Author: Xerenity

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94. Start of a Catastrophe (2)

When I arrived, Wolmi-do was desolated.

The place would normally be filled to the brim with tourists and salesmen.

However, due to the news of the portal explosion, it seemed that they abandoned this place with great haste, akin to that of an receding tide.

If the GPS information was correct, the two portals that exploded should be within 10m of each other.

The two points on the map were pretty much on the same place.

The portals had exploded under the sea.

I didn’t know the which portal had what level, but from the tremors reaching the surface, I could tell that it wouldn’t be long until the portals would explode.

It wasn’t the most ideal situation.

Due to the portals exploding down in the depths, it would be difficult to approach them.

But that meant I could only wait for the monsters to come pouring out.

The only positive was that since the monsters would be coming through the beachfront, I could indiscriminately cast magic without concern for collateral damage.

This would only apply if the monsters were affected by magic.

The location of the dungeon being in the depths wasn’t the only reason why it would be difficult to approach a dungeon located down below.

The monsters’ appearance and power wasn’t that different, but the interior of the dungeon wouldn’t be the same.

Almost as if adapting to where it appeared from, the dungeon’s interior would be equivalent to that of the environment.

Since the human body required oxygen to breathe, it would be impossible to clear a portal formed in the depths.

The only thing I could do was watch the portals explode and then wipe out whatever came out of them.

“An artificial explosion. Does that mean the monsters are 1.5 times the normal size like before?”

When the level 29 portal exploded on Jebu Island before, the monsters were 1.5 times bigger and stronger due to the portal explosion being artificial.

This fact was covered up by the association and was not reported to the public.

However, I had obtained this information from the commander.

During the 4 portal explosions in Yangpyeong, I could not tell if they were bigger due to not having been inside the dungeons beforehand.

As usual, I hid my form with Mass Stealth Jutsu.

No matter how much I searched with the Eye of Insight, I could not find any drones.

Normally, the association would be scouting out areas around the portal explosion via drones before the Awakened association members would arrive.

Was it due to the explosions occurring all over the nation?

It also could be that the commander who had received contact from Ho Jin had something to do with this.

Whatever the case may be, it saved me the effort of clearing the drones out.

“Damn, it’s shaking so much! When are they coming out!”

Due to the portals exploding in 11 different locations, there was no time to waste.

If you count out the ones that  Jong Ho and I were covering, that would leave 8.

Still, even that 8 would be nearly impossible to stop.

That was why I didn’t use Warp to get here, but just ran instead.

The roads were clogged like the toilets in public restrooms.

Rather than using a vehicle, it was a lot faster to run using my strength stat.

I planned on using Warp to get to another area where the portal exploded after clearing these portals and rendezvousing with the commander.

It was then.

I felt a tremor that was unlike anything I’ve felt so far.

Was that the monsters trying to break through the portal?

I concentrated as I scanned the beachfront.

However, the waves were calm and not a single monster was in sight.

I could not tell when the portal was going to explode.

“It’s not like I could evaporate the entire ocean….. So frustrating!”

My moment of complaint didn’t last long.

“Wait…. This feels different?”

The vibrations were coming from land, not the seas.

As the realization came to me, the earth shook intensely and the sounds of metal grinding rang out.

It seemed as though a massive combative force was arriving here.

‘Were they deployed from the association? I was sure that Mr. Ho Jin contacted the commander…..’

I could see a massive group arriving in force.

They were definitely not your average person.

The power of their feet striking the ground and speed at which they moved proved without a doubt that they were Awakened.

I looked towards the group.

Their forms came into focus, almost similar to a camera adjusting itself after zooming.

Hundreds of personnel came into view, each of them armed perfectly.

In the front was a female holding a giant shield and a shortsword.

Were they part of the radical faction?

However, when I fought against Ghost’s underlings before, they hid their identities perfectly with black hoods and cloaks.

This group was different.

Their appearance was similar to what one would find at any hunting grounds.

I could not confirm who they were at this moment.

Keeping my stealth on, I used Silent on top of it.

It was to completely hide myself.

Not a single sound would escape.

While I moved closer to them to inspect, it happened all of a sudden.

“KWEHHHHHH!”

“KURU. KURURU!”

Almost as if planned, monsters began to pour out onto the beachfront.

However, the moment this group confirmed the monsters appearing, they stealthed instead of confronting them.

Due to the AoE stealth being low level, I could still see them with my Eyes of Insight though.

‘Those who have gathered to take down the monsters are hiding the moment they see the monsters?’

If they were from hired by the association, they wouldn’t act this way.

Since it was possible that they were biding their time to strike at the perfect chance, I decided to wait longer.

At the command of the lady in the front, exactly 30 Awakened jumped into the sea.

They began to swim towards where the monsters were, probably to check out where the exact location of the portals were.

‘What’s the point of confirming the location of the portal after the portal has exploded? No matter how I look at it, they seem to be…’

My thoughts were cut short as the monsters began to charge inland.

Monsters the size of hot air balloons were rolling forward above the water, appearing as though they would explode at any moment due to how bloated they were.

Eye of Insight revealed to me their weaknesses and information.

Their names were simply called Rag.

Monsters that appeared in the level 38 portals.

Parts of its flesh were rotten and its appearance was gruesome.

The Eye of Insight let me know that its entire body was its weakness.

I’ve never faced them before.

While they weren’t much of a danger to me right now, it was better to be safe than sorry.

On top of that, roughly 100 monsters were flapping their wings as they approached.

Flying Hydra was the name they carried.

Just like its name, a single body had 9 snake heads with wings the size of a house.

The distorted body had a unknown limb protruding from it.

A green glowing orb was hanging from it as well.

Their great speed caused the thick orb to cut across the surface of the water.

Despite two portals exploding, thankfully it seemed that not many monsters were present.

I wasn’t able to continue find out its weakness, as a different group of Awakened were running towards here.

Were they part of the same bunch?

The chance of that seemed low.

They were probably sent by the guild in Incheon.

The Awakened have finally arrived.

Almost as if eager to prove they weren’t on the same tea, a small portion of the hundreds gathered began to move.

Commanded by the lady in the front, they were stealthed as they approach the guild members with weapons in hand.

Without any hesitation, they began to assail them with deadly attacks.

-CLANG!

I stopped their attack with one swing.

I had merely blocked their swords by swinging mine.

However, their swords were cut and flew away like paper before the massive amount of strength I carried.

With my attack, the stealth came undone and my form was revealed.

Looking at the pieces of their weapons on the floor, they spoke.

“W……Who are you!”

“The weapon, in one hit…..”

The radical faction members and I had appeared out of nowhere to them.

On top of that, we were trading blows with our weapons.

The 10 guild members were backing up as they tried to assess the situation.

I blocked the way of the radical faction, then turned around and spoke to the guild members.

“It looks like lots of monsters with the guise of humans are here. Why don’t you go elsewhere?”

“….”

“….”

Understanding what I meant between the lines and feeling the killing intent of the radical faction members, they began to flee.

They must’ve realized that if they stayed here, forget defending against monsters, they would be pathetically cut apart instead.

As they disappeared from view, I looked towards the underlings that were still in shock of their weapons being destroyed before absolute power.

I raised my Butcher’s Sword.

“Doesn’t look like you came to suppress the portal. Who are you guys?”

“…..”

“…..”

“Oi. Old lady. I can see everything, so let’s talk.”

My sword pointed towards the leader of the group.

Smiling as if looking down on me, she stopped hiding her form.

“Were you the one who blew up the portal?”

“Huh?”

She was blabbering complete nonsense that I couldn’t comprehend.

I had a sudden doubt that the ones that ran away were the radical faction and they were the ones sent to defend against the portal.

However, with the words that followed from her, I became sure.

“I’m not sure what your objective is, but in front of master Zekill…..”

“What are you saying? Stop talking nonsense. Who? Zekill?”

“……”

“I was planning to watch until I was sure of things, but it happened this way. Are you perhaps Dark Lady?”

“Wha… What? Who are you!”

“I heard that your base was in Incheon, but are you here to sightsee with your underlings in Wolmi-do or something?”

“Are you perhaps… You’re…”

“Also, did you ask me if I blew up the portal?”

“……”

“This is making my head hurt, you know? You’re saying that these portals weren’t blow up by you guys?”

“Shut up!”

“It could have blown up naturally. Also could’ve been done by another faction too. This is becoming complicated.”

“Are you the one that Joker spoke of…..”

“You don’t have to be curious. You will be following Joker and Ghost soon enough.”

“S…. Shut up!”

“It’s a nice weather to go hunting.”

Dark Lady probably knew already that my combat capabilities were far exceeding that of her’s.

After all, I had gotten rid of two of the three radical faction leaders without a trace.

Unconsciously, she was raising her giant shield to protect herself.

I was standing between the sea and Dark Lady.

Far behind me in the shallows were the monsters.

On land by the wave breakers were 500 monsters with the mask of humans.

“Whew…. How many stat points are these…. Oraaaaa!”

---

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93. Start of a Catastrophe

The overboss of the radical faction, Zekil, had commanded Dark Lady to detonate the dungeon portals.

At his command, Dark Lady detonated 8 portals spread throughout the nation by condensing the leftover mana in the portals.

However, almost as if the heavens above were helping them, 3 additional portals also blew up at the same time.

They were Awakened as well. All they needed were texts from the association to confirm it.

On top of that, they had confirmed with the president of the association as well.

Zekill called in both Dark Lady and Piero.

The radical faction had already lost two leaders.

There was a need for Zekill to see through this carefully.

Any additional losses in his forces or interruptions to the plan would seriously hinder them through the long run.

The leaders gathered, and Zekill opened his mouth.

“Dark Lady. I heard that you prepared 8 locations for the project.”

“Yes. That’s correct, sir Zekill.”

“However, you already know that 11 portals exploded. What happened?”

“Yes. The two nearby Incheon Wolmi-do and the one near Gapyeong Calbongsan weren’t prepared by me.”

“Is that so? Hm……”

At her answer, Zekill looked at Piero while speaking.

As Joker’s underling, he had risen as the new leader.

There was a chance that he was behind this.

“Piero. Did you do this?”

“No, sir Zekill.”

“…….”

“I gave all my efforts to assist Dark Lady with the 8 portals.”

“Then why did 3 additional portals….”

“Sir Zekill. At this current situation, we can only hope that the heavens above are helping us.”

Dark Lady declared it so.

However, Zekill was quite doubtful of the current situation.

That was to be expected, since Korea was about to become a massive warzone due to the portals.

Once Korea was expelled from the international organization, it would become the headquarters of the radical faction.

But for some unknown reason, portals beyond level 32 were exploding here.

If it was a natural portal explosion, there wasn’t much need for concern.

With his strength, he could stop 2 to 3 portals without much concern.

What he was worried about was that it was done by other factions.

Since it was timed perfectly with their movements, he theorized that there were spies within his faction.

However, he did not worry for long.

He tried to think of it as the heavens above assisting them.

Joker and Ghost.

He already had lost a massive amount of his fighting forces.

Due to them, the plan had met a huge obstacle.

He could no longer stand still.

Organizing his thoughts, Zekill opened his mouth once more.

“Blowing up at the same time, almost as if promised…. Dark Lady.”

“Yes, sir Zekill.”

“Follow this trail to Wolmi-do.”

“What do you mean…”

“You would already know that if it was an artificial explosion, evidences of that would be left around the portal.”

“…..”

“The dice has already been cast. Soon, this nation will receive a hit that it cannot recover from. What I worry is that others not of our faction has detonated the portals, and wish for a world different from our goal.”

“Understood, sir Zekill. I shall head to Wolmi-do to check on the situation.”

“Good. Piero, you shall….”

“I shall head to Gapyeong, sir Zekill.”

“Good. If you find something, report to me immediately.”

“Yes, sir Zekill.”

“Yes, understood.”

“One more thing!”

Zekill paused for moment.

At this, Dark Lady and Piero swallowed their saliva in anticipation.

It didn’t take long for him to speak again.

“Those who are heading to Incheon and Gapyeong to defend against the portal explosions, such as the Awakened of the association….”

“…..”

“…..”

“Annihilate them all.”

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

With the explosion of the portals, Zekill planned to announce themselves to the world.

The strength of the faction that hid for so long would be shown to the world, and the nation that would become powerless in their wake would be dominated under them.

The future of the nation would become uncertain with portal explosions of such scale.

And if Zekill and his leaders could get in the way of the defense, the nation would end in ruins.

Finishing his commands, he headed to Busan using Warp.

After his departure, Dark Lady summoned all of her lackeys.

Piero was to head to Seoul and prepare his troop to depart.

In front of 500 members or so, Dark Lady spoke.

“The day has come.”

With just a single phrase from her, a cheer enough to shake the ground poured out.

“Yeah!”

“Woo!”

When Dark Lady raised her hand, everyone became quiet at once, focusing on her words.

“We shall follow his orders and head to Wolmi-do.”

“…..”

“And we shall annihilate all the dogs of the association and government as they try to defend against us!”

The sounds of a warcry rang once more.

Letting the vice leader take command of her troops, she headed for Wolmi-do.

However, she did not know at the time, Min-Cheol was also heading towards the exploded portal in Incheon.

****

Jong Ho prepared to head to Changwon as Min-Cheol had asked him to.

It was one of the 11 portals that had detonated.

Thankfully, it was a level 30 portal.

Jong Ho checked the GPS information the association sent.

Warp would not work unless the caster had previously visited the target location.

That’s why it wasn’t possible to directly Warp to the exact location of the portal’s explosion.

“I guess this is the closest I can get to?”

When he worked as a manager for the Awakened, he had traveled all around the nation.

Trying to remember the past, he was trying to use Warp to the closest location of the explosion.

Thankfully, he remembered that he had once visited Changwon Daesan before.

The location wasn’t far from the explosion.

It was a while ago since Min-Cheol had left for Incheon.

Next to Jong Ho was Ho Jin, who was in the middle of a call with commander Yoon Jong-sun.

“Commander. It’s Ho Jin.”

“Yes. What is the occasion?”

“There’s a few things I needed to inform you, so I called.”

“As you are already aware, the situation is chaotic due to the portal explosions……”

“I was with Mr. Min-Cheol until a moment ago.”

Due to the call coming in at a hectic moment, it was true that he wanted to end the call quickly.

However, the commander had heard the name Min-Cheol from him.

Understanding that this was a crucial matter, he urged Ho Jin to continue.

“Yes. What did he say? Did he decide to stand with us?”

“Yes. Min-Cheol has left for Incheon, where two portals have exploded. Also, a powerful Awakened is heading for Changwon.”

“Does that mean….”

“Yes. It means that you do not have to use up manpower on those two locations.”

“I understand. Where will you head to then?”

“For now, I shall head to where you are at.”

“Alright.”

“Where are you heading towards right now?”

Assuming that the call would become lengthy, Jong Ho tapped Ho Jin’s shoulders and spoke.

“Hyung-nim, I’ll be going first.”

Instead of answering, Ho Jin held Jong Ho’s hand tightly and nodded.

Even with that small gesture, Jong Ho was moved.

He nodded his head as well and used Warp.

Daesan, the place where he arrived at, was in chaos.

-SCREEECH!

-BOOM!

“AHHHH!”

“You’re all crazy! Beat it!”

“Stop it! You piece of shit!”

“……”

With the information that the portals have exploded came disorder.

People poured out in droves to escape the monster threat.

Part of the city were in flames.

Citizens had attacked the stores to raid food due to the fact that no one knew how long this would last.

On the roads, cars were bunched together like crumpled paper, people screaming and blasting their horns at one another.

Blankly looking at this view unfold before him, Jong Ho sighed.

“Ha……”

The selfishness of people were evident as they only cared for their own lives.

To be fair, it would be strange if that wasn’t the case.

Leaving the scene behind, he quickly moved towards where the GPS was pointing at.

****

The portal was shaking fiercely.

It was almost as if the portal was ready to explode at any given time.

No one from the association had arrived yet.

However, there was one female standing in front of the portal.

She had short hair that barely peeked from her helmet.

Her body was petite to the point that the staff she was carrying seemed like a burden.

Furthermore, she was quite short.

Approaching her, Jong Ho confirmed her identity and couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Woah! You, you are….”

She had a childish face of someone who was in her early 20s.

Without much concern of how Jong Ho reacted, she looked at him from top to bottom and opened her mouth.

“It doesn’t seem like you’re from the association. Are you a local Awakened?”

To her question, he quickly cleared his dazed expression and answered.

It was a reaction akin to meeting a celebrity that one respected.

“Cough! Yes! That’s right. But perhaps are you…”

“I think you’ve reported to the the wrong location. This is a level 30 portal. Only magic attacks work here.”

“You’re Choi… Choi So-Hyeon, right?”

“I don’t think that’s very important in this situation?”

“It’s an honor to meet you in person.”

“Whew….”

Looking at the man who didn’t seem to understand what she was saying, she shook her head.

She even let out a long sigh.

The one guarding this place was Choi So-Hyeon.

The first person in the world to clear a level 28 dungeon.

She was not part of the association, so she had no reason to respond to this portal explosion.

She wasn’t even part of a guild, acting only on her benefit as she took down monsters.

However, here she was, defending against the portal.

Jong Ho looked at her with respect in his eyes and understood that the future of the nation really did hang on the outcome of this crisis.

The ring that Jong Ho was wearing, Balrock’s Treasure Storage, had many of Min-Cheol’s magic stored within.

In simple words, it meant that he would not lose in terms of combat power against the ranker Choi So-Hyeon.

No. Without a doubt, he possessed power easily far beyond her.

Jong Ho spoke.

“I am aware that physical attacks don’t work.”

“So you knew that and you still headed here? Do you plan to die a dog’s death?”

“Pfft. No.”

Choi So-Hyeon couldn’t understand why he laughed.

It was hard to tell if he really was sane.

Jong Ho, who had come here, was equipped with swords in each hand and armor that she couldn’t name. With his appearance, she was sure that he was a warrior class Awakened.

Scratching her chin, she asked.

“A tanker? Are you here to at least receive the attacks of the monsters? If that’s the case, turn around immediately. I’m not sure why you’ve come here, but it’s a level 30 portal. This is an opponent that even I will struggle against.”

It was then. The portal shook even more.

Since it was a level 30 portal, there weren’t that many monsters.

Previously, Min-Cheol skipped the dungeon due to the experience and the amount of monsters being few.

Jong Ho and So-Hyeon both looked towards the portal at the same time.

Almost as if waiting for their gaze, the portal began to spew out monsters one by one.

“Grrrrrr!”

“Woof! Grrrr!”

Almost as if protecting Jong Ho, Choi So-Hyeon put him behind her.

Condensing a skill with her staff and one free hand, she spoke.

“Stand back!”

-CRASH!

---

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92. Further Growth Is Unnecessary (2)

“I’ll get straight to the point with this question….”

The moment Yoon Jong-sun opened his mouth, it seemed as though time stopped.

I was fearful of what he would say next.

The only relation we had was that we had met one another while hunting 5 months ago with Jong Ho, but here he was suddenly.

Perhaps he was going to ask if I was the cause behind the explosion of the portals.

With a serious look in his eyes, he spoke.

“Did you stop them?”

“… What did I stop?”

“Hm…. The portals.”

“Why do you think it’s me?”

“Well…. I don’t know why, but I can feel that you’re strong. It was the same when we first met, and even now so. Can you answer my question?”

Before, I could sense a strong aura just by looking at him.

He was saying that he felt the same aura from me.

He asked again.

I answered.

“As you can tell from the data or the files on me, I am no longer active as an Awakened.”

“……”

“Due to personal reasons, I’m not going to school either.”

“Is that so.. But despite not going to a dungeon for over a month, your sword and armor are well maintenanced to the point where it looks like you could equip them right away to take down monsters.”

“….”

“On top of that, in my near 40 years of Awakened work, I’ve never seen equipment such as those……”

Both of us looked towards the artifacts resting in the corner of the room.

I had enhanced and maintenanced them just a few hours ago.

He was able to tell with ease.

However, maintenance could be done on equipment even if you didn’t hunt.

“Even though I do not hunt, I maintenanced them since I’ll never know when I’ll need them.”

“Yes. That’s true…..”

I knew that Jong-sun was a man of justice.

However, if he found out my true identity, it was obvious that annoyances would crop up.

That was the reason for hiding the truth.

Looking into my eyes, he spoke.

“Thank you for your time.”

“……”

There wasn’t any solid proof, but he seemed convinced that I was the one who defended against the portal.

I didn’t know what his basis was for thinking that.

I also looked directly into his eyes and spoke.

“Do you remember what you said before?”

“Hm….”

“You said that if we meet again, you hoped that I was on the same path as you.”

“Of course. I remember.”

“The answer I can give is that I am on the same side as you, and that conviction won’t change.”

“…….”

“The side I am on is the same, but I don’t think I can stand by your side. I hope this is good enough of an answer.”

“Thank you. I understand what you mean.”

“Thank you very much.”

“If those that cannot be stopped even with the combined might of the association….”

“If something like that does happen, I’ll need to mobilize as well for those around me.”

“I am sorry. I shamelessly plead for your help.”

“No worries. Also…”

“Ah. You do not have to worry about your identity being revealed. I swear it on my honor.”

“Thank you. One more thing.”

“What is it?”

“Commander, I’m sure that you’re also aware of the radical faction.”

“….. Scum that’s difficult to get rid of with the current corrupt and rotten government and the association.”

“Could I get some information on them?”

“……”

“I shall also put everything on the table. Out of the 3 leaders of the radical faction, I have already taken down 2 of them.”

“Huh! What are you saying!”

“Joker. Ghost. I’m sure you’ve heard these names before. The faction has lost them, so this is the ideal time to pull the radical faction out by the roots.”

“I won’t ask for details. I shall give you all the information I can get from my position.”

Only now did Yoon Jong-sun smile.

However, his phone started to ring.

My first thought was that it was a call from the association.

Receiving the call, his face became serious again, and he hurried prepared to leave.

“Did another portal explode?”

“Thankfully in this time of dire crisis, it was just a level 12 portal. I know this is rude, but it seems I must leave at once. Please give my apology to your mother for not being able to give my proper farewells.”

“Yes, will do.”

Finishing what he had to say, he went through Warp that he casted.

I wasn’t friends with him.

However, I felt that I didn’t need to hide my identity from Yoon Jong-sun.

Also, I had no information regarding where the rest of the leaders and overboss were.

I wasn’t able to obtain information from Ghost or Joker, after all.

A new route of information where I could find that out was formed now.

Until now, I waited until they moved.

It came down to letting them have the first move and then dealing with it.

However, it would different now.

Now, I was the one who decided whether they lived or not.

The one to attack would be me, and they wouldn’t be able to stop me.

****

One week later, a call came from Yoon Jong-sun.

It was information regarding the radical faction.

On top of that, it was an Awakened in the association.

He said that it was rather difficult to obtain the information due to how rotten the higher ups were.

According to his information, the last leader by the name of Dark Lady had her base located in Incheon.

She was the sole female leader, who had both the tanker and assassin classes.

They were probably out for me as well.

I planned to annihilate them once I obtained more detailed information on the location of her base.

Until then, I needed to continue preparing for battle.

There wasn’t any point increasing my levels any further.

12,000 strength and 25,000 stamina points.

On top of that, very powerful artifacts were in my posession.

What I needed now were skills and using the Essence of Transcendence on useful skills.

The first thing I obtained was the highest ranking skill of healers, Status Denial.

It was the skill Park Hyun used previously, and the same skill that was used on my finger that was chopped off after the battle with Joker.

The one downside was that it had a 24 hours cooldown.

However, I would have effectively 2 lives by using this skill.

I also obtained the healing skill, Mega Cure.

Being a S ranking healing skill, the amount recovered couldn’t be compared with the skill called Heal.

I obtained it since it was difficult to heal my massive health pool with a C ranking healing spell.

With my fight with Joker and Ghost, the one thing that had bothered me was the healing skill I possessed.

Just like that, I spent time covering up my weaknesses one by one.

****

Early before dawn, I met with Jong Ho and Ho Jin.

Even though it was the weekend, they were both working hard by hunting.

From that day onward, they had been hunting for over 12 hours a day without missing a single day.

Due to the Balrock ring that was filled with powerful magic and the equipment they received from me, they were able to grow at an amazing rate.

With the Blood’s Craving, the stats they had obtained were above what I had predicted.

They had nearly obtained 500 stats.

That was nearly worth 100 level ups.

Originally, there were no stats attached to it, yet now they carried the stats they had chosen.

Their levels weren’t 300 yet, but they had the power of those beyond level 400.

With this much, while they cannot go against the radical faction leaders, they should be able to stand against their members.

On top of that, they could use the copied abilities of both physical and magic attacks I possessed with the ring.

Our conversation continued as I charged the ring with skills.

“I heard that the commander visited you.”

“Yes.”

“How did you handle it?”

“I spoke vaguely, but it seemed that he already knew everything I’ve done.”

“Is that so….”

“I also asked for the information regarding the radical faction. I wasn’t able to get the exact location, but I was able to obtain the general location of Dark Lady’s base.”

“If it’s the commander, you can definitely trust and rely on him.”

“I only told him everything precisely because of that reason.”

“Min-Cheol. Since we’re hungry, let’s talk over food.”

Just like that, I was sharing the information I’ve received recently.

We were heading towards a restaurant.

It was then.

-ring

-ring

-click

While we were walking, all of our phones buzzed at the same time.

A bad premonition came over us.

We were sure that it was a text from the association regarding defending against a portal explosion.

It was the same situation with the 4 portals exploding in Yangpyeong at the same time.

However, the information on the text was far more grave than before.

-Current time 08:00.

1. Gamman-dong Busan area level ?? portal explosion.
2. Incheon Wolmi-do area level ??, ?? portal explosions.
3. Jeonnam Gurye-eup area level 31 portal explosion.

.

.

.

.

.

.

11. Gyeonggi Province area level ?? portal explosion.

*Civilians nearby are to immediately evacuate to the nearest Awakened association building.

*Awakened are to gather to designated locations nearby.

Looking at the text, Jong Ho had a look of disbelief.

“It’s a mistake, right?”

“Those crazies really started, didn’t they?”

“To think that 11 portals exploded in different places at the same time. It’s definitely artificial. I’m sure it’s their work!”

“When the 4 portals exploded in Yangpyeong, at least they were close to one another… But now, these portals are exploding all across the country. At this rate, the damage will be insane.”

“Mister, what’s the levels with the question marks next to them?”

“Ah….. The association’s portal explosion detectors can only detect up to level 32. On top of that, it’s a guess at best, since they used the vibration data from the level 28 portal explosion to make the devices, since portals beyond level 28 haven’t exploded before.”

“Hyungnim. Does that mean that the portals are beyond level 33….”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“It really is the worst case scenario.”

They really started to move in earnest.

The radical faction had lost 2 of their leaders.

However, it was a mistake to think that they would falter.

Almost as if mocking that idea, they had blown up 11 portals at the same time, all in different locations.

On top of that, all of them were above level 30.

“We have no choice but to move. I’ll go to Incheon where two portals exploded.”

“How about us? What should we do?”

“First, Jong Ho hyungnim should put the Balrock ring on. You are slightly stronger than Ho Jin hyungnim, after all.”

“Let’s do that.”

Ho Jin immediately passed the ring to Jong Ho.

I continued to speak.

“Jong Ho hyungnim, please go to the level 30 portal explosion in Changwon. Since magic attacks work there, you should be able to easily stop it by yourself.”

“R…Right.”

“And mister, I want you to contact the commander and help them. If it’s the commander, he should able to direct you to a suitable location.”

“Understood. I’ll also let them know that they do not need to send anyone to Changwon and Wolmi-do, since you two will be heading there.”

“Yes, please do that. You two already know, but your safety comes first. Don’t go hastily into the portal right away. Even if it takes a while to suppress, it’s safer to stop the portal near it if you can avoid damage to the surrounding areas.”

“Alright. You take care as well.”

“Yes. Once I take care of the Incheon area, I’ll call you. I’ll discuss the next locations for defense with the commander after.”

“Yes.”

“Then let us be off.”

---

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91. Further Growth Is Unnecessary

-SMASH!

“What! Even Ghost as well!”

Receiving the news about Ghost’s forces, Zekil was enraged.

In a single swing, the conference table became dust.

Joker had gone missing already.

Now, Ghost and his forces numbering in the 500s were annihilated.

The only leaders left were Dark Lady and a replacement for Joker, Piero.

It didn’t even take one month for the radical faction to lose its two leaders.

The situation filled him with both rage and shock.

Think about it.

The day of battle they were preparing for was fast approaching.

Success of Dark Lady on the portal explosions only further sped up the approach.

On top of that, Dark Lady was nearly done preparing the explosion of a portal beyond level 30.

But suddenly, things were going awry.

After a brief pause, Zekil spoke up.

“Dark Lady… What is happening! How much do you know!”

“…..”

“Answer me!”

“Th… That’s..”

Zekil took off his helm and tossed it aside.

His eyes were dyed in pitch black.

They sucked in the light around, void like a black hole.

His face was horribly scarred, as if burned all over.

It wasn’t horrible to the point where it was hard to recognize his features, but it wasn’t a pretty sight.

No one, not even Dark Lady had seen Zekil’s face.

After all, Zekil always hid his face behind a mask.

His dark outline was the only way to identify him.

Dark Lady, who was staring at the floor, looked up to him as she spoke.

“Master Ze.. Zekil.”

“…..”

“Joker is…. dead.”

“What?”

“Before Ghost was done in, he came to me and said so. That Joker was dead….”

“Why did you not inform me of this until now, Dark Lady.”

“I apologize.”

“Who are they? Who has killed Ghost?”

Zekil repressed his boiling anger as he stared down Dark Lady.

He did not carry any weapons, but his fists were clenched tightly into a fist, shaking violently.

His fists were covered in intense flames, similar to how the executioner class uses the skill Body Strengthen.

The newly appointed leader Piero nearly pissed himself out of fear after seeing him, even though he was deemed fit to be a leader.

However, Dark Lady wasn’t much different from Piero.

She did her best to not upset him further.

When Joker went missing, Zekil was slightly upset at the report that Joker had headed for the Unknown Dungeon.

Right now, Zekil looked very different from the usual.

There was a reason why Dark Lady was so fearful of Zekil.

Dark Lady knew.

She knew of the look in his eyes and the killing intent that was pouring out.

She had seen this look before.

When Dark Lady had first entered the radical faction, there were 5 leaders.

One of those leaders was Zekil, who was the current overboss.

Just like with most factions, there were lots of clashing opinions between the leaders.

The 5 leaders decided to pick an overboss.

The method of selection followed the philosophy of the strong preying on the weak.

In front of all the members, the leaders fought.

Zekil had instantly made the other 4 unable to fight.

It didn’t even take a single minute.

Understanding Zekil’s combat prowess, the other four had banded to take him down, yet it didn’t do much in the face of his strength.

Dark Lady could not forget the look in his eyes from back then.

“I asked who they were.”

“I do not have clear information on him.”

“You’re telling me that they were taken down by a single unknown assailant?”

“That’s correct. Do you remember the little boy that may be useful, who was reported by Joker?”

“Yes… I heard that Joker had taken care of him.”

“But, that….”

“It’s him?”

“…..”

“Are you telling me that two of the three leaders of this faction were taken down by a kid!”

-CRASH!

Zekil’s left hand swung through the air.

He had only raised his hand and swung it down.

However, the office floor was blown through cleanly, enough to see the whole floor below.

The entire building was built with nanomaterials, yet such absurd destruction was displayed before them.

On top of that, he wasn’t even equipping any weapons or artifacts.

“Ahhh! Apologizes, master Zekil!”

“Fools, all of you!”

“We’ll immediately find his location.”

“Don’t bother. If we go through with the plan, he’ll show his overconfident face. After he put the world under our feet, he’ll be taken care of by me… personally.”

“…..”

“Once the last level 35 portal in Busan is ready to explode, immediately report to me.”

“Yes, as you say, master Zekil.”

“Dark Lady… I will not forgive you a second time.”

“Yes…”

With that, Zekil hid his form once more.

The portal that Dark Lady was preparing was to be finished in about a week.

Ten portals beyond level 30 were already prepared nearby.

If all these exploded at once, there was no way that Korea’s Awakened could stop them.

Additional portals would continue to explode as well.

If these weren’t taken care of, it was obvious that Korea would be expelled from the union.

That would be the signal of an age that the radical faction wished for.

“Whew… Piero.”

“Yes, mistress Dark Lady.”

“One week. It’s one week. Use everything at your disposal to assist me in this project.”

“Of course. I’ll be off then….”

The successor of Joker, Piero, left the room.

Due to the relief from tension and of her legs going limp, she fell to the floor on the spot.

****

“Oi, Geon. Can you still not find any information on A?”

“Can’t even find even a single clue.”

“Is that so….. Sang-Ho, Hye-won. How about you two?”

“Old man. He might a lot more than what I thought initially. I can’t get a feel for him at all.”

“Commander, I wasn’t able to find any information on him as well.”

“Hm… It’s a level 29 portal. A level 29. Even for Choi So-Hyeon, who had cleared the level 28 dungeon solo for the first time in history, it would be difficult for him to clear both portals in that short of a time period.”

“Old man, are you sure that you don’t have any suspects?”

“Suspects….”

“This isn’t even like searching for a needle in a haystack, because how can we even begin an investigation without any targets?”

“Right…. For now, continue with your best efforts. I’ll also take off my shoes and help.” ¹

These are the four magician rankers that are part of the association.

They were giving all their efforts to find the person who had suppressed the level 29 portal explosion.

Finishing their brief meeting, the commander left the association building immediately.

A face that popped up to his head.

He was thinking of going to meet up with Kim Min-Cheol.

“Commander. Good day.”

“Nice weather we have today, commander.”

“Yes. You’re all working quite hard.”

Even as he left the building, countless Awakened and employees saluted him to show respect.

It was proof that the position he held was respected not only by the association, but by the nation itself.

To be fair, he was the first to go and resolved any crises regarding monsters in the nation.

Obtaining the address of Min-Cheol, the commander began to head towards it.

This was illegal, but he wanted at least a clue to hold onto at this point.

“Commander, we’ve arrived.”

“I see. Please wait here for a moment.”

“Yes. Please take care.”

-click

Since it was not known when a portal would explode, the commander always had his armor and weapons equipped unless for maintenance.

He could not stand that the time used to put on equipment could have been used to save people’s lives.

So when he appeared at the location, the area around became very noisy.

Those who recognized him was giving a fanfare worthy of a hero of the nation.

Replying with a warm smile, he headed for Min-Cheol’s house.

-ding dong

“Who is it?”

At that time, Min-Cheol was asleep after having run ragged for two days.

The one who greeted the commander was Min-Cheol’s mother, Park Se-Ran.

“Hello. Um… I am the commander of the association, Yoon Jong-sun.”

“Huh?”

Surprised at hearing those words, she quickly checked the interphone.

The commander that she only saw in the news really was standing in front of the door.

On one side, she was worried as to why he was here.

Her head was filled with many thoughts as she wondered if Min-Cheol had caused an accident of some kind.

She continued to talk through the interphone.

“What’s the occasion?”

“Business with your son. If it’s okay, could you open the….”

“Oh my, I’m sorry.”

-click

She immediately opened the door.

There stood a commander who had aged well.

He bowed and then looked at her.

“Oh, right. Please come in.”

“Yes, thank you. I’ll be in your care.”

“Did Min-Cheol cause an incident?”

“Ho ho ho! No, that’s not it at all.”

“Then what would be the occasion…”

“If you could think of it as a part of my job where I visit Awakened that do not enter dungeons for long periods of time and have little activity, that would be appreciated.”

“Ah…..”

“I was wondering why your son looked so handsome. I guess he got it from you, ho ho.”

“My, my….”

“Ah, but your son is…?’

“He’s probably asleep right now. He was out having fun and staying up all night for two days, just falling asleep right now.”

“Is that so. Then could I wait for a bit?”

“I’ll go wake him up. It might be awhile since I’m not sure when he’ll actually wake up.”

“No, that’s alright. An old man like me has only time.”

“Would like some tea?”

“Thank you.”

****

After checking the spoils, I fell asleep on the spot as if losing my consciousness.

I must’ve been quite tired after that big battle and not sleeping a wink after it.

I forcefully raised my tired body.

I couldn’t waste my weekend like this.

However, I heard a conversation outside my room.

I could sense age in the voices.

‘Did mother’s friends come over?’

Cleaning up to become presentable, I headed for the living room.

But who was this.

The person in the living room was Yoon Jong-sun.

Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I hurriedly attempted to understand the situation.

It was then.

Sensing my presence, he looked towards me.

And then I heard my mother’s call.

“Did you finally wake up?”

“Yeah, but…”

“Ah. He said that he had business with you and has been waiting here for awhile. You know who he is, right?”

“Yeah…”

“It’s been awhile. Have you been well?”

“Yes… It has been awhile.”

“Missus, I’ll be talking with Min-Cheol for a bit in his room…”

“Of course. Take your time.”

“Then…”

Just like that, the commander moved towards my room.

I couldn’t tell anything from the expression on his face…

Entering my room, he closed the door and spoke.

“Boy…”

---

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90. The Luckiest Man

[Drain Monarch has been successfully enhanced.}

[Magic power increased by 10%.]

[Does not apply if the equipment is unequipped.]

“Good…”

There were only 100 Gems of Magic Power.

Looking at the success rate of the other gems, even a single success would be difficult.

It said 10% chance, but in reality, it would be surprising to have a 0.01% chance instead.

But as I just witnessed, the Drain Monarch ring had been enhanced on the first try.

“I knew I was a lucky guy!”

20 minutes ago, I was the very definition of unluckiness, but that was no longer the case.

If thousands of these lesser gems were the appetizer, the Gems of Magic Power and Gems of Blessings were the main dish.

Thanks to the Gem of Blessings, the Titan Boots already received such an amazing bonus effect.

I didn’t feel any exhaustion at all despite staying up for two days, but instead felt awake as though I had taken anti hypnotics.

I was the proof that there was no end to humankind’s greed.

I had obtained 3 Drain Monarch rings in the Unknown Dungeon.

Since 3 duplicates dropped, one could think of it as misfortune.

However, this ring had the bonus effect that I needed desperately.

If I used the Gem of Magic Power, the item could be destroyed.

You could think if this one as a spare.

The ability on it was as follows.

-Drain Monarch-

*Recovers 1% of the damage dealt to enemies as stamina.

*If a single attack deals 70% or more damage of the target’s max health, Monarch’s Authority skill activates.

*Monarch’s Authority: Summons servants of Marice, Monarch of Blood.

*Magic power increased by 10%.

Just from the name, one could infer that the ring had the ability to steal the health of the enemy.

Out of the artifacts I’ve gathered from the Unknown Dungeon, there were only a few with bonus skills attached to them.

Well, the only thing from it that I really needed was the ability to absorb stamina.

Generously, the description explained the skill in great detail. 

“Is it like with Ghost, summoning those that one absorbed previously?”

My thoughts didn’t remain on the skill for long.

My attention shifted to the magic power bonus instead.

I had high expectations for what this newfound power could do.

I took out the M/F ranking sword that I got from Jong Ho before to test out the enhancement conditions of Butcher’s Sword.

Taking off my my enhanced ring, I casted Frost orb at it.

If it was the dungeon, I would have poured down Meteor, but this was my home sweet home.

Even if it was made with nanomaterials, it wouldn’t be durable enough to take my Meteor.

Despite being the lowest ranking F spell, it did quite a lot of damage due to being level 200.

It wasn’t enough to break the sword, but it completely froze the sword to the point of unusability.

Checking its power, I condensed an Explosion in my hand.

It was a fireball that wouldn’t go out until the target was reduced to ash.

If I threw this at the sword, it should melt instantly.

I moved the condensed Explosion near the sword.

To do a test, I needed the sword in its original condition so I could compare and find the differences.

I needed the frozen sword to thaw out so it would return to its original condition.

Thankfully, the sword was completely thawed out without breaking.

Confirming that, I immediately equipped the Drain Monarch Ring.

Soon, I would be able to find out what the magic power stat meant.

“Now, shall I see the force of 10% increased magic power?”

Preparing the Frost Orb at my fingertips, I fired.

-CLANG!

“Shit! What… What the?”

Was the durability lowered due to having been frozen and then thawed out?

Was it because I wasn’t able to return it back to its original condition before testing?

Almost as if throwing a stone at a glass vase, the sword shattered into pieces.

It didn’t turn completely into dust, but the pieces were scattered everywhere.

Gathering them up, I quickly dashed outside.

****

It didn’t long to arrive at my destination, which was the Awakened market.

This was the place that I first sold the bloodstones that I earned.

The middle aged owner happily greeted me.

“Welcome.”

“Hello?”

“It’s been awhile since you’ve come here. How…. Is the Awakened life treating you well?”

“Wow… It’s been a very long time, but you still remember me?”

“Of course. You’re the one bought Lightning Spray with the money from cashing in the stones.”

“Feels good to be remembered.”

“Hoho. Is there an item you’re looking for? Or are you here to cash in stones?”

“I’m here to buy a decent shield.”

“A shield? Weren’t you a magician? Well, um…. Would you be okay with a D or C ranking one?”

“No. I would like the A ranking ones.”

“Huh? A, A ranking ones?”

“Yes.”

I could see the surprise on the owner’s face.

It’s to be expected, since he knows that I’ve become an Awakened only 5 to 6 months ago.

At the time, I didn’t even know what Awakened credits were and how to use them.

But here I was, trying to purchase an A ranking shield.

If it was a regular Awakened, it was hard to tell if they really had the money to buy it or was joking.

With a flustered look, the owner continued.

“We do have A ranking shields. The price though….”

“With one Awakening Essence, how many could I get?”

“You can get at least 4. But why do you ask…?”

“Here it is.”

“No… No way!”

I put the essence on top of the register.

To others, this would be a jaw dropping item of extreme value, but that wasn’t the case for me.

I had an entire pouch filled with these index finger sized Awakened Essences.

Picking up the essence, the owner moved about rapidly to confirm the authenticity.

Looking at me, he finally spoke.

“Due to the item being used as a trade medium in extremely expensive trades, I needed to check the… If you felt offended, I can apologize.”

“No. It’s fine.”

I purchased 4 A ranking shields and left the market, then headed into a nearby dungeon.

“Now the starting conditions are all the same. If I can see a clear difference, it means that magic power increases the damage of the spells…..”

I put each shield on a different cardinal direction far from me.

“If it’s an A ranking shield, should I at least use Lightning Spray? I could also check the 30% increase in lightning attacks as well.”

-ZZZZZZZ

****

As expected, magic power increased the damage of magic spells.

However, 10% magic power did not equate to 10% increase in magic damage.

Without the ring equipped, the A rank shield was destroyed in 10 hits from the Lightning Spray.

While wearing the ring, it was shattered into pieces in 7 hits.

There were 50 Gems of Magic Power left.

I could enhance them safely by enhancing all the rings with the first stack before moving on to the second stack of enhancements.

Alternatively, I could risk it all and push on enhancing one as much as I could.

It was hard to decide, because I didn’t have that many gems left.

If the ring breaks, I could never get that 10% magic power increase on it forever.

“That’s why gambling is so scary. It makes you expect a ton from a very low chance.”

I used the rest of the gems on the rings that weren’t enhanced to second tier yet.

Due to my growth, I didn’t need the shield from the Louver set that much anymore.

If the ring successfully becomes enhanced again, I was planning to equip Drain Monarch even if it meant giving up the set bonus of Louver.

That’s why I was cautiously enhancing it, one gem at a time.

However, the failures continued.

[Enhancement failed.]

[Enhancement failed.]

[Enhancement failed.]

.

.

.

[Equipment has been destroyed.]

“……”

The ring popped just like that.

In an explosion of dust, it blew away into the wind.

I became the unlucky man once more as another ring was destroyed.

“I’m going crazy! Whew….. I think only 3 are left?”

Maybe due to being focused so much, I was sweating despite the chilly weather.

The enhancement failures and the destruction of the rings was driving me boiling mad.

Only 3 gems remained.

Seeing the effect of magic power enhancement firsthand, I couldn’t give up like this.

“Yeah. No matter which ring I equip, as long as I can raise the magic power stat, the gains are massive.”

I picked up one of the many accessories spread across the floor and put the gem next to it.

It didn’t matter what the original effect the equipment carried.

The 10% magic power increase was what was really important.

[Enhancement failed.]

[Enhancement failed.]

“One…….”

I couldn’t help but hold tightly onto the gem with enough force to the point where I wondered if it would be crushed.

The last Gem of Magic Power.

[Drain Monarch has been successfully enhanced.]

“What? Drain Monarch has been enhanced? What the fuck…. Holy shit!”

I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up as I got goosebumps.

The hand that was holding onto the gem also had the Drain Monarch equipped and had been activated to enhance.

If I was really unlucky, this ring could have been destroyed as well.

I was shaking for a while as beads of sweat covered me before I was able to think again.

“2… 20% It succeeded?”

Damn. Who knew I was the luckiest man in the world.

It was a mistake.

With enhancements, there was no acceptance or denial for activation unlike when you learn skills or Awaken skills.

This happened because the enhancement would be attempted via gem activation just by placing it on an equipment.

To think that it would be followed by such luck.

“Yeah! Woo!”

I couldn’t help but shout.

I was able to achieve something that could be considered a life changing comeback.

Stretching my arms up, I laid down just like that.

Then I began to think of what I’ve obtained with my battle with Ghost.

It was as if all the stress I got due to him evaporated all of a sudden.

‘Over 30,000 points worth of stats. Gems and Transcendence Essences. The bonus stats I gained from the gems. Out of all of them, the best is magic power.’

My moment of grinning ear to ear didn’t last long.

I urgently stood up.

“Staff!”

It was because of the Roa’s Staff that had easily absorbed the transcended Meteor. ²

It was a weapon that absorbed all magic until the durability of the weapon ran out.

However, it was an artifact that couldn’t be used unless the user was the original owner.

I had just remembered that I brought it back with me, hoping that it could be absorbed by the Butcher’s Sword.

“A staff with no stats…. Would it be possible to use it to enhance Butcher’s Sword?”

I immediately headed into my room and brought back the staff.

After placing the sword next to the staff, sparks immediately began to fly from the sword.

Now I was sure that this was an artifact that absorbed weapons that had lost their owner.

-crackle crackle.

-crunch.

It didn’t make long for the staff to lose its form.

It was completely removed from existence, absorbed by the sword.

Before, the sword had absorbed Joker’s Asura’s Twin Blades, growing sharp jagged shark like teeth at the back end of the sword.

Now, a jade colored gem was embedded into the handle, glowing brightly.

I was sure that this was a sign that the weapon was absorbed completely.

“No way. Hey. That can’t happen. Perhaps. How can that make any sense?”

Inwardly, I had very high expectations.

However, I was trying to hide that feeling by being pessimistic.

Just like that, I looked over at the insane stats on the Butcher’s Sword.

-Butcher’s Sword.-

*Strength +2200+350

*Dexterity +150

*Total Strength increased by 15%.

*Two handed.

*Obtains 5% of stats from slain enemies.

“Absorbs all magic attacks. (88/250)

“Let the celebratory music play!”

---

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