Chapter 77: The Beginning of the Counter Attack

Lee Hyun-seung walked toward Yoo Hee-yeon, replaying the events that had just occurred.

‘The Spear of Longinus was clearly flying toward me. At first, I thought it was aimed at Jung Eun-seo, but it wasn’t.’

Han Seong-gil had exceptional physical and mental resilience, enough to endure the Berserker trait. Moreover, since

the trait was already activated during the earlier battle, he managed to withstand the damage from the Spear of

Longinus. But Lee Hyun-seung wasn’t the same. If he had been struck by the Spear of Longinus, the immense mental

damage would have rendered him a vegetable.

‘The goal must be to erase evidence…’

Considering the things he had uncovered, like mana traces and the mana database, the Hilleon group had more than

enough reason to target him. If it became clear that Lee Hyun-seung wasn’t behind Yoo Hee-yeon’s stalking, all their

deeds would come to light. From their perspective, turning Lee Hyun-seung into a lifeless husk or killing him

outright would remove any threat. After all, investigations into someone incapable of speaking or deceased wouldn’t

proceed normally. Even if they did, it would be much easier to pin the blame on him.

• Crack.

“Those bastards. Framing an innocent person wasn’t enough, and now they’re after my life.”

‘I’m not going to die like this.’

• Tremble.

Before long, he arrived in front of Yoo Hee-yeon. She was trembling all over, looking terrified.

“W-why isn’t the e-elimination message appearing…?”

Since earlier, Shin Jun-ho, who had transformed into a monstrous figure, had been slaughtering people

indiscriminately. Strangely, the elimination announcements weren’t being broadcast.

Lee Hyun-seung spoke calmly.

“I surrender.”

• A system error has occurred. External transmission is not possible. Surrender request canceled.

Yoo Hee-yeon stared at him blankly. Lee Hyun-seung, as if expecting this, spoke indifferently.

“We’re trapped.”

“W-what are you talking about?”

“I said, we’re trapped in this godforsaken space.”

“What?”

Yoo Hee-yeon glared at him in frustration. Lee Hyun-seung explained the situation simply.

“I don’t know the reason. Maybe someone’s interfering from outside, or perhaps Shin Jun-ho’s demonic energy has

disrupted the stage’s system. It could even be something else we’re unaware of. But that’s not the point. Stop

standing there like an idiot and start thinking about what we should do.”

“W-what does that even mean?”

Lee Hyun-seung’s expression shifted to one of growing irritation as he snapped at her.

“If we can’t be transmitted out of here, it means we could actually die. Even if we’re lucky enough to survive and get

out, who knows what complications might arise? Don’t you get it? This is no longer just a game. It’s life or death.”

• Swoosh.

At his words, Yoo Hee-yeon began trembling even more.

“H-how do we deal with that monster? D-do you have a plan?”

Lee Hyun-seung glanced at the small orb in his hand.

• [The Grudge Left by the First Knight]

“Yes. I need to get this artifact to Han Seong-gil. Right now, the only one who can stand against Shin Jun-ho, who’s

turned into a monster, is Han Seong-gil with his activated Berserker trait.”

“I’m an Epic-ranked mage too! I can handle something like that—”

“With that basic weapon of yours?”

Only then did Yoo Hee-yeon glance at the pitiful artifact she was holding.

“If you want to survive, shut up and listen carefully. We need time. If I can get this newly crafted artifact to Han

Seong-gil, there’s a chance.”

“But… it looks like he’s completely losing…”

Peeking through the bushes, they saw Han Seong-gil and Shin Jun-ho locked in a ferocious battle.

• Boom!

“Aaaargh!”

• Boom!

Han Seong-gil was repeatedly struck by Shin Jun-ho, sent flying over and over again. Lee Hyun-seung pointed at him

and spoke.

“Han Seong-gil is losing because he hasn’t regained his focus. If he can fully control the power of his activated

Berserker trait, things will change. We need to buy time. Distract Shin Jun-ho. If you can divert his attention for

even a moment, I’ll deliver this artifact to Han Seong-gil. Once he has it, he’ll be able to control the Berserker trait.”

Although he disliked the idea of working with Yoo Hee-yeon, both Jung Eun-seo and Han Seong-gil were still

present. If they couldn’t stop Shin Jun-ho, everyone would likely die here. Every ally mattered in this situation.

“W-why should I listen to someone like you?”

• Crack.

Lee Hyun-seung glared at her and started walking toward her.

Then, he pulled out his gun.

“Ah, I see. Talking won’t work, huh? I tried to handle this peacefully, but it seems there’s no need for that.”

“Are you crazy?! Just a moment ago, you said we need to work together…!”

-BANG!-

Lee Hyun-seung fired a shot at Yoo Hee-yeon.

-[Paralysis Bullet] has hit the target. The target will be paralyzed for a short time.

“Wha… What is this…”

Watching Yoo Hee-yeon freeze in place, Lee Hyun-seung replaced his magazine.

Click!

-[Impact Bullet] has been loaded.

Impact Bullet. A round that, when fired, knocks back the first living being or object it hits. It’s typically used to push

enemies away and keep them at a distance.

-Swiiish-

But it was also suitable for launching objects like a cannon.

As Lee Hyun-seung aimed his gun, Yoo Hee-yeon trembled and stammered.

“W-Wait a second! Calm down! I’m a mage, remember? You’re not planning to shoot me over there, right? Please…

tell me you’re joking. I’ll die, you know…?”

Lee Hyun-seung shook his head and replied.

“People don’t die that easily. The paralysis will wear off exactly five seconds from now. If you want to survive, you’d

better cast some magic or something.”

“W-Wait…!”

Lee Hyun-seung paused momentarily, then smiled and added.

“And if you do die, wouldn’t that just be your karma?”

Finally, Lee Hyun-seung pulled the trigger.

-BANG!-

The bullet struck Yoo Hee-yeon squarely in the back.

-BOOM!-

“AAAHHH!”

Yoo Hee-yeon screamed as she flew at an incredible speed, hurtling toward Shin Jun-ho.

-Whoooosh!-

“It works perfectly.”

Lee Hyun-seung watched Yoo Hee-yeon being sent flying and immediately ran toward Han Sung-gil.

“AAAHHH!”

Yoo Hee-yeon screamed midair. She couldn’t move properly, as the paralysis bullet Lee Hyun-seung used was still in

effect. All she could do was scream.

Thud!

While Yoo Hee-yeon was soaring through the air, Shin Jun-ho stomped down on Han Sung-gil, who was clinging to him.

-CRASH!-

Crushed under Shin Jun-ho’s foot, Han Sung-gil was then hoisted up and flung away with all his might.

CRACK!

Han Sung-gil smashed through dozens of trees, breaking them into pieces as he flew.

“ARGHHHH!”

Han Sung-gil screamed as he lay crumpled on the ground. It wasn’t pain he felt—it was rage. No matter how much he

fought back, he couldn’t touch or overpower his opponent. The overwhelming frustration of facing an unbeatable

enemy consumed him.

Even though he had been transformed into something akin to a monster due to the demon’s influence, his ability to

hold his own against Shin Jun-ho was impressive. Pure instinct alone allowed him to fight evenly despite sustaining

a critical wound from the Lance of Longinus.

Rustle, rustle

In the spot where Han Sung-gil lay, the sound of someone moving could be heard.

Whoosh!

Han Sung-gil sprang up and charged toward the source of the noise.

Having lost all reason, Han Sung-gil attacked everything around him.

“RAAARGHH!”

-Whoosh!-

He swung his arm with all his strength toward the bushes. The sheer force of the attack was terrifying, even from the

air pressure alone.

Whoosh!

Hidden in the bushes, Lee Hyun-seung threw an item at Han Sung-gil.

-[The Grudge of the Primordial Knight] item has bound itself to Han Sung-gil.

[The Grudge of the Primordial Knight]

A sphere containing the resentment of the first man to reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship.

While carrying this item, the Berserker trait allows the user to maintain full consciousness.

Additional Effects: Locked.

-Whoooosh!-

As the artifact made contact with Han Sung-gil, he stopped and began looking around in confusion.

“What… What just happened?”

Lee Hyun-seung quickly approached him and said, “Let me explain.”

“Han Seong-gil, there’s no time to explain. We need to deal with that cursed monster first. The longer we wait, the

more it’ll rampage and grow stronger.”

Han Seong-gil quickly assessed the situation. He realized that he had been gravely injured by some unknown skill,

lost consciousness, and was now awake again.

He replied,

“If I’m conscious now, it means the Berserker trait’s duration has ended. Once the Berserker state deactivates, it

causes extreme exhaustion. Even if I wanted to fight, I wouldn’t be able to. I’d just be a burden.”

Gripping Han Seong-gil’s shoulder, Lee Hyun-seung dragged him toward a nearby puddle, showing him his

reflection.

“Take a good look.”

In the water’s reflection, Han Seong-gil’s eyes were still blood-red—an undeniable sign that the Berserker trait was

still active.

“How is this possible…?”

He muttered, staring at the small, spherical artifact in his hand.

“Is it because of this artifact? What exactly is this thing? What kind of artifact…?”

Before Han Seong-gil could finish his rapid questioning, Lee Hyun-seung interrupted.

“The situation is too urgent for explanations. Just follow my lead without asking questions. I’ll explain everything

once we get out of here. But first, we need to deal with that bastard, Shin Jun-ho.”

Han Seong-gil hesitated briefly, then scratched his head a few times before picking up a sword lying on the ground.

“Don’t order me around. I was planning to get revenge anyway. There’s no way I’ll let the bastard who came at me off

the hook.”

Without another word, he began walking forward.

Lee Hyun-seung called out to his back,

“Do you think you can take him down? You’ll struggle on your own. I’ll support you from behind. Don’t overdo it.”

Han Seong-gil turned his gaze to Lee Hyun-seung. For a moment, he saw an overlap between Lee Hyun-seung and

Pung Gun-ho—a person from his past. Their build, personality, and even their professions were entirely different.

Yet, for some reason, Lee Hyun-seung reminded him of Pung Gun-ho. Perhaps it was the way they both genuinely

enjoyed studying magic.

“I’m losing my mind,” Han Seong-gil muttered to himself.

Then, he turned his attention to Shin Jun-ho. The man had transformed into a monstrous figure, his enormous body

brimming with demonic energy.

The sight reminded Han Seong-gil of the day he faced a giant skeleton in a labyrinth.

‘Last time, I ran away and left it behind. This time, I won’t.’

Clenching his sword tightly, he steadied himself.

Lee Hyun-seung, noticing Han Seong-gil’s intense focus on Shin Jun-ho, shouted,

“Han Seong-gil! Did you hear what I just said? There’s an issue with the stage. If you die here, it’s for real. Just focus

on stalling him. Shin Jun-ho’s drawing life force and some mana from dozens of A-class individuals. We’re at a

disadvantage with only ordinary weapons. Be careful. Don’t risk your life unnecessarily—”

Whoosh!

Before Lee Hyun-seung could finish, Han Seong-gil swung his sword in the air once, then crouched low, preparing to charge.

“You’re noisy. Shut up. If I were afraid of dying, I wouldn’t have picked up this sword in the first place.”

With those words, he sprinted toward Shin Jun-ho.