Blooming in the Predator's Swamp (1)

The rift's coordinates were at the northernmost tip of the Scandinavian Peninsula in Europe—a world away from South Korea. But with the Mage Tower's portal, distance was no issue.

"Achoo! What kind of weather is this cold?!"

"Cold resistance or whatever, this wind is insane."

"Ugh, I'd rather fall into the swamp. For real!!"

Yeah, the real problem was the biting cold wind.

A base camp for players was already set up in front of the Predator's Swamp rift. According to the first entrants, the rift's scale lived up to its name—vast and sprawling.

"Good news, though. Lots of mobs spawned."

"Is that really good news? Recommended level 500."

"High risk, high return. You scared?"

"Not my place to say, but players have no fear."

Of course, clearing it would take time, so a base camp for rest was essential. Some had entered even before it was set up—either unable to stand the cold or burning with eagerness.

Squelch—

Every step sank into the swampy terrain. A message popped up simultaneously.

No time to complain. As I'd said many times, this was the Predator Zone where the strong gathered. Every visible monster was no pushover.

Weeeeng—

That meant even that insect-like thing flying in the sky wasn't ordinary. A massive praying mantis, Sky Blade. Its front legs gleamed.

Swaaack—!

I clearly dodged, but the fierce wind pressure pushed my body back. No hesitation, though.

"Yeah. This is what makes hunting fun."

Nam Taemin, the strongest barbarian. He'd diligently progressed his class quest that started thanks to me. The once-overwhelming Call of the Wild was now somewhat controllable.

Pop!

Nam Taemin kicked off the swamp and leaped. Despite reduced movement speed lowering his jump...

"Guys, Nam Taemin's straight-up flying!"

Such things were trivial. He pursued his prey at explosive speed, moving like a beast swept in savagery. The mantis couldn't block his approach.

"This is Nam Taemin, who took down a demon legion commander!!"

The Predator Zone where the strong gathered? He'd fought worse chasing after Hoyeol—like demon legion commander Horican.

So the fight didn't last long.

Stab—

Wings ripped off, front legs torn, and then... no need to explain further.

The streamer broadcasting yelled into the camera.

"I told you! Eye candy guaranteed!"

Viewers immersed in the battle. How could they not be? Monsters in the Predator Zone were all named-level ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠in combat power. Even simple hunts were thrilling.

"Crazy. Next mob's charging Nam Taemin right after."

Nonstop fights. No wonder netubers smelled content.

Other areas were similar.

"Whoa. Berserker lives up to 'mad ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠warrior'..."

Endless combat. The berserker grew stronger with wounds. Perfect hunting ground for Leoni.

"Shining and Cheonha Tongil are efficient. Party units, no openings for ambushes. Scary precision."

Guild rankings 1 and 2, naturally. EU guilds, long overlooked, joined in due to the location.

Watching their battles—endless struggles—it felt like a colosseum. Who'd stand till the end?

"Whoever it is, standing unscathed? No way."

Splorch—

This was a swamp, after all. Just standing made you wobble. Netubers gained lip service, but overconfidence was risky.

Exhausted from fights or sinking feet—yet one man stood tall, dignified.

"...H-he's here!"

Hoyeol was here.

In the Predator's Swamp, Hoyeol overlooked the mire. His impassive gaze seemed chillier than usual.

The watching netuber whispered.

"That determined face screams 'here to conquer the Predator Zone,' right?"

Chat exploded.

"Ack. Sorry for the slip."

The netuber switched to polite speech.

"Correction! It looks like you've come to claim it!"

Always.

My attire was impeccable, as ever. Arctic location? Cold was no issue now. I had the Warmth buff.

From the battle with Demon King Decarabia—like the longsword and Duke Swallin's treasure—it was an exorcism ritual offering. Effect: Warmth buff on accessories.

Simple effect, huge impact. No thick coat or thermal tights needed—I wasn't cold. No more shivering in the gale...!

I've grown.

Entered grandly, but stopped immediately. Swamp up to my waist. Clothes would get dirty—undignified.

All because of my tiresome nature. I lived in a dirtier bachelor pad fine, but this outfit in a swamp? Unsettling.

Thus, unintended staring contest with the swamp. Something caught my eye.

"!"

A lotus leaf floating. Yesterday, I'd ignore it. Not now. I had Pure Knowledge of the Five Stars.

"Unusually large leaf."

Arcana Continent. All minerals, plants—knowledge acquired.

"Black Lotus flower."

I recited its exact name and traits. Simple implication: familiar scouting target, skipping steps.

Truthfully, I want to too.

Spam teleports like Marcelo or Banggrit. Become top mage like them—huge wish. Or levitate like Jessie Haynes.

Like a real mage.

But level 296. Pathetic mana. Impossible without Natural Enemy. Must conserve mana here, endless fights in Predator Zone.

This is my best.

Complicated and lame, but reality demands mana efficiency. Skip scouting. Intervened in the leaf.

Just enough to support my weight. Minimal interference—intensity adjustment. Less mana than turning to fire or lightning.

Lightly.

Stepped onto the lotus. Mage Tower stairs? Piece of cake.

"Not bad."

Prickling stares. To players unaware of my woes:

"...What skill is that?!"

They wonder. But this body ignores gazes. Even unflinching before tower elders.

Beyond that, boldly interrogated them.

So.

"As rumored, hasty."

Monsters only issue for me. True to Predator Zone—fight-crazed monsters. One charged at my presence.

Wriggle—

Red pupils oozing malice. Massive body rippling below swamp. Flicking tongue nonstop. Update memory surfaced.

Not easy from the start. Really...!

Level gap? Not shocking. Recommended Lv.500 rift. Higher levels aplenty in updates.

Ferocious Predator title fit. What did it swallow? Snake? Snake vase? Swollen massively. Still hungry?

Kieeeaaah—!

It gaped hugely at me.

"As expected, no decorum."

My take on the threat.

"First, learn table manners."

Raised mana. Priority: mana efficiency. Minimize spend, sustain fight. Use everything aptly.

Good thinking, past me.

230 level gap. Not demon. Arcana system—1 level matters. 1v1 suicide. Demon hunter class mediocre.

But specialty: self-awareness. Prepared for this. Daily class quests boosted Strength, Agility. Devoured magic books. Not for nothing.

Including sword training. Drew from inventory.

Grandfell's talent endures. Grip felt natural. Even after time away, sensation sharp.

Simple meaning.

"Ferocious Predator."

Lowered stance, continued.

"Think you can swallow a lion?"

Lion Heart. Knights' flawless stance goal. No learning process for me—just mimicked Harcon.

So this plain sword-pointing stance. Why flawless? Unknown.

But.

Swiish—?

Effect works. It halted, as if to devour—froze.

Kyaooo—!

Survivor of beasts and predators. Sensed Harcon's aura from my stance, crossing death's line.

Anyway.

...Valuable info?

Just gripping sword and posing restrains foe.

...Insane utility.

Bluff, basically. Don't grasp why flawless. But effect works—like now.

Scout, interfere, manifest. Magic poured on hesitant foe. Still wary of my aimed sword.

Helpless damage.

Watched in Lion Heart stance.

"No idle talk during meals. That's decorum."

Lest stance break, counterattack...

......

Lotus leaf floating swamp. Hoyeol atop it—no peril, like blooming lotus. Harmonious.

"...What skill is that?!"

Shocking enough. But.

"Th-that's a sword? Not a staff? Sword what?!"

Unexpected blade on lotus. Inevitable shock.

Beyond.

World flipped naturally—