Baekho's Parting Gift
Was it thanks to Baek Won-ho's show of force?
"Get lost."
The situation cleared up in an instant.
Who would dare step forward after seeing a user get cut down with a single slash right in front of them?
Of course, no one knew the dead user's level, but that didn't matter. Not a single bold fool was willing to act tough after witnessing Baek Won-ho's power firsthand.
Everyone backed away with shocked expressions, hesitating and putting distance between themselves and the scene. Naturally, Mu-hyuk was the one hit hardest by the shock.
Instant kill...!
He was still dazed by the sheer power he'd felt in that sword strike.
The subtle sensation of Yerin hooking her arm through his brought him back to his senses.
"Oppa?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah."
"All the users have scattered..."
"Ah, let's go."
"Okay!"
Even as they started walking, his mind kept replaying the third form of the Baekho Sword Technique.
Baekho Slash.
The more he thought about it, the more certain he became.
The greatest skill had fallen right into his hands.
Clunk.
They soon arrived at the main gate.
Baek Won-ho, still guarding the spot, spotted Mu-hyuk and his group and relaxed his expression.
"Go on in."
"Yes."
"Did you check everything properly?"
"Thoroughly, sir."
"How was it?"
"Nothing short of magnificent."
"Haha."
They arrived together at the family head's office.
"The family head is inside."
"Why here...?"
"You're not leaving, are you?"
"..."
"Keep working hard from here on out."
"Yes, sir."
"Off you go."
He headed forward with his companions.
Before they even reached the door.
"You've arrived?"
He'd recognized Mu-hyuk just from his presence.
"Yes."
"Come in."
After entering and exchanging some small talk, they got to the point.
"I'm leaving now."
"I see. I still have something to give you—wait a moment."
Baek Ho-un returned with a single document.
"Take it."
"What's this?"
"There's a massive rumor on the Kairon Continent: a place no one's reached, where some world-shaking power lies hidden, uncharted. Countless explorers have challenged it and failed. This map holds all that information—a true treasure."
Mu-hyuk's eyes gleamed.
You have learned the rumors of the Kairon Continent.
You have obtained a hint for the main episode.
Linked Quest: Uncharted Regions of the Kairon Continent
He didn't need the messages to know.
The value of that map.
It was bound to be packed with info on uncharted areas.
It would be a huge help in his pursuit of hidden power.
"This settles my debt for your help."
"Thank you for everything."
"Haha, I should be thanking you. Without you, I might've turned away all outsiders in disappointment. But meeting you taught me to stay cautious while showing courtesy—as long as they show it first."
Baek Ho-un stood.
"Go."
"Yes."
Sung Min-woo, Yerin, and Kim Ji-yeon, who had been waiting with him, also rose.
*
After leaving the Baekho family grounds, they warped to the southernmost kingdom.
A bit further south lay the Black Swamp, and at its center was the warp gate to the Forma Continent.
There was decent foot traffic since it was the route to the continent.
"Hey, look over there."
"What?"
"There, that top ranker, right?"
"Ranker? Who?"
Mu-hyuk drew eyes more often than expected.
"Yeah, it's him. On the warhorse, four people, gear all matches."
"Right? It's Mu-hyuk."
"Whoa, for real?"
"Crazy, what a sight."
The stares were piling up.
"Mu-hyuk!"
Some even approached, greeting him and saying they'd watched his streams.
It felt good, but too much attention was bound to bring trouble.
"Too conspicuous."
"Yeah."
"Got some junk gear—swap into that and go."
They veered off to a quieter spot, changed items, and reequipped.
Then they headed back toward the Black Swamp entrance.
"Phew, quieter now."
The four chatted and laughed easily.
The monsters here were still low-level, so no need for tension—they could relax for once.
After leisurely trekking for about 20 minutes, they reached the Black Swamp.
"Let's move fast."
"Got it."
"Yeah, full speed!"
Confidence and skill overflowed.
They plunged in without hesitation.
"Lots of monsters."
Confirming the swarm, they swapped back to their proper gear and summoned their minions before advancing.
"Take out anything that charges."
Skeletons marched toward the monsters.
Spirits radiating overwhelming presence, nimble squirrels darting about.
Some even climbed onto Poison Ogres, Yetis, or Giant Cyclopses.
Small and cute, but relentlessly enhanced—they now packed serious punch.
The perfectly coordinated summons overwhelmed the swarming insect monsters, clearing the path.
Mu-hyuk, Sung Min-woo, Yerin, and Kim Ji-yeon strolled leisurely along the cleared trail.
You have acquired experience points.
Bone Sword 3 has been unsummoned...
About 10 minutes in.
"Yeah, time to stop?"
Some 80% of the summons had vanished. They could push further, but no need to overdo it.
Plus, stopping in this crowded entry area made sense.
That way, the onlookers could approach.
"Um, excuse me."
"Yes?"
"Mind if we join? I'm level 191, archer class. My buddies here are the same level."
Meaning they could pull their weight.
"Sure."
"Thank you!"
Their easy acceptance emboldened the hesitant crowd.
"Can we join too? Level 193!"
"What about me...?"
Mu-hyuk nodded with a smile.
"Anyone heading to Forma Continent is welcome. Same road—better and faster together."
"Whoa!"
"Mu-hyuk, huge fan!"
"Me too!"
"Thanks. Mind if we join too...?"
Dozens gathered in a flash.
"My summons are mostly gone now. Rest up and go?"
"With this many people..."
"Right. We can handle the monsters."
"Then I'll impose on you."
No summons? Joined users hunt monsters.
Mu-hyuk's team helps too. When resummon time hits, he calls them out, lets users rest, and summons push through.
Win-win for everyone.
*
At the Black Swamp's heart.
The warp gate loomed ahead.
"We're here."
Impressively quick.
"Way easier in a group."
"Sure is."
They reached the gate, and Mu-hyuk thanked the group.
"Good work, everyone."
"Nah, you did the heavy lifting."
"Mu-hyuk worked hardest. Just like on stream—insane!"
"Thanks. We'll go in order."
Mu-hyuk and his team, at the front, took the first warp.
Space warped in a blaze of light.
"Whew."
Finally back on Forma Continent after so long.
"Ah, nice breeze."
"Feels that way?"
"Like coming home."
The three chuckled at Sung Min-woo's words.
"Not bad."
Sentimental, for sure.
"Spend achievement points first."
"Finally...!"
"Sweet!"
"Oppa, unnie says it's her first time using them."
"Really? I'll explain on the way."
"Yeah!"
"No. Min-woo, you do it."
"Uh, sure. Got it."
"Skeleton Warhorse Summon."
They mounted and raced to the nearest village.
Warped to the Hemil Empire, then straight to the temple. He'd explained usage en route, so they were tense but not worried.
A novice priest approached inside.
"What brings you here?"
"To use our accumulated achievement power."
"Ah, o-one moment!"
The high priest soon appeared.
"To use achievement power?"
"Yes."
"The others here too?"
"Correct."
The high priest nodded.
"This way."
They entered doors one by one in turn.
Same door, different spaces—no crossings.
Been a while here too.
Mu-hyuk upgraded the shop to stage 2.
Strength Potion
Permanently increases Strength stat by (1).
Required Achievement Points: 15
Agility Potion
Permanently increases Agility stat by (1).
Required Achievement Points: 15
Vitality Potion
Permanently increases Vitality stat by (1).
Required Achievement Points: 15
He had 255 achievement points.
Exactly enough for 17 potions.
Vitality 5, Agility 2, Strength 10.
Balanced distribution.
Purchase 10 Strength Potions? [Yes/No]
Required Achievement Points: 150
Current Achievement Points: 255
He selected Yes, then bought Agility and Vitality in order.
Downed them immediately.
Satisfied, he exited the room.
No one else out yet.
Tough choices.
Three minutes later, Kim Ji-yeon emerged, followed by Yerin.
She looked a bit regretful.
"What's up?"
"Eh, just... picky after browsing."
"Save up more achievements and come back later."
Sung Min-woo took five more minutes.
"What, already out?"
"Yeah, went decisive today."
"Huh, unlike you."
Yerin nearby tilted her head.
"Min-woo oppa was last out...?"
"Ah, guy's got choice paralysis."
"Oh...?"
Sung Min-woo grinned awkwardly.
"Kinda."
Kim Ji-yeon giggled watching, then blushed and looked down.
"Heh..."
Sung Min-woo beamed goofily at her.
"Anyway, all done?"
"Yup!"
"Yeah."
"Then learn your skills and regroup."
The four left the temple for their respective masters. To acquire level 200 skills.