Chapter 116: Chapter 116

Flames surged from all directions. Blocking me head-on was the slow but sturdy Dragonian. Wielding a massive spear, it used the intense flames as a shield.

Dodging was not difficult. If I wanted, I could even counterattack.

The last attack exposed an opening on its left shoulder, and when the next strike ends, the lower area would be vulnerable. Under normal circumstances, I would push the spear shaft aside and focus my attacks on the shoulder and arm. But there was only one reason I couldn’t.

It was because of Haruka, who was lurking, waiting for the right opportunity.

[“The Flame of Grudge carves the mark of ‘Ghost’.”] [It will last for 30 seconds, adding fire resistance… ]

This is trickier than I expected. I thought I’d avoided it well enough, but in the end, I got hit.

A purple flame without a tangible form engulfed me. Naturally, a skill like that cannot be parried. It’s a skill that must be countered by exploiting its slow casting time and long delay after activation.

In a one-on-one situation, pulling off such a move would likely result in a quick trip to a black screen. But using high-value skills in combination is where the advantage of numbers truly shines. This was not the kind of thing one could avoid purely through individual skill.

[‘Salmuk’ is empowered by the energy of the Ghostly Rage.]

“It’s coming.”

Each skill from the Kunoichi isn’t individually threatening. Being slashed by her katana would, of course, be dangerous, but the skills themselves are more about hitting the target. However, the payoff when all four stacks land is impossible to ignore.

Salmuk. Three slashes that strike wherever and whenever the user desires. A Kunoichi with Salmuk active is arguably the most powerful class in this game.

And Haruka was a famous Kunoichi master from Japan. Last time, I couldn’t completely block her attacks either. Undoubtedly, this would be the most dangerous moment in the game.

“It’s different from last time. Looks like she’s been sharpening her blade. But don’t you think it’s a bit odd?”

A lament slipped out as I mumbled. Even now, I was too focused on the battle to pay much attention to the chat. Still, it was comforting to know someone was listening to me.

Haruka had pushed me to the limit. If she hadn’t encountered me so early, she could have climbed pretty high in the Arena. I could understand why she’d come looking for me with such determination.

Well, Camellia had been the same.

But even I feel a bit slighted. Analyzing one’s opponent is the mark of a pro gamer. And from that perspective, reviewing past matches is essential.

“Why do they assume I’d stand still? Isn’t that a bit convenient? I won… because I’ve been improving, too.”

Seeking a better game, striving for a higher skill level—that’s no different for me. In fact, I’m someone who doesn’t lose to anyone when it comes to competitiveness and a stubborn drive.

There’s no way I would overlook what I couldn’t fully block. Moving forward isn’t your exclusive privilege.

I admit it; I was complacent last time. I couldn’t pre-study my opponents during the second qualifiers, but a class like Kunoichi warranted further study. So, I did my homework this time.

I memorized the pre-cast delay of the Salmuk skill. The exact timing when the visual effect appears and when the character is actually moving. The signs that occur just before the user appears to their enemy. The time interval until the skill is fully usable. And Haruka’s own mastery of the Kunoichi class.

I put it all in my head. This time, I’m ready. I’ve sharpened my blade, too. I just didn’t feel the need to go seek her out myself.

[Active: Shadow Chains] [Summons indestructible chains at the specified location.]

I summoned multiple chains, creating obstacles. Complex and irregular, making it hard to discern their purpose. Even the Dragonian persistently blocking me would serve as cover.

Since this game allows for friendly fire, Salmuk’s mechanism isn’t a teleportation but rather a high-speed charge. The two are distinctly different. Mishandling it could turn it into a double-edged sword.

Thus, inevitably, now— I have to time it for when the obstacle between Haruka and me is removed. Knowing when she’ll use it makes it easier to prepare.

The flame-wreathed Kunoichi became a violet streak.

“Guh…!”

Kaang—! With a fierce sound, my body was pushed backward. Even though I blocked it with both hands, the force pushed me back.

Yet, I managed to block it without losing any health. I’d blocked the most challenging skill in the game. Against a professional gamer!

A thrilling chill crept up from my back and shoulders.

Will the replay save this moment in the chat? It has to. I’ll review every bit of it.

Can you hear me now? We should be closer.

I’m almost there.

Just hold on a little longer.

Good news arrived amidst the chaos. My allies would arrive sooner than expected. That mobility wasn’t something achievable for a Swordmaster. How did he manage it?

But for now, I couldn’t dwell on it. I needed to focus on the skirmish before me.

Avoiding the Dragonian’s Dragon Buster, I moved to the side. He likely wanted to corner me, but he was wrong. The flames he exhaled served as a smokescreen, giving me a bit of time.

The second Salmuk from Haruka came right as she vanished from sight. Normally, it’s faster than the shadow chain’s pre-cast delay, but thanks to the time I just bought, I managed to sync the timing.

The view shifted in an instant. I climbed onto the Dragonian’s back and struck at his neck a few times.

I was thrown back by the spread wings, but he didn’t come out unscathed. Then again, who am I to talk?

Barely steadying myself, the third Salmuk crashed me into a rock.

“Gah… Maybe I was too greedy with that last move.”

I could have just focused on defending. But that overly exposed opening tempted me. My health took a decent hit… but it wasn’t a bad trade-off overall.

A magic circle formed around the Dragonian’s body. Just as the dragon figure at its center was about to roar, a horizontal slash cut through it. The dragon split in half, and the Dragonian collapsed with a thud.

[‘ACL Donghae’ has slain ‘Ssalmuk Knight’.]

Donghae, my ally, uses the Iaido Swordmaster build. If he can handle the eternity-long stance, he can unleash firepower rarely seen in close-range classes. With just a little damage shaved off, he could kill the Dragonian.

It was unexpected how fast the Swordmaster arrived. Neither of them noticed as all eyes were on me. Donghae sheathed his sword after his Iaido slash.

I chuckled, watching the unremarkable scene.

“That guy is really something.”

His costume, elegantly crafted, was charred as if he’d walked through ‘Boiling Lava.’ His health bar was nearly empty despite no intense battle. But hey, he survived. That’s what counts.

Now, it’s two of us against one of them. I lunged at the Kunoichi, whose Salmuk had ended.

“Running away again?”

Haruka’s face paled.

Title: Training Method of the Mind and Time Minotaur [‘Sulbbang’ is broadcasting.]

The warrior, holding a massive sword, stared at the sky with a blank look. The blue sky was beautifully dotted with white clouds, but his gaze didn’t register them.

Because he was seeing something else entirely.@@novelbin@@

「Santa and Snowman donated 50,000 KRW」 「(Attached video: Haruka bound in chains)」 「Hey, try calming her down.」

It was a sight he couldn’t witness back during the second qualifiers, but now, Ga-wol was showing it from his own point of view.

Hmm. A fox this time?

The Kunoichi, writhing in chains, was the only thing visible on the camera. A mischievous smile naturally crept across Sulbbang’s face as he reluctantly tore his gaze away.

“…What am I supposed to do about that? By the way, there’s a lot of talk about Ga-wol today. Did something happen with him?”

He hasn’t gone live, so there’s no fodder for rumors.

He used to be online daily, but he just disappeared.

No announcements or anything.

Don’t you know anything?

“That’s more Elderin noona’s business… Oh, she’s not live. Should I give her a call? I’m a bit tired of hunting anyway, so it’s perfect timing.”

It was a good excuse. Ga-wol’s popularity was growing, so even Sulbbang wasn’t reluctant to ride that wave. Now that the topic had come up, it wouldn’t hurt to join in.

After all, he’d helped a lot in the beginning. It’s about time he reaped some of the benefits.

[Calling ‘Ga-wol’… 00:00]

Not long after he started the call, Ga-wol answered.

“Oh, I’m live right now; is it okay to talk?”

Mentioning the broadcast is a courtesy. To avoid any awkwardness.

“Broadcast? Oh, yeah, sure. Haa… ha. Haaa…”

“…?”

“Haaaaa. Hmm. Huuu… Anyway, what’s up?”

What’s this? You said it was fine, but why does your breathing sound like that?