Another Whale Joins the Fray (2)
I interfered with the crumbled ruins, transforming their form.
Rumble—!
The most important thing is efficiency.
That was a lesson learned from past experience.
In my battle with those bandits, I'd realized just how dangerous mana depletion could be. Without the help of those players, I'd probably be drowning in the afterlife by now.
So I'd spent the entire night pondering.
How can I fight with maximum efficiency?
For starters, attack spells like Ignition had relatively low efficiency. My mana had started draining away rapidly in that last rift once I began using Ignition.
I need to refrain from using them as much as possible.
In that sense, what spell had the highest mana efficiency? If anyone asked, the scene before their eyes was my answer.
Roooar—!
The spell manifested from the crumbled ruins. Its aftermath warped the ruins' shape. A massive wall rose up, blocking the path between me and the charging soldier.
This wasn't an attack spell or a defensive one. It was magic inspired by the [Alchemy Skill].
That's right. Among the spells I could use, alchemy-types had the highest efficiency.
The problem is their extremely limited applications.
Of course, I could make the form a bit more complex. Add spikes for lethality to the wall, or shape it into a weapon from the start...
Like maximizing a teacup's insulation.
Adding complex shapes like hooks for killing power consumed quite a bit of mana. I'd felt it while modifying that arrowhead. The larger the size, the more mana it'd take for complexity.
In other words, the tail wagging the dog.
Besides, there was no need.
"This is sufficient."
This time, it wasn't bravado. Perhaps because of its high level? Even with the massive wall rising, there was no hesitation. The soldier swiftly circled around it, closing in on me.
But I was confident. Even so, I'd be faster.
Crack—!!
"?"
No extra mana or effort went into this. Like turning a falling teacup back into a stone. I reverted the stone wall to the ruins' debris.
Boom boom boom—!
This wasn't magical destructive power. It was the impact from height. I'd forgotten the physics formula since I was a liberal arts major...
Anyway, it was an irresistible physical law.
Roooar—! The destructive force matched the wall's height. I'd guessed the potential from the teacup, but honestly? Beyond imagination.
I checked my mana consumption.
...This level means I can keep using it from now on?
Mana was consumed only when erecting the stone wall; reverting it used almost none. The all-nighter had paid off.
...'Reversal Magic'.
Efficiency high enough not to feel awkward giving it a grandiose name.
Amid the rising dust, red eyes gleamed.
Of course, I didn't expect Reversal Magic alone to take it down. There was a level gap. But even with that, the damage would be impossible to ignore. As visible.
I gazed at the soldier buried under the rubble. Only its face was exposed. Still baring sharp fangs at me.
Time to finish it.
I drew my silver dagger. In the past, I'd have hesitated to swing properly due to durability concerns. But now, it was fine.
Whoosh— I tossed the silver dagger into the air.
Scan, interfere, manifest.
In an instant, the silver dagger's form changed. Into something like a long, sharp awl.
Stab—
The silver awl pierced the soldier, severing its last breath.
I used reversal magic to restore its form. The damaged silver awl returned to a pristine silver dagger. Durability checked... intact, fortunately.
Experience befitting a level 300 foe. Total rise: 5 levels. I was now level 91.
To the casual observer, it might look like a total victory. I'd overwhelmed the soldier without lifting a finger, seemingly.
But saying that would be unfair to me.
...If I could, I'd love to just fight comfortably.
In truth, it was me using everything at my disposal. Mana consumption, of course. Weapon durability, even the living expenses for repairs. I'd poured my all into it, heart pounding...!
But I didn't show that desperation.
As if I'd truly not lifted a finger. As if nothing had happened.
I advanced expressionlessly.
Click—
Does it not care about my inner turmoil at all? I thought, watching my long coat flap stylishly.
...If I hadn't gotten loot, I'd die of injustice. For real.
*
Gaon and Inazuma clashed!
The world might not care, but Korea and Japan had no choice but to focus on that rift.
Soccer, baseball, volleyball... Even ordinary sports turned feverish in Korea-Japan matches. So this rivalry drew unprecedented attention, naturally.
Even without the Korea-Japan label, it was the same. The backstory alone was thrilling.
"In guild rankings, Inazuma's 4th while our Korea's Gaon is 5th, a step behind. But in momentum, doesn't Gaon have the edge?"
"Yes! Inazuma dropped from 2nd to 4th, but Gaon has been rising steadily since ranking 20th."
"Right. And we can't overlook the guild masters' rivalry."
Nam Taemin and Hisagi Kazuma. Player rankings: 11th vs. 6th, Hisagi ahead. But since Arcana was just a game, Hisagi had always struggled against Nam Taemin. In 1v1 Colosseum duels. In boss raids. Nam Taemin matched Hisagi despite the rank gap.
So no one could miss this spectacle.
That included livelihood streamer Park Hwigang.
He'd heard late and rushed to the rift.
Title: Relentless Streaming Like a Wheel! Hwigang's Live Broadcast~
As soon as the live stream started, viewers flooded in.
Viewers already at 10? Park Hwigang was surprised by the unusual interest. Indeed, Gaon vs. Inazuma showdown. Excitement buzzed in the chats.
"Yes, a bit late, but I'll chase as fast as I can!"
Park Hwigang's class was Explorer. Zero combat ability, but perfect for streaming.
He spotted floor marks with his magnifying glass.
"They all went this way. I'll follow closely."
Activating Explorer's movement skill, Quick Retreat. As he hurried, viewer demands poured in.
...The chats had a point. How many streamers and network players were here? Late entry meant he needed a unique angle.
"Viewers know streaming better than me!"
Right, focus on Hisagi. Japanese streaming Hisagi was common, but a Korean doing it? Rare.
The moment Park Hwigang decided.
Roooar—!
"Wh-what?!"
Sudden massive noise nearby.
Curiosity everywhere. Park Hwigang rushed toward the sound.
And witnessed.
"...Who might that be, everyone?"
A long ink-black long coat. Contrasting silver hair on the man.
Question marks flooded the chat.
Park Hwigang gulp swallowed dryly, watching.
The noise's source? Obvious. Massive stone wall before the man. Easily 10 meters high.
"Seems like that popping up caused the sound."
He whispered to the camera.
As he checked rising chats—
A fearsome soldier burst from the wall's other side.
Park Hwigang flinched.
Demonkin!
Level 220. His class forced high-level monster encounters, but demons never got easier.
Good thing I'm at a distance. Or debuff city.
A fleeting sigh of relief.
Sudden thought on the man.
"Th-that guy?!"
Unarmed. No weapon, no armor. Posture utterly defenseless. He'd noticed the soldier approaching, yet his rigid stance didn't waver.
"D-dangerous, right?"
But what crumbled was elsewhere.
As if waiting for it.
Roooar—!
"?!"
The stone wall shattered and collapsed. Like a meteor crashing, exaggerated slightly. Ground rumbling, dust engulfing the area.
"Whoa. Hold on!"
Park Hwigang hurriedly wiped the camera lens.
The man's back now filled the screen.
Straight-backed. As if the collapse, the soldier under rubble—all foreseen.
Surprise didn't end there.
"!"
Something leaped above the man's head. Fleeting, but Explorer's keen eye caught it.
Park Hwigang said, "…A sword?"
No, definitely a sword. But its form shifted mid-air. Into a sharp awl, executing the buried soldier. Then back to sword form?
"Wh-what equipment is that? Everyone…?"
Park Hwigang included, all watchers gasped.
A level 300 demonkin monster. Overwhelming hunt that even rankers dread sometimes. In just a long coat and dress shoes, no proper gear.
Mystery man suddenly appearing. Rumors would spread fast. Interest showed in numbers.
Title: Relentless Streaming Like a Wheel! Hwigang's Live Broadcast~
Current Viewers: 2,229
*
Click—
I checked the item from 'Count Ascura's soldier'.
First purple I'd touched as a player. Rare item.
◈ Restriction: Lv. 300
◈ Effect: Sealed
◈ Description: Cursed by demons and vampires; effect sealed. Must be purified to reveal true effect.
Demon item, they called it among players. Added with demonkin update. Items with sealed effects due to demon curses.
'Jackpot or bust depending on effect.'
Gacha items, basically. Gamers shuddered at gacha.
Truly devilish system.
'Demon item—such an apt double entendre.'
But I knew.
'Unfortunately, you're using it wrong.'
Only demon hunters knew the proper use. Me alone, for now.