Like a scene frozen in a movie. The confrontation between the was person enveloped in swirling energy and the handsome man wielding a burning sword continued.
To be precise,
Boo…. oooo…. ooom….
Both were moving at a slow pace. Especially, even in the slow world, the speed of the energy-wrapped wasp person with the charging posture was quite fast.
And the master of this slow world, though Shimun ,wielding Laevateinn, wasn’t as fast as Verpark,
Hwarhrhr.
Thanks to the flames wrapped around Laevateinn, Shimun could launch a preemptive strike towards Verpark who had reached a close distance.
『”What the!”』
Startled by Laevateinn’s flames, Verpark twisted his body in shock and exclaimed.
… ooooom!
The slowed-down world regained its original speed.
‘Wow… Isn’t this crazy?’
Shimun, now back to normal time, looked at the golden wings attached to his head with surprise.
Immediately,
“Burn.”
Hwarhrhr.
Offering another flame to Verpark, who was shaking off the flames, he quickly checked the info window of Hermes’s Cap.
『Petasos』
Grade – Myth (40%)
Hermes’s cap.
Bestows insight and the ability to fly through the sky to the wearer. When worn with the sandals Talaria, the abilities are enhanced.
“As expected….”
Admiration flowing through him as he alchemized.
Of course.
‘It was of myth grade.’
All the weapons of myth grade that Shimun had alchemized so far.
All their grades were marked as ‘Replica (%)’.
What about this Petasos alchemized under Hermes’s sponsorship?
Although it was just once. It was clearly alchemized as a mythic-grade item. Shimun quickly checked the info window of the shoes too.
『Talaria』
Grade – Replica (40%)
Hermes’s shoes. They enable flying, but for some reason, the wearer cannot fully exert their power. When worn together with Petasos, the abilities are enhanced.
Similar to Petasos but with a different info window. In one quick glance, Shimun understood the difference between the two weapons.
‘If the grade is indicated as myth, the weapon’s options seem to be more developed.’
In reality, both weapons had the same completion percentage of 40%, but there was a clear difference in options. For Replica Talaria, it only provided the ability to fly.
For Petasos marked as myth grade, it also offered ‘insight’ along with the same option.
‘Perhaps the sudden slowdown earlier was due to that insight option. Odin’s Eye has a similar ability.’
Perhaps it was due to the presence or absence of the grade. Or maybe it was due to the ability that had increased thanks to being linked with the shoe Talaria.
“The ability to see things slowly itself is one step higher than Odin’s Eye for Petasos.”
The ability to see the world slowly was indeed higher for Petasos. This allows for one speculation: “Once the replica is completed 100%, it will transform into a mythic-grade item.”
When the replica is 100% complete, it changes to a mythical grade. At the same time, it will likely come with specific options just like Petasos now. Of course, it’s all just speculation.
“Judging by the fact that new options are being added, it seems certain.”
A positive assertion was made by Kim Shimun.
『Vermiiiiin!』
Facing the rage-filled shout, Laevateinn swung towards the back.
Sizzle.
The sparking flames traced a path. However.
『Something like this!』
Shhaaaaa.
In the midst of the formidable charge, Verpark spewed a dark blue venom from its mouth. Chiiing! As Laevateinn’s flames met the venom, a dense green smoke rose. It was a deadly poison enough to make even decent Platinum tanks panic.
“That’s quite a lot,” Kim Shimun thought, but Verpark’s body tissue and dragonic form, combined with the flames of Laevateinn, had no effect.
Could Verpark be aware of this too?
『Kyaak!』
Rather than striking Kim Shimun, Verpark focused on spinning around, spewing venom. Kim Shimun could easily read the intentions of the creature.
“Is it trying to obscure my vision?”
The dark blue venom was originally disabling. The venom combined with Laevateinn created a dense toxic fog, covering the blue sky like heavy rain clouds. Despite already losing sight, the venom kept flying. Kim Shimun felt a stinging sensation as the poison accumulated.
“I see.”
Kim Shimun subtly nodded.
“It’s not just visual. It’s attempting to block all my senses with poison.”
For the target that was Kim Shimun, with this much poison accumulated, even Diamond-tier players would feel disoriented. After all, squadron Commander Verpark, a top-tier species, had effortlessly dealt with Entz prince, who was of the same rank, like a hidden boss.
“Shall I step in?”
After minutes of uninterrupted venom showers, the baptism of venom finally ceased. Even though he wasn’t able to see or hear, Kim Shimun’s expression was calm. It was only expected, as he possessed an ability perfectly suited for such situations.
“Kiing.”
With a faint buzz, a golden hue spread through Kim Shimun’s left eye. Odin’s Eye allowed him to see through the previously impenetrable toxic fog.
“There he is.”
Kim Shimun effortlessly pinpointed Verpark’s location. Swish. The deafening roar of the jet engine was nowhere to be heard. Verpark was circling cautiously on the outskirts, minimizing even the flapping of his wings.
『Are you searching for a loophole? Your actions now are quite different from your earlier arrogance,』 Verpark’s eyes, sharp and torn, contained a sense of caution as the compound eyes of insects nestled tightly within them.
『I won’t attack recklessly. By doing this, I might expose a vulnerability on my end first…』
Just as he was about to reveal a slight gap, at that moment, 『Hmm?』
The relaxed corners of Shimun’s mouth twitched. Frowning with his brow, “Keiiing,” precisely activating Odin’s eye further, he focused on Verpark.
“That’s…”
A familiar aura. While the color was different from the time when the World Tree and High Elf Ernern were corrupted, this familiar aura was unforgettable.
“Dragon Force? Why is it here!”
A dazzling pink aura of Dragon Force was detected from where it seemed to be in Verpark’s heart, a rather high-level Dragon Force.
“So, that’s why he was able to overpower even the Entz prince and become a Hidden Boss.”
The Insectors are as strict in their hierarchy and the order of their power as the Dragonkin. Even the Vespas, a race known for their exceptional combat ability. Shimun wondered how they managed to pressure Entz prince, the highest-ranking species, without even a metamorphosis. It turned out, it was because of that black and pink Dragon Force. As if to prove it.
『The Constellation the Black Goat, who discovered traces of the Dragon’s presence, narrows his eyes.』
『The Constellation Zeus frowns.』
『The Constellation Odin expresses displeasure and discusses with other Constellations .』
The four Constellations observing Shimun expressed their discomfort.
Soon after, 『The four Constellations assign you a mission.』
A single message window appeared before him. Shimun immediately checked the mission.
『Mission』
The four high-ranked Constellations strongly disapprove of the presence of the 4th Dragon Emperor’s traces in the Insectia Dimension. Eliminate the Hidden Boss ‘Squadron Commander Verpark’ and retrieve his Dragon Force.
Reward: Achievement Points 5,000.
“Oh?”
Shimun’s eyes widened briefly. Not just because it was a mission being given for free, but because of a single word written in the mission’s content.
“4th Dragon Emperor’s traces?”
It was already known that there were multiple Dragon Emperors. He knew of the 5th Dragon which corrupted the World Tree, Nidhogg. However, there was almost no information on the 4th Dragon Emperor.
“So, that dazzling pink Dragon Force belongs to the 4th Dragon Emperor’s Dragon Force?”
It wasn’t just about the reward. Obtaining crucial information about an adversary like a Dragon Emperor would naturally bring joy.
“I should deal with this right away.”
With a smooth motion, Shimun’s shoulders, holding the Laevateinn, relaxed minimally. The tension of battle could not be maintained relentlessly. It was a natural movement that conveyed common sense.
Booaaahh!
Verpark didn’t miss the opportunity and swooped in.
『As expected, you’re quite nimble!』
His joyful voice filled with excitement echoed from behind. Shimun quickly turned around. Was it because he momentarily relaxed his shoulder tension? Compared to Shimun’s returning head, the levatein he was holding moved a beat slower.
『Haha! Farewell! Nimble one!』
Excited, Verpark extended his nail, dripping with venom. Unfortunately, due to that action, Verpark didn’t see it. Shimun’s slightly upturned mouth corner as he turned his head.
Thud.
His left pupil split vertically.
『Huh…』
When that eerie pupil, tightly packed, caught Verpark’s double eyes. He flinched. Verpark’s movement, about to dive, stiffened momentarily. Shimun, letting his body follow the centrifugal force from turning back, evaded Verpark’s attack.
Shortly after.
“Burn.”
Swoosh.
Laevateinn, on the brink of destruction from continuous use, produced its final flame.
“Laevateinn.”
Swish.
The glowing sword sliced through Verpark’s stiffened torso.
* * *
“He’s insane.”
A simple phrase. Yet, the thick, masculine, and dignified voice turned that simple phrase into an incredible exclamation. Indeed, it was an incredible exclamation.
“Is that relly gold rank?”
From his well-defined, square jaw down to his scruffy chin exuding a masculine scent from stubble. And with distinctive and intense features.
This man, a quintessential alpha male, made the phrase “He’s insane.” carry such value.
“It’s Platinum now, Derick. That arena is for promotion match.”
The young blond man shrugged his shoulders in response.
“I see. Platinum…”
Tap, tap.
Derick tapped on the armrest of his chair with his finger. He only spoke after seeing Verpark’s two figures engulfed in flames plummeting.
“Even that is not enough. In my eyes, immediately promoting him to the Diamond rank seems perfectly fine.”
“What?!”
The blond man widened his eyes in shock. Before Andrew Burns, one of the top talents in American Dream, could continue his words.
“D-Derick! What are you saying!”
A strong voice came from the side. A middle-aged Black man. Colin, the vice-guild master of American Dream, was speaking.
“Diamond rank? Sure, I acknowledge that Asian is strong, but isn’t that statement a bit too much?”
Unlike his usual composure. Colin’s voice was slightly trembling.
It wasn’t because he was standing in front of Derick, the guild master of American Dream.
“Derick actually paid attention to that Asian guy….”
The three of them were watching a broadcast. The reason was because of Kim Shimun, a Korean player who was the owner of that broadcast.
“Over…..”
Derick was contemplating the word ‘over’. It wasn’t because of his sarcastic nature, but rather he was objectively pondering whether his judgment was really overdoing it.
“No, it’s not overestimation, Colin.”
Colin involuntarily swallowed hard. Soon after, Derick’s rigid jaw moved side to side.
“Even though the basic specs don’t make sense, it might be because of the growth buff of the Sword Saint’s guild….”
Derick, looking down at the body of falling Verpark, a dark-haired handsome man. He pointed at Kim Shimun.
“Starting from the mysterious flaming sword, golden eyes and wings, lightning spear in the reports, and various other abilities.”
Derick’s stern blue eyes thoroughly dissected Kim Shimun on screen. As one of the leaders of one of the world’s top two guilds, American Dream.
“Furthermore, from the abilities aligned with the hidden boss’s phases from the first battle, every aspect is fantastic to the point where it’s difficult to nitpick.”
He perfectly interpreted Kim Shimun’s performance seen in the broadcast. Colin’s eyes subtly rolled.
“Wow, is he really that powerful?”
“This is something you can’t understand, Colin. Andrew is likely the same.”
That is, unless you’re a ranker like Derick, you can’t interpret Kim Shimun’s performance properly.
“Hey, Derick? I also thought similarly, you know?”
“Well… I didn’t know about abilities aligned with the phases though.”
“Knowing that much is enough, Andrew. You’re a young person with a future ahead of you.”
Derick said with a smirk, nodding at Andrew’s words.
“However….”
His smile disappeared.
“Colin, you’ve just left such a person alone until now?”
“W-Well, you see…”
Colin stammered in surprise at Derick’s question.
“Well, I can understand to a certain extent. You didn’t become the vice-guild master because of your rank.”
Colin’s face turned red at Derick’s words.
“In my opinion, Kim Shimun is a skilled player worth aiming for even for a Diamond. It might be a bit difficult for a Platinum like you to recognize that.”
Especially in production, even more so. As Derick continued to speak, Colin’s gaze dropped to the floor.
“Still, putting you, based on your excellent judgment, in the vice-guild master…. this decision is a bit disappointing.”
“… Sorry, Derick. It was a mistake in my judgment.”
As Derick’s words trailed off, Colin replied in a defeated tone. He glanced at Andrew, and Andrew smiled slightly, nodding his head.
“Brother, you don’t have to hang your head low for that.”
Derick’s large, strong hand patted Colin’s shoulder.
“Colin…”
“Aren’t you the vice-guild master of American Dream? Let’s focus on reality for now. There’s still a chance, right?”
He said with a refreshing smile that had alchemized countless American fans.
“Y-Yes, of course! I’m currently investigating Kim Shimun’s affiliation within the intelligence division.”
“Colin, even if there is an affiliation, you need to bring him in.”
“Alright! I’ll set up a meeting right away! Starting with donations in the million-dollar range….”
Seeing Colin hurriedly preparing a donation message.
‘Luckily, all that talk about ‘the Asian’ has died down as well.’
Andrew let out a satisfied smile.