A sudden voice echoed.
“That voice!”
“Shimun-nim!!”
Players who recognized the owner of the voice turned around with brightened faces. An area covered with thick poison. The poisonous stronghold that instantly dissolved the players.
“Ugh, what is this now?”
Snap.
Shimun, frowning, pushed his way through the poison. Of course, nobody was unaware of the effect of the flick of his finger. Ignoring the players who welcomed him with delight, Shimun muttered to himself, “There are quite a lot of them.”
Why-ya-ya-ya!
He gazed at the hundreds of Vespas emitting a loud sound.
“The Vespas’ poison is not a big deal….”
Shimun, who had absorbed 45% of the current Obsidian Tablet’s completion with firm determination. Thanks to that, the just-alchemized 『Vespa’s Physique』 provided perfect immunity even from the Vespas’ poison.
But the poisonous stronghold still boasted a poison so potent that it made one frown in disgust.
“It’s probably the poison of that hidden boss.”
Shimun’s gaze shifted beyond the swarm of hundreds of Vespas.
Crash!
The air was filled with constant explosive sounds.
『”Haha! You’re weak! Prince Prinz, because the likes of you are in the prince’s position, your entire Entz will collapse!”』
“Shut up, Verpark!”
The three Entz engaged in a battle with Squadron Commander Verpark. One thing was clear to Shimun.
“The Entz are being pushed back.”
Despite the 3-on-1 situation. Squadron Commander Verpark clearly maintained the upper hand. There may be various combat factors at play, but the most decisive reason was one.
“He’s so relaxed even in this situation without transforming.”
Squadron Commander Verpark was several times larger than the typical Vespas. His enormous size alone was quite threatening, but on the contrary, it was also his non-transformed appearance. Shimun subtly shook his head.
“He won’t last long like this.”
After all, among the Insectors, Vespas were known for their high combat power. Either way.
“I have to take down the hidden boss, given the favors shown and the achievement points I have to spend in the future.”
Shimun, who organized his thoughts, raised his hand.
“Philo?”
-Oh! I was ready~
In response to the Philosopher’s Stone, his finger was swiftly flicked.
Then.
Whoosh.
A long, slender sword was grasped in Shimun’s hand, emitting a scorching heat that spread in all directions.
“Clang!”
The Vespas, almost reaching Shimun, twisted their bodies and changed direction in unison. They were startled by the like scorching heat. But. The scorching heat had only just begun.
Clang.
Shimun gripped the long, crimson sword with both hands.
-Whether they understood its significance.
“That sword!”
“Get back! Everyone, stay far away!”
The players, who had been showing surprise, quickly distanced themselves.
“Burn.”
Following those players was a calm voice.
“Laevateinn.”
Rumble rumble rumble!!
An immense heat followed thereafter.
* * *
Swishh!
Krrruuugh!
The sharp screams unique to Vespas. Along with the sound of roasted bodies falling heavily to the ground.
Tap.
The trace left by Laevateinn. The residual heat there consumed the burnt bodies of fallen Vespas as if burning firewood. A single strike. A mere swing of the sword. Yet, an entire region of Insectia turned into a fiery hell.
– Whoa! Look at that damage! Lol, insane!
– Not a damage bug, right?
– That sword is legendary every time I see it. Wow……
– It seems to pack a bigger punch compared to the brain-shooter, insectera, right?
As the chat window momentarily froze in awe of Laevateinn’s power, it soon buzzed with excitement.
Together with it,
『Achievement ‘Surpassing 500,000 viewers’ has been accomplished.』
『Acquired 5,000 achievement points.』
A series of system pop-up windows appeared before Kim Shimun’s eyes.
“Huh? 500,000?”
Kim Shimun blinked, wondering if he had misread it. He quickly dismissed the system window and checked the viewer count.
『Currently viewing: 511,761』
“Is this for real?”
Just a moment ago, there were around 200,000 viewers at most. And now suddenly, it surpassed 500,000, more than double?
“Did the aggro for the promotion match grow this big?”
Having momentarily pacified the battlefield with Laevateinn, Kim Shimun glanced at the chat window after a long while.
– Oh my gosh! What kind of magic is this?
– He’s really like a gold debut match winner…… isn’t he?
– Kim Sang, not bad at all. Is he comparable to Yuuto-kun?
– How can such a talent be found even in a small country like ours…….
– His features are so sharp, much like our own continentals. Maybe his ancestors are similar to ours?
Kim Shimun quickly grasped the reason.
“So many foreigners seem to have joined.”
Although there were foreign viewers even before, such a sudden influx of them was unprecedented.
– Hey, there are so many foreigners here. Hyung, are we going global now?
– It’s the Platinum promotion match after all. Essentially, this guy is no different from a Platinum player, so it’s not surprising.
– Even though it’s all being translated into X, it’s still kind of fun to watch lol.
– True, it sort of feels like not understanding a foreign language lol.
– I’m starting to feel like turning off the translation function.
Glancing through the chat, Kim Shimun nodded slightly.
“So that’s it. It must be because of the incident with the guild recruitment last time.”
The viewers from the US, Japan, and China seemed abnormally high.
Their nationalities were similar to those who had watched the showdown between Kim Shimun and Kang Hwawi previously.
“It’s likely they are from American Dream, continentals, or related to Masamune, right?”
There might be people from those guilds. Others might have heard about his story from someone in that guild and came to watch. Either way.
“It’s good for me.”
There are plenty of places for the achievement points to go. More viewers mean more success for the broadcast.
In the future, viewer-related achievements will likely continue to provide achievement points. Just as Kim Shimun’s mind wandered.
『The cockroaches are tough as nails, truly resilient!』
A loud, sharp cry jolted him awake. Was it because his kin had been swept away?
『Bring out the eggs quickly!』
Unlike the relaxed manner he was mocking the Entz earlier. Verpark was fiercely attacking three Entz ahead. Shimun, who was holding Laevateinn and preparing to support with his magic in hand, stopped in his tracks. The reason was simple.
‘How do I chase that…?’
Screeeech!
A deafening noise, entirely different from the flapping wings of the previous Vespas. It was due to Verpark, who was racing through the sky at an incredible speed.
‘Indeed, the top-tier Insector. Incredibly fast.’
On the ground, Shimun could have kept up using his human alchemy, but…
『Thinking that having wings would suffice! Did you really believe that a beetle like that could face me!』
Trying to “fly” through the air as Verpark was doing proved to be futile for Shimun. Shimun’s forehead creased slightly.
“Throwing several Astrapes could be a solution, but with that speed, they will dodge them all.”
Of course, it was not necessary to directly hit with Astrapes. Just the residual energy flowing from the Astrapes could be enough to strike. The problem was, “It’s too inefficient.”
To take down an Insector like Verpark with just the residual energy, Shimun would need dozens, maybe even over a hundred Astrapes. In that case, “It would be most efficient if I, too, could engage in aerial combat…”
Shimun’s contemplation did not last long.
“Yes, I’ll fly as well. But without wings.”
He had heard from someone with flight capabilities in a previous life that flying wings, air currents, or psychic abilities allowed classification as a flight-capable individual as long as one could continuously and freely fly in some way. However, wings were somewhat different from other flight abilities.
“It was said that since it’s a new part of the body, some practice is needed.”
But needing to rush into combat meant that the risk of attaching new body parts like wings was too high.
“Well, using flying species’ physique through human alchemy should work.”
Ultimately, increasing the area of attack with wings would make combat a bit uncomfortable. After organizing his thoughts, Shimun summoned the Philosopher’s Stone.
“Phil?”
-Hmmm, I was waiting for you~.
As if it had been waiting, 『Your Alchemy Energy is insufficient to proceed with the alchemization. To establish the necessary equivalent exchange with the Philosopher’s Stone, 300 achievement points are required. Do you you accept? (Yes/No)』
The familiar system window appeared before his eyes.
“300 points, indeed. Seems like it’s because I’m not in the top-ranked constellation.”
Smirking at the slightly affordable price, Shimun promptly selected “Yes”.
Vroom.
With Shimun’s fingers, the achievent points that had been exchanged for alchemy gathered. And when it finished… Thud. A golden shoe fell in front of Shimun’s foot as if it were alive.
Sshhh.
Transforming, it wrapped around Shimun’s foot and formed its original shape again. Then, with a shwoop, as the golden wings attached to the shoes moved, Shimun’s body floated into the air. It might have been an unfamiliar feeling for a human accustomed to living on the ground.
“As expected of Talaria. The wearing comfort is incredible.”
Was it because it was the footwear of a constellation?
Despite being in the air, he felt a sense of stability as if he were standing on the ground. At the same time,
『The Constellation Hermes is waiting, glinting its eyes as if expecting you.』”
The bearer of the winged shoes, talalia, came to find Shimun.
* * *
-Whoa?!
-This is insane!
-Wait, can he also fly in the sky?
-Oh no! I have acrophobia!
– Kim-sang, it’s a bit dizzying to watch…
Another chat box filled with awe following the majesty of Laevateinn. It was expected.
Whooooosh!
The powerful sound of wind blowing through. The dizzying screen spinning around was more disorienting than any blockbuster movie.
– Now we’re up in the sky hahaha, unbelievable.
– Did Mr. Kim have any special flying abilities?
– I think there’s a secret in just flicking his finger.
– Just from a finger snap? That’s not a serious opinion.
Despite the doubts from many viewers,
– The comments section is going crazy haha. Hey, if you’re curious, you’re the only ones who lose out.
– Even foreigners are baffled hahaha! Well, our Kimchi folks are used to it, so why be surprised.
– Just relax and enjoy whatever comes out from Shimun-nim.
– Exactly. Nothing is strange anymore.
– This is the kind of show it is~.
The detachment of the regular viewers raised questions. Regardless of that.
Whoooooosh.
As if running on the ground, Shimun flew through the air, grabbing Laevateinn.
“Die now, Prince…”
As Verpark attempted to drive the poisonous stinger into Entz prince’s throat, he was interrupted by a sword strike.
Whoosh.
With a crescent-shaped crimson flame, combined with screams.
-The giant figure and screams seemed to correlate. Verpark roared with intense screams that made the surroundings tremble.
“His voice carries far. But nonetheless, a top species is a top species. Responding like that…”
With a regretful expression, Shimun watched Verpark engulfed in Laevateinn’s flames.
“It’s hot! It’s burning!”
Originally a stern sword strike across his back. Instinctively shifting his body, Verpark extended his left arm to avoid a fatal blow. Of course, it was not entirely evaded.
Whoosh.
The flames of Laevateinn clung to his left arm. It gradually ascended towards his torso through his long arm.
“Another hit and he’s done for.”
Just as Shimun attempted another sword strike, 『Damn it!!』
Slice.
Verpark cursed before swiftly severing his left arm with his sharp jaws.
Then.
Thud.
Verpark’s massive torso contorted.
Before Shimun could react, 『How dare you…to summon my true self in the presence of this pathetic land…?』
Raaahh!
A powerful force overwhelmed Shimun. It was not just a force.
『I will tear every inch of your flesh to pieces!』
Suddenly transformed into a 4-meter human form, Verpark finished his metamorphosis in an instant and sent a livid gaze towards Shimun.
『First…』
Bwoooom!
The sight of Verpark in front of him disappeared with a deafening noise.
Then.
『Cough!』
A groan erupted from behind Shimun. It wasn’t difficult to recognize the owner of that groan.
『Prince, I shall exterminate you from this sacred sky.』
Verpark’s arm pierced through the Entz prince. And then.
『My Prince!』
『Verpark! How dare you!』
The two accompanying Entz were furious, but that was all.
『Get lost, you vermin.』
Shwoooosh.
『Cough, cough!』
『Cough!』
They plummeted down under the poisonous blue spray spewing from Verpark’s mouth.
『Now… after exterminating those bugs from the sacred sky.』
Without a glance at the falling Entz.
『It’s your turn, vermin.』
Verpark slowly turned to face Shimun.
『Just how valuable is one of my arms. I will personally engrave it in your bones.』
In an instant, the four wings spread behind him vanished. Well, it’s more like they fluttered away at an incredible speed.
At the same time.
BOOOOM!
Verpark soared into the air with a thunderous roar that shook eardrums. Shimun, who had checked his speed beforehand.
Thunk.
Shimun ctivated his Dragonification swiftly to dodge Verpark’s attack.
『Haha! Not bad for a move. Yes, you must meet this body’s reputation!』
Verpark, smirking, soared forward with a fierce sound.
“So fast!”
Even with the Dragonification, Shimun couldn’t even wave his Laevateinn sword. It was overwhelming.
BOOOOM!
Verpark’s charge, almost at the speed of sound, was overwhelming enough just to dodge.
If he hadn’t used Dragonification, his body would’ve been riddled with holes.
Shhaaaaak!
He narrowly avoided Verpark’s sharp claw brushing against his forehead, and Shimun subtly bit his lips.
‘I saved the transformation for this situation, but it’s challenging to keep up with the speed…’
And the opponent hasn’t even activated his ultimate form yet. It was the demeanor of a hidden boss that could easily wipe out any ordinary player once manifested.
“This won’t do.”
Shaaak!
Verpark’s sharp claws dug into his shoulders. He swiftly pulled up his aura to counter it.
“First, let’s strengthen Talaria with achievement points and catch up with his speed.”
With Laevateinn in hand, his attack power was more than enough. Additionally, if he activated Odin’s Eye, the situation would soon tilt in his favor.
“Philo!”
-Yes! I’ll prepare it right away!
Just when Shimun tried to enhance Talaria with achievement points,
『The Constellation Zeus looks at the Constellation Hermes’ Hat.』
A series of messages popped up.
Then.
『The Constellation Hermes pretends not to notice, slightly turning his head.』
[The Constellation Zeus’s eyes turn sharp as he says, ‘You have many eyes watching you. Do you dare defy your father?’]
A situation of unknown origin unfolded between Zeus and Hermes. Fortunately.
[The Constellation Hermes adjusts his sight, caresses his hat, and gazes at you again.]
The situation was quickly resolved.
[The Constellation Hermes endorses his hat, ‘Petasos,’ support.]
[Without exchange, one-time alchemization of ‘Petasos’ is now possible.]
Messages pop up one after another. Without needing to hesitate, Shimun flicked his finger.
Whack.
A pair of golden wings, similar to the shoe Talaria, appeared on his head.
Then, on his head and ankle, the golden wings, shining as if in harmony, emitted a golden light.
Buu… woo… oong…
Verpark, who had approached close to his nose, slowed down as if in slow motion.