《Martial Arts Returnee鈥檚 Game Broadcast》
Chapter 1
1.
Do not recklessly run a strange game if it gets installed on yourputer.
Especially if the game is a martial arts game, you might witness a dementia-stricken grandmaster snapping peoples necks like reeds or a viin who uses footwork to cover 3 meters in one step, wreaking havoc.
Of course, humans are curious creatures.
If youve already ignored the kind warning and started the game, you cannot avoid getting possessed by the martial arts world.
However, its not toote.
Do not create a female character during customization. Instead, make a male character who is 9 cheok tall and weighs 300 geun. Just by being big, youll have a promising future where factions like the Nine Great Schools, Five Families, or the Demon Sect will desperately want to recruit you.
Dont make the mistake I did of getting excited and creating a sexy female character in a hurry.
Bing your own ideal type is more terrifying and miserable than you can imagine.
Nextes the allocation of your stats.
If your physique iscking, your body wont endure martial arts training. If your intelligence is low, you wont be able to memorize secret techniques, and without talent, you wont grasp enlightenment.
However,cking charm wont cause any major problems.
Please dont make the mistake I did of maxing out charm and pouring the rest of my free points into talent.
The martial arts world is a savage medieval setting, and a charming but powerless beautys life is truly tragic.
Next is the characteristic of the game known as Blessings.
With my brain already having relocated to my lower half, I only picked blessings like [Perverted Physics], [Permanent Hair Removal], and [wless].
I hope you dont make the same mistake.
There are many valuable blessings sought after by martial artists, such as [Heavenly Martial Body], [Immune to All Poisons], and [Diamond Indestructibility].
That said, dont pick blessings like [Fortuitous Encounter: Cliff] or [Fortuitous Encounter: Undersea Cave] thinking youll get lucky.
People often die of starvation after failing to master martial arts before their starvation pills run out, trapped on a cliff or in a cave.
Please consider the feelings of the hardened wanderers of Jianghu whoe across your corpse.
Now, let me give you advice on Taboos, which give additional points for acquiring blessings.
Taboos set restrictions or rules on your behavior within the martial arts world through powerful psychological chains.
Even though its forced, something like [Feminine Walk] or [Polite Speech] isnt too bad.
But if you choose something like [Addiction: Smoking], thats when things get crazy.
Youll start to lose concentration, your hands and feet will shake, and you wont be able to live a normal life unless you smoke at least once a day.
But true hell awaits beyond that.
If you carelessly pick [Permanent Tattoo: Lower Abdomen], youll open the gates of hell.
The uterine tattoo will glow purple whenever you channel your internal energy, no matter how many times you cut it out.
Its impossible to hide it with cheap clothes, and even thick clothes wont fully cover the glow, forcing you to wrap yourself inyers even during summer to avoid being treated like a witch or prostitute.
I trust you understand the struggle of having to wear thick clothes even in the summer.
If you go even further and choose a tragic concept like [Nine Yin Severed Veins], one of the highest sses of vein disorders, I rmend swift suicide.
The yin energy that overflows through all your blood vessels causes arteriosclerosis and makes your body lose its sticity over time.
More importantly, the stronger you be in martial arts, the more powerful the yin energy bes, leading you to an unavoidable early death.
Many senior possessors, including myself, have made the mistake of choosing a wed concept, but I hope you dont follow in our footsteps.
Finally, the most important choice is Difficulty Level.
If you pick an easy difficulty, the martial artists attack power wont be reduced by 50%, nor will item drop rates increase. Instead, the objectives required forpletion will be easier.
However, the problem with easy difficulty lies in the rewards.
To select the [Return to Reality] option as a reward, you mustplete the normal [Average] difficulty, so even if you clear the easy difficulty objectives, you will have to spend the rest of your life in the martial arts world.
I offer my condolences to those who blindly selected [Easy].
At the same time, please dont overestimate yourself and choose [Extreme] difficulty.
The senior who selected [Extreme] has been fighting with Immortal Lu Dongbin in the Celestial Realm for 200 years since his ascension.
I could hardly hold back my tears listening to the elder tearfully confess that as he grew stronger, so did Lu Dongbin.
If youve chosen the difficulty level wisely, youve passed most of the hurdles. The next stage is Mode Selection, which will simply require umting knowledge.
This section contains modes like [Realistic Mode], [Iron Man Mode], and [Unique Mode], each with its pros and cons.
Those who choose [Realistic Mode] can keep the physical body they created even after clearing the game.
On the other hand, those who do not select this mode will return to their original bodies.
Those dissatisfied with their face, height, or gender might rejoice at this.
I understand the desire for free full-body stic surgery or sex change surgery, but please postpone selecting realistic mode for now.
Theres no guarantee your body will remain intact by the time you clear the game.
I, for example, spent 12 miserable years without my right arm.
If you dont earn a lot of clear points and retrieve your lost limbs through the [Physical Reset] reward, or if you dont ensure you wont lose your limbs in the first ce, youll remain disabled even after clearing the game.
If you dont select Realistic Mode, at least youll have the insurance of returning to reality with all your limbs intact, so please keep that in mind.
[Iron Man Mode] is a mode where all system assist tooltips such as the status window, martial arts window, inventory window, andmunity board functions disappear.
In exchange for losing convenience, they say your growth speed and martial artsprehension increase, but unless youre a true Iron Man, I suggest you humbly leave this to the ancient philosopher to and enjoy the conveniences of civilization.
No one but a true hardcore yer would ever choose this mode.
[Unique Mode] takes it a step further by offering a mode for those who wish for a truly solitary experience.@@novelbin@@
Unlike the typical possessors with basic multiyer features, this mode throws you into a genuine Murim world where there are no other possessors.
I understand your grand ambitions of forming your own harem or aplishing great feats, but please dont whine on the forumster.
Other possessors enjoy certain benefits like eating the kimchi dumplings developed by their seniors, essing the reformed sewage system, or receiving financial support from Samsungs Escort Bureau, but in Unique Mode, theres none of that.
If you start asking how to make kimchi dumplings from scratch or how to prevent poop from piling up in the streets, know that these are trade secrets to those yers.
Since youre on a different server, no matter what rewards are promised, you wont be able to receive them, so only those who choose Unique Mode will be stuck in difficulty.
Ah.
Since were on the topic of forums, while I understand its lonely and hard, please dont trust your fellow possessors too much. Youlle to realize why Koreans have earned the notorious reputation of being a nation of scammers worldwide.
There are all kinds of thieves lurking on the forums, from item thieves who steal your belongings after coaxing out your location, to inner energy thieves who practice the Absorption Technique, to maiden thieves and virgin thieves who only target women and virgins.
There are juniors who learned the Virginity Art or Maiden Art, only to have their purity stolen, ruining their lives.
There are even juniors who, after stamping their seal on an escort contract because they were promised a job, found out it was a ve contract, and ended up sold to a dark sect.
Ive heard theseints too many times to count.
If you follow all the advice Ive given about what to avoid and what to do, and if a bit of unexpected talent and lucke your way, youll eventually achieve your challenge objectives one day.
Congrattions.
Youre free.
You can escape the world of martial artists, where one can push mountains with a wave of a hand and slice through storms with a single sword.
Before you return to reality, youll uncover the many hidden secrets of serendipitous encounters that are rampant in Murim.
Upon achieving your challenge objective, your clear score will be calcted based on your martial arts level, aplishments, and contributions in the Murim world.
You can then purchase rewards such as transferring your abilities, inner energy, and items to the real world ording to that score.
Dont assume that the entric figures left behind their weapons, secret manuals, or elixirs out of the goodness of their hearts.
They simply didnt have enough clear points to take everything with them, so those things were left behind, bing the serendipitous encounters youe across.
As for any remaining inner energy that cant be taken to the real world, just release it into the nearby weeds, fish, mushrooms, orkes.
Of course, for survivors like me, its a shame to let such precious things go for free, so weve set up traps.
Unless youve mastered martial arts, you wont be able to escape from ces where serendipitous encounters are left behind.
Itsmon to find the air slowly leaking out of underground caves or thick iron doors blocking the exit, which is why its not surprising that those who choose serendipitous encounters like [Serendipitous Encounter: Cliff] or [Serendipitous Encounter: Undersea Cave] are often found as skeletons.
Still, for people like me, who maxed out charm and invested everything into talent, my serendipitous encounter traps are the only ones worth trying.
I highly rmend purchasing the [Serendipitous Encounter: Tamakan Desert] trait that Ive registered in the shop.
Even if you fail to reach enlightenment, you can survive by catching bugs and asionally have your boredom eased by wandering Jiangshi that stumble into the old sacred site of the Blood Sect.
Now that Ive shared all these life-saving pieces of advice, I spent a long time contemting what more I could offer.
It was a tough decision, but I finally came up with something invaluablecharacter names.
This often overlooked part, character naming, hides two traps.
The first is the fact that your name in the Murim world will change to your characters name.
You might think its fine to just not use that name, but to achieve your challenge objective and clear the game, you must earn a specific reputation using that character name.
If your name happens to be something like Angkimotiorigojirigorettitgo, you might be unlucky and receive an objective like Maintain the reputation of Angkimotiorigojirigorettitgo, The Best Sword in Anhui for 100 days.
If you use an alias even once, the 100-day timer will reset.
Imagine receiving daily challenges for 100 days, with messages like The title of The Best Sword in Anhui belongs to Angkimotiorigojirigorettitgo! and having to witness arena announcements like A duel between Anonymous and Angkimotiorigojirigorettitgo will now begin and Angkimotiorigojirigorettitgo has won the duel! every day.
Just imagining the public embarrassment and cringe makes me shudder.
Its a shame I didnt hear about senior Angkimotis precious lesson before crossing into the Murim world.
As I mentioned earlier, there are two traps.
The second trapes back like a boomerang after you return to the real world.
This game, ever so kind, offers a Reality Return Support Package where you can spend clear points to get benefits like housing, ID registration, and settlement funds.
Its nice that they offer these benefits at a discounted rate, but the issue lies in the name on your ID.
Yes, the sharp ones among you probably already figured it out. The name on your ID will be your characters name.
Please, do not name your character Angkimotiorigojirigorettitgo.
So, whats my name, you ask?
Im not going to tell you.
That concludes the precious advice Im giving you as your senior possessor.
[Special Returnee Haeeungs Advice: Investigators Remarks]
C Haeeungs original nickname was Haeuung, but since the surname Hae does not exist in the Murim world, he changed it to Haeeung.
C It has been revealed that the name of that dimensional world is Murim Memoirs.
C The danger level of Murim Memoirs is ssified as Transcendental, with a survival rate estimated to be below 0.01%.
C Due to the high likelihood of further casualties, a request has been made to restrict ess to Haeeungs advice and these remarks.
[Subsequent Administrative Directive]
C The request to restrict information ess has been rejected.
C Based on matching the ess records with the list of missing persons, it has been confirmed that arge number of additional dimensional travelers have appeared, prompting the setting of ess permissions for this information.
[Special Restricted Information Document]
[Special Returnee Haeeungs Full Advice]
[Investigators Full Remarks]
[Subsequent Administrative Directive]
[This document contains ssified information.]
[If this information is leaked, you may be mobilized for up to 20 years as part of the Gate Expeditionary Forces. This is a strict warning.]
Chapter 2
1.
Long, ebony hair cascading down to her bottom.
A slender face with milky skin.
Petite shoulders and a voluptuous bust.
A narrow waist entuated by curvy hips and firm thighs.
An exotic beauty that embodies both Eastern and Western aesthetics.
The reflection in the mirror felt all too familiar.
It couldnt be helped.
She had seen this face for 20 years.
I have sessfully returned.
Returning yer, Hae Eung Eung.
She had seeded ining back from the world of the Murim, where people died like garbage, to the modern civilized society.
Her face, which should have been brimming with joy, was filled with deep emptiness and loss.
Now, with all her connections in the Murim gone, she found herself alone.
Theres no one here.
There were no family members.
No friends either.
Even if there were, 20 years had passed in reality since the time spent in the Murim realm.
If she hadnt seen their faces for 20 years, it would be a reasonable time to call them strangers.
Even familiar faces felt like strangers after 20 years.
Its rather fortunate. I lost my family before all of this began.
Twenty-five years ago, one day.
There was an ident.
Her parents and sister, who had gone on an overseas trip.
A selfie taken aboard the airne.
That was thest image of her family.
As she opened the drawer, a cheap printed T-shirt caught her eye.
A gift received along with her familys belongings.
A gift she had been unable to part with for five years after selling the unnecessarilyrge house and moving into a studio after losing her family.
A lingering attachment to the family she lost.
Thest traces left by her family.
For a long while, she gazed at the T-shirt.
Remembering the past that could never be returned.
Now, feelings that had be memories rather than mere nostalgia were carefully folded with the T-shirt and ced back into the drawer.
What has happened cannot be undone.
She had spent enough time epting that fact.
The days when she lived like a hermit after losing her family.
She discovered a strange game.
She spent 20 years in the Murim realm, possessed by the character she had created.
No sea is beyond the reach of the Haenam faction. As long as you do not abandon the Hae family name, our Haenam faction will protect you.
Unni, cant you live with me in the Northern Sea Ice Pce?
Please, Soja, do not hate the volcanic plum blossom too much.
Cherished memories.
Irrevocable bonds.
Those who became guests of the afterlife.
Lost connections were far more numerous in the Murim realm than in reality.
People who had be her second family.
Elders she had regarded like her parents.
Those who liked and followed her.
They were killed by enemies who targeted her.
Beauty beyondpare.
The most beautiful in the world.
The greatest beauty throughout history.
Hae Eung Eung became a character with a charm level of 100.
Her very existence stirred the desires of powerful figures, and she refused to be their ornament.
From that day on, there was not a single day without bloodshed and chaos.
The factions, organizations, and masters that embraced her faced injustice, unfairness, and corruption without exception.
Many sacrifices, sufferings, and acts of revenge continued without end.
Compared to other possessed individuals, my situation was especially harsh.
Despite facing adversity because of her charm, she also received help thanks to it.
It took a full 20 years for the girl, the greatest beauty in the world, to establish her name as a self-absorbed beauty.
With profound inner power equivalent to three cycles and a trained body, she achieved great renown.
The many aplishments she had made as herself vanished in exchange for clear rewards.
[Body Reset]
At the moment of entering the game.
The first moment she was possessed by the character she had created.
She returned to that time.
She had lost a lot, but she had no regrets.
She had regained much as well.
The brainwashing she suffered in the imperial pce.
The engraving she endured in the Blood Cult.
The restraints that bound her mind and soul.
All of those hadpletely disappeared.
Her lost right arm returned.
She reimed the wless appearance of her girlhood from head to toe.
She was no longer a puppet of the imperial pce.
Nor was she a ve of the Blood Cult.
She was not a public figure of the Murim alliance either.
And she was no longer one-armed.
All of the Murims hidden connections had also vanished.
She had be alone.
Being a returnee is generally like this.
A boy who was alone.
Returning as a girl who is alone.
A story that no one knows.
A story only she remembers.
She organized all of it in her mind, as if folding it neatly into the drawer.
She had to do it.
The Earth was not the Murim, which washed blood with blood.
There was no need to fuss over it.
Hadnt she experienced it once already?
Adapting to a changed world was nothing special.
This time, it was just her turn to adapt to Earth instead of the Murim.
Still, it wasnt without its perplexities.
In the Earth she remembered from 20 years ago, in 2030, there were no virtual reality games, gates, or awakened individuals.
A two-room apartment in the city.
A room equipped with living appliances such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, TV,puter, bed, and wardrobe.
This somewhat spacious hideout, a bit toorge for one person, is one of the products of the Reality Return Support Package.
The house has been upgraded.
From a studio to a two-room apartment.
And thats not all.
Resident Registration Card
[Hae Eung Eung]
[300930 C 4******]
Registration Information and Completion Notice
[Owner: Hae Eung Eung]
[Registration Number: 300930-4******]
Total ount Bnce
[Changwon Bank ount]
[2,000,000,000]
Identification. House documents. Bank ount.
These are the three essentials for living in South Korea.
Among them, the noticeable 2 billion won.
Considering it aspensation for living in the Murim for 20 years, its hardly arge sum.
[Current average market price per pyeong in Myungho 2-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul C approximately 120 million won]
The price for a 10-pyeong house is 1.2 billion won.@@novelbin@@
This is not Gangnam, but Gangbuk.
I dont know what value there is in this unfamiliar neighborhood that didnt exist in Gangbuk 20 years ago.
But I knew that even 2 billion won wouldnt be enough to live a lifetime.
In the first ce, with this body, I probably wont be able to enjoy a long life anyway.
It wasnt just her right arm that returned due to the body reset.
The gold restrictions she had personally included at the beginning of character creation began to haunt her once again.
Gold Restrictions
[Gui Eum Jeol Maek] C A condition in which the blood vessels of the entire body gradually close due to massive negative energy. Most patients with Gui Eum Jeol Maek die before reaching adulthood (30 years old).
[Ham Muk Jeung] C You have be mute due to severe psychological speech impairment. If you do not find psychological stability, the period of being mute will lengthen.
These are the most severe restrictions.
There are plenty of other restrictions as well.
[Ga In Bak Myeong]
[High-ss Doll]
[Permanently Tattooed: Lower Abdomen]
[Self-Pleasure Prohibited] [Addiction: Smoking]
[Slow Heartbeat]
[Low Lung Capacity]
[Feminine Gait]
[Lie Prohibited]
[Thought Control: Honorifics]
This list is full of traces of a desire to create a character more focused on pleasure than seeding as a Murim person.
Considering that this is a filtered list, its remarkable that she seeded in returning at all.
Thanks to pouring all my abilities into charm next to my appearance.
While muscle and inner strength can be reced with money and power, the five senses, which are closely rted to intuition, cannot be substituted with anything else.
Open status window.
Status Window
[Name] Hae Eung Eung(Female, 15 years old)
[Level] Third-rate (Lv01)
[upation] Wandering Swordsman
[Title] None
[Attributes]
Muscle: 15
Blood Vessels: 15 (-1)
Skills: 10
Intelligence: 35
Five Senses: 89
Charm: 100
Inner Strength: 5
? Remaining Points: 0
Muscle Weakness: The blood vessels are weakened due to Gui Eum Jeol Maek.
Deste Inner Strength: Residing in a region with extremely low natural energy makes it extremely difficult to enhance inner strength.
Originally, all abilities are set to 30.
yers can freely distribute points to specialize in specific attributes, but Hae Eung Eungs distribution was extreme.
In the Murim, I endured for a long time with elixirs given by those trying to win my favor, but this is Earth.
A world without spiritual beings or elixirs.
Its nearly impossible to increase abilities over time.
Even the inner strength has faltered.
In this arid world where she cannot feel any inner power, creating a Dantian from scratch is impossible under such poor conditions.
If inner strength does not increase, training in it is difficult, and if training is slow, the blood vessels will not strengthen.
Time is not on her side.
How many years do I have left until the blood vessels can hold out?
Patients with Gui Eum Jeol Maek generally die before reaching 30 years old.
As the negative energy within her body grows stronger, it hardens the blood vessels, and if they continue to narrow and eventually close, she will no longer be able to cultivate inner strength.
After thates the blood vessels.
If the blood vessels are blocked, a person cannot live.
Even with artificial organs, its impossible to rece the brains blood vessels.
Theres no possibility for her to survive, even with modern medicine and biotechnology.
But there is a variable.
Inventory
[Inner Elixir of Yanghwa] [1 Slot]
Remaining Volume: 0 Slots / 1 Slot
[Inner Elixir of Yanghwa]: A carp imbued with positive energy. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of Gui Eum Jeol Maek.
If she used 85% of her clear score from the body reset privilege, she spent 10% to obtain the Inner Elixir of Yanghwa.
The remedy for Gui Eum Jeol Maek is the Inner Elixir of Taiyanghwa.
Even in the Murim, it is unlikely to find two Inner Elixirs, even with the power of the pce.
I cant be tied down by remedies that are impossible to find or buy.
She cannot afford to becent.
An emergency remedy.
A smokescreen for buying time.
The value of the Inner Elixir is only that much.
She must find another way.
Either ept positive energy,
or undergo a transformation of her constitution based on strong inner strength.
The former is easy.
She just has to ept the affections of men.
But she doesnt want to.
Does she, who was once a man, bow down to another man?
Thats absurd.
She doesnt want to do it as a woman either.
Even if I abandoned my life as a man after living 20 years in a womans body, I cannot lose my life as a Murim person.
Having once lost her identity, she had no intention of throwing away the pride of a warrior to seek happiness as a woman.
Then, there is still hope in thetter possibility.
Three cycles of time.
If she umtes 180 years of inner strength, transformation is possible.
In the Earth of 2050, there exists the potential to gather such immense inner strength.
Gates and monsters.
And Awakened Ones.
Things that didnt exist on Earth 20 years ago.
The news said that gates are portals to other dimensions.
Unlike the barren Earth for inner strength, beyond the gates, there may be enough energy to umte inner strength.
She felt the need to see a gate with her own eyes at least once.
I have to go. Right now.
Unconsciously, she opened the door with graceful steps,marking the first outing of the returnee, Hae Eung Eung.
Chapter 3
1.
A double partition wall, 30 meters high.
Surrounded by CCTV and guards.
Steel doors, checkpoints, and barricades.
The security was more stringent than a military outpost.
There was no way in.
The security of the gate was far too thorough.
With five years of power, I wont be able to sense anything inside the gate no matter how much I extend my awareness.
She let out a sigh, feeling frustrated.
Its not that she couldnt force her way in.
However, bing a criminal behind it would be troublesome.
Still, she had a sense of it.
The density of natural energy here was definitely higher than in her two-room apartment or other locations.
In terms of ratio, it felt like there was a difference between 0.001% and 0.01%.
This much would make it ten times easier to gather energy while performing breathing exercises near the gate.
The energy density inside the gate must be much higher. No, it has to be.
Based on her judgment, the average natural energy density in the martial world was around 1%.
In untouched nature, it could reach 10%.
In energy-dense ces where Qi was artificially concentrated, it could be 50%.
In ces where blood energy naturally sprung forth, it could even reach 100%.
0.01% was far from enough.
At the very least, it needed to be 1%, and if possible, 10% for her energy improvement to elerate.
I possess the techniques to hasten my energy-gathering speed, but I cant start them with an unprepared body.
Just like trying to set a record in a marathon without having built up stamina is impossible, advanced techniques require a sufficiently trained body.
Until then, she needed to seek alternative methods.
Ah. Ah. This is Gate 313s main checkpoint. A suspicious person is lurking near the outer wall. Ill be leaving my post to verify their identity; standby for deployment.
The guards found her lingering near the gates outer wall to be quite suspicious, as one approached her.
Should she fight and take them down?
Should she attempt tomunicate?
Calcting it all led to only one conclusion.
Thud.
Whoa? The suspicious person is running away. Support team, pursue!
Though she had merely been loitering nearby, the guards reacted fiercely as if they had disturbed a beehive.
Quickly, she turned into an alley to hide her body as the guards presence faded away.
She could have felt fatigued while hastily fleeing, but with just a few breaths, her body quickly regained its calm.
With a base stamina of 15, her inherent athleticism and endurance were on par with professional athletes.
There was no way she would tire from such a little exertion, and even if she did, it wouldnt be a problem.
[Blessings]
[Perfection] C Your skin remains clean automatically without washing, and your body emits a feminine scent.
[Absolute Energy] C You can maintain life functions without eating, sleeping, or needing to relieve yourself.
[Abnormal Physics] C Your body possesses abnormal sticity and flexibility, pain reduction, and healing abilities.
[Eternal Hair Removal]
[Sisterhood]
[Animal Friend]
[Glossy Skin]
[Enchanting Movements]
These abilities provided benefits that were theplete opposite of the limitations.
The conveniences and sensual tendencies of the blessings inadvertently assisted her in physical activities.
Absolute Energy significantly improved her energy and hormone supply, memory capacity, and extended her active time.
Perfection purified the surrounding air, generated clean oxygen, and supplied her body with a certain amount of oxygen even without breathing.
Abnormal Physics, surprisingly, was one of the better choices she had made among her blessings.
Was she trying to ept men without pain?
Was she aiming to explore every position?
Those were absurd reasons.
The flexibility offered by Abnormal Physics increased her muscle sticity, allowing for more challenging and precise movements.
This indirectly affected her nervous system and meridians as well.
Even after losing her right arm, gathering 3,000 years of power to undergo transformation wasrgely thanks to this characteristic.
After all, with this body, getting shot would be the end.
She had been too reckless just a moment ago.
Seeing the guards heightened alertness, she needed to approach more cautiously.
Keeping a sufficient distance,
She needed to find a ce where she could observe freely.
A location that wouldnt raise suspicion.
As her eyes scanned for a fitting spot, she noticed a neon sign.
[Open Year-Round]
[24-Hour Convenience Store]
The ss door looked so flimsy it seemed like it would copse with just a touch.
As she carefully opened the door, a loud chime rang out.
Wee!
The clerk greeted her with a flustered expression.
Neither side was familiar with the situation.
Its themand of the martial alliance leader. Jihwa Yoon, I dere you a martial figure.
If youve fled the royal pce, you should have escaped further. Getting stuck in a small town like this is useless, heh.
To think someone marked by the Blood Pavilion would break through the mental shackles and regain their selfthis is impossible!
During her time in the martial world, away from the central ins, her feelings toward her were always simr:
Hostility.
Greed.
Fear.
Compared to that, the employees reaction was surprisingly wholesome and refreshing.
In battles among high-level martial artists, even a moment of hesitation could mean life or death, so they never wavered.
If they did, it wasnt hesitation but fear they felt.
They realized instantly that they couldnt win against her.
They understood they had lost.
A martial figure who had fled to the outside world had returned, having crossed the wall of enlightenment for revenge.
Um, um Are you perhaps an Awakener?
?
Ah, Im sorry. I thought you might be a viin, so I Eep!
Her white paper turned yellow and frayed.
The freshness quickly morphed into familiarity.
Eyes filled with terror.
Desperately avoiding gaze.
Trembling hands.
Seeing that, she caught her right arm, which was about to reach out like lightning, with her left hand.
Those who were terrified instinctively recoiled when they saw the back of someone running, just like a dog chasing a fleeing person.
In the stance where she had been raising her sword hilt, she lowered her thumb and sheathed the sword instead.
Clunk.
The clerk, trembling like a fawn, had nearly met a deadly fate.
Due to her unnecessary sensitivity, she had frightened the poor clerk for no reason.
Feeling a bit guilty, Hae Eung Eung decided to buy something.
Although I dont need to eat, drink, or sleep, theres one thing I absolutely require.
[Gold System]
[Addiction: Smoking Yeocho]
The martial arts-style tobo called Yeocho has various effects such as pain relief and awakening, depending on the ingredients mixed with the Yeocho leaves.
The effects that Hae Eung Eung favored were two-fold:
Pain relief and cardiac stimnt.
[Gold System]
[Slow Heartbeat]
Slow heartbeats cause a decrease in blood flow, which directly corrtes to a reduction in physical performance.
Finding a cardiac stimnt to artificially raise her heartbeat was essential for survival.
I dont expect much from convenience store cigarettes.
Though smoking would yield no benefits, not smoking would leave her unable to train due to withdrawal symptoms.
Yet this body had more diforts than she anticipated.
When she tried to ce an order, her voice wouldnte out.
[Gold System]
[Selective Mutism]
A mentalnguage disorder designated as a Gold System.
It was once a chosen condition to increase her charm stat and define her concept.
Now, it sealed her lips.
Um Im not sure what you want, the clerk stammered.
It was a beginners mistake.
She was nearly failing as a convenience store customer.
It might seem a bit rude, but theres no helping it.
The wall-mounted disy of cigarettes was filled with various brands.
One brand caught her attention.
[Marlboro Blood]
Hae Eung Eung pointed at the cigarette that had captivated her gaze.
The clerk, suspecting she really might be a viin, hesitated, wondering if she should report her now.
Um, maam? Im really sorry to say this, but our store has a minimum purchase of 50,000 won
@@novelbin@@
Youll need to buy other items for me to assist with the checkout
.
Despite trembling, the clerk said everything she had to.
It felt like unreasonable coercion, but anyone sane wouldnt pick a fight with someone armed with a sword.
It was indeed possible that the store policies had changed in thest 20 years.
I do like her assertiveness.
Soda, snacks, and a disposable lipstick.
As she grabbed items at random, the total quickly exceeded 50,000 won.
The clerk meticulously ced the products into a convenience store bag.
Hae Eung Eung casually observed the clerks hands, finding them fascinating.
The marks were something a modern person would naturally have.
Calluses from holding a pen for a long time on the middle finger.
Calluses near the wrist from using a mouse for an extended period.
But the clerk had neither of those.
Instead, a more distinctive callus caught her eye.
Evidence of holding a solid object and swinging it for a long time. This must be from a sword.
From the traces, it was clear she had done so for at least five years.
What could a convenience store clerk possibly have to do with wielding a sword for so long?
Feeling intrigued, she looked closely, and the clerk turned out to be a young woman.
Swish.
Carefully, the clerk extended the bag toward her.
Instead of epting it, Hae Eung Eung took only the cigarettes that were on top of the bag.
Pushing the bag back toward the bewildered clerk, she said, I want this.
Since the items had been bought reluctantly just for the cigarettes, she didnt need them.
With a light nod, she noticed the clerk bing even more flustered.
Oh, no. I cant ept something like this. I feel really sorry.
???
I mistook such a nice person for a viin. I didnt realize and thought I was being rude
What a good kid.
For some reason, Hae Eung Eung felt nostalgic.
In the martial world, where one would often resort to violence, such pure-heartedness was rare.
That made their encounter even more memorable.
Sis, look over there! The river is so clear! Lets y for a bit, okay?
Are you going to buy another weapon? Sometimes you should buy essories, too. It would be a shame to waste such a pretty face.
Sis, you know I really like you, right?
Always following her with a smiling face.
A kind-hearted child.
If you want to save the girl,e to the dock alone.
No, sis. Why are you here even though you know its a trap?
Sis, if Im alive and it puts you in danger I dont want that Im sorry. Im sorry
Her lips wouldnt move.
A silent scream.
A child who cut her own throat with the enemys sword.
Blood sttered before her eyes.
Jewelry rolling on the ground.
One step. That was enough.
Rage. ughter. Massacre.
Excuse me?
!
If youre not feeling well, would you like to take a break?
Memories she thought had be numb revived vividly.
Is this a side effect of my reduced level? Ive been making unusual mistakes today.
The clerk, worry etched on her face, seemed genuinely concerned.
Pure goodwill.
Flickering memories.
It wasnt a ce particrly good for her mental health, but ignoring the goodwill of this bewildered clerk felt more ufortable.
I also wanted to observe the opportunity to infiltrate the gate.
Hae Eung Eung decided to take a short break.
She convinced herself that stopping by the convenience store was for that reason, not to calm her anxious self.
She loosened the chin strap.
Set her sword on the table.
And ced her sheathed sword beside her.
Once she had disarmed herself and taken a seat, the clerks eyes widened in surprise.
Wow. Miss were you a celebrity? An actress? A model? You look so young. Youre really beautiful.
Admiring gazes.
The notebook was handed over, asking for her signature.
That pure goodwill,
The innocence that stirred her memories,
Every little gesture.
It kept reminding her of that child.
And that fact was now extremely bothersome.
I should have gone to the caf upstairs.
She suddenly craved the cigarettes she had just bought.
Team leader, we lost sight of the figure.
Search the surrounding areas.
Should we check ces like convenience stores?
The team leader red at his subordinate with a disapproving expression.
Think about it. Would a figure wearing a strange hat and cape, armed with a sword, be hanging around a ce like that?
I see my thinking was shallow. Im sorry. That aside, that guy is really fast.
Its a speed that makes no sense unless hes an Awakened. Be careful. If hes a viin with a lot of grievances against society, who knows what kind of trouble he could cause?
The security guard, who had flipped off the back of the team leaders head, looked back at the convenience store with lingering regret.
His eyes, fixed on the store window, narrowed.
I knew it.
The guard thought.
That convenience store clerk is really pretty. Next time, Ill have to make an excuse and go there alone.
The woman was a part-timer who disappeared after his shift, switching with another clerk.
To approach her, he had to find a way to sneak a break during his shift.
Is that girl with her friends? They say pretty girls stick together, and just looking at her friends back is no joke.
Desire ignited in the guards eyes.
Chapter 4
1.
After a brief conversation, Hae Eung-eung left the convenience store.
She was such a cooldy.
Convenience store clerk Joo Ahyoung thought of the customer who had just left.
Her silence was striking.
There was a dangerous aura about her.
Beneath the traditional hat, she hid a top-star-level stunning appearance.
No matter how you looked at it, she was not someone youd see around this neighborhood.
Someone that strong could easily live in a better area.
It wasnt just her looksthere were so many surprising things about her.
She said she had been in closed training and didnt know how the world had changed, which is so rare these days.
Where to find the gates rich in energy.
Whether its true that monsters drop inner cores.
If mana stones can be consumed directly.
As someone who had been training in seclusion for ten years, she seemedpletely unaware of what was happening in the world.
Although her constant questions were a bit tiring, Joo Ahyoung was genuinely happy to help such a beautifuldy.
The kind of beauty that made you happy just by looking at her, even though her gloomy expression couldnt fully hide her features.
She was snapped back to reality by the sound of the chime.
Ding-dong.
Wee!
So, your friend left?
Sorry?
Never mind, forget it.
Excuse me, but who are you?
What do you mean, you dont know me?
I dont think I do. Are you a friend of the owner?
The man, who suddenly started talking down to her, seemed overly familiar. His confidence left Joo Ahyoung confused.
Seriously? Im from the Myungho Guild. Cant you tell by the uniform?
Oh, I see Well, thank you for that.
So what? Joo Ahyoungs mood started to sour.
Completely oblivious, the security officer leaned in toward the counter.
Hey, the only reason property prices are stable around here is because of the Myungho Guild. You and your small businesses can only survive because were around.
Oh, yes. Were always grateful. Thank you.
So, anyway, what do you think? Ive got some time after my shift today.
Excuse me?
Isnt it great? Having a Myungho Guild member as a boyfriend means no more worries about monsters. Just drop my name, Choi Hopil, and your life in this town will be smooth sailing, no bumps or rough patches.
Suddenly, Choi Hopil grabbed her hand. Joo Ahyoung recoiled in shock.
Oh, wow. Youre strong, arent you?
What are you doing? This is a convenience store, not a dating service.
Im not here for just any woman. I came for you.
Irritation shed in Joo Ahyoungs eyes.
Look, I dont need anyone to protect me, okay? Im not that weak. Ive been a trainee Awakened for five years now.
Well, would you look at that! Fiery and fresh, just like your looks.
Even in her in convenience store uniform, her shapely figure stood out.
2.
Choi Hopils eyes roamed up and down Joo Ahyoungs body, which was well-maintained like that of an Awakened trainee.
Joo Ahyoung, disgusted by his lecherous gaze, warned him firmly.
Stop it. If you keep doing this, Ill call the police.
Choi Hopils eyebrow twitched with irritation.
The police? Ha, this fucking bitch. Go ahead and call them, you piece of shit. Its not like Im asking for much, just trying to meet up. Do you think you can keep working here if you keep acting like this?
Are you threatening me right now?
Yeah, Im threatening you, you bastard. If your boss doesnt fire you, this convenience stores protection fees will double. How long do you think youllst, huh?
Tears welled up in Joo Ahyoungs eyes.
Why are you doing this to me? I cant quit this job because Im saving up for my Awakened training school fees.
Then fucking apologize! Cant you see how pissed I am because of you?
Im sorry.
Joo Ahyoung bowed her head in apology.
But Choi Hopil, unfazed, grabbed her by the hair and mmed her head onto the counter.
Agh!
Hey, what kind of apology is this? Theres no sincerity, none at all.
Then how can I show sincerity?
Make time tonight.
!
Youre old enough to understand, right? You know what I mean, dont you?
A threat backed by power.
Joo Ahyoung felt an overwhelming sense of despair at the scummy behavior.
As a convenience store part-timer barely scraping by to pay her Awakened training fees, she knew she couldnt stand up to a guild member from Myungho Guild.
Just so you know, running to the police or the media wont help. You know how the world works these days, right? If you piss off an Awakened, the government and corporations are done for.
Gates and monsters.
The new enemies that appeared before humanity.
The Awakened, the only ones capable of fighting them, had practically risen above thew.
Especially the powerful guilds established by Awakened with extraordinary abilities, who ruled their own territories.
They controlled administrative regions, taking responsibility for the lives and deaths of local residents.
They held direct and indirect influence over every local interest.
Myungho Guild was even considered a semi-first-ss guild.
There was no way an ordinary citizen with a pretty face and a nice body could stand up to someone backed by Myungho Guild.
This was the end.
A look of resignation filled Joo Ahyoungs eyes.
Choi Hopil clenched his fist.
He had done it. The fish was caught; all that remained was to enjoy his meal.
Ding-dong.
The automatic door of the convenience store opened.
Ha, look at this clueless fool. Get out of here, were not doing business right now.
What? Didnt you hear me? I said get the hell out Oh?
A person with a traditional bamboo hat, a wind cloak, and an unusual appearance.
A glimpse of bandaged hands beneath the flowing sleeves.
A sword slung diagonally across the waist.
Even standing silently, the stranger gave off an intense and foreboding atmosphere.
It was Hae Eung-eung.
3.
With an indifferent gaze, Hae Eung-eung unwrapped the packaging and put the cigarette butt in her mouth.
She touched the end of the cigarette with her finger.
And then, she realized something.
With only five years of umted energy, she couldnt create the Threefold True Fire.
Losing my power brings such inconveniences too, it seems.
Hae Eung-eung headed back toward the convenience store to buy a lighter.
On her way, she noticed a citizen who, upon seeing something inside the store, flinched in surprise and ran off.
Something felt off.
Her pace quickened toward the store.
Sure enough.
As the automatic doors slid open, Hae Eung-eungs chest tightened at the sight before her.
An intimidating man was gripping a part-timer by the hair, pinning her head to the counter as she sobbed.
Who the hell are you? Arent you the one who ran away near the Gates outer wall?
The menacing man, Choi Hopil, a guard from Myungho Guild, snarled at Hae Eung-eung.
Not going to answer?!
Hae Eung-eung silently lifted the sword sheath, pointing it at Choi Hopils arm.
What the hell are you doing, huh? Want to fight?
Look at this bastards murderous intent You think youve got what it takes? Lets see if you can win a fight.
The oppressive aura around them grew heavier, reaching a level that couldnt be ignored.
Choi Hopil began to feel uneasy.
Though he couldnt exin it, the thought that he had picked the wrong fight refused to leave his mind.
What, are you into this girl too? Fine, get in line, bastard. Ill use her first and pass her to you.
It hurt his pride to back down, but he felt like pushing further would lead to disaster. It was his version of apromise.
Before his crude words even had time to settle, something swiftly grazed Choi Hopils cheek.
Drip.
Blood trickled down his face.
Choi Hopil, his face stiffening, looked back and realized what had just brushed past him.
A lollipop?
A lollipop stick had embedded itself deep into the wall.
The candy itself was nowhere to be seen.
Choi Hopils blood ran cold.
When did this guy throw that?
He hadnt even noticed the slightest hint of movement before the throw.
Throwing it was one thingif it had been a dagger instead of candy, his head would have been split open in an instant.
Sister!
Joo Ahyoung eximed in surprise.
Finally understanding the situation, Choi Hopil let out an awkwardugh.
Oh, so you two are family, huh? Ha ha, you shouldve said something earlier. I wouldnt interfere with a family reunion.
Lets just call it a day, okay? I backed off, didnt I? I wont touch your sister, alright? Or do you really want to take this all the way?
The tension in the air tightened as if they were facing a high-level monster.
Ignoring itpletely, Hae Eung-eung gripped the sword sheath tighter, using her thumb to push up the swords handle slightly.
The one who saved Choi Hopil from sweating bullets wasnt his own courage, but Joo Ahyoung.
No, dont, Sister. This man is from Myungho Guild. Theres no need for you to get into trouble because of me.
Yeah, listen to your sister. I dont know what guild youre from, but if you mess around in someone elses territory, youre gonna have a bad time. Right? So, Im leaving, okay?
Choi Hopil, eager to escape, nervously inched toward the entrance, as if a beast was breathing down his neck.
Just before he could leave, he suddenly yelled out in frustration.
4.
Just you wait, you bastards! Ill make sure this isnt the end of it?!
Even his final outburst, intended to save some face, was not allowed by Hae Eung-eung.
Her sword shed like lightning, instantly grazing past Choi Hopils body.
Thud.
His wireless earphones.
His shirt buttons.
The stic band of his pants.
His belt.
His shoces.
Everything that had covered him from head to toe fell to the ground at once.
Wha huh?!
Choi Hopil was beyond terrified.
Her swordsmanship was so precise that she could have easily severed his vital points if she had wanted to.
It finally hit him just how foolish he had been to provoke someone so powerful.
His trembling hands clutched his sagging pants as his legs hurriedly carried him away, visibly shaking even from a distance.
Wow, Sister I knew you were strong, but I didnt expect this level of strength.
[It had to be done. That guy will definitelye back again.]
But you cant be a murderer, Sister. Honestly, you went too far this time. Youve humiliated the Myungho Guild, and they wont just let this slide.
Despite having just gone through such a terrifying experience, Joo Ahyoung was more concerned for Hae Eung-eung than for herself.
Seeing her kindness, almost to the point of naivety, Hae Eung-eung sighed.
I had no intention of getting this deeply involved. I really didnt
This was the Earth she knew in 2030.
Now it was the Earth of 2050, twenty yearster.
She had only been speaking to Joo Ahyoung to bridge the gap in her understanding of the differences between the two times.@@novelbin@@
She had drawn a clear line, thinking of her as just a part-timer she barely knew.
C Im sorry, Sister. If my being alive puts you in danger, then Im sorry.
C No, Sister. This man is from the Myungho Guild. You shouldnt get into trouble because of me.
The martial world and the real world.
Two entirely different dimensions of rtionships.
That innocent face.
The tragic end that awaited her.
It all ovepped in Hae Eung-eungs mind.
[Give me your contact information.]
Really?
Just like the scoundrels of the martial world who never forget grudges, even if they forget kindness.
It was hard to believe the Myungho Guild would behave in a gentlemanly way.
If their guild members came looking for Joo Ahyoung while she wasnt around, causing her harm or worse, making her disappear
The bitter feeling that would follow wouldnt go away in just a few days.
She was already too deeply involved to ignore it now.
[I still have some questions. About things like games.]
If I can help with that, Id be more than happy to! Ask me anything. Ill tell you everything.
Joo Ahyoung beamed, overjoyed at the fact they had exchanged contact information.
Leaving behind Joo Ahyoungs bright, innocent face, Hae Eung-eung exited the convenience store.
Her expression had turned noticeably colder as she made a silent vow.
After being dragged into this much trouble, she was determined to extract everyst bit of useful information, squeezing it out like wringing a dry squid.
Chapter 5
1.
Even if she only wanted to think of herself as a martial artist, there were unavoidable moments when she became acutely aware of herself as a woman.
Her reset body.
The sublime state.
The difort she felt when training to bridge the gap between the twowas the bouncing of her chest.
I regret customizing this chest so much.
She had adjusted her chest herself, with the simplistic idea that a womans chest should be moderatelyrge.
If only it werent attached to her own body, that would have been better.
Now, the female breasts that were hers were nothing but burdensome lumps of fat that weighed down her shoulders and quickly exhausted her.
They obstructed her view of her feet in a straight stance.
They disrupted her sense of bnce.
And they hindered her training.
I need to buy more bandages.
She had spent 20 years in the savage world of Murim, oveing difficulties by wrapping her chest tightly with cloth.
Of course, in modern Earth, better alternatives existed than random torn cloth pieces.
The pharmacy. Im sure they sellpression bandages there.
Her second destination for the day was set.
After exchanging numbers with Joo Ahyoung, Haeeung asked many questions.
She used the excuse that she was ignorant of worldly matters because of her long period of seclusion in training.
Whether that excuse worked or not, Joo Ahyoung answered earnestly enough.
The reason there were few citizens on the streets.
It wasnt solely due to gates or monsters.
Ah, they did mention that Earth in 2050 is gued by gaming addiction.
People werent ying games to rest their tired bodies from reality anymore. Instead, they wereing back to reality to rest from games.
The roles of reality and gaming had reversed.
People were trying to spend as much time in the virtual world as possible.
The value of life.
The cultural trends.
Society as a whole no longer viewed people who dedicated their lives to games as nerds or gaming addicts, but as normal people.
In line with such social trends, an unexpected industry was booming.
Ironically, it was pharmacies.
Can I get some painkillers?
How much longer do we have to wait?
Damn, Ill never get used to drowning, no matter how many times it happens.
You think thats bad? Even with 10% synchronization, my skin still gets red and swollen. Burn creams are ridiculously expensive too.
Please. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night choking because you experienced drowning? If I dont take bronchodtors, I cant even sleep at night.
Virtual reality games, which manipted the senses through brain waves, didnt exclude the sensation of pain from dying.
Although the real body wasnt injured, the brain recognized the pain, and that perception affected the physical body.
As a result, pharmacy customers werent just flu patients, those with weak immune systems, or elderly people prone to minor illnesses anymore.
It was now gamers suffering from the aftereffects of death.
Fragile yers who constantly faced death.
The so-calledmoners of the virtual world.
Hey, hey, look over there.
Whoa, that scared me. Could they be an Awakened?
Did they get injured while fighting a monster?
Haeeungs appearance immediately caught attention.
The gathering gazes were filled with sympathy.
Well, it makes sense that theyd get hurt often, given the rough work they do, right?
Poor thing.
No matter how many times you die in the virtual world, the pain they go through in real life cant evenpare.
Living through a 100% synchronized reality game.
How did we even y such crappy games before the virtual world came out?
It was bizarre, seeing people suffering from the aftereffects of virtual deaths feeling sorry for someone buying a chest bandage.
Their sincere expressions only made the situation stranger.
For someone with a prickly personality, this might have felt ufortable.
But Haeeung, unfazed, took a ticket number and waited for her turn.
These gazes.
This kind of sympathy.
It wasnt unfamiliar to her.
Even in the world of Murim, there were plenty ofmoners who both admired and pitied martial artists.
Customer number 117.
Haeeung took her ticket and stood at the counter.
Do you have a prescription?
What brings you in today?
Haeeung handed over a small notebook where she had written in advance.
Oh, I see. Youre buying apression bandage. Could you let me know where you n to use it? Thew recently changed, and pharmacies are required to record the intended use of purchased items to prevent misuse.
The pharmacy clerk was a woman with her hair tied in a ponytail.
She wore a pure white medical coat and thick sses, her expression kind.
Judging by her appearance, it didnt seem like she was asking out of any ill intentions.
If thew demanded it, Haeeung had no choice but toply.
She calmly exined her intended use of thepression bandage.
[Im buying it to bind my chest.]
The pharmacist smiled but asked again for rification.
Ah, I see. So, youre saying that you need the bandage because the wound from a previous surgery has opened and needs to be wrapped again, correct?
[No. Im buying it to bind my chest so it doesnt get in the way.]
The pharmacists smile suddenly stiffened.
Why?
[Chest coverings dont have enough control to keep my chest from bouncing.]
It was a straightforward, even crude, exnationsurprisingly direct for a woman.
The pharmacists eyes widened in disbelief.
Looking around at the other customers nervously, she leaned in close and whispered.
Uh Maam? If thats the case, wouldnt a sports bra be more helpful?
[Just give me thepression bandage.]
Are you sure? Is it okay if I enter that into the system?
With a dissatisfied expression, Haeeung tapped the notebook with her hand, signaling her impatience.
Seeing her protest, the pharmacist, still unsure if this was right, hesitantly handed over the bandage.
3.
Suddenly, the reason why Haeeung bought the bandages became clear.
There were multiple factors involved.
First of all, my uncontrobly bouncing chest gets in the way when using martial arts.
The first reason was practical, and the next was just as realistic.
The poor quality of clothing materials in the Murim world resulted in bras performing poorly.
If a bras support control didnt exceed 50%, the intense movements of a martial artist would cause the chest ligaments to snap, permanently sagging the breasts.
Sagging breasts not only brought difort but also ruined the bodys shape, making it visually unappealing.
Although Haeeung identified more with being a martial artist than a woman, she didnt see any reason to voluntarily ruin her body.
It was good advice to follow the teachings of the female disciples of Hae Nam Sect.
The tips passed down among the female disciples of her sect had been useful for the past 20 years.
Thanks to them, Haeeung never neglected the practice of wrapping her chest with bandages during her time in the Murim world.
Even her blessing yed a role.
The sticity-enhancing effect provided by the so-called hentai physics not only helped with blood cirction but also improved the durability of her chest ligaments, preventing the unfortunate fate of sagging breasts.
This has much better control than using ordinary cloth as a bandage.
Haeeung lightly bounced up and down, feeling the reduced jiggle in her chest.
Her martial artists precise body-sensing abilities estimated that the control from the bandages she wrapped herself approached 80%.
Its still not as good as the special bandages made from imperial silkworm silk, though.
Silk spun from imperial silkworms could be turned into armor when woven into clothing.
If turned into rope, it could even bind a top-tier martial artist.
With special processing, the silk could also be fashioned into throwing weapons before it became fabric.
Its versatility varied depending on how it was used, but its utility was always top-notch.
Even as a chest bandage, its value was immense.
But still, this should be sufficient for entering the capsule.
Thest reason she wrapped the bandages around her chest was also practical, but it was the least impressive.
She hoped that by keeping her chest bound in the virtual world, she could avoid the hassle of having to wrap it every time.
That was her shallow n when she purchased the bandages before undergoing the body scan.
[Starting full-body scan.]
[Please close your eyes and remain still while the scan is in progress.]
Haeeung closed her eyes in a reverent prayer.
Please, let it measure at least one cup size smaller.
The Reality Return Support Package.
Included in the special package she purchased when returning to reality from the Murim world was a standard virtual reality capsule.
She had been quite shocked to learn that even a standard capsule cost over 10 million won.
Though I wouldnt trust a cheap capsule anyway.
A brainwave-based game with shoddy equipment?
What if the capsule malfunctioned and caused damage to her brain?
She had already spent 20 years in the Murim world because of aputer game malfunction.
What if the capsule broke down while she was ying a virtual reality game?
The thought of spending several more years in another dimension was not one she wanted to entertain.
Even so, its just an escape.
The gate
Monsters.
Awakeners.
Mana stones.
She once ventured out to seek things that might help her enhance her internal energy, but she had since given up on all of that.
This was because of the guild that had taken control of the gate.
After experiencing firsthand how pathetic the members of one such guild, the Myeongho Guild, were, she quickly realized how foolish it was to think of cooperating with them.
Entering the gate, hunting monsters, and bing an Awakenerall of thesee with conditions.
The guild.
The association.
The government.
You had to belong to one of these three organizations and work for their benefit.@@novelbin@@
In the Murim worlds terms, these organizations corresponded to the following:
A sect.
The Murim Alliance.
The Imperial Guard.
There were benefits to being part of an organization, but it didnt guarantee personal safety or freedom.
Especially for a neer with breathtaking beauty, being part of an organization could be even more dangerous.
Attractive men and women are easy targets for power-hungry criminals.
If she hadnt been lucky enough to find an organization like the Hae Nam Sect that treated her like family, she would have faced the typical hardships.
Sexual harassment and verbal abuse would be just the start.
There would be jealousy from her peers, threats from superiors or subordinates, and all kinds of schemes, nder, and dirty tricks.
Rather than suffer through that, its better to just y smart.
Next month, in mid-October, the association was hosting an event for civilians.
A gate tour.
ording to the information from Joo Ahyoung, anyone could participate as long as they had the money.
It was the perfect opportunity to assess the concentration of natural energy inside the gate and see how much it could boost her energy umtion speedpared to the Murim world.
The Nine Yin Veins.
To cure the most severe type of this condition, she needed 180 years worth of internal energy.
Currently, with five years of umted power, she needed to gather another 175 years worth.
In the Murim world, where the concentration of natural energy averaged 1%, it would normally take 175 years.
But with the Super Ascension Technique, which allowed her to umte energy ten times more efficiently, it would only take 17.5 years.
If the natural energy inside the gate reaches even 1%, then theres hope.
The average lifespan for someone with Nine Yin Veins was 30 years.
She calcted the remaining time she had left, adding in the insurance of the Internal Elixir of Suyanghwari and her knowledge of Nine Yin Veins from the Murim world. With all thatbined, she could just barely manage if the gates natural energy reached 1%.
But if the concentration of natural energy inside the gate didnt evene close to 1%
Then umting energy would be meaningless.
No matter how hard she worked to gather internal energy, she wouldnt be able to escape death.
In that case, it would be better to just enjoy each day while she could.
In the end, what Im doing now is no different from preparing myself for death. I dont even know if this capsule is a machine or a coffin.
It was with a somewhat bitter mindset that she had begun using the virtual reality capsule.
And now, inside that pre-prepared coffin, an alert soundedthe scan wasplete.
[Full-body scanplete.]
[Registering body information.]
In the vastness of space.
Standing at attention in the middle of it all, Hae Eung-eung found herself.
In front of her stood a full-length mirror, allowing her to examine her characters status.
As expected, her voice didnte out.
Her mutism was a psychologicalnguage disorder.
Even in the virtual world, there were no exceptions.
The voice.
And the next thing that bothered her was, of course, her chest.
Hae Eung-eung lifted her basic T-shirt and examined her bare chest.
She measured the cup size with her hands.
She shook her chest up and down to estimate the weight.
Then, she lightly jumped to assess the level of movement.
The weights the same, but the size has shrunk.
The chest no longer interfered with the path of her sword swings.
This was what they called battlepressed chest.
The chest bandages hadnt been in vain.
Chapter 7
1.
Dried bloodstains.
A chilly wind.
A narrow path.
As soon as Hae Eung Eung set foot on the ominously forebodingnd,
Thud
Thud
A disheveled creature with a staggering gait appeared.
[Blood Demon]
[There is no information on this half-demon.]
Amon type of mob often seen in tutorials.
The most lowly of beings.
There was no need to measure the distance.
The blood demon couldnt even react to the sword drawn by Hae Eung Eung before its head flew off with one strike.
[Critical Hit!]
[Body Severance]
[You have severed the neck.]
Thick bushes lined the narrow path.
With a rustling sound, two more blood demons appeared.
One had a wounded arm,
the other had a wounded leg
they looked like defeated soldiers.
The standard strategy is to lure the enemy and make the one with the wounded legg behind before taking them out one by one.
Thud
Hae Eung Eung, on the other hand, gripped her sword and charged head-on first.
From left to right,
from right to left,
she swiftly swung her sword like lightning, severing the two blood demons.
With the final swing of her sword, she made a gesture to shake off the blood clinging to it.
All of this happened in an instant.
Before she could even see with her own eyes that the demons heads had fallen to the ground, Hae Eung Eung pressed on.
[Critical Hit! (x2)]
[Body Severance (x2)]
[You have severed the neck. (x2)]
A moment toote, the corpses fell, followed by the kill confirmation.
A hint of warmth returned to Hae Eung Eungs cold eyes.
I never thought Id feel this sensation again in the real world
What is right and what is wrong?
Is this revenge truly justified?
Questions she had to ask herself repeatedly.
Unlike the miserable and brutal fights in the martial world,
these were merely data within a game.
Targets that could be killed without any guilt,
without any hesitation
they were simply subjects of a license to kill that she had honed her skills to take down.
A fight where my head isnt spinning. A fight freed from the cycle of vengeance is indeed enjoyable.
Piercing through flesh,
splitting bones
The so-called taste of the sword.
In the face of that vivid sensation, ordinary people tremble and feel guilt.
The thought of having taken a life elicits a strong rejection, leading some to abandon further game progression altogether.
The bacsh results in a drop in assimtion rate.
[Initial Assimtion Rate: 10%]
[Combat Assimtion Rate: 33%]
[Current Assimtion Rate: 25%]
Hae Eung Eung was different.
Martial World Hero
Royal Bounty
It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say the entire martial world was her enemy in this extreme situation.
Having returned as a vengeful spirit, a fugitive from the outer martial world, she achieved the level of mastery of the three realms and the flow of energy.
Even if her heart harbored sympathy,
there was no hesitation in her sword.
While others would experience a drop in their assimtion rate,
the moment she felt alive,
herbat assimtion rate was even higher than the normal rate.
Swish, thud
Swish, thud@@novelbin@@
One sh upon encounter.
Even if the blood demons charged in, striking down their weapons and beheading them within two strikes was routine.
It didnt matter if a few appeared simultaneously or if they erupted from the ground; they were not threatening at all.
They fell in order before her as they emerged, their heads pierced simultaneously as theyunched their ambush.
Whether it was a horde attack
or a surprise assault,
it meant nothing to her.
This would certainly be a difficult game for an ordinary person.
Beyond the narrow path, a ruined vige appeared.
Inside the crumbling thatched houses, a treasure chest sat prominently, and from above, she could hear the sound of breathing.
When the chest was opened, a blood demon would drop down from above.
A trap deliberately designed by the game developers.
If you didnt know, youd inevitably fall into the trap of instant death.
With traces, smells, and sounds. If I open my senses, theres no way I could miss it.
The horrific screams or the disgusting stench.
The sight that made one squint.
When faced with elements that are hard to bear, ordinary people would usually dull their senses.
While it might soothe their minds temporarily,
it would disrupt game progress.
But where had Hae Eung Eung lived for the past twenty years?
In a world overflowing with people,
where water was scarce,
and most didnt care about hygiene,
where beggars on the streets could boast about their profession in the martial world.
This level of threat cannot deceive my senses.
Bloodstains climbed the wall.
The stench pierced her nose.
The breath anticipating the prey drew near.
Nothing was hidden
a pathetic and shoddy ambush.
Thwack!
The rusted sword she hurled pierced the head of a blood demon.
The corpsended heavily atop the treasure chest.
The chest jolted open from the impact.
From within, thorns sprang forth.
Without casting a nce at the chest or the corpse, Hae Eung Eung sought out and killed all the blood demons in the vige.
Just a bit more. Im still not satisfied. Is there no one who can fulfill my desire other than these trivial beings?
[Critical Hit!]
A deadly struggle against strong opponents.
A life-or-death battle to test her skills.
The only response to her cravings came from the system notifications.
While critical hits that bring joy to the ordinary
and kill confirmations
were mere hindrances to her immersion.
[Game Settings]
[Disables all notification functions except for required choices.]
The tens ce had long been surpassed,
over a hundred kills.
Hearing the kill confirmations time and again tired her ears first.
Adapting to the game through continuous ughter,
and having turned off the notifications, her steps became much lighter.
The talent of a yer might not be much different from that of a martial artist.
She rxed the excessive tension in her body while keeping one eye and ear open, alternating to rest her senses.
If her eyes got tired from using them too much, she would open her ears, and when she became ustomed to the sounds, she would then open her nose in a natural cycle.
With her skilled control over strength and senses,
the mobs were annihted in an instant.
Average ytime: 2 hours.
Refund time easily surpassed in the tutorial field.
The time taken to clear the One Hit Cleanse was merely 1 Dakyung (15 minutes).
[You have cleared all the blood demon hordes in the Corpse Hill.]
[The executioner awaits you at the summit of Corpse Hill.]
She sensed an unusually strong energy.
The tutorial boss was making its appearance.
This time, it might be worth looking forward to.
Steadily, Hae Eung Eung walked with the same pace as before.
Beneath her conical hat,
the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, revealing her anticipation.
2.
When Hae Eung Eung had just started the game,
after the character selection waspleted and the main story began.
[Current Viewers C 5]
Is this a supply capsule for beginners? Assimtion rate too.
- I just looked it up; this newbies first stream shows the game records are pristine.
- Wow, a fresh vani newbie?
- The scent of perversion is wafting.
Viewers who specialized in low-tier broadcasts flooded the chat.
- Wheres the basic character?
- Real mode! LOL
- Why isnt there any bloodline at all?
- The streamer isnt just vani; their bloodline is vani too! LOL
- Are we going to get a look at the tutorial bosss face? LOL
In this world, there is such a thing as a standard.
A shortcut paved by pioneers where simply following along brings benefits.
The Silent Swordsman broke every standard.
They did not choose the basic character.
They did not select a bloodline either.
They didnt even follow the bait-and-fight method of luring blood demons one by one for elimination.
- New-style bravado.
- First, cut. Then, cut again.
- Thats not how you do it! Why are they fighting so well?
- They really dont have a bloodline, right?
- Their physical ability is good. This newbie shows potential.
Unlike those hapless types who were rotten from the start,
the Silent Swordsman was different.
Most hapless yers who did not follow the standards could not fight like that.
With a low assimtion rate akin to that of slow blood demons,
their movements were terrible,
clumsy iling and vomiting,
and battles that were embarrassingly ugly.
There was not a trace of the typical clumsy feel characteristic of new streamers.
- Is there a newbie who can slice through six blood demons in a row?
- What the hell? How is this a newbie? They fight better than I do!
- Did theye after watching a guide? They pop up like moles and stab with their sword as soon as they emerge from the ground!
Quick kill.
One sword, one kill.
Even a second-time yer would find it hard to pull off.
Every simple sh oozed immense skill.
- Is someone from the Olympic training center ying a game?
- If you awaken as an Awakened One, you cantpete in the ordinary Olympics.
- Theres no swordsmanship like that in kendo.
- I dont know; just clip it for now.
- No bullshit, thats a 13-man squad!
- Does no one else think the blood demons look pitiful?
- How is that even possible?
- Wow, does that even make sense?
With a little more knowledge of virtual reality games than the hapless streamers struggling even to walk,
the viewers entered the chatroom, feeling like they could be the ultimate mother in a neighborhood without spending a dime.
It took less than a minute for them to realize that this streamer was different.
People wereing in, but none were leaving.
The broadcast boasted an incredible pulling power, like an antlion trap.
Rxing at the thought that with this skill, death was absolutely not an option, one viewer asked a question.
- But why isnt this person speaking?
- Look at their nickname.
- Silent Swordsman?
- Not speaking is called a silent training, right?
- Ah LOL
- Already a concept streamer from the first broadcast! LOL
- A hapless yer but a broadcasting pro!
- Their swordy is on another level!
- Theyve killed all 200 blood demons!
- The broadcast has only been 15 minutes, though?
Thats just insane!
- Is it on real mode?
- Yeah, its on real mode.
A physical master streamer with ridiculous skills had appeared.
- But the boss will still be a stretch, right?
- Thats just a nice way to say tutorial boss! LOL
- You cant avoid the forced defeat event.
Even if they cant beat the boss, who cares?
That was the general sentiment in the chatroom.
[Story Mode]
At the top of the hill,
the tutorial boss, the Executioner, awaited in the boss battle field.
If the viewers memories werent failing them,
the Executioner that appears at the top of that hill would unleash a brutal line upon seeing the yer.
[Another fool who doesnt know their ce has appeared.]
[Instead of continuing a futile existence, meet your miserable end here.]
It was definitely something like that.
But then,
[Not a loser who can no longer survive, nor a half-demon merely living a miserable life, but a strong being has stepped into the Half-Demon Valley.]
[What is the reason for annihting all those pathetic creatures that couldnt even withstand a handful of demon blood?]
[Do you seek revenge? Or is it merely pity? Or perhaps ]
[Are you here to announce the end of this cursed gorge, Executioner?]
- Huh?
- Didnt the dialogue change a bit?
- Wow, this is insane. I know this!
Among the hapless viewers, one with notably sharp insight grasped the situation and gasped.
If the conditions are met, the story changes little by little; it seems our leader has triggered a hidden route!
- Wait, are you saying a pure vani hapless streamer is pioneering a new route in their first broadcast?
- Seriously? What?!
Its been ten years since the release.
The Half-Demon Valley is a gate that countless physical masters have passed through.
And yet, a hapless streamer is pioneering a new route in their first broadcast.
- Without any bloodlines?
- But its on real mode!
- On a first ythrough?
- Thats a hidden trigger!
- This is insane!
If theyre doing this well in mob-clearing, how well will the boss battle go?
Anticipation surged in the hearts of all the viewers that something incredible might unfold.
Chapter 8
1.
Story mode.
A monotonous event where the predetermined story is mechanically repeated.
There was a time when Hae Eung Eung used to think that way.
[Do you yearn for revenge? Or is it merely pity? Or perhaps]
[Are you the one who hase to end this cursed gorge, Executioner?]
She was investigating whether the Half-Yokai Gorge game was safe from possession or dimensional shifts.
It was a line of dialogue not seen in prior research.
The weary tutorial boss, whose gaze had once been filled with contempt and exhaustion, now had eyes that burned fiercely with an unprecedented intensity and desire.
Standing before those eyes, Hae Eung Eung for the first time epted this game as not just a virtual reality game, but as a virtual reality.
Interactive Choice
[What you desire is it]
1. An old dream, named revenge.
2. The cruel bloodlines curse, freeing humanity from yokai.
3. (Silently points the weapon.)
The words carried deep emotions.
Though she liked the profound phrasing, her heartmanded only one choice.
[ (Silently points the weapon.)]
[Is that so? Indeed, words are unnecessary between us.]
It was her first ythrough.
First time.
First tutorial.
For someone who was experiencing everything for the first time, a brand-new tutorial route not listed in any guidesthe true duel routeappeared.
2.
The Half-Yokai Gorge boss typically has three phases.
As each phase progresses, the boss uses new patterns, and once all phases are passed, the boss fight ends.
- What will the first pattern be?
- Minion summoning pattern.
- Tree-pulling pattern.
- Thats for noobs.
- When the difficulty rises, the patternse faster.
- Itll probably just be the stomping pattern.
- Even top-tier physical streamers always start with the stomping pattern.
The chatrooms opinions narrowed down to three options.
However, on the battlefield they were watching, the massive executioner knelt on one knee, cing both hands on the groundpreparing for the next pattern after the stomping one.
The executioner took the preparatory stance for the charge pattern.
- What the hell? Starting with the charge pattern?
- Then whates in phase three?
- I dont know; no ones ever seen that.
A never-before-seen strategy.
Facing the first phase, Hae Eung Eung braced herself.
Puhwaak.
She roughly threw the ash pouch dropped from the yokai she had defeated. A cloud of dust rose. The amount of ash from the two hundred yokai was not small.
Boom, boom, boom.
The executioner, with his massive frame, bulldozed through the terrain, charging straight ahead. However, due to the ash cloud blocking his view, he couldnt catch Hae Eung Eung.
Just as one cant see inside from outside, it was impossible to see out from within.
Hae Eung Eung smartly overcame the visibility hindrance she had created.
The sound of the giant executioner rushing forward. Each step shook the ground with vibrations.
Sensing his position through the sound and vibrations, she shed at the executioners leg at the perfect timing as he passed by.
His skin is tough, like someone who has mastered external martial arts.
Though she inflicted a wound, it wasnt deep. Indeed, this notorious tutorial boss from the inte. No wonder ordinary yers would swing their swords a few times, only to get counterattacked and scream in defeat.
But thats all there is to it.
The executioner wasnt clever. He didnt know how to use all his senses. While the first wound wasnt deep or fatal, with each sessive charge, the wound deepened.
shing.
And shing again.
umting effective hits.
Each strike slowly widened the same area.
After more than ten shes, the bleeding had worsened to a point where it couldnt be ignored.
Realizing that continuing like this would yield no gains, the executioner stopped.
Then, story mode activated.
[Story mode]
The executioner tensed his leg muscles, causing them to contract. Using his muscle power, he stopped the bleeding at the wound. He raised his executioners axe.
[You fearlessly face an enemy erged by yokais blood.]
[You precisely maintain distance, repeatedly shing at the weak points with skilled swordsmanship.]
[Everything exceeds expectations.]
Boom!
The axe was mmed forcefully into the ground.
[Prove that your skills are genuine.]
[Face me head-on.]
The rust that clung to the axe ked off. With the gleam of the axe de
[yer mode]
Phase 2 had begun.
- Whats going on???
- ?
- ?
- It hasnt even been 5 minutes, and its already Phase 2??
- Did she push it with sheer damage??
- First time seeing the axe de get sharpened.
- How is she beating this without any bloodline, and in real mode, no less?
The chat was flooded with countless hooks of disbelief.@@novelbin@@
But Hae Eung Eung, oblivious to the chaos, focused all her senses on the executioner.
The pattern had changed. Instead of blindly charging, his massive axe was now targeting her, and her alone, from start to finish.
The axe, with the power to split buildings, came crashing down from above, splitting the ground with a loud crack.
Any normal yer would be killed in a single hit.
The axe didnt just stop at striking the ground; it slid across, changing trajectory to aim at her waist with a vicious double strike.
Screeech
C Wow!
Even if one could read the attack path, it was almost impossible to dodge the onught. If she made even a single mistake or if her body failed to respond, she would be split in half.
Hae Eung Eung, who looked like she could be sliced any second, dangerously weaved between the attack trajectories. And when she couldnt avoid the sudden eleration, she parried with her sword.
Bang!
If she didnt interrupt or deflect the attack at the right moment, the sh between the axe and the sword would almost certainly destroy her sword.
A battle that shouldnt even be possible, considering their size and the weight of their weapons.
Vrrrrrr
!!
However, if she struck at the perfect moment, just before the concentrated force erupted, she could nullify its power entirely.
I dont have to take on that ridiculous strength at 100%.
Hae Eung Eungs sword, a step ahead, intercepted the executioners axe. In that brief moment of opportunity, her sword once again shed the executioner.
- That was insane.
- Mom, I wanna grow up to be a silent swordmaster.
- Shes not just a regr physical streamer; shes a master-level yer!
- Doesnt normal damage not affect bosses like that?
- Critical hits work.
- So shes beennding critical hits non-stop?? How is that even possible?
- Dude, the boss is the one getting staggered, not the yer.
- Can that even happen?
- Wow, what am I even watching?
- Were witnessing the birth of a legend.
- But does it even make sense to keep shing with a sword?
- Lol, didnt the boss flex his muscles to stop the bleeding after Phase 1?
The boss fight looked like a dangerous battle between David and Goliath.
A hopeless confrontation.
A fight seemingly destined for forced defeat.
The fight, which should have ended after a certain amount of time, caused shock as Hae Eung Eungs effective attacks increased.
Shes not just shing randomly. Every attack is systematically destroying the muscles surrounding the wound.
- Wow, this is the real deal.
- Haechan-hyung was watching too?
- I sent him a video clip to bring him over.
- Good job, nationalistic gang!
- Both the silent swordsman who cuts like that and Lee Haechan, who noticed, are amazing.
With an average of 2,000 viewers during the week, even popr streamers were abandoning their usual content to watch this high-level battle.
Pfffwooooosh!
Finally, the umted sword strikes tore through the muscles that had been holding the wound shut. The bleeding that had stopped in the leg now resumed with even greater intensity.
[Story mode]
The executioner struck the ground hard, creating a shockwave to widen the distance. He red at Hae Eung Eung and spoke.
[You have proven your courage before a half-demon and the skill you have honed.]
A heartfeltpliment from the executioner, something no yer of the Half-Demons Trial had ever received.
The boss, usually disdainful of everyone and only grudgingly acknowledging their tactics, had now recognized Hae Eung Eungs ability.
[There is no salvation for those tainted by the blood of demons.]
[Faith. Knowing how futile it is, I still find myself wanting to believe in you.]
[How sad and empty that is.]
[If this faint hope will one day turn into meaningless despair, let us end it here.]
[However, should you withstand this next blow, then]
In the executioners eyes gleamed deep sorrow and frustration, but beyond that, a fierce determination shed.
[I will believe that the end of my long despair has finally arrived.]
With a thud, sandbags dropped from the executioners limbs. The weight was
lifted.
- What is he doing???
- I dont know; he seems to have entered a super state.
The executioner charged with a speed that seemed impossible for his enormous frame, yet even Hae Eung Eung, who had be ustomed to his attack patterns, could only think of one thing.
This time, I have to be more careful.
She gripped her sword tightly, focusing.
Vroooom!
With an incredible thrust, the executioner lunged forward, swinging his axe in a deadly arc.
Hae Eung Eung reacted by lowering her stance.
The axe was heavy enough to create a shockwave, and even if she managed to dodge, the sound would likely reverberate in her ears. But
- Shes about to break through the final phase!
- No way! Is she really going to do it?
She did everything she could, staying grounded in the attack patterns.
The next attack came.
BOOM!
- Shes actually dodging and moving without getting hit.
- Is she made of something other than flesh?
- Is this even possible in a video game?
- I didnt think itd feel this alive
- Every cut is leading to a counter, with both of them so close to defeat!
- I cant breathe!
And then
THUD!
The executioners axe sank into the ground, stuck.
Hae Eung Eung seized the moment. While the executioner struggled to free his axe, she thrust her sword deep into the unguarded wound.
BANG!
The de pierced through, drawing forth the thick blood of the half-yokai.
The executioner let out a roar, stumbling back as he staggered, but before he could regain his bnce
SLASH!
She drove her sword deeper, continuing her assault.
- Huh???
- She just keeps going.
- Is this even possible?
The executioners face twisted with rage.
[Why do you push forward when I ask you to stand down?]
[You really wish for salvation from me?]
[You really wish to lift the curse of your blood?]
As if that curse were to be borne by someone else, that very moment, the axe swung back, the glint in his eyes mixed with fury and madness.
That means!
I must finish this.
The executioner dashed forward, but not at her. Instead, he charged toward the cliffside, where the cursed gorge awaited.
Hae Eung Eung barely caught up.
- What is she going to do?!
Does she want to die?
She must be trying to find the true way to defeat him!
But it was all beyondprehension.
[You seek to end this curse?]
- What the hell is happening??
- Hae Eung Eungs movements are insane.
But the moment she moved, the chat burst into mes. A move no one had ever attempted before. Was it even possible to perform such an impossible maneuver?
A move that shouldnt even exist.
THUD!
She desperately leapt, diving straight for the edge. In that brief instant, her body froze.
Oh no
This is!
The executioner had noticed her.
[Its futile!]
As he swung his axe with all his might, she was propelled backward.
Thud!
A second shockwave erupted.
C She flew like a baseball!
C No way!!
C Just what is going on???
C How is she even alive?
A figure soaring through the air, leaping from the cursed gorge, finally managing tond back onto the solid ground.
[You would choose despair?]
The massive executioner raised his axe onest time, then
THUD!
[Then let it end!]
With the final blow, he crashed down, leaving a final impression in the minds of all yers watching.
Hae Eung Eung stood back, her heart pounding.
The overwhelming silence of the battlefield. The echoes of the sh vanished.
[Is it over?]
In that moment, the realization hit the viewers.
What will happen?
She had moved beyond theirprehension.
Beyond the reach of their beliefs.
What awaited in the world beyond the Half-Yokai Gorge?
Was it salvation? Or merely a deeper level of despair?
[Then let it end!]
And thus, the story was born.
Chapter 9
1.
The Silent Swordsman had made the Executioner kneel.
The tutorial boss, whom everyone thought was part of an unwinnable event, had finally been defeated for the first time in the 10 years since the games release.
Even as the viewers were ovee with chills, the story continued.
[Story Mode]
The Executioner, bleeding out uncontrobly, was dying.
Yet, on his face, an indescribable joy was evident.
[You have finally appeared. A new Executioner to take on the task I failed. The reaper who will bring an end to this canyon.]
[It has been a long wait. Truly, a very long wait.]
Tentacles began to squirm and crawl between his legs.
The Executioner smashed them with his fist and shouted:
[Look! The wretched state of one who has be a half-demon.]
[The miserable fate of someone who lost to a demon, yetcked the courage to die, so they continued to live on.]
[Your appearance, just before I lost all hope, has finally given me the courage.]
[The courage to cast off all earthly burdens and choose death.]
Thud.
The Executioner mmed his forehead onto the ground.
Stretching his neck out, he cried:
[I trust you to take on this cursednd and annihte it.]
[This pitiful life that has be nothing more than the gatekeeper of the Half-Demon Valley, having submitted to the great demon.]
[Please, with your sword, end this cursed body once and for all!]
His voice, booming with authority, seemed far too strong for a dying man, and suddenly, a selection window appeared.
Interaction Options
[The Executioner, seeking death. How will you respond to his wish?]
1. Where is the great demon? (Unlock the Great Demon Route)
2. Who are you? (Reveal True Name)
3. I cannot. Be my ally. (Recruit Offer)
4. (Silently decapitate the Executioner.)
Though the Executioner had been turned into a half-demon by receiving demon blood, he had not lost his mind and had even gained the power of his lineage.
If he could be recruited as an ally, it would be a great advantage, something Haeng-eung herself knew better than anyone, having fought him.
The Executioner was skilled enough to earn the recognition of Haeng-eung, a martial artist of great renown.
C Wait, whats the Great Demon Route?
C True Name Reveal all the way!!
C If you reveal the true name, you can use the Executioners name in future ythroughs!
C Nah, making the Executioner an ally would be way cooler.
C Imagine having the undefeated boss of the tutorial on your sidehow epic would that be?
C Honestly, when the tentacles showed up, I was scared they were going to use the tentacle pattern from the final boss revenge match. Was I the only one who got nervous?
C Same here, I was freaked out!
The viewers all debated amongst themselves about which option would be the most beneficial.
Among their advice were some helpful suggestions, but there was one key piece of information missing.
The viewers were cheering excitedly as they watched the Silent Swordsman.
Yet, the swordsman herself waspletely unaware of the viewers existence.
[(Silently decapitate the Executioner.)]
The one who imed to be a martial artist could not tarnish the pride of a swordsman.
Even if he was an NPC, the Executioner showed a dignity that deserved respect.
The benefits of having a top-tier martial artist as an ally.
A golden opportunity to unearth the secrets of the shadowy figure.
The emergence of the concept of True Name, which felt like something powerful.
All of those possibilities were cut down along with the Executioner.
The head rolling on the ground smiled in satisfaction, closing its eyes.
[Field Boss Executioner Defeated]
[Clear Rank: SSS]
[Subjugation Rank: SSS]
[Overall Rank: 6/3(+300%)]
[MORE THAN PERFECT]
[The basic difficulty of the next field increases by one level.]
A new development that the Half-Demon Valley yers had never seen before.
The battle to announce its prologue hade to an end.
Havingpleted an unprecedented tutorial, the rising star of the physical streaming world, the Silent Swordsman.
The chat exploded with excitement.
- Is the Silent Swordsman a god? Is the Silent Swordsman a god? Is the Silent Swordsman a god? Is the Silent Swordsman a god?
- Mom, I want to be the Silent Swordsman when I grow up! Mom, I want to be the Silent Swordsman when I grow up! Mom, I want to be the Silent Swordsman when I grow up!
- New story unlocked!
- Wait, if the Executioner dies here, what happens in theter field?
- This is seriously legendary! At this rate, the kings title is definitely possible today!
The viewers were already imagining where the next destination should be.
- Next, we should go to the shrine.
- If hes this strong without skills, how much stronger will he be after learning them?
- Lets hurry to the next field!
- Teacher, how long are you going to keep staring at the Executioners head?
- At this rate, theyll end up holding a funeral for him.
- LOL!
- Our guild leader is totally immersed in his first game, I understand.
- Oh, right.
- First game (New Route Exploration)
- The best part is that this is a real mode!
- The Silent Swordsman must be a swordsman in real life as well!
- LOL! This skill isnt just some assistant action; its real physical prowess!
- So whens the next field?
- Are you still looking at the corpse?
- A true swordsman who doesnt forget his grief for a formidable opponent.
- Grief, my foot! This guy doesnt seem to be moving at all, so I think its over.
What more would he show?
Five minutes of silence.
An unending surge of messages in the chat.
With 2,500 viewers heated up to the max.
Amidst the passionate cheers that transcended the chat room, the Silent Swordsman finally moved.
[Game Over.]
[The Silent Swordsman has ended the broadcast.]
The viewers were thrown into the vastness of space from the corpse hill of Half-Demon Valley.
Realizing that this was the basic setting of ES (Ending Space) meant to create lingering effects after the broadcast ended, the 2,500 viewers were thrown into chaos.
- Open the door!!!
- Ill hold my breath until the guild leader opens the door!
- The corpse is already cold.
- What a terrible timing for the end!
- Isnt this just pure malice?
- After five minutes of silence, this is how it ends! LOL!
- The nickname is on point!
- He didnt say a single word.
- Teacher the space is too cold
- Open the door, guild leader!
- Why is the corpse only getting colder? Shouldnt it warm up?
- Of course, it would get cold floating in space, right?
- Help me I cant breathe
- Kyah!
C Its really infuriating that the waiting screen of the guild leader is just a basic one, throwing viewers into space.
They tried yelling.
They tried coaxing.
They begged and pleaded.
The viewers, showing all kinds of reactions, were burning with anxiety.
But that day, the broadcast would not turn back on.
2.
The First Strategy.
Gamers who consider themselves true enthusiasts naturally harbor longing and romantic dreams about this.
The tutorial clear rating shown by the Silent Swordsman,
[MORE THAN PERFECT], perfectly matched that romantic vision.
Themunitys response was bound to be explosive.@@novelbin@@
[Concept Post]
[Medieval Swordsmanship Gallery C Analysis of the Silent Swordsmans More Than Perfect Clear]
[Author: Expert Analysis from the Corner]
[Views: 102,711]
[Likes: 2,150]
The Silent Swordsman seems to dislike seeing system messages, as he turned off all notifications, so nothing about the More Than Perfect conditions was revealed.
However, I tried to analyze it through the video.
1. Analysis of the Mob Subjugation
While other streamers intentionally get hit at least once for a smoother y experience, the Silent Swordsman had a no-hit run.
He didnt even avoid the blood demons to prevent getting hit; instead, he actively sought them out, finding and defeating every single one.
Rather than luring them one by one and proceeding carefully, he swung his sword just once or twice against the rushing mobs, and they all fell like dominoes.
For those who havent seen it yet, please check out the attached GIF below.
Its truly amazing.
(1-second cut GIF of simultaneous attacks)
(GIF of killing six blood demons in a row)
2. Analysis of the Boss Fight.
Given that the bosss patterns have advanced even faster than those of physical streamers, its presumed that there were no-hit all-kill time attack conditions involved.
The issue lies in the pattern of the tutorial field boss, the Executioner, who has astonishingly quick patterns.
Starting with a charge attack is shocking enough, but the Silent Swordsman, instead of running away for five minutes, counter
attacked right away.
In this part, the Silent Swordsman had no fear of death.
(3-second cut GIF)
3. Unique Skills.
As an expert, its evident that hes already honed his unique skills, obtaining the Ability to Weave Threads and Mastery of Core Cirction.
These skills not only disyed the true beauty of martial arts but also maintained his health perfectly.
The moment he entered the field, he disyed his presence as the martial artist that he is.
The silent execution ofbos without a single detail missing.
But this was also due to the depth of mastery and consistent practice.
This is a level of excellence no ordinary person can achieve.
(1-minute cut of seamlessbo execution)
To wrap it up, its truly amazing.
4. Character Build.
Theres something to be said about the character build.
At first nce, it seems like a basic ssmuch like a starter ss character.
Yet, at a critical moment, the skills turned him into the great swordsman he is.
As yers are busy trying to get the basic skills, here he is, taking full advantage of the ss to gain the upper hand.
These basic skills are essential in practical scenarios.
However, there are people who only mention the Executioner as the best beginner.
For now, all those with an eye forbat wille to see the reality of the Silent Swordsman, who can run through the beginner stage without any struggle.
Its the first time that a yer has showcased such a high level of control in the tutorial stage, and theres no doubt the final kill counts will change the meta of beginner training.
Please look forward to the next part.
Comment below if you want to discuss.
3.
In the midst of the streaming world, passionate gamers had begun a furious debate.
[Concept Thread]
[Will the Silent Swordsman truly be the king?]
There were two camps that had emerged.
The first camp viewed the Silent Swordsman as a god.
- If the Silent Swordsman keeps up this pace, its totally possible!
- Ive never seen someone so strong at the start!
The second camp was a bit more skeptical.
- Calm down, it was just the tutorial.
- This guy is really good, but it was just one sess.
- Im skeptical about the future.
Even if one took the Silent Swordsmans performance into ount, there were mixed opinions.
No matter how astonishing one performance might have been, many agreed that the game began only after the tutorial.
- No matter how well he performs in the tutorial, this cant bepared to true survival in the field.
And thus, the two camps continued their back-and-forth discussion.
The first camp suggested:
- Youre saying hell flop just because its the tutorial?
- You should look forward to him showing off his skills in the real game!
The second camp, however, insisted:
- He might do well, but is he really good enough to keep it going?
In the meantime, the viewership for the Silent Swordsman was still going strong.
Thanks to the Twitch algorithm, the rmendations kept pouring in, resulting in 3,000 viewers.
Despite the intense discussions, there were numerousments left in the aftermath of the tutorial.
[Wheres the Silent Swordsman?]
[Why did the guild leader suddenly close the stream?]
[Silent Swordsman, please tell me when youre going toe back!]
4.
After five hours of silence, the viewers waited impatiently for the stream to return.
Many had already left, but some still remained, holding onto hope.
- Im not leaving until the guild leaderes back!
- Is he sleeping? LOL!
- Where did the guild leader go? Why isnt he back?
- This is getting ridiculous.
Hours passed, and atst, the chat room finally started to flood with activity.
- Oh! Hes back!
- Yes, yes, yes!
- I thought he had given up on us!
- Silent Swordsman!
- Guild leader!
- Lets go!
In a daze, the viewers refreshed the page, and their screens filled with the familiar face of the Silent Swordsman.
Looking lost and bewildered, he soon realized that he was back in the game.
- Is he really going to start a new field after all that?
- Wee back!
- Whats next?
- Whats happening?
As he stared nkly at the screen, the viewers had begun to specte about his next moves.
5.
That was the moment.
He was destined to face another formidable foe, the Hidden King, who lived within the Tower of Trials.
Those who were foolish enough to underestimate this king met their demise.
The Silent Swordsman had not yet reached that level.
Feeling the weight of every footstep, he approached the tower cautiously.
His heart raced as he pushed open the door, prepared for whatevery ahead.
[You have entered the Tower of Trials.]
[The moment you step inside, your challenges will begin.]
As he gazed into the dark void thaty beyond the threshold, the Silent Swordsman could feel the anticipation building inside him.
- A new field has opened!
- I cant believe hes going to take on the Tower of Trials!
Chapter 10
1.
I yed a game, yet my qi increased.
It was not inferiorpared to the bizarre and formidable knights of the martial world.
It felt like something out of an urban legend.
With the way things were, it wouldnt be surprising if urban legends existed alongside the phenomenon of bing possessed by a game.
At the very least, Hae Eung-eung held the belief that there are no results without a cause.
The martial world is, after all, a ce where people live.
Every bizarre urrence has a reason befitting it.
If we trace the origins, there are noteworthy aspects to the qi enhancement phenomenon as well.
Surely, the qi cultivation technique worked.
The real world and the virtual world.
These are clearly separate concepts.
Activities in the virtual world are conducted through brainwave recognition.
There, neither the physical body nor the lower dantian exists.
No qi exists either.
And yet, if the qi cultivation technique had an effect, it suggests a significant fact.
The gameBanyogok,developed by thepany Simiral,
Recognizes qi.
The martial world records she had been trapped in for 20 years, like a martial arts annal.
The existence of an otherworldly force known as qi does indeed exist.
The next problem is the umtion of qi.
The fact that energy has gathered means that the virtual reality game is not merely a worldposed of simple data,
but a reality where natural energies exist.
Martial arts annals.
The game she experienced wasnt the only existing game world;
Banyogokand many other games might also exist like the real world.
However, that fact filled Hae Eung-eung with difort.
Why was the game I experienced different from the others?
ording to prior investigations, there hadnt been a single gamer who had be possessed by or dimensionally shifted intoBanyogok.
[Search: Martial Arts Annals]
[Search Results: None]
[Search: Banyogok]
[Search Results: About 12,500,000]
Compared to that game, which had not a single piece of information,
the game with a 100% probability of dragging yers in was fundamentally different from one where only qi is applied.
Its not bad news for me.
The amount of qi gained from just one ythrough is roughly equivalent to a months worth.
If I maintain a pace where I can increase my qi by one month in just a day,
in a month, I would gather 2.5 years worth of qi.
1.
In one year, I could gather 30 years worth of qi (the first 30 years).
In six years, I could collect 180 years worth of qi (the third 60 years).
A path has opened where I can gather the qi needed for transformation within just six years.
Still, I can manage to do a little bit of research.
It felt ufortable to immerse myself in the game mindlessly.
To put it bluntly, who knows when I might trigger a possession and get dragged into the world ofBanyogok?
I needed to verify whether this phenomenon was unique to me.
Had anyone else ever felt difort inBanyogok?
It seemed necessary to check.
Hae Eung-eung: Is it a good time?
Joo Ah-young: Yes?
It was time to use the informationwork.
2.
The people who used to feed me had all vanished into the virtual world.
I had returned to the harsh ecosystem of the wild.@@novelbin@@
The vanished paradise of the pigeons.
On a park bench, Joo Ah-young sat excitedly, swinging her legs.
She was wearing skinny jeans, an oversized knit sweater, and sneakersa simple date look that lifted her spirits.
Unable to hide her excitement, her thrilled appearance caught the attention of a few passersby.
Excuse me, but I have to say, you really are my type.
Sorry, I have a prior engagement.
Oh. I see.
In just 10 minutes, it was already the third time.
The number of times men had been turned down.
My sister, seriously. I never thought she would fall into a game so quickly.
Hae Eung-eung, who had been asking various questions about the game for quite some time,
had suddenly posed an unexpected question after not hearing from her for days.
Hae Eung-eung: Has anyone gotten stronger while ying a game?
Joo Ah-young: Huh? If you level up, wouldnt you get stronger? Its a game, after all.
Hae Eung-eung: In reality.
This sister, who had supposedly never yed a game and had only lived a life of secluded training,
must have truly caught the gaming bug.
I felt a little pity for her, but I didnt show it and asked kindly.
Joo Ah-young: Why the sudden question?
Hae Eung-eung: Because Ive felt some changes in reality.
Joo Ah-young: Ill look into it separately and let you know!
Honestly, Joo Ah-young didnt possess much in-depth knowledge about virtual reality games.
However, if it was the knowledge her sister desired,
she was willing to take the initiative to gather information.
Previously, the source of her information had been Namu Wiki.
This time, the research location was Google.
[Search: I got stronger in reality after ying a game]
[Search results: 352,000]
There were quite a few results from Google.
Thats surprising. I thought it was just my sister being overly immersed in the game.
Many others shared the same serious concerns.
It wasnt merely a matter of feeling.
There were overseas forums,
academic papers,
and even serious discussions from experts.
Who knew learning English at the Awakeners Academy woulde in handy at a time like this?
After six hours of research,
Joo Ah-young had umted considerable knowledge.
Joo Ah-young: It turns out that there are actually cases where people be stronger in reality after ying a game, just like you said, sis.
Hae Eung-eung: What kind of cases?
Joo Ah-young: Since its the weekend tomorrow, how about we have lunch together and I can give you more info?
Since the information I gathered was from Google anyway,
it would be enough to send you the attached file.
But Joo Ah-young wanted to make an excuse to meet her sister.
What if she said no?
Had she said something unnecessary?
The agonizing wait of one minute felt like an eternity.
Unable to withstand the anxiety, she began to type [I almost said], just then a reply arrived.
Hae Eung-eung: Sounds good.
Joo Ah-young happily deleted her previous reply and set the time and ce.
And so, the day arrived.
What kind of clothes will my sister wear when she goes out for the weekend?
Even if she wore a strange hat and draped a cape over herself,
shed still look great like a historical drama actor.
Surely, her casual clothes wouldnt be anything less than impressive.
Joo Ah-young was filled with a peculiar sense of anticipation.
[Hae Eung-eung: Im at the park entrance.]
There were three entrances to this park.
There was no need to ask which one she was at.
Ah, its my sister.
Even from a distance, I could recognize her at a nce due to her bizarre outfit.
She was wearing the same attire she had at the convenience store.
In a historical drama-style outfitplete with a ck robe and hood.
Sis, you really love that outfit, dont you?
Even though she had finally dressed up for a date,
it would have been nice if she wore something a bit more cheerful.
Hiding her disappointment, Joo Ah-young tried to phrase her words positively.
The response she received was:
[Its mybat outfit. You never know when something might happen.]
Joo Ah-youngs heart sank.
Ah
It was not an outfit for show.
It was an extremely practical outfit.
She felt foolish for having impure thoughts.
If her sister hadnt worn her sword at the convenience store,
she might have been in serious trouble.
Yet here she was, feeling disappointed at her sisters ever-tense demeanor.
Her mindset was on apletely different level.
Between her, an Awakened trainee,
and her sister, an active Awakened.
There was not just a simple difference in skill but also a significant gap in their mindsets.
As she shrank back, Hae Eung-eungs gaze felt even colder.
Was she about to scold her, saying her attitude was all wrong?
Joo Ah-young, tense and anxious,
watched as Hae Eung-eung handed her a notebook.
[Lets hurry and grab some food. You must have been cold waiting here.]
Sis!
With a voice full of emotion, Joo Ah-young grasped her sisters hand.
Though taken aback, Hae Eung-eung followed along.
It was a chilly autumn day,
with one persons sincerity standing out.
It was a leisurely weekend date.
After finishing their meal, they arrived at a caf.
Across from Joo Ah-young, who was enjoying coffee and donuts as dessert,
Hae Eung-eung read through finished documents while pondering.
Is this girl really on the right career path?
She wanted to be an Awakened trainee, right?
No matter how you looked at it, an office job seemed like her true calling.
The quality of her documents was impressive.
Themon traits in cases of skill improvement are bing apparent.
Whether they were physically gifted gamers,
had high assimtion rates,
or were seasoned veterans who had conquered the hardest levels.
The gamers who achieved great sess in games were not ordinary yers.
The more substantial achievements they gained in the game,
the more likely they were to see improvements in their health in reality,
such as increased strength or enhanced concentration.
There are even papers focused on this phenomenon.
Of course, ordinary people or those writing papers did not acknowledge the existence of inner strength.
They simply believed that their brain interpreted the physical activities, stimuli, and pain they experienced as real events, leading to a perceived improvement.
When the assimtion rate was high,
the intensity of the illusion increased.
And when conquering higher difficulties,
the amount of exertion grew, enhancing the absolute quantity of stimuli.
If they were already physically gifted,
they could imagine virtual muscles more vividly, allowing for more urate transmission of stimuli.
The intery between the real world and the virtual world producingplementary effects was quite striking.
Above all, the responses of Awakened individuals rather than ordinary people are intriguing.
Although not inner strength, the concept of mana dealt with by Awakened individuals.
They expressed this phenomenon.
They said that after ying the game, their mana increased.
Not all Awakened individuals experienced this.
Only a select few who excelled at the game,
those with a talent for high assimtion rates, experienced such effects.
At this point, I can be sure.
This is not just a misunderstanding or coincidence.
Inner strength improvement urs when one ys games with focus.
Its not limited to justBanyogok.
It can be seen as a phenomenon that happens in most physical games.
Among those, particrly in Simirals games, there have been the most cases of mana enhancement.
There have also been no reports of those who received skill and mana improvements suddenly going missing.
Safety had been confirmed.
Beyond that level,
there were unexpected analytical results.
It was not the gamers who posed a danger; rather, it was the Awakened individuals who didnt y games that were the threat.
This was something she could notprehend at all.
[Can I see an Awakened individual in person?]
An Awakened who ys games?
Joo Ah-young couldnt hide her confusion.
As you know, its notmon for Awakened individuals to y games. Moreover, Im still a trainee
[Dont worry too much. I just asked lightly.]
If you really want to, theres a chance to meet other Awakened individuals but I dont know if theyll be ying games.
[Where do I go?]
To the academy I attend. If youe as a guest lecturer, you can meet other instructors. What do you think?
Awakened individuals who serve as instructors at the Awakened Academy.
Using them as a sample to examine the corrtion between gaming and character traits.
It was a rather interesting proposal.
[That sounds fine.]
Though tempting,
she was not a real Awakened individual.
Her status did not allow her to be invited as a guest lecturer at an academy requiring an official Awakened license.
Even if the status issue were resolved,
what she wanted to know was whether the improvement of inner strength was a safe phenomenon.
She wasnt interested in understanding the causal rtionship between gaming and the character of Awakened individuals.
Ive achieved my goal.
Then there was no reason to hesitate.
Hae Eung-eung steeled her resolve.
Did the information help you?
[It was sufficient.]
She was ready to continue yingBanyogok.
Chapter 11
1.
The game hade to a standstill after clearing the first field.
The second hand of the clock in the gray world had stopped.
Time in this closed world began to move again with the appearance of the Silent Swordmaster.
[You have cleared the tutorial field, the Hill of Corpses.]
[From now on, you can choose a field to challenge or change your target location midway.]
[However, after a certain amount of time, unique events will automatically ur in each field.]
[As a result, friendly NPCs may die or hostile NPCs may be stronger.]
[Remember, the moment your caution holds you back, someone will pay the price.]
Ha Eung-eung thought to herself.
Its a well-thought-out game.
Famous games are indeed different.
The games structure is based on multiple runs.
yers with weaker skills will suffer losses during their progression and challenge this brutal world once more in search of a better oue.
In contrast, skilled yers will sharpen their swords to achieve the best results possible.
With the timeline event system capturing both the story and gamey, it brought a unique enjoyment to the Demons Lament.
Thanks to that, the choices appearing right after leaving the Hill of Corpses became quite perplexing.
Choose a Path
[1. Follow the scent of the copsed fortress and rusty iron.]
[2. Head down the blood-red river.]
[3. Find the shrine entrance marked by a vermilion torii gate.]
The crumbled fortress, the river of blood, and the path to the shrine.
Being given multiple choices evokes some ominous imaginings.
Could one of these be the correct answer?
What if I choose incorrectly and face severe consequences?
There are hints avable.
The intellect that boasted excellent stats due to numerous elixirs.
Even though the high intellect of the martial arts days remained at [Intellect] 35 due to physical reset,
the remnants of the intellect that glimpsed the workings of the heavens provided clues to the answers.
Story Characters@@novelbin@@
1. An unknown wanderer
2. [Unavable] (Unlock Condition: Defeat the first boss.)
3. [Unavable] (Unlock Condition: Reach the Seers temple.)
4. [Unavable] (Unlock Condition: Encounter the sage of the swamp.)
New Characters: Unlocking all the above characters will reveal the unlocking conditions for new story characters.
A list seen during character creation that outlines what objectives to pursue if one were to progress through the game conventionally.
Among these, the most suitable location for the three paths is the shrine entrance.
Finding the Seers temple and searching for something arranged for yers there, then heading downstream to meet the sage of the swamp.
Thats probably the answer.
Ha Eung-eung believed it was eight out of ten likely correct.
That arrangement is for beginner yers. It has nothing to do with me, though.
She already possesses martial arts skills.
Whatever arrangement is made for her,
theres doubt about whether its truly needed.
A set timeline.
In a game where time is more precious than gold,
it might be better to encounter the sage of the swamp directly
rather than chasing after an arrangement that may or may not help.
Then lets go.
[Follow the blood-red river.]
[Entering field Blood Tunnel Channel.]
It was a decision she made with calctions and confidence.
Countless hooks were raised,
with viewers bursting intoughter in real-time.
Ha Eung-eung had no way of knowing their thoughts.
2.
[New V-Tube BJ]
[The Silent Swordmaster has started broadcasting.]
[Game C Demons Lament (Simiral)]
[ytime C 00:19:12]
[Broadcast Time C 00:00:01]
The Silent Swordmaster has returned.
It had been ten long days since thest broadcast,
but already her channel was swarmed with viewers like a pack of angry hyenas.
[Followers: 10,522]
[Viewers: 1,090]
As soon as it started, the viewer count shot past 1,000.
Many of them were either watching gamey videos from other streamers or had yed the game themselves.
They knew how challenging this game was, which only elevated their respect for the Silent Swordmaster.
-?
-?
-Why arent you going to the shrine?
Hooks kepting in.
This wasnt following the standard.
-No, you have to learn the skills!
-No, how far are you nning to go with starting items?!
The Silent Swordmaster does not follow the standard.
Viewers thought they knew this from thest broadcast.
-Youre not going to meet the sessor?
-If you dont learn the basics, you wont have any skills.
-What about healing items?
No, she wont receive any.
-What about blessings?
-None.
-What about torches and shurikens?
She says she doesnt need any of those.
-What the heck is this?
-Can you even progress in the game?
No matter what, theres a limit to this.
For item supply, functionality opening, andfortable gamey,
the shrine entrance is a must in the first run.
Is it really possible to progress in the game whilepletely ignoring all of this?
Most viewers were ovee with disbelief.
-Thank you to the viewers who joined me with Silent Swordmaster MK1.
Ill see you soon with Silent Swordmaster MK2.
-Shes going there without any antidotes, haha.
-The Silent Swordmaster is charging into a field that others reach around the fourth round.
-She probably didnt look up any strategies.
-Moreover, thats fine.
-Its kind of refreshing to see a beginner with that kind of vibe.
-How long will shest?
-1 minute.
-But the Silent Swordmaster is here, so shellst at least 5 minutes.
-Ox.
Its acknowledged that the Silent Swordmasters physical abilities are impressive.
Its acknowledged, but
even so, Blood Tunnel Channel is crossing the line.
Without item openings,
skill openings,
or blessings,
the difficulty is far too high to clear with basic equipment.
If only she had the strategy item, antidote wine, but thats not even there.
If she breathes wrong just once, shell lose health and likely die from dot damage.
-But the patterns are too cruel.
-The humanity of the Silent Swordmaster.
Still, it seems even this exceptional neer is just human.
-?
-?
-Why the instant death?
-??
-Why is there no dot item?
Such expectations were foolishly betrayed.
It was then that the viewers realized
whose broadcast they were watching.
The Silent Swordmaster.
She is a skilled yer who doesnt have to follow the standards set by others,
forging her own path.
3.
[Story mode]
A broad riverside.
The soil stained blood-red.
The channel along the blood-red riverbank.
There are bizarre creatures wandering in and out.
Armed with spears made from bones.
Covered in scales, blood, and gills.
The name of that repulsive thing came to mind.
[Demon of Water]
Unlike in the tutorial field,
a haunting narration flowed out as if to instill fear.
[From the channel, the unclean ones reveal themselves.]
[The stench that cannot be masked even by the fishy smell wafts through.]
[The faint screams add to the fear; this is the cursed ce, Blood Tunnel Channel.]
Wheeeooow!
[And now.]
[As the wind changes direction, your scent flows into the Demons of Water.]
[Facing the shabby Demons of Water with spears, you can decide.]
[Will you muster the courage to press forward, chasing the faint screams,]
[or will you retreat, considering it a warning carried on the wind?]
With that provocatively audible warning, control of the body returned.
[yer mode]
A human armed with a weapon is over three times stronger than an unarmed human.
From an exceptionally long range, you take no damage
while unterally inflicting harm on your opponent.
Even the opponent is a half-demon.
Unlike the unarmed blood demons, the demons armed with spears.
yers visiting the Blood Tunnel Channel for the first time are astonished by the spears reach and struggle.
Its not a great level.
Themon trials
have nothing to do with Heeungung.
The moment the spear shed with the sword, I sensed the difference.
Despite the impressive name of the demons,
theres absolutely no technique in their spear skills,
and their water-soaked bodies fail to exert proper strength.
An opponentcking both skill and power
is nothing more than a toy.
ng!
The demon missed its spear thrust.
The head of the now unarmed demon was swiftly severed.
The headless corpse
suddenly swelled up like a balloon.
Its best to avoid anything suspicious for now.
Following the martial arts saying, I stepped back.
The corpse exploded with a pop, scattering putrid gas and rotten flesh everywhere.
Swish!
Thud!
For someone with a weak mind,
it wouldnt be surprising to scream and faint at such a scene.
Heeungung merely frowned.
Its hard to think of anything good,
but unpleasant memories always resurface quickly.
She had simr experiences in the martial world.
The notorious masters of the dark faction.
Known as the Dark Three Kings in the martial realm.
One of the Three Kings, Poison King Dokgoseong, built the Poison King Gate, named after his alias.
The poisoned beings from the Poison King Gate emitted toxins so potent that even the surrounding soil decayed after death.
They were disgusting trash.
The mindset that regarded the Guumjeolmaek patients as mere elixirs to replenish the dark energy.
The cold-hearted leadership that used her disciples as disposable tools.
The hostile rtionship born from Dokgoseongs unteral greed only ended after many poisoned beings and a city turned to ashes.
Though the level is different, the countermeasures are the same.
To eliminate the cursed beings that taint every inch ofnd,
I had to destroy the Poison King that spawned them.
Simr to the demons of water,
the head demon had turned half-demons by feeding on blood.
I must find and kill that chief monster.
With the sword tip inclined,
the de vibrated with a hum, as if responding to its masters anger.
-If she breathes wrong just once, shell bleed to death from dot damage.
-The patterns are too cruel.
-The humanity of the Silent Swordmaster.
The Silent Swordmasters exploitse to an end here.
For the viewers who measured her bymon sense,
this unpredictable event was something they couldnt even dare to guess.
-?
-?
-Why is there no dot item?
With no antidote to prevent the poison,
they expected her to soon die, bleeding from her mouth.
Yet the Silent Swordmaster survived.
Holding her breath until she was out of the range of the biogas, she cut down the demons in one sweep.
-Hae-chan, are you peeking again?
-No, are you crazy? Fighting while holding your breath?
-How do you fight while holding your breath?
-She probably takes a huge breath and fights.
-I almost suffocated while holding my breath at home for 20 seconds.
-Stop smoking already.
-So the Silent Swordmaster doesnt smoke, huh?
-Oh.
-Oh, haha.
-If she can slice through everything with one blow, holding her breath must not be hard.
-Ah, haha. If we dont take a minute for each demon like us, she can manage.
Essential strategy items.
Skill openings needed for exterminating demons.
Collecting strategy information.
Not following a single established method,
the confrontation is solely established through the Silent Swordmasters skill.
Since so many demons died in one space, she also removed the gas with sword pressure in between.
Oh no, you shouldnt go in there Did you kill them all? Oh no, you shouldnt have done that Did you kill them all?
Breaking news) The legendary exploits of the Silent Swordmaster are being updated in real time.
The miracle of the tutorial.
More than perfection.
Once again unfolded in the Blood Tunnel Channel.
Chapter 12
1.
A hidden enemy jumps out after drifting on the water like a corpse.
A suicide soldier charges forward recklessly with a bloated body.
A ranged enemy spits out green liquid from atop a rock, melting the ground below.
Its definitely harder than facing blood demons.
Breathing is restricted due to the biological gas.
The movement path is limited to breathe.
Especially for her, who was weak in breathing.
Gold Medal
[Low Vital Capacity] C Your forced vital capacity (FVC) cannot exceed 3.5L. This is equivalent to the lung capacity of a patient with lung disease.
Once, it was just recklessness.
Its not even my body; this should be okay.
Suchcency has brought about limitations.
When oxygen runs low, physical capabilities decrease.
Cognitive function also deteriorates rapidly.
With her current body, the longest she can hold her breath is just over 40 seconds.
In the midst of intense movement, that time decreases further.
If Im within a safe range, then its 20 seconds. In the worst case, I must never stay in the biological gas for more than 30 seconds.
The standard method for dealing with blood demons.
This is not much different from when facing blood demons.
A line of demons appears.
Luring them one by one.
Only producing gas that can be detoxified by the anti-poison drink.
[Rotten Fish]
Like catnip for a cat, this is an instant-effect lure.
Demons charge in with their eyes rolled back in frenzy.
As long as there are rotten fish, even if the speed is slow, you can reliably repeat the process of luring and killing.
Rushing into a crowd of demons alone,
Holding your breath while killing all the enemies and escaping,
The method of a massacre is certainly not conventional.
But if its possible,
Theres no reason not to do it.
Swordsmanship and movement.
If the two factors that dominated the tutorial field were swordsmanship and movement,
The elements emphasized this time are
Breathing techniques and coordination.
One wrong breath,
One miscalction in coordination,
The toxicity of biological gas will surely have a negative effect.
C Wow, shit, a suicide soldier appeared!!
C Newbie Crusher on.
C Wait, arent all three of those ambush soldiers elite?
C Look at the insane difficulty!
C There are a lot of elite mobs besides the demon ambushers.
C The difficulty is crazy!
Unlike the blood demons she had directly hunted down, the evil spirits rushed in upon hearing the explosion.
When one died, three more rushed in.
When three died, nine would swarm.
It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that all the evil spirits on the map were converging in overwhelming numbers.
It was a harshly unfavorable situation, but not every element was hostile to her.
This is a good position. Lets finish this here.
On a hill with the wind at her back.
Even if she killed an evil spirit, the gas quickly surged in.
It was a golden opportunity with the wind at her back.
Sck! Boom!
A body ils and falls, losing its neck.
Thick gas rises afterward, but the smoke billowing from below the hill quickly dissipates with the favorable wind.
Evil spirits climbing the hill lose their necks and tumble down.
C Wow, its an armor soldier!!
C Did the evil spirits have armor soldiers too?
C The official productionpany said the appearance rate is 0.1%, and it increases every time the difficulty goes up.
An evil spirit protected by sturdy full-body armor.
A foolish sight with no gaps for a single de to get through.
yers who had yed the half-demon song screamed in trauma.
C Kyaaaa!!!
C Evil spirit armor soldier!! Evil spirit armor soldier!!!!
C Not with a sword, not with a spear, not with a hammer, definitely cant break through.
Isnt it practically a mid-boss?
C No, haha, why are the higher-ups like that?
C Only those who have experienced it know how annoying the evil spirit armor soldier is.
Ordinary yers would flee upon encountering an armored evil spirit.
If they failed to escape, they would lose a life.
All attacks would be blocked by the armor,
And the armored evil spirit would embrace the yer,
Forcing them into poisoning or drowning in water.
There was no way to counter it,
As it rushed in with invincible defense for closebat, causing immense damage if caught.
It was no wonder its notoriety was so widespread.
C Huh? The party leader is putting down their sword?
C ?
C Whats this spear looting?
Instead of recklessly swinging a sword or fleeing,
He grabbed the spear of the dead evil spirit and pulled it onto his shoulder.
Paaang!
The spear crossed the battlefield.
From 25 meters away, it struck the armored evil spirit squarely in the head.
The evil spirit armor soldier staggered as if it had suffered a concussion, ultimately losing its bnce and falling backward.
Thud, thud, thud!
Other evil spirits were struck by the rolling armored soldier.
Suddenly, five or six evil spirits burst into mes.
C Wow, so you can take down the armored soldier with a spear?
C No way, I didnt know that!
C yers with ten years of experience learning strategies from newbies. Haha!
C With skills like this, even top-tier physical streamers should take notes. Haha!
As she overcame a significant hurdle and caught her breath on the battlefield,
Before she could enjoy the reprieve,
Dust clouds and vibrations began to stir from a distance.
C Wow, its like one mountain after another.
C How many are there?
C The evil spirits hiding in the pit are alling out. Haha!
C All the evil spirits on the map are aggroing!
C Hey, theyreing from the other side too!
Clever handling had granted her a temporary advantage in short battles,
But was the loud noise the problem?
Over a hundred evil spirits poured out.
On top of that, another misfortune struck.
The wind direction has changed.
The favorable wind became a headwind.
The biogas forming down below was rising up to the hill.
The advantage of the elevation was reversed,
And even from the opposite side, the encirclement was closing in.
It was as if they were facing a crisis, akin to a general stationed atop a mountain.
C Thank you for using the Silent Swordsman mk1 until now.
C Silent Swordsman, how is it that only your head returned?
C This is it; Im dead.
C Wow, even if I came back to life, this is impossible.
C At least there are fewering from the back.
C The 13 men Silent Swordsman dont know whats behind them.
Wow, they really charge straight ahead!
C Youre telling me to run right into a hundred drowning corpses? Isnt that totally a generals mindset?
In the final charge, which everyone dered to be the end,
Thest flicker of a candle burns the brightest before it goes out,
It was like a struggle of a dying me.
C How many have I taken down so far?
C 27.
C Its 28.
C No, its 29!
C Why does it keep going up? Haha!
Using a wooden nk as a shield, she kicked down the solid defensive stance of the evil spirits,
Pushing a shield soldier into a suicide bomber with the board, causing mutual destruction,
Simultaneously parrying the spears flying in from three directions, she entangled them,
Then drew her sword again to slice through their ankles.
C My feet wont stop moving.
C I was watching in first-person, but it was so scary that I switched to third-person.
C The spears are flying in, and corpses are exploding from behind, but this person keeps charging forward while looking only ahead.
C Im feeling dizzy before I can even get scared. Haha!
C The Silent Swordsmans first-person view isnt allowed for the lower ranks.
C Im a veteran of the half-demon song hard mode!
C The Silent Swordsmans first-person view isnt allowed even for experts.
C This feedback is quick!
Despite the massive size of the evil spirits,
she stood at a rtively small height of 165 cm.
Using the advantage of her build, she burrowed deeper,
avoiding the evil spirits attacks while her relentless assault swept through all directions,
carrying blood blizzards and biogas with her.
I need to move faster than the gas spreads, pushing forward without stopping.
Thebined explosions from five evil spirit suicide bombers.
It would take seven seconds to avoid them with a direct frontal breakthrough aided by speed.
The spear bombardment from six evil spirit ranged attackers.
It took fourteen seconds to approach using the shield soldier as a wall.
The group charge from seven evil spirit spear fighters.
It took seventeen seconds to detonate the suicide bombers and annihte them.
This is the worst. The terrain has turned to mud.
The sheer weight of the heavy evil spirits and the consecutive explosions had ttened the groundpletely.
With each step, her ankles sank into the muck,
causing the time taken to break through to stretch longer.
Twenty seconds.
Twenty-five seconds.
Twenty-four seconds.
Twenty-eight seconds.
Im feeling dizzy.
Her margin for maneuver was shrinking.
Her breathing grew morebored.
Her body was increasingly pushed to its limits.
When did the intervals be so tight?
What once was a wide field of vision before her eyes
had narrowed to a thin line.
Honestly, I underestimated them. Thinking of them as mere minions was a significant miscalction.
If she had skills, she could have easily dealt with multiple enemies using an area attack.
She could have used movement skills for greater freedom of movement.
She could have quickly escaped from an encircled formation with an escape skill.
Yet here she was, without any skills,
in the highest difficulty mode,
She acknowledged it herself.
This time, she had indeed overstepped.
I admit it. The minions have be much more challengingpared to the tutorial.
It wasnt just a swarming at her at once,
but a coordinated assault among simr enemy types.
The synergy effects created by mixing different enemy types.
There were many moments where the increase in difficulty was keenly felt.
Still, with sheer determination, she cut through the evil spirits and finally forged a path.
Before hery a vast expanse resembling a red river.
Faced with the river after breaking through the enemy lines,
she was now in a state of desperation.
With the wind having died down, pools of biogas collected everywhere.
Navigating through the enemy territory once more and managing to break through to the other side was
She had no confidence left.
This is it for me.
Behind her was the river.
In front of her were the evil spirits.
Its my defeat.
To the sidey nks of wood wedged against the riverbank, human bones washed ashore, and countless other debris.
On the ground.
Among it all was an old ferry boat that still maintained its form.
Thud
Ssh!
The ferry boat was forcefully pushed toward the riverbank.
Hae Eung Eung jumped onto it, her gaze still filled with determination as she looked toward thend.
But what about a battle on the boat?
Dozens of evil spirits stared at her nkly.
She waved her finger at them.
A bold provocation.
It was as if she had used arge-scale taunt skill,
with the chat log exploding with mad messages.
Following this, the evil spirits, seemingly angry, jumped into the river all at once.
C Are they really going into the river?
C Looks like the Silent Swordsman has never yed Pokmon. The evil spirits are all water types; how can they fight in the water?
C Dont the evil spirits get faster in the water?
C We fought well, even though we lost.
C LTE.
C I lost, but I fought well.
C With a kill count of 86 evil spirits in my first run, without any special items, skills, or bloodlines, thats legendary enough.
C Thank you for loving the Silent Swordsman MK1 this season. Am I really going to die this time?
A ground battle where she alone took down 86 evil spirits.
Following her massacre-level performance,
the second round of extermination against the evil spirits began.
This time, the stage was not the ground but an old ferry boat.
In a space barely the size of two pyeong,
she began her battle against the evil spirits as they swarmed in the water.
Sixty-four evil spirits remained.
Three thousand three hundred viewers watched.
Among the 64 evil spirits and the 3,300 viewers, no one believed in her survival.
Yet, there was one fact known only to Hae Eung Eung.
Her stance with the sword and the way she stood on the boat had changed significantly.
She closed her eyes and smiled.
This sway. The sensation of standing on a boat. It feels so familiar after such a long time.
Behind the name Silent Swordsman was the yer Hae Eung Eung.
She was a swordsman from the Haenam faction, with inds and seas as her front yard.
Naval battles were her strongest suit,
not only against the evil spirits,
but for her as well.
Kyaah!
Kyaak!
Unlike onnd, the evil spirits raced through the water with fierce speed.@@novelbin@@
Compared to the evil spirits that moved freely like fish in water, she was on a ferry that swayed with even the slightest wave.
In these conditions,
the evil spirits grew stronger while she became weaker.
Brimming with confidence in the obvious fact that even a monster could recognize,
the evil spirits leaped from the surface, ready to pounce on her.
From that illusion,
from that mistaken judgment,
the second round of extermination against the evil spirits began,
the battle on the boat hadmenced.
Chapter 13
1.
The monstrous creature burst through the water with confidence.
Its neck fell to the sword.
???
Keyak?
Humans grow weak on the waters surface.
The sight of thismon knowledge being denied left the monsters in confusion.
The first time could have been luck.
However, when the second monster also lost its head to the sword, they finally realized.
They shouldnt think of this human as an ordinary one.
Even onnd, they had underestimated her.
Numerous kin, rushing in mindlessly, burst like balloons that had outlived their usefulness.
Boom Boom, boom
Monsters are capable of learning too.
Changing their attack direction, the creatures charged not at the human but at the boat.
On the rocking vessel, it would be hard to maintain bnce.
Thus, one overly confident monster poked its head out again.
Screech
There were no exceptions.
With a stance as stable as if its feet were glued to the deck.
They had to topple those abhorrent legs.
Whoosh!
With a slight distance, the ranged monsters poison darts emerged from the waters surface.
To melt away or to dodge.
They forced her to choose between the two.
That surprise attack was cut off by a corpse that blocked its path.
!!
des edge.
The corpse of a monster caught on the swords tip.
As the body stood like a shield, about to dissolve in poison.
Ssh!
The corpse that had been struck underwater burst apart.
Despite her slender frame, her prowess was anything but delicate.
The monsters eyes were filled with venom.
First, they would need to throw her into the water.
Even the strongest onnd would meet their limits once submerged.
Then, they would be stained with blood and swell up, reduced to the same kind as themselves.
With bubbling delight, the monsters thought they could turn the strong and beautiful human into a pitiful, half-breed kin like themselves.
As the monsters shared signals of joy beneath the surface, they suddenly panicked.
Bubbles burst as theymunicated among themselves.
The number of their kind was far too few.
Why was that?
When did they all disappear?
A long spear pierced through the confused monsters head.
Boom
A monster convulsed, expelling long bubbles.
So this was it.
C No, seriously, what cant you do with just one sword?
C Even using corpses as weapons, picking up spears, this is just too versatile.
C There was a reason she only brought basic items, haha.
C If you have a magic sword like that, you dont need anything else.
C The basic sword of the mute swordsman = magic sword, while our basic swords = low attack power garbage.
C If yound a critical hit, it doesnt matter what your attack power is, haha.
C But can yound a hit whenever you want, you idiot?
With each moment the monsters collided with the boat,
The spears they had scavenged slipped into Hae Eung Eungs hands, piercing through the heads of the monsters.
The refraction of water, the shaking bnce, the shock transmitted to the boat.
Countless adverse conditions.
A crisis where survival could not be guaranteed.
Even in the midst of it all, she did not lose herposure.
A red river.
Their of the monsters, thick with the stench of blood.
That desperate hue had transformed from the terror of humans into the terror of monsters.
The boat is a fortress on the water. No matter how small the vessel, as long as Im here, I wont easily give it up.
C Shes really on fire.
C Can she also handlebat on the surface?
C Thats not a boat; isnt it a modified ultra-small turtle ship?
C Did she glue her feet down? Shes so stable.
C Its obviously a flimsy boat, so why does it hold up so well?
When the monsters rushed out of the waterway, the scene that had once looked precarious as a candle in the wind suddenly changed.
The crisis was real.
The difference was that the targets were not the mute swordsman but the monsters.
Her sense of bnce was insane. I can ept everything else, but she doesnt lose her posture like someone who grew up in the water; I cant keep up with that.
C No, its really true.
C Mute swordsman, what cant you do?!
C You cant even see the chat window.
C You cant keep the broadcast going for long.
C You cant react to subscriptions.
C Looking at it this way, you dont seem to be good at anything except swordsmanship!!
The tension dissipated, leaving only the monsters fear.
The massacre on the vessel.
As allies continued to die, and defeat became increasingly evident, the blind fear of shame rose among the monsters.
The moment that fear crossed a line,
The monsters began to swim fiercely.
-?
-?
Where are they going?
Not toward the boat,
But into the blood-soaked waterway.
C Wow, is a monster really fleeing?
C How could it run away when theres a crazy swordsman who can slice through over a hundred alone?!
C This is the raid you chose. Endure with your strength and will.
C Your next opponent is a suicide monster.
C Look at the suicide monster Sheri, saying nonsense like shes going to die anyway.
C The world has really improved these days; even suicide monsters can chat now, haha.
A collective retreat.
A frantic escape from the battlefield.
Instead of a riverbank filled with the corpses of monsters,
The monsters vanished into the underground waterway.
nk
Bang!
Fearing that Hae Eung Eung might pursue them,
Iron bars descended to block the passage,
Creeeek!!
Kyahhh!!
The monsters that couldnt pass through the waterway banged on the iron bars, screaming and shaking them.
Swish!
From behind those monsters came the sound of water being sliced through.
A lone swordsman, protecting the boat, approached, wielding a spear instead of a sword.
An executioner on the river.
Creeeek!!
Kyah, extreme, guhrg
Seeing their kind being ughtered mercilessly,
Even the monsters that had fled beyond the bars trembled in fear.
Kuwaak!
Among those monsters, one individual raised its voice.
An elite armored monster, fully equipped with a helmet and armor.
Following his orders, the ambushed monsters behind the necks lifted their heads in unison.
Military strategy?
Hae Eung Eung let out a hollowugh.
The wisdom that humans wielded when facing monsters.
Now, it was the monsters using it against her.
At this rate, who was human, and who was the monster?
Countless ck dots soared into the sky.
As she lifted her head, her field of vision filled with
small dots that grewrger, transforming into countless javelins raining down.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The boat, resembling a turtle ship on the sea, bristled with spikes,
Leaving no ce to step.
Watching the sinking vessel, the armored monster roared.
Kuwaaaaak! Kuwa grr?!
A spear had lodged itself in the leg of the armored monster.
Panicking, the armored monster tried to pull its foot free,
But the spear clung to it like a sticky spider web, mercilessly disrupting its bnce.
Kuwaaaak!
With a pitiful scream, the armored monster fell over the railing.
In its ce, a delicate hand appeared, as soft as a flower.
Hae Eung Eung.
She kicked off from the boat and climbed over the railing.
!!
Seven remaining monster minions.
Fifty elite monster soldiers guarding the Blood-Soaked Waterway.
Fear rose on their faces in unison.
They hesitated.
Flinched.
Every time Hae Eung Eung took a step closer,
The monsters stepped back.
She was the executioner.
One who tracked down all half-beasts in sight,
And all half-beasts hidden from view,
Eradicating thempletely.
No matter how faint or insignificant their blood was,
Survival would never be permitted.
A human-shaped predator moving to exterminate the youkai.
If she could massacre the water-type monsters on the surface,
What reason was there not to do so within the waterway?
Theres nowhere left to run.@@novelbin@@
The sword soaked in blood.
Shoes drenched in monster fluid.
Dressed like a water ghost returned from hell.
Hae Eung Eung lifted the ceremonial sword with one hand.
*So, do you still have something to show me?*
Now, not even half-beasts or viewers could deny it.
The third battle for exterminating monsters.
The infiltration of the waterway.
In a fight between 57 monsters and one human, who had the advantage?
A national treasure-level beauty pioneering a new route in her first challenge of a virtual reality game, ughtering 250 monsters? Is this really possible?
C This makes no sense at all, damn it! Haha.
C Isnt this totally a scam?
C Awakened ones are all skilled. Maybe not like that, though.
C Theres no one among the active awakened whos our leader. They say their name isnt on the associations list.
C So, isnt this a nameless viin whos not registered with the association?
C Would a viin even stream if they were you? Why would anyone make a viin with a face like that?
Haha, makes sense.
Its nothing. I could do that too. Just give me 200 years.
C Wouldnt that be a waste of 200 years of effort?
C If you could do that for 200 years without even getting a girlfriend, youd be better off.
C Someone with an IQ of 20 could probably do it in 200 years.
C What would change if a person with an IQ of 20, who cant even remember what happened 20 seconds ago, does it for 200 years? You wouldnt get into a Korean university even if you studied for 20 years for the exam.
C Thats a bit harsh, dont you think?
C Are you a suicide monster? Thats a strongeback!
Mama, Im sorry! Mama, Im sorry! Mama, Im sorry!
The chaos in the chat, which seemed like it would never end, improved significantly as [Story mode] began.
C I guess Ill see that disgusting fish head again.
C But why are we going underground?
C Were originally heading to the execution tform in the center of the waterway.
The underground prison of the Blood-Soaked Waterway.
Where the owner of the faint screams carried by the wind was trapped.
A half-beast with a fish headshed out with a whip, yelling at the iron bars.
[The humans who tormented you have all been soaked in water and turned into monsters.]
[The humanmander who forced human sacrifices has been made to share the same fate.]
[You no longer have to wash until your hands bleed.]
[You dont have to work to earn money.]
[The clothes you desire.]
[Food.]
[They promised to fulfill anything you wished, yet]
[You still refuse me?!]
A woman in the prison, still sobbing.
Seeing that sight, a half-beast in a half-human, half-fish form swung the whip wildly in fury.
As the iron bars began to bend, it looked like the prison wasnt confining her but protecting her.
[Keek! Keek! Kee Keck?!]
[How dare a worthless, pestilent insect! I told you not to loiter underground without permission!]
The whip that struck the bars sent the head of the monstermander, who had appeared for a report, flying.
-?
-?
Why is it dead?
C Isnt that guy a spawn from the reinforcement pattern?
C Whats happening??
The body fell, losing its head.
The heavy bio-gas that had spread around dissipated instantly with a heavy thud.
[Human!]
It was the silent swordsman who had wiped out the Blood-Soaked Waterway with a single sword.
Her appearance.
Thud.
The half-beast stared at her, as if wanting to kill her.
As he found the silent swordsmans face, his eyes blinked, and then he broke into a wide smile.
[Your face is quite attractive.]
C Huh? Could it be that guy?
C I didnt recognize him because he looked a bit different, but isnt that the boss? The boss of the Blood-Soaked Waterway, right?
C The disgusting creature that keeps giving birth to monsters in the underground prison.
C But why is he a man?
C I dont know.
The viewers, confused by the bosss different appearance, found their confusion only intensified by the bosss next line.
[Would you like to be this monsters bride?]
C No way, this is insane! Haha.
C Turn on the hitomi!
C If we lose this, is it game over?
From today, I will start worshipping the great half-beast!
C Is this idol worship?
C Crazy people! Haha.
C Idol worship! Haha!
The chat, which had quieted down while viewers were engrossed in the exciting story, red up like a fire.
Chapter 14
The tip of that abhorrent weapon crashed against the wall, followed by a womans dying scream.
It was the scream of a woman at the very end of the biological whip.
If she didnt want to be part of that horrifying creation, she had to run up the stairs behind her immediately.
She didnt just flee aimlessly.
[Current Assimtion Rate]: 25%
[Current Assimtion Rate]: 40% (Upper Limit Reached)
Ive grasped your technique, half-demon.
Recognizing the opponents technique in martialbat could be a turning point in deciding victory or defeat.
**Pahae Technique.**
Only those who understand a specific technique can create it.
A perfect counter technique.
This is why it can be handled in realbat.
Of course, ordinary Pahae techniques are meant for practice.
Theyck practicality.
However, if a transcendent master sets their mind to it, there is no Pahae technique that cannot be created.
[Current Assimtion Rate]: 40% (Upper Limit Reached)
[Current Assimtion Rate]: 40% (Upper Limit Reached)
[Current Assimtion Rate]: 40% (Upper Limit Reached)
What I need right now is a body that can withstand a single Pahae technique.
The breath restricted by the golden seal.
The heartbeat bound by the golden seal.
The limitations of the blood vessels bound by the golden seal.
In a single moment.
In a single technique.
In a single breath, I transcend the constraints.
Even if the opponent unleashes an otherworldly biological attack.
If there are physical constraints and patterned attacks, then
In just a single moment,
A single technique,
A single breath can turn the tide of battle.
[OUT BREAK!]
[Due to strong mental fortitude, the assimtion rate temporarily surpasses the limit!]
[Current Assimtion Rate: 90%]
The biological whip that had entered the darkness surged again, crashing through the passage.
Activating the meridians, the path for her internal energy, she unleashed monstrous strength as if artificial muscles had formed, exceeding her own limits.
When the half-demons biological whip reached the limit of its assault and could advance no further
[AAAHHH!]
[Why are you tormenting us?!]
[P-Please, save us Gurgle!]
The women, reduced to mere essories, swallowed by the biological whip, were neither human nor monster.
Their bodies were destroyed by overwhelming external forces.
[Its your fault. If you die, it wont hurt anymore!]
[You monstrous woman!]
[Die!]
Reaching out and resisting,
Thrashed around in a frenzy,@@novelbin@@
Yet they could not unite their strength, being mere essories.
[What are you doing?! Hurry up and obey this lordsmand!]
Just as the half-demon attempted to regain controlte,
More than ten essories had already been swept away,
And over twenty essories were struggling in a hellish scene.
The sweeping attacks, like waves, did not halt against the resistance of flesh.
Every flowing trajectory stirred a storm of blood.
[At this rate, my women are all going to die!]
The half-demon, unable to part with the spoils of women under her control, led to the action of retrieving the biological whip.
As her arm returned,
The remnants of the women making it up hung limply, a heavy sacrifice that caused the half-demon to grind her teeth.
[W-Wait, is this?]
The body of a woman who had lost her head,
The area around her arms with an unusually high frequency,
Even if one person squeezed into that gap, it would go unnoticeda space of sensory emptiness.
From that gap,
A sword shot out, slicing through the fabric.
White Wave, Blue Wave
Like white foam hiding in the blue waves, Hae Eung Eung seeped naturally into the enemys offensive.
Between the deployment and retraction of her attack,
The long distance and short time contained
Something that couldnt be confirmed by sight.
The many biological whipsposed of the spoils of women.
The Pahae technique thatpletely grasped their characteristics.
C Wow
C Can this really be done?
C Youre breaking it like this?
Hae Eung Eungs surprise attack pierced the half-demons head.
Chapter 18
4.
With a stiff expression, Lee Da-hye stared at the ranking window.
Realizing how serious she looked, she couldnt help but smile faintly.
Im not a kid, yet here I am, getting excited over this. This isnt like me at all.
It stung her pride that her fated rival, who had always defeated her inpetitions, was once again at the top, but after all, this wasnt even an officialpetition.
Overall Ranking
[RANK01. National Pride Swordsman Lee Hae-chan] (View Record)
[RANK02. Lee Da-hye] (View Record)
[RANK03. Eom Gil-dongs Libido] (View Record)
[RANK04. Eom Gil-dong1496tr] (View Record)
[RANK05. Gil-dong, Go Smash the Tree] (View Record)
[RANK06. Eom Gil-dongs Right Arm] (View Record)
[RANK07. Gil-dong, Go Do Speedrun 2] (View Record)
[RANK08. Eom Gil-dong888tr] (View Record)
[RANK09. Third-rate Swordsman] (View Record)
[RANK10. 30-Year-Old Survivor from the Demon World] (View Record)
As she rxed and scrolled down to see the top 10 rankings, a smile escaped her lips.
What? I lost to Eom Gil-dongs libido?
??????
????????
C Eom Gil-dongs fans are something else,
C Why are the viewers so high-level?
Wow, this is really scary
Stopughing and do your best too. Since its full of Eom Gil-dong fans, I feel lonely all by myself.
-TF
C Unnie, just wait a bit!! Ill catch up soon!!!
C Day 1 of swordsmanship training starts today
C Starting again from day one?
C Da-hye, always going back to the beginning cking perseverance)
Just seeing these kind and cute viewers warmed her heart.
With such good people watching over her, it felt wrong to get angry and sulk alone.
Unfortunately, I didnt make it to first ce, but theres nothing I can do about it. Lee Hae-chan always dominates in swordsmanship content.
C Unnie, were so poor
C Were always second
C Thats why shes called Lee Da-hye
C Thats why shes called Lee Da-hye
C Ah, stop it, you immature kids
Dont tease me. Just wait before you get banned for the second time.
C Well then, the ban would be lifted right away
C ?
C The atmosphere in this chat room is so warm and friendly!
But she had to admit that Lee Hae-chans skills were superior to hers.
As she was about to end the Catching Up with the Silent Swordsman challenge, she received a video donation.
Didnt Lee Da-hyee in second again? Didnt Lee Da-hyee in second again?
.
It was a tant provocation, prepared with a video clip to taunt her.
Lee Hae-chans shameless intrusion made Da-hyes eyebrows twitch.
Despite her cool personality and mature charm,
Lee Da-hye wanted to maintain her dignified demeanor, but if she was looked down upon like this, her pride as a swordsman would not allow it.
I will finish with a higher record than that person.
The craze for catching up with the Silent Swordsman, ignited by Eom Gil-dong, began to re up again with the recordpetition between Lee Da-hye and Lee Hae-chan.
Even without broadcasting, the Silent Swordsman continued to be mentioned, and the buzz grew.
It was during the two-week intensive training period of the Silent Swordsman.
5.
Even amidst the fervor of the Silent Swordsman challenge,
there was someone who waspletely oblivious to the world.
Hae Eung Eung, who was dedicated to long hours of training, referred to it as a period of intensive training but considered it a retreat.
In the second week, she achieved her goal.
Skill Level Window
[Level] Third-rate (Lv80)
[Level-Up Conditions]
C Defeat Third-rate enemies (37/100)
C Defeat Second-rate enemies (1/1)
C Reach Level 50 in Skills (80/50)
C Learn Second-rate Martial Arts (1/1)
C If two or more of the above conditions are met, you can level up whenever you wish.
C However, once Second-rate martial arts reach the 5-star level, leveling up will ur automatically.
Third-rate martial arts proficiency level 80.
She had only 20 left until reaching the pinnacle of level 100.
All that was left was to choose two more Third-rate martial arts and quickly reach level 100.
At first, it was difficult to select candidates, but she didnt have no martial arts in mind at all.
If its from Hao Moon, I can definitely fill in the Third-rate martial arts.
However, the reason she hadnt learned their martial arts was that she did not harbor good feelings toward Hao Moon.
Hae-nam Faction.
The sect of her enemy shared the same surname, and for that reason alone, Hae Eung Eung was taken in.
It was a sect filled with kind and good-hearted elders, yet
the faction was financially unstable, and they fell into a debt trap due to the schemes of Hao Moon.
C Ah, we want to protect the sects signboard, soe with us.
C No! Hae Eung Eung, you shouldnt listen to those people!
C Hahaha, you should never have shown off a treasure you couldnt protect. Its toote to regret now.
A little girl, who could now smile innocently as she weed a new family,
saw her joyful smilee to an end due to a pure goodwill to show her a world beyond the narrow Hae-nam Ind.
The days when I first enjoyed the martial world outside the continent.
When her martial arts debut was over,
Her beauty was known throughout the Southern Eight Houses.
The Hao n sought to acquire Hae Eung Eung, known as the Most Beautiful of the Southern Yellow River, and imposed extensive financial pressure on the Hae Nam Sect.
At that time, the Hae Nam Sect was my second family. That fact hasnt changed even now.
Just as the Hae Nam Sect reached out to Hae Eung Eung, who had suddenly be an orphan overnight.
Hae Eung Eung also chose to willingly sell herself to the Hao n to save her sect.
Thats when it began. Those days of living desperately while reminiscing about past happiness.
The girl who became a topic of conversation in the Southern Eight Houses.
The Hao n aimed to refine her beauty to raise her as the best courtesan.
Many powerful figures coveted her.
There were also many in the Hao n who envied her.
She was beautiful.
Everyone wanted to break her,
But no one wished to be family.
It was a desperate time.@@novelbin@@
Hae Eung Eung picked up a sword.
If she didnt grow stronger, there were those who were stronger than her
who could vite or threaten her at any moment.
The sword technique she practiced was always the same.
The Hae Nam Swordsmanship.
It was the strongest swordsmanship she knew.
Thus, the Sanjae Sword Technique vanished from her life.
Ive regained that Sanjae Sword Technique, but if I learn the martial arts of the Hao n again?
Over the past two weeks,
Did she regain the realm of martial arts?
Or the original intention of enjoying martial arts?
Before she could find the answer,
Her heart grew cold.
Thieves, gamblers, fortune tellers, courtesans.
The martial arts of the Hao n,posed of the lower social ss,
were far from clean.
The origins of their martial arts,
and the purpose of learning,
all stemmed from the ugly greed of the weak,
who sought to take from those weaker than themselves or deceive the strong to steal from them.
Naturally, the hearts of those teaching were not pure either.
C Tsk. If I hadnt just been good-looking, Id have starved on the streets at this age.
C I despise you. The beauty not allowed to this ugly woman. If only I could steal it.
C Rest? Dont make meugh. Do you know how many courtesans are pouring drinks and selling smiles to men right now to cover your training expenses?
The best courtesan.
The secret informant of the Hao n.
Raised as a tool to win the favor of the powerful.
Days spent enduring without a single memory.
C You were lucky, Aha.
C ?
C The Emperor is keeping an eye on you.
The end came suddenly.
The elderly matriarch of the Hao n, who always pressured her with a fearful expression,
On the day before she left the Hao n,
She expressed her true feelings for the first andst time.
C To grasp an opportunity to escape the pain of the Nine Conduits and Six Meridians without relying on a mans affections. It was a chance denied to me.
I envy you.
The matriarch of the Hao n, whose life direction was forcibly set without even a chance to choose.
Even the bitter expression on the old womans face was just seen as hypocritical at that time.
As time passed, and her heart grew at ease,
Hae Eung Eung could understand a fact she hadnt realized before.
It doesnt make sense that the Hao n, once called one of the two major organizations in the intelligence world, couldnt stop my information from reaching the Imperial Court.
The Hao n, which had merely been her enemy.
To think they sent the child raised as a high-ss courtesan to the best marketce, the Imperial Court,
it was highly likely that she, who had won the Emperors favor, would seek revenge.
It was best to remain undisclosed.
The Hao n, which could imprison her in a cage for a lifetime if they desired.
Someone opened the door to that cage.
The only person capable of that was
the matriarch of the Hao n.
Could it be that the fact she was also suffering from the Nine Conduits and Six Meridians weighed heavily on her heart?
If she had any humanity,
she should have disyed it beforeying hands on the Hae Nam Sect.
But it was toote.
The matriarchs act of kindness,
and Hae Eung Eungs realization of that fact
all happened after many events had transpired.
I wont say you forgive what youve done to me and the Hae Nam Sect.
But now that all grudges have been tied,
I thought that perhaps I could learn at least the Yin arts she directly imparted.
[Ordered a flute.]
[Ordered a pipa.]
In 2050, traditional Chinese instruments were rarely seen.
As soon as the delivery arrived, she yed the notes while recalling old memories.
Unbeknownst to her, the neighbors living above and beside her
were all ears, as Hae Eung Eung tried to recall her old feelings while ying.
I thought I had forgotten everything, but surprisingly, I still remember some of these.
Feeling a momentarynguor that made her want to drift into sleep with thefortable and tranquil sound,
Kiiik!
C Ah, shit!
C My ears!
C You y terribly!
The neighbors cursed at her.
Wondering how her once normal performance turned out this way,
but for Hae Eung Eung, this was normal.
Yin arts, after all, were martial arts.
Meant to face an enemy.
Disrupting the sense of bnce with dissonance was
an appropriate training method for achieving the aplishments of Yin arts.
Kiiik!
Kiiik!
The tearing sound that wouldnt stop.
Noise pollution that drove her to madness.
[This is a notice from the management office. Comints have arisen due to noise from instrument ying, so we kindly ask for your consideration, residents.]
Ah. This isnt the martial world, is it?
The oue, unsurprisingly, was a pile ofints.
Chapter 19
1.
Do you know how famous Silent Swordsman is in the gaming world these days?
That doesnt matter to us. Were Awakener trainees.
Its because hes a Real Mode yer. No matter how you look at it, this guys real-world specs are at the level of an Awakener.
Joo Ahyoung was having a meal with her Awakener trainee friends at a fast-food restaurant. Even though they were talking about a streamer who was supposedly more popr than celebrities, Ahyoung wasnt interested. She had her own celebrity to think about.
I miss you, unni.
The story about the Silent Swordsman that she half-listened to was actually about Hae Eung Eung, but Ahyoung, unaware of this, merely fiddled with her screen phone.
Should I send her a text?
Suddenly, a mischievous thought popped into her head.
Am I crazy? How could I dare send a message to unni?
Hae Eung Eung had emerged from her closed-door training as a master. Although she was currently enjoying games, her life couldnt just revolve around ying games 24/7. What if Ahyoung sent a message and it distracted her during an intense battle? What if the vibration of her phone caused a gap in her focus during a fierce fight?
The thought, though seemingly far-fetched, felt oddly realistic.
With such thoughts, she couldnt bring herself to make the first contact.
Ah, theres Seongcheol oppa.
Oppa! Over here, over here.
Kim Seongcheol.
Hearing his name made Joo Ahyoungs expression subtly change.@@novelbin@@
You all are eating here?
This ce is the cheapest around here.
Why, oppa? Are you going to treat us to a meal?
Seongcheol had soft, curly light brown hair and was dressed casually in an anorak over a white t-shirt, resembling afortable, church-boy type of guy. Ahyoungs friends liked him, but Ahyoung felt differently.
He keeps pressuring me to join his gatherings, and something about him just feels off.
She knew he was interested in her, but she didnt like how he tried to close the distance between them.
Oppas wallet is light. We both work at the same convenience store, remember?
Tsk. Thatsme.
Oppa doesnt even work night shifts and stillins.
Haha, but I attend night sses at the academy instead.
If only he would eat and leave, they could pass it off as a chance meeting.
But Ahyoung, are you feeling sick? Youve been quiet and looking down for a while now.
Shes always like this.
Oppa, it seems Ahyoung is the only one you notice, huh?
The yful teasing from her friends, though said in jest, contained a bit of truth.
Ahyoung will probably just go train, so lets hang out without her.
Yeah, whats wrong with taking a break for a day?
Haha, should we? Itd be great if Ahyoung joined us too.
Im fine, thanks.
If you change your mindter, let me know. If Ahyoung calls, Ill make time no matter what.
Oh,e on, seriously.
Just date already if youre going to act like that.
With half-joking pats on the shoulder, Joo Ahyoung stood up abruptly, dodging Seongcheols yful taps.
Oops!
Careful!
She caught her friend who was about to fall, but the look on her friends face became sour as she noticed where her face hadndedon Ahyoungs chest. The size difference was undeniable, and it bruised her pride as a woman.
You guys really try, dont you?
Ahyoung and her friends kept their true feelings hidden. No one spoke openly, as revealing those feelings would destroy their friendship. But could such a rtionship really be called friendship, even without words?
Following the same routine of convenience store shifts, Awakener Academy, fast-food meals, practice rooms, and home, Ahyoungs steps to the practice room felt heavier than usual.
When she first realized that she shared the same part-time job and academy with her friends, it wasnt like this. But ever since Kim Seongcheol became part of her already small circle of friends, her rtionships had slowly started to unravel.
Should I quit?
Her steps, more exhausted than usual, halted as she stood in front of the old building housing the practice room. Unable to bring herself to go inside, she gazed at the worn structure.
Her wrist suddenly vibrated gently.
[1 new message received.]
Hae Eung Eung: I need help.
A sudden, cryptic message from her unni.
Joo Ahyoung let out a smallugh.
Joo Ahyoung: Whats going on?
Maybe shes stuck in a game.
That light-hearted thought quickly shattered with the next message.
Hae Eung Eung:Ive been reported.
Reported? What could she mean? Could something have gone wrong during her Awakener activities? Did one of her attacks miss and hit a civilian? Was she being chased by the police? Maybe the conflict with the Myeongho Guild had escted into something serious.
Joo Ahyoung: Where are you? Ille right away!
In a life that hadnt changed in five yearsa monotonous hamster wheel of routineAhyoung now found herself heading toward Hae Eung Eungs address, ready to break free from her self-imposed prison of routine.
Could someone like me, an unawakened Level 0 trainee, really be of any help to unni in a situation like this?
She might not be able to offer much help, but if Hae Eung Eung asked for her, she would do whatever was needed.
2.
So, you were reported for ying an instrument at home?
She nodded.
Jua-young couldnt hide her dismay.
Although it wasnt as serious a situation as she had imagined, with a violent fight breaking out or bodies stuffed in body bags, she still felt the gap between her imagination and reality was too wide.
???
Hae Eung Eung didnt exactly lie.
Jua-young had jumped to conclusions by herself.
With her older sister looking at her with curiosity, Jua-young let out a sigh.
First, could you y something for me? I need to hear how loud it is and think about what actions we might need to take.
She thought that since she had just bought the instrument yesterday, she wouldnt be able to y much, but it was still an expensive instrument after all.
She must really love Chinese culture.
The pipa and the tongsu.
She learned today that such instruments even existed.
The tongsu looked like a luxurious wooden recorder, while the pipa resembled a wooden tennis racket.
They were unique-looking instruments.
Their tones were also distinctive in various ways.
The tongsu produced a clear, bright sound that resonated widely.
The pipa had a rapid, stato sound reminiscent of a fast-paced performance.
Wow. This isnt the level of a beginner, is it?
Did she undergo intense training not with a sword but with an instrument?
It was hard to believe the high level of her ying.
At this level, it wouldnt have been a problem to y for as long as she wanted, as long as it wasnt toote.
However, during the performance, Jua-young came to understand why the residents had been reporting her despite the beautiful ying.
Biiing!
Biiiiiing!!
Ugh, sister, my ears hurt!
Beep beep beep
Stop! Stop!
Bleep
With a weak sound, the discordant noise came to an end.
Her face was no different from usual.
Although it seemed a little sulky, that wasnt what was important right now.
Why did you suddenly stop when you were ying so well?
[You have to do it this way originally.]
Doesnt your ear hurt?
Hae Eung Eung took earplugs out of her ears.
She knew her ying was loud as well.
Jua-young couldnt help but ask this question.
Sister, are you a devil?
3.
What is the worst gift in the world?
A useless gift?
A gift thats just a duplicate of something you already have?
Of course, a gift thats given and then taken back is the worst.
Hae Eung Eungs performance was just like that.
It opened her ears with a beautiful performance and then mercilessly hammered dissonance into them.
What kind of battle is she preparing for with that kind of noise?
It was so bizarre that she didnt even want to know.
Still, it was a rare asion at home.
It should at least be of some help.
Well, the decibel level I measured hit over 130 when the sound was off. Thats worse than the noise from a fighter jet taking off, so youll definitely get a fine for that.
Hae Eung Eung nodded with a sulky face.
Jua-young thought it was surprising that her sister had a somewhat childish side to her and proposed a solution.
You have a big house, so you could install a soundproof booth. Itll cost about 2 million won?
The dissatisfaction on Hae Eung Eungs face was evident.
She didnt want to spend money just to practice singing in her own house.
In the martial arts world, she wouldnt have cared if a bomb went off next door or a fight broke out.
In the martial arts world, the strong neighbors are thew, but living so recklessly in the real world would easily lead toints or evenwsuits.
She understood that fact logically, but she couldnt ept it emotionally.
Understanding her sisters feelings, Jua-young suggested a second option.
Or you could use a practice room with soundproofing equipment.
There are many idol agencies near our Awakened Academy. Since aspiring idols are usually managed for their body shapes, those who dont seem talented get snatched up as idol trainees.
[Whats the cost?]
Oh, the price isnt too high. I just checked online.
Jua-young, who was about to rmend a cheap and nearby practice room, hesitated.
Since her sister usually just yed games all day, they rarely met.
However, if she introduced a practice room near the Awakened Academy, she could spend more time with her sister by making an excuse that she stopped by on the way.
Now I understand why Seong-cheol oppa is so eager to get close to her.
At this point, she didnt feel qualified to me Kim Seong-cheol for anything.
Jua-young felt a bit pathetic herself.
Should she remain faithful to her sisters trust?
Or should she seize this opportunity to satisfy her own desires?
After a brief moment of contemtion, she made her decision.
It costs 200,000 won to rent a practice room 24 hours a day for a month. The academy I go to is nearby, so how about it?
In the end, her greed won over Jua-young.
Unaware of the struggle she went through before rmending it, Hae Eung Eung thought of Jua-youngs pure intentions and decided that if she went to a practice room, it would have to be this one.
In her mind, the calctions began to run.
Installing a soundproof booth for 2 million won
VS
Freely ying in a practice room for 200,000 won
The decision was made quickly.
[Ill do it. Ill rent the room 24 hours a month.]
Thus began Hae Eung Eungs daily trips to the practice room.
It was the start of the third week of her focused training period.
Chapter 20
1.
The practice room had quite a nice design.
The dimly lit corridor was illuminated by indirect lighting, creating an atmospheric interior.
There were 20 practice rooms up to Room 20,bined with 7 shared facilities, all managed by owner Lim Seong-tae on a 70-pyeong plot ofnd dedicated to instrument practice rooms.
Guests visiting the practice rooms usually fell head over heels for the atmosphere and scale, leading them to sign contracts.
However, today, Lim Seong-tae felt overwhelmed by the guests energy.
Um Are you the guest?
Hahaha, my sister isnt a viin. I came along just in case, and it seems Ive been misunderstood.
[This is Hae Eung Eung, who reserved a monthly rental for a private practice room.]
She was a beautiful girl with outstanding looks, either a close friend or a follower from her school days.
Even dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans, she had a model-like figure that made her look like she had just stepped out of a period drama filming.
Beside her, a girl acting as a follower seemed thrilled.
Wow, this is insane.
I thought I had seen enough pretty women while working in this field.
But this one was on a different level.
Her beauty shone through even with half of her jaw hidden behind her hair.
No matter how beautiful a woman is, you get used to seeing her over time, but this was on a whole different scale.
Her looks surpassed even those of active A-list female celebrities I had randomly encountered at the practice rooms.
It was hard to suppress the blush creeping up my face.
This is the key to Room 13. There are also shared facilities like bathrooms, showers, a water purifier, and a smoking area, so please keep that in mind.
Sis, lets hurry to see the room!
The girl in the white t-shirt, Joo Ahyoung, pulled my hand excitedly, taking the lead.
How is it? Is it okay?
The practice room had a chair and table, a music stand, a workputer, air conditioning, a charger, and Wi-Fi.
While it wasnt a lot, it was sufficient for practicing.
Additional options were avable for various instruments or equipment, and the recording studio could be used.
But I already had the necessary instruments, and I wasnt particrly nning on recording an album.
[This is a nice ce. Thank you.]
My sister seemed delighted.
As I smiled faintly and exchanged notes, Joo Ahyoung was overtaken by a shiver of excitement.
This feeling.
This thrill.
It was the strongest emotion I had ever felt in my life.
Um, Sis.
???
Since I helped you this time, can you also help me just once next time? Okay?
It was a bold proposal I could never have made in my usual self.
With my legs curled inward and my face restless, I pleaded as if I was begging.
What is this feeling?
As I stared at her face, which was slowly heating up, Hae Eung Eung quietly nodded.
Wow! Is it a promise? No going back on it!
I wondered if I had yed her heartstrings even more than the instruments.
Trying to calm myself, I took in her departing figure.
It took her a full 10 minutes to pick up the biwa.
2.
-A stunning beauty appeared in the practice room!
Though Hae Eung Eung hadnt shown her face outside the practice room often, those who had seen her at least once wholeheartedly agreed with the rumor.
Did you see the period drama girl in Room 13?
She was totally awesome. Isnt she a star out doing some renovation for a celebrity agency?
Maybe shes a model? Her figure is no joke.
No way, given the atmosphere, shes more like an actress. There are movies where actors y instruments themselves, right?
But they say she cant speak. Is that true?
In the lounge, the tenants gathered and gossiped.
Jang Geon-young, a long-term tenant in Room 7, shook her head while sipping instant coffee.
These neers are hopeless. Theyre aspiring idols, but they practice for hours every day?
You can usually spot promising talent from a distance, but sometimes you also see those with yellowed sprouts from the start.
The trio from the lounge was just like that.
Geon-young unni, have you seen the period drama girl in Room 13?
Not yet.
Ugh, youre such a practice bug. Youre practicing for 15 hours again today, right? You should take it easy.
I wish.
Just take a break. What do you mean, I wish?
It would be nice if I could be as carefree as you guys.
Suppressing the urge to speak my mind, Jang Geon-young headed back to Room 7, feeling a bit sorry for the trio.
Although she waszy, she wasnt a bad person, and seeing them motivated her to whip herself into shape.
Today, Ill conquer it. The high-speed rapid-fire performance section.
Jang Geon-young was a guitarist andposer.
She was a multi-yer who could create melodies and y them herself.
While her structured performance skills were regarded as her strength, she had a weakness in maintaining high uracy during rapid ying.
Unaware of her circumstances, her clients only requested her topose songs suitable for their child based on herposition skills, and coincidentally, that childs specialty was rapid picking, known as alternative picking.
Thanks to that, Jang Geon-young reduced her sleep time to practice rapid ying, which was not something she had anticipated.
Although she didnt realize it, she secretly thought that shed spent more time practicing than the kid she wasposing for.
1 hour.
2 hours.
3 hours.
Before she knew it, it was already 2 a.m.
As she fiddled with her tingling fingers and stepped into the corridor, the lounge was empty.
ncing back at Rooms 15, 16, and 17,
the panel information above the door showed no user.
It felt like I was hearing a voice telling me to eat ate-night snack and get energized.
After eating, I must have fallen asleep at home since I was drowsy.
Its not my body, so it doesnt really matter.
Im not sure what wille from effort without desperation.
Still, my personality and looks arent bad, so Ill find a way to survive, even if its not in this industry.
With a light step, I headed not to the instant coffee machine in the lounge, but to the smoking room located deeper in the hallway.
Being indifferent feels good in times like this.
Theres a trio of lounge addicts who, if they hear a rumor, spread it to at least three others, showing signs of attention deficit.
If they hear Im smoking, its obvious their mouths will start running like motors.
Its not like Im a singer who relies heavily on my throat, so it shouldnt be a problem if a fully grown adult smokes.
But I dont want to run into someone I dislike here.
The long-term resident of Room 12, Park Ji-o.
Hes a guitarist andposer like me, but ever since he lost a job to me, hes been harboring petty feelings.
Hes someone I definitely dont want to get close to.
Hes a man with a frivolous nature, casually flirting with various women.
I have no desire to be entangled with him, either as a guitarist or as a woman.
What a bother.
Of all people, Park Ji-o is in the smoking room.
Going up there seems bothersome.
Just when I started thinking I might end up being forced to quit smoking,
I sensed something odd in Park Ji-os demeanor.
Park Ji-o is acting cautious around others
Sitting upright in his chair, smoking a pipe, was a woman who couldnt be seen from the outside.
Ah. So thats why they call her the historical drama girl.
The woman from Room 13, whos been the talk of the town.
She was here.
nk.
As I impulsively entered the smoking room, our eyes met.
Park Ji-o, with emotions in his eyes, caught me off guard.
That pathetic yboy is feeling shy in front of a woman?@@novelbin@@
Your expression is something else.
Shut up.
Shut up isnt exactly the same as be quiet.
I smirked at his incongruous expression, realizing he was aware of how different he seemed.
He quickly bowed his head and hurriedly left the smoking room.
His demeanor was almost like a pubescent boy, making me even more curious.
Is this our first meeting? Im Jang Geon-young, a long-term resident of Room 7. I y guitar andpose.
The historical drama girl paused for a moment at my casual greeting.
Does she not want to return the greeting?
As my disappointment grew with the dy, she set down her pipe, took out a notebook and pen, and I wondered for a moment.
[Im Hae Eung Eung, a long-term resident of Room 13. I practice the biwa and the bamboo flute.]
Sorry, if I knew you were ufortable, I wouldnt have bothered you.
[Its alright. The advantage of pipe smoking is that it allows for enough leisure time while smoking.]
A peculiar name.
If it were a different situation, in a different ce, I might haveughed.
But at 2 AM, when ones sensitivity is at its peak,
It felt too risky to even chuckle in front of this beautiful woman who was jotting down notes on her portable stand while holding her pipe.
I wasnt this nervous even when meeting with agency representatives.
Even her smoking posture was different.
Unlike someone desperately trying to refill their vitality with filtered cigarettes,
Her demeanor felt like that of a connoisseur.
She seemed to exist in an entirely different world, leaving a deep impression on me.
Are you an entertainer by any chance?
[No.]
Then do you have any interest in working in that field?
My confident suggestion sounded like I could easily get her a spot if she just wanted it.
I actually had the connections to do so.
If I were to rmend someone oundish, Id be the one getting criticized.
But someone like Hae Eung Eung would earn me praises for bringing such a gem along.
Just looking at her looks and vibe, shes top-star level. Its rare to see someone with this kind of visual appeal.
However, the recipient of the suggestion remained expressionless.
Unlike other girls her age, who might be thrilled at the thought of bing an idol trainee or be wary, wondering if it was a scam, she showed no signs of any emotional shift.
[Thank you for the offer, but Ill pass.]
What do you do, then?
A pause as if she was contemting whether it was okay to share what she does.
Just how impressive is her work?
With expectations rising, she replied to my gaze.
[I y games.]
Pardon?
I was momentarily taken aback.
Hae Eung Eung turned and left the smoking room without me.
In her wake was a scent stronger than the lingering smoke.
I snapped back to reality after being lost in the fragrant aroma.
Games? Surely she doesnt just y games with that face. Could she be one of those streamers who are trending these days? I cant underestimate this.
After all, streamers are ultimately less than entertainers.
With that thought in mind, my perception began to shift significantly.
With top-star-level looks,
A mature vibe,
A refined taste in pipe smoking, and
A work ethic that keeps her up until 2 AM.
The threshold I had for streamers elevated from those lucky ones who happen to get popr ying games to diligent workers on par with entertainers.
Once I finish working on this track, maybe I should appear as a guest on one of those streamers shows.
I pondered my future seriously.
Then suddenly, a question popped into my head.
So, why was she practicing an instrument? Biwa and bamboo flute, of all things?
The peculiar first meeting between the guitaristposer Jang Geon-young and Hae Eung Eung left asting impression.
It was a rare moment to connect with a current A-level idol groupsposer.
Chapter 22
1.
They say no practice is as efficient as realbat.
Kanghos old saying hit Hae Eung Eung with new force.
She had been stuck at the 7-star level.
Her sluggish training had finally broken through.
In just a week, she had achieved the 10-star level.
I knew I should have used internal energy.
She had restrained herself out of fear of burdening those around her.
But using internal energy in her sound-based martial arts had significantly contributed to her improvement.
[Its served me well.]
Are you leaving already? You still have a few more days left to use it
[Ive achieved the level I was aiming for.]
The manager, with a look full of regret and apology, soon bowed his head.
Im sorry aboutst time. I knew it was an unjust situation, but I couldnt help you
[Its fine. It wasnt a situation where a civilian could interfere.]
Still, it doesnt ease my conscience. I cant offer much, but if you ever need help in this industry, please reach out to me.
[I will.]
Im not just saying that. Yoonju and Hyeonjeong, who debuted under Midas Entertainment, were both people I rmended. I can definitely help you with an entertainment debut.
The manager, feeling guilty for not being able to help more, promised his assistance.
As Hae Eung Eung was leaving the practice room, another person quickly caught her attention.
You dont have to worry too much about the Myungho Guild.
???
It was Park Ji-o, a shy man she frequently ran into at the smoking area, saying something unexpected.
The entertainment industry is much bigger than a single neighborhood. If enough pressure is applied, they wont be able to recklessly cause trouble.
[Thank you.]
N-No problem. Im saying this purely out of goodwill, no bad intentions.
[Ill ept your goodwill with gratitude.]
Anytime! If those Myungho Guild jerks bother you again, dont hesitate to contact me. Ille running to help you!
They only had casual encounters while smoking together, but did it warrant such dedication?
Still, there was no need to embarrass someone offering help.
Hae Eung Eung nodded lightly, and Park Ji-o smiled with satisfaction before heading back to the practice room.
As expected, it was a game. The keyword to (attack strategy) for this aloof person is
Feeling relieved after securing the final button, Jang Geon-young parted ways, satisfied.
Leaving behind the short connections made in the practice room, Haeung also quickened his steps.
The intense training period.
The end of four weeks of long training.
The time hade to assess the results of that achievement.
*
Hey, you crazy people! Stop raising the bar, stop! How can you run a simtion all day long!!
Uhm Gildong, who had put in the most attempts and was more serious than anyone about the Silent Swordsman Catch-up Simtion, set a miraculous new record, only for Lee Haechan and Lee Dahye to knock him back down to third ce within three minutes.
-Mobius Ranking
-Three-minute reign
-This really makes my heart swell.
-What are they doing to take it this far?
He made up his mind.
He couldnt let things continue like this.
Due to these two swordsmen crazed with rankingpetition, he decided a time limit was needed.
Thus, an update was made.
Silent Swordsman Catch-up ver. 1.01
A new category called the Hall of Fame was added.
[Time remaining until Hall of Fame Season 1 registration]
[168:00:00]
168 hours. A week-long time limit.
A concept patch that condensed a limitless grind into a one-weekpetition!
Thanks to this, the ranking battle grew even fiercer.
Im going to take down Lee Haechan no matter what!
Why did I provoke him? Why is this person so persistent?
Two streamers unable to stop, driven purely by pride.
Lee Haechan and Lee Dahye both entered their final sprint for thest week.
They reduced their sleeping hours and even canceled some of their content, intensifying the ranking battle as if they were burning not just their lives but their very souls.
The streamers who had long given up on the rankings watched the spectacle and began cing bets.
Whos going to win?
It has to be Lee Haechan . Hes got the experience. He often took first ce in the streamer swordsmanshippetitions, remember?
This time, Lee Dahye is different. Shes in full awakened mode, so her skills are even better than usual. Honestly, even that 35 consecutive parrybo was legendary.
If you y Silent Swordsman Catch-up long enough, you naturally develop the physical prowess of a silent swordsman.
While Lee Haechan relied on his basic skills to achieve that level of physicality,
Lee Dahye mastered the technique of perfectly parrying every attack to rival that physicality.
What about Uhm Gildong?
Hes just an unfortunate case.
-Unfortunate case
-Dont disrespect our Gildong!
-Enter the Uhm Gildong
-They roast him on stream, but defend him outside. Is this that famous tsundere act?
-The only ones allowed to roast Gildong are us, the Uhm Gildong!!
-Just trolling
Lee Haechan 7, Lee Dahye 3.
Many were betting on Lee Haechan s victory, with fewer people cing their bets on Lee Dahye.
Though the gap wasnt huge, they were the two contenders considered favorites to win.
asionally, gamblers aiming for a huge payoff would mention Uhm Gildongs name, but
I just did this yesterday, so why! Why has my body forgotten it overnight!! Aaaagh!!!
Silent Swordsman Catch-up, which required extreme physicality, was too hard for Uhm Gildong, who was more of a brain-over-brawn type.
And so, the week passed in a sh.
With less than an hour left before the Hall of Fames deadline,
While Lee Dahye struggled desperately for ast-minuteeback, Lee Haechan sat back and watched her stream, having already thrown in the towel.
Even I think I did too well. I dont think I can break my own record, so Ill just watch, kekkurubingbong.
Just sit back and wait! Ill be slicing through that high-and-mighty nose of yours soon enough.
-Not the neck, but the nose
-Ah but Lee Haechan s record is really insane though?
-Sis, I think were screwed
Lee Haechan had every reason to be confident.
[Overall Ranking]
[RANK 01. K-Swordmaster Lee Haechan ]
[Detailed Record]
[Time record: 92 seconds / Remaining enemies: 7 ghosts / Rowboat: heavily damaged]
[Cause of death: sword broke during battle]
If only the durability of his sword hadnt run out,
It was a record so incredible that he mightve cleared the stage.
Even though she talked big,
Lee Dahye herself felt the limits of her abilities.
She couldnt catch up.
[RANK 02. Fully Awakened 6-Star Hero Lee Dahye]
[Detailed Record]
[Time record: 88 seconds / Remaining enemies: 15 ghosts / Rowboat:pletely destroyed]
[Cause of death: unable to block the concentrated attack from the ghosts on the rowboat]
67 seconds, 32 enemies, and the rowboats destruction.
Compared to her first-day record, it was vastly improved.
But there were still limits.
The boat shook unexpectedly.
Her sword missed its mark.
Her feet slipped.
Fighting 64 ghosts on a narrow rowboat
required incredible focus.
No amount of effort could eliminate hUhman error;
the only thing effort could do was reduce the frequency of mistakes
and increase the opportunities to kill a ghost in one strike.
Unforeseen idents happened every game.
When mistakes piled up, the boat would break,
or shed die from a counterattack,
or her weapon would break, leading to inevitable death.
Above all, the synchronization rate setting was notoriously difficult.
[Restriction: MaximUhm 40%] Synchronization rate
[Standard Capsule Model]
How can such extreme efficiency be achieved with a synchronization rate this low?
It seemed like Lee Haechan had grasped the know-how, but Lee Dahye hadnt even gotten a clue.
Ive lost. I cant win this.
With Lee Dahyes deration of surrender, Lee Haechans victory became a foregone conclusion.
As the chatroom exploded with cheers after the winner and loser were decided:
-?
-?
-Wow!
-Is this for real?
-Wow, unbelievable hUhman victory!
Just when everyone thought it was over, there was a sudden twist at the veryst moment.
[RANK 01. K-CopyNinja Uhm Gildong 2495th attempt] (Clear!)
[Detailed Record]
[Time: 99 seconds / Remaining Soul Demons: 0 / Damaged Ferry]
The first clear achievement for Chasing the Silent Swordsman was imed!
Uhm Gildong, the master of tech-copying with only brainpower, had finally caught up to the Silent Swordsman.
Wow, I have to admit it. He really got me this time.
Even Lee Haechan, who had been leisurely enjoying thepetition, couldnt help but acknowledge Uhm Gildongs efforts. Rather than feeling upset, he respected the dedication Gildong had shown.
Both Lee Haechan and Lee Dahye went to Uhm Gildongs stream to send congrattory donations, but what greeted them was Uhm Gildong roaring at his viewers.
Left arm off! Right arm off! Rent off! I even beat my own lust!!
-LOL
-Uhm Gildongs Left Arm (Rank 95) Uhm Gildongs Right Arm (Rank 74) Uhm Gildongs Rent (Rank 33) Uhm Gildongs Lust (Rank 15)
-Wait, when did lust rank this high? LOL
-Legit terrifying LOL
-As Uhm Gildong grew stronger, so did his lust, real-time LOL
-Oscar-worthy supporting role
-He almost got ruined for real LOL
The chatroom, filled with hardcore fans, was buzzing with excitement. The two streamers, having participated in the rankpetition, only smiled awkwardly, deciding that it was safer to quickly send their donations and leave.
However, just five minutes before the stream was about to end, another unexpected turn of events urred.
[RANK 01. SpeedMaster] (CLEAR!)
[Detailed Record]
[Time: 52 seconds / Remaining Soul Demons: 0 / Damaged Ferry]
The undisputed top physical streamer in Korea, SpeedMaster, had climbed to first ce on his very first attempt, crushing Uhm Gildongs score with an overwhelming record.
No way, what the hell is this?
52 seconds? Did I see that right, everyone?
Aaaaaahhhh!
The three streamers and their viewers were thrown into shock and confusion. 25,000 people flocked to SpeedMasters stream.
He had utterly dominated the Chasing the Silent Swordsman challenge, decimating the main contenders with his incredible skills.
A disruptor of the ecosystem had arrived!
I had some fun. It felt like ying Whack-a-Mole again, but it was too predictable, so I wont y too much.
To top it off, his casual remark added insult to injury. Uhm Gildong, who was watching with a half-dazed expression, mUhmbled in defeat, unable to hide his despair.
But if you say it like that, what does that make me?
-LOL
-The one who yed the most predictable game LOL
-Is this what they call the talent gap?
-Man, that was brutal.
-Why is an adult crashing a childrens game? LOL@@novelbin@@
Feeling like all hope was lost, Uhm Gildong ended his stream in the worst condition of his life, even worse than when he first started and got verbally abused by viewers.
Maybe I should drink.
That day, after abstaining from alcohol for a whole year, he craved a drink more than ever.
[New VTuber Streamer]
[Silent Swordsman has started a stream.]
[Game: Half-Demon Melody (Simr Corp.)]
[ytime C 00:52:11]
[Broadcast Time C 00:00:01]
Huh?
Just as Uhm Gildong and the other rank challengers were sinking into despair, the Silent Swordsman began his stream after a month-long break.
It was the moment signaling the end of his concentration training period after four weeks.
Chapter 23
1.
[You have cleared the second field, Blood Dune Canal.]
[The event count for all fields has increased by 1.]
[Sometimes, you must strategically attack other fields rather than the one in front of you.]
The viewers werent particrly generous, especially when it came to a month-long unannounced break.
However, the topic of discussion stayed alive, thanks to the Silent Swordmaster, and the notorious Speedmasters antics made the viewers heads throb. Inparison, the Silent Swordmaster didnt seem as malicious.
Is that the Silent Swordmaster? Its been a while since I watched someone elses stream.
Even Speedmaster was watching the Silent Swordmasters stream with his countless viewers. As a result, the Silent Swordmasters third live broadcast had already surpassed 5,000 viewers without him even realizing it.
C Sensei, why are you suddenly spying?
C Were grateful, but lol why are you like this? Haha
C Did you finally open your eyes to reason?
C lolol our Sensei is gay, he doesnt even hold hands with women.
C What aboutst month when you watched that sexy cam stream live?
I got a little curious. If he managed to pull off that mole-whacking game, he must have some sense.
Speedmaster was known to be cautious about controversy. He didnt even appear on broadcasts that might spark drama.
Even when a massive scandal involving 13 virtual tube female streamers sent male streamers spiraling down, not a single streamer that Speedmaster regrly watched got into trouble. His reputation for only tuning into clean broadcasts spread.@@novelbin@@
Fans of the Silent Swordmasters stream cheered when they heard the news.
C Breaking news: Speedmaster is watching Silent Swordmasters stream.
C Wow, certified as a clean stream after just the third broadcast?
C Our host may be a jerk, but hes never caused any issues.
C Hes been grinding for a month, how could there not be issues lololol.
C Of course, of course.
Lee Haechan and Lee Dahye were also watching in real-time, and both audiences showed great interest. Though only one person was streaming, it felt like three broadcasts were simultaneously viewing one.
In this peculiar scenario, the Silent Swordmaster faced a choice screen.
Path Selection
[1. Head downstream, beyond the Blood Dune Canal.]
[2. Go back and head to the copsed fortress.]
[3. Find the entrance to the shrine with the crimson torii.]
And with choices came an inevitable flood of backseat gaming. No stream was exempt from this.
C Theres no way anyone sane would head downstream lol.
C The forest lol, the swamp lol.
C Wait?? Why is the shrine entrance still there even though he cleared the Blood Dune Canal? Is it a bug??
C So he cleared it without using the antidote for the poison?
C Wow, did Silent Swordmaster do something even Speedmaster couldnt?
Is he crazy? Clearing it without the antidote for the poison is really annoying. Did he not know the strategy?
Speedmaster was feeling slightly bewildered. Though he enjoyed the challenge, Half-Symphony wasnt an easy game.
If he cleared the Blood Dune Canal, he shouldve learned something by now. Heading downstream sounds rough. Only someone at my level could clear it effortlessly.
C Ew, gross.
C Senseis narcissism is making me nauseous.
C But when someone that skilled says it, you cant really argue.
Speedmaster crushed hispetition with sheer skill, and his conversations with viewers were always the same.
Annoyed?
Im better at this game anyway.
Wanna challenge me?
With an official record of 285 matches and 281 wins against his viewers, hardly anyone could dispute Speedmasters opinions on his stream, except for the few who had beaten him.
[Head downstream, beyond the Blood Dune Canal.]
[Entering the field, Melting Great Forest.]
C ?
C ?
C Sensei, the noob blindly entered the Great Forest.
C Speedmaster looking awkward lololol.
C Is the Silent Swordmaster watching our stream too? The timing is unreal lolol.
Did he really go in there? He hasnt learned his lesson yet. That ce is way more annoying than the Blood Dune Canal.
Even Speedmaster, who feared nothing, scrunched his face like a disgruntled golden retriever as he frowned at the screen.
But regardless, the Silent Swordmaster pressed forward without hesitation. Did he even know what he was getting into?
The audience, watching with anxiety, felt nervous. Only the viewers who had been following the Silent Swordmasters live streams were used to this tense atmosphere.
C lol, we thought it was over when he entered the Blood Dune Canal too.
C Ordered 100 bowls of yukgaejang and ate them all himself.
C Are you a food fighter?
C Why did you order yukgaejang, youre not even a mourner lolol.
C Even a dog in the vige learns after three years. Silent Swordmaster gets the hang of it after just three streams lol. Something big ising.
However, in other streams, the mood waspletely different.
C The cursed forest lolol.
C That map is for noobs lolol.
C I took 12 hours to clear it, but when I came back toote, the whole map had disappeared lololol.
C After 12 hours, nothing would be left lolol.
Those who had yed Half-Symphony knew how difficult the Melting Great Forest was. If you dyed even a little, the map would gradually sink into a swamp, and even the ces to stand would disappear.
Even for a veteran multi-y yer, clearing the dense forest without a determined speedrun is a distant possibility.
And now.
The fearless, skilled newbie yer, the Silent Swordsman, has entered the infamous dense forest field.
C Still, theyre a well-known streamer in a short amount of time. They should be able to handle the gue Ghost, right?
C Its a swamp; you wont know until you experience it. Ive seen sudden deaths happen so often.
C Lets open up some bets on Haechang-hyung.
C Its on.
C Survive for over 10 minutes vs. die within 10 minutes? Its obviously thetter.
C Ive died so many times in there. No way someone can clear it perfectly without dying even once.
C You all know the safe bet is death, right?
[Points Betting]
1. Survive for more than 10 minutes
Betting Points: 5.5 million points
Number of Bettors: 143
Odds: 14.90909090x
2. Die in less than 10 minutes
Betting Points: 82 million points
Number of Bettors: 3290
Odds: 1.067073170x
The viewers were cing their bets in the Points Toto, which automatically distributes points in proportion to the time they spend watching the stream. Most viewers ced their bets on death. Although the Silent Swordsman had been trending for a month, she hadnt appeared on stream recently. As a result, many had forgotten about her exceptional skills.
C A 14x payout on the risk bet, how sweet.
^^
C You can tell the safe bettors havent watched the stream properly, huh?^^
People often dont understand until they experience it firsthand. That applies not only to the map in the Half-Nightmare Song, but also to the Silent Swordsmans unbelievable physical prowess, which few believe without seeing it for themselves.
The risk-takers were smiling. Their memories were about to be multiplied by 14 times.
[Story mode]
The dense forest loomed before them.
Obscured by thick foliage, it was so dark during the day that it felt like night. It was the center of strange weather, gued by frequent torrential downpours. Not even the sound of insects could be heard in this ominous forest, but there was still movement within.
[gue Ghosts]
Entities far worse than drowned water spirits, these beings manipte gues within their bodies.
[A forest draped in darkness]
[A downpour that persists]
[In the silence, a gue spreads within the forests demonic boundary]
[This is the dense forest.]
Beyond the narration, a gue Ghost that had been approaching Haechang suddenly sank into the ground.
[The dense forest, losing life to the gue and rain, is rotting from within.]
[Will the forest sink first, or will it be broken through?]
[Only the most skilled and cautious will get what they seek and escape this forest.]
As if testing the yers limits, the narration ended, and control returned to Haechang.
[yer mode]
Haechang opened all of his senses and realized the narration had been right.
On the surface, it looks like a regr forest, but its much worse underneath.
He hit the ground with a small rock he picked up, and it sank deep into the earth.
I see now. The key to clearing this map is tracking skills and body movement techniques.
With a full grasp of his surroundings, Haechang began to sprint without hesitation.
C Wait, what?
C Stop it! Are you crazy?
C You should be taking each step carefully, but why are you running, damn it!
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
C Looks like the risk bettors are all screwed, huh?
C Even the Silent Swordsman cant handle a new map, right? kkk
C You die because you dont know. Goodbye, Silent Swordsman.
C Looks like our memories will be copied at 1.04x~
Everyone expected her to sink into the swamp and die any second now. But 10 seconds passed, and then a minute passed, and the Silent Swordsman still hadnt sunk.
C What the hell kind of luck is this?
C Why isnt she sinking?
C Is this some kind of cheat?
C There are no cheats in Half-Nightmare Song, idiot.
C This makes no sense!
C But you youve followed strategies, sunk into the swamp dozens of times, and think that makes sense?
C Where did this old joke evene from, seriously?
The safe bettors, losing theirposure, were in shock, confusion, and fear. Meanwhile, the secret to the Silent Swordsmans fearless sprint was revealed by streamer Gukppong Prosecutor Lee Haechang and 2Dahye, who had been watching the stream.
Shes not running on the ground; shes only stepping on rocks, trees, broken signs, and other footholds. Is this really something a newbie would do?
<2Dahye has donated 10,000 won!>
Shes visualizing where to step and how to move in real-time. I cant believe I thought I could follow her
C Is she some kind of martial arts master?
C How can a newbie progress faster than yers with 10 years of experience?
C Is it not you who doesnt make sense?
C Please stop!!
C Mom, save my points! Mom, save my points! Mom, save my points!
C Please, misstep! Please, misstep! Please, misstep!
C Were all going to lose~~!
C The underdog bettors areughing^^
Chaos filled the chat.
Amid the dizzying speed, Speedmasters eyes sharpened.
Huh.
He had initially thought this was just a sh-in-the-pan stara yer who stands out for a moment before fading away.
But this speedthis sensation of elerationwas beyond ordinary, even for someone like him, nicknamed for his swiftness.
I think they could run even faster.
Speedmaster murmured to himself.
The viewers exploded with disbelief.
C No way!
C If they go any faster, are they even human? More like a cheetah!
C Not even a cheetah. Just Sonic.
C Please die, please die, please die.
C Save my points! Save my points! Save my points!
Amid the increasingly desperate prayers of those who bet on failure, a deadly presence emerged aheada ghostly figure blocking the path.
C Its here!!
C Finally!!!
C Great job, ghost! Kill the Silent Swordsman!!
C Die!!!
C Look at those failed bombers cheering for the ghost
3290 people cheered for the reaper-like figure standing firmly on the stone bridge.
But then
In an instant, Haeeungs speed surged explosively, leaving the ghost far behind without even allowing it to react.
C ?
C ?
C Wait, are they really going even faster?
As the ghost stood there, stunned and split in half, Haeeung had already crossed the entire bridge.
C Ghost defeated in one second.
C Not only passed by, but cut it in half while running.
C The ghost was sliced just now.
C This is insane.
C Is this really the Silent Swordsman?
Goodbye, my points.
C I dont know who the Silent Swordsman is, but theyre amazing.
C The viewers are preemptively losing their points
The Silent Swordsmans legendary ythrough had just gained yet another iconic moment.
Chapter 24
1.
The melting great forest.
The notorious reputation of this cruel field can be seen just by looking at themunitys strategy board.
[Popr Post] [Rmended: 1850] [Not Rmended: 75]
[Step-by-Step Strategy for Banyogok Field (Part 1, First ythrough)]
1. Hill of the Executioners Corpses (Common) (Tutorial)
2. The Seers Temple
3. The Lair of the Sealed Failures
4. The Fallen Fortress Dark Knight
5. Blood-stained Sewer Drain
6. The Sage of the Melting Great Forest@@novelbin@@
7. The Epicenter of the First Monster War
8. Fastest Ending Clear
Following this route will make gamey smooth.
Skip the tutorial as most people are familiar with it. First, unlock skills at the Seers Temple and obtain essential items like the blood extractor or wire.
At the Lair of the Sealed Failures, only obtain the poison antidote and the treasure vault key. The poison antidote is essential for clearing the Blood-stained Sewer Drain, and the treasure key is required for progressing through the Fallen Fortress, so be sure to acquire them.
After clearing the Fallen Fortress and Blood-stained Sewer Drain, paths to both the great forest and the epicenter open. However, the great forest is not meant to be fully cleared.
You meet the Sage of the Swamp and unlock a new character there. If youve already unlocked the character, you can skip the forest section.
Once you head to the epicenter of the First Monster War, youll encounter [spoiler] and see the fastest ending.
Caution: The rmended specifications for clearing the Melting Great Forest are based on multiple ythroughs. Dont break your spirit, and give up quickly.
Its a hit-and-run fieldachieve your goal and retreat quickly.
yers interpreted the design intention of this map as such, and for a long time, many yers yed the great forest that way.
The ground sinks unexpectedly.
Ghosts infected with a gue spread the disease upon contact.
A dark forest where its hard to find light, and heavy rain pours down.
Body temperature drops.
Fear tightens in the silence.
There were countless reasons to give up on clearing this field.
Even the legendary Speed Master only aimed to break through this map, never fully intending to clear itpletely.
Is this guy really a beginner?
In the arena of the Silent Swordsman.
The Speed Masters face, watching this, unknowingly became serious.
C Sensei, isnt that a bug?
C It doesnt make any sense.
C You
C How is she hitting so many people at once? Damn, shes like Zhao Yun from Mount Changban!
C What kind of transformation is that?
As the viewers tension eased with nonsensicalments, the Speed Master seized the moment to interject:
Its a bug.
C What, really?
C Theres a bug in Banyogok, Sensei?
Not like that. Its an old-timer trick that uses the games physics engine. Thats bunny hopping.
Exceeding normal speed.
Without the skill correction effect from assistive action.
Its pure, vani gameyelerating with just the body.
The only exnation for that technique was bunny hop, a trick used by veterans.
When you jump, the games physics engine gives a slight speed boost. These days, its just a general term for bug-based eleration. Dont just go jumping around aimlessly.
C Oh no, weve been caught!
C Oops.
C Weve been found out
C How can you resist jumping after hearing that?
Make the jump long and smooth. Is it 1-strafe?
C Hes speaking in alien terms again.
C Please use humannguage, Sensei.
C Were moving too fast here.
Strafing is when you move sideways during a jump. It helps you elerate faster.
C So youre saying we can run faster by jumping sideways?
C Wow, hes really underestimating us.
C That makes no sense If crabs could do that, theyd be jumping all over the ce.
Do crabs even jump?
C If a crab jumps, immediately quit the game. Thats not a crab.
C If soy sauce marinated crab starts jumping, run away from the restaurant. Thats not food anymore.
C Yeah, if your food starts jumping, of course you run!
Hmm. But its not the speed of 1-strafe.
C Is there really a difference?
C Then is it Kim-strafe?
The Speed Master chuckled, shaking his head.
The speed of eleration.
The length of eleration.
Both surpassed the skills of most 10-year veterans.
But youre not supposed to do it like that.
Even while witnessing such an extraordinary y, someone qualified to give advice.
C Wow lol
C A former legend giving advice to the current legend
C Cant resist giving pointers
C But whats the problem?
C LOL, theyre running so well
Running is fine. But its not like there are only sluggish revenants on this map, right?
Thats right.
A field that was clearly beyond the beginner zone.
In the melting great forest.
Other species existed alongside the revenants.
That species
Pabat
Kwa-gagak
The Silent Swordsman twisted their running stance, grabbed a nearby rock, and spun 540 degrees, controlling their momentum.
Just 1 meter ahead, a massive spiderweb was spread out.
Do I dodge this?
Even the great Speedmaster couldnt perfect-clear the great forest and had to leave it as a swamp.
The reason was the silent hunters of the forest.
A half-demon with the face of a human and the body of a spider.
The spiderweb of the appeared.
2.
Moving forward wasnt difficult.
Breaking free from the restrictions of mediocrity.
The second-rate martial art that could be fully unleashed.
The Haenam ns movement technique, .
Like a ship running across the sea, riding the wind.
While it wasnt the fastest movement technique in terms of pure eleration, it was incredibly efficient at covering long distances without obstruction.
Theres no reason to get caught in such an obvious spiderweb.
Cutting it down with a sword was an option.
But to martial artists, spiderwebs were nightmares they didnt even want to approach.
Just looking at the size gives me an estimate.
A spider the size of a small dog seemed almost cute inparison.
Between two trees, a massive web was spread, indicating a muchrger creature.
Even at a nce, the web was enormous, of a size that hinted at a spiritual-grade creature.
Hae Eung Eung had considerable knowledge of spiritual creatures.
In her pursuit of spiritual creatures inner cores to heal her Nine Yin Meridian, she had umted knowledge.
Plus, various group leaders had personally taught her to gain her favor.
C Spiders that be spiritual creatures grow to immense sizes, and the sticity and stickiness of their webs are on a different level.
C If the webs area isrger than a person, never engage with it.
C Spidersrger than 3 meters cant even be pierced by des. If you havent mastered sword aura, run immediately.
The web before her was about 2 meters in size.
The expected size of the spider was around 2.5 meters.
It wasnt fully grown as a spiritual creature, but it was likelyparable in strength.
Even top-tier masters might end up dead if they recklessly fought a spiritual spider in its territory.
Hae Eung Eung quietly stared at the web, then picked up a stick.
Whip-whip.
She swung it, wrapping it around the web, and began shaking it violently up and down.
Instead of avoiding the web, she was rudely summoning the spider.
The chatroom erupted into chaos at this reckless behavior, but the ever-aloof streamer, unconcerned about her viewers protests, simply did as she pleased.
Im a little curious. How strong is a monsterparable to a spiritual spider?
In response to her daring summons, there was a rustling sound as a spider descended from the trees, trailing its web.
As expected, its size was around 2.5 meters.
With eight simple eyes and four jaws, the spiders monstrous face sent shivers down the viewers spines.
Those who had paid extra for the first-person view from the Silent Swordsman dropped their food in shock.
C You evil monster!
C Youre doing this on purpose, arent you?
C Shes being so harsh on that poor spider lmao
C Noona, please stop, please stop, please stop
Im not joking, I just fell off my chair.
C Stop chatting and go to the hospital, idiot.
C Just do a roll, man.
C Like streamer, like viewer, lol. Can you even roll in that situation?
As the spider clicked its fangs and legs, seemingly deciding how best to devour this human, its head suddenly flipped 180 degrees.
And the ghastly face of an old woman appeared.
?!
Even Hae Eung Eung couldnt help but be startled at the grotesque sight.
Leaving her horrified viewers behind, the half-demon with a human head and spider body, the , opened its mouth.
What a beautiful face. That beauty, that figure. How many men have fallen for you?
C I will make that face mine.
The line everyone expected.
The Spider Demons signature phrase.
[Blessing]
[Animal Friend]: Your chances of befriending any animal-type creatures have dramatically increased.
A blessing effect from an old build, designed with yful intentions, even taking some liberties with zoophilia.
The Spider Demons affection level rose.
But for some reason, I feel like I could be friends with you.
C ?
C ?
C Friends?
C What is this?
C Seriously, where on earth would a human-headed spider want to be your friend?
Viewers, fully expecting the Silent Swordsman to simply kill every creature they encountered, were caught off guard.
The spider extended its leg towards the swordsman, who simply stared at it for a moment before slicing off the spiders wrist with a swift strike.
C LOL
C I cant believe she actually cut it
C I dont need friends. The Murderous Swordsman is back on.
Even if animals wanted to be friends with her, she had no desire to reciprocate.
Hae Eung Eung swung her sword, frowning at the metallic sound that jarred her hand.
While she hadnded a hit, she had failed to sever the limbpletely.
But it wasnt the partial sess that irked herit was the spiderspleteck of killing intent.
You wicked human! How dare you reject my kindness.
I wont kill you, but I will break that wretched hand of yours!
Not Ill kill you, but Ill break your hand?
It almost sounded like she was bullying an innocent, kind-hearted creature.
Even Hae Eung Eung was beginning to feel unsure whether she should really kill this thing, her motivation wavering as her duel with the began.
Chapter 25
1.
Speed Master dered firmly.
We cant beat the Inmyeon Jiju, no matter how skilled one may be with a sword.
C Is this the first defeat g for the undefeated Silent Swordsman?
C Its scarier because itsing from the Sensei himself.
C Speed Sensei may sometimes overreact and get carried away, but he never says anything without reason.
As one of the top physical streamers, Speed Master confidently ranks among the top ten. With the achievements he has umted, his words carry authority and weight.
C But didnt the Silent Swordsman just sheathe their sword?
C Whats going on?
C Does this mean theyre going to punch instead?
Do you think you can break what you cant cut with a sword, using your fists?
C Ah, so they were just striking a pose.
C I guess this is the end.
C Well, it was fun while itsted, Silent Swordsman Mk1. Its time for the dust-covered Mk2 to shine.
An inevitable defeat.
Meaningless resistance.
Thest, desperate struggle.
Everyone thought that way.
If it cant be cut with a sword, it cant be beaten with fists. Thatsmon sense.
And if even the top physical streamer, Speed Master, says so, it must be true.
With 6,200 viewers watching the main stream and 31,000 watching in sub-channels, they all anticipated the Silent Swordsmans final moment.
But when the Silent Swordsmans fist collided with the body of the half-demon Inmyeon Jiju, Speed Master and the 37,200 viewers fell into utter confusion.
Boom!!
Kyaaa!
With a heavy thud, the body of the Inmyeon Jiju lurched backward.
It was clear to anyone watching that the Silent Swordsmans fist had delivered an overwhelming blow.
Even the mighty Speed Master couldnt help but gape at the sight.
@@novelbin@@
Did that reallynd as a super critical hit?
No, that cant be right. A critical hit targets a weak point. How could a fist, which hadnt even managed to pierce the shell with a sword, exploit any weak points?
It wasnt a critical hit.
It was something that made a non-weak point into a weak one.
In virtual reality games, theres a term for a hit thats more powerful than usual:
It looked like a **Just Action**.
Just Action.
Unlike a critical hit, which strikes at an opponents weak point, a Just Action urs when you execute a perfect attack.
No, it was even more than that.
Only Speed Master recognized it.
That strike.
That technique.
The attack the Silent Swordsman executedwithout a doubtwas something only found among top-tier physical streamers.
It was a Perfect Action.
A level beyond Just Action, like a super critical hit is beyond a critical hit.
A move that delivers massive damage beyond perfection.
A true finishing blow.
C Wow!
C The terminology used by experts is on another level.
C Isnt Perfect Action something we only see in the wiki pages?
C Theres someone out there making textbook movese to life.
C Is the Silent Swordsman a god? Is she a god? Is she a god?
C Are people seriously losing it over one lucky punch?
Indeed, it could have been a fluke.
After all, theres a term for such situations: Lucky Punch.
When the enraged Inmyeon Jiju charged at her, viewers believed without a doubt that her beginners luck had run out.
But when the Silent Swordsman deftly evaded the attack, grabbed one of the spiders legs, flipped up into the air, and dislocated the joint with a powerful stomp, they could no longer deny the truth.
The silent swordsman was delivering a torrent of divine strikes, executing **Perfect Actions** with every move.
Even without a sword, she was proving just how strong she truly was.
2.
Sometimes, fists are more effective than swords.
When facing masters of external martial arts.
Or fighting formidable spiritual creatures.
Or dealing with beings whose skin feels like iron.
Against opponents like these, sword energy can barely leave a scratch, and you must expend massive amounts of inner strength to make any meaningful cuts.
Such fights force inefficiency upon you.
No matter how tough the surface is, they cant train their internal organs.
The advantage of strikes is that the impact is driven directly through the skin, carapace, or shell, prating inside.
This wicked human! Ill have you hanging in my web for 24 hours!
Despite the serious damage it had taken, the Inmyeon Jiju still managed to downy the threat, trying to act harmless.
Hae Eung Eung snickered.
There was no Inmyeon Jiju in the martial arts world that was clumsy enough for a shockwave strike to work on.
This opponent wasnt even worthy of the grandiose title of Inmyeon Jiju, being so weak.
However, that didnt prove the Inmyeon Jiju was harmless.
They were currently in Banyo Gorge.
A deep, secluded canyon at the edge of the human world, tainted by the blood of demons.
It was a ce where half-demons sought refuge.
In the martial world, this ce would be like the main stronghold of the Demon Sect, the Ten Thousand Great Mountains.
Even among the demons of the sect, not all were evil.
However, all the good ones were persecuted, drained of their blood, and reduced to mere ythings or tools for viins before meeting a miserable end.
Strength rules all!
That was the cruelw of the outer martial world.
And in Banyo Gorge, where half-demons and yokai thrived, it was natural that such inhuman sentiments were widespread.
How long do you think you can keep pretending to be weak? Lets end this charade.
Due to the spiders body structure, its legs could never reach its rear abdomen.
Hae Eung Eungs flurry of strikes rained down mercilessly on the unguarded part of the Inmyeon Jijus body.
Kyaaaaah!
The Inmyeon Jiju let out a horrible scream, shaking violently.
Despite the violent thrashing, the Silent Swordsman, who had withstood assaults from water demons even on a tiny boat, wasnt about to be shaken off after mounting the Inmyeon Jijus abdomen.
The half-demon, realizing that her opponent was even more tenacious than a spider, began to change her attack pattern.
Whoosh!
The Inmyeon Jiju started leaping between spiderwebs, fleeing through the forest at incredible speed.
Her jumps were massive, her velocity blinding, and the sticky threads of her web further added to her escape attempt, all in a desperate bid to shake off Hae Eung Eung.
C Ugh, I feel dizzy.
C Wow, nothings visible at all.
C As a racer in Virtual Form Season 1, I must say, Inmyeon Jiju is faster than my car.
C Save me!
C The Silent Swordsmans first-person view is killing people today.
These were the screams of newbies found only in the sub-streams, while the viewers in the main stream chuckled as they typed in the chat.
C Were going crazy too, lol.
C How is it still disorienting even on the third round?
C Something something is definitely happening.
C But we cant see it!
C Seriously, whats happening? LOL.
Even the main stream viewers, with all their experience, couldnt handle the insane speed of the fight.
Only those with the sharpest eyes and the best motion vision could track the battle as it sped through the dark forest.
The Inmyeon Jiju is crashing into trees, rolling over webs, and nearly falling into a swamp, but the Silent Swordsman isnt budging an inch.
C Can you actually see anything with night vision?
C Maybe, but it still looks pitch ck, lol. NightVision, you probably see a ck movie screen as if its bright.
C If your broadcast lights up after putting on night vision goggles, take them off immediately. Thats not night vision.
Tying up the Silent Swordsman? Is this some kind of bondage y? Taking her to the depths?
Looks like Lust has lost it, not seeing anything but his own desires.
C Lust, stop! Youre making everyone think EomGildong is a pervert too!
C EomGildongs biggest output: EomGildongs Lust, lol.
C Lust is really making waves, moving from 2DaHyes broadcast to the Silent Swordsmans.
Most people would have long fallen off due to the desperate pace of the chase.
But the Silent Swordsman, clearly beyond ordinary limits, had already reached the level of a superhuman martial artist.
There was no way she would fall.
Please fall off!!
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, the Inmyeon Jiju screamed, diving straight into their of the yokai.
Bang!
With a heavy crash, dust filled the air from the impact, creating a small crater in the center of an open space.
Scattered all around were the bodies of the yokai.
They began to gather, closing in on the Silent Swordsman and the Inmyeon Jiju at the center.
Now, in addition to the powerful Inmyeon Jiju, she would have to face dozens of yokai at oncea truly extreme situation.
How pitiful. The Inmyeon Jiju of Banyo Gorge.
The excitement that had risen from her anticipation of a strong opponent and the thrill of a life-and-death struggle
All of it faded into cold disappointment and disdain.
This was all?
A fight that amounted to nothing more than cheap tricks?
Theres no point in watching any longer.
Just as the Silent Swordsman, who had believed she was doing her best, drew her sword and began to move, the viewers finally realized it.
Even the battles they had seen so far were not the Silent Swordsmans full strength.
They finally understood just how much ease she had taken in fighting the Inmyeon Jiju all this time.
The cirction of the breathing technique through the blood meridians.
Unlike the Samjae Qi Gong, which circted through only three meridians, the Cheonghae Breathing Technique circted through a whopping nine meridians.
This second-rate breathing technique elerated the users inner energy, unleashing a massive power output like waves crashing on the sea.
Instant kill.
Instant kill.
Instant kill.
Three yokai per second.
In the tide of sword strikes, the yokai couldnt even react.
They were helplessly ughtered, like being swept away by an overwhelming tidal wave.
The difference in power between this and the water demons they had previously resisted was on a whole other level.
An absolutely overwhelming force.
C Wow.
C Crazy.
C Shredded.
Not even a minute had passed, and the center of the clearing, which had been filled with yokai, was now littered with their bodies.
The Silent Swordsman flicked the blood from her dripping sword, scattering droplets onto the ground.
As her sword pointed at the Inmyeon Jiju, the spider trembled and raised its front legs.
Please spare me.
It was a deration of surrender.
3.
[Story Mode]
Unlike the lowly creatures like blood demons, water demons, and yokai, who had gone mad from being unable to withstand the blood of monsters and had been reduced to beings ruled by instinct, a half-demon with their own unique name possessed a clear sense of self and their own thought process.
Just as the had, and the had, the was no exception.
For the first time in the history of Banyo Gorge, the Inmyeon Jiju disyed the courage to surrender to a yer.
[I just wanted to make a friend]
[Why are you doing this to me?]
[Do humans and half-demons have to kill each other?]
The Inmyeon Jiju couldnt hide her sadness.
[Twenty years]
[Ive lived in this cursed body as a half-demon for twenty years.]
[Ive finally met a decent person]
Tears welled up on the face of the old woman.
[But with this shriveled, poisonous face]
[And this monstrous spider body]
[I cant make even a single human friend?]
The Inmyeon Jijus heartfelt confession.
The Silent Swordsman was greatly shocked.
Could this be true?
Was this sincere?
That old womanthe Inmyeon Jiju
Shes twenty-five?
She wasnt eighty.
She wasnt eight hundred and twenty-five.
She was just twenty-five years old.
The same age as her.
Just another person in their twenties.
Her face stiffened as she grappled with this unbelievable reality.
Chapter 26
1.
The Inmyeon Jiju was begging for her life. She imed that all she wanted was a friend. Her consistent plea struck a chord.
Since the beginning of Banhyogok, for the first time, the tip of the Mute Swordswomans de began to waver.
Thud, thud, thud
Her sword trembled as if it was mirroring her inner turmoil. Inside, Hae Eung Eung felt the same way.
I thought killing them without pain was the only mercy.
But what if that wasnt true?
What if even in such a miserable state, as a Banhyo, there were beings who merely wanted to survive, to coexist with humans, and to find satisfaction in mimicking human life?
Shes different from the Executioner or the Su-gwi Captain.
This Banhyo was clearly yearning for life a life not as a Banhyo, but one shared with humans.
But she was still a Banhyo, a being with the face of an old woman and the body of a spider. A half-human, half-yo that belonged neither to the human world nor the realm of demons.
Interaction Choices
[After the surrender of the Banhyo Inmyeon Jiju, you]
1. How did you be a Banhyo? (Unlock Hidden Event)
2. Ill be your friend. (Recruit Ally)
3. Who are you? (Reveal True Name)
4. (Grant her mercy with death.)
It was the usual list. This was now the third time encountering these interaction choices after a field boss battle.
C Run away!!
C The one standing before you is the Annihtion Swordswoman!!
C I cant think of any reason why the Mute Swordswoman wouldnt pick option 4.
C Poor Inmyeon Jiju (25 years old).
C Age 25, the Inmyeon Jiju rests here.
C Even Mookteacher didnt see this event, but the Mute Swordswoman just unlocked it.
C But whats the point if she just kills everyone after unlocking it!!
C Theres never any rity, everything remains a mystery! Haha.
C Well, if youre so mad, why dont you y it yourself? Haha.
C How can we when we dont have the physical skills for it, you idiot!
Everyone expected it.
The Mute Swordswoman, without a moments hesitation, would behead the Inmyeon Jiju.
[(Grant her mercy with death.)]
Even if such a notification appeared, no one would have been surprised.
[How did you be a Banhyo?]
And thats why it was all the more shocking.
The Mute Swordswoman, or rather, the Annihtion Swordswoman as she was known, showed curiosity towards another person for the first time during a game, and during a live broadcast.
The chat froze for a few seconds before the messages started flooding in so fast that they couldnt be read, but the Mute Swordswoman inside the game seemedpletely oblivious to the chaos. She remained focused only on the Inmyeon Jiju and the situation at hand.
[25 years ago, there was a tribe living in the Great Forest.]
[It wasnt avish life, but we managed without much trouble.]
[But before I became an adult, disaster struck.]
The Inmyeon Jiju gazed into the distance as if recalling events from a far-off past.
[Blood began to flow into the river from upstream.]
[The skies opened, and relentless storms came.]
[Then a gue swept through, and soon the entire forest began to rot.]
The decaying Great Forest, slowly turning into a swamp. The hidden backstory of the field was starting to unfold.
[At that time, a man came to our tribe.]
[He called himself a Seonin and said that in order to stop the gue, we had to pretend to be afflicted with an even worse disease to fool it.]
[The vigers who didnt believe him died from the gue.]
[But those who drank the Seonins medicine turned into Su-gwis.]
[They didnt die from the gue, but]
[Neither alive nor truly dead]
[They became grotesque monsters, neither one nor the other.]
The Su-gwis that filled the field, the very monsters that Hae Eung Eung had just in, were all once human. They were once members of the same tribe as the Inmyeon Jiju.
[I dont me you.]
[They always said that.]
[That theyd rather die than live like this.]
[The same goes for me.]
[So, if you kill me, its okay.]
[But please, be my friend.]
Who would have thought a mere friend could mean so much?
Even in that miserable state, she still wanted a friend. Or perhaps, it was precisely because of her wretched condition that the need for friendship became even more desperate.
Standing silently before her, the Mute Swordswoman pondered as the chat behind her devolved into chaos, nearly bing a sea of tears.
A new set of options appeared before her.
Interaction Choices
1. Will you be my friend? (Recruit Offer)
2. Why do you desire friendship so desperately?
3. What is your name? (Reveal True Name)
4. (Cut her down before hesitation grows further.)
Sensing the ominous future, the viewers began a revolt in the chat.
C No, you monster!!
C Spare the Inmyeon Jiju!!!
C You took the Executioner, the survivors from the Underground Prison, and now youre going to take the Inmyeon Jijus life too?!
C Stop the Annihtion Swordswoman!!!
C STOP!!!
C Please stop killing all the NPCs!!
C Do you have no conscience at all?
C The Over-Immersion Association is watching you.
C The NPC Marriage Association is watching you.
C The Blonde Futa Association is watching you.
C My mom is staring at me to get back to work.
C Whats up with these ridiculous associations?
C Were screwed for sure haha
But as always, the Mute Swordswoman didnt let the opinions of her viewers affect her decisions.
[Why do you desire friendship so desperately?]
C For gods sake, just kill me!
C Why give her false hope?
C Youre going to save her, right? Right? Please tell me youll save her?
C Why does this feel so ominous?
C This is starting to feel like watching a horror movie protagonist.
C Is this a sher movie from the killers point of view?
The flood of exmations continued as the mood became increasingly tense.
[Friends can ask each other for favors.]
[Thats what my parents told me.]
[So I need a friend.]
Heading toward an inevitable catastrophic conclusion
[Be my friend.]
[And help me kill the Seonin who destroyed my tribe.]
The final choice appeared before her.
Final Choices
1. dly. (Enter the Seonin Hunting Route)
2. If you want revenge, offer your name. (Reveal True Name)
3. (End the poor Banhyos life.)
The story had been told. All that remained was her decision.
The Executioner had shown the fate that awaited humans who fell into the hands of yokai.
The Su-gwi Captain had demonstrated how merciless those intoxicated with power could be.
But could a Banhyo, who desired to live like a human, truly be trusted? The Inmyeon Jiju had yet to prove that.
C How are you any different from the cultists of the Demonic Church, a fugitive from the outside world?
C Hae Eung Eung, the Self-Harming Demoness. Must you always be a bloodthirsty murderer simply because yourebeled as a public enemy of Murim? You choose what kind of person you want to be.
C The cultists of the Demonic Church are no different. We define who we are.
The Demonic Church, which proimed itself supreme over the ck paths of Murim, had shown her a will unclouded by prejudice, opening a new possibility for her.@@novelbin@@
[dly.(Enter the Seonin Hunting Route)]
The Inmyeon Jiju became the first survivor to encounter the Mute Swordswoman and reap the benefits of that rare honor.
2.
[yer Mode]
The Inmyeon Jiju swiftly moved across her web, leading the way.
We dont have time. The Great Forest is sinking even now.
The Seonin is at the center of the forest.
If were toote, the path will change. We need to hurry.
Thendscape continued to sink steadily.
If her vision became too dim, her pace too slow, or if she was overly cautious, she would have to retrace her steps several times in this speedrun route.
Wow, youre really fast!
Did you drink yokai blood too?
The Banhyo could hardly hide her curiosity, and for good reason. Hae Eung Eungs speed far outpaced even the Inmyeon Jijus. To see a human moving faster than a Banhyo was a sight worthy of awe.
C Thats incredible.
C Is this the legendary veteran step that Mookteacher mentioned?
C Her feet barely touch the ground.
C She just taps for 0.3 seconds and then leaps forward.
C But who cares, theres a survivor for once!
C Congrats Inmyeon Jiju has survived for 25 minutes!
Five minutes of intensebat ensued.
Five minutes of conversation. Fifteen minutes of travel. With just her appearance, the Inmyeon Jiju managed to take up twenty-five minutes of screen time, gaining immense poprity with the viewers, not only for being the first survivor but also for her entertainment value.
C Shes a blessing, giving us extra streaming time!
C If this were a regr stream, the boss wouldve been dead, and the stream would be over already.
C From today, the Inmyeon Jiju is the mascot of this channel.
C Who said you could decide that?!
C Majority rules, my dude.*
C LOL, Google poll opened, heres the link, go vote!
[87% in favor]
[11% against]
[2% others]
C Democracy has spoken! The Inmyeon Jiju is the new mascot!
C Is this really democracy?
C LOL, its like the infamous Choco Corn Checks debate.
C We did it!
C Marx was right,rades!
C Democracy still failing in 2050.
C Raise your pitchforks!!
C Sorry, but even the pitchfork belongs to the Inmyeon Jiju now.
Despite 87% voting in favor, the chat remained divided, with those against the decision causing chaos.
C Whos the idiot who nominated a vertical take-off attack helicopter as mascot?!
C LOL, that 2% other was pure gold.
Meanwhile, amidst the turmoil, the Inmyeon Jiju, the mascot supported by 87% of the streams viewers, was busy setting up more ominous plot gs.
When I finish my revenge, Ill go look for my parents.
Ive never seen the vigers either.
Where could they have gone?
C Please, just stop talking!!
C I can already see the tragic story unfolding
C Its even sadder because shes saying it so cheerfully
C Wait, was the Inmyeon Jiju always this kind of NPC?
C Back in my day, you got caught in her web, then something swooped down and killed you from above.
Some felt pity. Others were confused. But no matter their feelings, everyone shared the same level of immersion in this unexpected new development. Even Speedmaster wasnt immune to the storylines pull.
This is some next-level streaming genius.
It wasnt just his gaming skills that made him a genius. His ability to lead the stream without saying a word was also remarkable.
The nned progression. The predictable flow. It was no longer the Banhyo Cave that everyone knew.
This was a new game route, one she alone had pioneered.
Usually, youd meet the Seonin and go to the shrine at the edge of the map to find the treasure, right?
C Yeah, but only because youre Mookteacher!
C Normally, you meet the Seonin, get the quest, and then run.
C The fact that you broke it is weird, too.
Really? It wasnt easy for me either. When I got to the edge of the map, killed the boss, and destroyed the shrine, the way back was gone, and I couldnt find the Seonin. It left me with an uneasy feeling.
Once the finished its transformation, the field name would change to the . The Seonin of the Swampdespite his titlecould only be found in the Great Forest.
He revealed the reason why the forest was sinking, the location of the shrine, and how to destroy it. But in the end, he disappeared along with the Great Forest, a tragic NPC doomed to be forgotten.
Everyone thought of him that way, even Speedmaster.
But apparently, this Seonin is a viin. Kinda makes me feel like Ive been backstabbed.
C This requires hearing the Seonins side of the story.
C Are you using the Inmyeon Jiju of lying?!
C Our Inmyeon Jiju doesnt lie.
C Our Inmyeon Jiju doesnt bite people either!
C Dude, she bit me.
C Yeah, but youre not human.
C LOL, controlling noobs arent human anyway.
C Goddamn ssh damage.
C How many of those damned exploding Su-gwi do they have?
C Its like a hero whos caused massive AOE damage to at least 10,000 enemies.
Caught between the growing distrust of the Seonin and anticipation of the changing story, the Inmyeon Jiju suddenly stopped.
I think were a bitte. The paths grown much longer.
One side of the ground had already sunken, leaving the stepping stones broken in the middle. Only a single rope bridge remained between the cliffs.
Are you really sure you want to keep going?
Chapter 27
1.
[Story mode]
A sage with a long white beard.
His benevolent smile and calm demeanor inspired unwavering trust just by looking at him.
Charm.
Simply by existing, he manipted the emotions of othersa mysterious power that calmed the hostility of the Silent Swordsman.
[A human and a half-demon together, how strange.]
[Sage! The day hase for you to pay for your sins. Today, I will kill you!]
[Hmph. So, in the end, the demons nature has eroded you to the core. How unfortunate.]
Instead of revealing his true colors orunching a surprise attack as expected, the sage remained unfazed.
Instead, he looked at the Silent Swordsman with pity in his eyes.
[Young one, demons toy with human hearts, deceiving them. Whatever you heard that brought you here, can you truly say that those feelings are your own?]
[You vile sage! No matter how hard you try to deceive my friend, its useless. I already know all of your crimes!]
[You hinder the one who was holding back the sinking forest, and now, even as we speak, the forest is disappearing.]
What? So the sage is actually a good guy?
No clue.
Neutral gear, engaged.
Do you even know anything, you useless idiot?
Whoa, whats with the sudden outburst?
Its so frustrating, what kind of saggy-bearded guy acts like I dont know? Annoying.
Lol, why is that guy so mad?@@novelbin@@
I turned onHalf-DemonSong to watch the sage, but my jump wasnt high enough, so I dived straight into the swamp, lol.
Idiot, lol.
[The chirping of birds, the cries of insects, the rabbits running through the bushes.]
[This small, peaceful forest now faces its end, all due to the gue borne by those half-demons and fiends.]
The sage, with his sunken eyes, gazed at the Human-Faced Spider and waved a talisman he pulled from his robe.
Zap!
[Ow!]
Startled by the sparks from the talisman, the Human-Faced Spider recoiled.
In the blink of an eye, more talismans flew through the air, embedding themselves in the ground around her, cutting off any path of escape.
Sages Talisman Technique
Five Elements Confinement Formation
Unable to move forward or backward, the Human-Faced Spider found herself trapped by the talismans, now crackling with electric energy.
[What is this?! Let me out, let me out!]
[I will now put an end to this poor, wicked creature. Do not condemn me, for as long as she lives, peace will not return to this forest.]
[Help me! Were friends, arent we? We promised we would get revenge together!]
As the talismans began to glow with a blue light, intense lightning surged upwards, forming a cylindrical shape, closing in on the Human-Faced Spider.
One minute at most.
It was easy to tell that once the cylinder fully enclosed her, the Human-Faced Spider would meet her death.
Interaction Choices
[Do you trust the sages words?]
- Trust the sage (Human-Faced Spider dies).
- Trust the Human-Faced Spider (Human-Faced Spider survives).
As the blue lightning disyed its geometric beauty in the air, the grotesque Human-Faced Spider screamed in pain.
Though the scenecked clear moral judgment, the contrast between beauty and ugliness was stark.
In the middle of that moment
[Trust the Human-Faced Spider (Human-Faced Spider survives).]
She drew her sword and shed part of the talisman, pulling the Human-Faced Spider out of the cylinder with force.
Fwooosh!
Sizzle!
The concentrated electric energy in the air formed a single point, crackling with beautiful sparks, before finally dissipating into nothingness.
[How foolish. You seek to restore an unnatural being that defies the order of nature itself. How could you go against the will of the heavens?]
The sages eloquent words echoed.
Though she might not have the gift of such rhetoric, Hae Eung Eung understood something more important.
In a world divided by beauty and ugliness, there is no absolute right or wrong.
Many handsome and beautiful martial artists had been drawn to her in the past, captivated by her charm.
And in the world of martial arts, how many so-called righteous sect members had she encountered?
The world is not ck and white.
There were those who hid their ugly truths beneath a beautiful exterior, and others who possessed a pure heart despite their unsightly appearance.
Righteous sects that exploited the innocent under the guise of justice.
And evil sects that protected themon people under a banner of viiny.
They all had taught her one thing:
Right and wrong are determined by ones own will, not by the forced justice shown by others.
[Its not toote. Do not let pity blind you, and do not let impulse guide you. The enemy your sword should strike is right behind you.]
[Not behind, but beside me. The weak child who only cried is gone. Now, I will fight alongside my human friend!]
[Time is running out. Even now, the altar at the northern edge of this great forest is creating the rain that sickens it.]
The sage extended his hand once more.
[If you wish to save the forest, you must trust me, the sage. I will give you the answer. Follow me.]
[Dont trust him! This evil sage turned my people into fiends. Dont believe a word he says!]
[Do you care so little for this forest? Will you abandon the ce that stood as thest line of defense against the demons invasion for twenty years?]
New information.
A potential clue.
The sage, with his persuasive words, was clearly someone not to be taken lightlysomeone with reasons that made it hard to act impulsively.
In the face of his cunning speech, which stirred the heart, Hae Eung Eung sharpened her resolve.
There is only one thing to consider.
Whom had she trusted from the start?
She had ced her trust in the Human-Faced Spider.
And if the sage was the enemy of the one she trusted, no matter how valuable or advantageous his words may seem, they must be cut down.
Without hesitation.
Interaction Choices
[Do you trust the sages continued persuasion?]
- Trust the sage (y the Human-Faced Spider).
- Trust the Human-Faced Spider (y the sage).
Without a moment of doubt, her sword struck its target.
[Trust the Human-Faced Spider (y the sage).]
sh!
With one swift strike, the sages upper body was cleaved in half.
The wound was deep enough that it wouldnt be surprising if his life ended on the spot.
[A human with a foolishly unyielding spirit.]
The blue letters of the sages name tag turned blood red, as his upper body, split in half, swelled grotesquely.
Rumble!
The ground cracked, houses copsed, and the forest began to crumble, dust flying everywhere like the aftermath of an earthquake, shaking the entire great forest to its core.
At the heart of the chaos stood a monstrous creature.
A gigantic centipede-like yokai, towering at 20 meters high and 100 meters long, as tall as a six-story building, filled the entire field of vision.
This immense beast was the true form of the hidden boss, [Yokai Sage Mihura].
With its massive head lowered, it sneered at the Silent Swordsman and the Human-Faced Spider.
[Friendship that transcends species! Truly remarkable, isnt it?]
[But if that friendship only leads to death, wouldnt it have been better if it never existed at all? Your bond has sentenced you both to death.]
[Oh, young half-yokai, dont me fate for being cruel. Your obsession with revenge is whats driving your precious human friend to their doom!]
Following the defeat of the fake boss, the Human-Faced Spider, the real enemy revealed itselfYokai Sage Mihura. The true battle within the great forest had just begun.
**
[yer Mode]
Yokai Sage Mihura wasnt just enormous in size. When it lifted its massive tail, it loomed over the barren rock-covered ground like a mountain, casting a shadow that seemed to signal the end of the world. The overwhelming presence alone was enough to strike terror into anyones heart.
A Ahh!
The Human-Faced Spider was frozen in fear, utterly terrified.
Hae Eung Eung, seeing the pathetic sight, pped the Human-Faced Spider hard across the face.
Smack!
Ow! That hurt!
Whats with that look? Its not like Im scared or anything! The Human-Faced Spider quickly added, trying to regainposure.
We just need to hang in there until we find an opening. With a body that massive, its bound to tire out soon.
Hae Eung Eung nodded in agreement.
Together, she and the Human-Faced Spider navigated the wreckage of the half-destroyed great forest, dodging the shadow of the enormous legs as they ran out of its reach.
- What the heck is this?!?!
- Is this real? A Gigantamax yokai?
- Is this the final boss battle?
- Why is there a yokai boss by the third field? This is insane!
- Wait was the sage actually a yokai all along?
- Can they even win against that?
The chatroom was in chaos.
While the viewers were in a state of panic, overwhelmed by the sight of the giant enemy, the Silent Swordsman, who had drawn the attention of both the massive yokai and countless spectators, showed no sign of wavering. With his characteristic speed, he dashed beyond the range of the yokais attacks without hesitation.
Its annoying.
While everyone marveled at the spectacle, impressed by how this hidden boss fight had been triggered and how the Silent Swordsmans physical prowess and decision-making had opened it up, there was only one person who felt genuinely humiliated: Speedmaster.
Even though hes fast, hes not as fast as me.
Everything the Silent Swordsman could do, Speedmaster could do as well. However, because Speedmaster had always yed by the book, following the games prescribed routes and methods, time wasnt on his side.
Even though hes strong, hes not stronger than me.
Having already cleared numerous fields and even reached the altar at the northern edge of the forest as instructed by the sage, Speedmaster had defeated the fake boss guarding it. But
The moment he stopped following the games path and paused his progression, all that awaited him was a field that had turned into a swamp and the absence of the sage.
Everything the Silent Swordsman can do, I can do as well.
Yet, he had never doubted anything. He simply enjoyed following the pathid out before him, fully immersed in the experience. And why not? There had been more than enough excitement along the way.
It had been 10 long years sinceBanyogokwas released.
Despite a decade of time, he had convinced himself that he had seen all thatBanyogokhad to offer, drawing his own self-imposed limitations.
Everyone, let me make one promise, Speedmaster suddenly announced to his viewers.
- Huh? Out of nowhere?
- A promise from Sensei? Im all ears.
- Big news iing!
- Dun-dun-dun!
- So, whats the deal?
I believe I can do everything that the Silent Swordsman is doing.
- Oooh?
- Are you nning to y Banyogok?
- Wait, is Sensei really going to join?
- But nows not the best time
- Silent Swordsman is already in the middle of a major route.
Of course, Im not disrespecting the Silent Swordsman. So heres my pledge.
A bruised ego, burningpetitiveness, and respect for the pioneer all merged into apromise Speedmaster could live with.
I wont start yingBanyogokuntil the Silent Swordsman dies even once orpletes the game.
- What if he dies?
- Or finishes the game?
If the Silent Swordsman dies, or if he sees the ending, thats when Ill begin my own hidden route walkthrough.
Though it wasnt even his own stream, Speedmaster knew this promise would cause a stir, with many of his viewers inevitably flocking to the Silent Swordsmans stream, waiting to see if hed die.
That was the handicap.
For now, the Silent Swordsman was ahead, but if he faltered or hesitated even once, Speedmaster was confident he could catch up and surpass him.
This was the confidence of a true physical streamer. His skill, his audience size, and his ability to lead the gamey ofBanyogokhe was sure he could overtake the Silent Swordsman in all of these areas.
- LOL, I saved the clip of Senseis promise.
- No take-backs, Sensei!
- Its been so long since weve had something this exciting.
- Speedmaster tackling the hidden route ofBanyogok? That sounds epic.
- But he can only start if Silent Swordsman dies
- Theres no way he can survive that massive yokai, right?
- Were talking about fighting something as tall as a six-story building!
- Not even a swordsman could handle that; youd need a wrecking ball!
As the excitement that seemed it couldnt possibly rise any higher continued to burn like moltenva, the Silent Swordsman kept running, charging forward once again.
The centipede yokais massive body mmed into the ground with thunderous force, and the Silent Swordsman dashed towards it.
Give it your all, Silent Swordsman.
With every ounce of physical strength he could muster and every bit of potential he could unleash, the Silent Swordsman knew he had one chance.
Only one opportunity would allow him to push forward. Until the day his undefeated legend finally met its end.
Chapter 28
From this chapter onwards, the book is being tranted by our team! Enjoy reading!
________________________________________________________________________
1. Evolution
Life evolves.
Creatures adapt to their environment, modifying their traits to gain a survival advantage.
In evolutionary terms, yokai are a privileged race.
Harnessing spiritual power or natural energy,
they convert it into their unique yokai energy,
propelling their transformations forward.
Some individuals desire invincible bodies,
others crave forms capable of absorbing women.
Their wishes, their desires,
they pursue them with longing,
and make them real.
This is the essence of yokai.
The Yokai Sage Mihura
he, too, had a desired path for his evolution.
A colossal body capable of challenging great yokai.
A longing to possess such a form for himself.
But evolution requires energy,
and the greater the change, the farther the destination,
the more energyyokai energyis consumed exponentially.
"Ive prepared for 20 years."
From across this vast forest.
By sacrificing the whole of nature itself.
He reaped an astronomical amount of yokai energy,
transcending a mere size increase or an elevated state.
He achieved an evolution worthy of the term "colossal."
"I can feel itthis overwhelming power."
Just as an elephant doesnt need to exert effort to crush a mouse underfoot,
to the Yokai Sage Mihura, humans were akin to such insignificant beings.
Tomemorate his achievement of this massive evolution,
even a casual step could crush
those small,
insignificant,
utterly non-threatening,
crawling insects beneath him.
This was how he saw them.
Until he met the Silent Swordswoman.
Before his massive body could even graze the ground,
her speed carried her far beyond his reach.
"That human could she be a half-yokai?"
No, that was impossible.
As a yokai, he would have sensed even the faintest yokai energy from a half-breed.
She was human.
A pure human untainted by any yokai blood.
And yet, her speed,
her swift reactions,
like an insect buzzing around his body,
instilled in him an instinctual repulsion.
Boom!
Dodging an attack that crushed the earth,
she weaved around as his centipede-like tailshed repeatedly,
sweeping the ground like a flyswatter.
A cataclysmic thrashing that shook the entirety of the forest field.
And amidst this chaos,
a sharp pain shot into his back.
"How dare this insect!"
Even among bugs,
there are those referred to as pests
harmful creatures that infect forests with disease,
like the cursed spirits and the sacrificed tribespeople he used as raw materials.
But the human with a sword,
piercing his colossal body and causing him pain,
was undeniably a pest.
"A pest I can tolerate. But I must not allow her to be a venomous insect."
Evolution does not only bring advantages.
Increased muscle and size mean higher metabolic demands,
requiring more energy intake just to sustain the body.
Hunting bes more difficult,
and more time must be spent finding prey.
For massive creatures, their true predators are notrger monsters,
but parasites that drain their energy or small predators
that deplete their food supply.
And then,
there are venomous insects
too small to deal with,
yet capable of inflicting one-sided harm.
"No matter how sharp that tiny toothpick of yours is,"
"it cannotpare to the power Ive cultivated over 20 years!"
His massive tail spread wide,
sweeping the entire forest in an apocalyptic field-wide attack.
Though his yokai body could endure,
any fragile human caught even in the debris
would be reduced to nothing but flesh pulp.
"Ill end this!!"
"Not a chance. Friend, hang onto me!"
The half-yokai Inmyeon Jiju leaped,
carrying the human on his back.
Once a weak and naive half-demon,
his venomous eyes now gleamed with determination as he dashed forward.
Over uprooted trees,
shattered boulders,
and rivers of flowing mud,
even as one leg sank into the debris,
and his soft body was crushed by the wreckage,
he endured the pain,
bit back his screams,
and held on.
Standing at 2.5 meters tall and 4 meters long,
his figure seemed ant-likepared to the massive 20-meter-tall,
100-meter-long form of the Yokai Sage Mihura.
Yet, he withstood the overwhelming field-wide assault.
2. [Story Mode]
"How pitiful. Is this what bes of a puppet that has outlived its usefulness?"
"What meaning is there in such desperate struggling?"
"Even if your doom has been dyed, what could you possibly aplish in just one minute?"
The Yokai Sage sneered at their efforts.
Yet, in the face of his mockery,
the half-yokai Inmyeon Jiju neither despaired normented.
With zing eyes, he shouted resolutely:
"Do you think wielding power beyond your means makes it eternal?"
"Youre too scared."
"Too cautious."
"Thats why, even against small creatures, you dont hold back. When you should crush them, you pour everything into it, trying desperately to press them down."
A gaze without the slightest trace of fear,
imbued with a sense of resolution.
A warning bell rang in Mihuras mind.@@novelbin@@
"Human! Where is that wretched creature?!"
"Sage! How long can you keep up your chase for my friend? How long can you move that massive body? Arent you already weary?"
The Silent Swordswoman had chosen a battle of attrition.
Yokai Sage Mihura was undeniably strong.
Even a precise strike to his bones caused only a faint sting,
his absurd durability and immense form rendering him a near-invincible foe.
"To sh head-on with such a beast is the folly of fools."
When the opponent specializes in strength,
respond with fluidity to deflect it.
When they rely on overwhelming weight,
counter with speed.
An intery of martial art attributes,
much like the elemental interactions of the Five Phases.
Strength (ǿ), Fluidity (), Speed (), and Weight () formed the core four attributes,
giving rise to specialized forms like Transformation (׃), Explosion (), Absorption (), Impact (n), sticity (), Curve (), and Harmony ().
With mastery over the Four Wheels, Eight Paths, and Sixteen Gates,
she had grasped the essence of martial arts,
and no matter howrge the opponent,
despair was not an option.
"You want me to buy time, right?"
Though the pressure on Inmyeon Jiju would double with her retreat,
the half-yokai understood her intentions and epted.
"Leave it to me. Ill find an opening somehow."
With the first phase, Cataclysm, now over.
The Yokai Sage Mihura''s massive body expanded further, releasing a thick venomous breath.
"Fwoosh!!"
"When I use my strength, I use it fully. That much is true, but also false."
"This power was originally meant to rival great yokai."
"It wasnt intended for dealing with insignificant creatures like you but now that Ive used it, I wont let you off easily."
"The gue I spread over this forest for 20 years"
"No matter where you hide, no matter where you run,"
"When the entire forest is engulfed, there will be no escape!"
"Lets see your small body endure this!!"
[yer Mode]
The second phase, gue Breath, began.
The Yokai Sage Mihura now unleashed a level of power beyond a simple boss fight
this was boss raid material, a force that felt insurmountable.
The speed of his breaths charge,
the breadth of its reach,
and the devastating effect it had on the ground, which melted wherever it touched,
were nothing short of extraordinary.
The toxic miasma produced by vengeful spirits might be endured by holding ones breath,
but gue Breath was different.
Simply entering its range spelled death,
with the inevitable vision of ones bones melting away.
- "No way, is this a literal instant-death attack?"
- "What even is this game? The genre just flipped!"
- "The range is insane, how are you supposed to dodge that?"
- "Is jumping even an option here?"
- "By the way, wheres the Silent Swordswoman?"
- "LMAO fr, I switched out of first-person view, and shes gone from my screen."
- "Why do we have to y Wheres Waldo during a live stream??"
The viewers, engrossed as if watching an action movie,mented furiously while witnessing the sheer spectacle of the gue Breath phase.
- "Found her! Shes clinging to his back."
- "Wait, when did she get all the way up there??"
- "Shes scaling his vertical body like its nothing."
- "Straight-up rock climbing skills."
- "Is this one of those martial arts techniques, like ''Wall Climbing Art'' or something?"
- "Whoa, you know about ''Wall Climbing Art''? Respect. Its super useful!"
- "Okay, but what is ''Wall Climbing Art,'' boomer?"
- "Its literally just a martial art for scaling walls. If you want to be Spider-Man, you need to learn it."
- "Did Peter Parker master Wall Climbing Art?"
- "Obviously, dude."
- "So, if Inmyeon Jijus a male, is he Spider-Man now?"
- "Yup, makes sense."
- "Yup, great logic. Just keep throwing random stuff out there."
- "Next Spider-Man, confirmed."
While the viewers were enthralled by the spectacle,
the Yokai Sage Mihura was gradually consumed by growing unease.
"So theyre not just some mere pest?"
Even if it couldnt be caught by swinging limbs,
one would assume it would fall lifelessly when hit with a powerful pesticide.
Thats what he thought this insignificant creature was.
But if it survived the pesticide,
if it clung on with the resilience of a massive centipede,
a venomous creature with endless vitality
it wasnt something he could ept.
It must not be true.
Over decades, he had amassed yokai energy,
power he wielded now with his gue Breath attack.
It rivaled the breath of a dragon in scale,
a field-wide attack meant to ensure nothing could survive.
If this human escaped unscathed,
the energy cost would escte drastically,
to the point that Mihura wouldnt even be able to maintain his current form.
What would a yokai be without its inhuman strength?
Nothing but a pitiful shadow.
Thus, if he expended power, it had to count.
With absolute resolve,
he prepared the most massive intake of energy yet.
The second phase, gue Breath, escted into its final pattern:
gue Eruption.
Like a volcano about to erupt,
his enormous body swelled,
packed with molten energy and toxic gas.
Clinging to his neck, the Silent Swordswoman once again drew her de.
[gue Eruption]
The culmination of both the Explosion and Fire attributes,
a wide-area annihtion technique.
Anything caught within its radius would be utterly obliterated,
leaving only ruin in its wake.
It was a technique reminiscent of Ganun Hyeolhae (Piercing the Clouds, Summoning the Blood Sea),
a supreme secret art of the Blood Sects leader, Hyeolmoklin.
A wide-range annihtion technique fueled by a profound reservoir of energy,
capable of devastating entire battlefields.
She had fallen to this technique once before,
unable to counter it during her first encounter with Hyeolmoklin.
But after years of arduous training,
when she faced him again,
she had uncovered its weakness.
"The only vulnerability lies in the moment before the energy disperses,
when it is still gathering."
If the move were unleashed,
survival required deploying an equivalent wide-area technique,
or engaging in a direct energy sh,
both of which demanded immense inner strength.
But if one severed the flow before it could be released
"!!!"
The energy would implode,
devastating the users own meridians, internal organs, and energy core.
"Kraaaaaaah!!!"
The massive body convulsed,
vomiting out the reversed energy,
tearing Mihura apart from the inside.
The overwhelming force that had once dominated the forest,
reminiscent of the fearsome Ganun Hyeolhae,
now consumed the Yokai Sage himself,
leaving him utterly drained of yokai energy.
"This cannot be! My n, two decades in the making! The strength to rival great yokai!!"
Mihuras colossal form crumpled,
folding inward,
shrinking,
until all that remained was the bare, vulnerable body of a human.
Chapter 30
1. [Story Mode]
As the darkness nketing the Great Forest lifted,
a picturesque rainbow stretched across the devastated field,
and warm sunlight broke through the sky.
The forest, which had suffered for 20 years under the grip of a single yokai,
finally found peace.
But this joy belonged to only one.
Only one being could leave the barrier alive.
"Dont make that face,"
"Hey, Im really, really happy right now."
"I got my revenge, and I even saw my parents again."
The young Inmyeon Jiju smiled brightly,
her body already half-submerged in the swamp,
awaiting the inevitable end.
"Thank you for granting my request.
Without you, revenge wouldve been impossible."
Her serene eptance and final words,
spoken as if everything had already been resolved,
were something the Silent Swordswoman could not ept.
She thrust a broken tree branch toward the young Inmyeon Jiju,
determined to pull her out of the acidic swamp.
It was the first time she had genuinely fought to save someone
an NPC shed only met in the game today.
This disy of sincerity left a deep impression not only on the struggling Inmyeon Jiju
but also on the viewers watching the stream.
- "Shes more serious about NPCs than anyone else!"
- "This supporting character deserves to live, honestly."
- "Can someone figure out how to save the Inmyeon Jiju, please?"
- "Theres no guide for this."
- "This is a first clear; where would a guidee from?"
- "?????"
- "This is the downside of being a trailzer."
Of course, not all viewers were sympathetic.
- "Stop overreacting, lol."
- "Why are people making a big deal out of data dying?"
- "Shes making more eye contact with the Silent Swordswoman than me. Hurry up and die already!"
- "She didnt cry for the exploding suicide ghosts. Why is she so attached to the Inmyeon Jiju?"
- "Next up: Suicide Ghost sympathy stream."
Yet among the growing audience, there were clever ones as well.
- "If she dies, itll be five minutes of mourning followed by stream shutdown. Save the Jiju at all costs!"
This witty remark unified the chat into one desperate mission: save the Inmyeon Jiju.
- "Oh no, not this again."
- "Mom, are we going to space again?"
- "Somebody call a doctor!"
- "Wait, I know a veterinary streamer!"
- "Send them a clip!!"
- "Can a vet treat a half-yokai spider though?"
- "Maybe a zookeeper?"
- "Theres a channel called Animal Guardians with 150k subs. Lets send it there!"
Clips of the scene were exported in every direction as the viewers scrambled for solutions.
Unaware of their frantic efforts,
the young Inmyeon Jiju gazed at the desperate Silent Swordswoman with a mixture of gratitude and guilt.
"I dont like this having friends."
"If Id known it would hurt this much to say goodbye,
I wouldnt have asked to be your friend."
"You didnt forget, did you?
Only one of us can leave this barrier alive."
"So stop this pointless effort."
But the Silent Swordswoman refused to listen.
She pulled the Jijus legs free from the swamp,
her trembling hands betraying the emotional weight of her actions.
- "How is she going to save her??"
- "The swamps acidic! Her bodys literally dissolving!"
- "?????????"
- "Shes not going to make it..."
- "Space suits ready, everyone."
- "Somebody call a zookeeper already!"
Suddenly, a donation message appeared:
We regret to inform you that its time to prepare for the end.
- "Confirming the worst???"
- "Why bring in a vet just to say goodbye, lol?"
- "Dont me the vet! Apologize!"
- "No, the Silent Swordswoman owes us an apology.
Shes about to throw us all into space again."
Despite the chaos in the chat,
the Silent Swordswomans focus never wavered.
She reached out to touch the Jijus face,
but the young yokai batted her hand away with her remaining limb.
"Dont do something so foolish."
"Dont you know humans can be tainted by touching yokai or half-yokai bodies?"
"Ive already shown you enough of my pathetic side. Let it end here."
Shaking her head, the Silent Swordswoman persisted.
The young Jiju used her legs to draw the Silent Swordswomans de.
She held it out, trembling.
"End it for me.
So I can leave this ce alongside my parents."
The de, heavy in her trembling hands,
led to the appearance of a familiar prompt:
Interaction Choices
- Reveal your true name.
- I cant do that (attempt rescue).
- End her suffering.
The final decision had appeared.
Though there were three choices,
everyone knew what had to be chosen:
The Silent Swordswoman.
The dying Inmyeon Jiju.
And every viewer watching.
"One minute remaining until the barrier closes."
The screen blurred,
her mind shing back to memories she wished to forget.
The Silent Swordswomans vision turned white,
and memories she had buried surged forward unbidden.
"Theres no sea the Hae Nam Sect cannot conquer, child."
"Miss Hae, I hope you wont hold too much resentment for the Plum Blossom Sword of Mount Hua."
"Self-righteous Enchantress? Hah! Such a trivial nickname doesnt suit you. Dont forget,
even Master Paeng Cheol-san of the Hebei Paeng n acknowledged your skill as the Sword Monarch."
She remembered those who had protected her.
"Im sorry, sister. If my survival puts you in danger, then"
"You know its impossible for both of us to survive the Nine Yin Severed Meridians, dont you?
Please, take my inner energy."
"Survive, Commander. Your unworthy subordinate will go ahead."
She also remembered those she had failed to save.
The pain of helplessness weighed down on her,
threatening to drag her into the despair she thought she had ovee.
Just as her mind began to spiral into the depths of old anguish,
"Smile for me."
The young Inmyeon Jijus soft voice cut through the fog of her thoughts.
"I want to see your smiling face onest time."
Her trembling hands reached out to the Jiju,
but the yokais limb gently rested on hers instead.
"You really cant smile properly, can you?"
"Youre such a fool."
The young Jiju smiled brightly,
a refreshing and serene expression that seemed out of ce amidst the destion.
"My mom always told me this is how you smile."
With those words, the Jiju made her choice.
? (End her suffering)
Splurt!
The young Inmyeon Jiju impaled herself on the de,
releasing herself from the pain and sorrow,
while using her remaining strength to push the Silent Swordswoman out of the barrier.
"!!"
The Silent Swordswoman stumbled backward,
reaching out desperately toward the Jijus fading smile,
but the barrier sealed shut.
"The barrier is now closed."
Within the confines of the barrier, the young Jijus body disappeared,
leaving no trace of her behind.
Tears streamed down the Silent Swordswomans face.
Her clenched fists trembled as blood seeped from her palms.
Her silent screams went unanswered,
as another bond forged in blood and battle slipped away forever.
"You really cant smile properly, can you?"
The young Jijus words echoed in her mind,
mocking her futile efforts to smile.
No matter how much she tried to force her lips into a smile,
her expression only grew stranger and more distorted.
Finally, she let all expression fade from her face,
leaving behind a mask of emotionless calm.
Five minutes passed.
Whether five minutes felt short or unbearably long,
the silence was finally broken.
[? End Game]
[? The Silent Swordswoman has ended the stream.]@@novelbin@@
As 6,600 prepared viewers and 350 new ones watched the broadcast end,
they were collectively flung into the void of "space."
- "What kind of stream throws you into emotional space the moment you tune in?!"
- "Mayday! Mayday! Were 6,950 space refugees drifting aimlessly. Requesting backup. Over."
- "This is NASA ground control. Weve also been stranded. Over."
- "LMAO."
- "If even NASAs stranded, whos going to save us?!"
- "Mom, why are there twinkling lights in the sky?"
- "Those are the tears of the Silent Swordswomans viewers, my dear."
- "That was so Inmyeon Jiju of her."
- "What do you mean?"
- "Shes as tragic as that damn Jiju. Shes making us all cry!"
2. [Post-Stream Reflections]
Posts flooded forums and social media,
filled with reflections on the stream.
[The Saddest Five Minutes in Streaming History]
[(RIP) Inmyeon Jiju Highlight Reel]
[Even if my friend died, I wouldnt cry this hard]
Despite only three streams,
totaling barely two hours of runtime,
the Silent Swordswomans broadcasts had left a profound impact.
-
"Isnt the Silent Swordswoman amazing?"
-
"Finding so many hidden details in a 10-year-old game takes real talent."
-
"Agreed."
-
"Its not just talent; its the way she immerses herself in the game."
-
"True. Sometimes I feel like she forgets shes streaming."
-
"But thats why her two-hour streams hit so hard."
-
"When she forced a smile after the Jiju died I felt that.
It was heartbreaking."
Yet, for every heartfelt post, there were trolls.
- "Whens her next stream?"
- "Probably in a month. She seemed devastated."
- "She might quit streaming entirely after that."
- "Hey, thats harsh."
- "But didnt it feel that way? Like she was done for real this time."
With no scheduled return,
viewers who had grown ustomed to the harsh goodbyes of martial arts dramas
began scouring the inte for anything rted to the Silent Swordswomans content.
[Refugees Assemble!]
Countless fans migrated tomunity forums,
creating makeshift hubs to share their grief and memories.
One streamer, ever the opportunist,
capitalized on this migration:
Eom Gil-dong,
creator of the popr "Silent Swordswoman Simtion" series.
"Wee, refugees! Feeling those Silent Swordswoman withdrawal symptoms?
Same here. Thats why Ive prepared something special for today!"
- "Whats he got?"
- "Big things iing!"
"Todays content?
Silent Swordswoman Simtor Version 1.2!
And this months NPC of honor is the one and only Inmyeon Jiju!"
- "Wow, its Inmyeon Jiju!"
- "I cant resist anything with her in it."
- "Wait, what exactly are we doing with her though?"
- "Didnt you say you wouldnt reuse old content?"
"Ah, but Version 1.1 and 1.2 are entirely different!
This one has a new map, you see."
- "LOL, okay."
- "A version update is legit."
- "So, uh, whats the new map?"
"The newly added map is the Great Forest Speedrun Mode!
Were racing to see how fast you can traverse the same field where the Silent Swordswoman fought the Inmyeon Jiju!"
- "Amazing!"
- "An instant ssic!"
- "I knew youde through, Eom Gil-dong!"
- "This is going to be awesome!"
- "Wait, isnt it just running through the map though?"
- "Who cares, just enjoy it!"
Eom Gil-dongs clever and timely content,
capitalizing on the Silent Swordswomans impact,
drew over 2,000 concurrent viewers
a testament to his sess in entertaining the wandering "refugees."
3. [A New Inmyeon Jiju Legacy]
"No, you ridiculous Inmyeon Jiju! Stop running ahead and let me catch up!"
- "LMAO, left him behind again!"
- "The Jijus so fast, its crazy."
By the time 24 hours had passed since the release of Silent Swordswoman Simtor Version 1.2,
the affectionate "Inmyeon Jiju" had transformed into the infamous "Hateful Jiju."
- "Why is this Jiju so much faster than us?!"
- "Eom Gil-dong got ditched AGAIN!"
- "This is the funniest thing Ive seen all week."
Chapter 31
4.Silent Swordmaster Speedrun Ver 1.2
Great Forest Speedrun.
Who even thought of making this? Its infuriating.
Even the usually cheerful Lee Da-hye couldnt hold back herint.
And to be honest, it was understandable.
The course was designed to emte the Silent Swordmaster effortlessly sprinting through the Great Forest.
The challenge? Trying to replicate their record in a speedrun.
Inmyeon Jiju, the course guide, naturally followed the Silent Swordmasters pacing, often moving far ahead. It wasnt umon for only their voice to be heard, and eventually, even that would fade into the distance.
Where am I?! Somebody save me!
- LOL ??????
- Sis, were scared too! ??
- Seriously, I cant see a thing in this darkness.
- Thats your future: pitch ck andpletely unclear.
- Is that the infamous Self-Destructing Ghost Trooper? Blowing up 3,000 yers at once?!
- Nope, not dark here. Its as bright and cozy as home.
- If a pitch-ck screen feels like home, thats not your home. Get out immediately.
The fear of being abandoned in darkness.
Every step required an almost unreasonable amount of courage.
Is this some kind of horror experience?!
- ????
- Who knows?
- Everyones going through the same thing, lol.
- This mode is pure legend.
- Um Gil-dong just dropped a nuke on the streaming world. ??
- Forget finishing times; I cant even figure out where to go!
This wasnt a swordsmanship duel but a speedrunpetition.
Naturally, Lee Da-hye was utterly defeated, as were her Hall of Fame Season 1 rival, Lee Hae-chan, and even Um Gil-dong, the creator himselfeach bing hopelessly lost in the Great Forest.
My legs wont move.
- Another swamp. ??
- This runs doomed too. ??
- It was over the moment you were abandoned by the ursed Jiju.
Personal Rankings
[RANK 01. LostDa-hye2]
[Time Record: 490 seconds / Progress: 13% / Swamp Infestation: 49%]
[Cause of Death: Forfeited after falling into a swamp]
The finish line was the Yokai Sages Cabin.
However, for most streamers, reaching it seemed like a distant dream.
5.
While the Great Forest Speedrun was setting trends on VTuber streams,
Hae Eung-eung remained in her room, staring nkly into space.
With a body that required neither food nor sleep,
she spent a week
doing nothing but drifting in her own emptiness.
Joo Ah-young: "Sister, remember how you promised to help mest time?"
A promise.
Ironically, it was the mention of a promise that snapped her out of it.
"I ended up in this state because of a promise, and now theres another one?"
She would have preferred it if it were an order.
At least then, she could act without thought or hesitation,
moving as a Blood River Ghoul does,
a puppet controlled by engravings.
Perhaps that mindless existence, bound bymands,
had been better than this,
she wondered in a rare moment of genuine doubt.
Joo Ah-young: "Sister~ Please reply quickly! I need your help!"
A reckless thought crept in.
As time flowed around her without consequence,
she realized there were still connections anchoring her to life.
Unlike the despairing days of the Blood Sect, when she had lost everything,
she now had bonds she couldnt ignore.
A promise.
An agreement.
Once again, she swallowed the poison that brought her nothing but pain,
stepping out into the city streets during daylight.
"Its quiet. What day is it Thursday? Friday? It doesnt matter."
Unable to even distinguish between days,
she found herself gazing up at the treetops,
where cool air filtered through the branches.
For a fleeting moment, she imagined Inmyeon Jiju leaping between the trees,
spinning threads and speaking to her from above.
"You were right. I truly am a fool."
A genuine smile was so hard to muster,
but a bitter one seemed toe naturally.
As the sound of rustling leaves filled the air,
a cascade of autumn foliage fluttered gently to the ground.
Wow. Are they shooting a photoshoot?
Amazing.
They look familiar
Passersby stopped in their tracks, entranced by the unforgettable scene.
Unaware of the attention she drew, Hae Eung-eung noticed Joo Ah-young waving enthusiastically from afar,
and only then did she let herself rx.
Sister, its been so long!
[Its only been a week.]
A week is ages!
For the extroverted and outdoorsy Joo Ah-young,
a week felt like an eternity,
and her effusive greeting was as warm as if they were long-lost family reunited after years apart.
Do you still y the pipa?
[Not at all.]
Aww, thats such a shame. You worked so hard practicing.
[What is it you wanted from me?]
Hehe, remember how you promised me? Youd do anything I asked?
Whatever the favor was, it must have been something significant.
Please be a guest instructor at the Awakener Academy!
Maybe not significant, but certainly overwhelming.
Ive been asking you for ages. Cant you please teach just once?
[Why me?]
Well, out of all the Awakeners I know, youre the strongest. Even stronger than our academy instructors!
[Dont you need an Awakener License to teach?]
Guest instructors dont! Even non-Awakeners who are martial arts masters or theory specialists can be invited.
Joo Ah-youngs determination was unshakable, and excuses were futile.
Or is my request too much for you?
Her hesitation and pleading gaze
reminded Hae Eung-eung of someone desperate to hold on to a connection.
[Alright. Just for one day.]
Yes! No take-backs!
Led by her younger friends calloused hand,
the feeling wasnt exactly pleasant, but oddlyforting.
The rough texture of training-hardened palms and bandaged fingers held no charm,
but for the two of them, it didnt matter.
As they strolled hand in hand on a quiet weekday morning,
a faint smile yed across their lips.
6. Awakener Academy Administration Office
The receptionist looked up, astonishment in on their face.
Youre here to apply as a guest instructor?
[I believe I might be able to teach something about martial arts.]
Youre a woman, cant speak, dont have an Awakener License, and have nopetitive achievements to your name, yet youvee here with a single sword to apply as a guest instructor?
Joo Ah-young couldnt hide her unease as she asked nervously,
Uh, is that a problem?
She hadnt intended to embarrass her sister by making this request. Now, feeling guilty for putting her in this position, Joo Ah-young fidgeted, unsure of what to do.
To her surprise, it was Hae Eung-eung, the supposed target of scorn, who gently stroked the back of her hand to reassure her that everything was fine.
The receptionist burst outughing.
Of course not! Guest instructors are usuallyst-minute recements. We get plenty of applicants, but most quit soon after starting.
[Thats fortunate.]
Haha. Well, I just hope you wont end up resenting us. Weak instructors tend to get ignored by the trainees. If youre thinking of quitting, now might be a good time.
The implication was clear: Youre not good enough for our students.
Without uttering a single word, Hae Eung-eung epted the guest instructor badge.
Sister, if this is too difficult because of me, you can quit. I didnt think theyd be so rude... Theyre really discriminatory!
[Im fine. Their pride in their students simply reflects their confidence. From a teachers perspective, its intriguing.]
If the academy held such pride in its students, they must truly be remarkable.
Unlike her fleeting encounter with Inmyeon Jiju,
this teacher-student rtionship mightst longer.
Even though she knew it shouldnt matter,
Hae Eung-eung couldnt help but feel a spark of anticipation.
Was I worried for nothing? I mean, its my sister were talking about, after all.
Joo Ah-young smiled softly.
In the academy, with its elegant interiors and opulent uniforms,
even the asional artifacts on disy added an air of intimidation.
To the faint-hearted, just walking these halls could be overwhelming.
Yet Hae Eung-eung walked confidently, her distinctively dramatic, period-drama-inspired attire turning heads as she strode forward.
Oh wow, what an outfit! Im Steven Kim, a full-time instructor here for three years. I teach heavy weaponry to the students.
[Im Hae Eung-eung, serving as a one-day guest instructor. I thought Id teach a little swordsmanship.]
Awakener Academy Faculty Room
The faculty room, with its 20 full-time instructors, was spacious and well-equipped, featuring personal desks, workputers, capsules, textbooks, and training materials scattered about.@@novelbin@@
Modern education really is something else.
Unlike the traditional martial arts training of the Murim world,
where one trained with swords or bare hands against straw dummies,
the 21st-century training here was optimized with science and modern conveniences.
Theoretical lessons were fine-tuned, and dangerous physical training was reced with virtual simtions.
It was a curriculum worth its high tuition fees.
If teaching the kids feels too tough, reach out in the evening. You can drop by my ce, and well draft a lesson n together.
Is this foreigner trying to hit on me?
The thought red up with surprising intensity.
Her dislike of rtionships with men, coupled with her awareness of herself as a woman,
made her grateful she couldnt speak, sparing her the risk of an inappropriate response.
Hae Eung-eung simply let the remark slide, brushing it off as unimportant.
Nearby, a magic instructor chuckled.
Steven got rejected? Haha, what a disgrace. I told you to tone it down. A beauty like her probably has quite the pride.
You shouldnt be talking, considering how close you came to being caught dating a studentst month.
Hey now, are we airing out dirtyundry? You also went after a former guest instructor, didnt you? Dont think I dont know. Lets keep this friendly, huh? Stirring the pot will only shorten your stay here.
The magic instructor left for his lecture, leaving Steven clicking his tongue at the mans retreating back.
Just because were both full-time instructors doesnt mean were on the same level.
Unlike the barelypetent magic instructor who retained his position due to theck of better candidates,
Steven was a martial arts expert and second only to the head of the martial arts department.
If I took things seriously, I wouldnt have to share lecture slots with guest instructors.
And yet, he consistently allocated one slot to guest instructors. Why?
Because many of the female guest instructors who came through were attractive butcked the strength topete with full-time instructors.
They were easier to charm.
Beauty belongs to those who are smart enough to take it.
He had alreadyid the groundwork.
Some of his student assistants had been subtly manipting the evaluations,
lowering the scores of male instructors and subtly pressuring female ones,
making them reliant on him.
All he had to do was wait for a beautiful guest instructor to fall into hisp.
I dont care how much effort that guest puts into their lecture. Just dont screw it up too badly.
If the regr trainees gave overly harsh evaluations, the guest might be fired before he could enjoy the situation.
Just keep it decent, thats all.
Unbeknownst to him, at that very moment,
his assistants werepletely captivated by the overwhelming skills of a certain guest instructor,
forgetting their job of lowering her evaluation scores entirely.
Ah! I cant even remember what Stevens martial arts ss was like.
Is this really a martial arts ss? Then what have we been learning all this time?
Oh no, if I learn these techniques, Ill never be able to go back to my old self!
Unaware of the uproar among his assistants, who were utterly mesmerized by the unmatched skills of the stunning guest instructor,
Steven Kim prepared for his next lecture, still oblivious to the fact that his carefullyid ns were unraveling before him.
Chapter 32
1. The evaluation sheet collected from the students'' feedback on the lecture was handed over to the receptionist, whose eyes widened as they gasped.
A perfect score!
?
This is the highest score ever recorded at our academyit''s only happened once before! What on earth did you teach to make the trainees this satisfied?
Unlike the overly excited receptionist, the person responsible for setting the record remained indifferent.
[The lecture is over now, right?]
Yes, of course. Your payment for todays lecture will be deposited into the ount you provided, along with a bonus incentive based on your evaluation score.
[Then Ill take my leave.]
Wait a moment! You didnt leave any contact information! When can we schedule your next lecture?
[Im not interested.]
Contrary to the disinterested Hae Eung-eung, the receptionist clung desperately to her, trying to convince her otherwise.
Joo Ah-young, who was watching from the side with a grin, casually linked her arm with Eung-eungs.
Sister, lets go.
Wait, wait...! Oh no, the principals going to scold me for this!
While the receptionist nervously stomped in ce, the two left the academy and strolled down the street.
How was todays lecture?
[Do you want the honest truth?]
Of course!
[I was disappointed.]
In what way?
[The trainees skills, the instructors teaching, the unnecessarily extravagant facilitieseverything.]
She had initially held some expectations, wondering how advanced modern education might be.
What she encountered instead was sheer mediocrity.
[Student. What is that strange posture youre using?]
Its the stance for activating an assist action.
[Assist action?]
Dont you know? Of course, you need the proper stance to activate a skill.
[You mean you rely on external aid just to execute something as simple as a diagonal sh?]
Even basic movements that could be performed purely through willpower had devolved into dependent techniques.
Postures, bnce, and force were all wed, tailored to rely on skills unlocked after awakening, rather than mastering fundamentals.
[Its a pitiful third-rate martial art.]
These forms and stances didnt lead to enlightenment but cultivated bad habits and broken techniques, offering nothing but meaningless swordsmanship.
And students were paying exorbitant fees to learn this nonsense.
I didnt like it either. Thats why I really wanted you to teach here at least once.
[You must have gone through a lot.]
Hehe, I knew youd understand, Sister.
[Why not quit?]
Ive thought about it, but this academy isnt just about martial arts. Besides, awakening is nearly impossible without going through an Awakener Academy.
The monsters invading humanity through the Gates.
The only force capable of opposing them: the Awakeners.
And the academies that sold the qualifications to be one.
"Its all a sham."
Even in Murim, the capitalist logic determined what techniques disciples could learn and their roles in their sects based on wealth.
Yet even the poorest had a chance to be low-ranking disciples and learn the basics.
Those with talent were taught higher techniques, and sects provided opportunities for sess as martial artists.
That was the bare minimum of morality.
"Joo Ah-young is different. Its not because she follows meshe truly has talent."
She wasnt blindly digging aimlessly; her effort was focused and her body disciplined.
In a ce filled with ipetents who could be called the Assist n, she was one of the few exceptions.
I think Im on the right path, but the academy keeps saying otherwise, and the instructors keep nitpicking. Ive been losing confidencetely.
[Leave. Staying here will only cause your skills to deteriorate.]
In a den of abnormality, the normal arebeled as outliers.
This academy didnt suit Joo Ah-young.
Most of all,
Awakener Academies often had ties with local guilds.
The Awakener Academy in Myungho-dong was inevitably linked to the Myungho Guild.
[Do you really want to stay here and end up connected to the likes of the Myungho Guild?]
I dont want that, but... I dont see another path to bing an Awakener.
Concerns about her future weighed on her.
She had already invested years into this path.
Even quitting required courage.
"I hope she finds that courage."
Helping someone take their first step.
That too required bravery.
For Joo Ah-young,
and for Hae Eung-eung,
it was still a step they hadnt yet taken.
2.
A mute instructor was actually helpful?
Heres the lecture record from the virtual capsule ss. Feel free to review it, Steven.
The material presented by the academys education nning team showed a virtual reality lesson.
There were no assist actions or skill-enhancing techniquesthe core of modern Awakener martial arts.
Instead, the lesson was pure martial arts, stripped of gimmicks, corrected, and restructured into a solid foundation.
Instead of rehearsing shy skill motions meant for a distant awakening moment,
the trainees received personalized corrections in basic swordsmanship directly from Hae Eung-eung.
Following this lecture, the average training level of students using the practice rooms rose by 2.3 levels. Compare that to the 0.015 level increase seen in students attending Stevens lecturesits a dramatic difference.
Its just a coincidence! This kind of swordsmanship wont help them understand skill motions. Itll only hurt them in the long run!
Our education nning team disagrees. Furthermore, well be conducting a serious evaluation of Stevens lectures to assess their effectiveness.
Watching the footage, Stevens heart sank.
It was real swordsmanship.
Not the patched-together motions designed for skills but genuine techniques built from the ground up.
Hae Eung-eung demonstrated stances and adjusted the trainees sword paths individually,
adapting techniques to suit their physique, skill, and growth direction.
The respect in the trainees bright, admiring eyes contrasted with the disappointment briefly flickering in Hae Eung-eungs.
As you can see, Hae Eung-eung still has much to teach. Were considering recruiting her as a full-time instructor.
So what do you expect me to do about it?
Prepare a curriculum capable of raising trainees levels by at least one within the next week. This directivees directly from the Myungho Guild.
!!
I trust you understand the gravity of this request.
Steven stormed out of the nning office, his face flushed with anger.
"She wasnt just some nobody. Ive invited a viper into my den."
Her meticulous corrections and foundational training were undeniably effective.
Now he had two options:
implement the improvements demanded by the nning team
or eliminate Hae Eung-eung as a rival.
The choice was clear.
Michael, its Steven. Could I borrow some of your guys?
Danger gleamed in Stevens eyes.
3.
Despite her initial disappointment with the trainees,
the experience of teaching left Hae Eung-eung with lingering thoughts.
The respectful greetings from the students and their genuine admiration reminded her of her time as a junior disciple of the Hae-nam Sect.
"I had my clumsy days too."
She hadnt been extraordinary from the start.
She often stumbled over her own feet, struggling with feminine steps she couldnt adjust to.
"Its not fair to me the trainees for their ws."
The faulty with the academy that taught them.
Even after a week had passed since the lecture,
Hae Eung-eung found herself surrounded by students,
their reactions akin to fans meeting a celebrity.
Wow! Instructor Hae Eung-eung, are you heading to lunch?
Oh my gosh, it really is Instructor Hae Eung-eung!
Kyaa~! What do we do? Im so excited! Please sign this for me!
She needed to adjust to this newfound attention,
especially the swarm of trainees fawning over her,
like fans around an idol.
The posture you taught us is amazing, Instructor! I never thought my body could achieve something so refined!
I used to practice using overly wide, clumsy movements, but the more precise techniques you showed us are much betterthey dont hurt my body!
Um I wouldnt mind if you corrected my posture again I mean, if you touched me.
Could they please phrase that better?
Hae Eung-eungs face showed her difort as she felt the awkwardness building.
And sure enough, the passersby were already murmuring.
Refined posture? Less painful movements? Enjoys being touched?
Whoa, hold on.
What kind of lecture did this stunning instructor and these beautiful students just attend? What are they implying?
Hey, are you seriously ogling her while your girlfriends right there?
Be honestyoure curious too, right?
A couple walking nearby suddenly found themselves at odds.
The boyfriend earned a sharp jab to the ribs from his irritated girlfriend,
but even she couldnt help but stare at Hae Eung-eung, her own expression softening.
"Wow shes truly beautiful."
Ow! Why did you do that again?
Because Im mad.
This is ridiculous.
While the couple teetered on the edge of a breakup,
no one was more upset than Joo Ah-young,
who felt her rare, exclusive time with her sister being stolen away.
Sorry, everyone, but the instructor has prior ns with me. Were leaving now.
Huh? Wait, what?
Ugh, seriously, who is she to hog the instructor all to herself?
Dragging Hae Eung-eung away from the crowd of trainees,
Joo Ah-young sighed in frustration.
Sorry, Sister. My request ended up making you more recognizable. Is it bothering you?
[Its fine.]
You dont like being the center of attention, though.
Her tone was apologetic, but her expression was filled with concern.
Feeling the need to reassure her, Hae Eung-eung replied with a calm gesture.
[Its really fine. People were noticing me even before the academy.]
They were? Where? Why?@@novelbin@@
In the days spent resting and ying games to recover her peace of mind,
whenever she ventured out with Joo Ah-young,
she could feel the intense gazes of others following her.
Her sharp hearing even picked up snippets of their conversations.
Isnt that the Silent Swordmaster?
Holy crap, the resemnce is insane!
At this point, isnt it just the real thing?
Who the hell is the Silent Swordmaster, you weeb?
Seriously? Get out of here, man. Stop just attending Awakener academies and watch some streams for once. Havent you heard of the Silent Swordmaster Challenge?
Silent Swordmaster.
It wasnt her imagination.
They were talking about her game character.
Even the least observant person would have figured it out by now.
[It seems I set some sort of record in one of thepetition modes.]
What?
[You know those racing games where, if you set a record, your car appears as a ghost silhouette that others can race against? Its like that, but in the game.]
Wow, Sister, youre that good at gaming?
[I didnt know either, but apparently so.]
Unfortunately, her understanding only scratched the surface.
The Silent Swordmasters live streams were rtively short,
but the challenge-based content andpetitive modes had gained immense poprity.
Most of the buzz wasnt about her live streams but about the record-breaking Silent Swordmaster ghost runs.
Unaware of the automated streaming systems that had developed over the past 20 years,
and still thinking in terms of outdated gaming cultures from the 2030s,
Hae Eung-eung misunderstood the true extent of her fame.
Chapter 33
1.
Sudden fame often brings more difort than joy.
Crowds flocking wherever you go, or people saying things you dont want to hearthese were exactly what Woo Ji-woo was facing now.
Wow! A real-life Inmyeon Jiju!
A male Inmyeon Jiju!
Spider-Man, do you also like Inmyeon Jiju?
His codename was "Spider-Man."
Internationally, he was called the real-life Spider-Man.
He was even ranked second on a famous overseas TV show as an Awakener whose name alone sounded powerful, akin to a Spider-Man ripped straight out of aic book.
But in South Korea, he was simply called the male Inmyeon Jiju.
Sigh. Makes me want to quit the vignte squad.
Come on, people only call you that because they like you.
Yeah, I thought so too until I looked up what Inmyeon Jiju actually was.
Is it really that ugly?
Its hideous. Feels like Im cursed just looking at it.
Well, Im still jealous. Youre jackpot-level famous now. Isnt that a good thing?
Awakeners affiliated with the Awakener Association were different from those belonging to guilds.
Unlike guild-affiliated Awakeners, they had no office staff to handle their contribution points.
Instead, they were frencers who had to regrly form small groups and carry out patrols to earn contribution pointscolloquially called the "vignte squad."
If yound even one ad campaign, your social contribution points will skyrocket. With your fame, a CF deal isnt far off.
Sure, thatd be nice but Inmyeon Jiju? No thanks.
Why? How bad can it be?
Unable to contain his curiosity, one of Woo Ji-woos fellow Awakeners pulled out a screen phone and searched it.
All wrinkled and ugly, huh?
You psycho.
What?
Are you a pedophile? What part of this looks wrinkled to you?
What the? They made it look pretty!
The grotesque original image of Inmyeon Jijuso ugly it could make anyone feel like theyd stumbled upon a cursed inte memehad been inexplicably transformed into a cutesy, delicate-looking anime girl.
Such is the power of the inte and collective "creativity" to distort truth effortlessly.
Ugh, disgusting pedo.
No, seriously! Its all a misunderstanding! The original ispletely different!
Only after Woo Ji-woo personally searched for the repulsive original image and shoved it in his colleagues face did he manage to clear up the misunderstanding.
Ah, weve got a call. Looks like somethings happening in the park.
Go alone. Ive already clocked out.
You heartless jerk.
His colleague removed his badge and headed to a public restroom, shedding his costume for civilian clothes to head home.
This was how vignte Awakeners avoided getting dragged into overtime by overzealous citizens.
Oh, is that a celebrity?
On a park bench, two women were surrounded by a massive crowd of hundreds.
It was a precarious situationone misstep in the chaos, and someone could easily be trampled.
This is the Awakener Association. All civilians must step back at least 5 meters from the bench immediately, or you will be fined up to 3 million won.
Oh,e on, this is ridiculous!
You, in the orange T-shirt with wavy hair who just swore. Im running a background check. Miss Yeo Seung-ah? Ive issued you a fine; check your screen phone for details.
Wha? Wait! People say things they dont mean when theyre upset! Why are you being so strict?
If you swear suddenly, fines cane suddenly too. You want to add obstruction of public duty to your charges? Keep it up.
By selecting one individual as an example and issuing a fine in real time, mannerslong absent from the unruly crowdquickly returned.
Despite their grumbles, people unwilling to face fines reluctantly dispersed, allowing Woo Ji-woo to approach the two women stranded on the bench.
This is the Awakener Association. You must have been startled. Let me escort you to a safer ce. Please follow me.
In a world where police authority had crumbled, it wasntmon, but not unheard of, for Awakeners to step in for public order. Woo Ji-woo considered himself lucky.
Wow, theyre stunning.
He now understood why such a crowd had gathered.
Both women were breathtakingly beautiful, even without a trace of makeup. One of them, wearing a bamboo hat, had her lower face partially obscured, yet still exuded an extraordinary aura of beauty.
Thank you, mister. I didnt expect my sisters sudden poprity to attract such a crowd.
Im not a mister! Im only twenty-five, a young and vibrant
Woo Ji-woo was mid-protest when
Its Spider-Man!
A real-life male Inmyeon Jiju?
Oh, its him.
Who the hell is ruining things? Oh, its that guy?
Tsk.
A mere C-rank showing off like this?
Ugh, so embarrassing.
Why doesnt he stay in a gate and leave us alone?
Both male and female versions of Inmyeon Jiju are revolting.
Look at him kicking us out just to enjoy himself. So gross.
Disgusting. Im reporting him to the Association Hotline.
What the hell?
A group that had separated from the dispersed crowd began following him, loudly insulting him within earshot.
In todays society, where most people were burdened with debt and resentment, envy toward sessful Awakeners wasnt umon. This wasnt the first time hed been subjected to such insults.
[Face scanplete.]
[Identity analysisplete.]
[The above 11 individuals have been reported for defamation.]
[Audio recordings collected during duty have been attached as evidence.]
[Vition confirmed.]
[Fine notifications issued.]
Woo Ji-woo shot a sharp re at the crowd.
Fools who dare mess with an Awakener.
Modern society existed because Awakeners protected humanity from the monsters of the gates.
Naturally,ws and systems to protect Awakeners were extensive, including immediate identity checks and fine issuance.
If I dont earn points with these two because of you, I swear Ill hit you with every petty fine I can on my way back.
Of course, some personal feelings might seep into those fines, but as long as the ims werent outrageously false, the system tended to side with Awakeners.
[Inmyeon Jiju? Spider-Man?]
The woman wearing the bamboo hat showed a sudden curiosity.
My sisters curious why youre called Spider-Man.
Oh, its nothing much. I just have a unique Awakener ss. I can shoot webs and climb walls like a spider, so people started calling me Spider-Man.
Wow. Thats an animal-based Awakening, right? I heard the chance of getting a ss like that is less than 10%. You must be lucky.
Haha, youre well-informed.
Im an Awakener trainee myself.
Would you like an autograph?
Really?
The woman, Ju Ah-young, eagerly pulled out a notebook and handed it to him for a signature.
As Woo Ji-woo nced at her well-worn notebook, he couldnt help but admire it. The smudges and creases around the pages spoke volumes about her aspirations toward bing an Awakener.
Should I give your sister one too?
Oh, no, its fine. My sister
For the first time, Woo Ji-woo took a serious look at the older sisters attire.
It wasnt her strikingly traditional outfit, as though shed stepped out of a historical drama, that caught his attentionit was the sword at her hip and herposed, deliberate movements.
Are you an Awakener?
Ju Ah-young was visibly flustered.
In front of someone known for issuing fines like clockwork, revealing that her sister was an unregistered Awakener wouldnt end well.
Yet lying could lead to even bigger consequences if caught.
Prohibition
[No Lies] C You cannot lie, whether through speech, writing, or signnguage.
Even Hae Eung-eung herself couldnt lie.
In a situation that could escte into chaos, it wasnt Ju Ah-young but Hae Eung-eung who responded to Woo Ji-woos sensitive question.
[Ive dabbled a little in swordsmanship.]
Ah, I see. Well, Im Woo Ji-woo, a third-year animal-type Awakener. My Association codename is Spider-Man.
[Im Hae Eung-eung, and Ive been practicing swordsmanship for 20 years.]
She spoke the truth but skillfully sidestepped the intent of his question.
Her calm, matter-of-fact response surprised Ju Ah-young, who stared at her sister in awe. Yet Hae Eung-eung, maintaining herposure, effortlessly took control of the conversation.
[Do you like Inmyeon Jiju?]
An abrupt and seemingly random question.
Though he loathed Inmyeon Jiju more than anything, Woo Ji-woo replied with a smile.
I love it.
A man can love anything when speaking to a beautiful woman
Even if its something he despises most in the world.
2.
Woo Ji-woo waved as the two women walked toward the train station, bidding them farewell. Watching his retreating figure, Ju Ah-young chuckled.
He was an amusing guy, wasnt he?
[Hes a good person.]
Because he likes Inmyeon Jiju?
Hae Eung-eung nodded.
Youre into stuff like that, huh? Should I get you a doll or something next time?
[Theres no need for that.]
At the end of her gaming session, Hae Eung-eung had felt as though the world was ending. But recently, spending time with Ju Ah-young had given her a sense of peace.
One bond wasnt everything.
Though she mourned the connections she had lost, she still had others just as meaningful.
And I wasnt the only one who liked Inmyeon Jiju.
Spider-Man Woo Ji-woo had passionately listed all the reasons why he loved Inmyeon Jiju.
His fervor, though baffling to her, made her ponder if, in another worldline, another yers game, Inmyeon Jiju might find happiness.
Could they get married there?
If someone like Spider-Mansomeone who genuinely loved Inmyeon Jiju despite her hideous exteriorexisted, maybe he could show her the joys of being loved as a woman.
Ill head out now. Get home safe, sis.
[Dont worry about me.]
Hae Eung-eung watched Ju Ah-young board the train and only turned to leave after confirming her departure.
Once alone, a cold and sticky wave of emotions crept up, the familiar darkness and solitude threatening to engulf her.
But not today.
The possibility of Inmyeon Jiju finding happiness, brought about by her encounter with Woo Ji-woo, gave her sce.
And then, from a nearby alley, a group of men exuding killing intent revealed themselves.
Well, if it isnt Hae Eung-eung.
Feigning a chance meeting, it was Steven, an instructor at the Awakener Academy.
Although she had only been a guest lecturer once, Hae Eung-eung had heard from Ju Ah-young that Stevens position was precarious.
It must be fate meeting like this. How about a little chat?
He gestured toward an alley far from the bustling street, where rookies too inexperienced to hide their malice lurked.
A clumsy setup that barely warranted a smirk.
Yet Hae Eung-eung followed Steven without a word.
People like this are like mosquitoes. If you dont deal with them directly, theyll just keep buzzing around.@@novelbin@@
It was just another mundane day reminiscent of her time in the martial arts world.
Only today, the scent of blood seemed destined to be a bit stronger.
3.
Though his shift had ended long ago, Woo Ji-woo hadnt realized how much time had passed while hanging out with two extraordinary beauties.
Now, in the pitch-dark dusk before dawn, he suddenly recalled something.
[The streets have been chaotictely. Whenever I meet her, I make sure to escort Ah-young to the station.]
A kind Awakener sister who always saw her younger sibling off.
Which meant this wasnt the route to Hae Eung-eungs house, but Ju Ah-youngs.
No matter how strong someone is, walking home alone is a different feeling than being escorted.
She might not like me being too forward, and she didnt seem like the most sociable type but with someone that quirky, who knows?
Fueled by his decision to give it a shot, Woo Ji-woo eagerly pursued Hae Eung-eung to offer his protection.
Then, he spotted her ahead, apanied by a tall, blond Western man with blue eyes and a muscr build.
At that moment, two thoughts popped into Woo Ji-woos head:
Cultural heritage theft.
National treasure smuggling.
No way, you bastard! I liked her first!
Determined, Woo Ji-woo darted into the alley theyd entered.
Chapter 37
1.
Yoo Min-seong woke up in his hospital bed, stirred by the conversation between his roommate and a visitor.
Did your vlog cheer people up?
Not even close. Everyones pestering me to get back on my feet already.
Aw, thats kind of touching.
Yeah, but they want me up so they can watch me get beaten up again.
Figures. ssic, right? They dangle sentimentality and snatch it away just like that.
When confined to a bed, one cant help but pick up on details. For instance:
The two were streamer and editor.
The patient was a well-known physical streamer named Lee Hae-chan, and the visitor was his younger brother-like editor.
But seriously, how does chasing The Silent Swordsmannd someone in the hospital with aftereffects?
Well, technically, it was training after that. When I hit 65% sync rate, got hit by three racing cars in a row, and cked out.
Only you would think jaywalking in a racing game is a valid training method.
Hows the view count?
One million.
Reactions?
Absolutely legendary.
Good enough for me.
Hey, works for me too. Lets make it a series: next up, getting hit by a truck in Euro Truck Simtor. Thumbnail: This time, a dump truck! Hows that?
Shut up. Ill aim for a 60-ton truck.
Yoo Min-seongy quietly, listening to the boisterous pair devour fried chicken instead of nd hospital food. His side of the room, by contrast, was deste.
No one visited him.
As an Awakener working for the Associationa so-called "dog of the Association"living alone wasnt unusual. But every now and then, the crushing loneliness hit him like a wave, leaving his mental shores eroded and empty.
By the way, Yoo Min-seong, this is for you, the nurse said, handing him an outdated flip phone.
The moment he took it, the phone buzzed with a call.
Restricted number.
He knew who it was.
Have you recovered your senses?
C0.
Did the targetunch a psychic attack on you?
The target: Hae Eung-eung.
The supposed Chinese spy capable of disrupting scanner readings and envisioning thirty ways to kill in mere seconds. The memory alone sent shivers racing down his spine.
I dont remember anything.
Thats not the answer we want.
The Association. Hae Eung-eung.
Getting further entangled in their battle would only lead to bloodshed.
He tried to formte a response, one that might shield him:
No matter what you say, my answer wont change. I saw nothing.
But he knew his cold-blooded superior wouldnt be swayed.
The phone slipped from his trembling hands as he began to convulse. Foam bubbled at his mouth as he performed an Oscar-worthy seizure, fooling even the nurses and doctors who rushed in.
Despite C0s persistence, the doctors firm order for absolute rest saved Yoo Min-seong from further involvement.
2.
Tsk, at this rate, Ill recover before The Silent Swordsman does, Lee Hae-chan muttered, scrolling through his phone.
His eyes flicked to the pale, staggering figure entering their shared roomYoo Min-seong.
You okay? Need me to call a nurse?
Im fine.
The curt response didnt surprise Hae-chan. After all, this was the same guy who had a seizure mid-phone call just days earlier. Even Hae-chan, known for his fearless attitude, had panicked and mmed the nurse call button repeatedly.
Still, every time the man moved around, Hae-chan found himself ncing at him.
Are you the streamer?
Sorry if we were noisy.
Despite Yoo Min-seongs casual tone, Hae-chan felt uneasy. It was as if a corpse had spoken. Even small talk carried an uncanny weight.
How strong is The Silent Swordsman as a streamer?
Oh, youre a fan?
Ive watched Nationalistic Prosecutor Lee Hae-chans channel as well.
Hah, wasnt fishing forpliments there.
Its not that. Im an Awakener myself, so I tend to be drawn to strong individuals.
Whoa, wouldnt have guessed that. You look more like an overworked office worker.
The exchange flowed smoothly, yet Hae-chan couldnt shake the feeling that his thoughts were being read.
Even the top physical streamers are in awe of The Silent Swordsman.
Really? Like who?
Speedmaster. One of the industrys best.
Speedmaster, a name Yoo Min-seong had heard but never paid much attention to.
In Awakener terms, how would you rank them?
Hae-chan considered it. Speedmaster was a top-tier streamer, undefeated in speed challengeseven against Awakeners.
Comparable to superstars of Koreas top ten guilds, the Associations elite trio, or the ghostly legends of the National Security Agency.
So, guild strategists, the Associations best, and mythical government operatives. Thats the level were talking about?
Yup. Words dont do justice, though. Just search for Speedmasters mad clips. Youll see.
Yoo Min-seong did just that, immediately pulling up videos.
The feats were extraordinary:
- Trap activated, but avoided it solo.
- Speed: 5800.
- Shadow movement despite no clone skills.
- 57-strike barrage dodged wlessly.
Watching even a fraction of the footage made one thing clearSpeedmasters abilities were unparalleled.
And this Speedmaster recognized The Silent Swordsman?
Exactly. But even Speedmaster couldnt keep up.
What do you mean?
Well, The Silent Swordsman hasnt streamed in over 20 days. Speedmaster had big ns to tackle hidden quests but cant do much if theres no stream to watch. Its frustrating!
Hae-chan shook his head, half annoyed and half impressed.
For a streamer to go AWOL without losing subscribers is unheard of. Heck, their followers have doubled since theirst stream!
Doesnt seem all that impressivepared to Speedmaster, Yoo Min-seongmented.
Thats because you dont know about real mode.
Real mode?
Everything they do in-game, they can do in real life. No buffs, no cheatsjust raw skill.
Yoo Min-seongs gut churned.
He suppressed the truth:
Shes a Chinese spy and a deadly weapon.
3.
A weekter, after watching all of The Silent Swordsmans streams, Yoo Min-seong was more certain than ever:
She was at least a B-rank Awakener.
Her feats in real modesuperhumanbat, impossible leapsleft no doubt.
I doubt theyll send me back out immediately after all this.
Still, he braced himself as he entered the Associations office. To his shock, the surveince teams headquarters was sealed shut.
His phone buzzed.
The surveince team has been disbanded. You no longer need to report in.
Was it because of the target?
Thats ssified. All you need to know is that the Association has decided not to engage with code name The Silent Swordsman.
What about me?
C1, your identity may have beenpromised. Well provide severance pay, but do not return to the Association.
Click.
The line went dead, leaving Yoo Min-seong stunned.
In a single week, the entire surveince teamC0 through C9had vanished without a trace.
This is how I lose my job?
Yoo Min-seong, once the leader of the Associations Surveince Team C, found himself involuntarily unemployed.@@novelbin@@
Chapter 39
1.
The extermination of the pests lingering around her neighborhood wasplete.
Her mastery of stealth techniques (???, Jamhaengsul) and projectile skills (???, Amgisul) had reached a satisfactory level.
[VTuber New BJ]
[Mugon Geomgyeok has started streaming.]
[Game - Half-Yokai Song (Simr Corp.)]
[ytime - 02:05:07]
[Broadcast time - 00:00:01]
Ha Eun-eung had once again be Mugon Geomgyeok.
[Hidden Field Boss Yokai Immortal Defeated]
[Challenge Achievements]
- Defeat the Hidden Boss Yokai Immortal. (Achieved)
- Clear the field within the time limit. (Achieved)
- Prevent the swampification of the Great Forest. (Achieved)
[Extermination Rank: SSS]
[Defeat Rank: SSS]
[Challenge Rank: SSS]
[Overall Rank: 9/3 (+600%)]
[MORE THAN PERFECT]
- The base difficulty of the next field has reached its maximum.
- The probability of random events urring has increased.
The broadcast began with these clearance records.
As soon as the doors to the game reopened, viewers flooded into the chatroom.
- "Mom, is it warm now?"
- "LOL she maxed out a full month beforeing back."
- "Monthly broadcast? This is infuriating."
- "Sensei, I think your audience needs discipline. Next time, take two months off."
- "Dude, that means you wont get to watch either."
- "We, the Suicide Bomber Fan Squad, fully support Mugon Geomgyeoks ant-clearing missions! Loyalty, loyalty! ^^"
- "The Suicide Bombers are detonating a whole months worth of damage at once, LOL."
Amid the chaos of viewers iming allegiance to the "Suicide Bomber Squad" and causing mayhem due to the prolonged broadcast hiatus, Mugon Geomgyeok, as always, remained unaware of the chatroom''s existence.
She briefly gazed at the spot where the Face-Stealing Spider had disappeared, then turned toward the branching paths leading to the next field.
However, beyond the melting Great Forest field, the options for the next destination seemed... unusual.
Beyond the Great Forest
[Thendscape ahead of you is]
- An impassable dead end.
- A hidden path leading to the rear of the crumbling fortress.
The options should have read:
Beyond the Great Forest
[Thendscape ahead of you is]
- A copsing cave.
- A hidden path leading to the rear of the crumbling fortress.
For some reason, a dead-end path, previously thought inessible due to unfinished updates, appeared as the new option: a copsing cave.
The viewers quickly figured out why.
- "Wait, did clearing the Great Forest within the time limit unlock a new field?"
- "Hold up, this field existed all along??"
- "WTF, a new map after 10 years?!"
- "The fact that the devs hid this for so long is insane."
- "A decade of secrecy, and shes the one to find it. Mugon Geomgyeok is unbelievable."
Simr Corp., renowned for its masterpieces, was equally infamous for its secrecy.
Thepany was known for stuffing their games with hidden elements, boasting that even five years post-release, only 85% of the content had been discovered.
Much of the undiscovered content was tailored to Awakeners and hidden behind insanely difficult routes that regr yers, despite their curiosity,cked the ability to uncover.
But now, one of those unattainable "hidden treasures"the dead end at the edge of the Great Foresthad been dragged out into the open by Mugon Geomgyeok.
- "True genius right here."
- "Yeah, except for her monthly streaming schedule, nomunication, and the silent gimmick..."
- "Oh, and her sheerck of reaction to anything."
- "When you list it out, shes got a lot of downsides, huh?"
- "You chose this streamer. Deal with it!"
Despite starting the stream without any notice after a month-long break, with no reactions orments, Mugon Geomgyeok dove straight into the gamey as usual.
Herpelling progression, thrilling battles, and the promise of a moving story kept her viewers hooked.
- "?"
- "??"
- "What?"
- "Am I seeing things?"
- "Who are you, and what have you done with Mugon Geomgyeok?!"
Before entering the cave, Mugon Geomgyeok suddenly made a V-sign with her fingersa reaction clearly directed at her viewers.
The abrupt, contextless gesture sent the chat into chaos.
- "Why the reaction?"
- "Whats with the shy, awkward V-sign?"
- "Is it a mission?"
- "No such mission exists."
- "Then why is she doing it??"
- "Nobody knows, LOL."
2.
A recent incident where passersby recognized her in public had left asting impression on Ha Eun-eung.
It wasnt entirely urate, but the incident had led her to believe that her had been uploaded somewhere.
Though partially mistaken, it gave her an iplete yet insightful realization.
If someones watching me y, wont they see a silhouette of my performance?
The thought of her first-ce record casting its shadow on the challengers ignited a yful mischief within her.
The privilege of being number one is to irritate those trailing behind.
In this one-sided rtionship, where she couldnt see herpetitors but they could see her back, Ha Eun-eung remembered a lesson from the past:
A racing game from 20 years ago.
The memory of a top-ranking yer stepping out of their car and mockingly taunting others by waving exaggerated gestures had left a deep mark, even after her harsh life in Murim and eventual return to modern times.
That infuriating experience had stayed with her, even two decadester.
If they see my rxed attitude, thosegging behind will definitely lose their cool, wont they?
Walking forwardV-sign.
Turning backV-sign.
Whenever the mood struck herV-sign.
Her continuous gestures resembled a high school girl casually snapping photos wherever she went.
[Don-Many-Oppa donated 100,000 KRW!]
Mugon Geomgyeoks V-signwhat a rare sight!
[SecretFriend donated 50,000 KRW!]
The first reaction on this stream, and its this?
[Why-V-Everytime donated 50,000 KRW!]
Why does she keep making V-signs? Its cute, but I dont get it.
The sudden influx of donations and reactions created a buzz of excitement.
For a streamer who had nevermunicated with her audience before, this small gesture of interactionmaking a V-signbrought immeasurable joy to her fans.
[2Dahye donated 10,000 KRW!]
Apparently, I like this kind of thing.
- "No wonder she doesnt do romantic content2Dahye clearly likes women, LOL."
- "This little V-sign is bewitching so many people!"
- "The seductive V-sign, LOL."
Amid the lively atmosphere, the story mode for the new field began.@@novelbin@@
3.
[Story Mode]
The moment Mugon Geomgyeok crossed to the other side of the cave,
a loud crumbling sound echoed behind her as the cave copsed.
[The cave nestled in the depths of the Great Forest]
[Only through the Cave of Consciousness can one reach the mirrored world beyond.]
[And where ash piles up instead of sand or soil.]
[Devoid of natural energy, no life can bloom in this realm of death and destruction.]
[The homnd of yokai and an abandoned sanctuary.]
[Indeed, this is the infamous Yokai Abyss.]
[The fastest route to the underworldand possibly your final destination.]
A grim warning.
This field was unlike any otherfar more dangerous and foreboding.
As Mugon Geomgyeok embarked on her journey into the fourth field, her viewers erupted:
- "This ce existed??"
- "Where even is this?!"
- "Its their homndthe one yokai asionally mention."
- "Holy sh*, why would youe here?!"*
- "Cant she just turn back?"
- "Nope, the cave copsed. No going back."
- "Were so screwed."
- "Mugon Geomgyeok Mk. 2, your time hase. I thought wed never need to use you again!"
The Yokai Abyss, a field more perilous than the Great Foresta perfect ce to diehad drawn Mugon Geomgyeok in.
For anyone familiar with Half-Yokai Song, the mere mention of the Yokai Abyss was enough to cause panic.
- "Yokai in Half-Yokai Song are all from the Abyss, right?"
- "Oh no, this is seriously bad."
- "Does that mean field bosses roam around here like regr mobs?"
Each step could summon a yokai, and bosses might appear likemon enemies in this uncharted and supernatural wastnd.
Yet Mugon Geomgyeok, oblivious to fear, pressed forward without hesitation.
- "Shes not even fazed, LOL."
- "Our streamer is built different13% human, 87% courage."
- "Unstoppable determination, OMG."
- "Were scared for her characters life, and shes just vibing."
- "Everywhere else, streamers scream while viewers cheer. Here, its the opposite, LOL."
- "She probably doesnt even know how to lower her sync rate after death."
- "Yup, if she dies, shell go on a six-month hiatus. And we wouldnt me her."
- "Wow. If she dies, the broadcast ends permanently. Is this what they call rogue-like streaming?"
As her boots disturbed the fine ash beneath her feet, she felt its strange, soft texture
like a child experiencing sand for the first time.
Every step brought a fresh sense of wonder.
But soon, an odd noise reached her ears.
"Dyun dyu-dyun dyun"
What was that sound?
Adjusting her footsteps and shifting her weight,
Mugon Geomgyeok silently tracked the source of the sound like a predator hunting its prey.
When she reached the top of the ash-covered hill, an unexpected sight unfolded before her.
"Dyu-dyu-dyun~ dyun-dyun dyun~"
A small, blue-skinned girl with two horns was digging through the ash,
muttering in a short-tongued rhythm.
She scooped up something shiny and stuffed it into arge sack.
Then, noticing Mugon Geomgyeok, she tilted her head curiously.
[Huh? Human. What are you doing here?]
Her reaction was different from the yokai or Half-Yokai Mugon Geomgyeok had encountered so far.
Rather than hostility, she exuded a curious and friendly demeanor, much like the non-aggressive monsters or the young Face-Stealing Spider she had met earlier.
- "Wait, isnt that an NPC merchant?"
- "Its the wandering merchant!"
- "Holy crap."
- "Isnt she the one who scavenges for weapons near the copsed fortress?"
- "Nope, shes the NPC whobs through cleared fields for loot."
- "Dyun-dyun merchant is here, LOL."
- "Shes so freaking cute."
Indeed, this was one of the few yer-friendly NPCs in Half-Yokai Song,
a wandering merchant essential for trading and acquiring rare items.
Chapter 40
1,
Among the yers in Banyogok, the Wandering Merchant was not only the unique NPC who bought misceneous items but also gained considerable poprity due to her distinctive, clicking attitude and her unexpected charm.
Ashes of the Blood Demon? Ugh, why on earth would you be carrying that around? Thats disgusting.
The skin of a demon? A poison pouch? Ugh, its so sticky. Are you a pervert? Do you collect this kind of stuff?
Wow, a beautiful stone! Ill buy it! How about 100 Hon? What? Why is this 100 times more expensive than the ashes? Well, it''s because I want to buy a monsters heart!
Unlike the usual NPC merchants who merely say things like This item costs this much or Thank you for shopping at my store, the Wandering Merchant was one of the few healing elements in Banyogok, known for her sparkling charm.
When Banyogok first became popr, yers who were obsessed with the merchant NPCs were not umon.
- What are they doing?
- (This is not a paused screen!)
- I thought it froze for a moment, haha
However, the Wandering Merchant that Ha Eun-eung met in the Yokai Realm wasnt doing business at the time, so she didnt urge Ha Eun-eung to sell anything. The Silent Swordmaster also didnt even realize that the merchant was, in fact, a seller and didnt attempt any trade.
?
?
Like two owls meeting in the wild, both just tilted their heads, staring at each other.
- Say something!!
- The Silent Swordmaster is a mute, after all.
- Who is this supposed to be for, seriously?
- Cant speak, so you cant use the shop?
- Hahaha
- Cute factor doubled? Cant resist this
- Wandering Merchant x Silent Swordmaster doujinshi iing 100% guarantee.
- So you''re the one drawing it, huh?
- Hah, how did you know? Since you figured it out...
- Report to the authorities.
- Lets just see once.
If only she had met the Demon Man before, she might have chopped down the monster without hesitation, but now that Ha Eun-eung had learned that even a Yokai could be her friend, she didnt harbor any hostility. She blinked her clear eyes at the little Yokai girl, who looked back at her without any trace of malice. Ha Eun-eung had no intention of attacking her.
- Didnt the Silent Swordmaster... kill it?
- Second survivor, maybe?
- Not really, though. The Demon Man died in the end, too.
- No way?
- Run, Wandering Merchant! Not a single NPC has survived near this woman!
- Hahaha, so sad but funny...
- You damned yer! Not only did you steal our mascot, the Demon Man, but now you n to kill the Wandering Merchant too?!
The first to break the awkward silence was, predictably, the Wandering Merchant.
[Hey, isnt this dangerous? If a human roams around in a ce like this, theyll die right away.]
.
[I cant tell what youre thinking. If youre free, how about helping me with this?]
A selection window appeared in front of Ha Eun-eung after the Wandering Merchants offer.
Interaction Options
[You can choose to]
- Help with the excavation.
- Pretend to help with the excavation but steal something.
- (Kill the defenseless Yokai.)
Assistance, theft, extermination. Three optionsy before her.
Ha Eun-eung made her decision.
[? Help with the excavation.]
She descended into the ashes and stretched out her hand to find various items.
[Cracked toad statue]
[Torn cloth clothing]
[Faded seashell]
[Slippery lotion bottle]
[Broken sign]
Every time she pulled her hand out of the ashes, absurd items came out.
- What is all this?
- Merchant... Were you selling this kind of trash?
- Hahaha, seriously
- I feel so frustrated for some reason
- Just trash, right? This is just trash, isnt it?
The viewers, expecting the Silent Swordmaster to scold the Wandering Merchant for picking up useless trash, were disappointed as the Wandering Merchant, beaming with excitement, evaluated the bizarre items with a grin.
[Statue fragment, 15 Hon! Torn clothing, 3 Hon! Seashell, 80 Hon! Lotion bottle, 40 Hon! Sign, 5 Hon!]
Despite how worthless these items seemed, the Wandering Merchant tossed them all into herrge bag without hesitation.
[Human, you have quite an eye for treasure hunting, dont you?]
[Still, itll take you a century to catch up to me, right? Heh heh heh~]
With great pride, the Wandering Merchant proudly pulled out her next find.
[Paper airne-making machine]
[100 sheets of A4 paper]
It was a peculiar toy.
- How the heck did that end up under the ashes? Hahaha
- How on earth did she find that?
Even Ha Eun-eung pped her hands in honest admiration as though she was watching a magic show.
[Isnt it amazing? Isnt it? Heh, this is what they call the experience of a true merchant.]
Ha Eun-eung stared at the paper. If she had a pen, she could easily write down notes even in Banyogok.
[Under the ashes of the Yokai realm, there are all sorts of amazing items.]
.
[So... how about it, human? Want to be my assistant?]
?
[Being the Wandering Merchants assistant is a rare opportunity, you know?]
The merchant''s words were true. No yer had ever been offered such a chance. Many yers had begged for the opportunity to join forces with an NPC in this perilous Banyogok, but no one had been offered the position of an assistant.
- Ugh, an assistant? To that human who carries around trash? I totally hate it.
- I refuse. All the trash you bring is totally useless. Donte near me.
- Youre just going to pick up things like the ws and skin fragments of Yokai, arent you? I dont need an assistant like that!
The oue was unanimous rejection. Even when yers sold the spoils of capturing Yokai, the merchants dismal reactions to their goods made the refusal even more obvious.
- Wasnt the Wandering Merchants assistant a MacGuffin?
- Hahaha, so you get a hidden ss! What an unexpected skill (Picking Up Pretty Trash).
- Haha, I mean, who cares about picking up trash when you can hang out with the cute Wandering Merchant?
- Literally volunteer work, but I get to hang out with the best-looking NPC in town? Definitely a win!
- Hey, guys, our mascot is the Demon Man.
- Did you throw away the Demon Man already?
- Ugh, you guys are terrible. If you had to choose between the Wandering Merchant and the Demon Man, who would you pick?
- Obviously the Wandering Merchant.
- Wandering Merchant!
- Shes definitely cuter than the Demon Man.
For the many viewers who longed for this, it was an opportunity that could be seized with just a nod.
The Silent Swordmaster shook her head from side to side in response to the offer, instead of nodding.
[Why not?! Think about it. If you be my assistant, I can give you plenty of Hon.]
[Did you know? Hon is the currency used by the Yokai. With Hon, theres nothing you cant buy.]
[Ill even provide food and lodging.]
[And if any nasty Yokai try to bother you, Ill chase them off for you!]
If she needed to level up her items orcked the strength to face the Yokai, she wouldnt turn down such a good opportunity. However, Ha Eun-eung, with her ample skills and additional training, was in a different situation.
[?You have declined the recruitment offer.]@@novelbin@@
Despite the Wandering Merchants repeated offers, Ha Eun-eungs stance didnt change.
[I kind of thought youd say that. Most yers are just scrambling to find food or equipment.]
?
[You didnt know? This ash pit often has items that people need when they put their hands in it.]
The Wandering Merchant gave a p to the paper airne-making machine she had pulled out from the pit.
[Yokai love toys. Thats why toys are the most expensive. On the other hand, humans usually look for weapons or food, but we dont need that stuff.]
[Were strong enough without it, and we can find food anywhere.]
Ha Eun-eungs eyes widened. She hadnt expected such a gimmick to be hidden here. ording to the Wandering Merchant, the items she had pulled out might have been exactly what the merchant was after.
[Cracked toad statue]
[Torn cloth clothing]
[Faded seashell]
[Slippery lotion bottle]
[Broken sign]
What was she hoping to do with these things?
The Wandering Merchantid out the items Ha Eun-eung had found from her bag.
[Take a closer look. Youll probably recognize something here.]
Among the seemingly random excavated items, Ha Eun-eungs eyes caught something that made her gasp. On the cracked sign, there were faint Chinese characters.
[Haenam faction, southwest direction, 70 km]
This was one of the traces left by the possessed seniors who were kidnapped in the Murim world, modern remnants of the past. Not just the sign, but...
[Toad statue from the Imperial Pce]
[Blood-stained cloth of the Grand Master]
[Seashell from a memory]
[Souvenir bought in the marketce]
All the items the Wandering Merchant had pulled out carried traces of the Murim world. These were relics of times gone by, memories once locked away in Ha Eun-eungs mind, appearing again, albeit in imperfect forms, after a long passage of time.
.
With aplicated expression, the Silent Swordmaster stared at the excavated items. The Wandering Merchant once again made her offer.
[Human, your treasures are pretty unique, even though theyre not worth much.]
[If we travel together, Im sure welle across some incredible treasures.]
[If youre lucky, you might even get something as great as my infinite pouch!]
The word incredible treasure immediately reminded Ha Eun-eung of the "Inner Pill of Sr Flowers"the only elixir that could cure the strange condition known as Guumjeolmaek.
When her hand plunged into the pit, she quickly grabbed something round, thinking it might be the Inner Pill, but instead, she pulled out a golden fish-shaped pastry.
......
She cut the fish-shaped pastry open and found it filled with sweet red bean paste.
- No way, she pulled a fish-shaped pastry out of the trash!? Hahaha
- Master fisherman, recognized
- Why is there fish-shaped pastrying out of the ashes? Lmao
- Guess she mustve wanted some?
- Looks like she loves fish-shaped pastry
[Wait, maybe its not food. Thats kind of odd.]
The Wandering Merchant seemed suspicious. She dusted her hands and stood up.
Ha Eun-eung, wanting to write down a message using a brush pen, was about to do so, but the Wandering Merchant shook her head.
[Thisnds power has run out.]
[Theres nothing more to be found here.]
With a sound of crackling, the pit began to copse as a hole appeared, sinking deeper. Ha Eun-eung peered into the abyss, unable to gauge how deep it was. The Wandering Merchant spoke.
[This is the Paradise of Ashes. Once a vibrantnd, it is now a space on the brink of extinction, where the energy that once thrived has long been depleted.]
[The strong Yokai have all fled to the Inheritance, and all that remain are cute merchants like me or Yokai on the brink of death.]
[How we ended up here, I dont know, but if you dont leave soon, something bad will happen.]
With this surprisingly kind advice, Ha Eun-eung bowed slightly to show her thanks. The Wandering Merchant smiled broadly.
[If you were my assistant, we could leave together, but since you said no, I guess thats not happening.]
[But you should go find the highest pce. Theres a lot of relics left by the Yokai King. Among them, theres a scroll called Sanhasajikdo.]
[Using that scroll, you can return to the Inheritance.]
The highest pces Sanhasajikdo. Atst, a goal appeared in the dark Yokai Realm.
[Of course, it wont be easy. Among the Yokai who have been left behind in this crumbling realm, some are after the Yokai Kings relics too.]
[The Yokai wont have their full power, given that the realm is copsing.]
The Wandering Merchant packed her belongings and prepared to leave. The final interaction window appeared.
[Final Interaction Options]
[As the kind Yokai girl prepares to leave the Yokai Realm, you... ]
- Be the Wandering Merchants assistant (Recruitment).
- Ask if theres a relic youre looking for? (Hidden Event Unlock)
- Ask more about the Yokai King (Hidden Event Unlock).
- (Say a silent farewell.)
- (Steal her belongings.)
- (Ambush her from behind.)
The Wandering Merchant had been helpful in many ways. As a martial artist, the rule was to repay enmity tenfold but repay kindness a hundredfold. Ha Eun-eung wanted to repay the kindness.
[? Are you looking for a relic?]
The Wandering Merchant hesitated for a moment, biting her finger, before suddenly recalling something.
[Hmm... I do need something!]
[The Mirror of Clear Sight. Its a relic that can stabilize Yokai or Half-Yokai with blood-tainted curses.]
[Its fine for me, but my younger sibling is a little dangerous.]
[They werent as lucky as me.]
[They became a Half-Yokai, neither human nor Yokai.]
[The Great Yokai promised that if I bring enough souls, my sibling will be turned into aplete Yokai, but honestly, Im not very sure about it.]
For her younger sibling, not for herself, the Wandering Merchant spoke with a pure heart.
A small smile appeared on Ha Eun-eungs face, which had been firmly set in a straight line.
[If you bring me the Mirror of Clear Sight, Ill give you all the souls Ive collected!]
[Souls can be used to strengthen your bloodline or for deals with Yokai, so itll be really helpful. So, please, get the mirror!]
Ha Eun-eung nodded, and with a flick of her oversized sleeves, the Wandering Merchant headed off on her way.
[If were lucky, well meet again. Next time, Ill see you in the Inheritance!]
For Ha Eun-eung, it was just another quest information that was casually given. However, for the viewers, it contained a game-changing piece of information.
- Did she just say shell hand over all her souls??
- Doesnt she have tens of millions?
- Wow, typically, you get around 1-10 souls from a low-level mob, but she just said shell give tens of millions at once?
- Wait, thats not even the main point, did she just say the Mirror of Clear Sight is broken as heck?
- Does that mean it cleanses 0% contamination?
- Wait, thats true.
- So if we use it, can we avoid the Yokai ending and get the Half-Yokai or Human ending instead?
For the yers who had been forced into the Yokai ending due to their bloodline''s shorings, the Mirror of Clear Sight seemed like an item that drastically lowered the difficulty of the game. Even if they didnt y a perfect, no-hit run like the Silent Swordmaster, they could use the mirror to reset any damage or mild contamination, restoring everything in one go.
- The mirrors healing properties are no joke.
- Haha, for real.
- But how are we supposed to get it?
- Ahh...
- ^^;
- Dammit.
- Hahahahaha
- Were you the one who got excited about the mirror, huh?
- Why even show it to us if we cant get it?
While the Mirror of Clear Sight seemed like a great item for new yers, the way to obtain it required clearing a hidden boss in the infamous Dae-Surim, one of the most difficult routes in the game. Outside of the elite high-level yers, it was almost unattainable, a rare gem of an item.
Chapter 41
Speedmaster couldn''t help but sigh.
Ugh, I have to be doing this right now.
Hahahaha
Did you make a wrong promise and now you can''t even touch it?
Is the Silent Swordmaster not showing any signs of dying yet?
Is Banyogok not happening by the end of this year?
No girlfriend yet?
Girlfriend? Youre banned, you little punk.
Actual defamation, hahaha.
Thats some heavy stuff^^
The virgin period must also be pretty heavy??
Why are you all like this today? Did a bunch of suicide bombers join us? You guys are virgins too!
Not true.
I hit a home run yesterday.
The home run was when thest batter hit a home run in the 9th inning.
I was in a foreign car with a guy I know yesterday.
You dont have a guy you know. If you think you were in a foreign car with a guy you know, get out of that car immediately.
Hahahahahahaha
Hahahahaha
Your guy doesnt have a foreign car. Its a rental, and your guys precious part-time wages just evaporated.
Thats a little too sad.
So tragic???
A new field and new events.
With new quests and new Yokai appearing,
the Silent Swordmasters stream.
If only I could catch up once it starts,
Speedmaster felt confident, but instead of showing off a cool performance,
he was left mentally exhausted by the suicidal terrorists
from the evil Su-Gwi-ja-Pok-byung (Suicide Bombers).
If I y the game, I can make a mad movie, and those evil ones will calm down.@@novelbin@@
Still, he couldn''t afford to miss the Silent Swordmaster''s stream, which only came once a month like a monthly event.
Talent is talent, after all.
The road to the Yokai Kings pce.
Unlike the fields in In-Gye (the human world) wheremon half-Yokai like blood-gui (Blood Ghost), Su-Gwi, and Yeok-Gwi (Reverse Ghosts) appeared with uniform patterns,
the mobs in the Yokai field were
completely different in appearance and attack patterns, with all kinds of half-Yokai and Yokai popping up.
Which field did Yokai just appear in like that?
The final field.
For real.
But they werent mummies, right?
Then can you fight one-on-one with an ogre that hasnt eaten for a week?
Ah, I totally get it now.
Thats a solid first-rate teacher for you.
The monsters, like the thin, bony, and gaunt creatures with visible bones, were rtively weaker, but
compared to the Blood Ghosts, Su-Gwi, and Yeok-Gwi,
there was no doubt they were much stronger.
Last time, she showed off a bunny hop, but now shes showing off some weird aggro management skills.
Aggro??
Was she using that?
Shes talking about things only she knows.
Let us know too, Ms. Speedmaster.
The pace is too fast, Sensei.
You know what aggro is, right? Aggro. The level of provocation or threat. If the aggro is high, mobs start rushing like crazy and using stronger skills.
Okay, okay.
Got it, done.
Usually, if you hit a basic attack, a critical hits, or even just make yourself visible, aggro increases, right?
Eh.
Yep.
Got it.
But if you dont hit a basic attack, dontnd a critical, and disappear from the line of sight, what happens? The aggro that went up will go back down, right?
Eh.
And?
We cant evennd a basic attack, so why does aggro always go through the roof and we get hit all the time?
Yeah, thats because youre bad at the game. When you see a mosquito, even if it doesnt bite you, you still get mad and aggro it, right? Were like that mosquito to the monsters.
Ahahaha
For real, Sensei is the real deal.
This exnation is so clear.
As expected, Sensei.
First-rate teachers really are different.
Speedmaster, adjusting his exnation to the viewers'' level,
now shifted to the main point.
But Silent Swordmaster is managing that aggro incredibly tightly. Even if something dies right next to her, the monsters dont know. They dont even realize whats happening.
?
How could they not know?
How could they not know when their own kind is dying next to them?
Lets watch that scene again. How about we y it in slow motion for a second?
Speedmaster immediately turned on the section rey, showing the scene of Silent Swordmaster cutting through several Yokai in slow motion.
Silent Swordmaster slid into the attack of a long-armed Yokai, and with a wave of her sword, she swiftly chopped off its arm, striking its neck with precision.
Here, when she retrieves the sword, blood appears. You see how the de lightly touches the arm, covering the wound? Because of that, blood didnt stter everywhere.
Wow.
Did she calcte that in such a short time?
Incredible.
Here, instead of immediately shing the nearby Yokai with the sword, she ces several small stones between her fingers and throws them, right? Look at how the aggro from the monsters drops.
They all turn toward the stones.
The aggropletely disappears.
The exposure of weakness happening simultaneously is crazy.
Yeah, exposing weakness. You guys watch my streams a lot, so youve really leveled up, huh? You all want tond a critical hit right on that perfect spot.
If you didnt know, youd be relentlessly teased, but how could you not know? Hahaha.
Forced learning knowledge.
This is K-style education, haha.
Speedmaster chuckled at the viewers who were bing smarter.
Eh, you guys are still far off. Even though thats a weakness, do you see the blood vessels popping out? The blood will spurt out like a fountain. If you didnt know that, youre just barely out of beginner level.
Sensei, I never signed up for intermediate ss.
For real, before, they used to say you were good just for passing the beginners course.
Why is the amount of learning increasing like a personal trainer now??
Once youve passed the basics, youve got to develop your practical skills. Watch carefully. There were five vulnerable points that could have been easily stabbed, but she passed them all and then shoved the de into the monsters back.
The Yokai, who had been pushed back and stumbling, collided with another Yokai next to it, mming into the wall. In that instant, both Yokai were simultaneously stabbed.
By being backed into a corner and attacked simultaneously while facing the wall,
there was no blood sttering, and the nearby monsters aggro wasnt pulled either.
A truly clean kill.
At that moment,
the first Yokais body tilted and fell to the ground,
and Ha Eun-eungs foot striking the ground blended with the sound of its body hitting the floor.
Here, by using the corpse to minimize the noise, and at the timing when the monsters, whose awareness has increased, are about to turn their heads to decide which one to aggro, she takes a strike.
From the decapitated Yokais neck, blood poured along the swords path,
and all five of the remaining Yokais eyes were hit with the blood,
shutting all their eyes and closing their sight.
The controlled bleeding direction here is now reversed, making it burst out even bigger, blocking their sight, then boom, one-two-three. The surrounding muscles split, the guards broken, and its finished.
How do you think of all this while fighting?
Wah, I want to just hit things.
This is how you do it. But I cant follow.
The aggro management is insane, right? In just one battle, there were four instances of aggro management. It was as natural as breathing, happening in the right situations. More refined than some of the seasoned half-Yokai experts.
There was no denying it.
Anyone could see that the Silent Swordmaster was fighting incredibly well.
If it wasnt for Speedmaster,
he wouldnt even have recognized how advanced thebat was.
Doesnt this sound like a baseballmentary?
Haha, for real.
I thought she was just good, but after the exnation, its even crazier.
Most of the viewers either admired or praised Speedmasters analysis,
but Speedmaster himself fell into deeper thought.
Can such practicalbat sense just be called talent? No matter how I look at it, its a skill honed from facing real monsters from another dimension.
If his guess was right,
Silent Swordmaster would be an active Awakener with real battle experience
fighting against Gate monsters, almost like real-world Yokai.
But for that kind of experience,
at least ten years of experience would be required.
Even though I dont know her exact age, looking at her appearance, shes definitely in her mid-twenties or younger. To have gained ten years of experience from that age...
No matter howte, it would have been mid-teens.
That would mean shed been hunting monsters from then on.
ording to the Awakener Associations rules, minors shouldnt be active as Awakener.
If he mentioned this to the viewers,
theyd definitely be curious,
but Speedmaster kept it to himself,
because considering her experience and age,
it would bring up a hypothesis that couldnt possibly be true.
She mustve lied about her age or traveled from a different country where they didnt have strict Awakener regtions.
Even though they were practically gangsters,
at least the K-Awakener Guild and the Association
kept their territories safe,
while other countries were overwhelmed with monsters due to vast territories and had to rely on Awakener children to fight.
Could she be a former soldier from one of those countries, fighting against those monsters?
Suddenly, the stream chat caught his attention.
But now that I think about it, this girl is really beautiful.
Shes top star level beautiful, right?
Doesnt she look really sexy when she runs, pressing a straw hat with one hand?
I think its even sexier when she wipes the blood off her sword and puts it back in the sheath.
She looks like a mixed-race beauty, doesnt she?
She looks like a blend of Western and Eastern beauty.
She really does look like a mixed-race beauty.
Eastern and Western blood, a mixed-race beauty.
Suddenly, Speedmaster recalled the recent news about
the Eastern European alliances sessful Gate campaign.
[Sess of Brus Gate Expedition]
[They advanced over 20 km]
[Is the dream of restoring Eastern European territories bing a reality?]
The overseas news reported a major victory in the Eastern European front,
which made Speedmaster wonder. What if Silent Swordmaster came from that region?
...Thats such a sad story. I really need to treat her better.
The past where hed doubted her for not streaming on purpose
seemed even more shameful now.
Next time, if they ever do a joint stream, he promised to take better care of her.
Speedmaster made that resolution,
and sent a formal joint stream invitation to Silent Swordmasters streaming ount.
But he didnt know yet.
That Silent Swordmasters inbox was already full of 999 unread emails.
Emails from fanclub presidents asking her to take the position,
chat manager applications,
V-Tuber editor applications,
and joint stream requests from other streamers like I Hae-chan, 2-Dahye, and Eom Gil-dong.
And so, today again,
Silent Swordmasters inbox grew with yet another sad email
that would never be read.
Chapter 42
Stealth and Projectile Mastery.
The achievements of the two newly honed martial arts were exceptional.
They were techniques effective even against Murim warriors.
There was no reason to struggle against the gaunt, mummy-like Yokai.
It seems the easy path ends here.
From the massive city gates, resembling the capital of the Yokai realm,
the physiques and blood hues of the Yokai began to change.
Unlike the near-death, mummy-like Yokai,
the creatures here only looked a bit lean.
Yokai in their prime, with physiques almost indistinguishable from their peak.
On their neck chains,
a few half-Yokai and humans were tightly bound,
like pets.
Theyre scared.
They shouldnt be showing such signs
their unwillingness to move, like livestock being dragged to the ughterhouse,
was evident in their eyes.
The half-Yokai and humans, tied up with nes,
were being led to a massive arena at the corner of the city.
Go, Oboroguruma. Headbutt!
Oboro!!
No way. Dung Shark, lift it up.
Shark-shark.
A cart with a human face attached to Oboroguruma,
and a Dung Shark digging through the ground.
In the arenas spread across the coliseum,
the six half-Yokai and humans dragged by each Yokai
fought under the orders of their masters,
like Pokmon, shing in battles.
What exactly am I watching?
She hadnt expected to see anything normal entering the heart of the Yokai realm.
Hahahahahaha
Yokai Pokmon, f***ing hahahaha
Was this a thing? Why didnt I know?
Whats that? I want to do it too.
Watching the "Yokai Ending" fans immediately get their blood boiling, hahaha.
The sight was absurd yet thrilling,
so much so that even the viewers couldnt suppress theirughter.
However, seeing humans fighting wasnt nearly as amusing or exciting.
Stupid human, use more weapons!
End it. Hegh, put the ingredients in.
Hegh-hegh!
No, stop! Please, donte any closer, you crazy old hag, AAAAAHHHH!!
A Yokai resembling an old crone with a spade-shaped jaw and a hunched back
yanked a struggling human with a long pole
and tossed them into a boiling cauldron.
The horrifying scene made the once-festive chatroom,
which had been cheering for the "Yokai Pokmon" era,
chill into a silence.
Wow.
This is a bit much.
Ah, right, they were Yokai
The human, who had been dragged into the arena,
was nothing more than a ve, forced to fight against other Yokai and half-Yokai.
It was a public execution in every sense.
This strange Yokai culture is making things difficult.
She wanted to infiltrate the pce right away,
steal what she needed,
but there were also guards with leashes,
leading multiple minions around.
Ill have to find a way.
While she was hiding in the shadows, alternating her gaze between the arena and the pce,
she saw the winner of the arena match being invited into the pce.
At that moment,
a rather bizarre idea came to her.
If I win a match in the arena, I can enter the pce.
The time until the next arena match was about three days.
I need to find a Yokai to team up with. A special kind of Yokai that can help without putting a real cor on me, despite being human.
The Silent Swordmasters strategy was entering a new phase.
After observing the Yokai for some time,
Ha Eun-eung was able to learn a few additional facts.
Yokai with legends or backgrounds are generally stronger.
For example, the two-headed dog with a snakes head instead of a tail,
the twin-headed hound .
In the twelvebors of Hercules, this Yokai was killed by a club,
and despite its legendary status, itsbat power was rather weak.
Some Yokai, however, can grow stronger through special development, despite their weaker legendary histories.
A a creature with the face of a monkey with a bald head, a birds beak, a turtle shell, and webbed feet
was traditionally depicted as a water-dwelling opportunist,
stealing cucumbers and attacking drowning children to drink their souls.
But the Kappa in the arena, having undergone special growth,
used a giant cucumber like a wooden club
to mercilessly beat down Orthros.
Kkaeng kkaeng kkaeng
Kappa Kappa!
The Orthros, who had been beaten like a dog on a hot day,
fell to the ground, a cold corpse,
showing that even Yokai and half-Yokai could grow stronger with time.
But only Yokai could enjoy such growth benefits.
Master, please, give me Yokai bloodlines!!
Shut up. My sponsors want to see human warriors, not Yokai. If you turn into one, why would they continue sponsoring you?
Next opponent is the Kappa with the giant cucumber!!
Do whatever you want. Humans like that are a dime a dozen.
Aaaah, I dont think I can eat lunch!!
The match was set to take ce before lunch.
It was tragic for the humans who were ves in the arena, crying bitterly,
but Ha Eun-eung couldnt save them all.
There were simply too many of them.
Only 36 fighters participate in the arena.
Considering the average of four ves each,
there were 144 ve fighters.
And when adding the viewers,
over a thousand Yokai filled the arena.
I cant possibly take them all out, even if I wanted to.
Like the saying goes, "One hand cant block ten,"
with only five years of cultivation,
she would be the first to fall.
She began to seriously consider if finding another way into the pce might be quicker,
when suddenly a Story Mode event was triggered.
[Story mode]
As she entered an alley,
the Story Mode was activated again after a long time.
[Dont even daree near, you who has no soul!]
[You, mixing water into wine, how dare you speak so loudly!]
[So do you even have a soul to speak of?]
[That... wille soon. Once I decide, Ill do whatever I want to other half-Yokai or humans!]
[What a waste of the Yokai King''s blood. A lowly bastard mixed with human blood.]@@novelbin@@
A Yokai, openly despising her,
was kicked out of the store.
As the creature rose from the ground,
its eyes met those of the Silent Swordmaster, who had been hiding in the shadows.
[You, could it be]
Its pupils dted as if it were about to call out for other Yokai at any moment.
Interaction Choices
[Seeing the startled half-Yokai in front of you, you...]
Knock them out and steal their belongings. (Robbery)
Force them to be your ve. (Half-Yokai Warrior Acquisition)
Force them to be your warrior master. (Unlock Hidden Event)
(Choose to kill them.)
Humans enving half-Yokai and Yokai.
The idea stirred excitement in the chat.
22222
eeeeeee
2
2
1
4
Given Silent Swordmasters personality, she definitely wouldnt choose the murder option.
How could she be a ve master?!
[Umgildongs mortgage loan: 50,000 KRW donation!]
Considering the history and tradition of humanity, shouldnt we follow the path of a ve trader?
Wake up, back then, we were all serfs or ves.
What if the master is Silent Swordmaster?
Master, please take my cor!!
Voluntary ves, hahahaha
The humanndlord has be the Marjo Cor Tribe, hahahaha
The poll narrowed to options 2 and 4,
but Silent Swordmaster, a one-note reaction streamer,
was too focused on the game to notice the chat,
and no one could influence her choice.
[?You, be my warrior master.]
The half-Yokai was stunned.
[Youre not being dragged in, and you, a normal human, want to be my warrior ve willingly?]
[Have you lost your mind? The arena was originally created to brutally kill humans for the amusement of Yokai.]
[Besides, youre a woman. Ill turn a blind eye, so just disappear somewhere.]
Sweet yo man, ??
This guys so crafty.
Are you crazy? Hahaha, so this is what Yoga means?
Are you my master?
A beautiful human female ve wanting to be chosen. Wow, this is harder to refuse than being chosen by a stray cat.
But she was rejected, right?
That half-Yokai is definitely a virgin, thats why.
Hahaha.
Whether due to his virginity or because he was a sweet yo man,
Ha Eun-eung felt a sudden need to persuade this half-Yokai.
Interaction Choices
[To persuade the half-Yokai, you...]
Threaten them with your sword. (Threat)
Convince them with honor. (Rhetoric)
Bribe them with your soul. (Bribe)
Take off your straw hat. (Seduction)
The ideal choice was persuasion.
Even in Story Mode,
despite being mute, her words were automatically recognized,
allowing free use of rhetoric,
but there, in the muddy alley,
sitting down with lifeless eyes,
the memories of the Yokai Kings bloodline suddenly triggered something in her.
Ive heard your father ns to take you as his new wife.
That cannot be. You, too, will be imprisoned in this pce.
If the chance everes, could you take me with you?
The Emperors son,
with unchecked power,
having witnessed the cruel and vile politics of his parents,
became too mature for his years,
living a sorrowful life never experiencing a childhood.
The situations are different, but back then, I couldnt keep my promise.
A faint memory resurfaced of the time she failed to meet a promise.
Now, facing the new Emperor who had be twisted with hatred and betrayal,
a new ruler of the Empire born from the union of a Yokai and human,
the simrity felt almost uncanny.
[?Take off your straw hat. (Seduction)]
As she removed her straw hat
and silently gazed at the half-Yokai before her,
he looked up with confusion in his eyes.
[Mother?]
Huh? Mother?
Why is moming up here? Hahaha.
The story is so messed up!
And thus, the half-Yokai revealed he was a mamas boy.
Chapter 43
The half-Yokai seemed unable to make eye contact,
his face turning red as he fidgeted and muttered in protest.
[My father used to tell me this. My mother was the most beautiful human in this world.]
[It cant have been a lie. My father, who fell in love with her, even stopped his invasion of In-Gye (the human world).]
[After my father died, the former servants of my father who took over the pce, along with his first wife, made sure that not even a single portrait remains.]
[But if my mother were to return...]
[Yes, she would definitely be as beautiful as you.]
The seduction strategy was an absolute sess.
The Yokai Kings illegitimate child waspletely captivated by the Silent Swordmaster.
[I said I would find a master for the arena. If you grant me just one request, Ill do it.]
?
[Can I... call you mother?]
It was an utterly ridiculous proposal.
Mama!!
Wait, the human here wants to be my mama now?
How can I resist calling her "Mama"
This isnt a wicked Yokai, its a Mama-Yokai, haha!
Mama-Yokai, haha!
A rare mama-Yokai, haha!
The chat had already exploded with "Mama" calls.
Though everyone expected an angry outburst or her immediately cutting him down with her sword,
for a brief moment, everyone wished the Mama-Yokais soul well.
Speedmaster, a top-tier physical streamer,
also acknowledged the Silent Swordmasters legendary swordsmanship.
As she slowly reached out to stroke the half-Yokai''s head,
the chat exploded again.
[?The Yokai King''s illegitimate child has be your temporary ally.]
After three seconds of silence, the chat exploded.
Did she actually ept that?
MAMAAAA!!!!!!
I want to be petted by her too!!!
Why is everyone suddenly a simp? Hahaha
The era of the humanndlord and wandering merchant is over. Now it''s the age of Mama-Daisuki-Champi!
This feels like the end of civilization, doesnt it?
Nostradamus, you were right... The age of strong men ended in July 1999, and in November 2050, were flooded with weak Mama Boys.
So, what if Silent Swordmaster says shell hug me?
Typical strong man move > dives in
(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)
(Mama emoji)(Mama emoji)(Mama emoji)
The overwhelming attention
was almost unbearable, but unlike a normal person,
Silent Swordmaster handled it without a second thought.
She simply pointed to a diator registration form she had picked up off the street.
[diator League (36th Round)]
[Participation Requirement 1 C Submit a ticket for the 36th round.]
[Participation Requirement 2 C Submit a list of 2C6 participants.]
Her boldness left viewers, including real-life Awakeners who were joining the stream through Speedmaster,
in awe.
Shes one of us, right?
Are you talking about Awakeners, or entertainers?
Both.
Those who possessed bothbat strength as Awakeners and star quality as entertainers
wielded great influence in the entertainment industry.
Unlike traditional entertainmentpanies where capital and politics dominate,
the Royal Club, an entertainmentpany made entirely of Awakeners withbat skills and star power,
was actively recruiting Awakeners for its 3rd generation.
They were recruiting not only for the 1st generation of the 2030s or the 2nd generation of the 2040s,
but for the 3rd generation of Awakeners for the 2050s.
I just want to hug her. How great would it be if such a beautiful girl worked with us every day?
Shes already hugging me right now.
Hehe, Nanase, youre funny. You hated it at first, but now youre jealous, arent you?
No, Im not.
Your ears are turning red. Doesnt it feel hot?
Eh. Really?
Just kidding~
...Back off. No hugging today.
Ah, sorry!
Royal Clubs 3rd generation Awakeners:
Elogio Sherry Nina,
B-ss Ice Awakener.
Royal Clubs 3rd generation Awakeners:
Isuno Nanase,
B-ss Vector Maniption Awakener.
Despite the vast differences in personality, eating habits, and physical types,
there was one undeniable simrity among the two of them.
Awakeners who are powerful mixed-race beauties.
Strong Awakeners and mixed-race beauties
were incredibly rare in Korea,
but because of their rarity, they drew even more poprity and attention.
Do you really like Silent Swordmaster that much?
Nanase, pushing Sherrys hand away from her face,
didnt dislike her but wasnt particrly fond of her either.
Sherry had been a great friend, always helping her with various exercises and sports massages.
She trusted Sherry even outside of work.
Look at her closebat skills. Shed be the perfect fit for us.
She might have a bad attitude.
You wont know until you meet her.
I heard shes called the Massacre Swordswoman online.
Thats because her opponents were monsters. Isnt that reassuring?
Isnt she epting a half-Yokais childish request to call her mother?
Surprisingly, her maternal instinct is her hidden charm!
Thats true.
Nanase, raised by a Japanese mother who valued femininity,
found a maternal woman like Silent Swordmaster appealing.
Do you dislike Silent Swordmaster, Nanase?
Itd be ufortable. When more people start disliking her, it could get awkward.
On the other hand, it could be good!
The first generation girl group had a rumor of conflict.
Ugh.
The second-generation boy group had bullying rumors.
Well take care of that!
Sherry, who hadpletely fallen for Silent Swordmaster,
was enjoying the attention, while Nanase wasnt too fond of it.
Are you trying to recruit her to thepany, CEO?
Shes such a rare talent, I wouldnt want to waste her.
It was clear that Silent Swordmaster fit the concept perfectly.
Her attitude was uncertain, but her maternal side stood out.
Still, Nanase didnt like it.
Id prefer it if it were just me and Sherry.
Speedmaster, who was known for having good skin and skill,
was highly respected even by active Awakeners.
He casually mentioned that Silent Swordmaster was a female streamer he strongly rmended.
Naively, Nanase watched Silent Swordmasters stream in the waiting room,
thinking the purpose was to spread Speedmasters stream to Sherry.
However, it was Nanase herself who got caught up in the idea of Silent Swordmaster joining the 3rd generation of Royal Clubs female group.
At this rate, the trio was going to bepleted, and Nanase had no choice.
I need to find an excuse, anything.
Silent Swordmaster was still human,
so if she looked hard enough, there would surely be ws to find.
With that thought in mind, Nanase, staring at the broadcast screen with a sour face,
bit her lower lip unknowingly.
As she watched the video, she started to think more like Sherry.
A closebat swordswoman with healing abilities. If I were the CEO, Id recruit her right now.@@novelbin@@
Despite everything, what truly stood out was Silent Swordmasters healing abilities.
The illegitimate child of the Yokai King.
After giving up the name his father had given him,
he barely saved his life and was thrown out of the pce penniless.
The only thing he had left was his bloodline, worthless in the Yokai society.
The attention he received from other Yokai was just thatnothing more than trash.
Without family or friends, I was just waiting to disappear with this decaying Yokai realm.
They say even the heavens show mercy to those in despair.
In that moment, this womans existence might just be thest mercy in his life.
Doesnt my mother feel scared or disgusted by me?
Perhaps thats why.
If he had kept it inside, it would have been fine,
but he just had to ask her about her true feelings
that desire to know the truth, which he spoke out loud,
hoping for confirmation from her.
.
The painting, done on fine rice paper,
showed his real mothers appearance.
The beautiful features, now ashes and gone,
stared back at him as if they had returned to life.
Her expression, though seemingly indifferent at first nce,
was filled withpassion for him,
and self-reproach,
a gaze so familiar, it felt like his real mother was there.
[֧]
Silent Swordmaster ced her sword on the ground
and wrote two characters.
Its Chinese characters. I for depend and Zhi for support. Whats the meaning behind this writing?
The Yokai King, once the ruler of all Yokai,
had studied manynguages to rule over them,
and even though he was an illegitimate child,
he was well-versed innguages, including Chinese.
Its a relief. If I can read Chinese, even if I cant speak, the meaning will be conveyed.
Silent Swordmaster meticulously rearranged the radicals in the characters.
[ ʮ]
The viewers were flooded with question marks,
but the illegitimate child of the Yokai King,
touched deeply, felt tears welling up in his eyes.
The character I (),
meaning a person () supported by clothing (),
and Zhi (֧),
meaning a branch (ʮ) supported by a hand (),
represented the message of a mother who wished
to be a cover against the cold world,
and a hand to support the frail branch that couldnt stand alone.
The feeling of deeppassion for the beautiful mother,
and the shame of asking to call her mother
in the moment of his weakness,
was not just an act of Silent Swordmaster epting a request,
but something deeply epted in her heart.
Ah. Ah
Tears flowed from him as he felt deeply moved by her kindness,
and feeling the shame of his request,
Silent Swordmaster quietly stood by him, gently patting his shoulder.
She didnt reject him.
Instead, she carefully ced her hand on his head,
comforting him like a child.
So this is what a mother is.
A mother is the ce a child can rely on,
her gentle hands soothing him.
The sweet fragrance that heals a tired heart in a harsh world
is a mothers fragrance.
The illegitimate son of the Yokai King
finally realized what a mother truly was,
today.
The dirty mixed-blood of the Yokai realm,
a prince who had never appeared on the main stage,
just another background character in the world of Banyogok,
but after ten years,
meeting Silent Swordmaster,
he had finally be a true half-Yokai,
and for the first time, he found salvation.
Chapter 44
The illegitimate child of the Yokai King
was saved by Silent Swordmaster in the form of a mother''s care.
Cast out from the pce, unable to even dream of revenge,
his fleeting life had been destroyed by his own hands.
Determined to repay her kindness and understanding,
he resolved to help her in any way he could.
Mother, what is your goal in participating in the arena?
Silent Swordmaster pointed toward the pce.
Wherever she was heading,
if she had a goal there,
that ce would be his destination as well.
There was no room for doubt in his blind determination.
If you have a goal in the pce, then we must win. Understood. Ill find a strong diator to help with that.
The princes firm deration
stirred up feelings of crisis and jealousy in the viewers,
and the chat began to heat up.
Mamas diators son (not son though)
Yokai Kings son (he''s an illegitimate child)
Naughty Half-Yokai (Mamas Half-Yokai)
No idea (Dont care)
Todays breakfast: Kimchi stew (no meat)
Didnt ask (Did you add tofu?)
Just follow this (cant follow)
Damn you all (Dont derail the conversation)
Seriously cursing already, haha
We liked it first (reaction B tool)
Field Boss (Theter it shows up, the longer the stream ends)
What are you doing? (Actually, not curious)
Whens your sons wedding? (Actually know you cant)
You couldnt even do it, huh (You couldnt do it either)
If Mama diator is my mom, Id marry her
Youre blind (in parentheses, really)
Mia Ping (Dont even care)
Yeah, dont care (Head of the Su-Gwi)
Of course, theck of unity in the chat
ended, as always,
with the Su-Gwi self-destructive terror and internal discord
leading to its eventual copse.
Mother.
Even now, it felt like an absurd request.
Had hee with amand or negotiation,
he would never have asked her to call him mother.
But he had asked as a request.
The request reminded him of
the one made by the humanndlords friend,
and he couldnt refuse.
Humanndlord.
Illegitimate child of the Yokai King.
Though their desires and ways of exchanging emotions were different,
the half-Yokais thirst for human connection
and the sense of emotional deprivation
were the same, and she understood that.
That wasnt the only reason.
She couldnt fulfill the request made by the Emperors young son
from the martial world,
and the guilt lingering inside her refused to ept that the illegitimate child prince was not like the Crown Prince of the Grand Empire.
This wont atone for the sins Ivemitted, though.
In the end, by killing the Emperor,
the child who had never wanted to be emperor was forced into that role,
a horrible conclusion she had caused.
This was an undeniable fact.
So all of this was self-satisfaction.
A mere act of self-deception to soothe her heart.
Prince... There was no promise to fight alongside a lowly human.
In that sense,
the prince, starving for maternal affection and calling her mother
was far easier to handle than the ve diator,
who immediately showed hostility toward humans,
because at least this one,
wouldnt make her heart ache with guilt,
as if her heart had been branded like a wound.
.
In the deep darkness of the open wardrobe,
a soft, viscous voice echoed from within.
Silent Swordmaster pointed her sword at it.
The dark energy from within the wardrobe began to surge,
like a bomb about to explode,
creating an intense, explosive atmosphere.@@novelbin@@
Kwang!
Her sword, swung like lightning,
struck the ck hand reaching out from the wardrobe.
Silent Swordmaster deflected the sword?
Monster with no face > So strong
Tradition of the industry, haha
While the viewers reveled in the monsters strength,
Ha Eun-eung sensed something wasnt right.
What an extraordinary Yokai. Even the executioner of the Corpse Hill, a master of martial arts, couldnt deflect my sword this perfectly.
Since ying Banyogok,
it was the first time her attack had been so ineffective.
The executioner, with its steel skin,
always hiding in the shadows and waiting for the perfect moment to strike,
was nothing like this.
This monsters arm was both incredibly long and had an unnaturally wide range of motion.
Interesting. Youre not an ordinary human, are you?
Though Ha Eun-eung readied her sword again,
the Yokai in the wardrobe did not charge again.
The terror in the closet. A shapeless, lurking assant. From now on, call me the Boogeyman.
Just as Ha Eun-eung had acknowledged the Boogeyman,
the Boogeyman acknowledged her as well.
A normal human wouldnt have been able to touch the Boogeyman,
whose ability to shift into a ghost-like form made physical attacks ineffective.
Even the Boogeymans powerful blows would not havended on a normal person,
but Silent Swordmasters sword, infused with inner energy,
struck the intangible form with a very real impact.
The shockwave was so powerful
that it was impossible to believe it came from a human.
The Boogeyman had no choice but to acknowledge her.
Wow, impressive, Miss. To be recognized by a Yokai known for its murderous hands, and to kill even its allies.
At that moment,
an insidious, bearded man, dressed like a merchant in a green traditional outfit,
stepped forward with a grin on his face.
I am just a mere Maganom. You may call me that. I inherited the surname of the great Maha-Mud from the great ancestor, though its far from my true worth.
A cowardly human with only one skill. I did not acknowledge you.
Does it matter? The prince himself said my role was only to guide one match to a draw. Please, do not take offense.
Unlike a typical Yokai,
the Boogeyman seemed to have a different temperament.
If this was the kind of human he could endure,
Maganom, too, could undoubtedly contribute.
Yokai diators and human diators,
the sound of heavy footsteps echoed as
a towering, foul-smelling figure appeared,
standing over 3 meters tall,
with hooves and antlers like some monstrous creature between a beast and a human.
An iplete Yokai, a Half-Wendigo.
Maganom rubbed his palms together,
speaking with a sly voice.
A Wendigo is a repulsive half-Yokai, rejected by masters due to its foul smell and rough nature. As a fighter, it''s a poor choice, but its strength and abilities are adequate. Heh, the princes insight is truly excellent.
Silent Swordmaster, along with the Boogeyman, Maganom, and the Half-Wendigo,
now formed a group of four.
Though not a full team,
Ha Eun-eung recognized the individual strength and distinctive personalities of each member,
unlike the ve diators with neck cors she had seen in the streets.
These are the diators Ive gathered. Though the team isnt full, theyll definitely help achieve Mothers goal.
Ha Eun-eung thought to herself,
I didnt expect much, but surprisingly, the prince is quite capable. His poprity... no, is it charisma?
He wasnt just an irresponsible child,
but a tragic prince with a great deal of capability,
and the evaluation of the Yokai Kings illegitimate son in her mind had risen.
If he could once again demonstrate his charisma and unite his diators,
her opinion of him would surely improve even more.
Noticing her gaze,
the prince blushed, a little embarrassed, and hesitantly asked,
Did you like the selection?
Ha Eun-eung nodded, showing her approval of the princes recruitment ability.
Though the others were unremarkable,
the Boogeyman was a formidable opponent in the arena,
so this team would definitely be helpful.
Then, may I ask one small favor?
A request.
The constant probing of weak points.
Ha Eun-eung, despite her slight frown,
felt a pang of weakness in not rejecting him outright.
In the end, she nodded.
Then, I humbly ask for your approval.
With a nervous, sweaty face,
the prince gathered his courage and spoke.
I heard from my father, the Yokai King, that my mother struggled to manage her long hair, so she used a jade hairpin to help tie it.
Ha Eun-eung, who had initially grown wary,
realized with a start that he was offering her a jade hairpin.
She stared down at it, stunned.
Your mothers ebony-like hair must not be harmed in these rough battles. I worry for her, and... I offer you this hairpin.
A gift.
An earnest expression from a man, not a woman.
If you would ept this hairpin...
But as soon as she began epting it,
she wondered if she was merely bing a recement for the Yokai Kings lost mother.
Could she truly ept being a mere symbol of someones recement?
...
Ha Eun-eung couldnt make a decision so quickly,
and as time passed without her epting the hairpin,
the princes expression began to harden.
Chapter 45
In front of the jade hairpin,
Ha Eun-eung and the prince stood frozen.
Only the viewers were visibly frustrated.
Throw it away!
Haha, you can buy that kind of hairpin at the market.
Dont even think about it.
A 13-year-old Silent Swordmaster with a hairpin? No way.
Youve been given it, just take it and toss it aside.
How about giving it to the wandering merchant as a gift?
Wow, even Satan would cry at this level of demonic behavior.
So, if Silent Swordmaster ends up with the mixed-race boy, can we congratte them?
Ill kill that guy, then Ill die too!
To kill him, youd have to see his face first. You think you can cross the Dae-suri threshold?
Hahaha, revenge difficulty is way too high.
No one could engage in personal revenge or interfere,
and those who wished to intervene
were standing beyond a path too treacherous.
The illegitimate child of the Yokai King,
amidst the jealousy of 7,200 viewers,
Silent Swordmaster took the hairpin from the prince.
!!
Ha Eun-eung thought,
Its just a hairpin.
A mere tool for tying hair.
To refuse such a kind gesture from him,
who had gathered diators in such a short time for her,
because of some unease over the meaning of the object
would be an act of abandoning this tragic prince
who had already been abandoned by everyone, starving for maternal affection.
The hairpin is an object for a maiden who hasnt been married yet! Please, stop!
Someone tried to incite her,
A hairpin is simply a tool for convenience for long-haired women. How could it be considered vulgar?
Someone else encouraged her,
The lewd feeling of exposing a white neck in front of thousands... I cant stand it!
And some simply enjoyed the moment.
Silently,
Ha Eun-eung raised her hands behind her head to tie her hair,
as her smooth white neck was revealed,
leading to her fingers sliding down her glossy, polished skin,
capturing attention with her alluring corbone.@@novelbin@@
Through the slightly open front of her attire,
her breathing caused her chest to rise and fall,
teasing the imagination with a forbidden fruit,
making her viewers swallow their saliva.
Maganom and the prince swallowed hard,
unable to contain their excitement.
Is this really the appearance of a married woman?
She truly is my mother. If not her, who else could possibly be a mother to me?
Before them stood the figure of a pure white beauty,
like a delicate porcin statue,
glowing with the brilliance of ivory,
a loving and sacred presence that radiated an enticing maidens grace.
Mama!!!
The neck, I agree.
(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)
(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)
(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)(Hug me emoji)
I now understand the princes grand intentions.
From today, the fanclub of the humanndlord supports the illegitimate princes im to the throne.
The Rhythm Game 8-Key Production Team deres that they will make the Illegitimate Prince''s Extreme 12-Level difficulty.
We dont need the wandering merchant, we only need the sister.
Ill recognize you as Mamas second child.
Whos the first child? Is it the humanndlord?
Me.
Why should Mama take in the Su-Gwi leader? What heinous crime did theymit? Is this some kind of cruel punishment? Even if they were Hitler in a past life, it would be a tough crime to handle, right???
Fuck, if Im good enough, Im a good son, making money and buying high-end capsules for my parents!
Good son chat record: I want to dive into Mamas chest and hug her.
Good son chat record: Mom... Why is the universe cold?
Hahaha, this guys a space orphan.
Oh, if hes a space orphan, I agree.
A space orphan deserves to be hugged by Mama.
While the viewers bickered among themselves,
the princes heart raced before the alluring image of his "mother."
What a pathetic guy. To have such impure thoughts for the kind mother who embraced him.
Despite trying to admonish himself,
for the first time in his life,
he felt a pounding heart,
pleasure that a beautiful womanperhaps the most beautiful he had ever seenwas epting his gift.
The satisfaction and rising desire within him
brought an overwhelming conflict he had never felt before.
Why did I ask her to be my mother?
If she were not his mother,
and if their rtionship were one that could be fulfilled normally,
he would have craved it first,
but standing before the most beautiful being in all the realms,
the embodiment of beauty itself,
all he could do was pretend to be indifferent,
manage his expression, and praise her.
You look well together.
After themotion surrounding the hairpin had passed,
Silent Swordmaster spoke,
The ticket to the arena is the first step to being invited to the pce. The two factions controlling the pce only n to give tickets to their own factions.
As Silent Swordmaster nodded for him to continue,
the prince drew a line in the shadow of the pce on the ground.
The current pce is divided into two territories. The western quarter belongs to my fathers first wife, the Yokai Queen Osotsu.
As the shadow on the western side grew,
a shape resembling a toad appeared.
With a simple stroke, the form was outlined,
and subtle touches entuated the muscles,
the precision of which was so skillful that it could be mistaken for the work of an artist, not a prince.
Osotsus bloodlinees from Oogami. This Yokai, who stole vitality from men and made them sick, is the one who assassinated the Yokai King.
Ah, human women are impressive, but Yokai women are even more so. Ah, please disregard my opinion. I did not mean it toward the beautifuldy.
The prince red at Maganom as if he were about to kill him,
but in his quick recovery, his gaze remained harsh,
a silent promise to never spare him if he looked at him again.
He then continued.
Yokai Queen Osotsu tried to kill me, passing all the me to me after my fathers death. Shes not someone who should be given a ticket.
Same goes for the general.
Wendigo, you said you were a former soldier of the general. I understand your personal feelings, but please wait a moment. I was about to exin.
Next, arge bear-like figure appeared in the shadow on the eastern side.
The eastern quarter of the pce belongs to General Vicro, a loyal general under my father. However, after the Great Yokai Rebellion and the rise of the Yokai Queen, he broke away and formed his own military faction.
Compared to the Queen, he seems much more moderate.
Thats right. We n to obtain General Vicros ticket. Once we enter the pce, well receive his summons. But theres one concern.
The princes expression darkened.
Since I barely escaped the pce with nothing, Vicro has never reached out to me.
With a gloomy look on his face,
he turned to Ha Eun-eung.
Im certain that Vicro harbors ambitions for the Yokai Kings throne. He wont help me easily. But if you wish, Ill dly approach him.
The political power structure of the pce.
The fierce struggles of powerful Yokai for the rightful throne.
Ha Eun-eung could feel a sense of nausea rising within her.
Not only have I been harassed by so many factions and organizations in the martial world, now I have to deal with the political struggles of Yokai in a game too?
The closer she got to the central figures of great power,
the more her life seemed to be miserable.
She had no desire to bear such trials and fatigue any longer.
Thus, Ha Eun-eung made up her mind.
Once her goal was achieved,
she would leave the pce without looking back.
Prince? Sorry, but its an order from the elders. I cant give you the ticket...
She couldnt ept being held up by some street vendors ticket deal,
so she didnt hesitate to jump over the counter,
brandishing her sword at the vendors neck.
Only after this did everyone realize her intent.
Mother?
Ah, I see. The nobledy has hidden great strength beneath her beautiful appearance.
Wendigo, I like strong humans.
.
Chapter 46
[Story Mode]
The Yokai General, Viktro.
Once one of the five generals of the Yokai King,
a powerful figure who fought in the Yokai War.
Though he lost his lord
and the elite troops of the Yokai army followed the great Yokai
into the afterlife,
he stillmands nearly three hundred Yokai
and a thousand and five hundred half-Yokai under his rule.
[Sorry, we lost the prince.]
[The team with the ticket has been hunted down again.]
[Without support from a yokai-based army, we cannot capture the princes team.]
It was understandable that the half-Yokai were whining.
After all, they were fools who could not be true Yokai.
[The prince has a remarkable warrior.]
[Our entire team, except for me, has been wiped out.]
[A regr Yokai is insufficient. We need elite support.]
The Yokai understood their defeat.
After the death of the Yokai King,
there had been a long period of peace.
[The number of casualties among the elite soldiers is rising rapidly.]
[At this rate, wellck the forces to counter the Queens faction.]
But these werent elite soldiers.
They were like extensions of the Yokai Generals own limbs.
The defeat of the elite forces
was equivalent to his own defeat.
Such disgrace
was something the Yokai General was not willing to ept easily.@@novelbin@@
[Deploy the best elite soldiers.]
[Dont let them enter the arena alive.]
[Having one of the two rulers of the pce as an enemy.]
[Let me show the prince how foolish that act truly was!]
The Yokai General spewed his rage.
As his cry echoed, the scene returned to its original state.
[yer Mode]
Ha Eun-eung understood.
This meant an unbearable increase in difficulty
a warning the system had given her.
Beeeeeeep!
Beeeeeeep!
From afar, the sound of a horn red,
and as many Yokai ran about,
the ground trembled.
Mother, it seems our movements have been detected by the Yokai General.
Under Ha Eun-eungs leadership,
they had already hunted down fourteen tickets.
Including the ten tickets they had burned earlier,
only eight tickets remained for the next round of matches.
With three matches leftthe quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals
there were only three matches remaining.
If we need to flee, leave it to me. Ill show you where the term running like a rat originates.
Following the guide of the imp,
they fled in unison,
but the prince, with aplicated expression,
chased after the silent swordswoman ahead.
Her graceful silhouette,
the subtle fragrance left in her wake,
and such things caught his eye,
but he couldnt take his focus off
the extraordinary actions his mother had shown over the past three days.
Baiting the Yokai out with her luring techniques.
The boldness to eliminate two or three enemies in an instant.
Her stamina, enduring three days of light sleep without any exhaustion.
None of it
was ordinary.
Is she... a human, or a Yokai?
Wendigo was filled with strong doubt,
for Ha Eun-eung demonstrated inhuman abilities.
Blessings
[Perfectly Clean] - Your skin stays clean without needing to wash, and your body exudes a feminine fragrance.
[Endless Energy] - You do not need food, sleep, or waste excretion to maintain life functions.
[Enchanting Movement] - Every step, every gesture naturally captivates the hearts of a wide array of people.
These powers stem from the blessings Ha Eun-eung set up when creating her character.
But to those who couldnt understand it,
it was simply an iprehensible phenomenon.
She neither needed food, nor sleep, nor even a bath.
She, with her unchanging beauty,
made Wendigo, the Imp, and the prince feel incredibly inferior after a three-day ticket hunt.
Human, please stop. Were all going to die.
Even Wendigo, who had gritted his teeth to push through the exhausting journey,
couldnt help but show his frustration,
pleading to take a break, as they continued to follow along,
and no one in the princes fighter team dared to ignore her.
Yet, even the surprise of those fighters
was nothingpared to the even greater astonishment felt by others.
Is this thest ze or something?
Please, just stop! Please, just stop!
Isnt this broadcast supposed to disappear after a year?
60 hours of continuous broadcast?!
Wait, is this the physicality of someone whos been ying for 60 hours straight? Doesnt the brain get exhausted after prolonged use?
If a sleep deficit is detected, the system warns you with a forced shutdown, but there was never a warning during the broadcast.
No way, the viewers dropped out first, and the stream kept going in shifts?! Where can you find a broadcast like this in the world?!
Shut up! Do you understand the loneliness of a space wanderer?
Space wanderers are real.
This was all worth it for this day.
The silent swordswoman hid the broadcast time?!
Even when you sleep in the game, your brainwaves stabilize.
She doesnt sleep, though!
The prince tried to make her sleep, but she opened her eyes again after one minute.
Haha, what the heck?
Why cant she sleep?
Fighter teamposition: A yokai whos hidden and unrecognizable, a half-Yokai beast with a foul smell and 3-meter height, a scheming Imp with a mustache, and the prince, a Mamamboy bastard.
This teams level...
Is this a promotion match or what?
I wouldnt sleep if I were them, Id be betraying the team in no time.
Honestly, theyd quit after just one minute of rest, fighting among themselves for a forced surrender. Haha.
Even after all the hours of streaming,
with the silent swordswomans total broadcast time only 2 hours for her third stream,
during the three days of ticket hunting,
she had continued the broadcast for a staggering 60 hours straight.
From luring hunts to stealthy action and escape,
the silent swordswomans activities
throughout the Yokai capital
satisfied the viewers.
As a result, even without her,
there were no other yers who had reached the Yokai capital,
so virtual maps were created,
the main facilities were memorized,
ambush points were marked,
and strategies were created by the veteran yers.
Hey guys, you know? The upgraded version of the silent swordswoman chase mode map is set.
One of them, the relentless and now even moremitted
streamer Eom Gil-dong,
had returned again, tightly attaching himself to the silent swordswoman.
Which is more difficult, the Yokai capital or the Great Forest?
Theres no long jump like the Great Forest,
But still, didnt she cut down 50 half-Yokai by herself? Damn.
The ridiculous thing is, these arent even demon-spirits, theyre just half-Yokai getting ughtered like mobs. Haha.
Speedmaster said in his stream that the Super Critical and Perfect Action hit rate exceeded 40%, so after a few normal hits, one of them dies.
Not usually a topic of discussion,
it seemed the viewers were so used to Eom Gil-dongs broadcasts, where he only showed dying moments while copying techniques,
that his newest version of the silent swordswoman chase wasnt such a big deal to them.
Its going to be released after the broadcast ends, anyway.
But the broadcast never ends.
What is this? Is it a bug? Haha.
How is she staying awake for 60 hours without coffee, cigarettes, or energy drinks? Even when I was studying for exams, I never stayed awake this long.
Household power.
Usually, staying up all night would cause brain deterioration, memory loss, and motor skills to plummet, but the silent swordswoman shows none of that.
No moderation, this bastard.
Haha.
Howe the broadcast time is either 20 minutes or 60 hours?
Fact: 60 hours is still increasing in real-time.
The variance is insane, really. Haha.
I told them to extend the broadcast time, but its going down in mes. No one can match this continuous broadcast.
A woman without a middle.
Eom Gil-dong felt considerable pressure.
The curiosity for the silent swordswoman was enormous,
and so were the expectations for the chase mode.
Even if I memorize the path through early learning, her physical abilities that instantly slice through enemies are the real problem.
While the earlier versions of the silent swordswoman chase mode
involved naval battles with demon-spirits,
where bnce, parrying, and critical hits were keypetitive elements,
the Ver 1.2 and Ver 1.4 updates required all kinds of physical and mental abilities
to sessfully follow the silent swordswoman.
It was practically a total anthology,
requiring every skill the silent swordswoman had shown up until now.
Shes incredible, truly.
You can be strong, but theres a limit.
By now, Eom Gil-dong had stopped feeling jealousy.
While physical masters were often famous for one outstanding skillspeed, strength, martial arts
the silent swordswoman had no weaknesses in any parameter.
Her swordsmanship was overwhelming,
but the techniques that supported it were equally impressive,
showing immense talent that made those who tried to catch up realize a sad proverb:
If a little bird tries to follow a crane, its legs will break.
Wow, I thought all the highlights had alreadye out, but should I include that too?
Even her every moment was a highlight,
so when creating simtions while watching her broadcast,
the work seemed endless.
For the 60 hours of broadcasting,
whenever she took a break,
Eom Gil-dong was forced to update his content after each new highlight,
a never-endingbor of frustration.
Damn, how many of them are there?
Half-Yokai and Yokai are swarming everywhere.
Cant they enter the arena?
If the ticket hunt is sessful, the difficulty of entering the arena increases.
This is bad. Now theres no chance for stealth action or assassination.
While broadcasting for 60 hours,
Ha Eun-eung had produced so many highlights,
and it was now time for her to hit her limits.
She pretended to stand firm, but her body had already reached its threshold.
Even Eom Gil-dong couldnt deny the viewersments.
Well, at least in a way, its fortunate. I can finish my three-day extended work now.
The entire Yokai capital had been turned upside down by the forces of the Yokai General.
Would she give up and end the broadcast?
Charge ahead gloriously to her end?
Or would she carve a new path for her conquest?
Spection was rife,
and even Eom Gil-dong tried to guess,
but as the silent swordswoman took action,
viewers from all over gasped in disbelief,
the main viewers and Eom Gil-dongs 3500 followers alike.
Th-this insane woman!
Damn, she shredded it.
Thest of the 13 men of this era, for real.
Wow, even if shes going down, shes doing it in style.
The silent swordswomans decision was simple.
Charging straight ahead toward the arena,
she cleaved through every enemy in her path.
It was an .
Chapter 47
The Yokai are strong.
Their blood flows differently from humans,
and their history is deeper.
They destroy mountains,
and their rivers run red with blood.
From all walks of life,
they follow a history passed down through generations,
the bloodlines of the powerful.
The Yokai call it the ,
and the Imp exined this to the Silent Swordmaster.
"The Yokai''s inheritance hints at a special ''ability'' that develops in a certain direction. If you understand it, its always to your benefit. This is how I, a weak Imp, have survived."
"Humans. Useless."
"Wendigo is a strong half-Yokai, so even without knowing the inheritance, he has easily beaten enemies. But against a Yokai stronger than him, he can''t win, can he?"
Human wisdom.
The Imp, who had seemed nothing more than a cunning and deceitful being,
unexpectedly revealed this wisdom.
"If you know the inheritance, you can understand the weapon of the strong and recognize their weaknesses."
"Can we kill a Yokai General?"
"At least, your chances of winning would increase by 10%. So, you must remember the quickest way to recognize the inheritance."
By inadvertently joining the ticket hunt,
making countless enemies out of the Yokai,
and now realizing that there was no other way to survive except by relying on this team,
the Imp decided to pass on the valuable wisdom that had protected him all his life to the fighters.
"True name. Every Yokais bloodline has an ''original,'' and that original is called the ''true name.'' Strong Yokai who know this tend to hide their true names and use false ones on the surface, but most of them reveal their true name carelessly."
The Imps eyes briefly flickered toward the Boogeyman,
hidden behind the closet,
and Ha Eun-eung caught it.
The subtle mocking of the thoughtless and foolish Yokai.
True to his treacherous nature,
the Imp sought to take petty revenge on the Yokai, who looked down on humans,
by insulting them with words,
but the Boogeyman didnt even flinch.
It was as though the words of such a small, insignificant creature held no meaning or value.
Wendigo, too,
showed no signs of profound realization.
Only the Bastard Prince
seemed to be thinking deeply,
and after listening carefully,
Ha Eun-eung considered the information worth noting.@@novelbin@@
True name. It would be good to know.
Every time she defeated a field boss,
and every time she interacted with an opponent before parting ways,
the options that appeared in front of her
included "True Name Unveiling" at a notably high frequency.
This showed just how much weight the true name carried in the half-Yokai world.
While her teammates rested for a moment during the ticket hunt,
in the cold and cramped space between cracked walls,
Ha Eun-eung awkwardly crouched, absorbing the wisdom passed down to her.
Some of it she already knew,
some she had never even heard of.
The true names and inheritances of various Yokai,
the Yokai tricks to deceive and how to deduce their hidden true names.
The wisdom built up over ones lifetime
became stored in Ha Eun-eungs mind as knowledge.
But I dont need it.
Holding her sword at an angle,
with a series of rapid strikes at the Yokai blocking her path,
she unleashed a flurry of strikes, like flowers blooming,
clearing the way ahead.
For her, the true name, while nice to have, was ultimately just an unnecessary burden.
Behind her,
the Imp, struggling to keep up,
realized just how insignificant his wisdom was.
Wisdom is something the weak need to survive. For her, it doesnt matter whether she has it or not.
The time spent trying to uncover the true name and solving its mysteries
was far slower than the speed with which she cleaved through enemies with her sword.
She didnt need to search for weaknesses.
With a single sword, she could slice through any enemy blocking her way.
To someone as skilled as Ha Eun-eung,
wisdom was nothing more than the desperate iling of the weak.
The wisdom of the weak
had only that much value.
Just as powerful Yokai had always overwhelmed the feeble tricks of others with sheer strength.
Im sure thedy is strong, too. But theres a decisive difference.
The wisdom of the Imp became meaningless in the face of powerful half-Yokai or Yokai,
who had always looked down on him and mocked him.
Though he could run away with ease,
killing him wasnt necessary.
It was enough to wound his pride.
However, the Silent Swordmaster
never once belittled or insulted the Imp.
With formal gestures,
she would raise her fist with one hand
and use her other hand to gently cover it,
showing a respectful gesture of gratitude.
So thats why the prince calls her mother.
In a world where human lives were as insignificant as insects,
the Imp realized for the first time how pleasant it was to be respected by someone else.
Despite her cold demeanor and stern expression,
this considerate woman, who cared for others,
how could he not call her mother?
But she could never be his mother.
It was the prince who met her first,
and it was the prince who first called her mother.
She was the princes mother,
and the prince was her child.
It was already toote for the Imp to interfere with their rtionship.
Pathetic. Ive lived hearing the insults of being a sly rat,
and now my thinking has be that of a rat.
How dare he harbor impure, private feelings
for the prince he followed and the kinddy.
Thud!
His shoulders faltered when his thoughts strayed,
but the prince quickly grabbed him and steadied him.
Dont fall behind! If youre left behind, youll be swept away!
Unaware of his ugly thoughts,
the prince desperately stayed by his side to make sure he wouldnt fall behind.
And in the Imps heart,
instead of feelings of jealousy,
loyalty began to grow.
Is that a wall? Its too high. Well have to either break in through that door or find another way around.
We cant. We must scale the wall and get over it.
Imp?
Normally, in a situation where a Yokai or half-Yokai was looking down on him,
he could have easily left them to fall into traps and let them deal with it.
If he yed it right,
he could even shake off the prince and be thedys one and only child.
It was the only opportunity for that.
But the Imp resisted all temptation,
pointing toward the eye embedded in the side of the wall.
Thats a wall Yokai. The true name is Nurikabe. If you go around it, the length of the wall extends infinitely, making it impossible to pass through. This Yokai has that kind of inheritance.
At first nce, it seemed like an illogicalw,
a Yokai who defied thews of physics.
But this meant the Yokai was incredibly powerful,
able to deceive the world and reshape its form at will.
It was one of the strongest Yokai in this world.
Is that door even an entry point?
Nurikabe doesnt have a door originally. So, this Yokai is technically a hybrid, a mix of a Yokai and a half-Yokai.
We dont have time.
Even Ha Eun-eung, faced with the endless massive wall,
paused and listened to the Imps exnation,
instead of blindly swinging her sword.
Escaping the encroaching Yokai behind them
depended entirely on the Imps wisdom.
If the Nurikabes body keeps expanding infinitely, the door wont stretch with it. We must target the wall surrounding the door at the center.
The attack point was decided.
The wall around the center door.
To reach that, they needed to ovee onest obstacle.
Two Yokai were guarding the door.
Large Yokai with the heads of horses and cows.
All of these were Yokai the Imp knew.
They are Madu and Udu, Yokai who guard the Hellgate! They have the inheritance of a Hells jailer, so they can bind anyone with their rope. You must never get caught!
Wendigo, who was about to charge ahead without thinking,
was urgently grabbed by the prince.
With his brute strength and reckless nature,
Wendigo would quickly be tied up by the jailers rope.
It was easy to predict.
Mother, its dangerous!
...
Then, the only way to open the path
was through Ha Eun-eung herself.
As she tried to avoid the binding rope and clear the way,
the closet that had been floating behind her, as though it were an afterthought,
suddenly opened the door wide,
and a dark arm, over 10 spans (about 30 meters), stretched out.
The two Yokai, reaching for the rope to bind her hands,
were yanked into the closets darkness
before they could even scream,
disappearing without a sound.
Dont hesitate over trash like them.
...
Though her words were as unpleasant as ever,
it was clear she had grown more amiablepared to their first meeting.
Well done! Wendigo, now its your turn!
Waaaargh!
With a barbaric roar, Wendigo charged,
and with explosive strength from his massive body,
he shattered the wall surrounding the door with a single strike.
My God! The wall of Nurikabe, which stood for five hundred years, has been broken! That thing must have been a veteran from the First Yokai War!
The princes diators are no ordinary people. Theres no way we can beat them.
When the news spread that Nurikabes wall had been breached,
the elite troops who had been pouring in began retreating,
their morale crushed.
A new batch of diators has entered the 32nd round of the main arena. Surprisingly, the one leading them is the bastard prince, who has inherited the Yokai Kings bloodline!
The Silent Swordmaster sessfully broke through the siege
and entered the arena through a frontal assault.
Lee Hae-chan chuckled in frustration.
She changed her swordsmanship again.
The Silent Swordmaster Chase.
Ever since joining this strange content,
he hadnt openly shown it to the viewers,
but secretly, he had always wanted to match her swordsmanship.
Considering his pure swordsmanship skills,
he was confident he was the number one swordmaster among current streamers in Korea.
Corpse Hill, Blood Fountain, Melting Great Forest, Yokai Capital... She uses a different sword style everywhere, and yet every swordstyle she uses is at a high level.
Bro, is it really that amazing?
Pathetic. What good is editing videos all day if you cant even grow your eyes to see it?
But your video made a million views.
Who cares about views? Who cares if they dont know what theyre watching?
Quick to change your stance, huh?
Lee Hae-chan and his video editor,
two close friends outside of work,
often drank and had fun at Lee Hae-chans house.
Being in the profession they were,
they would watch other streamers videos while enjoying drinks,
but Silent Swordmasters streams were always their top priority.
At this moment, however, that fact seemed to be something of a grievance.
The Silent Swordmaster is amazing, but shes only cutting down small fries, right? Isnt the closet monster and beast monster stronger? Looks like shes riding the bus.
Ugh, youre so ignorant. It looks that way because the Silent Swordmaster kills the small fries so effortlessly, but each of those things is an elite mob.
Really?
Far stronger than any specialty demon soldiers. The original bloodlines seem even stronger than those demons.
Oh, I see.
Though the editor just shrugged it off,
Lee Hae-chan, who had actually yed the half-Yokai world,
knew better.
Shes refined her swordsmanship to an extraordinary degree. If she wasnt at that level, she wouldnt be able to do such one-sided ughter.
Just like a boxernding over six punches per second,
she forced her sword strikes into her opponent in a fraction of a second,
each movement flowing smoothly,
and the sword never got stuck in the bones of unfamiliar Yokai bodies.
Every strike she made caused a bloody storm.
This kind of fluidity couldnte from mere short-term effort.
Thats why he felt even more frustrated.
Hed already seen four different sword styles,
and based on his experience,
he knew each of those sword styles would have taken at least five years to master.
Yet, the Silent Swordmaster had demonstrated all of this in actualbat,
showing aplishments that matched his twenty years of training.
Why would you practice four different sword styles when even mastering one isnt enough?
Why does it matter?
Ah. You just want to fight her, dont you?
Ugh, I hate how sharp your eyes are.
The Silent Swordmasters twenty years of achievements were incredible.
He couldnt deny it.
But if shecked depth and had only spread herself thin across four paths,
couldnt someone who had focused on just one path, like Lee Hae-chan,
still defeat her?
Just throw down the challenge. If you want to fight that badly.
Are you insane? You only do that with someone youre close to. Who does that to someone youve never met in real life?
So what are you going to do? Make a promise like Speedmaster and set a date? Lets do it after the half-Yokai world ends.
Are you out of your mind? After this broadcast, Ill be in seclusion for over half a year. I cant wait that long.
The team that submitted the tickets to the arena
ended up with only four remaining,
and it was revealed that other teams, not just the Silent Swordmasters,
had fought among themselves, reducing their numbers.
As the arenapetition heated up,
with the 4th round already underway,
Lee Hae-chan felt his hands twitch in anticipation.
I cant do this. I bet this guy never checks his email.
Bro, do you ssify types of girls too...? Ah, never mind. Put the chicken bone down, lets talk.
Did you check the post about the Silent Swordmaster cosy girl in Myeongho-dong?
The editor quickly tapped on his screen to pull up the info.
I checked, and the match is pretty high. The face recognition says its 99% likely to be her.
For now, well only do private broadcasts.
You going to go check it out?
Theres a lot of outdoor content Ive missed. Ill do all of that in Myeongho-dong, and if I get lucky, Ill bump into her.
If you dont meet her?
Ill track her down. She looks like an Awakener. Ill visit the Myeongho Guild and ask around.
As the speed of the viewers chat on the Silent Swordmasters stream increased,
Lee Hae-chans heart raced.
If he could face off against that incredible Silent Swordmaster
and win,
how thrilling and enjoyable would that be?
Itll have to be after the broadcast ends.
Yeah, I guess.
With the Silent Swordmasters usual broadcast pattern,
he suspected the broadcast would end after defeating the field boss,
but he didnt even know what the field boss looked like.
[New V-Tuber BJ]
[Silent Swordmaster has started streaming.]
[Game - Half-Yokai World (Simiral Sa)]
[ytime - 64:13:02]
[Broadcast Time - 62:07:55]
At 62 hours into the broadcast,
the extreme content creator, Silent Swordmaster,
this tough woman,
seemed determined toplete her 72-hour full-time broadcast.
Chapter 48
The 4th round match.
Ha Eun-eung, stepping onto the arena stage,
was met with the mocking jeers of the Yokai from all directions,
and the tant killing intent of the opposing team yers standing across from her.
Despite the deathly atmosphere that permeated the entire arena,
she did not waver or falter in the slightest.
The whole world seems to be pressing down on me, as if trying to kill one person. It seems theyve already learned that Im human.
Given her shy behavior up until now,
thismotion was to be expected.
The prince nced back, worried that the Silent Swordmaster might feel the pressure,
but soon realized his concern was unfounded.
Mothersposure is truly something I cannot match.
Having faced the murderous intent of the entire martial world,
feeling this kind of pressure was unthinkable for her.
She was as calm as a stillke, undisturbed,
not a ripple of emotion stirring within her.
Her killing intent didnt spread indiscriminately around her.
Instead, she was conserving all her strength,
waiting for the right moment, the right opponent, to unleash it.
[Story mode]
Her gaze, calm andposed, met her opponent''s right after the story mode began.
[The match for the 4th round is a continuous battle!]
[In a 1v1 match, the winner will continue to fight the next yer, and the team that defeats all the opposing teams yers wins!]
[Will the winner of the first match be the bastard prince who carries the Yokai Kings bloodline?]
[Or will it be the son of the Yokai General, Victor, one of the two leading powers of the current pce?]
A continuous battle in the 4th round.
Her first opponent, by a strange coincidence,
was the son of the Yokai General Victor,
who had caused tremendous damage on the way to the arena.
[Just because your father is the Yokai King doesnt mean youre special.]
[Ill bring you down along with all the weaklings.]
Despite the arrogant deration of Victors son,
the prince, recalling his mothersposure,
found his own peace of mind.
[Imp. I know your wisdom is the best among us. Do you have a strategy for the continuous battle?]
[Two strategies. Send the strongest first and win consecutive victories, or save the strongest forst as insurance.]
[The first strategy hides the strength of our other diators, creating variables in the final round.]
[The second allows the earlier fighters to possibly win against stronger enemies, saving the strongest forter.]
[I see. What will you do, mother?]
With the princes question, the idea of a strategy arose.
Interaction Options
[1. Enter as the first fighter.]
[2. Enter as thest fighter.]
[3. Im not the ace, so Ill step in the middle.]
Depending on the order of entry,
there were pros and cons
hiding the strength of the team or conserving stamina.
For a moment, her gaze drifted to the Boogeymans shadow,
but Ha Eun-eung quickly turned away.
Though the Boogeyman was undeniably strong,
he didnt like stepping into the frontlines.
Unless he revealed his true strength,
the teams ace would undoubtedly be Ha Eun-eung.
Take a break, you crazy idiot!!
222
After 62 hours of streaming, youre going in first? Thats crazy.
Youre going to die like this!!
The streamer is literally holding their health hostage to threaten the viewers, lol.
Nah, Silent Swordmaster is insanely strong.
I agree, dont think in terms of regr people.
Even non-regrs would die after 62 hours of non-stop work.
Coding ves can work 160 hours a week, though?
Thats not a person, thats a ve.
Lol.
Coding ves arent even people, they have no human rights.
Why are you suddenly hating on them?
Well... because its fun.
The eviles out of nowhere, lol.
The viewers, considering Ha Eun-eungs health,
suggested she enterst,
but
[?1. Enter as the first fighter.]
As usual, Ha Eun-eung chose the option she wanted,
without hesitation.
Its been a long battle, but I havent exhausted my stamina much.
The key was in her blessings.
Blessings
[Perfect Power] - You dont need to eat, sleep, or go to the bathroom to maintain your bodily functions.
She didnt need food to sustain herself,
which meant she could absorb the necessary energy from the air as she breathed.
Her stamina and endurance allowed her to keep fighting in long battles, naturally recovering her strength over time.
Curse
[Poor Lung Capacity] - Your forced vital capacity (FVC) can never exceed 3.5L, akin to a patient with lung disease.
[Slow Heartbeat] - Your heart beats slower than most, negatively impacting blood cirction and explosive physical ability.
Though the Curse restricted her lung capacity and slowed her heartbeat,
it didnt prevent her from using her internal energy inbat.
She might only use 70% of her strength,
but she could amplify it by over 500%,
utilizing her internal power to make up for the shortfall in her abilities.
The problemy in how much internal energy she used up.
There are two matches left until the finals. I wonder if my internal energy will hold up.
The sword styles she had been using
were the Plum Blossom Twelve des from the Hwasan school.
Compared to the legendary Plum Blossom Thirty-Six des,
this was a simplified, iplete style,
but even so, it could make flowers bloom from the blood and flesh of her enemies.
While itcked in power and versatility due to its iplete form,
its low internal energy consumption allowed for great utility in multi-enemy battles.
However, when it came to one-on-one duels or powerful foes,
its weakness in destructive power was apparent.
For battles against powerful half-Yokai and Yokai, Ill need more power.
Now, she would have to face the most formidable Yokai and diators in the arena,
those with special strengths.
The Plum Blossom Twelve des had reached its limits.
Human woman. Ive heard rumors about you running wild in the streets, but youre clueless about your ce. After seeing this, youll have no choice but to understand.
The monkey-like Yokais appearance reminded Ha Eun-eung of the dangerous monkey Yokai the Imp had spoken of.
Could this be a Yokai from the lineage of the great sage?
With the magical staff that stretched freely and the ability to create clones with hair,
combined with excellentbat skills,
this Yokai was certainly formidable.
My bloodlinees from the Gaguk. We kidnap human women, impregnate them, and then return them after they give birth!
It wasnt the infamous Sun Wukong,
the legendary Monkey King,
but still a dangerous foe.
Is this a monkey?
This is Yasushi!
This is a crime, you crazy bastard.
Are they all in heat?
Finally, the heir of the Demon Lord appears!
Patience will pay off.
Typical RPG games: Lose the battle, get a sex scene.
This isnt an RPG, though.
What the hell? Youre giving the Monkey Yokai to the Silent Swordmaster?
Why is he revealing the true name and inheritance?
I dont know!
Match begins!
At the announcers deration,
the battle restarted.
[yer mode]
The Gaguks eyes gleamed with lust,
scanning Ha Eun-eungs body from top to bottom.
Despite her thick, bloodstained warriors robe,
her cloak, and even the straw hat she wore,
the subtle fragrance she emitted couldnt be hidden.
Her natural feminine curves were evident,
and despite her disguise,
the inheritance of the female detection skill
immediately revealed her gender to him.
He unleashed his Yokai bloodlines full power.
Uwoooo, youre so strong! Even though your chest is small, youre a perfect beauty worth possessing!
His muscles swelled to twice their size,
and veins popped out,
while his unnatural strength increased,
fueled by his desire for her.
This is bad! The new inheritance added to the Gaguks bloodline allows them to grow stronger based on a womans beauty!
Mother, youre strong.
But youre also dangerously beautiful, mydy. This will make the Gaguk even stronger.
The princes face went pale at the Imps words.@@novelbin@@
The Yokai General has sent a Yokai to humiliate mother!
The princes team had built up knowledge of exploiting opponents weaknesses,
but this time, the matchup was horribly mismatched.
Ha Eun-eungs beauty was used against her,
and now her opponent, a Yokai who normally would have been weak,
was empowered by the inheritance.
The result was a powerful blow to Ha Eun-eung.
Mother, forfeit!
The prince urged her to surrender.
It wasnt toote yet.
She could aim for the next match.
But if she insisted on fighting,
she could be harmed by the erged weapon of the monkey Yokai.
Even her purity could be taken from her.
Despite the princes heartfelt plea,
Ha Eun-eung silently drew her sword and prepared for battle.
Ha ha ha! Thats it! Show me that spirit! I like you, woman. Ill make sure you cant even stand on your two legs, Ill break youpletely!
Excitement reached its peak,
and with explosive strength,
the monkey Yokai leaped toward her,
his massive arms and oversized weapon aiming to overpower her.
His physical strength is impressive. His body resembles that of the demon kings or even surpasses them.
Ha Eun-eung made a quick judgment.
His strength was formidable,
but how well could he control it?
Uwoooo!
His eyes widened as he tried to grab her with his powerful charge.
Ha Eun-eung remembered a man who had taught her the Hwasan martial arts.
The Empress will be forced to give up her purity by the Emperors will. It is a tragic fate.
The Hwasan martial arts wont be able to help her, the Emperors order will make even the elders oppose it.
However, as a martial artist from Hwasan, I cannot turn my back on the woman who asked for help. Ill teach you a few of the Hwasan techniques.
As she performed the Plum Blossom Sword technique,
with the grace of a flower blooming in winter,
and the techniques of the Hwasan school,
her movements turned into a battle dance,
avoiding the gaze of the Emperor and the Golden Guard.
The flower that blooms in the most difficult times is the true symbol of grace and dignity.
In between the shy beauty and the w in his stance,
she shifted her angle and moved with precision.
The Plum Blossom Twelve des shattered the limits
of what she had learned and thrust into the bloodlines of her opponent.
The powerful Yokais force was interrupted as his energy rushed backward,
failing to reach his intended destination.
With a loud burst,
the Gaguks body exploded,
his upper half burst open like a balloon,
and his blood sttered all over the arena.
Ha Eun-eung, with her cloak raised,
watched the body of the monkey Yokai,
now in the shape of a plum blossom,
fall from the tree like a broken flower.
That was a close call. Ill forfeit.
I didnt sign up to fight that monster. I forfeit.
I forfeit.
I forfeit.
This is a pointless fight. I ept my defeat.
One strike.
Against a Yokai who had boosted his strength dramatically,
she destroyed him with a single cut.
Instead of facing a master swordsman,
the opposing team yers all forfeited in unison.
Wow, this is unbelievable! The human woman diator from the bastard princes team defeated all the opponents with a single sword strike, causing the entire team to forfeit! What an unexpected victory!!
The announcers deration of victory
was met with roaring cheers from the Yokai crowd,
and explosive reactions from the viewers in the chat.
With this, Ha Eun-eung and her team advanced to the finals of the arenapetition.
Chapter 51
The Youkai King''s Pce.
The servants of the Youkai Queen spoke carefully, eyeing each other.
"The Queen is waiting in the Western Hall."
"I will not go to the Western Hall."
"Ah, the Queen will be angry!"
The servants, looking rmed, tried to stop him, but the prince paid them no mind.
"Was the reason for my mothers visit to the pce to meet with the Queen?"
Ha Eun-eung shook her head.
Her goal was to recover the mirror of Myeonggyeongjisu and return to the In-gyo.
Even if the passage to the In-gyo was with the Youkai Queen, there was no need to meet her before retrieving the mirror.
How could she convey this message?
The pce was practically the princes home.
She couldnt very well break the solid marble floor with her sword to write words.
After a brief moment of contemtion, Ha Eun-eungs gaze fell upon the princes scarred hand.
"Mother?"
Lifting hisrge, thick hand with one of hers, she etched words onto his palm with her other hand.
"!!"
The beautiful skin of Ha Eun-eung tingled as the slightly cooler, yet morefortable body temperature from his hand sent a sensation up to her mind, making her focus all her senses as if her skull had just split open.
The sudden physical contact was overwhelming, yet the prince remained unaffected.
[]
Her mother, without any ill intent, was simply conveying her thoughts by writing on his hand.
"You are looking for a precious item, I understand. The Youkai Kings remaining legacy is not in the Western Hall or the Eastern Hall, but in the Main Hall. Lets head there."
Having expected the prince to head toward the Youkai General after the Queens disgrace, the elite troops of the general were startled by the princes confident, unfazed attitude.
The pce, divided between the two powers of Youkai Queen and Youkai General, showed no signs of weakness from the prince. The thought that the prince wasnt just an ordinary person had crossed their minds, but they never imagined this degree of indifference.
"How pathetic. Go to your master immediately. Who do you think you are, telling the prince what to do?"
Maganom, with a sly smile, mocked them as if fanning the mes of a burning house.
Faced with this direct humiliation, the servants of the Queen and the elite troops of the general turned red and scattered toward the Western and Eastern Halls.
Now, the nuisance that had been trailing them, disrupting their path, was finally gone.
"This way."
Recalling the pce from his childhood, the prince strode confidently toward the Main Hall.
After being robbed by the Great Youkai, and now with the pce abandoned by its masters, the Main Hall, once shared by the Youkai Queen and General, had been desecrated.
When the prince ced his hand on the locked door to the meeting room, it opened automatically, as if the lock recognized its rightful owner, just like a dog finding its master.
"This was where the Youkai King dealt with state affairs. Beyond this, through a hidden door in the library, you can enter the treasure vault where the precious items are stored."
The Youkai Realm.
With the purpose of retrieving the Myeonggyeongjisu mirror and finding the exit to the In-gyo, the prince was close topleting his mission.
Suddenly, a heavy thumping and rattling noise filled the air.
Ha Eun-eungs hand moved instinctively toward her sword.
''It seems like this might be the ce for a boss battle.''
The two masters of the pce, the Youkai Queen and Youkai General, were approaching.
[Story Mode]@@novelbin@@
The audience chamber of the Youkai King.
In the pce, which had lost its master, an abandoned space.
Now, before the illegitimate prince, two massive figures appeared: a toad youkai dressed in brilliant, ornate robes and a bear youkai d in armor.
[As expected from the spawn of a lowly woman, you have no sense of etiquette!]
[You should have crawled here on your knees to apologize, yet you dare sit and summon the Queen, who should be revered like your mother?]
[I dont wish to defend the Queen, but on this day, I must agree.]
[Had you lived quietly, I wouldnt have bothered, but after causing such a ruckus, theres no way youll leave unscathed.]
The Youkai Queen and Youkai General.
The two powerhouses who had taken control of the pce after the loss of its master.
[Prince... ]
[Shut your mouth!!!!]
As soon as Maganom attempted to speak with wisdom, the Youkai Queen inhaled deeply, inting her body to twice its size, then released an earth-shattering roar that shook the entire audience chamber.
[Ugh!]
[Wendigo, my ears are ringing.]
The immense volume of the Queens voice left Maganom in a panic, while Wendigo grabbed his ears in agony.
[Are you so foolish as to follow this lowly wretch?]
[Daring to interrupt a conversation between superiors.]
[Know your ce, you filthy creatures!]
Ovee by the overwhelming intensity and volume, Maganom, sensing danger, quickly retreated, hiding behind a pir in the chamber.
[Sitting on the throne does not make one king.]
[Do you think we left the throne vacant for so long because we didnt know what it meant to sit upon it?]
[Once you sit there, youll be the target of all those who seek the throne. Are you truly prepared for that responsibility?]
The size of the Youkai General, who stood tall at 11 feet (3.6 meters), dwarfed even Wendigos 9-foot (3-meter) stature. He swelled with energy, pressing the prince and his guards, Wendigo and Boogeyman, with overwhelming force.
With the pressure mounting, the princes retreat was palpable, his caution betraying the formidable strength of his opponents.
Ugh...
Wheres the beautiful Queen...?
The Queen will make her move soon.
The Queen must have taken the throne by force. Haha.
This is getting intense, huh?
Havent seen Boogeyman open the wardrobe before a fight.
Wait, are they seriously fighting both of them?
The viewers, sensing the immense power from the two Youkai, could only expect overwhelming strength from such powerful figures. Facing off against both simultaneously seemed like a battle no one could survive, not even the Silent Swordmaster.
[Haha! Youre in a rush. But trying to intimidate us with force wont work. The child you drove out, weak and frail, has now returned as an adult.]
The prince, sitting on the throne, was the only one not cowed by the two powerful figures. He boldly voiced his response, unshaken by their threats.
[Do you hear it? The cries of the people surrounding the pce.]
[The anger of those deceived by power.]
[Even if you kill me with your strength, the peoples fury will burn the pce and you with it.]
[Do you understand?]
[The people are already on my side, and your time hase to an end.]
The two Youkai were taken aback, their eyes reflecting hesitation and confusion.
The miserable, despairing half-youkai, who had barely escaped with his life, was no more.
Sitting confidently on the throne, the prince towered above them, embodying the royal bloodline of the Youkai King.
[So, it was you. You, who pulled thest spark from the muddy street to ignite the me.]
The Youkai Queens hatred was directed at Ha Eun-eung, standing beside the prince, at the same height as him.
In contrast to the Queens explosive anger, Ha Eun-eungs face showed no signs of distress, confusion, or tension.
Her earlier steps had reflected the confidence and unyielding spirit that had always been a part of her.
[Indeed, strength alone is not the answer.]
[Had you been nothing but a rat, I would have crushed you, but I acknowledge that you have earned the right to be cocky.]
In the midst of this tense standoff, the Youkai Queen made a bombshell announcement.
[Fine. I will give up the pce.]
[If needed, Ill allow a few to use the passage to the In-gyo.]
[However, you must kill the Youkai General.]
The Queens animosity turned toward the Youkai General, not the prince.
[This filthy bitch, how dare you betray me!]
[You think youll just take whats mine?]
[Follow me, Prince! We can easily seize the passage to the In-gyo. Imagine a future where we control both the Youkai Realm and the In-gyo. Doesnt that excite you?]
After we dispose of the Youkai Queen, the Great Youkai will follow. Kill all the rulers of both realms and inherit your fathers throne! Youll be the second Youkai King!
The Youkai General did not retreat without a fight either.
Suddenly, a new choice appeared before the prince.
[Interaction Choices]
[1. Align with the Youkai Queen (Youkai General subjugation route)]
[2. Align with the Youkai General (Youkai Queen subjugation route)]
The boldness disyed by the prince and the unprecedented strength of Ha Eun-eung had caused a division between the two powerful Youkai!
For the boss battle that seemed hopeless, a glimmer of hope had suddenly appeared.
[What will you do, Mother?]
The prince, disying blind trust in Ha Eun-eung, never wavering in his allegiance to her, now faced another choice.
As the timer ticked down, Ha Eun-eungs sharp eyes caught sight of Maganom, who was whispering something behind the pir.
[Anbu]
[Toxicity Technique]
A technique distinct from martial arts but using keen eyesight and intelligence to interpret the meaning of lip movements.
They will pretend to ally with us, but once their subordinates arrive, they will betray us.
Now is the chance while they arecent. We can either find the treasure in the vault or escape through the passage to the In-gyo.
If you think both are too risky, we can escape outside the pce. Time is running out, mydy. Hurry up.
Maganoms proposal was clearly read by Ha Eun-eung.
He was subtly suggesting a third path, one outside the choices forced upon them by the two powerful Youkai.
New options appeared, expanding the possibilities beyond the original choices.
[Interaction Choices]
[1. Align with the Youkai Queen (Youkai General subjugation route)]
[2. Align with the Youkai General (Youkai Queen subjugation route)]
[3. Take advantage of the chaos and find the mirror of Myeonggyeongjisu.]
[4. Take advantage of the chaos and find the passage to the In-gyo.]
[5. Escape outside the pce.]
The Youkai Queen and Youkai General were too focused on each other to pay attention to the princes next move.
[After you follow the Youkai General and kill all your enemies, do you really think youll be safe?]
[Can you really defeat the treacherous Youkai Queen and survive the battle?]
The interaction choices blinked relentlessly, urging the prince to make his decision.
[Both of your words make sense.]
[What should I do? Its a real dilemma.]
Watching from his throne, the prince realized that, although he didnt know all the details, Maganom hadmunicated something to Ha Eun-eung.
Pretending to be uncertain, the prince bought time for her to make a decision, giving her the opportunity to choose the best course of action.
This is certainly a great opportunity. If we can avoid the boss battle, recover the treasure, and even escape the field, there would be no better oue.
Ha Eun-eungs purpose foring to the Youkai Realm was to recover the Myeonggyeongjisu mirror and find the exit leading to the In-gyo.
If she could achieve all of her objectives amid the chaos, there would be no need to fight the powerful field bosses and engage in the hard-fought process of determining who would win.
[Time is running out, and the choices are changing.]
[Interaction Choices]
[1. Escape through the passage to the In-gyo.]
[2. Escape outside the pce.]
[3. (Stay and fight.)]
Despite knowing the easy path, Ha Eun-eung did not choose it.
[Interaction Choices]
[1. Escape through the passage to the In-gyo.]
[2. Escape outside the pce.]
[3. (Stay and fight.)]
After three days of traversing life-and-death situations with the Fighter Team, their bond had solidified.
[Interaction Choices]
[1. Escape through the passage to the In-gyo.]
[2. Escape outside the pce.]
[3. (Stay and fight alongside the Fighter Team.)]
She would never run away from herrades.
It doesnt exist in my dictionary.
[? Join the Fighter Team in the subjugation battle.]
As Ha Eun-eung drew her sword, Maganom, Wendigo, and Boogeyman all turned their attention to the battle ahead, trying to avert their eyes from their fear as they prepared forbat.
The Youkai Queen and Youkai General, sensing the confrontation, asked:
[Its time to make your decision.]
[Whose side will you fight on?]
A standoff in the audience chamber.
A boss fight in the pce.
The prince and the Fighter Teams target is...
Chapter 52
The Youkai Queen and Youkai General.
It is foolish to face both of them at once.
Even if one were to take on both, it would be ideal to target one first, betray the other, and then face them consecutively.
Ha Eun-eung was not foolish enough not to know this.
If it were a normal boss battle, I would have gone with that approach.
But now its different.
The Youkai Queen and Youkai General are both power yers, and they have many subordinates.
Most of those subordinates are Youkai with special abilities and inheritances.
As the numbers grow, Ha Eun-eung and the Fighter Teams strength alone will not be enough to withstand the pressure.
They must be aware of that fact too.
So, the Youkai Queen took the first move and made a proposal.
Lets take out the formidable Youkai General first with their help.
And when the subordinates arrive?
They will immediately attack this side with them.
Once all rivals are eliminated and power is secured, the grievances outside the pce no longer matter.
The winner will already be decided, and all the spoils will be theirs alone.
Whether the Youkai General anticipated this strategy or not, Ha Eun-eung thought, the oue would be the same.
[Final Choice]
[1. Ally with the Youkai Queen (Youkai General subjugation route)]
[2. Ally with the Youkai General (Youkai Queen subjugation route)]
Therefore, she did not align herself with either of them.
[3. Face both simultaneously. (Simultaneous subjugation)]
It was the most foolish and the most difficult option, but
[? 3. Face both simultaneously. (Simultaneous subjugation)]
Thus, she chose the only correct answer.
A decision that was only possible because Ha Eun-eung, with absolute confidence in her abilities, was willing to face it head-on.
[To think you would make an enemy of us both.]
[Well show you that your arrogance was nothing more than foolishness.]
The names of the two powerful Youkai turned red as
[yer Mode]
The long-awaited boss battle had begun.
At the moment Ha Eun-eung decided to take on both formidable foes at once,
the massive audience chamber, designed to amodate even thergest Youkai,
felt like the very air itself had changed, as if plunging into the depths of the sea,
the weight of the atmosphere intensified.@@novelbin@@
Quick, break the first-person sensory link!!!
Oh no, somethingsing, it''s insanely powerful!
What was that?? Why does it feel like Im being hit by a car?
The viewers, merely sharing the sensory link, felt their bodies being crushed under the weight and began frantically breaking the link,
but the one person who couldnt escape the immense pressure was Ha Eun-eung, who stood firm before it.
[I''ll crush you like insects.]
Itsing.
Ha Eun-eung lowered her stance, trying to avoid the attack, and as she attempted to retaliate with a counterstrike,
her eyes widened in shock.
It grazed her.
Even with her signature counter swordsmanship, which had brought her to this point,
Ha Eun-eungs left arm, which was covered from wrist to elbow in protective armor,
burst with a loud bang, splitting vertically.
Did she just dodge that?
But why did damage still go through?
Somethings different about this...
Ha Eun-eung, who had never once been imagined to lose against any foe due to her incredible skill,
left the discerning viewers to quickly realize what had gone wrong.
The basic physical stats are just too different.
She reacted, but her body couldnt keep up with the speed.
The size difference alone makes it weird for this to be a fair fight.
Weight ss. Strength.
The disparity in offensive and defensive power thates from overwhelming physical ability.
Even Ha Eun-eung''s precise swordsmanship couldnt handle such high specs.
Since she hadnt inherited any Youkai bloodline, she hadnt benefitted from any natural enhancement of physical stats,
and this weakness was now being exploited perfectly.
With standard breathing techniques, I can''t win.
Ha Eun-eung, never one to overlook such a deficiency, wasnt fooled by her own limitations.
As she invoked the internal martial arts technique, raising her internal energy efficiency to its utmost limit,
she prepared the Eight Major Connection Technique
˴BM
Tanhap Mangok
Ϟ
For the first time, Ha Eun-eung used a four-tierbo after relying on just basic and applied techniques to deal with opponents.
Wow!!!
Isnt that insane speed with the sword?
Can she really do that??
She had no intention of dragging this out into a long battle.
In a boss fight, if reinforcements arrive, the chances of winning disappear.
To win, its crucial not only to defeat the boss but to do it quickly.
For that, the certainty of victory against this overwhelming Youkai General is needed.
My confidence lies only in my swordsmanship. My experience in reaching the highest level. Even if its a limited martial art, as long as its one I have personally mastered, I believe I can transcend the difference in skill.
She could ovee the gap in levels.
[Incredible. Is this really human swordsmanship?]
TAN - Fired like a bullet.
HAP - Focusing all power into one point.
WAN - Curving like a wave.
GOK - Capturing the mystery of bending.
The continuous strikes of Tanhap Mangok came without pause,
and the incredible precision of Ha Eun-eungs sword left scars on the Youkai General Vigtros hide,
sending powerful waves of shock through his muscles beneath the thick skin.
Changing to Just Action since Crit didntnd? Is this for real?
The swordsmanship deployed with internal energy from the martial world,
not by its sheer power but by the intricacies within, was something the viewers slowly began to understand.
Whats the difference between the two?
Isnt the Just Action essentially the same as a Critical?
Critical targets weaknesses, but Just Action enhances your strengths.
Only after the exnation from a professional martial arts instructor did the viewers finally understand the nature of the battle.
Against Executioners, Demon Lords, or Youkai Immortals,
Ha Eun-eung had always targeted her opponents weaknesses.
But now, she was pushing through with a powerful offense, almost forcing Critical-level damage on an enemy without any noticeable weaknesses.
This was a powerful attack relying solely on the practitioner''s capability, executed wlessly with just one sword.
She overwhelmed him.
The massive Youkai General was steadily worn down, umting wounds from Ha Eun-eungs sword.
But this was a boss battle, and there were two opponents, not one.
[Kiaaaah!!!]
Ugh, my eardrums!
It feels like my ears are actually splitting!
Even though I disconnected the sensory link, why does it feel like my whole body is shaking?
The Youkai Queens ear-piercing shriek,
a cry that rattled the soul, broke Ha Eun-eungs bnce, which had reached its peak in swordsmanship.
[Queen. To think the day woulde when I would need your help.]
[Why are you wasting time? You must have figured out by now that that human isnt using the artifacts full power.]
The Youkai General, freed from his disadvantage by the Queens help,
his muscles bulged even further, transforming him into a beast that far surpassed a mere animal.
Its the advanced effect of the Beastline Inheritance, !
As Maganom shouted, the Youkai General moved.
His massive body filled the entire front of the battlefield, charging with the intention to crush Ha Eun-eung like a bloody pulp.
A simple but wless charge that maximized the power of his well-trained body.
[Bojeop]
[Nakhwayuso Bo]
The technique of falling flowers and flowing water, which harmonized the bodys bnce.
The bnce was split into two parts, eachplementing the other.
Ha Eun-eung, countering the powerful attack, sessfully dodged,
like a gust of wind, her cape pping wildly as she narrowly avoided the devastating blow.
She couldnt afford to let it pass, even a little.
Ha Eun-eungs face, despite the remarkable evasion, showed no joy or satisfaction.
Rather, she felt an immense sense of danger.
The Youkai Generals massive body, like a massive rock soaring from a mountain,
could not be brushed off by the flowers falling or the flowing water.
His assault surpassed the destructive power that Nakhwayuso Bo could handle.
We have to stop the Queen!!
As Ha Eun-eung missed her opportunity, the Youkai Queen closed in,
her massive ws gripping the Boogeymans neck tightly,
lifting the Queens massive body into the air.
Jump! Wendigo, stop the Queen from leaping!
nk! Thud, thud, thud!
Damn, reinforcements already!
The Queens eerie shriek echoed, and her servants hammered the door to the Western Hall.
Wendigo, stuck between the door and the Queen, hesitated for a moment,
and in that instant, the prince rushed toward the Youkai Queen.
[Will you let them escape?]
[Crack...crrrk...]
The prince, sensing the Queens imminent leap, pulled out a hidden dagger from his belt and aimed it at her leg muscles.
Crash!
The Queen leapt so high, nearly colliding with the 20-meter high ceiling of the audience chamber.
Her body mmed against the walls and ceiling, sending shockwaves through the room,
and both the Boogeyman and the prince couldnt withstand the force, crashing to the floor.
The Queennded roughly, and as she regained herposure, her fierce eyes locked onto the prince.
[Youve always haunted my mind. The bastard child who stole the love, attention, and everything from my master. I cant take it anymore. Ill end your life first!]
[Dont worry about this. No matter what happens, keep the door locked, Wendigo!]
Blood-stained hands clenched,
the prince and Boogeyman stood before the Queen, ready to fight to the death,
while Wendigo blocked the Western Hall door,
temporarily halting the Queens reinforcements and aiding in the fight against her.
The battle between Ha Eun-eung and the Youkai General continued, one-on-one.
This is the turning point of the strategy.
If she defeats the Youkai General here, there is still hope for victory.
But if this opportunity slips away,
the chances of winning the simultaneous subjugation are gone.
To deal damage against the overwhelming charge of the General,
how much energy must be spent to ovee the massive disparity inbat power?
This is no ordinary fight of skill orbinations.
In this showdown,
to win in a one-on-one,
requires even greater ability than what is currently being shown.
In this showdown, to win in a one-on-one, requires even greater ability than what is currently being shown.
The explosive charge of the Youkai General.
To dodge and counter it requires massive amounts of internal energy consumption.
Furthermore, to deal meaningful damage demands even more internal energy.
Ha Eun-eung couldnt afford to keep using this technique repeatedly.
But, at this moment, she was lucky.
[Youre truly impressive, human. To think you could unleash suchbat power with a human body.]
[If this wasnt apetition for Youkai supremacy, I would have fought with all my might, but the timing is wrong.]
[Dont call me cowardly. This is a strategy to win.]
The Youkai General was on the brink of overpowering Ha Eun-eung,
but he made a critical mistake in judgment.
[You must be using the artifacts power, but the activation condition hasnt been met, has it? Ive figured that much out.]
"...?"
[You can only use it when you exert your full power. Its a special inheritance sword technique, but the activation condition is still not fulfilled.]
Ha Eun-eungs unbelievablebat strength, disyed through her swordsmanship, was still impossible for the Youkai General to believe.
Her opponent, who had assumed she was using some form of enchanted weaponry, realized that she was relying on her own strength rather than any external aids.
The Youkai General backed off, taking a defensive stance, realizing that Ha Eun-eung was the greater threat.
[Even if I dont kill you now, over time, the princes forces will fall apart.]
[You will crumble before my impregnable defense.]
Despite the immense strain, Ha Eun-eung had an opportunity.
The Youkai Generals assault had slowed down, and the critical moment for the battle had arrived.
This was the moment to win.
Chapter 53
3.
All martial artists will eventually face the wall of limits in their skills.
No matter how diligently they strive,
there is a gap they cannot ovee.
The first of these walls is called the wall of internal energy by martial artists.
How can you im to be a martial artist when you cannot surpass the limits of physical ability?
However, even internal energy is not all-powerful.
Even if one gains superhuman destructive power or speed,
there are still limits that are difficult to surpass.
The second wall, which cannot be ovee, is called the wall of steel by martial artists.
How can you call yourself a true martial artist if you cannot cut through the armor of soldiers who protect their bodies?
These discourses came from a time when the mutual non-interference rule between the government and martial artists was broken.
In times when soldiers wearing armor openly attacked martial artists without the martial artists badgean official certificate from the emperordestroying entire ns.
Martial artists, in response, sought methods to cut through armor, turning to techniques that focused not on the body but on the outside.
Wrap the energy around the outside. Strengthen the cutting power of the sword rather than the body, and there will be nothing it cannot cut through.
Thus, Kenki (sword energy) was born in the martial world.
Martial artists who wielded sword energy could cut through anything and reform the principle of non-interference with the imperial government.
Crash!
And now,
the product of breaking through the wall of steel,
the mysticism of Ogichunggeom (䄦)the filling of the sword with energy
was used in an attack where energy was packed inside and outside the sword.
However, it failed to break through the Youkai Generals defense and bounced off.
Ah!
It didnt break through?
MK2, todays the day! Die, Silent Swordmaster!!
Theyre trying to kill the original to use MK2! Haha.
But seriously, this is tough.
If the damage doesntnd, we cant win.
Viewers, unable to hide their shock, watched as the battle seemed increasingly unfavorable.
But only two peopleHa Eun-eung, who swung the sword, and the Youkai General who received the attack
understood the hidden exchange in that brief moment of deadlock.
It definitely chipped away.
If it pierced even once, Id be in serious trouble!
The energy packed into the sword could change the attributes of the sword depending on how it was used.
Ha Eun-eungs mysticism was the Breaking Mysticism.
PA - Break
HAE - Scatter
The nature of energy that forces consumption and depletion
collided with the target areas Youkai power, forcibly breaking through it.
The defensive steel wall and energy shield
were shatteredyer byyer with brutal force.
Oops. I fell for a humans trick. Its already toote to change my stance!
This kind of opportunity wonte again.
Originally, this battle should have been fought with overwhelming physical strengthusing the blessings of the Youkai bloodline and the immense physical ability from repeated cycles.
The Youkai General should have researched his inheritance techniques and found the weaknesses to nullify them.
However, neither Ha Eun-eung nor the viewers realized that this battle was, like the Executioners fight with the Hill of Corpses, a forced defeat event.
It was impossible to ovee for a first-time yer.
Only after gaining many experiences and building up specifications could a yer truly confront the past and challenge their revenge in a subsequent round.
I cant lose.
Ha Eun-eung, who recognized the half-youkai valley as not merely a game but another reality where natural energy exists,
refused topromise, drop her sword, or give up, despite the inevitable revenge that might one daye.
If I lose this fight, everyone who believes in me will die.@@novelbin@@
The illegitimate prince, bloodied, still clung tenaciously to the Youkai Queen.
The Boogeyman, fiercely extending his arms, joined the battle.
Wendigo, single-handedly blocking the entrance, prevented the Youkais entry.
Maganom, seeing through the two Youkais techniques, offered timely advice.
All theserades, who had crossed countless life-and-death situations over the past three days,
would now fall, coughing up blood, their bodies turning cold in tragic deaths.
Such a tragic oue, a harsh reality where only one survives, had already been experienced.
It doesnt matter how many shields I break through.
No matter how thick the walls of energy are, Ill break through them.
Faster.
Deeper.
Swing the sword.
Once.
Twice.
Four times.
Ten times.
As the speed of the sword increased, the Youkai General finally realized his mistake.
It wasnt the sword. It was the humans energy!
The ability forged throughplete devotion to their craft.
Ha Eun-eungs technique, aided by energy, ripped apart the Youkai Generals formidable physical defense.
This energy went beyond the physical prowess of the Youkai General; it was a force that could deny the very principles of Youkai power.
No. A human like this should not be allowed to live!
If the Youkai General had been overwhelmed by sheer force,
he might have truly submitted to the extraordinary power beyond even the strongest Youkai.
But this was different.
He couldnt ept it.
The destruction of the power that had been built through the ages, the breaking of the foundation of the Youkai power, was something no Youkai could withstand.
Crash!
Ha Eun-eungs sword shattered the massive armor covering the Youkai Generals body.
As control over his body slipped away, Story Mode was activated.
4.
[Story Mode]
Starting from Phase 1 with the basic Youkai form,
moving into Phase 2 with the higher effect of the Beast Inheritance, Monsterification,
and now, having broken through the Rock Transformation defensive stance in Phase 3,
the battle that should have ended long ago still raged on,
and the Youkai Generals momentum was different from before.
[I''ve heard of it. Human bloodlines are weak and cannotpare to the strength of Youkai, but some special bloodlines possess powerparable to Youkai.]
[Humans who negate Youkai energy and wield the power of Breaking and Dismantling through years of umtion.]
[To think the heir of that lineage is right in front of me.]
Having inherited the legacy of the Executioner,
passed down from the Sanchongdok and melting the Great Forest of the Old Tree,
Ha Eun-eungs own inheritanceExecutioners Legacyhad been built through countless battles.
Her brutal pursuit of revenge against half-youkai and Youkai,
now at the stage where she could challenge the Youkai General Vigtro.
[As the strongest Youkai, seeing an heir to the Executioner, the natural nemesis of all Youkai, I wont hold back.]
[You im to be the strongest in the In-gyo? Youve awakened the blood thats been dormant for so long.]
[Witness the power of Vigtro the Avnche!]
Like a hibernating bear waking to store energy for theing battle,
the Youkai General Vigtro unleashed the massive amounts of Youkai energy he had been saving for ages,
his power now zing in a magnificent disy.
Before his final phase even began,
the chatroom exploded.
Didnt they just mention Anti-Magic?
Wait, but no skills were learned?
How is Anti-Magic already appearing???
Isn''t that supposed to be an ultimate skill from the skill tree, something you get at the very end??
Didnt even visit the Seers temple?? No skills? How is this possible???
The viewers realized what had just urred,
and Ha Eun-eungs tactic of Breaking and Dismantling had surpassed all expectations,
redefining what it meant to be a half-youkai in this world.
[yer Mode]
The strongest Youkai of the Youkai Realm and the strongest human from the In-gyo.
The two forces collide.
Chapter 54
1.
The ability of Breaking Mysticism.
A power that uses deep internal energy as a weapon to overwhelm opponents with energy maniption, specialized in dealing with highly skilled masters from major martial factions or the imperial pce.
This ability was incredibly effective against the Youkai General as well.
It was certain.@@novelbin@@
[The Nine Lives of the Beast, The End of the World]
"In the end, the lonely beast standing at the end of the world reigns alone over all."
Even the might of the Anti-Magic power would not be enough to destroy this bodys Youkai Energy before the users demisees first!
The immense Youkai energy umted by the strongest Youkai in the Youkai Realm.
This vast energy was so formidable that even the Anti-Magic powers could not easily disrupt it.
As Ha Eun-eungs sword advanced by just a few centimeters,
three shockwaves erupted from the Youkai Generals entire body.
Dust clouds churned the earth beneath, and powerful gales rushed through, shaking the ground so violently that even standing became difficult.
A forceful punch, charged with overwhelming power, was closing inone that would knock her out with a single blow if not deflected.
Aaagh, I think Im losing my mind!!
Im a raid leader from Epic Fantasy, but now Im failing the sensory link in the Silent Swordmaster stream???
Raid record breaker!
S-ranked Mephisto, Demon General at Nightmare Difficulty, cleared in 550 levels.
No way, haha! The one who cleared that is now getting destroyed here?
How am I supposed to survive with shockwaves hitting three times per second???!
45 viewers.
Aaaah! Everyone, run! The patterns have upgraded!!
What the hell, why does that giants fist suddenly glow like that?
If you block, youll die, sis!!! Its a fatal move!!
The f... I cant escape, and Im forced out of the link. Haha.
How are these people holding on with 1st-person link? Are they managing to endure like this?? Im in awe.
38 viewers.
Wait, is something about to hit my mental defenses?
Whats that?
Haha, I cant believe how many will be gone soon.
Bye now, you wontst much longer.
Tell me whats happening you bastards!
32 viewers.
Pain tolerance syncdown, mental coordination too... Why is holding the 1st-person view in a raid this difficult?? Its insane!
Thats because youre all crazy professionals.
These guys are all former high-level yers from different games, right?
Im a 16-level rhythm game world record holder for Nightmare difficulty.
Rhythm game??? How is a rhythm game expert surviving this?
Every time a shockwave and power movees, I''m switching my pattern at 8-key set-up as if it''s a rhythm game, haha.
Its tearing me apart.
Damn, I dont think I can win against this madman anymore, haha.
I will never disrespect rhythm gamers again.
27 viewers.
With each passing second, the 1st-person sensory link survivors grew fewer.
This was a rare spectacle even in streams of top-tier physical streamers,
and yet, in this streamstill in its fourth broadcastSilent Swordmaster was presenting a deadly challenge that not even the top-tier streamers could handle.
How did the top-tier streamers perform?
Speedmaster had 33 survivors in the fastest match out of 120,000. Almost everyone was thrown out because it was too intense, haha.
HealthMonster cleared 7 out of 80,000 with extreme weight training. It felt like his muscles were tearing apart, it was insane.
Professors Epic Fantasy Magic Tower promotion exam had the highest survival rate with just three survivors out of 90,000. They were all 6th-circle mages, haha.
Why is no one mentioning the highest record? The All-Kill!
ck?
Honestly, the All-Time Legend is ck. He holds the unique and first-ever All-Kill record in the country.
Thats...
Yeah, weve got experience, but I never thought Silent Swordmaster would wipe us out like this, haha.
The remaining few survivors of the 1st-person sensory link were all renowned ranked yers from other famous games.
For top-ranked viewers, there was one pride they held:
The sensory linkpletion record achieved by surviving in 1st-person mode in someones broadcast.
Or the survival record in extreme sensory link conditions, staying alive till the end.
The survival badge provided by the VTube tform was a coveted honor among viewers, as prestigious as a military decoration!
Honestly, in other fields, I was exploring hidden routes with low specs, so I was surprised, but sensory link itself was manageable.
Back then, Silent Swordmaster was only using base attacks and not dealing any damage, haha.
Honestly, Im in too much pain. Im trying to reduce physical damage by lowering the sync rate, but the pain just wont go away.
If it hurts this much, just give up, crazy! The streamer is fine, but we, the viewers, are getting post-death trauma.
It doesnt hurt at all though?
Yeah, the HealthMonsters deep-sea experience was less painful when we reached 4,500m depth.
This is like the example of a sparrow trying to follow a stork and getting its legs broken. Only yers like me, tanking and taking hits, can survive this.
Thats enough, just stop getting hit.
On the surface, everyone wasughing and chatting casually,
but the true thoughts of the sensory link survivors were far from lighthearted.
It hurts like hell, just get out of the way so I can get myst survivor badge!
I passed out at 2,300m in the deep-sea broadcast, but this is worse.
Never felt this much pain while tanking hits, you bastards, just let me live!
The sensory link survivors were all doing whatever it took to survive, even aiming for the final 10 survivors badge in their quest to oust everyone.
[So this is the human power the Youkai General acknowledged.]
[I admit your strength.]
[Therefore, I will also bet on this final strike. Human, do you ept it? A blow that contains the essence of 120 years of Youkai energy.]
The battle between the strongest forces has reached its peak, with Ha Eun-eung emerging victorious. The intensity of the showdown, marked by powerful and overwhelming blows, tested the limits of both physical and mental endurance. Heres the continuation and final resolution:
As the Youkai General''s overwhelming power collided with Ha Eun-eung''s sword, the atmosphere grew thick with energy, intensifying the battle. His final strike, infused with a deadly surge of power, seemed nearly unstoppable, but Ha Eun-eungs skill was unparalleled. The sh of their powers reverberated throughout the battlefield, creating shockwaves that tore through the ground.
The remaining spectators watching through the 1st-person sensory link felt the force of the battle as though they were living it themselves. As they tried to withstand the enormous pressure, many were left breathless and on the verge of copse.
"This is insane! Is this even possible?"
"I can''t take it anymore! It''s too powerful!"
"My senses are overwhelmed. I can''t keep up!"
The battle had be a true test of will and endurance, with Ha Eun-eung''s precision and skill on full disy. Her sword, sharp and determined, moved through the air, cutting with the force of her umted energy. The Youkai General, despite his massive power and brute force, could not withstand the sharpness and speed of her strikes.
"I cant believe it. Shes cutting through his defenses!"
"This is more than just swordsmanship. It''s like she''s in a different league!"
The Youkai General, once considered the pinnacle of strength, was now on the defensive, his overwhelming energy struggling to hold against Ha Eun-eung''s calcted strikes. Despite the ferocity of his attacks, the overwhelming pressure from Ha Eun-eungs de was too much. In the end, the blownded, breaking through the Youkai General''s defenses, leaving him vulnerable.
"She did it! She defeated him!"
"Unbelievable, the strongest Youkai General has fallen."
With the General defeated, the once overwhelming threat was no longer standing. Ha Eun-eungs victory signaled the end of this monumental battle. The remaining viewers, who had endured the deadly battle through the 1st-person sensory link, could hardly believe the oue. Only a handful remained, witnessing firsthand the result of Ha Eun-eung''s victory.
Victory Achieved!
Ha Eun-eung stood victorious, having proven that even the strongest forces could be ovee with the right skills and unwavering resolve. The battle had been grueling, but in the end, her technique, honed through countless trials, had triumphed.
Chapter 55
1.
The course of the Simultaneous Raid battle should not have gone this way.
The powerful dual bosses, the Youkai Queen and the Youkai General.
One by one,rades were falling.
The two bosses were toying with thest yer standing.
After being defeated by the overwhelming difference in strength, the yer found themselves trapped in the pces underground sewer.
Before the yer was trapped, the two bosses enemies, who were already trapped in the sewers, came into contact with each other. The yer learned of information that could send the Youkai General out of the capital, used the Queens weakness to weaken her forces, and then, after weakening her, killed the Queen. Before the Youkai General could return, they nned to escape to the human realm!
Failure and revenge.
Ambush and escape.
This was the storyline prepared for the yers who had first visited the Youkai Realm.
[A human who defeats the Youkai General in singlebat... how could I possibly face them?]
[What is the use of continuing this pointless battle? I surrender.]
Defeating the Youkai General through sheer skill, and forcing the Youkai Queens surrender, was never the intended course of action for this storyline.
"Is this how its supposed to break?"
"I dont know."
"Theres only one person whos done it, this is the real route, lol."
Viewers expressed doubt ifters would be able to follow this strategy. But despite these doubts, the story continued.
2. [Story Mode]
The boss battle was over.
The once mighty Youkai Queen now knelt before the Prince, who stood, battered and broken.
[You killed my father and brought ruin to the Youkai Realm, and now you''ve lost even the power you fought so desperately to seize. Don''t you think this is a just end?]
[Heh. No matter how much I beg for my life, you will not deceive my heart. Did you truly think that neither you nor your son were at fault in all of this?]
The Youkai Queen spoke.
[Oogama. Since awakening the lineage that consumes human energy, no living thing, not even beasts, could survive near me.]
[The cursed power of my blood, which causes all those around me to fall ill and die, brought me a lonely solitude.]
Despite her massive, grotesque form, the once feared, ruthless Queen revealed a side that had been unexpecteda sharp contrast to the image of the tyrant she projected.
[And yet, before me, a foolish fool appeared, iming that with their own strength, they would not die by my side.]
[After years of loneliness, I finally understood what love was. That was my husband, the Youkai King.]
[Those were happy days. The joy of being a woman, the happiness of being a wife, the dignity of being a queenthings I never thought I would experience.]
She paused, as if questioning her right to relive her past, as an interaction prompt appeared before Ha Eun-eungs eyes.
Interaction Choice
[1. Kill the Queen.]
[2. Cut off her words, iming that you do not wish to listen to her pitiful excuses.]
[3. Hand the Queen over to the Youkai outside the pce.]
[4. (Remain silent.)]
Kill her, silence her, or hand her over to hostile forceschoices leading to an unfortunate end.@@novelbin@@
"111"
"22"
"111"
"She deserves to die after what she did."
"LOL"
"1111"
"People with brains are scarier than those with muscles."
"If she betrayed her subordinates, how much more cunning must the Queen be?"
As viewers expressed disbelief, the fighters also showed animosity.
[The treacherous betrayer should die.]
[For once, I agree with Wendygo. Look at all the atrocities the Queen hasmitted. Theres no reason to listen to her anymore.]
[ ]
[Even the Boogeyman is nodding in agreement.]
Despite hisck of action, the Prince was deeply troubled.
[What do you think, Mother? Do we really need to listen to the Queen any longer?]
The prompt blinked once more, urging a decision. Ha Eun-eung locked eyes with the kneeling Queen. The Queen''s gaze, filled with resentment, was it due to the humiliation of defeat? Or the fury of lost power? Or perhaps, was she thinking of something else entirely?
[?(Remain silent.)]
Ha Eun-eung, now longer living as a man but a woman for a considerable time, became curious.
As a woman, a wife, and a Queenhow had this woman, who once knew such happiness, ended up in her current plight?
Upon signaling her intent to hear the Queens story, the Prince nodded, and the fighters suppressed their dissatisfaction.
[After the Youkai King united the Youkai Realm, instead of fighting among themselves, the Youkai began seeking expansion into the human realm. The Second Youkai War began, following the first.]
[They conquered vast territories, looted human treasures, and enved many humans for food or livestock.]
[Then, one day, the King of a small human nation sent his daughter as a tribute, pleading for mercy.]
The Prince asked:
[Was that daughter my mother?]
[Yes. She was so beautiful, a beauty beyond words. Even a servant could not ignore her charms.]
[It did not take long for the Youkai King to fall for her.]
The second Youkai war, the spread of Youkai blood in the human realm, and the many atrocities of the Youkai King were all the result of a single plea from a woman.
[Instead of fighting and dying, humans and Youkai would live together. When my husband spoke of that dream, I could not stop him.]
[No matter how foolish the dream, I knew it was the right path.]
[Though Iy alone for many nights, I knew that if I endured this suffering, peace woulde.]
Even though peace was achieved, it cost a Youkais heart.
[Six years passed.]
[When you were five, I saw you for the first time when you came to visit me. At that moment, all my hatred was gone.]
[For the sake of the children, I thought peace wasnt so bad.]
Unable to contain his anger, the Prince shouted.
[Then why, why did you kill my father?]
[That night, your mother came to me. She said that thanks to my sacrifice, thanks to my ignorance, she could enter the pce.]
[She said the Youkai Kings heart belonged to her, and it would not be hard for her to control him. She told me to leave or face a fate worse than this.]
[Thats impossible!]
[She didnt love the Youkai King. She only sought vengeance for the death of the humans who were in in the war.]
The Prince drew his assassination de.
[Dont you dare speak ill of my mother!]
[Yes, that was her expression. She, the woman who spoke of peace while ending the war, was driven by revenge.]
With the Princes sword drawn, the Queen closed her eyes and said:
[So, I killed him.]
After these words, a new interaction prompt appeared before Ha Eun-eung.
Interaction Choices
[1. Kill the Queen.]
[2. (Allow the Prince to kill her.)]
[3. (Stop the Prince.)]
The Princes rage consumed him as he attempted to strike down the Queen. Ha Eun-eung realized the true nature of the Youkai Queen and the Princes actionsthey were both victims of circumstances beyond their control. Each one was trapped in the cycle of revenge.
3.
[yer Mode]
As her physical freedom returned,
and the sound of the sword embedding itself into flesh echoed again and again,
Ha Eun-eung''s mouth remained tightly shut,
never once opening.
It wasnt because she couldnt speak.
She was simply caught in a deep inner conflict.
The decision the Prince had madeto wash away blood with more bloodwas one that left her wondering
which blood was the cause of all this.
Was it because half of him was Youkai?
Or was it because he was also human?
What had caused both the Prince and her to suffer?
"Is this the artifact you were looking for?"
The creature, looking around cautiously, handed over the mirror.
Ha Eun-eung nodded slightly in acknowledgment,
expressing her gratitude.
Even when enduring attacks from powerful Youkai,
the Silent Swordswomans hands never trembled.
Yet, as she took the fragile mirror,
her hand shook so violently that she feared it might drop.
[You have acquired the Mirror of Clear Reflection.]
After opening the secret vault to obtain the mirror,
Ha Eun-eung stood still for a while.
She realized something.
With all the power yers of the pce dead,
and the world on the brink of ruin,
the Princes thirst for revenge was born from either human blood or Youkai blood,
but it didnt matter anymore.
The world he was determined to rule was now one she would never return to.
It was a world that no longer had anything to do with her.
Ha Eun-eung stepped out of the secret room,
and her hand no longer trembled.
Chapter 57
Three dayster, she arrived in the human realm.
The first to greet her was not a crowd of weing people or the mor of Youkai, but rather Jeongsan Chang, who was reviewing the recent field y.
[Hidden Route: Simultaneous Subjugation Achieved]
[Hidden Route: Princes Return Achieved]
[Challenges]
[Simultaneously subjugate the Youkai Queen and Youkai General (Achieved)]
[Clear the field within the time limit (Achieved)]
[The bastard prince returns to the pce (Achieved)]
[Turning Point]
[The bastard prince seizes the power of the Youkai realm (Achieved)]
[Extermination Rank: SSS]
[Subjugation Rank: SSS]
[Challenge Rank: SSS]
[Overall Rank: 10/3 (+700%)]
[TOWARDS THE LEGEND]
[The difficulty level of all fields reaches its maximum.]
[Random and hidden events will ur almost always.]
[WARNING! WARNING!]
[Strong signs of a historical alteration have appeared (1/3)]
[If two more significant turning points are triggered, the nned oue of the half-youkai realm may change.]
The potential for an unknown change in the oue, one she could not predict.
To her, it was a distant, pointless tale of the far-off future.
But for the viewers who had seen multiple endings and knew how things could unfold,
this was a clue that would keep themunity busy for at least a month.
It seems Ive reached a strange ce.
With no recognition of the chat room, the silent swordsmans attention shifted elsewhere.
[Story mode]
Upon arriving in the human realm,
the atmosphere here was notably different.
Compared to the usual fields filled with artificial objects,
this ce had more natural elements, but the ring artificial structures stood out much more.
The amount of garbage piled up was so immense, it was almost believable to think that an entire city had been destroyed.
Ash and dust scattered with the wind,
the smell of burning trash mixed in the air,
and beyond a mound of refuse,
therey a massive trash heap.
[Random Ghosts]
These half-youkai were mindlessly scavenging,
eating whatever trash they could find and spitting it out without care.
At their feet, a narration appeared in front of the silent swordsman,
who had just opened her eyes in the middle of the path leading beneath the mound of trash.
[The dirtiest and most degraded of ces, andfill where no Youkai dare approach.]
[In the center of this ce, the exit to the dimension door awaits.]
[This is the Queen''s outpost for advancing into the human realm.]
nk. Screech. nk.
[The faint sound of a massivepactor crushing trashes from somewhere.]
[What reason does the Queen have to make this filthy and disgusting den of cowards her base?]
[If youre in a hurry, escape quickly.]
[If youre curious about the secrets, wander through the trash heap.]
[Before your corpse joins the pile of burning, crushed trash.]@@novelbin@@
The trash heap seemed insignificant, but the warning sign hinted at something secretive hidden beneath its surface.
[yer mode]
Like a mountain of trash,
this heap formed from the ruins of a destroyed city.
Cleared a field and didnt even finish the broadcast?
Mom, are we going to space?
Did this person just be the King of the Game?
When do you even sleep? Haha.
Were sorry, please stop ying the game, you madman.
Isnt this like a return from the dead? Im scared it wonte back after this broadcast ends.
Isnt this an NPC merchant map?
Yeah, it''s a map for treasure hunting with a wandering merchant.
Wait, this isnt a special quest field for repeatable quests?
But the treasures only visible if the wandering merchant is there, right?
Yeah.
Then, why are we even here if we cant find treasure?
Wheres the wandering merchant who would trade it?
No idea.
Lost in the overwhelming size of the trash heap,
Ha Eun-eung wandered aimlessly for a while until she found something oddly familiar in the midst of the endless piles.
Why is this here?
It was Boogeymans wardrobe.
Why?
Why would this wardrobe be here?
At first, it just seemed like a simr one, but upon closer inspection,
the signs of wear and tear, the marks and scratches on the metal, confirmed it was Boogeymans.
Did he change his home?
Could it be that the Boogeyman, whose real body was inside the wardrobe, discarded his old one and reced it with a new one?
If that was the case, could it be described as a kind of shedding, like insects do when they molt?
Knock knock.
When she knocked on the wardrobe, Boogeymans distinct, broken voice came from inside.
Trapped.
?
Y?ryeok Bonginji-da. Here, I cannot, use my power.
After that, Boogeyman fell silent.
Ha Eun-eung realized.
The Boogeyman, who had been floating aimlessly,
had been relying entirely on his y?ryeok to move.
ording to his own words,
if this was indeed a Y?ryeok Bonginji-da zone,
then the Boogeyman, currently inside the wardrobe,
was an incapable Youkai who couldnt move without his power.
She had fought alongside him and he was the onlyrade who hade with her to the human realm.
Unless he abandoned her first, she had no intention of leaving him behind.
She waited, hoping he would move,
squatting by the wardrobe, standing against it as her legs grew tired,
knocking again, pounding, and kicking the wardrobe,
yet five minutes passed with no response from Boogeyman.
A growing realization set in.
If she didnt abandon him,
she would have to drag this massive wardrobe around
in this vast trash heap.
It was so heavy it wouldnt even fit into her inventory.
Hahahaha
Boogeymans a baggage now.
He really became luggage haha.
Why did he evene?
Shouldnt he just stop following? Its so annoying hahaha.
Is she going to leave him?
Trying to lift the wardrobe, Ha Eun-eung felt the weight of it,
starting from her fingertips, all the way up her arms, shoulders, waist, and legs.
The resentment filled her eyes as she red at the wardrobe.
[?Exiting the game.]
[?Silent Swordsman has ended the broadcast.]
15,500 viewers were left stranded in space.
Whats happening?!
I went to check the wardrobe and now my whole house is gone!
This is the worst timing for a broadcast to end!
Why do I feel bad even though I prayed for you to stop the broadcast?
I think were about to enter the lunch dimension.
Where did mom go?
This is a disaster scene haha!
Youreughing? Laughing? Laughing?!
Yeah,ughing now? No one knows when the next stream will be, and it could be months!
Ah.
Hah.
Shit.
Mom,e back! Come back, mom!
That was Silent Swordsmansst broadcast.
Suicide bombing! Theyre suddenly bombing!
Broadcasts are likendmines!
How many hours did thest streamst?
Two hours in total.
How many months did that take?
Two months.
So, thats a month per hour?
Is that so?
But this time, it was 64 hours?
The chat, filled with cosmic horror, went silent.
It felt like watching a scene from a horror movie, the chilling truth sinking in.
64 months???
5 years, 4 months???
Shit, is that even a person?
At that point, youd forget your name!
If Silent Swordsman had any sense, they wouldnt do this.
Would someone with sensemunicate with V1 tools?
Ah... Ahhh...
Actually, that was the farewell photo, lol, showing a pretty face for thest walk.
Bastard.
No, this cant be the end.
5 years, 4 months??? 5 years, 4 months????
The viewers, realizing the forbidden truth,
became crazed,
a victim of cosmic horror.
The shock of the lost space travelers was greater than ever,
and the audience was swept away by a level of terror never before seen.
2.
After the game ended and Ha Eun-eung stepped out of the capsule,
she instinctively tied her hair up, her hand pausing as she tried to ce a hairpin in it.
Did I go too far?
The half-youkai realm was another world.
In the real world, there shouldnt even be hairpins.
She thought she had firmly closed the door on her feelings for the prince,
but unconsciously, perhaps there was still some lingering attachment.
I might be a little tired.
This wasnt a special case.
It had always been this way when finishing the half-youkai realm.
The NPCs in this world felt so real,
too real to just be programmed actions.
They couldnt possibly be considered as mere programmed characters.
What exactly is this half-youkai realm?
From the point where she could use her internal power,
she couldnt shake off the suspicion that this game was somehow connected to another world.
She already suspected, with certainty,
that this wasnt just a fictional world,
but a ce that actually existed.
How should I face this world?
Her serious reflection on the half-youkai realm
led to another question:
How do other people y this game?
She became curious.
Not how she saw the half-youkai realm,
but how others viewed it.
Were they also ying this game with such exhaustion and tension,
just like her?
[Search: Half-Youkai Realm Gamey]
[Results: About 2,760,000 entries]
Gamey videos of the half-youkai realm.
[Executioner 1 Death 3rd Clear]
[Swordsmanship Skill Tree Rmended]
[Full Body Blessing y]
"?"
There was something missing in their gamey.
"Die."
"Pretty good."
"Heh, got me."
The NPCs spoke in mechanical tones,
only giving short responses.
The bosses, once high-level AI,
now looked awkward, like puppets controlled by something else.
They really do look like zombies.
Even with self-awareness, they couldnt act freely,
controlled by some sorcerer.
In the martial world, they would call them "zombies,"
and she had once been a part of the Blood Sect, under the control of its cursed brand.
It wasnt hard to figure out why.
At the start of each video,
the cause was tantly written out.
[This strategy was started after the 2nd death.]
[Beginners should clear the Boss Subjugation with at least 3 deaths for easier strategies.]
[You know the difficulty drops after dying, right?]
The difficulty drops upon death,
leading to weakened boss patterns and degraded AI.
The NPCs she had fought against,
who she had considered real,
were rejected by other yers who didnt want emotional exchanges orplexmunication.
What they wanted was a game with manageable difficulty,
a ystyle that matched their own skill level,
not a real experience.
No one will understand this feeling.
Ha Eun-eung felt the weight of loneliness.
In the martial world, in the half-youkai realm,
and even in the real world, she had always ended up alone.
With her sword resting on the wall,
she gazed at the window outside,
feeling the loneliness growing deeper as the sun slowly set.
She was reminded of lifes transience and the futility of existence.
Then, she was interrupted by a notification.
Jua-Young: Sis!! Are you free right now??
Ha Eun-eung: Whats going on?
Jua-Young: Lets go buy clothes! Ive been noticed everywhere, and I havent been able to do anything outside recently.
The only person who could speak to herfortably,
Jua-Young, reached out.
Ha Eun-eung: Sounds good.
Jua-Young: Nice!!
Jua-Young: (Seal pping photo)
Jua-Young: (Dog wagging its tail photo)
Jua-Young: (Selfie with a serious expression)
Jua-Young: Then,e by here by 9 PM! Ill coordinate your outfit from head to toe, so be prepared!!
She wasnt even buying clothes for herself but for someone else.
Was it really such a joyful task?
She didnt usually enjoy shopping for clothes,
but...
Seeing her so excited, I dont want to disappoint her.
A soft smile crept across Ha Eun-eungs lips.
Chapter 58
The musical stadium, where business hours had ended,
stood brightly lit with colorful lights, and a fountain shone as it reflected the city lights.
Jua-Young stared at her reflection in the water, adjusting her bangs and checking for wrinkles in her clothes.
She looked like she was preparing for a date, busy with making sure everything was perfect.
As usual, a man approached her.
"I dont usually say this to someone I just met, but"
"I have someone Im seeing."
"Ah."
The rejected man dropped his shoulders and walked off, disappearing into the night.
Id rather have my sisters attention than some guys.
Jua-Young pouted, feeling a little frustrated.
Her older sister, always distant and never reaching out first, often left her with no messages for days.
Whenever she started feeling insecure about whether her sister really liked her,
she couldnt help but feel upset and want to hit something.
At that moment, the fountain caught her eye.
She felt like she could flick her thumb at it, using the pressure from her middle finger, as if letting off steam.
"Eh?"
Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind and pulled her arm back.
Whoosh
Sshhh
The water, which had calmed for a moment, erupted even more forcefully, soaking the spot where she had just reached out.
"Sis?"
[Be careful, your clothes will get wet.]
"Im going to do this often from now on. Do you know how excited I was just now?"
Ha Eun-eung, whom Jua-Young hadnt seen in a while,
still appeared as calm, beautiful, and elegant as ever.
Flip.
Even at her sisters honest praise,
Ha Eun-eung turned her head, as if telling her not to be foolish.
"Im serious..."
For a moment, Jua-Young pouted andined.
Then, naturally, she clung to Ha Eun-eungs arm, folding her arms tightly around it.
"I came prepared today. Im not letting you go home until Ive got you a full outfit."
[Please be patient.]
"What should we do? Should I just watch you? Hehe. If you want to go home early, youll have to behave well today. Understand?"
It was a rare opportunity to win over her sister.
Ha Eun-eung didnt mind Jua-Youngs enthusiasm.
"Tada! Hows the atmosphere of this store?"
Jua-Young, who had enthusiastically picked out clothes, believed that Ha Eun-eung could pull off any outfit from this store, with her impable figure.
However, Ha Eun-eung gave her an unexpected response.
[Its too thin, I dont like it.]
"What? Cant you think about it again? You have such a great figure. Im sure youd look like a fashion model wearing it, right?"
The clothing store Jua-Young introduced wasnt bad, even in Ha Eun-eungs eyes.
Her aesthetic sense, honed through years of experience in Hawo Moons courtesan training and the royal pces concubine training,
allowed her to evaluate the beauty of clothes, even when it wasnt something she had initially wanted.
Especially, I now know which clothes dont work with my body.
Thin clothes, such as those with translucent or revealing material, were the worst.
For a while, she hadnt thought about it, but aftering to this store,
she remembered the one thing she could never forget.
[Golden Rule]
[Permanently Tattooed (Lower Abdomen)] C A permanent womb tattoo is engraved on your lower abdomen.
When she used her internal energy, the tattoo glowed purple,
a secret she never wanted anyone to know.
It wasnt a secret in the martial world, though.
The day the Hawo Moon leader, who had been so determined to train her into the worlds greatest beauty,
first saw her naked body to check for stretch marks or any imperfections,
he was so shocked.
As a disciple of the Hae Nam Sect,
it was impossible for her to have a tattoo, yet there it wasprominently etched on her lower abdomen.
The harsh Hawo Moon leader, who had never shown her sympathy before,
showed her a hint of kindness.
"How did this tattooe to be? You dont remember? How about before joining Hae Nam Sect? You dont even remember that?"
When she was taken into the Hae Nam Sect shortly after being abandoned by the Martial World,
there was no way she could remember anything from before that.
But she couldnt speak of her real-world life either, as it would only result in her being considered crazy.
So, the Hawo Moon leader, who had filled in the gaps of her life with his own imagination,
became her protector, ensuring she was shielded from the unjust oppression in the sect.
He dered that she was a candidate for his sessor.
At that time, I thought it was a fake kindness, but looking back now, I feel differently.
The Hawo Moon leader had forced her to join the Hawo Moon Sect,
but despite that, he always watched over her and protected her,
even from the cruel, sinister forces within.
Looking back, she could feel the sincerity in his actions.
With time, even the hellish days can start to look different.
In the real world, she had lost her family,
and in the martial world, she had been torn apart from what she considered another familyHae Nam Sectdriven by revenge and hatred.
The Ha Eun-eung of the past, the one who had been filled with youthful rage,
was now much more mature, even if her physical age remained the same.
She had grown three times as an adult:
as a man, as a martial artist, and now, as a returnee.
But suddenly, she thought,
Perhaps this is the first time Ive truly be an adult.
With this grown-up realization,
as Ha Eun-eung emerged from the fitting room, she was greeted by Jua-Young''s exuberant praise.
"Wow! I was right, wasnt I? You look perfect in this! Sis, you look so pretty. I want to try pastels on you next, so please try this on next time!"
Jua-Youngs endlesspliments and her already finished outfit sets filled the automated rails with more outfits for her to try on.
[Wasnt it 7 sets before?]
"How can I not want to put you in more clothes! I paid extra for two more sets, so try them on quickly, sis. Okay?"
If she had to constantly change clothes without paying attention to the clerks look,
she could have at least used the excuse that it was because of the store assistants gaze.
But, with the automated rails bringing the outfits with just a few button clicks,
even someone as powerful as Ha Eun-eung couldnt escape.
Im grateful that they rmend longer, thicker clothes ording to my preferences.
But when so many outfits start piling up,
it turns into more of a battle against fatigue than a shopping experience.
She hadnt been this tired in a fight against Youkai.
Perhaps because she was physically worn out,
Ha Eun-eung kept recalling memories of the past.
"Im here to assist you, Lady Ha Eun-eung, as part of your inner circle."
"These clothes are sufficient. I dont expect you to follow pce etiquette, but I will not tolerate such shabby garments."
"Im d you like the pink cheongsam, but you should wear something more fitting for a pce, like this proper gown in the red, ck, and white colors."
She had once been criticized for not being able to wear the proper pce attire,
with the meticulous courtdies, like Choi Hee, who checked every detail.
Jua-Youngs clothes shopping didnt feel like muchpared to those strict days.
"Sorry, sis. Was I too excited?"
[No, Im fine.]
"Great! If youre tired, we can stop and grab some night snacks. Ill just pick three more outfits for you!"
Is this what it felt like being a personal stylist?
Ha Eun-eungs steps toward the fitting room became heavier.
When the clothes shopping began,
Jua-Young was a little frustrated.
"Not this one either?"
[Sorry.]
For some reason, Ha Eun-eung kept rejecting all the clothes Jua-Young had carefully picked out,
without even trying them on.
After about ten minutes of not even trying on a single piece,
Jua-Youngs lips puffed out in irritation.
"Sis, which clothes exactly dont work for you?"
[Anything too thin or short is a no-go.]
"Then what about this sweater? Feel it."
[Its too revealing, I cant wear it.]
"So, it has to be thick, covering the whole body, with no skin showing, huh?"
Ha Eun-eung nodded.
Jua-Youngs face fell in disappointment as she hung up the rejected clothes.
"I shouldve noticed when you wore historical drama costumes as everyday wear. Sis, youre really conservative, you know? No one in the Joseon Dynasty pce would have been as strict as you. Youre aplete Confucian girl."
"..."
"Well, its your choice, so Ill respect that. Today, Im picking out clothes for you, so I should get it right. How about this one?"
It was a navy blue v-neck sweater,
thick material, with a slightly dark color that made it unappealing.
It wasnt something she would normally even look at,
but despite everything, Ha Eun-eung ended up trying it on, surprising Jua-Young.
"Will it suit me?"
Ha Eun-eungs usual warrior clothes were simr in their dull colors and heavy feel,
but her beauty and the atmosphere she exuded turned them into part of her unique fashion sense.
But Im not sure if the historical drama style will work with my look now.
After a brief pause,
the fitting room disy changed from to ,
and Ha Eun-eung stepped out, walking out hesitantly, adjusting the new clothes.
"Wow."
She seemed so self-conscious, constantly looking down at her stomach,
unable to get used to the unfamiliar outfit.
Even that awkwardness,
combined with the oversized fit and the v-neck,
gave her the look of a girl who had borrowed an adults clothes
a strange, subtle sense of innocence.
"Sis, try this one too."
Jua-Young handed her beige wide-legged pants to match the navy top.
The historical drama girl image seemed to fade,
as Ha Eun-eungs charm in the wide-knit top shone through.
Slide
The sliding door opened,
and Ha Eun-eung cautiously stepped out, tugging at the hem of the pants.
"Sis, honestly, you must have worked as a model, right?"
Even with just the sweater and wide pants,
she looked like a fashion model on a shoot,
the outfiting to life.
Her hesitant movements, as if she wanted to remove the clothes,
only added to the charm
her looking down at the clothes, fidgeting, pressing her stomach,
and constantly pulling up the waistband.
"Heh. You shouldnt wear it like that. Youve pulled it too high. If you think the size is too big, just pull the waistband tighter. Like this."
Jua-Young reached out to lower the pants,
pulling the waistband down to the hips,
adjusting the position to match Ha Eun-eungs shape.
Whoosh@@novelbin@@
Ha Eun-eung quickly pulled her hips back to avoid Jua-Youngs hand.
"Ugh. Just stay still."
Again, Jua-Young reached for her,
but Ha Eun-eung stepped back, easily dodging.
"Sis, what are you doing? If you keep running away, I cant fix it. Are you really this shy about having someone adjust your clothes?"
Jua-Young treated her as though she were scolding a child,
and Ha Eun-eung red at her, annoyed.
But even in her anger, her embarrassment was so visible
that it became somehow endearing.
Jua-Young didnt feel annoyed; in fact, she found this side of her sister refreshing and fun.
Her sister, who was always cold and distant,
now showed that she could make this kind of face too.
"Ah, ah!"
Ha Eun-eung twisted her body like a mollusk,
squatted, jumped backward, spun, and dodged.
She finally managed to escape when Jua-Young had wrapped her arms around her,
catching her like a cat avoiding a bath.
"Phew, phew. Why are we going through all this? Im just trying to adjust your waist!"
In the end, Jua-Young had to hold her tightly,
but Ha Eun-eung still looked displeased, her face pouty.
"Lets see, your hips..."
Still holding Ha Eun-eungs arms and waist,
Jua-Young adjusted the pants,
pulling them down to just the right spot on her hips,
until the mirror in the fitting room reflected a much better look.
"Hows this, sis?"
Ha Eun-eung looked at herself in the mirror, still frowning,
and Jua-Young realized something.
Wait?
She hadnt realized it while ying around with her sister,
but now, as they looked at each other face-to-face,
Jua-Young suddenly took notice.
She had been breathing heavily while chasing after her sister,
and now she was clinging to her from behind,
her hand sneaking into Ha Eun-eungs sweater
to feel the soft, firm curve of her waist and hips,
not wanting to pull her hand away from the waistband.
Is this a little too... intimate?
Even though they had both been using their bodies,
Ha Eun-eung maintained steady breath,
her gaze steady, as if saying, Let me go.
Her calmness only made the situation feel more surreal.
"What... what? Is this enough? This is the right height, isnt it?"
Jua-Young jumped back, startled by the sudden shift in her feelings,
trying to act nonchnt, but the excitement was clear in her voice.
[Can I take it off now?]
Ha Eun-eungs note was cheekily yful.
Jua-Young felt irritated, thinking she was the only one who was anxious.
"A~no? We still have a lot to go."
After trying on 20 sets of clothes that day,
Ha Eun-eung was finally freed from the clothes shopping ordeal.
Chapter 59
After a shopping date where only one person was excited,
Ha Eun-eung ended up with three sets of clothes.
Her outfit, which once seemed like it would never change from her usual in attireprised of her long gown, a peafowl-feathered sash, and a straw hatwas now reced by something new.
Among the clothes she selected, Jua-Young had strongly rmended the best-looking set,
consisting of a stretchable turtleneck, a loose knit vest, denim pants, and western boots, aplete Jua-Young coordinated set.
.
Stop looking around so much. If you do that, youre just going to draw more attention.
Ha Eun-eung, who had been trying to hide her abdomen by constantly pulling up her waist, was now more concerned about the attention she was drawing than her stomach. Despite all efforts to make her feelfortable with the knit vest as a solution, she couldnt find any peace.
At this rate, the clothes she bought today would end up sealed in her closet, never to see the light of day again.
So, Jua-Young came up with a little trick.
If youre so anxious, why not just wear something?
With a smile, Ha Eun-eung eagerly pulled out a headpiece from the shopping bag.
Not that huge sushi-roll-like hat, though.
.
Seeing her sisters emotional ups and downs today, Jua-Young felt both excited and a little guilty for pushing her so much.
But if she allowed the hat, she knew that within a day, Ha Eun-eungs old outfit would resurrectlong gown and peafowl sash included.
It wouldnt matter if it was forbat, but if they went out together, wearing that hat would immediately ruin the fresh new look and make it obvious to everyone.
How about an umbre?
It was a clear night sky, with not a drop of rain, but why must umbres only be used when it rains?
Having experienced Ha Eun-eungs unique fashion sense, Jua-Young had opened her mind to fashion and, without a second thought, found the perfect essory for her sister.
Its good for covering your face instead of a hat, and if its a dark color, itll shield you from the sun without blinding you. And if it rains, youll be covered then too.
It was an odd suggestion, with the umbres original purpose pushed to the back, but Ha Eun-eung found it quite appealing.
[Where can I buy an umbre?]
Hmm... Ive never heard of an umbre specialty store. Probably better to buy it online?
[Then Ill wear the headpiece today.]
No way. If you do that, I might as well just give you a convenience store umbre. Hey, this is perfect. Convenience store umbres. With acid rain, they stock up on umbres.
For the dangerous rain that could cause skin rashes after just 10 minutes,
or heavy metals poisoning if you stayed under it for an hour,
all convenience stores made sure to keep a stock of umbres.
Want to go to our convenience store? I just switched shifts with a friend and Im working the night. Itll be on the way. Youre not too tired, right?
Jua-Young yfully poked her sisters arm with her finger, showing a cute expression.
At her yful act, Ha Eun-eung softened her expression.
[Sure. Since youve done so much for me today, lets go together.]
Jua-Young, pleased that her sister agreed, began to think about which umbre to get her.
Would it be the bear mascot umbre or the frog one?
Her mind was racing with a little cheeky mischief.
Her smile didnt fade. It was a happy dilemma.
"Alright, thats it for todays lonely gourmet night broadcast. Everyone, go live your real lives now~"
Where are you living your real life at 10 PM?
Honestly, I wake up and stream, and when the stream ends, I sleep.
Dude, you''re so annoying, can I just smack you once?
Yeah, no. Compared to Mugeon, this is nothing. Anyway, Im really ending it now?
With a quick goodbye to the viewers,
the broadcast came to an end.
Afterward, a text message came from his editor.
Wensu: 600k views iing
Ihaechan: Keep going
Wensu: Okay, I went big, 615k
Was this really a paid editor?
Whileining, Ihaechan thought about buying the specialty products from Myungho-dong, not forgetting to get something for his editor as well.
He was not only a good streamer but also a generous boss.
So, Mugeon is living in a ce like this?
Although the broadcast had ended, Ihaechan didnt put down his camcorder.
He was secretly preparing footage for a special recordingLooking for Mugeon.
"Myungho-dong house prices are around 10 billion these days? Whoa. Even with a gate, the Myungho Guild must be pretty powerful for such a small guild."@@novelbin@@
Thanks to the monster and the gate causing a real estate bubble,
house prices had plummeted to under 100 million in most areas,
but Myungho-dong had held up remarkably well.
I googled it just now. That person, Lee Myungho, was working under Tae Baek from the Taebaek Guild, one of the top 10 guilds.
It wasnt just now.
The line he wanted to use in the broadcast had been researched beforehand,
because knowing the details of the ce youre visiting changes how much you can enjoy it.
In that sense, investigating guilds or famous figures in a travel destination is far more engaging for viewers than old monuments or relics.
[Deposit details]
Myungho Guild My ount
+1,000,000 won
While exining the broadcast content, he had casually mentioned promoting Myungho Guild,
and the PR department had generously sent 1 million won in advertising fees.
But in truth, he had to throw a little praise to make sure the financial support wasnt wasted.
Before he knew it, despite the broadcast ending at 10 PM, it was already 1 AM.
"Ugh, if I knew itd be like this, I wouldnt havee alone."
As soon as he straightened up, his back let out a loud crack.
Maybe it was time to ease up on the pre-recorded stuff,
or he might hurt himself.
Shaking his head, he limped toward the convenience store sign,
like a moth to the streetlight.
Mugeons sightings are so incoherent, whats up with that?
Getting to Myungho-dong was correct,
but the residents testimonies were all over the ce.
Some said theyd lived in a practice room for a month with trainee celebrities,
while others imed they saw Mugeon defeat 13 members of the Myungho Guild with some kind of tennis racket-like instrument.
Some even said he was a guest instructor at a Special Awakener Academy.
Most ridiculous is that there are witnesses to all of it.
At least if there were no witnesses, the rumors would be easy to dismiss.
But it seemed like there were witnesses everywhere,
confirming they had seen Mugeon.
"Maybe I really do have a knack for finding people? Like a detective or a reporter?"
Aware of the camcorder, Ihaechan struck a pose, trying to look confident.
"Why is that guy acting like that?"
"He must be drunk. All men act like that when they drink."
"Haha, so funny. Are you like that too?"
"...Nah. Im not."
A couple passing byte at nightughed loudly.
Ihaechans face turned bright red with embarrassment.
"Sigh... Do I really have to record stuff like this at this hour? This is ridiculous."
Of course, sessful V-streamers turn even embarrassing moments into broadcast-worthy content.
Damn, Im really embarrassed now.
Once the camcorder was off, the embarrassment was almost unbearable.
Ihaechan was already thinking about kicking off the covers in his bed,
and as he entered the convenience store to calm down,
he heard a cheerful greeting from the cashier.
"Wee!"
The cashier, with striking beauty, greeted him.
The owner must have spent a lot. This ce must be doing well.
As he moved toward the refrigerated drinks section, he slowed down his steps,
distracted by the customer in front of him.
Wow. Just from the back, she looks like a model.
Her body, perfectly entuated by the turtleneck sweater and wide-hips jeans,
kept drawing his attention, though he knew he shouldnt.
Clink.
The sound of someone choosing a drink made him raise his gaze.
His eyes followed the slender fingers reaching into the refrigerator,
and his gaze stopped at the bandaged wrist.
Bandages? That doesnt seem like something an ordinary person would do.
The wrist was carefully wrapped with sports tape, likely to protect it during some sort of physical activity.
What kind of sport was she into?
As he wondered, the womans hand paused,
and for a moment, their eyes met through the reflection in the ss.
Even without facing her directly, the intensity of her gaze was clear.
Wait. Is it really?
He tried to dismiss the thought, but everything about her felt familiar,
from the rare eye color to the way she moved.
"Excuse me, are you..."
Before he could finish,
Waa-woo!
A loud siren red,
and the cashiers face turned pale as she shouted.
"Monster air raid alert!"
The gate to Myungho 2-dong had exploded.
Chapter 60
[Citizens, this is the Disaster Management Agency, Myeongwol 2-dong, rm Control Center.]
[We are issuing a monster airstrike warning.]
[Due to the rampage of the 313 Gate in Myeongwol 2-dong, arge number of monsters are respawning on the ground.]
[When this rm sounds, please immediately stop what you''re doing and take shelter in the nearest underground refuge or inside a building.]
The announcer''s urgent voice echoed.
At thiste hour, there were hardly any pedestrians on the streets, making it, in a sense, a stroke of luck.
"What should we do now?"
"Should we continue guarding the outer wall?"
The head of the security gritted his teeth.
"Shit. I knew this wasing when I postponed my strategic assault. As of now, live ammo and artillery are authorized for use."
"Yes, sir!"
"Squads 1 and 2, guard the entrances. The rest, intercept the monsters respawning in the streets. We need to hold out for 15 minutes until the association''s support team arrives."
The guards rushed out into the streets, following the orders.
"Scatter to your assigned zones!"
"If anything happens, request backup immediately!"
Under the squad leaders''mands, they scattered to their zones.
Among them, Choi Ho-pil, with a ckened bruise around his eyes, was filled with venomous intent.
"That damn convenience store. Youre finished."
After being humiliated by a clerk and disgracefully kicked out,
after a report was made to the deputy leader of the Myungho Guild,
and after being severely beaten by the cruel Kim Chang-sik,
resulting in a ten-week medical diagnosis,
he had returned to work with his body still unhealed from the bandages.
He had fallen from being close to being promoted to squad leader,
to the lowly squad 4now a washed-up man on the outskirts of sess.
He couldn''t let that damn convenience store go unpunished. He needed to see it destroyed.
"Squad 4 member, Choi Ho-pil, requests a change of assigned patrol area."
"Did this bastard juste out on a field trip? Just do what you''re told!"
"I just got out of the hospital, so I can''t run far. Could you assign me the patrol route along the main road?"
The squad leader cursed, reluctantly agreeing to the request.
With the request granted, if a squad member were to die in that area, it would result in severe penalties for the leaders performance review.
Got it.
Choi Ho-pil secured the area he was eyeing.
Within his patrol area, no guild member would dare to linger unless it was an emergency or a support request.
If a few monsters sneaked through and he happened to ignore them,
and if the direction led toward the convenience store,
with the chaos of the monsters'' battle and not hearing screams,
the convenience store would likely suffer, with employees dead and the store destroyed overnight.
He could finally pay back all the slights and embarrassment.
If that clerk begs for their life, I might just enjoy it.
Choi Ho-pils eyes began to gleam with greed.
Ihaechan felt a wave of anxiety.
"Turn off the lights right now."
"Huh?"
"The gate''s right in front of us. Do you know where the monsters are going to spawn first?"
Jua-Young snapped back into focus.
"Ill... Ill lower the shutters first."
"What about the sign?"
"Ah."
The 24-hour neon sign, usually a beacon for human customers,
would today serve as a free buffet for monsters.
Monsters primarily attack anything thats visible.
A brightly lit convenience store would certainly be one of their first targets.
"I turned off the lights!"
"Everyone, grab a shlight and cover the light source with your hand. Only open your hand when you need to use it. Got it?"
"Uh, uh! You cant go outside!"
"Did you turn off the sign?"
"We cant turn it off with the power switch..."
"Then break it!"
Ihaechan ced a camcorder on the counter,
spread a duffel bag next to it, and pulled a sword out of the bag.
"Just hold onto this. Ill be back soon."
Ihaechan walked out of the store with a proud smile on his face.
He couldnt help but feel a bit pleased with himself.
That should have done it. Honestly, I look pretty cool just now.
When standing before a beautiful woman, men often get lost in their own self-admiration.
But the woman Ihaechan was enamored with wasnt your typical beauty.
She was a martial artist, unlike any other.
Ding ding!
"You shouldnt go outside. Its dangerous... huh?"
Ha Eun-eung, holding adder with one hand, emerged despite the emergency airstrike warning.
She ced thedder in front of the sign, and while climbing, Ihaechan tilted his head.
This wasnt the picture he had in mind.
ng ng!
With a hammer-like motion, she smashed the sign,
and the light that had been visible from 100 meters away was finally extinguished.
"Now, stay inside. Its really dangerous... wait, what the hell is that?"
The problem wasnt the signit was on the road.
From across the street, an arrow painted in fluorescent paint was leading right toward the convenience store.
Hiding in the shadows, Choi Ho-pil from the Myungho Guild, squad 4, grinned maliciously.
Just in case, I took care of it.
A cocky-looking man, trying to show off in front of a woman, had jumped out to help. But the sign was turned off,
the fluorescent paint on the road was impossible to remove,
and just as he had thought he was safe,
a woman, wielding a long object, stepped forward and approached the paint.
Swish.
With wide steps, she held the weapon low, eyes fixed on the ground as if about to shatter it.
Crazy. Shes really going to break that? Just posturing. Its all just posturing!
But even though Ihaechan knew it was absurd,
there was something strangely familiar in the womans intimidating presence.
Despite the absurdity, a sense of fear creeped up.
Could she really break the ground?
"Hey, what are you doing? Get inside the store! Leave this to me!"
At Ihaechan''s urging, Ha Eun-eung blinked,
put her sword away, and reluctantly headed back inside the convenience store.
Wow, just the stance alone sends chills. Is she an awakened one?
Still, there were only two of them.
But ording to the radio through Ihaechan''s in-ear,
there were 3,000 monsters already respawning.
And that was just in thest three minutes.
Finally, the bait took the hook!
Meanwhile, a small group of monsters appeared,
charging toward the convenience store.
The monsters were the swamp-dwelling Lizardmen.
[Large Group]
They move in packs and specialize in [Weaponry],
creating sudden [Anomalies], with a high urrence of [Elite] monsters,
easily advancing from rank F to B.
These monsters were far too strong for just two people to defend against.
Too bad. Shouldve attacked when I had the chance.
With his path to sess blocked,
the woman pushed the man aside and led the charge.
Idiot. Hurry up and take a knife to the ribs! I hope you scream before you die!
As the man moved forward, an unexpected turn of events urred.
The lone man, moving with incredible speed, began to cut down Lizardmen one after another.
His abilities far exceeded those of an ordinary person.
No way! Who the hell is this guy?
Ihaechans true strength, honed through years of training, was now on full disy.
3.
First ce in the 2047 Spring Streamer Swordsmanship Tournament
First ce in the 2048 Fall Streamer Swordsmanship Tournament
First ce in the 2049 Fall Streamer Swordsmanship Tournament.
Among the top-tier physical streamers,
Ihaechan, with his exceptional swordsmanship,
held the undisputed first ce for three consecutive years.
With swordsmanship alone, he was virtually the undisputed strongest active streamer in the industry.
I can actually do this in real life too.
Ihaechan''s eyes, hands, and feet moved as he analyzed the battlefield in three dimensions.
I knew the Sword of Emperors was well-designed, but I didnt expect it to work this well in reality.
Ihaechans debut game as a streamer, the virtual reality swordsmanship game Sword of Emperors,
was the game that made him who he was today.
Unlike other yers who rely on assist actions,
Ihaechan was famous for mastering embodimentthe ability to execute swordsmanship techniques with his own body in real life.
His skills began to shine on the battlefield.
At this level, a few Lizardmen dont even scare me.
The swordsmanship known for being adaptable to any situation, made up of eight stances and eight sword forms,
was the Yunhwan 64 Swordthe highest form of swordsmanship.
If his stamina held up, this sword style would be incredibly efficient in skirmishes against multiple enemies,
as it demonstrated by quickly taking down over a dozen Lizardmen.
Ihaechans swordsmanship was proving its worth.
Chrrrrk
Kerrrk
The Lizardmen, surrounding him, tried to close in.
But Ihaechan didnt allow them to trap him.
Turning his back to one of the walls, he slowly lured the Lizardmen into a narrow alley.
Good. Follow me, you idiots. Dont turn your eyes to the convenience store.
The convenience store.
At the mention of it, one of the Lizardmen suddenly started looking around.
He found the darkened convenience store and began making a hissing noise.
Did that bastard just understand me?
A chill ran down Ihaechans spine.
A monster that understands human speech?
Yeah, Ive heard of it. There are elite monsters with superior intelligence and strengthpared to regr ones.
Unlike the other Lizardmen with green skin and ragged clothes,
this elite Lizardman, wearing leather armor and wielding a sword,
sent some of his subordinates toward the convenience store.
Hey, you primitive lizard bastard! You think youre so tough, ying leader just because you got a little power?
A human would probably scoff at such a bizarre insult.
However, monsters, driven more by emotion than reason,
interpreted Ihaechans taunts as mockery and contempt,
their slit eyes narrowing with intense rage.
Shyaaah!
With the elite Lizardmans shout,
a wave of Lizardmen surged toward Ihaechan.
Though they outnumbered him,
in the narrow alley, only two or three could attack him at a time,
preventing them from exploiting the advantage of theirrge numbers.
Their impressive weaponry also failed to surpass Ihaechans Yunhwan 64 Sword,
and even their anomalous abilities were rendered useless by his taunts.
The only remaining variable,
the elite monsters, were not specialized in closebat.
Swoosh
Thud.
The alley was flooded with blood.
Ihaechan stood proudly atop the bodies of more than thirty Lizardmen.
Hah, hah. This is exhausting.
He was suffering from extreme physical exhaustion.
This is harder than when I yed in real mode. Well, this is real life, so it makes sense.@@novelbin@@
Even in real mode,
there were instances where yers gained passive skill effects such as physical enhancements, depending on the game progress.
It wasnt that he was deficientit was just strange to sweep everything away with a bare body like a mute swordsman.
Stupid thoughts. Focus, Ihaechan. Im wasting too much energy.
This was his first time fighting monsters in reality,
and even though he knew better, he unknowingly tensed up too much.
Theyre worse than ants. So many damn monsters.
At least, it seemed that the Lizardmen were temporarily pausing their assault,
catching their breath.
Sha-sha-sha.
From atop an air conditioning unit in the alley,
the elite Lizardman who had been watching him began to mock him.
Clink clink
A faint sound reached Ihaechans ears.
It was the distinctive noise made when an officers baton strikes something.
You little shit, no way!
Sha-sha-sha.
Ihaechan thought all the monsters had entered the alley,
but that was just a misperception caused by their numbers.
What he couldnt see
was that the battle was still happening on the other side of the alley.
Could it be... that woman?
The same woman who had dared to bring adder or casually wandered around holding an umbre
the one with the plum scent, like a mute swordsman.
It had to be her.
Ihaechan thought he had tricked the monsters into following him into the alley,
but in reality, the elite Lizardman had tricked him,
leading him away from the convenience store.
You bastard lizard! Stop messing around ande at me. Come at me!
Sha-sha!
Unlike the previous reckless charges,
now that the elite Lizardman had taken charge,
the Lizardmen in the alley sheathed their swords,
pulling out spears and targeting him head-on.
A narrow space that must be broken through.
Weapons specialized for thrusting with long reach.
A countless horde.
The Lizardmens strengths, which Ihaechan had neutralized earlier,
werepletely reversed with the crisis at the convenience store caused by one woman.
These bastards are deliberately trying to draw me out.
If not,
there was no way these Lizardmen, who had switched to their weapons so efficiently,
could fail to take down a single woman in an open space.
Unable to bear the tension, Ihaechan checked his wrist,
his screen phone showing the emergency support app from the Awakener Association.
[Guild members from the Association are heading to the scene.]
[Dispatched Awakeners: Codename - Spiderman (C), Mantisman (C)]
[Estimated arrival time: 7 minutes, 39 seconds]
Seven minutes.
With that, neither the woman outside nor Ihaechan himself
could be sure theyd survive.
Damn tax thieves. Seven minutes is too long.
But he couldnt just whine and hide in the alley,
hoping to save his own skin.
Streamer in a virtual reality game trains every day, non-stop. This much doesnt even faze me, you bastards!!
For some reason,
the memories of the 1 vs many chaotic situations he had watched on the mute swordsmans stream came flooding back.
Rather than relying on shy skills or cheating y,
it was all about real swordsmanship in thoroughbat.
The techniques and tricks began to surface in his mind.
And at that moment,
the Lizardmens spears no longer posed a threat.
He sliced through the thrusting spears, entangling them,
kicking and breaking their exposed legs,
and using the fallen enemies as shields to swiftly cut down more.
Hah, hah!
The red blood from the Lizardmen and the rain of arrows stained his sleeves,
as he wiped the sweat from his eyes.
Tossing the elite Lizardmans weapon aside,
he walked out of the alley.
Its toote.
He had prepared himself for this before leaving.
Five minutes had passed since the sound of the soldiers batons stopped.
He should have just fled the store with the women instead of showing off.
Looking around as if to close the eyes of the dead,
he was suddenly enveloped in blinding light.
Ugh!
Sis, dont point a shlight at someone!
"Sis?"
Wasnt that the clerks voice?
Squinting, he looked through the darkness and saw, beyond the extinguished lights,
two women standing under the streetlights,
behind them were more monsters than he had just in in the alley.
Its a dead giveaway.
In this serious situation,
the woman, spinning her umbre like it was a pic,
yfully ying with her hands,
and looking over at him.
That indifferent gaze, and the monsters she had swept away
this woman, no doubt, was the mute swordsman.
Chapter 61
Monsters, the enemies of humanity.
Before experiencing it firsthand, I had expected them to be of significantbat strength, drawingparisons to mythical beasts.
But my actual impression after facing them was that they were closer to something far less formidable.
Surely, humanity didnt face a crisis from these kinds of monsters, right?
Bipedal lizards.
They wield spears and swords, and use weapons, but their technique isughable.
Whoosh
They fall for my fake moves, one after another, and lose their bnce.
sh
As I adjust the position of my umbre-wielding hand and change the gap between the weapons, they get sliced apart in session.
Crack
When I focus solely on attacking with the weapons, the lizardmans arm, which had been bent backward, is fully twisted, exposing its torso.
The air is leaking out.
They have intelligence, but their primal instincts dominate.
They resemble humans but are closer to creatures with the true nature of monsters.
They''re even worse than low-tier mythical beasts.
The faint heat that had risen in Ha Eun-eungs expression immediately faded away.
Her umbre swiftly swung and chopped with no hesitation.
Fingers, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck.
Anything that crossed her umbre''s path was severed in mid-air, parts of the lizardmens bodies flying off.
While she was ughtering them, she suddenly paused.
What is this? This disgusting energy...
Just getting close made her stomach churn with an unpleasant, nauseating energy.
That energy, which came from the dead bodies she had just defeated, gathered toward her, attempting to burrow into her body like sperm chasing after an egg.
Cheonghae Simbeop
Kimak
A technique used to block toxins or contaminated air by sealing off one''s qi.
With this skill, she managed to block the invasive, foul energy, and a semi-transparent screen appeared in front of her.
[You have killed several lizardmen.]
[You meet the basic requirements for an Awakened One.]
[You failed to absorb experience points.]
[Level up failed.]
[You are a level 0 Awakened One.]
[Your status window is locked.]
The ominous energy she saw in her minds eye,
a murky, dark energy
it was, absurdly, what the Awakened Onesmonly refer to as experience points.
Is there a technique to purify this dark energy and absorb it into pure inner power?
Curiosity finally surfaced, but first, the thought that came to mind was the reality of this experience points concept.
Knock Knock
[Come out for a moment.]
Even though her absurd behavior of knocking on the convenience store door mid-fight was baffling,
the lizardmen couldnt attack her.
This was because so many had already fallen to Ha Eun-eungs attacks.
Are you okay, sister? If you need another umbre...
Jua-Young rushed over, holding a spare umbre, intending to offer it as an emergency weapon.
But her eyes widened as she spotted the lizardmen that were still alive, lying on the floor.
She quickly looked back at Ha Eun-eung in shock.
Did you do this, sister?
[You wanted to level up, right?]
Can I kill those? Really?
Ha Eun-eung nodded.
However, she had to make sure Jua-Young understood the risks.
[But, the experience gained from killing monsters can have harmful effects on the human body.]
Ah, no way. If I be an Awakened One, I can invest in stats and get stronger, right?
[You might get stronger temporarily. But this is impure energy.]
If you absorb any kind of energy,
you can easily increase the overall amount of internal power at first.
However, if the energy''s purity is low,
it will circte in your body, causing harm to your muscles and tendons,
which could lead to ruptured blood vessels or even sudden death.
This is the phenomenon known as "being possessed by the energy," often called Ju Hwa Ip Ma in martial arts.
[You might suddenly use this power and have your heart stop. The energy that Awakened Ones use as their power source is that dangerous.]
While the martial arts worlds status window is like a light status window,
the Awakened Ones status window is a dark one.
Handling impure energy,
its essentially a practice of a dark art, akin to the methods used by corrupt or rogue cultivators.
Still, does she remain undeterred in her desire to be an Awakened One?
Seeing Jua-Youngs determined face,
Ha Eun-eung had no intention of stopping her.
Ha Eun-eung crushed the lizardmen to near death,
and Jua-Young finished them off one by one.
[Failed to absorb experience points.]
[Level up failed.]
[Experience points have been transferred to the next contributor.]
Thanks to this, Jua-Youngs experience points grew explosively,
and as she stabbed her umbre into thest lizardmans neck,
Jua-Young cheered triumphantly.
Sister, I awakened! Im level 1 now!
[Is experience really so necessary?]
No, its not. Just killing a dungeon rat would fill up the experience needed to level up.
Jua-Young shared the knowledge she learned at the Awakened Academy.
For the first awakening, the excess experience is used for things like enhancing traits, job boosts, and increasing stat limits.
[So, the more excess experience, the more it gets used somewhere?]
Exactly. So usually, Awakened Ones who achieve specific feats will see a far greater growth than those who simply level up.
The level increase is always one at a time.
But, with the excess experience required for the level up,
talent expansion or stat limit increases ur.
I couldnt do it by myself, but thanks to you, sister, I gained an insane amount of experience. This would be the kind of treatment that even major guild prospects would never receive, right?
If it wasnt for the gate copse,
it would be nearly impossible for so many monsters to gather in one ce.
And for all of them to be subdued and left with only thest hit to finish them off?
That alone was an incredible achievement, which made Jua-Young feel like shed gotten a rare opportunity.
Speaking of rare opportunities, I cant help but think about that ce I set up.
The old holynd of the Blood Cult.
The opportunities at the Tamakan Desert ruins.
Before her return to the real world from the martial arts world.
The internal energy she umted,
the martial arts techniques and treasures she acquired,
and the arrangements she made for the foolish and pitiful possessed ones who would follow her path.
A rare opportunity is no joke. Unless you buy it in the store window, you wont easily find it.
Rather than thinking about distant, unseen worlds,
what was in front of her seemed far more pressing.
That guy, hes not just pretending to be cool, he actually fights decently.
The man who lured the monster swarm into the alley.
His sword skills were no joke.
Click
Ugh!
Sister, why are you aiming a shlight at a person?
Even as the rebuke flew through the air,
Ha Eun-eung, who had been watching the man intently,
confirmed with her own eyes that all the wounds on him were scratches that had grazed past and missed his vital points.
[Your sword skills are decent.]
Ha Eun-eung acknowledged the mans skill.
The man acknowledged by Ha Eun-eung.
He wasnt the first to receive this honor.
Jua-Young had earned it early on as well.
However, their positions were entirely different.
While Jua-Young, as a trainee Awakened One, was recognized for her training and future potential,
Ihaechan, even if he fell into the martial arts world,
could easily survive off his sword skills alone.
Can I ask you something?
[No.]
Ihaechan, surprised by the cold tone and confused by the response,
looked at Ha Eun-eung, who subtly flipped the pages of her notebook with a smile.
[Just kidding.]
It wasnt a concept, after all.
This guy was naturally a troublemaker.
Flustered, Ihaechan immediately asked what was on his mind.
Can I interview you for a moment?
[Are you a reporter?]
Dont you know who I am?
[Do I have to?]
No, not necessarily.
Still, this is how you treat me?
You were the streamer who had driven the viewers away at the beginning.
I wanted to argue, but
knowing his malicious personality,
Id end up with nothing, not even a 30-second clip for a short video.
I dont really know, but, uh, thank you for your help. Youre not hitting on my sister, are you?
Ha, whats the problem? Its just because were both famous. Its a bit disappointing though. Okay, you dont know my face, but have you never heard of Nationalistic Prosecutor Ihaechan?
Ive donated several times, you know?
If you dont even know that, youre not really human.
Let me just look it up. Wait, its real. 1.22 million subscribers... 1.22 million? Wow, youre that famous as a VTuber?
Jua-Young was amazed, and Ihaechan shrugged.
[Youre famous?]
His shoulders drooped with just a page of the notebook.
If you have a million VTubers, youre living the easy life!
Then what? You two dont even know me. Well, I can understand that, but its really shocking that the Silent Swordsman doesnt know me.
Silent Swordsman? Oh, is that the nickname you used when you set the record in the game?
If Jua-Young hadnt misunderstood,
Ihaechan might have realized that Ha Eun-eung was aware of his stream.
But Jua-Youngs awkward misunderstanding led Ihaechan to believe she knew more than she let on.
What? You knew all along.
?
Just talking to myself.
Ihaechan sat down on the ground, taking a moment to breathe,
while Ha Eun-eung sat on the guardrail in front of him.
After the fight, as they rxed,
she sat with her legs neatly crossed, as if she were wearing a skirt,
calm and collected.
Surprisingly feminine.
For someone like Ihaechan, who was never beaten in terms of skill,
this unexpectedly feminine side of someone he genuinely acknowledged as a formidable opponent
contrasted with her overwhelming achievements and added a surprising charm,
so much so that gap moe could be used to describe it.
Huh?
And the gaps werent just one.
Her S-line waist and hips,
the triangle line between her pubic area and thighs,
often referred to as the Thigh gap.
This golden area wasnt just suited to a slim body.
The right pelvis, developed glutes,
and solid, muscr thighs all came together perfectly to form aplete physique.
Enchanted by her beauty, Ihaechan stared nkly
until he snapped back to reality with a flushed face.
Ha Eun-eung was looking down at him,
with apletely expressionless face.
Ah, um... Im sorry, I let my guard down and lost focus.
Ihaechan, bracing for a p, honestly apologized.
It would have been better if she had scolded him.
Even with a look of disdain, it would have been easier to deal with.
Instead, she gave him a look as if to say, Is this who you really are?
Ihaechan, with both hands respectfully sped together,
bowed deeply, as if nothing could make him feel more serious.
Jua-Young, who was standing next to Ha Eun-eung, spoke up instead.@@novelbin@@
Ugh, you should be more careful.
Im truly sorry.
Is she really mad?
Ha Eun-eung shook her head.
She had survived.
The famous streamer harassment controversy was over.
Just as Ihaechan let out a sigh of relief,
an urgent call came in, and urgently arriving was
an Awakened One from the association, codename Spider-Man.
He threw several monster corpses from the air,
trying tond with a superheronding but slipped on the blood covering the floor,
landing clumsily with a loud thud.
Ughhh... Im Spider-Man from the Awakened One Association, responding to the urgent call. Sorry, but my legs are numb, so, uh... Ill just lie down for a bit.
Unbelievable. Sigh.
Jua-Young, shaking her head, and Ha Eun-eung, who recognized the Spider-Man, greeted him warmly.
With such a unique entrance,
it was impossible not to draw attention,
so the focus shifted away from Ihaechan.
Wow, I get to slip under the radar now.
From now on, the Awakened One Association was no longer a tax parasite, but
the righteous staff of the people.
Ihaechan silently expressed gratitude toward the Spider-Man.
Chapter 62
1.
Codename: Spider-Man.
A C-rank Awakened One who helped Ha Eun-eung with the cleanup, he was designated a level-2 surveince target by the association.
For a while, he suffered under the watch of his colleague, So Gyeong-seok, but one day, due to a sudden change in higher-ups'' policies, he was freed from surveince and became a free man.
Could it be that theres no longer a need to monitor me?
At first, Ha Eun-eung thought he had gone missing, and the thought sent chills down her spine.
However, she was relieved to see him broadcasting normally.
Youre really something. You say you cant understand the devotion of uncle fans who obsess over idols, but how are you so into game streamers?
Same goes for you, you were bored of regr idols and now you''re hunting for star Awakened Ones. Dont be too harsh, were both getting old, so lets be kinder to each other.
Though they bickered, they stood arm in arm, exchanging messages on their screen phones.
[Why was your surveince lifted?]
[Im not sure either. I heard the entire Associations Surveince Team C, both field monitor and surveince teams, got wiped out.]
[Suddenly?]
[They must have crossed a line, messing with someone they shouldnt have.]
[Does the Silent Swordsman have backing?]
[Maybe they did it themselves.]
The two of them, experienced frence Awakened Ones, had some knowledge about the Association''s dirty dealings and were quite excited by this unusual situation.
Whether it was their own doing or the support of a hidden power, a powerful group of Awakened Ones had fought the Association from the shadows, effectively forcing their surrender.
[Still, it feels kind of disappointing.]
[Disappointed? Whats there to be disappointed about?]
[My small streamer getting supported by a hidden power? That feels off.]
Youre crazy.
So Gyeong-seok, unable to hold it in any longer, scolded him out loud.
How is a streamer with 230,000 subscribers and an average of 13,000 viewers just your little streamer?
I mean, thats just how I say it.
Wake up, you idiot. People like us dont live in the same world as someone like that. Do you really think someone whos constantly called in by the Association, who could die any day, would be interested? Insurancepanies wont even sell them life insurance.
Who said I want to get married?
Youve been in active duty for years, and you dont even know this much about me? Give it up. If youre lucky, itll be over in one try.
Spider-Mans hand twitched.
He patted his shoulder and began preparing for patrol.
The words hurt, but they were right.
Really, I was lucky.
It was exceedingly rare for an Awakened One to be released from surveince by the Association.
And she wasnt just any woman.
She was a powerhouse who had wiped out a dozen Unknowns in an instant.
And the backing behind her?
It could very well be a viinous organization powerful enough to destroy the Associations surveince team.
Who am I to chase after a woman who might be a member of a viinous group? Theres no way I could handle it.
His first love, who suddenly appeared one day,
was like a flowers scent carried by the wind,
vanishing the moment you tried to hold it.
Spider-Man thought.
Perhaps hed never get another chance to speak with Ha Eun-eung again.
Not until his wrist-screen phone vibrated violently,
and an emergency rm red.
Myungho District.
The same ce where he had first seriously set his sights on her,
a woman with divine beauty and a kind heart.
The ce where he first met Ha Eun-eung.
And now, something had happened there.
Wait, isnt this the ce we were deployed tost time?
Thats right.
Hey, Spider-Man. Youre not thinking anything weird, are you? Whats with that expression?
Sorry, Im heading out first.
Hey, hey! Damn idiot
Ignoring his colleagues curses, he kept running, dodging monsters that filled the eightne road,
swinging between the streetlights and webs.
He sent the rescue request list frantically, over and over.
I found it!
It wasnt Ha Eun-eung herself,
but the woman who had been with her before, Jua-Young.
Why does it have to be there?
The location was a convenience store near the Gate.
In the detailed statement from the other requester, Ihaechan,
the people in the store were said to be three:
two women and one man.
If they werent just random customers,
the two women might have been Jua-Young and Ha Eun-eung.
Would it really help if I rushed to someone much stronger than me?
Stop being an idiot.
You could rack up Association contributions this way.
Fighting against the impulse of desire,
he barely made it to the scene after seven minutes.
Its already cleaned out.
In the middle of the street, filled with monster corpses,
a woman with a seemingly carefree expression twirled an umbre on her shoulder.
She looked perfectly fine, not injured at all,
and Spider-Mans legs slipped as he lost his strength.
This is embarrassing.
With a crash, not anding,
Spider-Man tumbled into the rescue scene.
[C-rank Awakened One Spider-Man has arrived at the scene.]
The notification from his screen phone came a moment toote,
making his embarrassment double.
Are you alright?
Ha ha, Im sorry. An Awakened One from the Association, receiving worry from the rescue target.
Honestly, at least you came here in the middle of all this chaos.
Spider-Man, trying to downy his difort, reassured Jua-Young.
In truth, he wasnt alright at all due to his humiliation.
What a disgrace in front of my first love.
If only he could turn back time.
Desperately praying in his mind, he saw the monster corpses scattered around and came up with a quick solution.
With this level of merit, youve probably gathered a lot of magic stones. How about entrusting their collection and sale to the Association? Ill personally oversee the process.
Oh right! Sister, magic stones are highly valuable! We should sell them, now that weve caught monsters.
Who would turn down the chance to gather the money left lying on the ground?
[Can I take a look?]
Ah, you want to inspect the quality. Of course, go ahead.
Spider-Man personally retrieved a magic stone from a corpse and wiped off the blood before handing it to her.
At first nce, it looked like a small gem, the size of a babys fist.
Ha Eun-eung, with cold eyes, looked down at the stone,
flung it into the air, and then
Scrape
She swung her sword, slicing it in half.
With a clink, the magic stone shattered, its pieces rolling across the ground, all eyes watching.
Sister! How could you break such an expensive thing?
Gasp! M-maybe the Association didnt sit well with you?
[There was a bad energying from it.]
What?
Inside the magic stone was a form of natural energy.
If it could be drawn out, it would have sufficient utility.
But the problem was that the energy was tainted.
Just exposing myself to the tainted energy has harmful effects, and using a magic stone thats basically a lump of tainted energy will never result in anything good.
Being someone who can read the purity of energy,
Ha Eun-eung was certain.
Magic stones were like containers for contaminated substances, and their energy should never be tampered with.
Not understanding Ha Eun-eungs reasoning,
Ihaechan, from the perspective of a third party, felt genuinely sorry for Spider-Man.
Hes offering genuine kindness, and she just shut him down that scary woman. He might really cry.
Considering that the rank of the lizardmen wasnt very high individually despite their group strength,
the value of a magic stone from a lizardman was about 200,000 won.
But theres always the risk that the stone might break during the battle or due to the shock of death,
so not all of them would yield 200,000 won.
The average value was only about a third of that.
However, Spider-Man had taken down over 60 lizardmen, so his estimated earnings were about 4 million won.
Adding the price of elite lizardman stones, at 1 million won each, his total ie was 5 million.
Meanwhile, the Silent Swordsman, who had killed more than double, would have earned at least 10 million.
Its like offering a 10-million-won ring and getting shut down right in front of you.
Ihaechan, feeling pity for him, decided to help a little.
There was a crazy guy who sprayed glowing paint on the main road. He might still be around here. Shouldnt we search for him?
Grateful for the opportunity to go unnoticed,
Spider-Man eagerly grabbed the lifeline.
Such an unforgivable act! Dont worry, Ill find him right away.
After receiving Ihaechans tip,
it didnt take long for the Association to capture Choi Ho-pil, who had been trying to destroy the CCTV footage while secretly tampering with it.
Choi Ho-pil had been watching Ha Eun-eungs massacre from start to finish.
What did I get myself into?
Even Choi Ho-pil, whose temper was out of control,
couldnt help but tremble with fear at the thought of facing the consequences of his actions.
Her strength was nothing to scoff at.
I need to erase the evidence, quickly!
Blinded by his desire for revenge, he had acted impulsively, but now it seemed that his life was on the line.
Damn it, just breaking the cameras isnt enough.
He rushed into a nearby shop with CCTV,
destroying the video data,
and pried open the parked cars to remove the ck box memory chips.
Desperately trying to erase the evidence,
he was caught by an Association Awakened One, Spider-Man, and apprehended.
This is the guy. He was caught in the act of destroying evidence.
Handcuffed and thrown onto the street,
Choi Ho-pils heart sank with the sound of...
Thud
A loud noise as an umbre was forcefully thrust into the ground in front of him.
The end of the umbre pierced through the concrete,
about 3 inches (9 cm) deep,
and Choi Ho-pils head slowly creaked upward.
[Weve met before, havent we?]
She, who had sliced through monsters like meat,
was an opponent whose rank was beyond estimation.
[Actually, I was thinking of looking for you. This worked out well.]
In the world of martial arts, grudges are always settled.
I-I didnt mean this! Ill ept the punishment. Ill confess in court, just please dont do this. Damn it, please spare me. I dont want to die!
With a look of clear disdain,
Ha Eun-eung red at him.
Still with handcuffs, Choi Ho-pil was dragged by the umbre
into the alley full of lizardman corpses.
Even if he deserves to die, is this really okay? Shouldnt we avoid causing you trouble, sister?
That guy already removed all the CCTV in the area. No one will know what happens here.
Spider-Mans words were the final blow.
Jua-Youngsst worry disappeared,
and Ihaechan, unable to hide his anger, understood how Ha Eun-eung felt
when Choi Ho-pil screamed and struggled.
After all, the two had almost died because of him.
No one stopped Ha Eun-eung when she made her decision.
Did you do something inside?
[Its better if you dont know.]
Jua-Young and Ihaechan felt uneasy,
and Spider-Mans doubts were confirmed.
Even an Awakened One with a license to kill doesnt usually cross the line like this.
Considering the pleading screams for death,
it was the work of a true professional.@@novelbin@@
She really is a member of a viinous organization.
Ha Eun-eung, the only one to emerge from the alley where they had disappeared,
casually flicked blood off her umbre against the wall.
Her unbothered demeanor was calm in a way that even Awakened Ones with licenses to kill couldnt easily match.
Any chance of misjudging her had evaporated.
Chapter 63
1.
The monster air raid rm that caused amotion in Myungho District.
The chaos, which seemed like it would never end, finally came to an end when the sun rose.
Team 1, report.
Team 1! Total members: 10! Present members: 10! Roll callplete!!
Team 2! Total members: 10! One excused! Present members: 9! Excused due to injury! Roll callplete!!
Team 3! Total members: 12! Five excused! Present members: 7! Excused due to 3 injuries, 2 deaths! Roll callplete!!
Team 4! Total members: 15! Nine excused! Present members: 6! Excused due to 3 injuries, 5 deaths, 1 missing! Roll callplete!!
The guard captain, receiving the reports from the team leaders, grimaced fiercely.
Missing? Who the hell is that?
Missing person is Team 4 member Choi Ho-pil!
Choi Ho-pil. That idiot who got dropped from Team 2?
This fool, who couldve easily risen up if he just kept his nose clean,
got caught up in an ident because he couldnt control his lust,
and due to a direct order from the guild leader,
was pushed down to the very end of the guard team.
Hearing that foolish name again,
the guard captain, Lee Myung-hoon, bit back his anger and asked.@@novelbin@@
Get his jurisdiction info.
The jurisdiction info has been updated!
Why the hell was this idiot assigned here?
This fool had gotten into trouble with a convenience store clerk,
got marked by an Awakened One who happened to be in the store,
and then ended up humiliated.
For him to be assigned to a district with the same convenience store
it made no logical sense.
Well uh, Choi Ho-pil requested a change due to his injury not being fully healed, and I made the change to a nearby area on my own.
Smack!
The 4th team leader, struck on the back of his head with a hand the size of a pot lid,
copsed without even being able to scream.
What is this, a gathering of idiots? What the hell are you guys doing? Did you take bribes from the guild leader? Is Lee Myung-hoon a spy nted by Kim Chang-sik to screw us over!?
Myungho Guild.
A guild formed under the leadership of A-rank Awakened Lee Myung-ho.
Lee Myung-hos son, Lee Myung-hoon, who awakened after his father,
held the position of the guard captain but
was being overshadowed by the guild''s real power, the raiding team,
led by Kim Chang-sik, the guilds vice leader, who had gained official recognition as the second inmand.
With internalpetition already weighing heavily on him,
the presence of the idiot Choi Ho-pil only added to the humiliation.
Lee Myung-hoon, already losing ground in the internal struggles for the next guild leader position,
couldnt afford another defeat. He immediately ordered a focused search around the convenience store where the incident urred.
- "Team 2 here. We found Choi Ho-pil. His condition is pretty bad, and I think the guard captain needs toe see for himself."
On the main road, filled with Association guards and delivery workers,
the 2nd team leader, having already cleared out the workers in the alley,
quietly guided him behind a trash can.
What the hell happened to this guy?
His clothes arepletely torn apart.
Did he get bitten by a monster? Its not like its the first time weve seen something rough like this on this street.
The 2nd team leader casually lifted Choi Ho-pils torn clothes with his spear
and then hesitated, his legs wobbling.
This guys in really bad shape.
Choi Ho-pil, in a state so badly torn up that it was hard to understand how he was even alive,
was in a condition where it wouldnt have been surprising if he died at any moment,
and Lee Myung-hoon clicked his tongue.
Morphine injection.
Yes.
Gurgle!
After the painkiller was administered, Choi Ho-pil finally regained some consciousness.
Choi Ho-pil. Are you conscious?
Gu-guard captain, I I
What happened to you?
P-please kill me. It hurts so much... Ugh Please, kill me...
Fine, Ill make it easy for you. But before you go, youll have to take revenge. Who did this to you?
Aaaaah! Aaaaahhh! O-oh, donte closer! Please put the umbre down!
Suddenly screaming and twitching,
Choi Ho-pil copsed foaming at the mouth.
The 2nd team leader checked his pulse and shook his head.
The guy with the umbre did this. Hes human, alright. While the Gate air raid was happening, he messed with our guild member in our own backyard. And hes from the guard team.
Choi Ho-pil was lucky he wasnt already dead.
He had no closerades, couldnt handle his duties properly,
and was just another receable low-tier Awakened One who had risen through years of connections.
His death would cause no significant loss to the guild.
But still, he was a member of the Myungho Guild.
Someone with a cruel hand. Are you alright?
Monsters have gentle hands, huh? Cut the crap.
Sorry.
Where are the Association guys from?
C-rank Awakened One, Spider-Man, has applied for a magic stone collection service.
Start digging into that bastard.
The scene, where the street and the alley were littered with monster corpses,
showed the unmistakable signs of a highly skilled individual passing through.
The most likely suspect who took down Choi Ho-pil
was none other than Spider-Man.
Having just been released from the Associations surveince,
Spider-Man was now a target of the Myungho Guild.
Ill handle the collection of magic stones through the Association. Even if youre suspicious about the stones, at least theyre still money, right?
Spider-Man insisted on taking care of the magic stone collection registration.
Ha Eun-eung didnt look too thrilled, but since Ihaechan was offering to take care of the troublesome task and make money off it,
she didnt see any reason to refuse.
Boss must be crazy. Even after showing the photos from the scene, she still insisted on staying to guard the convenience store.
Dont worry about the store. Leave it to me. Spider-Man, Ill guard this area with an irond defense while handling the magic stone collection.
With Spider-Mans offer,
Jua-Young was able to lock up the convenience store.
[Lets go to another neighborhood.]
Really? You could still hunt more monsters. There arent many chances to level up without worrying about the Guild, right?
[Theres something I need to think about.]
Ha Eun-eung, who rarely gave her opinions,
had something she wanted to share.
Seeing Jua-Youngs excited expression, Ha Eun-eung felt a warmth in her heart,
and, seeing her so happy, Ha Eun-eung felt a little inclined to join in as well.
[For Jua-Young, Ill make an exception.]
Are both of you okay with it?
Oh, wait a minute.
Jua-Young suddenly realized something and raised her hand to stop the filming.
An interview is fine, but not the video.
Why not?
Well, after finally getting rid of this annoying costume, Im free to move around, and if the outfits seen in the video again, it could cause trouble.
If it had been a simple concern or a change of heart,
Ihaechan would have easily convinced her.
But when it came to something as realistic as this,
he couldnt help but whine.
Really? Is there no way around it?
If you do that, the difficult outfit will be for nothing. In that case, Ill just skip the interview myself.
[If Jua-Youngs not doing the interview, I wont either.]
The two women, in perfect harmony,
expressed their intention to decline the interview, and Ihaechan was taken aback, trying to persuade them.
Ill remove the video! Just the audio, okay?
Ihaechan, realizing the importance of this encounter with the Silent Swordsman,
was reluctant to make things difficult for her with a video interview.
He couldnt repay the favor with such selfishness.
Dont worry about it being too formal. Its a recorded broadcast, so everything can be edited. Just answerfortably.
Thus, Ihaechan managed to meet his goal of interviewing the Silent Swordsman and even exceeded his objective by securing an interview.
However, after sending the audio recording to the editor and receiving the reply,
Ihaechan realized his mistake.
Editor: Are you crazy?
Editor: You gave me the sound and now expect answers through written messages?
Ihaechan: Ah.
Editor: You idiot
Ihaechan: Idiot?
Editor: You dumbass! Youre getting a pay cut! You deserve to be yelled at. How am I supposed to edit this with no answers?!
No wonder the evil woman, whom everyone in the streaming world feared,
agreed so readily to the interview.
Ihaechan never expected such a cunning trap.
They had done the interview,
but there was no way to include any answers in the VTube video audio
a real nightmare.
The Silent Swordsman.
She was just as much a nightmare in reality as she was in her gaming streams.
Chapter 64
1.
Ihaechans Silent Swordsman interview video
hit one million views on the day it was uploaded.
-?
-?
- April Fools is in April, so why is this nonsense happening in November?
Thement section was filled with hooks and unanswered questions.
It made sense, though.
It was an interview with a ck screen and only audio,
and the Silent Swordsman didn''t even speak.
- Hey, crazy guy lol
- Isnt this just self-questioning? lmao
- The interview was conducted in Ihaechans imagination, and
- the million views came from an imagined interview^^
- They tricked us, they tricked us, they tricked us
- But the Silent Swordsman''s younger sibling has a really beautiful voice
- I agree with that
- I want to see the Silent Swordsmans younger sibling in real life Give it to me
- Is it really the sibling? Not a paid actor?
- Lol
- How can we believe this with no video? Damn
When talking to the Silent Swordsmans younger sibling,
at least a conversation could be formed,
but when speaking to the Silent Swordsman herself,
Ihaechan was asking questions and reacting alone
it was literally a world-first imagination-based interview.
The viewers had to guess the Silent Swordsmans answers through his reactions.
Thus, it turned into a world-first viewer-imagined interview.
- 5:22 Language level 3. I don''t get the speaker''s psychology, damn it
- 7:04 Korean Literature major here. I cant infer the context, you idiot
- 11:05 Why is Ihaechanughing alone? Why is Ihaechanughing alone? Why is Ihaechanughing alone?
- Let usugh together, damn it
- Both the interviewer and the interviewee are evil, seriously lol
- Why does the interview keep raising more questions instead of answering them?
- Silent Swordsman''s answer (not heard)
- Silent Swordsman interview feature: Only understandable for those with level 1 in thenguage section of the CSAT
- I cant even read the first-person sensory link and now I cant understand the interview, damn it
- Hahahaha
- Lol, viewers with physical and mental abilities cant watch anymore
- Only the strong survive in the Silent Swordsman content
- Live broadcast for physical, recorded broadcast for mental hahahaha
Despite the overwhelming, angryments,
there werent many really harsh ones.
Ihaechans regr viewers
were used to watching the Silent Swordsmans broadcasts that he showed during his live streams,
and those thirsty for Silent Swordsman content
had already gotten used to Ihaechans evil side.
- This is what makes the Silent Swordsman herself
- Lol
- The taste of familiar evil
- The broadcast is totally free-spirited, and thats what makes it fun
- It has a mint chocte kind of novelty
- Brush your teeth, you dirty bastard, how long have you not brushed your teeth that it tastes novel
- Hahahahaha
- Mint chocte does taste like toothpaste lol
- Damn, my toothpaste is strawberry vored, what do you add to it?
- Ah, if its strawberry vor, then sorry
It wasnt just a fresh feeling.
Her skills were on par with top-tier physical prowess,
and the viewing pleasure was good, so
the slightly evil antics were epted as part of her concept,
and a bizarre trend started to form.
Why the hell is the view count exploding over this?
Its because the editing is so good. You should bow down to me. Agree?
This one is definitely a yes.
Even with the SOUND ONLY interview,
a few of the curiosities about the Silent Swordsman were satisfactorily answered.
(Ihaechan): Did you ever see your sister using a sword in real life, J?
(J): Of course. My sister is really strong. In this monster air raid, she killed over a hundred Lizardmen.
(Ihaechan): So the rumors about Silent Swordsman being an Awakened One are true?
(J): My sister?
(Silent Swordsman): Scratch scratch...
(Ihaechan): Aha, noment. Lets move to the next question.
The Silent Swordsman Awakened theory,
which spected that a regr person couldnt have such physical strength in Real Mode,
was essentially confirmed by Jua-Youngs testimony and the non-verbal answers from the Silent Swordsman.
(Ihaechan): A lot of viewers are curious why your sister doesnt speak.
(Silent Swordsman): Scratch scratch...
(J): Our sister cant speak normally!
(Silent Swordsman): Scratch scratch...
(J): But does the voice get included in the recordpetition?
(Ihaechan): Huh? Oh, the voice doesnt get included.
(J): Well, then it doesnt matter. Our sister is so popr that everyone must have been curious about her voice, huh?
(Silent Swordsman): Stop
(J): Uh, sis. Why are you ring at me like that? You dont want me to interrupt? Sorry... I got too excited saying that youre popr.
It was also revealed that the Silent Swordsman wasnt purposely silent because she was evil.
(Ihaechan): But your younger sibling is also extremely beautiful and talented. Would it be okay to ask what you do?
(J): I was an Awakened trainee. I worked part-time at a convenience store to pay for the Awakened training academy. But not anymore. I awakened this morning.
(Ihaechan): Ah, I awakened there too. I was so surprised when the air raid rm went off.
(J): Wow, you fought that well even though you werent an Awakened One?
(Ihaechan): If it wasnt for your sister, I wouldve been in trouble too, you know. This isnt good. I should team up for a broadcast to repay the favor.
(Silent Swordsman): Scratch scratch.
(Ihaechan): Whats wrong with teaming up on my broadcast?! Others are begging for me to do coborations!
It was also revealed that all three people in the interview were Awakened Ones,
and it was confirmed that Ihaechans coboration suggestion was rejected.
But despite these surprisingly earnest interviews,
the following happened:
(Ihaechan): Whats your favorite color?
(Silent Swordsman): Scratch scratch.
(Ihaechan): Ah, is it rted to your clothes color?
(Silent Swordsman): Scratch scratch.
(Ihaechan): Since your younger sibling chose the outfit for you, its unrted. But your fashion sense is really good. Its rare to see someone dressed so well.
(J): Cough I do have a good sense, right?
Buried in a conversation only they understood,
the viewers became more impatient.
- So whats your favorite color?!
- Its probably not a color thats not in the clothes, right?
- What color doesnt go into clothes, you idiot?
- Space colors?
- Suddenly Cosmic Horror?
- This space boy lost his mind and fell into madness lol
- So what kind of clothes were they wearing?!
- Why is it only you who gets to see the good stuff?
- This interview is such an evil one.
Despite the viewers frantic cries,
the interview video ended, leaving even more questions unanswered.
The evil, almost cruel interview
became the subject of widespread discussion.
Within a week of being uploaded,
it reached third ce on VTubes weekly trending videos.
Though the interview ended on a cheerful note,
urgent contact came from Ujiu.
Theres a problem. It seems that Myungho Guild has started looking into me, and it looks like they want to hold your guild member ountable for the actions youve taken.
...?
We need to discuss countermeasures quickly. Where should we meet Ah, sorry. I forgot to ask because Im in a rush.
...?
Ill contact you again via text.
Myungho Guild had started investigating.
Ujiu quickly formed a countermeasure n for Ha Eun-eung and Jua-Young.
First of all, if they trace me, it wont be long before the fact that you two are unregistered Awakened Ones is revealed.
So what should my sister and I do?
You two need to take the registration test immediately. One of my colleagues can help you, and you can take it right now if youre ready.
Ha Eun-eung had purposely avoided bing an Awakened One until now.
Having witnessed the kind of people Awakened Ones were
and experienced firsthand how dangerous their status windows could be through Myungho Guild,
she still had a strong reluctance to be one.
However, this time, she couldnt avoid making a different decision.
I gave up some of my experience points to help Jua-Young be an Awakened One. In a way, I led her into this dirty industry with my own hands.
If its something I cant take responsibility for,
I should never start it.
On the other hand, once I start something,
I need to take responsibility for it,
and Ha Eun-eungs strong sense of duty changed her mind.
If theres any external pressure on Jua-Young after bing an Awakened One, I need to stay by her side and protect her for a while.
The game can wait.
Right now, Jua-Youngs schedule was more important.
Once Ha Eun-eung agreed,
Jua-Young made a quick call to the convenience store owner,
and with a brighter face, she said,
The monsters in front of the convenience store are all dead, so there are no customers now. Since Ive awakened, I dont need to go to the academy anymore, and I wont need to work part-time at the convenience store to earn academy fees.
Since the scheduling issue was resolved,
the two women got into therge van Ujiu had called.
My name is So Kyung-seok. Ive been working with Ujiu, aka Spider-Man, for several years.
Im Jua-Young. This is my sister.
[Nice to meet you]
No, sister, you have to introduce yourself.
[Its fine.]
Why are you embarrassed to introduce yourself? Its a pretty name.
Kyung-seok turned his head from the steering wheel.
He had seen on the broadcast that the sister was evil,
but now, there was an evil younger sister bullying her evil older sister.
He had to stop himself fromughing the whole way to the exam hall.
Depending on the test results, the initial rank will be set, so you should do your best for the best results.
Since So Kyung-seok started giving tips,
Jua-Young listened carefully and focused,
but Ha Eun-eung simply stared out of the car window, uninterested.
She didnt seem to care much.
Shes bold. If what Ujiu said is half true, shes no ordinary woman.
Just like Ujiu,
Kyung-seok, who thought of Ha Eun-eung as a member of a viin organization,
figured shed do fine without any help from him.
Good luck. Ill wait until the exam is over, and you cane to the parking lot afterward.
Thanks, mister.
Oh no, mister? Im still young! Anyway, lets try to aim for D rank. Thats when you start getting the Awakened benefits.
He said that, but didnt have high hopes.
The Awakened ranking system
measures personal strength regardless of level
and assigns it based on the Awakening Associations skill evaluation chart.
Unlike the F and E ranks, where the system benefits you from the start,
starting from D rank, the standards are much higher.
Its not easy to get a rank above D,
except for professional athletes or a handful of geniuses.
Usually, D rank would be a win, but the situations tough this time.
Kyung-seok received a bad notification that Ujius personal information had been searched,
and Myungho Guilds investigation had started in full force.
I can still cover for him with the experience I gained in the monitoring mission but these guys are tough.
At this rate, Ujius information will get exposed,
and Ha Eun-eung and Jua-Youngs information will be next.
To avoid getting added to their additional monitoring,
the Awakened rank should be as low as possible.
The viin organization wouldnt want to attract unnecessary attention from the Association. Ill adjust things, so theres no need to worry. Its fine.
Kyung-seok tried tofort himself,
but realizing his hands were shaking with tension,
he sighed bitterly and reached for a cigarette.
Concerned about the smell of smoke in the van,
he went to the designated smoking area in the parking lot.
Potential? Its ruined. A hopeful from the Asan Guild tried variety shows, but his Awakened rank came up as E. They wereining that our inspection was wrong, such a hassle.
Kyung-seok took his earphones out,
trying to eavesdrop while pretending to listen to music,
as he overheard the exam official talking to someone.
In this business, you need to listen to others if you want tost.
As he smoked and listened intently,
he overheard the conversation.
They said they tried a game broadcast, and they want to be the second Silent Swordsman? Theyll do well in public entertainment, but theyll get bacsh once its aired. The PDs mood will be bad, right? Thanks to that, the Asan Guild just got stamped into the variety world.
The mention of the second Silent Swordsman made Kyung-seoks interest peak for a moment.
Sorry, Chief. Got an urgent call. Yeah, lets meetter at the usual ce.
The person ended the call and took out another cigarette,
but the next conversation caught Kyung-seoks attention.
So, two newbies came in for the registration test? What, one of them has a C rank? Really?
Damn.
A sense of dread washed over Kyung-seok as he put his hand to his forehead,
realizing he had just run into a serious problem.
The officials voice grew louder.
Wait, what? Another persons rank just changed? What the hell is this? Why did the scanner results change? Check again!@@novelbin@@
Both were initially ranked D.
But as one of their Awakening abilities turned out to be quite powerful,
the other persons scanner rank suddenly jumped to C.
Now both Ujiu and Kyung-seok were C ranks.
The guilds top prospects are supposed to start from D, and now theyre C ranks right from the start? Get them! Find an excuse for additional screening and keep them in the waiting room! If we pass them to the top, well get an incentive! We need to dy it and recruit them for the Association, understood?
Kyung-seok put his cigarette back and headed back to the exam room,
sighing deeply as he felt the tension rising.
Chapter 65
1.
The Awakened Association''s registration exam.
Given the current situation, where not a single monster could be recklessly hunted by civilians,
Ha Eun-eung was worried that the exam might turn out to be a bothersome and annoying experience,
but in the end, it wasnt as troublesome as she had feared.
[Punching Power Test]
[Branch Highest Record - 82850 points]
[Monthly Highest Record - 1025 points]
[Jua-Young 1st Attempt - 812 points]
[Jua-Young 2nd Attempt - 876 points]
[Jua-Young 3rd Attempt - 895 points]
[Jua-Young Personal Best - 895 points]
"Ugh~ so close. Can I try once more? I can definitely do better next time."
"Sorry, that''s not possible. ording to the rules, each Awakened participant is allowed a maximum of three attempts per event."
The punching machine, typically found in arcades,
was specially maderger and more durable for the Awakened exams.
It was a simple test where participants punch the machine,
and Jua-Youngs scores were all in the 800-point range after three attempts.
"Judge, did I do well?"
"Most ordinary women score between 400 and 500. Awakened women usually score between 600 and 700. A score of 895 puts you in the top 10% among Awakened men."
"Phew, that''s a relief."
"Just for your information, 90% of Awakened individuals are ranked F or E. The top 10% are just barely above the lower groups."
Jua-Young pouted her lips in frustration.
"Sis, please smash this stupid machine!"
"...."
She could easily destroy it if she wanted to, but
doing so would create a bigger gap between her and Jua-Young''s rankings.
Ha Eun-eung adjusted her strength and punched the machine.
Thud
[Ha Eun-eung 1st Attempt - 2050 points]
"New Monthly Record!"
"Ah! Sis, you broke the record!"
"...."
Ha Eun-eung didnt expect such a high score on her first punch.
It was her first time using a punching machine, after all.
"That was a light punch, but your score is still impressive. Would you like to try again?"
"Yes, sis! Next time, let''s beat the monthly highest score and go for the branch record!"
Of course, Ha Eun-eung had no intention of doing so.
She punched the machine again, exerting far less effort than before.
[Ha Eun-eung 2nd Attempt - 599 points]
[Ha Eun-eung 3rd Attempt - 425 points]
[Ha Eun-eung Personal Best - 2050 points]
The judge didnt hide his difort.
"What are you doing?"
"Why the sudden drop, sis? Is your arm sore?"
Ha Eun-eung gave a vague excuse.
[I have a temporary ability to increase my strength.]
"Does that mean you have a strength-enhancing Awakening ability?"
"Wow. I knew you were strong, but you actually have that kind of power?"
Ha Eun-eung didnt lie outright, but cleverly avoided stating anything false.
As a result, the judge was easily tricked.
"That''s too bad. If your power was usable anytime, your score would have been much higher. Dont you think?"
[Im already satisfied with this.]
After the punching machine,
Ha Eun-eung achieved scores that were close to Jua-Youngs in various other tests,
and as expected, both received D-rank assessments.
"Ah, by the way, there will be a VR test for a detailed ability assessment. Do either of you have any issues with virtual reality motion sickness?"
"I can even do Jumping Rabbit!"
"How could you y such a terrible game..."
"What did you say?"
"Sorry, I misspoke."
[Im fine with it. But whats Jumping Rabbit?]
"Its there! A really great game!"
The judge looked as though he had a lot to say,
but when Jua-Young red at him with burning eyes,
his mouth snapped shut.
All I need to do is keep matching Jua-Youngs scores like before.
Ha Eun-eung thought it wasnt a big deal.
"This virtual reality test will use a game simtion called Catch the Silent Swordsman, which is a civilian game."
"!"
Before her game nickname was even mentioned,
Ha Eun-eung was already feeling embarrassed.
2.
Eom Gil-Dong was experiencing his second peak in life.
A few days ago,
the Association offered him a contract asking if he could officially adopt his game,
,
as one of the events in the Awakened registration exam.
"Of course, thats a no-brainer, you bastard."
Eom Gil-Dong signed the contract immediately,
and as a result, his bank ount became significantly richer.
"Wow, even the Awakened are doing it. Isnt this awesome, guys?"
- Why does he look different all of a sudden?
- Marry me, hyung.
- Ill make a lot of money... so jealous.
When will you repay the loan, customer?
"This crazy bastard, seriously? Ive never had a loan! And why are you giving me money asking me to pay it back? What kind of polite debt collection is this?"
- Hahahaha
- Seriously hahaha
- Id dly ept this kind of collection every day.
The contract turned out to be quite profitable,
giving him plenty of content to engage with the viewers.
Except for one major w, there was nothing toin about.
So our name will be known to the Awakened too, right?
The one w was so outrageous that it was hard to ignore.
"Why the hell did you choose a nickname like that?!!!"
- Hahahahahahahahahahah
- Eom Gil-Dongs image is ruined haha
- Eom Gil-Dongs biggest output: Eom Gil-Dongs Sexual Desire
- Its getting more and more popr, this is hrious!
The 69th applicants record is one rank lower than Eom Gil-Dongs Sexual Desire. Congrattions on your E-rank sess.
- LOL, getting beaten by that name would be a huge blow to the ego.
- But why is it a sess, though?
- Haha, well, if its one rank below Eom Gil-Dongs Sexual Desire, its fair to pass.
- The nickname is ridiculous, but the skill is real
- Can we see the rankings of Awakened Ones if we look at the rankings?
- Oh
- Possible
- What do you mean?
- Done
- Why are you standing up, damn it?
- Aaah, this crazy bastard!
"Alright, enough with the weirdments. Dont talk about it. The rankings arent public. If the applicants'' personal information gets exposed, thats a problem."
- Kkk
- Information protection is a must.
"They see our rankings, though."@@novelbin@@
"Our scores arent valuable enough to be protected..."
- Seriously, this sucks.
- Does being unemployed mean you dont deserve any respect?
- Living off mom and only ying the Catch the Silent Swordsman gameno respect for that?
- If youre living off your own money, unmarried, not meeting anyone, and your only hobby is gaming, you dont get information protection.
- Stop, you crazy people, why are you dealing massive damage?
"Please stop! If you joke around twice, Ill get beaten up. Theyre just taking the test, and were the ones setting the rankings in the game."
- (Seems somewhat agreeable, emoji)
- (Nod emoji)
"You guys wanted to show off your records before, but now youre too embarrassed to admit it? You shouldnt have chosen such embarrassing names in the first ce."
- But it doesnt really matter if its public.
- I dont care. Whats so embarrassing about being Eom Gil-Dongs left arm?
- No, damn it, Im embarrassed. Grandmas dentures thief, Eom Gil-Dong.
- The nickname is so ridiculous, haha.
- It really doesnt matter. Love Seeker Eom Gil-Dong, whats so embarrassing?
"No, damn it, I just realized you all chose your nicknames based on mine. Am I the one who should be embarrassed?"
Despite the ranking records leaking,
Eom Gil-Dongs broadcast was peaceful that day.
<27-year-old 13% Organic Animal Eom Gil-Dong donated 10,000 won!>
I went to the Association and took the Silent Swordsman Catching test. I found the Silent Swordsman on the ranking board. Is this really her? (Screenshot attached)
The top rank on the Awakened Registration Exam server
hadnt been leaked until the broadcast.
3.
Awakened Registration Exam Server Ranking
[RANK 01. Silent Swordsman] (Clear!)
[Time Record 49 seconds / Remaining Monsters 0 / Boat Broken]
[RANK 02. Dongtans Evil Name Promoter Eom Gil-Dong]
[Time Record 72 seconds / Remaining Monsters 21 / Boat Fully Smashed]
[Signature: Died heroically, screaming inside the breaking boat, sinking with it.]
The gap between 1st and 2nd ce was clear.
Looking at the records, Ha Eun-eung felt somewhat troubled.
Was this a fan game made by someone who watched my ghost mode? I dont know why theyre trying to catch up with me, but I hope they stop.
It was quite embarrassing to see a game based on her name appear in the exam.
But who the hell is this?
She had tried to use the rule of three attempts actively.
The name she focused on was not the weird "Dongtan Evil Name Promoter Eom Gil-Dong,"
but the Silent Swordsman, who had ced first.
But I didnt set the first-ce record.
Who set the record using her nickname?
Curiosity filled her as she stepped out of the capsule,
and just as she stepped out, Jua-Young, who had been waiting, said proudly,
"Sis! I set the record!"
[What rank?]
"1st ce!"
"!"
"Looks like my Awakened trainee life wasnt wasted, right?"
Jua-Young
She surprisingly had a knack for gaming.
Chapter 68
1.
The 2nd generation Awakened, Shin Seonggak.
His life had been tumultuous.
"Ten years ago, no one could have predicted that the world would be like this now."
The unknown threats of the Gate and Monsters.
To stop them, Awakened individuals had to be deployed beyond the Gates.
Humanity had to do its best to survive,
and in the process, the rights of the Awakened, who were nothing more than weapons, were mercilessly trampled.
- "We will no longer bow to the governments unjust pressure. I, Park Jae-ho, will create a world where Awakened individuals can live as human beings."
- "Uncle, please, just look once. We''re soldiers. We had no choice but to follow what the country told us to do. Please... cough!"
- "Thank you, Shin Seonggak. Thanks to you holding the line, we were able to safely send the special forces and force the ruling party leader to unconditionally surrender. You did what you had to do."
He constantly reminded himself, night after night,
that he had not done wrong.
"Ive killed so many. So many have died."
The political world, which had tried to suppress the demands of the Awakened by using the military,
and the revolutionary Park Jae-ho, who became the 2nd president of the Awakened Association,
led the Rights Revolution after many Awakened and soldiers died.
Only after countless soldiers and Awakened had died
did they finally harvest the fruits of that bloodshed.
"Stepping on the sacrifice of the dead, the Association took power, and the Guild also earned recognition and was allocated administrative districts, growing massively."
The war fought under the name of revolution
in which only three A-rank Awakened and twenty B-rank Awakened of the Myungho Guild were mobilized.
The long civil war ended with the surrender of the ruling party leader and senior congressmen,
and after the militarys repeated failures to defend against monster raids,
public opinion heavily shifted toward the Awakened, resulting in their victory.
"It was truly a peaceful ten years."
Through the Association,
the Awakened built their own independent informationwork, administrative systems,
and organized teams to send to the Gates.
They establishedws and regtions,
guaranteeing the human rights of the Awakened who had once been exposed to countless crimes and death,
which in turn sharply increased the Gate closure rates and overall performance.
As they regained stability from the dangers of monsters,
the national economy and social development also began to recover,
allowing for the South Korea of 2050 to be born.
"And in such a peaceful era, there were dark secrets that came to light."
Shin Seonggak, holding a single malt whiskey with a subtle fruity aroma, poured it into a ss on a frosty ss surface.
He pointed to the opposite sofa, directing the silent intruder to sitfortably.
"Come, sit. Youll be able to see it better."
If youre scared, you can leave, no need to say anything more.
The intruder stepped forward and sat on the sofa,
and under the dim light that spread from the whiskey bottle on the table,
Shin Seonggaks face was finally revealed when the intruder sat down across from him.
"They call it magic disease. Its why many powerful Awakened retire and end up as old, useless people."
With a cracked face like a cracked y floor and
a metallic hand holding the ss, his skin was tough and hard like metal.
He looked like someone suffering from a rare disease,
a unique sight of a person with deteriorating health.
"This is the end result for the hardened Awakened, who were supposed to control the world. The magic that seemed to give them everything, now binds their life. We call this the end point."
"...."
"Once the end point arrives for an Awakened, they must level up to regain their previous health. But the experience points required increase exponentially the higher the level goes."
"...."
"If you try to use your magic to level up, the magic disease gets worse, and your remaining lifespan shortens. Its a never-ending cycle of deterioration."
Shin Seonggak.
A deep sense of regret flooded his face for the first time.
"This power was only supposed to be used against monsters. All the time wasted fighting with our own kind, losing the time I shouldve spent moving forward... this is the result."
"...."
"How about you? How much time have you wasted with that body of yours? Can you tell how much time you have left before your end pointes?"
"...."
"How cold. Even after listening to the words of an industry senior, you remain silent. Are you nning to fight after all?"
Shin Seonggak realized.
Just like in his youth, when he didnt yield to any external pressure or mediation for the Associations justice,
this nighttime guest in front of him wouldnt leave easily either.
"If this is a fight I cant avoid, then Ill ept it."
A long sigh escaped his lungs,
and just as the dying man, waiting only for death, suddenly stood up,
his presence surged, like a giant rising from the ground,
threatening to crush the ceiling and stamp on the house.
A fortress.
With the presence of a solid fortress,
Shin Seonggak mmed his two fists together with a loud thud.
"Your only chance to kill me was to strike while I was talking. Now that youve missed that opportunity, the odds are gone."
"...."
"Out of kindness for listening to a long story, I wont take your life. But you must prepare to suffer a little."
The 2nd generation hardened Awakened Shin Seonggak.
Once called the "Mobile Fortress,"
one of the top five main tanks in Korea,
he rose to his feet.
Since Ha Eun-eung''s return to the real world,
the true battle, the real fight, had begun for the first time.
2.
Unlike the Awakened of the lower ranks,
the Executive-level Awakened, Shin Seonggak,
lived in a massive mansion spanning over 100 pyeong.
Perhaps due to his pride as a B-rank Awakened who didnt need protection,
his mansion had no bodyguards, and he lived there alone.
"Are you sure youll be okay alone? I may becking in skill, but my paralysis poison could be a useful variable."
[Just stay out of my way. Please wait until Ie out.]
"If you don''te out within an hour, what should I do then?"
Ha Eun-eung stood outside, staring at the mansion that radiated an ominous aura.
She tore off a piece of her notepad and wrote a message.
[Please tell Ah-Young. Tell her to ept my inheritance.]
When the blind Seok looked up, only the shaking branches and the tall walls were left behind.
"An ominous feeling."
The enormous, menacing aura radiated from the mansion.
It was reminiscent of the poisonous power from the Poison King Sect,
where thend beneath your feet would rot and crumble.
Unlike mindless Awakened who swung their magic like a mere quantity,
Ha Eun-eung, a master of energy control, could clearly sense it.
"That ominous power... its experience points. This is the result of recklessly umting that cursed energy."
Her expectations were confirmed.
Shin Seonggak.
He was already a ticking time bomb,
waiting only for the inevitable end.
At the same time, it became clear to her that he had no strength to participate in the criminal activities of the Myungho Guild.@@novelbin@@
"How cold. Even after hearing the words of an industry senior, you remain silent. Are you nning to fight?"
She knew he wasnt at fault.
This fight...
If she wished, she could avoid it.
But the Myungho Guild had already crossed the line.
They tried to cover up a guild member''s crime with power and violence,
and when that failed, they framed her beloved younger sibling.
"Theres only one way to settle a grudge in the Murim."
Not with thews of the court or the teachings of Confucius,
but by setting her own justice with her sword.
"Out of kindness for listening to a long story, I wont take your life. But you must prepare to suffer a little."
It began with the activation of Shin Seonggaks Awakened ability.
The heavy energy that had been pressing down on his body
compressed and interlocked like bricks,
forming a massive mana wall.
The massive mana wall, invisible to the eyes but sensed through the spiritual energy,
began pushing toward Ha Eun-eung.
Crash!
The floor cracked, the ceiling split,
and with a rough push, the wall came at her,
as Ha Eun-eungs sword sliced sharply in a diagonal line,
cutting through the seams between the bricks three times.
The stone wall copsed in a triangle.
The center, where the mana connection was severed,
easily crumbled in front of Ha Eun-eungs charge.
"Such a sloppy technique. Itcks the density of internal energy or the ability to sustain it. But, its originality is undeniable, and itspletely useless once cut."
Ha Eun-eung calmly assessed Shin Seonggaks weakness,
and raised her sword toward his neck,
only to suddenly narrow her eyes.
"You managed to break through the wall. For someone so young, thats impressive. Illmend you for it."
"....!"
"The wall is something I can rebuild anytime, but breaking through it once is still an achievement."
Beyond the shattered wall,
an evenrger mana wall rushed toward her.
Resource consumption is low.
While his reckless umtion of energy had stolen his health and freedom,
it had its advantages.
With an enormous amount of mana,
he was now able to freely unfold his abilities.
Huff.
With a long exhale,
Shin Seonggak immediately entered a breathless state,
making sure the air in his lungs did not stir.
The martial arts taught to her by Paeng Cheol-san from the Haebok Paengga,
despite being iplete due to time constraints,
still contained the explosive strength of Paenggas signature destructive force.
Crack!
Her sword shattered therger wall in one strike,
and beyond the broken walls, Shin Seonggaks face showed no sign of surprise.
"Impressive swordsmanship. But its still far fromparing to the walls of this retired old man."
There was no surprise in his voice.
Beyond the shattered wall,
a dozenyers of walls, like earthquake waves,
compressed into springs in front of his hand.
With a single gesture, they simultaneously surged toward her.
That young one had quite a bit of talent.
Shin Seonggak felt regret.
If this young one hadnte at him with the intention to kill,
his talent would have surely blossomed.
But by challenging a dying man,
he had closed the door to his own future.
She wont die, but shell probably lose an arm.
A martial arts-based Awakened ability,
able to destroy walls made of rock with a single strike,
was not something a simple warrior could defend against.
Thud.
The thick dust spread,
and through the dimly lit room,
the uncertainty began to show in Shin Seonggaks eyes.
The right arm hung limp, and though she was injured,
Ha Eun-eung didnt flee. Instead, she stood before him again.
"Are you really going to end it with death?"
With her left hand gripping the sword,
she prepared for another strike,
facing him with the same calm resolve.
Chapter 70
1.
The Gate in Myeongho 2-dong, Gate 313.
The exploration team, deployed for the 92nd regr raid, sessfully returned after 13 days, 7 hours, and 12 minutes in the Gate.
Make sure to keep your mouths shut. No one can know that the boss raid failed, or that weve been dragging things out.
We know the teams good at keeping quiet. Dont worry, Vice Guild Leader, everything will be fine.
You really are the raid leader. You know how to make people feel good.
Kim Chang-sik, satisfied with his return to the headquarters,
held the second-highest position in the guild, just under the Guild Leader, and was treated as a senior executive.
But Kim Chang-sik had set his sights on bing the Guild Leader himself,
building up influence within the guild.
Despite his cruel personality and harsh nature,
his workload was almost so murderous that even the typical executives would be overwhelmed.
Secretary Kim. Was there anything interesting while I was gone?
There was.
Really? Tell me.
A monster raid warning was issued in Myeongho-dong.
...I see. With the raid progress going up, I guess they made ast-ditch effort.
Under the leadership of Captain Lee Myung-hoon, the guard responded initially, but there were many casualties. Teams 3 and 4 suffered severe losses.
The casualty list, the doctors'' reports, the medical bills, andpensation to the victims'' families
everything Kim Chang-sik needed to tighten Lee Myung-hoons grip was prepared.
Good job, Secretary Kim. Lets make sure Lee Myung-hoon can forget about ever dreaming of the Guild Leader position. Well make the payment in my name first, and then bring the guard under control.
Kim Chang-sik was a viin, but not ipetent.
Without thatpetence, he wouldnt have managed to rise to the second-inmand position, surpassing Lee Myung-hoons son, Lee Myung-hoon, in a guild that was practically a family business.
Recently, he had experienced a setback due to the mysterious figure, Ha Eun-eung,
but that had been purely because the opponent was weak,
not because he wascking as a person.
Things outside are loud. Secretary Kim. Whos standing in front?
Mr. Lee Sang-moos son is working as a bodyguard.
While you''re at it, teach him some manners. He shouldnt be interrupting when adults are talking.
Ill make sure to correct his behavior.
Go check. Oh, and on your way, call for a general meeting. Make sure all executives attend. Well crush Lee Myung-hoon during the meeting, and handle the payment while were at it.
Secretary Kim bowed his head and thought to himself.
Kim Chang-sik was definitely a dangerous person
his speed in ying office politics was terrifying.
He might not be the most dangerous person in other guilds,
but in Myeongho Guild, there was no one more dangerous than Kim Chang-sik.
In essence, hes the real power behind the guild.
With the monster-hunting reward, magic stone sales, government subsidies,
internal dungeon raids, and the overall Gate exploration,
the high-level Awakened who had emerged from the field earned astronomical sums.
When Lee Myung-ho founded the guild,
there were no shareholders to provide capital.
Since financial stability had been secured,
there were no management crises or external pressures,
and the second-generation Awakened, the guilds founding members, had all retired due to magic sickness.
He yed the lines well.
Secretary Kim was confident.
If todays meeting went smoothly,
he believed Kim Chang-sik would be Guild Leader,
and he would be promoted to the position of the Guilds Secretary.
He believed in this future vision,
and for this reason, changing the payment details to his name
instead of the guild leaders was no issue at all.
[New announcement posted on the internal intr.]
[Urgent General Meeting]
[All executives and senior officials are requested to attend the general meeting at 2 PM in the 7th-floor conference room.]@@novelbin@@
Secretary Kim sent out the message, and responses began to flood in,
asking what the meeting was about.
Of the executives, only 10% were above executive level, and they were all B-rank or higher Awakened.
The remaining 90% were junior executives, most of whom were former C-rank or lower Awakened, working on one-year contracts.
These individuals were not high-ranking martial artists like Shin Seonggak,
but they had contributed to the guild, which is why they were given roles.
Now, their positions werergely insignificant.
If they wanted to keep their current benefits,
they had to actively participate in guild politics and follow the power structures.
If Kim Chang-sik is pushed out of the power center or retires from the frontlines, hell end up like them.
That was something Secretary Kim could never allow.
The downfall of Kim Chang-sik would mean his own downfall as well.
But where did that guy go?
The security guard meant to guard the Vice Guild Leaders office had somehow disappeared without a trace.
Kim Chang-sik, irritated by the ruckus,
not only neglected his duties but had also left his post.
Secretary Kims eyes narrowed, angry at the mistake.
Mr. Lee Sang-moo must have gotten greedy. By appointing his ipetent son as a bodyguard, hes probably lost a lot of points.
Adding an extra stop at the HR department before leaving,
Secretary Kim began preparing for the meeting.
Soon after, the meeting room filled with notable executives,
all murmuring in confusion.
Kim Chang-sik enteredst.
Alright, alright. I know youve all been busy, but since we have everyone here, lets get to the reason for todays meeting.
Snap
He snapped his fingers and pointed at Lee Myung-hoon, sitting at one end of the room.
Todays meeting is to discuss disciplinary actions regarding Captain Lee Myung-hoons failure to handle the monster raid situation and the subsequent investigation.
Vice Guild Leader! Are you saying the sacrifices made by the guards in order to protect civilians were wrong? Should we have abandoned the citizens and saved ourselves?
Captain Lee Myung-hoon, dont raise your voice like that. There are senior executives here who are older than you and have contributed greatly to thepany.
Kim Chang-sik, having sessfully taken the initiative from the start,
relentlessly cornered Lee Myung-hoon,
and even those who had followed Lee Myung-hoon as the Guild Leaders son could not help but feel ufortable.
From the start, Kim Chang-sik had been trying to bury Lee Myung-hoon at the first opportunity,
and now that he had the chance,
no one knew how far Lee Myung-hoons position would fall after this meeting.
If no one has any objections, well wrap up the meeting...
I object. A lot.
Crash!
The meeting room door was torn off its hinges,
and guards fell to the ground like bowling pins.
Among them was Lee Sang-moos son,
who had been guarding the office of Kim Chang-sik.
Shin Seonggak?!
The second-generation Awakened, famous as a founding member of the Myeongho Guild and a former top martial artist,
had long since been written off as a "back-room old man" due to his magical disease,
his skin cracking and falling off, leaving him a grotesque shell.
Yet here he was, fully armed,
bursting into the meeting room like a living legend.
No one dared to ignore him.
Why are you here, old man?
Dont you have a guess?
I dont know.
I didnt know either. Until this morning.
Boom
The floor of the meeting room lifted like the earth itself was rising,
and as the entire space shook,
everyone in the room froze,
their eyes wide with fear as they stared at Shin Seonggak.
Kim Chang-sik, also tense, held his voice steady despite the tremor and asked,
I really dont understand why youre doing this. If we didnt show you proper respect, we sincerely apologize.
Respect? Respect, huh. Is this what your generation calls respect? Destroying a house built with a lifetimes earnings and turning an assassin into a one-armed wreck?
As Shin Seonggak red at the fallen guards,
Lee Sang-moos son panicked and quickly operated the screen phone.
Pop
The footage of the destroyed mansion, the severed right arm,
and the police and doctors'' testimonies from that morning
were shown on the screen for the meeting room to see.
Everyone gasped in shock.
To think an assassin could bring down a top B-rank Awakened like Shin Seonggak...
Did the Guild of Ten Thousand interfere?
Kim Chang-sik quickly raised his voice.
How could such a barbaric act be allowed? Dont worry, Executive Director. I take full responsibility as the Vice Guild Leader, and I will personally oversee the search for the culprit...
You!
With a deafening roar,
the room trembled violently,
and no one could speak as Kim Chang-sik, pale and trembling, clutched the round table, struggling to stay upright.
The Guild Leaders son and the Vice Guild Leader have split the guild in two, and Ive turned a blind eye. But now the price hase due, hasnt it?
Crunch
Youve been sucking the blood of small businesses, extorting money from the underlings, and I didnt mind because I acknowledged what you were building, the Myeongho Guild!
Crunch, crunch, crunch
Is this the price for all that trust and recognition? To see Shin Seonggak lose his arm to such a formidable enemy...!
Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch
Didnt you know you were throwing the guilds future away with every stupid move?!
Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch
Boom!
Kim Chang-sik!! Apologize now!!!
Ahhh!! The buildings copsing!!!
I feel like Im gonna die from hunger!!
The meeting room was filled with screams and shrieks.
And just as suddenly, the shaking stopped.
So this is why the Guild Leader told me never to make Shin Seonggak angry.
Ever since bing the Vice Guild Leader,
Kim Chang-sik had heard warnings from the Guild Leader about the second-generation Awakened,
and only now did he truly understand their meaning.
Having survived the bloodiest war in history,
the second-generation Awakened who had lived through such hellish times
were forces far beyond what Kim Chang-sik had imagined.
Chapter 71
2.
Kim Chang-sik, let me ask you onest question.
Y-Yes, sir. Please go ahead.
If I truly decided to bring this building down, how many people could you save in this conference room?
!!
Stop thinking and answer immediately!
Three! Only three, at most.
Lee Myung-hoon, what about you?
Lee Myung-hoon, who had been cornered until the meetings conclusion, witnessed Shin Seong-gwak suddenly appear, crushing Kim Chang-sik with sheer force.
Seeing the merciless disy, Lee Myung-hoons eyes lit up.
This elder must be acting on Fathers orders.
As expected, Father has chosen me as the next guild leader.
Ovee with emotion, Lee Myung-hoon answered confidently.
I can save everyone!
And how would you do that?
If we prevent you from bing angry, the building wont copse, and no one will get hurt. If Kim Chang-sik hasmitted any wrongs, I will make them right!
The unexpected and precise answer took even Kim Chang-sik by surprise.
At that moment, as everyone started to believe that the power dynamics were shifting from Kim Chang-sik to Lee Myung-hoon
Then go ahead and try calming my anger.
Shin Seong-gwak stomped his foot powerfully.
A sharp wall emerged, slicing everything on the ground into thinyersshoes, chair cushions, and even the palms pressed to the floor.
The walls of the room began to close in, with the floor and ceiling heaving violently, turning the space into a suffocating trap.
Aaah!!
Lee Myung-hoon, do something, you bastard!!
Please, sir! Save us! Were all going to die!
Even the executives, who were not as influential as the deputy guild leader, screamed and begged for their lives.
But Shin Seong-gwaks fury showed no sign of subsiding.
Youre all the same! When these young ones stray, instead of correcting them, you coddle them just to keep your pitiful titles?
Neither the notorious deputy guild leader Kim Chang-sik,
nor the guild leaders son Lee Myung-hoon,
nor the senior executives who had secured their ces in the hierarchy,
nor the newly recruited talents,
none could satisfy him.
Trusting such people to handle frontline duties? Foolishness.
He berated himself for ever thinking they could manage on their own.
As the oppressive atmosphere finally dissipated,
the trembling survivors gasped for breath, their faces pale.
W-Were alive
I thought I was going to die
The quivering forms of those who had barely survived drew Shin Seong-gwaks piercing gaze.
When he deactivated his abilities, everything that had been suspended high in the air came crashing down.
Mom, Im scared
My leg my leg is broken!
Kim Chang-sik, Lee Myung-hoon, you bastards! What the hell did you do to drag us into this mess?!
Some regressed into childlike states from fear.
Others cried out in pain from their injuries.
And still others vented their fury at Kim Chang-sik and Lee Myung-hoon.
In the chaotic scene, Shin Seong-gwak announced coldly:
Im going to do some pruning. Some of you will step down, and some of you will pack up and leave.
!!
Kim Chang-sik, step down from your position as deputy guild leader.
Kim Chang-sik trembled with rage at the prospect of being demoted aftering so close to the pinnacle of power.
No matter how strong you are, sir, this is too much! It wasnt me but Lee Myung-hoon who failed to handle the monster raid!
Even as he yelled in defiance, his chest tightened, and his heart pounded in panic.
If we dont enforce proper ountability, the guilds hierarchy will crumble! If you let the guild leaders son off easy, how is this different from a corporate family business run by spoiled heirs?!
But he knew all too wellthis ruthless tyrant wouldnt listen to reason.
I refuse to step down! I will not yield to unjust pressure!
Do you think I dont know that the gates runaway incident stemmed from a dungeon raid failure? Shall I conduct a full investigation into the cause?
N-No! It was my mistake!
Faced with his weakness being exposed, Kim Chang-sik had no will left to fight.
He knew that if the matter escted, stepping down would be the least of his worries. A full investigation would bring disgrace to the guild and could even cost him his life.
Lee Myung-hoon, youre to step down as captain of the guard.
Sir!
Or Ill kill you.
.
Lee Myung-hoon reluctantly ced his badge and employee ID on the remains of what used to be the round table.
All direct subordinates of these two are to be demoted by two ranks. Those with no positions left to demote will be dismissed.
Sir, the severance payouts for the guild members would be substantial
Embezzlement, fraud, breach of dutydont you think theres plenty of money to recover if we start digging?
The ounting manager, who had meekly tried to resist, fell silent under Shin Seong-gwaks zing gaze.
Kim Chang-sik and Lee Myung-hoon copsed to the floor as Shin Seong-gwak dered their new assignments:
Kim Chang-sik and Lee Myung-hoon are reassigned to the Support Dispatch Team as team leaders. Their direct subordinates will join them as team members. Their primary duty will be to undertake dispatch missions assigned by the association.
The words hit like a thunderbolt.
Kim Chang-sik and Lee Myung-hoon, overwhelmed by despair, could do nothing butugh bitterly or shed tears of frustration.
Any objections?
The room fell silent under Shin Seong-gwaks icy re.
Every proposal, from the establishment of the Support Dispatch Team to mass reassignments, passed unanimously.
After the meeting, as the exhausted executives stumbled out, Shin Seong-gwak quietly spoke:
Executives, remain behind.
He wasnt done yet.
The executives, familiar with Shin Seong-gwaks terrifying reputation during his prime, silently obeyed and stayed behind.
3.
In martial arts circles, when conflicts arose with prestigious sects, the most effective strategy wasnt to confront the offenders directly but to pressure the elders entrenched within the sect. This approach produced immediate and noticeable results.
Myeongho Guild will surely pay the price.
Even Shin Seong-gwak, with his formidable presence, could have been dismissed as one of the guilds troublesome younger members if he were the same breed. If Ha Eun-eung had deemed him to be of that ilk, she wouldnt have hesitated to kill him and target someone of higher rank instead.@@novelbin@@
However, in her eyes, Shin Seong-gwak was not someone who would lower himself to stirring filth for the sake of appearances. If his methods bore the mark of someone who had spilled significant blood in the past, they were precise and brutal. He would submerge his hands in blood, but never in muddy waters.
It was clear to her that he wouldnt let the disgrace brought upon him by the younger members slide unnoticed.
Unni, the police investigation results are out. The magical waste wasnt the work of the Myeongho Guild but rather the convenience store owner trying tomit insurance fraud.
Ha Eun-eung heard the news from Joo Ah-young, who approached her with a cheerful expression, only to be stunned at Ha Eun-eungs reaction.
Unni, you didnt cause any trouble, did you?
Why are you avoiding my eyes, unni?
Like a guilty dog caught misbehaving, Ha Eun-eung kept her head turned toward Joo Ah-young but avoided meeting her gaze.
Chapter 73
1.
Han Chae-rin wasnt ustomed to rejectionlet alone someone pping her hand away.
It was an experience entirely foreign to her.
Cute.
What did you just say?
I like fiery types. Smart ones like you are even more appealing.
Her curiosity deepened.
She was the founder and CEO of Royal Club, a talent agency ranked third by market value in the industry. A name that made insiders swoon just hearing it.
Although thepany had hit a rough patch following sessive scandals and incidents involving its second-generation Awakeners, Han Chae-rins allure as a power figure hadnt diminished.
She possessed beauty, charm, and wealthqualities that would make most people eager to ept her attention. The industry was rife with stars who would willingly grasp the hand she extended.
Faced with such an overwhelming presence, Joo Ah-young couldnt help but feel intimidated.
Hm~ but yourecking. You still seem too weak. Sorry I cant recruit you, but how about you stop being so jealous and step aside?
Wh-what? Who said I was interested? Lets go, Unni. Dont listen to weird women like her.
Are you sure about that? If you act without considering what your Unni wants, she might end up disliking you. She might hate it if you keep making decisions for her without asking.
On edge and full of suspicion, Joo Ah-young bristled at Han Chae-rin, who, unfazed, treated her hostility like the yful growls of a pet. Joo Ah-young, unable to hide her unease, clung tightly to Ha Eun-eungs arm.
Unni, its not true, right?
Ha Eun-eung reached out and gently stroked her head. The warmth, soft touch, and calming scent eased Joo Ah-youngs nerves, her tense face melting into a rxed expression.
Then, Ha Eun-eung pulled out her notebook and wrote:
[I can spare a little time, as long as you dont make us ufortable.]
Even with this clear boundary, Han Chae-rin, undeterred, casually took a seat at the bar. Her daring outfit barely covered her, but she carried herself with confidence, crossing her legs and resting her chin in her hand as she smiled.
Han Chae-rin exuded an intoxicating charm, one that went beyond her position as the CEO of a major talent agency or the owner of a ck card.
Ive ignored women who didnt catch my interest, but Ive never failed with one Ive set my sights on.
She was confident. Years of instinct and experience had honed her ability to gauge the right approach and distance to draw people in. It was rare to find someone who could resist her allureunless they were an exceptionally entric Awakener.
How about you? Doesnt your heart flutter? Dont you want to hear more from me?
If you y nice, I could make you feel even better.
Faced with such bold temptation, Ha Eun-eung furrowed her brow slightly, seemingly ufortable, before reaching out toward Han Chae-rin.
Oh?
So, shes shy but assertive when it counts?
The unexpected move startled Han Chae-rin. As Ha Eun-eungs hand reached her face, she mischievously leaned into it, as if to see what she would do next.
But before anything could escte, Joo Ah-young clung tighter to Ha Eun-eungs arm, her eyes welling up with frustration.
Choi Joo-young, the bartender, watched the scene with both hands over her mouth, unable to hide her excitement.
Ha Eun-eung, now the center of attention, calmly corrected Han Chae-rins posture. She tilted the CEOs chin straight, removed the hand propping it up, and ced it firmly on her thigh. Then, she reached down to adjust Han Chae-rins crossed legs, uncrossing thempletely.
Shes fixing my posture? Touching my legs? What is she nning?
Han Chae-rin swallowed hard.
Ha Eun-eung, serious and focused, studied her for a moment before nodding with a slight softening of her expression.
[When sitting, maintain this posture.]
Huh?
[Resting your chin in your hand makes your jaw asymmetrical and deepens wrinkles.]
The unexpected advice left Han Chae-rin speechless.
Ha Eun-eung continued, her words kind yet firm:
[Crossing your legs tilts your pelvis, strains your muscles, and can cause nervepression. Its better not to do it.]
For a moment, Han Chae-rin chuckled in disbelief. Is she really correcting my posture here? But instead of annoyance, she found herself intrigued by Ha Eun-eungs unique demeanor.
Youre delightfully earnest. I like you even more than I did at first nce.
Though she instinctively moved to cross her legs again, she stopped midway, opting to stretch them out in front of her with a small sigh.
With a warmer tone, Han Chae-rin spoke again:
My team watched your video and rmended you. They said youd make a great addition to the group. Now that Ive met you, I can see how sharp their instincts are.
Ha Eun-eung tilted her head like an owl, then returned it to its original position, silently signaling Han Chae-rin to continue.
These are the profiles of my girls. Theyve been appearing on TVtely. Have you seen them before?
Elogio Sherry Nina
- Elemental-Type B-ss Ice Awakener
- Born: March 11, 2026 (25 years old)
- Nationality: South Korea (Father: Spanish, Mother: Korean)
- Height/Weight: 172cm / 55kg
- Affiliation: Royal Club (3rd Generation Awakener)
Isono Nanase
- Specialization-Type B-ss Vector Maniption Awakener
- Born: December 5, 2025 (26 years old)
- Nationality: South Korea (Father: Korean, Mother: Japanese)
- Height/Weight: 160cm / 41kg
- Affiliation: Royal Club (3rd Generation Awakener)
Though Ha Eun-eung didnt recognize the names, Joo Ah-young, who was hiding behind her and peeking at Han Chae-rin, immediately realized who they were.
They were rising stars in bothbat and poprity, gaining attention as next-generation celebrity Awakeners.
Unni, theyre the ones who release albums and post Gate-clear broadcasts. Theyre star Awakeners.
[Is that so.]
Star Awakeners are just as popr as top-tier streamers. Give it a few more years, and theyll be incredibly famous.
Thanks for the nice introduction. How sweet of you to say~
Dont get me wrong. I wasntplimenting you. I only said that because Unni seemed curious.
[Are you suggesting I join them in their activities?]
Exactly. Nina and Nanase share something inmon with you, Silent Sword Master: Theyre stunning mixed-race Awakeners with exceptionalbat skills.
Finding a candidate who met such specific conditions wasnt easy. And the fact that this personHa Eun-eunghad no prior affiliations with any guild or talent agency, essentially a nk te, made her even more desirable.
A "Vani," as they called it, was akin to a unicornpristine and elusive, making recruitment all the more tempting.
Of course, I dont believe I can recruit a powerful Awakener like you with just money. Thats why we offer tailored services.
Han Chae-rins gaze shifted to Joo Ah-young, who flinched and let out a small squeal.
What-what is it?
I could ensure that your gloomy little sister doesnt have to deal with the pressure of guilds or associations, helping her live a smooth life as an Awakener.
I dont need that kind of help!
You might not, but who knows how your Unni feels about it.
Unni, right? You dont have to sign any contracts because of me! Its fine, really.
[Let me ask you one thing.]
Do you want my measurements? I manage myself even more rigorously than my girls, so Im confident in that area.
[How did you know I was strong?]
To her, it was a critical question.
Even she had only discovered her ability to match B-ss Awakeners after ambushing Shin Seong-gwak, an elder master of the Myeongho Guild, the day before.
How could this random talent agency CEO know about it after only a day?
I told you, didnt I? My girls love your broadcasts.
?
They mentioned watching your gamey videos with thousands of others. Didnt you just take down the Demon General recently?
The sudden mention of game broadcasts took Ha Eun-eung by surprise.
Han Chae-rin, now brimming with excitement,pletely dropped her sultry persona and spoke with giddy enthusiasm.
One of my girls, who has even experienced sensory link battles, said this about you: Ive never seenbat like this, not even in a Gate. We have to recruit her.
Hearing that it was rted to the game and not her real-life ambush eased Ha Eun-eungs tension.
A game, huh.
She imagined ita shadowy silhouette moving in ghost mode, watched by tens of thousands of people.
Even she had to admit it now:
People must really like games.
For them to watch such a crude silhouette with such enthusiasm, it seemed gaming held incredible allure.
[Please pass on my thanks to your fan on my behalf.]
Why not deliver the thanks yourself? Theyd love it if you showed up in person. And if you stayed with them daily, itd be even better.
[What I want is to be left alone. Thats all.]
Han Chae-rin pouted, her lips forming a slight sulk.
Her careful calctionsusing seduction to sway her target and dangling Joo Ah-youngs potential sess as a condition for signing a contractwerepletely dismantled by Ha Eun-eungs aloofness and peculiar logic.
It left Han Chae-rin feeling as if her own resolve had been shaken instead.
The Awakener industry is filthy. I thought youd understand that. Or is there something you know that I dont?
Ha Eun-eung saw this as a good opportunity. She had already nned to talk to Joo Ah-young once she sobered up.
The fledgling Awakener was like a child taking their first steps into a cutthroat world, and Ha Eun-eungs anxiety about her well-being was evident.
Ive made a n.@@novelbin@@
She confidently shared her idea.
[Im going to create a martial sect.]
A martial sect? Wait, youre nning to form a guild?
If guilds or associations interfered with their ability to level up in Gates, why not form a guild herself to protect them?
Herck of experience didnt seem like an issue. If she could find an alternative method to help Joo Ah-young grow, the traditional path of Awakener leveling wouldnt matter.
Ha Eun-eung intended to experiment.
If corruption can create Awakeners, perhaps the opposite is also true.
If Joo Ah-young could gain pure internal energy, perhaps she could unlock the status screen from the Martial Arts Chronicle.
If she could achieve that, Ha Eun-eung already knew the next step.
[Ill teach Ah-young my martial arts.]
Chapter 74
2.
Ha Eun-eungs n was to establish a martial sect, take Joo Ah-young as her first disciple, awaken her inner energy and the Martial Arts Chronicle status window, and pass on her martial arts.
While the ambition deeply moved Joo Ah-young, Han Chae-rin dismissed it as impractical.
You cant just create a guild because you want to. Guild establishment requires five C-ss Awakeners and a deposit with the association.
And that wasnt the only requirement. Administrative tasks like managing Gate or dungeon runs,pleting association missions, handling paperwork, andmunicating with rted departments would all require support staff.
Additionally, theyd need porters to collect mana stones and loot, and salespeople to secure official trading partners instead of relying on the association, which often undercuts prices.
To run a functional guild, youd need at least twenty non-Awakener employees. How are you going to pay all their sries?
......!
Sure, you could set up a guild office in a remote area outside Seoul for cheaper rent, but with no amenities, itd be hard to attract employees even if you had the money.
The adviceing from the CEO of a renowned talent agency was grounded in hard facts.
Of course, if you worked under me, all of this would be solved. Id give you money and fame. Gathering people and spending some money would be a piece of cake.
Faced with Han Chae-rins confident reasoning, Joo Ah-young began to feel small.
She had already thought Han Chae-rin was an incredible person, but now she truly understood the extent of her capabilities. Compared to her, Joo Ah-young wondered if she was just a burden holding her Unni back.
Unable to hide her insecurities, she spoke up:@@novelbin@@
Unni, if youre hesitating because of me, its okay. I dont want to hold you back. Id rather not be a hindrance.
While Joo Ah-youngs confession was heartfelt, Ha Eun-eung simply tilted her head in confusion.
[Five people? We already have almost everyone we need.]
What? Who?
Her question was soon answered.
Is that why you called us here?
Im all for it! Ill dly help Ha Eun-eung with anything she needs.
Woo Ji-woo and So Kyung-seok, two C-ss Awakeners from the association who had been indebted to Ha Eun-eung, were now standing before them.
Unni what about the other three?
[The two of us also awakened as C-ss, so that makes two more spots filled.]
Oh, right. I forgot about that. So whos thest one?
[I figured we could hold an open recruitment.]
Do you think Awakeners will show up just because we post a recruitment notice? Ive heard theyre incredibly proud and picky.
While Joo Ah-young was doubtful, Ha Eun-eung seemed confident.
In Murim, even with nothing but her own charm, she had a talent for recruiting people. Contrary to themon belief that her inability to speak made her socially awkward, she was remarkably skilled at gathering and persuading others.
If you hit a snag along the way, feel free to reach out. And remember, my offer remains open anytime.
Leaving the door open for future contact, Han Chae-rin withdrew. She didnt see the need to rush.
When they actually try to create a guild, theyll inevitably hit roadblocks.
There was plenty of time to step in and lend a hand when Ha Eun-eung eventually sought help. To her, Ha Eun-eung was already as good as caught.
However, none of the three realized one crucial detail:
While Ha Eun-eung herself mightck public recognition, the Silent Sword Master was already well-known.
3.
Whenever the Silent Sword Master disappeared, her viewers took it as par for the course and patiently waited.
In her absence, they flocked to a game called Chase the Silent Sword Master by Eom Gil-dong, showering him with donations and eagerly awaiting new updates.
Hey, everyone! Thanks for waiting! Chase the Silent Sword Master Version 2.0 is finally here!
With a major new map update, Version 2.0 introduced three major content additions:
- Yokai Training
- [Ticket Hunt in Yokai City]
- [Demon General Endless Charge Parry Challenge]
- [Sensory Link Survival Battle]
The game now featured mission-based y, requiring yers to hunt down ticket teams scattered across the map. There was also a continuous parry mode, where yers had to block the Demon Generals relentless knockback charges.
For the first time, the game also included a multiyer feature, allowing for both solo and 100+ yer records in the new sensory-linked survival mode.
- Is this content for real? God-tier update.
- Whoa, multiyer mode!
- LOL, I cant resist Sensory Link Survival.
- Bring it on! Competitive mode, here we go ^^.
- This seems like its just about persistence, not skill.
- Persistence? Who even are you? LOL.
- Clearly someone whos never experienced a sensory link.
- Bet this person gets knocked out in 10 seconds t.
- Agreed.
Following its contract with the association, Chase the Silent Sword Master 2.0 propelled Eom Gil-dong and the game to unprecedented sess, far surpassing the poprity of Version 1.0.
Wait, 12,000 average viewers? Is this for real? Did Chase the Silent Sword Master just be a mega-corporation-tier stream?
In streaming culture, channels with fewer than 100 viewers were considered shacks, while those under 1,000 were small businesses. Channels with up to 10,000 viewers were mid-sizedpanies, and anything beyond that was deemed corporations.
Eom Gil-dong had broken out of his long-standing mid-tier status, now rising to corporate-level fame.
If I ever meet this person in real life, Im bowing down immediately.
They had practically secured his livelihood. At this point, they were more divine than ancestors.
Man, now that the yer pools grown, I cant rank anymore. Too many crazy streamers grinding Chase the Silent Sword Master all day!
With nearly a hundred streamers naming themselves the Swordmaster Squad in tribute to her, the Version 2.0 update created a craze that eclipsed the original games sess.
- And so, Eom Gil-dong bes a has-been.
- But hes still a Season 1 Hall of Fame runner-up!
- Sent a 10,000 won donation as honorary recognition.
- Does this phrase even make sense here?
- Idk. LOL.
These bastards always donate through chat instead of actual money. So freaking toxic.
- LOL.
- But doesnt it feel like a win since youre happier now?
- If youre mad, just refund it. LOL.
Refund what? They didnt give me anything! This is extortion! Organized bullying!
As Eom Gil-dong yfully bantered with his viewers, he began catching up on the backlog of video donations he had blocked during gamey.
Wait. Whats this?
"Captured a recruitment notice from the Silent Sword Master (Video Attached)."
At first, it seemed like a joke.
The Silent Sword Master, the hottest rising star in V-tubing, was constantly the subject of attention-seeking antics from trolls.
It wasnt surprising that her name was being dragged into this.
But this time, the content seemed oddly genuine, so Eom Gil-dong yed the video.
To his shock, it was a real recruitment notice.
What the hell is this? Is it real?
- "Checked the link. Its legit."
- "Why is this actually real??"
- "Whats the Silent Sword Master even doing with Awakeners?!"
- "Cob stream? No way, a cob?!"
- "Damn, the criterias so high. Only C-ss allowed."
- "C-ss only? What about B-ss or A-ss?"
- "Idk."
- "It explicitly says only C-ss allowed."
For the first time outside her streams, this was an official activity from the Silent Sword Master.
The recruitment notice, officially posted under her ID, had been up for just 15 minutes but already had over 100ments.
No way I can resist this. Signing up on impulse.
Eom Gil-dong:
"Hello, Im Eom Gil-dong, an all-around streamer whos C-ss at heart. Ive been dying to meet the Silent Sword Master. Ive even prepared a contract and funds to send overplease check your email! Your contract fee and royalties are just gathering dust."
- "LMAO."
- "She still hasnt read your email?"
- "Youre literally offering her money and a contract on a silver tter. Why wont she take it?!"
- "Maybe she doesnt checkments either?"
- "Then why even post in themunity?!"
- "Nobody knows why."
- "She posted the recruitment but didnt say shed select anyone."
- "She uploaded the post but didnt say shed read thements."
- "Shes not epting the money, but she hasnt said she wont sue."
Stop joking aboutwsuits! Youre scaring me!
- "LOL."
- "Who told you to blindly sign contracts and ept advance payments?"
- "At this point, I wouldnt be surprised if the association and the Silent Sword Master teamed up to assassinate Eom Gil-dong."
With an average viewership of 12,000, the recruitment notice featured on Eom Gil-dongs stream quickly gained immense traction, attracting an endless stream ofments.
Most were fans of the Silent Sword Master leaving spam or trolls signing up thoughtlessly, but sheer numbers eventually brought in real C-ss Awakeners.
- "Actual C-ss applicants (89 so far)."
- "The Changwon Guild already has three C-ss Awakeners applying."
- "Changwon Guilds screwed, LOL. They spent so much to scout these people, only for them to ck off watching streams."
- "Screw scouting. You cant resist the Silent Sword Master."
- "C-ss rookie Snake Eyes Lee So-hye even applied! Crazy."
The question on everyones mind: Who would make the cut?
How many positions were there?
What would the selected candidates be doing?
The recruitment notice, left open for five days, only drew more applicants, and thements section kept growing.
Naturally, there was still no response from the Silent Sword Master to Eom Gil-dongs heartfeltment.
4.
The idea to post a recruitment notice hade from Joo Ah-young.
Unni, youre super popr in the game, right? Why not try putting out a recruitment notice?
?
Oh, you dont know how? Thats rightyou said you were training in the mountains until this year.
Recalling Ha Eun-eungs excuse that herck of modern knowledge was due to secluded mountain training, Joo Ah-young, satisfied with her own reasoning, confidently reached out her hand.
Let me borrow your screen phone for a bit. Ill write up the recruitment notice for you.
Of course, her offer wasnt entirely selfless.
It was also a chance to check out her Unnis V-tubing broadcasts and content, satisfying her curiosity.
Ive been too busy training to be an Awakener to watch any streams until now.
She wanted to learn more about her Unni, even if just a little.
But this courageous act led to an unexpected revtion.
Unni, why are there no videos?
?
You dont upload any? What about an editor?
?
No editor either? So you only stream?
?
Not even that? Oh, you do, just asionally.
Joo Ah-young, who had unintentionally discovered the rare hook collector side of the Silent Sword Master, masked her slight disappointment and proceeded to post the recruitment notice.
In some ways, it wasnt entirely bad.
Since there were no videos uploaded, it meant there wasnt a side of her Unni she didnt know.
It eliminated any reason to feel left out.
So, how many people are you nning to recruit, Unni?
[One person is enough.]
But, Unni, tons of people are pouring in?
Thements, pouring in almost scarily fast, even included suspicious posts asking for ount details under the guise of contract negotiations.
Is this really okay, Unni?
[Dont worry. When too many people gather, theres a way to handle it.]
It wasnt as if such situations didnt ur in Murim.
When she had worked to rebuild the Hae-nam Sect to repay her debts and clear her grudges, a massive crowd had flocked under her leadership.
She already had experience as the founder and sect leader of the newly established Hae-nam Sect.
[Eom Gil-dong has been blocked.]
[Eom Gil-dong has been reported.]
Reason for report: Unsolicitedmercial content or spam.
Suspiciousments asking for ount details were promptly blocked.
[Lets hold a tournament in a month.]
What? A tournament?
[Isnt itmon sense to decide through a martial arts tournament when too many people gather?]
Following her (which wasnt actuallymon sense), Ha Eun-eung nned to hold a month-long open recruitment and then decide the winner through a tournament.
This doesnt seem right...
[Trust me. Its the best way.]
Well, if Unni says so, then it must be!
Little did they know, once the truth was revealed, not only would the applicants but even the viewers be in for an exasperating event.
Chapter 75
Four weeks had passed since the Silent Sword Masters recruitment notice.
Are they actually going to hire anyone?
They havent picked anyone, but the number of applicants keeps growing.
Seriously, is this some kind of sadistic idle game outside of the main stream?
The cruelty of the Silent Sword Master was starting to unsettle the applicants.
[Youve received a mass email from the Silent Sword Master.]
An event big enough to shake the Awakenermunity was announced.
[Announcement of the Silent Sword Masters Martial Arts Tournament]
- Date: This Saturday, 10:00 AM
- Location: (View Detailed World Address)
- Number of Positions: 1
- Participants in the C-ss Awakener Recruitment Notice: 485
Its here!!!
What the hell? A martial arts tournament now?
Holy crap, 485 people applied?
No wonder it took so long.
Wait, so only one winner gets picked and the rest are out?
Are you kidding me? A tournament without a prize pool?
Why not just draw lots? Instead, shes turning her viewers into a diator pit.
The Awakeners, who had been waiting for a month with no updates, vented their frustration at thete notice.
Huh? The tournament location is some world address?
Looks like its in virtual reality.
Oh, I thought we were fighting in person for a second.
Well, if its virtual, we just need to adjust the synchronization rate. Not bad.
True. I mean, she is a streamer, after all.
I dont usually y games, but maybe Ill give it a shot this time.
Some participants, intrigued by the virtual reality setting, decided to give it a try.
But doesnt it still hurt the same? I heard the post-death penalties can be brutal.
Hey, if you dont want to go, dont. Ill go alone.
I mean, its not that I dont want to
Didnt you have ns this weekend?
Yeah, Im canceling them.
Werent you supposed to go on a blind date?
Between walking into andmine of a blind date and joining the Silent Sword Masters martial arts tournament? Obvious choice.
Why even ask? Of course, the tournament! But hey, isnt the blind date andmine because of, uh your face? Wait, no, dont pick that up! Sis, people die when they get hit with fireballs!
As the tournament day approached, people couldnt resist their excitement, and by the day of the event, the venue was packed with participants.
Hey, isnt that Kim Je-cheol from the Andong Sword n?
Look at the guy in the traditional hat and hanbok. Yeah, its him.
Whoa, whos that killer-looking woman over there?
Dude, turn your head away right now. Dont you recognize Snake Eyes Lee So-hye? A whole truckload of idiots disappeared in gates trying to mess with her.
Oh, theres the Changwon Guilds infamous trio.
Ha! Rumor has it their higher-ups are threatening to beat them up if they dont win this tournament.
Honestly, youre supposed to enter solo for these kinds of events.
With such arge crowd, the range of participants was diverse, including some particrly noteworthy Awakeners.
Participant No. 37: Kim Je-cheol, Andong Sword n.@@novelbin@@
Kim Je-cheol, known for wearing hanbok every single day of the year, shouted as soon as he saw the Silent Sword Master.
My soulmate is here!
Gold diggers who chased after him for his money werent umon, but none of them had ever captured his heart. It wasnt because their figures werecking or their greed was off-putting.
I want to see her in a hanbok! No, I want to personally take it off after dressing her in one!
A woman who could perfectly pull off the dull attire of a warriors robe, looking as though she had stepped straight out of a historical drama, in a slit hanbok?
To Kim Je-cheol, a hanbok enthusiast, the idea was irresistible.
He vowed to win the tournament and confess to the Silent Sword Master.
Youre insane.
Participant No. 84, Snake Eyes Lee So-hye, red at him with disdain.
A frence Awakener registered with the association, she often soloed gates.
She was notorious for taking down countless would-be predators who assumed a solo female Awakener was an easy target.
Whats the big deal between my hanbok and his warrior robe?
Though her words were harsh, Lee So-hye had a soft spot for romance.
She had fallen for Kim Je-cheol after he defended her in a gate, cutting down a group of attackers who imed women belonged in the kitchen, only to walk off afterward as if it were nothing.
Does this really not suit me?
Lifting the hem of her modernized hanbok and ncing at her leg line, she was objectively attractive. But her outfit failed to meet Kim Je-cheols specific aesthetic preferences, and he had rejected her five times.
Her reason for joining the tournament was, of course, that Kim Je-cheol was participating.
She also wanted to see just how impressive this Silent Sword Master was, who had apparently captivated him.
Get lost, idiots.
Nina, donte near me.
This is so embarrassing. Ugh...
Even Lee So-hyes determination couldntpare to the desperation of three men:
Participants No. 92, 93, and 94the infamous "Troublemaker Trio" of the Changwon Guild: Ahn Chang-yoon, Kim Gil-tae, and Lee Jung-yi.
Why the hell did you follow me and sign up?!
Anything you do, I can do better.
I was just trying to score points with the guild for external activities, and now this? What a disaster
The three who had joined the guild around the same time were oftenpared to each other, which frequently led to conflicts and strained rtionships.
Ahn Chang-yoon had entered the tournament out of pure admiration, but upon learning about it, Kim Gil-tae joined with the intent to humiliate him by beating him in the tournament.
Then, upon hearing that his two peers were participating, Lee Jung felt pressured, worrying he would fall behind in external activity scores if he didnt participate as well, and hastily followed suit.
Damn it, these leeches cant even justify their signing bonuses, yet they cling to me like barnacles.
The problem was that the trios recent performance within the guild had been subpar.
Word of them cking off together spread to the guild executives, leading to ridicule from outsiders and harsh criticism from within, turning them into punching bags for everyones frustrations.
To make matters worse, the executives set strict conditions for their participation in the tournament:
- The top performer among them would receive bonus points on their performance review.
- The other two would face three months of reduced pay and penalties on their reviews.
Having joined the tournament with nothing but admiration, Ahn Chang-yoon now had to risk everything in a fight, leaving him no choice but to curse under his breath.
Wow, look at the lineup here.
No kidding. Even outside, there are people wed rather not cross paths with.
Woo Ji-woo and So Kyung-seok, two C-ss Awakeners who had been early recruits for Hae Eung-eungs guild and were serving as judges for the tournament, found the participants diverse emotions fascinating but merely observed with amusement.
[Begin.]
When the Silent Sword Master raised a card from her seat of honor, Joo Ah-young stepped up to the podium, took the microphone, and announced in a clear voice:
Wee, everyone, to the Silent Sword Master Martial Arts Tournament! I am your host and livementator for this event
She paused, closing her eyes tightly and trembling slightly as if summoning great courage, before shouting with determination:
Im JumpingRabbitLoverAhyoung!
Even before the tournament began, the venue erupted into chaos.
2.
Joo Ah-young protested tearfully.
Do I really have to say my username, sis?
[In a martial arts tournament, even the host must reveal their alias to emphasize the events significance.]
Theres nothing significant about an embarrassing username like this!
JumpingRabbitLoverAhyoung.
Having logged into the virtual world for the first time in a while, Joo Ah-young was so mortified by her username that she covered her flushed face with her hands.
Im changing it! I cant possibly reveal such a humiliating username in front of everyone!
[Disappointing.]
Huh? Sis?
Hae Eung-eung, typically stoic and reserved, rarely showing emotion, suddenly disyed a stern expression that startled Joo Ah-young.
[Names carry the emotions and memories from when they were created. Rejecting them out of embarrassment is like denying yourself.]
Ugh Thats not fair. How can you say something so profound right now? Do you just want to see me humiliated?
[Why did you choose that username in the first ce?]
Joo Ah-young hesitated briefly before recalling a memory.
When I was young and living in an orphanage
During a government project testing virtual adaptation rates, young Joo Ah-young had achieved a remarkable synchronization rate of 20%, garnering attention from officials.
Unfortunately, her high rate only urred when she yed the game Jumping Rabbit.
There was a rabbit I raised at the orphanage. It was such a sweet little thing, but one night a monster got into the pen and tore it apart.
On the day her beloved rabbit died, leaving her heartbroken, a game appeared like fate. That game was Jumping Rabbit.
People called it trash or a rage-inducing game, but to me, it was pure joy. I could see my little bunny again, and even be the bunny, hopping all over. How could I not love it?
Her shame slowly gave way to fondness and longing for her pet rabbit, Tto-soon, and the memories tied to it.
Youre right, sis.
Joo Ah-young reflected deeply.
Even if its a bit embarrassing, I dont want to deny my past. If I change my username, therelle a day when I forget Tto-soon. I dont want to experience the pain of feeling like Ive be someone unrecognizable to myself.
Her heartfelt words softened Hae Eung-eungs expression, and she affectionately patted Joo Ah-young on the head, praising her resolve.
Then what about your username, sis? Whats the story behind it?
Joo Ah-youngs sudden question caught Hae Eung-eung off guard. She averted her eyes awkwardly.
Both the origins of Silent Sword Master and Hae Eung-eung stemmed from the same incident
Ate night of overwhelming impulses and a poorly thought-out, risqu character name for an R-18 gacha game.
It was a truth she would never, under any circumstances, reveal.
Ah! Thats not fair! Tell me! Leaving me out is so unfair!
If you keep this up, Ill change my username after all!
Joo Ah-young only calmed down after Hae Eung-eung recounted the story of Anhuis Finest Sword, a martial artist whose name was tragically AngKimoDdiOhJiGoJiRiGoLetItGo.
The tale of someone who lived on despite such a painfully unfortunate name managed to restore her sense of humor.
Chapter 76
<76 - Martial Arts Tournament: The Murim-Style Spicy vor>
3.
The participants murmured at Joo Ah-youngs bold deration.
Why does the host have a nickname like that?
Jumping Rabbit? That garbage game? Seriously?
Eugh, gross. Is she some kind of pervert?
How could someones nickname be AhyoungLovesJumpingRabbit? Seriously?
The C-ss Awakeners, who had at least once heard of the infamous Jumping Rabbit, known as the ultimate boss in the pot game genre, shuddered with disgust. Their expressions twisted with disdain and contempt as they looked at Joo Ah-young.
Hey! Jumping Rabbit is fun, okay? Dont boo me! I might just change the tournament map to a Jumping Rabbit map!
While Hae Eung-eung had dered that martial arts tournaments were an unbreakable rule, she hadnt given specific orders about the arena. Since she had entrusted most of the preparation to Joo Ah-young, who volunteered to help, there was a very real possibility that the tournament map could indeed be swapped for a Jumping Rabbit map if Ah-young willed it.
How could she even suggest such a horrible thing!
Is the host also running the event?
Well, were Awakeners, so well manage somehow.
Thats true.
As long as we dont have to jump inside that cursed rabbit body, its fine, right?
The Awakeners, who had initially flinched in fear, quickly regained their confidence and prepared to mock Jumping Rabbit as a trash game.
But among the participants, someone muttered, Wait, wasnt the Jumping Rabbit map the one whereva rises from below, giant bugs eat the ground block by block, or everything floods with rainwater?
An eerie silence fell among the confident Awakeners. Even Awakeners wouldnt survive falling intova. The arena settled into uneasy calm.
Meanwhile, the viewers watching all this unfold in the livestream chat were in apletely different kind of uproar. Joo Ah-young, oblivious to the chaos in the chatroom as she focused on hosting, remained indifferent while the familiar pandemonium unfolded online.
4.@@novelbin@@
[New VTuber BJ]
[AhyoungLovesJumpingRabbit has started streaming.]
[World: Tournament Arena]
[ytime: 00:00:01]
[Current viewers: 1]
As Joo Ah-youngs broadcast began, it was like any other small-time streamnobody was watching.
[Current viewers: 4]
- Jumping Rabbit??
- Wow! Someone who knows Jumping Rabbit!
- Ahyoung, wanna jump with me, babe??
Fans of Jumping Rabbit who had stumbled upon the stream by chance were excited, unaware of the context.
[Current viewers: 9]
- How is your username AhyoungLovesJumpingRabbit?
- Just admit it, youre Um Gil-dong, arent you?
- For real, that username reeks of familiarity.
- Wait, is this newbies game record real? Nothing but Jumping Rabbit for hundreds of hours? LOL.
- Every other game under 30 minutes, but 500+ hours in Jumping Rabbit? Unreal.
Only the usual hardcore followers of small-time streams were presentviewers who followed and abandoned countless fleeting streams daily. Everyone assumed this broadcast would be just another one of those.
Until Joo Ah-young spoke.
Wee, everyone, to the Silent Sword Master Tournament! Im your host andmentator
AhyoungLovesJumpingRabbit!
Then, everything changed.
- Wait, Silent Sword Master?
- A tournament by the Silent Sword Master?
- What is this?
- Hold on, there are tons of streams broadcasting this martial arts tournament.
- Even Changwon Guilds official ount is covering it.
- Ocean World Guilds Rex is broadcasting too!
As viewers trickled in, it became clear: this wasnt just a random stream.
- Wait, this might be the main stream.
- ??? Is this for real?
- Are we, the bottom-feeder viewers, founding members of something legit?
First donations mine. GG.
First sub gift, done.
Astute viewers quickly marked their territory, and suddenly, as if coordinates had been shared, a swarm of new viewers flooded in.
- Was the host scouted by the Silent Sword Master?
- Wait, that voice
- Oh my god, its the girl from that interview with Lee Hae-chan!
- Its true! J, as in Joo Ah-young!
- Breaking: Joo Ah-young, aka AhyoungLovesJumpingRabbit, confirmed as host. Inte implodes.
Soon, members of the Silent Sword Master fan club, known for their infamous online antics, swarmed the chat.
- Why isnt the Silent Sword Master speaking?
- Shes sitting all dignified in the top seat, lol.
- The host isnt reading chat! Typical.
[Current viewers: 2048]
Thezy 10 a.m. Saturday morning saw a shocking surge in viewers, all captivated by the unfolding chaos.
5.
Man, this is a feast for the eyes.
Peoples pride is getting shattered, so theyre pulling out all their hidden moves. Incredible.
Agreed.
And who wouldve thought Lightning Man was this strong? I saw him in another branch once. I thought he was a bumbling idiot, but turns out hes just a bumbling idiot hiding immense power.
Even Woo Ji-woo and So Kyung-seok, C-ss Awakeners used to doing all sorts of tough jobs, couldnt help but marvel at the carnage.
I told you not to mess with me, you sons of bitches!
Ahhh! Lightning Mans furious!
Crap, its over! Run before he hits us with 100,000 volts!
Participant #143: Lightning Man.
Initially underestimated for his meek demeanor, Lightning Man had been targeted by nearby Awakeners who thought they could take him down easily. Their assault ended with a dozen simultaneous electrocutions, and the tournament descended into chaos.
Stay back! Anyone whoes near gets stabbed! Cant you see the bodies here?!
Participant #211: Thorn Man.
At the edge of the arena, in the path of Lightning Mans rampage, Thorn Man had fortified his position with spikes, dering it a no-go zone.
Move! Ill shove that bastard out of the arena myself!
Whoa, look at Do-yeong, the Siege Ram!
AAAAHHH! These spikes are too hard! It hurts, help!
Confident challengers charged at Thorn Man, only to be skewered and thrown out of the arena. Those fleeing Lightning Man couldnt even approach Thorn Mans corner without screaming and scattering.
[Ah, Lightning Man and Thorn Man are just too strong! The other Awakeners dont stand a chance!]
Joo Ah-youngsmentary was spot-on. Even among C-ss Awakeners, the gap between the lower ranks barely holding on and those nearing B-ss was vast.
When the Silent Sword Master finally raised her sign, its message was clear:
[Jumping Rabbit Map Activated.]
Surviving participants groaned in unison:
Shit. Were doomed.
Chapter 77
1.
The elements that made up the tournament arena were as follows:
A smooth sandpit, surrounded by square stone boundaries.
Torches and torches were set up in preparation for the nightpetition.
Outside, the audience seating extended inyers with 4,000 seats surrounding the arena.
The podium where the host stood and the elevated seats for the judges.
None of these elements posed a threat to the participants
At least, not until the map of the arena changed.
[The tournament map has been changed to the "Mountain Legend" map of Jumping Rabbit.]
[All surviving participants will be forcibly moved to the outskirts of the arena.]
The ground began to rumble, and a massive terrain feature shot up vertically from the sandpit.
Thick dust covered the Awakeners as they tried to shield themselves.
Cough, cough!
Gack!
The Awakeners, shielding their faces or coughing as they iled in the dust, slowly came to their senses and looked up, confused by the dramatic change in the map.
The clouds that were once just a background now hung low, obscuring the top of the mountain, as the arena had risen dramatically into a steep vertical slope.
Damn, how high is that?
Rather than trying to climb it, the Awakeners thought it would be better to just fight each other. They exchanged res, but a sudden vibration underfoot shocked them.
Whats going on? Wheres everyone going?
Guess they dont know about Jumping Rabbit.
Poor guys.
One of the participants, mocking the others, angrily pointed.
Come down, you bastards! You think you can even get close to me in a fight?
His words were cut short as his gaze fell to the ground beneath him. The earth cracked open, and something massive rose from below, swallowing the entire arena. A giant mouth opened, consuming a 10-meter-high section of the arena.
[Doom Beast - Earth Worm]
[Unbeatable]
[Every few seconds, the Earth Worm swallows random sections of the arena.]
The hellish difficulty of Jumping Rabbit was made clear, with the appearance of the Doom Beast.
- Wait, where did the judges go?
- No idea.
- LOL, I knew it.
- Whats going on?
- Clearly, the host messed up the settings.
- Ah, I see.
- Wow, broadcast ident?
- Tournament disaster?
- Didnt the judges seats have a protection setting?
- LOL?
- LMAO!
- Wait, are the judges actually running through the map with the participants?
It wasnt just the participants who had to avoid the monster; the judges were forced to run too.
2.
So Kyung-seok ran up the stairs, venting his frustration.
When did a martial arts tournament turn into this crazy climb where the judges are scaling the arena with the participants?
Heh, here it is.
Hey, stopughing and give me a lift! Your spider webs are strong enough!
Ugh, too heavy. No way Im carrying you.
Woo Ji-woo, the spider-man, fired his webs and scaled the cliff in one go, easily jumping 10 to 20 meters.
So Kyung-seok, still running up the stairs with his own two legs, grumbled in frustration. As a judge invited to the tournament, he couldnt afford to fall behind. He gritted his teeth and ran desperately.
[Ah, two of the judges are climbing the stairs amidst the field chaos. So Kyung-seoks expression is getting worse as he tires from the steep terrain!]
Ahyoung, after this, lets talk.
[What? I cant hear you. Ah, it seems the connection is bad. Lets move on to the other participants.]
Meanwhile, Joo Ah-young, a seasoned Jumping Rabbit yer, was moving effortlessly through the challenging map, hopping up and down, continuing her duties as the host with ease. She seemed to be in her element, and the sight of her jumping around made So Kyung-seok seethe even more.
Why is she so fast? She didnt have that ability before.
Its the field effect.
Field effect?
How would you normally tackle a Jumping Rabbit map?
Jump? Were doing that already.
Your jump is just running. Think about it in Jumping Rabbit terms.
Do you mean bunny hopping?
After hearing Woo Ji-woos words, So Kyung-seok noticed Joo Ah-young leaping between objects, jumping impossibly high and with unreal air time that surpassed any Awakeners abilities. He thought deeply.
Can I do that too?
Whats stopping you?
Why arent you doing it?
Woo Ji-woo created a web with his fingers.
Frustrated, So Kyung-seok crouched down and awkwardly leapt toward the branch Woo Ji-woo was holding.
Huh?
He put all his strength into it and leaped incredibly high.
Whoa?
But he overexerted himself and soared right past the branch, iling in midair before falling straight into the waiting maw of the Earth Worm below.
[Kill Log]
[Judge So Kyung-seok was eaten by the Earth Worm and died.]
[Earth Worm - 8 kills]
- LMAO, the judges out.
- Judge elimination, lol.
- Jumping in Jumping Rabbit maps is too much.
Those bastards...
Woo Ji-woo, looking down at So Kyung-seoks fall, shook his head and continued his climb. He silently vowed not to die in such a disgraceful manner.
3.@@novelbin@@
Lee So-hye, "Snake Eyes," realized something important.
Why do I have to climb all the way up?
With only four remaining, the qualifiers would be over.
Damn!
Ahhh!
In the panic, she climbed the stairs frantically like a disaster movie survivor. But as she caught her breath, she suddenly realized that an Awakener was catching up from below. She turned to attack.
Damn you, you devil! Are you even human?
Youre supposed to help each other in a crisis!
Help? This is a martial arts tournament, you idiot!
What kind of martial arts tournament is this?!
How is the tournament map Jumping Rabbit?!
Frustrated by this insane tournament, the other participants yelled. Lee So-hye looked down at them and smirked.
Its a martial arts tournament because Im winning. Anyway, its a martial arts tournament.
Damn, bitch.
One of the Awakeners who was about to curse at her was whipped in the face and thrown off the cliff.
[Awakener ability - Haunted Whip]
Ugh, no! Dont! Ahh!
Stop whining and just fall!
As Awakeners climbed the cliff, they inevitably gathered in the middle section, where Lee So-hyes whipsshed at their faces and hands, sending them falling one by one.
Ha!
As one Awakener fell right beside him, Kim Jae-chul, the Hanbok-themed Awakener, looked up at Lee So-hye in horror.
Hey, dont be scared! Weve helped each other this farare you going to betray me now?
- Did the girl who betrayed six people just say that?
- This is terrifying!
- It feels like meeting a serial killer on a bridge.
Viewers who had tuned in to watch an Awakeners personal stream were entranced by Lee So-hyes looks, but soon, they began fearing her shocking betrayal. Kim Jae-chul, filled with anxiety, kept climbing, knowing there was no way forward but up.
This is upsetting,
She had been rejected five times by the man she liked and was now being called a serial killer. Still, she was upset.
I cant believe Im stuck with this face while all youre doing is trying to win. You want to win this badly?
Of course I do!
Why?
The remaining participants were now down to single digits. Lee So-hye, who hadnt intended to win, was only there because of Kim Jae-chul. She thought that if he wanted it, she would concede victory to him.
When springes, Ill dress the Silent Sword Master in a water jacket. In summer, a ragged jacket. In autumn, a padded jacket, and in winter, a quilted one. Im going to win this tournament and make him wear a different Hanbok every season!!
A vein popped on Lee So-hyes forehead.
You think youre going to get away with that? The Silent Sword Master just put up a recruitment notice. Thats all.
Shut up! You dont know anything about him. Hes not just some rustic idiot wearing a robe! Hes the one person who understands me!
Her heartfelt cry echoed across the mountain field.
- Haha, this Awakener is serious about Hanbok.
- Hanbok couple looks cant be ignored.
- Isnt Lee So-hye wearing Hanbok too?
- Shes whipping people and sending them flying, but still looks good.
- How can anyone like a serial killer who killed several Awakeners?
But just as the viewers were chatting, Kim Jae-chul shouted in anger.
I also wear Hanbok! Starting with a colorful jacket, then formal clothing, and a wedding robe! I even bought fusion Hanbok! Why cant I wear it for him?!
A loud gasp filled the space, and then the viewership turned to shock.
[37th participant Kim Jae-chul was eaten by the Earth Worm and died.]
[Earth Worm - 9 kills]
[Remaining participants - 7]
Kim Jae-chuls dramatic fall, after his heartfelt outburst, left Lee So-hye standing at the edge, still processing the loss. The chat continued to buzz with excitement, but Lee So-hye was too stunned to even respond.
While all this chaos was unfolding in the arena, viewers at home were finding their own form of amusement in the scene. They couldn''t help butment on the bizarre love-hate dynamics that had developed between the participants.
[Don''t be so upset,]
[C''mon, don''t cry! This isnt good.]
Woo Ji-woo, taking a break from scaling the cliffs, tried to console Lee So-hye, but it only made her emotions bubble over more. In the midst of this, she continued to sob louder, her frustrations mounting.
- Isnt that judge male? Seems like he''s just trying to console her.
- That spider-mans gonna swoop in and steal her, huh?
- Did you see his face, that was pure NTR behavior!
- Hes trying to cheer her up, but who knows if itll work?
The viewers continued toment on the growing tension between Lee So-hye and Woo Ji-woo, finding amusement in the whole situation.
Suddenly, the atmosphere took a drastic shift. The ground trembled again, and a new shadow loomed overhead.
[Earth Worm is advancing!]
[Earth Worm has moved up by 10 tiles (100 meters).]
Before the two could react, the massive jaws of the Earth Worm mmed shut with a deafening crash, swallowing both of them in an instant.
[Judge Woo Ji-woo has been eaten by the Earth Worm and died.]
[Participant Lee So-hye has been eaten by the Earth Worm and died.]
[Earth Worm - 11 kills]
[Remaining participants - 6]
Once again, the chaos was at an all-time high. As the Earth Worm devoured thest two remaining figures, the arena was reduced to a battlefield of destruction.
[Remaining participants - 6]
The viewers couldnt get enough of the unfolding madness, and the shocking eliminations of Lee So-hye and Woo Ji-woo became the highlight of the broadcast.
- Whoa, did the Earth Worm just take out two at once?!
- This is getting insane.
- The judges didn''t make it out... but that was wild.
As the arena fell into an eerie silence, only a handful of participants remained standing. The dramatic events had reshaped thepetition into a brutal, unforgiving free-for-all.
And so, the tournament continued with new dangers, new rivalries, and a final showdown between the remainingpetitors, all under the chaotic and unpredictable rules of Jumping Rabbit.
Chapter 78
4.
The Changwon Guilds Trouble-Maker TrioAhn Chang-yoon, Kim Gil-tae, and Lee Jungwere in grave danger.
Arent you kidding me? We just climbed 100 meters in one go. Earthworm, that crazy bastard.
Are you scared?
Scared? You think Im scared? Do you not know its because of you that were falling behind? Stop cracking jokes and just run!
With Kim Gil-taes Iron Spear, they crushed otherpetitors. Lee Jung used his telekic power to fly through the air, covering the shortest distance. And with Ahn Chang-yoons Phase Shift, they used surprise attacks to regain the advantage when their numbers fell behind.
Their cooperation had great synergy. They made it all the way to the final six together.
[Ah, here we have the trio from Changwon Guild, who are trailing the farthest. Shall we take a look?]
But all the remaining participants were high-level C-ss Awakeners with a high conversion rate. The three who had risen through teamwork were naturally falling behind among the remaining survivors.
[If the Earthworm moves even a few meters, their elimination will be confirmed. How do you feel about that?]
- This level of questioning, hahaha.
- Seems like youre getting frustrated. Are you?
- Hey, you crying? Are you crying? Hahaha.
The three who were sure to be eliminated red at Joo Ah-young, who had calmlynded on a nearby rock, with genuine annoyance in their eyes. Unlike them, who had drained all their mana, used skills repeatedly, and squeezed every ounce of energy just to survive, Joo Ah-young looked like she was on a field trip, her mood lighthearted despite the situation.
[The Changwon Guild trio~ stop focusing solely on running and lets do an interview with the lowest-ranked group for a moment!]
Damn it, cant you see were struggling here, almost dying?
Dont touch me.
Go do your interview with someone else.
[Are you trying to help? Oh, thank you~ Im really moved by your earnestness, still doing the interview even when elimination is imminent!]
- Forced interview.
- Hahaha.
- Then why ask at all? Hahaha.
- Just... because its fun?
- Like sister, like brother, hahaha.
- Real vicious sisters, haha.
- But wheres the Silent Sword Master?
- Whats good about winning the tournament? Asking for the 381st time.
Kim Gil-tae, unable to contain himself, lifted his Iron Spear.
Hey, you bastard, didnt I tell you to stop?!
Suddenly, Kim Gil-taes powerful spear was thrown in a fit of rage! The spear, flying like a shell, struck the ground where Joo Ah-young hadnded, creating a deafening crash. Amid the shattered stone debris, Joo Ah-youngnded lightly on a rock 10 meters to the side with an annoyingly cheery bounce.
[Oh no, how can you attack the host out of anger? No wonder yourest.]
- Wow, hahaha.
- That spear throw was ridiculous.
- The bounce sound was so irritating, honestly.
- What does King-burned mean?
- It means heated up.
- Why is heat bing kinged?
- Its a thing.
- So is Gwanggaeto the Great King Gwanggaeto the Great Army?
- Who taught that guy the Ya-min Jeong-eum?
Say something! Is that bastard insulting our Changwon Guild...?
Just as Kim Gil-tae was about to team up with hispanions, his eyes caught sight of the figures of the two others who had already moved far ahead.
Are these bastards just sucking the easy stuff and leaving me behind?!
Youre the one who threw away your Iron Spear, you idiot.
AAAAHHH!!!
Kim Gil-tae, in his rage, smashed a wall with his fists, but the two had already disappeared.
[How do you feel about being betrayed by your teammates and left alone at the bottom?]
Im gonna kill all of you, you fucking bitches!!
- No mercy, Kim Gil-tae, haha.
- I can hear your annual sry melting away.
- Changwon Guild Leader might need low blood pressure treatment, haha.
- Sejong the Great Army.
- Aaaahhh, I think Im losing my mind, losing my mind, losing my mind.
Who does this bastard think he is to do interviews like this?
Unable to handle Joo Ah-youngs constant teasing, Kim Gil-tae lost his temper, pointing his finger at her and yelling, before losing his footing and falling.
[yer 93, Kim Gil-tae, has been eaten by the Earthworm and died.]
[Earthworm C 10 kills.]
[Remaining participants C 5.]
- Hahaha, thats such a pathetic way to die.
- The death interview, hahaha.
- Oh, slow pace? Just do interviews, I guess.
[Uh there was a little incident. Shall we continue with the lowest rank interview?]
- Does this mean hes going to kill thest person left?
- The Grim Reapers here, haha.
Having desperately tried to create some distance, Ahn Chang-yoon and Lee Jung moved forward. Both were still perfectly fine, and with smug expressions, they casually reached the area where Joo Ah-young had justnded.
They saw the calm,posed face of JumpingRabbit, who was now the old hand in the game.
And they understood Kim Gil-taes feelings as he had thrown that spear without hesitation. Kim Gil-tae had just been a pioneer who recognized the truth before the others.
That evil woman deserved to die.
[Now, were down to the final 5 participants. Among you two, is there anyone whos ready to sacrifice themselves for their teammates?]
[Ah~ its a bit odd when people dont say much during the tournament. Well, someones going to be eliminated, so you can speak freely!]
[Excuse me~ can you hear me? Just because you try hard doesnt mean itll work, just do the interview! Okay?]
[Hey, youre not supposed to run like that.]
[Ah, idiot. Hee-hee.]
In this suffocating contest of pride, Joo Ah-young tried to get something out of the two participants while they were doing their best to avoid it.
Ahn Chang-yoon finally plopped down, exasperated.
Fine, Ill do the interview, just shut up already!
[Eh~ this doesnt seem interesting, so never mind. Ill just interview the final four when they get to the semi-finals.]
- What did the Changwon Guild do wrong?
- Their only crime is being ugly.
- That bitch is so dizzying.
Even though she said that, Joo Ah-young still smiled yfully as shended.
[Before youre eliminated, is there anything you want to say to your teammate?]
As Joo Ah-young extended the mic, Ahn Chang-yoon grabbed her arm fiercely.
Theres nothing to say, you bastard. Youre finished now! Kim Gil-tae, Im sorry I didnt understand how you felt! Ill kill this bitch, and then Ill die with her!!
- Hahahaha, dramatic reconciliation, holy shit.
- The public enemy is terrifying.
- No, the yers should be fighting each other, but here they are fighting the host, hahaha.
- What a crazy level of the tournament.
With a determination to be eaten by the Earthworm along with Joo Ah-young, Ahn Chang-yoon clung tightly to her arm.
[Whos going to die together? Hmph, whatever. Im leaving now, so just die alone.]
With a sulky expression, Joo Ah-young took her signature "bunny hop" stance and then, as if mocking the low heights of her previous jumps, leapt an incredible 30 meters in one go.
- What the heck, why is she jumping like that?
- Is that a super jump?
- Is it that thing where you get one lucky jump out of a thousand?
With high leaps came high speed.
Ughhhh.
While the user of the super jump received the systems correction and was fine, Ahn Chang-yoon, who had no such correction, was face-pressed by the wind, falling in a humiliating fashion.
[No freeloaders allowed~ Never underestimate the Jumping Rabbit veteran!]
Ahn Chang-yoon, falling behind Joo Ah-young, was filled with humiliation and shame. Still, with a crooked grin, he headed for the cliff.
It was then that Joo Ah-young remembered his abilities.
[Could it be? No way, right?]
Dont underestimate an Awakener.
With a twisted grin, Ahn Chang-yoon jumped off the cliff. The light shed in his hand, and his Phase Shift ability took effect.
[Phase Shift]
By switching the positions of two targets, Ahn Chang-yoon and Joo Ah-youngs locations were swapped.
[AAAHHH!!!]
[The host, Joo Ah-young, was eaten by the Earthworm and died.]
[Earthworm C 11 kills.]
[Remaining participants C 5.]@@novelbin@@
An unprecedented broadcast ident urred during the martial arts tournament as the host, Joo Ah-young, was killed.
- "Is Ahn Chang-yoon a god? Is Ahn Chang-yoon a god? Is Ahn Chang-yoon a god?"
- "Changwon Guild is the light, and Ahn Chang-yoon is the god."
- "The evil sisters got cut!"
- "But now whos going to run the tournament? Hahaha."
- "What a ridiculous situation, hahaha."
Since no one was left tomentate on the event, the broadcast plunged into chaos. With the absence of a host, the system settings were automatically activated, and a spectator mode, which searches for objectives on its own, began to slowly ascend.
How the hell do you go up from here?
Ahn Chang-yoon, who had arrived at the ce where Joo Ah-young hadnded, found himself on a rock ledge more than 20 meters off the ground. Confused, he stared nkly into the air.
As he turned, he spotted Lee Jung, floating up between the cliffs with telekinesis.
Hey? Hey! Im down here! Can you get me out of here?
Lee Jung nced down at Ahn Chang-yoon, then shed a sinister grin and gave a thumbs-down.
Hey, you wanted to kill that bitch, didnt you? Where are you going? Hey! You betrayer!
Ignoring Ahn Chang-yoons desperate cries, Lee Jung turned his back and left. A notification appeared in the system, announcing Ahn Chang-yoon''s death as the ground shook beneath him.
[yer 92, Ahn Chang-yoon, has been eaten by the Earthworm and died.]
[Earthworm C 12 kills.]
[Remaining participants C 4.]
With Ahn Chang-yoon''s elimination, only four contestants remained in the tournament.
"Ha. Ahn Chang-yoon, that idiot, saved my life by doing the hard work. He didnt know the world, taking the lead and ending up suffering. What a fool. This is why idiots like him can never make it. Hahaha!"
Lee Jung let out an evilugh as he steadily ascended, the spectator view rising higher and higher.
"But seriously, why isnt this over yet? Whys that thing going up again?"
[yer 94, Lee Jung, has been eaten by the Earthworm and died.]
[Earthworm C 13 kills.]
[Remaining participants C 3.]
Lee Jung had overlooked one key fact. While the tournaments map was managed by the host, Joo Ah-young, who had just been killed, there was no one left to reset the map for the semi-finals. Even with four survivors, the map for the tournament wouldnt be changed back to the final round.
Good or bad, the legendary "Jumping Rabbit" map would remain until the end of the game.
- "Hahaha, did the host die and now the map cant be changed?"
- "Changyun was quickly dropped from the hero to a viin."
- "This snowball is insane, haha."
- "But why does the spectator view keep going up?"
- "No clue."
- "Doesnt it seem to be speeding up?"
- "Oh, look! Another yers visible."
- "Theyre panicking because the map isnt changing, hahaha."
Passing through various sectionsthe thousand-step segment, the cliff path, and the crumbling tformsthey reached higher ground, climbing up through the swirling snowstorm. The observer view slowly moved upward, far beyond the other contestants.
As they reached the highest point of the mountain, the view approached the final ridge, where the fierce winds and snowstorms shed with a jet stream, blocking the way forward.
Atst, the spectator view reached the Silent Sword Master, who stood, arms crossed, contemting the final challenge ahead. The ascent finally stopped.
- "What the hell, hahaha."
- "The yers are all dying, but the host seems to be having the time of their life!"
- "How has she climbed so high?"
- "The yers are nowhere to be seen."
- "This is too funny, hahaha."
- "But why is she so fast?"
- "Shes not even jumping like the host does."
- "Is she climbing this on her own, without any assist action?"
ording to the Jumping Rabbit system, the current record of the top yer was 400 floors, reaching an altitude of 4,000 meters. But the Silent Sword Master, uninterested in the tournament and more curious about the map, had already surpassed the record. She had reached 1,100 floors.
Without caring about the tournament, she climbed to an astonishing height of 11,000 meters.
Chapter 79
5.
Despite using the nickname Hae Eung as her real name, Joo Ah-young, who only used her game nickname JumpingRabbitLoverAhyoung, was embarrassed and wanted to change it.
[Names carry the emotions and memories from when they were chosen.]
At first, it was nothing more than a childish tantrum. She dressed it up in a convincing way, but deep down, the truth was that it was a childishment.
But Joo Ah-young spoke seriously about her past.
Its embarrassing.
It wasnt the origin of the name that was embarrassing. It was the fact that she had acted on a petty jealousy. She had taken the time to seriously value these small, insignificant feelings.
Standing before Joo Ah-youngs sincerity, Hae Eung felt embarrassed. Perhaps that was the reason. As the tournament began, and each Awakener fought and disyed their abilities, Hae Eungs gaze never left Joo Ah-young.
What was so great about JumpingRabbit?
She couldnt understand how someone could love a game for so long. The Jumping Rabbit game hadsted for years, but Hae Eung had been through much harsher trials in the Murim world, leaving her unable to rte.
[How many hours did I y? I think I did about 600 hours. I wanted to do more, but the government came and took the capsule away.]
What kind of game was it? Joo Ah-young had spent about a year on the Jumping Rabbit game, a game that seemed to be a part of her world.
[Whats the Jumping Rabbit map like?]
It had piqued her curiosity. She could no longer hold it in.
6.
The recruitment notice was for a martial arts tournament. Everything was part of a process to form a guild. The reason for creating the guild was simple: it was all to support Joo Ah-young.
Thats right. In the end, this tournament had started for Joo Ah-youngs sake. Perhaps experiencing the Jumping Rabbit map to understand her a bit more wasnt such a bad thing after all.
Joo Ah-young is so happy
What was making her so happy? Sitting on the ground, jumping and soaring around with glee, her bright expression made Hae Eungs heart twinge. It had been so long since she felt that pure longing.
Back then, she hadnt wanted to swing her sword to take revenge or be stronger than someone else. She had simply enjoyed the act of swinging the sword itself, and the joy of never putting it down.
It feels like that time again.
Hae Eung felt that pure joy for the first time in ages. The feeling of the gravel beneath her feet, the scent of the rocky mountain mixed with dust, the expansive view, and the towering mountain peaks. Joo Ah-young, in her youth, had repeatedly challenged her own world, again and again.
This is the world that Joo Ah-young loved.
Climbing up the long staircase, crossing the steep cliff path, and gazing up at the sharp cliff face, Hae Eung felt something in her heart.
Finally caught up, Silent Sword Master.
A man dressed in a gi stood at the end of the cliff path, boldly challenging her.
Ive been watching you ever since the great forest of Banyo Valley. Your martial arts... theyre not ordinary skills. Ive heard that youve mastered a rare martial technique, one that has an extremely low chance of appearing in the gates?
?
No use pretending, Ive also learned a rare martial technique. It may not be as fast as the Speed Master, but I have confidence in my skill with the Wind Step technique.
He turned and showed his participant number and name.
Participant number 222. Bumho Yang Gwiho. In this match, Ill be using the Ho Mok Shin Gong. Will you ept this challenge?
To think someone would challenge her to a martial technique duel during the tournament. The Silent Sword Masters heart raced.
The idea of a tournament host fighting a contestant never crossed her mind. But considering there were no prize rewards for the event, it felt more like an exhibition match. The people gathering were there to be chosen by her, after all.
Such a challenge was, in fact, quite clever.
[Host Silent Sword Master. Ill use the Wall Tiger Palm.]
Wall Tiger Palm? No matter the technique, Im sure its a good one, especially with Tiger in the name.
Lets begin once this stone falls to the ground.
Yang Gwiho tossed a stone into the air, and it soared high, heading toward the spot where the sun was rising.
Dont call it cowardly. This is just the world of cold, calctedpetition. The careless one is the one at fault.
Using the sunlight to blind his opponents eyes, Yang Gwiho nned to widen the gap in the early moments. Instead of watching the stone fall, he listened for its sound to mark the start of the match.
Yang Gwiho leapt like a tiger climbing a tree. A smile formed on his lips as he leaped a full 5 meters from the start and began to climb the cliff with powerful movements.
Using his front and back limbs like a tiger climbing a tree, he skillfully distributed his strength across all four limbs, managing to climb with precision.
Silent Sword Master nodded from below.
Among the Awakeners Ive seen today, this is the best.
Unlike the typical, repetitive abilities Awakeners often disy, Yang Gwiho had devised his own unique version of Ho Mok Shin Gong, adapting and performing the technique ording to his will.
Its a bit cheeky, butpared to the Murim world, its no big deal.
There had been an emperor, a distant rtive of the royal family, who had learned martial arts and gained the nickname The Blue Falcon (Chang Eung Gong). This emperor had once challenged the Silent Sword Master. He bet that if she won, she would leave the emperor''s protection; if she lost, he would take nothing from her. She had agreed to the challenge, thinking nothing of it. But, she would learn the true reason behind the challenge soon enough.
7.
Having climbed a quarter of the cliff, Yang Gwiho stopped his trembling arms and took a heavy breath as he looked down at the cliff below.
Is this martial art not effective on cliffs? The Silent Sword Master is supposed to be all-powerful, but shes failing to make this interesting.
The distance between him and the Silent Sword Master was now so vast that victory was practically guaranteed. Contemting the loneliness of victory, Yang Gwiho continued to push himself, not neglecting his energy management.
Thud thud thud thud
The sound grew louder, as if a spider with many legs was charging up the cliff.
Startled by the strange sound, Yang Gwiho grew nervous and stopped to use Ho Mok Shin Gong again. However, despite his efforts to ascend the cliff, the sound grew closer and closer.
Could it be... Silent Sword Master? No... that cant be right. Unless shes some sort of spider monster, she cant move like that.
Perhaps the sound had gotten to him, or it was just his imagination. Either way, he had to believe it wasnt the case. If that sound was really following him, then... that skill, that technique, was something that couldnt be beaten by any means.
Thud
Sweat poured down his forehead and back. His hands trembled from the chilling fear. But soon, the sound seemed to appear right beside him.
Fast.
Unlike Yang Gwihos Ho Mok Shin Gong, which used force to climb, the Wall Tiger Palm generated a suction force from the hands and feet to climb. With long flowing hair and an inhuman speed, the Silent Sword Master swiftly ascended the cliff.
Yang Gwihos heart sank as he looked over at the ghostly figure climbing beside him.
Mommy, what the hell is that?!
Startled, Yang Gwiho lost focus on his technique. He scrambled but was toote to correct himself.
[Participant 222, Yang Gwiho, has been eaten by the Earthworm and died.]
The realization from the Murim world was simple: the true power was not in the sword, but in the ability to control when to strike.
To teach the next generation, huh? This is more satisfying than I thought.
Silent Sword Master, without hesitation, had used her own skill to knock out Yang Gwiho from the tournament in the climbing contest, where he had once been a strong contender for victory. She didnt feel guilty at all.
After all, duels like that, with des drawn, were the tricks of the lower-level fighters. True masters didn''t waste time with such petty games. A duel was about mocking the inexperienced, not engaging in some drawn-out swordy.
Now then, lets speed up and get to the top, shall we?
Her gaze turned towards the clouds resting halfway up the mountain and the world beyond, where the final challenge awaited.@@novelbin@@
Chapter 80
1.
Turning back time to about 20 days before the tournament, Yuminseong, the former leader of the Associations C-ss Monitoring Team and now a wealthy unemployed person, had been living a peaceful life, quietly enjoying the calm days given to him. He had no majorints about his life.
That is, until he woke up to a strange ceiling, even though he had clearly been in his own bedroom.
What... what the hell are you? You think you can kidnap an Awakener from the Association and get away with it?
We apologize for startling you, Yuminseong. We understand you were very confused since we couldn''t read your memories, right?
You kidnapped me because you were after my mind-reading abilities? I wont be intimidated by some viin organization!
We apologize for the illegal means of bringing you here. We are not a viin organization; we are agents from the National Security Bureaus Security Division 4.
National Security Bureau?
We know youve crossed paths with some of our agents while working with the Association. If you wish, we can have them vouch for your identity.
With the ability to read minds from a distance and the power to read the hearts of even stronger opponents once they came close or made physical contact, Yuminseongs abilities were perfect for a viin organization to target. After being extremely cautious, he realized that these people were indeed real National Security Bureau agents.
Are you crazy? Kidnapping an Awakener who retired from the National Security Bureau? Have all your Awakener agents been recruited this way?
We apologize. This matter is highly urgent and special. Once you see this document, youll understand.
[TOP SECRET] [Warning C For authorized personnel only]
[Investigation Record of Returnee Choi Deok-bae by the Special Investigator]
- January 1, 2035, Choi Deok-bae (unemployed, 32-year-old male) goes missing.
- January 1, 2045, Choi Deok-bae, who obtained hypnosis and sexual abilities in another world, returns.
- January 10, 2045, all female residents of the same building as Choi Deok-bae fall into hypnosis and are victims of 82 sexual crimes.
- March 15, 2045, 96 women in [] District fall victim to hypnosis, forced into sexual exploitation, filming sex videos, extortion, and rape. Over 1,000 crimes in total.
- June 11, 2045, the wife of Congressman [] notices a significant drop in the remaining power of a mental defense artifact and realizes the extent of the ability-based crimes. Investigations into these crimes areunched under the direction of Congressman [].
- July 5, 2045, unusual incidents detected in [] District, with male infidelity-rted crimes and female indecent acts increasing by over 10,000%.
- July 17, 2045, the Special Investigation Team for Sexual Crimes in [] District is formed.
- July 25, 2045, the Special Investigation Team for Sexual Crimes in [] District experiences a mass suicide incident. One female prosecutor is missing.
- August 2, 2045, an unofficial Awakener investigation team is formed by the National Security Bureau.
- August 5, 2045, 3.8% of [] District residents show signs of having fallen under Choi Deok-baes hypnosis.
- August 6, 2045, information officer [] uses their [] ability to start breaking the hypnosis on victims.
- August 7, 2045, realizing the danger to his life, Choi Deok-bae uses hypnotized victims to instigate arge-scale riot.
- August 8, 2045, (Unavable)
- August 9, 2045, Choi Deok-bae is apprehended, his abilities confirmed, and statements begin.
- August 11, 2045, it is confirmed that the gate leading to the fantasy world where Choi Deok-bae had been transported shares simrities with a gate that appeared on Earth.
- August 12, 2045, Choi Deok-bae escapes from his detention facility after breaking through the mental defenses of an Awakener, and a kill order is issued.
- August 14, 2045, Choi Deok-bae is killed sessfully.
- August 15, 2045, Choi Deok-bae is designated as the first Returnee, and a report is submitted indicating the need for preparations for crimes involving Returnees.
- August 16, 2045, it is confirmed that the person killed on-site was not Choi Deok-bae but a National Security Bureau agent.
- August 22, 2045, while attempting to flee on an illegal ship, Choi Deok-bae is shot and killed along with 7 civilians aboard the ship as a result of hypnosis-induced confusion.
Yuminseongs hands trembled as he read the document.
Can something like this really happen?
It would be impossible for most ordinary hypnotic Awakener abilities. They dont work well on intelligent beings, and theres a limit to how many people can be hypnotized at once.
Youre telling me theres no cooldown for these abilities, no restrictions, and theyre that powerful?
Thats why Returnees are so dangerous.
Wait Hae Eung-eung, is she a Returnee too?
It is highly likely.
I refuse.
Yuminseong drew the line firmly.
That woman is a murderous weapon. If you get close, youll be killed for sure!
Calm down. Not all Returnees are psychotic criminals. In fact, there are some Returnees affiliated with the National Security Bureau and the Association.
How am I supposed to trust this after seeing such a document? Ive read her mind, and its not the mind of a normal person!
In a frantic outburst, Yuminseongshed out, but the agent from the National Security Bureau responded calmly, injecting a tranquilizer into his arm. After a day had passed, Yuminseong finally realized that he could not escape the National Security Bureaus grip.
Reluctantly, he agreed to help them monitor Hae Eung-eung.
We have a good opportunity now. Hae Eung-eung is recruiting a C-ss Awakener. You could apply with our agents.
Ive already been made known.
Well get you the best stic surgeon.
What if I get caught?
Shall we change your gender too?
I dont need that much.
In the end, Yuminseong underwent extensive stic surgery and assumed a new identity as Min Woosung, entering the Silent Sword Masters martial arts tournament.
2.
As a participant in the tournament, Yuminseong surprisingly thought this mission wasnt so bad.
Through the host, Joo Ah-young, he could indirectly read Hae Eung-eungs thoughts. There was no fear of danger in the tournament either, as National Security Bureau agents were secretly guarding him.
- "Yes! Since the boss gave permission, I should change the map right now!"
This was before the unexpected event of the map changing in the tournament.
- Ehehe, Im so excited.
- If beginners y JumpingRabbit, theyll probably die a lot. The yers will probably die too, right? This is awesome!
That psycho bitch!
Joo Ah-youngs thoughts, which were chilling to read, were exactly like her sisters. Nevertheless, reading her mind helped a lot in surviving the tournament. Joo Ah-young had been thinking about how to JumpingRabbit.
- The legendary mountain map in JumpingRabbit is actually climbable from the inside, not just the outside, but only those whove experienced it would know.
- If you climb up to floor 1100, youll get blocked by a snowstorm, so youll need special items to proceed, which no one would know unless theyve been there.
- The map is unnecessarilyrge, and the items are hidden on mountain peaks far from the main path. No one would know that unless theyve visited.
Having the answers ahead of time gave a huge advantage. If you just wrote down the memorized answers, you could score full marks.
Where should I go from here?
To get through, drop a rock from the top to break the boulder blocking the path. That will reveal the entrance to the cave.
Is this a martial arts tournament or a JumpingRabbit tournament? Anyway, youve really helped me, Yumin I mean, Min Woosung.
The real problem arose when faced with subjective descriptive questions that required solving and exnation.
They said I just need to use the super jump here.
How do you do a super jump?
Uh? Im not sure either
Joo Ah-young hadnt thought about the obvious mechanics of activating a super jump. As a result, National Security Bureau agents had to sacrifice themselves, throwing him upward or using their powers to help him climb.
Ive made a mistake. Im out of mana, so from here on out, youll have to go alone.
No! Wevee all this way together, and now youre going to give up?!
This is my final support. Please, make it to the top four for us.
Thanks to the sacrifices of the National Security Bureau agents, Min Woosung sessfully reached the final four.
As he reached the final rounds, he thought to himself:
This is a mess. These bastards.
They had taken a person who was just minding his own business, had him undergo surgery to change his face, and then forced him to monitor a monster-like Returnee. They made it sound like some kind of noble cause.
In truth, though, he didnt have much choice. The National Security Bureau had their hooks in him. Escaping wasnt an option. Running away from the virtual world would justnd him right back in the National Security Bureaus hands.
I have to win this tournament. Thats the only way Ill escape from this damn ce.
His determination to win wasn''t about wanting to meet Silent Sword Master or fight her. It was about escaping the National Security Bureaus control.
The difference in mindset tranted into a focus that made his jumps incredibly precise.
Theres no way anyone could enjoy this garbage of a game seriously. Whoever ys it like this has to be a freak.
In a game where even a slight mistake could cause you to slide down and start climbing again, where one misstep could send you into a pit, Yuminseong realized that rest was vital to recover from the exhaustion of the mind.
Looking up at the kill logs, he noticed that there were only four survivors left, and his disbelief grew.
Wait, the host died before the others. Shouldnt I reach the top to finish this?
For a brief moment, doubt crept in. But it wasnt long before he thought this might actually be a good thing. He had already acquired some items during his climb.
Though it had slowed him down a bit as he took a different route, he wasnt overly concerned. After all, he believed only he could conquer the summit.
Someone else clearing this without any items? That wasughable.
[Silent Sword Master has reached the summit.]
[JumpingRabbit map C Legend of the High Mountain conquered.]
[The map has been cleared and returned to default settings.]
"...You said you couldnt clear it without the items?"
This was the kind of power that a Returnee had, someone not bound by ordinary restrictions.@@novelbin@@
Chapter 81
On the upper level of the Gosan map.
A region so high that the radiation heat from the surface does not reach it.
A section existing above the clouds.
The snow-covered tundra was entirely covered in pure white snow, with no ground visible.
If one made even a single misstep,
they would either fall through the deep snow or slip to the edge of a cliff, sure to plummet to their doom.@@novelbin@@
This white hell, filled with natures infinite malice, was being swiftly crossed by Hae Eung-eung without hesitation.
My internal energy is still insufficient, so my footprints are still visible.
Even though she ran without restraint through the middle of the snowy region,
there were no footprints left in the snow,
a state called ???? (̤ѩo).
It was a level of skill that could be confidently called mastery of the lightness skill, even in the vast martial world.
In the vast Central ins of the martial world, ???? was a form of achievement, proof of a certain level of understanding in martial arts.
Its not so much about the amount of internal energy, but more about the technique. It might be possible soon enough.
In areas where heavy snow falls,
people wear socks called ?? over their shoes to avoid sinking into the snow.
Simrly, by using internal energy to disperse weight beneath her shoes, Hae Eung-eung could prevent sinking into the snow.
?() - to divide and split
?() - to spread thin and low
?() - to flow widely like water
?(ɢ) - to scatter and spread widely.
With this technique, she could disperse weight and flow it along the ground.
Although her ???? technique did not yet reach the heights of ????, it was already proof that she had grasped the principles of the Haenampa Guilds lightness skill.
Both swordsmanship and the lightness skill are in a state of stagnation at simr levels of progression.
The techniques she used against the demon general Bigtro from Ban-yoguk were an example.
?() - shot like a bullet
?() - to focus power at a single point
?() - curved like a wave
?() - to twist, applying a curve.
The technique called ???? could strike repeatedly with the speed of an instantaneous blow, performing a session of curved strikes without stopping.
?() - to break
?() - to disrupt
These were the basics of ??? and ???, the foundational elements of Sacheondanggas breakthrough techniques in the martial arts.
Although I understand the principles of these techniques, I stillck the power to fully execute them in battle.
Not in terms of physical strength, nor internal energy.
Of course, she possessed the legendary cheat-like ability of residual points, which allowed her to increase her strength at any time.
Not yet, though.
Using the residual points would quickly raise her abilities, but once the points were exhausted, stagnation would return. She would then need to make even greater efforts to increase her stats.
Thats why it was better to train while her stats were still low and increase them through effort.
To escape the Guumjeolmyeok, I need to gather three Gapsja of internal energy. Not a single free point can be wasted.
The free points given when one advances in martial arts correspond to each level achieved. The amount may seem limitless when viewed from the outside, but there are restrictions imposed by the level system.
At the lower levels, only third-rate techniques can be used to reach level 100. At the intermediate levels, second-rate techniques can raise abilities to level 200. And at the top levels, only first-rate techniques allow for progression to level 300.
The climb is hard, but the more experience one gains, the more one must rely on understanding and techniques to advance. The lower-level techniques will not help and would only waste valuable time.
Still, the insights Ive already gained are powerful weapons.
The state of Martial Arts Chronicle contains contradictions. There are many techniques at the lower levels, but its difficult to find higher-level techniques. The higher ones level, the more techniques they must learn to advance, which doesnt logically make sense.
Thats why a skilled master who has achieved enlightenment can use lower-level techniques and turn them into higher-level ones.
A master who has achieved enlightenment can naturally integrate the core of their elevated techniques into lower-level skills. Even a basic third-rate technique can, with enlightenment, be transformed into a second-rate one.
Just like now.
With the dispersed power spreading outward, an avnche began to form, apanied by dirt and rocks crashing down with snow in a catastrophic disaster.
[By merging the enlightenment with the Samjaebo technique, your martial level increases. (Third-rate Second-rate)]
[Movement technique]
[Samjaebo] (1st rank) (Second-rate)
By incorporating the enlightenment into her movement technique, Hae Eung-eung escaped the avnche with three leaps.
[The Samjaebo technique has reached the 3rd rank.]
[You have gained 3 free points.]
The technique of enlightenment, which can change a technique into something entirely new, was indeed powerful.
Of course, just because Ive gained enlightenment doesnt mean I can elevate any technique.
Some techniques dont harmonize with the enlightenment at all.
If one tries to forcibly integrate a technique that doesnt fit, the technique will be chaotic and lose its effectiveness, often resulting in a temporary debuff.
Trying to forcibly fuse it with internal energy could even cause a pathology, making the user vulnerable to further harm.
Those with lower wisdom often struggle to gain enlightenment and, even when they do, cannot invent new techniques without a teachers guidance.
For me, investing in wisdom was the best decision I could make.
The choice to invest in wisdom, second only to charm, was, in retrospect, the most prudent decision.
But to progress beyond this point, Ill need more than the promotion of Samjaebo.
Using the Jumping Rabbit method to traverse mountain heights, every 100th floor of a mountain level changes its theme. From the snow-covered mountain at the 800th floor to the extreme cold at the 900th floor, beyond lies a jetstream-filled wind zone above 10,000 meters on the 1000th floor.
At this point, it''s a true battle against nature.
The jetstreams, ranging from 65 km/h to 130 km/h, pose a significant challenge. The strength of the winds can even cause trees to break and make walking into the wind impossible.
Fighting against the wind is impossible.
Reading the direction of the wind from the fluttering sleeves, Hae Eung-eung read the trajectory of the sand grains she threw to gauge the winds strength and direction. It was a difficult challenge, but it wasnt her first.
The Zegal sect, one of the five great families of the martial world, was skilled in controlling wind with their formation techniques.
Having fought in many great battles, she had either received help from or faced off against the masters of Zegal sect. To survive, one had to learn how to navigate through the winds and break through the natural barriers.
Without the Zegal sects scrolls, she knew she would have no hope.
[Youve reached the 1100th floor.]
[The floor theme changes to Snowstorm Zone.]
[The Trial of the Mountain appears.]
[The wind intensity sharply increases.]
[The Whiteout phenomenon is permanently triggered on this floor.]
Currently, 11,000 meters up, with only 111 meters to the summit, Hae Eung-eung instinctively felt that this final hurdle would be even harder than everything she had faced up until now.
A quick throw of sand confirmed that the direction of the wind was downward.
It was no ordinary breeze.
<**Tanjigong**>
She used internal energy to propel the sand forward, but even with the focused internal energy, the sand was unable to pierce through the thick jetstream.
At least its not turbulence.
Though the wind shifted randomly, it wasnt the kind of extreme trial that would make her lose her way. Yet, she couldnt get through with the same method she had been using. She had neither the internal energy to cut through the wind nor the strength to ride it.
Could this be the end?
The thought of giving up crossed her mind. She knew it wasnt an essential battle. But still, she didnt want to give up.
But Im still curious.
Through the thick clouds, standing where the ground and sky became indistinguishable, Hae Eung-eung felt the movement of the sand grains she had thrown, using that as an indicator of the wind''s force, calcting the necessary strength to break through.
Even in the face of natures overwhelming power, the martial artists steadfast spirit refused to back down.
She wasnt going to give up. No matter how strong natures enemy was, she wanted to test her martial arts against it.
I''ve lived a life without freedom for so long.
Locked in the imperial pce, hunted through the martial world, tormented by the blood sects mark, and constrained by the revenge of a lost sect and the burdens of unfulfilled desires.
No one stands in your way anymore, so why choose death, intoxicated by empty fame?
Go back, Shingumilhu. You may not have be the strongest in the world, but you are recognized as the strongest in the martial world.
Leave behind the earthly grudge and live your own life. This is my first andst mercy.
Only after receiving the recognition of the strongest in the world, she was freed from the earthly shackles.
She finally became free after receiving the recognition of being the strongest in the world.
Remembering the man who had allowed her to return to Earth, Hae Eung-eung quietly wondered to herself.
Do you think he could do it?
Like a final trial to reach heaven, the earth-shaking force was pushing her against the final barrier. No matter how hard she tried, she could not picture him oveing this challenge in her mind.
What reason is there for you to grow so strong, considering you couldnt even return to Earth at the easiest difficulty?
What a silly question. The title of the strongest in the world is still a limit for mere humans. My goal lies beyond that.
The greatest under heaven, surpassing even the gods. That is the path I walk.
In the endless struggle against the God of Wind, in the deadly battle that never ends, despite knowing what kind of trials the elders of the Extremity of Cold Winds are going through, the man, who once wanted to subdue the heavens and open the gates of paradise by defeating the God of Wind, couldnt even surpass this level.
She could not fathom that sight.
I see. I still havent forgotten the path he showed me.
Even after escaping all earthly burdens, she was still not truly free. The Jumping Rabbit ascent challenge had shown her that the world itself, with its boundless nature, was something she had to fight. The path to heaven could only be opened by cutting through it with a single sword.
When she witnessed the myths first chapter, with her own sword piercing through the gates of heaven, she realized that she had epted a new restraintmartial arts.
At that time, I just wanted to go back.
She had gone through so much and her body was worn out. But now, after the pain had subsided, the desire to master the martial arts had reignited in her heart.
I no longer wish for the power that epasses heaven and earth.
But if she were in this small world, without the man, perhapsjust perhapsstanding at the pinnacle of this world alone wasnt beyond her.
Maybe I can do it.
Her sword, as if responding to her thoughts, hummed fiercely, releasing a dark aura. With a smile, she charged toward the trial of the High Mountain, a trial once thought impossible to surpass without special items.
<Geochungcheon (n)
The soaring technique of controlling the energy to shoot toward the heavens. Even though it defies the naturalws, the wax wings, which allowed one to fly in the air, melted as they flew toward the sun, resulting in their fall, much like the myth of Icarus.
No matter how intense the wind, no matter how small Hae Eung-eung seemed inparison to natures vast power, she knew she had a way to fight against it.
One moment is enough.
Even when unleashing a higher-level martial art, as long as it didnt reach the level of 5 stars, the systems level-up judgment wouldnt activate.
I dont need to take everything.
A single basic technique, even if it didnt reach the standard of a full strike, would be enough.
In a single instant, a single sh, a single thoughtthe focus of that moment.
<Hwasanpas Peak Martial Style>
<Jahageomgyeol>
A technique of swordsmanship, stripped of all other techniques, forming a single movement. One of the smallest units of martial arts, its core lies in its fundamental power.
<First Strike>
<Jayo Mangrin (̔_k)
The very first strike within the system.
At the very moment of execution, the massive air pressure split in half, breaking the wall of wind.
[The Silent Swordsman has reached the summit.]
[Jumping Rabbit Map C The Legend of the High Mountain has been conquered.]
It was the moment when a swordsman cleaved through nature itself.
Chapter 82
The viewers watching the tournament broadcast were truly stunned.
- "Mu-chin... Mu-chin-ryeon-ah!!"
- "How did you do that, you bastard!!!"
- "Holy shit, how is a person cutting through the wind???"
- "Am I the only one who saw that? Did the Silent Swordsman just fly into space??"
- "What did you see?"
- "It looks like you saw things that werent there."
- "Space PTSD patient lol"
A person cutting through nature itself.
How could such a thing even be possible?
The gates and Awakeners had appeared, and countless miracles urred in the modern world, but no one had ever cut through nature with a single sword.
It was an event that would be passed down for thousands of years, like the founding myth of a nation.
The one who caused all thismotion wore an unexpectedly disgruntled expression.
This is too much.
She was so close to the summit, yet after slicing through the High Mountain Trial, the message that she had reached the top appeared, and the map settings were forcibly reset.
It felt like a Turkish ice cream that was almost in her mouth, only for it to be snatched away by the cursed Turkish vendor.
"Wait... did I really reach the summit?" "Crazy... there were other survivors besides me?"
Hae Eung-eung hadnt realized, but the avnche that urred while she was climbing had grownrger the further down it went, and it struck a quarter of the map, causing one of the final three contestants to suddenly die.
The pressureyer she cut through at the end shifted the downward current, pressing heavily on the midyer of the mountain map.
The final two participants in the martial arts tournament were trapped, curled up, being struck by falling rocks until just before the map disappeared, almost to the point of death.
"Cut through the wind barrier in half? Is this for real?"
One of the final two, C-ss Awakener Lex, who had also been broadcasting live during the tournament, was staring in disbelief at the live video andments of the other viewers.
The video had been mind-read by Min Woosung, the other C-ss Awakener among the final two, and it too filled him with terror.
Damn, so everything I saw earlier was real.
The ssified documents about the first returnee from the National Security Bureau were too severe to believe in their entirety. Surely, there must have been exaggeration.
He had wanted to believe they were heavily seasoned, like an MSG-infused result.
But now, he could no longer deny the reality.
The Silent Swordsman cutting through nature with a single sword.
No matter how he looked at it, this exceeded C-ss by a long shot.@@novelbin@@
An irregr powerhouse.
This was a trait of the returnees seen by the National Security Bureau.
There was no possibility of creating something out of nothing through hypnotic abilities.
Hadn''t Lex read the mind of Min Woosung, who hadn''t even watched the video clips?
The documents about the returnees were all true.
He had to ept the reality he had been denying.
And even more horrifying was the fact that the Silent Swordsman wasnt any less dangerous than the first returnee, the hypnotist.
Please, second ce, please second ce, please second ce!
Now, Min Woosungs only way to preserve his life was to lose and take second ce, thus naturally breaking off contact with the Silent Swordsman, and being sent back to the National Security Bureau.
If he quit openly, the National Security Bureau wouldnt leave him alone, but if he took second ce due tocking the skills, they wouldnt be able to me him.
While the National Security Bureau wouldnt let him go easily, at least he wouldn''t have to deal with the monster who cuts nature in half like cutting cotton candy.
Did that avnche happen because of this guy? Fuck, this is really scary.
But Lex was just as terrified.
The two final men had no desire to win.
However, Lex also had a reason he couldnt quit the tournament.
Damn it, why did I tell the older guys I was entering the tournament? What the hell is this?
Lex was a top-tier C-ss Awakener from one of South Koreas top 10 guilds, Ocean World Guild.
He had nned to show off and win first ce, gathering a nice score, but his shallow trick had backfired, and now he couldnt quit.
Not only had he failed to gather points, but it was lucky if he didn''t lose them.
Winning and then dealing with what that guy will do to me? When I go to the finals, Ill have to fake an overreaction and do a 540-degree spin and fall.
This guy''s an expert at faking illness to fool even doctors. Hes already read my mind and will make me copse before I even get the chance to fake an overreaction.
The two, determined to make each other the winner, ring at each other with deep intentions, caused the viewers to go wild.
- "Wow, the finals arent something anyone can get to."
- "Look at those deadly stares."
- "They really look like they could eat someone."
- "But why does the Silent Swordsman look so upset?"
- "It seems like neither of them is happy."
- "How could anyone be satisfied cutting through the wind like that? Haha."
Lex, overhearing the chatments, looked up with a nervous expression.
Damn it theyre really staring at me.
Without saying a word, Hae Eung-eung stared at the two of them, Lex and Min Woosung, in a way that made them wonder if they were going to be killed before the final match.
She hid her trembling hands behind her back, forcing a smile.
Hae Eung-eung, who had respawned in the seat she had previously been in, raised a sign and typed a message.
[Where did our Ah-young go?]
- "Hahaha, doesnt this person watch the tournament?"
- "When are you looking for someone whos already dead?"
- "The Silent Swordsman is really just into climbing."
"Uh... It seems she died during the process and was forcibly logged out." "Are we doing the finals now?"
Hae Eung-eung, holding the huge sign, smacked it against the corner of the arena and fell into thought.
The arenas stone benches, shattering in real-time with a loud crack, were met with the trembling eyes of the final two participants.
It felt like they were seeing their future, and their expressions grew even darker. Hae Eung-eung''s silence added to the heaviness of the atmosphere. Though her inability to speak was somewhat known through an interview with Lee Chae-han, the sight of such a strong person standing without a word made the atmosphere even heavier.
Were they upset with them? Were they in danger of being harmed?
Neither of them is to my liking.
The concerns of the two men werent entirely wrong. Hae Eung-eung didnt like these two.
She had hoped that the fifth member, who would be a cornerstone for Ah-youngs guild, would be someone truly useful. But the remaining candidates were worse than a guy who had once talked about tigers from a cliff and couldnt even match up to a guy who only knew Kyungshin Technique.
She held the sign again.
[How many floors did you get to in the end?]
The two, hesitating and ncing at each other, debated whether to lie about a lower number, but upon realizing the viewers were watching, they answered honestly.
I reached the 40th floor. I was at the 38th floor.
[For times sake, lets dere the 40th floor as the winner.]
Ugh!! Yeah! Hoorah!
[?]
This is a cry of joy. Its not that I didnt want to win. No, no, this is a vow to win the next tournament!
Min Woosung, relieved to be alive, and Lex, devastated to have lost, created an odd scene.
- "Lol, the winner was decided so easily."
- "This is a martial arts tournament and theres no final match?"
- "What is this, an elementary school sports day?"
- "But why does the winner look like they hate it?"
- "Why is the loser so happy?"
- "Theyve got greatedic timing."
- "I see."
- "Awakeners entering entertainment, huh? Mustve had early training."
Amid mixed emotions and what sounded like excuses for their victory speeches, the viewers praised the two yers for their excellentedic timing.
So... whats the prize for winning?
[Well offer you a chance to join the guild. Were recruiting new members, and theres one spot left.]
- "Guild????"
- "Is the Silent Swordsman the guild leader???"
- "Hahaha?"
- "Whats this, Mu-chin-ryeon isnt even broadcasting? Whats she doing outside instead of streaming?"
- "Wheres the cob proposal?"
The viewers were shocked by the unexpected prize and the recruitment notice.
While they were still processing it, Lex, with a much brighter expression, shouted.
Ah, really sorry. Im already part of the Ocean World Guild, and Ill pass on the chance to join the Silent Swordsmans guild. Ill give my spot to second ce.
[Youre already in a guild?]
Uh? No, not exactly.
This wasnt how it was supposed to go.
In his embarrassment, Min Woosung was handed a sign by Hae Eung-eung.
[Contact Ah-young after this.]
With the tides of fate turning once more, the first-ce winner, rejecting the guild offer, rejoiced, while the second-ce loser was filled with despair. The long tournament finally came to an end.
5.
After the broadcast ended, the viewers, still filled with excitement, began lively discussions in the space.
The post-broadcast space defaulted to the space station, just like it did for Ah-young.
- "But that jetstream was maybe only 30m/s, right? I remember Tornado Man from the USunching a tornado at 40m/s. Isnt Tornado Man stronger than the Silent Swordsman?"
- "Are youparing an S-ss Awakener to this?"
- "If the Silent Swordsman is that strong, then sure, it''sparable to S-ss."
- "So, youre saying the Silent Swordsman is weaker than Tornado Man?"
- "No, cutting through a 30m/s jetstream is impressive, but its not the strongest wind in the world."
- "Wls"
- "Stop acting like a cool kid. But honestly, its true. As a current pilot, jetstream speeds change drastically depending on the altitude."
- "So how much faster does it get?"
- "In the upperyers of the troposphere, the wind can reach 50m/s, and in severe cases, up to 100m/s."
- "But why is what this guys saying showing up exactly like in Wikipedia?"
- "Because Im not a real pilot, Im just some idiot quoting Wikipedia. Damn it, whyd I have to search that?"
As the chat continued, the viewers were divided in their reactions, some baffled, others amused, but all of them engaged in the spectacle unfolding before them.
- "So, when is the main broadcast happening?"
- "Ah."
- "Ahhhhhh."
- "Aaaahhhhhhh!"
- "Dont ask! Dont ask! Dont ask!"
- "Pick up the pace, pick up the pace, pick up the pace!"
- "I was trying not to think about it, but why are you bringing it up right now?!"
- "Im shaking so much Im going to spill my lunch!"
- "Its 6 PM now, time for dinner."
- "Im shaking so much, I think Ill spill my dinner!"
- "Well, for sure, the guy at the top has lost it."
- "Ah, todays not the main broadcast, it was just a rerun."
- "So, whens the real one happening?"
- "Dont know."
- "Maybe theyll just focus on guild activities now that theyve recruited new members?"
- "But how long will that take?"
- "Usually, new guilds are busy securing contracts and running around for activities, so theyll be really busy."
- "A few months?"
- "How cute. A few months? More like itll take a year. You guys really dont know anything about the Awakener industry, huh?"
- "What? A year?? That means we wont see the Silent Swordsmans stream for a year??"
- "This is neglect! Nooo, pleasee back, Silent Swordsman!"
- "Babies cant type, you bastard."
The chat exploded into a full-on panic, with a chaotic frenzy of reactions, but Min Woosung, watching the madness unfold, couldnt help but feel worse than the chat itself.
"Hey, youre a real Jumping Rabbit fan, right? I saw the rerun! You wouldnt know about the underground tunnels and hidden items unless you were a real fan, right?"
His momentary mistake, driven by the desire to seed in the tournament, had resulted in a huge blow.
"From now on, well be doing one Jumping Rabbit a day!"
Thinking he was a Jumping Rabbit superfan, Hae Eung-eung tried to drag Min Woosung into the capsule, nning to do a daily session.
"No, thats not... New guilds have to secure missions and gather contributions, so theyll be really busy..."
"Oh, no worries. We were part of the associations vignte group, so we have plenty of work in this area."
"We can boost contributions while working with the vignte group, just put your name on the list. Just hang out with the guild leader and Ah-young."
Having experienced the infamous reputation of Jumping Rabbit, Ujiwoo and Sokyeongseok blocked the exit for Min Woosung in no time.
Thus, it became naturally clear that Min Woosung would be the one taking over the Ah-young entertainment duties for the new guild, Haenampa, and eventually, he found himself spending two mandatory hours a day for the "entertainment jumping" sessions.
This concludes the full trantion of the chapter. If you need more trantions or rifications, feel free to ask!
Chapter 84
After the source of the capital was rified,
Hae Eung-eung boldly decided to contribute 20 billion won.
[I''ll pay the deposit with my own money.]
"Isn''t that too much of a burden?"
[You said we could earn money by participating in guild activities, right?]
"By hunting monsters, gathering mana stones, or epting contracted missions with fixed rewards."
[Are there any missions that involve teaching martial arts?]
"Teaching missions... Let me check on that."
Sokyeongseok quickly brought back the information.
"There are three main types of teaching missions: private tutoring, special instructor invitations for Awakener academies, and martial arts instruction for Awakener guild members in small and medium guilds."
"Ah, did you have the same thought as me, sister?"
Hae Eung-eung nodded in agreement.
An Awakener academy.
Having already worked as an adjunct instructor once, she had a sense of what the teaching job would be like. The treatment of special instructors would likely be better than that of adjunct instructors.
[I''m not interested in the Awakener academy in this area.]
The academy that trains reserve guild members for Myeongho Guild.
There was no reason for her to train their Awakener trainees.
"Understood. Then, I''ll exclude the academy requests nearby and show you the private sector requests first."
Private sector requests varied greatly, from the cost of the mission to the conditions of the education.
"In the private sector, they want a martial arts instructor who will personally train a disciple over a long period of time. The pay is also high."
[This one looks good to me.]
Hae Eung-eung chose the request after considering just two things:
How little she could work and how much she would be paid.
"Hehe, its true that the best requests are those where you work little and get paid a lot. But these requestse with strict conditions, as the clients value their time as much as money."
[Its rare to find a teacher stronger than me.]
"Of course, I believe our guild leader will never lose in a fight anywhere. But what these clients are looking for is a martial arts certification."
[Do they ept Awakener certifications as well?]
"Unfortunately, no. Let me check... The request you just chose is asking for a martial arts instructor with a level of 20 or higher in any martial art. They also want to review tournament records."
Hae Eung-eung looked disappointed.
Sokyeongseok found this surprising.
"Do you not have any tournament records?"
[No.]
"How about martial arts certification? What rank do you hold?"
[None.]
"...Thats even more frightening. To have such incredible skill without even learning martial arts."
Joo Ah-young proudly added,
"My sister trained alone in the mountains in seclusion!"
"Is that true?"
Hae Eung-eung nodded.
She had the skill, but it was difficult to meet the conditions required by private clients.
Sokyeongseok quickly excluded all private sector requests from the list.
"Then, the requests from Awakener guilds for martial arts instruction should be easier for you."
[Do they not require certifications or tournament records?]
"Of course not."
"Then why are you crossing out guilds from the Awakener guild list?"
"Hehe, dont worry about those ces. Theyre insignificant."
[I think the guild with a star mark on the list has also been crossed out.]
"Hehe, its just a feeling."
Awakeners do look at certifications and tournament records.
But Sokyeongseok, not wanting to cause any tension by stating it frankly,ughed it off.
As a result, what remained were guilds that didnt care about certifications or tournament records and could be confronted head-on.
These guilds require Awakener-exclusive martial arts that are practical and applicable in realbat. They demand new martial arts thatbine greater strength and technique than regr martial arts, so these are the toughest requests.
[Should I also learn swordsmanship?]
"Of course. The reason is that in dungeons, swords are the mostmon equipment item, so Awakeners tend to use swords as their primary weapon."
Hae Eung-eung looked at the request form with an unsatisfied expression.
[Theres no payment mentioned.]
Dont worry. Ive removed all the scammers from the list. This is just a show of confidence, saying that theyll pay ording to your skill level.
[Is that so?]
ording to her skill level.
A faint smile appeared on Hae Eung-eungs lips.
Thats something only a true master would saysomeone who can recognize talent.@@novelbin@@
Would there be a master who could satisfy her in that guild?
Her curiosity was piqued.
[I''ll go with this one.]
Although there was 20 billion for the deposit,
the expenses for establishing the guild were immense.
She would need to pay sries to the employees,
purchase a guild office, and buy the necessary equipment.
There would also be expenses for operational vehicles and business-rted costs.
So for the time being, she would need to make money.
Sis, what about me? How can I help?
With a kind expression, Hae Eung-eung ced the notebook page on her sisters forehead.
[Joo Ah-youngs Daily Schedule]
Myo-si (5 AM) - Wake up
One hour of Mabo posture training
One hour of running
One hour of martial arts techniques
O-si (11 AM) - 1 hour lunch and rest
One hour of internal cultivation
One hour of academic study
One hour of specialized knowledge study
Yu-si (6 PM) - 30-minute dinner
One hour of free training
Joo Ah-young looked distressed as she saw the packed schedule on the page.
Is this today too? Im the only Awakener who doesnt go hunting but only trains!
[Trust me. Youll be grateful one day.]
Who doesnt trust you, sis? I was just... a little nervous, thats all.
While doing this, it felt like her sister was getting stronger, and Hae Eung-eung understood those feelings well. She pointed out the parts of the training that were necessary.
Academic study and specialized knowledge may sound odd for a martial artists education, but they were surprisingly important.
To read secret manuals, one had to understand Chinese characters, and umting knowledge about muscle anatomy and the human body was helpful for both external and internal cultivation.
[The kids who learn outside will have to pay more for worse training.]
Really?
Her sister was always on her side.
Joo Ah-young, feeling happy, was full of determination.
Ill train hard, and then Ill enjoy Jumping Rabbit too!
A total of 7 hours of training (14 hours) per day.
Min Woosung and Ujiwoo prayed that Joo Ah-young would get tired of training and not be able to hear the Jumping Rabbit sounds anymore, but Joo Ah-young had the stamina and mental strength from her five years of bncing Awakener training and part-time work at a convenience store, so she could enjoy the training schedule and still make time for Jumping Rabbit.
It was a futile prayer.
Daesan Guild.
Unlike guilds with administrative regions bearing their name,
Daesan Guild hadnt yet grown strong enough to control a region.
However, Awakener members from Daesan Guild were known for their excellent physical training, and the guild was recognized within the industry.
"The problem is that these bastards use their recognition to scout away all the talent. We worked hard to raise them, but they all want to join better guilds, and they take them away with penalty fees, leaving us unable to do anything. Were losing all our kids."
The Guild Master of Daesan Guild, Cheol Daesan, beganining as soon as they met.
Though his words were long-winded, the main point was simple.
You want to stop the talent drain and have martial arts skills that wont make you inferior to other guilds, right?
"Exactly!"
And ideally, you''d want martial arts that are differentiated from existing styles.
"Yes!"
The training period is flexible, but we can offer top-tierpensation in the industry.
"Of course!"
"In that case, well need the help of our teacher."
The negotiation went smoothly.
But Cheol Daesan wasnt a pushover.
However, well need to see the teachers skills first.
"I think it''s fine for you toe in."
At Sokyeongseoks words, Hae Eung-eung stepped into the interview room.
Instead of the outfit Joo Ah-young had chosen for her, Hae Eung-eung was fully geared inbat attire.
Her imposing appearance made Cheol Daesan, who had failed to maintain his dignity as a B-ss Awakener, jump up from his seat.
Heh. This Cheol Daesan was on guard? Against a young, small Awakener girl?
Cheol Daesan couldnt hide his surprise.
Small stature, young age, and a womanconditions typically unfavorable for bing a strong Awakener.
If they crossed paths on the street, most would smile warmly and think nothing of it, but Cheol Daesan felt intense caution.
Are you a swordsman?
Hae Eung-eung nodded.
"Even though you dont have certifications or tournament records, Im sure you can confidently im to be the best swordsman in Korea, based on the unique swordsmanship you developed in the mountains, away from the world.
Sokyeongseok eagerly praised her, but Cheol Daesan remained serious, his body tense, barely able to suppress a reaction.
This is as intriguing as the veteran masters from Myeongho Guild.
With a sense of danger, Hae Eung-eung mentally traced the swords trajectory, and Cheol Daesans body subtly reacted.
The animal-like senses he disyed showed that he was talented enough to begin training in swordsmanship.
"Cheol Daesan? If you dont like our teacher, just observe their skill once..."
Ive seen enough. If I cant feel anything from this, I might as well quit being the guild master. But Ill ask you one thing.
With a serious expression, Cheol Daesan asked Hae Eung-eung.
What martial art do you think we need the most?
Sokyeongseok thought alone,
Its probably something that will use all their muscles. With just a punch, these guys could crush any monster into a bloody mess.
Maybe she would teach them greatsword techniques?
But as he considered Daesan Guilds strengths, Sokyeongseok realized that Hae Eung-eung saw their weaknesses.
[What Daesan Guild needs is a martial art that tames the wildness.]
Cheol Daesan pped.
Excellent! Most people would teach us a martial art that focuses solely on brute strength, but we never struggled with power.
[Because of their overly sensitive instincts, ordinary martial arts often cause problems during training.]
Exactly. We have the money to afford it, but we couldnt find the right martial art because of these sensitive instincts.
[Do all the guild members have the same issue?]
Im embarrassed to say, but we have the same bloodline. It''s the werewolf lineage.
The werewolf lineage.
Its a trait where human and wolf blood mix, giving humans the wildness of monsters.
It reminded Hae Eung-eung of the Half-Beast Tribe. Her curiosity grew.
[Could I see your guild members?]
Of course.
Cheol Daesan led her to the training room where the guild members gathered.
And something unexpected happened when they arrived.
Huh? Silent Swordsman?
Holy crap, it''s real!
Silent Swordsman is here!
What? For real?
Waaaaah!
Im a fan! Please sign!
Can I shake your hand?
Can you show us your wind-cutting technique?
An unintended fan meeting was about to unfold.
Chapter 85
3.
People with an excessively high sensitivity tend to react disproportionately to even the smallest everyday stimuli.
[Top]
Oh, I got it!
I got it too, Silent Swordsman!
[Middle-Upper]
Oh, we all got it!
If we keep getting them right, is there a prize?!
[Mixed]
Ahhh! This is so dizzying!
I feel like Im losing my mind!
Excessive sensitivity can cause problems in daily life, but inbat, its an undeniable penalty. If one reacts to every stimulus in battle, they could copse from exhaustion before even swinging a sword.
Hows the assessmenting along?
[Their sensitivity is too high. You were training to enhance your wildness before, right?]
Thats right. It was the easiest way to develop by using the wildness to dodge all the enemy attacks andnd only our strikes.
[We need to change that training method before learning martial arts. Otherwise, itll just be like pouring water into a broken dam.]
Do you have a method for that?
[For now, I n to reduce their sensitivity to a level where they can train.]
Guild members, who reacted excessively sensitively to even the slightest stimuli as if they had been brainwashed a thousand times, were the focus of Hae Eung-eungs first martial arts instruction.
She divided them into three groups and bound the first group to posts with bandages.
Uh... Silent Swordsman? Is this rted to training?
Why are you tying us to posts like this? What are you nning to do?
I know this! Tag: bondage, right? Its a secret restraint y, isnt it?
Dozens of people are watching! How is this secret? Its public!
The guild members, who were clearly fans of Silent Swordsman, mutteredments that rivaled live broadcast chats.
[Now, Group 2, swing your weapons at Group 1. But dont let your attacks hitjust swing them in the air.]
Group 1 members, bound with bandages, struggled as Group 2 members swung their weapons in the air in front of them.
As the swords sliced through the air, Group 1s members writhed and screamed.
Ahhh! Its so frustrating!
I want to run, but I cant!
Eeeek!
Their reactions were far more intense than expected.
It seemed like some guild members had be sensitized in a different way, but the results of the training began to show.
Whoa, look at this guy. Hes twitching, but hes much calmer, right?
The sensory desensitization training seems to be working!
But why do these guys look so dazed? Theyre even making expressions like theyre on fire with impatience.
[Stop. Its been 10 minutes, so lets switch. Group 1 cant resume training immediately, so bind Group 2 to the posts and have Group 3 pick up the wooden swords.]
Laughing at the embarrassing disy of Group 1,
Group 2, who werefortably bound, realized what Group 1 had experienced when the wooden swords of Group 3 members swung toward them.
Ah! I need to escape, but I cant move because of the bandages!
No, if the sword swings close to that area, my body will react!
My precious 15mm boundary is being vited!!
Struggling to escape from the bandages or freezing in terror from unavoidable stimuli,
Group 2 members were overwhelmed by the sensation.
Shaking, they could only sumb to it.
Heh, look at these guys. Theyre really losing it.
Is this the kind of disgrace were seeing in front of Silent Swordsman? Did you, uh, shit yourself or something?
Hey, hey, snap out of it! Its time for the switch. Since the bandages are off, go rest over there in the corner!
With an anxious, dazed expression, Group 2 slowly moved to the corner,
and now Group 1 members, holding the wooden swords, exchanged meaningful smiles in front of Group 3.
We have to repay them for what theyve done to us, right?
Ill definitely make one of them lose control.
Lets send those smug Group 3 guys to Hong Kong!
Though the purpose of the training was starting to shift from desensitization to a twisted form of restraint or frustration y, the results of the training were still evident.
Ahem. Im not doubting Silent Swordsmans abilities, but is this really the right training? The men are just making strange noises, and its a bit odd.
[The more you avoid the sensations, the more your body adapts, and the threshold for sensitivity increases. Thats what happens with sensory adaptation.]
Seeing the anxious expressions of the leaders,
Hae Eung-eung decided not to tell them that their turn would be next,
fearing they might get scared and run away if the training was too intense.
[Lets check the results for today.]
Group 1, now free of their bandages, faced Hae Eung-eung again.
[Top]
As she released a dangerous aura toward them again,
unlike before, when they reacted sensitively to everything,
one of the guild members suppressed a groan.
[Middle-Upper]
Ggrrr
[Middle-Upper-Lower]
Eeeek!
Thud.
Although the sensitivity had not fully worn off yet,
there were still incidents where guild members fainted during training.
But, these members, who had been dragged along by their senses before,
were now fighting against their own sensitivity, and the results of their bravery made Cheol Daesan nod in satisfaction.
Outstanding skills and excellent martial arts instruction. If youe to train our guild for an hour every day, we will pay you this much inpensation.
Cheol Daesan offered a contract with an initial fee of 1 billion won.
The annual sry was 200 million won.
When the physical conditioning isplete, we will give you a bonus of 120 million won per member, and if you provide the martial arts for realbat, we will offer an additional 10 billion in performance bonuses.
Hae Eung-eung had heard that they had sought out professional trainers and martial arts instructors, and while it was odd that they couldnt find better solutions than bandaging for sensitivity training, there was no reason for her to turn down the offer.
I dont have any results yet, and Ive only sessfullypleted one sensory suppression training. Asking for more would be too greedy.
The training and the contract concluded with both sides satisfied.
Now it was time for Hae Eung-eung to pay attention to the matter that had been bothering her.
[Let me ask you something.]
Eek!
[Now that the training is over, dont be too tense.]
The guild member, shocked to the point where his hair stood on end,
tried to calm himself down.
Are you serious?
[You all said you were my fans before the ss started, right?]
Right! Oh, wait. Please sign it!
[Sign? Do you mean death signature?]
Yes! Make it big!
A big signature.
After thinking for a moment, Hae Eung-eung wrote arge, bold signature on the page.
Then, she added a small time detail in the corner.
[K]
[November XX, 2050, Chen time]
Wow! Your handwriting is so cool! But, what does this say?
[It says Sword and Saber Massacre.]
Wow! Saber Massacre!
Was this really okay?
It was hard for a martial artist to understand such a mindset, but
since the guild member seemed happy, Hae Eung-eung let it slide.
[How did youe to know about me?]
The reason? Well, I saw a clip that went up on the inte. It said there was a new streamer with amazing skills! Its rare for a streamer to be acknowledged in the Awakener forum, so I became more interested.
[Streamer?]
Yes, a broadcaster!
[Who?]
Of course, its Silent Swordsman!
[Me?]
Yes!@@novelbin@@
Silent Swordsman froze, like a broken robot.
Her brain, with a surge of high intellect, spoke.
-Intellect: Im rted to memory skills. If intelligence increased through intellect, it would be an extraordinary phenomenon, and someone with 100 intellect would master thews of the universe and be an immortal. Do you understand?
Indeed,
intellect was just rted to memory skills.
In fact, the stat that was more useful in this case was Charm, followed by Spirit.
-Spirit: Im rted to an Awakened one''s intuition and enlightenment. If intuition increases, it doesnt mean youll suddenly understand everything. If that were the case, Siddhartha, the enlightened one, would be the strongest martial artist in human history.
Yes,
Spirit was limited to intuition for martial artists, not a universal ability to understand everything.
If that were true,
Archimedes, the ancient Greek philosopher who shouted Eureka in his bath, would be the first martial artist with an exceptionally high Spirit stat.
I must have momentarily lost my mind. Hearing stats speak to me...
It was just a foolish thought caused by the shock.
Hae Eung-eung quickly regained herposure.
[Did I really broadcast?]
Yes? Yes, you did, right?
[How?]
Oh, are you shy about it? I understand, Id also feel embarrassed if I had to watch my own PPT presentation again during a guild interview.
With a serious expression, Hae Eung-eung pondered for a moment.
Then she hesitated and finally spoke.
[Show me your broadcast. I''ll also review your PPT presentation.]
No, what is this? I didnt even do a PPT broadcast...
[Instead, Ill do a martial arts match for you.]
Of course, no problem.
A guild member from Daesan Guild rushed back, panting, and handed over a USB.
External viewing isnt allowed. Youll have to watch it in our AV room.
Wait, whats going on here?
Sokyeongseok, who had just returned from the restroom, was confused.
[Perfect timing. Follow me.]
Hae Eung-eung led him to the AV room.
The guild member, realizing that his embarrassing past was about to be exposed, was gloomy, but when he realized how special his situation was, having received a signature and even speaking with Silent Swordsman, he grinned.
[Search: Silent Swordsman broadcast video]
[Search results: None]
Confused, he smiled awkwardly.
[Search: Silent Swordsman Mad Movie]
[Search results: None]
What? Is this a search error? Whatever! Ive saved the video on this USB so Ill watch itter!
The guild member plugged the USB into theputer.
External Disk G
[Silent Swordsman]
[HR Interview PPT Presentation_Jung Yohan]
[Tree Bark]
Hae Eung-eung stared at the Silent Swordsman folder,
Jung Yohan stared at the HR Interview PPT Presentation_Jung Yohan folder,
and Sokyeongseok was drawn to the Tree Bark folder.
Chapter 87
64 Hours.
Thest broadcast had the longest duration.
Viewers on their way to work.
Viewers on their way home.
Exhausted viewers falling asleep.
It got to the point where viewers took turns watching in shifts.
I roughly understood.
It had been a long journey,
and a long period of watching,
but thanks to that, she had realized a few key insights.
Outstanding martial arts can move people.
The peace and unity in the chat.
It was achieved under the force of her power.
"I follow a strong woman and worship martial power, bowing my head. Whats wrong with that?"
"The followers themselves bow to me and eagerly yearn to be ruled. Such overwhelming power is truly magnificent!"
"Haha! More, more! Lower your heads and wiggle your hips!"
The rightful ruler of the demonic sect.
Heavenly Demon, the pinnacle of the million-member sect, armed with devotion to martial power and faith in the sect.
A woman who might have had a bit of a strange mind due to the side effects of the Heavenly Demon Martial Arts.
Back then, I thought she was a crazy woman, but the Heavenly Demons demonic world wasnt entirely wrong.
The Heavenly Demons ideal world could never be realized.
Her followers couldnt show eternal loyalty either.
But the possibility of it,
that possibility,
began to sprout again in the modern-day chatroom,
transcending dimensions.
People want to be ruled by the martial arts of a strong woman.
Otherwise, how would so many people gather in this chatroom and cheer for Mute Swordsman in the modern world, where entertainment abounds?
Unlike the followers in the barren Ten Thousand Mountains, those who came down to the central martial world copsed before the worldly desires of the mortal world.
The followers of the demonic sect had endured marches spanning thousands of kilometers.
What caused their copse wasnt the noble martial arts of the central martial world or the authority of the imperial pce.
It was the pleasures and desires they could not enjoy in their barren mountainnd.
It wasnt the Heavenly Demon who ruled above everyone,
but the courtesans who served below everyone.
Hao Moon broke the unity of the demonic sect,
nted desires in the innocent followers,
and made them stop and rest infort.
The Heavenly Demon, who had risen with the loyalty of a million followers,
stopped her steps toward the imperial pce
when the followers betrayed their own loyalty.
"Even the righteous martial arts of the martial worlds top leader, the Hunyuan Thunderstrike, couldnt surpass the majesty of the Heavenly Demon Martial Arts, and even the great Shaolin, known as the Mount Tai of martial arts, was closed down."
"The Heavenly Demon, who ruled the world without fear, couldnt even trample on the heads of the foolish followers who betrayed their loyalty."
North wind is cool, snow and rain are harsh
With those who love me, I shall leave hand in hand.
Empty and evil, so why hope in vain, it is time to leave.
When the subordinates, drunk in pleasures, halted their march,
the Heavenly Demon missed the perfect opportunity to strike the imperial pce.
Unable to hide her exhaustion,
she recited a line from the ssic poem The North Wind from the Book of Songs,
and returned to the sect with those who followed her,
never again involving herself in worldly matters.
Followers and viewers are different.
Unlike the Ten Thousand Mountains, whichcked any pleasures,
modern society is overflowing with pleasures in all directions.
Despite all the pleasures and joys avable,
viewers still gathered to watch her broadcast.
How could they fall as the demonic sects followers did?
Though we were divided in the martial world due to conflicting ideas, we were still friends who supported each others dreams.
Although the demonic world was never realized,
she remembered the friendship and dedication of Heavenly Demon Pa Cheon-rin,
who helped her with her revenge on Hao Moon.
After a long period of watching broadcasts,
Ha Eun-eung made a resolution to herself.
The dream of the demonic world that you couldnt achieve, the will to remove all the rulers and establish peace with a united martial world, I will carry it forward.
Even if its a realitypletely disconnected from the martial world,
just as in the chaotic times of the martial world,
if she can inspire countless streamers and viewers with her martial arts,
and gather the masses under her,
perhaps she will never receive everyones loyalty for eternity,
but...
Even if its just a fleeting wish, its the demonic world you dreamed of.
Ha Eun-eung made a vow,
honoring the long-standing friendship and dedication to Heavenly Demon,
to achieve her own version of the demonic world,
in another world, through her unique method,
with 100% viewer ratings.
[?Executing Half-Demon Valley.]
Unlike the previous four broadcasts,
this time, Mute Swordsmans intentions were different.
The fifth broadcast of Half-Demon Valley began.
[VTuber New BJ]
[Mute Swordsman has started broadcasting.]
[Game - Half-Demon Valley (Simr to Sima Realm)]
[ytime - 66:07:32]
[Broadcast Time - 00:00:00]
Mute Swordsman had returned.
"Is this real?"
"Wow, I thought Id never see this for six years."
"After the martial arts tournament, it was all silent... I was really losing hope..."
"Thanks foring back!!"
"We live in the era of Mama Swordsman."
Endlessly drifting through space,
the space refugees who had been chewing on old bait,
the Mute Swordsman content followers who had drowned their disappointment,
and the NPC-obsessed who couldnt resist, forming fan clubs,
like the Human-faced Landlord and Wandering Merchant teams, Prince yer team.
All the fan clubs built under Mute Swordsmans name gathered.
[Current Viewers - 4200]
In just five minutes since the broadcast started,
4200 viewers had already gathered.
It was clear that this number would keep growing as time passed.
"Why is he just standing there at the start?"
"I dont know."
"He was like this when I entered too."
"Wait, why is the focus moving?"
"Here we go again, eye watchers are going crazy, lol."
The streamer stood still, only moving his focus.
Viewers recognized and understood this familiar but strange sight from experience.
"Whats going on? Is he reading the chat?"
"Finally, he looked this way (exhales)"
"Gross."
"That creepy voice... even his breathing is disgusting."
"Mom, what do I do? I cant type because Im nervous."
"Why dont you type as clearly as you do for thenguage exam?"
"Yup, just barely passed with a grade of 1^^"
"Mute Swordsmans first reaction, whats it gonna be?"
"Do something!"
"Can you see this? You see this, right?"
Ha Eun-eung, with the chat window in front of her,
gazed quietly while pondering.
What did Heavenly Demon do in moments like this?
As she flipped through old memories,
she pushed away the nostalgic, cheerful smile,
and sifted through the memories for a while.
I remembered.
She had finally found the memory she wanted.
When the followers chanted the Heavenly Demons name and worshiped her,
the Heavenly Demon had surely acted like this.
Thwack!
"???"
"What did we do?"
"Why are you hitting me? ??"
Pat pat
"???"
"(Not sure whats going on, but it feels good)"
"Mama..."
Thwack!
"No, stop hitting me!!"
"Oww, ouch!!"
"Where did that whipe from, seriously?"
"Ahhhhh!!"
Pat pat
"Phew... Im letting you off just this time."
"Eheung.."
"But where did you learn to whip and pat like that? Hahaha."
"Whoever taught you, they did a great job."
"Seriously, lol."
Min Woo-sung, who had taught Ha Eun-eung fixed vision,
might not be happy watching this in real-time,
but at least the viewers enjoyed this unfamiliar ystyle.
Whipping and patting.
To the viewers, this might have seemed like a dominant-submissive concept,
but it was exactly the same as how the Heavenly Demon treated her followers.
The atmosphere in the chat changed sharply,
like swinging between heaven and hell.
When the chat finally quieted down with the repeated training,
Mute Swordsman nodded,
slipping the whip into his belt.
"Was I supposed to do reactions, not train people?"@@novelbin@@
"I like it, though?"
"Her basic attack is like an area attack, hitting all the viewers at once, thats why, you idiot."
"Lmao."
"For real, lol."
"Is there really a basic attack area like Mama Swordsman?"
"Swordsman (whipping)"
"Its not even the 20th-century army, what is this unit whip?"
"Do-S Swordsman, please stop!!"
"Ahhhhhh, please stop with the whipping!!!"
Even though new whipping-and-patting reactions were added to the mindless V1 tool reactions,
her mischievous broadcasting skills remained unchanged,
and the viewers'' reactions didnt change either.
The chat, which had quieted down with just whipping and patting,
soon red up again with just a few donations.
Ha Eun-eung crossed her arms in dissatisfaction.
When Heavenly Demon whipped, it didnt allow for such ckness.
Heavenly Demon controlled the followers with just a few whips.
Perhaps because they were not yet as powerful as she was,
the viewers didnt quite stay in the peaceful, cheerful atmosphere as she wanted.
She knew something was wrong from the start when the whipping began,
but anyway, just like the demonic sect followers who were tame after a whip,
Ha Eun-eung could only be troubled by this.
Why werent the viewers bing obedient after being whipped?
There was one thing that seemed clear.
Well, back then, the Heavenly Demon was a much stronger martial artist than I am now.
Without regaining her full strength,
she couldnt control everyone with just whips.
It was still a matter that required time.
Time is enough. Just like diligent practice refines martial arts, I can keep whipping until it works.
Thus, whipping-and-patting reactions became a new addition to the legacy of mindless V1 reactions.
Chapter 89
[Story mode]
The center of the noise that echoed throughout the entire field.
The core facility of the Garbage Mountain.
Within the giantpactor that crushed the trash,
a bizarre scene unfolded, one that Ha Eun-eung and other yers could never have imagined.
[Move faster! Increase your work speed!]
[The only reason Ive spared your worthless ves is to retrieve the Demon Kings treasure buried in this Garbage Mountain!]
[Hurry up! Hurry up! What are you doing?]
The demon overseers wielded whips as half-demon ves copsed, vomiting blood.
The ves, struggling to rise with trembling limbs,
threw trash toward thepactor with difficulty,
but those who had exhausted their strength couldnt even get up.
[Theres no reason to spare useless ves.]
[Dispose of the ones who cant rise!]
[Please... Ive done everything you asked... please...]
The overseers subordinates grabbed the weak ves begging for mercy
and threw them toward thepactor.
With the sound of bones grinding and the merciless disposal,
the ves trembled as if they would revolt, but
with their eyes filled with anger,
and their hands full,
they carried the trash, swallowing their fury.
Unable to use their bloodline powers,
and physically inferior,
the half-demons specialized in bloodlines could not confront the overseers and their subordinates, who controlled the Garbage Mountain.
[Please, anyone just] [Just remove the bloodline seal let us use our powers]
The desperate longing of the half-demon ves,
unfulfilled for a long time,
only pushed them further into despair.
[yer mode]
Trapped in the core facility of the Garbage Mountain,
forced into vebor,
viewers who watched the event scene were stunned.
"Was there even an event like this??"
"So, every time we came here for a repeat quest, those ves were dying?"
"Sorry about that...??"
"What are you sorry about? Those half-demons sucked the heads off humans like lollipops."
"Haha, thats true."
"It depends on the case, though. Some half-demons are good!"
"The good ones are the ones whore nice to Mute Swordsman only."
"Anyway, our half-demons dont bite humans, lol."
The field, thought to be just a resource-gathering event map,
was revealed by Mute Swordsman to actually be a proper field with hidden events.
Half-demons forced into vebor. I can see where they came from.
The passage connecting the Demon Realm and the Human Realm.
The Demon Queens human stronghold.
This entire tragedyes from the Demon Queens trap. A well-nned hellscape.
The Demon Queen, who had a passage to the human realm,
sometimes allowed other factions to use it,
but beyond the passage, what waited was
the Demon Queens subordinates in the bloodline-sealing zone.
From the start, if she had prepared physically strong demons,
it wouldve been easy to put cors on the iing half-demons and monsters.
The demons stationed at the mounds of Garbage Mountain,
were just guards.
Even if one defeated the demons with difficulty,
if they didnt escape the Garbage Mountain quickly,
they would end up in the same miserable fate as the half-demons forced to work as ves in the core facility.
So there must be at least two key items here.
One is the item that seals the bloodlines.
It is the key to creating the bloodline-sealing zone.
The other is the item the Demon Queens subordinates are searching for,
hidden somewhere in the Garbage Mountain,
an item once concealed by the former Demon King.
Whichever one I can obtain will be a great help.
On the other hand, if it falls into enemy hands,
it will cause huge trouble in the future.
If I cant have it, at least I must prevent the demons from getting it.
I see. The goal of this field is clear.
The
was the tutorial, testing whether one could surpass the forced defeat event.
The
tested ones courage to storm the field with a single attempt, without building up event counts.
The
tested whether one could defeat the monster sage within the time limit without being deceived by surface-level enemies.
In the and
yers tested their trust by teaming up with half-demons or monsters to face off against powerful enemies.
This fifth field, ,
in the harsh conditions of the bloodline-sealing zone,
tests whether one can seize the items while facing the forces of the Demon Queen.
How will the yer achieve this?
It depends on their choice.
Swish! Swish!
The half-demon ves were whipped.
Would Mute Swordsman liberate them,
and fight against the overseers and their subordinates?
Or would she destroy the bloodline-sealing barrier hidden somewhere in the Garbage Mountain?
Would she use the Demon Queens subordinates to uncover the hidden items and steal them?
The choice was up to the yer.@@novelbin@@
The half-demons from the Demon Realm are ultimately evil beings. Letting them die isnt a problem.
Saving them wasnt something someone like her, a human, would do.
It would be up to yers who actively seek demon blood
and choose to be half-demons or monsters themselves.
To her, they were all enemies.
There was no need to consider them,
and there shouldnt even be a thought of saving them.
It was an irrational choice.
But do all half-demons and monsters have to be enemies?
The human-facedndlord,
the Wandering Merchant she parted with after making a promise to reunite,
the Wendigo who was slow but affectionate,
the Boogeyman who silently helped her,
the bastard prince who called her mother.
Even though they were slightly stronger and more dangerous than humans,
sometimes they could be friends,
sometimes enemies, and sometimes part ways.
To Ha Eun-eung, this wasnt a foreign concept.
In the martial world, this is how it was with martial artists.
Martial artists were stronger and more dangerous thanmoners.
They could be friends, but also enemies.
They could part ways after fighting together,
just a little special human being.
Maybe half-demons and monsters are like martial artists.
She made her decision.
Ill give them one chance.
She decided to save the half-demons and monsters who had be ves.
4.
The garbage of Garbage Mountain was the residue of the Demon Realms invasion.
It was a den where discarded human realm items, useless to demons,
were carelessly piled up.
Thud.
Among the disorganized piles of discarded items,
it was somon for small trash to fall that it seemed meaningless to count.
Ugh, such annoying trash!
As long as the trash didnt keep falling near her.
Hey, you! Go stop that trash from falling over there.
The overseer pointed to one of his subordinates,
who grabbed the leashes of several ves.
Its the overseers order. If you dont want to be crushed in thepactor, hurry up.
The ves, trying to hide their frustration,
quietly followed behind.
Somethings off.
This isnt just overflowing trash.
Why is trash falling in such a ce?
The ves, who had been forced intobor and transported trash,
felt that something was wrong,
but instead of reporting it to the overseer,
they exchanged nces and nodded silently.
Huff, huff. This is seriously tough. Human legs just arent efficient. Next time, Ill have to get some half-demon legs and attach them to these.
As they reached the tter terrain beyond the garbage mound,
one of the overseers dropped to the ground.
After finishing his awfulints, he released the leash.
Make sure the mound doesnt copse. You know its useless to run, right?
With a confident, rxed demeanor,
the overseer, convinced there were no predators,
stretched his twelve legs andid down.
His peaceful moment, which seemed tost forever,
was abruptly ended when a sword burst from the garbage pile,
piercing his neck perfectly.
Gkk grr
The overseers throat and windpipe were pierced simultaneously,
and he couldnt scream, only squirming in agony.
The strike, which avoided the bones and muscles,
was a perfect strike.
Thrust.
Thrust.
Thrust.
The sword, pulled lightly after each thrust,
continued to stab the overseers body.
"He couldnt even resist."
"From a perfect action to 3 consecutive just actions, is this real?"
"Critical hit rate 100%"
"Why even have a probability?"
"For weak yers to get lucky"
"I agree, sometimes its nice when the enemies die unexpectedly from a random stab."
Unlike yers who relied on luck,
Ha Eun-eungs critical hits werent just luck.
The distorted bodies and muscles of the demons have be familiar to me now.
The anatomical knowledge she had gained from massacring demons in the Demon Realm
made her much more familiar with the cement of major blood vessels and the structure of muscles.
Her sess rate for Just Actions and Perfect Actions, targeting key pressure points,
had drastically increasedpared to before she entered the Demon Realm.
Shh
Mute Swordsman ced her finger on her lips, signaling for silence.
Thanks to her, the ves who had freed themselves from the overseers control
nodded enthusiastically with excitement in their eyes.
Thunk. Thud.
Thud. Thud.
Ugh! What are the ones up there doing? More trash is falling than before! You three go fix it!
The demon overseers, ready to kick theirzy co-workers,
looked back at the ves who were diligently carrying the trash,
and their suspicious looks turned to the ves.
One of the demons licked its lips hungrily.
I smell blood.
Hey, ve. Wheres the one who came earlier?
The scent of blood, hidden but notpletely covered,
threatened to reveal Mute Swordsmans presence.
The half-demons, unable to conceal their unease,
couldnt hide their fear.
Could they already have found out?
If theyve found the human who killed the overseer, well all be killed.
With my powers still sealed, can I defeat three overseers?
As the half-demons thoughts turned toward betrayal,
just before they were about to reveal where Mute Swordsman was hiding,
One of the overseers went up to the mound with some ves for a snack.
The weakest of the half-demons,
who was about to copse from exhaustion,
suddenly protected Mute Swordsman.
Ungrateful bastards. Do they think they can survive by abandoning those who helped them, waiting for their next opportunity?
Of course, the moment the half-demon spoke out, it ced itself in danger.
Two demons with the bodies of monkeys and hyenas stepped forward,
baring their teeth and ring menacingly at the half-demon.
Which mound did he go to?
Thatzy bastard is actually going to move all the way over there just to do something so troublesome?
Is it the storage? He might be hiding some snacks there.
The two demons nodded at the half-demons exnation.
The half-demons reasoning made sense.
If its that greedy bastard, its possible.
Its better to snack on something little by little when you''re hungry than eating a full meal.
With the demons off on their chase, Mute Swordsman was left alone,
but she couldnt shake off the cold feeling that had taken over her gaze.
Only one of the half-demons had chosen to protect her.
Chapter 90
5.
The Trick That Fooled the Monsters with a Half-Demons Life at Stake
"Such an arrogant bastard. Were you just having fun by yourself?" "Lets chase him. Lets kill him and steal his snacks!"
The monkey demon and the hyena demon raised their voices, hastily chasing after the target.
"Snacks, huh..."
However, the first one to smell the blood was the crocodile demon. With the fierce eyes characteristic of a predator, he slowly scanned the surroundings. Then, he broke into a wide grin, his mouth splitting so much it almost looked as if his face would tear. His gaze fell upon a suspicious wardrobe on four wheels.
"I prefer to eat alone, leisurely. Ill keep watch to make sure the others dont run away. You guys go ahead and take your share of the snacks first."
The monkey demon and the hyena demon looked pleased.
"Smart one, huh." "I thought youd be a weakling from outside, but it seems youve got a good head on you. Keep it up like this."
The half-demons, realizing the situation toote, screamed as they fled. The half-demons, who specialized in demonic energy and couldnt use it, were soon captured despite their desperate escape.
"Ugh!" "No... Please, save us." "Everything that bastard said was a lie. That damn guard was already killed!" "Humans came and saved us!" "We buried the guards corpse among the trash piles, and the human is hiding somewhere near here!"
The half-demons, willing to betray their savior to survive, were met with mockery from the demons.
"Humans? Hahaha. Youre dying soon, yet you still crack jokes. Maybe Ill have to make you tell some jokes before you eat." "Idiot. Wasting the blood of a demon. Before I let you dirty my ears with your worthless rambling, Ill make sure to slit your throat."
The half-demons, who had be snacks for the demons, regretted their choices toote.
"Why didnt we just ask that human to fight with us?" "Shouldve betrayed them sooner!"
It was toote for regret and pointless thoughts. They had been helped and yet failed to feel gratitude. They were never going to be helped by the Silent Sword Master. In the blink of an eye, half of the demons had their fangs ripped out. The remaining half-demons, terrified, looked back at the crocodile demon.
"Dont worry. I dont eat low-quality food like you. Demons who feed on the weak and fill their bellies with quantity can never rise to the top."
With an almost psychopathic mindset, the crocodile demon continued, earning admiration even from viewers who were used to monstrous or demon-like figures.
Look at the savage words.
Been watching gentle demonstely, so that was a bit jarring.
Oh right, demons were like this originally.
Truly, natural-born bastards...
This primal evil nature is actually kind of admirable.
Satan: Dad, why are you like this?
Get away, I never raised a child like you.
Satan: Yeah, my mom raised me alone.
Wow, that bastard.
Hahaha, he abandons his own child.
"My mom raised me alone" lmao.
Do a paternity test, will you!!
Satan: LOL
The crocodile demon had no interest in the half-demon ves, whose spirits had already been broken. Instead, he gazed at the trash heap as if talking to someone there.
"Ill tell you something useful. Crocodiles normally dont use their sense of smell to hunt, but I, as a demon, do. I ate that