Chapter 43: Power Enhancement (2)

The elite monster marked on the map.

Its location was at the entrance of Namhansanseong.

Upon confirming this fact, the first emotion Han-seong felt was doubt.

‘What? Until this morning…’

There was nothing particularly there?

Originally, there were only two elite monsters within the currently observable range.

The grotesque fish, Goeeo, which occasionally appeared in the direction of Hangang Bridge and Nodeul Island.

And the Ghost Queen Wasp residing in a hive in Gwacheon Grand Park, commanding thousands of minions under her control.

‘But when on earth did this one appear?’

Is it a newly emerged individual?

Perhaps it came over from Hanam. Looking at the map, he could see red dots still slowly pushing in from Hanam.

‘But anyway…’

It looks suitable as a test subject.

The coordinates of the elite monster were 7.5km southeast of the officetel. If he set up a temporary base, his skills would be within range.

Han-seong called the Collector and the Vampire Tree’s main body into the room. After finishing preparations, he immediately set up a temporary base and moved together.

A shopping mall complex near Wirye New City.

This is where Han-seong chose to set up his temporary base.

After establishing the temporary base on the rooftop garden with an open view, he decided to first clear out the zombies swarming inside the shopping mall.

He dispatched the Collector and the Vampire Tree.

The two went down to the lower floors and scattered in different directions to start hunting zombies.

How much time had passed like that?

“My goodness…”

Han-seong’s jaw dropped.

The Vampire Tree’s hunting speed was much faster than expected. It split into nine roots and moved to each floor of the shopping mall.

And as a result.

By the time the Collector had cleared out all the zombies on one floor, the Vampire Tree had hunted down all the zombies on the remaining nine floors and even sucked their blood.

‘This is truly beyond imagination.’

Its ability to handle multiple enemies simultaneously is much faster and more stable than the Collector’s. At this rate, they should be able to expand the safe zone quickly.

Some time later.

The Collector and Vampire Tree, having completed their mission, returned to the rooftop. Now that the warm-up was over, it was time to get to the main point.

[Activating skill.]

[Remote: Detection]

Han-seong decided to check the elite monster’s information before launching an attack. A moment later, Detection revealed detailed information about the creature before his eyes.

[Name]: Hundred-Faced Ghost (Baekmeongwi)

[Owned Skills]: Blade Storm, Berserk, Whirlwind Slash, Illusionary Clone Technique, Illusionary Blade, Poison Immunity

[Weakness]: Lightning, Magic

Its size was similar to the Collector’s.

A notable feature was that it wore multiple masks. And it had six arms, all holding swords.

Long swords, short swords, great swords, and so on. However, what Han-seong focused on was something else. It was the creature’s level.

‘Level 27, huh.’

Elite monsters evolve into Champion grade upon reaching level 30. Having experienced this firsthand, Han-seong showed strong caution.

Then he resolved.

Beyond testing the Vampire Tree’s performance, he must absolutely eliminate the Hundred-Faced Ghost today.

‘And…’

There was something that caught his attention among the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s skills.

The clone technique and illusions. These skills reminded him of the Vampire Tree he had faced in the past.

Han-seong turned to Ji-hye.

“Ji-hye.”

“Yes, Mage-nim.”

“Would it be alright if I asked you to face the Hundred-Faced Ghost together with the Vampire Tree?”

Ji-hye has Blood Aura.

An ability that grants immunity to curse and illusion-type skills. Since the clone and illusion skills seemed to be illusion-type, it would be better for Ji-hye to go.

Moreover, she had reached level 20 this morning. This was the result of diligently hunting zombies with the Collector for the past two weeks.

‘Her level and combat skills are sufficient.’

So she shouldn’t be easily defeated.

If it seems truly dangerous, he can just order a retreat. Meanwhile, hearing Han-seong’s request, Ji-hye smiled brightly without any sign of hesitation.

“Of course! Leave it to me!”

With this, the combat personnel assignment was complete.

Ji-hye and the Vampire Tree would face the Hundred-Faced Ghost, while the Collector would escort Han-seong.

“Then I’ll explain the strategy.”

“Yes!”

Well, there’s not much of a strategy to explain, but.

His plan was divided into 2 stages.

First stage: Ji-hye and the Vampire Tree would subjugate the Hundred-Faced Ghost together. If this proves difficult, they move to stage 2.

Lure the Hundred-Faced Ghost within Han-seong’s attack range, then unleash a barrage of magic attacks to subdue it.

‘Conveniently, its weaknesses match well with me.’

Lightning and magic. Both are Han-seong’s main skills.

Having finished planning even to the point of dealing with it through skills if necessary, Han-seong immediately initiated the operation.

[Remote: Mark]

[Target: Lee Ji-hye]

[Precise Observation activates.]

This time, since he wasn’t sending the Collector, it was a situation where vision sharing would be difficult. Accordingly, Han-seong applied the Mark skill to Ji-hye.

Next, he ordered the Vampire Tree to move together, matching Ji-hye’s movements. It would be troublesome if it left its position on its own.

“I’ll be going now!”

After completing all preparations.

Ji-hye and the Vampire Tree left the shopping mall.

The two moved in a straight line towards the entrance of Namhansanseong, crushing zombies that blocked their path. This was mostly the Vampire Tree’s achievement.

As they were moving smoothly like that.

The two stopped in their tracks just as they were about to reach a park about 1.5km away from the temporary base.

-Mage-nim, that is…

Where Ji-hye’s gaze was directed.

There, not zombies, but giant wasps were wandering around. Seeing the wasps with bodies as large as big dogs, Han-seong narrowed his eyes.

Of course, they were familiar beings.

‘Ghost Wasps.’

The elite monster that had made its nest in Gwacheon Grand Park.

Minions of the Ghost Queen Wasp.

Level 9 monsters with quite fast flight speed. A peculiar point was that they recognized zombies as prey.

‘They definitely used them as food for their larvae.’

Some time ago, when he had observed closely with Precise Observation.

The Ghost Wasps would tear zombie corpses into pieces, then make the internal organs and flesh into dumplings to transport to their nest in Gwacheon.

Then they fed these to the larvae, and the larvae that became adults would move outside the hive to hunt zombies again, repeating this process.

‘I knew they had recently crossed the border and advanced to near Seocho…’

But to think they’ve come all the way here.

The Queen Bee’s level must be quite high given how much their activity range has expanded. As much as he wanted to eliminate her right after subjugating the Hundred-Faced Ghost.

Sadly, that wasn’t possible.

‘…It’s too far.’

Gwacheon is about 12km away from the existing base. Even if he set up temporary bases in a straight line, he would still need to move 7km more.

Of course, it might be possible if he deployed the Collector, Vampire Tree, and Ji-hye all at once, but Han-seong preferred certain victory over uncertain gambles.

‘I should clear out the wasps first.’

Ghost Wasps fly high into the sky when they judge an enemy to be unbeatable.

Afterwards, they come back down to the ground once the enemy disappears, so rather than attacking half-heartedly, it’s better to wipe them all out at once.

“I’ll handle this, so keep moving.”

-Understood.

Ji-hye and the Vampire Tree changed direction and resumed moving. Some time later, after the two had left the scene, Han-seong confirmed this and used a skill.

[Remote: Poison Fog]

A poison mist spreading at high speed.

It was the most powerful of his area-of-effect skills, but since there would be no need to use it against the Hundred-Faced Ghost, he boldly used it.

And the effect was tremendous.

[You have killed a Ghost Wasp.]

[You have killed a Ghost Wasp…]

Wasps falling at an incredible rate.

These creatures that breathe through their skin were poisoned even faster than zombies. At that moment, a few wasps on the outskirts attempted to flee, but it was futile.

[Remote: Magic Arrow]

Intangible arrows accurately pierced the wasps’ heads. The three that lost their heads fell helplessly, and thus the Ghost Wasps were completely annihilated.

After eliminating all interference, Han-seong drank a mana recovery potion in preparation for the upcoming subjugation.

Gulp gulp!

A potion with a pleasant lime scent.

Despite drinking only about two mouthfuls, he recovered much more mana than usual.

Of course, that’s to be expected.

[Name]: Basic Energy Potion

[Effect]: Recovers 60 HP/MP/Energy/Spirit Power

[Creator]: Lee Ji-hye

Two days ago, Ji-hye’s potion crafting proficiency reached its maximum. As a result, Ji-hye could now create basic potions.

The recovery amount of basic potions is twice that of the lowest grade.

Thanks to this, he no longer had to fill his stomach to use skills like before.

-I’ve confirmed the target.

Just then, Ji-hye’s whisper was heard.

She and the Vampire Tree had approached to within about a hundred meters of the Hundred-Faced Ghost.

Soon after, the battle began.

The Vampire Tree launched the first attack. It quickly split into nine entities, then extended its roots towards the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s head, chest, and abdomen.

Pa-ba-ba-bak! Pa-bak!

Perhaps surprised by the unexpected attack?

The Hundred-Faced Ghost allowed several hits. But that was only for a moment; it soon retreated to create distance, then readjusted its grip on its six swords.

Ka-ga-gak! Ka-gak! Kang!

Calmly blocking the attacks.

It seemed to have quickly adapted to the Vampire Tree’s pattern, perfectly blocking all attacks. However, in doing so, there was something it failed to notice.

Ji-hye’s presence approaching from behind.

-Yap!

Ji-hye swung her fist with a short shout.

Thanks to consuming Han-seong’s blood, her physical abilities were amplified several times over normal.

The power was beyond imagination.

Peo-eok! Wu-deuk!

The Hundred-Faced Ghost’s waist crumpled slightly.

Losing balance and falling as a result.

The Hundred-Faced Ghost, which had failed to notice Ji-hye’s presence, paid a harsh price for this. The Vampire Tree didn’t miss the opening created by this.

Puk! Puk-puk-puk! Pu-uk!

Nine roots pierced the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s body from all directions. Furthermore, sharp thorns sprouted on the surface of the roots.

[Vampire Tree: ‘Vampiric Thorns’ activated]

The nine roots swelled as if about to suck out all the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s blood.

The Hundred-Faced Ghost, having regained its posture, tried to cut off the roots, but the Vampire Tree quickly withdrew them, having noticed this intention.

“Grrrrrr!”

The thoroughly provoked Hundred-Faced Ghost let out an incomprehensible roar. And with this as a signal, the expression on the mask it wore changed.

From an expressionless mask to an angry face.

Simultaneously, the Vampire Tree’s skill activated.

[Vampire Tree: ‘Skill Analysis’ activated]

[Skill Analysis complete]

[Hundred-Faced Ghost: Blade Storm]

▷After skill activation, crushes everything in the surroundings with ultra-high-speed slashes for about 10 seconds.

Han-seong’s eyes widened.

He had a bad feeling about the part that said it crushes everything in the surroundings. So without hesitation, he shouted towards Ji-hye.

“Ji-hye! Fall back!”

-Huh? Ah, yes!

Ji-hye obediently followed Han-seong’s words.

Along with this, the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s six arms moved separately as if each had its own will, then began rotating at tremendous speed.

Hung! Hung-hung-hung! Hu-ung!

A storm of blades pouring down madly.

The ultra-high-speed slashes pulverized everything in the surroundings, turning it to dust.

If she had been even a little late in retreating, Ji-hye would have met the same fate. Seeing this, Han-seong let out a sigh of relief.

‘Skill Analysis, huh.’

The Vampire Tree’s skill that reveals what effect the opponent’s skill has. Thanks to this, he could predict what action the opponent would take.

‘This is really a useful skill.’

Han-seong honestly marveled.

Meanwhile, the Blade Storm ended, and the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s mask changed. An unpleasant expression. And once again, the Vampire Tree’s Skill Analysis activated.

[Hundred-Faced Ghost: Clone Technique]

▷Summons five clones. Each clone has 10% of the original body’s attack power.

As soon as the Skill Analysis ended.

The Hundred-Faced Ghost split into five entities.

To Han-seong’s eyes, they all looked identical, so he couldn’t distinguish them. He immediately spoke to Ji-hye.

“Can you tell which one is the real body?”

-Yes, all the others have blurry forms, but only the one in the middle is distinctly clear.

Ji-hye brilliantly distinguished the real body.

Hearing this through the Blood Imprint, the Vampire Tree launched its attack on the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s main body that Ji-hye had mentioned.

Peo-eok! Puk! Pu-uk!

Roots flying in mercilessly.

Perhaps because its real body was identified before it could properly use its clones? The expression on the mask changed to one of surprise. And at that moment.

“Geu! Geu-ga-a! Ga-a-a-a-a-a!”

The Hundred-Faced Ghost’s mask turned red.

No, not just the mask. Its body, and even the swords all turned bright red.

Soon after, the reason was revealed.

[Hundred-Faced Ghost: Berserk]

▷Automatically activates when life force falls below half, and while defense sharply decreases, movement speed increases up to +200%.

Han-seong’s eyes widened.

Speed increasing by 3 times.

Even in its basic state, it was able to sufficiently block the Vampire Tree’s attacks, so how fast would it become now? Just as he was feeling an ominous premonition.

Seu-geuk! Kwa-deu-deuk!

With an invisible slash, two of the Vampire Tree’s roots were cut off. The speed was so fast that neither the attack nor the movement could be followed.

If the battle continued like this, damage could occur. Han-seong made a decision.

“This is enough. Both of you, retreat!”

-Yes, Mage-nim!

Ji-hye turned without hesitation.

The same was true for the Vampire Tree.

The Hundred-Faced Ghost began pursuit with fierce momentum, as if unwilling to let them escape. In this process, three more of the Vampire Tree’s roots were cut off.

Seu-geuk! Seo-geok! Kwa-jik!

The Hundred-Faced Ghost’s movement speed was beyond imagination, able to attack while pursuing.

‘I made the right call in retreating.’

With renewed relief, he calculated the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s movement path and estimated arrival coordinates. Then he set up skills at that location.

[Remote: Magic Field]

[Remote: Decoy Dummy]

Magic Field that amplifies the power of skills.

A steel doll that draws attention and causes disruption.

Faced with the two skills that activated almost simultaneously, the Hundred-Faced Ghost momentarily halted its body. During that time, Ji-hye and the Vampire Tree widened the distance from it.

Then began the merciless bombardment.

[Remote: Water Blaster]

[Remote: Call Lightning]

[Remote: Chain Lightning]

Kwa-a-a-ang! Pa-ji-ji-jik!

Starting with strong water pressure pressing down on the Hundred-Faced Ghost, powerful lightning from both sky and ground struck its body.

Two direct hits from lightning while in a defenseless state due to being disrupted by the Decoy Dummy, and with defense sharply decreased from Berserk.

“Geu, geu-a-a, a-a…”

The Hundred-Faced Ghost’s body turned into a lump of charcoal.

Even at a glance, it was clear it had taken considerable damage. After being frozen for a moment, it suddenly turned towards its original location.

‘Is it trying to escape?’

That won’t do.

I must finish it off here.

[Remote: Bleeding Wounds]

[Remote: Wind Cutter]

Chwa-a-a-ak! Seu-geuk! Seo-geok!

Bleeding Wounds, a skill that inflicts multiple wounds and applies the status effect: Bleeding. As a result, numerous wounds appeared on the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s body.

Following this, wind blades empowered by the Magic Field effect mercilessly slashed at it. As a result, the Hundred-Faced Ghost’s body turned into a rag.

“Geu, geu-eu, geu-eo-eo…”

The Hundred-Faced Ghost trembled all over and collapsed in place. This was evidence that it had reached its physical limit.

‘This is the end.’

Han-seong unleashed the Magic Arrows he had left over from killing the Ghost Wasps earlier, aiming at its head.

Puk! Peo-eok!

Two arrows piercing its head.

If it still endured after this, he could just finish it off with Ji-hye and the Vampire Tree’s help.

However, there was no need for that. As he had expected, the Hundred-Faced Ghost seemed to have reached its limit.

[Subjugation successful.]

[Elite Monster: Hundred-Faced Ghost (Baekmeongwi)]

[Rewards will be distributed based on contribution.]

[Reward]: 2,973 Coins

A subjugation completed in the blink of an eye.

Compared to when he faced the Vampire Tree in the past, this was tremendous progress. He had eliminated the enemy without his base being discovered or attacked.

‘Anyway, with this…’

The operation ended safely.

Additionally, he had confirmed the Vampire Tree’s performance.

He could confirm that it was superior to the Collector when facing multiple enemies, but its power and skills were somewhat weaker against a single target.

‘Is it because it’s a temporary vassal?’

Also, the fact that about half of its skills were locked probably had a significant impact on the battle results.

Still, it was a satisfactory outcome overall.

As he was smiling with contentment.

Suddenly, a notification message appeared.

[Job Quest: Mage – Progress 3/3]

[You have completed the quest.]

‘Ah, right.’

Come to think of it, there was a quest?

Just as he was about to examine the quest completion notification, an additional message appeared.

[Skill evolution conditions have been met.]

[Target: Magic Arrow]

[Would you like to check?]

Completely unexpected content.

Han-seong’s eyes widened in surprise.