected presence called Chai Mingmin."

Thwack.

The saintess, who was squatting down, stabbed Ping Yu's corpse again with a dagger.

It was an innocent expression, as if a child was playing with a toy.

'Bad timing.'

He was more delayed by Chai Mingmin than he thought.

Taehyun clicked his tongue, admitting his mistake.

"More than that. Seeing as we've met again like this, I wonder if it's fate?"

Thwack.

The saintess stabbed Ping Yu with another dagger that Taehyun had knocked away, and smiled with her eyes.

"Fate is bullshit."

Taehyun shook his head and took out a potion from his bag.

He could feel his magic power and stamina recovering quickly.

"So what's the reason for coming here? I can't imagine your real purpose was to steal the Sanrodo hunt."

He already knew that the saintess had no interest in this friendly match.

She was a woman who moved solely for her own satisfaction, not for the country or the association.

Her obsession with Taehyun wouldn't just be for acquiring points.

"Hmm~ How scary. If you look at me with those eyes... even I get hot."

"Just get to the point."

Taehyun's tone had already become informal.

She didn't seem to mind.

"I want to ask you a few questions. You... no, Player Kim Taehyun. How can you look at me and not feel anything?"

"......?"

"When you look at my face, my smile. When you talk to me, the so-called saintess, doesn't your heart beat? Aren't you excited? Do you really not feel anything?"

"......"

It was an unexpected remark.

When Taehyun couldn't answer, she made an expression that she couldn't understand.

"It's strange. This is really strange. I'm so angry because I don't understand."

She shook her head and was lost in her own imagination.

"Crazy..."

Taehyun muttered to himself.

But the saintess continued to speak as if she couldn't hear him.

"Player Kim Taehyun. You touched the doll that I had personally crafted."

"Are you talking about Isaka Ryohei?"

"I hate those who touch my things."

"Enough with the nonsense..."

"Don't worry. I'll cherish you."

Slurp.

As if she couldn't hear Taehyun's words anymore, she licked her lips.

The greedily stained face was about to approach Taehyun.

"It's here!! Subdue all the survivors!!"

"Find Player Kim Taehyun's signal!!"

The voices of the inspection team and the identification team could be heard from far away.

She frowned at the intrusion of the uninvited guests.

"This is a shame. Our cozy..."

This time, Taehyun cut off her words first.

"Shut up. I have no intention of handing over the prey I've already caught."

Ding.

[Skill Silent World (B) has been activated. Not targeting a specific target. Expanding the range. Magic power consumption is accelerating.]

The skill of Chai Mingmin, which had pushed Taehyun to his limit a little while ago, was activated.

Whoosh.

The area was instantly surrounded by magic power.

That time was very short.

Crack. Crack.

It was enough time to devour the corpse of Ping Yu.

The skill was canceled and the darkness cleared.

The expression of the saintess, who realized what had happened belatedly, hardened.

"I guess we'll have to make an appointment separately. Psycho."

Taehyun, who smiled brightly, passed her and headed towards the forensics team.

Shanghai branch of the Chinese Player Association.

Taehyun was lying on the bed in the VIP room there.

He was checking his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 19

Rank: A

Strength: 154 Stamina: 184 Speed: 110 Magic Power: 220 Charisma: 130

Fatigue: 20%

Remaining Magic Power: 220/220

[Skills]

Devour (A) - Can devour the desired target. Requires: 50 Magic Power

Stone Skin (A) - Can strengthen the body. Requires: 20 Magic Power

Stealth (A) - Can hide the body. Requires: 15 Magic Power

Paralysis (A) - Restrains the target's body. Requires: 10 Magic Power

Heart of the Monarch (A) - Increases the stats of party members. Requires: 20 Magic Power

King Knight's Spirit (A) - Overwhelms the opponent with spirit by designating them. Requires: 25 Magic Power

Chains of Binding (A) - Binds the target by designating them. Skill tracking and cancellation are possible. Requires: 20 Magic Power

Queen's Man (A) - Summons the Succubus Queen Rozaria. Requires: 200 Magic Power

Perfect Hypnosis (A) - Hypnotizes the target by designating them. Requires: 40 Magic Power

Silent World (A) - Unfolds a world that dominates the five senses. Requires: 40 Magic Power

A lot had changed.

Among them.

'Finally, A-rank.'

Taehyun's lips curled up as he checked the Awakened rank.

The message window that the rank had increased had popped up just 1 minute ago.

It was as if he had finally finished digesting, growing late.

'What a fussy guy.'

What did it matter?

It was a more grown-up status window.

Now was the time to enjoy the happy feeling.

What he got from devouring Chai Mingmin was his S-rank skill, 'Silent World'.

Looking at the ten registered skills made him feel full.

'The range in which I can use Devour will increase in the future.'

The 'Silent World' that Taehyun experienced was a technique that shook not only the five senses but even the perception of time.

Especially since he had partially defended against the skill with the power of Devour, it was that powerful.

It seemed to have good synergy with any skill he had.

'It would be hell for those with low magic resistance.'

Taehyun's gaze turned to the initials displayed next to the skills.

The Awakened rank had finally increased.

Accordingly, the magic power required for the skills had decreased considerably.

'Balanced growth of stats and skills. I guess the answer was this.'

Maybe in his previous life, but not in the current one.

There is no official announcement to select a national-level power at this time.

But Taehyun knew.

Only when one stat exceeded 200 could it be called a national-level powerhouse.

In that regard, Taehyun, who participated in this friendly match with magic power exceeding 200.

He was also an existence that could be called a national-level powerhouse.

'Still lacking.'

쉬신 would have had a Strength stat of over 200, and Chai Mingmin would have had a Speed stat of over 200.

On the other hand, Taehyun had limited skills that he could use in an official setting.

Assuming he couldn't use 'Devour'.

He knew he was lacking in many ways when facing other national-level powerhouses.

In fact, he confirmed that his thoughts were not wrong while fighting 쉬신 and Chai Mingmin.

But now that he had devoured both of them, he could be sure.

That he had truly obtained the power equivalent to a national-level powerhouse.

It felt like magic power was boiling in his fully recovered body.

'Now I can fight the Saintess.'

Thinking about his upcoming fight with the Saintess made him hum.

At that time.

Bang.

A man came in without knocking.

Chapter 92

The friendly match is still on its fourth day.

However, the reason Taehyun is staying at the Shanghai branch is because of the Galaxy Tower collapse.

Wiping out numerous Mind as a national representative in the friendly match is commendable.

If the target is Sam Lodu, what more needs to be said?

But the nation's position and face cannot be ignored.

The excuse of numerous casualties and collapsed buildings.

That's why Taehyun was held as a witness.

Chinese Player Shanghai Branch.

A place guarded by hundreds of high-level players.

Taehyun, who has dealt with both Cai Mingmin and Pingguo.

It was a cautious place to rest.

"Sorry to disturb your rest."

The man who entered the room was an elderly man with a cigarette in his mouth.

Click.

He closed the door with a blunt remark.

Taehyun got up from the bed.

'That man is...'

It's the first time meeting him in person.

But he was a man as famous as or even more so than Association President Ji Jinhee.

China's other national-level power and a player who is now leading the next generation.

Okay, here's the translation of chapter 93:

Chapter 93

A VVIP room within the Nightwalker Seoul branch.

Had it been thirty minutes since Taehyun finished explaining what happened on the fourth day after meeting Ah-young?

Taehyun was meditating, sitting upright on the floor.

It was one of the habits he picked up during the friendly competition.

Carefully, he unleashed his magic without using skills.

Dark crimson magic rose like a shimmering haze.

'Not all national-level powers are the same.'

President Zheng's words flashed through his mind.

It was more of a taunt, as if trying to make him fall into despair, than advice.

A mockery from someone who had already hit the wall, saying that even a growing Awakened would eventually reach their limit.

But unlike President Zheng's intention.

Taehyun was neither discouraged nor excited.

'I won't stop like you.'

His life before the regression.

He had already experienced countless frustrations and failures.

Walls. Limits. Talent.

He could just break through them with the power of Devouring.

So, Taehyun's growth would not stop.

'In the end, I'm the one who will stand at the top.'

Above all, the great upheaval that would change the current Awakening system in the near future.

That huge tidal wave was approaching.

Taehyun didn't want to miss any of the opportunities that lay before him.

'First, I need to win this friendly competition.'

He shook his head, clearing his mind of distractions.

His next goal was to acquire the rights to the uncaptured dungeon as a reward for winning the friendly competition.

To do that, he needed to decisively shake off the pursuit of China and Japan on the fifth day.

Once again, he refocused on his goal and turned on the screen installed in the room.

As expected of an information guild, thousands of channels connected to broadcasting stations around the world were displayed.

Half of them were covering the Asian Players' Friendly Competition.

It wasn't difficult to check the point standings for the fourth day.

1st. New Korea (Man: 2950P, Monster: 900P, Total: 3850P) Missing: 1

2nd. China (Man: 1500P, Monster: 1800P, Total: 3300P) Missing: 2

3rd. Japan (Man: 1300P, Monster: 1400P, Total: 2700P) Retired: 1

New Korea was in the lead thanks to Taehyun's performance, followed closely by China.

And Japan, which had fallen somewhat behind.

These three countries were in the running for the championship.

'Zhang Linfeng's dominance is frightening.'

Taehyun had already taken care of two national-level players from China.

The Man team could be considered virtually powerless.

But Zhang Linfeng, another national-level player active in the Abyss.

He was acquiring an absurd amount of points and chasing after New Korea.

Despite the fact that three of New Korea's rankers were put into the monster team.

He was widening the gap between them by a factor of two.

'What kind of monsters is he hunting?'

There were countless S-rank monsters in the depths of the Abyss.

The first SS-rank monster, Kraken, was considered impossible to capture right now.

Although it hasn't been discovered yet, the depths are teeming with creatures comparable to that Kraken.

What if Zhang Linfeng was hunting monsters in the unexplored depths?

That would explain his current pace.

However.

'Even national-level players would find it difficult to hunt alone there... Does China have another hidden card?'

He strengthened his alert level for Zhang Linfeng and imagined a battle with him that might occur.

He concluded that it wouldn't be easy even for the current Taehyun.

'Day 5. From now on, they'll be desperate.'

They had been eliminating competitors for various reasons until now.

If they wanted to reduce the point difference, they would be even more blatant.

'It's a shame I didn't convert Ping-guer into points.'

If he had, he could have earned 800 points and made a more stable plan.

But that was also a missed opportunity.

He had to consider the possibility of being overtaken by China if he couldn't catch the Samrodo Shadow.

The Samrodo Shadow he saw through Tetsuya and Ping-guer's memories.

He was a man he didn't remember from his past life.

And yet, he was more elusive than Tetsuya or Ping-guer.

Currently, Nightwalker was gathering information, but it seemed like it would take another day to gather concrete information.

'I wish I had a useful skill for the Shadow.'

He would be hunting him on the 6th day.

So.

'Should I deal with the Saintess first on the 5th day?'

Taehyun's eyes, having organized his thoughts, had turned into those of a predator eyeing its prey.

Friendly Competition, Day 5.

Kyoto, Japan.

Usually, it's a place overflowing with tourists.

But even in Kyoto, there were shadowy areas that only residents could access.

Flies always swarm in the shadows.

It was no different in Kyoto, where flies called "Men" swarmed.

An abandoned shrine where civilian access was restricted.

Nearly a hundred Men were gambling there.

Logically, they should be hiding during the friendly competition.

But gambling addiction drove people crazy to the point of risking their lives, and the price was steep.

A woman visited before sunrise.

It was by a woman hailed as a Saintess in her country.

"S, save me."

One Man begged for his life, even kneeling.

But.

Crack.

The Man's head exploded from the Saintess's fist.

Similar situations repeated afterward.

The Men didn't even think of running away and begged for their lives.

Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack.

The Saintess continued to swing her fist as if she couldn't hear their pleas.

It wasn't just their heads.

The Men's bodies also burst like balloons touched by needles.

After unilaterally taking lives for ten minutes.

Before long, the blood splattered from them had dyed the Saintess's pristine white clothes red.

"I don't feel anything. It's boring."

The Saintess raised her fist, soaked in blood.

She had an unpleasant expression, as if something was bothering her.

It wasn't just because of the Men.

After all, she was participating in hunting Men at Guigyum's request.

Whether Japan won or not.

That wasn't an important issue for her.

So, there was no reason for her to feel anything even if she acquired a large number of points.

Only.

"I wish I could burst that old man's head like this too. Don't you think?"

"Y, you are absolutely right."

Isaka Ryohei, who had been watching from a distance, flinched and answered.

Because he knew that the old man she was talking about was President Zheng of China.

The Samrodo Ping-guer, which he thought he had stolen, was taken away by Taehyun, and Taehyun, whom he thought was prey, was dragged to the Shanghai branch as a witness.

He missed two rabbits, not just one.

It was natural that she, who had a stronger desire for possession than anyone else, was not in a good mood.

Above all.

'That old man. He dared to treat me like a prostitute...'

Grind.

Her expression, which had been hiding her true self behind the mask of a Saintess, was distorted like a demon.

She wanted to tie up the old man's limbs and tear them off one by one if she could.

But he was also a national-level player.

If the battle were to escalate, it would spread into a war between countries.

It was when she was suppressing her unceasing anger.

Thud.

One of the Men, who had managed to hide and escape, ran into her.

"Oh my. There was still a bug left alive."

"S, save me. Please..."

The Man's body, which was trying to escape, stiffened as if he had been paralyzed.

Step. Step. Step.

The Saintess slowly walked towards the Man.

And.

Crack.

Between the legs of the trembling man.

She mercilessly kicked that place.

"Kuhak!!!"

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The kicking towards the fallen Man only stopped after a minute.

A scene of assault, not hunting.

The sole witness on the scene, Isaka Ryohei.

He watched the scene with a stiff expression.

The position of S-rank player was no longer important.

'If I make a mistake in front of the Saintess...'

gulp.

He would meet the same fate as that Man, who could no longer be called a man.

"Huu. I'm finally calming down."

The Saintess said with a refreshing expression, personally closing the eyes of the Man who had died foaming at the mouth.

"You...have worked hard."

Isaka Ryohei bowed deeply.

"Hehe. You don't need such grand greetings. Has Kim Taehyun's location been identified?"

"Yes. Just a moment ago, he crossed the gate from New Korea to Kyoto."

"Oh my. Could there have been more Men around here?"

The Saintess's expression brightened noticeably at the mention that Taehyun was in Kyoto.

"Hehehe. Take the lead. Accursed. To where Kim Taehyun is."

Vowing to make Taehyun hers today.

It was when the Saintess was licking her lips.

"There's no need to."

Swish.

It was a gambling den where there were no more survivors.

A new face appeared there.

"You, you... when...!!"

"......!!"

Behind the Man who had released his stealth, the sun began to rise.

Isaka Ryohei and the Saintess squinted at the intense light.

Although he used skills, his ability to hide his presence was outstanding.

Even more than Isaka Ryohei, who had the 'Stealth' skill, and even more than the national-level Saintess.

"Everyone seems surprised."

On Taehyun's lips, who was admiring their frowning faces.

Smirk.

A bitter smile spread.

It didn't take long for the Saintess's open mouth to turn into a smile.

"Oh my. Player Kim Taehyun. You came to see me directly..."

"Nakada Shinji doesn't seem to be here."

Taehyun said, interrupting the Saintess's words as he looked around.

He was reconfirming any possible variables even though he knew he wasn't there.

The Saintess, misunderstanding his appearance, began to laugh cheerfully.

"Hehe. Don't worry. Guigyum will be playing with the Men in Tokyo."

"Good news. I wanted to be alone with you."

Saying that, he reached for Reddick on his waist.

The Saintess's reaction was as if she didn't care.

"Oh my. Coming in so suddenly like that. You're lewd!!"

She waved her hand, even blushing.

"Isaka Ryohei. Are you just going to watch from there?"

Wince.

"M, me..."

The opponent is a national-level player.

There's nothing he, a mid-level S-rank player, can do.

If he stays here now, he'll only get crushed like a shrimp in a whale fight.

The Saintess thought the same.

"Accursed. I have something to talk about with Player Kim Taehyun. Alone. So keep watch outside."

"Y, yes."

Isaka Ryohei hurriedly went outside, sweating profusely.

"Well, now it's really just the two of us. Shall we hear why you came to find me?"

As if she had a desired answer.

The Saintess asked, pretending to be pure.

Taehyun smirked at that sight.

"It's obvious. I came to discipline a rude child."

"Hahaha. Hahahaha."

The Saintess laughed, even shaking her shoulders.

Because nineteen-year-old Taehyun was using the title of child for twenty-nine-year-old herself.

"A child. Player Kim Taehyun likes that kind of play?"

Perhaps because she thought there was no one watching.

Drip.

Saliva dripped down the Saintess's chin.

"Tsk, tsk. People should see this."

Yoshikawa Tsurara, the Saintess who has many fans not only in Japan but also overseas.

If they saw her expression now, desiring Taehyun, perhaps many fans would fall away.

On the other hand, the Saintess herself didn't seem to care.

"Everyone has something they desire. In that sense."

Slurp.

She licked her lips.

Her gaze was on Taehyun's lower body.

Especially towards between his legs.

"Shall we start by bursting one?"

"......"

There seemed to be no need to listen anymore.

Dark crimson magic rose like a haze from Taehyun's body.

"Let's start by kneeling first."

Ting.

[Skill Knight King's Presence(A) has been activated. The target is specified.]

Kugugugugung.

A huge magic power began to crush the Saintess's body.

Episode 94

Seoul, the capital of Shinhan.

A place where over ten million people are densely packed, with no room to even set foot.

But even in Seoul, there were places where people didn't go.

Namely, the back alleys secretly occupied and used by the Mained.

In one of these back alleys, two Players were attacking a single Mained.

No, to be precise, the Mained, who had lured the Players, was deliberately waiting for the attack.

The Mained dodged the attacks and used a skill.

Ding.

[Skill: Dark Apostle (S) has been activated. Identifying target.]

Zzzzzzt. Zzzzt.

Shadows moved beneath the feet of the two Players.

It was instantaneous.

Thwack. Thwack.

Thud. Thud.

The two Players met their demise from the slashes of swords wielded from the shadows.

"To tail me with such meager skills. How absurd."

The Mained, publicly known as a high-level S-Rank.

The shadows retrieved identification cards from the Players' possessions.

Along with Player licenses marked with ranks A and B, there was a mark indicating affiliation with the Nightwalker Guild.

"Nightwalker, huh? Annoying bastards have latched on."

Nightwalker, Shinhan's top intelligence agency and renowned even on the world stage.

The information Nightwalker collects in Shinhan is beyond imagination.

It was even said that you could escape Ji Jin-hee's eyes but not Yoo Ah-young's.

Such a large guild was now chasing after him, who had been hidden in the shadows until now.

"Heh heh heh."

Zzzzzzt. Zzzzt.

The shadows scattered the torn identification cards over the lifeless faces.

A chilling smile spread across his lips.

How many could remain so nonchalant while being chased by Nightwalker?

Perhaps, even on a global scale, there would only be a handful.

"No. Now it's probably less than ten."

Tetsu and Ping Yu, who held positions alongside him in the Samrodoo.

The two Mained who had been eliminated in less than a week came to mind.

The sudden change in circumstances brought a hollow laugh.

Originally, he was a mercenary wandering the world.

It had been ten years since he settled in Shinhan.

He thought he had been handling himself well, hiding his identity all along.

He met like-minded individuals and formed a malignant guild.

For the sake of the cause, he ousted the existing Samrodoo and took their place.

On the surface, he built connections through legitimate businesses, and behind the scenes, he manipulated the evil of Shinhan as he pleased.

All of this was carried out so secretly that Nightwalker couldn't properly grasp it.

If this continued, malignancy would soon engulf the entire world.

It was so smooth that he thought that.

But now, the situation was very different from a week ago.

'Kim Tae-hyun. How could that brat possibly reach this far?'

It wasn't anger.

It was a mixture of surprise, admiration, and self-reproach for his own mistakes.

Such subtle emotions brought back memories of his first meeting with Tae-hyun.

Before he even took the Player License exam.

President Lee Jung-soo of Taesan Electronics had hired a Mained over his son's problems.

Back then, he didn't expect Tae-hyun to grow into such a formidable existence.

At best, he would be a mid-level S-Rank.

With luck, perhaps a high-level S-Rank Player.

'Haha. What a lucky fellow.'

It felt like he was being played in a well-crafted game.

As if his moves were being read and blocked in advance.

There were no gaps in his strategies.

Of course, if he could go back to that time.

Grind.

The shadows would have personally stepped in and eliminated Tae-hyun.

If he had dealt with it properly back then, the sparks wouldn't have flown towards the malignant guild now.

'Heh heh. Amazing. To think a mere brat not even twenty years old could make me this nervous.'

If it were Ji Jin-hee, Park Sung-jin, or Yoo Ah-young, those he acknowledged in his own way.

If he thought they were joining forces to choke him, he would have enjoyed a good fight.

If he gave his all to capture them, it would be checkmate.

But Tae-hyun was different.

To capture the current Tae-hyun, he would have to pour out all his strength.

If he were attacked by the Association and the Four Great Guilds in that situation?

The collapse was obvious.

'Does that mean I have to be the bait?'

It was just as the malignant guild was growing into an organization comparable to the Triads.

As the one leading two organizations in this small country, he couldn't help but feel a great sense of regret.

"Keuh heh heh. Well, now that it's come to this, let's see how far we can go."

During the friendly match period, all of the Association's power was focused on supporting the national representatives.

But with the current atmosphere.

Even after the friendly match ended, Association President Ji Jin-hee would undoubtedly try to uproot the Mained.

In the end, there was only one method the Shadow could take.

Just then, a subordinate who had been waiting nearby approached and bowed his head.

"Boss. The Gate is ready. You can move to Area A."

"Good. I'll leave the rest to you."

"Don't worry. We will follow behind the Boss soon."

The Shadow nodded.

The world's transformation was imminent.

'Kim Tae-hyun. If you can find me, come and chase me.'

Swish swish swish.

The narrow back alley.

The Shadow's body was enveloped in darkness and disappeared.

At that moment, Tae-hyun was resting in the VVIP room of Nightwalker.

Breaking news about the friendly match was playing on the large screen.

[A truly shocking event has occurred. Now that the fifth day of the Asian Player Friendly Match is underway. Japan's Saintess has withdrawn due to injury. Currently, she is suffering from extreme mental confusion, and countless fans around the world are heading to Japan... The culprit is suspected to be Isaka Ryohei, a Japanese S-Rank Player who colluded with the Mained. His alias, "The Demon," is said to be... Sword Demon Nakata Shinji has stated that he will cut down anyone who threatens Japan, regardless of who they are. This friendly match, boasting the worst survival rate in history, is still...]

Beep.

Tae-hyun changed the channel on the screen.

It showed the point standings for the fifth day, which was still in progress.

<Asian Player Friendly Match>

1st. Shinhan (Mained: 3100P, Monsters: 1000P, Total: 4100P) Missing: 1

2nd. China (Mained: 1500P, Monsters: 2300P, Total: 3800P) Missing: 2

3rd. Japan (Mained: 1600P, Monsters: 1600P, Total: 3200P) Withdrawn: 2

4th. Turkey (Mained: 550P, Monsters: 600P, Total: 1150P) Withdrawn: 1

5th. Philippines (Mained: 440P, Monsters: 540P, Total: 980P) Withdrawn: 1

6th. United Arab Emirates (Mained: 400P, Monsters: 450P, Total: 850P) Withdrawn: 1

7th. Qatar (Mained: 320P, Monsters: 420P, Total: 740P)

8th. Singapore (Mained: 300P, Monsters: 400P, Total: 700P) Withdrawn: 1

9th. Hong Kong (Mained: 70P, Monsters: 210P, Total: 280P) Deceased: 5

10th. Taiwan (Mained: 40P, Monsters: 220P, Total: 260P) Deceased: 5

"Tsk."

Tae-hyun clicked his tongue.

China was hot on their heels, and Japan, despite the Saintess's withdrawal, was steadily accumulating points and eyeing 2nd place.

'For capturing the Saintess, the cost is high.'

Tae-hyun thought as he drank a top-grade Healing Potion.

It was a clash between national power levels.

All of his physical wounds had been healed, but the aftereffects of the skill still seemed to echo in his head.

That was why he had returned to Shinhan to recuperate while the friendly match was still underway.

'Anyway. She's a crazy woman....'

Tae-hyun shook his head as if he didn't want to think about it again.

He could confidently say that facing Shi Xin and Chai Mingmin simultaneously would have been easier.

'The fifth day is a bust. I'll focus on the upcoming sixth and seventh days.'

The key was how to shake off China's pursuit in the remaining two days, now that the nuisance was gone.

In the end, there was only one answer.

'The Abyss.'

On the fifth day of the friendly match, most of the national representatives had crossed over to the Abyss.

It was because the only high-level Mained they could identify were small fries.

Rather than waiting for Mained that couldn't be caught, it was better to catch even one more Orc in the Abyss.

Unlike the personnel assigned to the Monster Team who couldn't leave the Abyss, the personnel assigned to the Mained Team could cross over to the Abyss at any time.

'Hong Kong and Taiwan are all dead in the end, huh?'

Shi Xin and Chai Mingmin.

Two national representatives had gone missing.

Even so, China didn't seem to have any intention of hiding its ambition.

Losing two national power-level Players and handing over the top spot to Shinhan.

Excluding those two things, it was all according to Chairman Zheng Zhi's plan.

'Well, that's the kind of world it is.'

Knowing that reality was even more of a cesspool, there was no need to pity the losers.

Just then.

A call came in from Yoo Ah-young.

"You said you were resting. You look alright?"

"I actually am alright."

Even though his head was still ringing, Tae-hyun spoke calmly without showing any signs.

"That's a relief. The Association President has been worried sick, you know."

"So, has the Shadow's location been identified?"

Originally, he thought a day would be enough.

Because Tae-hyun had provided all the information he had obtained from Tetsu and Ping Yu.

Even so, Nightwalker was unable to pinpoint the Shadow's location with certainty.

No, to be precise, all those who had gotten close to tracking him down were being found dead.

"To be frank. The Shadow's trail has been lost in Shinhan."

"It seems his forces are stronger than I thought."

The high-level Mained Shadow affiliated with the Triads and the malignant guild.

He was a elusive figure that only the top-ranked Players knew about in the first place.

Nightwalker's understanding of the Shadow's skills was about the level of a high-level S-Rank Player.

His appearance and skills were unknown.

But now, based on Tae-hyun's information, they had conducted an investigation.

And discovered that he was the mastermind behind the Triads' Korean branch and the malignant guild.

At this point, it was no longer a matter of points.

It was only natural that Association President Ji Jin-hee was on edge.

"Over forty Association Players and guild members have been hit already."

"..."

"Don't make that face. It's our job, and we get hazard pay anyway."

"I know that. I'm just curious about what the Guild Master will say next."

"Seriously, listening to you, it's like there's an old man inside you."

"..."

Tae-hyun was silent.

"First, we plan to raid twenty locations being used as Triad hideouts. Well, it won't translate into points, but the matter is the matter. And."

Ah-young paused for a moment and took a deep breath.

"Fortunately, it wasn't a complete loss. We managed to capture one of his close aides."

"You've obviously interrogated him with mind-control skills, right?"

It was a standard method for those dealing with Mained.

Especially for a large guild like Nightwalker.

Ah-young nodded as if it were obvious.

"Yeah. He seems to be planning to flee to the Abyss. Into the unexplored depths."

"The depths... That's perfect timing."

"......?"

"I was thinking of moving fields soon anyway."

"You're worried about Zhang Linfeng after all, huh?"

"That too. But I'm also worried about the other representatives in the Abyss."

Ah-young, understanding what Tae-hyun meant, nodded.

This was a friendly match with more casualties than ever before.

Shinhan was no exception.

"I see. I'll have the Gate to the depths prepared in advance. When will you depart?"

"I'll leave right away tomorrow morning. The victory or defeat of the friendly match will be decided in the Abyss."

He was planning to relax and recover his body today.

Ah-young met Tae-hyun's eyes.

"But, what happened to the Saintess?"

Japan reported that the Saintess's injuries were due to the actions of Isaka Ryohei, who colluded with the Mained.

But Ah-young didn't believe it.

Only those of the same national power level could harm a national power level.

She believed that Isaka Ryohei couldn't harm the Saintess.

'What on earth happened in Kyoto?'

Ah-young wanted Tae-hyun to explain in detail, but.

"Manners."

"Huh?"

"Manners make the man."

At the sight of Tae-hyun grimacing as if he had a headache.

'...What are you talking about?'

Ah-young couldn't bring herself to ask again.

Episode 95

Sword Demon, Nakata Shinji.

His beloved sword, White Night, was swung smoothly.

His opponent was a man who once shared meals with him.

It was Isaka Ryohei, the former S-rank player of Japan, known by the moniker "Ogre."

Clang.

Isaka Ryohei barely managed to deflect White Night.

Vibrating.

The sword he had seized after killing the player who was chasing him trembled as if it would break at any moment.

"Kuh... Sword Demon, calm down!! I am not your enemy!!"

Isaka Ryohei shouted again, as if wronged.

"......"

However, there was no mercy in Nakata Shinji's sword.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

"Kuh...!!"

S-rank player's A-rank skill, 'Aura Emission.'

If the opponent was a general S-rank player, if the item they were holding was of general rank...

It would have displayed overwhelming power.

But reality was cold.

The person he was facing was a national-level power who had reached the pinnacle of S-rank, and the sword he held was also a unique-grade named equipment.

Eventually, after a few exchanges.

Swoosh.

The sword enhanced with the skill 'Aura Emission' was cut off powerlessly.

'Damn it!! If only I had my Doman, it wouldn't have come to this...!!'

His unique item confiscated by the association.

If he had it, he wouldn't have been so easily toyed with.

He briefly had such thoughts, but soon shook his head.

'No. It would have been the same even if I had it.'

No matter how good the equipment is, it is ultimately controlled by a person.

Therefore, he wouldn't have been able to face the man emitting ominous energy before him.

Sword Demon, Nakata Shinji.

He had that much power.

Thud.

The pure white blade of White Night pierced his chest in resignation.

Isaka Ryohei gushed blood.

"Cough... Why... I didn't do that to the Saintess... Why..."

He wanted to shout that all of this was Kim Taehyun's trickery, that everyone was being manipulated by that guy.

A fact that no one believed.

Isaka Ryohei, facing death, was even teary-eyed with resentment.

But the words from Nakata Shinji's mouth were unexpected.

"I know."

"What...?"

"With your skill, you wouldn't have been able to inflict even a scratch on her. So."

"......"

"I also know that Kim Taehyun is the one who did that to her."

"Cough... But... Why...!!"

Isaka Ryohei shouted, as if squeezing out the words.

If he knew, then why was he trying to kill him?

He was the one who wasn't sentenced to death even after the fact of colluding with the demons was revealed, all because S-rank players were valuable.

But why.

Why now was he being killed with such an absurd false accusation?

"Because you are weak."

"......!!"

"Weren't you chosen as her 'servant'? And yet you failed to protect her. And."

Mana began to rise from Nakata Shinji's body.

"For failing to fulfill your role as an S-rank player of Japan."

Wooong. Woooong.

White Night, embedded in Isaka Ryohei's chest, wailed at the injected mana.

"So atone with death. Ogre."

"Damn..."

Boom.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The body, shattered into pieces along with blood, scattered.

"......"

Chiiik.

Nakata Shinji's earring, which had sheathed White Night, rang belatedly.

It was from the information guild that was supporting the Japan Player Association.

[Shinji-nim. There is information that demons are conducting drug deals not far from your current location...]

"I will not go there."

[Yes? What do you mean...]

The information guild's employee trailed off, flustered.

To refuse a prepared meal when even one point was important.

As he was wondering what to ask, Nakata Shinji continued.

"I will go to the Abyss."

[......!!]

"I will settle it there."

[Ah, I understand. I will prepare the gate immediately.]

Nakata Shinji, who had ended the earring call, moved his steps.

Evening, as the fifth day of the Asia Player Friendship Competition was coming to an end.

There was still time left, but he didn't want to wield his sword any longer today.

The only person he wanted to wield White Night against was just one person.

Grinding.

He recalled the face of the man who harmed the Saintess.

"Wait for me. Kim Taehyun."

Ominous energy rose from Nakata Shinji's body as he spoke as if spitting out the words.

The Abyss, just before the end of the 5th day.

In the depths, four men were facing each other.

To be exact, it was more accurate to say that one man was unilaterally pushing two men, and the remaining man was trembling in fear.

"To think you were the promising rankers of New Korea. More boring than I thought."

Zhang Linfeng sneered at the two men, Park Sungjin and Kwak Siyang, who were wary of him with battered bodies.

"So... Hong Kong and Taiwan were also your doing."

Park Sungjin sneered as he infused mana into his beloved sword, Spiral Seven Branches.

It was because he felt like he would kneel to the energy Zhang Linfeng was emitting if he didn't do this.

"You're really good at doing these things. Truly a scary country."

Kwak Siyang, the leader of the Magicians and ranked 4th in New Korea's player rankings, gritted his teeth and muttered.

"Do not concern yourself with what a great power does. Do you want to lose the remaining arms?"

Zhang Linfeng smiled wryly at Kwak Siyang.

"You...!!"

"Stop. Do not fall for his provocation."

Kwak Siyang, who was staunching the bleeding from his arm that had been torn off with one hand, stopped Park Sungjin.

If either of them sustained even greater injuries here.

'It's irreversible.'

It would not only lead to the annihilation of the monster team, but they would also not be able to inform the association of the current situation.

"What will you do?"

Zhang Linfeng asked Seo Hangil, who was trembling, in a chilling voice.

Park Sungjin and Kwak Siyang also turned their gaze to Seo Hangil.

"I, I..."

Originally, he should have shouted not to talk nonsense and used his skill.

But.

Seo Hangil's eyes and voice trembled severely at the killing intent pressing down on his entire body.

"If you follow my orders, I will let you enjoy wealth and honor. I will even give you the opportunity to become a great nation person (大國人) if you want."

"......!!"

It meant to secretly act as a spy or naturalize to China.

Seo Hangil quickly calculated in his head at the unexpected proposal.

'T, that's right. After all, I already joined hands with Japan. There's nothing different about joining hands with China now.'

Soon, Seo Hangil's eyes met with Park Sungjin and Kwak Siyang, who were looking at him.

The two best rankers of New Korea had hardened expressions and looked like they could die at any moment.

Even if two high-level S-rank players attacked, it would be difficult to survive against a national-level power.

Seo Hangil didn't think any longer.

"I, I will follow. I will obey Zhang Linfeng-nim and the instructions of the great nation."

"A guy who understands what I'm saying."

Park Sungjin and Kwak Siyang sighed deeply at the sight of their comrade swearing allegiance to a player from another country.

Especially in the case of Kwak Siyang, the shock was even greater because Seo Hangil was a member of the same guild.

"Well, then I won't need you two anymore."

Zhang Linfeng smirked and stood up from the rock he was sitting on.

Kwak Siyang whispered to Park Sungjin.

"Hoo... Sungjin."

"......?"

"You can still move, right?"

"Yeah. Do you have any hidden tricks?"

"I'm going to overload my skill."

"......!!"

"But even that won't be able to do anything to that monster. It will only buy us some time. That's when you take me and run to the tower."

"Are you crazy... Haa... No, that's the only way we can survive right now."

Park Sungjin realized the reality after trying to shout at Kwak Sungjin.

It was what he would have said first if Kwak Sungjin hadn't brought it up first.

"Haha. Let's not give up hope yet."

Kwak Siyang muttered with a forced smile.

"What kind of secret talks are you having?"

It was when Zhang Linfeng was about to activate his skill.

"Huuuup!!"

Park Sungjin swung Spiral Seven Branches and shot out a tangible sword energy.

Kiiiing.

Following that, Kwak Siyang overloaded his skill.

"You're struggling."

Behind Zhang Linfeng's mocking laughter.

Kwaaaaang.

A huge explosion occurred.

Hooowoooong.

"They're quite fast on their feet."

Zhang Linfeng raised the corners of his mouth in the receding smoke.

A huge crater had been created around him and Seo Hangil, who he was protecting.

It was due to the skill Kwak Siyang had overloaded and activated.

"Tsk tsk. Should I have pulled out their legs first?"

Zhang Linfeng clicked his tongue as he threw away Park Sungjin's arm that he was holding.

His gaze turned to where the two men had escaped.

The unknown tower that existed in the depths of the Abyss.

The tower, which soared so high that it was obscured by the red sky, was still an unknown area that even he had never entered.

But what was certain was.

"I guess I don't have to go, they'll die on their own."

They were monsters that lived in the depths.

No matter how high-level S-rank players they were.

The monsters in the depths were not easy enough for severely injured people with one arm to endure.

It was when Zhang Linfeng was about to give an order to Seo Hangil, thinking that.

Zhang Shuwei, a Chinese national representative who had been assigned to the monster team with him, approached.

No communication equipment connected to Earth worked in the Abyss.

At best, the translation function of the earring worked, but it was common to go directly to deliver messages.

Seo Hangil was still dazed by the aftereffects of the explosion.

Chinese was translated into his earring.

"Zhang Linfeng-nim. The association has just issued an order."

"Speak."

"The chairman of the association suspects Kim Taehyun of New Korea as the mastermind behind the murder of Xu Xin-nim and Cai Mingmin-nim."

"Hoo. Kim Taehyun, huh."

"Yes. He is said to be showing movements to finish hunting demons and move into the Abyss."

"Interesting."

"......"

The death of his colleagues who were selected with him.

And even though he was talking about the mastermind behind it, Zhang Linfeng had an expression as if he was having an enjoyable conversation.

"If Taehyun really dealt with Xu Xin and Cai Mingmin, then he must have already gained national-level power. Is there anything else?"

"The Saintess of Japan has retired due to injury, and the Sword Demon is said to be entering the Abyss."

"Kekeke. This is it. Now the Friendship Competition is finally getting interesting."

If Taehyun had dealt with Xu Xin and Cai Mingmin, then he should be seen as having already obtained national-level power.

In addition, Sword Demon Nakata Shinji is evaluated as an unknown powerhouse that no one has ever fought.

Nevertheless, Zhang Linfeng was certain.

He had absolute certainty that the current himself could easily win even if two national-level powers attacked at the same time.

"But why is that guy...?"

Zhang Shuwei glanced at Seo Hangil, who was perking up his ears like a rat.

"Ah... A new servant who has sworn to serve the great nation."

"......"

"Hey, you heard me, right? There's something for you to do."

Zhang Linfeng bared his teeth as he looked at Seo Hangil, who was trembling in fear.

It was the morning of the 6th day when Taehyun arrived in the Abyss.

The gate installed in the association.

Among them, he had entered the innermost part of the depths.

"It's been a while since I've been to the southern part of the depths."

It wasn't particularly new because it had been explored even deeper in his past life.

At that time.

A message window appeared before Taehyun's eyes as he admired the unchanging red sky.

'This is...'

Chapter 96

A message window popped up in front of Taehyun.

Not just one, but several.

[Skill usage detected. Caught by Great Stride (A). Resisting with Mysterious Power. Resistance successful.]

[Skill usage detected. Caught by Hunter's Eye (B). Resisting with Mysterious Power. Resistance successful.]

[Skill usage detected. Caught by Mind Control (A). Resisting with Mysterious Power. Resistance successful.]

There were half a dozen more messages in addition to these.

'Oh. They're already keeping me in check.'

It was a situation he had only heard about in his previous life.

Taehyun chuckled.

The Abyss was an unknown world.

It was even called Abyss Dream, as there were many places that had not yet been explored.

In particular, the deep levels, where high risk and high return were applied, were a place of opportunity where some skilled Awakened could get a windfall.

The emergence of a new powerhouse implied new competition.

It was common for players or Mages who used the deep levels as their base of operations to use tracking skills on defenseless newcomers.

Just like they did to Taehyun just now.

'Is it because of the friendly competition period? There are quite a few checks.'

There were S-rank skills among the skills that appeared in the message window, but none of them were enough to penetrate the power of Gluttony.

Taehyun didn't take it seriously and left the safety zone.

A desert-like landscape unfolded, and large monsters were seen wandering around.

'First of all, contacting the monster team is a priority.'

Taehyun recalled what Ah-yeong had said before he crossed over to the Abyss.

The last time he was in contact with the monster team was ten hours ago.

The monster team was said to be hunting near the huge tower in the deep levels.

'A tower. It's not the Tower of Dragonkin, is it?'

Taehyun recalled one of the dozens of towers in his memory and put strength into his legs.

Slash.

"Kieeeek."

The Shuffle Worm's body was cut in half by Taehyun's casually swung sword.

Even without using any special skills, the A-rank monster died in vain.

'Nice.'

It was the first time in a while that he had swung his sword against a monster.

Taehyun expressed his satisfaction with the feeling that exceeded his expectations.

He had recently been dealing only with Mages, so he had forgotten.

Players are inherently beings that hunt monsters.

Perhaps that's why.

The physical stats that had risen sharply through the friendly competition and the unique item Reddick seemed to be screaming happily.

Thud.

Taehyun split the Shuffle Worm's corpse and took out the magic stone from inside.

It was covered in sticky liquid, but he didn't care and put it in his backpack.

In the case of monsters, points are converted into magic stones.

He had borrowed Ah-yeong's infinite backpack in preparation for this.

'I'll have to take my mouth off when I drink potions later.'

Thinking so, he ran for about two hours.

A huge tower began to appear in front of Taehyun, who had defeated nearly a hundred monsters.

'It really was the Tower of Dragonkin...'

Just as there are many architectural styles on Earth, there are many towers in the Abyss.

It is not easy to distinguish them all one by one.

But the Tower of Dragonkin had a unique appearance.

It was because of the height that seemed to have no end.

The tower, which soared through the red sky, was notorious even in Taehyun's previous life.

It was said to be a place where Dragonkin, who grew by eating the blood of players, lived.

'That place is impossible to attack with the current level of players.'

Taehyun's expression darkened slightly as he recalled his past life.

Like its name, the type of monsters living in the tower was Dragonkin.

The problem was that S-rank monsters appeared from the first floor of the tower.

Moreover, it was different from the usual form of clearing each floor and going up.

The Tower of Dragonkin had a structure in which, when the monsters on the lower floors died, the monsters living on the upper floors gradually descended to the lower floors.

And an endless rush of monsters pouring down from the endless upper floors.

Therefore, even in his previous life, he had never heard of anyone climbing more than 10 floors of the tower.

To get out, you have to activate a special device on at least the 5th floor.

'It's a place where at least ten or more S-rank high-level players need to form a party to climb up to the 5th floor. If New Korea's forces were to enter carelessly, they would be annihilated.'

In other words, it was impossible to attack at the current point in time.

No matter how important it was to acquire points, it was not thought that Park Seongjin's group would not know the risk.

Players who are at least S-rank high-level also have a great sense of danger.

Unlike dealing with Mages, monsters are more compatible with party play than individual play.

Especially if the party member is an S-rank player, the synergy effect is needless to say.

'Was there a useful dungeon around here?'

Just as Taehyun was searching his memory.

A man came running from the opposite side.

'That person is...'

He hadn't met him directly very often, but he was a familiar face in many ways.

"Player Kim Taehyun!! You've crossed over to the Abyss!!"

Seo Hangil, a member of the monster team, stopped in front of Taehyun.

He looked genuinely pleased.

"Yes. The Mage side is coming to an end now. I guess you haven't received the message."

Currently, New Korea needs even one player to clean up the remnants of the Triads.

The impact even reached the friendly competition, and the liaison going back and forth between Earth and the Abyss seemed disorganized.

Of course, Taehyun himself had pulled the trigger for all these events, so he had no intention of complaining or feeling proud.

He was just silently doing his best in his role as a national representative.

"Where are Player Park Seongjin and Player Kwak Siyang?"

"Ah, if it's them, you just have to go a little further from here."

"I thought you would be acting together, but it's unexpected."

"Hahaha. It's not easy to work with the experts of the friendly competition. I'm moving separately."

"Is that so."

Taehyun said nonchalantly, scanning his surroundings.

He had come close to the Tower of Dragonkin.

But strangely, there wasn't a single monster in sight.

It was as if someone had swept them away in advance.

Seo Hangil spoke again.

"I heard about Player Jang Jinsu's news. It's a pity... I never thought such a thing would happen in our New Korea."

The atmosphere was that Jang Jinsu's disappearance was being confirmed as death within New Korea.

"Yes. He was truly a wonderful person."

Taehyun sighed as if he was truly grief-stricken as he recalled his last moments.

After a moment of mourning.

Seo Hangil put on his usual friendly expression.

He pointed towards the Tower of Dragonkin.

"Come on, follow me. I'll guide you to where the two are now."

Shush. Shush.

The two men began to run quickly across the desert-like land.

The two stopped right near the entrance of the 'Tower of Dragonkin'.

"You've set up a base in a dangerous place."

Taehyun said, looking around.

Temporary tents, beds, and bonfires came into view.

Things that are commonly seen in temporary safety zones.

They were also things that Taehyun, who worked as a porter, had to carry with him.

"Hahaha. I had the same reaction at first. But even if you light a fire around this tower, monsters don't gather. It was thanks to the wisdom of the guild leader, or rather, Player Kwak Siyang."

That's not wrong.

The powerful energy emanating from the Tower of Dragonkin.

That energy was blocking the approach of most monsters.

"But I don't see them."

He looked around the particularly barren surroundings, unlike other places.

No one was seen except for the tower and the wide, dug-out land.

"Maybe they've gone out for a while to explore."

He said as if he was used to it.

"Player Seo Hangil."

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

Taehyun stared at his eyes for a moment.

"Is there something on my face?"

"I guess you won't just say it, will you?"

"What do you mean...?"

Ting.

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

Charrrr. Charrrr.

Chains made of crimson magic tightly surrounded Seo Hangil's body.

"W, why are you doing this all of a sudden?!!"

Seo Hangil shouted in panic and tried to shake off the chains.

But the more he did, the tighter the chains became.

"I'll ask again. Player Park Seongjin and Player Kwak Siyang. Where are they?"

"What are you talking about!!"

"I know. That you've joined hands with the Japanese side."

"......!!"

"Here, near the Tower of Dragonkin, is a place where at least S-rank high-level monsters appear. It's not a place for you, who is about S-rank mid-level, to wander around alone."

Seo Hangil's face darkened at the unexpected words.

"I'm asking out of the friendship of being a representative. What did you do to the two of them?"

"Ha... Haha... You're a quick-witted friend."

Taehyun didn't answer and clenched his fist tightly.

Crack. Crack.

Seo Hangil's shoulder dislocated under the pressure of the strengthened chains.

"Keuk...."

"Speak. Depending on what I hear, your life..."

At that time.

Swoosh.

Taehyun instinctively pulled out Reddick from his waist and swung it.

Clang.

A dagger in the shape of a cross was buried in the ground with a heavy impact.

It was a dagger as red as blood.

'Blood Sword?'

The dagger that Taehyun had knocked away melted away.

"Hooh. You blocked my sword?"

Far away.

A man revealed himself from behind the Tower of Dragonkin.

It was a face that Taehyun knew well.

The last national-level player from China to participate in the friendly competition.

A man who is evaluated as the de facto leader of the Chinese national team.

Blood Sword Jang Linpeng.

Taehyun frowned at the appearance of the unexpected person.

According to the information Taehyun had gathered, Seo Hangil had joined hands with the Japanese side.

"Jang Linpeng? What are you doing?"

Taehyun has already defeated two Chinese representatives.

There was no more courtesy to show them.

"What are you doing? To a citizen of the great country."

'Could it be... He switched sides again?'

Taehyun looked at Seo Hangil with a disgusted face.

He slyly avoided his gaze.

"It seems you understand. The one in front of you has sworn allegiance to our great country. He even made an oath as an Awakened."

Seo Hangil's face, which had been avoiding his gaze, suddenly contorted.

"I had no choice... If I hadn't done that, I would have been..."

"That's enough."

He was going to hold him accountable for communicating with the Japanese anyway.

There was no need to listen to his excuses.

"So. Where are Player Park Seongjin and Player Kwak Siyang? This is your last chance."

Seo Hangil, who was bound by chains, pointed his chin at the tower.

It meant that they had entered the Tower of Dragonkin.

Taehyun sighed.

He didn't think the two of them had entered willingly.

But for whatever reason.

'The two of them alone. It's impossible to hold out in there.'

As if he had read Taehyun's thoughts.

Jang Linpeng, who had already come right in front of him, opened his mouth mockingly.

"Don't worry too much. They'll follow you soon if you go first. No, maybe they've already gone ahead and are waiting. The energy felt from that tower is not ordinary."

Xie Xin, Cai Mingmin, Zheng Zhi. And Jang Linpeng.

Taehyun clicked his tongue at their consistently the same attitude.

"You act like small-minded people for a great country."

"What...?"

Looking at Jang Linpeng, whose forehead had a thin vein popping out.

"Are your knees strong?"

Taehyun activated his skill.

Episode 97

If Earth has air, the Abyss has Maggi.

That Maggi was fluctuating rapidly.

[Skill Knight King's Aura (A) has been activated. Target is specified.]

Kugugugung.

As 'Knight King's Aura' was activated, Maggi filled with power pressed down on Jang Lin-feng's body.

"Oh?"

He wore a surprised expression at the unusual pressure.

That wasn't the end.

[Skill Chains of Entrapment (A) has been activated. Target is specified.]

At Tae-hyun's gesture, chains materialized from mana wrapped around his body.

The chains began to slowly absorb mana.

"Impressive. You've indeed surpassed the power of the higher-ups. Such a waste to kill you."

Jang Lin-feng didn't take any measures.

He couldn't be sure that he had dealt with She-shin and Chai Ming-min with just this.

He was thinking of taking this opportunity to directly confirm how many skills Tae-hyun could use and what his hidden cards were.

"Thanks for your concern, but."

Tae-hyun activated his third skill.

[Skill Paralysis (A) has been activated. Target is specified.]

Twitch.

Jang Lin-feng's eyebrows twitched as he received the third skill.

His steel-like body began to stiffen little by little.

"Dead men tell no tales."

[Skill Stone Skin (A) has been activated.]

Dddddeuk.

[Skill Stealth (A) has been activated.]

Ssssseut.

He strengthened his body with 'Stone Skin' and hid himself with 'Stealth'.

Then Tae-hyun, drawing Reddick, quickly rushed towards Jang Lin-feng.

The moment he thought Reddick had pierced his unguarded neck.

Kkaang.

'……!!'

A short blood sword, held in Jang Lin-feng's hand, had blocked Reddick.

"Five for now, huh? To control all of that simultaneously. Impressive fellow."

And.

Kwaooooh.

With red mana, Jang Lin-feng's body swelled up.

A bulk-up that didn't match his age.

Kkwadeuk. Kkwadeudeudeuk.

That power began to sever the 'Chains of Entrapment' that were wrapping around his body, one by one.

"……!!"

Truly terrifying power.

A power reminiscent of She-shin, who was called a monster.

"You should have experienced it once from that guy?"

Ppadeudeuk. Ppadeudeudeuk.

With the freedom of both hands regained, the Chains of Entrapment were canceled.

The moment red mana began to bloom around Jang Lin-feng's body, dozens of small swords scattered around.

It was the shape transformation of the S-rank skill 'Blood Sword'.

Tae-hyun hastily retreated, using Reddick to deflect them.

'Tremendous control.'

He was taken aback by his unusual power and skill control.

Casting a skill is an act that puts a strain on the body and mind.

Regardless of the basic form of the Blood Sword, the fact that he could control dozens of them with this level of mana density meant that his skill proficiency had reached its peak.

It was the same level as converting and using the form of Predation.

'Let's see how strong his mentality is?'

Tae-hyun distanced himself from Jang Lin-feng and prepared his next skill.

Just then, he converted the form of the Blood Sword into a scythe and canceled 'Knight King's Aura' and 'Paralysis' in succession.

"Don't you have anything else to show?"

"She-shin and Chai Ming-min said the same thing."

Tae-hyun said, deactivating 'Stealth'.

'Knight King's Aura', 'Chains of Entrapment', and 'Paralysis'.

The three skills were only enough to hinder Jang Lin-feng's movements, not to inflict fatal damage.

Moreover, 'Stealth' wouldn't even cause a slight confusion to national-level powerhouses with extremely developed senses.

It had grown stronger with the A-rank, but.

Considering that the ones Tae-hyun was facing were also extraordinary powerhouses, it was difficult to have high expectations.

Just as Tae-hyun was about to start provoking him, focusing mana on 'Stone Skin'.

Jang Lin-feng spoke first.

"Hehehe. Was it Park Seong-jin and Kwak Si-yang? Those guys had the same reaction as you at first. But in the end, they both had an arm torn off."

"……!!"

Tae-hyun's expression hardened at the unexpected news about his teammates.

"Now you're showing some reaction."

"Is what you just said true?"

"Of course. Do I look like I would lie to someone from a small country?"

Tae-hyun's eyes sank.

Yongin's Tower, a place where even Park Seong-jin and Kwak Si-yang would have a hard time surviving in normal condition.

But if they really lost an arm.

'It's a miracle that they're still alive there. I need to change my plan.'

At first, he was planning to deal with Jang Lin-feng here.

But he couldn't throw away the cards of Park Seong-jin and Kwak Si-yang for the sake of 'just that'.

"Too bad. Such a shame."

"……?"

"Guys with eyes like yours don't try to go under someone else."

"You're stating the obvious in a not so obvious way."

"Hehe. Is that so."

It happened before Tae-hyun could even react.

Thump.

Jang Lin-feng, who had approached, grabbed Tae-hyun's left arm.

"I'll make you a one-armed man too."

Kwaddeudeudeuk.

Just by Jang Lin-feng putting strength into his hand.

Extreme pain was transmitted from Tae-hyun's arm.

"Tch…."

Tae-hyun groaned and retreated.

Over 150 Strength and nearly 200 Stamina.

And even with the upgraded 'Stone Skin'.

Despite that, his shoulder felt stiff as if it would dislocate.

'To be dislocated with just this… did this guy's Strength and Speed stats both exceed 200?'

Otherwise, this level of speed and power couldn't come out.

As if not giving him any more chances.

Jang Lin-feng, who had approached again, wielded fists and palms.

Smooth movements that didn't match his momentum.

Tae-hyun, who was being pushed back in stats, struggled to defend against those attacks.

The moment he missed a single movement.

His fist touched Tae-hyun's abdomen.

Kkwang.

Ancient Chinese martial art, First Form - Explosive Force.

It was like being hit with a sledgehammer.

Tae-hyun's body flew through the air.

Thud.

"Damn it."

Tae-hyun, getting up, spat out curses.

With that brief exchange, Jang Lin-feng's threat level was raised.

'This guy. He's an upgraded version of She-shin and Chai Ming-min.'

She-shin, who pushed his opponents with tremendous power.

Chai Ming-min, who pushed with speeds that were hard to recognize and trained martial arts.

Jang Lin-feng had both of those.

Along with mana control that wasn't inferior to Tae-hyun's.

'He's going to be as tricky as the Saintess.'

Tae-hyun frowned, recalling the battle from just the day before.

She also possessed more mana control and physical abilities than Tae-hyun had imagined.

If Tae-hyun didn't have 'that skill', the outcome would have been reversed.

"What are you thinking so much about? You should have been thoroughly beaten by Chai Ming-min with this much?"

Jang Lin-feng, approaching with a smile, tried Explosive Force again.

It was an action overflowing with pride in his martial arts.

Tae-hyun hastily dodged to avoid his attack.

He did that about six times.

"Aren't you going to take revenge?!!"

"Can't you feel the pain of your armless comrades?!!"

"Tch. Was capturing Chai Ming-min a bluff?"

Jang Lin-feng taunted Tae-hyun mockingly.

There's no way She-shin and Chai Ming-min would have been defeated with just this much.

The power that Kim Tae-hyun possesses isn't just this much.

'Hurry up and show me the ultimate skill you have.'

Just like Chai Ming-min did.

Following Explosive Force, Inch Force, Elbow Force, and Penetrating Force struck Tae-hyun's body in succession.

The power added to Strength and Speed was, of course, a level above Chai Ming-min's.

In the end, Tae-hyun, who was caught up in speed, hastily guarded.

Kkwang.

The bone in his dislocated left arm broke as it was.

"Keuk."

It was a power that would have shattered his shoulder if it wasn't for the grown Stone Skin.

Tae-hyun staggered and bit his lip.

Jang Lin-feng did not miss that moment and used Penetrating Force.

But.

Kkwang.

Tae-hyun's Explosive Force, which had been aiming for the timing, hit as a counter.

"Our technique… where did you learn it from?"

Displeasure briefly flashed across Jang Lin-feng's face as if he was surprised.

"You don't need to know."

"Huh. Just this crude…."

It was before Jang Lin-feng could finish speaking.

Tae-hyun's attacks continued in succession.

Second Form - Inch Force.

Third Form - Elbow Force.

Fourth Form - Penetrating Force.

Jang Lin-feng's face contorted at each of the techniques that Tae-hyun was imitating with one hand.

Ancient Chinese martial arts.

It seems simple at first glance, but if you can't control the mana of your entire body, the mana will flow backward.

It was a risk commonly referred to as Mana Deviation.

Therefore, that technique, which can only be used by traditional trainees.

A player from the completely unrelated New Korea is awkwardly imitating it.

Moreover, not only the basic stage Explosive Force, but also the Fourth Form - Penetrating Force, which is considered an advanced technique.

Kkwang.

Jang Lin-feng deflected Tae-hyun's Inch Force, which was awkwardly closing in.

"You!! How far are you going to crudely imitate!!"

Despite Jang Lin-feng's shout.

Tae-hyun did not stop and took the stance of the Fifth Form - Penetrating Force.

Eudeuk.

Jang Lin-feng, who was watching that, also took the stance of Penetrating Force again.

'I'll crush that chest, bones and all.'

He will make him pay the price for imitating the ancient martial arts of the Great China.

Ssheeik.

The moment Jang Lin-feng's figure disappeared.

He appeared in front of Tae-hyun, shortening the distance in an instant.

Jjeoeong.

Penetrating Force struck Tae-hyun's guard, which had hastily strengthened 'Stone Skin'.

Jureureureuk.

Tae-hyun, who flew a full 10 meters, spat out saliva mixed with blood.

'After all, it's impossible to fight with an awkward motion. Still.'

It seemed he had succeeded in exciting Jang Lin-feng.

His martial arts, which he had mastered, were insulted.

In addition, although the damage was negligible, he had allowed such attacks, so his pride must have been significantly damaged.

That's what She-shin and Chai Ming-min, whom Tae-hyun had faced so far, were like.

'This guy is no different either.'

Unlike himself, who was spitting out blood, Tae-hyun grinned, looking at Jang Lin-feng's face, which was red with anger.

"I've decided. I'll cut off all your limbs and offer you as a sacrifice."

A blood-red Ringed Sword was materialized in Jang Lin-feng's hand.

It was the form of the Blood Sword, which he often used to cut off the opponent's body.

Tae-hyun took a deep breath.

"I've also decided. That dealing with you right now is a waste of time."

"Do you think I'll let you run away!!"

That was the moment Jang Lin-feng was about to rush in.

Tting.

[Skill World of Silence (A) has been activated. Target is not specified. Expanding the range. Mana consumption is accelerating.]

Darkness swallowed the surroundings.

Hwaaaah.

Jang Lin-feng blinked his eyes at the darkness that dominated his senses.

'This skill is….'

National-level powerhouse like himself.

It was definitely Chai Ming-min's skill, 'World of Silence'.

Jang Lin-feng looked around in an unexpected situation.

A skill that is an S-rank by its very existence.

This was not a skill that appeared simultaneously in several awakeners.

He had never heard of an S-rank skill being awakened in duplicate until now.

Moreover, unlike 'Knight King's Aura', 'Chains of Entrapment', and 'Paralysis', which had not had much of an effect.

'World of Silence' was definitely blurring Jang Lin-feng's five senses.

'That guy… his tricks are excessive.'

Jang Lin-feng gritted his teeth again and pulled up the mana from his entire body.

He will cancel the guy's skill and cut off all his limbs.

But there was no need for that.

Before he could even take action, the skill was automatically deactivated.

The figure of Tae-hyun was not visible in the sight that had become bright again.

"You!! Did you run away!!!"

Jang Lin-feng shouted, but there was no way he would hear an answer.

"Tch!! Immediately track that guy…."

Jang Lin-feng stopped as he was about to order Seo Han-gil to track him.

"……."

Along with the disappeared Tae-hyun.

Seo Han-gil was also nowhere to be seen.

98

[Detecting immense magic.]

Taehyun frowned as he checked the message window that appeared before his eyes.

He had never seen a message window like this before.

'Is there really something here?'

High risk, high return.

But in his current state, taking on the Tower of Yongin was impossible.

"Seo Han-gil. Wake up."

Taehyun kicked Seo Han-gil, who was still unconscious.

Now that he had been confirmed as a traitor, he had no intention of being polite.

"Ugh... where... why..."

Seo Han-gil groaned, as if the effects of 'World of Silence' hadn't completely worn off yet.

'Seeing this, the skill effect is definitely reliable.'

Taehyun recalled Jang Lin-feng, who had cornered him until just now.

Undeniably the best among the national-level players he had met so far.

Although he had been caught off guard by the unexpected skill.

If he had been given a little more time, he would have surely canceled even 'World of Silence'.

If Taehyun hadn't entered the Tower of Yongin, he would have had to use all his cards.

'Maybe even using Gluttony wouldn't guarantee a win.'

Outwardly, the strongest player in China was Chairman Zheng Zhi.

Although old, his skills, which had earned him the title of hero of the continent, were still formidable.

'That strength is definitely the driving force behind leading the prideful national-level players.'

Nevertheless, assuming a life-or-death battle with everything on the line.

Unlike Jang Lin-feng, Taehyun was confident that he wouldn't lose.

So, considering that the current structure hadn't broken down even in his past life.

'That Jang Lin-feng. Is he hiding his strength even within the association?'

For now, he could only think that way.

"Ugh... Kim Taehyun..."

Then, Seo Han-gil, who had fully regained his senses, groaned as he looked at Taehyun.

"Are you finally coming to your senses?"

Taehyun asked, matching his dislocated shoulder after drinking the highest-grade healing potion from his backpack.

"Where... is here..."

"Inside the tower."

"Wh-what...!!"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Are you, are you out of your mind?!"

"If I wasn't in my right mind, there would be no reason to keep a traitor like you alive."

"......!!"

Seo Han-gil's eyes widened at Taehyun's words.

He had finally realized his situation.

Of course, he also knew that his mid-to-low-level S-rank skills were no match for Taehyun.

Quickly assessing the situation, he lowered his gaze.

"But here..."

"Yeah. It's an amazing place."

Taehyun looked around.

It was the infamous Tower of Yongin, but this was the first time he had ever entered it, even in his past life.

'It's incredibly wide.'

It looked like just a tall tower from the outside.

But once inside, even the first floor was so wide that it could be considered a dungeon.

'Surely not all floors are like this.'

If that were the case, there was no time to waste like this.

A wide dungeon meant there were that many more monsters.

'That's strange. I heard the inside of the tower wasn't that wide.'

While Taehyun was recalling his memories from his past life.

Seo Han-gil, who had approached in the meantime, carefully opened his mouth.

"H-hey... can I have some of that healing potion too..."

Seo Han-gil said, showing his dangling arm.

He thought that if it was Taehyun's highest-grade healing potion, it could heal even severed ligaments.

But.

Thwack.

Without answering, Taehyun swung his broken left arm.

"Cough!!"

Seo Han-gil, unable to dodge, clutched his nose and fell backward.

"Can I use it to this extent for now?"

Taehyun muttered, forcibly clenching his fist, which he couldn't grip properly.

It would be inconvenient in close combat, but it was better than having one arm missing.

"Ugh..."

Seo Han-gil groaned, clutching his bleeding nose.

"Stop whining. Lead the way."

"Hey, I'm not... a guide."

"I know. Since even an S-rank guide is useless here, there's no need to worry."

"Th-then what do you want from me?"

Seo Han-gil looked up at Taehyun with a bewildered expression.

Because his stamina and senses were poor, so leading the way wouldn't be of much help.

But Taehyun's thoughts were clear.

'I don't know what kind of traps are set up ahead.'

"Don't worry. I'll spare your life."

Taehyun said with a friendly smile.

Seeing that appearance.

'Ah... could it be...'

Jang Jin-soo, who was also a representative in the friendly match and supported Team Maine.

About his death.

Seo Han-gil was reconsidering it.

At the same time Taehyun entered the Tower of Yongin.

The guild leader of Nightwalker, Ah-young, was handling two tasks simultaneously.

One was the collection of information and procurement of supplies for the Asia Player Friendly Match, which was on its sixth day.

The other was the operation to wipe out the Korean branch of the Triads.

"Guild Leader. Onsemiro has just moved."

"What about the association players?"

"They are surrounding the Jongno Tower."

"Good. Relay the information to the other teams as well. Tell them to start the annihilation battle in ten minutes."

"Understood."

The man bowed his head and dashed out.

Ah-young's gaze returned to the scene on the screen.

There was Ji Jin-hee, giving instructions to the players.

'Chairman. I wonder if you're overdoing it.'

Unlike her, Ji Jin-hee had practically retired from the field a long time ago.

His comeback battle was nothing less than an annihilation battle against the Triads.

She couldn't help but worry.

'But the information is reliable.'

The information Taehyun had obtained from the Triad leaders, Tetsuya and Ping'er.

When that secret information was combined with the information Nightwalker had gathered, the hidden face of the Triads began to be revealed.

The shadow, who seemed to be their leader, had escaped to the Abyss.

But not all the bases and demons remaining on Earth could escape.

Ji Jin-hee said that now was the opportunity, with everyone's attention focused on the friendly match, and launched a large-scale demon extermination operation.

Because he secretly issued a summons to the players, the media had not yet noticed the situation.

The commander-in-chief was Chairman Ji Jin-hee, and all four major guilds pledged troops and supplies.

Simultaneous operations were planned to be carried out in the provinces as well.

It was truly the largest force in New Korea that had been mobilized.

Then another subordinate opened the door to Ah-young's office and entered.

It was the person in charge of communications with the Abyss.

His expression was not good.

"Guild Leader, something terrible has happened."

Ah-young's beautiful forehead furrowed at the bad report from the start.

"What's wrong?"

"That is... contact with the friendly match representatives has been lost."

"It's natural that we can't contact them in the Abyss... and you're saying the search skills don't work either?"

The skills worked in the Abyss, even though Earth's artifacts did not.

Therefore, she had 미리 미리 handed over magic stones from the representatives in advance and applied detection skills so that she could procure supplies.

"Yes... strangely, except for Kim Taehyun, whose skills couldn't be applied, there were no problems with the search for everyone else..."

"There were none?"

"That is, it was faintly maintained until ten hours ago... but now it's completely cut off."

Losing contact in the Abyss meant disappearance.

If that place was in the deepest part, it was a situation where a potential death sentence could be issued.

"Surely the people who are supposedly New Korea's strongest force haven't been defeated by demons. Where was the final location?"

"It was near the Tower of the Unknown."

Ah-young sighed softly.

"Surely they didn't go in there..."

A huge tower that stretched up to the red sky of the Abyss.

It was Ah-young who recommended that place to Team Maine.

This was because the ominous energy emanating from the tower would block most demons.

She judged that Park Seong-jin and Kwak Si-yang could make sufficient strategic use of it.

"Dispatch a reconnaissance team. Make sure to contact me as soon as information comes in."

"Understood."

Watching the subordinate leave the guild leader's office in a hurry after reporting.

Ah-young turned her gaze back to the screen.

Was it because of the large-scale extermination operation ahead?

'Kim Taehyun... surely nothing will happen to you, right?'

Unlike usual, Ah-young was particularly worried.

"Get back!!"

"Cough..."

At Park Seong-jin's cry, Kwak Si-yang groaned and retreated.

Because he was a magic class, his movements had become drastically sluggish since losing one arm.

Slash.

Park Seong-jin cut down the demon that was targeting Kwak Si-yang with Spiral Seven Stars.

"Damn..."

He cut down the S-rank demon with a single blow, but his expression was not good.

He too had lost an arm and was seriously injured.

Compared to Kwak Si-yang, who had suffered internal injuries from the skill explosion, he was still able to endure.

'At this rate, I won't last even 10 minutes.'

It was a miracle that he had endured until now in the first place.

He had cut down over a hundred S-rank demons since entering the Tower of the Unknown.

If it hadn't been for the emergency potions he had packed, it would have been strange if he hadn't died long ago.

But even those were now the last.

Park Seong-jin poured the last magic potion into his mouth.

At the same time, ten Death Knights that had been confronting him charged.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

Spiral Seven Stars and the Death Knights' swords collided, creating a loud noise.

Park Seong-jin gritted his teeth at the seamless coordination.

If he had both arms intact and was in normal condition, he wouldn't have had to block attacks like this.

He would have immediately cut them down with his specialty, the quick draw.

But now, it was a sword that was difficult to even deflect or neutralize.

"Damn it!!"

Slash.

He spat out a curse and cut off the head of one Death Knight.

At the same time, the remaining nine Death Knights cut past his legs, arms, sides, back, shoulders.

"Ugh..."

Park Seong-jin groaned and plunged Spiral Seven Stars into the ground.

This was because his vision was starting to blur as the bleeding began.

'I can't die like this.'

A man came to Park Seong-jin's mind as he clenched his teeth.

A master of quick draw who was no less skilled than himself, and a national-level player from Japan.

The Demon Sword, Nakata Shinji.

'That guy would have cut these guys down even with one arm.'

With that ghastly sword.

He would have surely cut down these guys easily and confidently ascended to the next floor.

Clench.

He was angry at himself.

New Korea, which was considered a small country compared to China and Japan because it could not overcome the wall of the upper S-rank.

If Ji Jin-hee's successor within the association was Go Tae-wook, Park Seong-jin was the sword that was Ji Jin-hee's successor outside the association.

Therefore, he had to protect New Korea from foreign invasion at all costs.

But in the end, he and his friend had lost their arms and were in this state.

'Damn it... I can't die like this.'

Park Seong-jin, who had a gleam in his eyes, poured all the remaining magic power into Spiral Seven Stars.

He activated the skill 'Quick Draw'.

A message window appeared before his eyes.

Ding.

[Proficiency in the skill Quick Draw (S) has increased.]

[Stats have increased. Please check the status window.]

'There's no time to check the status window...'

The moment Park Seong-jin's center of gravity seemed to shift.

Swoosh.

Spiral Seven Stars was swung with lightning-like speed.

Screech. Screech. Screech.

The nine Death Knights made hideous noises and began to tilt little by little.

'Did I... cut them down...'

Gasp.

Park Seong-jin, who vomited out the regurgitating blood, stared ahead with trembling hands.

Behind the nine Death Knights he had cut down was a huge staircase.

A new demon was coming down from there.

It was five Flame Knights.

'They keep... pouring out...'

His stamina, fatigue, and magic power were all at their lowest.

Clang.

Spiral Seven Stars, which had slipped from his hand, seemed to represent his destiny.

[Rumble.]

It was when Park Seong-jin was about to accept the sword of flames falling above his head.

Swish. Swish. Swish.

The sound of chains was heard from somewhere.

"I'm not too late."

In the blurred vision.

Taehyun, smiling, was visible.

99

"Kim Tae-hyun...?"

"I'm glad. I'm not too late."

Park Sung-jin looked incredulous at Tae-hyun's smiling face.

A player who hasn't disappeared from the popular search terms during the friendly match period.

The person who is overwhelmingly dominating the mind points, which China and Japan were always competing for the lead in, with absurd numbers.

He was a man who brought storms, so he naturally thought he would be on Earth.

Park Sung-jin never expected to meet him in the Abyss, especially inside the tower in the depths.

"How did you get here...?"

"Let's talk about that later. First."

Snap.

Tae-hyun snapped his fingers.

Then, the limbs of the Flame Knights, whose movements were restricted by the 'Chains of Entrapment,' were pulled taut.

Crack. Crack.

It was as if they were being executed.

Park Sung-jin watched the scene with a surprised expression.

Flame Knight.

A Grade A monster like the Death Knight, but.

It is considered more difficult to deal with because it handles the fire attribute.

If he was in normal condition, dealing with five of them wouldn't be a difficult task.

'But this guy...'

Tae-hyun wasn't just dealing with them, he was suppressing them.

That was the law of the tower, where a new monster appeared every time a monster in the tower was dealt with.

It was an action that couldn't be done without fully understanding the absurd law.

'Just how strong has he become...'

Park Sung-jin, unable to close his shocked mouth, accepted the healing potion he was offered.

Tae-hyun was pouring the potion into the mouth of Kwak Si-yang, who had fallen into a near-death state.

As if still not satisfied, he rummaged through his backpack for another potion.

All the while, completely restricting the movements of the Flame Knights.

How many people could afford to show such余裕 in front of monsters in the depths of the Abyss?

A hollow laugh escaped Park Sung-jin's lips.

"Ha... ha... I guess I can... rest now..."

Was it because his tension was relieved?

Or was it because of the significant blood loss?

Behind Tae-hyun, the giant shield.

Thud.

Park Sung-jin was able to lose consciousness with a peaceful mind.

Name: Kim Tae-hyun

Age: 19

Grade: A

Strength: 154 Stamina: 184 Speed: 110 Mana: 225 Charisma: 130

Fatigue: 30%

Remaining Mana: 155/225

[Skills]

Devour (A) - Can devour a desired target. Requires Yokai Power: 50

Stone Skin (A) - Can strengthen the body. Requires Yokai Power: 20

Stealth (A) - Can conceal the body. Requires Yokai Power: 15

Paralysis (A) - Restricts the body of the target. Requires Yokai Power: 10

Lord's Heart (A) - Increases the stats of party members. Requires Yokai Power: 20

King Knight's Aura (A) - Overwhelms the opponent with aura by designating them. Requires Yokai Power: 25

Chains of Entrapment (A) - Designates an opponent and binds them. Skill tracking and cancellation are possible. Requires Yokai Power: 20

Queen's Man (A) - Summons the Succubus Queen Rozaria. Requires Yokai Power: 200

Complete Hypnosis (A) - Designates an opponent and hypnotizes them. Requires Yokai Power: 40

World of Silence (A) - Unfolds a world that dominates the five senses. Requires Yokai Power: 40

Tae-hyun had a strange expression as he looked at his status window.

It was a stat that was not lacking to be called a national-level power.

In addition, the ten skills packed in it were things that could create various variables depending on the situation.

Even so.

'It's a shame that only my mana keeps going up.'

He couldn't help but feel disappointed.

When he devoured Seo Han-gil's corpse, his mana increased by 5.

It seemed to be because he was a magic class.

'Well, I guess it's good that my mana went up at least.'

Tae-hyun let out a bitter smile as he mourned the deceased Seo Han-gil.

Seo Han-gil died about an hour before joining Park Sung-jin.

The first floor seemed to have various starting points, and no monsters appeared on the path Tae-hyun was passing.

There were only countless traps installed that could penetrate even rare-grade armor.

Seo Han-gil couldn't avoid one of them and met his death.

It was because he didn't have a skill like Tae-hyun's 'Stone Skin'.

Seo Han-gil's last words came to mind.

"You demon... go to hell..."

'Hmm. Surely that's not what a traitor should say.'

Tae-hyun devoured Seo Han-gil's corpse on the spot.

The price for that was the current status window.

'It's not enough. At this rate, it will be difficult to overwhelm Zhang Linpeng even if I meet him again.'

It was when Tae-hyun was thinking that.

"Umm..."

Park Sung-jin, who had fainted, opened his eyes.

He also had quite a few wounds.

It just seemed to be because his stamina stat was higher compared to Kwak Si-yang.

"Are you awake?"

"Hoo... how long have I been unconscious?"

Park Sung-jin shook his head and asked.

"It's been about two hours."

"......"

Park Sung-jin was momentarily speechless.

It was because he had confirmed the monsters in front of him.

"You've been maintaining... the skill... for that time?"

Five Flame Knights were entangled in chains, unable to move an inch.

They were definitely the guys who tried to take his life, the ones Tae-hyun captured just before he fainted.

"If I dealt with these guys, even stronger monsters would appear. This was the best I could do."

Tae-hyun said calmly as if it was nothing.

"Ha... ha... I can't believe it. Amazing control, or... should I say magic power?"

"Don't worry. I have plenty of potions."

Tae-hyun took out a mana potion from his infinite backpack and drank it.

"You seem to know... roughly what's going on?"

"Seo Han-gil player's betrayal. And China's ambition, with Zhang Linpeng at the forefront. Is that about right?"

"Surely you didn't fight him? Amazing... that you got away from him."

"It wasn't easy. As you can see."

Tae-hyun raised his left hand, which had been broken.

Healing potions maximize the regeneration speed of cells.

But the bones that were shattered and stuck together haphazardly could not be fixed even with healing potions.

"Still, it's fortunate that it's still attached. You're serious."

Park Sung-jin said with a bitter expression.

It reminded him that he and Kwak Si-yang had lost an arm.

Tae-hyun was used to it, as he had watched Kwon Kang-hyuk lose both arms before.

"Don't worry. If we get out of here, let's ask the Saintess for help."

"...Thank you."

Park Sung-jin nodded with a smirk.

It wasn't just empty words.

With the Saintess' skill 'Super-Speed Regeneration,' there was hope.

'Well, I don't know if the Saintess will listen willingly.'

Tae-hyun, recalling the life-or-death battle he had with the Saintess, gave an awkward smile.

"It will be difficult for Si-yang to wake up. He recklessly used the skill a few more times even after it went berserk... He's probably experiencing mana backlash now."

"Then we need to get out of here as soon as possible."

"There was no exit while coming here. We probably need to go up further."

"The exit will be on the 5th floor."

"How do you know that...?"

"A great explorer knows without seeing."

At his attitude as if it were obvious.

Park Sung-jin raised the corners of his lips.

When he was dealing with the confident Tae-hyun, it seemed like this desperate situation could somehow be resolved.

Park Sung-jin raised himself up with one arm.

"Okay. I'll follow you."

Park Sung-jin held out his only hand, and Tae-hyun took it.

Ding.

[The skill Lord's Heart (A) has been used. Specifying the target. All stats of party members increase by 20.]

Because Kwak Si-yang was unconscious and unable to come to his senses.

Only Tae-hyun and Park Sung-jin were fighting the monsters of the tower.

Park Sung-jin, whose stats had been intensively raised, fought against the five Flame Knights.

'Amazing. If his stats are restored, he will quickly reach national-level power.'

Park Sung-jin, who was dealing with three Flame Knights with Nasen Chilji.

He was not a player representing New Korea for nothing, unfolding his own swordsmanship even without one arm.

It was different from the survival martial arts that Tae-hyun had learned over his shoulder.

It was the movement of someone who had trained in ancient martial arts like Chai Mingmin and Zhang Linpeng.

'Indeed, the movements of a successor to New Korea's traditional martial arts are different.'

At the same time, the power of Zhang Linpeng, who had pulled out this person's arm, was once again felt.

"Then, shall we deal with them slowly?"

Tae-hyun said, looking at the giant dog that was unable to move, trapped by the Chains of Entrapment.

The S-grade monster Cerberus that appeared with the Flame Knights.

It was a monster that spewed fire from its three heads.

[Krrrr... you're... not human...]

The monster's voice began to be heard again.

"Nonsense. I'm human."

Crack. Crackle.

As he enhanced the skill, the chains wrapped around Cerberus' body began to tear its muscles.

Cerberus let out a groan that sounded like a scream.

[Kruk...!! You're... not... human...]

Cerberus' words could not continue.

Swoosh.

Because its entire body was torn to shreds by a magic power that surpassed its own body.

It was just when Park Sung-jin had finished dealing with all the Flame Knights.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"No... more than that, it's amazing..."

Park Sung-jin exclaimed as he looked at the dozen or so monsters scattered around.

It was only for a moment that he was dealing with three Flame Knights.

In that short time, Tae-hyun had dealt with ten Fire Wolves, five Flame Ogres, and Cerberus.

Without much difficulty either.

"I don't know where these monsters are coming from. But let's try our best since the next floor is the end."

Tae-hyun, supporting Kwak Si-yang, went up to the 5th floor with Park Sung-jin, where the entrance would be.

Tae-hyun withdrew King Knight's Aura.

'King Knight's Aura', 'Chains of Entrapment', 'Paralysis'.

As a result of pouring mana by overlapping the three skills.

The twenty S-grade monsters on the 5th floor had died without putting up a proper resistance.

He had captured the monsters without any damage.

Even so, Tae-hyun's expression was not good.

'In the end, not a single Dragonkin came out. That's strange...'

Not a single Dragonkin had come out from the 1st floor to the 5th floor.

It was to the point that the name 'Tower of Dragonkin' was embarrassing.

Clearly, something was wrong.

While he was thinking that, Park Sung-jin found the exit.

"We're going out through this gate..."

There was a small black gate in the place he was talking about.

'I need to get out first and think about it.'

Right now, it was important to get out of here and safely return Park Sung-jin and Kwak Si-yang to Earth.

"Thanks to you, I lived."

Park Sung-jin said, pouring mana into the gate.

A roar echoed around like an old machine was operating.

Woo woong. Woo woong.

"If we get out, you have to treat me to a meal."

"Anything."

With those words, Park Sung-jin and Kwak Si-yang's bodies disappeared.

The gate was activated and they had escaped outside the tower.

'Still, it was manageable up to the 5th floor. I should try challenging it with a proper party next time.'

Thinking that, Tae-hyun stood in front of the gate.

At that moment.

A red message window appeared in front of him.

[A massive amount of mana has been detected. The gate cannot be used.]

"What?"

At the unexpected situation.

Tae-hyun's face was filled with embarrassment.

Episode 100

Taehyun infused magic power into the gate once more.

However.

[A massive amount of magic power has been detected. Gate usage is impossible.]

The same message window appeared as before, and the gate would not activate any further.

'What is this...'

Clearly, Park Sungjin and Kwak Siyang had passed through safely, so there couldn't be anything wrong with the gate itself.

In other words.

[A massive amount of magic power has been detected. Gate usage is impossible.]

The problem meant to lie with Taehyun.

'Detecting a massive amount of magic power means... am I supposed to resolve the cause?'

As Taehyun was racking his brains over the ambiguous message window,

Crack.

'......?'

Crrrack.

'Crrrack?'

The gate began to crack.

It didn't even take a minute for the gate, which had lost its light and was developing fissures, to shatter.

Taehyun was dumbfounded by the unexpected situation.

'What's going on?'

He distinctly remembered in his past life that there was a gate on the 5th floor of the tower serving as an exit.

The small gate could easily handle dozens of people using it, as long as it wasn't operated simultaneously.

"But it's breaking?"

He was momentarily taken aback by the incomprehensible situation.

Taehyun let out a small sigh.

This left him with only one option.

Climb the tower until the next gate appeared.

Since he had already put all the magic stones into the Infinite Backpack, he just needed to return before the 7th-day tally.

'I wonder if the other two are doing well.'

Park Sungjin would have noticed something was wrong by now.

Being the rational person he was, he would return to Shin-Hanguk first rather than waiting aimlessly.

Only.

Taehyun was concerned that Jang Linpeng might be waiting outside, or that they might be attacked by monsters they couldn't handle on the way back.

"Well, I should trust Park Sungjin."

A life once saved by the regressed Taehyun.

In his previous life, he overcame his limits and became an SS-rank player in Shin-Hanguk.

He wouldn't die so easily.

"Of course, the same goes for me."

Just then, Taehyun sensed new monsters.

Appearing shortly after was a drake in human form.

A Dragonkin, known for being tricky opponents even among monsters of the same rank.

"A half-drake. Finally, someone worthy of the Tower of Dragonkin has appeared."

[You are not human.]

The monster's language echoed in Taehyun's mind.

"And luckily, it's one that can talk."

Tring.

[Skill 'Stone Skin (A)' has been activated.]

Drrrrr.

"Let's have a conversation slowly."

Taehyun approached the half-drake with a meaningful smile.

Beijing branch of the Chinese Player Association.

An elderly gentleman was drinking tea in the chairman's office.

It was none other than Chairman Zheng Zhi, known as the hero of the continent.

[The Asia Player Friendship Competition. A tremendous comeback has occurred on the 6th day. Representing the great nation...]

He smiled in satisfaction as he watched the broadcast status.

He had already been briefed by his subordinates.

But the satisfaction and enjoyment were doubled as he watched the official announcement.

The plan that had been derailed by the obstacle called Kim Taehyun was finally back on track.

His gaze turned to the broadcast status on the screen.

<Asia Player Friendship Competition>

1st. China (Man: 1600P Monster: 2550P Total: 4150P) Missing: 2

2nd. Shin-Hanguk (Man: 3100P Monster: 1000P Total: 4100P) Missing: 3 Quit: 2

3rd. Japan (Man: 1600P Monster: 2100P Total: 3700P) Quit: 2

4th. Turkey (Man: 550P Monster: 700P Total: 1250P) Quit: 1

5th. Philippines (Man: 440P Monster: 600P Total: 1040P) Quit: 1

6th. United Arab Emirates (Man: 400P Monster: 500P Total: 900P) Quit: 1

7th. Qatar (Man: 320P Monster: 470P Total: 790P)

8th. Singapore (Man: 300P Monster: 440P Total: 740P) Quit: 1

9th. Hong Kong (Man: 70P Monster: 210P Total: 280P) Deaths: 5

10th. Taiwan (Man: 40P Monster: 220P Total: 260P) Deaths: 5

The talk of China's great comeback was no exaggeration.

Shin-Hanguk had maintained its lead thanks to Taehyun's performance.

From the start, there was a significant point difference with them, and they only turned it around on the 6th day.

Even with two of the great nation's warriors missing.

Normally, one couldn't let their guard down until the 7th day, but the experts thought differently.

With all five of Shin-Hanguk's representatives having accidents, it was difficult to expect a comeback.

In effect, they were out of this friendship competition.

They would ultimately finish the friendship competition in 3rd place.

Such analyses were dominant.

"Heh heh. Jang Linpeng. As expected, there's no one quite like him among the rising stars."

Chairman Zheng Zhi knew that all of this was due to Jang Linpeng's efforts.

The report he had received just a few hours ago.

It was about driving Park Sungjin, Kwak Siyang, Seo Hangil, and Kim Taehyun into the 'Tower of the Unknown.'

Especially since Park Sungjin, Kwak Siyang, and Kim Taehyun were injured, he didn't think they would survive.

It was the first satisfying report he had received since the friendship competition began.

Efficient handling of affairs.

It was a virtue that the great nation's warriors should possess.

"Indeed, he's worthy of being my successor."

The reason he could maintain such composure despite the deaths of two national-level forces.

It was because his successor, Jang Linpeng, was silently playing his role.

'The S-rank Enhancement Surgery Project is gradually bearing fruit.'

Before long, conquering the continent will also become a reality.

A future that could not fail, with the hero Zheng Zhi and the renowned sword Jang Linpeng working together.

Among them, he would be remembered in history as a hero who unified the continent and elevated the name of the great nation in a time of turmoil.

Heh heh.

The corners of his mouth lifted involuntarily at the happy thought.

"By the way, Japan's pursuit is quite something."

Zheng Zhi muttered as he skimmed through the report he had received.

Kendoist Nakata Shinji.

If Shin-Hanguk's Kim Taehyun had been stirring up the globe,

He had been showing an unstoppable rise since entering the Abyss.

This was because, while intelligence was needed to capture Minds, monsters could be captured at any time as long as one had the skill.

As a result.

The Japanese monster team, led by Nakata Shinji, achieved the feat of capturing dozens of S-rank monsters on the 6th day alone.

If Shin-Hanguk were to falter now, it was a move that could sufficiently aim for a reversal.

"But 1st place is out of the question."

On the final 7th day of the friendship competition.

China would ultimately be at the very top.

15th floor of the Tower of Dragonkin.

Taehyun, having cleared out the monsters, breathed heavily.

The term Dragonkin, as the name suggests, meant the combination of a dragon and a human.

That meant their intelligence was also as high as humans, which was another way of saying they were difficult to deal with.

"This is tough."

He had been spamming skills against the S-rank Dragonkin.

It would be strange if he weren't tired.

In particular, he had tried to learn about the tower through the skill 'Complete Hypnosis,' but each time the skill was bounced back.

Even though he was drinking various potions from time to time, he couldn't help but get tired.

The third gate was visible in front of him.

"A structure with an exit every 5 floors."

The second gate was discovered on the 10th floor.

When the second gate, along with the warning message, shattered as well, even Taehyun couldn't hide his disappointment.

And so, he climbed 5 more floors once again and discovered the third gate.

Taehyun's body instinctively stopped as he headed towards the gate.

What if the gate doesn't work here either?

This time, he would have to climb to the 20th floor.

'It's not that I can't climb to the 20th floor...'

What if he can't get out with the gate on the 20th floor either?

Then how long would he have to climb this endless tower?

The potions in the Infinite Backpack were also slowly showing their limits.

'I have to turn the tables. At this rate, I'll end up destroying myself.'

Taehyun looked around.

On the 15th floor, only the corpses of monsters with holes in their chests were visible.

The first thing that came to mind was Predation.

Could he swallow this tower with Predation, which had grown to A-rank?

But he shook his head.

No matter how much magic power Taehyun had, it was only 225.

With this amount, it was impossible to expand the range of Predation to the entire tower.

It was then that the small black gate caught his eye.

The unidentified gate created in the Tower of Dragonkin.

'Could it be... that it can be consumed by Predation too?'

He had never even considered preying on an installed gate, let alone a skill.

His hesitation didn't last long.

If there was a high probability that it would break the moment he activated the gate anyway.

"I'd rather just eat it with Predation, it's more comforting."

Having made up his mind, Taehyun released the Infinite Backpack and turned it upside down.

Hundreds of magic stones and spare potions poured out from within.

'To minimize the risk...'

After putting the items into the backpack, all that remained were the magic stones and the highest-grade magic amplification stones.

Taehyun used his skill on the pile of magic stones.

Tring.

[Unique skill Predation (A) has been activated. Targeting the object.]

Crack. Crrrack. Crrrrack.

Dark red magic power began to forcefully chew on the magic stones, which were once the hearts of the monsters.

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

His magic power stat increased by 5 in an instant.

Just that alone made him feel like his whole body was overflowing with power.

With this, Taehyun's magic power was 230.

'Let's give it a try.'

He picked up the two highest-grade magic amplification stones that had fallen to the floor.

The amplification stones, having resonated with Taehyun's magic power, began to turn dark red.

[Unique skill Predation (A) has been activated.]

[Magic power is being amplified. The rank of Predation (A) is temporarily being adjusted.]

[The stats of unique skill Predation (A) are increasing. Predation (A) - Predation (S)]

Kwaaaaaa.

Could this be the rampage of a skill?

Magic power of a completely different dimension than before was pouring out of Taehyun's body.

Crrrack. Crrrrack.

That unbelievable power began to prey on the gate.

A massive amount of magic power could be felt in the fragments of the gate being chewed up.

It was an amount that could not be considered individual at all.

'It's an enormous amount of magic power.'

[Magic power usage has been detected. 'Massive Magic Power' is resisting. Ignoring the resistance.]

The message that appeared in front of him several times.

Nevertheless, Taehyun did not stop Predation and pushed forward.

Surprisingly, unlike when it was being destroyed powerlessly.

The gate was resisting Predation by drawing in the tower's magic power.

Could it be a reward for the power struggle?

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

[Consumed a massive amount of magic power. Magic power has increased by 1.]

The resistance of the increasingly pushed back gate began to decrease.

No matter how much magic power it drew in, it was ultimately a small gate.

It had lost in the amount of magic power it emitted at once.

Taehyun wore a satisfied smile.

At this point, it was more beneficial than leaving the tower normally.

When the constantly rising magic power stat stopped at 240.

The gate completely shattered, and the tower began to shake.

And.

Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang.

One by one, the ceilings of the tower, which had not been shaken by any attack, began to unfold.

16th floor. 17th floor. 18th floor. 19th floor. 20th floor.

When the tower finally opened up to the 100th floor.

Kugugugugugung.

A massive amount of magic power pressed down on Taehyun's body.

"What..."

Even though the power of Predation was still activated.

Taehyun's body trembled like an aspen.

The 100th floor of the tower.

There was something there when he looked up.

The red eyes of a huge reptile.

'Reptile...?'

[Who is it? Daring to disrupt the order of the tower.]

The monster's voice burrowed into his mind.

Taehyun's gaze, which had turned red, wavered.

"Could it be... a dragon?"

At that moment.

Taehyun's body began to be crushed by overwhelming power.

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