Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Baal's Gaze
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⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Constellation 'Hungry Prince' fidgets, worried the prey will go cold. The wolves that Park Jeong-pil had lured in were swiftly taken care of by Se-woon's hands. With around thirty lying dead, fewer than half remained.
It was an incredible display, but nearly thirty wolves were still attacking the others.
However.
⚔ STATUS ⚔ You have devoured 'Gray Wolf'.
Absorbing nutrients: Strength +1, Agility +3.
Absorbing nutrients: Strength +0.1, Agility +0.3.
...
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Constellation 'Hungry Prince' opens its mouth wide. Se-woon casually activated the Authority of Gluttony to collect the wolf corpses, paying no attention to the others.
"Whoa, bro! That was insane! Were you special forces back on Earth or something? Nah, even special forces couldn't pull that off!"
Park Jeong-pil bounced around excitedly, acting like it was his own achievement after Se-woon's performance.
He even subtly reminded him midway, "Bro, don't forget I lured those bastards in like a pro!" claiming his own credit.
'He's actually useful.'
At first, Se-woon had pushed Park Jeong-pil forward as bait to keep him under watch and prevent any funny ideas. But his abilities turned out more practical than expected.
Though desperation from having beasts at his back played a part, unlike his self-introduction as the "Turtle of Daesan-dong," he was fast enough to draw in Gray Wolves.
Even accounting for survival instincts, he'd surpassed normal human limits. He was unconsciously tapping into his player potential.
"But bro, shouldn't we help over there?"
Park Jeong-pil pointed at the people still desperately fending off the wolves.
This was nothing like the monkey wave.
Gray Wolves were on another level compared to Brown Wolves.
Thrusting out shields did little; the wolves cunningly bit and yanked them, breaking formations, then hit-and-run to whittle down stamina.
Already, about half were nursing wounds of varying severity, struggling.
'Even those two are struggling.'
Standouts like Yoo Seo-ah and Kang Han-cheol were no exception.
No matter how skilled, they couldn't block every attack. They avoided major injuries but lacked a solid counter.
Kang Han-cheol had it worst—perhaps due to his height or lack of speed, he couldn't catch the nimble, sly wolves.
Yoo Seo-ah, meanwhile, steadily analyzed attack patterns, striking back agilely.
"They're in real danger if we don't help."
"If you're that worried, go help yourself."
"Nah, I'm your right-hand man, bro! The arm's gotta stick tight to the body!"
Even self-preservationist Park Jeong-pil seemed concerned about the group's state.
But Se-woon had one reason not to help.
'If I step in more, they'll just get dependent.'
He recalled the scene just before the raid started.
No matter how much Yoo Seo-ah shouted, people slacked off, assuming Se-woon would handle it.
'With someone that strong around, what's there to worry about?'
That's how they thought.
Besides, Se-woon intervening further would only stunt their growth.
In truth, he'd taken down half the monsters in the waves so far single-handedly.
Naturally, half the experience went to him alone.
At this rate, the others' leveling would lag, turning the camp into baggage relying solely on Se-woon, not the strong group he envisioned.
"S-Save us!"
"Hey! If you're done there, help us too!"
Their cries fell on deaf ears; Se-woon ignored them completely.
Park Jeong-pil beside him fidgeted anxiously.
"B-Bro, if we leave 'em like that, it'll get really bad, right?"
"No plans to carry dead weight."
"Ahem..."
Park Jeong-pil swallowed hard, fully grasping Se-woon's words.
Sharp guy. He'd likely solidified his view of Se-woon by now.
He realized Se-woon would ruthlessly discard him the moment he became useless.
"How can you call yourself human?!"
"You just wanna save yourself! Damn it!"
"You trying to let us die?!"
Realizing Se-woon wouldn't help, they lashed out desperately.
Se-woon smiled faintly at the sight.
'Good.'
He'd worried they'd collapse in fear like day one.
And then, following Go Chang-seok's, another startling message appeared above them.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Constellation 'Spider with Crown' watches Player 'Yoo Seo-ah''s swordsmanship with interest. A constellation's attention on Yoo Seo-ah, swinging her sword at the front.
He'd anticipated some interest via Go Chang-seok, but reading the name revealed its identity, impossible not to be shocked.
'Baal.'
The Great Demon King ranked first among the 72 Demon Kings, known as the strongest.
Hell’s Grand Duke leading the eastern legions.
Baal.
Not quite Demon God level, but the king of kings among those just below.
A valiant commander of 66 demon legions and swordsmanship master—natural he'd notice Yoo Seo-ah.
And the constellations taking interest in Yoo Seo-ah didn't end with Baal.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Constellation 'Chariot Roaring in the Wilderness' halts its chariot and takes interest in 'Yoo Seo-ah''s swordsmanship. Constellation 'Dissatisfied Destroyer' glares at 'Yoo Seo-ah' with fiery eyes. Demon King ranked 52nd, Allocer.
Demon King ranked 63rd, Andras, and others.
Sword- and battle-related demon kings focused on Yoo Seo-ah.
'Well, even before my regression, Yoo Seo-ah caught many constellations' eyes.'
Thanks to Se-woon drawing evil gods' attention, it happened sooner, but her drawing interest was inevitable.
Soon, all messages vanished except one.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Constellation 'Spider with Crown' furrows its brow and bares its fangs. No demon king could defy the top-ranked Great Demon King, Baal.
And then.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Constellation 'Spider with Crown' seeks to test 'Yoo Seo-ah''s vessel. From that moment, Yoo Seo-ah's movements noticeably changed.
Slash, slice!
Her sword swings toward the wolves were incomparably faster than before. With just one sword, it felt like multiple blades danced at once.
It evoked the image of a spider with eight legs.
'Baal's power.'
No need to check the message above her—he knew.
Baal had granted her power to test if she could handle it.
Yet Yoo Seo-ah's expression remained unchanged. She wielded the Great Demon King's gift as if it were her own.
Trancelike, her focus solely on sword and wolves.
Stab, slash!
Her blade pierced fearlessly between wolves.
Not just faster—its power had surged.
Where it struck, wounds like venomous fangs tore flesh cruelly.
"I can do this!"
"Now! Finish 'em off!"
Her display brought hope to the others' faces.
They pressed their weapons against the faltering wolves.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Constellation 'Spider with Crown' raises its forelegs in great delight. Baal's power wasn't mere swordsmanship. The valiant commander wielded immense command authority.
As proof, morale soared; grips on weapons tightened.
"Graaah!"
"Grrrng!"
Wolves made final desperate lunges, but victory had tilted decisively.
Even targeting gaps, Yoo Seo-ah appeared ghostly, striking vitals.
The precarious battle ended in a flash.
⚔ TUTORIAL CLEAR ⚔ [Tutorial First Chapter – Adaptation] You have successfully passed the fourth wave. 100 points awarded to all wave participants. Personal contributions being tallied... [1st: Jeong Se-woon 4,920 points] [2nd: Yoo Seo-ah 900 points] [3rd: Kang Han-cheol 580 points] "Hah... hah..."
Only after the last wolf fell did Yoo Seo-ah gasp ragged breaths, assessing the situation.
The hot energy permeating her body and sword, the constellation message before her eyes.
She understood none of it.
But perhaps Baal's power overwhelmed her, despite wielding it well?
Whoosh—
As it faded, she collapsed unconscious.
As others panicked with "Wha—what?!"
Thud.
"Good work."
Se-woon, from the opposite side, had approached unnoticed, catching her back and head.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Argh, my leg!"
"Wh-what do we do? Wash it with water first... Anyone a doctor? Or a nurse?!"
"I know basic first aid, but without tools, there's little I can do..."
Thanks to Yoo Seo-ah, the wave ended sooner than expected, but it produced more casualties than any before.
Scarcely anyone escaped unscathed.
Severe cases had deep leg gashes still bleeding or remained unconscious.
"If only that guy had helped..."
Some clenched fists thinking of Se-woon.
He who slew half the pack in one go yet ignored them.
And just then, Se-woon, having laid Yoo Seo-ah down, walked over.
Yet none dared raise their voice. They all knew his power.
Se-woon, surveying, raised a hand before the most critically injured.
"Wh-what are you doing?! You wouldn't even help!"
"Move."
Under Se-woon's cold gaze, the blocker flinched back involuntarily.
Soon, brilliant light flowed from Se-woon's hand.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ You have opened the Treasure Vault of Greed. [Cure Light] ⟨ The White Tower's most basic healing spell, stops bleeding and eases pain. ⟩
Shimmer—
"Huh? The wound..."
The patient's injury began mending where the light touched.