A dim corridor.
Though illuminated by some unknown technology, the passageway was mostly dark. However, one particular spot, which could be described as dark overall, was unusually bright. What was strange was that the dark corridor was not brightened by a radiant light but by a pitch-black darkness. And at the center of that darkness,
“Grant me the darkness… Bind… with your teeth… the shackles…”
The gaunt blond man with deep dark circles mumbled incessantly, not quite a prayer nor an incantation. The darkness creeping along with him, intertwining with the dim corridor, created a particularly eerie atmosphere.
Perhaps due to the unique sensation of dark energy.
“Ugh… gives me chills!”
“Most dark magics tend to have that effect, but for some reason, it feels worse every time I see it.”
“You guys possess Holy Energy. It’s natural for you to feel uncomfortable all the time.”
“Hey, even as an assassin, it’s unsettling to watch.”
Most of the German players around frowned in disapproval. Remaining by Faust’s side were about three or four players. Among them, the woman in front wearing armor raised one eyebrow sharply.
“Hmm. It’s more useful than I thought.”
Leoni Wolf, the top-ranked player from the German Platinum players. She looked at Faust with a gaze that was both youthful and sharp.
“To involve the Holy See just to cast a curse. Truly, bloodlines speak for themselves, huh?”
Faust von Valtenberg.
The youngest son of the Valtenberg family, one of the few prestigious families in Germany whose reputation continued to the present day. Similar to his elder brother, the guildmaster of Valtenberg, one of the strongest guilds in Germany. Faust, with just a simple curse, was clearly demonstrating the power behind the name Valtenberg.
“Despite the rumors, his magical abilities are truly exceptional. Well, he did show promise in this area from a young age.”
Those who are familiar with the situation in Germany would understand, Leoni had interactions with Faust since childhood, or rather, it should be said that her family, the Wolves, had a long-standing relationship with the Valtenbergs.
Sighing softly as memories of Faust’s childhood flashed through her mind,
“Hmm…”
She slightly furrowed her delicate brow at the deepening darkness of Faust’s dark energy.
“What was it? Seeing ghosts or something?”
Ghosts, specters, or something of that sort. Faust often rambled about seeing something since he was young. Thanks to that, before the Galaxy Arena emerged, he had lived a life of being treated for various mental disorders and folk remedies under the stigma of being the Devil’s child.
“It’s somewhat pitiful. He was quite a good lad back then.”
Perhaps it was those events that shaped him into the psycho he is now. Recalling Faust’s childhood, she let out a small sigh.
“Huff…”
She watched Faust rise, taking deep breaths.
“Well? Faust, did you succeed?”
“Isn’t it obvious, you’re asking.”
In response to Leoni’s question, Faust smirked his characteristic sly smile.
“For an hour, I have complete control over the dark energy in the entire map. Not only him but all those fancy mages were also banished.”
Perhaps he was recalling what happened during the Platinum debut.
“Is that all? His martial arts are based on dark energy. As the use of dark energy itself is blocked, he won’t be able to use his martial arts either.”
In other words, he can’t even fight up close!
Faust replied with great satisfaction. Leoni, on the other hand, responded in an aloof manner.
“Hmm. That sounds like you can’t use dark energy either, doesn’t it?”
“T-That’s…!”
Was that a hit to his pride?
Faust’s face was quickly colored with confusion.
“I-I joined to target Kim Shimun’s abilities from the start!”
“But Kim Shimun still has his Lightning Spear and Flame Sword, among other magics, right?”
“It’s not a problem.”
Faust pulled out a bunch of dried wooden stakes from the inventory and shook them.
“It’s already a known fact that his main stat isn’t just dark energy.”
“What about the artifact’s duration?”
“It’s the same, one hour. So, Leoni, you just need to fulfill your duties.”
“Hmph. Arrogant.”
She seemed like she might strike right then and there, but that was all. Whether Faust’s response pleased her, Leoni turned with a slight smirk on her lips. Just then.
“Leoni!”
An assassin clad in leather armor materialized out of thin air.
“Max. What happened?”
“It’s as Faust said.”
The male assassin known as Max paused for a moment, then glanced at Faust.
“We’re pushing the mineral carts from the Korean side, but there’s no sign of any patrolling guards nearby.”
“Is that so?”
Leoni turned to Faust, sticking out his tongue.
“Haha! I told you! You just need to do your job well!”
“Seems like that’s the case. Accept it, Faust. You were useful after a long time.”
“What, what?! After a long time? Leoni, have you said all that?!”
Faust was bubbling with laughter at her teasing. However, ignoring the amused Faust, Leoni said, “Everyone, charge forward. We’ll wipe them out in one go.”
After organizing the team’s formation, he began to walk.
“Oh, right.”
Leoni paused for a moment.
“Max?”
“Yeah?”
“You need to work more on your stealth skills from now on.”
“What? What’s this all of a sudden…”
Before Max could finish his sentence.
Whoosh.
In an instant, Leoni launched a swift sword strike. With one hand wielding a greatsword capable of being swung with both hands.
“Eek!”
Taken aback by Leoni’s sudden sword strike, Max was startled. However, her strike wasn’t aimed at Max, but at someone behind him.
Clang.
The blue aura emitted from the greatsword struck the wall harshly. Aura manifestation.
Leoni effortlessly managed to release aura that was not weaker than a diamond rank player. But no one was surprised by her prowess.
Thunk.
Something split in half. Only after confirming that it had fallen to the ground could the players recognize the entity Leoni had dismembered.
“A, a person?”
“I know! That person is a player from the Korean side.”
“He seems to be on a reconnaissance mission like Max…?”
The startled players’ gazes naturally shifted towards Max, then back to Leoni.
“Why are you looking at me? It’s Max who’s incompetent enough to be tracked down by an assassin like him.”
With a shrug, Leoni plunged a dagger into Max’s chest.
* * *
“Shimun-ssi, are you really okay?”
The concern-laden strong, mid-range voice asked.
Shimun replied with a relaxed smile, “Yes, I’m fine, so don’t worry.”
“Alright then. The scout who went out should be back soon. Let’s talk again then.”
“Okay.”
As Lee Sangmin stepped back, simin looked down at his chest.
“I’m not feeling particularly great.”
Like a radio with poor reception. Or a feeling of being tightly bound by chains. Shimun knew exactly what this feeling was all about.
“A Dark energy seal, I didn’t expect someone would go this far.”
Right after summoning the demons. Shimun felt the movement of dark energy. completely frozen along with the blood flow.
Moreover, “Summoning the demons through Paracelsus’ Cylinder…”
Shimun created a summoning spell using the knowledge of Lemegeton to compose a summoning formula, storing it in Paracelsus’ Cylinder, and manifesting it.
Just like a magical memorization for mages. Although there was a drawback of having to store it in the cylinder in advance, on the other hand, as it was a unique summoning through the cylinder, it did not possess the disadvantages between summoner and summoned creature.
However, all those demons were reverse summoned. This indicated one thing.
“It’s not just a single form curse targeting me, but a widespread curse.”
Shimun clenched and unclenched his fist. It was a simple movement, but it was performed using the techniques of Heavenly Demon Divine Art, and Dark energy remained completely still.
Considering how far he had moved from the starting point to here, “I should consider the effective range as at least half the map or maybe even the entire map.”
For now, it seemed reasonable to view it as the entire map.
“Well, it’s not like there’s any noteworthy penalty for it.”
But it was regrettable; it was just up to that point. Since there were many other powers at play, Shimun moved on without much thought.
At that moment,
“Umm…”
『Constellation Baal frowns uncomfortably.』
The reactions of Constellation Baal appeared in front of him.
Followed by, “Umm…”
『Constellation Baal is looking at Votis, ranking 17th, with a slight movement of his eyes.』
『Constellation Black Goat, sneers, “Must you be so lenient? You must break his pride completely.”』
『Constellation Heavenly Demon, cruelly chuckles, “Hehe, I quite like that idea. What do you think, Baal? If it’s tough, I can lend a hand.”』
The reactions of the Constellations scrolled up continuously.
And then, “So, this Dark energy seal was orchestrated by Votis, the Constellation Demonic Realm.”
Shimun could roughly grasp the situation that was unfolding.
“No wonder, it’s not some replica. Why would someone like me, who possesses true Lemegeton, get caught in a Dark energy seal.”
Even the high-ranked demons bowed without any regrets while praising the ancient dark energy..
Of course, wasn’t it because they were influenced by Baal, the top rank in the Demonic Realm?
Thanks to that, the power of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art based on dark energy. had significantly increased.
To the point where it was becoming difficult to control as meticulously as before.
To seal his own dark energy, at least the authority of a Constellation had to be involved for it to make sense.
『Baal nods, as if saying a contract is a contract.』
『Black Goat sarcastically remarkedThat damn contract is ridiculous! So the damn reptiles can have their fun.』
『Baal glares at Black Goat.』
『What? Scared? Alright. You demon bastards can’t back down. How about a round after a hundred thousand years?』
『Black Goat provokes Baal.』
As Shimun read the messages of the Constellations, he raised an eyebrow slightly.
‘Why does the atmosphere feel so tense?’
Even though it was just text, Shimun quickly caught the hostility buried within.
“If handled correctly, this could turn into a fierce battle.”
The battle of the Constellations. And on top of that, a battle among high-ranked Constellations?
Before his heart could swell with anticipation, “I may end up losing my Chosen by the Constellations stats if I’m not careful.”
A situation where the interest of the high-ranked Constellations could be at stake.
“Baal. You don’t have to worry too much. I can manage well even without dark energy..”
Shimun murmured softly, looking into the void. Did he take that in a different context?
『Constellation Baal really likes your enthusiasm, ‘Hmm!’.』
『Constellation Baal gives you a mission.』
Constellation Baal suddenly issued a mission. Shimun immediately checked the mission.
『Mission』
– Constellation Baal highly appreciates your enthusiasm.
Win this Special Match ‘without the use of dark energy.’.
Reward: Achievement Points 5,000
“What kind of perk is this?”
Suddenly giving 5,000 achievement points for a mission?
“I’m already close to 50,000 achievement points!”
Current achievement points total 49,500.
Just a bit more and Shimun could reach 50,000 points, allowing him to clear the Black Goat’s quest.
“Even without dark energy, winning this match is easy. If things get tough, I can use martial arts.”
Shimun, seeing gains in his favor, smiled contentedly.
Then.
“Hmm?”
A subtle yet chilling sensation touched Shimun’s senses. Without hesitation, Shimun flicked his finger.
Zing.
Drdrdruum.
With a clear and cheerful sound, the ground surged upwards in a half-circle, engulfing the Korean team players, including the mineral cart, in its path.
Crackle!
Immediately fierce friction came, as the dirt walls of the half-circle were gnawed at from all sides. As the friction subsided.
Thud.
Softly crumbling dirt walls. And beyond them.
“Well, that’s quite impressive.”
From a considerable distance, a woman in armor with a greatsword slung over her shoulder and those surrounding her could be seen. There was no need to ask who she was.
“Le… Leoni Wolf.”
“Where did she come from!”
Leoni Wolf, the 1st place player of the German Platinum-rank. Ignoring the awe-struck Korean team players, she focused solely on one man.
“Even after sealing your dark energy and maintaining the concealment screen, to easily detect a surprise attack like this, you’re truly exceptional.”
“The concealment screen? So that’s why I didn’t notice until we was surrounded.”
Shimun nodded slightly at her words. The S-rank trait, the concealment screen.
A trait that can conceal all targets within a certain range, showing great power in such group battles. Moreover, she skillfully laid out a simple net of encirclement from afar, making it hard to notice unless Odin’s Eye was activated.
“In my heart, I’d like to enjoy a strong 1v1 showdown with you… but that would be a foolish choice.”
With a piercing gaze filled with determination, Leoni stared at Shimun. Then.
“Just thinking that is foolish. Leoni.”
With a mocking voice from behind her, a thin man with deep dark circles appeared.
“That’s…”
“Fa, Faust?!”
“Is he the new member joining this time?”
The Korean team, already shocked by the news of his joining from Linn, were stunned. Shimun, who had already heard about his addition from Linn, casually extended his hand forward.
“Even without dark energy, with alchemy and golems, this should be manageable….”
And just as he was about to flick his finger.
“I offer myself!”
Like a ruthless protagonist in a play.
Thud!
Faust, who cried out miserably towards the sky, suddenly plunged a sharp dry wooden stake into his own chest.
At the same time.
“Huh?”
Wobbling.
The body of Shimun, who was about to flick his finger, trembled. The reason was none other.
‘Hey, why isn’t my alchemy working?’
During the previous Gold debut match, just like when he was hit by artifacts belonging to the siblings Yu-yeon and Yu-jun, his alchemy energy stopped working.
As evidence.
– No… Not again…!
The voice of the Philosopher’s Stone abruptly cut off. Shimun quickly understood the situation.
‘He sealed off my stats in exchange for his own life.’
That stake struck into his chest must be at least an SS-Rank artifact. And then.
“Shoot!!”
The German team’s first place, Leoni Wolf, did not miss the opportunity.
Pipiping.
Whizz.
Arrows and dark energy. from the German team flew from all directions.
“Block it!”
“Throw yourself in front to protect Shimun-ssi and the cart!”
Following Lee Sangmin’s screaming order, the Korean team busily unfolded their defenses. What happened to the skills of the Korean team, ranked 3rd?
Boooom.
Oh Sangmin twirled the baton in his hands like a propeller, blocking long-range attacks. But despite their numerical disadvantage, it was difficult to block all long-range attacks.
“Ah!”
“Seung-gyu, watch out!”
Eventually, gaps started to appear in the Korean team’s defense.
Thump.
Swiftly seizing the opportunity, Leoni leaped towards Shimun.
“Let’s fight properly in the personal arena next time.”
As if targeting a prey. With a greatsword held in both hands, raised straight above her head, Leoni suddenly struck downward.
Thud.
Even though the greatsword didn’t hit, a sound of bones twisting could be heard.
‘What is going on all of a sudden….’
Leoni couldn’t figure out what the sound was. To be precise, she didn’t even have time to figure it out.
Jitters.
A creepy sensation grazing her chest. Instinctively, she twisted her body. Her reaction was excellent.
Whack!
A creepy cracking sound. Simultaneously, excruciating pain pierced her left shoulder.
“Aaah!”
Screaming, Leoni slid on the ground.
Whoosh.
With her intact right hand, she drove the greatsword into the ground, barely regaining her balance.
“Huk! Huk!”
From her left shoulder to her upper body, immense pain spread. Taking deep breaths, Leoni barely managed to lift her head and see. A man who seemed to have grown at least 10 centimeters taller.
It was Shimun, who appeared even more slender, sturdy, and agile than before.
“Too bad.”
Golden scales sparsely scattered on the outer edges of his face.
“I aimed for your heart.”
In his face, Shimun showed disappointment casually tossed aside the arm that belonged to Leoni.
TL’s Corner:
Welp, they woke up the dragon. Get it?