Chapter 224: Chapter 224
He was treated in a different way after becoming the lowest ranker.
He could tell from the attitudes of the guards in front of Haikman City.
As soon as Min Sung's party entered the city, the two guards sighed out of relief.
Most rankers had horrible tempers.
Since they instinctively wanted to use their power, they had superiority complexes, and since they always had to fight for a living, they were sensitive.
And that sensitivity resulted in violence.
If something wasn't to their liking, they easily killed guards, Beatrice natives, and other players.
In the world of Beatrice, the power one possessed meant everything.
Since each ranker was in charge of a region, they were no different from kings.
"Now that a ranker of a different region came to Haikman Port City, there's going to be a huge fight soon."
"But isn't Pheus in the mountains?"
"Yeah, but when he comes back."
The two guards gulped.
At that moment, they saw a swarm of horses coming their way.
"T-that's Pheus!"
Before they could even finish their conversation, Pheus appeared.
The guards flinched and spoke in low voices.
Even the colleagues beside the guards straightened their postures out of nervousness.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah! Isn't it obvious?"
"Don't let your guard down."
"Okay."
Since a ranker entered Haikman Port City, a conflict was about to begin, and that also meant a lot of blood was going to be shed.
Pheus pulled his reins in front of them.
"Neigh!"
The horse cried as it lifted its front feet.
"Hello, Pheus!"
The two guards greeted at the same time.
"A player entered, right?" Pheus looked down at the guards with his signature glare and asked.
"Yes, Sir. We had never seen this ranker before."
"How long has it been since he entered?"
"We saw you coming not long after he entered. It's only been a few minutes."
"Okay."
The guards made way, and Pheus' party entered slowly on their horses.
The guards continued to salute until Pheus disappeared and then let out a sigh.
***
"The vibe is weird," said Ho Sung Lee as he looked around the city.
He was right.
Unlike Royce village or anywhere around Oden's castle, Haikman Port City was full of people enjoying their leisure.
Some people were eating food and drinks while others were selling food or other items.
But there was still problems.
"9 out of 10 of them are women."
Ho Sung Lee laughed and continued, "Are the guys at the top obsessed with women?"
Ho Sung Lee mumbled to himself and then looked in the direction Min Sung was looking.
What Min Sung was looking at was a bar with good atmosphere.
The day was clear, and hot air blew.
So Ho Sung Lee assumed that what Min Sung was looking at was actually the beer that the people were drinking inside.
"Shall we go in?" Ho Sung Lee asked.
"We ran for 2 days straight to get here. Let's take a rest."
Min Sung then walked toward the bar.
After looking around, Ho Sung Lee followed Min Sung.
The outside of the shop was made of wood, and the same went for the other buildings.
It wasn't luxurious by any means, but the space was pleasant because it looked like a place where people lived.
Min Sung sat down at the bar, and Ho Sung Lee sat down beside him.
Bowl stayed inside Min Sung's pocket, and Ssol sat underneath Min Sung's stool and took a nap.
Since the waitress had never seen Min Sung before, she handed him the menu with nervousness.
Min Sung naturally handed the menu to Ho Sung Lee.
Ho Sung Lee quickly checked the contents of the menu.
"We don't need anything fancy for snacks. For now, at least," said Min Sung.
He planned to have a proper meal once he found an accommodation.
Ho Sung Lee understood and looked through the menu thoughtfully before giving a nod.
Ho Sung Lee called over the waitress and asked
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what the most popular beer was.
"There are canned beers in Ssol's golden pouch, but I thought it wouldn't be bad to try the beers of this city. What do you think?"
Min Sung nodded as an answer.
"As for the food, I'll order something simple like you requested."
"Good."
Ho Sung Lee raised his hand, and the waitress approached.
Once he ordered, the waitress excused herself.
Behind the bar was no wall, allowing them to see the streets.
Min Sung enjoyed the scenery without a word.
Meanwhile, the waitress brought their beers.
"Sir, the beer is here."
Min Sung turned around and looked at the beer.
He noticed the foam on top of the beer.
And the cup wasn't made out of glass but wood instead.
Ho Sung Lee respectfully offered to clink glasses.
Min Sung clinked his glass with that of HO Sung Lee and then put it to his lips.
Gulp, gulp!
After two sips, Min Sung looked down at his beer and thought, 'Hm…'
He then tapped Bowl inside his pocket.
In response, Bowl woke up and wriggled out of his pocket.
"Did you call, Master? Yawn."
Bowl opened his mouth wide in a yawn.
"Make this colder."
Min Sung pointed at his beer.
Bowl got on top of the table and used his dark magic.
Since Bowl was able to form fire, water, and ice with his dark magic, it wasn't hard for him to make the beer cold.
Dark energy came out of Bowl's boney fingers, and it created cold air to come out from the beer in no time.
When the waitresses and customers saw this, they watched in astonishment.
Min Sung tasted the beer again.
Now that it was cold, it still wasn't as good as the beer on earth, but it was much better than before.
Min Sung nodded at Bowl, and in response, Bowl snickered and then went back into Min Sung's pocket.
At that moment…
Bums nearby felt bothered.
"Haha! What a fun toy you have. What was that? Does it make your beer cold?"
Two men with dark skin approached Min Sung and Ho Sung Lee with big smiles on their faces.
The men had big muscles as if they were bodybuilders, and since they had their shirts off, it could be seen even more clearly.
Ho Sung Lee got off of his stool and stood in the way of the men and Min Sung.
"What are you doing?" Ho Sung Lee asked with a sharp voice
In response, the two men laughed.
"That little thing that crawled into your pocket looks so entertaining," said the man with his front teeth missing as he smiled.
"Just leave," Ho Sung Lee instructed.
In response, the men looked at each other and laughed even louder.
"You have a lot of guts for someone without a guild, but then again, that's probably why you came into this port city, too."
The man with curly hair that looked like ramen spoke with anger in his eyes.
Min Sung slowly got off of his stool.
Ho Sung Lee covered his eyes.
"Uh oh… Those idiots," mumbled Ho Sung Lee with his eyes covered.
"But they're total scum. Maybe it doesn't matter if they die."
The two men didn't hear what Ho Sung Lee said and continued to smile.
"If you came to Haikman Port City without a guild, that must mean you have something to rely on. Whether it's your skill or something else, but there's something I want to know."
One of the men looked back, and large men began to stand up one-by-one inside the bar.
By the end of it, there was a total of 9 men.
"Haha, how's this? Do you want to call me a coward? It's not us who are cowards. It's you who are stupid and don't know your place. We'll give you a nice welcome on our own away."
The men laughed like perverts.
Min Sung looked at them with a straight face and looked toward the kitchen.
The food was almost ready.
He didn't like seeing blood before a meal, but he had no choice.
"Follow me."
Min Sung squinted his eyes and walked outside with a bothered look on his face.
"Snicker! Look at that bastard. He thinks he's so tough."
The man with ramen hair laughed and gestured with his chin.
The 9 men followed him outside causing the peaceful atmosphere to turn cold, and the Beatrice natives quickly ran off to avoid the situation.
Min Sung waited for them to come out with his hands on his hips.
Underneath the hot sun, the men walked out while stretching as if they were preparing to work out.
It didn't seem like they knew Min Sung was a ranker.
Or if they did, they thought that 9 of them were fully capable of defeating him.
Whatever the case, the most important thing was to get rid of them before the food arrived.
Before they could say anything, Min Sung flicked his finger and opened his mouth.
"I don't have much time. Come at me."
Chapter 225: Chapter 225
"Snicker! You arrogant bastard. You're talking like you own the place. I'm going to kill you and then feed you to my dogs. Snicker!"
The man with ramen hair took out his weapon from his item window followed by the rest of the 9 men.
Min Sung tilted his head and looked over at Ho Sung Lee.
"Haven't we seen this before?"
In response, Ho Sung Lee flinched. His shoulders trembled and then looked away from Min Sung in fear.
Min Sung stared at the 9 men with weapons and then took out his weapon from his item window as well.
Kaboom!
Min Sung grabbed onto his Gungnir, causing a loud thundering noise.
As soon as he positioned himself with the thundering weapon, the 9 men immediately stiffened up.
"Wait… Were you the one who defeated Oden?" The man with ramen hair asked in shock.
Min Sung sighed.
"So what? Are you going to put that sword away now?"
The man with ramen hair smirked.
"No way. I'm actually thankful someone from the outside came in here. You idiot. Do you think we'd be scared just because you defeated Oden?"
Min Sung clicked his tongue with an annoyed face
"Why do you talk so much?"
As soon as Min Sung began walking with his Gungnir, he showed the palm of his hand and shouted, "Stop!"
"…?"
Min Sung glared at him with knitted brows.
"Sigh… How about we make a deal?"
"What kind of deal?" Min Sung asked.
"There's a ranker who rules over Haikman Port City."
"So?"
"Would you like to work together to kill him?"
"You die first."
The man with ramen hair dripped in a cold sweat.
"Don't be like that. Just think about it…"
"Stop wasting my time."
"You're not listening to me. Oh, well, if you don't want to work together, I'll just have to…"
Swoosh!
Min Sung's Gungnir pierced through the air in the blink of an eye and stabbed through the man with dark skin right in the heart.
Slash!
"Cough."
The man coughed out blood as the life drained from his eyes and then plopped down forward.
As soon as Min Sung raised his hand, the Gungnir flew back into Min Sung's hands.
After seeing that, the man with ramen hair as well as 7 other men looked blank.
Meanwhile, Min Sung decided to kill them without destroying any buildings or causing dust to fly.
He was okay with seeing blood, but he couldn't stand to let his food get dirty.
Min Sung walked toward the 8 men.
The 7 men besides the man with ramen hair looked confused.
"Don't even think about running away. Then you'll die right then and there. Go at him!"
The man with ramen hair shouted.
His colleagues immediately understood and jumped into battle.
However, that was just their will and nothing else.
And Min Sung shattered their will with his Gungnir.
He swung his Gungnir at the ones that were closest to him.
The first one got stabbed without a chance to even resist.
But the men in Beatrice weren't slow.
Min Sung dodged the attacks of his opponents and looked for a way in with his Gungnir.
And as soon as he saw an opportunity, Min Sung's Gungnir went right for their weakness.
Slash!
"Agh!"
One man screamed while grabbing onto his stomach with a hole in it.
That scream was then followed by other screams.
When Min Sung swung his Gungnir once, the heads of 4 men nearby got cut off, killing them immediately.
The number was reduced in an instant.
While the terror continued, Min Sung's Gungnir didn't' hesitate to take more lives.
Slash!
One man bled out like a fountain out of his front chest.
Due to the fear, the man with ramen hair as well as one other man glared at Min Sung while huffing and puffing.
Min Sung checked that there would still be time until his food arrived even after he finished them off.
But his opponents misunderstood that as having his guard down and charged at him with all of their skills.
The two men's Aura concentrated toward Min Sung.
When Min Sung saw that, he swung his Gungnir at a speed so fast that it couldn't be seen.
The Aura that launched from Min Sung's
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power shattered into hundreds of pieces and shot up into the sky like fireworks.
The Aura then scattered into nothingness.
"O-oh my god! That's crazy!"
Being able to slice up his Aura and launch it into whichever direction he wanted was an ability that they never imagined with their common sense.
While they showed shock on their faces, Min Sung's Gungnir had already finished preparing for their punishments.
Min Sung held out his left hand, causing the two men to be dragged right in front of him.
"Huh? Huh?!"
They were filled with surprise and fear at the feeling of their bodies moving against their will.
And as soon as they fell right in front of Min Sung, Min Sung's Gungnir slashed through them.
Slash! Slash!
The Gungnir struck then twice.
The man with ramen hair lost his face while his colleague got slashed in the neck and heart before falling onto the ground.
Min Sung threw his Gungnir back into his item window. He sat back down in his chair and drank his beer.
Gulp, gulp!
Min Sung put down his glass and looked at the waitress.
The waitress was unable to look at Min Sung and simply trembled.
Ever since the fight began, the cooking had halted.
Min Sung finished his beer and then got up while looking back at Ho Sung.
"We'd better go back to the dorm and get a proper meal there," said Min Sung.
"I'll look into it, Sir."
Ho Sung Lee hurried behind him, and Bowl immediately sensed bodies around him and crawled out of Min Sung's pocket.
Bowl cast his dark magic on the bodies, causing the bodies to be absorbed into the ground.
Min Sung noticed just how advanced Bowl's Undead Ability had become over time.
***
The bald ranker named Pheus heard what happened from a young boy as he looked at the traces of blood on the ground.
He then took a look around.
Aside from the bloodstains, not a single building had damage done to it.
Even the ground was flat, making it hard for anyone to believe that a fight actually broke loose there.
"If this was intended, I'm impressed."
Pheus laughed at the bloodstains.
"What are you going to do, Sir?" The man in a grey robe standing behind Pheus asked.
"What do you think? He's probably pumped up from becoming a ranker. He's allowed to enjoy himself a little. Let him be. I'm sure we'll meet him eventually."
Pheus then continued to walk.
All of the residents of Haikman Port City bowed their heads toward Pheus.
***
Ho Sung Lee found an accommodation.
It had a wide view of the ocean.
It was on the 3rd floor, and since it was high up, the scenery was spectacular.
Min Sung looked out onto the ocean from on top of his bed.
If he wanted to go to the inner continent, he had to cross the ocean.
It was the fastest to move with his body, but he didn't want to get his body wet just to cross the ocean.
He figured it was fast enough to just take a boat.
Since the time in Beatrice flowed differently from earth, he wasn't completely low on time.
He at least wanted to cross the ocean without having to rush.
Knock-knock-
Ho Sung Lee knocked before opening the door.
"Sir, your food is ready."
He only had a beer with no food. For that reason, his stomach grumbled. His stomach didn't make such noises in the Demonic Realm though, but now that his stomach was used to food, it kept giving him alarm bells.
Min Sung rubbed his belly and left his room.
The 1st floor wasn't big, but it was a small restaurant.
And on top of the table wasn't food from the restaurant, but a meal that Ho Sung Lee prepared himself.
Min Sung sat at the table and picked up his spoon.
"This is…"
When Min Sung looked down at the food in question, Ho Sung Lee jumped in with a smile.
"It's rice with stir-fried glass noodles."
Min Sung nodded.
It was as Ho Sung Lee described it.
He saw white rice with glass noodles, pork, spinach, onion, carrot, pepper, green onions, and abalone.
And the sesame sprinkled on top of it all made him gulp.
Even the oily appearance made it look more appetizing.
"The visuals are amazing."
"Haha. I did my best. Food that looks good tastes good, right?"
"Right."
"It's a little spicy because of the pepper, but it'll help with the greasiness."
Min Sung agreed and mixed his food with his spoon.
The rice, noodles, and vegetables mixed together with the sauce.
Min Sung then spooned up a big bite and put it into his mouth.
Om nom, om nom!
Min Sung enjoyed his first bite more intensely than ever.
The soft and hot rice, as well as the flavor of the chewy glass noodles.
And the soft spinach, sweet onions and carrots, the chewy green onions, and the savory sesame seeds on top.
It was the best rice with stir-fried glass noodles.
Min Sung gulped and looked down at his food with a smile.
"You've become a real chef. You really have."
In response to Min Sung's praise, Ho Sung Lee smiled.
"I'm also surprised by how much my cooking skills have been improving. I'm almost forgetting that I'm a hunter. If I go back to earth, I'll have to learn how to properly cook from Chef Woong Jang himself."
Chapter 226: Chapter 226
"Good idea," Min Sung said.
"I hope you enjoy your meal."
Ho Sung Lee bowed and then sat down in order to enjoy his meal.
Mealtime began.
The stir-fried glass noodles with rice contained abalone and the glass noodles themselves were so intense that the vast flavors quickly penetrated through the belly.
But Min Sung controlled his place so that he didn't eat too quickly.
He enjoyed the flavors slowly and surely.
Like Ho Sung Lee said, the peppers were spicy, helping to alleviate the greasiness of the dish.
And the sweet sauce was probably a secret of Chef Woong Jang, but he definitely imitated it well.
At this rate, he was definitely a top pupil.
How much more could he grow if he officially learned?
Ho Sung Lee's cooking was so impressive that just imagining it made him surprised.
"You should be a chef, not a hunter."
"Stop it. You're making me sad."
"Okay."
Min Sung focused back on the food.
Seeing how he couldn't stop thinking about how delicious it was while eating it, he was definitely impressive.
Ho Sung's skills were improving by the day.
Ho Sung Lee was smart and quick-witted, but he was good at cooking as well. There was no better man to be his secretary.
Min Sung enjoyed the delicious stir-fried glass noodles with rice and nodded.
"Ho Sung."
"Yes?"
Ho Sung Lee, who was just about to start eating, put down his spoon and waited for Min Sung to continue.
"If you happen to be captured as a hostage, don't irritate them for no reason."
"… Pardon?"
"I'll save you."
Ho Sung Lee stared at Min Sung blankly.
Min Sung sensed it and nodded.
"No need to thank me. I think you're worth saving."
"Do you mean it, Sir?"
"Yeah."
Ho Sung Lee looked at Min Sung with admiration.
"I'm surprised."
"Why?"
"Before today, you had no intention of saving me if I was to be captured as a hostage."
"Of course."
Ho Sung Lee stared at Min Sung and then dripped in a cold sweat.
"I didn't know you were so certain about it."
"Is there a problem?"
"No. I'm just surprised. Anyway, I'm relieved. I'm glad you'll save me if I become a hostage."
"But if you become a hostage, you'll be the one to be disappointed because you'll put me in a difficult spot."
"What am I supposed to do?"
Ho Sung Lee expressed his annoyance in a playful manner.
"I'm saying, since you did well so far, keep up the good work. I'm going to keep eating. Shut up."
Min Sung went back to eating.
Ho Sung Lee smirked.
"Don't be so cautious. With my outstanding ability, I'll surprise you just like I did today."
"I told you to shut up," said Min Sung with a spoonful of glass noodles on his spoon.
Ho Sung Lee nodded with a scared face.
"Go ahead, Sir."
Bowl snickered from underneath the table.
***
A young boy glanced around while covered in blood and ran down the street.
He looked to be around 8 years old.
Despite being exhausted, the boy used all his remaining energy to run in his bare feet.
And as soon as he found the house he was looking for, the boy slowed down. He opened the door and went inside.
The boy caught his breath as he glanced around him.
When a young woman saw the boy covered in blood, she gasped and dropped the bowl she was holding.
The bowl broke against the floor.
"…"
In the midst of silence, the boy and the woman's eyes met.
After that, the woman realized who the boy was.
"Alfie?"
As soon as the woman asked, the boy nodded and approached the woman with a gulp.
"I heard the soldiers got rid of the Gorgo Family. Is that true?"
The boy named Alfie looked up at the woman and asked.
The woman wiped the boy's face and looked at him with worried eyes.
"What happened to you?"
The woman asked.
Alfie looked up at the woman with teary eyes and expressed his urgency.
"I have to meet them. Where are they?"
Alfie asked in desperation.
The woman sighed. She looked down at Alfie and put a new wet cloth in the child's hands.
"Wait here and wipe off the blood. I'll go talk to them."
The woman tapped the boy on the shoulder and went upstairs.
***
After finishing his meal, he took a rest before
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taking off again.
He heard a knock, and when Min Sung opened the door, a female waitress with freckles stood in front fo him in fear.
"What is it?"
While the waitress hesitated, he heard someone coming up the stairs.
"Sir… Sir!"
The little boy laid down in front of Min Sung's feet and grabbed onto his pants.
Min Sung looked down at the boy with irritation.
"I'm begging you. Please save my mother. I'm begging you! Please!"
The boy pleaded with his head on the ground.
Alfie was trembling.
Not long afterward, Ho Sung Lee appeared in front of the waitress, Alfie, and Min Sung.
"What's going on?"
Ho Sung Lee asked with a suspicious face.
Min Sung sighed and gestured toward Alfie with his chin.
"Listen to his story."
Min Sung then went downstairs.
Ho Sung Lee approached the boy covered in blood and kneeled in front of him to be at eye-level.
"What's your name?"
"Alfie," replied Alfie with shaking eyes.
"Have a warm cup of tea with me."
Ho Sung Lee helped him up and then went down to the first floor with the waitress.
Ho Sung Lee got a table near the window and sat across from Alfie.
He had already asked the waitress to bring them some tea.
Alfie, who was sitting in a chair, looked around with his focus on various parts of the space around him.
That proved how anxious he was.
"Tell me. What's the matter?"
Ho Sung Lee asked in a kind voice.
Alfie's small eyes began to well up.
"Pheus' group killed my father and took my mother and sister!"
Alfie said in a tearful voice.
Ho Sung Lee knitted his brows and stared right at Alfie.
"Who's Pheus?"
Alfie explained what he knew. From what he heard, it sounded like Pheus was the leader of Haikman Port City."
"Do you know why he took them?"
Ho Sung Lee cautiously asked.
"They said they were going to be used as a sacrifice."
Ho Sung Lee squinted his eyes.
"… Sacrifice?"
"Yes. He took them to use them as a sacrifice."
He asked a few more things, but that was all Alfie knew.
Ho Sung Lee placed the warm tea that the waitress brought in front of Alfie and then got up to find Min Sung.
Min Sung was already at a street stall nearby eating something.
When he looked closely, he saw that Min Sung was eating fruit.
"Sir," called Ho Sung Lee as soon as he got near.
"This is good. It tastes so new to me," said Min Sung as he looked down at his fruit with a serious face.
Ho Sung Lee contemplated.
He wasn't sure if he should tell Min Sung about it or not.
After all, he only acted on things with clear objectives.
"What is it?"
Min Sung asked as he looked up at the sky lit with the red sun while chewing on his red fruit.
"In order to have a sacrifice, Pheus killed that boy's father and took his mother and sister. It sounds like the father died while trying to protect his family."
Ho Sung Lee only said what needed to be said.
He didn't add any personal perspectives to the story.
Min Sung was always the one to make decisions, so it wasn't wise to add his emotions.
For that reason, Ho Sung Lee stopped there and waited for Min Sung to respond.
"Who's Pheus?"
Min Sung asked after taking another bite of his fruit.
"I asked that question as well. It sounds like he's the leader of Haikman Port City. He's a ranker."
Min Sung threw away his stick and picked up another one.
"Pay for it."
Min Sung chewed on his fruit while walking.
"Where are you planning to go?"
"To Pheus."
Ho Sung Lee looked at Min Sung with a straight face and then paid the owner of the street stall before chasing after him.
"Please wait at the hostel. I'll look into Pheus' location and report back to you."
Min Sung chewed on his fruit and admired the scenery around him while nodding at Ho Sung Lee.
***
His hands were sticky from eating fruit.
As soon as he entered the hostel after washing his hands, the boy who was still covered in blood stood while trembling at the entrance of the restaurant.
Min Sung stared at Alfie.
"… Are you going to help me?"
Alfie asked with eyes of desperation.
"I'm not sure if I'm helping but something like that."
Min Sung walked to the window. He sat down and ordered a coffee.
The boy followed him and expressed his gratitude.
"Go away," said Min Sung with cold eyes.
The boy gulped. He looked at him in trust and then left the hostel.
And not long afterward, Ho Sung Lee came back to the hostel.
"I find out where Pheus is," said Ho Sung Lee with a nervous face.
"Let's leave after this cup of coffee."
"Yes, Sir."
"Don't just stand there. Sit down."
Ho Sung Lee bowed and pulled a chair for himself.
"Phew. Anyway, Beatrice is a mess."
"…"
"Even if Pheus dies, the vicious cycle will continue, and we'll end up in our own land. Then new scumbags will take over Haikman Port City again."
"That applies to anywhere," said Min Sung as he stared out the window with blank eyes.
Chapter 227: Chapter 227
"… That's true."
Ho Sung Lee sadly agreed. Meanwhile, coffee arrived on the table.
While Min Sung sipped on his coffee, the boy, Alfie, loitered around the window.
He appeared to be looking their way.
"He seems to be in an urgent situation."
Ho Sung Lee took Alfie's side.
"How far is Pheus?"
"It's not that far. He's currently at a private vacation house. I heard their guards are very strict."
Min Sung smirked while sipping his coffee.
"And what's that about the sacrifices?"
"I'm not sure about the details. They're keeping quiet about it."
Min Sung sighed and met eyes with Alfie outside the window.
Min Sung finished his cup of coffee and put down his cup.
"Let's go," said Min Sung while getting up from his chair.
"Yes, Sir."
Just like any other day, Ho Sung Lee's face was filled with nervousness unlike that of Min Sung.
***
Ho Sung Lee borrowed two horses.
If it was far, they would have just traveled by foot.
But it wasn't very far so since Min Sung was the lazy type, he looked into going by horse so that they could travel comfortably.
Click, clack, click, clack!
Min Sung's horses raced quickly.
Bowl was inside Min Sung's pocket, and Ssol was behind Ho Sung Lee with his arms wrapped around Ho Sung Lee's waist.
After about 15 minutes, they started to see something.
"I think it's over there," said Ho Sung Lee.
Min Sung stopped on top of a hill and looked down where Pheus was staying.
Since the area was high up, he had a good view of where Pheus was residing.
There were a bunch of grey buildings, and they were positioned to look like fortresses around the ocean.
The sun was setting, and not long after would it be dark outside.
Min Sung kicked the side of the horse to get moving again.
***
The sunset didn't last for long.
The sun set in no time, and once it was nighttime, Pheus began his preparations for his sacrifice.
There was a large alter and nearby was Pheus who was sitting in a fancy chair.
The way countless people danced and played instruments in order to offer the sacrifice reminded him much of a religious ceremony.
Once Ho Sung Lee focused on his supporter abilities, he specialized in hiding his visibility and conducting sneaky infiltration.
As a result, he had a very good grasp of what was happening inside Pheus' fortress.
No matter how powerful anyone was, it was hard to detect someone who was hiding their whereabouts.
But since they were not to be underestimated, Ho Sung Lee prepared for the worst and moved in a careful manner.
After infiltrating the fortress as if he was stepping on thin ice, Ho Sung Lee checked up on the people that were captured to become hostages.
And then he moved again to try to get back out.
A moment later, Ho Sung Lee slipped through a small crack as smoke, and once he turned back into his original form, he looked around.
He spotted Min Sung nearby.
And as soon as he spotted Min Sung, Ho Sung Lee almost screamed.
There were 5 bodies on the ground around him.
"… What happened?"
Ho Sung Lee asked in shock.
The place where Ho Sung Lee spotted Min Sung wasn't near the front gates, but it was a place where the guards couldn't spot him.
It was a blind spot for any CCTV angles.
Min Sung said to go inside.
But Ho Sung Lee wanted to play his part as a supporter, so he proposed that he go inside to check on the situation inside, and Min Sung agreed.
"How is it?"
Min Sung gestured toward the inside with his chin.
"Can I smoke a cigarette? I feel like this is my last chance for a long time or forever. It's not that I don't trust you. I don't trust myself."
Min Sung lifted his hand to give him permission.
Ho Sung Lee put a cigarette in his mouth and smoked with anxiousness.
"Huff, huu!"
He smoked at a faster pace than usual.
Min Sung knitted his
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brows as he watched Ho Sung Lee.
Ho Sung Lee put out his cigarette with his foot and then swept his sweaty hair back.
"There are many of them. Maybe around 200."
Min Sung turned his eyes toward the wall.
"200?"
Min Sung asked to confirm, and Ho Sung Lee nodded in response.
"Are you going to go inside?"
"We can't go back after how far we've come."
"That's true, but there are more of them than we thought… Never mind."
Ho Sung Lee shook his head.
"It wouldn't be like you to not go inside, but there's something I'm worried about. This is Beatrice. This isn't earth nor is there a lot of information like there is of the devils, so if we go in without having the proper manpower, we could face some trouble."
"So what do you suggest we do?"
"We'll go in together, and I'll use my support abilities to give you information on the numbers and location, and you can get rid of them one by one to decrease the number."
"Is that really necessary…?"
"Sir, we don't have much information. We might have had a smooth ride until now, but there's no guarantee it'll continue that way. This is Beatrice, and it's where all the best hunters of the world are gathered. It doesn't hurt to be careful."
"Then do that. Let's begin. Go right now."
Ho Sung Lee looked back toward the wall.
"I can turn into smoke and cross the wall, but do you have a way?"
"Of course. Go first."
"… Yes, Sir."
Ho Sung Lee tilted his head and then turned into smoke in an instant.
His smoke then penetrated through the small crack in the wall.
He then heard the sound of knocking from the other side of the wall.
Min Sung swung his fist.
Pow!
The wall came tumbling down.
Since it was a thick wall with no magic cast onto it, he was able to easily knock down the wall with his fist.
Min Sung took Ssol with him and crossed the wall through the hole.
Ho Sung Lee stared at Min Sung in shock.
"If you were going to do that, why did you get me to go first? And the players will come rushing over because of that sound."
"It wasn't that loud, and they're already loud from offering sacrifice, so not many guards will react to a noise like that."
At that moment, they sensed a movement.
"They're coming," said Min Sung as Ho Sung Lee turned back into a cloud of smoke.
Min Sung hid behind a tree without making a sound.
'The number of players under Pheus' rule is 200…'
'That's a lot.'
While Min Sung had that thought, he saw the backside of 2 guards who came to check up on the hole in the wall.
Min Sung took out his Gungnir without the thundering noise and approached them quietly.
As soon as they turned around after talking about the wall, Min Sung's Gungnir attacked them from behind.
The Gungnir slashed through one of their faces, and after that, Min Sung's left hand grabbed onto the other guard's neck.
"Ugh! Ugh!"
The player within Min Sung's grasp was unable to use his strength.
The life drained out of him and turned into a mummy.
Min Sung threw the body to the ground. He put his weapon away and turned around.
There stood Ho Sung Lee.
"Shall I begin the search now?"
Ho Sung Lee asked.
"Wait."
Min Sung wiped his sword of blood and opened his item shop.
If he was a ranker ruling over 200 players, that meant he had quite the reputation.
Min Sung used his +12000 experience points to buy items.
After buying all of the items, he only had +4000 points left, but he wasn't sad about it.
He just wanted to finish off the responsibilities he was given.
At that moment…
Ding!
An alarm sound went off along with a quest.
[Pheus is committing evil acts of offering sacrifice. Since he has an evil reputation, you'll gain great honor if you defeat PHeus.]
[You must act quickly since the lives of Beatrice natives are on the line.]
[In the case that you defeat Pheus, you will receive a large reward as well.]
[You're now qualified to receive ranker missions.]
[Success Condition A: Defeat Pheus]
[Success Condition B: Save the Beatrice Natives]
[Success Condition C: You'll receive a higher reputation and reward the more people you save.]
[You cannot refuse this quest.]
That was all of the messages that Min Sung saw in front of his eyes.
He had to do it anyway, but the fact that the more people he saved, the higher his reputation and reward would be made him feel burdened.
But in order to get out of this disgusting world and enjoy a peaceful life, he had to complete all of the quests.
Min Sung looked annoyed as he sent Ho Sung Lee a message via trill.
Hurry up. We don't have much time.
After hearing the message, Ho Sung Lee nodded. He bowed and then disappeared after turning into a cloud of smoke.
While Ho Sung Lee moved first to become Min Sung's eyes, Min Sung checked the time on his watch.
How long would it take to defeat Pheus, who is the leader of Haikman Port City?
No, how many minutes would it take?
Min Sung decided on 10 minutes and started his time watch.
Chapter 228: Chapter 228
Clack!
The countdown began.
3, 2, 1.
Time passed by.
He remembered the time in order to grasp just how many of them were there.
2 people at 45 degrees to your left. They're either unarmed or showing their backs, so they should be easy to catch.
One of his new abilities as a supporter.
Ho Sung Lee acquired the trill skill.
The ability to send messages without anyone else hearing it.
Of course, in order to use that ability, he had to consume a great amount of magic power.
He could have moved alone, but since Ho Sung Lee seemed to really want to help, he decided to play along.
After coming to Beatrice, Ho Sung Lee's abilities continue to grow, and as a result, his worth increased as well.
'I should acknowledge that.'
Min Sung held onto his Gungnir and moved toward the direction that Ho Sung Lee instructed.
Min Sung didn't make a single sound in his movements.
Not even the sound of wind could be heard, so he was no different from a ghost.
***
Ho Sung Lee was in hiding keeping Min Sung's movements in check, and after seeing Min Sung's movements, he was in awe.
Min Sung killed the other players as if they were ants, making it hard to believe that they were in Beatrice, not earth.
Whenever Min Sung swung his Gugnnir, the players got killed before they could even react.
Even Ho Sung Lee felt fear in the way he killed the players, so he couldn't even imagine how his opponents felt.
There are more of them this time, but they're drinking, so they won't have their guards up. You can probably kill them right away.
Once Min Sung received the insight, he immediately decided on his course of action.
There were 7 players gathered together, and when he swung his sword at them from behind, all 7 of them plopped on the ground while spilling blood without a single scream.
Blood flooded over the food and drinks.
While Ho Sung Lee watched Min Sung waiting for his next instruction, he gulped.
He was very impressive.
He was very strong indeed.
Ho Sung Lee had no doubt that once completing this stage, they would complete the next stage easily as well.
***
"48, 47, 46…"
Min Sung was counting down the time in a quiet voice as he moved in quickly but not in a rushed manner.
He then leaned against the wall and checked his surroundings.
He heard Ho Sung Lee's voice.
Sir, the hostages that are meant to be used as sacrifice are at your 2 o'clock. The total number seems to be…
No need for numbers. While I get rid of the players, you save the people. Send them outside, and look for more people that could be trapped elsewhere.
Yes, Sir!
Min Sung looked toward the altar.
Countless players were gathered there.
They were enjoying a party celebrating the offering of sacrifice.
They were drinking, singing, playing instruments, dancing, and worshiping their god.
He had already calculated how many players he could kill and just how much force it would require.
Min Sung gripped hard onto his Gungnir.
White energy flowed out of the Gungnir, and Min Sung's two eyes began to shine with a white light.
As soon as Min Sung swung his Gungnir.
A loud thundering noise rang.
Kaboom!
As soon as the thundering noise rang, the players suddenly stopped their festival and looked up at the sky.
It was a natural response.
Meanwhile, Min Sung killed the players looking up at the sky one-by-one.
Slash!
He heard one player getting stabbed.
But it wasn't just one player that lost its limbs and plopped down on the ground.
The festival soon turned into a place filled with shrieks, and the hellish sight reminded him of actual Hell.
Most of them still had no idea who was causing this commotion.
They simply believed that they made the Dionysus Gods mad.
Among them, the only ones who remained unharmed were Pheus, who was sitting on
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his throne, and the three men who were guarding him.
Min Sung walked past the bodies missing their limbs and headed toward Pheus.
They were in close vicinity, and Min Sung walked up to the altar.
He then tilted his head at Pheus and stared right at him.
"What are you doing? Get up," said Min Sung toward Pheus who was sitting in a fancy chair.
As soon as his 3 underlings reacted, Pheus lifted his hand.
In response, the 3 underlings calmed down and went back to their places.
"You must be the new lowest ranker," said Pheus with a serious look on his face.
Min Sung stared at Pheus with a bored face
"I'm sure courage, spirit, drive, and many more qualities brought you here."
"…"
Pheus looked down at the dead players below him and made a sad face
"A setting meant for the gods is now a complete disaster…"
Rage started to slowly but surely overcome Pheus' face.
But it was not expressed too strongly.
Pheus nodded at Min Sung, who was standing on top of the alter.
"But it's not that I don't understand. After all, this is what Beatrice is all about."
Min Sung knitted his brows.
"Stop the nonsense and get up. Stop acting so arrogant."
Pheus snickered.
"What are you doing here? To save the sacrifice? Or for the rankings?"
"Food."
"…?"
In response to the unexpected answer, Pheus stared at Min Sung with confusion.
"… Food?"
Pheus took his back off of his chair and asked in curiosity.
"I don't want any more disturbance while I eat. I need to get rid of the source, especially if it's trash."
"For food, huh…? Hahahahahahahaha!"
Pheus swung his head back and laughed.
Due to his magic power, his laughter rang through the skies.
He then turned his eyes and stared at the empty cages where Ho Sung Lee took out all the sacrifices.
"The Beatrice natives that we were going to offer as a sacrifice were all criminals."
Pheus stiffened his face and stared at Min Sung as he continued, "They either stole food or tried to murder."
Pheus saw Min Sung's unchanged face and smiled.
"I'm not lying. I didn't start this because I wanted to save them."
Min Sung laughed at Pheus.
"If you were going to offer them as a sacrifice for committing crimes, how do you justify trying to kill them?"
"Onlookers are criminals, too."
Pheus' eyes sparkled.
Min Sung laughed.
"Your head is messed up."
"I'm a cold, lonely, and strong man. I'll teach you just how excessive your arrogance is."
Pheus gestured with his chin.
In response, the 3 men behind Pheus began walking toward Min Sung with their weapons.
Min Sung confronted the 3 players.
"These 3 are quite skilled, so don't feel sad about the fact that I'm not fighting you myself."
Min Sung checked the 3 players.
One was holding a sword while the other one was holding a bar.
The last player was holding a unique ax.
"I think you're the one with the messed up head, not me. You're not seeing reality. Why do you think these 3 skilled players are working for me?"
Pheus' eyes loosened up.
"You'll be held responsible for these players' deaths. You'll see that I'm different from the rest of them."
The 3 players positioned themselves in front of Min Sung.
Min Sung stared at them while saying, "Positioning yourself? The fact that you need to prepare is already wrong," said Min Sung.
The 3 players, as well as Pheus, looked confused.
"This is what you call being on a different level."
Min Sung walked toward the players without any preparation.
The 3 players swung their weapons toward Min Sung.
As soon as the attacks began, the ground shook, and the space around them became distorted.
Seeing from their attacks, the players were definitely no ordinary players.
But that didn't mean they were above Min Sung.
Power strong enough to rip through space was directed at Min Sung, but they didn't touch him one bit.
They looked like they would hit him, but they didn't.
"Too slow and too weak," said Min Sung as he dodged the 3 players' attacks.
"I was born with this. On top of that, I lived 120 years amongst monsters."
Kaboom!
Min Sung's Gungnir slashed through the forehead of the man holding a rod.
Min Sung pulled his sword back out and turned his body.
The remaining magic power charged toward the other 2 players.
Rippppp!
The sound of flesh ripping rang through the air.
As soon as Pheus saw that, he sprung up from his seat.
The 3 players plopped down on the ground on the verge of death.
Min Sung stared down at the players and sighed.
He had bought expendable items, but he didn't have a need to use them yet.
Min Sung stared at Pheus with anticipation.
The strong ones were bound to appear eventually.
It was just a matter of when.
"You're… stronger than I thought."
Pheus looked at Min Sung in awe and walked up to the altar.
As soon as he waved his hand, the 3 players flew out of the altar to the ground.
Pheus flashed a smile at Min Sung.
"Then shall we begin?"
Pheus began to gather magic power within his hand.
Chapter 229: Chapter 229
Min Sung clenched onto his Gungnir as he watched the power gather around Pheus' hands.
He was definitely different.
He could sense his elevated level of power compared to that of the lowest ranker, Oden, even before the battle started.
The power gathering around Pheus' hands made Min Sung slightly nervous.
Whirrrr!
Even before the Aura was launched, the great power caused the ground to shake and the mud and rocks on the ground to swirl around in the air.
The tension began to elevate before it caused a collision.
Min Sung and Pheus shortened the distance between each other.
They weren't running toward each other but simply keeping their distance in check.
The battle then began.
Pheus stuck out his hand surrounded by magic power.
And when he did, what looked like a whip made of metal appeared in Pheus' hand.
That whip made of metal contained the great power of an Aura.
The metal whip wrung around like a snake before charging toward Min Sung.
Swoosh!
Min Sung dodged the metal whip and took a step backward.
If he had chosen to attack and took a step forward, the metal whip would have wrapped around his body.
It had a complicated structure, and the force was so great that he couldn't make any rash movements.
He had to grasp the space around him and look for a way in.
While Min Sung thought it through, Pheus unleashed his attacks so that he wouldn't miss his opportunity at an advantage.
The metal whips from Pheus' hands moved quickly and systematically.
Swoosh!
Whoosh!
The two metal whips charged toward Min Sung's pressure point like a venomous snake.
It was a short time, but Min Sung had already thought up a strategy of how to fight against Pheus.
Min Sung's eyes flashed as he moved according to the two metal whips that were charging toward him.
He moved so smoothly that it looked slow, and the weapons from Pheus' hands strangely went right past Min Sung.
Min Sung moved in a semi-circle and charged quickly at the empty space he spotted.
At the same time, Min Sung let go of his Gungnir.
The Gungnir flew at a surprising speed right into Pheus' side.
Pheus' eyes jolted as he quickly grabbed for the Gungnir that stabbed through his side.
"What a strange skill you use…"
Pheus laughed despite the excruciating pain.
But as soon as Min Sung raised his hand and unleashed his magic power, Pheus could no longer maintain the smile on his face
As soon as magic power flowed out of the Gungnir on Pheus' side, he felt as though his blood vessels were going to burst.
In the end, Pheus took the sword out of his body himself.
Meanwhile, Min Sung stood right in front of Pheus.
When they met eyes, Pheus' eyes opened wide.
Min Sung's fist struck his chest.
Pow!
Along with the sound of bones cracking, Pheus body flew over to the ground and rolled.
Min Sung then flew over and summoned his Gungnir back into his hands.
Min Sung walked toward Pheus with his Gungnir in his hands.
Pheus shed blood as he took a potion out of his item window and drank it with trembling hands.
Min Sung stared down at Pheus, who was drinking his potion in desperation and gestured with his finger to tell him to get back up.
Pheus' face flushed out of humiliation.
He stared at Min Sung with evil eyes and reached out his hands.
Swoosh!
Whoosh!
Dozens of sharp weapons appeared out of Pheus' hand and charged toward Min Sung.
Practice time was over.
Min Sung clenched down on his teeth and swung his Gungnir.
Kaboom!
The magic power resembling white lightning that was formed by Min Sung's Gungnir shattered into a million pieces.
In response to the white light, Pheus' pupils dilated and his jaw dropped.
What happened next was clear as crystal.
Pheus' body was ripped wide open, causing his body to be in tatters.
"… You'll pay a huge price… for what you've done…"
Pheus was unable to finish.
He had already
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died.
While Min Sung stared down at Pheus, Bowl crawled out of Min Sung's pocket.
He then reached out his hand toward Pheus' body.
As a result, a new sight unfolded before Min Sung's eyes.
Bowl didn't cast his Undead Spell on Pheus but was using another black magic entirely.
Since he had kept his eye on Bowl for quite some time now, he knew very well what it looked like when Bowl used his Undead Spell.
And as expected, an exclamation mark appeared above Bowl's head when the black magic was successful, and Bowl snickered and jumped up and down in joy.
"What did you do?" Min Sung asked.
In response, Bowl answered with an action.
As soon as Bowl reached out his hand, chains made of bones appeared from his hand like it did for Pheus.
It clearly had just as much power as that of Pheus.
While Bowl snickered…
Countless messages of awe began to appear from the Dionysus Gods.
One god even poured all of their experience points on him as a form of investment.
But that was only possible because that god had little experience points compared to the other gods.
However, Min Sung perceived the experience points to be a lot, and some of the gods grew agitated in response to the huge investment.
But he didn't care.
Min Sung just wanted to leave Beatrice.
[You are now a low-ranking ranker.]
Once Min Sung saw that message, he walked away from Pheus' body.
***
On their way back to the hostel.
Ho Sung Lee reported that he safely rescued all the people that were captured to be sacrifices.
And as soon as they got back to the hostel, Min Sung ran into the boy who asked for his help as well as his mother.
The boy looked up at Min Sung with twinkling eyes and expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you so much, Sir!"
The boy, Alfie, thanked Min Sung, and so did Alfie's mother.
Min Sung gave them short responses and went back inside.
Ho Sung Lee messed up Alfie's hair with his hand out of affection and then followed Min Sung.
"Should I begin preparing dinner?" Ho Sung Lee asked.
"I need to rest first. You rest, too. And then look into how we can get to the inner continent."
"Yes, Sir. Rest well."
Min Sung walked up the stairs to his room.
Meanwhile, Ho Sung Lee sat down at a table on the 1st floor and took out a paper and pen from his item window.
Ho Sung Lee began to contemplate what to make for dinner.
Before he looked into a boat, he had to decide on the menu first.
***
He took a short nap.
Min Sung took out Bowl from his pocket and ordered him to call Ho Sung Lee.
A moment later, he heard a knock, and Min Sung opened the door with a wave of his magic hand.
Ho Sung Lee and Bowl came in together.
"Did you call, Sir?" Ho Sung Lee asked while wiping off the water on his hands.
When Min Sung's eyes focused on the water on his hands, Ho Sung Lee immediately responded.
" I was preparing some ingredients."
Min Sung nodded.
"Let's eat. How long will it take?"
"15 minutes. I've already started preparing."
"What about the boat?"
"I already secured one. The best one they have."
"Good work. I'll go down soon."
"Yes, Sir."
Ho Sung Lee left the room.
Min Sung cracked his back and then checked his experience points.
He currently had +50,000 experience points.
It was all thanks to that one god, but how could he spend it so that they would praise him on how well he spent it?
He bought expendable items, but he didn't have to use them just yet.
While Ho Sung Lee prepared his meal, Min Sung looked in the shop to see what else he could purchase.
And while scanning through many items, he came across something called '8 Divination Signs'.
8 Divination Signs was an item that would stop the Iris tree on earth from growing.
'I can buy this item?'
Min Sung's eyes sparkled for a moment, but it was just temporary.
That was because the price was too expensive.
150,000 points.
So from Min Sung's point of view, he couldn't help but contemplate.
He could buy the 8 Divination Signs and stop the Iris tree from growing for a moment, but it was too expensive.
It was possible that getting stronger, becoming the 1st ranker, and going back to earth was a faster method.
In the end, he had to contemplate between the two paths.
But Min Sung also believed that there had to be a good reason why the 8 Divination Signs cost so much.
There was no way they made it so expensive for no reason.
Rather than using his experience points to purchase items in the shop, Min Sung decided to collect his experience points in a type of savings.
He thought it was best to start moving once things became a little more certain.
Min Sung made his decision and got up.
He could already smell what Ho Sung Lee was cooking from outside the door.
Min Sung went down to the 1st floor restaurant with a smile.
"It's all ready."
Ho Sung Lee smiled as he pointed at the dishes on the table.
Chapter 230: Chapter 230
"It's Dim Sum."
That was the dish responsible for the delicious smell.
Min Sung sat in front of the table with a happy look on his face.
A steamer made of lumber was steaming.
And beside it was dark fried noodles.
Ho Sung Lee offered an explanation.
"It's Xiaolongbao with stir-fried beef noodles."
Min Sung picked up his chopsticks and nodded.
"During the Qing Dynasty rule, the Xiaolongbao was introduced as a dumbling with pork inside it that stirred up quite the storm with its popularity."
Min Sung nodded.
"It's a dumpling with juices-"
"Shut it. The food's getting cold."
Ho Sung Lee pouted his lips and stepped back.
Min Sung picked up a Xiaolongbao with his chopsticks. He dipped it in soy sauce and bit into it.
The outside was soft while the inside contained hot juices.
"Isn't it hot? I was going to tell you it's hot."
Ho Sung Lee asked with fascination.
Min Sung looked at him to tell him not to be a disturbance, so he could enjoy the flavors of the dim sum.
The dumpling skin was soft and the oily juices inside made the inside of his mouth nice and moist.
On top of that, the pork inside it was so satisfying that it almost felt like a strong punch to his stomach.
Gulp-
Although he had swallowed the dim sum, his mouth was still entranced by the juices that it just experienced.
He felt a sense of longing, and he enjoyed that feeling.
Min Sung dipped another piece of xiaolongbao into the soy sauce.
It tasted best while it was steaming.
Min Sung dipped it in soy sauce and put it into his mouth with confidence without cooling it down.
The juices burst inside his mouth.
The hot juices exploded in all four directions, making for a very satisfying experience.
The hot, soft, and comforting oily flavors of the pork was probably the biggest reason behind dim sum's popularity.
After enjoying two pieces of the xiaolongbao, Min Sung looked over at the stir-fried beef noodles.
It looked delicious.
However, its sauce looked to be full of flavor, and the noodles were wide and flat, so he didn't have very high hopes for it.
But he remembered that Ho Sung Lee would have made the dish for a reason and immediately picked up his chopsticks.
The stir-fried beef noodles were made with beef, onions, and mushrooms, and it was grilled in a way that made it smell of fire.
He picked up the wide noodles and a piece of onion and brought it to his mouth.
Slurp!
As soon as the noodles entered his mouth, he felt a sense of dryness.
The dry noodles and onion entered his mouth, but the green onions were moist, and the chewy texture was the highlight of the dish.
Min Sung chewed on the noodles with shock and looked down at the dish.
'It's delicious.'
It exceeded his expectations.
'Oh my god.'
'How can it taste this good?'
It was a dish unlike any he had tried before.
It was unique, refreshing, but delicious all at the same time.
It almost felt like someone used magic on it.
'How is this possible?'
'I've never had anything this delicious before.'
Min Sung looked at the stir-fried beef noodles in awe. He tilted his head and then proceeded to move his chopsticks.
It was definitely dry.
But it became moist when he chewed on it.
'What kind of magic is this?'
On top of that, the green bean sprouts were crunchy while the soft beef added to the sweet flavors, and the key player in the sweetness was the grilled onions.
The onions smelled of fire.
It was absolutely delicious.
So much that he almost lost his mind.
Min Sung glared at Ho Sung Lee.
In response, Ho Sung Lee flinched.
"I-is it that bad?"
"No. It's sensational."
Ho Sung Lee knitted his brows.
"You startled me."
Min Sung looked down at the stir-fried beef noodles.
The color made it obvious that the dish was soaked in soy sauce, but the fact that it wasn't salty was what made this dish outstanding.
Even when he took a big bite of it, it didn't burden his tastebuds at all.
Min Sung focused all of his energy on the stir-fried beef noodles.
The combination of the xiaolongbao and
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the stir-fried beef noodles was perfection.
***
After finishing his meal and showering, Min Sung's party headed toward the port in order to take a boat to the inner continent.
They thought it was going to be empty, but the port was filled with people waiting to board the ship.
But there weren't many players. They were mostly Beatrice natives.
And all of the Beatrice natives were checking in their luggage, and it appeared that they were going for trade purposes.
Since they were in a different industry, Min Sung didn't mind them and looked to Ho Sung Lee.
"When's boarding?" Min Sung asked.
"We're leaving soon. They'll call us when it's ready."
Min Sung crossed his arms and nodded.
The ship then let out a large horn sound in order to notify everyone that it was about to take off.
"I guess it's time," said Ho Sung Lee.
Soon afterward, one man called out the names and numbers and asked everyone to board.
Since science had yet to be developed in this word, the man had to shout for a very long time.
After checking the numbers one more time, Ho Sung Lee and Min Sung headed toward the entrance of the ship.
Upon confirming their seats, Min Sung looked at the scenery outside the window.
"How long does it take to the inner continent?" Min Sung asked.
"A long time. I think it'll take at least half a day, but the engine is cast with a spell, so it's on the fast side, but not as fast as where we come from of course."
Min Sung nodded.
It was faster to tread the water himself, but he didn't want to be bothered.
Even if the monstrous tree called Iris was swallowing up the earth, he didn't feel all that responsible.
He needed a break.
After all, he had used his magic energy without break until now.
Min Sung decided that if he ran into an enemy, he would suck up their life force.
Min Sung was in the VVIP section, but he heard a lot of noise from above.
There was some kind of commotion.
He tried to ignore it, but since his sense of hearing was particularly developed, he couldn't.
"Go up and check what's going on and then tell them to be quiet," said Min Sung with an annoyed face.
Ho Sung Lee bowed and left the VVIP room.
***
Ho Sung Lee passed the halls and went up the stairs to the top of the ship.
Underneath the blue sky and around the ocean scenery, a loud commotion was taking place.
'Is it a player…?'
Ho Sung Lee walked toward the scene with a worried look on his face.
There were quite a few people gathered there, and most of them were just spectators.
One player was holding a whip and was hitting a little girl with a flushed face.
Ho Sung Lee knitted his brows at the fact that a large man was whipping a little girl so hard that she was covered in blood.
He then thought for a moment.
Since he didn't stand a chance against a player, he had to either call Min Sung or try to step up himself.
The first choice he made between the two was the latter.
"Stop!"
Ho Sung Lee shouted and pushed his way through the crowd.
In response, the player with the whip stopped and glared at Ho Sung Lee.
"Who do you think you are, you asshole?"
The tall man with long black hair down to his back flexed his big muscles and glared at Ho Sung Lee.
"Do you want to die?"
The player with long black hair jolted his eyes open and his lips pursed.
Ho Sung Lee was scared.
The thought of him dying at the hands of this man and his whip made his legs tremble.
After all, this world only contained the most powerful humans of all the stars.
He built up the courage, but he couldn't help but feel scared.
"Why are you hitting her?"
Ho Sung Lee asked in a way that wouldn't irritate him too much.
"What's it to you? Do you want to die?"
When the player whipped his whip once, a blue Aura made a large ripping sound in the air.
The sight made all spectators take a step back.
Ho Sung Lee dripped in a cold sweat and gulped.
His palms were sweaty.
'Damn it. We haven't even started.'
He didn't even want to open his item window.
"How can I not interfere when you're cruelly hitting a little girl? Please explain yourself."
Ho Sung Lee got ready to either open his item window or run away and stared right into his eyes.
"Haha… You're acting like there's something wrong with me."
The player with the whip in his hand clenched his fits.
"That's why I'm asking you for the reason."
"I'm going to kill you now, but I'll give you your explanation."
The player pointed at the girl covered in blood and lying on the ground.
"This little bastard messed with my supplies on board, so let me explain what that means."
The player glared at the girl and continued, "This bastard touched my goods so it can't be used anymore, and that means this shipment is screwed. She lost us so much money…!"
The man swung his whip at the girl one more time.
Slash!
The sound of the girl's skin ripping could be heard.
Ho Sung Lee kricked his teeth.
"Are you sure that girl did it?"
Chapter 231: Chapter 231
Ho Sung Lee glared at the player.
"I caught her red-handed, so that's all that matters!!"
"But did you see that girl touching your goods yourself?"
"T-that's…!"
Ho Sung Lee knitted his brows.
"I thought you caught her red-handed. What's your proof that she touched your goods?"
"Because she was there! Who else would've…"
"How could you be so careless that a little girl like her could get her hands on them? The way I see it, you're the one who harmed your goods, not her."
"What are you talking about?"
The player huffed and puffed with a flushed face while minding the crowd around them.
"You're taking this bastard's side when you don't know anything! I'll make you into a rag once and for all."
The player gripped onto his whip with heavy breaths and approached Ho Sung Lee.
Ho Sung Lee decided that he had no choice at this point and took out his weapon from the item window.
As soon as the fight broke out, the spectators quickly backed off.
And the employees of the ship were worried that the ship could be harmed or even sink and watched the player and Ho Sung Lee with worry.
There were players who protected the ship as well, but they weren't as skilled.
They couldn't predict the level of the players that boarded the ship either.
And as a result of the death of Pheus, who ruled over Haikman Port City, they couldn't really get involved.
The biggest worry was that the ship could be harmed and sink.
Meanwhile, the player with long hair and a whip charged toward Ho Sung Lee.
Ho Sung Lee turned into a shadow to dodge him, and as for the whip, it made a loud chilling noise just from hitting the air.
And the formation of an Aura took the whip to a whole other level.
It made the spectators twitch from the amount of power.
Ho Sung Lee popped out of his shadow from a fair distance away and said, "Maybe we should stop…"
Ho Sung Lee tried to stop the fight, but the player with long black hair swung his whip as if he had no intention of stopping.
Since he was in the middle of talking, his response time was slow.
Slash!
Ho Sung Lee's left arm ripped with blood spilling into the air.
"Ugh!"
Ho Sung Lee groaned. He grabbed onto his injured arm and stepped back.
His force was substantial.
Even if he was late in putting up a defense, the speed of the whip was faster than before.
And the fact that he hadn't even used a special skill made him feel heavily pressured.
Knowing that the difference between their powers was too different made his body feel drained of energy.
Fighting while knowing he was going to lose was a foolish thing to do.
'I have to avoid him.'
He was the one who started this whole thing.
Although he was too far to ask Min Sung Kang for help, he needed his help if he wanted to save that little girl.
As soon as he tried to head over to Min Sung Kang, the player laughed as if he predicted his actions all along.
"Do you really think I'll let you run away?"
He sensed that he was going to use his skill very soon.
He felt a sense of fear that he hadn't felt yet wrapping around his entire body.
Ho Sung Lee tried to avoid him, but he sensed his body growing stiff as a result of the powerful attack.
At that moment…
Someone grabbed him by the shoulder.
It was Min Sung Kang.
***
"What happened to your arm?"
Min Sung asked in annoyance while staring at Ho Sung Lee's injured arm.
"Huh? Who's this guy? Do you come as a set…?"
The man with long black hair was at a loss for words.
That was because of what he heard a spectator say.
"That's the man that killed Pheus."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I saw it. I saw him coming out of Pheus' fortress."
"Is that really him?"
"I think so."
"That's good. I hate how he keeps picking on people."
"Yeah. This isn't the first time."
"Like that guy said, I think he's the one who messed with his own goods. It's not like that
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girl is stupid."
"Tsk, tsk…!"
The man with long black hair heard multiple remarks coming from the spectators.
He couldn't hear anything else.
'… That's the ranker that killed Pheus?'
The man with the long black hair couldn't even sense his nose running.
If that was true, that meant he was screwed, and he couldn't believe that death was near for him.
His head was blank.
Meanwhile, Min Sung heard everything from Ho Sung Lee, and he looked at the man with the long black hair and asked, "Hey. You made his arm like this?"
Min Sung asked the man with the long black hair in annoyance.
The man didn't answer and simply trembled.
He then spoke with a little ounce of hope, "Are you… the player that killed Pheus?"
"Why are you talking about a dead man? Answer my question. Did you do this?"
Min Sung poked at Ho Sung Lee's injured arm and asked, "W-w-w-w-well…"
The player with the long black hair couldn't even look at Min Sung in the eyes.
He stuttered as he wondered if it was safe or the right time to jump into the ocean.
"I won't kill you. Come here."
Min Sung flicked his finger.
The player glanced around before walking over to Min Sung.
Min Sung looked over the player's shoulders and at the little girl that was huffing and puffing on the ground.
"Ho Sung, treat that girl with one of our potions."
In response, Ho Sung Lee ran over to the girl, forgetting about his own injury.
Min Sung then looked at the player straight in the eyes.
But of course, the player didn't look back.
He was sweating profusely as if it was in the middle of the hot summer.
"You were just bullying that little girl just because she's weaker, but why are you acting like that now? Are you scared?"
"…"
The man's breathing became coarser due to the fear.
"Why are you breathing like that?"
Min Sung laughed and continued, "And how did you know if I killed Pheus or not?"
"I-I-I heard…"
The man plopped down on his knees and put his head on the ground.
"Please don't kill me!"
The man pleaded while trembling.
"You're making it seem like I'm the evil one now."
Min Sung's eyes changed.
As soon as energy flowed out of Min Sung, the man on the ground began to float in the air.
The man was prepared to jump into the water as soon as Min Sung tried to take out his weapon.
But since his body was floating in the air, he felt like his heart was going to explode.
He couldn't run anymore.
"Please! Please don't kill me!"
The player screamed with all his might.
He didn't want to die.
He was desperate.
He wanted to live longer, but Min Sung's eyes were cold as ice.
But that didn't mean it was hopeless.
"Just live quietly. Stop causing such a commotion. Don't worry. I won't kill you."
When Min Sung lifted his hand, the player flew over to Min Sung's hand.
"Ugh…!"
As soon as his neck landed in Min Sung's hand, he couldn't speak and simply spat out saliva.
"Cough!"
He couldn't budge as if he was being held by a huge giant.
Before he could ask to be saved once more, a strange energy began to flow into his body.
It was unpleasant.
It felt like insects were crawling underneath his skin.
And along with that sensation, he began to lose sensation in his entire body.
He couldn't describe it as pain.
He just felt like his energy was being drained.
That was how he felt at first, but he realized just a few seconds later.
His vitality.
He realized that his vitality was getting drained…!
'Gasp?!'
He tried to get out of his grip, but he couldn't budge.
There was no way.
The space around him grew dark, and all he could see in front of him was a man that was absorbing all of his vitality.
He sensed himself dying away.
And Min Sung confirmed it himself.
"Thanks for the delicious meal."
He didn't feel like he was killing him so cruelly just to get justice for that little girl.
He was simply a sacrifice for a devil.
"Ugh… Ugh!"
His skin shriveled up and his long hair dropped on the ground. His skin turned dark, and his body went frail.
It was absorption.
He was losing his vitality.
And just when he thought he was dead, Min Sung let go of his throat.
Plop.
The man with the long black hair dropped on the floor as if he was a zombie.
"Be careful from now on."
Min Sung then returned.
He heard the sound of footsteps.
When he turned around, he saw his feet walking away.
Did he survive?
Was he going to live?
The man coughed while getting up.
But as soon as he saw his arm, the man didn't want to believe it.
His arm was nothing but bone that looked like a tree branch, and it was dark and wasted as if it was a rotten tree at that.
The man was so shocked that he lost consciousness and fell back on the ground.
Some of the Beatrice merchants that saw this threw the man's body into the ocean.
Splash!
Along with the sound, the body sank deep into the water.
The merchants than brushed off their hands with faces of relief.
Chapter 232: Chapter 232
***
Min Sung returned to the VIP room. He sat on the edge of his bed and checked his physical condition.
He had been feeling tired due to the constant consumption of his magic power, but once he absorbed some vitality, he sensed his body returning to its original condition.
At that moment…
Ding!
His alarm went off.
[The Dionysus Gods are gifting you with experience points for serving justice.]
[The accumulation of favorites has led to more experience points.]
[You currently have 120,000 experience points.]
Ding!
The alarm continued to go off.
[A new skill has been added to the shop.]
[Would you like to check it out?]
[Accept/Reject]
Min Sung touched accept.
As soon as he did, the shop window opened.
Min Sung checked what the new skill was.
And as soon as he checked, he felt a strong sense of temptation.
'Grand Absorption'
It cost 150,000 experience points to buy.
But as expensive as it was, the skill would give him the ability to absorb a great deal of vitality at once.
It sounded very useful and convenient, but the problem was that he had to choose between this skill and the 8 Divination Signs that would stop the Iris tree from growing just for a little while.
He decided that if he didn't obtain a portion of the 8 Divination Signs by the time he collected 150,000 experience points, he would use the points to buy a Divination Sign.
Although it was expensive, he knew the 8 Divination Signs would be very effective.
After all, it would buy him time.
The best-case scenario was for him to fight against the highest ranker and take over his position.
But this wasn't a world where he could meet whoever he wanted, and since it was a big world, he had no choice but to spend the time.
Min Sung closed the shop window, and just as he was about to lie down, he saw something that looked like a menu.
It looked like a menu for room service.
At the top, he was instructed to press the call button and underneath it was a list of menu items.
Since it was a ship, most of the menus were seafood, and the only familiar dishes were pasta or steak.
He figured seafood would be the easiest to eat.
It was a port city, and since they were on water, he couldn't refuse seafood.
Although it was seafood, since he was on a different star far from earth, many of the names sounded unfamiliar.
He didn't want to eat seafood he didn't know. He wanted to eat something he remembered.
Once he decided on the menu, Min Sung pressed the call button.
A moment later, an employee came in.
The employee didn't see Min Sung destroy the player that harassed the little girl, but he heard about it, so he felt nervous.
But Min Sung didn't even look at him. He contemplated over the menu and eventually ordered with a determined mindset.
"I want a bottle of beer, roasted lobster, and a chili spicy crab."
Min Sung put down the menu and looked at the employee.
"Did you know there's a restaurant? You can have room service if you'd like, but it's much more comfortable to eat down there. If you eat in your room, it gets smelly and oily. The ship also shakes a little, but of course, we clean everything for you."
The employee basically gave him the option of escorting him to the restaurant or serving him room service.
"Let's go to the restaurant," replied Min Sung.
The employee smiled and opened the door.
As soon as they exited to the hallway, Ho Sung Lee was coming back from receiving treatment on his arm.
"Where are you going?" Ho Sung Lee asked.
"I'm going to eat."
"Huh? You just ate though. You're eating again?"
"I guess I'm just extra hungry today."
Ho Sung Lee laughed bitterly.
"Come with me if you want to eat, or rest if you'd like."
"I'll rest. See you later."
Min Sung glanced at the cast around Ho Sung Lee's arm. He nodded and continued to walk away.
The employee led the way with a respectful posture.
***
Since the restaurant was located on top of a ship, the view of the ocean was spectacular.
Min Sung took a seat.
Since the time
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was iffy and there was just a huge fight, Min Sung was the only one at the restaurant.
And those who came to eat left as soon as they saw Min Sung.
Min Sung crossed his arms. He crossed his legs and waited for his food while looking out into the ocean.
A refreshing breeze blew past his hair and skin.
A moment later, the beer arrived first.
Min Sung lifted his beer glass while enjoying the breeze.
Gulp, gulp!
Min Sung continued to feast on the view while feeling the carbonated sensation flowing down his throat.
He felt like he was on vacation.
'I'm not here to play though…'
Min Sung sighed and waited for his food to arrive.
Once he absorbed some vitality, he regained his appetite along with his improved condition.
While his body itched with the desire to eat some delicious food, the long-awaited dish appeared.
The first dish to arrive was the roasted lobster.
There were some burnt marks all over the lobster's shell, but the meat inside seemed to be cooked perfectly.
After having two more sips of his beer, Min Sung immediately picked up his fork. He dug into his lobster and put it into his mouth.
Om nom, om nom!
The fatty lobster meat felt soft between his teeth.
The signature oily smell of lobster crept up his nose, and it had a strong roasted smell.
On top of that, enjoying the lobster with the great ocean view made the experience that much more enjoyable.
The portion wasn't large, and he hadn't ordered very much to begin with, so the lobster disappeared in no time.
And just in time, the employee immediately brought over the chili spicy crab and fried rice.
The fried rice came with the chili spicy crab as a service.
He saw two pieces of crab with red sauce on top.
This was the chili spicy crab.
After wiping his hands with a wet wipe, Min Sung immediately grabbed a piece of crab drenched in red sauce.
Since Min Sung had very strong teeth, he had no trouble eating a hard piece of crab.
Min Sung easily peeled off the shell and ate the meat inside.
The chili spicy crab was similar to a Hong Kong dish, and he really liked the combination of the green onion and onion.
He was fascinated that this world knew of a similar cooking method from back on earth, but beyond that, the chili spicy crab was absolutely delicious.
There was lots of meat, and more importantly, the combination fo the sauce, vegetables, and fried rice was phenomenal.
'This is delicious.'
He felt as though he was getting a proper break.
If anyone saw him enjoying such seafood dishes while looking at the ocean, they would have thought he was on vacation.
Min Sung liked how the dish had a little kick but wasn't too spicy.
Since it was the portion and the flavor he was hoping for, he enjoyed the dishes without an ounce of disappointment.
By the time he was almost done with his meal… Ho Sung Lee appeared in front of Min Sung with a little girl.
Min Sung took turns looking at Ho Sung Lee and the girl.
The little girl was the one that the player, whom he absorbed vitality from, was hitting with a whip.
Although she had been treated, she was still covered with a great deal of wounds and trauma.
"I brought her here because she wanted to thank you," explained Ho Sung Lee as he patted the girl on the head.
Min Sung looked at the girl as he wiped his mouth with a wet wipe.
As soon as he got up, the girl hurried over to Min Sung and expressed her gratitude.
"Thank you so much for saving me."
It was impressive that she was greeting him in such a state.
'I should commend her for her strong mentality.'
'She must be in so much pain.'
Min Sung laughed at the girl.
He liked her.
"Ho Sung."
"Yes?"
"Feed her some food," said Min Sung while looking at the girl.
"Y-yes, Sir."
Ho Sung Lee was taken aback by Min Sung's kindness, but he hurriedly sat her down at a table.
***
Praus, who was a ranker player as well as the captain of the ship, grimaced as soon as he saw another ship approaching.
"Are you sure Pheus died?" Praus asked.
In response, a subordinate approached from behind him.
"Yes, Sir. And the player that killed Pheus isn't interested in ruling over Haikman Port City."
Praus snickered.
"What a lucky day…"
"I agree."
"Where's the player that killed Pheus?"
"Wouldn't he still be in Haikman Port City?"
Praus looked back at his subordinate with an angry face.
"Shouldn't you know that for sure?! You dumb idiot!"
Praus swung his fist.
Along with a loud noise, the subordinate's lip ripped and he fell over backward.
As soon as he fell, he immediately got back up and saluted.
"I apologize, Sir."
Captain Praus put a cigarette in his mouth.
"Look into his location and if he's really not interested in Haikman Port City."
"… Yes, Sir."
"Let's rob that ship first. This ocean is almost all ours anyway. Let's start sweeping everything."
Praus let out a low laugh as he spoke.
The subordinate also smiled.
***
Ho Sung Lee smiled bitterly at the girl who was eating very quickly.
He was fascinated that such a little girl could withstand such beatings and the fact that she looked so positive despite what just happened to her.
"Did you really damage his goods like he said?"
In response to Ho Sung Lee's question, the girl stopped eating and minded Ho Sung Lee.
"Oh, I'm not asking to scold you or anything. I'm just curious."
In response, the girl shook her head.
Chapter 233: Chapter 233
"Hm… Is that right?"
Ho Sung Lee stroked his chin as he looked back at the girl as she was eating.
"And there was no one else that was as evil as that man?" Ho Sung Lee asked.
The reason why he asked this question was simple.
He felt for her.
She was young and was put through so much torture, but not a single person was there to help her.
If Min Sung Kang hadn't stepped up, this girl would have been dead by now.
After all, that player was merciless.
The fact that she was eating right now was no different from a miracle.
'Phew… No matter how much time passes, I don't have the power to protect someone.'
Regardless of the fact that this world was unrealistic.
"I'm fine," the girl responded.
Ho Sung Lee smirked.
He was impressed by how strong the girl was for her size.
She might have been better than him.
Ho Sung Lee sighed as he turned his eyes toward the ocean.
Something caught his eye.
A large ship was approaching their way.
Ho Sung Lee was a hunter as well, and since he hung around Min Sung Kang for a while, he had become stronger despite how it might've looked.
As a result, his eyesight improved as well, and the ship that caught his eye seemed suspicious.
It seemed different from a typical ship.
"… A pirate ship?"
Ho Sung Lee grumbled without realizing it.
That was because the ship he saw looked all too similar to the pirate ships he was used to seeing.
There was a scary drawing of a skull at the front, and he saw cannons, as well as a large sculpture of a skull at the top of the ship.
There was no doubt that it was a pirate ship.
As soon as Ho Sung Lee stared at the pirate ship, the girl stopped eating and turned around.
"That's okay. It always just passes by. They've never messed with us."
Ho Sung Lee felt relieved by what the girl said, but something crossed his mind.
The leader of the port city, Pheus had died.
That meant the pirates on that ship no longer had anything to fear.
He had a feeling the pirate ship was heading this way so that they could plunder this ship.
Ho Sung Lee frowned.
It could just pass by as the girl said, but he couldn't be that optimistic.
"Stop eating."
Ho Sung Lee held the girl under one of his arms and ran over to Min Sung in the VVIP room.
***
The captain of the pirate ship, Praus, stroked his beard as he waited to be closer to the ship.
He had starved for a very long time.
He was craving blood, flesh, and plunder.
Praus' heart pounded at the thought of finally relieving his cravings today.
He was full of lust and desire to kill.
More than plundering, he felt more stimulated by harassing human beings.
'Go on.'
'Be afraid.'
'The pirate king, Praus, has arrived!'
As a result of Praus' magic power, the waves around the ships grew more violent.
"S-Sir, the steering house said the waves are too rough…"
In response to the subordinate's report, Praus snickered and tried to calm himself down from all the excitement.
Pheus had lived in a dark shadow like a stray cat for way too long!
Now that Pheus was dead and the player that killed him didn't show much interest in the region, he had the world all to himself.
As soon as the ship got close enough, Preus hopped on to the other ship that came from Haikman.
Once Preus landed, he opened his item window.
He grabbed the hammer that would destroy all of his opponents.
As soon as Preus grabbed onto the hammer, a zapping noise rang as a current wrapped around his hand.
He recently turned into a player that used current-related magic, allowing him to grow at a rapid pace.
As long as it wasn't Pheus, he wasn't afraid of any player.
He was confident he could slam down anybody flat with his hammer.
"Bow your heads!"
Preus jolted his eyes open. He opened his arms wide and shouted loudly.
In response to Preus' appearance, the people on top of the ship trembled
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in fear.
***
While he tried to fall asleep, he heard someone running down the halls.
Min Sung opened his eyes, and the door to the VVIP room opened.
"Sir, pirates are here," said Ho Sung Lee in an urgent voice while holding the girl on one side.
"… Pirates?"
"I saw a pirate ship. They'll be here…"
Before HO Sung Lee could finish, they heard a commotion upstairs.
Min Sung squinted his eyes.
"Why is it always so noisy on this ship?"
"Haha, I know, right?"
Ho Sung Lee smiled awkwardly and looked upward.
"There are a lot of people up there."
He felt stressed.
"Sigh…"
Min Sung closed his eyes. He sighed and slowly got off his bed.
The girl underneath Ho Sung Lee's arm stared at him.
Min Sung sighed once more and stepped outside.
***
As soon as he got to the top of the ship, he heard one man screaming at his subordinates.
Min Sung stared at him as he walked closer.
When he got too stressed, he usually didn't have any emotions or thoughts.
But at that moment…
[Warning: System Skills are automatically activated.]
[Current force figures in preparation for the sitatuion. You are somewhat emotional. If you don't control it, the ship could sink in the worst-case scenario.]
[That will not put the players in danger.]
[However, the Beatrice natives will 100% be killed.]
Min Sung knitted his brows.
'Why are there so many system messages I've never seen before?'
He was able to find out the answer to that just a moment later.
[The 'angels' that invested their experience points in you bought the 'hidden card' and put it to use.]
A white flash passed by in front of his eyes.
And the system messages continued to pop up.
But the content was very different.
[Here's why the use of the hidden card caused for these system messages.]
[The angels that invested their experience points to kind players feel threatened by how fast you're growing.]
[For that reason, they've begun to involve themselves in the system.]
[Since they can't involve themselves physically, the Dionysus Gods that invested their experience points in you are urging you to ignore the system messages.]
Min Sung sighed loudly.
'I can't believe this.'
Min Sung looked up at the sky in pity. He put his hands on his hips and walked toward the pirate captain, Praus.
While everyone was watching, the pirate captain, Praus, was ripping the clothes of a pretty woman with a hammer in his hand.
As soon as Min Sung approached him, his subordinates jolted their eyes wide open.
"Who's this bastard?"
"Piss off!"
"How dare you stand in front of our captain?"
Some of them tried to intimidate him.
He sensed it.
They weren't even worth the use of a weapon.
Min Sung had no thoughts or emotions and simply stared at the players that were charging toward him with a straight face.
'How is it possible that such losers are the best of their own stars?'
'And why are there so many of these useless bastards?'
'But then again, the universe is very large.'
Min Sung had such thoughts as he swung his fist.
Min Sung's fist was so fast that neither the pirate captain, Praus, or his subordinates could see it with their naked eyes.
And as for shielding?
It was impossible.
They were beaten to a pulp.
Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!
It was the sound of pain.
One man got punched in the face, another got his intestines punched in, and another even lost his entire upper body.
Once he started using his fist, he realized that he might have been overexcited just as the system messages told him.
The build up of stress made him use more force than usual.
But since he had so much power that he couldn't even use it all, he just used it on them.
If he hadn't' minded the system messages, he might have destroyed the entire ship by now.
Once Praus' subordinates became too gruesome to even look at, the top of the ship froze still like ice.
But as expected, Min Sung's facial expression didn't change one bit.
He was simply annoyed that such useless bastards were getting in the way of his break and his going back home.
And the fact that he kept getting held up in Beatrice just because he was powerful was the main cause behind his stress.
'Haven't I suffered enough in the Demonic Realm?'
'Why do I have to go through all this trouble in Beatrice, too?'
As soon as Min Sung's eyes turned cold, the pirates froze still and were unable to say anything.
Min Sung looked at the pirate captain, Praus, who was staring at him blankly.
"W-w-who are you…?!" Praus asked while stuttering.
Min Sung didn't feel like talking.
He didn't feel like fighting either.
It almost felt like when he felt too lazy to catch a fly.
"Just go," said Min Sung in a low voice.
And then something fascinating happened.
He instinctively knew he had to avoid this fight, but it was human nature to suddenly find the bravery to fight when they didn't have all the information.
The pirate captain, Praus, became the tiger moth that couldn't pass up the opportunity.
He blew magic power into the hammer in his right hand.
As soon as he did, the hammer made a large zapping noise as a result of the current.
'Huh? Would you look at that?'
Min Sung laughed.
He was fascinated that he had a similar ability.