episode_0021

『Name: Rohan

Stamina: 82%

Horsepower: 66%

Affiliation Country: Southern Ruins

Affiliation: Orion Academy

Possessed Attributes: [Physical] [Fire]

Condition: Bleeding

Remaining points: 273P』

Rohan’s status window was useful.

It shows the realization that one still has an awkward relationship with death and the negative state abnormalities occurring in the body in real time.

‘It’s not heavy bleeding.’

My mind is clear and sharp. My body is also warm as it maintains its body temperature.

It wasn’t to the extent that I had to forcefully stop the bleeding or cut off the flow.

Now that consciousness and body were engaged in combat, it was ideal to go kill the leader.

‘Let’s go right now.’

Rohan grabbed the long knife and the pistol.

The knife, which had been used for a short time, was broken after being used multiple times at the factory.

It was the end of a cheap knife, as the handle broke under the force of the stabbing and twisting and fell asleep inside one of the guys’ stomachs.

Rohan followed the scent of paint carried by the wind.

That’s how we met.

Chew! Chew!

A man with a shaved head and wearing a plastic mask sprays paint on a wall.

He was about 190 cm tall and looked quite large, perhaps because of the thick jacket he was wearing.

The neck is thick enough to suggest a quadrupedal animal.

‘Ku Shadli.’

In Rohan’s memory, it was definitely that name.

When you see it up close, it feels like memories of the past come back vividly.

And a short conversation.

“I felt especially good today. On days like this, I can’t stop working in the middle.”

“That’s right.”

Rohan pulled the trigger without hesitation.

Taang!

The muzzle flashed and spewed fire.

A bullet aimed squarely at the head. Shadli’s head whips around and comes back.

“It hurts, why are you doing this?”

“···.”

The bullet fails to penetrate the head and falls to the ground, making a shallow crunching sound.

A red, scratched wound was visible on Shadli’s forehead.

‘Even if we shoot continuously right now, it won’t be meaningful.’

This confirms that the pistol is for deterrence.

If you ever feel the need to empty your hands, it may be a good idea to just throw them away.

“Tell me. Why did you do this?”

“I wonder why I die after living my whole life sucking other people’s blood. Does that make sense now?”

When Rohan showed his bewilderment to Shadli,

I could see strength forming in his knuckled fist.

“Did Hoken send it like last time? I can tell without even looking at it because he’s had an inferiority complex about my drawings since long ago.”

“Sigh···.”

“Ah! Poor, pitiful Hawken. Every time he realized he had no talent, he must have envied and hated me.”

As Shadli started to misunderstand and become excited by his own questioning, Rohan aimed his gun at him again.

Since I knew that normal parts wouldn’t work, I aimed this bullet at the eyes if possible.

bang!

This one dodges like a ghost again, as if he read the intention just by aiming.

And then, as if he had some confidence in himself, he raised the corners of his mouth.

“Looking at the response, it was indeed Hoken who sent it. Right?”

“Shut up. I like talkative women, but I hate talkative men.”

“You··· It’s funny because your actions and words don’t match your bratty face.”

Knock knock.

Shadli, who had turned his neck once and released it, quickly narrowed the distance between him and Rohan.

“···.”

Rohan swung his longsword the moment Shadli’s body came within striking range.

Likewise, an outstretched fist.

The bloody movements collided with each other.

Kaang! Kang! Kaang! Kagak!

Small sparks and noises flashed under the night sky.

Even as he dodged the punches, Rohan felt his strength was on a different level from that of the Yardpound brothers.

The impact alone causes shallow wounds to open.

On top of that, he even threw short, clumsy punches without using his legs.

He’s a guy who learned from experience.

‘My physical abilities are lacking. But it’s okay if it’s like this.’

Because Rohan felt the blade bouncing off his knuckles and the pain in his palm every time he swung it.

He aimed the pistol at Shadli’s groin and pulled the trigger.

“!”

Shadli twisted his body urgently at the cold sensation.

Bang! Bang!

The bullet struck Shadli in the thigh and fell out.

Then came the hammering without any time to catch one’s breath.

Shadli took a step back, laughing hysterically at the sword that was about to smash his head.

“We··· Let’s have some basic manners. This method is too vulgar.”

“You’re the only one who’s crazy enough to imitate an artist, but it’s scary to see your cheeks break?”

Rohan raised the corners of his lips.

Shadli ran his palm through his rough hair to collect his emotions.

“···The picture you drew doesn’t seem to be very fancy.”

“Not interested in pictures.”

“Coldy, you’re a kid I don’t like from start to finish.”

Shadli was confident that it would be a short exchange.

‘The appearance is difficult, but it’s a disguise. What a creepy guy.’

Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense. I can’t accept it.

To Shadli, the move seems too raw to be considered professionally trained.

It’s something that’s been created through accumulated bloody experiences, and it’s the kind that’s simply creepy.

‘I have to finish this quickly.’

The medicine is definitely taking effect, as it was administered in advance upon sensing the bastard approaching.

Thanks to this, he has the upper hand in physical ability.

Still, there is no chance to smash something and seize the opportunity. He avoids the punches like a rat.

‘If we continue like this, the medicine will run out…’

Loss of concentration.

Rohan, sensing the unique atmosphere in Shadli’s gaze, jumped in.

Snap!

A long sword was stuck in the arm that was desperately protecting his head.

“Tsk!”

Then I saw Rohan’s gun moving like flowing water.

Shadli roughly extended his fist with magical power.

The pistol, which had been hit directly on the knuckle, shattered into pieces and scattered into the air.

But Shadli could not rejoice at the disappearance of the annoying weapon.

Because I saw Rohan put the gun down in his hand along the way.

Tub.

Rohan’s empty hand grabbed Shadli’s arm as if telling him not to run away.

He lifted the long pole up in an exaggerated manner.

The moment Shadli, whose gaze was naturally stolen by the weapon, attempted to counterattack.

“!?”

Shadli, who felt a strange sensation in the hand that was making contact with Rohan, was startled and stepped back.

Rather than pursuing him, Rohan nodded contentedly in his seat.

“Well, that’s right.”

“You··· did something.”

The remnants of Rohan’s magic. Shadli forced a smile and rubbed his forearm.

The sensation running down my skin was so unfamiliar that I couldn’t describe it in words.

[ Grants the target a physical attribute weakness. ]

‘That’s good information.’

The doubts I had while using the skill during the melee with Shadli’s subordinates were resolved.

Now I’m sure about Rohan.

‘Weakness granting shows differences in the amount of magic power consumed depending on the opponent’s skill.’

In addition, from a certain level onwards, you start to feel the abnormality of your skills encroaching.

In such vague explanations, there are bound to be elements that must be understood through experience.

“Do you have any lethally good skills?”

“Stop.”

“···.”

“Don’t even think about what to say.”

As Rohan interrupted and stretched his legs, Shadli leaned forward in an aggressive stance.

It seems like the magic power has been drained to the bottom, so the presence is stronger than before.

‘tackle?’

It’s not a bad strategy. He’s big and has superior physical abilities, so you’ll want to catch him.

Rohan also understands Shadli’s feelings.

Since you got hit in the arm earlier, you should be prepared to take the blow with your body.

but.

You will know once you get hit with a long stick.

What changes have occurred in your body?

“Ugh!”

Shadli threw himself on the ground with a thud like a bull.

A tackle flying straight ahead.

There are variables that change the timing between deceleration and acceleration.

Still, Rohan didn’t think long and struck the sword like catching a mole.

*****

“···.”

The princess, who had arrived near the meeting point, habitually hid herself.

I looked at the clock on my communication device and saw that it was just past the appointed time.

What should I do in this situation? Is it okay to just go back?

It was difficult to make a quick decision.

But I don’t feel like calling the elders on the radio either.

‘Let’s wait 10 more minutes.’

After making her final decision, the princess sat down with her back against the wall.

How long did I just sit there blankly staring at the starry night sky?

It’s definitely past the 10 minutes I promised.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Footsteps could be heard from afar. They were getting closer.

The princess took out a small mirror while sitting and carefully checked outside.

‘Is that the person the elder was talking about the noble guest?’

All I could see was a man, not someone passing by.

It’s not a place you can just pass by in the first place.

‘Come to think of it, didn’t the elder say ‘guests’···?’

I don’t know. I’m not sure. My memory is hazy these days.

The princess, who had lost confidence, decided to observe her opponent for a moment.

It doesn’t feel like they’re bad guys like the ones the elders brought in last time.

His appearance also looked similar to that of someone his age.

However, the princess hesitated and watched his actions in the strangely thick atmosphere.

The man stood there, fiddling with his smartphone.

Then there is the behavior of looking around as if looking for someone.

“···.”

The princess, who had been quietly watching, gathered the equipment she had prepared and stood up to show herself.