The Superhuman's Duel
Superhuman Community. The place was ablaze with a single piece of bait.
The initial vibe was that the Black Snake Clan was up to their usual pointless nonsense. That made sense—their public image was pretty trashy.
But the Black Snake Clan's official statement that followed threw the superhumans into confusion.
Hello. This is Black Snake Clan.
We would like to clarify our position regarding our challenge of a Superhuman's Duel against Magic Tower's mage Kim Jehyun.
Recently, our clan's deputy leader Jang Gwangsu met his end. The suspect has been identified as Magic Tower's mage Kim Jehyun.
At the time, Jang Gwangsu was at the Gangsu Clan, and it appears he got caught up in a dispute between the Gangsu Clan and Kim Jehyun as they settled their grudge.
That clash escalated to bloodshed.
The fact that Kim Jehyun clashed with the Gangsu Clan was already public knowledge. But this was the first revelation that Jang Gwangsu had also fallen to Kim Jehyun.
Black Snake Clan's statement continued.
Our deputy leader Jang Gwangsu was a mage on the cusp of 6th Circle. He held a key position in our clan, shouldering major responsibilities, and was a model member who always led by example.
That day was no different. He was attending an annual event at the Gangsu Clan, with whom we have ties.
But out of nowhere, he got dragged into the fight between Kim Jehyun and the Gangsu Clan.
Jang Gwangsu had no involvement whatsoever in that grudge between Kim Jehyun and the Gangsu Clan.
Yet Kim Jehyun pulled our innocent deputy leader into the fray, and Jang Gwangsu ultimately lost his life.
Everyone! Doesn't this seem off?
At the time, Kim Jehyun was merely a 4th Circle mage. There was a world of difference between him and Jang Gwangsu, who was at the edge of 6th Circle.
The Gangsu Clan's leader, Lee Geolsu—who was reportedly subdued by Kim Jehyun—is a 5th Circle mage, and most of his clan members were 3rd Circle or higher.
Do you really think a single 4th Circle mage could take them all down alone?
Black Snake Clan was waging a PR war. With their persuasive questions, their suspicions seemed plausible at first glance.
The mood was flowing in Black Snake Clan's favor. They'd planted the idea that Kim Jehyun must have some abnormal power beyond what he showed.
We were too flustered at first to investigate properly and just took the Superhuman Association's report at face value.
But it made no sense, so we launched our own probe.
And we came to suspect that in that battle, Kim Jehyun used some 'abnormal' power that must be hidden.
Dear superhuman comrades.
We wanted to prove Jang Gwangsu's wrongful death, but our abilities fell short.
So we've decided on our last resort: the Superhuman's Duel.
We're proposing it to Kim Jehyun.
If he truly beat Jang Gwangsu fair and square, he should be able to match our 6th Circle mage Kim Sang-hwi, whom we're putting forward.
We're not demanding a blind 1v1 against a 6th Circle.
Considering the visible circle gap, we're suggesting a Superhuman's Duel format where the first to claim the dungeon boss's magic stone wins.
B-rank, labyrinth-type dungeon—the most common format.
All we want is clarity on whether Kim Jehyun was justified that day, so Jang Gwangsu's soul can rest without grudge.
If Kim Jehyun wins, we'll offer him a 'Dark's Magic Stone' as atonement for doubting his ability.
But if he loses, considering Jang Gwangsu's contributions, we ask him to serve our clan for 10 years in his stead.
That's all.
Jehyun scrolled through the heated posts. Amid them, he spotted one last comment and let out a snort.
"Black Snake Clan would totally pull dirty tricks even in a public duel."
That was true even in the future. As they ramped up activity, their ugly, underhanded nature became infamous.
They were a group centered on black mages from the start—no point expecting morals from them.
"They even got branded villains later."
Being villains gives ample justification to wipe them out, no? Why leave them be?
"Well... their clan leader's no pushover."
He was in secluded training now, no external activity.
But when he emerged far in the future, the world witnessed another great 8th Circle mage.
"Not quite Tower Master level, but a monster in his own right. Black Snake Clan survived on his power alone despite the infamy."
Hmm. To surpass him later, this body must train even harder.
But wilt thou accept this duel?
"Of course. They're slandering me publicly—can't just sit back."
Honestly, it was absurd watching it unfold. Jang Gwangsu had teamed up with Gangsu Clan first, set a trap, and attacked him—now playing innocent?
"Pisses me off more the longer I think about it."
At first, it was too ridiculous to anger him, but chewing on it fueled rage.
Thankfully, not everyone bought it hook, line, and sinker. But surely some believed he unjustly killed innocent Jang Gwangsu.
That thought spiked his irritation.
He considered a PR counter, but winning the duel and revealing the truth seemed cleaner.
"And no way I'm refusing. Look at those rewards."
Excluding the Dragon God Temple entry from the quest reward, their 'Dark's Magic Stone' was tempting.
'Core material for a 5th Circle legendary magic tool.'
Dark monsters were A-rank but ultra-rare.
Their magic stones boasted insane amplification.
Perfect for crafting legendary gear.
"Can't pass this up. Plus a labyrinth dungeon... suits me perfectly."
Jehyun was mid-sentence to Alkasha when—
Vrrr!
His phone buzzed. He checked the screen.
'Song Jiseok?'
The Magic Tower's fifth disciple.
"Hello?"
—It's been a while, Jehyun. Just checking—did you see Black Snake Clan's statement?
Figured it was about the duel.
—Decline their proposal. If you want, the Tower can handle it for you.
Song Jiseok was worried for him, personally calling to shield him from the noise under the Tower's wing.
Jehyun appreciated the gesture.
But his mind was set.
"Thank you for your concern. But I'm accepting the challenge."
—What? You're set on it? If you lose...
"I'll be fine. I'm confident."
—...
Song Jiseok fell silent at Jehyun's assured tone.
Then he responded.
—If you're confident, I respect your choice. You're something else, Jehyun. Hearing that voice makes me think there's no need to worry. Guess I trust you plenty, haha.
They chatted briefly more before hanging up.
With his resolve firm, things moved fast.
He contacted Black Snake Clan immediately, accepting the proposal.
Thus began Kim Jehyun and Black Snake Clan's Superhuman's Duel.
Black Mole. A mole-type monster.
The B-rank dungeon for Jehyun vs. Kim Sang-hwi's duel was the Black Mole's Lair—a labyrinth of countless tunnels.
Each path ended in rooms mixing traps and rewards.
Wander long enough, and you'd reach the boss room.
First to kill the boss and claim its magic stone wins.
"Oh, here he comes!"
The crowd gathered for the show spotted someone approaching the dungeon.
"It's Black Snake Clan's Kim Sang-hwi!"
"Dude's built like a tank? He's a mage?"
"Looks brutish, but he's a top-tier 6th Circle black mage."
Kim Sang-hwi had massive shoulders and hands like pot lids.
Reaching the entrance, he lazily crossed his arms, scanning the crowd with a languid expression.
His presence alone exuded subtle intimidation.
"Kim Jehyun not here yet, huh."
"Yeah. He ain't chickening out on Sang-hwi hyung, right?"
"Tch. If so, he should cut off his balls."
Kim Sang-hwi's accompanying Black Snake member, Yoon Ji-yong, got a curt reply.
Right then—
"Oh! Someone else coming."
Speak of the devil.
Kim Jehyun arrived right after.
"Kim Jehyun! Magic Tower's Kim Jehyun is here!"
"Whoa, that's him? Total hunk."
"But he looks so young. 5th Circle at that age?"
"Yeah, just turned 18. Rumors say he's the once-in-a-generation genius to succeed the Tower Master."
"Insane! 5th Circle at 18? Why hasn't he blown up sooner?"
"Tower rumors leak slow."
Jehyun strode confidently to the entrance amid the stares.
A subtle dragon aura emanated from him, enveloping the area.
Far beyond Kim Sang-hwi's pressure.
'T-This guy's Kim Jehyun?'
Meeting Jehyun's gaze, Kim Sang-hwi broke into cold sweat.
Jehyun reeked of danger.
"Kim Jehyun of the Magic Tower."
Jehyun politely offered a handshake.
Kim Sang-hwi gripped it with a stiff face. The laziness was long gone.
'Seize the initiative early.'
He aimed to reverse the vibe.
Beyond magic, his natural strength was immense.
He squeezed just enough not to break bones, hoping to see Jehyun wince.
"Kim Sang-hwi of Black Snake Clan."
He replied, applying pressure.
Crunch.
'What?'
Kim Sang-hwi felt an odd rigidity.
Jehyun's hand was like gripping iron.
No ordinary mage's body.
'Something's wrong... Ngh.'
His face twisted in pain.
Jehyun squeezed lightly, sending unbearable agony through his hand.
How could this slim guy have such power?
"Urk."
Kim Sang-hwi yanked free, clutching his hand with the other.
Yoon Ji-yong, watching, gawked.
'H-Hyung lost in strength? To that scrawny kid?'
He stared in disbelief.
Jehyun remained calmly composed.
"Damn it."
Kim Sang-hwi muttered low.
He'd tried to dominate, but got dominated instead.
"Whoa, what happened?"
"Dunno, just a handshake."
The crowd couldn't pinpoint it, just noting Kim Sang-hwi's grimace.
"Kim Sang-hwi's got the edge, right?"
"6th Circle advantage... Bet on him earlier—odds were low. Most expect him to win like me."
The visible circle gap favored Kim Sang-hwi in their eyes.
In that atmosphere, Han Myeong-hui—the official witness—stepped forward.
"Hello. I'm Han Myeong-hui, vice leader of Ollie Clan."
She managed this region's mid-small Ollie Clan.
"This Superhuman's Duel will..."
She explained the rules to them—exactly as pre-notified.
"...First to secure the boss's magic stone..."
She kept glancing at Jehyun.
'He's seriously hot.'
'Skin care pro? So fair and clear.'
'Wanna pinch those cheeks.'
Her stares irked Kim Sang-hwi amid his post-handshake frustration—like pouring oil on fire.
His glare startled her into speeding up, soon reciting the oath.
"Vice leader of Ollie Clan, Han Myeong-hui, swears to witness without a shred of falsehood."
With the oath done, Jehyun and Kim Sang-hwi stood side-by-side at the entrance.
'Damn brat. Something's off, alright.'
Kim Sang-hwi ground his teeth, recalling the humiliation.
The dangerous aura, the superior grip—definitely no ordinary foe.
'But...'
Recalling vice leader Lee Hyun-woo's hint, he muttered low enough for only Jehyun to hear.
"Hey, kid. You got some tricks... but watch your back in the dungeon. My magic lately doesn't distinguish friend from foe."
Overt threat.
As a 6th Circle, it should rattle Jehyun.
But Jehyun's reaction was the opposite.
His impassive eyes tinted pale amber, exuding the overwhelming presence of a great being.
Jehyun slightly unleashed his dragon power and turned to him.
"Hey, old man. Better remember this: If you're gonna backstab, your own back's on the line too."
Hearing Jehyun's voice laced with Dragon Fear, Kim Sang-hwi's eyes quivered like prey before a beast.