Chapter 126: 23rd Floor. World of Faith (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 126: 23rd Floor. World of Faith (5)
The final kingdom.
The kingdom bearing the black sword emblem.
Kang Jun-hyeok headed toward its royal castle. Immediately, he sensed that something was different.
It’s quiet.
Word of the other kings' deaths must have reached them by now. It wouldn't be hard for them to guess that their own king was the next target. He had expected the guards to be in a frantic state of mobilization, but the royal castle was deathly still.
Jun-hyeok focused his mind. His Ears That Hear Many Things relayed the sounds surrounding the castle to him.
They’re hiding.
The sound of breathing and the clinking of iron echoed from beyond the castle walls. In contrast, the interior of the castle was eerily silent.
It doesn't feel like an encirclement.
If anything, it felt more like they were standing by, waiting.
Jun-hyeok entered the castle slowly. It was hollow, devoid of a single guard or maid. He reached the King’s bedchamber without encountering any resistance.
There, a man was waiting for him.
“You’ve arrived. Welcome.”
The man spoke with an air of natural dignity. Beneath his light attire, lean, rock-solid muscles were visible.
“I am the King of the Scale Kingdom, Albert Scale.”
“Nice to meet you. Did you send everyone away?”
“One must observe proper etiquette when receiving a guest.”
Albert asked in a low voice, “Was it you who killed the other kings?”
Jun-hyeok nodded. Albert questioned him again.
“Does it have something to do with that thing in the Demonic Realm?”
Jun-hyeok nodded once more. Albert muttered as if he had expected as much.
“I thought so. A man like you appearing out of nowhere could only be the result of its intervention. I assume you’re here to kill me.”
“You’re well-informed. So, why did you send your people away?”
“Because I must achieve the end by my own hand.”
Albert rose slowly. He donned the armor he had prepared and gripped a double-edged sword.
“If I were to surround and defeat you using my subordinates, I could hardly claim with confidence that I possess the rightful qualification to become a god, could I?”
“So you’re saying you’ll take me down one-on-one.”
That was the sole reason Albert had ordered everyone outside the castle.
“But isn't there one major problem?” Jun-hyeok asked.
The problem being that Albert actually had to defeat him.
Albert bared his teeth in a grin. “I’ll be honest. I’m actually grateful for your intervention. Because of the restrictions, we couldn't lay a finger on each other directly. I wanted to kill them all with my own hands, but I wasn't allowed to.”
He pointed his double-edged sword sharply at Jun-hyeok.
“So, thank you. I shall kill you and claim its divinity for myself!”
A pitch-black Aura flickered and surged forth. An animalistic assault rained down. Jun-hyeok kicked off the ground.
K-Boom!
The bedchamber shattered. Jun-hyeok burst through the debris and out into the open. Albert swung his sword violently.
Slash!
Sword Ki transformed into blades of light and fired forward. Jun-hyeok drew his sword.
Clang!
Sword Ki collided with his blade. The shockwave rippled outward, shattering the paintings and ornaments hanging on the hallway walls.
Thump!
Amidst the flying fragments, Albert’s sword lunged for Jun-hyeok’s throat. Jun-hyeok raised the flat of his blade to block it.
Clannng!
An intense force surged through Jun-hyeok. His body skidded backward. He was being pushed back in terms of raw strength.
He’s strong.
Jun-hyeok’s stats were over 70. Not even dozens of ordinary men combined could match him. And yet, Albert was overpowering him with sheer force.
Physical enhancement through Aura—that was the source of this power. But that wasn't all.
Flicker.
Albert charged forward savagely, swinging his sword. His beast-like strikes were imbued with a domineering Aura. It occupied the space like a scar, pressing down on Jun-hyeok.
Crash!
Pushed back, Jun-hyeok smashed through a wall and tumbled outside the castle. Albert raised his sword.
“Tear him apart!”
The Aura that had left scars on the world lunged at Jun-hyeok like a predator. Jun-hyeok caught his breath.
[Sword Ki and Sword Wind]
Rumble!
The Sword Ki exploded, colliding with the lunging Aura. The powerful impact shook the sky. Jun-hyeok frowned at the shock vibrating through his sword.
“He’s powerful.”
[I thought this was a world of the weak, but it seems there was one capable man after all.]
The Master of All Weapons spoke, sounding intrigued.
Crunch.
Albert appeared through the broken wall. He pounced like a beast, bringing his double-edged sword down. Jun-hyeok countered.
Clang!
Jun-hyeok’s body plummeted. Albert dove in like a wolf and slashed. The blade grazed Jun-hyeok’s shoulder.
He really is strong.
Jun-hyeok’s Swordsmanship proficiency was C. He possessed swordsmanship that surpassed the first-rate and reached the Peak Realm. On top of that, he was utilizing the martial arts of the Master of All Weapons, albeit unskillfully.
And yet, he was being pushed back. It meant Albert was a swordsman beyond the Peak Realm.
His words hadn't been an empty boast. If not for the restrictions he mentioned, he likely could have killed all the other kings by himself.
Jun-hyeok made a quick judgment. The swordsmanship he possessed was ultimately something granted by the System. He was bound to be outmatched in proficiency and technique by someone who had reached this level through pure training. He had no chance of winning through swordsmanship alone.
But he was a Player. He would use more than just a sword.
With that decision, Jun-hyeok pulled out an Orb. A glowing ruby gem sprang forth.
Flash!
“Ugh!”
An explosion of mana swept over Albert. Panic flickered in Albert’s eyes as he hurriedly protected his body with Aura.
“You weren't a swordsman?!”
Whoosh!
A spear lunged through the explosion. Albert twisted his neck to dodge, his confusion deepening.
“You weren't holding a spear anywhere!”
Jun-hyeok’s Spearmanship proficiency was D, a level above first-rate. Sharp sonic booms repeatedly targeted Albert.
“Hah!”
Albert held his breath and erupted his Aura. He pushed back the attacks and swung through the air.
[Air Jump]
Jun-hyeok kicked the air to evade. Albert gritted his teeth.
“How... utterly bizarre!”
Aura burst forth. Jun-hyeok, who was being blown back, regained his posture with Balancing. Albert laughed joyfully.
“Yes! If you’re a being related to that thing, you should at least be this much! I will kill you and take that power for myself!”
“Unfortunately, that’s impossible.”
This was an ability exclusive to Players.
Albert raised his sword with grand confidence. “I! Shall be the victor!”
“The feeling is mutual.”
Boom!
Force collided with force. Jun-hyeok used his various skills to pressure Albert. Albert didn't back down, drawing out his Aura and swinging his sword to respond.
Thud!
With the collision, Jun-hyeok was pushed back.
He’s solid.
The swung Aura was etched into the world like a scar. It occupied the space, becoming a shield. Depending on Albert’s will, it could instantly transform into an attack. It was a swordsmanship that was nearly perfect in both offense and defense.
He had to break through that defense.
Step.
Jun-hyeok kicked off the ground and charged. Albert was momentarily startled by the sudden dash but immediately thrust his sword.
“Pierce him to death!”
The Auras etched into the world surged forward all at once along with the sword strike.
Jun-hyeok regulated his breathing. Along with his breath, he drew out the internal energy residing in his Dantian. He absorbed Albert’s attack with his gauntlets. Naturally, he couldn't swallow it all. He wrapped and covered the remaining force using his internal energy.
The first profound principle of the Master of All Weapons: Turning Adversity into Strength and Absorb Force to Break Momentum.
The power Albert had thrust forward transformed into Jun-hyeok’s own. Albert hurriedly tried to protect himself.
Craaaack!
“Cough!”
Albert’s body was sent flying, slamming into a wall. His eyes were wide with shock.
What in the—!
Jun-hyeok had perfectly suppressed his power and made it his own. It was a level of swordsmanship that was beyond the norm, an area he couldn't comprehend. For a moment, he was almost mesmerized.
However, he was also a swordsman who had reached a high realm. He quickly protected his body. Jun-hyeok flicked his finger.
[Spear Throw]
• Spear Throw
Zip! Zip!
Spears flew through the air. Albert swung his sword to form an Aura barrier.
[Earth Shake]
At that moment, the ground trembled.
[Stealth]
Jun-hyeok’s presence vanished. Albert’s eyes widened. He disappeared...!
[Instant Acceleration]
• Single Point Penetration
A spear that transcended speed pierced Albert’s shoulder. It shattered the wall behind him and brought down a castle pillar.
“Aaargh!”
“You dodged that too?” Jun-hyeok was genuinely impressed. He had clearly aimed for the heart, but only the shoulder was pierced. The moment the spear touched him, Albert had reflexively twisted his body to evade.
Albert gritted his teeth and grabbed Jun-hyeok’s arm. He tried to sever it.
Slice.
“...!”
But it wouldn't cut. A Player’s body didn't take injuries like that. Jun-hyeok withdrew the spear and pulled out a Greatsword.
“Unfortunately, I have this kind of body.”
[Sixth Sense Exclusion]
Albert’s senses momentarily vanished. The Greatsword moved violently, butchering his body and dealing a fatal blow.
Stab!
The Greatsword pierced Albert’s chest. He coughed up a mouthful of blood.
“...Ha. Hahaha! You bizarre man. You are strong!”
“You were strong too.”
Albert laughed cheerfully and shouted, “It is my defeat! And your victory!”
“Then, I have one favor to ask.”
“A favor?” Albert looked puzzled.
Jun-hyeok gave a thin smile. “The swordsmanship you use. It looks quite useful. Can you hand it over?”
“...”
Albert stared blankly for a moment before letting out a hollow laugh. “You are a greedy madman! Fine. The loser must submit to the victor. Go into the castle’s underground storehouse. It should be there.”
“Thanks.”
“Ah... what a shame. I could have reached an even higher realm...”
With those final words, Albert went limp.
[Level Up]
• Stamina +20
• Strength +1
• Speed +1
• Internal Energy +1
• Proficiency in Divine Art has increased.
• Proficiency in Mental Method has increased.
Jun-hyeok entered the underground storehouse Albert had mentioned. After securing the Scale's Sword Manual and Scale's Mental Method Manual, he stepped outside to find Albert’s soldiers surrounding him.
“...The King is dead.”
“Aaaah...”
“How dare you. How dare you kill our King...!”
Voices mixed with despair and rage echoed. Weapons clattered as murderous intent filled the air.
“Kill him!”
“Avenge him!”
[It seems they aren't as willing to accept things gracefully as their King was.]
“What should I do?” Jun-hyeok mused.
There were too many to deal with all at once. More than anything, his fatigue had piled up significantly. Just as he was considering retreating since the quest was likely over, a light descended.
Despite it being the dead of night, the world shone as bright as midday. An intense light appeared right in front of Jun-hyeok.
“Wh-What is that?”
“...Huh?”
The eyes of the charging soldiers widened in shock.
“You’ve come,” Jun-hyeok spoke calmly.
The entity smiled and lightly touched Jun-hyeok.
[Hidden Quest Cleared]
• Rewards are being granted
Divinity settled into his body. His physical fatigue was restored in an instant. Simultaneously, he acquired a special power.
“...Ha.” After a moment of silence, Jun-hyeok let out a short laugh. I’ve regained this again.
“K-Kill him!”
“It’s sorcery! It’s a trick!”
“Avenge the King!”
The soldiers tried to ignore the miracle that had occurred and charged again. Mages raised their staves. Countless spells began to pour down.
In the face of that storm of power, Jun-hyeok lightly raised a finger. Though it was an utterly ordinary motion, the soldiers felt a sudden chill. Light swirled at his fingertip.
[Glory of the Lost God]
And then, there was light.