Chapter 204
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 204
Chapter Title: Jang Tae-seok's Challenge
After examining the orb-like lump in my hand for a while, I tossed it back into the sea.
"The monsters aren't even the real problem here."
The environment itself was brutal. This wasn't like the harsh conditions shaped by heat or cold. Beyond this black sea lay even worse sights, no doubt.
To endure the strain this bizarre landscape put on the human brain, burning away fear or terror wouldn't cut it.
I needed to burn the unknown and the incomprehensible. It wasn't impossible. I'd handled the mists of Jaun Valley the same way.
But... I glanced at Han Sang-ah and Jeong Oh-hoon.
"Looks like they're hanging in there, somehow."
Fighting monsters while constantly burning away those mental intrusions with Paradox Flame felt like a waste of energy.
Once combat kicked off, I'd probably need to use Paradox Flame offensively too.
If they kept relying on my protection and then suddenly got hit with this intense mental assault, it'd shock them even harder. Like tossing someone straight into ice water.
"Get used to it. It'll be better that way."
Jeong Oh-hoon pressed his temples and replied to my words.
"Fine. Got it. It'll get easier with time, right?"
"Yeah."
Of course, that didn't mean it wasn't dangerous. Sure, you'd get used to the chattering teeth in ice water after a while, but your body temperature wouldn't rise.
Same principle. Getting accustomed wouldn't change the inherent risk at all. Before they knew it, chaos, madness, and terror would slowly erode their minds.
"Just burn off the buildup periodically."
I didn't need to keep it burning constantly—clearing out the accumulated stuff at intervals was no issue.
"Can't do that mid-fight?"
"Depends on the situation."
I couldn't say for sure right now. After staring at the sea once more, I pulled out my phone from my pocket and called Jang Tae-seok.
—Yoo Chan-seok, what is it.
Jang Tae-seok's gravelly voice boomed through the phone. Sounded like he'd been working out. His voice was so packed with muscle, you could practically feel it.
"Hey, dickhead."
—What the hell, you punk? Where are you?
Simple friends responded best to simple provocations. Calling out of the blue with that was guaranteed to piss anyone off. Especially a guy like Jang Tae-seok, who never held back on emotions or urges—expect a fiery reaction.
"Ukraine, Odesa. Come crawling if you're mad."
Something crunched immediately after, and the call cut off. I fiddled with my smartphone for a second before pocketing it again.
"I like these straightforward friends."
No need to overthink. Jeong Oh-hoon, who'd overheard the call, chimed in.
"That guy's the type to skip planes or anything and just fly here straight on his tonfa."
"Same thought."
He wasn't one to plan things out in his head. Bet he'd leap up and head here even if he was mid-shit in the bathroom.
"Tea?"
Han Sang-ah said that while brewing green tea and glancing at Jeong Oh-hoon.
"Why."
"Cookies."
Jeong Oh-hoon pulled a box of cookies from his sub-space. Watching them, I threw in a comment.
"Hey, if you've got room for cookies, pack an extra grenade at least."
Space efficiency mattered. Wasting sub-space on cookie boxes was too much.
"Food's important too."
Han Sang-ah replied before turning her gaze back to the black sea.
"Staring at it... feels like it's pulling you in."
"It is. Keep looking, and you'll dive right in without meaning to."
And your sense of self would drown in fear and despair. Jumping in there spelled disaster. A normal mind would melt away like raw meat on a sizzling grill.
"Any tips for enduring it better?"
After pondering Jeong Oh-hoon's question, I answered.
"If you've been through enough dogshit situations in life, it hits you a little less hard."
Not the kind like finding mold between the wallpaper in your new one-room last week.
You needed stronger experiences. As we chatted, a plane-like roar echoed from afar.
"He's here. How's he faster than Choi Yeoreum or Sung Si-hoon, even in peak summer?"
"One thing you can count on—Jang Tae-seok's action speed is unreal."
See? He spotted me right away and rocketed straight here through the air. Han Sang-ah noticed too and quickly cleared the tea and cookies, stepping back.
"Yoo Chan-seok!"
Jang Tae-seok crashed from sky to ground, his swung tonfa clashing with the spear in my hand.
"Including you, there are four people around here. Why yell and draw attention? My ears hurt."
The moment I finished, he threw a body blow. I sidestepped the fist and stomped down on his ankle.
"Damn."
Steel in those ankles or what? Incredibly tough.
"No one calls me dickhead. I'll crush you."
"Yeah?"
I spun the spear in my grip and eyed him.
"Prove it."
At my words, the armor-like muscles wrapping his body twitched with rage and excitement.
"Been wanting a real go at you for ages!"
Air exploded as the engine on his tonfa roared with power.
"If I win, let me join this Erosion Core cleanup."
Jang Tae-seok shot back.
"Ha, and if I win?"
"Dunno, lick the sole of your shoe maybe."
Jang Tae-seok let out an "eh" and scratched his head.
"That's too humiliating. Got anything else?"
Look at that—heart of gold under it all. Protein angel incarnate.
"How about I officially admit defeat to you if I lose."
"Yeah, yeah. That's perfect."
The deal wrapped up so fast, it was almost embarrassing to call it negotiation.
"Alright, round two. Go all out. Pulsing hearts and writhing muscles! Let's bash flesh and shatter bone!"
What a sight. I'd already confirmed his ability back in Gunsalok. Simple: body enhancement.
Too extraordinary to dismiss as common.
Even with this not-your-average spear, every swing of his tonfa sent the shaft wobbling.
He hammered blows like a machine gun. Each clash rocked the ground beneath us.
"UHAHAHAHAHA!"
Jang Tae-seok laughed as he swung. He was having a blast.
Paradox Flame coiled around my spear flared and dimmed with every block.
"Ha, that Choi Yeoreum punk always dodges when I ask for a spar!"
I dodged and counterattacked; the spear piercing human flesh rang out with a metallic clang. Definitely not a normal human body sound.
His strength and durability were top-tier. Blood or steroids in those veins? A truly mysterious physique.
After blocking and flipping back, that's what crossed my mind.
Tat-tat-tak—I quickly worked my feet to absorb the impact and brace for follow-ups.
"Urraaaah!"
How long had we been at it...? I moved my spear, thinking that. Just moments ago, his fist on my spear had boomed like hundreds of New Year's bells.
Not this time. A low thung, like plucking a bass guitar. I'd absorbed most of the shock.
Though the sound was bass-like, the impact scattered dust from the ground around me, riding the wind.
"You."
Jang Tae-seok backed off, breathing hard, face twisted in anger.
"Weren't going all out?"
"Don't pin that on me."
I hadn't been bringing my A-game. So it was his fault, not mine.
"Fighting well and being tough are totally different."
I tapped the vibrating spear with my toe; it stilled instantly.
"Try it yourself. If you're lucky, you might figure out what you're lacking here."
Jang Tae-seok's body was tougher than that corpse named Subintak from Gunsalok. But he didn't know how to use it properly.
The sword-wielding corpse from Gunsalok would've called it a lack of enlightenment. We'd disagree plenty.
"Fine. But first, I'll smash you and pin you underfoot."
His blazing eyes sharpened like a fresh razor blade.
"Yeah, charge in thinking you'll win."
Spirit was there. But learning from this fight? That was on him. I'd set the table.
Charging like a gale, Jang Tae-seok swung his tonfa. It met my spear, veering his trajectory wildly; he tumbled across the ground.
"Damn...!"
Once I started fighting smart, Jang Tae-seok fell on the defensive. He endured with that overflowing power, but it was pure brute force.
That wouldn't last or win. Slowly, like an old peddler unpacking wares, I deployed my arsenal one by one.
I wove technique into the fight. Blue trails disrupted his movements. Vibrating trails chipped away at his mana.
With each new tool I added, Jang Tae-seok struggled more.
"..."
"Want more?"
Spear tip at his throat. I checked the time on my phone, withdrew, and said,
"Not satisfied? We can keep going. Still time before Choi Yeoreum, Sung Si-hoon, and Se-eun noona arrive."
I stepped back, creating distance, and reset my stance.
"Until you're good or the others show, I'll spar as much as you want."
"...Got it. Teach me something."
With a different vibe now, Jang Tae-seok gripped his tonfa tight in both hands.
We clashed another fifteen times or so. Breathing ragged, he glanced at me, then slammed his arm into the ground with full force.
"Uwaaaah!"
After pulverizing the earth, he took a deep breath and hurled his tonfa down.
"That's it. Can't beat you now."
Sounded like he figured he'd win later. I thought that but didn't call him out.
Instead, I tossed him a water bottle.
"Drink and rest. Then help with the Erosion Core as promised."
He chugged it, tossed the empty back, and grunted.
"Yeah."
Grimacing like that. Clearly disappointed in himself.
"Rematch later."
Not giving up. Well, he'd said "now," so yeah.
"More than that..."
I dodged his words and turned to Han Sang-ah and Jeong Oh-hoon.
"Sorry, mind prepping some food? Gotta take this protein lump to the beach quick."
Needed to check if this guy could handle the massive ball pit vibe. They nodded, and I headed to the beach with Jang Tae-seok.