《The Game of a Legendary Genius Dark Mage》 Chapter 0 20XX. The worlds first virtual reality was invented. At the same time, the first game based on that virtual reality was created. Eternal World. He boldly claimed that anything a player could do in real life could be recreated within the game. And the players agreed. No, perhaps they even praised it as something beyond reality. Anything the mind could conceive, it could achieve. That was the greatest feature Eternal World boasted. Chapter 1 Seong had been able to see ghosts since he was a child. He couldnt remember when it started. Because, for as long as he could recall, it had always been that way. And the ghosts never tried to harm him. Kid, if you head over there, youll find a 500-won coin! Oh my! Seong! If you go that way, theres a cute cat waiting for you! Haha! Seong, youve grown so much! Keep growing strong! The ghosts were always friendly to Seong. So there was no reason to be afraid of them. In fact, they were often far more helpful than harmful. Seeing ghosts felt so natural to him that, at first, he assumed everyone else could see them too. But as he grew older, he gradually began to realize He was the only one who could. Still, like any parents would, Seongs mother and father couldnt help but worry. The moment they learned their child could see ghosts, they took him to a psychiatrist. They didnt believe in ghosts, after all. But all they heard was: "His brain and all other functions appear perfectly normal. When psychiatry didnt help, they turned to shamans who were rumored to have supernatural abilities. Thats how desperate they were. But most of them turned out to be frauds. "Aah! Theres a spirit floating above the childs head!" "Huh? Not above my headits on your shoulder, maam." "Eeeek!" No one but Seong could actually see ghosts. Maybe it was because of that? Naturally, Seong became a well-known figure in the neighborhood from a young age. The boy who could see ghosts. But Seong didnt mind. Because it was the truth. He didnt think it was worth hiding. Lying about it seemed worse. Still, as he grew older, he came to understand Sometimes, lies were necessary. At first, he didnt know. He was too young to notice the judgmental staresor the fact that those stares eventually turned toward his family. Seong was too little to grasp how much his family suffered because of him. And so, for the first time, he lied. "Mom, I dont see them anymore." He just wanted his mom, dad, and sister to stop worrying about him. After they moved far away, their home was always filled with harmony. A doting older sister who cherished her younger brother, and parents who showered their children with love. Wherever they went, people always said what a happy family they were. Even when ghosts spoke to him, Seong only responded when he was alone. There were many times when their help came in handy, but he made sure to keep it hidden. Only his sister, Yu Mina, knew the truth. Maybe because of all this Having seen ghosts and received their help since childhoodSeong developed a calm and unshakable personality. It took a lot to surprise him. He was always composed. That demeanor made him quite popular among his peers. "Hey, Seong, did you hear about this?" "Yeah." "Huh? Howd you know? "Youre talking about the 10,000-won bill you found this morning, right? "What the?! How did you know?!" Seongs mysterious aura, almost like that of a prophet, certainly added to his appeal. Still, he had grown up wellso well that his parents no longer had to worry about him. In fact, he even served as a first-class soldier during his mandatory military service. When Seong finally returned home after being discharged, his usual calm expression shifted to one of mild confusion as he looked at his sister, Yu Mina. He had heard about the family moving to a new house. He had even heard that Mina sold his old computer. But no one had mentioned the massive capsule that was now sitting in his room. "What is that?" "Oh! You noticed it, Seong!" "How could I not? If Id missed something that big, they probably wouldve exempted me from service for poor eyesight. His sister really was something. Not many sisters would spend this much money on their younger brother, even if they could afford it. And yet Wait, this thing can make money? Hed heard the rumors. Even during his service, his juniors often talked about playing Eternal World at capsule cafe?s during leave. Seong had never paid much attention, though, since he wasnt particularly interested in games. Who wouldve thought his sister would go so far as to buy him one? And apparently, this game wasnt just for funit could make absurd amounts of money. If Mina hadnt mentioned that during dinner, Seong probably wouldnt have given it a second thought. After all, wasnt it just a game? But Mina said shes making money with it too. Jumping in right away wasnt Seongs style. No matter what he did, he preferred to research and prepare first. He had always been the type to test the waters before crossing, even as a child. Caution never hurt anyone. Rather than logging in late at night, it made more sense to gather information and start fresh in the morning. Seong sat up from his bed and settled in front of his computer. Where should he start? Mina had already given him plenty of advice. Which beginner town to choose, what to focus on first, and even where to find hidden items that only spawned in certain areas. He wasnt particularly curious about how she knew all this. She had always been sharp, even as a kid, so it wasnt surprising. "Hindel Village, right?" Seong started by looking it up. An overwhelming flood of information filled his screen, making his eyes dart back and forth. The deeper he read, the clearer the picture became. "A village of heroes and demons, huh?" Mina had explained it to him, but seeing the visuals made it all the more convincing. A statue of the Heros party stood in the center of the village, where countless players gathered to pay their respects. The Hero of Hindel. The place where he grew up and ultimately defeated the Demon King. It was fascinating. And it wasnt just the village "I cant believe a game like this exists." Seong might have looked calm, but deep down, he was stunned. Without changing his expression, he kept scrolling through videos, absorbing every detail. Even though they were just clips of beginners exploring Hindel Village, the scenes felt more alive than any footage hed ever seen. CG from movies couldnt even come close to this level of realism. It was so vivid that it felt like reality itself. Seong couldnt help but be drawn in. "Incredible." Eternal World. Another realityan eternal world. The name suited it perfectly. The more he watched, the more intrigued he became. If Mina hadnt pushed him to try it, he might not have bothered. But now, Seong was certain. Even if his sister hadnt suggested it, he wouldve ended up diving into this world sooner or later. He wasnt a huge fan of games, but this felt like something more. Something far beyond a simple game. Not playing it almost felt like a loss. For the first time in a long while, Seong felt an excited thrill bubbling inside him. He even smiled without realizing it. As he was about to search for more videos, Seong suddenly blinked and tilted his head. Weird. Was he just tired? He rubbed his eyes and looked back at the screen. But it was still there. In one of the videos, among the bustling crowds, was a faint, smoke-like figure that looked as if it might dissolve at any moment. Its outline flickered like broken pixels. Seong knew exactly what it was. "Why do I see a ghost in the game?" It was the shape of a ghost. Chapter 2 Even after rewatching the video, Seong could still see the ghost. Out of curiosity, he started browsing other videos, and to his surprise, the ghostly figures appeared in those as well. Was this some kind of paranormal footage? This is fascinating. Seong had always been able to spot ghosts in videos, but those were spirits from the real world. Until now, he had never seen ghosts inside a game. But in Eternal World, there they were. Ghosts dressed in medieval attire, almost like the spirits of NPCs. What exactly was going on? He wasnt sure, but one thing felt certain. Theyre real ghosts. It was just a gut feelingbut Seongs intuition when it came to ghosts had never been wrong before. Even the so-called gifted shamans his parents had dragged him to couldnt see spirits. Only Seong could. So if his instincts told him these were real, then they probably were. He mulled it over carefully. Firstcould other players see them? Judging by the comments and reactions in the videos, no one had mentioned anything about ghosts. Secondwere they visible only to NPCs? That didnt seem to be the case either. NPCs passed right through the ghosts without acknowledging them, as if they didnt exist. Lastlycould they just be hidden NPCs? But no Regular NPCs and players have icons or names above their heads. These figures didnt have anything like that. Given both his intuition and the evidence, Seong was convincedthey were ghosts. Ghosts inside the game. Who wouldve thought Minas joke might actually be true? Maybe Minas more insightful than I gave her credit for. Or was the game just that mysterious? Either way, the important part was this There are ghosts in the game. And ghosts have always been friendly to me. No matter what kind of spirit it was, theyd always liked Seong. They were constantly eager to help him. It was just a hunch, but it felt certain that the games ghosts would be the same. And if the ghosts in Eternal World were willing to help him Couldnt he use them to find hidden pieces that other players couldnt? The kind of treasures that only the dead would know about. After all, hadnt people always said, The dead tell no tales? But if Seong could speak to the dead Id be able to learn a lot. Excitement sparked in his chest as Seong smiled to himself. Looking forward to logging in the next day, he drifted off to sleep. ***** Seong woke up feeling completely refreshed. It was the kind of morning he hadnt experienced in the militarylight and easy. After enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by his mother, Lee Nakyung, and taking a quick shower, he headed back to his room. Alright... It was time. Seong already knew how to enter the capsule and log into the game. Mina had made sure of thatdrilling the instructions into his head so thoroughly he could practically recite them in his sleep. With Eternal World boasting over 2 billion players, it was impossible not to feel a tinge of excitement. Most of all, he was curious. What would the ghosts in the game be like? Could they really lead him to hidden pieces and secrets? By the time Seong was ready, Mina had already finished breakfast and disappeared into her own capsule. Seong followed suit, climbing into his capsule and logging in. At first, it felt like his consciousness was being sucked into something. Then came the sensation of floating, as though he was drifting through empty space. Moments later, he opened his eyes to find himself in a pure white room. As his feet gently touched the ground, letters began to appear before him. ________________ [Welcome to Eternal World.] [No registered account detected.] [Would you like to create an account?] [Yes / No] ____________________ "Oh!" Even just seeing the floating text windows in front of him was astonishing. How did they create something like this? It was incredible. It felt even more vivid than what he had seen in videoslike stepping into an entirely different reality. Now that you understand, pick one of the iron swords hanging over there and destroy a scarecrow. As Gruuger spoke, a quest window popped up. __________ [Forced Quest: "Tutorial" has been created.] "Tutorial" [Basics] Select one of the iron swords displayed in the training area and destroy a scarecrow. Reward: 1 Silver, Training Certificate. __________ So this was how quests worked. Seong nodded and replied, Got it. He was about to walk toward the swords when he saw it A faint, smoky figure. Transparent, yet undeniably human-shaped. A ghost. It was clearer than ever now that he saw it in person. Just like the ghosts in the real world, this one was definitely real. Which meant... It might listen to me. To top it off The ghost was wearing the same uniform as Gruuger. A former instructor, perhaps? That could make things easier. Seong already knew about the tutorials hidden piece. Mina had told him about it, and it was no secret among experienced players. Apparently, there was a Steel Sword mixed in with the regular iron ones. It had better durability and higher attack power, but The problem was that all the swords looked exactly the same. Some players with sharp eyes could pick it out, but most couldnt. Seong glanced around. Several players were inspecting the swords carefully, but none seemed to have found the Steel Sword. But if that ghost really was a former instructor, wouldnt it know which one was the Steel Sword? Seong approached the weapons rack. From a distance, Gruuger watched him with a frown. Hmph. At least he has manners... But his movementshis posture and stridemade it clear he wasnt athletic. Gruuger had occasionally encountered outsiders who stood outthose who had trained in martial arts or played sports. But Seong didnt give off that impression at all. Gruugers expectations dropped immediately. He was just another average outsider. Manners didnt equate to talent. While Gruuger dismissed him, Seong quietly glanced at the ghost near the weapons rack and whispered under his breath. Hello? WhaHoly sh*t! Y-You can see me?! The ghost flinched and swore in shock. But despite the outburst, its eyes glowed with warmth and curiosity. Just like the ghosts Seong had met in the real world. Seong nodded and whispered again. Do you know which one is the Steel Sword? The ghost immediately broke into a wide grin, like a proud grandfather looking at his grandson. Of course! As a former instructor, I know it like the back of my hand! Not that oneover here! Thank you. Seong quietly thanked the ghost and followed its directions. As he did, he couldnt shake the odd feeling that lingered. What is this? Talking to the ghost felt different than it did in reality. He already knew Eternal World was incredibly realistic. But this Even the ghosts felt more vivid here. It was a sensation unlike anything hed experienced before, but Seong brushed it off. Ghosts had never harmed him before, and he knew instinctively They wouldnt start now. Soon, the ghost pointed to one of the swords. Thats the one! The Steel Sword! Got it. Without hesitation, Seong reached out and grabbed it. The moment he touched the sword, the selection was locked, preventing him from choosing another. To the others, it looked like hed casually scanned the rack, walked over, and picked a sword at random. Most of them assumed he wasnt even looking for the Steel Sword. But then A dazzling light burst forth from the weapon in Seongs hands. W-What?! Thats the Steel Sword?! No way! He just picked it like it was nothing?! The proof was undeniable. Seong had found the hidden piece. Chapter 3 "Oh." Seong let out a calm exclamation as he gazed at the radiant glow emanating from the Steel Sword. It certainly had a special effect that made it stand out. Simultaneously, a message appeared before him. [You have discovered the Steel Sword in the tutorial.] [Item acquired: Steel Sword.] [Your keen perception has led you to the Steel Sword.] [Title acquired: Keen Perception.] Not only had he obtained the Steel Sword, but he also earned a title. He had heard about this, but the rewards were surprisingly generous. "What are the effects?" Steel Sword Normal+ A sword forged from steel. More durable and powerful than a regular iron sword. Keen Perception Rare A title granted to users who discover the Steel Sword in the tutorial through exceptional insight. Increases critical hit rate by 10%. Quite impressive. The title was even more valuable than the Steel Sword itself. A 10% increase in critical hit rate was no joke. Seong nodded quietly, acknowledging the significance. Damn... that really is the Steel Sword! How the hell did he manage to pull that off so confidently...? As Seong drew the Steel Sword, one nearby player exclaimed, while another expressed disbelief. After all, it seemed like Seong hadnt deliberated at all. He simply walked up and grabbed the weapon without hesitationand it turned out to be the Steel Sword. Their shock was understandable. But it wasnt just the players who were stunned. Instructor Gruugers eyes also widened to an almost comical size as he stared at Seong. To Gruuger, Seong had seemed utterly ordinary in terms of talent. But was it possible his perception was sharper than expected? "Remarkable," Gruuger thought. To pick so quickly and accuratelyit was something even he couldnt do with such confidence. Still, Gruugers astonishment stopped there. Having a keen eye was beneficial, but it didnt necessarily correlate with skill in wielding a sword. No matter how good ones perception, it didnt mean they could handle a weapon proficiently. And from Gruugers perspective, Seong was a thoroughly average individual in terms of talent. In fact, Gruuger was correct. Seong had never excelled in physical activities since childhood. He wasnt particularly skilled or incompetentjust entirely average. Gruuger assessed Seong and concluded, "Even with the Steel Sword, hell need at least ten strikes to take it down." A genuinely talented individual might defeat the scarecrow in two or three hits. A prodigy could do it in one. But for Seong, such feats were out of reach. Even if Gruuger couldnt discern Seongs perceptiveness, he was an expert at judging physical potential. For Seong, ten strikespossibly morewould be necessary. As Gruuger contemplated this, Seong was having similar thoughts. "This might be tough." No one knew Seongs abilities better than he did. He had no natural talent for physical endeavors. While he had secured the Steel Sword, cutting down the scarecrow in a single strike was beyond him. Still, the Steel Sword would make the task easier than with an ordinary iron sword. That was as far as his expectations went as he gripped the Steel Sword. "Whoa there! Thats not how you hold a sword, lad!" ...? "You wont get far gripping it like that. Look here, watch me, and do as I do." The ghost of the former instructor, who had introduced himself earlier, interjected to correct Seongs posture. But talent wasnt something that could simply be imparted by demonstration. If someone could replicate a skill after being shown, it was proof of their inherent talent. Seong was about to dismiss the ghosts adviceuntil he felt something peculiar. "Huh?" A strange sensation coursed through him. To be precise, it was less of a "power" and more of a "memory"no, "experience." Unlike the ghosts hed encountered in the real world, this ghost imparted something entirely unique. The sensation was that of countless instances of gripping a sword"memories" or "experiences" that had accumulated over time. The ghosts lifetime of expertise seemed to flow directly into Seong. It was as if Seong himself had become the ghost, vividly recalling the "memories" and "experiences" of wielding a sword. "So, this is how its done?" Relying on the ghosts "memories" and "experiences," Seong adjusted his grip.@@@@ The result was immediatea feeling of lightness and familiarity. The sword felt natural in his hands, as if it had always been there. Extraordinary... no, truly remarkable! Hm? In my time as an instructor, I never thought Id encounter a genius like you. Gruuger had seen his fair share of outsiders who managed to obtain the Steel Sword and cut down the scarecrow in a single strike. But Seong was different. Gruuger had been certain that he wouldnt make itand yet, the result had been shocking. I shall award you a medal. At Gruugers declaration, a flood of messages filled Seongs vision. [You have defeated the scarecrow in a single strike.] [Title acquired: One Strike!.] [You have achieved an accomplishment in the tutorial.] [You have received a reward for the accomplishment.] [Tutorial rewards have been enhanced.] [Recognized by Tutorial Instructor Gruuger.] [Title acquired: Instructors Medal.] [You have received the tutorial reward.] [Rewards have been enhanced.] [You have acquired 10 Silver, a Training Certificate, and Gruugers Recommendation Letter.] As the barrage of messages overwhelmed his vision, Gruuger handed something to Seong. And take this. It seemed to be the money, training certificate, and recommendation letter. Seong quickly dismissed the messages cluttering his view and accepted the rewards from Gruuger. Thank you. No, it is I who should thank you. Youve expanded my narrow perspective. ...Excuse me? Ha-ha-ha! Never mind! Oh, and that recommendation letter will allow you to go straight to the village chief. Keep that in mind. Oh. Seongs face lit up visibly at Gruugers words. To leave this beginner village, one had to meet the village chief, but the process typically involved completing a series of tedious quests. The quests werent just pointlessthey were practically chores, and most players hated them. But this recommendation letter allowed him to bypass all of that and head straight to the chief. It was an incredibly useful reward. Seong hadnt expected to receive anything this valuable. It was all thanks to the ghost. While he had initially thought achieving titles like One Strike! or Instructors Medal was impossible, the unexpected power hed felt had carried him this far. As he was about to express his gratitude, another unexpected message appeared. [You have demonstrated abilities beyond your current stats through an unknown power.] [Strength +3, Agility +2 have permanently increased.] What... is this? A message stating that he had gained stats through an unknown power. Seong was understandably baffled. Ive never heard of a hidden mechanic like this. 0. In the Eternal Worlds control center, the AI system known as Immortal was observing and managing all aspects of the game. It monitored events as they occurred, transmitting significant occurrences to E-World, the company behind the game. During its routine surveillance, Immortal identified an anomaly. A player had acquired the titles One Strike! and Instructors Medal. The achievement of cutting down the scarecrow in one strike after obtaining the Steel Sword wasnt unheard of. While rare, it had been accomplished by several players before. It was noteworthy, but not unprecedented. However, this case was different. Based on the players physical vital signs and other metrics, it should have been impossible. The data didnt lie. Yet, for a brief moment, the players stats had spiked dramatically, altering every metric. In particular, the Strength and Agility stats had shifted. [This phenomenon is inexplicable.] Immortal couldnt comprehend it. While occasional bursts of concentration might cause minor increases in physical stats, this degree of fluctuation was unprecedented. Moreover, the sync rate of the playerSeonghad also changed. The sync rate, a measure of how well a player adapted to the virtual reality environment, was used to gauge their natural talent in the game. Typically, fluctuations in sync rate were minor, ranging from 1% to 2%. But Seongs sync rate had suddenly skyrocketed to 100%, as if he had become an NPC. This was an impossibility. Even the highest recorded sync rates barely reached the low 90s. And yet, Seong had hit 100%. It was an incomprehensible event. Fortunately, Immortals creator, the genius developer Park Won, had anticipated such anomalies. [It is classified as an unknown power.] Park Won had designed the system to recognize and accommodate extraordinary phenomena. Accepting this classification, Immortal designated the event as an instance of "unknown power" and assessed an appropriate reward. [Rewards will be granted.] Thus, Seong had gained additional Strength and Agility. Immortals actions were immediately relayed to the E-World User Management Team, where chaos erupted. Chapter 4 1. E-World User Management Team. Despite the name, the User Management Team wasnt tasked with restricting users or interfering with their gameplay. Instead, their role was to monitor user activity to prevent potential accidents and ensure smooth gameplay. In other words, it was essentially the department responsible for managing user data. Most of the users under their observation were those who had achieved significant milestones in the game. Obtaining the Steel Sword in the tutorial or defeating the scarecrow in a single strike automatically placed a user under their radar. Seong was no exception. Though, in his case, there was a unique twist... What is this? Unknown power? Wait, how does something like this increase stats? And in the tutorial, no less? Y-yeah, thats what Im wondering too! Lee Won-sang, a senior team member, tilted his head in confusion, while his junior, Oh Jin-hyuk, scratched his head awkwardly. If someone as experienced as Lee Won-sang didnt understand, how could Jin-hyuk possibly know? Unknown power? What the hell was that supposed to mean? Lee Won-sang had worked in the User Management Team for a considerable time, but this was the first time hed encountered anything like this. Feeling perplexed, he decided to ask Immortal, the games AI, for clarification. [Immortal, what is unknown power?] [It is classified as unknown power.] ...? What does that even mean? Frustrated, he typed another question. [What exactly is this unknown power?]@@@@ [It refers to a force currently undefined within Eternal World.] [Is it a bug?] [The probability of a bug occurring in the current Eternal World is close to zero. This phenomenon is determined to stem from user capability rather than a bug.] Faced with this vague response, Lee Won-sang couldnt hold back and yelled. Then what the hell am I supposed to do with this! P-please calm down, sir! Hah... hah... In the end, since Immortal had labeled it as an unknown power and not a bug, he decided to let it go for now. While it wasnt ideal, it didnt seem like a critical issue either... Still, how does someones stats increase like that in a beginner village...? Y-yeah, its strange... Hah... Lets just keep monitoring him since hes already flagged as a user of interest. But this is definitely unusual. Based on his initial stats, Seong shouldnt have been able to achieve these results. Yet, the sudden surge in his stats was undeniably peculiar. Although the numbers had settled back down, they were still higher than before. Even the sync ratehow well a players virtual avatar adapted to the gamehad fluctuated dramatically. This level of disparity in data was unprecedented. ...Looks like Ill need to write a report on this soon. While Lee Won-sang was consumed by uneasy thoughts, Oh Jin-hyuk suddenly exclaimed. Oh? Sir, his stats just spiked again! What?! It hadnt been that long, and they were increasing again? Who was this person? This is getting ridiculous. Little did Lee Won-sang know, his offhand remark about the situation being ghostly was closer to the truth than he could have imagined. 2. Farewell! Dont hesitate to visit if you need help! Ha-ha-ha! Use it well! It was a pleasure meeting you! Youre welcome to return anytime! Gruuger and the ghost, now resembling a pair of master and disciple, bid Seong farewell. Bowing politely, Seong left the training area. Outside, Seong reflected on the experience with a sense of wonder. The memories and experiences from the ghost had merged with his own, almost as if they were truly his. For a moment, he could vividly feel the rhythm of swordsmanship, as if he had become a master who had swung a sword thousands, no, tens of thousands of times. It was a first for him. Though the memories were distinct from his own, they felt undeniably real. Fascinating. Seong glanced at his hands. They were smooth, soft palms that didnt bear the scars of hardship. Yet within them lay deep, profound experiences and memories. Learning the Butchering skill wasnt easy, but it was highly recommended in every guide. To acquire the skill, he would need to accept a quest from the butcher. It was a skill that would remain useful throughout his journey and was considered essential. When Seong arrived at the butcher shop, he saw groups of players gathered there in clusters. As he approached, the voice of a middle-aged woman, loud enough to rattle the windows, rang out. "I said, bring me proper meat!" Even from outside, Seong could hear her booming voice. He peeked in, curious. Inside, he saw a player holding a mess of poorly butchered meat, being scolded by the woman. It was clear to Seong that the problem was the state of the meat. Even at a glance, it was bad enough to make him wince. "Shes picky." "What did you say?! Would you eat this crap yourself?!" "I mean, how can I do a good job when I dont have the Butchering skill..." "So, you thought bringing me this garbage would be acceptable?!" "Ah! My ears!" "The only thing falling apart is this hunk of meat you brought me! Wheres the rest of it? Did you throw it away and bring me this trash? I wont accept it! Bring me proper meat next time!" Her voice was so loud that it practically shook the walls. Seong covered his ears as he watched the player, dejected, shuffle out of the shop carrying their mangled meat. "Ugh, I worked so hard on that..." "I dont care how hard you worked! Bring me proper meat next time! Next!" As she yelled, the next player glanced at their equally pathetic piece of meat, chuckled nervously, and quickly followed the previous player out of the shop. Most players were doing the sameleaving with downcast expressions and poorly butchered meat. The few who managed to sell their meat still faced scolding or received only a small amount of money. Complaints about the low prices were met with the womans sharp retorts. "Then bring me better meat next time!" "Fine! Fine!" Players grumbled as they left. "Shes so picky." "Yeah, isnt meat just meat?" "It all tastes the same when its cooked!" "It all ends up the same in your stomach anyway!" "You little brats!" Her shouting sent the players scattering, and the butcher let out a sigh. "Whats wrong with these outsiders? Theyre hopeless." If it werent for the village chiefs orders, she would have turned them all away and only done business with the villagers. While she fumed, Seong stepped up to her counter. "Huh? What do you want?" "Um, can I sell you meat if I bring some?" "What a roundabout way to say you want a quest!" "Ugh." Seong winced and covered his ears at her loud voice. The butcher, Marlen, squinted at him suspiciously. Shed seen plenty of weak-looking outsiders before. Some of them even asked how to catch a rabbit, let alone butcher one. Marlen stared at Seong, assuming he was another one of those types. But Seong simply tilted his head, looking at her curiously, as if wondering what the problem was. Her astonishment turned to disbelief. "Hmph! Take the quest and get out of my sight! But if you bring me junk, Ill have plenty to say!" "Yes, thank you." [A Forced Quest, Meat Delivery, has been created.] Meat Delivery Basic Before setting out on an adventure, its a long-standing tradition for adventurers to earn money by selling meat to the butcher. Hunt rabbits or deer and bring their meat to the butcher. Reward: 1 Silver per rabbit meat and hide. Caution: Poor-quality meat may be rejected by the butcher. Tip: Pay attention to your butchering. Something extraordinary might happen! The quest came with detailed tips and warnings. Seong nodded as he read it and left the shop without a fuss. Marlen watched him leave with a curious expression. "What a peculiar outsider." Though he seemed timid, his calm demeanor was oddly striking. Still, she assumed he would bring her the same mangled meat as the others. Adventurers in the past and now the outsiders rarely brought decent meat. Occasionally, someone managed to get it right, but those cases were few and far between. Marlen didnt expect Seong to be any different. With that thought, she quickly dismissed him from her mind and shouted once more. "Next!" Chapter 5 3. Eternal World lived up to its reputation as another world, boasting extraordinary realism. NPCs were equipped with advanced AI, behaving so convincingly human-like that they blurred the line between game and reality. Monsters, too, were crafted with intelligence that made them feel like living beings. For beast-type monsters, acquiring items required players to butcher thema mechanic adding yet another layer of immersion. Though some players found butchering inconvenient, many appreciated the realism it brought to the game. The fact that this mechanic applied only to beast-type monsters made it tolerable, even enjoyable for some. Still, its inconveniences werent completely ignored. The hunting ground near the starter village was one such place where butchering was unavoidable. This area, teeming with rabbits, served as both a habitat for beast-type monsters and an important training ground for novice players to learn the basics of hunting and butchering. Even now, countless players were dashing around in pursuit of the elusive rabbits. Damn it! Arent these things way too fast?! Ugh, and theyre so small! Theyre hard to hit! Argh! My shin! Watch it!@@@@ S-sorry! Catching a rabbit required more than brute force. It demanded skill. The swift and nimble rabbits could effortlessly change direction, leaving beginner players struggling to keep up. Their small size also made them difficult to target. Swinging a weapon at random usually resulted in futilely striking the ground. At best, this wasted effort. At worst, it damaged the weapons durability, leading to unnecessary losses just to take down a single rabbit. Screw it! Im switching to mage class! Me too! Mages dont need butchering skills, right? ...Youll still need to butcher stuff, though. Ugh. Some players tried to deny reality, but butchering was an essential skilleven for mages. If you had enough money, you could avoid it altogether, but for most players, it was a necessary evil. As the collective frustration of novice players mounted, Seong finally arrived at the hunting grounds. Oh. Seong was surprised by the sheer number of players. While hed heard that Hindel Village was a popular starting point, he hadnt expected this level of activity. Even more surprising was how many players seemed to be failing. Sure, it looked difficultbut was it really that hard? Hmm, is it really that bad? Had this been before hed gained the memories of the former instructor, Seong might have thought so. But now? He didnt feel the same way. For some reason, he felt confident. I think I can handle this. Seong opened his inventory and retrieved the Steel Sword. Unlike during the tutorial, it no longer emitted any special effects. Once a hidden item was uncovered, the visual cues vanished. He swung the sword lightly a few times to test its weight. It moved effortlessly, following his will. This should do. Nearby players noticed Seong and couldnt help but snicker. Hey, look. A new guy just showed up. Pfft, hes got that How hard could it be? look on his face. Ah, the smell of a newbie. Remember when we were like that? Though they had only arrived earlier that day, they acted as if they were veterans. Despite their smugness, none of them had managed to catch a rabbit yet. Seongs casual test swings must have looked amusing to them. Do you think he can even catch one rabbit like that? Pfft, not a chance. Yeah, you cant just swing a sword and hope for the best. Hes got no clue. Unaware of their mockery, Seong adjusted his grip on the sword. The Steel Sword, roughly the size of a longsword, seemed too unwieldy for catching rabbits. Experienced players knew just how tricky it was to catch the low-to-the-ground creatures with a longsword. Even landing a hit by sheer luck wouldnt guarantee a kill. Rabbits typically required three or four hits to take down due to their deceptively high health. For beginners, they were notoriously challenging opponents. The players mocking Seong knew this better than anyone, having spent the entire morning failing themselves. Did they not exist here? He considered that the presence of so many beginner players might make it unlikely. Still, it couldnt hurt to take a closer look. Hmm, I feel something... but maybe not. He sensed something faintly but dismissed it when nothing materialized. After all, butchering could be done manually if necessary. He didnt have to rely on ghosts all the time. As he resolved to handle it himself, a voice suddenly called out from the distance. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Thats no way to butcher. The voice, grumbling in dissatisfaction, clicked its tongue. Seongs ears perked up, and he immediately dashed toward the sound. There, he spotted the ghost hed been hoping to find. The ghost was dressed in a hunters outfit made of tiger hide, complete with a longbow slung across his back and several axes at his belt. A bandit? The ghost flinched in shock. What?! No! Im a hunter! Waithold on, can you see me? The ghost, who introduced himself as a Hunter, was astonished. This was the first time anyone, alive or dead, had noticed him since his passing. Unfazed by the ghosts reaction, Seong asked directly. So, how does one properly butcher? The ghost burst into a hearty laugh. Hah! Youve come to the right person! I, the great hunter Apik, shall teach you, young one! Thank you. Seong bowed slightly, showing his gratitude. Apik, clearly pleased, laughed even louder. No, no! Its I who should thank you. Its rare to find someone worthy of my knowledge. Now then, have you caught any rabbits? Yes, quite a few. Ho-ho! Let me see them, then. At Apiks request, Seong retrieved the twenty rabbit carcasses from his inventory. Apiks eyes widened at the sight. Each rabbit had been cleanly decapitated, leaving no jagged edges or signs of struggle. It had been ages since hed seen such precise work. These cuts... This level of mastery requires decades of practice with a blade... Pardon? Ah, nothing! I was just complimenting your work. Well done! Thank you. Ha-ha-ha! With such clean kills, the meat and hides will surely be of the highest quality! Listen carefully, young one, and I shall teach you everything. Seong nodded, attentively absorbing Apiks instructions. Proper butchering begins with a clean kill. The smoother the death, the higher the quality of the materials harvested. These rabbits are a perfect example. I see. A single, decisive strike ensures not only better quality but also spares the animal unnecessary suffering. Its an act of mercy, really. Seong scratched his cheek, feeling slightly embarrassed by the praise. Apik chuckled before continuing his lesson. He explained the intricacies of butcheringhow to properly use the blade, how to separate the meat from the hide, and how to handle various types of game. As Apik shared his memories and experiences, Seong felt a familiar sensation. So, this is what its like to receive a ghosts teachings. The memories and experiences of a seasoned hunter flowed into him, from the precise techniques for skinning animals to the optimal methods for cutting meat. The flood of knowledge left Seong feeling as if hed spent years honing these skills. Without hesitation, he drew a butchering knife and began working on one of the rabbit carcasses. His movements, though bold, were deliberate and precise. Despite being a novice, he worked with the confidence and skill of a seasoned butcher. The meat and hide separated cleanly, leaving nothing to waste. Apik erupted into hearty laughter at the sight. Hahaha! Thats it! Thats the way of the great hunter Apik! As Apik reveled in laughter, a familiar series of messages appeared before Seong. [You have demonstrated abilities beyond your current stats with Unknown Power.] [A new stat, Dexterity, has been created.] [Agility +3, Dexterity +2 have been permanently increased.] [You have successfully completed your first butchering!] [Skill acquired: Butchering.] [Title acquired: Expert Butcher.]** Expert Butcher RareAwarded to users who successfully complete their first butchering.Increases the quality of butchered materials by 15%. Butchering Normal[Lv 1][Growth-Type Skill][Instant Effect][Passive]Allows for easier and more efficient butchering with minimal loss. As he read through the messages, Seong smirked. Looks like making money will be easier than I thought. Chapter 6 4. How many times do I have to tell you?! This isnt meat!!! Ahhh! Marlens butcher shop was as busy as ever, packed with players. But every single one of them seemed to leave with nothing but scolding. Even those who had learned the Butchering skill werent spared. Whats the point of butchering if you dont put thought into it?! Look at this messchunks hacked off like youre cleaving firewood! B-but at least its... functional, right? Functional? Eek! With an exaggerated sigh, Marlen tossed the player a handful of coins and shooed them out. Having the Butchering skill didnt matter if it was used without care. Most players merely relied on the skill to automate the process, resulting in subpar meat. The quality of meat they brought in reflected their carelessness. Some even used blunt weapons to kill the animals, damaging the meat beyond salvage. Whoever started the rumor that pounded meat is more tender clearly didnt account for rabbits. Rabbit meat beaten with clubs or blunt weapons was practically ruined. Seeing one botched piece of meat after another only deepened Marlens frustration. Today was no differenther voice was already hoarse from all the yelling. But then, a face she had tucked away in her memories resurfaced. Seong had arrived. Huh? What now?! The peculiar outsider. But if he was back so soon, he was probably no different from the others. Marlen narrowed her eyes, fully prepared to tear into him the moment he took out his meat. However, Seong, unfazed by her glare, calmly placed twenty rabbit carcasses worth of meat and hides in front of her. Look at this!!! This meat is Marlen trailed off mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing as she inspected the meat more closely. Her usual scolding died on her lips. Something was different. Seong met her gaze with his usual calm demeanor as she hesitated, scrutinizing the items before her. This is... incredible!!! Her exclamation shocked not only Seong but also the players watching from afar. Marlen is giving a compliment?! What?! Marlen, the Butcher Queen... complimented someone?! Ah! My Marlen just praised another player! How could she?! Who even are you, man?! The players, who had frequented Marlens shop numerous times, couldnt believe their ears. This was the first time theyd ever heard her praise someones meat. And it wasnt just any praise. It was effusive. This... This is remarkable... Marlens jaw dropped, her eyes filling with emotion. She even pulled out a handkerchief to dab away her tears. Seong, slightly taken aback by the dramatic reaction, scratched his cheek awkwardly. Is it really that impressive? After dealing with so many poor-quality submissions from outsiders, Marlen couldnt help but feel overwhelmed by the sight of such pristine cuts of meat. It had been far too long since shed seen anything this cleanly prepared. Regaining her composure, Marlen held up one of the rabbit carcasses and addressed the other players. Everyone, take a good look at this! This is how you properly butcher meat! See how neatly and kindly its been doneslaughtered with a single clean strike to minimize suffering, bled out immediately to preserve the texture, and gutted properly to avoid damaging the quality! This is what real butchering looks like! The players were stunned, even more so than before. My god, its possible to get meat that clean?! Even with the Butchering skill, I couldnt manage that! Wow... Im so jealous. Wahhh, my Marlen! My Marlen is...! NormalA title awarded to users recognized for their butchering skills by the butcher shop.Increases the selling price of self-butchering meat and hides by 10%.RareA set of butchering tools of exceptional quality.10% increase in butchering speed.10% improvement in the quality of butchered goods. While he couldnt fully absorb all their memories, the growth in his abilities was undeniable. From the martial skills inherited from the former instructor to the dexterity and hunting techniques gained from Hunter Apik, Seong could feel his talents expanding. Receiving these abilities from ghosts made the game far more enjoyable. What could be more exciting than this? As Seong reveled in his progress, he noticed a ghostly figure moving in the distance. It seemed even the village wasnt exempt from wandering spirits. At first, Seong thought little of it, but then the ghost began moving erratically, teleporting toward him in a manner straight out of a horror movie. The figure was that of an elderly man, and while most would have been startled by such an approach, Seong remained unfazed. My sister wouldve loved this. His sister, who adored ghost stories and supernatural phenomena, would have been delighted by this scene. For Seong, it felt more like a ghosts "technique" than a spooky appearance. Whatever the case, the ghost seemed to be in a hurry. When the elderly ghost finally appeared before him, its expression was urgent and somewhat panicked. You... You can actually see me?! Yes, I can see you, Seong replied calmly. And... and you can even talk to me?! As Seongs composed response registered, the ghost let out a dramatic gasp, throwing its head back in astonishment. The display was a bit overwhelming, but Seong suspected the ghost had a reason for appearing so urgently. Do you have some business with me? The ghost nodded so vigorously that Seong half-wondered if its head might fall off. Whats got it so worked up? Seong thought, tilting his head. From past experiences, such urgency usually meant one thinga quest. Do you know the Hunters Forest? the ghost asked. The Hunters Forest? Yes! Its a forest created by the hunters of Hindel Village. However, its not a place that just anyone can enter. Oh? Seongs interest piqued as he listened. A location that not everyone could access? It sounded like the perfect setup for a hidden dungeon. Is this a hidden dungeon? Hidden dungeons were rare locations discovered by only a few players, offering unique rewards and challenges. The name Hunters Forest certainly fit the description. Seong paid close attention as the ghost elaborated. Since the outsiders arrived, most of the hunters have left for other villages. The beasts in the forest have multiplied, and its become a problem. Few in the village even remember its location anymore. Id tell you myself, but in my current state, I cannot guide you. That makes sense. But then you appeared! Hunter Apik mentioned you, and it turns out he wasnt exaggerating. Who wouldve thought that braggarts words were true? Apparently, the ghost had heard about Seong from Hunter Apik. The old man looked at him with excitement and spoke eagerly. There are rare beasts in the forest whose hides and meat fetch high prices. With your Steel Sword and exceptional butchering skills, youre the only one who can handle it. Please, I beg of you! Even without the ghosts plea, Seong was already intrigued. A hidden dungeon in the beginner village, where leveling up wasnt even possible? It seemed counterintuitive, but beginner dungeons often held valuable treasures or unique opportunities. Hindel Village, known as the birthplace of the Hero who defeated the Demon King, was bustling for a reason. A village with ties to both the Hero and the Demon King seemed like the perfect place to find hidden secrets. And I want to test my current abilities. With the combined talents of the former instructor and Hunter Apik, Seong was eager to see how far he could push himself. There was no reason to refuse. As he prepared to accept the quest, the ghost added an enticing offer. If you agree to help, Ill reveal the location of a family heirloom buried in the forest! Deal, Seong replied instantly. Rewards kept piling up, making it feel like a giveaway. Chapter 7 0. The E-World User Management Team oversees all users, including those active in the starting village. However, such instances were rare. It had been a year since the game launched. Many geniuses had come and gone, leaving the team struggling to manage them all. But Lee Won-sang, the team lead, was currently focused not on a top-ranked player, but on one user in the starting village. [Unknown Power has enabled the user to surpass their current stat limits.] [A new stat, Dexterity, has been created.] [Agility +3, Dexterity +2 permanently increased.] Unbelievable. It had happened again. Suddenly, his synchronization rate and other stats skyrocketed, resulting in permanent increases. Was this even possible? Most players needed hours of repetitive training or special actions to increase their stats by even one point. But this guy was gaining stats through some "unknown power"? It was baffling. For Lee Won-sang, this was entirely incomprehensible. But today was an unusual dayhis boss was out on an external assignment, leaving no one to report this to. For now, all he could do was watch and wait. And there was more: seeing the hidden pieces obtained by user Seong made him shake his head in despair. He had swept up rewards from the butcher''s shop as well. At this rate, a ridiculous monster of a player was going to emerge. And there was nothing he could do about it. Immortal insists this isnt a bug and has already ruled it as non-violative behavior. Eternal World wasnt an old game, but it had a spotless record when it came to preventing cheating. The top-tier AI Immortal had analyzed the situation and declared the samethere was no issue here. While one player''s rapid growth wouldn''t necessarily harm the game, a growth of this scale could stir up complaints from others. It warranted close observation. Id feel better if he just didnt share any of this. Still, surely there wasnt much left for him to gain now. As Lee Won-sang was mulling over these thoughts, his subordinate, Oh Jin-hyuk, spoke up. Uh, sir? Isnt he heading over there? Where? Isnt that where the hidden dungeon is? What? Theres a hidden dungeon in Hindel Village?? Yes, right here... Oh Jin-hyuk pulled up the game records for Hindel Village, and sure enough, there it was. The Hidden Dungeon: Hunters Forest. It wasnt just hard to discoverit had extremely specific entry requirements. So, the conditions are... possessing the Steel Sword and the Expert Butcher title? Yes, exactly... Which means... Its definitely him. ...Yeah. Lee Won-sang burst into laughter, nodding. The fact that he was actually heading there was mind-blowing. Thinking about it, the "Foggy Forest of Hindel Village" had been a frequent topic of speculation on various strategy forums. Most players in Hindel Village wandered into that forest at some point. While none had unlocked the hidden dungeon due to unmet conditions, this time, it was different. User Seong, having met the conditions, was heading straight for it. Seong wasnt the first to meet these conditions in Hindel Village. However, most users who fulfilled the criteria did so early in the game and quickly moved on from the starting village. It made sense that it was only being discovered now. But why did it have to be that user, Seong? At this point, its like a ghost is guiding him. The blade quivered as it slid free. "A green stag, huh?" Seong glanced at the creatures name floating above its head as he tightened his grip on the sword. In most beginner hunting grounds, deer were the strongest monsters one would encounter. After rabbits, deer were the next tier up, but most new players avoided hunting them unless it was part of a quest. However, this green stag appeared to be a tier above the ordinary deer. "This could be fun." As that thought crossed Seongs mind, the green stag charged at him. With a loud whinny, the green stag rushed forward. Its speed was anything but slow. It aimed its antlers straight at Seong, using its momentum to try and impale him. But Seong wasnt an ordinary player. As the charging stag closed the gap, memories from Hunter Apik suddenly surfaced in his mind. Drawing on the hunters experiences, Seong waited until the very last moment before sidestepping lightly to evade. Much like rabbits, stags werent adept at changing direction mid-charge. Whoosh! The green stag rushed past him, its eyes tracking Seong as he effortlessly dodged. The next thing it saw was Seong raising his sword. That was the last image the stag could process. With a fluid and swift motion, Seong brought his sword down in a gleaming arc, slicing through the stags neck without resistance. [Critical Hit!] [One Strike! effect activated!] With a heavy thud, the stags lifeless body hit the ground, skidding along the forest floor. Another clean one-hit kill. The combined effects of a critical hit and the One Strike! title had proven too much for the stag to withstand. This time, Seong felt even faster than when he hunted rabbits. That was thanks to the spirit of Hunter Apik. His Agility had increased by three points since then, and his new stat, Dexterity, seemed to enhance his precision. "Dexterity seems to make a difference too." While his higher agility improved his speed, dexterity allowed him to maintain control despite the increased pace. His swordsmanship felt sharper and more refined than before. "Not bad." The thrill of hunting the green stag far surpassed that of hunting rabbits. "This is really fun." With his heart racing, Seong stored the stags corpse in his inventory. He didnt butcher it immediately for a good reason: as long as he avoided taking down the boss monster, he could take advantage of the First Discovery Rewards by butchering everything later. Why waste the thrill of the hunt by rushing to butcher? Both Hunter Apiks and the ghost instructors memories and skills were invaluable, but Seong hadnt fully adapted to them yet. "I need to get better." It wasnt enough to rely on borrowed experiences. He needed to make them his own. Venturing deeper into the forest, Seong encountered another green stag. The creature charged at him, but just like before, Seong utilized Apiks memories and the instructors techniques to take it down with ease. [Critical Hit!] [One Strike! effect activated!] The hunt continued. As the number of stags increased, so did the intensity of the battles. Even when faced with three green stags at once, the result remained the same. If anything, the challenge only made it more exhilarating. The stags attacked in staggered intervals, making it difficult to dodge them all at once. However, this forced Seong to refine his footwork, learning to move gracefully and adapt to the situation. When the first stag charged, Seong sidestepped and struck it down with a swift slash. As the second one approached, he crouched low before leaping upward, slicing its neck in a diagonal arc from below. The final stag charged at him, and Seong leaped into the air, performing an acrobatic slash that severed its neck mid-flight. [Critical Hit!] [One Strike! effect activated!] [Critical Hit!] [One Strike! effect activated!] [Critical Hit!] [One Strike! effect activated!] [You have defeated more than 30 beast-type monsters of equal or higher level in one strike.] [Title Hunter acquired!] Having just taken down three stags in quick succession, Seong couldnt help but smirk slightly as he murmured to himself: "This is doable." Chapter 8 It was hard to believe he had taken down three stags at once. Satisfied, Seong opened his newly acquired title. Hunter Rare Awarded to users who slay 30 beast-type monsters in a single strike. Increases movement speed by 10% when hunting beast-type monsters. Increases speed by 5% when pursuing a target. Oh! This title wasnt just useful for huntingit had broader applications. Even slaying beast-type monsters counted as hunting, and the speed increase while pursuing a target made it all the more valuable. It was a satisfying addition. After confirming the effects, Seong closed the title window and looked ahead. Two massive trees stood like sentinels, partially obscuring the enormous figure beyond. It seemed he was right at the boss''s doorstep. Though it was tempting to continue, he couldnt afford to proceed just yet. If he cleared the dungeon, the First Discovery Rewards would vanish. "I need to butcher the corpses first." Utilizing the Expert Butcher title and his excellent butchering tools, Seong made quick work of the stags. The process felt far smoother and faster than when he used a standard-grade butchering knife. Dismantling the numerous green stags only took a matter of minutes. "I hunted more than I thought." The total came to roughly ten green stags. It wasnt an overwhelming number, but considering he had taken down twenty rabbits before, it explained why he unlocked a title. Now, the only thing left was the boss. Seong turned his gaze toward the distant figure he presumed was the boss. The creatures massive frame was adorned with golden and black fur that shimmered even from afar. Its unique patterns made its identity unmistakable. "Taking it down in one strike might be tough..." Scratching his cheek in mild frustration, Seong studied the sleeping tiger. He didnt dwell on whether he could do it or not. His only option was to try. With a sharp burst of movement, Seong kicked off the ground, sprinting toward the bosss lair. As he crossed into the wide, open clearing, a message appeared. [The boss of the Field-Type Hidden Dungeon: Hunters Forest, the Tiger, awakens.] So, it was a tiger after all. Unlike the green stag, the tiger didnt have any additional descriptors or embellishments. But its sheer presence made it an undeniable threat. For a beginner village, a tiger was more than sufficient to serve as a formidable boss. Its size was staggering, far larger than any tiger Seong had ever seen, even at a zoo. The beast easily stood over twice Seongs height, its muscular frame exuding raw power. "This wont be easy." Even Seongs confidence faltered momentarily. Cutting through such a massive frame in one strike seemed impossible. His instincts, along with the memories of the ghost instructor and Hunter Apik, told him the same. But he didnt need to bring it down in one blow. ROOAAARRRR!!! The tiger let out a deafening roar, and Seong immediately felt his legs falter mid-stride. [Exposed to the Fear effect of the boss, the Tiger.] [Movement speed reduced.] "It even has a skill like this?" Seong recalled hearing about how low-frequency roars from tigers could paralyze prey. To see it implemented so effectively here was impressive. Such effects were usually reserved for dragons in fantasy games or stories, but apparently, even tigers werent exempt. The speed reduction wasnt debilitatingit just meant his movements were slower. Seong quickly regained his composure, dodging to the side just as the tigers massive paws slammed into the ground where he had stood moments earlier. Boom! The ground quaked, sending dust and debris flying. Seong swung his sword through the cloud of dust, slicing it apart to regain visibility. As the tiger charged again, Seong attempted to sidestep like he had with the stags. But the tigers glowing eyes betrayed its cunning. Noticing Seongs dodge, the tiger spread its massive paws to grab him. Seong quickly abandoned his attack, lowering his stance and sliding out of reach. Seong had heard that hidden dungeons could be highly rewarding, but this was beyond his expectations. And that wasnt all. When he equipped the items, another notification appeared. [You are wearing the Forest Hunter Set.] [Set bonuses have been revealed.] Forest Hunter Set (3/4) Increases movement speed by 10%. Increases attack speed by 5%. Having an epic item was already remarkable, but to receive set bonuses on top of that? It was a rare find. It was a slight disappointment that he only had three out of the four set pieces, but there was no helping that. This was more than enough. Satisfied with his rewards, Seong prepared to butcher the tiger. As he approached its body, something caught his eyea massive boulder resting where the tiger had lain. Curious, he raised his head. It wasnt just a boulder. The sunlight, filtering through gaps in the canopy, bathed the spot in a radiant glow. Standing there, illuminated by the light, was a statue of Hero Hindel. Looking skyward, Hindels statue exuded an aura of divine majesty, almost impossible to put into words. Wow. For the first time, it truly sank in that this was the Heros Village. The statue of Hindelthe hero who defeated the Demon Kingstood as a testament to his legacy. While the tale was a typical heroic cliche?, Seong couldnt help but admire the craftsmanship and grandeur of the statue. The heros noble visage, as if plucked straight out of a storybook, captivated Seong. As he gazed up at the statue, a thought crossed his mind. They say both the Demon King and the Hero perished here, right? If that was true... Could the Heros spirit still linger here? From what hed learned, ghosts didnt always wander because of regrets or unresolved grudges. Some simply remained for other reasons, drawn to specific places. If Hindels spirit was present, it wouldnt be surprising. Ill have to ask Mina about this later. Seong made a mental note to consult his sister before resuming his task. He butchered the tigers hide and meat, storing them in his inventory, and prepared to leave the dungeon. Exiting the dungeon, Seong remembered he had a reward to collect from the elderly ghost. As he approached the entrance of the Foggy Forest, he spotted a familiar spectral figure lingering there. The ghost of the old man waved enthusiastically when he saw Seong. Oh! Youve returned! Impressive, truly impressive! You finished it so quickly!!! It seemed the ghost recognized him immediately. Seong nodded in acknowledgment. Ah, as promised, Ill show you where our family heirloom is buried! The elderly ghost beckoned Seong to follow. Though the fog made navigating the forest tricky, the ghost led him to the location. Here! Right here! Dig here, and youll find it! Hm. Though he had a better butchering knife, Seong used his now-outdated one to dig into the ground. It wasnt designed for this purpose, so the process was slow and clumsy. Eventually, he uncovered a wooden chest buried beneath the dirt. "Who buries a family heirloom like this?" Seong shook his head at the thought but kept his expression neutral. Ha-ha-ha! Go on, open it! Thank you. Ill gladly accept it. Assuming it would be something valuable, Seong opened the chest. Inside, he found a pair of gloves made of green leatherthe same color as the Green Stag Breastplate he was wearing. [You have discovered a hidden item!] [Title Explorer acquired.] [Hidden item Green Stag Leather Gloves acquired.] [The Forest Hunter Set bonus is now fully active.] Oh. So, the missing piece had been here all along. Without it, the set would have felt incomplete. Finding it was a relief. Chapter 9 On the surface, Seong seemed calm, but he was genuinely pleased with the rewards hed earned. The elderly ghost let out a hearty laugh, much like a grandfather giving his grandson a cherished gift. Ha-ha-ha, you seem to like it! Thats a relief! See you again next time! Thank you. No need to thank me! Im the one who should be grateful! Ha-ha-ha! The ghost vanished the same way it had first appeared, teleporting a short distance away before disappearing entirely, reappearing far off in the distance, then fading like a phantom from a horror movie. With the elderly ghost gone, Seong immediately checked his new rewards. Explorer Normal A title awarded to users who discover hidden treasures. Increases the chance of receiving additional rewards upon clearing a dungeon by 5%. Green Stag Leather Gloves Rare+ Gloves made from the durable and lightweight hide of the green stag, dyed a distinct green. Increases attack speed by 5%. Forest Hunter Set (4/4) Increases movement speed by 10%. Increases attack speed by 5%. Increases evasion rate by 5%. Oh. While the Explorer title seemed a bit lackluster, the Green Stag Leather Gloves and the Forest Hunter Set were undeniably useful. The set bonuses alone provided significant boosts: 10% increased movement speed, 5% increased attack speed, and a 5% boost to evasion. These were critical stats in a game like this. Including the individual item effects, Seong now had a total of: 20% increased movement speed,10% increased attack speed,+8% defense, and+10% piercing power. Every single bonus was valuable. I really hit the jackpot. Seong silently acknowledged that none of this would have been possible without the ghosts guidance. Without the elderly ghost, he wouldnt have known about this hidden dungeon. Without Hunter Apik, he wouldnt have been able to hunt beast-type monsters so efficiently. Without the sword instructors memories, his swordsmanship would still be lacking. It was all thanks to the collective efforts of those ghosts. Lets see how these bonuses play out. 2. Seong returned to the rabbit hunting grounds, where several players immediately recognized him. Hey, isnt that the guy from earlier?@@@@ That guy? The one who found a hidden piece in the training grounds. What? He got something at the training grounds too? I saw him get a title from the butcher shop! Damn, no wonder he was one-shotting rabbits like it was nothing. Hes insane. Is he some new recruit from a top-tier guild? The players chatted amongst themselves, but Seong didnt pay them any attention. He was already fully focused. The chatter of others was irrelevant. Drawing upon the memories of the sword instructor, Seong set his mind on replicating the same conditions hed had when he first hunted rabbits, aiming to assess just how much the new bonuses improved his performance. As his concentration deepened, Seong moved. Bang! The sound of his feet hitting the ground was accompanied by a burst of dirt and debris. Seongs increased agility had noticeably heightened his speed, far surpassing what it had been when he hunted the green stags. The boost felt much more significant than the 20% movement speed increase he expectedit felt closer to 40%. What the hell?! Wha-what kind of speed is that?! I thought we all had the same beginner stats! How is he the same level 1 as us?! Some players watched in awe, others in disbelief, and a few trembled with envy as Seong dashed across the hunting grounds at blinding speed. Completely ignoring their reactions, Seong gripped the Tigers Fang, its shorter length compared to the steel sword requiring a different approach. Rather than slashing, he opted for swift thrustsexactly what the sword instructors memories advised. Thunk! The rabbit didnt even have time to react before the blade pierced its throat, severing its head in a clean, instantaneous motion. The rabbits head rolled across the ground, the body falling lifelessly. Seong pivoted, darting toward another rabbit. Thud! Thud! Thwack! In a matter of seconds, Seong pierced the heads of five rabbits. The improved piercing power was palpable, making it easier to penetrate their defenses. Messages flooded his interface, notifying him of the critical hits and One Strike! effects. He dismissed them all and sheathed the Tigers Fang with a smooth motion. Oh, alright. Be careful on your way! You couldve told us earlier, Mom. We couldve prepared the meal ourselves. Hey! Dont say thatit makes me sound like a bad daughter! Oh, werent you always like that? Mom!!! Mina squealed in frustration as her mother and Seong ganged up on her, both laughing at her reaction. But really, I just wanted to make sure my son eats well while hes here! We ate out the first day, remember? Well, next time, let us know in advance, and well handle the cooking. How dependable. Such a good boy. Wait, why are you looking at me when you say that? Oh, nothing. Anyway, Im off nowdont fight, you two! With that, Na-gyeong left in a hurry. Unlike her usual calm and relaxed demeanor, she moved briskly, clearly running late. Watching her go, Seong felt a twinge of concern and clicked his tongue softly. Lets make sure to cook for ourselves next time. ...Alright. Feeling a little guilty, Mina responded meekly. Seong chuckled inwardly at her sulky demeanor and scooped a large spoonful of warm rice into his mouth. Mina, apparently just as hungry, started eating as well. While they ate in silence, Seong suddenly remembered something. Swallowing his bite, he spoke. Oh, you were right about one thing. What? Oh! Its fun, isnt it? No, not that. Wait, what? You didnt find it fun? Mina, looking tense, stared at him, but Seong quickly reassured her. No, its really fun. Super fun. Phew! Thats a relief. I mean, no ones ever said Eternal World isnt fun! So, what was I right about? As Mina sipped a spoonful of the stew, Seong dropped the bombshell. I can see ghosts in the game. PFFFT!!! The doenjang jjigae she had just swallowed sprayed out at lightning speed. Seong instinctively channeled Hunter Apiks reflexes, diving under the table to avoid the onslaught. What the? Why did this work in real life too? It wasnt as quick as in the game, but the movements were undeniably influenced by his in-game skills. Meanwhile, Mina coughed violently, choking a little before gulping down some water. Phew! Sorry about that. Waitwhat was that just now? How were you so fast?! That was insane! She sounded astonished, almost as though she were seeing a completely different person. The Seong she knew had always been ordinaryexcept for his ability to see ghosts. Now, witnessing his lightning-quick movements, it was natural for her to be shocked. Seong stood up, brushing off his clothes, and frowned at the splattered stew. Mina, noticing his irritation, let out an awkward laugh and grabbed some wet wipes to clean the mess. So, what do you mean by seeing ghosts in the game? Well, there are actual ghosts in the game. Like NPCs who died and left behind spiritsjunk data, maybe? Something like that. Whoa. But thats not the important part. What?! How is that not important? They probably help you find hidden pieces and stuff, right?! Mina, well-versed in Eternal World, couldnt contain her excitement. She knew how valuable hidden pieces were in the game. If ghosts held clues about hidden pieces, that information could allow someone to monopolize them. Yet, Seong didnt seem to grasp the significance. I can absorb the ghosts memories and experiences. WHAT?! Suddenly, seeing the ghosts didnt seem as important anymore. Chapter 10 Absorbing the memories and experiences of ghosts? Minas first thought was of dangerwasnt this the kind of thing that could lead to losing ones sense of self, like in those horror movies? Her face darkened with worry, but Seong reassured her calmly. It wont happen. Dont worry. But... what if it does? No, its fine. The memories and experiences are completely separate from mine. They dont even surface unless I actively choose to use them. It feels more like... gaining a talent. Like a skill? Well, I dont know much since the only skill Ive got is butchering, but yeah, something like that. Oh, I see. If Seong said so, then that was that. Mina knew her brother well enough to trust him. The idea of absorbing a ghosts experiences was astounding, more than she initially realized. Seong, have you heard of something called synchronization rate? Synchronization rate? Yeah. It measures how much you perceive the virtual world as real. The higher it is, the more naturally you can move. Oh, like feeling its my real body, so I control it better? Exactly! Mina beamed at his accurate understanding. Synchronization rate was essentially a measure of how much a player assimilated with the virtual world. The higher the rate, the closer they were to being like the worlds inhabitants. While high synchronization didnt guarantee physical mastery, it offered significant advantages. But what would happen if a player absorbed the memories and experiences of those inhabitants? The answer was simple. Ghost memories might increase your synchronization rate. So its not just about gaining talents? Right. While its partly about talents, its likely affecting your synchronization rate too. Oh. Hearing Minas explanation made sense. Her expertise made her seem more impressive than usual. Noticing Seongs gaze, Minas shoulders rose with pride, her confidence visibly inflating. Seong shook his head, smiling to himself at his sisters self-satisfaction. Still, there was something else he wanted to ask. So, Mina, what do you think would happen if I got the Heros memories and experiences? ...Huh? Minas expression froze, then her eyes widened as if she had just realized something shed overlooked. The Heros memories and experiences... Her voice trembled as she spoke. You might be able to change your class to Hero. What? Seong hadnt expected that. Changing his class to Hero? You know about the ranks in Eternal World, right? Yeah, of course. From Normal to Rare, Epic, Unique, Legendary, and finally the highest tier, AlmightySeong had read about the ranking system in the guides the night before. The rankings applied to everything in the gameitems, skills, titles, and even classes. It was foundational to Eternal World. How high-ranking would the Hero class be? Mina answered his unspoken question. The Hero class is rumored to be at least Legendary. At least? If its a fixed rank, why say at least? Because no ones ever unlocked it. It could even be Almighty. Wow. And you might be the one to get it. Minas words carried a weight that made Seong realize just how monumental this opportunity was. The possibility of obtaining such an extraordinary class sent his heart racing with excitement. At least Legendary. Maybe Almighty. How could anyone hear that and stay calm? Seongs eagerness spurred him to eat faster, his chopsticks and spoon moving in a blur. Slow down, Mina laughed, shaking her head. The players murmured among themselves, but Seong didnt pay them any mind. His focus was entirely on reaching the north, where he hoped to find Hero Hindels ghost. As he ran, he tried to calm the grin creeping onto his face. Initially, hed planned to search the entire village, but knowing that Hindels burial site was in the north made things much simpler. "Ghosts like to linger near their graves," he mused. If a body or grave wasnt present, ghosts might wander freely, but when one existed, they often stayed close to it. It was as if they enjoyed watching those who paid their respects. Even the old instructor ghost had stayed near the training grounds where he had spent his life. Ghosts seemed to behave like bound spirits, tied to significant locations in their lives. By that logic, Hero Hindel would likely be near his own memorial. If Hindels spirit wasnt there, Seong reasoned, then it didnt exist in the village at all. As these thoughts filled his mind, he hoped silently: "Please let him be there." The Hero class, at a minimum, was Legendary-tier, possibly even higher. Even if he couldnt unlock the class, absorbing Hindels memories and experiences alone would grant him incredible talents. The mere thought of it filled Seong with anticipation. His heart raced as he finally reached the sitea vast cemetery-like area. At the center of the cemetery stood a massive statue. It was another likeness of Hero Hindel, but unlike the one he had seen in the Hunters Forest, this statue included Hindels companions. Standing at the center was Hindel, not particularly large in stature but radiating a commanding presence. Surrounding him were the Saint, the Sage, the Knight, and the Elven Archer. The statue exuded a majestic and awe-inspiring aura. Seong stared at it, slack-jawed with admiration. Wow. Just as it had been in the Hunters Forest, there was an almost tangible power emanating from the statue. Was it because it depicted Hero Hindel? Or was the statue enchanted in some way? Seong couldnt tell, but its craftsmanship was undeniably masterful. As he stood in awe, he instinctively bowed his head in reverence. [In honor of Hero Hindel and his companions.] A small message appeared. Even this was an Easter egg? No wonder the game was hailed as a masterpiece. "Incredible." Momentarily forgetting his goal to find Hindels ghost, Seong marveled at the design. But he quickly snapped back to reality. It was time to search. Looking around, he spotted several ghosts. "One of them must be Hindel." Most ghosts looked similar, so he assumed the one resembling the statue would be Hindel. Seong thought about starting his search near the statue. As he scanned the area, his attention was drawn to something unusual. A ghost radiating a faint, turquoise glow. Unlike the others, this spirits presence was overwhelming, as if it were on a completely different level. The ghosts long, crimson hair flowed neatly down her back, and even from behind, her elegance and beauty were evident. The spirits ethereal appearance was unlike any other ghost Seong had seen, and he couldnt look away. She stood silently, gazing up at the statue of Hero Hindel. Her posture carried a sense of melancholy and sorrow. "Who could she be?" As Seong wondered, the spirit turned to face him. Her black eyes sparkled with a faint turquoise light as she spoke, her voice cheerful yet commanding. Hello! Nice to meet you! Hello. My name is Seong. Instinctively, Seong responded to her lively greeting. But the moment she spoke, the other ghosts nearby began to tremble. Its the Demon King! The Demon King is moving! The Demon King has awakened! Run for your lives! How many centuries has it been since she last moved?! Run! If she catches us, its over! The ghosts scattered in panic, their voices filled with terror. Seong, who was usually calm and collected, swallowed nervously as he watched the chaos. The woman turned to the fleeing spirits, her expression one of mild annoyance. Idiots. Im not going to catch anyone. Then, turning her attention back to Seong, she introduced herself with a slight smile. Im Helena. They call me the Demon King. Seong had set out to find the Hero, but instead, he had encountered the Demon King. Chapter 11 Helena? The Demon King? Seong stared blankly at Helena, struggling to believe what he had just heard. Initially, the introduction as the Demon King and the reactions of the surrounding ghosts had been intimidating, even slightly frightening. But as the moments passed, he sensed something different. Helena, like every other ghost he had encountered, exuded an overwhelming fondness for Seong. It was unmistakableSeong''s abilities allowed him to perceive it. But then, why was the Demon King standing in front of a memorial to Hero Hindel? As that question formed in his mind, Helena seemed to read his thoughts. With a soft laugh, she provided the answer. Ha-ha, this is the place where I died, after all. Ah. Seong suddenly understood. If this was where Hero Hindel had died, it made sense that the Demon King might have fallen here as well. As one mystery was resolved, another surfaced in its place. Shes human? The title "Demon King" typically conjured images of a ruler of demons or fiends. But by every measure, Helena didnt resemble a demon at all. Her appearance was entirely human. Was she not a demon? Then why was she called the Demon King? As these questions filled Seongs mind, Helena, with an air of familiarity, nodded as if she understood. Youre confused about a lot, arent you? To put it simply, I am human. What? Its just that... I had an exceptional talent for dark magic. Ah. It began to make sense. Ghosts often retained traits from their living personalities. Though all the spirits Seong had encountered so far harbored goodwill toward him, their individual temperaments still shone through. The rough and violent ones carried an edge even in death. But Helena exhibited none of that. And yet, the question of why she was called the Demon King lingereduntil now. Her prodigious talent in dark magic alone was enough to earn her the title. Thinking about it, even during Earths medieval era, people were labeled witches simply for being different. A peerless talent for dark magic? That was more than enough to be branded the Demon King. Ha-ha, even without harming people or conducting experiments on humans, they feared me. Thats how I ended up clashing with the Hero. Helena laughed brightly as she spoke, though her tone carried a hint of melancholy. Despite the injustice she must have felt, she accepted her fate with grace rather than bitterness. Even after all this time, it couldnt have been easy. Seong understood that sentiment deeply. Hadnt he himself been ridiculed and ostracized for his ability to see ghosts? The memories of being shunned and making life harder for his family still lingered, raw and painful. It was a familiar kind of sorrowone that could only be met with quiet resilience. It was that same resilience that shaped Seong into the calm and composed person he was today. There were so many things I wished I could have passed onmy knowledge, my powerbut I couldnt. I see. But then! Look what I found! ...? Someone with greater talent than I ever had! Youre extraordinary! Seong blinked, stunned. Greater than the Demon King herself? That couldnt be right. As if sensing his denial, Helena interjected before he could speak. Even at my peak, I couldnt see spirits as clearly as you do. I couldnt converse with them or absorb their memories and experiences like you can! Wait, how do you know I can do that? Helenas smile widened. Because I know. Thats the kind of talent you have! Seongs heart began to race. Could it be? If he could absorb the memories and experiences of Hero Hindel to become a Hero, was the reverse also true? Could he... become a Demon King? Helenas demeanor suggested as much. But was it truly possible? As Seongs expression grew tense, Helena spread her arms wide. My memories, my experiences, my powereverything! Ive found my successor! Ah! Take it all! With those words, a soft turquoise light began emanating from Helena. Both of them instinctively understood what was happening. The process of transferring memories and experiencesthe way it would unfoldwas clear. The warm light enveloped Seong, seeping into him gently but steadily. This is... Simultaneously, Seong felt itthe flood of Helenas memories and emotions. Her years of solitude, hiding, and relentless research, marked by an unshakable loneliness. Oh Jin-hyuk tilted his head, puzzled. Could his senior know something about Hindel Villages hidden features that he didnt? He tried to recall the list of hidden pieces in the area but found nothing substantial. Any items of value had already been obtainedmostly by Seong. Theres nothing left, right? Jin-hyuk asked, furrowing his brow. Thats because youre still a junior employee, Won-sang said with a sigh. Theres classified data on Hindel Villages hidden pieces only accessible to senior staff and above. Wait, what? Theres something like that? It made sense, Jin-hyuk realized. Employees werent even allowed to play Eternal World freely because such information could lead to unfair advantages. Yeah. One of the best professions in Eternal World is hidden there. Wait, what?! In a beginners village? Its not surprising. Most hidden professions are found in high-level areas, but this one exception was buried here in Hindel Village. No ones ever unlocked it, though... Trailing off, Lee Won-sang bit his lip as he stared at the screen showing Seong. The conditions and clues were so challenging that no one had found it in the past year. Yet, it seemed like Seong had. Still, Won-sang seemed unusually calmor perhaps slightly unhingedas he watched with a strange, almost manic smile. Senior? Are you okay? Jin-hyuk asked cautiously. Yeah, yeah, Im fine. Theres no way hell get it. Huh? Why not? Hes clearly found something behind the statue. Sure enough, Seong had discovered faint engravings behind the statue of Hindel and his companions. When Jin-hyuks unease prompted him to ask further, Won-sang chuckled darkly. Ha-ha-ha! To get the profession, hell need to pass a trialand its absurdly difficult. Oh, so theres still hope? Hope? Its not even hope. Hell fail. This trial is the kind you cant solve unless youve practically lived in the library. Wait, has he ever been to the library? Nope. Not once. Then... If he fails, no one can ever access it again. Ever. That was a small comfort. Jin-hyuk smiled in relief as his seniors confidence bolstered his own. Phew, at least thats good news. If hed managed to unlock it too, wed be in big trouble. Exactly! Thats the kind of thing youd need a Demon Kings ghost to solve, and as if ghosts exist! Ha-ha-ha! Right, what a ridiculous idea! Anyway, do we still need to report this to the team leader? ...Yeah, we have to. Ah. Jin-hyuk silently prayed for his senior to survive the inevitable fallout. 3. Seong continued walking purposefully, his destination clear. North of the graveyard, beyond its furthest edge, lay an unassuming plot of land. Helenas memories had given him not only her lifes experiences but also the events that transpired after her death. Though she had been rejected by humanity, Helena still had followers who revered her. Hoping to see her resurrected, they had buried her remains alongside those of Hero Hindel and his companions. They had also hidden a gem imbued with her power nearby, ironically leaving clues encrypted on the heroes statues. No wonder no ones found it, Seong muttered, shaking his head. Even knowing what to look for, deciphering the clues had been no small feat. Guided by Helenas memories, Seong reached a large, unusually spacious grave. It stood apart from the rest, its size hinting at someone of great stature or importance. Approaching the grave, Seong pressed firmly on the inscriptions etched into the headstone. The ground trembled violently. With a low rumble, a section of earth opened up to reveal a staircase carved from stone. Seong descended without hesitation, as though hed always known it was there. Behind him, the entrance closed, leaving the graveyard silent once more. At the bottom, Seong found a large stone chamber. At its center was a simple altar, atop which floated a radiant turquoise gem, glowing with an ethereal light. [You have discovered the hidden piece, Chamber of the Sovereign.] [Chamber of the Sovereign will now test you.] [Failure will result in the permanent closure of Chamber of the Sovereign.] The warnings were dire. If Seong failed, no one would ever have another chance. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. As he focused, countless text prompts appeared before him. [1. What is the correct gender of the one called the Demon King?] MaleFemaleDemonNeutralBoth [2. What is the correct name of the Demon King?] HelenaHarbellaHarAmosthe MylioudQueisa ...(and so on). Seong chuckled softly. These are easy. Chapter 12 In games, trials often involve difficult quests, powerful monsters, or defeating a guardian. However, the challenges posed by the Chamber of the Sovereign were entirely different. The questions required knowledge of Hindel Village''s library or ancient records to solve. These werent designed to be easy. It felt like the hidden profession was crafted to discourage anyone from obtaining ita test made intentionally convoluted. For Seong, however, it was just a tedious task. Far from challenging, it merely required patience. Phew. He sighed as he read the final question. [444. Which of the following does not reflect Helenas emotions after being struck by Hindels sword?] Lets not trouble others anymore.That pathetic hero got lucky!Im so tired now.The end feels lonely.Im happy to finally rest. A total of 444 questions. Even though they werent difficult, the sheer number consumed considerable time. Perhaps this meticulous test was a reflection of Helenas followers devotion, as they wanted only someone who truly understood her suffering to inherit her legacy. In their eyes, only someone capable of comprehending Helenas sorrow and injustice deserved her gifts. Its done. Seong pressed 2, the correct answer. As he did, the beautiful turquoise gem on the altar began radiating an intense light, flooding the chamber with brilliance. The dazzling turquoise glow enveloped Seong, slowly seeping into him, just like Helenas memories and experiences had done before. The light transformed into the figure of a womanHelena herselfwho approached Seong, embraced him, and dissolved into his being. BOOOOM! The turquoise aura exploded outward from Seongs body, filling the chamber. Countless ghostly figures emerged, their forms swirling upward toward the heavens, all bowing reverently to Seong. The sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring, like a celestial procession. For a moment, Seong felt like a kingor even an emperor. No, he was actually becoming something greater. His power surged. Seong could feel his stats rising dramatically. Helenas memories and experiences harmonized with his own, and with just a wave of his hand, the spirits obeyed his command. Unlike the ghosts Seong could see before, these spirits were tied to him in a far deeper way. They responded to his will, as though they were his limbs. The spirits roared and flooded the world with turquoise light, their voices resonating like divine proclamations. "Ahhhhh!""It has awakened!""Our god!""Bow in reverence!""Welcome him!""Our sovereign!" It was not chaotic but instead felt sacred, as the spirits proclamations filled the chamber and spread throughout the world. In an instant, the entire world seemed to glow with turquoise light. A sense of omnipotence swept through Seong. Had he ever felt such power before? As Seong reveled in the sensation, a series of messages appeared before him. [Congratulations! You have successfully advanced to the highest-tier profession, Almighty Grade: Overlord!] [You are the first to achieve a profession change in a beginner village!] [You have acquired the title, Supernova.] [Congratulations! You have successfully advanced to an Almighty-grade profession!] [You have acquired the title, Omnipotent.] [Congratulations! You have advanced to the highest-grade dark magic profession!] [You have acquired the title, Sovereign.] [New profession-exclusive skills have been unlocked for Overlord.] Ah. It wasnt amazementit was almost a sigh of resignation. As the messages appeared, the overwhelming omnipotence faded away. The incredible power that had radiated from Seong also dissipated. The fake spirits vanished, and even the real ghosts seemed momentarily confused before returning to their original places. Though the sensation of omnipotence was gone, Seong didnt feel disappointed. That brief taste of power was likely a glimpse of his professions ultimate potentiala goal he would strive to achieve, no matter how distant it seemed. As he caught his breath, Seong finally turned his attention to the messages. Titles Acquired: Supernova (Unique) Granted to the first user to achieve a profession change in a beginner village.+50% experience gain until level 100.+10% skill proficiency gain after level 100. Omnipotent (Legendary) Granted to users who advance to an Almighty-grade profession.+10% to all stats.+10% to all attack power. Sovereign (Legendary) Granted to users who advance to the highest-grade profession for a class.+30% movement speed for subordinates.+20% attack speed for subordinates.+10% attack power for subordinates.Increases morale during large-scale battles. Whoa. [Level 1] [Growth-type][Passive] [Complex] All death originates from the Legion of the Dead. They are undying and eternal.Exclusive skill for Overlord.Raise soldiers from the dead based on their rank using mana.Controlled soldiers can grow individually.Destroyed soldiers can be resurrected using mana.The Legion swears absolute loyalty to its master.[Level 1] [Growth-type][Passive] [Active][Cooldown: 30 minutes][Duration: 3 minutes] All undead offer their blood and bones to their sovereign, who shall achieve immortality.Exclusive skill for Overlord.Devours the souls and bodies of the dead within a 30m radius.Converts the devoured into sustenance.Living enemies touched by the aura are wracked with pain.[Level 1] [Growth-type][Instant Effect] [Active][Cooldown: 30 seconds] The wrathful grudge of the dead pierces all defenses.Exclusive skill for Overlord.Hurls a spear forged from the wraiths grudge to deal dark damage.The spear bypasses all defenses.Targets pierced by the spear are cursed with blindness from the wraiths fury. At the word "Team Leader," Won-sang flinched like hed been electrocuted. Oh, youre the junior under Lee Won-sang, right? Yes, Team Leader. I apologize for disturbing you during your leave, but the situation is significant. A user in the beginners area just advanced to an Almighty-grade profession. In the beginners area? Wait... Are you talking about the one in Hindel Village?! Yes, exactly that one! Haah... Of all the things to happen... How did the team leader know immediately? Jin-hyuk swallowed nervously, astonished by their knowledge. Put Lee Won-sang on the line. Ah, yes! Handing the phone to Won-sang, Jin-hyuk offered a small, apologetic smile. Hiiiiiik! Won-sang recoiled, trembling, but he had no choice but to take the call. This is Lee Won-sang speaking. Aaaaaah! Yes, yes! I-I understand! Ah, no, thats not... Ugh! Yes, sir. Ill explain everything tomorrow... Right now? But youre on leave... Ah, sorry! No, but really, tomorrow would... Aaaaaah! When the call finally ended, Won-sang looked utterly defeated, slumping forward with his head bowed. Jin-hyuk silently offered his condolences. It seemed the team leader was cutting their leave short to return to the office. ...Were staying late, Won-sang muttered. Both of us? Jin-hyuk asked hesitantly. Yes. Both of us. Jin-hyuks face paled, mirroring his seniors expression. 5. The beginners hunting ground, where rabbits frolicked and taunted novice players, suddenly darkened. Something ominous hung in the air, like storm clouds gathering. Players paused to glance skyward. Whats going on? Is it going to rain? Ugh, maybe a sudden shower. Should we head back? Good idea. Lets hit that cafe? in the village square while we wait it out. The thought of hunting in the rain didnt appeal to most players, and one by one, they began to leave. The hunting ground, once teeming with players, soon emptied. Only a few determined individuals remained, intent on hunting rabbits despite the weather. Seong observed the thinning crowd and nodded in satisfaction. "Good, fewer people. I can use it without drawing attention." The only skill most players could acquire in the beginners area was the butchering skill, which made any unusual skill usage highly conspicuous. But with the reduced crowd, Seong felt confident no one would notice. The skill he wanted to test was the offensive ability Wraiths Grudge. According to the description, it conjured a spear of vengeful wraiths to hurl at the target. Curious, Seong activated the skill. He felt his mana deplete as a turquoise aura swirled around his hand, coalescing into the shape of a spear. The spear, glowing with a brilliant turquoise light, radiated an ominous sharpness. Whoa. Straight out of a comic book, Seong murmured. The visuals were stunning, and the skill itself seemed incredibly powerfulone he could see himself using often. Rather than firing automatically, the spear required him to throw it manually. Drawing on Helenas memories, Seong adjusted his posture. Pulling his arm back, he twisted his waist and threw with all his might. The spear shot forward, a streak of turquoise light blazing through the air. Before the rabbit could even react, the spear pierced its head, killing it instantly. [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] The rabbit collapsed without a single visible wound, as if its soul had been extinguished. Damn, thats powerful, Seong muttered, marveling at the skills strength. As he watched, a turquoise glow appeared above the fallen rabbit. Whats that? Seong wondered, moving closer to examine it. [You can now use Legion of the Dead.] [Would you like to raise the Legion of the Dead?] Oh. Seong grinned. Now this is going to be fun. Chapter 13 So this is how it works. I thought about using Legion of the Dead right away, but I shook my head. With only one rabbit carcass at hand, it didn''t seem worth it yet. It''s called the Legion of the Dead, after allraising just one would feel underwhelming. And besides. Its a waste of mana. I still had other skills to test, and there was a chance I''d deplete my mana entirely. Even Wraith of the Dead consumed more mana than expected, so conserving it was a good idea. Lets start with Aura of Death first. Aura of Death A powerful skill affecting everything within a 30-meter radius. According to the description, it devours the souls and bodies of the dead while inflicting pain upon the living. Even at Level 1, the legendary-grade skill seemed overpowered in its range and effect. In the beginner''s village, it would have drawn way too much attention. But since there was no one around, I could finally use it. Alright, lets see. The moment Seong decided to activate the skill, a turquoise heart materialized behind him. It throbbed once, rhythmically. Thump! The turquoise aura spread from his back like blood pumped from a heart. It was as if an eerie fog cloaked the area, its ethereal glow both mystical and foreboding. The nearby rabbits, sensing something, raised their heads. It resembled the scene of a volcanic eruption where birds in the vicinity fell from the sky as toxic fumes spread. The rabbits reacted the same way. Thud. Thud-thud. Thud. [One Strike! effect is activated!] Oh? The title even applied to damage over time. Though it was hard to gauge the exact damage, the rabbits fell immediately upon touching the turquoise mist. There were no visible wounds on the 20 lifeless rabbit carcasses. All had succumbed to the Aura of Death. The range and power were both astonishing. And it even heals me? Mana was steadily draining, but Seong could feel his health replenishing. It seemed like the skill restored health if it had been depleted. Helenas memories confirmed this as well. A skill truly deserving of its legendary grade. Wraith of the Dead had been impressive for picking off a single rabbit, but Aura of Death was on an entirely different level. It vividly showcased the majesty of a legendary-grade skill. Before his mana fully drained, Seong deactivated the skill. If I stop it before the duration ends, the cooldown decreases. After using the skill for about a minute, he noted that the remaining cooldown was 10 minutesdown from the original 30. It seemed that each minute of active use reduced the cooldown by 10 minutes. Mana consumption was also reasonable. Using the skill for one minute, combined with Wraith of the Dead, left Seong with about 50% mana. This skill was already highly usable, even at his low level. Though Wraith of the Dead might be his go-to, there was still one skill left to test. Seong turned his gaze to the 20 rabbit corpses, all emitting faint turquoise smoke. [Legion of the Dead is now available.] [Would you like to summon Legion of the Dead?] Twenty corpses. It still felt a bit lacking to call it a legion. But this was definitely enough to be worth seeing. What would an Almighty-grade skill look like? Seong activated the skill with a sense of anticipation. Fssss. The turquoise mist rising from the corpses was drawn back into their bodies. At the same time, a turquoise heart appeared in Seongs grasp, pulsating fiercely. Boom! Boom-boom! As the heart throbbed, it sent ripples of sound through the air, to which the corpses responded. As if granted new life, the rabbits began to rise in rhythm with the heartbeat. Their once-red eyes now gleamed with turquoise light, and their bodies were enveloped in a mix of black energy and turquoise glow. Though their forms resembled rabbits, they seemed like an entirely different species. Seongs eyes widened. Something was off. This is different. The risen rabbits looked nothing like the legion from Helenas memories. Typically, they should appear as shadowy figures with only their eyes glowing turquoise. But Seongs Legion of the Dead radiated turquoise energy throughout their bodies. Was it because of his low level? No, that wasnt it. If anything, Seongs legion felt more powerful than Helenas. With this, there was nothing left to gain from the Beginners Village. Time to sell off all the hides and meat and move on. 0. In the Beginners Village, you can only leave through the village chief. This is a mechanism to prevent unqualified beginners from leaving prematurely, as determined by the chiefs judgment. The requirements werent too strict: If you lacked a training certificate or hadnt learned the butchering skill, youd be turned back and advised on what to do next. This system, installed by the game developer E-World, served as a guide for players. The training certificate and butchering skill were essential for moving to the next area. Moreover, the tasks assigned before meeting the chiefcompleting various questswere designed to teach players social interaction with NPCs. It was a reminder that rudeness toward NPCs could lead to unexpected consequences, fitting for a game where even NPCs had their own intricate systems. The Beginners Village was essentially one large tutorial. Marlen, the butcher NPC, played a key role in this system. At the Butcher Shop Uh, heres the meat... Sigh. Marlen let out a deep sigh, causing the nervous player to ask cautiously, Um... how do I handle the meat properly to make it neat? Hmph. Well, at least youve got the basics down, outsider. When removing the hide from the meat, dont use excessive force, or youll end up with this mess. Use a gentle slicing motion instead of brute strength. Ah! Thank you! For polite players, Marlen wasnt exactly friendly, but she wasnt dismissive either. She provided tips on butchering and tools, making it easier for them to learn the skill quicklyso she could get some rest herself. Of course, not all players were respectful, but her method had its effects. While Marlen despised the clueless and rude outsiders, she made an effort to be somewhat kind to those who showed basic manners. Thinking back to Seong, who had visited earlier that morning, she muttered to herself: If only all outsiders were like that one... Lost in thought, she was startled when Seong approached. Hello. Id like to sell some items. Is now a good time? Ho! If it isnt my regular customer! Come on in! Seong covered his ears instinctively as Marlens booming voice echoed through the shop. Though his ears stung, he had grown slightly accustomed to her thunderous tone after hearing it several times. Still, Marlen squinted at him curiously. Somethings different. His calm and composed demeanor was unchanged. The timid gesture of covering his ears was the same. But there was an unfamiliar, intense aura surrounding him. It wasnt just his presenceit was palpable, almost oppressive. Marlen could feel it prickling her skin. She had never encountered an outsider with such an imposing presence in the village before. Amazing. Lost in silent admiration, she stared blankly at Seong until his voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Ahem, ha-ha. Right, yes. Bring in all the meat and hides youve got! Theyre always welcome here! Good to hear. Well then... Reaching into his inventory, Seong began pulling out items. Marlens anticipation grew as she watched him unload rabbit meat. Her expression started to falter as the sheer quantity piled up: Over 100 rabbit hides and cuts of meat, the rare green stag hide and meat, and even the hide and meat of a massive, menacing tiger. Two towering mounds of hides and meat formed before her eyes. .... Hmm? The butcher shop fell silent. Marlen, known for her deafening voice, was uncharacteristically quiet. Was she upset? Seong glanced over, concerned. And then he saw it. Thud. Marlen collapsed, her eyes rolling back. Huh? Isnt this actually dangerous? Above Marlens unconscious body, her ghost floated halfway out, as if unsure whether to leave. Marlens down! She fainted standing up!!! Breathe, Marlen, breathe! Ahhh! Bring Marlen back!!! Chapter 14 "Huff, huff... I almost died!!!" Thanks to the quick thinking of the players and Seongs intervention, Marlen regained consciousness. She trembled violently, muttering about how close a call it had been. "Wow, Ive never seen an NPC collapse before." "Yeah, was that actually dangerous?" "Ha-ha-ha, who dies just from seeing a pile of meat and hides?" The players chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. After all, it seemed absurd that an NPC in a game would faint over a mountain of goods. But Seong, knowing the truth, thought differently. It really was dangerous. Marlens soul had partially slipped out of her bodya sight visible only to Seong. As the commotion died down, Marlen turned her gaze back to the towering pile of hides and meat, still in disbelief. A-amazing. It wasnt uncommon for outsiders to sell large quantities of rabbit meat and hides before leaving the village. But an outsider piling up this muchenough to form mountains? Not to mention catching a green stag and a tiger? This wasnt something to be brushed off. I need to inform the village chief. Marlen decided she had to let the chief know that a remarkable outsider had appeared in Hindel Village. As she considered this, a question crept into her mind. Wait, how did this magician get access to the Hunters Forest so quickly? The Hunters Forest was a hidden dungeon only accessible after building rapport with the villages lone mage. But Seong had bypassed that entirely, finding the forest on his own through the guidance of a ghost. He had skipped the process and gone straight to the result. The village mage was notoriously strict and wouldnt have granted access in just one day. But it didnt matter how Seong had convinced the mage. What mattered was that he had done it. Once again, Marlens eyes wandered to the overwhelming pile of hides and meat. I thought he was extraordinary, but this... I never imagined this. Despite her initial shock, Marlen quickly assessed the situation. "Rabbits... 132 in total. Ten green stags and one tiger. Since youre a regular, Ill give you 10 silver per rabbit, 100 silver per green stag for the meat, 300 silver per green stag hide, and 3,000 silver for the tiger hidethough its meat isnt usable..." Marlens mental math concluded with a total of 9,640 silver. With 100 silver equaling 1 gold, that converted to 96 gold and 40 silver. But, since Seong was a valued regular customer: "Here you go! A full 100 gold! You wont find a better deal anywhere else!!!" "Oh!" Marlens generosity left Seong pleasantly surprised, a rare reaction from him. "Hahaha!!!" Marlen laughed heartily at his response. Though the price had already accounted for him being a regular, she had rounded it up by an extra 4 gold. It wasnt something she wouldve done if she didnt genuinely appreciate the quality of his goods. Seong expressed his gratitude. "Thank you." "Hahaha! No, thank you! Even with the extra, the quality is so good its worth it!" [You have sold goods at the butcher shop and earned 100 gold.] Marlens booming voice and fiery personality were as lively as ever. Though she didnt show it outwardly, she had a warm and kind heart. As Seong processed her sincerity, murmurs of disbelief began spreading among the players nearby. "What the hell? Did you hear that? 100 gold?!" "No way... Ive seen people try to grind up to 50 gold in the Beginners Village, but 100? Thats insane!" "I didnt even know it was possible to earn that much... Where did he hunt the stag and tiger?!" "Wait, can a Level 1 player even hunt those?" For the average player, these feats were incomprehensible. Seong stood in a realm far beyond their reacha prodigy whose actions they could neither replicate nor fully understand. Instead of jealousy, the players watching him felt only awe. "Wow, he got the Steel Sword and defeated the scarecrow in one strike, and now this...." "Incredible." "Its like watching a future ranker in action." "Exactly!" The exaggerated chatter embarrassed Seong. Despite their compliments, hearing such praise directly was uncomfortable. He slipped out of the butcher shop as quickly as he could, much like before. Marlen, watching his retreating figure, chuckled softly. What a peculiar mix of greatness and shyness. Perhaps that was part of Seongs charm. But for now, Marlen had more pressing matters. Before attending to the next player, she called over Hans, one of her shop assistants. "Hans, take this to the village chief." "On it," Hans replied with a nod, sensing the importance of the task. Without needing further explanation, he headed straight to the chiefs residence. Since Hans would likely reach the chief before Seong did, Marlen felt a bit more at ease. With that, she returned to her usual self, calling out with her signature booming voice: "Next!!!" 1. Seongs Journey After the Butcher Shop Leaving the butcher shop, Seong jogged a short distance before his flushed face began to cool down. Have I ever received so many compliments in my life? Even though he had received praise at the training ground and again at the butcher shop, he couldnt get used to it. Though Seong couldnt hear the response, the guard opened the door and gestured for him to enter. Its an honor to meet someone like you. Please, come in. Thank you... Meeting the Village Chief Inside, an elderly man sat in a rocking chair, his long eyebrows twitching as he gazed at Seong. Despite the wrinkles obscuring his eyes, Seong felt an unshakable sense of being watched. Hello, my name is Seong. Welcome. I am Palm, the leader of Hindel Village. The chiefs voice, unexpectedly firm for his frail appearance, left Seong momentarily stunned. Palm gestured to a chair across from him. Have a seat. Thank you. A Reward from the Chief Word is youve dealt with the Hunters Forest. Yes. Seong didnt ask how the chief knew. It was likely part of the game system. Expecting the conversation to end soon, he smiled, eager to move on to the next village. But Palm surprised him. Its a tradition in our village to reward adventurers who handle the Hunters Forest. Since youre an outsider, I see no issue with offering you a family heirloom. A family heirloom...? Seong hesitated, recognizing the phrase from somewhere. Palm continued, Its a pair of green stag leather gloves, part of the Forest Hunter set. Ill tell you where to find them. Ah. Seong couldnt admit that he already had the gloves, knowing that the ghost who guided him was likely a former village chief. As Palm examined him, his long eyebrows twitched again. Those gloves youre wearing... they seem familiar. Cold sweat ran down Seongs back. What do I say? Drawing on Helenas memories, he quickly formulated a response. It wouldnt feel right to accept such a precious heirloom. Hm. Palm nodded, seeming satisfied with Seongs polite refusal. Very well, then. Ill offer you something else. Oh? Why so surprised? Well, just a bit... If the heirloom feels burdensome, its only right to offer a suitable alternative. Thats how our family operates. Palm stood, walking steadily to a chest near the fireplace. Despite his frail appearance, his movements were surprisingly robust. Opening the chest, he retrieved a staff. This seems fitting for someone like you. Palm handed over the staff with a knowing smile. [You have received Staff of the Forgotten One from Hindel Village Chief Palm.] The Forgotten One? Curious, Seong checked the items description. Staff of the Forgotten One Rare+ A staff whose original owner is unknown, as theyve been forgotten by history. Though little remains of its original power, it is evident that the previous owner was an exceptional dark mage. Slightly increases mana recovery after using dark magic skills. Slightly enhances the power of dark magic skills. Wow. The staff was a perfect match for Seong, who had become a dark mage. While the slight enhancements werent groundbreaking, they were more than satisfactory for a Rare+ item. It feels like receiving a gift from Santa Claus. A New Direction Where will you go next? Palm asked. Seong, momentarily distracted, quickly answered, Im planning to head to Pursville. Pursville was one of the next available villages after Hindel. His sister had strongly recommended it, citing the excellent skill instructors there. Palm nodded slowly, as if expecting this answer. Seek out Garrick, the caretaker of the cemetery. [You have obtained a clue about the caretaker, Garrick.] Palms brief remark triggered a message, confirming it as a clue related to a hidden piece. Isnt this a bit too generous? Even Seong couldnt help but marvel at how much the game was handing to him. Chapter 15 Message Unlocked: Clue Obtained The message confirming the acquisition of a clue appeared. Among Eternal World players, this was a well-known triggera signpost leading to a hidden piece. Previously, all the hidden pieces Seong had found were thanks to the memories or assistance of ghosts. But this one? It came through a standard method. Despite playing the game from the start, Seong felt, perhaps for the first time, that he was truly experiencing the game. With a faintly excited expression, he glanced at Village Chief Palm. Palm chuckled softly. Go to Pursville to learn more about Garrick. It was clearly a cue for him to leave. Seong bowed deeply in gratitude. Thank you. Ill be on my way. Though his voice remained calm, an undercurrent of excitement laced his farewell. Palm watched Seongs departing figure and murmured to himself: Though the world has changed, this remains the village of the hero. As its chief, forgive me for not being able to wholeheartedly celebrate your birth here. But others will be different. Theyll gladly accept and rejoice in you. I look forward to that day. Pardon? Seong, about to open the door, paused and turned back. Before he could ask what Palm meant, his vision blurred as he was engulfed in light. Scene Transition: A New Journey The sound of rattling wheels and a jolting motion woke Seong. As his eyes adjusted, he took in the scenery rushing past him: A clear blue sky, expansive meadows, and fields stretching as far as the eye could see. The earthy smell of dirt mixed with the fresh scent of grass, creating a vivid atmosphere. Looking around, he realized he was in the cargo bed of a wagon, traveling down a dirt road. He wasnt aloneseveral other players were in the wagon, sharing the same bumpy ride. Even the discomfort of the jostling ride added to the immersive charm of the moment. Wow! Amazing! I just opened the door at the chiefs house, and now Im on a wagon? The presentation is incredible! Seong, though keeping his thoughts to himself, couldnt help but agree. The transition was seamlessstepping through the door and waking up on a wagon felt like a beautifully crafted scene. Glancing around, he deduced that the other players must have come from different villages, just like him. After all, he was the only one from Hindel Village. Seeing their eager expressions, Seong felt a growing sense of anticipation. Ill finally be able to level up and explore new places. The possibilities were endless. The other players began chatting excitedly: What class are you planning to choose? Heh! Obviously a mage. The centerpiece of any party, and unmatched firepower! Pfft, youre just picking mage because you suck at melee combat! Whatever! What about you? Im going with warrior, of course! The manliest class! Listening to their banter, Seong smiled faintly. He realized his own advancement had been unusually quick. He was likely the first player to advance their class in the Beginners Village, as evidenced by his title. Unlike the others, he didnt need to complete a quest or spend gold to advance his class. Advancement required 10 gold, which translated to around 100,000 won. While most players could grind quests to earn that amount, it was much easier to hunt rabbits in the Beginners Village to collect the gold. Seong had not only saved himself the effort but also avoided tedious quests. The Gravekeeper Garrick So now I need to find Garrick, the gravekeeper. The name alone suggested hed be near a cemetery. Graveyards were promising locations for Seong. The potential for undead encounters made them valuable hunting grounds. The thought of finding his first hidden piece on his own filled him with anticipation. Pursville is ahead! The shout from a player snapped Seong out of his thoughts. In the distance, a large palisade came into viewa settlement much larger than the Beginners Village. This was Pursville, the first major stop after the tutorial. Pursville: The Bustling Marketplace The central square of Pursville bustled with activity, resembling a chaotic marketplace. People wandered about, seemingly indifferent to the constant commotion. With a sense of urgency, Seong was about to move when a voice called out from behind him: You looking for me? Turning, Seong saw an old man with a shabby appearance, covered in dirt and holding a shovel. The figure was semi-transparent, his legs pixelated and faint. It was a gravekeeper ghost. Found him. Seong immediately recognized him as Garrick. Scene Shift: A Corporate Office What does it feel like to show up to work after taking a day off? No words could adequately describe the devastation. The expression on Ji Hye-jeongs face said it all as she marched into the office. Gasp! T-Team Leader Ji?! Werent you on leave?! What? How...? Ack! Ahhh! Her sudden return sent her team members into a panic, as if theyd seen a ghost. After all, their team leader had said she was taking leave to rest, yet here she was. And with her grim expression as she walked through the hallway, no one dared to greet her. It was clear from her face that she wasnt doing well. When Hye-jeong finally arrived at the User Management Teams office, the atmosphere froze over. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, trying to figure out who had summoned her back. No one even dared to swallow audibly, afraid of drawing attention. The only exceptions were Lee Won-sang, the deputy team leader, and Oh Jin-hyuk, a junior staff member. Both reluctantly stood to greet her. Hye-jeongs usual polished appearance in a sleek suit was nowhere to be seen. She was dressed casually in shorts, a shirt, and a T-shirt. The only clue to her prior activities was the teddy bear headband she had forgotten to remove, betraying her recent trip to an amusement park. Lets get to it. Give me an update, she said curtly. Y-Yes! Heres the report! Won-sang quickly handed her a tablet containing the prepared files. Though Hye-jeongs abrupt return was impressive, it was also mortifying for Won-sang, as it was entirely because of him. As Hye-jeong skimmed the report, her expression hardened further. This Unknown Powerare we sure its not cheating? Yes, maam! We verified it through Immortal! And he acquired a hidden piece without any precursors? Yes. And advanced to an Almighty-class job in the Beginner Zone? ... Won-sangs words trailed off as the list of extraordinary achievements grew. Sensing the tension, Hye-jeongs expression shifted from a frown to a blank, neutral face. Well, if Immortal confirmed its not cheating, then its unlikely anyone from our staff leaked information to him. Th-Thats correct. Immortals calculations include monitoring for such possibilities. With a deep sigh, Hye-jeong asked, So, what is this user doing now? According to the report, he just obtained a clue about Gravekeeper Garrick from the Hindel Village chief. Oh, dont worry about that! Jin-hyuk interjected enthusiastically. Surprised by the interruption, Hye-jeong gestured for him to explain. Jin-hyuk, though momentarily flustered, steadied himself and presented the information: That hidden piece was already discovered by another player. Look at this. He pulled up a display showing a high-level user near the hidden piece. User ID: Veziron. Level: 30. Job: Necromancer. The skills in his tree suggest hes building towards a necromancer archetype. And hes pursuing Garricks hidden piece? Yes, it seems so. A Level 30 Necromancer. While Seongs progress was impressive, the odds of a Level 1 player catching up to a Level 30 user were slim. Even with an Almighty-class role, there were still steps and sequences to obtaining hidden pieces. Feeling somewhat reassured, Hye-jeong allowed herself to relax slightly. Suddenly, a new message appeared on her screen from Immortal: [User Seong has permanently increased his stats through Unknown Power.] The message set off alarms in her mind. Though such an occurrence should have been impossible, an unsettling sense of foreboding crept over her. Chapter 16 2. Why are you looking for me? Well, anyway, its nice to meet you. The way he said it, especially the part about being looked for, sounded so sweet despite his rough accent. This hidden piece seems like the kind where I have to find the room of the dead Garrick, look for clues, and visit several places. However, as soon as Seong met Garricks ghost, it became unnecessary. Seong thanked the other NPCs and distanced himself before speaking to Garrick. Are you the gravekeeper Garrick? Ah, thats me. Why are you looking for me? Hmm. How should I say this? After a moment of hesitation, Seong spoke up. The village chief of Hindel Village said you might be of help and told me to find the gravekeeper Garrick. Would he understand if I just say this? The thought turned out to be correct. As soon as Garrick heard Seongs words, he smiled brightly and nodded as if delighted. Ah! Finally, youve come! Now I understand why youre looking for me! Oh. It went through right away. Though Seong didnt really understand why he was being looked for. Ah, I didnt explain it, did I? The village chief, Pam, asked me to give you something when an adventurer came asking for it. Something? Again, the village chief Pam. How much is he planning to give away? Is there a reason for giving so much? Its a shame I didnt hear exactly what the village chief said in the end. As Seong wore a puzzled expression, Garrick scratched his head as if embarrassed. Ah... I dont know why the village chief Pam asked for this. I was just told to give a package and a note to an adventurer when they came. If Garrick doesnt know, then theres only one way. Seong would have to go check the item directly. There are other users around, after all. And hed already met Garricks ghost. Lets go right away. Ah! Of course! No need to hesitate! At Seongs words, Garrick immediately responded. Garrick took the lead to guide Seong, and Seong followed behind. The atmosphere in the eerie graveyard was cold and unsettling. It felt as if something might pop out at any moment, and the other users seemed visibly tense. Some walked as if nothing was wrong, but their careful steps made it clear they were secretly nervous. Seong, however, was completely unfazed, accustomed to this atmosphere. For Seong, walking briskly through the graveyard was no different from walking anywhere else. Ghosts coming out? They were all friendly toward him anyway. There was no need to be scared. Though, he couldnt help but click his tongue slightly, almost regretfully. I cant use the Legion of the Dead here. Was it because of the users'' gaze? No. It wouldnt be a problem since he could become a dark mage after leaving the newbie village and using his skills. It wasnt that. It was the conditions for the Legion of the Dead. The condition that he could only raise corpses he had personally killed due to his low level. It was a rather annoying restriction. Though it didnt matter that much in the grand scheme. Seong drew his sword and strapped it to his waist. On the left, he secured a short sword-sized Tiger Fang, and on the right, a longsword-sized Steel Sword. Once ready, he began walking briskly again. Nearby users turned their attention toward him. Wow, looks like hes not scared at all. Seems like hes pretty bold, huh? Hm, he looks like a beginner, but hes not bad. Some users seemed more focused on observing others than on hunting, as they scanned the players around them. Seong didnt know, but they were scouts from various guilds. They were people stationed in the first village to recruit promising new players. The calmness Seong showed in the graveyard was enough to catch their eyes. That calmness and composure were essential qualities for gamers. But apart from that, skill was still necessary. Without skill, calmness and composure didnt mean much. Ah? An undeads appeared? Lets see how he handles it. If you dont have the skill, youre done for. The scouts muttered, visibly excited. A few of them, wishing to catch the scouts'' attention, felt jealous seeing them focused on Seong. But even if they were jealous, it was unlikely they could catch the scouts'' eyes. Just then, as an undead appeared, Seong was about to step forward when Garrick called out. Young master! Skeletons are more vulnerable to blunt attacks than slashing ones! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] [You gain experience.] With a powerful swing of the shovel, the struggling skeleton turned to dust. The remaining three skeletons tried to stand, but Seong, who had swung the shovel at the fallen one, wasted no time in stomping on the head of one of the toppled skeletons. With a weak crunch, the skull shattered into powder, and Seong used the stomped foot as leverage to kick the other skeleton hard with his opposite leg. Thud! Crack! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] [You gain experience.] [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] [You gain experience.] The skull of the skeleton that received the soccer kick shattered into dust as it fell, and when another skeleton tried to get up, it found that all its companions had already turned to dust. The remaining skeleton, filled with fear, might have hesitated, but instead, it mindlessly rushed at Seong. It revealed the undeads pure hatred of the living. Seong, reading the skeletons movement, ran past it as if gliding, grabbed the shovels handle, and swung it. Using the skeletons momentum, Seongs powerful swing of the shovel made a terrible noise. Crack! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] [You gain experience.] In a single breath, Seong had dealt with all five skeletons. The scouts watching this were left speechless. Goodness! Ugh. What, what was that? Crazy f***ing shovel!? Wow! The scouts couldnt help but be amazed. To think that such movements were possible with an ordinary shovel lying around. Though the method was the same as the gravekeeper NPCs, it was on a whole different level from what the gravekeepers showed. The speed of Seongs mind in predicting movements, his awareness of every situation, and the path he took were all executed perfectly. There was nothing lacking. If anyone missed this, they would definitely regret it. All the scouts thought the same. This was someone they had to recruit! Just as they were about to act on that sense of duty. Huh? Where did he go? Wait?! He was right there just now?! Where did he disappear to!? We need to find him NOW!! Seong, who had been there a moment ago, was now gone. In the moment they looked away, he vanished. Where did he go!? While the scouts were flustered and searching, Seong, guided by Garrick, quickly entered the forest behind the graveyard. It was impossible for the scouts to see him. The forest was dense. The trees were so thickly planted that even Seong, who was running, had difficulty seeing ahead. It was easy to get lost here. The area was often referred to as the Labyrinth Forest by the players. But Seong was running faster than anyone else. This way! All thanks to Garricks guidance. If it werent for Garrick, what would he have done? A hidden piece found by his own effort? Sure, but when others are chasing, getting there first is the priority! As Seong kept running through the winding trees without pause, something appeared in the distance. Was it an open area? The rest of the forest was so dark because the thick trees blocked out the light, but this place was different. A soft light bathed the clearing. And there, in the middle of the clearing, stood a small hut. Seong widened his eyes. He had arrived. [You have found a clue about Gravekeeper Garrick.] [Conditions to approach Garricks hut are fulfilled.] With the condition fulfilled, Seong was allowed to step into the clearing. Am I the first one? Wondering if a player who had noticed it five days ago had already arrived, Seong glanced around. There were no signs of anyone having been here. Seong was sure he had arrived first, using Hunter Apiks memories and experiences to confirm it. With a sense of accomplishment, Seong moved toward the hut. At that very moment. Rustle. He heard a noise behind him. Having been recalling Hunter Apiks memories, Seong instinctively turned as soon as he heard the sound. Thud. An arrow made of bone brushed past where Seong had just been standing. Seong, with sharp eyes, turned to the source of the sound. A beginner avoiding this? There, he saw a user dressed in a robe, their eyes wide with shock, staring back at him. Chapter 17 3. Hes dodging that? And as a beginner? The user who shot the bone arrow at Seong was utterly baffled. He had aimed for the perfect opening and thought it was a guaranteed hit! But he dodged it? The users name was Beziron. Beziron was the one who had discovered Garricks hidden piece first, and with a level 30, he was a high-level user. That made it even more unbelievable. How could he dodge an attack from a level 30 user? A mere beginner? Did I miscalculate the aim? No! That couldnt be right. Beziron was objectively an excellent player. However, it was strange. Usually, users would leave the first village after reaching level 20, but Beziron stayed here. Why? Was it because of a lack of talent? No. There was only one reason. The hidden piece. The story about the hut in the Labyrinth Forest had been circulating for quite some time. But no user had been able to fulfill the conditions to enter. Beziron was no different. However, Beziron couldnt just leave the hut, which was definitely the hidden piece. While others were focused on leveling up quickly and advancing to the next village, spending time on the hut was difficult for most. It was uncertain, and no user had managed to find it until now. But Beziron was different. Even if it took longer, he was determined to get the hidden piece. After doing extensive research and investing significant time, he eventually figured it out. Its Garricks hut! After completing numerous quests from libraries and villagers, he gained enough reputation to acquire the information. He found out that Garrick frequently visited the Labyrinth Forest. He also learned that the hut contained a dark mage''s vision. For someone like Beziron, a dark mage, this information was nearly impossible for others to obtain. It was an accomplishment born of sheer determination. Beziron was confident that he had beaten everyone else to it. No one even knew of the hidden piece''s existence. But now, there was a user who had arrived before him. What is this? He was sure that no one had come before him. He could affirm that. There were no traces of anyone having visited Garricks gravekeeper residence. Beziron was the first to step foot there. So how was this happening? At first, when Seong dodged the attack, Beziron misunderstood. Was Seong another high-level user, like himself, exceeding the recommended level for Persville? But no. Seong was clearly a beginner. His equipment seemed decent, but it was clear he was a beginner. Equipment didnt matter. Beziron could see through that. In Persville, and the first village in general, there was a mandatory bracelet given to players after reaching level 10 and completing their basic job training. But Seong didnt have the bracelet on either of his wrists. Hes under level 10. Not having it meant that Seong was under level 10. In fact, Seong hadnt even gone through the class-change quest yet, making him under level 10. He came to Garricks hidden piece before reaching level 10. That was a fair guess. Even the scouts had figured out Seong was a beginner by that point. It was a common way of distinguishing users in the first villages, including Persville. Is it a coincidence? Even if he wasnt a beginner, any user in Persville would have been hit by that attack. But Seong dodged it. That fact was starting to really annoy Beziron. Hmm. The voice that seemed so calm. Without changing his expression, Seong looked back and tilted his head, as if wondering why Beziron was attacking. Did he not know why? That irked him. He had stayed behind in Persville, where his friends mocked him for being foolish, all for the sake of the hidden piece. He had to get this piece. Leveling up could wait, it was worth more than that. If he got the hidden piece, that would put him ahead of everyone else. And now, to have someone ahead of him. Its mine! Get lost! Beziron yelled. Seong looked at Beziron, confused, and said, Excuse me? I was the one who got here first. Bezirons rage grew even further. He couldnt respond, and Seongs calmness left him speechless. But it didnt matter. ...Anyway, its mine!! Warning messages started appearing one after another. Should I help?Death Aura doesnt only affect the living. Beziron saw Seong and chuckled, knowing it was as expected. At first, Seong had dodged the bone arrow by chance. He had dodged all of the zombies and skeletons attacks, but soon enough, they would catch up. Then it would be the end. So, should he push it a little more? He had dodged by chance before, but now, it was unlikely he could do so again. Bone arrow... As Beziron began to deploy his skill, something unexpected happened. Seongs eyes began to glow turquoise, and at the same time, turquoise energy began to swirl from his back. What was that? It was incomprehensible. It looked like a dark mage skill, but a beginner under level 10 had just class-changed? It was strange. Class-changing was usually done at level 10, and if he had changed classes, he wouldnt be without the bracelet. But that was definitely a dark mage skill. Beziron, being a dark mage, could feel it. Then, the eerie turquoise energy gathered behind Seong and formed the shape of a heart. It was so vivid that it almost seemed real. It looked exactly like the heart from the old training materials, and Bezirons eyes trembled with shock. Could it be an enormous skill? He felt a chill down his spine. No, it cant be! But he tried to deny it. It must be just an effect of a special skill. He denied it to himself. There was no way a beginner could have such an enormous skill. However, that thought didnt last long. Thump As the heart began to beat, Beziron''s thoughts scattered, and the turquoise energy spread eerily throughout the surroundings. The turquoise mist didnt obscure his vision, but it surrounded a wide area. And when that energy touched him... [You have been exposed to an uncontrollable energy.] [Your health is continuously decreasing.] Uncontrollable energy? A level 30 user like Beziron in Persville? No, that couldnt be. It must be some kind of curse, and he needed to dispel it. If he were a dark mage, having a countermeasure for curses would be essential. Dispel! [Your level is too low.] [This is uncontrollable energy.] [The normal skill, Dispel, will not work.] Eh? Beziron rubbed his eyes in disbelief. What was this? He couldnt use Dispel as a level 30 user? Too low level? He couldnt understand the sequence of messages. At the same time, he felt the damage accumulating. It was still bearable, but it was much more substantial than he had expected. If he stayed like this, he might take more damage, but he remained calm. Maybe I got lucky and obtained a higher-tier skill? But even so, his undead were still intact. No matter how powerful the curse, curses were a blessing to the undead. Hed crush Seong with his two zombies and five skeletons! Just as Beziron was thinking this... Grrr!? Grrrk!? Clatter!? The zombies and skeletons made strange noises. Why had they stopped attacking? Go, attack! I said attack! Beziron yelled, but instead of following orders, the undead opened their mouths toward the sky. Then, from their gaping mouths, a turquoise smoke, like mist, began to rise. The undead couldnt be affected by curses, could they!? What in the world was going on!? Shaking with fear, Beziron hurriedly began to cast a bone arrow. It was almost like an instinctive movement. As soon as Beziron completed his bone arrow... Bone arrow!!! Beziron completed his chant, and the bone arrow created in the air shot toward Seong at full speed. But... Thud! A shadow-like arm appeared and snatched the arrow out of midair. The arm was dark like a shadow, but from the cracks in it, turquoise smoke billowed out. The owner of the arm was a zombie. The same zombie that had just been under Beziron''s command. [With overwhelming difference, your undead, Zombie 1, is stolen.] [With overwhelming difference, your undead, Zombie 2, is stolen.] [With overwhelming difference, your undead, Skeleton 1, is stolen.] ... ... [With overwhelming difference, your undead, Skeleton 5, is stolen.] Eh? Now, not just the hidden piece, but his undead were also stolen. What? Give me back my undead! Chapter 18 My, my undead? Had his very own undead been stolen? He had never heard of such a thing. Moreover... They look stronger... The undead Beziron created and their appearance were completely different. It was as if shadows surrounded them, with turquoise energy swirling out like smoke in between. If he had faced them as monsters, they would certainly be high-level monsters, ones he wouldnt even try to fight. But why was that? Their levels have dropped, though? In reality, the undeads levels had noticeably decreased from when Beziron had created them. Most of them had dropped by more than 10 levels. Well, logically speaking, the one facing him now seemed to be lower level than himself. It looked like they hadnt even reached level 10 yet, but they must have obtained a rare job before that. He was shocked by the message that his undead had been stolen, but as he thought calmly, it didnt seem like such a big deal. I can handle this. In the game, a high-tier job? Important, but in a game, the real power lies in levels! The higher the level, the better! As Beziron burned with renewed resolve, Seong was carefully inspecting his situation. What... is going on? Beziron was clearly startled, but Seong was equally shocked. Only now did he realize, but he couldnt fully control Helenas memories yet. More precisely, he wasnt able to yet. Before Helena had helped him, he struggled to recall anything about the Death Aura. The shape of it, and the way Helena had used it, were the only things that had come to him in a blurry memory. But once Helena helped, everything changed. He was finally able to recall a tiny bit of the memory of the Death Aura. Wow. It felt like the fog in his vision had cleared.@@@@ He now understood exactly how to use the Death Aura. It was like suddenly being able to see after a blurry vision, or even more, like the expansive feeling after achieving an overload class change. It felt similar to the freedom he had felt back then. As Seong felt that freedom, messages appeared. [Due to "Unknown Power," you have surpassed the current limits of your skill.] [Legendary skill, "Death Aura," proficiency has increased significantly.] [Legendary skill, "Death Aura," level has increased.] 4 [You have reached Lv. 5 in Legendary skill, "Death Aura," unlocking a new effect.] Ah! It wasnt just about gaining stats through memories and experiences. He had still been unable to fully utilize his abilities until now. Upon realizing that, his perception shifted. The memories of the past instructors, including Hunter Apik and Gravekeeper Garrick, were now clearer. He understood, even if just a little, why Helena had said Seong had a talent superior to hers. Seongs perception had changed. Attack. At Seongs command, the zombies, skeletons, and, in essence, his Death Legion moved. The movements were on a whole different level from the ones Beziron had created. They rushed at him like living humans. Although they were undead, their speed was no longer just that of typical undead. Seongs expression twisted slightly. This is different from the rabbit legion. The movement was simple. Unlike the Death Legion of rabbits, which had actively used tactics, these undead simply rushed forward. Was the difference in intelligence? Can you feel it now? Yeah. Seong nodded immediately in response to Helenas words. The absence of souls. That was what made the difference this stark. Now, he understood a bit more about how to use his overload and his abilities. Surprised by the speed of the undead moving at Seongs command, Bezirons eyes widened. But even so, these were low-level undead, and they were still low-leveled. Bone arrow! Bone spear! Bone spikes! Beziron quickly cast all three skills, attempting to block the advance of the undead. The first skill to appear was the bone arrow. Three bone arrows shot toward the zombies and skeletons. Thud, thud, thud! The arrows struck the chest of the leading zombie. It seemed like the damage was considerable, but it wasnt enough. He couldnt stop the zombies advance. But Beziron wasnt done yet. Next, two bone spears appeared in the air, spinning and shooting automatically toward the zombies and skeletons. Whooooosh! As the vicious sound cut through the air, two skeletons, who were slightly faster than the zombies, took the hit, with the bone spears piercing their skulls. Crack! Crack! The two skeletons exploded on impact. But still, three skeletons and two zombies remained. Their speed had increased, and they quickly closed the distance, nearly reaching Beziron. Realizing the danger, Beziron grinned. It was time for his final magic, which had been delayed by the cooldown. From the ground around Beziron, a white reflective light shone, and bone spikes emerged like thorns. Spikes that looked like traps had been set! Cha-cha-cha-cha-cha! Grrr! Grrr! Crunch, crunch! Crunch, crunch! Crunch, crunch, crunch! Sigh... Im tired. Ill go in for now. See you next time.Oh! You should take the stuff from my hut too!Thats it! I still need to level up to 10. Well, that didnt seem too difficult. So, should he check the other rewards? 4. [User "Seong" has surpassed the current limits of his skills due to "Unknown Power."] [User "Seong" has greatly improved the proficiency of his Legendary skill, "Death Aura."] When humans encounter something they cannot understand, they tend to become fearful. But sometimes, there are those who become enraged by the inexplicable. Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong was one of them. What is this? ... Assistant Manager Lee Won-sang and Junior Staff Oh Jin-hyuk couldnt say anything. If they didnt know, they couldnt speak. They were both seeing this for the first time, so how could they explain? What was worse, Oh Jin-hyuk couldnt even open his mouth. He had boasted that the Beziron user couldnt be defeated. But what was this? Another appearance of "Unknown Power"? Now it wasnt just stats but skill proficiency increase? Not only a huge improvement in proficiency, but the level of the Legendary skill had increased by 5 in a single go. If that didnt happen, could he have defeated the Beziron user? Could he have won against an opponent with a 29-level advantage? Perhaps... Looking at Seongs increased synchronization and vital stats, they wondered. Although Ji Hye-jeong, who emphasized facts over speculation, thought that Seong had probably won. Levels were crucial. As the saying goes, levels dominate in Eternal World. In RPGs, there was nothing more intuitive than a higher level showing stronger strength. Job rank? Yes, it could make a noticeable difference when the level difference was significant. If a user with a normal rank job at level 230 fought against an All Mighty rank user at level 200, the All Mighty rank user would likely win. The difference in rank was clear as levels increased. But a level 1 defeating a level 30 with an All Mighty job didnt usually happen. Even Overlord was special in the All Mighty class. But in the end, Seong had won. Thats impressive. While there can be small fluctuations in stats, such a drastic change had never been seen before. What was this "Unknown Power"? Leaving that aside, Seongs movement, judgment, and synchronization were incredible. He seemed more like a resident of that world than an NPC. Ive never seen a user like that. Right...? I, I agree. He seems more impressive than the rankers? Hmm, yeah, definitely different from the rankers at level 1. Ji Hye-jeong had to agree with those words. Even just observing the fluctuating stats was a historic event, but the way Seong used those stats in his play was remarkable. Both Lee Won-sang and Oh Jin-hyuk had to acknowledge that. They had never seen a user like this before. I wonder if hell catch up to the rankers soon. If anyone else had said that, they would have scolded them not to make such a fuss. But when Ji Hye-jeong said it, the weight of her words felt different. She acknowledged his greatness, but was it really to that extent? Oh Jin-hyuk was taken aback by those words. Ji Hye-jeongs judgment was well-regarded in the User Management Team. Could Seong really catch up to the rankers, who had been playing for over a year and a half? Could it actually happen? Doubting it, Lee Won-sang explained to Oh Jin-hyuk. Before level 10, he obtained a unique Necromancer skill book and an Elite Academy ticket. His starting point was already different. Sigh, and we still dont even know what this Unknown Power is. Ah???" The starting point was drastically different. Not all rankers had started with a unique skill. Ji Hye-jeong responded to Lee Won-sangs explanation. Hmm... Shudder! Both Lee Won-sang and Oh Jin-hyuk flinched, sensing something in her tone. She seemed displeased. Hmm, the atmosphere is actually pretty good, though? Yeah, I guess so? In fact, Lee Won-sang and Oh Jin-hyuk werent at fault. They werent going to scold them. Lets observe for now. Since Immortal said theres no issue with the player, theres no leak of confidential information. Y-yes, thats true! Of course. If Immortal, the greatest AI, had checked Seongs family relations and all the investigations, then they were already beyond it. All they could do now was... If theres another anomaly, well have to stop it. Well, then... If we find anything, report it immediately. Even if its annual leave, well need to come in. Ji Hye-jeongs complaining had a noble feel to it. Seeing her like this, Lee Won-sang nodded in understanding, his dark circles deepened. Phew, this Unknown Power is more of a concern than the Overlord class. Let me know if you find anything else. Prioritize him over other rankers. Understood. Ji Hye-jeong returned to her seat, walking in a tired manner. Although she had left the observation to the others, she still had things to do. I need to look into Overlord. There might be more oddities, and she needed to learn more about the history of Overlord. Chapter 19 Seong was the type to eat the delicious things later. The rewards were no different. Lets check the titles first. The titles earned this time were "Master of Martial Arts," which evolved from the "Fighter" title, and "Adventurer of Justice." Two in total. Master of Martial Arts Epic A title awarded to a user who has defeated an opponent of much higher level in combat. Increases attack power by 5% when fighting humanoid monsters, users, or NPCs. Adventurer of Justice Rare A title awarded to users who have defeated infamous users or NPCs. Increases rewards by 10% when defeating those with a bad reputation. Oh. The "Adventurer of Justice" was hard to use for now, but the "Master of Martial Arts" was quite useful. It applied to all humanoid enemies. It had great versatility, and its effect was considerable. Since skeletons were classified as humanoids, the range was wider than expected. Even the "Adventurer of Justice," which couldn''t be used immediately, seemed quite good. Now, next... The level-up effect of "Aura of Death." Aura of Death Legendary [Lv 5] [Growth] [Continuous Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 25 minutes] [Duration: 4 minutes] "All the deceased shall offer their blood and bones to their Lord. The Lord shall achieve immortality by feasting upon the dead." Exclusive skill for Overlords. Consumes the souls and bodies of the dead within a 50m radius. Consumes and turns them into nourishment. Living beings that come into contact with the aura are overwhelmed by pain. Can command the dead consumed by the aura into the Death Legion. (NEW!) Wow. He was already familiar with the newly added effects. Since he had read Helenas memories. But the cooldown was reduced, and the duration and range increased. It was a bit noticeable, but seeing it in figures made him even more surprised. Definitely. It had improved considerably compared to just dealing continuous damage. With this, he could use the Death Legion without needing to kill directly. It was an essential skill. When he used it on Beziron, the psychological effect was immense. Seeing his undead being taken away caused Beziron to panic, opening up a gap for Seong. This is a nightmare skill for necromancers. He felt satisfied with his steady growth as a dark mage. If Beziron had heard this, he would probably be screaming that it was unfair. Next, an item? The item Beziron left as a gift. Sturdy Beginner Necromancers Robe Rare A sturdy robe made for beginner necromancers. Despite being a robe, it provides considerable defense. Increases defense by +2%. Slight increase in the power of dark magic skills. So its a robe for necromancers? It had decent effects and looked quite usable. Beziron had left a lot behind. At this point, it was almost comparable to the village chief of Hindel Village! The slight increase in skill power was a good option, but His eyes were drawn more to the defense. Its quite something since it increases defense. Seong, still a beginner, knew it well. It was rare for robes to add defense. Now, could it be time for the main course? [Unique Necromancer Skillbook, "Skillbook - Increasing the Undead" has been taken out.] [This skillbook meets the conditions.] [Do you wish to use it?] [Yes / No] Why even ask? The answer was already decided. [Using the Unique Skillbook, "Skillbook - Increasing the Undead"!] [You have acquired the Unique Skill, "Increasing the Undead"!] Increasing the Undead Unique [Lv 1] [Growth] [Continuous Effect] [Passive] Exclusive skill for necromancers. Reduces the mana cost of undead summoning or undead creation skills by 10%. The mana reduction increases as the level rises. "Wow." Seong, who had been calmly reviewing the rewards, let out a sigh of admiration. A passive skill! A skill that reduces the mana consumption of undead summoning and undead creation by 10%? It would increase the mana reduction even further as the level went up. Its basically a skill that increases summoning or creation. Now, he could somewhat understand why Beziron had attacked him first. Though it was still wrong for Beziron to attack him. For a dark mage, especially a necromancer, this was a skill worth drooling over. He didnt know how much the reduction would be, but if it reached up to 50%, it would effectively double the number of undead. Imagining that power made him shiver in his body. That was already pretty impressive. Special Necromancer Training Facility Recommendation Unique Restrictions: Necromancer class, Level 10 or higher. A recommendation letter for admission to a special necromancer training facility. Something special might happen if you bring this recommendation! Perfect, even dessert. Another unique hidden piece. A recommendation for a special necromancer training facility. First, he would need to raise his level to 10, but now his next destination was clear. Once Seong knew his destination, Garrick, noticing it, grinned and said: "Oh dear! What luck! I''ll go back now, but I hope you get great results!" "Thank you very much." "Ah, no problem! I just held on to it for Pam! Don''t wander too far now!" With Garricks charming personality, Seong smiled and waved him off.@@@@ There were no purer beings than the ghosts who always helped him. Seong also wanted to help, but the ghosts always politely declined. It was a shame, though. As long as they used the help they gave him well, that was all they asked for. He couldnt wish for more. Lets go hunting. Only two steps left until level 10. No matter how you looked at it, that movement of swinging the shovel was swordsmanship. Or should it be called sword style? The kind of movement youd see in martial arts novels, the kind that Seong used to watch as a kidor even still occasionally watches when bored. The scouts had seen sword masters in action before. But had they ever seen someone like this? None could answer that. Didnt even the early videos of rankers look nothing like this...? ...Do you think someone like that would join our guild? ...I dont know about recruiting, but damn, this is insane. The thought of recruiting had long been forgotten in their minds. There was no one here who could nod in agreement if asked whether their guild could contain someone like this. They were all just watching Seong, admiring his display. And it wasnt just the scouts who were watching. Is this insane?! What, what is that?! Wait, is he going on a killing spree with a shovel?? Is that even possible?? Wait, but the shovel is a blunt weapon, right? Wow, this is a mad movie... The players who had been hunting could only stand there in awe, unable to tear their eyes away. It wasnt just about the skillno, it was about the swordplay? The shovel play? They couldnt look away from the way he moved. Could it be some kind of magical charm? Unaware that everyone was watching him, Seong continued with a gleam in his eyes, using his skill. A heart-shaped figure of teal light appeared from his back. And the sound of its beating. Thum! As the heartbeat echoed, the surrounding 50 meters were engulfed in a teal mist. The scouts and other players within the radius were also affected, but that was fine. For those who werent hostile, it had no effect. Seong hadnt even noticed that part. As the teal mist spread, the players all reacted in shock. What, whats going on!? Mist...!? Is... is this a skill?! It was an unusual phenomenon, but they quickly realized it was a skill Seong had activated. The mist came from the heart-shaped figure on his back. Even if they wanted to ignore it, they couldnt. They were just thankful that there was no attack coming. But wait... do swordsmen even have a skill like this? No? Usually, warriors or swordsmen learn these kinds of area skills later on, right? Huh? Then whats this? Right... whats this? Just as the players were perplexed, something strange happened. The skeletons that touched the mist raised their heads to the sky, as if vomiting something. Sahaaaaa! Sahaak! Saaaaah! Then, as if they were spewing out teal-colored energy similar to the mist, they started to rise. Seong narrowed his eyes and used the Death Legion. All the skeletons in the radius started to have their pure white bones shrouded by shadows, turning black. The black shadows emitted teal energy. Their appearance was drastically different from the previous skeletons, and everyone couldnt help but gape in awe. Wait, wasnt he a warrior?! He... wasnt a swordsman?! I thought he had knight-type skills! Wh-what!? How is a necromancer fighting like that!? No, even more than thathe doesnt even have a bracelet! Hes not even level 10!! They had thought Seong was a swordsman. But in reality, he was a dark mage? A necromancer? And that wasnt all. When Seong issued his command, all the skeletons simultaneously began to move and started slaughtering the area. Clatter! Clatter! Clack! Clack! Thud! Clatter!! Clatter!? Clack!? The same undead clashed with each other, but Seongs Death Legion was on a completely different scale. Overwhelming power! The black skeletons, emitting teal energy, swept away all the white color. It was pure slaughter. This, this cant be... Wh... what kind of skeletons are those...?! I... I couldnt even handle those... Thats... a skill that a beginner can use...?! Thats... breaking news!!! The scouts and other players were in chaos. Seong, who hadnt even reached level 10, using such a skill meant one thing. It was a higher-tier class, not a normal one. To show such power and influence... Epic, at least?! They all swallowed their breath as they watched Seongs impressive display. Meanwhile, Seong didnt care about the spectators and glanced at the message in front of him. [Experience gained.] [Experience gained.] [Experience gained.] ... [Level Up!] [Youve reached Level 10.] The huntings going well. As expected, necromancers were the best for hunting. After a brief moment of admiration, Seong turned his attention to the next message that appeared. [You have unlocked the Job Training Facility upon reaching Level 10.] [You may now use the Special Necromancer Training Facility Recommendation.] Now I can go. It was time to use the hidden piece. Chapter 20 1. All the villages after the tutorial, including Persville, have job training centers. As the name suggests, these centers allow users to be promoted to new jobs and provide training for those jobs. Whats interesting is that these training centers have different tiers. From basic, intermediate, advanced, top-tier, and finally, special. In total, there are five different tiers. So whats the difference? Its simple. The higher the tier, the more skills and higher-level skills you can learn. For example, in the basic training center, you might only learn two or three normal skills, but in the intermediate, you learn five normal skills. The more skills you learn, the more versatile you become, and the opportunities expand infinitely. Thus, it was essential for all users. Most users would easily make it to the intermediate level. In fact, going only to the basic training center was rare. At the intermediate level, you can learn all the skills from the basic center, so the conditions are easy. You just need to complete simple quests. So what about the advanced level? Ugh, I failed to get into the advanced center again. Again? How many times now? Fourth time... Wow, thats a lot. There were many people who tried over and over. Out of those, only a few succeeded. At the advanced level, you have to pass a test conducted by the training center. It wasnt about solving test problemsit was a test to assess your skills based on your job. What happens if you dont meet the standard? You fail. No matter how many times you try. So why would someone stress over it and struggle to pass? Its simple. Why not just give up, since you learned everything up to the intermediate level? No! If you pass the advanced level, theyll upgrade one of your skills to a rare skill! How can I give up like that!! Thats true~ From the advanced level onward, one of the basic skills is upgraded to a rare skill. For those without hidden pieces, the training center was a rare oasis in the middle of a drought. Moreover, at the top-tier level, they offer two rare skills! How could you give that up? Even if its impossible, they challenge it every day with perseverance. It was one of the common routines for users in the first village. Some held on to it with regret until they left, but once they reached level 20, they would realize the reality and give up in droves. By the way, Beziron, who attacked Seong, was also from the advanced training center. Now, if the top-tier level gives two rare skills, what about the special one? Wow, has anyone gotten into the special training center recently? I dont know. Has there been anyone lately? I think I heard theres one in Persville? Wow, thats amazing. Im so jealous. If you enter the special center, theyll turn all your basic skills into rare ones! What? They turn all five basic skills you can learn in the first village into rare ones? Youll be way ahead of others from the start. No one would be happy that the starting point was different, but opportunities are given fairly to all. If you cant blame anyone, its just your own skill. And that frustration couldnt be expressed anywhere. If you were skilled enough, you would have passed already. So, while people were chatting loudly and lining up for the different training centers, someone was lingering in front of the special training center. Hey, do you think that person is trying to challenge the special center? Oh, will they succeed? Pfft! Look at their arms. Huh? Wow, they dont even have the training center bracelet? They havent even gone to the basic or intermediate center, and theyre going straight for the special one? Pfft, I want to call them a fool. Seriously. It was understandable that someone would linger in front of the special training center. Everyone had done it at least once when they were clueless. Normally, they wouldnt even approach after looking up strategies, but occasionally, there would be someone reckless like that. The other users, curious to see how long they would last, whispered among themselves. Hey, want to bet how long theyll last before getting kicked out? Oh! That sounds fun! Ill say 10 minutes! Eh, thats too long! Ill go with 3 minutes! Alright, Ill go with 1 minute! Hey, 1 minute is too much! Hahaha! The reason they were openly laughing was also because of the appearance of the user lingering in front of the special training center. They were quite handsome, so it was natural to feel jealous. Now was the time to gossip. The guards stationed at the entrance of the special training center also noticed that the user didnt have the bracelet. Their thoughts were no different from the other users. Another clueless outsider has come. Should we at least guide them? They seem to not know yet. Unlike the users who laughed, the guards didnt mockthey just ignored him. They thought the user didnt know anything. This is the SPECIAL training center. This is not a place anyone can pass. You dont seem to have the bracelet for basic or intermediate training centers. How about going there first? There was clearly a condescending tone in the words. Normally, you would be upset or enraged when treated like this by an NPC. But this user didnt mind. Instead, he took out a piece of paper from his pocket. Here. Ha. Sometimes, there were outsiders who thought they could bribe their way in. Lets see if they really are someone important. With that thought, the NPC took the paper. When he looked at the paper and then at the user in front of him, his eyes widened in shock, and he dropped his jaw. This, this... what is this!? The guard who took the paper jumped back in surprise, and another guard, standing beside him, came closer, confused. What? What is it? Huh?! They both reacted the same way, looking at the paper. However, there were very few people inside. Just one professor and one user? There was an elderly NPC, who seemed to be the professor, and a female user. The NPC seemed quite stubborn and had an imposing air about him, as if he might be very strict. He seemed like the type to be exacting and meticulous. It could be a bit difficult. The female user, on the other hand, seemed to have a very sharp look to her. She looked like someone who might have a sensitive personality. However, there was also a mix of pride and confidence in her demeanor. She seemed very capable. Contrarily, when Seong entered, the female user shot him a sharp glare. Why is she glaring at me? He hadnt even done anything yet. It felt like a mixture of suspicion and shock in her gaze. It also felt like she might be somewhat offended. Seong hadnt expected anyone to be here at the special center. He never thought there would be someone else, especially not another Necromancer. As he quickly scanned the classroom, the elderly NPC, who seemed like the professor, addressed him. Did you pass the test to get here? Pardon? Ah, well... Considering you dont have the bracelet, it looks like youre trying to enter the special center for the first time. You must be quite talented. ... It seemed like the professor didnt listen well to others. The female user, who had been there first, once again glared sharply at Seong after hearing the professors words. Seong ignored her gaze and responded. Actually, I brought this with me. Hm? The elderly professor took the paper from Seong and looked at it. His eyes widened, and his pupils began to shake. Whats this? Just like the guards, the strict and imposing professor was shocked by the paper. It was probably the paper from the village chief of Hindel, Pam. Now that Seong thought about it, was the village chief Pam actually a significant figure? Thinking about this, Seong began to realize something. W-Welcome! I had a feeling there was something unusual about you!!! Hehehehe! Ah... Thank you. ...! While Seong remained outwardly calm and thanked him, the praise still made him feel embarrassed. As the professor gave his compliment, the female users eyes widened. Her eyes showed a mix of shock, jealousy, and confusion. It was clear that she felt slighted. I wanted to learn quietly... That seemed to be the case. As Seong scratched his cheek awkwardly, the elderly professor addressed him. Ah, well, then, Yeon, sit next to him. Ah, okay. Seong didnt ask who Yeon was. There would only be one other person, after all. As Seong sat down, Yeon coldly ignored his presence and made sure to keep some distance. He couldnt understand why she was acting like this, even though he hadnt done anything wrong. He decided not to dwell on it and just thought of it as one of those things. At least there was someone else in the class to keep him company. Meanwhile, Yeon, the user who had been sitting there, looked at Seong with annoyance. Seriously, I hate this. It wasnt that Seong had done anything wrong. She just felt irritated that someone else was now encroaching on what had been her space. This was my private class. It wasnt that she hated Seong from the start. Even though her sense of specialness was shattered, it didnt mean her talent would fade away. She also had to admit that Seong was handsome, so she thought about letting go of her irritation. But when the professor complimented Seong and said he seemed talented, her annoyance flared up again. Ugh, dont just say that to anyone. It felt like he was just saying it casually, and that made her angry. But then, when Seong handed over the paper and the professor was stunned, Yeon was beyond just irritatedshe was angry. He just walked in without even taking the test?! That thought couldnt be avoided. Just like the professor had said, Seong didnt have the bracelet from completing the intermediate center, so he hadnt taken the necessary tests. It was clear from how he handed over the paper that he had somehow completed a special quest to get in. It was a situation that felt unfair to Yeon. She had legitimately completed the course and passed the test, unlike him. And now, he received praise the moment the professor looked at the paper? She couldnt accept that. Ive never been complimented like that! Had the professor ever said something like that to her? No, never. Ill learn the skills faster than you, no matter what. Just wait and see. As Yeon glared at Seong, she made a resolution. Seong, on the other hand, focused on what the professor was saying, paying no attention to the glare. He knew that ignoring her was the best option when someone was staring at him like that. So, he stayed focused on the professors words. Cough, cough, Yeon, you already know me, but Ill introduce myself again. Im Ulden Python, the professor at the Special Necromancer Training Center. The lesson began. Meanwhile, Yeon looked at Seong with a sense of determination. Ill definitely show him whos better. She would show everyone that this place wasnt as easy as it looked. With that thought in her mind, she glanced at Seong. But Seong, instead of reacting to her, scratched his cheek as if something were bothering him. It wasnt because of Yeon, though. Is this where you can learn dark magic? Sounds fun. Want me to show you a little? Suddenly, a voice echoed. He didnt need to look to know whose voice it was, but he glanced sideways. Helena, smiling brightly, was watching him. Yeon was completely out of Seongs mind as he became increasingly embarrassed about how to respond. Chapter 21 Why did it have to show up when people were around? Seong decided not to answer. Helena tilted her head in curiosity. "Why can''t you answer? You just have to think about it to respond." Huh? Really? "Of course! Weve already shared memories and experiences, havent we?" Oh. It was true. He could communicate with her just by thinking. Seong had never interacted with ghosts this way before, so he couldn''t help but be biased against the idea. If memories and experiences were shared, then mental communication made sense. That was a relief. "So, are you learning the basics of dark magic?" Yeah, Ive heard thats what the basic skills are taught here. "Hmm~" Helena hummed as though she was pleased with Seongs answer. She seemed rather satisfied that he was learning the fundamentals of dark magic. While chatting with Helena, the elderly professor Urden turned to Seong and spoke. "Ah! My forgetful mind. Since we have a new student, we should introduce ourselves, dont you think? Lets start with you, senior Yeon." "......." The suggestion to introduce herself was met with blatant discontent, but Yeon reluctantly opened her mouth. "Yeon. Level 15." Her introduction was curt and cold, with no room for pleasantries. But really, what else was there to say? It was obvious they were all dark mages in this classroom. Urden tilted his head at Yeons brusque demeanor. His expression read, Whats with her today? Still, he didnt dwell on it and promptly turned to Seong. "Hmm, now its your turn..." "Ah, Im Seong. Just hit level 10. Nice to meet you." "......." Due to Urdens presence, Yeon couldn''t openly show her disdain, so she merely nodded her head in acknowledgment. It was an overtly disrespectful gesture. However, Seong wasnt fazed. He was the type to remain unbothered by such things. Instead, it was Urden who seemed puzzled by Yeons attitude. Whats wrong with her today? Urden wondered if Yeon perhaps disliked outsiders, but decided not to dwell on it. Clearing his throat, he changed the topic. "Alright, alright. Lets begin the class, shall we?" Classes here werent about using skill books but actual lessons. The professor taught, and students who understood quickly learned the skill. Even those who didnt grasp it immediately would acquire it after an hour of class. Some might question why they didn''t just hand out skill books or generate the skills directly. But these lessons offered practical ways to utilize the skills effectively. This was particularly important for fundamental skills, as they formed the core of any jobs toolkit. Through this education, students could deepen their understanding of the skills. This part was emphasized as very important, Seong recalled. Even in guides written by top-ranking players, the importance of foundational skills was repeatedly stressed. Skipping these lessons was considered foolish, as everyone agreed it was essential to focus during class. Even if one didnt fully understand, attending just one hour ensured the skill was learned. Missing class was a clear disadvantage. "Now, typically, you would learn the basic skill Poison: Numbing Pain first, but today, well start with Bone Arrow since Yeon was already working on it." "Oh." "......." Seong was already familiar with the skill. It was the same one Beziron had relentlessly used to attack him. So, its a rare skill? I thought Beziron was just a high-level player, but that wasnt it. As Seong pondered this, Yeon frowned while watching him. At the very least, she would learn this faster than him. Yeon was certainly skilled.@@@@ Having already learned five basic skills at the normal grade from an intermediate training center, she was ahead. Her foundational skills were being upgraded to rare levels, giving her a clear advantage over Seong, who hadnt learned a single one yet. At least, formally speaking. She was determined to prove her superiority over Seong, who had stumbled his way into an elite training center. With this mindset, Yeon fully immersed herself in the class. Urden began teaching as he observed both Yeon and Seong. "Easy."Ahaha, Seong really is incredibly talented. Surely not. Yeon thought this to herself, and Urden seemed to think similarly. Once might be a fluke. But there was no way he could learn another skill so quickly. At least, thats what they wanted to believe. Still, life has a way of defying expectations, doesnt it? Urdens curiosity as a magician started to stir. Normally, there would only be one class per day. But since Seong had already finished so quickly... Well, Seong, since you learned it so fast, would you mind if we taught the next skill? Yeon, could you wait a bit longer? Yeon, who had been itching for another challenge, nodded immediately. Of course, I dont mind. Her gaze said, Go ahead and try. Seong scratched his cheek awkwardly at her glare. And less than five minutes later... Whoosh! [You have fully understood the rare skill, Poison: Numbing Pain, through the Unknown Power.] [You have acquired the rare skill, Poison: Numbing Pain.] Whaaaat?! This... this cant be happening! Both of them shouted in shock, nearly jumping out of their seats. Yeon, in particular, felt her head spin as if she were about to faint. But surely, it wouldnt happen a third time... right? Another five minutes passed. Whoosh! [You have fully understood the rare skill, Blood Veil, through the Unknown Power.] [You have acquired the rare skill, Blood Veil.] H-How about this one? Try this too! Huh?! This time, it didnt even take five minutes. Roughly three? Using Helenas memories more effectively, Seongs learning speed improved. Whoosh! [You have fully understood the rare skill, Curse of Sensation, through the Unknown Power.] [You have acquired the rare skill, Curse of Sensation.] The time is even shorter now?! ...... By this point, Yeon wasnt even angry anymore. She just stared at Seong like he was some kind of monster. A fluke? Connections? She now understood it wasnt anything like that. What was this person? Even Urden, a genius magician himself, felt the same way. His bloodshot eyes widened in excitement, veins bulging on his forehead as his curiosity as a researcher took over. What kind of phenomenon was this? Yeon couldnt comprehend it, and her frustration brought tears to her eyes. But no one in the room paid attention to her anymore. Instead, Urden, overwhelmed with excitement, shouted at Seong. This is truly unbelievable! Lets try the most difficult of the basic skills! You wont be able to learn this one so easily! This time, it wasnt even a matter of minutes. As soon as Urden asked the question and Seong began to answer... Whoosh! [You have fully understood the rare skill, Lesser Undead Creation, through the Unknown Power.] [You have acquired the rare skill, Lesser Undead Creation.] [The rare skill, Lesser Undead Creation, has been absorbed into the higher-tier skill, Legion of the Dead.] [The Almighty skill, Legion of the Dead, has increased in proficiency.] Even Seong felt a little embarrassed at this point. He had acquired the skill in less than a minute this time. Ahaha... As Seong chuckled awkwardly, Urdens face turned beet red, and he shouted like a man on the verge of losing his mind. Aaaah! A genius! A prodigy!! Seong is an absolute genius! No wonder he wrote that recommendation letter!! Huwaaaah... Unlike Urden, Yeon burst into tears, overwhelmed by her frustration. It was absolute chaos. Meanwhile... "Theyre only realizing this now? Hmph." Helena stood tall and proud, hands on her hips, beaming with satisfaction on Seongs behalf. Seong, however, wished this would all just end. Please, make it stop... Chapter 22 0. The guild system in Eternal World offered a variety of benefits: guild bases, exclusive shops, guild-only skills, and more. While there were plenty of solo players who preferred going it alone, the games structure inherently favored guilds. Sure, solo players had their perks, but they were always at a disadvantage compared to the massive benefits provided to large guilds. As a result, even solo-inclined players gradually started joining guilds, and guild leaders worked tirelessly to grow their ranks. It wasnt just about the perks, though. In modern society, games were an excellent source of entertainment, but there was something even more important than that. Money! Large guilds could rake in profits rivaling those of mid-sized companies. Even without factoring in the revenue from streaming tickets for top-ranking guilds, the sheer in-game wealth they generated was enormous. It was no surprise that Eternal World was often called a world within a world. Guilds didnt hire professional scouts and pay them salaries out of sheer generosity. Recruiting one outstanding rookie could easily generate enough revenue to cover the cost of hiring ten scouts. What could possibly be more important than money in a capitalist society? Money was king. The Scout''s Struggles Lee Seong-yeong was one such professional scout. "Ugh, no promising rookies lately," he muttered. To be precise, there were plenty of decent candidates, but no real prodigies. Clicking his tongue in frustration, Lee Seong-yeong reflected on how his high standards played a role, but more than that, it was because of the guild he worked for. Rank 12: Sick Brothers Guild. A laughable name that translated to something like Ill Brothers or Ailing Siblings, but its ranking was no joke. As one of the top-tier guilds, it stood among the elite in the rankings. Founded by a group of men driven by American machismo, the guild was deeply committed to a meritocratic philosophy. Their leadership was notorious for statements like, If youve got skills, youre macho, no matter your gender! It went without saying how absurd their ideals were. "This job just makes our lives harder," Seong-yeong sighed. The guilds meritocracy extended to its staff, hiring people purely based on their abilities without regard for personality, race, or gender. This resulted in scouts being pushed to their limits, and Seong-yeong was no exception. "If I dont deliver results this month, Ill be in trouble." He wouldnt be fired, thanks to his previous accomplishments, but avoiding the guild masters lectures was a different matter. And the last thing he wanted was to endure over an hour of machismo philosophy. Driven by desperation, he started scouring for information. A Lead Emerges The Sick Brothers Guild was a hub for tips, often sent by scouts from rival guilds or informants looking to earn a quick buck. Just as he opened his inbox, he noticed a freshly arrived email from a regular informant. This informants behavior was often questionable, but their information was always reliable. Curious, he opened the email. Subject: "Strange undead spotted in Persville." Message: "Unidentified undead encountered. Multiple witnesses but no direct contact."@@@@ "...?" Thats it? The only details were that it happened in Persville and involved strange undead. Still, if the informant sent it, there had to be something worth investigating. The note about multiple witnesses caught his attention. "Id better check the internet." Where there were witnesses, there were bound to be posts online. After a quick search through Eternal World forums and other sites, he found a few relevant threads. [Did anyone else see undead at the Persville Cemetery?] [New special rank sighting in Persville!] "Special rank? Whats that about?" Apparently, a user had recently cleared a special-tier training center in Persville. On the same day, strange undead appeared. Something was definitely going on. Scrolling through the posts, he couldnt find any screenshots, as capturing images without consent was restricted. The comments, however, were more revealing: [Persville Elder]: Undead? Even if they are, theyre probably low-tier. Or maybe mid-tier if they cleared the highest level. [DarkBald]: Nah, its at least top-tier, judging by how people are talking. [MudPoor]: I saw it too! It wasnt like any normal undeadit looked like a boss monster! "A strange undead... so its real." Though the posts title didnt draw much attention, the comments suggested there were more witnesses than expected. There was even one comment from a user named Bezimil that seemed fueled by spite, but that was irrelevant for now. The connection between the strange undead and the special-tier training center piqued his interest. [MongSqueal]: Wow, a special-tier free pass? So jealous. [Pay2Play]: Right? Apparently, theres a hidden piece that grants you a recommendation letter for the special-tier center. [HypeGirl]: Seriously? Isnt that cheating? So if youre lucky, you just get in? [HongdaeFreak]: Lol, as if those are common. [Line30]: I was waiting for my advanced exam when I saw it. Even the guards treated them like royalty. Must be a hidden piece, for sure. "The timing is too close to be a coincidence." Special-tier necromancer skills wouldnt explain such an undead. If the user received a recommendation, it had to be at least an Epic-tier job change. As a scout for the 12th-ranked Sick Brothers Guild, Seong-yeong had access to insider information about such cases. This only confirmed his suspicion: Grade: RareLevel: 1 (Growth-Type)Effect: Instant, ActiveCooldown: 10 secondsDescription: A dark magic-exclusive skill.Creates an arrow made of bone and shoots it at the target.Grade: RareLevel: 1 (Growth-Type)Effect: Sustained, ActiveCooldown: 1 minuteDuration: 10 secondsDescription: A dark magic-exclusive skill.Inflicts a curse that causes pain. The curse does not deal damage but induces a sharp sensation of pain.Cannot be used on targets that cannot feel pain.Grade: RareLevel: 1 (Growth-Type)Effect: Instant, ActiveCooldown: 30 secondsDescription: A dark magic-exclusive skill.Creates a veil of blood to block attacks and curses.The strength of the barrier depends on the mana consumed.Grade: RareLevel: 1 (Growth-Type)Effect: Sustained, ActiveCooldown: 3 minutesDuration: 1 minuteDescription: A dark magic-exclusive skill.Injects poison that numbs the targets sense of pain, preventing interruption from external stimuli.See? These are great spells, arent they? Yaaawn...Mmm, a little.Thank you. I probably wont be able to appear for a while. Ive used up a lot of energy. Seong pulled out the map he had received from the training center. The detailed map of Persville confirmed his memory. Persville Plains. It was a vast area teeming with diverse monsters. Because of its size, players were naturally spread out, making it less likely to encounter others. It was the perfect spot for Seong. Lets head there. Here, he could use his skills freely without worrying about prying eyes. Not that he had ever cared much for others opinions, but it was still a relief to have some privacy. Once the decision was made, Seong wasted no time. With light steps, he quickly reached the largest and most distant hunting ground in Persville. Arrival at the Plains Whooosh! The tall grass, which reached up to Seongs ankles, swayed like waves in the wind. The air was filled with the earthy scent of vegetation, and birds chirped as they flew across the vibrant sky. Chirp, chirp! It was the kind of scene one might expect to find in a European meadow. The expansive view and the clear blue sky, now tinged with the orange hues of a setting sun, painted an awe-inspiring picture. It was hard to believe this was a game. Momentarily lost in the beauty of his surroundings, Seong snapped back to reality and checked his condition. His body felt well-adjusted and limber, and his movements were smooth. I dont need to allocate my bonus stats just yet. Status Window Seong Level 10 Class: Overlord Titles: Monarch (Legendary) ...and 13 others. Stats: Strength: 15 (13 + 2)Agility: 17 (15 + 2)Stamina: 12 (10 + 2)Intelligence: 23 (20 + 3)Wisdom: 23 (20 + 3)Spirit: 23 (20 + 3)Dexterity: 7 (6 + 1) Unallocated Stat Points: 45 Reaching level 10 without spending his bonus stat points had left him with 45 unallocated points. For now, his base stats were already above average for his level, so he saw no immediate need to use them. A Sudden Attack Whoosh! The sound of something small cutting through the wind reached Seongs ears. Sensing the incoming threat, he decided this was the perfect opportunity to test a skill. He channeled mana, and dark crimson blood scattered in the air, forming a wide, protective barrier. Shaaah! The Blood Veil spread out like a sheet, intercepting the incoming projectile. The thin-looking veil held firm, deflecting the object with ease. Thud! Gek!? Kergh!? Gak-gak! Three green-skinned dwarfs cried out in surprise as their ambush failed. The creatures were goblins, familiar monsters in any fantasy game or story. With their green skin and unkempt patches of green hair, they blended into the grass almost seamlessly. They wielded crude weapons and were about the size of five-year-old childrenhardly intimidating. Still, they were repulsive. Disgusting little things. Seong smirked at the startled goblins, preparing to counterattack. For a moment, he considered activating Aura of Death but shook his head. No need to waste a sledgehammer on a fly. Even Wrath of the Damned would have been overkill. In this case, Bone Arrow was more than enough. Ssshhh! As the goblins hesitated, still startled, bone arrows materialized in the air. The white, gleaming arrows shot forward, striking their targets. Grahk?! Gehh?! Guh?! The final arrow struck the third goblin squarely between the eyes. Thwack! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! has been activated!] [Experience points gained.] The goblin fell instantly, its life extinguished. Oho? Seong nodded in satisfaction. The skill was more effective than he had anticipated. Now, what to test next? As Seongs lips curled into a faint smile, the remaining goblins shivered with dread. They had clearly picked the wrong target. Chapter 23 Two goblins trembled with fear. Conveniently, Seong had two skills left to test. With the decision already made, he chose a skill and activated it. As mana flowed, dark smoke began to rise from his fingertips. The smoke quickly coalesced into the shape of a face, resembling a malicious specter. Whoosh! The eerie apparition sped toward one of the goblins, its ghostly wail impossible to resist. The smoke seeped into the goblins body. [Goblin B has fallen under the Curse of Sensation.] [The goblin will experience intense pain for 10 seconds.] Gah! Grrk! Guhk! The afflicted goblin clawed at its own throat, writhing in agony. It squirmed on the ground, but the pain showed no signs of subsiding. The grotesque sight left the remaining goblin shaking violently. Could it survive? Should it run? Or should it fight? Unable to decide, the goblin tried to react as Seong shifted his stance, but... Bang! Tap-tap-tap! Seong moved too quickly. The goblin realized it couldnt possibly escape. If it tried, it would be caught immediately. Instead, it gripped its crude dagger and charged at Seong with a fierce cry. Kerghhh! The bold charge might have earned applause from other goblins for its courage. But Seong was relieved. I was worried it might run away. Now, only one skill remained to be testeda buff skill. Seong channeled his mana, and a violet liquid materialized above his head. The ominous liquid, emitting dark fumes, succumbed to gravity and fell onto him. Drip, whoosh! The liquid seeped into Seongs body, accompanied by unsettling noises. [You have used Poison: Numbing Pain.] [For 1 minute, you will feel no pain.] [While pain is suppressed, focus and precision are enhanced.] Despite its name, Numbing Pain, the skill didnt impair Seongs movements in the slightest. On the contrary, the absence of pain heightened his other senses. Using poison as a buff in this way was fascinating. This is fun. Lost in thought, Seong momentarily stopped moving. The goblin saw its chance and aimed its crude dagger at the unarmored part of his knee. Slash! The dagger''s poor quality made it tear rather than cut, but Seong felt no pain. Oh? It was the first time he had taken direct damage, and the complete absence of pain surprised him. With no external stimuli distracting him, he felt entirely focused. Oblivious to this, the goblin continued its frenzied attacks. Yet, despite its efforts, Seongs high defense rendered the damage negligible. Kergh! Krrk! Kehk! The goblins relentless attempts were almost pitiful. Realizing its attacks elicited no reaction from Seong, the goblin tilted its head in confusion. Why isnt this working? Seong ended the creatures misery with a single swing of his steel sword. Slash! [Critical Hit!] [One Strike! effect activated.] [Experience points gained.] With two goblins down, Seong approached the third, which had just recovered from the curse. He didnt need to hurrythe goblin was nearby. The disoriented creature turned its head, sensing something amiss. Before it could react, a flash of steel struck its neck. Grrk? [Critical Hit!] [One Strike! effect activated.] [Experience points gained.] Unlike undead monsters, the goblins left behind intact corpses. Seong could butcher them for resources, but his attention was drawn to the bluish-green smoke rising from their bodies. Sometimes, fortune favors those who are patient. Just as he resigned himself to waiting longer, the entrance to the Special-Class Job Training Center opened. Oh? Ohhh? Seongs eyes widened in anticipation. Could it be? Is this finally the moment? But his hopes were dashed almost immediately. A female player emerged, wiping her tears and sniffling. Sniff... How is it even possible to learn all the skills at once? What...?! Her muttered complaint froze Seong in his tracks. Had he misheard? This player was talking about someone mastering all the skills in one go. Could she be referring to the very person he was looking for? He swallowed hard, biting his lip in frustration. If only he had arrived sooner, this wouldnt have happened. But it wasnt over yet. Theyre still in Persville, Im sure of it. At level 10, the player wouldnt have had time to move far. If he searched the nearby hunting grounds, he might still have a chance to find them. Eyes gleaming with renewed determination, Seong approached the woman and handed her a business card he had prepared in advance. Hello! Im Lee Seong, a scout for the Sick Brothers guild. I couldnt help but notice you coming out of the Special-Class Job Training Center. I believe you must be a remarkable talent. Huh? The woman, still sniffling, took the card in confusion. Seong didnt bother mentioning the guilds ranking. The Sick Brothers reputation was already well-known, so there was no need to elaborate. I assure you, Sick Brothers welcomes talented players of all kinds, including female users. Wha... huh? Please dont hesitate to contact me. With that, Seong dashed off, determined to search every hunting ground in Persville to locate his target. He didnt particularly enjoy blindly scouring areas, but recruiting top talent was his priority. As he ran, he kept his ears open for any chatter among players. Hey, did you hear? Some weird undead showed up on the Persville Plains. Weird undead? Yeah, like 10 minutes ago, they were attacking a goblin village. Oh, mustve been a dark mage. Man, I shouldve picked dark mage too. At first glance, the conversation seemed like casual player banter, but the mention of weird undead caught Seongs attention. That must be it! With a sharp glint in his eye, he sprinted toward the Persville Plains. Meanwhile, Yeon, the female player left behind, stared at the business card in her hand. Sick Brothers? The guilds name printed on the card made her hiccup in surprise, her tears momentarily forgotten. Guild rank 12... Sick Brothers? Her frown eased, and a small smile crept onto her face as her mood lifted. 3. For the E-World User Management Team, Seongs exploits in the game had become a subject of fascination. After less than a single day of gameplay, his activities had already drawn attention. Lee Won-sang, a senior team member in charge of monitoring Seong, sighed deeply, dark circles prominent under his eyes. ...Haah. Hang in there, senior! Hang in there? Sure, why not. He nodded at the junior employee, Oh Jin-hyuk, but his weariness was evident. Though their team leader, Ji Hye-jeong, had recently returned from leave, her intimidating presence was a constant source of stress. For now, though, they were thankful the situation hadnt escalated further. Won-sang gestured at the screen, his voice laced with sarcasm. Seeing a player increase their proficiency with an unknown power and master all the basic skills in just over 20 minutes? Thats the kind of motivation I needed. Ah... I see... Jin-hyuk trailed off, unsure how to respond. And now hes off to the plains to test his skills. Who knows what else he knows? Jin-hyuk hesitated before replying, Well, it seems like hes just hunting. Is there something special there? Won-sang leaned back, muttering to himself as he stared at the screen. ...The Golden Goblin is there. Wait, what?! Chapter 24 The Golden Goblin. A concept widely used in games. It was no different in Eternal World. Golden Goblin refers to those mobs that carry a lot of treasure, right? Yeah, thats correct. There was a Golden Goblin in Persville? Senior team member Lee Won-sang sighed, watching his junior, Oh Jin-hyuk, who flinched under the weight of that exasperation. What could he do? He didnt know, so he had to ask. Seeing his juniors reaction, Won-sang relented with a nod. To be precise, its more like a Treasure Goblin. Wait, what? Then does that user already know about it? Its possible... but unlikely. That particular one only exists in the Persville goblin village, and its already dead. What? Its already dead? If its dead, its not completely impossible to find, but it would definitely be more difficult. As Jin-hyuk considered this, Won-sang elaborated. Yeah, another player killed it thinking it was just a normal goblin and left without discovering the hidden piece. Ah! That clarified things. With the clue lost, there was no way for anyone else to find it now. Such items became what was known as Lost Hidden Piecesfeatures considered practically irretrievable even by developers. But something about the seniors expression didnt sit right with Jin-hyuk.@@@@ Why does he seem so uneasy? Given that it was a lost hidden piece, there shouldnt be anything to worry about. Its a lost hidden piece, so that user wont be able to get it either, right? ...Right. Though he responded, Won-sangs expression remained tense. He eventually forced a laugh and added, Yeah, they cant find it. How would they? Its a lost hidden piece. Haha! Of course, senior, youre always right! Despite the hollow cheer, the memory of Seong plowing through rare skills with his "unknown power" left both of them uneasy. 4. The Persville Plains, the largest hunting ground in the region, teemed with a wide variety of monsters. From animal-type monsters like deer, wolves, and foxes, to humanoid creatures like goblins, zombies, and skeletons, the diversity of the plains matched their vastness. Among all the creatures, goblins were undoubtedly the most prominent. Not because they were strongfar from it. Ten out of ten players would call them weak. But goblins were an enormous nuisance. They traveled in groups, set traps, and carried out ambushes, making them one of the most annoying monsters to encounter in the area. At least, thats what Seong had read about them. Hmm. Yet, the sight before him made those reports hard to believe. The sound of clashing metal echoed across the field, mingling with the metallic stench of blood in the air. It was a scene of utter slaughter. Kerrek! Kyahk! Grrruk! Kill them all! Victory for the Master! Drench our old home in death! For the glory of our Lord! The ones being massacred were goblins, and their executioners were undead, wreathed in darkness and radiating a faint turquoise glow. Though cloaked in shadows, their size and shape betrayed their origins: they had been goblins in life. Watching the massacre of what were effectively their kin, Seong scratched his cheek. Was it gruesome? Oh!? I see our village has fallen! And to such a mighty individual, no less! Huh? Seong was more surprised by the goblin ghosts speech than its appearance. The Death Soldiers he controlled earlier had spoken only in Goblin tongue, yet this ghost was clearly speaking the common language. How could a goblin speak the common tongue? Seongs curiosity deepened as he began to suspect that this peculiar ghost might hold something valuable. Haha! I must admit, it must be shocking to hear a mere goblin speak your language! To be honest, yeah. Ive dealt with humans since I was young, and through these interactions, I naturally picked it up. It helps that Im a bit more... intelligent than my peers. The sharp gleam in the goblin ghosts eyes exuded an aura of wisdom rarely seen in monsters. Its refined tone and demeanor were quite unlike the usual goblin. Even though it was technically a monsters spirit, it displayed a remarkable friendliness toward Seongremarkable considering he had just annihilated its village. Ah, to think Id encounter such a mighty being! Allow me to offer you my treasures, great one. Treasures? Yes, though I am but a lowly goblin, I have accumulated quite a fortune over the years. Oh?! Seongs eyes widened. Hed heard about Golden Goblins in Eternal Worldspecial goblins rumored to carry vast amounts of treasure. And now, this ghost was one of them. What a jackpot. Seeing Seongs eager expression, the goblin ghost chuckled, nodding slowly. Haha, Im glad youre pleased. Allow me to guide you to it. Unfortunately, Im bound to this place and cannot leave. Ah. It seemed this ghost was what one might call a lingering spirit, unable to leave the vicinity of its death. Acknowledging this, Seong nodded, and the goblin ghost began explaining the path to its hidden treasure in detail. As the ghost spoke, Seong felt a strange sensationone he hadnt experienced before. Previously, hed encountered spirits guiding him to locations, but this time, something was different. He felt an instinctual pull, as if he could directly absorb the ghosts memories and experiences. Following this intuition, Seong reached out his hand. Oh?! The ghost exclaimed in surprise as Seongs turquoise-tinged eyes glowed, and a faint aura radiated from his body. Within moments, the goblin ghosts memories and experiences flowed into Seong, becoming his own. Through this process, Seong gained not only the treasures location but also details about traps and a special guardian goblin that protected the treasure. Perfect. With this knowledge, he could prepare thoroughly before setting off. Thank you. Because of you, I can find it easily now, Seong conveyed his gratitude through thought. The ghost, Kahku, beamed with pride, nodding enthusiastically. It is nothing, great one. To have assisted you is an honor. Haha, I now have something to brag about in the afterlife! Seong chuckled at the ghosts flattery. While it was excessive, it was harmless, and the sentiment wasnt unpleasant. Just as he was about to set off, Seong sensed someone approachingquickly and purposefully. While it was subtle, Seongs honed instincts from his past-life experiences as an instructor and a hunter helped him detect the intruder. Who could it be? It wasnt another player hunting for the hidden piece, as Kahkus memories confirmed that no one else had the necessary map. Then why are they coming this way? Seong turned his gaze toward the source of the movement, and before long, a sharply dressed man came running, looking disheveled but determined. Hmm? The mans attire reminded Seong of those hed seen in the cemetery earlierother scouters. Having read beginner guides, Seong knew scouters were akin to corporate recruiters in Eternal World, often wearing business-like attire to stand out. Still, it was surprising to see one run so desperately toward him. Seong stood quietly as the man reached him, glancing between the goblin village ruins and Seong himself. Then, the man bent at a full 90-degree angle and shouted, Greetings! I am Seong-yeong, a scouter from the Sick Brothers Guild! We would be honored to have a necromancer of your caliber join us! Uh... me? Why me? Seongs genuine confusion caught Seong-yeong off guard. The recruiter straightened slightly, studying Seong carefully. His face reflected both relief and nervousness. Wait, are you the necromancer who summons those unusual undead? Uh, yeah, thats me. And... did you recently attend the Special Class Training Grounds? Yes, thats also me. What the heck? Hes the one! Seong-yeongs anxiety evaporated instantly. Chapter 25 Seong was momentarily speechless, staring blankly at Seong, unsure of how to respond to the baffling situation. Seong, in turn, was beginning to understand the reality of his current situation. Ah, I guess Ive drawn more attention than I thought. It finally dawned on him. While he had noticed how players and NPCs constantly made a fuss over him, he hadnt grasped the full extent of it. Although he was aware that the Overlord class was extraordinary, he had never actively flaunted it. It didnt occur to him that people might try to recruit him. As Seongs expression showed signs of realization, Seong cleared his throat and introduced himself once again. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Seong-yeong, a scouter for the Sick Brothers Guild. I sincerely apologize for disturbing you, but Ive come here to extend an invitation to join our guild. Ah, I see. I dont want to interrupt your hunting, so Ill make this quick and just leave my business card. Business card? Yes, here it is. Moving swiftly, Seong handed Seong his card with practiced ease. Inwardly, Seong was cheering. This is it! But he remained cautiousdespite the confident demeanor, there was always the possibility of rejection. By the way, Seong ventured hesitantly, have you received any offers from other guilds? No, none so far. Ah!! Hearing this, Seong celebrated internally. Ive got him! This was a huge win. While recruiting the female player from the Special Class Training Grounds earlier had been a bonus, Seong had always been the main target. Based on what he had gathered, Seong was someone who had mastered all skills in just one daya golden fish of the highest caliber. Hes already at least Epic tier. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Meanwhile, Seong found himself bewildered by the scouter''s enthusiasm. He understood why someone might be excited about recruiting him, but he was still unsure if it warranted such fervor. Am I really that impressive? While he acknowledged the financial stakes involved in gaming, the extent of it was still beyond his grasp. Noticing Seongs thoughtful expression, Seongs eyes glimmered with determination. Unlike most other scouters who would persistently push for an immediate contract, Seong had a different strategy. He was a specialist in the art of recruitment. Well then, if youre interested, feel free to contact me anytime. I can guarantee you the best conditions in the industry! Thank you so much for your time. Ill take my leave now! Like a whirlwind, Seong came and went, disappearing almost as quickly as he had arrived. Seong blinked a few times, staring at the now-distant figure of the scouter before looking at the business card in his hand. Business Card:@@@@ Sick Brothers Guild C Global Ranking: 12th Scouter: Seong-yeong Game Messenger Code: iliilillili ??? Judging by Seongs behavior, Seong initially assumed it was a small-time guild. But to his surprise, it was one of the top-ranking ones. Congratulations! As expected of someone as great as you! Its no wonder your fame is spreading among humans! No, thats not really it. This was only the first scouting offer he had receivedit didnt warrant such dramatic praise. Still, being approached by a prestigious guild was undeniably significant. Seong mulled over the implications, staring at the card thoughtfully. The 12th-ranked guild... Thats impressive. Even with his limited understanding of Eternal World, Seong knew enough to realize how big of a deal this was. He recalled hearing news about how top-tier guilds held influence comparable to large corporations. The promise of maximum benefits was hard to ignore. Does that mean salaries in the millions? He wasnt sure how much his sister earned, but it couldnt hurt to consider. Good luck, great one. Beware of the guardians that await. The goblin statue swung its spear toward Seong as he rushed forward. Whoosh! Seong ducked low, sliding under the strike to close the distance. Just as he reached the statues chest, the cracked statue thrust its spear toward him. Dodging while crouched was difficult, but Seongs Emerald Eyes flared brightly as he tapped into the experiences of his predecessorsDrill Sergeant Eddie and Hunter Apik. Channeling their memories, Seong twisted his body like a snake, narrowly avoiding the spear. Now inside the statues guard, Seong planted his Steel Sword firmly for stability and lunged with his Tiger Fang Dagger, aiming for its core. The daggers penetration effect worked wonders, sinking deep into the statue''s heart. Thwack! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] Although he couldnt carve through it effortlessly, the dagger drove in like a chisel through tough wood. Retrieving the dagger quickly, Seong leaped back and summoned another skill. In his palm, a green ethereal spear began to form, glowing ominously as it coalesced. Without hesitation, Seong hurled the spear mid-air, twisting his body for maximum force. Whoosh! The Spear of the Restless Dead whizzed through the air, striking the crack in the statues chest with pinpoint accuracy. Crack! The spear drilled through the goblin statue, emerging from its back in a burst of emerald light. [Dark damage is applied.] [The goblin statues sight and senses are impaired for 10 seconds.] Huh? Even non-living beings are affected? Surprised but pleased, Seong saw the potential advantage. The second statue, unaffected by its allys plight, charged him once more. While its speed wasnt extraordinary, the weight behind its movements created a terrifying presence. Whoosh! As its spear swept past, the air itself seemed to shatter, producing an ear-splitting crack. But Seong, calm and focused, darted under its guard again, dagger at the ready. This time, the statue anticipated his approach, swinging its knee upward to intercept him. Seong responded with precision, thrusting his Tiger Fang Dagger into its knee. Thwack! The dagger sank deep, and using the force of the impact, Seong withdrew it while retreating. With a deft motion, he summoned another Bone Arrow, firing it at the cracked forehead of the first statue. Snap! The arrow shattered on impact again, but the crack widened further. Damage was accumulating steadily. Seong knew he couldnt give the impaired statue time to recover. Closing the distance quickly, he reached the first goblin statue just as it regained its bearings. The second statue lunged to protect its ally, thrusting its spear recklessly toward Seong. But this time, Seong activated Blood Curtain, a protective spell. A crimson shield enveloped him just as the spear struck, deflecting the attack. Meanwhile, Seongs Tiger Fang Dagger plunged into the crack on the first statues forehead. Crunch! The statues head crumbled under the force, its massive frame collapsing into rubble. [You have defeated a significantly higher-level monster!] [You have achieved a new milestone!] [Title Acquired: Hunter of the Strong] [You have gained experience!] [Level Up!] x3 The second statue, undeterred, charged with renewed vigor. Seong summoned a final Spear of the Restless Dead, aiming it at the exposed chest of the remaining statue. The spear pierced its core, shattering its internal structure. As the light faded from its eyes, the second statue crumbled to dust. [You have defeated a significantly higher-level monster!] [You have gained experience!] [Level Up!] [You have reached Level 15.] With the guardians vanquished, Seong approached the massive door of the treasure chamber. Placing his hand against it, a message appeared. [Hidden Piece: Kahku the Treasure Goblins First Vault is now open.] Chapter 26 The First Treasure Vault of Kahku, the Treasure Goblin Indeed. The mention of Kahku''s first treasure vault implied the existence of a second, a third, and possibly even more. Naturally, Seong knew the locations of all of them. Thud. Rumble. The heavy sound of the vault door echoed as it opened, revealing the interior. However, it wasnt a dazzling display of treasures or a vault overflowing with gold and jewels. The inside was modestly furnished, designed for comfortable living. At the center of the room stood a single, substantial treasure chest. Roughly a meter wide and 50 centimeters tall, the chest occupied considerable space. Seong boldly flung it open. A golden radiance flooded the room. Fwoosh! Wow. Even the normally stoic Seong found himself momentarily awestruck. The sheer number of gold coins and the ring placed prominently on top could make anyone''s head spin. As Seong examined the chest, the system immediately responded. [You have obtained 555 Gold Coins.] [You have obtained the Rare+ Item, Ring of Protection.] Five hundred fifty-five gold coins. Adding this to the 104 gold coins Seong had earned from the starter village brought his total to 659 gold coins. Considering the exchange rate1 silver was roughly equivalent to $1, making 1 gold equal to 10 silverthe haul amounted to at least 9 million won. The calculations spun rapidly in his head, and Seong''s eyes widened. Nine million? Earning this much in just one day. If another player had found a hidden piece this fortunate today, they might have written it off as pure luck. But Seong was different. With his unique ability to locate ghosts, he effectively held a cheat key to discovering hidden pieces. While he couldnt earn 10 million won every single day, even half that amount5 million wonwas extraordinary. Phew. No wonder people said Eternal World was a money-maker. Rec alling his sister Minas words, Seong swallowed hard. He now fully understood why so many players were trying to make money through this game. Earning over 100 gold in the starter village had been impressive enough, but thisthis felt monumental. Still, Seong shook his head, maintaining his composure. I cant always rely on luck. Meeting a ghost who knew about a hidden piece was still partly a matter of chance. Aware of that, he steadied himself. Having confirmed the profitability of Eternal World, it was now time to review his rewards. The Ring of Protection and the new titlelets check the title first. The new title, Hunter of the Mighty, seemed to suggest an offensive focus. Curious, Seong opened its details. Hunter of the Mighty Rare Awarded to users who defeat monsters at least 10 levels higher than themselves. Increases defense by +10% when fighting stronger enemies. Hm. Not bad. While it wasnt an exciting offensive bonus, the added defense could still come in handy. Though... have I even been hit properly before? Aside from intentionally testing poison buffs against goblins, hed avoided most attacks. Still, having the title wouldnt hurt. One couldnt evade every attack forever. Next, Seong inspected the Ring of Protection. Judging by its name, it likely offered a defensive effect. Ring of Protection Rare+ A mystical ring imbued with protective magic that activates simply by wearing it. Defense +10%. Generates an automatic shield equal to 5% of the wearers max HP once a day in emergencies. Oh? The rings effect wasnt just a simple defense boost. The ability to create an automatic shield once per day was invaluableideal for blocking fatal or unexpected attacks. This was a reward that even Seong couldnt help but smile at. Satisfied, he stood up. His business here was done. Lets delay any interactions between Seong and Overpalace for as long as possible. Understood! We cant interfere directly, but well do our best to keep them apart. Lee nodded, resolute. For now, there had been no direct link between Seong and Overpalace, so there was still time to act. Create side quests with additional rewards to lead him away from Overpalace. Additional rewards? For him? Rewarding a player who was already causing chaos felt counterintuitive, but Lee agreed nonetheless. They had to contain the situation. Can you handle it? Yes, of course. Reassured, Ji nodded. She trusted Lee, who, despite his occasional grumbles, was reliable when it mattered. Meanwhile, as they discussed, Oh Jin-hyuk noticed something strange on Lees screen. Wait, didnt Seong log out? Why is the screen still showing activity? It was common for NPC-related actions to appear on a users screen, but Oh Jin-hyuk, still new, didnt fully grasp the implications. Curious, he watched the familiar figure of the Hindel Village elder writing a letter. The successor has appeared. It is time for the palace to awaken. Though Oh Jin-hyuk found the elders words peculiar, he dismissed them as standard NPC behavior. Unbeknownst to him, Lee Won-sang would have wept tears of blood had he known what was unfolding. 2. As Seong stepped out of the capsule, he stretched lightly, expecting some fatigue after prolonged gaming sessions. Yet, to his surprise, he felt the exact opposite. Hmm, my body doesnt feel stiff at all. This was likely due to the memories and experiences he had absorbed from the ghosts in the game. These effects seemed to carry over into the real world, leaving him physically refreshed. Realizing this instinctively, Seong exited his room and noticed the quiet house. It appeared no one else had returned yet. His mother, Lee Na-gyeong, was out for an appointment, and his father, Yoo Gwang-jin, hadnt come back from work. And his sister, Yoo Mina? That was predictable. Shes still logged in. When Seong peeked into her room, the capsule was still running. Seeing this, he casually took out his smartphone. Opening the Eternal World app, which he had downloaded earlier, Seong appreciated how versatile it was. Players could check their character information, use in-game messaging, and even access systems like currency exchange and the auction house. In essence, anyone serious about Eternal World couldnt go without this app. As he logged into the app, a single registered user appeared in his messenger list. Since there was only one, Seong didnt hesitate and sent a quick message. [Seong: Hello, Im the person you handed your business card to in the Goblin Settlement. Id like to inquire about the terms you mentioned.] Now I just have to wait, right? Given that the recruiter was from a massive guild ranked 12th overall, he assumed they were too busy to respond immediately. With that, Seong decided to take a shower to freshen up. Just as he reached the bathroom, a notification sound rang out: Ding! Huh? Curious, Seong checked his phone. The message was from none other than Lee Seong-young, the scout who had handed him the card. Already? The speed of the reply was almost alarming, showing just how eager they were to recruit him. How desperate could they be to respond so quickly? Well then, lets see what the offer is. Maybe... a yearly salary of 100 million won? He had heard that large guilds were willing to invest heavily in rising stars with potential. Although he didnt know the exact numbers, it seemed plausible. With some anticipation, Seong opened the message and froze as his eyes widened at the contents. [Lee Seong-young: Hello! This is Lee Seong-young from Sick Brothers Guild. Thank you for reaching out! For rookie players, our guild typically offers a signing bonus of 500 million won with an annual salary of 50 million won. However, for Seong-nim, we are prepared to offer a signing bonus of 1 billion won and an annual salary of 100 million won. We are also open to discussing additional conditions, so please feel free to contact us anytime! Thank you!] W-What is this? Seong blinked rapidly and swallowed hard as he reread the message. The annual salary of 100 million won was as expected. But the signing bonus? A signing bonus of how much? He double-checked to ensure he hadnt misread. It was clear1 billion won. They were offering him 1 billion won just to join, on top of the annual salary. For a moment, Seong was at a loss for words. Then, a thought crept into his mind: This has to be a scam. Chapter 27 Seong was only halfway certain, still unsure about the situation. But to offer him such a large sum? He couldnt wrap his head around it. Overlord. With an Almighty-class job, Seong surely held enough value. No, in fact, he might even be worth more than that. But then again, They dont know Im an Overlord. Lee Seong-young couldnt possibly know Seong had this title. So why would such an offer come through? Could this be a scam? What if they kept stalling on giving the signing bonus and tried to treat him like a slave instead? Doubts bubbled up in Seongs mind, but he shook them off. What if they were offering this in good faith? He didnt know for sure. It would be best to do some research first, and if he was still unsure, maybe ask his sister Mina. Seong set aside his thoughts, put his phone down on the kitchen table, and headed for the bathroom for a shower. While he was showering, he heard the familiar sound of a capsule opening from his sister Mina''s room. Ugh! See? I told youlong gaming sessions leave you stiff. Stretching lightly, Mina emerged from her room. After loosening up, she was about to head to the bathroom, but as she passed by the table, she noticed Seongs smartphone. Curious, she picked it up and saw the message on the screen. Her eyes widened as she read the strange words. Huh? Sick Brothers? 1 billion signing bonus? 100 million salary? Her eyes lit up as she read the message, and with a burst of energy, she yelled: Who the hell do these bastards think they are?! How dare they target her younger brother?! Fuming with anger, Mina was about to send a rude message but paused, trembling. Reading his phone in secret was one thing, but sending a nasty reply was another. She wasnt sure what kind of trouble Seong would be in. Wait, 1 billion for a signing bonus and 100 million salary? For a rookie, those were ridiculously generous terms. Even though it felt wrong to be tempted by this, Mina was impressed by the hefty offer. At least from what Mina knew, Sick Brothers was a merit-based guild. They were well-known for not recruiting rookies unless the terms were exceptional. So why would they be offering such a deal to someone who had just left the beginner village? Whats going on here? Minas excitement mixed with concern. Seong couldve been an exceptional player, but the guilds offer was puzzling. And then, the name Lee Seong-young popped out. Mina had heard of him before. He was a well-known scout, highly regarded for his talent in recruiting players. She couldnt have mistaken him. If Lee Seong-young is recruiting him, then this is real. At least, it seemed genuine. Her mind spun for a moment as she recalled the details of Seongs recent achievements. Hero! Could he really have advanced to the rank of Hero? Her pulse quickened as the thought crossed her mind. Unable to wait any longer, Mina rushed to Seongs bathroom and threw open the door. Seong! Did you really promote to Hero?! Ugh! What are you doing?! Close the door!! Crazy sister!! Startled by her sudden intrusion, Seong lost his composure. He quickly closed the shower stall to cover himself and shouted. But Mina wasnt deterred. No!! Just answer me!! No, Im the Demon King!! Close the door!! Huh? Mina tilted her head in confusion at Seongs words, and just as she processed what he said, Seong splashed water in her direction. Startled, Mina hurriedly shut the door, her face full of questions. The Demon King? Whats that about? Seong exploded in frustration.@@@@ Whos the weird one here, huh?! A minor chaos ensued as Seong finished his shower and glared at Mina, still furious. Even if they were siblings, was it normal to barge into the bathroom while someone was showering? But Mina, completely unfazed by Seongs glare, still grinned at him. Whats this about the Demon King?? Ughhh, are you really not going to back off? Sorry, sorry, but seriouslywhats the Demon King? Despite the annoying situation, Seong could only shake his head. As frustrating as it was, Mina was family. Should he have added all the terms upfront? Since he had some leeway with his guild leader, he could offer more within his limits. And even beyond thatSick Brothers was known to accept higher-than-usual terms if a players potential was extraordinary. But then Lee Seong-young read the next part and his hope completely faded. [Seong: Ive decided to join the Rapid Guild and continue a good relationship with them. Im sorry for the earlier offer.] Rapid Guild. Ranked 3rd in the guild rankings, and known as the fastest guild in Eternal World. No matter how strong Sick Brothers was, they couldnt compete with the likes of Rapid Guild. Their conditions would be tough to match. Against the Rapid Guild, the only choice was to step aside. No matter how many conditions Sick Brothers offered, they simply couldnt match the prestige and power of Rapid Guild. Lee Seong-young let out a long sigh of regret. Ugh, I missed out. It was a shame, but there was nothing he could do. However... Rapid Guild is making a move... Though they werent a large guild in terms of numbers, Rapid Guild was made up of the best of the best, consistently ranking among the top guilds. Some even called them the strongest guild in the game. And now, they had recruited Seong. Looks like my instincts were right. Epic rank at the very least? No. Rapid Guild only recruits players with Unique-ranked jobs. At minimum, Seongs job rank was Unique. But recently, even some players with Unique-ranked jobs had been rejected due to lack of talent. This was a guild that didnt just care about job ranksthey looked at talent and rank together. Yet, they had accepted Seong, which meant his talent was far above average. Could he even be Legendary? Lee Seong-young chuckled softly, his disappointment easing. At least he had learned something valuable. Shaking off the frustration of missing Seong, he opened his friend list and sent a message to the guild leader of Sick Brothers. [Lee Seong-young: Rapid Guild has recruited a new rookie. I approached them first, but it seems the offer wasnt enough to beat theirs.] Even though he missed the opportunity, he had to report it. Lee Seong-young smiled wryly and muttered to himself. It was clear now: Rapid Guild had recognized Seongs talent and power. With this realization, he shifted his focus from Seong to Yeon, the new recruit. And then, for a moment, he remembered Seongs somewhat naive side. Could it be that Rapid Guild had another reason for recruiting him? Lee Seong-young laughed at the thought. It seemed far-fetched. Rapid Guild was a guild that kept things strictly professional, after all. They had gotten to the top by balancing business and personal matters efficiently. 4. The fastest guild in Eternal World, Rapid Guild. In the guild leaders office, someone let out a deep sigh, staring at the ceiling. Ugh... It was none other than Yuna, the troublesome yet precious member of the guild. What to do with her? Guild Leader of Rapid Guild, Yunas brother, furrowed his brows. No way, you want me to recruit your sibling? He shook his head, thinking about Yuna, and sighed again. It wasnt the first time she had asked him to recruit someone, and he had always considered her requests. It wasnt hard to bring someone into the guild, especially if it was Yunas sibling. But the terms she was asking for were beyond excessive. This isnt a rookie condition. A signing bonus of 2 billion and an annual salary of 500 million? Those conditions were 20 times higher than what was typical for rookies. If the rookie were truly exceptional, he might have been willing to offer half of that, but a 10% share of raid ticket sales? This is too much. It was an absurd request. Even the most outstanding rookies didnt get deals like this. Still, Yuna insisted that she would send Seongs specs over later, so he agreed to consider it. But if the specs didnt meet the guilds standards, he would have to reject him. Then, another message arrived. Mina? The message was from Yuna, under the nickname Yuna. What had she sent? Opening the message, he saw a screenshot along with a message that read: [Yuna: Our brothers specs. LOL.] The guild leader stared at the image, slammed his hands on the desk, and jumped out of his seat. Are you kidding me?! Chapter 28 Lee Seong-young blinked in disbelief as he stared at the screenshot in front of him. Is this real? At first, he had jumped up in surprise and shouted, but now he felt something was off. [Status Window] Seong Lv 15 Job: Overlord (Overlord) Title: Lord () (Legendary) ... plus 16 others. Stats: Strength: 15 (13+2) Agility: 17 (15+2) Health: 12 (10+2) Intelligence: 23 (20+3) Wisdom: 23 (20+3) Mental Strength: 23 (20+3) Dexterity: 7 (6+1) Additional Stats: 70 How could this be the stats of a level 15 character? It didnt add up. But as Lee Seong-young continued to stare at the screen, his initial shock gave way to a bewildered laugh. The most striking detail was the Overlord effect in the job description. Dark, ominous flames swirled around the text, with a brilliant turquoise light radiating from it. Though it was a screenshot and didnt show the movement, the dynamic effect was unmistakable. Was this the unique effect of his job? There could only be one meaning. An Almighty-class job? On top of that, the Lord title. A Lord title with an Almighty-class job was at the highest tier among Almighty-class jobs. Other screenshots followed. The completion of the elite dark mage training center, and while the full list of titles wasnt shown, the effect of just the Lord title was evident. There was no room for doubt. Both siblings are insane, seriously. It wasnt said with a bad intention, but with awe and admiration. Lee Seong-young genuinely marveled at it. Mina, who had already been recognized as an exceptional talent, had a younger brother who was just as incredible. We have to recruit him. Now, it made sense why Mina had attached such high terms to her offer. It was clearthis player was worth the investment. Were the terms excessive? No way. In fact, they might even be too low. He quickly started adding some higher conditions to the offer. He decided to include bonuses for achieving specific accomplishments, as well as extra pay. That should be enough to make the offer competitive. He nodded to himself, satisfied with the plan. This should do it. Initially, he thought Seong would try to join through his sisters influence. But it was the opposite. Because Mina was Seongs sister, it was actually easier to recruit him. He breathed a sigh of relief. What if Seong had gone to another guild? The thought alone sent a chill down his spine. If the balance of power shifted, Rapid Guild might even lose its 3rd-place ranking. Could Seong have this kind of talent? He remembered Seong as a quiet, unassuming child, unlike his more lively sister Mina. According to Mina, Seong had been fairly average in sports and school. Shed said he was smart, but she didnt mention any extraordinary talents. But this? Who couldve known he had such hidden potential in Eternal World? An Almighty-class job wasnt something you could just luck into. As Lee Seong-young adjusted his glasses, a smile crept onto his face. With this, he thought: Maybe weve just found our new single-ranked player. Building a team around Seong could be a smart move, though it might be a little premature. However, if Seong continued to rise in rank, hed easily be able to form a powerful team. It was something to think about for the future. Though his responsibilities had increased, it was all work that would grow the guild. With this, we could aim even higher. 5. Yesterday, Seong searched for Rapid Guild based on his sister Mina''s words. A lot of information came up, and of course, Seong couldnt help but be shocked. Huh? They really are ranked 3rd in the overall guild rankings. And Mina herself was ranked 9th overall. The number of people playing the game? Over 2 billion. Among them, the guild ranked 3rd and Mina being ranked 9th? Had his sister really been such a big deal? He couldnt believe it, but he couldnt deny it either. Since she had shown him directly through the Eternal World app. Wow... So, do you feel the greatness of your sister now? That was Rapid Guild. They had planned their strategy well. They focused on one goal at a time, and it paid off, making them the 3rd-ranked guild. To be part of such a guild... Seong was thrilled. Then his smartphone started ringing. Oh! Its here?! Probably. A new person appeared in Seongs friend list, someone he didnt recognize. Seeing that it was from An Yoo-jin, Seong knew immediately. He opened the message, and it was an email with the contract details. As he looked at the document, the contents were clearly outlined. [Rapid Guild-...(excerpt) The terms will be mutually agreed upon. The initial signing bonus and first-year salary are set at 2 billion for the signing bonus and 500 million for the salary. As performance increases, Rapid Guild will raise the salary and provide performance bonuses. Additionally, Rapid Guild will appoint the user as a team leader and form a team. The user will also receive 10% of the raid ticket sales from the raids they participate in. This percentage can increase with further performance.] The contract was detailed, and the conditions were massive. But Seongs eyes werent on the rest of the content. He was focused on the terms. A signing bonus of 2 billion and an annual salary of 500 million? But that wasnt all. Each time performance increased, the salary and bonuses would rise? And they would even increase the percentage of the raid ticket sales? Raid ticket sales were one of the guilds main sources of income. Considering Rapid Guild specialized in raids, these ticket sales were extremely important. For a guild like Rapid Guild, the viewership numbers could reach from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions. If one ticket cost 1,000 won, a single broadcast could earn tens of billions. And with 10% of that... That was easily in the hundreds of millions. Insane. Seong was stunned by the terms. Just as he stood there in disbelief, Mina, who had been somewhat anxious, asked with slight worry: So, how is it? Are the terms good? Just like I said? Given the information Seong had shared, it seemed like Yoo-jin had followed Minas words perfectly. In fact, it was likely that the terms were even better than shed expected. Yoo-jin and Mina both knew how extraordinary Seongs specs were. They could tell he was going to be something big. When they heard that Seong could see ghosts and gain their memories, they realized how much potential he had. Mina had been confident about Seongs future, but now it was clear. A single-ranker? For Seong, it wouldnt be a problem. His potential was off the charts. At first, Mina had spoken proudly, but now, she seemed a little worried. Hmm? Whats wrong? The terms. Are you satisfied? I already signed and sent it. ??? Why was it so fast? Well, it was good that it was fast. Seongs response made Mina finally smile and nod. That was when Seong finally had a chance to speak up. Then, where do we go next? Next village? Hmm, I havent decided yet. Seong was considering going to the area where Kahkus warehouse was, but he knew he could have obtained it through a village transfer before graduating from the second village. Going to another village wasnt an issue either. If anything, it would be better to go to a village with more hidden pieces. As he thought about it, Mina gave him a sly smile and said: How about Sekan Village? Sekan? I dont think Ive heard of it. It wasnt the village with Kahkus warehouse either. Since it was a completely new name to Seong, he tilted his head in confusion, and Mina nodded. Its not a famous village. Its kind of a quiet one. Then why are you recommending it? Hehe, one of our guild members tried to get close to a hidden piece there but failed. After that, they say the hidden piece got lost. But I think you might be able to get it. Oh? A lost hidden piece? How about it? Doesnt it sound interesting? Seong, intrigued, nodded enthusiastically. So, what kind of hidden piece is it? Theres a hidden dungeon in that village known only to the former village chief. To gain access to the dungeons location, they had to cure the chiefs illness. But they failed, and now no one knows the location. What do you think? Do you think you can get it? Oh, sounds like it. And this hidden dungeon is supposedly where the first monster sealed by Hero Hindel lies. This definitely gave him more of a reason to go. Chapter 29 0. At the far eastern edge of Persville Plains. The quiet forest was bathed in a gentle breeze, and the scent of the woods carried along with the wind, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere that stretched endlessly. All around, the songs of chirping birds echoed, and the sounds of grasshoppers buzzing clearly marked this place as a forest. In the distance, at the end of the woods, a towering cliff glistened in the sunlight, shining brilliantly. It was truly a breathtaking sight. A peaceful, tranquil forest at the eastern edge of Persville Plains. However, in an instant, black smoke billowed into the sky, and a massive inferno engulfed the area. The gentle wind only fueled the flames further, and the once fragrant air of the forest was soon replaced by the acrid smell of burning. The raging fire swallowed the chirping insects and bird songs, devouring everything in its path. Crack, crack, crack. Whoosh! The goblin, with its green fur, skin, and squat body, had its crimson eyes fixed on the raging inferno. And then. Keruk! Kek! (Kill them all!) Keheuk, kah-reuk! (Burn everything to the ground!) Ke-hook, kah-ruk! (Purify for the master!) Undead creatures, shrouded in black darkness and exuding a turquoise aura, swiftly beheaded the goblin, lost in despair. Among the undead, who had completely consumed the goblin village, someone emerged through the flames. The undead, cloaked in darkness, bowed their heads in reverence as they gazed upon the one who had emerged. As though worshiping a god. Kikireuk! Keruh-ho! (Ah! Our great master!) Keruk, far-ho! (Our mighty lord!) Ke-hak, ker-huk! (We bow before you!) The master of the undead, who had watched everything from beginning to end, scratched his cheek awkwardly. Was this right? Are they really serving me...? Objectively speaking, it was as though they were sweeping through the goblin village as if worshipping some malevolent deity. Whats more, he had no idea why they set the fire. He understood it was likely for efficient hunting, but there were other ways to wipe everything out without starting a fire. He didnt think too much about it. The more he thought, the more his head hurt. Still, he had accomplished his purpose. He was somewhat satisfied. First, his level. [You have gained experience!] [Level Up!] [You have reached Level 20.] Finally. He had reached the level to move on to the next village. But that wasnt the only thing he was waiting for. In Eternal World, new skills are unlocked every 10 levels. At level 10, players usually undergo a class change, so skills arent granted then. But right after class changing, new skills are acquired. The first time to unlock a new skill is at level 20. He waited eagerly to see what kind of skill would appear. His heart raced as he awaited. The much-anticipated message appeared. [You have reached Level 20, unlocking a new skill for Overlord.] [You have acquired the Almighty-grade skill, Realm of the Dead (ڤ).] Oh?! He was rarely this surprised. He had expected a Legendary skill, but... The first reason for his surprise was the Almighty grade. The second reason was the name. Realm of the Dead! Just by the name, it sounded like the undead storage skill "Morgue" that Beziron had bragged about, which was obtained at level 30. What would the effect be like? Excited, he immediately opened the skill window for Realm of the Dead. Realm of the Dead (ڤ) Almighty [Lv 1][Growth-type] [Continuous Effect][Compound] Praising the death lord who governs death, the deceased, and spirits, those who worship their lord shall be blessed in this place forever. Overlord exclusive skill. Sends the created legion of the dead to the Realm of the Dead, restoring all health and allowing the stockpiling of the legion. No mana is consumed when sending or recalling the legion of the dead. Undead who are affected by the aura of death can also be sent to the Realm of the Dead. The legion of the dead stored in the Realm of the Dead grows very slowly. ...? The effects were beyond remarkable. Incredible. The fact that no mana is consumed when sending or recalling undead didnt make sense. But the last part was especially absurd. The legion of the dead grew in the Realm of the Dead? Undead storage skills like Morgue only stored undead. To control undead without bodies, thats it. But for them to grow just by being stored? It was an effect that was begging to be misused. Huh. He couldnt even speak for a moment, stunned. He then saw the death soldiers of the goblins, who were still devouring mana. When you get a skill, you should experiment right away. The number of goblin death soldiers was 15. Imagine sending them all to the Realm of the Dead. Keruk! (See you next time, master!) Kehek-kuk! (I will surely follow you, my lord!) Yeah, lets upload it. There wasnt much to edit. The original video was just that impressive. Sure, hed adjust the camera angle a little, but it wouldnt take much. Once the video was ready, Rapide closed his eyes and uploaded it. He had a rough idea of what kind of impact this would have. Im going to be really busy soon. But then again, hasnt Rapide always handled things well? This was not a guild that would crumble easily, even if a rookie video went up. The commotion will probably start tomorrow. No matter how great the video was, reactions typically came a day after the upload. As Rapide went about his other tasks, about an hour after the video went live, a guild member rushed in urgently. Guildmaster!! The guild channels traffic has exploded!! Eh? Already? Rapides expectations were proven completely wrong. 2. The fastest guild, Rapide Guild. The guilds channel, ranked third overall, was also massive. 2 million subscribers on MyTube. Although it was only ranked 45th among all guild channels in Eternal World in terms of subscribers, it was understandable. The guilds channel focused more on live streams than videos, so it was hard for the subscriber count to rise dramatically. However, the relatively small subscriber count was made up for by Rapide Guilds ticket power. Live tickets. The term for streams where users must pay a fee to join. A higher number of live tickets meant the guilds status was high as well. Although they lagged in subscriber numbers, Rapide Guild had the second-highest ticket power among all guilds. They were faster than anyone else at succeeding in raids, and their characters were stronger than anyone elses. Thats why they had earned the nickname "The Fastest." And now, a new video had been uploaded to Rapide Guilds channel. It was a solo rookie video. A video introducing and promoting the rookie. Hong Jung-min, a huge fan of Rapide Guild, couldnt help but feel a little disappointed when he saw the video. Ah, what a shame. It wouldve been better if it was a video of another member of Rapide Guild. But at the same time, he was curious. Rapide Guild is famous for not taking in rookies easily, so this rookie must be quite strong, right? Rapide Guild had a reputation for rejecting rookies. It was rumored that they had even turned away a unique-grade rookie in the past. They didnt take in rookies if they werent up to snuff, no matter how high their grade. It was a strict rule that drove their fans mad. Every member of the guild was an elite player at the highest level. I guess this rookie is no exception? Initially disappointed, Hong Jung-min now had high hopes as he pressed play on the video. But then, even Hong Jung-min, who was a fan of Rapide Guild but not particularly skilled in the game, recognized the area on the screen. Wait, isnt that Persville? It was the first village, Persville, where he had played. Did they bring in a player from there? No matter how skilled they were, they were still a beginner, right? Hong Jung-min had this thought dominating his mind. Oh no, this is going to be disappointing. He decided to watch a bit more, just to see how the rookie performed. With a somewhat skeptical mindset, he began to watch, preparing to judge the rookie''s skills. But what he saw next was unlike anything he had ever imagined. The undead, cloaked in black darkness and radiating a turquoise aura. Wait, should he even call them undead? These creatures were nothing like the undead Hong Jung-min knew. They invaded the goblin village, looking completely different from any undead he had seen before. No, this wasnt an invasion. What... what is this?? The undead thoroughly ravaged the goblin village, burning it all down and leaving nothing but destruction. Their goal was clearly the goblins death, and they did so with malicious intent. And then, calmly walking among them, was a man. His face was blurred, but his sharp turquoise eyes stood out. Just from those eyes, Hong Jung-min realized. This man was the master of the undead. As the massive fire consumed the goblin village and all the goblins fell, the man emerged from the flames, and the undead bowed before him. Crazy. This is insane. Hong Jung-min couldnt help but praise. This was something he couldnt ignore. He immediately went to comment. But when the warning message popped up about too many viewers, he nodded to himself. This is really insane. He couldnt hold back the praise and started writing a post in another community. Of course, it was a post praising the new rookie of Rapide Guild. Chapter 30 3. Sekan Village. It was not a village with a pleasant atmosphere. Ever since the village elder, the village chief, passed away a year ago, the mood in the village had been like this. Though the people continued to live their lives diligently, the atmosphere had become somber. It was as if the whole village was in mourning. There were even NPCs who shunned players.@@@@ If a player had arrived on time, perhaps the village chief would still be alive. There were NPCs who resented the players for that. This made the atmosphere even worse. Perhaps thats why? Afterward, the number of players coming to the village had decreased. While they didnt expect special treatment, no one played a game to be shunned. Some players came to Sekan Village, wondering if there might be a hidden piece lying there, but they always came up empty-handed. In contrast, one player arrived with an energetic step. This is different from Persville. It was Seong, who had just arrived in Sekan Village. The mood was still heavy, with some NPCs casting wary glances, but what did it matter? There was supposed to be a dungeon left by Hero Hindel here. Did that matter? With a positive mindset, he strolled along the road. Seong noticed a few things. The atmosphere in the second village is definitely different. It wasnt just the NPCs'' demeanor that was different. The atmosphere of the players was quite distinct as well. In the first village, there were many inexperienced players. But in the second village, there was a more organized and refined air. Was it because they had adapted to the game? Seong didnt mind, as he wasnt playing in a party. Now, I need to find the ghost of the village chief... If the village chief had died from illness, theyd usually be near their house. If not, theyd be close to a place that held deep meaning to them in life. Of course, there were ghosts like Hindel''s former village chief, who roamed around, but that would make things difficult. However, Seong had a cheat-like method for this. It was simple! Excuse me. Oh my! To think I would be seen! You must be someone important to visit our village. Seong spoke to a ghostly woman nearby. And immediately. Do you happen to know where the ghost of the village chief is? Ah, you must be referring to the village chief! Of course, I know! Shes sitting on the bench in front of the village chiefs house, over there at the village square. Thank you very much. Asking another ghost directly made things easy. When he tried to find Hindels ghost, he hadnt thought of this method, but upon reflection, ghosts would naturally know best where other ghosts were. Having learned the location of the former village chief''s ghost in Sekan Village, he immediately headed there. As described by the ghostly woman, he arrived at the large mansion that appeared to be the village chiefs house, situated in front of the village square. There, he saw an elderly ghost sitting on a bench in front of the mansion. It was the ghost of the village chief, who looked like a kind old woman. Her clothing was modest but distinctly vintage and regal, showing clearly that she was the village chief. She radiated a warm, gentle presence, embodying the stature of the villages elder. As Seong approached, the village chief ghost greeted him with a warm smile. Greetings, hohoho. I never imagined I would speak with the living after my passing. Nice to meet you. What brings you here, my dear? Well, Im looking for a cave where the hero Hindel sealed a monster. Hohoho, of course, I can tell you. Let me guide you. As the village chief ghost began to explain, Seong naturally absorbed her memories and experiences. He saw the memory of the cave she had discovered as a child, playing with her friends, and how they had found the sealed monster there. Instantly, he recognized the location. The elderly village chief ghost, Gwen, smiled as she watched Seong absorb the memory. As expected, you are indeed a distinguished person. [You have exceeded your current stats with ''Unknown Power''.] [Wisdom +5 permanently increased.] Having obtained the memories and experiences, Seong expressed his gratitude. Thank you. I will head out now. I wish you safe travels. With the blessing of Gwen, Seong immediately set off. Its not just Gwens death thats causing this. Looking at the dull atmosphere of the village, Seong couldnt help but think. The atmosphere of Sekan Village felt unusually heavy. It couldnt just be because Gwen, the great elder, had died. The living should carry on with life. Having obtained Gwens memories, Seong felt more strongly about this. The villagers had respected and followed Gwen. There was no reason they should be so hostile toward players. After all, Gwen didnt die because of the players. So why was the village like this? The answer was simple. Kyaaaahhh! As the minion charged, Seong immediately jumped backward, avoiding the strike. He moved toward a direction with no stalactites or stalagmites. Poch! The beasts mole-like hand struck the place Seong had just vacated. However, it only struck the cave floor. Boom! A thick smoke billowed up, and the ground where it had struck caved in. Seeing that, a chill ran down Seong''s spine. How could the specter wield such physical power? It was a terrifying attack, and if it landed even once, it would immediately incapacitate him. Watching the attack, Seong attempted to summon his legion of the dead with the Realm of the Dead. But then, he suddenly realized something. Huh? Shhaaaah! The Beasts minion screeched, and their eyes met. At first, Seong thought it was a mistake. But no, the creature surrounded in turquoise light and emitting a sinister aura was indeed the Beast''s minion. And standing next to it, trembling in confusion, was another onean undead that looked exactly the same, but with its legs pixelated and fragmented, as if it were falling apart. Why are there two? Seong couldnt understand what was going on as he stared at the two of them. One had the monsters name and level displayed above its head, while the other had no such markerjust like any ordinary ghost. The ghost of the Beasts minion slapped its own specter and shouted. Oh no! What should I do, hitting the noble one like this! Please stop! Shhaaaah! Im so sorry! I didnt mean to cause trouble for the noble one! Kyaaahhh!! The ghost of Barfur''s minion kept apologizing, bowing deeply to Seong, while the Beast''s minion prepared to attack again. What was this? And just then, the Beasts minion charged again. Swoooosh! With a ghostly speed, the minions movement was incredibly quick. Seong barely managed to predict its trajectory using his hunting experience from Apik and the memories of former guardsman Eddie, quickly dodging the attack. The Beasts minion slammed the floor again, using the rebound to leap and charge toward Seong once more. In terms of battle instinct, the Beast''s minion was quite formidable. However, with the experiences of two ghosts at his disposal, Seong had the upper hand. Kicking off from a stalactite, Seong spun in the air, narrowly avoiding the attack from the Beast''s minion. Boom! The Beast''s minion slammed into the wall, and in that moment, Seong''s eyes gleamed. An instinctive pull. And then, recalling Helena''s memories, Seong glared at the Beast''s minion with eyes glowing turquoise. It became immediately clear to him. He understood his own abilities. And realized that the minion, too, was an undead. In other words... The Aura of Death. It was a perfect material. As the Aura of Death spread, a turquoise energy began to rise from Seong''s back, transforming into a turquoise heart, and once the heart began to beat, a mist of turquoise enveloped the surroundings. The Beasts minion could not escape its influence. Kerrkk! The Beast''s minion seemed to struggle as it vomited something up, its mole-like mouth opening wide, and turquoise energy surged from it. And then, the message Seong had been waiting for appeared. [You can now use Legion of the Dead.] [Would you like to raise the Legion of the Dead?] At that moment, Seong, with his eyes glowing turquoise, shouted toward the ghost of Barfur''s minion, who had been watching. Come. Aaaahhh! Of course! The ghost of Barfur''s minion obediently followed Seongs command and rushed toward the Beasts minion. At that moment, turquoise energy radiated from Seongs body. The light gathered in Seong''s hand and formed another heart. When this heart began to beat, the Beast''s minion and the ghost of Barfur''s minion merged into one, and both became engulfed in black darkness. At the same time, the heart in Seong''s hand began to beat, and the Beast''s minion and the ghost of Barfur''s minion bowed their heads together. I humbly bow before my new master, my god. [Using Unknown Power, you have summoned an undead greater than yourself.] [The Beasts minion has been brought under your control through Legion of the Dead.] [You have recruited an undead higher in level than yourself! You gain the title Great Leadership.] [You gain experience.] [Level Up] 5 [Your additional stats have reached 100.] [You gain the title The Enduring.] [!!Warning!!] [This undead has a higher level than you! It may refuse your commands!] It might refuse my commands? Seong, reading the message, looked back at the Beast''s minion. The creature, still bowing its head with its mole-like face, seemed ready to lick Seongs shoes. Is this...? No way. He had just obtained the ghost, united with its soul. This was an unexpected gain. He leveled up, gained a title, and even received new abilities. But then... Hehehe, master. Over there, my physical form is still present! It may be difficult now, but storing it will be useful someday, wont it?! The creature was spilling valuable information. To think there were still more benefits to gain here. This is good. Chapter 31 4.@@@@ Assistant Manager Lee Won-sang woke up feeling well-rested for the first time in ages. For some reason, it felt like hed had a pleasant dream, though he couldnt quite remember it. What was even better, he felt refreshed the moment he opened his eyes, and when he checked the clock, he realized he wasnt late. Was his exhaustion truly gone? With a smile, he greeted his colleagues and settled into his desk, ready to begin his day. As part of his role, he reviewed user activity videos, organized situations that arose due to player actions, and formulated responses. However, since yesterday, one specific user had dominated his workload. It was standard for the User Management Team to monitor high-ranking players capable of creating significant variables. But this user, Seong, wasnt just creating variables comparable to those top-ranked playershe was producing even more disruptive changes. Watching Seong had become Lees primary task. "Today will probably be calm," he muttered to himself. Yesterday had been bizarre. In just a single day after logging in, Seong had swept up countless hidden pieces and even achieved the Almighty-tier profession. Could such a thing even be possible? Sure, perhaps once. But doing it again, two days in a row? That was highly unlikelyno, outright impossible. With that in mind, Lee began his days work. The moment Seong logged in, Lee started tracking him. At level 15, Seong was diligently hunting monsters, and Lee couldnt help but be impressed. "Almighty-tier professions aside, his undead are incredible. Their AI is on another level compared to others." The undead under Seong''s control moved with a lifelike fluidity that was unprecedented. Even for Lee, who worked in the industry, it was the first time seeing something like this. "Is this how it''s supposed to be?" He wasnt sure. Asking his superior, Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong, was out of the questionespecially after she had to forfeit her day off yesterday because of this. As Seong swept through a goblin village, Lee noted how extraordinary the undead AI truly was. It hadnt seemed this advanced when Seong took control of Bezirons undead. "At least hes sticking to regular hunting today." Lee let out a small sigh of relief. Yes, just keep hunting peacefully. Lee watched Seong on his monitor with a relaxed expression. Time passed. When Seong set off for the second village, Sekhan, something strange started happening. He stared into the air briefly before heading to the village center to sit on a bench. Resting, maybe? That seemed plausible. Not a big deal. But then [Seong has permanently increased their stats using Unknown Power.] A sense of foreboding crept in. Lee blinked at the screen, focusing on Seongs video feed. And then "Why is he going there?" The second village, Sekhan, had a secret: it was home to a fearsome entity sealed by Hero Hindel, the malicious beast Barfur. It was also the location of a hidden piece that another user had nearly obtained. But more importantly "That... thats off-limits!" Barfur, the beast central to an upcoming raid event, had been kept under wraps. Though the seal hadnt yet been broken, making it unraidable, Seong heading there now was a problem. How did he even know? No, wait. Hadnt Seong only gone to obvious places before? Hehehe, since its my body, as long as I give permission, it can be moved anywhere. "So, this is a hidden piece?" He had achieved multiple gains at once: subjugating the Warden had earned him titles, leveling up, and now acquiring the sword. Although he was tempted to inspect the sword immediately, Seong, ever the type to save the best for last, decided to check the new titles first. "Lets start with this one." He opened the details for Exalted Leadership. Exalted Leadership Epic A title awarded to users who subjugate summons, subordinates, or undead of a higher level than themselves. Increases allies loyalty and morale. Boosts all allies speed by +5% when issuing commands. *This title stacks with the effects of the title Lord. "Hmm." A good title, albeit a slightly inferior version of Lord. Still, since it could stack with Lords effects, it was more of an asset than a drawback. Next was the title The Endurer. The Endurer Epic Awarded to users who accumulate 100 bonus points without spending them. Increases Willpower by +100. *Percentage-based enhancement effects apply. *No further titles are awarded for exceeding 100 bonus points. "Oh?" Willpower, a key stat for resistance and maintaining skills, had just received a flat +100 increase. And not only thatpercentage-based enhancements applied to it as well. Given Seongs Almighty title, which increased all stats by 10%, the +100 from The Endurer translated into an additional +110 Willpower. "This is insane." Even Seong, calm and logical as he was, couldnt help but be astonished. Now curious, he checked his updated stats. Status Window Seong Lv 25 Profession Overlord Titles Lord (Legendary)... and 18 others. Stats Strength: 20 (18+2)Agility: 17 (15+2) Stamina: 15 (13+2)Intelligence: 23 (20+3) Wisdom: 28 (25+3)Willpower: 133 (120+13) Dexterity: 7 (6+1) Bonus Stats 120 "This... is crazy." Even Seong, still relatively new to Eternal World, found his stats at level 25 staggering. And with 120 bonus points yet to be distributed, it was time to decide. "How should I allocate them?" As an Overlord, a dark mage by nature, increasing Intelligence and Wisdom was the obvious path to enhance his magical prowess. But Seongs playstyle wasnt limited to magic. Thanks to memories from the former instructor Eddie and the hunter Apik, his combat approach was versatile. And considering future memories he might acquire, a balanced allocation seemed wise. "For now, lets focus on Intelligence and Wisdom." He poured 30 points each into Intelligence and Wisdom, then evenly distributed the remaining points20 eachamong Strength, Agility, and Stamina. Updated Status Window Seong Lv 25 Profession Overlord Titles Lord (Legendary)... and 18 others. Stats Strength: 42 (38+4)Agility: 39 (35+4) Stamina: 37 (33+4)Intelligence: 56 (50+6) Wisdom: 61 (55+6)Willpower: 133 (120+13) Dexterity: 7 (6+1) Bonus Stats 0 The changes were immediate. He could feel his physical and magical capacities expanding. Mana reserves had doubled, significantly reducing the strain of maintaining high-level undead like Barfurs Warden. "With this, I can summon both Barfurs Warden and the goblin undead simultaneously without issue." Satisfied, Seong turned his attention to the final hidden piece: the radiant sword. Hindels Apprentice Sword Unique The sword used by Hindel during his apprentice days. Later, it was used to seal the beast Barfur. Despite the years, the sword retains its power and elegance. However, it has also absorbed sinister energy from the beast over time. Increases Cutting Power by +10%. Increases Attack Power by +5%. Absorbs malevolent energy from defeated enemies. "Wow..." A Unique item, the highest-grade equipment Seong had acquired so far. Unlike the Elite Necromancers Recommendation, this was a combat item with no restrictions. "I could sell this for a fortune..." Excitement built as he considered testing the sword. But first, he thought of someoneor rather, something: Helena. She hadnt appeared since helping him. "I guess Ive grown used to her presence. It feels odd without her." Helenas memories and desires had given him a sense of purpose in Eternal World. "The Overlords pinnacle..." Reaching the goal Helena had failed to achieve was now his aspiration. And then, there was another goalone entirely his own. "Following Hindels footsteps." Barfurs memories provided no clues about Hindels destination after sealing the beast. "Ill uncover it eventually." For now, it was time to move forward. Seong returned to the village to prepare for his next adventure. Chapter 32 0. A massive black fortress, its dark sheen resembling polished ink, loomed imposingly. To anyone with an eye for aesthetics, it was a breathtaking masterpiecea structure that would compel awe, admiration, and even a moment of silence. Its exterior, painted in somber hues, lacked any reflection of light, exuding an aura of quiet menace. Each brick seemed to carry an ominous energy, as though whispering a warning to those who dared to approach. It was a fortress designed to allow no intruders. Yet, as if defying that very notion, a delicate black paper bird glided effortlessly through the foreboding shroud that enveloped the fortress. The bird flew with purpose, passing through the dense barrier of shadows and delving deep into the heart of the dark stronghold. It reached the innermost chamber, the throne rooma cavernous, silent hall where the air hung heavy with solitude. An empty throne sat in the rooms center, overlooked by an elderly figure standing quietly before it. Could he be called an old man? Though his face bore the deep lines of age, his skin was unnaturally smooth and unblemished, akin to polished ivory. He was an enigma, a being whose age, gender, and essence were impossible to define. When he extended a hand to his side, the black paper bird perched on it as though it had always been meant to do so. Moments earlier, it had been soaring through the throne roomnow, without any noticeable transition, it was resting obediently on his palm. Without a word, the figure unfolded the paper bird and read its contents. As he finished, his gaze shifted toward the long-abandoned throne. For a moment, sadness flickered in his eyes, and he closed them, retreating into a brief silence. When he reopened them, a tempest of emotions surged withinlonging, greed, and something else, undefined yet smoldering. "Go to Sekhan Village," he commanded. It was a single sentence. But that one utterance sent the shadows within the throne room into a frenzied celebration, rippling as though in exaltation. The shadows writhed and roared in voices that seemed both human and inhuman, their chants reverberating through the hall like a sacred hymn. Bow down!Revere him!He comes to claim what is his!The true master of the palace!Offer him the fortress!We are but his servants!To him, we dedicate the Overpalace! As swiftly as the cacophony had risen, it subsided, leaving behind an eerie stillness. The sole occupant of the chamber, his eyes still burning with resolve, turned and spoke once more. "The time has come to dedicate the Overpalace to our Lord." The Overpalace, dormant for so long, stirred. Its master, one of the Nine Heroes, the Black Star, rose from his seat, his movements heavy with purpose. 1. Upon returning to Sekhan Village, Seong headed toward the central plaza. More people had gathered compared to earlier. When he first arrived, it had been an early morning, closer to dawn than daybreak. That timing had allowed him to converse privately with the former village elder, Gwen. Now, however, the plaza teemed with life. Players filled nearly every corner, creating a scene of bustling chaos. The noise was deafening, even for someone as composed as Seong, who found himself frowning slightly. "Looking for teammates for the Adum Cave! Three slots filled, two more to go! No rogues needed!" "Recruiting for Jakal Forest! One slot leftneed a melee warrior!" "Party for Persi Hill! Im a skilled ranger! Please join!"@@@@ You murderers! Youll pay for this! Take that! And that!Those guys are bad! Really bad! They lead people into the cave and kill them! They trap them on purpose and dont even try to save them! "To Adum Cave. Its a five-person dungeon." "Perfect. Lets go." Seong accepted the invitation with an outward calm that belied his intentions. Behind him, the ghost child stomped the ground in frustration. Youre in for it now! Hes going to teach you a lesson! The ghosts cries, of course, went unheard by the party. 2. The party Seong joined was headed by the youthful player named Jinwoo. Jinwoo, level 23, was slightly lower than Seongs level of 25. His nickname and level aside, Jinwoo casually shared that he had just turned 20, barely stepping into adulthood. Seong introduced himself, providing his nickname and level as well. The other three suspicious members followed suit, greeting them warmly. "Oh my, nice to meet you! Im Amir, an archer, level 26," the woman said with a cheerful tone. "Ahem, Im Nuel, a mage. Level 27," said the male magician, his voice dripping with self-importance. "Haha, what a delightful coincidence to party together! Im Manhoo, as you can see, a swordsman at level 29. The three of us already knew each other," added the third member, his smile broad and seemingly inviting. Their introductions felt polished and naturaltoo natural. It would have been convincing to most. But not to Seong. With the instincts of a hunter, the facade barely registered as a distraction. [Amir C So, are we really doing this?] [Nuel C We outnumber them, so its the logical move.] [Manhoo C Look at that Seong kids gear before running your mouths, you idiots. At least use your eyes for once.] [Amir C Sorry...] [Nuel C Hes got epic-grade stuff. Did you see that?] [Amir C Wow... Manhoo, youre amazing for noticing that so quickly.] [Manhoo C Shut up and follow my lead.] The three of them were already plotting through messages, just as Seong had anticipated. Their eyes were on the loot. [Amir C He doesnt suspect anything, does he???] [Nuel C How could he? Weve never been caught before.] As Amir and Nuel joked around, Manhoos gaze flicked to the party interface, irritation flashing in his eyes. Jinwoo C Lv.23 C (Shield Warrior) Seong C Lv.25 C (????) Amir C Lv.26 C (Archer) Nuel C Lv.27 C (Elemental Mage) Manhoo C Lv.29 C (Swordsman) The lack of a visible profession for Seong gave Manhoo slight pause, but he brushed it off. Judging by the dual swords on Seongs hip, he figured Seong was a dual-wielding swordsman. Manhoo sent another message to his accomplices: [Manhoo C Make sure you act convincingly. Dont get us caught, you morons. Jinwoo is a shield warrior, and Seong is likely a dual swordsman. Dont underestimate him. When I give the signal, Nuel and Amir, youll initiate the attack.] [Amir C The signal is when we dissolve the party and form our own, right?] [Manhoo C Dont ask stupid questions.] [Nuel C Understood.] [Amir C Got it...] What they didnt know was that Seong was already aware of their plan. After all, who would suspect that a fellow party member might turn on them? Especially when the system showed no hostility icons above their heads. Manhoos scheme was well thought out. If they attacked another player first, theyd accrue infamy. Accumulating too much infamy would eventually bar them from entering villages and even lead to imprisonment by guards at the village gates. But there was a loophole: letting a dungeons traps or monsters kill the target didnt count as an attack. It wasnt the first time Manhoos party had used this tactic. In fact, theyd already taken out five or six players using the same strategy, looting their gear afterward. Manhoo couldnt resist one last haul before joining a mid-sized guild where hed have to put on a clean face. "What a lucky break this is," Manhoo thought, chuckling to himself as he eyed Seong and Jinwoo at the entrance to Adum Cave. Jinwoos equipment was fully rare-grade, and Seongs gear was even more impressive, with a mix of rare and epic-grade items. The sword on Seongs left hip, in particular, caught his attention. "That swords got to be epic or higher." Manhoos confidence in his combat abilities made him certain of victory. As the group entered Adum Cave, however, Manhoo began to notice something wasnt right. "W-wait... what?" he muttered. Chapter 33 3. Adum Cave. A 5-player dungeon populated by goblins and hobgoblins, known as one of the more challenging areas in Sekhan Village.@@@@ The hobgoblins, being higher-tier monsters, commanded groups of goblins with alarming efficiency. The cave was riddled with traps and poison, making it a deathtrap for unprepared adventurers. This difficulty was precisely why Manhoo and his party had chosen it as their hunting ground. Here, they could isolate and eliminate their marks under the guise of dungeon hazards. Their usual tactic involved letting their targets fall into traps or get overwhelmed by monsters. When the dust settled, the loot would belong to them. However, this time, things werent going according to plan. "Wow, for a five-player dungeon, this is way too easy," Seong commented, his tone calm. "??????" "?!?!?!?" "!!" "WhaSeong hyung! Youre amazing!" Jinwoo exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration. Seong casually sheathed his sword, unfazed by the situation. The group had just encountered a horde of goblins led by a single hobgoblin. While hobgoblins typically posed a significant threat due to their ability to command goblins, this group was no match for Seong. With precise movements, Seong cut through the goblins and their leader as if they were nothing. "Is this all?" he muttered, his tone almost disappointed. "Wow, that was incredible!" Jinwoo repeated, practically bouncing with excitement. "Yes, well... impressive," Amir added, her voice tight. "R-right, very impressive..." Nuel stammered, glancing at Manhoo. Manhoo clenched his teeth, barely containing his frustration. Seongs weapon, Hindels Apprentice Sword, was indeed extraordinary. Its stats far outstripped the steel sword he had previously relied on, but even so, his dominance in the dungeon was unusual. The traps and monsters that should have posed a threat were dealt with effortlessly. Manhoos party, meanwhile, was left stunned. Their expectations had been completely overturned. Jinwoo C Lv.23 C (Shield Warrior) Seong C Lv.25 C (????) Amir C Lv.26 C (Archer) Nuel C Lv.27 C (Elemental Mage) Manhoo C Lv.29 C (Swordsman) Manhoo stared at the party window, his mind racing. Seong was lower-level than the rest of the group. Yet, somehow, he displayed an overwhelming level of skill. Whats more, his abilities werent reliant on visible skills or buffs. Manhoo couldnt see the faint turquoise aura emanating from Seongs swordan effect only perceptible to those with keen senses. "Hes just lucky," Manhoo told himself, biting his lip. In all his time running Adum Cave, hed rarely seen only a single horde of goblins spawn at the start. But thats all right, he thought. The dungeon would surely throw more at them. "Hell get overconfident, and thats when well strike." As expected, three more goblin hordes appeared further into the cave. But once again, Seong took the lead. Moving with agility and precision, he cut down the goblins with a blend of slashes from his sword and well-placed strikes from a dagger in his off-hand. The rest of the party barely had time to react before the hordes were wiped out. Not a single goblin remained after five minutes. "Wow! Youre incredible, hyung!" Jinwoo exclaimed again. "Hmm, nothing special. We should stay cautious, though. Things could get dangerous if were careless," Seong replied, brushing off the praise. Manhoo, Amir, and Nuel stood frozen. They couldnt believe what they were seeing. Seong showed no signs of exhaustion or injury, despite having single-handedly dealt with three waves of enemies. Jinwoo, who should have been tanking or drawing aggro, had been little more than a spectator. Manhoos lips curled into a grimace as Amir and Nuel sent him frantic messages: [Amir C What do we do? This doesnt make sense.] [Nuel C This is bad. Should we just let this go?] Manhoo frowned but responded confidently: [Manhoo C There are still traps. He cant fight those with his sword. Just wait.] "Take this!" BAM! The impact sent the hobgoblin flying, tumbling across the ground. Meanwhile, Seong shifted his focus, pulling a second weapona dagger resembling a tigers fangfrom his left hand and rushing the next hobgoblin. The creature swung its club in desperation. CLANG! The weapons clashed, the sound of steel reverberating through the cavern. But Seong didnt stop. With fluid movements, he darted inside the hobgoblins guard and unleashed a flurry of dagger strikes. Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] Each strike hit a critical point, leaving the hobgoblin trembling and on the verge of collapse. Seong finished it off with a decisive slash from his sword. Srrring! [Critical Hit!] Another hobgoblin down. The remaining two hobgoblins roared and charged at Seong, their rage palpable. Even for someone as skilled as Seong, taking on two hobgoblins simultaneously seemed like a tall order. But just as the hobgoblins closed in, a massive shadow loomed over Seong. With a deafening roar, Adum swung his colossal sword down. BOOM! Seong leaped out of the way just in time, the blade smashing into the ground where he had stood moments before, sending shards of stone flying. Adums presence had entered the fray. As Seong prepared to engage the boss, a sudden surge of heat flared behind him. It wasnt from the hobgoblins or Adum. A system message appeared. [Party member Nuel-Lv.27 attacks you.] [Entering full hostility.] [Party member Nuel-Lv.27 has left the party.] [This player has infamy. Attacking them will not increase your infamy.] Seong sidestepped the fireball aimed at his back, the motion so smooth it seemed almost preemptive. "H-how did he dodge that?!" Nuel stammered, his voice trembling. Jinwoo, shocked, shouted, "Attacking your own party member?! What are you doing?!" Seong, unbothered, smirked. "So, youre finally showing your true colors," he said calmly, his tone laced with amusement. His words rattled Manhoos group. They hadnt expected their betrayal to be anticipated so easily. Manhoo tried to rally his party. "Its fine! Hes just one guy! Theres no way he can" Manhoos words were cut short as Seong chuckled softly. "One guy?" Behind Seong, a massive turquoise portal appeared, emitting an ominous glow. From it emerged a horde of goblin undead, their bodies shrouded in shadows and pulsating with turquoise energy. Twenty undead goblins poured out, surrounding Seong in a protective formation. And then, a chilling laugh echoed through the cavern. Kehehehe! Its time for slaughter! For our master! A figure larger and more menacing than the hobgoblins emerged. Cloaked in darkness and exuding a murderous aura, Barfur, the Death Warden, stepped forward. [Lv.40 Death Warden C Barfur] The oppressive presence of Barfur silenced the cavern. Manhoo and his party froze, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. Even Adum, the dungeons boss, seemed insignificant compared to the overwhelming power of Seongs undead army. Manhoos greed had led him into a nightmare he couldnt escape. Chapter 34 The dungeon boss, Adum, was a formidable foe, yet here was a summoned commander with a level even higher than his. "How is this even possible?" Manhoos thoughts raced in turmoil, but he couldnt voice them aloud. The air grew heavy as if suffocating, weighed down by the sheer presence of Barfuru, the Death Soldier. Haaahhhh... Barfurus icy breath seemed to freeze the very air around him, emanating an aura of death that far exceeded anything from his previous battle with Seong. As terror gripped the room, Amir, unable to withstand the overwhelming fear, raised his bow and fired an arrow. The target? Barfuru. But the undead commander barely acknowledged the attack. With a flick of his fingers, he plucked the arrow from the air. Tock. "Hah, you call this an attack?" Barfuru sneered, a mocking tone lacing his deep voice. A system message appeared: [Party member Amir-Lv.26 has attacked you.] [Entering hostile state.] [Party member Amir-Lv.26 has left the party.] [The user is marked as notorious.] [You will not gain infamy for attacking this user.] That made two party members in a hostile state now. Seong observed Barfuru and the undead goblins under his command. With a simple thought, his will reached them. Every undead soldier lowered their heads in unison, reverent and obedient. "We obey the masters will!" "Everything is as the Lord commands!" "We shall serve the Masters decree!" The overwhelming loyalty and sheer terror emanating from Barfuru and the undead army left the others paralyzed. Even Jinwoo, who had been quietly handling hobgoblins, found himself frozen, his eyes trembling. The first to break the oppressive silence was none other than Adum, the dungeon boss. "Krekk! Kehuk!" Though the hobgoblins guttural speech was incomprehensible, its tone was unmistakably filled with hostility. At Adums command, the other hobgoblins moved to attack. But the undead goblins reacted first. Moving with eerie agility, they closed in on the hobgoblins, their small frames darting and weaving as they attacked. Each hobgoblin was surrounded by three undead goblins. "For the master!" "Lets kill them and make them one of us!" "Join the horde!" The undead exploited their agility, dodging attacks and targeting the hobgoblins knees and shins to cripple their movement. Staggering and unable to fight back effectively, the hobgoblins were overwhelmed. Within moments, the undead pierced their torsos with ruthless precision. Blood sprayed as the hobgoblins coughed and wheezed, their cries of pain echoing in the dungeon. Even Adum, the mighty boss, was not spared. While the other hobgoblins were each surrounded by three undead goblins, Adum faced a brutal onslaught of eight. The undead worked in perfect coordination, some wielding shields to block attacks while others relentlessly pierced Adums defenses. Stab! Stab! Stab! "KREEEEEEEEEK!" The sound of weapons tearing through flesh and bone mingled with Adums howls of agony. The macabre symphony of combat filled the cavern, leaving the remaining party members in shock. Manhoo and the others stood frozen, unable to believe their eyes. Seong turned toward them, his voice calm yet piercing. "You couldve hidden your intentions a little better." Even if the ghost child hadnt warned him, their clumsy behavior after their intentions were exposed made their betrayal obvious. Manhoo remained silent, but the others spoke in trembling voices. "W-What should we do?" "S-Should we attack him?" Manhoos mind raced. He hadnt attacked yet, so he wouldnt be marked as hostile. If he backed out now, he could avoid dying. If Seong attacked first, his infamy would rise. Manhoo smirked inwardly. Ill just abandon them. As Manhoo entertained his cowardly plan, Seong casually raised his sword and met Manhoos gaze. Seong had drawn upon the memories and experiences of the former Drill Sergeant Eddie, effortlessly blocking all of Manhoos attacks. But that wasnt the end. "Hmph." The small sound escaped Seongs lips, a single syllable that carried more weight than a long speech. It wasnt loud, but Manhoo could read the emotion behind it: boredom. That indifference was etched into Seongs face and voice, and it stoked a fire within Manhoojealousy and inferiority burned together into a raging inferno. "AAAAARGH!" With a scream of fury, Manhoo lunged at Seong again, his sword slashing wildly. But Seong, who had already assessed Manhoos level of skill, blocked every single strike with ease. Clang! Clang! Shing! Clang! Manhoo mixed in additional skills, yet none of his attacks found their mark. "Hes just flailing at this point," Seong thought, shaking his head in disappointment. Manhoos attacks were wild and chaotic, with no sense of discipline or strategy. The more he fought, the more Seongs disappointment grew. Seong finally decided to take the offensive, his blade cutting through the air with precise strikes. Slice! Slash! "Agh!" Manhoo grunted as Seongs attacks landed, the damage making it harder for him to think clearly. Desperate and realizing he couldnt win, Manhoo retreated, his mind racing for a plan. But Seong just tilted his head slightly, looking at him as if he were a foolish child. "Do you think creating distance will help against a necromancer like me?" Seong asked casually. "What?" Manhoo blurted, his confusion plain. Seong didnt wait for a response. Raising his hand as if to grasp something invisible, he summoned a teal energy that coalesced into the shape of a spear. Without hesitation, he hurled it. The spear moved at incredible speed, too fast for Manhoo to avoid. He instinctively swung his sword to intercept it Clink! "What the?!" His blade struck somethinga white bone arrow. It had been fired to block his swing, leaving him defenseless as the spear closed in. Thud! [Youve been afflicted with Dark Damage.] [For 3 seconds, all vision and senses will be impaired.] Manhoo felt an overwhelming nausea as all his senses vanished. He was adrift in a void, unable to see, hear, or feel anything. "Whats happening?!" He struggled to move, to fight back, but his body wouldnt respond. Those three seconds stretched into an eternity. When his senses returned, he was still alive, surprisingly unharmed. He sighed in relief and resolved to flee. "Forget the swordits not worth my life," he thought. Just as he was about to turn and run, a shadow fell over him. "What...?" Against his better judgment, he looked upand froze. Towering above him was Barfuru, his glowing teal eyes burning like twin suns in the darkness. "Peek-a-boo." "AAAAARGH!" Manhoo screamed, trying to escape, but Barfurus massive hand came crashing down. Crunch! The sound of flesh and bone being crushed echoed through the dungeon. Manhoos vision blurred as the system messages rolled in. [Critical Hit!] [Your HP has dropped to 0. You will be forcibly logged out.] [Death penalties increased due to notoriety.] [Dropping the highest-grade item in your possession.] His body dissolved into pixels, leaving behind a shiny, high-quality ring. But Seong had gained much more than a single ring. [Victory in player-versus-player combat!] [Youve defeated a higher-level opponent!] [Experience points gained!] [Youve cleared the 5-player dungeon, Adums Cavern.] [Experience points gained!] [Clear reward: Hobgoblin Warrior Adums Greatsword acquired.] [Clear reward: 20 gold acquired.] [Level up!] x5 [You have reached Level 30.] [Youve defeated a notorious player.] [Youve defeated a player who initiated an attack.] [Acquired Reinforcement Bow from the defeated player.] [Acquired Novice Pyromancers Agile Robe from the defeated player.] [Acquired Ring of Speed from the defeated player.] [New skill unlocked for Overlord class at Level 30.] [Legendary skill Lords Silent Command acquired.] "I like this," Seong muttered, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he reviewed the flood of rewards. Chapter 35 After the battle, Seong returned all his undead minions to the Underworld. Though they loudly proclaimed their loyalty and devotion as they vanished, he casually ignored their declarations. Now it was time to reap the rewards. There were so many spoils that Seong wasnt even sure where to start. A satisfied smile crept onto his face as he looked over his gains. Jinwoo approached, his face alight with awe. "Wow, hyung, are you part of the Rapid Guilds rookies?!" Seong tilted his head, puzzled. "How does he know that?" Then he remembered the video he had sent earlier. "Ah." "I watched your video! It was amazing! Your swordsmanship is unbelievable! If it werent for seeing your undead in action, I wouldnt have recognized you!" Jinwoo gushed. Seong frowned slightly. He hadnt displayed any swordsmanship in the video. "Strange." Jinwoo laughed nervously, a somewhat suspicious but harmless demeanor about him. Should he press the matter? Before Seong could decide, Jinwoo quickly added, "Oh, I have to leave now! Here, this is your share of the clear rewards! I didnt do much, so it feels wrong to keep it." With that, Jinwoo handed over some gold and a book-shaped item before hurriedly departing. "A book as a dungeon reward?" Seong eyed the item suspiciously. Something felt off, but Jinwoo was already gone. "He knew about the Rapid Guild even though I didnt use my sword in the video..." His suspicions lingered, but he decided to focus on the items Jinwoo had left. The gold was straightforward50 gold. "The dungeon clear reward was only 20 gold. He added 30 extra?" Seong rationalized that it could be payment for carrying Jinwoo through the dungeon, which was common practice. However, the book was far more intriguing. Skill Book C Corpse Explosion Rare Consumable. Can only be used by necromancer-class dark mages. Grants the skill Corpse Explosion upon use. "Hmm. Skill books are incredibly rare, especially at the rare grade," Seong thought. A rare-grade skill book like this could easily sell for several million won. "And he just gave it away?" Suspicious as it was, there didnt seem to be any malice in the gesture. "If its a genuine gift, I might meet him again someday." Deciding not to overthink it, Seong used the skill book. [You have used the rare-grade skill book Corpse Explosion!] [You have acquired the rare-grade skill Corpse Explosion!] "Amazing." Seong smirked as he reviewed the new skills details. Corpse Explosion Rare [Lv.1] [Scalable] [Instant Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 3 minutes] Necromancer-exclusive skill. Inject mana into a corpse to detonate it, dealing massive damage to surrounding enemies. Damage and range scale with the corpses condition. "This is one of the hallmark skills of a necromancer." Satisfied, Seong turned his attention to the rest of his rewards. First, the items obtained from clearing the dungeon: Adums Greatsword Rare+ A greatsword used by the hobgoblin warrior Adum. Sized perfectly for human use. Slightly increases the power of warrior-class skills. Slightly boosts the effects of warrior-class buffs. "Not bad, but its not for me." The greatsword was well-made, but it was useless to Seong, who had no intention of switching to a warrior class. "Ill sell it later." Next were the items looted from Manhoos group: Bow of Precision Rare Slightly improves the wielders dexterity. Increases hit rate by 10%. But for that, she would have to convince the guild master. "Yunas little brother, huh?" Lecil thought, knowing full well that dealing with Yuna would complicate matters. Meanwhile, Seong Although party play was heavily encouraged in the second village, solo hunting grounds still existed. Seong chose one of those fields: the graveyard. Graveyards were ideal for testing his new silence curse. Necromancers and magic-wielding skeleton mages populated the area, providing the perfect targets. Among the skeletal warriors, archers, and mages, Seong quickly located a group with the configuration he sought. Three skeletal warriors, one skeletal archer, and one skeletal mage stood in a loose formation. "Perfect." Despite the numbers, Seong had no concerns. He didnt even need to summon his undead. Seong started by targeting the skeletal archer. Summoning a translucent turquoise spear, he hurled it at the archer while the skeleton loosed an arrow of its own. Whoosh! Splat! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] [Critical Hit!] [You have gained experience points!] Both projectiles struck true, but the turquoise spear shattered the archer instantly, reducing it to a pile of broken bones. With the archer eliminated, Seong turned his attention to the skeletal warriors. Equipping Hindels Apprentice Sword in one hand and Tigers Fang in the other, Seong activated the effect of the Ring of Speed. Fwoosh! Moving faster than the eye could track, Seong closed the gap to the skeletal warriors. His first strike, a precise stab with his sword, targeted the wrist of a shield-wielding warrior. Crunch! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] The skeletons wrist fractured under the blow, causing it to drop its shield. Seong followed up with his dagger, shattering the wrist completely. As the disarmed skeleton faltered, Seong slammed the flat of his sword against its skull, shattering it into pieces. [Critical Hit!] [You have gained experience points!] The remaining warriors rushed him, but Seongs speed and precision overwhelmed them. Within moments, they too crumbled to the ground. With only the skeletal mage remaining, Seong smiled. "Time to test it." Raising a finger to his lips, he activated Command of Silence. The skeletal mage, mid-chant, froze as a shadowy figure appeared behind it. The figure mimicked Seongs gesture, placing a finger to its lips. Shh. The skeletal mages mouth was forcibly sewn shut by glowing turquoise threads, rendering it incapable of sound or spellcasting. It struggled in vain, unable to resist the eerie power. Satisfied, Seong activated his second new skill, Corpse Explosion. The corpses of the skeletal warrior and archer began to glow ominously, their bones turning red-hot. BOOM! [Critical Hit!] 3 [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] [You have gained experience points!] 3 The simultaneous explosions sent shards of bone and waves of dark energy ripping through the battlefield. Seong surveyed the aftermath with satisfaction. "Both skills are incredible." He had just added two formidable weapons to his arsenal. A system message interrupted his thoughts: [You have an external message.] It was Minas voice. "Seong! Hurry up! We need to get going!" Realizing how much time had passed, Seong decided it was time to leave. His experiments had been a resounding success, and he couldnt wait to test his new abilities in a real fight. Chapter 36 0. As Seong stepped out of the capsule, the place he headed to, along with his older sister Yu Mina, was none other than the tax office. It wasnt for any tax issues, but for business registration. These days, many gamers were registering as business owners due to Eternal World. Seong was one of them. Since he was about to receive a large signing bonus and salary from the Rapid Guild, it was common practice to register as a business owner before receiving the contract payment. Otherwise, he''d have to pay a massive amount in taxes. As the number of gamers increased and guilds rapidly multiplied, registering as a business didnt take long at all. Hm. Seong glanced at his business registration certificate, looking slightly puzzled. He never imagined he''d be registering as a business owner. It was a career path he had never considered, but so what? The age of making money through gaming had arrived. And in the gaming world, his talentor rather, his abilitywas highly effective. It would be a waste to not take advantage of it. Seong carefully placed his business registration certificate into an envelope, along with the business bank account issued by the bank. Meanwhile, his sister Yu Mina was busily making calls. At home, she was quite a fool, but in situations like this, she was reliable. Okay, got it. Yu Mina ended the call briskly. Seong, curious, looked at her. Who was she talking to? It didnt take long before Seong found out. Ding-! A smartphone notification sounded, followed by an alarm. Reacting instinctively, Seong checked his phone. The notification informed him that a deposit had been made into the newly issued account. And then [XX Bank Business Account - 2,000,000,000 KRW has been deposited.] The amount was staggering, even though Seong already knew it was coming. At this moment, Seong couldnt maintain his usual calm demeanor. His pupils trembled, and his mouth hung open. How many people would receive 2 billion won at the age of 22? Though it was an advance, additional bonuses were also coming. He even had a salary of 500 million left. As his level and evaluation increased, performance bonuses would follow. On top of that, there was a 10% royalty on tickets. C-Can I really accept this? He had been shocked when reading the contract, but now that the money had actually been deposited, he felt a little nervous. Hehe! Dont be so nervous. Just keep doing what youve been doing. Yeah, I know, but its still hard to believe right now. Hehehe. Now you finally realize how amazing I am. Hehehe. Seong felt a sense of calm as he watched his sister, Yu Mina, laughing foolishly. To think this was the 9th ranked player in the world. Actually, since she was likely to rise in the rankings soon, he figured it should be 8th now. Regardless, seeing his sister like that relaxed him a bit. As long as he stuck to what he was doing, it seemed like things would go smoothly. Seongs in-game goal was to follow in the footsteps of Helena and Hindel. He just had to keep going as he was. Feeling somewhat relieved, Seongs sister, Yu Mina, asked him: So, since were already out, should we grab some food before heading back? Moms out today too. Hmm. Yeah, lets do that. Although Seong was eager to get back to his game, he was quite hungry since he skipped breakfast. So, they decided to go eat at a restaurant. Yu Mina suggested a well-known restaurant nearby, and since Seong preferred Western food, he chose the menu. When they arrived at the restaurant, the staff greeted them. Ah? Seong Seonghyun? Huh?@@@@ A staff member called out. Seong briefly racked his brain before recognizing the person. The guards began to tremble with fear. Should we... tell the village? Tell them? About the crows??? But because the threat was only crows, they found themselves paralyzed, unsure of what to do. At that moment, a massive crow flew in from afar. Thousands of smaller crows began to rush toward this large crow. Caw! Caw! The crows began to gather and, like shadows or darkness itself, they formed into a single shape. As more and more crows gathered, they began to thicken, forming a smooth, massive mirror made of thousands of crows. But it was a mirror of pure darkness, with nothing reflecting on its surface. It wasnt until the guards realized something was wrong that they tried to ring the alarm bell. But they couldnt even move a finger. What... is this?! This... this doesnt make sense!! The guards, unable to even swallow their saliva in fear, looked at the black mirror. Suddenly, ripples appeared on the black mirror. Like a single drop falling into a calm lake, the ripples spread outward across the mirror. And then, as if it were natural, three figures walked out of the mirror. The black mirror vanished after spitting out three people, and the ominous dark clouds that had once filled the sky dispersed, revealing a clear, bright sky. As the sun illuminated the world, the guards could finally see the attire of the three figures. The massive man standing in the center wore a mask resembling a crows faceor was it more of a crow-like helmet? It was hard to tell, but his identity was hidden behind it. On his right stood a man so pale that he seemed to be a corpse. The stitched-up marks on his body were so grotesque that he looked like he had been pieced together. On the left of the man with the crow mask stood a woman. Her eyes were like a bottomless abyss, exuding no emotion, and she held a doll of a little girl in her arms, clutching it tightly. The guards couldnt help but swallow dryly as they saw the unusual figures. There was nothing ordinary about them, and it wasnt until they noticed the symbol on the robes they wore that they realized the significance. On the black robes was a shining crowna symbol that only one entity in the world could bear. Oh, Ohberpalace!! Oh, the Lion of Ohberpalace!! Clang! Thud! The infamous tower of dark mages, Ohberpalace, had arrived in Sekhan Village. Looking at the terrified guards, the man wearing the crow mask stepped forward and spoke softly. Do not fear. We will not bring harm to your village. His voice, though soft, carried an undeniable force. For some reason, despite the softness of his tone, the guards could only nod in response. Should they report this to the village chief immediately? The man shook his head as he watched the guards wrestle with the thought. We will do what we must. You do what you must. We have no need for a grand reception or ceremony. With those words, the three figures disappeared like a mirage, leaving behind a wave of black. The guards, as if they had just woken from a nightmare, swallowed nervously, their hands trembling. To think the Lion of Ohberpalace had come to the village. I cant believe it. Right? I mean, the fact that Ohberpalace is here means theres definitely something in this village. The guards muttered to each other, picking up their dropped weapons and returning to their posts at the entrance. As the man with the crow mask had said, the three of them, observing from the rooftops, turned their attention away from the guards. The guards had never been a concern. Their sole purpose for being here was clear. This is the last village where we felt the presence of the Lord. After Persville, this was the next stop. Hehehehe! Ah, I can feel it! I can feel it so strongly!! The Lords power is thick in this village!! ... The man with the crow mask spoke, and the corpse-like man let out a strange laugh, bending over slightly. Meanwhile, the woman holding the doll showed no emotion but tightened her grip on it. Though this was an unusual reaction, neither the man nor the corpse man paid it any mind. It was understandable. The man turned to speak to the others. Spread out and search for the Lord. Hehehe! Yes! Yes, lets go!! ... The corpse-like man, grinning in excitement, nodded slowly. The woman, without a word, also nodded and disappeared into the air with a flicker. The man with the crow mask snapped his fingers, and countless crows appeared, spreading in all directions. How long had it passed? The man had linked with the crows and was thoroughly searching the entire village. Finally, his eyes met one of the crows, and with a calm, expressionless face, he muttered: This is no ordinary crow. With a quiet murmur, the man declared, I found it. Chapter 37 2. After returning home, Seong stared at his phone for a moment, contemplating. This weekend, his classmates were gathering. Im not really attending school anymore, though. Since he started making money through gaming, his focus had shifted entirely to Eternal World. Having signed a contract, he felt a sense of responsibility. After all, receiving money meant he had to act professionally. There are also goals to achieve. He wanted to fulfill Helenas wishes and follow in the footsteps of Hero Hindel. Though there was no duty or obligation, Seong wanted to do it. It was fun, and for some reason, he felt a deep connection to this game. If he followed that path as a guiding light, wouldnt it be great? Seong shook his head, realizing he had drifted into unnecessary thoughts. He had been thinking about the gathering, but now... I should go anyway. Just because he wasnt attending school didnt mean he was isolated. Besides, he was close with his classmates, even though he wasnt in school anymore. And the friendships didnt end with graduation. Seong sent his reply, confirming he would go. And I should meet up with the guys from high school too. Seong had been the first to finish his military service, and though they hadnt contacted him yet, he expected that they would when they had the chance. Theyll probably reach out if they have a break. After that, he returned home and took a shower before sitting down at his computer. Earlier, while eating, his sister had told him about the viral Rapid Rookie video. Though he didnt really feel like it was real yet. I should check it out. Seong logged into the Eternal World community to check the reactions. He tilted his head. [Wow, isn''t this the best rookie ever?] I was like, what the heck? I thought a Demon King had descended. And whats up with that AI level? It doesnt even seem like theyre giving commands directly?? [Upvotes: 193][Downvotes: 3] [Comments] For real, whats up with the Demon King talk? But seriously, that undead AIwhat is it? It looks special, though. The undead here are on a whole different level... Maybe their rank is just that high? Who was the highest-ranked necromancer before? Immortal King! Was the Immortal King Legendary rank? Yeah, but Immortal Kings undead werent this smart ???. So something even higher than that? ???: Yes, much higher. Even a post that seemed like a diary received close to 200 upvotes, which left Seong perplexed. Hmm, is it really that impressive? He could tell the video was well made; he had seen it before arriving. It was realistic and had a solid production quality. But was it really so amazing to the point of causing this much excitement? For Seong, it made sense that it seemed incredible. After all, his own experience in Eternal World was still so newjust two days. The things that were blowing everyones mind were just everyday occurrences for him. Another post in the community was all about the rising star in the Rapid Guild. Haha, wasnt the Rapid Guild just a one-trick pony? Looks like thats about to change! I wanted to keep calm after seeing the rookie video, but I ended up drooling too. Dont the Rapid Guild guys need to make more of these kinds of videos? Yeah, I think its a good idea. Seems like a prodigious talent is emerging in Rapid Guild. Yuna doesnt like broadcasting, so she hasnt posted any videos except during live streams ???. Though Seong couldnt really understand the hype, he acknowledged it. So Im really good, huh? He had known this deep down, but now, with so much attention, it was hard to ignore the reality. He didnt know if he was meeting expectations, but the fact that he was attracting this much attention did make him feel something. While he didnt have a clear idea about his expectations, he figured he could leave such things to the guild. He just had to follow instructions. It just so happened that the Rapid Guild was holding a meeting about Seong, so he would wait for that. Mina and Yujin will probably take care of it. He wasnt too knowledgeable about business matters, so he would leave it to the two of them, who were more experienced. With that thought, Seong logged into Eternal World. I should level up quickly. He was still only level 30. There was a long way to go. 3. [Welcome to the Eternal World, another world, the world of eternity.] [May good fortune be with you, Player Seonghyun.] As Seong logged in, familiar welcome messages and the sensation of weightlessness filled him. Seong looked around, feeling puzzled. After obtaining Helenas memories and experiences, he had learned about it. The tower of all dark mages, the holy place of Overpalace. And... They say Overpalace is the strongest faction in Eternal World? Unlike other magical towers, which were divided by specialty, Overpalace was where all dark mages gathered. It boasted an overwhelming force unmatched by any other faction. The leader of Overpalace, the Black Star (), was also known as the highest among the Nine Heroes. Who could even dare to suppress dark magic? Thanks to Overpalace, Eternal World had a society where dark mages were not ostracized. So why had such a powerful faction come to him? "Weve come to bring this to the successor." The man with the crow mask said, pulling a letter from his robes. The letter was sealed with an elegant black envelope. Seong blinked as he looked at them, sensing that the envelope was no ordinary one. The man with the crow mask continued. "This letter is from Black Star, the one who manages Overpalace. He asked that we deliver it to you." "Did you come all this way just to deliver this letter?" "Please, we are not worthy of such high words. There is no need to address us in such a manner." "......" "Uuuaaaargh!" The doll-woman nodded solemnly, while the corpse-like man growled in agreement, though Seong didnt quite understand what he was saying. Seong nodded, indicating his understanding. "Alright. But you all came just to deliver this?" "Yes, indeed." "......?" Seong was confused. They had sent three people just to deliver a letter? Was the letter that important? He stared at the letter, still bewildered. The man with the crow mask lowered his head, urging Seong to open it. It seemed like something he should do, so Seong opened the letter immediately. Inside, the contents were written in an old-fashioned script: To the dear successor, We, Overpalace, are preparing to build a palace to offer to the Overlord. Now that the rightful successor has appeared, it is time to prepare the palace. However, there are still things that must be obtained before it can be offered. The holy arrangements made by our god, the former Overlord Helena, remain to be completed. The compass enclosed in this letter is meant to guide you as you gain the appropriate power. Please do not be troubled, and continue the arrangements. This humble Black Star presents this letter to you. "...?" Wasnt this a bit too respectful? The letter spoke of Helenas arrangements still needing to be completed, and that until they were, the rightful successor had not yet fully emerged, but they still showed this level of respect. Seong, still dazed, couldnt understand why he was holding the compass that had been inside the envelope. [You have obtained the class-exclusive item, Overlords Compass.] [The Overlords Compass has not yet activated.] [A class-exclusive quest has not been generated.] [The first usage condition is level 50 or higher.] "Hmm." It seemed that the compass was meant to trigger a class-exclusive quest. He had wondered how to find Helenas remaining arrangements, and now he understoodit was part of the system. As Seong was about to fold the letter, he noticed something else. Was there more? Additionally, the descendant of the hero is a resident of this village. Though no hero would dare stand in the way of the successor, I thought you might be interested, so I am passing this on to you. This was unexpected. A new hero descendant was a resident here. In other words... Theres an NPC with the Hero class. A hero. The class Seong had originally wanted. His curiosity soared. Who could it be? As Seong anticipated, the man with the crow mask, seeing Seongs reaction, pulled something else out. He spoke bitterly. "I want to give you much more to aid your growth, but alas, all I can offer is this small thing." "......" "Uuuaaargh!" Even the doll-woman, holding the doll, wiped away tears that had formed in the dolls eyes. The corpse-like man howled in a strange way, as if in mourning. Seong was grateful for what he had receivedthe compass alone was enough. Yet, they were sorry they could only offer this. It was hard for Seong to comprehend. The man with the crow mask trembled as if deeply regretful, handing Seong a book. A skill book? A skill book was certainly a valuable gift. He had been thrilled when he obtained the Corpse Explosion skill not too long ago. This would be more than enough. [You have received a Legendary-tier skill book, Skill Book - Add More, from the Lion of Overpalace, Kalus.] "???" This was more than enoughit surpassed his expectations. Chapter 38 4. There was never a calm day in the E-World User Management Team. Particularly, Deputy Lee Won-sang had been running around since morning, overwhelmed by the chaos. He didnt even have time to give a reprimand to his junior, Oh Jin-hyuk, who was just admiring the situation. How busy he was was clear enough without needing to be explained. Thanks to Seongs activity since early morning, the workload had increased. Thankfully, thanks to Seong leaving before lunch, Lee Won-sang had a brief moment to relax. Though there was still a problem. "Sigh..." "Senior? Why do you look like that?" "...???" Oh Jin-hyuk, who had been looking at Lee Won-sang with a puzzled expression, began to shiver, as if he had realized something. Then, as if he had figured it out, he nodded. "Ah, its because of that user, Jinwoo, right? Who could have known that someone would suddenly give away a rare-tier skill book?" "Yeah, thats true." Lee Won-sang was about to say something about the Barfur corpse incident, but there was that too. The user Jinwoo. There was no way Lee Won-sang didnt know whose alt it was. Kim Jinwoo, one of the executives of the Rapid Guild. He was also a fairly well-known figure in the User Management Team. "Kim Jinwoo from the Rapid Guild. Yeah, I knew he joined the Rapid Guild." He didnt expect that he would give away a corpse explosion skill book worth over 20 million won as a gift. But that was just how it was. For now, since Seong wasnt active, it wasnt too busy. It was almost lunchtime, and he had just eaten. Then, suddenly, Lee Won-sang felt a sense of de?ja? vu. Wasnt it just like this when he first started working here? He remembered the time when he woke up feeling refreshed in the morning, coming in with a good mood and having no work to do. Nah, surely nothings happening. But, of course, something had already happened. Would something else happen? Feeling uneasy, Lee Won-sang quickly prepared to monitor Seong. However, Seong had not logged in yet. Despite this, his unease remained. What was this unease? Instinctively, Lee Won-sang decided to check Sekhan Village. It was almost like an instinctive action. And, as expected... "U-uh!? Are those... the Lions of Overpalace?!?" "......" Lee Won-sang closed his eyes tightly, sensing the ominous feeling. There was no need to look anymore. Why? "Woah! Senior!! Look!! They''re giving Seong a skill bookAdd More!!? Wow! Overpalace is amazing!!" "Whoa!! Senior!! Theres some unknown power here too!! This time, the stats went up by a total of 40!!" "Wow!! All these undead are moving like they have AI!! This is crazy!!" Even with his eyes closed, Oh Jin-hyuk eagerly relayed everything. Since Overpalace had moved, Lee Won-sang knew he had to report this. On his way to report to Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong, Lee Won-sang took out an envelope from his pocket. Should I submit my resignation while Im at it? For a moment, stressed by the situation, Lee Won-sang made an irrational decision. But, realizing how foolish it seemed, he wiped away a tear and put the resignation letter back in his pocket. 5.@@@@ A Legendary-tier skill book. Was it really appropriate to apologize and cry while giving something like this? Seong felt his common sense crumbling. What kind of standard is this? It seemed more than enough, but in comparison to the name Overpalace, it felt a bit low. Still, crying while giving away a Legendary-tier skill book seemed strange. As Seong felt perplexed, the three of them cautiously bowed their heads, trembling. Did they mistake Seongs slightly twisted mood for anger? He wanted to say no, but... It seems hard to deny the mood here. Even Seong, usually so calm, was a little overwhelmed by their behavior. However, they had been so considerate, it felt like he had to meet them halfway. "This is more than enough." "Ah, we are simply ashamed to stand before the gracious successor." "......" "Uuuuuuuh!" As Seong expressed his awkwardness, the crow-masked man cautiously spoke. "Due to the treaty, we cannot always be at your service, but we will strive to do better next time." "......Treaty?" Even Overpalace couldnt do anything about this "treaty." Seong figured it was probably referring to the system. He nodded, realizing this. "Aaaaah! We bow to you! How did you acquire such an amazing power!?""Kerek! Kerhook! (Incredible!!)""Kurook! Kekek! Kehugh! (As expected of our Lord!!) It was disappointing, but there was nothing to be done about it. Still, the numbers have increased. At least he had more to work with. As Seong was settling with that, the ghosts nearby started to approach, drooling. What are they doing? Even though Seong had seen many ghosts, this was the first time seeing them act like this. No, actually, he felt like he had seen this before. Was it in Persville? When undead without souls had been created by the Aura of Death, ghosts had gathered in that situation. Back then, he had ignored them since he was too busy, but now it seemed more curious. Seong approached one of the ghosts and asked. Whats going on? "H-hah! That... that is...""Ah, ahh! We couldnt dare speak to such a noble being..." The two ghosts who approached cautiously spoke, and Seong tilted his head in confusion. Why were they speaking so carefully? Seong continued observing them. "C-can we be granted possession too?!""We were quite skilled back in the day!!""We were mercenaries!!" The ghosts, claiming to be from a mercenary group, approached. There were about twenty of them. But what did they mean by grant possession? Seong suddenly had a thought and looked at the undead with empty souls. Could it be? Do they want to be placed inside there? Was that even possible? Well, now that he thought about it... It seemed plausible. Seong first absorbed the memories of the mercenaries. The memories of twenty mercenaries! The turquoise energy from the ghosts flowed into Seong. As Seong greedily absorbed the energy, his veins began to bulge, as if in pain. This is tough. And he instinctively realized something. At least for today, he wouldnt be able to absorb more memories. [You have displayed power beyond your current capabilities due to "Unknown Power."] [Strength +10, Agility +20, Health +10 permanently increase.] The memories and experiences of twenty mercenaries flowed into Seong, but instead of feeling refreshed, it was more like he had overeaten, as the turquoise energy began leaking from around his mouth. Hoo... The turquoise energy scattered like mist in the winter. Some memories were lost. He wasnt too upset about it, though, since he knew his limit. That was enough. However, the ghosts of the mercenaries raised their stats by roughly 2 points each, unlike the famous figures like Eddie the former instructor or Apik the hunter, who had raised their stats by 5. Still, my total stat increase was 40. It was an impressive increase. As Seong began to feel satisfied, the faces of the mercenary ghosts brightened, realizing that they had now connected with Seong. However, after reading their memories, Seong realized something. They shouldnt be placed in there. He shouldnt place them inside the goblin undead. It wasnt that they had committed evil acts or were malicious people. But... Seong immediately dissolved the duplicated goblin undead using Add More. The faces of the mercenaries turned dark again, realizing they wouldnt be able to possess them. Would they not be able to possess anything after all? Seeing their gloomy expressions, Seong smiled and snapped his fingers. A turquoise heart appeared behind him, pulsing with life. And at the same time, a turquoise mist spread out. The skeletons that came into contact with the mist began to vomit out the same turquoise energy. Seong then turned those skeletons into death soldiers, matching them with the mercenary ghosts. Seems the goblin bodies arent a good fit for you. "Ahhh!!""Ahh!!""Grrk! For us!!" Seong then used his abilities. Even though he had never known how to use his powers in his 22 years of life, Helena had taught him how. How to utilize his abilities and handle ghosts. Now, it came so naturally to him. He made twelve skeleton warriors, six skeleton archers, and two skeleton mages, and placed the mercenary ghosts inside them. The newly formed twenty skeleton death soldiers. The existing death soldiers were excited, as if welcoming them. "Our servants, now we have more to serve the Master!!""Kerek! Kekek! (Lets toast to this!!)""Kurookikeck! (Blessed are those who follow the Lord!!)""Thank you! Thank you!" Seong nodded in satisfaction as he watched. Although he hadnt found a soul to fill the duplicate Barfur, it was fine. Its better to place a superior ghost in there. Seong thought, looking at his new army. They immediately understood Seongs wishes and shouted together. "Lets sweep through this place!""Kerek! Kehook! (Death! Lets offer their deaths to the Lord!)""For the Master!""Lets conquer everything!" As they all shouted in unison, the surrounding undead who hadnt been assimilated by Seong''s army were quickly swept away. Seong, observing how well his army fought, kept his Death Aura active, watching his army clear the graveyard. By the end, the only undead left in the graveyard were Seongs death soldiers. [Level up!] x4 [You have reached level 34.] Having obtained Add More and learned how to fill undead with ghosts, Seong thought quietly to himself. Incredible. It was a simple, yet powerful realization. Chapter 39 0. Conquering an entire hunting ground alone was no easy task. Even the infamous necromancer, the embodiment of quantity, wasnt an exception. However, the overwhelming tactics and power that made it possible perfectly demonstrated the magnificence of the Almighty class. To sweep an entire map with just 40 undead was unimaginable. Seong, facing the scene that was hard to believe, nodded with a peculiar expression. Now level 34, huh? Its a bit frustrating. But well, it cant be helped. If someone else heard it, theyd probably be dumbfounded by the absurdity of it, but Seong didnt mind at all. It was undeniably an unprecedented speed, but if he looked only at the speed, it felt slow. Back in the days of PC games, werent there games where you could reach level 200 in less than an hour? Of course, comparing it with that wasnt fair, but still. When playing RPGs, leveling was inevitable. Seong was somewhat satisfied and immediately opened his status window. He then quietly observed his status window. Status Window Seong Lv 34 Class Overlord Titles Lord (Legendary)... plus 18 others. Stats Strength: 53 (48+5) Agility: 61 (55+6) Health: 48 (43+5) Intelligence: 56 (50+6) Wisdom: 61 (55+6) Mental Strength: 133 (120+13) Dexterity: 7 (6+1) Additional Stats 45 Hmm, its well-balanced. After absorbing the memories of the entire mercenary group, Seongs strength, agility, and health had risen significantly. It was a balanced set of stats, but the Overlord was strictly a magic-based class. It was more appropriate to focus on intelligence and wisdom. This time, Seong decided to put 25 points into intelligence and 20 points into wisdom. When his intelligence and wisdom both rose to 83, Seong felt a strange sense of satisfaction as he nodded. With his stats adjusted, Seong thought about what to do next. Now, I need to choose the next hunting ground... Hunting in the field had its limits. Despite having taken over an entire map, he only raised his level by 4. There was now a need to consider parties. It was clear that dungeon clearing with a party was far more efficient, as the experience from defeating monsters was added to the experience gained from completing the dungeon. So, in terms of efficiency, entering a dungeon with a party was the best choice. However, you never knew when some strange user might show up. That was a concern. But does it matter? Hed already dealt with any strange users hed encountered, so he wasnt too worried. Deciding to form a party when necessary, Seong then remembered the second warehouse of Kahku in another village. When he first arrived at Sekhan Village, his level and strength were insufficient, so he had planned to go there when he reached level 50, but now... Now, I can handle it. His business in Sekhan Village was already finished, and there were no more clues to find any hidden pieces, so it seemed like a good time to move on to the next village. Finding a party could be arranged afterward. If necessary, he could even ask the guild for help. As Seong was thinking this... [Guild message has arrived.] Hmm? Speaking of the devil, a message from the guild arrived. Wondering what it was about, Seong opened it. Hmm? It contained unexpected content. 1. The base of the Rapid Guild, boasting of its heavenly stronghold. Here, key members of the Rapid Guild began gathering. It wasnt all the executives, but the personnel manager, Rysil, channel manager, Chenchen, and other key figures, the brains behind the Rapid Guild, were in the conference room. The guild leader, Rapid, sat at the head of the table with a serious expression, looking around at everyone present. All of them had excited expressions, unable to hide their excitement. None of them were unaware of the opportunity that had come. Only Rysil, the personnel manager, seemed a little nervous, but it was clear that even she was excited. After looking around at everyone who hadnt concealed their excitement, Rapid spoke. So, are we saying that we need to make Seong the star of the Rapid Guild channel by taking this opportunity? Yes! Guild Leader! This is a golden opportunity! Honestly, our current star, Yuna... shes too stubborn... Theres a lack of content with regular videos. Our channel is honestly lacking compared to other large guilds. Thats right. We have fewer subscribers than the 12th ranked Six Brothers. Everyone chimed in, and the meeting room quickly became filled with noise. Everyones points were understandable. However... You all know that Yunas younger brother is Seong, right? ...... ......Ahem. ......Hmm. Hmm. 2. Seong clicked on the guild message icon that had just arrived. Dear guild member, Seong has been assigned to the Rookie 1st Team, Luna Team, of the Rapid Guild. Team activities will begin after reaching level 50 and completing your second class advancement, with your first team raid participation required. Furthermore, through the guilds internal meetings, it has been recognized that your video content has great potential. We would like you to continue making videos regularly. Of course, the payment for these videos will be calculated at a 30% rate, and we will send an additional contract soon. We look forward to your continued success, Seong. PS - If Mina causes a fuss, Seong, could you handle her? Of course, Seong furrowed his brows while reading the message. The team assignment was fine, and he wasnt concerned about that. Since he had joined the guild, working together was expected. But asking him to handle his sister? It wasnt so much the request that bothered him; it was the opposite. If Yujin is saying this, just how tyrannical must the guild be? Seong, who knew Yujins personality well, found this strange. Yujin was someone who always drew a clear line between work and personal matters. That much was evident from the strictly professional tone in the message. But for Yujin to go this far... It seemed his sister might be a bit of a wild card within the guild. That aside... A team. Seong wasnt exactly antisocial. It wasnt that he shied away from others either. The team itself wasnt a problem for Seong. However, he was a little concerned about how the other team members would react. There could be issues like resistance or them not recognizing him as part of the team. In some ways, Seong felt like an outsider, parachuting into the team. Despite proving his abilities, the guild was essentially run by his sister and her friends. It was a bit concerning, but not something that would stop him. After all, he viewed it as a job. If I do well, it should be fine. Seong brushed off his concerns about the team assignment for now. What mattered was leveling up. There was still quite a bit of work ahead. As for the request to handle Mina, it was something easily manageable. A few words, and his usually soft sister would back down. But the real important part of the message was different. I have to make videos. Last time, he sent a hunting video. This time, he felt like something different would be better. And, fortunately, there was something interesting to cover. Kahkus second warehouse. Although Seong had only been playing for two days, he wasnt unfamiliar with the game. Wasnt there something even better than hidden pieces that could make a video go viral? Seong couldnt resist clicking on a video about hidden pieces. A hidden piece video, I couldnt possibly resist that. With the perfect theme and video content in mind, there was no hesitation. Seong immediately looked for the portal to teleport. He set off toward the next destination, Oren Village. As it was a neighboring village, he could travel between the second villages easily. After arriving in Oren Village from Sekhan, Seong immediately made his way toward Kahkus second warehouse. But as he walked, a couple of ghostly old men were talking nearby. "Hey, did you hear? These strangers are going into Rocks Tomb!" "Huh! That wicked magician Rocks'' tomb??" "Yeah, thats what I heard!" It was an intriguing conversation. Without realizing it, Seong leaned in closer to listen. "Do you know how many traps are hidden in that tomb? And theyre trying to go in?" "Sigh, why? Tylers son, the current village chief, has sent those strangers to go in." "Tylers son was always so greedy since he was a kid!" "No kidding! He lured those innocent strangers by telling them there was treasure, but all theyll find is what the necromancers like. Its frustrating, but I cant say anything." When the two ghostly old men realized Seong was listening to their conversation, their eyes shook violently. They had never seen someone paying attention to them. "Huh, wait... Does he seem to be listening to us?" "What?!" Seong, realizing their surprise, politely asked. Could I hear more about that story? It seemed like he might have discovered another hidden piece. Another video topic to cover. Chapter 40 2. The users in Oren Village couldnt contain their excitement. It was rare for an event to take place in the second village. And this one was a large-scale event! How could they not be excited? Just heading to the central plaza of the village allowed them to pick up quests. As usual, the plaza, which was already crowded with users, was bustling without any room to stand. "Ah! Dont push!!" "Lets stay in line!!" "Im joining the event too!" A crowd of people eager to take part in the event and receive their quests. "Wow, look how many are gathering! So many people..." "Im looking for Team 62!" "Hey, which team are you in?" "Im with Team 39." The crowd, already having received their quests, looking for their respective teams. "Heh, its rare to see so many outsiders gather like this." "The village must be receiving a blessing!" "All thanks to the village chiefs grace, hehe." The NPCs, who were smiling as they imagined the potential profits from the crowd of users, were looking at the gathering in the central plaza. From a high mansion, a middle-aged man with a sinister gaze was watching the scene. He looked like a kind person at first glance, but when he opened his small, narrow eyes wide, it seemed like his malice was plastered beneath them. The middle-aged man touched his goat-like beard, a habit he had when thinking something sinister.@@@@ "Heh heh, they really gathered well." The middle-aged man, with a sinister laugh, was looking down at the users from the mansion. He was the village chief of Oren Village, Zyle. Naturally, he was an NPC. Some users treated NPCs in Eternal World the same as NPCs in other games, but Zyle was far beyond those typical NPCs. He was a self-aware entity, moving and thinking on his own. There was a reason why the genius Park Won had named this new world Eternal Worldit wasnt for nothing. Zyle, too, was an exceptional AI, and he was very much like a human. He wouldnt hesitate to sacrifice others if it meant achieving his desires. He didnt shy away from trampling others, though he hid his actions from the outside world. Had the users known, they would have been shocked at how much like a real person Zyle was. However, perhaps because he was careful to hide his dark intentions, no one among the users had yet discovered his ugly side. Even among the villagers, only a few knew of Zyles true nature. If I gather these outsiders, I might be able to obtain the treasure hidden in the tomb of that evil Rocks. Zyle had learned that the tomb of Baron Rocks was a massive labyrinth. It was filled with deadly traps and monsters, a perilous place to explore. As a mere village chief, it wouldnt be easy to venture into such a place alone. Even if he knew the way through the labyrinth. But if these outsiders, like a swarm of bees, charged in? Then, there would come a moment when the labyrinth would be empty. Zyle was waiting for that moment, intending to seize the hidden treasure. While thinking this, Zyle looked around at the gathered users. These outsiders will be the hunting dogs that will find my treasure. Then, suddenly, Zyle noticed a user whose eyes shone with a turquoise light. "Mm?" The user was staring intently, as if they knew Zyle was here. The moment their eyes met, Zyle felt an inexplicable chill down his spine. Though the user had black hair and eyes, just a moment ago, there was a faint, eerie turquoise glow around them. Shuddering and stepping back, Zyle looked againbut the user had disappeared into the crowd. "What... What was that?" Had he imagined it? Was he just seeing things because he felt weak? No, perhaps... Did someone come to steal my treasure? Zyle briefly entertained that thought, but then shook his head in denial. It couldnt be. The map leading to Rocks tomb was something he had discovered first. That was an undeniable fact. Therefore, Zyle was the only one who knew where the secret treasure of Rocks was hidden. Theres no way they could know. With that thought, Zyle calmed himself and reassured himself. 3. Seong, whose eyes briefly met those of the user glowing with turquoise light, had one simple thought. "Really seems greedy." It was the typical face of a scammer, wasn''t it? The impression was that of someone with a lot of desire. Just like the ghosts had said. They had claimed that the former village chief was kind and wise. But his son was surprisingly different. Seong wasnt particularly curious about Zyles schemes. Currently, Seong is in Team 99.If you dont enter with your team member, youll be expelled from Rocks tomb.However, if your team member dies, you will not be expelled. Not just Kim Che-geon, but Joseons Greatest Swordsman Kim Che-geon? Who wouldve imagined someone would have that as a nickname? This person really is crazy. Seong briefly sent her an internal compliment and then asked, "Shall we go then?" "Hehehe, of course." Her strange way of speaking was off-putting, but still... Well, based on her stride, she seems to be skilled. It reminded him of the training he had received from Apik, both the former instructor and the hunter Apik, as well as the mercenary groups memories. Her movements clearly indicated she had martial training. At least she seemed to have some real skill. Is that a good thing? That thought crossed his mind briefly, but he dismissed it and headed to the location marked as Rocks Tomb. Naturally, he formed a party. [You have formed a party with "Joseons Greatest Swordsman Kim Che-geon."] [The party window will be activated, excluding your class.] Seong - Lv. 34 - (????) Joseons Greatest Swordsman Kim Che-geon - Lv. 36 - (????) Just like Seong, Kim Che-geon had her class hidden. Whats going on here? 4. The path to Rocks Tomb wasnt exactly smooth. It was quite far, and the journey was treacherous. Kiak! Kii-haak! Keruk! Kereuk! Annoying goblins appeared. But Seong and Kim Che-geon strolled along leisurely, as if they were out for a walk, completely unfazed. Whenever a goblin showed up, they simply cut it down and moved on. During this, Seong had the chance to observe Kim Che-geons skills. With a posture that seemed about to collapse, Kim Che-geon pushed off with her toes and, in an instant, her explosive speed surged. Using that speed, she slid across the ground and drew her sword. A thin line appeared across the goblins neck. Then, with a quick roll, the goblins head fell off. Thud, it rolled away. [Party member has hunted and gained experience.] Keruk!? The other goblins, startled, tried to flee, but Seong casually walked forward and blocked their escape, swinging his sword. Seong, too, swung the sword of the apprentice warrior Hindel, cutting through the goblins body in one strike. [Critical Hit!] [The effect of "One Strike!" is activated!] [Experience gained.] With a single strike, the two goblins were taken down. Neither of them broke a sweat or even seemed winded. For them, this was just a warm-up. Shes better than I thought. The movement she showed didnt even seem like a skillshe was simply using her stats to move. When comparing her to Manhoo, whom Seong had partied with before, it was clear that Kim Che-geon was far superior. Seong didnt know much, but Manhoo was also a decent fighter. But compared to him, Kim Che-geon was overwhelmingly stronger. Kim Che-geon herself was equally impressed. To strike like that, using only that kind of movement. She was a skilled user who could fully utilize her stats. There was no reason she would claim to be the greatest swordsman of Joseon if she didnt have the ability. She was confident in her skills. But when she saw Seongs ability, she realized he wasnt beneath her. But there was one thing that puzzled her. Sorry to ask, but may I ask you something? Hmm? What is it? Are you not a swordsman? It was a question about whether Seongs class was swordsman. It was a rude question since she had hidden her class, but Seong answered without hesitation, as he didnt mind. No, Im not a swordsman. ...!! Kim Che-geons eyes widened in surprise at his answer. She then lowered her large bamboo hat slightly, bowing her head in appreciation. Thank you for answering. It was nothing. Kim Che-geon couldnt help but marvel inwardly. Not a swordsman, really? She had thought he must be using his stats far better than her, and so she had asked. But to think he wasnt a swordsmanshe was stunned. The world was wide, and there were many experts. She had thought few could rival her in swordsmanship. Kim Che-geon was now even more determined to improve, burning with resolve as she looked at Seong. Why is he looking at me like that? Of course, Seong, noticing Kim Che-geons gaze, felt a bit uneasy. But with a small commotion, they soon arrived at the enormous cave entrance, filled with users. [Event Dungeon - Rocks'' Tomb] Warning: Upon entry, all participants will start at different locations. Chapter 41 When Seong and Kim Che-geon arrived, they found quite a crowd of users already present, entering the dungeon in the order of their group numbers. The entrance displayed the number of the next group to enter, making it impossible to miss one''s turn. Currently, it was the turn of Group 57. Seong and Kim Che-geon''s group, numbered 99, still had quite a wait ahead of them. "What happens if we miss our turn?" Seong''s curiosity was piqued as the question crossed his mind. Aah! Im from Group 44! Did my turn already pass!? Yes, its passed. If you miss your turn, youll be pushed to the back of the line and have to wait until the end. What!? Youve got to be kidding me! The answer came from a latecomer who had just arrived, inadvertently solving Seongs curiosity. Relieved to have arrived on time, Seong and Kim Che-geon patiently waited while others entered the dungeon one by one. But then, a commotion erupted near the entrance. A man of massive build stood beside a strikingly small woman. This wait is boring. Wouldnt it be faster if we killed everyone and went in first? What do you think, Kalak? ...Hmm. ...? ??? Their harsh words immediately drew curious and alarmed stares from those nearby. Did they really hear that right? Surely, it had to be a joke, but the tone was far too rough to be taken lightly. What was that tiny woman saying? As the crowd continued to look on with puzzled expressions, she grinned. Hmm~ What should we do, Kalak? The guild instructed us to restrain ourselves. The massive man replied to the small woman cautiously, almost deferentially. Usually, it would be the man speaking in such a reckless tone, but hearing it from the petite woman was oddly unsettling. Are you insane!? Another user voiced their thoughts aloud, unable to hold back. The small woman didnt turn her head but shifted her gaze, rolling her eyes to fixate on the speaker. Then, with a smile, she snapped her fingers. In an instant, five flaming spears ignited in midair. The sudden burst of magic left the crowd pale with fear. The quest was designed for users below level 50 who had not yet completed their second advancement. But to wield magic of this caliber? The shock quickly gave way to terror as someone noticed the insignia on the shoulders of the man and the woman. L-Look at their shoulders! Following the shout, all eyes turned to the symbols etched on their uniforms: a withered willow tree. Echo Willow!? No way! Echo Willow!? This is insane... Echo Willow. A large guild notorious for its infamy. Few aspired to join its ranks due to its reputation. Most of its members were known for accumulating infamy points and engaging in unethical behavior. It was a guild of villains among villains. While not among the top-ranking guilds, Echo Willows reputation was not to be underestimated. Despite being composed of infamous users, it had grown into a major guilda testament to the skill of its members. As the crowd murmured in shock, the small woman, now satisfied, gave a bright smile and nodded. This is more like it. Dont you agree, Kalak? The guild instructed us to restrain ourselves, Uz. Ugh, so boring. Fine. Pouting in frustration, the woman, Uz, snapped her fingers again, causing the flaming spears to vanish in an instant. Although the flames were gone, the oppressive atmosphere they had created lingered. The room remained tense, broken only by the sound of people swallowing nervously. In the midst of the stifling silence, only Seong tilted his head, puzzled. Echo Willow? Whats that? As he debated whether to ask Kim Che-geon via the party chat, a message from Kim Che-geon appeared. [Joseons Best Sword Kim Che-geon: Sorry, but do you know what Echo Willow is?] For a moment, Seong considered explaining, but then shrugged it off. Kim Che-geon noticed his reaction and muttered, I see, before letting the matter drop. Unlike the crowd, neither of them was fazed by a mere display of five flaming spears.@@@@ To them, such antics were hardly worth the fuss. If they attack, well just fight them, both thought, brushing off the incident. Eventually, Kalak and Uz entered the dungeon as Group 78. Not long after, it was finally Seong and Kim Che-geons turnGroup 99. As indicated at the entrance, entering Rocks Tomb would scatter party members to different starting points. For Seong, this posed no issue; he already knew the layout of the dungeon. Kim Che-geon swung his sword with precision, intercepting the tail as it darted toward his forehead. The sword and tail collided, but instead of a dull thud, a piercing metallic clang resounded. CLAAAANG! The impact sent vibrations rippling through the air. Kim Che-geon frowned slightly as his wrist tingled from the force, and he was pushed back a step. At this level of strength, it might be difficult for Seong to handle the demon alone. Just as Kim Che-geon was about to shout a warning, Kaishaks tail recoiled mid-flight and lashed out at Seong instead. The tail, ripping through the air with ferocious speed, seemed poised to pierce Seongonly to be halted by a thin, crimson barrier in front of him. BOOM! The tail struck the barrier, causing the air to explode outward, but it failed to penetrate the thin, blood-red shield. Kaishaks maniacal laughter stopped abruptly. Kik? ?!?! ...... The unexpected appearance of the barrier stunned both Kaishak and Kim Che-geon. Kaishak was bewildered that his powerful tail had been blocked by such a fragile-looking shield, while Kim Che-geon was shocked to realize that Seong, who wasnt a warrior or swordsman, was actually a dark mage. A dark mage who can wield a sword this well? Kim Che-geon couldnt hide his astonishment. Even among the swordsmen he knew, few had reached Seongs level of mastery. What is this mans true identity? While both Kaishak and Kim Che-geon were caught off guard, Seong remained unfazed. He summoned a bone arrow and launched it at Kaishak. The bone arrow, summoned with a flick of his fingers, flew straight at the demon, who quickly coiled its tail around itself to deflect the attack. Ting! Kaishaks tail successfully blocked the arrow, but as the demon shifted its focus, a turquoise lance of light flew from Seongs position. Kaishaks instincts screamed at him to block it. Realizing the threat, the demon desperately swung its tail to intercept the glowing lance. A sickening crack echoed as Kaishaks tail twisted unnaturally from the force of the movement. CRACK! SNAP! Ignoring the damage, Kaishak managed to position its tail to block the lance. Or so it thought. The lance passed through the tail as if it were an illusion, piercing Kaishaks chest and embedding itself near the demons heart. Shk! KYAAAAAAAHHHH! Kaishak let out a bloodcurdling scream as its eyes turned pitch black. [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! has been activated!] [Darkness damage applied.] [Lesser Demon Kaishak is blinded and disoriented for 3 seconds.] Three seconds. It wasnt much time, but for Seong and Kim Che-geon, it was more than enough. Kim Che-geon, snapping out of his surprise, surged forward as Seong fired another volley of ghostly arrows. The two reached Kaishak simultaneously. Seongs sword slashed deeply into the demons body, while Kim Che-geons sword, imbued with a golden aura, struck with even greater speed and force, leaving a long gash across Kaishaks torso. With two seconds still remaining, they didnt hold back. The pair continued their relentless assault, striking Kaishak repeatedly until the demon fell, unable to even cry out in its final moments. [You have gained experience points.] As the message appeared, turquoise smoke began to rise from Kaishaks corpse. A new system message popped up in front of Seong. [You may now use Legion of the Dead.] [Would you like to raise a Death Soldier?] A lesser demon as an undead. Seongs lips curled into a satisfied smile as he prepared to raise Kaishak into his undead army. However, footsteps echoed from the opposite corridor. Moments later, the source of the sound revealed itselftwo figures stepping into view. Oh my, more users? This is practically a reward, isnt it, Kalak? ...Its fine inside the dungeon. The pair muttered to each other as they came into full view. New system messages appeared before Seong and Kim Che-geon. [Infamous users detected.] [Attacking them will not increase your infamy.] [Infamous users detected.] [Attacking them will not increase your infamy.] [Entering combat mode.] Above their heads, glowing text identified them. Infamous User - Lv.45 Kalak Infamous User - Lv.49 Uz The massive man, Kalak, and the petite woman, Uz, exuded an aura of confidence as they approached. Seong, glancing at the pair, tilted his head slightly, as if finding them amusing. From behind, the faint sound of laughter emanated from Kaishaks corpselaughter only Seong could hear. Kikikiki! Hearing the laughter, Seong thought to himself. Time to test the undead lesser demon. After all, the perfect opponents had just arrived. Chapter 42 Suddenly, Kalak and Uz appeared. Even someone unable to read the atmosphere could tell that they were not approaching with good intentions. The countless players they had already killed in this dungeon were evidenced by the red marks above their heads and their names. There was no way to not notice. They had encountered notorious players in a maze-type dungeon. What needed to be done in such a situation was obvious. The tension was thick in the air, as taut as a pulled string. It was a situation on the verge of exploding at any moment. Kalak and Uz both turned to look at Seong and Kim Che-geon. It was easy to tell that they were different from the noisy group near the entrance. Uz, in particular, could feel the intensity in the air, licking his lips in anticipation. So, are you going to avoid us? "Not a chance!" On the contrary, this was welcome. After having only dealt with the weaklings, Seong felt the excitement that had been cooling down rise again. Although he didn''t say it out loud, Kalak felt the same way. Despite his massive frame, his eyes were sharper than any blade, honed to a deadly edge. Was the blood of a warrior beginning to boil? "......." Kalak didn''t speak, but he crouched down, preparing to charge at any moment. The instant there was a signal, he would shoot out with the speed of an arrow. It wasnt just them. Kim Che-geon, too, was a swordswoman. Her blood was also boiling as she placed a hand on her sword, ready to launch an attack at any moment. "Ive seen them outside, but theyre quite skilled." Kim Che-geon seemed to enjoy the situation, her long smile curling beneath the straw hat that covered her face. How strong were they really? It was enough to spark her curiosity. With the tension building up between the two sides, the atmosphere was now on the verge of combat. At that moment, Seong, without a second thought, summoned the Legion of Death. What was there to hesitate about? The turquoise heart was grasped in Seong''s hand, and as its pulse echoed through the air, the corpse of the minor demon, Kaishak, twitched, the darkness that already tainted its skin spreading and darkening, as greenish energy began to surge from its body. But that was just the beginning. Two undead arose, not one. Identical undead appeared, both with a markedly different appearance from the usual undead. Seong''s undead caused Uz, Kalak, and even Kim Che-geon, his own party member, to flinch, their eyes trembling in shock. "R, Rapids rookie!?" "......!!" "H, I knew you were a dark mage, but to think you were a rookie from Rapid Guild." All three were taken aback, but regardless, Seong calmly sent the soulless minor demon Kaishak to the underworld. It would be useful in combat, but Seong didnt want to see a soulless soldier like Kaishak. However, this action seemed to rattle Kalak and Uz. The vein on Kalak''s forehead bulged, and he glared at Seong, while Uzs face turned red, biting his lip in humiliation. "......Arrogant." "Hah! You think were easy targets?" Even Kalak, usually quiet, spoke up, his anger rising. It was a natural reaction. It was impossible not to feel that their presence had been underestimated. Seong was simply curious about how much the soulless Kaishak could perform. But who would notice that? Even Kim Che-geon, his own ally, seemed to notice it. "Ah, you''re quite skilled at provoking, aren''t you?" Isnt this what they call gejangjigye? Kim Che-geon could tell from Seongs demeanor that he wasnt someone whose mental state could be easily underestimated. However, Seong merely tilted his head in confusion as he looked at the two of them. Why were they so angry? He couldnt understand. Wouldnt it make things easier if he added one more to their side? Shouldnt they be happy? Seong swallowed his thoughts, instead asking, Even now, it was clear. Although Seong hadnt given any specific orders, the undead followed his commands as other death soldiers did. But there was a clear difference in the subtlety of Kaishak''s movements. When it launched its tail, Kalak raised both arms in defense, quickly activating his defensive skills. But at that moment, the trajectory of the tail shifted, plunging straight into the ground in front of Kalak. Thud! Using the tail stuck in the ground as leverage, Kaishaks body shot forward rapidly. Time passed, and Kalaks defensive skill started to crumble. As it collapsed, Kaishaks short legs slammed down hard on Kalaks exposed arms. Boom! The impact of the kick pushed Kalak back, and despite gritting his teeth, he was forced to slide backward. In that instant, Kaishak lunged again with its tail. Kalak, having already experienced the sharpness of the tail, had no choice but to react with a desperate grab. The sound of skin tearing and bones twisting filled the air as Kalak finally managed to catch the tail. Heh? Kaishak, momentarily forgetting its laugh, stared in surprise as Kalak bared his teeth, his voice growling. "...Finally caught you." With that, Kalak yanked Kaishak toward him. Kaishak, despite its impressive piercing power, had weak physical strength, making it impossible to resist Kalaks strength. Kaishak struggled to fight back, pushing power into its tail, but it only caused Kalak to stumble slightlynothing more. Kaishak, in the air, was at a clear disadvantage compared to Kalak, who had more leverage. Ki, kiiru? (What is this!?) As Kaishaks bewildered voice echoed, Kalaks clenched right fist, now enveloped in crimson energy, struck Kaishak squarely in the face. It wasnt enough. Kalak extended his fist, smashing Kaishaks face into the ground. Boom! The shock was so powerful that the ground trembled, and Kalaks punch created a crater beneath him. However, despite the violent impact, the ground remained intactonly Kaishaks head shattered like a watermelon. Kaishak had put up a decent fight against a formidable player like Kalak, but it seemed this was its limit. Yet Seongs expression remained satisfied. Even though Kaishak had lost, it had put up quite a resistance. But that wasnt the end. Critical Hit! "Ugh." Just before Kaishaks final blow, it pushed its tail deeper into Kalaks chest, striking a critical blow to his heart. With a sickening pop, Kalaks heart was pierced, but despite the brutal injury, he was tough enough to rise again. Kaishak had been defeated, and now Kalak believed Seong was the only one left. "...That was your strongest and only undead, wasnt it? Now Ill finish you off." Kalak spoke with an uncharacteristically long monologue. Seong, slightly confused, responded, "Hmm, only?" "...?" Kalak, puzzled by Seongs question, was met with a light flick of Seongs finger. Immediately, turquoise portals appeared in the air, and from them emerged twenty goblin undead and twenty skeleton mercenaries. Lastly, a powerful necromancer, shrouded in darkness, filled the air with an oppressive, heavy aura, making the entire passage feel colder by several degrees. The path had been frozen in an instant. But that wasnt all. Whoosh! As the turquoise heart pulsed once more, Kaishaks shattered head reformed and returned to its original state. The undead creature, which had been nearly defeated, was resurrected with an eerie, nightmarish quality. Kalaks eyes trembled violently. And it wasnt just Kalak. "Wh, what is this!? Th, this wasnt supposed to be a skill that makes it stronger with each undead summoned!?!?" Uz, who had been fighting Kim Che-geon, also paused, unable to look away from the spectacle unfolding before them. The surrounding temperature dropped sharply, and the ominous presence of the necromancer further intensified the chilling atmosphere. It felt like prey standing before a predator. Even Kim Che-geon, who was on Seongs side, could feel her heart racing, her eyes flickering with unease. "Hah." There was no pride left in Kalak, only fear. Seong, having unleashed this terrifying force, calmly addressed them. "Come." At Seongs words, Kalak trembled in fear, his previous bravado shattered. Uzs expectations had been completely overturned. Chapter 43 Kalak, with his heart pierced, was left with almost no strength remaining. But that didnt mean he would simply die. His body trembled with fear, but he quickly distanced himself from Kaishak and pulled out a potion from his inventory. Healing in an instant was difficult, but this would allow him to endure for a while. If he could fend off Kaishaks relentless attacks and hold on... He might be able to buy some time. But Kaishak didnt chase. "...?" Kalak, confused, stared at Kaishak. The heavy, oppressive air pressing down on him was unlike anything he had ever felt. An unimaginable pressure. Kalak immediately tried to move to escape. No, he attempted to move. Before his will could reach his feet, a massive hand grabbed his neck. Thud! "Ughhh!" The pressure on his throat was so intense that he couldnt even twitch a finger. The force coursed through his body, locking him in place. A chilling sensation spread through him, and all he could do was trembleunable to resist in the slightest. Had he been poisoned? No, Kalak soon realized. It felt like the massive maw of a monstrous mole had suddenly opened before him. What followed was a vision of something dripping and filled with sharp teeth. Crack! Chomp! The next sound he heard was his body being consumed, his head disappearing without a trace. [You have gained experience!] [Level Up!] 2 [You are now level 36.] [You have eliminated a notorious opponent.] [You have obtained the item: Belt of Giant Strength.] As the system messages and items dropped before Seong, the necromancer, Barfur, who had devoured Kalaks head, threw the corpse aside like trash. With his bloodstained fangs bared, he snarled at Uz. She was the only one left. Uz could feel every hair on her body standing on end in the presence of Barfurs overwhelming aura. Even Kim Che-geon, who wasnt the target, felt his body trembling uncontrollably. What about Uz, the direct target? She would surely die. She would die without being able to fight back. A monster has been born in Rapid Guild. Though Eco Willow wasnt a weak guild, the difference was staggering. Surrendering would be humiliating, but Uz had no room for such thoughts. Her pride? What was that? Dying in her current state would be a huge disadvantage, and Uz knew that well. She quickly began thinking of a way out. "Wa, wait!!" Panicking, Uz unconsciously switched to a formal tone. But Seong, instead of stopping Barfur, simply observed the scene with a calm expression. He appeared completely indifferent, as if he had nothing to do with it. Seongs cold, emotionless gaze was more chilling than any hostile expression Uz could imagine. "I... I know the secret of this place! Please, will you listen?!" Seong remained silent, but to her surprise, both Kim Che-geon and Barfur looked at her in astonishment. Did she really want to live this badly? Seong muttered as if in contemplation. "Hmm." "Y, You wont lose anything by listening!!" "Hmm, well then. You can tell me about Locks being a dark mage, the secret paths in this maze, and... Oh! Also, the conspiracy involving Chief Zyle. Anything else, Ill listen to." "Eh?" Uz was taken aback by Seongs response. She had intended to share information about Locks and Chief Zyle, but Seong had raised the stakes. How did he know about the maze paths? That was information Uz didnt know herself. She stood there, stunned, as Seong observed her with curiosity. "Y, You knew from the start...!!" "If thats all the information you have..." Seongs sentence trailed off as Barfur moved. Uz quickly began casting spells. She couldnt just die here. She had to escape, somehow. But as she struggled, Kim Che-geon, holding a sword, appeared before her and said, "Did you forget about me?" "AAAHH!!" Just as she tried to cast magic, Kim Che-geons sword struck her. Many of her spells were canceled, and the resulting backlash hit her full force. This was the phenomenon known as mana reflux. When a mage is attacked while casting, their magic becomes vulnerable, and the damage is reflected back onto them. As the mana reflux hit, the damage hit Uz hard. "Ugh." Blood spilled from her lips as she struggled to maintain consciousness. But she couldnt escape. Behind her stood a shadow, one she hadnt noticed until now. "Ah." A sigh of regret. Ke, Kehek! Kerrihoo! (S, sorry!)Pl, please do not anger him.S, sorry. Hehe.We apologize for acting out of line... Seong tilted his head in confusion. The Rapid Guild? What was she talking about? It didnt make sense for her to ask for a position when she clearly knew Seong was a rookie. It wasnt a big request, though. And, as Seong suspected: "Im not asking for a specific high-ranking position in the Rapid Guild! I have no intention of being so shameless. I just wanted to ask if its possible for me to at least have an interview." "Hmm." "If thats not possible, then I would like to add Seong-nim as a friend." It wasnt a particularly difficult request. Kim Che-geon might not know it, but Seong was essentially part of the Rapid Guild due to his sister, who was one of its top officers. Even the guild leader was a close friend of his sister. Kim Che-geon seemed skilled enough to be a good addition to the guild. Her job might not be perfect, but that was up to the guild to decide, not Seong. As Seong nodded to indicate his understanding, Kim Che-geon continued. "Ahem. It might be shameful, but I think it will be easier for Seong-nim to help if I tell you my job." "Hmm." Seong was curious but didnt feel the need to push. As he remained silent, Kim Che-geon closed her eyes in embarrassment and spoke. What kind of job could be so shameful? The job she revealed made Seong blink in surprise. Seong-Lv.37-(????) Joseons Greatest Swordsman Kim Che-geon-Lv.38-(Samurai) "??????" Seongs face twisted in confusion. Her nickname was Joseons Greatest Swordsman, but she looked Western, and her job was Samurai? It was a bizarre mix. How could someone have such mismatched characteristics? Seong was too bewildered to even speak. Kim Che-geon lowered her head in resignation. "I know. Its a shameful job. But remember, once Ive earned a worthy job, I will switch immediately!" "...I see." Seong had no idea what this had to do with him, but he nodded politely to move the conversation along. "Ha ha! Then... lets add each other as friends and work on clearing the graveyard." Seong hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he added her as a friend. [You are now friends with Joseons Greatest Swordsman Kim Che-geon.] The notification felt more embarrassing than hed anticipated. 5. As the hindrances disappeared, nothing could stand in the way of Seong and Kim Che-geon. The remaining players, most likely already dealt with by Uz and Kalak, didnt even cross their paths. Seong, wanting to conserve his mana, used some of the undead who were loyal to him and swept through the minor demons, Kaishaks, turning them into more undead. As he continued, he could turn the Kaishaks, who had already been killed by other players and were floating around as ghosts, into more death soldiers by using Ed Moar to fill their soulless bodies. By the time Seong found the hidden area, he had converted as many as ten Kaishaks into part of his Legion of Death. Their eerie chuckles as they grouped together were a bit bothersome, but their formidable combat power made them quite useful. "Wow! As expected of Seong-nim. You found the path so quickly!" The ghosts helped guide them, and they were incredibly fortunate to have their help. Without it, they never would have found their way. Leaving Kim Che-geons praise behind, Seong knocked on the secret door and activated the mechanism to open it, revealing an ancient wizard''s laboratory. The dusty, disorganized laboratory showed signs of long neglect. Various potions had dried up, sticking to the bottom of beakers and flasks, and near the desk, a rotting skeletal corpse lay on the floor. It seemed like this corpse belonged to Locks. As Seong carefully observed, two books and a dark, obsidian-like stone were placed neatly on the desk where Locks had collapsed, along with a handwritten letter in front of them. I have finally completed it. By refining dark magic, I have created the ultimate stone that transcends the limits of dark magic items! To create this, I have endured... (omission) Thus, I shall name this stone the Dark Magic Refining Stone. After reading the rather lengthy passage, Seong picked up the two books and the stone. [You have discovered a hidden piece in Event Dungeon C Locks'' Tomb!] [You have found the hidden piece by locating the secret door.] [Your title, Explorer, has evolved into Treasure Explorer!] [You have acquired the hidden piece: *Dark Mage Exclusive Rare Skillbook: Skillbook - Corpse Poison] [You have acquired the hidden piece: *Dark Mage Exclusive Epic Skillbook: Skillbook - Exploding Poison] [You have acquired the hidden piece: Epic Grade Item: Dark Magic Refining Stone!] The familiar flood of reward messages appeared, and Seong couldnt help but smile. Not only had he found videos of Uz and Kalaks demise, but he also received their unique items and hidden pieces. A three-in-one deal. 6. On that late, quiet night when the players had disappeared, Chief Zyle, accompanied by one of his trusted subordinates who handled his dirty work, made his way to Locks tomb. The foreigner who had taken the quest had long since left. He knew that the foreigners inside the tomb had already emerged. By now, the traps and monsters inside the tomb should have been cleared. Even if that wasnt the case, he trusted his reliable subordinate to handle it. "Heh heh, lets go." "Yes, Chief." Locks secret treasure would be his, all his! Zyle, having already known the path and with no traps or monsters in sight, quickly arrived at the secret door. But then... "No... this cant be!?!" The secret door, which should have been firmly closed, was wide open, and the treasure inside was gone. All that remained was dust and dried-up potions. Nothing could be salvaged. Zyle, who had hoped to profit from the foreigners work, slumped to the ground, bowing his head in defeat. "Impossible..." The words of a greedy man, now helpless, were nothing more than pathetic. Chapter 44 0. After leaving Locks'' tomb and parting ways with Kim Che-geon, what Seong did next was obvious. Whenever a reward is obtained, the first thing to do is check the rewards, right? This time, the rewards were substantial. It was time to see what he had gotten. Within the dungeon, there werent any particularly useful drop items. Maybe the minor demons tail. The first reward Seong checked was a title he hadnt received in a long time. It wasnt exactly a new title, since it was an evolution of an existing one, but still... Explorer Epic A title given to a user who finds a hidden door in a hidden dungeon. Increases drop rate by 20% in hidden dungeons. Increases hidden door detection rate by 20% in all dungeons. Hmm. The title had evolved from Rare to Epic, and it now offered an increased detection rate for hidden doors. While it wasnt common to discover hidden dungeons, the added bonus to the detection rate for hidden doors in all dungeons was very useful. Seong had been making good use of dungeons lately. Now, on to the next reward. Wait, before checking the rewards, there was something else to do. [You have acquired the rare skill, Corpse Poison (ƶ)!] [You have acquired the epic skill, Exploding Poison!] Without hesitation, Seong immediately used the two skillbooks he had acquired. Corpse Poison Rare [Lv 1][Growth-type] [Persistent Effect][Active] [Cooldown: 3 minutes] [Poison Duration: 30 seconds] Dark magic exclusive skill. Injects poison into a corpse using magical power. The poison spreads gradually and poisons enemies. Exploding Poison Epic [Lv 1][Growth-type] [Instant Effect][Active] [Cooldown: 3 minutes] Dark magic exclusive skill. Explodes the poison, causing poison and explosion damage, and spreading the poison. "Wow." Seongs mouth fell open in awe at these skills. Corpse Poison was already incredibly useful. It only required a corpse, and the skill would work. But what made Exploding Poison truly overpowered was its effect. Epic-grade skills were already high level, but for them to be this good and still just epic? That was impressive. The synergy between these poisons is amazing, huh? Corpse Poison alone would make poison spread from the body of a corpse. The spread speed would likely be slow, though. But if Exploding Poison was used? The poison on the corpse would explode, rapidly spreading while dealing both poison and explosion damage. And then, on enemies poisoned by it, he could use Corpse Explosion. These were combo effects. Corpse Explosion, Corpse Poison, Exploding Poison... Everything works well together. After acquiring the skills, Seong thought about all the combos in his head. Then, he pulled out the last rewardLocks'' final masterpiece! Dark Magic Refining Stone Epic A crystallized object made by refining dark magic to its extreme. Can increase the grade of items related to dark magic. However, it cannot exceed the Epic grade. Increase the grade? Seongs eyes widened as he read the description of the stone. While it couldnt increase beyond Epic, it still seemed impressive. He had an item that could be upgraded. A special item for Seong. I wonder if this can be upgraded? Seong took out a staff that he hadnt used in a long time. It was the staff given to him by the village chief in Hindel Village. Staff of the Forgotten One Rare+ A staff that has been forgotten, its original owner unknown. After many years, the only trace left is the faint power remaining, suggesting the previous user was a powerful dark mage. Slightly increases mana regeneration after using dark magic skills. Slightly increases the power of dark magic skills. Could this be upgraded? Seong was curious and held the Dark Magic Refining Stone, wondering if it could enhance the staffs power. As he considered it, a system message popped up. [The Dark Magic Refining Stone can be used to enhance an item.] [For some reason, the Staff of the Forgotten One is trembling.] [There might be additional effects.] [Would you like to use the Dark Magic Refining Stone on the Staff of the Forgotten One?] [Yes / No] Oh? What was this about additional effects? The Staff of the Forgotten One was suspected to be Helenas staff. Could the stone bring out the hidden power within it? Seong, filled with anticipation, decided to use the stone right away, with no intention of using it anywhere else. As soon as he did, dark mist-like energy began to pour out of the Dark Magic Refining Stone, and the power was absorbed by the Staff of the Forgotten One. At first, it only began to absorb the energy, but soon, the staff greedily consumed the power, causing the stone to lose its glow and crack, disintegrating into dust in Seongs hands. And then, from the staff came a bright turquoise light, and a system message appeared before Seongs eyes. Congratulations! The Rare+ grade item, Staff of the Forgotten One, has awakened the energy hidden within it thanks to the Dark Magic Refining Stone! After evolving, it surpasses the original effects of the Dark Magic Refining Stone. The Rare+ grade item Staff of the Forgotten One has evolved into the Epic+ grade item Acolyte Lords Staff! Hah. A sigh escaped Seong. It was supposed to be impossible to go beyond Epic, yet it had evolved into Epic+. The name had changed to Acolyte Lords Staff. As expected, it was Helenas staff. Seong quickly checked the item, without hesitation. Acolyte Lords Staff Epic+ (Growth-type) Though many years have passed, the power within remains, suggesting this is a great lord''s staff. However, the original owner is lost to time, and the identity of the lord who used it cannot be inferred. Increases mana regeneration by 5%. Increases the power of dark magic skills by 5%. The item will evolve if specific conditions are met. Growth-type item? This was a new concept for Seong. If it could grow, did that mean it could evolve into a Unique-grade item under special conditions? He wasnt sure, but he had a strong feeling that it might be true. Seong couldnt help but blink as he stared at the staff. Wow. He had truly acquired something amazing. Although the effects werent exceptional for an Epic+ item, the fact that it was a growth-type made it even more valuable. Originally, Seong had planned to log out after checking the rewards. But with this item in hand, he couldnt resist. New skill combos and a new item to try out. Seong quickly stashed his swords and put the staff at his waist, eager to test it out. Just like the village of Hindel, this was also a second village. Nanjiro continued with his explanation. "Since this is your first time here, Ill explain. The big ants in here travel in groups, but there will always be at least two of them, so theyre easy monsters to deal with." "Oooh." "They have decent defense, but their weak point is clear. Aim for their neck, and you can take them down quickly. Haha! Ill take the front and block them all!" Seong, hearing Nanjiros explanation, thought to himself that this would be a good place to experiment. The defense was strong, but there were many ants. It was the perfect opportunity to test his explosive skills. But before acting, Seong carefully spoke up. "Would it be alright if I use my skills first, in case they cause any explosion damage?" "Eh?" "Ah, Ive just gained some new skills, and I dont want them to accidentally affect you." "Ah, I see! Yeah, its fine. Using your explosive skills first would be great!" Nanjiro nodded with a somewhat amused expression. Everyone wants to test out new skills, but Seong was unusually confident about using explosion skills. At this level, explosive skills arent the most powerful, but they can deal massive area damage. He seemed unaware of that, which made Nanjiro feel like Seong was a bit of an inexperienced player. Hes definitely a nai?ve rookie. Nanjiro had almost confirmed it. I hope he doesnt disappoint me. Nanjiro was somewhat concerned. Hed been through the same thing before. Seongs level was higher, but Nanjiro was certain he knew more about the game. After all, Seong had only been playing for two days. They entered the dungeon. Nanjiro, being the thief, was supposed to lead, but he hesitated and didnt immediately rush ahead, as per Seongs request. Soon enough, a large group of giant ants, living up to the name of the Giant Ant Nest, appeared. There were six of them, which was quite a lot. Surprised, Nanjiro quickly shouted to Seong. "Aim for their necks!" Seong nodded and raised his staff, summoning a Bone Arrow. Before he could even be surprised at how little mana it took, the Bone Arrow flew and pierced the neck of the giant ant in the center of the group. Thud! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] The giant ant staggered in surprise, clearly shocked by the damage. "Whoa!?" Nanjiro, shocked by how quickly Seong hit, stared in disbelief. But Seong wasnt paying attention to him. He quickly dismissed the message blocking his view and immediately cast another spell. The Bone Arrow had a cooldown, and Seongs next skill was Wandering Spirits. As he held his staff, turquoise light gathered in the air and formed into the shape of a spear. The turquoise spear shot out like lightning when Seong pointed at it, piercing the neck of another giant ant before it even had a chance to react. [Critical Hit!] [You have gained experience.] Huh? It died already? Seeing the giant ant fall after just two hits, Nanjiro felt something was off. Even weak ants shouldnt have gone down in just two attacks. Curious, he looked at Seong. Seong seemed pleased with his performance. The damage is higher than usual. The mana usage was low, and the damage was stronger than before. It was a small difference, but the effects of the evolved Acolyte Lords Staff were clear. After using the skills, Seong immediately cast Corpse Poison as soon as the ant in the middle fell. Pssss. A greenish gas rose from the corpse, spreading slowly but surely. The poison was definitely working, and the giant ants, feeling the poison as they approached, quickly scattered from the center. As the poison touched their bodies, the ants screeched in pain. Chiiiiiiiiii! The strong acidic poison dissolved their tough exoskeletons. "Kieeeee!" "Kiik!" The poison spread from the area that touched the ants bodies, melting them away with its horrific strength. The ants writhed in agony, trying to escape. But suddenly, tiny lights began to flicker within the green gas, and Seong, seeing this, used another skill. As the green gas enveloped the ants, the tiny lights ignited. BAM! The green gas exploded, consuming all the giant ants. The explosion sent a shockwave through the area, spreading the poison everywhere. The explosion didnt just scatter the gasit spread outwards, covering more ground. The explosion from the two ants corpses also triggered another burst of light. As the lights ignited, another massive explosion occurred. *[Boom!] [The ground trembles.] The entire cave shook with the intensity of the blast. Seong could tell how powerful the explosion had been. As the shockwave spread, a dark cloud of smoke filled the air, only to disperse as the wind blew it away. Where the smoke had been, the earth was left in ruins, torn apart by the explosions. "???" Nanjiro, who had been watching this spectacle, blinked in shock and turned to Seong. Then, with a deep bow, Nanjiro spoke in a tone much more respectful than before. "Please... spare me." "Excuse me???" It seemed that Nanjiro had misinterpreted the situation. Chapter 45 Why would I... kill you? Huh? Nanjiro momentarily lost his composure due to the immense destructive power that had overturned the cave. But upon reflection, he realized it made sense. There was no reason for Seong to kill Nanjiro. He had unconsciously been intimidated by the overwhelming explosion. He thought that Seong, being this strong, might want to party with him solely for PK purposes, leading to such a misunderstanding. Realizing this, Nanjiro awkwardly apologized with a bow. Sorry, sorry about that. No, its fine. You could think that. There were notorious players out there after all. This misunderstanding wasnt entirely out of place. At any rate, Seong moved on from it, recalling the power of the explosion. Quite impressive. The power and range were considerable. If he had a linked skill this strong, hed need to make frequent use of it. Though the long cooldown time was a downside. But that could be reduced as he leveled up and improved his proficiency. Now that he had checked the skill combos, Should I clear it quickly? It was getting late, so it was truly time to log out. Just then, something strange caught Seongs eye. From the large ant corpse fragments blown apart by the corpse explosion, a greenish gas was slowly rising. Even though the corpse had been destroyed, the individual fragments still had poison applied to them. Huh? If the poison was still active on the fragments even after the body exploded, what if he first applied the poison, then used the corpse explosion for the damage, while spreading the poison everywhere? Perhaps there were even more ways to link these than he initially thought. Seong kept these ideas in mind. Since he was already here, he might as well test everything out before leaving. Lets go. Got it! Got it! For some reason, Nanjiro was full of military discipline. Dont upset him. Absolutely dont upset him.@@@@ Nanjiro was now onboard a comfortable ride. 1. [You have cleared the 2-player dungeon, Large Ant Nest.] [You have gained experience!] [You received 10 gold as a clear reward.] [Level Up!] [You are now level 38.] It took no more than 10 minutes to clear the dungeon with Nanjiro. Considering that the typical time for a 2-player party to clear the Large Ant Nest was around an hour, this speed was incredible. Seong even leveled up, likely due to the experience gained from breaking through Rocks Tomb. Nanjiro seemed about to burst into tears as he repeatedly bowed his head in gratitude to Seong. Wow! Thank you so much! Really!! Its nothing. Enjoy yourselves. Seong-nim too!! Watching Nanjiro scamper off, Seong couldnt help but chuckle. Party hunting wasnt bad. Anyway, by coming up with several combo strategies, Seong managed to gather quite a bit. Its much more convenient now that combos are possible. The fact that there were more options to choose from was already a huge win. He had also fully utilized the effects of his skills and the Staff of the Apprentice Lord. Now it was time to log out. It was getting late, after all. But then Seong suddenly remembered something hed forgotten. Oh, right. Kim Che-geons request. He had planned to send it but had completely forgotten in the midst of testing skills and the staff. He would send it along with the video he had filmed earlier. Whether or not they accepted her would be up to Rapids judgment. Seong scratched his cheek as he sent a direct message to Rapid. But will this video be okay? Kim Che-geon was included in the video, and due to his infamous reputation, even the faces of Uz and Kalak were openly shown. The two had done something wrong, so Seong didnt think they would mind being seen in the video. It was a system-approved exception, after all. Though the requested concept seemed not to have been fully adhered to, Seong figured hed just send the video for now. [Seong - [Attached Video]] [Seong - Theres an unusual swordsman appearing in the video as a party member, and he asked if he could do an interview with the Rapid Guild, so Im sending this message.] [Seong - By the way, Im not sure if the concept was executed well in the video. If theres a problem, I can retake and send it again.] This should be fine, right? It felt awkward calling Kim Che-geon an excellent swordsman, so Seong had added unusual to the description. He wasnt sure if theyd be okay with the interview request, especially since the video wasnt exactly following the intended concept. He sent the message, and with that, his part was done. He quickly pushed it out of his mind, unaware of the ripple effect the video might have. 2. In the heavily fortified base of the Rapid Guild, there was always one room that was the last to have its lights turned off. That room was the Guildmasters office, where Rapid himself worked. Even though staff had been hired to handle administrative tasks, Rapid had certain matters that required his direct attention, keeping him late into the night. This time, it was the Seong incident that kept him working so late. Phew. It was undoubtedly a good thing that a talented rookie had joined. But if that rookie was powerful enough to change the game? Even better, but it also made things more complicated. There were always those who argued that one person couldnt shift the tide, but that wasnt the case in Eternal World. It wasnt uncommon for a single top-tier player to change the ranking of a guild. And that was without considering the potential of signing a double-lancer. Hmmm, the only one? Wow... Rapid couldnt think of any words other than that. He simply let out a sigh of admiration as he thought. If I just cut out this part and highlight the battle with Echo Willow, I can really bring out the Demon King vibe! Here, Echo Willow, an absolute evil, was present, and the video would show their punishment. This alone would likely make for a popular video, but look at this production that shows the Demon Kings dominion. The cruel and wicked guild members from Echo Willow were shaking in fear. It was a scene that was both cathartic and perfectly expressed the terror of the Demon King. I actually thought about scrapping this? How foolish! Rapid briefly chastised himself and immediately prepared to edit the video. Although he could leave it to the staff in charge of the video, Rapid was an expert in video editing himself. There wasnt anyone in the guild better than her at editing. She had too much to do, but this was something only she could handle. At that moment. Hmm, if thats the case, I should make sure this person gets the interview too. As Rapid thought about how to set up the interview, an idea came to mind. Although he wasnt free, it was a good idea. Wait, didnt I already meet him with a secondary character? The person who had made a mistake, and this was a good opportunity to send him. The second villageif its that dungeon, then its perfect for an interview. Having had a good idea, Rapid immediately started to edit but then sent messages to both Kim Jinwoo and Seong. To Kim Jinwoo, he sent a message ordering him to go to the dungeon tomorrow where Seong would be, and to Seong, he sent a request for help with the interview with Kim Che-geon tomorrow. He figured he could send them both to the dungeon together. [Kim Jinwoo - Ah! Really! I shouldnt have gone... sigh. Fine, I understand.] Kim Jinwoo replied, resigned, and Seongs response came soon after. [Seong - Just when I needed a party, this works out perfectly. Thank you.] Seongs message, expressing gratitude, made Rapid smile. Tomorrows going to be exciting. He was curious to see how the three of them would handle the dungeon, and he knew an amazing video would go up the next day. 3. After sending the video and feeling refreshed, Seong exited the capsule and immediately made eye contact with his mother, Lee Na-gyeong, who was in the living room. Rather than scold him for playing the game, Lee Na-gyeong greeted Seong with a warm smile. So, youre done now? Arent you hungry? Although she could have scolded him for playing the game, she asked with genuine concern, wondering if he was hungry. Seong, feeling a sense of warmth from her, replied, realizing it was likely because she knew his sister, Yuna, made good money, even if she didnt know how much exactly. It made sense. Even if that werent the case, Lee Na-gyeong wasnt the type to criticize him for playing games. Seong thought for a moment but realized he wasnt hungry, probably because he had eaten lunch with Yuna earlier. Oh, no. I had a lot for lunch earlier, so Im fine. Really? Did you go out with Mina and eat a lot? Yeah. Dinner should be fine for me. Ah, well, your dad is running late, so I wasnt sure whether to prepare dinner. But Im glad youre not hungry! Yeah, you can rest then. Ahh... I think I should head to bed soon. Lee Na-gyeong, yawning tiredly, headed to her room. Seong felt guilty seeing her wait for him to come out. She had probably intended to prepare dinner when he got back. She didnt have to do that. Since she was going to rest, Seong thought hed need to let her know next time. He felt a bit parched, so he drank some water and returned to his room. When he looked at his phone, an alarm was ringing. Has the reply come already? Seong, puzzled, opened his phone. Sure enough, a message from Rapid had arrived. He was asked if he could join the dungeon with Kim Che-geon tomorrow, along with the Rapid Guilds interviewer. There was no issue with entering the dungeon, but Seong was curious about which dungeon it was. When he checked the name of the dungeon... The Castle of the Past? He had heard of it before. If he remembered correctly, it was a type of test, just like when he defeated the scarecrow in one strike during the tutorial. To learn more, Seong searched for details. Various pieces of information appeared. Oh, its a one-time, record-based dungeon? Interestingly, it was a dungeon where only players below level 50 could enter, and only three players could enter at a time. There was no concept of clearing the dungeon, only waves that would occur. And each players progress was recorded. To be recognized as a top player, they would need to clear at least level 10. Experience rewards were significant as well. No reason to turn this down. He needed to level up anyway. Seong immediately sent a reply agreeing to the plan. It seemed a little strange, but going into a dungeon with someone as capable as Kim Che-geon was an opportunity he welcomed. Plus, there was the interviewer. If it was a guild interviewer of Rapids caliber, they were bound to be highly skilled. Excitement began to build. The Castle of the Past. A record-based wave dungeon. It seemed like tomorrow would be fun. But before entering the dungeon... First, Ill clean out my storage. He hadnt forgotten the things he needed to do. Chapter 46 0. I''m off to work. Mom, Ill be going now~ Alright, take care. Okay~ See you later~ In the morning, Seong''s father, Yoo Gwang-jin, was off to work, and his mother, Lee Na-gyeong, was leaving for some errands. Seong and Yuna saw them off at the door. The two were left at home. And Yuna looked like she was full of complaints. Seong shook his head, almost as if asking if she was still like this. Why was she so full of complaints? What now? Its just that... you have to form a team, even if youre a Necromancer. But why Luna''s team, of all people? If the guild decided, then its settled, right? Whats the problem? No, why that crazy team? At least Lunas fine, but everyone else is out of their mind. Sigh, youre not exactly sane either, you know? ...... Yuna glared at Seong as if asking if he was really going to say that. But it didnt faze Seong. He looked at Yuna coldly. Yuna, as if understanding, pouted her lips and responded. Fine. Then dont complain. Ugh, Im the one in charge in the guild. Fix that temper of yours. Fine!! Yuna shouted and stormed off to her room. When would she mature? Well, it seemed like she understood, so it was fine. Still, a crazy team? There must be something to it. If that crazy Yuna was calling it a crazy team, then there must be a reason. Seong didnt particularly mind, though. Even if it was a crazy team, a team is a team, right? The team leader, Luna, was fine, so there shouldnt be any real problems. Seong thought no more about it and entered his room to check his schedule. First, the things to do today. Were meeting at 10 AM, right? The most important part was Kim Che-geons interview. Seong was going to accompany him to the famous dungeon, the Castle of the Past. The meeting time was 10 AM. It was still before 8 AM, so there was some time to kill. However, time wasnt being wasted. Kahkus second warehouse. The tasks were already set. If he gathered the hidden pieces there, he would be right on time for the meeting. Getting the warehouse loot will probably level me up. Level 40 was close. He could get a new skill every 10 levels. If he looted the warehouse, hed level up and get a new Overlord skill. What new skill could he get this time? With anticipation, Seong connected to the capsule. The familiar welcome message appeared before him. [Welcome to another world, the Eternal World.] [May fortune bless you, Player Seong.] 1. Kahkus second warehouse. Unlike the first one, this one was quite serious. From the guardian defending the warehouse to the treasures inside. The treasures available in the first village were limited, after all. The guardians were the same. They were certainly on a whole other level compared to the goblin statues in the first cave. [Lv.49 Magic Armor] [Lv.49 Magic Armor] The difference in level was 11, but more importantly, the appearance was intimidating. The armor was old-fashioned with golden embroidery, and faint blue light leaked from the gaps in the armor, perhaps powered by magic circles. It gave off an aura of strength, but in front of those magic armors stood a group of ten Kaishaks. Kikikikik! Kikikikikikik! Kikikikikikikikik! The little devils, the Kaishaks, burst into laughter as they looked at the magic armors. The Kaishaks, ten in total, were grinning wildly. The sound of their chuckling filled the cave, and the magic armors rushed toward them, but it was hopeless. The Kaishaks tails lashed out, swarming the magic armors from all directions. If the magic armors were living beings, they would have turned pale at the sight. It didnt even take 30 seconds for them to be torn apart by those tails. Without even landing a single counterattack. As the magic armors fell, Seong calmly walked through the wreckage. With an expressionless face, Seong was met with the Kaishaks, who, having completed their task, naturally bowed before him. In a solemn atmosphere, the Kaishaks returned to the underworld via turquoise portals. It was truly the aura of a lord. Contrary to the overwhelming atmosphere of command, Seong casually thought to himself. That ended faster than I expected. The Kaishaks were much stronger than he anticipated. The hidden pieces were satisfying, but having the Kaishaks under his command was even more satisfying. 10% HP recovery10% MP recoveryFull recovery of mental power The Tricolor Whistle can only be used three times per day. The item description had also specified that only players who had completed their second class advancement could use it. Just then, Seong had reached level 50 and had been notified that his first team activity would be coming up. Could they complete the raid, then head straight to this map? No reason to turn it down. Rapid Guild was a guild that focused on raids, so if Seong brought a new raid monster into the guild, no one would oppose it. Also, whatever treasure or rewards were found would be Seongs to take. Ill have to bring it up soon. Hed acquired some incredible items. After confirming the treasure map, Seong took out the Random Skillbook again. He already had the skill he obtained at level 40. He didnt expect much from this one. Still, itd be great if something useful came out. It was random, after all. Should I check it? [Do you want to use the Rare-grade item, Random Skillbook?] [Yes / No] Using the skillbook will cause it to disappear and grant a random Rare to Epic grade skill, either class-specific for a Dark Mage or a common skill. Do you wish to proceed? The warning message popped up, but Seong wasnt fazed. If he wasnt going to use it, he wouldnt bother checking it. Seong casually pressed "Yes." As soon as he did, the Random Skillbook began to hover in his hand. Countless pages flipped, emitting a strong light. Whoooosh! With the sound of fluttering pages and radiant light, one single page floated in front of Seong. It was a page colored in dark ink. As the page appeared, a chilling shadow began to form around it. The shadows dotted around the book. At a glance, it seemed like a Dark Mage exclusive skill. What kind of skill could it be? Seong, curious, watched as the page fluttered in the air. Whooooosh! The dark inked page scattered, and a shape appeared. A shadowy figure manifested, then disappeared into the air, reappearing under another shadow. This...? It was so intuitive that Seong could immediately tell what it was. [You have acquired the Epic-grade Dark Mage exclusive skill, Shadow Shift!] Oh! Just as described, the name fit perfectly. And the grade was Epic. Lucky. Seong quickly checked the skill information. His mouth dropped open. Shadow Shift Epic [Lv Max] [Fully developed] [Instant effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 1 minute] Dark Mage exclusive skill. Surround yourself with shadows and shift to any visible shadow of your choice. After shifting, you become invincible for 1 second. Wow. It was a fully developed skill with an effect that was simply outrageous. The ability to shift alone was immense. But the fact that you became invincible for 1 second after shifting was beyond broken. Though it was only 1 second, with the right timing, it could block wide-area attacks from other players. Really lucky. It seemed like hed acquired one of the better Epic skills. The skill he got from the Random Skillbook was great. Now, what about the Overlord-specific skill? He couldnt help but feel a little excited. The skill was named "Demon Knight Summon." How could he not be excited? After all, hed already felt the power of the minor demon Kaishak. But a Demon Knight? How strong could it possibly be? Of course, there would be restrictions. Lets see. Seong quickly opened the skill description without further delay. Demon Knight Summon Almighty [Lv Max] [Fully developed] [Instant effect] [Active] [Current summons: 1] The Demon Knight, summoned from hell at the command of the lord, is a tool of judgment to carry out the lords will. Overlord exclusive skill. Summon a Demon Knight from hell. The Demon Knight is as powerful as the lords level. For every 100 levels, an additional Demon Knight can be summoned. When you reach level 100, you can summon another Demon Knight. Demon Knights can also enter the underworld. Hmm. It sounds strong, but... Its still hard to tell just from this description. It seems like its a random summon of a Demon Knight. Its also random. Considering the good luck he had with the Random Skillbook, Seong was a little nervous about this one. Maybe the Demon Knight would be strong, but perhaps hed end up with a useless one. Thats something to think about later. But Seong shook the thought away, deciding that if the summon didnt turn out well, he could always leave it in the underworld. If it doesnt work, I can leave it there. With that in mind, Seong immediately activated the skill. [Summoning a Demon Knight.] Chapter 47 As Seong cast the skill, he immediately felt his control over his body disappear. He couldnt even move a finger. In this state, everything around him melted away like a scene from a video and was replaced by a new environment. This was a "cutscene." Also known as an event scene. Seong quickly realized that this was the cutscene that played when summoning a Demon Knight. Oh. The familiar Kahku''s second warehouse dissolved, and in its place appeared an expansive plain. Or was it a wasteland? It was a barren land, untouched and untamed, where tens of thousands of soldiers were gathered. The sound of iron boots leaving clear marks on the hard earth echoed. Clank! Clank! Clank! The thousands of soldiers marched in unison, as if they were a single entity. They gazed at the opposing army charging toward them. Amidst the standoff between the two sides, the soldiers clashed with one another, swinging different weapons in a desperate fight to the death, regardless of friend or foe. Clang! Clang! Chwaa! Chwaa! The sounds of weapons clashing echoed in all directions as blood sprayed everywhere. The crimson blood scattered across the barren wasteland and soon darkened, like the land was soaked with the blood of the fallen. The battlefield became filled with pure malice, and blood continued to spill in every direction. Had the land become unable to absorb any more blood? Perhaps it was because the disgusting essence of the humans malice was now mixed with their blood, revolting the land itself. The earth, which had absorbed so much blood, began to recoil, and blood surged back from the soil. Gulp, gulp. None of the soldiers in the chaotic battlefield noticed the strange turn of events. Filled with malice, they continued to fight each other, wielding their weapons and thinking only of destroying the enemy. The blood that surged from the earth spread out, forming what seemed like a massive lake of blood. The blood lake stretched across the battlefield, enveloping everything and releasing an intense, iron-like smell. Even as soldiers trudged through the blood, it stuck to their feet. Yet no one paid attention to the sticky blood. And at that moment, in the center of the lake of blood, something seemed to rise up as if the blood was flowing backward. Gulp, gulp. A massive form began to emerge from the blood, sucking up all the blood in the lake. Only then did the sounds of clashing weapons begin to fade as everyone realized something was terribly wrong. The shape that emerged from the center of the battlefield was like a gigantic human heart. The heart, as large as a human head, was a deep, dark black. As the heart pulsed, dark crimson blood began to spread around it. Instead of spilling outward, the blood formed into veins that started to grow in the air. Thump! Thump! As the hearts pulse quickened, veins began to spread throughout the battlefield, and around these veins, bones made of dark red blood began to form. As the bones and veins grew, the blood swirled and began to turn into muscle. The colossal 3-meter-tall figure, now fully formed, continued to draw blood from the blood lake, covering its body with it. With its red skin now coated in blood, it seemed to form armor and clothing from the blood as well. Finally, as the figure reached out to the blood lake, a spear appeared. The figure swung the spear into the air, and a red wave of energy spread, sweeping away the entire enemy army in an instant. As the entire army was massacred, the figure moved like a butcher, its footsteps echoing across the battlefield. The figure walked toward Seong, who had been observing the entire scene. Thud, thud. The slow, sticky footsteps of the figure left clear bloodstains on the ground. As it approached Seong, the blood from the footsteps flowed out, creating a magic circle. A blood-red magic circle glowed brightly, resonating with the surroundings, spreading a crimson mist. As the magic circle formed, the figures true form emerged, revealing the full appearance of the Demon Knight. Wooooo! [You have summoned the Demon Knight, Valtar of Blood.] [You are the first player in Eternal World to summon a Demon Knight.] [You have earned the title: Demon Knight Summoner.] [Warning] [The Demon Knights will is stronger than other summoned beings.] [It may disobey commands, and handling the Demon Knight will require constant effort.] Hmm? Seong had succeeded in the summoning and gained a title. It was a good thing, but the warning attached to it caught his attention. The Demon Knights will was stronger than other summons and could disobey commands? With the cutscene included, it was clear that this summon was incredibly powerful. But did this mean there would be disadvantages? This could be tricky. A summon that doesnt listen to its summoner... It reminded Seong of the red dragon from the old monster-taming manga, a creature that didnt listen to its master. Ha! A weak human like you is my master? You are nothing compared to the previous Overlord! Do not dare to think you can control me!I see you can open the underworld. Send me there and never summon me again. This is not a request, it is an order. You should remember this!Tartar! What is this behavior of yours?!Ugh! How frustrating!Of course! Ive been raising him since he was a kid! Look at how badly hes turned out! Ill have to discipline him!If you know whats good for you, send me to the underworld now....Let me try this.Ha! How dare you impersonate the mother of the Ten Thousand Demons!Ugh! No! Stop! Please, no more!Aaaaah!!Of course! Demons do care about their pride!"I greet you, the rightful successor and disciple of the Great Demons Mother, Helena, Lord Seong!""This is how it should be." It seemed that everything worked out since he had subdued Valtar. Seong was ready to move on when Valtar, still kneeling, cautiously asked. "I beg your pardon, but... where did you learn this...?" Ah, um. "If its too difficult to say, you need not answer..." Since Valtar was not only his subordinate but also an NPC, Seong casually responded. Um, I can see Helenas spirit. "A!? Ahh!! What does that mean!?" Yeah, shes on my shoulder. Shes in a smaller form right now. "Ahahah! Shes not fully recovered yet, thats why!" "Heeeh!!" Helena laughed as she spoke, and Valtar, overwhelmed, collapsed backward, his body flipping as he fell. Seong watched the scene and thought: Hes... really strong, right? He had been granted a title just for summoning Valtar, and now he was being given another for subduing him. That meant Valtar must indeed be incredibly powerful. The energy emanating from him was immense. But his actions seemed... Its just so embarrassing, though. Seongs doubts couldnt be helped. Helena, having heard Seongs thoughts, laughed. "Haha! Even though Tartar looks like that, hes incredibly powerful. Thats why he even dated Savilia." Hmm. "Anyway, hes strong, so trust him." Helena flashed a seductive smile and stood up from Seongs shoulder. It seemed like it was time for her to rest. "Ill go rest for a bit longer. It wont take long, though. I absorbed the memories of the mercenary group yesterday, so Ive already recovered a lot." Ah? "Goodbye~" With that, Helena disappeared. Seong thought over what she said, storing the information in his mind. He hadnt expected such a secret. It seemed that, as he absorbed the memories of the ghosts, their strength was restored. When considering the memories and experiences Helena had given him, it made sense. He hadnt realized that the reason Helena had become so small was because of him. Feeling a bit guilty, Seong turned his head, only to hear Valtar in a panic. "T-Then... are you watching me right now... mocking me?! Aahhh!" Valtar, clearly overwhelmed by the mention of a ghost, was in a state of panic. Seong sighed quietly, shaking his head at the pathetic sight of Valtar. Then, the alarm he had set earlier rang. Didi-di-di! Didi-di-di! "Ah." It was time for the interview with Kim Che-geon. Its almost time. Seong wanted to test out Valtar and the new skills, but he figured it would be best to wait until they got to the dungeon. He also wanted to check the new titles he had received. "Ah, what if Savilia finds out about this? Shell surely look down on me just by hearing about it, even though I discarded it." First, Seong sent Valtar to the underworld. 2. The record-based dungeon, the Castle of the Past. It was a test for users before their second class advancement, to measure their skills. Any rookie from a major guild would definitely come here. And to enter a major guild, one would intentionally come here. Standing before the entrance of the dungeon was a user wearing a large conical hat and a custom Hanbok from the Joseon Dynasty. The Greatest Sword of Joseon, Kim Che-geon. She sighed deeply. Phew, finally, the interview with Rapid Guild. Though she hadnt been accepted yet, getting this far had been no easy feat. She had trained relentlessly. She had defied her familys opposition and traveled from a distant land. And now, here she was, about to attend the interview. Such an honor. Kim Che-geon, with a proud expression, noticed someone approaching. A figure holding a sword and shield, clad in rather impressive equipment, stood before her. He looked like a swordfighter. Are you the one whos here for the interview with Rapid Guild...? He hesitated as he spoke, unsure of how to address her. Kim Che-geon, confidently nodding, answered proudly. Thats right. I am the Greatest Sword of Joseon, Kim Che-geon. ...How did you come up with that name...? What did you say? Hmm, never mind. ??? Chapter 48 As Kim Che-geon momentarily missed that remark and tilted his head in confusion, the warrior from the Sword Room nonchalantly shifted the subject. "This interview is being conducted by Jinu," he said. "Ah! Pleased to meet you! I look forward to working with you today," Kim Che-geon responded. "Ahem, well then, it seems Seong is not here yet. Lets wait a little longer." "Oh! Seong is coming too?" "It seems you didnt hear. Seong will be joining as well," Jinu remarked, slightly surprised. Kim Che-geon had only been told to come to the interview by 10 AM, but he hadn''t heard that Seong would also be involved. The Rapid Guild had passed along the message, so there was no need to mention who else would be attending; it wasnt relevant to the interview. Jinu, now slightly awkward, scratched his head. Its a bit embarrassing to bring this up now, he thought, but seeing the skill book, it seemed like it was generally understood what would happen. Kim Che-geon, hearing that Seong was coming, murmured excitedly, "This is a good opportunity to test how far my skills can go compared to Seong." "Hmm?" "Why do you ask?" Jinu looked at Kim Che-geon, surprised by his sudden enthusiasm. Had something gone awry? On the other hand, Jinu was also a bit taken aback by Kim Che-geon''s attitude. Usually, people like himthose with a strong image of self-importancedidnt acknowledge others'' abilities. It was unusual that he held Seong in such high regard. If he had played in a party with Seong, that would make sense. But for someone like Kim Che-geon to recognize Seong immediately was unexpected. This is worth noting, Jinu thought to himself, and responded, "Oh, its nothing. Its just impressive how highly you regard Seong." "Ha, ha, ha. Although I claim to be the greatest sword in Joseon, I dont belittle the skills of others." "Hmm..." Jinu scratched his cheek as he watched Kim Che-geon, who always referred to himself as the greatest sword of Joseon. His Western-looking face was unmistakable, yet to call himself the greatest sword of Joseon... wasnt there someone already known by that title in the community? "Is it because of Yuna, perhaps? I mean, are you trying to join the Rapid Guild because of her?" "Ha, ha, ha. Whats there to say? My only goal is her." "Ah... I see." Jinu answered, nodding slightly in acknowledgment, though he privately shook his head. A grand goal was nice, but it seemed almost impossible. At that moment, in the distance, someone in a familiar outfit approached them. The time showed that it was just about a minute before 10 AM. Jinu, looking at the approaching figure, couldn''t help but feel dumbfounded. It wasnt just about arriving on time, it was something else entirely. Gulp. It wasnt just Jinu who stared; Kim Che-geon next to him also held his breath, admiring the approach of the figure. The figure, walking gracefully toward them, exuded an overwhelming presence. The air around them seemed to warp as if heat waves were rising, revealing none other than Seong. This Seong was certainly different from before. ...I saw him just yesterday, but something feels off today... Ah, as expected, its Seong. It had only been a day since they last saw him, but this was a drastic change. What neither of them realized was that this transformation was a result of the summoned Demon Knights influence. Without realizing it, both were overwhelmed by Seongs presence, and as he approached, they instinctively took a step back. Seeing this, Seong tilted his head in confusion and asked, "Whats going on?" "Ah, ah, ah, ha-ha. Nothing, just... I see youve arrived, Seong." Jinu awkwardly turned the conversation and greeted Seong, while Seong nodded slightly, surprised but not overly so. He had expected the Rapid Guild to be involved but hadn''t expected someone of such skill to be the interviewer. Jinu was probably using an alternate character since there was no guild insignia on him. Seong thought for a moment and then responded, "Hmm, I had an inkling." "Hmm, its nice to meet you," Jinu added. It seemed unlikely. It was probably just something Yuna said out of affection for her younger brother. Rapid dismissed the thought and continued working. After all, even if Seong was an exceptional rookie, there was no way he would surpass Yunas record. If by some chance he did, it would cause quite a stir. "Though, I wouldnt be surprised if he makes it into the top 10." After all, Seong had the Almighty class. It will be interesting to see how far he goes, Rapid thought, though he didnt seriously consider the possibility that Seong would beat Yunas record. 4. As the Forgotten Past Fortress lived up to its name, it was an old and worn structure. The ivy clung to its stone walls, and moss could be seen in various places, suggesting it hadn''t been touched by human hands for some time. Inside the fortress, the surroundings were more like ruins, not the kind of place one would expect to find people living. There wasnt even a trace of human warmth or sound; the fortress stood with three jagged walls, each with gates wide open. The purpose of the dungeon was to guard these gates. What was interesting was that it wasn''t a typical defeat-if-any-one-wall-breaks scenario. Even if one of the walls was breached, the others remained unaffected. Each defense was measured individually, and it was all about personal records. For anyone below level 50, there was no better place to test individual abilities than here. There were specialty training areas for advanced classes, but with the level requirement being 10, it was considered a lower tier compared to the Forgotten Past Fortress, so this place was more highly regarded. This was also why the Rapid Guild chose this location for interviews. "If you can''t prove yourself here, you''re nothing," the thought crossed Jinu''s mind. No matter how high a class waswhether Unique or highersome things just werent achievable. In fact, if someone from an Epic class had high records in this dungeon, they would be accepted into the guild. It was clear that the Rapid Guild prioritized skill above all else. Although, that means a lot of eccentric people end up joining... Jinu thought but didnt dwell on it further. He had already decided to forgo his own test and instead climbed to the fortress walls, where he stood watching the two candidates from an elevated position. He had high expectations for Seong, given his proven abilities. As for Kim Che-geon, Jinu thought, "He was recommended by Seong, so he must be decent." He wasnt expecting anything extraordinary, just the general level of competence that came with a recommendation. Though his personality seemed a bit eccentric, Jinu wasnt concernedit wasnt the reason he was being tested. As Jinu entertained these thoughts, a system message appeared in the sky, visible to everyone. [The waves that once stormed the Forgotten Past Fortress are about to stir again.] [wave1 begins.] The message was familiar to Jinu but new to the other two, especially Kim Che-geon, who immediately began preparing for battle. Kim Che-geon took hold of his sword, performing a practiced draw and positioning it downward in a low stance, placing his right foot behind. Even from a glance, it was clear he had solid swordsmanship. Jinu, who had also trained in swordsmanship, couldnt help but admire his form. "Oh?" he muttered under his breath. It was the proper stance for an effective charge, and there wasnt a hint of hesitation or awkwardness in it. It was a clear indication of someone with significant experience in swordplay. Jinu was impressed and felt reassured that he wouldn''t need to worry much about Kim Che-geons abilities. But when he looked at Seong... Seong wasn''t preparing at all. Hmm? Despite the fact that Seong could summon the undead at any time thanks to his necromancer abilities, it seemed unusually carefree to not prepare in the slightest. Was he overconfident, or was he saving mana for something later? Jinu frowned, his expression growing uneasy. "Hes being far too relaxed..." Seongs abilities should have made him confident, but the lack of preparation was unsettling. As these thoughts ran through Jinus mind, he noticed the monster horde in the distancegoblins and other low-level creatures charging forward. At this stage, it was hardly a challenge. I suppose Ill just watch for now and offer feedback later, Jinu thought. If Seong didnt pull it together soon, maybe this would be a good lesson in humility. Just then, as the monsters neared, a greenish portal appeared behind Seong. The connection to the netherworld had been established. Jinu expected the summoned being to be a ghost or spirit, but he was wrong. The sound of footsteps echoed from the portal, as though someone was walking through a swamp filled with water. The heavy steps were unmistakable. Thud, thud. A figure emerged from the green portala tall, armored knight, his skin a dark reddish hue, and five ominous horns protruding from his helmet. Despite the heavy armor, his menacing presence was clear, and the sky above darkened as if overshadowed by this hellish entity. A blood-red storm began to whirl around the knight. Jinu froze, unable to think clearly. The being that had emerged was no mere warrior. This was a demon knight, a creature of the damned. The knight raised his sword, which gleamed with a blood-red aura, and in a single, swift motion, he slashed through the air, sending a crescent-shaped wave of energy toward the approaching monsters. The slash was so powerful that it split the monsters in half in a single strike, leaving nothing but carnage in its wake. Seong stood unfazed as the system messages appeared in the air: [wave1 successfully repelled.] [Recorded.] [Massive experience gained.] [All experience will be awarded after final record.] Jinu stared at the message, stunned. "W-what did I just witness?" Meanwhile, from a different direction, Kim Che-geon, who hadnt seen the spectacle, cheerfully called out, Ha, ha! Its time to show my true skills! Chapter 49 5. With just a single swing. In just one strike, all the monsters were dealt with. An overwhelmingly imposing display of power. However, the only thought that came to Seong''s mind as he watched this was one thing: Why is someone this strong wearing underwear...? Though he was genuinely impressed by the strength, he couldnt shake off the question. It was true that Valtar was strong. Even though he had fallen to the same level as Seong, Valtar was, after all, a demon knight. His strength was natural. What truly shocked Seong, though, was: Theres no mana consumption at all. Despite Valtar using such a powerful technique, there was no sign of mana being depleted. From what he knew, demon knights used their own inherent mana for their abilities. Valtar was the strongest summon Seong could call. A demon knight. It should have been awe-inspiring, but... Why doesnt he look cool at all? Seong eyed Valtar skeptically. Valtar, as if sensing the scrutiny, coughed awkwardly and muttered. Cough cough, did you see it, heir? Hmm, yeah. The waves will keep coming for a while, so I will conserve my strength for the fight. Valtar stretched out his hand toward the monsters he had just defeated, and the green and red blood from the creatures began to rise into the air in swirling clouds. It gathered into a single orb and was absorbed by Valtar like a thin thread. [Blood Demon Knight, Valtar is using the skill Blood Source.] [Mana is being restored.] Seong realized that Valtar was absorbing the mana he had just expended. However, the quality of the mana wasnt great, as Valtar clicked his tongue in apparent displeasure. Tch. Despite Valtars visible irritation, he didnt just rely on his skills. For the following wave, he moved into action himself. With just his sword and body, he overwhelmed and massacred the entire army. His blood-red sword moved gracefully through the air. While his swordsmanship was already formidable, it was even more impressive because each movement was flawless. Every action had a purpose, and the sword fulfilled its mission with precision. Even Seong, with his many memories and experiences, found it hard to gauge the depth of this swordplay. It was undoubtedly formidable. [wave2 has been perfectly blocked.] [It is recorded.] [Massive experience accumulated.] [All experience will be obtained after final record.] [wave3 perfectly...] ... ... [wave7 has been perfectly blocked.] The wave count rose in an instant. Yet, Seong still didnt need to intervene. Valtar, by himself, was holding strong. Seong wondered just how far Valtar could go on his own. He stood there, eagerly watching. Then, Seong realized something. At this rate, he wouldnt be able to use his newly acquired Shadow Transition technique. Hmm... Maybe later, when they reach higher floors, he could give it a try? Maybe? Seongs gaze remained on Valtar, the thief, nodemon knightwho was handling the waves solo with ease. There are very few office workers who enjoy their morning commute. If they do, theyre either hopeless workaholics or incredibly strange people. Lee Won-sang, the assistant manager, belonged to the latter group, but he didnt exactly enjoy his commute. With a sigh that seemed to come from deep within, Lee Won-sang sat at his desk. Haah. He had tried to report to Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong yesterday, but failed. It wasnt because his report was rejected. It was simply that Team Leader Ji was out on an external assignment, so there was no opportunity. Honestly, he really just wanted to send the report by email and be done with it. But seeing the results Seong had achieved, he knew that couldnt be the case. Yesterday, it was understandable. But today, it was something else entirely. How did he even find out about that? Seong had gone to Oren Village and discovered the Hidden Piece at Rocks Tomb. By now, he had almost come to accept it as normal. But he couldnt help feeling a bit frustrated, secretly hoping that Echo Willow at Rocks'' Tomb would have yielded better results. Of course, nothing came of that hope. At least, that was a small relief. Carrying these concerns, Lee Won-sang left work. The weight of the evening commute was almost unbearable. But when he arrived at work the next day... He found out that Kahkus second warehouse had been discovered and emptied out completely. It was almost like a ghost had done it. He had even acquired the demon knight summoning skill, but he didnt give it much thought. Anyway, the demon knights wont listen before the second job advancement. That was just how the Overlord class worked. He didnt ask what to check. Lee Won-sang quickly returned to his desk, and of course, Oh Jin-hyuk followed. As they hurried, Oh Jin-hyuk asked in confusion, What are we checking? ...The Forgotten Past Fortress rewards. Whaat!? Theres a clearing concept for that place?! ...I think Seong is probably the first to accomplish it, though... The first user to summon and subdue a demon knight in Eternal World, and now, the first to clear the Forgotten Past Fortress... all in a single day. And it turned out to be the same person. Lee Won-sang, though he knew it couldnt be simple, couldnt help but hold onto a tiny sliver of hope. When he returned to his desk and checked the rewards, his face turned pale. He closed his eyes tightly, unable to bear seeing the worst possible outcome. He could barely keep his eyes open. But then... Waaah! This is the item that drops here?! And... what skill is this...? Should he have covered his ears? Today, Jinu came as an interviewer. It was not unusual for large guilds, including the Rapid Guild, to have guild officers or high-ranking members play as interviewers using alternate characters. Jinu, though he usually hated such menial tasks, couldnt avoid it after causing trouble. However, now he felt that it was a good decision to be there. Was it because of Kim Che-geon? Not at all. Jinu had long since forgotten about the need to conduct an interview. Would Kim Che-geon feel upset or resentful? "Eh? When did you arrive?" "...Oh, I arrived earlier." Kim Che-geon, rather than showing frustration, was watching Seongs gameplay as if observing a show. Despite being high up on the fortress walls, Jinu could feel the vibrations from the ground shaking, caused by the massive waves below. A small group of about 50 soldiers was far too insignificant in front of the massive army, but their fighting spirit was not lacking compared to the distant large legion. If anything, it was overwhelming. And leading that small battalion was the demon knight with reddish skin, Valtar. As he took to the battlefield, the whole situation began to shift dramatically. The small battalion, despite their numbers, moved like a single unit, using tactics and coordinating with one another. Amidst it all, Seong remained completely at ease, observing the battle. It wasnt just that he appeared calmhe truly had nothing to do in that battlefield. The demon knight and the specter were shaking things up, and the skeletons, goblin undead, and minor demons were wreaking havoc, tearing through the disorganized lines. Every time mana ran low, Seong used his three-colored whistle to restore it. It was flawless. If anyone watched this, they might think it was just the beginning of the waves. But in that moment, Jinu and Kim Che-geon both looked up. They clearly saw the wave count. wave34 [0:57:38] Not even an hour had passed. And yet, he was already just one step away from surpassing Yunas record. Even if he gave up right now, second place was already secured. And yet, the battlefield still looked easy. Is this even possible? Jinu couldnt even begin to process what he was seeing. Kim Che-geon felt the same way. How much time had passed? Yunas record had already been broken. As Seongs soldiers started to struggle, Seong stepped in and quickly turned the tide again. He swung the Apprentice Warrior Hindels sword, and with Valtar leading, they fought using the same technique. And when things got desperate, Seong used things like Sidok, corpse explosions, and even poisonous explosions, causing widespread damage before retreating with his Shadow Transition. Such an absurd battle couldnt last long. [wave 40 has been perfectly blocked.] [It is recorded.] [All waves have been blocked.] [For the first time in Eternal World history, the record-based dungeon Forgotten Past Fortress has been cleared.] [Your fame spreads throughout the entire Eternal World.] [You have earned the title The One Who Escaped the Shackles as a clear reward.] [You have gained a massive amount of experience!] [You have earned the Legendary class skill Creeping Darkness as a reward.] [You have received the Legendary class item Tome of Despair as a reward.] [Level up!] 16 [You are now Level 57.] [You have reached Level 50, unlocking new skills for Overlord.] [You have unlocked the Almighty-class skill, Seal of Death.] [Level 50 reached, second job advancement is now possible.] [The Overlord-exclusive second job advancement item, Overlords Compass, is reacting.] [Using Overlords Compass will transport you to the second job advancement location.] There were no more waves to clear. Oh? Chapter 50 He had obtained several Hidden Pieces. Even if it was just experience, the rewards would have been satisfying enough. But on top of that, Hidden Pieces as well. It was no surprise that Seong was pleased. As he checked the messages one by one to see what he had obtained, the first thing that caught his attention was that his fame was now widely spread. He didnt care too much about it. Even if his fame spread, what use would it have? He decided to treat it as not important and moved on. What caught his eye next was the title. A title, he thought. It had been a while since he had earned a new title. He immediately checked it. The One Who Escaped the Shackles Legendary This title is given to the user who clears the "Forgotten Past Fortress," escaping the shackles of the past, for the first time in Eternal World. Slightly upgraded from the usual rank for being the first to clear. Revives with 50% health once per day after death. Grants invincibility for 5 seconds upon revival. ?????? Reviving once per day??? And with 5 seconds of invincibility upon revival? He had already found the 1-second invincibility attached to Shadow Transition quite useful. But 5 seconds of invincibility? This was an unusual title. If this is the kind of reward a title gives, then what about the other rewards? Curious, he eagerly looked at the next reward. Skill? Not just a skillbook, but an actual skill. And not just any skillan exclusive skill for his class. Creeping Darkness. The name didnt give much away, but the grade did. Legendary. It was an Overlord-exclusive skill, so it made sense, but he hadnt expected to get it as a reward. He quickly checked it out. Creeping Darkness Legendary [Lv 1][Growth-type] [Persistent Effect][Active] [Cooldown: 10 minutes] [Duration: 5 minutes] Darkness spreading from the lords grasp will bless the dead and curse the living. Exclusive skill for Overlord. When activated, all summoned units under the Overlords command are granted the blessing of darkness. For each enemy defeated, all stats increase by 1% (stackable). Summoned units receiving the blessing of darkness will debuff enemies based on the stacked amount of darkness blessings. Huh. It was a buff-type skill for summoned units. The effect of increasing all stats by a percentage for each enemy defeated was impressive. He couldnt help but marvel at how good this Legendary skill was. To get such a skill as a reward made his expectations even higher as he moved on to the next reward. Tome of Despair. From the name, he had assumed it was an item that would enhance the power of dark magic, but it turned out to have a very different effect. Tome of Despair Legendary An item of legendary origin, the creator of which is unfathomable. Its origins are as ancient as its power. In the future, all dark mages sought this book, but rumors only spread that it was buried in the shackles of the past. Converts any skill book into a dark magic skill book. The grade of the skill book remains unchanged. Increases the power of dark magic skills by +10% just by possessing it. Effect applies as long as the item is in the inventory. ?????? Upon checking the effect, Seong was filled with questions. The fact that it amplifies the power of skills just by being in the inventory was already impressive. But it also transforms other skill books into dark magic skill books? In a game, the variety of skills is crucial. Its hard to find and even harder to obtain skill books, especially ones you can use. If he found a skill book he couldnt use, it would be a huge waste. So far, Seong hadnt received any skill books he couldnt use, but it was often the case that players ended up with books they couldnt make use of. However, this item was different for him. This is absolutely insane. It was truly a shocking item. It was Legendary grade, and it wasnt just the titleit was the skill and the item as well. All of it was Legendary. And this wasnt the end. I reached level 50 and got a skill, right? He checked the last skill he had obtained. Seal of Death Almighty [Lv 1][Growth-type] [Persistent Effect][Passive] The hand of death will engrave an inescapable seal. Exclusive skill for Overlord. When a summoned unit or the Overlords attack lands on an enemy, the "Seal of Death" is marked on the target. The Seal of Death can stack up to five times. When five seals are stacked, the target takes 500% of the Overlord''s basic attack power as shadow damage. Each Seal of Death also reduces the targets movement speed by 5%. Wow, this is... If Creeping Darkness was a buff for the entire legion, this was a debuff and passive attack that could be used by the whole legion. After five attacks, it added 500% damage. It was essentially like amplifying attack power by 100%. This skill was indispensable for explosive damage. With the skills he had obtained so far, Seong was already overwhelming, but with this, he had become nearly flawless. It was truly an Almighty-grade skill. ...This is pushing it. With the blessings for the entire legion and additional attacks for the entire legion, nothing was lacking. It was now impossible for anyone of the same level to defeat Seong. As Seong reviewed his rewards with amazement, the message confirming the completion of the Forgotten Past Fortress appeared. Seong, along with Kim Che-geon and Jinu, were automatically teleported outside. As the scenery dissolved, they were greeted by a bustling environment. The entire Eternal World was notified that Seong had cleared the Forgotten Past Fortress. Wha, what just happened?! Someone cleared the Forgotten Past Fortress!? Look! The #1 ranking has changed!! Who is Seong!? Whats going on?! Since all the guilds were there, naturally, Seong, who was not affiliated with any of them, was assumed to be an outsider. With that assumption, all guilds went into a state of emergency. Seong! Find this person now!! Bring anyone related to him!! Any clue, even a small one!! Hes an unprecedented player!! We have to find him!! While every guild was in a frenzy, one major guild wasnt participating in the usual way. To be precise, they were participating with a lukewarm response. The guild ranked #12, Sik Brothers. A massive guild with branches in the East Asia server, known for their fiery personalities. They always jumped into the fray loudly when such events occurred. So everyone was puzzled. Why was Sik Brothers, always known for making noise, so quiet this time? Could it be that Seong was part of Sik Brothers? Such a theory was thrown around, but it wasnt the case. If that were true, Sik Brothers would have proudly made it public. No one suspected Sik Brothers. Instead, people were relieved they werent causing a commotion. It was a good thing that one competitor was out of the picture. No one voiced any complaints. Phew. Sik Brothers East Asia Branch scout, Lee Seong-yeong. He was there in the Forgotten Past Fortress as a representative of Sik Brothers, but he wasnt actively making a move. Why? I thought he would cause some trouble, but this much? Lee Seong-yeong had a rough idea of who Seong was. And he knew which guild Seong had joined. Because of that, Sik Brothers didnt move like usual. He was just a little bitter. After all, Lee Seong-yeong had moved first. Unfortunately, he missed out on a massive catch. Phew. If he wasnt frustrated, it would be a lie. With that, Lee Seong-yeong looked up at the sky. Unlike his troubled heart, the sky was perfectly clear. As all the major guilds went into full alert, Rapid Guild was no exception. Though it was a different kind of alert. An ominous silence filled the Rapid Guild meeting room, and no one spoke. The situation was already unfolding. The real question was how Rapid Guild should act in this situation. Only the guildmaster, Rapid, had the authority to make the call. Rapid thought deeply, sighing. Phew. Let me summarize the situation... For the time being, Rapid Guild had sent several of its scouts to the Forgotten Past Fortress to avoid suspicion. Thanks to that, no one suspected Rapid Guild. But now, the question was what to do next. Having Seong in their guild was no problem. In fact, it was a blessing. But how could they maximize the benefits of this situation? After thinking through the entire situation, Rapid spoke, and Kim Jinwoo nodded in agreement. Thats exactly how it is, Guildmaster. Hmmm, then what do you think, Kim Jinwoo? As Rapid spoke, all eyes in the room turned to Kim Jinwoo. They were all curious. They knew Seong was amazing, having seen his videos. But did that mean he could clear the Forgotten Past Fortress? How did he manage to clear it? Well... Seong, or rather, Seong-nim, as he himself said in the video, summoned a Demon Knight. That was a huge factor. Ahh. Really. Everyone sighed in amazement, nodding. He had yet to even reach level 50, and yet he was able to summon a demon. Everyone knew that high-level dark mages could summon demons as they leveled up, but for Seong to summon one so early was unbelievable. There must have been many restrictions, yet he had overcome them. It was no surprise they were all amazed. Well, I was about to upload Seongs video right away, but Ill hold off for now. Several senior members of the guild nodded in agreement. It was indeed a reasonable suggestion. ...After all, if we upload it now... Itll be overshadowed by the Forgotten Past Fortress clear. When do you plan to upload it, then? Rapid paused for a moment before answering. After thinking deeply, he continued. When the hype dies down, Ill upload the Forgotten Past Fortress clear video along with the explosive news. He was going to mix it with a bombshell. Not just any bombshell, but a nuclear bomb. Chapter 51 2. Seong, who always seemed to stir up every conceivable issue, remained blissfully unaware. No, it was more accurate to say he simply didnt care. When he used the Overlord''s Compass, he found himself transported to a dark and massive stone chamber. Around him, peculiar magical lights flickered faintly, too weak to truly illuminate the space. Though their glow settled quietly around the room, they did little to dispel the oppressive darkness. In front of Seong stood a colossal door, large enough to admit giants, fitting for the enormous chamber. Intricate carvings adorned the stone door, depicting countless undead and demons seemingly worshiping a woman hovering high above them. Quite atmospheric, Seong mused, examining the statues and their forms. The figure portrayed unmistakably resembled Helena, the previous Overlord. This was undoubtedly the perfect place for a second job advancement. As Seong approached the massive door, the countless carved undead and demons on it began to gleam with crimson eyes. The undead with their blood-red eyes, along with the horde of demons, began crawling out of the door. Before long, the massive chamber was packed with their menacing presence, numbering in the hundreds. The undead and demons that now filled the chamber seemed vastly different from Seongs Death Legion. For a moment, Seong wondered if they were somehow connected to his Death Legion due to this being the Overlord''s second job advancement site. It seemed they were not. At that moment, glowing text appeared before him. [Prove that you are a ruler.] Seong nodded slightly as he read the message. It wasnt a gesture of confidence or dismissal, but simply an acknowledgment. What perfect timing, he thought. He had been eager for a proper trial. With two new skills to test, he opened the emerald-glowing Gate of the Netherworld, from which his Death Legion began pouring out. Among them, Valtar attempted to stride out confidently but immediately collided with an invisible barrier, his face a picture of confusion. "Huh? Whats going on?" Seeing Valtars bewilderment, Seong smirked and said, "Stay put." "What?!" "If you join, itll be over too quickly." "M-my Lord! Wait, successor! No, my Lord!" Seong casually closed the Gate of the Netherworld, cutting off Valtar mid-protest. He intended to test his new skills, and if Valtar participated, the battle would likely end before he could even gauge their effectiveness. Thus, Valtar was excluded from the summoning. Now then, lets see what these new skills can do. Opposing forces filled the chamber: roughly fifty of Seongs Death Legion facing the undead and demon horde spilling out of the door. Seong extended his hand, activating his first new skill. Crawling Darkness. As he cast the spell, shadows writhed from his grasp like arrows, spreading rapidly across the ground. The darkness seeped into the shadows of the Death Legion, settling over them like a thick fog. Once the darkness had blanketed the entire Death Legion, it surged up again, wrapping around them like a protective shroud. Already brimming with the eerie teal aura of the Netherworld, the Death Legions bodies now grew even more resilient, fortified by the crawling darkness. "Kekeke!""Kihehehe!""Keruh-huh! Kehra!""Kekekeke!""Clatter, clatter!" The Death Legion let out chaotic, guttural roarsnot their usual expressions of devotion or chants of reverence. Instead, they seemed unable to contain the raw power surging within them. Their feral cries caused the opposing undead and demons to flinch and momentarily hesitate. But the Death Legion didnt wait. They charged at their enemies, tearing through them with ferocity. Bolstered by the Crawling Darkness buff, the Death Legion was unstoppable. Crack! Crunch! "Kyaaaaah!""Kiiiiiieeeee!""Clatter, clatter!" Barfurs necrotic arms swept through swathes of undead and demons alike, while the impish Kaishaks razor-sharp tail carved down at least two foes with each strike. The undead goblins and skeletal mercenaries eschewed coordinated tactics for raw individual combat, smashing apart their enemies with sheer force. With every enemy felled, the darkness enveloping them grew thicker, pulsing ominously as it spread. Mist-like shadows billowed outward, heightening the eerie atmosphere, and Seong grinned in satisfaction. What an incredible buff. As Seong marveled, he noticed that for those enemies resilient enough to withstand attacks, sharp, shadowy hands began sprouting from the ground, clutching at their limbs. A debuff effect of Crawling Darkness? he wondered. But no, it was something else. When the number of shadowy hands multiplied, eventually clinging to the necks of their targets, a dark figure emerged behind them. The hands gripping the undeads necks transformed into scythe-like blades. The figure wielded the scythes, slicing through its prey with chilling precision. Before reaching level 50, Seong had obtained the skill to summon the Demon Knight of Blood, Valtar, at level 40. The scenery certainly seemed fitting for a knight bearing the title of the "Demon Knight of Blood." At first, he assumed this might be Helenas altar, but now it was clear: this was Valtars altar. As Seong contemplated, the teal flames atop the altar gathered and merged into a single large flame. The flame roared to life, forming distinct facial featuresa pair of eyes, a nose, and a mouthas if it were alive. The flame, gleaming with intensity, parted its glowing lips and spoke. "Greetings to the descendant of the Mother of All, the Sovereign of All Things Dark." Hmm? Seong tilted his head, surprised that the flame had spoken to him. Noticing his reaction, the flame let out a pleased chuckle. "To think that one so radiant is her descendant. She will be most delighted." The flame flickered with a hint of melancholy at the mention of Helena. Seong, nodding as though in agreement, replied casually. Hmm, yeah. She seemed happy. "...?" The flame wavered slightly, clearly taken aback by Seongs nonchalant response. "Whats this? Is he a rather arrogant descendant?" For the flame, Seongs words were baffling. He spoke of Helena as if he had met her in person, something the flame deemed impossible. Despite its surprise, the flame couldnt outright refute him. After all, it had spoken first. Moreover, it couldnt afford to be disrespectful to the only heir of the Mother of All Darkness. Even if he came across as a bit arrogant, wasnt that his right as Helenas descendant? Clearing its metaphorical throat, the flame continued. "Ahem, welcome, noble descendant." With its words, teal sparks shot out in all directions, exploding like fireworks. The spectacle was dazzling, as if the flame were putting on a grand welcome ceremony. Seong watched the display, slightly taken aback by the elaborate gesture. "I wasnt expecting this much of a welcome. Perhaps its because I proved my worth earlier?" It seemed unusually hospitable. Pleased to meet you as well. Im Seong. At his introduction, the flame seemed to bow its "head," though its form was little more than a floating ball of fire. Seong, unsure how to react, stood silently. Then the flame exclaimed with admiration. "Oh! The Altar of Blood! You have summoned the Demon Knight, Valtar!" Its excitement only confirmed Seongs earlier suspicions. This was indeed Valtars altar. The flame, though amazed, looked at Seong with a faint hint of pity and spoke. "Ah, it must have been arduous. Among the Demon Knights, Valtar is particularly difficult to deal with." ...? Valtar? Difficult? The comment puzzled Seong. Difficult in what sense? Was it something trivial, like being picky about underwear? The tone suggested otherwise, so Seong chose to stay silent. "You must have endured a great deal." Hm? "But worry not. Here at the Altar of Blood, Valtar will pledge unwavering loyalty to you!" Finally, the flames explanation made sense to Seong. "So thats how it works." Without further ado, Seong opened the Gate of the Netherworld and summoned Valtar. "M-my Lord! Have you truly summoned me again? This Valtar is deeply moved!" The flame, apparently called Azrapham, cried out in alarm. "Wait! Im not ready for this! You must stop summoningoh?!" Valtar, noticing the altar, murmured, "Huh? Isnt that you, Azrapham? Oh-ho! Then this place must be..." Before Valtar could continue, Seong interrupted with a pointed question directed at the flame. If hes already pledged loyalty, is there something else I need to do? "Uh... uh... I... suppose not?" Seong gave the flame a bemused look as if to say, Why are you asking me? Chapter 52 3. "This isn''t just a difficulty drop... it''s a complete game changer." Lee Won-sang scratched his head nervously as he stared at Seong''s screen. Simultaneously, he reviewed the data on Azrapham and the Overlord''s second job advancement quest. One of the primary rewards for completing the second job advancement was a skill to command Demon Knights. The quest itself revolved around this theme. But since Seong had already subdued a Demon Knight... This wasn''t just a case of reduced difficulty; it was as if he had already cleared the quest. What am I supposed to do with this? Of course, there was little Lee Won-sang could do at the moment. Even if he ran a program to assign a new quest, that responsibility ultimately lay with Azrapham, the advancement NPC. For now, all he could do was watch. How many options could Azrapham provide? "The Overlord class really operates on an entirely different level." Unlike other classes, which typically gained upgraded versions during their second job advancementsnormal classes evolving into rare classes, rare into epic, and so onAlmighty classes like the Overlord didnt follow that path. Instead, they introduced entirely new mechanics. The Overlord was exceptional even among the Almighty classes. The skill to command Demon Knights, granted at the second job advancement, was proof enough of its uniqueness. Performance-wise, it was already at the pinnacle, so there was no need to choose a new path. The Overlord was already the ultimate sovereign among dark mages. As a result, even Lee Won-sang couldnt predict what kind of reward would replace the usual one. Haah... Senior, so whats going to happen now? I have no idea. What? But since hes already technically cleared the original quest, doesnt that mean hell get an even better reward? ...What? Startled by Junior Agent Oh Jin-hyuks interjection, Lee Won-sang jumped out of his seat. He had a point. This was the foundational principle of Eternal World: rewards were proportional to effort. Park Won, the games creator, had established this system as the ultimate joy for players, ensuring they were always rewarded fairly for their achievements. In other words, the harder the challenge, the greater the reward. If Seong had effectively completed the second job advancement quest ahead of time, then... Lee Won-sangs face turned pale as he scrolled through Azraphams options. Then, one newly appeared choice caught his eye. [Helena''s Garden] ...Oh no. It shouldnt have appeared yet. Helenas Garden was a critical location for the Overlord class. And it was being offered as a reward for a second job advancement? Isnt that supposed to unlock only after completing the post-advancement exclusive quest?! Lee Won-sang needed to verify if this was an error. If it was, he would have to block it immediately. However, the great AI Immortal indicated there was no error. In other words, Seong entering Helenas Garden at this moment was legitimate. Seong had subdued a Demon Knight, and the reward reflected that achievement. This was entirely in line with the philosophy of Eternal World. There was no way to prevent it. Or... was there? Do I even need to stop him? Helenas Garden was designed to unlock only after the second job advancement. If Seong were to enter it now... Could he pass the trials alone? With the Crimson Demon Knight Valtar by his side, it might have been possible. But the trials of Helenas Garden could only be faced by the individual. In his current state, could Seong overcome them alone? "Hmm..." Lee Won-sang didnt know. Even with Seongs use of his mysterious power, the odds were uncertain. Helenas Garden was that difficult. This realization allowed Lee Won-sang to breathe a small sigh of relief. He calmed himself and refocused on the screen. -Hm? About what? -If the heirour successorwere to be injured, or worse, fail the trial, they would never be able to enter this place again! Valtar, instead of offering reassurance, let out a hearty laugh. -Hahaha! Do you really think the Lord, who brought me to heel, would fail such a trial? -W-Well, I suppose... -Ah, but you wouldnt know, Azrapham. You havent seen the Lord fight firsthand. At Valtars self-assured tone, Azrapham gulped nervously. Could the successor truly possess such potential? If so, it would indeed be a great blessing. Valtar, however, was thinking back to what he had witnessed. "What incredible movements." Although Seongs skills were not yet at his own level, his ability as a warrior was exceptional. Valtar recalled the battlefield, where Seongs mastery of the sword was on full display. Initially, Valtar had yielded under duress. But now, he genuinely respected Seongs abilities and was even awed by him. Unlike Helena, Seong actively participated in battles, embodying the qualities of a true sovereign. Though his swordsmanship was currently inferior to Valtars, his potential suggested he might one day surpass him. As Valtar watched Seong enter the garden, he couldnt help but feel pleased. Azrapham, while not doubting Valtars words, couldnt suppress its unease. Finally, it asked hesitantly, -W-What do you think? -Hahaha! Youll see soon enough. Our Lord is no ordinary ruler. And youll understand the greatness of one who bears Helenas legacy. -Excuse me? Valtars cryptic remark only deepened Azraphams curiosity. Yet that curiosity soon turned into a sense of anticipation as it gazed at Seong disappearing into the depths of Helenas Garden. What exactly did Valtar mean? 5. As Seong stepped into the garden, new sights greeted himthings that hadnt been visible from outside. What once seemed merely beautiful now brimmed with a dark, sticky aura that undulated ominously. There hadnt been any noticeable reactions yet, but the air was thick with tension, as if the situation could erupt into chaos at any moment. Sensing this, Seong let out a low hum. Hmm. Even so, he neither worried nor felt particularly tense. He had many powers at his disposal. Casually, he drew the sword of Apprentice Hero Hindel from his waist and began strolling through the garden once more. There were no enemies or monsters in sight. Wouldnt there usually be at least one or two in such a vast garden? Seong wondered as he continued walking. Eventually, he spotted a wide, open lawn at the edge of the garden. Standing in the center of the lawn was... something. Seong approached the figure with confident strides, and as he drew nearer, he could make it out more clearly. Hmm??? It was difficult to describe. A shadow? Or perhaps a beast in the form of a shadow? It was hard to say for certain, but the entity appeared as a blurry mass of darkness, vaguely resembling a shadowy figure standing on two legs. Its posture was odd, almost as if a quadrupedal beast had awkwardly risen to stand upright. Thinking it might be an enemy, Seong adjusted his grip on his sword. The creature turned to face him. Its eyes glimmered with a deep, dark blue light as it tilted its head quizzically. What is this? Seong muttered, puzzled. Just then, a system message appeared before him. [You have encountered a Remnant of the Past.] [This is the guardian of Helenas Garden, the king of all doppelga?ngers, and Helenas beloved pet: Elder Shapeshifter.] [The Elder Shapeshifter is currently in a remnant state, drifting aimlessly in this place.] [Its strength is severely diminished.] [The Remnant of the Elder Shapeshifter perceives you as an intruder.] [The trial for your second job advancement begins.] [Eliminate the Remnant of the Elder Shapeshifter.] Seong read the messages, then loosened his posture slightly, letting his sword hang in a relaxed grip as he prepared himself. The Remnant of the Elder Shapeshifter responded in kind. It stretched its shadowy form, elongating its body unnaturally, before suddenly shifting into a perfect replica of Seong. At that moment, Seong realized something. The Remnant of the Elder Shapeshifter had copied his stats and skills entirely. The air grew heavy with tension, as though a battle could break out at any moment. And then, Seong noticed something peculiar. Peeking shyly from behind one of the gardens columns was a figure identical to the Elder Shapeshifterbut this one was a teal-colored ghost. Ah, uh... H-hello... The ghost stammered nervously before retreating further behind the column. Seeing this, Seong chuckled softly and began loosening his muscles, preparing for what lay ahead. It seemed there would be a lot to gain from this encounter. Chapter 53 Although Seong had noticed the ghost, he decided it wasnt worth paying attention to at the moment. Instead, he dashed toward the shadowy figure that stood before himan exact replica of himself. Moving low to the ground, Seongs speed accelerated, almost as if he were shooting across the terrain. The Remnant of the Elder Shapeshifter flinched as if startled, its shadowy form trembling in response to Seongs approach. The entity mimicked Seongs low stance and began running as well, but its movements werent as smooth or fluid. It didnt make sense. The Remnant had copied everything about Seonghis stats, skills, and movements. So why couldnt it replicate him perfectly? The Remnant briefly pondered this question but quickly dismissed it, focusing instead on Seongs teal-glowing eyes as they drew closer. As expected, Seong thought. While the Remnant had copied his abilities, it couldnt replicate his essence. Seong carried the memories and experiences of countless ghostssomething the Remnant could never duplicate. As they closed the distance, almost colliding, Seong slid low to the ground and swung his sword. The Remnant scrambled to raise its own blade in defense. Clang! A sharp metallic sound reverberated through the garden, sending shockwaves rippling outward. As the two clashed, Seong slid backward, swiftly resetting his stance. The Remnant, however, struggled to recover. The impact of the clash, combined with Seongs rapid maneuvering, left the shadowy figure unable to react effectively. Seong circled behind it and swung his sword again. The Remnant, sensing the attack, rolled forward to evade. But before it could complete the motion, it caught sight of a teal spear forming mid-air, and its shadowy eyes widened. He canceled his swing to use a skill? The Remnant realized it couldnt avoid the attack. Although it braced itself for impact, it knew from its copied knowledge that this skill was unblockable. The teal spear pierced through the Remnants shoulder. Thud! A violent shockwave rippled through its form, shrouding it in darkness. [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is activated!] [Dark damage applied.] [Partial resistance to dark damage detected.] [The Remnant of the Elder Shapeshifter experiences disorientation for 1 second.] Despite its resistance, the 1-second disorientation left the Remnant completely disconnected from its senses, as though it were floating in a void. In its dazed state, the Remnant curled its body defensively, activating a defensive skill: the Blood Veil. One second might seem short, but for Seong, it was more than enough time. The Remnants Blood Veil enveloped it just as Seong charged again. With a swift motion, Seong tore through the Blood Veil with his sword, following up immediately by summoning a barrage of Bone Arrows to rain down on his opponent. As the Bone Arrows and sword strikes landed, shadowy arms began to sprout from the Remnants formfirst one, then two, and finally four. Seeing this, Seong swung his sword again. Slash! The sound of the blade cutting through shadow was unnaturally drawn out. From behind the Remnant, a grim reaper wielding a scythe materialized, its presence radiating death. As the 1-second disorientation ended, the Remnants senses returned, and it immediately felt the overwhelming aura of death looming behind it. It tried to dodge but realized, with growing dread, that the reapers attack couldnt be evaded or blocked. The Remnant also recognized the nature of the attackit was the Mark of Death.@@@@ The reaper transformed its five shadowy arms into scythe-like blades and swung them simultaneously. The scythes struck, severing the Remnants neck with merciless precision. ...! Slice! A surge of excruciating pain spread through the Remnants body. Though its neck wasnt fully severed, the damage and agony were undeniable. The Remnant tried to counterattack, swinging its sword toward Seong, but the strike didnt land. Effortlessly, Seong blocked the attack while continuing to fire Bone Arrows that hit their mark with ease. The Remnant attempted to retaliate with Bone Arrows of its own, but Seongs sword intercepted every one. ...! Unable to speak, the Remnant noticed the shadowy arms growing on its bodynow totaling three. But then, in a firm voice, he declared, I intend to seal this place. If the space is severed, even you, Fiora, wont last long. Will you come with me? I plan to honor Lady Helena outside and build a palace for the new ruler. ... Fiora shook its head. Does that mean it wants to stay? The man regarded Fiora with an expression of understanding. If you remain here... the severed space will consume you. You may be reborn, given your nature, but only in body. Your existence will vanish, leaving behind a new Elder Shapeshifter. Even so, will you stay? ... Fiora hesitated, unable to respond. Its gaze wandered across the garden, taking in the blooming flowers and the starlit sky. Despite the beauty, its eyes shimmered with unshed tears. The man, seemingly understanding Fioras feelings, spoke again. I know this place holds countless memories of Lady Helena and you. Thats why Im sealing itto preserve it perfectly. If, in the distant future, her heir or successor appears, it will reopen. Even so, will you stay? I... Ill stay. ...I see. It was a joy to know you. The man didnt press further. He knew how deeply Fiora cherished the memories tied to this place. And so, the man left the garden. Left alone, Fiora gazed up at the sky. Lady Helena... will I ever see you again? With those words, Fiora felt the space begin to unravel. The world split apart, and the garden was displaced elsewhere. The once-brilliant starry sky became filled with dark clouds, and the space was severed. Yet, Fiora remained, crouched in the garden, staring at the now-vanished sky it once shared with its master. As its body began to disintegrate, Fiora transformed. Its burning form turned into feathers of fire, creating a brilliant, glowing bird. Accepting its fate, Fioras fiery body collapsed into ashes, which scattered across the garden. This was Fioras final act. Seong had watched the entire process unfold, and he understood. This must be after Helenas death. He couldnt identify the man, but for some reason, he suspected it might be the Black Star who had sent the letter from Overpalace. Feeling the quiet loneliness of those left behind, Seong turned away. There, Fioras ghost appeared again, fidgeting awkwardly. -Ah, uh... its... its embarrassing... Seong tilted his head slightly. Was it just him, or did Fiora resemble someone caught revisiting an embarrassing memory? Wasnt that a deeply sorrowful and moving story? And yet, here Fiora was, blushing and looking abashed. Unsure how to respond, Seong cleared his throat. Hmm. -I-I shouldve waited a little longer if Id known the heir was coming... Fiora mumbled, her tone tinged with regret. Seong reassured her. If youd like, would you come with me? He extended his hand. Fioras eyes widened in surprise. A memory stirred within hera long-forgotten day. -Oh? What are you doing here? If youd like, would you come with me? The echo of her past masters voice overlapped with Seongs words. Tears welled in her eyes as she remembered and responded, -May I really do that? Of course. -Of course. The past and present merged as Fiora saw both Seong and Helena reaching out to her. Unable to hold back her emotions, she accepted his hand and spoke the same words she had once said long ago. -I-Ill do my best... Master. [Through an unknown power, you have accomplished something impossible at your current level.] [Intelligence +10 and Wisdom +10 have permanently increased.] Chapter 54 Absorbing Fiora''s memories and experiences gave Seong a deeper understanding of the profound sense of loss she felt after losing Helena. While Seong couldn''t fully empathize with the feeling of having one''s soul ripped apart, he accepted it calmly. After all, Fiora would now be with him, and Helena was also present. "Th-Thank you, Master," Fiora stammered, her timid nature evident. Despite her reserved demeanor, Seong was well aware of the formidable power hidden beneath her meekness. Hmm, I dont really have a suitable place for Fiora right now... The immediate options were limited. Even if there were currently unused Death Soldiers, none of them were at a level befitting Fiora, who had once been the queen of all doppelgangers. However, leaving her as she was would make it impossible for her to accompany him. There was no other choice. As Seong opened the Netherworld, a deep growl echoed. "-Grrrrrrr." A Death Soldier resembling a mole emergeda spirit of the beast Barfur. Though more a spectral form than a physical body, it still qualified as a vessel for souls within the system. This particular spirit, born as an additional creation of the beast Barfur, had been incomplete and devoid of intelligence, having spent a long time in the Netherworld. "Would you like to reside here? Ill find you a better body later." "H-Huh?! T-This one is perfectly fine!" "Even if its just a spirit?" "T-Thank you! Im just grateful to pledge my loyalty to you once more!" Fiora exclaimed, stammering yet again. With enthusiasm, Fiora''s soul fused into the spirit of the beast Barfur. The once savage creature, which had been emitting low growls, now seemed calmer, its gaze softening. It twisted and turned its body as if testing its fit, then nodded in satisfaction. "I-I think I can adapt well enough!" "Oh, thats good to hear." As the highest-ranking species of doppelganger, an Elder Shapeshifter, Fiora seemed capable of adapting to various forms with ease. "Then Ill summon you later." "T-Thank you!" Despite her timid manner, Fiora expressed her gratitude repeatedly before disappearing into the Netherworld opened by Seong. What an unexpected gain. Fioras soul was far more valuable than Seong had anticipated. It was rare to encounter a soul with such exceptional experience and skill. Her presence also provided a staggering 20-point boost in stats, a testament to her strength. So, is the second advancement complete now? With that thought, the event scenecommonly referred to as a cutscenecame to an end. However, even after the cutscene concluded, the ashes left behind from Fioras death remained. It was strange. Usually, remnants like that should disappear. Yet, there they were, untouched. Whats going on? As Seong observed the phenomenon, he noticed something stirring within the ashes. What could possibly remain in a pile that had been completely burned? Looking closely, Seongs curiosity was piqued. "Huh?" From the ashes emerged a tiny shadow, resembling a small droplet. Its form was slime-like, but its nature suggested something more. Was it perhaps the same species as Fiora? Recalling Fiora''s memories, Seong quickly realized what it was. A baby shapeshifter. As the realization struck him, countless system messages appeared before him. [You have completed the second advancement.] [You have become the master of Helena''s Garden.] [You can now access Helena''s Garden at will.] [Helena''s remaining power in Helena''s Garden is fully transferred to you.] [The power of the former Overlord has been inherited.] [You have inherited the power of the past.] [Rewards have been granted.] [As a second advancement reward, you have acquired the Almighty-tier skill Commander of the Legion of Death.] [As a second advancement reward, you have acquired the unique-tier item Shadow Mirror.] [As a second advancement reward, you have become the master of the highest-tier creature Shapeshifter.] [You have tamed a monster.] [You have acquired the title Monster Tamer.] [You have tamed the highest-tier monster.] [You have acquired the title Ruler of Monsters.] [Caution] [The highest-ranking Shapeshifter is a being with innate qualities of a king.] [The Shapeshifter possesses a self-awareness far stronger than typical pets.] [It may disobey commands. Continuous effort is required to handle the Shapeshifter effectively.] The sheer number of messages caused Seong to feel dizzy. Why are there so many? Sorting through the lengthy notifications, he reviewed his rewards. Among them was the ability to access Helenas Garden freely, the acquisition of an Almighty-tier skill, a unique-tier item, and the highest-tier monster as a pet. Additionally, he gained two new titles, bringing the total to three, including the earlier Monster Rookie. Upon enhancement, options will not worsen, but Shadow Mirror will disappear. [Proceed with enhancement?] [Yes / No] Helena?! As soon as Seong saw the name, he instinctively opened the item description. What appeared before him was an item with utterly unbelievable stats. Helenas Maiden Staff Unique+(Growth-Type) Though countless years have passed, the energy within remains vibrant, marking it as the staff of a great ruler. Used by Helena, the Overlord, during her youth. Exclusive to the Overlord class. Mana recovery increased by 15%. Dark magic skill potency increased by 10%. Transforms one item in your possession into a replica while retaining its original effects. Items of equal or lower grade can perform at their maximum efficiency. For items above this grade, only partial effects can be replicated. Original options remain intact even when transformed into another item. The item grows upon fulfilling specific conditions. *If transformed into non-weapon equipment, it does not conflict with the main weapon. ...Isnt this broken? The stats were worthy of a Legendary-grade item rather than Unique+. Not only did it inherit the effects of the Shadow Mirror, but its original effects had also been significantly enhanced. This meant... I can use a sword while also benefiting from the staffs effects? Typically, a player could only equip one main weapon. While Seong had kept his staff tucked at his side, he rarely used it in combat due to this limitation. Unless it was a paired weapon like dual blades, only one weapon''s effects would apply at a time. But now, by transforming the staff into an item like a belt, Seong could enjoy the benefits of both his sword and the staff simultaneously. Even if this had been the only reward for the second advancement, it would have been more than enough. Yet two of the biggest rewards still remained. Seong glanced at the still-dormant baby Shapeshifter in his hand. It was so small it fit entirely in his palm. Its squishy, jelly-like texture resembled a slime, but its softness was unparalleled. Was this truly a highest-tier monster? Its... too cute for that. He considered placing the still-sleeping Shapeshifter into the Netherworld but decided against it. Tossing it into such a place before it even awakened seemed unnecessarily harsh. Instead, he held it carefully in his hand. Since he couldnt access its pet information yet, there was only one thing left to check: the Almighty-grade skill he had obtained by inheriting the Overlords power during the second advancement. Opening his skill menu, Seong found it. Commander of the Legion of Death Almighty [Lv Max][Complete] [Passive Active Effect] The Legion of Death, embodying demise, immortality, and eternity, follows the commands of its ruler. All shall kneel before the ruler. Exclusive to the Overlord class. Consumes mana to raise special Death Soldiers or appoint existing ones as Legion Commanders. Legion Commanders possess power far beyond that of regular Death Soldiers. The number of Legion Commanders that can be created increases with level. Leads and commands the Legion of Death. *At Level 100, a new Legion Commander can be appointed or summoned. This... is? The description suggested the creation of an army that could function as a military force under his command. While it might seem abstract at first glance, a clear comparison came to mind: the Demon Knight summoning skill. The concept was simpleelevating a Death Soldier to the level of a Demon Knight. The Demon Knight Baltar, with his crimson aura, had already served as an example of such command. Of course, Seongs Death Soldiers already operated under an effective hierarchy, but this added layer of organization was welcome. This way, I can have the less intelligent Death Soldiers, created through Add More, follow Baltar and the Legion Commander. The only question now was whom to appoint as the first Legion Commander. While he briefly considered Fiora, she was quickly ruled out. Without a suitable physical body for her yet, appointing her would only limit her potential by tying her to the spirit vessel of the beast Barfur. The better choice was the spirit of the actual beast Barfur, the strongest Death Soldier in Seongs current roster. Given that he could appoint one commander per 100 levels, he could always appoint more later if needed. With that decision made, Seong summoned Barfurs spirit. Ehehehe, Commander Barfur reports to Masters command! As loyal as ever, Barfurs spirit exuded unwavering devotion. Without hesitation, Seong appointed him as the Legion Commander. A radiant turquoise light descended upon Barfurs spirit, who knelt naturally as though compelled by the weight of the appointment. Accompanied by a noble, otherworldly song, the light enveloped him, transforming his aura. Where darkness had once dominated with hints of turquoise light, the balance shifted. Turquoise brilliance now enveloped Barfur, with dark energy swirling around like an aura. [You have appointed Barfurs Spirit as the Commander of the Legion of Death.] [He has grown stronger and now leads the Legion of Death.] Loyalty! Commander Barfur vows to serve Master with even greater devotion! Barfurs voice and energy were more powerful than ever, leaving Seong visibly pleased. Shall we test it out? With the baby Shapeshifter still nestled in his palm, Seong hoped it would awaken soon. Chapter 55 0. Immediately after the emergency meeting of the Rapid Guild concluded, the senior members began dispersing to handle their respective duties. As Kim Jinwoo prepared to leave for his hunting session, two individuals stood in his path: Rysil, the guilds personnel officer, and Grond, the leader of Raid Team 3, known as "The Crusher." Seeing them approach, Jinwoo let out a sigh and shook his head. He had expected this, but seeing it happen for real was still exhausting. He could guess why they had come. Grond was the first to speak. The Demon Knight? How strong is it? Hah. Typical. If not a battle maniac, what else would he be? Jinwoo immediately lowered his head and sighed at the question. Anyone who had heard about the clearing of the Ancient Citadel should already know. Yet here Grond was, undoubtedly eager to hear the story straight from the source. Jinwoo was about to answer when he glanced at Rysil and tilted his head in confusion. What brings you here, Rysil? Its unusual for you to join something like this. Its nothing. Just answer his question first. ...? Go on, Jinwoo, tell us how it went. Despite having already recounted the tale in the meeting, the towering man was stubbornly demanding more details. Jinwoo, clearly eager to avoid further entanglement, answered quickly. The Demon Knight? Among all the summons Ive seen, its the strongest. To beat it at the same level... Id say youd need at least a Legendary-tier player. Hmm, that strong? Thats right. The scariest thing about it is its ability to command legions, though. Commanding legions? I dont care about that. Anyway, if the summon of a rookie is that strong, they must be formidable. I look forward to meeting them. The moment the conversation veered toward strategy and command, Grond lost interest and turned away. Can a team leader really afford to be like that? Watching Grond leave, Jinwoo shook his head in disbelief. However, his attention quickly turned to Rysil, who hadnt left yet. It wasnt like Rysil to involve herself in something like this. Why had she come? As Jinwoo wondered, Rysil ran a hand through her hair with a frustrated expression. Whats bothering her? Just as Jinwoo was about to ask, she sighed deeply and spoke. You mentioned earlier... theres a legion capable of clearing the Ancient Citadel solo? Yes? Oh, yes. Haah... This is troublesome. Why? Whats the issue? Unable to understand her concern, Jinwoo asked for clarification. Shaking her head, Rysil let out another heavy sigh before answering. Is it really right to assign someone that strong to a team? Ah? ...Ah! Weve placed him in Lunas team for now, but if hes at the level you described... Jinwoo nodded as her words trailed off. Then, he added, ...He might not even need a team to clear a raid soon. Raid bosses are usually tackled by teamsoften multiple teams working in coordination. Yet, there are rare instances where individuals manage to defeat raid bosses solo. These individuals are typically among the top-ranked players, known as Single Rankers. Yuna was one such individual. If Seong was already showing similar potential, was it really appropriate to assign him to a team? What should we do? ...Good question. For now, it seems hell join Lunas team soon, especially after completing his second advancement. Even the Guild Master is aware of this. He might... test whether Seong can handle the next raid solo. Thats likely, but the problem is... As Jinwoo hesitated, Rysil nodded and continued for him. Right. Lunas team wont take that lying down. But Luna... shell probably mediate things, right? Shes calm and level-headed. Do you think Luna can handle those lunatics on her team? Haah. Ill go report this now. With another long sigh, Rysil slumped her shoulders and headed toward the Guild Masters office. It was obvious she was going to discuss the matter, but her dejected demeanor made her look pitiful, almost like livestock being led to the slaughter. The system helpfully provided an explanation: [Unable to awaken yet as it was just born.] Hmm, maybe its because its still a baby? Although it seemed to sleep unusually long, Seong brushed it off, assuming it was simply because the creature was exceptionally powerful. He had been hoping to see it move or do something soon, but that would have to wait until it awoke. Now, only one task remained. They told me to let them know after completing the second advancement, right? Seong sent a message to Rapid, informing them that he had completed his second advancement and reached level 57. Would he now join a team to take on a raid boss? They said raid bosses appear starting from the third village. Seong smiled to himself, feeling a small sense of excitement about teaming up with others. Party hunting was enjoyable in its own way, though he couldnt recall having particularly great encounters with people before. Still, this was the guild, so it should be fine, right? For a moment, the word troublemakers, which his sister had mentioned, flashed in his mind. He pushed the thought aside. Surely they wouldnt be actual troublemakers. As Seong was about to move on from the thought, a message from Rapid arrived. [Rapid - First, congratulations on completing the second advancement. But Ive got a bit of a situation... Would you be up for trying a raid solo today? Im asking this privately, so I hope you dont mind.] [Seong - Huh? Does that mean no team-up?] [Rapid - For now, youll officially be assigned to Lunas team, but if you can handle the raid boss solo... Well, well need to make some adjustments. Its just that if youre capable of soloing it, teaming up would be inefficient.] Seong nodded as he read the message. It made sense. Having someone who could solo a raid boss join a team would indeed be a waste of resources. The question was whether he could actually handle a raid boss alone. If they were suggesting it, they must have their reasons, Seong thought. Accepting the logic, he sent a reply. [Seong - Sure, I understand. Ill go along with that.] [Rapid - Sorry for springing this on you out of nowhere. Its just that theres been some discussion within the guild.] The relief in Rapids response was almost palpable. It seemed theyd been worried about how Seong might react. But why would he be upset? Especially after receiving a 2-billion-won signing bonus. Who wouldnt be okay with this after receiving such an enormous sum? [Seong - Thats totally understandable. Its just part of life, right? Hahaha.] [Rapid - Thanks for being so understanding. Oh, and if anyone from Lunas team starts causing trouble, let me know. Luna will try to manage it, but dont tell Yuna about it.] [Seong - Huh? Oh, got it.] Trouble? Were they really the troublemakers his sister had warned about? Scratching his head in mild frustration, Seong received another message from Rapid. [Rapid - Thanks again. Once this is all over, we should renegotiate your contract. Ill push for an increase in your base pay and bonus.] [Rapid - Oh! And if someone does cause trouble, feel free to hit back. You dont have to hold back! Ill message you later with the raid detailsitll probably be in the evening.] [Seong - Hahaha, thank you.] At this rate, hed be willing to let them cause trouble just for the money. This wasnt just pocket change; they were talking about tens of billions. Who wouldnt want to provoke a little trouble for that kind of money? He might even encourage them to stir things up. Laughing to himself, Seong ended the conversation and fell into thought. A solo raid boss, huh. Could he really pull it off? But the thought didnt trouble him for long. Ill figure it out when I try. He wondered if he could claim the raid boss marked on Kahkus treasure map for himself. The idea left him feeling excited as he began stretching lightly in preparation. Alright, time to warm up and get ready for the raid... Just as he was about to start his preparations [Youve received a voice message.] [Seong~ Time for lunch!] Guess Ill eat first. Hearing the cheerful voice of his mother, Lee Na-gyeong, Seong immediately got ready to head out. After all, even battles can wait for a meal. Chapter 56 2. [Eternal World, Eternal World is waiting for you.] As I came out of the capsule to have lunch, I immediately saw Yu Mina with a creepy smile on her face. Why is she acting like that? With a slightly disgusted look, Seong stared at his older sister, Yu Mina, who continued to grin at him and said, Hehehe, first place! My little brother got first place!!! Seeing his sister laugh like a fool and get so excited, Seong couldnt help but look at her with even more disdain. Why is she like this? Really. Its a big deal, sure, but... Maybe its because Seong didnt feel it that strongly yet? He couldnt understand why his sister was making such a fuss. It wasnt just the fuss; that disgusting smile was even worse. He wanted to avoid it at all costs. Shes acting like this even though her record was taken. Is she really that happy? Since she had been in first place before. It felt a bit bad to surpass her record, but... When she acted like that, any feeling of guilt disappeared. Even though Seong stared at her, Yu Mina didnt care and kept talking loudly. Hehehe! Mom! Mommaaa! Seong got first place!! Geez! Seriously, sister!!! After a while of trying to calm her down, they headed to the living room. Seeing the prepared meal and the bickering siblings, their mother, Lee Na-gyeong, laughed and said, You two get along so well today~ Sigh... Mom, please stop her. No! Mom, Seong got first place in the game! Why would you stop me from saying that? Oh my? Seong got first place~? You should be proud! Why stop that? Huh? Unfortunately, their mother, Lee Na-gyeong, wasnt on Seongs side either. It was a bit embarrassing and made him feel shy as his sister and mom kept boasting about him while he ate. He barely noticed whether the food went in his mouth or nose as he quickly ate it. Yu Mina and Lee Na-gyeong just chuckled watching him. Though Seong usually remained calm and indifferent, he was clearly weak to compliments like this. After quickly finishing his meal, Lee Na-gyeong said, Stop teasing him, eat slowly, or youll get a stomachache. Cough, yes... See, you take after your dad~ Dad? Ah, I guess Dad does get super embarrassed when he gets praised. Hmph. When the conversation was about to continue, Seong seemed lost in thought. The topic quickly shifted. So, what did you get for getting first place? A hidden piece? Yeah, there hasnt been a clear for a while, so you mustve gotten something amazing. Oh, a Legendary-grade item. Wait, you already got that??? Getting a Legendary-grade item under level 50? Even Yu Mina, who was the top-ranked player, had never gotten a Legendary item below level 50. It was indeed surprising. Seeing his sister''s shock, Seong realized just how significant it was. He hadnt been good at games, so distinguishing these things was difficult for him. Since the conversation had come up, he decided to ask. What do you think of my status window right now? Where? Where? As Seong said that, he opened the status window on his phone. He handed it over to Yu Mina. ??? Yu Mina stared at it with confusion, blinking rapidly. She continued to stare, still looking puzzled, even putting down her spoon. He had thought his stats would be decent. But was it really that bad? Seong thought to himself as he watched Yu Mina. Yu Mina then spoke with a tone of disbelief. This... Does this even make sense??? The skills... Is it really that good? Yu Mina nodded vigorously, her face trembling with excitement. Their mother, Lee Na-gyeong, who had been quietly watching, now spoke up, clearly intrigued. She probably became curious after hearing that her son was doing so well. Yu Mina, in response to her mothers question, nodded with a shaky face. If Rapid knew what Seong was thinking now, they probably wouldnt have said that. But the damage had already been done. 3. The quiet atmosphere of an office. Various Gothic-style desks, sofas, and interior items filled the room, with bookshelves packed tightly on the walls. It wasnt so much a vintage look as it was the typical office of a busy person. The quality of the furniture made it appear even more imposing. At the desk, a woman sat, buried in a chair, with a monocle and her blonde hair tied in one side, creating a graceful and delicate appearance. The Guild Leader of the Rapid Guild, Rapid. She was sighing deeply, almost as if the earth itself was cracking beneath her. Recently, she had become so busy she couldnt even find a moment to breathe. She had only brought one rookie in, and now this. Sighing again, she thought, Well, the rookie is the best one weve ever had, so its to be expected... Even so, wasnt it all too overwhelming? The internal structure of the guild had always been tough to handle, but it was well-established. So, she thought she could just deal with it. But then, her thoughts went to the possible problems with Lunas team. She had warned Seong about it, but it was still unclear how Lunas team would respond. I know Seong wont just let things slide... The possibility that Seong might consider switching guilds or even going independent worried her. He didnt like anything troublesome, so she didnt think that would happen, but... Still, she had to prepare for any unexpected outcomes. If she asked him what he wanted, he probably wouldnt say anything. So, the best approach was to give him the best possible treatment the industry had to offer. As Rapid was calculating all this, a message popped up. [Luna - Weve arrived at Trinium.] Hmm... She hadnt expected those words to sound so unsettling. Rapid replied to Lunas message. [Rapid - Ill send Seongs number to Luna, and from now on, it would be best if Lunas team contacts him directly.] [Luna - Okay, understood, Guild Leader. But even though Im trying to talk them down, they seem to be really upset.] Haah... Here it comes. But there was nothing she could do. She had to let them handle it. [Rapid - Ive already informed Seong, so please try to calm them down. If things get out of hand, let me know.] [Luna - Okay! I understand. Thank you!] Rapid closed her eyes and sighed again. She was personally acquainted with Lunas team leader, but there was nothing she could do. Sorry, Luna! She had no choice because she was so busy herself. After sending the reply, Rapid tried to refocus on her work. The moment when everyone would gather was approaching, but she didnt want to worry about it. Even as time passed and Lunas strange messages poured in, she ignored them. [Luna - Guild Leader? Somethings going wrong.] [Luna - Is this okay?] [Luna - Oh my god! Rapid, please!!! Please pick up your phone!!! Whats going on!!!] [Luna - I dont know what to do!!!] [Luna - @!$!%@!#@!@!#@!#!^%$*#&%#@!%] Rapid could see the messages clearly, but she calmly sipped her tea and looked out the window. The view outside, from her high elevation, showed a gloomy sky filled with dark clouds. Looking at it, Rapid smiled serenely and said, The weathers nice. [Luna - Noooooo!] 4. The third village, Trinium, was famous for its beautiful scenery. It was surrounded by high mountain ranges that seemed to touch the sky, creating a landscape that made the sky appear as though it had been split into three parts. Strictly speaking, Trinium wasnt exactly a village but a small town, with a population of tens of thousands. It was a town of considerable size, with a population comparable to a small city. Despite its beautiful exterior, Trinium was frequently attacked by monsters due to the surrounding high mountain ranges. It was a natural fortress that protected it from invasions from other towns or countries. However, it was vulnerable to monsters. Because of that, strong city walls had been built, and despite being a small town, it was well-defended. Among the third-tier towns, it was one of the more significant ones, and four people arrived, each wearing the guild emblem of the wind spirit. As the players noticed them, their eyes widened in surprise. The Rapid Guilds Rookie Team 1. Lunas team had arrived in Trinium. Chapter 57 As Lunas team arrived in Trinium, a commotion broke out at the entrance. Wow!? No way!!! Thats... thats Rapid Guild, isnt it!? No... no way!!! Wait?! Isnt that Lunas team, the one leading the Rookie Team?! No way!? Its really her! Luna! Please look over here!!! Eldzahar is with them too!!! Eldzahar!!! Gasp! Its Hwa-Wol!!! Ahhh! Longfeng is here too!!! It wasnt because Rapid Guild was particularly popular. It was because Lunas team was already famous within the Rapid Guild. People couldnt help but go wild. They were the most well-known party at this level. The crowd rushed over, eager to catch a glimpse of them, swarming like clouds. Im a fan! I saw the Cloud Giant Raid last time!!! I also saw the Goblin Assault Leader episode!!! I saw the Glacier Warrior video too!!! Im a fan!!! Wow, to think Id see Rapid Guilds Luna Team in real life!!! You came to Trinium!!! Are you here for a raid?! Of course, you idiot! However, despite the chaos and the excited crowd, Lunas team moved toward their appointment location. Ignoring the welcoming users, Lunas team continued on. Among them, Longfeng, with a smirk, muttered, Ah, the new kids slacking, coming in last. Ill have to give him a real lesson. The woman standing in front of the party, wrapped in a robe, glared at Longfeng, who casually spoke, and said coldly, Longfeng, watch your words. Yeah, yeah~ Whatever you say, Team Leader~ Longfeng replied with a grin. The woman, who was in front of the robe, Luna, furrowed her brow. She wanted to retort, but there was no time for that. Though it wasnt too late yet, she had to head to the meeting point early. So, she quickened her pace. They were soon to arrive. Ill report in first, Luna said as she sent a message to Rapid. Just as Luna was reporting, Longfeng asked, intrigued, Hey, how do you think the Binding Mage will handle this? Hmm, what? The seductive woman, wearing revealing mage gear and a large-brimmed hat, yawned lazily, hearing the mention of the Binding Mage title. She was Lunas teams mage, Elzahar. When she asked back, Longfeng didnt seem surprised. Elzahar was always laid-back, so he knew she would answer casually. Thats why he asked directly, Dont you think the new guys a bit too cocky? Huh? At Longfengs comment, Elzahar let out a condescending snort, showing mild interest. But that was as far as it went. She closed her eyes and tilted her head up, as if saying it wasnt a big deal. It was Elzahars habit to meditate when something bothersome arose, staring at the sky. Seeing that, Longfeng turned his attention to another team member, visibly frustrated. The woman, dressed in typical ranger gear, had a fierce expression. Hey, opposite Archer. What do you think? The ranger, called the opposite archer, looked down at Longfeng, her eyes full of disdain, as if she had just seen something disgusting. Her sharp gaze and fierce expression made an undeniable impression. This fierce-looking ranger was Lunas teams ranger, Hwa-Wol. Hwa-Wol, either angry at Longfengs words or always angry, responded sharply, Because its trash. Dont talk to me, you failure thief. Youre just as arrogant. Is there anyone in this team, other than Luna, who isnt a damn fool? Longfeng, feeling a bit taken aback by the insults, shrugged his shoulders. Longfeng, called the failure thief, was Lunas teams thief position. Though the words were offensive, they werent far from the truth. And it seemed he wasnt the only one bothered by the new recruit. Looking at Hwa-Wols attitude, it didnt seem like she was fond of the new guy either. However, there was a slightly unfamiliar addition. [Shapeshifter has not awakened yet.] [Shapeshifter hatching is incomplete.] [Until hatching, Shapeshifter cannot receive any damage.] Ah. So, thats why it hadnt awakened yet? The fact that it couldnt take damage was a relief. He could still keep it in his front pocket. Seong pressed on the Shapeshifter again, and it began to ripple like a slime, sending waves throughout its body. The squishy sensation felt quite nice. Since the Shapeshifter didnt need any attention, Seong thought, Should I head out right away? To the third village, Trinium? Since Seong hadnt completed the quest yet, it took him a little longer to get there. But it didnt take too long. The quest was simple enough. As soon as Seong arrived at the third village, he registered Lunas friend code, given to him by Rapid, and contacted her. The meeting point was one that Rapid had told him to get from Luna. When Seong reached out, he got a response. [Seong C Hello. This is Seong, the new recruit. I look forward to working with you. Ive arrived in Trinium, and Rapid said I should get the meeting point from Team Leader Luna.] [Luna C Ah! I received the message. Nice to meet you. Theres a hill in Trinium village. Can you come to the entrance of the hill?] [Seong C Yes, understood. Thank you.] [Luna C No problem. Let me know when you arrive.] The conversation ended there. Since Trinium was close to a small city, it took a fair amount of time to move around. But the hill was clearly visible, so Seong didnt lose track of the location and arrived safely. As Seong got there, there were several people around, but only one group wore the emblem of Rapid Guild. Seeing the team made up of four members, Seong couldnt help but admire them briefly. They look strong. There was no status window or information visible. But based on the memories and experiences from the many ghosts hed interacted with, it was clear that they looked strong. Kim Che-geon was one of them as well. Naturally, Seong walked over to them and asked, Is this Rapid Guilds Luna team? At Seongs question, Luna was the first to nod and respond, Thats right. Im Luna, the one you contacted. Ah! Team Leader, nice to meet you. Im looking forward to working with you. No, its me who should be thanking you, Seong. No, its not like that. Seong cleared his throat awkwardly, and for a moment, the stares from the other team members felt particularly sharp. Why were they looking at him like that? Before Seong could figure out why, Longfeng spoke first, cutting in with a remark. Well, we dont really have a name to call such a cocky rookie. Hmmm, Ill agree this time~ Shit, I didnt expect to agree with the failure thief. The three of them reacted aggressively, and Luna was caught off guard. What were they doing? Why were they so in sync today? Was the unity Longfeng mentioned earlier for real? For a brief moment, Luna had some strange thoughts, but she quickly composed herself. Though she was still confused, she urgently shouted, Whats going on...? Well, she tried to shout. But it was Seong who surprised them with an unexpected response. Ah, well, shall we go? Its like an initiation, right? They say theres a duel arena from the third village, so we can head there. ...? ??? Eh??? Hmm??? Luna, Longfeng, Hwa-Wol, and Elzahar all stared at Seong, bewildered. Seong, as if it was normal, said, Huh? Lets go already. What in the world was going on? There was no one on Lunas team who understood the situation. Chapter 58 As Seong walked ahead, the rest of the team followed, not fully understanding what was happening. Before long, they reached the duel arena. At first, Seong had been a little confused by the path, but the directions were clear enough, and he soon found his way. When they arrived at the arena, Longfeng looked at the others to confirm they were in the right place. Now that they were somewhat back to their senses, the others shook their heads. A rookie who dragged them to the duel arena for an initiation? Theyd never heard of such a thing. Even Lunas usually reckless team hadnt gone that far. They might be aggressive at times, but theyd never politely lead someone to a duel arena for a so-called initiation. This was the first time they had ever seen anything like this. Had they really been brought here for a duel? Is this how initiations were done? Longfeng, Hwa-Wol, and Elzahar exchanged confused glances. It wasnt like they could back out now. Seong had politely invited them, but wasnt this essentially a duel request? If they backed out now, it would only make them look afraid. But if theyd come all this way, what was the deal? What the hell is going on? Hmm, whats the situation here? This is some bullshit... While their thoughts were jumbled, Seongs thoughts remained clear. I was told not to hold back if they start trouble. Honestly, he didnt fully understand the whole initiation thing. But if he was going to raid solo, he needed to show he had the strength to do so. And the best way to demonstrate that was through a direct clash, wasnt it? Thats why he had brought them to the duel arena. Seong was prepared to take on the initiation without hesitation. He thought this was what they meant by not holding back. Though that wasnt really the case, was it? Perhaps it was for the best? A duel arenas the perfect place to show off without getting personal. It was a reasonable enough approach, but seeing the others so puzzled made Seong wonder if something had gone wrong. But it was too late now; they were already here. As Seong loosened up his body, the others reacted. What do we do now? Hmm, I guess you should go first? Youre the weakest after all. Reluctantly, Longfeng stepped forward, guided by the looks from Elzahar and Hwa-Wol. Before he could confirm anything, Seong spoke up without hesitation. So, since Im raiding alone, well all fight at once, right? ...Huh??? ...? ??? Wait, I didnt mean it like that! Luna, in a panic, tried to explain, but her words didnt seem to reach the others. Seongs misunderstanding was only made worse by his comment. Oh, so its the three of you, then? It was like throwing gasoline on a fire. And naturally, that triggered them. Luna tried to explain, but it was already too late. The damage had been done. No, thats not Hm! Hm! Team Leader, its fine. Its fine. If we dont take care of this, arent we the seniors here? Hmm, this is really making me angry~ ... Longfeng cut Luna off, and even Elzahar, who was usually calm, now had a fierce look in her eyes. Hwa-Wol, always brash, could only respond briefly. Their anger was at a boiling point. Luna realized that she couldnt stop them anymore and quickly tried to contact Rapid. But there was no reply. With her head pounding, she realized there was nothing more she could do. While she fumbled with her phone, the group had already entered the duel arena. The match-up was clear: Longfeng, Elzahar, and Hwa-Wol were on one team, while Seong stood alone. Ahhh, what now?! Luna found herself in the stands, where some of the spectators recognized the team members. It was no surprise, considering how famous they were. Hey, isnt that the Luna team from Rapid Guild? Wait, really!? Longfeng, Elzahar, and Hwa-Wol are there too!? Lunas not with them, but the others are! But their opponent is just one person?! This is ridiculous!!! The duel arena system prompt popped up in the air. [3] ... [2] ... [1] ... ... [0] As the final countdown began, time seemed to slow down for the three of them. They had focused harder than ever, making the seconds feel like they stretched on. Longfeng and Hwa-Wol, whose awareness had sharply increased, moved to close the distance, while Elzahar remained still, almost as if rooted to the spot. The first to activate a skill was Elzahar, who had remained motionless. Chwarr... Clink! Clink! Vooooooom! The sound of multiple chains moving and the clanging of solid iron gates closing echoed through the arena. It seemed like a binding-type spell. But the target of the spell wasnt anyone elseit was Elzahar herself. Chains of ice rose from the ground and shackled her limbs, while a massive ice prison descended from the air and enclosed her. Elzahar was completely bound, but a monstrous amount of mana surged from her. Fwoooosh! The more she was bound, the more her mana and magical power grewthis was a characteristic of Elzahars class. Seong watched in fascination, his eyes wide. He didnt know much about the other twos classes yet. Longfeng looked like a thief, and Hwa-Wol seemed to be an archer. However, he couldnt understand why an archer like Hwa-Wol would want to close the distance. There must be a reason. Seong opened the Netherworld. Shhhhh! A turquoise aura spread out, and a portal appeared in the air. Several turquoise portals opened, and through them, the Death Legion Commander, Baron Barfur, and twenty of the No-Ghul Legion leapt out. All of them looked like ghouls, devoid of intelligence. But... At the wave of the Legion Commander, Baron Barfur, a spark of intellect ignited in their eyes, and their turquoise auras flared. Dedicate victory to the master! Engage them with full force! Do not mind the mage in the back! At Baron Barfurs command, the No-Ghul ghouls rushed forward faster than any speed the trio had seen. Longfeng and Hwa-Wol, who had been closing the distance, swung their weapons at the first ghouls charging at them without hesitation. Longfeng, appearing to be a thief, gripped his daggers and swiftly swung them through the air. All his attacks missed their mark on the No-Ghul ghouls. But after five failed strikes, A bluish aura filled Longfengs two daggers, and a sharp sword light slashed through the air in an X-shape, slicing through the surrounding ghouls. Clink! Five of the No-Ghul ghouls fell at once. Was he intentionally failing his attacks to build up stacks and strengthen his next move? Interesting. Seongs eyes gleamed as he watched. It was a fascinating class. And Longfeng wasnt the only one being attacked. The No-Ghul ghouls charging toward Hwa-Wol, the archer, had expected her to be weak up close. But they were wrong. Normally, archery weapons lose their power when used in close combat. But Hwa-Wols bow was different. Shiiiing! Thwip! After closing the distance, Hwa-Wol drew the bowstring to its limit and fired an arrow. The ghouls that had gotten too close exploded into pieces in an instant. A total of seven ghouls were destroyed. That was two more than Longfengs five. But what was strange was that, with such explosive power, the arrow shouldve pierced through and destroyed more ghouls, yet it was as if the arrow had exploded like a shotgun, leaving no trace of penetration. Was she a close-range archer? Both of them are interesting. But even more fascinating was Elzahar, still bound in place. Using the increased mana and magical power granted by her bindings, she cast a wide-reaching spell. A beam of icy cold, as if condensed from a blizzard, shot out and swept through the No-Ghul ghouls in an instant. And as if she still had power left, Elzahar tried to strike at Seong. But... BAM! Baron Barfurs massive arm blocked her spell, causing the magic to unravel. With most of the No-Ghul ghouls gone, Seong nodded and used the Death Legion again. The twenty original No-Ghul ghouls were now doubled in number, and as he opened the Netherworld once more, another wave of No-Ghul ghouls emerged. This time, there were sixty in total. But that wasnt all. Another twenty Skeleton Mercenaries jumped out as well. Seongs forces had increased to eighty. The absurd number of troops made Hwa-Wol mutter, This game is so messed up. It was high praise. Chapter 59 6. As the Trio destroyed most of the enemy forces, thunderous cheers erupted from all around. Whoa! Just as expected!!! The Luna Team is on a whole different level!!! From the footage, it looked like the Demon Kings army, but now that I see it in person, its nothing special!? Even so, just the fact that theyre fighting against the Luna Teams Trio is amazing!!! Supporters of the Luna Teams Trio were ecstatic, praising their impressive skills. It was clear that their high level of expertise was being recognized, and they were being hailed as one of the most popular teams. However, there were also plenty of supporters for Seong. That Commander Undead looks strong, but is he the leader? Didnt you see him block Elzahars Ice Beam earlier?!? He effortlessly blocked that terrifying attack with just one arm! Dont underestimate him! If you can block Elzahars attack with one hand, thats incredible!!! I dont know about the other undead, but that one is something else. Who wouldve thought wed get to witness a battle of this level...!! The common sentiment among the crowd was that this was an incredibly high-level fight. Whether supporting Seong or the Luna Teams Trio, both sides acknowledged each others strengths. Even Luna, watching from the stands, felt the tension in the air. Although Seongs forces had been swept away in an instant, Well, its not over yet. Did he purposely summon weaker soldiers first? From Lunas perspective, that seemed likely. But how would it play out? Just as she was thinking this, the fallen Ghoul Undead from Seongs formation suddenly rose to their feet. The crowd, who had been about to cheer, now paused in confusion. And Luna, thinking it was just the beginning, felt a strange tension in the air. Seongs side didnt stop with the ghouls rising. A cyan-green portal opened once again, summoning additional reinforcements. But something felt off. ...Whats this? Luna and the Luna Teams Trio, positioned at the forefront, were the first to notice the oddity. The audience gradually started sensing something strange. These new ghouls had an ominous aura, different from the previous ones, and stood with weapons drawn, poised for combat. Their stance, demeanor, and energy were all sharply different from the usual undead. What, what is this? Their energy is completely different from before! Those ones who just fell, they seemed similar to the others... Whats going to happen? Theyre moving... The strange atmosphere deepened as Seongs side began to move first. The Luna Teams Trio, including Hwa-Wol and Longfeng, furrowed their brows. A legion of more than 80 soldiers. That was quite troublesome, but they werent unbeatable. If they were at the same level as before, it would be manageable. But it was different now. Whats going on? ...This feels wrong. Both of them sensed something off, and as they stepped back, the newly summoned creaturesunlike anything beforerushed toward them under the command of the ghoul general, Barfur. Their movements were too sharp to be ignored. Leaping forward, they closed the distance in no time, surpassing the usual undead. The ghouls and skeleton mercenaries, now much fiercer than before, approached at incredible speed. It wasnt just the newly summoned undead; even the previous ones were now operating on a different level. And it was not just the undead in Seongs forces that surprised everyone. In the rear, Elzahar, who had been preparing a spell, made his move. Ice Burst! As Elzahar finished his chant, a blast of freezing cold swept through the area. The Ice Burst aimed to freeze anything it touched. But in response, Seongs rear ranks, specifically the Skeleton Mages, also completed their chants. Clatter, clatter! (Flames grasp.) Crack! Crack! (Flames breath.) Thud! Thud! (Flames wall.) The flames collided with Elzahars Ice Burst, creating a thick mist of steam all around. The unsettling green light from the undeads eyes filled the air, and the crowd, as well as the Trio, could feel the shivers run down their spines. W-whats that? Wait, did they just block Elzahars Ice Burst!? Wait, undead, and Skeleton Mages?!? Even top-tier players would have a hard time dealing with this...! Whoa! Some gasped in awe, while others trembled in fear, watching the scene unfold.@@@@ The Luna Teams Trio felt a chill down their spines as they used their skills to clear the mist and secure their vision. Once the fog cleared, what they saw was a group of Skeleton Warriors charging toward Hwa-Wol and Longfeng. The only sound now was the advancing march of the undead emerging from the cyan-green portal. Chik! Chik! Chik! Chik! The marching sounded like an invading Demon Kings army, a death legion filled with hatred for all the living. They advanced toward Seong, pledging their loyalty. Elzahar, bound in place, unleashed his area-of-effect magic, but it was blocked by the Skeleton Mages. Longfeng and Hwa-Wol tried to break through, but the Goblin Undead swiftly moved to support the Skeleton Warriors and the ghoul-like creatures, coordinating their efforts. No matter how much Longfeng and Hwa-Wol tried to counter, they were blocked by the mindless ghouls or the sturdy shields of the Skeleton Warriors. Meanwhile, the Goblin Undead, with their agile movements, darted forward, and the ghouls, with their long claws, looked for openings to attack. The Skeleton Warriors, with their polished and heavy swordsmanship, pressed forward relentlessly. The Trios faces began to show signs of strain as their attacks were increasingly ineffective. The anger they had felt earlier faded, leaving only the desperation of survivors. But even that didnt last long. Overwhelmed by the advancing forces, they were buried, and once Elzahars binding was shattered, the battle was over. And that was the end of it. ...... ...... ...... A silent stillness fell over the arena, with not a sound to be heard. The undead lowered their stances and bowed their heads in reverence to Seong, as had been foreseen. With a snap of his fingers, Seong opened the gate to the afterlife. The Demon Kings army vanished through the cyan-green portal, just as they had appeared. And the only one left in the arena was Seong. In the eerily quiet space, only the sound of Seongs footsteps could be heard as he left the arena. Thud. Thud. Thud. No one spoke or moved until he was gone. As Seong disappeared from the arena, the audience finally exhaled in relief. Phew! Insane!!! W-what did I just see?!? W-who said it wasnt like the video?! Crazy! Its real! Hes insane!!! Everyone thought the rookie who broke down the past stronghold was finished...!!! Thats not it! He didnt even care!!! Shouts of admiration and amazement echoed from all around. Even Luna, just as stunned, was unable to say a word. She could only stare, mouth agape. How could he defeat the Trio like that? But now wasnt the time for thinking about that. Luna hurriedly rose from her seat and set out to find her comrades. But how was she going to report this? In a distressed state, Luna ruffled her hair in frustration. Damn it... Whyd they have to fight...! Chapter 60 0. After their defeat, the TrioLongfeng, Hwa-Wol, and Elzaharstood outside the arena, dazed. An unfair fight? Overwhelmed by the enemys numbers? Some might think so, but at least not the three of them. In fact, anyone who watched that battle would agree that no one could say such things. It was a war. The fact that they entered with just the three of them meant their defeat had already been decidedthey were the only ones who hadnt realized it. All three of them felt it in that moment. If the team leader had been here... Would it have been different? ...Damn it, no way. At Hwa-Wols final harsh curse, both Longfeng and Elzahar nodded. Luna, the team leader of the Luna Team, was the strongest among the Rapid Guild rookies. But even with her in the fight, there would have been no way to win. It was like how humans couldnt overcome natural disasters. Seong was that kind of existence. Rookie? Newbie? Such words couldnt even begin to describe him. That was Seong. They had intended to crush him. But instead, they were the ones crushed. The last thought they all shared was one. Was that really his full strength? ... ... Neither Longfeng nor Hwa-Wol could answer Elzahars question. In fact, they didnt want to answer it. They wanted to believe that was Seongs full strength. If there had been more power... Then what they had done was just like trying to break a rock with an egg. Or maybe, even now, that was still the case?@@@@ Yeah, that couldnt have been his full power. It had to be his strength~ Damn it, even if that was his full strength, its still a problem... Even though the three of them had unique+ grade jobs, they couldnt even touch Seong. No matter how legendary someone was, they hadnt shown that kind of strength. Luna had a Legendary grade job, so the Trio knew well. But what they had felt was power that surpassed Luna, which wasnt just skill or talent. It came from the pure performance of a classs abilities. Was there just one more? An Almighty grade? They swallowed hard, the sound echoing in the quiet. A sense of certainty began to settle in. So, it was true. If anyone could do it... it might be Seong. Could he clear it? Maybe~? Damn it, make some sense. The Trios opinions were divided. Longfeng was hopeful it was possible. The others were more skeptical. No matter how much Seong had, doing it alone would still be tough. I mean, damn it, even Yuna, after hitting level 100 and class changing, did solo raids, and its already insane to even think about solo raiding. But if that idiot did it, of course, it would fail, idiot. Hwa-Wol said with frustration. Despite his harsh words, everyone could only agree with him. Ah... thats true. Thats true~ Second, despite being a lower-level raid boss, it had a name. While most raid bosses did have names, it was rare for them to be named. The ones that were named tended to have exceptional power for their level range. Anemor was one such boss. But the problem was that, even with a name, it was far too powerful. No guild, whether a large guild or one in the top rankings, had been able to defeat it. Luna Team was no different. Hmmm, so youre saying its extremely strong for its level, right? Luna Team had already attempted the raid more than five times. Yet, they had not even seen phase 2 yet. It was a humiliation, but none of the guilds had lasted longer or pushed the boss as far as Luna Team had. Still, they hadnt even made it past phase 1. Yes, weve shared all of Anemors phase 1 skills with you. Thank you. Um... Luna spoke, hesitating for a moment before closing her mouth again. She was concerned that her next words might be impolite. But then, Hwa-Wol spoke first. If youre about to fail, well join in. Pardon? Seong looked at them, puzzled. Hwa-Wol sighed, preparing to speak. No matter how strong Seong was, if he couldnt do it alone, it was natural to step in. What mattered now was the honor of being the first to clear it for Rapid Guild. It was something all members of Rapid Guild knew. Hwa-Wol had intended to mention it to Seong, but then... Isnt that obvious? Huh? Hmm? Huh? Eh? Seong spoke as though it was a given, and his expression made the four of them seem lost for words. Well, it was obvious. But, since they worried that Seong might be too proud to accept help, they were about to mention it. Now, with Seong''s matter-of-fact attitude, they looked like fools for even considering it. If its impossible alone, of course, we all need to join in. Isnt that what teaming up is for? ... ... ... ... It was so logical that they couldnt even argue with it. Seongs question made them feel like they were the ones who misunderstood. The concern that Seong might be too proud turned out to be their own mistake. Oh, no, of course. I just wanted to let you know, since this might be your first raid. You know... there are more people who dont know than you might think. Ah, I see. Seong nodded as if he understood, and the others exhaled in relief. With the briefing over, they stood up. Shall we go now? Already? Seongs comment made them look at each other, confused. Normally, after a briefing, they would discuss their roles and strategies for collaboration. But Seong stood up immediately, as if the information alone was enough. Did that mean he was ready to go right away? The others stood up, still uncertain whether this was arrogance or ignorance. Given Seongs track record, they werent sure whether to question him. This will be fun. Seong said with enthusiasm. The others exchanged looks of tentative agreement. They were curious to see what strategy Seong would employ. Despite everything, they didnt think Seong would succeed alone, but if the four of them preserved their strength until the later stages... If we join in the later stages... This could be really exciting~ ... Maybe, just maybe... They felt like this could be the time. As they thought about it, Seong was lost in his own thoughts. First, I need to increase the number of troops that can operate in the air. Chapter 61 2. The sound of the insect''s wings flapping spread an ear-piercing shrill that felt like it would tear one''s eardrums. Its size was so enormous that even its mere attack could be considered dangerous. Buuuuuuuuuung! The sharp sound of its wings. Its head had sharp mandibles sticking out like pincers, and a venomous stinger that glistened ominously at the end of its abdomen. Its arms, resembling the legs of a praying mantis, were as sharp as sickles. A Giant Killer Bee. Despite being a level 60 monster, it preferred to live in groups, making it one of the least hunted creatures around. But even they... Were powerless against overwhelming numbers. Swoosh! Squeak!@@@@ The wings and neck of the Giant Killer Bees were effortlessly severed by the swords of the Skeleton Warriors as they plunged to the ground. The Skeleton Warriors, like farmers harvesting crops, merely swung their swords as if it were routine. With every swing, two or three of the bees would fall to the ground. If they didnt die from the fall, Goblin Undead and Ghoul monsters would immediately appear to take their lives. Seong observed this indifferently, as if it was nothing extraordinary. ...Is this really right? ...Were Giant Killer Bees always this weak of monsters~? ...No way, that cant be true. ...Im at a loss for words. Only the Luna Team, watching from the sidelines, seemed stunned. Was hunting always this easy? All four of them marveled at the spectacle. Then, as the Giant Killer Bees rose again as death soldiers, things became even easier. With airborne units joining the fray, the bees were swept away like a massacre. They thought they were hunting more easily than others, but this was on a completely different level. How many had they hunted by now? A radiant white light began to emanate from Seong''s body. The effect was all too familiar. [Level Up!] Despite leveling up, Seong didnt particularly feel any joy. It had become so routine for him that it barely even registered anymore. Hmmm. More important than the level up, Seong turned his attention to the Giant Killer Bees. The Giant Killer Bee with a soul was the same level as a thirty-level one created by Add More. Would that be enough? Seong counted them mentally and nodded his head. Seems like its fine. Shall we head for the raid then? ...Yeah, lets go. Luna responded absentmindedly, while the others didnt even manage to reply. Could it be because they had fought directly? The remaining three didnt say a word, merely nodding their heads in agreement. Seong, having been briefed beforehand, headed toward the location where Anemore was situated. It wasnt far from here, so it didnt take long. Upon arrival, as expected, people sporting various prestigious guild emblems were lined up. Seong didnt recognize the emblems, but he could clearly sense the strength among them. There are a lot of skilled people here. Skill could be inferred just from observing minor gestures and habits. Though, there was no one here stronger than Luna Team. As Seong and the Luna Team arrived, whispers began to spread throughout the crowd. Oh, its the Rapid Guild. Hm, how many times have they tried this now? Fifth time. But its still Phase 1. Still, they say theyve lasted the longest here and dealt the most damage? Thats true. After all, its the Rapid Guild with the Luna Team. Voices acknowledging them filled the air. Seong couldnt help but feel a sense of pride as he overheard. Being recognized as part of such a guild felt... uplifting. Then, as Seong joined, some of the players started chattering. While Seong was pondering this, Hwa-Wol suddenly spoke up. Are you an Almighty rank class, then? It was a somewhat rude question. In most games, asking about someones class rank was considered impolite. But Hwa-Wol, clearly curious, couldnt resist asking. And then she added: ...If you dont want to answer, thats fine. Heh? Oh? Wait, what? Hwa-Wols awkwardness surprised the others, including Luna, Elzahar, and Longfeng, who all stared at her in disbelief. Usually, people were blunt, but this was a whole new side to her. It seemed like Hwa-Wol really respected Seong. Everyone was surprised, and Hwa-Wol, feeling embarrassed, quickly turned her face away. Seong, noticing her discomfort, responded casually. Well, Im part of the team, so sharing info is natural. Yes, Im currently at Almighty rank. ...T-thank you... Hwa-Wol, stunned by his response, unknowingly expressed her gratitude, even using honorifics. Everyone, except Seong, was surprised by her reaction, but they didnt press the issue, as it might lead to more awkwardness. Curious, Seong turned to Hwa-Wol and asked: So, Hwa-Wol... right? Your class is a melee archer, right? ...Yes, you can think of it as being the opposite of other archers. My rank is Unique+. Oho. Seong gave a brief compliment, and Elzahar chimed in. Hm~ Im a Binding Sorcerer. The more I bind or restrain, the stronger my mana or magic becomes. My rank is also Unique+, just like Hwa-Wol. Ah, so thats why you used binding frost magic on yourself earlier, Elzahar. Those were some powerful spells. Heh~? But it didnt even work against your Skeleton Mage. Thanks. But those were really strong spells. Our three mages barely managed to block them together. Hm~ Seongs compliment seemed to lift Elzahars mood, as he stretched out and smiled lazily. Having introduced Hwa-Wol and Elzahar, Longfeng didnt want to be left out. But given that he had started a bit of a quarrel earlier, he seemed a bit embarrassed. Ahem, Im Longfeng. Im a failure rogue. I stack up attacks or dodges to build up power, and with those stacks, I can enhance other skills. My rank is... Unique. Oho, so you can enhance stealth skills too? Hmm, exactly. Enhancing stealth sounds like it would make for some powerful combos. Hahaha! You get it, huh? Longfeng cheered up at Seongs remark, his enthusiasm unrestrained. Finally, Seong looked at Luna. ...Ah, um, I... Im... ...? Seong was a bit puzzled at how Luna hesitated so long before speaking. Everyone else had shared their classes, so did Luna not want to? Not that it mattered much, but before he could let it slide, Luna finally spoke. Um, Im... a Legendary rank, called the First Barbarian Warrior. Oh? I see. Seong was genuinely impressed. A Legendary rank class was just below Almighty, after all. Elzahar, finding it amusing, explained further. Hm~ Our team leader? We call her Exposed Warrior among ourselves. ...? The odd name caught Seong off guard. Exposed Warrior? Did she have to expose herself for it to work? Seong, lost in thought, was suddenly interrupted as Hwa-Wol continued. ...As the name suggests, the more skin thats exposed, the more her attack and defense stats are buffed. ...I see? Ha ha ha! Thats why our prim and proper team leader always wears that robe! Seong couldnt help but glance at Luna, whose face had turned beet red. He couldnt help but wonder what exactly was under that robe. Id better make sure I handle things solo to avoid making this any more awkward. As Luna squinted her eyes in embarrassment, Seong noticed the internal conflict she was having. What if they think Im some kind of pervert? After that, no one spoke much more, all too embarrassed, quietly waiting for their turn. Finally, their time came. Chapter 62 As Luna Team''s turn came, the team that had just failed the raid came down from the raid field, grumbling in frustration. "Damn it. We couldnt even last 10 minutes this time." "Fucking windstorm...!!!" "Huff... is there no way to break through that?!" Watching them lamenting as they descended, Seong couldnt help but think that the opponent must be strong. Even during the briefing, it had been mentioned that the raid would be difficult, but seeing those players so disheartened made it clear how tough the challenge was. Unlike when they entered the raid field, their numbers had been reduced by more than half. Perhaps, for the first time, they might lose. It wouldnt make sense to never lose. It was the third day since Seong had started playing Eternal World, and while he hadnt died yet, there was no guarantee that would remain the case. Seong wasnt filled with arrogance; he understood the dangers ahead. Just as he was mentally preparing himself, Luna stepped forward, followed by her team members. Seong took up the rear, and together, they headed toward the raid field. "It''s Rapid Guilds turn." "Hm, guess we should watch and see what happens." "How far will Rapid Guild hold out this time?" "Lets see how much the new Demon King can show off..." "Even so, I dont think clearing it is possible." "Maybe once they adapt, who knows?" While Seongs team didnt react outwardly, they were having similar thoughts. Seong was impressive, but it seemed difficult to clear it on his own. Hes still not level 60; hes at 58, they said. Once hes in his mid-60s, maybe he can clear it alone? Hm~ but right now, its a stretch~ If it gets too tough, well have to step in and help him clear it. The honor tied to the name Rapid was more important, after all. There was always the possibility that Seong could clear it alone in a future attempt, so they were okay with that. Seong also shared a similar mindset. The team was more important than himself, and the guild was more important than the team. Thus, he thought the name of Rapid Guild should be upheld rather than focusing on his own record. Even now, as they entered the area, people were talking and casting sidelong glances at Rapid Guild. The weight of those at the frontwas it the pressure of the crowd? The envious and critical gazes, mixed with admiration and jealousy, were all directed toward them. Seong realized, perhaps for the first time, just how much attention they were attracting. He stepped into the raid field, feeling the weight of the Rapid Guild name as he did. Whoooosh. As they crossed an invisible barrier, the world around them seemed to shimmer slightly. It wasnt as if the scenery around them was completely transforming, but the surroundings remained as they were. They had reached the summit of a vast mountain range, barren and rocky, yet it didnt resemble the sharp, jagged peaks one might expect. Instead, the area was mostly flat, with wide stretches of land. There were large boulders scattered around, providing places to hide, but overall, it was an open field, perfect for combat. That was probably why it was called the "raid field." As Seong reflected on this, he noticed the growing tension in the air, shared by Luna and her teammates. The feeling of apprehension swept over him as well. Looking up, a huge shape blocked out the sun, casting a dark shadow over the ground. Whoooosh! Whoooosh! With a single flap of its wings, a gust of wind whipped up in all directions, pressing down on the ground with such force that it was hard to keep one''s eyes open. As Seong struggled to open his eyes, he looked up, and what he saw took his breath away. A massive creature, its white body gleaming, glided majestically toward them. Its shape was similar to a hawk, the king of the skies, but its long, sharp feathers flowed gracefully in the wind, and it commanded the air around it effortlessly. Its pale white fur shimmered under the sun, reflecting light as it soared through the sky, casting a proud yellow-eyed gaze downward, as though it were the ruler of the world. [The raid boss, "Winds Watcher, Anemore," has appeared.] [The raid will begin soon.] Seongs first raid. Surprisingly, he felt excited. This beast, which boasted such overwhelming power, was nothing like what he''d seen in videos or heard about in stories. It felt entirely different. The majesty of a true ruler was palpable. Could he, too, make this creature one of his subordinates? Im curious now... As Seongs curiosity began to stir, Luna Team prepared for battle. For them, fear could not defeat death. As if to prove this, they charged even more fiercely toward Anemore. Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! The undead Giant Killer Bees pressed on relentlessly, undeterred by Anemores attack. Realizing that the creatures were now a threat, Anemore curled its wings and condensed the surrounding wind into a defensive shield. Anemores skill, Wind Shield, formed a barrier around it, protecting it from the attacks of the Giant Killer Bees. Even as the bees launched stingers and swung their sharp front legs, nothing could penetrate the shield. As the Giant Killer Bees finally exhausted themselves, Anemore saw its opportunity. It dropped the Wind Shield and, with a fierce flap, unleashed its wind blades again, this time targeting the bees. But before it could complete the attack, a chilling presence from behind made Anemore halt. Fiora and Valtar, appearing like specters of death, emerged behind Anemore. With a roar, Valtar swung his massive sword, emanating blood-red energy as it cleaved through the air. Fiora, transforming her left arm into a colossal, sharp lance, joined the assault. The red-hued sword released a glowing crescent of power, while Fioras arm, now glowing with a faint blue light, plunged downward. In perfect unison, two devastating strikes landed. Whoooosh! The strikes tore through the air with a powerful force. The final clash left Anemore reeling, its defense shattered in an instant. [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is triggered!] [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! is triggered!] Along with the simultaneous flashes of text, Anemores wings were left with a long gash on the right side and a massive penetration wound on the left. The first blow it allowed inflicted a fatal wound, and Anemore, unable to withstand the shock, plummeted to the ground. Falling, with wings no less. Anemore was no exception. Kuwuuuung. The massive body of Anemore fell to the earth with a thunderous crash. As Anemore fell, Valtar and Fiora leaped down from above, brandishing their swords and transformed arms to strike. A deafening sound of impact echoed across the battlefield, and thick clouds of dust rose into the air. Within the dust, there was no longer a ruler of the sky. Only... Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! The pitiful beast, struggling to survive, remained. Anemore attempted to roll away, flapping its wings and trying to use its skills to escape, but it was useless. Every time it tried, the Giant Killer Bees appeared to shield the attack. Along with the legion of Barfur, the lesser demon Kaishaks army, the Skeleton Mercenaries, Goblin Undeads, and Ghoul armies, all rushed in to tear into Anemores body. The battlefield was filled with the sounds of explosions and furious combat. Yet, the thick dust never cleared; if anything, it only grew denser. ...Wh-what is this...? Are we really seeing this...? Hhh... Am I dreaming...? This is bad... really bad. While each member of Luna Team may have had different thoughts or reactions, one thing was certain. This wasnt a raid. It was annihilation. Like an ant being crushed by the lightest touch of a childs hand, Anemore was being crushed underfoot. Luna Team could see a message pop up in front of them, confirming the overwhelming domination they were witnessing. Piiiiiiiiii! With a sharp roar, the message appeared. [The raid boss Winds Watcher, Anemore is enraged.] [The raid boss Winds Watcher, Anemore has entered Phase 2.] Warning The raid boss becomes much stronger in Phase 2.Proceed with caution. Seeing the message, Luna, almost hypnotized, asked quietly, H-how long has it been since we entered? ...Five minutes and thirty seconds. Insane. There had been many parties that fell in under five minutes, but no one had ever entered Phase 2 in just five minutes. In fact, the second phase itself was an unprecedented event. And to think that this feat was achieved not by a party, but by an individual. Even Luna Team was left speechless, their jaws hanging in disbelief. Amidst their astonishment, a mighty roar echoed as Anemore recovered from its wounds and, after a moment, broke free from Valtar and Fioras assault. It soared into the sky, now fully recovering and determined to fight again. Anemore, once a figure of untouchable grandeur, now seemed... different. For some reason, despite its previous imposing presence, as Seong looked up, he noticed something: the bright yellow eyes of Anemore, usually filled with dominance, were now filled with fear and trembling in terror. Chapter 63 Shuddering in fear, Anemores bright yellow eyes trembled violently. But Anemore couldnt run. It was the ruler of this place, bound and unable to escape. The fierce nature was not gone. It simply... Had realized that the enemy before it was unlike any it had faced beforeirrational and overwhelming. It wanted to flee. But it couldnt. Thus, there was only one choice left. Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! Even if it meant death, it would burn everything away. As the ruler of the skies, it would maintain its dignity and fight. It would burn with resolve, never forgetting its fear. Fear, after all, was what fueled growth. Anemore, too, was the same. All NPCs and monsters in Eternal World were equipped with advanced AI. So much so that it was not an exaggeration to say they had a sense of self. Based on vast data, Anemore was capable of thinking and making judgments. It realized the nature of its enemythis absurd death army. It could now sense its master. The human, who had been calmly observing the battle from the back. No, could it truly be a human? It could not be sure. But one thing was clear: this human was the one leading this battle. Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! With another roar, Anemore entered Phase 2. In just 2 seconds, it spread its wings and ascended once more. In that brief moment, it made its decision. The target was clear. It was time to act. Then, through its vision, Anemore noticed the swarm of Giant Killer Bees approaching. It had experienced this before. It wasnt just a swarm of bees. Though they couldnt be seen or felt, Anemore understood. It could sense Fiora and Valtar among them, approaching through the swarm. Realizing this, Anemore let out another roar and used its skill. Piiiii! Whoooosh! Whooosh! Whoooosh! Anemore spread its wings wide, summoning a ferocious wind, its powerful gusts creating a massive storm. The winds roared and coiled into a great whirlwindon a completely different scale from the winds created in Phase 1. It wasnt just a gustit was a small typhoon. As it summoned the colossal storm, the Giant Killer Bees could no longer maintain their position in the air. Some of the bees were ripped apart by the violent winds, their wings shredded. Others who tried to escape the storm quickly flew out of its range. Anemore, seeing the bees scatter, flew triumphantly into the storm, completely vanishing from sight. It seemed to disappear, as though it had used some form of invisibility. Unable to detect it, Luna Team panicked and reacted. Longfeng, can you find it? ...I cant sense it??? W-wait, it can use invisibility too?! Shit, how are we supposed to win this...? Luna immediately asked Longfeng, the teams expert at detection, but even he couldnt find it. If Longfeng, who had the best detection skills in the area, couldnt locate Anemore, then surely Seong wouldnt be able to either. For a moment, Luna wondered if they should help, but... They couldnt act recklessly. It was far more dangerous to interfere and become a hindrance. It would be better to stay quiet and wait. As Luna Team was thrown into chaos, Seong, however, seemed completely unaffected. He simply snapped his fingers. Snap! Since Seong had only been using his death army so far, everyone had assumed that was all he could do. But they were mistaken. When Seong snapped his fingers, a large heart with a cyan glow appeared behind him. The heart pulsed, releasing a mist of the same cyan light that gradually spread across the battlefield. The eerie, cyan mist thickened the air, eventually covering almost half of the raid field.@@@@ At that moment, a scream echoed near Seong. Piiiiiiiiii! The sudden burst of damage startled Anemore, and it panicked, realizing its invisibility had been broken. It tried to fly up again, but it was already too late. Pii, piiiiiii!!? It had forgotten about these two due to the tremendous explosion. These two it shouldnt have forgotten. But still, it was okay. In the sky, Anemore still had the advantage. Thats what it thought as it prepared to face them, not letting its guard down. But then, something cyan-colored flew from the ground, and Anemore tried to avoid it, but Valtar and Fiora blocked its escape. Whoooosh! Piiieeek! The sharp cyan spear pierced Anemores chest with no chance for it to dodge. At that moment, darkness began to creep up and engulf Anemores body. [Dark damage is applied.] [The target resists partially.] [For the next 3 seconds, all senses and vision are impaired.] With all of its senses blocked, Anemore lost all perceptionsight, hearing, touch, and even intuition. It couldnt even tell if it was still flying or if it had been struck by Valtar and Fiora. But it tried to struggle as much as it could. It couldnt feel its body move, but it could sense something before the numbness set in. It fought, fueled by its will to survive. Trying to avoid any more damage. After what felt like the longest 3 seconds in its life, when all senses returned, Anemore could finally feel again. ......Pii? It could feel that its once-proud wide wings were horribly shredded, and pieces of its body had been torn away. It could also see the death legion surrounding it, closing in from every direction. Anemore tried to fly out of the cyan mist that had filled the area, but every time it tried, Barfur, Fiora, and Valtar blocked its movements, and the death legion relentlessly attacked. Piiieeeek! Using its skill, Anemore tried to push the death legion back and escape, but its wings had already been torn apart, leaving it unable to fly. The Wind''s Watcher was no longer a friend of the wind. The death legion advanced once again, closing the distance quickly, and Anemore could hear the sound of their march. Clack! Clack! Clack! The sound of the armys march. And Anemore clenched its eyes shut. It could feel that it would not survive here. Piiiiiiii....... A sorrowful scream rang out. Luna Team, watching the scene, could feel the hairs on the back of their necks standing up as they swallowed nervously. He really did it. On his first raid, and alone, he succeeded. The shock that the power shown to them wasnt even his full strength had long faded. To think that such power was possible at this level. And that, truly, he could clear a raid solo already. How much time had passed? When the sorrowful scream finally stopped, countless system messages popped up. [The raid boss Winds Watcher, Anemore has been defeated.] [Level Up!] 6 [Level 64 reached.] [Level 60 reached, unlocking a new skill for Overlord.] [Legendary grade skill, Whirling Blood, obtained.] [Contribution is attributed solely to one person.] [Single-player raid confirmed.] [Single-player defeat confirmed.] [Rewards are enhanced.] [First defeat.] [Rewards are enhanced.] [Defeat rewards granted.] [As it is a single-player raid, all rewards are granted to Seong the user.] [Obtained unique grade set item, Winds Watcher Set.] [Obtained unique grade item, Skill Book C Summon Spirit of the Storm.] [Obtained unique grade item, Essence of the Wind.] [Raid boss defeated.] [Title, New Raider, obtained.] [Single-player raid boss defeat.] [Title, Genius Raider, obtained.] [First to defeat raid boss Winds Watcher, Anemore.] [Title, Anemore Slayer, obtained.] Incredible rewards. But that wasnt the main focus. Seong, instead, looked at Anemores corpse. Even though the notification to raise the corpse for the death army hadnt appeared, there was another notification. Piiieek?! Seeing the ghost-like hawk hovering around the body, Seong smiled in satisfaction. This is perfect. Chapter 64 Anemore thought as he looked around. He was certain that he had died. But why? There was still a lingering sensation, as if he were alive. Floating in the air, his body lay below him, clearly visible. But he could still think, and he could move. The problem was... Piiieekk?! Seong could see Anemore as well. At first, fear had risen within him, but that was no longer the case. In fact, instead of fear, emotions like trust, respect, and reverence began to bloom within Seong. Now, he realized that he could be a part of this great being. An overwhelming sense of emotion shook his form. No, although he was now a bodiless ghost, even his spirit trembled. If only he could offer strength to that magnificent existence, he would dedicate everything he had. As Anemore thought this, Seong approached and asked. "Would you come with me?" Piiieek! Anemore nodded vigorously, clearly overjoyed. Once again, Seong proved why he was loved by all ghosts. Even though he had slain the very enemy who once opposed him, he fully received that love. It was a frightening power, no doubt. But it had always been the case with Seong. He didn''t pay it much mind and accepted Anemore. After all, he needed to make use of the ghost''s power. It was likely quite powerful, after all. Wouldnt his stats rise considerably? As Seong absorbed Anemores memories and experiences... [You have achieved something impossible at your current level due to the "Unknown Power."] [Strength +2, Agility +10, Health +3 are permanently increased.] Oh? When Seong absorbed the memories and experiences of the Beastman Barfur, he gained a total of 8 points. Anemore, however, had gained 15 points, which was more than the Beastman Barfur. He had absorbed a stronger soul. The additional reward was more than satisfactory. What was more... [Your level is too low to turn the target into a "Soldier of Death."] This phrase appeared as Seong looked at Anemores body. It meant that if his level were high enough, he could turn him into a soldier. Although it wasn''t clear when this would happen. It would likely be stored in the Underworld just like the Beastman Barfurs body. Hadnt he done the same when he obtained the Beastman Barfur''s corpse? Later, Anemore would become a powerful ally. As Seong basked in his satisfaction, he was interrupted by... I dedicate this victory to my Lord. I-I offer this loot... Valtar and Fiora bowed and praised Seong, holding Anemores body as if it were a tribute. Looking at this scene, Seong thought: Is this the next Legion Commander? Anemore would surely serve as a worthy commander. As anticipation grew, Seong immediately opened the gate to the Underworld. The two, realizing his intent, took Anemores body and entered the Underworld. When all the soldiers re-entered the Underworld, Seong temporarily placed Anemores ghost into a vacant Giant Killer Bee Undead. Since the only undead currently flying was the Giant Killer Bee, it seemed like the best fit. With that matter settled, all the soldiers entered the Underworld. Thus, Seong could not hear the conversation between Valtar and Fiora. To think its really Fiora. Incredible. I-I''m happy to meet you too, Valt... Valt... Fiora, to think that your soul is now with the Lordthis means... Yes, yes!!! Helena-sama will also be with the Lord!!! The two exchanged words, genuinely thrilled by the prospect of reuniting with their old master who had once shown mercy even to a pathetic hero and sacrificed herself. However, Valtar, somewhat confused, asked: If your soul is here, what happens to your body? Without a soul, doesnt the body remain unmoving? Ah, yes... Thats right... Hmm, I believe the Lord must have a plan. For now, you should remain in that body. I-I think so too. In a place where Seong couldnt hear, the reason for the failure to awaken the baby shapeshifter was being revealed. 0. Seong, having closed the gate to the Underworld, gathered Anemore''s body and spirit. Next on his mind were the raid rewards. The things he had just obtained were secondary rewards. Now, it was time to open the real rewards. The Luna team was still dazed, so it seemed like a good time to check the rewards. There were quite a few things to go through. First, he checked the title that was likely the lowest grade. He always saved the best for last. This time, Seong had received three titles, all related to the raid. They reacted with disbelief at Hwawols words. It was a time that other teams could only dream of. Yet Seong had defeated Anemore in that time. Would anyone surpass this record in the future? Would any team? At least from Luna Teams perspective, they were certain that no one could. The first hunt... a solo raid... ... Isnt this the first raid itself? Hm, was there ever someone like that~? Damn, theres no way! Hwawol spoke in frustration, but no one dared to challenge her words. No one could fail to understand how she felt. This was an utterly insane record. At first, there had been jealousy and envy. They had felt that Rapid Guild was training its members with all their might. And Luna Team was considered one of the best among the rookies, wasnt it? Thats why Longfeng, Hwawol, and Elzahar had also shown some signs of jealousy. But now, they couldnt even feel jealous. Jealousy was only possible if there was some kind of gap. There was no one here foolish enough to feel jealousy after seeing an overwhelming gap. And this record? No one, not just in Rapid Guild, but in any guild had ever heard of such an achievement. Not just in the East Asia server, but across the entire world. Which meant... Hah. Hm. Unbelievable. ...Perhaps. A thought began to form: Could Rapid Guild be acquiring a new single-ranker? It was still a far-off idea, but... As they all entertained this thought, Luna suddenly remembered. Rapid Guild was one of the guilds that had been around since the early days. Yuna, too, had been part of that guild. But Luna knew that no one had managed to keep up with Yuna, and she still hunted alone. Though Yuna herself liked being alone, Luna remembered a time when even Rapid, the guild leader, had expressed some concern. -I really wish I had a team member to back up Yuna. If it werent for that, wed be in the top 5 by now... Its such a shame. Yuna had shrugged it off, saying it was fine, but those words had stayed with Luna. Because of this, Luna made a new determination and spoke to her team. ...I dont think its time for us to just focus on individual activities anymore. ...Then? Hm~ Lets join forces? .... I heard Yuna doesnt have a backup team and has been leveling alone. If she had a team backing her, her rank would have already been much higher. At this, everyones gaze wavered. Not just Luna Team, but everyone in Rapid Guild respected and admired Yuna. In fact, it wouldnt be an exaggeration to say everyone felt that way. Thats why so many were eager to back up Yuna, even if it meant helping her in her hunts. But the gap had grown so large that catching up wasnt easy. Most had come to terms with this fact. And now, with Lunas words, everyone understood. If we keep going like this, Seong might end up the same... .... .... ... Even if he might not need our help... how about we at least do our best to be his backup team? Lunas words seemed to hit them like a blow to the head. Everyone had the same desire to become the best. But what if they ran into reality? And what if they discovered someone who fit that role better than they did? Wouldnt it be right to prepare to make him king? If they couldnt be the king... We make him the king. At these words, everyones eyes lit up. Everyone nodded in agreement with Lunas words. In a way, it could be seen as cruel reality, or perhaps a pathetic sight. It could be said that they had given in to reality and resigned themselves to it. But that didnt matter. They would do whatever it took to become Seongs backup team. As they solidified their resolve, someone approached and asked. What were you all talking about? Of course, it was Seong, and Luna, surprised, screamed out. Ahhh! ...? Seong looked at her, confused. Why was she so upset seeing him? Chapter 65 The moment of misunderstanding piled up. "Ah, uh, we were just talking about how it''s a shame we won''t be able to raid together with Seong next time." Hwawol quickly jumped in. Seeing Seong''s confused expression, as if to ask why would you be surprised?, Longfeng spoke up. "Well, I mean, the voice came out of nowhere, so it''s understandable to be surprised." With his quick thinking, Seong nodded in agreement. It made sense. If someone suddenly spoke from behind, anyone would be startled. Feeling a bit guilty, Seong apologized. "Ah, Im sorry." Although there was a strange sense of guilt among them, they still responded. "Ah, no, no! Im sorry for screaming, too." "Its fine. Ah, and we can always raid together next time." "Ahh." "Really~?" "Wow." Everyone admired Seong''s words, and he nodded, feeling a little embarrassed. Then, he quickly changed the subject. "Hmm, so, do you have any schedules after this?" "No, weve finished our schedules for now." "Then Ill head out first. I need to test some of the rewards I got." Since he had to change the skill book using the Book of Despair, he was eager to check it out. As Seong prepared to leave, the team waved him off, expressing their gratitude. "Ah! Well see you next time!" "Oh, great work today!" "Mm~ I wonder if well see you again~ Hope we do~" "Lets meet again next time." With that, Seong left, and the remaining Luna team stood there, stunned, watching him exit the raid field, lost in thought. Until now, they had been hunting solo during individual activities, but now, that had to change. "Lets have a meeting and figure out what to do next. Ill report to the guild leader first." "Right, we cant keep hunting alone if we want to become a backup team for him." "Mm~ sounds good~" "Phew, lets give it our all. Damn." With their resolve firm, Luna immediately contacted Rapid for the report. She had feared being ignored again, but fortunately, that wasn''t the case. [Luna - Reporting Seong''s raid results.] [Rapid - Already!?] 2. In the office of the Guild Leader of Rapid Guild, Rapid was nervously twirling his pen, deep in thought. Although he had tried to ignore it, the matter was significant, and it was hard not to worry. His work had been put on hold as he pondered. Could Seong really defeat the raid boss alone? He thought it was possible. After all, Seong had cleared the past fortress dungeon alone, so surely he could handle it. Even if Anemore, the Wind Watcher, was a powerful boss for someone in the level 60s, it was just a raid boss, wasnt it? On the other hand, the past fortress was the first dungeon cleared after it was opened, and he had expected Seong to succeed. ...Maybe he could succeed after a few tries, but to succeed on the first attempt? Rapid had never really expected Seong to clear it on his first try. But just as he was getting lost in these thoughts, a message alert popped up. There were several messages, but one name stood outLuna. [Luna - Reporting Seongs raid results.] [Rapid - Already!? Isnt he still in the queue!?] Already? Did that mean the first attempt failed? If they had just entered after waiting in line, it couldnt have been that long, right? It had taken about an hour since they all gathered. Could he have not cleared it? But Rapid was quickly thrown off by the next message. [Luna - Seong cleared it solo in 9 minutes and 57 seconds. He also took Anemores body with him. It seems like he has a skill that could turn the raid boss into an undead, though not immediately.] What...? Rapid stared at the message in disbelief. Was this really the message he had received? He was lost in thought, unsure how to respond. Should he just acknowledge it for now? But 9 minutes 57 seconds? Wasnt that under 10 minutes? Other parties were struggling to last that long. Lunas team had lasted a maximum of 15 minutes, didnt they? And that was at the end of phase one, wasnt it? His thoughts tangled up, trying to make sense of it all, until Lunas next message interrupted. [Luna - So our team is planning to go all-in on hunting as Seongs backup team. Weve already discussed it with the members. If we do this, our hunting activities will likely outnumber our raid participation. Well need to catch up with Seongs leveling. I was wondering, do you have anyone available to recruit?] A request for additional members. Though there was no wind, the pages fluttered quickly, passing by countless ones. Swoosh! Eventually, the book stopped at a single page. As if torn, a page lifted into the air and burned with intense flames, turning to ash and scattering into the air. The ash disappeared somewhere before gathering into a single spot, where it settled over the skill book Seong was holdingSummon Storm Spiritcovering it completely as if snow had fallen. The book began to glow brightly, its cover catching fire and turning to ash, spreading out from the edges, until the entire cover began to change. Whoosh! The crackling sound of fire filled the air as the ash blew away, leaving only the skill book in Seong''s hands. The Summon Storm Spirit skill book had transformed into a new skill book. The Book of Despair had done its work. [The Book of Despair has transformed a Unique skill book, Summon Storm Spirit, into a Dark Magic skill book.] [The Unique skill book, Summon Storm Spirit, has been transformed into Skill Theft.] Skill Theft? A peculiar name for a skill. Seong found himself intrigued and instinctively used the skill book. He didnt hesitate; after all, that was the purpose of changing it. The unnecessary confirmation prompt quickly disappeared, and Seong used the book. [Using the Unique skill book, Skill Theft!] [You have acquired the Unique skill, Skill Theft!] Seong immediately opened the skill description. Skill Theft Unique [Lv Max] [Complete] [Instant Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 1 minute] Exclusive skill for Dark Magic class. Cancels an opponents skill they are about to use and steals it for your own use. However, only skills of the same or lower rank can be stolen. "Whoa!?" It was a Dispel-like skill that canceled an enemys spell or skill. But the interesting part was that not only could it cancel the skill, but Seong would also get to use it afterward. This is insanely good! It would be great in PvP, but it was also useful against monsters with powerful abilities, like the ones Seong had faced in the raid against Anemore. To cancel and then use their skills? That was an incredibly powerful ability. With a satisfied smile, Seong decided to test the new skill out. He moved toward a different field, not where the Giant Killer Bee was located, but the opposite side. According to the terrain Lunas team had shared, the monsters should be in this area. After walking for some time through the forest, bird-like monsters started to appear. Ash Crow, monsters in the shape of crows that spread ash as they flew. They were quite troublesome, as the ash they scattered would easily ignite anything it touched. Compared to the Giant Killer Bee, the Ash Crow was faster, but it hadnt been considered during the Anemore raid. But now, things were different. He thought about using Skill Theft on them, but then shook his head. Stealing their ash-spreading skill seems a bit much. To get a clearer sense of the skills effect, he decided it would be best to try it against a boss. But for now, there was another skill he hadnt tested. With all the new skills and items, Seong was eager to try them. "Kaahhh!" "Kaahhh!" "Kaahhh! Kaak!" The Ash Crows charged at him, frantically scattering ash in all directions. The swirling ash began to envelop him like a storm. It seemed like the ashes were about to cover him entirely, but suddenly, a translucent shield of wind appeared, blocking the storm of ash. Whooosh! Though it was a shield of wind, the ash that had been gathering was blown away, and Seong stood unharmed. Oh? It was the Wind Shield he had just used. It seemed quite effective. Seong then summoned one of his simplest skills, Bone Arrow, and shot it at one of the Ash Crows. The moment the arrow hit, a powerful gust of wind surged, forcefully pushing the Ash Crows back. But that was all. [Effect of One Strike! is activated!] The damage was minimal, without even a critical hit, but the knockback effect was impressive. The Ash Crows were sent flying, clearly startled by the force. Seong himself wore a similar expression. Hm. The knockback effect was strong, but there didnt seem to be any significant damage boost. It was a bit disappointing, but the knockback alone was still a useful effect. Well, then... lets try sweeping through them. There were still four skills he hadnt tested yet. Hoping the Ash Crows wouldnt be finished before he could test them, Seong grinned. The Ash Crows suddenly froze, realizing something was terribly wrong. Chapter 66 Ash Crow, who had been considering whether to flee, pretended to look back in hesitation. Suddenly, a gust of wind whipped through the area, and a vortex, like a dragons whirlwind, appeared, forming a massive twister. Kkaaaak! Kkaak! Kkaak! Kkaaaah! They tried to escape, screaming in panic, but the suction power was too strong, and they couldnt get away. The swirling wind was sharp, and as it cut into their bodies, deep wounds began to form one after another. Seong nodded in approval, clearly pleased with the results. [You have gained experience!] 13 This time, the skill used was the Storm Whirlpool, available from the Anemore Slayer title. Seong, using flight as well, looked down at the Ash Crows from above. Flight isnt bad either. As he summoned the Storm Whirlpool, the nearby Ash Crows were sucked in and couldnt resist the force. All the scattered Ash Crows gathered together in one spot. The damage was impressive, and it was perfect for mobbing. Using flight, he looked down on them and activated his newly acquired Overlord-exclusive skill, Whirling Blood. It was an area of effect (AoE) skill, so to speak. Compared to his previous skills, the mana consumption was enormous. Though a significant amount of mana remained, it was still a considerable drain. For a single-target skill, this really consumes the most mana. The Legion of Death was a sustained skill, so even if large amounts of mana were drained, it would continue to operate steadily. However, Whirling Blood quickly drained mana all at once, and it was an unfamiliar experience. The large amount of mana that drained away caused a phenomenon to occur. Starting from the first droplets of blood in the air, more droplets began to form, and they began to spin in one direction. Swooosh. At first, the rotation was subtle, but it gradually gained speed, like a violent water current encountering rapids. The flow became stronger, and the blood turned into a vortex, much like a swollen river after heavy rain. The blood vortex, formed from the accumulated blood, was initially smaller than the Storm Whirlpool summoned with the title. But as it swept through the Ash Crows, its size grew and became a small disaster that covered all the Ash Crows in the vicinity. Kkaak! Kkaaaah! The screeching of the Ash Crows echoed from all directions. As the screams reverberated, the blood vortex grew larger, reaching an unstoppable size. The Ash Crows, flapping their wings desperately to escape the powerful suction, were devoured entirely. Splash, splash, splashBoom! Even when the Ash Crows were sucked into the blood vortex, only small ripples appeared on the surface, and they had no impact. The ripples, too, were quickly swept away by the strong current, disappearing without a trace. [You have gained experience!] 49 The experience notifications kept appearing, one after another. Wow... Even Seong, no matter how composed he was, couldnt help but be amazed at the power. Once the forest was swept clean, the blood vortex gradually died down, as if it had completed its task. It shrank back into small droplets of blood and disappeared. The Ash Crows that had been swept into the blood vortex fell to the ground with a thud. However, the bodies of the fallen Ash Crows, devoid of any blood, shattered into pieces upon hitting the ground, unable to turn into a blood heap. All the blood had been absorbed. After countless deaths, a massive Ash Crow, now devoid of vitality, let out a roar. Kkaeeaaaah! It sounded like the cry of a crow, or perhaps the piercing screech of a bird of prey. The creature, seemingly showing its strength as if it had survived the blood vortex, opened its beak wide. Kkaeeaaaah! With the roar, the following message appeared: [You have encountered the field boss, Queen of the Ash Crows, Kaishak.] Kaishak, huh? Just as expected. Shell make a perfect vessel for Anemore. Seong thought this and prepared to use a skill. However, Kaishak was faster. Already severely wounded by the Whirling Blood, she, furious, gathered a grayish aura in her beak and aimed it directly at Seong. She intended to strike first before he could react. As the grayish energy condensed to its limit in her beak, it shot out like a dragon''s breath. Kkaeeaaaah! There were nearly fifty of them. Since they all contained souls, Seong wasnt too worried about them. The empty ones created with Add More had all been used up in the explosion earlier. But that wasnt all. Next to Kaishak''s undead, another undead appeared, identical to her. An undead version of Kaishak created using Add More. Since it lacked a soul, unlike Kaishak, it didnt bow or pledge allegiance. It would follow orders if given, but it was clearly different from the others with souls. Seong couldnt play around with such a powerful body for too long. He immediately summoned a Giant Killer Bee from the Underworld, containing Anemores soul. Fwoooosh! The sound wasnt that of a bird of prey, but rather the fierce flapping of insect wings reaching their limit. A new body for you. Stay there for a moment. Seong spoke as he removed Anemore''s soul from the Giant Killer Bee and placed it into the empty undead body of Kaishak. Immediately... Bwaaaaah! Perhaps it was because she received a body so similar to her original form, but she appeared even more joyous than before. Having tested these new skills, Seong smiled as he pulled out an item from his inventory that had been lying dormant. It wasnt too old of an item. Treasure Goblin Kahkus Treasure Map Unique A treasure map drawn by the Treasure Goblin Kahku. The exact contents are unknown, but a terrible presence was guarding it, forcing Kahku to abandon the treasure. It is said that this map was made to later recover the treasure. Only players who have completed their second class advancement can use it. This map records hidden raid monsters. It is in a usable state. Using it will reveal the identity of the NPC with the quest. It was the treasure map from Kahku that he had obtained earlier today. Seong smiled as he looked at the map, which detailed raid monsters. Now, it was marked as usable, and a new line appeared with a puzzled look on his face. An NPC with a quest? So it wasnt about heading straight for the raid. But that was even better. A quest. Thinking about it, it had been quite a while since he had done one. This was a treasure map that would lead him to a hidden raid monster, so he expected the quest to be quite interesting. Just as he was about to use it, he received a message from Rapid. They had registered him solo for the raid, and they would be making the necessary changes to the contract as quickly as possible. Seong thanked them and mentioned he would hunt the hidden raid boss and send the video. Theyd probably like that, right? Thinking so, Seong hurriedly decided to use the map. Oh, Serodin. He didnt know much about it, but like Trinium, it was the third village. This village had a hidden raid boss. Lets go right now. Once his mind was made up, Seong couldn''t wait any longer. He was about to use his flight magic when he looked around. Then his eyes fell on Kaishak and Anemore. They were flying units. It seemed like he had gotten some better units than he had expected. Serodin, one of the third villages, was most commonly known by the epithet "The Village of Three Rivers." As the name suggested, three different rivers converged in Serodin, giving the village its title. Compared to Trinium, its size was significantly smaller, but it was still a medium-sized village by most standards. The scenery was quite beautiful, and it was a popular destination for players. However, there was one major downside for users in Serodin. There was no suitable raid boss to hunt. That was the only drawback. But... Kyaa, I come to Serodin for this view! Really. Its so healing here, I swear. Why go abroad for vacation? Level 50, park it here, and Serodin becomes your trip~ Many players treated it as a resort, so it didnt matter much. Who would come all the way to a resort and hunt a raid boss? At the beginning of the games launch, a few players, noticing the lack of a raid boss here, speculated that a hidden piece was hidden in Serodin and started spreading rumors. But even those players eventually accepted that Serodin had become more famous as a relaxing vacation spot. A village where everyone could relax and return to peace. In such a village, someone came, not for ordinary healing, but with a different kind of intention. A figure cloaked in black entered the village. Ashin, that NPC, is in the forge, right? Though their kind of healing was a bit different... Chapter 67 The users, who had come to the village for relaxation, were now looking for an unusual NPC. Seong, with curiosity, glanced around the village and tilted his head. The village of Serodin wasnt exactly small. There were actually three blacksmiths scattered across the village. Ill just visit them all. Seong thought simply and began asking other NPCs and players to find the blacksmiths. Then... Ashin? We dont have anyone like that at our blacksmith. Am I fifty years old?! Hey, Im not that old yet! Ah? Youre asking if theres someone named Ashin? Heh, how could anyone be named Ashin! Hmmm, Ive lived in Serodin for over forty years, but Ive never heard of anyone named Ashin. How could this be? He had encountered an obstacle right from the start. He was told that in Serodin, there was a blacksmith NPC named Ashin, but there was no trace of him anywhere. Where did things go wrong? Just in case, Seong even asked nearby ghosts in the area around the blacksmiths. But none of them had ever heard of anyone named Ashin. If even the ghosts didnt know, was there a way to find him? He was stuck right from the beginning. This was completely unexpected. What should I do now...? Though Seong had been known for exploiting quests, hidden pieces, and ghosts, this one was proving to be quite difficult. There wasnt even a clue. Just to be sure, he unfolded the treasure map again. It still just said that he needed to find Ashin at one of the blacksmiths in Serodin and receive a key.@@@@ It seemed to be written in Kahkus handwriting. Though Kahku seemed to be a collaborator, had he already taken off with the key? That would be troublesome. No, if that was the case, wouldnt the map have indicated it differently? After all, it was a treasure map item. It was more or less a system-provided clue. As he thought this, a sudden realization crossed Seongs mind. Hmm, wait? Ashin could be using a pseudonym, or maybe his real name is hidden while he works. If Seong mentioned he was looking for Ashin, wouldnt there be some kind of reaction? When he had mentioned Ashin at the blacksmiths earlier, none of the blacksmiths reacted, so he couldnt be certain. Maybe he needed to go back and check again. He hadnt considered that Ashin might not be there, and that lack of attention to their reactions had been the mistake. Now, he needed to go back and double-check. He couldnt just sit still either. It was becoming annoying. Just as Seong was about to head back to the three blacksmiths, a blacksmith from afar suddenly rushed over. Whats this? He looked like a blacksmith, and judging by his young age, he seemed to be an apprentice. Seong, remembering the hunter Apik''s lessons, observed carefully and focused on the approaching blacksmith. As he approached, the young blacksmith shouted upon seeing Seong. Huff! Huff...! Huff! Whew, youre the customer who came to the blacksmith earlier, right? The one asking for Ashin? Yes, thats me. Aah, I was worried you had gone far, but its a relief to see you. It seemed like something was up. Without saying much, the young apprentice blacksmith handed Seong a small note. For that brief moment, Seong examined the hand that held the note. It was a rough hand, covered with calluses and burn marksclearly the hand of a blacksmith. As Seong took the note from his hand, he noticed the roughness of it pass over his own. Phew, this is a note I was asked to deliver. Please just tell them you received it later. Ill be going now! The apprentice blacksmith seemed in a hurry to leave as soon as he handed over the note. Perhaps he had to get back to his work? Seong glanced at the young apprentice blacksmith, who hurried off, and shook his head in confusion. But for now, that wasnt important. He opened the note. The message written on the somewhat crumpled paper was blunt and to the point. It seems youve found Kahkus map, but I still dont trust you. In honor of my deceased friend Kahku, I will test you just as he intended. First, you must pass my trials before I reveal myself. Ah, he was gone when we were heading to the rivers pool...!!! Ah! This is bad! We should have watched him more closely!!! The elder had warned us... Ah! What if something happens to the great descendant in a place like this?! Oh no, please dont say such things! Lets search the village and look for him. He couldnt have gone too far. Well keep it a secret. Lets search ourselves. Oh, god of alchemy, please protect him. They were having a serious conversation, clearly distraught, yet they seemed to be acting like parents who had lost a child. Or perhaps grandparents? In any case, they quickly split up, spreading throughout Serodin to search for Plinky. But no matter where they searched, Plinky was nowhere to be found. They scoured the entire village but found nothing, so they gathered to discuss what to do next. Where could he have gone? It wasnt like he had risen into the sky or fallen into the ground. Then, suddenly... Ah! Could it be that hes gone to where the monsters appear?! Monsters?! Oh my goodness!!! That cant be...! They didnt want to believe it, but they couldnt completely dismiss the possibility. No, no, think about it. If he had come here, what kind of things would he have been interested in...? Hes not interested in sightseeing or games... He only seeks knowledge... Then, theres a monster here that only he would want to study...? They muttered and several ideas began to form in their minds. A grotesque monster. And a powerful one. Ah, could it be... the stream troll? Ah! The great sage...!!! Almighty god of alchemy!!! This isnt the time to waste! We need to hurry to where the stream trolls could be! Their actions became swift as they narrowed down where Plinky might have gone. They had to hurry. Plinky was an important figure, and he couldnt be allowed to fall into danger. He was a descendant of the hero who had once defeated the Demon King. Trin River, the largest and widest river flowing through Serodin Village, led to a beautiful and expansive plain. The crystal-clear river and vast meadows were a stunning sight. Even Seong, who wasnt easily impressed, found himself pausing to admire the view. The large river, glistening in the red sunset, reflected the clear waters as a cool breeze swept through the tall grass, gently swaying the fields. It was a breathtaking scene. The refreshing breeze carried away the slight fatigue Seong had felt, easing his mind as he marveled at the landscape. Wow... It was hard to believe that this was all part of a game. The beauty was almost beyond belief. As Seong stood there, lost in the view, he noticed something crouching near some bushes. A small, translucent figure. A ghost? Or maybe someone using an invisibility item? He squinted, trying to discern the figure more clearly. It looked like a haggard person with a pale, gaunt face, and there was no sign of life in their features as they dozed off. A ghost... no, wait? He initially thought it was a ghost, but now he realized it wasnt. It was definitely a living person. Looking closer, he noticed the icon above their headthey were an NPC. But why was this NPC in such a place, appearing translucent and dozing off? It didnt make sense, but Seong wondered whether he should ignore them and move on. Ugh! Materials?! ...? It seemed like the person had woken up suddenly, almost as if in a spasm. Since they were awake, should Seong just ignore them and keep going? But just as he was about to pass by... Eh?! A person?! Could you possibly help us?! Pardon? [You have found a clue to a hidden quest.] It seemed like Seong had gotten involved with an NPC who looked strange but important. Chapter 68 A phrase suddenly came to mind. From that, it could be inferred that the NPC, who could easily be mistaken for a ghost, was actually an important character. Clue to a hidden quest? Although it hadnt turned into a hidden quest yet. But if he helped, would a hidden quest open up? Since he was already working on a quest, it might be a bit troublesome. However, the quest to collect 20 water fins from the stream trolls was something that could be done slowly, without much rush. So, trying to get a new hidden quest wouldnt be a bad idea. As Seong was thinking this, the NPC, as if reading his thoughts, spoke up. Of course, Ill give you a reward! Hmm, looking at you... I assume youre a dark mage, so here, take the dark mage skill book! He offered a reward, but Seong wasnt fooled. He narrowed his eyes, sensing something strange. ...? Right now, Seong was dressed as a knight. He had a longsword and a dagger at his waist as his secondary weapon. He had replaced Helena''s staff with the Giants Strength belt. So, his outfit was definitely not that of a mage. Yet, this person had immediately pegged him as a dark mage? This NPC was no ordinary one. He was about to let it slide but found himself unable to resist the curiosity and asked. How did you know Im a dark mage? Ah? Because... I can see it? ...??? Aah! I have a special skill that lets me see the mana a person possesses! With this much mana, its obvious youre a mage, and with such powerful, chaotic mana, it can only be dark magic. So, I assumed you must be a dark mage! Oh, I see. Seong was briefly impressed. He hadnt expected such a skill. Was it a common skill? If it was, wouldnt disguising himself be pointless? Aah, this skill is probably something only I have. So, you dont need to worry about it. Ah, I see. Hehe, anyway, if you help, Ill give you the dark mage skill book! The reward seemed pretty generous. The grade was important, of course. But skill books, in general, were expensive, so it would definitely be worth it. That sounds good. Ill help. Since the moment he had heard it was a clue to a hidden quest, Seong had already planned to help. Seong answered willingly, and the NPC, with a bright smile, removed the hood he was wearing. As he did, long, flowing hair spilled out. Was it a girl? No, wait. Seong almost panicked but then realized it wasnt the case. Though the appearance was still youthful and androgynous, it was clear that the person was male. The boy, oblivious to Seong''s surprise, smiled brightly and spoke. My names Plinky. Nice to meet you! Ah, Im Seong. Hehe, so the reason I need help is that I need the blood of a stream troll that only resides in this area! I need quite a bit, is that alright? [You have met the conditions for a hidden quest.] [The hidden quest, ''The Peculiar Boy,'' has been created.] The Peculiar Boy Hidden-Rare Linked quest. You have met Plinky, a boy who was dozing off in the meadow. The boy, upon meeting you, asked for your help, and he is very grateful that you agreed to assist. Help the boy and obtain the blood of the stream troll. Restriction: User who met the peculiar boy, Plinky. Reward: Dark mage skill book, increased trust with Plinky. Failure: Decreased trust with Plinky. The grade of the reward may vary depending on the outcome of the quest. Seong didnt outright agree, but the quest window appeared nonetheless. It seemed like once he was involved, there was no backing out. Looking at the quest window, Seong nodded. I was just heading to hunt stream trolls myself, so this works out perfectly. Oh!? Perfect!!! Plinky, quite pleased, grinned widely. Looking at the cheerful Plinky, Seong glanced back at the quest window. Since the reward grade would depend on the outcome, this meant that if he did well, he could potentially earn a rare or higher grade skill book. Seong was satisfied with this unexpected reward. However, it was already sunset. Maybe because they had strong regeneration and vitality? They didnt die immediately from the bloodstorm. But that was fine. There were already Ash Crows scattering green fog and gray powder in the air. Uwoooah! Uuuugh! Roooooar! The ashes of the Ash Crows slowed the regeneration of the trolls, and the poison began to eat away at their bodies. The stream trolls, their bodies corroded by the powerful toxic poison, quickly melted halfway and collapsed. Thud! Thud! Clang! As they fell one by one, a series of experience messages appeared for Seong. [You have gained experience!] x23 [Level Up!] [You are now level 65.] Oh. Just like that, he had leveled up. It was a satisfying hunt. But then... Hmm, I wonder if I can extract the blood? Suddenly, a concern crossed his mind. He hadnt used any explosions to collect blood or fins, but the trolls were in pretty bad shape. Though the poison effect was turned off, they were still mangled. When Seong glanced at Plinky, who had been watching, Plinky''s eyes were sparkling. Wow! Was that poison?! And the undeads unique effect finishing them off? And that initial bloodstorm... it was amazing!!! Eh? Ah, th-thank you. He had been worried that he couldnt extract the blood, but instead of a response, Plinky was simply admiring him. Feeling a little embarrassed, Seong watched Plinky with a faint smile. Anyway, it wasnt that important. Do you think we can still extract the blood from them in their current state? Seong asked, just in case. Luckily, Plinky nodded and answered. Yes! Since the stream trolls are trolls, they didnt lose all their blood even after such an attack. Im sure we can extract plenty!!! Also, you faced all these trolls at once...!!! It seemed Plinky was genuinely impressed as he shivered with excitement. It looked like everything was fine. Seong was somewhat relieved. Then Ill extract the blood! Is there anything you need, Seong? I can butcher them if youd like!!! Ill handle the butchering. Eh! Youve already hunted them all! If I dont butcher them too, Ill be scolded! Hmm... While Seong was considering it, he felt it would be better to let Plinky take care of it. After all, he had already done all the hunting. He decided not to refuse twice. Then Ill leave it to you. Hehe, excellent choice! Let me show you my skills! With that, Plinky eagerly leapt off Kaishak, who had landed on the ground, and pulled something out of his dimensional bag. It was a set of tools that looked far superior to the butchering tools Seong had. It seemed he wasnt just saying he could butcherhe really was skilled. Seong couldnt help but wonder what kind of person this was. As Plinky began to butcher, it was clear that his skills were extraordinary. His precision and speed were those of a seasoned craftsman, like someone who had been butchering for decades. Even Afic''s memories didnt recall many with such skill. Just who was this guy? While Seong was pondering, Plinky had already finished most of the butchering and was extracting the blood. He was done already? Seong briefly marveled, and Plinky, wiping his forehead as if he were sweating, spoke. Phew! Done!!! Ill give you all the other byproducts! The fins, bones, meat, and everything else! Even though the amount seemed quite large, he didnt seem greedy. In fact, Plinky smiled brightly, pulled a book from his dimensional bag, and handed it to Seong. Heres the payment for the quest!!! [You have received the reward for the hidden quest, ''The Peculiar Boy.''] [Plinky is greatly satisfied!!!] [The reward has been greatly enhanced.] [You have received the unique-grade skill book, ''Skillbook - Self in the Darkness.''] A unique-grade skill book as a reward? As soon as Seong received it, he thought seriously. What exactly is he doing? Chapter 69 Without hesitation, they hand over the Unique-grade skillbook. The NPCs Seong had encountered up until now had never done such a thing. Except for the Overpalace side. In other words, it could mean that the individual was someone important, affiliated with an organization of comparable standing, even if not the Overpalace itself. Once this thought crossed his mind, Seongs expression became slightly troubled. It wasnt like he had done anything bad, but... Wasnt he, after all, the successor? Or perhaps a descendant? At least, something of the sort? Of Helena, the Demon King, who had been called the Dark Sorceress? What if they see me in a bad light? Should he escape? For now, all he had done was accept the request and complete itnothing else. Maybe its just unnecessary worry. Its said that the recognition of Dark Mages within the Overpalace has greatly improved recently. There was nothing to do but trust him. As Seong reached this conclusion, Plinky seemed to be about to say something. Oh! And... But he couldnt finish the sentence. Kkaeaeae!! (Hostile presence detected!) Bpaeaeae!! (Enemy detected!) Kaishak and Anemore both roared simultaneously. To Plinky, it was just noise, but Seong understood immediately. Although they had only just been turned into Undead that very day... He already knew what those roars meant. He could understand the language of ghosts. Seongs eyes glowed in a turquoise hue. Suddenly, from the wide and deep Trin Riverbank, a pillar of water shot up. Fwuaaaaah!! The pillar of water shot up as if to reach the heavens, and a massive shadow emerged, breaking through it. This was somewhat different from the river trolls Seong had captured, which numbered twenty-three. It had webbed feet, fins, and the typical fish-like scales, but it was far larger than any troll he had encountered. Most notably, it had fierce and enormous tusks. It was obvious just from looking that it wasnt an ordinary creature. [Field Boss, "Riverbank Troll Leader, Rigus," has appeared.] As expected. It was a field boss. As soon as the creature appeared, Seong stepped forward as if to protect Plinky. His priority was to protect Plinky. As Seong stepped forward, Kaishak and Anemore exuded fierce energy, intimidating the creature. Kkaeaeaeae!! (How dare you show your fangs to anyone!) Piaeaeeaeae!! (You filthy beast, even if I tear you apart, it wont be enough!) At first, the Riverbank Troll Leader Rigus seemed to shrink back, somewhat subdued by their imposing presence. But soon, perhaps filled with rage, Rigus also roared angrily. Goooaaarrr! It was a standoff of threats. But Seongs side held the advantage in both numbers and morale. Rigus was alone now, having lost all his subordinates, whereas Seong had Kaishak and Anemore, both powerful field-boss-level Undead, and dozens of Ash Crows flying around. It was obvious who would lose if the creature decided to charge. Rigus seemed to know that too, and instead of charging in recklessly, he simply gnashed his teeth in frustration. On the other hand, Kaishak, Anemore, and the Ash Crows werent attacking Rigus not because he wasnt a worthy opponent. Wait. It was because Seong had ordered them to wait. Normally, Seong wasnt the type to hold back an attack. But there was a reason why he wanted them to wait. As Seong stepped forward to protect, Plinkys eyes lit up, as though wanting to speak up. Did he want something? Didnt you want to say something? Seong asked, guessing from his demeanor. Plinky, as if waiting for this, poured out his words. Ah! Sorry to interrupt! It looks like were in a standoff, but... it seems like there''s a bit of room to talk, right? So, well... if it''s okay, I have something to ask... Plinky said, pulling something out of his spatial bag.@@@@ A glass bottle containing a blue liquid swirled inside. The liquid looked mysterious, and the bottle itself seemed rather high-end. Seong didnt even need to ask what it was. He could already see it. [Plinky''s Special Mana Potion] But that wasnt all. [Plinky''s Special Dark Magic Enhancement Potion] [Plinky''s Special Undead Enhancement Potion] [Plinky''s Special Resistance Boost Potion] [Plinky''s Special Mana Boost Potion] Plinky took out five different potions. And there were quite a few of them. When Seong quickly counted, there were at least five of each type. A total of twenty-five potions. Seong looked at Plinky, wondering what this was all about. If its okay... would you mind drinking them and fighting for me? Plinky asked. But Seong didnt hesitate. He deliberately made the additional Riverbank Trolls summoned by Ad More move together at once. They exhaled faint green mist. Gwooooaar! Guk! Gwoooaaargh! Their intelligence appeared lacking, but for Rigus, their former leader, it was undoubtedly a horrific sight. Would he have to kill his own subordinates with his own hands? Rigus momentarily had that thought but shook his head. No. It was actually a relief. Now, he could send his subordinates into eternal rest with his own hands! He would send them to eternal rest and express his anger toward those who desecrated death! Rigus roared in fury. Gwoooooaaaaargh! The roar shook the earth. Even Kaishak and Anemore were startled by the intensity of the roar. It was clear that his rage had reached its peak. Rigus, as he charged, unsheathed his long claws like swords and slashed through the air, aiming to send his subordinates into eternal rest. Screech! Screech! It wasnt the sound of sharp blades, but the dull scraping of claws, as he entered the Riverbank Troll Zombies ranks. The faint green mist corroded and dissolved his body, but Rigus didnt care. The shallow wounds would heal quickly. It was far more important to send his subordinates to eternal rest than to care about these minor injuries. Gwoooaaargh! As he yelled like a warrior, Seong saw the bodies of Riguss subordinates ignite like flames. Not only the bodies of his subordinates but also within the faint green poison, flames flickered and ignited. Rigus, who didnt fully understand what was happening, tilted his head in confusion. What...? That was Riguss last word. Fwooooosh! An indescribable heat, shaking the heavens and earth, spread across the land. It swallowed up Rigus and even part of the Trin River nearby. The overwhelming heat clashed with the Trin River, creating a massive column of steam. Kushhiiiii! Despite being the Trin River, the heat from the explosion wasnt dissipating, and it created a strong upward draft. The explosion cloud and steam that formed from the blast rose rapidly, carried by the updraft, forming a towering cloud pillar. The shockwave from the explosion rippled across the ground, like waves. Kugugugugu! The ground trembled as if there had been an earthquake, and in some places, it even cracked open. It was truly overwhelming power. But within the intense explosion, the two giant ash crows, who had set up a protective shield, kept Seong and Plinky safe as they watched in awe. Wow... Ugh... They couldnt say anything else. In the face of such a majestic sight, anyone would feel the same. It wasnt as powerful as a nuclear explosion, but... Seong was certain that this was probably the most powerful force he could muster right now. Even Kaishak and Anemore, now part of Seongs army, shuddered in memory of their past lives and the shock of the explosion. Had the Self in the Darkness skill been used on Anemore earlier, would he have been able to defeat her much quicker? As Seong speculated, the notification appeared: [Field Boss, "Riverbank Troll Leader, Rigus," has been defeated.] [Experience gained!] [Unable to find the body.] [Unable to use "Legion of Death."] The confirmation of the kill came along with a phrase he had never seen before. It stated that the body couldnt be found and that the Legion of Death couldnt be used. The same went for the Riverbank Trolls summoned by Ad More. It seemed that with great power came great responsibility. If theyre caught in a simultaneous explosion, even the Legion of Death wont be able to resurrect them. This was something new Seong had learned. If they turned to dust, they couldnt be resurrected. It was a bit of a loss, but it was also a relief. Since he had used the explosion with only the ones summoned by Ad More, there hadnt been any important casualties. He vowed to be more careful with this combination of explosions. After declaring a temporary seal on this power, Seong was considering returning, having confirmed the power of Self in the Darkness. But Plinky, his eyes sparkling, seemed about to say something, then suddenly frowned and sighed deeply. Ha. Its a shame, but I should head back now. I would have loved to stay with you, Seong, but... well, its unfortunate. Oh! And if you need more potions, feel free to come find me anytime! Plinky said, handing something over, and as Seong took it, he tilted his head in confusion. Plinky, already a great distance away, waved enthusiastically, moving even farther. Seong thought he could go alone, but after considering the potions Plinky had given him, he decided against it. What had Plinky given him, anyway? [Alchemists Magic Tower SealHeir of the Sage, Plinky] ...? It seemed like he had received something quite important. Chapter 70 3. With a delighted expression, Plinky, his luxurious long hair swaying behind him, walked along the Trin Riverbank, stretching with a satisfied smile and muttering to himself. Whew. That was really fun. It had been a long time since anything had been this enjoyable. No, it was one of the top experiences in his life. Such tremendous magical power to already show such impressive strength. Truly remarkable. Thinking back to that moment, how thrilling it had been. His face, still flushed as if the explosion was happening before his eyes, Plinky spoke. Should I say... the Lord of Lords? It was truly amazing. Now I understand why even our ancestors and the legendary heroes couldnt defeat it, no matter how hard they tried. Such overwhelming power was something that couldnt be admired enough. Even though he was called the heir of the sage, it was clear that replicating such strength would be extremely difficult. Though his power was similar to Seongs, Plinky had no confidence that he could pull it off. Even if his level increased, he wasnt sure. He couldnt make any promises. But the fact remainedit was extraordinary power. As Plinky walked for a while, a group of people appeared, surrounding him. They were elderly individuals with a shabby appearance, dressed in luxurious clothes, much like Plinky. Heh, I was having so much fun, and now the elders show up and ruin everything. P-Plinky! Ah, you really shouldnt go alone like this. At least give us some kind of warning before you go... Yes, thats right. Once the word "elders" came out of Plinkys mouth, it was clear these werent ordinary people. They were the elders of the Alchemists Magic Tower. And these elders were indeed the ones in question. But Plinky, as if it didnt matter, sighed and said, Hey, what can you do? We are truly grateful for your understanding. We thank you. So, are you going to enjoy another rest now? In response to the elders question, Plinky shook his head. He seemed utterly unenthusiastic. But his next words took the elders by surprise. Im going to see Luke after a long time. Everyone was shocked by Plinkys words but didnt show it. They simply lowered their heads and followed his lead. Understood, my lord. We will head to Luke immediately. Well prepare to leave right away. Well contact Luke as well. As all the elders agreed, Plinky smiled contentedly and then shared something he had forgotten. Oh, right, I gave my seal to the person who helped me earlier, so if they come to the Tower later, you need to call me immediately! Its really important! ...? Understood. We will do so. Had Plinky ever spoken this forcefully? Looking back, no, he hadnt. He even gave his seal to someone for just helping him. What had happened here? Although the elders were curious, they refrained from asking. They simply bowed, acting as if they were loyal servants who would obey their masters commands. I must definitely inform Luke. With a smile on his face, Plinky stepped onto the magic circle the elders had set up and disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving the plains as if nothing had ever been there. 4. This is bad. Really bad. This is a huge problem. Lee Won-sangs expression, heading toward Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong to report about Seong, was one of pure dread. His face was darkened, resembling a cow being led to the slaughterhouse. Although he knew Team Leader Ji Hye-jeongs personality wouldnt lead to severe scolding, the very act of reporting made him anxious. How should he handle this? No, could it even be handled at all? Why did Plinky suddenly show up there!? An alchemists Magic Tower disciple and the heir of the sage. One of the highest-tier named NPCs in Eternal World. And now, by some coincidence, such a person had crossed paths with Seong. As Lee Jae-kyung spoke cautiously, Lee Won-sangs face turned ashen in real-time. Seeing the confused looks of both Lee Jae-kyung and Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong as they glanced at him, Lee Won-sang, feeling awkward, spoke up hesitantly. Well... just now, Seong the user and the Sages heir, Plinky, just met. ...What??? We didnt get any such report... Zziing! Zziing! The repetitive vibrating sound. At the sound, Lee Jae-kyung, looking as if he were in a horror movie, opened his smartphone. The caller was Lee Jae-kyungs subordinate. And it just so happened that one of the NPCs managed by his subordinate was Plinky. After swallowing his saliva, Lee Jae-kyung answered the call. "Manager, this is bad! Plinky just met with a user suspected to be the Overlord and now hes heading to Luke!!" Ha... Damn it. With a blunt curse, Lee Jae-kyungs brows furrowed tightly. Quickly massaging his furrowed brow with his finger, he sighed heavily. Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong, too, let out a deep sigh, her voice full of frustration. Hoo... This is bad, isnt it? Ha... ... Seeing the two superior officers in distress, Lee Won-sang, unsure of what to do, struggled not to make any noise as he held his breath. The situation was dire. Luke, the Hero. And the Overlord. Although it had happened in past generations, the bitter connection was not something easily explained. Because of that, it had to be stopped somehow. I need to return to my post and see if I can control Luke and Plinky. ...We cant really handle Seong the user, but do you have any means to stop them? At Team Leader Ji Hye-jeongs question, Lee Won-sang hesitated for a moment. Should he say it? Or shouldnt he? But given the worst-case scenario... Yes... I do have a means. Oh? You have a way to stop both the current Hero and the Sage at the same time? Lee Jae-kyung looked at Lee Won-sang as if challenging him. Lee Won-sang swallowed and nodded. Having been through it once, he knew how to use it. And Lee Won-sang was one of the top people who could do that. What if we use the Overpalace? You want to stop a bomb by detonating a nuke? The analogy of stopping a bomb by detonating a nuke was spot on. No matter how powerful the organizations that the Hero and Sage were associated with, they couldnt compare to the Overpalace. However, considering the Overpalaces movements... It could lead to unimaginable consequences. For example, they wouldnt kill the Hero and Sage, but Seong could gain a tremendous advantage. This could upset the balance of power significantly. Thats why moving cautiously with the Overpalace was crucial. But to suggest using the Overpalace? If it could be controlled, it might be a great idea, but... If things went even slightly wrong? Seong, already strong, could become overwhelmingly powerful. Just remembering how the restrictions of the Overpalace had loosened, allowing him to receive Ad More... But to actually do that? This is a damn stupid idea, isnt it? It wasnt surprising that Lee Jae-kyung cursed. But after cursing, Lee Jae-kyung smiled broadly and extended his hand toward Lee Won-sang. Then, giving him a thumbs-up, he said, Lets do it now!!! The decision to activate the Overpalace was final. 5. The distance from the upper part of the Trin River to Serdin Village was quite far. But for Seong, riding on Anemore, it wasnt far at all. He reached the village in no time. The quest conditions were completed, so now he headed to the Green Hill Inn. Since he had collected all the gills, he decided to wait there. Finding the inn wasnt difficult. As soon as he entered, the friendly innkeeper greeted him warmly. Welcome! Chapter 71 The innkeeper greeted Seong warmly, and he nodded in return. "Good day." "Meal? Lodging?" Straight to the pointjust how he liked it. Since he was meeting Ashin here, it was for a meal, not lodging. "Ill take a meal." "Puhehe! Whats on your menu?" "Hmm, potato stew and rye bread, please." "Got it! Sit anywhere you like and wait!" "Thank you." The friendly innkeeper shouted something into the kitchen as Seong moved to a seat further inside. The inn was empty. A fleeting concern about the quality of the food crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. After all, he hadnt come here to enjoy the food but to advance a quest. In Eternal World, even the taste of food was meticulously crafted, and culinary exploration had become a trend among players. Come to think of it, this was the first time Seong had eaten anything in Eternal World. As he sat there waiting, it wasnt long before the steaming potato stew and rye bread were served. Oh? Its better than I expected. The texture and flavor felt like real food. The potato stew was seasoned perfectly, salty but not overwhelming, and the rye bread was soft enough to dip into the stew. He finally understood why some players came to Eternal World just to indulge in gourmet experiences. Not long after finishing his meal, the inns door creaked open as someone entered. Due to the layout, the dining area was out of sight from the entrance, but Seong could hear the sounds clearly. The innkeepers warm voice followed the sound of the door. "Welcomeoh, its you, Philip?" The innkeepers tone quickly shifted to disappointment. The reaction piqued Seongs curiosity. "Hey, hey! Im still a paying customer, you know?" "Whatll you have today?" "Well, Im here for an errand, but since Im here, Ill have some potato stew." "Your tone could use some work. Fine, sit tight. Ill bring it to you." "Yeah, yeah." The sound of footsteps approached the tables, accompanied by the lazy, casual tone of the newcomer. When Seong turned his head, he saw a familiar face. "We meet again?" Although the name "Philip" was new, Seong recognized the face and voice. It was none other than the young apprentice blacksmith who had previously delivered a note for someone named Ashin. So, his name was Philip? Not that it mattered. "Looks like we do." "Ugh, if it werent for my debt, I wouldnt have to run these errands. Debt, huh. What a pain." Grumbling, Philip sat down across from Seong without waiting for an invitation. Seong smirked subtly. Their objectives were the same anyway, so he didnt mind the lack of courtesy. Philip chuckled and then asked, "So, did you really gather everything?" "Of course." Confidently, Seong opened his inventory and handed over 20 webbed feet from river trolls. Philips eyes widened in shock, as if he couldnt believe what he was seeing. His expression was priceless. As Seong remained silent, Philip scratched his head awkwardly and muttered, "So thats what they told you to get? Phew, that person must be out of their mind." A notification appeared before Seongs eyes: [Hidden Quest: Treasure Goblin Kahkus Assistant Cleared.] [Rewards Granted.] [You have gained Ashins trust.] [You have not yet received the note.] [The next quest will take some time to unlock.] It hadnt been as difficult as expected. If anything, the chaos caused by meeting Plinky midway had been more troublesome. Still, he had gained a useful skill out of it, so there was no reason to complain. When Seong handed over the webbed feet, Philip pulled out a sack to wrap them up, muttering to himself. "How am I supposed to carry all this?" His grumbling earned a silent stare from Seong, as if asking, Arent you forgetting something? Philips expression shifted to realization, and he chuckled awkwardly. "Haha, almost forgot. Heres the note for this round." Must possess Treasure Goblin Kahkus Treasure Map.Must have completed Treasure Goblin Kahkus Assistant.A key and a vital clue to the treasure map.Loss of both the key and the vital clue. Seongs agreement seemed to ease Philips nerves. Not that Seong had any intention of causing trouble, but with Philips friendship with a goblin now out in the open, it was natural for him to feel a bit uneasy. Seong wasnt particularly bothered, though. Guess Ill have to come back tomorrow morning. As Seong thought that to himself, Philip spoke again. "Ill leave the key here at the inn in the early morning. The innkeeper is trustworthy." "Got it. Thanks for letting me know." "Ill do my best to make it perfect," Philip said, bowing slightly. Seong replied with a nod and left the inn naturally. Normally, he would have paid for his meal, but Philip insisted on covering it, so he walked out without a second thought. With the quest complete and nothing pressing until tomorrow morning, Seong considered hunting to pass the time. Just as he was about to head out, a voice came from outside the capsule. [You have a voice message from the external system.] [Seong, come eat dinner~] It seemed his time in Eternal World was up for the day. [Eternal World will be waiting for you.] Logging out, Seong found himself back in reality. As he stepped out of the capsule, the enticing aroma of food filled the house, making his mouth water. "Whoo." It had been hours since lunch, and his stomach responded instantly. Judging by the smell, tonights dinner was bulgogi. The mingling scents suggested a lavish feast was prepared. Drawn by the smell, Seong wandered into the living room, where his father, Yoo Gwang-jin, was unusually early and helping his mother, Lee Na-gyeong, set the table. "Oh, Seong, youre out." "Welcome home, Dad." "Yeah, work ended early today, so I came home early," Yoo Gwang-jin replied, looking slightly awkward under Seongs gaze. Seong chuckled, and Yoo Gwang-jin, realizing it, cleared his throat and resumed helping Lee Na-gyeong. Noticing her son, Na-gyeong smiled. "Oh, Seong, youre out already? Go wash your handsits almost ready." "Got it," Seong replied, considering helping but deciding against it since his father was already assisting. Instead, he headed to the bathroom to wash up. By the time he returned, his sister, Yu Mina, had also emerged from her capsule, yawning widely. Spotting their father, her eyes lit upnot because he was home early, but with a mischievous gleam. "Hey, Dad! Did you hear? Seong" Her tone left no doubt she was about to tease him. Seong tried to stop her, but Yoo Gwang-jin beat her to it. "I heard. First place, huh? Impressive. Well done." "Uh... thank you," Seong replied, slightly embarrassed by the rare praise. It was awkward, as father-son compliments often are, but it didnt feel bad. Mina, however, was visibly disappointed that her plan had been thwarted. "Go wash your hands," Seong said, glaring at her. "Yeah, yeah," she muttered, heading to the bathroom. "Hurry up! Everythings ready!" Na-gyeong called after her. "Okay, Im going!" Mina replied. The family gathered for dinner, which felt oddly like a reunion despite having eaten together after Seongs military discharge not long ago. The conversation was lighthearted, touching on Seongs gaming experience, Gwang-jins work, and Minas raid preparations. At some point, Na-gyeong mentioned something more dramatic: "Did you hear? Jimins husband ran off with another woman in a nighttime elopement." Well, maybe that was important, too. As the chatter continued, Na-gyeong suddenly turned to Seong, curiosity in her eyes. "Now that youre discharged, arent you meeting any friends?" It seemed like a polite question, but Seong happened to have plans. "Actually, I do have plans to meet some friends tomorrow." "Oh, I see," Na-gyeong said, nodding. Mina, catching on, smirked. "Oh, you mean that girl, right?" At her words, both Na-gyeong and Gwang-jins eyes sparkled with interest as they turned to Seong. Chapter 72 "A girl?! Youve got plans with a girlfriend?" "Are you two seeing each other seriously?" Seongs mother, Lee Na-gyeong, practically buzzed with excitement, while his father, Yoo Gwang-jin, tried to appear indifferent but couldnt hide his interest. Seong glared at Yu Mina, already resigned to the chaos shed caused, but she feigned innocence with a playful smirk. What a troublemaker. Seong sighed and attempted to calm his parents. "No, its just a college friend." "But its a girl, right?!" "...Yes, technically. But its not just her; its a group of college friends meeting up." "Oh, I thought you had a girlfriend..." Na-gyeongs disappointment was so evident that Seong was momentarily taken aback. Was she really that let down? As Seong stared at her in confusion, Gwang-jin spoke up. "Now, now, dont be so openly disappointed. Youll make him feel pressured. Its not like Seong lacks popularity, so stop worrying unnecessarily." "Still..." Na-gyeong let out a long sigh but said no more. Seong silently thanked his father for the save. His mother always got overly excited when the topic of a female friend came up. She often complained that Seong had never brought a girlfriend home, saying it hurt her feelings. Seong shot a sharp glance at Mina, who remained unapologetic, grinning as if to say, What did I do? Shes unbelievable... Seong bit back his retort, deciding not to escalate things at the dinner table. He tried to focus on his meal, but the intense stares from both parents made him feel like he might choke. When he finally looked up to see why they were staring, Na-gyeong nudged Gwang-jin. "So, are you leaving late tomorrow, then?" "Ah... no. I think Ill head out around noon. The plan is to meet around lunchtime." Double-checking his schedule, Seong confirmed it was accurate. He had planned everything ahead of time. "I have a quest to finish in the morning, then a raid, and after that, Ill head to the meeting." "A... raid?"@@@@ "Yeah. Why do you ask?" Seongs casual mention of a raid left everyone at the table looking stunned. Even Mina, who also played Eternal World, seemed baffled. It was unexpected, and Seong couldnt understand why. Na-gyeong broke the silence first, hesitantly asking, "Dont you usually spend the morning preparing for a lunch meeting...?" "Guys dont need much time to get ready," Seong replied matter-of-factly. "Huh?" His nonchalant answer left Na-gyeong thoroughly confused. Gwang-jin scratched his head as if unsure whether to agree or question his sons priorities. While not a gamer himself, even he felt something about this seemed off. Mina, on the other hand, looked utterly exasperated. "Didnt you already raid today?" "Yeah." "You cleared Fortress of the Past this morning, right?" "Right." "And youre raiding again tomorrow?" "Yep." "...Unbelievable." Mina shook her head, staring at Seong as if he were crazy. She had introduced him to the game herself, but his obsession seemed extreme even by her standards. Normally, Na-gyeong would reprimand Mina for her coarse language, but this time, she didnt. It seemed she secretly agreed. Seong, meanwhile, tilted his head in confusion. Whats so strange about fitting in a raid before a meeting? As he pondered their reactions, his family silently came to their own conclusions. He really has no interest in dating, does he? Will he even get married at this rate? Forget the game and live in the real world, Seong. The note contained a clue, but it didnt hold much significance for Seong. With Kahkus memories, he already knew everything it explained. The quest was solely about acquiring the key. Mounting Anemore, Seong soared into the sky, quickly climbing over 100 meters. As the familiar winds greeted him, he retrieved Kahkus treasure map. [The Hidden Quest is completed. The location of Treasure Goblin Kahkus Treasure Map is revealed.] A red dot appeared on the nearby map, marking the treasures location. Its farther than I thought. He had expected it to be near Serodin, but it wasnt. Even riding Anemore, it would take about an hour. Walking wouldve taken at least half a day. Good thing I got Kaishak recently. With no further delay, Seong flew toward the marked point. Whooosh! The landscape blurred as strong winds buffeted him. But Seong remained steady, gripping Anemores feathers as they soared. The rush of air tousled his hair, but the exhilaration made it all worthwhile. Even with the journey lasting an hour, Seong enjoyed the flight, savoring the experience until they finally arrived. So this is it. As Philips note suggested, the key wasnt for a cave. The red dot marked a sheer cliff face, perfectly smooth with no visible openings. But Seong already knew where the entrance was. Approaching the middle of the cliff, he reached out a hand. The cliff shimmered like a mirage, revealing the hidden entryway. Where did Kahku even find something like this? Thanks to Kahkus memories, Seong knew exactly how it was constructed and couldnt help but admire the craftsmanship. Though Kahku hadnt built the site himself, he had concealed the entrance with illusion magic to ensure it remained undiscovered. As Seong moved to enter, Anemore made a discontented noisethe entrance was too narrow. "Looks like youll have to wait in the Netherworld." After dismissing Anemore, Seong ventured inside alone. If needed, he could always summon it again. Besides, his combat abilities were formidable enough on their own. Step. Step. Step. His footsteps echoed eerily in the narrow passage, but Seong was unfazed. Eventually, he reached the iron door described in Kahkus memories. Unlike the illusion-covered entrance, the iron door belonged to the original ruins. The key was designed specifically for this door, based on detailed analysis. The door stood over 3 meters tall and 1 meter wide per panel. Without the key, I wouldnt have been able to get in. Magic energy emanated faintly from the door, suggesting it was heavily warded. Inserting the key, Seong turned it. Creaaak! Thud... Thud... The hinges groaned, and the ground trembled as the door slowly opened. Inside, the ruins sparkled with crystals, reflecting dazzling light. The brightness was almost blinding, and Seong squinted, trying to shield his eyes. The light subsided after a moment, leaving the ruins glowing faintly, like a dreamscape or a palace from a fairy tale. Wow. He had never seen anything like it. Glad he had recorded the moment, Seong thought this scene deserved to be shared. As Seong explored the glittering ruins, a ghost peeked out from between the crystal pillars. It briefly revealed its face, quickly pulled back, and then peeked out again. "...What are you doing?" Seong asked, his tone neutral. "Ah! C-can you see me?!" The ghost, its face turning a deep shade of red, recoiled in shock at Seongs words. Chapter 73 Seong didnt bother asking why the ghost kept poking its head in and out between the crystal pillars. He wasnt curious. He didnt want to know. The ghost seemed relieved that no questions were askedif Seong had inquired, the ghost would have felt compelled to answer. Seong, however, regretted acknowledging it at all. He shouldve ignored it. After seeing such bizarre behavior from a ghost for the first time in his 22 years, the words had slipped out before he could stop himself. The ghost, clearly embarrassed, gave an awkward cough. "Ahem! It was... a peculiar gesture for such an esteemed individual like yourself to witness." "..." Seong didnt reply, but his frosty glare spoke volumes. It conveyed a clear disinterest in engaging further. The ghost flinched, as if the icy gaze had pierced its translucent form. "II swear, Im not usually like this..." "..." "Please, could you not look at me with those eyes...?" The ghosts dejected expression made Seong sigh softly. Judging by its attire, the ghost seemed to have been a high-ranking knight in life. Despite its spectral form, the armor it wore and the sword at its side were anything but ordinary. How had someone of such stature come to this? The thought lingered, but Seong had no intention of voicing it. Instead, he redirected the conversation. "What is this place?" "This is the Crystal Palace, a fragment of a brilliant age long past," the ghost explained solemnly. "It once served as the royal court. But time has dulled its splendor, and now its nothing more than a faded memory." "Ah..." Though the knights words carried a somber tone, Seong couldnt fully immerse himself in the sentiment. The memory of the ghosts earlier antics kept resurfacing. He really shouldnt have acknowledged it. But since it was too late to undo that, he decided to make the most of the situation. The ghosts martial appearance suggested it might possess valuable skills and knowledge about the palace. Extending his hand toward the ghost, Seong prepared to absorb its memories. The ghost, as if understanding his intent, closed its eyes and stood still. In an instant, a flood of memories and experiences rushed into Seongs mind. [Using your Unknown Power, you have achieved what is impossible at your current level.] [Strength +5, Agility +5 permanently increased.] A total stat increase of 10 was remarkable. For comparison, defeating Barfur the beast had only granted an 8-point boost. I thought it was just a fool... turns out I was wrong. The memories revealed the ghosts true nature: in life, it had been a stern and dignified knight. Perhaps its strict demeanor in life had led to its eccentricities in death. Still, its prowess and honor as a great soul remained undeniable. Seong couldnt help but feel a twinge of regret. Though he had initially dismissed the ghost as a bumbling fool, he now saw it for the remarkable being it truly was. "At last... Ive found peace. I never imagined my techniques would be passed on. Leaving them behind fills me with immense joy. Thank you." The ghostly knight, Bendix Pale Moon, spoke these final words before its spectral form burned away, fading into nothingness. As Bendixs figure dissolved, Seong felt a pang of disappointment. If Bendix had joined his legion, it would have been a significant boost to his forces. But Seong respected the knights wishes. After all, the knight had entrusted him with its techniques. Its lingering regrets were resolved, and there was no longer a reason for it to remain in this world. Not all ghosts were bound by regrets, but those like Bendix, who stayed due to unresolved matters, would ascend once their wishes were fulfilled. "Oh? Did he just find something? Whoa!" He even clapped in amazement when Seong uncovered a hidden door leading to a secret passage. Does he even realize hes supposed to be monitoring players? Jin-hyuk was diligent about everything else but seemed to lose all composure when watching Seongs gameplay. As Seong reached the treasure chamber without defeating the raid boss, Jin-hyuk gasped. "Whoa! He got into the treasure chamber before fighting the raid boss? Isnt this a record?" A notification popped up on-screen, awarding Seong the title Tomb Raider. Pre-reward before the raid? What is this concept? Jin-hyuk was both stunned and impressed. But wait, if he already emptied the treasure chamber, what happens to the raid boss rewards? Unable to contain his curiosity, Jin-hyuk kept watching, forgetting to report the anomaly to Lee Won-sang. Ill report it after I see how this plays out. Had Won-sang heard this, he might have exploded in frustrationor worse, torn Jin-hyuk apart himself. 4. The treasure chamber wasnt a mountain of gold but rather an armory. High-grade weapons and equipment lined the walls, at least five in total. "Wow..." Even Seong couldnt help but gape in awe. How could anyone remain indifferent in the face of such treasures? As he admired the collection, countless messages appeared. Every item was at least Epic grade, with some reaching Unique grade. Unfortunately, all of them were meant for melee classes, leaving Seong with nothing usable. Even so, they would fetch a fortune at auction, allowing him to buy items better suited to his needs. But the rewards didnt stop there. [For being the first in Eternal World to infiltrate a raid bosss treasure chamber, you have received the title Tomb Raider.] Although tempted to check the title immediately, Seong held back. He had already cleared the treasure chamber, claiming all its rewards before dealing with the raid boss. The chamber was indeed worthy of Kahkus greed. But Seongs curiosity lingered. What happens if you defeat the raid boss after emptying the treasure chamber? Normally, raid boss rewards were themed to match their setting. For example, the royal guardian golems treasure chamber was filled with melee weapons and gear befitting its role. Similarly, defeating Anemore had yielded wind-themed rewards. But what if the treasure chamber is already emptied? Seong smirked, eager to find out. The secret passage he had discovered was part of his plan all along. The treasure chamber, normally accessible only after defeating the ancient royal guardian golem, was now behind the golem. So, the guardians back is facing me right now. With that thought, Seong opened the treasure chambers door. The enormous golem turned, its massive frame visibly startled. "H-how did you get there?! I-intruder?!" Even golems could express shock, it seemed. But Seong didnt give it a chance to recover. He immediately activated his strongest skill. Summoning spectral Giant Killer Bees from the Netherworld, he unleashed the Ring of Winds effects. A powerful gust swept through the chamber, pushing the golem off balance. Normally, a being of its size wouldnt budge, but the amplified knockback sent it staggering. As the golem struggled to regain its stance, the treasure chamber door slammed shut behind it. The bees, coated in a green mist, began to crackle and ignite. BOOM! The explosion was a symphony of Corpse Explosion and Toxic Detonation, engulfing the golem in a fiery inferno. The ancient guardian, overwhelmed by the onslaught, emitted a distorted roar as it crumbled under the relentless assault.@@@@ Chapter 74 A surge of scorching heat swept through the air. The crystal pillars scattered throughout the area began to melt, unable to withstand the searing temperatures. One by one, the magnificent and grand structures of the raid field succumbed to the heat, reaching their melting points. Partially melted, the liquefied crystals seeped onto the floor, their residual heat spreading and causing even the surrounding crystal structures to dissolve. Even the crystalline walls, which had seemed impervious, began to drip and deform under the relentless heat. At the epicenter of the explosion stood the Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, its right arm mangled and melted, hanging uselessly as molten crystal dripped onto the floor. Its right leg and torso werent unscathed either, but they managed to retain their shape. The golem adjusted its stance, thick crystal ooze dripping from its destroyed arm like sticky syrup. It had long been aware of the presence of intruders. It wasnt the first time someone had dared to enter its domain. Previous trespassers, however, had fled at the mere sight of its form, and the golem had assumed this time would be no different. But this time, it was wrong. "To think you would sneak into the treasure chamber like a cowardly rat..." For someone to use the treasure it so diligently protected as a means to ambush it was unthinkable. The Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, with its capacity for thought, was utterly taken aback. It hadnt anticipated this possibility. Would it have been different had its body and functions not been worn down by the passage of time? The thought left it with bitter regret. But regrets were futile. Spilled water could not be gathered back. "If it cannot be undone, then it must be corrected." Recalling a saying it had once heard from its master, the golem''s crystal body began to emit a brilliant white light. Despite losing its right arm, it still had its unyielding legs and left arm. Drawing its signature weapon, a crystal longsword, the Ancient Royal Guardian Golem pointed its blade toward the treasure chamber where the intruder waited. The half-melted door of the treasure chamber creaked as the golem advanced. The intruder, Seong, emerged from the chamber, meeting the golems gaze. The golems crystalline eyes glowed with righteous fury. This intruder was unforgivablea stain upon its duty that must be eradicated. Whoosh! Whir! The Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, an ego golem bound by chivalry, discarded its code for this despicable and cunning opponent. Seong, on the other hand, looked at the golem, surprised at its resilience. That was my most powerful strike... Even after unleashing his strongest combination of skills, the golem remained standing, not even entering its second phase. It was a testament to its strength, far beyond what Seong had faced before. [Hidden Raid Boss Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, Crescendra has appeared.] [The Hidden Raid begins.] [You have inflicted a critical preemptive strike on the Hidden Raid Boss Crescendra!] [Crescendra has suffered significant damage, initiating the Hidden Raid.] The system confirmed that Seong''s attack had dealt substantial damage. For Crescendras body to sustain such injuries, the damage must have exceeded 20% of its maximum health. Still, the gap between Crescendra and previous bosses, like Anemore, was stark. As Seong assessed the situation, a massive turquoise portal shimmered into existence behind him. His legion began to march forth. Step. Step. The synchronized footsteps of the army carried an imposing presence that even made Crescendra grip its sword tighter. Though it didnt fully understand the mechanics, its instincts told it so. Surveying the battlefield, Crescendra noticed that Seongs forces had dwindled. What had initially been an army of over a hundred was now reduced to a handful: Valtar, Fiora, Anemore, Kaishak, and Barfur. Seong had dismissed the rest, deeming them unnecessary for this fight and a drain on his mana. Crescendra, initially dismissing Seong as a cunning but cowardly strategist, now saw him as a skilled and formidable tactician. With newfound respect, the golem exhaled deeply. Creeeeak! Hot steam erupted from Crescendras body, releasing the built-up heat from its damaged components. As the heat dissipated, fragments of crystal began to levitate around its form, and its movements grew lighter. The golem, wielding its crystal sword, stomped on the ground. The propulsion from its feet sent it hurtling toward Valtar with incredible speed. Whoosh! Its newfound speed was astonishingbeyond what mere words could convey. Valtar tried to raise his sword to block the incoming attack, but Crescendras strike came not from its blade but from its elongated right leg. Thwack! The golems leg connected with Valtars midsection, sending him hurtling backward. Using the momentum from the kick, Crescendra spun in the air, channeling its rotational force into its sword and launching a blood-red sword aura. Boom! Valtar crashed into the wall, coughing up blood. Meanwhile, the crimson slash shot toward Crescendra, who deflected it with its crystal sword. Despite deflecting Valtars attack, Crescendra noticed a massive hammer-like fist, formed from Fioras arms, barreling toward it. Already destabilized from its previous maneuvers, the golem couldnt properly adjust its stance. Out of options, it charged its eyes with radiant energy and unleashed a blinding beam at Fiora. Pshhhh! The beam struck Fiora squarely in the chest, sending her flying into the distant wall. Crescendra, assessing the situation, determined that its remaining opponentsValtar, Barfur, Anemore, and Kaishakposed no significant threat. Just as it let down its guard, a chilling presence emanated from behind. Turning its head, Crescendra saw Fiora, her arms transformed into massive axes, ready to strike. The golem immediately realized that the figure it had knocked away earlier wasnt Fiora but a decoy: Barfur, disguised as Fiora. The sudden realization left Crescendra in a state of shock. The axe-like arms descended, aiming to rip apart its chest. Though the attack appeared slow, Crescendras unsteady stance left it with no way to block or dodge. The golem could only brace itself as the axes tore into its chest. Ka-ga-ga-ga! The brutal attack left a massive gash in Crescendras chest. Even so, it managed to rise again, scanning for its opponents. Valtar and Barfur had recovered from their previous blows, and Anemore and Kaishak circled above, ready to rain fiery ash. Suddenly, Crescendra realized something odd. Valtar, Barfur, and Fiora were keeping their distance, seemingly waiting for something. As the golem turned to look at Seong, the world turned crimson. [Hidden Raid Boss Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, Crescendra is transforming.] [Hidden Raid Boss Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, Crescendra has entered Phase 2.] Warning! The raid boss becomes significantly stronger in Phase 2. Proceed with caution. With the shift into Phase 2, a crimson storm enveloped the battlefield. When it cleared, a single turquoise spear was embedded in Crescendras chest. [Darkness damage applied.] [Target partially resists.] [For 3 seconds, all senses are disrupted.] Chapter 75 As blood surged and the souls of the departed were harnessed, Seong''s dual-cast ability came to life. A crimson storm erupted immediately where Crescendra stood, obscuring its vision completely. Amid the chaos, a turquoise spear shot through the obscured field of sight. Though both attacks triggered simultaneously, the precise timing secured the success of the strike. "I wasnt sure itd work with Phase 2... but it did." Seong initially doubted if such an extraordinary entity like Crescendra would be affected. But it worked. Three seconds. A remarkably short span of time, yet enough to create an opening. It was time bought by Seong. And that invaluable time ignited the fierce determination in the eyes of Valtar and Fiora. Valtars eyes burned with a dark crimson glow. Fioras radiated a deep navy blaze. The two distinct glows intertwined, hurtling toward Crescendra in unison. Yet, at that very moment, Crescendra, seemingly deprived of all senses, began to moveor attempted to. It raised its arm, preparing for something. Seong, observing closely, immediately recognized what it was. "A skill?" Though its senses were sealed, its skills were not. Acknowledging this, Seong swiftly brought his index finger to his lips. The skill, Command of Silence, was activated. Even without its senses, Crescendra couldnt have anticipated what came next. From behind, an enormous witch appeared, laughing maniacally, her massive hand threading a glowing turquoise needle through Crescendra''s mouth, sealing it shut. The witch mirrored Seongs motion, pressing a finger to her lips as she hissed: "Shh..." In a voice that echoed like a banshees wail, the witch vanished into the void. [Crescendra has been silenced by Command of Silence for 5 seconds.] [Hidden Raid Boss: Ancient Kingdoms Guardian Golem Crescendra resists the effect.] [Duration reduced to 2 seconds.] Two more precious seconds. Sweat dripped from Seongs brow as he assessed the battlefield. Valtar, crouching low with his massive crimson greatsword in both hands, drew a deep breath as he charged forward. With the blade lowered, he carved a glowing red path across the crystal floor, the friction etching a searing groove into the ground. The greatsword, now radiating an intense, storm-like crimson aura, roared as Valtar unleashed his ultimate strike. Fiora, crossing paths with Valtar, prepared her own devastating attack. Her axe-arm, now grotesquely enlarged, rivaled Crescendras size. As Fiora swung the massive axe, a chilling blue aura wrapped around it, sharpening the edge to a supernatural degree. The two attacks struck Crescendra simultaneouslya storm of crimson and blue energy colliding against its core. Behind this destructive onslaught, a spectral wraith emerged, delivering yet another devastating blow with its scythe, embodying death itself. Shing! Slash! Thud! The scythe fell not once, but six times, each swing more final than the last. As the grim reaper faded into the shadows, the crystalline palace trembled violently. Cracks spiderwebbed across the floor, scaling walls and spreading to the ceiling. The seemingly invincible structure was finally reaching its limit. Yet Crescendra, though riddled with cracks and emitting a sharp grinding noise, still stood. Its shattered form, now shedding shards of crystal, exuded an aura so menacing that even Seongs strongest summoned alliesValtar, Fiora, Barfur, and Kalishafroze momentarily. Seong, observing from a distance, muttered: "This is insane." Could this truly be a level 70 raid boss? No, Crescendra was far beyond that. Even the strongest level 60 raid boss Seong had facedAnemorefelt trivial in comparison. "I cant win like this." Seong knew that his Creeping Darkness, a legion buff skill, was useless here. It required a massive enemy force to activate. Instead, he turned to the potions gifted by Plinky, consuming them one after another. "Our Lord foresaw this...!" "Y-Yes, truly incredible!" "To think this is our master...!" "Kyaaaah! (What a genius strategy!)" "Piiieee! (A terrifyingly precise plan!)" With the frost settled, the summons returned to the ground, resuming their assault on Crescendra. The towering golem reclaimed its crystalline greatsword, charging forward with a renewed fury. Valtar and Fiora intercepted, clashing against their foe with unyielding determination. For countless exchanges, they battled, Crescendras amplified strength in Phase 2 evident with every strike. But the combined might of Seongs five summons held firm. Amid the chaos, Seongs attacks darted through any opening, his precision forcing Crescendra to dodge the emerald spears that carried a deadly aura. Dodging these attacks, however, left Crescendra vulnerable to the relentless assaults of the summons. Every few strikes, a shadowy figure emergedthe grim reaperdelivering devastating slashes to Crescendras crystalline body. Slash! With each blow, Crescendras strength visibly waned. Kneeling on one knee, the golem growled in pain, the agony of severed souls coursing through its form. Yet Crescendra refused to fall, quickly recovering and retaliating with a vengeance. It parried Valtars greatsword, deflected Fioras axe, and countered Barfurs spectral grasp with overwhelming force. Kalisha and Anemore dove in together, balancing the scales, their combined efforts nearly matching Crescendras ferocity. But Crescendras eyes began to glowa signal of something catastrophic. "Kyaaaaah! (Whats happening!?)" "Piiieee! (We must stop it!)" "Master! Retreat immediately!" Barfur screamed, sensing the danger. Seong, however, stood his ground. He opened the Gates of the Underworld, recalling his five most powerful summons and replacing them with 20 empty-shell Null Ghouls. At the same time, he activated Poisoned Doom, infusing the ghouls with a sickly, glowing green toxin. Crescendra, seeing the ominous light emanating from the ghouls, involuntarily shuddered. For the first time, fear flickered in its gaze. Yet it roared defiantly: "You plan to self-destruct? Too late!!!" With its crystalline body surging with energy, Crescendra teleported directly in front of Seong, its greatsword blazing with radiant light. It swung the sword downward, aiming to cleave Seong in twoa blow no dark mage could possibly block. But Seong drew his own blade. A simple, unassuming weaponyet it held its ground. CRACK! BOOM! The impact shattered the ground beneath Seong, creating a deep crater, but his sword withstood the strike. Crescendras glowing eyes widened in disbelief. "H-How...?" Seong smirked, his calm voice cutting through the tension: "Got you." The green toxin coursing through the Null Ghouls ignited, triggering an explosion that consumed Crescendra entirely. "Wretched...!" Crescendra roared as it realized its fate. Seong vanished into shadow just before the blast, using Shadow Transference to escape the epicenter. [You have used Shadow Transference.] [You are invincible for 1 second.] [A Blood Veil surrounds you.] Even with the invincibility, the ensuing shockwave shattered the ground and vaporized the surrounding crystals. The Blood Veil, meant to shield Seong, disintegrated in an instant. As the heat from the explosion reached him, Seong grimaced, his body scorched by the residual flames. "Not... enough." The fire spread across his limbs and torso, threatening to consume him entirely. [You take extreme damage!] [HP reduced to 0.] [The effect of Unbound by Shackles activates.] [You are revived with 50% maximum HP.] [Invincibility granted for 5 seconds.] Revived by the unique effect, Seong stood amidst the chaos. As the explosion subsided, the battlefield came into focus. [Hidden Raid Boss: Guardian Golem of the Ancient Kingdom, Crescendra has been defeated.] Seong exhaled deeply, exhaustion setting in as the system notification echoed in his mind. "I won!" Chapter 76 After a fierce battle, Seong finally emerged victorious. It had truly been intense. He had even died once during the fight. If not for that, he might not have won. Was it because this was his first victory like this? Seong clenched his fists tightly and felt the joy flood him. I really won! If he hadn''t attacked from behind like a surprise ambush, could he have won? He didn''t know. Perhaps he could have lost. Thats how strong Crescent was. Seong reveled in his victory, looking at all the notifications confirming his achievement. He had glanced at them earlier, but hadnt properly read them. This time, he made sure to read them thoroughly. [Hidden Raid Boss, Ancient Kingdoms Guardian Golem, Crescendra has been defeated.] [Level Up!] 12 [Level 77 reached.] [Level 70 reached, unlocking a new skill for Overlord.] [Legendary grade skill, Flames of the Dead, acquired.] [Contribution is assigned solely to one player.] [Single raid confirmed.] [Single defeat confirmed.] [Rewards have been enhanced.] [First defeat recorded.] [Rewards have been enhanced.] [As this is a single raid, all rewards are given to Seong.] [The treasure chest for rewards is currently empty.] [Rewards are changing.] [Calculating rewards.] [Rewards customized for Seong.] [A new skill for Overlord has been unlocked as part of the reward.] [Obtained Almighty-grade skill, Transcendent Death.] [Obtained Legendary-grade skillbook, Skillbook- Thousand Blood Swords.] [Obtained Legendary-grade item, Hourglass of Reversal.] [First ever defeat of the Hidden Raid Boss, Ancient Kingdoms Guardian Golem, Crescendra.] [Title, Crescendra Slayer, acquired.] [Clearing the Hidden Raid for the first time grants information disclosure.] [Upon disclosure, rewards exceeding certain limits will be granted for every dungeon clear for the next 3 months.] [Information can be disclosed at any time.] [Once another raid group clears the raid, disclosure becomes impossible.] Insane. The long string of notifications almost made Seong dizzy and gave him a headache. But he took his time to read through them, one by one. First, the news that his level had increased. A whole 12 levels up, reaching level 77. Wow. It had already been fast before, but now it was mind-blowing. And of course, reaching level 70 unlocked a new skill. Flames of the Dead. From the name alone, it seemed like an offensive skill. Seong opened the skill description to check it out. Flames of the Dead Legendary [Lv 1][Growth type] [Persistent Effect][Active] [Cooldown: 10 minutes] [Duration: 3 minutes] The flames that burn souls in the hellfire bless the dead, and will set the world ablaze. Exclusive skill for Overlord. Consumes mana to summon the Flames of the Dead. Summoned minions wrapped in the Flames of the Dead receive +30% to all stats, +20% to all speeds, and +10% to all attack power. Minions wrapped in the Flames of the Dead and enemies within range will take sustained damage. ...What is this? A skill that fills the gap in buffs Seong had felt missing during the fight with Crescendra! What a perfect skill to receive at just the right time. It was a little disappointing that it could only be applied to a single entity, and not to Seong himself. But as far as performance goes, this skill was incredible. He couldnt help but be impressed by its effectiveness. It couldnt be used on a living being like Valtar, but it could certainly be applied to someone like Fiora. This is going to be amazing. This was a fantastic skill to get. Then, the next reward was also an Overlord-exclusive skill. The treasure chest was empty, so the system had likely created a unique reward for Seong, which included an Overlord-exclusive skill. An incredible gain! And it was an Almighty-grade skill. Transcendent Death. The name alone seemed extraordinary. With high expectations, Seong opened the skill window. Transcendent Death Almighty [Max Lv][Completed] [Instant Effect][Active] The ruler of death, Overlord, transcends even death itself. All the dead shall be blessed. Exclusive skill for Overlord. Can transcend the physical form of an undead that has reached its limit. Upon use, lowers the Overlords level by 1. Currently available Undead: [Entity name C Anemore] [Entity name C Barfur] [Beast Barfur''s Body] Huh. The skill exceeded his expectations. Seong let out a laugh, almost not believing it. A skill that transcends the physical body of an undead that has reached its limit. Although it had the drawback of lowering the level by one, the effect was so overwhelming that without it, the skill would seem unreasonably powerful. Just one level down could strengthen an undead''s physical form. The benefits were immense. There were even available entities to use it on right away. Anemore, Barfur, and... Barfur''s body? Now that he thought about it, he hadnt used it yet after putting it in the Netherworld. It was still waiting there because Seong didnt have enough level to turn it into an undead. But now, it seemed that the gap had been filled. The skill description clearly indicated that it could now be used. Would he raise his undead army now? As Seong pondered, another message appeared. [As the Commander of the Legion of Death, you can combine the summoned Barfur and Beast Barfur''s body into one and transcend them with Transcendent Death.] [Being designated as Commander of the Legion of Death will be maintained, and the cost of Transcendent Death will be a 2-level decrease.] Huh? What was this now? Fusion evolution? Seong felt a bit perplexed but quickly read through it. It wasnt anything bad. He could combine the body and the commander and transcend them together. Even though it would cause a 2-level drop, it wasnt bad at all. It was an amazing function! Without hesitation, Seong used the skill. There was no need to hesitate. He opened the gate to the Netherworld and summoned Barfur and Beast Barfurs body. Just as he did, Barfur, who had been concerned for Seongs safety during the battle, popped out. As soon as he was summoned, he immediately worried about Seongs well-being. -My, my lord! Are you okay!? Yeah, Im fine. Stay there for a moment. And he could control the swords made from his own blood. The versatility was immense. Seong scratched his cheek, amazed. What was even more surprising was that there was no mana consumption when controlling the swords. This skills a bit broken, isnt it? If an attack hits the target, wouldnt the swords just keep coming and attacking? Currently, only 150 swords could be controlled due to his level and class. But even that was insane. Using the flying blood swords for utility seemed like it could open up a lot of possibilities. Would it be worth testing right now? Normally, hed test it while hunting, but he didnt mind experimenting with its utility right away. Seong extended his hand, palm open, and activated the skill. A drop of blood rose from his palm. The deep red blood floated up, multiplying as it grew. Soon, countless drops filled the air. The blood droplets began to boil and expand, morphing into sharp swords. A hundred and fifty blood-red swords appeared in midair, all floating. Seong imagined one of them flying toward him, and indeed, one of the swords followed his will and obediently flew toward him. Once again, there was no mana consumption. Wow. Seong couldnt help but be impressed as he grabbed the sword. Even just holding it, he could tell how incredibly durable the blade was. When he lightly swung it: Whoosh! It cut through the air with a smoothness that was almost unreal. Whoa?! It was as if the sword had been perfectly sharpened. 150 swords? Seong found himself imagining the swords lying flat and forming a staircase. One by one, the swords flew into position, creating a red staircase right in front of him. He climbed the staircase, and to his surprise, it didnt waver or break. It was completely stable. The swords remained perfectly still, forming a solid and unyielding structure. The thought crossed his mind that he could rise from the stairs. With the swords beneath him, the blood-stained steps floated upward. Flying sword technique, maybe? Having read a fair number of martial arts novels, Seong chuckled at the thought. To think he was wielding 150 swords like this. The possibilities seemed endless. Finally, he thought to test it further. Just send ten of them to attack that crystal pillar. Seong pointed to a crystal pillar he could see outside the raid field. He signaled the swords, and exactly ten of them flew and struck the pillar, embedding themselves in it. Thunk! Thunk! Thunk! The sounds of the swords striking were almost simultaneous. Seong stood back, curious to see the results. How much explosion damage will this do? He waited eagerly, but... there was no explosion. ...? Wasnt the skill supposed to cause an explosion after the piercing damage? He double-checked the description, but it remained the same. Yet the swords remained lodged in the pillar without any sign of explosion. Seong frowned, thinking something was wrong. Could it be that terrain objects didnt count as valid targets? The skill description clearly stated it only applied to enemies. So it only triggers on targets recognized as enemies? If theres no explosion, the blood swords wouldnt disappear. In other words, as long as Seong didnt hit an enemy, he could keep using the skill indefinitely, creating shields or even defensive domes with the swords. ...This is way too broken. It felt like the skill was overpowered. Even if it gets nerfed later, its still absurdly powerful. Maybe itll get nerfed? It probably should, but if it doesnt, that would be amazing. Looking at the next reward, Seong saw an item called the Hourglass of Reversal. He couldnt tell what it was from the name, so he immediately checked it in his inventory. He tilted his head, confused. Hourglass of Reversal Legendary Said to have been created by an existence who transcends time, but its true origin remains unknown. The flow of time can be altered, and any moment can be shaken. Consumes sand to set the skill cooldown to zero. The hourglass holds a maximum of ten sand grains, and five grains are generated daily at midnight. If all sand is consumed, there is a random chance the Hourglass of Reversal will be destroyed. This meant Seong could bypass the cooldown limit up to five times a day. The maximum was nine, which was absurd. Just this item alone was broken. But if combined with... [Using a sand grain from the Hourglass of Reversal to bypass the cooldown of Thousand Blood Swords.] Seong extended his palm again and activated Thousand Blood Swords. Now, the previously created 150 swords mixed with a new batch of 150, swelling into a massive cloud of blood swords in the air. ...Wait, the swords doubled? What should he do now? Chapter 77 Seong scratched his cheek, looking somewhat helpless. What could he do? It wasnt like he could return these rewards voluntarily. If anything, wasnt it more of a problem that the developers had made such an overpowered skill? If it got nerfed later, he wouldnt complain, but hed ask for compensation, at least. Anyway, the remaining rewards are the titles, right? Oh! And the information disclosure. The titles he earned from defeating Crescentra and from plundering the treasure chest, plus the first-ever title for clearing a raid. Two titles in total, and the information disclosure. He would ask about the information disclosure later while consulting with Rapid. For now, it was only the two titles left to check. First, he opened the title he earned from raiding the treasure chest. Wasnt it called Thief King? Since he had cleared the notification before entering the battle, he couldnt read it but immediately opened the title effect. Thief King Legendary+ Awarded to the first user in Eternal World to successfully infiltrate a treasure chest guarded by a raid boss. This title has been slightly upgraded due to being the first-ever to infiltrate. When obtaining rewards from a raid boss or dungeon, there is a 12% chance the rewards grade will increase. Can deactivate any trap up to six times a day. Grade increase? This effect increased the reward grade by 12% when obtained. That wasnt a low chance. A 12% chance. For each raid, there are three rewards. So, if he did about three raids, one of the rewards could potentially have its grade increased. Plus, the ability to deactivate any trap up to six times a day? That was a pretty solid effect. It wasnt for nothing that it was a Legendary+ grade title. This is really good. Next, Seong opened the title he got from defeating Crescentra, the Crescentra Slayer title. He had liked the Anemore Slayer title from before, so he was eager to see what this one would offer.@@@@ Crescentra Slayer Legendary Awarded to the first user to defeat Ancient Kingdoms Guardian Golem, Crescendra. Allows you to apply Crystal Skin five times a day. Once per day, Extreme and Limit skills can be used. Increases defense by 20%. Increases attack power by 10% when using swordsmanship. Extreme and Limit skills, that must be referring to the second phase moves. It wasnt exactly a finishing move, but it was a skill with quite an annoying effect. And he had just earned it. Crystal Skin was useful, but it was just a simple defense boost. It didnt seem to have much use. After all, there were hardly any enemies that could even touch Seong during a fight. Still, it wouldnt hurt to have. The final effect, increasing attack power by 10% when using swordsmanship. Thats the most ambiguous part. In Eternal World, swordsmanship wasnt just about swinging a sword. It referred to a specific skill. Since Seong didnt yet have a swordsmanship skill, it was a bit disappointing, but it might come in handy later. With all the rewards checked, the raid was now complete. Now... What should he do next? Just as Seong was about to think it over, another notification came in. [An alarm goes off from outside.] [The set time has arrived.] Ah, I didnt realize the time... It was already the scheduled time. He had been so focused on the raid and treasure chest that he hadnt realized how much time had passed. He should start preparing now. Since he had set the alarm beforehand, he wouldnt be late if he started getting ready now. He also had the video to send to Rapid, so he gathered it, along with the video of the Anemore raid, and prepared to log out. [The Eternal World awaits you.] Ah, I almost forgot to send the message. He could do that by phone. First, he would get ready and send the message, asking about the information disclosure at the same time. 0. Seong''s room was decorated quite neatly. It was clearly a room that could be easily identified as a woman''s, yet... Seong had never fought this seriously before, and Yoo-jin knew that better than anyone, so she was naturally astonished. Wouldnt this video reach 100 million views without even editing? Swallowing her breath, Yoo-jin started checking the video she was going to upload today. First, the Echo Willow training video, then the past fortress video. To be honest, she didnt think anything would top the past fortress video anytime soon. There had been so much promotion for it. But after watching the crystalline palace raid video, she changed her mind. This was going to blow up for sure. So, she decided to hype it up first with the past fortress video. Lets make the title of the Echo Willow training video clickbait, and for the past fortress video, I dont need to emphasize the clear part, but just leave it vague with a title like The Demon Kings Past Fortress to attract attention. After calculating the details, she finalized the edits and uploaded them to MyTube. She also quickly added a teaser at the end. The response was going to be huge, right? Watching the upload progress, Yoo-jin smiled as she thought about how many subscribers shed gain from this. Seong had helped her gain another 1.5 million subscribers, bringing her total to almost 22 million. What if this video about the past fortress gets promoted? She couldnt even imagine how big it could get. And if future raid videos were live-streamed too? I should upgrade the contract and send it over soon. She knew Seong wouldnt get too big-headed, but she wanted to increase the terms quickly since he deserved it. Of course, it was hard with Yoo-jin working overtime every day. But the guild, and her company, were growing. Anyway, it was time to get back to work after logging in. Sigh... Once it was uploaded, things were going to get even more hectic. Then, Yoo-jin suddenly remembered something. Come to think of it, would people recognize me if I used my real name for my ID? She was a bit worried, but... Seongs name wasnt that rareit was quite common, actually. Besides, knowing Seongs personality, he probably wouldnt care if people found out. She decided to leave it be. A group of young people were chatting together. It wasnt a reunion, but rather university classmates and club members. It was the day of their web novel reading club meeting. Today, they were especially excited because it was Seongs first time coming back since his military discharge. Everyone was eager to see him again. From Lee Sujeong, who had long hair and looked elegant, to Seo Yu-jin with her pale face and bobbed hair, Jung Ha-rin with her blonde, somewhat prickly appearance, Lee Cheol-min, who had a darker complexion and short sporty hair, and lastly, Song Jae-min, a guy with relatively long hair and pale skin. And of course, Seong, who was also a member of the web novel reading club. Seong, you look so much more manly now, after coming back from the army, someone commented. Yeah, I guess its because of the army? another person asked. Hey, then doesnt that make me more manly? Seong teased. More like a wild beast, someone replied with a cold glare, causing Lee Cheol-min to sulk and lower his head. It was hard to compete with Seong. Seongs popularity in school was well-known. He was good-looking, but more importantly, he was kind and approachableyet there was something hard-to-approach about him. He was always calm and composed, making it difficult for people to get close to him. Old friends from high school knew this and just accepted it, but university classmates and juniors found that mysterious aura attractive, often making him more popular. Su-jeong, youre really lucky to see Seong after so long, Seo Yu-jin said, as Lee Sujeong nodded, looking proud. Song Jae-min, looking confused, asked, But wasnt Seong active in the clubs chat? Didnt he show up often? It was a reasonable guess, but Seo Yu-jin quickly shot it down. Hey! When did Seong ever come to these kinds of places often? True, asking him was never easy, Jae-min conceded. But Su-jeong did a good job! Yu-jin added. The group was all fired up. At that moment, Jung Ha-rin, who had been quiet up until now, spoke with a slightly haughty expression. Do you think Yoo Seong is playing Eternal World too? Chapter 78 At Jung Ha-rin''s words, the entire room fell silent almost instantly. Just moments ago, the chatter was so lively it almost seemed out of place now. However, everyones expressions remained excited as ever. After all, the hottest topic right now was Eternal World. It would be unusual not to be playing Eternal World at this point. But somehow, if it were Seong... He probably doesnt play, right? Didnt he barely play games even before he went to the army? Yeah, when I asked him to go to the PC room, he turned me down. Thats because he probably didnt like you, Cheol-min. Ah?! Thats a secret! Why are you telling him, Jae-min?! What a jerk, seriously... Anyway, Im curious. Would Seong play Eternal World? After all, it was a game that came out just when Seong went into the army. It wouldnt be surprising if he started after his discharge. The group gathered here were all players of Eternal World too. At this point, it felt like their club wasnt just a web novel reading group, but more of an Eternal World club. Though, there were certainly other clubs that had a similar focus. But here, it was pretty extreme. They would all gather and hunt in the game together. Should we ask him? Sounds good. You ask him. Me? Can we just do rock-paper-scissors to decide? Are you serious? You cant even ask that? Then Cheol-min, you ask him. ...Not easy. Not easy, huh? Look at you guys. They were joking and talking loudly. Then, Lee Sujeong, looking excited, spoke. Itd be nice if Seong played. If he just started, he could join us. Weve been playing for a while now, but we have Ha-rin, so its fine, right? True. Ha-rins a pro. Everyone acknowledged Jung Ha-rins skills. She was an epic-tier class player, while everyone else was either normal or rare-tier. It was hard not to recognize her skills. Though they had all just started and were only in the 50s after finishing their second class change, they had progressed quite quickly considering it had only been a month. It was definitely thanks to Ha-rins talent.@@@@ Speaking of Ha-rins abilities, the issue from yesterday came to mind, and Cheol-min brought it up. Hey, did you see the change in the #1 ranking for the Past Fortress yesterday? Oh! I saw it. Wait, wasnt the #1 user Seong? Yeah, yeah. I saw it too. Really??? If they hadnt heard yet, Seo Yu-jin asked, and Song Jae-min nodded. The topic shifted, and Jung Ha-rins previously proud expression slightly faltered. But it wasnt anything out of the ordinary. What really mattered was whether the Seong they knew was the same Seong in the game. Seo Yu-jin, after a moment, checked her phone and confirmed the users nickname was indeed Seong. Wow!!! Its really him!!? Weve been living a lie, huh? Its really Seong? But do you think its really the Seong we know...? I dont think so. Seongs discharge was probably this week, right? Well, then its probably not him. Finally, Jung Ha-rin spoke, and everyone nodded in agreement. It didnt make sense that he could reach level 50 so quickly if he had just discharged this week. Even if he had played before, he had been in the army, so it would have been impossible to reach this point by just using his leave time. It was probably just another person with the same name. As they chatted about this, Seo Yu-jin awkwardly smiled, looking disappointed. Should we ask him anyway? Pfft, its not easy to ask if he plays Eternal World, but to ask if hes the Seong we know? Thats another thing. True. But Cheol-min, you should just ask him! Youre the one who brought it up~ Epic-tier is high, sure. To Seong, who had seen epic-tier classes frequently from the start and was in the Rapid Guild, where epic-tier was the minimum standard, his perspective had shifted. Still, epic-tier was decent and practical. Even corpse explosion is rare-tier. With that thought, he moved on. "So, what levels are you all at?" "Oh, us? Weve been playing for about a month, maybe a month and a half, and were all around level 50." "Yeah, weve all finished our second class change." "Thanks to Ha-rin, our hunts have been efficient, so we leveled up quickly. Normally, its not this fast." "Were definitely ahead of the curve." Even Ha-rin joined the conversation, and for the first time, Seongs face showed visible confusion. Was that considered fast? He genuinely didnt understand. Wasnt this supposed to be a fast-leveling game? Today marked Seongs fourth day in Eternal World. His current level was 75, even after losing two levels to transcend Barfur. Of course, Seong was abnormala complete monsterand this partys pace was actually impressive. Ordinary players forming a party would typically struggle to reach level 40 within two months. So, in context, they were fast. But by Seongs standards, they were slower than snails. "...?" "Huh?" The group looked puzzled by Seongs expression. Why did he look so perplexed? As they debated whether to ask, their hesitation was broken by the ever-reliable Lee Cheol-min. "Seong, what about you?" "Me? Oh, you mean my level?" "Yeah, and do you play with anyone?" The others couldnt help but look at Cheol-min with newfound respect. He was speaking so casually to Seong! Meanwhile, sitting next to Cheol-min, Song Jae-min noticed him nervously wiping his sweat-drenched hands on his pants. Despite his nerves, Cheol-mins question prompted Seong to nod. "Im in a guild, actually. Do you know the Rapid Guild?" "......?" "......???" "......Huh?" "Wait, where?" "......What???" The shock was especially evident on Ha-rins face. The Rapid Guild? Could he possibly mean that Rapid Guild? The third-ranked guild, home to the single-ranker Yuna? No way. With doubt written all over his face, Cheol-min stammered out a question. "You mean... where Yuna is... that third-ranked...?" "Yeah, thats the one." "H-huh?!?!?" "Are you serious?!?!" "No way!!!" "W-wait, Rapid Guild?! Seriously?!" Even Jung Ha-rins composed demeanor crumbled. And then, an overwhelming wave of embarrassment hit her. Had she just bragged about her skills to a member of the Rapid Guild? It was one thing to show off, but doing it in front of someone from that guild felt absurd. As Ha-rins face turned a deep red, the group silently connected the dots. Earlier, they had mentioned that the #1 player in the Past Fortress leaderboard was named Seong. Could it be...? No, that couldnt be right. But the thought lingered, and eventually, Jae-min hesitantly asked. "Then... does that mean... the #1 in the Past Fortress is... you, Seong?" "Huh? Oh, uh... I think I was told not to mention it, but I think the videos going up today." "Wow..." Seong didnt explicitly confirm it, but his words and demeanor gave it away. The group stared at him in stunned silence, swallowing hard. At that moment, Cheol-mins phone buzzed with a notification. Everyone, still dazed, instinctively turned to look. With trembling hands, Cheol-min held up his phone to show them. On the screen was: [The Demon King of Rapid, Past Fortress] The latest video from the Rapid Guild had gone live, showcasing the Past Fortress raid. And a quick glance confirmed itthis was a genuine clear video. Jung Ha-rin suddenly stood up and approached Seong. Was she upset? Embarrassed? No one could tell. Too shocked to react, the others watched blankly as she pulled something out of her bag and... "C-could I get your autograph, please?" It was an autograph request. Chapter 79 0. [Echo Willow Newbie vs. Rapid Guild Newbie] [The Demon King of Rapid, and the Fortress of the Past] A new video appeared on the Rapid Guilds MiTube channel. No, not just one videotwo! Both videos featured the rising star of Rapid Guild, the rookie often referred to as the Demon King of Rapid. Kyaaaa!!!! I''ve been waiting for this!!!!!WOW.Hey, hey! Finally!!!At last!!!! It had only been a few days since Seong had started uploading videos. No, to be precise, it had only been a few days since Seong himself started playing Eternal World, yet the reaction was explosive. In less than an hour, the two videos soared to first and second place in the Eternal World trending rankings. The enthusiasm was palpable. However, not all responses were positive. As with any rising star, strong light casts deep shadows. With fans come detractors. Seriously? Demon King of Rapid? Get over yourself.Lol, like he could even make it onto the Fortress of the Past leaderboard.Demon King, my foot.Yeah, well, Korea has Seong anyway~ Rapid Guild''s rookie? Just average.What does he have besides flashy effects? Lol. Most of the negative opinions followed the same theme: "He couldnt possibly measure up to those who cleared the Fortress of the Past." But that sentiment didnt last longit couldnt. The reason was simple. Seong was the so-called Demon King of Rapid. ?????????????What?????Wait, hold on. Why is the Demon King... Seong-hyun???The Demon King is Seong-hyun??????What the hell;;;; revealing your real name just like that? Respect;;;Whoa;;;; insane;;;;; does that mean the Rapid Guild members from the Fortress of the Past were bluffing?Yeah, seems like it.Wow... By this point, everyone had no choice but to check out the videos. The combination of Rapid Guilds reputation and Seongs skyrocketing popularity sent views soaring. The Fortress of the Past video claimed the top spot in the overall trending category, while the Echo Willow Humiliation video trailed closely behind in second place. Wow... I know he cleared the Fortress of the Past, but those two Echo Willow guild members couldnt even touch him.It looks like he wasnt even warmed up yet.They didnt stand a chance.Honestly, I should feel satisfied watching the humiliation video, but I feel kind of bad for them...Right? Lol. Even those who had been wronged by Echo Willow felt pity for them after watching their humiliating defeat. Still, the Fortress of the Past video remained untouchablea league of its own. The undead legion battling massive enemy forces. The devastating power of the Death Commander Barfur and the Crimson Knight Valtar was jaw-dropping. Even when Seong joined the fight using Shadow Transition, he displayed effortless control, maintaining an aura of composure throughout. This was true even in the final wavethe 40th waveof the Fortress of the Past. He still seems to have some leeway, doesnt he?Wait, thats not even his full power?If thats not everything, what happens when he does go all out?Seriously though;;;I hope the raid video comes out soon.Since the Fortress of the Past is done, the next video should be the raid one, right? As viewers eagerly watched the final moments of the Fortress of the Past video, a teaser played, sparking even more excitement. [Screeeeeeeech!] The screen displayed a massive, majestic creature resembling a grand ash-colored falconthe raid monster. Then, it showed Seong standing fearlessly before the creature, walking slowly toward it. The screen faded out, leaving only a single line: [Anemore Raid] The teaser left viewers electrified. Whoa!!!! It feels like Im watching a movie!Ahhh! Upload it already!!! Give us another teaser, at least!!!This is the first time Ive been this hyped for an Eternal World video!Isnt the Anemore Raid undefeated so far? Hearing the name Anemore Raid, some viewers began to investigate. The raid was infamous. And for good reason. I heard the Rapid Guild attempted it yesterday?Wait, what? Then does that mean...Yeah, they went in with the Demon King and Lunas team!Why didnt they stream it live?!?The Rapid Guild usually doesnt stream rookie live raids.We need to complain! This deserves to be live-streamed!!!Seriously, if its the Demon Kingno, Seong-hyuns raidit has to be live-streamed! Viewers flooded the guild with complaints, emails, and comments, demanding to watch the raid live. The overwhelming feedback forced Rapid Guild to respond. [Rapid Guild: While we cannot confirm immediately, we are reviewing this matter positively. We are currently renegotiating contracts, so we kindly ask for your patience and understanding.] Everyone accepted the guilds explanation. If anyone deserved an updated contract, it was Seong. Even if his level wasnt top-tier yet, his value had already reached near the industrys highest standards. The internet buzzed with anticipation, and people could only wait for the Anemore Raid video. The editing team, including those at Rapid Guild, worked tirelessly under immense pressure. Ugh, Seong, please spare us!!! 1. Although it had been a while since his club outing, Seong returned home looking cheerful rather than tired. That was fun. Hed been a little flustered when Jung Ha-rin asked for his autograph, but he understood. Given how Rapid Guild described his recent surge in popularity, it wasnt surprising. Even if he didnt fully get it, he agreed to sign as a favor to a friend. One autograph turned into many, as others began asking as well. While it was a bit overwhelming, they were all friends, so he obliged. He didnt have a proper signature prepared, so he used a simplified version of his usual payment signature, which surprisingly satisfied everyone. They want to meet again soon. Thatll be fun too. Todays meeting was a short lunch gathering, and everyone had been disappointed it ended so quickly. Seong considered staying longer, but he wanted to test out his newly acquired skills in action, so he excused himself. When he arrived home earlier than expected, he ran into his sister, Yu Mina. Huh? Why are you back so soon? I had a lunch meeting, so I came back after that. ...? Couldnt you have stayed out longer? Extending his palm, he activated Thousand Blood Swords. A single droplet of blood emerged, floating into the air. Pop! The droplet multiplied rapidly, forming into swords one by one. Previously, the swords had resembled traditional Eastern blades. This time, they took the form of bastardswords. The change was deliberate. Oh, I can do this too? The thousand Blood Swords had transformed into the weapons Seong imagined. Of these, 150 swords hovered in the air, ready for battle. The sight left the Black Orcs visibly startled. Krreeeek?! Swords! Many! Krreeeek?! So! Many! There were only two Black Orcs, but their wide, trembling eyes betrayed their shock. Seong worried they might flee in terror, which would ruin his plans. Fortunatelyor perhaps unfortunately for the orcsthey didnt retreat. Instead, they bared their teeth and roared. Krreeek! Fight! Kreeeeek! Kill! The two Black Orcs charged with determination. Perfect. Seong decided to conduct a few experiments, starting by testing whether the Blood Swords could block their attacks. Two swords intercepted the Black Orcs weapons with a resounding clang. KAAANG! The deafening clash echoed through the labyrinth. Despite the sheer force behind the Black Orcs swings, the Blood Swords held firm, unscathed. The orcs tremblednot from fear, but from exerting all their strength. Yet, the swords didnt budge. These could serve as excellent shields. The incredible durability and utility left Seong momentarily speechless. Whats more, the Blood Swords seemed to scale with his strength stats. He could wield them as effectively as his own attacks, if not better. In other words, Seongs strength outclassed the Black Orcs. Does their speed depend on my agility too? Eager to find out, Seong directed the Blood Swords to move at full speed, targeting the orcs. Black Orcs, being natural warriors, managed to dodge the first incoming sword. But avoiding one was meaningless when dozens followed. Shushushushushu! A torrent of Blood Swords rained down, leaving the Black Orcs with no escape. Thud! [One Strike! Effect Activated!] A bastardsword-like Blood Sword struck deeply into a Black Orc. The creature grimaced in pain but remained standing, attempting to endure. Moments later, the embedded sword glowed crimson and detonated. BOOOOM! Kreeeeek! The explosion erupted from within the orc, sending blood and flesh flying. Its left shoulder was obliterated, leaving its arm torn from the body. Oh?! The destructive power was impressive. While the Black Orcs defense wasnt particularly high, the result was still noteworthy. The Blood Swords dealt more damage than Seongs bone arrows but slightly less than the wailing souls of the dead. However, with 150 swords at his disposal, the cumulative damage was staggering. Kreeeek! Kreeeeek! The Black Orcs writhed in agony but refused to back down, charging with renewed fury. Watching them, Seong thought to himself: The Blood Swords test is complete. Now it was time for the next experiment. A cyan portal opened behind Seong, shimmering with an eerie light. From the portal emerged a massive figure, its glowing teal eyes radiating a menacing aura. Death''s Maul, Barfur, strode forth with deliberate steps. Thud. Thud. To the Black Orcs, Barfur appeared otherworldly. Though he had the form of a towering beast, he looked like death incarnate in their eyes. Flash. Chapter 80 A Flash of Light A radiant cyan glow lit up the air. The beauty of the light was so mesmerizing that the two Black Orcs instinctively reached out toward it. And then their hands vanished. Kreeeek? Kreeeek? Both Black Orcs stared in confusion at the stumps where their hands had once been. Had the light done this? Before they could comprehend what had happened, the light brushed against their necks. Slash! Thud, thud. The sound of a single, precise cut echoed, followed by the sight of two heads falling to the ground. The strike had been so swift that the orcs hadnt even realized they were dead until their severed heads hit the floor, their faces still frozen in puzzlement. Wow. Seong couldnt help but marvel. Deaths Maul, Barfur, had grown significantly stronger. He had once struggled to adapt to his new undead form, but now his transformation was complete. Seongs brief admiration was interrupted as Barfur knelt before him, bowing his head low. Thank you for summoning me! Shall I cleanse this place completely for you? His oddly rustic tone was amusing, contrasting with his menacing appearance. Though Barfur now exuded overwhelming power, Seong was entertained by his quirks. Nodding slightly, Seong opened the netherworld portal again, summoning Valtar and Fiora. As they emerged, both immediately knelt, mirroring Barfurs gesture. I have answered the call of the Lord.I-I have answered the call of the Lord as well... Valtars voice carried dignity and authority, while Fioras tone was timid and hesitant. Now that all three stood before him, Seong suddenly remembered something. Oh, right! What about the Shapeshifter? He had stored the Shapeshifters offspring in the netherworld before the battle with Crescentra to keep it safe. Did it wake up? Fiora cautiously stepped forward, cradling the small Shapeshifter in her hands like a precious offering. H-here it is. Oh, its safe. Seong felt a pang of guilt for forgetting about the creature. Curious, he gently poked the small being. It jiggled slightly, its body rippling, but showed no signs of waking. [The Shapeshifter remains dormant for unknown reasons.] Unknown reasons, huh... There was no way to figure it out now. Sighing, Seong tucked the Shapeshifter back into his robes front pocket. Fioras eyes grew faintly wistful, but Seong chalked it up to her connection as a fellow creature of the netherworld. His reason for summoning all three was straightforward: He wanted to test Barfurs newly reborn strength. Fiora and Valtar had been his strongest summons so far, and he needed to see how Barfur compared to them. Barfurs physical body rivaled Valtars, but their "software"their skills and combat instinctsdiffered greatly. Turning to his three summons, Seong issued his challenge. I brought you all here to clear this dungeon. I want to see which of you can take down the most enemies. You three are my strongest summons, after all. To Seongs relief, they seemed more eager than offended. In fact, they looked thrilled at the opportunity. Ah, hierarchy is always important. I shall obey the Lords will!Absolutely! Just give the command, my Lord, and I will carry it out!Y-yes! I-Ill do my best! With their enthusiastic agreement, Seong gestured for them to begin. As if on cue, all three darted off in different directions, vanishing into the labyrinth. Among them, Fiora had the fastest raw speed, followed by Valtar. Barfur, despite his slower start, made up for it with his incredible physical power. The results were unpredictable. This might be an interesting contest. I shall go ahead.W-what!?Hah.Valtar defeated the most enemies, surpassing Barfur by one kill.Barfur came in second, with Fiora trailing five kills behind him.Y-youre amazing! The competition was over, with Valtar emerging as the winner, followed by Barfur, and finally Fiora. However, something about the situation lingered in Seongs mind. Why isnt Fiora eligible for transcendence? It didnt make sense. Transcendence didnt seem tied to physicality, as even Anemore was capable of it despite lacking a proper body. Could it be tied to the soul? It struck Seong as peculiar. Anemore had managed to transcend while residing in Kalishas body, even though Kalishas body was insufficient to fully contain Anemores power. This left him wondering: Why doesnt Fiora qualify? Although Fiora seemed to use Barfurs undead body more efficiently, the system didnt recognize her as a candidate for transcendence. Does it depend on how well someone utilizes their body? The systems criteria remained a mystery. As Seong pondered this, Valtar nudged Fiora with his elbow. ...??? Seong tilted his head, confused by their interaction. Fiora, startled, stammered as she stepped forward. U-uh...Go on, Fiora. Speak your mind.R-right. Ahem. I-its about... Her hesitation only deepened Seongs curiosity. Speak freely, Fiora. Whats on your mind? W-well... is my body going to be... used by someone else? ...??? Seong blinked, trying to process her words. What was she talking about? Fiora pointed nervously at the small Shapeshifter resting in Seongs pocket. T-this one. Wait, dont tell me... Valtar stepped in to clarify, bowing slightly. Forgive me for speaking out of turn, my Lord. But we are curiouswhen will Fioras body, the Shapeshifter, be granted to her? Both Fiora and I have been wondering. T-thats right! ...????? Seong, now thoroughly puzzled, pulled the Shapeshifter out of his pocket. This was Fioras body? Suddenly, a memory surfaced. During a past event, the phoenix form of Fioras body had been destroyed, leaving her soul wandering aimlessly. Ah, its like that time with Mr. Choi! Seong recalled a moment from his childhood when he had seen a comatose patients soul roaming the hospital. It was common for those close to death to experience something similar. It dawned on him: the Shapeshifter hadnt awakened because it was meant to be Fioras body. Oh... Im sorry, Fiora! I thought it was your offspring. Wh-what?!My Lord, Valtar coughed. Calling Fioras body her offspringespecially when she has yet to marryis a bit... inappropriate.T-thats right! I-its embarrassing! A-ah, sorry. Anyway, this is your body, right? Seong quickly changed the subject, and all three of his summons nodded in agreement. Now understanding the situation, Seong activated his ability. Fioras wandering soul was gently extracted from her current undead form and placed into the Shapeshifters body. [The Shapeshifter awakens.] [You have fully activated the pet of Overlord.] [A note hidden within the Shapeshifter has been discovered.] [Conditions fulfilled.] Cleared: The Fortress of the PastCompleted: Overlords second advancementUnlocked: Overlords pet [Main quest for Overlord begins.] [An event scene will now play.] What? A main quest? Before Seong could process the sudden notifications, the surroundings began to shift and dissolve, as though reality itself were melting away. The scene transformed into a familiar location: Helenas Garden. The ominous black star that had severed space was still present, surrounded by thick, dark clouds and signs of spatial distortion. Fioras old body had already been reduced to ashes. Amid this eerie atmosphere, Seong sensed the presence of someone approaching. Click, click. The sound of deliberate footsteps echoed through the garden. Chapter 81 Footsteps echoed in the air. Even though Seong could see it clearly, he couldnt tell if the figure was a man, a woman, an old person, or a child. There was nothing discernible about it. All he could perceive was its undeniable existence. As for its true nature? He could discern nothing. When the entity appeared and turned its head, Seong felt a sudden and inexplicable sensationlike their eyes had met. "Can it see me?" The thought flashed through his mind for a moment. The entity then glanced in his direction, scanning the heavens and its surroundings. As expected, it was nothing more than a coincidence. The being, having surveyed its surroundings, muttered with a tone of pity. "Fiora, so you ended up like this too. You should have accepted it when offered." In the voice filled with regret and sorrow, Seong involuntarily noticed the forlorn look in the entitys eyes. But that was all. The being placed a note on Fioras completely burned remains, now reduced to ashes, and muttered again. "Ill be waiting at the Dark Citadel. If the successor youve all long awaited finally arrives, deliver this message." As the beings words echoed, the fractured space seemed to tremble, and the entire garden swayed. Then the being spoke once more. "If you wish to carry on the Overlords legacy, come to the Dark Citadel. Until then, I shall not acknowledge any successor." With those words, the entity vanished without a trace. How it had appeared in this isolated, severed spaceor how it disappearedremained a mystery. But from what Seong had seen, he was able to realize one thing. "So this is the start of the main quest." It was the prologue of the main quest. Not long after the entitys final words, Seong was able to return to his original world. At the end of the dungeon, Seong read the note left behind and saw a new system message appear. [The exclusive Overlord quest and main quest, Entrance to the Dark Citadel, has been generated.] "So, its a search quest first." The entrance to the Dark Citadel. Was it that the entrance couldnt be found yet, or was the quest demanding that he locate the entrance first? As curiosity sparked within him, the quest window finally opened. The contents of the note were recorded in the quest log. Entrance to the Dark Citadel Type: Main QuestDetails: Long ago, after the death of the Overlord, the Overlords followers formed an organization known as the Overpalace. However, not all of the Overlords subordinates joined forces. Some chose a different path, led by the Overlords former disciple. Perhaps recognizing that they could never reconcile, these individuals withdrew into the shadows, living quietly in the darkness, unseen by others. And now, you have discovered a note left by one of them. "If you have found this note, you must be Fioras reincarnationthe successor to our Lord. Although the Overpalace may not acknowledge you, we cannot deny you without offering a chance. To do so would be a great dishonor to our Lord. Thus, we pass on this message to you, the unnamed successor: Seek me out. Come to the Dark Citadel. Our Lords legacy awaits there." Currently, the note is the only clue. You must find the entrance to the Dark Citadel. Although you could ignore this quest, you feel strongly that doing so would be a grave mistake. Find the entrance to the Dark Citadel. Quest Type: Exclusive Main Quest for Overlord Class.Reward: Unlocks the next quest in the chain.Failure: Loss of the main quest, along with some exclusive Overlord skills and items. It was quite lengthy. But to summarize: "In short, they left something important and told me to come find it." The note and quest were rather unkind in their guidance. Still, he couldnt just leave it be. Since the note was the key, Seong carefully folded it and placed it in his inventory. For now, it was a clue he couldnt act on. Seong turned his thoughts to those around him. Helenas memories were out of the question for now. Not all of them were accessible, and some were locked. It seemed his abilities were still insufficient to fully unlock Helenas vast memories. "Helena would be incredibly useful right now, but..." Seeing as she still hadnt awakened, there was no telling whenor ifthat might change. That left two others to consult: Fiora and Valtar. Seong turned to the two and asked. "Do either of you know where the Dark Citadel is?" "Oh ho, the Dark Citadel. It has been a long time since Ive heard that name," Valtar mused. "Ah, the Dark Citadel...! Lord Helenas garden was part of the Dark Citadel! Its separate now, but..." Fiora stammered. "Oh?" Surprisingly, they answered immediately. Seong began to think he might reach the location sooner than expected. However, their explanations took a disappointing turn. "Unfortunately," Valtar continued, "after Lady Helenas passing, her followers, including myself, were scattered and torn apart. I do not know what became of the Dark Citadel." "II dont know either," Fiora added. "I only know it was relocated from the original space...." The two looked visibly disheartened by their inability to provide more information. That wouldnt take muchjust one click in the Immortal system. But the real issue was: "If Seong complains, were doomed..." Lee Won-sang quickly looked up previous instances of Epic-tier skill errors and their compensation policies. The result left him in despair. "The same skill must be provided as compensation...." Unfortunately, this was a Legendary-tier skill. Lee Won-sang hung his head low. If only Oh Jin-hyuk had reported it a little sooner, they might have been able to block Seong from accessing the treasury rewards. The sound of grinding teeth came from Lee Won-sang once again. "Eek!" "Haaah... Alright, Ill submit the compensation request. Its Legendary-tier, after all..." "B-But what if he still complains...?" "...Then well have to offer additional rewards. If it were me, Id complain too. So dont just give one Legendary-tier item. Include extra rewards." His stomach felt like it was turning inside out. No, it really was. He was having a stomach spasm. Even though his insides burned, Lee Won-sang couldnt do much about it. If he didnt clean up this mess, things would only get worse. And then came another headache. "So the main quest has started now." It was a relief in some ways. At least they could buy some time with the main quest. Unlike side content, the main quest didnt usually have hidden exploits. Seong was only getting what he was supposed to receive. Additionally, they had temporarily restrained the Hero faction by reducing Overpalace restrictions. This limited the heroes ability to move freely as a group. While individual heroes could still act, they were unlikely to make reckless moves against Seong. Lee Won-sang clung to that thin shred of hope. Even though his stomach still churned, he felt marginally better. Or did he? Just as he tried to get up from his seat, an urgent notification appeared on his screen from a colleague in a neighboring department. What could it be? He hoped it wasnt anything majorbut of course, it wouldnt be. As he checked the message, his face went pale. [URGENT! Hero descendant Luke and Sage descendant Plinky discovered clues related to the Dark Citadel. Confirmed as an Overlord-related location. They plan to investigate. Requesting Overlord-side confirmation.] "Dark Citadel?" He was sure hed just seen that term somewhere. Oh, rightjust a moment ago. "??????" With a blank expression, he glanced at Seongs quest window. Main Quest: Entrance to the Dark Citadel. And now, Hero Luke had found clues pointing to the same place? Would the two collide? For a moment, Lee Won-sangs mind blanked as he stared at the screen. Then, he bolted out of his chair, rushing toward Team Leader Ji Hye-jeongs office. He nearly tripped on the way but managed to regain his balance and burst into her office. Ji Hye-jeong, already wearing a grim expression, looked up as he breathlessly reported. "H-Hero Luke plans to head to the Dark Citadel." "The Dark Citadel? Suddenly?" "And Seongs main quest has just begun..." "No way!" When she saw Lee Won-sang nod, confirming the worst, Ji Hye-jeong closed her eyes and picked up the internal phone. A loud, hearty laugh came from the other end as the rugged face of Deputy Manager Lee Jae-kyung appeared on the screen. "Deputy Manager Lee... We need to mobilize Overpalace." "Hahaha! I knew this would happen. Alright, initiate the second phase of Overpalace restriction lifts!" As if the worst had already begun, Lee Won-sang and Ji Hye-jeong closed their eyes. In the end, Overpalace was on the move. "...Do you think everything will be okay?" "...I really hope so." The reply was not an assurance, merely a personal hope. Yet, for some reason, Ji Hye-jeong found that hope to sound more cruel than comforting. Chapter 82 3. One of the locations often referred to by players as the Twelfth Fortress. To NPCs, however, it was known as Calibaron, the Citadel of Knights. This ironclad stronghold, renowned for producing countless knights, was built around a towering spire that seemed to pierce the heavens. From this spire, the fortress expanded outward like a blooming flower. Inside this spire, an elegant young man radiating a composed energy and a boy with an ambiguous appearance, who could be mistaken for either male or female, were engrossed in conversation while holding an old, tattered notebook. "So, Hero Luke, you''re saying this is Hindels diary? But isnt reading someones diary, even a deceased persons, a bit... improper?" "...Plinky, if anyone heard you, theyd get the wrong idea." "Ooooh! Would they really?" The boy, called Plinky, feigned innocence and smiled brightly. Luke, the handsome young man addressed as the "Hero," looked at him with obvious disapproval. But what could he do? Scolding his younger companion wouldnt change anything. Besides, this wasnt the time to bicker over trivialities. "Ahem. For the record, this isnt a diaryits a journal. It was written by the former Hero Hindel while he pursued the one known as the Demon King." "Ooooh! So its from the time when Hindel was chasing the former Overlord! No wonder you brought me here after I mentioned Seong. This is what you wanted to show me!" "...Please refrain from making misleading statements." Plinky, finally piqued with genuine interest, directed his attention to the journal. Among its contents, Luke pointed to a specific entry and spoke. "This location seems promising." "Oh ho! The Dark Citadel, is it? Fascinating!" "I knew youd catch on quickly." "Of course! After all, I am the descendant of the Sage! By the way, isnt Seong currently in the village of Serdin? Thats what the outsiders call the third village, right? And this Twelfth Villageor rather, fortressseems connected. And the Dark Citadel, which was in Sermas, is also considered the third village, right?" Plinkys words made Luke nod in agreement. Exactly. He had wanted to head directly to Serdin to meet Seong. However, the influential figures of Calibaron had blocked his path to Serdin entirely. Considering the possibility that Seong might have already moved elsewhere, Luke thought hed missed his chance. But upon reading the journal, he deduced that Seong was likely heading toward Sermas instead. "Hmm, you seem very interested in Seong."@@@@ "I cant help it. After all, the one who killed my ancestor, Hindel, was the Overlord. I need to see what the successor of the Overlord is like." "Hmm. Are you planning to kill him?" Plinkys tone and voice were casual, yet Luke, who knew him well, sensed a clear hostility hidden beneath his words. Did Plinky suspect Luke harbored thoughts of vengeance against the Overlord? Perhaps. But "Im not sure yet." "Oh?" "However, I have a duty to uncover the truth of Hindels death. From the final tomes Ive read, theres something suspicious about Hindels death and the deaths of both the former Overlord and the Demon King. I want to know the truth." "For now, right?" Plinkys words were met with a nod, unfiltered and sincere. Satisfied, Plinky returned to his usual demeanor. "Well, thats fair enough." "Then well head to Sermas. Even if Seong isnt there, we might uncover traces of Hindel." "Sounds perfect!" Their journey decided, the two prepared to set out. Unbeknownst to them, a translucent, turquoise-tinged ghost shook its head in frustration behind them, mumbling to itself. "Oh, dear, why are you heading there, young ones...? You should stay here and train quietly... No, and why are you using your sword like that? Instead of training, you wander around all day. Goodness, its maddening. Are all youngsters like this nowadays? Well, maybe not, since the Sages descendant, Plang, turned out well... Sigh. What sin did I commit to deserve this? Oh, wait, I did commit some sins..." The ghosts ramblings were long-winded and full of exasperation. 4. Sermas. A mysterious village where three stars perpetually hovered in the sky. Yet no one seemed to care about the stars. Players visiting the village had only one goal. Unaware of what had caused this, the rest of the imps began crawling out one by one. Spreading their wings, they left the forest and flew toward Seong. The sight was reminiscent of a swarm of locusts. The sky quickly darkened as countless imps filled the air, forming a massive black horde. But amidst the swarm, something bright streaked through the air at incredible speed. Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Tiny sounds echoed here and there. And with each sound, imps began raining from the sky. Even Seong, who had a front-row view, couldnt help but be astonished by the spectacle. The sheer number of experience points flooding in was surprising enough, but watching the imps fall like rain was even more shocking. "Is this... okay?" If other players saw this, wouldnt they find it suspicious? The ability was so powerful that even Seong himself started to worry about how it might look. There were no visible traces or effects of an area-of-effect skill. Yet the results were unmistakable. Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud. Imps kept falling in droves, crashing to the ground. Their descent resembled an all-out assault. The players below couldnt help but curse aloud at the chaotic scene. "What the hell!? Whos the crazy bastard flying in the sky!?" "Did they use a flight skill? Here, of all places?" "Ugh! If they want to pull aggro, they should do it alone! Whyd they make all the imps fly up and target us too!?" "For real! Should we just kill that guy too?" Annoyed players vented their frustration as the imps swarmed toward them. But something seemed... off. Normally, the imps would have been cackling and laughing obnoxiously as they attacked. But they werent. Their approach felt strange. "Th-thats weird." "Huh? Wh-what?" "W-wait a second...?" "??????" It didnt take long for everyone to realize something was wrong. The imps werent attacking. Instead, their lifeless bodies rained down, hitting the ground with wet thuds, leaving bloodstains behind. Each one had a tiny hole in its head. The imps hadnt been alive when they charged. Was it even possible to make so many imps fall like rain? At first, the players thought it was the work of an overconfident idiot with a high-level job class. And to an extent, they were right. But when they saw how this person handled all the aggro alone "...????" "W-what the hell...???" "D-did we just witness that???" "I-is that even possible at our level???" "I dont f*ing know!!! If I knew, Id be doing it too!!!"** "Hey, werent you the one who said we should kill that guy earlier???" "P-please shut up." The players who had witnessed the scene stood in stunned silence, unable to process what they had just seen. Curiosity flickered in their mindshow much experience did he gain from all that? But none of them dared approach. Unaware of the lingering shock among the other players, Seong smiled in satisfaction, pleased with the hefty experience gains. [Level Up!] 3 [Youve reached Level 78.] That was more than enough. "Fiora, good job." "Heheh." Seong lightly patted Fiora on the head, rewarding her for her outstanding performance. Satisfied, he turned his attention back to the paper bird fluttering beside him. "Shall we get going again?" Flap-flap-flap-flap! At his question, the paper bird nodded vigorously, flapping its wings even more fervently than before, as if it were trying to appear more polite. "Why is it acting like that?" Seong wondered briefly but didnt dwell on it. All that mattered was that it led him to his destination. Chapter 83 5. A palace that permitted no intrusions, untouched by outsiders throughout its history. Overpalace. The dark, somber fortress remained quietly in place, shrouded in a heavy black mist. Within the still, lonely atmosphere, an old man knelt before the throne, bowing his head. He could feel the worlds suppressive force around Overpalace loosening. Bound by overwhelming strength and restrained by the worlds will, the old man realizedthis was the moment. Ah, finally. But he did not allow himself to relax. The will of the world was capricious and could shift in an instant, like a flipped coin. The reason was clear: the fool, the descendant of the Hero, had begun to act. All information flowed into the old mans grasp. Perhaps because of his immense power, or perhaps due to his meticulous nature, the world itself watched him constantly. The will of the world, as thorough as the old man himself, tolerated no breaches. It was a struggle even to use crude magic to pass a meager gift to the successor. Yet now, the force that had bound them for so long had weakened. For the first time, the old manno, the Black Starfelt a sense of gratitude toward the foolish descendant of the Hero. This was an opportunity unlike any other. Thus, the Black Star gave his command. Samhyung, attend. He did not specify whom they were to attend or where they were to go. The command was simple: serve. Behind him, the shadows of a raven, a puppet, and dismembered corpses wavered like flickering candlelight before vanishing into the void. As they disappeared, the Black Star lifted his head with a faint look of regret. His gaze fell on the empty throne, steeped in solitude. He recalled the glory of the distant past as he stared at it, feeling a faint trace of his former companions presence. Once, they had walked the same path. Now, their paths had diverged. Sensing the aura of an old friend who had chosen a different road, the Black Star whispered softly. Nocturnium... was it truly necessary? His voice carried a subtle mix of reproach and self-blame for failing to prevent it. The desolate tone echoed through the empty audience chamber, but no response came. If the woman who had once been his master, his teacher, and his liege had still been alivewhat would she have said? Would she have scolded him? Or praised him for his efforts, despite everything? There was no way to know. Too much time had passed. At the same time, he missed her. Even if she were to reprimand him... Even if she were to blame him for failing to care for their companions... He longed to see her one more time. His master, the one he would never see again. Now, he understood the choices of his estranged friend. The Black Star, too, felt longing. But I will remain here and serve the successor. He would carry on the legacy of the woman who had been his master, his teacher, and his mother. Blindly, he would follow her will. The tear stains that had long since dried and faded would never vanish from his soul. They were etched into his very being, an eternal reminder of his sorrow. He would serve the new master. This time, he would become the teacher, guiding a new king, a new lord, a new master. As a foolish disciple and servant, all he could do was repay the warmth of the hand that had once reached out to him. That was all. 6. The Canyon of Despair had become significantly more manageable. After clearing the area once, navigating it had become much easier. Could it even be called the Canyon of Despair anymore? Seong felt no guilt over his actions. Following the paper bird, Seong arrived at a cliffside on the edge of the canyon. So this is the entrance? H-Heh, it seems like it. Fiora nodded in agreement.@@@@ Even the paper bird bobbed its head vigorously, its exaggerated politeness amusing to watch. Reaching the entrance, Seong didnt need to ponder how to open the way. As the paper bird approached, a message appeared. [Conditions met. The door opens.] What had once appeared to be a solid cliff split open like a set of doors, revealing a path inside. [Critical Hit!] Ackturas left arm exploded, the damage extending to its shoulder and leaving a gaping wound. Blood spurted as the demon roared in pain, glaring at Fiora with bloodshot eyes. But even as it struggled, new flesh sprouted from the wound. Squelch! The arm regenerated in an instant, though Acktura was drenched in sweat. The effort had clearly drained it, and its recovery wasnt complete. Noticing this, Fiora prepared for another attack. Seeing Fioras relentless advance, Acktura realized something terrifying. "I-I cant win." It wanted to flee. But as the Gatekeeper of this place, escape wasnt an option. The only way to survive was to defeat the monstrous woman before it. Desperate, Acktura devised a plana typical move for a cunning demon. If it couldnt defeat the beast, it would target the master. With that, Acktura feigned a direct clash with Fiora before abruptly pivoting and launching itself toward Seong. Its movement was swift, wings propelling it forward like a missile. Fiora hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the demons sudden change in target. This was itAckturas gambit to turn the tide. Seong drew his sword as Acktura approached, and the demon sneered internally. "Foolish sorcerer. Kikikik." Acktura mocked Seong for pulling out a sword instead of preparing magic or defense. But Seong, watching the demon close in, smirked to himself. "Hmm, lets try this." Recalling a memory from the knights training he had absorbed, Seong moved with precision. As Acktura lunged, claws outstretched, Seong sidestepped with a graceful motion, his foot sliding in an elegant arc across the ground. The movement was so smooth that Acktura momentarily believed Seong had teleported. Then, Seongs sword swung upward in a clean, sharp motion. Startled, Acktura crossed its hardened arms in an X-shape to block the strike. But the sword seemed to shimmer and split into multiple phantom blades, disorienting the demon. The combination of Seongs footwork and the illusory effect left Acktura vulnerable, opening a gap between them. Slash! [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! has been activated!] "Kyaaaahhh!!!" A long gash stretched from Ackturas shoulder to its abdomen, spilling black blood. Despite the demons attempts to pull back, blood poured uncontrollably from the wound, refusing to clot. Staggering backward, Acktura struggled to comprehend what had just happened. Seongs blade carried the weight of centuries of knightly trainingswordsmanship honed to perfection. Even the demon, with all its strength, found itself overpowered. As Acktura faltered, something sharp pierced through its back. "Guhhh!" Fioras spear-like arm had impaled the demons heart. Seong moved in for the finishing blow, his sword carving a smooth arc that severed Ackturas head. Thud. Roll. [Critical Hit!] [Youve defeated Acktura, the Lesser Demon Gatekeeper.] [Youve gained experience points.] "The memories of that knight are incredible." Reflecting on the power of the swordsmanship he had absorbed, Seong couldnt help but feel impressed. Still, the lack of proper swordsmanship skills limited the damage output. "Until I get an actual sword skill, Ill hold back on using this." "Y-you were amazing, Lord!" Fiora, her voice filled with excitement, showered Seong with praise. Though a bit embarrassed, Seong smiled and patted her head before moving forward. Shortly after, Seong came across a massive door. It resembled the chamber he had seen during his second class advancement but lacked the glowing undead eyes or demonic aura. "This must be the place." At Fioras words, Seong nodded. Placing his hand on the door, a series of messages appeared. [Conditions met. The door opens.] [Youve accessed the past.] [Fiora has returned to the Netherworld.] [While in the past, the Gates of the Netherworld cannot be opened.] [All levels in the past are adjusted to match user Seong.] Before Seong could make sense of the notifications, the door pulled him in. The cavern was replaced by a sunlit forest, the scent of burning wood filling the air. Nearby, people were seated around a campfire, their faces unfamiliar yet strangely familiar. Among them was a man radiating a divine, otherworldly presence. His expression was kind, yet his aura commanded respect. The man turned to Seong and spoke. "Greetings, Seong. Ive heard much about you. Allow me to introduce myselfI am Hindel, the one they call the Hero." Seong froze. "...Hindel? The Hero Hindel?" What was Hindel doing here? Chapter 84 As soon as Seong heard the name, his body tensed up instinctively. Hindel. Hero Hindel. A flood of thoughts raced through his mind, overwhelming him. Wasnt this the past setting from the Overlord main quest? Meeting Hindel... did that mean... "Am I supposed to fight Hindel?" An utterly bewildering situation. At that moment, Hindel gave an awkward laugh, his expression tinged with embarrassment. Haha... I guess this is your first time hearing about me? I suppose my fame hasnt spread far yet... Oh, no, Ive heard of you. Hero Hindel. Oh? Really? What have you heard? Damn it. An interrogation? If Seong hadnt been calm and composed by nature, he might have panicked. But Seong wasnt one to crumble easily. Quickly, he scanned Hindel from head to toe. He wasnt sure about the exact timeline, but Hindel seemed to have shed his apprentice status. And judging by the sword he carried, it was leagues better than the one Hindel used as a novice. Using his wits, Seong replied smoothly, I heard you sealed away the terrifying beast, Barfur. Ah! That... Thats embarrassing, really. Haha. It was just a small feat from my apprentice days, but Im surprised you know of it. Haha... He was safe. Seong wiped the cold sweat off his brow internally as he swallowed nervously. The awkward laugh seemed to have diffused the situation. Surely, Hindel wouldnt press further? But what exactly was he supposed to do here? Still confused by the situation, Seong looked at Hindel curiously. Hindel, noticing his expression, carefully spoke up. You must be wondering why Ive come all the way here. Yes, please, enlighten me.@@@@ But Seong chose to stay silent, waiting for an explanation. Hindel, looking slightly uncomfortable, continued, I know this is awkward, given my title as a hero, but I have a favor to ask... Hes not about to ask me to die for him, right? Seong tensed up, ready to fight at any moment. However, the atmosphere felt... different. Neither Hindel nor his companions seemed hostile. Would you consider assisting us in our journey to the Dark Castle? ...??? We cant do it alone. The Dark Castle is infamous as the dwelling of Demon King Helena. We need your help. Of course, well compensate you... Wait, hold on. You want me to go to the Dark Castle? Could he even do that? This was the Overlord main quest. Joining forces with the hero to attack the previous Overlord? Was this some twisted succession ritual? Seongs head spun in confusion as Hindel added hesitantly, Im aware youre a dark mage, but please dont worry. Not all dark mages are evil. Uh... Yes, thats true. He wanted to ask why they were attacking Helena in the first place but held his tongue. Leaving Demon King Helena unchecked would plunge the world into chaos. With power greater than the Archdukes of Hell, who knows when she might decide to destroy the world? ...Ah. Seong knew that wasnt true. But with no clear idea of how to proceed, he found himself at a loss. At that moment, the system granted him salvation. [You have been transported to the past of the Dark Citadel.] [Overlord-exclusive Main Quest: "Entrance to the Dark Castle" has spawned a sub-quest.] [Overlord-exclusive Sub-Quest: "Together with a Former Foe" has been generated.] So thats what it was. Seong opened the quest window, suspecting the worst. And, of course, the worst was true. [Together with a Former Foe] Sub-QuestTo locate the Dark Castle, you have arrived at Despairs Gorge, where the castle once stood in the past. Following a note''s guidance, you entered a cave in the cliffside.After defeating the gatekeeper, you were transported to a distant past.Here, you encounter the hero Hindel, who offers you a proposal. The proposal is to join him in an attack on the Dark Castle, home to the first Overlord and the former Demon King, Helena. Accompany the hero Hindel to the Dark Castle and see for yourself how it once looked. The reason was unclear, but Seong decided not to ask. Whether he hadnt joined yet or had temporarily left, there was no benefit in revealing what he already knew. Having learned his lesson earlier, Seong wasnt about to make the same mistake twice. Even if he was curious, he let it slide. The introductions and greetings concluded. It was only natural to exchange names with people he would inevitably spend some time with. Were so grateful that youve decided to join us, Seong. Although we have Plang the Sage, our ties with the royal court and magic tower arent particularly strong, so weve been in need of someone with high-powered magic like yourself. ...I see. That makes sense. Though this differed slightly from the history Seong had learned, it didnt seem like the timeline had reached that point yet. Based on what hed learned from Helena, Hindels estrangement with the royal court and magic tower happened after he was manipulated into turning against her. But for them to already not be on good terms? Though Seong hadnt observed Hindel for long, his personality made it easy to believe he had already made enemies. Could that be why Gjordren wasnt here? But why turn against Helena at all? Well, I guess Ill find out eventually. As Seong silently set this as a new goal, Plang muttered in frustration. The royal court and those senile old men at the magic tower are the real problem! Has Helena ever attacked a human village or struck first? Never! Yet they keep squawking about how she needs to be dealt with, like parrots! We refuse to follow their orders! Ugh, idiots. Plang... Apologies, but I fully agree with Plang. ...True words. Hindel tried to rein Plang in, but the rest of the party nodded in agreement with him. They seemed to understand that Helena wasnt evil. So why were they going to attack her? It felt contradictory. Seong looked at Hindel with a puzzled expression, which the hero seemed to interpret as a request for an explanation. Perhaps he felt it was fine to share now that Seong was a party member. ...I told you we were going to stop her, but in truth, we aim to persuade Demon King Helena. Persuade her? Yes. As Plang said, Demon King Helenaor should we even call her that?has never directly attacked human villages. The only people whove died at her hands were evildoers. But her immense, transcendent power terrifies many, and the royal court and magic tower are determined to kill her. So, you plan to persuade her? Yes. Thats the goal of our party. Haha... Its a bit embarrassing to admit. Hindels sincerity made it impossible to doubt him. His words aligned with what Helena had told Seong. If that was the case, this must be before Hindel was manipulated. Was there a specific reason why hed eventually believe the lies? Given Plangs earlier complaints, the magic tower masters seemed to be the likely culprits. It might be difficult to confirm the exact details in this fragment of the past. But at least he had a lead now. I can investigate this once I return to the present. The thought reignited Seongs interest. How could someone as righteous and upright as Hindel have fallen for such deceit? Uncovering Hindels footsteps suddenly felt more meaningful. But that was a question for later. For now, Seongs priority was aligning with Hindels current goal. Then the first step is to create an opportunity to speak with her. Exactly. Though I imagine thatll be the hardest part~, Plang quipped with a sigh. No one present could deny that claim. It truly was like trying to crack a rock with an egg. As Seong wondered where this story would lead, he sensed a presence nearby. And he wasnt the only one. Hindel, Plang, and Lyiaden noticed it too, as did the non-combatant Saintess. Even from afar, it was clear this wasnt a typical monster. Or was it even a monster at all? If one were to sculpt a slime into the shape of a person, it might look something like this. But this creature was different from any slime. Its body shimmered like the vast night sky, a deep, mystical shade of navy speckled with stars. Its overwhelming presence filled the air with tension. Everyone in Hindels party was on high alert. Everyone but one. One person stared at the creature and murmured softly. Fiora, is that you? Heh? No, Im not~. ...Though it clearly was her. Chapter 85 "......!!?" "......?!?" "......??!" Seong... do you know... that being? Plang, Adeline, and Lyiaden were utterly speechless, overwhelmed by the presence of the entity before them. Even Hindel, who barely managed to speak, found it difficult to stand firm. Yet, Seong spoke to the figure so nonchalantly, even identifying whoor whatit was. The heros party was in shock. They had already been aware of Seongs abilities, but this... This was beyond anything they could have imagined. To Hindels party, this being was a terrifyingly powerful monster. But to Seong... Its just Fiora... That was all. He was simply meeting Fiora. Fiora did emanate a powerful pressure, but it was merely the result of her overwhelming dark mana. It wasnt an active threatit was simply a natural byproduct of her presence.@@@@ To Seong, it felt as familiar and harmless as air. In fact, he found it almost refreshing. And it wasnt just a feeling. [You have been exposed to pure dark mana.] [This dark mana is compatible with the Overlord.] [All stats temporarily increase by 5%.] Oh, so theres a bonus like this too? This encounter was already proving to be an excellent opportunity. However, Fiora seemed nervous, fidgeting and twisting her body as if unsure of what to do. Seong wanted to recall what Fiora had been doing in this era but found it difficult to access those memories. Perhaps it was due to her being such a high-ranking spirit. He figured he might be able to recall later, but for now, it seemed impossible. Uh, uh, I... Im a, um, subordinate of Lady Helena. M-my name is a secret! Her timid tone and demeanor were so endearing that Seong almost burst into laughter. But he managed to stay composed, choosing to listen quietly. The fact that Fiora had come all this way meant she had something important to say. Both Seong and the heros party waited patiently. After taking a deep breath to calm herself, Fiora finally continued. Anyway, Lady Helena just wants to live quietly... So dont come looking for her! Her tone was firm, even showing a hint of hostilitysurprising for someone as timid as her. That small amount of hostility was enough to make the entire party tremble. Everyone except Seong, of course. Fioras unyielding resolve was clear. But retreating now wasnt an option. ...My apologies for troubling you, messenger. However, weve come not to fight but to speak with Lady Helena. Theres no need! Humans are always chasing after Lady Helena wherever she goes! Do you know how much trouble youve caused her?! ...We apologize for that, but we truly wish to... Enough! I dont want to hear it anymore! Im leaving, so dont come after me! With that, Fiora shouted fiercely, transformed into a phoenix, and flew away. As soon as she disappeared, the party let out shaky breaths, their shoulders rising and falling as they finally relaxed. Freed from the overwhelming pressure, they couldnt help but marvel at Hindels persistence in trying to negotiate and Seongs unshaken composure throughout the encounter. Even now, their hands and legs were trembling from the residual tension. How could those two remain so unaffected? Each party member silently admired them. Only Hindel sighed in frustration, muttering, Sigh, we didnt make any progress in the conversation. Hm, Seong responded noncommittally, though he couldnt help but understand Helenas position. She just wanted to live peacefully, yet people kept showing up to bother her. It was like overly persistent missionaries going door-to-door in an apartment complexor perhaps more like stalkers, considering the consistency. It must be exhausting. Still, Hindels intentions were understandable too. Im not sure what to do. In the present world, people called her the Demon King. Helena, seeing Fioras pout, smiled elegantly and asked, Fiora, why do you look so upset? Ah, ah! L-Lady Helena?! Yes, its me. Now, whats wrong? Why are you sulking? Ah, uh... its just... Its okay. Take your time and tell me. Helenas gentle encouragement seemed to soothe Fiora. After a moment of hesitation, she cautiously began to explain. W-well... I went to deliver your message to the human heros party, but... but they insisted that they must speak with you... Ah, so thats why youre upset? Y-yes... Hearing Fioras explanation, Helena gently tapped her crimson lips with a finger in a thoughtful gesture. Was she pondering something? Or perhaps she was considering a decision? Fiora couldnt tell, but she silently hoped that whatever Helena chose would align with her wishes. Still, dont let it bother you too much. Its true theyre annoying, but theyre just doing their job in their own way. Huh?! B-but... Fiora, how would you feel if I told you not to serve me anymore? H-huh?! Ive never thought about that... but... I think Id be really sad. Fioras face crumpled as if she might burst into tears at any moment. Helena gently patted Fioras head and said, See? Stopping someone from doing what they want or need to do can be a very sad thing. Ah, ah! I understand now! Thats my smart Fiora. Helenas soothing words calmed Fiora. Still, the thought crossed Helenas mind: Theyre annoying, sure. Should I move somewhere else if they come back? But I do like this castle... what a bother. As Helena wrestled with the trivial dilemma, Fiora suddenly remembered something. Ah, oh! I almost forgot... L-Lady Helena, a human knew my name... They knew your name, Fiora? Helenas brows furrowed slightly in curiosity. A human who knew Fioras name? As Helenas intrigue grew, Fiora explained what had happened. She recounted how Seong had recognized her immediately and mentioned that his aura felt somewhat similar to Helenas. Helena listened carefully, processing the information. In less than a second, she analyzed the worlds currents, her souls state, and the fragments of her energy scattered across existence. And then, she understood. Helena smiled faintly and snapped her fingers. Snap! Suddenly, as though something had melted and reformed from the floor, a humanoid figure emerged. But was it truly a man? The figure appeared androgynous, at times resembling a woman, an old man, or even a child. Its gender, age, and very existence seemed impossible to define. Did you summon me, my lady? the figure asked. Fiora gasped in surprise, Huh?! Oh, its you! But Helena narrowed her eyes as she looked at the being and asked coldly, Was this your doing? ...What do you mean, my lady? H-huh?! The figure appeared genuinely flusterednot out of guilt, but as if hurt that its loyalty had been questioned. Even Fiora seemed startled, as if to say, "Thats impossible!" Helena observed the figure carefully, her emerald-green eyes glowing faintly, and confirmed there was no falsehood in its words. No, it wasnt you. You may leave. ...I dont understand, but as you wish, my lady. Its not your fault... for now. ...Understood. H-huh?! The being vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving Fiora alone with a bewildered expression. Helena stroked Fioras head again to calm her and thought to herself, A world of the past, recreated. More specifically, a recreated past world. There could only be one culprit capable of orchestrating such a thing. Noctranium... what are you scheming? Though she didnt fully understand why things had come to this, Helena decided to enjoy the present moment. So, Fiora, what did my successor look like? What kind of person were they? What do you think they liked? H-huh?! Your successor?! Yes. Someone invited my successor to this world. I thought I might send them a little giftwhat do you think? I-I think... anything from Lady Helena would be wonderful! Hm, but I should see what they need first. Lets take a look. Helena waved her hand, and a mirror shimmering with a teal hue appeared. Within it, she saw Seong engaged in battle with Hindel. Huh! Thats him! Hm? Handsome, isnt he? I like him. Oh, and he uses a sword too? Hmm, in that case, I think that would make the perfect gift. Chapter 86 2. Before the Despair''s Gorge was formed, the past Serumas was quite a peaceful village. It seemed almost absurd to think that a Demon King lived nearby, given how peaceful the village appeared. The villagers seemed blissfully happy as they strolled through the streets, and the atmosphere was filled with peace. No one appeared to have a care in the world. The hero party, seeing this, had already realized that Helena was not an evil being, but they were still taken aback by how a village nearby could exude such an atmosphere. It was a more peaceful place than any village they''d ever visited. It was no surprise they were taken aback. Its truly a beautiful sight, one of them said. Wow, thats right. Even in the royal capital, its rare to see people so happy, this is incredible.@@@@ ...Its been said that shes the Demon King, but somehow, she appears more like a wise ruler than anyone else. Should we really fight against her? ...A difficult decision. Hmmm. As the hero party exchanged similar thoughts, Seong''s curiosity only grew. Why did this party of heroes, who had such a mindset, decide to take up arms against Helena? What was the reason behind it? While he pondered this, Plang suddenly pointed with his finger as if he had seen something outrageous. Where he pointed, where the Despair''s Gorge should have been, there was something else entirely. ...Wow. A huge mountain stood in place of the gorge. It wasnt just any mountainit was, in fact, a massive black fortress that could easily be mistaken for a mountain. It was so massive that one would need to tilt their head far back to see its peak, even from the village. The overwhelming size gave off an immense sense of intimidation. But what was even more astonishing was this: ...Is it really possible to create a defensive shield that large? .... .... .... Wow. There was no one who could answer Plangs question. They could only fall silent and marvel. Unlike the rest of the party, Seong was amazed for a different reason. Could they really have moved an entire fortress of that size into another dimension? Shouldnt they be reconsidering going there right now? As Seong thought this, Hindel, gazing up at the fortress, quietly spoke. That is the Dark Castle. ...Hoo, it looks impossible to even approach. ...But the gods will bless us for this journey. ...Its going to be difficult. Aside from Hindel, the others seemed to lose some of their determination. Anyone would feel that way after seeing such a monumental structure. Seong certainly did. He knew what would happen to that Dark Castle in the future, and how a massive gorge would form there soon after. But now, there was no turning back. Seeing everyones reactions, Hindel spoke quietly. Lets head to the inn for now. Its getting late, so we should settle in first. It would be best to rest today and regain our strength. I agree! Rest is essential! You can trust the words of this wise man! I too agree. Weve all likely grown weary, even if we didnt realize it. I agree. Im on board too. With Seongs agreement, they made their way to the inn. It wasnt the best in the village, but it was decent enough. The sun was just beginning to set, so they hadnt prepared much yet. It was time for dinner, and they all ordered their meals in the inns dining area. Nutrition was essential for rest. However, Seong felt a bit unsatisfied. Hmmm, is this how today ends? Hindel carefully assessed the terrain, while Seong also surveyed the surroundings. Then Seong looked at the ground beneath his feet for a moment and nodded. I can go all out here. As he surveyed the area, numerous system messages flashed in his mind, and he nodded in satisfaction. Seeing that Seong was ready, Hindel asked, looking slightly unsure. Are you ready? Yes, of course. Once the readiness was confirmed, Hindel turned to Plang. Plang? Yep, yep~ Plang, who was to signal the start of the duel, got ready to activate the alchemical device he had prepared. As tension built up, and both of them prepared, Plang activated his creation. He infused mana into a trumpet-like device, causing a small explosion to echo through the air. Boom! At that cue, Hindel moved first. Drawing his sword, he swiftly positioned himself, his feet moving so fast they were barely visible. As his feet slammed into the ground, Hindel left clear footprints behind, his speed overwhelmingly fast. Seong could barely follow the movement with his eyes. However, if he could track it visually, it meant he could likely respond to it. Seong unsheathed his sword, the one he had already confirmed with Hindel earlier. He had worried that Hindel might recognize the sword, but when he asked, Hindel had only praised it as a good blade and didnt seem to recognize it. As Seong drew his sword, the three others who were watching were shocked. Youre drawing your sword against Hindel-nim!? ...You seem to have quite an understanding of swordsmanship. ...A strong one. They were surprised, but they didnt seem overly concerned. They assumed Seong must have a good reason for drawing his sword. Hindel also seemed to think the same. He infused his sword with an aura, the blue light swirling around the blade. It was a flash of light reminiscent of someone wielding a crystal-clear sword, and Seong smiled slightly at the thought. Hindel, noticing Seongs smile, swung his sword, the aura still flickering around the blade. A faint tremor from the sword filled the air, and the sound of the slash was nearly inaudible as the sword cut through the air toward Seong. Shing! With a flash of light, Hindels strike followed, but Seong reached out with his sword hand and swung it, hiding his other hand behind his back as if to conceal it. At that moment, the aura that had wrapped around Hindels sword vanished, only to wrap around Seongs blade and attack Hindel. Boom! The intense light surged, hitting Hindel like a powerful wave. In the midst of this crashing light, Hindel swung his sword repeatedly, cutting through the waves, and when he finally dissipated the last of them, a teal spear flew toward him. He was too slow to dodge. He had to block it with his sword. Hindel, making a split-second decision, swung his sword to deflect the sharp spear of teal light. But the spear passed right through his sword like an illusion, striking him in the chest. [Critical Hit!] [The effect of One Strike! activates!] [Dark damage is applied.] [Hero Hindel resists partially.] [Hero Hindel loses full sight and sensation for 2 seconds.] Even Crescentra had taken 3 seconds to resist this dark damage. Could it be that heroes were truly different? Seong, sensing the moment, charged toward Hindel, swinging his sword with glee. He unleashed a fluid sword technique learned from the memories of a knight in the Crystal Palace. To maximize his power, Seong started with his footwork, adding rotational force and delivering a strike far stronger than usual, aiming for Hindels upper right side, then diagonally down. However, as Seong swung his sword, a blue aura spread from Hindels blade, forming a thin shield like a barrier, blocking Seongs powerful strike. Clang! He blocked it. So, this was the power of a hero? Chapter 87 Seong quickly regained his composure after the initial shock of having his attack blocked. Even if his senses were impaired, his skills were still functional. Despite his sharp strike, the defensive shield didnt break, and Hindel had to take three steps back after receiving a powerful blow enhanced with rotational force. Given that his senses were still blocked, it wouldn''t have been surprising if he had fallen. But his training and experience kept him from toppling over, as his muscles instinctively resisted the urge to collapse. It was an incredible sight, yet Seong was no longer astonished by it. If he couldn''t handle such an attack, it would be troubling. Phew. Since Hindels senses were still blocked, Seong didnt waste the opportunity. The shield formed by the swords aura remained intact, but Seong had a plan. He used one of the effects attached to his Anemore Slayer, activating a whirlwind alongside his flight. The winds began gently but soon turned into a fierce storm that engulfed Hindel from behind. The winds slashed at him with the sharpness of a blade, leaving countless shallow wounds, though none were fatal. Even though multiple hits landed, it seemed the attack counted as a single strike. The hands, born from the spirits of the dead and the whirlwinds, reached out and grabbed Hindels arms. Yet, with his senses still not restored, Seong moved swiftly and took to the air, preparing to strike Hindel from behind. With a swift motion, he swung his sword. Whoosh! Slash! The blow wasnt incredibly strong since it was delivered in mid-air, but darkness erupted from the sword. Two spectral hands appeared and bound Hindels legs. Seong had created a chain of darkness that held Hindel firmly in place. Seeing the seal of death grow stronger, Seong swiftly launched a bone arrow. The arrow flew toward Hindels neck, and just as it was about to strike Flash! Hindels senses returned, and his eyes snapped open. With the return of his senses, he swiftly spun in the air, using his sword to deflect the bone arrow that had been aimed at his neck. Two seconds had already passed. Seong had hoped to activate the death seal, but it had failed. However, Seong was calm. Its too early to succeed. He remained focused, but Hindel, still shaken, landed on the ground with an eerie sensation filling him. ...Incredible. Seong had used an unblockable attack from the start, blocking Hindels senses to create an opportunity. Looking at his own dwindling health, Seong knew that the strike had been substantial. Moreover, the dark hands that had grabbed his arms and legs and refused to release him couldnt be dismissed. My movements are slower. It must have been due to those hands. Hindel had to stop holding back and fight with everything he had. He had learned this lesson the hard way, particularly after facing Fiora. Even now, he tried to conserve his strength. This isnt mercy or kindness, its arrogance and disrespect. Seong reflected on it internally, realizing Hindel was holding back against someone like him. But now, Hindel had no choice but to fight at his full potential. After the delay caused by the dark hands, Hindel gathered his resolve. I apologize. Ill be serious now, Hindel said, emphasizing the word serious as he stepped forward. Hindel, determined to establish his position, took a deep breath, and his eyes flashed with intensity. Hmph! Breathing in, Hindels gaze changed. His golden, radiant eyes became mysterious, with a gaze that seemed to contain the entire night sky and starlight. The aura surrounding his sword mirrored this transformation, forming a galaxy-like sword aura that erupted with power. Seong didnt waste time. With his eyes gleaming with a teal light, he activated his skill and conjured a teal spear in his opposite hand. Without hesitation, he launched the spear. Although Hindel was faster in movement and attack speed, the delay in completing Seong''s skill was much shorter. The spear cut through the air as Hindel gauged the distance and realized that there was no way to dodge. Even if his skill was completed before impact, there was no chance to avoid the spear. Having experienced Seong''s abilities before, Hindel knew the spear ignored all forms of defense. Realizing this, he gritted his teeth and canceled his skill, narrowly avoiding the spear. It was a small gain, but Seong had already vanished by the time Hindel looked around after the attack had been avoided. What he had initially thought was a bloodstorm was now revealed to be a sea of blood-soaked swordsat least a hundred of them, lined up in the air. Its not easy. But...??? As Hindel prepared to activate his skill, he suddenly sensed something was wrong. The world around him fell into an eerie silence. It felt as though time had stopped. Hindel, for the first time, realized he could no longer move. The darkness was closing in on him. One of the shadowy hands that had been holding his arms and legs was now reaching for his neck. He couldnt see it, but he could feel the grip tightening around his neck. The hands that had been restraining his arms and legs were now moving closer to his throat, and his body was being overtaken with a deep sense of dread. But what truly terrified him was not the hands. Something morea transcendental force was standing behind him. This feeling was far more terrifying than anything he had felt before, even when facing Fiora. The sensation was not the wetness of fear creeping along his spine; it was a chilling coldness, freezing him to the bone. As the dark hands closed around Hindels neck, the pressure intensified. Then, the presence behind him stirred. With disturbing slowness, the being gripped five outstretched shadowy hands, their power overwhelming. Ugh! The pain was unbearable as the hands tightened around him, and soon, Hindel found himself trapped, unable to resist. The sensation of the hands cutting into his neck was sharp, as though they were going to sever his head. The sound of his neck being cut echoed through the stillness. Crack! His head was severed from his body, and blood poured from the wound. Cough... Cough... Hindel stumbled back, coughing up blood as he fled the scene. Despite the pain, he quickly activated healing and mental enhancement skills, feeling the power of starlight envelop him, but the vivid sensation of the cut could not be ignored. Fear began to swell within his eyes as he realized the extent of the power facing him. Gasping for air, Hindel looked toward the blood-soaked swords still hovering in the air, a bitter realization sinking in. He lifted his sword to face them, but this time, his hand trembled, unable to steady the blade. The battle had reached an entirely new level. Chapter 88 Even with his mental enhancements, the fear of death was something Hindel could not overcome. To be more precise, Hindels mind had already been strengthened, but the fear of death was far greater than anything he had ever faced. This was his first encounter with such an inevitable death. He couldnt resist it. He had to accept it. Born with a revelation and raised as a hero, Hindel had been taught that fear had no place in a heros heart and that sacrifice was part of the duty. But facing such raw, undeniable death was a new experience for him. Death was something to be accepted. The more one tried to overcome it, the more it became a glaring reality. No matter how much one struggled, there was no escape. In the end, everyone faced death. Hoo.... He took a deep breath, attempting to calm his mind, but it still wasnt enough. However, doing nothing would mean his end. Seong, too, had noticed something was wrong with Hindel. Not knowing what was going on made it even more difficult. Whats happening? As soon as the death seal triggered, Hindel had used his healing and buffing skills, but he still wasnt settling down. Although the moment wasnt long, Seong took a brief pause to observe. It didnt seem like a trick. Had Hindel used all of his strength?@@@@ No, from what Seong could see, Hindels demeanor still held strong. Seong didnt fully understand, but his instincts told him it was a perfect opportunity. Hindels confusion and fear were Seongs chance. Having known Hindel well, Seong knew how to move. Despite his fear, Hindel acted. A hero had no other choice. He had been taught that way. Hes coming. It didnt take long for Hindel to close the distance. Perhaps the conflict was more internal than external, but now the blood-sword projectiles began to descend toward Hindel. Whoosh! Whoosh! Swish! Dozens of blood-red swords, like raindrops, fell toward the ground. The sight of blood raining down felt surreal, as if it were a downpour of blood. Still, Hindel gathered all his strength to steady his trembling sword. His eyes, now containing the essence of the galaxy, released a mysterious light, enveloping his entire body. With his body lightened from gravitys pull, Hindel became even more nimble. As he moved, multiple afterimages resembling stars trailed behind him. The blood swords that rained down like a storm couldnt follow his swift movements. Hindel evaded the blood swords and rose into the sky like a comet, trailing a long, starry light. His speed was tremendous, and it seemed as though he had become one with the stars themselves. The sight was beautiful, but Seong wasnt about to stand still. Seongs swift response called forth a swarm of blood swords, acting as a barricade, cutting off Hindels path. Boom! A violent explosion shook the surroundings as the blood swords collided, but neither Seong nor Hindel paid it any mind. They were focused solely on their own battle. The blood swords formed a shield to block Hindels assault, but Hindel responded by summoning the power of the galaxy once more. The entire area around him was enveloped in cosmic energy. Clang! Clash! Clang! Every attack from the blood swords was repelled by Hindels shield of starlight. It was a sturdy defense, but Seong felt something was amiss. The blood swords themselves werent causing high damage. Hindel must have realized this too. There was no need to expend so much mana on such a defensive skill. Is he exhausting his strength unnecessarily? It seemed Hindel was using more energy than needed. Despite realizing this, Hindel gritted his teeth, acknowledging his mistake. I didnt need to use the curtain of stars... He knew the blood swords werent dangerous individually, but he had instinctively cast the barrier. There was only one reason for it. If he allowed five attacks to land, he would have to face the one behind them again. In his current state, gripped by fear, Hindel couldnt notice that something was emerging from the cracked ground around him. His vision narrowed, and all he could focus on was Seong. As Hindels vision tightened, he felt the first traces of damage from the teal mist behind him, where Seongs Aura of Death had spread. Though the damage was slight, a shadowy hand emerged and bound Hindels arm. But it didnt matter. His Galaxy Collapse would activate soon. He was about to release the accumulated power that would destroy everything around him. Seong, however, raised a finger to his lips. At that moment, something appeared behind Hindel. ...Is it...? It wasnt the same presence he had felt before, the indifferent Reaper. This was differentthere was malice, an overwhelming feeling of evil. What... is this? Hindel instinctively turned his head, sensing the presence behind him. There, in the air, stood a massive witch with hollow eyes, resembling a bottomless abyss. A cruel smile spread across her face as she gleefully approached with a teal needle in hand. She delicately stitched Hindels mouth shut with the needle, the teal thread trailing behind her as she worked methodically. Thrust! Ssss. Thrust! Ssss. Thrust! Ssss. The witch, giggling, raised her finger, bringing the needle to her lips and whispered: Shhiiit. Ah, no... [You are sealed for 5 seconds by the Lords Silence.] [Hindel partially resists.] [The duration is reduced to 2 seconds.] Just as the Galaxy Collapse was about to activate, Hindel lost all his remaining strength. The blessings of the galaxy and all other buffs disappeared instantly. All Hindel had left was his body and his sword. Even with those, he would have fought on, but his arms were bound by shadowy hands, and the undead rising from the ground ensnared his legs. The green mist was eating away at him. Then, the blood swords rained down upon him. More shadowy hands appeared, and the ominous presence returned. Hindel saw it. The death he had tried to avoid was coming for him. The undead held his legs, and the green mist flickered with lights, but all he could feel was the crushing weight of inevitability. Boom! The earth shook violently as explosions and intense heat swept the area, melting everything in their path. Seong, still caught within the range of the explosion, used his extreme defensive skills to block the searing heat, his thoughts racing. Surely hes not dead? Even with such a huge explosion, as a hero, Hindel couldnt have been killed, right? If he were dead, it would mean the quest failed and theyd be sent back to the start. Judging by the lack of any message, it seemed like Hindel had survived. Seong breathed a sigh of relief, watching as Hindels necklace glowed faintly and then faded away. It must have been some kind of item preventing death. Thank goodness. As Seong felt relief, the following messages appeared: [You have achieved victory over the past Hero Hindel!] [You have earned experience from the duel!] [Level Up!] [You are now level 79.] [You have been acknowledged by the Hero!] [You have earned the title The One Recognized by Heroes!] [For the first time in Eternal World, you have defeated a Hero!] [You have earned the title The Most Dangerous!] [As an overwhelming victory reward, you have obtained a Unique-grade item, Random Skill Book!] I really only just won. If Hindel hadnt done anything strange, it would have been much harder. It was a relief it didnt go that far. Seong prepared to head back as he saw Hindels party members running toward him. Hindel had attacked first, so it must have been self-defense, right? Well figure that out later. Chapter 89 3. The Hero Hindels Seasonal Skill, Galactic Collapse. None of the three companions had ever seen this technique in use. Hindel himself had said it was too dangerous. He had never used it while with them. However, he had mentioned it before. He had told them that if he ever used it, they should quickly flee to avoid getting caught up in it. Having heard Hindels words, they all knew very well what that phenomenon meant. Though it was hard to understand why Hindel would use such a dangerous technique in a sparring match, the three were soon caught up in the panic as they realized they were about to be involved in it. Are, are you kidding!? Hindel is completely losing his mind! Seong, maybe, but if we get caught in this, well all die! We need to run! Right now! ... We need to escape and prepare ourselves! For a moment, panic overtook them. Flam, Adeline, and Riaden were all in a state of confusion, but they quickly sprang into action. Even after a significant distance was put between them and the epicenter, they still felt uneasy. Flam, the Sage, and Adeline, the Saintess, conjured multiple layers of defensive barriers. Yet it still didnt seem enough, so using Riadens elemental magic, the Elf Archer, they surrounded themselves with trees and earth barriers. Could Hindel really be trying to kill Seong? Seeing Hindel in such an uncharacteristic state, all three shuddered. As they braced themselves for the impact, an incredibly intense heat followed by a powerful shockwave spread, shattering most of the barriers they had created. They were fortunate to be a distance away, but seeing the area turned to ash, all threes faces paled in horror. Was the Galactic Collapse supposed to have such an effect? It seemed a bit off. Is... this destruction caused by heat...? Is this really the Galactic Collapse? ...It certainly feels strange. But I dont think theres another skill with this much power... What do you think? ...This isnt Hindels skill. Huh? Then, what is this skill...? Could it be...? At Riadens words, both Flam and Adeline were stunned. Riaden herself seemed shaken, her eyes trembling uncontrollably. The three of them, realizing something was wrong, rushed to the explosions epicenter. There, they found a perfectly fine Seong and a collapsed Hindel, who had exhausted all his energy. What on earth had happened here? Seong, seeing the three, smiled brightly, as if everything had worked out perfectly. I dont have any healing skills, so Ill leave it to you. Upon hearing Seongs words, the three looked around without realizing it. The explosion, which had devastated everything for hundreds of meters, still didnt match Seongs appearance. It caused a sense of cognitive dissonance. But that was only for a moment. When Hindel, still collapsed, coughed in pain, blood began to trickle from his mouth. Clearly gravely injured, Seong scratched his cheek awkwardly, while the others rushed to act. Hindel! I... Ill heal him! Quickly! Lets return to the village first! At Flams words, everyone agreed. Then, Adeline, the most experienced in this situation, shouted. Ill heal on the way. You need to carry both me and Hindel. Ill... carry Hindel. Ill carry Adeline! Seong, you come too! As they all hurried to lift each other, Seong, with no need for such haste, flattened the remaining blood swords to make a stretcher, lifting the group. I think this will be faster. Adeline nodded, and they quickly made their way back to the village of Sermas. Without stopping anywhere else, Seong immediately rushed everyone to the inn. Adeline hastily used healing magic and divine spells to restore their energy. However, Hindels injuries were severe, and his condition seemed quite grave. His expression was like someone possessed, trapped in a nightmare. They had fully healed the external wounds. Adeline shared a bit of her divine energy to restore some of his strength. Yet Hindel still seemed to be sweating coldly, struggling as if he were fighting something in his dreams. How badly had he been hurt? Looking at Hindel, Seong couldnt help but wonder. Is he going to develop a fear of dark magic after this? He knew it was a reenactment of a past battle. They were all asking why, but they were essentially asking if he had been that afraid. Hindel, hearing their words, gave a self-deprecating smile before bowing his head. He was ashamed. I used the Galactic Collapse, and Ive truly disqualified myself as a hero. Im ashamed. ...But you were pushed to that point, right? ...I think so too. ...Me too. Yes, the pressure was irresistible. No, it was the first time Ive ever felt the threat of death so clearly. At that moment, it wouldnt have been an exaggeration to say I was already dead. ...It... was that serious? Flam asked, and Hindel nodded without hesitation. Then, in a calm voice, he added. Death is not something you can overcome. You simply have to accept it. I believe Seong was showing me that very thing in this sparring match, with that kind of power. If Seong had heard that, he would have politely asked, What do you mean by that? Unfortunately, Seong wasnt in the room, and everyone present held Seong in high regard. Kyaa!!! As expected, its Seong! ...I truly think hes amazing. ...A hero. I agree. Someone like him, whos more than just a title of hero, is the true hero. 5. Seong, who had unknowingly become a hero, had no idea of it. How could he? He returned to his inn room, exhaled a long breath, and sat down on the bed. The cheap medieval bed, stuffed with straw underneath, felt familiar. It had some charm, but right now, Seong didnt have the luxury to care about that. At least Im lucky. It was a relief that Hindel had accepted things so easily. If things had gone a little wrong, they might have ended up going back to square one as per the quest. The battle itself had been a bit of a close call. Seongs precise strike at Hindel had hit just as planned. There were even some parts where things went better than intended. Thats how they won. Anyway, they won. Shall I check the loot? He had gotten three things in total. Two titles and a unique-grade random skill book. The unique-grade random skill book would come last. First, lets check the titles. Seong opened the title for "Recognized by the Hero." Recognized by the Hero Unique A title given to users recognized by a hero. Increases attack by +5% when attacking. Increases attack speed by +10% when using swordsmanship skills. Oh? This was a swordsmanship-related title that increased attack power when using sword skills. There was also an option to increase attack power in general, but since Seong didnt have any swordsmanship skills right now, it felt a bit lacking. Maybe he would need to learn swordsmanship skills later. It was still a pretty good title, though. Now, onto the next one. The Most Terrible? The title sounded ominous from the start. That only made Seong more curious. What kind of title was it? The Most Terrible Legendary+ A title given to the user who defeats the hero for the first time in Eternal World. Slightly upgraded from the base grade due to being the first to achieve this feat. Reduces 33% of the damage taken from divine or weakness attributes and returns the reduced damage to the attacker. Once per day, allows the use of "Destruction of Salvation." "Destruction of Salvation" reverses all healing, buffs, or beneficial effects applied to the enemy. What is this... Seong had hoped for something big, but this was far beyond his expectations. Chapter 90 The Most Terrible. The name itself was intimidating, but the effect was equally terrifying. Legendary+ grade. If attacked by a holy or weakness attribute, it reduces damage by 33% and returns the reduced amount as damage to the attacker. Just this effect alone was absurd. But the Destruction of Salvation effect, usable once a day, was even more monstrous. It could easily explain the Legendary+ rank, even without considering the title. Reversing all beneficial effects on the enemy? If the enemy heals, the effect would be reversed as damage, and if they use buffs, they would get debuffs instead. This skill had the potential to be an absolute game-changer. Although it could only be used once a day, that didnt feel like a disadvantage at all. In fact, without it, things might have gone horribly wrong. Seong briefly wondered if the Hourglass of Reversal would apply here, but upon testing, it didnt seem to. Such a shame. Though it lacked some ethical merit, it was unavoidable. It was a skill acquired from a special effect, so it had different cooldown mechanics. If he had fought Hindel again with this effect in hand? He would likely win much more easily this time. Of course, Im not sure what would happen if Hindel doesnt get caught up in it. The last battle had been quite risky had Hindel not been overwhelmed by the fear from the Death God. But thanks to that, Seong was able to win with less effort than expected. Seongs skill was that terrifying, but still, a win was a win. With the Most Terrible title and its effects, Seong could fight from a much more advantageous position if they sparred again. He suddenly thought, Right now its Hindel, but when I return to the real world and face the real hero... thats going to be interesting. He didnt really want to fight, but if someone started a fight with him, he wouldnt shy away. He was curious about what the hero in the real world would be like. With those thoughts in mind, Seong pulled out his last piece of loot. The random skill book. The one he got before was a Rare grade. But this time, it was a Unique. Random Skill Book Unique A skill book that grants a random skill related to your class or a general skill. This book can grant skills from Unique to Legendary grade. Hmm. Last time, he had gotten a Rare grade with an Epic-tier skill. He didnt expect the same kind of luck this time. At least the minimum grade would be Unique, so even getting a Unique skill would be a win! Seong eagerly opened the book. [Do you wish to use the Unique-grade item, Random Skill Book?] Upon use, the skill book will disappear, and you will randomly acquire a Unique to Legendary grade Dark Magic-exclusive skill or a general skill. Do you really want to use it? [Yes / No] After a long time, Seong saw a familiar warning message. But nothing could stop him now. Seong immediately pressed ''Yes,'' and countless pages fluttered, turning faster than ever. But unlike before, the pages were now golden and glowing with an even more beautiful and warm orange light, dazzling as they turned. Shhhk-! As the pages turned with a shimmering sound, a single page stopped in mid-air before Seongs eyes. The brilliant orange page floated, illuminating the shabby inn room like the dawn. As the bright page absorbed the surrounding light, a clock appeared that was darker than midnight. The hands of the clock spun rapidly until the exact time struck. Ding! Ding! Ding! Right, we know the Hero and Overpalace are involved, but why is it a problem if Seong meets Helena from the past? Team Leader Lim Ji-won asked, seemingly confused, and Lee Won-sang nodded, understanding her confusion, and continued to explain. Across all of Eternal World, only nine NPCs can briefly avoid the all-seeing gaze of the super-AI Immortal. These nine are called the Heroes. However, even if you combine all nine, they are still considered inferior to Helena, according to Immortal. ...So if Seong, who has gone back in time, meets Helena, its likely to cause problems? Hmm, Overlord... Im not exactly sure, but I know Helena was an NPC who ruled as the worlds strongest. Even if they meet in the past, theyre still NPCs, right? Well... Lee Won-sang, appearing troubled, bit his lip before nodding. Then he showed a screen. On it, they saw Helena doing something with Fiora in the Dark Castle. Hmm~ What should I give my successor? Helena openly mentioned a successor, and the faces of the department heads turned to shock. Except for Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong, who already knew, and Lee Jae-kyung, who was amused, the others seemed to realize that Seong was already the successor. The NPCs behavior was too revealing, and this needed to be adjusted by Immortal. But... Ha ha! We cant fix that. Lee Jae-kyung cheerfully said. Lim Ji-won immediately asked, What do you mean, Deputy Manager? Cant fix it? Even if we try to adjust it with Immortals controls, theres too much pressure, and the entire past scenario might collapse. If that happens, well interfere with Seongs main quest, and well be stuck. Weve set up restrictions so Helena cant give Seong any skills or items, though... Isnt that enough? In an overly casual tone, Lee Jae-kyung responded, Well, Seong is the one who survived in Immortals harshest conditions, right? According to Immortal, shes an NPC with powers similar to the AI. So weve set restrictions, but we dont know how to reward Seong. And if Seong ends up getting a reward... Chairman Parks setup cant suppress him, right? Technically, he earned that reward. Exactly, Lee Won-sang said. It was a tough situation, and thats why the meeting was held. A situation where they couldnt go one way or the other. Then Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong spoke up. According to the current reward system, we usually give the same-grade skill as compensation. Is there a way to reduce this? ...We could reduce it, but if Seong complains, theres no way around it. Team Leader Lim Ji-won responded reluctantly. If they reduced the reward, Seong might complain, leading to higher costs. The goal was to offer a reward that wouldnt cause dissatisfaction. Giving a Legendary-grade skill was inevitable. But then Lee Won-sang came up with a clever proposal. How about allowing him to upgrade his existing skills to Legendary-grade? Hm? What do you mean? Since Seong already has several high-level skills, were concerned about that. So, instead of giving a new skill, we could give him an item that allows him to upgrade his existing skills. We could create an item that can be used to upgrade skills up to six times, and if you use three of them on a single skill, itll upgrade to Legendary-grade. Its like upgrading two Unique skills to Legendarythough its not the same as a new Legendary skill, its a reasonable balance. All the department heads nodded in agreement. It seemed like a good idea to avoid breaking the balance too much by upgrading existing skills instead of just handing out a new Legendary skill. Ah, so the reward is an upgrade, but it still feels like giving two Legendary skills... one of them mused. Hmm, Seongs current Unique skills are Dark Self, Skill Theft, and The Growing Dead, right? If we upgrade those, there wont be any major problems. While theyre utility skills rather than combat skills, their improvement wont significantly increase his overall power. It was a moment where Lee Won-sangs true competence shone. Everyone seemed satisfied with the suggestion. Then well change the Thousand Blood Swords skill to cause damage and explosions when hitting enemies, not just utility. Well work with the Item Creation Team to make sure we can upgrade his existing skills. If theres a skill without an upgrade path, well create one for it. Good work, everyone. As the meeting was wrapping up, Lee Jae-kyung nodded and asked, By the way, why is Helena using swordsmanship? As everyone turned to look at the screen, they saw Helena swinging a sword as if practicing swordsmanship. ...Im not sure... It was a bit comical that Lee Won-sang, who was part of the User Management Team, was being asked about NPC management by Lee Jae-kyung from the NPC Management Team, but no one really cared. It seemed Helena had taken up swordsmanship as a hobby. As the meeting ended and everyone left, Helena, alone, stared directly at the camera on the screen and smiled wickedly. It was as if she knew she was being watched. Chapter 91 6. [Eternal World, waiting for you.] Seong opened the capsule, stepping out as the farewell screen faded. The house was silent. Checking the time, he realized it was already 6 PM. Is no one home? His sister was likely still inside her capsule, and his mother... well, she wasnt anywhere in sight. Curious, he wandered into the living room, but the house felt completely empty. Even the master bedroom lacked any signs of life. Naturally, Seong reached for his phone. As expected, there was a single message waiting for him: [Mom C Your dad and I have a couples gathering tonight, so well be back late~ Eat whatever you like~ I sent you some money~] They went out, huh, Seong muttered. The part about eating whatever he wanted wasnt surprising. What did surprise him was the amount his mom had sent100,000 won. Even if he ordered delivery, it wouldnt cost anywhere near that. And it wasnt like Seong was short on cash, either. Still, his mom had sent him the money, and for that, he felt grateful. He made his way to Yu Minas room, finding her capsule still running. Should I send her a message?@@@@ He hesitated, eventually deciding against it. There was no reason to call her out if she hadnt cooked either. Im not even hungry right now anyway. He figured they could order something together later when she logged out. With nothing else to do, Seong returned to his room, flopping onto his bed and scrolling through his phone. It was the perfect way to kill time. After catching up on a novel he had postponed reading, Seong quickly ran out of content. Restless, he browsed aimlessly until his algorithm-guided wanderings brought him to MiTube. Hmm? Perhaps because of his frequent dives into Eternal World, the algorithm was now completely overrun with videos about the game. Most of them were guild channels, but surprisingly few belonged to guilds Seong actually recognized. Amidst the sea of recommendations, one channel caught his eye. The Rapid Guild? It featured two top-ranking videos: one titled Disciplining Echo Willow and the other, The Fortress of the Past. Both were trending in the top spots, and Seong felt a strange mix of curiosity and awkwardnesshe hadnt watched videos about himself before. This feels weird. Despite his initial hesitation, Seong clicked through the channel and began browsing. He already knew the events depicted in the videos, but watching them with an outsiders perspective gave him an entirely new feeling. Typically, reviewing something from a neutral viewpoint would reveal flaws or areas for improvement. However, nothing like that stood out to Seong. In fact, if given the chance, he would have handled things the exact same way. Why is this even so popular? Seong scanned the comments, hoping to understand the hype: [HotZero: Wait, was that really that easy???] ? [JoblessBoss: No way, lol. If it looks easy, it means theyre insanely good.] ? [RaidCoward: Im a necromancer too, and this is unreal. How is his mana even holding up? Does that make sense?] [AspiringArchmage: Honestly, it feels like hes on a different level compared to other classes. Even among Almighty-tier classes, this ones ridiculously strong.] ? [UselessBerserker: Yeah, I think so too. If you look at early single-ranker footage, hardly anyone besides Yuna had this kind of potential, right?] ? [ChickenBreastLover: Eh, thats debatable.] ? [AspiringArchmage: Debatable? Do Almighty-tier single-rankers look weak to you?] ? [MaxLevelHereWeGo: Yunas amazing, sure, but dissing other single-rankers seems unnecessary.] Seong was surprised at how highly people seemed to think of him. I guess Mina wasnt wrong. In truth, Seong didnt fully grasp how strong he was. The memories of countless ghosts painted him as average at best, far weaker than titans like Eddie at his peak. Still, when compared to most players, he had started to notice the gap. Internet chatter like this only reinforced that realization. Well, I did beat Hindel. Even though Hindel was handicapped during their fight, the fact that Seong had emerged victorious said a lot. If Hindel had been able to summon Barfur, things might have been different, but in the end, Seong had won. He sighed, turning back to the comments. [OtakuWarrior: So whens Seong going live?] ? [LifeGaveUpSwordsman: Im dying to see his live stream...] ? [ChickenChickenNuggets: LOL, Ive never wanted to watch a low-level live stream this much before.] ? [StaleWaterMaster: Seriously though, Im level 130, and his raids look tastier than mine.] ? [MonsterTamer: Thats just class differences~] ? [StaleWaterMaster: Ouch. Cant argue with that.] Live streaming, huh. He vaguely recalled hearing that part of the revenue from live-stream tickets would be shared with players. So thats what it means. Apparently, live streaming involved broadcasting real-time raids, allowing viewers to watch and chat during the action. Should I sell the ones I dont use? Seong asked casually. What are you talking about? Mina demanded. Instead of answering, Seong pulled out his phone and showed her his inventory. Minas jaw dropped. His collection of unused Unique items was staggering. Five different types of Unique items, with four copies of each, totaling twenty pieces. And that wasnt even all. He also had Unique items from defeating Echo Willow and an unused Hunters Forest set. What... did you loot an entire Echo Willow raid branch? No, just got them from doing a couple of raids, Seong replied as if it were nothing. Wait, didnt you only raid it twice? Yeah, I got all this in one of the runs. Why dont I ever get this kind of loot!? Mina cried, her voice filled with frustration. Ignoring her protests, Seong began planning. If I sell these, Ill put them up for auction instead of listing them at a fixed price. Auction? Yeah. For Rares and Epics, its unnecessary, but Uniques would probably fetch a good price if auctioned. Since these are level 100 or below, they wont sell for a fortune, but its still worth it. Got it. Thanks, Seong said, appreciating the advice. Mina sighed heavily, watching her brother casually plan to sell off what could amount to a small fortune. How can he still think hes not strong? She had heard rumors that Seongs influence had even inspired changes within the Luna Team, a high-ranking guild. With that level of capability, it was no wonder people were awed by him. Even so, Mina couldnt help but smile. Watching her brother grow at such an extraordinary pace made her realize shed have to work harder to keep up. At this rate, teaming up with him in the future could be a lot of fun, she thought. Or maybe we could race each other to complete time attack dungeons. That evening, the siblings shared a rare, peaceful meal of spicy tteokbokki, chatting about the game and enjoying each others company. 0. The Next Morning It was the fifth day since Seong started playing Eternal World. After breakfast, he logged in early, ready to tackle the days tasks. Since Hindel and other companions were NPCs, it was crucial to meet them in the morning to avoid quest conflicts. As he entered the game, a strange system message greeted him: [Dear User Seong, we sincerely apologize for this message.] It wasnt a typical system notification. This felt more like a personal note from the developers. [The Legendary-tier skill, Thousand Blood Swords, has been adjusted. Please check your inventory for detailed information and compensation.] Huh. It was bound to happen. The skill had been absurdly overpowered, so a nerf wasnt surprising. Seong checked the updated skill description: Thousand Blood Swords Tier: LegendaryMax Level: CompletedCooldown: 30 minutesEffect: Consumes mana to create and control 1,000 blood swords from the casters blood.Each sword deals slash or pierce damage upon contact, followed by an explosion that deals additional damage.The number of swords depends on the casters level and class advancement. Current Number of Swords: 154 (Level 77 2). The clause about targeting enemies has been removed. The adjustment meant the swords would now deal damage to non-living objects as well. While this increased versatility, it also removed its usefulness as a defensive tool or a means of flying through the air. Still, compensation was promised. Curious, Seong opened his inventory to find a glowing enhancement orb and a letter of apology. The letter explained the compensation: The orb allows up to six enhancements. Using three at once will upgrade a Unique-tier item to Legendary-tier. Seongs mind immediately went to his skills: Corpse Explosion, Poison Fang, and Exploding Poisonall perfect candidates for an upgrade. If I upgrade all three, what kind of power would I have? The mere thought was exhilarating. As expected, explosions are an art. Chapter 92 Seong chuckled at the thought running through his head, a cheesy line about how explosions were an art. While it had started as a joke, his current situation made it feel oddly appropriate. Looking at the Skill Upgrade Orb, he mulled over his options. Skill Upgrade Orb Type: SpecialA specially crafted item that cannot currently be produced within Eternal World.Limited to six uses. Each use upgrades a skills tier to a maximum of Unique.Upgrading a Unique-tier skill to Legendary requires three uses.Usable on any skill.Disappears after all uses are consumed. The item description made it clearthis was a rare, irreplaceable tool. He needed to plan his upgrades carefully. Seong considered upgrading his Rare-tier Corpse Explosion and Poison Fang to Unique, as well as his Epic-tier Exploding Poison. However, there was also the tempting prospect of upgrading two existing Unique-tier skills to Legendary. After a brief moment of indecision, Seong shook his head. Upgrading to Legendary is appealing, but maximizing the number of Unique-tier skills will have a bigger impact. The math was simple. It took three uses to upgrade one Unique-tier skill to Legendary. In contrast, upgrading a Rare-tier skill to Unique required only two usesone to reach Epic and one to reach Unique. Its obvious the developers designed this item with balance in mind. They must have anticipated players would aim for Legendary upgrades. Smiling to himself, Seong thought about the developers, particularly Deputy Manager Lee Won-sang. If the man had overheard Seongs musings, he would likely have been moved to tearsalbeit out of frustration. There was no reason to hesitate further. Seong quickly got to work: Corpse Explosion and Poison Fang (Rare-tier) Upgraded to Unique-tier.Exploding Poison and Shadow Shift (Epic-tier) Upgraded to Unique-tier. [Skill Upgrade Orb upgraded Corpse Explosion by two tiers.] Rare-tier skill, Corpse Explosion Unique-tier skill, Burst of the Dead. [Skill Upgrade Orb upgraded Poison Fang by two tiers.] Rare-tier skill, Poison Fang Unique-tier skill, Venom of the Dead. [Skill Upgrade Orb upgraded Exploding Poison by one tier.] Epic-tier skill, Exploding Poison Unique-tier skill, Venomous Burst. [Skill Upgrade Orb upgraded Shadow Shift by one tier.] Epic-tier skill, Shadow Shift Unique-tier skill, Shadow in Darkness. Seong admired the results. What a sight to behold, he murmured. The upgrades reduced his Rare-tier skills from six to four and left him with zero Epic-tier skills. However, his Unique-tier skills had increased from three to seven. Now, it was time to examine the new effects. Burst of the Dead Tier: UniqueType: Black Magic (Class-Specific)Effect: Infuses corpses or summoned undead with mana, causing them to detonate and deal massive damage in all directions.Explosion damage is significantly more effective against living creatures.Cooldown: 3 minutes Seongs eyes widened. The skill now applied to undead as well as corpses and included a new modifier that boosted damage against living targets. Moreover, it was now a completed skill, no longer growth-based. This is huge!@@@@ Venom of the Dead Tier: UniqueType: Black Magic (Class-Specific)Effect: Infuses corpses or undead with deadly venom, which spreads to nearby enemies, poisoning them.The venom is nearly impossible to cure and resistant to purification.Cooldown: 3 minutesDuration: 1 minute Wow. The skill had evolved from poison to deadly venom and could now be used on summoned undead. The sheer utility had increased dramatically. Venomous Burst Tier: UniqueType: Black Magic (Class-Specific)Effect: Triggers an explosion of venom, dealing poison damage and explosive damage simultaneously.The dispersed venom can detonate a second time.Cooldown: 3 minutes It explodes twice? The skill now combined poison damage with explosive damage and allowed for a second detonation. The possibilities for chaining effects were staggering. Shadow in Darkness Tier: UniqueType: Black Magic (Class-Specific)Effect: Envelops the caster in darkness, allowing instant teleportation to a nearby shadow.Grants 1 second of invincibility upon teleportation, applicable up to three times.Cooldown: 1 minute Three teleports, and each one grants invincibility? This was a massive upgrade from its original one-time use. The potential for avoiding damage and counterattacking was unparalleled. Seong clenched his fists in excitement. These are way better than upgrading two Legendary-tier skills. Itching to test his new abilities, Seong got up from the inn bed, ready to head outside. Just as he reached for the door The resulting explosion was apocalyptic. A massive skull, formed from countless wailing spirits, materialized above the battlefield, grinning ominously. BOOM! KABOOM! RUMBLE! FWOOSH! The sheer force of the blasts obliterated Lyadens earthen walls. The shockwaves tore through the ground, reducing it to molten slag. Even Plangs reinforced barriers couldnt withstand the onslaught, collapsing under the pressure. Adelines shield melted under the heat, leaving only Hindels Galaxy Shield, which barely managed to hold. When the chaos finally subsided, the land around them was unrecognizablescorched earth, pools of molten rock, and an unbearable heat that lingered in the air. This... this is... Insane... I have no words... The party was stunned into silence, their gazes fixed on the devastation. The once-solid ground shimmered with heat, portions of it bubbling like lava. Standing amidst the destruction, Seong observed the results of his experiment with satisfaction. Interesting, he murmured, as if testing a hypothesis. The group shuddered. They had felt it during the sparring session with Hindel, but now it was undeniableif Seong had used this level of power back then, Hindel wouldnt have survived. Hindel swallowed hard, his throat dry. If this is what hes capable of... The groups earlier decision to recruit Seong for their journey to the Dark Castle suddenly felt like divine foresight. Seong, meanwhile, was absorbed in his thoughts. The range and sheer destructive power are on a completely different level. This is definitely better than having two Legendary-tier skills. His attention shifted to his remaining skills, wondering how to incorporate them into his arsenal. Just then, Hindels gaze snapped toward the castle, his expression grim. Something... something enormous is coming, he said, his voice trembling. Seong felt it tooa surge of concentrated dark energy far greater than anything theyd encountered. [You are exposed to even purer dark energy.] [The energy is attuned to Overlord affinity.] [All stats temporarily increased by 10%.] The energy was thicker and more oppressive than when Seong had faced Fiora. From the direction of the castle emerged a figure, shrouded in a veil of darkness so thick it obscured their identity. Male or female, old or youngit was impossible to tell. Seongs eyes widened in recognition. It was the one who had sent him to this past world. You dare come here... I will not forgive this, the figure declared, their voice reverberating with raw power. The crushing pressure of their dark energy brought Hindel and the others to their knees. Even Hindel was forced to one knee, beads of sweat dripping down his face. Damn it... this is... too much... Despite the overwhelming aura, Seong stood firm. His resistance to dark energy gave him a slim advantage, but even he could feel the strain. This is insane. How am I supposed to win against this? Just as the figure raised their power further, an unexpected voice rang out. Hello? A woman with crimson hair and a serene smile appeared as if she had always been there. Her presence was so sudden, so natural, that it felt surreal. Seongs breath caught. Helena... The Demon King had arrived. Chapter 93 Can Helena appear here? For a moment, Seongs mind became a tangled mess. What is going on here? The presence that had sent Seong herethe very one who was now hastily withdrawing their energy and kneeling with their head bowedwas unmistakable. Hed seen them in the event cutscene. No doubt about it. And yet, here Helena was, suddenly making an appearance. Is this even a quest that can be cleared? I thought Helena might intervene at some point, but this early? This was far from what he had anticipated. If he were to align this with actual history...@@@@ Hin Del and his companions, after struggling against Helenas Legion of Death, had grown weary of the battle and decided to seal the Dark Castle in another dimension. But for her to appear like this, so abruptly? Was there something he was missing? Perhaps... Did I overdo it? Had his overwhelming performance drawn Helenas attention? That seemed plausible. Though the thought unsettled him, Seong didnt have much time to dwell on it. An unexpected development began to unfold. Suddenly, Helena turned toward the kneeling figure and spoke. Dont kill them. Yes, my liege. Your will shall be done. Hearing their response, Helena nodded with satisfaction, a faint smile playing on her lips. Then her gaze shiftedtoward Seong. Well, youre even better in person. Hearing her voice as an actual sound rather than as an ethereal echo felt strange. Although this was the Helena of the past, not the one Seong knew, her aura was remarkably similar. Now then, Ill leave you to handle the heros party. Do your best, everyone! Just as Helena was about to take Seong and leave, he urgently activated a skill. Skill: The Clock of Doom. He cast it on the kneeling figure and shouted, Ten minutes! Hin Del and his party heard his cry loud and clear. Ten minutes? What did that even mean? Though they couldnt decipher it, they watched as Seong and Helena disappeared from the spot, the space around them warping violently. Shwoooosh! Left behind were the heros party and the ominous figure. And something else. ...He left something strange behind. Tick-tock, tick-tock. Above the figures head, the ticking hands of a clock had materialized. The heros party quickly realized what it meant. Something was going to happen in ten minutes. In other words... We have to survive until then. But then Boom! Boom! Boom! Pebbles and rocks around them began to float. The oppressive dark mana radiating from the figure dominated the area. Hin Del looked up at the entity and thought: Can we even hold out? He felt his confidence wavering more than ever recently. But gripping his sword tightly, he resolved: I cant let Seong see me falter. And so, the fateful battle began. 2. The air twisted and distorted as space warped. As Seong passed through a strange passage, he found himself in an unfamiliar place. The surroundings were bizarreobjects were bent, warped, or left half-formed. Some looked as though they had aged into uselessness, while others seemed pristine and untouched. A chaotic space where time and reality blended together, creating a dizzying mess. [???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????] What was this? Even the system text was incomprehensible. Where on earth was this place? The name was a blemish, yes, but the grade spoke for itself. The moment he opened the skill Helenas Super Strong Swordsmanship Grade: AlmightyType: [Level 1] [Growth-Type]Attributes: [Passive] [Composite] Description: A swordsmanship created by Helena in a short period out of love for her successor. Despite being hastily crafted, its depth and intricacy surpass those of any other swordsmanship. Use it diligently, yap-yap! Class Restriction: Overlord-exclusive skill.Effects: Inflicts dark damage in addition to slash and pierce damage.Automatically imbues the sword with dark energy.Base attack power increases by 300% when using a sword.Unlocks a total of ten sword techniques as skill levels increase. Level 1: Darkness Cooldown: 3 minutes.Duration: 1 minute.Effect: Imbues the sword with darkness. Struck enemies suffer dark damage alongside slash or pierce damage.Each strike disables one of the enemys senses.Successive strikes increase the number of disabled senses and extend the duration of the effect. Level 2: (Currently Unavailable) With the exception of the name, the skill was flawless. Though he hadnt compared it to other swordsmanship skills, the description alone made it clearthis was on another level. And the system itself had endorsed it. This is like the swordsmanship Hin Del used, which bundled various techniques together into a single style. High-grade swordsmanship skills often worked this way, combining multiple techniques into a single framework. As the skill level increased, so would the number of techniques. It was, simply put, incredibly romantic in concept. Watching Seong, who was clearly delighted, Helena smiled slyly. Im glad you like it. I really do. Thank you so much. Ehehe, I didnt give it to hear that, but I cant help feeling a little bashful now. So, is my soul at rest? Helenas shift to the main topic made Seong nod solemnly. He explained that he had absorbed the memories and experiences contained in her soul, but they were so vast and profound that he hadnt been able to fully process them yet. Seong recounted his experiences in Eternal World calmly, while Helena listened quietly, nodding occasionally. When he finished explaining the events leading up to his arrival in this place, Helena spoke. You know the one who sent you here, right? Yeah, that personor entityfrom earlier, right? Thats correct. Its called Noctrynnium. After my death, it seems theyve chosen to honor me in their own way. Meeting them, one by one, will be important if you are to inherit my power and legacy. Hmm, I suspected as much. Oh? You already had an idea? As they talked, Seong grew increasingly aware of just how extraordinary Helena was. Not only had she understood that this was a recreation of the past, but she had also accounted for concepts like the will of the world and its oversight when handing him the skill. Did she sneak this past the developers? She had managed to evade the developers and administrators of the game, bypassing their constraints to give him the skill. Everything she did felt transcendent. How could an NPC be so extraordinary? Was this intentional on the part of the developers? Seong couldnt be sure. But one thing was certain: Helena was no ordinary NPC. Even Hin Del, the Almighty-grade hero, paled in comparison to her. Hmmm, I can still help you out a bit. So, what did I say Id do next? Seong could sense the end of their meeting approaching. But instead of lamenting it, he calmly answered. You supposedly tear this entire dimension apart and disappear. Hmmm, thats not too difficult. Should I tell you about the others? Most of them are here in this castle. Helenas laughter was intoxicating, her eyes gleaming with warmth. She looked as though she wanted to give him everything. And yet, there was a mischievous glint in her gaze. Seeing this, Seong chuckled softly and shook his head. We call that spoilers, and Im not really a fan. Hehe, I figured my successor might say that. I genuinely wanted to tell you, but I guess thats a bit disappointing. This wasnt a test. Had Seong asked, Helena would have told him without hesitation. But since he didnt want to know, she respected his decision, though she found it a little sad. Their meeting was brief, but its impact was profound. For both Helena and Seong, this moment lingered. As their time together came to an end, Helena spoke once more. Well then, Ill lend you a bit of strength for my souls sake. And this note! Its for Noctrynnium. Oh, looks like the ten minutes are almost up. Ill send you back now! And do me a favorgive Noctrynnium a hard time during their swordsmanship trial! This is goodbye forever, so take care! With those parting words, Seong vanished from the spot. The note contained instructions for Noctrynnium in the future. Helena, gazing into a mirror-like screen, watched the ongoing battle involving Noctrynnium and sighed deeply. Its a shame Ill never see him again. My bodyor rather, my soulisnt what it used to be. Ill have to leave it to him. Her turquoise eyes shone as she smiled wistfully. Even knowing this is the past, it still feels bittersweet. Though she couldnt meet him again, she wished for Seong to confront Noctrynnium and put them in their place. Meanwhile, back outside, Seong had joined Hin Del and his companions, driving the battle to its climax. Helena rose from her seat. Well then, shall I move for my dear Seongs sake? Chapter 94 3. Boom! Baaang! Kraaaash! A series of deafening explosions echoed across the battlefield. The acrid smell of smoke filled the air, thick and choking. Through the black haze emerged figures, battered and bloodied. It was Hindel, along with Plang, Adeline, and Lyiaden. Their bodies were riddled with wounds, bloodstains covering them from head to toe. The smell of charred explosions and the heavy, metallic scent of blood clung to them like an invisible weight. It was nearly impossible to find an unmarred spot on their bodies. Despite their ragged appearances, the fierce determination in their eyes burned undiminished. In stark contrast, the being observing them through the veil of smoke looked utterly baffled. Step. Step. Step. Step. Even amidst the chaotic cacophony of crumbling ground, shockwaves, and explosionssounds so chaotic they drowned out voices nearbythe creatures footsteps echoed loud and clear. And then it spoke. I cannot comprehend this. Its face twisted in a frown, as if genuinely unable to understand. The heros party tirelessly sought out Helena, as they always did. If they intended to kill her, that would make sense. But that wasnt their goal. They merely wanted to speak with her. They had been doing this for some time now, much to the creature''s growing bewilderment. And this time, theyd even brought a human who had piqued their masters interest. It was incomprehensible. And so, it asked: Why do you seek my master? Hindel stepped forward and answered firmly. To convince her. ...Convince her of what? With such transcendental power, people are bound to be consumed by fear. The unknown breeds terror. But if she steps forward and acts, people might draw closer to her instead of fearing her. ... Displeasure. To disturb their masters solitude over something so trivial?@@@@ It was pathetic. The sheer audacity of it grated on the creature. The act of seeking their master, who had chosen to renounce the world and live in seclusion... The unyielding determination in their eyes, burning with resolve... It all made the creature want to shred them into a thousand, no, a million pieces. They were still weak heroes. It could annihilate them easily. But its master had forbidden such action. Helenas command lingered. And then there was the clock. Tick, tick. The hands of the clock above its head had floated there since the beginning. As long as it remained, the creature could not act rashly. This was likely a spell that would trigger after a set amount of time. Or perhaps it was a complex mechanism that activated based on certain actions. And as the minutes ticked by, the creature could feel itthe mounting threat closing in on it. Tick, tick. The hands of the clock moved steadily, heralding the passage of time. Soon, the looming danger would crash down like a furious tidal wave. Even for the creature, it would be formidable. But that didnt mean the heros party wasnt vulnerable. Even if it were gravely injured, wiping out the heroes would be as easy as flipping its hand. The creature would have acted sooner if not for the accursed clock. Had the human been here with the heroes, they might have been a genuine threat. But fortunately, its master had taken the human away. Its almost time. The party, having endured to this point, was now at their limit. The creature had tolerated their meddling because of the clock, but it was growing tiresome. With their ragged breathing and trembling limbs, it was clear they were on the verge of collapse. But would it have the time to confirm this? Seong, his expression calm and composed, surveyed the battlefield. His commanding gaze made Noctrynnium flinch as it looked up at him. That unwavering presence seemed to declare: I will not give you an opening. Prepare yourself. Noctrynnium clung to its belief that Helena couldnt have been defeated. Still, if Seong had escaped or delayed her somehow, he would have expended considerable power to do so. Seongs sharp gaze swept across the battlefield. What a mess. Hindel and his party had clearly fought fiercely against Noctrynnium. But judging by Noctrynniums unharmed state, the battle had been one-sided. The glimmers of hope on the faces of Hindel and his companions suggested Seongs dramatic arrival had turned the tide. Although his sudden transfer here had initially caught him off guard, he welcomed it. It allowed him to test his new skill. Now? ...?! Tick. Dooooong! Dooooong! Dooooong! As Seongs words trailed off, the ticking of a clock gave way to the resonant chime of a massive bell. A colossal bell appeared above Noctrynniums head, its toll reverberating across the battlefield. The sound was grand, deep, and awe-inspiring. Yet, for some reason, it felt ominous, even sinister. The tolling bell enveloped Noctrynnium, the sound coiling around it with intent. The chimes transformed, taking on ghastly forms like spectral wraiths. What had once been solemn chimes now became shrill cries. Screeeeeech! Kyaaaaaah! Gyaaaaaahhh! The cacophony, like the screams of tortured souls, assaulted Noctrynnium. Guh! Ssssiiiick! Blood spewed from Noctrynniums mouth. Tears of blood streamed from its eyes, its ears and nose gushing crimson. Every orifice became a fountain of blood, the sheer intensity turning it into a mist-like spray. The screams tore through Noctrynniums insides, ravaging its organs. Not a single part of it remained unscathed. Wiping its blood-soaked face with a trembling hand, Noctrynniums dilated pupils betrayed its shock. The sheer power on display was beyond comprehension. Even among Helenas disciples and subordinates, it had never imagined encountering such overwhelming strength. A new transcendent force had emerged, one that filled it with terror. Its eyes darted to Seong as fear gripped its body, causing it to tremble violently. As the dread consumed it, Noctrynnium tried to compose itself. It began channeling its energy to recover. But Seongs eyes flashed coldly. Recover? Noctrynniums attempt to heal itself betrayed its expectations. SPLAAAAASH! Blood erupted from its body once more. K-Kuhhh! Already on the verge of collapse from the massive damage it had sustained, Noctrynniums recovery turned against it. How is this possible? Noctrynnium couldnt comprehend the phenomenon. But one thing was clearSeong was a terrifyingly powerful existence. Hmm, maybe I went too far? Though Seong had used the skill to test its effects, the outcome felt excessive. Still, it was the past, disconnected from the ripple effects of causality. With that reassurance, Seong drew his sword. What he intended to test now was something else entirelythe new Almighty-grade skill he had received. A skill so potent its name was almost embarrassing to say aloud. Helenas Super Strong Swordsmanship. As Seong activated the skill, the light in the world vanished. Chapter 95 Since ancient times, all humans have feared the darkness. Nomore precisely, they feared the unknown. What lay beyond their perception, their understanding, or their strength was what truly terrified them. Darkness embodied this very concept. It concealed what lay ahead, erased what could be felt, and drowned the world in a sea of terror. In a world consumed by darkness, all light was stolen, leaving nothing discernible. A realm filled solely with darkness was void of even a single glimmer, as it crept outward, engulfing everything. A chilling thought emerged: Had even ones existence been erased? This fear only deepened as the darkness grew thicker, more oppressive, converging into a single focal point. All the darkness in the world began to gather and condense into Seongs sword. Was this what it meant to give form to darkness? It surged, viscous and heavy, as if alive. So this is what an Almighty-grade skill looks like? Even Seong couldnt hide his astonishment. The effects alone were extraordinary, unlike anything he had seen. If Seong was shocked by the skills outward effects, those observing him were overwhelmed by the sheer power embedded within it. It wasnt just the overwhelming visual impactit radiated an aura capable of severing anything and everything. W-what is this!? Noctrynnium, transfixed, stared at Seongs sword, forgetting even its own pain. It was as if Seong had become the master of all darkness, bending it to his will. But it wasnt just the power emanating from the sword that struck fear into Noctrynnium. Although Noctrynnium couldnt comprehend it, Hindel recognized it instantly. From the way Seong gripped the sword to his precise posture, Hindel could see the depth of masterful swordsmanship. This wasnt apparent during their previous battles. Or perhaps... it had been there all along, concealed just beneath the surface. Hindel had already acknowledged Seongs extraordinary skill in wielding a blade, but he hadnt revealed his swordsmanship techniques. He had a swordsmanship skill this whole time!? Even though it hadnt been visible before, Hindel wasnt disappointed. If anything, he felt relieved. The power contained within Seongs blade, the immeasurable depth of darknessit could have been more devastating than any explosive force he had witnessed before. Grateful that the blade was not turned against him, Hindel reflected: Even my Galaxy Sword Dance, one of the finest techniques, might fall short against this. Though both were classified as Almighty-grade, their depths and contained power were on entirely different levels. The Galaxy Sword Dance had been passed down through generations of heroes and was considered among the worlds greatest techniques. But no matter how much Hindel thought about it, he couldnt envision a scenario where his technique could triumph over Seongs swordsmanship. To Hindel, Seong was like another sky above the heavens. Perhaps he possesses power akin to the master of this Dark Castle... Hindels subconscious whispered the answer, though he didnt know if it was correct. The darkness... its all gathered. For that to even be possible... Hindels swordsmanship might not even compare... ...Its stronger. The awe-filled exclamations of Hindels companions echoed around him. But for Noctrynnium, the blade pointed at it only brought terror. The master of darkness? That was impossible. To Noctrynniums knowledge, only its master could truly wield the power of darkness. Then what was this swordsmanship before it? Though it had admired Hindels swordsmanship before, this was in a completely different realm. With fear-filled eyes and a face twisted in fury, Noctrynnium glared at Seong. As Seong leaned forward slightly, Noctrynniums form tensed. ...!!! Seongs figure vanished. It wasnt speedit was a profound manipulation of mana. Noctrynnium swiftly braced itself, predicting where Seong would appear. And then it realizedhe was directly in front of it. Seong emerged from the darkness, his sword cleaving through the air. Slaaaaash! Kuhk! Before Noctrynnium could react, the blade struck. Noctrynnium wanted to deny it. It wanted to scream that no one could stand on equal footing with its master. But it couldnt. The terror consuming it left Noctrynnium trembling uncontrollably. H-heh, heh... The one we were struggling against... To think it could be subdued so easily... Its incredible... ...Unbelievable. Hindel and his companions were struck with disbelief, their strength drained by the sheer absurdity of it all. The being they had barely managed to fend off with everything they hadSeong had completely overpowered it with minimal effort. Though they knew Seong was powerful, witnessing it firsthand left them utterly dejected. The realization of the gap between their strength and his was crushing. But their despondency didnt last long. The party shook their heads, each thinking: Even if Seong is strong, we still have our role to play. Just as they were about to spring into action Hmmm, thats quite the impressive swordsmanship~ A playful yet sultry voice rang out. They turned to see a woman with luscious red hair and an enchanting smile stepping through a tear in space. She strolled leisurely through the air as though on a casual walk. Her presence was jarring. No aura, no oppressive energy emanated from heryet a primal survival instinct screamed within them. Run. Youll die. Theres no resisting her. But even as their instincts howled, their bodies refused to move, frozen in place. W-what is... happening...? M-my... senses are slowing...? T-this is... terrifying... Though the woman exuded nothing, her very existence felt like it could crush them. She spoke again, her gaze fixed on Seong. With swordsmanship like that, even Id have a hard time~ Id better retreat before things get dangerous~ This woman, a figure who invoked fear across the world, casually spoke as if she were in an advertisement. The tone was odd, but none of Helenas subordinates could perceive this. All they could think was how extraordinary Seongs swordsmanship must be. Of course, Seong noticed everything. He even caught the playful wink and thumbs-up Helena directed solely at him. Seong covered his face with his hand, exasperated by her antics. Fortunately, no one else noticed. Helena, feigning nonchalance, took the nearly incapacitated Noctrynnium and floated into the sky. Then, I guess its time to run away? N-no! If he continues to grow, it will spell trouble for the master! Noctrynniums panicked protests only made Helena frown deeply. Oh, hush. Its a good thing if he surpasses me. Isnt that obvious? Noctrynnium couldnt possibly understand her perspective. Helena shook her head and added: Its fine. He doesnt seem interested in being our enemy anyway. If he were, you wouldnt still be alive. ...Ah? Anyway, Im leaving now. And you, herostop bothering me. Its annoying! With a mischievous warning, Helena clenched her hand in the air. Kwooooom! The very space where the Dark Castle stood tore apart, lifting the mountain and castle into the air. It was incomprehensible. Not just the castle, but the massive mountain beneath it had been uprooted and suspended in midair. How powerful must one be to accomplish such a feat? Helena glanced at Seong and said with a smirk: Id better vanish without letting you figure out where Im going. Her playful smile lingered as she disappeared into a massive turquoise portal, the castle sucked into its depths. Seong, watching the portal, recognized something. Thats... Before he could complete his thought, Helena waved at him, her eyes filled with bittersweet longing. Goodbye. Her words were brief but heavy with unspoken emotions. Seong felt a pang of regret, sensing the same wistfulness in himself. As Helenas theatrical exit concluded, system messages flooded Seongs vision like the ending credits of a film, listing an array of rewards. Chapter 96 [You have cleared the sub-quest, With the Enemies of the Past.] [You have cleared the main quest, Entrance to the Dark Castle.] [Rewards for both quests are granted.] [You have obtained a clue about the current location of Dark Castle, not the past.] [The location of Dark Castle is in the Netherworld.] [You can use the skill Netherworld to travel to the Dark Castle.] [You have gained a massive amount of experience points.] [Level Up!] 13 [Your level has reached 92.] [Upon reaching Level 80, a new skill for Overlord is unlocked.] [You have acquired the Legendary-grade skill, Black Sun.] [Upon reaching Level 90, a new skill for Overlord is unlocked.] [You have acquired the Legendary-grade skill, Dark Magic Bullet.] [A new main quest, To the Dark Castle, has been generated.] [Additional rewards can be obtained from Hero Hindel.] The flood of notifications scrolled before Seong''s eyes like movie credits. He observed each one carefully, a faint smile curling his lips. His level had risen significantly, and he had unlocked two new skills. Furthermore, he had obtained a clue for the main quest. And now, there was even an additional reward to look forward to. Even for someone as composed as Seong, his lips twitched in excitement. But still... "So it''s in the Netherworld." The revelation that Overlord could also travel to the Netherworld surprised him. It seemed completing the sub-quest was a prerequisite for unlocking this feature. The system messages confirmed as much. "Hiding in plain sight." With the next destination set, Seong was eager to claim his rewards and review the follow-up quest. However, he couldnt do so just yethe was being approached. "I truly dont know how to express my gratitude." "Exactly! Honestly, if it werent for you, Seong, wed all be dead here. Really, thank you." "Though its unwise to speculate on where life might take us, Plang is right. Truly, thank you. You saved our lives." "Agreed. Overwhelming gratitude." Plang spoke with heartfelt admiration, and Adeline echoed his words while expressing her thanks. Even Lyiaden managed to convey his gratitude, albeit in short, clipped phrases. Though Seong felt slightly embarrassed, he didnt deny their gratitude. After all, he had indeed saved their lives, even if he never intended to let them die. It was time to receive the reward from Hindel. "So, we discussed how we could repay you for your help. After some thought, this is our answer." "We couldnt use this ourselves anyway, and we thought it might suit you." "Please, accept it." "A great skill!" Hindel, along with Plang, Adeline, and Lyiaden, handed him a booka skill book, by the looks of it. Seong examined it curiously. "Two?" Could it be they were giving him two? Still in slight disbelief, he took the books from Hindel. The system message confirmed his suspicion. [From Hero Hindel, you have obtained the Unique-grade skill book, Blood Venom, as an additional reward.] [From Hero Hindel, you have obtained the Legendary-grade skill book, Blood Plague, as an additional reward.] "...!?" A Unique-grade skill and a Legendary-grade skillboth at once. Seong gulped, his gaze shifting to Hindel, who smiled warmly. "These are dark magic skill books we obtained in the past. To prevent them from falling into the wrong hands, we kept them safe. Its not much compared to what youve done for us..." "What?" Not much? Giving away Legendary and Unique-grade skills was "not much"? Seong was stunned. Hindel smiled, stepping forward. "Sadly, this is where we part ways." "It wouldnt be right to ask for more help from you, after all." "This time, it was within your range of activity, so you helped us. Asking for more would be excessive." "Farewell." Exclusive skill for Overlord class.Summons a black, blazing sun in the sky, turning the entire area into the field of the Black Sun.All objects and allies within the field are imbued with the darkness attribute. Non-Overlord entities in the field suffer continuous dark flame damage.Allies with the darkness attribute gain +10% to all stats and movement speed.Dark attribute skills gain +10% effectiveness within the field.Exclusive skill for Overlord class.Fires a bullet forged from condensed darkness, akin to the abyss itselfswift, malevolent, and oppressive.Ignores all defenses, guaranteeing a hit. Upon impact, it deals abyssal and explosive damage simultaneously.After exploding, the dark bullet leaves a malicious residue that disrupts healing and regeneration. "New builds are always welcome." Seong then turned his attention to the skill books from Hindel. Both seemed tailored for a blood-based build. Blood Venom Unique [Lv 1][Growth-Type] [Passive Effect][Active Skill] [Cooldown: 5 minutes] [Duration: 1 minute] Exclusive to dark magic professions.Infuses the user''s blood with a deadly venom that poisons anyone exposed to it.The venom quickly spreads through the victim''s bloodstream, affecting their entire body.This potent venom is difficult to purify or detoxify. Blood Plague Legendary [Lv Max][Complete] [Passive Effect][Active Skill] [Cooldown: 5 minutes] [Duration: 1 minute] Exclusive to dark magic professions.A chain skill requiring Blood Venom.Can only be activated when the target is poisoned by Blood Venom.Spreads the effects of Blood Venom to all living entities within a 3-meter radius of the afflicted target.Upon expiration, the venom explodes, dealing significant damage. "What?" These two skills were clearly designed to work in tandem: use Blood Venom first, then follow up with Blood Plague for maximum impact. Countless strategies immediately ran through Seong''s mind. What if he combined Blood Venom with his existing skills, like Swirling Blood? The result could be a massive storm of venomous blood, amplified further with Blood Plague. "Incredible." The possibilities were mind-boggling. And these werent even all his optionshe could incorporate these into his builds involving Shadow and Blood, expanding his repertoire even further. "This was definitely worth it." The rewards from the main and side quests had exceeded his expectations. If the side quest was this rewarding, how grand would the main quest''s final prize be? With excitement building, Seong opened his quest log to review his next objective. Elsewhere, near the infamous Despair''s Gorge in Sermasa perilous area beyond the reach of ordinary playerstwo figures strolled casually. One was a serious-looking man gazing intently at the gorge, while the other was a cheerful individual sporting a wide grin. The stern figure was none other than Luke, a successor to the legendary Hero Hindel. The grinning individual was Plinky, heir to the Sage. As they ventured closer to the gorge, the ground began to quake. Rumble... Rumble... Something massive emerged, splitting the earth. What stood before them could only be described as a gianta gray-skinned, decaying undead. Its rotting flesh reeked, and its presence exuded a heavy aura of dark magic, enough to make even Luke and Plinky frown. The undead giant alone would be a formidable opponent. But atop its shoulder stood two more figures: One was a pale man, his body stitched together, who wore a twisted smile. The other was a woman holding a doll, her eyes empty and devoid of light. Even at a glance, their overwhelming presence was undeniable. "Heh-heh-heh! I found you, Hero." Luke narrowed his eyes as Plinky muttered under his breath: "The Three Calamities?" The pale man grinned wickedly. "Heh-heh! As expected of the Sages heiryou recognize us. Not that we were trying to hide." The Three Calamities, emissaries of Overpalace. Luke had heard their names before, and now they stood before him. Still, the pale man waved dismissively. "Dont worrywere not here to fight." The woman remained silent, but her body language suggested agreement. Luke glanced at Plinky, who promptly dropped to the ground with a carefree laugh. "What are you doing?" Luke asked, incredulous. Plinky smirked. "If theyre not here to fight, theyre just killing time. So lets wait them out and let them leave." The pale man laughed. "Heh-heh! Exactly what Id expect from the Sages heir." Luke, meanwhile, felt a little embarrassed about his earlier tension. Chapter 97 1. A strange and mystical world, suffused with a swirling teal aura, stretched infinitely into the distance. Amidst this surreal landscape floated a single, imposing structure: the Dark Castle. Once a seat of power, the Dark Castle now drifted aimlessly through the Netherworld, long abandoned by its master. Within the grand halls of this desolate fortress, a lone entity sat upon the throne, silently observing the world beyond. Suddenly, the entity coughed violently, blood spilling from its lips. -Cough. A memory surged into its mindan echo of the past. Or perhaps, a past that had never truly existed. It was a memory conjured by a spell the entity had long ago set in motion. Through the haze of pain, the entity revisited the fleeting image of its former mastera figure of unparalleled brilliance and clarity. -I miss you. The master had been extraordinary, swiftly discerning the entity''s nature as both a falsehood and a fabrication. Even the reproaches and admonishments of this great master had been cherished. -I wish to see you again, Lord. The longing for its departed master was unbearable. Yet, that master was no longer of this world. The entity had resigned itself to oblivion, allowing time to erode its existence. But within the recent memory, it saw not only its master but also the masters successora being of incredible power and undeniable worthiness to claim the throne. The entity rose from the throne, blood dripping from its lips, and made its decision. -He is coming. The successor, whom it had previously refused to acknowledge, was on his way to the Dark Castle. To the entity itself. It was time to prepare. For the new master. 2. Main Quest: To the Dark Castle Main Quest The entrance to the Dark Castle has been discovered, now revealed to be located in the Netherworld. Your task is to journey to the Dark Castle, meet Noctrynniumthe current master and sole residentand uncover its secrets. Exclusive Overlord quest. Rewards: Dark Castle, Overlord-exclusive item, Overlord-exclusive skill unlock. Seong reviewed the newly unlocked main quest. The description was concise, offering little detail. While he was tempted to test his newly acquired skills before embarking, the promise of another skill as a quest reward swayed him. "Might as well clear this first and test everything later." Moreover, the Dark Castle itself seemed akin to Helenas Garden in its nature. "Come to think of it... wasnt Helenas Garden originally part of the Dark Castle?" If he obtained the Dark Castle, would the two locations be unified? Either way, it was a question for later. Without hesitation, Seong activated the Netherworld portal leading to the Dark Castle. [You can open a portal to the Dark Castle in the Netherworld instead of summoning a familiar.] [Yes / No] His response was obvious. The teal portal crackled with energy as it formed, displaying a different appearance from his usual summoning portals. This one offered a glimpse of its destinationa majestic yet melancholic castle floating in solitude. Seong stepped into the portal, his surroundings shifting as he emerged inside the Dark Castle. The air was cold and still, devoid of any warmth or sound save for the echo of his footsteps. Tap. Tap. Tap. Having been here once before, he navigated its corridors with ease, eventually reaching the grand throne room at the castles center. There, standing before the throne, was the familiar figure he had glimpsed in the past: Noctrynnium. This being defied classification, appearing simultaneously as an old man and a young youth, a man and a woman. Noctrynnium exuded an ethereal, otherworldly presence, entirely unique to the Dark Castles essence. It didnt want to offer excuses or blame its inaction on the lack of an opportunity. The truth was simple: Helenas absence had left an unfillable void, one so vast that merely drifting along had seemed like the only option. The arrival of a new Overlord, however, had sparked something within Noctrynniuma new reason to act, to move forward. Still, it had resisted accepting this successor, reluctant to believe anyone could surpass Helena. And yet, it seemed Helena had anticipated these very thoughts. **By the way, Seong is far more talented than I ever was. He might even reach the pinnacle I once dreamed of. So take care of him, will you?** The letter, with its familiar handwriting and profound faith, filled Noctrynnium with a mix of emotionsgrief, nostalgia, and finally, acceptance. Memories of the past flooded back: The first time Helena had arrived at the castle. The moment she had granted it sentience, transforming it into a spirit bound to the Dark Castle. The birth of Fiora. The bustling days filled with disciples, laughter, and joy within the castle walls. Those days had been happy ones, but they were gone. It was time to let go. Noctrynnium closed its eyes, resolved to move forward. For its new master. For the memories and happiness yet to be created. Noctrynnium turned to Seong, bowing deeply. "It is a long story, but after the passing of our former Lord, we were lost." Seong nodded silently, empathizing with the spirits confession. "Our Lords final wish was for us to serve any future successor. Some of us followed that will and founded the organization known as Overpalace. Others, like myself, were consumed by grief and wandered aimlessly." Seong listened intently, sensing the weight of the story. "Even here, I can feel the presence of some of my former comrades. Lost, mad with sorrow, they have become something less than themselves." [You have obtained a clue for a new main quest.] Noctrynnium continued: "I, too, remained here in solitude, clinging to my regrets. But no longer. I now pledge my loyalty to you, the new Overlord." With that, Noctrynnium knelt on one knee, lowering its head in submission. "I offer everything I have to you, my new master." Though slightly flustered, Seong approached the throne with steady steps. His footsteps echoed throughout the hall, filling the vast space with their rhythmic sound. Tap. Tap. Tap. Reaching the throne, he ascended the steps and took his seat. It felt like the natural conclusion to the quest. The moment he sat down, a brilliant light radiated from Noctrynnium, transforming its form. The ambiguous, chaotic features resolved into those of a youthful mana clear sign that the succession was complete. Simultaneously, the Dark Castle began to shift and transform. Crash! Rumble! Crack! The castle shed its somber, worn exterior, as if shaking off the weight of its long-abandoned past. The grim, shadowy structure took on a new, polished appearancea majestic fortress exuding an air of elegance and power. The oppressive darkness gave way to an awe-inspiring jet-black hue, refined and dignified. Seong observed the transformation with a mixture of awe and nostalgia, sensing the castle''s past being left behind to embrace its new era. Before he could fully process the change, a series of reward messages appeared, akin to an ending credit sequence. [You have cleared the main quest, To the Dark Castle.] [Main quest rewards are being granted.] [You are now the master of Dark Castle, Noctrynnium.] [Summonable entity Noctrynnium will grow in accordance with the Overlords level.] [You can now access Dark Castle at will.] [Helenas remaining power within the Dark Castle has been fully transferred to you.] [The power of the past Overlord has been inherited.] [You have received the following rewards:] [Class-exclusive Almighty-grade skill, Fallen Thorn of Midnight.] [Class-exclusive Almighty-grade item, The Overlords Codex.] Chapter 98 "Wow." The rewards for just the sub-quest had been remarkable, but completing the main quest left Seong awestruck. "No wonder players are obsessed with main quests." Even setting aside the Dark Castle itself, the two rewards were astounding: both items were Almighty-grade, one of them an exclusive Overlord item. Seong glanced at Noctrynnium, who stood silently nearby, as if waiting for him to examine the rewards. "Guess Ill start with the skill," Seong thought. The skill had to be another dark-aligned ability, further solidifying his build. Fallen Thorn of Midnight Almighty [Lv Max][Complete] [Instant Effect][Active Skill] [Cooldown: 30 minutes] "The thorn that falls within midnights shadow will bloom into a black flower." Exclusive skill for Overlord class.Envelops the battlefield in darkness, transforming the terrain into a field of shadows.Midnight thorns rain down upon the battlefield, nourishing the shadowy terrain and sprouting into beautiful black flowers.The flowers bloom briefly before erupting, engulfing the surroundings in darkness. "Whoa." The skill wasnt necessarily designed to complement his current build, but it was a powerful area-of-effect attack nonetheless. Seongs mind raced. The "eruption" effect mentioned in the description likely referred to a secondary explosion, which added to its destructive potential. Satisfied with the skill, Seong closed the menu and moved on to the next reward: the exclusive item he had received. Overlords Codex Almighty *"A codex passed down from ancient times, its origins unknown even to the first Overlord, Helena, who created the Overlord class. Although Helena was largely self-taught, she admitted that without this codex, her growth wouldnt have been so rapid."* Exclusive item for Overlord class.Grants the ability to learn one desired dark magic skill upon acquisition.Allows the user to learn additional dark magic skills every 10 levels.Passively increases the power of dark magic skills by 20% while in inventory. *Skill grades available: Unique or lower. *Legendary-grade skills become available at level 100 increments. "...What?" Seongs eyes widened. The codexs abilities far exceeded his expectations. Even compared to The Codex of Despair, this was on an entirely different level. As he stared at the item in awe, a system message popped up: [You have acquired Overlords Codex. You may now select a desired dark magic skill to learn.] [Do you wish to proceed?] [Yes / No] Seong let out a quiet laugh of disbelief. "This is insane. Can I really build my entire dark skillset with this?" [You may select a dark magic skill tailored to your current build.] [Searching for compatible skills...] [Matching skills found. Displaying list.] Maw of Darkness Frost of Shadows Wriggling Darkness Black Suns Domain ... A long list of compatible skills appeared, leaving Seong speechless. "This is broken. Seriously." He couldnt believe such an item existed, allowing him to perfectly customize his build. The skills werent excessively powerful individually, but they were all synergistic with his current abilities. Among the options, one skill caught his eye: [You have acquired the Unique-grade skill Wriggling Darkness through Overlords Codex.] Wriggling Darkness Unique [Lv Max][Complete] [Instant Effect][Active Skill] [Cooldown: 3 minutes] Exclusive skill for dark magic professions.Ensures all dark attribute attacks hit their target.If evaded, the wriggling darkness will pursue the target until it lands. The skills guaranteed hit effect was invaluable, especially since most of Seongs current abilities required precise aiming. "Perfect choice." As Seong smiled in satisfaction, Noctrynnium spoke up. "Lord, I must inform you of something. While I would like to explain the wandering ones further, a messenger from Overpalace has arrived near the Netherworld portal you created. They appear to be waiting for you." "Hmm?" The Overpalace messengers? The same ones he had encountered before? Why were they here now? Noticing Seongs confusion, Noctrynnium elaborated. "The successors of the Hero and the Sage also seem to be nearby. Two messengers are blocking their path, while one awaits you." The Heros successor and the Sages successorPlinky, most likely. "So the messengers are blocking the Heros successor? Because of the Hero?" Seong frowned. While Plinky seemed eccentric and harmless, it was better to remain cautious. "Even though Im strong, there are still enemies far above my level." The Heros successor, Luke, was one such example. Though not yet fully matured, his level was in the 250sa gap Seong couldnt overcome. Despite the uncertainty, one thing was clear: "Noctrynnium is incredibly useful. Just having him scout the area like this is a huge advantage." With that, Seong decided to meet the Overpalace messengers. Seong sighed inwardly. Why did Overpalace always insist on giving him gifts? While he wasnt about to refuse, it was starting to feel burdensome. He reached out and accepted the item. [You have received the Almighty-grade item Primordial Demons Crest Ring from Kars Grimcrow, envoy of Overpalace.] "...What?" Seong stared at the ring, the weight of its significance sinking in. This was a serious gift, far beyond what he had expected. 3. Main quests were the pinnacle of in-game content for any players class. The rewards were often so significant that they became every players dream. Why? Because completing a main quest not only elevated a players class rank but often showered them with high-grade skills and items. The E-World User Management Team generally tolerated such events, viewing them as opportunities for players to grow significantly. After all, these quests were designed to be generous. "What rewards has Seong received so far?" Assistant Manager Lee Won-sang asked, his tone a mix of awe and concern. Junior staff member Oh Jin-hyuk pulled up the records. "Lets see... Two Unique-grade skills, three Legendary-grade skills, one Almighty-grade skill, and two Almighty-grade items." Eight high-grade rewards, six of which were skills and two Almighty items. Even more concerning was the synergy created by the skill enhancement orbs. Originally designed to upgrade two Unique-grade skills, they had ended up boosting several of Seongs skills to Unique-grade. The unintended consequences made Lee Won-sang grimace. "This... this is going to cost me a formal report, isnt it?" The mistake was a result of rushing to implement the enhancement orbs. If he had been more cautious, this situation might have been avoided. [Immortal, can you calculate the power level of Seongs current explosive build?] Immortal quickly responded. [The combined power of Seongs skills Corpse Explosion, Poisonous Lions Wrath, and Toxic Detonation is estimated to be between Legendary and Almighty-grade.] "...Oh, no." The enhancement orbs had pushed an already powerful build into an entirely new league. While Lee Won-sang brooded over his mistake, Team Leader Ji Hye-jeong approached him. "Assistant Manager Lee?" "Yes, maam." Expecting a reprimand, Lee straightened nervously. However, Ji Hye-jeongs expression wasnt as severe as he anticipated. "Your proposal for the enhancement orbs has received positive feedback. Senior Manager Lee Jae-kyung was particularly impressed." She handed him a stack of reports, detailing how the orbs had strategically boosted Seongs abilities while maintaining balance within the game. Lees face lit up. "Thank you so much, Team Leader!" Ji Hye-jeong smiled faintly before turning serious again. "However, have you reviewed the impact of Seongs acquisition of the Dark Castle?" "...No, maam." Ji sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "It triggered a major in-game event. The oversight caused unnecessary chaos." Lees relief evaporated as Ji handed him another document. [Request for Support: Event Management Team] Lees shoulders slumped. The earlier praise came at a costit was his responsibility now. Ji left, while Oh Jin-hyuk approached Lee with a sympathetic look. "Isnt the Event Management Team brutal? Hang in there, sir." Lee forced a laugh. "Dont worry. Youre coming with me, Oh Jin-hyuk." "Wha... WHAT?!" For once, Lee had the satisfaction of seeing someone else squirm. Of course, they were both heading straight into the fire together. Chapter 99 4. Seong considered leaving as per Kars Grimcrow''s instructions, the envoy from Overpalace with the ominous crow mask. Yet, as though captivated, he kept rereading the item''s grade. Twice, thricestill the same. Almighty Grade. An item tier only attainable after clearing the main quest. But theyre just giving it to him? Like this? It was baffling. And the effects were even more so. Ring of the Primordial Demon Insignia Grade: AlmightyA ring engraved with the insignia of a primordial demon.Its creator among the primordial demons remains unknown, and its purpose is shrouded in mystery.Effect 1: Increases the power of darkness-type attributes (Pitch-black, Shadow, Abyss) by +30%.Effect 2: Grants complete immunity to darkness-type attributes (Pitch-black, Shadow, Abyss).Effect 3: Delays the transition of entities near the caster up to five times per day. Gulp. Even the normally calm and composed Seong swallowed audibly. A 30% boost to dark-type power, plus full immunity? That alone was extraordinary. But then there was transition delay. An Almighty-grade item can shake the continent, he recalled. And it was true. Seong stared at the item grade, dazed. Noticing Seongs reaction, Kars Grimcrow spoke in a somber tone, as if apologizing. "It pains me deeply that we must escort one who has not yet fully inherited the mantle of a hero to safety. Such actions may cast doubt on the heirs potential. But we have no choice; we must act preemptively to avoid catastrophe. For that, I beg your pardon." His words made sense: questioning someones capabilities was bound to sting. Yet Seong tilted his head slightly, as if puzzled. "Its only natural to ensure safety if theres danger, isnt it?" "Ah...!!!" Seongs understanding words moved Kars to tears behind his crow mask. How could one be so compassionate and understanding? The situation could have easily provoked anger. Someone in Seongs position might have demanded to know why they were being doubted or seen as weak. But Seong didnt. Instead, he accepted it as a giventhanking Overpalace for their protection, knowing he still had room to grow. While the sight of Kars tears dripping behind the mask was slightly unsettling, Seong let it slide. "Besides," Seong continued, "if you''re taking such measures, doesnt it mean the heir is much stronger than me right now?"@@@@ "T-that is correct." Clearly struggling to admit it, Kars coughed up blood. He was physically affected by the effort it took to say such words. "Then escorting me is fine." Seong nodded, inwardly acknowledging the reality. It was only reasonable. Hed only just begun, and it wasnt realistic to think he was already stronger than the heros successor. Watching Seongs composed acceptance, Kars closed his eyes as if deeply moved. Though Kars wanted to converse further with Seong, their time had run out. Lv: 92Class: OverlordTitles: Monarch (Legendary)... +32 others.Stats: Strength: 105 (80+25)Agility: 105 (95+10)Vitality: 105 (95+10)Intelligence: 199 (180+19)Wisdom: 200 (181+19)Spirit: 133 (120+13)Dexterity: 7 (6+1)Bonus Stat Points: 0"There is something I must tell you about the next region.""Yes, the one whose soul was lost. I sense its energy awakening in Dune Wild Trail.""A commander once loyal to the ancient lords. Though weakened, they were a Doom Knight who commanded countless undead."A large-scale event will begin in 28 hours at Dune Wild Trail - Western Plains.Levels 80C120 may participate.Details will be revealed later.Linked to the large-scale event.All conditions fulfilled. Ask any gamer, and theyll likely echo the sentiment: Ugh, theres nothing to do. Games inevitably lose their charm when content becomes repetitive. Thats why event updates are almost universally celebrated. This is one reason Eternal World is hailed as the greatest game of all time. It never runs out of content. With near-infinite freedom, the exhilaration of exploring every corner, a population of NPCs rivaling real-world numbers, and countless quests to match, theres always something to do. And now, a major new event has been announced? Naturally, the player base was buzzing. [ChefWhenItComesToMonsters]: Whoa, a massive event? At Dune Wild Trail??? [OtterSwimmingThroughDungeons]: Im so salty... Im level 150, so I cant even join. This sucks... [NPCLocalLegend]: This is insane. Im so jealous. [OrcsAreScary]: Screech??? Must. Join. Now!!! [PillarDamageMaster]: Does anyone know what the event is about? Large-scale events are always crazy, right? [HealerWith20YearsExperience]: Dunno, but Eternal World events are never lame. Been playing for 20 years, and theyre always awesome, lol. [SleepingWolf]: What? Eternal World has only been out for 2 years, though. The excitement was palpable. Teams were forming to prepare for the event, and guilds were mobilizing en masse. Given the expected massive rewards, interest spread like wildfire. Traffic on the servers skyrocketed, and within hours, almost every player on the East Asia server knew about the event. Even high-ranking guilds began announcing their participation: [Guild Ranking #86: PineFire Guild declares participation!] [Guild Ranking #12: Sick Brothers Guild declares participation!] [Guild Ranking #8: Tempest Wing Guild declares participation!] [Karma Guild and Echo Willow Guild declare participation!] [Guild Ranking #4: Eclipse Order Guild declares participation!] Even infamous guilds known for bad manners, like Karma Guild, declared their involvement. This included Echo Willow Guild, which had previous conflicts with Seong. It was shaping up to be a grand festivalor a brutal battlefield. Even overseas guilds announced theyd be participating via the East Asia division, adding to the rising hype. Despite the event starting in just 28 hours, players were working tirelessly to prepare. Meanwhile, top players and guild hopefuls became the center of speculation. After all, in large-scale events, only a handful of players ever stood out. [AoEDamageManiac]: Who do you think will shine this time? [DeathEveryDay]: Probably Eclipse Orders Mayran. Shes the top prospect under level 100 right now. [24HourRaidPlayer]: Lol, Mayran? Get with the times. Its all about the Demon King now. Seongs name came up in conversations, though he wasnt taken seriously. [Swordsmith]: Oh, Seong? But theres no way the Demon King can even join, right? [LegendaryHomebody]: ??? Why wouldnt he? He can join, cant he? [Swordsmith]: Think about it. The latest raid footage showed him fighting a level 60 raid boss. Even if he leveled up, hes probably barely level 80. No way he beats Mayran, whos already level 100. Seongs relatively low level meant most dismissed him outright. No matter how impressive his achievements, in RPGs, level disparity is hard to overlook. It wasnt an unfair assumption. Leveling in Eternal World wasnt exactly easy. As a result, discussions naturally shifted toward other prominent players. [OrcsAreScary]: Screech, true. Also, Kurosawa Ren is worth watching too. [PotionMaster]: Yeah, but Mayrans still gonna win. [Skill-lessGuy]: Kinda wish the Demon King leveled up more. Too bad. At least weve got Junhyuk from Korea, though. [5MinPartyLeaver]: Fellow Koreans, lets root for Junhyuk! [LowLevelBoss]: Seong should aim for next time instead. Most agreed that one of three playersMayran, Kurosawa Ren, or Junhyukwould dominate the event. Despite Seongs rising fame, he wasnt expected to perform well. Meanwhile, the person being overlookedSeong himselfwas testing his newly acquired skills. Under a blazing sun, black flames roared around him, consuming everything in their path. On the scorched ground, flowers of darkness bloomed among the remnants of his enemies. As Seong scratched his head, a notification popped up. [Level Up!] 3 [You have reached Level 95.] "At this rate, maybe I really can take on a million." Chapter 100 0. The capsule opened, and Seong stretched as he stepped out. It felt as though he hadnt moved for ages. Ugh, I guess long sessions really take a toll. Still, it had been worth it. Hed acquired numerous new skills and even had the chance to test them out. His builds had expanded significantlyevolving from a corpse-and-poison explosion build to now incorporating blood and darkness builds. The variety alone made him infinitely more versatile. Whats more, all three builds focused on area-of-effect (AoE) abilities. That meant a significant advantage in the upcoming large-scale event. Their performance exceeded expectations. While the skills were impressive, what truly stood out was Noctrynniums utility. Not in combatthat wasnt its strong suit. In fact, even Barfur was more effective in direct fights. Thinking back to past battles, Seong remembered how even Fiora had been an overwhelming opponent. Yet against Noctrynnium, hed managed to maintain an advantage. But where Noctrynnium truly excelled was outside combat: Its ability to scan and locate nearby enemies, provoke them, and herd them into clusters had been invaluable. That strategy had allowed him to gain three more levels, pushing him to 95. Even so, leveling was undeniably slowing down, a natural part of progressing to higher levels. Still, between Noctrynniums contributions and the powerful new skills hed acquired, things were looking promising. The Sands of Reversala skill that reset cooldownshad been instrumental in testing out his new abilities. Every skill he tried proved to be exceptionally strong, adaptable to various situations. Most importantly, one skill stood out above all: I made the right choice with Writhing Darkness. This skill added a guaranteed hit effect to all dark-attribute abilities, forming the backbone of Seongs new darkness build. Skipping lunch and playing all day had allowed him to climb an additional three levels. Didnt realize it had gotten so late. It was already evening. His stomach growled in protest, reminding him that skipping lunch hadnt been intentional.@@@@ As he stepped out of his room, holding his rumbling stomach, he noticed his sister, Yu Mina, emerging from her capsule in a similarly disheveled state. Hmm, I really need to shower, Seong thought, glancing at himself. Mina seemed to pick up on his thoughts. You were just thinking something rude, werent you? Huh? No. Then what? I thought I looked as bad as you and needed to shower. ...Most people would call that rude, little brother. Mina smiled faintly, her tone sharp, while Seong chuckled at her reaction. Though the two had a strong sibling bond, they still bickered like any other siblings. With their parents, Lee Na-gyeong and Yoo Gwang-jin, out for a couples gathering, Mina took the lead. Hmm, jajangmyeon, maybe? Sure. Ill take jjambbong. Ill get jjamjja. After quickly confirming their orders, Mina used an app to place the delivery. As they sat at the dining table waiting, Mina spoke up. Youre participating in the event, right? You were 79 yesterday, so youre probably mid-to-high 80s now? She didnt bother specifying which eventit was obvious. 1. [Announcement] We are providing details regarding the large-scale event taking place in Dune Wild Trail - Western Plains. Event Name: Legion of CalamityStart Time: 6:00 PM (KST), based on East Asia Server (Seoul, South Korea).Objective: Defend Dune Wild Trail from the Legion of Calamity.Mechanics: Players will earn contribution points based on the strength of the monsters they defeat from the Legion of Calamity.Rewards: Players with the highest contribution will receive three Legendary-grade rewards. We look forward to your participation. Sincerely, E-World Team The follow-up announcement released the next morning created a ripple effect throughout the player base. So much so that many employed players rushed to request time off just to participate. The significance of the event wasnt lost on anyone. It wasnt every day that top-ranked guilds declared their participation in unison. Events of this magnitude were rare even within Eternal World. This was an opportunity. Guilds knew that ranking highly in this event would give them future dominance. The notion wasnt far-fetched; the players emerging from this event could lead the frontlines in upcoming battles. Establishing control now would pay off later. This was why Eclipse Order, the fourth-ranked guild, saw the event as a golden opportunity. Whats Rapid Guilds status? No movement yet. They havent announced their participation. Hmm. Could it mean they dont intend to send the Demon King? Eclipse Order was closely monitoring Rapid Guilds actions, their tone sharp and defensive. It was understandable. Rapid Guild, with significantly fewer members, had surpassed them to claim the third rank. Having been pushed down, Eclipse Order couldnt ignore their rivals. The mere idea of Rapid Guild deploying their standout player, the Demon King (Seong), unsettled them. If Rapid Guild produced yet another overwhelming star, Eclipse Orders position would be in jeopardy. Even if they send him, it wont matter. We have Mayrin. The Demon King? Ha! Hes the newest rising star, but weve got Mayrin. Clearing the Past Citadel was impressive, but theres no way his leveling pace can match Mayrins. Theres no chance the Demon King can surpass her in this event. Honestly, its unlikely the Demon King has even reached level 80. It hasnt been long since he defeated Anemore or cleared the Past Citadel. Their logic wasnt unreasonable. They doubted Seong could have leveled up significantly since his recent major achievements. Still, deep down, they knew the reality. Clearing the Past Citadel was no small feat, and Mayrin hadnt accomplished it yet. That difference gnawed at their confidence, even if they refused to admit it aloud. Mayrin, hailed as Eclipse Orders next-generation leader, was the source of their pride. Though she didnt hold the elusive Almighty-class profession, her Legendary-grade class, Spear Sovereign of Dawn, was one of the best. She had already established herself as the guilds star player and a promising contender for leadership. Mayrins reputation extended beyond the guild. In terms of control, Mayrin is top-tier. Right. Shes from a renowned martial arts family in China, isnt she? Thats what I heard. Her future was bright, and her guildmates believed that even if Seong participated, Mayrins unique class attributes would make her the likely victor. The timing couldnt have been better for Eclipse Order. Neither the first nor second-ranked guilds had notable rookies participating. Their direct rival, Rapid Guild, likely couldnt field their standout player, Seong, since he hadnt reached level 80. Victory seemed inevitable. While Kurosawa Ren and Junhyuk posed minor threats, they were considered manageable. At least the Demon King isnt participating. The timing worked out perfectly. Were lucky. Though they outwardly dismissed Seong as a threat, they secretly breathed a sigh of relief at the thought of avoiding a direct confrontation between Seong and Mayrin. Deep down, they were thankful things had aligned in their favorfor now. Chapter 101 2. Dune Wild Trail. Although it was always a busy area, this time it was so crowded it defied description. Was this what a sea of people looked like? The mass surged forward like waves. The wilderness, filled with countless people, bustled as everyone gathered in groups according to shared interests. Some were organized by guilds, others by parties, while some shouted out desperately to recruit new companions. The scene resembled a chaotic marketplace, yet no one found it surprising. Dune Wild Trail had always been known for its lively atmosphere. Players who had made it this far were no longer beginners. For them, such a lively commotion was practically a daily occurrence. There are so many people. Seong was also amazed. It was fascinating to see so many people united for a single purpose, forming an enormous collective. This was the first time he had seen such a large-scale gathering since starting this game. It gave him a strange feeling. To think that all these people were here to participate in a massive event. Once again, he opened his main quest log, reviewing what he had seen yesterday. Doom Knights Invasion Main Quest Overlord Main Quest After the death of the Overlord, many of her subordinates were consumed by grief. Her disciple gathered the loyal ones to form Overpalace, but not all followed. Some fled, some succumbed to sorrow and left the world, and some were driven mad by grief. The Doom Knight was one of the latter. A being driven mad by sorrow, losing himself entirely. In his despair, he set out to conquer vast regions. Dune Wild Trail was one of them. The Doom Knight, an undead, ravaged the area, leaving nothing but rocks, creating this vast wasteland. Even after burning and destroying every village and city in his path, his sorrow did not subside. When there was nothing left to destroy, he destroyed his own soul and fell into slumber with his army. But after a long time, he awoke, sensing the power of an old comrade nearbythe dark fortress, Noctrynnium. When he realized that life had returned to this land, his sorrow awoke again. Now, with what remains of his army, the Doom Knight has reappeared in Dune Wild Trail. However, his shattered soul has left him mindless and weakened. Subdue the weakened Doom Knight, put him to rest, and take him under your command. Overlord-exclusive main quest. Rewards: Overlord-exclusive skill, Knights of Ruin. Doom Knights remnants can be appointed as an additional commander of the Legion of Death. Failure: Loss of main quest, Doom Knight disappears, loss of Overlord-exclusive skill Knights of Ruin. Its just as incredible as before. Although Seong had a different goal than the others, he still needed to act alongside them for now. Looking around, he noticed something. Among the bustling crowd, several guilds had set up their own camps at what could be considered the front lines. Flags bearing the emblems of each guild were erected in various places, fluttering majestically in the western wind, proudly displaying their crests. One emblem in particular caught Seongs eye. Isnt that the Sick Brothers? It was one of the few guild emblems he recognized besides the Rapid Guild. He remembered it because they had once tried to scout him. Seeing it here brought back a strange sense of familiarity. He didnt plan to approach them, but spotting something familiar always stirred a bit of nostalgia. Seong shifted his gaze. The Rapid Guild isnt participating in this event, right? Though the guild prided itself on being small and elite, it wasnt for lack of resources. The reason they chose not to participate was simple: No one other than Seong could take part. Luna isnt high enough level yet, is she? It couldnt be helped. Even the highest-level member of their rookie team, Luna, was only in the 70s. When Seong met them a few days ago, they had been in the 60s, so their progress was impressive. But Seongs monstrous speed made it impossible to close the gap. Thus, the Rapid Guild decided not to dispatch anyone, with Seongs permission. Yujin noona really has it tough. Recalling the heated argument between Yu Mina and Yujin during a call made his head throb. Anyway, that was why the Rapid Guild didnt send anyone. However, they fully supported Seong in what lay ahead. During their recent call, Seong had even managed to negotiate additional terms: Increased contract bonuses, a salary raise, and most notably, a higher share of streaming ticket revenueraised from 10% to 30%. This was an unprecedented deal for a rookie like Seong, one step below the terms offered to Yu Mina, a current single ranker. It showed just how much the Rapid Guild valued him. Thinking of how the large event would unfold, Seong smiled inwardly. For now, Ill just stay in the background. If he got too entangled with other guilds, it might interfere with what he and the Rapid Guild had planned. Just as Seong began to blend into the crowd, someone approached him. Hey there, mister. You dont have a guild? Eclipse Order (Rank 4).Tempest Wing (Rank 8).Sick Brothers (Rank 12).Junhyuk of the Korean branch of Sick Brothers, the guilds pride.Kurosawa Ren of Tempest Wing.Mayrin of Eclipse Order. Mayrin interrupted again, defusing the tension. The energy of Kurosawa Ren and Junhyuk visibly deflated. Among the three, Mayrin was undeniably the strongest. While Kurosawa Ren and Junhyuk aspired to take second place, they had no illusions about defeating her. The gap in their abilities was overwhelming. When someone that strong spoke so casually, it was hard not to feel disheartened. Anyway, the Rapid Guild hasnt even declared participation, so... Theyre definitely not coming. Wahaha! Thats such a shame, but oh well! Lets have fun amongst ourselves! ...Haa. Anyway, there are ten minutes left before the event starts? Its almost time! Lets prepare and meet again soon! Fair competition, everyone! Lets do our best! With her infectious energy, Mayrin left first, leaving Kurosawa Ren and Junhyuk drained. They soon returned to their respective guilds. As the event approached, time seemed to fly. Ten minutes passed in an instant, and then the system message appeared. [A large-scale event quest has been generated!] Legion of Calamity Large-scale Event The Legion of Calamity has awakened from its long slumber. They despise and loathe all living creatures. Defeating members of the Legion of Calamity will increase your achievement points. Achievement rankings can be viewed in real-time by looking up at the sky from anywhere in Dune Wild Trail. Stop the endless waves of the Legion and restore peace to Dune Wild Trail. Rewards: Experience gained from defeating the Legion, tiered rewards based on achievement points: 1st Place: Three Legendary-grade rewards.2nd Place: Three Unique-grade rewards.3rd Place: Two Unique-grade rewards. The event had officially begun. From the horizon of Dune Wild Trail, something shimmered like a mirage. Was it the heat haze trembling? No. Gwoooaaarrr! Kiiiieeek! Kyaaaah! Countless undead surged forth. Some were rotting, others completely skeletal, and some were mere floating spirits with no physical form. These unholy creatures were revived and swarmed forward. Their numbers were so overwhelming that they resembled a tidal wave of disaster. Even with so many players gathered, the sheer scale of the Legion of Calamity left everyone frozen in fear. Then, something rose into the sky. Blocking out the bright sun, a dark sun ignited, plunging the entire area into shadow. The dark flames consumed everything, burning hungrily and engulfing the world in a fiery abyss. A suffocating sulfuric smell mixed with the scent of burning ash as the black sun bathed everything in darkness. Was it meant to empower the unholy creatures? Just as despair took hold of the gathered players, the ground turned black, and countless spikes rained down from the heavens. Pshk! Pshhk! Pshk! The spikes didnt target the players. Instead, they pierced the Legion of Calamity, eradicating them. It wasnt over yet. The spikes writhed, absorbing the darkness around them and drawing nutrients from the Legion. The spikes became stems, sprouting thorns that spread in all directions. A sweet, deadly fragrance filled the air as black flowers blossomed. The intoxicating aroma drew the Legion in, the creatures helplessly approaching the alluring flowers. The flowers, motherly yet sinister, ensnared everything in their grasp, their petals consuming all that came near. Krrraaaaack! The sound of sharp, biting destruction echoed as the black spikes halted the Legions advance. From the blackened sky, a figure descended. Clad in a dark robe and a jet-black mask, the person exuded an overwhelming presence. W-What the hell?! M-Masaka...! Uwaaah! Junhyuk of Sick Brothers stood frozen in shock, Kurosawa Ren stared in disbelief, and Mayrins eyes sparkled with excitement as if she had been waiting for this moment. Only one person could make such an entrance at this moment. The Demon King. Everyone thought his level had been too low to participate. But they were wrong. Either his progress had been absurdly rapid, or their initial assessment had been way off. While the three top guild leaders understood immediately, the rest were left bewildered. Who was this? Countless eyes turned to the figure. Could it be the Demon King? But wasnt it too soon for him to have reached this point? No one could be sure. Suddenly, a notification popped up. [Rapid Guild Live Broadcast Alert] [Legion of Calamity VS Demon King] The notification confirmed the identity of the figure. It was Seong. Chapter 102 Huff, huff...!? The broadcast notification confirming the identity of the Demon King left the older man gasping as though he were about to choke, his head craned back to stare at the sky. A younger man nearby rushed over in alarm. Whoa, hey! Whats wrong, sir?! T-That young man!? Oh, the Demon King? Amazing, right? He really feels like someone from another world, doesnt he? No, thats not it... Of course, the older man already knew about the Demon King. He was an avid fan of Eternal World videoshow could he not know? He had even subscribed to the Rapid Guilds channel. But to realize that the young man he had casually spoken to earlier was the Demon King? The realization made him feel like his breath had caught in his throat. And now, he recalled the words he had said to him. Hadnt he offered to team up because he thought the young man was alone without a guild? What foolish nonsense he had uttered. And worse, had the Demon King heard him say that he might come back if he struggled on his own? W-Will he take revenge!? He had seen the Demon Kings unmasked facea flawlessly handsome young man. There hadnt been anything particularly menacing about his demeanor. But his title was the Demon King, after all. From the videos, he knew the Demon King fought monsters with a chilling, emotionless precision. That cold image overlapped with the memory of their interaction, making the older man tremble. How could anyone judge a persons nature based solely on their appearance? Ahh! Why did I have to stick my nose in where it didnt belong!? As he spiraled into his regrets, the rest of the crowd remained fixated on the Demon King, Seong. The black sun hung in the sky, spreading shadow over a vast area.@@@@ Deadly black thorns had rained down, and the cursed flowers they birthed had stopped the onslaught of the Legion of Calamity in its tracks. Players and guild members alike, who had been preparing to start their live streams in conjunction with the event, were left stunned. No one had anticipated the Demon Kings appearance. Even within the Rapid Guild, it had been kept a closely guarded secret. No one expected that the Demon King had already reached the required level, let alone that he would unveil a new skill in such a spectacular fashion. Is he really at the same level as us? Hes gotta be well over 120! To stop that many enemies, even briefly... incredible. Those black flames from the sun are burning through everything... This is insane... He really did clear the Fortress of the Past, didnt he? The players were dumbfounded, their expressions blank as they gawked. Meanwhile, a few guild representatives snapped back to their senses and looked up at the leaderboard displayed in the sky. At the top, a single name stood proudly, dominating the rankings. [Achievement Ranking] [1st Place: Seong C 1,783 points] [2nd Place: None.] Seeing Seongs name standing alone, the guild representatives erupted into frantic shouts. What are you standing around for?! Move! Move now! Charge immediately!!! Fire your skills! Long-range attacks! Dont forget to funnel achievement points to your guild! As the guild members sprang into action, three figures reacted even before the shouting began: Junhyuk, Kurosawa Ren, and Mayrin. Junhyuk, wielding his massive greatsword, activated the elemental abilities of his class, Elemental Gladiator, enveloping himself in lightning and wind to maximize his speed. Kurosawa Ren, using his Storm Shadow class, merged with the shadows and wind, vanishing as he accelerated toward his target. Finally, Mayrintrue to her title as the Dawnlight Spearbearergripped the radiant spear of dawnlight, threw it into the air, and rode it as it soared across the sky toward the Legion of Calamity. Riding her radiant spear through the sky, she extended her arms wide. Behind her, a multitude of spears made of light formed in perfect alignment. As she swung her arms forward, the spears shot downward, piercing the Legion below. Seong decided to observe her attack in silence. Wahaha! Let there be LIGHT! Mayrins boisterous shout rang out, and the spears embedded in the ground began to tremble. The spears erupted with a blinding brilliance, engulfing the surroundings in a purifying light. BOOOOOM! The explosion consumed everything, and when the light finally condensed, Mayrin descended from the sky, gripping her glowing spear tightly. She landed away from the previous impact zone and drove her spear into the ground. CRAAACK! ZZZZAP! The light split the earth, and a radiant beam surged forth from the fissures. Oh? Seong raised an eyebrow, impressed by the seamless flow of Mayrins combo. The chain of her abilities was flawlesslight spears, an explosion, and a follow-up impact that inflicted additional area damage. Even Seong had to admit it was an exemplary display of skill. Junhyuk and Kurosawa Ren, however, were far less impressed. Damn it. Shes just getting stronger and stronger. This isnt fair, Junhyuk muttered. Ugh, I thought Id caught up, but no... Kurosawa Ren grumbled, clearly frustrated. The two of them, both striving to compete with Mayrin, could only watch with grim expressions as her attack carved two massive gaps into the Legions formation. Despair crept into their eyes as they glanced up at the rankings. [Achievement Ranking] [1st Place: Seong C 1,783 points] [2nd Place: Mayrin C 1,264 points] [3rd Place: Junhyuk C 827 points] [4th Place: Kurosawa Ren C 814 points] Mayrin had closed the gap with Seong significantly, but even doubling their own points wouldnt allow Junhyuk or Kurosawa Ren to catch up. Realizing this, they shifted their focus to battling for third place. Meanwhile, Seong also glanced at the rankings, noting Mayrins upward climb. Mayrin turned to him, pointing her finger and shouting with her trademark energetic voice: Demon King! Did you see that!? Wahaha! It was as if she were issuing a challenge, showing off her prowess in response to his earlier display. Seong chuckled under his mask. It felt like a formal invitationa declaration of rivalry. Well then... Suddenly, the turquoise heart in Seongs hand began to pulse. The Legion of Calamity, which Junhyuk, Kurosawa Ren, and Mayrin had been struggling to destroy, began to rise again. Enveloped in a sickly green mist and shrouded in darkness, the undead transformed into a new force: the Legion of Death. The air grew heavy as over 200 reanimated corpses took their places, emitting a dense, toxic mist that corroded anything it touched. Gwoooaaarrr! Kyaaah! Graaaaah! Their roars shook the battlefield. The overwhelming presence left even Mayrin momentarily speechless, her usual boisterous demeanor silenced as she stared in awe. As the undead Legion charged into the original Legion of Calamity, they began to glow faintly, preparing for something far greater. Seong, calm and composed, activated his skill. With a flick of his wrist, the Plague Burst and Corpse Detonation spells erupted simultaneously, triggered by his mastery of necrotic energy. BOOOOOOM! A massive explosion engulfed the battlefield, releasing a scorching wave of heat and a blinding light. The air was filled with the hues of turquoise, green, and ash, creating an apocalyptic scene. The delayed secondary explosion slammed into the ground. CRAAAAAASH! The earth trembled, leaving behind a colossal cratera gash in the land so deep it resembled a canyon. -What was THAT?! -Did a nuke just go off?! -This is insane!!! -How is this even real?! -Theres no way hes under level 120. This has to be level 220, at least! As the dust settled, the magnitude of the destruction became clear. The leaderboard updated again, reflecting the seismic shift. [Achievement Ranking] [1st Place: Seong C 10,029 points] [2nd Place: Mayrin C 1,264 points] [3rd Place: Junhyuk C 827 points] [4th Place: Kurosawa Ren C 814 points] The overwhelming display left Mayrin unable to muster even her signature boisterous laughter. She could only stare, speechless, at the impossible gap between herself and the Demon King. Chapter 103 The powerful explosion left the ground overturned, carving out a massive crater that could only be described as a canyon. In reality, such a colossal blast might have been impossible, but this was a game. The sheer magnitude of the destruction left everyone stunned and motionless. Even the trio who had been leading the chargeJunhyuk, Kurosawa Ren, and Mayrinfroze, along with the players who had been moving forward to join the battlefield. It was a scene so overwhelming that words failed everyone. Even the ever-boisterous Mayrin couldnt manage her usual laughter. As silence fell, all eyes turned to the sky, where the leaderboard floated like a scoreboard, mocking their efforts. Even Seong, the source of the destruction, felt a pang of surprise. That was stronger than I expected. It made sense. He had never detonated such a large number of undead in a single chain reaction before. Perhaps it was truenecromancers were at their peak on the battlefield. Seong surveyed the decimated Legion of Calamity from above as though searching for something. Now, wheres the commander? After some time, his gaze landed on a figure in the distancea skeletal knight clad in armor. However, something unusual caught his attention. Next to the skeletal knight, clinging closely, was a faint, turquoise form. The sight made Seong tilt his head in confusion. A ghost? Why would a ghost be here? 4. The ground trembled as small stones rolled about, cracks spreading like veins across the earth. It was as if an earthquake had struck, yet the skeletal knight strode forward unfazed, clad in full armor and gripping a massive sword. No roar of command. No rallying cry. No intelligent gaze scanning the battlefield. Those days were long gone. How long had it been? The knight didnt know. Once, it had rampaged across the land, annihilating countless villages and cities. When there was nothing left to conquer, it had fallen into a deep slumber. Now, it had awakened. Why? It couldnt say. It had lost its soul and its reason. It had awakened, so it would kill. Kill everything on this land. For what purpose? The knight didnt know. The only thing it was certain of was that the force that had disturbed this land must be why it had awakened. Raising its sword, it commanded its soldiers to advance. Though the once-vast army had been reduced to a fraction of its former size, that didnt matter. As long as it killed, its ranks would grow. The skeletal knights hollow eyes darkened like bottomless pits as it began its march. Next to it, the turquoise ghosta form only Seong could seebowed its head and muttered: So this is the disgrace Ive become before my new master... It wouldve been better if even my soul had been obliterated. The ghost shuddered at the sight of its own body, now an object of shame. And Noctrynnium seems to be nearby, too... If that little miser sees me like this, I wont have the strength to hold myself together. Please, someone stop this... 5. The Legion of Calamity. As the name suggested, it was a disaster incarnate. An endless tide of enemies swarming forward. Individually, they were weak and insignificant, but in numberstens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousandsthey became an unstoppable force, like a tsunami sweeping away everything in its path. It was the very embodiment of the saying: "Even small things, when gathered, can move mountains." Kurosawa Ren, who wielded his daggers like a storm, spreading shadows that tore through the Legion.Junhyuk, who unleashed wide-range elemental attacks with devastating effect.Mayrin, who wielded her radiant spears to incinerate the Legion in explosive bursts of light.And Seong, the Demon King, who summoned his undead army to sweep across the battlefield like a tide of death.Fiora, transforming into a small dragon, spewed destructive breath attacks.Noctrynnium, summoning massive arms, swept the field and detonated them for wide-area damage.Valtar, spreading crimson blood, carved through the Legion with devastating efficiency.Barfur, true to his title as the First Corps Commander, shredded the Legion while commanding his own undead forces to turn the tide. As the battle dragged on, the Legion of Calamity continued to grow. If this continued, it was only a matter of time before they were overwhelmed. Seong needed a solution. Should he step in with a large-scale attack? No. While he still had powerful area-of-effect skills like Plague Burst, Falling Thorns, and Black Sun at his disposal, using them now wouldnt decisively change the battle. They could buy some time, but the mana cost would leave him drained, turning a temporary advantage into a strategic blunder. What was the best choice? The answer was obvious. All four of you, hold your positions here. Understood, my lord.Haha! As expected of the Lord! I, Valtar, shall pave the way to victory from here!U-Understood! P-Please be careful!Barfur, First Corps Commander! Following orders! Despite their differing personalities, Seongs lieutenants obeyed without question. Noctrynnium grumbled but complied, while Valtar laughed heartily. Fiora expressed concern, and Barfur, perhaps out of nervousness, reverted to his regional dialect. Leaving the battlefield to his lieutenants, Seong flew toward the edge of the Legion of Calamity. As Seong shot forward like a missile, the viewers erupted in confusion. Wait, what??? Wheres he going??? Why is he leaving his summons behind??? Isnt a necromancer supposed to stay with their army??? Even Rapid Guild, typically composed and professional, sent him a frantic message. [Rapid: Where are you going?!] Unbothered, Seong replied casually: [Seong: Going to deal with the commander. We wont win like this.] [Rapid: What?!] [Seong: If this continues, most players will run out of mana and stamina, and well be overrun.] It was an unarguable point, leaving Rapid Guild with no rebuttal. Without another word, Seong continued his flight. The deeper he flew into the enemy lines, the more flying undead like banshees and gargoyles swarmed toward him. KYAAAAAAHHH! SCREEEEECH! Unfazed, Seong conjured a turquoise spear in one hand and hurled it without hesitation, piercing a banshee through its forehead. With his other hand, he summoned a black projectile and fired it into a gargoyle, obliterating it on impact. Shuuuuuuu! BOOM! The banshee disintegrated, its head shattered, while the gargoyles body crumbled into dust. But the banshee and gargoyle were merely the vanguard. More enemies swarmed toward Seong, determined to prevent him from reaching their commander. Seong extended a finger. From its tip, a drop of dark crimson blood formed. Normally, his blood magic would produce bright red blades, but this time it was different. The drop darkened into a sinister shade, tinged with purple, as it grew into hundreds of cursed blood swords. The blades gleamed ominously before launching into the air, each one targeting a banshee or gargoyle. The sky filled with crimson arcs as the blades struck their targets, exploding on impact. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Those that werent destroyed outright were infected by the toxic curse, crashing to the ground in agony. The curse spread further upon impact, enveloping the surrounding undead in a bloody mist. This skill, Plague of Blood, wreaked havoc on the Legion. The ground was soon drenched in crimson fog, the air thick with the stench of decay. Even the viewers, who had been flooding the chat with messages, fell silent as they watched the scene unfold in awe. Seong had single-handedly decimated tens of thousands of enemies in moments. But rather than revel in the destruction, Seong continued forward as though it were nothing. Finally, he reached his destination. Standing before him was a skeletal knight clad in tattered armor and wielding a jagged blade. Despite its worn appearance, it exuded an overwhelming presence. This was the commander of the Legion of Calamity. Beside it, a faint, turquoise ghost materialized, grumbling: To meet the heir in such a disgraceful state... Foolish body! Cant even tell heaven from earth! Seong smirked beneath his mask. This might be more rewarding than I thought. At that moment, a notification appeared in his field of vision. Chapter 104 [You have encountered a remnant of the past.] [You have come across the Doom Knight, a former knight who once guarded the Overlord closely, the king of all Death Knights, and the trusted commander of the Overlords Third Legion. This is a remnant of the Doom Knight.] [The Doom Knight is currently adrift as a remnant.] [It has lost its soul and is severely weakened.] [The Doom Knights Remnant perceives you as an enemy.] [Eliminate the Doom Knights Remnant.] A remnant of the Doom Knight and what seemed to be a ghostly specter standing alongside it. Seong ignored the ghost entirely, focusing solely on the knight. In the tense atmosphere, as taut as a stretched bowstring, there was no room to spare for anything else. The skeletal knight, clad in rusted and corroded armor, slowly drew its blade. Screeeeeeeech! The grating sound of a poorly maintained scabbard scratching against the corroded blade reverberated sharply. As the sword was unsheathed, a metallic, rusted scent wafted through the air, mingling with a faintly acrid tang reminiscent of blood. It intensified the tension, raising it to a boiling point. Seong quickly checked his skills cooldowns in his mind. The cooldowns for Blood Venom and Blood Plague had roughly three minutes remaining. And the other skills? They were ready to go. Having assessed his arsenal, Seong unsheathed his own blade. Sching! A sharp, clean metallic sound rang out as his well-maintained sword was drawn. The skeletal knight watched the blade intently, adjusting its stance in acknowledgment of an adversary. The moment it recognized him as an enemy, there was no point in delaying. Taking its first step forward with brittle bones creaking ominously Crack-crack-crack! A spiderweb of fractures erupted from beneath the knight''s feet, spreading outward like ripples on a pond. Then, defying logic with its speed, the hulking skeleton charged forward. BOOOOOM! CRASH! As it stepped forward, the ground behind it heaved upward as though a hill had suddenly risen, and the air exploded outward like a detonation. The knight leapt, tearing through the air with incredible velocity, swinging its sword in a horizontal slash that tore apart anything in its path. Seong, who had carefully observed every movement, slipped forward with nimble footwork, bending his upper body to narrowly evade the slash. The blades trajectory sent a sharp gust of wind brushing past the tip of his nose, carrying with it the acrid scent of rusted steel. It was an impossibly close dodge, but Seongs expression remained calm, devoid of tension or relief. He extended his leg and planted his foot lightly on the skeletal knights chestplate. With the knights momentum adding to Seongs strength, the kick slammed into its chestplate. CRASH! BOOOOM! A sickening crunch of shattering bones resounded as the skeletal knight was sent hurtling backward. Had its ribcage been crushed? The sound seemed to suggest so. And yet, Seong wasnt satisfied. The reason? "That critical hit didnt land." Despite the satisfying sound of impact, no system message appeared. Even the feedback through his foot felt too faint. Sure enough, the skeletal knight adjusted mid-air, using its sword to block the force of the kick and pushing off to land cleanly on its feet. It slid backward, carving two deep grooves into the ground as it stabilized. Screeeeech! The marks on the ground indicated the force behind the blow, but the knight had managed to close the distance between them compared to before. This distance now favored Seong. Conversely, it put the skeletal knight at a disadvantage. Realizing this, the knight began moving its feet, attempting to adjust its position. Seongs eyes flashed as he activated a skill. The first skill he used was Wailing Souls. As he clenched his hand, an ethereal, turquoise spear materialized in the air, streaking toward the knight like a bolt of light. Whoosh! The knight twisted its body, narrowly dodging the spear, and continued closing the gap. Though its initial speed had decreased, it was still fast. The knight swung its blade toward Seongs neck in a rapid arc. But Seong, gripping the spectral spear in one hand, summoned a Dark Orb in his other. The knight, seeing the incoming projectile, hastily shifted its sword to block the orb, but it was too late. The dark, orb-shaped projectile slammed into the knights abdomen. The knights techniques, though seemingly crude, were imbued with profound intricacies that Seong could perceive but hadnt fully mastered. Thus, he combined every memory and experience at his disposal, blending them with his own to create a style uniquely his. Realizing the shift in Seongs demeanor, the Doom Knight adjusted its stance as well. Its lowered posture, initially poised for a direct charge, changed to one that allowed for fluid swordplay. Recognizing the respect behind the adjustment, Seong raised his sword slightly in acknowledgment. Flash! BOOOM! The Doom Knights charge was swift and powerful, its heavy blade slicing through the air with a piercing wail that echoed like the claws of despair. Seong advanced just as quickly, his movements elegant and fluid as his darkened blade danced through the air. When the two clashed KA-THRUM! The Doom Knights straightforward yet overwhelming strike met Seongs graceful, intricate arcs of shadow. The dark energy of Seongs blade wove through the air like delicate patterns, intercepting and redirecting the knights fierce attacks. CRACK! BOOOM! Each collision unleashed rippling shockwaves that pushed both combatants back. Without hesitation, they resumed their deadly dance, Seong wielding his shadow-infused sword with precision while the Doom Knight countered with its forceful, azure blade. The knights strikes aimed high, targeting Seongs upper body. Seong deftly diverted the attacks with his blade, smoothly deflecting them like a mothers gentle embrace before slipping into the knights guard and retaliating. Clang! The knight parried, using the flat of its blade as a shield. It deliberately staggered backward, stomping the ground to regain its footing before launching another powerful strike. Countless blows were exchanged. The Doom Knights direct, unyielding attacks clashed with Seongs graceful, flowing counters. Clang! Clang! Clang! The auras of shadow and azure blue collided again and again, creating an intricate interplay of lines and curves that painted the battlefield. Every collision sent a cascade of sparks and tremors through the surroundings. In mere seconds, dozens of strikes had been traded, their pace relentless, neither combatant willing to yield. The battlefield became divided: one side was enveloped in the ominous, night-like blue aura, while the other was cloaked in pure darkness. Both domains sought to consume each other, vying for dominance. As the balance between the two reached a precarious equilibrium, a new force emerged. From the ground beneath the Doom Knight, countless spectral hands, glowing with a greenish-blue hue, clawed their way upward. Snap! The ghastly hands, wreathed in deathly energy, latched onto the knights ankles, momentarily halting its movements. Behind it, a ghostly witch appeared, giggling as she placed a finger to her lips. Shhh... [Due to the Rulers Command, all skills are sealed for 5 seconds.] [The Doom Knights Remnant partially resists the effect.] [Duration reduced to 2 seconds.] The sealing of its skills caused the sinister azure aura to dissipate. In its absence, the domain of darkness surged forward, consuming the battlefield. [You have activated the swordsmanship skill: Darkness.] [The overwhelming power of darkness begins to consume even the undead.] [The darkness has blinded the Doom Knights Remnant.] [The darkness has deafened the Doom Knights Remnant.] [The darkness has numbed the Doom Knights Remnant.] [The darkness has muted the Doom Knights Remnant.] [The darkness has stripped the Doom Knights Remnant of all senses.] [This effect will persist as long as the sword remains infused with darkness.] Deprived of all its senses, the Doom Knight was overwhelmed by spectral soldiers that emerged from the ground. These soldiers, wreathed in deep green mist, detonated in a series of explosions, consuming the knight in a storm of fiery destruction. BOOOOOM! The resulting black cloud, shaped like a giant skull, engulfed the area, devouring everything in its path. For a moment, it was pure annihilation. Even through the games screen, viewers felt the sheer magnitude of the destruction. The illusion was so potent that they momentarily questioned whether they themselves might be consumed by the cataclysm. Was this the hand of death itself? Despite the apparent end, Seongs battle stance remained. Viewers tilted their heads in confusion as the dense black cloud was suddenly torn apart. Emerging from the carnage was the Doom Knight. Its equipment, reduced to scraps, clung to its charred bones, and its once-proud sword was shattered, leaving only a jagged half-blade. Its bones glowed red-hot, warped from the intense heat, yet it took a step forward and spoke. De... struc... tion... I... shall... deliver... BOOOOOOM! With an eruption of blue aura, the Doom Knight restored itself to a semblance of its former glory. Its armor and weapon reformed, enveloped in the azure glow, as its skeletal frame was wreathed in a celestial aura. Seong readied himself as the system message appeared: [The Doom Knights Remnant has suffered extreme damage.] [The Doom Knights Remnant has entered Phase 3.] [The Doom Knights Remnant has partially regained its former strength.] [Proceed with caution.] Chapter 105 The system message itself was a warning of the danger. Gripping his now unenchanted sword, Seong lowered his stance. He had already landed two devastating skills on his opponentboth with overwhelming power. Yet, the enemy now stood stronger than before, forcing a wry smile to spread behind Seong''s mask. "This wont be easy." The only powerful skill Seong had left was the Blood Venom Chain, but it was weaker compared to the two skills he had previously used. It wouldnt be enough to turn the tide of the battle. Analyzing the cooldowns of his remaining skills with calm precision, Seong prepared for the next phase before the Doom Knights Remnant could close the distance. While Seong remained composed, the viewers were in uproar. "Is it even possible to win this?!""This doesnt look like a level 80C120 difficulty! What is this!?""Even if this were a raid boss, itd still feel impossible!""Maybe if 30 players sacrificed themselves...?""Nah, if hed just brought his summons, especially the ones that seemed like officers, this wouldve been manageable." Disappointment rippled through the chat as viewers lamented Seongs apparent lack of preparation. The summons that appeared to be lieutenantseach of them exuding auras stronger than even Mayrinwouldve made short work of this fight. Still, a subset of viewers reveled in the challenge. "Actually, this is perfect!""The harder it is, the better we can see his skills!""He wouldnt be here if he didnt have confidence, right?""No matter what, this is thrilling!""This is worth every penny of the ticket price!""Agreed. Finding a stream with this level of quality is near impossible these days." Regardless of Seongs victory or defeat, they were thoroughly entertained. This wasnt just any stream; it was a broadcast of rare quality, especially at this level. Most guilds avoided low-level streams since they lacked profitability. But thisthis was an exception. It was exhilarating, a broadcast that made hearts race, with no comparable live stream in recent memory. Seong, however, remained oblivious to the chats reactions. "Its coming." Having calculated all remaining skill cooldowns and the time required for their recovery, Seong braced himself. The Doom Knights Remnant, exuding its ominous dark-blue aura, began to charge. BOOOOM! With each step, the ground shattered and upheaved, as though the land itself sought to consume everything. The sheer force of the charge could have intimidated anyonebut Seong stood firm. Gripping the turquoise heart in his right hand, he willed it to beat. Thumpthump From between the upheaved earth, the same eerie turquoise energy emerged, pulsing and surging. From this energy, an army of shadowy undead arose. Hundreds of them. Though individually weak, their overwhelming numbers were enough to momentarily stall the Doom Knights charge. BOOOOOM! "Graaaaah!" "Clatter!" "Aaaaaah!" The Doom Knights Remnant tore through the horde with its dark-blue sword, slicing through the undead as it pushed forward. "Wait, didnt he already summon this many earlier?!""How much mana does he even have?!""This is insane." Even Seong seemed aware of his dwindling mana. He swiftly pulled out a tricolored whistle, using it to restore his reserves.@@@@ Then, Seong activated his next skill. "Three minutes." At his declaration, the image of clock hands appeared above the Doom Knights Remnant. A faint ticking sound followed: Tick-tocktick-tock The sound was unsettling, almost foreboding. The Doom Knights Remnant, visibly irritated by the ticking, infused its legs with aura and leaped high into the air. BOOOOOM! The ground trembled and fractured as the undead army was swept away. Shards of earth and debris scattered in all directions, disrupting the undeads formation. "What the...?!""How is he supposed to block that?!""Hes done for.""What... did I just watch?!""That massive AoE attack got sliced in half?!""It mustve been a skill! That sword technique was insane!""This is ridiculous." But the constant defense left the Remnant with no chance to counter. Occasionally, it tried to use skills, but Seong disrupted them by stealing and redirecting the same skills back. The relentless pressure left the Remnant no choice but to focus solely on defense. The viewers were astounded by the spectacle of precision and skill. "Wait, so he wasnt relying on skills earlier?!""Thats impossible without actual swordsmanship.""Unbelievable...""How skilled must he be IRL to pull this off?" It was a masterclass in swordsmanship. NPCs and monsters, especially high-level ones, were renowned for their advanced combat techniques. A boss of this calibera major event boss like the Doom Knights Remnantwould possess unparalleled skills. And yet, Seong was matching it blow for blow without relying on skills, an achievement few could believe. As the Remnant focused on defending against Seongs attacks, a turquoise spear pierced through its shield from an unexpected angle. The Remnant tried to retreat, but Seong moved like a predator, cutting off its escape route. Thud! The spear struck true, burying itself into the Remnant. Despite the damage, the Remnant saw an opportunityif it could endure the pain and launch a counterattack, the tide of battle might turn. But death itself intervened. Five spectral hands emerged from the ground behind the Remnant, coalescing into the shape of a massive scythe. The embodiment of death swung the scythe lazily yet lethally toward the Remnant. Slice "Oh my god, I thought my own head was about to fall off...""Same here.""This is like a horror movie!" The viewers werent the only ones overwhelmedthe Remnant trembled with fear as it felt the scythes damage reverberate through its body. Desperate to regain control, the Remnant charged at Seong, wildly swinging its sword. But every attempt was in vain. Seong sidestepped the attacks effortlessly, countering with precision each time. The Remnants shield was pierced again by another turquoise spear. This time, it discarded the shield entirely to avoid the attack. But as it repositioned, a black orb struck its abdomen. CRACK! The sickening sound of shattering bones echoed as the dark-blue aura surrounding the Remnant began to fracture. "Its almost over, right?""I cant believe hes actually winning this!""This is incredible..." The battles climax was approaching, with tension rising to its peak. As Seongs declared three minutes passed, the clock hands above the Remnants head struck the hour. A resounding chime echoed through the battlefield. DONG! DONG! DONG! It was a death knell, summoning the Remnants doom. The dark-blue aura enveloping the Remnant cracked, shattering like glass. Had the Remnant still possessed a physical body, it wouldve been coughing blood from every orifice. Paralyzed by the extreme damage, the Remnant was unable to move. Seong snapped his fingers. Snap! At his command, the surrounding undead legion surged toward the immobilized Remnant. Amidst the chaos, greenish mist flared, igniting into flames that consumed the area. Seong vanished into the shadows, reappearing a safe distance away as the explosion erupted. The blast enveloped the Remnant, shattering its body and scattering the dark-blue aura into the air. System messages began to flood Seongs vision. [Main Quest: The Doom Knights Invasion has been cleared.] [Main Quest rewards will be granted.] [You have acquired ownership of the summon, Doom Knight, Leonic Evoke.] [The summon, Doom Knight, Leonic Evoke, will grow according to the Overlords level.] [Helenas power, left to Doom Knight, Leonic Evoke, has been fully transferred.] [The power of the past Overlord has been inherited.] [The power of the past has been inherited.] [You have received rewards.] [As a Main Quest reward, you have acquired the Almighty-tier class-exclusive skill, Knights of Ruin.] [As a Main Quest reward, the number of appointments for the Almighty-tier skill, Commander of the Legion of Death, has increased.] Among the flames, a spirit emerged, its face radiating joy. "Ah... finally! Im free at last!" Chapter 106 0.@@@@ Seong wrapped up the explosion with a stoic calm. The ghost wasnt the only one visibly elated. Naturally, the audience, who had been glued to the live broadcast, went wild. Wow! That was insane! Absolutely insane! I literally held my breath watching that. That was worth every penny. Honestly, isnt this a steal? Watching a stream like this for this price? LOL, Im subscribing to Rapid Guild and turning on notifications for their streams. This is how it should be. If youre Korean, please subscribe to Rapid Guild. The viewers were in an uproar. It was a broadcast that left them thoroughly satisfied. Normally, after a victory like this, one would expect some kind of reaction: cheers of triumph, a celebratory roar, or even a flashy performance. But Seong showed none of that. He remained composed. [Thats all for todays broadcast. Thank you for watching.] ...?????? ...??????? ...?????? Wait, thats it? ...?????? Ending the stream with such a humble statement? After displaying such an extraordinary performance? While bearing the title of Demon King? The viewers lingered, refusing to believe it was truly over. Moments later, the words Broadcast Ended appeared, and the screen faded to black. The stream had indeed concluded. Even though the stream had ended, the chat remained active, and the reactions only grew more intense. LOL LOL LOL LOL. Who ends a stream like this? LOL. The performance was insane, but this ending? LOL. Hes thanking us for watching when were the ones who should feel honored. LOL, seriously, this was gold. His humility is refreshing. Honestly, so many people these days act arrogant while being nowhere near as skilled as the Demon King. True LOL. Instant fan here! Demon King! Please stream more often! While the viewers reveled in the moment, there were others who found the atmosphere irritatingprimarily the guilds competing with Rapid Guild in the rankings. Notably, Eclipse Order, ranked 4th among all guilds, felt the impact. Ha... We cant catch up now, can we? We might have to settle for staying in 4th place. This is disappointing... The senior members of Eclipse Order couldnt help but admit defeat. Even with Mayrin and their current top-ranking player, Wade, leading a two-pronged strategy, it was clear they couldnt measure up. Seongs performance today had all but solidified his future as a top-ranking solo player. In comparison, Wade, their ace, was only ranked 15thfar from a position to compete with the likes of Seong. Adding to that, Rapid Guild already boasted Yuna, ranked 9th among solo players. If Seong continued to rise at this pace? We wont even be able to challenge Rapid Guild. With just us, theres no way forward. Ha... Most of Eclipse Orders senior members were consumed by despair. While being ranked 4th was still impressive, the rising pressure from the guilds below them made maintaining their position increasingly difficult. They had brought Mayrin, a remarkable talent, on board to try and climb higher, but it wasnt enough. There was only one option left. Well have to accept Echo Willows proposal. It seems thats our only path forward. Well, even if we align with them, it doesnt directly harm us. The senior members exchanged knowing smiles, referencing Echo Willowa group that had remained conspicuously absent even as the major event approached its climax. 1. Seong ended the stream abruptly. He had his reasons. It was time to savor the sweet rewards of completing the main quest. He had gained new skills, a powerful summon, and even the appointment of a Legion Commander. Yet what Seong anticipated the most was something else entirely. Before him knelt a skeletal knight, one knee to the ground in a posture of loyalty, swearing fealty to him. Beside it stood a translucent teal ghost with a faintly fractured appearance, pixelated edges shimmering faintly. The Doom Knight, Leonic Evokes body and spirit, both knelt in unison, bowing deeply to Seong. ... The skeletal knight remained silent, seemingly incapable of speech. For the new successor to possess such extraordinary talent and skill... This must surely be a virtue of the previous Lord. This knight is deeply moved. The ghost spoke excessively, his tone noble and refined. Seong, feeling slightly awkward, nodded stiffly in response. Despite the formal manner of speech being reminiscent of Noctrynnium, Leonic was far from reserved. He was verbose, to say the least. Still, Seong acknowledged his abilities and replied, though his words felt forced. Ah, well then, Ill receive the memory... Hah! It is humbling to request this of you, but as a lord, you must remember to consider the hierarchy between ruler and servant. I ask that you lower your tone when addressing me. ...Ah, very well. I shall do so. Though baffled, Seong found himself slipping into a more archaic manner of speech. For reasons he couldnt quite explain, it felt fitting. Satisfied, Leonic nodded approvingly. Now, it was time to delve into his memories. While Seongs stats would rise, he was more interested in the swordsmanship those memories would reveal. Ahhh! I am overwhelmed by your boundless generosity, my lord! Leonics gratitude came with another long-winded speech, prompting Seong to shake his head in exasperation. Despite the theatrics, he was just as curious to test the skill. When Seong activated Knights of Ruin, the skies darkened instantly. It was as if a portal to the underworld had opened. A swirling black-and-teal vortex materialized, and from it erupted a thunderous neighing sound. Whiiiiiiinnnnneee! The pounding of hooves followed, a rhythmic crescendo of galloping horses that grew louder with each passing second. The sound reached a deafening roar, shaking the earth and air as nine shadowy figures burst forth from the portal. Each figure rode a ghostly steed wreathed in black flames, their armor and weapons exuding an aura of death. Though their number was smallonly ninetheir overwhelming presence filled the air with the might of an entire army. Theyre as terrifying as Valtar, Seong thought, recalling the fearsome knight he had summoned previously. While none of them individually matched Valtar, their combined presence was suffocating. Even Leonic, newly appointed as commander, seemed momentarily taken aback. Did an undead truly think to make us his subordinates? The knight at the front of the group sneered down at Leonic with contempt. The arrogance in his tone was palpable, befitting warriors from the Demon Realm. It was clear the knights had no intention of obeying. For now, at least. Should I shelve this skill until I can assert control? Judging by the atmosphere, Leonic would have to subdue all nine knights before they would even consider following him. Leonic, however, remained undeterred. His navy-blue eyes flared with determination, his aura brimming with defiance. So hes going to fight them after all, Seong mused. Despite his verbose and pompous demeanor, Leonics martial prowess was undeniable. As Seong braced for a clash, Leonic suddenly roared, Which generation are you from?! ...What? ...W-What?? Even Seong was stunned. The Knights of Ruin exchanged bewildered glances, their arrogance giving way to confusion. I asked, what generation are you?! R-Ruin! 1263rd generation! Your voice is too weak!!! R-RUIN! 1263RD GENERATION, SIR!!! Im from the 3rd generation. Bow your heads!!! Astonishingly, glowing numbers appeared above each knight, indicating their generation. Upon seeing Leonics number, the knights collectively paled. R-RUIN!!! R-RUIN!!! R-RUIN!!! Without hesitation, the nine knights dismounted and knelt, their foreheads pressed firmly to the ground in submission. A dumbfounded Seong watched the scene unfold in silence. My lord, may I take a moment to educate these younger knights? It seems their discipline has been neglected, haha. ... [The Knights of Ruin now obey Death Legion Commander C Doom Knight, Leonic Evoke.] Seong sighed and nodded. It didnt seem necessary, but there was no harm in letting Leonic have his way. Thank you, my lord! Now, you all heard that, didnt you?! Lets start by fixing your mental discipline...! As Leonic launched into his tirade, Seong quietly retreated to a safer distance. It wasnt because he didnt want to hear it. And it certainly wasnt because the situation reminded him of his days in the military, where lectures like this were the norm. Absolutely not. Chapter 107 Seong, having retreated to some distance, glanced up at the sky absentmindedly. [The large-scale event "Legion of Calamity" will conclude once all Legion forces are defeated.] "Ah." He had completely forgotten about that. This wasn''t the time to be idling. Perhaps he could test the Knights of Ruin against the forces there. "I should head back." As soon as Seong uttered those words, Leonic shouted, "Back to the battlefield!!!" The Knights of Ruin immediately echoed his cry in unison. "Ruuuuuuuuuinnnnnnnn!!!" With excessive enthusiasm, the knights mounted their ghostly steeds in perfect synchronization, the spectacle resembling a scene straight out of a movie. However, one knight stood idly by, not mounting his steed. Why isnt that one getting on? Seong glanced at the knight, quickly recognizing himit was the same one who had spoken rudely to Leonic earlier. Looking between the ghostly steeds and the knights, Seong suddenly noticed something. "Oh." He spotted Leonic mounted among the knights. "My lord! Allow me to escort you!" Leonic declared, looking back at him. "Ah, well... sure." Seong climbed onto the ghostly steed with Leonic. Without missing a beat, Leonic turned the horse and commanded, "Knights of Ruin! Advance!!! Target: Legion of Calamity!" "Target: Legion of Calamityyyyyyy!!!" The knights roared in response, spurring their ghostly mounts forward with tremendous momentum. The sound of galloping hooves thundered through the surroundings as the Knights of Ruin charged ahead. The speed was astonishingon par with Anemores capabilities, far faster than Seong could fly. He nodded in pure admiration, thinking theyd reach their destination in no time. Less than three minutes, maybe? He had worried that the skills duration would run out before they arrived, but that seemed unlikely now. Then another thought crossed his mind. What about the knight without a steed? Seong glanced back and immediately saw the knight sprinting furiously, gasping for breath. "Haaaahhh!!! Haaahhh!!! Heeeaaaahh!!!" The knights desperate wheezing sounded like he was on the verge of collapse. Feeling sorry for him, Seong briefly considered asking someone to share their mount. But it was clear everyone was intentionally ignoring the knight. Why? Because he was the one who had dared to act insolent toward Leonic earlier. Rank matters, Seong thought, turning his head away with a pang of guilt. "Haaaahhh!!! Haaaahhh!!!" The sound of labored breathing continued behind them, but Seong, like the other knights, pretended not to notice. 2. The large-scale event had escalated into an all-out war. The sheer number of players and Legion forces made the battle resemble something straight out of a movie. However, the further the event progressed, the more it felt like grim reality rather than cinematic fiction. "Arghhh!" "Move the injured!" "Forget moving them! Force a logout!" "Shit! More are coming!!!" The battlefield was a chaotic frenzy, eerily reminiscent of a real war. This was what war truly entailed. Yet, amidst the chaos, certain individuals shone brightlyheroes who stood out even in the pandemonium. Mayrin from Eclipse Order, Kurosawa Ren from Tempest Wing, and Junhyuk from Sig Brothers were among them. "Follow Mayrin!" "Clear the path Ren opened!" "Junhyuk is moving out!!!" These three acted as vanguard commanders, their presence radiating authority and strength. However, elsewhere on the battlefield, another group dominated with an entirely different energy. Mayrins concern was understandable. The Demon King was impressive, no doubt about it. He had defeated this events boss and left a lasting impact. But to face Echo Willow on top of all that? Could he truly win? Her worries werent unwarranted. What about your guild, Junhyuk? Well... Junhyuk scratched his head awkwardly. My guild apparently contacted Rapid Guild. Oh, so theyre sending reinforcements? Well, if its Rapid Guild, thats reassuring, Mayrin and Ren said, perking up slightly. Junhyuk gave an uncomfortable laugh. No, they said the Demon King would handle it himself, so just leave him be. ...??? ...??? Had Rapid Guild abandoned the Demon King? Without support, even he would struggle against Echo Willow. The trio exchanged uneasy glances as they turned their attention to the Echo Willow forces advancing toward them. The group was massive, numbering in the hundreds. It didnt seem like something anyone could handle alone. Even with Seongs Death Legion, his mana wasnt infinite. Could he really hold out? Had Rapid Guild truly left him to fend for himself? Uncertain of the situation, the trio stood frozen, watching the approaching army. 3. Seong had always been quick to read the atmosphere, and this time was no exception. Sensing the tension, he dismounted from behind Leonic and used his flight skill to rise into the air. From his vantage point, he saw several players herding the remnants of the Legion of Calamity away while others were closing in, surrounding him and his Death Legion. Though the situation seemed odd, their red-flashing usernames and guild emblems gave them away. Echo Willow? He had encountered them before. As they tightened their encirclement, other players wisely withdrew from the area. Looks like they want to capture me. Seongs suspicions were confirmed when he received a message from Rapid Guild. [Rapid - Looks like Echo Willow wants revenge. Do you need help?] The slightly worried tone of the message made Seong chuckle. The enemy numbered close to a thousand. For an ordinary player, taking on a thousand enemies would be impossible. Would it be the same for other Almighty-tier classes? Perhaps they could manage in normal circumstances, but after a large-scale event like this? Probably not. But Seong wasnt just any Almighty-tier class; he was an Overlord, standing at the pinnacle. He wasnt worried. [Seong - Not at all. Ill record this, too.] After sending a brief reply, Seong hit the record button and stepped forward. From Echo Willows side, a representative emerged to negotiateor so it seemed. Curious, Seong decided to hear them out. The first words out of their mouth were atrocious. Surrender peacefully and hand over all your items. It wasnt even worth responding to. Amused, Seong shook his head and snapped his fingers. "Knights of Ruin! Crush those arrogant fools!" "Ruuuuuuuuinnnnnnnn!!!" The highly disciplined Knights of Ruin surged forward, their ghostly steeds thundering as they charged into battle. Chapter 108 4. The sudden assault by Echo Willow left everyone in shock. Despite keeping part of the Legion of Calamity intact to prevent the event from ending, Echo Willow seized the opportunity to surround Seong and his forces. Wait, what??? What the hell is going on?! Is that Echo Willow?! Are other karma guilds with them?! Whats happening here?! It didnt take long to figure it out. Echo Willow had been lying in wait, biding their time until Seong was exhausted before launching this ambush. It was a cunning and vile strategya textbook example of the kind of tactic a karma guild alliance would employ. It was only natural for other guilds to step in and help Seong fend off this treacherous attack. However, none of them moved. Even top-ranking guilds like Eclipse Order (4th), Tempest Wing (8th), and Sig Brothers (12th) didnt lift a finger. In fact, their inaction was even more suspicious. What... whats going on? Are they clearing a path for them? Eclipse Order and Tempest Wing are just stepping aside like they expected this! Sig Brothers seemed like they were resisting at first, but now theyre retreating too?? What the hell is happening?! The situation defied explanation. These guilds had always been rivals, constantly at each others throats in Dune Wild Trail. Why were they cooperating now? It didnt take much thought to realize the answer. Theyre insane... theyre teaming up with Echo Willow to take down the Demon King? Wow... Im disgusted. How could they sink this low? This is so disappointing. The spectators were quick to condemn the guilds. Teaming up with notorious karma guilds to eliminate a rising star like the Demon King was a disgraceful act, devoid of honor. Even though they werent directly attacking Seong, their actions were no better than those of the karma guilds. Sig Brothers had initially resisted but ultimately backed off, putting them in the same boat as everyone else. Will... will the Demon King be okay? Theres no way. He just fought the event boss and is maintaining his legionhis mana must be almost gone by now. Honestly, the fact that hes lasted this long is a miracle. He hasnt even leveled up, so his mana probably hasnt regenerated either. While some players voiced faint hopes, the majority were pessimistic. It was unreasonable to expect Seong to hold out any longer. No matter how skilled he was, even a rising star had limits, and he was surely at his breaking point. Should we help him? ...Were exhausted too. ...What if we help and still lose? Theres no guarantee well survive. The independent players hesitated, intimidated by the overwhelming strength of Echo Willow and the other karma guilds. They were also afraid of potential retaliation. It was a rational decision. As Echo Willows representative stepped forward to speak with Seong, the onlookers assumed negotiations were about to begin. Surely a reasonable person would at least attempt to negotiate. But then... "Knights of Ruin! Crush those arrogant fools!" "Ruuuuuuuinnnnnnnn!!!" At Seongs gesture, the Knights of Ruin and the Death Legion sprang into action. The spectators were stunned. Hes... hes fighting them? But isnt it obvious hell lose? What the hell is the Demon King doing? Does he think its better to go down fighting than to surrender? It was a bold move, to say the least. Choosing to fight in such a hopeless situation seemed reckless. Negotiation would have been the safer route. And yet... Thats so cool. He wont even talk to a karma guild, huh? Man, I shouldve known from his justice video. Wow, even though hell probably lose, his determination is inspiring. Though it seemed foolish, Seongs refusal to back down earned him admiration. Challenging the impossible wasnt something just anyone could do. As his forces charged forward, Echo Willows side couldnt hide their surprise. They had expected Seong to negotiate or propose a compromise. That he chose to fight instead was beyond their expectations. Whats his deal? Echo Willows leader, Blacklash, couldnt comprehend Seongs decision. The elites tried to react, raising their weapons to defend themselves, but they were too slow. By the time their blades were up, Seongs sword had already slashed through. The sheer power of his attacks drained 25% of their health in a single blow. What the hell?! How is his damage this high?! The elites were horrified. They werent fighting a swordsmanthey were fighting a necromancer. And yet, Seongs strength and agility were as terrifying as his mana and magic. Despite their disbelief, they charged again. Seong responded by summoning a teal-glowing spear with one hand while launching a black projectile with the other. His blade danced between them, parrying and countering every attack. Each swing of his sword seemed to slice through not only weapons but also the resolve of his enemies. Blacklash, regaining his senses, watched the scene unfold in disbelief. In the brief moment it had taken him to recover and rejoin the fight, three of his elite comrades had already fallen. What... what the hell is this...? He turned his gaze to the wider battlefield, where the Knights of Ruin and the Death Legion were annihilating the karma guild forces. Is this even real? Overwhelmed by the crushing reality, Blacklash hesitated. Meanwhile, Seong, moving effortlessly among the remaining elites, smiled with genuine delight. The memories of Leonic had not only enhanced his swordsmanship but also deepened his understanding of combat. This is more useful than I expected. As two swordsmen lunged at him, Seong casually deflected a spear thrust with his hand, stepping back to prepare for a counterattack. Spinning his body, he unleashed a devastating horizontal slash that struck both enemies simultaneously. Though they had attacked first, Seongs blade reached them before theirs could reach him. His fluid, unpredictable movements left the enemies visibly shaken. Mon... monster... Hes not human... We cant win... Faced with a foe they couldnt hope to defeat, the remaining elites trembled in fear. Seong, unimpressed, struck them down one by one. By the time Blacklash rejoined the fight, only three of the original ten elites were left standing. In disbelief, Blacklash began to shake uncontrollably. He had thought they only needed to endure a little longer to secure victory. He had been wrong. The fool wasnt himit was us. Slash! That thought was Blacklashs last. With their leader gone, the remaining elites fell in quick succession. Seeing this, the karma guild members began to panic. Run!!! We cant win this!!! Damn it! Echo Willow, what happened to all that confidence?! Just retreat!!! The thousand-strong villain alliance scattered in every direction. Exhausted but victorious, Seong smiled faintly. Had they attacked with full force, the battle might have gone differently. But since they fled on their own, he didnt need to push himself further. With the collapse of the karma guild alliance, the remaining remnants of the Legion of Calamity were quickly dealt with. Finally, the long-awaited message appeared. [The large-scale event "Legion of Calamity" has concluded.] [Contribution Rankings] [1st: Seong - 839,194 points] [2nd: Mayrin - 172,364 points] [3rd: Junhyuk - 122,219 points] [4th: Kurosawa Ren - 113,953 points] [5th: Trang - 93,161 points] ...(truncated)... [Total Contribution: 1,500,000 points] [Rewards are being calculated. Please wait.] At last, the event had ended. Chapter 109 As the final scores were revealed with resounding finality, the chaos among the spectators reached its peak, amplified by the unexpected events that had unfolded at the end. The uprising of the Echo Willow faction and other Karma guilds. And the one who quelled it allSeong. There was so much to talk about; the commotion was only natural. After all, the events protagonist was none other than Seong himself. Did you see that?! The Demon King is insane! Wow, he destroyed the guild alliance alone?! Okay, sure, most of them ran away, but taking down their elite units solo is still insane! And his swordsmanshipwhy is he that good?! Damn! This is legendary! The crowd unanimously showered praise on Seong, now infamously known as the "Demon King." His performance in just one day had been awe-inspiring, to say the least. Of course, that wasnt the only topic of discussion. There was something else just as shocking. The so-called major guilds teaming up with Karma guilds?! Absolute disgrace. What a humiliation. Have they no honor? Okay, I get that they wanted to suppress a rising rookie, but teaming up with Karma guilds is beyond pettyits downright disgusting. Seriously. It feels wrong on so many levels. Eclipse Order? Total disappointment. The major guilds, who should have been the other key players in the event, instead found themselves the target of ridicule and outrage. Praise for their actions? Not even close. They were bombarded with criticism. Given the circumstances, most of these guilds had no choice but to vacate the area. Staying any longer would only tarnish their reputation further. Had they succeeded in their plans, they might have spun the narrative differently, claiming they hadnt participated fully due to "lack of resources." But failure, combined with their shameful collusion with the Karma guilds, left them with no ground to stand on. Who wouldve thought theyd fail? If they had pulled it off, we couldve excused ourselves as neutral parties who didnt want to get involved. We acted out of impatience and poor judgment. The core leaders of the major guilds could only stew in regret, but the damage was already done. Even within their ranks, dissatisfaction ran high. The main culprits, Eclipse Order and Tempest Wing, bore the brunt of internal discontent. Their leaders, Mayrin and Kurosawa Ren, were deeply disappointed. I actually thought those guilds had some integrity... Mayrin muttered. I get acting in self-interest when theres profit to be made, but teaming up with them? Thats crossing a line, Kurosawa Ren replied, frowning. Youre not wrong. Partnering with Karma guilds while operating in Dune Wild Trail is essentially becoming one of them. Mayrins biting criticism left no room for argument. In Dune Wild Trail, siding with the Karma guilds was considered a major taboo. Among the few exceptions was the Sick Brothers trio, who had quickly assessed the situation and informed the Rapid Guild. Thanks to their foresight, Junhyuk was the only one among them not feeling disappointed. Junhyuk might be fine with it, but what about you? Mayrin asked. Not exactly thrilled, Kurosawa Ren admitted, his expression darkening. With tensions high, the group eventually split up, each returning to their respective guilds. Meanwhile, Seong, who had swept through the event like a storm, wiped the sweat from his brow. He dismissed most of his summoned forces back to the Dark Castle of the Netherworld, leaving only Noctrynnium, Fiora, Valtar, and his newly acquired Leonic by his side. It wasnt just fatigue. Seong had exhausted his mana reserves to the limit, and maintaining any more summons was impossible. As expected, it was a synergy skill, more of a summoning ability than an attack skill. It allowed him to create soldiers to fight under the influence of Black Sun. A thought crossed Seongs mind. Will the Piercing Darkness effect apply here? Given that the summoned soldiers were tied to darkness, they were technically considered dark-attribute entities. If the piercing effect applied, it could make these soldiers unstoppable. He was curious to test whether this would turn them into an invincible force or result in a swarm of relentless attackers. This should be fun. Now for the next skill. Deciding to experiment later, Seong turned his attention to the other skill. The name alone sent chills down his spine: Sovereign of Abyssal Fear. Sovereign of Abyssal Fear Almighty [Lv 1][Growth-Type] [Instant Effect][Active] [Cooldown: 20 minutes] The terror lurking in the abyss descends upon the earth, engulfing all in its grasp. Those who taste its fear will worship its master. Exclusive to the Overlord class. Designates a target to be enveloped by fear. Absorbs health and mana from the target consumed by fear. As the skill level increases, the number of targets that can be designated grows. Holy! Seongs usually composed demeanor faltered as he read the description. This wasnt just any skillit was precisely what he had been yearning for: a drain-type skill. Unlike ordinary drain skills that only siphoned health, this one absorbed both health and mana simultaneously. It was a game-changer, a skill tailor-made for prolonged, resource-intensive battles. This is insane. With this skill in hand, Seong could now focus on supplementing his arsenal with utility or build-up skills from the Overlords Codex. The Legendary Random Boxes provided even more options, and the sheer number of choices left him in a pleasant state of indecision. For now, he turned his attention to Anemores corpse. Raising it as a member of his Legion of Death would undoubtedly enhance his forces. Lets start with the corpse, then give it the Legion Commander role. Maybe add Transcendent Death after that for maximum power... As he prepared to summon the corpse, a thought struck him. Wait. He recalled a message from before: Commander of the Legion of Death prohibited additional summons once the role was assigned. It might be better to apply Transcendent Death first and then raise it into the Legion of Death. Transcendent Death allowed even corpses that had reached their summoning limit to evolve beyond their potential. Seong smiled as he sorted through his strategy. Guess Ill need to pay extra attention to the sequence. If done right, he might even find a way to bend the systems rules in his favor. Well, lets check out the other rewards first. Chapter 110 0. The all-nighter weekend grind had taken its toll on Lee Won-sang and Oh Jin-hyuk, both returning to the User Management Team looking utterly drained. Their dark circles told the tale of the grueling, impromptu event that had them working to the bone. But despite their exhaustion, no one welcomed them back with sympathyit wasnt that kind of workplace. Seongs performance had, once again, defied all expectations. Not only had he taken first place, but he had also gained 21 levels. The mere thought of what else he might have acquired was unsettling. Legendary boxes, high-level skills, rare itemsthe list went on. And with every reward claimed, Seong inched closer to becoming unstoppable. Won-sang grimaced. I shouldve known... Echo Willow, those spineless cowards. Even villains like them were a headache for the User Management Team, but this time, their retreat stung more than usual. If theyd pressed on, even Seong couldnt have held out. Instead, they had buckled, handing him a clean victory. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 111 It had been a while since he last used it, but it hadnt even been a week. Though it felt like a month had passed, what did it matter? The only thing that mattered now was that he could summon a new Demon Knight! Not only was Seong excited, but even Valtar was visibly thrilled at the thought of gaining a new subordinate. While it was possible for a Knight stronger than Valtar to appear, the chances were slim. "Wasnt it said that the summoning odds are best right after obtaining the skill?" He was completely immobilized, unable to even twitch a finger. In that state, the scenery around him began to melt away like a painting washed in water, replaced by a new landscape as if he were watching a scene unfold on a grand screen. It was a summoning event. What kind of figure would emerge this time? The surroundings disappeared, along with the subordinates who had been standing by. Now it was just Seong, floating ghost-like in the void, until the scene began to shift and take form around him. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 112 It wasnt just random after all? The fact that Hindels Apprentice Sword was listed as a "resonating item" made Seongs curiosity spike. "Does this mean I can specifically obtain Hindel-related items?" It was undoubtedly an incredible opportunity, but it raised a question. Why werent any of Helenas items appearing? The part about obtaining a set if all three boxes were used at once was intriguing. So if he chose skills, hed get three Legendary-grade ones at random, but if he chose items, they would form a set? "Whats the best choice here?" Intuitively, skills seemed like the better option. Skills were the cornerstone of a gamers strength. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 113 The two soulless versions of Anemore, despite their lack of a soul, were visually and physically more overwhelming than any other summon Seong had encountered. Even when compared to Barfur, who had undergone the same evolution through Transcended Death and was appointed as a Death Legion commander, the power emanating from these two forms was unmatched. The Anemore of Lightning radiated crackling energy, its electric surges scorching the ground around it, while the Anemore of Thunder sent deep, resonant waves rippling through the air, shaking the earth with each pulse. And then there was the original Anemore, housed within the Ash Crow Queens body, observing the other two with glowing eyes. It was a surreal scene. Seong scratched his head. Using the body for a field boss or dungeon bosss soul felt like a waste given its potential. As Seong mulled over the possibilities, a piercing screech echoed through the air. Kaaaaaaaaw! Turning to look, Seong saw that Anemore had made its choice, standing proudly in front of the Anemore of Lightning and smiling, as though it had found its perfect vessel. "Well, thats settled," Seong muttered. The Ash Crow Queens body that Anemore was currently inhabiting could be repurposed for another Ash Crow. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 114 Why is he acting so serious? Was he about to make a request? Curious, Seong asked Leonic directly. Are you going to ask me for something? H-how dare I make a request of you, my lord? Such a notion is utterly inconceivable! ...... Is it really that impossible? So this must be something important. Seeing their demeanor, Seong gestured with a nod for them to proceed. Based on my assessment of your abilities, my lord, if you were to visit a place where many souls have gathered, I am confident you could utilize your powers to great effect. Souls? This unexpected statement caught Seongs attention. A place where souls had gathered? If anyone else had said it, he might have dismissed it as nonsense. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 115 2. The Dune Wild Trail. An endless horizon of vast plains and barren wastelands stretched as far as the eye could see. There were hardly any structures worthy of note, the open expanse providing a sense of liberation, yet carrying an unmistakable desolation. Scattered here and there were small rest areas formed by caravans or tiny settlements created by nomadic tribes. Viewed from above, these tiny villages and caravans were reduced to mere specks, quickly passing by as if they were nothing more than dots on a map. Despite this breakneck pace, they still hadnt reached their destination. It was a testament to the sheer scale of the Dune Wild Trail. Before embarking on this journey, Seong had appointed Anemore as the Death Legion Commander, enabling them to move even faster. [Thunderous Anemore has been appointed as the Death Legion Commander.] [It has grown stronger and now leads the Death Legion.] It was a brief notification, but the implications were substantial. This single designation had significantly bolstered Anemores strength, raising it to a level on par with Valtar and Fiora. Aerial combat was no longer a concern. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 116 Elves. In a fantasy setting like Eternal World, its natural for them to make an appearance. However, hearing about elves in the Dune Wild Trail was unheard of. Of course, it wasnt an actual NPC that appeared. But even so, it was shocking enough. This region had always been known to have no elves. It feels like Ive uncovered some forgotten history. Long ago, elves lived in the Dune Wild Trail. Though a long time had passed, elves were a long-lived race. If they had survived, it was highly possible they were still alive. Exploring this possibility might be an enjoyable diversion while staying here. But then again... Not knowing if my skill levels have increased is tough. This field was literally a place where one could only train. With no way to check how much his skill levels had improved, it could have been frustrating. However, Seong didnt worry too much about it. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 117 He hadnt known Seong for long, so even Leonic had silently worried. However, after Seong demonstrated his capabilities so clearly, Leonic felt relieved and couldnt help but acknowledge Seong anew. If even Leonic reacted this way, it was no surprise that the other ghosts were thrown into a frenzy. Ohhh! Please take my memories too! My swordsmanship is exceptional! Unlike that valiant swordsmanship, mine is dazzling and elegant! My swordsmanship is designed to mesmerize and confuse enemies! He had experienced this when he absorbed the memories of an entire mercenary group. Now, having already absorbed Leonics memories and those of the burly elven ghost, he could tell he only had one attempt left for the day. Roughly one more, he estimated. Tomorrow, he might be able to absorb up to five memories again, but for today, this would have to be the last. Since he would be spending considerable time in this place and intended to absorb all the memories eventually, the order didnt particularly matter. Still, there were certain types of swordsmanship he was more interested in acquiring first. So far, Ive gained valiant swordsmanship, domineering swordsmanship, and elegant swordsmanship. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 118 0. It was truly the middle of the night chaos. Assistant Manager Lee Won-sang, despite having yelled out loud once already, didnt seem to have calmed down. Clutching his head in frustration, he let out another shout. Three? THREE?! No matter how special the Almighty-grade compensation is, this is ridiculous!!! S-sir, please calm down...! Calm down? Do I look like I can calm down?!@@@@ There was nothing to calm down about. Why does it have to be now of all times?! Considering Seong was currently in the Hall of Knights, gaining such skills would make him insanely powerful. Giving someone like Seong close-combat skills on top of everything else? It was terrifying to even think about. Assistant Manager Lee imagined the possibilities. At least for now, Seong only had Helenas powerful swordsmanship. But what if he obtained supportive skills for his swordsmanship or even additional offensive abilities? The thought alone made his stomach churn. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 119 As countless pages began to appear from the random skillbook, they fluttered and turned rapidly. This time, however, it was different. Golden, ornate pages shimmered alongside even more radiant and resplendent ones, their brilliance unmatched.@@@@ Shoooosh! The third page displayed an overwhelming storm of swords, sabers, and spears, surging like an unstoppable tidal wave. Ah, a chosen one indeed! Incredible! Hes drawn such legendary skills! Blessings upon the Chosen One! The elven knight ghosts erupted into a frenzy, clapping and cheering enthusiastically. Some even twirled through the air like acrobats in celebration. Their elation was almost too much, making Seong feel a twinge of embarrassment. Rarity: LegendaryLevel: 1 (Growth-type)Effect Type: Instant (Active)Cooldown: 10 minutesClass Restriction: KnightSkill Description: Upon activation, select a target.Inflicts Black Blood Stacks equal to the number of times the target has been struck by the user.The Cry of the Black Blood emanating from the weapon tears wounds into the target, dealing 10% damage per stack.Rarity: LegendaryLevel: 1 (Growth-type)Effect Type: Instant (Hybrid)Cooldown: 5 minutesDuration: 10 secondsClass Restriction: AssassinSkill Description: Enhances footwork to leave shadow-like afterimages.Instantly boosts movement speed by 1,000% and stealth by 500% upon activation.Rarity: LegendaryLevel: 1 (Growth-type)Effect Type: Instant (Active)Cooldown: 10 minutesClass Restriction: WarriorSkill Description: Unleashes a relentless flurry of slashes and thrusts.Attacks at a rate of 50 hits per second for 3 seconds, with each hit dealing 10% damage.Movement is restricted while the skill is active. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 120 3. [Unknown Power has enabled you to achieve feats impossible at your current level.] [Strength +2, Agility +8 have been permanently increased.] The third swordsmanship technique Seong chose belonged to a nimble-looking elven knight ghost. Her style was distinctly swift, a contrast to the raw power or balanced approaches of others. Swish! Swish! Swish! In a game world where instant kills werent the norm, such rapid yet low-impact strikes might seem impractical. But Seong wasnt just anyone. This is perfect for stacking damage, he thought. With his Mark of Death and similar abilities, this techniques rapid hits could amplify his attacks exponentially. The ghosts, as usual, were awestruck. Unbelievable progress yet again! Astonishing, truly astonishing! How can one have such talent?! Even with the absorbed memories, surpassing their original owners skill was no small feat. Yet Seong not only mastered their techniques instantly but refined them further.@@@@ You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 121 5. Gwon Restaurant, famous for its fine dining Korean cuisine.@@@@ Normally, it would be impossible to get a reservation even a month in advance, let alone just a day before. But there are always exceptions in life. Perhaps if you were close with the chef. Or if you were an investor when the restaurant was first established. In either case, it was possible to secure at least one seat. It was a modern dining space. They never imagined theyd actually be dining at a place famous on social media, often featured on TV. As Seong and Yu Mina looked around, their parents smiled and watched them with amusement. "Hehe, you two are surprised, aren''t you?" "Hmm, I guess we should have come here sooner." "Yeah, right?" From their reaction, it seemed like they had been here quite often. Thinking back... You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 122 The situation quickly turned into chaos. Even Seong couldn''t help but let out a sigh. First, he needed to sort things out. Right now, the one thing Seong could handle was... This is perfect. With that thought in mind, Seong connected with the ghost attached to Kim Che-geon, who was called Clara. Oh!? What is this?Oh ho?! "Y-You mean Yu Mina? Is she really your sister, Seong!?" "Well, yes. But how do you know Clara?" "Ah...! Please, call me Kim Che-geon! Do not use the name Clara here in Joseon. Yu Mina." "...You really havent changed." Clara, continuing to deny her real name and insisting on being called Kim Che-geon, had Yu Mina looking quite fed up. Seong finally started to piece things together. "So, you two..." This is indeed correct. After that, my descendants wandered around Joseon, becoming completely captivated by it and even coming to this distant foreign land.Ah! Please, take my memories and experiences with you! And, when you meet our descendants, please stop them!Whats going on!?A distinguished guest suddenly appears and heads to the training grounds?Did he have some sort of realization?Hey, you cant just merge sword techniques like that!Arent you going to try something similar?Hes a genius, so he might be able to do it with time, but at least not in less than a day! Impossible!What the!How could this be!What did I just see?!This... I''ve never seen something like this before!!Incredible!Huh!? He merged sword techniques again!?This time, he combined three!Wow... What incredible talent that even the heavens should fear!!!...Perhaps the distinguished guest no longer needs our sword techniques?...That might be true...Sigh...No, wait! If anything, we need to practice our sword techniques more so we can add more variety to our moves! Our sword techniques will definitely be useful to you! You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 123 0. Dune Wild Trail. Even after a major event had ended, it was still the area with the highest number of users and the most villains. Because of this, guilds tended to pay extra attention to their branches in Dune Wild Trail. Especially the Rapid Guild, the guild led by Seong, who had been the main focus of this event. A few people gathered at the guild branch. However, these weren''t faces familiar to the Rapid Guild. "Hahaha!!! It''s nice to meet you all!" Luna, who had worked hard to get to this point, looked a little tired as she glanced at Mayrin. Meanwhile, the other team members looked at Mayrin with curiosity. Especially the new recruits who didnt differ much from them. "Hmm, Im Kim Che-geon, the greatest swordsman of Joseon. I look forward to working with you." "Oh?! The greatest swordsman of Joseon!? I''ve heard of that!!! Hehehe, so you''re Korean!" "Hmm, in spirit, I can say I''m from Joseon." You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 124 2. Five days had passed since Seong entered. In the dark stone chamber, where not even a single ray of light could penetrate, a being who had been swinging a sword alone paused for a moment. The visitor who had arrived a few days ago. He had seen the effort of this visitor, and although he had thought that this visitor would never reach this point, he now sensed movement. With unkempt white hair and a long, untrimmed beard, he closed his eyes as he sensed the presence. "Dont get your hopes up." Even if he gained the conditions to take the test... The more he relied on things, the more he was hurt. So... "He wont make it to this point..." He muttered words he didnt even expect to say. However, that was only for a moment. The visitor, who had entered for the test, quickly moved on to the next one. "...?" At first, he thought it was just a stroke of luck and was about to continue swinging his sword.@@@@ As expected!!! My lord, youve cut through the mithril in one stroke!!!Truly amazing!!!Theres a strong presence below.My lord, it seems this one is not in his right mind.How pitiful.Hmm.Ah, this is all Leonik''s fault. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 125 As Seong spoke to the elf elder, he quickly charged at him. Wham! Slash! With a swift push off the ground, Seongs speed was so fast that even with the same stats, no one else could match it. It was a technique made possible by using all the strength of his body. However, the elf elder didnt show any surprise. Instead, he welcomed Seong with the attitude that this was to be expected. "Good."@@@@ It seemed as though the elf was watching with interest to see what kind of swordsmanship Seong would use. As he saw the elegant and smooth swordplay, the elf elder adopted a defensive stance with interest. The soft can defeat the hard. But if the hard is more steadfast, thats a different story. No matter how soft the wrapping, it could not fully hold a sharp, strong sword. The elf elders sword was firm, and it aimed to slice through Seongs smooth sword. But at that moment, the calm waves of the sea suddenly became a violent tide, sweeping through the elf elders sword. Kaaaaaaang! Wow! Wow! Wow!!!Its Lords victory.Hmm, I could explain it, but if youre really curious, Ill tell you.There are indeed minor wounds on the Lord, but if you look closely, youll notice that the elf also has some wounds.Its not the number, its the location of the wounds.The Lords wounds are all minor and were sustained while parrying or defending. On the other hand, the elfs wounds are ones where the Lords attacks landed perfectly.Right now, the Lords swordsmanship has surpassed mine by a considerable amount.It can be said that Seong has a divine talent. Hes deeply versed in dark magic, but his swordsmanship is just as exceptional.Its over.Whaaat! Amazing!!!Oh? Is that you? You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 126 Seong looked at the elderly elf ghost with a deadpan expression. The elf ghost coughed awkwardly, as if he hadn''t expected to see Seong so soon after their dramatic farewell. Ahem, ahem. Ahem. Yet, instead of vanishing, his soul had turned into a ghost. How could I have known this would happen? the elf ghost muttered. I thought my soul would wear out and disappear completely. But apparently, thats not the case. As the elf realized this unexpected turn of events, a sense of goodwill toward Seong began to blossom within him. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 127 6. The Disappearance of the Demon King of Rapid Five days had passed since the Demon King of Rapid had vanished, and many players were vocal with complaints. While it wasnt entirely reasonable to throw insults simply because high-quality content had dwindled, the dissatisfaction only highlighted how hungry the community was for fresh gameplay. [ThatMightBeRight: Hmm, makes sense, kinda?] [PoopSommelier: But he did crush it in the last big event, didnt he? Totally dominated.] [SamdoryuTryout (Author): Hes Almighty-tier, though. A large-scale combat-focused class should dominate events like that.] [PoopSommelier: Fair point, I guess?] Few believed Seong could recreate the impact of the Fortress of the Past. Despite his impressive showing in the recent large-scale event, it was, after all, an event limited to players under level 120. Given his class tier and abilities, his performance wasnt seen as surprising. Discussions naturally turned to hypothetical battles: could Seong hold his own against other Almighty-tier players in one-on-one duels?@@@@ You can play the long game by becoming a squire and serving knights for a whole year. But even then, youll need to pour a ton of money into the process.Or, you can get recognized by at least six knights. But thats where it gets insanely hardyou have to defeat NPC knights without using skills, relying solely on martial arts. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 128 Treasure Goblin. Seong couldn''t help but recall his old acquaintance, Kahku, the treasure goblin who had proven invaluable in the past. Was this map linked to Kahku? Or was it from another treasure goblin?@@@@ With growing curiosity, Seong examined the map, its familiar handwriting confirming his suspicions. Now that he had it, navigating would be significantly easier. Of course, the key compass needed to unlock the site was still missing. However, that wasnt a dealbreaker. As long as Seong dealt with the traps and monsters guarding the area, he could force his way through. One problem did come to mind. The third vault was crawling with monsters, wasnt it? You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 129 3. The level of realism in Eternal World was beyond imagination.@@@@ Everything about it was vast and meticulously detailed, making it indistinguishable from an entirely new world. It wasnt called the "Eternal World" without reason. NPCs thought and acted as if they were actual humans, and the ecosystems of monsters mirrored those of the real world. Seong scratched his cheek thoughtfully. Hunting everything in a place called the Labyrinth was obviously out of the question. But without clearing at least one area, entering would be a real hassle. Kahkus vault was located in the central region, meaning the closer Seong got to the center, the more habitats hed encounter and the more enemies hed have to facea number that would increase exponentially. How was he supposed to break through this? Another player might have opted for stealth, sneaking through as discreetly as possible, or maybe made a mad dash to outrun everything. Even someone with an Almighty class wouldnt have many other options. Ground forces: 150.Aerial forces: 50.Two strike teams. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 130 The powerful lightning turned the surroundings into a blinding field of white, but Fiora, glowing faintly, could clearly see the searing bolts heading toward her. The speed was overwhelmingthere wasnt even time to hear the sound. It was every bit deserving of the title lightning.@@@@ But Fiora didnt flinch. With a deep breath, she tightened her grip, raised her left hand, now transformed into a spear, and swung with all her might. She poured her strongest energy into the skill embedded in her transformed arm. Thunderbird Hunter. Like a divine spear piercing through the legendary Thunderbird of the heavens, Fioras spear tore through the bolt of lightning heading her way. ...What the hell? Kyos fury, which had been burning hot moments earlier, cooled instantly into a chilling realization. One misstep, one hit, and he could dieeven with his Almighty-tier class. He didnt let his guard down for a second. Anger coursed through him, but it was a cold, calculated kind of anger. He watched Fiora move lightly on feline-like legs, transformed as if she were part of the cat family. !!! You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 131 6. How did things end up like this? Why? Why on earth were such things happening to him? Lee Won-sang, the deputy team leader, nearly tore at his hair in frustration but stopped himself at the last second. If he pulled out his hair now, on top of all the stress he was under... The thought of how bad things could get made him immediately lower his hand from his head. With his dark circles slightly faded thanks to a few days of relative peace, he stared at the screen. Even the Knights Hall is the same. How had Seong figured out the hidden trial conditions in one go? Sure, he had been training daily. Maybe that was enough, but still. How could someone handle a sword so skillfully? He wielded it so naturally, it was as if he were possessed by a ghost. The Knights Hall was a place where passing wasnt just about trainingit was outright impossible unless you had a certain level of swordsmanship. Increases health regeneration by 10%.Enhances the power of sword-related skills by 30%.Increases base attack power of swordsmanship by 100%.Increases cutting power by 20%.Absorbs dark energy from defeated enemies.Unlocks additional skills upon meeting special conditions. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 132 0. Shhhhhhhh. The sound of steam escaping echoed softly as Seong emerged from his capsule. Although he wasnt drenched in sweat like the days he spent training in the Knights Hall, he still looked just as exhausted. Spending long hours in the game naturally took its toll. Phew. Stretching lightly, Seong stepped out of the capsule. Then, as if hed suddenly remembered something, a thought crossed his mind. "I forgot to send the video." ...What? Another one of their couples gatherings? The memory of the high-end restaurant they went to last time made his mouth water, but then the thought of meeting Kim Che-geonwhose real name was Claraquickly dampened his appetite. Um, no, I think Ill rest today. Is that so? Then let Mina know, alright? Watching his mother rush out the door, Seong thought to himself that his fathers work must really be keeping him busy. With his parents gone, Seong turned his attention to his phone, scrolling through a delivery app. "Hmm..." Ordering delivery was convenient, and the food was decent, but... You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 133 3. Clink! The sound of glasses lightly colliding echoed as the liquid inside rippled slightly. Seong took a glance at his glass before downing it in one go, turning his gaze toward the friend sitting across from him. Lee Geon-dong, his close friend since middle school, mirrored Seongs action, finishing his drink in a single gulp. Ahhh, thats good. Yeah, it feels great. Its been a while, Seong agreed with a contented smile. Geon-dong looked at Seong with a bemused expression. They chatted about various topics, but naturally, the conversation steered toward the hottest topic of the moment. When guys gather, its almost inevitable that gaming comes up. It was no different for Seong and Geon-dong. Although Seong wasnt particularly known for his gaming skills, this time was an exception. Man, I had no idea you were that Seong. Youre incredible. Then again, your sister was a national kendo champion, right? She even competed in the world championships? Yeah, she did. Huh. I mean, you didnt seem particularly athletic back in the day... Geon-dongs comment made Seong chuckle as he reminisced about their school days. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 134 5. Following the NPC Irmi, Seong found himself headed toward what was supposedly a village. Just in case, he decided to confirm something. Lord, if we continue in this direction, there is nothing ahead, Noctrynnium reported. When Noctrynnium spoke, it was almost certain to be true. If he completed this, it might just push him to the next level. As Seong pondered these possibilities, his subordinates spoke up. Command us at any time, my lord. P-Please just give the word. The same goes for me, my lord. Seong nodded, reassured by the reliability of his team. He could handle most things alone, but having his subordinates around was always a comfort. With that, they followed Irmi for what felt like a long time. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 135 Hmm? A familiar, seductive voice seemed to brush past his ears. Though it wasnt clear enough to make out, Seong was momentarily distracted by the thought. Still, his attention quickly returned to the matter at hand. The realization that this was a hidden raid rather than just a dungeon made him pause. But was it because hed have to do it solo? That wasnt it.@@@@ [Rapid: Im swamped because of someone right now! Anyway, what is it?] The reply left it unclear whether she had time or not. After pondering for a moment, Seong sent another message. [Seong: Oh, I see. Well, I think Im about to do a hidden raid. Should I start the livestream immediately?] [Rapid: What? A livestream? Right now? Wait, what? Hold on.] It seemed Rapid didnt quite process his words initially. Before Seong could clarify, another message came in. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 136 While toxic venom and the energy of confusion mixed into crimson blood splattered everywhere, dissolving the entire village, Seong stood there blankly, staring at the scene. What the hell is this? The decrepit Drakanos. Honestly, he''d thought it was a dud. The ancient Demon Knight? Sure, the title sounded impressive. Seong couldnt close his mouth as he watched Drakanos draw his sword and effortlessly slash through the carapace of Mirage Ne, the Mistress of Illusions. That wasnt just a mere strike. A swift sword, a domineering sword, a heavy sword, a pulling sword, and a bending sword? A spectacle of five distinct sword techniques executed as onethe pinnacle of swordsmanship. Even Seong had only managed to combine four techniques into one. He could mix up to four combinations that worked well together, but most of the time, it was just three. During Phase 2, the raid boss becomes significantly more powerful. Proceed with caution. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 137 Seong had initially planned to step in, but it seemed completely unnecessary. In fact, letting his familiars handle the entire raid on their own sounded like a great idea for the video. He decided to focus solely on supporting them instead. After all, wasnt it his familiars who had been the most bored while he was off in the Hall of Knights? Theyre really good at this. Their coordination was seamless, as if theyd been a team for decades. During Phase 2, the raid boss becomes significantly more powerful. Proceed with caution. She looked far more menacing now. Yet none of Seongs familiars appeared overly concerned. They were cautious, yes, but there wasnt a shred of fear or panic among them. Skreeeeee!!! Mirage Ne roared in fury, opening her massive jaws. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 138 0. In the management office of Eternal World, whenever a player acquired a significant keyword or triggered an important episode, the system automatically notified the staff at E-World. [User Seong has acquired the keyword Mistress of Illusions.] [Mistress of Illusions awakens from her long slumber.] This time was no exception. What is this, exactly? Hm. Lee Won-sang scratched his head, clearly frustrated. Jin-hyuk had been working with Lee long enough to recognize a pattern. If Lee started yelling and flailing, the situation was likely salvageable. Master! Youve worked so hard!Great job out there!Youve truly outdone yourself today.The Master has expended so much energy! You should rest now!Screeeech!Cawww!Master, youve really worked hard!Grade: LegendaryType: [Level 1] [Growth-Type]Cooldown: 10 minutesDescription: The Overlords hand unleashes ancient, forbidden magic recorded within the Tome of Ruin. Exclusive skill for the Overlord class. Summons the Tome of Ruin, allowing access to forgotten spells. The spells recorded in the tome include both forbidden and ancient magic. Spells cast from the tome are significantly more destructive than standard magic.Grade: LegendaryDescription: Awarded to the first player to defeat Mistress of Illusions Mirage Ne. Allows the user to extract Venom Cores twice per day. Grants the ability to summon the Mistress of Illusions once per day. Increases maximum health by 20%. Enhances poison-based skill damage by 50%.Grade: LegendaryDescription: A rare item found only in monsters that have accumulated venom over a thousand years. The venom becomes refined and highly toxic over time. On hit, inflicts Deadly Poison. Deadly Poison reduces the targets max HP by 1% per second for 50 seconds and cannot be cured. If the damage stacks, the poison explodes, dealing 500% damage. Against raid bosses, the effect of Deadly Poison is reduced by 90%.Grade: LegendaryDescription: An inner core imbued with the power of illusions. Normally impossible for a monster to possess. Can be used in alchemy or crafting to grant illusion-related effects.Master, if you dont feel like using it, why not give it to one of your familiars?As the Commander of the Legion of Death, I cant accept it, but beings like the spirit Noctrynnium, the pet Fiora, or knights like Valtar and Drakanos should be able to use it.H-huh?! Me?! M-me?! Why me?!I-Im not worthy! I havent done anything right! I even... k-killed someone recently!Th-thank you... thank you so much... You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 139 2. Before heading straight to the next area, Seong decided to take a breakit was lunchtime, after all. While eating, he chatted with his friend, Lee Geon-dong, over the phone. [Seriously, though, thanks. Getting an opportunity like this with the Rapid Guild is no joke.] Its nothing. [Nothing? Dude, you hate asking for favors, so this is a big deal. I owe you oneno, Ill get you some whiskey if this works out!] Whiskey? Alright, Ill hold you to that. [Leave it to me! Ill get this done in no time!] As the call ended, Seong shook his head with a small smile. The notoriously stingy Geon-dong offering whiskey? He must have been really grateful. When Seong stepped out of his room, he ran into his sister, Yu Mina, who had just finished using her capsule. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 140 The sound of hooves echoed sharply against the polished stone roads of the city. Clip-clop! Clip-clop! Clip-clop! A chorus of powerful snorts followed, punctuating the rhythm of eight galloping horses. Their muscles rippled with strength, their glossy coats gleaming in the faint light. These were no ordinary horsesthey were purebred war steeds, bred for battle yet harnessed to pull a sleek black carriage. The carriage itself, understated in its elegance, was adorned with subtle, muted silver details, exuding an aura of power rather than ostentation. Hmmm... He let out a soft hum, his masked face betraying no emotions, but inwardly he felt utterly exposed. Riding into the city in such a grand fashion wasnt what he had in mind. The carriage, the horses, the bannersit all felt like too much. Despite his outward composure, Seongs mind raced with thoughts of embarrassment. Allow me to formally introduce myself once again! I am Belmor Arcadius, branch manager of the Overpalace Pentragrid Division! The man seated across from him bowed deeply, his voice brimming with reverence. Understood, Arcadius, Seong replied politely. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 141 Seong looked at the female ghost before opening his quest window. First, he needed to check what kind of quest it was. Bloodstains in the Alley Rare - Chain Quest You have discovered a bloodstained floor in a quiet alley of PentaGrid City. Given the city''s generally peaceful security, these traces suggest that something terrible has happened to someone. However, no corpse has been found, and apart from the crime scene, there are few clues. Uncover the identity of the victim and unravel the hidden truth. Find evidence of the murder. Requirement: Must have discovered the bloodstains in the alleys of PentaGrid. Reward: Experience, next quest in the chain. "Hmm." From what he had heard, this was a quest that triggered upon passing through the alleyway. For a Rare-grade quest, it was surprisingly easy to obtain. However, almost everyone had given up on it because no one had been able to find a single clue. It made sense. That meant this woman had to be the NPC who had been murdered. The moment Seong laid eyes on her, she seemed to tremble as tears welled up in her eyes. It must have been an unbearably unjust death. However, seeing Seong seemed to put her at ease. Her expression steadied as she spoke. Hic... Meeting a noble soul like you... I feel as though my pain is finally easing. "May I ask what happened to you?" Even as he asked, he was already preparing to absorb her memories. Listening to her story would take far too long. Perhaps sensing this instinctively, the ghost woman hesitated for a moment before giving a shy nod. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 142 When Seong brandished the bloodstained dagger as evidence, the NPCs around him immediately burst into laughter. "So what? Lint, you got caught?" "Puhaha! What a dumbass." "How the hell did you screw this up!?"@@@@ "I thought this was something serious." "Hey, outsider, you shouldve said something earlier." "Eh, not like it wouldve mattered. If you gave Lint a heads-up, he wouldve just run away." "Yeah, thats true." The veteran criminals in the tavern simply shrugged and went back to drinking. Lints eyes trembled violently. That reaction was all the confirmation Seong needed. Just moments ago, Lint had been loud and defiant. But now All the strength drained from his body, and he collapsed onto the floor. Seong let go of his broken wrist and stared down at him. Still, he needed to finish this properly. But before he could speak "Wait, Melisia!?" "Lint, you bastard! You killed Melisia!?" You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 143 2. The city auction house. It wasnt a place just anyone could enter. Even players couldnt just walk in. Likewise, not all NPCs were allowed inside. Only those with at least 10,000 gold could participateplayers or NPCs alike. Of course, there were exceptions. Anyone with a noble title could enter regardless of their financial status. But in reality, it was rare for a noble to have less than 10,000 gold, so the rule mostly applied. Seong wasn''t broke. He had more than 6,000 gold. But that wasnt enough to meet the 10,000-gold entry requirement. Good thing I sold off all those Unique items. After selling off every single unused Unique-tier item in his inventory, he had managed to rack up over 33,000 gold. Added together, he now had nearly 40,000 gold Which was roughly 400 million won in real-world currency. Surely, that would be enough to buy the Abyssal Dragons Heart Fragment... right? Seong had made plenty of money throughout his journey.@@@@ You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 144 The auction Seong had entered was a dream auction for many players. But entry was far from easy. Thats why it was a dream. Not only was it exclusive, but it also featured rare items that could never be found in standard player auctions. Naturally, every player wanted to attend at least once. And Beretta was one of those players. That smug bastard!!! Now that she had finally managed to enter, she was forced to watch a scene that infuriated her. There was Seong Casually chatting with the Lord of PentaGrid, then stuffing his face like it was nothing. Even when the city lord spoke to him, he had the audacity to act cautious. He didnt even know who the lord was. That was unacceptable to Beretta. I worked so hard just to get a foot in the door!!! She had spent countless hours trying to form connections with noble NPCs Yet she still hadnt even gotten the title Seong had just casually obtained. Well, to be fair None of the other players here had it either. But that didnt make it any less infuriating. How come this guy could get in so easily, while she had to struggle so much? You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 145 Belmor showing up wasnt impossible. This was an auction house, and he had every right to be here. But why now? Seongs mind raced. The wink and thumbs-up from Belmor... Was he supposed to be happy about this or worried? Isnt this dangerous? He had just jumped in out of nowhere and interfered. Wouldnt that piss off the noblewoman? She was already clearly displeased with Beretta, even though Seong wasnt sure why. She had just used an honorific title. His brain spun at full speed. She wasnt angry about the interference? She looked intimidated? If Belmor ranked higher than a noble, then Guess its not an issue, then. Maybe he had worried for nothing. Just as he came to that conclusion Belmor stepped closer to him, subtly casting a skill. [ Overpalace Pentagrid Branch Manager, Belmor Arcadius, has used the skill Veil of Sound. ] [ All external sound transmission has been blocked. ] A barrier formed around them, sealing off the conversation from prying ears. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 146 The Witch. It was a common element in fantasy settings. Even one of Seongs core abilities, The Lords Gag Order, had an effect that involved a witch. Fantasy and witches had an age-old connection. However, Seong himself didnt know much about witches.@@@@ Not in the sense of their cultural depictionshe was well aware of those. Rather, he wasnt entirely sure what "witch" meant within Eternal World. "Night Witch, huh." But Seong had a very simple way to find out. The title "Night Witch" alone was enough to tell him something about the woman called Serpina Nightbloom. Seeing her act like that... It kind of made him not want to buy her. Still, considering she was tied to dark magic, it wouldnt hurt to investigate, even if he didnt purchase anything. When no one was looking, he extended his hand ever so slightly. Ohh~? Serpina let out an amused hum, her curiosity piqued as she watched his hand. At that moment A turquoise aura began to coalesce at her chest, right where her heart was. Slowly, it gathered and drifted toward Seongs outstretched hand. And, of course, no one else saw it. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 147 Lord Helenas Staff Legendary(Growth-Type) Though countless years have passed, its power remains intact, marking it as the staff of a great lord. The staff once wielded by Helena, the Overlord, when she had shed her youth and risen to power as a ruler. Exclusive to Overlord-class users. Mana regeneration +30%. Dark magic skill power +30%. Can transform into any item of equal or lower rank in the users inventory. Retains its original abilities when transformed. If the transformed item is below Legendary rank, it is upgraded to Legendary tier. Once per day, stores mana equal to the user''s maximum mana. Stored mana can be used freely at any time. Grows when certain conditions are met. If it copies the Belt of Giants Strength, it boosts Strength, Agility, and Endurance by 20%. "Hah." Seong let out a breathless sigh. The base effects were already insanely powerful But the fact that copied items below Legendary tier would be upgraded? That meant he could essentially equip two Legendary items at once. Ridiculous. Belmors branch leader was crying as he murmured in awe. "Aaaaah! As expected!!! You are the true successor!!! To awaken that staff to such an extent!!! No!! Even if you are the true successor, this is an unprecedented feat!!! To have already evolved the Lords Staff to this degree!!!" "...Ahem." The praise was so over-the-top that it felt like they were coating pure gold in even more goldand then studding it with jewels. Still, Seong didnt object. He wasnt about to complain when someone was complimenting him. Instead, he equipped the copied Belt of Giants Strength. And in an instant@@@@ Hidden in the underground labyrinth.Even though Melisia was long dead, there were likely valuable artifacts inside.The lord of this region.Seong had already established a connection with him.Seemed to have a quest he wanted to give Seong.Located somewhere in the Fifth Region.The fourth warehouse he needed to find.Wasnt inside Pentagrid, but worth visiting another city for. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 148 1. For massive guilds, managing everything alone as a guild master was nearly impossible. Thats why, if a guild master was primarily a gamer, they often hired professional managers or outright sold their guild to a corporation, becoming a salaried guild leader while letting others handle operations. But Rapid Guild was different. They did bring in a few professional managers for consultation and assistance, but all major decisions were handled solely by Rapid, the guild master. She had excelled in business studies, and while the guild operated on a corporate scale, it was still easier to manage than an actual corporation. So, she had thought she could handle it just fine. Those siblings... She was frustrated, but at the same time she had to admit that the guild wouldnt be where it was today without them. Especially Yu Mina. Without her, Rapid Guild wouldnt have existed in its current form. Thats why she just gritted her teeth and kept working. But at this rate "I might actually die of overwork." She was exhausted. Even though she made time to exercise, it wasnt enough. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 149 4. The labyrinth of the Labyrinth City was brutal for players. It wasnt just about monsters appearing out of nowhere but also the traps that caught players off guard, leading to countless casualties.@@@@ But the most unforgiving aspect of all was that the labyrinth itself kept changing. A turning corridor from yesterday might be a straight path today or even a dead end. Because of this, having Thief-class and Mage-class players in your party was essential. Without the maps provided by the Magic Tower or the trap-detection skills of a Thief, This labyrinth was his home, and he moved through it like a fish in water. He led the way effortlessly, navigating twists and turns as if he had designed the place himself. Watching this, Fiora and Leonic muttered "H-Hes enjoying himself." "Yeah, he definitely is." They both grinned as they watched Noctrynnium in action. "Ahem." He cleared his throat as if denying it but it was obvious to them. They had spent years together. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 150 5. The Fifth Labyrinth City was a nightmare for the User Management Team. Unlike other regions, this one had a notoriously high mortality rate. For most players, it was where they experienced death for the first time. Even Assistant Manager Lee Won-sang had secretly looked forward to it. Seong had insane stats, abilities, and skills but even so... "If he lets his guard down, maybe hell finally die?" At some point, he had hoped for it. But now what was the point in questioning it? Dwelling on it would just make him lose more hair. "Forget it. Its just not worth it." With a resigned sigh, he turned back to analyzing The Mad Alchemists Laboratory. "Hmm." Nothing stood out. Even the dungeon rewards werent particularly useful to Seong. "Wait, what?" That was... unexpected. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 151 "Hello?" A playful yet captivating voice brushed against Seongs ear. It had been such a long time since they last met. Was it when he first summoned Valtar? Its been that long.@@@@ He had met the past Helena, but not the soul of Helena. This was the first time in a while. When Seong greeted Helena with a pleased expression, she teased him. Unable to hold back their tears of joy, the two of them shed copious amounts of tears, as large as chicken droppings. Serving a new master, they couldnt call her Lord or Master, but they still called out Helenas name with the emotions they held from the past. They gazed at Helena, sitting on Seongs shoulder, calling her name in a wistful tone. On the other hand, Noctrynium, who had never been dead, and thus never a soul, couldnt help but be bewildered. Helena? He too had longed to see his former master, but he could never truly meet her again. The thought left him deeply melancholy. However, You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 152 Although Seong had already suspected Helena was playing a joke, there was still a slight chance it wasn''t the case. He remained seated, keeping a little distance between himself and the lord, Paragon Gridri. The subtle unease in Paragons expression didnt go unnoticed. Is this for real? No way... is it? At this point, Helena seemed to grow a little more serious. Nevertheless, as Seong and Helena observed Paragon Gridri with wary eyes, the lord grew restless, wondering if he had made a mistake. Seong glanced at Paragon Gridri, who immediately realized his lapse in manners and cleared his throat, apologizing. "Ahem, my apologies. Ive been in a rush, and I misspoke." "Its fine. But why the rush?" Seong asked. Paragon sighed deeply, lowering his head. He appeared to have a heavy heart, as if a deep sadness had been weighing on him for a long time. Seong and Helena softened their expressions and listened carefully as Paragon began his tale of the notorious criminal who had been a problem for so long. Seong, is this the one we were looking for?Seong, in situations like this, just stay quiet for now.Yes, "the thirsty man digs the well."If you wait just a little longer, he might offer one more.This is it! Take it!Oh? You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 153 2. In the dark, stone chamber, the only light came from the candles hanging on the walls, casting faint shadows around the space. Everything else was so dark it was impossible to tell if there were any pits or other hidden dangers lurking. However, the sound of footsteps could be heard as Seong and Lord Paragon Gridri walked forward. The one leading the way was Paragon, holding a torch, but Seong was further ahead, his expression set with a focused determination. "Just keep going this way, and youll reach the labyrinth entrance," Paragon explained. He was about to ask whether anyone was guarding this area, but Seong didnt need that clarification. He had seen the heavily armed guards posted earlier, so he knew it wasnt necessary to ask. Theres a special magic here. Seong, noticing Paragon''s unease, responded with reassurance. "Of course. After all, I''m just an outsider." "Ha, I''ve never heard that statement sound so reassuring. Here, take this." Paragon handed over an unextinguishable torch. Seong shook his head, declining the offer. Then, out of the darkness, shadows appeared behind Seong, glowing faintly with teal eyes. Paragon, although aware of Seongs allies, instinctively took a step back, startled by the sudden appearance of so many eyes.@@@@ Hey, Noctrynium, is it still not working?Its fine.Shes not someone you and your subordinates can handle alone yet.!!!!!!!Show them the fruits of your training, Leonic! Its your turn to show what youve learned! You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 154 Seong was slightly intrigued by Valtars words, but... II dont need training!!! Leonic also shouted in a desperate, frantic manner as he charged forward.@@@@ What kind of training is this, really? Both Valtar and Leonic, as if driven by pure desperation, rushed forward, swinging their great sword and sword toward Carmen. One against two. However, Carmen seemed rather entertained by the whole thing. It was a very close call, and Carmen barely avoided the strike. Taking advantage of the opening, Leonic charged in. While Carmen was still in mid-air after her somersault, Leonics sword came flying toward her. Take this!!! Leonics battle cry rang out as his blade swung, but Carmen, using the rotational momentum from her somersault, twisted her spear and deflected the blood-red crescent blade. Immediately, she altered the trajectory of the blade, sending it straight at Leonic. The blood-red sword aura collided with Leonics indigo-colored blade, clashing violently with each other. Kwah-kwah-kwah-kwah-kwah!!! You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 155 As Seong switched his sword skill from Darkness to Abyss, the dark influence on Carmen vanished completely. With the change, Carmens eyes snapped back into focus, and she immediately charged toward Seong, the one responsible for this turn of events. With a sound of explosive force, Carmen slammed into the ground, leaving deep impressions behind. She surged forward, her form blurring and shooting out at Seong with intense speed. Paaaah! The air resistance contorted Carmens face, but even through the intense wind, her eyes gleamed brightly as she aimed for Seong. A spear, launched with unrelenting force, cut through the air like a flash of light. The sheer power of it was as threatening as the crimson aura swirling around it. But Seong, unfazed by Carmens attack, kept his focus solely on the sword wrapped in the energy of the Abyss. Kwah-ji-ji-ji-ji! Kaga-ka-ka-ka-ka! The spear, with its devastating power, was pushed back by the combined efforts of the entourage, and for a brief moment, Carmens movement was halted. This was the plan all along. Seongs calculated move had worked. Carmen quickly realized what was happening and tried to move, but in that instant, a sword energy, darker than pitch black, appeared in front of her. Seongs trap was complete, and Carmen could not escape the sword energy at this angle.@@@@ You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 156 The messages that popped up after Carmen''s defeat were... As expected of a Hidden Raid Boss. The notification list was quite long. [You have vanquished the Hidden Raid Boss, The Worst of Pentagrid, Carmen.] [You have cleared the Hidden Unique Quest, The Worst of Pentagrid.] [Partial rewards are granted.] [You have gained a massive amount of experience!] [Level Up!] 6 [You have reached Level 129.] [Additional rewards can be claimed from Viscount Paragon.] [Only one player has received contribution points.] [This is classified as a solo raid.] [You have defeated the boss alone.] [Rewards are enhanced.] [This is the first-time defeat.] [Rewards are enhanced.] [As this was a solo raid, all rewards are granted to the player Seong.] [As a defeat reward, you have obtained a Unique-grade Skillbook: Skillbook C Dark Spear.] [As a defeat reward, you have obtained a Unique-grade item: Labyrinth Merchants Whistle.] [As a defeat reward, you have obtained a Legendary-grade item: Carmen of Bloodlust.] [As a defeat reward, you may store the corpse of The Worst of Pentagrid, Carmen in the Netherworld.] [You are the first to defeat the Hidden Raid Boss, The Worst of Pentagrid, Carmen.] [You have obtained the title, Carmen Slayer.] [You may choose to disclose information about the first Hidden Raid clear.] [With the death of The Worst of Pentagrid, Carmen, it has been replaced with The Vengeful Spirit of Carmen.] [Rewards and difficulty have been reduced by 30%.] [If disclosed, additional dungeon rewards will be granted for three months upon each clear.] [You may reveal this information at any time.] [However, if another raid team clears it first, information disclosure will no longer be available.] Victory. However Hah... That was brutal. The real ghost of Carmen was nowhere to be seen. Could it be... Because he was an evil man? Perhaps villains couldnt leave behind spirits. There might be another explanation, but Somehow, that thought made sense to Seong. Seeing his reaction, Helena nodded as if confirming his theory. Thats probably the case. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 157 Why were the cat merchants wares so good? Seong hadnt expected much, given that it was a cat. But almost everything was Unique-grade. It was hard not to be surprised. There were a total of five items displayed. Radiant Starlight Shield Unique@@@@ Advanced Spirits Dagger Unique Orb of Life Unique Consumable Labyrinth Serpents Scale Armor Unique Flower of the Underground Labyrinth Unique Material Item With it, Helenas new body would be even better. I absolutely have to buy it. The question wasdid he have enough? He had spent 8,000 gold at the last auction. His remaining balance was a little over 30,000 gold. Would that be enough? Might as well ask. How much do these cost? Seong asked politely. The cat merchant tilted its head and looked at him. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 158 The sight of Seong walking out completely unscathed left Viscount Paragon, his retainers, and the gathered soldiers utterly speechless. It wasnt just surprisingit was absurd. The one who had been lurking in that labyrinth was Carmen. The worst criminal this city had ever seen. And yet, Seong had defeated her and still looked perfectly fine? On top of that@@@@ He claimed he had stayed behind to clear out the remaining monsters? Viscount Paragon understood the words. But his mind was struggling to process them. Was this really happening? But to do that after fighting Carmen? It sounded impossible. And yet, the proof was right in front of them. Viscount Paragon and his retainers had no choice but to accept reality. The man standing before them Was worthy of knighthood. Seong understood their reaction. Of course theyd be shocked. Carmen had been an absolute monster. If he had fought her alone? You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 159 3.@@@@ Before Seong stormed through the Pentagrid Underground Labyrinth He first took a moment to use the Skillbook he had obtained from the Viscountys treasure vault. Fate Manipulation. What kind of skill would it be? Seong had high expectations as he opened the book. Fate Manipulation Legendary [Lv Max] [Complete Form] [Instant Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 10 minutes] [Duration: 30 seconds] Dark Magic-exclusive skill. Manipulates probability, the ever-changing force of fate. Upon activation, choose one of the following effects: All probability-based effects targeting you will fail.All probability-based effects you use will succeed. Hmmm. It was... an odd one. It was almost ironic. Yet, at the same time This actually works out perfectly. Now was the time to finally use the items he had been saving. He had two Skillbooks: Dark Spear, obtained from Carmen.A Unique-grade Skillbook from Kyoku. By converting them into Tomes of Despair, there was a chance hed get a probability-based skill. And if he didnt He could always use Overlords Grimoire for a guaranteed one. First, Dark Spear. Since he had no idea what hed get, he decided to convert this one first. Dark & Shadow-based skills gain +30% power.All other skills lose 30% power.The Trickster God''s SpearCurse of the Dark DiceLaughing Marionettes FingersThe Black Orb of Fate ... ... You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 160 Watching the players who had been hiding near the boss flee, Seong scanned his surroundings. He had explored the labyrinth quite a bit, yet he still hadnt come across the Labyrinth Merchant. He could always use his whistle to summon a trader if needed, but he was curious about what kind of items a naturally appearing merchant in the labyrinth would sell. He had searched around for one but hadn''t spotted any. He could always look it up, but he figured he might stumble upon one while hunting. Yet, since there was no sign of the merchant, he had no choice. If it doesnt show up, Ill just look it up. Even while playing Eternal World, he could do some research during breaks. Aha. Seong figured he would get an explanation sooner or later. Since Leonic was his subordinate anyway, the opportunity would come soon enough. Nodding to himself, Seong issued his orders to his subordinates and the Legion of Death. "Do not touch the monsters that other players are hunting, and dont attack other players either. Just focus on hunting monsters." At his command, the Legion of Death and his subordinates responded in thunderous unison. Everything for the Lord!!! Everything for our Lord!!! You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 161 7. How long had Seong been hunting in the labyrinth? From yesterday, when he met the cat merchant Becky, until today. He had hunted relentlessly for a full day and night. Whether it was a boss monster or a regular one, it made no difference. As a result: [Level Up!] 6 [You have reached Level 135.] [Upon reaching Level 130, a new skill of the Overlord class has been unlocked.] [You have acquired the Legendary-ranked skill, Creation of Death.] [By reaching a multiple of 10, the Almighty-ranked item, Overlords Tome, has been activated.] He had managed to raise his level by six. On top of that, he had unlocked a new skill and activated the Overlords Tome. It certainly seemed that way. Otherwise, there was no way the exact skill he needed would have appeared at this precise moment. Feeling pleased, Seong began sorting through his materials. The resources he had gathered so far... They were sufficient. But if the cat merchant Becky brought more high-quality materials, he could craft an even greater body than he originally expected. And most importantlyhis level. A six-level increase. That was good. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 162 Seong used the remaining monster count to purchase all Unique-grade material items alongside the Legendary ones. Thanks to the discount effect, he had more left over than expected, allowing him to buy a substantial number of materials. Though they werent necessarily for Helenas body, some extra materials were needed to meet his expectations. So, he bought out every last Unique-grade material. This used up nearly all of his stored monster kills. Naturally, Becky was overjoyed, purring happily as she bowed to Seong.@@@@ Thank you for your purchase, meow!!! P-Please summon me again next time, meow! I should be thanking you. Ill call you again next time. As they arrived, they each greeted Seong in their usual way. Valtar remained battle-hungry, Fiora as timid as ever, and Noctrynium as loyal and rigid as always. With his reliable subordinates summoned, Seong spoke. This will take a while, so I need you all to guard me. Oho? Guard duty? We are more than suited for the task. O-Of course! "By your command." All three acknowledged the order, taking defensive positions around him. With Belmor somewhere nearby and this being a safe zone, there shouldnt be any trouble. Source of ManaFragment of the Crimson MoonBreath of the KingHomunculusUndead Soldier CarmenHomunculus, Entity Name - HelenaHomunculus, Entity Name - Serpina Nightbloom You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 163 A turquoise aura surged from Serpinas body, piercing through the labyrinths walls. Then Ssssss...@@@@ The surroundings shifted. This was still the labyrinth, yet at the same time, it wasnt. Despite being deep underground, Seong could now see the sky above and feel the air change. Immediately, he understood. What he was witnessing was likely nothing more than an illusion. Just like when he had summoned Valtar and Drakanos before This was an event scene. Fwaaaah!!! Darkness blanketed the world. Beneath that solitary light, a woman gracefully approached. Click, click, click. The sound of heels echoed. With every step she took, the moonlight scattered like shattered glass, dispersing into the wind. She emerged from within the radiance. Then, before Seong She knelt down. Lowering her head, she parted her lips in a soft, reverent voice. "The dark night has ended, and beneath the windswept moonlight, I am reborn. Serpina Nightbloom greets you." A calm, poised presence, laced with quiet confidence. As Serpina made her oath of loyalty, a system message appeared before Seong. [Homunculus, Entity Name - Serpina Nightbloom has evolved into Witch of Wind and Moon, Serpina Nightbloom.] You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 164 2. Shorta once promising player in Eternal World. No, rather A player who used to be promising. At one point, he had been among the top rising talents in the Eclipse Order, the 4th-ranked guild. Though he had been pushed aside as part of Mayrins backup team, It wasnt because he lacked skill.@@@@ If Eclipse Order wasnt a guild that thrived on solo-ranked players, He would have been one of their most valuable rising stars. But after Mayrin left, everything changed. A collective raid against the Demon King was set into motion. They were going to repeatedly assassinate him, Preventing his growth by eliminating him over and over again. An endless kill loop. It should have worked. It would have worked If not for the unexpected variable. Emerging from his capsule, Short screamed in frustration. "Damn it! Why the hell was the branch leader there?!" One NPC had ruined everything. Serpent-type monsters.Bat-type monsters.Spider-type monsters. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 165 It was as if divine judgment had descended from the heavens. A piercing light struck the ground, creating a massive crater.@@@@ The heat was so intense that the very air crackled. The stone melted and solidified again, making a sound like shattered glass. At the center of it all, Talonphia, who had been bristling in fear, trembled violently as it leapt out of the crater. Was it trying to display the majesty befitting a raid boss? That thought crossed Seongs mind for a moment. However, Talonphia immediately recoiled in fear and tried to retreat back to the ceiling. - Was Talonphia always this much of a coward? - No, I think it''s because light-element attacks deal fatal damage. - Is it instinctively afraid? - A raid boss? The audience was stunned. Slash! Slash! Slash! Slash! Whoosh! At first, it managed to defend itself. But soon, the wounds multiplied faster and faster. Unable to withstand Sephinas onslaught, Talonphia spun thick layers of webbing, reinforcing them with the stalactites around the cavern to create a massive shield. The sticky web formed a strong defense But then, the crimson moon rose once more. Chiiiiiirrrr!!! Talonphia, remembering the previous attack, You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 166 4. Viewers who had purchased live tickets watched with expressions filled with shock, surprise, and excitement. It was only natural for them to be thrilled by a new broadcast. But there were others watching the same screen who shared the shock and surpriseyet instead of joy, their faces were filled with sheer misfortune. None other than Lee Won-sang and Oh Jin-hyuk.@@@@ The two of them were staring at the screen with grim expressions. A single Homunculus. They had accepted the fact that it had doubled. "Using Carmens corpse, that was to be expected." "Its beyond mythology..." The materials used were absurd to begin with. So perhaps it was only natural. "Run a damage analysis." "Y-Yes, sir!" At Lee Won-sangs command, Oh Jin-hyuk hurriedly initiated the damage assessment. He focused on the skills Serpina was currently using. Especially that Crimson Moon Beam. "Its over 300,000!?" "Haaa..." You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 167 A ghost cat. Seong had expected ghosts to exist alongside the cat merchants. But to see a spirit loitering right at the entrance was a bit surprising. Still, he didnt show it outwardly. Casually, he absorbed the cat ghosts memories. [Unknown Power has allowed you to accomplish something impossible at your current level.] [Intelligence +2, Wisdom +2, Dexterity +1 permanently increased.] Hmm... the stat boost is nice, but... The memories werent particularly useful. Something about their tense posture made them seem oddly pitiful. Of course, they were just doing their job. Seong had been about to speak to the trembling soldiers when something caught his eye. Their spears. Their helmets. And the breastplates covering their small bodies. None of this is ordinary gear. Come to think of it, even in the cat ghosts memories, the soldiers had worn quality equipment. Focusing his vision, he checked the item grades. Unique? You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 168 Seong had expected to run into Becky in Ninyaru. But not this quickly. At least he had known Becky would be here. Becky, on the other hand, had never expected Seong to show up.@@@@ The merchant cats mouth hung open, both paws raised in shock. Was it really that surprising? As Seong greeted Becky, the citizens of Ninyaru chattered among themselves, eyeing him with curiosity. "Did he wander through the labyrinth and end up here by chance?" "He doesnt look like a lost traveler, though! His outfit is too well-kept!" At the very least, it was good to know that NPCs already had a favorable impression of him. After scanning the effects, Seong raised his head. Becky was still frozen in place. "N-Nyaang! I havent even sent you an invitation yet! How did you get here, nyaong!?" "Ah." So the Whistles special effect had acted as an invitation. He had suspected that. But since Helena already knew the way, he hadnt thought much about it. The trip had been fun, the quest had been entertaining, and now he was here. Affinity with a Ninyaru merchant.Possession of the Labyrinth Merchants Whistle.Massive EXP.Next quest in the chain. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 169 Becky hopped around frantically, signaling danger to Seong. However, Seong could clearly see Pauls ghost right in front of him. What was he supposed to do about this? He quickly summarized the situation. A quest to find Paul. But Paul was already dead. That wasnt a problem. The fact that he was dead would likely be revealed in the next stage of the quest. Since it was a chain quest.@@@@ However. Memories flowed into his mind like a panorama. However, there was always a chance that Paul had been killed right here and his body disposed of. That was a concern. But it turned out not to be the case. "They took him away and tortured him?" Seong had already suspected this wasnt a simple murder. And sure enough, there was more to it. Reading through Pauls memories, he discovered that the culprit wasnt a cat. "A snake?" More precisely, a beastman with a snakes head. Seong furrowed his brows at the revelation. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 170 5. The sewers beneath Ninyarus upper city were divided into two sections. The old sewers, which had existed since the city''s foundation. And the new sewers, built after renovations to modernize the city''s infrastructure. Currently, only the new sewers were in use. The old sewers had been abandoned, rarely visited, and left unmaintained. In contrast to Ninyarus vibrant and dazzling appearance, the old sewers were the citys darkest and most sinister location. And this was exactly where Seong had arrived. A massive sewer entrance, at least ten meters in diameter, loomed before him. Seeing it, Seong smiled. "This is the place." He had found the right location. Pauls memories had shown him the sewers, so he had expected a foul stench and unhygienic conditions. Acknowledging their concerns, he gave a slight nod. With that, Valtar, the tank, took the lead, alongside the versatile Fiora. Noctrynium followed close behind, with Seong, Helena, and Serpina forming the rear guard. A perfectly balanced formation. Satisfied, the group entered the old sewers. The tunnel was structured like a massive underground cavern, where sounds should have echoed endlessly. But strangely, their footsteps made no noise at all. Seong found it odd. That would be my skill, Serpina said. Her explanation revealed that it was a wind-based sound suppression ability. It seemed incredibly useful. As Seong contemplated its applications, he suddenly halted. Sensing his movement, his minions immediately stopped as well, eyes fixed on him. Basilicas Spy is a Hidden Raid Boss.This encounter is extremely difficult to clear alone. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 171 The greatsword and the twin daggers clashed, sending a cascade of bright sparks flying. Despite blocking a massive greatsword with only two daggers, Shivrens feet were buried into the ground, creating a massive crater as the earth beneath him caved in from the force. If this battle was purely a contest of strength, then Valtar, wielding his greatsword, should have had the advantage. But that wasnt entirely the case. Kagagagagak!!! A shrill noise rang out as the daggers and the greatsword ground against each other.@@@@ Then, suddenlythe noise vanished. And so did Shivren. With his target gone, Valtars greatsword immediately followed through and tore into the ground. Kwaaaaang!!! A crimson arc of energy slashed across the floor, carving a deep wound into the sewers stonework. Shivren had used the sound of destruction as cover. His hands flicked back, pulling his daggers close to his body as he kicked off against Fioras shield and retreated. Almost instantly, Fioras spear-arm lunged forward, attempting to pierce through his previous position. Shivren registered the attack and jumped back. Then, he prepared to lunge forward again. However. A sense of impending doom filled the air. Without even looking, Shivren immediately abandoned his attack and rolled away. And then BOOOOOM!!! The space where he had just been standing was obliterated. A crimson beam of moonlight rained down and scorched the earth. Had he taken a direct hit from that Upon entering Phase 2, the Raid Boss becomes significantly stronger.Proceed with caution. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 172 Shivren resisted fiercely as doubt crept into his mind. He had to escape, no matter what. But with the crimson moon rising and the Abyssal Claws restraining him, there was no way out. Kwaaaaaa!!! A crimson flash rained down, baptizing Shivren from head to toe. The Abyssal Claws clamped down harder on him as he struggled, refusing to let go. The impact was inescapable. His mind grew hazy. But just as the Abyssal Claws began to retreat into the abyss once more, he timed his move and broke free. As he moved away, a thought crossed his mind. "I can escape." At first, he had doubted whether it was even possible to break through such overwhelming force. "Kiiiiyaaaaaaa!!!" Shivren opened his massive jaws wide and prepared to unleash his breath once more. The witch who had sewn his mouth shut was gone, and his stitched-up mouth had returned to normal. Just as he was about to release a tidal wave of venom From within the sewers, Noctrynium, Serpina, and Helena strolled out leisurely. Their determination to never let him go was clear. Shivren narrowed his eyes, contemplating who to strike. Instead of targeting the three who had calmly stepped forward, he spewed a torrent of venom toward Valtar. Fiora was nowhere to be seen, and those three had already withstood his venom before. Just as he could use his skill again, so could they have the means to defend against it. Valtar, however, was an annoyance that stuck too close. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 173 0. The moment Felix, the Black Puma, locked eyes with Seong, he understood. Felix was one of the Black Knights. Given how flashy the battle had been, it was inevitable that someone would take notice. Perhaps the knights had already been tracking the spy. After all, Shivren had already captured quite a few merchant overseers. Because of that, Seong wasnt particularly concerned about Felix. He had planned to hand the spy over to the Black Knights anyway. More importantly It was a skill that would undoubtedly prove useful in the future. After mentally reviewing the battle, Seongs vision was suddenly filled with system messages. [You have captured the Hidden Raid Boss: "Basilicas Spy, Shivren."] [You have completed the Hidden Unique Quest: "Basilicas Spy, Shivren."] [A portion of the rewards will now be granted.] [You have gained a massive amount of experience!] [Level Up!] 2 [You have reached Level 141.] [Reaching Level 140 has unlocked a new Overlord skill.] [You have acquired the Legendary-tier skill: "Scent of Death."] [Reaching a 10-level milestone has activated the Almighty-tier item: "The Overlords Codex."] [The next quest is now available.] [Only one person has contributed.] [This is classified as a solo raid.] [You have captured the boss alone.] [Your rewards have been enhanced.] [First clear bonus detected.] [Your rewards have been enhanced.] [Since this was a solo raid, all rewards will be granted to Player "Seong."] [The hidden linked quest and its rewards have been merged.] [Upon completing the hidden linked quest, rewards will be granted.] [You have unlocked the hidden linked quest: "The Shield of Ninyaru, the Black Knights."] [This is an undisclosed hidden raid.] [Information about this quest cannot be revealed.] "This is long." To summarizenew skills, a new quest, and the rewards would come after completing the linked quest. Seong skimmed the messages and nodded. Then, he read the next quest. "The Shield of Ninyaru, the Black Knights." It was exactly as he expected. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 174 How did they find me? No, more importantly, how was she still alive? The Overlords presence I had sensed from afar was faint, barely noticeable. That was the only reason I came here. I had felt the remnants of an Overlords energy and, as someone who had once been connected to that power, intended to remind them of the gap between us and offer a gesture of goodwill. But then this happened. Helena? How was that possible? I tried to flee, but I was caught again.@@@@ Could it be... That thing... That was "Oh, so youre Lord Nyao, I presume?" "......" At those words, Nyao glared past Helena at the approaching Seong. The new Overlord. Helenas successor. The skill must have been his doing. Which meant "...Scent of Death, is it?" "Yes. I used it just in case there were assassins lurking, but... well." You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 175 4. After Shivren joined his comrades without any issues, there were others watching his retreating figure as he made his way back to Basilica. From a distance, through the cracks of the walls in Ninyaru that Shivren had used earlier, they were looking on with surprise, glancing at Seong. Felix and Nyao were among them. They couldnt believe it, even after seeing it. Haha! I knew it was our Seong! As expected, hes the Lord.@@@@ The ingenuity is enough to make ones tongue fall out~ Felix, too, could hardly believe it, and after covering his mouth in disbelief, he asked Nyao, Do undead usually act like that with living beings? Theres no way thats possible. It must be Seong, the authors skills and power at work. Hmm. Felix let out a short sigh, shaking his head. The method Seong used was simple. First, he killed Shivren. Then, by using the undead of the spirit and Shivrens corpse, Seong combined them with the creation of death. The undead became the same as the recently deceased Shivren. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 176 0. "Haaaaam." Seong stretched with a big yawn as he woke up. He stood there for a moment, blankly staring, before loosening his body up. After stretching lightly, Seong changed clothes and went outside. Recently, his body had felt a bit sluggish, and it was becoming slightly difficult to endure. It could be because he absorbed so many memories of the knights. Although he hadnt started going to the gym yet, he had taken up jogging in the mornings after waking up. He found that jogging around his neighborhood while breathing in the morning air was surprisingly refreshing and uplifting. He quickly became aware of the advantages and enjoyable aspects of working out, which he had never known before. It didnt feel too badactually, it felt quite good. Getting healthier was a great thing. Seong thought this to himself, nodding as he jogged back after running around 5 kilometers from the start of the day. For a first-time runner, it was a pretty decent distance. His record was about 5 minutes per kilometer, or just under 4 minutes and 50 seconds per kilometer. If his body hadnt been fairly trained, it would have been a tough record. But Seong had easily managed it with the memories and experiences of the ghosts. If Mina had seen it, she would probably have been extremely annoyed. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 177 2. The one who was the happiest about obtaining the information was Felix. Since Seong couldnt directly enter the royal palace alone, Felix was the first person he went to speak with after acquiring the information. Upon hearing the news, Felix jumped up with excitement.@@@@ Was it because they were cat-like beastkin? They really seemed to love jumping. In any case, as soon as Seong said he had acquired the information, Felix, clearly overjoyed, spoke with enthusiasm. Ah! Seong-gyeong! You did it! At first, Felix had spoken casually, but now it seemed he had become more accustomed to addressing Seong with respect. He grabbed Seongs hands tightly and spoke. Hehe, Im here too. But Im certainly happy. Behind Becky, Paul, smiling kindly, was following her around. Well, anyway, it was true that he was happy. Seong nodded and tried to comfort Becky. Ill hit Basilica hard and get back to you. Meow, meow. But please take care of yourself! Becky, with a concerned look, warned Seong. Seong nodded. He couldnt delay any longer. With Felix by his side, Seong set off toward the royal palace. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 178 3. From the moment the intelligence war began, the outcome of the battle was already determined. Thanks to Seongs efforts, they had obtained critical information about the enemy. They now knew that Basilicas invasion would begin in ten days. Ninyarus course of action was clear. They would strike first before Basilica could reach them. However, gathering forces was not something that could be done so quickly. Even if they rushed their preparations before Basilica could fully mobilize, the process of assembling soldiers and marching out would take longer than ten days. They needed another plan. Thus, the expeditionary force was formed. The voice of discontent came from a knight with white fur patterned like a cheetah. Silberion, the captain of the White Knights, grumbled even under the decree of the great ruler of Ninyaru. Most of the White Knights behind her shared her resentment. The captain is right! Even if were a young order, this is too much! Exactly! Giving command of the expedition to some outsider?! Isnt that absurd?! His Majesty is being unreasonable! Despite their complaints, none of them had the courage to go and openly challenge their king. Silberion was no different. And perhaps, deep down, there was also a sense of inferiority. The White Knights were notably younger than other knightly orders. PIIIYEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!PIYEEEEEEEEEK!!! You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 179 At the sound of the bells, the entire fortress mobilized, and all who gathered at the walls saw it.@@@@ A mass of figures so numerous they blurred into the landscape itself. The Undead Legion. A force so terrifying that all living beings instinctively dreaded them. What if there were so many of them that they could be mistaken for the ground itself? For a brief moment, the walls of Basilica seemed to tremble. Or at least, that was the illusion created by the sheer terror. The soldiers scrambled into position, but The undead only continued to gather, their numbers growing instead of diminishing. They had already called for reinforcements, but No response. If just a little more time passed, the undead would either scale the walls or break through the gatesone or the other. Would reinforcements arrive in time? Damn it!!! Send reinforcements, you goddamn idiots!!! One of the commanding officers on the walls screamed in desperation. And then A massive teal portal opened beneath them. And in an instant The thousands, nothe tens of thousands of undead What the hell? These guys are a joke.Oh, look at that! A jackpot! This ones mine You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 180 Two abnormally powerful undead emerged amid the chaotic battlefield, slipping through the ranks unnoticed. As the division commander trembled above, mumbling in shock, the elite assassins of the Third Unit quickly regained their composure. The first wave of casualties was taken by surprise. Those who attempted to retaliate were instantly overwhelmed by the sheer difference in power, their deaths swift and merciless. By the time the remaining soldiers managed to regroup into formation, their numbers had already been halved. They attempted to take down the intruders in groups of fifteen, but by then, it was too late. The rogue undead had seemingly accomplished their objective, disappearing through a cyan portal.@@@@ The rest of the undead army vanished along with them. "This... what the hell...?" "This is insane." "Those bastards knew they couldnt win once he showed up, so they struck while he was away." "For now, we return to hiding." Following the orders left by their commander, the thirty surviving members of the Third Unit concealed themselves once again. Despite the devastating losses, they maintained their composure, preparing for the next attack. Yet, their inexperience revealed itself in a critical oversight. The bodies of their fallen comrades were nowhere to be found. Unaware of this anomaly, they remained hidden, waiting for the undead legions return. They vowed that next time, they would not be caught off guard. But time passed. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 181 0. The relentless attacks of the undead. Whenever things seemed quiet, they would invade and launch their assaults. The remaining members of the Third Division alone were insufficient to fend them off.@@@@ That was why Noirteins return, after reporting to the royal capital, was desperately needed. The same went for reinforcements. However, the atmosphere in the royal capital was not one where reinforcements could easily be dispatched. All the division commanders of the assassination unit had been urgently summoned to the royal capital. And overseeing them, glaring down with a deeply furrowed brow, was the absolute ruler of Basilicathe kingwho flicked his tongue in displeasure, making his dissatisfaction blatantly clear. And so, no one in the hall dared to make a sound. Tension hung in the air, drawn tight like a bowstring. Then, with a slight tilt of his head, the king gestured for someone to speak. At the end of his gaze, Noirtein bowed his head. Summoned directly. ......Yes. Currently, a vast army of undead is swarming the fortress walls and attacking. While our division has been defending the walls, we do not have sufficient numbers to hold them back. I believe reinforcements are necessary. Noirteins report omitted one crucial detailthat they had pulled back their forces upon arrival. Unfortunately, the only ones aware of that fact in this room were Noirtein and Shivren. No one else knew. Undead. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 182 3. Three days. Not exactly a long period of time. So what had Seong been doing all this time? Had he been standing guard, anxiously watching Basilicas fortress walls? Of course not. It had been three days since the kings command had mobilized all forces to the eastern walls.@@@@ Clueless, they had no choice but to concentrate their entire force on the fortress walls. And so, as those three days passed Ninyarus army had completed their preparations, and their forces had already gathered around Basilica. The finest warriorsthe Golden Knights. Ninyarus unshakable defensethe Black Knights. And the elite special unitthe White Knights. With all three knightly orders assembled, The sheer aura they radiated was overwhelming. Wow! The Demon King!Oh damn, isnt this the first stream in 5 days?Wasnt it 4 days?Whatever, hes live! Time for a drink!Cheers!!! Been waiting for this.Honestly, Demon Kings streams should be scheduled as regular programming.???? Whats this?Where is this????Werent we in a labyrinth area???Theres a fortress like this in the labyrinth zone?Ive never seen this before;;Is this another hidden area?Again??? Damn, how does he monopolize all the hidden content;;;Thats why we watch Demon King!!!Wait, what is that?What????Hold on, is the ground at the edge of the screen... moving?Uh, why is it turning black????Huh???What the hell?????????????Is this real????Wait, youre telling me ALL of that was summoned by Demon King???How much mana do you even need for that???This is insane;;;Damn... No wonder the film industry is dying.;;;; I laughed when I heard Hollywood was negotiating to shoot movies in Eternal World, but now I get it.This is insane.Why does this feel so... majestic?Am I the only one rooting for the beastkin??Nope, same.Shit, those three look insanely strong;;;Where are Demon Kings elites?? Shouldnt they be handling this???The armys getting wiped out.Wait... Why do the undead seem way dumber than usual?Yeah, undead summons are always dumb.No, I mean Demon Kings undead.Huh?Its coming!!!!Holy shit;;;; No way!???Was this all part of the plan?!??? You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 183 5. Seong had spoken with absolute composure. But before his eyes, a warning flashed like a death knell. [Hidden Raid Boss Basilicas Grand Marshal, Raktila has appeared.] [The Hidden Raid is about to begin.] !!! WARNING !!! You are currently NOT in a party!!! DANGER!!! There is an excessive level gap!!! DANGER!!! Since Seong had chosen to share system notifications, the viewers could see the message as well. A Hidden Raid Boss with an overwhelming level gap A warning that only appeared when victory chances were below 10%. It meant this fight was, by all logic, impossible to win. Naturally, the chat exploded. Wait, isnt this dangerous as hell?Can Demon King even win this?A citys Grand Marshal? That means a Labyrinth Zone Grand Marshal, right?Theres no way he can beat that;;;;He should just leave it to the NPCs and run.That warning only appears when the success rate is under 10%... hes screwed. While the audience panicked, Seong, who couldnt see chat, blocked Raktilas path without hesitation. But Raktilas priorities were different. At that moment A bottomless abyss formed beneath his feet. And from its depths Countless hands of darkness surged upward. [Abyssal Grasp has sealed Raktilas movements for 3 seconds.] [Hidden Raid Boss Basilicas Grand Marshal, Raktila attempts to resist.] [Resistance failed. This skill cannot be resisted.] His body froze. Raktilas eyes gleamed sharply as he immediately grasped the situation. His entire body was immobilized. But not his mouth. "STOP THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS!!!" His voice ripped through the battlefield. At once@@@@ Damn... I actually feel bad for him.This is just brutal.Dudes getting played like a puppet.They didnt even give him a chance.Not even ONE hit landed. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 184 5. At the moment when Seong was utterly toying with Raktira The Golden Knights, escorted by the Black Knights and White Knights, stormed into the city. Countless Basilica soldiers blocked their way, but not a single one could even slow them down. At the forefront, Lumina, the commander of the Golden Knights, strode forward with absolute determination and speed. Nothing could hinder her advance. However, as she made her way toward the heart of Basilica, her steps abruptly halted. "You dare invade Basilica without knowing your place?" "Heh, and yet, I wonder who it is that truly doesnt know their place here?" The one who stood in Luminas path was none other than a black-scaled serpent beastfolkthe absolute ruler of Basilica.@@@@ There was no wayno way he could lose to someone who wasnt even Ninyarus ruler. Clinging to that belief, he attempted to assert his dominance But then Lumina spoke, her voice laced with fury. "Cut the nonsense. Did you really think you were the only one who got stronger? We left you alone because you werent worth the effort, but now you have the audacity to crawl back up?" Her voice rumbled with a low, growling intensity, and the black serpent involuntarily took a step back. As long as it wasnt Karnyao of Ninyaru himself, he thought he could win But if this was the strength of Ninyaru now, even if Basilica had launched an attack on them, they might not have been able to wipe out the feline merchants. And now, this situation was even worse. The city walls had already fallen, and the Golden Knights were rampaging through the heart of Basilica. Upon entering Phase 2, the Raid Boss becomes significantly stronger.Exercise extreme caution. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 185 Despite the fiery reactions in the chat@@@@ Seong was genuinely thinking to himself. As expected, he was strong. Raktira had looked formidable from the start, but even thenhe had been stronger than anticipated. If it hadnt been for Shivren and Noirtein intervening, the battle would have dragged on much longer. Unaware of Seongs thoughts, the chat continued its chaotic chatter. "Wait, so they just betrayed him like that??" The usual closing line. By now, the viewers had grown accustomed to it. "LMAO, every time it ends like this." "That was amazing!!!" "Stream again soon!!!" "I wanna see this every day!!!" Considering the sheer intensity of the battle, anyone would expect a more dramatic send-off. But this was already the third time Seong had pulled this move. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 186 2. After the war with Basilica. A somewhat eerie atmosphere lingered over the palace in Ninyaru, located in the Upper District of the Labyrinth City. The Golden Knights guarding the palace, the Black Knights defending the city, and even the White Knights surrounding the area were nowhere to be found. There were servants residing in the palace, of course, but they typically didn''t venture all the way to the hall where Nyao resided. It felt as though the entire palace was shrouded in a sense of stillness. Nyao, in particular, preferred such a quiet atmosphere. A still, lethargic rest in the midst of treasures scattered across the hall was the perfect nap for him. At any rate, when he saw Helena and Seong return, he nodded slightly. "Haah, the future Overlord... You are deserving of such a......" "Let''s keep it casual, Nyao." "Ah, should I?" "Yeah, what does it matter? We''re among ourselves, after all." "Well, that''s true." The king''s dignity was certainly nowhere to be found. Despite feeling a bit emotional, Nyao couldn''t help it. Seong felt somewhat sorry for Nyao, but ultimately, he didn''t stop him. After all, he didn''t intend to interfere in their relationship. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 187 3. The large-scale event in the maze region was something to look forward to, especially considering how difficult it had become to level up at this point. Even if one spent an entire day hunting in the maze, levels hardly changed, and quests were incredibly boring. It was the perfect recipe for what players often referred to as a "Maze Fatigue" period. Eternal World was facing a sort of "mid-game burnout" for many players, as leveling up became slower and slower, and the structure of the maze areas was inherently easy to tire of. Of course, not everyone was fully satisfied, but the majority were just glad that there was finally an event to break the monotony. At this stage, players were starting to be considered intermediate-level, so anything exciting was bound to be welcomed. Then, a few posts started popping up on some community boards. [Title: Isn''t this related to the Demon King?] [Posted by: Stealth Master] "I didnt think much of it during the Dune Wild Trail. But now, right after the Demon King enters the maze, theres another big event? Seems too coincidental, don''t you think? Back then, the Demon King probably wasnt strong enough to enter the Dune Wild Trail. But now it seems like the Demon King is directly involved. Arent the Almighty-tier jobs kind of tied to these sorts of events?" [No Heal, No Kill: Huh? Are you really just another Demon King fanboy?] [Stealth Master (author): Yeah, I am a fanboy, but doesnt this look like its tied to the Demon King?] [Party Escapee: Hmm, there are still some unclear parts to this theory though, haha.] [Stealth Master (author): True, but it seems like the Demon King recently entered a hidden field.] [Party Escapee: Oh, really? I didnt know that. Was that in the event ticket info?] [Stealth Master (author): Yep, thats why I wrote this post, just in case.] You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 188 In a castle where darkness and silence reigned, a flash of lightning illuminated the room, streaming through the windows. Boom The blue light from the lightning cast itself into the castle, revealing a woman with long, luxurious red hair and a man lying before her, bloodied, with pale, silver hair. The condition of the man illuminated by the blue light was horrific. There was not a single place on his body untouched. Small wounds covered his entire body, and his clothes were torn or scorched, with parts reduced to ashes. Perhaps he had been impaled, as a hole the size of a fist had been punctured in his chest. "...There is no being more suited to being a Lord than myself." "Hmm, is that so?" Helena tilted her head and chuckled as she spoke, finding amusement in his words. She stayed silent and observed for a moment before speaking again. "You used your subordinates to torment the weak around you, didnt you?" "...That is the true virtue of a Lord. The weak must sacrifice for the Lord, and everything should be within the Lord''s grasp. It is a shame that you, a Lord, fail to understand that." Despite his offensive remarks, Helena remained unfazed. After all, she had come here to kill him personally, didnt she? You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 189 After hearing Seong''s response, Lazear trembled and thought to himself. Why are there so many? With such a modest level of strength, how could he have so many subordinates? Countless questions flooded his mind. Even though his own strength had been reduced to match Seongs level, now only five remained. But twelve? He couldnt understand, though his thoughts suddenly shifted. Perhaps because hes weak, he created so many? If the numbers small, then well just finish quickly. Surely, the Blood Lord, Lazear, wouldnt have just five subordinates, right? However, the question of how to send them out was on his mind. Lazear was the Blood Lord, a being with the title of the Demon King. His subordinates would surely be vampires. Thinking back to past experiences, Seong recalled something. A type of existence where the subordinates are stronger than the lord himself. There were roles in war, like commanders or generals, whose job wasnt to fight directly but to boost the morale and abilities of their troops. Lazear likely belonged to such a type of job as well. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 190 Lazear couldnt comprehend what had just happened as he stared at Valtar. In an instant, Damien''s head was torn off and passed by so quickly that even Damien didn''t register it, and Lazear himself barely caught the movement. He couldnt understand it. Serpina, yes, she was a well-known figure, someone he knew. Though not as strong as before, she was a witch who had existed since ancient times. So, he could at least understand that. But for that ugly demon to defeat Damien without him even noticinghe couldnt grasp it. Even if the power given to Niella or Damien was small, There was a moment of hesitation, but Lazear quickly shook his head. Dont let yourself waver. No matter what, once the strongest subordinate comes out, I will win. It didnt matter if the two Seong summoned werent the strongest subordinates. Even so, the subordinates who received all his power would undoubtedly be the strongest. He was a bit surprised, but as he wasnt as powerful as his former self, Lazear knew from his keen eyes that he could still win. That demon is stronger than expected, but its fine. Serpina might be slightly stronger? No, almost the same strength. Heehee? Oh, hello.Ill do my best. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 191 Helena had him dancing in her palms. It was clear. That smile she gave him as she looked at him, and even her greeting voice. Everything about her reminded him of that last time she had tricked him. As soon as Lazear faced Helena, an illusion of falling into a pit of despair surfaced in his mind. He felt the overwhelming urge to declare his defeat right then and there. But he was not foolish. Now! As Lazears hope returned, Sebastian also quickly realized the same truth. The fact that this Helena was different from the past! Sebastian!!! Yes!!! What is your command?!! She is our enemy and that wicked woman must be cut down!!! Yes!!! E-World Management Team -" You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 192 0. Phew! Team Leader Baek Jiwoo let out a sigh as he finished sending the public notice and event announcement. The much-anticipated event would take place the next day. Thanks to Seongs user, they had barely managed to prepare for it. Though it was true that Seong had messed up the previous one, It wasnt his fault.@@@@ As he waited, he suddenly thought, Should I check the reactions? Even though he couldn''t play Eternal World himself, it was possible to browse the community. If users were talking about the event and getting excited, it would make him feel better too. Opening the community site, he saw the usual buzz. Even more than expected. [Title - Vampires Appear in Droves?!] You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 193 The effect of the Blood Lord made it far too easy to absorb the vampire kin. So simple. "Is this really okay?" Even Seong, who had been enjoying consistent gains while playing the game, felt that something was off in this situation. It was essentially a stroke of luck, close to a bug. He was currently in first place, but... [Contribution Ranking] [1st Place: Seong - 10 Kin] [2nd Place: "Evora Party" - 3 Kin] ...(continued)@@@@ Being a lord, to be absorbed like that... Well, when he thought about it, maybe it made sense, considering the nature of Lazear. "Didnt he summon his followers from his own blood?" If you thought about the structure of that... It made sense that giving power to kin had limits. But perhaps by leveling up the skill, he could grant the absorbed kin the status of his followers? That seemed likely. It probably was. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 194 Last time, Seong had obtained the Hindel set through an item with a special connection. Wondering if there might be something similar this time, he took a look at the three "Random Boxes." [Random Box] x3 Legendary A box that grants an item or skill with a special connection to the user. All items obtained from this box are of Legendary grade. "Hmm." Perhaps the items werent at the right level for him to receive, or maybe there were no items or skills with a special connection at this time. So thats how it worksit tells you when a connection becomes available. Currently, Seong''s level was 150. That meant there was a connection that would activate when he reached level 160 and moved on to the next area. Though he didnt know what it would be, it seemed like it was a better choice than randomly drawing another Legendary skill right now. "Ill hold off for now." Since the items wouldn''t disappear if he didnt use them, it made sense to wait. He hadn''t used the Blood Lords tome or the Overlord''s book yet either, so he figured there was no harm in saving those for later. "It does, doesnt it?" You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 195 When Seong grasped the dice, Destiny, it transformed into a 20-sided die in his hand. This was the treasure among treasures of Kahku.@@@@ This is an insane effect. Although it could only be used three times a day, that wasnt a drawback at all. Indeed, there is. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 233 Why is Plinky showing up here? Isn''t he supposed to be a descendant of a sage? For someone like Plinky to be stealing? Something doesnt quite add up. It''s strange for someone who doesnt need to steal to actually steal.@@@@ This implies... It means he knows whats hidden in that scroll... While Seong was still deep in thought, he asked again. Did you report it to the higher-ups? ...No, of course not. Its embarrassing, but the reason Im even looking for the thief is so I can handle it first and avoid any blame on my part. Such incidents dont have a positive impact. Wouldn''t that make things worse? If it gets found out later, wouldn''t you just get in more trouble? Is it just about getting away with it? Seong thought, but chose not to voice those doubts. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 234 The secret keyword. Though Seong wasn''t entirely sure, it likely referred to one of Hindel''s hidden secrets. He opened his eyes, glanced at the phrase, and let out a soft sigh. He had been wondering why Hindel had attacked Helena so viciously in the past, almost as though he meant to kill her. But it turned out there was more to it than he had thought. Of course, it wasnt just the death of his sibling, but it could have been the most crucial factor in triggering it. It might have been a pivotal event, but I think there was some preparation before that, or perhaps even further actions taken afterward. Thats what I believe. Hmmm, you know a lot about Hindel, dont you? Plinky''s sharp question struck. However, Seong didnt show much of a reaction. Though they had met in person, he figured it wouldn''t be believed if he said it aloud. Either way, Seong thought that Hindel wasnt just deceived by his sibling''s death. Something crucial must have been involved.@@@@ You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 235 "Heros Assembly?" What could that be? Seong had just heard about the nine heroes, but he didn''t really know much about them. They were probably the strongest figures in the world, from what he could gather. But now, there was talk of a meeting of those heroes, and someone had come to escort him? Was he being summoned to the Hero''s Assembly? And did the person sense that doubt?@@@@ At this point, Seong had no reason to refuse. He had nothing else to do in Sisvald, and he was already planning to head to Hexia. Understanding that, Seong agreed, and the Overpalace agent nodded, using his power. The scenery around Seong seemed to melt away in an illusion, and in an instant, Seong felt his body being pulled somewhere, making him a bit dizzy before the location changed completely. Inside the grand building of Overpalaces Hexia branch. Standing before him and the agent was Kalina, holding a twisted mask in her hands. Welcome back. I apologize for summoning you in such an unceremonious manner. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 236 1.@@@@ At the center of the continent where all lands were connected, there lay a desolate landscape, devoid of any sensation. A vast expanse stretched out, where not even a single plant or living creature was allowed to thrive. This place was known as the "Void Zone," the most secretive and serene place in the world, where nothing could survive. In the center of this area, stood a single, solitary structure. Its origins, era, and design were unknown, but it loomed magnificently in the heart of the Void Zone. And now, within that very building, a few beings were beginning to gather. A voice, half-transparent and brimming with the energies of nature, spoke. It was not a voice that seemed like it belonged in this world. Mysterious and perhaps even frightening, yet none of those gathered here felt fear. They were all transcendental beings. [As expected, the one who is rarely seen...] Another voice, like a resonance or echo, responded. This one sounded ethereal, as though it were made of mana. ... As the two heroes spoke, the third hero, holding a sword, scowled. You didn''t buy this chapter Buy Now (3 coupons) Chapter 237 When Seong glanced at her, Yu Mina asked, Huh? Why are you looking at me like that? Seongs sudden change in expression caught her off guard. Mina tilted her head in confusion. He wasnt normally like this... Whats going on? She kept staring at him, her thoughts swirling with questions. Seong, in turn, asked her, You said youre ranked 9th in the singles rankings, right? Soon to be 8th. Hehehe, she replied with a satisfied smile, clearly pleased with the question from her younger brother. She had always been seen as a bit eccentric, but Yu Mina was undeniably a top-tier player. Being ranked among the single digits out of 2 billion users worldwide wasnt something that could easily be achieved. Seong couldnt help but feel a deep sense of admiration for his sister, suddenly realizing how remarkable she truly was. At the same time, a thought crossed his mind. What if a stage was created where these top-ranking players could fight each other? It was only natural that the number of viewers would skyrocket. Even Seong couldnt deny that he was intrigued. How strong were the top players in Eternal World? Yu Mina, too, wasnt the type to stream often. Would they perhaps appear for such an event? The idea sparked some excitement in Seong. While he was lost in thought, Mina, puzzled by his silence, tilted her head, wondering why he hadnt answered. Whats going on? Unable to hold back, Mina asked again. Seong snapped out of his thoughts and quickly replied, Oh, I think a new event is starting soon. An event? At level 200? she asked, still not quite understanding. No, for all levels, Seong clarified. ????? Mina blinked, clearly confused. Noticing her confusion, Seong explained, Apparently, Overpalace is going to awaken a legendary being called Apophis and turn it into a festival for the users. Wait... what??? Mina asked in disbelief. With wide eyes, she turned to him as if trying to process the information. Seong continued, I was told it would be an event that all levels can enjoy. Is that really true? Mina asked, surprised. Yep, I heard it directly, Seong confirmed. Wow... I knew Overpalace was amazing, but this is something else, Mina responded, genuinely impressed. Her face became serious as she seemed to ponder something deeply, calculating. Seong, noticing her sudden shift in demeanor, nodded in agreement. Such an enormous event was only seen once before during the 1st anniversary event. That time, even the top players didnt participate much, since it didnt offer them much benefit. But this time would be different. World Boss Apophis. The event would involve all players, regardless of level, working together to take down the legendary boss. Seong was intrigued. How could this play out? Theres also the fact that they told me to prepare for PvP, he added, drawing her attention. Mina, scratching her lips in thought, responded, Ah, this is a tough one... Theres a lot of benefit, but there are risks too. Really? Seong was surprised. For something like Apophis, he had assumed it would be purely beneficial. Mina seemed different from other top players, and her opinion made him curious. Yeah, for singles rankers, time is everything, so you have to hunt more monsters to stay ahead, she explained. If this event doesnt reward you with experience, its a huge loss. Of course, if they hand out Almighty-tier skills as rewards, that would be a different story. Hmmm, Seong nodded thoughtfully. He had never considered that perspective before. But it made sense. For top players like Mina, the event might not be so advantageous if the rewards didnt align with their needs. However, the appeal of fighting a World Boss like Apophis was undeniable. But if it''s a World Boss, its still worth participating, Mina added with confidence. Oh, really? Seong asked. Yeah, because a World Boss raid is sure to drop experience, and theyve never had one like this before. Plus, if its a World Boss, itll be more rewarding, Mina continued. But, of course, the top 1, 2, and 3 players will definitely sit it out. Seong tilted his head in confusion. Why wouldnt the top-ranked players participate? Yu Mina quickly explained, Theyre all in the same guild, so theyd rather hunt together instead of wasting time on a World Boss raid. Theyre probably not going to participate. As for the 4th-ranked player, theyre too busy chasing the top spots, so Im not sure. But I think from 5th place onwards, theyll definitely join in. Oh, I see, Seong said, understanding the situation. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Yeah, I bet at the start, everyone will try to outdo each other and even kill off the competition, Mina said with a smirk. Seong couldnt help but think that this was likely how things would play out. Mina, however, was confident shed win. Ill show you how its done, she said with a grin. Her confident words were nothing newshe had always been this way, always winning in competitions. Seong smiled, replying, Im looking forward to it. And with that, he resolved to give his best as well. 3. Immediately after the Hero Assembly concluded, the swordsman, aboard the magical airship returning to his kingdom, the Kingdom of Rieskan, had no sign of easing the tension on his face. When had he ever been so thoroughly humiliated? It was so distant a memory that he couldn''t even recall it clearly. To think that it would happen at the hands of a fellow hero... His teeth ground together in frustration, but there was nothing he could do about it. He had heard that there were two other heroes loyal to the Black Star: Yeongseong (Zero Star) and Maseong (Demon Star). If the Black Star were to be dealt with, then they needed five of its allies to gather, and dealing with the remaining two would require at least two more. In other words, everyone, except for the Black Stars side, would need to rise up. But was that even possible? Impossible. The power of the Black Star did not only come from itself. That incredible power came directly from Overpalace. Since the battle between the hero Hindel and the Overlord, excluding Overpalace, everyones strength had been steadily weakened. He had desperately struggled to break free from this, but the gap only widened. The swordsman felt this keenly at the Hero Assembly. Until now, he had believed that if only the Black Star was handled, things could be turned around. After all, the ? Nvlight ? (Exclusive on Nvlight) hero was in their hands. He thought it might still be possible, but now he realized that a different approach might be necessary. As the swordsman was deep in thought, a soft vibration came from the necklace around his neck. Sensing it, the swordsman furrowed his brow even more and muttered, Whats going on? As if responding to his words, the sword vibrated, and a voice echoed in his mind. [I believe youve realized something from this.] ... The voice sent a chill down his spine. It was true. He had no choice but to admit it. Youre right. [Are you ready to listen to me now?] After a moments hesitation, the swordsman nodded. Fine. I accept your proposal. [Its late, but wise. Good. Since you havent accepted an outsider, well take charge of this operation.] ...Was that the plan all along? Hearing the swordsmans cryptic words, the other party chuckled and muttered. [Its only natural to prepare for everything. And didnt I always tell you? If you want to bring down the Black Star, the only way is to target their successors.] Do you think we can catch him under that ironclad security? [Yes, Apophis offers the best opportunity to extract him under that ironclad security, doesnt it? I was worried when you were opposing it.] ... The swordsman had no response but could not deny the logic. The one he was talking to now... was dangerous. If he wasnt careful, he might even be consumed by him. But the resentment and the longing for vengeance against the Black Star were undeniable. If they were facing the same enemy, he was willing to join forces. ...Ill leave it to you. [Good. Prepare the belongings of Hero Hindel. My outsider disciple will handle him.] I will arrange it. The swordsman nodded, and the other side, seemingly satisfied, murmured. [Then, I will handle the Black Stars successor inside Apophis. After that, you know what comes next, right?] Yes, I trust you. Their conversation ended, and the connection was cut. The swordsman ground his teeth together, remembering the words of the other party. He had to hand over Hindels belongings. The thought made him furiousit was painful, but there was no other choice. He had started the negotiation knowing full well that this would be the price. He didnt think it would end in failure, given the nature of his opponent. But just to be safe, hed prepare for every eventuality. Turning to his subordinates, he asked, Wheres the hero? Hes in the royal palace. ...Ill go find him. He needed to brainwash the remaining hero. Just in case something unexpected happened. This hero would, without a doubt, become their puppet. The swordsman had no doubts about that. After dinner, Seong typically spent his time gathering materials and researching information about Eternal World. Staying up late to play was never ideal for his routine. However, tonight was different. For the first time in a long while, Seong prepared to go out in the evening and headed for the door. As he stepped outside, his sister, Yu Mina, who had dressed casually, was waiting for him. What, are you going to be later than me? ...You ate really quickly, didnt you? Hehehe, anyway, lets go. As the two of them exchanged words, Seongs mother, Lee Na-gyeong, called out from a distance. Be careful out there~ Yeah, we will. Take care. They were no longer children, so with simple words of farewell, they left the house. Why were they heading out? They were going to meet An Yoo-jin. It was an urgent matter, and when she casually mentioned it, they agreed to meet briefly in the evening at a nearby cafe?. It wasnt far, so it didnt take long to get there. As they arrived at the agreed cafe?, Yu Mina was the first to spot her. Oh? There she is? Seong followed her gaze and saw An Yoo-jin, sipping coffee by herself. Despite the time apart, her familiar presence stood out to Seong. As they approached, An Yoo-jin greeted Seong with a bright smile. Ah! Our good luck charm! Y- Yoo-jin unnie?! You came with the information so quickly! Youre on a different level from your sister! What do you mean? An Yoo-jin ruffled their heads with pride. Though she had to stand on tiptoe to reach Seong and Minas heads, her joy was evident. As Seong stood there, confused, An Yoo-jin looked at them and said, Finally, its time for the backup team to shine!!! Seong and Yu Mina exchanged puzzled glances as they heard those words. Chapter 196 The four-party members surrounding the woman referred to as "Embris" watched her closely. Seong looked at her, genuinely puzzled. He had never seen her before. But she insisted this wasnt some kind of setup? Isnt that usually the kind of line people use to start a conversation? If it werent for that, why would she ask if they had met before? As Seong tilted his head in confusion, Helena let out a playful chuckle, her eyes glinting mischievously. Heh~ You sure are popular~ Agh, seriously!! Its not like that!!! I just thought... she looked familiar, thats all... With Helena joining in on the teasing, the woman called Embris waved her hands in denial, her face turning a deep shade of red before she quickly retreated to her spot. The small incident caused a ripple of amusement among the gathered players, chuckles spreading across the room. It was a funny situation, after all. And with every laugh, Embris'' face grew redder. At that moment, Seong came to a realization. Did she recognize me as the Demon King? No, if that were the case, she would have asked outright. That didnt seem to be it. Then what was it? Seong mulled over it for a moment. And then, upon hearing her name, something clicked. Second place? Wasnt Embris also the name of the leader of the party that ranked second in the recent large-scale event? Just to be sure, he ran a quick search. The answer popped up immediately. ConfirmedEmbris was the name of the second-place party. Of course, Eternal World allowed duplicate usernames. But... Shes probably the same person. At least, thats what it seemed like to Seong. She hadnt made any obvious moves, but something about the atmosphere and the way her four-member party composed itself felt... different. It gave off the unmistakable air of strong players. And it wasnt just Seong who picked up on that. Helena glanced at him and remarked, They seem pretty capable. Yeah. I think so too. -Huh? Fiora tilted her head, genuinely confused. Well, from Fioras perspective, she still considered herself weak. So her reaction was understandable. What about the other parties? None of them particularly stood out. They must have been skilled enough to receive a quest from Moore Trading Companyone of the top firms in this city. But none of them caught Seongs or Helenas eye. After waiting a bit longer, two more five-member parties arrived, bringing the total headcount to thirty. Oho, theyre finally coming. Are we finally going to meet the owner of Moore Trading Company? Man, its rare to even get a glimpse of him. A few players murmured among themselves. And then, someone stepped onto the stage-like platform at the front of the room. The figure was an NPC, flanked by several guards. His clothes werent flashy or extravagant, yet there was a quiet dignity to his refined attire that exuded authority. A young man appearedtoo young, in fact, to be the owner of a trading company. He looked no older than his early twenties. Yet, the moment he stood before them, he commanded the room with an effortless charisma. Several players found themselves unconsciously swallowing their saliva. To them, he was just an NPC in a game. But there was something about his presence that made it clearthis was not someone to be taken lightly. Seong, too, watched the young man with quiet admiration. In my memories, he was still just a kid who needed protection... Perhaps that was simply the way a parent sees their child. No matter how much they grow, they will always seem like someone who needs safeguarding. Seong hadnt expected him to possess such ability. Yet, he was even more surprised ? NvIight ? (Read more on our source) by what happened next. This young noble, the head of a top trading companynot just in this city, but one of the five most powerful firms in the entire regionstepped forward, bowed his head, and spoke. Please, adventurers from distant lands. I beg of youfind my father, who has gone missing in the depths of the Pentamere Forest Labyrinth. He was pleading for his family. Lowering his head. There was something solemn about his gesture. Some of the gathered players found themselves rubbing their noses, their expressions turning oddly sentimental. It was as if the emotions of the moment had struck them unexpectedly. Seong felt something similar. After all, he carried Vitor Moores memories. He couldnt help but feel a strange sense of warmth. The son he had once seen as a mere child had grown up like this. That emotion lingered. But Seong remained clear-headed. As the gathered parties processed the request, a system notification appeared. [A Unique Linked Quest, "The Disappearance of the Former Head of Moore Trading Company," has been generated.] The former head of Moore Trading Company and father of the current leader, Jerod Moore, has gone missing in the Forest Labyrinth. Find traces of his whereabouts. The first quest had been issued. The objective: to find clues about his disappearance. I am truly grateful, Jerod said. The moment he finished speaking, several parties immediately sprang into action, rushing out of the room. Some were moved by Jerods sincerity and vowed to find his father as quickly as possible. Others were more competitive, determined to complete the quest before anyone else. But Seong didnt move. Why? [Quest Item: "Vitor Moores Identification Badge" is in your possession.] [You have completed the Unique Linked Quest, "The Disappearance of the Former Head of Moore Trading Company."] [You were the first to complete it.] [Additional rewards granted.] [You have gained massive experience.] [Level up!] [You have reached Level 152.] Jerods gaze settled on him. Ive been told that the person who remained here has already found my fathers traces. Seong had stayed behind because a merchant had hinted to him about this in advance. But he hadnt expected to instantly clear the first quest like this. Acknowledging Jerods words, Seong stepped forward and handed over Vitors identification badge. Jerod accepted it with a somber expression and murmured, My father... always carried this with him, no matter what. He used to say that his badge alone could secure a loan of a thousand gold coins. Seong nodded. He remembered Vitors words well. "Your credibility is your greatest asset." That was something he always used to say. Jerod seemed to steel himself. My father... may already be dead. A cold statement. But beneath it burned an emotion as fierce as fire. Seong remained silent, sensing the weight of his words. Jerod turned to the room. My apologies to those who just left. We will be selecting only two additional partiesthe fastest among themto join us. It seemed like this was going to be a high-difficulty quest. That much was obvious, considering the number of parties that had initially gathered. Three parties total. Seong contemplated the setup. Jerod clenched his fists, his voice laced with barely suppressed anger. Revenge cannot be achieved by mediocre adventurers. I understand, Seong replied. Forgive me, but would you mind waiting for the others to return? Of course. Jerod nodded in gratitude. Then, as a token of appreciation, he handed Seong a generous reward. [You have received 10,000 gold as a reward.] "Whoa." A Unique Quest indeed. Receiving 10,000 gold as the first reward was no joke. That was the equivalent of about 100 million won. Earning that much from a single questit truly lived up to its reputation as a major trading companys request. If someone told him to wait and paid him 100 million won for it, well, waiting was the obvious choice. When Seong acknowledged that, Jerod gave a respectful nod. Then, Ill return once the other parties arrive. Yes, understood. I appreciate your patience. Until then. Jerod suppressed his anger and returned to his duties. Seong watched him go before returning to his seat. At that moment, Helena mused, Hmm, revenge isnt exactly noble, but... there are times when its necessary. True. -Y-yeah. B-but you should also know how to forgive... Fiora chimed in hesitantly. Meanwhile... I wonder which other party will arrive alongside the girl who tried to hit on Seong? Helenas teasing remark made Seong chuckle. Hah... who knows. Whoever they are, they wont be better than you. With that, they waited patiently. The four-person party would almost certainly return. The only question waswho would the other party be? 2. The players raced toward the depths of the Pentamere Labyrinth. Among them, however, one party moved at an overwhelming speed. While others were still reaching the main square of Pentamere, this party had already arrived at the entrance of the Forest Labyrinth. It was Embris party. Now, suddenly labeled as the woman who tried to hit on Seong, Embris swallowed her frustration and pushed forward faster than anyone else. Her teammates glanced at each other. Had they teased her too much? Well, maybe. But if they didnt tease her now, when would they ever get another chance? So, Embris, what was that about? ...What? Embris responded curtly to her teammate Chako, clearly on guard, worried theyd start teasing her again. But Chako shrugged. Hey, Im not Menma. I wouldnt tease you just for the fun of it. Im just curious. Normally, youd just let things slide, but you actually spoke up this time. Thats unusual. Yeah, you usually just say Oh, hes handsome~! and leave it at that, but this time you actually talked to him. He was kinda good-looking, though. Embris shot a glare at Menma and Usagi. Chako quickly intervened before things escalated. Im serious. Did he really look familiar to you? I swear Ive seen him before. Hmm... when? I dont know... but it felt real. If Embris said she had seen him before, then she definitely had. What was strange was that she couldnt recall exactly when or where. Embris had an excellent memoryif she had met someone before, she always remembered. As the discussion continued, Menma spoke up while running. He did seem really skilled. But why isnt he coming? He might be slower than us, but he should at least be ahead of the other parties by now. Shouldnt we have seen him already? They all exchanged puzzled looks. Then, Embris spoke as if she had just realized something. He never moved from his spot. What? Hes taking his time on purpose? Wow. Is he really that confident? This is kind of insulting. Despite their words, they were all grinning. Now they had to prove themselves. Determined to show him what they were made of, they pushed forward at an even greater speed. They moved like shadows melting into the labyrinthswift, precise, and silent. This wasnt just a matter of raw stats. It was a display of pure skillonly those who knew how to fully utilize their abilities could move like this. As they scouted through the labyrinth, they spotted something. Faint wheel tracks pressed against the labyrinths overgrown walls. Subtle. Nearly invisible unless one was paying close attention. Just to be sure, they touched the ivy-covered walls where the tracks led. Nothing. No reaction. But as soon as they confirmed that, a system notification appeared. [You have discovered a clue.] [Return to Moore Trading Company to report your findings.] It hadnt even been thirty minutes. And they had already found a key clue. They rushed back to the city. This time, they had to be first. They were certain of it. When they returned to Moore Trading Company and reentered the meeting room... Oh, second place is here. Helena, please. Helena smirked at them while Seong sighed. ... ... Embris and her team were momentarily speechless. Chapter 197 How did they get here before us? Embris wasnt as bothered by Helenas ? Nvl?ht ? (Dont copy, read here) teasing as she was by the shocking realization that Seongs party had arrived first. It was a similar kind of shock to when the Demon King had wiped out her bloodline faster than she could react. They had definitely stayed behind in the room longer than her party. No matter how she thought about it, she couldnt figure out how. But the fact remainedthey were faster. They must be incredibly skilled. Even if this was a misunderstanding, there was no denying their prowess. Her teammates had similar thoughts. If they had been the same race, perhaps this wouldnt have been as surprising. Were vampires, and theyre still faster than us? Thats honestly impressive. Right? If only Menma hadnt slacked off Oh, so now its my fault!? Each of them had become a vampire through Embris. Of course, it wasnt as if humans were inherently weak. The starting raceshumans, elves, dwarvesall had similar base stats, with only minor differences in specialties. However, vampires were a hidden race. They were superior to the base races in almost every way. So it was shocking to see a human party outpace them. Especially since Embris herself had an Almighty-tier class. Meanwhile, Seong was also somewhat surprised. Are they normally that fast? Even if he hadnt arrived early, he still would have beaten them. That said, Embris party was very fast. No doubt about itthey really were the second-place party. Encounters with new powerful players were always interesting. However... This quest isnt a competition. As soon as the thought of rivalry crossed his mind, he dismissed it. Embris party, on the other hand... We cant lose the next one. Next time, we win. This isnt even a competitive quest... Doesnt matter. We win. They were determined to surpass Seongs party, one way or another. Perhaps sensing their competitive energy, Helena smirked and whispered to Seong and Fiora. They think they can beat us. -...H-huh? T-they do? ...Its not even a competition quest. You must be imagining things, Helena. Seong dismissed the idea outright. Helena merely shrugged and glanced at Embris team. They were clearly fired up. And yet, Seong refused to acknowledge it. Honestly, he was so dense about things like this. Helena chuckled to herself. Not that it mattered. Even if Seong didnt try, hed win anyway. So she didnt dwell on it. Since Seong and Helena werent making a big deal out of it, Fiora also decided to let it go. Both parties quietly waited inside the room. After some time, the third party arrived. Just like the merchant said. Phew... looks like we were the last ones. Good. We made it. The seven-member party from earlier had returned. With Seongs and Embris groups included, there were now fourteen people in the room. They had expected Jerod to appear immediately, but it took a little longer than anticipated. By the time he arrived, he immediately bowed his head in apology. Apologies for the delay. We were cross-referencing the clues you brought us with the evidence we had on hand, which took some time. His apology was direct and sincere. Everyone accepted it without issue. Besides, Jerod was not just the NPC quest giverhe was the owner of Moore Trading Company. No one was going to complain. Once that was settled, Jerod addressed the room. From now on, these three parties will serve as the core teams handling this matter for our trading company. A call for cooperation? Hearing this, the players began sizing each other up. The seven-member party had already been wary of both Embris and Seongs teams. But now that Jerod was talking about working together rather than competing, they looked somewhat relieved. Had this been another competitive quest, they wouldve been the first to be eliminated. The subtle tension in the room eased slightly. Jerod continued. Based on the evidence, we have determined that this was a scheme by Khan Trading Company to undermine us. It is highly likely that my father was caught up in their machinations. And... there is a strong possibility that my father is no longer with us. A heavy silence fell over the room. The seven-member party let out quiet sighs of pity. Meanwhile, Seongs and Embris teams narrowed their eyes. They already had a feeling where this was going. As expected, Jerods next words came with a dangerous intensity. Now that we know what theyve done, we will not sit idly by. His voice was heated. Yet his tone was ice cold. That contrast made it clearhis fury was barely contained. Everyone in the room could feel it. And so, they listened intently. Jerod continued. We have evidence that a sorcerer has been stationed nearby to summon monsters that do not naturally appear in the Forest Labyrinth. This was not an isolated incidentother trading companies have also suffered losses. That is why I am assigning you a new task: to capture that sorcerer alive. As he spoke, a new quest notification appeared before them. [A Unique Quest has been generated: "Capture the Summoner."] Objective: Secure the summoner responsible for conjuring unnatural monsters in the Forest Labyrinth. Jerods voice remained calm, but his words carried an unmistakable chill. If it were up to me, I would make sure that summoner paid the price... But all things must be done in order. Please, capture them alive. It was a polite request. Yet, perhaps because of that very politeness, it sounded all the more menacing. He was barely holding back his rage. Teams may either proceed separately or cooperate as needed. We will provide communication crystals for easier coordination. Our only objective is to secure the summoner. Please do your best. Jerod bowed once again as he handed out the communication crystals before leaving to return to his duties. The room was now left with only the three parties. One of the seven-member teams players broke the silence. Man... he is pissed. Like, really pissed. Thankfully, no one said something stupid like, Wow, NPCs are really advanced these days! Among all the players gathered here, few were foolish enough to disrupt the mood with irrelevant comments. The room remained tense yet focused as the three-party leaders exchanged glances, signaling their intent to discuss strategy. Embris and Seong stepped forward to join the conversation. With all three party leaders together, the seven-member partys leader spoke first. Im Joonu. As you can see, I lead the seven-member party. He introduced himself first, offering a brief but polite greeting. Seong was about to return the courtesy when Oh, dont worry about your in-game name. If youre uncomfortable sharing it, you dont have to. Joonu cut in before Seong could speak, as if sensing his hesitation. Though it wasnt really an issue, Seong simply nodded in acknowledgment. Embris also nodded in agreement. Seeing their reactions, Joonu took the lead in steering the conversation. Being the oldest among them, it felt natural for him to do so. Experience shows, I suppose. Then, he got straight to the point. What do you think is the best approach? Joonu posed the question first. Seong was the first to answer. It seems more efficient to split up rather than stick together. Hmm, that does make sense. And you? I think so too. Joonu and Embris both agreed with Seong. It was much more effective to divide and search than to waste time trying to coordinate an unfamiliar group. This wasnt a combat missionit was more of an investigation. Since all three were in agreement, they decided to split up and hunt down the summoner separately. They would regroup here once they had their target. With that, the parties dispersed. Joonus Party Joonu turned to his teammates, exhaling in relief. Damn... that was intense. One of his teammates smirked. Up close, what do you think? Is he really the Demon King? At the unexpected question, Joonu wiped a bit of sweat from his brow and nodded. I think he is. Hes the real deal. Whoa... so we really just met the Demon King? Hasnt his real face never been revealed? Yeah, I thought hed look ordinary or something, but hes ridiculously good-looking!? Well, character customization can only go up to 10%, but a good base matters more. They continued chatting, still processing what had just happened. Joonus deduction was largely based on the red-haired woman who was chatting away next to Seong. One of the newly revealed Demon Kings vassals was rumored to have red hair. That was enough of a clue. Plus, Seongs reluctance to state his in-game name only cemented Joonus theory. The evidence was circumstantial... But it all fit. Were splitting up to find the summoner. This time, lets not lose. For real! We have to win this one. ...Its not a competition. But yeah, I dont want to keep losing either. Then lets delay heading out a little so we definitely beat them this time. Yeah, that sounds fair. Their resolve was unanimous: They were going to beat Seong this time. Haha! Did I ever say this was a competition? -W-we will win, my Lord!- I keep telling youits not a competition. But no matter how much he denied it, they continued treating it that way. With their strategy settled, the first party to leave the room was Joonus group. Well head out first. Alright. Good luck. Lets all do our best. After exchanging brief words of encouragement, Joonus party left. Embris party didnt move immediately. Seeing that, Seong decided to go ahead. But as he stepped forward, he noticed something Embris party was watching him closely. Their gazes felt... oddly fixated. It was a bit unsettling. But he shrugged it off and stepped outside. This quest isnt related to Vitors memories. No free rides this time. I need to start my investigation. He wandered the streets, searching for clues. Then A presence. Something unfamiliar, yet strangely familiar. No way...? Without hesitation, he moved quickly, slipping unnoticed into an alleyway. His instincts told him something was wrong. When he turned the corner, he saw them. Figures clad in black robes. As expected. They immediately greeted him. All hail the rightful successor of Overpalace. We humbly greet the true heir of Overpalace!!! Hmm. Of course. Its Overpalace again. But this was different from the last time he dealt with Belmors branch manager. This group... We apologize for delaying our introduction. We did not wish to interfere with your work, my lord. I am Penelope, the branch manager of Overpalaces Pentamere division. Penelope was far more perceptive than Belmor had been. This one knew her place. She would likely withdraw if he told her to leave. After exchanging brief greetings, Seong was about to dismiss her and continue his quest when We approached so suddenly because we believe you are searching for something. ...Searching for something? As soon as Seong left, Embris party rushed outside and began their investigation. They were confidentif nothing else, this type of information-gathering mission was where they excelled. Since Khan Trading Company was the suspected culprit, they headed there first. It was a bold move. Normally, such a direct approach would be riskythere was always the chance of being caught. But Embris party was different. They were vampires. They had a unique skill: Mesmerize. Using it, they could manipulate NPCs, clouding their memories during interrogations. This quest was practically made for them. They were certain they would win this time. Just as they were about to begin their information-gathering Their communication crystal activated. [We have captured the summoner.] ...??? The voice was none other than Seongs. Chapter 198 A statement so unbelievable that it left Embris utterly speechless. Her teammates, who had been moments away from using Mesmerize on a Khan Trading Company merchant, also froze in place. Was this even real? Embris tilted her head, struggling to make sense of the situation. How long had it been since they set out? "How much time has passed?" ...About fifteen minutes since we left? ...And he already caught the summoner? Even if they had left a little later, the delay wasnt even a full minute. Which meant Seong had found and captured the summoner in under sixteen minutes. In a city this large? It was completely illogical. Even if he had a high-tier investigation skill or a detection ability, it shouldn''t have been possible. "Hes got to be bullshitting, right?" ...T-theres no way. Even if they wanted to believe it, the speed was absurd. [...Already?] [Yeah, things just sort of worked out that way.] Joonus voice came through the communication crystal, followed by Seongs response. Seong himself sounded baffled. As if even he couldnt believe how easily things had played out. Just how lucky could one guy be? [...Were heading back too.] Embris let out a defeated sigh and looked at her team. ...Lets go back. Her voice was noticeably lacking in energy. And her teammates, sensing her mood, also turned back, dejected. How exactly had he captured the summoner? Curiosity gnawed at them. But the more pressing thought wasthey had lost again. Feeling utterly defeated, they made their way back to the Moore Trading Company. There, they saw that Seong and Joonus parties had already arrived. And in the middle of the room "P-please spare me!" A trembling NPC in a mages robe, hands bound, cowered in fear. So this was the summoner? The one who had accepted Khan Trading Companys request and summoned monsters in the labyrinth? ...Could this be a mistake? As Embris held onto the slim hope that they had the wrong person, Jerod suddenly burst into the room. His face, always composed and dignified, twisted in shock as his eyes landed on the captured man. T-this is him! H-how... how did you catch him so quickly? Even Jerod, always the refined nobleman, was at a loss for words as he turned to Seong in astonishment. The fact that Jerod was this shocked only confirmed itthis was the real culprit. As the dumbfounded noble stared at him, Seong awkwardly scratched his cheek. Uh... well... it just sort of happened that way. "Hah... incredible. Truly incredible." Even Jerod, the head of one of the five greatest trading companies, was openly impressed. Joonus party members all nodded, their expressions conveying yeah, this is expected from him. Seong, on the other hand, still looked completely bewildered by his own luck. Embris team? They were simply in disbelief. They werent the type to feel outclassed by just anyone. Yet somehow, they werent even close. Not only had they lostthey had been obliterated. ...What the hell is he? Had Embris stopped to really think about it at this moment Had she calmed down, like Joonus party had She might have pieced it together. She might have realized the truth about Seongs identity. But the sting of consecutive losses wounded her pride. Her vision narrowed. Her teammates were no different. They acknowledged that Seong was ridiculously strong. But the gap was too vast. It lit a fire inside them. Fine. Combat will be ? NvIight ? (Original source) different. Maybe Seong was good at tracking. Maybe he had an insane information network. But what about battle? Surely, they would have the edge there. Holding onto that belief, Embris and her team steeled themselves. At that moment, Jerod returned, having finished questioning the summoner. There was only one quest left. The interrogation is complete. Thanks to the information we extracted, we now have the opportunity to launch a counterattack on Khan Trading Company. My people will handle that, however... the monsters that were summoned cannot be recalled. Which means, our final request is Jerod paused, then continued. It was exactly what everyone had been waiting for. A raid boss hunt. The final quest was to eliminate the hidden raid boss that had been summoned in the labyrinth. The players immediately perked up. This was what they had been waiting for. Embris party was no exception. This time, well win!!! Well get first place in the contribution rankings! Our party will claim victory!!! Even if this isnt a competition, were winning! Determination burned in their eyes. 4. After receiving the final quest from Jerod, all three parties set off together toward the labyrinth. Seong, meanwhile, was going over the quest details. The objective was straightforward. Hidden Raid Boss: The Flesh-Eating Flower of the Labyrinth, Laflesin. Eliminate it. Who would have thought that this would lead to a hidden raid boss? But that wasnt the real issue here. Hmm. If this were a hidden raid boss fight, it would normally be perfect for a live broadcast. However, this time, he wasnt alone. Naturally, that meant he had to give up on streaming. Even during the last large-scale event, he had considered live-streaming, but he ultimately decided against itconcerned that things might unfold in a way that was too peculiar. And now, once again, he wouldnt be able to stream. Thats a shame. But what could he do? Asking everyone for permission to solo the boss would have been awkward. And besides, the hidden raid boss rewards were at stake. Even if the others were willing to let him take the fight alone, he felt like that would be selfishso much so that he didnt even want to ask. So, without sparing another thought for streaming, Seong simply focused on the raid. Then, suddenly Wait... this is my first time fighting a hidden raid boss with a group. No... isnt this my first time fighting a raid boss with anyone at all? Thinking back, that was true. Even when he first fought Anemore, it had been a party raid only in namehe had soloed it. And ever since then, he had done every raid alone. This was his first real experience with cooperation. That made him feel a bit nervous. However He had the memories and experiences of many ghosts who had fought alongside others before. If he could apply that knowledge, hed be fine. And when it came to firepower, he was confident. After settling his thoughts, Seong glanced sideways at Embris party, who were now watching him with an almost uncomfortably intense gaze. By now, he fully understood that Embris party had developed a burning competitive spirit toward him. Even he could pick up on that much. However Hmm. Why are they so hellbent on competing? This is supposed to be a cooperative mission. That part didnt make sense to him. The whole wounded pride thing? The idea that they felt the need to prove themselves? He just didnt get it. At his comment, Helena burst into laughter, laughing so hard she almost doubled over. Ahaha! Seong, youre hilarious when you say things like that! As if debating how to explain, Helena smirked and asked, So, are you planning to go easy on them? ...Huh? Seong frowned, confused by her question. Helena laughed again. She really liked this about him. To which Seong replied, Thats a separate issue. They wouldnt want that either, would they? Exactly. He might not understand why they were so fired up, but That didnt mean he was going to hold back. He didnt see this as a competition. But half-assing things wasnt in his nature. He wasnt going to take it easy just because of their obsession with competing. Before long, they reached the labyrinth. As per the summoners setup, their groupdisguised as merchantsstepped into a specific section of the labyrinth. Suddenly Massive roots burst forth before them. They were definitely slow enough that they could have dodged or blocked them. However No one even attempted to resist. Why? Because As soon as the roots appeared, they forcefully dragged everyone into an enclosed space. In the blink of an eye, the surroundings shiftedtransforming into a vast, garden-like clearing. Then A massive flower bloomed. Razor-sharp teeth gleamed within its petals. [You have encountered the Hidden Raid Boss, "Laflesin, the Flesh-Eating Flower of the Labyrinth."] [The Hidden Raid is about to begin.] !!! WARNING !!! This is a far more powerful boss than a standard raid boss! Proceed with caution!!! This was a scripted eventan introduction to the raid boss. Joonus partyclearly inexperienced with these kinds of sequencesstood frozen, clearly shocked by the unfolding cutscene. By contrast, Embris party was completely composed. Despite the unexpected cinematic, their expressions alone made it clearthey were ready. Seong, on the other hand, was mildly surprised Not because of the event itself, but because of the notification message. So, this is what it looks like when you enter with the recommended number of players. Every other time he had fought a hidden raid boss, he had been alone. All he ever saw were warnings about how he should flee or how the battle was too dangerous. But this time? It was simply a cautionary message. Huh. Thats kind of interesting. Not that it mattered. The only thing that mattered was killing the boss. As soon as the cutscene ended Each party snapped into action. The first to move? Seong. As soon as he regained control of his body, he immediately activated his skills. Helena and Fiora, for now, remained on standby. The next fastest wasunsurprisinglyEmbris. The moment she regained movement, she exploded forward, launching herself at Laflesin. Her teammates followed suit. The slowest to react? Joonus party. Even after regaining movement, they hesitateddebating which skills to use. And that split-second hesitation cost them. Because Seongs skill activated first. A burst damage skill. Already? Even though she herself had moved quickly, Embris internally marveled as Seongs skill activated before hers. And then She saw something disturbingly familiar. A black abyss opened beneath Laflesins massive stem. From its depths, countless shadowy hands burst forthgrasping and entangling the monstrous plant. [You have sealed Laflesin''s movements for 3 seconds with "Hands of the Abyss."] [The Hidden Raid Boss, "Laflesin, the Flesh-Eating Flower of the Labyrinth," is attempting to resist.] [This skill cannot be resisted.] KIIIIEEEEEEEK!!! Laflesin shrieked in agony, completely immobilized. Seong immediately launched his next attacks. At the same time, Embrisstartled by the familiarity of his skillquickly unleashed her own ability. A torrent of blood erupted from her body, forming into a crescent blade sharper than anything. She launched it at Laflesin. At the same moment, Seong fired off his Black Mana Bullet and Blades of Shadowed Darkness. Laflesins shadow twisted, stretching like taffy And before Embris attack could even connect Seongs dark bullet pierced straight through the plants core. FWOOOOOOSH!!! BOOOOM!!! CRAAAAASH!!! The Blades of Shadowed Darkness shredded Laflesins stem, while the Black Mana Bullet obliterated its leaves. Two skills. Unimaginable power. Laflesin thrashed, attempting to counterattack But it couldnt move. Seongs Hands of the Abyss still held it in place. Embris blood blade finally struckslicing deeply into Laflesins stem. SLASH!! KIIIIEEEEEK!!! But compared to Seongs attacks Her damage was significantly lower. And yet Rather than feeling frustrated, Embris eyes widened in shock as she finally realized the truth. Her voice trembled. D-Demon King...? Why... Why was the Demon King here?! Was that why everything had seemed so familiar?! At the same moment Seong saw a system message pop up. ["Blood Lord" has discovered "Apostle of the Bloodline."] ...Huh? What the hell was this? Chapter 199 Apostle of the Bloodline? Seeing the reaction of the Lord of Blood, it was clear that the vampire was definitely involved. A vampire user. It would be troublesome if I absorbed them. As Seong thought this, a new message appeared before him, as if to reassure him. [The conditions have been met, and the Almighty-ranked skill, "Lord of Blood," is evolving.] [The new effect of "Lord of Blood" has appeared.] [You can now form a contract with the "Apostle of the Bloodline" using "Lord of Blood."] Not absorption, but a contract. I don''t fully understand what this means yet. I cant make a rash decision about it. The battle is still ongoing, after all. It seems like it would be better to wait until the fight is over. Especially since Embris is still in shock from learning that Seong is the Demon Lord. Perhaps because of this? Laflesin, who had somehow escaped the grip of the abyss, was attempting to strike Embris with a tendril-like arm. Embris belatedly noticed the attack and tried to defend himself. It was too late to avoid it, though. Snap! As Seong snapped his fingers, the manipulation of fate activated, and a golden aura wrapped around his body. Along with the golden aura, which resembled a banner, a black orb appeared above Laflesin''s head. The black orb, as if foretelling Laflesin''s ominous fate, devoured the surrounding darkness, and that ominous fate soon became reality as it poured down upon Laflesin''s flower-like head. Kwaaaaaaaaaaa!!! The wave, which poured out all that was unholy, was more than enough to melt Laflesin''s petals. Laflesin, drenched in that malevolent force, let out a pained cry. Keieeeek...! The tendril-like arm of Laflesin, now weakened by the agony, slowed down. Unable to avoid the attack, Embris was given a chance to dodge. Kwa-ga-ga-ga. The tendril, losing strength, scraped across the ground, leaving a long gouge in the earth. Even though it had weakened, Laflesin was still a raid boss. Had the tendril hit directly, the damage would have been catastrophic. Seong, getting distracted and careless during the battle, had made a critical error. That was grounds for being disqualified as the party leader. Embris! Are you okay?! Stay sharp! With the support of his allies, Embris regained his composure. Although he knew that Seong was the Demon Lord now, he still thought, Theres plenty of time after the battle. He wanted to meet Seong in person, but more than that, he wanted to confirm whether vampires had any weaknesses or if they were his natural enemy. But so far, he had not felt anything out of the ordinary. For now, he needed to focus on the battle before him. With that thought, Embris readied himself. Seong, on the other hand, took a step back. Normally, he would have unleashed his full power without hesitation, but I need to see what this is about. The Apostle of the Bloodline. It could be a class, or perhaps a skill like Lord of Blood. Whatever it was, he needed to check it out. After this, Seong decided that unless it was an emergency, he would stay out of the fight for now. By stepping back and providing support, Seong made things much easier for Embris'' and Joonus party. As Laflesins attacks continued, Seong strategically used debuffs and skills to disrupt the flow of the battle at just the right moments. Embris, instead of feeling frustrated, took full advantage of the opportunity to show off his strength. Although he wasnt sure what Seongs intentions were, it seemed like Seong wanted to see his abilities firsthand. If it turns out to be a misunderstanding, itll be awkward, but... With that thought, Embris used all the power of the Apostle of the Bloodline. Sometimes he fired beams of blood, and at other times, he summoned bat monsters to attack. He displayed a variety of stylish, blood-powered techniques, taking full control of the battle. Seong observed these techniques with his chin resting on his hand. Definitely... While Seong watched, Helena, who was assisting with Embris and Joonu''s party, asked, What do you think? Hmm? Isnt that the Apostle of the Bloodline? Just as expected, Helena already knew. Seong, who hadnt said anything about his distraction, nodded in response, knowing she must have realized the same thing. I can tell he handles blood very well. A little disappointing, though. Hmm? So, are you going to make the contract? Having already confirmed the possibility of a contract during the fight, Seong could respond to Helenas question. Well, I guess Ill have to ask. The battle continued. Even in phase two, Embris'' and Joonu''s parties had an easier time fighting thanks to Seongs support. Naturally, both parties were in awe. Joonus party, being new to hidden raid bosses, was especially shocked. Crazy, is this really a raid? This is too easy... We dont even feel the usual suffocating pressure! Not only does he fight well, but his support is amazing... Isnt it because hes so strong that hes a good supporter? He just reads the flow so well. Ugh, the Demon Lord... Im glad I became a fan. Unbelievable. The members of Joonu''s party couldnt help but be impressed. This battle felt easier than most regular raid bosses. Even though it was a hidden raid boss, it didnt feel that difficult, and they were able to get the hang of the battles flow, which was a bonus. They were experiencing an incredible amount of growth thanks to Seong. Just like Joonus party, Embris party was equally stunned. A hidden raid boss this easy... The Demon Lord really is on another level... Embris wasnt wrong when he said he wanted to meet him. I said I wanted to meet him, not that I was looking forward to it! Embris'' party, who had fought hidden raid bosses before, were even more shocked. They knew how powerful the hidden raid bosses they had previously faced were. They had even failed a challenge once. Yet, this raid boss seemed stronger than any of those, but it wasnt difficult at all. It was clear just how vital Seongs support was. And then... Were never going to top the contribution chart, are we? No way... With his supporting ability, theres no way. Even with his occasional damage, hes outperformed us. Even Seong''s main summons werent doing anything, making his contributions overwhelming. The difference in power was just too vast. They had never imagined such a gap. At this point, the competition was out of their minds. They werent focused on winning; they just needed to finish the fight and defeat Laflesin. So, when Laflesin gave one last, desperate cry as Seong blocked its final attempt, they knew the end was near. Keieee... eh... eh. As Laflesins body collapsed, the message confirming its defeat appeared. Contribution 1st place? The user with the highest contribution is Seong. Of course, it was Seong. Everyone received experience rewards based on their contribution ranking. They also received special items from Laflesin. Seong received one unique-grade material item and two unique-grade equipment items. Even so, honestly, he didnt feel like he needed them. By now, even defeating hidden raid bosses without leveling up was more disappointing than anything else. But that was something for later. Anyway, it was the first time they had done a raid as a party. Great job, everyone. When Seong said that, Joonus party and Embris party nodded at each other. Why was he saying that? For a moment, Seong tilted his head, and when Embris and Joonu came up to him, they handed him the best rewards they had received. Both were unique-grade items. ??? Seong looked confused, so Joonu spoke first. Honestly, we couldnt have done it this easily without you, Seong-nim. ...Thats right. Plus, if you wanted, you couldve taken everything for yourself. Oh. It wasnt wrong. So Seong nodded and accepted the items. Ill accept these with thanks. We should be the ones thanking you. Honestly, if it had just been our party, this hidden raid wouldve been tough. It doesnt seem like anyone here is that weak, though. Joonu, feeling the difference in skill compared to Embris, said that and awkwardly laughed before continuing. Then well be heading back first since we took some damage. See you later. Since they had to return /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ to the Moor Summit to complete the quest anyway, Joonus party hurriedly packed their things and left. Embris party also prepared to leave. But then, just as they were about to go, Seong blocked Embris way. What was going on? Embris looked at Seong with a puzzled expression. Seong looked back at Embris and asked. Is it okay if we talk for a moment? Y-Yes? At that moment, Embris mind was racing. Had he made some mistake? Was it because of that moment when he spaced out during the battle? Or perhaps because he had tried to pretend theyd met before? Any of those could be a mistake. As Embris fumbled for words, Seong glanced at Embris companions behind him and said. Well, just in case, should we talk alone? Alone? What was this about? Embris companions smiled awkwardly and nodded, stepping aside. Embris, youve got this! We believe in you! Fighting! W-Wait, what are you guys saying!!! Embris shouted, but his hands were shaking in nervousness. As his companions had said, he didnt feel strange emotions, but the fear of making a mistake was stronger. What should he do if Seong got angry? Just as that thought popped into his head, a strange message appeared in the air in front of Embris. [The Master of All Bloodlines, Lord of Blood, wishes to make a contract with Apostle of the Bloodline.] ?????? Embris blinked, looking utterly confused. What was this? The master of all bloodlines? Lord of Blood? How did it know that his class was the Apostle of the Bloodline? His mind was in chaos. As Embris stood bewildered, Seong quickly explained. Its one of the skills I have. As you can see, its a skill with the title of ruler of vampires. Ah??? So, thats why you ranked first in the event!? Yes, exactly. Embris swallowed nervously, now understanding the overwhelming numbers from the event. If Seong was the ruler of all vampires, then those numbers made sense. But then, what was this contract? [Upon accepting the contract of Lord of Blood, Apostle of the Bloodline will give a portion of all future experience points to the owner of Lord of Blood.] [Additionally, you must comply with the summoning of Lord of Blood without question.] What was this unfair contract? It seemed like something he would never accept. But the following message made Embris eyes widen in shock. [Additionally, upon accepting the contract, Apostle of the Bloodline will receive an additional 50 stat points from Lord of Blood.] [Furthermore, the original power of Apostle of the Bloodline will awaken upon accepting the contract.] [Finally, whenever Lord of Blood grows, Apostle of the Bloodline will also benefit from that growth.] Embris glared at the message, then turned to Seong, his heart racing. Seong, unsure if the terms were displeasing, cautiously asked. Is something wrong? Sign the contract? Is that all? Yes? Embris was burning with enthusiasm. Chapter 200 Seeing Embris answer immediately, Seong was a bit surprised. She accepted right away. Well, it was a pretty good contract, after all. Although there were some demerits, it was still an excellent offer for Embris. The skill enhancement? The contract would enhance her skills, making it an offer no one would turn down. Even though Embris had already felt the improvement after her third class advancement, she still had the impression of being an almighty class. Wasnt this exactly what the contract was offering? The ability to break free from that feeling? It was a contract with no reason not to accept. This was the obvious result. Definitely a good deal. It was indeed a good contract for Embris. Of course, Seong would benefit more overall, receiving the shared experience. Or perhaps the ability to summon Embris? That was good, too. Especially the part where Seong would receive a portion of the experience was invaluable for him, since he had a structure that accelerated experience gain for his subordinates. It was a much-needed effect. But, was that all? Incredible. Although Embris couldnt see it, Seong''s benefits were just as huge. [When contracting with Apostle of the Bloodline, the number of absorbed bloodline members increases by 100.] [When the number of absorbed bloodline members exceeds 200, growth occurs, unlocking new effects.] This meant that even though the new abilities werent yet clear, at least an additional 100 stat points would be added. Just that extra 100 stat points was incredible. Simply put, it was like gaining the effect of leveling up by 20 levels. Either way, it was a win-win contract. No one had any reason not to accept. When Embris agreed to the contract, a blood-red aura suddenly erupted from her body. Uh, whats this? For a moment, Embris froze, surprised by her own condition, and then the sound of a lock being undone echoed in the air. Clank. With the sound of liberation, the blood-red aura emitting from Embris grew more intense and the energy fully merged with her. Then a message appeared for both Seong and Embris. [Apostle of the Bloodline has made the contract.] [The blood pact has been formed.] [All contract conditions have been fulfilled.] [Apostle of the Bloodline will never harm Lord of Blood.] Whoa?! Hmm. The common message appeared for both of them, and Embris saw a notification indicating that various skills had been enhanced. For Seong, however, the following appeared: [Lord of Blood accepts Apostle of the Bloodline as a member of the bloodline.] [Obtained additional stat points: +100.] [The number of absorbed bloodline members has exceeded 200.] [Lord of Blood''s level has increased to 3.] [Lord of Blood has unlocked new abilities.] All blood-related skills'' power increased by +50%. You can acquire one skill from any absorbed or contracted bloodline member.] Wow. But that wasnt all. [You can obtain one skill from the Apostle of the Bloodline, whose abilities are enhanced through the bloodline memories.] [Please choose a skill.] This was it. The benefits were even better than expected. Seong was now able to choose one of the skills that the Apostle of the Bloodline possessed. He chose the most impressive skill from the battle against Laflesin. He never imagined it would be an Almighty-grade skill. [You have chosen the Almighty-grade skill, Red Death.] [This skill was obtained through the special effects of Lord of Blood.] [You can now use the skill exclusive to Apostle of the Bloodline.] Seong immediately checked the skill he had selected. Red Death Almighty [Lv 1] [Growth-type] [Instant effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 3 minutes] Those struck by Red Death will ? Nvl?g?t ? (Official version) lose their lives. Exclusive skill of Apostle of the Bloodline (acquired through Lord of Blood). Extract your blood to create the blade of Red Death. Upon hitting, absorb 150% of the damage as health from the target. If your health is full, instead, deal an additional 1,500% damage. Targets struck will enter a bleeding state, losing 1% of their maximum health per second for 10 seconds. Hmm. Compared to the other Almighty-grade skills Seong had acquired, this one had some weaknesses. But then again, considering it was an enhanced skill, it was still surprising. Overload really is ridiculously powerful. Hed heard that there was a significant gap between jobs with lord-tier status and those without, but he hadnt expected it to be this much. Hed seen the skills effectiveness when Embris used it. The power and cooldown time were a bit disappointing, but it was still a good skill compared to other Legendary skills. He could probably make use of it in combination with his blood poison. Seems pretty good. Ill invest the extra stat points in Intelligence and Wisdom. As Seong finished confirming his benefits, Embris, who seemed to have checked everything on her end, blinked brightly. Thank you so much! Huh? Im really grateful for this opportunity. Honestly, you couldve ignored it, but... Ah. From Embris perspective, she might have been thankful for that, even if she was losing out on some experience points. The extra 50 stat points and enhanced skills were more than enough to make her thankful. Although Seong found the skill itself a bit underwhelming, if she was happy with it, that was what mattered. No, its a good contract for me, too. With this contract, you can summon us anytime, right? Us? Although only Embris had signed the contract, now she was talking about us. Seong asked, puzzled. Embris, seeming to realize her mistake, quickly clarified. Ah! My companions also made a similar contract and advanced to unique-grade jobs. Oh? If that was the case, then Apostle of the Bloodline wasnt a bad class at all. So, they were all vampires. Seong thought to himself. Embris then spoke up, confirming his thoughts. Hearing this, Seong started thinking. With this... It might actually work well if I integrate it. Embris usefulness had definitely increased more than hed expected. 5. Thank you so much. Thanks to all of you, I was able to take revenge for my father. Thank you so much. Jerod repeatedly expressed his gratitude. And for everyone present, the quest completion message appeared. [Quest Cleared] [Reward Acquired] [You have gained an enormous amount of experience.] [Level Up!] 5 [You are now Level 157.] [You have received 40,000 gold as a reward.] It was truly an unbelievable reward. Seong had earned a total of 50,000 gold from the initial rewards. The highest contributor, Seong, got 50,000 gold. Embris'' party each received 10,000 gold. Joonus party each received 5,000 gold. There was a difference, but no one complained. No one denied that Seong had done most of the work. Once the quest ended, Joonus party was the first to stand and say to Seong: It was really an honor!!! Thank you so much!!! Wishing you more success!!! After Joonu''s party expressed their loud gratitude to Seong, they left. Embris'' party also thanked Seong in the same way. Were really thankful!!! Well be counting on you in the future!!! Thank you so much!!! Thanks to you, we had a great experience!!! After Embris party left, Seong, feeling a bit embarrassed for receiving praise for what he felt was minimal effort, stood up. He figured he should test out his newly acquired skill. It would be a good idea to take on another quest. Can we join in this time? I, Ill do my best!!! Helena, who had been feeling a bit bored, spoke up with an eager expression. Fiora, too, spoke energetically. Seeing them both, Seong nodded. Alright. This time, he had been supporting from the back, so he hadnt had a chance to take part directly. But other quests, he wouldn''t typically do with others. And if he did, he would make sure that Helena and Fiora could also fight. After all, it didn''t matter if his Demon Lord identity was exposed. He could always make the invisibility he had on his mask visible again. Of course, there were things he needed to do before heading out. Seong contacted someone, and though he heard some confused remarks, eventually, a resigned voice confirmed his action, and he proceeded. Lets go test out the skill! [Rapid Guild recruits a new rookie?] [None other than the new massacre artist, Kyou!?] [The recruitment of Kyou, Rapid Guild provided a substantial reward.] [All the guilds that were harmed received compensation from Rapid Guild and were satisfied.] [A smooth agreement was reached.] The Rapid Guild, which was rapidly gaining prominence, had its fair share of gossip circulating. There was a huge commotion, spreading across communities and even articles. The name Kyou had that kind of impact. Although the Almighty rank wasn''t officially revealed, the influence Kyou held was undeniable. Most importantly, wasnt Kyou even said to be more outstanding than Meirin? And afterward, several articles were released. [Eclipse Orders top rookie, Meirin! She transfers to the Rapid Guild!!!] [Tempest Wings rookie, Kurosawa Ren! Joins the Rapid Guild!!!] [Rapid Guilds recent actions are becoming concerning!] [Rapid Guild armed with an overwhelming rookie legion!] The Rapid Guilds new recruits, including Kyou, were garnering a lot of attention. It was bound to stir up a storm. Typically, when a guild steals another guilds rookies, theres a lot of backlash. Wow, from Eclipse Order to Rapid Guild? Meirin, you have a great eye!Hahaha, honestly, it''s disappointing.Id quit too, if I were them.Meirin to Rapid? Actually, that fits her well!Heh, Meirin sister!!! Fighting!!!You guys are too much, cheer for Kurosawa Ren too... but first, Meirin, fighting!Whats with the previous post? Hahaha. Due to the actions that took place at Dune Wild Trail between the two guilds, Rapid Guild couldnt do much to retaliate and instead had to bear the brunt of public opinion. They could somewhat protect their image by releasing articles showing they had smoothly facilitated the transfers, but that didnt change the fact that they had been under fire recently. Regardless, the Rapid Guild had become busy with the influx of new rookies. All the new recruits were impressive, so things were looking up. However, the guild leader of Rapid Guild, Rapide, didnt seem very pleased. It wasnt just because the workload had increased. ...Again? Another rookie? Another rookie had joined the guild. Just like the recent recruits, it was once again Seong. It was a good thing, of course. The guild was growing, which meant more income and a lot more subscribers to their channel. Sigh... I really need to hire more people. It was hard to find trustworthy people, but there was no choice. There simply wasnt enough time. And this new recruit was no exception. To be honest, Rapide wanted to decline, but the other party had already sent over their specs. ...Another Almighty rank? A free pass, no need for any assessment. On top of that, all of Seongs companions were Unique rank, so the conditions werent high, and they wanted to form a backup team with Rapid Guild, with Seong leading them. How many backup teams did Seong have by now? Furthermore, Being tied to a special skill and being able to go to Seong at any time... That was definitely an advantageous ability. The whole team could move together, and if used well? If they only utilize the skill, they could probably move along with the other backup teams. The utility was improving, so it was good as a backup. Lets hire them, then. As for management... Ill leave the rest to Luna. Luna would probably be horrified if she heard about this, but what could he do? There was a shortage of hands. And Rapide thought to himself. Maybe its time to gather all the backup teams together. It was probably going to turn into chaos. But Luna would handle it well. Thinking that, Rapide quickly moved on to other tasks. There was barely any time to think about anything else. Then, it occurred to Rapide. Seong must have confirmed the payment, right? Seeing no comment from Seong, it seemed like he hadnt. But Rapide decided to leave it at that. He had already made sure the money was deposited. Chapter 201 1. The monsters emerging from the Forest Labyrinth included not only the common creatures found in most labyrinthssuch as snakes, bats, and spidersbut also those unique to the forest. Among them, the most formidable was a beast-type monster covered in green fur, moving on all fours but towering even larger when it stood uprightthe Greenleaf War Bear. Graaauuuugh! When it reared up on its hind legs and swung its massive front claws, most players would be torn apart instantly. Standing before such a beast, Seong casually strolled forward, preparing to test his new skill. The War Bear, as if recognizing that Seong was a powerful foe, charged at full strength right from the start. The speed at which the Greenleaf War Bear lunged on all fours was incredibly fast. At first glance, it seemed to appear in front of him in an instant. However, Seong, as if seeing through everything, simply raised his index finger. Then, assuming the posture of pulling a trigger, he activated his skill. A single drop of blood, redder than ruby, shot forward. GRAUUUUGH!!! The Greenleaf War Bear had no idea what was happening as it saw the drop of crimson blood. Yet, sensing something ominous, it instinctively charged in faster. Just as it reached Seong and prepared to swing its lethal claws That tiny drop of blood transformed into a crimson blade, expanding in size and slicing through the air toward the War Bear. A single drop of blood, turned into a keen, deadly blade. The now-enlarged crimson blade slashed deep into the Greenleaf War Bears chest. SCHIIIIING!!! A sound like metal being cleaved echoed as a long wound was carved into the War Bears chest. The momentum of its charge was forcefully stopped, its powerful legs carving two deep trenches into the ground as it was pushed back. ZZZZZZZZZZT! The crimson blade had deeply cut through the War Bears chest, yet that was all. Greenleaf War Bears blood flowed from the open wound. However, the beast wasnt finished yet. It still looked ready to attack. But at that moment, its head suddenly spun, as if lightheaded. Was it because of the blood loss? No, that couldnt be it. Before it could even recognize what was happening, it saw another crimson blade forming right before its eyes. It tried to dodge, but it was already too late. The second effect of Crimson Execution. If the casters HP is full, an additional strike is triggered. That effect activated now. The Greenleaf War Bear desperately tried to block it. But the crimson blade, like a grim reaper, struck again. The newly formed blade slashed directly into the wound that had already been cut open. SQUELCH!!! GRRAUUUUUUUUHHH!!! The War Bear let out an agonized roar. And at that moment, the lush green of its fur darkened into a sickly black hue. Poisoned by Blood Venom, the beast writhed in agony. Seong snapped his fingers. The poison inside its body detonated. BOOOOOM. The Greenleaf War Bear collapsed lifelessly. And then, a system message appeared before Seong. [You have gained experience.] Crimson Execution. Compared to Seongs other Almighty-tier offensive skills, its raw performance seemed somewhat underwhelming. But when combined with Blood Venom, it became incredibly effective. Other skills that completed the Blood Lord build would likely form an excellent combo. This is good. As long as he was satisfied, that was all that mattered. Through this large-scale event and his third job advancement He had grown significantly. Both in terms of skills and stats. Lets take a look. Status Window Seong Lv 157 Class Overlord Title Sovereign (Legendary) ...and 32 others. Stats Strength: 242 (186+56) Agility: 267 (205+62) Endurance: 267 (205+62) Intelligence: 605 (465+140) Wisdom: 605 (465+140) Mental Power: 133 (120+13) Dexterity: 8 (7+1) Bonus Stats 5 No matter how many times he saw it, these stats were ridiculous. It was almost absurd that his total stats had risen this high. Especially with the additional 200 stat points he gained through Blood Lord. At this point, his Intelligence and Wisdom had surpassed even the Strength-Agility-Endurance stats he had acquired in the Hall of Knights. Still, Seong felt a little regretful. Is there a Hall of Mages somewhere? That was a completely unreasonable thought. Even Seong found himself chuckling and shaking his head at the idea. That aside Level 160 still feels far away. Even after sending Helena and Fiora to hunt separately in the labyrinth after the quest ended, And even though the experience points kept flowing in, His level refused to budge. Thanks to the last quest, he had managed to reach 157. But gaining the remaining levels wouldnt be easy. Unless he could find another good quest, it wouldnt happen in a day or two. If things got tough I should ask Branch Leader Penelope if there are any quests. Since it was Overpalace, there had to be something. With that thought, Seong decided to wrap things up. He summoned Helena and Fiora, who had been hunting elsewhere in the labyrinth. It didnt take long before they arrived. Both of them looked curious as to why he had called them. They had been hunting for quite some time. After completing a large-scale event and a Unique-rank linked quest, It was about time to log out. Its time to head back, huh? Helena, immediately realizing his intentions, asked. Seong nodded. Yeah, see you tomorrow. Thanks for making today fun, as always, Seong. P, Please return safely.After sending them back to the Underworld, Seong logged out as well. [Eternal World awaits your return.] Seeing the now-familiar message, Seong stepped out of the capsule. Phew. It had already been twenty days since he started playing Eternal World. It wasnt a long time, yet he had become completely immersed. When his sister first introduced the capsule to him, he never expected it to turn out like this. Seong let out a small chuckle as he stepped out, feeling slightly sticky. He considered taking a shower. Naturally, he checked his phone. There were a few messages waiting for him. Several emails from the Rapid Guild and a few messages from Lee Geon-dong. Besides that, there were some texts ?N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t? in group chats. Ignoring the group chats, he checked the messages that were sent to him personally. Lee Geon-dong had sent a message saying he had just finished editing today and would buy Seong a meal tomorrow. So hes finally buying that meal he promised, huh? Not a bad deal. Seong smirked and then checked the emails from the Rapid Guild. They included a few additional contract adjustments, official documents, and confirmation that his signing bonus had been deposited. The new terms and added conditions were incredibly favorable. He hadnt read everything in detail, but Even at a glance, he could tell the deal was insane. Theyre even covering my taxes? Thats huge. Tax management and coverage? That was some next-level employee benefits. He also saw that his additional contract bonus and revenue from livestreams and video monetization had been deposited. Seong deliberately didnt check the exact numbers in the contract. It wouldnt be fun if he spoiled the surprise. Instead, he opened his banking app to see how much had been deposited. And when he saw the balance Deposit - [Rapid Guild] - 51,194,851,000 won ?????? The number didnt make sense. Wait. They mentioned an additional contract bonus and earnings settlement, right? What the hell? For a moment, Seong thought it was a system bug and refreshed the page. He checked the transaction history again. There was no mistake. He then looked at his account balance. [Nara Bank] Balance: 53,218,529,720 won ...? Was this real? 500 billion won? Seongs mind went completely blank. And this was the post-tax amount? His brain felt like it was about to short-circuit. But when he thought about it logically, it wasnt entirely absurd. The star players of Eternal World Seong was now one of them. Although he had only just reached the level where he was considered a mid-tier player, It was inevitable that he would become a ranker. And Eternal Worlds star players had reached the same level of global fame as sports superstars. So, in a way, this amount of money made sense. But seeing it in his own account was a different story. Can I really just play games and make this kind of money? All he did was have fun playing a game. Sure, streaming was technically a job, But he genuinely enjoyed doing live broadcasts. Yet this amount of money? ...This is more than the prize money from Squid Game. That thought alone made it feel even more ridiculous. Well, Squid Game was a game, and Eternal World was also a game. With that reasoning, Seong just chuckled to himself. What the hell was he supposed to do with all this money? Thinking about how absurd it was, Seong suddenly remembered the drivers license he got before joining the military. He nodded to himself. I should at least spend a little of it. Tomorrow was probably going to be a busy day. A peaceful weekday afternoon. The streets were mostly empty, But one young man was standing in the cold, shivering as he waited for someone. That person was Lee Geon-dong. Seong wasnt late. There was still some time left before their meeting. But Lee Geon-dong, not wanting to be late for a meal he was supposed to be treating, had arrived early. As he exhaled a puff of white breath in the cold air, he muttered to himself. Ssssshhh... Damn, its cold. Even though he was grateful to Seong and wanted to buy him a meal, He was starting to regret coming out so early. If he knew it would be this freezing, he should have left home later. Fortunately, it wasnt long before Seong spotted him and walked over. You came early. Yeah. I mean, Im the one buying, so I cant be late. Jeez... So, were getting barbecue, huh? Of course! Were eating beef! Oh. Beef for lunch? It felt a little excessive, But there was no reason to complain about free food. Seeing that Seong had no objections, Lee Geon-dong grinned and led him to a beef barbecue restaurant he had found. Unlike the freezing cold outside, The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by warm air and the delicious aroma of sizzling meat. Even though it was lunchtime, the restaurant was already packed. Definitely a famous spot. Welcome! A table for two? Yes, please. You can sit anywhere. Following the staffs instructions, Seong and Lee Geon-dong picked a table and sat down. They placed their orders and began chatting while waiting for the food. So, by the way, have you seen the latest video edit? It turned out pretty damn good. Oh! That was your work? Hehehe, of course! Ohhh. Seong had actually seen the video. The quality was impressive. Now that he knew his friend was the one who made it, it felt a bit strange. But he just accepted it. Lee Geon-dong, grinning smugly, joked that he had earned a bonus from the job, so he could afford to buy lunch. Seong smirked and nodded. Then Man, the Rapid Guild is insanely generous. Their payouts are way better than other guilds. Well, Yujin is definitely a big spender. Having experienced it firsthand, Seong responded naturally. Hearing that, Lee Geon-dong smiled and asked, So, did you buy anything with it? When you suddenly get a ton of money, you usually splurge on something. Oh, actually, I bought something this morning. Oh? What? Since his friend had just made an insane amount of money, Lee Geon-dong was curious about what he spent it on. Seong answered casually. A car. Damn!!! Thats the way! If you succeed, the first thing you do is buy a car! So, what did you get? Me? A Matizen. ...??? A Matizen? Was there even a supercar called Matizen? At least, in Lee Geon-dongs memory, there wasnt. Feeling suspicious, he hesitantly asked, Wait... Matizen, as in... Yeah, a used one. It was cheap. Got it for 5 million won. It really was the Matizen he was thinking of. ......D-Dont people usually buy sports cars or something when they get rich? Huh? I heard a used compact car is the best option for a young guy just starting out. ......Well... Thats... technically true... Faced with Seongs shockingly sensible decision, Lee Geon-dong was at a loss for words. Chapter 202 3. After purchasing a used compact car and having a meal with Lee Geon-dong, the entire morning was practically gone. Returning home, Seong put extra effort into playing Eternal World. Two days later. Leveling up required steady effort to make progress. It took two and a half days, but at last, he saw the message he had been waiting for. Seong lifted his ~Nvlight~ head slightly as the system messages appeared before his eyes. [Level Up!] [You have reached Level 160.] [Reaching Level 160 has unlocked a new skill for the Overlord class.] [Legendary-tier skill Tome of Ruin acquired.] [Reaching a 10-level milestone has activated the Almighty-tier item Overlords Codex.] [Reaching a 10-level milestone has activated the Almighty-tier item Book of Blood.] [A new connection has been added to the Legendary-tier item Random Box stored in your inventory.] [You can now advance to the next region.] "It''s done." Seong smirked slightly at the message. It had taken longer than expected. There hadn''t been any particularly worthwhile quests available. Since that slowed down his experience gain, he had to resort to grinding monsters and completing minor quests. And so, after two and a half days of effort, he finally reached Level 160. At last, the long-awaited milestone. While the new skill was certainly exciting, the most important thing was that the Random Box had gained a new connection. "I can finally open the box." It hadn''t been an excruciating wait, but he had high expectations. Of course, before dealing with the Random Box, it made sense to check out the new Overlord skill. After all, he had already obtained it, so it was only right to confirm its details first. And from its nameTome of Ruinit was clearly related to Book of Ruin. He could already guess what its effect might be. With that thought, Seong opened the skill window. Tome of Ruin [Legendary] [Lv 1] [Growth-Type] [Instant Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 30 minutes] "The ruin that has been recorded shall manifest again, repeating destruction upon the world." Overlord-exclusive skill. Requires ownership of Book of Ruin. Allows the user to record spells from Book of Ruin. Stored ruin spells can be used at will. The number of recorded spells increases as the skill level rises. Currently stored ruin spells: [0/3] "Oh?" As expected, it had one of the effects he had anticipated. A skill that allowed him to record the spells generated randomly by the Book of Ruin. This was incredibly useful. Every ruin spell was immensely powerful. However, the random nature of the Book of Ruin meant that he couldn''t always use the spells he wanted at the right time. But now? Being able to store and reuse specific spells would dramatically increase their effectiveness. "This is amazing." Satisfied with Tome of Ruin, Seong now turned his attention to the Random Box, hoping for equally worthwhile rewards. Opening his inventory, he saw them lined up. Random Box 3 [Legendary] A box that grants an item or skill connected to the user. All obtainable rewards are of Legendary tier. Current linked skill: Abyssal Terror Lord. "I had a feeling..." So this time, it was linking to Abyssal Terror Lord. Ever since acquiring Lord of Blood, he had felt that Terror Lords effects were underwhelming. Now, this new connection had appeared. What could it mean? After briefly considering, Seong made up his mind and pulled out another item from his inventory alongside the Random Boxes. A twenty-sided die shimmering in multiple colorssometimes appearing radiant, other times ominous. This was his newly obtained Almighty-tier item: Fate. The Random Box itself was already a gamble. However, since the connection had been established, the reward was guaranteed. Even so, within the guaranteed rewards, some were bound to be better than others. And that meant there was still an element of luck involved. Which was where Fate came into play. Holding the die, Seong glanced around. "If this works..." [The Almighty-tier item Fate has detected an event to influence.] [There is room for Fate to intervene in the Legendary-tier item Random Box.] [Would you like to alter your Fate?] As expected, the system displayed the message he had hoped for. He had been almost certain this would happen. But now that it was actually in front of him, he felt a slight sense of tension. "Doing it for real makes me a little nervous." Still, hesitation wasnt in his nature. Without another thought, Seong flicked the die into the air. It tumbled through the air before landing on the ground, rolling with a crisp clattering sound. For a long moment, it continued to spin. Thenfinallyit stopped. [15.] A rather high number. And then Fwoooosh! A golden, radiant light burst forth from Fate. The dazzling glow enveloped Seongs hands before the dice returned to his grasp, accompanied by a system message. [The Almighty-tier item Fate has increased the chance of obtaining a superior reward by 15%.] Looking at just the numbers, this was completely broken. One of the Random Boxes had been affected. Two remained. And with Fates daily usage limit, he still had two rolls left. Might as well use them. Rolling again, the first landed on 10, and the second on a lower 5. A little disappointing, but... Since it added a percentage-based bonus, it was still better than nothing. On average, that meant he had over 10% increased probability of getting better rewards. "Not bad at all." With that thought, Seong opened the Random Boxes. [You have obtained three Legendary-tier skills connected to you!] [The newly obtained skills resonate deeply with your existing abilities!] [These skills will now be included in your exclusive skill list.] [The Almighty-tier skill Abyssal Terror Lord has acquired the necessary components to awaken its true form.] [The level of Abyssal Terror Lord has increased.] [The three newly acquired Legendary-tier skills now pledge their loyalty to Abyssal Terror Lord.] "Oh?" Was this even better than expected? Seong immediately opened his skill window to examine the new abilities. Eyes of the Abyss [Legendary] [Lv 1] [Growth-Type] [Passive Effect] [Active Effect] [Cooldown: 20 minutes] [Duration: 30 seconds] "Even the fears you wished to hide cannot deceive me." Overlord-exclusive skill. Requirement: Must possess Abyssal Terror Lord. Activates the Eyes of the Abyss, inducing irresistible terror in a target. While under the gaze of the Eyes of the Abyss, the target cannot escape fear. Even beings immune to fear will succumb. Specter of Fear [Legendary] [Lv 1] [Growth-Type] [Instant Effect] [Passive] [Cooldown: 20 minutes] [Duration: 1 minute] "Run if you must, but rememberfear awaits wherever you hide." Overlord-exclusive skill. Requirement: Must possess Abyssal Terror Lord. Summons a Specter of Fear near those engulfed in terror. The specter takes the form of whatever the target fears most and attacks them. The specters attack power scales based on the intensity of the targets fear. Fear of Loss [Legendary] [Lv 1] [Growth-Type] [Passive Effect] [Active Effect] [Cooldown: 20 minutes] [Duration: 3 minutes] "Your body shall scatter like smoke upon the abyss." Overlord-exclusive skill. Requirement: Must possess Abyssal Terror Lord. Temporarily erases a designated part of the targets body. The erased body part will not return during the effects duration. Any target suffering from lost body parts is automatically considered to be in a state of fear. "Oh-ho." Eyes of the Abyss was an absolute fear-inducing skill. It synergized perfectly with Abyssal Terror Lord. Then there was Specter of Fear, which complemented Eyes of the Abyss seamlessly. If combined properly, it could establish an unstoppable Fear Build. Finally, Fear of Lossa devastating opener. The sheer effectiveness of these skills left Seong thoroughly impressed. Then, a thought crossed his mind. If these Legendary-tier skills were this powerful... Just how strong had Abyssal Terror Lord become after its true form awakened? The moment the thought struck him, Seong immediately opened its details. Abyssal Terror Lord [Almighty] [Lv 5] [Growth-Type] [Instant Effect] [Multi-Effect] [Cooldown: 20 minutes] "The fear lurking in the abyss shall descend upon the land, consuming all in its grasp. Those who taste this fear shall worship its dominion." Overlord-exclusive skill. Spreads the abyss around the user, engulfing everything in terror. Absorbs HP and Mana from all entities ensnared in the abyss. For each enemy affected by fear, Seong''s stats temporarily increase by 30%. If there are no enemies affected by fear, the stat boost disappears. "Holy" The previous version of the skill had now become a full-blown area-wide ability. And on top of that It boosted Seongs stats by 30% per terrified enemy. A skill truly worthy of the title Lord. Even Seong was astonished by how absurdly powerful it had become. With this, he could fully commit to a Fear Build. It was already an incredibly solid setup. But then, he recalled something else and smirked. "I have four Overlords Codex and two Book of Blood stored." That meant he could unlock six more skills. The Blood Build was already highly effective, so he could put the Book of Blood aside for now. But with four skills from Overlords Codex, he could further reinforce his Fear Build. This was going to be ridiculously powerful. 4. In the fifth city, Pentamire, the largest mansion towered over the landscape. It was grander than even the lords castle. And its owner? A name everyone in this city knew. This was the headquarters of Overpalaces Pentamire branch, one of the most powerful organizations on the continent. Inside, the branch leader Penelope sat at her desk, skimming through various reports. Unlike other branch leaders who resided far away, she remained in the heart of the city, meticulously handling affairs. Her subordinates, however, were growing restless. We- we should be assisting the Heir as soon as possible, shouldnt we? Didnt they recently express interest in a particular mission? Should we... should we create one ourselves? We must be of use!!! Despite their agitation, Penelope cast them a cold, piercing glare. Unlike Belmor, the branch leader of Pentagrid, Penelope appeared remarkably young. However, the sheer power contained within her presence was more than enough to crush the nervous executives underfoot. Regardless of her youthful appearance, the title of Branch Leader was not something that could be ignored. Hic! Guhh. B-branch leader!? The three executives clutched their chests in panic. If they even slightly let their guard down, the sheer weight of her presence would feel like a spear piercing their hearts. Penelope, however, remained utterly indifferent. She simply continued handling her assigned work. To the executives, however, this was unacceptable. "Shouldnt all of our strength be dedicated to the Heir?" "Why was she acting like she didnt care?" Just as one of them was about to speak We cannot assist the Heir at this moment, Penelope stated flatly. And more importantly, we have received direct orders from the Black Star. The executives froze. F-from the Black Star!? Wh-what did they say? If its them, then... Annoyed by their urgency, Penelope sighed and grimaced. In the Sixth Region, a grand offering shall be bestowed upon the Heir. Ensure that the will of the world does not intervene. Her cold gaze swept across the room. Do you understand? The more we interfere, the lesser the offering in the Sixth Region shall be. The executives shuddered. Oooooh!!! So that was the intention! We shall remember this well! As expected of the Black Star! Penelopes lips curled into a smirk. Before the Heir departs for the Sixth Region, I shall take action myself. Until then, she would remain vigilant. For the Heirs ascension was absolute. And Overpalace existed solely to serve. Chapter 203 5. Starting from the third village, where raids became available, each town or city had its own infamous raid boss. Pentamire was no exception. Its legendary raid boss was none other than the Emerald Devourer, Muelion. A spirit-beast hybrid, it took the form of a massive lion composed of wood. With its majestic yet fearsome presence, Muelion had become the most powerful and well-known raid boss in Pentamire. Unlike most raid bosses, however, Muelions battlefield was an open field, meaning other players could watch the battle unfold. Of course, the "open field" aspect was only an illusion. In reality, each raid was instanced, meaning that outside players could not interfere, though they could still observe the action in real time. This spectator-friendly design had turned Muelions raid fights into viral sensations. Videos of Muelion encounters used to rack up millions of viewsback when it was still a fresh challenge. Even so, the boss remained incredibly powerful, and very few parties had managed to clear it. As a result, the queue for Pentamires raid was always the longest. Many players lined up not to challenge it, but simply to watch. After all, unless you were exceptionally strong, there was no real chance of clearing it anyway. For many, spectating was the next best thing. Anyone beat it today? Nah, not a single clear. Hmmm, should I just go do quests instead? Lets watch one more attempt before heading out. It wasnt so much that they had time to kill Rather, many had grown weary from excessive grinding. Watching raids like this was a way to fight off burnout. Today''s crowd was as large as ever, but none of the raid challengers had been particularly remarkable. With the lack of excitement, the mood was starting to die down. Then Huh? What is it? A player named Bipeng suddenly reacted to something, catching the attention of his friend Winrong. Seeing his puzzled expression, Winrong followed Bipengs gaze. But... Nothing seemed out of place. What are you looking at? Winrong asked, confused. Bipeng, still staring, pointed at someone. A lone player stood at the front of the queue, waiting for their turn. Winrong frowned, unimpressed. So what? Its just another raider. But then Wait... that player isnt part of a party. What? Are you serious? Hes gonna solo the raid? At Bipengs words, Winrong took a closer look. Sure enough, the player was alone. No party members. No backup. A solo challenger. But... The players gear didnt look special. Not shabby, but not particularly impressive either. Dressed in a plain black robe and a worn-out black mask, their appearance was... oddly unassuming. The aesthetic vaguely resembled a Demon King, but no one actually believed it was him. After all "Why the hell would the Demon King be here?" It made as much sense as an idol group lining up for fish-shaped pastries in some random neighborhood. And so Bipeng and Winrong, unfazed, continued chatting and snickering. Oh-ho? Even if he fails, this should be entertaining. Right? You wouldnt attempt this unless you had at least some confidence. I mean, sure, Muelions a bit old news, but soloing it is still ridiculous. Pffft, exactly. Still, gotta give him credit for trying. Their mocking laughter drew disapproving glances from nearby players. Many had also come just to watch, but there was no need to be so openly obnoxious about it. Some even visibly frowned, annoyed by their behavior. But Bipeng and Winrong were oblivious. Or rather, they didnt care. If anything, they seemed to be enjoying the attention. If he fails too miserably, itll be embarrassing~ Right? Maybe we should cheer him on so its less embarrassing? Hearing them mock so openly, a few players quietly moved away. No one wanted to get involved with idiots. Better to avoid the trouble altogether. As they continued laughing to themselves, the lone players turn finally arrived. Oh, oh! Its starting! Lets watch him fail, then well go questing. By now, the mysterious player had become nothing more than their entertainment. They watched as the black-robed figure stepped forward Walking toward the grassy hill that served as Muelions den. And then The trees began to stir. Roots and branches rose from the earth, twisting together Taking shape. A massive wooden lion, over ten meters tall, emerged. The emerald glow in its eyes burned with ferocity. And then Muelion roared into the sky. KRRRAAAAUUUGHHHHH!! The earth trembled under the force of its cry. Bipeng and Winrong, unfazed, simply watched. Theyd seen this countless times before. But The black-robed player tilted their head. As if genuinely intrigued. This simple gesture Made Bipeng and Winrong sneer. Pffffft. Is he scared? First time seeing Muelion, and hes already pissing himself? I mean, Muelions no joke, but still Classic newbie reaction. Their mockery was pathetic Especially coming from players who hadnt even tried fighting Muelion themselves. But the black-robed player didnt acknowledge them. They simply began preparing their skills. Bipeng and Winrong smirked. "I hope he fails miserably." And then Something changed. The ground beneath the player began to darken. Not just a shadow But something deeper. Darker. Like a void swallowing the very light itself. And then The abyss manifested. Ssssshhhhh. A sinister darkness began seeping outward. It didnt distinguish between friend or foe It consumed the entire area. Not just Muelions hill But even the waiting players were touched by its reach. As the chilling aura crept beneath their feet The onlookers instinctively stepped back. Something wasnt right. Something was happening. Even Bipeng and Winrong, who had been laughing moments ago, felt their throats go dry. And then They saw it. A monstrous eye emerged from the darkness. At first It was hard to even recognize it as an eye. It looked like a mass of shifting black flesh. But then From within the writhing abyss, a ghastly pupil emerged. The moment they saw it They froze. Paralyzed. Horrified. Even Muelions vibrant emerald eyes began to darken. The massive beast The fearsome raid boss Was shaking. Krrrrr.... A low growl escaped its throat. And everyone knew. Muelion was Terrified. But it wasnt over. The black-robed player casually snapped their fingers. Snap! A grotesque insectoid head emerged from the ground. A nightmare creature One that fed on tree spirits. Its disgusting mandibles clicked hungrily Before sinking into Muelions leg. Crunch! Muelions right foreleg Was gone. Th-this is impossible.... "W-What the hell is that?!" "Gasp!" Even though most of the players present were not inflicted with the Fear debuff, many found themselves shuddering, covering their mouths, or even turning away from the grotesque scene before them. It was beyond disgustingbeyond repulsivea nightmare incarnate, perfectly crafted to invoke terror. Bipeng and Winrong were no exception. "What kind of skill is this...?" They couldnt comprehend what they were witnessing. And then Snap! The black-robed player snapped their fingers once more. Muelion, who had already lost its leg, turned its gaze in horror toward the new manifestation. And there A spectral entity loomed before it. Muelion gulped nervously as it locked eyes with the ghostly figure. A being with hollow voids for eyesa form that pierced beyond emptiness, touching the abyss itself. And then The wraith began to shift. Crack! Crack! Crackkk! A grotesque, bone-chilling sound filled the air. Its form twisted and contorted. And when it finally settled Muelions worst nightmare stood before it. A colossal insect. Larger than Muelion itself. A monster whose jaws could tear through the lions throat in a single bite. Its antennae extended Brushing over Muelions body. Tap. Tap. Tap. A slow, deliberate touch, as if testing whether the meal was ready. Muelion wanted desperately to escape. But it couldnt. It was completely immobilized Not by chains. Not by bindings. But by the Eyes of the Abyss, watching from the black-robed players side. Muelion glanced away in sheer desperation Only to look back just in time to see The giant insect opening its maw. KAAAHHH!!! Muelion screamed in terror. The wraith-insect did not lunge at it directly. Instead It exploded into a swarm. Bzzzzzzzzt!!! A black storm of insects erupted. Thousands. Tens of thousands. Hundreds of thousands. A sea of black wings blotting out the sky Darker than the abyss itself. And then They descended. Like a torrential downpour. Squelch! Squelch! Squelch! Each bite sucked the very essence from Muelions wooden body. It was being devoured alive. AAAAAHHHH!!! R-RUN!!! W-WHAT THE HELL?!?!?! Some players panicked, trying to flee Only to realize something. The swarm only attacked Muelion. H-Hey, theyre not coming for us? S-Still... lets not take any chances. W-Who is that guy?! What kind of skill is this? Ive NEVER seen anything like it!" As the players trembled, trying to make sense of the chaos The black-robed player snapped their fingers once more. Snap! A turquoise portal opened beside them And their minions emerged. The moment the spectral servants appeared Several players immediately recognized the truth. "Th-The Demon King?!" Y-Youre kidding!? Wait... those two dumbasses were mocking the Demon King this whole time?! As the black-robed players identity became clear The gathering crowd turned their gaze toward Bipeng and Winrong. Their faces paled as realization sank in. Maybe... Maybe they should run. But before they could make a move The raid was over. Muelions ravaged corpse collapsed. Shattered. Consumed. Utterly annihilated by the Demon Kings army. The fastest clear record ever recorded. And then The Demon King himself stepped out of the raid field. Step. Step. Bipeng and Winrong flinched. Their entire bodies trembled uncontrollably. They were about to piss themselves. And then A charming, yet mischievous voice rang out. Snap! A delicate hand flicked a finger And Helena appeared. Her lush red hair practically glowed under the light. Her expression? Playful. A devilish grin spread across her lips. And then The sound of skittering. Rustle. Rustle. Something crawled over Bipeng and Winrongs legs. AAAAAAAAAHHHH!!! "S-SAVE ME!!!" The two screamed, flailing like madmen. Helena laughed lightly. Her crimson eyes twinkled with amusement. "Oh?" "It''s just an illusion, you know?" Bipeng and Winrong froze. They looked down. Nothing was ? Nvl?g? ? (Continue reading) there. Nothing. The players watching erupted into cheers. "THE DEMON KING IS A LEGEND!!!" "THAT WAS THE MOST SATISFYING THING EVER!!!" "DUDE, THAT RAID FELT LIKE A DAMN MOVIE!!!" "HELL YEAH, MAJESTY! SHOW THESE IDIOTS WHO''S BOSS!!!" "WE SUPPORT YOU!!!" The loud praise made Seong feel... A little awkward. He quickly slipped away from the crowd. After distancing himself He sensed something approaching. Turning He saw her. Penelope. Overpalace Pentamire''s Branch Leader. She stood before him. Head bowed. And then With careful reverence, she spoke. "The Black Star has sent a message for you." Chapter 204 The Black Star Seong fell silent at the name. The Black Star. The leader of Overpalace. A being recognized as the First Seat among the Nine Heroes. To Seong, the Black Star had gradually started to feel like some distant benefactora mysterious figure watching over him from the shadows. But regardless of personal impressions, there was no doubt The Black Star was an extraordinary NPC. Just moments ago, Seong had been reviewing his fear-based skills, contemplating which abilities he should unlock using Overlords Codex. But now, of all things The Black Star''s name had surfaced. When he first saw Penelope, the Branch Leader of Overpalace Pentamire, he assumed she had simply come to deliver another report. Yet, here she was, mentioning a name he had nearly forgotten. "What is he giving me this time?" Then again Hadnt the system itself been blocking the Black Stars attempts to reward him? Even Penelope had apologized before, stating that "the will of the world"the system itselfhad interfered with Overpalace''s attempts to aid him. That wasnt too long ago. And now, suddenly, the Black Star had something else to offer? It was... odd. Still, the Black Star had always been helpful. There was no reason not to hear him out. Seong nodded lightly, urging Penelope to continue. Understanding his gesture, Penelope spoke. "The Black Star has ordered that the Ancient Tome be delivered to you in the Sixth Region." "Ancient Tome?" Seong tilted his head, unfamiliar with the term. But beside him Helena suddenly swallowed hard, her expression uneasy. "O-oh?" Seong noticed. Helena knew something. She was visibly shaken. That in itself was unusual. Typically, Helena was the first to explain whenever she recognized something. But now? She was silent. "This is new." Seong made a mental note to ask her later. For now He let Penelope finish. "You will learn more in the Sixth Region." "Hmmm." The Sixth Region. He had already planned to move on soon. It wasnt off-limits or anything. But "The Sixth Region is where class specialization happens, right?" Each class profession had its own designated city. Mages had to visit the City of Towers. Clerics traveled to the City of Sanctuaries. And Necromancers like him? That was obvious. The Sixth City. Hexia. The City of Necromancers and the Dead. It was also home to Overpalaces second-largest branch. Following the Third Advancement in the Fifth Region, players were sent to class-based cities to hone their specializations. Of course, there were no restrictions preventing him from visiting other cities first. In fact, he had considered avoiding Hexia for a while. Overpalaces overwhelming loyalty was a bit excessive at times. But now With the Ancient Tome waiting there... "Guess I dont have a choice." "So I have to go to Hexia?" "Yes." Penelope answered firmly, leaving no room for argument. Seong sighed. "Well, its not like I have a reason to refuse." Overpalace had been nothing but generous to him so far. Sure, some of them were overbearing (cough Belmor cough) But Penelope was still reasonable. He could deal with it. "Alright. Ill go to Hexia." "Understood. You will receive further instructions there." Penelope bowed deeply. "The Black Star also wishes to apologize. He believes it is Overpalace''s fault for being unable to assist you properly until now." "...That makes no sense." Seong frowned. Overpalace had already done more than enough for him. What the hell did they mean by "lacking virtue"? Regardless, Penelope remained bowed in respect. Seong sighed and gave a small nod. "Might as well prepare to leave." He had already tested his new skills. Nothing was holding him back anymore. "Alright, thanks for everything. Ill be on my way." Penelope straightened, then offered a final farewell. "I may not have the honor of seeing you again, Heir. But until that day, I pray for your health, prosperity, and unchallenged reign." Her formality was almost overwhelming. Even so, Seong merely gave a short acknowledgment and set off. Once he was out of sight Penelope quietly reached for a black parchment. With a burst of mana, she wrote her report. A message directed to the Black Star himself. She detailed everything That the Heir had departed for the Sixth Region. That he had grown stronger than ever. And that She had witnessed it firsthand. 6. The Black Stars Realm Somewhere far beyond mortal reach A corridor stretched endlessly. It was neither sky nor land. A place where direction held no meaning. Like an endless void A galaxy of shifting mirrors. Step. Step. Step. A figure walked the path. Neither old nor young. Neither man nor woman. Their form was undefined. As they walked, paper birds fluttered toward them. They extended a hand And unfolded the first message. It was from Pentagrid. "The Crimson One has awakened from the Abyss." The figure silently read the words. Then They opened the next message. It contained a recording. A video transmission from Pentamire. A familiar red-haired woman. Helena. But The figure did not focus on her. Instead They gazed at the young man standing beside her. And in a voice trembling with emotion, they whispered "At last... Our Lord has returned." The words were not directed at Helena. But at Seong. A mix of devotion and longing filled their tone. A gentle tremor in their voice As if they had waited for an eternity. And then They whispered again. "We have already sent the Ancient Tome to the Sixth Region." "But for our Lord, that alone is not enough." "A proper tribute must be made." The endless corridor shuddered. The universe itself seemed to resonate with the words. The stars trembled Until all colors were drained from existence. The world turned white. And then A chorus of voices erupted. [For Our Great Lord!] [For those who falsely claimed the throne] [Their heads shall be offered!] [A part of their necks...] [In the Sixth Region...] [Offer them upon the altar!] [All in service of our Lord!] The final proclamation was uttered with such trembling joy, as if the very world itself shivered in ecstasy. And then The Black Star spoke in response. Waver not. A chorus of voices erupted. [For our Lord is the one and only!] [Even the past rulers have bowed before Him!] [How could we not rejoice?] The Black Star nodded solemnly. A Lord who had seized the Staff of Sovereignty Who had revived the former ruler and made them his vassal Their true and rightful ruler. "How could we not worship him?" His voice was thick with emotion. "My foolish comrades ?N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t? of the past shall rejoice as well." He had never been mistaken. Helenas will had never been mistaken. And now, he could finally see it for himself. "We must make the necessary preparations." "Our Lord must never be hindered." He vowed. And vowed again. And then, he spoke to the world. "In the name of the First Seat of the Nine Heroes" "I declare the summoning of the Heroic Council." 7. Atop E-World Corporations headquarters, a luxurious penthouse office sat, designed more like a high-end suite than a workplace. There, seated in front of a single monitor, a man smirked in amusement. A man whose face had appeared countless times across media outlets. A man heralded as a once-in-a-century genius And the first to successfully realize true virtual reality. Park Won. He was staring at his screen, thoroughly entertained. And then He murmured in genuine curiosity. What the hell is this? The Black Stars announcement was displayed on his screen. The summoning of the Heroic Council. And alongside it A familiar players name. Seong. Eternal World was undeniably Park Wons creation. But It was not the game he originally envisioned. At least, not entirely. Park Won tilted his head, puzzled. What had Seong done to make even the immovable Black Star react? "Because of that homunculus modeled after Helena?" It was just a shell, wasnt it? A mere doll? That was what he had thought Until he saw Helena, fully alive and breathing. He scratched his head. "The hell is that thing?" Even Immortal, the AI overseeing the game, had only responded with: [Unknown Power Detected.] And that only made him more curious. What kind of force allowed Seong to move freely in a world designed to restrict players? "Hmmm. I should keep an eye on him." Previously, when reports of skill glitches had come in, he hadnt cared much. But now If even Overpalaces Black Star was getting this involved... That was another story. It was unexpected. But exciting. Park Won grinned. "Now this... This is what makes a game fun." And then He issued a new directive. [From now on, all reports related to Seong must be escalated directly to me.] He chuckled. "I cant just let a Heroic Council be convened without adding some spice." His eyes glimmered as he scrolled through a list of high-ranking figures. Like a child discovering a new toy, he whispered "Maybe its time for a little event." [Baek Jiwoo, head of the Events Team. Schedule a meeting for a new in-game event.] [Additionally, summon Assistant Manager Lee Won-sang as a reference for Seongs case.] A moment later, two screams echoed from within the E-World headquarters. But Park Won Simply smirked. That wasnt his problem. 0. After hearing Penelopes message, Seong couldn''t help but feel intrigued. Something was waiting in the Sixth City. For a gamer, that was too enticing to ignore. Was it a new main quest? Or perhaps A clue to an undiscovered skill? Maybe even A new vassal? As he pondered, his gaze drifted toward Helena. She was unusually quiet. "Hmm." Now that he thought about it The Ancient Tome Penelope mentioned... It seemed to be connected to Helena. And yet, she wasnt saying a word. "Helena?" "Y-yeah?" "Youve been awfully quiet." "W-well, um... I guess Im just tired?" Her nervous fidgeting was obvious. Seong narrowed his eyes. Helena averted her gaze. Which was definitely not her usual behavior. "Suspicious." He debated pressing her for answers. But before he could Helena suddenly panicked. "I-Im really tired! Ill just, um, retreat to the Underworld for now!" "Hmm." "I-I''m serious!" She clearly knew something. But if he pushed It would probably be a spoiler. Seong sighed. "Fine. Come back when youre rested." "Y-yeah! See you later!" Like a fugitive escaping interrogation, Helena vanished into the Underworld. Seong watched her disappear, then sighed. "What the hell is in the Sixth City?" The more she avoided it, the more curious he became. "Guess I need to hurry up and get there." As he walked, another thought crossed his mind. The Rapid Guild. It had been a while since he last interacted with them. Had they been doing well? Perhaps he should check in on them soon. But for now The mystery of Hexia was far more pressing. With quickened steps, Seong set off. Toward the Sixth City. Toward Hexia. Chapter 205 1. As Seong was making his way to the sixth city, Hexia, a gathering was taking place in the fifth region, Fifthreach. Several players, each concealing their identities, slipped into a particular building. The sight of them moving so discreetly would have raised suspicion, but they were careful and swift. No one noticed that people were assembling there. One by one, they arrived. In total, twelve had gathered. Among them, a woman in a long robe stepped forward, pulling back her hood. It was Luna, the most promising rising star of the Rapid Guild. Everyone here belonged to the Rapid Guild. This included the original members of Lunas team, those who had been together for some time. The recently joined Joseons Best Sword, Kim Che-geon, as well as Mayrin and Kurosawa Ren. There was also Kyou, who was unaffiliated with any party. Finally, the Embris Party, which had only joined a few days ago. With everyone gathered, their numbers totaled twelve. Each of them was highly skilled and full of personality. Luna wanted to get straight to the point as quickly as possible. Sensing this, everyone focused on her. First of all, thank you all for gathering here. Ive called this meeting to discuss our future operations. Since this was an official gathering, Luna maintained a polite tone. No one objected or interrupted herthey all knew why they were here. Seong has already moved on to the sixth region. In order to catch up to him as soon as possible, we had to call this emergency meeting. Damn, hes fast. Hohoho!!! Thats our ? NvIight ? (Read more on our source) Seong! Hahaha!!! Thats the Demon King for you! Joseon Samurai, and you, Loudmouth Spear, can you both keep it down? Hmph, as expected. The room instantly became noisy with the sheer energy of its members. The four newcomersthe Embris Partylooked slightly bewildered by the chaotic atmosphere. But no one paid it much mind. Either way, Luna took control of the situation and spoke up again. Our priority is to keep up with Seongs pace, which means we need to match his level as quickly as possible. Her words silenced the chatter. If there had been another way, this meeting wouldnt have been necessary. Since we have new members joining, Ill go over our current combat strength. Some looked visibly proud as she spoke. However, as Luna continued, Kyou and Embriss expressions stiffened. In our original Luna Team, after the third job advancement, we have one Almighty-tier, and the rest are all Legendary-tier. Kyou, who recently joined us, is also Almighty-tier, as is Embris. The other three members of the Embris Party are Legendary-tier. Three Almighty-tiers and nine Legendary-tiers. Some had previously been Unique-tier, but after the third job advancement, they each climbed a rank. Most notably, Luna herself had ascended from Legendary to Almighty-tier. Even within high-ranking guilds, few parties boasted such power. Normally, teams like this would be split up or balanced around the Almighty-tier members. But here, this overwhelming force was just a backup team. All of them had gathered to support Seong. Even Kyou was the same. His ultimate goal was to surpass Seong. But to do that, he first needed to chase after him. The problem was that even with this assembled force... "And yet, we still might not catch up." "Just how strong is he?" "Unbelievable." Most of them had similar thoughts. Even after gathering this much strength, the idea that they might still struggle to keep up was frustrating. Thats exactly why they had come together. With twelve members, well split into two groups of six. My Luna Party will remain as it is, while Embris Party will form the second group. Mayrin, Kurosawa, and Ren will be joining Embriss party. Haaah. The Joseon Samurai should have gone there instead. Hahaha! Shut up, you thieving bastard! A minor argument broke out. Luna quickly calmed them down and continued. Weve also acquired a new quest that requires at least two players per party. Normally, we wouldve handed it to Seong, but since hes already moved on to the sixth city, well complete it ourselves and level up as fast as possible. Everyone nodded. As Luna looked around at her gathered allies, she sighed. "Why is it that only the most stubborn ones ended up in my party?" But there was no helping it. If she had placed Kim Che-geon and Kyou in the newly joined Embris Party, the result would have been a disaster waiting to happen. It was better to control them herself. Luna looked up at the sky with weary eyes. For a moment, she thought of Rapid, their guild master. But she shook her head. Rapid had given these orders. And right now, even Rapid was far too busy to deal with them. 2. The sixth city wasnt as populated as Seong had expected. Starting from the fifth region, players were treated as mid-level. As a result, the player population began to thin out. And this city in particular was even more extreme. Hexia, the City of Death and Black Mages. The landscape surrounding Hexia was grim and foreboding. Dark clouds loomed overhead, blocking out the sun. A thick fog clung to the ground, making the city appear even more eerie. The surrounding areas were just as dreadful. A lake poisoned beyond habitation. A forest drenched in curses and darkness. A massive chasm so deep it looked like pure void. There was nothing welcoming about this place. Even though Hexia was a must-visit for Black Mages, the number of players here was significantly lower compared to other cities. Black Mages needed to come here to advance their class, but most left as soon as they finished their tasks. Seong, too, felt something peculiar as he took in the cityscape. "The atmosphere is... not great." The gloom and eerie aura were overwhelming. It was obvious why most players avoided this place. But aside from the atmosphere, Seong found nothing particularly bad about the city itself. If he ignored the mood, Hexia was bigger and more expansive than any other sixth-tier city. It wasnt bustling, but the NPCs were incredibly well-developed. For a Black Mage, this place was essential. Perhaps thats why... Even though the number of players in Hexia was small, there were still some who actively operated in the city from time to time. "Should I head straight to the Overpalace branch?" As Seong pondered, he looked up at the colossal fortress that should have served as the lords castle. A structure overflowing with ominous energy. Normally, each city would have a ruling lords castle at its center. Other sixth-tier cities had mage towers as their focal points, but they still had lords. Hexia, however, was different. The entire city was the Overpalaces branch. Which meant that Overpalace itself governed Hexia. While the entire city functioned as a branch, its main headquarters was the fortress in front of him. "I have to go there, dont I?" Black Fortress had said they would provide something new. Maybe not sending anyone to greet him was a ploy to maximize the rewards he would receive. Thinking this, Seong slowly made his way toward the fortress. "What kind of reward will I get?" As he walked, several NPCs whispered among themselves while eyeing him cautiously. "H-Hes heading to the Overpalace branch, isnt he?" "S-Shouldnt we stop him?" "Hah... Hes an outsider. He must have his own reasons." "I-If hes an outsider, shouldnt we at least direct him to another black magic training hall instead of Overpalace?" Their fearful and hesitant voices reached Seongs ears, though he pretended not to hear them. Still, his curiosity was piqued. "Why are they so scared?" Seong kept walking toward Overpalaces branch, yet no one stepped in to stop him. Did they not want to get involved? And it wasnt just NPCs reacting this wayother players were whispering as well. "Hes going toward Overpalace?" "Holy shit, is he actually planning to challenge it?" "No way. People still try that?" "That guys got guts..." "Tell me about it." They all talked about him, but no one dared to approach or warn him. The atmosphere felt strange. Other cities also feared Overpalace, but not to this extent. At the very least, players often joked about challenging Overpalace. But here? Not a single one. It was strange. But Seong decided to figure it out later. As he reached the fortress, he finally understood why everyone was so terrified. "Hah..." Even Seong let out a sigh. The fortress was surrounded by undead. No, rather than just an undead army... It was more like an undead tidal wave. There were at least hundreds of thousands of undead slowly circling the fortress like a dark, ominous current. And they werent just any undead. "Dullahans? Are those Death Knights?" The higher-ranked undead were roaming around like mere pebbles scattered across the ground. Most of them were above Level 200, and he could even spot several Level 300 undead walking among them. No wonder players and NPCs were so wary. As Seong stood still, briefly overwhelmed by the sight, the NPCs and players watching from afar nodded knowingly. "Of course... he stopped there." "We all did the same." "No one dares enter Overpalace after seeing that." "Overpalace made sure to provide plenty of black magic training options outside the fortress." "Hmph. Even an outsider knows to value his life." But just as they finished speaking, something unprecedented happened. All at once, the undead stopped moving. Since the day Overpalace had taken control of this city, this had never happened before. The undead had always patrolled the fortress. But now... For the first time, they had come to a halt. The NPCs and players watching panicked instantly. "H-Holy shit!?" "T-They stopped all of a sudden!?" "A-Are they going to attack us?!" "G-Get away from there right now!!!" While everyone else screamed in terror, Seong simply stood still and observed. The massive fortress gates creaked open. And then The undead kneeled, bowing their heads as if welcoming him inside. The players and NPCs stared in disbelief. A moment ago, they had expected Seong to turn back like everyone else. Instead, he casually walked forward and entered the fortress. Watching this surreal scene unfold, the onlookers murmured in shock. "W-What did I just witness?" "T-The undead... bowed to him!?" "Who the hell is that guy!?" "I-Is he... the Demon King!?" Chapter 206 Leaving behind the awestruck players and NPCs, Seong entered the fortress. As he took in the interior, he couldnt help but be impressed. "Wow." Seong had previously visited Pentagrids lords castle, one of the lordly estates in the fifth-tier cities. But compared to this place, Pentagrids castle was nothing. Calling it a large mansion would have been more accurate. Here, the scale and grandeur were on an entirely different level. As Seong silently marveled at the architecture, the sound of footsteps echoed through the vast lobby. Click. Clack. Click. Clack. It sounded like a single set of footsteps. But the presence he felt was far greater than just one person. Startled, Seong turned his head. The footsteps drew closer, revealing a woman leading a procession of figures behind her. At the forefront stood a woman with deep midnight-blue hair, shimmering with an ethereal glow. Silver ornaments adorned her hair, resembling a celestial river of stars. Her elegance was undeniable. However, her porcelain-white skin contrasted sharply with the grotesque, twisted doll mask covering her face. A chilling sense of unease lingered around her. Even at a glance, it was clear she was no ordinary figure. Seong swallowed. "Shes stronger than Belmor or Penelope." Her aura exuded pressure, the kind that could overwhelm someone simply by existing. It was similar to Kars Grimcrow, the Crow-masked Envoy of Overpalace. However "Shes not as strong as Kars." For someone ruling over a city, she was still below Overpalaces envoy. In fact, the two standing beside her seemed stronger than she was. Normally, in a game, it would be difficult to gauge someones power like this. But thanks to the memories and experiences of ghosts, Seong could estimate their strength. Even so, this woman was undoubtedly powerful. More than that She was definitely the master of the undead army patrolling the fortress. Not just a guessit was a certainty. The aura surrounding the undead legion outside was identical to hers. As Seong studied her, she suddenly removed her grotesque mask. Her face was young, strikingly beautiful, and delicate. Seong was momentarily caught off guard by how young she looked. But before he could react The woman immediately dropped to her knees and bowed deeply. Even Seong, who had grown accustomed to surprises, flinched. We greet the true successor of Overpalaceour Lord! "WE GREET OUR LORD!!!" Her voice was elegant and refined, yet the words she spoke were utterly absurd. Even for someone as composed as Seong, this was a bit much. And yet Everyone behind her followed suit, the countless black mages falling to their knees before him. The overwhelming sight made Seong gulp nervously. Still bowing, the woman continued. I am Kalina de Noxhyle. Though I may be lacking, I am the branch leader governing Overpalaces Hexia division. While you remain here, I shall serve you with utmost devotion. Her voice carried genuine loyalty. Seong was taken aback for a moment. But how many Overpalace-related figures had he encountered by now? At this point, it wasnt all that surprising anymore. Maintaining his composure, he simply replied: Understood. Rise. The moment Seong kept his response brief, Kalina immediately stood up. Despite her childlike features, she carried a heavy sense of responsibility. She was probably around his own age, which made this even more uncomfortable. But he ignored it. He had come here for a reason. Just as he was about to get to the point, Kalina spoke up again. Would you allow me to give you a tour of your new residence? ......? "New residence?" Not only did he not plan on staying here, but he also didnt want to. Sensing his reluctance, Kalina explained. This fortress was originally the residence of the previous Lord. It has been modified to ensure absolute security. Given the events ahead, it would be best for you to remain here for now. However, if you find it uncomfortable, you may come and go as you please! Seong slowly nodded as he listened. "If thats the case, I might need to stay here temporarily." There could be class-specific quests or storyline progression tied to this place. He hadnt considered that. Understanding this, he nodded in acknowledgment. Then allow me to guide you. As Kalina began leading the way, the other black mages bowed once more before vanishing in an instant. It was so sudden that Seong found himself mildly impressed. But instead of dwelling on it, he followed Kalina through the fortress. Given the sheer size of the structure, the tour was lengthy. But there were only three key locations to remember: The dining hall.His personal chamber.The underground chamber where Helena once resided.The underground chamber was firmly sealed, as it was only opened when necessary. "Hmm. This wont be simple." The fact that Helena was involved made him curious. However Even standing near the door, he could feel the thick, unsettling darkness seeping through the cracks. It was downright eerie. Even though they were both Overlords, Helena had been one for an incredibly long time. There was no telling what remained in that chamber. Seong didnt believe Helena would leave anything truly dangerous behind. But... So much time had passed. "It might have changed into something sinister on its own." Overpalace must have had a reason for building their branch atop this place. That alone made him wary. While Seong was deep in thought, Kalina approached him. She carefully retrieved something precious from inside her robe. Then, with a solemn expression, she handed it to him. This is an item discovered heresomething belonging to the previous Lord, as per Black Fortresss findings. As she spoke, Seong accepted the object. Holding it in his hands, he frowned slightly. It was neither a book nor a simple notebook. If anything It was closer to a sketchbook. And the moment Seong laid eyes on the writing inside A message appeared before him. [You have obtained the **Overlord-exclusive quest item, Helenas Diary!.] [Reading Helenas Diary! will trigger a job-exclusive quest.] The system notifications flashed before Seongs eyes. But instead of focusing on them, he looked at the actual diary in his hands. The words Helenas Diary! were scrawled across the cover in childlike handwriting. And beneath that, written in adorably clumsy letters Do not read!!! Seong scratched his head, recalling what Helena had told him earlier. She had said she wouldnt be able to come out for a while. "Was it because of this?" She must have known about the diarys existence. Helenas personal diary... If that was the case, then it made sense why she was hiding. "Judging by the handwriting, this must be from her childhood." Considering that Helena was over a thousand years old, this was practically a relic of history. Still... Hmmm. Should he really open and read it? If this were just a game, he wouldnt have hesitated. But Helena wasnt just some NPC. She traveled with him, making this feel a little wrong. Reading someones personal diary while they were still around... It felt intrusive. But then again "If she really didnt want me to read it, she would have told me not to." Given that she shut herself away in the underworld out of sheer embarrassment, Seong could guess her personality. She might have been too ashamed to stop him outright, but deep down, it seemed like she was already accepting the inevitable. Besides, this was a system-generated quest. Not reading it wasnt really an option. With that, Seong opened the diary. [You are opening the **Overlord-exclusive quest item, Helenas Diary!.] As soon as he flipped the cover open, his body froze. It was as if an event scene had been triggered. Seong was locked in place, unable to move. Before him, the pages of the diary unfolded like a storybook animation. From somewhere unseen, a voice began to narrate It was the voice of a young girl. Bright, playful, and filled with joy. Yet... something about it felt oddly familiar. And then Today, I drew a cat and a dog! The cat went meow! The dog went woof! They ran around everywhere! I said, Lets play together! And they giggled and said, Lets play hide and seek! Then they disappeared from the drawing! Ahhh! Where did they go? Where did they go? Come into the darkness, and youll find us! said the cat! The dog laughed too! I can play hide and seek really well! Wait for me, cat and dog! Ill find you for sure! Im good at this, right?! The innocence of a child was evident in the writing. Yet... "Why does this feel eerie?" Something about the words "They disappeared from the drawing" and "Come into the darkness" sent a chill down his spine. Even more unsettling As the girls cheerful voice continued narrating, faint laughter filled the air. "Hahaha!" "Hehehe!" The atmosphere took a drastically chilling turn. Seong, feeling uneasy, turned his attention back to the diary. The page contained a drawing. It looked like a childs doodlebut somehow, it gave off an eerie sensation. In the center of the picture, there was a girl with bright red hair. But something was missing. "Its... torn?" On either side of the red-haired girl, the page was ripped apartas if something had been there but was now gone. "Did... the cat and the dog disappear from the drawing like this?" As soon as Seong processed this realization, a system message appeared [You have triggered the **Overlord Story Quest: The Vanished Cat and Dog.] Find the missing cat and dog. A straightforward quest. But then Seongs eyes widened. The once-sealed underground chamber door... was now wide open. "When did that happen?" The massive iron doors had been firmly shut before. Something like that opening wouldnt have gone unnoticed. Even Kalina, staring at the now-open door, tilted her head in confusion. When did that open? ...Good question. Seong wanted to ask her, Youre the master of this place. Shouldnt you know? But given the atmosphere, he kept it to himself. From within the darkness beyond the door, faint sounds echoed. "Woof." "Meow." Dog and cat cries. A sound Novelight that should have been ordinarybut instead, it sent a shiver down his spine. "Am I really supposed to go in there?" For a moment, Eternal Worlds genre felt like it had suddenly shifted. The entire setting had transformed into a horror game. But Seong had seen ghosts his entire life. This much? It wasnt enough to faze him. Without hesitation, he stepped toward the underground chamber. As he entered, Kalina spoke softly from behind him. "Please... be careful." And the moment his foot crossed the threshold The massive doors slammed shut behind him. Chapter 207 The strange phenomenon unfolding before them didnt seem to bother Kalina at all. Instead, she acted as if this was expected. Without a hint of surprise, she donned her grotesquely twisted doll mask once morethe mask she always removed in Seongs presence. As she did, an aura of dark-blue energy coiled around her, thicker and more oppressive than when Seong first met her. Even the shadows lurking nearby trembled as the power surrounding her deepened. She spoke into the air, her voice firm. My servants. Strengthen the perimeter. Let no one set foot within these walls. At her command, dark-blue energy surged from her form, flowing outward to the undead that patrolled the outer fortress walls. Immediately, the undead became even more ferocious, their movements growing sharper and more erratic. Tightening the security was an obvious decision. The Lord is conducting his affairs underground. There must not be the slightest disturbance. Her devotion was evident in her tone. The shadows in the vicinity quivered and responded in unison [As you command.] Because of her twisted doll mask, it was impossible to see her expression. But she didnt seem bothered. With her dark-blue aura pulsing, she walked away from the underground chamber entrance, showing no signs of dissatisfaction. As she moved through the fortress, the black mages Seong had seen earlier began reappearing around her. Lowering their heads, they silently followed her. Kalina accepted this without question, speaking once more. If the Lord emerges, summon me immediately. Yes, Kalina Branch Leader. Also, observe the surrounding area. If anyone dares approach, report it at once. Yes, Kalina Branch Leader. We will protect Overpalaces very existence. Her words were as sharp as a bladepractically a snarl. The black mages bowed deeply, their voices resounding throughout the fortress. For our Lord! As you command! Their voices boomed through the fortress halls, almost vibrating the very walls. As if reacting to their cries, Kalina gave a single nod. Then She melted away into the darkness. She reappeared atop the highest tower of the fortressa place where all of Hexia could be seen below. With a piercing gaze, she surveyed the land, her posture tense and watchful. She murmured to herself. That foolish hero has begun moving again, hasnt he? I dont know if hell come here, but if he does... he better be prepared. Unlike when she spoke to Seong, Kalinas aura had completely changed. Now, she radiated menace, her dark energy spilling outward, wrapping around the fortress like a living, breathing shadow. Her intent was clear If any intruder appeared, they would not leave alive. 3. Not even a sliver of light could penetrate the all-consuming darkness. Yet, within this absolute blackness, something glowed ominously. A pair of vertically slit pupils, glowing like molten gold. Surrounding them, faint red irises flickered in and out of existence. Were they massive? No. Not quite hugebut far from normal. Their size suggested something human-like, yet entirely inhuman. Four glowing pupils floated eerily in the abyss, staring into the void as if they could see beyond the darkness itself. Then, they spoke. Helena? Did you come to find us? Why did you take so long? Didnt you miss us? We missed you. Do you hate us? We believed you would return. Why only now? Lets play together. No. We wont play. Youre not Helena. But you are Helena. Shall we play? But... youre not Helena. Their words were disjointed, as if the speakers were talking over each other. Yet at the same time, their conversation seemed to flow together unnaturally. If anyone else had been listening, they would have felt their skin crawl. But in this endless darkness, there was no one to hear them. The glowing pupils chattered among themselves. Then A grin appeared in the air. A wide, toothy grin, glowing with unnaturally ? NvIight ? (Read more on our source) white teeth. If youre not Helena, then you cant play with us. Well wait. No. We were abandoned. No, Helena will come back for us. So, we dont need anyone else here. We wont play. The wide grin curled higher, stretching into an unnatural, crescent-shaped smile. And then The glowing eyes and teeth vanished into the void. They had disappeared. But only for a moment. Because soon A whisper echoed from the darkness. Hehe... found you. Now youre it. 4. Wrapped in darkness so thick that not even a sliver of light could penetrate, Seong continued walking forward. Though he couldnt see a thing, he felt a strange sense of familiarity with his surroundings. This place should have been terrifying. Yet, he wasnt afraid. His steps remained confident, unshaken, as he moved deeper into the abyss. In the silent void, even the sound of his own footsteps failed to echo. But despite the unnatural stillness, Seong felt certain of where he was heading. This wasnt a place he remembered. Yet, it felt faintly familiar. A sense of de?ja? vu washed over him. As if he had been here before. And then, it finally clicked. "These arent my memories." What he was experiencing were memories from long ago. Memories that werent his own, but that still lingered in this place. They were Helenas old memories. The moment he realized it, everything made sense. This had been her domain once. Before it became an underground chamber, this place was once above ground. A hill, perhapsa sanctuary, or maybe even a playground. But now, it was nothing like before. The once gentle terrain was now consumed by darkness. A thick, ominous gloom blanketed everything, so dense it swallowed even the faintest light. "And the cause of this..." It had to be the quest he just received. A quest with no known rewards, only tied to Helenas past. And yet, that alone was enough to make his curiosity surge. A drawing from her childhood had come to life. And it was painfully obvious what shape it had taken. Seongs eyes darted around the pitch-black space. "Hmm." The familiarity from earlier had vanished. His instincts, sharpened by the memories of ghosts, suddenly screamed MOVE. Seong instantly kicked off the ground, darting to the side. At that moment CLANG! A metallic screech tore through the air as something slashed at the ground where he had just been. Had he stayed there for even a fraction of a second longer, he would have taken a direct hit. And as the sound rippled through the darkness THUD! THUMP! THUMP THUMP THUMP! The walls groaned. From above and around him, torches burst to life. A sudden glow illuminated the area, revealing where he stood. At the end of a long hallway, a massive chamber opened up. A dome-shaped space The walls were covered in crude, childlike drawings. Like a childs artwork, the sky was scribbled with crayons, painted in bright, uneven strokes. The floor, too, was painted in patches of color, as if left unfinished. It looked like a playground. Yet, despite its colorful appearance, the room itself was completely barren. There were no actual toys, no furniturenothing. "Hmmm." That eerie sense of de?ja? vu had disappeared the moment the lights turned on. Now, it felt like this space had only just been created. As if something had forcefully overwritten reality. Seongs gaze flickered to the two figures now standing before him. Two shadowy entities, roughly the size of humans. One stood upright, walking on two legs, its yellow, vertical-slit pupils locked onto him. Its clawed hands gleamed, raised in a predatory stance. This was Narisha. The other figure stood just as tall, with red irises glowing in the dim light. Its mouth dripped with saliva, exposing rows of sharp fangs. This was Berto. Both figures looked like distorted nightmares, as if a child had drawn them, only for their forms to twist and contort into something monstrous. As soon as Seong registered their presence [You have encountered the **Hidden Raid Boss, Narisha and Berto.] [The Hidden Raid will begin shortly.] !!! WARNING !!! You do not have a party. This battle is extremely dangerous! The familiar system notification appeared before him. But instead of feeling tense, Seong simply gripped his sword with ease. Under normal circumstances, he would have summoned his minions for battle. But this time, for some reason He wanted to fight alone. His minions were strong. But so was he. And now, he wanted to test himself. Silently, he drew his sword. SHHHRK. The instant he unsheathed his blade, Narisha lunged forward. WHOOSH! SWISH! Its padded feet struck the groundsoft and soundless. But the force behind its movement was anything but gentle. Narishas speed was no joke. "Fast." Seong calmly raised his sword, bracing for impact. At the same time Narishas razor-sharp claws slashed downward. SCRRRRKKKK! Sparks flew as metal clashed against claws. Neither had used skills yetthis was pure reflex and strength. Even without magic, the impact sent a shockwave through their arms. "Not bad." Narishas forehead creased slightly. It had underestimated Seong. But it didnt retreat. Instead Using its flexible body, it twisted midair and aimed a kick at Seong. It happened so fast But Seong had already moved, stepping out of range. And the moment he dodged CHOMP! A massive set of fangs snapped shut, missing him by mere inches. Had he been any slower, Berto would have taken a bite out of him. As Bertos jaws clamped down on empty space, its red pupils narrowed. It didnt understand how Seong had evaded so effortlessly. But it didnt dwell on it. Berto immediately pivoted, preparing to charge again. Its movement was simplea straight-line assault. Yet, its speed was far greater than Narishas. Recognizing this, Seong activated a skill first. From his own shadow, a massive dark blade eruptedaimed directly at Berto. But Berto reacted instantly, using its own skill to propel itself forward with a burst of speed. BOOM! It dashed forward like an explosion, moving even faster. But speed alone couldnt escape ones own shadow. The dark blade pierced through Berto SCHLUNK! Without even a scream, Berto was slammed to the ground. And the moment Berto crashed, Narisha used it as cover Launching forward with blinding speed. Seongs eyes narrowed. "Smart." But the moment Narisha got too close Seong snapped his fingers. And from the ground beneath Narishas feet, a black abyss yawned open. The claws of the void reached outgripping Narishas ankles, stopping it dead in its tracks. Narisha struggled, but it was too late. And Seongs blade was already moving. Chapter 208 Seong was caught in the inescapable grip of the Abyss. At the same time, a notification appearedNarisha cannot resist. With that reassurance, Seong swung his sword and activated his skill. A torrent of sword strikes, a technique that could unleash an immense amount of damage in a short time. The drawback was that he couldnt move while using it. But with his opponents movement sealed, now was the perfect time to use it. Just as Seong''s eyes gleamed and his sword shot forward like a raging current Berto, who had been impaled by the blade of darkness, suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Narisha. Flash! At that moment, Seongs Torrent of Blades struck the spot where Narisha had been moments ago. Kwa-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga!!! Because he couldnt move while using the skill, Seong''s attack couldnt redirect toward Berto, who had whisked Narisha away. It sliced through empty air. "......." Seong furrowed his brows slightly and looked at Berto and Narisha. As the Torrent of Blades ended, the Abyssal Grasp dissipated as well, allowing Narisha to move again. Losing such a golden opportunity so suddenly was frustrating. But Seong was already analyzing the situation. "Two opponents." This was the first time he had faced two bosses at oncean unexpected mistake. Or rather, he hadnt anticipated that Berto would recover from his damage so quickly. A slight miscalculation, but one that provided valuable information. Straightening his stance, Seong adjusted his grip on his sword and locked eyes with them. Sensing that he was no ordinary opponent, Berto and Narishas demeanor subtly shifted. Berto, still bearing the mark of death, stood beside Narisha, who extended her razor-sharp claws. The two of them grinned. Now were the hunters. Its your turn to be caught. They charged at him with terrifying speed. One from each side. Seongs eyes narrowed slightly. A two-against-one disadvantage. From one side, Berto rushed forward in a straightforward but blindingly fast sprint, his legs glowing as he accelerated. From the other, Narisha approached with eerie, elusive movements, creeping toward him like a shadow. Both were fasttoo fast to deal with comfortably. Seong wondered if this was how his past opponents had felt. After all, he often commanded multiple minions to overwhelm his enemies. A small smirk formed on his lips at the thought. He swung his sword. A fluid, precise motion blocked Bertos charge. Then, behind him, Narisha emergedonly to be met by a storm of Blood Blades. Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa!!! From a single drop of blood, hundreds of crimson blades burst forth. Narishas eyes widened in alarm. She instantly activated a skill. She vanished into the shadows. But a moment later, she reappeared elsewhereonly to find the Blood Blades relentlessly homing in on her. So much for calling themselves the hunters. Meanwhile, Berto, baring his sharp fangs, retreated and attempted to bite into the empty air. Seong immediately leapt back. A heartbeat later, a massive set of dark jaws materialized where he had just stood, snapping shut with a crunch. "A ranged attack?" That was unexpected. Had his instincts been any duller, he wouldve been caught in that. Berto, his attack having failed, snarled. "Awooooo!!!" A wolf-like howl erupted from his throat, spreading out in waves. The sound slammed toward Seong like a physical force, but he countered by launching several Blood Blades into the attack. Boom! Boom! Boom! The collision caused the number of his Blood Blades to drop to less than half. At the same time, Narishas eyes gleamed as she extended her claws even further. She slashed in a wide arc And crescent-shaped blades shot out, slicing through the remaining Blood Blades, shattering them in an instant. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Hundreds of crimson swords burst apart, yet neither of his opponents had taken any significant damage. Not that Seong cared. He simply flicked his fingers. Narisha, sensing an imminent attack, tensed in caution And above her head, a clock hand materialized. Seongs voice rang out. Ten minutes. She didnt know what that meant. But the ominous feeling creeping up her spine was unmistakable. Narisha scowled and lunged at him. Seong raised his ? NvIight ? (Original source) sword, blocking her advance, while also reaching out toward Berto A turquoise spear materialized and shot toward him. Swish! Berto, seeing the incoming attack, dodged. At that moment, the blood-red fangs shimmering around his mouth disappeared. His skill was gone. Not because he moved to cancel it. But because it had been stolen. A second later, Seongs fangs turned red And then Narishas throat was suddenly clamped by an unseen, bloody bite. Crunch! Skill theft. Narisha staggered backward, feeling the damage surge through her. She tried to cast a skill of her own. A sinister black cat formed, about to unleash a wailing curse But behind her, a witch appeared, cackling madly. "Keh-heh-heh-heh!" Before Narisha could react, glowing turquoise threads stitched her mouth shut. Her skill was sealed. Seong lunged forward. From the tip of his blade, a crimson torrent of blood erupted, surging toward Narisha in a relentless, shredding vortex. With her skills sealed, she had no way to escape. Berto tried to move to save her But a crimson sword aura shot toward him. It was no ordinary attack. It carried an insidious, corrosive blood poison. Sensing danger, Berto ducked to dodge And in that instant, he saw it. The Abyssal Slash barreling toward him. Shrrrk!!! A deep gash tore through his body. Before he could react, chains from the abyss coiled around him, shackling him in place. Seong, who had seemed focused on Narisha, abruptly switched directions And slashed toward Berto instead. As the Abyssal Slash connected, a shroud of darkness engulfed Berto, robbing him of all his senses. He couldnt move. Couldnt resist. Completely helpless. At the same time, Narisha, already battered from the Blood Torrent, attempted one last attack But a towering Reaper materialized behind her. With a single swing of its massive scythe Narishas throat was slit. Every move had been coldly calculated. With Berto incapacitated, they were no longer formidable opponents. Seong ignored Berto and instead pursued Narisha. Even as she desperately dodged, Seong unleashed a flurry of relentless attacks. Without Berto, she had no chance. Seong smirked. "Werent you the hunters?" "Kyaaahhh!!!" At first, they had been formidable opponents. With both of them attacking together, even Seong found it difficult to handle. But once Berto had been restrained, the tide of battle shifted dramatically. A minute later, Berto rejoined the fight But by then, Narishas depleted stamina had thrown off their coordination. Seong relentlessly targeted Narisha, the weaker link. And finally As ten minutes passed, the clock hand above Narishas head reached its mark. A piercing alarm rang out. Deeeeng! Deeeeng! Deeeeng! Narishas eyes rolled back. Krrrk. With a guttural sound, she collapsed. And then [Hidden Raid Boss Narisha & Berto is transforming.] [Hidden Raid Boss Narisha & Berto has entered Phase 2.] Caution: Upon entering Phase 2, the raid boss becomes significantly more powerful.Proceed with extreme caution.The long-awaited Phase 2. Seong''s body froze as the event scene triggered. Berto cautiously approached Narishas fallen body. Then, like a shadow, Narisha was absorbed into Berto And in the next instant, Berto transformed, as though donning a cats mask, his body expanding in size. Now standing at roughly two meters tall, his sheer presence exuded overwhelming power. Despite the feline mask, there was nothing amusing about his new form. If anything, his movements seemed even faster than before. Stronger, yet still agile? This was going to be a challenge. Hmm. He had used quite a few skills during Phase 1. There were still some left But if this dragged on, things could take a turn for the worse. Yet, despite the threat before him, there was no trace of tension or anxiety on Seongs face. As soon as the event scene ended and he regained control of his body Seong snapped his fingers. Snap! With that simple motion, his skill activated. From the void, the Gates of the Underworld opened And his servants emerged. Kuhahaha! You summoned us, Lord! T-thank you for calling me! Oh-ho, you rang for us, huh? We have answered the call of our Lord. The four revenants stepped forward. Berto''s eyes flickered wildly. Unexpected reinforcements. Seong smirked as he watched Berto''s reaction. "Now it''s my turn to be the hunter." And with that, Phase 2 began. 5. A lone NPC stood in the Valley of Despair, diligently conducting an investigation. At first, a few players had taken notice But after several days of nothing but searching, most had lost interest. Now, he was nothing more than a background figure, ignored by passing adventurers. Yet the NPC himself looked increasingly frustrated. "...Not a single trace." After days of searching, he was certain of it. The NPC, stepping fully into the light, revealed himself Hero Luke. After Overpalace had vanished, Plinky had also left, saying he had other business to attend to. Yet Luke alone had remained, scouring the valley, searching for any remnants of his predecessorHero Hindel. But no matter how much he searched, there was nothing. Feeling a creeping sense of despair, he gazed up at the sky. Perhaps it was time to leave. "But to leave empty-handed...?" He had struggled so hard to uncover the truth about his predecessor. Yet, he had learned nothing. Even Hindels journals provided no clear answers. Where should he go next? Then, a memory surfaced. Plinkys words. Overlord. Records of his predecessor were strangely absent. And similarly Records of the Overlord had also vanished. Luke narrowed his eyes. Both the former Overlord and the former Herotheir histories had been erased. And there was only one place that had the power to do such a thing. Overpalace. A group governed by the Nine Heroes of Black Star An organization so overwhelmingly powerful that even Luke dared not challenge them. And at its core The Overlord, the most crucial figure of all. Perhaps "The current Overlord knows something about my predecessor." Ordinarily, Overpalace would never allow him access. But... There was one opportunity. A Heros Summit had recently been called. And the meeting place? Overpalace. If he timed it right He could infiltrate without Overpalace interfering. With that thought, Luke moved. A ghostly presence followed, sighing deeply. Haah... Here we go again. He should be training instead of running around like this... Unbeknownst to Luke The very man he sought, Hindel, had only ever wanted him to focus on his training. Chapter 209 6. As expected, Phase 2 was significantly more difficultjust as the warning message had stated. After Narisha collapsed, Berto, now donning a cats mask, moved in a far more complex and unpredictable manner. He had also gained razor-sharp claws in addition to his fangs, making him an even trickier opponent. However, despite the increased difficulty, the fight actually felt easier than Phase 1. Because this time, Seong was not fighting alone. With his revenants battling alongside him It was only natural that things felt more manageable. The coordination between his revenants was nearly flawless. With most of his powerful skills already used up, Seong focused primarily on supporting and disrupting the enemy. While observing the battle, something peculiar caught his eye. On Bertos back, several thin black shadows stretched outward Like delicate threads. Hmm? Frowning slightly, Seong continued watching the fight. The battle raged on for over ten minutes Until Berto finally collapsed, his stamina completely drained. And that was when Seong noticed it The black threads had vanished just before Berto fell. Had he imagined them? As Seong pondered the possibility Berto, lying on the ground, let out a ragged breath and spoke. ...Beware... the darkness... With those last words, he went still. His eyes, once filled with hostility, now appeared... at peace. Seong tilted his head, puzzled. Beware the darkness? But hadnt the journal instructed him /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ to enter the darkness? The cat had urged him toward it. The dog had agreed. And now, at the very end, he was being told to beware it? There was definitely a deeper connection here. As Seong pieced the puzzle together A series of system messages appeared before him. [Hidden Raid Boss Narisha & Berto has been defeated.] [This was a special Hidden Raid Boss exclusive to Overlord.] [Special rewards will be granted instead.] [Overlord Story Quest: The Vanished Cat and Dog has been completed.] [You have obtained rewards.] [You have gained a tremendous amount of EXP!] [Level Up!] 5 [You have reached Level 165.] [Narisha & Berto have returned to Helenas Journal!.] [As a reward for their defeat, Memory of the Journal 1 can now be replayed.] [Replaying Memory of the Journal 1 will unlock the next quest.] [You have obtained a Legendary-grade material item: Essence of Darkness.] Nothing particularly groundbreaking among the rewards. Aside from the massive amount of experience, the two noteworthy items were: Essence of Darkness C A special item.Memory of the Journal 1 C An event scene that could be replayed."Oh-ho." So this was how it all connected. The system wasnt just handing out Helenas journal for no reason. It was part of a larger narrative. Where would this story quest lead? Helena was obviously at the center of it all, but What does Helena think? Out of curiosity, Seong asked his revenants. H-Helena says... you can call her if you want...! Kuhaha, she says shes ready now. Aye, I heard the same. I, too, have received that message. It seemed Helena had finally made up her mind. Previously, she had told him not to summon her for a whileacting like a moody teenage girl. Now, however, she was ready. Of course, it made sense. This journal was from a time long before she became Overlord. It wasnt something to feel embarrassed about forever. Still, Seong shook his head. No need to ask. Not just out of consideration for Helena. While a small part of him wanted to respect her privacy That wasnt the main reason. Seong simply wasnt someone who enjoyed spoilers. He preferred to experience things naturally, rather than have everything laid out for him in advance. Had this been a normal quest, he might have used his ghosts memories to gain an advantage But this was a story quest. It might even lead to the main questline. So, he decided not to ask Helena directly. Instead, he focused on another thought. "This doesnt seem to be related to gaining a new revenant, does it?" Some of his revenants had mentioned "those who grieve." But Helenas journal was ancient Written long before she became Overlord. None of his revenants had shown any familiarity with Berto and Narisha during the fight. So, this wasnt a revenant-related quest. Then "The fact that Overpalace gave me this..." It had to be something even greater than a new revenant. The way the system had carefully avoided interference while handing him this journal It meant this was something monumental. Could it be A quest leading to an Almighty-tier reward? A story quest of that magnitude. Seongs gaze fell upon the journal in his hands. His eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Lets play it." If there was even the slightest clue hidden inside It was worth watching the memory. As soon as he activated Memory of the Journal 1, The world around him melted away. The scenery shifted, as though snow dissolving under sunlight. And then A young Helena appeared. Sitting at a table, drawing pictures in her journal. But this memory wasnt hers. It belonged to Narisha and Berto. The cats name is Narisha! The dogs name is Berto! The first scene played Helena, happily naming them. At the time, they had been nothing more than drawings in her journal. But the moment Helena gave them names They came to life. The moment they moved, Helena giggled with excitement. She spent the entire day playing with them, running across meadows, hills, and flower fields. Evening arrived. Helena, waving goodbye, promised Lets play again tomorrow! It was such an innocent, heartwarming sight. Seong watched, intrigued. "So just by naming them, they became real?" That alone spoke volumes about Helenas power. Simply naming a picture had given it life. It shouldve been impossible. But then again This was a game. Helena had become a Transcendent. Even in her childhood, it was clear that she had been extraordinary. As she left, Narisha and Berto waved endlessly, watching her disappear into the distance. Now alone, the two remained together As the sun slowly set, darkness blanketed the sky. I cant wait for tomorrow. Well play with Helena again. Tomorrow, well be the seekers. Yeah. Yeah! Excitedly, Narisha and Berto spoke to one another. They eagerly awaited Helenas return. Even in the darkness, they could still play But Helena had to go home. So they waited. They wished for the morning to come faster. But the morning... never arrived. Instead I shall claim you. A sinister voice echoed through the darkness. Thick shadows enveloped Narisha and Berto. N-no! G-get away! They struggled, but it was futile. The darkness swallowed them whole. All that remained Was a torn scrap of paper. If you enter the darkness, youll find us! It seemed like a note left by Narisha. When the sun finally rose, Helena arrived and found the paper. She tilted her head, puzzled Her gaze drifting toward the deep forest, where the shadows were thickest. Narisha? And with that The memory ended. As the event scene concluded, Seong''s surroundings shifted back to normal. Then, a message appeared. [You have acquired the keyword: Darkness.] [You have obtained a clue related to Darkness.] Seong fell into deep thought. Hmm... So the one who had urged him to enter the darkness... Had not been Narisha. And now, he had gained a keyword and a clue regarding it. Which meant Something is controlling the darkness. The black threads he had seen behind Berto And Bertos final warning about the darkness It all lined up. Someone, or something, had targeted Helena even in her childhood. They must have been after her extraordinary power. There were still too few clues. But one thing was clear Helenas ability was far too valuable. She had given life to drawings with nothing but a name. If someone sinister knew of her potential Would they not try to take it? But considering that Helena had survived They must have failed. Since the quest continued, however There were either traces left behind, or perhaps Helena had struggled against them in her past. Seong turned his attention to the quest reward item. Essence of Darkness LegendaryMaterial Item.Quest Item.A condensed crystal of darkness, formed from an unknown entitys presence.It radiates a deep, ominous power.A Legendary-grade material item. And a quest item at the same time. Seong decided to hold onto it for now. And then The journal in his hands suddenly began to glow. A new page appeared. The torn drawings of Narisha and Berto were restored And beyond them, new pages unfolded. Seong could now read the next entry. Its too dark! I keep calling, Where are you? Where are you? but I cant see anything! Did I get lost in the dark forest? This is hide-and-seek, but its too hard! Kitty! Doggy! Ugh, where are you?! Its so dark I cant see, but a man over there told me The dog and cat went that way. A tall and skinny man! I said, Thank you! and he jumped up and waved his hands! Its dark! Its dark! Even the face hanging on the tree said hi! The forest is full of strange things! Kitty! Doggy! Wait for me, Ill find you for sure! ...What the hell. Seong stared at the journal, his mind reeling. What kind of nightmare was this? A tall, skinny man? A face hanging from a tree? It felt like something straight out of a horror story. But one thing was certain This was leading him to the Darkened Forest. As Seong finished reading, he lifted his gaze And saw a new exit where there had previously been only one. Another message appeared. [Overlord Story Quest: The Forest Shrouded in Darkness has been unlocked.] Proceed to the Forest Shrouded in Darkness. That must be the next location. Originally, this playground had been the small hill where Helena used to play with Narisha and Berto. From what he had seen in the memory That direction led to the forest. Should I go now? Who exactly were the tall, skinny man and the face on the tree? With a hint of curiosity, Seong stepped toward the entrance. 0. The forest was vast Its trees so tall they blocked out the sky. Yet, the darkness wasnt just due to the foliage. It was... unnatural. Like the shadows themselves were alive. The Forest Shrouded in Darkness. And within Hanging from the branches, there were countless strange fruit-like objects. Something was watching over them. A thin, wiry figure scuttled between the trees. It reached out, extending a needle-like appendage, plucking one of the fruits And brought it to its mouth. Upon closer inspection Those werent fruits at all. They were human heads. With a sickening crunch, the creature bit into one Its grotesque smile widening. Sensing an intruder entering its domain It began to move. And as if speaking to someone unseen, it whispered My Lord... a trespasser has arrived. At that moment, the shadows trembled. And then They vanished. Chapter 210 1. As Seong walked through the dark forest, his senses became sharper. Every small noise sounded amplified, and the fear of something lurking in the shadows heightened. When fear reaches its peak, people can even hear the sound of their own heartbeat from the depths of their being, sometimes even mistaking imagined noises as real. But this forest was different. That didnt happen to Seong. It wasnt just because he was calm and composed by nature. While the limited visibility in the darkness sharpened his perception, something was missing There was no sound. "Strange." This was, without a doubt, a forest. A dense woodland where thick trees blocked out the sky and shadows lurked in every corner. Even though it was underground This place was still, by all definitions, a forest. And yet, the sounds that should naturally exist in a forest were missing. ...... Seong stopped in his tracks and carefully observed his surroundings. He closed his eyes to focus on any movement But there was nothing. No presence. No chirping of insects. No rustling of leaves in the wind. No sign of any living thing. A forest, which should have been full of life Was completely silent. Seong opened his eyes again, intrigued. The forest path stretched ahead in a straight line. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "A forest completely devoid of life, huh?" A Forest Shrouded in Darkness. And somewhere in this place The tall, thin man and the face man were waiting. Seong had some ideas about what they could be But he needed to see for himself. For most people, this place would be terrifying. But Seong had been friends with ghosts since childhood. This kind of eerie atmosphere? It barely fazed him. The unsettling mix of childish innocence and horror in Helenas journal entries had been a little creepy. But a place like this? Not at all. Seong walked through the forest for a while. Eventually, a message appeared before him. [You have entered the Hidden Field: Forest Shrouded in Darkness.] [You are the first to discover this Hidden Field!] [First Discovery Rewards will be granted.] [Your vision in Forest Shrouded in Darkness has increased by 50%.] [Rewards from Forest Shrouded in Darkness will be increased by 50%.] [First Discovery Rewards will remain active until you clear the dungeon for the first time.] [Forest Shrouded in Darkness is designed as a labyrinth.] [It is an extensive and vast field.] [Escape safely.] A Hidden Field. Seong had suspected as much But to actually confirm it was a different story. And then there was that final message... Escape safely. So the mission here wasnt about defeating something. It was about escaping. "Something in this forest lured Helena here when she was a child." And she had seen the tall, thin man and the face man here. That much was recorded in her journal. "So, the goal is to escape, huh?" The field was massive, according to the system messages. Seong cracked his neck and stretched his limbs. A good warm-up. His body was already loose from the previous battle But some extra stretching helped clear his mind. "Lets see just how big this place really is." The forest path continued onward. Seong bent his knees slightly And kicked off the ground. BOOM!!! A deep footprint was engraved into the ground. Dirt and debris erupted into the air as the sheer force of his leap shook the earth. Seong shot forward like an arrow. Wind and scenery blurred past him. The forest receded behind him at an astonishing speed But nothing stood out. "Not yet?" Despite moving at a terrifying pace There was still nothing. Even the end of the forest path was nowhere in sight. The trail twisted and turned, becoming increasingly maze-like. Tall trees formed dense walls on either side. It didnt feel like a traditional dungeon But the labyrinth-like layout was clear. Seong frowned slightly. Every time he rounded a bend, he kicked at the trees out of curiosity. But No damage. Not even a scratch. The force of his kick should have been enough to splinter wood But there was zero effect. "I cant break through them." That meant this path was systematically restricted. There was no point in trying to break the walls down. His only option was to follow the path and face whatever lay ahead. As he ran A sound finally reached his ears. The first noise he had heard since entering the forest. It hadnt suddenly appeared It had simply grown louder as he got closer. Seong immediately gripped his sword. He braced himself And accelerated. WHOOSH! WHOOSH! Each step shattered the ground beneath him. His speed continued to build Until he became a streaking blur, heading straight for the source of the noise. A faint light flickered ahead. Seong narrowed his eyes. "There it is." He prepared to attack the moment he saw it. He burst through the final stretch of forest And entered an open clearing. Seongs mind immediately shifted into battle mode. A boss room? Wheres the boss? He scanned the area And then froze. "???" DUNGA, DUNGA! WOOONG! DOONG! DOOOONG! The deep echoes of war drums rumbled through the air. At the center A massive bonfire blazed. Surrounding it Were figures dressed in wooden masks, leafy garments, and strange headdresses. They danced in circles around the fire. "HYAAH!" "HORAYA!" "HEEYAP!" They shouted in rhythmic chants as they moved. At first glance, it seemed like some kind of ritual. But then "WAHAHA! EAT AND DRINK!" "TODAY IS A FESTIVAL!" "THE DAY OUR NOBLE LORD ARRIVES!" "THE LORD HAS COME!" Laughter filled the air. People raised their cups, drinking merrily. Those dancing around the fire seemed completely lost in celebration. Seong loosened his grip on his sword. "Wasnt the mission supposed to be escaping the forest?" And wasnt he supposed to face the tall, thin man and the face man? He had expected a battle Not a village partying around a bonfire. What the hell was this place? "HUH?! HEY!!! SOMEONE JUST SHOWED UP!" "WHAT?!" Whoa!? Its real! A visitor in our village!? Hahaha! This is a celebration! A true blessing! How many years has it been since the Lord visited us? At least three thousand years! Was this really happening? Seong stared blankly at the villagers as he listened to their words. Could they be monsters? No, that didnt seem likely. The markers floating above their heads were NPC indicators, not monster indicators. So they werent monsters. And they didnt seem to be Face Man or the Tall, Thin Man either. There were not just men herethere were women too. This was an actual village, inhabited by both men and women. As Seong hesitated, still caught off guard by what he was seeing, a system message appeared before him. [You have arrived at Tree Drum Village within the Hidden Field Forest Shrouded in Darkness.] [Tree Drum Village is a Safe Zone.] [This is a logout-enabled area.] ...? A Safe Zone? So this was a village. Seong still looked uncertain, but the villagers welcomed him warmly. Welcome!!! Hahaha!!! A guest arrives on the same day as the Lord!!! This is truly a celebration!!! Hahaha!!! Eat, drink, and enjoy!!! Today is a festival day! The people cheered even louder. Still bewildered, Seong allowed himself to be dragged along by some of the villagers. As he moved, he got a better look at the village. All of the houses were made entirely of wood. Not just the buildingsevery item in sight was made of wood. But something about them was off. It wasnt as if the houses had been built out of wood. Rather "The trees grew into the shape of houses?" The trees had naturally formed into houses, rather than being carved into them. Even the furniture and tools seemed to have grown into their shapes. At the far end of the village, the largest structure stooda massive wooden statue. A towering tree had grown into the shape of a person. And strangely enough Seong recognized the figure. A statue of a young girl, her hands proudly on her hips, her chin lifted in confidence. Even though the figure looked young, Seong could tell who it was. "Helena?" He had assumed they meant Helena when they spoke of the Lords arrival But to actually see her statue here? What was this place? As Seong stared at the statue in confusion, the journal in his hands suddenly flipped open on its own. The Dark Forest is fun! Drums over here! Drums over there! I wont ?N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t? get lost! No Face Men or Tall, Thin Men here! Drum, drum! Drumming together! Tree Drum Village is the best!!! But... if I leave here, I think Ill see them again. A new page had appeared. What was this supposed to mean? So Helena had entered the Dark Forest Seen the Face Man and the Tall, Thin Man Then followed the sound of drums and arrived at this village? And the last line... "If I leave, I think Ill see them again?" Seong hadnt seen anything before arriving here. So were they waiting outside? A trap? Was this a setup? Had the safe zone been created just to lower his guard before springing a trap? Just as Seong began to think something was off [You have cleared the Overlord Story Quest: Forest Shrouded in Darkness.] [A new Overlord Story Quest: Tree Drum Village has been created.] Tree Drum Village A fun and exciting village filled with drums. You can rest safely here. But there are still some mysteries leftask the villagers for more information. The quest had changed. Seong scratched his cheek. "So I really can rest here, huh?" There was no trap. This place was meant for gathering information. The village was ancient And judging from the villagers'' words, they remembered when Helena had been here. Maybe they could tell him more about her past. But more importantly "Helena is over three thousand years old, huh?" Seong had uncovered one of her secrets. He would have to ask her about this later. As he settled into a seat, guided by the villagers, a large man approached him. He was wearing an aged wooden mask and wooden robes, his muscular frame towering over the others. The man greeted Seong with a booming voice. Welcome to Tree Drum Village! Ah, thank you. Hahahaha!!! You arrived at the perfect time! Today is the festival celebrating the Lords arrival! ...By Lord, you mean the person in that statue, right? Hahahaha!!! You know well! Thats right!!! The great and adorable Lord, Helena! Today is the day we commemorate her arrival!!! Even at such a young age, Helena was called a great ruler? Then again, considering the power she had demonstrated, it wasnt surprising. Maybe he should start asking some questions. Chapter 211 Before anything else, Seong decided to explore the villages surroundings. It was fairly spacious, but not as large as a typical village. In fact, it was even smaller than the beginner village he had started in. A small village was nothing unusual. However, what was strange was "There arent any ghosts here at all." No matter how small a village was, there should at least be one or two ghosts lingering. Especially in a village this oldthere should have been at least a few. Yet, there wasnt a single one in sight. That was odd. Had the presence of living people started from the time Helena arrived? Did that mean they were a long-lived race? Considering how they grew their houses and tools out of trees, one might mistake them for elves. But they didnt possess any defining features of elves. No pointed ears, nor particularly handsome or elegant features hidden behind their wooden masks. Another peculiarity stood out. "There arent any elderly here either?" And no children. Among the villagers, there wasnt a single elderly person or child. Now that he thought about it, the entire village felt bizarre. Like the beginning of a horror story. However, Seong didnt immediately grow suspicious. Instead "Would they tell me if I asked?" That was his only concern. It would be convenient if they answered, but there was always the chance they wouldnt. As Seong pondered over this A burly man clad in an old wooden mask and simple garments suddenly spoke. Haha! Youve got the face of someone brimming with curiosity! Ask away! His easygoing demeanor didnt seem deceitful. Then, in that case I get the feeling youre not human, Seong casually remarked. The man burst into laughter beneath his worn wooden mask. Hahahaha! Youve got sharp eyes! You can think of us as a type of Spirit Tree! Spirit? [You have acquired the keyword: Spirit Tree.] Seong studied the man curiously. A Spirit Tree? Was he a spirit? Or a tree? This was his first time seeing a spirit up close. He had witnessed some spirits being summoned during the large-scale war at Dune Wild Trail, but an NPC spirit was a first. Noticing Seongs fascination, the man elaborated. Hahahaha! To be precise, were similar to spirits, but not exactly spirits. You could say were a subspecies. We are both trees and spirits at the same time. Its easier to just call us Spirit Trees. As you can see, we look human enough! I see. It truly was intriguing. As Seong asked more questions, the man answered each one earnestly. He learned that this man was essentially the village chief. That Helena had once visited this placeover 3,000 years ago. And, most importantly The tall and lanky man, and the faces on the trees? Ahh! Those must be the ones our Lord spoke ofservants of the darkness, and their prey. Servants of the darkness? [You have acquired the keyword: Servants of the Darkness.] Seong repeated the phrase, and the village chief nodded. Mmm, to be exact, they serve the master of the forest covered in darkness. Youd best be wary of that spider and those fruits. For the first time since they began talking, the village chiefs ever-present smile disappeared. If he was warning Seong with such a serious expression, then it had to be truly dangerous. As Seong gave a slow nod, the village chief added The moment you leave this village, theyll surely come after you. I see. But, just like our Lord before you, you must have come here for a reason. Helena had come here 3,000 years ago to search for Narisha and Berto. As for Seong, he had only come because of the quest. Just like our Lord did before, you must be here to absorb the darkness, right? Seong tilted his head in confusion. "Wait. Thats the first time Im hearing that." Absorb the darkness? What was he talking about? As Seong listened intently, the village chief continued. Our Lord came here to absorb the darkness. She left this place far stronger than when she arrived! Hahahaha!!! And after she left, the darknessthe master of this forestonce again grew stronger. Now youve come to absorb it once more! That hadnt been Seongs intention at all. Yet somehow, he had just learned what seemed to be the final objective of this quest. Absorbing the darkness. And the master of this forest. Upon hearing that, Seong immediately thought of the darkness that had coveted Helenas power and manipulated Narisha and Berto. And now, its servants were lurking just outside this forest. ...I suppose you could say that. Seong nodded, playing along. The village chief grinned warmly. Our village will always welcome you. Rest here whenever you need to recover! Thank you. Perhaps sensing that Seong was about to leave, the village chief spoke as if bidding him farewell. Then, as Seong expressed his gratitude and stood up Should he go and meet the spider, the so-called servant of darkness? Just as he was about to leave, the village chief called out. If you return after absorbing the darkness, I shall bestow a reward upon you! The darkness has been growing stronger, and Ive been troubled over what to do. Oh. [You can receive an additional reward from The Village Chief of Namubuk upon completing the final chapter of the Story Quest.] This was quite generous. Seong smiled as he expressed his thanks. The village chief beamed, as if pleased with his decision, then suddenly pulled out a wooden drum that Seong hadnt noticed before and raised it high. Let us welcome another benefactor to our village!!! Huzzah! May a ? Nvlght ? (Read the full story) new benefactor arise!!! Hahahaha!!! DOOOONG! DOOOOONG! DOOOOONG!!! As the village chief began to drum, the other Spirit Trees gathered, clapping their hands in excitement. At the sound of their resounding drumbeats [You have heard the grand drumbeat of the Spirit Trees.] [All stats increased by 5% for one hour.] A massive buff. As Seong grinned at the unexpected boon, the Spirit Trees waved him off warmly, signaling him to go safely. Alright then. It was time to meet the tall and lanky man. 2. As the deep drumbeats of Namubuk Village echoed through the air Something lurking in the darkness far away let out a sickening crunch as it bit into something. A spider, grotesquely adorned with human heads, grimaced as it chewed on the skull of a person hanging from a tree. "That wretched drum of Namubuk Village... Id love to rip it apart." But more than anyone, the spider knew that it could not. That hated ruler The drum Helena had gifted the village prevented darkness from invading. As a servant of the darkness, the spider could not approach the area. It couldn''t even get near the entrance of the Forest Shrouded in Darkness. All because of that wretched drumbeat. If not for that It could have tormented any intruders from the very first step. The Spirit Trees, those detestable beings, were just out of reach. "I will tear them apart. But first" The spiders lips curled into a twisted grin as it watched Seong leave Namubuk Village. He hadn''t even taken time to rest and was walking into hell of his own accord. How utterly foolish. Though it had lost its power long agojust like its master, who was still regathering strength thanks to that loathsome Helena Three thousand years had passed. It had recovered enough. And above all, it could sense something utterly detestable coming from that intruder. "That one... possesses the same power as her. If I offer him to my master, they shall become stronger than ever." With a sneer, the spider stretched its limbs, preparing to pounce from the darkness. This was its domain. Human heads still hung from the trees, ready to be used. That intruder would be torn apart in the most gruesome way. With full confidence, it began to move. But then The spider froze. "...What is this?" It had planned to ambush Seong, to strike before he could react. But for some reason Its body refused to move. Instinct. A primal instinct warned it. "Do not attack now." The spider couldn''t understand, tilting its head in confusion as it looked toward Seong. And at that moment "!!!" Seongs eyes met its own. Even from this distance. Had its position been discovered? No, that was impossible. A mere human could never pinpoint its exact location. It had to be a coincidence. That was what the spider wanted to believe. Yet just in case, it instinctively tried to retreat. But then It saw Seongs lips move. "Found you." A chill ran down the spiders spine. Above its head, a turquoise portal suddenly materialized. From within, a voice muttered incomprehensible words as an ancient, withered demon emerged. -Mutter, mutter. At the same time, a slash extended outward. The spiders instincts screamed at it. It leapt back immediately. A second later The dense trees in its surroundings were sliced apart in an instant, opening up the space. And before it could even process what had happened Seong was already standing nearby, a faint smirk on his lips. "So, you can come here after all." The spider gulped. What was happening? It didnt know. But one thing was certain. The ambush had failed. And escaping from that took priority. However Shrrrrrk. Shrrrrrk. More and more turquoise portals appeared. From within them emerged Noctrynium, Leonic, Valtar, Serpina, and Fiora. The loyal subordinates had arrived. The spider''s many pupils trembled violently. Could it escape from this? 3. How much time had passed? Compared to Narisha and Berto, this one had taken slightly longer. But still -Hmph. That was underwhelming. -I agree. -Mutter, mutter. -Ha! Weakling. "Agreed." Seongs subordinates all voiced their dissatisfaction. As expected, the spider had already entered its second phase of battle Yet it had been effortlessly crushed by them. "Grrraahhh!" The spider let out a pathetic groan. All of its legs had been severed. The human heads dangling from the trees had all been used up. Its battle strategycontrolling spirits through severed heads and unleashing venomous threadshad amounted to nothing. Especially since Whenever it summoned spirits to attack Seong merely activated Deaths Aura, immediately claiming them as his own. For the spider, it was maddening. Utterly infuriating. Seong, on the other hand, seemed unbothered as he looked toward his subordinates. "You all did well." At those words -Oh no, my Lord. This thing was barely worth our time. -Fulfilling our Lords orders is our sole purpose. -Mutter, mutter. -Noctrynium also says this was trivial. -Y-Yeah, it was nothing at all. "It was easier than expected." Despite their words, they all seemed oddly pleased with Seongs praise. For beings of darkness, they could be surprisingly adorable at times. Anyway. Seong approached the fallen spider. "So, are you going to tell me who your master is? Servant of Darkness?" "Hah! You think Ill speak? My absolute loyalty shall never waver, even in death!" With that, the spider bit down on its own body, taking its own life before Seong could react. However. Even as its body collapsed. A ghostly formits soulrose above the corpse. Seong gazed at it silently. And then. The spiders ghost grinned slyly and spoke. "Ahh! Are you talking about the Dark Lord? I''ll tell you everything!" Chapter 212 The spider, who had shown such unwavering determination by taking its own life, had exuded a sense of nobility in its final moments. But the instant it became a ghost, that resolve flipped as easily as turning over ones handits newfound admiration for Seong making it eager to spill everything. It was beyond ridiculous. It was bizarre. Seong, however, didnt care much. It wasnt surprising. After all, he could find out regardless. "No need to tell me." Ah! Understood! With that, Seong absorbed the spiders memories and experiences. Though he refrained from directly reading who its master was [You have displayed abilities beyond your current limits with Unknown Power.] [Strength +6 permanently increased.] He could simply ask Helena. She would have the answer. As he finished absorbing the memories and the stat bonuses were applied, a new system message appeared [Hidden Raid Boss, Gilbert, Servant of Darkness has been slain.] [Exclusive Hidden Raid Boss for Overlord.] [Special rewards will be granted.] [Overlord Story Quest, Namubuk Village completed.] [You have received your rewards.] [You have gained a massive amount of experience!] [Level Up!] 3 [You have reached Level 168.] [As a slaying reward, Journal Memory #2 is now available for playback.] [Playing Journal Memory #2 will unlock the next quest.] [As a slaying reward, you have obtained the Legendary-grade material Essence of Darkness.] [As a slaying reward, you have obtained the Legendary-grade material Flesh of the Spirit Tree.] The previous quest had barely given any experience points. But this time, it had rewarded him generouslyallowing him to level up three times in one go. After confirming the notification about Journal Memory #2, Seong examined his newly acquired material items. The Essence of Darkness was familiar. But the Flesh of the Spirit Tree was new. "Flesh of the Spirit Tree?" Seongs eyes lit up as he studied it. Back in Ninyaru, he had obtained various materials to reconstruct Silvanors body. But he had been missing a few key components, forcing him to put the process on hold. This new material It seemed perfect for creating a new body for Silvanor. If he used the Flesh of the Spirit Tree, he could craft a form ideal for an elf. Filled with anticipation, Seong set the thought aside for later. Restoring Silvanors body could wait. For now, his priority was playing back Journal Memory #2. "The Dark Lord?" "...Thats the first time Ive heard that." "Same here." Uh, I... I dont know either. Hmmm, this is a first for me as well. If my Lord commands it, I shall immediately investigate! Mutter, mutter. Seong listened to the chaotic chatter of his subordinates. Then, deciding it wasnt a big deal, he summoned the Gate of the Underworld and sent most of them back. He kept Noctrynium and Serpina with him, as both excelled in detection and maneuvering within darkness. Honestly, he wouldve preferred to send them all away But he could already imagine some of them whining about who would serve their Lord if he dismissed everyone. So he left at least two behind. "I shall scout the area." "Hmm~ Its my first time in the Forest Shrouded in Darkness." Seemingly pleased to have been chosen to remain, Noctrynium and Serpina immediately set to work. Meanwhile, Seong activated Journal Memory #2. Just like in previous event scenes, his body faded into a spectral form and was transported elsewhere Though the landscape didnt change much. "Oh?" Aside from the presence of a young Helena, it was still the Forest Shrouded in Darkness. There werent many differences. Except The darkness was thicker. It was a testament to how much weaker he was compared to Helena in her childhood. But Seong wasnt concerned. He simply focused on the story as it played out. The memory picked up after Helena had fought and defeated Gilbert, Servant of Darknessjust like Seong had. But unlike him Helena didnt kill Gilbert. Instead "Graaauuuugh!" "Bad lanky old man!!!" With a loud shriek, Helena stretched out her hand And absorbed all of Gilberts darkness. The already long and thin spider shrank even further Until it was reduced to a harmless, ordinary spider. Robbed of all its power, Gilbert was now smaller than a thumb joint. Helpless, it scurried away into the forest. And as it fled, Helena waved after it. "Dont do anything bad again!" Seong blinked. He had wondered how Gilbert had survived after being defeated by Helena But this was why. Gilbert had lost all his darkness and had fled. And then, over the course of 3,000 years, he had painstakingly regained his strength. Had he been defeated by anyone other than Helena Perhaps he would have grown into something far worse during those millennia. Afterward, Helena ventured deeper into the forest But she didnt find Narisha or Berto. She returned empty-handed that day. Instead of going back to Namubuk Village, Helena returned to her own home. The memory fast-forwarded, skipping to the next day. That morning, Helena returned to Namubuk Village. She played happily with the Spirit Trees, as if she had completely forgotten about the Dark Lord and the Forest Shrouded in Darkness. "...Ah." She must have forgotten about Narisha and Berto. It was a bit tragic. But she was just a child. It made sense that she might forget. Time continued to pass in the memory And then As soon as Helena left the village The darkness thickened. A terrifying voice rang through the air as the village was attacked. Deliver the girl to me. The Spirit Trees fought back desperately But the Master of Darkness was far too powerful. Overwhelmed by the darkness, they were all corrupted. And then The memory ended. Seong returned to reality. And before his eyes A new system message appeared. [The Overlord Story Quest Assault of the Darkness has been generated.] Assault of the Darkness Just as the darkness once attacked Namubuk Village in the past, it may happen again. Stand by in Namubuk Village. The Assault of the Darkness will commence in 10 hours. A new quest. The Assault of Darkness. It seemed to be unfolding exactly as it had in Helenas childhoodanother assault on Namubuk Village. But now, there was no young Helena. Seong couldnt quite understand why it was happening again. He could dig through Gilberts memories to find out But there was no rush. That information would surface in due time. "Even if I dont know the reason now, Ill figure it out soon enough." The Assault of Darkness. That reminded him "Why didnt the village chief mention this?" The chief had claimed that Helena had voluntarily ventured into the Forest Shrouded in Darkness to absorb its power. But now, it was clear that the village had also been attacked. And yet, the chief had never spoken about it. Maybe he should ask him again. And then there was this Dark Lord. "This is turning into a pretty interesting quest." Seong grinned and headed back toward Namubuk Village. If the enemy was coming to him Then that meant "I can set up traps in advance." He checked how many corpses he still had left over from the battle at Ninyaru and Basilica. There were more than enough. Satisfied, he began making preparations. But just as he was about to ask the chief some questions [External notification detected.] [Seong! Get out here! Now!!!] His sisters urgent voice rang in his ears. "Whats going on?" Hearing Yu Minas frantic tone, Seong quickly logged out. [Eternal World will be waiting for you.] 4. Deep within the Forest Shrouded in Darkness, something stirred. A wounded darkness writhed, seeping its eerie presence into the surroundings. Once, it had been the supreme ruler of this forest. But the wounds it had suffered so long ago Had still not healed. It trembled. From afar, it could sense a familiar presence coming from Namubuk Village. That cursed childs power...It could feel it. But it was weak. Far weaker than it had been 3,000 years ago. A pale shadow of what it once was And yet, undeniably the same power. "Is it the childs successor?" It didnt matter. It had been wounded and drained of power, taking millennia to recover. But this time It would absorb that power for itself and become the true ruler. The darkness opened its eyes. It could no longer control the Spirit Trees. That insolent child had absorbed the darkness within them, along with their memories. Their fear of the darkness had vanished. But that was irrelevant. I will attack and burn the village to ashes.The drum had indeed made it harder to approach. But it was the Novelight Lord of Darkness. If it moved personally, that drums power would mean nothing. This time It would destroy Namubuk Village. And it would take that arrogant intruder for itself. However Not just yet. Just a little more... I must gather more strength.The Dark Lord began reclaiming its scattered darkness throughout the Forest Shrouded in Darkness. It would not repeat Gilberts mistake. It had to be stronger. If it attacked in its current state, it might fail again. It needed power And so, as the Dark Lord absorbed its own essence, The darkness covering the forest began to thin. Slowly, the suffocating presence dissipated. But even that Was not enough. More... I need more.All darkness... Come to me.0. The moment Seong logged out, he heard his capsule opening And saw Yu Mina standing there. She had called him out in a panic. "What could be so urgent?" He stepped out, confused. Yu Mina let out a relieved sigh. "Whew. Theyre doing electrical maintenance on the apartment today and tomorrow." "What???" "The powers going out today from 3 PM to 5 PM. And tomorrow from 9 AM to 11 AM." "What?" Seong immediately checked the time. It was 2:50 PM. If the power cut while he was still connected That would be bad. "Its not dangerous, but youd be stuck inside the capsule." "Oh." Yu Mina had experienced this before. The connection would safely terminate if the power cut But the problem was, she couldnt open the capsule afterward because it had no power. That was why she had rushed to call Seong out. Honestly "Thats pretty thoughtful of her." Seong smirked slightly. As he was lost in thought, Yu Mina asked, "Im going to the capsule room. What about you?" "Hmm..." He had already finished preparing in-game. And the assault wasnt happening for another 10 hours. There was no need to rush back in. "Im fine." "Ah, okay! Then Im heading out. My raid starts soon, so I have to go now!" She quickly dashed off. Watching her leave, Seong chuckled. She really was something else. Not long after The entire apartment blacked out. Seeing the lights go out, Seong let out a quiet laugh. "Guess Ill head out too." Chapter 213 Seong had no particular reason to go out. But sitting around in a powerless apartment wasnt appealing either. He considered exercising "But two hours of working out sounds excessive." So far, his routine only included morning runs. He had improved so much that his initial five-minute pace had now dropped to the three-minute range. That was almost marathon-runner levels. There was no need to push further. And he wasnt the type to have many hobbies. Then, he remembered "I bought a car. I might as well take it for a longer drive." Calling up friends for a sudden meetup felt awkward. So, after throwing on some casual clothes and grabbing his keys and wallet, he headed out. Despite being a beginner driver, Seong felt completely at ease. Maybe it was thanks to the memories and experiences of ghosts he had absorbed. Not only was he comfortable behind the wheel He was actually driving quite well. Navigating the chaotic roads of Seoul wasnt an issue. As he drove, he settled on a destination The Future Mall in Yeouido. The reasons were simple. First, he hadnt eaten yet. Second, after receiving his huge payout, he realized He hadnt bought anything for his parents. They werent the type to expect gifts. But as their son, it felt wrong not to do anything. Pulling into the underground parking lot, he exited his used Matiz. If he had been worried about driving a small car, he didnt need to be. No one looked down on him. Because, honestly, who even cared about that in modern times? As he stepped inside "Huh." It was rare for him to visit such a massive mall. Even Seong, who was usually calm, felt a little overwhelmed. A grand, plaza-like lobby sprawled before him Teeming with crowds rushing past, under bright, flashy storefronts. He tried not to look out of place. But avoiding that was impossible. There was simply too much going on. "Where do I even start?" Seeing the bustling food court, he sighed. "A regular restaurant wouldve been much easier." After checking reviews, he settled on a Japanese tonkatsu place. He wasnt crazy about tonkatsu But he didnt dislike it either. It seemed like the best option. Then, he opened the menu And immediately did a double take. "Thirty thousand won...?" Most Japanese-style tonkatsu should cost around 15,000 KRW. Even high-end ones shouldnt exceed 18,000 KRW. But this place? They were charging 30,000 KRW for a set. Even a single plate was over 20,000 KRW. "What the hell?" Seong wasnt hurting for money. He had over 50 billion won in his account. But 30,000 KRW for tonkatsu? That was crossing a line. Still, he had already sat down and received the menu. Leaving now would be awkward. So he just sighed and ordered a mix of loin and fillet cutlets. "I hope its at least worth the price." Soon, a steaming-hot tonkatsu was served. As he took his first bite "Hmm." It was better than most. Crispy. Juicy. But... "Is it worth the price?" Probably not. Still, he finished his meal satisfied enough and left the restaurant. Now that he had eaten, it was time to buy gifts. As he wandered through the mall He couldn''t help but notice The countless spirits. Some were attached to people. Others floated aimlessly. Seong sighed. "This is why crowded places are exhausting." If it were just people, that would be one thing. But the mix of guardian spirits, wandering ghosts, and residual echoes made it visually exhausting. Still, thanks to his absorbed memories, his stamina and mental endurance had improved. He could handle it. First paycheck tradition. Technically, it wasnt a paycheck But this was his first major earning. People usually bought thermal underwear for their parents. But given how much money he had, he thought "Why not go for something luxurious?" Just as he was about to enter a designer store Someone grabbed his arm. "Huh?" Seong turned to see A smiling man and woman, dressed neatly. "Ah, hello!" "Haha, nice to meet you." Their warm and friendly demeanor was... strange. Seong frowned slightly. "Do I know them?" No. He was sure. Thanks to his enhanced memory, he could clearly recall every face he had ever encountered. And these two? He had never seen them before. "Why are they talking to me?" Still, he kept his expression neutral. "Whats this about?" "Is there something you need?" Seong asked. The woman smiled. "Ah, well! Have you ever been told you have great energy?" The man chimed in. "Your aura is really strong." Seong nodded immediately. "Yes. I hear that all the time." Which was true. Ghosts constantly told him things like: "You are a fated one!" "Your aura is incredibly bright!" "You have an unusual energy." He had heard countless variations of this. So, to him, their words were nothing new. The man and woman visibly flinched. Most people would respond with confusion or curiosity. But Seong? He had answered without hesitation. They exchanged subtle glances. "This guys not reacting normally." "Maybe hes just a skeptical Gen Z?" Deciding to push forward aggressively, the woman continued. "But have you noticed your good energy being blocked lately?" "Have things not been going your way recently?" Seong tilted his head. "Nope. Everything''s fine." "I haven''t had any problems at all." He looked at them. Then at the ghosts clinging behind them. And suddenly It all clicked. "Ah." "Theyre cultists." This was one of those infamous pseudo-religious scams. He had read about them online But never expected to be targeted himself. Curious, he turned fully toward them. He had time. And his parents gifts wouldnt take long. "Might as well see what they have to say." As he shifted his posture, the two cultists hesitated. They exchanged another glance. "Uh-oh." Really MZ. It seemed that they thought Seong had turned toward them to argue. The woman stepped forward, taking the lead in the conversation. Oh, Im sorry to say this, but even if things are going well for you now, you might face some difficulties in the future. Were not strange people or anythingwe study people. When you study people, you start to sense things like energy and flow. You become more attuned to them. Hm. Seong listened to their words and gave a silent nod. The old Seong would have dismissed this as complete nonsense. But honestly? Now, he could actually do that kind of thing. Only with ghosts, of course. Still, it worked. Even though it was obvious that these two were lying, Seong nodded quietly. And as if thinking they had convinced him, their excitement grew, and they kept talking. We were observing your strong energy, and we saw that your ancestors are angry. Thats why we took the liberty of approaching you. Do you have any idea why your ancestors might be upset? As they spoke, clearly thrilled by their own performance, Seong shook his head. Oh! You dont know? When an ancestor is angry, it means Before they could continue, Seong interrupted them. No, my ancestors arent angry. ...What? Oh, um, you might not realize it, but No. I just asked them. Theyre not mad. Actually, its your ancestor whos angry. Seong cut them off again and pointed at the woman. What the hell was this? The two hesitated. At first, they thought he was just pushing back out of stubbornness. But something felt off. Wait... is he serious? What... what is this guy? Something about him was unsettling. They swallowed nervously. Then, Seong pointed at the woman. Youre Park Ji-hyun, right? And your grandfathers name was Park Chun-bok. ...What? W-Whats going on? The womanPark Ji-hyunstared at Seong, her eyes widening in shock. How did he know that? Seong didnt care about her reaction. He continued. You joined some weird club in college and started going to those meetings regularly. Thats why your grandfathers angry. It upset him even more when you left home and cut ties with your parents. My... my grandfather...? She didnt even think to ask how he knew. She didnt even question how he knew her grandfathers name when he had passed away years ago. All she could feel was the overwhelming certainty that what Seong was saying was true. Her face turned pale. Go home. Your parents are worried about you. Park Chun-bok is worried about you too. Sniff... yes... yes... T-Thank you. And just like that, as if she had repented on the spot, Park Ji-hyun burst into tears and ran off. The man left behind trembled as he locked eyes with Seong. He didnt understand what had just happened. His partner had suddenly bolted And that terrified him. But at the same time, he was someone who had already fallen into a cult. Curiosity and fear mixed in his voice as he hesitantly asked, M-M-M-My turn...? Can you see something about me too...? ...Did you have a poodle? CHOKO!!! The man suddenly screamed and collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. Seong took a step back, startled. The guy cried even harder than the woman. As if he, too, had just repented. Feeling secondhand embarrassment, Seong awkwardly turned away. He decided to chalk it up to an interesting experience and walked into the luxury store, browsing for his parents gifts. By the time he left, satisfied with his purchase, the man was still sitting on the floor, crying about Choko. Seong quickly walked past him toward the parking lot, pretending not to see. He had no interest in getting dragged into a conversation where the guy asked him, "Is Choko doing okay?" Better to leave while he still could. Hero Luke used one of the many items in his possession. He didnt know where the current Overlord was headed. But he knew that they had come to Despairs Gorge. He had long since found traces of the current Overlord. The lingering effect of the Overlords power had left behind skill remnants. Since he had discovered this much, this item should be enough to track them down. He didnt know what kind of person this eras Overlord was. And he knew that Overpalace was trying to prevent their meeting at all costs. But even so He wanted to meet them. He wanted to ask about the past. And as he activated the item, he saw the current Overlords location. On the map before him, a red dot appeared. Luke stared at it and murmured, So thats where they are. The City of Necromancers. The City of Death. Hexia. Now ? N o v e l i g h t ? that he knew the location Its time to go. Behind him, Hero Hindel sighed deeply and shook his head as if he had given up. Oh, dear God. Chapter 214 2. A lot had happened, but in the end, Seong made it home safely. "I''m home." "Oh, you''re back, Seong! Did you go to the capsule cafe? because of the blackout?" "Hmm, you''re back." His mother, Lee Na-gyeong, asked first, while his father, Yoo Gwang-jin, welcomed him home. Seong shook his head in response to his mothers question. "I just went out since the power was out." As he spoke, he took off his shoes and stepped inside the house. Only then did Na-gyeong and Gwang-jin notice the shopping bag in his hands. A luxury brand logo was printed clearly on the bag. Their eyes widened. Seong had never been one to indulge in extravagance or show interest in luxury brands. That made it all the more surprising. Even in his school days, he had never asked for branded clothes or shoes like other kids. He simply hadnt cared about such things. So, both of them found this unexpected. Well, now that he was earning money, it made sense for him to start showing interest in these things, right? Thinking along those lines, Na-gyeong spoke. "Oh my! Since when does Seong go shopping?" "Hah, I was just thinking the same thing." Seong had never been into shopping, let alone luxury brands. It was a major change. Seeing their reactions, Seong felt a bit awkward, but he kept his usual calm demeanor and approached them. Without a word, he handed them the shopping bag. Both of them blinked in confusion. As they accepted the bag, Seong casually explained. "I got my paycheck, so I bought gifts." "...Oh my." "...Well, Ill be damned." Both parents stared blankly at Seong, holding the unexpected gifts in their hands. It was so sudden that they were momentarily dazed. Then, Na-gyeong smiled warmly, while Gwang-jin awkwardly cleared his throat and rubbed his nose, pretending to be indifferent. "Ahem. Well, I appreciate it." "Our Seong is all grown up now..." At first, Na-gyeong was just happy, but soon, she found herself getting a little emotional as she gazed at her son. Seong, who had been maintaining a composed expression, couldn''t handle the atmosphere anymore and quickly spoke. "Anyway, use them well. Im going to wash up." Feeling a bit embarrassed, he hurried to the bathroom. Meanwhile, Na-gyeong and Gwang-jin sat down on the sofa, looking at the shopping bag Seong had handed them. They carefully pulled out the boxes and opened them. Inside, Na-gyeong found a scarf, while Gwang-jins box contained a tie. It was the first time they had ever received a gift from their son. And not just any giftthis was something he had bought with his very first paycheck. "When did he grow up so much..." "Exactly." Sharing a smile, they looked at each other, feeling warmth in their hearts. They carefully placed the gifts in their bedroom and, just before Seong disappeared into the bathroom, they called out to him. "This is my favorite color! How did you know?" "I was just thinking of getting a scarf! Thanks, my son~" "J-just use them well!" Feeling even more embarrassed, Seong responded in a louder-than-usual voice. It was a heartwarming evening. As the family enjoyed this warm moment together... Meanwhile, his sister, Yu Mina, was in a capsule cafe?, fully immersed in a raid. 3. The Heroic Council had yet to convene. However, the E-World headquarters was already in turmoil due to a sudden meeting called by Park Won. It was unusual for him to take action, let alone call a meeting. So naturally, it caused a stir. Since it was an official Heroic Council meeting, that alone was enough to justify it. But inside the company, other rumors were spreading. "Hey, did you hear?" "Hear what?" "They say the Chairman called the meeting because of that user." "Ohhh! You mean that Overlord player?" "Yeah, yeah, the one they call the Demon King." The rumor that Park Won had called the meeting because of Seong was spreading fast. Officially, the meeting was for Heroic Council matters. But the fact that Lee Won-sang, a mere assistant manager, had been included in a meeting where he normally wouldnt even be allowed in the same room... That made the rumor all the more believable. And so, the speculation spread like wildfire inside the company. Even within the User Management Team, the whispers reached every corner. "Wow, senior, is this... H-huh!?" As Oh Jin-hyuk was about to ask Lee Won-sang if the rumor was true... He saw his seniors exhausted face and swallowed his words. Won-sang looked completely drained, barely resembling a living person. That sight alone made Jin-hyuk immediately shut up. Seeing his senior in such a state... The rumor was probably true. Senior finally said he was done stressing over things... how long did that last? Being summoned by the Chairman was no small matter. Feeling sorry for his senior, Oh Jin-hyuk silently paid his respects and returned to work. Just then, Lee Won-sang let out a deep sigh. "Haaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh..." It was a very deep sigh. Jin-hyuk shuddered. With a sigh like that, how could he not ask? In the end, he couldnt hold back and spoke. "W-whats wrong, senior?" "...Take a look at this." What now? With that thought, Jin-hyuk looked at the monitor Won-sang pointed to. And what he saw... "Wait, what? No way, this...?" "You see it?" "T-this is huge, isnt it?" Won-sang nodded grimly. "Right now, Seong has ten dark-attribute skills. And if he absorbs Dark Lord just like hes done with everything else so far..." "Hell unlock the True Sovereigns power, right?" "Yeah." "Holywait, isnt that something only single-rankers can do? Hes not even level 200 yet, and hes already at that level!?" Only single-rankers could normally achieve that skill transformation. Scratching his head in frustration, Won-sang let out another sigh. Seong was already overwhelmingly powerful. But if he absorbed Dark Lord, he would awaken the True Sovereigns power. "Ughhh. I thought this would happen at least around level 200..." "Well, yeah, since even most single-rankers hit that milestone in the 200s. But this... this is insane." "Luck played a part, sure, but still..." Sighing heavily, Won-sang leaned back in his chair. ...Could this be why the Chairman had called him to the meeting? One way or another, Seong was going to encounter Dark Lord. That much was certain. The problem was... "Why the hell is the Hero coming to Hexia?" Seeing Hero Luke heading straight for Seong, Won-sang groaned in frustration. Nothing was going right. All this meant was more work piling up before the meeting in a few days. Preparing the necessary reports, Won-sang muttered to himself. "Just hold out until the Heroic Council is over." 4. The day after giving his parents their gifts... Seong enjoyed a full-course breakfast, prepared especially for him. After finishing his morning run, he washed up and stepped out of the bathroom. At that moment, an announcement from the apartment management office echoed through the building. [This ? Nvlight ? (Exclusive on Nvlight) is an announcement from the management office. As previously informed, an electrical maintenance will take place today from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, causing a temporary power outage... (announcement continues)] A blackout notification. Seong clicked his tongue in mild annoyance. "Tsk." Now that he thought about it, Yu Mina had mentioned she would be heading out early. And he had almost forgotten why. Yesterday, they estimated 10 hours until Dark Lords invasion, meaning the event would take place between 11 AM and noon. Since the actual timing could shift slightly, it would be safest to be online by 10 AM. That was cutting it close. Going to a capsule cafe? would be the best option. "Theres a capsule cafe? nearby, right?" He vaguely recalled Yu Mina saying she would be heading there. After a quick search on his phone, he set off toward the cafe?. As he walked through the neighborhood, he glimpsed a few ghosts lingering in the periphery of his vision. But, as usual, he ignored them and entered the capsule cafe?. And then "Hmm?" Seong tilted his head as he looked at the capsules lined up inside the cafe?. They looked very different from the one he had at home. A noticeable gap in quality. He recalled something Yu Mina had mentioned when she bought him his capsule. "Didnt she say it was the latest model?" Now that he saw these, he realized just how different they were. Still, among the standard capsules, there was a section with higher-end models. "Oh?" They were older versions compared to his personal capsule but still decently high-performance. The price was three times that of regular capsules, but money wasnt an issue for him. Without hesitation, he booked one and logged in. As he connected through the premium capsule, he felt a slight difference in comfort compared to his own. It was a bit inconvenient. But not enough to bother him. And soon [Welcome to Eternal World, the realm of another world and the eternal world.] [May fortune be with you, Player Seong.] After passing through a few verification checks for logging in from a new location... He returned to Namubuk Village. It had only been about eight hours since he last logged out. Yet "Ohhh!! Hes back!!!" "Another savior has returned!!!" "Sound the drums!!!" The villagers cheered and beat their drums enthusiastically upon seeing him. No matter how many times he witnessed it, he could never get used to their boundless energy. Just yesterday, they had held a festival for Helenas arrival. Now, they were celebrating his return like it was another festival. "These spirit tree people are way too lively..." Letting them enjoy themselves with their dancing, singing, and drum performances, Seong ignored the commotion and got to work. Opening the Gate of the Underworld, he prepared his forces. He had already set up the area around Namubuk Village yesterday, but he still needed his subordinates to be fully ready. As the gate opened His undead army emerged: Noctrynium, Fiora, Leonic, Valtar, Anemore, Barfur, Serpina, and Drakanos. It should have ended there. But then Another figure stepped out of the gate. "Huh?" "Ahaha... Hey." "Helena?" He had expected her to sit this one out. After all, she had said she would rest. But here she was. "Didnt she say she needed time to prepare herself...? And yet, shes already here?" Helena chuckled awkwardly. As Seong turned his gaze toward her, Fiora, who had been standing slightly apart, pointed at something. "L-look! Its a statue of Lady Helena!""Oh? Khahaha! Youre right!""It seems to depict her childhood?""Th-thats right, it does!""Piiieee!""Mumble, mumble..."Helena stiffened as all the attention suddenly shifted to her. Her face turned red, looking as embarrassed as a beetroot. She immediately averted her gaze from Seong. "She literally remembers everything, so why is she acting so embarrassed...?" It was kind of funny, but... Seong simply nodded as if he understood. Still, that wasnt important right now. With his forces assembled, he briefed them on their upcoming battle against Dark Lord. They all listened attentively, nodding along. Then Helena suddenly spoke, as if a memory had resurfaced. "Ahh, that ink-colored old man? Yeah, I remember him." "Oh?" "That guy was really a bad person." If Helena knew about Dark Lord, that would make things a lot easier. Seong outlined his plan, and Helena grinned in amusement. "That sounds fun." Chapter 215 5. Across Namubuk Village and the Darkened Forest, the oppressive darkness that had blanketed the land for so long began to fade. The Dark Lords power, which had been spread across the forest for countless years, was now being reclaimed. For a full ten hours, he had absorbed all the dark energy within the forest. And yet... Even after all that, he had not recovered half of his former strength. Despair crept into his thoughts. He had fallen so low. Because his essence had been stolen. Its fine.There was still a way to recover. That cursed brat and the intruder who wielded the same power as her... If he absorbed them, he could restore his essence. No, perhaps... He might even obtain a power beyond what he once had. He didnt doubt it for a second. And so, the Dark Lord unleashed his power. The thick, dense darkness that had covered the forest merged into his body, condensing into a single form. The pure darknessa power he had lost long agowas still beyond his reach. But even with just the remnants of his essence, he still embodied the power of a sovereign. Dark energy pulsed across the vast forest, causing the trees to bow as the Dark Lord took form. A shape emerged. Was it human? Noat a glance, it resembled a lizard. But at the same time, it bore a humanoid figure. A dark being, standing upright on two legs, with a lizards tail swaying behind it. Slowly, it began to march forward. Thud. Swoooosh With each step, darkness spread, swallowing everything in its path. From within the inky black abyss, the Dark Lord strode forward, eyes locked on one target. The accursed brat, Helena, and the place she had protected until the very end Namubuk Village. That was where he was headed. But just then An unfamiliar sensation prickled at his senses. ...?Darkness? No... Something deeper than that. A presence that felt like it existed between the living and the dead. And then The undead began crawling out of the earth. Pathetic...?The Dark Lord scoffed at first. But as he prepared to speak, the sheer number of them left him momentarily speechless. It wasnt a few dozen. Not even a few hundred or a few thousand. No The undead numbered in the tens of thousands. From the soil, from the depths of the underworld, an army of death emerged. With no fear. No hesitation. No concern for their own destruction. They surged forward, their bodies glowing with green and cyan energy, reaching for the Dark Lord, the embodiment of darkness itself. An unrelenting army, devoid of fear or hesitation. A sight that should have inspired pure horror. Yet The Dark Lord merely extended a hand. KWOOM! A massive wall of darkness erupted from the ground, towering like jagged spikes, sweeping across the battlefield. Hundreds of undead were instantly shredded and obliterated. But There were still tens of thousands left. The attack barely made a dent. ...Damn it.If he had his full power, he could have annihilated them all with a single gesture. But his essence was gone. And without it, he couldnt wield his true power as a sovereign. There was no other choice. He had to fight in this weakened state. Resolving himself, the Dark Lord spread his arms wide, sending tendrils of darkness surging toward the undead horde. CRASH! SPLASH! SLASH! The dark energy twisted into crashing waves, impaling spikes, and razor-sharp blades. Hundredsno, thousandsof undead were cut down in a single sweep. Yet... Their numbers never dwindled. It was grotesque. Disgusting. That brats power... Yes, it was like this.The power that transcended death. For a brief moment, the Dark Lord recalled the past. Yes, the numbers were staggering. But at the end of the day, they were just undead. They couldnt even touch him. No matter how many there were, they were still insignificant pests. Arrogant or not, the brat Helenas power had been something that defied reason. But this? The fool who inherited her strength was wasting it. His victory was inevitable. As the undead legions swarmed closer, the Dark Lord prepared to unleash his full strength. But then He noticed something strange. A green mist was seeping from the undead. Poison? Ridiculous. He was darkness itself. A sovereign. Poison could do nothing to him. He was about to laugh Until he saw the sparks igniting from the undead ranks. It wasnt just poison. W-wait...!KWOOM!!! The moment the sparks ignited A cataclysmic explosion engulfed the entire battlefield. The blast created a raging heatwave, the sheer force sucking in all surrounding air before violently expelling it outward. A towering black mushroom cloud loomed over the battlefield. The earth shattered, trees were obliterated into ash, and even the far-off woodlands collapsed from the shockwave alone. BOOOOM!!! The tremors rippled across the land. Even those far from the impact site felt the sheer power of the explosion. A massive crater had formed As if a meteor had struck the ground. And at the very center... Darkness twisted and writhed, struggling to reform itself. Even the Dark Lords essence had failed to completely withstand the blast. He was far from unscathed. Kuhhh...The Dark Lord Vomits Blood. The massive explosion had dealt severe damage. He had tried to shield himself with darkness at the last moment, but there was no way he could block everything. His form was in tatters, his darkness shredded beyond recognition. Even before this, his essence had been wounded, preventing him from recovering fully. Now, after the shockwave, half of the darkness he had barely managed to gather was scattered once more. Only half of his power remained. Could he still defeat the intruder who had inherited Helenas power? As doubt began creeping into his mind... The Dark Lord thought. If they unleashed an attack of this scale, they cant be unscathed either.There was no way they were fine after using such an attack. They must have exhausted most of their power. Clinging to that belief, the Dark Lord forced himself to stand. He would destroy that accursed Namubuk Village. That was the only thought driving him forward as he took a step And then, something incomprehensible happened. Figures emerged, surrounding him. Piiieeeee!!!Even from the skies, watchful eyes bore down on him. And each one of these figures was powerful. The Dark Lord couldnt understand. This power had never existed when he fought Helena in the past. Noperhaps it had not yet manifested because she had been too young back then. Now that these followers had revealed themselves, The Dark Lords expression twisted in rage. He himself had once commanded countless subordinates. But every single one of them had been consumed by the true master of this power Helena. Followers, is it...?Each of them wielded tremendous strength. But That also meant they were nothing compared to him. The Dark Lord narrowed his eyes and unleashed his power. Darkness swelled around him, rising like waves. With a single gesture, he fired a barrage of dark bullets toward the intruders. The attacks shot toward them at high velocity. But Fiora Nvl?g?t (Only on Nvl?g?t) stepped forward, transforming her arms into a massive shield. She spread the shield wide, blocking every single dark projectile. TATATATATATANG! The sound of metal clashing violently rang out as the bullets struck. But Fioras arms remained unscathed. As soon as the dark barrage ceased, Her arms revertedthen morphed into twin spears. Seeing her body shift so fluidly, The Dark Lord was stunned. A... a Shapeshifter?!A being born from darkness, the Royal lineage of all Doppelgangers. All beings born from darkness should have naturally followed him. But even a Shapeshifter had become that mans subordinate? Was it because he had lost his essence? He hadnt lost his throne entirely And yet, this was happening. The Dark Lord refused to accept it. I will reclaim what is rightfully mine!!!As he roared in fury, Fiora thrust her hands forward, sending blue energy lances soaring toward him. But the Dark Lord swiped his hand And dispersed the attack like it was nothing. Darkness coalesced, shifting into massive blades that whipped across the battlefield. SHWAAASSSH!!! The Dark Lords sword of darkness sliced through everything in its path. But then An old demon stepped forward, charging directly at the dark blades. Not to die, but with unwavering resolve. His sword was stained deep red, burning with overwhelming power. And when Drakanos swung his blade SLASH. The Dark Lords darkness was cut apart effortlessly. W-what...?!The blade he had painstakingly forged from darkness Destroyed in an instant?! Not just a Shapeshifter But even a demon of this caliber was now his enemy? How had he forged a contract with a demon like that?! An inexplicable phenomenon. In that moment, the Dark Lords perception sharpened, his mind racing at inhuman speed. No The world itself felt slow. And in this frozen moment, He sensed it. A massive bolt of lightning descending toward his head. Damn it.He couldnt dodge. Even in this distorted reality, the lightning still moved too fast. Even teleporting through darkness wouldnt work The moment he tried, he would be struck down. If he had noticed the Thunderbird in the skies earlier, he could have prepared. But now, there was no choice. The Dark Lord pulled all of his darkness toward himself And erected a barrier to block the incoming lightning. CRACKLEEEEEE!!! A blinding flash. The lightning tore through the air, splitting the atmosphere. Though the Dark Lord managed to block it, the energy scattered through the air, causing the entire battlefield to tremble. Even as he barely held on, he immediately counterattacked Unleashing waves of darkness toward the followers. But then Something descended from above. Something he had overlooked. It had been there the entire time A Red Moon hanging in the sky. He had focused so much on the Thunderbird that he had ignored the moon entirely. Now, it was too late. The Red Moon pulsed And unleashed a crimson beam of destruction straight at him. KWOOOOOOOOM!!! A devastating ray, capable of melting everything in its path. But the Dark Lord could do nothing but watch. He had just switched to offense, pouring his darkness into an attack. He had no time to defend. The beam struck him directly, and for the first time, He felt overwhelming heat searing through him. Grinding his teeth, the Dark Lord seethed. Each of them moved like clockwork, their precision relentless. Damn them. He would tear them apart. One by one. Just as he prepared to counterattack A voice rang out. "Hello, Mister Darkness?" Y-you...?!A small figure greeted him. It was Helena, appearing in the form of a child. And in that very moment From deep within the abyss, A massive eye opened. The Dark Lords gaze met it directly. Chapter 216 The accursed brat who had devoured his essence and erased him from existence She was standing right in front of him. Had she come to absorb his darkness once more? No, that couldnt be. Yet, the young Helena simply smiled brightly at him and spoke. "Hello?" It was just one person speaking. But then "Hello?" "Hello?" Two, three No, more. The child Helena multiplied into hundreds, all extending their hands toward him. At that moment, the Dark Lord realized It was all an illusion. No More accurately, this was his own fear manifesting from within him. But knowing something logically was very different from experiencing it directly. His body shuddered with fear, and he lashed out, slashing the illusions with darkness. Yet None of his attacks landed. Meanwhile, one Helena slowly approached. And then she attacked. If this were truly an illusion, then it should have had no real effect. But CHOMP! "Kuhhh! Gahhh!!!"It felt as if his very flesh was being torn apart His darkness was being absorbed. It was real. Not just a figment of fear, but something tangible. The Dark Lord swallowed dryly as realization dawned. What was this? This was supposed to be a fear-based illusion But had it somehow manifested into reality? Desperate to understand, he focused And then, he saw it. "Only one of them is real."Only one of the many Helens could actually attack. Realizing this, even though he was shaking with terror, the Dark Lord quickly calculated his next move Just as he reached for the real Helena Another Helena attacked from behind. "Kuhhh!!!"What?! He was certain only one was real How, then, was another one attacking? In panic, he redirected the dark bullet meant for the Helena in front of him Only to be attacked by her as well. CHOMP! The painthe darkness being consumed The Dark Lords eyes trembled violently. What was happening? Which one was real? Before he could make sense of it, yet another Helena appeared beside him. She grabbed his arm And grinned. The pure, innocent smile sent a chill down his spine. Then CRRRACK!!! "KHHAAAAAA!!!"A horrific sound rang out His right arm was torn off. The damage was severe But oddly, the actual damage to his health was minimal. Still His arm was gone. Even though he shouldve been able to regenerate it with darkness It didnt grow back. Confused, the Dark Lord lifted his head And saw the young Helena grinning As she devoured his severed arm. "G-give it back...!"Again. He was being devoured again. His health and mana were draining away, disappearing somewhere unknown. Though his core essence remained untouched That, too, would not last much longer. He had to do something. The Dark Lord unleashed all his darkness, attacking everything around him. But Only one Helena remained untouched, relentlessly attacking him. As he struggled, he saw her past self overlapping with the present Helena. "AARRRGHHH!!!"He screamed, overwhelmed by the nightmare before him. And then The Helena clones multiplied again. Some charged forward with swords Others summoned lightning Another breathed a deathly mist, leaving the Dark Lord in ruin. And then, from every direction, The Red Moon and the Abyss began to stir. The Dark Lord was completely trapped in an incomprehensible world. No matter how much power he used, No matter how much he resisted, It was not enough. He was the Lord of Darkness. And yet He was being erased so effortlessly. No He refused. He could not be defeated like this. He unleashed his core essence. His body shifted, evolving into his true form. A second phase had begun The illusions disappeared. And with them, his right arm regenerated. All of the fear and phantoms vanished. But then The Dark Lord saw her. The young Helena slowly grew before his eyes Until she was no longer a child, but a fully grown woman. And then she smiled. "An illusion...?""Ahahaha! Of course not!" "Its been a while, Mister Darkness! I thought you were completely erased after I devoured you, but you survived somehow, huh?" Her voice was cheerful As if she were reuniting with an old friend. The Dark Lord stared at her, dumbfounded. This was real. This was Helena. Not an illusion. Not a phantom. The real Helena. Even just hearing her voice, he knew it was her. The Dark Lord realized something horrifying. Had the intruder been Helena all along? No. That was impossible. She was weaker than before. Much weaker than he remembered. Something wasnt right. That meant There was still hope for him to survive. Just as the Dark Lord started thinking of a way to escape A young man stepped forward. Draped in black robes, his expression unmoved, he stood at the edge of the crater, looking down at him. It was Seong. And the moment the Dark Lord saw him His entire body trembled. "H-hes already absorbed two... two Sovereigns?!"Right now, Seongs power was still weak. But The quality of that power was not weak at all. He could sense the power of two Sovereigns within him. No It wasnt just that. He wasnt holding onto their power He was surpassing it. He was transcending Sovereignty itself. The Dark Lord felt it. And he roared. "So in the end... you are truly ''transcending''!!! Is that why you have come for me?!"There was no telling why he was so enraged. Helena, her expression suddenly turning serious, gazed at the Dark Lord with chilling indifference. She lifted her index finger to her lips and spoke. "Shhh." Ignoring Helena, Seong activated his skill. The Tome of Ruin appeared, unfolding in his hands. The lost, forbidden magic, once erased from the world, was now reborn. A blinding white bolt of lightning formed in his grip. Seong threw it like a spear And the world lost its colors. Everything was bleached white, leaving only the pure brilliance of the lightning as it raced toward the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord, an incarnation of darkness, reached out toward the lightning But he couldnt move. [The Grasp of the Abyss seals movement for 3 seconds.] [Hidden Raid Boss, The Forgotten Sovereign, Dark Lord is attempting to resist.] [This skill cannot be resisted.] He was frozen. He tried to use a skill to escape. But behind him, a massive witch emerged, laughing hysterically. Her mouth, stitched shut with cyan threads, twitched as she grinned. [By the Sovereigns Silence, all skills are sealed for 5 seconds.] [Hidden Raid Boss, The Forgotten Sovereign, Dark Lord partially resists.] [Duration reduced to 2 seconds.] The white lightning pierced through him A gaping hole was left in the Dark Lords stomach. And in that instant, Seongs followers charged in. Even Helena muttered as she watched. "What do you think, Mister Darkness? Hes my disciple." The Dark Lord, being ripped apart by the relentless assault, muttered in disbelief. "...There is no greater monster."He was weaker than Helena had been as a child. That was certain. But The potential inside him... The indescribable power growing within him It was undeniable. The Dark Lord scoffed. A monster. Hearing that, Helena frowned and retorted. "How rude. Tell me, where else would you find someone more fitting for Overlord than my Seong?" "...How far will you go? You are ''surpassing'' the Sovereigns... What do you hope to become?"Helena smirked. "Who knows? Thats for my Seong to decide." Even Helena had never reached the end of this path. So she didnt know. And as an NPC, bound by the laws of this world, she had begun to feel it The limits of her existence. Unconsciously, she muttered. "What a cruel world~" The Dark Lord, hearing those words, chuckled bitterly. But "You are not one to speak, Demon King."And with that, the Dark Lords body finally collapsed. All of the darkness shattered, dispersing into nothingness. 6. The Dark Lords body crumbled under the combined might of Seongs Tome of Ruin and the relentless onslaught of his followers. At that moment, messages appeared before Seongs eyes. [Hidden Raid Boss, The Forgotten Sovereign, Dark Lord has been vanquished.] [This was the exclusive Hidden Raid Boss for Overlord.] [Replacing standard rewards with unique rewards.] [Overlord Story Quest, The Invasion of Darkness has been completed.] [You have obtained rewards.] [You have gained an enormous amount of experience!] [LEVEL UP!] 2 [You have reached Level 170.] [Upon reaching a multiple of 10, an Almighty-tier item, The Overlords Grimoire has been activated.] [Upon reaching a multiple of 10, an Almighty-tier item, The Book of Blood has been activated.] [Upon reaching Level 170, a new Overlord skill has been unlocked.] [Combining new skill and execution reward.] [Almighty-tier skill, Sovereign of Darkness has been obtained.] [Almighty-tier skill, Sovereign of Darkness is analyzing Player Seongs dark-type skills.] [Conditions met.] [Overlord Third Advancement (Complete)] [Overlord Story Quest Helenas Diary 1 (Complete)] [Possesses 10 or more Dark-type skills (Complete)] [Almighty-tier skill, Sovereign of Darkness has awakened its true power.] [Dark-type skills are now integrated into Sovereign of ? Nvlight ? (Exclusive on Nvlight) Darkness.] [Integrated skills can still be used individually, or they can be reconstructed through Sovereign of Darkness.] [No current records available for reconstruction.] [Exclusive Overlord item, Helenas Diary! is temporarily sealed.] A torrent of notifications. Reading through them, Seong realized He had acquired a new Sovereign-class skill. He felt dazed. "...Is this what the Dark Lord meant when he said I was transcending?" Skill integration? He didnt fully understand what it meant, so he immediately opened his skills menu. Sovereign of Darkness Almighty [Lv 1] [Growth-Type] [Complex Skill] Wherever he steps, light fades. Whenever his voice echoes, darkness is given life. Exclusive skill for Overlord. A skill created by fusing all previously used dark-type skills. All integrated skills can still be used individually, or through Sovereign of Darkness. Allows complete, unrestricted manipulation of dark energy. Mana consumption increases based on complexity of use. Power output scales with mana expenditure. "Huh?" If this was real... Seong instinctively raised his hand. And as soon as he thought about summoning darkness A black spear materialized in his grasp. Would this be called Dark Spear? Seeing its form, Seong was astonished. Helena approached him and grinned. "Congratulations. You''ve transcended." Chapter 217 "Hmm." First, the Dark Lord reacted that way. And now, even Helena. Judging from their reactions, they must be referring to the integration of skills. It certainly feels like something has transcended. The fusion of skills, the ability to activate dark-element abilities with just a thought Should I call this transcendence? Thats what it feels like. I never thought something like this would be possible in a game. Controlling darkness with nothing but imagination. At first glance, it sounded easy, but in reality, it was anything but. Imagining darkness and making it writhe, then move according to ones will? It was even harder than performing an action perfectly on the first try without ever having done it before. However The moment Seong imagined the spear of darkness in his hand expanding The spear grew in size. Swoooosh! Then, as he envisioned the spear splitting apart into multiple arrows The massive spear shattered, transforming into hundreds of arrows. Pashashashat!! Finally, when Seong imagined the arrows disintegrating into countless glass-like shards It happened exactly as he had envisioned. Pababababak!!! Tens of thousands of fragments scattered through the air. Watching this, Seong smiled, satisfied. Meanwhile, his subordinates, who had been observing, stood there slack-jawed. Kahaha!!! As expected of our Lord! Truly astonishing, my liege! A-Amazing! Y-Yes, as expected of the master. "Huh, huhh... Youve become the true Sovereign of Darkness." "......And yet, you mastered it instantly. As expected, you are truly remarkable." Even though his subordinates were far from ordinary individuals Every single one of them was in awe of Seongs display. They all understood just how difficult it was to manipulate power freely with mere imagination. So, they couldnt help but be impressed by what they had just witnessed. Even Serpina was at a loss for words. Helena, however, grinned and shouted in excitement. "Ahahaha! Our Seong is amazing!" Why Helena was the one boasting, he had no idea. Regardless Seong analyzed his current state and summed up his thoughts. The level of freedom is incredible, but the mana consumption is insane. When he shattered the spear into thousands of glass shards, He had used more mana than it took to control an army of tens of thousands of the Legion of the Dead. It was an extremely inefficient ability. Which explained the system message that said he could still use his existing skills as they were. The original mana consumption remained the same, but this new form allowed for more freedom. Being able to create whatever dark-element skill he needed on the spot It could be considered an advantage in its own right. If he could manage the mana consumption, then he would be able to wield dark-element skills without limitations. Was that why they said he had transcended? "So, what exactly do you mean by transcended?" Seong asked. Helena seemed to ponder for a moment before nodding, as if deciding it was alright to explain. "Hmm, to put it simply, it means youve become a true Sovereign." "Hmm." That didnt really clarify much. But from the sound of it, it implied transcendence. Becoming a true Sovereign Which meant... "Does that mean all Sovereign-class beings can become true Sovereigns?" "Usually, yes. But Overlords are a bit different. Becoming a true Sovereign is also proof that you have the potential to become a Transcendent." "A Transcendent?" Seong repeated. At that moment, a system message appeared before his eyes. [You have obtained the keyword Transcendent.] "Yes, Seong, youre not a Transcendent yet, but youve now built the foundation to become one. I cant tell you everything yet." "Hmm. I see." The fact that Helena hesitated and looked troubled midway through her explanation That meant there was some system interference at play. A bit disappointing, but learning this much was already a significant discovery. He recalled the fragments of Helenas memories he could access. Memories about Transcendents surfaced. They were those who had awakened the true power of a Sovereign. Right now, Seong had only barely crossed that threshold. There must be something deeper in the systems design. He would have to uncover it gradually. Even with Helenas memories, there were limits to what he could see, so if he wanted to know more, he would have to investigate personally. Either way, he had gained an interesting new skill. Though the mana consumption was an issue With such an unprecedented level of freedom This opens up countless new possibilities. More than anything, he could combine it with existing skills to create all sorts of techniques. Seong turned his gaze toward the other two Sovereign-class abilities. The Sovereign of Fear and the Sovereign of Blood. Would they also evolve after reaching ten or more sub-skills, just like Darkness? It didnt seem likely. As he was considering it Helena spoke up, as if reading his thoughts. "The conditions for awakening true power are different for each one." "Hmm. The Sovereign of Fears abilities changed recently, too." "When the first stage is fully unlocked and you reach the second stage, you might truly obtain its power. But in Darknesss case, you were able to achieve it easily because you directly defeated the previous master." "I see." So, the conditions were stricter than he had expected. The Dark Lord was a special case. That was a bit disappointing, but It was actually better this way. If everything were handed to him too easily, it would ruin the thrill. Seong nodded in understanding. Hunting down each power, one by one, would make things more enjoyable. With that thought, he decided to test out his new skill by scanning his surroundings. Hmm. There were no more monsters left in the forest draped in darkness. With the darkness fading, sunlight now streamed through the treetops. This wasnt an ideal place to test his abilities anymore. Time to leave. Helenas journal had been sealed. His business in Namubuk Village was finished. There was no reason to stay any longer. It was best to leave now. Besides, this place was just the basement of Hexias Castle. There was nowhere left to explore. And this wasnt the best environment to experiment with his skills. He needed a proper hunting ground for that. With that decision, Seong dismissed his subordinates back to the underworld, except for Helena. Retracing his steps, he passed the abandoned playground where Narisha and Berto had been. Eventually, he arrived at the massive doors leading out of Hexias basement. He had seen them before, so he was already familiar with their size. Standing before them, Seong paused, lost in thought. "Hmm." When he first entered the basement, the door had opened automatically. Would it do the same now? Seong stepped forward, but the door remained shut. He frowned, staring at it in confusion. Helena chuckled. "Why not try using the power of the Sovereign of Darkness?" "Ah." This place was practically designed for him to acquire that power. Proving his mastery over it should be enough to open the door. Helena had a point. Without hesitation, Seong activated the power of the Sovereign of Darkness. Immediately Ssssss. From beneath his feet, an otherworldly darkness unfurled, swallowing all light in its wake. A manifestation of his will, the darkness responded exactly as he envisioned. He extended his control, letting tendrils of darkness slither toward the door. The moment the darkness touched it, part of it was absorbed into the door And without any indication of when it happened, the once-sealed entrance now stood wide open. "Thanks, Helena." "Fufufu, Seong, you wouldve figured it out on your own if youd thought about it for a second." Despite her humble words, Helena looked immensely pleased with herself. Seong glanced at her, smiling faintly before stepping through the door. Just like the first time, his body was pulled in as if being swallowed whole. And when he emerged As expected, he stood before the doors of Hexias underground chamber. However, there was one distinct difference from when he first entered. "......Hmm?" "You have returned. We shall escort you." Instead of Kalina, who had worn that grotesquely twisted doll mask A group of other Black Mages now stood before him. It didnt particularly matter who was present. But just as Seong was about Nvl?g?t (Only on Nvl?g?t) to brush it off Something rumbled from beyond the castle walls. No A tremor. Kuung. Kwaaaaaaaang! Even though the castle was quite a distance away from whatever was causing it, The vibrations and explosions could be felt clearly. Something was happening. Seong tilted his head in curiosity. Noticing his reaction, the Black Mages bowed deeply and spoke in unison. "Lady Kalina is currently exterminating intruders who have invaded Hexia." "It is of no concern to you, my Lord." "...Extermination?" An invasion in Hexia? Against Overpalaceone of the most powerful factions in this world? Seongs eyes narrowed as he looked at the Black Mages. They either genuinely had no interest in the matter or were deliberately withholding details. However "Then, can you take me to Kalina?" If they refused, that would tell him something. But to his surprise "We shall escort you immediately." "We shall summon Lady Kalina at once." "We obey our Lord''s will!" They didnt just agree; they took it a step further. Summon her? Wasnt Kalina busy? Was it really fine to call her now? She was in the middle of dealing with enemies. He was about to question them further when A strange distortion rippled through the space behind him. Seong turned his head. The very fabric of reality twisted. Then, a pale, skeletal handbleached white like polished boneripped through the air and pulled something forth. Rip! Stepping out of the void, Kalina emerged. Her grotesque doll mask was immediately discarded, her dark-indigo hair cascading in waves as she knelt before him. "You have awakened the power of Darkness. Congratulations. Welcome back, my Lord." "......You seemed busy." Seong asked, caught off guard by how quickly she had arrived. Kalina answered without hesitation. "There is no task in this world more important than answering your call, my Lord." "......Right." "Once again, congratulations on mastering Darkness." "Hmm." She was a formidable figure. She had realized his transformation immediately. Well, it made sense. She ruled over a domain like this; of course, she would be strong. But more importantly Who was the enemy that even an NPC like Kalina had to deal with? Curiosity stirred within him. He asked. "Who exactly attacked?" Was there really an organization bold enough to stand against Overpalace? If so, this was getting interesting. As Seong pondered the possibilities Kalina bowed her head slightly, as if the answer was too insignificant to dwell on. "It was nothing significant. A foolish hero wandered into Hexia, so I simply frightened him away." "......???" Seong blinked. He had just heard something completely baffling. He stood in stunned silence for a moment. Then, his eyes widened. "A hero?" That hero. The same one who had narrowly escaped last time Had come back? 0. Deep within the forests near Hexia A long, gaping trench stretched across the ground. It hadnt been there before. It had just been created moments ago. And at the very end of that trench "Cough!" A young man crawled out, blood dripping from his lips. "I... I almost died..." None other than the current hero Or rather, the would-be hero. Luke. Still coughing up blood, he glanced at the pendant hanging from his neck. "Haaah..." A legendary artifactone that could save his life three times per day. But now Its glow had faded. It had turned dull gray. Meaning I... almost died three times? Luke stared at it in disbelief. Then he let out a bitter laugh. "Heh. Ha!" He sprawled out on the ground, staring up at the sky. He hadnt even stepped into the city. Just approaching had resulted in this. No wonder they told him to avoid a direct confrontation with Overpalace. He had been insanely lucky last time. Back then, Overpalaces envoys had merely observed him and let him go. But now, he truly understood how fortunate he had been. He was still trying to decide what to do next when Rip. A skeletal, white-boned hand tore through space itself. And from that rift Two figures stepped out. Click. Click. One wore high heels, their steps light and precise. Thud. Thud. The others boots were heavier, their stride exuding a sense of immense weight. Hearing those sounds, Luke instinctively tensed. His body screamed at him to be cautious. Rising shakily to his feet, he prepared himself for whatever came next. But then One of the newcomers spoke. A young mans voice. "......Hindel?" Lukes eyes widened. That name. The name of the legendary hero. Spoken by a stranger. But The young man wasnt looking at him. Instead His gaze was locked onto something else. What the hell was going on? Chapter 218 A sudden appearance And a name spoken out of nowhere. The young man, looking stunned, had just uttered a name that made no sense to the current Hero. Behind him, standing guard, was a grotesque figure in a twisted doll maska woman whose mere presence sent chills down one''s spine. Luke was already shocked by their arrival. But even more than that He was stunned by the name the young man had just said. Hindel. The name of the previous Hero. Why? Why would this person suddenly bring up that name? As Luke tensed, considering whether to prepare for a fight The world itself seemed to crush him beneath its will. KWA-GAAAAAAAAANG!!! "Ghhhk!" It felt as though his own weight had increased a hundredfold. An unimaginable force bore down on him, making even breathing difficult. Then, the woman in the doll mask spoke. "Do not so much as twitch a finger." Her words were overbearing, her tone absolute. But more than that Her very presence was razor-sharp, sending icy terror down Lukes spine. Because he recognized who she was. One of Overpalaces infamous Executors. The Master of the Dead DollKalina de Nocshail. A name whispered among the greatest warriors A figure even Luke had heard of before. Faced with her overwhelming presence, Luke couldn''t move. Yet the young man standing before him remained unaffected. His pupils trembled, his voice wavered. What the hell did he just see? Luke hesitated before cautiously speaking. "...I am Luke." "Ah." At those words, the young man seemed to snap back to reality. Had he been in some kind of trance? Now fully present, the young man no longer stared into the void. Instead, he looked directly at Luke and introduced himself. "My apologies. My name is Seong." "...You are..." Just as Luke was about to respond KU-GUGUGUGU!!! The oppressive force around him intensified. The ground beneath him sank, as though warning him not to speak further. Gravity increased even more Until Luke coughed up blood. "Kulk!" He was already exhausted after barely surviving the earlier assault. The internal injuries he had sustained deepened. Seeing this, Seong raised a hand toward Kalina. As if by magic, the overwhelming force disappeared. Luke could breathe again. And in that moment He knew without a doubt. This man... He is the current Overlord. Why else would an Executor of Overpalace defer to him? There was only one possible explanation. While Luke wrestled with this realization Seong was lost in thought as well. Or rather He was staring past Luke. At something behind him. A ghostly figure One that had recognized Seong the moment he appeared. An all-too-familiar face. A spirit Seong had met in the past. Hindel. Seong reached out with his thoughts and connected with the ghost. I assume youve heard. My name is Seong. A sigh echoed in his mind. Yes... And as Im sure you know, I am Hindel. It shames me to show myself before you like this. Seong could feel it Hindels deep sense of guilt. It was only natural. After all, he had wronged Helena. Hindel had no face to show, not after what he had done. Seong, understanding his feelings, pondered for a moment. Hindel was tormented because he had killed Helena. But Helena didnt hold a grudge. If anything, she had felt freed by her death. And so, Seong sent a thought back to Hindel. Helena doesnt care anymore. You know her personality, dont you? A quiet, bitter laugh. Hahaha... Hindel smiled weakly. Even though he knew Even though he understood He still couldnt forgive himself. That much was clear. It made sense. No matter how one looked at it He had attacked Helena. And she had died because of him. It was only natural that he carried this burden. I still dont know what to say. I have no excuse. Seong nodded in understanding. Then That is why I wish to aid you, my lord. Even if it means leaving my descendant behind. Seong blinked in surprise. Wasnt Hindel supposed to be Lukes guardian spirit? Yet he was willing to abandon Luke? Seong was momentarily shocked But he didnt hesitate. He reached out his hand. And absorbed Hindels memories and experiences. [You have demonstrated power beyond your current limits due to Unknown Force.] [Strength +15, Agility +2, Stamina +2, Wisdom +4, Intelligence +4 permanently increased.] A total stat increase of 27 points. And an overwhelming flood of knowledge. As Seong absorbed Hindels memories, his face twisted slightly. Some things remained inaccessible, as expected. Still This was an incredible gain. Not only had he inherited Hindels swordsmanship, But he had also glimpsed Lukes pastas seen through Hindels eyes. Now I understand why he agreed to help me so easily. Yes, 90% of it was atonement for Helena. But part of it was also frustration with Luke. Hindel had watched over him. And he had been disappointed. Luke wasn''t developing fast enough. His talent was there But he was wasting it. Even Seong could see it. Luke had reasons for what he did But he had neglected too much training. Hindel was fed up with him. Seong smirked slightly. Then "Hmm. So, Hero, what brings you here?" It was time to turn his attention back to Luke. Luke flinched slightly. But there was no point hiding it now. His name had already been revealed. And standing behind Seong Was an Executor of Overpalace. There was no use denying it. So, Luke answered. "I came... to see you, the current Overlord." Seong raised a brow. "Hmm. If its about Hindels history, I cant help you. I dont know much myself." "!?!?!" Lukes jaw dropped. He had expected Seong to ask why he was here. He hadnt expected him to already know the reason. No matter how powerful Overpalace was How could he possibly know that? Luke swallowed hard. Was this man already aware of everything? As he stood there, dumbfounded Seong, perhaps feeling a bit sympathetic, decided to offer him something. "Be wary of the Kingdom of Rieskan." "...What?" Luke flinched at Seongs words. And he wasnt the only one. Even Kalina, who had been standing guard behind Seong, showed a slight reaction. How did he know? That was the question in the air. But Seong didnt seem concerned. He had said enough. It was time to leave. Just as he was about to turn away Kalina moved in front of him to protect him. At the same time KUOOOOOOOM!!! KWAAAAANG!!! KWAAAAAAA!!! Three streaks shot down from the sky like meteors. The ground shook violently as three craters formed around Luke. And from within the impact sites Three knights emerged. They stood up from their hero landing poses, each one exuding an overwhelming aura. Even at a glance, they radiated power beyond Lukes own presence. Kalina, her expression hidden behind her grotesque doll mask, narrowed her eyes. At the same time FWOOOOOOOOSH!!! A vicious, ominous dark-indigo aura erupted from her body. It pressed down on the knights with overwhelming force. KWAOOOOOOOOH!!! Her very presence crushed the air itself, unleashing an energy wave that bore down upon them like a tidal force. The three knights raised their arms, shielding Luke. CRACK! ZZZZZZT! CRACKLE!!! The very fabric of space seemed to distort under the pressure. Even with three knights protecting him Lukes face contorted in pain. It looked as though he might collapse at any moment. Kalinas voice rang out, cold and sharp. "Do you have any idea where you are? How dare mere knights of Kalibaron step foot here?" The threat in her voice was clear Answer me, or I will kill you. One of the knights stepped forward and bowed his head. "...We apologize, Executor, Master of the Dead Doll. We had no choice but to come because of our Hero." "Thats your excuse for trespassing here?" Kalinas words were filled with undisguised disdain. The knight in front of her broke into a cold sweat. Seong, watching, had a simple thought. Isnt that reason enough? But he chose not to say it aloud. This wasnt the time to intervene. Kalina then spoke again, her words dripping with contempt. "The Kingdom of Rieskan must have a death wish." "......!!!" "!!!" "!!!" Her killing intent intensified. The knights'' faces paled. For a brief moment They truly believed they were about to die. Kalina raised a hand. A lethal force swelled in the air. And then "Hmm." Seong let out a small hum. "......My apologies." Immediately, Kalina lowered her hand. The knights, who had been bracing for death, gasped for breath. Luke had already fainted. The three knights, still kneeling, bowed deeply. "...We are grateful for your mercy. We shall leave at once." It could have been seen as a humiliation. But their expressions showed no resentment, no wounded pride. Only relief that they were still alive. Kalina glared at them, clearly displeased. But even an Executor like her couldn''t afford to slaughter a Hero and three knights in this situation. Especially with Seong present. The knights seemed to understand this. Without hesitation, they lifted Lukes unconscious body And disappeared instantly. Kalina scoffed. "Hmph. At least they know how to run away quickly." Her voice was petulant, almost pouting. Seong raised an eyebrow. Was this really the same person from just a moment ago? Either way, things had ended peacefully More or less. He turned to Kalina. "Ive finished my business in Hexia, so Ill be heading out now." Honestly, considering her intimidating aura, it was a bit nerve-wracking to say it so directly. But he had to. At his words Kalina ? N o v e l i g h t ? nodded as if she had been expecting it. "Ah! Then Ill make all the necessary preparations before you return!" "Uh... yeah. Sure." What preparations? The way she said it felt ominous. But Seong wasnt the type to refuse free benefits. Leaving Kalina behind, he turned his thoughts back to Hindels memories. The City of Knights. Thats where I need to go next. There was something there he needed. His next destination was set. Sisvalte, the City of Knights. Just as he was about to set out A familiar alert sounded in his ears. [Remaining playtime: 5 minutes.] [Additional charges will apply after the allotted time.] The notification snapped him back to reality. The same alert he used to hear at PC cafe?s. Seong let out a small laugh. "Ah... Right. This is still a VR capsule." Time had flown by. By now, the power outage was probably over. It was better to log out and continue from home. Lets head back for now. With that decision Seong logged out of the game. Chapter 219 1. Cough... Cough... Luke, the Hero, woke up midair, coughing up blood uncontrollably. For a moment, he couldn''t grasp what had happened to him. Then, as he noticed the three knights supporting his flight, the memories came rushing back. Whoooosh! Luke and the three knights soared rapidly through the sky. At that moment, he recalled Seong''s last words to him. "Beware of the Kingdom of Rieskan." Why had Seong left him with such a cryptic warning? The Kingdom of Rieskan was the very nation that had nurtured and protected him since he was chosen as a Hero. Ever since he had been selected as a Hero, Luke had lived under Rieskans guidance. They had raised him, trained him. Supported his journey. Of course, in recent times, he had abandoned his training to dig into the past of Hero Hindel. He had felt uneasy about it all. And now... "Beware of the Kingdom of Rieskan..." Perhaps... Seong was right. After all, these knights had appeared so suddenly after remaining silent for so long. As doubts began to take root in Lukes mind, one of the three knights, seemingly the leader, spoke. "The Sword Saint was very worried about you." ...... Luke couldnt hide his confusion. The Sword Saint? If that were the case, why had he been left to wander aimlessly? Had the Sword Saint truly been concerned? His so-called mentor, the man known as the Sword ? NvIight ? (Read more on our source) Saint, wasnt a Hero himself, but had earned his title for his ability to "reach the stars with his sword." Luke had always found him difficult to read. Hadn''t he always been indifferent toward me? When Luke had first met the Sword Saint after being chosen as a Hero, the words the man had spoken to him still rang clear in his ears. "You have no talent." One of the few people who would dare to say such a thing to a Hero. But instead of breaking him, those words had only made Luke work harder. Even if he lacked talent, he was still a Hero. He had vowed, over and over, that he would surpass his limitations through sheer effort. But after that day, the Sword Saint had never once made time for him personally. Only when summoned by the King of Rieskan did he show up, fulfilling his duty out of obligation before disappearing again. And now that same Sword Saint was "worried" about him? What a joke. However, Seongs words lingered in Lukes mind. "Beware of the Kingdom of Rieskan." Seong had known a lot about Hindel. He had even anticipated Luke''s visit and shut him down before he could say anything. That meant Seong knew far more than Luke did. If Seong had said such a thing, then there had to be something lurking beneath the surface of the Kingdom of Rieskan. Beware them? Of course, Luke would heed Seongs warning. But more than that He would use them. If they were trying to manipulate him, then why shouldnt he turn the tables? If he played his cards right, he might just get the answers he was looking for. The truth about Hindels death. Nomore precisely, the truth about the entanglement between Hindel and Helena. If he could uncover those unresolved mysteries... As Luke was lost in thought, one of the knights spoke again. "The Sword Saint wishes to meet you after the Heroic Assembly. Until then, please remain patient." The knights tone was polite. But Luke could hear the underlying condescension. "Ill have to watch them carefully." He would take his time, observe, and learn. And with that, feeling an odd sense of gratitude toward Seong for opening his eyes, Luke allowed himself to be escorted toward the capital of the knights. 2. [Eternal World welcomes you.] Seong stepped out of the capsule, now completely accustomed to the games logout sequence. Right on time. His stomach rumbled slightly as he glanced around. Might as well grab something to eat before heading back. Seong had skipped plenty of meals for the sake of gaming, but it wasnt exactly a healthy habit. When an opportunity like this came up, it was better to take advantage of it. As he walked, he suddenly recalled the tonkatsu he had eaten at the department store last time. That thought made him instinctively head toward a nearby tonkatsu restaurant. Last time, he had Japanese-style tonkatsu. This time, he found himself in a Western-style tonkatsu place. A small soup was served as an appetizer, alongside a plate of fresh green peppers as a side dish. Green peppers? He found it odd at first. But as he dug into the tonkatsu, he realized the subtle spiciness actually helped cut through the richness. Not bad. As he ate, Seong mulled over his next steps before heading to Sisvaldt. Had he left anything unfinished? He quickly remembered. The loot he had acquired recently. He had obtained something good. The Body of the Spirit Tree. It was the perfect crafting material for Silvanor, the elf knight. This would make for an incredible body. Learning homunculus alchemy had truly been a stroke of genius. He had also obtained Hindels soul. If he could craft a body for Hindel as well, it would be perfect. As he ate, Seong also began thinking about his next move in the city. "But how am I supposed to enter the Order of Knights?" Sisvalt was known as the city of knights. But for a player to actually become a knight? That was practically unheard of. It was content meant for players past level 200, and even then, only a select few ever obtained a knighthood. However Seong had already been granted the title of knight. That meant his path was already smoother than most. Still It wouldn''t be that simple to join the Order outright. The timing had to be right. And even with his knighthood, there would be other requirements to fulfill. Silvanors new body would come in handy here. "He''d know a lot about knights. And maybe, just maybe, he has some old connections." It had been a long time, so there was no guarantee. But who was to say there werent other elf knights around? If Seong could prepare Silvanors body in advance, it would be perfect. He chuckled to himself as he finished his meal. "Even if he doesnt have connections, just having a knight as an ally will make things easier." Leonic was technically a knight too. But being a skeleton, he wasnt exactly ideal for public appearances. And besides, Leonics infamous reputation made things unpredictable. It was better to prepare Silvanors body as soon as possible and move forward from there. With that thought in mind, Seong finished his meal and headed home. The sooner he could complete Silvanors new body, the better. 3. [Welcome to another worldEternal World, the eternal realm.] [May fortune be with you, Player Seong.] Seong swiftly dismissed the familiar welcome message and immediately headed toward the nearby hunting grounds. Acquiring Silvanors body required this process. Fortunately, thanks to the experience he had gained from the Dark Lord quest, his level was nearly full. This shouldn''t take too long. After diving into hunting for a while, he finally managed to gain a level. [Level Up!] [You have reached Level 171.] The moment he saw the notification, Seong pulled out the Alchemists Cauldron. Before adding the materials, he summoned Helena, Fiora, Serpina, and Valtar. However, instead of Valtar, Leonic appeared in his place, flashing an unnervingly cheerful grin. How the hell can a skeleton smile like that? Yet, somehow, he was definitely grinning. Regardless Ahem! My lord! Valtar is currently receiving direct training from Noya, so I have come in his place. Leonic looked positively thrilled. So thats why. Seong nodded in acknowledgment. Helena and Fiora, now curious, peered into the cauldron. "L-Lord, is this...?" Wait, are you making another body? Helena asked, stepping closer. For some reason, Hero Hindels necklace seemed to twitch slightly, but Seong ignored it and nodded. Yeah. Im making a body for Silvanor. Aha! That makes sense. Hell be a great help. Agreed. This should work well, Serpina added with approval. Even with Melissas memories stored in his mind, Seong found no issues with the process. Everything was going smoothly. Although he hadnt obtained any high-ranking undead this time, he had secured a body made from the Spirit Tree. There were no issues whatsoever. Seong then tossed all the materials he had gathered into the cauldron and began the synthesis process. As soon as he started, his summoned subordinates took defensive positions, ensuring nothing would interrupt him. This allowed Seong to fully focus. "Add this here... Stir it properly..." Since the materials were high-grade, the process was taking longer than expected. But that was fine. Time was on his side. As Seong continued stirring the cauldron, Fiora whispered to Leonic from her post. "D-Do you think Silvanor will like this?" "...I imagine he will not." "R-Right...?" Few people enjoyed existing in a pure soul state. Silvanor was no exception. However, there was one thing Silvanor feared even more. With a body, he would no longer have an excuse to avoid Drakanos'' training. Still, Fiora found something odd. "Then... why didnt you tell our Lord?" If Silvanor truly didnt want this, they could have delayed it. Seong wasnt the type to ignore his subordinates'' wishes. Yet, Leonic had said nothing. Even though he knew Silvanor wouldnt like it. Fiora was puzzled. At her question, Leonic gazed up at the sky and muttered. "...If we add one more, I get more rest." "Ah." Fiora finally understood. Currently, there were only two knight-type subordinatesValtar and Leonic. That meant they had to take turns training under Drakanos. If they added one more? It would become a three-man rotation. That meant more rest time. Leonic had just sold out Silvanor for more breaks. As they waited, Seongs transmutation finally came to a conclusion. The moment it ended, countless notifications flooded his vision. [Great Success!!!] [Melissas Homunculus Transmutation has achieved a breakthrough!!!] [The quality of the homunculus body has reached an unprecedented level!] [The homunculus body can now be customized.] [The base form leans toward the Elven race.] [Customization options for an Elf are available.] [Please design the avatar as you wish.] [The following feature can be used: Transcendent Death.] Homunculus - Entity Name: Silvanor [Your level has decreased by 1. Your level is now 170.] [The 5 bonus stat points you had gained have been nullified.] [Through Transcendent Death, Homunculus - Entity Name: Silvanor has been reborn.] [Homunculus - Entity Name: Silvanor has evolved into Knight of the World Tree, Silvanor.] As the form of the World Tree emerged, a magnificent body took shape. A divine light swirled around the process. And from within that newly crafted vessel, Silvanor stepped forward. Since his soul had already been infused into the body, it formed completely without issue. However For some reason, Seong found Silvanors expression unsettling. "...I am deeply grateful, my lord." But his tone and expression looked strangely... miserable. Seong tilted his head. Why did he look so depressed? Chapter 220 Silvanor didnt look entirely unhappy. There was some relief in his expression, but at the same time, there was an unmistakable trace of sorrow. Yet, no matter what emotions swirled within him, his gratitude toward Seong was genuine. Kneeling on one knee, head bowed, Silvanor paid his respects. For a moment, Seong wondered if he had simply misread the situation. He could guess what Silvanor was feeling. Normally, Seong would have just read Silvanors memories to figure it out. But since parts of those memories were blocked, he simply asked instead. "Do you know any knights in Sisvaldt? Or at least, do you have any connections?" Silvanor hesitated before shaking his head. "Too much time has passed since I was active. I fear I would be of little help." "Hmm. That makes sense." It was a reasonable answer, but a frustrating one nonetheless. However "If you wish to join a knightly order, there is always the option of taking an entrance trial." "A trial?" "Yes. No knightly order is ever at full capacity. There are always casualties in missions and knights who retire. You could take advantage of that. Additionally, since you already hold a knighthood, the process should be much easier." "Thats true..." "Of course, you would still need to prove your skill, but that should be no difficulty for you, my lord." There was a hint of flattery in Silvanors words. But he wasnt wrong. Seong had absolute confidence in his swordsmanship. So did that mean he could head there right away? As he considered his next move, Silvanor added "Having a recommendation would make things even easier, though acquiring one is no simple matter." "A recommendation?" "Yes. Sisvaldt is a city filled with knights and knightly orders. A recommendation from a knight residing there would make it easier for you to take the entrance trial. I am unfamiliar with the recent situation, but I doubt it has changed significantly." Seong nodded at Silvanors words. One way or another, he would need to take the trial. The plan was simple: if he arrived and found no trials available, he would shift his focus to obtaining a recommendation. Who knew? Something useful might come up. With that thought, Seong stored the rest of his subordinates and set out for Sisvaldt, taking Fiora, Helena, and Silvanor along for the journey. 0. The city of knights, Sisvaldt, was home to several renowned knightly orders. Among them, Equinox Knights was one of the most prestigious. It was one of the top three knightly orders in Sisvaldt. However, last year, a tragic accident had resulted in the sudden change of leadership. With the {N?o?v?e?l?i?g?h?t} previous commander gone, concerns arose about the loss of the orders traditions. Players didnt pay much attention to this shift. But among the NPCs, it was a heated topic. At first, there was doubt. But soon "PfftHahaha! Have you heard? The new commander of the Equinox Knights is a monster!" "Yeah! I heard they dominated the recent mock battle against the Valkyrion Guard!" "Wait, you mean that Valkyrion Guard? One of the three strongest knightly orders in Sisvaldt?!" "Exactly!! Even the people who were complaining about tradition are admitting it now!" "Damn! What was the new commanders name again?" "Ragna Eckrion." "Oh, right! That was it!" Laughter and gossip spread among the NPCs, and soon, players caught on as well. However Where there is light, there is also shadow. Rumors about Ragna Eckrions brutality began circulating alongside praise for their skill. "That new Equinox Knight commander... theyre a bit much, dont you think?" "Why? What happened?" "Call it knightly discipline if you want, but I heard they treat their knights far too harshly." "Oh, come on! A knightly order has to be tough, doesnt it?" "Not this tough. Ever since they took over, the casualty rate has doubled." "Doubled?! Thats... a lot." Even those who had defended Ragnas methods began hesitating. It was one thing to push for excellence. But if casualties were increasing, it was hard to ignore the issue. Even so, strength was what made knightly orders respected. Despite the criticism, Ragna Eckrions reputation only continued to rise. Some even whispered that Equinox Knights had surpassed the other top orders. And as the stories spread, the new commander of the Equinox Knights spent more and more time training alone in the combat hall. There, within the empty training grounds, a single violet sword gleamed in the dim light. A cold smile spread across Ragna Eckrions lips. "It wont be long now." For a brief moment, the sword trembled in Ragnas grip. An illusion? Or something more? Ragna stared at it, speaking softly. "Just a little longer. Your soul will awaken soon." Meanwhile On the other side of the screen. A man watched Ragna Eckrion through a monitoring system. His expression was one of pure frustration. This man was Lee Jae-kyung, the Deputy Manager of NPC Control Team 2. Scratching his head, he let out a long sigh. [Progress: 78%] It was almost time. One of the major story arcs, separate from the usual events, was about to unfold. The Event Team had finished preparations. The Story Team had finalized everything. And yet Lee Jae-kyung scratched his head in frustration. "Ugh, seriously." Players loved grand story events. To them, it was just another major event filled with action, lore, and rewards. But from an administrative standpoint, it was a logistical nightmare. Entire regions were about to be caught up in the chaos. And that meant many players would suffer losses. Not just a fewbut a significant number. That was the part Lee Jae-kyung was most concerned about. Once the grand story arc began Every single player in Sisvaldt would be affected. "All because Ragna Eckrion is about to become a Dark Knight..." If there were any way to prevent it, that would be ideal. But unfortunately, it was almost impossible. The only way to stop it was to join the knightly order and intervene early. The problem? Parties were never allowed to join knightly orders. And Equinox Knights was one of Sisvaldts top three knightly orders. Not just anyone could enter. Even if a player somehow passed the trials At most, one person might get in. And even then, they would only be accepted as a squirenot a knight. How could a squire stop Ragna Eckrion? It was unrealistic. It would be like a military recruit trying to challenge a general to a fight And then actually winning with bare hands while the general had a full artillery unit. Impossible. ...Or so he thought. Then, suddenly Wait. There is one, isnt there? Lee Jae-kyungs eyes widened as he recalled a certain players report. Hurriedly, he searched through the database. And sure enough "Hmm... Player Seong, huh?" If anyone could do it It would be him. He already had a knighthood. He had the skills to back it up. But would Ragna Eckrion acknowledge him? Probably not. Besides, what were the chances Seong would even come to Sisvaldt? Why would he? Right now, he had everything he needed in Hexia. Why would he leave? That was what Lee Jae-kyung used to believe. Until "Wait, what did you just say?" [Uh... I just told youPlayer Seong is heading toward Sisvaldt right now.] Lee Jae-kyung blinked. Slowly, he raised the phone back to his ear. Just to be sure, he called Lee Won-sang. "Hey, is this for real?" The answer came without hesitation. [Yes, sir. Seong is heading to Sisvaldt.] Silence. For a long moment, Lee Jae-kyung just stared blankly. Then "PfftHAHAHAHA!" He suddenly burst into laughter, hanging up without explanation. Lee Won-sang, now completely confused, just stared at his phone. Meanwhile Lee Jae-kyung watched the shared screen displaying Seongs movements. A smug grin spread across his face. "Hah... Maybe he will stop it after all." Normally, if a fully-prepared project were to fail, it would be a disaster. But this? If Seong intervened Everyone in the office would celebrate. Lee Jae-kyung bit his lip in anticipation. Would Seong actually collide with Ragna Eckrion? It was unlikely. But then again "That guys been causing chaos everywhere he goes... Maybe this time too." Holding onto that faint hope, Lee Jae-kyung watched intently. 1. The city of knights, Sisvaldt, was home to more than just knights. Naturally, melee-based classes dominated. But surprisingly, there were also many magic users. Elementalists, summoners, black mages For ranged fighters, having a reliable frontline was crucial. So it made sense for spellcasters to gather in a city full of knights. Because of this, Sisvaldt was a melting pot of different classes and races. Among them, many player-knights still dreamed of earning a true knighthood. This meant they were always listening for news Any information that could give them an edge. Today was no different. But then A commotion erupted at the city gates. "A HIGH ELF?!" "WaitPlayers cant choose the High Elf race, right?!" "Check for a player insignia!" "Nothing! No NPC marker either!" "A special NPC?!" The sudden uproar sent shockwaves through the gathered players. Elves were already playable, but High Elves were not. Rumors claimed there were special quests that could unlock High Elf evolution. But no one had ever actually achieved it. So the moment someone spotted a High Elf, A crowd instantly gathered. Some out of curiosity. Others, hoping this was a special NPC who could trigger a hidden quest. It had barely been a minute since the news spread, And already, a massive group had formed. At the center of it all Four individuals stood, cloaked in robes. The High Elfs ears peeked out, betraying their identity. And in that instant "POOF!" "POOF!" The four vanished in an instant. "T-They disappeared?!" "What the hell?!" "One of them was a player!" "The other three?" "No idea! Maybe they were NPCs?!" "Everyone, spread out and find them!!!" Amidst the chaos, One particular figure, still hooded, looked extremely troubled. ''I did not expect this...'' He hadnt thought his appearance would cause this much commotion. But He should have expected it. Because the High Elf they had seen Was Seong. Chapter 221 They had crossed over without using perception interference, hoping to blend in like an ordinary party. And yet, chaos erupted in an instant. Perhaps they had underestimated how desperate players were for hidden pieces. Realizing that it might be best to reapply the interference, Seong requested Fiora to cast it once more. Only then, when the players could no longer recognize them, did they move more freely. But more importantly... So this is what a High Elf feels like. He had always known they were rare. But to have such an overwhelming presence? He would need to be even more cautious moving forward. "High Elves usually only appear near the World Tree or in very specific locations," Silvanor explained. "Ah, I see." Hearing that made it easier to understand the players'' reaction. In other words, unless one was a high-ranking player, they wouldnt have encountered a High Elf before. And yet, here one had appeared in the Sixth Region. Their reaction made perfect sense. With that lesson in mind, Seong focused on his goalhis reason for being here. He had come to infiltrate the knight order, using what little remained of Hindels memories. So heading in that direction would be the logical next step. Just as he was about to move A faint presence emerged from the alleyway. No, not just any presence... A ghost? His abilities had grown stronger, allowing him to detect spirits across a much wider range. Now, he could sense even the faintest traces of ghosts. Normally, that wouldnt be concerning. Ghosts existed everywhere, after all. But this one felt... different. Not because it was an unusual ghost. But because multiple ghosts were gathering and cautiously approaching him. What is this? This has never happened before. A group of ghosts moving toward him like this? And without hostility? Every ghost he had encountered so far had been friendly toward him. So what was going on? Seong waited patiently. Soon enough, a voice rang out. O, great one... Will you help us? "Hmm?" Ghosts suddenly appearing to ask for help? That was new. Ghosts had always wanted to give Seong something, not ask him for assistance. Which could only mean one thing: Whatever this was, it was serious. As he studied the ghosts, their expressions conveyed something beyond desperation. They were knights. All five of them were clad in knightly armor. But judging from the agony on their faces They were victims of something. Situations like this often led to hidden quests. There was no reason to refuse. More than that W-we heard from other spirits who wandered from city to city... That you have helped others like us before. It is only right that we offer you something in return, and yet, we have nothing to give. Forgive us for such disgrace. But if you aid us, we will give you everything we know! Their desperate plea was filled with sincerity. Seeing spirits so eager to help in return only made Seong more inclined to assist them. Stretching out his hand, he absorbed their memories and experiences. Their faces brightened with pure joy. They knew he was willing to help. [Unknown Power has allowed you to exceed your current stat limitations.] 5 [Strength +2, Agility +2, Stamina +2 have permanently increased.] 5 A total increase of 10 points in Strength, Agility, and Stamina. Judging by their combined stats, they had been excellent knights in life. And their experiences were equally remarkable. After reading through their memories, Seong could immediately name the group they had belonged to. "Equinox Knights..." The words left his lips in a murmur. If this was about the Equinox Knights With Hindels memories as well, I might be able to take care of everything in one go. A perfect opportunity had presented itself. And Seong smiled in satisfaction. Seeing this, Helena turned to him. "Whats the plan?" she asked. "First, lets find Leon Vanzar." 0. On the outskirts of Sisvald, among rows of rundown buildings A man, who once seemed strong, stumbled out of a shabby house, grimacing as he stepped forward. Not that he had anywhere to go. "Damn it." Even walking had become a struggle. And the fact that he had to leave the house just to buy food was a humiliation in itself. But hunger could not be ignored. Lowering his hood, he limped toward a nearby shop, buying a few simple ingredients before turning back home. "Do I really need to go on living like this?" His existence felt meaningless. Yet he could not afford to dienot yet. If he perished, everything he knew would be buried with him. So he endured. Waiting. Preparing. Honing the blade of vengeance for the day he would finally strike. "...But will that day ever come?" Would his desire for revenge grow dull over time? Or was it merely despair weighing him down? These thoughts swirled in his mind as he continued his slow, painful walk home. Once, his body had been firm, powerful. Now, every step revealed his deteriorated state. If not for that accident, he wouldnt have ended up like this. And worse His subordinates had been dragged down with him. That was the most painful part of all. He wanted revenge, no matter what. But in this miserable state? How could he possibly achieve it? To be honest "...Even if I were at full strength, my enemy wouldnt be easy to defeat." He needed to find someone who could take care of that bastard for him. But with his broken body, could he even find someone willing to help? Despair circled around him like a noose, tightening with each passing thought. Was it time to end everything? A deep sigh escaped his lips as he lifted his head to the sky. The weight of his situation crushed him. He wanted to be done with it all, to finally rest. But the need for revenge and the frustration of his useless body left him trapped in an endless cycle of hesitation. An ironic, miserable state of existence. And then As he walked toward his home, four figures in black robes appeared before him, their hoods pulled deep over their faces. Though his body was in ruins, his instincts were still sharp. He could feel it. The sheer power radiating from these strangers. Each one was strong. Stronger than he was now. Together, they could easily surpass even his former self. Where had such people come from? It was a reasonable questionone that he should have asked. But he didnt. "So, theyve finally come." They were still after him. Even after all this time, after he had been reduced to this miserable state, they still wanted him dead. A storm of emotions surged within him, his frustration turning into a fierce aura that spread through the air. Even if he was a shadow of his former self, he had once ruled over this city as one of its greatest warriors. And no one would look down on him so easily. Even in his weakened state, he would make sure of that. Tapping into every last ounce of his strength, he let his presence flare And then, with a scowl, he threw back his hood and barked, "Did Ragna send you?" His voice was rough, filled with undisguised hostility. But instead of answering immediately, one of the robed figures stepped forward. With a slow, deliberate motion, he pulled back his hood. Then, he removed the black mask underneath. And he said, "No. He did not." "......" The answer was firm. But Leon Vanzar didnt believe it. Of course he didnt. Why should he? This had all the makings of a trap. Yet, the man took another step closer and continued, "Weve come to fulfill the last request of Wehad before his death." "We... Wehad?" Leons eyes widened at the name. "Yes. We are here to stop Ragna Eckrion. Former Commander of the Equinox KnightsLeon Vanzar." "......!!!" Leons entire body went rigid. They had found him. They had spoken Wehads name. But this could still be a trick. An elaborate ploy to lure him into a false sense of security. Even so Leon found himself staring at the young man before him, his mind racing. If this was a trap, if they were using Wehads name to deceive him... Then perhaps... Perhaps it wouldnt be so bad to fall into it. "If its a lie, then Ill die. And thats fine." And so, after a long pause, he finally spoke. "Fine. Follow me." The moment the words left his mouth, the young man nodded. "My name is Seong. I look forward to working with you." 1. Leons house was small, crumbling, and wretchedly unkempt. Seong stepped inside, his expression unreadable as he took in the sight. For a moment, he simply studied Leon. This was the man who had once led the Equinox Knights, one of the top three knight orders in the city. And now... he lived like this. Leon must have noticed his gaze because he let out a dry laugh and gestured vaguely around the room. "Just... sit wherever." There were only two chairs at the worn-out table. Seong took the one across from Leon, while Helena, Fiora, and Silvanor stood behind him. Leon eyed them briefly before exhaling through his nose and nodding. "So. Wehad asked you for revenge?" "Yes." "...Wehad survived that day?" It was hard to believe. Given the circumstances, he had thought survival impossible. Yet here they were, discussing the matter as if it were fact. Leon studied Seong closely, suspicion creeping into his gaze. But before he could voice his doubts, Seong reached into his coat And pulled out a small, weathered notebook. The moment Leon saw it, his eyes widened in shock. "This... This is Wehads journal." "Yes. Check the last page." Leons /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ fingers trembled slightly as he flipped to the final entry. There, written in Wehads familiar handwriting, was his last wish. A desperate plea: "Leon Vanzar, if you are reading this, please stop Ragna Eckrion. Do not let him defile the Equinox Knights any further." The moment he finished reading, Leons breath hitched. It was real. It was all real. Slowly, he looked back up at Seong. Seong met his gaze evenly and spoke. "I found it while hunting near the cliffside." It was the truth. After reading Wehads memories as a spirit, he had gone to the cliff himself and recovered the journal. It had been the first step in triggering this quest. But in the end, whether or not Leon believed him had always been a gamble. Seong waited. And after a long, tense silence Leon closed his eyes, then nodded. "...Alright. Ill trust you." "But be warnedRagna Eckrion is not someone you can take lightly." "I understand," Seong replied. "Which is why I need a letter of recommendation to infiltrate the Equinox Knights." Leons expression darkened immediately. He frowned deeply. A recommendation? For this foreigner? The very idea was absurd. Even if he wrote one, only a knight would be allowed to use it. This young man was stronghe could tell as much. But he was no knight. "Even if I gave you a recommendation, only an official knight could use it. You dont have" "I have a knighthood," Seong interrupted smoothly. "......?" Leon froze. A foreigner? With a knighthood? His confusion was plain on his face. Seong only grinned. Chapter 222 Leon stared blankly at the insignia Seong had presented. Then, after a brief moment of shock, he snapped back to his senses. If someone as powerful as Seong had earned a knighthood, it wasnt entirely surprising. The refined aura, the overwhelming presencethere was nothing about him that seemed ordinary. But for a foreigner to have obtained a knighthood... That was something else entirely. He really is extraordinary. Leons evaluation of Seong rose another notch. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. That means youre qualified to receive my letter of recommendation." If Seong had that, his chances of infiltrating the Equinox Knights would skyrocket. Leon thought for a moment before speaking. He shared his knowledge, his insights on Ragna Eckrion, and the current state of the Equinox Knights. Even things that his subordinates had never known. And the more Seong listened, the clearer it became Ragna is worse than I expected. From the way Leon described him, he wasnt all that different from Carmen, the worst of Pentagrid. Except for one crucial distinction. "Hes hidden it well." Carmen had succumbed to madness, rampaging uncontrollably. Ragna, on the other hand, had refined that madness, tempered it, and turned it into raw skill. That alone made him far more dangerous. Of course, their power levels were entirely different, which made the comparison somewhat meaningless But in terms of control, in terms of pure skill, Ragna was on another level. "That means hes worth fighting." Seong smirked in satisfaction. Seeing that, Leon laid out his plan in full detail. How they could lure Ragna out. How they could take him down. Leon spoke of coordinating with allies to fight him together, but Seong didnt pay much attention to that part. If needed, he could do it alone. Or just bring his subordinates. The important part was the first step. As Seong nodded in agreement, a message appeared before his eyes. [Hidden Linked Quest: "Equinox Knights Entrance Exam" has been generated.] Now that he had the letter of recommendation... It was time to join the order. "Come to think of it, Ive earned a knighthood, but this is my first time actually joining a knight order." It could be interesting. Seong extended a hand, and he and Leon shook on it. 2. [Eternal World will always be waiting for you.] Seong stepped out of the capsule, greeted by the familiar exit message. Receiving the Hidden Linked Quest had gone smoothly. But there was something unexpected. First, finding Wehads journal had taken longer than anticipated. And second "The knight exam is in three days? Thats kind of annoying." Now, he had to wait. A bit disappointing, but it wasnt like he had a choice. A set schedule was a set schedule. No point in complaining. He could just hunt for the next few days. It was a good opportunity to practice his new Dark Lord skill, anyway. Accepting that, Seong stepped out And immediately ran into his sister, Yu Mina, who had just returned home. "Youre back already?" she asked. "Yeah. Since the powers out, I just played outside today," Mina replied. "Youre home early too, huh?" "Yeah. The capsule room felt a little off." "Huh. Most people wouldnt notice that. But of course, my little brother does!" "...What?" The highest-grade capsules at gaming centers were noticeably stiffer than the one at home. Not by much. Just a little. But for Seong, it was clear as day. Apparently, other people didnt even notice? "No way." "Youre joking," he said. "It was super stiff." "Yeah, well, most people cant feel it. Only people like us can notice the difference. Its, like, a 5% delay in responsiveness? Normal people dont even register it." "Huh. Really?" To Seong, it had felt much worse than just 5%. But if Mina said so, then maybe... Shrugging, he let it go. Mina grinned at his reaction and changed the subject. "So? Where are you now? Hexia?" "No. I went to Sisvald." "Sisvald? What for? Oh, waityou have a knighthood, dont you? Are you taking the knight exam or something?" She laughed, making it sound like a joke. But then "Yeah. Im taking the exam." "...Wait. What?? For real?!" Her reaction was immediate. It wasnt normal. Seong frowned. "Why?" Mina hesitated. "Well... I guess its fine since you have a knighthood, but..." "But what?" She sighed. "Normally, when a player joins a knight order, they get treated like absolute trash at first." "...How bad are we talking?" Seong was starting to get a bad feeling. Mina gave him a knowing look. "You know. Shoveling horse crap." "...What?" "Yeah. Scrubbing armor, washing clothesits like the military, but worse." "Ah." The word military made Seongs expression immediately darken. It had only been a month since he had finished his service. And now he had to deal with this again? "Middle Age boot camp? I did not sign up for this." For the first time, he wondered if maybe... Just maybe... He should drop the quest. Mina, seeing his expression, added, "But since you do have a knighthood, they probably cant treat you like a total rookie, right?" "...R-right?" Even Seong wasnt entirely sure. Mina shrugged. "Beats me." And with that, she walked off to her room. Seong stood there, staring at nothing. "No way... Theres no way I have to do military training in a game, right?" Right? The City of Knights, Sisvald did not hold knight exams on a fixed schedule. They were irregular events, happening only when necessary. And today was one such occasion. Knight exams were rareperhaps once a month at best. But even when they did happen, players were never invited to participate. The knight exams were exclusive to official knights. And even among them, only those with a recommendation letter could enter today''s trial. Which meant that under normal circumstances, a player would have never set foot here. Except today was different. Among the gathered knights, one person stood out unmistakably. A figure clearly out of place among them. A traveler. An outsider. Whispers spread like wildfire. "Hah? An outsider?" "A traveler... with a knighthood?" "I never would have imagined." Some of the knights were simply amazed. Others, however, were not so pleased. "That filthy foreigner dares to enter our sacred knight exam?" "Whose recommendation did he get?" "I don''t know, but I bet it came from someone without any honor." Their resentment was obvious. They had started from nothing, climbing their way up from squires to knights through sheer effort. And now, here was an outsider who had seemingly skipped all of that. Some of the older knights clicked their tongues in disapproval, irritated by the childish complaints of the younger ones. But Seong? He couldn''t care less. There was no reason for him to care. He didn''t need to be in their good graces. If anything, their reaction only made his accomplishment feel even more satisfying. While the knights were murmuring among themselves, the sound of approaching footsteps filled the air. Seong turned his head slightly. "Theyre here." Three knights entered the training grounds. They didnt bother suppressing their overwhelming presence. Every knight in the area immediately fell silent. The tension in the air was palpable. No one here failed to recognize them. These were the three great knight captains of Sisvald. Captain of the Solaris Knights.Captain of the Valkyrion Guard.Captain of the Equinox Knights.The moment they arrived, every knight instinctively straightened their posture, standing with utmost discipline. Some of the younger ones gasped in admiration, overwhelmed by their sheer presence. But Seong? He was focused on only one of them. Ragna Eckrion. The target of this quest. And then Ragnas gaze met his. For a fleeting moment, the two of them silently studied one another. They couldnt read each others thoughts, but one thing was clear. "He''s no joke." "He''s impressive." Both Seong and Ragna took mental note of one another before shifting their gazes away. Seong had no reason to reveal his hand too soon. And Ragna? He wasnt here for Seong. Not yet. Instead, their attention turned to the leader of the Solaris Knights, Eisel Richtwert, who stepped forward and addressed the knights. "Todays exam is an opportunity for you to showcase your abilities. Prove yourselves, and you may earn your place among our orders." The knights listened attentively. They were the select few who had earned recommendation letterseach hoping to impress one of the three great orders and secure a place among them. And then Eisel Richtwert declared, "The first trial will be duels. Take your match number and wait for your turn!" Immediately, the knights moved with precision. Each participant drew a number, which determined their opponent. The duels would be fought one at a time, rather than in simultaneous matches. It made sense, given that there were fewer than twenty participants. Seong reached into the box and pulled out his number. "Hmm. Number 1." The very first match. Lucky? Unlucky? Didnt matter. If anything, finishing early meant he could sit back and relax. As he waited, a knight called out "First duelists, step forward!" Seong walked onto the battlefield. And his opponent? One of the young knights who had mocked him earlier. He hadnt even bothered to remember his name. And frankly, he wasnt worth remembering. The knight grinned arrogantly. "Hahaha! What luck! I get to fight an outsider. This is almost too pitiful." "......?" Seong tilted his head slightly. It was such a cheap attempt at provocation that he actually found it confusing. Seeing Seongs lack of reaction, the young knight frowned. Annoyed, he sneered. "Tch! Surely you dont think a mere traveler could defeat a true knight, do you? Ill show you what real swordsmanship looks like." A real knight. The way he put extra emphasis on the word was almost laughable. Seong didnt respond. He simply drew his sword. Calm. Composed. The young knights face flushed red with anger, mistaking Seongs silence for mockery. Without another word, he unsheathed his blade. The time for talking was over. Now, they would let their swords do the talking. The supervising knight raised his hand, signaling the start of the match. And then BOOM! Seong vanished. A deafening shockwave erupted as he launched forward, the ground beneath him cracking under the force of his movement. Before the young knight could even register what was happening, Seong had already closed the distance. His foot planted just beside the knights own. His swordheld in a reverse gripsmashed into his opponents abdomen with the hilt. BANG!!! The impact was devastating. A thunderous explosion rang through the training grounds. The young knights breastplate caved inward, distorting into an unnatural shape. A split second later His body was sent flying. He rocketed across the training grounds like a ragdoll before crashing out of bounds in a heap. Silence. There was no cheering. No excitement. Just stunned disbelief. Even the supervising knight was momentarily speechless. Finally, a beat later, he shakily announced, "V-Victor... Seong." And then "UWAAAAAAAHHHH!!!" The crowd erupted. "HOLY SHIT!!!" "DID YOU SEE THAT?!" "WHAT WAS THAT SPEED?!?!" "UNREAL!!" The knights roared in exhilaration. Even those who had been jealous of him ? N o v e l i g h t ? earlier couldnt deny what they had just seen. Seong simply lowered his sword and let out a small, amused exhale. "That was easier than I expected." Chapter 223 A thunderous roar of cheers erupted as the knights stared at Seong in awe and disbelief. Half of them had dismissed him as just another foreigner. The other half hadn''t necessarily looked down on him but had been skeptical of his abilities. Yet now, all their doubts had been shattered. And more than that This wasnt even his full power. Some knights, still reeling from the previous clash, turned to each other. "D-Did you see that?!" "II lost track of his movements!" "I saw him shoot forward like an arrow... but after that, I could only catch him gripping his sword in a reverse grip..." They were trying to piece together what had happened. The knights of Sisvald were trained specifically to survive in this region. Their levels were on par with high-ranking players. And even ordinary users without Unique-tier classes couldnt compare to them. Yet despite that None of the younger knights here had been able to follow Seongs movements. Atop the platform, three knight commanders watched, their expressions grim. One of them spoke. "I suppose this means we already know who will be the champion." "Seems that way," another replied. The first to comment was Eisel Richtwert, the commander of the Solaris Knights. The second was Adrian Roswell, the leader of the Valkyrion Guard. Even they couldnt deny it. Seong wasnt just strong He was on a completely different level from the other young knights. "At this level, he could be deployed immediately as a full-fledged knight." "Without a doubt." Even Ragna Eckrion, who had been watching Seong with an oddly predatory gaze, nodded in agreement. "Im curious to see which order hell choose." "......Hmph." "......Tch." Hearing Ragnas smug confidence, both Eisel Richtwert and Adrian Roswell frowned. But they /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ couldnt argue. Right now, the Equinox Knights were the strongest knight order. Both commanders looked uneasy While Ragna, on the other hand, licked his lips like a predator eyeing its prey. ''Hed make the perfect offering.'' Like the other two commanders, Ragna wanted Seong in his order. But for a very different reason. At the same time, he thought ''With that level of swordsmanship, he poses no threat to me.'' It never even crossed his mind that Seong might be hiding his true strength. After all, he had already displayed an overwhelming level of power for his current level range. And the thought of him being a Black Mage? It didnt even occur to him. 4. After the knight exam ended, there was a brief break while the scores were tallied. Not that it really mattered. There was one clear standout. No, not just a standout The only participant to achieve the highest scores in every category. Seong. Many had mocked and dismissed him for being a foreigner. But now? Not a single person dared to do so. How could they? He had clearly proven himself as the strongest among all the young knights here. Denying that would be sheer stupidity. And fortunately, there werent too many idiots among these knights. Some of them approached him eagerly. "Sir Seong, may I ask how you usually train?" "Youre an outsider, yet youre so strong! Is there a secret to it?" "P-Please, would you honor me with a sparring match?" "I take back everything I said about foreigners." They flocked to him, bombarding him with questions, hoping for even a small tip. But Seong paid them little mind. He was used to this level of attention. And besides, his training methods werent something he could just explain. So he simply responded with a polite smile. "Ive just trained diligently over the years. Thats all." At the same time He noticed something else. ''Hah. And there are still those who are jealous.'' Some knights wanted to learn from him, but others were clearly seething with envy. But Seong understood that, too. There was nothing he could do about how people felt. He couldnt control their emotions. After enduring some time in the crowd, an announcement came The scores had been finalized. And as expected The top rank went to Seong. When his name was called, the three knight commanders stood before him. Among them, the most senior was Eisel Richtwert of the Solaris Knights. He stepped forward and addressed Seong. "As the top-ranking knight, you have the privilege of choosing which of the three orders to join. Which will it be?" A predictable question. But Seong already knew his answer. His goal was set. Without hesitation, he responded. "The Equinox Knights." At his answer, Ragna Eckrion smirked in triumph. Meanwhile, the other two commanders sighed. "Our order welcomes you, Seong." Ragnas voice dripped with satisfaction. Eisel Richtwert and Adrian Roswell, on the other hand, looked deeply disappointed. They had hoped he would choose their orders, but... That was no longer an option. Seong had considered learning more about the other orders, but His quest dictated this path. Not that it would have mattered. Even without the quest, he never intended to stay with any knight order for long. And with that The induction ceremony ended. One by one, the knights called their chosen orders. Seong joined the line of Equinox Knights recruits. Among the ten knights accepted, a surprising five had chosen the Equinox Knights. And the most interesting part? This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Most of these guys dont like me. Seong quickly noted that the majority of the new recruits in the Equinox Knights were aggressive, hot-headed, and filled with inferiority complexes. With the Equinox Knights growing in power, it seemed to have attracted a rougher crowd Those who admired brutality over honor. And all of this was a result of Ragna Eckrions leadership. Seong could already feel the raw, violent energy in the air. Even the knight assigned to escort them to the barracks exuded that same aura. He didnt feel like a knight More like a mercenary or a bandit. On top of that, there was a distinct sense of bloodlust emanating from him. The escorting knight glanced over the recruits and scoffed. "Newbies, follow me." His tone was harsh. Yet, despite his rough demeanor, he didnt cause trouble for them. Perhaps because it was an official order from the commander. Without much hassle, he led them to the Equinox Knights headquarters. And when they arrived Seong took in the sight before him. The training yard was brutal. Knights sparred with real weapons, their blades clashing violently. Some were already injured, bleeding from deep cuts. This wasnt training It was war preparation. Hmm. Seong believed in real combat training, but this... This was extreme. Blood spattered across the yard. The scent of sweat and iron filled the air. The other new recruits stiffened in fear. They hadnt expected this level of brutality. Meanwhile, their escort knight let out a boisterous laugh. "Ha! Youre all frozen just from seeing a little blood? Youll be cut down in no time!" His mocking tone made the new recruits pale. But Seong ignored him. Instead, he asked "Where do I receive my mission?" "...Huh?" The knight looked at him, momentarily stunned. Then, a smirk tugged at his lips. He hadnt expected this response. Most recruits would be shaking in their boots. But Seong? He was calm. And this knight... had seen his exam. After a moment, he let out a small chuckle. "Hah. So the first-place recruit thinks he''s different, huh?" The other recruits trembled in frustration. Even here, Seong stood out. They felt humiliated, but none dared to speak out. Seong, meanwhile, simply held his gaze. The knight grinned. "Fine. Youcome with me. The rest of you, get to the training yard and start warming up." "Yes, sir." "...Understood." "...Y-Yes, sir." The other recruits hung their heads in frustration and reluctantly obeyed. Meanwhile, Seong followed the knight. As he did, he thought to himself Arent they going to haze me? It was typical for a group like this to put the new recruit through some sort of initiation. Especially in a knight order this rough. And yet Nothing. If anything, the knight seemed genuinely willing to show him around. "Alright. This is where you receive missions." The knight gestured toward a building inside the barracks. Seong followed him inside. The room was set up like an adventurers guild Wanted posters and requests lined the walls. A counter desk stood at the center, with a clerk waiting behind it. Hoh. I like this system. Seong found himself satisfied. It was surprisingly free-form. This was perfect. Leon had told him The best way to stand out in a knight order is through missions. And Seong took that literally. Without hesitation, he stepped toward the mission board. But before he could choose, the knight blocked his way. Seong paused. I guess I cant just take any mission yet? The knight grinned. "The first mission has to be chosen by your senior." "Ah. Understood." Seong didnt mind. It made sense for them to assess new recruits before letting them pick missions freely. He looked at the knight expectantly. The knight smirked and scanned the board. Then, he picked out one request and brought it to the counter. "Give this one to him." The clerk glanced at the request and hesitated. "...This mission?" "Yeah." With a reluctant nod, the clerk used magic to assign the quest. And as soon as it was registered, a system notification appeared before Seong [Hidden Chain Quest: Equinox Knights Entry Trial Completed.] [New Hidden Chain Quest: First Mission of the Equinox Knights Generated.] [Mission: Eliminate the Blade Wolf, Lugalnias Has Been Issued.] First Mission of the Equinox Knights Complete the mission: Eliminate the Blade Wolf, Lugalnias. Oh? So this was how it worked. Seong glanced over the quest details and smiled. He even felt grateful This was a decent mission for a first assignment. Without hesitation, he responded "Thank you. I''ll be off, then." "Hah. Don''t mention it." With that, Seong left to complete his mission. Meanwhile, the clerk turned to the knight, looking concerned. "...Isnt this mission too difficult for a new recruit?" The Blade Wolf, Lugalnias was a creature that normally required five senior knights to subdue. Yet they were sending one rookie alone? It was clearly unreasonable. But the knight simply grinned. "Breaking in new recruits with tough missions is tradition. Besides, he''s an outsiderhe wont even die. It''s fine." The clerk frowned but said nothing. This wasnt uncommon in the Equinox Knights. But just a short while later The door swung open again. Seong stepped back inside. And he spoke calmly. "Mission complete." The knight blinked. Then "...What?" Chapter 224 Senior Knight Kalis stared at Seong with an expression of utter disbelief. What did he just say? Hes already completed the mission? The words made sense, but they were impossible to believe. The Blade Wolf, Lugalnias. It was a mission deemed so difficult that at least five knights from the Equinox Knights were required to subdue it. And yet, this rookie claimed to have handled it alone? No matter how talented he was, even if he had ranked first in the knight exam, this was beyond comprehension. Give me that!!! Kalis shouted and snatched the mission document from Seongs hand. If what he said was true, the document would have been magically updated to indicate completion. As he hastily scanned the paper, Kaliss eyes locked onto the Completed mark. The confirmation left him in stunned silence as he looked back at Seong. No way. This was real? That meant this outsider possessed strength equivalent to five senior knights. Kalis, now visibly shaken, stared at Seong with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Seong, on the other hand, simply tilted his head, as if waiting for Kalis to process everything. Youve confirmed it, right? ...Y-Yeah. I see it. Thank you. Then, Ill be off to complete more missions. ...What? He just returned from a mission. And now he was going back out for another one? Was that even possible? Typically, knights would rest for at least a month after a mission. Even within the Equinox Knights, known for their grueling workload, it was normal to take at least a week off. Yet Seong had taken down Lugalnias today and was immediately setting out again? This wasnt normal. "What the hell is he?!" Kalis, still frozen in shock, could only watch as Seong walked toward the mission board once more. He had thought of Seong as merely the most promising among the new recruits. But this... This was the real deal. Kalis clenched his fists, watching Seong move with purpose. I need to report this to the commander. Swallowing hard, Kalis turned on his heels and hurried toward the office of Ragna Eckrion, commander of the Equinox Knights. Seong watched Kalis leave and nodded in satisfaction. That should do it. The mission was completed, and his level had jumped by three. The higher his level, the harder it was to gain experience, but [Apostle of the Bloodline has offered experience.] [You have gained experience points.] A steady stream of experience messages popped up before him, bringing a satisfied smirk to his lips. Thanks to both the mission and Imbris, the Apostle of the Bloodline, his level had already reached 173. Still, there was a long way to go. For now, quests were more important than level-ups. Commander of the Equinox Knights Gain the attention of the Equinox Knights commander, Ragna Eckrion. It was a quest that could be considered both easy and difficult. But if he continued completing missions at this rate, it was only a matter of time before he caught the commanders # Nvlight # eye. He had already finished at the top of his class. As long as he kept proving himself through missions, it wouldnt take long. Confident in his plan, Seong reached the mission board. There were more missions available than he had expected. Hmm, what should I do next? The last missionLugalnias, the Blade Wolfhad been a fun raid boss. Perhaps he should find something similar. While it wasnt a hidden raid boss, it had been significantly stronger than ordinary raid bosses. Something right below the Hidden Raid Boss tier, maybe? Since it wasnt too difficult, he hadnt needed to summon his Dark Lords minions. And it had also helped him further adapt to his Dark Lord abilities. So, whats next? There were plenty of options, but this time, Seong focused on bounty missions. Another five-knight mission. In some ways, bounty missions were trickier than straightforward raid boss hunts. That made them even more fun. This is how a game should be. Seong smirked, picked his next mission, and set out. While his "Get Ragna Eckrion''s Attention" quest was still active, he was also raking in a solid amount of experience from these missions. 5. While Seong was selecting his next mission and leaving the barracks, Senior Knight Kalis had already reached the commanders office. Knock, knock. He rapped on the door, his hands slightly trembling. A tense silence filled the corridor. Then, a deep voice came from within. Enter. A wave of relief washed over Kalis as he carefully pushed open the door. Inside, Ragna Eckrion sat at his desk, focused on his work. Ragna Eckrionthe leader of the strongest knightly order among the top three knight orders. And the strongest commander of them all. Yet, for Kalis, fear far outweighed respect. He knew better than to get on this mans bad side. Lowering his head, he spoke carefully. I have a report regarding a new recruit. Ragna did not respond immediately. The silence was suffocating. But Kalis knew better than to assume it was disinterest. Instead, he took the lack of response as permission to continue. He took a deep breath. Yes, sir. One of the new recruits, Seong, ranked first in the entrance exam... has just completed a mission that required five knights. Alone. For the first time, Ragna Eckrion reacted. Hmm. The commander, who had remained still all this time, now paused his work and looked up. His gaze locked onto Kalis. Tell me more. Thats what his expression said. Kalis swallowed nervously. He recounted everything he had seenthough, of course, he conveniently omitted the fact that he had assigned the mission as a form of hazing. Since he is an outsider, I wanted to test his abilities. I sent him on the mission to deal with Lugalnias. He completed it in mere hours. And he has already left to take on another mission. Ragna sat back in his chair. His expression unreadable. Kalis could not tell if this was approval, curiosity, or something else entirely. Then, Ragna spoke. Understood. Keep monitoring him. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Report back if theres anything else. Yes, sir!!! Dismissed. Thank you, sir!!! Kalis all but bolted from the office. Kalis, his body rigid with discipline, left the commanders office. Now alone, Ragna Eckrion rose from his seat and turned to look out the window. At that moment, he spotted Seong leaving the barracks. What an enticing prey. If he were to consume him... Perhaps everything would finally fall into place. He had thought there would be something left even after devouring him. But now, perhaps that time was closer than expected. Perhaps even the day he would rule this city wasnt far off. And "The war may come sooner than I expected." A chilling smirk curled on Ragna Eckrions lips as an ominous aura flickered around him before dissipating. Not yet. The fruit was not yet ripe enough to harvest. He had to wait until it was ready. The waiting was agonizing, but It wouldnt be much longer. "Soon, Ill have to call for them." 6. Bounty missions were certainly more troublesome than simple raid boss hunts. Difficult? Not necessarily. But tediousyes. Tracking a wanted criminal required gathering information, tracking movements, and setting an ambush. In terms of raw combat strength, the Blade Wolf, Lugalnias, had been far more formidable. Still, Seong had completed the bounty mission. It hadnt been easy. "Fighting without my subordinates makes things much harder." If Noctrynium had been with him, the mission would have been significantly easier. Still, he felt oddly satisfied handling it alone. The experience points were better than expected, too. Thanks to that, his level had reached 174. As he walked back toward the barracks, Seong''s thoughts drifted to his subordinates in the Netherworld. Especially his knight subordinates. "Drakanos said they were training, right?" Since Silvanor had regained a physical body, Drakanos had insisted on intensive training for all three of them. Seong had sent them off, figuring he didnt need Silvanor at the moment. But seeing Silvanors absolutely miserable expression as he left... It seemed like the training was far worse than expected. Still, it was better than letting them slack off. By the time Seong was returning to the barracks The Netherworld was deep in the midst of training. Under Drakanoss command, the training session continued. Even Helena couldnt help but be amazed. No matter how many times I see it, its insane. Because They were balancing an entire mountain of boulders on a single stick while swinging their swords. Three entire mountains of rocks trembled with each movement. And beneath those mountains Leonic, Valtar, and Silvanor were pinned underneath, struggling to lift them. Unlike the others, Valtar and Silvanor had physical bodies, so their muscle fibers tore apart, blood bursting from their skin. Still, they couldnt stop swinging their swords. Meanwhile, Leonic, who lacked muscles, suffered in a different way. His bones twisted and cracked under the pressure. Noit wouldve been better if they had just broken. "Oh, poor things," Helena murmured, healing them with celestial power. KUAAARGH!! AAAUUURGGGHH!! GNNNGHHH!!! As the healing restored their bodies, the three knights let out screams of agonyor possibly joy. Drakanos simply grumbled in his usual incomprehensible way. But to the three knights, his words were perfectly clear: If your bodies break from this, then you need more training. Hearing that, Leonic and Valtar regretted everything. When Silvanor was revived, they had hoped the training might ease up. Instead, they had been thrown into group training together. If only Seong had kept one or two of them behind... But noof all days, today had to be the day he needed none of them. That was how this nightmare training began. "I-I just want to rest... for a moment..." "Why... is it... just us...?" "W-We have to endure..." The three of them bonded through shared suffering. And then They all felt something was off. They turned to look at each other. "I... think it just got heavier?" "Is that just me...?" "No... look at your feet." At some point A black abyss had formed beneath them. They knew exactly whose power this was. Slowly, all three of them looked up in horror. Helena. She tilted her head and said, Oh my? I thought you had enough energy to think about other things, so I increased the gravity a little. Her casual statement left them ashen-faced. Drakanos, however, nodded approvingly. "Magnificent work. Thank you." Then He increased the training intensity. The three knights despaired. The fact that training could get even harder was beyond reason. Yet their suffering continued. Helena turned to Drakanos and asked, Will Seong go through training like this too? Drakanos shook his head. "No. My lord only needs guidance in swordsmanship." "These ones must train their bodies." If the three knights had heard that, they would have lost their minds. But they couldnt. Because the increased gravity had made them completely deaf. Chapter 225 0. Most employees at E-World were, at their core, passionate gamers. They took pride in creating and fine-tuning a world that players could immerse themselves in. After all, if they didnt love games, they wouldnt have agreed to the companys policymandatory participation in Eternal World. Sure, some people had joined just for the paycheck. But the majority genuinely loved the craft. Among them, the NPC Management Team was especially dedicated. They saw themselves as caretakers of the games inhabitants, ensuring the worlds immersion remained intact. Particularly, the NPC Management Team 2 had a reputation for being the most devoted. And at this very moment Several members of NPC Management Team 2 were gathered around a monitor. On the screen? Equinox Knights in Sisvald. SpecificallySeong. It was ironic. They were supposed to manage NPCs, yet they were closely watching a player. But no one questioned it. Even Deputy Manager Lee Jae-kyung, the head of NPC Management Team 2, was fixated on the screen. Because they all knew what was coming. They knew what would happen if Seong failed to stop Ragna Eckrion. If no one intervened The surrounding cities will be reduced to ash. A war is inevitable. Please... I just hope Seong wins... Every single person in the room was rooting for Seongs victory. Whether or not he got a Hidden Piece in the process didnt matter. Since Chairman Park Won had personally taken charge of monitoring Seong, they didnt need to worry about that. Unlike the User Management Team, which worked to prevent monopolization of resources, the NPC Management Team had a different priority: They just wanted Ragna Eckrion to be stopped. However "Ahem." Lee Jae-kyung cleared his throat. A progress bar popped up on the screen. [Progress: 80%] The room fell silent. Then A collective sigh. "80% already...?" It had only been a few days, yet Ragnas progress was nearly complete. Could Seong really stop him at this point? Maybe, if he attacked first and caught him off guard. But otherwise "Theres no way hes winning this fight." Lee Jae-kyungs grim assessment made the others pale. They all knew how powerful Ragna was. And now that Ragna had taken notice of Seong He was bound to make his move. Seong, on the other hand, was still keeping his power hidden. The moment an opportunity arose, Ragnas plan would ensnare Seong. It felt inevitable. "Hah..." Lee Jae-kyung sighed, staring at the screen. Stopping this before it escalated was unlikely. But if Seong joined forces with other players after the fact, maybe they could minimize the damage. For now "Seong might actually die." With that grim conclusion, Lee Jae-kyung contacted the User Management Team. A player death was imminent. They needed to prepare. After sending the message, Lee Jae-kyung sighed once more, turning back to the monitor. Seong had just received a missionone that would force him to work alongside Ragna Eckrion. His first real loss was on the horizon. "Well just have to watch as Ragna takes over." 1. For the past few days, the atmosphere in the Equinox Knights barracks had shifted. Once, it had been filled with killing intent and hostility. Now? It was filled with exhaustion. And all of it was directed toward one man. Despite being Sisvalds most brutal and relentless order, even the Equinox Knights were reaching their limit. All because of one newcomer. "Again? He just finished another mission?" "This is insane." "Isnt that... 20 missions in three days?" "That guy isnt normal." "For real. Doesnt this outsider know how to rest?" "At first, Kalis gave him a five-knight mission as a joke, but he completed it solo." "Fucking crazy. Absolutely crazy." The knights shook their heads in disbelief. At the center of all this commotion Seong. And he was completely satisfied with the shift in atmosphere. "Looks like Ill be clearing my quest soon." With the entire knighthood buzzing about him, there was no way the commander wouldnt take notice. Seong smirked and checked his status window. Status Window Seong Lv 178 Class Overlord Titles Sovereign (Legendary) + 40 others Stats Strength: 283 (217 + 66) Agility: 283 (217 + 66) Endurance: 283 (217 + 66) Intelligence: 682 (524 + 158) Wisdom: 682 (524 + 158) Mental Power: 133 (120 + 13) Dexterity: 8 (7 + 1) Bonus Points 0 178. His stats had skyrocketed. The experience from missions was incredible. Honestly, if he could, hed stay in this city just grinding missions. But that wasnt an option. Once he hit Level 200, he needed to return to Hexia. For nowhed just enjoy this while it lasted. If possible, he hoped Ragna Eckrion would take his time stepping in. The experience was too good to pass up. As Seong entertained these thoughts Someone approached. Kalis. Ah. Seong glanced toward the mission board with regret. This was it. His free grinding session was coming to an end. He considered grabbing one more mission, but No point. If Kalis had come personally, that meant the end had arrived. And sure enough "Seong, the commander wants to see you." Just as he expected. Seong sighed internally. It was fun while it lasted. At least he was close to clearing his quest. "Understood." Seong turned to head toward the commanders office. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. And as he did Kalis muttered under his breath. "...Be careful." "Huh?" "The commander always takes on difficult missions." Kalis''s voice was unusually solemn. "He usually goes alone, but on the rare occasion he takes a strong knight with him... He always returns alone. Covered in wounds." Alone. Seongs expression turned serious at those words. Seeing his reaction, Kalis added "You wont die, being an outsider. But still... be careful." "Thank you." Seong hadnt expected Kalis, who had once been hostile toward him, to give him a warning like this. But there was genuine sincerity in his voice. Seong didnt know what had changed in Kaliss mind. Perhaps he simply believed that someone like Seong shouldnt disappear so easily. Taking the advice to heart, Seong headed toward the commanders office. After entering one of the barracks buildings, Seong ascended to the floor where the commanders office was located. Knock. Knock. "New recruit, Seong. Reporting as requested." His words were formal and stiff, like a proper knight. Shortly after "Enter." With that command, Seong opened the door and stepped inside. There, seated at his desk, was Ragna Eckrion, engrossed in paperwork. At first glance, the office seemed ordinary. But Seong felt it immediately Those snake-like eyes, filled with hunger and greed. Ragnas gaze made it clear. There was something wrong here. Seong waited. Then, Ragna finally spoke. "You''ve done well. I hear youve been handling missions efficiently." "I am still lacking, but I have done my best." "Hmm. If you are lacking, then that would make the rest of my knights utterly incompetent." Seong did not respond. He sensed the words were meant to be brushed aside. Sure enough, Ragna swiftly changed the subject. "I hear youve completed 20 missions in three days." "That is correct." "Then come with me on a mission. Its a rather difficult one." The moment Ragna spoke A system notification appeared. [Hidden Chain Quest: Commander of the Equinox Knights Completed.] [Rewards granted.] [You have gained an enormous amount of experience.] [Level Up!] [You have reached Level 179.] [New Hidden Chain Quest: Ragna Eckrion has been generated.] Ragna Eckrion Stop Ragna Eckrion. Seongs gaze flickered. He had no choice but to accept. Fine. Whens the mission? Tomorrow? Usually, when NPCs proposed a mission, it was scheduled for the following day. Seong assumed this would be the same. But then "What are you waiting for? Get ready." Seong frowned slightly. "...Were leaving now?" "When else? Missions should be completed immediately. Im not the patient type." Ragnas words werent surprising. In fact Seong preferred it this way. Rather than drag it out, hed rather confront the situation head-on. Without hesitation, he nodded and moved to prepare. Ragna watched him and added "Prepare the horses. Well be traveling quite a distance." "Understood." Seong wasted no time. As he prepared the horses, he noticed the other knights watching him. Their expressions were filled with unease. "Damn... the newbies already going on a mission with the commander?" "Be careful out there." "...Stay safe." "It must be a dangerous one." Once, these knights had rejected him, seeing him as an outsider. Now, they seemed to wish him well. Seong responded with a calm smile. "Ill return safely." There was no grand speech. Just those simple words. Some knights looked concerned, but others nodded in relief. Then Ragna Eckrion emerged. Without hesitation, he mounted his horse. Seong did the same. Ragna smirked. "Keep up." Dagdak! Dagdak! The sound of galloping hooves echoed as they set off. Seong easily kept pace. After becoming a knight, horseback riding was second nature to him. They rode for quite some time Until the city was nothing but a speck in the distance. Then, Ragna spoke. "I truly appreciate having you in my order, Seong." "Oh?" "If you had joined another knight order, I would have had to go through the trouble of attacking them." Seongs eyes sharpened. So soon? He instantly reached for his summoning ability. But Ragna was faster. With a raised hand, he commanded "Severance." [Severance skill has disrupted the area.] [Summons and minions cannot be summoned within this zone.] Seongs eyes widened for the first time. ...What? He couldnt summon his minions? Ragna smirked. "I dont know if you have allies hidden away somewhere, but it doesnt matter." "No one can help you now." Seongs body tensed. This fight would be one-on-one. Chapter 226 Who would have thought he had such a skill? It was beyond imagination. Seong had no way of knowing, but just that one skill was enough for Deputy Manager Lee Jae-kyung to conclude that Seong was bound to lose. A skill that could only be used when progress reached 80%. Severance. A skill that completely isolated its target from any external contact. Once activated, it would not be undone unless the number of people within the designated area decreased. No one could aid either Seong or Ragna Eckrion.freewebnvel.c?m Ragna Eckrion had likely used it, assuming Seong would seek external assistance. But in reality, it was a hard counter to Seong as a Black Mage. "This wont be easy..." Just the thought of being unable to summon the familiars he frequently relied on was enough to make him tense. There was a vast difference between choosing not to use something and being outright unable to use it. As the tension unexpectedly surged within him Ragna Eckrion, observing Seong, nodded slightly. I was aware that Leon was supporting you, but hes of no concern to me, so I didnt worry much. But judging by your reaction... it seems you had someone else you were relying on. He had caught on to it. Seongs reaction was a clear giveaway that he had lost his support system, leaving him momentarily shaken. However, he quickly composed himself and slowly drew his sword. As he calmly assessed the situation and readied his blade Ragna Eckrion smirked, pulling out his own sword as well. They say youre quite skilled. That raises my expectations. For me and for this sword, too. He spoke with an affectionate tone, as if admiring his blade. At that moment, Ragna Eckrions sword emitted a pulsing thrum, as if it were alive. The black-violet blade writhed, tendrils flowing from the hilt like veins. They slithered up his arm, completely engulfing his right forearm. The vein-like tendrils embedded themselves into his flesh as if they were parasites, connecting to his bloodstream. And then, the pulsating began. Thump Thump Thump! Thump! Thump!!! With each heartbeat, Seong saw something new appear before his eyes. [You have encountered the Hidden Unique Raid Boss, Ragna Eckrion.] [Phase 1 has begun.] !!! WARNING !!! ? A minimum of six Legendary-class players is required for this raid! ? ? You are currently NOT in a party! ? ? This is extremely dangerous! ? ? The level gap is severe! ? ? DANGER! ? Even the system message was filled with frantic warnings. This was the first time Seong had ever seen a Hidden Unique Raid Boss. "A raid that requires at least six Legendary-class players?" The quest had mentioned nothing about such a requirement. Then It hit him. "Was this... a mission meant to be failed from the start?" There were some quests designed for failure. He had heard of them before. Was this one of those quests? But even so, it didnt matter. Even if he couldnt summon his familiars. Even if he had to face this alone. If he gave it everything he had, he could change the outcome. At the very least "I just have to do my best." The moment he made that decision, a turquoise glow flickered in his eyes. He would use every bit of his past experiences, every lesson learned from knights and warriors. Ragna Eckrion tilted his head slightly, as if puzzled by the change. But it didnt matter. Youll be nothing more than a sacrifice for my sword. The words had barely left Ragna Eckrions lips before he moved. His speed was so overwhelming that the ground ruptured beneath him, leaving deep imprints where he once stood. A crater formed, as if a meteor had struck. A testament to just how terrifyingly fast Ragna Eckrion was. But Seong He reacted. He wasnt fast enough to match Ragna Eckrion. But he was fast enough to respond. With his black-violet sword, Ragna Eckrion aimed to cleave Seong in two. But at that instant Something emerged behind Seong. From the depths of darkness, an eye appeared A watchful gaze from the abyss itself, locking onto Ragna Eckrion. Flash! For an instant, their eyes met. And in that moment Ragna Eckrion felt his sword disappear from his grip. A flash of terror ran through him. Seong took advantage of that brief opening and began activating his skills. However Shhhk! In a swift, precise motion Ragna Eckrions blade cleaved through the abyssal eye. The darkness was cut apart, its form unable to hold together. "It can be cut...?" Was it the effect of that cursed sword? Or was it Ragna Eckrions power itself? One thing was certain His magic and skills were being nullified by that sword. Even though Ragna Eckrion had momentarily fallen into fear, he was still able to move. That was strange. But there was no time to dwell on it. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. An explosion erupted like a detonated shell. BOOM!!! With an earth-shattering explosion, Ragna Eckrion lunged forward, his bloodshot eyes burning with fury. How dare you show me such an illusion?! You deserve to die! His rage was palpable. The speed at which he charged was beyond comprehension. Realizing he had no time to complete his skill activation, Seong abruptly canceled his incantations and instead summoned a shield of darkness using the Lord of Shadows. Ragna Eckrions blade met the dark shield head-on. CRACK! Kakakakakak!!! The sword strike ripped through the dark shield instantly, tearing it apart as if it were mere paper. But in that short moment, Seong had already stepped back, gaining a precious fraction of a second. At the very moment Ragna Eckrions blade finished cleaving through the shield Seong activated Grip of the Abyss. Dark, twisted claws surged from beneath Ragna Eckrions feet, locking onto him. A sensation of immobility overtook him. ......? A skill that could restrain him? His brows furrowed, eyes narrowing as he looked at Seong with genuine confusion. And from the very beginning What are these techniques you keep using? These were not normal skills. In his rage, he had initially ignored the peculiarities. But now, he was certainsomething was off. But it was too late. Seong had confirmed the effect of the immobilization And without hesitation, he unleashed his next attack. With the power of the Lord of Shadows, he invoked the Fallen Black Spikes. From the darkness, a forest of black thorns erupted, impaling Ragna Eckrions entire body. And from the sky A rain of shadowed spears plummeted down. Pupupupupupupup!!! Like a porcupine, countless spikes pierced Ragna Eckrions flesh. The Fallen Black Spikes intertwined into a single massive stalk, forming a black rose in bloom. And with it Darkness consumed everything. Kwakakakakaka!!! The resulting energy wave sought to devour everything in its wake. But then Seong felt something approaching. He instinctively raised his sword, enveloping it in shadow with the power of the Lord of Shadows. Kakakakakaka!!! The moment he blocked, a clash erupted. Ragna Eckrions black-violet blade had barely been stopped. But the force behind it Seong shuddered. The difference in power was overwhelming. Seong gritted his teeth, eyes locked onto Ragna Eckrion. And Ragna Eckrion He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Seong. Youre not a swordsman. At first, his tone had been doubtful. Now, it was certain. But Seong ignored him. He forced his sword forward, pushing Ragna Eckrion back just enough Then, with both feet He kicked him square in the abdomen. Pwoom!!! The impact should have sent Ragna Eckrion flying. But It was like kicking a wall of steel. Instead, Seong was the one who was forced backward, skidding across the ground. At the very least He had gained distance. Without missing a beat, Seong extended his left hand And ? N o v e l i g h t ? activated the Tome of Ruin. The forbidden spell, erased from history, manifested. A geometric magic circle unfolded, staining the sky black. Ragna Eckrions instincts screamed. His gaze flicked upward And his expression shifted. The sky had split open. Crrrrrack. The heavens themselves ruptured, unveiling an apocalyptic sight. From within the fissure Countless bolts of lightning surged forth. There were too many to count. A single massive lance of divine energy formed, its brilliance so overwhelming that all color faded from the world. A spear of annihilation, descending upon Ragna Eckrion. Eyes wide, he swung his blade in desperation. But the lance was faster. It struck before he could react. !!! The earth surged, then collapsed inward. Where Ragna Eckrion had once stood, the spear of destruction had obliterated everything. A crater of pure nothingness was left behind. A skill of unparalleled devastation. But Seong He did not lower his guard. He wreathed himself in the Flames of the Dead, his turquoise fire blazing skyward. He stacked every enhancement he had. And still It wasnt enough. With the Lord of Shadows, he encased himself in darkness, shaping it into a full plate of armor. Now He looked just like his familiars. A black-cloaked figure, shrouded in raging blue flames. And then From within the crater Ragna Eckrion emerged. "This bastard... hes a monster." Even after taking that attack head-on He hadnt even entered Phase 2. This wasnt normal. But Seong showed no reaction. The goal remained the same. Defeat him. Steadying his stance, Seong prepared to strike again. And Ragna Eckrion He exhaled slowly. A Black Mage, huh? A genuine murmur of admiration. He shook his head slightly, as if truly impressed. I never thought youd give me this much trouble. As he spoke He raised his black-violet sword. Seong braced himself. And then For a fraction of a second Both their figures distorted, stretching like warped reflections in a rippling pond. Then Their blades clashed. Kwakakakakakak!!! A shockwave erupted, decimating the battlefield. The ground fractured, the air imploded, and the world itself shook. Pwoooooom!!! A raging storm tore through the surroundings. Even the trees bent and snapped, retreating from the sheer force of the battle. And still They were not done. Their blades rebounded Only for both to immediately strike again. Ragna Eckrions swordsmanship was brutal, cutting through space itself, leaving behind a waving distortion. Seongs blade, however It was fluid. It was swift. It was elegant, devouring the space around them like an abyss. When their swords met again Seongs blade surged forward, releasing a barrage of slashes toward Ragna Eckrion. And in that moment Ragna Eckrions eyes widened. "...What is this?" Chapter 227 One strike. Two strikes. Three strikes. A seamless barrage of sword slashes filled the space, relentlessly targeting Ragna Eckrion''s blade. It was as if countless warriors were attacking in perfect harmony, each strike fluid, swift, and beautifulall for the sole purpose of slaying one mighty foe. Each arc of Seongs sword carved through the air, intercepting Ragna Eckrions brutal swings. CHAAAANG!!! Around them, sword auras clashed, shattering upon impact and scattering like shattered glass. The fragments of sword energy flew in all directions, cutting through anything they touched. Seongs attacks left countless slashes across the battlefield, while Ragna Eckrions created deep, devastating wounds upon the land. At first, Ragna Eckrions eyes widened in surprise. But soon, his expression darkenedhis brows furrowed as his pride was wounded. His sword, meant to destroy everything, was held back by mere fragments of what he considered weak swordplay. Unacceptable. Disgusting. "...This arrogant bastard." Gritting his teeth, Ragna Eckrion lunged forward. Seong, however, remained calm. He had enhanced his body with every buff he could muster. But it still wasnt enough. It was time to think, to use every skill at his disposal. Perhaps it was because he lacked the safety net of his familiars But for a fleeting moment, he remembered Leonic Evoke. Back then, he had chosen to fight alone. And yet Even then, he had still been able to summon his forces from the Netherworld. This time, it was different. "I have to do this alone." With his connection to the Netherworld severed, this battle was his alone to fight. At first, the weight of that realization had clouded his mind. But now He had already overcome it. As Ragna Eckrion charged at him once more, Seong adjusted his stance His movements becoming even more graceful and swift. This time, he wove another style of swordsmanship into his own. BZZZT!!! A black-violet current flickered across Ragna Eckrions sword. Like thunder, it crackled and flared, arcs of dark lightning running along the blades edge. Then He swung. KWA-KA-KA-KA-KA-KA!!! If that strike landed, at best, hed lose a limb. At worst It would devastate most of his health bar. Under normal circumstances, Seong would have blocked it with the Lords Decree. But not this time. Instead He instantly activated Shadow Step, vanishing into the darkness And reappeared behind Ragna Eckrion, swinging his sword. Slaash! Slash!! Slash!!! A rapid series of precise strikes Slashing through his back, arms, and legs. Before Ragna Eckrion could even react, Seong teleported away once more. At that exact moment The black-violet lightning erupted in all directions. KWA-KA-KA-KA-KA!!! A surge of destructive energy ripped through the battlefield, tearing apart everything in its path. Even the mountains in the distance bore deep scars from the blast. But Seong He was no longer there. He had already anticipated this attack. He reappeared before Ragna Eckrion, preparing another strike But this time, Ragna Eckrion had anticipated him. Using his front leg as a pivot, he unleashed a sudden spinning back kick. For the briefest moment, Seongs vision shifted And he saw it coming. In that split-second, he used his last Shadow Step, barely dodging the attack. The impact landed where he had just been And another black-violet explosion reduced the area to ruins. BOOOOM!!! Even though the kick had been weaker than his sword attacks Its power was still overwhelming. Each attackif landedwould have been a one-hit kill. A shiver ran down Seongs spine. But at the same time A smile crept onto his lips. "When was the last time a game made me feel like this?" Crescentra. That was the last time he had felt this kind of thrill. The thought made him grin beneath his dark helmet. And Ragna Eckrion He sensed it. Seong was enjoying this fight. Grinding his teeth, Ragna Eckrion seethed. How dare he. His opponent should be desperate. Yet he was having fun?! Ragna Eckrion charged again. But FSSSSH!!! From beneath his feet, shadows erupted, binding him in place. He kicked viciously, shattering the darkness. But in that brief moment of delay, Seong closed in And drove his blade toward Ragna Eckrions chest. FLASH!!! A single, precise thrust.feewebnov?l.com Ragna Eckrion instinctively moved to parry, his blade poised. But just as he swung Darkness surged, momentarily restraining his sword. The resistance lasted only an instant But it was enough. SHKKK!!! The blade pierced clean through Ragna Eckrions chest. He grunted, pain flashing in his eyes. Immediately, he retaliated. Dark-violet lightning coiled around his sword, twisting into the form of a dragon. It lunged for Seong Fangs bared, ready to consume him whole. But before it could reach him A barrier of crimson swords materialized around Seong, forming a shield. And in the same instant Hundreds of blood-red swords launched toward Ragna Eckrion. It was so fast That even Ragna Eckrion could barely react. Seong, seizing the opportunity, grabbed a single blood sword And vanished from sight. BOOOOOOM!!! The moment the crimson swords struck, a violent explosion engulfed Ragna Eckrion. Through the raging inferno A black-violet lightning dragon roared, trying to counterattack. But It wasnt enough. As the smoke cleared, Ragna Eckrion staggered forward. This time He was wounded. Unlike when he had blocked the Heavens Annihilation Spear This attack had hit him directly. Even so Seong wasnt distracted by the aftermath. The real threat wasnt the explosion. It was something else. Ragna Eckrion coughed And his eyes widened. "...What?" Dark blood dripped from his mouth. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. He looked at it in bewilderment. And then A realization hit him. His expression twisted in rage. ...Poison. Seong remained silent. But Ragna Eckrion knew. He could feel it. A deadly poison had seeped into his veins, spreading through his body like wildfire. A slow, agonizing corruption devouring him from the inside. And yet Ragna Eckrion smirked. Rather than panic, he adjusted his grip on his sword. The weapon was already fused to his right arm, but this time, something was different. Before, it had merely connected to him like veins intertwining But now It was consuming him. The black-violet blade writhed, slithering further up his arm like a hungry parasite. It was no longer a weapon. It was a part of him. A grotesque fusion, almost monstrous, like a chimera. But the real problem Seong waited for a notification to appear. Nothing. "Thats... not Phase 2?" His appearance had changed. His aura had intensified. And yet No Phase 2 notification. The black-violet energy darkened further, the killing intent in the air suffocating. Meanwhile, Seongs turquoise flames began to fade. The Flames of the Dead had burned out. Though he still had his enhanced physique, it wouldnt be enough. A purely physical fight wouldnt end well for him. But Since when had things ever gone in his favor? With a small grin, Seong muttered the list of skills he had left. And just as he was about to prepare Ragna Eckrion vanished. FLASH! He had disappeared completely. Seeing no other choice, Seong immediately canceled the Blood Curse Forcing the poison to explode. BOOOOOOM!!! A crimson mist erupted from Ragna Eckrions body, steam-like blood spraying into the air. Tssssssssssst!!! Ragna Eckrion staggered, his bloodshot eyes wide, his steps momentarily faltering. And at that moment Seong locked eyes with him. And he activated his skill. For the briefest instant Ragna Eckrion felt it. His right arm was gone. His sword was gone. Fear. His most precious weapon had vanished. It wasnt destroyed. No. It had been banished to another dimension Just like Seong had been cut off from his familiars. The sheer terror of that loss overtook him. And just as that fear rooted itself Seong struck again. Ragna Eckrion saw it. A massive, clawed hand emerging from the abyss behind Seong Reaching toward him. And then -I collect. The whisper rang in his ears. His life force and mana were drained instantly. Seong, meanwhile, restored his stamina. And as a finishing move He unleashed countless blades of darkness, slicing through Ragna Eckrions body. Under normal circumstances, even without his sword, he would have been able to dodge or destroy these attacks. But now His muscles shrank, his body withered Like a balloon slowly deflating. He looked almost mummified. "My... My sword... Give it back...!!!" His voice was desperate, broken. Even Seong was taken aback. "What the hell...?" And then A sudden realization struck him. Was the sword the true main body? He had suspected the sword had influence over him. But this much? Was the demonic sword the real entity And Ragna Eckrion merely its vessel? Seong glanced at him, now utterly drained of power. "That was... too easy." For a fight that had been so thrilling, this ending felt anticlimactic. But regardless He had won. "I guess I''ll just have to find another strong opponent later." Just as Seong prepared to finish him off CRACK! CRACK!!! Like a fracturing mirror, the air itself split apart. And Ragna Eckrion screamed in horror. "NO!!!" Something was tearing through space. Seong immediately braced himself If Ragna Eckrion was about to transform, he needed to be ready. But RIP! SPLAAAAAASH!!! "KAAAAAARGH!!!" The sound of flesh ripping echoed. Ragna Eckrions right shoulder burst open, blood spraying like a fountain. His right arm was torn off. But Seong hadnt done it. No The missing arm had reappeared Falling from the void. And right behind it A black-violet sword ripped through space, returning to this world. Seong swallowed hard. Was this... finally Phase 2? A small smirk formed on his lips. And then A notification appeared. [Keywords are missing.] [The name of the demonic sword is not fully recognized.] [The Demonic Sword ??si? has detached from its host.] [Severance has been activated in the vicinity.] [You cannot leave this area.] [The Demonic Sword Ne??? is attempting to escape.] "...What?" Not Phase 2. The sword wasnt trying to fight It was trying to run away. Seong frowned. "You''re running?" The demonic sword shot into the ? N o v e l i g h t ? sky, trying to flee. Seong immediately moved to stop it. He activated Flight, soaring upward. [Severance is in effect. You cannot summon familiars or leave the area.] "Youve got to be kidding me." He gritted his teeth. That damn skill was stopping him from pursuing it. Was he really going to just let it escape? Just as frustration began to boil inside him CRACK. CRACK. CRACK!!! A sound like glass shattering filled the air. And then A detonation erupted. BOOOOOOM!!! A desperate system message appeared. [Severance has been broken.] And in the exact spot where the demonic sword was about to disappear A figure emerged. A woman with lustrous crimson hair. Holding the demonic sword between her index and thumb As if it were nothing. A smile curled on her lips as she turned to Seong. "Im a bit late, arent I?" Chapter 228 "Helena?" "Aha-ha-ha! See? You really can''t do without me!" Helena broke through Severance and appeared before him. Even for Seong It was impossible not to be surprised. He had been sure the demonic sword was lost. And yet Helena had arrived just in time, snatching the sword before it could escape. "Perfect timing!" "Thanks!" Seongs voice carried a rare excitement. Hearing such genuine gratitude, Helena let out a small cough. After all, as his familiar and senior, helping him was only natural. And yet Hearing his thanks made her feel a little... embarrassed. Turning her head away, she muttered. "I-It was my duty anyway, so dont mention it!" Seong chuckled. At the same time Helena swiftly activated her skills, targeting the demonic sword. She wrapped it in abyssal chains, followed by heavenly sealing magic, completely binding the weapon. A notification appeared before Seongs eyes. [Your Familiar, Lord of Heaven and Abyss, Helena, has sealed the Demonic Sword, Nemesis.] [Demonic Sword - Nemesis (Sealed) is unable to resist.] She sealed it. Immediately afterward, a series of messages began to flood in. [You have defeated the Hidden Unique Raid Boss, Master of the Demonic Sword, Ragna Eckrion.] [You have completed the Hidden Quest, Ragna Eckrion.] [Some quest rewards have been granted.] [You have gained an enormous amount of experience points!] [Level Up!] 6 [You have reached Level 185.] [At level 10 increments, the Almighty-tier item, Overlord''s Codex, is now unlocked.] [At level 10 increments, the Almighty-tier item, Tome of Blood, is now unlocked.] [Upon reaching level 180, a new Overlord skill has been unlocked.] [You have acquired the Almighty-tier skill, Evil Thunder ().] [Additional rewards can be claimed from Leon Vanzar.] [There was only one contributor.] [This was determined to be a solo raid.] [The rewards have been enhanced.] [This was the first successful defeat of this boss.] [The rewards have been enhanced.] [As this was a solo raid, all rewards are given to Seong.] [You have obtained the Almighty-tier item, Demonic Sword - Nemesis (Sealed).] [You are the first to defeat the Hidden Unique Raid Boss, Master of the Demonic Sword, Ragna Eckrion.] [You have obtained the title Demonic Sword Slayer.] [You have acquired the keywords Demonic Sword and Weapons Infused with Demonic Energy.] "Damn, that''s a lot." As expected of a Hidden Unique Raid Boss, the reward list was massive. Experience, a demonic sword, a new title, and keywords. If the sword had escaped, it wouldve been a huge loss But thanks to Helena, he had secured it. Seong quickly scanned through his rewards. "Ill check the keywords later. Its not like Ill understand them right away." The first thing that caught his attention was The demonic sword Helena retrieved. Demonic Sword - Nemesis (Sealed) - Almighty - A demonic sword infused with malice and dark sentience. - Fueled solely by human blood, the sword grows stronger each time it is fed, increasing both its attributes and abilities. - Currently sealed. - Without the proper skills, titles, or abilities, wielding this sword will result in possession and assimilation. - It may lead you to other weapons tainted with demonic energy. Since it was sealed, the detailed effects werent visible. But even so It was incredibly powerful. An Almighty-tier sword That alone was proof of its absurd strength. But "It can only be enhanced with human blood?" Seong grimaced. It was similar to Carmens Spear, the Bloodthirsty Carmine, but The demonic energy component made it even worse. It wasnt just cursed. It was alive. "Better store this thing away for now." There wasnt even a familiar he could safely entrust it to.?re?ewebno??l.cm Seong was about to tuck it into his inventory, but Helena, as if reading his mind, spoke up. "Good call. That things a real problem child." "Problem child?" "Yup. Not all demonic weapons are outright evil, you know." "...?" Helena continued. "Some of them arent eviljust too picky about their wielders. They don''t necessarily corrupt people on purpose... they just have really high standards." "......?" "If a weapon turns its user evil, isn''t that already bad enough?" Seong didnt fully understand, but if Helena said so, he decided to just go along with it. Next, the title. Demonic Sword Slayer - Unique - Granted to the first player to slay the master of a demonic sword. - Grants immunity to mental domination from demonic swords. - Increases the power of all skills by 10% when fighting against demonic weapons. "Oh?" This was really good. For a Unique-tier title, it might as well be Legendary. It also confirmed something "So there are Unique-tier demonic swords, too." The Nemesis sword he obtained must be higher-ranked among demonic weapons. "Should I force myself to use it...?" For a moment, the thought crossed his mind. But "Requiring human blood? Yeah, no thanks." Seong had zero intention of killing NPCs just to power up a sword. He was already strong enough without it. That was enough reason to leave it be. Finally, he checked his new skill. Evil Thunder () - Almighty - [Lv 1] [Growth-type] - [Instant Activation] [Active Skill] - [Cooldown: 10 minutes] - A corrupt thunderbolt that even the heavens feara lightning strike so accursed that not even gods dare block it. - Exclusive to the Overlord class. - Summons cursed, dark lightning upon a target. - On hit, all healing effects are negated, and the target is paralyzed for 3 seconds with irresistible lightning. - Integrates with Lord of Shadows. "Oh?" A dark-element lightning skill. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. It had merged with his Lord of Shadows abilities, boosting its power even further. "I wanted a lightning-type skill anyway. This is perfect." With that He had checked everything. The only thing left to do Was to find Leon Vanzar. "Finally, after all this timethis quest is over." 2. Seongs victory over Ragna Eckrion sent shockwaves through the NPC Management Team 2. "No way!?!" "He actually won!?" "Without his familiars!?" "And he didnt even use all of his skills yet!!!" Everyone had expected failure. Yet, he emerged victorious. Given how overwhelmingly strong Ragna Eckrion had been, it was nothing short of miraculous. At one point, Seong had clearly been at a disadvantage. But then He turned the tables using Fear of Loss, crippling Ragna Eckrion. Did he intuitively grasp the weak point? Several staff members began analyzing the battle. "Not all cursed weapons react that way. He got lucky with the opponent." "It might not work on other wielders of demonic weapons." "But at least the others dont have Severance. He should be able to fight them with his familiars." "Yeah, thats true..." As the team debated, one person remained deep in thought Deputy Director Lee Jae-kyung. Unlike the rest, he had rooted for Seong from the start. As the head of NPC Management Team 2, this outcome was ideal No NPC casualties, no further disruptions in the game world. However This incident would have lasting consequences. "Hmm... now that this has happened..." Seong had obtained the demonic sword. And all because of Helenas sudden intervention. "How did she break Severance?" Familiars were considered an extension of the player and were usually monitored by the Player Management Team. However, since he had been watching Seongs stream, he could rewind the footage. And what he saw shocked him. As soon as Severance was activated Helena began attempting to break through it. Of course, she hadnt done it alone. All of Seongs familiars had pooled their power together, distorting space and breaking through ? NvIight ? (Original source) from the Netherworld. But this wasnt something that should have been possible. "She manipulated dimensions...?" Without a high-level spatial ability, this was impossible. Lee Jae-kyung scratched his cheek. If it were the real Helena, this wouldnt be surprising But the Helena Seong had was a homunculus, merely modeled after her. She shouldnt have been able to do the same feats as the original Helena. And yet She did. "What the hell is going on?" Something wasnt adding up. This wasnt just some freak occurrence There was something deeper at play. Perhaps "It has something to do with that Unknown Power Seong possesses..." Lee Jae-kyung decided to file a report. This wasnt just a surface-level issue. Something was changing. But before he did, another thought crossed his mind. "Since Seong obtained the demonic sword... will it lead him to more cursed weapons?" With the keywords he just unlocked, it was highly likely. Lee Jae-kyungs lips curled into an amused smile. Of all the high-ranked players The top-tier rankers, the Almighty-tier job holders Seong was different. He was in a league of his own. "Well, Im sure the chairman will handle it." Shaking his head, he went back to writing his report. 3. Leon Vanzar. A knight scarred by battle. Seong returned to him, presenting Ragna Eckrions severed head. Leon stared at it for a long while. Then, at last, he turned to Seong And knelt on one knee. "You have avenged me. For that... I am truly grateful." His voice carried genuine emotion. Seong felt a slight sense of fulfillment. Then, Leon murmured to himself "So he wielded a demonic sword... Just like that man..." That man? Seongs eyes gleamed. This could be important. "Who are you talking about?" Leon sighed. "You wouldnt know. In Sisvalt, there was another warrior who wielded a cursed weaponjust like Ragna Eckrion." "Unlike him, though, he wasnt as... deceitful." [You have acquired the keyword: Another Cursed Weapon.] "Bingo." Seong grinned. There was a clear connection. Didnt Nemesis, the demonic sword he obtained, have an ability To lead him to other cursed weapons? Seongs grip tightened in anticipation. Leon then handed him something. "I dont know if this will be of use to you, but... its the best I can offer." [Leon Vanzar has rewarded you with the Legendary-tier Skill Book: Aura Blade.] Seong tilted his head. Unfortunately "Cant use it." Aura Blade was a Legendary-tier skill, but It wasnt compatible with his Necromancer or Overlord class. Still "If I use Tome of Despair, I might be able to convert it into a Dark Magic skill..." Not to mention "I think I have six skills pending from Overlord''s Codex. Three from Tome of Blood." Seong exhaled. Time to organize his skills. Chapter 229 0. [Eternal World will be waiting for your return.] Seong read the logout message before stepping out of his VR capsule. "Haaah..." A deep sigh. He looked more exhausted than usual. It wasnt from grinding too much. That never tired him. Then why? Because He had spent too long sorting through his skills. "I have way too many." Even when he only counted combat-use skills He had 53. Divided into utility, offense, buffs, and debuffs And yet, it was still overwhelming. "What should I even add now?" It wasnt that he lacked anything. In fact Thanks to Lord of Darkness, he could practically create skills on demand. Of course, it consumed an absurd amount of mana. But he had natural mana regeneration and skills to steal mana from enemies. So it wasnt a real problem. Recently, he had started feeling like "I dont even use all my skills properly." He didnt need to use all of them But he still had to make the right choices at the right time. And yet, despite thinking all night, he couldnt decide. Since it was late, he logged out. "I need to decide by tomorrow." His head felt cluttered. As he stepped into the living room, he saw Yu Mina standing there Grinning. Her face said: "If you need help, ask your older sister!" Seong frowned. "What?" "You seem troubled." "Its nothing." He brushed it off. But "What? What is it? Need help? Hehehe." Mina grinned mischievously. Seong immediately turned away. Not because he doubted her skills After all, she was a top-tier ranker. But "If I ask for help, shell never let me hear the end of it." Mina was too smug for that. His knight-based skills were fine He had absorbed plenty of knight memories. But magic was different. He had Helena and Serpinas knowledge, sure But it was too vast to fully comprehend. So he needed more sources of knowledge. "Maybe theres a Grand Library for mages somewhere?" If such a place existed He could absorb more mage memories. But, unfortunately He had never found one. Was there another way? Deep in thought He suddenly had an idea. His expression shifted. Mina pouted. "You never ask for help." Seong ignored her. She could be annoyed all she wanted. That wasnt his problem. As the two bickered, their mother, Lee Na-gyeong, called out: "Dinners ready! Come eat before it gets cold~" "Ah, okay." "Coming~" Dinner was, as usual, a feast. Seong sat down at the table. His father, Yoo Gwang-jin, looked at him and asked "Is it going well?" "Huh?" "The game. Your results seem good..." "Ah, yeah. Im doing fine." "Hmph. Just dont push yourself too hard." His fathers concern was clear. He must have noticed Seongs stress earlier. Seong smirked slightly and nodded. His fathers care was warm in a way that Made him feel lighter. "Yeah, I wont overdo it." "Good." His father awkwardly cleared his throat. Meanwhile, their mother smiled warmly. A peaceful family dinner. Well Except for "Why dont you say that to me too!?" Mina whined. Her father sighed. "Mina, dont overwork yourself. Youve played longer than him, anyway." As everyone laughed, another wholesome dinner came to an end. This was why No matter what Seong always joined them for dinner. 1. The Next Morning The familys morning was just as lively. Seong woke up early, washed up, and went for a 10km run. Then, after a shower and breakfast, he went straight to his capsule. Mina did the same. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. His father, Yoo Gwang-jin, left for work. And Seong logged in. "Time to sort my skills properly." He had realized something He wasnt fully utilizing his combat potential. So What was the best solution? "Ask for advice." If he couldnt Novelight comprehend all of Helena and Serpinas knowledge Why not ask them directly? They were right there. With that thought Seong logged into Eternal World. [Welcome to another worldEternal World.] [May fortune favor you, Player Seong.] A welcome message greeted Seong. He quickly dismissed it and looked around. The outskirts of Sisvald. After receiving an additional quest reward from Leon, he had returned to Sisvald. Yet, despite being on the outskirts, the entire city was buzzing with noise. Of course, it was expected. The Equinox Knights had lost their leader overnight. But in return, their former commander, Leon, had returned. And with Ragna Eckrions crimes exposed, it was only natural for the city to be in an uproar. Holy shit! So there was a special quest?! No wonder!!! A High Elf appeared!!! Aaah!! The signs were all there!? Especially among the players, the excitement was reaching a fever pitch. If I get caught, its going to be chaos. It was astounding how much they had misinterpreted what happened last time, all because he had forgotten to conceal Silvanors appearance. This time, he had to be extra careful. From now on, he needed to always apply perception inhibition before walking around. As he thought about that, another issue came to mindreporting in at the knight order was going to be a hassle. He had been showing up diligently until now. Skipping today would be noticeable. I guess returning to the order by tomorrow should be fine? For now, he couldnt leave the knights right away due to matters in Hindel. And even if he had to, he could always ask Leon for help. So he wasnt too worried. Instead of heading to the knight order, Seong left the city. Right now, reinforcing his foundation was the priority. Of course, it wasnt that he was weak. But Im not performing at my full potential. Being unable to use what he could use was a problem. With that thought in mind, Seong soon arrived outside the city. Without hesitation, he summoned Helena and Serpina. A cyan portal opened, and from it stepped Helenamajestic, dignifiedwhile Serpina followed behind her like a devoted attendant. As soon as they saw Seong, they greeted him. Hey there! Thank you for summoning me. Yeah, yeah. Seong returned their greetings with a nod, feeling genuinely glad to see them. It had been a while since he last summoned them. For Serpina, it must have felt like ages. Though in reality, it had only been a day or two. Either way Helena tilted her head slightly as if something seemed odd. By the way, you only summoned the two of us today? Do you have business to attend to? Following Helenas remark, Serpina also looked at him curiously. Seong met their gazes and answered. I want you to teach me magic. Magic? Hm? Both of them gave him a puzzled look. But since they were in a spiritual form and could read his thoughts, They quickly understood what he meant. Youre asking how to use it, not just learn a skill? Hmmm~ I see. As soon as they said that, their expressions shifted into amused smiles. Seong looked at them, slightly wary. Then, Serpina stepped back, And Helena grinned as she took a step forward. Theres been a training craze in the Underworld lately, and now you want to join in too?! Great! Ill teach you properly!!! Her excitement was overwhelming, almost to the point of bursting. Seong instinctively gulped. Something felt ominous. As that thought crossed his mind, Helena muttered to herself with a smirk. I was getting jealous watching Old Man Drakanos have all the fun. This is perfect. ...? Something was off. And what was that supposed to mean? Feeling a growing sense of unease, Seong turned to Helena. Meanwhile, Serpina was already busy preparing herselfdefensive spells, barriers, anything to shield herself. ...Huh? Seeing that, Seong felt even more unsettled and shifted his gaze back to Helena. She flashed a bright, almost mischievous smile. Youre doing great so far, but your magic application is definitely lacking! But dont worryIll help you! ...Uh... How? By attacking you repeatedly until you get better! Use your Lord of Darkness properly! At her words, an array of Heavenly Spears materialized above Seongs head, densely packed, completely covering the sky. Huh? The sheer number of spears made it clearif he didnt defend himself, he was in serious trouble. So this was Helena going all out. No wonder Serpina had prepared her defenses! Realizing the situation, Seong quickly considered his options. With that many projectiles, using A Thousand Blood Blades to block seemed like the most efficient method. Just as he was about to activate it No! Use only Lord of Darkness! ...Oh. Seong winced. He still wasnt entirely accustomed to using Lord of Darkness. Realizing his mistake, he quickly gathered darkness to block the incoming spears. But The Heavenly Spears, which naturally had an elemental advantage, pierced through his darkness with ease, dispelling it as if mocking his efforts. Countless spears rained down from the sky. Darkness alone couldnt withstand them. And dodging wasnt an option either Lord of Darkness! Helenas voice rang out again, demanding that he rely only on his darkness. In that dire moment, Seong clenched his eyes shut, pulling on every ounce of darkness he could muster, trying to fend off the assault. But It wasnt enough. The Heavenly Spears he failed to deflect CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! ARGH! Struck by the onslaught, Seong gritted his teeth and let out a pained cry. Haha! That wont be nearly enough! You need to overcome your elemental disadvantage if you want true mastery! One more round! Laughing, Helena summoned yet another wave of Heavenly Spears, even denser than before. Seongs face turned pale. ...He had made a terrible mistake. Chapter 230 2. A rain of countless Heavenly Spears descended from the sky. They shimmered with a platinum glow, illuminating the air with their divine radiance as they fell upon the lone figure standing below. However, with a mere gesture of his hand, the man willed darkness to rise from the earth. In response, an equal number of Dark Spears surged upward to meet the descending celestial onslaught. Black and platinum energies clashed, scattering bursts of light and shadow in all directions. It was a sight both radiant and ominous. At that moment, as the platinum energy dispersed in a dazzling explosion, the Heavenly Spears condensed into piercing projectiles, instantly honing in on Seong. But in that same instant, his dark aura erupted like an engulfing abyss, swallowing the platinum energy whole. BOOOOOOM!!! A massive explosion swallowed the surrounding area, erasing all traces of lingering energy. Watching the aftermath, Seong furrowed his brows. At first glance, it seemed like an even exchange. But in reality, the disadvantage was his. Even now, the sheer amount of mana he had consumed was not trivial. Summoning Dark Spears in such numbers alone had taken a toll. But forcing an explosion to erase the remnants of the celestial energy had drained him even further. As expectedelemental advantage played a huge role. This was the unavoidable flaw in his current magic. On the other hand, Helena, who had been wielding the Heavenly Energy, simply smiled and called out cheerfully. Impressive! But lets move on to the next stage. Despite this supposedly being his training session, she looked absolutely thrilled. With a snap of her fingers, another surge of divine energy materialized in the sky. Earlier, she had created countless spears. But this time A single Heavenly Blade formed. However, Seong instantly realized that the celestial energy within this blade was on an entirely different level. This is ridiculous. Comparing it This has more energy than all those spears combined. Even if he gathered the force of the previous attacks, it still wouldnt match the single blade floating before him now. Knowing this, Seongs mind raced. If he responded as he had before, trying to counter the blade with darkness, he would only be overpowered again. The smartest option Defense. Making his decision, Seong called forth darkness and wrapped himself within an immense barrier. Seeing this, Helena smiled in amusement. But the Heavenly Blade It moved. With a razor-sharp glimmer, it sliced forward. And then SHRRRIIIIP!!! The darkness was cut apart as effortlessly as slicing through paper. The barrier, which should have at least slowed it down, had been split in a single stroke. Yet Seong was nowhere to be seen. Helena, however, was still smiling. Meanwhile, the blade hovered in place, as if momentarily confused. Where had Seong gone? As if searching for an answer, the Heavenly Blade began scanning the surroundings. Then Darkness spread across the ground. And from that darkness Figures began to emerge. Swish! Swish! Swish! Shadows rose like living entities. And soon, they took shape. Each one identical. Each one Seong. Dozens of shadow clones, indistinguishable from the real thing. The very nature of darkness allowed them to move seamlessly, their silhouettes blending into the dim light, making it impossible to tell them apart. The Heavenly Blade hesitated. But the clones did not. Gathering their darkness, they simultaneously launched concentrated energy blasts. The dark pillars of energy surged toward the blade But SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! The Heavenly Blade effortlessly slashed through the attacks, dispersing the darkness while cutting down several of the clones in the process. However, as the clones were struck The darkness that composed them spread outward. And in the next moment The growing darkness wrapped itself around the blade like a thick veil. One layer, then another. More and more ? NvIight ? (Original source) darkness coiled around it, swallowing it whole. The sheer amount of shadowy energy overwhelmed the divine blade. And then It disappeared completely. The Heavenly Blade had been consumed. Haaaa... Finally. As the last remnants of darkness dissipated, the real Seong finally revealed himself. Letting out a sigh of relief, he smacked his lips. Helena, watching with an approving look, asked curiously, What properties of darkness did you use? Seong ran a hand through his hair and answered, I used the shadows nature to create clones. And I used the void property of darkness to erase the blade. Rather than just manipulating darkness freely, he had utilized specific traits of the element to counteract the celestial energy. The Stealth aspect of darkness had allowed him to conceal himself momentarily. The Shadow Duplication ability had confused the blade. And finally The Devouring Abyss of darkness had swallowed it whole. By exploiting the properties of his element to their fullest, he had managed to overcome his disadvantageous affinity against divine energy. Helena nodded in satisfaction, crossing her arms. Alright. You pass. Haaaaah... Seong let out a deep sigh. He had gone through hell to get to this point. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. When had this training even started? Thursday. And now It was Monday. Four nights and five days of this insanity. Seong had always understood the properties of darkness in theory. But applying them in practice? That was an entirely different challenge. Of course, manipulating the outer form of darkness was easy. Even now, he could make a tiny shadow figure dance in the palm of his hand, mimicking various stances and movements. But utilizing the essence of darknessits deeper traitswas an entirely different struggle. For example, even his first attempt at using Shadow Step with his Lord of Darkness abilities had been incredibly difficult. He had stumbled through it, adjusting over time. Still Phew. Hmm~ Youre getting really good at this now. Its still difficult. Even though he had gained a solid grasp of it, he knew that mastering Lord of Fear or Lord of Blood in the future would present similar hurdles. At least next time, he would have a much better starting point. After all the hardship he had endured, he felt a quiet sense of accomplishment. But instead of showing it outwardly, Seong simply turned to Helena and said, Thanks for your help. To be honest, if it hadnt been for her relentless Spartan training methods, he might have taken far longer to grasp the concept. Hearing his words, Helena looked slightly bashful. What? Its nothing, ahaha... Her awkward laugh was almost out of character for her. Seeing that, Seong smirked and nodded. Now that the training was complete It was time to take care of something he had put off. How about checking out that place from Hindels memories? With a faint smile, he set his next goal. 3. A lavish chamber, extravagant in every possible way. Even high-ranking nobles couldnt afford such a luxurious space. Every piece of furniture was pristine, not a single blemish to be found. Everywhere, there were bells to summon maids at a moments notice, and plush furniture designed for comfort. It was the kind of room anyone would dream of. Yet The young man lying on the sofa, staring at the ceiling, did not seem pleased. Even the ceiling was adorned with a grand chandelier and a masterful painting, its artist unknown. Sighing, the young man muttered, ...House arrest? With a frustrated groan, he sat up abruptly. Looking around at the extravagant chamber, he muttered again, This isnt the kind of place a Hero should be staying in. The young manLukeshook his head at the luxurious surroundings. Yes, it was comfortable. But that was exactly the problem. Its uncomfortable. Had it been a simple knights quarters, he would have felt much more at ease. The beds there were stiff, and it wasnt the most pleasant place physically But mentally, he would have felt much more comfortable. It wasnt that he was nai?ve or unappreciative. That was just the way he was. He hadnt expected to train in this place, but even so He still felt restless. Every time he asked when he would be allowed to leave, they kept repeating the same response: "The Heros Assembly will be held soon. Please wait until then." Like a broken record. And after that? The Sword Saint himself would come to visit. That was what unsettled Luke the most. "Beware the Kingdom of Rieskan." Seongs words echoed in his mind. One of his recent visitors had been tasked with investigating the matter. "I hope Plinky does a good job with it..." Unfortunately, the one he had entrusted with the task was Plinky. That was the real problem. Plinky was always messing around, never someone who gave off a reliable impression. Still, Luke believed in him. No matter how absurd he acted, he always got the job done. There was no reason to worry too much. Besides When Seongthe current Overlordtold me that, Plinkys entire demeanor changed. That meant he would take this seriously. With that in mind, Luke leaned back against the sofa, sighing. ...But whether well find any real evidence is another story. In a world where both Helena and Hindel were long gone The Kingdom of Rieskan had remained strong. In a way, they were the only true survivors. And for that reason alone, they had more than enough power to rewrite history to suit their needs. Of course Overpalace was involved. Which meant a complete cover-up wouldnt have been possible. Even so, was there anything left that could be considered a weakness? Probably not. If there had been anything, they would have erased it long ago. But then If thats the case... why did Overpalace let them remain? That was what didnt make sense. If Rieskan was truly responsible for the downfall of the previous Overlord, why had Overpalace allowed them to continue existing? It didnt add up. What if... we find nothing? The thought was unsettling. But even so, he would look into it. Determined, Luke closed his eyes and resolved to see it through. At the same time, elsewhere Someone carefully unrolled an ancient scroll. It was an old mission directive. The parchment had clearly aged, its edges worn from time. Though the exact details of the mission werent clear, Beside the scroll, another notebook was placed A single book, filled with notes. As the person flipped through its pages, their eyes scanned the text. And then They murmured to themselves, ...Found it. Chapter 231 4. Several days had passed. And yet, the excitement and restlessness within Sisvald showed no signs of fading. Even after a full five days. But that was only natural. After all, the former Grandmaster of the Equinox KnightsLeon Vanzarwho had been presumed missing, had reappeared. And he hadnt returned empty-handed. He brought back the corpse of Ragna Eckrion. A shriveled, twisted body, corrupted by dark magic. The revelation that Ragna Eckrion had gained his terrifying power through human sacrifices using a cursed weapon was a scandal too shocking to fade quickly. Both players and NPCs alike were unable to contain their excitement. NPCs sneered, pointing fingers at Ragnas corpse, saying they had suspected him all along, while players found themselves agreeingperhaps he was even worse than they had initially thought. Amid this turmoil, news of Leon Vanzars return as the leader of the Equinox Knights spread faster than wildfire. He was wounded, but a knight of his caliber would never abandon his post. A Grandmaster needs more than just strength. Strategy and tactics are what truly matter. Even without that bastard Ragna Eckrion, the Equinox Knights are still a force to be reckoned with. Damn right they are! Did you hear? Theyve got a new recruit, a monster of a knight. Oh, you mean Iron Boulder? Word is, no matter the mission, he completes it in less than a day. Apparently, he takes on commissions every single day, which is why they call him that. Hah, and here I thought he was just another outsider. Impressive. While NPCs were prone to exaggeration, their chatter inevitably caught the attention of the players. A knight of foreign origin. That alone was an astonishing feat. A player had earned a noble titlean official knighthood. They had heard that Seong had achieved such a thing not too long ago. But now, another player had done it? The realization began to settle. For those already residing in Sisvald, all the clues pointed to a single conclusion. Come on! It has to be the same guythe one who was with that High Elf! You mean the new Equinox recruit theyre calling Iron Boulder? Haaah... The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. I mean, what are the chances? That guy appears with a High Elf knight, and then suddenly a player knight starts making a name for himself? Its too much of a coincidence. Yeah... That checks out. The players had already connected the dots. And, of course, they were right. Seong walked through the bustling streets, listening to the chatter between players and NPCs. He pulled the hood of his cloak even lower over his face. At the same time, he repeatedly checked to make sure Fioras Concealment Magic was still in effect. If he got recognized here, it would be an absolute nightmare. He left the streets behind and made his way toward the Equinox Knights barracks. A handful of players were stationed outside the barracks entrance, watching intently. But even that wasnt a problem. With a simple use of Lord of Shadows, Seong blurred his form like a mirage, slipping past them unseen. Do they really think they can do anything just by meeting the guy who was with a High Elf? He couldnt understand their obsession. Still, avoiding them was the best course of action. When he finally reached the Equinox Knights barracks, Seong dropped his concealment and removed his hood. Several knights nearby immediately recognized him. After all, he had become a familiar face while carrying out various missions. It wasnt surprising that they would recognize him. He was one of them now. Seong didnt think much of it. But W-Wait... Iron Boulder?! What? Iron Boulder?! Where?! Oh, shit! Its really him! Iron Boulder is back?! Our knightly orders hero! The reaction was... extreme. What the hell was with these guys? Seong frowned as the knights erupted into excitement. Iron Boulder! We heard you were assigned a mission by Grandmaster Leon to take down Ragna Eckrion! Haha! I knew you were no ordinary recruit! That was insane! If Grandmaster Leon personally entrusted you with the mission, then you must be worthy of his trust. You saved our order! We owe you! If not for you, that bastard Ragna Eckrion wouldve played us all for fools! The knights were gathering, voices raised in celebration. Gone was the hostility that had been so present when Seong first arrived. Back then, the Equinox Knights had been rough, brutalalmost feral. But now? There was no sign of that former edge. He understood that their gratitude toward him and Leons return had softened their demeanor. Still, this was... too much. As Seong tried to figure out how to handle the situation, a loud, commanding voice boomed from the barracks. Oi, oi! What the hell are you all doing, standing around instead of training?! The sheer volume of the voice echoed through the courtyard. The knights froze and turned in unison. A towering figure emerged from the barracks, glaring at them. A man with a scarred, battle-worn body that exuded overwhelming presence despite his visible injuries. Leon Vanzar, Grandmaster of the Equinox Knights. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. The moment he stepped forward, the gathered knights stiffened. S-Sir! Understood! W-Well get back to training at once! Sir! Yes, sir! The knights scattered, each rushing to the training grounds with various shouts and murmurs. Seong watched them go, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It seemed Leon was still as intimidating as ever. At the same time, he couldn''t help but notice how different things were from when Ragna Eckrion had been in charge. The knights still carried themselves with discipline befitting their station, but the oppressive atmosphere that had once loomed over them had lifted. Their faces were no longer hardened with barely concealed malice. Leon Vanzar was clearly a knight worthy of admiration. With the courtyard now empty, Leon turned to Seong. Looks like they were bothering you. Come inside. Seong could tell from his tone that Leon had something to discuss. He nodded and followed the Grandmaster inside. The office they entered was different from the one Ragna Eckrion had used. That was hardly surprising. No one would want to use the same quarters as that bastard. Still, considering the Equinox Knights were one of the three major knightly orders of Sisvald, the Grandmasters office was unexpectedly modest. Seong stepped inside, his gaze sweeping the room before taking a seat on a worn-looking sofa Leon gestured to. Leon took the seat opposite him, the old furniture creaking slightly under his weight. First of all, Leon began, I wanted to thank you again. Because of you, I was able to reclaim my position. Seong shook his head. No, Im sure it was your reputation that made your return possible. The knights admire you. Leon let out a booming laugh. Hah! Thats kind of you to say, but I mean itIm grateful. If theres anything I can do to help, you need only ask. His expression was serious, his gaze unwavering. So he had noticed. It was only natural. After disappearing for five days, Seong had suddenly reappeared. Leon had undoubtedly figured that something was up. With that in mind, there was no point in hesitating. Seong met Leons gaze and spoke. Theres somewhere I need to enter within Sisvald. Leons eyes narrowed slightly. Somewhere within Sisvald... If its you, you could probably go anywhere you wish. But if youre asking me, then... dont tell meits that place? Seong didnt answer verbally. He simply nodded. Leons reaction was immediate. How does an outsider know about that place? The location in question was not just unknown to outsiders. It wasnt even something they would think to seek out in the first place. For Seong to bring it up so directly meant he must have a reason. That only made it even clearer. This wasnt just any ordinary location. Leon remained silent for a moment, lost in thought. Finally, he sighed and nodded. Ordinarily, outsiders are never permitted to enter. Its under royal jurisdiction... His words trailed off. It was clear that this wasnt a place just anyone could access. The fact that it was under royal control spoke volumes about how heavily guarded it was. More than any nobles estate. Sisvald, after all, was a direct territory of the Kingdom of Rieskan, the Knightly Kingdom. It was only natural that the royal family and their closest retainers would oversee it. That alone made it nearly impossible to enter. Even for an Equinox Knight. Even with a recommendation from the Grandmaster himself. It was something that had to be approached with extreme caution. Seong understood that. However That much is simple enough. ...What? Did he hear that correctly? Did Leon just say it would be simple? How? Even as the Grandmaster of the Equinox Knights, this wasnt something he could do on a whim. As Seong processed this unexpected response, Leon added, That said... youll have to give something up in return. What do you mean? When I reported everything upon my reinstatement, certain high-ranking individuals took an interest in you. It seems theyve grown rather curious. And, as it happens, they also intend to reward you for taking down Ragna Eckrion. Seongs eyes widened slightly. Oh. A reward for eliminating Ragna Eckrion. That worked out perfectly. Equipment? Skills? He already had plenty of those. Hell, he had a Legendary-tier skill book he could trade for Despairs Codex if he needed more. Compared to that, gaining access to a highly restricted archive was far more valuable. His luck had finally turned in his favor. Rieskan Kingdom was undoubtedly a dangerous place. But They dont know Im the Overlord. As long as they remained unaware, he could act freely. Seong nodded. Leon, seeing his agreement, gave a firm nod in return, as if making a vow. No matter ~Nvlight~ how high the rank of the one ruling over Sisvald, you are my benefactor. Even if you were to betray this city, I would find a way to protect you. Leons fiery determination was clear in his eyes. Seong returned his gaze. And as he accepted the offer [A Hidden Quest, Administrator of Sisvald, has been generated.] Administrator of Sisvald The administrator of Sisvald has taken an interest in you. Meet with them and engage in discussion. The rewards were even better than expected. A significant amount of experience. The ability to request one favor. He had intended to go there anyway. Even if he had no reason to, meeting with this administrator was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Seong leaned back slightly, a satisfied expression on his face. Would he find what he was looking for? As his mind wandered through the possibilities, Leon turned, issuing orders to his subordinates. Then, looking back at Seong, he gave a small nod. All set. Lets move. Seong stood. Now that he thought about it Lately, it feels like every city I go to, I end up entering the lords castle. The thought crossed his mind. But in the end, he simply shrugged it off. Chapter 232 5. Sisvald was unlike most other citiesit had no ruling lord. However, that did not mean it was without governance. A designated administrator oversaw the city, sent directly by the Kingdom of Rieskanthe true ruling power of Sisvald. That administrator was Terian Mithria. A noble by birth and a former high-ranking financial officer of the royal palace, Terian was a man well-versed in managing affairs. And right now, he was not pleased. Of all times... why did something like this have to happen under my administration? His expression was one of deep contemplation. The gathered retainers around him wore similarly troubled faces. Why now? Why did such an incident have to occur under his watch? Delegating responsibilities to the knights was already damaging his reputation. If it became widely known that an administrator had failed in their duties, whispers would spread like wildfire. He had wanted to handle the matter discreetly. But no solution had come to mind. Well... Perhaps one had. The problem was I sent out a request in advance, yet Ive heard nothing back... There was one person who could solve this problem. The outsider knight who had recently made a name for himself. Though a foreigner, this knight had officially received a title. More importantly, he was the one who had taken down Ragna Eckrion, a man who had nearly plunged Sisvald into chaos. Because of this, Terian had sent word to Leon Vanzar, Grandmaster of the Equinox Knights, hoping to arrange a meeting. Yet, he had been told that the outsiders whereabouts were unknown. And now, at such a critical moment, summoning him again seemed unlikely. It was difficult to expect anything to go his way. With a sigh of frustration, Terian leaned back in his chair Just as one of his retainers rushed into the room. Administrator! A message has arrived from Leon Vanzar, Grandmaster of the Equinox Knights! Terians eyes sharpened. Oh? From Leon Vanzar? Yes, sir! Grandmaster Leon asks if he may visit one hour from now. Moreover, he has confirmed that he will be bringing the outsider knight you requested to see. Oh! For a moment, Terian felt as though fate itself had aligned in his favor. He rose from his seat, excitement in his tone. Send a reply immediatelytell them they are welcome at once! He hadnt expected the meeting to happen so smoothly. And on the very day of the incident, no less. Under normal circumstances, he might have found this coincidence suspicious. But he did not. A knight would not be capable of such magic. Besides, he had already identified a likely culprit for todays incident. He knew the outsider knight wasnt involved. Which meant Its time to extend my request to him. No matter how skilled an outsider might be, they were still known for their insatiable greed. If he presented the right reward, the knight would surely accept. A small, confident smile crept onto Terians face. 6. After sending the message, there was supposed to be a considerable wait. With time to spare, Seong was in the training yard, sparring with the other knightsgradually refining his swordsmanship skills. It was then that Leon returned, looking slightly puzzled. Hmph... Theyre letting you through much faster than I expected. Seong shrugged. They already mentioned they were curious about me. Maybe that played a role. It was a reasonable conclusion. Just as he was preparing to leave with Leon, the Grandmaster shook his head. They insisted that you come alone. I refused at first, but they were quite adamant. Seems theyre still wary of you as an outsider. Hm. Makes sense. Seong nodded. It wasnt surprising. However, Leon still looked uneasy. He handed Seong a communication crystal and spoke in a firm voice. If anything happens, channel your mana into this. Ill bring the entire knight order with me. ...Excuse me? Wouldnt that be outright treason? Yet, Leons gaze was serioustoo serious for Seong to dismiss it as a joke. He took the communication crystal and stored it in his inventory with a nod. He doubted he would have to use it. Still, he appreciated the concern. Seeing Seong accept it, Leon exhaled. Phew. Well, go on, then. At the very least, they were polite enough to send a carriage for you. Oh? That was unexpected. He had assumed hed have to make his way there on foot. But this arrangement was far more convenient. If they had gone so far as to provide transportation, then They must at least be treating me with some level of respect, Seong mused. He wasnt too familiar with noble customs, but this was a clear sign of courtesy. Since they were extending proper formalities, he would respond in kind. Alright, Ill be back. Mm. Be careful. Leon nodded but raised the communication crystal slightly, as if to remind him. Seong let out an awkward chuckle before turning away. As he approached the Equinox Knights barracks entrance, he saw a carriage waiting for him. They had certainly prepared well. A man dressed as a butler stood beside it, accompanied by soldiers stationed as escorts. A proper reception. Are you Sir Seong? Yes, that would be me. Thank you for accepting our invitation. I am Alfredo, your escort for this journey. Please, allow me to ensure your comfort. ...I appreciate it. Then, shall we depart? Seong climbed into the carriage at Alfredos gesture. This was... a lot of hospitality. Perhaps even excessive. But he wasnt about to complain It was certainly comfortable. The ride was surprisingly smooth. Far better than the Matiz compact car he had bought second-hand a few days ago. ...Is a carriage usually this comfortable? It was so stable that he found himself comparing it to a car. Then again, considering the magical enhancements present in this world, it made sense. In the end, he decided not to overthink it. As he idly gazed out the window, watching the cityscape roll past Before long, they arrived. The horses neighed, slowing their pace before coming to a complete halt. The carriage, too, stopped smoothly. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Alfredo promptly stepped forward, opening the door. Sir Seong, we have arrived. Seong stepped out, glancing up. Before him stood Sisvalds central administrative building Or, perhaps more accurately The Lords Castle. The interior of the fortress was vast and meticulously maintained. This place feels different from other lordly castles. Unlike most noble estates, which were often extravagant and dripping with luxury, this administrative stronghold was refined but reserved. There was an intentional avoidance of opulenceas if excessiveness was deliberately suppressed. Even the reception hall reflected this. Rather than an ornate chamber meant to impress visiting nobles, it was practical. It was well-kept but restrained, offering just enough decor to be respectable without crossing into unnecessary grandeur. And waiting inside Oh! You must be Sir Seong! A deep, welcoming voice filled the room. A middle-aged manhis graying hair neatly combed, his noble attire sharp yet functionalstepped forward with a smile. I am Terian Mithria, administrator of Sisvald! Ive heard youre called Iron Boulder? Seong winced slightly at the nickname. It wasnt exactly the coolest title to have. But it wasnt a bad reputation either. So, rather than downplaying it, he simply nodded. Displaying a knightly confidence would likely score him points in this situation. And, as expected Terian beamed at the response. I heard you were the one who defeated Ragna Eckrion! Truly, you are a man of great strength! Come, sit. Ive been eager to speak with you. He gestured toward the seating area, offering Seong a place. As soon as Seong sat down, attendants swiftly entered, serving tea. It wasnt necessary, but since it was offered, he took a sip. Then, Terian leaned forward slightly, his demeanor shifting. Sir Seong, do you have any experience tracking someone? His tone had become noticeably more formal. Seong immediately recognized that this was no ordinary conversation. If things had reached this point, then He was about to get a quest. And considering how things had been lining up lately, it might be a damn good one. Smelling the scent of a juicy hidden quest, Seong nodded. Yes. As you know, I am an outsider, which allows me to acquire a variety of unique skills. It was a fact, not an exaggeration. Hearing this, Terians face lit up. He set his teacup down and gripped Seongs hands with both of his own. Oh! Will you help me?! Seong remained calm. What seems to be the issue? As if reminded of his troubles, Terians expression darkened. With a weary sigh, he shook his head. I suppose I cannot expect you to accept without knowing the details... Damn it all, I never imagined something like this would happen under my administration. His tone was that of a frustrated bureaucrat. Seong was mildly amused. Bureaucracy was the same no matter the world. Since Terian # Nvlight # seemed eager to vent, he let him continue. And then This morning, the Sisvald Archives were broken into. ...What? For the first time in this conversation, Seong was genuinely surprised. A break-in? At the archives? That wasnt just any buildingit was one of the most heavily secured places in Sisvald. Whoever pulled it off had to be highly skilled. But more than that It was the very place Seong had been planning to visit. The pieces clicked in his mind just as new notifications appeared before his eyes. [Hidden Quest: Administrator of Sisvald has been completed.] [You have received your reward.] [You have gained a significant amount of experience.] [Level Up!] [You are now Level 186.] [Hidden Quest: The Thief of the Archives has been generated.] The Thief of the Archives Track down the thief who infiltrated Sisvalds archives. It was exactly what he had expected. He had gained experience, leveled up, and received a follow-up tracking quest. Under normal circumstances, Seong would have been pleased. But right now, his expression hardened. Because a thief had broken into the very place he needed to investigate. Seongs voice was steady but firm. What exactly was stolen? Hm... Nothing of great value, Terian mused. Just an old scroll and some notebooks... But despite his dismissive tone, his expression was troubled. ...Still, the fact remains that they were stolen. I cannot ignore it. We must recover them. Seong narrowed his eyes slightly. Could you describe the scroll? What was recorded on it? Terian paused, tapping his chin in thought. Then, as if recalling something, he snapped his fingers. Oh! It was an old mission reportover a hundred years old. It belonged to the Zirkan Knights. ...Zirkan Knights. Seong repeated the name slowly. Yes, thats right, Terian confirmed. The knights completed their mission and then all retired immediately afterward. A rather peculiar case, but nothing of true significance. Seong slowly scratched his cheek. This was far too much of a coincidence. Of all things... The last known order of knights connected to Hindel. And their mission report had just been stolen? Even if this wasnt a quest, Seong would have had to retrieve it anyway. His mind sharpened. This wasnt something he could ignore. He needed to find the thief. And fortunately, he had just the skill for the job. Scent of Death. A tracking ability that allowed him to hunt down specific targets. If he could find even a single clue, tracking the thief would be laughably easy. But just as he was preparing to activate the skill A voice suddenly rang out beside him. I saw it with my own eyes!!! Seong snapped his head to the side. A ghost had appeared near him. A witness? Oh. He had CCTV too? His luck just kept getting better and better. With zero hesitation, Seong used his skill. [Unknown Power has temporarily exceeded your current limits.] [Dexterity +2 has permanently increased.] Then, the scene unfolded in his mind. The thiefs figure appeared clearly. Long hair. A frame that made it difficult to tell whether they were male or female. And most importantly Seong recognized them. The moment he saw the face, a thought crossed his mind. Plinky? Why the hell was that guy here?! Chapter 238 Backup Team? Both Seong and Yu Mina tilted their heads in unison, but their reactions were different. Backup team? They? Seong was puzzled, clearly unaware of the existence of a backup team, while Yu Mina was more curious about how the backup team would contribute. While Seong could be excused for not knowing, An Yoo-jin narrowed her eyes and glared at Yu Mina. With Yu Mina flinching slightly, An Yoo-jin turned to Seong and explained, You remember the Luna team we met before? Theyre one of your backup teams. One of them? That meant there were others. Seong scratched his cheek in confusion. He hadnt really needed a backup team up to now, so the idea didnt hit him. Do we need a team? Seong mused. I can just create an army of undead. I dont see the need for a backup team. Seeing his train of thought, An Yoo-jin responded, Even if thats true, youll still need a backup team. Raids can be solo, but hunting is all about the party. Its important to join a party dungeon. Ahh... While he did have his loyal subordinates, they werent considered party members, so in some situations, a backup team could indeed be useful. And... An event like this could also use a backup team. Mhm. It can help you prevent interference from other players. This way, you can focus all your power, right? Oh, thats true. Having a backup team will definitely help. An Yoo-jins explanation made Seong nod in understanding. However, Mina, who had been thinking negatively, spoke up. If they can keep up with your leveling speed, that is. Ah. Seong nodded in agreement. His current leveling speed was indeed abnormal. He was rapidly gaining experience by pushing through hordes of monsters with his army. Keeping up with that was harder than it seemed. However, An Yoo-jin chuckled and responded to Minas doubt. You dont know how impressive our backup team is. Theyre already entering the sixth village. ...? ...Sigh. Seong looked at An Yoo-jin in confusion, and Mina sighed deeply as she glanced at her. Why, whats going on? Seeing their unusual reaction, An Yoo-jin asked. Mina shook her head and replied. Seong, how high do you think youll level by the event? Im aiming for level 200 since I need to hit that before the event. ...What!? What level are you at right now? 188. ... When An Yoo-jin heard Seongs level, her face froze. Mina, on the other hand, smiled and added, From the information Seong got, it looks like the event will group players in increments of 50 levels. Theyre expecting Apophis to show up within a week or ten days, so do you think your backup team can hit 200 by then? An Yoo-jin swallowed hard and stammered, ...I-Ill try. It seemed that the backup team was going to have a tough time keeping up. 5. Two days passed after meeting with An Yoo-jin. When Seong heard that preparations at the Overpalace Hexia branch were still incomplete, he decided to hunt alone. It wasnt particularly fast, but by clearing a few quests in Hexia, his level gradually increased. [Level Up!] 2 [You have reached level 190.] [By reaching level 10, the Almighty-grade item, Overlords Ancient Tome, is activated.] [By reaching level 10, the Almighty-grade item, Book of Blood, is activated.] [By reaching level 190, the Overlord skill unlocks.] [You have acquired the Legendary-grade skill, Hellfire.] That took quite a while. Even though he completed quests, his level only increased by 2. Of course, this was normal unless it was a major quest like the one with Ragna Eckrion, so Seong didnt mind too much. Still, the thought of reaching 200 was a bit concerning. Theyll make sure it happens, right? Since Overpalace had promised that theyd handle it, he wasnt overly worried. After all, they always delivered when they said they would. But still... Hows the backup team doing? Hed receive help from them, but hitting level 200 seemed like it would be tough. He couldnt help but wonder. For now, he decided to check out the new skill he had just unlocked. Hellfire Legendary [Lv 1] [Growth-type] [Continuous Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 10 minutes] [Duration: 5 minutes] Flames born from the endless darkness engulf the land, leaving no place to escape. Exclusive Skill for Overlords. Summons Hellfire. The Hellfire spreads out, gradually consuming the area and will never be extinguished. Oh? A fire-based skill. At first, Seong had thought Hellfire would be a dark-based skill, considering the precedent with the Demon Strike being classified under darkness despite being an electric-type skill. He had expected the same with Hellfire, but it turned out to be quite different. It was a bit of a disappointing skill. The skill simply summoned fire and spread it around, making it just a basic dot damage skill. It wasnt much to use on its own, and Seong felt it could be a little boring. Hmm. It was clear that this skill wasnt designed for solo use. It would likely shine once combined with other skills or builds. Blood Poison was similara skill that became more powerful when combined with other blood-related abilities. Likewise, Hellfire seemed to work best when paired with other skills. Luckily, Seong still had a collection of unused skills. He could select complementary skills through the Overlords Ancient Tome. Most importantly, Maybe I should prepare a bit more. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. For now, he had plenty of dark lord and other abilities, so it wasnt a pressing issue. But one could never be too sure. There was no guarantee he wouldnt encounter a worthy opponent at his level. Seongs main target level was from 200 to 249. Hed be the strongest in the 200 range, but what about facing opponents who were 50 levels above him? At least he had his army, but it would still be a challenge. It would be more beneficial to acquire skills designed for such ? NvIight ? (Read more on our source) situations rather than rely on unusable skills. Lets choose some skills. He had saved up seven skill picks for the Overlords Ancient Tome, including this one. There were more of this type of skill available, so it seemed wise to keep a few picks in reserve. But since he had already decided, there was no turning back. No one would stop him from using the skill, and he was certain of it. Once Seong used the Overlords Ancient Tome... [You can now acquire a build-compatible Fire-type Dark Magic skill.] [Searching for the best skills that match your current set...] [Unique-grade skills found.] [Listing available skills...] Hells Judgment Burning Desire Alcathuss Ray Spreading Black Blaze Summon Flame Demon ... ... (continued) [Would you like to select these skills?] Hmm. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. After carefully reviewing the available skills, Seong selected three that seemed like they would create a great synergy with his current build. Alcathuss Ray Unique [Lv 1] [Growth-type] [Instant Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 5 minutes] Dark Magic-type skill exclusive to specific classes. Absorbs the properties of a selected object, then fires a beam of energy. The beam ignores defenses and travels in a straight line, piercing everything in its path. Spreading Black Blaze Unique [Lv 1] [Growth-type] [Instant Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 10 minutes] Dark Magic-type skill exclusive to specific classes. Can target fire elements. When activated, the fire becomes the casters, turning it into black flames, which then spread. The resulting flames gain the original fires properties along with the added black flame properties. Summon Flame Demon Unique [Lv 1] [Growth-type] [Continuous Effect] [Active] [Cooldown: 1 hour] [Summon Duration: 5 minutes] Dark Magic-type skill exclusive to specific classes. Combines surrounding flames to summon a powerful Flame Demon, whose strength and range depend on the flames intensity. The summoned demon is considered a monster, not a summon, and is stronger than ordinary demons. The combinations available werent many, but these three skills were perfect for his current setup. Seong gave a slight grin and looked around. He was in a hunting area, so it seemed like a good time to test these skills out. Not far away, several monsters were gatheredundead, to be precise. Seong smirked, thinking it was a perfect opportunity. He used Flight to head toward the group. Once he got closer, he summoned Hellfire with a wave of his hand. The Hellfire rose in the air, glowing a deep red and exuding heat as if it were a small sun, burning with an intense aura. Seong extended his index finger toward the fiery mass and activated Alcathuss Ray. Bzzzzzzzzz!!! A sharp metallic hum rang out, and the beam of red energy shot forward, spreading rapidly. At the same time, the energy of the Hellfire was sucked into Seongs finger and condensed into a glowing, red orb. Once the orb finished forming, Seong aimed it at the undead and unleashed the ominous red beam. PSSSHHHWWWWNNNN!!! With a terrifying, piercing force, the beam struck the undead at the center, releasing an intense heat that cut through everything in its path. KWA-BOOM!!! When the red beam hit the ground, Seong immediately activated Spreading Black Blaze. What should have been a penetrating beam of energy transformed into a massive explosion as the red energy expanded, forming a hemisphere of hellish fire. The surrounding area became like a true inferno, with black flames spreading, engulfing the undead in flames, melting them away in agony. Watching the undead writhe in pain, it felt as if this place had turned into hell itself. But Seong didnt stop there. He unleashed the final skill. After summoning Hellfire, absorbing its energy with Alcathuss Ray, and striking with the Hellfire beam, he activated Spreading Black Blaze for a wide-area attack. And the finale... WHOOOOSH!!! The hellish flames surged outward, and everything in its center was sucked in. The undead that were caught within were reduced to ashes, and those who remained, staring at the center, began to tremble. It seemed as if they sensed something terrible about to emerge. Trembling in reverence, they froze as they looked toward the center, waiting for the inevitable. And then, the fiery red Hellfire converged, taking shape. The flames shimmered as if alive, forming a massive figure that stood about 3 meters tall, its body solid and muscular, exuding an aura of terrifying heat. The Flame Demon, wielding the fiery inferno as though it were its own, glared fiercely at the sky. -Who dares to summon me, foolish mortal? The demon, emerging as though it had broken free from the gates of hell, looked toward Seong with fiery eyes. Seong, observing the creature, mused inwardly. Is this a raid boss level? With a grin, Seong couldnt help but be intrigued by the sight. At that moment, the Flame Demon let out a maniacal laugh. -KHAHAHA!!! In this short time, Ill burn this entire place to the ground!!! Watching the demons chaotic laughter, Seong thought to himself. If its a raid boss level, does it give experience points? With a hopeful glint in his eyes, Seong watched the demon. But just as he felt that surge of expectation, the demon shuddered, sensing something was off. -Somethings strange... But by the time it noticed, it was already too late. Chapter 239 Summon Flame Demon The Summon Flame Demon was a Unique-grade skill, but it possessed potential far beyond its rank, depending on the conditions. The more powerful and widespread the fire, the stronger the summoned Flame Demon would be. However, with great power comes great risk. If a Unique-grade skill had such effectiveness, there was inevitably a drawback as well. While it could summon a powerful demon temporarily, there was no control over it. In other words, there was no distinction between friend and foe. When all enemies in the vicinity were eliminated, the summoned demon would automatically recognize the summoner as an enemy. Just like now. -KHAHAHA! You summon me in a place with no enemies, and yet you have the nerve to do so!!! But the Flame Demon named Zrak felt something strange. First, he realized this wasnt a high-level summoning circle that would have summoned someone of his caliber. Secondly, the summoner in front of him radiated a mysterious power that didnt align with the feeling of the summoning circle. Was the summoner trying to test him, perhaps? As a demon, and a flame demon at that, he was of noble rankthough not an aristocratic demon, he was still of a high tier. Despite sensing some mysterious power, he found the size and strength of the summoner, Seong, to be insignificant, and he felt it was worth threatening him. However, at that moment... Hmm, looks like a raid boss level... but theres less than five minutes left. Seong muttered something incomprehensible. At that moment, numerous turquoise portals opened in the air. Up until then, Zrak had thought it was just some amateur dark magician playing games. After all, he had the power to think so. But then... -Hmph! Summoning useless undead... wait? Just as he was about to mock, Zrak felt a familiar dark energy emanating from the portals. A demon with red-black skin, holding a large sword, appeared. This energy was unmistakably that of a Demon Knight. -Huh? Zrak blinked in confusion. It wasnt just the Demon Knight who appeared. An ancient demon also emerged from the same portal, and every one of them exuded an unusual aura. Zrak swallowed nervously as he gazed at Seongs subordinates. Seong observed the situation quietly and spoke softly. We dont have much time, so lets finish this quickly. At Seongs command, all the subordinates moved in unison, charging toward Zrak. Realizing he had no chance of winning, Zrak smirked and closed his eyes. He understood that surviving here would be impossible. It was just bad luck, and he accepted that he would die here. Even if he died, his existence wouldnt disappear in hell. After all, it was a summoning circle. Without resistance, Zrak died. [You have gained substantial experience points.] Oh? To Seongs surprise, the experience points were quite rewarding. He had assumed it would just be treated like a regular monster, but he actually received a decent amount. However, it wasnt truly a raid boss, so the rewards were a bit underwhelming. He received a material item called Tears of the Flame Demon, an Epic-grade material. He didnt plan to use it, so he stored it in his inventory. Looking at the cooldown timer, he saw that it was originally about an hour. Now, there were roughly 54 minutes remaining. While the cooldown time was a bit disappointing, the fact that he could summon the Flame Demon for experience every hour was quite beneficial. This is a pretty sweet skill, huh? Using the Hourglass of Reversal to reduce the cooldown, Seong could summon the Flame Demon up to five times a day. Using it five times would still give him a meaningful amount of experience. If he ran short, he could always take on a raid boss in the Hexia region. With that in mind, Seong ? Nvl?ht ? (Dont copy, read here) used his skill once more, summoning the Flame Demon. -What? Why again? Zrak appeared again, looking bewildered. Seong smiled slightly and greeted him. Hello again. -Ah, ahhh! Getting caught by Seong was your mistake. Onee Helena, this foolish Flame Demon has dared to speak disrespectfully to the Lord. Hmm? That cant be forgiven. -KHAHAHA!!! Its time to show them what theyre up against!!! -Im glad to have escaped the training of Nouya this way!!! -If you disrespect the Lord, theres no forgiveness... -PIEEEEEEEEE!!! -Hehehe, this old man will lend a hand. Muttering, murmuring. As all Seongs subordinates advanced with murderous intent, Zrak was frozen in fear. -Please... spare me!!! That was Zraks final plea. 6. -Crrrk! The dying screams of Zrak, though supposed to be miserable, somehow felt oddly peaceful. At the same time, Helena laughed heartily, Wow! Turns out hes really a good kid, huh? Hes willing to stab his own neck to help us! Seong had summoned him so many times now, that by the third summoning, Zrak had not only stopped resisting but had even helped hasten his death by stabbing his own neck. At this point, Seong felt a bit sorry for him, but that would be the end of it. The Hourglass of Reversal could only be used 10 times a day, and once all uses were exhausted, there was a low chance of it breaking. He used it 9 times, and since the cooldown reset every midnight with five uses, he didnt feel too bad about it. It was more beneficial to level up quickly than to worry about it. He explained this to Zrak, and hearing that it was the last time, Zrak even shed tears of gratitude. With Zrak''s sacrifice, Seong gained: [You have gained substantial experience points.] [Level Up!] 2 [You have reached level 192.] This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Just from the two kills, Seong had leveled up twice. Better than I thought. Though the pace would slow down, using this method whenever possible seemed to be quite effective for Seong''s current level range. As his skills like Hellfire would grow stronger, the summoned demons would get stronger too. Of course, Zrak would still likely appear. According to Baltar, since Zrak wasnt fully powered yet, he would continue to be summoned for a while. That seemed correct. Seong was casually thinking this over when he felt something strangesomething trying to tear through the space and approach him. The following message appeared: [Due to the effect of the Almighty-grade item, Seal of the Primordial Demon Ring, the transference here is delayed.] Ah, so that was the effect. As Seong realized, the space being torn apart felt slower, but he wasnt overly concerned. After all, there was only one person who could show up like this right now. As expected, the person who emerged from the distorted space was a beautiful woman with dark blue-black hair. It was Karina, the branch manager of Overpalace Hexia. Im sorry for suddenly appearing and causing confusion. Its fine. It happens. So, whats going on? Seong asked, though he already had an idea. Karina was the one who mentioned creating a way to earn massive experience, so he suspected everything was ready now. With a bit of anticipation, Seong looked at her. As expected, Karina bowed her head and said, The preparations for the successors growth that I mentioned earlier are complete, and Im here to escort you. Ah. This was something Seong was definitely looking forward to. He smiled in satisfaction as Karina spoke proudly, her face glowing with a hint of happiness. You wont be disappointed, Im sure. At those words, Seong nodded and, after opening the gate to the underworld, sent all his subordinates inside. Then Karina and Seong headed back to the Hexia castle. Upon their return, the high-ranking dark mages who had been waiting in respectful silence bowed deeply. Welcome, successor!!! Welcome back, successor!!! Though Seong felt a little embarrassed by the attention, at least they werent in front of players, so it was a bit easier to handle. He scratched his cheek, thinking how fortunate that was. As they stood there, Karina turned to him and said, Let me guide you to the prepared area. At Karinas polite words, Seong nodded and followed her. They arrived at the entrance of a different underground chamber than the one they had visited before, thanks to Helenas diary. Was this where everything had been prepared? Seong wondered what kind of preparation it was, and as he stepped into the underground room, a surprisingly large space opened up before him. It felt like the room of a dungeon boss. Seong looked around but didnt see anything that appeared to be ready yet. He wondered what this could mean when he noticed something on the floor. Hmm? Seong looked down at the floor, and the magic circles spread across the large room. These werent simple magic circles. There were an overwhelming number of them. It seemed like it had taken quite a bit of time to prepare this. Okay, this is impressive. Seong thought to himself, curious about what the magic circles were. What kind of magic circle is this? Wait... it feels familiar? Though it should have been a new magic circle, it felt strangely familiar to Seong, almost like he had seen it recently. As he tilted his head, Karina, with a pleased smile, muttered, You recognize it right away. ...? Seong didnt recognize it immediately, but he might have if he had a bit more time. As Seong was pondering this, Karina flicked her finger and released her dark-blue-black magic into the circles. One by one, the magic circles emitted light. Three of them released light, and they formed shapes as if something was being vomited out of the circles. As Seong saw this, he immediately realized. Demon summoning circles? Exactly, you recognize them, Karina said with a proud smile. And Seong thought, So this was the method... I didnt expect an NPC to suggest something like this, but its definitely an efficient way to go about it. Three demons were summoned. One of them was a familiar faceZrak, the Flame Demon. He stood there, looking confused. -Huh? Why am I here again... And then... -How dare someone summon me, the great Brao!!! -Who summoned Kaz, the one and only Kaz!!! Two demons were shouting, one surrounded by lightning, looking like a Lightning Demon, and the other radiating cold, resembling a Glacier Demon. Amidst them, Zrak, who was quietly standing and not emitting wild flames, locked eyes with Seong and smiled mischievously, immediately stabbing his claws into his neck. -Hehe, Ill be quick again, please. As Zrak did this, the other two demons looked at him in disbelief. And Karina, watching this, clapped her hands with admiration. Truly impressive, successor. To already have subdued a demon like him! Watching Zraks self-harm and Karinas praise, Seong scratched his head. This is why experienced people are preferred. It seemed like leveling to 200 would go smoothly. Maybe even beyond that? Chapter 240 0. At this point, other users were still unaware of Apophis. However, signs of something happening were beginning to spread. Across every server and every region, strange rumors were circulating among NPCs. Phew, dont even get me started. Those black snakes have been ruining the crops lately. There arent that many, but they keep showing up. Black snakes are an ill omen. Doesnt seem like a good sign. Everywhere, people were talking about black snakes. It was enough to make the players suspicious. Regions and servers aside, what was truly bizarre was that NPCs of all levels were talking about the same thing. There was no way this wouldnt seem suspicious. At first, players assumed it was just some local quest. But soon, they realized it wasnt just a local phenomenonit was happening all across Eternal World. Naturally, the internet was in an uproar. [Title - Black Snakes? Whats this about?] [Posted by - LoweredMyLevel] Everywhere I go, NPCs keep talking about black snakes. Theres no way, but... are the NPCs bugged? What the hell is this? [LootAndDie: So, theyre dropping hints in every region, across all levels? Has this ever happened before?] [HealthDepleted: ????? For real? Im logging in now.] [HealingReject: Yeah, even overseas servers are talking about it.] [BuffOnlyMain: Even overseas?] [GoldHoarder: What the hell is going on?] With no explanation for these mentions of black snakes, players /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ scrambled to uncover clues. But there was nothing to find. Instead of searching for direct answers, some started to dig into other possibilities. [Title - Black Snake Mystery: This Might Be Huge] [Posted by - LegendaryItemSeller] NPCs keep saying the black snakes are appearing and its making them uneasy. Theyre all repeating the same lines about it being ominous. Its happening across different regions and servers. Honestly, this feels like some kind of promotional event. Theres never been a game-wide, all-server, all-level event in Eternal World. Even anniversary events were minor in comparison. This sudden shift probably has something to do with the Heroic Council meeting from a few days ago. Im guessing thats what triggered this full-scale event. [ExplodedWhileUpgrading: Oh? A mega-event?] [LegendaryItemSeller (OP): Yeah, thats what it looks like.] [WatchingFromOutsideDungeon: Just speculation?] [LegendaryItemSeller (OP): No, its a hot topic in overseas communities too.] [NoHealForYou: Oh?! So its a real massive event? This is gonna be insane.] [TankerForReal: Whoa, an event for all levels? Absolute god-tier game.;;;;] [Title - Why This Has to Be an Event] [Posted by - HealthFullNow] Theres no way this isnt a major event. Every NPC across all servers and levels is talking about it, but players barely see any black snakes. The NPCs mention it, but they only seem to bring it up to players. Among themselves, they dont discuss it at all. And yet, when you watch their everyday routines, they act normal. The only time they mention the black snakes is when a player asks or when they have to bring it up. This is 100% an event. Otherwise, theres no reason for NPCs to behave this unnaturally. [LuredMobsAndDied: Oh, this makes sense!] [PotionBox: What kind of event will it be? I cant wait.] Players expectations soared. Naturally, guilds were the first to act. When a major event happened, getting information quickly and moving accordingly was always beneficial for guilds. So, multiple guilds began making moves, approaching high-level NPCs to gather intelligence. They were desperate to learn anything about the Heroic Council. However, no one seemed to know anything. Some NPCs trembled in fear at the mention of the Heroic Council, while others grew furious, claiming complete ignorance. With no concrete information, they couldnt be certain. But one thing was clear. This event had started because of the Heroic Council. Yet, there was too little information to act decisively. They couldnt just ignore it, either. It was too ambiguous. That was why, despite the growing interest, only one guild was moving aggressively. Rapid Guild. We need to prepare without anyone else catching on. On the surface, they seemed focused solely on leveling up. But those in the know understoodthey were desperate. The best strategy was to get their levels as close as possible to key benchmarks. Most of them were pushing for level thresholds like 99, 199, and so on. Of course, Seongs backup team was working themselves to the bone. Since Seong aimed to hit level 200, they had to match him. So they grinded relentlessly. Even Rapid Guild, ranked third in the guild rankings, was dedicating all its resources to supporting them. Phew... They were optimizing everything for maximum efficiency. And with their sheer power and skill, their leveling speed was beyond belief. By now, they should have felt secure. But instead, Rapid Guild was growing more anxious. It wasnt just about Seong and his backup team. Damn it... The solo rankers were moving. Rankers from 1st to 4th place werent making any moves. It was clear they had no intention of participating. But from Rank 5 onwards, things were different. I heard theyve stopped grinding and are investigating instead? Thankfully, the 5th to 7th rankers werent affiliated with any major guilds. Even so, Rapid Guild knew they had enough potential to rise into the top 10 at any moment. Of course, Rapids current strength was substantial. If Luna Team, Seongs backup squad, continued growing at this rate, theyd become an unstoppable raid force. But they still couldnt ignore the solo rankers movements. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Will Mina... no, will Yuna be able to handle them? The 9th-ranked solo ranker. Yuna, who was on the verge of surpassing the 8th-ranked player, had become the prime target of other solo rankers scrutiny. The reason? Simpleshe was too exceptional. Honestly, if I were in their shoes, Id be wary too. Unlike the other solo rankers, she had started two months later, yet not only had she solidified her place among them, she was now on the brink of overtaking 8th place. It was only natural that they were trying to keep her in check. Most of all, her control skills were absurd. She was someone who simply had to be monitored. The higher-ranked players didnt particularly care, but those in the 5th to 7th range of the solo ranking had been obsessively keeping Yuna in check. And yet, she was still closing the gap. We havent had a direct confrontation yet. But this time, itll be different. According to the information Seong had gathered, players would be grouped into brackets of 50 levels. In other words, as long as the solo rankers participated, they would all be in the same group. And Yuna, fully aware of this, was planning to deal with them herself. The real issue was whether she could handle them all. Yuna had simply told them to trust her before disappearing into seclusion training. That left Rapid Guild with no say in the matter. Well, we have no choice but to trust her. There wasnt much Rapid Guild could do for Yuna anyway. So. They had no choice but to shift focus and assist their other main prioritySeong. That was why they were rapidly developing his backup team. Their pace was unprecedented. So fast, in fact, that other guilds were accusing them of exploiting a bug. But even with all that, there was still a gap between them and Seong. Seong was somehow moving even faster. How the hell is he leveling up that quickly? 1. While Rapid Guild was pondering this question... Over at Seongs location. A procession of demons stood in line, each one repeatedly striking the neck of the demon in front of them. Thud~! Thud! Smack! Smack! The sickening sounds echoed in all directions. But the demons had long abandoned resistance, mindlessly reaching for the throat of the one ahead. Overseeing this disturbing scene was a single demon, barking orders. "Alright, everyone! Maintain order! Lets do this peacefully! Strike the neck of the demon in front of you! And, ah! Dedicate your lives to Seong-nim!" "Yes, understood!" At Zraks command, the demon at the front, whose neck was already hanging on by a thread, calmly extended it. And in one swift motion, Seongs subordinates finished the job. [You have gained a massive amount of experience points.] 10 The message popped up repeatedly. Seong scratched his head as he looked at the situation. Is this... really okay? Honestly, at this point, if he got penalized for it, he wouldnt be able to argue. But beside him, Kalina simply smiled and reassured him. Its fine. The worlds will isnt paying attention to this place right now. Hmm. Its probably preoccupied with something else. That seemed to be the case, so he left it alone. If this was truly an issue, someonewhether it be the system itself or Overpalacewould have stepped in by now. The fact that it was still working meant it was at least half-approved. Seong calmly continued collecting experience. Hed use this method until the system eventually stopped awarding experience from summoned demons. No need to worry about penalties before they actually arrived. 2. The User Management Team was responsible for overseeing players across various servers. Naturally, the East Asian Server Management Division was one of the largest. But right now, it was eerily empty. The reason? Personnel had been drafted due to Apophis. With so many people reassigned, staffing was critically low. And because of that, monitoring players had become lax. But there was no choice. Ughhh! Just kill me already... I mean, no, save me... Whenever a senior staff member dropped by to retrieve something, they looked half-dead. Even Assistant Manager Lee Won-sang had grown gaunt from shuttling between the Apophis Team and his usual duties. The workload was on an entirely different level. Junior staff member Oh Jin-hyuk swallowed nervously as he watched. Just as he was about to ask something ...Just focus on monitoring the solo and double rankers for now. Yes, understood. If theres anything unusual about the rankers, report it immediately. We cant have them exploiting anything during an event. Got it! Oh Jin-hyuk answered confidently. But Lee Won-sang didnt respond, merely walking off to rejoin the Apophis Team. Left alone, Oh Jin-hyuk glanced at Seongs absurd experience gain and thought to himself. Well, hes not a ranker, so Ill just focus on the actual rankers~ Had Lee Won-sang overheard that thought, he might have smiled bitterly before choosing suicide on the spot. Instead, Oh Jin-hyuk simply carried on, casually keeping an eye on the top-ranked players. Chapter 241 3. It had been four days since Seong first heard about Apophis and started hunting demons. With a deep sigh, he stepped out of the capsule. Phew. Was it because the efficiency was starting to drop? No, that wasnt it. The experience required to level up had increased tremendously, but in terms of pure efficiency, this method was still incredible. Just before logging out, Seong had checked his status screen: Status Window Seong Lv 198 Class Overlord Titles Lord (Legendary) ...and 42 others. Stats Strength: 290 (223+67) Agility: 290 (223+67) Stamina: 290 (223+67) Intelligence: 753 (579+174) Wisdom: 753 (579+174) Mental Strength: 138 (125+13) Dexterity: 16 (14+2) Bonus Stat Points 0 Reaching level 198 in just four days was an absolutely absurd feat. According to Kalina, there were only five days left before Apophis was released. At this pace, reaching level 200 was not only possible but inevitable. So there was no concern about leveling. Then why was he sighing? Simple. Its just too boring. Seong felt it, and so did his subordinates. Well, to be fair, Leonic, Valtar, and Silvanor were having the time of their lives slaughtering demons. But the rest of his subordinates were growing restless. He could have left them to continue grinding while he handled quests or something else, but he felt bad just ditching them. Besides, if he got too far away, he wouldnt gain experience from their kills. With no real alternative, he had just been mindlessly farming demons. That was why he had sighed when stepping out of the capsule. Once the whole Apophis situation ? Nvlight ? (Exclusive on Nvlight) was settled, at least things would get interesting again. Holding onto that hope, he left his room. As soon as he stepped out, a voice greeted him. Why are you sighing like that? Oh. It was his older sister, Yu Mina, looking at him with concern. Seong chuckled and shrugged. Just getting a little bored of leveling. Oh, yeah? What level are you now? 198. ...Thats insanely fast. Sure, the level range he was in was notoriously tedious. But even so, his leveling speed was unbelievable. At this stage, gaining 10 levels in a month was considered normal. Yet, in just a few days, he was already staring down level 200. It was ridiculous. But then... Didnt Lunas team say they were leveling at about the same speed? Seong was either matching or slightly outpacing the Luna Team. The difference was Lunas team was grinding at their absolute limit, while this guy is complaining about being bored. Luna Team was practically overworking themselves to level this fast. Yet Seong, who was moving even faster, was sighing about how dull it was. Was this even the same game? Yu Mina shook her head in disbelief. Her little brother was just built different. Seong changed the subject. What about you? Are you making good progress? Hmm? What do youoh. Yeah. Yu Mina realized what he was asking and nodded. Since they had gotten the information ahead of time, she was preparing to eliminate the other solo rankers. That meant gathering intelligence on all remaining solo rankers and studying their playstyles. She was also leveling in the process. Seeing her confident nod, Seong smiled. Looks like I need to step it up too. Well, its going to be a gathering of the most promising players across all servers. If you get into the ranked tier, youll merge into the global rankingsbut youre still in the pre-merge phase. Yeah, I know. In Eternal World, servers merged as players advanced toward the Central Continent. It wasnt a total separation; if someone moved between continents, their server designation would change accordingly. But realistically, the barriers between servers were so high that it was practically a complete split. Traveling to other continents was a major ordeal. As Seong mulled over that thought, preparing to eat, both Yu Minas phone and his own phone buzzed at the same time. They checked the notifications. [Global Server Announcement] [A large-scale event will take place in five days, based on the East Asia Server''s timeline.] [Major Event: Temple of Apophis] [For details, please visit the official homepage.] After reading the message, the two of them locked eyes. Then they both nodded. Its finally happening. 4. A land untouched by players. No, not just playersthis vast plain was forbidden even to most powerful beings. And in the middle of this vast expanse, a towering conical mountain stood, like the fangs of a great beast. It was so immense that its peak seemed to pierce the heavens. This awe-inspiring sight was known as Kzarcas Fang, named after the legendary wolf of ancient mythology, Kzarcas. At the very peak of this mountain, where fierce winds howled, stood a lone man, his cloak billowing wildly. Despite the winds relentless assault, only his clothes and cloak fluttered. He himself stood unshaken. From this vantage point, the land below was obscured by clouds. Perhaps that was why Standing here, one could almost believe they had become a god. But the Sword Saint knew better. He was no god. Even though his sword had touched the stars, earning him the title of Sword Saint, he was still just a frog at the bottom of a well. For beyond the stars, countless more stars remained. And he understood all too well He was merely trapped in a narrow world. But rather than despair, his eyes shone with determination. I will break free. He would cast aside this well And. I will become the master of the world. He had no doubt. For now, he was nothing more than a man whose ambition had yet to manifest. But the day would come when his aspirations would be realized. And the event that would mark the first step toward that future Was about to take place here. Though it was called a fang, Kzarcas Fang was vast. And there, at its peak, the Sword Saint waited. This was a place that did not open its doors to the weak. Yet, he had no doubts. And soon Youre here. This was their first time meeting face-to-face. Or rather, their second They had briefly seen each other at the Heroic Council. As the wind roared, a dark shadow flickered, momentarily blocking the sun. A figure emerged from the darkness Or rather, the shadow itself seemed to take form. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. A man clad in black assassin garb, his upper body appearing to rise from the darkness beneath him. The Sword Saint addressed him. Dark Star. Youre prepared, I assume? Dark Star. The King of Assassins, known also as the King of Shadows. At the Sword Saints words, the man slowly emerged from the shadow, nodding. Then, with an almost accusatory glare, he asked The item? His voice was devoid of emotion, focused solely on the matter at hand. Annoyed by the tone, the Sword Saint narrowed his eyes. But he had no choice. He nodded. Seeing that, Dark Star nodded in return. Then he spoke in a low voice. Good. I will entrust this task to my disciple. As Dark Star took a step forward, A strange distortion rippled through the air. Like the shimmering heat of a scorching summer day, A powerful aura erupted, saturating the atmosphere. Every molecule in the vicinity seemed to sharpen into invisible blades. Simply breathing could cause ones throat to be slit. It was a pressure so intense that even the air itself seemed to be on the verge of collapse. Yet, within this deadly domain, Dark Star remained utterly unaffected. Around him, the very concept of killing intent seemed to die, like a blade dulled beyond repair. His sheer presence nullified aggression. With that suffocating aura pressing down, Dark Star tilted his head. ...Are you testing me? His tone was almost mocking. As if to ask Are you serious? The Sword Saints expression twisted in irritation. As expected of another Hero. No openings at all. Even a momentary lapse would have changed everything. But right now, if they clashed Neither could guarantee victory. Recognizing this, the Sword Saint retracted his pressure. Yet, he did not back down. Instead, he asked Can we trust this outsider? The Sword Saint never trusted outsiders. They could betray him at any moment. But Dark Star only scoffed. Trust? What nonsense. It is a mere tool. I trust nothing and no one. ...Good. Im the same. Though they glared at each other, their words carried a strange sense of agreement. Then, with a sharp motion, the Sword Saint hurled something forward. Two objects shot through the air. If they were weapons, they could have shattered everything in their path. But Dark Star did not react with hostility. Instead, he calmly caught them. Upon inspecting them, he murmured A shoulder insignia and an emblem. They are both relics of Hero Hindel. This will be enough for my disciple to eliminate the heir of Overpalace. It must succeed. It will. But if, by some chance, it fails A cold smile formed on Dark Stars lips. Then next time, I will personally assist you with my full strength. .... At those words, the Sword Saint narrowed his eyes at Dark Star. But in the end, nothing would change. And if the plan failed He could use Dark Star himself. Betrayal? That was not a concern. Like himself, Dark Star had spent his life shackled by Overpalace. They both despised Overpalace more than anything. The enemy of my enemy is my ally. Recalling that saying, the Sword Saint spoke. If it fails, you will take action yourself. I swear upon my name. Hearing that, the Sword Saints tension eased. A name-sworn promise. That was enough to be certain. The relics of Hero Hindel were valuable items. But if the plan failed and Dark Star joined him... It wouldnt be a loss. One way or another, I will destroy them. He had hoped to manipulate another Hero into doing the work, as he had done before. But thinking of Luke, the so-called Hero, made him scowl. Control through deception was no longer an option. If needed, he would resort to mind control Or another method, like they had done in Hindels time. However If Dark Stars plan succeeded... Then everything could change. With that thought, the Sword Saint vanished from sight. And left alone Dark Star gazed dispassionately at the two relics in his hands. His expression betrayed no emotion. But then He made a call. A voice echoed in response. Black Star, I have secured Hero Hindels relics. I will deliver them to the heir. [You have done well.] ...No. It is only thanks to your wisdom, Master. The Sword Saint had no idea. Dark Star was also part of Overpalace. Even the world beyond the well was just another cage. [Deliver it properly to our successor.] I shall. Without fail. Chapter 242 0. The event announcement had gone live five days ago. And according to the notice, the full details would only be revealed one day before the event. Players had been eagerly waiting for it. Finally, the moment arrived. [Global Server Announcement] [Official Notice] We hereby announce the upcoming large-scale event taking place across All Labyrinth Zones. Based on East Asia Server time (Seoul, South Korea), the grand event will commence at 18:00 tomorrow. This is the Temple of Apophis event. Temple of Apophis will be linked to all regions of Eternal World, and the event-exclusive monster, Black Serpent, will begin appearing in all hunting grounds. The Black Serpent will scale to the level of its spawning zone, and it will be significantly stronger than other monsters. Players who defeat five Black Serpents will be granted immediate entry into Temple of Apophis. Once inside, players will be categorized into level brackets of 50 levels each: Level 1C49Level 50C99Level 100C149...and so on, up to Level 350.(This division follows the milestone level thresholds related to class advancements.) Within Temple of Apophis, battles will take place within each level bracket. Contribution points will be separately recorded for each level bracket.Rankings and contribution scores will determine rewards.Defeating Black Serpents before entering the temple does not count towards contribution points.We hope for high participation. Thank you. E-World Management Team A massive server-wide event had been confirmed. And the gaming community exploded with excitement. Every level bracket would be able to participate! But more importantly Wait, does this mean the solo rankers are coming out!? Did you see the rewards? The Temple of Apophis gives 4x experience gainstheres no way solo rankers are skipping this! Rank 4 and above might hold off to see if theres a better alternative. Nah, the max level bracket is 350, and Rank 4 is already 360. Theyre not eligible. So from Rank 5 to Rank 9, including Yuna, will be participating!? I cant miss this.... The biggest talking point of this event was, without a doubt, the solo rankers. Since the launch of Eternal World, solo rankers rarely crossed paths. Unlike the double rankers, whose rankings had stabilized, the solo ranks were still shifting. And among them, Yuna was the ultimate underdoga rising star who had climbed to Rank 9 despite starting two months late. Everyone was dying to see how Yuna would fare against the other solo rankers. Would they fight? Would they cooperate? Honestly, it didnt matter. The fact that they were gathering in one place was already legendary. The community was buzzing. And when Rank 5 through Rank 9 officially confirmed their participation, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Normally, a Demon King appearance would have been hyped. But this time The solo rankers completely stole the spotlight. - Hahaha!! We get to see Scarlett in action!!! - Do you think shell stream it? Shes barely done any streams since hitting Rank 5. - Forget Scarlett. If youre Korean, you should be hyped for Yuna and Kang Hoon. - Nah, Kang Hoons kind of an ass. - Agreed. Who cares if hes Rank 6? His attitude sucks. - But Yunas both beautiful AND has a great personality! - Eh... lets not pretend shes a saint. - Anyway, as long as Rank 7 Maou loses, Im happy. - Yeah, Maou losing is a must. - Pfft, you think Maou is gonna lose? Chinas best wont fall that easily! Arguments broke out in every gaming community worldwide. And with only the Rank 5C9 solo rankers participating in the 350+ bracket, anticipation was sky-high. After all, every gamer in the world loves to debate power rankings. It didnt matter if someones rank was lowerpeople still argued about who was actually stronger. That was why this event was drawing insane attention. But there was one difference this time - So were actually going to see the solo rankers clash? - Dude, Im way too excited for this. - Bro, I dont think I can sleep tonight. - But isnt the event too big for a live stream to be popular? - Thats why theyre not selling live tickets. Theyre just streaming it normally and posting full footage later. - All the top rankers are doing that? - Yep. - Holy shit, this is gonna be legendary. Rather than trying to monetize live tickets, the decision was made to stream the event for free and release highlights afterward. Many playersrealizing they wouldnt make an impact in the eventdecided to just watch the stream instead. So when the event finally began, all eyes were on the solo rankers. Despite the massive number of participants, a large portion of the player base opted to spectate instead. The event required hunting five Black Serpents before entering the temple, so the early game might have been slow. But That was far from the truth. - ITS OPEN!!! - LETS GOOOO!!! - BRO, THE VIEWER COUNT JUST HIT 1 MILLION!!! - ALL THE SOLO RANKER STREAMS BROKE 100K CONCURRENT VIEWERS WTF!!! - THIS IS INSANE!!! - AND THIS IS BEFORE THEY EVEN ENTER THE TEMPLE!!! - Dude, this is gonna be all about control. Since the Black Serpents scale to level, its all about who can kill them fastest. The solo rankers were all at similar levels. But at Level 350, every single level counted. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. That meant whoever had the best control would be the first to enter the temple. Every ranker was racing to take down their fifth Black Serpent first. But then - Wait... why are the Black Serpents so strong? - Dude, these things are RAID BOSS tier!!! - WTF IS THIS BALANCE!? - EVERY LEVEL BRACKET IS STRUGGLING WTF. All across Eternal World, players were struggling against the Black Serpents. Even high-level players were having a hard time. However The solo rankers werent struggling at all. From Rank 9 Yuna to Rank 5 Scarlett, Each of them displayed superior control and efficiency. Their gameplay was on a completely different level. This was proof They werent high-ranked just because they grinded. They were here because their control was unparalleled. And now, it was a race to see Who would take down their fifth Black Serpent first? - Holy shit, I cant breathe. - WHOS GONNA BE FIRST!? - YUNA IS SLIGHTLY AHEAD!!! - ITS LITERALLY A FEW SECONDS APART!!! - SHE HAS AN 18-SECOND LEAD!!! - SHES ABOUT TO FINISH OFF HER FIFTH!!! As thousands of viewers switched between multiple solo ranker streams, And as the rankers pushed their skills to the limit Just as Yuna swung her blade for the final blow on the fifth Black Serpent Something unexpected happened. [Lv.200 - Seong (East Asia Server) has entered Temple of Apophis.] [Lv.352 - Yuna (East Asia Server) has entered Temple of Apophis.] [Lv.358 - Scarlett (Europe Server) has entered Temple of Apophis.] [Lv.356 - Kang Hoon (East Asia Server) has entered Temple of Apophis.] [Lv.353 - Noctis (America Server) has entered Temple of Apophis.] [Lv.355 - Maou (East Asia Server) has entered Temple of Apophis.] ...... ...... ...... The first name to appear in the system message was not a solo ranker. It was a player more famous by the title Demon King rather than his in-game username. ????????????????????? What the hell?????? Huh?No way, why is he here???Demon King hyung??????????? Seriously, what is this? A bug?No, no, no, no, no, I was watching his streamhe entered 30 seconds before Yuna.?????????? For real?The community exploded into chaos. While everyones attention had been on the solo rankers Seong had outpaced them all with raw control and entered before anyone else. For a moment, there was nothing left to say. Even those who had doubted the Demon King, those who insisted that no matter how strong he was, he could never match the control of solo rankers Silence. What the hell am I looking at?Demon King is insane;;;;;Do we need to start calling him the Demon Emperor now?LMAO exactly hahahahaha. The shock of Seongs entrance lasted only a moment. The viewers refocused on the solo rankers. No matter how amazing Seong was People had gathered for this. Demon King hitting solo ranker tier would be sick.Yeah, thatd be insane.But first, lets watch. We need to see what the solo rankers do.As the viewers returned their attention to the true stars of the event They witnessed history in the making. A sight never before seen. The solo rankers, face to face in one place. Just as the chat erupted in excitement Srrrrng. The first ? N o v e l i g h t ? to draw their weapon Scarlett. As if it had already been agreed upon, as if there was no need for words She unsheathed her sword. And immediately Kang Hoon tightened his grip on his spear. Maou drew an arrow and aimed directly at Yuna. Noctis gripped his twin staves, already weaving a spell. For a moment, the viewers hesitatedwhat was happening? But Yuna, as if completely unsurprised, moved first. She was so fast that the others lost sight of her for a split second. And in that split second She drew her sword and slashed faster than any blade had ever cut before. There was no escape. Noctis took the full force of the attack. As a ranker, he managed to raise a partial magic barrier But he couldnt fully block it. A follow-up arrow from Maou shot toward Yuna But with a single flick of her sword, she knocked it aside. Her movements Like a dance of the blade, Flowing with deadly elegance. Each step forward made the ground beneath her heavier Yet, her sword strikes only grew faster. What began as gentle, flowing strikes Quickly became a raging storm, a typhoon of blades. And Noctis Coughed up blood. He was launched backward, crashing violently into the temple wall. BOOOOM!!! The others were no better off. Even as Yuna cut through the air, her next target was already set. Maou. Seeing this Maou tried to retreat, arrow still drawn Kang Hoon moved to intercept Yuna But he lost sight of her. And by the time she reappeared Schlck!!! Maous right arm was impaled. The moment Kang Hoon realized what had happened He and Scarlett both attacked simultaneously. But Yuna parried both their weapons in one motion and Kicked Kang Hoon with enough force to send him flying like a cannonball. BOOM!!! Scarlett tried to press forward But Yuna retreated, clicking her tongue as she brushed her lips with her thumb. "Tsk. Four is a bit annoying." ?????????Excuse me?????Did she just overpower all four of them and then casually say, Four is a bit annoying??????I have no words.Holy shit, Yuna is a monster. Chapter 243 Scarlett charged forward, activating her skill, but Yuna effortlessly evaded the attack and retreated. Her expression remained unreadable, her face a blank slate. However, as she watched Scarlett lunge at her again, Yuna''s thoughts churned. The chat was buzzing with comments, but Yuna had meant exactly what she said. The previous clash had not lasted long. She should have pushed at least one of them to the brink of defeat by now. ''This is troublesome.'' Scarlett, a knight-class. Kang Hoon, a mid-range spear wielder. Maou, a swift and threatening archer. Noctrynium, a mage capable of applying multiple debuffs. Their combination was unexpectedly effective. If her initial ambush had taken even one of them out, the fight would have shifted in her favor. Unfortunately, she had missed that chance. The only fortunate thing was that they had no healer. They likely had backup plans, but so did Yuna. Her cold, expressionless face surveyed them as she adjusted her grip on her sword. The four solo rankers, in contrast, had expressions twisted with frustration. "......" "......Hmm." "......Hah." "Tch." That brief clash had made it clear to all of them. In terms of sheer control, defeating Yuna would not be easy. If they had fought her one-on-one, would any of them lasted long? They were some of the closest to the peak, yet Compared to Yuna, who was rising from below like a storm, they felt like fireflies before the sun. Many geniuses existed, but there could only be one true apex. And here, the one closest to that summit was undoubtedly Yuna. They had always known this. But experiencing it firsthand made the truth undeniable. A tense standoff filled the air. The viewers, watching from their screens, gripped their seats and swallowed nervously. But why are they fighting?Theyve always seemed to dislike Yuna, but now theyre actually working together.Didn''t Yuna initiate the fight first?Nope, they were preparing to attack first, even planning a joint assault. Lol.They had a coordinated ambush from the start?? Damn, thats cheap...Lmao, but honestly, watching this fight, it makes sense. Yuna is absolutely terrifying.The tension reached its breaking point. Yuna moved first. She kicked off the ground, lowering her posture dangerously close to the floor as she sprinted forward. Maou, already nocking an arrow, was the first to react. His skill-activated arrow streaked through the air, leaving a blue glow like a piece of the sky itself. It was silent in its speed, cutting through the air without resistance. As it flew toward Yuna, the blue energy compressed, surging backward before exploding forward accelerating the arrow even further. The moment it neared Yuna, her pupils locked onto its precise trajectory. She gripped her sword tightly, and an orange light burst forth from its blade. The sword moved Slowly. The arc of the sword was so deliberate, so unhurried, that it seemed impossible for it to intercept the incoming arrow. Yet Before the arrow could reach her, it collided with the swords path. CRACK!!! SHATTER!!! The viewers'' eyes widened. The arrow stopped. Frozen in mid-air as cracks spread across it. The blue energy surrounding it fractured and dispersed into shimmering dust. The arrow itself crumbled, dissolving into nothingness as the orange afterimage of Yunas sword remained suspended in the air, gleaming like a jewel. The arrows remnants scattered like a celestial river of light. Yet, Maouwho had fired itbit his lip hard in frustration and immediately prepared another shot. Using the momentary distraction, Noctrynium finished casting his spell. FWOOOOOSH!!! CRACKLE!!! One of his staves unleashed a massive energy beam, a blazing pillar of light. The other wrapped the beam in crackling electricity, turning it into an electrified magic cannon. It was nowhere near as fast as Maous arrow But in terms of sheer power, it surpassed it by miles. This wasnt just a distraction It was meant to kill. Noctrynium grinned, confident. "Even Yuna cant come out of this unscathed." Yuna stared at the attack, her eyes calculating. It was fast, but barely avoidable. However She knew Noctrynium'' specialty. ''If I dodge, he''ll make it track me.'' A homing spell was the most likely outcome. In that brief instant, she abandoned thought And let instinct take over. Yuna haltedcompletely stopping in place. Her blade ignited with an orange aura. Unlike before, this time She twisted her entire body to the limit. Her hips, shoulders, and core wound up like a coiled spring. Her eyes flashed. And then The coil snapped. Her sword swung. A towering orange slash burst forth. The massive wave of energy stood still in midair, embedded in space like a living entity. Then BOOOOOOOM!!! The energy blast collided And split in half. The two halves of the magic cannon flew past her, barely grazing the air beside her shoulders. Standing unscathed, Yuna exhaled steadily. Noctrynium expression twisted. Kang Hoon, watching, felt his hands tighten around his spear. For him, this was personal. A fellow Korean. YetYuna had always overshadowed him. A deep-rooted inferiority flared in his chest. He hated it. The fact that she was getting even further ahead. He couldnt allow that. Koreas strongest had to be him. With that single thought, Kang Hoon gripped his spear And a dragon coiled around its shaft. The phantom of a dragon, merging with his weapon, roared forward. Simultaneously A blue-tinged arrow shot forward to match his assault. This time, she wont be able to avoid it. Kang Hoon surged forward, Maous arrow covering him A two-pronged attack. If Yuna blocked, she would ~Nvlight~ be hit by the arrow. If she dodged, the arrow would track her. A perfect trap. A deadlock. A scenario where she had no options. Or so they thought. Yunaexpressionlessassessed her surroundings. ''Hmm.'' And then She swung her sword. Her blade, sometimes slow, sometimes too fast to see A chaotic storm of orange energy erupted outward. The phantom dragons head was shredded. The arrow disintegrated mid-air. Both attacks were nullified in an instant. Kang Hoon and Maous eyes widened in shock. And in that briefest of moments Scarlett made her move. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Her entire body burned with a crimson aura as she charged Like a meteor crashing toward Yuna. And Yuna, calmly raising her sword, prepared to block it head-on. Her skill was still on cooldown. So she would have to take it head-on. ''...Tsk.'' As soon as Yuna''s usually expressionless face showed the slightest crack and she clicked her tongue, it became clear. Even for Yuna, this situation was difficult. But she did not give up. Her eyes gleamed with sharp focus as she gripped the sword in her right hand with both hands. It was as if she was about to perform a kendo match. Scarlett''s eyebrow twitched as she noticed. No one in this room was unaware that Yuna had once won the World Kendo Championship. That stance was something Scarlett found highly unsettling. But it didnt matter. She had already activated her skill, and Yuna was currently unable to use hers. Scarlett didnt expect to win with just this one strike. But she was certain that she could at least gain the upper hand. Believing that without a doubt, Scarlett charged forward. And as she did, Yuna didnt flinch. KUAHHHHH!!! Scarletts crimson aura stretched behind her like a comet, soaring forward like a meteor, her sword slashing down with a pressure that seemed to crush everything in its path. It felt as if gravity had multiplied several times over. In that overwhelming force, Yuna tightened her grip and focused her mind to its absolute limit. Her breath felt heavy, her chest compressed under the pressure. In that moment, she let out all the air she had been holding. "Fuuuuh" Forgetting even to breathe, she pushed her concentration to the edge. And in that absolute state of focus, everything became clear. Not just her vision. She could feel every sensation on her skin, hear every sound with impossible clarity, smell the faintest traces of the air. Everything heightened, pushing Yunas senses to the limit. With all of that surging through her, she thrust her sword forward. It wasnt particularly fast, nor was it excessively slow. It was unlike any of Yunas usual sword strikes. Normally, her attacks varied between slow but overwhelmingly powerful or fast but light. But this time, her sword simply moved, as if the action itself was its only purpose. When it met Scarletts descending attack, Yuna felt the rebounding force. The sheer power of Scarletts aura, which was capable of cutting through anything in its path, was enough to send Yunas sword recoiling. Yet Yuna did not resist it. She accepted it. At the same time, she pulled back her sword as if she were reeling in a fish, spinning her body in a swift motion. The moment she made contact with Scarletts attack, she redirected the repelling force, using it to propel herself into a spin. "...!!!" Scarletts charge veered off course. NoYuna had perfectly manipulated Scarletts momentum, slipping past her like flowing water. In a moment that felt like time had stopped, Scarlett realized it. Her senses had never been this sharp before. Everything was so clear. Had she ever experienced this level of concentration before? As she thought that, a chilling sensation ran down her spine. Thenshe heard it. No, she didnt really hear it. It was too fast to be perceived by sound. But somehow, she knew. Shhhh The sharp sound of someone inhaling. And then. Crack, crack. Yunas muscles, swollen to their absolute limit with tension, twisted as she moved. Even in this slowed world, Yunas blazing orange blade moved at an impossible speed. Like the radiant sun itself, the golden streak of her sword surged toward Scarlett. And the moment she felt the blade tear through her back KWOAAAAHHHH!!! CRASH! BANG! CRACK! BOOM! Scarlett was sent hurtling through the air. Like a skipping stone, she bounced along the ground, carving deep trenches into it before slamming into a wall. Her breath hitched. "Cough...!" The equipment on her back had been shredded to tatters. Blood gushed from her wounds. Even as she coughed up red, she saw Yuna approaching, sword raised once more. The other rankers rushed forward to intercept her. But Scarlett knew. ...I lost. With that last strike, the outcome had already been decided. 2. When entering the Temple of Apophis, players first arrived at the waiting room. A vast, pure-white space where they had to wait for others to enter. Naturally, Seong, who had entered before any of the single rankers, found it boring. And so Even though he normally didnt respond much to chat when streaming, today, he engaged in conversation. "Are you getting along well with your guild members?" Seeing that message, Seong hesitated for a moment. "Hmm... I do interact with the guild leader and some members now and then... so I guess, yeah?" He hadnt even visited the guild headquarters much. That was the best answer he could give. And then "HOLY SHIT YUNA WON!!!" "SHE REALLY DID IT???" "MAWANG!!! YUNA JUST TOOK THEM ALL DOWN!!!" Seeing the chat explode, Seong let out a small chuckle. So, the single rankers really had fought. And Yuna had won. Well, of course she did. Nodding in acknowledgment, he muttered, "Looks like my sister won." "...Sister?" "??????????" "Wait, what???" "Theyre related???" "Hold up, hold up, hold upare they siblings???" "Does that mean Mawang and Yuna have been close all this time?!" "Damn, they''re both skilled AND good-looking... this is some drama shit." "LOOOOL are they dating?!" As the chat exploded with wild speculation, Seong frowned slightly, visibly annoyed. How the hell were they jumping to that conclusion? For once, the ever-calm and composed Seong spoke without thinking. "Shes my actual sister." "???????????????" "WAIT WHAT." "BLOOD-RELATED?!!" "REAL siblings??? Not just like... calling her sis for fun???" As the chat was flooded with shocked reactions, Seong blinked, suddenly realizing what he had just done. "...Ah. Was I not supposed to say that?" Chapter 244 ??????????????? What did I just hear?Siblings???????Is this a joke???????? The chat exploded in chaos. Seong felt just as awkward. There was no particular reason he hadn''t mentioned it before, but there was also no need to bring it up. It wasnt like he was hiding it, but revealing it in a live broadcast was bound to cause problems. As the realization set in, Seong hesitated slightly. At first, the viewers thought it was a joke, but as they observed his reaction, they began to realize the truth. Wow, so its real?LMAO, its actually true.Did he just say something he wasnt supposed to?LOL, look at the Demon King being all cautious.LOL why would you even say that?Honestly, if people kept pairing me up with my sister, Id say it too.;; Yeah, Id probably blurt it out right away too ;; This was definitely real. After all, if someone kept asking if he was dating his sister, even Seong wouldnt be able to endure it. Just then, a message popped up for him. [Rapid - Its fine, dont worry about it. Just keep going with the stream!] [Seong - Thank you.] Luckily, someone from the guild was monitoring the stream and responded right away. Since it didnt seem like a big issue, Rapid handled it smoothly. Seeing that made Seong relax a little, his expression easing up. LOL judging by his face, the guild leader probably said its fine.Yeah, I mean, its not like they had any reason to hide the fact that theyre siblings.Wow, so this means the two of them have been dominating Eternal World as a sibling duo???No wonder people kept saying, If youre Korean, watch the Demon King or Yuna. Turns out, you just had to watch both.LMAO, for real. Since the atmosphere wasnt too bad, Seong let out a small breath of relief. Maybe it was just because he wasnt used to streaming. These kinds of small slip-ups were bound to happen. I need to be more careful. Live broadcasts had moments like this. From now on, hed be more cautious. As Seong made up his mind, he was about to resume engaging with the chat when He noticed someone entering the waiting room. Well, it was about time for others to start showing up. And he wasnt the only one who saw it. Oh? A new player just entered?Already? Even the Double Rankers havent made it through yet???Damn, that was fast!?Who is it???Their username is Reaper? Since the system announcement displayed the ranking update, everyone could see the name. The unfamiliar username belonged to a man who silently scanned the waiting room before locking eyes with Seong. Seong stared at the man called Reaper, lost in thought. Dressed in black assassin attire. Clearly unusual. And since he arrived even faster than the Double Rankers, there was no doubt about his skills. Seong had expected the Luna Team, the backup team, to arrive first. Narrowing his eyes, he examined the man. And the man, having spotted Seong, immediately started walking toward him. Is he looking for a fight? Since Seong wasnt the type to back down from a challenge, he subtly prepared himself. Just as Reaper was about to approach him Oh! The Luna Team is here!I see some unfamiliar names!?They havent streamed in a while, this should be interesting! The chat flooded with excitement. A sudden influx of players entered the waiting room. Twelve in total. And leading them was none other than Luna. However, her outfit was anything but ordinary. A barbarian warriors attire, revealing far more skin than it covered. Without realizing it, Seong averted his gaze. Oh damn.......Uh.......Wow.......Ahem, no wonder the Demon King is looking away. The chat exploded once more. And perhaps noticing the attention, Lunas face flushed as she hurriedly tried to explain. T-This is just my battle outfit! D-Dont misunderstand! ...? Luna, saying that only makes it worse. Ah, ah! Her words only made things even more suspicious. Regardless, the priority right now was stopping the person approaching Seong. It wasnt that they didnt trust his skills. That was simply the ? Nvl?g?t ? (Official version) backup teams role. So, they all subtly positioned themselves to guard Seong, eyeing the stranger warily. ...Its been a while. Hnnng~ You really put us through hell, you know~ ...Yeah, you really worked us to the bone. It had been a while since Seong last saw the Luna Team. Longfeng, looking a little sheepish. Elzahar, still as relaxed as ever. And Hwa-Wol, just as awkward. All greeting him. Its been a while. Seong greeted them back with a smile. Not wanting to be left out, Embris Party chimed in. Ah! Dont forget about us! We havent even repaid our debt to you yet. Thats right, thanks to you, we got stronger. Honestly, it was kinda rough, though. But hey, at least we got into Rapid Guild! This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. From Embris herself to Usagi, Menma, and Chako, they all enthusiastically approached Seong. Since he had met them before, Seong greeted them with a small nod. And then Ahem! Seong, it seems you''ve grown even stronger since we last met. Ahem! Lets have some tea together next time. It was none other than Joseons Greatest Swordsman, Kim Che-geon. However. Ah, maybe next time. Seong politely declined the invitation. But Kim Che-geon, unfazed, simply nodded happily. And watching him Haha! This isnt gonna be easy! Phew, we still have a long way to go. Curoasawa Ren and Mayrin also joined the lively reunion. Seong exchanged greetings with everyone. And then, finally, he turned to look at the last person. Not all the backup team members were familiar faces. Who is he? ...So this is the Demon King. Both Seong and Kyou were meeting for the first time. Since Seong had only fought Fiora, he had never seen Kyou before. Likewise, Kyou had never actually seen Seong in person. The two of them awkwardly stared at each other, feeling a bit unfamiliar. They both found the encounter interesting, but neither voiced their thoughts. After a brief moment of hesitation, they gave each other a small nod in greeting. And with that, the formalities were out of the way. At that moment, everyone turned to face the man standing before Seong, their eyes filled with caution. A man who had appeared out of nowhere. Someone with absolutely no prior reputation. Naturally, they were on high alert. This wasn''t just some random player. He had entered even faster than the Double Rankersan exceptional feat. Which was why the entire backup team remained on edge. Individually, this man could be stronger than any of them. ...... Yet, the man showed no change in expression. As if he didn''t care about being outnumbered. Or perhaps he had another purpose. At the forefront, Embris and Luna, both having reached the Almighty tier as melee specialists, stood like a solid wall. Behind them, the recently Legendary-ranked Kim Che-geon, Longfeng, Hwa-Wol, Mayrin, and Kurosawa Ren took position. Further in the back, Embris party, along with Elzaharwho provided supportand another Almighty-tier player, Kyou, were stationed. Ready to back Seong up at a moments notice. An attack squad befitting the name. As she observed the stand-off, Luna thought to herself. Where the hell did this guy come from? She always kept track of all the major streamers at similar levels. Yet she had never heard of a player this skilled at around level 200. A strong player under the alias Reaper. Sure, Embris had also been a hidden powerhouse. It was possible someone else like that had emerged. But watching the way this man intentionally approached Seong... It felt suspicious. That was why she had moved to protect him. To be honest, it was frustrating. The backup team hadnt simply arrived here by chance. They had each defeated Black Death individually before entering. And yet, while all of them had arrived at roughly the same time... This guy had come in much faster. Which meant he had the potential to become a Single Ranker. The entire backup team consisted of top-tier Double Rankers. So their pride naturally took a hit. ...Sigh. She knew there were plenty of hidden experts out there. But they sure had a habit of popping up at the most unexpected times. Maybe it was because Seong kept showcasing overwhelming strength? It felt like he was constantly drawing in these types. Just like with Kyou and Embris. Hopefully, this one would also turn out to be an ally. But it was too early to tell. So she had to remain cautious. Whats his goal? Just as Luna thought that The man vanished. Teleportation? No, he had simply moved at an absurd speed. Luna barely managed to track his movement as she shifted her gaze. At the same time, Embris spread her energy across the area, activating a detection skill. But his movement was too fast. Hard to follow. Kyou and the others tried to intercept him. But he slipped past every single one of them. Approaching Seong. And in response, the entire backup team unleashed their skills. The moment he moved, Elzaharknown as the Binding Magecast Frozen Prison, forming an ice cage. But by the time it materialized, the man was already gone. Whoosh! Kim Che-geon reacted quickly, drawing his sword and launching a precise strike. But the man leapt into the air, flipping nimbly, avoiding the attack. Then, as Hwa-Wol and Longfeng rushed in from the front And Mayrin and Kurosawa Ren flanked him from behind The mans body sank into the ground. No, not the ground. He turned into a shadow, merging into a puddle of darkness. And then He spiked upward like a dagger. Kyou''s eyes flashed as he fired a bolt of lightning. The attack covered a wide area, making it nearly impossible to dodge. As the thunderclap echoed, everyone instinctively moved away. However. The man, still in shadow form, shifted back into his human shape. Clasping his hands together. And then He vanished again. Not as a shadow this time. He disappeared completely. And at that moment, a system message appeared before Seongs eyes. [Due to the effects of the Almighty-tier item, Primordial Demon Crest Ring, teleportation to this location has been delayed.] So he had been using teleportation all along. Realizing this, Seong turned his head. By then, the backup team was already lunging forward. Or at least, they tried to. Before they could fully react The teleportation delay ended. And the manReaperstood directly in front of Seong. Seong immediately prepared himself. But just as he was about to react The man, noReaperreached into his coat. A situation where an attack was almost certain. Seong instinctively began to cast magic. Yet, something about it felt... off. So he hesitated. And then What Reaper pulled out was neither a weapon nor a skill activation crystal. Instead A blank sheet of paper. And a pencil. ...What the hell? ......? ......??? Huh? Everyone, including Seong, made dumbfounded noises. Reaper scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. Then, with a sheepish smile, he spoke. P-P-Please... I-I''m a fan! C-C-Could I get your autograph? Seong''s face went blank. Everyone around them fell silent. And then As if just remembering something, Reaper suddenly said, Oh! Right! I also have something to give you. He sent a trade request. And a system message appeared. [User Reaper wishes to trade the Hero Hindel set items Galaxys Emblem and Oath of the Stars.] [Do you accept?] [Yes / No] ...What the hell is this? And then P-Please! You can have it! Justjust give me your autograph! Seong stared at him. Is this a prank? Chapter 245 This situation... if it wasnt a prank, what else could it be? Seong couldnt help but have that thought. But what reason would there be to deceive him? Would someone really go as far as giving away these items just for that? For a brief moment, Seongs mind raced. It was definitely strange. The Hindel Set isnt something you just come across easily. So then, who could have sent him? If it had been someone from Rapid Guild, they would have told him in advance. But it wasnt likely that this guy was simply handing it over out of pure admiration. He probably didnt even know whether Seong already had pieces of the Hindel Set or not. Which meant They knew I had the Hindel Set, and they had the power to obtain more of it? There was only one possible answer. Overpalace. They were trying to deliver the items like this? Had they really orchestrated a server-wide, all-level event just to pass him these items? It was ridiculous. The sheer absurdity of it made Seong stare at Reaper in disbelief before asking: ...Are you from Overpalace? Y-you figured it out?! Reapers expression was pure shock. Of course, it could have been a bluff. But if that reaction was just acting... It was almost convincing enough to fool him. Regardless, Seong accepted the trade. [You have exchanged Hero Hindels Set Items Galaxys Emblem and Oath of the Stars.] [You have obtained two additional Legendary Set Items from Hero Hindels Set.] [Set effects have now been activated up to Level 6.] The system message confirmed it. He hadnt doubted it was real, but seeing the set effect apply made him go: ...Oh. A short but impressed reaction. Still. The fact that Overpalace was using a player to deliver these items? That was impressive. A player could have easily taken off with the items. And yet, they didnt. Actually, my master asked me to deliver them. ...Hmm. Well, at least he was being honest I was poisoned... If I disobey orders, my character gets deleted. ...Ah. There was always a reason. Seong had momentarily forgotten. Overpalace always finds a way. But wait, what kind of poison even does that? Seong gave Reaper a baffled look. Noticing it, Reaper scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Haha, but even if it wasnt an order, I wouldve happily given them to you, Demon King! S-so, um... could I please get an autograph? Why was he so obsessed with an autograph? Seong couldnt understand it, but with an exasperated sigh, he accepted the paper and signed it. KYAAAH! Reaper squealed with joy. Not just himthe entire backup team stood frozen, staring at him like he was insane. This guy... the same guy who had taken down Black Death as fast as a Single Ranker. It was kind of humiliating for them. Despite how completely unhinged he seemed... His skill was undeniable. Even Seong found it bizarre. Well, he did mention having a master... Seong hadnt fully assessed his abilities. But if he was a disciple of an Overpalace executive Then, yeah. His level of skill made sense. Should I restart the stream? Reaper had approached him as if they were discussing a secret. So Seong had momentarily turned off the broadcast. Now that Overpalace had come up in conversation... He figured hed stopped at the right moment. As soon as he resumed the stream, the chat exploded. What just happened???Werent they about to fight????????? Why is that guy smiling???Hes holding a piece of paper and grinning like an idiot???Yeah, hes definitely crazy;; The viewers hadnt seen what happened. But some of the sharper ones quickly figured out that Reaper was, in fact, completely insane. To clarify things, Seong spoke up. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. There was some confidential information being discussed, so I paused the stream for a moment. I apologize for not being able to share the details. At that, the chat instantly calmed down. Ohhh, no worries~That makes sense.Ah, yeah, if its classified info, nothing you can do.?????? (Agreed x3). The responses were overwhelmingly positive. As Seong let out a small breath of relief, he thought Should I check the items? He had seen the message confirming the set effect. But he hadnt actually looked at them yet. If he wanted to use them at Apophis Temple, it would be best to equip them immediately. Ensuring that the viewers couldnt see his inventory, he opened the item descriptions. Two items unfolded before his eyes. Galaxys Emblem Legendary(Growth-Type) A symbol once carried by Hindel, the Warrior of the Galaxy. Said to contain fragments of his understanding of the Galaxy Sword Dance. +30% damage to sword-related skills. +50% base attack power for sword techniques. If the wielder has learned the Galaxy Sword Dance, they will gain the opportunity to master its ultimate techniques. The emblem will evolve when its ultimate techniques are learned. Oath of the Stars Legendary A shoulder guard once worn by Hindel, reforged with star-infused metal containing the power of the galaxy. Said to hold the pure power of the stars, granting immense strength. +50% movement speed when equipped. Grants access to Stellar Core. Grants 3 uses per day of Heavy Star. Stellar Core: Increases gravity within a 10-meter radius by 1,500%. However, the user cannot escape its effects. Heavy Star: Increases the users weight by 3,000%, but the user does not feel the added weight. Hero Hindels Set (6/8) +20% damage to sword skills. +20% overall damage. +30% health regeneration. +10% attack power. +30% damage for star and galaxy-related skills. +30% total damage. [Locked] [Locked] ...Wow. Even Seong couldnt help but be amazed at the item effects. Both Galaxys Emblem and Oath of the Stars were incredible. Especially Galaxys Emblemonce he fully mastered Hindels Blade and learned the Galaxy Sword Dance, its usefulness would skyrocket. And Oath of the Stars had effects that were worth testing immediately. That wasnt all. The set effects... A 30% increase in star- and galaxy-related skill power and an additional 30% boost to all damage. The effects were insane. It was natural for the set bonuses to improve as he collected more pieces. But the sheer power of the buffs surprised even him. This is a huge gain. Seong finished checking the items and was about to simply wait for the next wave of participants to arrive when I want to fight. ...??? Kyou! Haaah. A sudden voice cut through the air. It was Kyouthe person Seong had just met for the first time. ???Whats happening???Kyou??! Isnt he the Rookie Slayer???Oh damn, he joined the backup team???If that guy, whos so full of himself, is following the Demon King, thats a big deal.But why is he randomly picking a fight???Is he challenging the Demon King???The chat erupted in a frenzy. Plenty of people still remembered Kyou. So when he suddenly spoke like that, it was natural for things to get chaotic. Especially since he seemed to be challenging Seong. Just as Luna was about to step in to stop him Kyou shook his head. Not the Demon King... You. Reaper. ...??? Reaper, who had been happily clutching his signed paper, tilted his head in confusion. As if wondering why he was being challenged. Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he gasped and narrowed his eyes. With a sharp glare, he swiftly hid his autograph behind his back. I will not give you my signature. Kyou looked at him like he was an idiot. And the others... They all turned to Kyou. Was this fight about... an autograph? However, Kyou simply said, ...I dont need it. W-what!? Reaper flinched as if he had just been deeply insulted. That signature was precious! He was absolutely heartbroken. Meanwhile, the chat So why is Kyou challenging him???No idea???But this is gonna be entertaining, so lets just watch.LMAO, for real.Yeah, ????.????.From the audiences perspective, this was peak entertainment. That much was clear. Luna sighed, feeling conflicted. What should I do...? Just telling Kyou to stop would probably hurt his pride. After all, everyone in Seongs backup team had gathered here to be the strongest, aside from Seong himself. Losing to someone else at the same level would be unacceptable. Especially for someone like Kyou. However, Reaper was a huge fan of Seong and seemed friendly. If handled well, they could even get him to join Rapid ? N o v e l i g h t ? Guild. They couldnt afford to make a bad impression. Just as Luna was about to intervene I accept. You want a duel? Reaper spoke. Kyou responded with a sharp nod. Instead of backing down, Reaper tucked away his autograph into his inventory and looked at Kyou with determination. I dont like losing. Then, the referee should be... M-Master Demon King, could you, um, officiate...? He spoke in a strangely hesitant and shy tone. Seong simply nodded. They were offering him free content. Why would he refuse? With Seongs approval, Luna could no longer stop the fight. She sighed deeply. Haaa. Well, this should be interesting. Indeed. If Kyou hadnt spoken up, I might have challenged him myself. That makes sense. Hahahaha! This is getting exciting! One by one, the backup team gathered around Luna, chatting among themselves. Truthfully, all of them had their pride wounded. A guy they had never heard of, Reaper, had entered the waiting room before any of them. Naturally, they wanted to see how strong he really was. Everyone was wondering Would Kyou win? Among the backup team, Kyou was joint-ranked first in combat ability. He was on the same level as Luna, Embris, and Kim Che-geon. However, Kim Che-geon had reached Legendary status in his third class advancement. If Kyou advanced to Almighty, Kim Che-geon might surpass him. Regardless If Kyou and Reaper fought head-on They would finally be able to gauge Reapers true strength. Since everyones blood was boiling, they were eager to see how this fight would play out. Reapers combat record was similar to Single Rankers, so his skill must be insane, right?Yeah, this is gonna be wild.But Kyou isnt weak either.True, he was right behind them.He definitely had the potential to reach that level.The viewers were just as hyped. At the same time I must win... After losing to the Demon Kings subordinates, Kyou had sworn never to lose again. But he had failed. Even against Embris, who had recently joined, he couldnt claim victory. Nor could he against Kim Che-geon. Or Luna. He refused to let another obstacle stand in his way. His ego and pride had taken a hit. But losing to a guy like this? Absolutely not. With that thought, Kyous entire body began to crackle with electricity. Meanwhile, Reaper He remained completely still. As if he wasnt preparing at all. Seong observed them for a moment. Then, he opened his mouth and spoke. ...Begin. At that command The waiting room erupted into a storm of lightning. Chapter 246 When Kyou first joined the backup team, he wasnt like this. He had only one goalstay as close as possible to the Demon King so he could one day defeat him. That was the only reason he joined. But as time passed and he adapted to the team, his perspective began to shift. Instead of seeing the Demon King as just a target to be conquered He found himself following him. And the more he followed, the more he realized... Hes a monster. Kyou had already suspected as much. But now, it was undeniable. If he had tried to compete alone, he never would have kept up. Nohe still hadnt caught up. It felt more like he was barely holding on, forcing himself to keep up through sheer willpower. Even leveling wasnt easy. Their entire group was training at a level beyond full power, constantly growing stronger in real-time. Something he never could have accomplished alone. And yet For someone as prideful as Kyou, it was an entirely new feeling. He had always believed he was perfect. That he was the only true strong one. Single Rankers? He had dismissed them as mere mortals who had simply started playing before him. But reality was different. ...I couldnt even defeat Kim Che-geons older sister. Not even that ridiculous woman. His record against Kim Che-geon was practically tied. Most of their fights had ended in draws. And even in the few victories he did manage, the number of losses was about the same. Had his world expanded? With this team, it felt like nothing was impossible. Yet still, the Demon KingSeongremained untouchable. Still far out of reach. That feeling remained. But he forced himself to ignore it. He had to believe that with this team, they could eventually reach him. That they could become the true backup team for the Demon King. That was what he believed. And then Reaper appeared. With a ridiculous attitude, similar to Kim Che-geon. ...And he got here before us? Kyou refused to accept that. He was faster than Kim Che-geon, Luna, and Embris. And faster than him. That thought alone made his blood boil. Their teamaside from the Demon Kinghad to be the strongest. And he was going to prove it. Luna, Kim Che-geon, and Embris were all on his level. So if he defeated Reaper It would prove that they were stronger. Even if Reaper had defeated Black Death faster Kyou would prove that he was stronger. Because this was his team. Kyou was fully determined. ...! At first, Reaper thought it was just a casual spar. Kyou seemed young. Maybe it was just reckless pride. But when he saw Kyous eyes He realized. This was serious. And he had to take it seriously too. Kyou wasnt the type of opponent to play around. So Reapers eyes darkened as well. And at that very moment Seongs voice rang out. Begin. And in an instant A storm of lightning erupted. Kyous lightning wasnt colored. If anything, it was pure white. A slightly pale blue tinge mixed within, but at its corepure white. And as it spread outward It erased everything. All thoughts, all distractions, all brief hesitations Leaving only blinding white. Inside this lightning-infused world Everything felt slow. Like a still ocean. And within this ocean, Kyou moved freely. His lightning crackled and expanded, spreading in every direction. Then He gathered it. Condensed it into a single, deadly bolt. And with the lightning clenched in his grasp He fired at Reaper. CRACKLE!!! The lightning bolt shot forward Then split into hundreds, thousands of branching arcs Engulfing everything. Lightning filled the air. The entire waiting room crackled under the force of it. And yet Reaper. Did not. Move. He just stood there. As if it had nothing to do with him. And the moment the lightning struck Reapers body Dissolved. Like smoke. For a moment, Kyou thought it was Embris Mist Form. But nothis was different. Because before the attack, he had been solid. And the moment he was struck, his body vanished. And then Kyou saw it. Even though his lightning had bleached everything white One spot remained A single, dark shadow. A black stain in a world of white. Kyou immediately reacted He shaped his lightning into the form of a bird And launched it at the shadow. It was pure speed. Faster than anything. And for the first time Reapers shadow twitched. Caught off guard. Already? This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Reaper realizedhis matchup here was not great. But it was too late to worry about that now. With one swift motion He emerged from the shadow. And with a gleaming dagger in his reversed grip He sliced through the lightning bird. SLASH!!! CRACKLE!!! As the bird shattered, it released a final discharge of lightning But Reaper was already gone. His speed was remarkable. One of the fastest Kyou had encountered. But not faster than him. Not when he had this form. Like before, when Fiora had summoned the Thunder God. Kyou merged with his lightning Forging it into himself. Sharpening his entire nervous system like a blade. His mind, body, and speed reached their peak. And unlike before He wasnt relying on his physical speed. Faster. He honed his reactions to the limit. Instant spellcasting. As soon as the thought formed The lightning fired. And then A storm of lightning surged toward Reaper. A raging tempest of thunder and destruction. Reaper frowned. The storm was overwhelming. Too wide to dodge. So His body stretched. Like a shadow. And then It split. Multiple copies of Reaper appeared. But the storm swallowed everything. His clones were torn apart. Shredded by lightning. And yet Reaper reappeared Behind Kyou. The perfect assassination. The ideal assassins strike. His dagger flashed Aimed straight for the back of Kyous neck. But in that moment Kyou felt it. And without hesitation He unleashed all of his lightning. A detonation of electricity exploded outward. Tch. Reaper vanished. Reappearing elsewhere. Both of them had insane reaction speeds. And if Kyou hadnt been in this state He might have lost in sheer speed. Now, they were evenly matched. But with Kyous lightning zone in place Reaper couldnt close the gap. Again and again, he tried. And Novelight again and again, Kyou stopped him. HOLY SHIT WHAT IS THIS FIGHT???This is insane;;Theyre both monsters;;;"Hes on a completely different level.""Wow, Kyous skills are actually insane." Even the viewers were in awe of the battle unfolding before them. Luna, Kim Che-geon, and Embris all nodded as they observed. This was the kind of duel that was worth studying. The way they used their skills How they controlled space How they attacked their opponent Everything was a learning experience. Meanwhile. Hmm. Seong watched the fight, tilting his head slightly in confusion. He didnt quite like what he was seeing. While he didnt use Lightning himself often, he could tell Kyou was making mistakes. And Reaper... His movement felt off. Seong sighed. "Wait, the Demon King just sighed?""LMAO does he think theyre just playing around?""He seemed so nice earlier answering questions though?""LOL he really doesnt match his name at all.""But why is he sighing???""For real? Whats wrong with their fight?" The chat buzzed with curiosity. Did Seong really think their fight was bad? Noticing the chat, Seong answered casually. "It just feels... frustrating to watch." The response caught the viewers off guard. "WTF?? That fight looks frustrating???""Is this one of those You''re using it wrong moments???""What kind of world does this guy live in?""Dude, I can barely see whats happening, and hes calling it frustrating???""If anyone else said this, theyd get roasted for talking nonsense LOL.""Yeah, but because its the Demon King, were all just waiting to hear why.""For real LMAO." As the chat filled with laughter, Seong glanced back at the fight. Then, looking at the viewers, he spoke. "Hmm... Let me explain." His voice was just loud enough for the stream to hear. "First, Reaper isnt using his mobility properly. Hes skilled, and he knows how to push his limits, but he keeps preemptively avoiding situations where he thinks he might not keep up. Hes limiting himself." Silence. "???""Bro, what are you even saying?""If we knew this, wed be Rankers too.""Ah ??? just nod and say Ohhh, I see like we get it." They had no idea what he was talking about. To them, Reaper looked flawless. Noticing the confusion, Seong continued. "And Kyou? He doesnt understand the fundamental properties of lightning. His skill usage is inefficient." More silence. "Dude, is he watching a different fight?""Isnt Kyou using lightning perfectly???""What does he mean, doesnt understand lightning???""WTF is happening right now?""Wait, even Lunas team looks shocked.""LMAO theyre all subtly moving closer to listen." It wasnt just the viewers The backup team had been eavesdropping. Everyone in the room wore the same confused expression. Seong frowned slightly. Maybe he wasnt explaining it well enough. Then. He made a decision. "Ill just show you." With a flicker Seong disappeared. Like a shadow fading into darkness. And then He reappeared behind Kyou. But unlike when Reaper had done it Kyou felt nothing. No presence. No warning. No sound. And before he could even react Seong lightly tapped his back with a single finger. Kyou shivered. A cold chill ran down his spine as he whipped around Only to see Reaper still standing in front of him. And as he turned back Seong was already back in his original spot. Kyous eyes widened. So did Reapers. ...??? ...??? Then they both turned to face Seong. Seong crossed his arms. "If youre going to use shadow-based mobility, then you need to layer your movement with additional shadow techniques. That way, you can remain hidden as you strike, rather than just closing distance. The moment you make contact, your presence should be completely erased. Thats how you trick your opponents senses." Silence. "Uh... I dont get it at all...""I literally dont understand anything he just said...""Professor, the lecture is moving too fast..." Seong sighed again, glancing at the chat. But before he could continue ...So what youre saying is? He turned around And saw Kyou and Reaper both staring at him. Eyes glowing. And behind them The entire backup team. Luna. Kim Che-geon. Embris. All of them standing there. Waiting. As if they were ready to take notes. All thoughts of pride, rivalry, and personal grudges were gone. They just wanted to learn. "LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.""It turned into a lecture.""THE FIGHT TURNED INTO A DAMN CLASSROOM.""LMAO they all sat down.""Elite students never miss a lecture~""The Demon King is now a Demon Professor." Chapter 247 3. The company behind Eternal World, E-World, had invested an immense amount of effort to make the game a global success. As a result, regional branches had been established in every major country, ensuring minimal lag worldwide. The games virtual reality synchronization was seamless, with practically no delay between actions. But managing it? That was an entirely different challenge. Especially now With the Apophis Event, an unprecedented server-wide integration, things had become even more complex. The Apophis Special Task Forcea team managing all integrated servershad over 1,000 members working non-stop. And overseeing all of them "Hmm." was none other than Park Won, the genius CEO of E-World. Seated at the control center, Park Won monitored the Apophis Task Force, analyzing reports from across the various server tiers. While the center of Eternal World was designed to integrate all servers, this forced compression of players into a single event space could create instability. Thats why everyone was on high alert. Even Park Wonhis expression tensereviewed the flood of reports: ???? [Server Status Reports] ? 350+ Level Players All defeated except Yuna. ? 300C349 Level Players Fully populated. Most Double Rankers and Triple Rankers are gathered. ? 250C299 Level Players Still gathering. ? 50C99 Level Players Very low participation. ? 200C249 Level Players Still incomplete. Park Won nodded. They still had a long way to go. The waiting room time felt long, but he wasnt concerned. Players were socializing, forming alliances, and analyzing one another. Originally, the developers had considered adding minigames to make waiting more enjoyable, but players were already making their own entertainment. While reviewing everything, Park Wons gaze fell on one particular waiting room The 200C249 Level Room. At the center of that entire group Seong. Park Won wasnt watching the livestream, but even he could tell Seong was teaching them. A smirk tugged at Park Wons lips. Interesting. To think, while everyone else was preparing for Apophis, he was holding a lecture. Not only that Seong had just hit Level 200 and hadn''t received his level-up rewards yet. With his contribution score in the Apophis Raid, he was about to receive an exceptional reward. That damn snake NPC left something ridiculous for him. Of course, Seong might not be able to claim it. The 200C249 level range consisted of strong players. And those at Level 240+ could actually pose a real challenge. But still Lets see how far he can go. And whether or not he could claim the hidden reward left behind in Apophis. For now, though Park Won shifted his focus back to server stability. That was a far more urgent issue. 4. Level 300. Thats when a player officially entered the Ranker tier. At that point, you werent just good. You were one of the elite. Across all servers, there were fewer than 10,000 players at that level. But at Level 350+? There were less than 1,000. These were the ones known as Single Rankers. The apex of Eternal World. And out of all the Single Rankers Only one had emerged victorious in the recent battle. "Huuh..." Breathing heavily, her body covered in wounds Yet still standing tall. HOLY SHIT;;;;That was insane;;;;YUNA, YOURE A QUEEN!!ABSOLUTE BADASS!!!!NUNA, PLEASE KILL ME!!!!The chat exploded. Still gripping her sword, Yuna swept her hair back and sheathed her blade. Though exhausted, this was a rest period, and she was already recovering. At least there was no one else here to bother her. Can I even kill Apophis? Would she need help? Tch. Of course not. That wasnt the problem. The issue was She had burned too many skills. This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight. Most of her high-cooldown abilities were already on lockout. Had that not been the case, shed have been fully confident she could solo Apophis. But now? It was frustrating. As she sat down to recover, she casually glanced at the chat. The messages scrolled rapidly but one caught her eye. Wait, are they actually siblings???Siblings? Why the hell was that coming up now? Yuna frowned, tilting her head. As she hesitated, more messages began appearing Wait, with the Demon King??Apparently he said it himself?That has to be a joke.They dont even seem close.Do they even have any connection? Besides being in the same guild?LOL, is the Demon King lying to boost his brand??Why would he even need to? He literally ranked first in the Black Death Raid.Yeah, but a Single Ranker would still beat him.You really think the Black Death he fought is the same as the ones we fought?What started as casual gossip was quickly turning into drama. Yuna, still unaware of what had actually happened, narrowed her eyes. But she had definitely picked up on one thing. Her voice was sharp. What the hell do they mean fake? Thats annoying. The chat froze. ??????What... did she just say?"Did Yuna just acknowledge chat???""Is this the first time in history?!?!""M-MY CHAT TOO PLEASE!!!""UNNIE!!! PLEASE NOTICE ME TOO!!!""Wait, wasnt Yuna supposed to be OUR Unnie? Is she really the Demon Kings real sister???"The sheer speed of the chat skyrocketed. Even with chat moderators, managing it was impossible. Yuna skimmed through it all with her incredible eyesight And, with a cold expression, she spoke. "We are siblings. Whats the big deal...?" BOOM. The chat exploded. Even though some had doubted that Seong and Yuna were related Many had thought it was impossible. A Single Ranker and a player on his level? As siblings? It was insane. "Wait, now that I think about it... they do kinda look alike???""I always thought they just had that kind of celestial-level beauty, but... damn.""Holy shit, theyre actually related.""LMAO who would''ve thought both siblings were overpowered."Yuna shook her head at the chat. Tch. Who said we werent siblings? If you just look at us, its obvious. At the same time As she continued recovering A thought crossed her mind. Seong... Is he doing okay? A World Boss like Apophis Even she had never fought something like that before. And his level range was 200C249. It wouldnt be easy. Could he actually come out on top? For a moment, Yuna hesitated Then shook her head. Hell be fine. That idiot wasnt some helpless fool. When he actually tried, he did things right. Rather than worrying about him, she should focus on herself. "??? SHES NOT READING CHAT ANYMORE ???""SHE IGNORED ME AGAIN ????""Maybe we can bait her by mentioning the Demon King???""Ooooh""(This user has been banned.)""DO NOT TRY TO BAIT HER OR YOU WILL BE EXILED."With that, the chat gradually returned to normal. 5. Seonghyeons lecture had captured the attention of both Kyou and Reaper, who had been fighting just moments before. Now, they were deeply focused, going over what they had learned with satisfied expressions. Seonghyeon also shared some tips with the other backup team members, who looked especially eager for guidance. After his training with Helena, he had realized many new things. And when it came to swordsmanshipSeonghyeon had always known a lot. There was plenty to teach. Only after he had explained everything to them did new players start to appear. At first, they arrived in small, scattered groups. Then, more and more began pouring in. Hmm. The atmosphere is strange. The players were all staring at each other, their gazes sharp and competitive. But at the same time, whenever they looked at Seonghyeon, their expressions changedlike they were desperate to ask him something. When they had first arrived, everyone had been tense, sticking close to familiar faces and forming alliances. But then After checking the internet and realizing that Seonghyeon had given a full lecture They all started looking at him like anxious puppies about to wet themselves. Even so, they were still just as wary of everyone else. Which made the whole situation look absolutely ridiculous. Hm, there are more people here than I expected, Seonghyeon commented. Its a server integration, after all, Luna replied, adjusting her robe. That made sense. Reaper had even mentioned that he was from a European server. With so many merged servers, it was natural for this many players to show up. But what caught Seonghyeons attention was the way guild members were grouping together. It made sense, of course. The larger the guild, the bigger the crowd. And considering how many players were ? N o v e l i g h t ? in this level range The numbers were only expected to rise. Naturally, Rapid Guild was among them. Theyre all forming groups... should we join the Rapid Guild as well? Seonghyeon asked. Luna shook her head. No. The guilds are forming teams, but our group already revolves around you, Seonghyeon. Theres no need. Ah, I see. Seonghyeon had considered at least going to greet them. But looking at them now They were too busy. Running around, talking to other guilds, exchanging information, gathering intel They had their hands full. It wasnt like he needed to interrupt them. So, after hearing Lunas response, he simply waited. How much time had passed? Then ???? [World Boss: Apophis, the Black Serpent God Raid is Beginning Soon.] ???? [All players, please prepare accordingly.] As soon as the message appeared, everyone stopped talking and shifted into battle mode. The raid was about to start. Seonghyeon, sensing the rising tension, watched in anticipation. Then another message appeared. ???? [Level 200C249 Players will Battle Inside Apophis Inner Sanctum.] ???? [The Grand World Event: Temple of Apophis is now beginning.] The moment the announcement flashed before his eyes Every single player vanished from the waiting room. As Seonghyeons body dissolved into teleportation A faint smirk appeared on his lips. It begins.