Author: Xerenity

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54. Out of the Way! An Unwelcome Guest of the Dungeon Comes.

“Hey! Are you serious?”

Hearing my story, Jong Ho was freaking out.

He heard from me that I took down Jin and obtained information from him.

I answered calmly, and continued the conversation.

“Yes. I already thought I had to take care of him soon ever since Se-Jin Kim from the association gave me a visit. But he saved me the trouble and visited me on his own.”

“So you took down Jin in one move, and even took information from him?”

“Yes. I already told you?”

“Oh boy. You’re scary you know? I’m more scared of you than Jin or the radical faction. My liver is shaking in fear, I can’t even enter this house.” ¹

Jong Ho waved his arms about, while giving me a playful look.

While shaking his head too.

This guy’s class was a warrior.

His special attribute must be humor or something.

I couldn’t hate him no matter how hard I tried.

Can’t leave him hanging with his humor.

I put my hand on Jong Ho’s shoulder and spoke.

“Meteor Call! It’s been fun, hyung.”

“Ah. Wait. It’s a prank, bro. A prank!”

“Pfft. Ah! Hyung, what’s your passive? A sense of humor?”

“Hey! I have quite the passive. Nothing compared to yours though.”

“Really?”

“I have a low chance to attack twice. Without delay. The passive is called ‘Berserker’s Onslaught’.”

“Oho.. That’s pretty good. Does it matter if the attack is a skill or a regular attack?”

“Yeah. Even if the second attack triggers from a skill, there is no mana cost for the second attack. I guess you can look at it as a free attack I get? When I first Awakened, it happened on its own, so I was surprised.”

“I would be too. Must become better the higher your level gets and the stronger your skills grows.”

“That’s something in the future to consider. But why do you ask about it now?”

The reason why I asked Jong Ho about this topic was to find out information regarding this subclass that Joker possessed.

I was pretty sure Jong Ho would know something like this.

I put on my serious face once more and continued to ask Jong Ho.

“Hyung. Do you know anything about subclasses?”

“Of course. It’s when you Awaken with two classes?”

“Yes. That’s right! Could you tell me exactly what that’s about?”

“It’s super rare, but I heard some of the top rankers in the association have subclasses.”

“I guess you can’t get in the rankings just my leveling quickly.”

“Of course. You need to get a good class. The passive too, but it’s all random.”

“Wait, it’s difficult to level even with two classes?”

“Yes. Think about it. If a warrior had a magician as a subclass, you would need points in strength, mana, health, and even dexterity. All stats would need to be raised.”

“Yeah.”

“If that happens, you’d become a jack of all trades. Focusing on your attack power will make your defense lack, and vice versa. It would make hunting impossible. You can’t do both.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“And there are cases that blacksmiths get subclasses when they’re Awakened. This is also like losing the lotto by a single number.”

“For a blacksmith that can level up by swinging their hammer, gaining a subclass with its passive is useless, right?”

“Exactly.”

Thanks to Jong Ho’s explanation, I could understand it now.

My passive that gave me limitless mana was also given to me at random.

No one knew about the passives other than their effects.

Classes were the same.

That was the reason why I searched the web intensely after I became Awakened about passives.

Because there were cases where the passives would ruin any chances of making a living, even after being Awakened.

I asked the most important question.

It was about Joker.

“Then how about a warrior class having the executioner subclass?”

“Can that even happen? That’s like 3 generations of… more like all the luck from every generation in your family coming together?”

“….”

“I’ve only saw the executioner class in books, as there are not many who have it. Not only that, after being Awakened, they become S ranking special individuals, and most of them end up working for the association.”

“Hm….”

“It would be against the law for them to level up above 300. Of course, the executioner class is really hard to level up. Most skills are single target, and the mana cost is insane.”

“It’s bad enough to have a law made about the class?”

“Because they don’t know if they will defect into a killing machine. Though if it is a subclass, I guess you could hide it.”

I realized that my situation was worse than what I thought previously.

And all 3 of them had subclasses.

There were two more monsters like this one.

On top of that, the final boss above them.

While thinking about this, I accidentally spoke aloud.

“Guess it’s going to be tougher than I thought…”

“What? Who? No way…?”

“….”

“Am I right? Really? That’s insane! The radical faction’s boss is a warrior with a subclass as an executioner?”

“No, I heard he’s just one of the leaders under the boss?”

“That’s crazy.”

Putting a hand on his forehead, he stared at the ceiling.

For a while, he only sighed.

I broke the long silence.

“It’s not like there isn’t a way.”

“A way? What’s that?”

With both his hands out, I had Jong Ho’s full attention.

At his question, I quietly put on the Lich King armor set.

Then I put on the Banwol Jincheons as well.

“I’ll need to carry all the equipment and work hard.”

“Oh boy. That’s just like you.”

“Hyung, would you also like to come along?”

“Where? The level 23 dungeon? No thanks. Thanks to you carrying me through the level 18 one, I grew enough to laze around for the next three months. And are you really in a situation to help others? Just come back safely.”

“I knew you would say this. I understand. I’ll just bring the warrior skill books if they drop.”

“I decline.”

“I decline your decision to decline. I’ll be going then, hyung.”

“Gah. I’m guilty then. Guess I’ll have to get up too.”

* * * *

“Hiyaa!”

“KUH-UK!”

Hit by the Awakened Meteor Call dead center, all the ghouls perished at once.

It was a damage that was on another level compared to what it was like at 60.

The ghouls were torn apart, while their remains charged at me.

Honestly, the damage was enough to even obliterate the remains instantly as well.

The number of meteors did not increase, but the size had by an enormous amount.

It was the same for Iceberg.

The speed and accuracy. Both seemed to increase with my growth.

Skill proficiency did not only include the level of the skill, but also the accuracy and understanding of how it worked.

Once I hit level 200 with it, I should be able to cast the larger and more powerful version without any limitations on time.

Growth. Raising my health and dexterity stats via growth.

Depending on that growth, I get increases in skill levels. The things I needed badly.

That’s why I couldn’t be satisfied with the level 23 dungeon.

I needed to go to dungeons of higher levels so I could obtain even more experience.

However. The association was already putting me under surveillance.

If I cleared dungeons above level 23 solo, their suspicions will only grow further.

However, it would incredibly stupid of me to go with a party.

After finishing the hunt and returning home via taxi, I thought of an idea.

The most Se-Jin Kim could hold off on the report to the association would be one month.

If data of me clearing higher level dungeons come into their hands?

Another member would be immediately dispatched to find out about me.

‘Is there not a way?’

Then I had a decent solution come up.

‘Mastering the Shadow Step that Jin used to use, and using a forged ID to run the dungeons?’

It wasn’t a bad idea.

It was illegal though.

The skill Jin used was an S ranking stealth skill.

In order to detect the user, one would need to have the Eye of Insight skill and have the level of it match or be higher than Shadow Step.

The chances of someone mastering the heavy mana costing Eye of Insight was very low.

However, it also was not easy to master Shadow Step when it obtained experience only on single use.

And I only had roughly a month and a half worth of time left.

I would lose all my time on preparing.

“Stealth.. I need an aoe stealth skill…”

While it would use up an incredible amount of mana, it would be able to stealth many targets at once.

That would allow me to level it up a lot faster.

But I didn’t know if such a skill existed.

“Hm? What did you say, dear customer?”

“Ah… nothing. Just talking to myself, driver.”

“Haha. Alright.”

“Sorry Mr. driver, but could you go to Sinseol-dong instead?”

“Huh? You said you wanted to go to Guli though…”

“Yes. Something came up.”

“I understand. Sinseol-dong it is.”

* * * *

Passing my house, it was a long while before the taxi arrived at Sinseol-dong.

This was where the midget’s office was located at.

‘When it comes to obtaining skill books, there is no place like this.’

Entering, I saw the midget and his two goons guarding the place like usual.

Confirming my arrival, the three of them bowed in greeting.

“So you’ve come?”

“Oh. What services do you need of us this time?”

“Yes. Have you been well?”

“Of course. We’re doing well thanks to you. But what skill book do you need this time?”

“You already know without me telling you?”

“What other reason would you have to visit us?”

Smiling, the midget continued.

It seemed that he was being the middleman between these trades, nicking some in the process.

At this point though, money didn’t even register to me as a concept.

It didn’t matter at all.

“Ah. Guess the commission fee you got from the skill books I’ve obtained have been quite a lot? Since you’re greeting me with such happiness.”

“Huh? Ha… Ha… I mean, we did the work…”

“That’s true I guess.”

I went to the sofa where they were gathered.

It was a situation where I needed information even from these two goons.

Sitting between them, I brought up the main topic.

“I’m looking for a skill.”

“Yes. As expected.”

“It’s a skill assassins use, for stealth purposes. Something that would allow for mass stealthing.”

“Hm….”

The midget was lost in thought while stroking his chin.

Both the goons as well.

It didn’t take long for the goon with the berserker class to speak up.

“Well.. There is one, but it’s really rare….”

“Expensive?”

“No. It’s an unused skill, so the cost isn’t high. However, it’ll take a while before we can get it.”

Hearing that the price wasn’t high, the midget glared at the berserker.

I couldn’t help but think ‘What a scammer.’ in my head.

Pushing down my anger, I asked again.

“So there is a skill like that?”

“Yes. ‘Mass Stealth Jutsu’ is the name of the skill, but it’s an executioner class skill.”

“Executioner?”

“Yes.”

It was as if fate had tied these together.

Why did it have to an executioner class skill.

I was bothered by this existence known as Joker once more.

“The user can be stealthed as well, right?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“One week! It’s possible, right?”

“Wew… Guess it’ll have to be possible.”

“Good. I’m glad since the cost isn’t much, I won’t have to prepare an Awakened Essence.”

“Yes. That’s right. It can be done with money as well.”

It was an answer that I welcomed.

A skill that had everything I needed.

Ah. I almost forgot one thing.

“One more. Can I get a fake Awakened ID?”

---

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53. Coming to Me On Your Own (2)

-Two hours before Jin went to visit Min-Cheol-

In a pitch dark room was a figure, hiding behind the black curtains.

One of the three leaders of the radical group, code name ‘Joker’.

At his call, Jin appeared.

“Jin. Is there any strange movements from him?”

The only source of light in the room was the red glow from Jin.

Nodding his head, he answered.

“Just the usual. Other than his insane growth rate that is.”

“How should we deal with him. At this rate, he’s going to become an obstacle in our way. What’s your thoughts?”

“I think we have to make a decision. If he becomes any stronger, he’s going to become a monster.”

“Hm… I also agree. But if he does turn over to our side, then it will be a matter of time before he becomes the one’s right hand man…”

“….”

“Other than me, the two leaders also seem to be somewhat aware of him as well.”

“I guess it can’t be helped.”

“Try to entice him one more time. If it doesn’t work, get rid of him before he becomes someone else’s. Make sure it’s done without anyone noticing.”

“I’ll do as you command.”

“With your power, you should be able to take care of him without any issues, right?”

“Of course. He couldn’t even hit me once. I’ll take care of him without even the rats knowing about it.”

Jin was an existence that moved only to follow orders.

He only worked upon Joker’s summons and commands.

The ideal person they both wanted.

He was going to show that strength is power, and power determines your place in society.

Jin hid his form into the shadows.

* * * *

“Where is it? Where are your leaders at?”

“Kuhuhu. You’re really amusing… To be this strong.”

“….”

“AHHH!”

Instantly his pinkie was cut off.

A painful cry rang throughout the quiet still air.

Worried that someone might hear, I covered his mouth.

And I whispered in his ears.

“Just like how I killed Park Hyun, you’re going to wish that someone else appeared and killed you.”

Muffling.

“Hm? Did you reconsider talking already?”

I moved my hand that was covering his mouth.

It looked like he had already recovered from being pummeled to the ground.

Maskless, he gave me his fake smile and spoke.

“No matter how much you struggle, you cannot resist them.”

“Sure. If you already gave up, it wouldn’t be fun.”

“Kuhuhuhu.”

“Seems you’re right handed from how you’re holding your weapon. From now on, you’re left handed.”

Without a hint of hesitation, I swung Banwol Jincheon towards his right wrist.

As if tearing the air itself, it cut his wrist off cleanly.

Screams came from the mouth that I covered once more.

“You can still use chopsticks with your left hand. Speak. The location of your so-great leaders.”

The red glows from his eyes seem to boil with anger.

“Ugh! Even if it is not at your hands, I’m already dead. That’s the only choice left for those that cannot follow orders.”

“You know already. I fought you to kill you in the first place.”

“….”

“But do you know when a person feels most helpless?”

“Urgh! When.”

“When you can’t even choose to die on your own free will. When you don’t even have enough strength for that. The weak do not even have the right to choose their own death. At least according to your so-great ideology. Isn’t that right?”

His smile had been long gone since he heard my words.

Must be feeling the dread of not knowing how long this torture would continue on for.

No matter how much loyalty and determination he has…

Noblesse’s guild leader Park Hyun also became weak when it came to her life.

Awakened or not, you cannot help but fear if you’re human.

Because they are existences that feel pain and fear.

* * * *

“S.. Stop! Ugh.”

With how long the torture was going, he was slowly losing both his body and sanity.

Since I couldn’t stay in the middle of the sidewalk for long, I moved him to a mountain that was next to the hunting grounds.

Who knew I would be thankful that most high level dungeons are in rural areas like this.

It was a level 23 dungeon.

That meant that this place was not found and left alone for 23 years.

I asked the man who gave out only ragged breaths.

“Do you want to die?”

“P… Please kill me!”

He kept screaming while holding onto the mutilated pieces of his body with his left arm.

My relentless attacks had reduced him to a state of trembling fear.

Thanks to his high dexterity state that allowed him to rapidly regenerate, his life wasn’t in any danger.

Only extreme amounts of pain remained.

“I think I’m going to go crazy from holding back on killing you. I’m doing my best to hold back, you know? So talk then. If I hear the answer I’m looking for, I’ll kill you.”

“U-Under a single sun, the three stars exist…”

Like a person looking for water at a desert, he was desperately seeking the sweet release of death.

“Sun? Stars? What bullshit are you talking about?”

“Under the one, three leaders exist.”

“Are you trying to audition for a movie? Where’s your common sense…. And the one, is he the commander? And the leaders are the vice captains?”

To my question, he nodded his head and continued.

“The three leaders are spread out. Seoul, Gangwon, Incheon. But the location of the sun is known only by the leaders. I’ve not met with the sun once.”

“If I know about the leaders, I can guess the strength of their goons. Tell me, what’s their combat capability?”

“Each of the 3 has enough strength to match everyone working underneath them, including me. No. They are probably even stronger. Ugh…”

“So?”

“The one I follow is called Joker. Out of the three leaders, he has the highest combat capability.”

“What’s Joker’s level?”

“Over 600. But something that goes beyond levels. The class….”

“What is it?”

“Urgh… Warrior…”

“Are you kidding me? There’s like tens of warriors gathered in front of most dungeons you know?”

“All leaders have a subclass.”

“What?”

This was the first time I was hearing of it.

If you Awaken normally, you would receive a class.

For me, it was the magician class. Jong Ho obtained warrior.

But a subclass?

“That’s right. Joker Awakened with two different classes.”

‘Ha, right…. There are cases like that?’ or so I thought, masking my astonishment.

“What’s the class?”

His next words surprised me, to say the least.

“Joke possesses the subclass Executioner.”

“Executioner? There’s a class that kills people?”

Executioner, someone with the task of taking the lives of the condemned.

I needed to know more about Joker.

He nodded to my question, seemingly given up on everything.

It appeared as if the only thing he cared about was to die as soon as possible.

“Tell me more.”

“Joker’s combat capabilities shine not only during hunts, but in combat.”

If you know yourself and know your enemy, you win a hundred times out of a hundred fights. The information Jin was giving to me was crucial.

Not only that, but he was revealing the strategies of someone I didn’t even have a clue about.

Because Joker had the highest combat capabilities of them all, I focused learning all I could on this topic.

“Joker’s Executioner subclass has a passive called Isolation.”

“….”

“A single target that Joker chooses takes increased damage. A specialized ability in 1v1 to annihilate the opponent.”

“Alright. The other two also have subclasses as well.”

“T… That’s right.”

“The strongest one is Joker, but what about the sun! Is this sun’s combat capabilities far beyond comparison with the leaders?”

“As I said before, I do not have any information on the sun.” ²

Jin continued to stare at the floor, spilling out all the information while being on the verge of death.

We continued to talk for a long time, and I was able to obtain lots of valuable information.

His eyes no longer held life in it, staring off into the void.

I could no longer converse or question him.

He kept saying the same thing over and over.

“Please no more, kill me… Please, please kill me.”

“….”

“Please… kill me.”

“It was good information you provided. This is the best I can do for you out of respect.”

Towards Jin’s neck, I swung Banwol Jincheon.

His head and body were separated in a single cut, and he instantly lost his life.

The head rolled about, bleeding profusely like his body was.

On top of that, I casted Explosion.

“Trash like this cannot be recycled.”

With cold eyes, I looked at his remains disappearing.

The flame magic explosion had reached level 100.

I had to remove him from existence as quietly as possible without anyone noticing.

It didn’t take long for even the traces of his corpse to disappear.

Not even his ashes were left.

* * * *

I returned home to gather my thoughts.

I was not overly concerned with the radical faction as a whole.

The one I had to be ready for was the one Jin served, Joker.

According to Jin, the only one who knew of my abilities fully was Joker.

The other two leaders barely knew anything about me.

The reason was the following.

Even the leaders fought and kept their guards up amongst one another.

It was probably to obtain more power and prestige from the big honcho above them.

To do that, they had to have power that was cut above the rest.

Because the only thing they sought after was power.

However, the 3 leaders probably had nearly the same amount of power.

I was told the Joker was the strongest, but the difference wouldn’t be that much.

The only difference left between them?

Their subordinates and the combat capabilities they bring to the table.

For that, Joker had tried to obtain me.

Jin had said that Joker’s subclass was the Executioner. The ability is as follows.

The target Joker chooses have a mark appear on them.

If someone attacked the marked target, all the attacks would become 3 times stronger.

However. Only single attack skills would work, and there could be only one marked target.

As said before, it really was a passive made for 1v1s.

And his main class was a warrior to boot, which have both excellent defense and offense.

“Above level 600. Two classes. Both of which have their own passives.”

Of course, I could infinitely spam all skills from all classes, as my passive was infinitely mana.

Still, without a doubt the opponent is tough.

To face Joker, it seemed I needed more defense.

Lich King’s armor set and Formless Sword Aura reduced 50% of the damage taken, but it wouldn’t do well enough against someone who did 3 times the damage than normal.

The only answer I could come up with was to grow stronger.

With a defensive strategy on how to block all his attacks as well.

Since my existence was not reported to the boss as well, Joker could not move carelessly.

That’s why Joker had Jin put me under surveillance.

I thought that the pride Joker had as a leader prevented chasing after me personally, but I confirmed that this was the reason why from Jin.

“For a training regime, this is too Spartan for me.”

---

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52. Coming to Me on Your Own

It’s been a week since I met with Se-Jin.

Since there was no follow up, I could tell that Se-Jin did not make the report.

I’ve only delayed the inevitable annoyance I would have to deal with, but time was essential to my growth.

I couldn’t help but feel relieved.

And if this report made me known to the world, the association as well the government will not leave me alone.

My time to train would be decreased as a result.

Not only would I lose time, but Jin and his group would be able to confirm my growth, which could lead them into acting quicker than if they were left in the dark.

All I wanted to do was quietly earn money and laze about…

Learning about my infinite mana ability, these bugs keep swarming around me.

If there is a fly in the room during summertime, it’s obvious one would kill it and proceed to sleep.

Bugs are just bugs.

Rip their wings so they cannot fly.

And step on them to kill them.

* * * *

The day after, I tested out the S ranking skill Formless Sword Aura.

The skill wasn’t very complicated.

It casted each time I swung Banwol Jincheon.

Of course I could toggle it on and off as I wished.

But why would I toggle it off when I have infinite mana.

I knew nothing about wielding a sword.

However obtaining this skill allowed me to wield them without any issues.

I casted the sword aura on the Cerberus found in the level 21 dungeon where magic did not work.

“Kurur…”

As expected of a high ranking monster, it tried to avoid the attack by reading my killing intent.

I had aimed for its throat, but it received my attack with its back.

A huge amount of blood spilled from the deep wound, but it did not budge an inch.

However, it could not resist or react to the attack that followed.

“Ku.. Kaa…”

Exactly as the skill description read. After the first hit, the target cannot read or detect my sword aura for the next attack.

It did not have the time to determine where that attack was coming from and avoid it as well.

It had to receive my attack with all its senses sealed away.

The skill could destroy a level 21 monster in two hits.

Of course the first one was to apply the skill effect.

So really, it only took one attack to take it down.

From the sword to my hand, I could sense the tendons and bones being sliced apart, down to the minute details.

It gave me quite the goosebumps.

Almost like fighting your first Black Ghost in a dungeon?

However all monsters in the dungeon were just money to me.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Meteor and Iceberg both have leveled quite a lot.

I already have Awakened both skills after all.

After reaching level 100, both skills had their cast time and cool downs reduced by half.

The 10 minutes it took to both cast and wait for cool down had been reduced to 5 minutes.

If I was able to reach level 100 again after Awakening them, I would be able cast them without any cast time or cool downs.

Fire Shock and Gravity Laser had already reached level 100.

I had now arrived at where I can level up no more.

I had one Awakened Essence left!

I was planning to use them on either Formless Sword Aura or Glacial Field, depending on whichever hit level 100 first.

If I was able to master A+ and S ranking skills, I’d be something akin to those cheat-like characters.

* * * *

That’s how my hunting ended for that day.

Trying to get rid of the disgusting smell covering me, I was heading home.

Over encumbered with all these Blood Stones, I didn’t think I could be happier right now.

Since most Awakened avoided this dungeon, the area was quiet and still.

The restaurants and bathhouses were quite far away.

I was turning a dark corner that did not have a street light.

A bright red light came into view in front of me.

That light, I knew that glow.

‘Jin…’

I could tell it was Jin at once.

I could not make out the face, but it was almost as if that disgusting smile was visible.

Even if this area wasn’t dark, the shadowy mask would be covering it.

I was half glad to see him.

I was going to kill him one day. He came on his own.

I walked towards him.

Since I had just left the dungeon, the shield from Louver’s set was on.

And I was wearing the Lich King’s armor set.

I would only take 40% of the damage he dealt.

Casting all my shields, I walked towards him.

One more thing. I believed.

He was calmly staying in place.

“It’s been awhile, kid.”

He spoke in a mocking tone, as if taunting me.

His eyes were filled with confidence.

Was it because I wasn’t able to land anything the last time I attacked?

There was no way I was going to let him walk away alive today.

Pushing down my anger, I spoke to him.

“I said you will die the next time we meet. Did you think it was a joke?”

“Heh. Always a funny kid.”

“….”

“The offer to work with us. Did you think about it?”

“Offer? To take over the world? Not even funny. You know even villains don’t dream about that stuff nowadays?”

“Going against the flow till the end I see. Can’t be helped I guess.”

“What. I guess the order from above came? Kill the kitten before it grows into a tiger?”

“Since you already know, guess there is no need to explain.”

“Do I look like a kitten to you still?”

To my question, he pulled out his weapon.

He had never used a weapon before.

Instead he pressurized the air to use Assassin Weapon Throw before.

Him using a weapon must be a lot more deadlier.

“Even if you get in the way, you cannot change the tide.”

“…”

“Those with strength take control. Those without can do nothing but follow… Not very different from the current affairs, no?”

He took out a short sword the size of an upper arm.

He continued while giving out intense amounts of killing intent.

“Those you tried to protect, even they will bow their heads and wag their tails to the new world.”

“Did you know you made two huge mistakes. Should I let you know?”

“….”

“One. Without knowing your place, you pulled out a weapon in front of me.”

“Ahaha! Amusing as usual.”

“Two. I’m one heck of a mama’s boy!”

“…”

“ORAAA!”

Finishing my words, I casted Hold and Bind towards him.

His feet was bound tightly, and he could not move at all.

I stabbed him with Piercing Sword.

However, just as before, only black smoke remained where he was.

This wasn’t a dungeon, an area designated by the association, or even the Noblesse guild.

If I used anything like Meteor or Iceberg, the ruckus would bring in tons of people.

While hiding his form, I could only listen to the sound of his laughter.

“Ahahaha! Again, kid.”

‘I have to kill him quietly. As painfully as possible too.’

Suddenly.

An attack towards my head.

The short sword Jin was holding onto was stabbed into my shield.

It didn’t take long for the weapon’s form to disappear, as well as the shield to recover.

His attacks with a weapon were different from before.

Even with the 40% damage reduction, he had caused this much damage to my shield.

‘Awakened Assassin Weapon Throw. His attack skill with a weapon. Such power.’

A few seconds after the attack, a red glow flew in front of me.

Going through all my shields in one hit, the short sword scratched against my armor.

Aiming for the heart and neck, the weapon was stuck into the shoulder plate.

I was casting Mana Shield.

It was definitely a skill beyond ranking.

“KUHAHA! Seems you’re quite shaken, kid. Is it because the Mana Shield you trusted so much has become useless?”

His voice coming from the shadow was filled with confidence.

Recasting my shields, I grabbed both Banwol Jincheon with one hand.

If it was a regular sword like the one made by the blacksmiths, it would not be possible.

But the Banwol Jincheon that Gwidon dropped was plenty capable of doing so.

Once more came his cross cut attack.

He appeared before me again.

“Are you planning to grab me with your left hand or something?”

“Looks like you enjoy playing hide and seek. I really dislike running around to catch someone though.”

“Childish words from someone who’s about to die.”

“Really?”

Swinging my 2 stacked swords, it sounded like the air was being cut apart.

I had casted Formless Sword Aura.

As if sneering at my pathetic attempt, he casually hid his form.

It was then.

Almost like grabbing smoke, I held him by the collar.

 

“Wha-at?”

“Fun huh? Guess hide and seek is over? Now you’re it.”

In panic, he attacked in a flurry of slashes and kicks.

Attacking as if an animal with both feet, trying to rip apart his opponent. Reminded me of a wild animal, maybe like a cat.

Oh well. Without much concern, I slammed him to the ground.

With my near 1800 strength, the ground split.

The shock made his body go limp, as if a building that lost its foundations.

However there was no need to worry.

Most assassins raise points into dexterity, so their recovery rate is incredibly high.

This kind of injury should heal within moments.

He can’t die yet.

“Ku-kuhuk!”

Red blood flew from a fit of coughing.

Still, I did not let go of him.

Well, it could be fun to let him go so I can catch him again and bring him to near death.

However, I could not waste time, even if this is an area that’s desolate for the moment.

The reason why I was able to catch him as he hid his form in the shadows was the Eye of Insight skill that the midget got me.

A skill used by priests, it gave the user the ability to see through objects.

It was used for monsters that used stealth. And for detecting bosses.

However, the skill level needed to be higher than the monster’s skill level for stealth.

One amusing thing I found is that this skill did not work on mimics.

You could only find it by swinging blindly through the air until you hit something.

I had gotten the skill to level 100.

Jin’s Shadowstep was either level 100 or something below that.

Unlike Shadowstep, which gains experience each time it is used, the Eye of Insight gains experience per target hit.

To monsters that weren’t using stealth, their weaknesses were revealed.

It was, without a doubt, a very useful skill.

What if Jin’s Shadowstep was above level 100? What made me so sure?

Even if an assassin placed all their points into mana and kept using that skill for 40 years every time it was off cool down, it was impossible to master it.

At level 100, it would take 97 million experience to level up or so?

From his mouth, a painful moan came out.

“Kuhuk! Kuhuh!”

“There’s no time. Hurry up and heal.”

Facing the red glow from him, I continued to speak, expressionless.

It didn’t take long.

Almost as if his neck was realigning, he began to heal back up.

“Kuh.. how did you…”

“I’ll start the questions. You don’t have to answer all of it like a good boy. You’ll be telling me everything anyways.”

“Ku…huh..”

“Per question, 1 cm.”

“What… do you mean…?”

“Every time you avoid my question. The amount of your body that you’ll lose. It’ll be cut away instantly.”

“….”

I took off his mask, and stared at him with the eyes of a hunter looking for its prey.

“Where are they? Where are your bosses at?”

---

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51. Beautiful Flowers Attract Bugs

The Awakened special handling force had finished their meeting.

Vice CEO Kim Ho Jin had left.

After confirming he left, one man asked everyone a question.

“Hey. Who’s going to take the Kim Min-Cheol case?”

“If he’s someone that goes through level 23 dungeons as if nothing, wouldn’t I be risking my life if I were to take on this case? I have 3 kids. Ahem!”

“Oh. Of course senior shouldn’t be doing work like this,” the junior said as he massaged his shoulders.

He continued while glaring at everyone else at the table.

“If you want this case, raise your hand up quickly!”

They were too busy giving glances at one another.

But that only lasted for a moment.

One man raised his hand.

“I.. I will…”

“Oh! Se-Jin. You looked like a smart kid from the start. Confident? When you start off, you should start with the tough ones to get used to things quickly.”

“Yes…”

“And this is something the vice CEO specifically requested of us, so make sure the report looks good, okay?”

“Yes. I understand!”

“What did I say. All work?”

“In moderation!”

“Good. Do your best.”

“Yes!”

A tree cannot grow well if the roots are rotten.

The association worked just enough to keep up appearances.

* * * *

“Who are you?”

The man who was keeping me under surveillance was rummaging through his wallet for something.

With his trembling hand, he pulled out something and preceded to hand it over to me.

“Awakened Association Special Maintenance Force Se-Jin Kim.”

“From the Awakened Association?”

“Yes. That’s correct. Here is my ID.”

The man gave out his association ID with fear in his eyes.

The association was made up of the elites, keeping a tight control over the Awakened.

This man must be either someone with very low ranking or a new blood.

After checking his ID, I asked him a question.

“So, what’s the occasion?”

“That’s… Are you Kim Min-Cheol?”

“That’s correct.”

“What’s your age? How long have you been an Awakened for?”

“Are you here to do an interview?”

“Ah. This is part of protocol…”

“18 years old and about 4 months since I’ve Awakened.”

“Hm… Haven’t reached the age to get a license… If you have a school ID, could you show it to me?”

“Instead of only asking me questions, how about answering mine? What is this about.”

“You’ve been put under suspicion of using a stolen or forged Awakened ID and an investigation has been launched for you.”

“Illegal ID?”

“Yes. It’s only been 4 months since you’ve become Awakened, but we’ve been receiving data that you’ve been solo clearing the level 23 dungeon.”

Murmuring the words, he seemed to be trembling like a leaf.

‘Did I say I was going to devour him or something?’

Now I was able to grasp the situation.

I knew this would happen eventually.

Even on the first day I met Jong Ho.

When I received the reward for defending against the succubi portal explosion, I was put under suspicion as well.

Thankfully for the idiotic association member who only tried to get his work over with, I was able to avoid the annoying complications.

All he wanted to do was to confirm the ID that I was using.

Wouldn’t I just have to let him confirm and be done with it?

“Here it is. My school ID.”

“Sorry… I mean. Thank you.”

After receiving my school ID, he looked back and forth between the ID and my face to check.

“Wew….”

After checking my ID, he sighed in relief.

“All done?”

“Um… I’m sorry but can you also do a fingerprint testing..”

“…Wew.”

I felt bad for Se-Jin Kim, shaking in fear and working late into the night.

To get it over with as quickly as possible, I did as he wanted.

Beep.

My information came up.

“Thank you. It really is you. Sorry for all the trouble.”

“No worries. We’re done right?”

“Yes. The confirmation process is complete.”

“I’ll be going then.”

“It’s amazing. To be able to do a level 23 dungeon in 4 months…”

“See you…”

I didn’t want to waste any more time.

I left him behind and headed towards the bench.

‘I got away easy this time, but seems like things are going to get bothersome.’

One day, my identity would be revealed, but at least I wanted to live quietly until I defeated Jin and his group.

I called Se-Jin.

“Hey there.”

“Yes! Mr. Min-Cheol.”

“Let’s go eat to out sometime.”

“R..Really? Wow! Thank you. Thank you very much.”

Se-Jin nodded eagerly with joy.

Now for the actual reason of calling Se-Jin back.

“By the way, does this identity confirmation automatically get uploaded to the servers?”

“No. This stuff isn’t on the network. Why do you ask?”

“Please delay the report as long as possible then.”

“Huh? I’ve already confirmed that you aren’t an illegal Awakened yet. There’s no reason keep others suspicious of you.”

“Come on. Even if that’s the case, there’s no Awakened who accomplished what I did in 4 months.”

“That’s true.”

“The news on TV and newspapers will have me featured. If that happened, do you think other countries will leave me alone? They’ll be asking me to transfer over. That would be a loss for this country.”

“Aha! That makes sense.”

‘What the… I was able to convince Se-Jin that easily? What a naive person.’

“Ah… Yes… I’ll be counting on you.”

“Don’t you worry! That cannot happen!”

“Thank you. Then I’ll be on my way.”

“Yes. Fighting!”

Perhaps Se-Jin is an airhead like Tae-Seong from my class.

There were many Awakened with fame equivalent to idols.

I didn’t know if Se-Jin was acting, but I could tell that Se-Jin’s eyes shone with honesty.

* * * *

Se-Jin left, and now it was time to check my spoils.

Arriving at the bench, I dumped the contents of the backpack.

With one day’s worth of hunting, I had gathered this many bloodstones.

Between the pile of stones, I saw the skill books.

Something like the thrill of lotto?

Since I couldn’t tell the identity of the skill book until I scanned them, it was exciting.

I stacked the four skill books next to the bench, placing the skill book I got from the rank 1 Lich King at the very bottom.

“All right… let’s see!”

The first skill I confirmed was ‘Charging’.

Used by tanks or clerics, one uses a shield to push away an enemy.

Useless.

At least it wasn’t a Fire Ball or Cross Cut. An F ranking attack skill book would’ve been bad.

Because this skill book had quite the price on it.

Without delay, I checked the next skill book.

‘Charging Shot’ for the ranger class.

I could use skills from all classes, but I had to give up on this one.

It was only usable when equipping a bow or crossbow.

With repeated duds, I was becoming less excited.

Click.

“Wow!”

I couldn’t help but exclaim.

On the smartphone was the skill’s name.

‘Glacial Field.’

Out of all the A+ ranking skills, this was the first one I tried to get.

While it had an aoe freezing effect, the damage was quite lower than Meteor or Iceberg, so I had given up on learning it.

But if it comes to me like this, of course I have to learn it.

It was like an herbal medicine after a long exhausting hunt.

The finale! The only skill book left was the one I got from defeating the highest ranking Lich King.

The stronger the boss was, the better the skill book drop.

I had a good feeling about this one.

“Probably not a skill beyond A ranking, but give me a good one!”

As I put my finger on the smartphone, I became nervous.

After scanning the skill name, I felt it.

The skill explanation was as follows.

-Formless Sword Aura-

Usable class: Warrior (Other classes have 10 times the mana cost.)

Mana cost: Channeled. (Per tick, uses 1% of total mana.)

Skill introduction: *Cuts apart the target with speed that cannot be followed.

*Target cannot detect the sword aura.

*As the skill rises, the destructive force increases.

*Usable on (???)  ranking bosses.

Cooldown: None.

Duration: None.

Skill ranking: Attack S

Additional information: Using the skill increases user’s physical and magical defensive stats increase by 10%.

Estimated skill book cost: ???

“S rank?”

Warrior class skill ‘Formless Sword Aura’ was an S ranking attack skill.

Out of all the skills I’ve obtained so far, none were an S rank.

I only had 3 A+ ranking attack skills. ³

And that’s including the Glacial Field I got just now.

A ranking skills were not weak.

You can tell just by seeing it in action.

Meteor and Iceberg. No matter who the target was, they would receive massive amounts of damage.

But an S rank.

It wasn’t just the skill’s attack capability.

Looking at the additional information section, it said that I would obtain 10% physical and magical damage reduction.

Wearing the Lich King’s armor set, each piece granting 20% damage reduction, and adding this new skill, I’d only receive half the damage of any skills used against me.

“It seems I’m slowly becoming a monster?”

As everyone said, “Amateurs are based on gear.”

But at this point, I had already become a pro with all the ability and growth I’ve achieved.

And I had gear to boot.

It was almost enough to make me scared of myself.

Checking the skill book once more, I began to organize the stones.

Grabbing a fistful of stones and shoving them back into the bag.

It was to make sure no Awakened Essences would end up mixed with the stones.

“One, two, three. Almost threw away one.”

After repaying the essence to the midget, I now had 3 again.

It was nearly time to Awaken Meteor and Iceberg, both of which were nearing level 100.

The last one?

Of course I’d have to use it on Formless Sword Aura.

However, it would be difficult to raise this skill because it only hits a single target per use.

The condition for gaining experience for skills were a little bit different from skill to skill.

Most depended on how many targets it hit.

Explosion and Holy Missile were both single target skills.

That’s why I had not obtained level 100 with them even after one week of obtaining them.

Of course, I was using my infinite mana to level up my skills at an incredible rate already.

Not aoe’s, but single target skills are what differentiate me from other Awakened.

Thinking about that, I remembered the Assassin Weapon Throw that Jin used on me.

That skill was also a single target skill.

Dodging my attack as if it was nothing, I became more confused the more I thought about Jin. There was something wrong, but I couldn’t put my foot on it.

For that guy though, I had a present ready for him.

Hiding my evil grin, I headed home.

“My bag is stuffed more than usual today, hehe.”

---

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