episode_0073

Bang!

In front, Myeongyi’s [Shield Push] explodes.

The magical power in the form of a cute and adorable cat shouts, “Meow!”

With a powerful shockwave to finish it off, the leader who had been holding on until the end falls out of the arena with a thud.

But it’s just a fall.

“Ow…” Dusting off the dirt on her buttocks, she gets up without any visible injuries.

“…She’s really tough.”

The other two team members had been eliminated long ago, leaving her alone.

Logically, without any support or dealing, she should have been eliminated immediately, but surprisingly, she held on silently for 5 minutes, blocking my, Mahana’s, and Moon Bora’s consecutive attacks.

“Haha, I give up.”

The leader scratches the back of her head as if she’s embarrassed.

With her unique cat-like mouth and gentle attitude.

With her incredible tanking ability, it was no surprise that she was also a character from ‘Gosla.’

“Jeon Hee-joo, 3-star main tank.”

She’s known for her insane durability, blocking all attacks without any special skills.

Although she’s known for her insane durability without much effort, her expiration date comes quickly, making her an unlucky character that is not used well in the later stages.

As I think, Jeon Hee-joo approaches and sweeps my head with her heel.

“Wow, you’re so strong for a guy. Are you moved by this noona?”

“…I’m not a kid, you know?”

“Haha, really? Sorry, it’s a habit to take care of younger siblings.”

Then, she picks up the fainted ally on her shoulder and waves her hand before disappearing.

“Good luck in the finals.”

Hmm, this is unexpected.

I never thought I’d be on the receiving end of all this petting.

Anyway, with this, all matches up to the semi-finals are over.

I look up at the scoreboard.

The 91st ‘Daelim Match’ finals.

[Yuseha Team vs. Junayong Team]

Junayong.

The opponent we made a promise with while bumping fists.

The day we clash with her with all our might is not far away.

* * *

One day later.

The final arena where the highly anticipated finals begin.

Buzzing!

Me and my team looked a bit flustered by the unexpectedly large crowd.

“…Why are there so many people here?”

It’s a rule of thumb that the attendance isn’t high for the third week of matches, right?

“Meow… Maybe it’s because of Bora and Nayong?”

“Is that so?”

Well, that could be it.

‘Sulbing’ Moon Bora.

And ‘Yeomryong’ Junayong.

Indeed, the match between these two was highly anticipated.

In fact, there were many in the audience shouting their nicknames and cheering for them.

However, surprisingly, there were also some shouting my name.

‘It’s quite unexpected…’

I thought no one would care about me.

*

Not many, but clearly echoing, the name of Yuseha.

In fact, this was the result of a combination of complex factors.

Yuseha.

A handsome man who would make you stop and stare as he passed by.

Not only that, but he was also recognized by everyone as a skilled player.

This led to him gaining high popularity among male classmates.

In this world, most men are discouraged by the talents of women.

The difference in magical power due to gender.

Although this wasn’t well understood at first, the difference became more apparent as time passed.

That’s why.

Some of the men who entered the academy often dropped out halfway through due to feeling inferior.

There were also issues of hierarchy, knowingly or unknowingly.

In such a situation, Yuseha appeared like a comet.

A man rumored to have made Pang Jin-ah drop his sword.

And in the second week of training, there was a figure who showed such a powerful firepower that it might not just be a rumor, but actually true.

He, Yoo Seyha, was a man who made others feel a sense of rivalry just by his presence.

This led to him becoming an idol for men.

Normally, there might have been jealousy, but there was none of that.

That’s how much the men felt a sense of frustration.

The reason why the voices of the audience and supporters were particularly loud in today’s match was because of this background.

For them, Yoo Seyha had become a symbol of hope.

Some even admired his nonchalant attitude of casually being accompanied by pretty girls.

Of course, well…

As for Yoo Seyha himself, he had no interest in any of that.

To him, this kind of support was just noise.

He only had eyes for the woman with burning red hair beyond the gaze.

“……”

“……”

Without a word, they approached each other.

They extended their fists and bumped them together.

“Finally, the day has come?”

“Yeah, I thought I was getting tired of waiting.”

They chuckled and nodded at each other.

“I won’t lose.”

“Neither will I.”

After finishing their words, Yoo Seyha returned to his original position.

Next to Yoo Seyha, Ryu Darae, with shamanistic decorations around her eyes, approached him.

“Yoo Seyha. Remember the plan? First, draw Yoo Seyha out. In the end, even if is great…-”

“-Sorry, I can’t do that.”

“……What?”

“I can’t use such mediocre methods. Even if we win, I can’t accept it.”

“Ah, no…this plan…-”

“-I’ll go first.”

“?! Wait, Yoo Seyha, Yoo Seyha! Yoo, Sey, Ha!!!”

The whistle signaling the start of the match blew.

Yoo Seyha used [Sprint] on his legs and ran forward.

Seeing this, Yoo Seyha smiled faintly and raised her hand on the hilt of her sword.

Eventually, they collided with each other with great force.

*

Yoo Seyha charged forward with a fierce momentum.

Yoo Seyha quickly drew her [Jara’s Longsword].

She had the initiative because she had read her opponent’s actions first.

[‘Song of the Sword’ is activated. The final power of the sword skill is increased by 100%.]

[‘Flowing Slash’ is activated.]

[‘Charge of the Thunder God (P)’ effect is added.]

A chilling noise spread as a lightning-fast attack struck.

The power was terrifying, but Yoo Seyha smiled even more.

Because…

“I’ve seen enough of this already!!!”

In the second week.

Training to embed skills in rocks, check their power, and refine them.

Since Yoo Seyha raised her hand on the hilt of her sword, he had known exactly when to use the skill.

The speed and power were slightly higher than before.

But even so, there wasn’t a significant difference.

Yoo Seyha exerted strength in both arms.

Whoosh-!

The burning flames rose like the wrath of a living dragon.

A Rare-grade fire skill, [Burning Flames].

It indicated that the level had increased from a few days ago, showing a higher firepower.

But it didn’t end there.

The [Sprint] on Yoo Seyha’s legs intensified, showcasing a faster speed than before.

Yoo Seyha’s face showed amazement.

‘Crazy, did the level of [Sprint] increase too?’

How intense of a training did Yoo Seyha undergo?

Clang-!

[Ryu’s Slash] and Yoo Seyha’s fist collided.

Normally, she should have been blown away.

But the result was different as the residual fist spread out.

[Yoo Seyha uses ‘Combo’.]

[‘Boiling Blood (P)’ is activated. The caster Yoo Seyha’s strength ability is increased.]

[‘Blood of the Battle Orc (P)’ is activated. The caster Yoo Seyha is granted an ‘Enhancement’ buff.]

Thud-!

About seven fists relentlessly struck towards Ryu’s Slash.

A manifestation of a brute force, determined to break and crush with sheer strength, devoid of any tricks or tactics.

In the end, Ryu Cham was shattered into pieces.

“…Insane.”

“Yonghihi!”

Eyes widened in disbelief.

Even if there was a gap in level and stats, to break through the enhanced Ryu Cham with the [Song of the Sword] head-on?

‘…As expected.’

During training, or when fighting virtual paladins, I had a hunch.

Undoubtedly, Junayong’s strength must be that of a mature C-rank Hunter.

Except for exceptions like [Divine], the average stats were all in the 30s.

Stats like [Strength], [Speed], [Endurance] were slightly higher.

‘…Of course.’

That alone couldn’t explain this level of power.

“A weakness!”

“…!”

Oh no.

I pondered deeply.

Junayong tracked me as if not to miss any exposed weaknesses.

Realizing I couldn’t retreat, I filled my lungs with air and gripped Jara’s longsword.

‘…Can’t clash head-on.’

Despite the sturdy longsword, my wrist would twist.

‘Butter.’

The key to this strategy was how well I could lead Junayong, the bomb.

Beyond that, Maha and Moonbora.

The two were diligently executing the plan.

Now, I must assume I’m dead and engage in a 1v1 showdown.

‘Focus.’

Perceive the impending danger with my eyes, skin, senses.

[‘Unprecedented Sensing’ output is increasing.]

A crimson shadow.

A world ablaze with fiery red light.

Junayong, flashing red distinctly, was visible.

Like an engine, her pounding heart supplied magic from her right arm to her fist.

Thump! She stomped her foot.

Tensing her waist, she added her trademark spin.

Her powerful fist reached towards me.

‘Now…!’

At the precise moment when Junayong’s attack was fully understood, I raised my sword to strike.

Clang! Her hand rose up.

“…Huh?!”

Seemingly caught off guard by this method of thwarting her attack, Junayong’s eyes widened.

Even as she closed the distance, she continued to unleash a series of punches.

The increasing speed soon transformed into a skill, igniting her signature move, [Combo].

However, having grasped the rhythm, I used my sword to deflect Junayong’s punches continuously.

My swordsmanship began to accelerate and refine.

A solely defensive [Swordsmanship] that didn’t focus on attacking at all.

Junayong didn’t know, but this was commonly known as ‘Flexible Swordsmanship,’ smoothly parrying enemy attacks and responding, a unique form of [Sword Technique].

Junayong possessed the class .

With a 5★ talent and a talent that was undeniably astonishing.

Lastly, Pangjina’s sword technique.

The essence of [Fado Heaven Sword], the core of ‘softness,’ flowed through my arms.

[‘Swordsmanship’ level has increased.]

[Strength has increased by 1 as a level reward.]

[Understanding of Fado Heaven Sword has increased. Some restrictions are lifted.]

For a whole minute, this power blocked Junayong’s fierce attacks.

“…Hey, let’s calm down…”

“Tsk…”

I momentarily distanced myself.

Analyzing calmly from the red glow in Junayong’s hands, it was clear that mere [Burning Flames] and high-level [Combo] wouldn’t match my strength.

Right now, this phenomenon was likely due to the two passive skills displayed in the information window earlier.

“ ?”

“…! What? You know this, Yuseha?”

.

A B-rank boss species.

Among the runes he possessed, he equipped the most valuable one by consuming it.

The [Boiling Blood] rune inflated the strength stat by 3-5 points during battle.

The [Battle Orc’s Blood] rune had the ability to enhance overall physical capabilities.

Both of these runes were simple yet effective, focusing on increasing stats.

“…Man, this is tough.”

“Do you finally understand my greatness now?”

Chuckling, I placed my hand on my waist, and a smile escaped me momentarily.

Greatness?

What’s that supposed to mean…

“I knew it from the beginning.”

“…Really?”

“You’re amazing.”

“…D-Don’t suddenly say weird things!”

…Even if you tell me honestly, I’ll get mad.

Anyway, Junayong didn’t seem too pleased when I was in trouble.

It was like a child seeking approval from an adult.

Normally, I would find it cute and giggle.

Bam!

Thud!

Boom!

“Ouch!”

With that laughter, the violent blows raining down left no room for a smile.

It wasn’t just punches.

Coupled with the scorching [Burning Flames] that made you sizzle just by touching it, it was quite challenging.

Adding in kicking techniques using the feet.

It wasn’t a random flailing of limbs but a precise kick in the art of [Martial Arts], delivering proper impact and precision.

“What’s wrong with you, Yuseha! Where’s your usual vigor!”

Junayong closed the distance in a flash with a [Dash], her body tensing up to deliver the finishing blow.

As she rushed in, she realized something was off and halted.

The faint protective shield around her body vanished in an instant.

“…Huh?”

According to Junayong’s calculations, there should have been time left on the duration.

But it disappeared.

What does this mean…

“…W-Wait!”

“Ugh…”

I thought I was going to die for real.

Thankfully, the two of them intervened in time.

“Ugh…”

“Yuyong…”

Ryudarae and Hwang Gippeum.

Both were tanks and support players, respectively, with the titles of and .

They were thrown out of the arena, retiring from the match.

Only then did Junayong realize what had happened.

“Yuseha. Did you… did you aim for this?”

“Of course. Am I a fool to face off against head-on?”

“…If you were targeting someone else-”

“-No, you were definitely only looking at me.”

I was sure of it.

With her dragon blood, she was weak to all desires, regardless of the kind.

This was proven by the well-executed strategy.

“…Alright, the first move was successful.”

The problem was from now on.

Even in this situation where I had the upper hand with a 3 vs. 1 advantage, I didn’t let my guard down.

Because I knew Junayong…

Would only burn brighter in this situation.

“…”

Junayong lowered her head.

Though a sense of resignation was evident in her demeanor, I, in turn, raised my sword in a defensive stance.

The [Unprecedented Sensation] was sounding a warning as if going crazy.

Boom!

It was different.

I couldn’t perceive it accurately, but a speed unlike before was approaching me.

Simultaneously, a sharp shock rang through my body as the fist struck where I had barely defended with my sword.

“Ouch!”

An involuntary groan escaped my lips.

A solid punch landed where I had barely defended with my sword.

Junayong’s punches were already powerful.

But now, the weight felt different.

‘…The reason is.’

It was because of the red dragon scales that now covered Junayong’s entire body.

Especially concentrated on her arms and legs.

It felt as if she was wearing armor that didn’t hinder her movements at all, giving the illusion of a martial artist showcasing their skills.

‘This is the true power of Juna Yong.’

A plethora of information windows continue to ring in the ears.

[Juna Yong activates her unique ability ‘Child of the Dragon.’]

[Skill grade: Epic.]

[Automatically activates ‘Dragon’s Wrath.’ While ‘Dragon’s Wrath’ is active, all damage is reduced by 15%. All attacks ignore 15% of defense.]

[Strength, speed, endurance, and mana stats increase by an additional 10%.]

“The greed of the dragon gradually consumes her sanity. Mental state decreases by 10%. As she indulges in desire, her mental state continues to decline. Instinct takes its place instead.”

“The divine gods frown upon the dragon’s greed. Holiness decreases by 10%.”

Damn, this is insane…

“W-what the hell, look at that damn buff.”

Barely any game gives you this many buffs, even in ‘Gosra.’

Following that, the cheerful voice of Juna Yong rings in the ears.

“Alright, let’s show them what we’ve got. Now it’s getting interesting!”

“Uh, are you feeling okay? Your eyes look kinda crazy right now.”

If she can hear, Juna Yong shows a maniacal laughter.

“Show me more.”

Show me your true worth!

“To me!!!”