Mixed Novel Haha92.69%

25-32

Chapter 25

Translated by: ShawnSuh

Edited by: SootyOwl

"You-you're going into another labyrinth?" Ho Sung asked.

"That's right. No thanks to you for buying all these expensive things," the champion replied bluntly.

"I-I'm terribly sorry, sir. I think I got carried away. I didn't even think about how much I was spending."

"Forget it. I can just raid a dungeon."

"Are you going to eat?"

"When I come back."

"Yes, sir," Ho Sung replied with a dark expression on his face. Although clearing a labyrinth was hardly a concern for the champion, it was a matter of life and death for Ho Sung. The stakes were simply too high, even if he were to hide behind the champion the entire time. The labyrinth was a place that left an ordinary hunter like Ho Sung in constant fear for his life.

"S-sir?"

"What?"

"Please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying this because I'm afraid to go into the labyrinth or anything, but remember that you've cleared a labyrinth not too long ago?"

"And?"

"I'm pretty sure the Central Institute is investigating the labyrinth by now, looking for the person who cleared it."

"Get to the point."

Although the Central Institute was the very symbol of absolute power, the champion didn't seem to find them intimidating. Breaking out into cold sweats, Ho Sung added, "I figured things would get complicated if we get involved with the Central Institute, so I was thinking maybe you could raid normal dungeons for a little while until things are…"

"Do I seem like the type to tiptoe around anybody?"

"Oh, no, no! That's not what I meant! There's no reason for you to tiptoe around anybody. It's just that… I wouldn't want anything to cause you any unnecessary stress, is all! The Central Institute is an enormous organization, and there's no reason to get on their bad side…"

"The labyrinth. Now."

"… Yes, sir," Ho Sung replied, panicking internally.

—

Looking up at the labyrinth's entrance, Ho Sung let out a deep sigh. With the exception of the Central Institute, the labyrinth was a dungeon nobody dared to even look at.

Ho Sung glanced at the champion, who was the living example of apathy. The champion's eyes and dull expression indicated that he found no other value or excitement outside of food. The tremendous power that came with being a miscellaneous type seemed reduced to being a part of his daily reality. Sighing yet again, Ho Sung looked at the labyrinth, reminding himself that it was impossible to compare himself to the champion.

'I gotta stay on my toes. The moment I let my guard down, it's all over."

"Let's go," the champion said, walking ahead.

'I might die for real this time. No, I'm getting out of this place alive… No matter what!' Ho Sung thought, inhaling deeply. With a determined look on his face and a racing heart, Ho Sung stood on the magic circle in order to get into the dungeon. However…

[Access Denied. Player does not meet the Minimum Level Requirement.]

"… Eh?!"

While Ho Sung was still on the ground, Min Sung started to levitate on his own.

"S-sir? It's saying that my level isn't high enough," Ho Sung said, confused and panicking. The champion replied uninterestedly, "Then, wait outside," and disappeared into the labyrinth.

"…"

Ho Sung stared up in the direction the champion had disappeared.

'My level wasn't high enough for me to get in. Wait, maybe this is a good thing. I don't have to fear for my life! … But, why do I feel offended?' Ho Sung thought, sniffling and scratching his head. Then, a disturbing realization struck him, 'Hold on!

Does this mean I won't be able to level up anymore? Does this mean I have to live the rest of my life as a slave?'

"Ah!" he let out as fear came washing over him.

—

[Welcome to the labyrinth.]

[You may not exit the labyrinth until you clear the dungeon.]

[Difficulty revealed in five seconds.]

[Five, four, three, two, one…]

[Labyrinth Difficulty: Impossible]

The darkness faded into the bright light. When the champion opened his eyes, a waiting room equipped with a cutting-edge system came into view. The room was made almost entirely of gray marble, complete with an automatic door made of tempered glass. However, there was something different about the room. While it was clear that it was a dungeon entrance, the view on the other side of the glass door was completely different from all the other dungeons up to that point. Then, the glass door opened, revealing a scenery that was nothing like that of a typical dungeon. It was a dense forest, filled with chirping birds, insects and green plants. Coming out of the waiting room, the champion studied the surroundings. The Sun shone through the leaves of the trees. It almost didn't feel like he was in a dungeon.

'So, this is what an open dungeon is like,' the champion thought, slowly pulling out his Orichalcon Dagger, which sparkled as it flew into the champion's palm. At that moment…

[In order to clear the dungeon, you must: Kill All Monsters Within It.]

[A special reward awaits those who survive the 'Impossible' labyrinth.]

[Let the hunting begin.]

As the message window disappeared, the champion walked forward through the massive trees unhurriedly, wondering, 'How did dungeons like this even come about? And this system? Every system has a creator. This one can't be an exception. Aliens, maybe?'

Immersing himself in thought, the champion cracked his neck in anticipation of the monsters. Then, about five minutes later, he heard what sounded like an object cutting through the air. When he looked toward the sound, he saw an arrow flying in his direction. He dodged the arrow by tilting his head back slightly. Whoever had fired the arrow had clearly intended on attacking the champion. At that moment, another arrow zoomed past right before Min Sung's eyes and lodged itself on a tree trunk. Looking in that direction, the champion noticed something unique about the arrow. It was frozen, and it didn't seem like ordinary ice either. When he looked toward where the arrow had come from, he saw a figure sitting on top of a tree in the distance.

'Lv2,000 Orc Archer'

It was an Orc holding a bow and arrow in its hands, wearing a quiver on its back. Though it had arms and legs and walked on two feet like humans did, its face was often hideous, resembling that of a pig. Walking toward it, the champion chuckled, amused that a monster from fantasy movies actually existed. At that point, the Orc drew its bow yet again. That time, three arrows came flying toward the champion at once. What appeared to be ordinary arrows froze in the air as they left the bow. Nevertheless, the champion snatched the three arrows at once with his bare hands, shattering them and throwing them back at the archer. The shards of the frozen arrows lodged into the Orc's body.

As it fell to its knees, vomiting up green blood, the champion charged toward it, held his dagger with the blade pointing down, and sliced its throat. With that, and while spraying green blood from its throat, the Orc fell to the ground lifelessly. When Min Sung looked down, he saw a certain item on the ground instead of the dead carcass. Upon picking it up, a window appeared before his eyes, and it described the properties of the item.

[The Bow of the Orc Archer]

[Grade: Rare]

[Damage (against small/large monsters respectively): 7 / 8]

[Two-Handed]

[Additional Property(ies): Accuracy +1]

[Material: Wood]

[Enhancement: Up to +10. (Risk of destroying the item increases when upgrading beyond +10])

[Durability: Damaged]

[Tradeable with other players]

[Level Requirement: N/A]

[Property: Ice Arrow]

Closing the window, the champion put the bow in his inventory. Since Ho Sung wasn't there, it seemed likely that Min Sung would have to leave a lot of his loot behind.

With that, the champion kept moving forward, studying the surroundings carefully, listening to the birds chirping.

'This is a big forest. This might take a while,' he thought. At that moment, he sensed a presence and kicked the ground, launching toward it without hesitation, traveling one-hundred meters in the blink of an eye. Sure enough, a monster's back came into view.

'Lv2,200 Orc Warrior'

Fitting to its name, the monster had green skin and an imposing figure. It was just as hideous as the archer, and its back was covered in countless scars. The muscles only added to its hostile and robust look. Eventually, the monster looked toward the champion. Then, when Min Sung grabbed the dagger tightly, the Lich doll crawled out of his pocket and jumped on to the ground.

"Huh?"

Upon landing on the grass, the doll pulled out a short magic wand from its back and glared fiercely at the Orc Warrior. Then, after the doll chanted a spell with its eyes closed, a magic circle appeared around it, and black shadows seeped out of it. They turned into sharp, pointed projectiles and flew toward the Orc. However…

'Clang!'

… The moment they struck the Orc's belly, the projectiles shattered into pieces and the shards faded into thin air. Dusting off its belly as if something had tickled it, the Orc stared at the doll with its bright red eyes and smiled evilly.

Chapter 26

Translated by: ShawnSuh

Edited by: SootyOwl

Unable to do any harm to the Orc Warrior, the Lich Doll ran and hid behind its master, who chuckled and walked toward the orc with the Orichalcon Dagger in his hand. Sensing hostility from the champion, the orc put on an intimidating look and raised his oversized axe. At which point, black aura coiled around the monster, enhancing its combat ability. However, before the orc even had the chance to put its enhanced abilities to use, the champion swung his dagger. His eyes flashed, and a white streak of light distinct to Min Sung shot out of the dagger, decapitating the orc with ease.

[The Orc Warrior has been slain!]

[You've earned 152,111 experience points.]

Then, with an explosion, the orc's body shattered and scattered into blue shards like that of broken glass, and a certain item spun in the air and fell on the ground.

[Finest Enchanted Gem]

It was a gem highly-prized and sought after in the market. After picking it up, Min Sung put it in his inventory and went on his way. Then, he stopped in his tracks all of a sudden and looked back at where the orc's body had been. There was a blue flame in its place, and the Lich Doll, with its hands stretched out toward it, was chanting a spell.

'What's it doing?'

From the looks of it, the blue flame seemed to be the soul of the orc and the doll was trying to seize the soul and turn the orc into an undead. However, even minutes after, the soul remained unaffected, and eventually, the doll lowered its arms. Sighing, it looked up at its master and scratched its head awkwardly.

"What a surprise," Min Sung said annoyedly, and the doll quietly looked away from him. At that moment, a message appeared before the champion's eyes.

[You can level up your familiar by feeding it the Enchanted Gem.]

Remembering the gem he had picked up after killing the orc, Min Sung opened his inventory and looked at the gem and then at the Lich doll.

"Hey, you."

At the sound of its master's voice, the doll looked up at him.

"Have you ever had an Enchanted Gem?"

"…?"

"Maybe it doesn't know what it is yet," Min Sung said. Then, taking the gem, which was about the size of his fist, from his inventory, he gave it to the doll. Upon taking the gem as big as itself, the doll gave the champion a puzzled look.

"Go on. Eat it."

Despite the master's command, the doll handed the gem back to him and shook its head, expressing clearly that it was opposed to eating it. However, Min Sung opened the doll's mouth by force and pushed the gem into it. At which point, after resisting, the doll eventually bit into the gem reluctantly. Then, its eyes flashed, and a gold exclamation mark appeared above its head. With that, the doll opened its mouth wide and started chomping away at the gem frantically.

'Crunch! Crunch!'

What seemed like a rigid, solid rock crumbled away like chocolate between the doll's teeth. Then, having consumed every bit of the gem, the doll cackled with satisfaction.

[Your familiar grows stronger.]

[Lich Doll has reached Lv150!]

[You fed Lich Doll its very first gem.]

[Lich Doll's skills have been enhanced.]

Staring at the doll dancing for joy, the champion said, "If you've had your fill, go back to sleep," and put the doll into his pocket.

—

In the 'Impossible' labyrinth, the champion was quickly rising to the top of the food chain, taking the lives

of monsters as he dashed through the dense forest like a ghost. Soon, he had reached his hundredth kill. However, the champion was still hearing footsteps in the surroundings. The forest seemed to have significantly more monsters than the previous labyrinth.

Since he had run out of inventory space, Min Sung was forced to repeat the process of throwing away low-grade items and replacing them with better items, feeding enchanted gems to his familiar whenever he would come across them. Since its first experience with the gem, the doll was now eating gems like it had been starving for them. As a result of feeding the doll consistently, the familiar was on the verge of reaching level 1,000 within the same day of entering the labyrinth. The doll was growing at an exponential rate.

At the deadly swing of the champion's dagger, the cyclops' head, along with its lifeless body, fell to the ground and exploded into shards, dropping yet another Enchanted Gem.

'Another one? It feels like I'm doing the little guy a favor.'

Before he knew it, the doll jumped out of his pocket and looked up at its master with puppy eyes, rolling its feet anxiously. When the champion tossed the gem at the doll, the doll caught it with its teeth and chomped away at it in the blink of an eye, cackling with satisfaction. At that moment, what seemed like black flames engulfed the Lich doll, and a series of messages appeared before the champion's eyes.

[Your familiar grows stronger.]

[Lich Doll has reached Lv999!]

[New skill acquired: Language]

"Master," the doll said, its eyes glowing black as it bowed politely to the champion.

[You can now name your familiar.]

Staring intently at the doll, the champion asked, "Do you have a preference?"

After brief contemplation, the doll looked up and said, "I'll gladly accept any name you give me."

"I'm sure you have something in mind."

"Hm… Then, how about Parvis Harian Xenon Tark Von Flake Hartz? Or, maybe Dyens Van John Calistal Arfenon Karl Pace. What do you think?"

"Got anything I can actually remember? Perhaps shorter?" Min Sung replied impatiently. Then, after staring intently at the doll, the champion nodded and said, "I've got one."

"…?"

"Bowl. Yes, let's go with that."

"Bowl!?" the doll let out, losing its composure.

"'Skull' just doesn't have the same ring to it. From now on, your name is Bowl."

[Would you like to name your familiar 'Bowl?' (Accept/Decline)]

Then, just as Min Sung was about to approve, the doll's head jolted up, and it said, "M-master!"

"What? You said anything goes."

"That, I did…"

With that, Min Sung tapped 'Accept' on the message window.

[You gave your familiar the name 'Bowl']

At that, Bowl fell to its knees.

—

Before long, the champion was facing the final boss of the dungeon. Whenever the behemoth walked, it left footprints as big as that of a dinosaur.

'Lv2,700 Ogre'

Armed with a scythe linked to a chain, its weapon was as big as a person. However, being well acquainted with the monster and its weapon from his time in the Demonic Realm, the appearance of the monster did little to intimidate or excite the champion. The fact that he was desensitized to killing monsters meant that he had become used to it, and the size and appearance of the monster were hardly of importance. Looking up and locking eyes with the ogre made the behemoth shudder. Staring into the champion's cold, cruel eyes, the ogre started to tremble.

However, it wasn't long before the behemoth overcame its fear. Soon, with the sound of a chain dragging, the giant scythe came flying toward the champion. At which point, Min Sung held his Orichalcon Dagger tightly and swung it upward. A bolt of lightning struck it and coiled around the dagger, and when he swung it again, the scythe flying toward him shattered, scattering into pieces in midair.

While the ogre stared at the pieces of its weapon in shock, the champion took the opportunity to land a blow. As he swung his dagger, dozens of streaks of light came shooting out and flew toward the monster, coiling around it, ripping and tearing into its thick, leathery skin. Soon, with blood gushing out from all over, the monster fell to the ground, raising a cloud of dust upon impact. Meanwhile, staring at the monster lying lifelessly on the dusty ground, the champion sneered. In comparison to the ordinary monsters within the dungeon, the ogre seemed to be able to endure slightly more damage. Despite the deadly blow, the ogre was still breathing. Nevertheless, it was at the brink of death, completely vulnerable and incapable of resisting any further attacks. At that moment, just as the champion was about to walk over to the ogre to finish it off, he heard a strange sound. Furrowing his brow, he turned toward it and asked, "What are you muttering? It's bothering me."

Squatting on the ground, the doll was idly drawing a series of circles on the dirt.

"I said, 'What are you doing?'" Min Sung snapped impatiently.

To which, Bowl replied gloomily, "I'm just a low-level doll that can't do anything to help my master… All I do is munch away at the gems… Heck, I'm a Lich! Yet, I don't even act like one… I'm just a useless walking skeleton…"

"… Come here," Min Sung said with a furrowed brow. When Bowl looked toward him, still looking down and depressed, the champion said, "See the ogre? Finish it off and eat it."

At that moment, Bowl's eyes burst into black flames.

Chapter 27

Translated by: ShawnSuh

Edited by: SootyOwl

"Hurry up, before I change my mind!" the champion said, and Bowl hurried over to the ogre.

"Darkness. Sacred, precious, and majestic. Grant me the power to hold the universe in my hands…"

Meanwhile, the champion stared indifferently at the Lich chanting a spell.

"By the power of the mighty darkness, I bring judgment upon you!"

Then, a cloud of black smoke of questionable intensity flew toward the ogre. However, contrary to what the champion was thinking, the ogre's head dropped with its tongue sticking out.

['Bowl' has slain the Ogre.]

['Bowl' has successfully earned experience points on its own.]

Looking at Bowl dancing with joy, Min Sung thought, 'Well, that did it. I'm just after the items anyway. I'm sure it's OK to let the little guy have some fun.'

After picking up the loot, a series of messages and what seemed like an exit appeared.

[Labyrinth cleared!]

[Difficulty adjusted for 'Min Sung Kang.']

[Act 3 Unlocked.]

After wiping his dagger on the grass, he put it back in his inventory and walked through the gate, completely unaware that he was being watched by a blonde woman sporting a short hairdo.

—

"Wait… Hold on! What the hell happened to that Lich!?" Ho Sung shouted, looking at the doll, who was precisely at level 1,000, walking out of the labyrinth.

'That thing was at level 1 when it went in! How is it walking out at level 1,000? How is this possible!?' he thought, appalled. To which, Min Sung responded, "I fed him some gems and let him finish off the boss."

'Gems? Finish off the boss?' Ho Sung said to himself, chuckling while thinking, 'I don't even get to level up anymore, but this doll gets all the special treatment?'

"Haha…" at a loss for words, Ho Sung chuckled absent-mindedly. Meanwhile, hanging from the champion's belt, Bowl let out, "Woohoo!"

'The thing talks now? What kind of Lich is this? He might as well get himself a dog.' Ho Sung thought, glaring fiercely at the doll. Then, noticing its name, he tilted his head in confusion, '… Bowl?'

"Sir, what's with that word floating above the Lich's head?"

"I was told to give it a name, so I did just that," the champion replied, and Ho Sung, at a loss for words, stared blankly at him, thinking, 'This guy's a serious badass. How can one name a doll that's worth a fortune Bowl?'

Then, he turned his eyes to the Lich Doll named 'Bowl.'

"…"

Looking at the ridiculous name, he couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey, Lich… I mean, Bowl. Do you like your name?" he asked, holding back his laughter.

"Of course! It's a name my master gave me. I love it," Bowl replied, its shoulders moving up and down with joy. At that, Ho Sung chortled and thought, 'What an idiot! I'd have killed myself if my name had been Bowl. First, Min Sung Kang, and now, this walking, talking skeleton. These guys are really something.'

Although Ho Sung had been jealous that the doll had reached level 1,000 at first, he found the jealousy subsiding after laughing at the doll's name.

"Well, let's head down. I need to eat," the champion said as he walked on ahead. Meanwhile, looking at Bowl, Ho Sung started snickering.

"Bowl? What kind of name is that? Hahaha! Oh, my! I almost feel sorry for you," he said, laughing. At that moment, Bowl walked toward him unhurriedly. After seeing its master disappearing into the horizon, the Lich's

eyes burst into black flames. Its gaping eyes were dark enough to give one the illusion that they were staring into darkness itself. Soon, an enormous dark presence exuded from the Lich and surrounded Ho Sung. Bowl might have been the size of an adult's palm, but the tremendous presence of a level 1,000 Lich was threatening to say the least. The darkness started coiling around Ho Sung, suffocating him. Overwhelmed by the fear of death, Ho Sung started to panic.

"Should you mock me again, I will tear you to shreds and make your corpse my undead minion," an ominous voice from the abyss said, adding, "Do I make myself clear?" Shaking uncontrollably with widened eyes, Ho Sung nodded quickly. Then, Bowl let up and started tottering in the direction of its master, huffing and puffing. The suffocating darkness was no longer.

By that point, Ho Sung's face had turned blue. Hyperventilating, he stared in the direction of the Lich. Then, when he put his hands into his pants, he realized that he had wet himself. Teary-eyed, Ho Sung bit down on his lower lip.

—

On the way to the store, Ho Sung looked at Min Sung and Bowl in the back seat through the mirror. While the champion was looking out of the window, the Lich was leaning against its master's leg. Sensing the driver's gaze, the champion looked at Ho Sung in the mirror, tapping himself on the teeth. It was a warning to be silent, reminding the driver to watch his mouth. At that, feeling goosebumps all over his body, Ho Sung looked away from the mirror in a hurry. Upon reaching level 1,000, the doll that had seemed like a mere accessory at first had turned into a monster capable of disposing of him with ease.

'Son of a bitch… You were just some useless doll! No, I can't live on like this. I gotta train. I have to level up, even at the cost of my sleep. It doesn't matter how long it takes. I'll bear through the pain until I reach a high enough level to enter the labyrinth. Then, I'll stick with Min Sung Kang and farm experience points. I might be at the bottom of the food chain, but I'll make it my life's goal to level up by following him around,' Ho Sung thought.

"We're almost there, aren't we?" the champion asked, looking out the window. Regaining his composure, Ho Sung looked toward the champion and said, "Yes, sir. Any minute now."

As usual, the champion seemed to be planning on selling his loot to the store. Upon arriving, Min Sung got out of the car, and Bowl jumped from the backseat and clung to the champion's belt.

'It looks cute and harmless now, but…'

Ho Sung shuddered, remembering the suffocating darkness that had exuded from the little doll. The cute and harmless doll was now a level 1,000 Lich.

'My life is already a living hell as it is, and now, I have a Lich to worry about?!' Ho Sung thought with a gloomy look on his face.

"Wait here. I'll be back," the champion said and walked into the store. While he was selling his loot from the labyrinth, Ho Sung smoked a cigarette, scratching his head while wondering to which restaurant to take the champion.

'Sigh… Where do I take him today?'

Then, a certain restaurant flashed in his mind. Exotic and delectable, Ho Sung was confident that the champion would have a satisfying experience. However, the restaurant was somewhat far away, which could very well pose an issue in itself. After thinking of a contingency plan, Ho Sung put his cigarette out and waited for the champion patiently. Soon, Min Sung came out of the store.

"Sir," Ho Sung said, opening the door for the champion. After the champion got in the car, Ho Sung got in the driver's seat and asked himself, 'What did I do to deserve this? Did I betray my country in my past life or something?' Then, starting the ignition, he looked toward the champion.

"Sir?"

At Ho Sung's call, Min Sung looked toward him.

"So, I've thought of two possible options. The first place is not only exotic, but the food is terrific. The only thing is that it's a little out of the way, so if distance is an issue…"

"I can go overseas if necessary," Min Sung replied, and Ho Sung nodded and said, "Understood."

"So, where is this place?" the champion asked.

"Oido. It's a coastal region."

"So, we're talking seafood?"

"Yes, but like I said, there's something exotic about the place."

"What's so exotic about it?"

"Oido is one of the most popular fishing spots for people from Seoul. What makes this restaurant unique is that we get to do the fishing ourselves and have the restaurant prepare what we catch, be it sashimi or stew."

"Interesting," Min Sung replied, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"Right? Haha. Of course, if you're not into fishing, we can always pay for a fish that's already been caught. Which, I gotta admit, is more convenient. If you're not into fishing, that is. So, what would you like to do, sir?"

"No, I'll fish. I want to eat what I catch," the champion replied, shaking his head firmly. Seeing the excitement in the champion's eyes, Ho Sung sighed, relieved that he had survived yet another day to tell the tale.

Chapter 28

Translated by: ShawnSuh

Edited by: SootyOwl

Despite the hour-and-a-half long car ride, there was not a trace of fatigue on Min Sung's face. In fact, he was filled with excitement, anxious for a new culinary experience. As the car came to a stop, Min Sung, Ho Sung, and Bowl got out of it. The weather was perfect, and the sunlight sparkled brightly on the ocean.

"Is it here?" the champion asked, looking toward a run-down restaurant,

"Yes, sir."

[Dong Dae Sashimi]

There was nothing special or unique about the exterior, aside from the fact that it was noticeably more run down than the surrounding stores and restaurants, that is. The restaurant's appearance was as humble as its name. However, it exuded tradition, the power of which Min Sung was well aware by that point. Flavor and atmosphere were some of the most crucial components of a restaurant, and it was tradition that shaped them.

"Do we even have fishing rods?" Min Sung asked Ho Sung, who smiled and replied, "Don't worry. We can always rent them. You know what the best part is though? The owner probably won't even charge us for it. He has a good opinion of hunters and he always rents out fishing rods for free of charge."

"Seems like you're a regular here."

"Yes. It's my hometown, and it just so happens that I'm into fishing."

"I see. Let's go inside," Min Sung said nonchalantly, and Ho Sung followed, furrowing his brow. Upon entering, they were greeted by a skinny man who seemed to be in his fifties.

"Oh! Ho Sung! It's been ages! Where have you been!?"

"Oh, you know, life can be hectic sometimes," Ho Sung replied, smiling bitterly. Laughing heartily, the owner patted him on the shoulder and said, "I understand. A man's gotta eat! So, is it just you and your friend here?"

"That's right. Oh, I need a couple of fishing rods, please."

"You know where to find them, right? Help yourselves."

After catching up with the owner briefly, Ho Sung picked a couple of high-quality fishing rods and other necessary equipment and made his way to his usual spot at the breakwater with the champion.

"Have you fished before?" Ho Sung asked as he situated himself.

"No, I have not," the champion replied, staring at the refreshing ocean view stretching into the endless horizon.

"Not a problem. I'll explain everything you need to know."

"Go ahead."

"I'm sure you've noticed that we're on a breakwater. What makes breakwater fishing unique is that it's relatively safer because you have plenty of room around you, and you can catch fish of different sizes, from black sea bream to opaleye."

"I see."

"Now, I'll explain how to use the fishing rod and the other equipment."

Along with brief explanations on the various fishing equipment, Ho Sung taught the champion the process of fishing. After putting the bait on the hook, the champion cast it in a manner much more experienced than Ho Sung. All there was left to do was wait.

Although having just started, the champion found fishing to be much more enjoyable than he had expected. The thought of eating his own catch made his mouth water, and the hope to catch a big fish made his heart beat with excitement.

"It might take a while before they start biting, but you still have to make sure to replace your bait often," Ho Sung said, and the champion nodded quietly. However, unlike the others around him, who were starting to reel in their catch, Min Sung wasn't getting a bite despite having replaced his bait a number of times.

"Sir? Do you see the direction of the current? If I were to let you in on a tip, try putting your bait to the left of the dobber," Ho Sung said. Min Sung, nodding quietly, fixed his eyes on the water and followed Ho Sung's advice. However, nothing happened, and the champion's fishing rod remained completely still.

"Uh… sir? Another thing. Fish are pretty sensitive. If hunters don't hide their presence, they'll scare the fish away."

"I see."

Only then, was the champion able to make sense of why he couldn't catch any fish. After suppressing his presence, he cast his bait on more time, and sure enough, his fishing rod started to vibrate almost immediately, just like Ho Sung had said.

'This is it!' Min Sung thought as he reeled in the line in a hurry. However, to his disappointment, he was left with a void at his fingertips as the fish had run off with the bait. Provoked, the champion cast his bait once again.

—

'Man, this guy

can't fish to save his life,' Ho Sung thought, glancing at the champion while breaking into cold sweats. Although there was a much easier alternative, which involved the champion getting in the water himself, it wasn't in line with the purpose of their activity. At the moment, they were fishing for fun. However, seeing as though Min Sung had no talent for fishing, Ho Sung became anxious about the possibility of the champion exploding and letting his anger and frustration out on him.

'Remember, Ho Sung Lee. This guy's a miscellaneous type, and he's a cold-blooded killer,' Ho Sung thought, fearing for his life. At that moment, he sensed somebody getting situated next to him. Upon getting a closer look at the stranger wearing a hat, he realized that it was beautiful, voluptuous woman sporting a tight white T-shirt, hot pants, and sneakers. Her skin was white, and her hair blond, which gave her a somewhat exotic look.

'Well, hello there!' Ho Sung thought, glancing at her setting up her fishing equipment. At that moment, Min Sung dropped his head in disappointment.

"… Another one?" Ho Sung asked, studying the champion's expression.

"This is harder than it looks," the champion replied, smiling bitterly.

"…"

Shortly after, Min Sung, looking like he had figured out the meaning of life, tilted his head in an awkward direction and stared into the horizon. It was clear that he was infuriated.

'Shit! I didn't think he'd be this bad. I guess being a miscellaneous type has nothing to do with fishing,' Ho Sung thought apprehensively, fearing that the champion would blame him.

—

Staring into the water absent-mindedly, Min Sung closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and shook his head violently. Then, just as he was about to resume with a fresh perspective, a troubled look appeared on his face. Realizing that he had used up his bait, the stress he had suppressed returned. At that moment…

"Here you go," the blonde woman next to him said, offering her bucket of bait. However, after glancing at her, Min Sung looked away and to the water. It seemed like she had plenty of bait to share. After contemplating it briefly, Min Sung reached for the bucket, saying, "Thanks," and the woman gave him a quick nod in response. Putting the bait on the hook, the champion focused his mind and cast it, wondering, 'When was I ever this nervous?'

While the champion was enjoying the challenge of facing his first obstacle since returning to Earth on one hand, he was also compelled to win against the fish on the other. Soon, his fishing rod started to vibrate. At which point, the champion's eyes beamed with determination. 'You're not getting away this time,' he thought, reeling it in the line in a hurry.

"You might wanna tire the fish out before you reel it in," the blonde woman said. At that, Min Sung exhaled slowly and pulled the fishing rod toward him. Although it felt somewhat awkward, the vibration was noticeably different.

"That should do it," the blonde woman said. With intense concentration, Min Sung reeled in his catch, and noticing that the champion had caught something, Ho Sung handed him a net. The fish felt quite hefty. Then, just as he was about to pull the fish out of the water with the net, the hook came shooting out of the water and up to the sky.

'Finally!' Min Sung thought. However…

"Wait a minute…" Ho Sung let out, looking at the fish and swallowing nervously as Min Sung stared at his catch with a flabbergasted look on his face. It was a minnow about the size of a pinky finger.

"…"

Quietly, the champion threw the fish back into the water. Then, while he was preparing to cast his bait again, he heard a suppressed laughter. His brow furrowed as he looked toward it.

"Puahahaha!" the blonde woman burst into laughter.

"Kind of rude, don't you think?" Min Sung said.

"I'm sorry, I just… couldn't help myself. I apologize," the woman replied, wiping her tears. With a dark expression on his face, the champion stared into the horizon, thinking, 'This is… not easy at all.' Then, he looked toward Ho Sung, whose bucket was filled to the brim with fish. Noticing the champion looking at him, Ho Sung looked away and into the distance. At that moment…

"That's a bite!" the woman said, springing up from her seat and reeling in her catch with excitement. However, to her dismay, she found a minnow at the end of her hook.

"Aw!" she let out, her face flushed bright red. Looking toward her, Min Sung let out a suppressed chuckle as she coughed and threw the fish back into the water.

"This is not a good spot," she said awkwardly, casting another bait and adding, "Why don't we call it even?" Without taking his eyes off of the water, Min Sung nodded and said, "Agreed."

With that, the air fell into a brief silence.

"I'm Ji Yoo Kim. I've shared my bait with you and I even introduced myself, so I think it's fair to exchange names at this point," the woman said, breaking the silence. Looking toward her nonchalantly, Min Sung turned his eyes toward the ocean and replied, "Min Sung Kang."

At that, the woman removed her hat and said, "Good name." Although she was wearing light makeup, her striking beauty almost rendered additional makeup unnecessary. Meanwhile, staring at her intently over the champion's shoulder, Ho Sung's jaw dropped open as he thought, 'I don't think I've ever seen anyone so pretty.'

Then, dusting off her buttocks, the woman said, "Well, I think I'll call it a day."

"Giving up already? You're not the patient type, are you?" Min Sung said sarcastically. To which, she smiled and said, "I came here to meet someone. Now that I know what that person looks like, I don't have a reason to stay here any longer."

The champion looked at her quietly.

"Well, it's been a pleasure. Let's not pretend to be strangers if we run into each other in the future, yeah?" the woman said, strapping on her bag. Turning his eyes toward the ocean, the champion said, "Thanks for the bait."

"Wow, did I just get friendzoned? I thought I wasn't that bad looking. Or, maybe you're just not into ladies. Are you two together?" she asked.

"No, but it seems more convincing that you overestimate your looks, don't you think?" Min Sung replied. At that moment, with a vein popping out on her forehead, Ji Yoo put on a forced smile and said, "You can pay me back later for the bait." At the same time, the champion's fishing pole started to vibrate. With sparkling eyes, Min Sung sprung up and started to reel in his line. Soon, a large fish splashing about the surface of the water came into view.

'Stay calm. Don't get excited. Concentrate,' Min Sung said to himself, and Ho Sung waited anxiously with the net in his hands. Then, when the fish was within reach, Ho Sung handed the net to the champion and said, "Now!" Taking the net from him, Min Sung picked up the fish. Sparkling in the Sun, the fish flapped about vigorously.

"Whoa! That's the red sea bream! It's a big one too! Congratulations, sir!" Ho Sung said, and Min Sung, catching his breath, put the fish in his bucket and started putting his fishing equipment away. Although he still enjoyed fishing, he was way too hungry to keep going.

"Let's stop here," the champion said.

Chapter 29

Looking at the champion heading toward the restaurant in the distance, Ji Yoo sighed, put on her hat and said, "You're a lucky man."

Then, she looked back at the summer sea, sparkling brightly unlike the impending darkness.

—

"So, anything?" the owner smiled and asked in a friendly tone. At that, Ho Sung handed the owner his and the champion's buckets as an answer and said, "We'll have sashimi and spicy fish stew, please. Enough for three people. You can keep the rest."

At that, the owner laughed heartily and said, "Haha! Thank you! I appreciate that you share your catch!"

After a brief conversation, Ho Sung looked toward Min Sung.

"Well, enjoy your meal, sir," he said.

"Why don't you come and join me?" the champion said as he took his shoes off and went into a room, staring at the refreshing, dreamlike ocean view through the large window.

"… Sir?"

Although the meal wasn't ready yet, the thought of having a meal made of freshly caught fish in a room with a striking view filled the champion's heart with excitement. Then, while he was staring out the window intently, Bowl, who had been fast asleep in the champion's pocket, crawled out and climbed up on the table. Moaning and staggering as if still half asleep, the doll sat on the table and looked out the window like its master.

"I need you to look into dungeons in the area. No labyrinths," Min Sung said.

"Are you planning on keeping that doll, by any chance?" Ho Sung asked. Min Sung, glancing at Bowl, who was also staring out the window, replied, "I think I'm gonna give it a shot and see what happens."

Caught off guard by his response, Ho Sung said, "But you dreaded going into a dungeon! I'm sure you've made more than enough money by now!"

"It'll run out eventually. Besides, it couldn't hurt to save up and invest some time and resources into training the little guy," the champion replied, staring intently at the doll from behind with his arms crossed, adding, "It could be a hobby of sorts. I'm sure it'll do all the work for me once I equip it well enough."

At that, Ho Sung stared at Bowl with envy and said, "It-it'd be nice if I could…"

… only to receive a cold, cruel glare from the champion. At which point, he waved in denial in a hurry and said, "Haha! Kidding! I-I'm kidding!" While Ho Sung was stammering and panicking, a middle-aged woman came into the room with a number of basic side dishes. Noticing the doll sitting on the table while putting the dishes and bowls on the table, she said, "Wow, that doll looks real!"

At that, Bowl turned its head 180 degrees and stared at the woman.

"Ahhhhh!"

Screaming, the woman fell backward on the ground, tossing the side dishes into air. Then, taking a bowl, the champion caught all the vegetables while they were still in the air and put them on the table. Meanwhile, the woman, shaking uncontrollably, made a run for the kitchen. Shortly after, the owner came rushing into the room.

"Ahaha! I think she was really startled! I am so sorry. My wife can be a little jumpy. Haha! Wait a minute, you're a hunter, aren't you? A summoner, from what I can tell? You don't see them much these days! Did you summon this little fella here? Intriguing!" the owner said, looking at the doll curiously as he set up the table on his wife's behalf. Meanwhile, Bowl stared out the window quietly while the owner stared intently at it, completely intrigued.

"Uh, sir? You still with us?"

Startled by Ho Sung's voice, the owner laughed as he snapped back to his senses and said, "Ahaha! Sorry! I kind of got lost there for a second, didn't I? Wait just a little longer. There are appetizers on the way."

Then, after returning to the kitchen, the owner came back with

yet another set of dishes. Min Sung's eyes widened from the sheer amount of plates on the table. Never had he seen so much food on a table at once. There were nearly fifty different kinds of small plates. On top of that, a good number of them were made of highly-prized ingredients.

From abalone to clam sashimi, various seafood, and an assortment of side dishes, it was a sight to behold. In fact, there were so many dishes that the champion couldn't decide on what to eat first.

"Impressive, huh? Not only is there a wide variety, but they're all fresh and well made. There's a reason why this restaurant is so popular, and they really make sure to use the freshest ingredients around here. Go ahead, you'll see what I mean," Ho Sung said, and Min Sung, nodding, picked up his chopsticks unhurriedly despite his stomach screaming for food.

'One must be calm and gracious before food, yet appreciate it with passion,' the champion said to himself. That was his philosophy toward food and his way of maximizing the experience. Then, picking up a small piece of abalone with his chopsticks, the champion brought it up to his mouth.

After the firm, bouncy, and yet crunchy texture, came a subtle and refreshing sweetness. There was not a trace of fishiness, and the experience was more than enough to lift anyone's spirits. After that, Min Sung had a feeling that the meal was going to last for a good while.

Next, Min Sung picked up a piece of the sea urchin, dipped it in a spicy, vinegary sauce, and brought it up to his mouth. Although sea urchins were notorious for being potent, ones as fresh as the one he was eating couldn't be more fragrant. Because the smell was the beginning of any food experience, focusing on the fragrance was crucial. Reminding himself of that, Min Sung savored the buttery smooth piece of sea urchin melting away in his mouth and sliding down his throat. With that, he moved on to the clam sashimi unhurriedly.

Plated on its shells, the meat had an enticing hue to it. Although he had never had clams raw, his culinary curiosity drove him to try it without any hesitation. Swallowing, he picked up a shell and pushed the meat on top of it into his mouth. The rich, briny flavor and the tender, moist texture were more than enough to make up for the humble size of the clam.

Then, yet another set of dishes caught the champion's eyes: conch, raw octopus, and razor clam. By that point, the choices became clear. Because he had had a clam previously, Min Sung brought the razor clam up to his mouth. Its soft, smooth texture and delightful flavor danced in his mouth. While the experience was still raw in his mouth, he picked up the raw octopus, which was still alive and moving, dipped in sesame oil and salt, and put it in his mouth. The sensation of the suction cups sticking to his teeth and tongue was rather amusing. With that, he moved on to the conch without delay. The big, satisfying bite of the conch rewarded him with the fresh essence of the ocean.

'At this rate, I'm gonna be full before we even get to our main course,' Min Sung thought. After which, he had no choice but to limit his tasting experience to the items of he prefered. There were simply too many dishes.

After wiping his mouth with a tissue, he reached for the grilled mackerel with his chopsticks. Then, cutting himself a piece of the fish, he brought it up to his mouth without dipping it in salt.

'Tastes just like my childhood,' he thought. Though it had been more than a century since his last taste of it, the flavor of mackerel seemed to transcend time. Moist and meaty, the fish was perfectly grilled. At that moment…

"All right! The moment you've been waiting for! Ho Sung, make some room on the table, would ya?" the owner said, and Ho Sung started moving the dishes and bowls to the side. Soon, a plate of fresh sashimi made its way to the center of the table.

"Let me know if you need anything, all right?" the owner said as he returned to the kitchen, laughing heartily. Min Sung looked down at the main dish, delighted by the glossy slices of fresh sashimi. However, unlike his prediction, the sashimi turned out to be of the red sea bream.

Although the black sea bream tended to be the more expensive of the two, it was out of season. On top of that, because it was spawning season, its meat lacked texture. However, that wasn't to say that they couldn't be eaten. Although the black sea bream wasn't best enjoyed raw in the current season, it still made for an incredible ingredient for a stew.

"It's unfortunate that you guys don't get to try the sashimi, but you just wait. The stew will blow your minds!" the owner said confidently. Setting his expectations for the stew aside, Min Sung focused on the sashimi in front of him. Picking up a slice, the champion looked at its beautiful grain and its deep red color. Then, after lightly dipping it in the soy sauce mixed with wasabi, he brought it up to his mouth.

"…!"

As soon as the meat touched his tongue and his teeth sank into the meat, he immediately understood why the fish was highly-prized and sought after. Fitting to the strength with which it had resisted when it had been first caught by the champion, there was firmness to the meat and an incredible depth of flavor. One would describe the flavor as that of the vigorous ocean.

'This is amazing!'

It was as if the fish was shouting to Min Sung through its chewiness and the sweetness. Once tasting the main dish, the champion no longer had the urge to try any other dishes around it. Then, after wrapping the meat in perilla leaf with a slice of garlic and some soybean paste, he put the concoction into his mouth. The subtle bitterness of the perilla leaf created a striking harmony with the smoothness of the sashimi and the savoriness of the soybean paste stew. Savoring the flavors in his mouth, Min Sung ordered a bottle of soda. As the owner brought it out, he drank the liquid straight from the bottle, clearing his mouth and esophagus almost immediately. Then, without hesitation, he reached for yet another slice of sashimi, and before long the sashimi started to run out. At that moment, the owner came back with yet another dish. It was the fish stew, the dish Min Sung had long been waiting for.

His timing couldn't have been better.

'How did he know?' Min Sung wondered, impressed.

Chapter 30

Translated by: ShawnSuh

Edited by: SootyOwl

At the riveting sight of an entire black sea bream sitting in a red, boiling broth, Min Sung almost lost his self-control. After regaining his composure, he scooped up a spoonful of the broth and brought it up to his mouth.

'Slurp!'

Immediately, his mouth was filled with the spicy and rich flavors of the broth.

'Very nice.'

Taking a piece of the meat from the fish, the champion brought it up to his mouth. Fitting to its reputation among fishing enthusiasts for not going down without a fight, the fish was incredibly lean. Yet, it was firm and meaty. Then, taking another chunk of the fish and the leek in the stew, he put it on top of a spoonful of rice and brought that up to his mouth. In combination with the fish, the leek and the grains of rice added a refreshing twist. Taking another spoonful of the spicy broth, Min Sung brought the food up to his mouth one more time. The spiciness warmed up his body to a pleasant temperature. The harmony between the white rice and the spicy-yet-refreshing broth, which Min Sung was completely addicted to by that point, was more than enough to satisfy the champion's hunger. In the end, he ate every bite of his rice and every drop of the stew, leaving only the bones. Having eaten his fill, Min Sung leaned back with his hands on his belly and let out a satisfied sigh. Seeing that, Ho Sung, who had hardly eaten any of it, studied the champion's expression and asked, "Did you enjoy your meal, sir?"

With a subtle smile on his face, the champion responded, "That was a fine meal." With a full stomach, he looked out the window toward the ocean, thinking, 'This is heaven.'

"Well, since this is our first time eating together, I'll take care of the bill, sir."

Hearing that, the champion, looking toward Ho Sung, shook his head and said, "No, I'll pay."

"Ah… Of course. Thank you."

"How much did it come out to?" Min Sung asked. As satisfying as the meal had been, the price was also an important part of the experience at a restaurant. Regardless of how delectable the food was, an unreasonable price would surely diminish the experience.

"Fifty thousand won," Ho Sung replied, leaving the champion dumbfounded by what he had just heard.

"… Fifty thousand?"

"That's right?"

"How?" Min Sung asked, looking at him with widened eyes.

"The rental tends to cost quite a bit, but the owner gave us a big discount. It must have been all the fish we brought him. Well, at this price, we're only paying for all the side dishes essentially."

"I see," Min Sung said, nodding, reminded of Ho Sung's impressive ability to arrange the most satisfying meals.

—

After dropping Min Sung off at his house, Ho Sung was ordered to return the following morning. While he was glad to be relieved of having to be on standby 24/7 on one hand, he was deeply concerned on the other.

'Either my bank account will run dry, or I'll starve to death.'

Leaning against his car, he chain-smoked while contemplating his life.

'I can't just waste away like this. I have to come up with something.'

It was a question he had yet to figure out an answer to since meeting the champion. However, he was now at wit's end. He had to find a solution.

'I gotta move forward. I can't just sit here until I grow old.'

Then, with a determined look on his face, Ho Sung chucked the still-lit cigarette on the ground, got in his car, started the ignition, and took off toward a specific destination.

—

"Huff! Huff!"

In a dungeon swarming with rat monsters named rat boys, Ho Sung breathed heavily while covered in blood. Looking down at a rat boy he had just killed, he bit down on his lower lip. Although there was still a myriad of monsters left to be slain in the dungeon, his arms were already starting to give out, his hands shaking uncontrollably while his shoulders and legs felt as heavy as anchors.

Though it was his first solo journey without the help of a party, Ho Sung had a reason for tackling his fears head-on: to become stronger. Before, he

wouldn't have continued hunting in his current condition. However, the memory of being the champion's slave and being humiliated by the Lich Doll that used to be level 1 was far too vivid.

'I might never be strong enough to be free from that Min Sung Kang, but that doesn't mean I can't hope. There has to be something I can do. Something worth doing. That's what will keep me going, and in order for me to find out what that is, I have to be willing to risk my life. I'm not running away with my tail between my legs,' Ho Sung thought as he held his long sword tightly. At that moment, in a dark cave, a bright light flashed in the distance. It was another rat boy approaching Ho Sung with gleaming eyes.

"Come at me, you rats. Do your worst!" Ho Sung said, glaring fiercely at the monsters approaching him in the dark.

—

"We had someone heal you, but you'll have to watch yourself for a while until you've fully recovered. I strongly advise against any rigorous activities," the doctor said, and Ho Sung nodded haphazardly. Upon leaving the hospital, Ho Sung made a stop at a pharmacy and came out with a bag of medicine. There was a half-moon lighting the night sky, which reminded him of his half-decent life, so he felt a wave of sorrow wash over him.

Despite having put his life on the line, all of his loot had been nothing but lowest grade items, and his experience points had gone up by only two percent.

'I could use a drink.'

Getting in the car, Ho Sung drove to his personal hideout, where he usually went to get away from the people around him whenever life wasn't kind to him. Despite the doctor's advice to stay away from smoking and drinking, Ho Sung, with a cigarette in his mouth, entered a nameless street bar.

"Look who's here! Where have you been!?" the owner said, greeting Ho Sung gladly. With a bitter smile on his face, Ho Sung returned a nod and sat at an aluminum table. Because it was a weekday and late dawn, Ho Sung was the only customer around. There couldn't have been a better time to be alone.

"I'll have an udon soup and a bottle of soju."

Seeing the dark expression on Ho Sung's face, the owner refrained from asking questions and brought Ho Sung a bottle of soju and a shot glass. Lighting a cigarette, Ho Sung took a deep drag off of it and poured himself a glass.

'Ho Sung Lee. The Head of the Diamond Clan. It just doesn't sound the same anymore,' he thought, chuckling. He wasn't necessarily comparing his power to Min Sung Kang. If anything, Ho Sung accepted that he was still learning and growing. He was merely frustrated with where he was in life and with how complicated his life had become.

Taking the shot of soju, he poured it into his mouth.

'Strange. I don't smell alcohol. Maybe it has something to do with this shitty mood I'm in.'

On that bitter night, the soju couldn't be sweeter.

'I'm gonna get trashed at this rate. Eh, if I'm getting drunk, it might as well be tonight,' he thought, pouring himself another glass of soju and feeling the alcohol warming his body. Then, staring into the air, he let out a chuckle.

By the time he finished smoking his cigarette, the owner brought out the bowl of udon soup.

"Eat up. You don't wanna drink on an empty stomach," he said as he put the bowl on the table. Seeing the owner's genuine concern, Ho Sung smiled bitterly and nodded. As the owner returned to the kitchen to prepare the ingredients, Ho Sung stared down at the udon soup in a daze. Garnished with minced green onions and crushed red pepper flakes, there was something about it that reminded him of the champion.

'Would he even like stuff like this?' he wondered. Food was best enjoyed in a proper atmosphere and under proper circumstances. Eating as a means to satisfy one's hunger simply didn't make for the same experience. With that, Ho Sung picked up some noodles with his chopsticks, brought them up to his mouth and slurped away. Despite his gloomy mood, he couldn't help but notice the tastiness of the udon soup.

"Min Sung Kang… That son of a bitch…" he murmured, chewing while wiping his tears away with his sleeve, sighing.

—

Ho Sung got out of his car, his face and neck flushing bright red, drunk as a fiddler. Then, with his belly out like a tadpole, he lit a cigarette and took a deep drag off of it. Staring at the champion's house with bleary eyes, Ho Sung curled his lip.

"That is a nice house," he said, snorting loudly and spitting on the ground. His throat was stinging, and his lungs were sore from him smoking significantly more than usual as of late. Then, chucking the cigarette irritably, he strode toward the champion's house and knocked violently.

Shortly after, the door opened, and Min Sung, who was still half asleep, peeked his face out. At that, Ho Sung, rubbing his face like he was washing it, walked into the house with his shoes still on, bumping the champion's shoulder. Standing in the living room, Ho Sung, fuming with anger, breathed heavily. However, Min Sung simply leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, staring at Ho Sung nonchalantly.

With his hands on his hips, Ho Sung stared up at the ceiling, let out a long sigh, and turned toward the champion, saying, "Don't you think you could treat me a little better?"

"…"

"I thought about it over and over, and you know what? You treat me like shit!"

"…"

"OK, fine. Yes, I tried to rob you at one point, I admit it, but what do you know about a life where you have to rob people just to get by? Thanks to the Central Institute, hunters in the streets like myself barely make any money. To us, survival alone is a challenge in and of itself! Do you know what kind of life I had to live!? Do you know the hardships that I've gone through!?"

"…"

"And why the hell do I have to plan out your meals every single day? Huh!?"

"…"

"I think I deserve some credit, don't you think? You take care of that damn Lich Doll, so why can't you do the same with me!? Are you saying that I should spend the rest of my life taking you around just to eat? Are you!? If you are, you're one evil son of a bitch!"

"Are you done?" the champion asked, furrowing his brow.

"No, I'm not done, you piece of shit! My life is and always will be a living hell!" Ho Sung shouted. Then, he nodded and pushed his belly out, saying, "Screw this. Kill me. Right here, right now!"

Uncrossing his arms, the champion stared at Ho Sung with cold eyes.

"It's your funeral," he said, walking toward Ho Sung unhurriedly.

Chapter 31

Translated by: ShawnSuh

Edited by: SootyOwl

Beaten to near death, Ho Sung sprawled across the front yard, trembling. His eyes were so swollen that he could hardly see.

"You son of a bitch… " he murmured with blue, swollen lips. Min Sung was not only cold-blooded, but also heartless.

'Yeah… I remember now. He did say that I'd beg him to kill me when we first met,' Ho Sung thought. The night prior, the words, "Just kill me, please," had come out of him inadvertently as the champion started beating him to a pulp. Although Ho Sung had been drunk out of his mind then, the terror of being the champion's victim had seized his heart. No matter how many times he had begged Min Sung to stop, the champion had paid no attention and simply continued to beat him as if entitled to do so. The terror and the champion's cold, cruel eyes were still vivid in Ho Sung's mind.

Whenever Ho Sung would wake up after passing out, the beating continued. Eventually, the champion's threatening prediction from their first encounter had come true. Ho Sung had started begging the heartless champion to kill him.

'For how long did it go on? Hours?'

The night had felt like an eternity. Min Sung had punished Ho Sung as if he had had the right to do so while looking completely neutral and unfazed. After a while, Ho Sung had started to sense his resentment toward the champion subside, only to be overcome with terror as he sobered up. By the time he had snapped to his senses, it had been too late to regret.

'Would he really kill me? After all the time we've spent together?'

To Ho Sung's dismay, the champion had genuinely tried to beat him to death, driving Ho Sung to cling to the champion's pants, literally begging for his life. Of course, Min Sung never listened. In the end, it wasn't until Ho Sung became delirious, barely able to feel any pain, that Min Sung finally threw him out to the front yard and let Ho Sung off the hook. Now, sprawled across the lawn, Ho Sung couldn't resist the tears streaming down his face. At that moment…

'Click!'

The front door opened, and Ho Sung, startled, started to shake. Clenching his eyes tightly, he didn't make a sound, as if playing dead in front of a bear. After a brief silence, the front door closed, and he breathed a sigh of relief, thinking '… I'm scared,' sniffling and moaning from the pain.

'I'm NOT messing with him ever again.'

—

"I thought I told you to take care of yourself! What happened!? You were dangerously close to death!" the doctor said, and Ho Sung, looking delirious, smacked his lips and said, "… Sorry, doc."

"You don't have to apologize. I'm just concerned for my patient, that's all. You almost got yourself killed! I mean, you must have been in one hell of a dungeon… Whew!" the doctor said, shaking his head, adding, "PLEASE take care of your body. Again, NO RIGOROUS ACTIVITIES!"

After bowing politely to the doctor, Ho Sung walked out of the hospital and was greeted by a bright sun and pleasantly warm weather. Although he was aching all over and his head was throbbing from drinking too much the night before, he felt relieved and at ease internally.

—

Sipping a cup of water, the champion looked down nonchalantly at Ho Sung, who was begging for forgiveness on his knees.

"I admit it. I've had one too many to drink last night and was WAY out of line. Please forgive me, sir."

"Ho Sung Lee."

At the sound of the champion's voice, Ho Sung looked up quickly.

"That's enough," the champion said.

"… Sir?"

"You've done enough."

"… What do you mean?"

"Go on. You're free," the champion said, downing what was left of the water in the cup. Caught off guard, Ho Sung gave Min Sung, who was now washing the cup in the kitchen, a blank stare.

'What's going on?' Ho Sung thought, caught off guard by the sudden freedom he had been given. However, he felt no excitement. 'Why am I not happier?'

At that thought, he remembered why he had returned to the champion's house in the first place. Getting up on his feet, he looked toward Min Sung and called out to him, "Sir?"

Having finished washing his cup, the champion looked toward

Ho Sung.

"If it's OK with you, I'd like to stay by your side. I want to become stronger."

"…"

"I want to be strong like you."

At that, Min Sung stared intently at Ho Sung. Pricked in the heart, Ho Sung said, "Yes, I know that I'm a waste of human life, but I wanna start fresh and live atoning for my past sins. Please, let me stay by your side and give me an opportunity to…"

However, despite Ho Sung's heartfelt request, the champion walked right past Ho Sung, paying no attention to him. At which point, Ho Sung clenched his teeth tightly, looked toward the champion and asked in a loud voice, "Aren't you curious about alcohol?!"

Sure enough, the champion stopped in his tracks. A heavy tension could be felt in the air.

"One doesn't simply 'enjoy' the subtleties of drinks just by drinking. Atmosphere! Food! Deep understanding of the drink! All these things must work in conjunction. Only then, can one truly appreciate alcohol," Ho Sung said, looking at the champion determinedly. After a brief thought, the champion turned toward Ho Sung and said, "And?"

"And with that, I ask you from the bottom of my heart to train me alongside your doll. Please, sir."

Although the champion glared rather fiercely at Ho Sung, Ho Sung stood his ground that time and withstood the champion's burning gaze. At which point, the champion's brow furrowed as he contemplated briefly before saying, "Get ready to go out as soon as the sun sets. We're having a drink."

Hearing that, Ho Sung threw his hands in the air with a big smile on his face.

—

'Alcohol, huh…' Min Sung pondered as he watered the trees in the backyard. Thinking back to his past, the champion had no recollection of ever having a drink. Even when his friend had offered him some during a school trip, Min Sung had had no interest in trying his hand at drinking. Of course, having been summoned to the Demonic Realm after that, Min Sung had never had the opportunity to try alcohol. Remembering Ho Sung's fit of alcohol-induced rage, Min Sung let out a small sigh and tilted his head, wondering, 'Is that what alcohol does to a person? In that case, why drink it?'

Although he couldn't make sense of it at the moment, he was about to find out soon enough.

—

With Bowl fast asleep in his pocket, Min Sung left the house and followed Ho Sung's guidance. Since they weren't moving by car, Ho Sung seemed to have chosen a place nearby. When they arrived, Min Sung was taken by surprise.

"Here we are. Places like this are called izakaya," Ho Sung said, adding a brief explanation on the izakaya, which was a Japanese-style pub that offered a variety of simple appetizers according to their drink selection. However, unlike most pubs, izakayas often emphasized food more than their drinks.

"When you go to Japan, most izakayas there offer hundreds of different items on the menu, so you get to try a little bit of everything. But, izakayas in Korea are condensed versions of their Japanese counterparts, so the menus tend to be a lot smaller," Ho Sung said.

"I see."

"And what makes izakayas unique from other places is… that you get to try Japanese beer, I guess."

The pub's exotic interior made it obvious to Min Sung that it was Japanese-themed.

"Shall we?" Ho Sung asked, and the champion nodded in agreement. As Ho Sung opened the sliding door for him, the champion walked into the pub. Although it was still early evening, there were quite a few customers there. After being greeted by an employee, the champion and Ho Sung were brought to a table by the window. Upon sitting, Min Sung looked around at the interior of the pub, which was made almost entirely of wood, including the pillars, walls, and the floor, exuding a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

"I can recommend some drinks to you. Just go ahead and pick the appetizers you'd like to try. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them," Ho Sung said as if he had practiced the line ahead of time, his eyes sparkling. Giving him a brief nod, Min Sung looked at the menu. The first thing that came into view was sashimi, followed by yakitori, soups, a series of deluxe items, tempura, and steak. With his eyes fixed on the menu, the champion asked about the items that piqued his interest.

"What's tataki?"

As soon as the champion finished his sentence, Ho Sung answered almost immediately, "In simple terms, it means ground meat in Japanese, but that's not exactly what you're getting. Think of it as… raw beef. Very thin slices of beef that melt in your mouth."

"Raw beef, huh…" the champion replied.

"I know it sounds disconcerting, but you won't see much red. If any."

"I see. I've made up my mind."

"Great. What are we having tonight?"

"Beef tataki and the oden nabe."

"Sounds good. As for drinks, I'll order some soju," Ho Sung said.

"As you wish."

Without hesitation, Ho Sung rang the bell on the table, and shortly after, a server came running, yelling out, "Coming!"

"One beef tataki, one oden nabe, and one bottle of soju, please," Ho Sung said.

"Awesome, coming right up!"

After taking their order, the server took the order to the kitchen and brought the two a bottle of soju and two shot glasses. As soon as it made its way to the table, Ho Sung took the bottle and started to shake it violently. At which point, Min Sung gave him a puzzled look and asked, "Why are you doing that?"

"Huh? Oh! This? So, there's alkaline-reduced water mixed into soju, and if you don't shake it like this, the water and the alcohol don't really mix well, which, then, gets you drunk faster," Ho Sung said, shrugging and adding, "Though, it doesn't make that much of a difference. I guess it just puts you in the mood."

Looking at the tornado within the soju bottle, Min Sung nodded briefly. Then, opening the bottle, Ho Sung stood up and politely poured the champion a glass. The clear liquid filled the champion's shot glass.

"Sir, if you would," Ho Sung said, handing the champion the bottle, raising his shot glass and bowing. Min Sung filled Ho Sung's glass.

"Sir, I just want you to know that I'll be careful from now on. I won't ever make the mistake of showing up at your door drunk again."

"Should it happen again, consider that day your last. It'll be quick and painless," Min Sung said calmly, raising his glass.

"Loud and clear, sir," Ho Sung replied in a serious tone, making a toast. A faint smile appeared on the champion's face as he was struck by the realization that he was finally acting like an adult after an entire century. Then, just as they clinked their glasses and Min Sung was about to bring the soju up to his mouth, the door flung open, and a group of five people walked into the pub. One of whom said in an intimidating voice, "Get out. All of you."

Chapter 32

Translated by: ShawnSuh

Edited by: SootyOwl

Among the five men and women that barged into the pub, one particular man, bald and sporting a dragon tattoo, drove his sword into the table with an intimidating look on his face. Disrupted by them, Min Sung furrowed his brow with the still-full shot glass in his hand. On the other hand, Ho Sung, with his eyes darting back and forth between the champion and the mysterious intruders who were clearly looking to take over the pub, placed his hands across his face and sighed. The five were all wearing insignias that indicated they were soldiers from the Central Institute.

Recognizing their insignia, the customers paid in a hurry and rushed out of the pub. However, instead of making a run for it, the manager put on a forced smile and ingratiated himself with the five, who glared fiercely at the champion and Ho Sung, who were clearly not heeding their warning.

At that point, the manager, breaking out into cold sweats, rushed to Min Sung and Ho Sung's table and said, "Uh, sir? I am so sorry that I have to do this, but I'm gonna have to ask you to leave. I won't ask you to pay."

Hearing that, Min Sung put his glass down audibly.

'Here we go,' Ho Sung thought, shaking his head as if having given up.

Since the champion remained silent, the man with the dragon tattoo snorted, pulled his sword out of the table and approached him, pushing the manager away violently. Then, looking at Ho Sung, the man curled his lip into a condescending smirk and said, "The Head of the Diamond Clan, huh? You've got guts for a thug."

Hearing that, Ho Sung, looking at the man with the dragon tattoo, let out a small sigh, rose from his seat and said, "I'm not sure what's bothering you, but do you think you and your crew can leave us alone? We'll be quiet. I promise."

"You must be out of your damn mind. Do you not know who we are?" the man said intimidatingly, his eyes gleaming with hostility.

"I'm very well aware of who you guys are. It's just…"

At that moment, a beautiful brunette came over to the man's side and said to Ho Sung, "You see, my friend here is having a really shitty day, so I need you and your friend to show yourselves out while you still can. You can read the room, can't you?"

Looking at the champion, who sat there quietly, Ho Sung said, scratching his head, "I'd love to… Except, it would be—Sigh, how do I say this?—better for everyone if we stayed here."

"Ahahahahahahaha!" the man with the dragon tattoo burst into laughter, his voice roaring throughout the pub as if amplified by magic. Upon hearing that, Ho Sung was seized by fear. Then, glaring piercingly at Ho Sung with bloodshot eyes, the man said, "That's more like it. A hunter's gotta have the guts to stand up for himself. Even a thug like you."

"Again, I really don't know what kind of misfortune you've been through, but this is really not a good time. Sigh…" Ho Sung said.

To which, the brunette replied with a bitter smile, "One of our friends here slipped and fell on his way here. If I were you, I wouldn't get on his nerves. On that note, I advise you take your friend and leave. Better now than later, trust me."

"Shut your mouth!" the man said, glaring fiercely at the brunette, who put her hands together, looked at him playfully and said, "I'm sorry, but I say we let these guys go. Besides, it's embarrassing to pick on some minnows like these two."

"What do you think I'm doing right now? I said get the hell out while you still can," the man with the dragon tattoo said.

Then, Min Sung rose from his seat slowly, scanning the five Central Institute soldiers. There was a subtle tension in the air. As the five fixed their gazes on the champion, Min Sung parted his lips and said, "I have to ask you something."

"…"

Puzzled, the five stared at the champion.

"Did all five of you genuinely agree to kill us…" Min Sung dragged on, his eyes turning ice-cold, before adding, "… if we don't leave?"

"Weren't you listening? Are you two high on something? Maybe you forgot to take your medications?" the man with the dragon tattoo said, biting on his lower lip, smirking and glaring fiercely at the champion as if he was about to strike him at any given moment.

"I asked you a question. Did you and your friends agree to kill us?" Min Sung repeated himself.

"Ha…! You hearing this?" the man said to his

crew, who also chuckled condescendingly. Then, the brunette let out a small sigh and said, "Look. We're not some thugs, all right? We're from the institute and we wouldn't just go around killing civilians. Though…" she dragged on, her expression turning serious, and added, "… we're gonna have to teach you a thing or two if you don't know how things work around here." Then, looking at the man with the dragon tattoo, she said, "I don't think they get it. They're not even flinching. Tae Su, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think you have yourself a couple of punching bags here. Keep it at an arm and a leg or a combination of those two things though."

Hearing that, the eyes of the man with the dragon tattoo, Tae Su, flashed, and he said, "All I wanted was to have a drink, and you two just had to show up and make things difficult. Actually, this doesn't have to be a bad thing. I can just beat the living hell out of you two and I'll feel better in no time." Then, Tae Soo walked past the champion. Bumping past his shoulder, Tae Su took the bottle of soju on Min Sung and Ho Sung's table, downed it in a single gulp and wiped his mouth, popping his neck from side to side. At which point, Min Sung glared at him with ice-cold eyes.

"Ohohoho! Tae Su Cho! You downed that thing!"

"What a man!"

Elated, the four shouted playfully.

"I won't use my sword, or any skill for that matter. Do your worst," Tae Su said to Ho Sung with an evil smile on his face, driving his sword into the table yet again. Seeing an aura starting to form around Tae Su's fist, Ho Sung swallowed nervously and backed up.

"What's the matter? Where's your dignity? You're the head of a clan, aren't you?" Tae Su said sarcastically, approaching Ho Sung slowly, who was eventually backed against the wall. Looking back at the wall, Ho Sung licked his lips nervously and looked at Tae Su. At that moment, the champion started walking toward the door. Standing in front of the door, he slowly raised his hand and locked the door to prevent other customers from coming in.

'Click!'

Hearing that, Tae Su turned his head toward the champion with a furrowed brow. Similarly, the remaining four looked toward Min Sung, chuckling and giggling.

"Wow! That was like that one scene from one of the Kingsman movies!"

"Great movie. It's practically the same situation too. Wait a minute. Does that make us the villains?"

"Haha! I wanna act out a scene from a movie!"

"Hahaha! Hey, kiddo, just so you know, movies are NOTHING like real life."

"Maybe something really is wrong with his head."

Laughing, the four soldiers mocked the champion loudly. After locking the door, Min Sung turned toward them and analyzed the group.

'One dragon tattoo. One brunette. Three males. Five targets in total.'

Then, opening a drawer, Min Sung took out five forks.

"Ahh! He's gonna fight with a fork!"

"Ahahahahahahaha!"

"Oh, my gosh! This is gold!"

"Somebody take a video of this guy!"

Taking out their phones, the four soldiers started to record a video of the champion. Paying no attention to them, Min Sung walked toward Tae Su, who snorted condescendingly and said, "On second thought, I don't think I wanna waste my aura on small fry."

Then, as soon as he got close enough to the man with the dragon tattoo, Min Sung picked up a wooden chair and tossed it into the air. However, Min Sung was far from ordinary. While the chair was still in midair, he punched it, and the chair exploded and scattered into dozens of pieces. At which point, the four lowered their phones and looked at the champion with widened eyes.

"You won't die, just like your friend said earlier. Except…"

At that moment, before Min Sung finished his sentence, Tae Su punched at the champion. Tilting his head ever so slightly to the side, Min Sung dodged the soldier's fist, grabbed the man's shoulder with his left hand, which didn't hold a fork, and drove the fork in his right hand into the man's side. The fork penetrated the soldier's side with ease.

"You'll sober up in no time," Min Sung whispered into the soldier's ear. Then, he pulled the fork up to his arm, ripping his side open.

"Aghhh!" Tae Su screamed in pain, blood gushing out from his side. Then, with his left hand still on the soldier's shoulder, Min Sung pushed the man, sending him flying across the pub, slamming against the wall and falling to the ground. At the shocking sight, the four soldiers rose from their seats simultaneously.

"No freakin' way!"

"I thought he was a civilian!"

"What the hell?!"

"How… What!?"

At that moment, Tae Su, bleeding profusely from his side, got up to his feet, pulled his sword out of the table, and charged toward the champion. As the blade imbued with a blue aura came down upon him, Min Sung parried the blow with his fork, reflecting the wave of energy up to the ceiling, causing an explosion that cut through the wooden ceiling.

After witnessing the unbelievable phenomenon of a person blocking his blow with just a fork, Tae Su's eyes widened with shock. Without a moment to spare, Min Sung strode toward the soldier, grabbed the man's chin with his left hand, drove the fork into his throat and pulled the fork down. With blood gushing out of his throat like a fountain, Tae Su staggered in place. Then, just as the crew, who had been watching in a daze, was about to charge toward the champion, the brunette shouted, "Stop!"

While Tae Su backed away with his hand on his throat, the crew looked toward the brunette.

"…!?"

"I can't see his name. Yet, he's ripped Tae Su to shreds with ease. That means…"

At that, the soldiers stared at the champion in shock as the situation started to dawn on them.

"No…"

"A miscellaneous type!?"

"That's impossible!"

Just like Tae Su, who stared at Min Sung bewilderedly, the crew stared at the champion in a daze. While they were still in that state of shock, Min Sung walked toward Tae Su.

"Wait!" the brunette shouted, but the champion paid no attention to her. Soon, before Tae Su even had a chance to resist, the champion's fork penetrated the soldier's chin and up to his mouth.

"Ugh!"

With a little moan, Tae Su's lifeless body fell to the ground. Then, Min Sung turned around and walked toward the remaining soldiers without delay.

"W-wait! Let's, let's talk…!" the brunette shouted desperately, stretching her hands out toward the champion.

"That train left the station long ago," Min Sung replied with ice-cold eyes.

Realizing that negotiating wasn't an option, the four soldiers opened their inventory and armed themselves. However, by the time they had pulled out their weapons, the fork had already left Min Sung's hand and pierced through the brunette's shoulder like a bullet.

"Aghh!" the brunette cried out in pain, staggering while clasping her shoulder. Seeing that, the three soldiers behind her charged toward the champion simultaneously, only to be brutally wounded by the champion's punches and sent flying across the pub. Walking toward the brunette unhurriedly, Min Sung grabbed her by the neck and picked her up.

"Ugh!" she let out, choking while locking eyes with the champion. She was terrified. Then, Min Sung threw her on the table unrelentingly. Laying on the shattered pieces of the table, she moaned in pain. With that, the pub became silent, and looking at Ho Sung, the champion said, "Well? Are you just gonna stand there?" and walked unhurriedly toward their table.

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