Chapter 120
Chapter 120
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: Dark Strike (1)
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[Hea, Heavenly Demon. What in the world did you just do?]
As Nameless stammered the question, the Heavenly Demon slowly withdrew his extended hand.
“It’s called Heaven-Flipping Rain-Overturning, a technique I created.”
The Heavenly Demon brushed off his hands and continued in a completely nonchalant tone.
“It’s a secret art that lets you freely redirect pouring force in any direction you desire. Similar to the Righteous Faction’s Qiankun Da Nao.”
Nameless replied in a voice that seemed to grasp it yet not quite.
[So, you’re saying you didn’t stop that cargo truck... you just turned its direction and sent it crashing into the hills?]
“That’s right.”
[If you have a technique like that, couldn’t you have just stopped it without pushing the vehicle at all?]
The Heavenly Demon snorted at Nameless, who had swallowed his bewilderment.
“As long as it doesn’t harm my vehicle, that’s all that matters. Why waste effort stopping someone else’s truck?]
[...I see.]
Sure enough, even if the city crumbled, as long as it didn’t affect him, the Heavenly Demon would watch like it was a sideshow.
If refueling the Ramas had finished, he would’ve driven off without a care whether trucks came or not. At least no bystanders were around—small mercy.
[But it’s still strange.]
“What is?”
[Unmanned cargo trucks have almost no failure rate, and they’re programmed not to exceed 90 kilometers per hour. Plus, in a collision scenario, the emergency braking system activates automatically.]
“Heh.”
At Nameless’s explanation, the Heavenly Demon suddenly smiled. He nodded while gazing at the distant sky.
“A greeting in place of introductions, I suppose.”
[Pardon?]
“Humans are amusing, indeed.”
Nameless felt its nonexistent heart pound at the sight of the Heavenly Demon grinning with his long fangs bared.
*Click.*
The fuel pump stopped. The Heavenly Demon pulled it out and climbed onto the Ramas.
“Get on.”
[One moment, please.]
*Whirr. Kiririk.*
Nameless hacked into the network, deleting all CCTV footage from the gas station and surrounding areas. Standard procedure whenever the Heavenly Demon caused a scene in the city.
[Done.]
As Nameless boarded the Ramas, the Heavenly Demon revved the engine with a *vroom* and left the station without delay.
“Hmm.”
A low voice leaked from the shadows watching from afar.
It was Nam Hyunwook.
“So it was a telekinesis skill awakener after all.”
He judged the force that redirected the charging truck as a telekinesis skill.
Of course, that analysis wasn’t wrong.
Any expert watching the Heavenly Demon unleash Heaven-Flipping Rain-Overturning would unanimously call it telekinesis.
“Now that I know your ability, shall we begin the hunt?”
Nam Hyunwook activated the power on his active camouflage suit, his body gradually turning transparent.
* * *
A few days later.
Having finished his workday, the Heavenly Demon rode the Ramas back to his rooftop room as usual.
Today involved back-to-back demolitions and flooring installations, leaving his face looking a bit weary as he drove.
The vehicle soon entered the Shield Boundary Zone, the rooftop parking lot coming into view.
[Heading straight to Mom’s Hand Set Meals?]
The Heavenly Demon shook his head at Nameless’s question.
“Gonna wash up first.”
[Understood. Then... Heavenly Demon! Stop the vehicle for a second!]
At Nameless’s urgent voice, the Heavenly Demon slammed on the brakes. Nameless, perched on the center fascia peering outside, had its eye sensors glowing red.
*Whirr.*
Light poured from Nameless’s eye sensors, sweeping the parking lot. Unidentifiable clumps appeared, revealing their transparent forms.
[Dungeon-grade bio-explosives with molecular structures mimicking biology.]
“What’s that?”
[Next-gen explosives developed for dungeons. Made from organic materials similar to human composition for safe use inside. Ironically, they’re used more for terrorism.]
“No idea what you mean.”
Nameless shook its head upon detecting the covertly placed explosives throughout the lot.
[Even functional fiber optic or electromagnetic sensors often miss these bio-explosives. They’re incredibly hard to detect, which is why terror groups love them.]
Nameless didn’t simplify the technical terms requiring worldly science knowledge. It trusted the Heavenly Demon’s mind could grasp the gist without precise jargon.
Sure enough, the Heavenly Demon nodded as if understanding.
“Hard to detect—that’s a solid advantage.”
[Heavenly Demon. I’ll report to the police for removal first. Then analyze CCTV to track the culprit...]
“No need.”
Waving it off, the Heavenly Demon dismounted the Ramas.
“Bio-explosives mimicking human structure...”
He swept his gaze over the dungeon-grade explosives stuck around the lot, then abruptly thrust out one arm.
*Wooong.*
A metallic clash echoed from his palm, and the hidden explosives began floating into the air.
*Shoooo.*
The Heavenly Demon extended his arm skyward at the dozens of airborne explosives.
*Whish. Boom! Pee-ee-eee!*
They detonated in unison high above, sparkling like fireworks across the night sky.
But.
[Uh, um.]
Nameless sounded puzzled. Far too cute an explosion for actual bombs.
Now it saw: the dungeon bio-explosives had been stuffed with fireworks powder.
[Who would do something like this...]
“Amusing prank.”
The Heavenly Demon chuckled and parked the Ramas, then headed up to the rooftop, acting as if he knew exactly who was behind it.
[Do you know who set this up?]
Nameless hurried after, asking.
[Heavenly Demon!]
“You always act smart, but turn dumb when you need to use your head.”
[Pardon?]
“That guy wanted to see how I’d handle the explosives.”
Nameless halted at the Heavenly Demon’s curt words.
It recalled the man in the active camouflage suit who appeared just before the Bubiston incident.
[Explosives... I see.]
*Whirr* from its head, Nameless’s eye sensors flashed.
[Then that cargo truck earlier...]
“Wanted to gauge my power.”
*Creak.*
The Heavenly Demon casually opened the locked rooftop door, prompting Nameless to shout.
[Heavenly Demon!]
“No more traps. He’ll think there’s nothing left to see.”
Entering the dark room without turning on the light, the Heavenly Demon grinned.
“Tonight won’t be lonely.”
In the shadows, his eyes gleamed like a beast eyeing hidden prey.
At dawn, inside the pitch-black rooftop room.
The Heavenly Demon sat cross-legged, meditating.
Nameless perched on the windowsill gazing at the night sky instead of its charging station. It recalled their pre-meditation talk.
[I just can’t understand it.]
“What?”
[Dungeon bio-explosives aren’t available commercially or even on the black market—they’re military-grade.]
Nameless addressed the Heavenly Demon, who sat relaxed in lotus position.
[The man in camouflage is likely a government or military agent. Hiding dangerous Bubiston in an awakener shop in the city center... It doesn’t make sense unless he plans terrorism.]
“It does.”
Eyes closed in deep breath, the Heavenly Demon murmured lowly.
“Officials always squeeze the people dry to fatten themselves at every chance.”
[But... a nation wouldn’t plan terrorism, right?]
“Who knows? They never cared for the people’s lives anyway.”
Nameless tried to speak again, but a faint glow rose from the Heavenly Demon’s body.
Meditation had begun in earnest; Nameless held its tongue.
*Click.*
Nameless’s audio sensors picked up a faint sound from its reverie. Its eye sensors flashed red.
[Heavenly Demon.]
“I heard it too.”
Opening his eyes mid-meditation, divine light flashed in the dark. Rising slowly, he changed into Our Clothes.
[Heavenly Demon. I’ll come with you.]
The Heavenly Demon shook his head at Nameless.
“If you go out, they’ll target you first.”
[Pardon?]
“They’ve confirmed you detect explosives. You’re their biggest nuisance.”
Tying his sash tight, the Heavenly Demon grinned fiercely.
“They’ve probably prepared every trick to shut you down.”
“Oh-ho. Quite the sharp mind.”
The low voice came from outside. Nam Hyunwook’s.
“But you’ll need to bring it out if you want even a slim chance at survival.”
“Heh heh heh.”
Chuckling lowly, the Heavenly Demon looked down at Nameless.
“Stay here until I return.”
[No nanobot waits at home while its user heads to battle.]
Nameless shook its head firmly.
[Better to be destroyed honorably.]
Though feigning resolve, the Heavenly Demon refused flatly.
“You’ll just get in the way. Guard the house.”
[Heavenly Demon.]
“That’s an order.”
Nameless could object no more.
Truth be told, it was more curious about the man’s identity than the Heavenly Demon’s safety. What group he belonged to, why hide massive Bubiston in the city.
But orders superseded curiosity. Nameless obeyed.
*Creak.*
Stepping out the rusty door, moonlight bathed the serene rooftop. Yet Nam Hyunwook was nowhere.
“Can you find me without that machine?”
His voice came from the railing ahead.
The Heavenly Demon wasn’t fooled. Turning to the rooftop roof, he smirked.
“In the martial world, that level of stealth is basic.”
*Swish.*
As he spoke, the transparent form distorted, revealing the man in active camouflage suit.
A black device clung to his mouth: a sound diffraction modulator altering voice direction.
“Not bad.”
Nam Hyunwook smiled wide.
The fiercer and more skilled the beast, the greater the thrill of the hunt.
“Brought something special to catch that freakish nanobot. Useless now.”
He flicked off a small device from his wrist.
An EMP emitter unleashing gamma rays to remotely disable nanobots.
“But I’ll take that bizarre nanobot after I deal with you.”
The Heavenly Demon curled his lip at the chattering Nam Hyunwook.
“Faster than expected.”
He’d sensed watchful eyes for days. Could’ve hunted them down anytime but waited leisurely.
“You knew I was watching?”
“Of course. Must’ve been dying to act.”
“Why wait?”
At Nam Hyunwook’s question, the Heavenly Demon’s smile chilled.
“Foolish beasts think they can stalk the hunter. I enjoy watching their idiocy.”
Coincidence? Or fate?
Both claimed hunter status, deeming the other foolish prey.
“I usually just take down game and leave.”
Nam Hyunwook licked his lips.
“Should’ve swept your surroundings first, judging by your bluster. Would’ve shut that arrogance.”
“Actually worked out better.”
The Heavenly Demon’s smile turned savage.
If this lunatic had touched Jang Chaewon first, no such fun would’ve come.
“Telekinesis is rare and fearsome, sure. Can dispatch most monsters without lifting a finger.”
Bored expression from the Heavenly Demon prompted Nam Hyunwook to stroke a panel on his left arm.
*Giiiing.* A low hum, followed by eerie noise rippling around the rooftop.
“Telekinesis requires focus—brainwave disruptor makes it near impossible.”
Yawning at Nam Hyunwook pulling gadgets like a peddler, the Heavenly Demon spoke.
“Done yapping?”
“Pardon?”
“Boring.”
The Heavenly Demon tilted his head; murder glinted in Nam Hyunwook’s eyes.
*Shiiik.*
Air sliced, blades of wind pouring forth.
The Heavenly Demon shifted slightly; the nearby platform split in two with a *slash*.
“Hmm.”
Glancing at it, he shook his head.
Exerting force here risked demolishing the rooftop—and the building.
Leaping to the railing, he beckoned Nam Hyunwook.
“Follow me, rat.”
Unleashing lightness skill, he pierced the shield. Watching, Nam Hyunwook smirked and shook his head.
“Always the same...”
*Paat.*
He too soared into the air, shooting after the Heavenly Demon.
Near the Variable Dungeon boundary.
Amid ruined buildings untouched by awakeners.
There stood the Heavenly Demon in his Mad Demon Blood Battle Clothes, facing Nam Hyunwook in active camouflage.
Both wore relaxed expressions, eyes brimming with anticipation—like awaiting each other’s tricks.
“Don’t get cocky. Soon you’ll wail and flee in despair...”
*Quang!*
Nam Hyunwook flew straight into a ruin before finishing.
Lightning-fast strike from the Heavenly Demon.
“Talkative pest.”
White smoke rose from his fist. Reverse Extreme True Energy infused with scorching molten force.
“Not telekinesis.”
*Thud.*
Nam Hyunwook brushed it off like a bug bite, rising casually.
Strange glow from his eyes, he smiled leisurely.
“With so many skills... maybe we can play a bit longer.”
*Crack.*
Purple veins erupted, veiling his face.
Skin save eyes webbed in veins—like a demon coiled in purple serpents.
“Come at me again.”
Endless haze-like energy poured from the purple veins.
The Heavenly Demon caught a fetid whiff at his nose. Like venom from a gaping serpent maw.
“Hmm.”
He squinted.
The stench paralyzed him; his innate Reverse Extreme True Energy seemed utterly vanished.
“Feeling the fear now?”
Nam Hyunwook raised an arm, smashing at the Heavenly Demon.
*Quang.*
Blast hurled him back ten meters. Barely blocked with both arms, brows furrowed tight.
“Always the same scene with awakeners.”
Grinning wickedly at the crouched Heavenly Demon.
“Full of bravado... then skills sealed, body shrinks, fear dawns.”
Thinking victory assured, Nam Hyunwook approached leisurely, smug.
“After gaining power, I’ve never truly unleashed it.”
Gazing skyward, he sighed deeply, shaking his head.
“Before dying... wanted a real fight. Had high hopes for you.”
*Cha-ang.*
Short rod from waist extended into a blade of keen menace. Monomolecular cutter, slicing steel like tofu.
“But always the same end.”
Licking the blade drew bitter blood in his mouth.
“Soon this’ll sever your neck. Then slice tendons, spray crimson blood everywhere.”
Ecstatic, he licked again.
“Skin you, debone you—admire the clean bones. Carve out favorites.”
Impressive prey bone fragments stored in his suit even now.
Today, Nam Hyunwook would add one more.