episode_0045

A silver-haired figure, as if expressing disbelief, screams and shouts like a whale.

I felt a slight sense of fear at the sight and stumbled back.

What the heck? Why is she like that?

Why suddenly so scary?

What if she charges at me like a madman?

She’s shouting in the air as if in a frenzy…

If that’s not scary, then what is she?

From the astonishment visible in her bloodshot eyes, I could tell how shocked she was.

Well, at least I learned something useful thanks to her.

[Your insight successfully gains a high level of understanding by analyzing the enemy’s movements.]

[A talent that should not exist shows its sprout.]

[ defies the will of the heavens. Target: Pyodokju.]

[Obtain the from Pyodokju. It is a level 3 Normal trait. Acquired by dropping to level 1.]

[Strength increases by 1 as a reward for acquisition.]

Mace.

A skill that provides adjustments when handling weapons that can be simply referred to as a ‘mace.’

Like [Swordsmanship], this is also a fundamental trait.

It would have been good to have it, and in the future, I could learn a unique skill like [Mace Technique] as I refine it.

‘Actually, I didn’t intend to have this.’

The technique that blew away the meow.

It was quite powerful, and at first, I thought it was based on the ‘Great Sword’ and tried to follow along, and unexpectedly copied it with .

The result was a technique completely unrelated to that.

It seems that this woman named Pyodokju specialized in maces.

In reality, maces are easier to handle than swords.

‘I guess she changed to a mace because the quality of the [Swordsmanship] skill is better.’

That aside.

“Hey, lady. Are you not going to charge at me? Why are you shouting like a beast?”

“What, what!? Lady? Lady!?”

“Then you’re not a lady? Your face value is in your 40s-”

“-I’m 25 years old this year!”

I clicked my tongue.

You should lie a little more subtly.

“Fine, anyway, you’re not coming? Then…”

Bang!

I ran forward with strength in my legs.

“I’m leaving.”

*

Clang!

It’s heavy.

At the same time, it’s heavy and fatally fast.

“…Ugh!”

Pyodokju’s thoughts of blocking the sword.

Strictly speaking, there was no change in Yuseha’s sword.

Although strength increased by 1 with the acquisition of the [Mace] trait, it didn’t make a huge difference.

What changed was the feeling Pyodokju accepted.

More precisely, it was the ‘shock’ that entered through the shaking mind.

‘…This can’t be happening.’

It’s unbelievable.

Only that thought gripped and shook Pyodokju’s brain.

‘If this man really learned the [Mace] trait…’

This is a Hunter.

It was a matter that shook the foundation of the ‘Awakened’ society, including and .

Once Awakened, individuals become superhumans by evolving their , and what they can and cannot do is determined.

This is confirmed by the system, an absolute power that quantifies possibilities and enhances potential through [Skills], [Traits], and [Unique Abilities].

Accordingly, the difference in talents each possesses leads to a gap in strength.

Even if they both handle fire.

One might have a simple [Flame] skill.

The other might have a high-level skill like [Avatar of Hellfire].

The same goes for the techniques they use.

Just because they handle a [Sword].

They cannot learn weapon techniques from completely different categories like [Mace], [Bow], [Dagger], [Combat].

This is possible for very few individuals. They are commonly known as multi-skill holders or multi-Hunters.

‘…However.’

They obtain these through blood, sweat, and tears.

You can never acquire them just by trying to imitate them a couple of times.

Furthermore, there is a high probability that they already had the possibility of obtaining such power.

It’s just a matter of being late or early.

In a world like that, imitating everything perfectly, becoming an awakened being in that moment?

It could be possible.

But it shouldn’t be.

Therefore, Pyodokju considered it as him showing off.

That was necessary to protect his sanity.

“…A trick?”

If the purpose was to confuse himself, it was brilliant.

Yes, that’s probably right.

So, let’s quickly regain our composure and counterattack against him.

That was the thought at that moment.

“-…!!!”

Pyodokju froze like a stone in the next scene.

Yuseha holds the sword up with both hands.

Assuming the same posture as before.

The blue magical power emanating from the process.

Undoubtedly, it meant that the [Blunt Weapon] attribute was activated, receiving a power adjustment.

In the end, Pyodokju acknowledged it.

This man…

This monster…

He simply copied his power just by seeing it once.

“Die, you…”

“? What?”

“Die, I said die!!!”

Pyodokju couldn’t regain his composure.

Everything he had lived for was denied.

At the same time, he realized.

The man in front of him is not just a delicate and beautiful gem.

He is a monster.

A being that swallows everything and makes it his own should not exist!

“Aaah!!”

“No, damn it! Turn on your blinker and come in!”

Crash!

Their [Blunt Weapons] collide.

At first, Yuseha was slightly pushed back.

But at some point, they were equal.

Later on, Yuseha overwhelmed Pyodokju.

Because of a higher skill level?

Higher stats?

No.

All those conditions were in favor of Pyodokju.

Then why was he being pushed back?

‘This… this monster…’

Under Yuseha’s talent, Pyodokju finally realized the ‘truth’ hidden beneath.

Something called the origin, which supported him like a sturdy pillar under the dazzling light.

‘He is skilled in combat.’

After being hit in the face several times by Yuseha’s [Combat], Pyodokju was convinced.

He was not just someone who had fought a couple of times.

He exuded ‘composure.’

It doesn’t mean he was rough or light.

His swordsmanship was pathetic but dignified.

His blunt weapon skills were unskilled but threatening.

His combat skills were weak but imposing.

All this was possible because he had no ‘hesitation.’

Pyodokju knew of individuals capable of this.

‘One who has killed someone.’

Roaming countless battlefields.

Risking his life.

The fighting style of someone who finally emerged victorious.

It was absurdly unreasonable.

Could this young man, who had just become an adult, not emit a scent similar to those giants from another world?

But soon, Pyodokju swallowed his dry saliva from Yuseha’s gaze.

Is that the gaze of a real person?

The black obsidian-like eyes that faintly shimmered.

To an outsider, they may just seem like beautiful gems, but within them was a condensed ‘essence’ of death that took one’s breath away.

It was just because it was not deliberately restrained and released that she didn’t know well.

“What the hell, what the hell!”

“…What have you been hiding since earlier-”

“-What is your true identity!”

Pyodokju struck down the sword he was holding, causing Yuseha to step back.

Without hesitation, he cut his own forearm, causing himself to bleed.

The blood that flowed down, coating the blade of the sword with ‘magic.’

Although crude and low-quality, it was still magic, which made Yuseha furrow his brow as he watched.

What Pyodokju was trying to do now was her secret technique.

She hadn’t learned the [Ultimate Skill], but the skill that came right below it.

It was the derivative skill of [Blood Magic Technique], [Blood Heaven].

Conditioning [Magic Power] ability by inflicting ‘bleeding’ on oneself.

And assuming that the buff is maintained.

Could only use a special skill once a day.

Bubbling―!

Blood and magic mixed on the Day of Hwan-do, writhing as if alive.

“Die!!!”

Swung down towards the front.

The blood that had been buried flew towards the enemy like a sharp boomerang.

*

[Poyokju uses [Blood Clot].]

[A skill of Rare grade.]

“……”

I spread my legs and bent my waist, facing the approaching blow.

As I took a stance for swordsmanship, Poyokju snorted.

I must seem foolish for not avoiding and choosing to confront.

‘It doesn’t matter.’

As long as we both get hurt, it’s fine.

[ is activated. The final power of the sword skill increases by 120%.]

[ is activated.]

[ effect is added. Grants , increasing physical damage by 20% and speed by 20%.]

A body moving in a straight line with a flash.

My sword tore [Blood Clot] in half in one swift motion.

Then, I swung my sword towards the astonished Poyokju.

Clang―!

‘Oh no.’

I bit my tongue.

Poyokju raised Hwan-do to block like a shield.

Thanks to that, although the enemy’s sword was in tatters, it didn’t inflict a fatal blow.

‘Indeed, this weakness can’t be helped.’

[Flowing Slash] mostly focuses its power on the first target hit.

So, when it cuts through [Blood Clot], the power significantly decreases.

This was a clear moment where the weakness of vulnerability to ranged attacks was exposed.

‘…I need to get the derived skill of Charge.’

I felt the need to obtain Charge, which can be used continuously without delay.

And this led to another problem.

‘Just stop!’

[Flowing Slash] could stop after moving at least 3-4m.

During this time of continuous charging, it gave the opponent time to recover if I failed to hit properly.

There was no choice.

I had to somehow insert Flowing Slash, even if I had to go back a bit…-

“-Huh?”

In the midst of my thoughts.

Someone rushing towards me appeared.

It was none other than Meonyangi.

She, who had dispelled paralysis, was running towards me with a shield in both hands.

“Seha!!!”

It was a simple shout, but her eyes said it all.

Now was the time to do ‘it.’

Various thoughts ran through my mind.

Is it too early?

What if I fail?

Meonyangi might get hurt.

Various worries.

But I soon let them out.

‘I can do it.’

If it’s me and her.

It’s completely possible.

‘If I don’t believe in Meonyangi here…’

Who else would believe in her!

As soon as I landed on the ground, I used Flowing Slash towards Meonyangi, not Poyokju.

Thud―!

The shield and sword clashed.

“Meow!”

“Meonyangi! You can do it!”

“Even if I die…I’ll make it through!”

Flames bursting out upon collision.

Simultaneously, their auras began to change from orange to red.

[The rune (B+) of Toguwon engraved on exerts its power.]

[ effect is added. Stacking effect is granted. All attack power increases by 2% per stack. (Current stacks: 10/10)]

[The rune (B+) of Toguwon engraved on exerts its power.]

[ effect is added. Stacking effect is granted. All attack power increases by 2% per stack. (Current stacks: 10/10)]

The consecutive clashes quickly stacked up, soon reaching maximum attack power.

I turned my body and lightly jumped.

Although I had never practiced even once.

Meonyangi sensibly used her shield as a foothold to receive the impact.

“[Shield Push]!”

Reducing and controlling my maximum power, the [Shield Push] skill explodes from my foot.

My body flies straight towards the target.

[ effect activated. During combat, all action speed increases. However, the consumption of health and mana also increases. Current stack: 20% (max 100%)]

The 20% increased agility allowed me to move even faster, while also giving me enough room to catch my breath.

‘The Rune of the Tojuwon has two effects.’

The first is the attack power enhancement effect per stack.

Thanks to the generous judgment, we could easily fill the maximum stack just by attacking each other.

‘And…’

The long-awaited second effect.

I grip the hand on the hilt of the sword tightly.

A surge of mana, strong enough to make the scabbard tremble, rushes out.

Like a ‘yo-do,’ it greedily absorbs the mana within me without rest.

In return, a sharp flame-like blade is unfolded.

I swung the sword towards the astonished target.

[ effect activated. [Enhanced] effect granted to the skill.]

[Ryu Cham-强] activated.

A sword strike much larger than the normal [Ryu Cham] spread out in front.

The chilling sound generated a mysterious cutting force, cleanly slicing through the surrounding trees and bushes.

“This… can’t be…”

At the same time, I succeeded in cutting through the target’s waist.

Thud!

After the attack, I rolled on the ground, feeling a sharp pain.

Damn it.

‘…It hurts like hell.’

My whole body felt like it was falling apart.

But the reward for the excessive cost was significant.

Roar!

The powerful force of the burning mana surged through [Zara’s Longsword].

I chuckled in satisfaction.

This was the key to reaching the top ranks using my Mewnyang.

‘…I’m lucky it worked in real combat.’

I had obtained the [Tojuwon Rune] for Mewnyang and explained it to her immediately.

I hadn’t used it until now, thinking it was too early, but luckily, it worked well.

“Phew.”

I stood up, using the longsword as a staff.

Taking deep breaths, I calmed down my heated body little by little.

The sound of someone gasping for breath came from behind.

The target was trying to cover the part where the waist had been cut off with both hands, tears streaming down their face.

Of course, it was futile.

With half of their body torn apart, could they really survive?

“Why… why…”

Not long after, their life completely faded away.

I wiped the blood off the sword without much concern.

Finally, the sound of footsteps approached.

A bright smile involuntarily appeared on my face.

“Sehaya~!!!”

Maha.

Our Mewnyang.

My favorite character.

She ran towards me, spreading her arms wide.

Tears streamed down her face, but a bright smile was on her lips.

I embraced her tightly.

* * *

10 minutes later.

“Mew-ah.”

Softly.

“Mew-ah…”

Gently.

“Mew, Mew-ah!”