At the headquarters of Blue Inc., Lee Se-jin breathed a small sigh of relief.
User Hyun-soo was harboring a wolf’s egg. This egg is special because the creature that hatches from it varies depending on the nutrient ratio. “Previously, user Hyun-soo had already surpassed a 50% nutrient ratio.” A 50% nutrient ratio results in the birth of a boss-level wolf. There is also a time limit to increase this nutrient ratio.
[213 hours 33 minutes 12 seconds remaining.]
Now, there are only 7 days left. The nutrient ratio is also linked to negotiation skills. Originally, the method to increase the nutrient ratio requires showing great power as a noble or a leader. Due to the negotiation skills Hyun-soo has developed over a short period, the total nutrient ratio has now reached this level.
[Nutrient Ratio 71%.]
It could certainly be considered an astonishing nutrient ratio. If 80% is achieved, the creature that hatches could be compared to the legendary monster Fenrir. However, Lee Se-jin was not worried about that.
“If the nutrient ratio exceeds 80%…” a divine beast might be born. Even surpassing 80% does not guarantee the birth of a divine beast. In fact, it might still be impossible even if it surpasses 90%. This is where the supercomputer Ares comes into play. Whether Ares will allow a divine beast to be born or not.
“However, to reach that level, we need to achieve a nutrient ratio high enough to surprise Ares.”
Therefore, when Hyun-soo’s negotiation skills doubled after reaching the POW camp, Lee Se-jin became anxious. But it seemed impossible.
“All the members of the Gale Squad were on the brink of death, and all the soldiers from the POW camp and the Cradle of Hell were killed.”
Conversely, about 60 enemies survived, and crucially, Kun was still alive.
Watching from across the screen, Lee Se-jin’s eyes widened at the sight of a sword being forged by Hyun-soo. Engraved in red on the blade as they cooled were the words:
“To die is to live (必生則死). To live is to die (必死則生)”
Lee Se-jin’s heart raced. Could there be anyone in Korea who doesn’t know these words?
“Admiral Yi Sun-sin…!”
Lee Se-jin captured the completed sword with a rapturous gaze. There are several types of swords associated with Yi Sun-sin, including a type called twin swords. The original twin swords consisted of two blades. One of these swords was as long as 2 meters and weighed over 5 kg. However, Lee Se-jin was puzzled by the sword that had been made.
“A single sword to win in such a desperate situation?” Then, Lee Se-jin suddenly stood up.
“For buffs!?”
Five members of the Gale Squad. All of them possessed the strength of level-290 knight-class warriors. The reason they were halted was due to being magic incompatibles. Considering their abilities alone, what would that mean? Most kingdoms possess numerous fiefs. In such large fiefs, there are outstanding heroes representing the region. These are essentially semi-named NPCs. A typical example could be something like the deity of swords.
Yes, the skills of the Gale Squad are indeed comparable to the deity of swords.
“What if those who cannot wield magic are endowed with the power to do so?”
They become beings that transcend themselves. However, what is incomprehensible is the buff capability embedded by the supercomputer Ares.
After all, a buff is the unique power of a particular job class. And Lee Se-jin realized.
To fight with the resolve to die is to live.
The Gale Squad members who ignite such spirit and will. And the single great sword that inherits such will. It was possible because of the great sword Hyun-soo made and the vassals who met it. Lee Se-jin revised his thoughts.
‘How far will the negotiation skills go?’
And how high will the nutrient ratio of the wolf’s egg go?
***
Vrooooom-!
Khan and the members of the Gale Squad seemed to hear this sound. Mana Heart, which requires magic. The sound of magic going berserk as their Mana Hearts, which have lived in bodies of despair unable to contain magic, are pierced.
Sssssss-
Steam rises from their bodies. The berserk magic starts at the toes and manifests as effects. Blue magic envelops their bodies and whirls around as the surroundings become tranquil. Their bodies restored, they walk forward.
[Even if it breaks.]
[You have found a breakthrough in a critical moment of crisis.]
[The effect of the completed artifact is enhanced by 8%.]
A great general in a small country. The single great sword crafted by their lord. They had hoped. Someday to be able to wield magic. Thus, they learned and practiced magic cultivation techniques they couldn’t even express.
“Hoooo.”
As they exhale, a powerful surge of blue magic is released. Behind them, they heard the voice of their lord.
“Sweep them away.”
Khan and the eyes of the Gale Squad members cool down. About sixty assassins are approaching in various positions. Even Khan alone is approached by about seven assassins. Kun furrowed his brow.
‘How could those who were dying?’
But it was too late. An assassin targeting his neck was already upon him. However, Khan’s wrist turned first, and his sword impaled the assassin.
Pshhhhh-
“Khah!”
At the tip of Khan’s sword, a privilege of knights that had never been realized in his lifetime. Aura begins to undulate. A power he thought he might never use even in death, learned over a lifetime. Dozens of genius members of the Gale Squad created it, and now only five have fully inherited it. All five manifest it simultaneously.
[Like flames.]
Like a flame that flares up and then vanishes, such is their power.
Whoooosh-
This is the tactical swordsmanship displayed together by the members of the Gale Squad. About 25 assassins are ensnared by their sword formation. The Gale Squad members cut them down with minimal movement and swift strikes.
Whoooosh-
The moment they shake off their swords, 25 assassins turn into ashes and scatter.
“……!?”
[15 seconds.]
[14 seconds.]
They too know that the emergency creation by their lord Hyun-soo has an activation time.
[Like a river.]
Like a flowing river, they cut through their enemies, advancing in a straight line. Their target is Kun. Kun unknowingly steps back. Like a beast waiting for its teeth to grow, they finally reveal their wild nature. Defenseless. Like leaves in a storm. Omnipresent. Their power, indescribable by words, astonishes Kun, the king of their group. Power is such a thing. Like one knight defeating more than ten soldiers.
[Assassin Becker Lv.278]
[Khan Lv.341]
Overwhelming power allows one to trample over many more. A straight line of force cuts down all the assassins in the vicinity.
Swoooosh-
As they pass, members of the enemy Black Dragon squad scatter.
[2 seconds.]
“Woooooo!”
Khan and the members of the Gale Squad, burning with determination, break through the defending Black Dragon squad, getting ever closer.
Boom, boom, boom!
Suddenly, they pierce the heart of the Black Dragon squad blocking their path.
Gulp-
Kun swallows dryly without realizing it. He was relieved.
Swoosh-
The great sword held by Hyun-soo disperses like a mere mirage. The swirling blue magic around them disappears.
“Huff, huff.”
Kun gasps for breath. Soon, they return to their original state. Kun, who counted how many they had killed, could not believe it. 50 members of the Black Dragon squad turned to ash.
***
[It is of Unique grade.]
The great sword of General Yi Sun-sin, hastily crafted by Hyun-soo, was unfortunately unique. Hyun-soo was concerned. Whether a unique artifact could change the tide of the battle. However, seeing the tremendous power displayed by the Gale Squad, he realized one thing.
‘With magic, they were as powerful as a thousand armies.’
[Negotiation level rises.]
[Negotiation level…]
[In a short period, the negotiation level has increased significantly.]
[The negotiation level will be consolidated and informed after all situations have ended.]
Hyun-soo couldn’t be entirely happy that his negotiation level had increased.
‘The negotiation level increased because many Black Dragon squad members were killed.’
Conversely, if all the prisoners died, that negotiation level could disappear again. However, Hyun-soo felt relieved.
‘Now it’s manageable.’
Only nine members of the Black Dragon squad and their leader Kun remained. With these numbers, the battle now had a chance of success.
Then.
[You have overcome the crisis and killed many Black Dragon squad members in a short time.]
[A new story will soon begin.]
Hyun-soo’s face twisted. A new story is a double-edged sword.
‘If successful, it offers great rewards.’
But with it comes dangerous crises. Hyun-soo couldn’t yet know what the current crisis would be.
‘If only he would come…’
Hyun-soo recalled someone he met before coming here. However, he quickly pushed the thought aside.
Swoosh-
Hyun-soo rushed at Kun. He couldn’t allow Kun to kill the Gale Squad members who had lost their magic.
“From now on, all members of the Gale Squad will lead the prisoners and escape!”
“Yes!”
Kun didn’t bother to stop the Gale Squad. His rage towards Hyun-soo was boiling over.
“Just because of one damn guy like you…!”
Both nations had approached a peace agreement. And all his subordinates at this location had died! Even so, Hyun-soo was just a person with insignificant power compared to Kun.
Clash, clash, clash-
An endless exchange ensued. The nine surviving assassins struck relentlessly, and Kun joined them.
[HP falls below 65%.]
[HP falls below 54%.]
Such an easily killable person had caused all this trouble. But no more could he use any cunning…
Then Hyun-soo’s eyes sparkled. He was not one to give up.
“Ghost Step.”
He unleashed the power that had just come off cooldown.
Crack-
Kun saw it. Two to his left. Two above Hyun-soo. Three behind Hyun-soo. And one last time at himself.
Ting-!
Kun’s anger surged as he blocked the sword strike. In an instant, seven of his men sprayed blood and lunged at him.
“Ee, eek…!”
Sssk
Even now, as Hyun-soo fought like a cockroach that wouldn’t die, a light glinted on Kun’s dagger. A mystical power imbued Kun’s dagger as it pierced Hyun-soo’s chest precisely twelve times, five in rapid succession.
Puff, puff, puff, puff-
Blood spurted from his body.
Hyun-soo, kneeling with both knees on the ground and clutching his wrists, glared at Kun as he gasped for breath.
‘I want to give this bastard despair… this damned guy…’
Soon, Kun was enveloped in ecstasy. He saw figures emerging from all around the hill.
Whizz—
An arrow flew and pierced one of the prisoners.
“Kheuack!”
Murderer Guild.
Mostly composed of archers, the members of the Red Bandana Guild had arrived. Their arrows, fired by high-level unsportsmanlike players, rained down on the prisoners.
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh—
“Screaaam!”
“Ugh, aargh!”
“Ack!”
“Ugh!”
The prisoners were massacred.
The Gale Squad members were helpless against the barrage of arrows fired from various points.
From the hills and horizon, archers stood in their positions, ideally suited for a massacre.
“Look.”
Kun, holding his wrists and with bloodshot eyes, spoke to Hyun-soo. “You’ve lost.”
[Blood vessels are pressed.]
[You are stunned for 4 seconds.]
Kun, having briefly stunned him by pressing a blood vessel, wanted Hyun-soo to watch this slaughter and despair.
At the same time, all members of the Murderer Guild pulled their bowstrings towards the sky.
They activated skills like Double Shot or Triple Shot.
Along with it.
Chachachachachacha—
Hundreds of arrows were fired into the sky, arching in parabolas.
Arrows rained down indiscriminately on children, women, old men, and men.
“Waaaah!”
Amidst the crying of a child, Kun exulted.
Then.
“No, I haven’t lost.”
Hyun-soo smiled.
Kun could not understand that smile.
That moment.
[The emergence of a legend above legends!]
Beep—
Kun felt an inexplicable ringing in his ears.
He staggered back, shaking his head vigorously to regain his senses.
Soon, having recovered, he saw the hundreds of arrows raining down from the sky.
Whizz—
Then, a single arrow appeared from somewhere. The moment this single arrow entered among the hundreds, a massive flame ignited.
Whooooosh—
All hundred arrows were engulfed in flames.
Kun, stepping back, soon looked into the distance.
His senses caught a man standing far away.
Click—
He inserted an arrow into an unidentified bamboo tube.
‘A crossbow?’
He loaded an arrow onto a white bowstring.
Kun scoffed at him. The distance between them was a whopping 500 meters.
An arrow could never cover a distance of 500 meters to reach here.
That instant.
Swoooosh—
It happened in the blink of an eye.
An arrow struck directly into his chest.
Whooosh—
“Khaaaack!”
Kun was sent flying about 12 meters back.
And then, a notification reached Hyun-soo.
[Ian has joined the Guild Bright Future.]
Cliche Novel 