Chapter 30
Chapter 30
If a Platinum Tier player is using it to warm up, doesn't that make it basically a training ground?" "Something like that. It's narrower than those, but the quality is even higher." "...
Nice."
Shin-hyeok hadn't expected a basement this impressive beneath the mansion—one that could rival a proper player training ground—and he made no effort to hide the grin creeping across his face.
"Why the smile?"
"Because here, I can go all out."
"Hahaha! You're brimming with thoughts of victory, aren't you? Fine then. It wouldn't be right to keep you waiting when you're this eager. Chief Hong, get ready."
"Yes, Chairman."
Choi Cheol-ho let out a hearty laugh at Shin-hyeok's confident declaration, urging Man-seok into action. Man-seok stepped forward and donned his full gear over his suit. Every piece was pitch-black. 'Impressive. Then again, he's the exclusive secretary and security chief for Korea's top conglomerate chairman—gear like this is only natural.' Even to Shin-hyeok's keen eye, they were top-notch items. At minimum Rare+ grade, from what he could tell. And the two daggers of differing lengths gripped in his hands were definitely Unique+ grade. This kind of setup would be tough even for a Diamond player to assemble. But Shin-hyeok wasn't overly concerned. 'I've grown my Armor of Absorption to Rare+, and I've got two Unique+ items plus one Legendary. Factoring in Kkamak, the gap is plenty narrowable.' His own gear was no slouch either. And considering the Legendary was an out-of-spec weapon, that gap narrowed even further. The only real difference left was stats— "We'll cap it at Platinum level. Diamond stats would end it too quickly."
"Doesn't matter to me."
"Nor to me, Chairman."
It was good news for Shin-hyeok. 'Diamond stats would've given me maybe a 10% win rate... Platinum bumps it to 30%. Maybe even closing in on 50%.' He'd boldly claimed he could win, but truthfully, his odds against Man-seok weren't high. 10%. Generously speaking. The gulf between Diamond and Gold players was that vast. Especially for a fresh Gold like him. But Platinum changed the equation.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Chungmugong's Bow equipped to back, Holy Sword and Demonic Spear in hand Shin-hyeok assumed his stance, signaling he was ready. No more words were needed. Man-seok mirrored him.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Stealth Melts into shadows / A+ Grade suspected The moment Man-seok vanished into the unlit shadows of the basement, Shin-hyeok activated his skill.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Tracking Mana net spreads / Heightened senses A dense web of mana blanketed the entire basement. Normally, that alone would pinpoint the foe. Like the stealth player he'd faced first in his promotion match. But this opponent was different. 'Stealth is A-grade at least... maybe A+. Or if his trait ties into it, bordering on S. No room for complacency.' Diamond level was A-grade. Challenger was S. Man-seok's Stealth was genuinely extraordinary. Of course, true Challengers needed multiple S-grades, but right now, the focus was dealing with him.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Tracking (Overclock) Brain overload / Sensory infusion Shin-hyeok pushed his brain to the limit, tightening the mana net further while infusing it with his senses. And faintly... he caught a presence. 'Behind...!' A chilling killing intent from directly behind. Reacting a split-second faster, Shin-hyeok unleashed his counter.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Throat Slash Silent rear counter / Targets attacker's back "...!"
A soundless strike targeting the back of the one who'd snuck behind him. Man-seok whipped around in shock. But even as surprise flashed across his face, his hands were already swinging toward Shin-hyeok. Clang! Holy Sword met dagger, sparking crimson embers. Man-seok, briefly revealed, kicked off the air and leaped back into stealth. Despite the vanishing trace, Shin-hyeok calmly regulated his breathing, scanning the basement. The lit space felt oppressively dark. His breath caught, but he focused on the fight.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Tracking (Overclock) Hyper senses locked on His head snapped around—whip!—shoulders drawn like a bowstring with a crack. The Holy Sword shot forward. Boom! An explosion erupted from the shadows, shaking the room with dust clouds. A choking cough echoed, followed by a slashing gleam. Whoosh—thunk! The dagger whistled past Shin-hyeok's face as he footworked aside. It buried to the hilt in the basement wall. Ridiculous power, considering the room's reinforcements. He could've died, but Shin-hyeok charged into the dust without hesitation.
"...!"
Man-seok's eyes widened—he'd never imagined Shin-hyeok would clash head-on. Only his eyes were visible through the black cloth wrappings, but the shock was clear. Having thrown the Holy Sword, Shin-hyeok gripped the Demonic Spear two-handed for close quarters—the bow wouldn't do. Whoosh! A sinister wind howled in the spear's arc, sending cold sweat down Man-seok's back. 'What kind of stats allow that movement? No, it's not stats. His innate skill is just backed by them.' Movements barely trackable at Platinum stats. It stunned Man-seok. He was a by-the-book player. Tier equaled skill, ability. But Shin-hyeok transcended tier. 'Time to get serious.' Platinum stats, but Diamond skills made it possible. As Man-seok ramped up, Shin-hyeok heightened his guard.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Shadow Step Omnimass assault from shadows "...!" Shatter! Attacks poured like a waterfall from every direction, every shadow in the basement. Rrrrip! Man-seok wielded recovered daggers in dual-wield fury—aggressive beyond belief for an assassin, yet lethally sharp. Wounds carved across Shin-hyeok's body. The Armor of Absorption cracked with a snap, leather splitting beneath. As blood soaked it— "It's over."
Twin daggers thrust meteor-like at his heart. Man-seok was certain it'd land. But it was Shin-hyeok's trap.
⚙ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚙
Shock Absorption "...!" Claaaaang! The Armor greedily devoured the Platinum player's full-force thrust, shuddering violently. As shock widened Man-seok's eyes—
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Kkamak, Feather Storm Feather gale blinds -Caw! Whiiiirl! A storm of feathers raged. Obscuring vision at most—but enough for Man-seok to lose Shin-hyeok. The cost was steep.
🔥 SKILL ACTIVATED 🔥
Black Flame Ebony inferno engulfs spear shaft Roooar! Man-seok felt scorching heat. Not even touched, yet his body burned—briefly.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Soul Thrust Supersonic pierce Shin-hyeok broke the sound barrier, thrusting at Man-seok. 'Can't dodge this.' Instinct screamed it. Man-seok crossed daggers in an X-block. Griiind! Metal screamed as Black Flame crept along the daggers toward him. Shin-hyeok released the spear and leaped back. As Man-seok puzzled over the sudden retreat—
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Perfect Accuracy, Concentrated Barrage, Perfect Clarity Triple Unique Skill burst / Bow glows azure "... Damn." Chungmugong's Bow now equipped, Shin-hyeok fired an ethereal arrow. KABOOM! The basement quaked. Man-seok's eyes bulged. Even Choi Cheol-ho and Shin-hyeok might've called it over. Then—
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Tracking (Overclock) Danger sense triggered '... What? This sensation?' His honed senses screamed. Shin-hyeok dodged with footwork.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Thunder Horse Step Black lightning propels / Instant evasion Crackle! Black lightning wrapped his legs. He blasted airborne, eyeing his former spot. Crunch! "... How did you spot the Ghost-Eating Grand Method?"
Man-seok stared in disbelief, flanked by two embedded daggers where Shin-hyeok had stood. Shin-hyeok shrugged casually.
"Call it... instinct."
"Instinct?"
Man-seok tilted his head in confusion. Shin-hyeok clenched his empty fist.
"Guess we should wrap this up first. It was a pleasure, Chief Hong."
"......"
A bare fist—pitifully plain. But having seen its technique on video, Man-seok sensed defeat.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡