“Haam… . ”
Currently, I was lying belly down in a patch of grass in Central Asia .
I left the Tower of Wish the day before the Genghis Khan artifact scramble .
That said, I didn’t plan on joining in the scramble . I was just thinking of helping out if anything unexpected happened .
Of course, I was a sharpshooter, and the excavation site was underground, but it didn’t matter all that much since I planned to add an ‘obstacle piercing’ attribute to my bullets .
In the first place, my sniper rifle was an ‘anti-material’ sniper rifle . It wasn’t specialized for hitting human targets but objects like helicopters and tanks .
As such, the sniper rifle and sniper bullets had an ‘obstacle piercing’ attribute built-in, and I just had to strengthen it using Stigma’s magic power .
I also had another method .
It was currently 5 in the afternoon .
I picked up the [Blessed Bow of Horus] . The sun had set early, so the sky was already dark . If a fight broke out, I should be able to activate [Eye of Horus] for 5 seconds .
Eye of Horus’ Authority was ‘unavoidable lock-on’ . This ability bypassed the world’s law of physics . So long as my targets were within the ability’s range, my attacks would hit them no matter what obstacles lay between them .
In any case, I was observing the excavation site from a somewhat faraway place . Because Central Asia was entirely flat, it was hard to find a place to hide, but I disguised myself perfectly with Aether . If anyone was looking at me from the sky, I would look no different than a patch of grass .
“Hmm… . ”
My Thousand-Mile Eyes began to capture movements of Heroes . It seemed they were starting their operation .
—Stay quiet and just follow me .
Yun Seung-Ah, who was acting as a field leader for the first time in a while, warned solemnly .
Creator’s Sacred Grace entered the 1st floor of the underground excavation site . Unfortunately, the 1st floor was closest to the surface and naturally had subpar artifacts . Low-intermediate grade artifacts were probably the best ones there .
Of course, Creator’s Sacred Grace would be happy even with those . I also knew that the heavens would be touched by their efforts and grant them a special gift .
Underneath them was the 2nd floor, currently being explored by American guilds, ‘General’ and ‘Lost Child’ . These two guilds vied for America’s number one guild spot and would self-destruct because of it .
Frost Sanctuary was in charge of the 3rd floor . They were also the ones who hired the world’s greatest mercenary group, ‘Jeronimo’ . Right, the Chameleon Troupe was mixed within their ranks .
The 4th floor was held by Desolate Moon . Shin Jonghak arrived late, and although he should have stolen the leadership position, he was surprisingly listening to the guild’s designated leader .
Next was Essence of the Strait’s 5th floor…
“Hm . ”
A subconscious murmuring came out of my mouth . Just now, Chae Nayun’s team encountered the Djinn, ‘Gunyuden’ . This muscular, large-statured man was a bottom-rung member of Satan’s Servants .
He was also the one who murdered Chae Nayun’s mother .
Gunyuden stared at Chae Nayun and yelled .
—Your mom, I killed her .
**
“Your mom, I killed her . ”
These five words heavily sunk into Chae Nayun’s heart . Even so, Chae Nayun stayed still . She wasn’t calm . It was just that she needed time to understand what she just heard .
However, it wasn’t easy . Daehyun had used every method in its arsenal to try and find the murderer, yet they came up short . Chae Nayun had no choice but to accept the reality that she was never going to avenge her mother and consequently buried the idea deep in her heart .
However, her pent-up sorrow and resentment were being pulled up by the man in front of her… .
“Stay composed, Chae Nayun . ”
Kim Youngjin tried to calm Chae Nayun down .
“The assassin who infiltrated Daehyun did so stealthily and masterfully . No one could find even a single clue to the murderer’s whereabouts or identity . There’s no way that such a light-mouthed fool is that assassin . ”
Despite Kim Youngjin’s persuasive words, Chae Nayun’s face contorted more and more . With bloodshot eyes, she glared at the man who admitted to killing her mother .
“Hah? No one found a single clue? I told everyone I met about my heroic deed! It’s just that no one believed it… . Don’t tell me, did you buffoons think humanity's political power would reach Pandemonium?”
The man said so as he took out a large sword . Well, rather than a sword, it was more like a sharply cut piece of rock from a boulder . ‘Barbaric’ was the only word that could describe it .
Haaa… .
A sigh filled with rage and resentment came out .
Chae Nayun pointed her claymore at the Djinn and asked .
“…Did you really do it?”
The man grinned from ear to ear .
“Why, of course . ”
“I see… but it’s too bad…”
The corner of Chae Nayun’s mouth curled up . A stream of tears fell from her cheeks as she sneered forcefully .
“There’s no evidence . I’ve met a lot of guys like you . You Djinns all act and think like having a death wish is something to be proud of . ”
Chae Nayun glared at him with disgust and disdain . The man then rubbed his chin in thought .
“Don’t try to provoke me and shut your damned trap—”
“Evidence? Mm… evidence… Ah, wasn’t that corpse missing its thumb?”
“…!”
Instantly, Chae Nayun’s eyes shook . She whimpered under her tightly shut mouth, and fierce magic power began to swirl around her claymore .
Kim Youngjin and the other members of Essence of the Strait also covered their weapons with magic power . Chae Nayun was their comrade . They were naturally angry as well .
“My client told me to cut off her finger to prove that I killed her, and that’s exactly what I did . ’
“Y-You fucker!”
That was the final line for Chae Nayun . It would have been the same for anyone else in her spot .
She shot forward like a bullet, the magic power imbued in her claymore flashing .
“You son of a bitch—!”
A large stone sword collided with a claymore .
KWANG—!
An explosive sound erupted and the exploding light of magic power dyed the world white .
**
Woong—
Yun Seung-Ah paused momentarily, feeling a faint rumbling from the earth beneath her . Then, she examined the nearby presences . The Djinns standing guard on the 1st floor began to hurry down . Yun Seung-Ah turned to the seven elite members of her guild and spoke with an excited voice .
“The number of enemies has lessened . We’ll quicken our pace . ”
They moved stealthily but quickly into the 1st floor’s [Area A] .
Artifact excavation sites were often divided into multiple areas, and because the 1st floor only had mediocre artifacts, there were many areas like an ant tunnel . The result of their investigation showed that there were 6 areas in total .
“There is a high chance the Chameleon Troupe is here, so stay on your guard at all times . ”
Yun Seung-Ah warned before entering Area A . Although no one knew about the Chameleon Troupe’s participation in this artifact scramble, Yun Seung-Ah was certain; certain that Jain was here .
Kim Suho asked . “By Chameleon Troupe, you mean…”
“Yes, it’s the organization that Black Lotus is a part of . You know it?”
“Yes . ” Kim Suho nodded . He had heard about it from Jin Sahyuk when they met coincidentally in a dungeon in Crevon . Jin Sahyuk told him that she was being chased by a certain organization as she ran away . Kim Suho remembered it distinctly, as it was the first time they didn’t get into a fight after meeting each other .
“I guess it’s not too surprising . Their name is slowly spreading nowadays . ”
“… . ”
Then why was Jin Sahyuk chasing Black Lotus? While Kim Suho contemplated the answer seriously, Yi Yeonghan asked hurriedly . “Black Lotus is here? As a guard?”
“No, the Chameleon Troupe isn’t a Djinn organization . Its members are likely all humans . ”
‘Though that was a problem in and of itself . ’ Yun Seung-Ah recalled the past Chameleon Troupe and continued . “In any case, Black Lotus is an archer . He won’t try to enter such a limited space if he can help it, so don’t worry too much . ”
Yun Seung-Ah stopped talking and held Area A’s doorknob . It was a normal door, but before she opened it, Yun Seung-Ah looked at Kim Suho .
“Don’t spare Djinns . ” She said so strictly to Kim Suho .
“…Understood . ” Kim Suho hesitated but nodded nonetheless . He still had memories of his home world which transformed into the Demon Realm . Djinns who sold their souls for their safety were no different than devils . A soulless existence wasn’t human… .
“I know . ”
“Then we’re going in . ”
Yun Seung-Ah opened the door . The eight members of Creator’s Sacred Grace quickly stormed into the room . No one was merciful as the Djinns guarding Area A died without the chance to even scream for help .
Meanwhile…
Woong—
The ground continued to rumble .
As elite members of Korea’s former rank 1 guild, all eight Heroes could feel and hear the faint trembling of the earth .
**
The battle happening on the 5th floor started out disadvantageously . It was a 10 vs 30, to begin with, and such a difference in number couldn’t be made up for easily . Not to mention, the Djinns guarding this place weren’t just any ordinary Djinns .
However, Essence of the Strait’s Heroes used the ‘skills’ they acquired from the Tower to their fullest extent and slowly gained the advantage over time .
It was undoubtedly thanks to Chae Nayun holding up their leader all by herself .
“…You’re stronger than I thought . ”
Gunyuden swung his stone sword down as he murmured in genuine surprise .
KWANG—!
Chae Nayun defended the attack and sneered openly .
“Are you sure you’re not just weak?”
“Mm . ”
Gunyuden instantaneously pulled his sword up and destroyed Chae Nayun’s qi reinforcement . Chae Nayun quickly jumped back and reproduced her qi reinforcement .
Gunyuden smirked .
“I don’t think so . ”
“Hmph . ”
Chae Nayun’s qi reinforcement quickly recovered, and she made a bigger smirk .
“If you had such a trick up your sleeve, you should have used it to cut off my neck . Watch and learn, idiot . ”
Chae Nayun stretched her sword out . The distance between them was about 10 meters, a distance that a sword couldn’t cover . However…
Tzzzzz… . .
Magic power rose above Chae Nayun’s claymore, forming a giant blade .
“What’s that?”
“—!”
Chae Nayun didn’t reply and attacked . The blade of magic power absorbed even the smallest particles of magic power in the surrounding as it swung down .
However, Gunyuden took the blow without difficulty .
Crack—!
“What is this…?”
However, the moment his stone sword touched Chae Nayun’s magic power, a part of the stone sword shattered .
The weight of pure magic power wasn’t to be taken lightly . Only now did Gunyuden’s face flicker with unease .
However, Chae Nayun was only getting started .
Horizontal slashes, vertical slashes, crossway slashes, spin slashes… Chae Nayun’s 10-meter-long blade dominated the entire area . Gunyuden was entirely focused on frantically blocking Chae Nayun’s blows . But because his stone sword broke down with each exchange, this duel was clearly approaching an end .
But for some reason, Gunyuden seemed carefree . He smiled as he received Chae Nayun’s attacks and recalled what Chae Nayun said earlier .
‘If you had such a trick up your sleeve, you should have used it to cut off my neck . ’
In truth, that’s exactly what he planned to do .
“—!”
A gap appeared in Chae Nayun’s defense as she tried to make a huge swing . Gunyuden threw a glance to the side . Immediately afterward, something fell on Chae Nayun’s shoulder .
“…What!?”
She quickly tried to throw it off, but it was too late . A sharp pain struck her back, and strength left her body .
“What… did you… . ”
“Hehehehe . ”
The figure that fell on Chae Nayun’s back lightly jumped up and returned to Gunyuden’s side . Chae Nayun sent him a deathly glare even as she panted in pain .
“…You cowardly son of a bitch . ”
“Ah, well, to tell you the truth, it’s him . The one who killed your mom . ”
Gunyuden smiled brightly and pointed next to him . A short, ugly man was snickering to himself .
“He’s my brother, Yudoren . ”
“Y-You b-bastard . ”
Chae Nayun clenched her teeth .
Brother? You damned bastards… .
She tried to stop the bleeding with her magic power, but the younger brother’s Gift seemed to have done something as her bleeding didn’t stop . Blood quickly left her body, and her vision blurred .
“Chae Nayun!”
Kim Youngjin shouted .
However, the other Djinns stopped him .
She couldn’t expect help . She thought of an item as she gasped for breath . Perhaps, it was the last chance she had .
Call me if you’re ever in danger . She recalled that man’s words…
Chae Nayun tried to take something out from her pocket .
However, the small man stopped her . Yudoren had thrown a knife and pierced her hand .
The sound of flesh being cut rang out, but Chae Nayun didn’t feel any pain . It was a dangerous sign .
“… . ”
Chae Nayun glared at the two Djinns with her blurred, bloodshot eyes .
Not now . The sworn enemies who killed Mom are in front of me… I can’t give up now . I can’t… .
Chae Nayun unleashed her magic power for a final attack .
But did the heavens abandon her?
Chwaaak—!
An arrow suddenly descended through the walls of the excavation site .
It mercilessly pierced Chae Nayun’s heart .
Chae Nayun looked down blankly as the magic arrow stuck in her body . She knew instinctively that it was a fatal attack .
…Tears streamed down her face .
Light flashed before her eyes . Memories of happy and painful times appeared in her mind .
Strangely, Kim Hajin’s face was in both memories .
“Ah… . ” She slowly closed her eyes .
Maybe it’s better to just die like this .
It’s been too painful .
My consciousness should slowly fade away now .
Right .
That’s enough .
I tried hard .
I tried hard, so it should be okay to rest .
Mom and Oppa will surely understand…
5 seconds, then 10 seconds passed . Still, death didn’t come . It was only then that Chae Nayun thought again .
Wait . It doesn’t hurt?
“What is this?”
**
For the first time in a long time, I received a settings change alert on my smartwatch .
[Problem – It doesn’t make sense that a terrifying, giant stone sword-using villain can assassinate someone without leaving behind any evidence . ]
[Modification – A younger brother was added as the assassin, creating a more logical character persona and skillset differentiation . ]
“Haa… . ”
A strange Djinn was added . Chae Nayun would have won too if things continued .
I watched everything happen and raised the ‘Blessed Bow of Horus’ . Then, I nocked one arrow .
[Blessed Bow of Horus] had an ability to create healing arrows .
As long as Chae Nayun’s injuries were healed, I believed she would be able to overcome her trauma by herself . As such, I decided not to kill Gunyuden and Yudoren .
Currently, it was 5:59 p . m .
With one minute left to go, I activated Eye of Horus .
My vision instantly expanded and thin strands of starlight and moonlight began to enter my eyes .
As this state only lasted 5 seconds, I had no time to be absorbed in this mystical sensation .
My body moved automatically .
5 seconds . I looked down on the world .
4 seconds . I set my target .
3 seconds . I let go of the bowstring .
2 seconds . I watched the arrow fly with my eyes .
1 second . The arrow seeped into the ground and hit its target .
Just as I was about to watch the result of my action…
“…?”
A terrifying killing intent suddenly surrounded me, and a familiar human figure flew towards me .
“Hey~”
A cold voice called my name .
I twisted my head and stared at her .
Goosebumps immediately shot up on my arms .
With only a hair’s breadth between us, we stared into each other’s eyes .
Jin Sahyuk .
Covered in magic power armor, she was grinning ever so happily .
“You…”
I couldn’t continue .
Pain quickly arrived, as a fist infused with magic power struck my stomach . Aether’s defense was easily broken through .
At the same time, I coughed out a mouthful of blood .
As my body shot back like a soccer ball… a countless number of magic weapons hurled towards me .
**
…The fight that broke out inside the excavation site affected the outside world .
Magic power shook the air and twisted the earth .
Through all this, Jin Sahyuk kept her eyes on one man . He was observing the excavation site while covered in a strange grass-like membrane .
She wanted to charge at him the moment she laid eyes on him, but she held herself back .
She removed her killing intent and magic power .
To enjoy greater happiness, she squelched her roaring desires .
‘I will crush you at the most crucial moment… . ’
KOONG—!
Thankfully, it didn’t take long for that moment to arrive .
A strange reverberation rang out from the excavation site, and Kim Hajin took out a bow . He created an arrow out of magic power, then his eyes began to turn blue as well .
Jin Sahyuk didn’t know what was happening, but her instincts were roaring… roaring that now was the time to kill him .
She immediately drew out every ounce of magic power in her body and shot forward .
In less than a second, she reached the prey she wanted to hunt so much . Looking at his flustered face, Jin Sahyuk smiled brightly .
“Hey~”
His widened eyes filled her with joy . However, this joy soon transformed into astonishing rage .
“You… . ”
First, she punched his stomach to shut him up .
He was sent flying with just that .
As expected, she seemed to be stronger outside the Tower .
However, she didn’t chase after him . She created her magic power weapons and sent them flying at Kim Hajin .
B-B-BOOM—!
Weapons formed with a boundless amount of magic power rained down on him .
One, two, three, four, five… It was pointless to count the number of weapons as it would be no different than counting the number of rain droplets during a storm .
Jin Sahyuk’s barrage didn’t stop . As more and more explosive sounds rang out, her happiness increased . Every inch of her body tingled with excitement and delight . An electrifying sense of ecstasy traveled down her spine .
“Haa… . ”
She stopped her bombardment of magic power… and covered her face with her hands . She remained standing, even as she staggered side-to-side from ecstasy .
Through the gaps between her fingers, she stared at the man’s tomb . He was covered in dirt, grass, and a current of magic power . Looking at it, her cheeks flushed .
However, this blissful moment only lasted a moment .
“…Did I finish it too quickly? Hmm . ”
Jin Sahyuk was happy with the result but somewhat regretted letting him go so easily . If possible, she wanted to toy with him more and make him into an example for anyone who wanted to mess with her .
…It was then .
“… . ”
Rustle, rustle .
Jin Sahyuk’s eyes widened .
Rustle, rustle .
It was undoubtedly the sound of a living person .
Rustle, rustle .
The man, Kim Hajin, had not died .
“Auugh…”
Even though he was buried deep underground by magic power, he had survived . His flesh and bones were cut, yet he wasn’t dead .
He dusted off the dirt and rocks on his body and raised his body .
Jin Sahyuk was surprised .
At the same time, she was happy .
Jin Sahyuk made an elated smile . It seemed her wish had been granted .
“Great, now that’s more like—”
“Wow~”
A sudden exclamation of astonishment interrupted her remark .
Kim Hajin spoke apathetically, cutting her enjoyment in half .
Jin Sahyuk furrowed her brows and glared at him .
“What do you mean, ‘wow?’”
“…This is the first time I’ve felt anything like this . ”
He continued to mumble incomprehensible things .
Was his brain damaged?
Jin Sahyuk created more magic power weapons in the air . Kim Hajin glanced at them, then began to laugh .
“Hahahaha… . ”
“…Did you go crazy?”
“No . ”
Kim Hajin shook his head .
“I just found it funny . You really came to find me?”
His tone was full of leisure .
Jin Sahyuk was about to berate his arrogance and hubris when she felt it with her body – the overwhelming and pure ‘power’ emanating from his body .
It wasn’t magic power .
It wasn’t a magic spell .
It was something much more pure…
“This will be my first close-ranged combat . ”
Murmuring nonsensically— he shot forward .
A crater appeared where his foot kicked off, and a cloud of dust rose up behind him .
“…!”
Immediately afterward, an intense pain struck her solar plexus .
Her magic power armor was broken instantly .
Jin Sahyuk coughed out blood at the punch that was in a league of its own . Her vision blurred, and every internal organ in her body throbbed .
But before the pain could leave her body… in the cloud of dust filled with pieces of stone, Kim Hajin’s face popped out .
His wolf-like eyes glowed blue, and his monstrous body… ‘easily’ caught up with her body in flight .
“I told you last time . ”
He reached out with a rough hand and grabbed her face . Then, he murmured softly .
“That I’ll kill you if I ever see you . ”
“… . ”
Jin Sahyuk blankly stared at him with her half-closed eyes .
“That it’ll be the same both inside and outside the Tower . ”
Finally, he made a twisted smile .
“Why didn’t you listen?”
Then, her entire body was smashed into the ground .
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“Haam… . ”
Currently, I was lying belly down in a patch of grass in Central Asia .
I left the Tower of Wish the day before the Genghis Khan artifact scramble .
That said, I didn’t plan on joining in the scramble . I was just thinking of helping out if anything unexpected happened .
Of course, I was a sharpshooter, and the excavation site was underground, but it didn’t matter all that much since I planned to add an ‘obstacle piercing’ attribute to my bullets .
In the first place, my sniper rifle was an ‘anti-material’ sniper rifle . It wasn’t specialized for hitting human targets but objects like helicopters and tanks .
As such, the sniper rifle and sniper bullets had an ‘obstacle piercing’ attribute built-in, and I just had to strengthen it using Stigma’s magic power .
I also had another method .
It was currently 5 in the afternoon .
I picked up the [Blessed Bow of Horus] . The sun had set early, so the sky was already dark . If a fight broke out, I should be able to activate [Eye of Horus] for 5 seconds .
Eye of Horus’ Authority was ‘unavoidable lock-on’ . This ability bypassed the world’s law of physics . So long as my targets were within the ability’s range, my attacks would hit them no matter what obstacles lay between them .
In any case, I was observing the excavation site from a somewhat faraway place . Because Central Asia was entirely flat, it was hard to find a place to hide, but I disguised myself perfectly with Aether . If anyone was looking at me from the sky, I would look no different than a patch of grass .
“Hmm… . ”
My Thousand-Mile Eyes began to capture movements of Heroes . It seemed they were starting their operation .
—Stay quiet and just follow me .
Yun Seung-Ah, who was acting as a field leader for the first time in a while, warned solemnly .
Creator’s Sacred Grace entered the 1st floor of the underground excavation site . Unfortunately, the 1st floor was closest to the surface and naturally had subpar artifacts . Low-intermediate grade artifacts were probably the best ones there .
Of course, Creator’s Sacred Grace would be happy even with those . I also knew that the heavens would be touched by their efforts and grant them a special gift .
Underneath them was the 2nd floor, currently being explored by American guilds, ‘General’ and ‘Lost Child’ . These two guilds vied for America’s number one guild spot and would self-destruct because of it .
Frost Sanctuary was in charge of the 3rd floor . They were also the ones who hired the world’s greatest mercenary group, ‘Jeronimo’ . Right, the Chameleon Troupe was mixed within their ranks .
The 4th floor was held by Desolate Moon . Shin Jonghak arrived late, and although he should have stolen the leadership position, he was surprisingly listening to the guild’s designated leader .
Next was Essence of the Strait’s 5th floor…
“Hm . ”
A subconscious murmuring came out of my mouth . Just now, Chae Nayun’s team encountered the Djinn, ‘Gunyuden’ . This muscular, large-statured man was a bottom-rung member of Satan’s Servants .
He was also the one who murdered Chae Nayun’s mother .
Gunyuden stared at Chae Nayun and yelled .
—Your mom, I killed her .
**
“Your mom, I killed her . ”
These five words heavily sunk into Chae Nayun’s heart . Even so, Chae Nayun stayed still . She wasn’t calm . It was just that she needed time to understand what she just heard .
However, it wasn’t easy . Daehyun had used every method in its arsenal to try and find the murderer, yet they came up short . Chae Nayun had no choice but to accept the reality that she was never going to avenge her mother and consequently buried the idea deep in her heart .
However, her pent-up sorrow and resentment were being pulled up by the man in front of her… .
“Stay composed, Chae Nayun . ”
Kim Youngjin tried to calm Chae Nayun down .
“The assassin who infiltrated Daehyun did so stealthily and masterfully . No one could find even a single clue to the murderer’s whereabouts or identity . There’s no way that such a light-mouthed fool is that assassin . ”
Despite Kim Youngjin’s persuasive words, Chae Nayun’s face contorted more and more . With bloodshot eyes, she glared at the man who admitted to killing her mother .
“Hah? No one found a single clue? I told everyone I met about my heroic deed! It’s just that no one believed it… . Don’t tell me, did you buffoons think humanitys political power would reach Pandemonium?”
The man said so as he took out a large sword . Well, rather than a sword, it was more like a sharply cut piece of rock from a boulder . ‘Barbaric’ was the only word that could describe it .
Haaa… .
A sigh filled with rage and resentment came out .
Chae Nayun pointed her claymore at the Djinn and asked .
“…Did you really do it?”
The man grinned from ear to ear .
“Why, of course . ”
“I see… but it’s too bad…”
The corner of Chae Nayun’s mouth curled up . A stream of tears fell from her cheeks as she sneered forcefully .
“There’s no evidence . I’ve met a lot of guys like you . You Djinns all act and think like having a death wish is something to be proud of . ”
Chae Nayun glared at him with disgust and disdain . The man then rubbed his chin in thought .
“Don’t try to provoke me and shut your damned trap—”
“Evidence? Mm… evidence… Ah, wasn’t that corpse missing its thumb?”
“…!”
Instantly, Chae Nayun’s eyes shook . She whimpered under her tightly shut mouth, and fierce magic power began to swirl around her claymore .
Kim Youngjin and the other members of Essence of the Strait also covered their weapons with magic power . Chae Nayun was their comrade . They were naturally angry as well .
“My client told me to cut off her finger to prove that I killed her, and that’s exactly what I did . ’
“Y-You fucker!”
That was the final line for Chae Nayun . It would have been the same for anyone else in her spot .
She shot forward like a bullet, the magic power imbued in her claymore flashing .
“You son of a bitch—!”
A large stone sword collided with a claymore .
KWANG—!
An explosive sound erupted and the exploding light of magic power dyed the world white .
**
Woong—
Yun Seung-Ah paused momentarily, feeling a faint rumbling from the earth beneath her . Then, she examined the nearby presences . The Djinns standing guard on the 1st floor began to hurry down . Yun Seung-Ah turned to the seven elite members of her guild and spoke with an excited voice .
“The number of enemies has lessened . We’ll quicken our pace . ”
They moved stealthily but quickly into the 1st floor’s [Area A] .
Artifact excavation sites were often divided into multiple areas, and because the 1st floor only had mediocre artifacts, there were many areas like an ant tunnel . The result of their investigation showed that there were 6 areas in total .
“There is a high chance the Chameleon Troupe is here, so stay on your guard at all times . ”
Yun Seung-Ah warned before entering Area A . Although no one knew about the Chameleon Troupe’s participation in this artifact scramble, Yun Seung-Ah was certain; certain that Jain was here .
Kim Suho asked . “By Chameleon Troupe, you mean…”
“Yes, it’s the organization that Black Lotus is a part of . You know it?”
“Yes . ” Kim Suho nodded . He had heard about it from Jin Sahyuk when they met coincidentally in a dungeon in Crevon . Jin Sahyuk told him that she was being chased by a certain organization as she ran away . Kim Suho remembered it distinctly, as it was the first time they didn’t get into a fight after meeting each other .
“I guess it’s not too surprising . Their name is slowly spreading nowadays . ”
“… . ”
Then why was Jin Sahyuk chasing Black Lotus? While Kim Suho contemplated the answer seriously, Yi Yeonghan asked hurriedly . “Black Lotus is here? As a guard?”
“No, the Chameleon Troupe isn’t a Djinn organization . Its members are likely all humans . ”
‘Though that was a problem in and of itself . ’ Yun Seung-Ah recalled the past Chameleon Troupe and continued . “In any case, Black Lotus is an archer . He won’t try to enter such a limited space if he can help it, so don’t worry too much . ”
Yun Seung-Ah stopped talking and held Area A’s doorknob . It was a normal door, but before she opened it, Yun Seung-Ah looked at Kim Suho .
“Don’t spare Djinns . ” She said so strictly to Kim Suho .
“…Understood . ” Kim Suho hesitated but nodded nonetheless . He still had memories of his home world which transformed into the Demon Realm . Djinns who sold their souls for their safety were no different than devils . A soulless existence wasn’t human… .
“I know . ”
“Then we’re going in . ”
Yun Seung-Ah opened the door . The eight members of Creator’s Sacred Grace quickly stormed into the room . No one was merciful as the Djinns guarding Area A died without the chance to even scream for help .
Meanwhile…
Woong—
The ground continued to rumble .
As elite members of Korea’s former rank 1 guild, all eight Heroes could feel and hear the faint trembling of the earth .
**
The battle happening on the 5th floor started out disadvantageously . It was a 10 vs 30, to begin with, and such a difference in number couldn’t be made up for easily . Not to mention, the Djinns guarding this place weren’t just any ordinary Djinns .
However, Essence of the Strait’s Heroes used the ‘skills’ they acquired from the Tower to their fullest extent and slowly gained the advantage over time .
It was undoubtedly thanks to Chae Nayun holding up their leader all by herself .
“…You’re stronger than I thought . ”
Gunyuden swung his stone sword down as he murmured in genuine surprise .
KWANG—!
Chae Nayun defended the attack and sneered openly .
“Are you sure you’re not just weak?”
“Mm . ”
Gunyuden instantaneously pulled his sword up and destroyed Chae Nayun’s qi reinforcement . Chae Nayun quickly jumped back and reproduced her qi reinforcement .
Gunyuden smirked .
“I don’t think so . ”
“Hmph . ”
Chae Nayun’s qi reinforcement quickly recovered, and she made a bigger smirk .
“If you had such a trick up your sleeve, you should have used it to cut off my neck . Watch and learn, idiot . ”
Chae Nayun stretched her sword out . The distance between them was about 10 meters, a distance that a sword couldn’t cover . However…
Tzzzzz… . .
Magic power rose above Chae Nayun’s claymore, forming a giant blade .
“What’s that?”
“—!”
Chae Nayun didn’t reply and attacked . The blade of magic power absorbed even the smallest particles of magic power in the surrounding as it swung down .
However, Gunyuden took the blow without difficulty .
Crack—!
“What is this…?”
However, the moment his stone sword touched Chae Nayun’s magic power, a part of the stone sword shattered .
The weight of pure magic power wasn’t to be taken lightly . Only now did Gunyuden’s face flicker with unease .
However, Chae Nayun was only getting started .
Horizontal slashes, vertical slashes, crossway slashes, spin slashes… Chae Nayun’s 10-meter-long blade dominated the entire area . Gunyuden was entirely focused on frantically blocking Chae Nayun’s blows . But because his stone sword broke down with each exchange, this duel was clearly approaching an end .
But for some reason, Gunyuden seemed carefree . He smiled as he received Chae Nayun’s attacks and recalled what Chae Nayun said earlier .
‘If you had such a trick up your sleeve, you should have used it to cut off my neck . ’
In truth, that’s exactly what he planned to do .
“—!”
A gap appeared in Chae Nayun’s defense as she tried to make a huge swing . Gunyuden threw a glance to the side . Immediately afterward, something fell on Chae Nayun’s shoulder .
“…What!?”
She quickly tried to throw it off, but it was too late . A sharp pain struck her back, and strength left her body .
“What… did you… . ”
“Hehehehe . ”
The figure that fell on Chae Nayun’s back lightly jumped up and returned to Gunyuden’s side . Chae Nayun sent him a deathly glare even as she panted in pain .
“…You cowardly son of a bitch . ”
“Ah, well, to tell you the truth, it’s him . The one who killed your mom . ”
Gunyuden smiled brightly and pointed next to him . A short, ugly man was snickering to himself .
“He’s my brother, Yudoren . ”
“Y-You b-bastard . ”
Chae Nayun clenched her teeth .
Brother? You damned bastards… .
She tried to stop the bleeding with her magic power, but the younger brother’s Gift seemed to have done something as her bleeding didn’t stop . Blood quickly left her body, and her vision blurred .
“Chae Nayun!”
Kim Youngjin shouted .
However, the other Djinns stopped him .
She couldn’t expect help . She thought of an item as she gasped for breath . Perhaps, it was the last chance she had .
Call me if you’re ever in danger . She recalled that man’s words…
Chae Nayun tried to take something out from her pocket .
However, the small man stopped her . Yudoren had thrown a knife and pierced her hand .
The sound of flesh being cut rang out, but Chae Nayun didn’t feel any pain . It was a dangerous sign .
“… . ”
Chae Nayun glared at the two Djinns with her blurred, bloodshot eyes .
Not now . The sworn enemies who killed Mom are in front of me… I can’t give up now . I can’t… .
Chae Nayun unleashed her magic power for a final attack .
But did the heavens abandon her?
Chwaaak—!
An arrow suddenly descended through the walls of the excavation site .
It mercilessly pierced Chae Nayun’s heart .
Chae Nayun looked down blankly as the magic arrow stuck in her body . She knew instinctively that it was a fatal attack .
…Tears streamed down her face .
Light flashed before her eyes . Memories of happy and painful times appeared in her mind .
Strangely, Kim Hajin’s face was in both memories .
“Ah… . ” She slowly closed her eyes .
Maybe it’s better to just die like this .
It’s been too painful .
My consciousness should slowly fade away now .
Right .
That’s enough .
I tried hard .
I tried hard, so it should be okay to rest .
Mom and Oppa will surely understand…
5 seconds, then 10 seconds passed . Still, death didn’t come . It was only then that Chae Nayun thought again .
Wait . It doesn’t hurt?
“What is this?”
**
For the first time in a long time, I received a settings change alert on my smartwatch .
[Problem – It doesn’t make sense that a terrifying, giant stone sword-using villain can assassinate someone without leaving behind any evidence . ]
[Modification – A younger brother was added as the assassin, creating a more logical character persona and skillset differentiation . ]
“Haa… . ”
A strange Djinn was added . Chae Nayun would have won too if things continued .
I watched everything happen and raised the ‘Blessed Bow of Horus’ . Then, I nocked one arrow .
[Blessed Bow of Horus] had an ability to create healing arrows .
As long as Chae Nayun’s injuries were healed, I believed she would be able to overcome her trauma by herself . As such, I decided not to kill Gunyuden and Yudoren .
Currently, it was 5:59 p . m .
With one minute left to go, I activated Eye of Horus .
My vision instantly expanded and thin strands of starlight and moonlight began to enter my eyes .
As this state only lasted 5 seconds, I had no time to be absorbed in this mystical sensation .
My body moved automatically .
5 seconds . I looked down on the world .
4 seconds . I set my target .
3 seconds . I let go of the bowstring .
2 seconds . I watched the arrow fly with my eyes .
1 second . The arrow seeped into the ground and hit its target .
Just as I was about to watch the result of my action…
“…?”
A terrifying killing intent suddenly surrounded me, and a familiar human figure flew towards me .
“Hey~”
A cold voice called my name .
I twisted my head and stared at her .
Goosebumps immediately shot up on my arms .
With only a hair’s breadth between us, we stared into each other’s eyes .
Jin Sahyuk .
Covered in magic power armor, she was grinning ever so happily .
“You…”
I couldn’t continue .
Pain quickly arrived, as a fist infused with magic power struck my stomach . Aether’s defense was easily broken through .
At the same time, I coughed out a mouthful of blood .
As my body shot back like a soccer ball… a countless number of magic weapons hurled towards me .
**
…The fight that broke out inside the excavation site affected the outside world .
Magic power shook the air and twisted the earth .
Through all this, Jin Sahyuk kept her eyes on one man . He was observing the excavation site while covered in a strange grass-like membrane .
She wanted to charge at him the moment she laid eyes on him, but she held herself back .
She removed her killing intent and magic power .
To enjoy greater happiness, she squelched her roaring desires .
‘I will crush you at the most crucial moment… . ’
KOONG—!
Thankfully, it didn’t take long for that moment to arrive .
A strange reverberation rang out from the excavation site, and Kim Hajin took out a bow . He created an arrow out of magic power, then his eyes began to turn blue as well .
Jin Sahyuk didn’t know what was happening, but her instincts were roaring… roaring that now was the time to kill him .
She immediately drew out every ounce of magic power in her body and shot forward .
In less than a second, she reached the prey she wanted to hunt so much . Looking at his flustered face, Jin Sahyuk smiled brightly .
“Hey~”
His widened eyes filled her with joy . However, this joy soon transformed into astonishing rage .
“You… . ”
First, she punched his stomach to shut him up .
He was sent flying with just that .
As expected, she seemed to be stronger outside the Tower .
However, she didn’t chase after him . She created her magic power weapons and sent them flying at Kim Hajin .
B-B-BOOM—!
Weapons formed with a boundless amount of magic power rained down on him .
One, two, three, four, five… It was pointless to count the number of weapons as it would be no different than counting the number of rain droplets during a storm .
Jin Sahyuk’s barrage didn’t stop . As more and more explosive sounds rang out, her happiness increased . Every inch of her body tingled with excitement and delight . An electrifying sense of ecstasy traveled down her spine .
“Haa… . ”
She stopped her bombardment of magic power… and covered her face with her hands . She remained standing, even as she staggered side-to-side from ecstasy .
Through the gaps between her fingers, she stared at the man’s tomb . He was covered in dirt, grass, and a current of magic power . Looking at it, her cheeks flushed .
However, this blissful moment only lasted a moment .
“…Did I finish it too quickly? Hmm . ”
Jin Sahyuk was happy with the result but somewhat regretted letting him go so easily . If possible, she wanted to toy with him more and make him into an example for anyone who wanted to mess with her .
…It was then .
“… . ”
Rustle, rustle .
Jin Sahyuk’s eyes widened .
Rustle, rustle .
It was undoubtedly the sound of a living person .
Rustle, rustle .
The man, Kim Hajin, had not died .
“Auugh…”
Even though he was buried deep underground by magic power, he had survived . His flesh and bones were cut, yet he wasn’t dead .
He dusted off the dirt and rocks on his body and raised his body .
Jin Sahyuk was surprised .
At the same time, she was happy .
Jin Sahyuk made an elated smile . It seemed her wish had been granted .
“Great, now that’s more like—”
“Wow~”
A sudden exclamation of astonishment interrupted her remark .
Kim Hajin spoke apathetically, cutting her enjoyment in half .
Jin Sahyuk furrowed her brows and glared at him .
“What do you mean, ‘wow?’”
“…This is the first time I’ve felt anything like this . ”
He continued to mumble incomprehensible things .
Was his brain damaged?
Jin Sahyuk created more magic power weapons in the air . Kim Hajin glanced at them, then began to laugh .
“Hahahaha… . ”
“…Did you go crazy?”
“No . ”
Kim Hajin shook his head .
“I just found it funny . You really came to find me?”
His tone was full of leisure .
Jin Sahyuk was about to berate his arrogance and hubris when she felt it with her body – the overwhelming and pure ‘power’ emanating from his body .
It wasn’t magic power .
It wasn’t a magic spell .
It was something much more pure…
“This will be my first close-ranged combat . ”
Murmuring nonsensically— he shot forward .
A crater appeared where his foot kicked off, and a cloud of dust rose up behind him .
“…!”
Immediately afterward, an intense pain struck her solar plexus .
Her magic power armor was broken instantly .
Jin Sahyuk coughed out blood at the punch that was in a league of its own . Her vision blurred, and every internal organ in her body throbbed .
But before the pain could leave her body… in the cloud of dust filled with pieces of stone, Kim Hajin’s face popped out .
His wolf-like eyes glowed blue, and his monstrous body… ‘easily’ caught up with her body in flight .
“I told you last time . ”
He reached out with a rough hand and grabbed her face . Then, he murmured softly .
“That I’ll kill you if I ever see you . ”
“… . ”
Jin Sahyuk blankly stared at him with her half-closed eyes .
“That it’ll be the same both inside and outside the Tower . ”
Finally, he made a twisted smile .
“Why didn’t you listen?”
Then, her entire body was smashed into the ground .
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