Novel Will Be Taken Down on 17 May or Earlier Chapter 233 - Karma (2)

I gazed at the soaring flames of hell.

 

[Your level has gone up.]

 

[Your level has gone up.]

 

[Your level has gone up.]…

 

I welcomed it more than the level-up message.

 

He was corrupted into a demon.

 

Afterward, he was defeated by me and fell into hell.

 

Shegwin.

 

Crackle–

 

He appeared amidst the flickering flames.

 

Shegwin, who had nothing to do with Akshan.

 

If you ask me how I could summon him with [Akshan’s Perseverance].

 

– It is a pride that even death cannot break.”

 

…Should I say this is also because of pride?

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

At the time when I was struggling with my daily routine as always.

 

To be precise, I was struggling with my damn class daily routine.

 

I was in the middle of carrying out the demon hunter training quest.

 

“Good-natured competition is always welcome.”

 

It was unfair to suffer alone.

 

I didn’t know if sadness could decrease if it was shared.

 

But my hardship would definitely decrease in half if I shared it.

 

‘It is better to face hard work.’

 

Actually, if I were to evaluate Akshan demon hunters objectively:

 

Was there anything they were good at other than hunting demons?

 

I was indeed doubtful.

 

Still, weren’t they my sunbaenims?

 

At the very least, it was a way to grow [Tenacity] more efficiently. It was a trick to skip training. So I took out [Torch of Hell] in the hope that they’d teach me something.

 

Crackle!

 

However, the one who emerged from the inferno.

 

It was none other than Shegwin.

 

I-I didn’t express it but I almost fainted…!

 

I called out Akshan’s demon hunter.

 

Why did Shegwin come out of the flames?

 

Before I could understand the situation in detail.

 

Glare!

 

Shegwin’s eyes looking at me were full of murderous intent.

 

At first, I thought it was because of a grudge from his lifetime.

 

Shegwin was completely defeated by me.

 

‘Well, to be exact, he was defeated by ethereal iron…”

 

However, no matter how much he glared at me.

 

I wasn’t one to be discouraged.

 

I said calmly while carrying out the training quest.

 

“You’ve become filled with pride unlike before.”

 

…Filled with pride, you said.

 

Now you’re making new words that don’t exist in the dictionary, Grandfel.

 

I didn’t know what kind of answer I would receive.

 

Fortunately, Shegwin didn’t say anything.

 

No, he couldn’t.

 

The rules of hell.

 

Just like the Ak’shan demon hunters, Shegwin couldn’t communicate with me, who was alive.

 

If you asked me when I learned about the rules of hell, I would show you the iron in my waist.

 

– That’s what happened, Atlas.

 

My ethereal iron and Shegwin’s cherished sword, Atlas.

 

It seemed the swords were able to talk freely regardless of the rules.

 

Thanks to this, I was able to hear what happened to Shegwin through the ethereal iron.

 

And I was convinced.

 

‘It’s understandable why he hates me!’

 

The effect of [Noble].

 

Thanks to the small change that occurred.

 

Shegwin fell into hell not as a complete demon, but as a demon with pride in his heart. And in that Hell, there were also other people who were in the same situation as Shegwin.

 

Yeah.

 

Even though he was corrupted into a demon while hunting demons.

 

For our Akshan sunbaenims who didn’t give up their pride.

 

He was a comrade who suffered the same misery.

 

That was how Shegwin was reborn as a demon hunter.

 

Then that look of resentment.

 

What else could it be?

 

Akshan’s training, which was almost like labor, was something that even a sword master felt put off by.

 

But who was Grandfel?

 

In some ways, he was even worse than Akshan’s sunbaenims.

 

He didn’t even let pass Shegwin, whom he was reunited unexpectedly with.

 

“Then, let’s put our minds to it and start training.”

 

“…?”

 

“It’s a good-natured competition this time, Shegwin.”

 

“…!”

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

Slam!

 

Shegwin joined in.

 

Even I couldn’t guess Shegwin’s strength.

 

However, one thing was certain.

 

‘Maybe he’s stronger than he was back then…?’

 

Putting aside the relationship between senior and junior.

 

Let’s cooly make a comparison.

 

Between the level of Akshan’s demon hunters and Shegwin.

 

I was a demon hunter first and foremost.

 

Thanks to that, I knew better than anyone else that the demon hunter was a class that had some screws missing except for when hunting demons. Comparing the demon hunter to Shegwin?

 

A transcendent.

 

Not only he was the pinnacle of the sword.

 

He was also called the Sword Saint.

 

‘I feel sorry for Shegwin.’

 

Shegwin was corrupted into a demon.

 

Thanks to that, I was able to win by activating [Natural Enemy Relationship].

 

If Shegwin hadn’t been corrupted.

 

‘Even if he hadn’t rejuvenated, it wouldn’t have been easy fighting him.’

 

It seemed Shegwin got stronger by repeating the terrible training. Not only that, if he hunted down demons that had fallen into hell, his senses would never get rusty.

 

Indeed, my prediction was correct.

 

The ethereal iron opened its mouth.

 

– Shegwin’s sword has become sharper.

 

Shaaa!

 

Every time Shegwin swung the Atlas, the rushing mechanical dolls fell off like leaves in a cold wind. Pieces of machinery were struck down disastrously, dozens at a time.

 

– Of course, it can’t be compared to us.

 

You still have confidence, Doppelganger No.3 ethereal iron.

 

‘Actually, I’m too busy admiring it.’

 

Quick sword technique.

 

As the name suggested, Shegwin’s swordsmanship focused on speed.

 

It was so perfect that it couldn’t be compared to my unfinished quick sword technique.

 

Crack!

 

Shegwin’s muscles were turbulent.

 

If you didn’t have the physical ability, you wouldn’t be able to achieve that kind of speed.

 

From the moment I awakened as a player.

 

I never missed a day of physical training.

 

‘But it’s still no match for Shegwin.’

 

Simply put, there was a difference in the years we had lived.

 

I had mostly invested the points I earned from leveling up to [mana]. I didn’t know if I could grow [Tenacity] to hundreds of points in the future, but I had to.

 

However.

 

“Is that your sword path, Shegwin?”

 

This guy had more confidence than the ethereal iron!

 

In front of Shegwin, I raised the ethereal iron.

 

A message appeared to me.

 

[You’ve entered the B402 – Deep Laboratory]

 

At the same time.

 

A giant mechanical doll came into my field of vision.

 

If the prototypes seen on the previous floor were human-sized,

 

That thing seemed to be about the size of a building.

 

By the looks of it, it seemed to be a named monster.

 

But I didn’t confirm the information.

 

“Didn’t I tell you? Numbers and letters are meaningless.”

 

Grandfel might have a wonderful reason to not confirm it.

 

But I just couldn’t afford to do anything else.

 

It would be a shame to let this great talent go to waste.

 

『Grandfel’s talent is not limited to one thing.』

 

In front of me, there was the complete quick sword technique, not the incomplete one.

 

Moreover, the situation had changed from before.

 

Rather than fighting against each other as enemies, we cooperated as allies.

 

This meant I could witness Shegwin’s quick sword skill from a different angle.

 

To sum it up in one line.

 

‘I might be able to learn it the easy way!’

 

If I could complete my quick sword skills in this battle.

 

Wouldn’t this be the second achievement I unlocked after the circle?

 

Just as I was about to count the chickens.

 

I recited firmly.

 

“Following other people’s path is meaningless.”

 

Seriously, I knew this would happen…!

 

Grandfel’s pride.

 

How could he tolerate fully copying other people’s swordsmanship?

 

Not missing out, the ethereal iron also added.

 

– That is correct, my lord!

 

If Granfel were alone, I would try to break his stubbornness by rationalizing it somehow. Now that even the ethereal iron had agreed with him, I completely gave up on that idea.

 

Yeah, this was my life.

 

‘I have no choice but to open my eyes even more.’

 

To find my own damn sword path!

 

‘Let’s think positively.’

 

Actually, in a way.

 

The thorny path I chose now could be the right answer.

 

As I said, Shegwin’s sword path was not a path for anyone to walk on.

 

‘Even if I pour everything into my physical abilities in the future, it probably wouldn’t be enough.’

 

Why was Shegwin corrupted in the first place?

 

With that brilliant talent.

 

Even if he only saw the one quick sword technique and stuck with it.

 

He couldn’t reach the end of the sword path.

 

This was because his aging body couldn’t handle the quick sword technique.

 

‘…But, I am even weaker than old Shegwin.’

 

Just in case Grandfel might scold me.

 

I checked the status window sneakily.

 

[Name: Grandfel Claudie Arpheus Romeo]

 

[Title: The Last Adventurer, Noble, Transcendent]

 

[Class: Demon hunter]

 

[Level: 630]

 

[Stat]

 

Strength: 150 / Agility: 145 / Mana: 537 / Luck: 12 / Aesthetic: Upper / Tenacity: 2

 

[Points owned: 9]

 

Although numbers were not everything…

 

‘I lack strength and agility.’

 

I didn’t know about Grandfel, but I didn’t have the confidence to chase after Shegwin. In the end, it was probably best for me to complete and use the incomplete quick sword technique in my own way.

 

Therefore.

 

“Be prepared, ethereal iron.”

 

Brace yourself so as not to disappoint me.

 

My power was to use everything that I had and didn’t have.

 

It would be a lot messier than you think.

 

– I’ve been waiting for this moment, my lord!

 

Screech–

 

The giant prototype operated with a screeching sound.

 

Although it was a machine, its form was closer to that of an animal that walked on four legs. It looked like a toy at first glance and seemed cute because its front legs were particularly short… But combat power would never be cute.

 

‘The humanoid is also at level 1000.’

 

It was at least a named mob, and its bulk was incomparably large.

 

Compared to my magic skills, my swordsmanship was bad.

 

Facing something like that without entrusting myself to ethereal iron?

 

And without the [Natural Enemy Relationship] being activated at that?

 

‘You might as well call me crazy and suicidal.’

 

But as you could see, I was not alone.

 

Because Shegwin was next to me, raising his Atlas.

 

That Shegwin looked at me.

 

…The corners of his mouth were raised slightly?

 

The ethereal iron said.

 

– Let’s compete to see who gets knocked down first!

 

What.

 

Are you into friendly competition too, Shegwin?

 

But, there’s only one monster, what kind of competition is this…?

 

I looked at Shegwin and was shocked.

 

Oh.

 

I forgot.

 

The quest given by Raymond.

 

[Quest: Route Selection]

 

Intruder.

 

In order to move forward.

 

Choose one of the two crossroads.

 

– B401 – Deep Laboratory (Select)

 

– B402 – Deep Laboratory (Select)

 

Deep Laboratory.

 

There were definitely two of them, right?

 

It would make more sense to have two named mobs appear…

 

The ominous prediction came true.

 

Screech–

 

One more giant prototype that looked similar appeared.

 

I was thinking of beating it down harmoniously, but.

 

Shegwin wanted to see who could take it down first?

 

In this tense situation, our Grandfel might be helpful…

 

“If that’s what you want, I will.”

 

No, why are you agreeing to this request again?

 

“I will respect your pride in paying back your debt completely.”

 

Anyway, this guy’s noble pride was causing trouble again.

 

‘Well, it’s not a common opportunity.’

 

In fact, among my allies, Shegwin was the strongest.

 

From now on, he would be working hard in hell. No, considering that he would become infinitely stronger through repeated training and hunting…

 

More than just reassuring, I was also worried that my experience would be taken away by Shegwin later.

 

However.

 

‘I can’t call him out whenever I want.’

 

[Akshan’s Perseverence].

 

As the name suggested, it was a skill that inherited Akshan’s pride.

 

It was clear that using such skills for self-interest went against both Granfel’s integrity and the rules of the demon hunter. In other words, I couldn’t abuse it without a good reason.

 

‘Same goes for Shegwin.’

 

I could summon Shegwin.

 

Simply because the opponent was Raymond, that was all.

 

Someone who was fed up with social life might ask this:

 

Still, if you’re a newbie, can’t you do as you please?

 

Even receiving harsh remarks from Grandfel, it was just a cheap statement.

 

As if he’d tolerate such an action with pride.

 

I can’t believe you have to spend this rare opportunity on a risky bet.

 

Regardless of how I felt inside, the ethereal iron said.

 

– It’s admirable to see you keep pushing forward without giving in to defeat, Sword Saint!

 

…I’d rather die than suffer, seriously.

 

The moment I gave my consent.

 

Shegwin was already in action.

 

Swaaa–

 

Blue sword force swirled.

 

It was fast and beautiful.

 

That was the swordsman whose body and sword were united with Atlas.

 

It was Shegwin’s true value.

 

It was the sword that represented the Arcana Continent and an era.

 

Of course, this was not the time for me to sit around and watch.

 

I kicked the ground.

 

I couldn’t be faster than Shegwin.

 

However, I was confident that I was more desperate than Shegwin.

 

If Shegwin had walked the path of his sword only looking at the quick sword technique. In order not to sink, I had to struggle through a path full of hardships and adversity.

 

I couldn’t give up that initial commitment now.

 

Goo–

 

The ethereal iron was dyed black.

 

A silver-colored sword force waved around it.

 

At the same time, magic power wavered in my body.

 

– …This is?

 

Slide.

 

Did you notice, ethereal iron?

 

Yes, this is how your master has lived.

 

To put it simply, it’s an extra.

 

To put it mildly, it’s a magic swordsmanship.

 

To put it more grandly, it’s also an oddity.

 

Sk–

 

The magic blended into the sword every time I swung it.

 

When cutting and blocking, I manifested magic that was suitable for it. I used swordsmanship and advanced magic at the same time.

 

Combining literature culture and martial arts.

 

With a talent so natural that it put both magic and sword to shame.

 

It was a method of combat that only Grandfel could perform.

 

Suddenly, I heard the ethereal iron’s voice.

 

– This is ridiculous…

 

I wondered if he was surprised by my true self now that the [Natural Enemy Relationship] was not activated.

 

That didn’t seem to be the case.

 

Ethereal iron’s heartbeat was transmitted from my right hand.

 

– I finally realize it, Master.

 

What did you realize all of a sudden?

 

…My true self?

 

There was nothing I could do even if it was disappointed. This was who I was, so I could understand.

 

– The reason why you didn’t give me a ‘name’…!!

 

…Wait, what?

 

Ethereal iron, what are you talking about all of a sudden?

 

Why are you suddenly bringing up a name?!

 

‘How would you know something that even I also don’t know?’

 

Thump–

 

Regardless of my doubts, the ethereal iron’s heartbeat grew louder.

 

Of course, I was the one holding the ethereal iron’s heartbeat.

 

“!”

 

It was so loud that even Shegwin, who was swinging the sword, could hear it.

 

– I was mistaken. In order to walk your path together, I couldn’t be satisfied with just one name. I was foolishly jealous of Haiel and Diend.

 

…What, are you upset because I didn’t give you a name?

 

No, I shouldn’t say it.

 

If I did, I probably would have given it an astonishing name.

 

A name that wouldn’t be inferior to the names of those two.

 

– But as of today, I realize.

 

What is it that you realize?

 

Unnerving.

 

Really.

 

Soon the ethereal iron continued in a grim voice.

 

– I am a being who can’t be subordinated to one name!

 

…What?

 

– Yes, my lord.

 

– I will do whatever you want.

 

– For this moment, I will be reborn as the ‘Sword that Cuts Through Illusions.’

 

Huh, illusion… What?

 

For some reason, I felt like Grandfel was smiling with satisfaction.

 

What the hell is that name?!

 

The answer to my question came from a flashing message.

 

[?]

 

[Grade: Legend]

 

[Restriction: Unknown]

 

[Effect: Unknown]

 

[Description: Ego Sword with a noble ego,]

 

→

 

[Sword that Cuts Through Illusions: Illusion Breaker]

 

[Grade: Legend]…

 

…Sword that Cuts Through Illusions, Illusion Breaaaakeeer?

 

More importantly, Sword.

 

No, Illusion.

 

Where did this fraudulent effect come from?!